Hedge Fund Manager Pleads Guilty to Operating Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme

A Florida man pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Ohio to using his hedge fund management company as part of a years-long Ponzi scheme.

According to court documents, Michael Wayne Williams, 48, of Miami, was the chief executive officer and investment manager of Highguard Capital and its affiliated entities, Guardian Opportunity Fund and Guardian Opportunity Management. Williams convinced victims to invest over $3 million in Guardian Opportunity Management and used their money for undisclosed and unauthorized purposes, including to settle civil lawsuits accusing him of fraud and to repay investors from discontinued funds that he previously managed.

In early February and March 2021, Williams convinced a Mississippi woman to invest $1,005,000 into Guardian Opportunity Management. Williams did not inform her that Guardian Opportunity Managements principal investment vehicle, Guardian Opportunity Fund, had recently lost 90% of its assets under management and that Williams intended to use her money to repay other investors in Guardian Opportunity Management, who were threatening legal action against him.

Williams pleaded guilty to wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBIs Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Elise Kent Bernanke, formerly of the Criminal Division, are prosecuting the case.

If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Sections Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov.

This story has been published on: 2023-10-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
US sends warning to Iran with B-52 bomber flight over region

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Fox News' Jennifer Griffin reports on the Pentagon's message to Iran as the regime continues its intense crackdown on protesters.

Enough material to fuel more than a dozen medium-range ballistic missiles has been intercepted by the U.S. Navy on a fishing vessel heading from Iran to Yemen.

The massive amount of explosive material was seized by the U.S. Naval Forces 5th Fleet on Nov. 8 while the ship was traveling along a route used to send weapons to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the war-torn country.

"The unlawful transfer of lethal aid from Iran does not go unnoticed," Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, said in a statement. "It is irresponsible, dangerous and leads to violence and instability across the Middle East."

The 5th Fleet said the vessel was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard ship USCGC John Scheuerman and guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans.

IRAN ISSUES FIRST-KNOWN DEATH SENTENCE TO ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTER

The U.S. 5th Fleet removes explosive material found on board a ship traveling from Iran to Yemen. (U.S. 5th Fleet)

"Patrol coastal ship USS Hurricane (PC 3) and Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians from U.S. 5th Fleets Task Force 56 also assisted during a weeklong effort to fully search the vessel and verify the type of material found," it said in a statement.

While on board, "forces discovered more than 70 tons of ammonium perchlorate, a powerful oxidizer commonly used to make rocket and missile fuel as well as explosives," according to the U.S. 5th Fleet, which added that it was the first time it has intercepted the material.

The U.S. 5th Fleet says it found "more than 70 tons of ammonium perchlorate, a powerful oxidizer commonly used to make rocket and missile fuel as well as explosives," on board the fishing vessel. (U.S. 5th Fleet)

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The raid also netted more than 100 tons of urea fertilizer, a chemical compound which can be used to make explosives.

The U.S. 5th Fleet says the ship was traveling along a route historically used to send lethal aid to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. (U.S. 5th Fleet)

U.S. forces sank the vessel on Nov. 13, determining it a hazard for commercial shipping. The four crew members operating it were returned to Yemen two days later during an at-sea exchange in the Gulf of Aden with the Yemen Coast Guard.

Liz Friden is a Pentagon producer based in Washington, D.C.
Since May, Google has begun releasing a new form of search in the United States, India, and Japan powered by generative AI. The product is called Search Generative Experience, or SGE. SGE uses AI to create summaries for some search questions. Google says those summaries appear on the top of the Google search homepage, with links to dig deeper.

If publishers want to prevent their content from being used by Googles AI to create those summaries, they must use the same tool that would prevent them from appearing in Google search results. That would make it difficult for people using search to find the publishers that choose not to be involved in SGE.

Google says that the AI-generated summaries are put together from many web pages and that the links are designed to be a starting point to learn more. The company describes SGE as an opt-in experiment for users, who will help develop and improve the product.

To publishers, however, the new search tool is the latest concern in an unusual relationship. Publishers both compete against Google for online advertising and depend on the company for search traffic.

Four major publishers spoke to Reuters news agency recently. The businesses said they are trying to understand their place in a world where AI could control how users find and pay for information. The publishers asked not to be identified because of ongoing negotiations with Google.

Publisher concerns relate to a number of issues. They include the issue of web traffic; whether publishers will be credited as the providers of information that appears in the SGE summaries; and whether those summaries are correct. Most importantly, publishers want to be paid for the content on which Google and other AI companies train their AI tools.

A Google spokesperson said in a statement: As we bring generative AI into Search, were continuing to prioritize approaches that send valuable traffic to a wide range of creators, including news publishers, to support a healthy, open web.

On the issue of payments, Google said it is developing a better understanding of the business of generative AI applications and getting opinions from publishers and others.

In late September, Google announced a new tool called Google-Extended. It gives publishers the choice to block their content from being used by Google to train its AI models.

Giving publishers the choice to not be used for AI is a good faith gesture, said Danielle Coffey, president and chief executive of the News Media Alliance, an industry trade group. Whether payments will follow is a question mark, and to what extent there is openness to having a healthier value exchange, Coffey added.

The new tool does not permit publishers to block their content from being used for SGE without disappearing from traditional Google search.

Publishers want evidence that people are using their websites to secure advertisers. Showing up in Google search is important to their business. The design for SGE has pushed the links that appear in traditional search further down the webpage. That might reduce traffic to those links by as much as 40 percent, said an official at one of the publishers.

More worrying is the possibility that people searching the web will avoid clicking any of the links if the SGE passage meets the users need for information.

Nikhil Lai is an expert with Forrester Research, a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He said SGE is definitely going to decrease publisherstraffic and theyre going to have to think about a different way to measure the value of that content, if not click through rate.

Even so, he believes publishers will remain trusted because their links will appear in SGE.

Im John Russell.

Helen Coster reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

generative AI  n. a type of artificial intelligence technology that can produce different kinds of content

model  n. a particular type or version of a product

summary n. a restatement of written material that is shorter and contains only the main points

opt-in n. to choose to do or be involved in something

content  n. the things that are in something; the ideas, facts, or images that are in a book, article, speech, movie, etc.

prioritize  v. to organize (things) so that the most important thing is done or dealt with first

application  n. a computer program that performs a particular task

gesture  n. something said or done to show a particular feeling or attitude
COZAD  A sweet new addition to Cozads business landscape is making waves throughout the community: Everything Chocolate and Confections.

The store that recently opened its doors in the heart of Cozad is operated by residents Alex Thurn and Brock Blackstone. It is quickly becoming a go-to destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Everything Chocolate and Confections aims to be a one-stop-shop for all things sweet, and Facebook posts have showcased the large variety of items they offer. The stores goal is ambitious but admirable: Theyre striving to become western Nebraskas largest chocolate and candy store.

The store offers a wide selection of products when customers walk into the store . Everything Chocolate and Confections has bulk candy, childrens novelties, international chocolates and candies, nostalgic treats, truffles, bark, sodas, bubble tea, chocolate-covered bacon, fudge and so much more.

From a chocolate lovers perspective, its the ideal destination to purchase new goods.

But what really sets Everything Chocolate and Confections apart is the global flavor it brings to Cozad.

They source chocolate from around the world, including unique varieties like milk chocolate from Tumaco in Colombia, dark milk chocolate from the Philippines and even a milk chocolate made with brown goat cheese from Norway. Theyre also working on introducing a camel milk chocolate from Saudi Arabia.

Their commitment to offering international flavors extends to their drink selection, with Boylan sodas from New York City gracing the shelves. The inclusion of Auro from the Philippines, Belvie from Vietnam, Cacao Hunters from Colombia, Definite from the Dominican Republic, and Fjak Sjokolade from Norway in their chocolate lineup highlights their dedication to global confections.

When asked about the motivation behind starting Everything Chocolate and Confections, Blackstone explained, It was just a desire to fill what I thought might have been needed in Cozad. The idea had been brewing for about six years, but it wasnt until he and Thurn decided to form a corporation around June 2023 that the dream became a reality.

The store opened this summer, and Blackstone emphasized that patience is essential for their long-term vision to become western Nebraskas largest chocolate and candy store. Their initial success with items like French macarons, truffles and fudge suggests they are on the right track.

The international product selection process at Everything Chocolate and Confections is a bit random, according to Blackstone. Theyre open to exploring confections from various countries, with no specific criteria for selection. For example, they feature soda drinks from Canada, gummy candy from Japan and chocolates from the United Kingdom, offering a diverse range of tastes for their customers.

Opening a store like Everything Chocolate and Confections comes with its own set of challenges. At the moment, they have to wait for the Department of Agriculture to inspect their scales, ensuring the proper weighing and packaging of products sold to customers. In addition, some of the international products they display in front of the store, such as truffles, have mostly sold out and new inventory is awaited.

To cater to a broad customer base, Everything Chocolate and Confections offers both eGift cards and physical gift cards.

Blackstone emphasized that Everything Chocolate and Confections is a startup business, and he and Thurn are continuously learning and adjusting.

He asks for patience from the community, saying, If we dont have it right the first time, give us the opportunity to make it right.

As Everything Chocolate and Confections continues to sweeten up Cozad, its clear that the owners passion and commitment are driving their success. With a global selection of chocolates, candies and sweets, this store is well on its way to becoming a local favorite.

Everything Chocolate and Confections is at 115 W. Ninth St. The current store hours are 5-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

To learn more about Everything Chocolate and Confections, visit haymakersconfections.com.
One person was killed Monday afternoon by Seward County Sheriff's Office deputies after a high-speed chase on Interstate 80, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

At about 3:10 p.m., Seward County deputies attempted to stop a westbound vehicle on I-80. The vehicle then turned around and was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, before crossing over into the eastbound lanes near mile marker 383 and continuing eastbound.

Deputies then initiated a pursuit that reached high speeds until mile marker 390, which is in Lancaster County, the sheriff's office said.

Once the vehicle came to a stop, the two occupants were directed to exit the vehicle. The passenger got out of the car, but the driver refused. When deputies approached the car, they observed a weapon in the driver's hand and shot that person, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies and Nebraska State Patrol troopers then attempted life-saving measures, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Nebraska State Patrol Special Investigations Team will investigate the incident.

As with all in-custody deaths or deaths that involve law enforcement actions, a grand jury will be convened to investigate the incident.

The Seward County Sheriff's Office did not say what prompted the initial attempted traffic stop. The sheriff's office also didn't say whether a weapon was recovered at the scene.

They also did not identify the person who was killed or indicate whether the passenger in the vehicle was arrested or injured as a result of the incident.

When reached Tuesday afternoon, a Seward County Sheriff's Office spokesperson refused to answer further questions about the shooting.

The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office was not involved in the incident.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 for several hours Monday evening west of Lincoln while the incident was being investigated.

This is a developing story. Stay with JournalStar.com for updates.
The war between Israel and Hamas is being waged half a world away, but the conflict is also raging on college campuses in the United States.

Jewish student groups and others have criticized universities and administrators for not issuing stronger statements in support of Israel  or of remaining silent altogether  in the wake of the brutal Oct. 7 attacks that left more than 1,400 dead and thousands more wounded or missing.

In response to airstrikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip, pro-Palestinian activists have rallied to draw attention to the growing humanitarian crisis and deaths of civilians and faced their own backlash.

As the sharp divide continues to widen, driven by the fog of war and an onslaught of misinformation on social media, students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are approaching the conflict with an aim at understanding the history and context shaping it.

There are a lot of people  especially now  that come to this situation and this part of the world with a very narrow scope of understanding, said Ari Kohen, a UNL professor of political science who teaches about the history and politics of Israel. Were almost hardwired to view things as one way or the other way, but the world is complicated, history is complicated, and people are complicated.

Kohen has taught Israel and the Middle East since 2007, giving students an intimate look at the history of Israels founding, the relationship between the Jewish state and its Arab neighbors, as well as the wars fought and peace treaties struck in the region.

On a Thursday after UNLs fall break, a dozen students begin class with a dissection of the images they have seen scrolling through Instagram and TikTok.

In particular, they note an over-saturation of posts condemning the alleged Israeli airstrike on the Al-Alhi Baptist Hospital in Gaza that early reports  which came from a Hamas-controlled information office  indicated as many as 500 people had been killed. The Israeli government laid blame for the explosion at a misfired rocket launch from Palestinian militants.

News about the deadly explosion was everywhere on social media, where it was intermixed with recycled images and videos from past conflicts and amplified with dubious claims by unverified sources, some claiming to be journalists working in Gaza.

Taking turns sharing their impressions of both the explosion as well as the finger pointing and inflammatory rhetoric on social media, students listen intently to one another or nod along in agreement.

Thirty-six hours after the blast, as more evidence pointed to a failed rocket launch being the cause of the explosion, the students also note that the accounts once professing concern for the Palestinians killed had fallen silent or moved on to the next outrage.

The discussion also raised questions about how the pledge for humanitarian aid from the U.S. will get to the Palestinian people who need it most, and wont find its way into the hands of Hamas or their supporters to launch further attacks on Israel.

Its one of those questions that Kohen encourages the students to ask, even if he acknowledges there may not be a definitive answer.

Ive been doing this for a long time, and sometimes the answer is uh huh, Kohen said. How to get it to the people themselves is an amazing question. Its a crucial question, and its one we could talk about for the rest of the semester and maybe not get a satisfactory answer.

As the facilitator of the class discussion, Kohen said he wants students to get comfortable in what he calls the gray zone, that middle ground where everyone is around you screaming its this or its this but allows them to engage in a thoughtful way.

Its a place Kohen, who is Jewish and leads educational trips to Israel, said he has developed a complicated and nuanced view through his wide and varied connections to the country that span political opinions, religious and cultural identities.

While he uses his own experiences and connections as a resource to educate, Kohen said the central philosophy behind his teaching is to find out what his students want to learn.

I know what I think and I know why I think it, but my job is to encourage people to come up with their own questions and give them the tools to try and answer some of the questions they come up with for themselves, he said.

Students in the class say they feel fortunate to have built a working knowledge of the history of Israel and the conflicts in the region as the latest war ignited earlier this month.

Sharing and discussing what theyve seen has given class members the ability to spot misinformation or quickly identify buzzwords used to drive engagement on social media rather than accurately portray the conflict, said Kylee Christiansen, a senior political science major from Omaha.

A big problem in todays society and social media is just the constant misinformation and people feeling like they need to go into their Instagram stories and talk about things they have no idea about, Christensen said.

The Israel and the Middle East class is a place where students can share their opinions and observations in a safe, welcoming environment, she said: Were very open and people can say this is what I think is happening, does anyone think something different?

And, Christensen said the class discussions often return to how people  Israelis, Palestinians and others  are being directly affected by the conflict.

I feel like the people are the key part of these conflicts and I feel like they are the ones who are most easily lost, she said.

Gage Groeteke, a junior political science major from Primrose, said he had long been interested in politics, but knew little about the ongoing disputes and conflicts in the Middle East.

He has quickly learned how interconnected domestic politics are to the region on the other side of the world, as well as how little many people understand it.

Its something I know is very important, its an area of the world that is heavily discussed, but I have found most people dont know what they are talking about, Groeteke said, That was my goal, to come and learn and understand what is going on and break down the misconceptions.

While current events have come to dominate the class discussions, they have also undergirded the curriculum. Thursdays lesson centered on the history of antisemitism after the Holocaust and the creation of Israel, as well as how education about that genocide did not follow Jews as they relocated to the Middle East.

Current events will also reshape future classroom activities, Kohen said. A simulation exercise where students roleplay various state actors in the region will be redesigned to reflect the war and possible peace negotiations currently taking place.

The biggest goal, he added, is to make sure students stay at the table and make an effort to work through the issues.

We have to be grounded in what people are actually saying and thinking and doing, he said. The students really get into it, which is why Ill never stop doing it.

Christensen, who said she is considering going to law school or joining the diplomatic corps, said the class has armed her with the ability to think critically about the conflict and talk about it with a goal of informing rather than inflaming.

Understanding how history unfolds and the patterns weve been able to recognize throughout this conflict, she said, they matter and it adds more to the story.
Finally, you can get there from here.

Last week, the Iowa Department of Transportation simplified travel from Council Bluffs to downtown Omaha when it reopened the ramp connecting southbound Interstate 29 with westbound Interstate 480.

Its the first time in almost two years that the interchange connecting the neighboring Missouri River cities has been fully open. And it heralds the approaching end of the 15-year, $1.5 billion reconstruction of the interstate network in Council Bluffs.

That puts a whole milestone on the Council Bluffs Interstate project, said Scott Suhr, district transportation planner for the Iowa DOT.

The larger project, begun in 2008, straightens out a lot of quirks in the original design of I-29, I-480, Interstate 80, and the ramps that connect them, Suhr said.

We had a lot of right-hand merges. Weve eliminated them throughout the corridor, he said. Weve eliminated traffic weaving. As a system, its a lot safer.

The other major problem was the lack of access to West Broadway, Council Bluffs major east-west artery. Iowa DOT has now corrected that with the reconstruction of the I-29/I-480 interchange.

Now there is a direct link from I-29 to downtown Council Bluffs, and a smoother link to downtown Omaha.

It did not come without pain. The interchange closed in November 2021, along with the northbound lanes of I-29 between Nebraska Avenue and Avenue G. Four months later, the southbound lanes were also closed between Nebraska Avenue and North 25th Street.

During the closures, traffic was diverted to newly built frontage just below the highway superstructure. Dynamic messaging signs warned drivers of the detour.

Engineers considered keeping the freeway open while the interchange was rebuilt, Suhr said, but it would have boosted the cost of the $180 million project and taken up to six years, instead of two.

The freeway reopened in August, along with the ramp from Nebraska Avenue to northbound I-29 and two ramps to southbound I-29.

Construction will continue on the I-80 interchange at Madison Avenue until 2026  the final piece of the puzzle in the Council Bluffs interchange project.

Some roadwork will continue near I-29. Second Avenue between the North and South Frontage Roads beneath the freeway is closed for reconstruction until Nov. 10.
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One of the Madison areas most recognized bird conservation groups has a new name: Badgerland Bird Alliance.

Formerly known as Madison Audubon, the group changed its name in late September by unanimous consent of its membership after serious consideration of John James Audubons legacy, it said in a statement.

Audubon, who lived from 1785 to 1851 and was the brilliant wildlife artist whose work formed the seminal Birds of America, also bought and sold enslaved people, wrote critically about emancipation and stole human remains to help a colleague advance scientific racism.

When you recognize John James Audubons environmental legacy, you also have to grapple with his full legacy, Badgerland Bird Alliance executive director Matt Reetz said in a statement.

After talking to community members and partners, and listening to our members, we learned that for some groups, Audubon simply meant birds  but for many others, it meant harm. Its not enough to just put an asterisk next to the name. We needed to have our name promote our work: bird conservation that includes everyone.

Two other Midwestern birding groups also announced name changes last week: the Chicago Bird Alliance, previously known as Chicago Audubon; and the Detroit Bird Alliance, formerly Detroit Audubon.

In March, the New York-based National Audubon Society announced it would keep its name. And despite their local re-branding, the new Badgerland, Chicago and Detroit bird alliances will all continue to be chapters affiliated with the National Audubon Society, according to the statement.

In recent years, the Madison birding scene also has grown to include groups explicitly promoting diversity, including the Feminist Bird Club-Madison Chapter and the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) Birding Club of Wisconsin.

Madison a 'hub' for welcoming diverse birders At a peak time for birding, groups try to bring the outdoors to all.

Those groups are definitely making a positive change in the community, and we hope to as well, a spokesperson for Madison Audubon told the State Journal in May. Honestly, we think the more birders there are, the better. This is a community effort.

The stated mission of the Badgerland Bird Alliance, a coalition of staff and volunteers, is to protect and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife through advocacy, education, land acquisition and management.

Known as Madison Audubon since 1949, the Badgerland group was founded in 1935 as the Madison Bird Club. Today it has more than 3,400 members in a 10-county area, including all or parts of Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Marquette, Richland and Sauk counties.

Badgerland Bird Alliance is in the process of changing its website from madisonaudubon.org to badgerlandbirdalliance.org. More information on the name change is available at madisonaudubon.org/new-name.
An Illinois man died Sunday of injuries he suffered in a fiery crash in Green County on Saturday, authorities reported.

At about 11:10 p.m. Saturday, the Green County Sheriffs Office responded to a single-vehicle crash in the W500 block of Stateline Road in the town of Spring Grove, Lt. John Schuetz said in a statement.

The initial investigation determined that a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus with a lone occupant was traveling north on Best Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Best Road and Stateline Road. The Cirrus then collided with an embankment on the north side of Stateline Road, became airborne and entered a field where it overturned numerous times before coming to rest and bursting into flames, Schuetz said.

The driver, Adam P. Buckler, 29, of Davis, Illinois, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken by medical helicopter to a hospital, where he died of his injuries on Sunday, Schuetz said.

Due to the extent of the damage to the vehicle, airbag deployment and seatbelt use couldnt be determined, Schuetz said.

The crash, which is Green County's fifth fatal crash of 2023, remains under investigation, Schuetz said.
Faced with tough decisions because of state Legislature-imposed limits on taxation, the Madison City Council's Finance Committee declined to fund the hiring of new staff to investigate tenant complaints and to fund tenant rights education in favor of adding public health staff to focus on infant mortality, along with other spending.

The amendments passed by the committee on Monday tacked on about $224,000 to the city's 2024 operating budget, putting the final touches on a record-setting package of about $405 million, along with a $273.3 million capital budget.

Because of limits on the amount the city can raise in property taxes and in revenue through other fees, the fiscal constraints and spending trade-offs Madison faces were on full display Monday, which Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway blamed on the Republican-controlled state Legislature.

"At the end of the day, we are constrained by those limits and there's simply not enough money to provide the services that our community deserves," the mayor said.

Because of that, proposed budget amendments knocked $32,000 off funds earmarked for violence prevention efforts at apartment complexes that have been or are at risk of being declared public nuisances, approving $68,000 instead of the $100,000 that was originally proposed.

The committee approved the amendment unanimously, which comes after gunmen who police said were firing indiscriminately killed a 15-year-old girl earlier this month at a Far East Side apartment complex, Harmony at Grandview Commons. Since then, violence prevention groups and other service providers have been working on outreach, organizing tenants and conflict mediation there and at other apartment buildings.

Other new spending voted down included hiring a staffer in the city Department of Civil Rights to investigate building code violations and housing complaints that have grown after the city gave the department oversight for those complaints last year. An additional housing-related staffer slated to work on tenant education for Public Health Madison and Dane County was also voted down.

Instead, council members said they wanted to prioritize staff at Public Health to focus on reducing infant mortality rates for people of color, who have experienced rates more than double the rate for white babies in the area.

A new staffer  a bilingual prenatal care nurse  amounted to about $55,420 in new spending. About $49,000 in spending for a position to coordinate the county's review of infant deaths was withdrawn from consideration by Ald. Yannette Figueroa Cole, who said she wanted to prioritize violence prevention efforts instead.

One other city staff position was funded by the Finance Committee, a full-time assistant city attorney position costing $107,140, whose salary will be offset by various means with a net cost of $17,000 to the general fund next year.

Other spending approved by the committee includes $73,000 for contracts with community agencies working on early child care, youth and older adult services, and $10,000 for driver's education scholarships in the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.

More than 100,000 people are on the organ donor wait listhere's who has the longest and shortest wait times More than 100,000 people are on the organ donor wait listhere's who has the longest and shortest wait times Heart transplant Heart and lung transplant Intestine transplant Kidney and pancreas transplant Liver transplant Lung transplant
Steven James Sarbacker, J.D.

Oct. 31, 1964 - Oct. 20, 2023

Steven James Sarbacker, J.D., age 58, son of James Phillip and Diane Davis Sarbacker (both deceased), was born when the veil thins on Halloween, thus nicknamed Spook. He left this material world peacefully, with his loved one's holding him, and his mother's pink flowered embroidered hanky, steeped in her perfume, clasped in one hand as The Grateful Dead's Casey Jones played.

We know he's with his dogs: Duke, Grisha (trained in Russian), and Heidi, and of course, Mom, Dad, and likely, Goody.

Steve comes from a lineage of resilience. On his father's side, his strong German grandfather, Phillip, sold independent insurance and his Irish grandmother Sybil, was a mother and wife. They took Steve and his sisters to supper clubs in the Portage area every Friday night along with aunt Bonnie. Steve's father Jim was an ear-trained, accomplished musician, exploring what made him happiest.

On his mother's side, the lineage of immigrants from as early as the 1630s lived as inventors, hunters, explorers, writers, teachers, and lawyers. One relative fought in the Revolutionary War, and another in the Civil War - a POW survivor in Andersonville who spoke in the Congressional Record.

His GG Uncle ran for VP of the U.S., lived with a tribe on the Niobrara River in present day Nebraska, was banned from reporting the Wounded Knee Massacre, and a memoir resulted. His grandfather, Chuck, worked for Sears in Chicago as a Comptroller, and Grammy Bourie, with PhD in hand, took to teaching and helping underprivileged Navy recruits pass GED's via correspondence courses. Diane, his mother, taught Baraboo middle school students, with dreams to pursue law. She was active in community theater and worked toward earning her pilot's license.

From these ancestors, we meet Jim and Diane's son, Steve: a true warrior, through and through. Our battles begin and end in our own minds and we saw Steve choose Life. He was hero for many, beginning with sticking up for his sister, taking a stand for his daughter, and seeing the importance of the right to justice and a fair shake at life for EVERYONE. He did not live his life the way others thought might be better for him. He was the Captain of his ship. And he lent a helping hand whenever he could.

As a lawyer, he served both sides of the bench, prosecuting big tobacco companies in the Twin Cities and child molesters for Columbia County's District Attorney. He later represented alleged criminals assuring a right to fair trial. Acutely aware of how his mom died, he supported and represented women ending abusive marriages. He put his name in the hat for Circuit Court Judge in 2006.

Before lawyering, Steve developed life-long friendships during grade school at Portage. In 1976, Chris Geltmeyer, on trumpet, sat behind Steve on percussion. In one band rehearsal, Steve uttered magic words, "The Beatles are the #1 band in history", and their Best Friend-ship began. In 1986, Chris and others joined Steve and Jim on their annual canoe camping weekend down Duck Creek to the Wisconsin River. The 2023 trip happened this September.

Steve graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1986: BA in International Relations, specializing in Soviet Studies. As a Cryptologist Officer in Fort Meade, MD, he served in the U.S. Navy, receiving a Joint Service Commendation medal from the Secretary of Defense for his participation in Operation Desert Shield.

"Lieutenant Steven J. Sarbacker . . . United States Naval Reserve, distinguished himself by meritorious achievement from September 10, 1990-January 23, 1991, while serving in the Operations Organization of the National Security Agency. Lieutenant Sarbacker's superb intuition and experience were decisive . . ."

He returned to UW-Madison to earn his Juris Doctor (JD).

Steve lived a lighter side of life, too. Known as Sarby, he loved his family and children, dogs, and music: The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Lady Gaga. Life abounded as he cooked great food, cheered the Packers, traveled up north, and honored the privilege to hunt and fish. He played keys in bands Deep Blue Sea and The Shruggers. What he loved most, though, was to spend time with Savandy and Coopana, his nicknames for his children and their partners.

His legacy: beloved daughter, Savannah (Andy Romanowski) Sarbacker; and treasured son, Cooper (Ana Geelan) Sarbacker; too young to lose their father; sisters: Sue Linton and Lauranne (Merle, Samantha, Neill, Karl) Bailey will dearly miss their baby brother; stepmom, Judy Sarbacker and family survives him; nephew, Malikhi (Michele Stouse) Jahn; and niece, Brianna Jahn tearfully let go of their Best Uncle Ever. Glen (Terri) Jahn, his forever brother; great-nieces and great-nephew: remember his laughter as he saw you in your joy; cousins: Gordon Faerber, Bruce, Kevin, and Scott; and aunt Toby Davis, and their families, survive him. His former wife and mother of his children, Trina McVicker, and your patient family, thank you for everything. Countless others, we see you. Thank you for the love you shared with our father and brother.

We honor the Portage Warrior Class of '82, friends for life: Two Steve's, Chris, Sean, John, Two Mike's, Tim, Dan, Two Kent's, Jamie, Gregg, Kevin, Jim, Shawn, Dave, and Goody.

Please, join us to Celebrate Sarby's Life on Saturday, November 4, 2023 1:00 p.m., at Blarney Stone, 220 W. Wisconsin, Portage. Bring your stories. We know you have many. Help us remember all he was.

Donations in his memory may be made to the family via Savannah Sarbacker, PO Box 157, Portage, WI 53901-0157.

"And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make." -- The Beatles
On this version of Hot off the Wire:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, one of two Israelis freed by Hamas on Monday, spoke of her captivity. Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. Lifshitz, whose husband remains a hostage, said conditions were kept clean and she received medical care, including medication.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  An off-duty pilot riding in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines in midflight. It happened Sunday on a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. The plane diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it was met by law enforcement officers. Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, said Monday that the crew reported a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat"  one of its pilots, who was off duty. Authorities in Oregon identified the man as Joseph David Emerson. The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office says he is being held on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

BERLIN (AP)  German authorities say two cargo ships have collided in the North Sea off the German coast and one vessel apparently sank. One sailor died and four are missing. Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said the ships, Polesie and Verity, collided early on Tuesday morning about 22 kilometers, about 14 miles, southwest of the island of Helgoland. One of the ships, the British-flagged Verity, is believed to have sunk. Two sailors were rescued. Vessels supporting the rescue effort included a cruise ship that has doctors on board and could treat people if needed.

DENVER (AP)  A former National Security Agency employee from Colorado has pleaded guilty to trying to sell classified information to Russia. Under a plea agreement approved by a federal judge on Monday, prosecutors agreed to not ask for more than about 22 years in prison for 31-year-old Jareh Sebastian Dalke if he follows the terms of the deal. He will be sentenced in April, but the judge will ultimately decide the sentence. The Army veteran faces up to a possible life sentence for allegedly giving the information to an undercover FBI agent who prosecutors say Dalke believed was a Russian agent.

The Rangers are going to the World Series, the Diamondbacks and Phillies are going to a game 7 in the NLCS, Kirk Cousins leads the Vikings to a win, and Giannis Antetokounmpo agrees to an extension with the Bucks. Correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas militants have released two hostages it had been holding captive in the Gaza Strip. It was the second time the group has freed hostages seized in its bloody Oct. 7 cross-border incursion into Israel. The hostages were identified by Israeli media as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz. A U.S. official said Monday that Washington has advised Israel to delay a possible ground invasion to allow more time to try and secure the release of more hostages. Palestinian officials and witnesses say heavy airstrikes across Gaza demolished buildings, killing hundreds of people.

DETROIT (AP)  Investigators say they have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president. Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Wolls body outside her home early Saturday. Detroit Police Chief James E. White said during a news conference Monday that Woll attended a wedding Friday night and left the celebration around 12:30 a.m. He says there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home. He says investigators have identified a number of people of interest, but that they believe a suspect acted alone. Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. Police have repeatedly said they found no evidence that her killing was motivated by antisemitism.

WASHINGTON (AP)  The White House says the dozens of U.S. technology hubs President Joe Biden is announcing will help communities across the country become centers of innovation critical to its competitiveness. Biden is designating 31 technology hubs that reach 32 states and Puerto Rico. The tech hubs are designed to help spur innovation in industries concentrated in these areas and to create jobs. The Democratic president announced the tech hubs Monday. The tech hubs are the result of a process the Commerce Department launched in May for cities to share $500 million in grants. The hubs tie into Biden's economic message that people should able to find good jobs wherever they live.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  A man who was living in a tent in the woods has been convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a retired New Hampshire couple who were out for a walk. After deliberating for a day and a half, the jury on Monday found 27-year-old Logan Clegg guilty of second-degree murder in the April 2022 killings of Stephen and Djeswende Reid. They were killed while walking on a trail near their apartment in Concord. Clegg lived near the trail. He was arrested in Vermont in October 2022. His lawyers said he left the state because he was hiding from police due to a probation violation, not because of the Reids deaths. Clegg faces up to life in prison.

NEW YORK (AP)  U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey has returned to a New York City federal court and entered a not guilty plea to a charge alleging he conspired to act as an agent of the Egyptian government. The Democratic former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee entered the plea on Monday. Menendez stepped down from his powerful post on the Senate committee after he was criminally charged last month with other conspiracy counts. Those charges allege Menendez and his wife accepted bribes from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for his assistance. Menendez has vowed to prove his innocence.

MILLEN, Ga. (AP)  A body found wrapped in plastic inside a Georgia dumpster 35 years ago has been identified as that of a South Korean woman. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Monday that they used DNA analysis to determine that 26-year-old Chong Un Kim was the person whose body was discovered in rural Millen in February 1988. Kim died from asphyxiation, but its unclear whether someone killed her or who dumped her body. Investigators say Kim lived for several years in Hinesville, 70 miles south of Millen. Her body was found wrapped with plastic inside a suitcase. Investigators say Kim had been dead four to seven days when her body was found.

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP)  A decade after swimming nonstop for more than two straight days from Cuba to Florida, Diana Nyad has returned to the Key West beach where she completed her epic journey. Nyad and her former support team helped mark the swim's 10th anniversary Sunday by helping return a rehabilitated sea turtle to the Atlantic. Nearly 2,000 people had lined the beach on Labor Day 2013 to welcome Nyad as she came ashore after swimming for 52 hours and 54 minutes across the Florida Straits from Havana  a distance of 111 miles. She succeeded on her fifth attempt at the age of 64.

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Federal authorities have unsealed charges against four men in the theft earlier this year of more than 2 million dimes from a tractor-trailer that had picked up the coins from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Authorities have said the driver was bound for Miami on April 13 when he pulled into a parking lot to sleep. They say thieves raided the truck overnight, stealing a portion of the $750,000 in dimes  a shipment weighing six tons. The heist left thousands of coins scattered over the lot. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports four defendants face conspiracy, robbery, theft of government money and other charges that were unsealed Monday.

The United Auto Workers union has once again escalated its strikes against Detroit Three automakers, this time adding a factory that makes Ram pickup trucks for Stellantis. The union says in a statement that 6,800 members walked out Monday morning at the Sterling Heights, Michigan, Assembly Plant, a huge profit center for the company. The move came just three days after union President Shawn Fain reported progress in talks with General Motors and Stellantis but said the companies will have to make better offers. No progress was reported with Ford. The union went on strike Sept. 15 at one assembly plant from each company. About 40,800 workers are now on strike against all three automakers.

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The United States has renewed a warning that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels in the South China Sea. Philippine diplomats summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila on Monday for a strongly worded protest following Sundays collisions off Second Thomas Shoal, which is also claimed by China. No injuries were reported but the Philippine ships reported damage. China has blamed the Philippines for the collisions saying the vessels were carrying construction materials to strengthen the Philippine outpost at the shoal. The Philippines and other neighbors of China have resisted Beijings sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Anti-abortion groups seeking to build opposition to a reproductive rights measure in Ohio are messaging heavily around a term for an abortion procedure that hasnt been legal in the U.S. for over 15 years. The opposition campaign and top Republicans increasingly reference partial-birth abortions in ads, debates and public statements. The abortion opponents say partial-birth abortions are an imminent threat if voters approve the constitutional amendment Nov. 7. Partial-birth abortion is a non-medical term for a federally prohibited procedure known as dilation and extraction. Abortion rights group Pro-Choice Ohio says talk of partial-birth abortions is a scare tactic. Constitutional scholars say the amendment would not override the existing federal ban if Ohio voters approve it.

Patty Loveless, Bob McDill and Tanya Tucker were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday in Nashville.
Todd Nelson is continuing to expand his brand throughout the country.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, which is owned by the Wisconsin Dells native, broke ground Friday on its fifth location. The new resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, near Fredericksburg between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, will be roughly 1.38 million square feet and is expected to open to the public in November 2026.

Kalaharis original location in Lake Delton opened in May of 2000. The chain has since opened three other locations: in Sandusky, Ohio, in 2005; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, in 2015; and Round Rock, Texas, in 2020.

The upcoming Virginia location is a really big deal for our family, Nelson said in an interview. We have wanted to open a Kalahari here since 2007, he added, saying the resort will add 1,200 to 1,400 new jobs in the area.

The upcoming location will have 907 guest rooms, large indoor and outdoor waterparks and an indoor theme park, four restaurants, and a convention center, Nelson said, referring to Kalahari as a one-stop shop. Spotsylvania County board supervisor Kevin Marshall said the resort is a $900 million investment.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a welcome addition to Virginias ever-growing travel and tourism industry, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said in a statement. Tourism development is essential to building our economy and positioning the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination. The opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will attract more visitors and businesses to Virginia, which will generate hospitality jobs and create a significant economic impact for the region.

Jobs at the resort range from entry to executive level, and the resort will bring in increased tax revenue, according to Nelson and Marshall.

The Nelson family has a proven track record of being an excellent community partner, and we look forward to working with them through the construction and execution phases of the project, and for many years to come, Marshall said in a statement.

Officials in Spotsylvania County and the commonwealth have been incredibly welcoming and supportive to the upcoming Kalahari, Nelson said in a statement. He added that he and his family have always loved Virginia and expressed excitement with bringing his venture there.

Additional information on Kalaharis upcoming location in Spotsylvania County can be found on the resorts and the countys websites.
Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul on Tuesday joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in dozens of states in a lawsuit alleging that addictive features deployed by social media company Meta Platforms Inc. harm young peoples mental health and have contributed to the nations youth mental health crisis.

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court and joined by attorneys general in 33 states, also claims Meta, which operates popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, has violated federal law by routinely collecting data on children under the age of 13 without their parents consent. Nine other attorneys general have filed similar lawsuits in their respective states.

We must keep our kids safe  and that includes from dangers online, Kaul said in a statement. Adequate protections should be in place to protect kids from harms associated with social media, and parents must receive accurate information about potential dangers to their kids.

The complaint states that, through Metas business practices, the company has profoundly altered the psychological and social realities of a generation of young Americans.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens, the complaint continues. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms. It has concealed the ways in which these Platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.

The lawsuit asserts that Metas business practices violate state consumer protection laws and the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act.

It doesnt matter whether your child uses Facebook, Instagram, or another social media platform, Randy Romanski, secretary of the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said in a statement. Companies should not be allowed to misrepresent their products and their impact, or use tactics to manipulate youth and their parents into using those products.

Each deceptive act or practice alleged herein, constitutes a separate violation of the Wisconsin Deceptive Trade Practices Act, according to the complaint. By engaging in the acts and practices alleged herein, Meta engaged in deceptive acts or practices declared unlawful under (state statute).

Metas algorithms, along with an infinite scroll function and alerts, push users into rabbit holes in an effort to maximize engagement, according to Kauls office. The complaint goes on to assert the company knew the addictive features harmed young peoples physical and mental health but did not disclose the harm or make meaningful efforts to minimize it.

We share the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families, Meta spokesperson Liza Crenshaw said in a statement. Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

Officials with Meta have pointed to dozens of features designed by the company, including age verification technology, in-app resources and other changes, that have been implemented to support young users and parents.

Bipartisan effort

The broad-ranging suit is the result of an investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee and Vermont. It follows damning newspaper reports, first by The Wall Street Journal in the fall of 2021, based on Metas own research that found that the company knew about the harms Instagram can cause teenagers  especially teen girls  when it comes to mental health and body image. One internal study cited 13.5% of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse.

The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 in the U.S. report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media almost constantly, according to the Pew Research Center.

To comply with federal regulation, social media companies ban kids under 13 from signing up on their platforms  but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents consent, and many younger kids have social media accounts.

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take immediate action to protect kids now from the harms of social media.

Other platforms

The multistate coalition also is investigating social media company TikTok over similar concerns.

In Wisconsin, lawmakers earlier this year introduced legislation that would, among other measures, require parents to give consent for children and teenagers to access social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

The proposal would prohibit anyone younger than 18 from using social media between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., require parental consent for minors to create a social media account and allow parents full access to a childs account.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Show compassion for plight of Gaza

The loss of innocent lives in Israel and Palestine is a great tragedy. Whether it is an Israeli suffering or a Palestinian, our humanity demands that we should be equally pained.

In watching the retaliation on the Palestinian people, how can we be OK that innocent civilians are going without food, water and health care? If we feel the pain of the brutal killings of innocent Israelis, how can we not be affected by the plight of the killings of innocent Palestinian civilians?

President Joe Biden declared that the United States stands with Israel, and that Israel should learn lessons from the United States reaction after 9/11. But the United States should go a step beyond that. It should demand that Israel let aid be distributed and not target civilians.

The region is a boiling cauldron. If deescalating measures are not taken, this conflict will spread like wildfire.

The holy Quran states: That whosoever killeth a human being ... it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. (Quran 5:32).

We need a collective focus on compassion and healing. We need to give life, not take it.

Umair Ahmed, Oshkosh

Redistricting bill is a trojan horse

The State Journals editorial support for Republican redistricting legislation is a mistake.

Yes, Senate Bill 488 and Assembly Bill 415 may be an opportunity, but Republicans have not earned the trust of voters. Republicans are trying to grab power before the state Supreme Court rules on a redistricting case. Gov. Tony Evers definitely should not sign this bill into law.

What is missing? All political groups must build trust with the voters of Wisconsin before the Legislature can enact bipartisan voting maps. Furthermore, an amendment to the state constitution is needed to ensure fair voting maps in future years.

I testified in the public hearing on Oct. 19, and I observed four hours of testimony. The Republican authors jabbed the bill in the eyes of the Democratic senators and said repeatedly that they had wanted the Iowa model, and this Republican bill was the Iowa model for Wisconsin. Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, broke into loud, angry words and gestures when Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick, said that three-fourths of both houses should approve the maps. The committee chair, Sen. Daniel Knodl, R-Germantown, and Sen. Romaine Robert Quinn, R-Cameron, sparred contentiously with many persons testifying.

How to build trust? Legislators need to represent the people who elected them by passing the bills the majority want: clean drinking water, living wages, well-funded public schools and gun control. This trojan horse of a bill must be defeated.

Janine C. Edwards, Middleton

Vos isnt fit for our government

I have a huge issue with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester. He narrowly won the 2022 primary for the 63rd Assembly District by 51.3% with a total of 5,084 votes.

We have nearly 3.5 million active registered voters in Wisconsin, yet the man thinks hes governor. He has spent millions of our taxpayer dollars on former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman to investigate the 2020 election long after it was proven across the U.S. that Joe Biden had won fair and square. He did this because Donald Trump was pressuring him.

He seems to hate education by withholding $32 million to the Universities of Wisconsin because he is against diversity, equity and inclusion in the schools. He is afraid of fair maps because he and other Republicans may lose their seats. So, what does he propose?

Impeach the newly elected Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. Even after selected justices advised against that, he will wait to see how the newly elected justice votes on the fair maps proposals. If Justice Janet Protasiewicz votes for fair maps, Vos is threatening to impeach her. Threats, threats, threats.

Vos is up for reelection in 2024. If you are in his district, please vote him out. He does not belong in our government in Wisconsin.

Penny Koerner, Fitchburg

Officers may have saved several lives

According to the Iowa County Sheriffs Office, an 18-year-old male who had been drinking was arrested for driving 124 mph on Highway 18/151 near Barneveld. The driver was from Sun Prairie.

Apparently, the car was also full of intoxicated teens. This is very concerning. The lawlessness on the highways and streets is observable everywhere. The parents, relatives and friends of these kids owe a huge thank you to deputies and officers involved.

They all should be commended for their efforts.

Pat Malloy, Madison

Sober up and skip the state cocktail

It is so refreshing to know that some of our lawmakers are carving out time to make a bid for the brandy old fashioned to be our official state cocktail. Seriously?

Are these lawmakers bellied up to a bar themselves and that out of touch with Wisconsins current needs? Our state taxes are stretching our income. We have increasing and significant mental health needs. Our education system is stretched thin. Violence in our cities and backyards is challenging our sense of safety, and we have one of the most gerrymandered states in the nation. And to add to this list, the unstable nature of the world at large now weighs heavily on most of us.

So maybe these lawmakers need a shot in the gut, and not of the alcoholic nature, to start doing the real work of our state instead of this ridiculous bid to create a state cocktail. And let us not forget that Wisconsin is one of the most alcohol-dependent states in the nation, leading to deaths on our roads and mental health needs.

Sober up and start doing your job. That is what our tax dollars are supposed to be used for.

Sara Tripalin, Madison

Good schools will attract workers

Tom Stills column last Sunday, Remove barriers to UW projects, neatly summarized the baffling behavior of the Legislature toward UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse.

Their position on refusing funding for critical capital needs at these schools indicates a nearly complete lack of understanding of what these schools mean to the economy of Wisconsin. Instead they want to spend $4 million in advertisements to attract workers from other states. I guess its been a while, if ever, that these legislators had to research jobs and locations for their families.

For high-skilled tech workers, who can work just about anywhere, the critical issues are education, cultural environment, cost of living (relative to alternatives) and lifestyle. I would venture to say that very few include low taxes on their list.

Refusal to adequately fund K-12 schools and stem-related programs at universities is a message that no amount of advertising can paper over.

Harry David Snook, Madison
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israel escalated airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, crushing families in the rubble of residential buildings, as health officials said hundreds of Palestinians were killed in the past day and medical facilities were shut down because of bomb damage and lack of power.

The massive air bombardment continued through the night as Israeli jets hit sites across Gaza, the Hamas-run Interior Ministry said.

The soaring death toll from the bombardment is unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It augurs an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas militants.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on towns in southern Israel.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 704 people over the past day, mostly women and children. The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

In Washington, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. also could not verify that one-day death toll.

The Ministry of Health is run by Hamas, and I think that all needs to be factored into anything that they put out publicly.

Israel said Tuesday it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they prepared to fire rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. Israel reported 320 strikes the day before.

Hamas is sworn to Israels destruction.

Israel, for its part, has vowed repeatedly since the massacre to crush Hamas.

On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told the U.N. Security Council that the proportionate response to the Oct. 7 attack is a total destruction to the last one of the militants. It is not only Israels right to destroy Hamas. Its our duty, he said.

The Israeli military said it thwarted an assault by a group of Hamas underwater divers who tried to infiltrate Israel on a beach just north of Gaza. They were attacked by air, naval and ground forces.

Across central and south Gaza, where Israel told civilians to take shelter, there were multiple scenes of rescuers pulling the dead and wounded out of large piles of rubble from collapsed buildings. Graphic photos and video shot by the AP showed rescuers unearthing bodies of children from multiple ruins.

A father knelt on the floor of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah next to the bodies of three dead children cocooned in bloodied sheets. Later at the nearby morgue, workers prayed over 24 dead wrapped in body bags, several of them the size of small children.

Buildings that collapsed on residents killed dozens at a time in several cases, witnesses said. Two families lost a total 47 members in a leveled home in Rafah, the Health Ministry said.

A strike on a four-story building in Khan Younis killed at least 32 people, including 13 members of the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people sheltering in the building, including many who had evacuated from Gaza City.

We thought that our area would be safe, he said.

Another strike destroyed a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, witnesses said. AP photos showed the floor of a vegetable shop covered with blood.

In Gaza City, at least 19 people were killed when an airstrike hit the house of the Bahloul family, according to survivors, who said dozens more people remained buried. The legs of a dead woman and another person, both still half buried, dangled out of the wreckage where workers dug through the dirt, concrete and rebar.

The Health Ministry says more than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government.

As the death toll in Gaza spirals, and fuel supplies dwindle, the number of facilities able to deal with casualties is shrinking. More than half of primary health care facilities, and roughly 1 of every 3 hospitals, have stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said.

Overwhelmed hospital staff struggled to triage cases as constant waves of wounded were brought in. The Health Ministry said many wounded are laid on the ground without even simple medical intervention and others wait for days for surgeries because there are so many critical cases.

While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza to keep it out of Hamas' hands. The U.N. said its operation distributing aid will halt Wednesday evening if it does not receive fuel.

To make room for the dead, cemeteries have been forced to excavate and reuse old plots. Families have dug trenches to bury multiple bodies at a time.

Bodies pour in by the hundreds every day. We use every empty inch in the cemeteries, said Abdel Rahman Mohamed, a volunteer who helps transfer bodies to Khan Younis main cemetery.

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, according to Israel, and Hamas said it fired a fresh barrage on Tuesday.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the roughly 220 people Israel says were taken hostage during the Oct. 7 attack and forced into Gaza.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several kilometers (miles) on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spider web, she said.

Once there, she said, she was treated well, fed and given medical care.

Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informants home.

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.
BURLEY  Early voting kicked off across the Magic Valley on Monday, with mayoral races to decide in four cities and council seats up for grabs in 16 municipalities from Heyburn to Murtaugh to Bellevue.

Cassia County opened its polls in Room 106 of the county courthouse on Overland Avenue, tallying eight votes by mid-afternoon, a number that Elections and Social Services Director Susan Keck was expecting for the first day.

Those voters cast their ballots on a new top-of-the-line precinct tabulator.

With increased concerns for ballot security stemming from the 2020 national election, Cassia County has implemented new DS300 Precinct Tabulators, which are designed to provide the highest available level of internal technology to uphold voter safety, according to state and federal regulations.

And there wasnt much training needed (for staff), just because the unit is very similar to the previous model, Keck told the Times-News. The upgrades were internal  primarily for the security and the enhanced features of the firmware and the software.

The new tabulator functions at higher speeds and includes all of the original safeguards behind a more secure drive with stronger encryptions.

Keck is only aware of two other counties in Idaho, Fremont and Clearwater, that will use DS300s for the Nov. 7 election.

This isnt the first time Cassia County has stepped to the forefront of election integrity, Clerk Joe Larsen told the Times-News. The county was also among the first in the state to implement DS200 tabulators in 2013.

Larsen said the county had hoped to use the DS200s for five more years to offset costs but opted to upgrade to meet additional federal regulations. He hopes to use the DS300s for eight years before any new changes are required.

When federal regulations get more stringent in a couple of years from now, were fully compliant with not only that system but the software that talks to it, Larsen said. Its called Election Ware. And thats all been updated.

Tabulator machines are used in 90% of all U.S. election jurisdictions, according to the bipartisanpolicy.org, and offer a modernized way to quickly and accurately tally ballots.

The Cassia County Courthouse will conduct a public test of the DS300 Precinct Tabulators on Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. A Zoom link is on the Cassia County website.

The Burley City Council election is one of more than a dozen across the Magic Valley, with incumbents Janet Hansen, Jim Powell and Kimberli Seely seeking to win another four-year term. Theyre opposed by Jon Anderson, a former city mayor, and Chris Gee.

There are also crowded council competitions in Blaine County, with eight candidates seeking five seats in Bellevue and five candidates for two seats in Ketchum, and in Twin Falls County, where six cities are holding elections with three or many candidates in every race.

The Buhl City Council election, for example, includes six candidates for two seats: Incumbents Kelly Peterson and Marla Sisson are seeking reelection against Menno L. deRijk, Tim Miner, William Nungester and Denny OBrien.

There are mayoral races in Bellevue, Hailey, Hansen and Declo, where Jay Darrington is facing a contest for the first time in decades, opposed by Lance Osterhout.

Early voting is open through Nov. 3 in Idaho. Only Camas County in the Magic Valley doesnt offer an early voting period.

Contributing: Steve Kiggins, Times-News
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Q: Are zebra and quagga mussels edible?

A: Yes, but they are not recommended to be eaten. These mussels accumulate toxins as they filter water. These toxins can be harmful to humans, dogs, and birds, reported the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Societys Invasive Mussels Factsheet, which was recommended by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Zebra and quagga mussels are an invasive freshwater species that live up to five years. Females can reproduce at six weeks of age, producing up to one million eggs each spawning season.

Mixed opinions abound across the internet as I am sure you already knew before reaching out, said Andrea Thompson, plant industries administrator for ISDA. Reputable sources across state and international lines generally agree that quagga mussels are not recommended for human consumption due to accumulation of toxins as they filter water.

I would highly recommend not consuming dreissinid mussels. They are bio accumulators, said Nic Zurfluh, bureau chief for ISDAs Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds/Range programs.

Bioaccumulation refers to how pollutant metals enter a food chain by aquatic organisms. For an example, mercury is a well-known chemical that will bioaccumulate in humans. These chemicals will not break down or are not able to be excreted. It multiplies every time it moves up the food chain. Heavy metals affect the nervous system, liver, kidneys, circulatory system, cause reproductive problems or cancer.

According to the National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information, Exposure to and bioaccumulation of various chemical pollutants is increasingly being established as a widespread determinant in the development of neurodegenerative illness such as Alzheimers disease.

The effects of zebra and quagga mussels impact everyone, from boaters to home owners. They pose a risk of environmental, economic, and recreational devastation. Hydro-electric dams have been estimated to decrease in power output by 50 percent due to mussels; your power bill could increase ~20 to 30 percent, reported OASISSs factsheet.

According to the factsheet, zebra and quagga mussels arrived in Michigans Lake St. Clair in 1988 and Lake Erie in 1989 when Ocean vessels from Europe use ballast water to help maintain stability. When cargo is removed from the ships, they empty the ballast water to counter-balance the weight change. It is believed that ballast water from Eastern Europe was contaminated with zebra and quagga mussels, which was subsequently dumped into the freshwater of North America via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Quagga mussel larvae was first detected in the Snake River near Twin Falls on September 18, 2023, by routine monitoring conducted by the ISDA, said Sydney Kennedy, ISDAs public information officer. Tuesday October 3, ISDA and contractors launched a comprehensive treatment plan to eradicate quagga mussels at all stages of life. The treatment ended Oct. 13.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Most of us can agree that Idahos rural communities make our state so unique; from the Rupert Town Square to Thousand Springs in Hagerman, our rural communities and the people there set our state apart.

For too long, rural businesses have faced unique challenges such as limited access to capital, shortage of skilled labor, and difficulty reaching wider markets. Because of these issues, Rural Economic Development Services (REDS) was started.

REDS focuses on linking rural communities and businesses to economic development resources. REDS works to level the playing field, ensuring that small businesses in these communities can thrive and compete in todays fast-paced economy.

REDS partners with cities, counties small businesses, and community groups to assist in building robust rural economies. Our program works with communities with less than 10,000 people and services the counties of Camas, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls. REDS is supported by a grant through the Idaho Department of Commerce and member communities. REDS strengthens small businesses by finding and connecting them to the resources they need and much of this is accomplished by the partnerships REDS has built in the region.

Through these partnerships, REDS has been able to accomplish a variety of projects. We have brought about assistance with community grants, free training to business owners, marketing for rural events, connections for community infrastructure upgrades, support for community projects, and providing connections for funding through grants and loans. REDS worked with SIEDO to bring Hempitecture to Jerome County and continues to assist rural communities with broadband expansion and facilitate community projects through Operation Facelift.

Recently, our focus has been collaborating with the Small Business Development Center and Small Business Administration to bring a marketing series to Gooding, Wendell, Shoshone, Filer, and virtually. These courses focus on preparing your small business for the holiday season by refreshing your marketing strategies.

Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just thinking about starting a new business, these classes can prepare you for success in the evolving world of marketing. To register for these training classes, just go online to idahosbdc.csi.edu.

Small businesses are the backbone of rural economies and REDS is dedicated to providing invaluable resources and support to fuel the economic development and retention in our rural communities.

Next week: Operation Facelift
TWIN FALLS  County officials on Monday paid respects to the historic downtown area of the city as they broke ground on an addition for the judicial building.

The groundbreaking ceremony included an antique grader pulled by two massive horses.

Noting that the ground in which participants stood was the site of the original Twin Falls High School, and the historic courthouse constructed in 1910 stood nearby, as a salute, we break ground with technology they may have used at that time, said Commissioner Don Hall, as the horses strode by.

And when its finished, the structure will have a new look and fit right in with its surroundings, Hall said.

I think people will be pleasantly surprised at the architectural value of it, the look of it, he said. We are trying to complement (the courthouse), but not compete with it.

The addition and 17,000-square-foot remodel, with a tentative completion date of January 2026, will add another 70,000 square feet to the judicial building.

Because some of the present building will be removed, the county will end up with about an 85,000 square-foot building.

Not only will the exterior design complement everything around city park, commissioner Brent Reinke said, it will be incredibly useful inside.

Speakers repeatedly mentioned that the project was overdue.

District Clerk Kristina Glascock, who Hall called a driving force behind the project, gave a rundown on how busy the courts have been: 1,100 court documents are filed per day, an average of 18,000 court cases are opened each year, and 11,800 citations are processed each year.

That gives you an idea of what really goes on in these facilities and the need we have for this expansion, Glascock said.

The design of the building also isnt adequate, she said.

We outgrew this facility a long time ago, she said. We have hallways where we have judges, the public, and inmates using the same hallways, no space to put in-custody defendants, she said, in addition, there is a lack of rooms for attorneys to speak with defendants, and a lack of office space.

Employees are on top of each other, Glascock said.

The addition is being constructed without raising taxes, Commission Jack Johnson said. Expected to cost $30 million, the addition will be funded by $20 million the county has saved for construction projects and the balance will be paid for with federal COVID-stimulus American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Glascock described how at the end of each fiscal year she would set aside money that could be used for one-time projects. The project has been discussed as far back as 2016.

Four additional courtrooms will be added, and officials are hopeful of getting another magistrate judge assigned to Twin Falls to help with caseload.

The Idaho Supreme Court denied the request this year, but Shelli Tubbs, trial court administrator for the Fifth Judicial District, told the Times-News that she is hopeful that by the time the addition is complete, Twin Falls will have another judge.

Rock removal and excavation will begin immediately, said Bob Beer, county facilities director. Completion date will ultimately depend on the weather.

As far as the size of the project, We arent really building for today, Hall said. We want to project into the future a little  but not too much because it can get expensive.

The addition will be able to better handle technological advances than the old judicial building, which was constructed in 1967 with additions coming in 1977 and 1997.

What the court system of 50 years from now looks like, we dont know, Hall said, but we are trying to capture what we can predict.
Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers amid the Philippine energy transition, and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for todays and tomorrows Filipinos.

There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country, said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industrys energy mix, digital systems and regulations.

AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre (second from right) says the energy industry should come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry.

It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times, she further explained. In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our countrys growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.

Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (AmCham) in partnership with AboitizPower.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited power plant maintenance engineer and maintenance/powerplant engineers as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals).

Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals, said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.

Inofre said a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems.

Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country, she said.

Meralco Power Academy Program management director Marc Lester Malibiran said that on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth.

The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population, brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy, he said. Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21-percdent completion [rate].

Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion, he said.

The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate, and communicate ideas, knowledge, and best practices.

Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool, and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector.

A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. (PIPPA) president Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants.

Another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corp. VP for human resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPowers Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities, and giving them a sense of purpose.

The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships, [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives, Inofre said.

Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry, she said.
Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. said it plans to use its over P1 billion ($19.2 million) proceeds from the divestment of its investments in PNX Petroleum Singapore Pte. Ltd (PNX SG) for its working capital.

Phoenix said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday it would divest its investments from PNX SG through a share buyback.

PNX SG will buy back the shares owned by Phoenix in the company. Phoenix owns about 85 percent equity, while Libra Investments Pte Ltd. has 15 percent.

Phoenix is disposing 22.6 million shares equivalent to its entire 85-percent interest of the total outstanding shares of PNX SG for $0.85 per share.

This transaction shall raise an immediate $19.2 million in cash for PPPI which can be utilized to meet the immediate needs of the business for working capital to purchase inventory for its B2B customers, Phoenix said.

The added working capital to be raised by the sale shall help push the recovery efforts of the local business, and together with its liability management exercise and any possible equity infusion, the same levels of revenue are expected to be attained in the 2 to 3 years along with an increase in margins, it said.

PNX SG is a subsidiary of Phoenix engaged in the trading of petroleum products in the region. It derives its revenues through third-party sales aside from merely servicing primarily the supply needs of Phoenix.

With the companys Liability Management Exercise (LME), PNX SG sale is part of key enabler to support the needs of PPPIs working capital. This is a self-help given the difficulty in raising additional working capital bank lines, the company said.

Phoenix said the valuation was based on the net book value as of July 31, 2023, reduced by its outstanding receivables and the receivables of Phoenix LPG Philippines Inc. (PLPI), Phoenix Gas Vietnam (PGV) and Udenna Corp. totaling $20.2 million.

It said the transaction would also offset and settle the outstanding obligations of PLPI, PGV and Udenna amounting to $24.6 million.

Phoenix said the transaction would have no impact its business operations because the company has been sourcing its inventories from local suppliers since mid-2022.
THE House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs has committed exhaustive deliberations on national policies and pieces of legislation involving the reintegration of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to make sure they get the benefits they deserve as modern day heroes.

OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, a member of the committee, revealed this after the panel chaired by Rep. Ron Salo of Kabayan party-list decided to conduct public consultations and hearings on measures supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.s programs for OFWs. We have receive a marching order from Speaker Martin Romualdez to ensure the welfare of returning OFWs to our country, specifically to assist them in finding jobs and livelihood opportunities, Magsino said.

As modern day heroes, they deserve nothing less than the full support of a country that gained a lot from their remittances. They are a powerful force in our economic recovery, especially during the

pandemic. Their contributions kept us afloat through the economic contraction during the pandemic and, now, as we try to bounce back, Magsino added.

Magsino, an assistant minority leader, underscored the need for comprehensive public consultations to gather input and insights from various stakeholders and develop robust plans and policies to better

serve OFWs who play a vital role in the countrys growth and development.

We thank the OFWs for their significant contributions in propelling the economy and strengthening the relationship of the Philippines with other nations around the world, Magsino expressed.

We will be asking the private sector to coordinate job vacancies with the concerned government agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers so that we can directly refer returning OFWs whose skills match with vacant positions, she said.

Magsino said Romualdez also directed the committee to address the plight of returning OFWs fleeing the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as other problems and challenges confronting them.

According to Magsino, the Speaker underscored that the effective reintegration of returning OFWs is among the aspirations of President Marcos and his administration.

We have to take the initiative and focus on a multi-faceted approach to address the encompassing various areas of concern of our OFWs, including strengthening their labor rights and welfare programs by ensuring that they are protected and treated fairly in their host countries, she noted.

It is very important to raise their awareness of their rights, to let them know they have access to legal assistance and that they can have improved working conditions. We also have to work hard on OFWs education and skills development to enhance their employability and career prospects abroad and upon their return to the country, Magsino stated.

She added the committee will look into ways to strengthen the mental health of OFWs and their families because of the emotional toll of separation, such as providing them with enhanced counselling services.

OFWs and their families must be given access to resources and training to improve financial literacy and make informed decisions about remittances and investments, as well as healthcare and well-being by giving them access to affordable health services, Magsino said.

These measures are our initial response to the sacrifices and challenges that OFWs face in pursuit of better opportunities. The Marcos administration and the House leadership under Speaker Romualdez

are doing everything to address their plight and ensure their well-being, she said.

We will tap and coordinate with all stakeholders and partners to improve the lives of our OFWs and better serve them.
A militant lawmaker filed grave threat charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte after he allegedly threatened to kill her and called her a communist.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teacher party-list Rep. France Castro filed the criminal complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office.

It was a serious threat to my life, especially at that time while I was mourning the death of my father. That was the time that he threatened my life, Castro said.

She was at her fathers wake when she learned about Dutertes remark during an interview with local broadcaster SMNI on Oct. 10, which she said constituted the crime of grave threats under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Duterte gave on-air advice to his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, about how she could use intelligence and confidential funds allocated to her office and the education department, which she also heads.

Your first target with your intelligence fund is you, you France.

Tell her, it is you communists who I want to kill, Duterte said in the interview that was shared thousands of times on Facebook. It was later deleted from SMNIs Facebook page.

The House appropriations committee decided on the same day to divert the funds allocated to some government departments, including the P650 million for the OVP and DepEd.

In her complaint, Castro said Dutertes threats were factually baseless and clearly malicious, but she could not dismiss them as figurative, joking, or otherwise benign.

Former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea said Duterte has not yet received a copy of the complaint.

Dutertes former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo dismissed the complaint as having no legal basis and was only filed for propaganda purposes.

Its not a threat. Because a threat is: I will kill you. But when you say I want to kill you, thats only expressing a desire, Panelo said in an interview with ANCs Dateline Philippines.

Castros lawyer Antonio La Vina told reporters that it was the first criminal complaint filed against Duterte since he left office.

Duterte was protected from prosecution when he was president, but now that he is an ordinary citizen, he can be charged for alleged crimes committed.

I was really shocked with the threats, Castro said.

He can no longer hide [behind presidential immunity from suit]. He must be accountable for threatening my life, she added.

La Vina said the maximum penalty for grave threats was six years in jail and a fine of up to P100,000.

Duterte often threatened to kill people, including drug dealers and rights activists, when he was president from 2016 to 2022.He also frequently labeled critics as communist sympathizers  a practice known as red-tagging, which can result in the arrest, detention, or even death of the person targeted. With AFP
The Philippines will conduct more maritime patrols and freedom of navigation missions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after Chinese ships seeking to block a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal collided with Filipino boats on Sunday.

The increase in patrols is also in response to the presence of a large number of Chinese maritime militia vessels not only near Ayungin but also in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, said Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council (NSC).

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was considering other modes of resupplying the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal after Chinas repeated efforts to block resupply missions.

In a televised briefing, AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said othermodes of resupply could include sending faster ships and airdrops or helicopter drops, all using civilian craft, as they want to avoid using Navy or military assets in the resupply missions.

The AFP spokesman also said the Philippines would continue to conduct maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

This is our way of showing to the world that we are asserting oursovereign rights and we will never give up the right of the people to enjoy the benefits from whatever resources we can get from our exclusive economic zone, he said.

Manila has condemned Chinas actions on Sunday as a blatant violation of international law and a serious escalation of the illegal activities conducted by the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea.

China, on the other hand, has accused the Philippines of intruding on what it views as its territory, in contravention of a UN tribunals decision that its claims over much of the South China Sea are without legal basis.

Malaya accused China of conducting a misinformation campaign in which false narratives are shared with the public.

Some critics are saying this is just posturing on the part of the Philippines This is a battle for the resources of our country, particularly those for our fishermen, Malaya said.

Malaya said the government is considering filing a case against China before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) over the Oct. 22 collision.

There are many options that are on the table right now. We can file a case in the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea, Malaya said.

Maritime security expert Raymond Powell, SeaLight director of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said he expects maritime encounters between the Philippines and China to continue.

A sort of transparency unfortunately will probably not result in China abruptly changing course, Powell said in an interview with ANC.

Although youve seen modifications to their behavior, he added. For example now they bring their own cameras and they tell their own story.

Powell said Chinas interests and those of other claimant states arejust too far apart for any real progress to be made on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.

Ultimately China wants to use the code of conduct to reinforce its claim and of course, the other maritime countries want to avoid that.

And so this is a dance thats going to continue to go on in perpetuity.

In other developments:

* President Marcos vowed his continued support in modernizing and transforming the Armed Forces of the Philippines into a world-class force. In a traditional dinner for the AFP Council of Sergeants Major in Malacanang on Monday, President Marcos reminded the troops to remain committed to their duty to serve the nation. In a radio interview Tuesday, AFP chief Gen. Romeo R. Brawner Jr. called on lawmakers to help realize the modernization program.

* Senator Francis Tolentino said those onboard the resupply boatUnaiza May 2 (UM2) that was hit by a Chinese ship Sunday could file acase against that vessel. He noted that the Chinese boat that bumpedthe resupply ship is not covered by sovereign immunity. And, ifChinese claims are true that the ship was not from its coast guard,then its owner can be held accountable to pay for damages incurred bythe UM2.

* The security advisers of both the United States and the Philippineson Monday reaffirmed the standing alliance of the two nationsfollowing the latest dangerous maneuvers of Chinese vessels in theWest Philippine Sea. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan saidthat he spoke over the phone with Philippine National Security AdvisorEduardo Ano and reiterated US support for the Philippines. Mr.Sullivan emphasized the ironclad U.S. alliance commitments to thePhilippines under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, whichextends to armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, andarmed forcesto include those of its Coast Guardin the Pacific,including in the South China Sea, a US statement said.

* Japan on Tuesday vowed to work with the United States, members ofthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and other members of theinternational community, to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific afterChina again tried to block the resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre inAyungin Shoal. In a statement, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippinesexpressed serious concern for actions which increase regionaltensions including a dangerous action that caused a collision betweenChinese and Filipino ships on October 22nd.

* China blamed the United States for endorsing Manilas acts ofinfringement and provocation. Mao Ning, Chinas Foreign Ministryspokesperson, said the Philippines infringement and provocation atRenai Jiao have been emboldened and supported by US connivance andsupport.
Tehran, Iran  Iran and Russia on Monday denounced European and US interference in tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan at a meeting in Tehran aimed at finding a solution without the West.

Armenia and Azerbaijan joined the talks in the Iranian capital seeking to ease the tensions, which soared with Bakus lightning offensive to retake the long-disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

On the same day as the meeting, however, Azerbaijan announced the start of joint military drills with its ally Turkey near the border with Armenia just weeks after Baku seized Karabakh from pro-Yerevan separatists.

At the meeting  which also included foreign ministers from Turkey, Russia and Iran  the envoys noted a push for peace in the Caucasus.

The problems of the region cannot be resolved by the intervention of foreign forces, Irans President Ebrahim Raisi said, quoted by his office.

His foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said: The presence of foreigners in the region not only does not solve the problems but complicates the situation.

At the end of the talks, his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov denounced attempts by, first and foremost, the EU and, to a certain extent, the United States, to interfere in the process of delimiting the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In a joint final declaration, the participants reiterated the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs.

Lavrov, who had a one-on-one with Raisi, told the meeting that the door remains open for Georgia, which was absent on Monday, and that a further meeting was planned in Turkey around the first half of next year.

The talks are seen as Moscows attempt to reduce growing Western influence in the Caucasus  a region it has long considered as its backyard.

According to Moscows original plan, the 3+3 format was meant to also include Georgia. But Tbilisi, which aspires to join the EU and NATO, has rejected the proposal.

Since Moscow brokered a 2020 ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the European Union and United States have stepped up their own efforts to mediate a peace agreement between the two sides.

Russia, the traditional power-broker in the region, has seen its role diminished since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Azerbaijan-Turkey drills

Ahead of the talks, Azerbaijans defence ministry said Monday it had begun joint drills with its ally Turkey near the border with Armenia.

Azerbaijan last month took control of the enclave in a 24-hour military operation that ended decades of Armenian separatist rule.

The ministry said up to 3,000 troops would take part in the tactical drills held in the capital Baku, the Nakhichevan exclave between Iran and Armenia, as well as territories retaken from Armenian separatists.

The exercises  dubbed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 2023  involve dozens of artillery weapons and aviation.

Baku said they were aimed at ensuring combat interoperability between the allies.

Tensions are running high between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a month after Bakus lightning offensive.

Yerevan fears energy-rich Baku may seek to press its advantage  with the help of Ankara  to forcibly connect its Nakhichevan exclave with Azerbaijan proper by capturing lands in southern Armenia, along the Iranian border.

Iran opposes the idea of a so-called Zangezur corridor, as it would create a direct land link between Azerbaijan and Tehrans historic rival Turkey.

Armenia said it is ready to reopen transport communications between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan via its territory under condition that its sovereignty over the area is not questioned.

Baku has denied having any territorial claims over Armenia.

Karabakh, internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan and for decades home to a majority Armenian population, was at the centre of two wars between Yerevan and Baku  in 2020 and in the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

After a months-long blockade of the region, Azerbaijan launched a lightning offensive against Armenian separatist forces on September 19, 2023.

After less than a day of fighting, separatist authorities agreed to lay down arms and reintegrate with Azerbaijan.

Almost all of Nagorno-Karabakhs ethnic Armenian population  some 100,000 people  fled for Armenia after the offensive, sparking a refugee crisis.
By Adel Zaanoun with David Stout in Jerusalem

Rafah, Palestinian Territories  Gazas Hamas-run health ministry said Monday more than 5,000 people have been killed in the battered Palestinian enclave since Israel launched its withering bombing campaign just over two weeks ago.

Alarm is growing over the spiralling humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel struck back following the October 7 Hamas attacks which Israeli officials say killed more than 1,400 people who were shot, stabbed or burnt to death by militants.

Israel also says they seized 222 hostages in the worst attack in its 75-year history.

With the Israeli army saying it had conducted more than 300 new strikes within 24 hours, Gazas health ministry said the death toll had surged over 5,000, including more than 2,000 children. AFP has not been able to independently verify the figures.

Hamas on Monday said it had released two more women hostages, named as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, for compelling humanitarian reasons following mediation by Qatar and Egypt. Images were shown on Egyptian media but Israel did not immediately comment.

Thousands of buildings have been levelled and more than a million people displaced in the besieged territory that has been largely deprived of water, food and other basic supplies.

Twenty trucks carrying desperately needed aid arrived in Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt on Monday, the UN humanitarian agency said, the third convoy in as many days.

Washington has promised a continued flow of relief goods into Gaza, which the UN says is facing catastrophic conditions and needs to receive 100 trucks of aid per day.

Overnight, Gazas Hamas-controlled government said more than 60 people died in Israeli bombardments, including 17 in a single strike on a house in Gazas north and another 10 in the morning.

And with thousands more wounded, Gazas health ministry called on citizens to immediately go to hospitals and blood banks to donate blood.

Hamas: 20,000 homes razed

The Israeli military said it had hit over 320 military targets overnight, and later said it had thwarted a cross-border Hamas drone attack.

In a post on social media, Hamas confirmed the drones had sought to attack army positions.

In the evening, Israel confirmed killing five Hamas militants, including those responsible for its aerial operations. Hamas had on October 7 used motorised gliders and other airborne methods to attack Israel.

Overnight, the army said a 19-year-old Israeli soldier had been killed and three others wounded during an operation on the outskirts of Gaza to dismantle terror infrastructure and locate missing persons and bodies.

Meanwhile in southern Gaza, children killed in an Israeli air strike on the town of Khan Yunis were laid to rest in a makeshift grave on Monday as anguished family members looked on.

And at a packed UN school in the town, where thousands of displaced Palestinians were seeking shelter, staffers tried to distract traumatised youngsters by organising games, including one with a colourful silk parachute.

Figures from the Hamas government say more than 181,000 housing units have been damaged, of which 20,000 had been totally destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

Thousands flee Lebanon border

Around the world, Israels friends and foes alike have warned against the Gaza war spilling over into a full-scale regional conflagration, with fears focused on its northern frontier where there have been increasing cross-border incidents with Lebanons Hezbollah.

The pace of evacuations has increased on both sides of the border, with the UN saying nearly 20,000 people had fled villages in south Lebanon due to the ongoing unrest.

At least 41 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally  mostly combatants but also at least four civilians, including a Reuters journalist. And four people have been killed in Israel, including three soldiers and a civilian.

Israel has also ordered the evacuation of thousands of people from a string of communities near its northern border but not everyone has left, with some refusing to go such as 62-year-old peach farmer Moshe Dadoush.

Id be lying if I said I wasnt afraid. But I have to stay here, he told AFP.

I wouldnt leave for one simple reason: its here where I grew up. I have nowhere else to go but this country.

Licence to kill

At the weekend, Israel said it was stepping up its raids on Gaza and has massed tens of thousands of troops along the border ahead of a widely-expected ground invasion.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday accused Western nations of giving Israel a licence to kill, saying a ground invasion would mean more crimes, atrocities and forced displacement.

US President Joe Biden and other leaders including Britains Rishi Sunak and Germanys Olaf Scholz have visited Israel in recent days and affirmed its right to defend itself while urging it to keep within international humanitarian law.

The US on Monday rejected calls for a ceasefire as the European Union mulled calling for a humanitarian pause, saying it would benefit Hamas.

We should have those hostages released and then we can talk, Biden said when asked if he would support a hostages-for-ceasefire deal.

Also Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned against US military reinforcements in the Middle East, saying such external intervention risked causing an escalation.

Speaking in Tehran, Lavrov referred to the US deployment of warships to the region, saying the more a state takes this kind of proactive measures, the greater the risk and the danger of an escalation of the conflict.

Britains Sunak on Monday said London would send an additional 20 million ($24 million) of aid to help Gaza civilians.

Frances Emmanuel Macron was also due in Tel Aviv on Tuesday where he would meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discuss the resumption of a genuine peace process to create a Palestinian state.
By Adel Zaanoun with David Stout in Jerusalem

Rafah, Palestinian Territories  Two elderly Hamas hostages were airlifted to an Israeli hospital to be reunited with family Tuesday, as the United States demanded Palestinian militants release 200 other captives before Gaza ceasefire talks are considered.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control of the area under attack.

The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities latest count. The hostages also include dozens of foreigners.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist militant group, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

Early on Tuesday, an AFP journalist saw a military helicopter bring freed hostages Nurit Cooper, aged 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, aged 85, to a medical centre in Tel Aviv.

Their release comes days after two other women  American citizens  were freed.

The office of Israels prime minister said Cooper and Lifshitz would receive medical treatment and be reunited with family.

The women were wheeled into the facility on a stretcher and wheelchair, as relatives gathered nearby.

Hamas released Cooper and Lifshitz on Monday citing compelling humanitarian reasons, after mediation by Qatar and Egypt.

Lifshitz recounted being bundled onto the back of a motorbike and stolen away to Gaza.

They loaded me on a motorcycle sideways so I wouldnt fall, with one terrorist holding me from the front and the other from behind, she told local media.

They crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip, and at first they held me in the town of Abesan, which is near Beeri. After that, I dont know where I was taken.

Ceasefire calls

In response to the worst attack in its 75-year history, Israel launched operation Swords of Iron  blockading Gaza and firing a near-continuous barrage of strikes against targets in the enclave to erase Hamas.

While Israels military has claimed success in eliminating high-ranking commanders and destroying Hamas infrastructure, humanitarian groups have warned that Palestinian civilians are paying too steep a price for the campaign.

AFP has not been able to independently verify the Hamas-run health ministrys death toll, but the scale of the destruction is clear.

Thousands of buildings have been levelled and more than a million people are believed to have been displaced in the besieged territory.

Gaza City resident Ayman Abu Shamalah was among the tens of thousands who heeded an Israeli warning to flee to south Gaza.

Despite the move, he told AFP that his pregnant wife, their three-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter were killed in an Israeli air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza.

They put my sons shattered body in a blue bag, he said, sobbing.

Across Gaza, water, food and other basic supplies are running out. Only a trickle of aid is being allowed to cross into Gaza from Egypt.

A few dozen trucks carrying food, medicine and water have entered Gaza since a US-brokered deal entered into operation on Saturday.

The United Nations estimates about 100 trucks are needed every day.

UN rights chief Volker Turk on Monday called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to relieve the suffering and allow the delivery of aid.

But that suggestion was immediately slapped down by US President Joe Biden, who said any discussions about a ceasefire could only take place if Hamas frees all the hostages.

We should have those hostages released and then we can talk, Biden said when asked if he would support a hostages-for-ceasefire deal.

Well prepared

Facing mounting public pressure, Israel has shown little sign of slowing its offensive.

On Monday the Israeli military said it had hit over 320 military targets overnight, some of the most intense bombing of the war to date.

A 19-year-old Israeli soldier was killed and three others wounded during a ground operation to dismantle terror infrastructure and locate missing persons and bodies.

But the timing of a promised full-scale ground offensive remains unclear.

We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south, Herzi Halevi, the chief of general staff of the Israel Defense Forces told troops.

The Southern Command has quality operational plans. There are tactical, operative and strategic considerations that have provided additional time, he said.

Nowhere else to go

Chief among those considerations may be the labyrinth of tunnels and strong points that Hamas is believed to have developed to thwart any Israeli invasion.

But there are also fears about how Hamass allies around the Middle East would respond to a ground war.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War has reported an uptick in attacks on Israeli and US targets from Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

There are daily cross-border clashes between Israel and Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

At least 41 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally  mostly combatants but also at least four civilians, including a Reuters journalist.

And four people have been killed in Israel, including three soldiers and a civilian.

The pace of evacuations has increased on both sides of the border, with the UN saying nearly 20,000 people had fled villages in south Lebanon as the fighting rages.

Israel has also ordered the evacuation of thousands of people from a string of communities near its northern border.

But not everyone has left, with some such as 62-year-old peach farmer Moshe Dadoush, refusing to go.

Id be lying if I said I wasnt afraid. But I have to stay here, he told AFP.

I wouldnt leave for one simple reason: its here where I grew up. I have nowhere else to go but this country.
Mission Hospital McDowell is one of six area hospitals that will partner with local law enforcement to host the fifth annual Crush the Crisis, a prescription drug take-back event, on Saturday, Oct. 28.

HCA Healthcare is committed to bringing frontline solutions to curb the tide of opioid misuse and addiction in the communities that we are proud to serve, reads a statement.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, anyone in the community can safely and anonymously drop off unused and expired medication for proper disposal. Prescription drug misuse is a public health crisis in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 109,170 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2022, an increase from 2021, according to a news release.

HCA Healthcares Crush the Crisis events across the country will align with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

During last years event, Mission Heath collected 270 pounds of unused and expired medication as part of Crush the Crisis.

Items that will not be accepted are needles, syringes, lancets and illegal drugs.

Together, we can help make our communities safer and healthier, reads the statement.

Find out more at HCAhealthcare.com/CrushTheCrisis.

All six Mission Health hospitals will participate. Here are the participating collection sites:

Mission Hospital McDowell, 500 Rankin Drive in Marion, at the rear of the Mission Hospital McDowell campus. 10 a.m. to noon.

Mission Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive in Asheville, across from the main campus on the north side. 10 a.m. to noon.

Angel Medical Center, front entrance of Angel Medical Center at 124 One Center Court in Franklin. 10 a.m. to noon.

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, 78 Broad St. in Spruce Pine, near the campus of Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. 10 a.m. to noon.

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, front entrance of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital at 190 Hospital Drive in Highlands. 10-11 a.m.

Transylvania Regional Hospital, front entrance of Transylvania Regional Hospital at 260 Hospital Drive in Brevard. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday October 23 vowed that should they be elected to govern in the 2024 general elections, they will send arms to Hamas in their fight against Israel.

Thousands of party supporters were picketing outside the Israeli embassy in Pretoria on Monday.

The EFF said the demonstration is in solidarity with Palestine amid a bloody conflict with the State of Israel in Gaza. Furthermore, the reds berets said they cant afford to be neutral in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

EFF leader Julius Malema said progressive governments have a duty to supply freedom fighters in Palestine with both military and food aid. The EFF when it takes over next year, is going to arm Hamas and make sure Hamas has got the necessary equipment to fight for their freedom.

The EFF said it will be putting pressure on the government to shut down the Israeli embassy until Palestine gains its freedom.
In northeastern Nigeria, more than 70 young people accused of organizing a gay wedding  which is considered a crime  have been arrested. Same-sex marriage is illegal in Nigeria under a 2014 law, and punishable by 14 years in prison.

We apprehended 76 suspected homosexuals at a birthday party organized by one of them, who was due to marry his fiance at the event, said Buhari Saad, spokesman for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State, a paramilitary organization under the government.

The arrested youths include 59 men and 17 women out of which 21 of the men willfully confessed being gay. Lawyers for those arrested could not immediately be contacted for comment or confirmation.

Intimidation of the LGBT+ community is rife in Nigeria, and in recent years security forces have staged numerous raids on parties where they claim marriages are taking place. However, none of those arrested have been convicted. In August, police arrested over a hundred men in similar circumstances in south-eastern Nigeria.

The human rights organization Amnesty International has called for an end to this witch hunt. In a society where corruption is endemic, the law prohibiting same-sex relationships is increasingly being used for harassment, extortion and blackmail by law enforcement and other members of the public, it also denounced.

In December, 19 men and women in their twenties were arrested in Kano, the largest city in northern Nigeria, by the Islamic police, known as Hisbah, on charges of organizing a gay wedding. The suspects were reprimanded and released without being brought to justice.

Gombe State, where the arrests took place on Saturday October 21, is also one of the Muslim-majority northern states where Islamic Sharia law is applied alongside the federal and state judicial systems. Under Sharia law, homosexual relations are punishable by death. However, this sentence has never been applied in northern Nigeria.

The NSCDC spokesman declined to say whether the suspects arrested on Saturday October 21 would be charged under Sharia law or ordinary law.
Congos President Sassou Nguesso inaugurated Monday October 23 the China-built Mpila Twin Towers worth $281 million in the capital Brazzaville.

I inaugurated on Monday, October 23, 2023, the twin towers of Mpila in Brazzaville. These towers, which add a touch of modernity to our capital city, are also a source of pride for its inhabitants. They reflect our unwavering determination to modernize our country, the African leader said on X.

Funded jointly by the Congolese government and the Chinese Export and Import Bank Exim, the twin tours are built by Chinese construction company BCEG.

The tours 135.8 meters high each will be managed by the South African Legacy Group. The holding manages South Africas highest skyscraper building that houses the luxurious Leonardo Hotel.

One of the tours features a 5-star hotel of 349 rooms including 8 presidential suites, 47 ministerial suites, and 114 standard rooms as well as 217 apartments.

The other tour boats business offices and spaces for visiting investors who wish to open shops in the oil-rich African country and who want to ink deals.

The tours are located on the bank of Congo River, near the port of Yoro. The construction of buildings was launched in March 2016. Authorities will host the forthcoming 2nd Congo Basin Summit slated for October 26-28 in one of the tours.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and University Health Network (UHN) have demonstrated that by analyzing patients' blood samples, they are able to detect cancer earlier in individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, an inherited condition with an almost 100% life-time risk of developing cancer.

The research, led by Drs. Trevor Pugh and Raymond Kim at Princess Margaret Cancer Center, UHN and OICR and Dr. David Malkin at SickKids, has been published in Cancer Discovery. The study would not have been possible without the generosity of the patients who participated.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is an inherited condition associated with a very high risk of developing canceroften tumors affecting the breast, soft tissue, brain and other organs. It is caused by changes in the TP53 gene, which encodes a protein that helps to prevent tumor formation and is commonly termed the "guardian of the genome."

Cancerous cells and healthy cells release pieces of DNA into the blood. By analyzing these DNA fragments, researchers are developing methods to detect whether a tumor has developed in the body. Testing blood samples for signs of canceroften called liquid biopsiesis an attractive screening approach compared to imaging methods, which require specialized machines, and biopsies, which are more invasive.

The research team analyzed 170 blood samples from 82 individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome collected over several years, as well as 30 blood samples from individuals without Li-Fraumeni syndrome, providing a proof-of-principle framework that may support the detection of specific cancers earlier for individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

For Luana Locke and her family, early detection is invaluable and has prolonged her life many times already. Luana was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25 and later discovered that her mother, children and many members of her extended family carried the same TP53 genetic change.

Luana, who has since had sarcoma, lung cancer, thyroid cancer and skin cancer, and her children have regular screenings, blood tests, MRIs of the entire body, and ultrasounds at Princess Margaret Cancer Center and SickKids, to detect cancers early. After years of these scans Luana's daughter, Juliet, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 14, a condition they have since learned may have been detected months earlier with this new blood sample analysis.

"Even though I have LFS, I never really felt cancer anxiety until after I was diagnosed," says Juliet. "While my check-ups are reassuring, getting more precise diagnoses earlier is the next level in care."

Dr. Malkin been monitoring Luana's children for almost 20 years, including her son who was one of the first people to follow a cancer surveillance protocol known as the "Toronto Protocol," while Dr. Kim has been monitoring Luana for almost 10 years.

"This is a full circle moment for us. From being part of the first Toronto Protocol to what may now be the next step in early detection and diagnosis for families with LFS, our family has relied on the advancements made at SickKids and The Princess Margaret," says Luana. "Regular scans and check-ups are routine when you have LFS, but the ability to predict when and where cancers develop rather than react when one has already developed would be life changing."

The team will conduct a clinical trial to further test this approach and screen patients in the hope of finding their cancer earlier. These patients will include those with different types of high-risk cancer predisposition syndromes, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Lynch Syndrome, and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer; all of which are brought under a nation-wide research consortium that Drs. Pugh and Kim founded in 2017.

More information: Early Cancer Detection in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome with Cell-Free DNA, Cancer Discovery (2023). DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-23-0456 Journal information: Cancer Discovery
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Francesca Catto and Robert Axelrod are looking forward to the launch of their start-up and the roll-out of the product. Credit: ETH Zurich / Daniel Winkler

It all started with an innocuous question at the start of Francesca Catto's doctoral thesis: Wouldn't it be nice if tissue samples could be colored and digitally displayed as a 3D image? For more than 100 years, histology, a branch of pathology that deals with tissue changes, has been using an analog method that involves cutting tissue samples into micrometer-thin slices (about 7 times thinner than a human hair) and examining them for pathological mutations under the microscope. This technique results in 1 in 6 people being misdiagnosed and cancer cells going undetected.

Catto, who did her thesis in neuroscience at the University of Zurich under the supervision of Professor Adriano Aguzzi, describes the early days as difficult. "We started out trying different approaches, but nothing worked. It was a nightmare. Fortunately, we entered into a collaboration with the groups of Professor Mirko Meboldt and Professor Alexander Mathys that resulted in the emergence of a successful approach. That's how Robert Axelrod, who has a doctorate in the field of processing technologies from ETH Zurich, joined the project."

Innovation through a groundbreaking interdisciplinary solution

Using an approach that combines technologies from biomedicine and mechanical engineering, the two researchers developed a robotic platform that diagnoses cancer more accurately and provides three-dimensional information about the cells' spatial arrangement.

This process comprises four steps. First, the researchers make the tissue sample transparent in an automated way. Next, they rapidly mark or color any conspicuous cells. The third step is to create an image of the 3D tissue where cancer cells are mapped; the technology for this already exists. The final step is an analysis with 3D imaging software and training algorithms.

This innovative solution no longer calls for tissue samples to be prepared and cut in a time-consuming manner; instead, the tissuea lymph node, sayis preserved whole and examined in its entirety. The digital 3D visualization with the marked cells can be accessed online at any time. Credit: ETH Zurich

New experiences and successes

In the lab, the robot prototype works and moves the samples around. However, the platform is not yet fully ready for the market. Axelrod says that while they can offer initial services by making sent-in tissue transparent in an automated way and quickly producing a labeled 3D image, they still need to optimize the software.

The two researchers also face challenges of a different kind as part of their Pioneer Fellowship, which is intended to lead to the founding of a start-up. "As a scientist, you have a different mindset when it comes to things like time management. Researchers are often perfectionists, because they don't publish anything until it's absolutely perfect and tested."

But this project is allowing Catto and Axelrod to take their first steps in the world of start-ups, where they have to try out more, get feedback and go through fast, iterative cycles. "This has a major impact on time management," Catto says.

Catto and Axelrod cite their fantastic team as one of their biggest successes so far. Finding people with the right technical and social skills to get the team dynamic the two researchers wanted was a new experience for them both. Carrying out the full procedure for the first time was also an important technical milestone.

Always keep the goal in mind

When asked if there's time for hobbies besides the countless hours spent in the office and the lab, both of them laugh. The question seems obvious. For the time being, it's still possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance, they say, and that's important to them. "Although I fear that might change once the next phase of the project begins," Catto says.

In difficult moments, they are motivated by the idea of their start-up doing well and the market launch of their product. "Thinking about the positive impact our robotic platform will have on histology is very motivating when times are tough. That's what drives us, especially whenever things don't go as planned," Axelrod adds.

The goal of bringing a good product to market is important to both of themand not just because they personally want to see their start-up succeed. They also want to give research labs and clinics a useful, functional and reliable product that will catapult cancer diagnosis into the digital world.

Personal development is close to the duo's heart as well. The world of start-ups is, after all, the perfect place to become a good leader and still retain your own personality, to grow as a person and have new experiences.
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Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are associated with higher risks for developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its subtypes, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, held from Oct. 20 to 25 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Yuhan Fu, D.O., from the University of Louisville in Kentucky, and Gengqing Song, M.D., from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, assessed whether or not COCs are associated with higher risks for developing IBS. The analysis included 54,645 female patients (aged 15 to 45 years) who were prescribed COCs before 2018 and 54,645 propensity-matched control patients who underwent copper intrauterine device insertion before 2018.

The researchers found that over five years, patients who were prescribed COCs had higher risks for developing new-onset IBS (odds ratio [OR], 1.34 to 1.71) and its subtypes, including IBS with predominant constipation (OR, 1.82 to 4.14), IBS with predominant diarrhea (OR, 1.28 to 2.29), and IBS with mixed bowel habits (OR, 1.91 to 5.00).

"COCs are associated with higher risks of developing IBS and its subtypes," the authors write. "Further research would be necessitated to elucidate the role of estrogen and progesterone on the development and progression of IBS."

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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The complex tumour immune microenvironment in patient samples of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, captured using develop a new multiplex immunofluorescence panel. Credit: Integrative Pathology Unit at The ICR and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

For generations, the medical community has used the "standard human"a 70-kilogram maleto guide education, research and practice. This means that for many conditions, although the recommended type, dosage and duration of treatment may be effective for the group of males who happen to weigh close to 70 kg, they might be far from optimal for most of the population, including all females.

In cancer, multiple bodily factors contribute to how the disease develops, progresses and responds to treatment, and many of these factors relate to sex.

Sex differences in cancer are not technically a new insight, but they have historically been somewhat overlooked. However, researchers have recently started to uncover some of the mechanisms behind how a person's sex affects their experience of cancer. The realization that such knowledge may one day make it possible to improve outcomes for all patients has given more scientists the impulse to delve deeper into this area of research.

Many sex-based differences are relevant to cancer and its treatment

The anatomical differences between males and females are well known. Not only do males have different sex organs to females, but they also typically have higher muscle and bone mass, a lower fat mass and a visibly different skeletal shape. Males also have a higher body water content, which, alongside differences in metabolism and fat mass, can affect how the body responds to and breaks down cancer-killing drugs.

Some of these differences are due to males having one Y chromosome and one X chromosome, rather than the two X chromosomes in the female body. In fact, research suggests that genetics plays a very significant part, indicating that up to one third of the genome might be expressed differently by males and females.

Females and males also have different sex hormones, and these influence the blood vessels, immune cells, signaling molecules and other features that surround tumors, known as the tumor microenvironment. For types of cancer that are dependent on or sensitive to hormones, these chemicals can promote the growth and spread of the disease.

Researchers have also uncovered differences between male and female immune responses. They believe that these are typically stronger in females, who tend to clear disease-causing organisms such as bacteria more quickly from the body and be better protected by vaccinations. Conversely, females are often more susceptible to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, some of which are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

All of these differences mean that, although males are more likely than females to get cancer and to have a poor outcome, females are 34 percent more likely to experience side effects from cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Under-representation of females in clinical trials presents a barrier

A big part of the problem is that treatment recommendations are based on the findings of clinical trials, which are only generalizable if the trial participants are representative of the relevant patient population. This is an issue because females are generally under-represented in clinical trials.

For instance, between 2003 and 2016, females represented less than 10% of participants in lung and pancreatic cancer trials, despite accounting for more than 40% of the diagnoses. In 2018, women made up only 38% of the 5,157 people who participated in oncology trials that led to the approval of new drugs.

,The insufficient recruitment of female participants has historically been due to concerns that regular monthly hormonal fluctuations might affect the findings and that the intervention being tested could lead to fetal abnormalities in those capable of pregnancy.

Some gender-related misconceptions have also played a part. Research suggests some trial sponsors and clinicians believe that women bring complexity to clinical trials and that their 'increased emotions and sensitivity' may affect how they report their symptoms. However, these excuses are no longer considered valid.

Improved knowledge is key to driving change

For things to improve, it is crucial for scientists to develop a deeper understanding of the specific influences of sex differences in different cancer types.

Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research recently contributed to a paper highlighting how sex affects incidence and outcomes in bladder cancer, published in Nature Reviews Urology.

Dr. Anna Wilkins, Clinical Scientist in the Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging's Targeted Therapy team at the ICR and Consultant in Clinical Oncology at The Royal Marsden, and her colleagues decided to focus on bladder cancer partly because "it is generally a very neglected area" but primarily because of its "unusual nuance." She explained:

"The difference between sexes seems to be most stark in bladder cancer, so it's a good place to start. The prevalence is higher in men, but the outcomes are worse in women. The data are really striking."

The difference in prevalence

Bladder cancer is about four times as common in males as in females, which cannot be solely due to behavioral differences. Although some of the key risk factors for the diseasesmoking and exposure to chemical dyesused to be more associated with males, the data no longer support this link.

The team's paper covers a wide range of areas that need investigating in order to uncover why the outcomes for this cancer type are typically worse in females. This is challenging because the discrepancy in prevalence makes it harder to recruit women into clinical trials, resulting in less data.

An obvious starting point, therefore, is to try to determine how much of the difference in prevalence is actually due to a lack of diagnosis in females, for which biology is partly to blame.

When females present with blood in the urinea common symptom of bladder cancerclinicians are likely to assume that they have a urinary tract infection (UTI). The tube through which urine leaves the body is shorter in females, so it is easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. This means that UTIs are much more common among females than males.

"The issue is compounded by the fact that UTIs and bladder cancer can coincide," Dr. Wilkins noted. "So if clinicians test for a UTI and find one, they don't necessarily follow up to check for bladder cancer. We need greater public health awareness so that clinicians don't only check for UTIs."

The difference in outcomes

Researchers will also need to investigate why outcomes are worse in females. Is it just due to diagnosis occurring at a later stage, when treatment is less likely to be effective, or are there other factors at play?

Dr. Wilkins believes that scientists should focus on immunology, as male and female hormones have quite different immunological effects.

"Sex-specific immunological changes are important to investigate because they dictate how the genomics of tumors evolve and how cancer learns to escape the immune response," she said. "This research has already proven fruitful in other cancersfor example, we use the reduction of testosterone levels as a first-line treatment for prostate cancer."

Scientists also need to ensure that they have sufficient data to understand how best to treat males and females with bladder cancer. This might mean analyzing sex-specific data and differences, which will require clinical trial designers to purposefully incorporate differences into the design and reporting of clinical trials.

Dr. Wilkins was keen to stress that this research can benefit everyone, not just women. She said, "If we can start understanding why these differences exist, we can hopefully improve our understanding of the disease. Unpicking in detail why there are these disparities might lead to new research avenues in bladder cancer that are not linked to sex."

Looking beyond bladder cancer

The authors of the paper are hopeful that their work will widen the avenue of research across all cancer types. As well as potentially improving patient outcomes through better diagnostics and treatments, this could reduce the burden that cancer places on the health system.

Dr. Anna Wilkins concluded, "We've made so much progress in uncovering the myriad of factors that can affect a person's likelihood of getting cancer and influence how they respond to treatment. We've known for a long time that internal factorsa person's genes, immune function and hormonesare just as significant as external ones in some cancer types, and we know of hundreds of biomarkers that help clinicians understand a person's specific tumor biology. Yet many of the sex gaps in cancer incidence and outcomes remain something of a mystery.

"We can't stall any longerwe need to answer as many of the outstanding questions as possible so that we can improve the lives of all people with cancer."

More information: Paul Toren et al, The sex gap in bladder cancer survivala missing link in bladder cancer care?, Nature Reviews Urology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00806-2 Journal information: Nature Reviews Urology
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De novo transcriptome assembly identifies treatment-induced novel poly-adenylated transcripts (TINPATs). Credit: Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42417-w

Epigenetically active drugs enable the cell to read parts oft he genome that were previously blocked and inaccessible. This leads to the formation of new mRNA transcripts and also new proteins, as scientists from the German Cancer Research Center and the University Hospital Tubingen have now described in research published in Nature Communications. These "therapy-induced epitopes" could help the immune system recognize cancer cells.

Immunotherapies are an integral part of the treatment spectrum for many types of cancer. However, not all patients benefit from them. One of the reasons for the failure of this form of treatment may be that the patient's immune system does not recognize the cancer cells as such. A fundamental prerequisite for the success of these therapies is that cancer cells carry protein structures, known as antigens, on their surface by which the T cells of the immune system can distinguish them from healthy body cells.

Such antigens can be cancer-associated proteins ("tumor-associated antigens") or proteins modified by mutations. However, they can also be completely new gene products that arise in tumor cells because completely new areas of genes are read.

Scientists led by Christoph Plass, DKFZ, and Juliane Walz, University and University Hospital Tubingen, have now come up with an idea to make cancer cells even more visible to the immune system: They equip the cells with completely new antigenswith the help of epigenetically active cancer drugs.

These drugs are prescribed for many types of cancer. They act on the so-called epigenetic marks on the DNA or on DNA packaging proteins, the histones. Epigenetic marks determine whether or not the cell can translate certain parts of its genome in mRNA.

These agents include demethylating drugs such as Decitabine or the HDAC inhibitors. They cause previously blocked, inaccessible regions of the genome to be read, thereby creating new mRNA transcripts in the cell.

Treatment of a lung cancer cell line in the culture dish with decitabine and HDAC inhibitors actually induced several thousand new transcripts, Plass's team found via RNA analysis. The majority of these new transcripts originated from endogenous retroviruses.

These sequences, which account for up to 8% of the human genome, are considered relics of retroviral infections from long ago. Normally, their transcription is blocked by epigenetic mechanisms. The effect of the neoepitopes induced by Decitabine and the HDAC inhibitors is much stronger in cancer cells than in healthy cells. Experts believe that the reason for this difference is the high proliferation rate of cancer cells.

The exciting question now was whether these "therapy-induced transcripts" actually code for immunogenic protein segments, so-called peptides. The team, led by Juliane Walz, tested this using mass spectrometry. The researchers were thus able to identify 45 "neoepitopes" that were presented on the surface of the cancer cells after treatment. The researchers were able to achieve comparable results with a large spectrum of different cancer cell lines. The therapy-induced neoepitopes could be used to activate cytotoxic T cells in the culture dish.

Decitabine is widely used for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The researchers also detected therapy-induced neoepitopes in the blood of AML patients receiving Decitabine therapyan important indication that this phenomenon is not an artifact from the culture dish.

"The induction of neoantigens by epigenetic agents could be a new way to use drug combinations to increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. With further studies, we want to find out whether it is possible to develop targeted immunotherapies against these neoantigens," says study leader Christoph Plass.

More information: Ashish Goyal et al, DNMT and HDAC inhibition induces immunogenic neoantigens from human endogenous retroviral element-derived transcripts, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42417-w Journal information: Nature Communications
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Cell viability with ex vivo loading. (A) Representative images in the deep portion of the tissue for each loading condition. Green (FDA) represents the live cells and red (PI) represents the dead cells (scale bar = 500 m). (B) Quantification of viability for each condition in the deep portion of the tissue (n = 6 for static, n = 7 for 2 MPa, n = 5 for 4 MPa, and n = 5 for 8 MPa). While no significant difference in viability was observed across loading conditions, there was a trending decrease (p = 0.07) due to the lower viability at 8 MPa. Data represented by dot plots with the lines representing median and interquartile range. FDA, fluorescein diacetate; PI, propidium iodide. Credit: Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jor.25677

Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), located in the knee, are typically thought to be caused by acute traumatic events, such as sudden twists. Led by Penn State researchers, new work analyzing an animal model of ACLs suggests that such injuries can also occur as a result of chronic overuse, specifically due to a reduced ability to repair microtraumas associated with overuse. Importantly, the team said, females also are less able to heal from these microtraumas than males, which may explain why females are 2 to 8 times more likely to tear their ACL ligaments than males.

"ACL tears are one of the most common injuries, affecting more than 200,000 people in the U.S. each year, and women are known to be particularly susceptible," said principal investigator Spencer Szczesny, associate professor of biomedical engineering and of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at Penn State. "While recent research suggests that chronic overuse can lead to ACL injuries, until now, no one had investigated the differential biological response of female and male ACLs to applied force."

In the study, which was published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, researchers placed ACLs from deceased male and female rabbits in a custom-made bioreactor that simulated the conditions of a living animal but allowed direct observation and measurement of the tissue. Next, they applied repetitive forces to the ACLs that mimicked those that would naturally occur during activities such as standing, walking and trotting and measured the expression of genes related to healing.

In male samples, the team found that low and moderate applied forces, such as those that would occur during standing or walking, resulted in increased expression of anabolic genes, which are related to building molecules needed for healing. By contrast, larger applied forces, such as those that would occur with repetitive trotting, decreased expression of these anabolic genes. For female samples, however, the amount of force applied did not influence the level of anabolic gene expression.

"It didn't matter whether there was low, medium or high activity for females," said Lauren Paschall, graduate student in biomedical engineering at Penn State and first author on the paper. "Female ACLs exposed to chronic use just didn't heal as well as male ACLs, which may explain why women are predisposed to injuries. This supports the hypothesis that noncontact ACL injuries are attributed to microtraumas associated with chronic overuse that predispose the ACL to injury."

According to the researchers, one explanation for the sex differences the team observed could be due to the higher amounts of estrogen in females.

"Some studies have found that the overall effect of estrogen on ACL injury is negative," Paschall said. "Specifically, studies have shown that human women are more likely to tear their ACLs during the preovulatory phase, when estrogen levels are high, than during the postovulatory phase, when estrogen levels are low."

She said the team plans to further investigate the role of estrogen on ACL injury.

Szczesny noted that although the team's study was not in humans, the findings may suggest that providing additional recovery time for women following injuries could be advantageous.

"Ultimately, this work could also help to identify targets for therapeutics to prevent ACL injuries in women," he said.

More information: Lauren Paschall et al, Cyclic loading induces anabolic gene expression in ACLs in a loaddependent and sexspecific manner, Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jor.25677
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Graphical Abstract. Credit: Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (2023). DOI:10.1016/j.jscai.2023.101190

A novel study conducted by a Japanese multicenter registry has revealed the significant benefits of using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in coronary intervention procedures. The comprehensive analysis, which focused on enhancing patient outcomes, has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of IVUS in improving the success rates of these interventions.

The study, titled "Enhancing coronary intervention outcomes with the use of intravascular ultrasound: A comprehensive analysis of long-term benefits in Japanese multicenter registry," sheds light on the positive impact of IVUS on coronary interventions. The findings, presented today at TCT 2023 and published in the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (JSCAI), highlight the strong benefits of incorporating IVUS into standard practice for coronary interventions.

Coronary intervention procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting, are commonly performed to treat coronary artery disease. IVUS is a medical imaging technique that allows physicians to visualize the inside of blood vessels, providing detailed information about plaque buildup and vessel dimensions. By utilizing IVUS during these procedures, physicians can make more informed decisions and optimize treatment strategies.

The Japanese multicenter registry, which included data from 8,721 patients in a multicenter PCI registry, demonstrated that the use of IVUS led to reduced mortality and need for coronary bypass surgery. The analysis revealed that reduced incidence of major adverse cardiac events, and improved long-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent IVUS-guided procedures.

The registry findings showed that 83.8 % of patients underwent IVUS-guided PCI (mean age 68.311.3 years). After adjustments, the IVUS group had significantly lower rates of death and coronary bypass compared to no IVUS group (HR [95% CI]: 0.73 [0.55-0.96], 0.62 [0.39-0.98]) at the 2-year follow-up, although the primary outcome showed only marginal differences (HR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.71-1.01]). In the subgroup analysis of complex coronary anatomy, the use of IVUS was significantly associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome (HR [95% CI]: 0.72 [0.55-0.93]) as well as death, coronary bypass, heart failure.

Toshiki Kuno, MD, Ph.D., lead researcher of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. "Our study provides robust evidence supporting the use of IVUS in coronary interventions. By visualizing the coronary arteries in real-time, physicians can accurately assess the severity of the disease and optimize stent placement, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes."

As the use of IVUS continues to gain recognition as a valuable tool in coronary interventions, further research and collaboration is critical to fully understand its potential and optimize its utilization. This registry studies advancing the field of coronary intervention and paves the way for improved patient care and outcomes.

More information: Toshiki Kuno et al, Enhancing Coronary Intervention Outcomes Using Intravascular Ultrasound: Analysis of Long-Term Benefits in a Japanese Multicenter Registry, Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jscai.2023.101190 www.jscai.org/article/S2772-93  (23)01192-4/fulltext
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A noninvasive, multitarget stool RNA (mt-sRNA) test has high sensitivity for detecting colorectal neoplasia, according to a study published online Oct. 23 in the Journal of the American Medical Association to coincide with the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, held from Oct. 20 to 25 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Erica K. Barnell, M.D., Ph.D., from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and colleagues conducted a phase 3 clinical trial to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a noninvasive mt-sRNA test (ColoSense) compared with results from colonoscopy. A total of 8,920 participants were identified; all completed the mt-sRNA test, which included a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), concentration of eight RNA transcripts, and participant-reported smoking status.

Stool samples were collected before completion of colonoscopy. The results from mt-sRNA were compared to the index lesions seen on colonoscopy. Patients aged 45 years and older were enrolled from 49 U.S. states; colonoscopies were obtained at more than 3,800 different endoscopy centers.

The researchers found that 0.40 percent of the eligible patients had colorectal cancer and 6.8 percent had advanced adenomas. The sensitivity of the mt-sRNA test for detecting colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas was 94 and 46 percent, respectively; specificity for no lesions on colonoscopy was 88 percent. Compared with results of the FIT, significant improvement in sensitivity was seen for the mt-sRNA test for colorectal cancer (94 versus 78 percent) and advanced adenomas (46 versus 29 percent).

"The mt-sRNA test can be an effective noninvasive test that is sensitive for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas, with a comparable level of false-positive results compared with existing molecular screening tests," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed ties to medical device companies, including Geneoscopy, which developed ColoSense and funded the clinical trial.

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Vertical jump, muscle mass, and VJ/muscle mass reference percentiles for Chinese people aged 8e80, stratified by sex. Credit: He H., et al.

Muscle fitness is a crucial component of health-related fitness, playing a fundamental role in the maintenance of overall well-being and the preservation of regular physical mobility in individuals. The assessment of physical fitness and muscular function can be done through tests such as vertical jump (VJ) and sit-and-reach (SR) assessments.

However, until recently, there have been very few studies investigating the normative value of these tests, with most of the research focusing on English and Canadian adolescents or young adults in North America, and most being athletes.

To address this gap, a team of researchers from China conducted a study to establish age- and gender-specific percentile normative values for VJ and SR tests within a diverse, unselected Chinese population, spanning a wide age spectrum.

The interdisciplinary research team found that in males, VJ values exhibited an upward trajectory, reaching a peak at around the age of 18, with the 5th and 95th percentile values being 17.7 cm and 41.3 cm, respectively.

Subsequently, following this peak, VJ values gradually declined with increasing age. In females, VJ values remained relatively stable from childhood to early adulthood and then declined after the age of 30. The peak values of SR were observed in early adulthood for both sexes, remaining stable in females but declining with age in males.

The findings were published in Global Transitions.

Huijing He, Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Statistics at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and the study's lead author, explained, "Overall, we found that muscle fitness trajectories differ between sexes and change with age. In general, VJ and SR values decline with age, especially in males."

Expanding on the findings, she added, "This study represents a pioneering effort in examining the normative standards for vertical jump and sit-and-reach tests within a Chinese population. These established benchmarks serve as valuable tools for gauging the progression and maturation of muscle function, offering a means to proactively detect health-related issues by identifying deviations from normal muscle fitness levels. Consequently, our data provides a unique opportunity to assess changes in muscle fitness across all ages and genders."

More information: Huijing He et al, The normative values of vertical jump and sit-and-reach in a large general Chinese population aged 880 years: The China National Health Survey, Global Transitions (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2023.08.003

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Credit: Jacob Dwyer, Justine Ross / Michigan Medicine

Research from experts at Michigan Medicine is highlighting the potential for additional at-home assistance for partners of those who are treated in the emergency department for a sexually transmitted infection.

The findings are published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine.

Expedited partner therapy is one method of reducing STI re-infection. It's a safe, effective, harm-reduction-focused practice of treating sex partner(s) of patients with STIs without a clinical exam of the partner(s).

This therapy can involve getting STI treatment prescriptions or medications (i.e., "take-home" expediated partner therapy) for the patient's partner.

The take-home kits are the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's preferred method so that the patient can deliver it directly to their partner, reducing steps in the partner's treatment and thus stopping the spread of the infection.

Kits typically include patient information on STIs, STI treatment medications and instructions, and a list of low-no-cost local STI clinics for follow-up care.

However, despite this partner therapy's ability to eliminate barriers to care, this method has not been extensively studied by emergency departments until now.

A novel idea

A pilot program that partnered with the Michigan Department of Health for expediated partner tharpy take-home kits found that emergency department distribution of the kits was feasible and acceptable. In interviews with emergency room clinicians regarding the project, many favorably noted the public health benefit of it and the unique role the emergency department has in caring for underserved patients.

Whereas no partner therapy was used before the pilot, after the pilot implementation, 25% of emergency department patients that were potentially eligible were provided EPT.

"EPT is commonly used in other clinical settings but has been slow to be adopted by ED clinicians, despite rising ED visits for STIs. Our hope is that by illuminating the barriers to EPT from the ED, we can help EDs across the country implement effective EPT programs to ultimately improve their community's health," said Emily Ager, M.D., M.P.H., emergency medicine resident at Michigan Medicine and an author of the research.

The pilot program found that emergency room physicians support expedited partner therapy, but many were unfamiliar with the prescribing process. However, the pilot project has offered some solutions.

The research team developed an electronic health record order set and pop-up reminder that was significantly effective at increasing prescribing rates when the reminder was displayed. The partner therapy was ordered 42% of the time when there was a reminder and only 8% when there was no reminder.

Importantly, this reminder was welcomed by many of the interviewed clinicians, who "appreciated it as a reminder."

One previous barrier to offering take-home kits has been providing the medication pills since these medications are not billable to the patient. Partnering with a local health department to provide the medicines for the patient's partner allows expansion of this vital treatment to higher-need populations.

"Prescription-based EPT is one step in the right direction of reducing access barriers but still runs into potential challenges of insurance and pharmacy-level awareness of EPT," said research author Rachel Solnick, M.D., MS.c., an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

"Offering ED patients take-home EPT kits to give directly to their partner(s) holds further promise to improving sexual health equity for the most marginalized patients by removing the obstacle of filling the prescriptions," Solnick continued.

Given the continued STI epidemic and associated health inequities, partnerships between emergency departments and local health departments provide essential innovations in health care delivery that could be a model for other hospitals nationwide.

Additional study authors include Andrew A. Gutting, William Sturdavant, Fahmida Ahmed, Melissa DeJonckheere, Keith E. Kocher.

More information: Emily E. Ager et al, Mixed-methods Evaluation of an Expedited Partner Therapy Take-home Medication Program: Pilot Emergency Department Intervention to Improve Sexual Health Equity, Western Journal of Emergency Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.5811/WESTJEM.59506
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Demand for a new shot that protects babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has outpaced supply, prompting U.S. health officials to recommend the doses be saved for high-risk infants.

In an alert posted Monday afternoon, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nirsevimab (Beyfortus) should be reserved for infants with underlying health conditions and those younger than 6 months old.

"We are going to protect some children from RSV this year. We're not going to be able to protect as many as we'd hoped, and that's frustrating," Dr. Buddy Creech, a pediatrician at Vanderbilt and president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society, told CNN.

Babies ages 8 to 19 months old should not receive Beyfortus because they are eligible for an older medication known as palivizumab (Synagis), CNN reported. Unlike Beyfortus, which protects babies for 6 months with a single dose, Synagis has to be given once a month through the RSV season.

Beyfortus was only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this summer.

RSV can infect the lower lungs, causing them to fill with mucus, which can make it hard for infants to breathe and eat. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants younger than 1 year old.

About 81% of babies who needed intensive care for RSV last year had no underlying medical conditions and were born full term, according to a recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

The medication retails for about $500 a dose, CNN reported.

Some pediatricians were reluctant to stock the shots over concern about cost and how much insurance companies would reimburse them, making it harder for parents to locate Beyfortus, CNN reported.

"Despite an aggressive supply plan built to outperform past pediatric vaccine launches, demand for this product, especially for the 100-[milligram] mg doses used primarily for babies born before the RSV season, has been higher than anticipated," one of the shot's makers, Sanofi, said in a statement.

"While deliveries of 100-mg doses continue, new orders are not being taken by Sanofi at this time," the company told CNN.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics is asking for more information about how long the shortage will last.

"We knew there were going to be many barriers to implementation of nirsevimab that we were anticipating, and pediatricians have been working hard to overcome those barriers, but we were assured by the manufacturer that supply would not be one of the barriers," said Dr. Sean O'Leary, who is chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases, said in an AAP article on the shortage.

Doctors should not use two 50-mg doses in place of one 100-mg dose, the AAP advised.

"Using two 50-mg doses in place of a 100-mg dose has not been studied, and is not approved or recommended," the AAP said.

The CDC expects more doses will be available every 2 to 3 weeks, including both the 50- and 100-milligram products, CNN reported.

Doctors should counsel pregnant women to receive the new maternal vaccine for RSV, Abryvso, which also protects newborns, the CDC added.

More information: Natasha Halasa et al, Infants Admitted to US Intensive Care Units for RSV Infection During the 2022 Seasonal Peak, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28950 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

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For patients with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer, the KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib in combination with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor panitumumab results in longer progression-free survival than standard treatment, according to a study published online Oct. 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The research was published to coincide with the annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology, held from Oct. 20 to 24 in Madrid.

Marwan G. Fakih, M.D., from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California, and colleagues randomly assigned patients with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer with mutated KRAS G12C who had not received previous treatment with a KRAS G12C inhibitor to receive sotorasib 960 mg once daily plus panitumumab, sotorasib 240 mg once daily plus panitumumab, or the investigator's choice of trifluridine-tipiracil or regorafenib (standard care; 53, 53, and 54 patients, respectively).

The researchers found that the median progression-free survival was 5.6 and 3.9 months versus 2.2 months in the 960-mg and 240-mg sotorasib-panitumumab groups, respectively, versus the standard-care group after a median follow-up of 7.8 months. The hazard ratio for disease progression or death was 0.49 and 0.58 in the 960-mg and 240-mg sotorasib-panitumumab groups, respectively, compared with the standard-care group. In the 960-mg and 240-mg sotorasib-panitumumab groups and the standard-care group, the objective response rate was 26.4, 5.7, and 0 percent, respectively. Overall, treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 35.8, 30.2, and 43.1 percent, respectively.

"These findings are important in the context of the poor survival outcomes associated with KRAS G12C mutation in patients with colorectal cancer," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed ties to pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, which manufactures sotorasib and panitumumab and funded the study.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
"The government is acutely aware of the continued pressure faced by households in relation to energy costs. While recent price reductions announced by suppliers are welcome, energy prices are still higher than they were in 2020 for a variety of reasons. That is why, as part of the governments package of measures in Budget 2024, we announced this package of three electricity credits which will go directly to over 2.2 million households across the country. This year, we are also doing everything we can to ensure that the credits get to the people who need them.
A white supremacist was arrested for disrupting a peaceful rally in support of Palestine on Saturday, a day marked by several other neo-Nazi appearances across Missoula.

Missoula police issued a misdemeanor citation to a Washington man who allegedly shouted racist slurs at Native Americans during the rally outside the Missoula County Courthouse.

Larkin M. McIntyre, 46, a protester from Washington state in the white supremacist group, was cited with disorderly conduct. Court filings allege McIntyre made several racist slurs toward a group of Native American individuals at the courthouse rally. His language caused them great distress, and they tried to fight McIntyre, the document stated. The incident happened just before noon.

McIntyre was among a group of masked white supremacists waving banners and signs with neo-Nazi slogans at several places across town Saturday. The white supremacists also made appearances along Russell Street outside of the Har Shalom synagogue, and the nearby International Rescue Committee office. Photos and videos shared on social media show the protesters displaying xenophobic, white supremacist and antisemitic banners there and on the South Reserve Street pedestrian bridge.

During the course of their observation and ensuring public safety at the scene, a lieutenant from the Missoula Police Department noticed a concerning escalation in the behavior of one individual, at the courthouse, a news release from the Missoula Police Department stated. The individual's words and actions were deemed to have crossed the line from protected freedom of speech to potentially constituting disorderly conduct.

McIntyre was given multiple verbal warnings by an officer, the release stated, but didnt comply.

McIntyre was arrested but was subsequently released from custody before he was booked into jail, police spokesperson Whitney Bennett said. His initial court hearing for the citation is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26 in Missoula Municipal Court.

Bennett said the incident was captured on an officer's body camera.

Unrelated to the white supremacist group, roughly 75 to 100 people gathered in support of Palestine in downtown Missoula on Saturday as fighting in Gaza continues. Missoulians held signs reading Free Palestine and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as violence in the region mounts.

"Montanans in solidary with Palestine were subjected to Nazi intimidation, but we were not their main targets," organizers of the pro-Palestine gathering said in a statement after the rally. "The same neo-Nazi group targeted the Har Shalom synagogue and the International Rescue Committee offices, attempting to intimidate our local Jewish community and refugees ... We offer our unqualified solidarity with the Jewish and immigrant communities in Missoula against fascism."

Witnesses at Har Shalom said they believed the white supremacists were members of an "Active Club," described by the Anti-Defamation League website as a nationwide network of localized white supremacist crews. The clubs are racist groups of men engaging in martial training and public actions who target Jewish people and LGBTQ+ groups, according to the Har Shalom statement.

Several branches of the Active Club Network came together first at Har Shalom, displaying anti-Jewish and anti-refugee signs, a statement on the synagogues website says. The police were present, and no one engaged in violence. There were two people in the building, who were able to leave during the demonstration.

Mark Kula, the rabbi at Har Shalom, said hes seen hate groups in Missoula before, but never outside of the synagogue or another Jewish establishment.

Thats a big change, he said.

Kula recalled hearing the protesters shouting similar, racist language out of bullhorns on Saturday. He estimated the white supremacist group outside of Har Shalom consisted of 20 people.

It makes one feel unsafe and uncomfortable, but very clearly this is a small minority of people who are troubled and filled with hatred, Kula said. We cant let these small, damaged and hateful groups disrupt life.

Kula said hes received widespread support from the Missoula community in the wake of Saturday's white supremacist demonstrations.

In a statement, the IRC, a refugee resettlement agency, strongly condemned the neo-Nazi protesters seen in Missoula this weekend.

We are shocked that a white supremacist group demonstrated in front of our offices, at the nearby synagogue Har Shalom, and the courthouse over the weekend, the statement read. Demonstrators shouted hate-filled messages and carried abhorrent signs.

Welcoming people fleeing violence reflects Montanas best values, and the IRC has worked closely with local groups to help refugees get settled in Missoula, the organization said.

Hate has no place in our community, in the United States, or anywhere, the organization wrote. The IRC strongly condemns all forms of hate, racism, prejudice and xenophobia. We stand with the entire Missoula community against hate.
Fires set by machine on railroad (Friday, Oct. 26, 1973)

Fire departments from Drexel, Triple Community and Morganton were called out to the Southern Railway right-of-way from Drexel into Morganton on Thursday afternoon and evening to put out blazes along the railroad tracks.

According to reports, a railway company machine grinding rails was dropping hot metal particles onto the crossties of the track, which caused the crossties to ignite into four different fires. One of the firefighters said the grinding machine was followed by a tanker that sprayed water along the tracks to prevent fires, but trains came along shortly afterward and fanned the hot metal filings into blazes. The flare-ups were put out by fire personnel over the space of about two hours.

Foul play feared in injury of man (Thursday, Oct. 25, 1973)

The Burke County Sheriffs Office suspects foul play in an incident involving an 83-year-old man in critical condition at a Winston-Salem hospital with a head injury.

An investigation led by Sheriff Alvin Wise revealed that the victim had gone hunting with his beagle dogs around 9 a.m. on Wednesday and was discovered around 1:30 p.m. that day by his wife about 300 feet from the house. She came upon him lying on his back with a wound above his right eye. He was taken to Morgantons Grace Hospital and later transferred to Winston-Salem.

Wise said doctors treating the victim reported that his injury was believed to be of a more serious nature than he could have received in a fall. Robbery was apparently not a motive, as the man still had his money and personal effects in possession.

We have some good leads in this case, and were hoping theyll turn up something for us, Wise said.

Alcohol cases bring 50 judgments (Thursday, Oct. 25, 1973)

More than 50 judgments were handed down in 25th District Court on Wednesday by Resident District Court Judge Wheeler Dale in 73 alcohol-related cases in which local and state ABC officers and local authorities arrested more than 30 people in a county-wide raid earlier this month.

Only 19 of the 73 original charges were continued until later dates due to attorneys being required to appear in Burke County Superior Court in other cases.

Experts to gather at Western Carolina Center (Thursday, Oct. 25, 1973)

The Western Carolina Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a week of rededication and a countdown for the next decade.

Next Monday through Thursday, more than 20 outstanding leaders in the field of mental disability will share what the next decade may hold in the way of programs and services for special-needs individuals. The series of seminars is designed to more clearly define future objectives for those who serve such individuals.

Anyone interested in this topic is welcome to attend the seminar event. Registration is $10 per person. WCC has sent out more than 1,100 invitations, including to the staff members of similar facilities in North Carolina, area mental health programs, schools for the deaf, mental hospitals, related associations and elected officials. Dr. J. Iverson Riddle, center superintendent, will preside over Mondays seminar sessions.

Local businesses employ deaf students (Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1973)

Three teachers at the North Carolina School for the Deaf have allowed local deaf students to gain real-world experience by helping them become employed by local businesses.

Hattie Dickens, Bill Apple and Ann Paetz are cooperatively teaching a class at NCSD called Pre-Vocational Occupational On-the-Job Training Program for Exceptional Children. The teachers shared their excitement that three Morganton employers were willing to give training and employment to eight NCSD students. The employers include Ingles Markets, Holiday Inn and the Wishy-Washy Car Wash.

The students assigned to the car wash six weeks ago were trained by Jack Mull, according to Apple.

When I went to check on these two students and their progress, Jack told me my boys are becoming increasingly skilled, Apple said.

The class for exceptional children worked in August at Fruit Ridge Farm, owned by John Branstrom. From this experience, the teachers report that two interesting things happened.

The foreman told me he didnt know what he would have done if our students had not helped with the picking of the apples, Dickens said. When the students realized how pleased he had been with them, their whole attitude began to change.

The second thing that happened was that the students earned money to put in the bank so they could experience the joy of writing checks for spending money.
A bicyclist was hit and killed on N.C. 18 south of Morganton late Monday night.

A man on a bicycle was headed north on N.C. 18 in the northbound lane near Salem Fire Station 2 when a southbound pickup truck went into the northbound lane to pass another vehicle and hit the cyclist around 8:26 p.m., said Sgt. A.K. Johnson with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The cyclist, 43-year-old Mark Anthony Mode of Morganton, was killed in the crash, Johnson said.

The truck, which was in a passing zone at the time of the crash, left the scene initially but later returned, Johnson said. The driver told troopers he first thought he hit some kind of cart when the crash happened.

Mode was wearing dark clothing at the time and was hauling a cart behind his bicycle, Johnson said. Troopers are still working to determine if there were reflectors on the bicycle.

There were no signs of impairment and the road was not lighted, the Highway Patrol said in a release.

Troopers will consult with the district attorneys office to determine whether charges should be filed, Johnson said.

Salem Fire Rescue, Burke County REACT, Burke County EMS and the Burke County Sheriffs Office all responded to the scene along with the Highway Patrol.
Stolen lamb

On Friday afternoon, a lamb was stolen from a corral on Browns Gulch Road.

Refusing to leave

At about 2:20 a.m. Saturday, Frank O. Tallbull, 44, of Butte was at the Town Pump at 1370 Harrison Ave. when he refused to leave despite being was told repeatedly to do so.

When police arrived, Tallbull, who appeared to be intoxicated, was sitting near the west side of the building. He was taken to jail.

MHP arrests

A trooper with the Montana Highway Patrol arrested Ciana M. Dale, 40, of Butte, booking her into jail at around 2:30 a.m. Saturday for allegedly driving under the influence and criminal child endangerment.

Lori R. Mahns, 41, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody Saturday for probation violation.

No-bond warrant

Officers arrived at the offices of Adult Probation & Parole at 4:30 p.m. Friday to arrest Jonathan P. Korman, 32, of Butte.

Korman had a no-bond warrant out for his arrest from Powell County and was taken to jail.

Taken into custody

On Friday, Jacob D. McCaslin, 36, of Butte was at Little Caesars Pizza when he called to report a stolen 2000 Subaru Legacy.

When police arrived, they learned McCaslin had several felony warrants out for his arrest, and he was taken into custody.

Several offenses

Last Wednesday, Michael J. Merzlak, 36, of Butte was driving on South Main Street when an officer noticed the car he was driving had expired license plates.

Merzlak was taken into custody for expired plates, no liability insurance, driving with a suspended drivers license, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, no vehicle registration, and violation of release conditions.

Motorcycle found

Early Monday, Matthew B. Allen, 35, of Butte was found to be in possession of a motorcycle that had been reported stolen from the Town Pump at 531 S. Montana St., on Oct. 9.

Since that time, the motorcycle had reportedly been spray painted.

At the time of his arrest, Allen allegedly had in his possession a syringe with suspected drugs and a baggie of suspected drugs.

He was jailed for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and theft.
The details about actual long-term economic benefits that may come to pass are a bit vague, but the top elected officials in Montana are touting Mondays announcement that the state has been selected as a regional tech hub by the federal Economic Development Administration.

Federal officials say that what will be known as the Headwaters Hub will make Montana eligible to compete for a share of $500 million worth of federal funds in order to become a global leader in smart, autonomous, photonic remote sensing technologies.

Bozeman and Montana State University appear poised to have a jumpstart on qualifying for the funding, as there are several photonics companies in that area. However, the tech hub will be led by Accelerate Montana, which is based on the University of Montana campus in Missoula.

Montana was awarded $450,000 in strategy development funding for immediate use, but the real question about how big of a deal this is for Montana remains to be seen. But Sen. Jon Tester, Sen. Steve Daines and Gov. Greg Gianforte all released statements about the project.

Tester's staff said that as the only member of the Montana delegation to serve on the Senate Commerce Committee, he secured an amendment in the CHIPS and Science Act that means rural places in America could benefit from the funding.

Innovation can happen in any corner of America, which is why Ive led the push to bring a Regional Tech Hub to Montana, Tester said in a statement. Todays designation affirms what Montanans across our state already know to be true: There is untapped potential in rural America, and the Treasure State is ready to lead the nation in strengthening American security through domestic manufacturing and innovation. Im proud to have led the charge to secure this competitive designation that will unlock new private and federal investments to turbocharge Montanas economy, small businesses, and academic institutions.

Daines said the designation will help Montana's technology sector, help the U.S. "win the race against China" and create good-paying jobs.

"Todays announcement is another milestone for Montana, speaks volumes about the quality of our workforce and further solidifies our standing as a leading hub for cutting-edge technology and research in the country," Daines said in a statement. "From optics and photonics to quantum computing, I am grateful to help advance Montanas ability to contribute even further to the important research and development that will help strengthen our national security and help us stay competitive against China."

The Montana Department of Commerce partnered with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, the Montana Chamber of Commerce and other industry and state leaders to develop and submit the proposal on behalf of the state of Montana.

Thanks to our pro-business policies and the unparalleled work ethic of Montanans, Montana is a growing hub for innovative, job-creating businesses in photonics, optics, and quantum, Gianforte said.

Accelerate Montana operates a variety of programs across the state from its base in Missoula. Seth Bodnar, president of the University of Montana, lauded the news.

In Montana, our ability to adapt, innovate, and educate makes us uniquely positioned to house a tech hub, Bodnar said. With UMs record research growth and Accelerate Montanas innovative programs for workforce development in a rural setting, we are as prepared as any place in the U.S. to conduct the research, development, and manufacturing needed to ensure international dominance in the critical technology fields in our proposal. Sen. Tester and his relentless push to deliver a tech hub to our state will bring tremendous opportunities for Montanans for years to come.

According to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the goal of the program is to diversify the country so that tech hubs develop outside of the traditional places like Silicon Valley, Seattle and Boston.

According to officials in the administration of President Joe Biden, the CHIPS and Science Act is meant to spur the development of industries so that America can produce microchips and semiconductors rather than relying on foreign countries for those crucial products.

Business officials in Montana could barely contain their excitement at the news.

"The gravity of this federal announcement officially designating Montanas Headwaters Technology Hub cannot be understated," said Nancy Schlepp, chair of the Montana Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. "This sets the stage for Montana to lead innovation efforts into the future, requiring significant and sustainable growth in the mining industry. Critical materials and rare earth minerals in our region are key to securing our supply chain and producing photonic sensing systems."

Earlier this month, Lee Montana reporter Tom Lutey broke the news that the U.S. Department of Energy planned to spend up to $1 billion developing the technology in a three-state hydrogen hub, involving Washington, Oregon and Montana. A solar-powered hydrogen project in St. Regis has been included in that project.
After a three-day bench trial in September, Muscatine District Court Judge Tamra Roberts is ready to announce a verdict in the vehicular homicide case of Joshua Peters.

A hearing for Roberts to read the verdict is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Muscatine County courthouse.

After the trial concluded, the attorneys in the case had until Oct. 10 to submit closing arguments in writing. Peters is charged with homicide by vehicle  operating under the influence, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison; leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison; first-degree theft, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; and driving while barred.

Shortly after midnight on April 22, Muscatine County Sheriffs deputies responded to Fairport State Recreation Area, 3284 Highway 22, for a missing-person and stolen vehicle report. They met with the wife and daughter of William A. Talbot, 71, of Davenport, who reported their blue 2016 Chevrolet Equinox had been stolen while Talbot was inside. Deputies later learned Peters and the Talbots arrived together at the campground the previous evening and allege Peters ingested meth after arriving.

Deputies had been to the campground earlier in the evening for a disturbance they were unable to locate. Peters and several unidentified people were involved in an altercation. Peters fled in the SUV, and Talbot was unable to escape from the vehicle. Peters reportedly drove erratically at a high rate of speed, leaving the roadway and striking a road sign before driving about 255 feet off the roadway into the Mississippi River.

Peters escaped the sinking vehicle, Talbot did not, according to the law enforcement reports. Talbots body was recovered inside the SUV by Muscatine County Search and Rescue later that morning.

Photos: Homicide, Palmer Drive, Aug. 27, 2022 082722jr-homicide-palmer
NEW YORK  Supporters of Israel and backers of the Palestinian cause held competing rallies in several American cities Sunday over the conflict that has killed hundreds and wounded thousands in the Middle East.

In New York City, a skirmish broke out between opposing demonstrators near the United Nations compound after a large group of Palestinian supporters rallied in Times Square. Palestinian Americans protested outside the Israeli consulates in Atlanta and Chicago. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led a Jewish community gathering to support Israel at a synagogue in San Francisco.

The demonstrations and involvement of American political leaders show the far-reaching ramifications of a conflict that's already prompted the U.S. to order naval forces deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean, ready to assist Israel. Here's what reaction around the country has looked like:

New York

In New York City, police ringed the United Nations compound as scores of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered a block away, chanting and waving flags. Metal barricades kept them on sidewalks as officers worked to separate them from an opposing group across the street, some waving Israeli flags.

As some pro-Palestinian demonstrators were leaving, men yelling and carrying Israeli flags crossed the barricades. A short skirmish broke out in the crowd, with one man ripping away an Israeli flag and throwing it to the sidewalk, where people stomped on it. Police quickly separated the two sides.

We want to show the world that when Palestine rises up in resistance, the diaspora rises with it, Munir Atalla, of the Palestinian Youth Movement, said before the scuffle.

In Times Square, social media earlier showed Palestinian supporters rallied with police barricades separating the crowd from a pro-Israel group. The pro-Palestinians eventually marched away chanting free, free Palestine, long live Palestine and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free as tourists and onlookers snapped photos.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, condemned the planned pro-Palestinian rally in a statement on Saturday night, calling it abhorrent and morally repugnant. Other political leaders in New York have issued similar statements.

Atlanta

In Atlanta, more than 75 people demonstrated at the Israeli consulate Sunday afternoon, chanting slogans in support of Hamas and calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel.

Yesterday was inevitable, said Anne Belocura, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. She said that the policies of Israel precipitated an inevitable counteroffensive by Palestinian resistance forces."

Talia Segal, a student at nearby Georgia Tech, came as a counter-protester, carrying an Israeli flag fringed with the rainbow of the LGBTQ+ pride movement.

Terrorism is never justified. Their target was Israeli civilians, said Segal, who is Jewish and said she fears for her family in Israel.

Chicago

In Chicago, Priscilla Reed was among hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who rallied outside the Israeli consulate. Many waved Palestinian flags or wore keffiyeh, the black and white checkered scarfs that have come to symbolize Palestinian solidarity. Their chants, in English and Arabic, included, Netanyahu you will see, Palestine will be free!

Reed, a retired teacher, said the attacks by Hamas were in response to Israel's "systemic daily violence against Palestinians.
After months of grappling with Bells Palsy, a condition that temporarily paralyzed one side of her face, media personality Annitah Akiru Raey has fully recovered.

In an update on her socials on Monday, October 23, the former radio presenter attributed her recovery to God.

Fully recovered Si tuseme Mungu sio Kamau. Super grateful and will forever be grateful for this season, she tweeted.

Annitah also expressed her gratitude to well-wishers who supported her, as well as online trolls who made fun of her when she went public about her condition in August of this year.

Thank you for all the messages. Both love and hate some grew my heart others grew my Twitter numbers. All grew me anyway, she quipped.

Annitah also shared a picture showing her recovered face after undergoing three months of facial therapy.

The popular social media personality first noticed symptoms in July 2023 and initially thought she had an infection.

I fell ill, and initially attributed it to a viral infection. At first, I didnt take it seriously, but my concerns grew after returning from Kilifi. I started experiencing fever, body weakness, and what seemed like a pimple on my lips, which I initially dismissed as a flu. I tried self-medication but eventually sought medical attention when the pain became unbearable, she said.

Annitah says she went to a hospital where she was prescribed a cream that triggered adverse side effects.

At the hospital, I was given a cream, which, unfortunately, triggered a reaction that resulted in numerous blisters resembling burn wounds. The excruciating pain led to a spike in my blood pressure, which ultimately caused Bells Palsy, which affected the nerves on the right side of my face. Its worth noting that Bells Palsy can have various causes, and in my case, it was primarily due to the elevated blood pressure, which in turn placed pressure on my facial nerves, she explained.

Annitah also opened up about the most challenging moments she faced during her battle with the neurological disorder that usually resolves on its own within six months.

The day I posted a photo, I started receiving Rest in peace messages in my DMs. Thats when it hit me hard that I was truly unwell. I got so upset that I was unable to feed properly, she said.

Adding: I experienced a profound sense of disconnection from my own identity to the point where I shaved my hair. Initially, it was so hard to even face the camera. I wasnt confident enough to even look at myself. I used to conceal my appearance with a cap, but gradually, I began to accept my new appearance. Some said I had cancer and I was bombarded with numerous theories.

She also mentioned that the condition changed her relationship with God.

This illness has forced me to view my relationship with God in a new light. It was a period of introspection, silence, and learning. I voluntarily took a hiatus from social media to avoid external influences. I chose to speak about my experience when I felt emotionally prepared to handle peoples reactions and comments. Said Annitah.
Brian Mwenda, the infamous fake lawyer accused of impersonating a High Court advocate, has been released on a Ksh200,000 cash bail.

Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina, sitting at the Milimani Law courts in Nairobi, ruled that the prosecution had not presented compelling reasons to deny bail to the accused.

The prosecution had urged the court to deny Mwenda bail, contending that if released, he might not appear for court proceedings.

The court also heard that Mwendas behavior indicated a lack of respect for the law, given that he allegedly evaded the police for over four days.

But through his lawyers, John Khaminwa and Danstan Omari, Mwenda argued that the accusations suggesting he might abscond court proceedings are untrue. He claimed that he has no motive to leave the country.

Mwenda was last Wednesday charged with creating a fraudulent certificate for admission to practice law as an Advocate.

The fake lawyer pleaded not guilty to six charges, including making a false document, uttering a false document, and identity theft.

The case will be mentioned on November 7, 2023.

Mwenda allegedly accessed the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) portal and manipulated the account details of an individual with the same name. He reportedly uploaded his own picture and falsely claimed to be trained in law.

The real lawyer, Brian Mwenda Ntwiga, contacted the LSK when he encountered difficulties accessing his account and discovered that certain details had been altered.
On Saturday night, two security guards attached to Ambassador Dr Monica Juma, President William Rutos national security advisor, reportedly shot and killed a lone gunman along the Mwingi-Garissa highway near Nguni market.

According to the incident report at Nguni police station, the two bodyguards drawn from the military police were en route from Nairobi to Mwingi East, which is Dr. Jumas hometown.

The former Defence Cabinet Secretary in the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Reports indicate that the assailant shot in the air, signaling the officers to stop. He ordered them out of the vehicle and robbed them. As the suspect made his escape, he fired three rounds, forcing the armed officers to respond with gunfire, killing him on the spot.

Upon inspecting his bag, the officers discovered various items, including Somali currency, food provisions, a solar panel, and a small black bag containing 38 bullets. The assailants AK-47 firearm was loaded with 23 bullets.

Also found in his possession were two pairs of open shoes, a small sauce pan, a knife, a solar panel, 15 dry batteries, scissors, a pen, and an electric tester, the report detailed.

Investigators said they working to establish the identity of the attacker who they suspect was a member of the al Shabaab who had strayed into the area.

He is said to have been targeting motorists for several days while hiding behind the bushes.

Moments before the encounter with Dr Jumas aides, the suspect targeted a water tanker from St Andrews Academy in Mwingi, discharging gunfire at the truck.

The driver of the tanker, Patrick Mutie, informed the police that he saw an armed man signaling him to stop, but instead, he accelerated away from the scene.

Mutie said he heard three shots and noticed that his right front tire had been struck. Despite the flat tire, he continued driving until he reached Nguni market.

The deceaseds body was transported to Mwingi Level Four Hospital mortuary as investigations continued.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi Monday met the leadership of the County First Ladies Association (CFLA) to strategically advance programs touching the vulnerable across the 47 counties.

They included First Ladies, Excellencies, Chair Allamitu Jattani (Marsabit), Saline Barchok (Bomet), Beatrice Sakaja (Nairobi), Dr. Emily Chesire (Baringo), EdnaLenku (Kajiado), Emily Nyaribo (Nyamira), and Rukia Abdinasir (Wajir).

Speaking during the meeting, Pastor Dorcas shared her journey of reaching out to the boy child, widows, orphans and people with disabilities in the last one year since the Kenya Kwanza Government came into office.

She highlighted her visits to the drug dens, streets, and rehabilitation centres to seek the transformation of the boys and men lost in alcohol, drug and substance abuse.

We decided to sit and talk about the boy child with the county first ladies, and also about our counties and nation, and the condition of drug abuse in the nation. We are accountable. When a mother speaks, the nation listens, said Pastor Dorcas.

Just like malaria and HIV, we are asking people not to condemn this men in addictions,but to encourage them to become a part of rehabilitation and transformation. Much of the GBV, FGM cases, can actually be addressed when the boy child is parented and brought up the right way, added Pastor Dorcas.

The Chair of the Association, Allamitu Jattani (First Lady Marsabit County) said their meeting was an eyeopener into the office of the spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP) programs.

When we heard you (Pastor Dorcas) talk about the boy child, we realized there is agap, and the boy child issues need to be urgently addressed, said First Lady Jattani.

We are looking to have a bigger meeting with Her Excellency, which shall be inclusive of all spouses of governors in Kenya, so she can share with us in a large way, how to support her vision, and we can support her in a big way. We believe in a healthy and balanced community that works together and takes care of the vulnerable, boy child, said FL Jattani.

She also pointed out the need to demystify the perspective of rehabilitation centres in the eyes of the public, for the facilities to be viewed as sanctuaries of treatment and mentoring.

First Lady Jattani also decried the high numbers of widows in the Marsabit and North Eastern parts of Kenya caused by border conflicts that result to death of the men.

Edna Lenku, spouse of Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado Governor) said they were happy with the direction taken by Pastor Dorcas in advocating for the youth. She expressed support for the programs.

As mothers, led by pastor Dorcas, we shall hold the hands of our youth and walk with them because we love our nation, families and this is a crucial opportunity given to us by God, said FL Lenku.

As wives of Governors and county first ladies, we work with the community. We championed the cause of the girl child and we thank God for its success; but looking back, we see the boy child was left behind, and we must champion this cause, she added.

Pastor Dorcas agreed to work with the First Ladies, their association, and reach the 47 counties to better the lives of vulnerable populations through the programs of the boy child, widows and orphans and people with disabilities, and founded on chaplaincy, outreach and family values.
A revolutionary agricultural idea which is quickly sweeping parts of Kenya and rejuvenating farmers and would-be farmers has taken over the country with what can only be described as mass hysteria capturing thousands of farming enthusiasts eager to not only farm but also rake big.

The idea, a brainchild of the GPC Organic Farming, is known as Signerr and is aimed at introducing the first-ever carbon farming in Kenya while at the same time addressing not just poverty but also tribal and regional clashes caused by, among other things, lack of land to farm on and ways to generate an income.

Already, thousands of Kenyans drawn from the expansive Laikipia County have started flocking to a 18,000-plus acre of land in Rumuruti as the farming hysteria kicks off with many getting drawn from far and wide, some coming from as far as Lamuria, Mukogondo, Ngarua and Nyahururu.

Over the last several days already, the farm has seen an unprecedented influx of farmers  men, women, young and old  as they all heed to the Signerr call, tagging along their friends and family members as more pour into the farms ready to till and plant.

Photos and videos seen by this publication show massive tracts of land stretching over tens of kilometers with people busy working around  either fencing, weeding, leveling and basically ploughing around.

As the first-ever carbon farming initiative in Kenya, Signerr seeks to introduce regenerative agriculture and revitalise the Kenyan soil as farmers rotate different types of crops over time helping limit pest infestations and nourishing beneficial microbes in the soil.

To achieve that, Signerr has introduced the GPC Biochar fertilizer  the only such type in Kenya  which not only increases microbial activity in the soil but also works in any type of soil to get healthier results with less work.

The pandemonium has been so massive that the local authorities in Rumuruti have already moved in to ascertain the authenticity of the program, fearing that this was yet another ploy aimed at swindling Laikipia farmers.

We have already spoken to the local authorities here who had called to enquire about this farming program. They were a little afraid since, over the last few years, alot of conmen and swindlers have taken advantage of Laikipia people in the farms. They, however, are satisfied with our program after confirming its legality. We are also aware that farmers in Rumuruti have been lied to massively in the past and wish to assure them that, at Signerr, all that trickery is gone!  Abraham Wanjiru, Signerr Head of Operations, said.

According to Joe Kariuki, the Signerr CEO, the program is in its early development and, within the next several days, there will be a never-been-seen before farming revolution which will not only shake up Laikipia but also settle the endemic tribal clashes once and for all.

Were not just here to teach farmers how to make money. Were here to lift societies, were here to completely change the communities and we are here to solve issues that have bothered successive governments for decades. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of Rumuruti and I am happy to be behind it all,  Joe said.
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Hope Reed was seeing stark disparities a decade ago at her high school in the suburbs of Columbia, South Carolina.

Nearly half the school's students were white, but the freshman remedial math classes were made up of almost all students of color. Reed, then chair of the math department at Blythewood High School, intervened with an experiment.

She taught a ninth-grade remedial class and used the regular Algebra 1 curriculum with nearly 50 students. They were honors students, and they were going to do honors work, she recalled telling them.

At the end of the year, about 90% of the students passed. The experiment convinced Reed that detracking  or getting rid of classes that separate students by achievement level  could be a key to narrowing gaps in math performance. The school then tried going a step further, enrolling all ninth-graders in the same level of math class.

Racial achievement gaps have worsened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruptions to learning. Math scores dropped for Black 13-year-olds far more than white 13-year-olds between the 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 school years, according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation's Report Card.

Addressing those disparities is critical for strengthening students understanding of math, and for increasing their access to higher-paying jobs in STEM fields. Schools that have implemented detracking have aimed to level the playing field by exposing all students to the same higher concepts and standards.

Step into any American school and youll most likely find tracked classes, especially for math.

The practice took root during the 20th century. Following immigration waves, desegregation orders and the inclusion of special education students in classes, tracking separated those students deemed fit for higher learning from those seem as less intelligent, said Kevin Welner, an educational policy professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Tracking continues to reflect larger societal inequalities given that students from marginalized backgrounds often come to kindergarten or first grade already with measured achievement gaps.

Studies of schools that have detracked classes show achievement gaps have been narrowed with varying levels of success, Welner said. He pointed to the Rockville Centre school district on New York's Long Island as the gold standard. In the 1990s, it got rid of many tracked classes in its middle school and high school, and provided training for teachers to handle students of varying levels in the same classroom. As a result, the district has seen more students take more advanced classes.

When Reed expanded detracking across ninth-grade math classes in the 2014-15 school year at Blythewood High, an additional class was also added for students who would have been placed in lower-level math classes. Those students received algebra lessons in the morning, and then took Algebra 1 with their full class.

The additional learning time offered a boost in confidence for students, Reed said.

The extra math seminar also ensured the pace of learning did not slow down for students who would have been in a higher-level class.

Among the ninth-graders enrolled in the math seminar in 2014-205 was Kianna Livingston. Initially, she believed she wasnt good at math. But Livingston, who is Black, said her confidence grew with her skills.

Livingston recalled feeling so assured of her math knowledge that she would help other students.

It really allowed me to really own my leadership skills, she said.

Still, tracking returned to Blythewoods math classes.

A small group of students continued to struggle with the material despite the support from the math seminar, Reed said. By the middle of the 2014-15 school year, she realized they might fail and not receive math credit. So those students were moved to a slower-paced algebra class.

That tension highlights what some education experts say is one troubling aspect of detracking: The approach lacks flexibility for when students need more support.

If you have kids who are really struggling at mathematics, they really need to be identified and probably treated differently in terms of curriculum and instruction than kids who are just sailing through math courses, said Tom Loveless, an education researcher and former senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who has studied detracking for three decades

Loveless cited San Francisco as an example where detracking hasnt helped. Reed, who now works with just freshmen at Blythewood, said she still believes in detracking. The schools end-of-course passing rate has never been as high as it was in 2014-15, when for at least half a year the school had completely detracked Algebra 1.

The average score for Black students on the exam was 80, up two points from the year prior. The average for white students was 83, an increase by less than one point from the year prior.

But after that first year, the school approached the setup differently. Rather than moving struggling students to another math class midyear, teachers started the school year with two lower-track math classes. The last remnant of her program, the math seminar, ended with the last school year due to changes in the school schedule.

Reed is keen on seeing this years end-of-course data to see how it compares with previous years, but she isnt critical of the changes. At the core of her efforts, she said, is a desire to give all students the opportunity to try higher-level math classes.

They just need to know they matter, she said.

Here's where every state stands on math and reading proficiency amid 20-year lows Intro 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 DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
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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

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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
On October 23, in Tehran, upon invitation of the Iranian side, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the regional consultative platform (3+3), which was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

During the meeting Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan noted that there are problems, very complicated problems and there is a history, but these issues need to be addressed otherwise, the region is doomed to remain in the past. Minister Mirzoyan added that settlement of current issues may ensure a cooperative environment in the region as an important guarantee for development.

Emphasizing that it will not be possible to implement future plans if the red lines of regional coexistence defined by international law are not respected by all, Minister Mirzoyan indicated that the goals and principles of the United Nation Charter and in particular the exclusion of the use of force and the threat of force, the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, inviolability of borders and the protection of fundamental human rights should be the guidelines. Moreover, it is important to adhere to these principles both in our actions and in our rhetoric. In conditions of aggressive and threatening rhetoric, it is difficult to imagine the creation of a favorable environment, which will allow the implementation of ambitious regional projects. Armenia, for its part, is loyal to those principles. - Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized in his speech.

Referring to the agreement reached during the previous meeting in December 2021, that these consultations will not turn into a platform to discuss the conflicts, but rather will mostly focus on joint economic and development agendas, Minister Mirzoyan noted that Armenia values regional cooperation in economy, logistics, energy, water resources management, protection of cultural heritage and other areas.

Touching upon the unblocking of regional infrastructure Foreign Minister of Armenia noted: The Republic of Armenia, being a landlocked country, is interested in the unblocking and further development of all infrastructure in the region. Based on the principles of sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity and equality of countries the Republic of Armenia is ready to become part of regional infrastructure projects. We believe that the intersection of north-south and east-west transportation routes in our region, including the sovereign territory of Armenia, can become a unique crossroad of peace for all of us.

Minister Mirzoyan noted in his remarks that Armenia gives importance especially to the process of integrating railway infrastructures, through the construction or re-operation of the necessary infrastructures in particular. The Republic of Armenia is interested in having a railway connection with Iran, Russia and Central Asia through the territory of Azerbaijan, based on the principle of reciprocity providing access to the railway passing through its territory for other regional countries, as well as for other international passage. In this context, the reopening of the Gyumri-Kars railway, as well as the passage of a branch of the North-South project through the territory of Armenia, is of no less important.
A conversation between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan took place within the framework of the "3+3" format meeting in Tehran. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian informed about this based on the results of the meeting held in the Iranian capital.

"The meeting between [Armenian FM] Ararat Mirzoyan and [Azerbaijani FM] Jeyhun Bayramov within the framework of the 3+3 meeting, which took place in Tehran, is one of the steps on the path leading to peace and friendship between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Within the framework of the meeting, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia had the opportunity to speak. This meeting will contribute to establishing stability and security in the South Caucasus," Amir-Abdollahian said.

A meeting of foreign ministers in the "3+3" format with the participation of the FMs of Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Armenia took place Monday in Tehran.

The development of regional cooperation in various domains was discussed at this meeting.

One of the main goals of the meeting held in the "3+3" format is the solution of regional problems, but without the participation of non-regional countries and with the participation of regional countries, as well as the holding of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
During the one-day program, we were able to have very good and effective discussions with Armenian officials, particularly with the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure. Mehrdad Bazrpash, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iranian, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

"The matters we discussed were related to the transport sector, as well as the implementation processes of various sections of the North-South road, and also Armenia's access to the Caspian Sea. This was a very important visit," he said.

According to the Iranian official, it was very important that an Iranian company was able to sign a contract with the Armenian side regarding the construction of a section of the North-South road.

"It is an important document and a very good opportunity for Iranian companies, as Iranian companies have a very rich experience in road construction and will be able to invest their experience in road construction. In addition, the companies of the two countries can take part in each other's infrastructure development projects," he added.

Bazrpash emphasized that one of the important matters that was discussed with Armenian officials, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, was related to the zeroing of road fees.

"It will best contribute to the growth of the amount of trade between the two countries. Also, during the meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia, an agreement was reached regarding the construction of a number of schools in the territory of Armenia. A part of the programs will be implemented in the coming months," he added.

The Iranian minister noted that another matter that was discussed was transport, as well as truck traffic.

"The matter of building a new bridge over the Araks River was also discussed. Of course, the parties should be able to come to a final agreement in that regard in the coming months. The other important matter related to the guarantees provided by the banks, which will facilitate the activities of Iranian companies in Armenia. Mr. Minister promised me that a representative will be appointed in that regard to follow up on this matter," he said.

Mehrdad Bazrpash stressed that Armenia is a friendly country for Iran.

"We have never been harmed by Armenia. Our main position has always been to support the territorial integrity of Armenia. Peace is very important in the South Caucasus region, which can be a good stimulus for the development of economic relations," said the Iranian minister.

And to the question whether the construction of a new bridge connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan via Iran can be considered as part of Iran's policy to curb Azerbaijan's intentions to open the "Zangezur Corridor" by force, he responded: Iran has expressed its clear position regarding the Zangezur Corridor. Iran is a country of opportunities in logistics and transport. We will spare no effort for Armenia and are ready to share our experience with the Armenian side."
Foreign online casinos and bookmakers that accept bets from Armenia must be licensed under the same conditions as local companies. Gevorg Papoyan, co-author of the bill on amendments to the Law on Gambling, Internet Totalizers and Casinos and an MP of the ruling Civil Contract Faction, announced this at the session of the National Assembly Tuesday, during the second and final reading of this bill.

According to the bill, people in Armenia who bet in online casinos must open special accounts. These accounts can be filled independently. Thus, according to the authors of this legislative initiative, if before the circle of gambling lovers in Armenia remained unclear until the end, now the situation will radically change.

"It will be possible to find out whether the disadvantaged sections of the population [of Armenia], who, for example, receive family benefits, make bets," said Papoyan.

The same applies to Armenias security forces, as well as some other groups of persons.

The Armenian authorities want to introduce targeted restrictions in this way.

Gambling companies are not against these changes, the Armenian authorities assure. But even so, they demand to maintain a level playing field.

In 2022, the amount of bets made in Armenia increased 1.5 timesfrom 3.9 to 5.8 trillion drams ($12.5 billion).

And in the first half of 2023, the growth of the number of bets made in Armenia increased noticeablyby 0.4 percent. But the Armenian government believes that these bets could have gone to foreign websites.
The Russian State Duma has decided to indefinitely postpone the debates on the bill on the recognition of the national driver's licenses of Armenian citizens when they carry out entrepreneurial or work activities, the press service of the Russian parliament informed.

"As for Armenia, we see there is no status of Russian, the latest decisions are not aimed at the development of relations in this domain," said Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma.

He explained that in fact the bill is supposed to give additional privileges to Armenia, although the leadership, MPs, and government of Armenia did not take any steps to strengthen the status of the Russian language in Armenia, and that it is on this basis that Russia allows the use of national drivers licenses of other countries in Russia.

"We have adopted such decisions for Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as the Russian language is constitutionally specified at them," Volodin said.

The aforesaid bill was introduced in the first reading in April 2022 and was adopted in June of the same year.

Evgeny Moskvichev, Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Development of Transport Infrastructure of the Russian State Duma, proposed to stop the consideration of this bill. In his opinion, this proposed law currently does not correspond to Russia's interests.

Volodin, in turn, instructed the profile committees of the State Duma to work out the matter and propose further steps.
Snow leopards spotted in Tibet

Xinhua) 17:00, October 23, 2023

LHASA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Images of three snow leopards have been captured by an infrared camera in urban Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.

A mother snow leopard and her two cubs were seen in Nainang Valley, a mountainous area in Doilungdeqen District, which is more than 5,700 meters above sea level. Five other infrared cameras set up in the area have also recorded snow leopard activity this year.

It is the first time that images of the giant cat carrying cubs have been recorded in urban Lhasa, indicating that Lhasa is becoming a stable habitat for snow leopards and is seeing an improved ecosystem, according to the Nainang ecological and cultural protection center in Tibet.

Wildlife monitoring in Nainang Valley has been ongoing since 2021, with the first snow leopard image captured in March 2022. Researchers said there are currently at least seven snow leopards in the valley area.

Snow leopards are under China's highest national-level protection and are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Nearly a century on from the atrocities of World War II, the Japanese American experience is still not widely known. For many female-identifying activists, the chance to learn and reflect is now, to see how lessons from that time might still be relevant today.

On Tuesday, Oct. 3, Cowell Colleges Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery launched a two-month exhibition entitled Never Again is Now: Japanese American Women Activists and the Legacy of the Mass Incarceration. The exhibit  on display through Dec. 2  features artwork and historical renderings of womens memories surrounding this time period, including challenges to racial and gender stereotypes, promotions of intergenerational ties, and developed coalitions of years past.

The pieces include work from the women who were themselves affected during this dark period of history, as well as their daughters, granddaughters and non-binary family members.

History Department Chair and Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Pacific War Memories Alice Yang curated the exhibition after years of research into the topic. Yang, a second-generation Korean-American herself, has studied, researched and reported on the female Japanese-American experience dating back to the early 1990s, and published two texts on the topic with both Stanford University Press (2007) and Bedford/St Martins and Macmillan (2000).

This exhibition gives Yang and her collaborators the chance to continue those imperative conversations about this history, made ever more important by the fact that many who experienced this time period are passing away.

The reason why this is important history to be studied is that its fundamentally a history that all Americans should know, she explained. For me, its not just about a war-time history; its also about the history of peoples scapegoating and fears after 9/11, its about the question of reparatory justice for other victims in the U.S. and outside the U.S., and includes victims of Japanese colonialism.

One major topic of the exhibit is focused on the Redress Movement, which refers to Japanese American efforts to obtain the restitution of civil rights, an apology, and/or monetary compensation from the U.S. government. In 1978, the Japanese American Citizens League called on Congress to provide a restitution of $25,000 per internee, an apology, and funds toward an educational trust fund.

The Civil Liberties Act of 1988, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, resulted in $20,000 in compensation  equivalent to $51,437 in 2023  with a total of 82,219 redress checks.

Yang wrote a book, Historical Memories of Japanese American Internment and the Struggle for Redress, on the three different redress groups within the movement, showcasing how the experiences were remembered, still contested and still debated.

All of that has continued to influence peoples perception of redress, she said.

In the exhibit, Yang highlights Kathy Masaoka who has called on the US to support HR 40 and the African American communitys demand for reparations and has called on Japan to provide appropriate redress and apology to military sexual slaves of Imperial Japan, known as comfort women. Yang admires stories like hers and others throughout her curation and study of the movement.

These activists have taken their experience from their family members, their experience of injustice, and argued that the lesson from that should be to support others who are unfairly targeted, she said.

Further, Yang believes that studying this history allows current activists to recognize the wrongs of years past, and create a better future in times of strife.

I fervently believe that it is important to understand in times of national security crisis like this, that there is a tendency for the government to scapegoat people they see as threats  and a lot of the time, that is based on unwarranted assumptions based on identity rather than behavior, she said.

The exhibit hosted an opening reception on Saturday, October 7, and will host a panel reception open to the general public on Friday, November 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees are invited to register in advance for the event; more information is available via Cowell College.
Georgieva expressed her appreciation for Nancy Onyango's dedication and contributions during her six-year tenure, emphasizing the importance of Onyango's role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the Fund.

Nancy Onyango was chosen to lead the International Monetary Fund's Office of Internal Audit in February 2018. Nancy created and served as CEO of the Board of Directors governance consulting company Reliance Risk Advisory Solutions before joining the Fund.

Throughout her time as Director, the OIA conducted reviews, including a ground-breaking audit of the Fund's Enterprise Risk Management Framework, marking a first in the Fund's history.

The recommendations stemming from this audit will pave the way for a standardized integration of risk management across all aspects of the Fund's operations.

Under Onyango's leadership, the OIA's support for the Fund's transformative programs, including Readiness Assessments preceding program launches, received high praise from various program steering committees, Fund staff, Management, the External Audit Committee, and the IMF Executive Board.

In addition to her professional contributions, Onyango was a vocal advocate for employee work-life balance and mental health and wellness.

She played a crucial role in developing the Fund's first mental health strategy in 2022.

Furthermore, she mentored many staff members and actively engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion forums at the Fund, the World Bank, and the IFC.

Georgieva highlighted the positive impact of Onyango's open communication and her team's advisory and assurance work, which have facilitated significant changes at the Fund, optimizing the use of limited resources and enhancing program delivery.

Prior to her role at the Fund, Onyango accrued 25 years of experience at global multinational audit and advisory firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst and Young, working across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa.

Her career encompasses a role as a gender leadership specialist, and she remains committed to supporting women in achieving their career aspirations. Onyango sits on the boards of Global Give Back Circle in New York and Fairtrade America in Washington, DC.

The IMF will soon commence the search for a successor to lead the OIA following Onyango's departure. (ANI)
SRV Media New Delhi [India], October 24: Safety and security have become top priorities across a range of industries in a constantly evolving world. Strong surveillance solutions are now more important than ever, from educational institutions developing tomorrow's leaders to the banking industry protecting financial transactions. As a pioneer in cutting-edge security technology, Infinova has been at the forefront, offering specialised and personalised surveillance solutions that enhance safety in both financial institutions and educational institutions. The Crucial Role of Surveillance in Education and Banking Sectors Security is a fundamental entitlement that people demand everywhere they go and is no longer just a luxury. In the field of education, where campuses at schools, colleges and universities are crucial in determining the course of the future, this notion is particularly valid. It's important to provide a secure atmosphere that is conducive to learning in addition to just disseminating knowledge. Infinova's surveillance solutions skillfully met this demand by merging with local government efforts to connect video feeds from educational institutions to the city's primary monitoring network. In the banking industry, security serves as the cornerstone upon which trust is established. Financial institutions are vulnerable to a variety of hazards since they are the guardians of priceless assets. Infinova's surveillance systems owing to their comprehensive coverage have established a strong presence in this market. With the help of Infinova's cameras, every nook and cranny is kept under surveillance, including bank branches, cash collecting and dispensing areas, ATMs, data centres, strong rooms, and locker rooms. When choosing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brands for their facilities, authorities may choose more easily thanks to Infinova's cameras and software's compatibility with third-party systems. Showcasing Effectiveness through Real-world Projects Real-world initiatives that have strengthened security and surveillance in diverse settings demonstrate the efficacy of Infinova's surveillance technologies. Kuwait Finance House's Shield of Security Kuwait Finance House, headquartered in Kuwait City, stands as the largest Islamic Bank in Kuwait, boasting international operations in Bahrain, Malaysia, and Turkey. Their extensive security infrastructure relies on over 4,500 Infinova high-definition 4-megapixel fixed indoor minidome and bullet cameras, complemented by high-definition 2-megapixel PTZ dome cameras. The Infinova Video Management System (VMS) diligently oversees more than 100 locations, including 11 mobile branches throughout Kuwait. Situated in the heart of Kuwait City's financial district, the headquarters maintains round-the-clock surveillance through a team of expert CCTV operators. Infinova's journey with KFH began in 2006 with an analogue installation, evolving into a sophisticated IP system with local and central recording, seamlessly interconnected via high-end fiber optics between headquarters and branches. King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia KAUST, founded in 2009 by Saudi Aramco, is a pioneering public research university in Saudi Arabia. Spanning over 36 square kilometres along the Red Sea in Thuwal, its core campus is a fusion of a marine sanctuary and cutting-edge research facilities. Remarkably, KAUST leads the way as Saudi Arabia's inaugural mixed-gender university campus. Safeguarding its 30 buildings is a vigilant security network, comprising over 875 Infinova cameras, including 2MP dome, bullet IP CCTV, and PTZ dome cameras. University of South Florida's Campus Vigilance The security of its 40,000 students, staff members, and property is a top priority for the esteemed University of South Florida. The campus has approximately 700 analogue cameras and 70 to 80 DVRs owing to its collaboration with Infinova. These monitoring options are thoughtfully positioned all across the building, allowing for a proactive security strategy. While mostly made up of fixed cameras, a few PTZ cameras provide a dynamic viewpoint. The university police accentuate the event-based nature of their approach by using recorded video as an investigation tool. The Road Ahead: Empowering Safety Through Innovation As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the strategies of those who look forward to violating security. However, Infinova remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. They are at the forefront of the security solutions market attributable to their innovative blend of adaptability, interconnection, and innovation. Infinova's vigilant eyes are a guarantee of safety, a barrier against shortcomings, and a tribute to the power of technology harnessed for a greater purpose, whether in educational institutions or the financial industry. Also Read: Infinova's Video Surveillance Cameras at 60+ Indian Airports to Amplify Security The progress Infinova has made in securing educational facilities and the financial industry is proof of the revolutionary potential of monitoring systems. Modern technological integration, seamless interoperability, and a dedication to innovation have made campuses safer and financial institutions more secure. The effect of Infinova's monitoring systems on security is tangible through model projects like the Kuwait Finance House and the University of South Florida. In a society where security is of utmost importance, Infinova's diligent sensors serve as security guardians, empowering both institutions and people. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], October 24: The 16th edition of Paperex, the World's largest Paper Show, promises the presence of the biggest brands and companies from the paper Industry from all over the world. The latest technology in paper production, along with some of the most innovative and eco-friendly products, will also be on display at the show, scheduled from 6-9 Dec 2023 at India Expo Centre, Delhi NCR, India. The paper sector has advanced rapidly during the period of planned development since independence. Now, India has 861 paper mills, 526 of which are operational, with a total installed capacity of 27.15 million tonnes, according to recent industry research. Paper consumption in India is likely to witness 6 to 7 percent annual growth and will reach 30 million tonnes by FY 2026-27, largely driven by an emphasis on education and literacy coupled with growth in organised retail. The per capita paper consumption in India, at around 15 kg, is way behind the global average of 57 kg. India is the fastest-growing market for paper globally, and it presents an exciting scenario; paper consumption is poised for a big leap forward in sync with economic growth. The futuristic view is that growth in paper consumption would be in multiples of GDP, and hence, an increase in consumption by one kg per capita would lead to an increase in demand of 1 million tonnes. To meet the increasing demand for paper and paper products, the paper industry needs new technology, advanced machinery, raw materials etc. for Paper and board Manufacturing. Paperex provides a unified business platform for all paper and allied industries for * Face-to-face interactions to explore the New Technology, Machinery & equipment and raw materials for Paper & Board manufacturing. * Exploring alternative suppliers. * New Import and export destination. * Supporting mass users of paper and allied industries, including Paper Traders, Printers, Publishers, Converters and Paper Packaging Companies, to explore the variety of papers at the show. Paperex 2023, the World's Largest Paper Show, has received an overwhelming response from the industry and is all set to repeat the success story from 2022 with 700+ leading exhibitors from 20 countries and thousands of trade visitors from every corner of the world. Paperex will cater to the entire gamut of paper & allied industries at one business platform with co-located events as: * WORLD OF PAPER, highlighting the participation of Paper, Printing, Packaging & Publishing industries * TISSUEEX, highlighting the participation of Tissue Products, Machinery & Technology * CORRUGEX, highlighting the participation of Corrugated Boxes, Machinery, Technology & Allied Industries In addition, the event is planned with various concurrent business programs and activities, including: * Concurrent technical conference on "Paper Industry-Growth & Sustainability Through Green Technologies" by IARPMA * Open Seminars on "Paper Printing, Packaging and Converting." * Networking meets of leading Trade Associations * Various new launches and programs by exhibitors At Paperex, the attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in technology, machinery, equipment, transport & material handling and raw materials for paper and board manufacturing. The show attracts global buyers from paper & board manufacturers, paper traders, printers, publishers, converter and paper packaging companies, designers for corrugated boxes & related packaging, investors & promoters. Paperex is the finest platform for many overseas players planning to acquire or set up new plants in India. Many Indian paper mills are now eyeing new mills to set up or joint ventures with existing players abroad to widen their business horizons. For further information, kindly visit the website https://india.paperex-expo.com (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)
Actor Shahid Kapoor, who is all set to come up with an action thriller on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra announced the title of his next and shared the first look poster. Taking to Instagram, Shahid treated fans with his first look from his next. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyxRb6bqXJn/ Helmed by Rosshan Andrrews, known for Malayalam films like 'Salute' and 'Kayamkulam Kochunni'. The film is titled 'Deva'. The film is being produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur and Zee Studios. In the poster, Shahid could be seen carrying a rugged look while dressed in a white shirt and trousers. He wore a pair of sunglasses and carried a gun in one of his hands. Sharing the still, he wrote, "DEVA in theatres on Dussehra 11th October 2024." The film will be released in theatres on Dussehra 2024. 'Deva' also stars Pooja Hegde in the lead role. Recently, makers welcomed Pooja to the team and shared the exciting news on their Instagram. Taking to Instagram, production house Roy Kapur Films shared a post on Friday in which Pooja could be seen posing with Shahid Kapoor, director Roshan Andrews and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur. They wrote, "Our thrilling action-packed adventure just got a lot more exciting with birthday girl @hegdepooja joining us on this journey. Wishing a stellar day of fun and happiness to our lovely leading lady!" Actor Pooja Hegde shared her excitement about joining the cast and said, "It's a very special film with such an exciting yet different storyline. Rosshan Andrrews is known for weaving magic on the big screen, and I can't wait to start this journey and for the audience to see me in such a unique and different role. I'm also looking forward to working with Shahid Kapoor; he's a stellar performer, and I'm hopeful that our collaboration will be a memorable one." Apart from this Shahid will be seen in an untitled romantic drama film also starring Kriti Sanon. Recently, makers unveiled the official release date. Taking to Instagram, production house Maddock Films shared a poster of the film and wrote, "Mark your calendars - Valentine Week! Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan present an untitled film starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, set to release on February 9, 2024." Apart from Shahid and Kriti, the film also stars the legendary actor Dharmendra. Now it's set to release in Valentine's Week, February 9, 2024. (ANI)
Delhi Police on Monday arrested seven people and busted a racket that duped over 1,000 people by promising to help them procure visas to travel to countries in the Gulf countries or to Malaysia. The Delhi Police Cyber Cell's Crime Branch team busted the racket and nabbed the seven accused, Special Commissioner of Police (CP) (Crime), Ravindra Yadav told reporters during a press conference here today. DCP Ankit Singh, ACP Prabhat and Inspector Virendra were part of the team that was involved in the arrests, which included that of Inamul Haq, the mastermind of the racket, who hails from Darbhanga in Bihar and whose relative was caught for alleged association with Indian Mujahideen, the police said. The Special CP Ravindra Yadav further said at least 1000 people had fallen prey to the scam in which gang members used fake Aadhar cards. Haq had dropped out from an engineering course at Kurukshetra University and got involved in this scam, said Special CP Yadav told the press conference. A majority of those who were duped belonged to Kerala and the southern part of the country, he said. Describing the modus operandi of the gang the Special CP (crime) said, "They (accused) used to open a front office in a good location in Delhi where they used to appoint two to three people and give the impression that they were operating a big company and could help arrange for visas to Gulf countries or Malaysia." "Members of the gang identified as Tabish Hashmi, Mohammad Tabrez Alam, Tariq Shams, and Ikram Mozafar used to phone people from a call centre. They uploaded the company profile on employment websites to figure out who wanted to go to Gulf countries," said Special CP Yadav. Detailing the modus operandi further, the Special CP said the gang used to cold call people and if they were able to lure a person, they used to direct them to their Delhi office and charged Rs 60,000 from a single person within a span of two to three months. The gang, after duping victims shut their offices and repeated the process from a different office in a different location. The fraud operation had been going on for the past four to five years, police said. DCP Ankit said, "Fraudsters of this kind register themselves as a firm as there are no checks on any point in online job portals, and they used to get their company's registration done under the name of good companies that exist in Dubai." (ANI)
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar (VK) Saxena approved the promotion of 27 officers in different grades of Accounts Cadre in the Finance Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), said a press release by the LG Office on Monday. The official release further mentioned that the promotion includes 13 Senior Accounts Officers, presently working as Deputy Controller of Accounts on an ad hoc basis, who have now been regularised for this post in Pay Level 11 with effect from October 4, 2023.Apart from this, 14 other senior accounts officers will also be promoted to the post of Deputy Controller of Accounts on a regular basis, with immediate effect, said the official statement. It is to be noted that LG Saxena, ever since taking over, has been stressing timely promotions for government employees and ending the system of ad-hocism in appointments as well as promotions, added the official statement.It is to be noted that according to Sub Rule-C of Rule 2 of the GNCTD Accounts Service Rules, 2012, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi is the appointing authority in respect of the Deputy Controller of Accounts, which is a Group A gazetted post, mentioned the official release. (ANI)
Taking to his official handle on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, CM Biren Singh posted, "The seized weapons include AK47, Insas, Sniper and M16 rifles along with (a) huge cache of ammunition. Further, opium weighing about 2.5 kg, Rs 4,86,500 cash and various other items were also recovered."

CM Singh informed further that earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had taken up cases in relation to which it was said that there is a 'transnational conspiracy' by terrorist outfits in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh to wage war against the Indian government by exploiting the unrest in Manipur.

"Today's apprehension of CKLA cadres and the recovery of weapons has yet again underscored a transnational plot aimed at destabilising both Manipur and our nation," the CM added in his post. (ANI)
Amid speculations around the appointment of a new BJP state chief and Naleen Kumar Kateel stepped down from the post following the party's crushing defeat in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Lok Sabha MP Prathap Simha on Monday said the onus was on the top leadership to take a call on the same. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Monday, the BJP MP said, "It is for the party's top brass to decide as to who should take over as our next president in Karnataka. It is the high command, which will take a call on the matter at the right time. I am still a junior member of the party and it is not my place to speak on these issues." He added that he has only been with the BJP for 10 years. Saying that a section of party workers want firebrand BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje to take charge of the party's state unit, Simha said, "I can't say much about the appointment of our next president in Karnataka. However, a section of our party workers are calling for Shobha Karandlaje to take the top post (in Karnataka). Personally, I also wish for Shobha-ji to be made the next state president." On next year's Lok Sabha elections, the young MP said the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was on course to return to power at the Centre. Saying that the party will contest the next general elections in the name of PM Modi, the young MP said, "We will win in the name of PM Modi. He is our God. However, one shouldn't link the appointment of our new state president to the next Lok Sabha elections. They are unrelated." (ANI)
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday went pandal-hopping in his native Odisha, visiting a number of Durga Pujas in Sambalpur district on Maha Navami and offering prayers to the goddess. Earlier, on Monday, the Human Resource and Development Minister visited the birthplace of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai in Sambalpur and took part in an event organised as part of the BJP's 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign. Speaking to reporters, Pradhan informed that soil from the birthplace of the freedom fighter will be taken to Delhi and given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a part of the ongoing nationwide campaign. Speaking to ANI, the Union Minister said, "We are in the last phase of the 'Meri Maati, Mera Desh' campaign. I consider it as my good fortune that I am here today at the birthplace of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. The soil from his birthplace will be taken to Delhi and given to the Prime Minister. The soil will be incorporated into the surface at Kartavya Path. As part of the ongoing campaign, soils from the birthplaces of the country's stalwarts are being taken to Delhi." On Maha Navami, the ninth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri. Fairs, with swings and slides and food stalls, are organised in different parts of the country during Navaratras. Revellers and devotees gather in numbers to watch Ramlilas, soaking up the festive ambience. Children, in festive attires, take part in games and other shows organised at these fairs. Navami is followed by Dussehra, which marks the triumph of the good over the evil. (ANI)
A group of Congress workers staged a protest against the candidature of independent MLA Om Prakash Hudla on the party seat at Mahwa assembly constituency. The party workers on Monday burnt the effigy of Hudla and raised slogans against the leadership's decision to deny a ticket to any Congress worker giving it instead to the sitting MLA. The protestors demanded that the central leadership intervene in the matter immediately cancel the ticket given to the independent MLA and consider any Congress worker for the seat. Further, the protestors said that a meeting of all ticket seekers in the party will be held on October 26th if the ticket of the independent MLA is not cancelled and a strategy and future plan will be made on working for the elections against the same. Hudla's candidature was declared by Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on October 20 at Priyanka Gandhi's meeting held in Dausa. A few party workers had expressed dissatisfaction with the nomination of Hudla as party candidate soon after the meeting. Later, Congress announced its second list of candidates and Hudla's name was included as the candidate from Mahwa. Congress on Sunday, October 22, 2023, released its second list of 43 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly elections, naming state ministers Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, and Govind Ram Meghwal. The ruling party has fielded Govind Ram Meghwal from Khajuwala, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas from Civil Lines and Parsadi Lal Meena from Lolsot. Besides, Congress has fielded former Chief Secretary of Rajasthan Niranjan Arya from the Sojat constituency. He is considered a close associate of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member house. Ashok Gehlot came to power with the support of BSP MLAs and independents. Earlier on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the party released its first list of 33 candidates for Rajasthan Assembly elections, naming Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, state party chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Speaker CP Joshi. The party chose to re-nominate sitting MLAs in 29 seats while four others were chosen to fight constituencies where the BJP has sitting MLAs. The Congress' first list came soon after BJP released its second list of 88 candidates, taking its total to 124 out of 200 candidates. The Congress Screening Committe for Rajasthan is likely to meet in Delhi on October 26 to discuss the names of remaining candidates for the Assembly Polls. Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and state PCC Chief Govind Dotasara will be attending the meeting. The polls for the 200-member assembly will be held on November 25 . The counting of votes will take place on December 3. Of the five states, polling in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has stayed the discharge of three accused from charges in the murder case of National Confrence leader Trilochan Singh Wazir. Delhi Police had approached the High Court against the discharge of the three accused and mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice. Justice Vikas Mahajan on Saturday after hearing the revision of Delhi Police stayed the operation of the discharge of three accused namely Balbir Singh alias Billa, Rajinder Chaudhary alias Ganja and Sudershan Singh Wazir. The High Court has issued notice to the respondents and sought a reply. The next date of hearing is December 13, 2023. Delhi's Tis Hazari Court had recently discharged three accused in the murder case of the Natioanal Conference. One accused has been charged with the offence of murder and another was charged with the offence of destruction of evidence. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hem Raj on October 20, 2023, discharged accused Balbir Singh alias Billa, Rajinder Chaudhary alias Ganja and Sudershan Singh Wazir from all the offences in this case. However, the court charged accused Harmeet Singh for the offence under Section 302 IPC. Accused Harpreet Singh Khalsa has been discharged from the offences under Sections 302 IPC r/w 120 B IPC, however, he has been charged with the offence under Section 201 (Destruction of evidence) IPC and 174A IPC. This case pertains to the homicidal death of Trilochan Singh Wazir who died due to a single gunshot injury on his head. Wazir was a former MLC from Jammu and Kashmir. He was allegedly murdered in Delhi in September 2021. Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet against the accused persons namely, Harmeet Singh, Harpreet Singh Khalsa, Rajinder Chaudhary, Balbir Singh and Sudarshan Singh Wazir for alleged offences under sections 302/201/174A/120B/34 IPC. Delhi Police have filed four charge sheets including three supplementary charge sheets. The first chargesheet was filed against the accused Harmeet, Rajinder and Balbir. In the first supplementary charge sheet, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) result was filed. Accused Khalsa was forwarded for trial through a second supplementary charge sheet. Accused Sudarshan has been forwarded for trial by way of a third supplementary charge sheet. In the third supplementary charge sheet, it is stated that sufficient evidence has come against Harmeet, Khalsa, Rajinder, Balbir and Sudarshan. However, the investigation against Harjinder Singh Raina and Jagpal Singh is still continuing, the court noted. As per the complaint, on receipt of information about the foul smell emanating from a flat situated on the second floor of a building in Basai Darapur, the police of PS Moti Nagar reached the spot to check. The said flat was under the tenancy of accused Khalsa and owned by Kulbhushan who opened the flat with his own keys. A blood-stained mattress was found lying in one of the rooms. In one of the bathrooms, a body with a face covered with the help of black polythene and cloth was found, the complaint said. In the meanwhile, complainant Bhupender Singh reached there and identified the deceased as his brother Trilochan. Delhi Police had registered an FIR on the statement of Bhupender Singh. He stated that his brother Trilochan was a resident of Jammu and a well-known person. His family was residing in Canada. Bhupender Singh had alleged that accused Harmeet and Khalsa used to visit his brother. His brother was scheduled to leave Canada on September 2, 2021, and he accordingly reached the flat of Khalsa. He also talked to the wife of the deceased on September 3, 2021, who informed him that Trilochan did not board the flight on September 2, and his flight had been rescheduled for September 3. Singh further said he also talked to his nephew Karan, who informed him that he had already talked with Khalsa, who informed him that he left Trilochan inside IGI Airport, but forgot his phone, which remained with Khalsa. When he inquired again with Karan, he informed that Khalsa told him Trilochan had been quarantined in Frankfurt, Germany. The complainant further stated that he made inquiries on his own and came to know that Trilochan did not even reach the immigration at IGI Airport and thus, there was no question of boarding the flight. He further stated that on September 8, 2021, he was present along with Ranjit SinghNalwa, a friend of Trilochan. Nalwa telephoned Khalsa and inquired about Trilochan and Khalsa informed him that he along with Harmeet had killed Trilochan. Nalwa told him about the said fact and he accordingly reached Delhi. After making inquiries from the police station, he reached the flat. He alleged that his brother Trilochan had been killed by Khalsa and Harmeet. He also alleged that Sudarshan and Surender Singh Kala had previous enmity with the deceased who also previously extended threats to kill Trilochan and they are behind the killing of Trilochan. He further stated that there exists a conspiracy hatched by Sudershan and Surender Singh Kala, behind the death of his brother Trilochan, the complaint said. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh and carried out a first-hand on-ground assessment of the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces there, his office said in a statement. The statement said that the Defence Minister interacted with the troops deployed in the frontline locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and celebrated Dussehra with them. As per the statement, the senior Minister expressed gratitude for the unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage of the troops, who are deployed on the borders in tough conditions, but always ensure that the nation and its people are safe. "The entire nation is proud of the Armed Forces and is standing with them," he said. During his visit, Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang, where he reiterated that Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil. In his address, he described the righteousness and dharma of the brave Armed Forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi. He pointed out that the valour and commitment of the Armed Forces is one of the main reasons that India's stature has grown on the international stage and it is now among the most powerful nations. Citing his recent tour to Italy, he stated that he paid a visit to the Montone memorial (Perugia Province) which has been built to honour the contribution of Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers who fought in the Italian campaign to liberate Montone in World War II, adding "not just Indians, but even Italian people pay their respects at the memorial, which is proof that the bravery of Indian soldiers is recognised globally". In view of the current global scenario, Rajnath Singh asserted that there is no option but to bolster the country's security apparatus, underlining that all efforts are being made by the Government to strengthen the nation's military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment, the release stated. "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giant strides have been made towards 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence. Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons & platforms are being manufactured within the country. Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry," He said in his address. Rajnath Singh recalled that in 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, "but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores," he said. He also visited the Tawang War Memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita; GOC, 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Erry and other senior officers of the Indian Army. He also visited the 4 Corps Headquarters at Tezpur in Assam. During the visit, he reviewed the operational readiness of the formation, which is deployed in one of the easternmost parts of the country, the statement said. The official press release said that he was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the employment of cutting-edge military equipment and technology to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops deployed on the frontline. "He commended the stellar work and yeoman services being rendered by all ranks of the Corps under challenging conditions," the statement informed. (ANI)
The incident took place in the Fatehpur area, and the deceased CISF personnel was identified as Devilal, a resident of Chanana village in Jhunjhunu district.

Other CISF officers rushed the constable to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Sikar Superintendant of Police Paris Deshmukh told mediapersons, "We received information this morning that a CISF constable in Fatehpur was killed in a firing incident."

"Further details will become clear only after an investigation," he added.

Primafacie it appears that the CISF constable rifle's trigger got pressed by accident, police said. (ANI)
As the state of Manipur returns to normalcy, Chief Minister N Biren Singh affirmed that Peace will be restored in the state. "Peace will be restored, people will be happy", said CM Biren Singh while speaking to reporters in Manipur's Imphal. CM Singh also laid the foundation stone of several development projects in Imphal. Earlier in a post on X the Chief Minister complimented the Manipur Police on the seizure of Arms and ammunition from banned militant group CKLA. The Chief minister said the arrest showed that there was a conspiracy to target the state. "In a major breakthrough by Manipur Police and Central armed forces, multiple weapons, ammunition, drugs and cash have been apprehended from Myanmar based militant group CKLA. The seized weapons include AK47, Insas, Sniper and M16 rifles along with huge cache of ammunition. Further, opium weighing about 2.5 kg, Rs 4,86,500 cash and various other items were also recovered. Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have taken up cases wherein it was particularly stated that there exists a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the Government of India by exploiting the current unrest in Manipur. Today's apprehension of CKLA cadres and the recovery of weapons has yet again underscores a transnational plot aimed at destabilizing both Manipur and our nation" the Chief Minister posted on X. Earlier in his Vijayadashami address in Nagpur RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also hinted at a possible international conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur. "Does the geopolitics of South-East Asia also have a role in these events? Despite there being a strong government in the country, on whose strength and instigation has this violence continued unabated for so many days? Why did this violence erupt and continue even though there was a state government that wanted to maintain the peace that had prevailed over the last nine years?" Mohan Bhagwat said. The state had been witness to a spiral of violence this year after the High Court directed the State to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday morning, performed special worship of Shrinath ji (Guru Gorakshanath, the incarnation of Lord Shiva) at the Gorakhnath temple on the occasion of Vijayadashami in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, an official release said. Gorakhpur is also his parliamentary constituency. Dressed in the special attire of Gorakshpeethadhishwar, the CM first offered special prayers to Lord Shrinath, following the rituals and heralding the festival of victory of good over evil, and then performed special worship of all the deities established in the temple. The Chief Minister prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state during the special worship. The sound of Nathpanth's traditional special musical instruments - Nagfani, Conch, Dhol, Ghant and Damru resonated through the entire temple complex filling the environment with devotion during the special prayers. Earlier today, the UP CM extended greetings on the special occasion. "Where there is righteousness, there is victory! Wish all the people, devotees and devotees of the state a very happy Vijayadashami, the festival of victory of religion and justice! May this festival fill everyone's hearts with immense inspiration for the establishment of religion, truth, goodness and justice. Jai Shri Ram!" CM Yogi wrote in a post on 'X'. Meanwhile, CM Yogi on Monday performed 'Kanya Poojan' at the Gorakhnath Temple. The nation is swamped with the 'Vijaya Dashmi' celebrations which mark the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival. In Kerala, the ritual of 'Vidyarambham' was performed on this occasion. The 'Vidyarambham' ceremony is usually conducted on the last day of Navaratri to introduce tiny tots to the world of learning and knowledge. Vidyarambham or 'Ezthiniruthu' is one of many customs practiced across Kerala on Vijayadashmi day. Basically, Vidyarambham means the initiation of knowledge (Vidya means knowledge and 'aarambham' means initiate). The children are made to write at first in a plate of rice and then the person who initiates the child to write also scribbles letters on the child's tongue using a gold ring or coin. This symbolically represents the initiation of writing and speaking. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebratory burning of Ravan's effigy on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi' at Ram Leela Maidan of Dwaraka Sector 10 in the national capital. PM is scheduled to reach Ram Leela Maidan at 5:30 pm. He will attend the 11th grand Ramleela of the Shri Ramleela Society in Dwarka, Sector 10, as the chief guest. He will also perform Ravana Dahan. "We are very happy that the PM is coming here. Last time, he had come in 2019, and this time, he accepted our invitation. We extend our gratitude to him for this. People have come here from far away. He will burn the effigy of Ravan," BJP leader Parvesh Sahib Singh said. Effigies of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran have been installed at the ground. As the nation is swamped with the celebration of 'Vijaya Dashmi' or 'Dussehra' today, the national capital is also gearing up for vibrant celebrations. The 'Vijyaya Dashmi' or 'Dussehra', is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that Lord Rama had killed Ravan on this day and with this belief, the culture of burning the effigies of Ravan started. The 'Vijaya Dashmi' also marks the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival. It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October. The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi'. "Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijaya Dashmi. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashmi!" PM Modi wrote on 'X'. (ANI)
The Bengali community in the north Indian hill town of Shimla organised a special prayer and played 'Sindoor Khela' on Dussehra also marking the completion of 200 years of Kalibari temple on Tuesday. Women from the Bengali community gathered in Shimla from outstate Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival. "It has been almost 200 years since Kalibari temple was built; this temple was built in 1823. This year, it is a special occasion for us on this Dussehra. On this occasion, a special event has been organised in Kalibari Temple. A special drum group and artists have been called especially from West Bengal, for this programme. The women are performing Pooja to the goddess who comes to her home, and Durga comes to her home. This drum is played until the idol of the goddess is immersed. Every year on the day of Vijayadashami, Sindoor Khela is organised in Kalibari, in which all the local and especially married women from Kolkata participate," said Kallol Pramanik, an organiser. On this day, married women bid farewell to Maa Durga, who according to Hindu belief had come to her parent's home. Rani Banerjee, the fifth generation of the Banerjee family living in Shimla for over 150 years said, "Today is the festival of Vijayadashami, which is being celebrated with great fervour across the country. But today also marks the farewell of Goddess Durga. A very beautiful picture has emerged from the famous Kalibari temple of Shimla, where the married women bid farewell to Maa Durga by applying vermilion. On the day of Vijayadashami, married women start gathering in the Kalibari temple in the early morning and the senior woman first applies vermillion to the idol of the Mother Goddess, offers betel leaves and serves sweets. This responsibility is given to the most senior woman among all the women who bid farewell to the goddess Durga as the mother of the bride." "I have been living in Shimla for a long time, and my family has been living in Shimla for the last 150 years. My grandfather, Becha Nath Ghoshal, came here in 1873 and made an important contribution to the establishment of the temple," she added. "We bid farewell to the goddess after applying vermilion and offering her sweets. Married women apply vermilion to each other and bless each other with eternal happiness. After this, the idols of the goddess Durga will be taken for immersion. Women also arrive from Kolkata to participate in Sindoor Khela, a special programme organised on the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Kalibari Temple. For me, it is good to be here as a member of the 5th generation, having been part of this since 1873," said Rani Banerjee. The women coming from other parts of the country take Shimla as their second home here and feel pleased to be a part of this. "This Doorga Pooja festival and Dussehra have the utmost significance. I was born and brought up in Shimla as a Bengali. This place is very important to me. We are offering special prayers to the goddess Durga, and we are offering this 'Sindoor Khela' (Hindu ritual of Vermillion applying to please Goddess). I wish everything would be peaceful and all would be prevented from any kind of natural disaster. Whatever had happened here due to the rain and flood, I appeal everyone to come forward to help the affected people; that would be the real celebration of this festival," said another Bengali woman, Anubhooti Sinha "It has been very good to be here; I learned it yesterday from one of the organisers. I came to witness this festival, and I am happy to be here. I got to know that these women are offering special prayers to Goddess Durga, who is a manifestation of Goddess Kali. It is great to be here, as India is a country of colours," said Chris Kirtley, a tourist from Australia. (ANI)
A case has been registered against Madhya Pradesh Transport and Revenue Minister Govind Singh Rajput for "violation of Mode Code of Conduct" in force in the state for the assembly polls next month. Congress has demanded his removal over "open and blatant offer that he will pay Rs 25 lakh" to the booth where most votes are cast in favour of the ruling party in the state. According to the FIR, the action was taken following the report of the Returning Officer of the Surkhi assembly constituency. The case was registered against the minister in Rahatgarh police station in Sagar district under IPC section 188 and section 123 of the Representation of the People Act. Govind Singh Rajput is contesting elections from Surkhi assembly seat in the district. A purported video of Minister Rajput went viral in which he is seen announcing to give Rs 25 lakh to the polling booth "which gets the most votes" for BJP in the upcoming elections. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, senior party leader and former Mahila Congress chief Shobha Oza urged the Election Commission to bar Rajput from contesting the elections alleging that "he had openly resorted to corrupt practices by offering money to people". The Congress leader claimed that this was the result of the realization on part of the BJP that it was losing the electoral battle in Madhya Pradesh. She alleged that the ruling party in the state had "now started resorting to such blatant inducements with huge cash". "He needs to be questioned and asked for the source of this huge amount of money that he was offering to his election booth in-charges," she said. Oza alleged that another BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is national general secretary of the party, had offered Rs 51,000 to "agents in the booths where the Congress does not get any vote". Oza also claimed that Rajput is close to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. "We demand the Governor (Mangubhai Patel) to dismiss Rajput and investigate the charges against him," she said. Madhya Pradesh will undergo assembly polls on November 17 and the counting will take place on December 3. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as a testament to the power of patience the people of the country kept for centuries. Addressing a public gathering at the Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society at DDA ground in Sector 10 in the national capital, he announced that Lord Rama's arrival is imminent, with only a few months left before he takes his place in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. The construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram at His birthplace is a symbol of the patience of Indians for centuries. (Bhagwan Ram ki janmabhoomi par ban raha bhavya mandir, sadiyo ki prateeksha ke baad hum Bhartiyo ke dhairya ko mili vijay ka prateek)," the PM said, adding, "There are only a few months left for Lord Ram to reside in the Ram Temple. Lord Ram is just about to arrive..." In a swipe at the Opposition parties, the PM said that the day should also mark the burning of those forces that try to 'divide' the country in the name of casteism and regionalism. "We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those forces that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism...,' PM Modi added. PM Modi also said that on Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. "On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world..." PM Modi. Extending wishes to the people on this auspicious occasion, the PM said that the country is celebrating the festival of Dussehra after almost two months since its victory on the moon. " I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. This time we are celebrating Vijayadashami when it has been 2 months since our victory over the Moon. We know the knowledge of Gita and also have the capability to build INS Vikrant and Tejas," the PM said. PM Modi further said the people of the country know the dignity of Lord Ram and also know how to protect the boundaries of the nation. PM Modi also witnessed the 'Ravan Dahan'. (ANI)
On the occasion, BJP chief JP Nadda said, "Goddess Durga is a form of power. I wish everyone Vijayadashami and I hope God gives us the power to create a good, prosperous environment for everyone."

Durga Puja is one of India's most important festivals, and Vijaya Dashami marks the culmination of the festivities.

The festival of Navratri honours the defeat of the demonic Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijayadashami. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashami!"Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri."

On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday emphasized that the principles of Lord Ram can provide solutions to fight various evils prevailing in society. The President made these remarks during her participation in the Dussehra festivities organized by the Dharmic Leela Committee at the Red Fort. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Tuesday unveiled Skyroot Aerospace's new headquarters, 'MAX-Q' at GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park, Hyderabad. He also unveiled the Vikram-1 Orbital Launch Vehicle. Addressing the media, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "India has a large pool of resources both talent-wise and industrial-wise. So once it opened up to public-private participation, Skyroot was the first to launch a rocket called Vikram S, and I'm glad that within a few months, they had graduated to the next level. They now have their own rocket manufacturing unit, which is, in fact, the largest in India and one of the largest in the world. This means that there is a huge amount of talent, a huge amount of potential, and a huge amount of space capability waiting to happen in our young minds." "However, they were not getting the kind of enabling value that was required at the level of the policy plan. Prime Minister Modi has given that today we are in a position where India is no longer seen as a country led by other countries but we are now giving leads to other countries at least in the space sector. Chandrayaan 3 is in the Southern Pole, the virgin area and gathering inputs which are being awaited by the rest of the world," he added. He added, "They (the private sector) are no longer going to confine themselves to only launching but also technology. The talent they have demonstrated is world-class. The performance is world-class. We have proved to the world that we can live up to the global parameters. We can compete globally, and we can excel globally. The world has now also begun to accept that." He further said, "All this has been possible because of the reform that has been brought about in the last 3-4 years. The space sector, as the media very fancifully described, has been unlocked. When the Aditya launch happened, we had 10,000 spectators right at the site of the launch. When the Chandrayaan happened, we had 1000 media persons. The whole nation is now owning up to this sector and this is going to add huge value addition to our economy. The future belongs to these young entrepreneurs." Speaking on Gaganyaan, he said, "With regard to Gaganyaan, we wanted to have a 2020 timeline, which we missed because of COVID. As of now, you have seen the TV-D1 trial launch on October 21. Now as we have planned, if we move that way successfully, we'll have a series of these test vehicle launches, then a human ship, then a robo before a few months of the final which will be around 2025." Skyroot Aerospace COO, Head Avionics & GNC, Naga Bharath, speaking to ANI, said, "We are expecting to launch Vikram-1 in the early months of next year. The toughest milestone for any rocket company is to reach orbit and we are aiming to achieve it by early next year. Once we achieve that with our Vikram-1-1 launch vehicle, the aim is to make it more cost-effective by mass production or any other techniques we apply. So that the cost of getting to space through Vikram-1 will be as affordable as possible for our customers and as sustainable as possible for us." Skyroot Aerospace CEO and CTO, Pawan Kumar, said, "Vikram S is a test rocket. It's a smaller vehicle that was launched into space. It only has 80 per cent of the tech of the Vikram-1 rocket but on a smaller scale. So Vikram-1 is a massive vehicle. It needs a technology upgrade and also like the 20 per cent technology left out in the Vikram S, also needs to be proven, which is also very critical for the rocket. In the last few years, we have spent a lot of time building Vikram-1 and also lot of expertise which is built with Vikram S has also been utilized. For example, this vehicle is an all-carbon fiber rocket. It really reduces the mass of the vehicle, and increases the efficiency of the vehicle. We use it in 3D printing. A major difference between Vikram S and Vikram-1 is Vikram-1 is a highly commercial vehicle. It can have good revenue generation opportunities in the future. Vikram-1 is our way ahead and Vikram S is a path towards it." He added, "The first thing is that we want to launch Vikram-1 successfully. It might take a few launches to reach full capacity and full commercial viability. Once we do those launches, we'll immediately go regular commercial launches, and we'll do more and more launches per year. Then scale to much bigger vehicles and expand." Speaking about the policies of the government on the private sector in the Space industry, he said, "I think the policy is all in place. So we have a new agency called IN-SPACe, which is under the Department of Space for promoting and licencing private sector activities. It is a big move for India. I think that is one of the key strengths of India, as our policy is very strong in space and our industry is very strong. Our supplier ecosystem is very strong, and our startups are also now getting very strong. I think it's a very good ecosystem which has been built with the right decision by the government to open up the sector to private players." He added, "Our launch has made India one of the first four countries in the world where private sector companies are able to launch a rocket into space. It shows the importance of this kind of capability being built in the country. We will become forerunners in the industry. Already ISRO is doing really well globally. It is one of the largest, one of the most successful space agencies in the world and the most cost-efficient. I think it's a great journey ahead for India in space because we're already pioneers." (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur extended best wishes to all the people in the state on Vijayadashami and said this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. "This festival of Vijayadashami is a symbol of the victory of good over every kind of evil. It tells us that evil is always defeated and good always wins. I pray for the happiness, and prosperity of the people of the state on this auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami," said Thakur. Meanwhile, another BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday offered prayers to 'Maa Jwala Devi' at the Jwala Ji temple in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra on 'Vijaya Dashmi' and also, on the occasion of his birthday. "...I extend greetings to the countrymen on Vijayadashmi. At Maa Jwala Ji Temple, I would like to pray that our country keeps going forward, Himachal Pradesh also keeps progressing and that the blessings of Maa Jwala be with all of us...Greetings to everyone on Dussehra", Thakur said while speaking to reporters in Kangra. Apart from this, the Bengali community staying in the hill town Shimla organised a special prayer and played 'Sindoor Khela' on Dussehra also marking the completion of 200 years of Kalibari temple on Tuesday. Women from the Bengali community gathered in Shimla from outstate Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival. (ANI)
Referring to the Ram Mandir, which is currently under construction in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Lord Rama's arrival is imminent, with only a few months left before he takes his place in the temple. "We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. There are only a few months left for Lord Ram to reside in the Ram Temple. Lord Ram is just about to arrive..." the PM said. Addressing a public gathering at the Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society at DDA ground in Sector 10 in the national capital, the PM also said that Vijaydashimi is a festival of victory of justice over injustice, of humility over arrogance, and patience over anger. He further said that the construction of the Ram Temple at his birthplace in Ayodhya is a testament to the power of patience the people of the country have maintained for centuries. "The construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram at His birthplace is a symbol of the patience of Indians for centuries. (Bhagwan Ram ki janmabhoomi par ban raha bhavya mandir, sadiyo ki prateeksha ke baad hum Bhartiyo ke dhairya ko mili vijay ka prateek)," the PM said. The Supreme Court's verdict in 2019 on the Ayodhya dispute paved the way for the construction of a grand Ram temple. Following the apex court verdict, the centre set up the Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra' Trust to take all decisions regarding the construction of a magnificent Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The construction of the temple has been progressing at a steady pace under the supervision of the Trust. The idol of Ram Lalla will be in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Ram Temple on August 5, 2020. Upon arriving at Ram Leela ground, the PM was given a traditional welcome by the organisers' of the Dwarka Shri Ramlila Society with a shawl, a statue of the Ram Durbar, and a mace. Kicking off the festivities with a pooja and offering tilak to the characters involved in the Ramlila, the PM is the 11th chief guest of the annual event. He had earlier attended the programme in 2019. In a swipe at the opposition parties, the PM said that the day should also mark the burning of those forces that try to 'divide' the country in the name of casteism and regionalism. "We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those forces that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism...,' PM Modi added. The PM further said that in India, weapons are not used for annexation but for defence. "On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world..." PM Modi said. Referring to the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the PM said that the country is celebrating the festival of Dussehra after almost two months of the Moon mission. After a 40-day journey into space, the Chandrayaan-3 lander, 'Vikram', touched down on August 23 at the uncharted lunar South Pole making India the first country to do so. "I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. This time we are celebrating Vijayadashami when it has been 2 months since our victory over the Moon. We know the knowledge of Gita and also have the capability to build INS Vikrant and Tejas," the PM said. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of the next 25 years for India. "We have to create an India of Lord Ram's ideas. A developed India, which is self-reliant, a developed India, which gives the message of world peace, a developed India, where everyone has equal rights to fulfill their dreams, a developed India, where people feel a sense of prosperity and satisfaction. This is Ram Raj's vision", he said. In this light, the Prime Minister asked everyone to take 10 resolutions, such as saving water, promoting digital transactions, cleanliness, being vocal for local, making quality products, seeing the country before thinking of foreign, promoting natural farming, prompting and adopting millets, fitness and finally, "we will raise the social status of at least one poor family by becoming a member of their household." The Prime Minister also said that "as long as there is even a single poor person in the country who does not have basic facilities--no house, electricity, gas, water, no treatment facilities--we will not rest." (ANI)
Taking account of the poor air quality in the state, Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda on Tuesday said the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government did not pay attention to Haryana's air quality for the past 9-10 years. Citing a report on the AQI, the Congress MP also informed that nine cities of Haryana were included in the top 27 most polluted cities in the world. Speaking to ANI on the issue, Hooda said, "Air pollution is a serious issue. Today a report has come in which out of 27 cities, 9 cities are from Haryana. This should be a focus area. It can't be solved by a blame game." "Everyone knows there is industrial pollution, vehicular pollution and others, the issue of stubble burning is a very small part of it. The BJP government didn't pay attention in the last 9-10 years. I would request Congress to include this in the manifesto that Haryana will have the cleanest air," Hooda added. Earlier, the overall air quality in Haryana declined to the 'poor' category, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 196 on October 22, as per AQI.IN. The PM2.5 concentration in Haryana was recorded 5.9 times above the recommended limit given by the World Health Organization's 24-hour air quality guidelines value. As per AQI.IN (AQI Air Quality Index: Real-time Air Pollution Level), "Generally, the air quality at Haryana starts deteriorating in late October. The winters are the worst-hit season in terms of air pollution." As per the site, the air pollution level was recorded in the poor category zone in several districts of Haryana. Earlier in the day, the overall air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday morning, as per SAFAR-India. According to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality around Delhi University was recorded at 330 (very poor) at noon, while IGI Terminal T3 in New Delhi was at 313 against 276 in the morning hours. The Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms that are easy to understand. There are six AQI categories, namely Good + Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. Each of these categories is decided based on the ambient concentration values of air pollutants and their likely health impacts (known as health breakpoints). (ANI)
US National Security Council (NSC) coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby, on Tuesday said Iran has been supporting the terrorist group Hamas for years and the latter would not be able to exist without Tehran's help. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Kirby, while affirming that Hamas wouldn't be what it is without the support from Tehran, said it hasn't been determined yet if the country had anything to do with the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel. "We know there's complicity here by Iran. They have been supporting Hamas for years--a couple of decades--and Hamas wouldn't be able to function or exist without Iran. But I can't stand here before you and say that we've seen a particular piece of intelligence that shows that they were participating in or directing what happened on October 7," Kirby said. He noted further that "Iran does bad things with bad people in that region". "But again, nobody's doubting, nobody's walking away from the fact that Iran does bad things with bad people in that part of the world," Kirby added. Earlier this week, Iran warned the US against sending weapons to Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas, stating that it will further "complicate" the situation, Iran-based IRNA news agency reported, citing the country's top military official. "The widespread support of the US, including sending weapons and ammunition to the Zionist regime, is considered participation by the American government in the crimes of the Zionist regime. It further complicates the situation in Gaza," CNN reported, quoting the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, as saying. Meanwhile, during the press conference, Kirby said America's top priority amid the ongoing war with Hamas was to make sure Israel has everything it needs to fight against terrorists. "America's top priority is to make sure that Israel has the tools, capacity and capabilities to go after Hamas terrorists and to make sure that humanitarian assistance flows in, and to make sure we can get innocent civilians who want to leave Gaza, including American citizens, out," he said. He added that the US is determined to make sure that "they have what they need" and the "humanitarian assistance (in Gaza) keeps flowing". Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden posted from his official handle on social media platform X that both the Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in "safety, dignity and peace", adding, "No matter how hard it gets, we cannot give up on peace". "As hard as it is, we cannot give up on peace. We cannot give up on a two-state solution. Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity, and peace," read the post by the 'POTUS'. https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1716513568013615376?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Earlier, on Monday, President Biden held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with both leaders affirming the need to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian aid and relief materials into Gaza. "The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza," the White House statement said. Meanwhile, President Biden welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas's October 7 terrorist attack. In coordinated attacks on October 7, an estimated 2,500 Hamas terrorists crossed over into Israel by land, air and sea and unleashed terror in southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,400 people, the majority of whom were civilians. Some of these terrorists are believed to have sneaked back into Gaza with at least 222 hostages, according to The Times of Israel. (ANI)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Washington, DC, later this week, US senior officials said, according to CNN. His visit comes ahead of a potential meeting between President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in California next month. Wang will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during his visit to the US capital from October 26 to 28, according to officials. However, they did not say whether Wang would meet Biden during his visit, CNN reported. Earlier, Blinken met President Xi Jinping in Beijing. A Chinese official described Wang's trip as "a reciprocal visit after Secretary Blinken's trip to Beijing in June." According to CNN, tensions between the US and China have been rising, but the Biden administration has been making an effort to push for a dialogue with Beijing. Wang's visit comes at a time when the US has pledged its support to Israel in its ongoing war with the terrorist group Hamas, and, also amid the prevailing Russia-Ukraine conflict. "This visit by Wang Yi is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication with China across the full range of issues," the Chinese official said, according to CNN. Moreover, US officials are expected to discuss "the South and East China Seas, cross-Strait issues, the Middle East, Russia's war in Ukraine, and North Korea's provocations", among other issues, with the Chinese Foreign Minister. Amid the Israel-Hamas war, a senior State Department official said Blinken spoke with Wang on October 14, urging Beijing to use its relations with West Asian countries to stop the war in Israel from spreading, CNN reported. The senior administration official added that the resumption of military-to-military relations remained a priority. "If we're going to continue to manage this relationship and our competition responsibly, if we're truly going to minimise the risk of miscalculation that could veer into conflict, we have to get our mil-mil ties fully open," the official said. "There have been some sporadic engagements between our two defence establishments in the last couple of months, but what we need is sustained mil-mil dialogue and communication channels. And those aren't yet established, but I can assure you that it'll be on the agenda for Wang Yi's visit," the official added. (ANI)
The Israel Securities Authority (ISA) released a video clip on Monday, purportedly showing Hamas terrorists confessing their active participation in the deadly terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7. A video file provided by ISA Communications was attached to the statements of the Hamas terrorists, involved in the October 7 attacks, during interrogation, the Authority added. In the video, the Hamas terrorists are purportedly heard saying that they were promised a stipend for taking civilian hostages from Israel to Gaza. "Whoever kidnaps a hostage and brings them to Gaza is to get a stipend of USD 10,000 and an apartment," a Hamas terrorist is purportedly heard saying in the video. They are also heard saying that they were specifically instructed by their handlers to abduct elderly women and children. They said they were also asked to "cleanse the houses and kidnap as many prisoners as possible," one of the terrorists said. "Her (a victim's) dog came out and I shot him," the terrorist is heard saying further in the video, adding, "Her body was lying on the floor, I shot her too. The commander yelled at me, saying (that) I was wasting bullets on a corpse." Another Hamas terrorist said after doing their handler's bidding, they burned down two houses. "We finished what we came to do and then burned down two houses," he said. Over the course of the ongoing investigations into the October 7 killings, a number of "themes" (nature and manner of crimes) have come up repeatedly, the ISA said in their statement. While purportedly admitting to clear and explicit instructions received by Hamas to kill and abduct civilians, including the elderly, women and children, the terrorists, in the video clip, also shared other morbid details from of October 7 massacre in southern Israel. Meanwhile, the ISA said the senior commanders of the military wing of Hamas (of the rank of company commander rank and above) stayed behind in safe houses and in hiding while sending their gunmen to fight, die or be arrested in Israel. The Israel Security Forces reaffirmed their commitment to eliminate all terrorists involved in the massacre. "The Security Forces of the State of Israel will settle all accounts with all terrorists who participated in the massacre on 7/10," the statement said. Launching unprecedented and coordinated attacks, an estimated 2,500 Hamas terrorists crossed over into Israel by land, air and sea, committing chilling acts of terror on civilians in southern Israel. The attacks left 1,400 people, the majority of whom were civilians, dead, according to reports. Some of these terrorists took at least 222 civilians hostage and brought them to Gaza, according to The Times of Israel. (ANI)
Nissim Reuben, Program Director of Indian-Jewish Relations at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), said at a Congressional briefing in support of Israel that India is the only country with no history of antisemitism. He also expressed solidarity with Israel in its fight against the terrorist group Hamas. HinduACTion and Namaste Shalom Multi-faith Alliance organised a timely Congressional briefing on Tuesday in support of Israel and against rising anti-Hindu bigotry and antisemitism in the US and Canada. "India is the only country in the world with no history of antisemitism. Never ever were Jews persecuted in India until the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which were perpetrated by terrorists that came from across the border. That's why even today in Israel, Indian Jews say that Israel is our fatherland. India is our motherland. Israel is in our hearts. India is in our blood," he said. He further expressed gratitude that the Indian American diaspora, the global Indian diaspora, the people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian government have solidly supported Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas. "It was a brutal terror attack... Israel has gone through a tremendous tragedy, but it will overcome and rebound. And we as Indian Americans and Indians will never forget that Israel came to India's help, assistance with defence, much-needed defence equipment in the wars of 1965 and 1971, and of course, Kargil 1999, when Israel rushed much-needed defence supplies," he added. Reuben added that this support shown to Israel will be repaid multiple times. Astra Nomani, an Indian-American, said she was a proud follower of Islam, which preaches a peaceful coexistence, respect and humanity. "I am a daughter of India. I am a Muslim daughter of India. And I have known freedom and joy in India. What I have seen over my lifetime in America is that a new extreme has emerged. And that is from within my own Muslim community. And that is an extremism that denies women rights and makes a Jew an enemy simply for being a Jew, and that has now done something very unfortunate and demonised and vilified Hindus," she said. "So, I came here as a Muslim because I stand for an Islam in which everybody can live with coexistence, respect, and a sense of humanity," she added. Stressing that this was a fight of our generation, she added, "We must win, I want to encourage everyone to stand up with moral courage and to transcend any fear that they may feel in their heart of being shamed or demonised because if you stand for goodness and humanity, you will always be on the correct side of history, and that's why I'm standing here today." Meanwhile, Rajshree Keisham, who belongs to the Meitei community of Manipur, said she was at the briefing to correct the misinformation that the recent conflict in Manipur was not a fallout of religious differences. "I'm here to correct the misinformation or the disinformation that the conflict we have been seeing for the last 6 months in Manipur is not a religious conflict. It has been represented, in a very wrong way, that it is a fight between the Hindus and the Christians, where the Hindu majorities are prosecuting the Christians. I'm just here today to explain that it is not at all," she said. Richard Harowitz, a former Israeli military officer who is currently living in the US, highlighted the two core issues he talked about at the briefing. "The first is the explosion that took place at the hospital in Gaza. Secondly, I spoke about an aspect of international law. On the disproportionality of the use of military power," he said. Another Indian-American from Manipur said, "I am from the Meitei community." He claimed that a section of the international media is portraying the Manipur clashes as "the Hindus prosecuting the Christians, but the violence is a result of clashes between the Meiteis and the Kukis." Condemned the killing of civilians in Manipur and elsewhere across the globe, she added, "Hamas slaughtered civilians in Israel, in much the same way as innocent lives were lost in Manipur." (ANI)
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar has described the Hamas as "barbaric" terrorists who should be eliminated and its military capabilities dismantled. "Hamas is not a militant organization. Hamas is not a resistance movement, they are just barbaric terrorists. This is a time when we just can't just push them because they will regroup and come back and do these atrocities once again. Yes, that's what they will do. So you know, we need at this stage to eliminate them. Eliminate the space of this, you know, we need to dismantle their military operations," Thanedar said. The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, killing over 1,400 people and taking over 200 hostages. The Indian American Congressman was speaking at an event in support of Israel at the US Capitol Hill on Monday. He pointed out the suffering of civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and called for their freedom from the terrorist group. Thanedar said, "We need to free the Palestinian people, the two million Palestinian people that live in Gaza. They need to be freed from these terrorist controls of Gaza. So that addition is what I feel. Now there is a lot of talk about ceasefire, but I feel that it's premature, these Hamas terrorists have used the civilians." HinduACTion and Namaste Shalom Multi-faith Alliance organised the Congressional briefing in support of Israel and against rising anti-Hindu bigotry and antisemitism in the US and Canada. He said, further, "Misused the civilians as a shield for them and unfortunately that's causing tremendous loss which is so regrettable. Tremendous loss of lives of innocent people. But these innocent people they need to have their future, they need to have their life, they need to have their human rights and they need to be freed from the oppression of Hamas and basically exploitation Hamas is doing of these innocent civilians in Gaza." Shri Thanedar also highlighted the loss of civilian lives on both sides, Israel and Gaza and condemned the attacks on Israel. He stated, "Loss of civilian life, Whether it is Israeli civilian life or Palestinian civilian life should not happen, that's something that's never desirable and never got to come. And I was one of the first members of Congress to protest when Hamas, which is clearly a various organization that came in and attack Israel." Additionally, US Congressman George Santos speaking at the event also embraced the message of unity in the world and condemned the Hamas attack on Israel. He said, "That's my message, unity and standing strong with one another. I want to thank you all for taking the time to put this effort together to show the rest of the world that there could be peace through strength and through unity to very different communities, two very different ethnic groups to very different religions. Yet we both stand together here in this room representing what's right. This is not about preference. This is about what's right and wrong and what's happening to Israel is wrong. It's abhorrent..." Meanwhile, Nissim Reuben, Program Director of Indian-Jewish Relations at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), said at a Congressional briefing in support of Israel that India is the only country with no history of antisemitism. He also expressed solidarity with Israel in its fight against the terrorist group Hamas. "India is the only country in the world with no history of antisemitism. Never ever were Jews persecuted in India until the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which were perpetrated by terrorists that came from across the border. That's why even today in Israel, Indian Jews say that Israel is our fatherland. India is our motherland. Israel is in our hearts. India is in our blood," he said. He further expressed gratitude that the Indian American diaspora, the global Indian diaspora, the people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian government have solidly supported Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas. "It was a brutal terror attack... Israel has gone through a tremendous tragedy, but it will overcome and rebound. And we as Indian Americans and Indians will never forget that Israel came to India's help, assistance with defence, much-needed defence equipment in the wars of 1965 and 1971, and of course, Kargil 1999, when Israel rushed much-needed defence supplies," he added.(ANI)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday arrived in Tel Aviv amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas to express his country's solidarity with Israel During his visit, Macron will "show solidarity to Israel" and "make commitments against terrorist groups very clear," Al Jazeera reported. On October 22, Macron's office announced that the French president will visit Tel Aviv today for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and centrist opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, Reuters reported. The French president's visit comes days after the visits by American President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rish Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. On October 17, Macron announced that he would visit Tel Aviv following the fatal terror attacks by the Hamas terror group in Israel, reported The Jerusalem Post. The French President has been a firm supporter of Israel since the Hamas group launched a series of attacks on Israel since October 7, killing 1400 Israelis and taking over 200 people hostage to Gaza. According to reports, 30 French citizens were killed on October 7 and seven are still missing. Amongst one of those kidnapped by the Hamas terrorists, French Israeli citizen Maya Schem appeared in a video posted on Telegram on Monday, following which, Macron demanded her "immediate and unconditional release," reported The Jerusalem Post. On October 8, Macron held talks with Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning the attack carried out on Israel and affirmed France's support for the country. Macron held talks with Netanyahu and Isareli President Herzog after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on October 7 following Hamas' surprise attack. Taking to social media 'X', Macron stated, "I have spoken to President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I condemn the attacks carried out from Gaza on Israel, its soldiers and its people. France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves. According to the Gaza-based Health ministry, the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza has risen to 2,750 and the number of wounded has risen to 9,700. In a previous statement, the ministry said over 750 children were among the people killed in the Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel from the Hamas attack is now over 1,400, said Israel Defence Force (IDF). (ANI)
Recent reports have indicated a surge in the involvement of women in drug trade in villages like Dogranwal, Boot, Lakkhan Khole, and Hamira, raising concerns among law enforcement and the local population, Khalsa Vox reported. Over the past year, the Subhanpur police station has registered a total of 25 FIRs against women involved in drug trafficking, shedding light on the expanding role of women in this trade. This issue isn't limited to Subhanpur, as a senior police official suggests that the total figures for the district are likely much higher, according to Khalsa Vox, a Punjab-based online digest. This concerning trend is closely linked to the rise of social media, where videos showing women engaged in drug-related activities have gone viral, bringing their involvement to the forefront. Hardeep Singh, the SHO of Subhanpur, explains, "Women have been indulging in drug trade for long, but cases have started surfacing in recent times, ever since videos of them selling drugs began doing the rounds on social media." One notable case that gained public attention involved a teenage girl from Badshahpur, whose video showing her selling drugs went viral in Kapurthala. Her father, already facing multiple charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was imprisoned along with her mother and brother, all facing similar allegations. This incident underscores the depth of the issue in the district. The problem isn't limited to a single village; instead, it appears to have spread across multiple communities, with villages like Dogranwal, Boot, Lakkhan Khole, and Hamira becoming notorious hubs for drug-related activities. Over the past six years, police sources reveal that at least 50 women from these villages have been booked under the NDPS Act, highlighting the drug trade's grip on the hinterland, as reported by Khalsa Vox. What's even more concerning is that, in a significant number of cases, women have entered the drug trade after their husbands were arrested for similar offences. The cycle continues as families turn to the lucrative drug trade to make ends meet, often due to financial constraints. Sukha Singh, who has tragically lost two brothers to the drug trade, expresses his concerns: "I want to save my next generation. There are 5-7 houses where women sell 'chitta'. Some had gone to jail, but once out on bail, they resumed operations. It's hard for them to give it up." Local law enforcement officials, including Vatsala Gupta, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Kapurthala, are acutely aware of the issue. Gupta acknowledges that awareness campaigns and search operations are continuously conducted to discourage people from engaging in drug-related activities. She said, "Some women take to the trade when their husbands or kin are jailed." Assistant Sub-inspector Gurbachan Singh, who is at the forefront of the fight against drug abuse, highlights unemployment as a major driving factor for both men and women entering the drug trade. While campaigns urging individuals to seek rehabilitation have been launched, only a few have taken up the offer, leaving the community grappling with a growing drug problem. The circumstances in Kapurthala's villages are undeniably critical. With women increasingly assuming leadership in the drug trade, there is a growing urgency to implement comprehensive solutions, such as tackling unemployment and providing rehabilitation. It is imperative for the communities to come together to disrupt the cycle of drug-related crime and secure a brighter future for the generations ahead, Khalsa Vox reported. (ANI)
Several women in Afghanistan have reiterated the need to allow them to study in schools. The students noted that schools have remained shut for over two years, and they were not award of future plans to reopen schools, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported. More than two years have passed since Taliban banned girls from studying beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan and there is no sign of reopening the schools to girls studying above sixth grade. 16-year-old girl Mursal said life has faded over the past two years and her dreams have been ruined, according to TOLO News report. "I've lost my spirit because I have no hope for the future, and the color of my life has actually changed when they closed schools. My worries grow every day as to whether or not schools will open," TOLO News quoted Mursal as saying. Meanwhile, some other students urged the Taliban to not take away opportunities of women to work and train in Afghanistan. Maryam, a student, called on Taliban to provide work and education opportunities for women so that they are educated and discouraged. Another student Marhaba said, "I want the Islamic Emirate to open the doors of schools and universities in the framework of sharia." Meanwhile, Taliban-appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs shared two images stressing the need to educate women in Afghanistan. His remarks come despite the Taliban's continued restrictions on the education of women in Afghanistan. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said, "Education is something that no one can take away from you. A good education can change anyone, and a good teacher can change everything." He made the remarks as it has been more than 760 days since Taliban shut schools to girls above sixth grade in Afghanistan. Firoza Amini, women rights activist, said, "When this restriction is imposed on girls, and schools and universities are closed, girls' depression, despair and demotivation continue to rise, and it causes further harm," TOLO News reported. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, they have issued several decrees which impose restrictions on women. Afghanistan's women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces. Earlier this month, the European Union Parliament passed a resolution, criticising the severe violation of human rights in Afghanistan and the "gender apartheid policy of the Taliban", reported Khaama Press. The EU noted that since the Taliban took control over Afghanistan, there has been a surge in suppression of women, civil society, human rights defenders and human rights violations.The EU Parliament called on the Taliban to honour their commitments regarding Amnesty, Khaama Press reported. Moreover, the resolution got the support of the majority, with 519 votes in favour, 15 against it and 18 abstained.They also condemned the increase in human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture by former security forces. The EU in their resolution further demanded to withdraw severe restrictions on women and girls' rights in accordance with Afghanistan's international commitments, condemning the Taliban's gender apartheid policy, according to Khaama Press report. The EU Parliament strongly condemned the Taliban for their hideous human rights violations. They particularly cited the "brutal persecution of Christians" and religious minorities. Moreover, the EU's move is part of their campaign to eliminate religious and ideological diversity in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the Parliament urged the European Union and its member nations to support Afghan civil society, Khaama Press reported. They called for increased funding and protective measures for human rights defenders in the region. (ANI)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the need to prevent further escalation in the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, citing its global impact and the critical choice between war and peace, China's official state news agency, Xinhua, reported. The current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, if escalated further, will cause even more serious humanitarian hardship, Wang Yi added. In a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, the Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed China's deep concern over the escalating conflict and the resultant humanitarian crisis, expressing sadness over civilian casualties. He condemned acts that harm civilians and violations of international law while stressing the importance of self-defence within the boundaries of international humanitarian law. "China is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict and the worsening situation, and deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict," Wang Yi said. "China condemns all acts that harm civilians and opposes any violation of international law," said Wang Yi, according to Xinhua. "All countries have the right to self-defence, but they should respect the international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians," he added. Wang Yi also underscored the significance of a common security concept for sustainable security and a political settlement direction for addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. He advocated for the two-state solution as the consensus of the international community and urged both sides to return to the path of this solution for peaceful coexistence. Wang reiterated China's impartial stance on the Palestinian issue and its commitment to supporting peace initiatives. Additionally, he called for the protection of Chinese citizens and institutions in Israel, Xinhua reported. Wang's phone call came more than two weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel, killing at least 1,400 people; the majority of them were civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burned to death, including in their homes and at an outdoor music festival. At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. (ANI)
The three-time former Prime Minister is accused of allegedly obtaining luxury vehicles from the treasury (Toshakhana) by paying 15 per cent of the actual price.

In 2020, Nawaz Sharif was declared 'proclaimed offender' in the Toshakhana reference by an accountability court and his permanent arrest warrant was also issued for his continued non-appearance.

Notably, Sharif -- whose arrest warrant was suspended on October 19 -- days before his arrival in Pakistan on Tuesday surrendered before the court of Judge Muhammad Bashir in the Toshakhana case, ARY News reported.

The NAB was directed not to arrest the former prime minister until October 24, that is today.

The accountability court judge after marking the attendance of Nawaz Sharif allowed him to leave the court premises.

The former prime minister has been granted bail in the Toshakhana case against a surety bond of 1 million Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

Earlier, NAB prosecutor in the court's hearing didn't oppose the petition against the arrest warrant of the former prime minister in Toshakhana reference in the accountability court conducted by Judge Mohammad Bashir, ARY News reported.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's caretaker government in Punjab suspended the sentence Nawaz Sharif in the in Al-Azizia reference, Geo News reported.

Information Minister Aamir Mir confirmed the Punjab cabinet's decision, saying the decision was taken while exercising its constitutional powers under Section 401 of the criminal procedural code (CPC), which also authorises it to pardon any offender.

According to The News International, Nawaz, was granted protective bail in two graft cases while his arrest warrant in the Toshakhana case was suspended by an accountability court on Thursday, two days before his return to Pakistan on October 21 after spending four years of self-imposed exile in London. (ANI)
Washington state senator Jeff Wilson has been arrested in Hong Kong for carrying a gun into the city, according to a charge sheet seen by CNN. The politician called it an "honest mistake." The US senator was on Saturday arrested at the Hong Kong International Airport and charged with possession of a firearm without a license, the charge sheet states, an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of more than USD 12,000. Wilson appeared in the Sha Tin Magistrates' Court on Monday and was granted bail, according to public broadcaster (Radio Television Hong Kong) RTHK. He said he did not realise he had packed his pistol in his briefcase while he and his wife were travelling for a five-week vacation to Southeast Asia, according to a statement posted on his website. "It was an honest mistake. And I expect the situation to be resolved shortly," Wilson said in the statement. Wilson said he "discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong." He "did not realise his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners failed to note it," the statement added. Wilson said in the statement that when the plane landed in Hong Kong, he "immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue." CNN has reached out to Portland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration, and the US Consulate in Hong Kong for comment. Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department told CNN via email that it had no comment to make given that legal proceedings are underway. As per RTHK, Wilson faces his next court hearing in Hong Kong on October 30. Under Hong Kong's strict gun control laws, no one is allowed to possess any arms or ammunition unless they have a licence from the Commissioner of Police. Licences are only given to police officers, armed security guard services, and operators of exclusive shooting range clubs. Gun violence is very rare in Hong Kong, unlike in the United States where firearms are now the No. 1 killer of children and teens. Meanwhile, in the Washington state, people are allowed to carry for both long guns and handguns without a licence which means individuals can carry a firearm in many public areas, although private property owners may prohibit firearms on their property. However, a license is needed to carry concealed firearms in the state. As per Wilson, his pistol was registered in Washington state and he holds a concealed pistol license, CNN reported. (ANI)
At least 12 British nationals were killed in the terror attack by Hamas on Israel, while five more are still missing, Jerusalem Post reported citing a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Earlier on Monday, PM Sunak also strongly voiced against "antisemitism" in the country after a series of pro-Palestine protests in the UK. "This weekend we saw hate on our streets. Calls for Jihad are not only a threat to the Jewish community but to our democratic values. We will never tolerate antisemitism in our country. And we expect the police to take all necessary action to tackle extremism head-on," Sunak posted on X (formerly Twitter). Last week, Rishi Sunak visited Israel after the October 7 attacks by Hamas and affirmed UK's support towards Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law and to fight against Hamas. Sunak said he was "sorry" to visit Israel in "such terrible circumstances". He said: "In the last two weeks, this country has gone through something that no country, no people should have to endure, least of all Israel..." "I want to share the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas...We also recognise that the Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too," the British PM said while delivering a joint statement alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu post their private meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem. During his visit, Sunak also met Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Other than Sunak, other Western leaders like US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have already visited Israel since the war began. (ANI)
Xi made the remarks during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.

"China hopes that the Russia-Mongolia-China gas pipeline project will make headway very soon," he was quoted as saying by the country's central television.

Xi Jinping also expressed hope that cross-border tourism cooperation will expand within the framework of the Great Tea Road project and also that the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor will facilitate the development of high-quality transport links, according to TASS.

Meanwhile, TASS recently reported that construction of the Mongolian portion of Russia's planned new Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline to China may start in the first quarter or first half of 2024, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko.

Russia has been in talks for years about building the Power of Siberia-2 to bring 50 billion cubic metres of gas a year from northern Russia to China via Mongolia. But agreement on key issues including pricing remains elusive, according to TASS.

Russia currently exports gas to China through the Power of Siberia 1 pipeline, via which it aims to raise supplies to 38 bcm annually by 2025.

Russian President Putin recently attended the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Putin attended the official meeting ceremony with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan.

Sharing it on their social media 'X', formerly known as Twitter, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed his visit to the forum.

Xinping greeted President Putin on his arrival, following which the two leaders held a brief conversation. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], October 24 (ANI/TPS): The Israeli ground invasion of Gaza is being delayed by "strategic considerations," the Israel Defense Forces' Chief of Staff told reporters on Monday. "The IDF is ready for the [ground] manoeuvre, and we will make a decision with the political echelon regarding the shape and timing of the next stage," said Lt-Gen Herzi Halevi at a press conference near the Gaza border. Halevi said that there are "tactical and even strategic considerations" delaying the ground offensive, but stressed that the IDF is taking advantage of the interval. It is widely speculated in Israel that the ground war's delay is because of a desire for more intelligence on the location of more than 200 hostages being held in Gaza, or American pressure. "We are making use of every minute to be even more prepared. And every minute that passes on the other side, we strike the enemy even more. Killing terrorists, destroying infrastructure, collecting more intelligence for the next stage," he said. "We fight not just to remember, but primarily because we know that there is something to fight for--this is our country, our home, and we will defend it in every way," Halevi added. (ANI/TPS)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said "humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza war must be considered in order to protect Palestinian civilians, The Times of Israel reported. Blinken made the remarks in his address to a ministerial gathering of the UN Security Council on the Israel-Gaza crisis. This comes as the first time a US official has publicly called for any sort of stoppage to the fighting. As per The Times of Israel, Blinken's idea falls short of a ceasefire which US officials have rejected in recent days as a step that would amount to help for Hamas, arguing that Israel still has a right to forcefully respond to the October 7 onslaught in order to ensure that it doesn't happen again. Blinken said, "Palestinian civilians must be protected. That means Hamas must cease using them as human shields. It's hard to think of an act of greater cynicism." "It means Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians. It means food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian assistance must be able to flow into Gaza and to the people who need it. It means civilians must be able to get out of harm's way. It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes," the US State Secretary added. Blinken called out the international community for failing to explicitly condemn the October 7 Hamas onslaught. Blinken in his speech said that in his conversations with world leaders since the assault, there has been agreement that countries have a right and obligation to respond to terror attacks against their civilians but indicates that not all of them have acknowledged this publicly. "It must be asked, Where's the outrage? Where's the revulsion? Where's the rejection? Where's the explicit condemnation of these horrors?" Blinken asked. The secretary called on countries to do everything in their power to secure the release of the remaining 220-plus hostages in Gaza. Blinken told the ministerial gathering that while the US does not seek conflict with Iran, it will respond if Tehran or its proxies attack US personnel. "Make no mistake. We will defend our people. We will defend our security swiftly and decisively." The US State Secretary urged Security Council members to call out Iran for its malign regional activity and warn it, like the US has, not to open another front against Israel. "Act as if the security and stability of the entire region and beyond is on the line because it is," Blinken told members. He urged members to "redouble our collective effort" to work toward a two-state solution following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. "The only road to lasting peace and security in the region, the only way to break out of this horrific cycle of violence is through two states for two peoples," Blinken said, acknowledging that it will be difficult. "Nothing would be a greater victory for Hamas, than allowing its brutality to send us down the path of terrorism and nihilism. We must not let it. Hamas does not get to choose for us," Blinken says, adding that the path the US and the world should choose is one where the region is more integrated and "normalized" -- hinting at efforts to broker an Israel-Saudi agreement Meanwhile, Israel has demanded the resignation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from his position over his remarks against the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza after terror attacks by Hamas on October 7. The Israeli envoy to the UN, Gilad Erdan called Guterres "unfit" to lead the UN and called for his resignation. "The @UN Secretary-General, who shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly, is not fit to lead the UN. I call on him to resign immediately. There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people. There are simply no words," he stated on social media platform X. This came after the UN chief said that the attacks by Hamas "did not happen in a vacuum" further adding that the attacks cannot justify the "collective punishment of the Palestinian people". "It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing," the UN chief said at the General Assembly., as per The Times of Israel. (ANI)
Fidan conveyed to His Highness the greetings of Turkish President His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wishes for further progress and prosperity for the UAE. In return, His Highness extended his warmest greetings to Erdogan, wishing Turkiye and its people continued advancement.

The President and the Turkish Foreign Minister reviewed regional and international efforts to promote de-escalation and safeguard civilian lives.

They also discussed the importance of supporting humanitarian organisations to promptly and safely address escalating humanitarian needs in Gaza and ensure the unobstructed delivery of relief and medical assistance to civilians.

The discussions addressed the need for the international community to assume responsibility towards achieving a just, comprehensive, and stable peace in the Middle East, as it is the only way to ensure a secure future for the region's peoples and maintain regional security and peace.

Furthermore, he and the Turkish Foreign Minister explored cooperation and joint efforts between the UAE and Turkiye.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court. (ANI/WAM)
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Observer State of Palestine Riyad al-Maliki has said that over two million Palestinians are on a survival mission every day, every night and that Israel's massacre against the Palestinian civilian population must be stopped. "Over two million Palestinians are on a survival mission every day, every night," the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs said while addressing the UN Security Council on the Israel-Gaza crisis. He said, "We are here today to stop the killing, stop the massacre being committed against the Palestinian people. The ongoing massacres being deliberately, systematically and savagely perpetrated by Israel occupying power against the Palestinian civilian population under its illegal occupation must be stopped." He said it is the UN Security Council's duty to stop them. "The international community is obliged under international law to stop them. It is our collective human duty to stop them," he said. Al-Maliki said, "Continued failure at this council is inexcusable." He added, "By the time representatives are done delivering their speeches today, 150 Palestinians will have been killed including 60 children. In the last two weeks, over 5,700 Palestinians have been killed including over 2003 children and 1300 women." "Almost all those killed by Israel are civilians. Over 1 million have been displaced, and 1,70,000 housing units destroyed. More injustice and more killing will not make Israel safer," he said. Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has said aid agencies need unimpeded access to Gaza, The New York Times reported. The UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees said 54 trucks have entered Gaza from Egypt over the past three days carrying food, water and medicine. The agency said this is far short of the roughly 500 aid and commercial trucks that entered Gaza daily before the war. It added that aid agencies need unimpeded access to the entire territory. Recently, a third fleet of vehicles carrying essential aid made its way into Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, as per CNN. Gaza, home to over 2 million civilians, faces the ongoing threat of severe dehydration and starvation due to Israel's persistent bombardment and complete blockade. Over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, a total of 34 trucks transported much-needed supplies, including food, water, medications, and medical equipment from Egypt to Gaza via the same crossing. (ANI)
On the occasion of Kazakhstan Republic Day, the country's ambassador to India, Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, addressed a Round Table in New Delhi saying that his country was looking forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Astana next year. The envoy added that Kazakhstan will strive to raise the level of the strategic partnership between India and Kazakhstan. "Kazakhstan will continue to strive to make the most of every opportunity to raise the strategic partnership (with India) to an even higher level and give a new meaning to the bilateral ties for the sake of friendship and prosperity of our people," Zhalgasbayev said at the conference. Invoking two 'big events' -- the SCO Summit and the Voice of Global South -- this year, the envoy added, "Regarding our bilaterals, this year we had two big events - SCO Summit in July and the Voice of Global South in January. Of course, we expect my President (Qasym-Jomart Toqayev) to come here. This is our goal, main goal, because the last visit of the first President was in 2009." The Round Table dedicated to Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's State of the Nation address -- 'Economic Course of a Just Kazakhstan'. In his State of the Nation address on September 1, the Kazakh President laid out the country's ambitious push for economic reforms and a fresh economic trajectory for the nation. In his address, President Tokayev highlighted various aspects of the national agenda, stressing the key economic tasks faced by the government. "In such an important period, we have every opportunity for a powerful economic breakthrough. To do this, we must decisively move to a new economic model, which is led not by abstract achievements, but by a real improvement in the lives of citizens," President Tokayev was quoted as saying an official statement. He called on the citizens of Kazakhstan, especially the youth, to embody the best qualities as they form the foundational values of society. Calling on fellow countrymen to aspire towards becoming 'Adal Azamat' (responsible citizen), the President said, "If everyone is patriotic, educated, hardworking, disciplined, responsible, fair, thrifty and sympathetic, then there will be no unattainable heights for us." He emphasised that the ideas of Just Kazakhstan and "Adal Azamat" should always be considered as fundamental values that stand side by side. He further acknowledged several significant achievements made by Kazakhstan in the last few years, including the doubling of teachers' salaries since 2020, significant salary increases for doctors, and the implementation of initiatives such as the 'National Fund for Children' and the construction of more than 300 healthcare facilities in rural areas. Shifting focus to current economic objectives, President Tokayev added, "The most important task is the formation of a solid industrial framework of the country, ensuring economic self-sufficiency. The main emphasis should be placed on the accelerated development of the manufacturing sector." He added that special focus will be given to sectors such as heavy engineering, uranium enrichment, and automotive components. "President Tokayev proposed that in order to support the manufacturing industry, foreign and domestic investors should be exempted from paying taxes and other mandatory payments for the first three years," the statement read. He also called for a coordination of financial and monetary policies, with the aim of achieving stable economic growth of 6-7 per cent while stressing the need to attract foreign banks to strengthen competition and solve the issue of insufficient corporate lending. "The principal task is to ensure the annual growth of lending to the real sector at the level of 20% or more," the President said, adding, "The main goal is to radically increase the transparency and efficiency of asset management. I direct the Government to start privatizing all non-core assets and holding people's IPOs of Samruk-Kazyna Fund companies from 2024." Also underlining Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, the President said, "In the long run, a global transition to clean energy is inevitable." Further, according to the official statement, the President also put forward an ambitious vision for Kazakhstan to become an IT-focused country. "We are among the world leaders in the e-government and fintech development index," Tokayev said. He also directed the government to increase the export of IT services to one billion dollars by 2026. This will be facilitated by partnerships with major foreign IT companies, he said. He also highlighted the area of transportation while outlining plans to establish Kazakhstan as a major transit hub, with a focus on key routes like the Trans-Caspian. In the realm of transportation, President Tokayev outlined plans to establish Kazakhstan as a major transit hub in Eurasia, focusing on key routes like the Trans-Caspian and the international North-South Corridor. "It is necessary to build a new dry port at the Bakhty crossing, accelerate the construction of a container hub in Aktau, and expand port facilities on the Black Sea along the Middle Corridor," he said. The President announced that Kazakhstan will hold elections for Akims (governors or mayors) of districts and cities of regional significance after the citizens elected Akims of villages, towns and rural districts in the past two years, the statement added. Concluding his address, the President stated that the government will be held accountable for the implementation of this robust economic and social policy. "It should have all the levers of independent management of the economy without red tape and bureaucracy, and without coordination with the Presidential Administration," he added. (ANI)
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday announced that the ground personnel massing on the southern border were ready to 'invade' Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. Briefing reporters at the country's southern border, IDF Chief-of-Staff, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi said, "I want to be clear, we are ready to invade." He added that the IDF was in the process of deciding on the 'exact timing' of the ground invasion of Gaza in coordination with the country's political echelons. On the delay in the counter-invasion of Gaza after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel on October 7, the IDF chief-of-staff was quoted by the Jerusalem Post as saying, "At this stage, there are tactical and strategic factors which are allowing us more time to improve and to exploit every minute to be more ready." He added that with "every minute that passes", they are "attacking the enemy more". "With every minute that passes for the other side, we are attacking the enemy more, killing its fighters, killing its commanders, destroying its infrastructure, and collecting more intelligence for the next moves," he added. "We are keeping him in tension," Halevi said, adding that the longer Hamas waits for the Israeli invasion, the more stressed it will become, the Jerusalem Post reported. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday said under the intelligence guidance of the Shin Bet, it thwarted terrorists of the Hamas terror organization. "The Air Force under the intelligence guidance of the Shin Bet thwarted terrorists of the terrorist organization Hamas tonight, among them: - Abd al-Rahman, deputy commander of the Nuzirat Battalion, participated in the murderous raid on Kibbutz Bari. - Khalil Mahjaz, deputy commander of the Shati Battalion. - Khalil Tethari, deputy commander of the Sheik Radwan Battalion," the Israeli Air Force posted from its official handle on X. https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/1716825059472621798?s=20%20+ Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared on X that Israel has only one task at hand, which is to crush Hamas and it won't stop till the objective is accomplished. "With the fighters in the field, we have only one task -- to crush Hamas, and we will not stop until we complete the task," the Israeli PM stated. https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1716844418186068062?t=AUoQkaXVJ1sm8K7otnWufQ&s=08 Moreover, according to a report in The Times of Israel, infiltration alarms were sounding in Netiv Ha'asara, a kibbutz just north of Gaza, after similar soundings earlier in Zikim and Karmia. While residents were largely evacuated, those choosing to stay back were told to stay at home and lock their doors, according to the report. (ANI)
Kansas City police were investigating a homicide Monday night after a man was fatally shot in the Oak Park Southwest neighborhood.

Several neighbors called 911 around 8:30 p.m. to report the sound of multiple gunshots followed by people seen quickly leaving the 4200 block of Benton Boulevard, said Sgt. Jake Becchina. Police later learned a man had been taken to the hospital by a private vehicle.

The man, who was not identified by police Monday night, died shortly after arriving there, Becchina said. The shooting appeared to have unfolded in the street.

Circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately known, Becchina said, and no one was in police custody Monday night.

Detectives and crime scene personnel searched along Benton Boulevard for evidence and witnesses. Police were also responding to the hospital where the gunshot victim was taken to speak with witnesses and process the vehicle for evidence.

The killing Monday marks Kansas Citys 154th homicide of 2023, according to data maintained by The Star.

Kansas City police were asking anyone with information to contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or call the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
One person was injured when two cars collided in Arroyo Grande on Monday afternoon, police said, sending one of the vehicles careening into a pair of local businesses.

According to an Arroyo Grande Police Department news release, officers responded to reports of a vehicle collision in the 1400 block of East Grand Avenue around 4:11 p.m. Monday.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a car with an injured driver at the entrance of the Arroyo Town and Country Square Shopping Center, according to the release.

A second vehicle had also collided with Tribe Coffeehouses front patio area and the Blue Seafood and Grill restaurant building.

Emergency medical staff attended to both drivers, police said, and one was transported to a local hospital.

The second driver was evaluated and declined medical transport, according to the release.

Police said intoxication is not believed to be a factor with the crash.

An investigation is ongoing, according to the release.

Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact the Arroyo Grande Police Department at 805-473-5110.
One person was taken into custody following a SWAT situation in East Liberty Tuesday morning.

Just before 5 a.m., officers were called to a home in the 200 block of N. Beatty Street for a male who had called 911 saying he was wanted by police. When officers arrived, he refused to exit the home, according to a Pittsburgh Public Safety report.

SWAT was called to the scene as the male had recently fled from police and made threats toward them, according to the report. He also had an arrest warrant for a domestic incident.

Negotiators were able to work with family and establish communication with him.

The male was taken into custody without incident just before 6 a.m. and transported to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.

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Pursuit starts, ends with man crashing into different Lawrence County homes Car crashes into river near Acrisure Stadium on North Shore Former Butler school board member was allegedly living with 17-year-old victim VIDEO: Former Butler school board member was allegedly living with 17-year-old victim DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A 50-year-old man who took a young child deer hunting was accidentally shot through both buttocks, according to a Michigan sheriffs office.

The Hubbard County Sheriffs Office said the pair had gone out during the youth deer hunting season early Sunday, Oct. 22.

After they got back to the truck in Helga Township., the man told the 10-year-old hunter to unload the deer rifle, authorities said.

While trying to unload the bolt action Ruger .270 caliber rifle, the youth squeezed the trigger while (the man) was standing in the line of fire, according to an Oct. 23 news release shared on Facebook.

The bullet struck the man and went through both of his buttocks, authorities said.

The sheriffs office received a call about the shooting at 9:56 a.m. that Sunday, according to the news release. Arriving deputies found the man bleeding from gunshot wounds.

He was taken to an area hospital by ambulance, authorities said, then he was airlifted to a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, due to the seriousness of his injuries.

McClatchy News is not naming the man to protect the identity of the child. Authorities did not say how the hunters knew each other.

Helga Township is about 100 miles northeast of Fargo.

High schooler known as local hero is shot while hunting with friends, family says

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Hunter on meth kills teen he mistook for deer, Georgia officials say. Hes prison-bound
A 14-year-old boy was arraigned Monday in Boston Juvenile Court for making threats to shoot up the Shore Educational Collaborative school in Chelsea, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said Tuesday.

The boy was charged with making a bomb threat after being involved in a fight with another student last week, Hayden said in a statement. The boy was held on $750 bail, along with home confinement with GPS monitoring except for an alternative school placement. He was also ordered to stay away from Shore Educational Collaborative and refrain from social media.

His name was not released because he is a juvenile.

At about 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 17, Chelsea police responded to the Shore Educational Collaborative for a threats call.

A school official told officers that a juvenile was involved in a fight with a student at the school the day before, where he attacked the student with a hanger, Hayden said.

School staff were able to break up the fight and according to Hayden and school officials, the juvenile screamed Dead, dead, everyone is dead! Going to come back with a gun and shoot everyone up!

Police were called after the incident but the school placed the juvenile on an emergency removal pending a disciplinary hearing.

A school official called police the next day because a student informed him the same juvenile had posted a picture with guns on social media saying he was coming to school and will shoot it up, Hayden said. The school official also mentioned several other students saw the post and did not come to school that day.

We have seen far too much school violence across our nation and those incidents force us to treat school threats with extreme seriousness and caution, Hayden said. No one should feel unsafe or threatened when they are attending school or work. Prevention is key here and it is always best to intervene before it escalates.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A 14-year-old was killed and three other people injured in a shooting Saturday following the Carroll High School homecoming festivities, according to Monroe Police.

At roughly 10 p.m., several hours after homecoming, at least one masked gunman and possibly more opened fire on a crowded group of citizens at the corner of Renwick Street and LA165.

"This cowardly act of violence has no place in our community," Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan said in a press release. "MPD is searching for those involved and devoting its resources to bringing justice."

The Monroe Police Department and Carroll High School collaborated for more than two months to ensure safety for those participating in homecoming festivities, meeting several times and collaborating on safety strategies. The pre-scheduled, sanctioned events leading up to Saturday took place with little to no incident.

"I am appalled and disgusted by the senseless gun violence that claimed the life of a teenager over the weekend," Mayor Friday Ellis said in a press release. "This tragedy is a stark and painful reminder of the devastating consequence of gun violence in our community. We cannot and must not tolerate this any longer. As responsible citizens and compassionate humans, we must put an end to violence. We owe it to the young man whose life was taken from him and everyone else who has been affected by this scourge on our community. We must stand up, speak out, and take action! If you have any information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible. Please contact MPD and let justice be swiftly served."

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Monroe shooting leaves teenager dead, three others injured
An East Boston teenager was killed and two other Boston men were seriously injured in a crash in Vermont over the weekend, state police said.

Brian Sanchez, 18, died in the crash that happened at approximately 12:43 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 91 in Barton, near mile marker 155, state police said.

A preliminary investigation found that a 2013 Ford Explorer was traveling northbound, veered off the right side of the interstate, and down an embankment where it struck the wood line and a concrete wall that diverted running water, state police said.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, Ediberto Luna, 30, of East Boston, suffered serious, life-threatening injuries, state police said.

The front seat passenger, Jorge Caballeros, 33, also of East Boston, suffered serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening at this time, state police said.

Both Luna and Caballeros were taken by ambulance to North Country Hospital and then sent to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Their conditions were not known on Tuesday.

Sanchez, a rear seat passenger, was taken by ambulance to North Country Hospital where he later died, state police said.

Caballeros and Sanchez were not wearing seat belts when the crash occurred, but Luna was wearing a seat belt, according to state police.

The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Sgt. Joshua Mikkola at joshua.mikkola@vermont.gov, or call 802-334-8881.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Nineteen people from China and three from Ecuador arrived in the Florida Keys early Monday morning in what federal officials are calling a human smuggling incident.

The migrants came ashore in Key Largo shortly before 2 a.m., according to Monroe County Sheriffs Office calls-for-service logs. The Florida Highway Patrol, which said in a statement that its troopers helped U.S. Border Patrol agents catch the arrivals, said the incident happened near mile marker 109.

That would mean the migrants arrived on County Road 905, known locally as Card Sound Road, which runs along a long, remote stretch of wooded land north of the business and residential area of Key Largo.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the landing and declined to provide details. A local law enforcement source said the people were dropped off by a boat that has not been found.

Special Agents with @HSI_Miami are investigating this case. If you have information about this incident or human smuggling/ cross border illegal activity report it to HSI at 1-866-347-2423. https://t.co/jmlMKRbaeo pic.twitter.com/6hB3JAoeLi  HSI Miami (@HSI_Miami) October 24, 2023

The FHP reported two fewer Chinese arrivals than did the Border Patrol  11 men and six women. The three people from Ecuador are men.

The highway patrol said in a statement that its troopers were called to the area at the request of U.S. Border Patrol to set up a secure perimeter and to assist in the apprehension of the suspects.

There is a much a higher number of FHP troopers assigned to the Keys than normal because of an executive order Gov. Ron DeSantis issued in January in reaction to a surge in maritime migration, mostly from Cuba and Haiti.

The order, which has been extended several times, sent troopers, state fish and wildlife police, Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents and Florida National Guard troops to the island chain.

The influx in police and Guard troops, combined with stepped-up Coast Guard and other federal agency patrols off the Keys, worked to significantly reduce landings from their peak over the Christmas holiday season. But migrant boats and smugglers are still getting through.

A wooden boat is beached in Islamorada in the Florida Keys Sunday, Oct. 21, 2023. The Border Patrol says three people from Cuba arrived on the migrant vessel. U.S. Border Patrol

On Sunday, Border Patrol agents said they took three people into custody who landed in Islamorada, in the Upper Keys, on a small homemade wooden boat, with La Flecha, or the arrow, painted on the hull.

Homeland Security Investigations is asking anyone with information about Mondays landing to call the agencys tip line at 866-347-2423.
Roughly two out of every three Kansans support legalizing adult recreational use of marijuana, according to a 2023 weighted survey analysis from Fort Hays State University.

Recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states.

Kansas is surrounded on all sides  Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma  by states that have legalized recreational use (Colorado and Missouri), medical use (Oklahoma) or largely decriminalized personal use and minor possession (Nebraska). The states largest city, Wichita, decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana last year.

But Kansas remains one of a handful of states where minor possession of marijuana can land a person in jail with a criminal record. The only other states where marijuana is fully illegal are Idaho, South Carolina and Wyoming.

Movement on marijuana policy has stalled in the GOP-dominated Kansas Legislature for consecutive sessions and its unclear if House and Senate leaders will allow a floor vote in the upcoming session.

The Kansas House voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2021, but Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, blocked the bill from reaching the Senate floor. Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, did not respond to questions Tuesday about where they stand on marijuana for the upcoming session.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, has said she supports legalizing medical marijuana but has stopped short of supporting legalization for recreational use. The states top Republican law enforcement official, Kris Kobach, strongly opposes any kind of legalization or decriminalization.

Even so, it appears support for marijuana legalization among Kansas residents is increasing while opposition is declining.

The Kansas Speaks public opinion survey, published annually by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at FHSU, found 67.2% of respondents supported legalizing recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older to allow state taxation.

The findings represent an attitude shift since 2017, when the Kansas Speaks survey first began asking about it. At that time, fewer than half of respondents (49%) supported legalization for recreational use. Support for legalizing marijuana has climbed ever since, with 61% saying they supported it by 2019.

Opposition to recreational use of marijuana has also seen a sharp decline. In 2017, 41% of respondents opposed it. In 2019, more than a quarter of respondents opposed legalization of recreational use. This fall, opposition fell to 16.9%.

The survey also indicated that a majority of Kansas residents would vote for candidates based on their positions on marijuana policy.

Nearly 64% of respondents were highly or somewhat like to vote for a candidate who supports medical marijuana legalization as they decided who to vote for in the Kansas Legislature; 14.8% of respondents said they were unlikely to vote for a candidate who supports medical marijuana.

The Kansas Speaks survey is prepared by Brett Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute at FHSU; Jian Sun, assistant director; Michael Walker, research scientist; and Marisa M. Johnson, Administrative Specialist. The mission of the survey is provide a representative sample of public opinion in Kansas to facilitate effective public policy decision-making among governmental and nonprofit entities. This years survey was co-sponsored by The Wichita Journalism Collaborative, a partnership group of 11 news organizations and nonprofits in Wichita that includes The Eagle.
Two co-defendants charged in the state embezzlement probe that snared ex-Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith were sentenced Tuesday, more than two years after they entered pleas in their criminal cases.

Former Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Benjamin Liston and businessman William Weber, who operated a security company, were sentenced via Zoom before visiting Judge Cynthia Arvant of 46th District Court in Southfield in 41B District Court in Clinton Township.

Both entered into plea agreements previously, pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges with felony offenses dismissed during the sentencings. Arvant told both defendants that this road has been long and a "sad chapter."

Former Macomb County chief assistant prosecutor Benjamin Liston, far right wearing a green tie, at a plea hearing with his attorney, Michael Manley, and Judge Cynthia Arvant in 41-B District Court in Clinton Township on Sept. 17, 2020.

Macomb County judges recused themselves in cases related to the Smith probe, and judges from Oakland County were assigned the cases for all four defendants.

One sentencing left in Eric Smith-related cases

Former Assistant Prosecutor Derek Miller, 39, who served as Smith's former chief of operations and once served as county treasurer, is to scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday via Zoom by an Oakland County Circuit judge after he entered a plea in June 2022.

All three co-defendants agreed to testify against Smith, who pleaded guilty in the embezzlement probe in July and was sentenced last month. Smith was accused of taking money from his former office's drug and forfeiture funds during several years in office. He resigned days after he was charged in 2020, and he also served seven months in federal prison after pleading guilty to an unrelated federal case in which he stole money from his campaign.

Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith speaks during his sentencing in an embezzlement probe in Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac on Sept. 13, 2023.

Liston, 62, a former chief assistant prosecutor who is married to Warren's 37th District Judge Suzanne Faunce, pleaded guilty in September 2020 to three misdemeanor charges of willful neglect of duty by a public officer holding public trust. He was accused of spending forfeiture funds for personal laptops, travel expenses to his Arizona residence and a piece of sound equipment.

Former prosecutor gets 10-month reprieve to start sentence

As part of his plea agreement, Liston was sentenced to 60 days in county jail, relinquished his law license and is to pay $10,939 in restitution to the county prosecutor's office's drug and OWI forfeiture funds. Four felony charges against him were dropped as part of the agreement.

Liston's attorney, Michael Manley, asked Arvant for Liston's time in the Macomb County Jail to start Aug. 19, 2024, because of unidentified "personal issues." Arvant agreed, saying Liston has to report by 5 p.m. that day. This will give the county Sheriff's Office time to address any potential safety concerns, given his former position.

More: Macomb County's culture of corruption: 'It's how it's always been'

Liston, who was first hired as an assistant prosecutor in 1993 and worked as chief assistant prosecutor from January 2005 through February 2018, told Arvant he was speaking through Manley for sentencing.

"Mr. Liston was the first individual in this case to accept responsibility and come forward and to 'do the right thing.' And I think that matters. I think it matters in a case like this that Mr. Liston did not try to waste time of the system, waste the time of the Attorney General's Office, and he actually took responsibility and I think that's very important for the court to know in this case," Manley told Arvant, adding Liston "testified against somebody that he was very close to and worked with very closely."

Arvant also sentenced Liston to just over $3,000 in fines and court costs and six months on non-reporting probation. She noted Liston was a public servant at the time and his conduct represents "a serious breach" of his oath of office and conduct as an attorney licensed by the state.

Smith's home security system

Weber, 42, who pleaded guilty in June 2021 to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner, admitted to falsifying an invoice at Smith's request for a security system installation at Smith's home to make it appear that it was installed at the prosecutor's office in Mount Clemens.

He has faced additional criminal charges since his plea, including a recent bind-over to Macomb County Circuit Court on unrelated charges of larceny and lying to police, as well as being sentenced to 24 months of probation for an OWI, second offense conviction, attorneys said during his sentencing.

Weber's attorney, Vincenzo Manzella, said that Weber, a high school graduate who still works for the security group, "certainly he should have known better." Weber said he is taking responsibility and apologized "for what I did."

"I thought it was great to have Eric Smith as my friend," Weber said, adding he was a "loyal team member until the Michigan State Police came. I've learned that there are no teams. This was not political. This was criminal. And there's only right and wrong. I was wrong."

Arvant told Weber that since the beginning of the case, he has portrayed himself as a victim who was taken advantage of by people. But, she said, he was being sentenced for "choices that you made, whether they were motivated by social issues, economic issues, whatever the motivation, they were choices that you made, your expensive choices that you made, at a cost to the citizens of Macomb County."

She sentenced him to 24 months of non-reporting probation, recognizing he will be reporting to two other courts on other criminal matters; 100 hours of community service; completing an economic crimes class and $23,960 in restitution, which was paid already to the court.

Miller, 39, pleaded guilty to the 90-day misdemeanor charge of a public official refusing/neglecting to account for county money. He is accused of saying to Smith and others in June 2018 that employer identification numbers on two of the accounts could be changed to numbers that were not associated with the county.

If his plea is accepted by the court and Miller fulfills the terms in the plea agreement, state prosecutors, at sentencing, will dismiss the two felony charges against Miller, according to the agreement. Miller "will not be sentenced to incarceration, and the People will not object to Defendant's request for relief under MCL 771.1(2)," which deals with probation and delayed sentencing and could see the eventual dismissal of the case.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2 codefendants sentenced in probe of ex-Macomb Prosecutor Eric Smith
CHICAGO - A man and a woman were shot while driving Monday night in the Grand Crossing neighborhood.

The pair was driving around 9:09 p.m. when a black Ford sedan pulled up and someone started shooting at them in the 7500 block of South South Chicago Avenue, according to police. The 36-year-old man had been shot in the left hand, and the 40-year-old woman was grazed on the head.

They drove to the 4th District police station and were both transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where they were both listed in good condition, police said.

There is no one in custody as Area Two detectives investigate.
Columbia City Council is guaranteed one new face in January. At-large councilman Howard Duvalls term ends this year, and he isnt running for reelection.

Three people who have never served on council before are vying to fill that seat: Jesse Bullard, Tyler Bailey and Christa Williams.

Elsewhere, in District 3, Councilman Will Brennan is running to keep his seat and faces a challenge from former councilman Moe Baddourah, whom Brennan ousted from the council in 2019.

Ed McDowell also is running to keep his seat in District 2, but he does not have a challenger in that race. McDowell did not respond to multiple requests to participate in The States voter guide.

This article includes information on candidates for the at-large and District 3 races.

The election is Nov. 7. You can check your voter registration status at scvotes.gov. Early voting began Oct. 23 and ends Nov. 3.

At-large candidates

Christa Williams

Christa Williams

Age: 39

Occupation: Small Business owner, Uncle Willies Grocery Store

Education: Columbia College

Political or civic experience: President - The Rural South Carolina Project (nonprofit) / 2021 - City Council District One Candidate / Member - The Army National Guard Association

Campaign website: www.christawilliams.com

Why are you running for Columbia City Council?

I ran in 2021 City Election and I am running in this election now because our communities in the City of Columbia need a Community Advocate. Our Citys growth should be holistic and balanced, there should be room for everyone to thrive. When we grow balanced, we grow economically as well as socially. I believe that we should have business growth, but also realistic solutions to combat crime and workable solutions for our Unhoused Population.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on City Council?

If elected, I will advocate for neighborhood funding to be used for beautification projects (tougher laws on illegal dumping), affordable housing projects (tougher laws on vacant and abandoned properties), and working with youth and family services to ensure growth of families to curb violence and crime.

What current practice/policy of Columbia city government would you preserve or enhance?

The Current Hope and Order Project should be expanded beyond providing food and temporary housing to having a secured facility, a structure already existing, that will have mental health treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, etc. This secured facility should also have job training and an option for patients to transition into independent living. Incentivizing home ownership is a way to begin closing the gap on homelessness.

What does the city of Columbia need to do differently?

As our business and overall development expands as a City, we must invest in our neighborhoods to ensure that can effectively combat crime, homelessness, and keep our City beautiful.

Tyler Bailey is running for at-large Columbia City Council

Tyler Bailey

Age: 34

Occupation: Attorney, Bailey Law Firm, LLC

Education: Hammond School, Hampton University, Southern University Law Center

Political or civic experience: Greater Columbia Community Relations Council, Board of Directors (2023-2024 Board Chair); One Columbia for Arts and Culture, Board of Directors (2023-2024 Chair); Hammond School Alumni Council; Sistercare, Board of Directors; Wiley Kennedy Foundation, Board of Directors; South Carolina Association for Justice, Board of Governors; South Carolina Black Lawyers Association

Campaign website: Tylerforcolumbia.com

Why are you running for Columbia City Council?

I am running for Columbia City Council At-Large to be a voice for all the people of our great city. This entire city is my community; I wont pick and choose who I represent. Im ready to step up to lead our city into its next chapter by serving as a bridge builder who unites us, so we can collectively help Columbia realize the great promise it has for all its people. Our city has seen encouraging signs of economic growth and business investment. But far too many of our neighborhoods have been left behind, and communities are still being neglected. Columbia has the talent, resources and people to be not simply the capital city of our state, but the No. 1 city in South Carolina. Its my desire to bring us all together to link arms and work to make Columbia the city I know it can be: a place where we all grow and prosper because of one another, not at the expense of each other.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on City Council?

My number one priority would be reducing gun crime and violence. In 2022 we had a record high in shooting victims and were unfortunately on track to exceed the 2022 high. An even more alarming statistic is an overwhelming majority of the shootings involve perpetrators and victims between the ages of 15 and 20. I would work with our parks & recreation department and youth services to provide more innovative ways to keep our young people focused, engaged, and on track to enjoy a life that deviates them from a cycle of crime and violence. It would also be a priority of mine to find a more sustainable and compassionate long-term solution to our growing un-homed population in Columbia.

What current practice/policy of Columbia city government would you preserve or enhance?

Columbia has a solid police department with positive leadership that seeks to protect and preserve the peace. I would fully support the police department and work to strengthen its ability to protect all citizens, including ensuring that no neighborhood is unsafe, left out or overlooked. I would join forces with the police chief, others in law enforcement and fellow council members to address crime on all levels, particularly gun violence that is robbing us of so many young people and stoking fear throughout our communities.

What does the city of Columbia need to do differently?

I would elevate the citys focus on neighborhoods. As hopeful and excited as I am about Columbias promise and the many new businesses and residents who will be lured to our great city, Im equally excited about those who have long made Columbia home. My goal is to be a strong advocate for neighborhoods that too often lack supporters willing to not only acknowledge issues but help solve them. I will listen for understanding and act for change. I will lead the charge to make all our neighborhoods safe as well as make sure living and raising a family in those neighborhoods isnt harder or more costly than it ought to be due to a lack of opportunity, poor infrastructure, lack of affordable housing or other issues. I also will work with neighborhood groups and city leaders to ensure communities are clean and livable by enforcing current law. When people know their leaders and city care, they too will care.

Jesse Bullard is running for at-large Columbia City Council

Jesse Bullard

Age: 36

Occupation: Vice President, Southern Way Catering

Education: University of South Carolina

Political or civic experience: I Served on the City of Columbias Hospitality Tax Committee for 6 years.

Campaign website: bullardforcolumbia.com

Why are you running for Columbia City Council?

My motivation to run for office comes directly from the deep commitment to the city of Columbia. I have immersed myself in the community by establishing small businesses, volunteering for local causes, and raising my family here. As a husband and father to two small children, my priority is ensuring that Columbia has safe streets, family-supporting jobs, and an environment where every resident truly feels their voice is heard. I am a true believer in the potential of our city, and it is my mission to change the narrative that Columbias best quality is its proximity to other places. Columbia is vibrant and poised for growth and I am eager to be at the forefront of that transformation.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on City Council?

Opportunity: Columbia has seen great positive growth in investment and new jobs in the last year and a half. Ive built successful local businesses and know firsthand how to bring good jobs to our community. I know what business owners need to succeed, and I have a passion for helping others in our community achieve their goals. People in all corners of our city deserve the opportunity to succeed.

Safety: We need to support law enforcement and ensure they have adequate resources to do their jobs. We also need to get to the root causes of crime through engagement and outreach in the community. Ie, community policing, engagement in churches, with after school programs, summer camps...

Solutions: Local government needs problem solvers and people who understand customer service. Thats what I do every day with my businesses. No problem is too small, everyone deserves their voice to be heard, and collaboration is key. We can lift up our entire community by working together.

What current practice/policy of Columbia city government would you preserve or enhance?

Since January of 2022, Columbia has seen significant investment and job growth when compared to previous years. As someone who has built successful local businesses that provide good jobs, Ill take that experience to build off of this success  to help local businesses succeed, and to ensure people in all of our communities can find good paying, family-supporting jobs. New investment and job growth will increase city revenue and allow us to fund first responders, community organizations, infrastructure improvements, and so much more.

What does the city of Columbia need to do differently?

First responders need to know that they have the resources to keep ALL people safe. They need a unified City Council that will have their backs when they need it, and who will work for change when we need it too. A lot of repeat offenders are often let go, even violent criminals, and while thats on prosecutors and judges largely, we need advocates at all levels of government on this revolving door issue. We cant help our future generations succeed if we cant keep them safe. Too many of these victims and assailants are young people, and thats an unacceptable failure in our society. Again, we need to get to the root cause of the problem. We need resources early on for youth, after school activities, summer camps, and mentorships. We cant lose our kids to a cycle of crime, and we have to hold violent criminals accountable. Bond reform passing this year was positive, but its only a baby step in closing the revolving door. If youre running for office right now and youre not willing to have an honest conversation about making Columbia more safe, youre not having the right conversation.

District 3 candidates

Will Brennan is running for re-election to the District 3 Columbia City Council seat.

Will Brennan

Age: 43

Occupation: Historic Real Estate Developer/Small Business Owner

Education: Dreher High School/NC State University

Political or civic experience: Columbia City Council District 3 (elected 2019)

Campaign website: www.VoteWillBrennan.com

Why are you running for Columbia City Council?

I am running for Re-Election to City Council to continue the commitment to providing the residents of Columbia the best quality of life. City services, water infrastructure, safe communities, economic success, and strong cultural and recreational offerings all go into creating that wonderful quality of life, and our City needs to continue to lead in all these aspects.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on City Council?

I would continue to be innovative in the way we approach recruiting and retaining our talent in our Police and Fire Departments. We have come a long way with a commitment to catch up on the deferred maintenance and growth of our water infrastructure. Residents in District 3 still have brown water and constant water issues, and we will keep our commitment to upgrade these water projects for all of the District. Access to our rivers for our residents is so very important. By investing in the Columbia Gateway Project (the area on the Congaree between Gervais Street and Blossom Street), we can not only create tremendous private investments, but also someday create a world class park with many recreational offerings, with a committed maintenance budget to make sure it stays a world class park.

What current practice/policy of Columbia city government would you preserve or enhance?

Competitive career salaries for our Public Safety professionals is an absolute must. We must continue the commitment to draw talent to our City to keep our communities safe.

What does the city of Columbia need to do differently?

The City of Columbia needs to understand that growth is coming to the Southeast, to the State of South Carolina, to the Midlands, to Richland County and to our City. How we respond to this growth will be important for everyones quality of life in the future. The State, the County and the City need to continue to work together to prepare our infrastructure, our roads, our businesses, our public safety and our neighborhoods for growth that doesnt impact our residents in a negative way. Columbia is going to continue to be an exciting and proud place to live in the next four years.

Moe Baddourah

Moe Baddourah

Age: 60

Occupation:: Owner & Chef, Badd Boys Restaurant

Education: Midlands Tech

Political or civic experience: Former Columbia City Councilman, volunteer fire fighter, former Board Member of Rosewood Crawfish Festival, small business owner, certified fishing instructor

Campaign website: n/a

Why are you running for Columbia City Council?

After many constituents, neighbors and friends felt unrepresented and out of being part of the district and the city. They dont feel better off now than they did 4 years ago.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on City Council?

Blighted properties, zoning, improve public safety by locating police substation in/near parks for faster response to emergencies, homelessness, fiscal accountability, investing into a more efficient, long term water lines systems, prioritize and develop partnerships for Animal Services

What current practice/policy of Columbia city government would you preserve or enhance?

Preserve the City Council manager form of government.

What does the city of Columbia need to do differently?

Be more transparent in decision making; this is something that impacts everyone in Columbia. Back room deals have no place in local government!
By Zeba Siddiqui

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Genetics testing company 23andMe on Tuesday sent emails to several customers to inform them of a breach into the "DNA Relatives" feature that allowed them to compare ancestry information with users worldwide.

After a hacker advertised millions of "pieces of data" stolen from 23andMe on an online forum this month, the company had said it was working with federal law enforcement and forensic experts to investigate it.

In the new emails, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, 23andMe told customers there was a breach of one or more accounts connected to theirs through the "DNA Relatives" feature. That feature allows users around the world to connect and share their personal data including relationship labels, ancestry reports and matching DNA segments, location, birth year and family names, among other things.

"There was unauthorized access to one or more 23andMe accounts that were connected to you through DNA Relatives," the company told customers in the email on Tuesday. "As a result, the DNA Relatives profile information you provided in this feature was exposed to the threat actor."

23andMe provides DNA testing that helps users learn more about their ancestry. Since news of the hack, many customers have expressed worries their ethnicity and other sensitive information could be used against them if leaked. A U.S. lawmaker last week sought more detail on the leaks.

Several users on social media on Tuesday said they got the email, but it was unclear how many customers had been informed. 23andMe spokeswoman Katie Watson declined to comment, citing its ongoing probe, and referred to the blog where the company said on Oct. 20 that it was temporarily disabling features in the "DNA Relatives" to protect user privacy.

Earlier, the company had said hackers may have used credentials leaked from other websites to breach 23andMe accounts - a technique known as 'credential stuffing'. It advised users change their login information and enable two-factor authentication to prevent compromise.

(Additional reporting by Alexandra Ulmer in San Francisco; Editing by David Gregorio)
Three men have been indicted on charges of first-degree murder in three separate killings across Volusia County in October.

The Volusia County Grand Jury was sworn in Monday and turned in the indictments the same day, according to the State Attorneys Office. Here are the defendants facing charges:

Walter Russell, 45, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Russell is accused of shooting three people on Oct. 5 at a homeless camp in Edgewater. John G. Ellis, 39, was killed and Amanda L. Cormier-Campbell, 22, and Frank J. Matott, 41, were injured.

Russell told detectives that Matott had previously tried to rob him during a narcotics deal and had sold him "bad dope." Russell said he crouched down as he approached the homeless camp where people were not expecting him. He said the "people at the camp charged toward him" and he turned and fired "behind him as he went back up the trail," the affidavit stated.

Russell's fiance, Laura Carter, 42, was taken into custody as an accessory after the fact to a capital felony. Both are from New Smyrna Beach.

Investigators recovered 11 9 mm casings at the scene.

Joseph McDonald, 31, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder. McDonald is accused of fatally stabbing a 21-year-old Kyle Sue at a Deltona home on Oct. 8. McDonald was angry when he didn't receive a marijuana cigarette when he asked for it and instead was told to wait, according to the charging affidavit.

McDonald's brother, Orlando Torres, told investigators that McDonald had moved in about two months earlier after leaving a facility in South Florida where he was being treated for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and was constantly in a "state of aggressive psychosis" and did not take his medication.

Shantell Adkins, 35, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder. Adkins shot his wife, Shawntai Adkins, 34, in the head at their Daytona Beach home on Thursday. The shooting followed an argument which began over Shantell Adkins riding his motorcycle while intoxicated, according to police.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 3 men indicted in unrelated murders in Volusia County
Is Halloween your favorite holiday? If so, then let's find out how much you know about all things related to October 31, starting with Samhain.

What does the ancient Celtic festival have to do with Halloween? That's easy. For many people, it's believed to be the origin of the year's most fang-tastic holiday.

Let's raise the stakes, shall we?

Do you know how to pronounce Samhain? You might think you do, but chances are, youve got it wrong. The correct way to say the word is "SAH-win" not "Sam-hane."

Interested in learning more Halloween facts? Well, you're in luck. We've got a collection of trivia so good, it's positively scary.

Use these fascinating tidbits to test your knowledge or quiz friends and family to see just how much they know about the holiday. Take Belsnickeling, for instance. Any idea what it might have to do with trick-or-treating?

You'll need to scroll on for the answer and, along the way, you'll discover a variety of other Halloween facts sure to give you and your skeleton crew a run for your money.

Whether you're a Halloween movie junkie, love costume statistics or lean more into historical facts and geography, we've got a little something for just about every kind of Halloween enthusiast.

In fact, we bet you don't know if pumpkins are a fruit or vegetable. If you do, you may not know how much the average person spends on Halloween each year, or what the most popular costumes for kids and adults are.

Either way, you're about to find out. So, hit play on your spooky songs playlist to set the mood and let's begin.

The largest Halloween parade in the U.S. takes place in ...

New York City. The annual event, which began in 1973, is held in Greenwich Village. The parade draws nearly 2 million spectators and includes roughly 70,000 costumed participants.

A lot of Americans pretend not to be home on Halloween

A surprising number of Americans don't want to answer the door when trick-or-treaters ring the bell or hand out candy, for that matter. In fact, according to a 2021 YouGov poll, one in five adults (or 21% of respondents) pretend they aren't at home on Halloween night.

Jason Voorhees lives at the bottom of a lake

Jason Voorhees, the sociopath from the "Friday the 13th" movie franchise, is immortalized at the bottom of a Minnesota lake. According to a YouTube video, a diver chained a statue of the fictitious serial killer (hockey mask and all) to the bottom of a mine pit in the city of Crosby, where it remains today.

These U.S. destinations have spooky names

These cities and towns have names befitting Halloween. According to the U.S. Census, they are:

Scarville City, Iowa

Slaughter Beach, Delaware

Tombstone, Arizona

Bad Axe, Michigan

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Munster, Indiana

'The Conjuring' is based on true life events

The scary movie about a family that moves into a Burrillville, Rhode Island house inhabited by supernatural spirits is based on the real-life case files of paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Lorraine Warren makes a cameo in the 2013 film, which stars Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga and Joey King.

You're probably saying 'Samhain' wrong

Most people consider the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan celebration of the fall harvest, to be the origin of modern-day Halloween. However, a majority of them are pronouncing the word "Samhain" incorrectly, saying "Sam-hane." In fact, the word is correctly pronounced "SAH-win."

'Belsnickeling' might have preceded trick-or-treating

Imagine if instead of saying "trick-or-treat," kids rang the doorbell and shouted, "Belsnickel!"

According to the Library of Congress, the old German-American tradition of belsnickeling, a custom in which children dress up in costumes for Christmas and visit their neighbors, is one possible origin of modern-day trick-or-treating. As the tradition goes, during Christmas, kids would visit their neighbors in disguise and have them guess who lurked behind the masks. If they were wrong, they had to pony up treats. Sound familiar?

Pumpkins: Fruit or vegetable?

You ever hear the catchphrase, "A pumpkin a day keeps the doctor away"? Probably not. After all, apples are fruits and pumpkins, well, they're ... also fruits. Yep, you read that right. While Halloween's beloved orange gourds might look like vegetables, they start as flowers and have seeds, which classifies them as a fruit. So, a pumpkin a day might not be such a bad idea after all.

New Hampshire holds the world record for lit jack-o'-lanterns

Sorry, but all your mad pumpkin-carving skills will never match that of Keene, New Hampshire, which holds the record for most lit jack-o-lanterns on display. During the city's annual Pumpkin Fest held on Oct. 19, 2013, a dazzling 30,581 jack-o'-lanterns were lit, breaking the world record.

One U.S. city celebrates 'Beggars' Night'

While most cities and towns celebrate Halloween on its actual date, Oct. 31, residents of Des Moines, Iowa have another tradition called "Beggars' Night." According to the Des Moines Register, the concept began back in the late 1930s after Halloween shenanigans often resulted in a wave of vandalism.

To encourage more positive Halloween activities, "Beggars' Night" was implemented on Oct. 30, the night before the holiday. On that night, children went door to door to get "treats for eats," but only if they told a joke first. More than 80 years later, the practice still continues in and around Des Moines making the holiday a days-long affair.

Halloween falls on a full moon every 19 years

Based on movies and popular Halloween images, it's tempting to think that the year's spookiest holiday always lands on a full moon. How else would werewolves make an appearance? More important, a full moon is the best way to see a witch (and her trusty black cat) flying through the night. However, according to a NASA news article, full moons on Halloween are exceptionally rare, occurring only once every nineteen years or so, making them, indeed, once in a blue moon.

Magician Harry Houdini died on Halloween

Known for his wondrous illusions, Harry Houdini defied all reason in 1908 when he somehow escaped from a water-filled milk can in which he was shackled and chained. To this day, the stunt remains one of the most well-known tricks and immortalized the magician. It seems fitting, then, that the escape artist ultimately exited this world on the most supernatural days of the year. On Oct. 31, 1926, Houdini died, not of a stunt gone wrong, but of a burst appendix.

The White House was first decorated for Halloween in 1958

Mamie Eisenhower decorated the White House for a Halloween for the first time. She decked out the State Dining Room in twinkle lights, shocks of dried corn, jack-o'-lanterns and autumnal flower arrangements for a lunch for wives of staff members. Things took a spooky turn outside the dining room, though: Black cats, owls, witch heads and goblins hung from chandeliers in the foyer.

Americans spend more than $100 on Halloween

And it's not going down anytime soon. In 2023, the National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend an average of $108 on costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards.

Jack Nicholson's divorce inspired a scene in "The Shining"

There's a scene in "The Shining" that writers  including Nicholson  know all too well: Wendy approaches Jack at his typewriter and he scolds her for trying to get in the way of his writing process. Nicholson later revealed that his character's reaction, although exaggerated, stems from his own personal experience.

"That scene at the typewriter  thats what I was like when I got my divorce. I was under the pressure of being a family man with a daughter and one day I accepted a job to act in a movie in the daytime and I was writing a movie at night and Im back in my little corner and my beloved wife, Sandra, walked in on what was, unbeknownst to her, this maniac  and I told Stanley [Kubrick] about it and we wrote it into the scene," the actor told The New York Times.

William Shakespeare wrote the "Song of Witches"

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble is from William Shakespeares Macbeth. A trio of witches recite the poem as they scheme over a bubbling cauldron and it's been associated with witches ever since.

People used to carve turnips, not pumpkins

Initially, the Irish and Scottish carved turnips as a way to remember deceased souls. When they immigrated to the U.S., they realized that pumpkins were much easier to carve and the rest, as they say, is history.

Most popular costumes of 2023

According to Google, these are the top Halloween costumes of 2023:

Barbie

Princess

Spider-Man

Witch

Fairy

Wednesday Addams

Dinosaur

Cowboy

Ninja

Bunny

Halloween was once known as "Black Halloween"

Before costumes and trick-or-treating, Halloween was a night for pranking. The pranks eventually got out of control and in 1933, vandals caused millions of dollars of damage across the U.S., leading many people to refer to it as Black Halloween.

Trick-or-treating began in Canada (possibly)

The origins of trick-or-treating are still up for debate. Although some believe trick-or-treating dates back to medieval times, Henry Ansgar Kelly, a research professor specializing in medieval and renaissance studies at UCLA, said it may have started in Canada during the early 1900s as a way to deter pranksters from wreaking havoc.

Michael Myers was inspired by Captain Kirk

Albert L. Ortega / WireImage

Netflix's "The Movies That Made Us" revealed the connection between "Halloween" and "Star Trek." The Michael Myers mask in the movie was actually reconstructed from an old Captain Kirk mask. Tommy Wallace, the films production designer, shaved off the eyebrows and sideburns, then dyed the hair brown to give it its signature Michael Myers look.

Halloween isn't Day of the Dead (and vice versa)

While the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is often associated with Halloween, it shouldn't be. The Mexican holiday dates back more than 3,000 years and is a time to honor deceased loved ones. That said, it shouldn't be associated with costumes, candy and other Halloween traditions.

Halloween generates billions of dollars

Around $12.2 billion, to be exact. The most recent survey from the National Retail Federation predicts that Halloween will generate a record-breaking $12.2 billion in 2023, up from $10.6 billion in 2022.

All Saints Day is not All Souls Day

Celebrated on November 1, All Saints Day honors the death of Catholic saints and loved ones. All Souls Day, on November 2, is observed to pray for souls of the faithfully departed that remain trapped in purgatory in hopes they'll be admitted to heaven.

Halloween may have started in 600 A.D.

Many experts believe that Halloween stems from Samhain, a Gaelic festival to celebrate the end of summer. The first known celebrations of Samhain are said to have occurred around 600 A.D., making Halloween more than 3,500 years old.

Retailers made Halloween popular

From 1909 to the 1940s, the Dennison Manufacturing Co., a paper goods manufacturer located in Framingham, Mass., was one of the leading producers of Halloween costumes, invitations and decorations in the U.S. The rise in available Halloween-related goods spurred the popularity of the holiday.

Trick-or-treating took off in the 1930s

Lisa Morten, author of Trick of Treat: The History of Halloween, said the first official mention of trick-or-treating as a Halloween activity in the U.S. was published in the November 1939 issue of "American Home" magazine.

Americans love pet Halloween costumes

According to the National Retail Federation, in 2023, consumers are expected to spend nearly a billion dollars on pet costumes.

The most popular pet Halloween costumes of 2023 are as follows:

Pumpkin

Hot dog

Bat

Bumblebee

Spider

The Headless Horseman isn't linked to Halloween

Though everyone associates Halloween with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the original Washington Irving short story doesnt mention Halloween even once. Its the 1949 Disney movie, The Headless Horseman, that makes the connection between the two.

The first guide to Halloween came out in 1897

Before there were magazine articles, TV segments and other helpful how-to's, Americans relied on annual Halloween guides to answer their top questions. The first official Halloween party guide, titled "Halloween: How to Celebrate It," was published in 1897.

Stingy Jack inspired jack-o'-lanterns

Illuminated Jack-O-Lantern On Table (Ashley Sandberg / EyeEm / Getty Images stock)

"Stingy Jack," a drunk and deplorable person, cheated death three times and, each time, tricked the devil out of taking his soul. When Jack finally died, he wasnt allowed into heaven and the devil banned him from hell. Instead, Jack was forced to wander Earth for all eternity using an ember-lit gourd to light his way.

There are millions of trick-or-treaters

In 2021, the U.S. Census estimated that there would be upwards of 42 million trick-or-treaters between the ages of five and 14. And the number of potential stops for those trick-or-treaters was a whopping 128 million. Thats a lot of candy.

Europe doesn't celebrate Halloween like the U.S.

Even though Halloween was brought to the U.S. from Irish and Scottish immigrants, the rest of Europe didnt begin celebrating the holiday until decades later. Although many European countries now celebrate the holiday, it hasn't been quite as commercialized as the U.S.

It wasn't always called "Halloween"

There are several theories about the origin of the word Halloween. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "Halloween" stems from All Hallows Eve. However, in 1773, the Scottish began calling it, Hallow-e-en.

Then, a few years later, poet Robert Burns put the words together in the poem titled Halloween and weve been writing it that way ever since.

Halloween postcards used to be a thing

From 1905 to 1920, more than 3,000 Halloween postcards were mass-produced. For years, people popped Halloween greetings in the mail until the telephone became the preferred method of communication.

Everyone loves candy (like a lot)

So many Halloween activities, so little time! In 2022, the National Retail Foundation said that passing out candy was the most popular way to spend Halloween and understandably so. Other common ways that people celebrate include:

Decorating their home or yard

Dressing up in costume

Carving pumpkins

Throwing or attending a party

People used to carve other fruits

Think beyond the gourd! U.S. magazines and Halloween guides from the late 1800s offered tips on how to carve apples and cucumbers in addition to jack-o-lanterns.

Candied apples were a total mistake

The beloved Halloween treat is said to have been invented by William W. Kolb, a New Jersey confectioner, in 1908. The candy maker supposedly dipped an apple into a cinnamon glaze as an experiment and discovered that patrons loved them.

Rhode Island is home to 6,000 jack-o'-lanterns

The annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular held at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island displays more than 6,000 jack-o-lanterns during their annual festival. It's one of the largest displays in the country, drawing roughly 115,000 to 140,000 visitors each year.

Black cats get a bum rap

Black cats are undeservedly associated with bad luck. Their reputation dates way back to the Middle Ages when people considered them a sign of the devil. Hundreds of years later, black cats became the object of fear and scorn after being linked to witches and black magic.

Candy corn has been around since the 1800s

Candy Corn (Marina Pierre / Getty Images stock)

Originally dubbed Chicken Feed, candy corn became popular once the Goelitz Company took over production in the late 1800s. Love it or hate it, he sugary-sweet treat become a Halloween staple in the 1950s.

Transylvania is located in the U.S.

If you love vampires and want to visit Transylvania, you need only book a trip to North Carolina. Known as the Land of Waterfalls, (not vampires, who knew?), Transylvania County is located in western North Carolina and is home to roughly 34,000 residents. The official Bram Stoker version is in Romania.

Halloween isn't just for kids anymore

Once upon a time, Halloween was all about kids and while that's still true, adult participation is growing year over year. According to the NRF, Roughly 55% of households without children planned to celebrate Halloween in 2021 (up from 49% back in 2020). In 2022, annual spending on adult Halloween costumes was predicted to top 1.7 billion dollars.

The most popular Halloween candy is ...

Are you ready for this one? According to research by YouGov, the most popular Halloween candy is (drum roll, please) M&Ms! Reese's Peanut Butter Cups come in a close second. Interestingly enough, their findings show kids ages 8 to 14 prefer the two in reverse order. Go figure!

Here is the most popular Halloween candy for adults, ranked:

M&Ms (original)

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

Kit Kat

Peanut M&Ms

Butterfinger

Snickers

Twix

Milky Way

Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar

Reese's Pieces

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
An estimated 305,000 people initially received federal student loan bills with the wrong amount  many with charges higher than they should be  when payments resumed this month after a three-plus year pause.

The Department of Education identified the errors and directed student loan servicing companies to place the impacted borrowers in an administrative forbearance during which they are not required to make payments.

Because of the Departments stringent oversight efforts and ability to quickly catch these errors, servicers are being held accountable and borrowers will not have payments due until these mistakes are fixed, the Department of Education said in a statement sent to CNN.

While we regret any error, the Department is working closely with student loan servicers to ensure that they are providing borrowers the information they need and holding servicers accountable when they do not, it added.

The bill errors were first reported by CBS.

The mistakes impact roughly 1% of the 28 million borrowers entering repayment for the first time since the pandemic pause was put into place in March 2020.

But for those affected, the mistakes add to the stress some borrowers already feel as they try to fit their monthly student loan bills back into their budgets.

It causes a lot of anxiety. Theyre not going to relax until they actually see the lower payment they expect, said Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, a nonprofit that provides free student loan advice.

Whos received inaccurate bills?

The student loan bill mistakes do not appear to be specific to a certain type of borrower.

Its unclear exactly whats causing the problems, according to Mayotte.

Mayotte has encountered some borrowers whose bills had outright math errors. Shes also seen some people who were placed in a standard, 10-year plan  with a higher monthly payment  despite having previously been enrolled in an income-driven plan, which calculates payments based on income and family size.

Other borrowers whose loans were recently transferred from one servicer to another have found that some of their information has not transferred correctly. Millions of people have different loan servicers now than the last time they made a payment because several companies ended their contracts during the past three years.

Complicating matters further is the launch of a new income-driven plan called SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education). The new repayment plan offers the most generous terms and will likely offer the smallest monthly payment for the lowest-income borrowers  but it went into effect this summer, and some borrowers who applied in August or September are still waiting for their applications to be processed.

What borrowers should do if their bill looks wrong

Borrowers who believe their monthly payment amount is wrong should first double check with StudentAid.govs simulator, which helps people calculate what their monthly payment should be and what repayment plan is best for them.

If the amount looks off, Mayotte recommends that the borrower call the loan servicer  and continue to call until someone on the phone gets the bill corrected.

Some borrowers have had to wait hours on hold to connect with a customer service representative, and student loan servicer websites have been sporadically down since interest resumed accruing on federal student loans on September 1.

Mayotte also warned about scammers that mislead borrowers with offers to lower their student loan payment for a fee.

Borrowers whose bill is correct but who miss a payment right now will not face the normal financial consequences, thanks to a temporary on-ramp period created by the Department of Education.

Until September 30, 2024, a borrower wont be reported as being in default to the national credit rating agencies, which can damage a persons credit score. But because interest will still accrue, borrowers arent off the hook entirely.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Students at the University of Memphis are frustrated and fighting for answers after several car break-ins on campus.

The university confirmed that 36 vehicles have been hit since Saturday.

Imagine waking up to your car window shattered. Thats what University of Memphis student Tumi Awolowo found Tuesday morning.

It pisses me off. I just bought the car a couple of weeks ago, Awolowo said.

He said it happened at the Carpenter student housing parking lot off Central Avenue.

It does surprise me a little bit. Because we do have a decent amount of security. Its not like we dont have any security at night, especially we have about four or five police officers always rolling through, he said.

University of Memphis student carjacked on campus

His car wasnt the only one. We saw car after car with windows busted out and shattered glass in the seats.







Jayla Bryants Honda was also hit Monday night.

I called police. And it was just like, I dont know like I just felt like it was no rush. Like, Im like, What am I supposed to do? If this is such a safe campus, why all our cars are broken into like, I was so confused by that, Bryant said.

The University of Memphis claims it is one of the safest large campuses in the state.

I just think something has to change. Like its not. Were not considered safe campus if every week somebodys car is broken into, Bryant said.

WREG reached out to the U of M for answers since last month the school publicized it has heightened security on campus with more officers, better lighting, and increased cameras.

University of Memphis to add $5M in campus safety improvements after Eliza Fletcher abduction

They sent a statement that says 36 vehicles have been broken into or hit around the campus since Saturday.

7 cars broken into near the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center

18 vehicles hit outside the Carpenter Complex

7 vehicles broken into in front of the Zach Curlin parking garage and the South Curlin parking lot

1 vehicle broken into outside the Community Health Building on Park Avenue

3 vehicles broken into on Walker Avenue

The school said they are crimes of opportunity and convenience that are done in the cloak of night, and they are working with Memphis Police to identify the suspects and have reached out to the victims to offer support.

The University of Memphis also said the suspects resort to vandalism when they cant steal vehicles. They are taking car parts and items left inside.

But some students told us they have called the Dean and requested a meeting. For these students, the break-ins are more than an inconvenience. Its also a cost.

So getting the window replaced and re-tinted, its kind of hard, you know? Its money that I dont really want to spend, Awolowo said.

I expect a lot more because its like we pay so much money. Its like wheres our money going, Bryant said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
In the last three days, 54 trucks of humanitarian aid have reached Gaza. Photo courtesy of Palestinian Red Crescent Society/X

Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A third convoy of humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Monday, as officials repeatedly warned about depleting resources in the Palestinian enclave, saying they will be without fuel in days.

The 20 trucks transporting food, medicine and supplies entered Gaza on Monday from Egypt via the Rafah border crossing, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society announced in a statement.

Pictures of smiling staff posing with the trucks accompanied the note, and though a small victory, it follows 20 trucks having entered the besieged Gaza Strip on Saturday and 15 on Sunday, when days earlier there were few signs that the dozens of aid-loaded trucks parked in Egypt would be allowed to cross Rafah.

The Palestinian Red Crescent received the third humanitarian aid shipment from the Egyptian Red Crescent - 20 trucks with food, medicine, and supplies via the Rafah crossing.#gaza #GazaUnderSiege #HumanitarianAid pic.twitter.com/Ej9i948Gxi PRCS (@PalestineRCS) October 23, 2023

The aid that has entered Gaza lacks fuel, which Palestinian and United Nations officials say the enclave is running extremely low on. Photo courtesy of Palestinian Red Crescent Society/X

Though a fraction of the hundreds of trucks a day pre-war that would enter Gaza, the delivery is nonetheless a diplomatic win for U.S. President Joe Biden who flew to Tel Aviv late last week and gained assurances from Egypt that it would allow supplies into Gaza through Rafah and from Israel.

Following the first convoy on Saturday, there were no guarantees more would follow, though Biden had said further convoys may gain access to Gaza if the "first tranche" entered without problem.

Members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society pose for a photo Monday in front of a truck that was seemingly a part of the third convoy of vehicles which brought humanitarian aid into Gaza. Photo courtesy of Palestinian Red Crescent Society/X

"The United States remains committed to ensuring that civilians in Gaza will continue to have access to food, water, medical care and other assistance, without diversion by Hamas," Biden tweeted Monday following the Palestinian Red Crescent Society's announcement.

Biden earlier Monday said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Gaza and "we affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical aid to Palestinians in need."

Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories agency under the ministry of defense confirmed that in the last three days, 54 trucks have entered Gaza after its inspection.

None of the trucks carried any fuel, which Palestinian officials now say they are running extremely low on.

On Sunday, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N.'s relief works agency for Palestinian refugees, warned that they will run out of fuel in three days, after which there will be no water or functioning hospitals in Gaza where Israel has cut electricity.

The Palestinian health ministry Monday said that 12 hospitals and 32 health centers were already out of service due to Israeli attacks and fuel shortages.

On Sunday, health officials warned that if they don't receive fuel soon, 140 patients on ventilators and another 1,100 suffering from kidney failure would die.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters during a press conference Monday that there is fuel on the other side of Rafah. He wouldn't say why it hasn't been allowed entrance to Gaza, only that there are "hurdles" in the way.

The lack of fuel is a "grave concern," he said.

"I checked in with our UNRWA colleagues just before walking in here ... and they can see the bottom of the fuel tank. I mean, we're talking days. And when that happens, that will be truly devastating, on top of what is already a devastating humanitarian situation."

Israel launched its war on Gaza following Hamas' secret Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,400 people and saw more than 100 others taken hostage. The incessant bombing of the Gaza Strip that followed has killed 5,087 people, including more than 2,000 children, and injured more than 15,000, according to Monday statistics from the Palestinian health ministry.

Among the dead in Gaza are 35 UNRWA staff, an increase of six from a day prior, the agency said, adding that nearly 600,000 internally displaced Palestinians, which is nearly 30% of all Gaza residents, are sheltering in one of its 150 facilities.
By the time Kelly Santos found the Education Freedom Account program, she felt out of options.

The Hudson resident had fought for years for disability accommodations for her son James at his public school, beginning in the first grade. By his fourth grade year, she had arranged letters from teachers and had paid $5,000 for a neuropsychological exam to prove to school administrators that he needed help. But without a formal evaluation, the accommodations did not appear.

I fought to keep him with his community and his friends, she said, speaking to members of the State Board of Education this month to advocate for the program. Special education did not work for me because I could not get past step one, which is evaluation.

Santos applied for local charter schools, but lost the lotteries necessary for admission. Then she found the Education Freedom Account program, and with it, an opportunity to send James to Second Nature Academy in Nashua.

Its changed her sons relationship to school, she says. When I asked James, Whats the difference between your old school and your new school? he said to me: Mom I was sitting in a prison and I was bored And when I went up to my new school that was the key that let me out of jail, Santos said.

If it wasnt for the EFA, we would have been stuck without a school to go to, she said.

The program is continuing to see similar interest. More than 4,200 New Hampshire students are participating in the Education Freedom Account program this school year  a 158 percent jump from the first years enrollment.

But most new participants are not following Santoss exact path: 28 percent of the 1,577 new students this year transferred directly from public school. The others were either homeschooled or attending non-public schools before they transferred.

In total, the state will spend $22.1 million toward EFAs this school year, up from $8.1 million in the 2021-2022 school year and $14.7 million in the 2022-2023 school year, according to numbers released by the Department of Education Thursday. That money comes out of the states Education Trust Fund, which spends about $1 billion per year on public education. The enrollment grew by 20 percent since last year.

Launched in 2021, the Education Freedom Account program allows parents to take the state education funding dollars that would go to their childs public school and use them for private and homeschooling expenses instead. To qualify, families must have an income below 350 percent of the federal poverty level  or $105,000 for a family of four.

Republicans, including Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, have hailed the initiative as a means for lower-income families to receive assistance to enroll their children in programs they might not otherwise be able to afford, providing alternatives if the public school is not a good fit.

But Democrats have criticized the program as wasteful and unnecessary, and argued that the Education Trust Fund dollars should be exclusive to public schools. Democrats have attempted unsuccessfully to both repeal the program and restrain it, including by requiring that students be attending public school before they can receive the vouchers. Currently, the vouchers are also available to qualifying families that dont attend public schools.

This year, the Republican-led Legislature increased the eligibility for the program by raising the income cap from 300 percent of the federal poverty level  where the program started  to 350 percent. Some Republicans, including gubernatorial candidates Chuck Morse and Kelly Ayotte, have proposed removing the income caps entirely in the future.

An examination of the latest numbers reveals some differences between public school students and EFA recipients. There are 4,211 students who receive EFAs and just over 160,000 students in New Hampshire public schools this year.

Of the students receiving EFAs this year, about 44 percent are enrolled in free or reduced price lunch program, meaning their families make below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, or $55,500 for a family of four. That represents a higher proportion than in public schools, where 26 percent of students are in the free or reduced lunch program.

Of all EFA recipients, 6.3 percent are receiving additional state funding for special education services. In public schools, 20 percent of students receive special education funding.

The state is spending an average of $5,255 per EFA recipient this year, according to the Department of Education. Thats a higher amount than in previous years and comes after the Legislature raised the base amount of state funding that schools receive per pupil in the two-year budget passed in June. The state is spending $6,161 per student in public schools this year, according to the department.

Among the 4,211 students receiving EFAs, 1,577 are new to the program this school year and 2,634 are returning. Since the last school year, 109 students have graduated, 75 have re-enrolled in public schools, and 524 have made other exits, a category not defined by the department.

In a statement Thursday, Edelblut praised the increased numbers, saying it is apparent that New Hampshire families are taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity that provides them with different options and significant flexibility for learning.

With three years of data under our belt, we know that students are coming and going from the program, which is exactly how it was designed  to allow various options for personal learning needs that may fluctuate from year-to-year based on whatever path is appropriate in the moment, Edelblut said.

Megan Tuttle, president of the National Education Association of New Hampshire, the states largest teachers union, disagreed, accusing Edelblut of (focusing) his energy on a small sliver of the population that was never in public schools.

Lets be clear  vouchers take scarce funding away from public schools and give it to private and religious schools that are unaccountable to the public, Tuttle said in a statement Friday. Taxpayer funds should be spent to resource neighborhood public schools to ensure they are desirable places to be and to learn, where students natural curiosity is inspired.

This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 4,200 NH students using Education Freedom Accounts
This map shows the proposed boundaries of the Plaza Midwood social district. The district would allow people to carry open containers of alcohol within its boundaries as long as the drinks are purchased from businesses that adhere to certain rules. (K2 Engineering)

The Charlotte City Council approved the citys first social district Monday in the heart of a neighborhood known for its bustling social scene.

The new Plaza Midwood social district  a defined area, permitted by the city, within which people can carry alcoholic beverages in public  will run along Central Avenue and be managed by the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association.

The social district was approved by a vote of 9-2, with council members Lawana Slack-Mayfield and Renee Johnson voting against it.

Mayfield said she was concerned that the council hadnt properly addressed questions she raised about the impacts of social districts on issues that can arise from drinking, such as indecent exposure, littering and public urination.

We havent clearly identified what our plan is as a council to address the current issue that were seeing in Charlotte regarding drunkenness, she said.

Other members of the council said that social districts and public intoxication concerns are two separate issues.

This social district is highly organized  My bet based on what Ive seen is it will probably be the cleanest, most organized and orderly operation around this front that we will ever see, Councilman Tariq Bokhari said.

Heres what to know about the Plaza Midwood social district:

When will Plaza Midwood social district launch?

Now that the Plaza Midwood social district has been approved, it will likely launch in the first two weeks of December, said Councilwoman Dante Anderson, whose District 1 includes the neighborhood.

That will be a soft opening, she told the Observer after Mondays vote, so business owners can pressure test the new system.

And, Anderson added, that launch could be delayed if participating businesses face delays in getting some of the equipment needed to open the social district.

Amanda Cranford, owner of the restaurant Dish at 1220 Thomas Ave. in the neighborhood, told the Observer people need to understand that the rollout process will be more complicated than it may seem.

Other business owners in the neighborhood say theyve got more planned to help accommodate the social district than just getting the required cups.

Manny Flores, owner of Que Onda Tacos + Tequila Bar, which opened in April at 1518 Central Ave., said that he wants to spruce up the area where people pick up their orders at his restaurant with benches and a platform so its easy to walk up to the window and order drinks.

Special cups for social districts

One of the pieces of equipment required for the social district will be special cups from which alcohol can be consumed within the district.

The merchants association said previously it will partner with Envision Charlotte to create reusable stainless-steel cups with the required logos.

The cups design, according to the groups plan, clearly identifies the permitted business from which the alcoholic beverage was purchased, displays the districts logo and has a liquid capacity that does not exceed 16 fluid ounces.

Signage will also be installed throughout Plaza Midwood alerting residents and visitors to the boundaries of the social district.

Hours for Plaza Midwood social district

Once launched, the Plaza Midwood social district will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Cranford said she thinks those hours may pose issues for business owners who participate in the social district.

The curfew will make it hard for small businesses to make money and not frustrate consumers who may not be informed about the laws and regulations, Cranford said. What I think will happen is that there will be a first-round vote to approve the social district, and, eventually, there will be a realization that other counties and areas that have adopted the social district model/laws allow for people to drink until 2 a.m. with less strict regulations, and there will be a revisement of some kind.

What parts of Plaza Midwood are included in new social district?

Under the map approved Monday by the City Council, the Plaza Midwood Social District will run along Central Avenue, stretching east to west from Louise Avenue/10th Street to Morningside Drive and north to south from Chesterfield Avenue to near Hamorton Place along Pecan Avenue.

Flores said the prospect of being part of the social district was part of what drew him to Central Avenue for his restaurant.

The site itself really is desirable in terms of walking up ordering a taco and a margarita to go, he said. So its like I say, that was one of the things that we specifically looked for in the Plaza Midwood location, he said.

Observer editor Lisa Vernon-Sparks contributed reporting to this story.
Meta was hit with several state-led lawsuits on Tuesday alleging the technology company designed and deployed features on its platforms that are harmful to the mental health of young users.

Heres four things to know about the lawsuit:

What is the Meta lawsuit?

A group of 32 attorneys general filed a complaint in the Northern District of Columbia accusing Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, of engaging in deceptive and unfair or unconscionable that were psychologically or physically harmful to younger users.

Meta is accused of creating business models to maximize young users time and attention and deploying harmful and manipulative features that harm young users, according to an announcement from the New York state attorney generals office, which is leading the suit.

These features include dopamine-manipulating recommendation algorithms, likes on posts that elicit social comparison, audiovisual and haptic alerts that draw young users attention while at school, visual filter features known to promote young users body dysmorphia, and infinite scroll features designed to discourage young users attempts to self-regulate and disengage with Metas Platforms.

The suit claims Meta misrepresented these harmful effects with claims that its platform is less addictive, or less likely to cause psychological and physical harm for young users. Meta has continued to deny and downplay these harmful effects to the public and to promote its Platforms as safe for young users, the suit wrote.

The tech giant is also accused of violating the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, through its routine collection of data on children under the age 13 without parental consent. Meta allegedly refuses to limit its data collection and use of childrens personal information despite the law, the suit said.

Meta did not respond to request for comment from The Hill on Tuesday.

Which states are suing Meta because of Facebook and Instagram?

A total of 41 states and the District of Columbia are suing Meta in connection to its Facebook and Instagram platforms.

The lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) represents a bipartisan coalition of 33 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

A series of separate lawsuits were filed in their own state courts by the attorneys general from Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont and the District of Columbia, according to the New York attorney generals office.

Can I sue Facebook or Instagram for depression?

The suit claims research shows Metas social media platforms are associated with depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and alleges Meta has known for years about the serious harms associated with its features.

The flurry of lawsuits on Tuesday comes amid a rising examination of Metas impact on young users from both lawmakers and state leaders alike. Scrutiny came to the forefront in 2021 following testimony and leaked documents from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who revealed details about the companys internal research about Instagrams impact on teens.

While proving a direct connection between mental health problems and social media platforms may be difficult, some law experts argue its not impossible.

According to TorHoerman Law, some people with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety may qualify for a Facebook Mental Health Lawsuit or Instagram Mental Health Lawsuit.

Damages in such lawsuits could include medical treatment costs, therapy costs, pain and suffering and emotional damage, TorHoerman Law said.

Should I stop my children from using Meta products?

Stopping your childs use of Meta products is a personal choice.

The suit claims Meta doesnt even attempt to obtain verifiable parental consent, and rather relies on Instagram and Facebooks nominal bans on under-12 users to avert responsibility under COPAA.

On its website, Meta claims child protection is always a top priority, pointing to its work with regular child safety hackathons with NGOs and accountability and enforcement reports.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A trial for the captain of the Conception dive boat began Tuesday, four years after 34 people were killed in a horrific fire on the vessel in one of the deadliest accidents in recent U.S. maritime history.

Jerry Boylan has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of misconduct or neglect of a ship officer in the fatal fire near Santa Cruz Island off Santa Barbara on Sept. 2, 2019.

The indictment against Boylan accuses him of being the first person to abandon ship during the inferno, failing to train his crew on how to handle such an emergency and neglecting to have a roving patrol that prosecutors argue could have detected the fire in time to stop it.

Boylan's attorneys have been filing a slew of motions on his behalf, including one to stop photos of those killed in the fire from being shown in court and another to prevent them from being referred to as "victims."

Here's what you need to know about Boylan's long-awaited trial:

Firefighters respond to a fire aboard the Conception dive boat fire in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Southern California on Sept. 2, 2019. The fire killed 34 people and the trial against Conception Capt. Jerry Boylan began in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

Experts: Titan submersible tragedy could lead to lawsuits and regulatory changes

Who was killed in the fire on Conception?

The victims of the Conception disaster included one crew member and 33 passengers who were on an adventurous holiday scuba-diving trip.

Those killed ranged in age from 16 to 62 and came from all over the U.S. and beyond, including Beijing, Singapore, Germantown, Tennessee, and Santa Cruz, California.

They included a hair dresser, a Hollywood visual-effects designer, an Apple executive and two teenage girls who did everything together.

You dont expect to have a child that dies before you, Vicki Moore told KTVU-TV in Oakland after the fire killed her 26-year-old daughter Kendra Chan and Moore's husband, 59-year-old Scott Chan.

Photographs of loved ones lost in the fire on the scuba dive boat Conception are placed at a memorial on the Santa Barbara Harbor on Sept. 4, 2019, in Santa Barbara, Calif. The fire killed 34 people and the trial against Conception Capt. Jerry Boylan began in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

How did the fire on the Conception start and why couldn't the passengers escape?

A woman gets emotional after placing flowers at a memorial for the victims of the Conception in the Santa Barbara Harbor on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, in Santa Barbara, California. The fire killed 34 people and the trial against Conception Capt. Jerry Boylan began in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

The National Transportation Safety Board found that the origin of the fire was likely near the stern of the ship inside a salon where there was a highly combustible polyethylene trash can under the stairs to the upper deck, according to its report of the disaster. The report did not specify what might have started a fire in the trash can, though Boylan's attorneys and prosecutors have been arguing over whether it's admissible that he's a smoker.

The board found that Boylan's failure to post a roving night patrol on the Conception allowed the 3 a.m. fire to spread so fast that it trapped 34 people below deck. The safety board also faulted the U.S. Coast Guard for failing to enforce the patrol requirement.

As a result of the alleged failures of Captain Boylan to follow well-established safety rules, a pleasant holiday dive trip turned into a hellish nightmare as passengers and one crew member found themselves trapped in a fiery bunkroom with no means of escape, U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna said in a statement shortly after the safety board's report in October 2020.

The burned hull of the dive boat Conception is brought to the surface by a salvage team off Santa Cruz Island, California, on Sept. 12, 2019. The trial against Conception Capt. Jerry Boylan began in federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

When and where is the trial against Jerry Boylan?

Boylan's trial began Tuesday in federal court in Los Angeles with jury selection. Opening statements in the case are likely on Wednesday, and the trial is expected to last about 10 days.

If convicted, Boylan faces up to 10 years in prison.

His attorneys did not respond to USA TODAY's requests for comment Tuesday.

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Why can't the passengers of the Conception be referred to as "victims" at trial?

Flowers are laid at a memorial for persons lost at sea, at Santa Barbara Harbor, on Sept. 4, 2019 in Santa Barbara, California.

Boylan's defense attorneys argued that the word "victims" shouldn't be used in front of jurors, saying it subverts the presumption of innocence and violates Boylan's right to a fair trial. They argued that the victims should be referred to with a neutral term, like "decedents."

"The issue at the heart of this criminal case is whether Mr. Boylans conduct caused the deaths of the decedents," wrote one of Boylan's attorneys, Cuauhtemoc Ortega, in an Oct. 10 motion obtained by USA TODAY.

"If that question is answered in the negative, then the decedents were not victims of Mr. Boylans," he continued. "Referring to them as 'victims,' then, tells the jury that Mr. Boylan has committed a crime  a determination that must be left to them alone."

Prosecutors called those arguments "nonsense."

"The victims were alive and well when they went to sleep on September 1, 2019, and then they were killed in the fire," they wrote. "They died regardless of whether defendant caused their deaths due to his gross negligence, misconduct, and inattention to duties, although the evidence at trial will show that he did."

Judge George Wu ruled in the defense's favor on Oct. 12, though didn't explain why.

Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team bring material ashore at Santa Barbara Harbor on Sept. 3, 2019 in Santa Barbara, California.

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Prosecutors, defense spar over Conception victim photos

Defense attorneys also argue that prosecutors should not be allowed to show "devastating" pictures of the victims' autopsies, photos and videos taken by the passengers in the hours before the fire, or clips from a dive video taken after the fire that showed victims huddling together in a bunkroom.

"This is not a sadistic, pre-meditated murder case with a contested cause of death," Ortega wrote in an Oct. 18 motion obtained by USA TODAY.

He wrote that autopsy photos "have little to no probative value," will "fan the jurors' emotions" and are "a waste of time." He said the photos of the victims while they were living, as well as the dive videos showing their bodies "have no relevancy to this trial" and also amount to an inflammatory "waste of time."

A standing memorial to the people who died aboard the Conception dive boat is seen along the coast near the Santa Barbara, Calif., harbor on July 12, 2020.

Prosecutors called the filing "a last-ditch attempt to nullify the jury" and that not allowing the photos and video would be "a miscarriage of justice."

They said they wanted to show jurors "a very limited number" of autopsy photos to "prove that the victims were alive and rescuable" when the fire broke out and eight clips from the dive video showing the victims huddling together in the bunkroom, "proving that they were awake during the fire, in need of rescue, and also that they never escaped from the bunkroom."

The photos and video are "relevant to defendants gross negligence in not detecting the fire earlier and abandoning the victims to save himself," they argued.

Wu had not ruled on the issue by Tuesday.

Family members of those killed in the Conception fire told the AP that the fact that their loved ones won't be called "victims" at trial has only added to their pain during what's been a long wait for justice.

Kathleen McIlvain, whose 44-year-old son Charles was killed, said: The past four years have been like living in a nightmare that you dont wake up from,

Amanda Lee Myers is a trending reporter and editor with USA TODAY. She covers news and human interest stories.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trial starts for Jerry Boylan, Conception captain in fatal boat fire
More than 40 states have filed suit in federal court against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, claiming that the social media company has harmed young peoples mental health  addicting them while misleading the public about the platforms' safety.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the states say the company has profited from how it has designed Instagram and Facebook to maximize time spent on the platforms by teens and children, which led to increased advertising revenue.

The sites' algorithms dispense dopamine, the lawsuit claims, describing it as "the pleasure chemical" in a manner that induces young users to "engage repeatedly with its Platforms  much like a gambler at a slot machine."

The suit cites several studies including Metas own research showing links between young people's use of Instagram and Facebook with depression, anxiety and other health problems.

A two-year multistate investigation led to the lawsuit, the officials said. Some of this information was brought to light by whistleblower Frances Haugen's leaking of documents to The Wall Street Journal, which led to a series of stories in the outlet and to a Senate hearing.

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'National youth mental health crisis'

Meta's designs "deliberately exploited young people's still developing brains and adolescent vulnerabilities" with features such as the infinite scroll, near-constant notifications and alerts, autoplay Stories and Reels, all engineered to instill a fear of missing out (FOMO) and a "slot-machine-type tactic called intermittent variable rewards to keep young people addicted to their app," said Andrea Joy Campbell, attorney general of Massachusetts, which is one of eight states, plus the District of Columbia, that filed suits similar to the federal filing in state and local courts.

Kids and teens' inability to regulate their own use has led to "significant and concerning negative impacts on the brain development and mental health of teen users," the suits allege. For instance, the percentage of high school girls who have seriously considered suicide had grown to 30% in 2021, the suits note; 10 years earlier, when Instagram launched, that rate was 19%.

"Meta has preyed on an entire generation of young people for profit," Campbell said in a news conference with other attorneys general.

Facebook and Instagram increase engagement by "periodically presenting" young users with "psychologically and emotionally gripping content, including content related to eating disorders, violent content, content encouraging negative self-perception and body image issues, bullying content, and other categories of content known by Meta to provoke intense reactions from users," the suit charges.

"It is very clear the decisions made by social media platforms like Meta are part of what is driving mental health harms, physical health harms and threats that we can't ignore. We have a youth mental health crisis in the United States of America," Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a news conference Tuesday. "The young people were being brought down rabbit holes."

In a statement, Meta said it shares the commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.

Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path, the company said.

More news: What Googles antitrust trial means for the way you search and more

Which states are filing the lawsuit against Meta?

In addition to Colorado and New York, the other states with attorneys general joining the suit are Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Nine state attorneys general in Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont and the District of Columbia have filed similar lawsuits in their states.

In all, 41 states and the District of Columbia have filed suit against Meta on the issue; another state, Arkansas, in March filed suit against Meta over the addictive nature of Facebook and Instagram.

The state also filed separate suits against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance for misleading the public about having adult content that teens could access. "I was the first attorney general in the country to file a lawsuit against Meta for its deceptive trade practices," Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement to USA TODAY. "I am pleased to see this coalition of states follow Arkansas's lead in holding Meta accountable."

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What are the claims being made against Meta in the lawsuit?

Meta designed Facebook and Instagram with "manipulative and harmful features" to keep young users on the apps, the lawsuits say. And the officials charge that Meta's own research found that teens know Instagram  with posts that often lead to comparing oneself to others, and its likes and follower counts  leads to increased anxiety and depression, but they feel compelled to stay on the app from "fear of missing out on cultural and social trends."

Similar affects were found among college students when Facebook emerged in 2004 to 2006, the suit says.

Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame, New York Attorney General James said in a statement. Meta has profited from childrens pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem. Social media companies, including Meta, have contributed to a national youth mental health crisis and they must be held accountable.

The state AGs also say Meta continued to use a visual filter that promotes young users' body dysmorphia and leads to body image issues related to eating disorders.

This isn't the first time Meta has been criticized for potential harm to teens, especially teen girls, about body image. Last year, the parents of a 19-year-old girl sued the company saying their daughter became addicted to Instagram and developed an eating disorder and suicidal ideation.

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What is the goal of the lawsuit against Meta?

The lawsuit seeks to make Meta stop using harmful tactics with algorithms and to stop unlawfully collecting personal data from young users (those under 13), without parental consent, under the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)  as well as prevent allowing those under 13 from joining the platform.

"We want this activity to stop using its misleading algorithms," Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said at a news conference. "We want to make sure it applies with the COPPA."

Added Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti: "This is not about money. This is about protecting kids. What we want is for the company to change its behavior."

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Meta Multistate Complaint by Mike Snider

Contributing: The Associated Press

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lawsuit against Meta: States say Facebook, Instagram harms teens, kids
Jenna Ellis, 38, on Tuesday agreed to five years probation and to pay $5,000 in restitution within 30 days after pleading guilty to her role in an alleged conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. File Photo via Fulton County Sheriff's Office/UPI

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- A former attorney for Donald Trump , Jenna Ellis, pleaded guilty Tuesday to aiding and abetting false statements in the former president's alleged conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.

Ellis, 38, on Tuesday agreed to five years probation and to pay $5,000 in restitution within 30 days. She must also complete 100 hours of community service and write an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia. She has completed the letter.

Ellis is the fourth defendant in the conspiracy case to enter a plea agreement. Fellow Trump attorney Sidney Powell pleaded guilty last week. Kenneth Chesebro and Scott Hall have also pleaded guilty.

"As an attorney who is also a Christian, I take my responsibilities as a lawyer very seriously and I endeavor to be a person of sound moral and ethical character in all of my dealings," Ellis told the court in tear-filled testimony. "In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, I believed that challenging the results on behalf of President Trump should be pursued in a just and legal way."

Ellis said she relied on others, including lawyers with more experience, to provide her with factual information.

"What I did not do, but should have done, your honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true," she said. "In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges."

Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee agreed to sentence Ellis as a first-time offender.

Ellis must also testify in all hearings in the cases against her co-defendants, including Trump, if called upon. Ellis is one of 19 people charged in the conspiracy. She is also barred from talking about the case with the media or on social media until the case is completed.

Ellis is accused of appearing before a Georgia Senate subcommittee alongside attorney Rudy Giuliani and other defendants and making false statements about the election. Those falsehoods included statements about ineligible voters casting ballots and that 10,315 deceased people had voted.

Prosecutors allege Ellis arranged the meeting with the subcommittee and arranged meetings with legislators in other states.
The new GM logo on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan on March 16, 2021. Credit: REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

Thousands of workers at General Motors Co.s Arlington assembly factory walked off the job Tuesday joining fellow automotive workers in a nationwide strike.

The 5,000 workers left their post at the GM factory in North Texas, which employs more people than any other factory in the U.S., shortly after the company announced its third-quarter earnings to shareholders.

The factory produces SUVs for Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, which GM noted as particularly profitable in its third-quarter letter to shareholders.

The automaker reported a 7% drop in profits compared to last year but a 5% increase in revenue. A statement from the UAW said GMs latest offer to the union fails to reward UAW members for the profits theyve generated in comparison to the companys revenue increase.

"Another record quarter, another record year, UAW president Shawn Fain said in the statement. As we've said for months: record profits equal record contracts.

In its own statement, the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations expressed solidarity with the striking workers, stating that autoworkers sacrifices needed to be fully recognized by companies.

Strikes like this are hard, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said. They involve risk. They involve sacrifice. But when UAW workers in Arlington, Carrollton and Roanoke walked off the job, they did so to benefit every worker in this country.

GM, in a Tuesday statement, said it is disappointed with the escalation of the strike  which now includes more than 45,000 workers in 21 states  and encouraged workers to accept the current deal proposed by the company.

It is harming our team members who are sacrificing their livelihoods and having negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers and the communities that rely on us, the company said.

GM presented a revised offer to UAW on Oct. 20, which included a 23% gradual increase in wages over a 4.5-year period. GM called the offer the most significant proposal GM has ever created for its workers, but the UAW said the offer lags behind offers from other companies like Ford, specifically in regard to GMs 401(k) proposal.

The strikes across the country, including both the 5,000 in Arlington and another 6,800 workers in Michigan who also joined the picket line Monday, have received national attention amid growing support for unions. President Joe Biden expressed support for the UAW in September when he joined a picket line in Michigan, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president supports the UAWs move in Arlington.

The President continues to believe that collective bargaining is incredibly important, Jean-Pierre said.

Sixty-seven percent of Americans support labor unions according to a recent Gallup poll, and a survey from Morning Consult found over 56% of people support the ongoing UAW strike as well.

Earlier this year, about 200 auto workers in North Texas joined the work stoppage.

Disclosure: Cadillac, Chevrolet and General Motors have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
I stayed in a $500-a-day cruise stateroom. It was the smallest on the ship but it was more luxurious than any hotel.

null Brittany Chang/Insider

I spent one night in Explora Journeys' new Explora I cruise ship while it was docked in New York.

My Ocean Terrace suite was the smallest guest cabin on the ship starting at $500 a night in 2024.

I think it's a great option for wealthy travelers who love luxury cruises.

If you had $3,000 to spare, would you immediately book a luxury cruise? If you said yes, Explora Journeys' first ship, the new $560 million Explora I , may be a great 2024 vacation option for you.

Amid the chaos of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal , MSC Group's new high-end cruise brand invited me to spend one night in the smallest guest cabin of its new vessel as it was docked overnight for its naming ceremony on October 12.

"Smallest" is no indicator of price  this floating accommodation starts at $500 a night in 2024. But after less than 24 hours aboard the vessel and my first time on a true luxury cruise ship , I now understand how wealthy travelers could justify spending this kind of cash on the ship's cheapest and smallest suite.

In this upper echelon of cruising, the smaller the guest capacity, the better.

Brittany Chang/Insider

This latest 813-foot-long contender to sail into the luxury cruise market has 461 suites ranging from 377 square-feet to 3,014 square-feet. Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys' CEO, says the ship's smallest Ocean Terrace suites are still the largest entry level accommodations in the industry.

On paper, this floating hotel room has all the same baseline facilities as any cruise ship stateroom.

Brittany Chang/Insider

There's a bathroom, bed, and living "room."

But in my opinion, its the additional comforts that make this suite worthy of its lofty price.

Brittany Chang/Insider

After all, not all cruise ship staterooms welcome its guests with a bottle of champagne.

Ive yet to see any other starter cabin bathroom with heated floors and a long rainfall walk-in shower.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Truthfully, the bathroom in my veranda stateroom on premium cruise line Oceania's new Vista ship seemed much more spacious at a cheaper cost. Until now, that stateroom had been my favorite.

But size aside, the little details in this room  specifically the dark marbled countertop and towel hangers inside the shower  inched ahead of Oceania.

Brittany Chang/Insider

I appreciated the size of Oceania's home to the porcelain throne. But as someone traveling alone , I didn't need this larger space.

So reasonably, I prefer Explora's seemingly smaller but more luxuriously designed bathroom.

And my Oceania accommodation did not have a walk-in closet like this Ocean Terrace suite.

Brittany Chang/Insider

You can expect to see a closet with hangers and drawers in most cruise staterooms . Those pale in comparison to Explora's.

Here, this expansive storage space had two sections of hangers (some padded) and a short wardrobe topped with a glass-paneled drawer to easily peek at the organizer underneath.

Brittany Chang/Insider

This walk-in closet, which separated the bathroom from the rest of the suite, also had a seated vanity. This is where you'll find a Dyson hairdryer stored in its own molded drawer (a first for me).

Around the corner, I was met with decor-lined shelves and my nest for the night.

Brittany Chang/Insider

A duvet and pillows stuffed with down feathers  not my preference  and Frette-branded linens topped my king bed. I'm no bedding connoisseur, so my only review is that it was in fact comfortable.

However, the space around this slumber spot is a tighter squeeze compared to other staterooms I've stayed in.

Small bedside tables with wall-mounted outlets and USB chargers provided convenient phone charging.

Brittany Chang/Insider

As someone who's stayed at plenty old hotels, easy bedside charging is an underrated comfort that I take for granted in many new builds.

From my bed, I had a view of a large mirror and a thin long counter.

Brittany Chang/Insider

When the bedroom turned into the living room, this counter grew in width to make room for some built-in cabinets.

Theres no physical divider between the living room and bed in most run-of-the-mill staterooms.

Brittany Chang/Insider

But here, a dark ceiling panel over the bed and a shelving unit with books and contemporary decor separated these two spaces.

While I didn't have time to touch any of this literature, I'm sure some travelers will be thrilled to read the "Diario di una Schiappa"  "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" in Italian.

For us non-Italian speakers, my bookshelf also had The New York Times 36 Hours. World. 150 Cities from Abu Dhabi to Zurich.

Brittany Chang/Insider

While fun and only slightly pretentious compared to the "Diary," this addition looked like a poorly planned afterthought: It didn't fit on the shelf.

But if you're fluent enough in French, ignore that and pick up "Les vaches de Staline" instead. (Explora really wants its passengers to know it's European ).

Next to this tall shelf, a deep couch faced the television.

Brittany Chang/Insider

When I sat down and leaned back, I immediately felt the couch cushions mold around my back. Ergonomic? Probably not. Good for remote work? Not really. Comfortable? Sure.

The adjoining coffee table displayed my suites complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a large MSC-branded cookie.

Brittany Chang/Insider

I welcomed my cookie sugar rush and crash with open arms  I had to take advantage of my luxury stay somehow.

But for the rest of us sober girlies , an espresso machine, a water kettle, and a variety of coffee and teas were stored in pull-out drawers next to the television.

My room also came with carafes of water and refillable water bottles.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Explora says there are no single-use plastics on its ship, a commitment more cruise lines have been making as the industry continues to face criticism for its lack of sustainability .

Past this living room, the glass sliding door opened onto a 75-square-foot terrace with a daybed, table, and two chairs.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Explora's suites all come with a pair of binoculars for guests who would rather relax on their private balcony than in one of the common lounges.

I had no use for them: My $600 view for the night was of the New York City cruise terminal.

Joking complaints aside, I have no true criticisms for this suite.

Brittany Chang/Insider

The contemporary design, dark wood accents, inoffensive decor, and thoughtful layout made this more of an upscale hotel room than a cruise ship cabin.

Even then, I've never had a walk-in closet, balcony with a daybed, Dyson hairdryer, or filled bookshelf in any hotel room before.

Looking at fares in 2024, this is the most expensive hotel room at sea Ive ever stayed in. At its price, theres no surprise its also the most luxurious.

Brittany Chang/Insider

In 2024, vacations in this smallest suite on the Explora I start at $3,000 per person for a six-night January sailing from Miami to Cartagena, Colombia. It's not cheap, but nor is the quality of the room.

Lets not forget this fare also includes access to Explora Is upscale restaurants, the spa, beverages, and WiFi, among other all-inclusive cruise amenities.

Brittany Chang/Insider

On many ships operated by major cruise lines , all of these come at an additional cost.

Dont look at me  I dont fit in Exploras target tax bracket.

Brittany Chang/Insider

But for wealthy travelers who can't resist a quiet cruise vacation , this $500 a day could be justifiable.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Ungerer, the CEO of Explora Journeys, told Insider.

After all, if youre a high-earning couple looking for a quiet, relaxing, and upscale vacation, traveling on the Explora I could be more economical than staying in some luxury hotels.

Brittany Chang/Insider

And I would bet that the unobstructed ocean views from the suite's balcony during days at sea are better than the views from most luxury city hotels at a similar price.

Read the original article on Insider
STAUNTON  The ongoing saga of Valley Supportive Housings tax-exempt status may have a resolution after Thursday night.

Staunton City Council has scheduled a public hearing during its meeting Thursday night. Council has discussed the issues during its Aug. 24 and Sept. 28 work sessions.

Valley Supportive Housing works to provide affordable, safe housing to those with mental illness, intellectual disabilities or substance use disorders.

It had six properties being treated as exempt from taxes after the citys assessors office erroneously granted the organization exemption from real property taxes in 2006.

The problem was found when Lou Siegel, the organizations executive director, sent a letter to the assessors office in April requesting exempt status for six additional properties on St. Clair Street purchased in January as well as the lower portion of a property on Pump Street that is being converted from a commercial area to apartments.

Council agreed in September that Valley Supportive Housing wouldn't have to pay its back taxes, but the question of taxes going forward was still on the table.

Before council votes on the organizations application for tax-exempt status Thursday night, the public will have a chance to tell council members how they feel about the issue.

City Manager Leslie Beauregard is recommending council deny the application, saying that the properties do not qualify for exempt status under Virginia Code.

It is true that Valley Supportive Housing doesnt qualify based on classification, but at its August meeting council heard from City Attorney John Blair that it could vote to make the organization exempt by designation. Per city staff, the only tax exemption by designation request in recent history was denied by council in 2013.

Charley Haney, the city assessor, checked tax-exempt status of sample properties owned by Richmond-based Virginia Supportive Housing and found no examples of any of its properties receiving exemption.

The typical income of Valley Supportive Housing tenants is $829 a month and the typical rent for those residents is $500 for a one-bedroom apartment with utilities included, Siegel told council in August.

These people have complex and difficult mental health issues and they struggle with incomes, Siegel said.

Siegel has argued that his organization saves Staunton money by housing people who would otherwise be homeless.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a chronically homeless person costs taxpayers an average of $35,578 per year. That cost is reduced, on average, by 49.5% when they are placed in supportive housing, that organization said.

If the exemption application is denied, the city could still help Valley Supportive Housing by finding a way through the budget to support the organization.

"Helping them in any way, whether it is through tax exempt status or through a budget allocation, is an investment in our community," council member Michele Edwards said at the Sept. 28 meeting. "I think they're right in saying that we save money by investing in their organization. It just comes down to how we plan to do it. I don't think anyone wants to not help, so it's deciding which way to go."

This week's meetings include the public hearing in Staunton City Council regarding the tax exempt status of Valley Supportive Housing; Waynesboro Board of Elections holds two meetings back to back on the upcoming election and training of election officers; the Augusta County Board of Supervisors staff briefing agenda includes items likely to come up in the regular board meeting  a report from Augusta County Fire-Rescue, and a discussion of the cost of outfitting all county schools with school safety equipment, at a cost of over half a million dollars.

Here are the public meetings between Tuesday, Oct. 24 and Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023:

Tuesday, Oct 24

SVASC Owners' Meeting, 2:00 p.m. A meeting of the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center Owners (Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro), at Government Center, Verona.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m. The agenda is online.

Augusta County Emergency Services Officers Association, 7:00 p.m. at Government Center.

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Staunton Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission Public Hearing, 6:00 p.m.

Augusta County Board of Supervisors Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Government Center. The agenda for the Monday staff briefing is online and the regular meeting agenda is here.

Waynesboro Board of Elections, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The agenda is online.

Waynesboro Board of Elections, 6:00 p.m. Yes, it's back to back Electoral Board meetings. The agenda notes it's for training of officers of election.

Thursday, Oct. 26

Staunton Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting, 8:30 a.m. The agenda is online.

Staunton City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Staunton City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 p.m. The agenda is online.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: $500K cost for more school safety equipment, the diversity report, and more: THE AGENDA
The family of 62-year-old Virgil Janzen of Nebraska said they knew something was wrong when he wasnt answering or returning any of their calls.

They last spoke with Janzen on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 21. They said he never showed up for work the next day and some farm chores didnt get done, which was unlike him, according to a news release from the Gage County Sheriffs Office.

Around 11 a.m., Oct. 22, sheriffs deputies went to Janzens home in Holmesville to speak with family members about their concerns. Family and friends began to search Janzens property to see if they could find him or any clues to where he may be.

Deputies were able to trace Janzens cell phone to its last known location. After heading to that area, they found Janzen in a pasture trapped under a tree, the release said.

Janzen said he had been clearing out trees and became trapped under a fallen tree, according to the release.

Janzen was flown to a hospital to be treated.

Holmesville is about 50 miles south of Lincoln.

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A resilient crop thats packed with fiber and minerals, beans are a vital source of protein for millions of Africans, and a key source of income for farmers. But climate change means this staple is under threat.



Up to 60% of areas that grow beans in sub-Saharan Africa might not be suitable by the end of this century, according to a 2016 study.

In an effort to future-proof and maximize the potential of this essential crop, the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has facilitated the research, development, and distribution of over 650 new bean varieties across Africa.

In September PABRA was awarded the $100,000 African Food Prize, for its work to improve food security, and incomes for farmers.

From sugar beans in Zambia, to snap beans in Nigeria, 32 countries across Africa have seen improved and varied beans reach their markets, according to PABRA. It says that not only are these new beans more nutritious, but they are also more resilient, efficient and profitable for farmers.

PABRA connects consumers to farmers and researchers, to ensure that demands for certain beans are addressed. Here, scientists discuss products with a trader in Uganda. - Jean Claude Rubyogo

Better beans

In Ethiopia, beans with shorter harvest times have more than doubled productivity, says Jean Claude Rubyogo, director of PABRA, which was founded in 1996.

It means you can get food before other crops have harvested, you can sell these beans to bring the cash when you dont have any other crops, Rubyogo explains.

A Kenyan farmer at work in a field growing PABRA beans. - Stephanie Malyon

PABRAs beans also use less water and are more resilient to increasingly irregular weather patterns. Better able to withstand prolonged dry and wet periods, it means more income for the 37 million farmers who grow them across the continent.



The groups research is mostly conducted in Cali, Colombia, and then shared with national programs in Africa, with certain bean types selected and developed based on consumer demand.

It says that 300 million people across the continent eat its beans regularly. These beans have 22-23% protein, so it is a very good source of protein for those who cannot afford other sorts. They provide fiber, carbohydrates, and very little lipid (fat compounds), says Rubyogo. They are also high in iron and zinc, deficiencies in which affect more than two billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

PABRA says that more than five million households across 10 countries have seen a 30% increase in their income as a result of its beans, and that farmers who grow, eat and sell its beans are 6% more likely to be food secure and 6% less likely to be poor.

The increased levels of iron and zinc in some beans could help tackle deficiencies. - Stephanie Malyon

Diversifying crops

Providing a set of resilient, diverse beans is crucial for Africas agricultural development and future, according to Chike Mba, deputy director of plant production and protection at the UN Food and Agricultural Organization.



He says that a fifth of sub-Saharan Africa is malnourished and food insecure, and that to address this, farmers must grow a wider range of crops, including beans.

The higher the diversity of crops you have on a farm, the higher the resilience of that cropping system  it enhances the ability to withstand shock, says Mba.

He notes that the Coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine both impacted Africa, with less rice coming from Asia in 2020 and drops in grain imports from Eastern Europe.

If it [Coronavirus] had continued, we would have had hunger and starvation on a massive scale. There is a need for African countries to diversify, to enhance their own ability to produce food, he says.





Government policy needs to be supportive for research and for partnerships within the region and globally, adds Mba. It needs to be supportive for farmers to access technologies and finance.

The work requires cooperation between farmers, developers and governments. - Stephanie Malyon

PABRA says that governments are heavily involved in its work. Rubyogo explains that while his organization facilitates connections between developers and consumers, the national programs themselves are run by research institutions set up by governments.

The motivation is there for states to introduce improved beans to their markets, Rubyogo adds. They need to improve nutrition  they need to empower women economically, they need to develop their economy.

Looking ahead, PABRA is researching how to reduce the cooking time of beans by up to 30%. Boiling beans can take between two to three hours. This takes up time and energy, says Rubyogo. He estimates that if the research is successful it could save consumers $1.5 billion a year.

But Rubyogo notes that adapting increasingly extreme weather patterns is crucial. Climate change remains a key issue so we need to invest into deep, deep research, he says. We really see a change when these products are in the hands of the vulnerable.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
At least seven people were killed after 158 vehicles crashed in Louisiana as super fog hit the area, authorities said.

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) and additional first responders are still searching for victims of the massive pileup, which happened around 9 a.m. Monday on Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish, about 30 miles northwest of New Orleans, according to KTLA sister station WGNO.

Police said 25 people were taken to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Many others sought medical aid on their own.

Videos from the scene showed a long stretch of mangled and scorched cars on the interstate. Multiple cars were crushed under one another, some also engulfed by flames.

Fiery rollover crash halts traffic on 101 Freeway

One man, named Vernon Banks, said his son was among dozens of drivers involved in the pileup.

He got a gash in his leg, Banks said. A state trooper patched him up. Shoulder dislocated. Other than that, hes fine.

(Courtesy: Christopher Tusa)

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(WGNO/Kenny Lopez)

(Courtesy: Christopher Tusa)

(Courtesy: Christopher Tusa)

(Courtesy: Christopher Tusa)

(Courtesy: Christopher Tusa)

(Courtesy: George Singer)

(Courtesy: George Singer)

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(Courtesy: George Singer)

(Courtesy: George Singer)

(WGNO/Kenny Lopez)

During one of the crashes, a car plummeted into Lake Maurepas.

Thankfully, that driver was able to get out of that vehicle, said LSP Sgt. Kate Stegall.

A tanker truck carrying a hazardous liquid also caught fire after the initial crash, according to authorities. Troopers said once the truck is removed from the roadway, responders will be able to better assess the vehicles in that area.

The Associated Press reported that smoke from nearby marsh fires and dense fog combined to create a super fog, which may have led to the crashes.

Researchers in Tennessee study how to stop phantom traffic jams

Earlier in the day, the National Weather Service posted a message on the social media platform X saying that the fog was heavily impacting I-55. Visibility had improved, but the agency said a fog advisory would be in effect overnight into tomorrow due to the ongoing fires.

Authorities are still trying to determine if any more crashes occurred during the pileup as they work to clean up the aftermath.

Going to require a lot of tow trucks. Companies from all over are coming to get tow trucks here, said Stegall.

The Blood Center is urging people to donate blood following the crashes. Blood donation centers near you can be found online.

Louisiana State Police asks that anyone missing a family member who may have been driving in the area at the time call Troop B at (504)-471-2775.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
One week after a 76-year-old woman was found dead, her daughter has been arrested on a murder warrant, according to police in Texas.

Irene Gray, 76, was found shot and killed in a home during a welfare check, according to an Oct. 23 news release from the Texas City Police Department.

The loving grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend (& many more titles) was tragically taken from our family, Irene Smith said on GoFundMe. The family was not prepared for this horrible tragedy.

Momo was the life of any party and most importantly, the best of friend you could ask for in a person, Smith continued. She never met a stranger and would give her all for the ones she love.

Following an investigation into her Oct. 13 death, authorities said they arrested her daughter, Sherene Lavett Washington-Harper, on Friday, Oct. 20. The 54-year-old woman is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Shes charged with murder and terroristic threat of family/household, jail records show.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time, police said. We will do everything in our power to ensure a thorough and just resolution to this case.

Authorities have not provided a motive for the killing or additional details. The investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Texas City is about 45 miles southeast of Houston.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

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The eight Ohio police officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, following a traffic stop last summer are back on active duty after a grand jury declined to indict any of them.

Akron Police Capt. Michael Miller confirmed the news to CNN in an email on Tuesday.

Based on the independent investigation conducted by BCI and the Summit County grand jurys decision not to indict, all eight officers are back on full-time, active duty, Miller said, referring to Ohios Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

He added that the departments internal investigation was wrapping up and going through some final legal review, which they expect will be released by the end of November.

On June 27, 2022, Akron police said Walker was driving a 2005 Buick when they attempted to stop him for traffic and equipment violations.

During a news conference in July 2022 when police released bodycam footage of the incident, police said Walker fled the stop, and about 40 seconds into the police chase, a gunshot was fired from his vehicle.

Several minutes later, Walker got out of his car and fled on foot, according to police.

Officers deployed Tasers to try and stop Walker, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said, but they were unsuccessful.

Mylett said that moments later, Walker stopped and quickly turned towards the pursuing officers, and the police opened fire, killing him.

According to an autopsy by a Summit County medical examiner Dr. Lisa Kohler, Walker suffered 46 gunshot entrance wounds or graze injuries.

Walkers family released a statement on Tuesday through their attorney, Bobby DiCello, questioning the citys handling of the incident.

The Walker family is saddened by the way in which they continue to be ignored by the City of Akron, the statement reads. City leadership has never once reached out to discuss the employment of the eight officers or explain why the officers are being reinstated. While this decision reopens painful wounds for them, the family remains strong in their commitment to seeking Justice and Dignity for Jayland.

In April, a grand jury decided against indicting the officers, concluding that they were legally justified in their use of force against Walker, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Walkers family is suing the city.

The civil complaint, which was filed in June, alleges officers used excessive force and claims there is a culture of violence and racism at the City of Akrons Police Department.

The family is seeking at least $45 million in damages  $1 million for each bullet that struck Jayland Walker, according to the suit.

In addition to the city, the list of defendants includes several members of the Akron Police Department.

CNNs Polo Sandoval contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
In Norway, they said that the tactical nuclear weapons of the Russian Federation pose a serious threat

How will Russia's war against Ukraine affect the world's future, and what does it mean for civilization?

Canadian historian and Oxford University professor Margaret Macmillan gave an excellent definition of civilization in her book How War Affected Civilization. According to her, civilization comes when a person with a broken leg has a chance to survive. Without civilization, they are doomed to death like every biological creature with a broken limb.

Civilization came to different peoples on different continents at different times. We know about its early appearance in Ancient Egypt, where local doctors could not only deal with fractures but also perform surgical operations. But access to more sophisticated medicine was a privilege for the wealthiest. Medicine itself was often a form of witchcraft and shamanism.

For most of human history, the average life expectancy for different peoples on different continents from the beginning of recorded history to the time of Napoleon was 25-30 years. This did not mean that everyone died at this age. The low average is the result of the fact that about a third of children did not live to be five years old, women often died during childbirth, and everyone died of diseases that are now treated with simple pills, as well as plagues that make the recent covid pandemic look like child's play.

The situation changed in the nineteenth century. During this century, the average life expectancy in the most developed countries doubled. In the twentieth century, it reached 80 years, and children born in the current century are said to have a biological maximum life expectancy of 120 years. In other countries, indicators are also growing, but slower. In this sense, and only in this sense, we can say that they are less civilized. Such an assessment would only mean a statement of fact, not an expression of superiority or a justification for their conquest and subjugation.

A New Turning Point

For lack of a better word, we refer to the changes of the last two centuries by the general term "modernization." The modern world is a world of universal mobility and access to civilizational benefits. In this world, we go to doctors instead of fortune tellers when we are sick, chemistry and astronomy have replaced alchemy and astrology, we have access to universities and banks, we elect our government, and even the most despotic countries like North Korea or Russia pretend to be democracies.

Ukraine is not only the problem, but Ukraine is also the solution

This world is not stable. Historical progress comes at a price and is not without disasters. At times, it has been questioned whether this progress has a future or if the wheel of history will not turn back. There were several turning points: 1789, 1848, 1914, 1939, and 1991. The decisive turns were associated with large-scale European or world wars and revolutions each time.

The full-scale war that began on February 24, 2022, is a new turning point that will undoubtedly determine the future of human civilization.

Ukraine and the Ukrainian question arose during each of these turning points. In the long nineteenth century, either in 1789 or in only one part of the Ukrainian lands in 1848 (the easternmost point of the "spring of nations" on the European continent was Lviv, which saw battles at the barricades).

In the twentieth century, the Ukrainian question became central. British historian Dominic Lieven said, "More than anything else, the First World War depended on the fate of Ukraine." In his book Black Earth and later in his speech to the Bundestag, Timothy Snyder emphasizes that Hitler and Stalin linked their plans for world domination to control Ukraine and its resources. After the first months of the current war, the UN World Food Program director, David Beazley, said that if the Ukrainian harvest is not resumed, the world faces hell on earth.

There is one fundamental difference between previous turning points and the current one. During the previous ones, the main question was, "How to change the world?" Now, it sounds different: "How to save the world?" Here is a simple but convincing statistic: this year's population will be 8 billion, twice as many as in 1975. As early as the early 2000s, experts warned that the next 30 years could be decisive for the continued existence of human civilization. The sharp growth of the world's population will lead to an acute shortage of food, energy, and water as early as 2030. The world will be on the verge of a "perfect storm."

All these forecasts were made, of course, without considering the Russian-Ukrainian war. With this war, the forecasts are becoming much more ominous. In 1947, a group of scientists participating in the Manhattan Project came up with the Apocalypse Clock as a reminder of how threateningly close the end of the world is. At the time, they set the clock at 7 minutes to midnight. They moved it to the critical 90-second mark in January of this year.

Save the World

Since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the world has never faced such a threat as it does now. The difference between 1962 and 2022 is that even Khrushchev could not make a single decision without his Politburo, while Putin has no limitations, and no one can guess what is happening in his sick head.

Many consider China's rise to global superpower status the main threat to the West, especially in the United States. Russia, on the other hand, is considered to be the second most significant threat. This is a mistake. China is not threatening the West with nuclear war. Russia is. Even if these threats are in vain and we manage to avoid a nuclear war, we have a perilous situation with the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Russia is as significant a threat to the world's existence as global warming, the food crisis, or a new pandemic like COVID-19. Without exaggeration, salvation from Russia is salvation for the whole world. Those in the West who think they are helping Ukraine unselfishly, or worse, who question whether they should reduce or stop this aid altogether, should think differently: they are helping themselves.

As before, Ukrainian and world history are intertwined at a critical turning point. No one can guarantee that we will get out of this crisis.

We have had turning points in the past when, as the British historian A.G.P. Taylor ironically said, history failed to fit into the turn. An example is the European Revolution of 1848, which was defeated everywhere. Let's imagine what would happen to the world if Russia won. The Greco-Persian War of the fifth century BC comes to mind as the closest parallel to the current Russian-Ukrainian war. A small tribe of freedom-loving Greeks faced the great Persian Empire and defeated it after several decades of war. Historians ask: "What would have happened to world history if the Greeks had lost?" The answer is obvious. There would have been no Socrates, Plato, Herodotus, Aristotle, Hippocrates - no universities, no Descartes, no Newton - no democracy, no parliaments, no smartphones.

In addition to the fact that, compared to previous global crises, this crisis raises the question of the existence of modern civilization, there is another fundamental difference.

The Ukrainian issue was featured in each of them to one degree or another. But unlike the previous turning points, Ukraine is no longer an object; it has become a subject. A trend has been established: the whole world pays the price whenever the Ukrainian issue is resolved without Ukraine. Vice versa, when Ukrainians solve everything themselves with the support of the world, we see glimmers of hope. An example is 1991. With their decision to secede from the USSR and declare independence, Ukrainians ended the empire that emerged after World War I, became a superpower after World War II, and threatened to become a world power once again. A telling fact is that after the collapse of the USSR, the apocalypse clock started ticking in the other direction. Its hand was moved to 17 minutes to midnight, and that was the only time it was that far.

In other words, Ukraine is not only the problem, but Ukraine is also the solution. It depends on the realization of this fact and our will to act on this realization to a large extent on whether we can save the world from a seemingly inevitable end this time.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Investigators are asking for the publics help as the search for Aaron Pennington continues near Camp Collier in Gardner. Pennington is wanted in connection with the shooting death of his wife, whose body was found in the couples Cherry Street home on Sunday.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, state police said the search had concluded for the night and would resume Wednesday morning, across a 175-acre target area.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said investigators wanted residents who may have trail cameras or any type of surveillance cameras in the area to contact police.

Live Updates on Wednesday: Police still search Camp Collier woods for Gardner murder suspect: What we know Wednesday

Its incredible how often that these tips help us solve crimes, find people  so, were asking the public for all of their help, Early said Tuesday afternoon.

GARDNER - Mass. State Police troopers gather at the intersection of Kelton Street and Camp Collier Road as the search continues for Aaron M. Pennington Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene said investigators were specifically interested in any footage recorded between the Old County Road area in Ashburnham and Rt. 101.

Anybody who hunts these areas, could you check your trail cams to see if anything came across? McAvene said. He advised anyone with footage to contact Gardner police at 978-632-5600.

Penningtons car was discovered about 1,500 feet off Kelton Street by a bowhunter on Monday, according to Early.

Thank God that hunter  I dont know when or where we might have found that car, but there was a bowhunter going through the area and he found the vehicle and he immediately notified the Gardner police, Early said, adding that the vehicle was not visible from the road.

When was the last murder in Gardner?: Here's what to know about the city's homicides

GARDNER - Mass. State Police troopers gather at the intersection of Kelton Street and Camp Collier Road as the search continues for Aaron M. Pennington Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

He added that investigators were continuing to search the heavily wooded area of about 400 acres on the assumption that the suspect was still alive in the woods and armed with a handgun.

We ask, please, no one in the public go out and try to look for this guy, Early said. If you run into the guy, call the Gardner police, call the state police, call the police department and just back off from anything you might see, but provide us with the information that you might get.

Gardner and Ashburnham residents told to 'stay vigilant'

McAvene said that residents in the area should remain vigilant while the search continues.

Pay attention to your surroundings and report anything immediately to the police, he said.

What court records show: Breanne Pennington, slain Gardner woman, planned to move to Texas with kids

Early said investigators were in contact with the military to find out what kind of outdoor survival training Pennington, an Air Force veteran, might have undergone while in the service.

That is part of the equation, he said.

Who do you call if you see something on a trail camera video

To call the Gardner Police Department at 978-632-5600 or the Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8326. Police are warning the public not to approach Pennington as he is considered armed and dangerous.

What the police search looked like on Tuesday morning

As the search for Aaron Pennington entered its third day on Tuesday, investigators stepped up their efforts to locate the Gardner man wanted in connection with the shooting death of his wife, Breanne Pennington, at their Cherry Street home on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, investigators were requesting any home surveillance footage from residents in the search area of Kelton Street near Camp Collier, where the suspects car was discovered at 5 p.m. Monday. Police conducted a five-hour search of the area while residents of Kelton, Wheeler, Raymond, and Stone streets were advised to shelter in place. The order was lifted at about 9:50 p.m. Monday.

According to Krista Williams, who lives on Kelton Street, troopers from the Massachusetts State Police knocked on her door Tuesday morning and requested footage from her Ring doorbell security camera.

We didnt have much, just one video of a very blurry white car driving by on Sunday, Williams said. (My husband) emailed it to the officer.

GARDNER - Mass. State Police troopers gather at the intersection of Kelton Street and Camp Collier Road as the search continues for Aaron M. Pennington Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Information gleaned from surveillance footage in the area could presumably help investigators pinpoint the time Penningtons vehicle first arrived in the area.

Was the police search in Winchendon Tuesday morning connected to the search for Aaron Pennington

Winchendon Police Department received a call from a resident from Western Avenue at 4:56 a.m. Tuesday reporting a suspicious person walking in the area. Winchendon and State Police officers responded to investigate, according to a statement from the town department on Tuesday morning.

Massachusetts law enforcement vehicles line Kelton Street in in Gardner on Tuesday, Oct. 24, as they search the woods for Aaron Pennington, who is wanted in connection with the death of his wife Breanne Pennington on Sunday, Oct. 22.

After conducting a thorough search of the area, the call was determined to be unfounded. At this time there is no information to indicate there is a suspicious person in the area, reads the Winchendon police department statement.

What law enforcement is saying about the shelter-in-place

Police conducted a nearly five-hour search of a wood area in Gardner near the Ashburnham town line after someone reported finding his car off Camp Collier Road at about 5 p.m. on Monday. The shelter-in-place order ended at about 9:50 p.m.

The shelter-in-place on Monday night was for the residents in the area of Kelton, Wheeler, Raymond and Stone streets.

What happened on Monday night: Gardner Police lift shelter in place near Kelton Street after hours in search for Pennington

After the car was discovered and police created a perimeter around it, the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team determined that the car was unoccupied.

Police used a front-end loader to pull the car out of the mud on Monday night at the shelter-in-place end. It was towed away by TJ and Sons in Gardner.

What police say happened to Breanne Pennington

On Sunday, Gardner police received a 911 call from the Penningtons' Cherry Street neighbor Kerri McDermott, who had requested assistance after the Penningtons four children came over to her house scared because they could not find their father, Aaron Pennington, and their mother, Breanne Pennington, was in their bedroom crying, according to the arrest warrant.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m., first responders found Breanne Pennington lying in bed in an upstairs bedroom with obvious signs of death from an apparent gunshot wound to the face, according to the arrest warrant.

Aaron Pennington

Investigators learned that the couple has been dealing with marital issues for quite some time, according to the arrest warrant.

Worcester District Attorney Joe Early said their four children, ages 2, 5, 7 and 9, were in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families as of Sunday evening. They were safe.

Investigators spent several hours at the address Sunday. The house, decorated for Halloween, is in a residential neighborhood off Elm Street.

What criminal charges are being sought

The arrest warrant was issued out of First District Court of Northern Worcester for Pennington on Monday.

Aaron Pennington is charged with possession of a firearm without a license to carry. The place of the offense, 14 Cherry St., is listed as the same address in the criminal complaint written by state Trooper Benjamin Breton, an investigator assigned to the Worcester District Attorneys Office.

Breanne Pennington was known to have a firearm at the residence for her protection, according to the arrest warrant.

What court records say: Breanne Pennington, slain Gardner woman, planned to move to Texas with kids

Aaron Pennington suffers from mental issues and had threatened suicide, according to the arrest warrant.

Court records show the wife had been planning to move to Texas and leave her husband behind.

What does Aaron Pennington look like

Pennington, 33, of Gardner, is described by the Worcester DA as a white man with blond hair, blue eyes. He is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and approximately 175 pounds.

What do we know about Aaron Pennington

According to his LinkedIn page, Pennington is a senior supervisor in manufacturing/operations at Raytheon Missiles & Defense in Andover. His biographer also lists him as serving in the U.S. Air Force starting in 2015.

On his Facebook account, Pennington is listed as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 634 Pearl St. in Gardner.

Pennington lists himself as originally being from Fontana, California.

What do we know about Breanne Pennington?

The couple has been married for 10 years, according to Aaron's Facebook page.

According to Breanne Penningtons Facebook page, she was going to celebrate her 31st birthday this Friday. Also according to her page, her nickname is Breezy and she is from Riverside, Calif.

Breanne Pennington

Who is investigating?

The investigation is ongoing by state police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Gardner Police Department.

What should you do if you see Aaron Pennington

Anyone who sees Pennington should call the Gardner Police Department at 978-632-5600 or the Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8326. Police are warning the public not to approach Pennington as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Will there be a vigil to honor Breanne Pennington in Gardner?

Plans for a vigil in the city for the victim are being placed on hold for the time being, Mayor Michael Nicholson said Monday. He wrote that several individuals had reached out to his office about holding a vigil for Pennington, who was the mother of four young children.

Due to the fact that the investigation is still ongoing and since the suspect is still at large, at the recommendation of the Police Department, we are asking that no vigils be held at this time, Nicholson said. Additionally, the city will not approve or issue any park permit applications for any public spaces for vigils related to this matter until such safety concerns are alleviated and the investigation reaches the appropriate point.

Vigil will be held after arrest: Gardner officials ask residents to wait to remember Breanne Pennington

Nicholson stressed that Gardner is a community that is always there for its neighbors in times of trouble.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Gardner murder: People asked to check camera to track Pennington: Recap
Amid disputes between Israel and Hamas over a deadly October 17, 2023 strike on a hospital in the Gaza Strip, posts claim a purported Al Jazeera journalist confirmed on social media that the Palestinian Islamist movement was behind the blast. But the account is an imposter, the news outlet told AFP -- and the origin of the explosion could not immediately be independently verified.

"Journalist at Al Jazeera ! Confirms Hamas fired the rocket !" says Steve Maman, a Canadian businessman and president of the nonprofit Liberation of Christian and Yazidi Children of Iraq, in an October 17 Facebook post sharing a screenshot from X, formerly known as Twitter.

The image shows a post from a supposed Al Jazeera journalist named Farida Khan saying she has footage proving Hamas fired a rocket that hit the Ahli Arab hospital.

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken October 20, 2023

The claim spread to Facebook and Instagram more than a week after Hamas gunmen stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel and carried out the deadliest attack since the country was created in 1948.

Israeli authorities say Hamas fighters killed more than 1,400 people and took some 220 hostages. The country responded by declaring war and relentlessly pounding Gaza with aerial bombardments, killing 5,791 people as of October 24 -- mostly civilians, according to the Hamas government's Ministry of Health.

International alarm over the resulting humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory intensified after the ministry reported an Israeli air strike had hit the Christian-run Ahli Arab hospital in central Gaza City. Israel denied it was responsible, pinning the blame on a misfired rocket aimed at Israeli territory by the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad.

However, no definitive conclusions about the source of the blast could be drawn in the immediate aftermath -- and Al Jazeera said on X that the Farida Khan account does not belong to any of its employees (archived here).

"The X/ Twitter account @_Faridakhan in question has no connection to Al Jazeera and falsely claimed an affiliation with our organization," the Qatari news outlet confirmed to AFP in an October 23 email.

While the account appears to have deleted the post in question, screenshots from the imposter profile continue to circulate on Instagram and Facebook.

Hospital strike in dispute

Uncertainty persists about both the source and death toll of the strike at the Ahli Arab hospital.

The Gaza health ministry said at least 471 people had been killed in the blast and more than 300 wounded, some in critical condition. But the US intelligence community has estimated there were likely 100 to 300 people killed in the strike, and a senior European intelligence source told AFP he believed the death toll was 50 at most.

AFP correspondents saw dozens of bodies at the scene, with medics and civilians recovering bodies wrapped in white cloth, blankets or black plastic bags.

Drone footage from the day after the blast showed a makeshift mortuary and damage to the parking lot of the hospital with cars burnt out. The buildings' windows were shattered but appeared otherwise minimally damaged.

Analysts interviewed by AFP were cautious to make any assertion about the origin of the strike, given the lack of independent investigation. But they pointed out that bombs dropped from airplanes usually leave buildings gutted or completely destroyed.

Governments are also divided over who to blame for the strike.

US President Joe Biden, Canada's Minister of National Defence and France's Directorate of Military Intelligence have said they do not believe Israel was behind the blast. Meanwhile, Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Jordan -- as well as the wider Muslim world -- have overwhelmingly backed Hamas's account of the hospital deaths, expressing outrage at Israeli strikes on civilian populations.

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation about the Israel-Hamas war is available here.
LOS ANGELES  There are diapers with colorful displays of animals, cars and trains, Disney characters  so why not offer ones with the iconic skull image of "La Catrina" to celebrate the Mexican Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead?

Actor Jessica Alba , co-founder of the Honest Company, which sells baby and family products, has teamed up with two fellow Mexican American entrepreneurs, Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, the founders of Lil' Libros, a bilingual children's book company. The three have collaborated to commemorate the Dia de los Muertos tradition, which originated in Mexico and is celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2.

In interviews with Noticias Telemundo, they said diapers and books highlighting the Day of the Dead tradition are a way to celebrate Latino culture and identity, bilingualism, family and community.

This to me was a way to bring it forward and celebrate Lil Libros, celebrate Honest and come together and create something really unique," said Alba, speaking of the products, including the books on La Catrina and Dia de los Muertos, which are sold in the Honest Company website. "We have the La Catrina diaper, inspired by La Catrina: Emotions-Emociones' book, which is one of my son's favorites," Alba said.

Panales de catinas (Cortesia Honest)

According to Rodriguez and Stein, their publishing company's goal was to create things and toys they didn't have when they were growing up.

When I was pregnant with my first son 14 years ago, I started thinking about the way I wanted to raise him, as a madre (mother) Latina," Rodriguez said. "Growing up, I always felt this feeling that we didnt belong. I was ashamed of my accent, my hair  and I think I carried that throughout my teenage years and my adulthood."

When I was pregnant and became a mother," said Rodriguez, "I was very adamant to make sure que mi hijo creciera (that my son grow up) proud of his identity, and his culture and his traditions  thats how the idea came out."

I contacted many publishers, many said no and others said my idea didnt make sense," Rodriguez said. "That was discouraging: those words are not new. We constantly have to prove ourselves in our own country."

Then Rodriguez's house burned down and she said she understood there's a short time to create change  which is when she reached out to her friend Ariana Stein about publishing bilingual children's books.

Carlos Eric Lopez, Patty Rodriguez, Carla Vernon (CEO de Honest), Ariana Stein, Jessica Alba. (Eulimar Nunez)

Giving back, inviting community to invest

My grandparents saw me start out as an actress in Hollywood, said Alba, a native of Pomona, California, whose paternal grandparents were the children of Mexican immigrants.

I think they were proud that I always leaned on the community and broke stigmas and stereotypes that can be very oppressive in our culture," said the actor, known for her roles in movies such as "Sin City," "Fantastic Four" and "Spy Kids."

"I stand on their shoulders, I would not be here if they hadnt worked as hard as they did," Alba said of her grandparents. Giving back to the community is part of our business model."

Jessica Alba y su abuelo. (Cortesia Jessica Alba)

Since its inception, Honest has teamed up with the nonprofit Baby2Baby to make donations locally in Los Angeles and internationally. "We have donated thousands of products to children living in poverty and experiencing homelessness, said Alba, we do what we can for the community.

Lil' Libros co-founder Ariana Stein said that in 2021 she and Rodriguez decided they were going to invite the community to invest in their company.

We wanted to include the community who has been helping us since Day One, and has supported us since the very beginning, that helped us build the brand and the mission," Stein said. "Now we have over 5,000 investors and the majority of them are first-time investors. We are not only publishing books, were teaching an entire generation that investing is important, that its necessary if we want to create generational wealth and pass that on to our children.

For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

In the beginning, though, we did not have investors. All we had were all of our savings, which we used to publish our first three books," Stein said. "What started as a passion project has become so much bigger than that; we have sold over 2.5 million books and were really proud of it. We self-published in the beginning, now we have over 75 titles, were publishing authors and illustrators, really making dreams come true.

Alba, who has a daughter and a son, explained how she co-founded the Honest Company 15 years ago after her daughter Honor was born and she wanted cleaner and healthier baby products.

I grew up with a lot of illnesses: I had chronic asthma and allergies, I was in the hospital a lot," Alba said. "We are transparent about the ingredients that go inside, we always think about safety, the planet and try to use natural ingredients  also wanting beautiful design: why cant it be cute? We love color over here.

When I discovered that Ariana and Patty had created Lil Libros, I realized that it was the company I would have liked to have had when I became a mother, Alba said. These books highlight the value of bilingualism in a beautiful way, they celebrate our culture. I have wanted to collaborate with Lil Libros for years."

Journalists Ana Maria Rodriguez, Vickie Albanesi, Dalisa Robles and Marina Franco contributed to the story.

An earlier version of this story was first published in Noticias Telemundo.

L

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
ADRIAN  Last week's false report of a shooting at Adrian College appears to be a "swatting" incident spawned from a relationship break-up.

Adrian police reported they are investigating last Thursday's situation on the AC campus. Adrian College Campus Safety, Adrian police and the Lenawee County Sheriffs Office responded and searched the reported location of the shooting. No victims were located, and no one was reported to have heard or seen anything related to a shooting, a news release from Adrian police said. Several other on-campus locations were searched, law enforcement officials said.

Lenawee County Central Dispatch received the shooting report at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 19.

The report of a shooting was a false call, the release said. It was determined that the call came from a subject in another state. The motive for the false call appears to be a revenge scenario for a relationship break-up.

The investigation has been turned over to Adrian police detectives, the release said.

"Swatting" is a phenomenon that has developed over the years. It involves someone making a false report of a violent crime that is in progress that is intended to draw a large police response, perhaps with what are sometimes called SWAT (special weapons and tactics) teams. In the online gaming world where players sometimes livestream video of themselves as they play games, rivals have been known to swat their opponents and then watch the livestream as police storm into the other player's home.

The Madison Township Police Department and the Adrian Fire Department assisted with last weeks response.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian police: False report of shooting at Adrian College swatting
Advocates on both sides of the womens reproductive rights issue weighed in on the Georgia Supreme Courts ruling to allow the states six-week abortion ban to stay in place.

Representatives with the Georgia Right to Life organization said they had mixed reactions, While Georgia Right to Life supports the strong pro-personhood language included in the legislation, it sadly creates a two-tiered framework for determining which children in the womb will be allowed to live and which will not.

ARC Southeast, a reproductive care organization, said the ban will not stop abortions in Georgia  it will only stop safe, legal abortions, forcing birthing people into oppressive and complex scenarios to receive the care they deserve.

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This is a setback, absolutely, former state senator and reproductive rights advocate Jen Jordan told Channel 2s Audrey Washington on Tuesday.

But Suzanne Guy with the Life Initiatives and Values Organization said she believes the ruling is positive.

I consider today a great victory, Guy said.

Next, a lower court will hear arguments on the question of whether the right to privacy in Georgias constitution protects a right to abortion.

Georgia has had a right to privacy constitutionally recognized, Jordan said.

This bill and everything that it embodies really makes women second-class citizens.

Guy said despite the court sending the case back to a Fulton County Judge, she remains optimistic.

We will keep on doing what weve always done, she said.

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In a statement, the president of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Group called the ruling a victory.

The president wrote that the decision, ...ensures that tens of thousands of children with beating hearts will continue to be protected from brutal abortions. It is the latest vindication of the will of Georgians, who have compassion for both babies and mothers....

Advocates with the Feminist Womens Health Center also responded, saying, It is heart-wrenching that we are being forced to turn patients away who need abortion care beyond the earliest weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion is an essential component of reproductive health care, and this law is putting peoples lives at risk. We will continue to fight this ban on behalf of our patients and our communities.

Next, a Fulton County judge will address each part of the law to determine its constitutionality.

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Austin Police Chief Data Officer Dr. Jonathan Kringen updates the community on the partnership with the Austin Police and the Texas Department of Public Safety during a press conference at Austin City Hall Friday, April 14, 2023. Kringen was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault family violence over the weekend.

A top Austin Police Department official has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault family violence and has been placed on leave until further notice, the department confirmed in a statement to the American-Statesman.

Police took Chief Data Officer Jonathan Kringen, who joined the department in July 2020, into custody at 3 a.m. Sunday, and he was released about 16 hours later, according to Travis County Jail records.

Officers responded about 11:45 p.m. on Saturday to an unknown urgent 911 call from a "frantic" woman who told police, "It's starting up," and "My children are home," according to the probable cause affidavit. Court records said an Austin police officer witnessed Kringen grab the woman's face and pin her to a sofa while two children were at his feet.

Responding officers forced their way into the home after witnessing this and said they observed Kringen's right forearm on the woman's bloody face, according to the affidavit. The woman and children were all crying and the room was in "disarray," the court records said.

Kringen and the woman were separated by the officers, the affidavit said, and Kringen had alcohol on his breath and was slurring his speech. Through the initial investigation, officers learned Kringen had vomited in the bed, leading to a dispute over who would be responsible for cleaning it up, court records show.

The fight then escalated, the affidavit said.

Kringen told the Statesman in a text message that he had no comment.

The department said in a statement issued through spokesman Brandon Jones that it "will complete a thorough investigation" but would release no other details because it did not want to jeopardize the investigation.

This summer, Kringen participated in multiple public discussions, including with the Austin City Council, about the controversial partnership between Austin police and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

He said that his data analysis showed a reduction in violent crime, call volume and response times as a result of the partnership and that troopers were deployed to areas of the city where most violent crimes are reported.

After Mayor Kirk Watson ended the partnership, Kringen reported that violent crime had again begun rising in those areas.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin police official arrested on suspicion of domestic violence
The job of the Missouri attorney general is to support both the U.S. Constitution and the constitution of the state. It says so right there in the first line of the oath of office. But the current occupant of that office  Andrew Bailey, a Republican appointed by Gov. Mike Parson  says he cant be expected to fulfill his obligations if voters amend the states governing document to expand and protect abortion rights.

Hed have to hire outside counsel instead, he claims. And that would cost big money. Allegedly as much as $21 million.

Thats what his office argued last week, in yet another tussle over the wording of proposed state constitutional amendments that would loosen the states draconian abortion ban  the first one in the nation enacted after the Supreme Court undid decades of precedent by overturning Roe v. Wade.

Bailey has staked out a position strongly in favor of protecting the unborn, according to the filing. If voters approve one of the amendments, and if that approval leads to lawsuits against the state, Bailey would find himself in a a positional conflict that is untenable, which in turn would necessarily generate greater legal costs.

In other words: Bailey wouldnt personally uphold the Missouri Constitution if its not to his liking.

To be fair, state attorneys general and other lawyers run into conflicts of interest all the time. Hiring outside firms is a fairly common practice in such cases. So Bailey isnt unusual in that regard.

This isnt entirely about how Bailey runs his office, though. Its about his continuing effort to put his thumb on the scale against the proposed abortion rights amendments.

If the attorney general has his way, after all, that $21 million price tag  again, the direct result of Baileys personal moral and political commitments  will be part of the ballot language that tens of thousands of Missouri voters will consider as they decide whether to put the issue up for election.

And its accurate to say that Bailey already has demonstrated a tendency to inflate the cost number to the greatest extent possible, in a transparent attempt to discourage voters from considering the reproductive rights amendments. He tried over the summer to inflate the price tag to $12.5 billion in (supposedly) lost Medicaid dollars. A judge rejected that attempt.

His current proposed number is much smaller, thank goodness. But it still rests on a pretty big presumption: that Bailey himself will be Missouris attorney general when and if the proposed amendments are to be defended in court, and that his own particular beliefs will dictate the eventual likely cost of the measures.

Maybe thats correct. Maybe not.

Bailey wasnt elected to his current position, remember. He was placed there by Parson after the previous attorney general, Eric Schmitt, was elected to the U.S. Senate. Bailey is now running to be elected in his own right in 2024. He faces a primary challenge, however and, if he prevails there, the general election after that.

He may well be victorious. At the moment, though, Bailey has not submitted himself or his agenda to Missouri voters. That makes his clearly biased influence on the amendment process less than welcome or desirable.

Then again, even properly elected Missouri Republicans have made it quite clear they dont want the states voters  their own constituents  to make their own personal health care choices. A court last month quashed Secretary of State Jay Ashcrofts proposed ballot language that said the measures would allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions. And that came only after conservatives in the General Assembly failed in May to make it much harder for voters to amend the state constitution.

Why the obstruction and discouraging words? Its almost certainly because conservatives know that Missourians  like Kansans before them  will likely vote for abortion rights.

I believe it will pass, House Speaker Dean Plocher said in May of a pro-choice initiative. Absolutely.

All of which means that Bailey has made clear he is less interested in upholding Missouris laws and constitution than in pushing a far-right agenda on abortion. And hell do that even if it sets him at odds with the states voters.
After a six-month-long investigation, multiple agencies have arrested multiple suspects for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation.

According to the Butts County Sheriffs Office, on Oct.18 a drug investigation that has been ongoing for the last six months has finally ended.

Deputies said, Orenthal Antoin Taylor a.k.a. Twan and B, was leading a drug operation with the City of Jackson.

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Officials said Taylor had several people working and helping him distribute and traffick cocaine.

The investigation later revealed that Taylors source of supply was Kimyaki Jackson of DeKalb County.

Early this month on Oct. 3, authorities said Pamela Sims and Anthony Taylor a.k.a. Boo Boo left Butts County at Orenthal Taylors discretion, for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and distributing marijuana.

As they were returning to what Butts County officials said were stash houses, authorities intercepted the drugs.

Agents caught Sims and Taylor with 114 grams of crack cocaine and four ounces of marijuana.

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While conducting a search warrant at one of the houses, agents reportedly found multiple firearms in the possession of convicted felons, more than ten pounds of marijuana, several prescription pills; such as Oxycodone, Adderall, and other illegal drugs.

Agents recovered $10,000 in cash and also found a lab inside the house where the suspects were cooking crack cocaine.

Two days later, agents conducted another search warrant at Taylors home located in Jackson.

Officials found crack cocaine, marijuana, firearms, and over $3000 in cash. In total, agents seized more than $15,000.

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The following were arrested and charged in the incident:

Orenthal Antoin Taylor- violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to sell cocaine, possession of cocaine, five counts of illegal use of communication facility, obstruction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, conspiracy to possess marijuana and tampering with evidence

Pamela Sims- trafficking cocaine in Henry County, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute in Henry County, violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, three counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and five counts of illegal use of a communication facility

Derik Fears aka Bucket- violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act, possession of cocaine, possession of oxycodone, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to sell cocaine, four counts of conspiracy to purchase oxycodone, and seven counts of illegal use of a communication facility

Anthony Taylor aka BOO BOO- trafficking cocaine in Henry County, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute in Henry County, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession of cocaine, and illegal use of a communication facility

Kimyaki Jackson- violation of the Georgia Racketeering Act, trafficking marijuana, two counts of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime

Kenneth Grier aka KENNY BOO- six counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone and six counts of illegal use of a communication facility

Jimmy Evans Jr.- conspiracy to purchase cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility

Shaketa James- conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute and illegal use of a communication facility

Hirone Cleveland aka BUTCH - conspiracy to possess Oxycodone, conspiracy to possess cocaine, illegal use of telecommunication facility and violation of parole

Beverly Sims- two counts of conspiracy to sell Oxycodone and two counts of illegal use of a communication facility

Norman Woodard- three counts of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute and three counts of illegal use of a communication facility

Deborah Durrah- two counts of conspiracy to possess cocaine and illegal use of a communication facility

Malik Green- conspiracy to possess cocaine and illegal use of a communication facility

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long states his investigators worked at times 60 days straight working 16-18 hour days to arrest Taylor and all parties involved.

Taylor thought he was smarter than anyone around him, he tried to be the king of his neighborhood which is referred to as Cross Town, and as of today, he was dethroned. It was obvious that Taylor used and manipulated people who were elderly, less fortunate, down on their luck and suffered from addiction to distribute and traffic his cocaine, all while he was reaping the benefits of the proceeds. At times, Taylor threatened and intimidated those around him with the threat of violence, Long explained.

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In this picture, the desktop and mobile websites for Stable Diffusion are seen, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in New York. Computer-generated child sexual abuse images made with artificial intelligence tools like Stable Diffusion are starting to proliferate on the internet and are so realistic that they can be indistinguishable from photographs depicting actual children, according to a new report. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NEW YORK (AP)  The already-alarming proliferation of child sexual abuse images on the internet could become much worse if something is not done to put controls on artificial intelligence tools that generate deepfake photos, a watchdog agency warned on Tuesday.

In a written report, the U.K.-based Internet Watch Foundation urges governments and technology providers to act quickly before a flood of AI-generated images of child sexual abuse overwhelms law enforcement investigators and vastly expands the pool of potential victims.

We're not talking about the harm it might do, said Dan Sexton, the watchdog group's chief technology officer. This is happening right now and it needs to be addressed right now.

In a first-of-its-kind case in South Korea, a man was sentenced in September to 2 1/2 years in prison for using artificial intelligence to create 360 virtual child abuse images, according to the Busan District Court in the countrys southeast.

In some cases, kids are using these tools on each other. At a school in southwestern Spain, police have been investigating teens alleged use of a phone app to make their fully dressed schoolmates appear nude in photos.

The report exposes a dark side of the race to build generative AI systems that enable users to describe in words what they want to produce  from emails to novel artwork or videos  and have the system spit it out.

If it isnt stopped, the flood of deepfake child sexual abuse images could bog investigators down trying to rescue children who turn out to be virtual characters. Perpetrators could also use the images to groom and coerce new victims.

Sexton said IWF analysts discovered faces of famous children online as well as a massive demand for the creation of more images of children whove already been abused, possibly years ago.

Theyre taking existing real content and using that to create new content of these victims, he said. That is just incredibly shocking.

Sexton said his charity organization, which is focused on combating online child sexual abuse, first began fielding reports about abusive AI-generated imagery earlier this year. That led to an investigation into forums on the so-called dark web, a part of the internet hosted within an encrypted network and accessible only through tools that provide anonymity.

What IWF analysts found were abusers sharing tips and marveling about how easy it was to turn their home computers into factories for generating sexually explicit images of children of all ages. Some are also trading and attempting to profit off such images that appear increasingly lifelike.

What were starting to see is this explosion of content, Sexton said.

While the IWF's report is meant to flag a growing problem more than offer prescriptions, it urges governments to strengthen laws to make it easier to combat AI-generated abuse. It particularly targets the European Union, where there's a debate over surveillance measures that could automatically scan messaging apps for suspected images of child sexual abuse even if the images are not previously known to law enforcement.

A focus of the groups work is to prevent previous sex abuse victims from being abused again through the redistribution of their photos.

The report says technology providers could do more to make it harder for the products they've built to be used in this way, though it's complicated by the fact that some of the tools are hard to put back in the bottle.

A crop of new AI image-generators was introduced last year and wowed the public with their ability to conjure up whimsical or photorealistic images on command. But most of them are not favored by producers of child sex abuse material because they contain mechanisms to block it.

Technology providers that have closed AI models, with full control over how they're trained and used  for instance, OpenAI's image-generator DALL-E  have been more successful at blocking misuse, Sexton said.

By contrast, a tool favored by producers of child sex abuse imagery is the open-source Stable Diffusion, developed by London-based startup Stability AI. When Stable Diffusion burst onto the scene in the summer of 2022, a subset of users quickly learned how to use it to generate nudity and pornography. While most of that material depicted adults, it was often nonconsensual, such as when it was used to create celebrity-inspired nude pictures.

Stability later rolled out new filters that block unsafe and inappropriate content, and a license to use Stability's software comes with a ban on illegal uses.

In a statement released Tuesday, the company said it strictly prohibits any misuse for illegal or immoral purposes across its platforms. We strongly support law enforcement efforts against those who misuse our products for illegal or nefarious purposes, the statement reads.

Users can still access older versions of Stable Diffusion, however, which are overwhelmingly the software of choice ... for people creating explicit content involving children, said David Thiel, chief technologist of the Stanford Internet Observatory, another watchdog group studying the problem.

The IWF report acknowledges the difficulty of trying to criminalize AI image-generating tools themselves, even those fine-tuned to produce abusive material.

You cant regulate what people are doing on their computers, in their bedrooms. Its not possible, Sexton added. So how do you get to the point where they cant use openly available software to create harmful content like this?

Most AI-generated child sexual abuse images would be considered illegal under existing laws in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere, but it remains to be seen whether law enforcement has the tools to combat them.

A British police official said the report shows the impact already witnessed by officers working to identify victims.

We are seeing children groomed, we are seeing perpetrators make their own imagery to their own specifications, we are seeing the production of AI imagery for commercial gain  all of which normalizes the rape and abuse of real children, said a statement from Ian Critchley, child protection lead for the National Police Chiefs Council.

The IWF's report is timed ahead of a global AI safety gathering next week hosted by the British government that will include high-profile attendees including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and tech leaders.

While this report paints a bleak picture, I am optimistic, IWF CEO Susie Hargreaves said in a prepared written statement. She said it is important to communicate the realities of the problem to a wide audience because we need to have discussions about the darker side of this amazing technology.

___

O'Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press writers Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
On Wednesday evening, Gaza is expected to run out of fuel. Cars and ambulances will no longer be able to reach hospitals; generators and water pumping stations will cease working; humanitarian efforts on the ground will collapse, aid workers tell TIME.

For the first time since Israel began launching airstrikes in Gaza, in retaliation to Hamas surprise attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,400 people in Israel, 20 trucks carrying essential aid were allowed to pass through the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza on Saturday. A further 34 trucks of aid have since entered Gaza and are solely being administered by the U.N., whose biggest agency on the ground is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

But experts say the deliveriesfirst brokered by the U.S. and containing food, medicine, and other medical suppliesare a drop in the bucket of what Gazans need.

Read More: The Gaza Healthcare System Is Reportedly on the Brink of Collapse

Its a glimmer of light but its not enough, Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA, tells TIME from Amman, Jordan, where she has recently moved to from East Jerusalem. If we don't have fuel, Gaza will collapse. The people of Gaza will collapse, and the largest humanitarian operation which is run by UNRWA will come to a halt, Touma says. She adds that fuel is needed to keep the bakeries that are feeding people and the hospitals open, both of which are struggling.

At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began launching airstrikes in the enclave, which is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. But Gaza has long faced a humanitarian crisis; the Strip has been under a 16-year blockade before the latest escalation. As a result, 1.2 million Gazans were already relying on food assistance from UNRWA.

Amid global calls for a ceasefire, and the fight to establish a permanent humanitarian aid corridor, heres what to know about aid efforts into Gaza.

Read More: As War Rages in Gaza, Violence Surges in the West Bank

How much aid went to Gaza before the war?

Before the Israel-Hamas war broke out, Gazas 2.2 million citizens required an average of 500 trucks of aid and fuel per day from a number of organizations. Such deliveries took place at Israels Kerem Shalom crossing point, while the Erez crossing point was used by aid workers, a small number of Palestinians working in Israel, and Gazans with a permit to seek health services in Israel. Aid typically included food and water assistance, as well as health and education services.

UNICEF has been providing health material medicine and that includes, for example, the support to frontline clinics, support to rehabilitation of primary health care units. That also includes the creation of a neonatal unit in one of Gaza's Hospitals, Jonathan Cricks, a spokesperson for UNICEF, tells TIME. He adds that the organization also supported Gazans with mental health and psychosocial needs, citing UNICEF figures that 816,000 children have needed these services since 2008.

One of the most vital lifelines UNICEF and other organizations provide is safe drinking water. There is a desalination plant that was developed and when it's fully functioning it is supposed to provide potable, safe water for 250,000 people, Cricks says. The lack of electricity and fuel has left Gazans to ration three liters (0.79 gallons) of water per day for cleaning, cooking, and drinking, well below then the international standard of 15 liters (3.3 gallons) needed in an emergency situation, according to the World Health Organization.

Cricks adds that UNICEF has water and hygiene kits waiting at the Egyptian border ready to enter when more trucks are approved.

Meanwhile, UNRWAwhich operates across Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordanalso runs 700 schools across the region. We give an education to more than half a million boys and girls, Touma says. Some of these schools in Gaza are now acting as a refuge for people who have lost their homes during airstrikes.

The major organizations who administer aid and humanitarian services in Gaza are the World Health Organization, the World Food Programme, the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and Doctors Without Borders. UNRWA remains the largest humanitarian operation on the ground.

How is aid administered in Gaza?

Aid previously entered the Gaza Strip via Israels Kerem Shalom crossing point. But aid organizations have had to quickly establish new routes via Egypts Rafah crossing following the Israel-Hamas war. Its a very complex logistics operation, Touma says. The U.N. overall, and other humanitarian organizations, have to set up this operation almost from scratch.

Read More: Our Death Is Pending. Stories of Loss and Grief From Gaza

When trucks enter Gaza, the U.N. is responsible for the distribution of supplies, Touma says. It's a lot of physical work. It's actually quite dangerous for our own staff to do this because they're doing this sometimes late at night, sometimes during the bombardments and the airstrikes, Touma says.

Some 35 of UNRWA colleagues stationed in Gaza have been confirmed as killed by airstrikes.

So far, food, bottled water, and some medicine have been received and administered. Israel has warned that aid deliveries will once again be halted if supplies are seized by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. But Touma says UNRWAwho has been on the ground for seven decades and built local trustoperates on a strict scrutiny system for aid distribution. Deliveries are monitored and audited so they reach the vulnerable, she adds.

What are humanitarian organizations calling for?

Touma warns that UNRWA has been in a deep financial crisis for the best part of a decade. This has left the agency with little to no reserves for an unprecedented crisis like the one unfolding now in Gaza.

Donations from around the world are rising as the death toll in Gaza surges. But aid officials tell TIME they are only helpful if they can continuously reach those in need.

As such, most humanitarian groups are calling for a sustained route into Gaza to deliver vital aid. UNICEFs resources have quickly depleted, says Cricks. Thats why we are asking for a humanitarian corridor that is safe and sustained, he adds.

Touma says that there are efforts taking place at the highest level of the U.N. to advocate for a regular and sustained supply of aid and fuel into Gaza. There are also efforts to reach a humanitarian ceasefire, she says.

Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.
Wounded Palestinian women cry as they sit outside their homes following Israeli airstrikes that targeted their neighbourhood in Gaza City, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. | Abed Khaled, Associated Press

Militant group Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday who were abducted earlier this month. A total of four hostages have been released since Hamas kidnapped over 200 people, starting Oct. 7.

Gaza reports that more than 5,000 people and 15,000 people have been injured since the initial attacks earlier this month. Israel reports that at least 1,400 people have been killed, per CNBC.

Here are updates on this and four other incidents transpiring in the Israel and Palestine conflict.

1. The Hamas hostage situation

Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, were released Monday while their husbands remain in custody of Hamas Monday. The group said it released the Israeli women for humanitarian and health reasons, The New York Times reported.

We are truly hoping that this is just the beginning of the release of all the remaining hostages, Lifshitz grandson, Daniel Lifshitz told reporters, per the Times.

Yocheved Lifshitz, left, and Nurit Cooper, who were held as hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants, are seen in these undated handout photo combination. The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas militants have released both Lifshitz and Cooper it had been holding captive in the Gaza Strip. | Hostages and Missing Families Forum via Associated Press

Their release came shortly after the Israeli military reported an increase in the number of those being held hostage to 222 people  it previously said 212 people were currently kidnapped by the group, per the Times.

The group released two Americans  a mother and daughter  on Friday. Judith, 59, and Natalie, 17, both have dual Israeli-American citizenship were visiting family in southern Israel for a relatives birthday and celebrate the Jewish holidays from Evanston, Illinois, when they were abducted.

We dont have the privilege to be happy or to celebrate. We dont have the privilege to mourn, Ayelet Sella, a cousin to the family told ABC News. We cannot rest. Getting Judith and Natalie back, it is not the end. It is the beginning.

President Joe Biden has said returning captive hostages is a top priority. On Monday, he said he refused to consider supporting a ceasefire until every single hostage is released, according to USA Today.

We should have those hostages released and then we can talk, Biden said, per USA Today.

He also called for a peaceful solution to the conflict.

As hard as it is, we cannot give up on peace. We cannot give up on a two-state solution.



Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity, and peace.  President Biden (@POTUS) October 23, 2023

As hard as it is, we cannot give up on peace. We cannot give up on a two-state solution, he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity, and peace.

2. Aid trucks reach Gaza

The first trucks delivering aid to Gaza arrived Saturday  two weeks after Israel launched a complete siege of the enclave following the Hamas attacks, CNN reported.

Egyptian authorities said there were 13 trucks equipped with medicine and medical supplies, five that had food and two were carrying water. The aid comes at a critical time, but the World Health Organization said hospitals were getting to a breaking point, and that much more aid is needed to address the devastation in the region, per CNN.

United Nations and Red Crescent workers prepare the aid for distribution to Palestinians at UNRWA warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. | Hassan Eslaiah, Associated Press

With this convoy, the international community is beginning to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has left residents of Gaza without access to sufficient food, water, medical care, and safe shelter, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, per USA Today. We urge all parties to keep the Rafah crossing open to enable the continued movement of aid that is imperative to the welfare of the people of Gaza.

3. Israel says it will continue strikes in the region

The Israeli military performed an airstrike on a mosque in the West Bank Sunday, killing at least two people.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the strike marks a dangerous escalation in the use of warplanes, in a statement per the Times.

Related

Israeli forces have also intensified strikes on Syria and Lebanon in recent months, saying it was doing so in response to increasing attacks from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia in southern Lebanon. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah that decided to join the war that it would cause devastating consequences to Hezbollah and the state of Lebanon, the Times reported. He added, Well hit it with a force it cant even imagine.

4. US leaders discuss Israel plans for ground offensive in Gaza

Israel Defense Forces performed a variety of training exercises in order to improve the forces readiness and capabilities for ground operations in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military told CNBC.

The Biden administration sent multiple U.S. military leaders, including a Marine three-star general, to Israel to be briefed on Israels plans, Axios reported.

Lt. Gen. James Glynn and the other military officers will be there to provide military advice to the IDF about its plans in Gaza, per Axios.

We have asked several officials with relevant experience simply to help Israeli officials think through the difficult questions ahead and explore their options. The IDF will, as always, make its own decisions, a Pentagon spokesperson told Axios.

One official pressed Israeli military leaders to delay a ground offensive, in order to try bargaining for the release of the rest of the hostages, but said it was unsure how much it would move the needle on Israeli strategy, The Associated Press reported.

5. Gaza hospital explosion coverage

An explosion took place at a hospital in a Christian-run hospital in the center of the Gaza Strip Wednesday that had international governments, news organizations and people around the world confused. Hamas blamed the attack on an Israeli strike, while Israel blamed a rocket misfire from Gaza for the deadly explosion that killed more than 300 people.

Initial reports from Israel military and U.S. officials point to the blast being caused by a rocket misfire from within Gaza. AP also analyzed videos and speculates the hospital explosion was most likely caused when part of that rocket crashed to the ground from within Palestinian territory.

Related

The United Kingdom joins other Western leaders in pointing to the cause of the explosion coming from a Palestinian rocket misfire.

Some Arab commentators have pointed out that even if it could be proved Israel was not responsible for this particular blast, it does not change the fact that thousands of civilians have died and over a million have been displaced by Israels massive response to the horrific raid by Hamas into southern Israel on 7 October, BBCs security correspondent Frank Gardner writes.

There are concerns that leaders in the Arab region do not trust the word of any country that pledges its full support for Israel, and protests have erupted in multiple nearby countries calling for a ceasefire in the region, Gardner reports.

Correction: Previous reporting indicated four American hostages had been released, but reports now say only two were American. The headline has also been updated to reflect this reporting.
An air-raid warning was again issued in some oblasts of Ukraine because of missile and UAV threats at about 01:00 on 24 October.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force; an air-raid warning map

Details: An air-raid warning was issued in Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad and Cherkasy oblasts. The Air Force reported a missile threat in these oblasts.

At the same time, an air-raid warning was also issued in Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi oblasts because of the threat of Russian attack drones.

It was issued in Donetsk Oblast as well.

Background: The Ukrainian Air Force issued an air-raid warning in some oblasts of Ukraine because of the simultaneous threat of attack UAVs and ballistic missiles on the evening of 23 October.

Update: The Air Force reported at 01:20 that attack UAVs were moving westwards through Khmelnytskyi Oblast, posing a threat to Chernivtsi Oblast.

The all-clear was given in the oblasts where there was a missile threat, as well as in Vinnytsia Oblast, at about 01:30.

An air-raid warning was issued in Ternopil Oblast at 01:47, as the Air Force said there had been a UAV threat.

An air-raid warning was also issued in Rivne Oblast at 02:00.

After 02:00, it once again began to spread in the southern, southeastern, eastern and central oblasts. The Air Force reported a missile threat again.

The all-clear was given in all western oblasts at about 02:40, except Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

The Air Force gave the all-clear regarding attack UAVs in all oblasts at 03:04 and regarding missiles  at 03:05.

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The Rocklin Police Department arrested an accused serial Target shoplifter last week as the Sacramento resident attempted to flee through a fire exit, authorities said.





A loss prevention officer saw the man Thursday inside the Target store at 5104 Commons Drive reportedly loading up his cart with a Dyson purifier, bug spray and other items, according to a police news release.

Police officers were called to the scene and surrounded the Target, the news release said. The suspect was arrested after he was spotted pushing a cart allegedly containing merchandise through a fire exit.

A 58-year-old Sacramento man was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and three other warrants seeking misdemeanor charges out of Placer County.
An Amazon delivery driver was bitten in the face by a dog, causing him to be hospitalized, according to Texas authorities and an Amazon spokesperson.

The driver, a 22-year-old man, was delivering a package to a home in San Antonio on Oct. 23 when the attack occurred, local police said in a news release.

As he proceeded to drop off the package, a dog officers described as an American Staffordshire terrier hopped over a fence and bit him in the face, police said. The dogs owner then separated the animal from the driver, whom he rendered aid to.

Afterward, the driver was transported to a hospital in unknown condition, police said.

The dog was surrendered to animal control and later euthanized, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

The dogs owner received four criminal citations, including one for the attack and one for having the dog off property, according to KSAT.

This is a horrible incident and were grateful the driver was able to call for help and quickly receive medical attention, Richard Rocha, an Amazon spokesperson, said in a statement provided to McClatchy News.

Were in contact with the delivery partner to make sure the driver has all the support needed as he recovers, Rocha added.

After he was released from the hospital, the driver, identified as Jose Luis Rodriguez, told KSAT, I literally thought I was going to die.

I think the most traumatizing was seeing my lips and my chin on the ground, he told the outlet.

Wife runs over and kills husband when he leaves vehicle to look for dog, Florida cops say

Cop got thousands donated for cancer he didnt have and now faces charges, officials say

Mom left toddler and baby in running car to visit friend in bar, Florida police say
I have always believed and preached throughout the Middle East Americas principles of the rule of law, equality, freedom of expression, and the universality of human rights. I set up a media nongovernmental organization, Community Media Network, that both trains and gives airtime on Radio al Balad and the AmmanNet website for journalists, youth, women, and marginalized groups to express themselves in an independent and professional way. CMN is the only media outlet in the entire Middle East and North Africa that has received the prestigious Journalism Trust Initiative stamp from Reporters Without Borders.

As an American Palestinian working in the Middle East and the proud executive director of the Palestinian version of Sesame Street, I have, in my years teaching at Al Quds University and as board chair of the investigative journalism group Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism, trained and supervised many Palestinian and Arab journalists in the basics of professional journalism. I have proudly used the American First Amendment as an example of a masterful statement in defense of a core civil right.

This is why I am sad to report that I have seen every one of these principles shattered over the past week by American officials as they take Israels side so aggressively. Without necessarily cheering it on, they have been implicitly green-lighting acts of violence against Palestinian civilians and refraining, at least in public, from calling for de-escalation and the need to break the cycle of violence. These are not the ideals I have been preaching.

What we are seeing today coming from Washington is administration officials encouraging a four-times criminally charged prime minister whose defense minister publicly said they will cut off water, electricity, and food from an entire people. President Joe Bidens visit to reassure Israelis is one thing, but his refusal to call for a de-escalation or a cease-fire (his U.N. representative vetoed such a resolution) has produced deep concern and an anti-American feeling throughout the region. Many worry that his visit and the continuing unreserved support for Israel he expressed in his Thursday night speech will give Israeli hawks the green light to continue brutalizing an already terrified civilian population that has no place to go.

While Palestinians, like all people under occupation, have an internationally legitimate right to resist their occupiers, the atrocities, whether by Palestinian fighters or others, are wrong, and they need to be called out and condemned. I add my voice without reservation in condemning war crimes against civilians. All humans are created in Gods image, and we are called by our maker to preserve life, not to end it.

Fairness and equality, however, require that everyone who has demanded the condemnation of acts by nonstate actors like Hamas must also be willing to demand the same from state actors.

Hamas committed war crimes, according to Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard. But experts say that Israels blockade of Gaza and ordered evacuation violate international law as well. Collective punishment is a war crime. Israel is doing that by cutting electricity, water, food, blocking aid from entering the Gaza Strip, said Human Rights Watchs Omar Shakir.

Even the moderate Israeli President Isaac Herzog has arrogantly said there are no innocent Palestinians, thus denying Palestinian humanity and justifying killing noncombatants. It is an entire nation out there that is responsible, Herzog said during a press conference. It is not true this rhetoric about civilians not being aware, not involved. It is absolutely not true. They could have risen. They could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup detat.

Both Hamas and Israel are guilty of human rights violations, and everyone must be careful not to treat Palestinians as children of a lesser God. Human rights are inviolate, and all violators must be held accountable.

America cannot wash its hands of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. When an American Palestinian journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in May 2022, the United States did little to bring the culprits to account. Shireen, who like me was born in the Biblical town of Bethlehem, had become a popular reporter because of her effort to convey the news as impartially as possible. Washington, with the exception of principled senators like Chris Van Hollen, who insisted on the investigation and accountability for Shireen, allowed the Israelis to get away literally with murder without even holding a proper investigation. This gave the world the signal that Israel will be treated differently, even when it comes to the killing of an American journalist.

Another recent example of U.S. policy that Palestinians see as hypocritical but is probably little known to most Americans involves the decision by the Biden administration to allow Israel into the visa waiver program. This program, run by the Department of Homeland Security, permits most nationals of other nations to travel to the U.S. for 90 days without obtaining a visa. Israel had sought inclusion into this program for many years.

But the waiver comes with a catchall: Americans visiting participating countries must be granted reciprocity and treated with equal respect. Four Democratic senators warned that Israel was not meeting this condition. Haaretz recently reported on a Palestinian American man traveling in Israel with his children being blindfolded and handcuffed for 11 hours. An Arab American civil rights organization is suing over Israels inclusion.

My own family members have been caught up in this. They were among some Palestinian Americans who found themselves trapped and unable to get out of their homes in Jerusalem, while Jewish American settlers literally within meters of them were allowed free access to Israeli airports and crossing points. It was hard for my pregnant daughter, who had an extremely sick child, to be trapped like that. She chose to go back to the U.S. to give birth and ensure that her sick child was treated well.

Is it any wonder that Palestinians see the U.S. standing properly for its principles in Ukraine but see a blatant double standard when it comes to us?

Palestinian nonviolent efforts over the years have also been thwarted. My cousin, a nonviolent activist and Jerusalem native named Mubarak Awad, was deported by the Yitzhak Shamir government in 1996. I know the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement is controversial in the U.S., but it should not be. Boycott efforts are nonviolent. And yet, boycott efforts internationally are fought with false claims of being antisemitic. Various U.S. states have passed anti-American laws (possibly violative of the First Amendment guarantees) that ban boycotts and punish those who support the BDS movement. This Palestinian civil societys nonviolent response was inspired by the South African resistance to apartheid. There are many more instances of Palestinian attempts at nonviolence, including by some of my heroes like Issa Amro from Hebron and Sami Awad from Bethlehem. They are regularly harassed by Jewish settlers and at times by Israeli security.

Peter Beinart has cited examples of nonviolence in a detailed article in The New York Times. Both political and nonviolent activities are restricted by Israel, which has refused to deal with a 75-year-old refugee crisis it has caused, a 56-year occupation its troops are maintaining, and a 16-year unauthorized siege of Gaza. In the meantime, the Israeli armys almost daily shooting of Palestinians and protecting Jewish settler pogroms have become unbearable, including to many Israelis and American Jews.

Even attempting to follow the international legal remedies has failed to produce any tangible results. The U.S. has even opposed the International Criminal Court in the Hagues addressing legitimate documented Palestinian charges of apartheid and the illegal Jewish-only colonial settlement enterprise, while speeding up cases against Russian crimes in Ukraine.

But for right now, the most urgent call is for the respect of the law of war as set out by international treaties and entrusted to the International Committee for the Red Cross and U.N. member states. The U.S. must call for an end to indiscriminate attacks (an Israeli army spokesman admitted that their attacks are aimed at damage, not accuracy), for avoidance of civilians, and the provision of a humanitarian corridor. The internationally banned white phosphorus should not be allowed to be used by Israel, as has been documented and condemned by Human Rights Watch. Hamas should be strongly encouraged to release noncombatant hostages immediately and to refrain from its own indiscriminate rockets, even though over a thousand Palestinian civilians are held without charge or trial.

Once a cease-fire is reached, the sooner the better for saving lives and reasserting hope in international law, serious efforts must be exerted to find a political solution that can lead to the end of occupation and the creation of a democratic and independent Palestinian state alongside a safe Israel. In this regard, the U.S. president (whose rights in this area are exclusive) should instruct his representative at the U.N. not to oppose a call for recognizing Palestine as a full member of the U.N. with the goal of pushing representatives of the state of PalestinePresident Mahmoud Abbas and his teamto negotiate with their Israeli counterparts on all issues of becoming good neighbors. There is no issue more in sync with Americas principles than that.
An American businessman released after five years in an Iranian prison has broken his silence about the psychological torture he endured during his captivity.

Emad Shargi , 59, was freed back in September along with four other Americans held captive in Tehran as part of a deal with the US to unfreeze $6bn in oil proceeds.

Access to that money has since been suspended after an agreement between Qatar and the Biden administration in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel amid questions about Irans role in the planning of the bloodshed.

Mr Shargi and his wife, who are both Iranian-Americans, moved to the country in 2016 when their grown-up daughters left for university to experience life there.

He says that in April 2018 15 armed agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard arrived at their home, arrested him and took him to the citys notorious Evin Prison.

While behind bars, Iranian officials accused him of being an American spy, which he called a ludicrous allegation.

He told 60 Minutes in an interview to be aired this Sunday, that interrogators tried to scare him into a confession by threatening him with waterboarding, electrocution and hanging.

They took me to a room. They told me to strip naked. They gave me some blue garbs. They told me, This is the end of the line for you, and most likely youll never see the outside world, he told CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

From now on nobody will address you by your name. You are a code now. 97-0-10 was my code.

Mr Shargi says that was when guards turned to psychological torture on him.

They take you to a very small room. And then they throw a giant of a human being in there, who proceeds to hit you, to push you around, to threaten to kill you, he said.

Family members embrace Emad Shargi, after he disembarks from an airplane at Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir, Virginia (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

And then the good cop comes in, and he says, Look, I can put a stop to this. You just need to confess. You have to confess that you are a spy, which is ludicrous.

For the first eight weeks of his imprisonment, he says he did not know if his wife had also been taken into custody, with his interrogators using the screams of women in the prison against him.

I [didnt] know if she was being tortured. I didnt know if she was being raped. I [had] no idea, he said. That is its own form of torture.

Mr Shargi says his father had warned him against moving to Iran, saying: Emad, you dont know this country. People like you with dual nationalities, they pick these people up once in a while for whatever use they have for them.

And he says that what he has learned from his harrowing experience is Listen to your dad.
Palestinians pull a boy from the rubble after an Israeli strike on the Zaroub family house in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Hatem Ali / Associated Press)

The Biden administration is facing mounting criticism that its support of Israel is ignoring massive civilian casualties, a potential war crime, while it also confronts ripples of dissent within its own governing ranks.

After days of pointed complaints from King Abdullah II of Jordan, the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Tuesday made his deepest plea to date for the safety of Palestinian civilians living under steady Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip.

Every civilian life is equally valuable," Blinken told the U.N. Security Council. "We know Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, and Palestinian civilians are not to blame for the carnage committed by Hamas. Palestinian civilians must be protected."

That includes stopping Hamas from using civilians as human shields and urging Israel to avoid harming civilians while allowing the flow of food, water and medicine into Gaza, Blinken said. He advocated for a series of "humanitarian pauses" to ease the Gaza crisis, something the U.S. vetoed in a U.N. resolution just last week.

According to figures provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry and the U.N., more than 5,000 Palestinians  nearly half of them women and children  have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes launched in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israelis in southern Israel that killed more than 1,400. More than 200 people were also abducted, including several American citizens. The U.N. noted at least 30 members of its Gaza-based staff were among the dead.

Israel said Tuesday it executed 400 airstrikes in Gaza overnight. Vast residential sections of Gaza City, home to more than a million people and where Israel maintains that Hamas operates, have been leveled. Reports from Gaza said many of the latest airstrikes targeted southern parts of the coastal enclave, areas where Israel told Gazans they should seek refuge to stay safe.

President Biden and his government were so horrified by the Hamas killings and kidnappings that their "unwavering" support for Israel left little room for consideration of Palestinian civilians, who soon fell victim to Israeli retaliation in a bombing campaign of the densely populated strip of an intensity not seen in years, if ever.

Gradually, though, Biden and others slightly shifted their rhetoric and urged Israel to respect the rules of war, expressing concern for civilian casualties and for the arrival of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip after Israel cut off water, food, electricity and medicine. The denial of basic goods to a besieged population like Gazan Palestinians can also be considered a violation of international humanitarian law.

At an emergency Middle Eastern summit in Cairo over the weekend, Jordan and Egypt  until recently the only Arab countries that recognized Israel  evinced anger and impatience with their neighbor. They adamantly rejected Israeli attempts to force Gaza's Palestinians into their countries, which they said was tantamount to ethnic cleansing.

King Abdullah II, one of Washington's closest allies, said the siege, bombardment and forced displacement constituted "a war crime" and "a red line for all of us."

"Anywhere else, attacking civilian infrastructure and deliberately starving an entire population of food, water, electricity and basic necessities would be condemned," said Abdullah, speaking in English to reach his intended audience. "Accountability would be enforced, immediately, unequivocally. ... But not in Gaza."

Abdullah continued: "The message the Arab world is hearing is loud and clear: Palestinian lives matter less than Israeli ones. Our lives matter less than other lives. The application of international law is optional. And human rights have boundaries  they stop at borders, they stop at races, and they stop at religions."

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who hosted Tuesday's meeting where Blinken spoke, also scolded the U.S. handling of the Israel-Hamas crisis and ended up infuriating Israel.

The "appalling acts" by Hamas did not justify the "collective punishment" of more than 2 million Palestinians, he said.

"Protecting civilians does not mean ordering more than 1 million people to evacuate to the south, where there is no shelter, no food, no water, no medicine and no fuel  and then continuing to bomb the south itself," Guterres said.

"It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum," he said, recounting the 56 years of "suffocating occupation" in which Palestinians have seen "their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished."

Israel immediately demanded that Guterres step down. In Washington, John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, also bristled at the attempt to place the conflict in context.

"Hamas is to blame. Hamas is to blame," he told reporters.

International humanitarian law that governs the conduct of armed conflict is far more complicated than most casual observers realize. The determination of a war crime, for example, which is technically a "grave breach" of the rules of conduct, can depend on numerous factors, including the status of the participants in the conflict. Generally, however, the "reckless" or "negligent" killing of civilians is considered a major violation of international law.

Asked repeatedly if the State Department has been able to judge whether Israel is obeying the laws of war, spokesman Matthew Miller accurately replied that such a determination would have to be made by lawyers and a tribunal, such as the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Biden, Blinken and other U.S. officials have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to respect humanitarian law, Miller said.

U.S. officials say Israel has always insisted it is targeting military objectives in its crushing bombardments, even though the number of noncombatant deaths has soared. Biden administration officials have generally been willing to take at face value Israel's assertions that military targets exist even in civilian areas such as residential apartment buildings and hospitals.

"You have to remember the context in which Israel is carrying out those strikes, and that is against an opponent, a terrorist organization, that has embedded its infrastructure inside civilian buildings, in schools, in hospitals, under schools, under hospitals, inside residential apartment buildings," Miller said. "Israel has a legitimate right to carry out military obligations targeting a foreign terrorist organization. It should do that in a way that minimizes, to the maximum extent possible, civilian harm. Thats what weve made clear to them."

In addition to rattling Arab allies, the administration's full-throated support for Israel triggered ripples of discontent within the State Department among some officers who said failure to acknowledge the plight of the Palestinians could erode support for Israel and call into question U.S. credibility.

Josh Paul, a decade-long employee of the State agency that oversees political-military affairs, including the sales of weapons, publicly resigned, saying Israel's heavy-handed response to what he called Hamas' monstrous attacks, and U.S. support for that response, would lead only to more suffering for Palestinians and Israelis.

Other rumblings of discontent have been reported, especially among younger officers inside Foggy Bottom who are more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Senior State Department officials said dissent within an agency that employs more than 70,000 people was not unusual and in fact welcomed.

Still, Blinken penned a rare pep talk to "the Team" when he returned last week from a whirlwind crisis diplomacy mission in Israel and six Arab nations.

"As we go through this challenging period, please: devote extra care and attention to each other. Lets demonstrate the humanity, the empathy, and the grace within our own community that we strive to build in the world," Blinken said in the note distributed to employees.

"And let us also be sure to sustain and expand the space for debate and dissent that makes our policies and our institution better.

"We have a difficult stretch ahead," he said. "The risk of greater turmoil and strife is real. And yet, where this crisis goes from here is not inevitable. It will come down, in no small part, to how America  and each and every one of us  leads in this critical period."

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CHICAGO  The Chicago Police Board announced at its monthly meeting last week that four officers accused of misconduct  making false statements and using excessive force during the unrest of 2020  were not guilty of the administrative charges against them.

And, in response to an order from a Cook County judge, the board also upheld an earlier decision to fire two other officers who had fired their guns at a stolen vehicle during a 2018 chase that ended in the shooting death of the vehicles teen driver by a CPD officer.

The board voted 8-0 to uphold its 2018 decision to fire now-former Officers Michael Coughlin and Jose Torres for their actions during a 2016 pursuit in the South Shore neighborhood that ultimately resulted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Paul ONeal. In 2020, the City Council approved a $2.2 million lawsuit settlement for ONeals family.

But for the four officers who were acquitted of the administrative charges brought against them  Armando Ugarte, Michael St. Clair, Michael Deneen and James Hunt  the members of the Police Board were much more divided in opinion.

Some votes varied slightly, but board members Steven Block, Aja Carr-Favors, Mareile Cusack, Nanette Doorley and Andreas Safakas were largely unconvinced that four officers were guilty of the charges against them.

Outgoing Police Board President Ghian Foreman, Vice President Paula Wolff and board member Michael Eaddy, who was not renominated to his seat earlier this month, were largely in favor of finding the officers guilty.

In all, the board announced its decisions in six separate disciplinary cases during its monthly meeting Thursday, an unusually high number for the nine-person panel, whose makeup has changed much in recent months as long-sought changes to the citys police misconduct apparatus continue to reverberate.

This was a busy month, Foreman said in between announcing the boards decisions in two cases.

Andrea Kersten, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, reported to the board that, since October 2022, the agencys log of open cases has shrunk from 1,700 to 900.

Speaking to the Chicago Tribune after the board voted to acquit four officers, Kersten questioned the standard by which the board was operating.

I have larger questions about how the preponderance of evidence standard is being analyzed, Kersten said. I think this is a challenge for people thatve worked in criminal courts or criminal law-adjacent, to move from this idea of proof beyond a reasonable doubt to what a preponderance standard truly looks like. Im excited to see more about the Police Board with how they start to interpret that because were going to continue to give them more and more cases to decide.

For more than six decades, the board was a nine-person panel appointed by the mayor to mete out discipline in the most serious cases of alleged police misconduct, cases in which the officer was to be suspended for at least a year or fired.

In recent years, though, after the city established the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, the Police Boards role and makeup has shifted. The board no longer oversees the search for new CPD superintendents, and no longer are board members hand-picked by the mayor.

Now, after a board members five-year term ends, the CCPSA will submit three names to the mayor, who can pick one of those candidates or ask for a new group.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has about six weeks to select four new board members from six candidates submitted to him this month.

Meanwhile, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, the union representing rank-and-file CPD officers and detectives, announced last week that it reached a proposed agreement with the city for a new four-year contract that would mean a roughly 20% pay raise for officers. The tentative agreement would also provide officers accused of serious misconduct the choice to have their cases heard and decided by a third-party arbitrator behind closed doors. The contract proposal is still subject to City Council approval.

____
British traveler explores Qingdao's vibrant farmers market

People's Daily Online) 16:54, October 23, 2023

Chinas farmers markets are going through something of a renaissance, as more and more tourists seek them out in order to get a real experience of the places that they're visiting. Join us as we visit one such market in the coastal city of Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province, where you can cook the seafood you buy on-site.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
The Chicago Police Board announced at its monthly meeting last week that four officers accused of misconduct  making false statements and using excessive force during the unrest of 2020  were not guilty of the administrative charges against them.

And, in response to an order from a Cook County judge, the board also upheld an earlier decision to fire two other officers who had fired their guns at a stolen vehicle during a 2018 chase that ended in the shooting death of the vehicles teen driver by a CPD officer.

The board voted 8-0 to uphold its 2018 decision to fire now-former Officers Michael Coughlin and Jose Torres for their actions during a 2016 pursuit in the South Shore neighborhood that ultimately resulted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Paul ONeal. In 2020, the City Council approved a $2.2 million lawsuit settlement for ONeals family.

But for the four officers who were acquitted of the administrative charges brought against them  Armando Ugarte, Michael St. Clair, Michael Deneen and James Hunt  the members of the Police Board were much more divided in opinion.

Some votes varied slightly, but board members Steven Block, Aja Carr-Favors, Mareile Cusack, Nanette Doorley and Andreas Safakas were largely unconvinced that four officers were guilty of the charges against them.

Outgoing Police Board President Ghian Foreman, Vice President Paula Wolff and board member Michael Eaddy, who was not renominated to his seat earlier this month, were largely in favor of finding the officers guilty.

In all, the board announced its decisions in six separate disciplinary cases during its monthly meeting Thursday, an unusually high number for the nine-person panel, whose makeup has changed much in recent months as long-sought changes to the citys police misconduct apparatus continue to reverberate.

This was a busy month, Foreman said in between announcing the boards decisions in two cases.

Andrea Kersten, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, reported to the board that, since October 2022, the agencys log of open cases has shrunk from 1,700 to 900.

Speaking to the Tribune after the board voted to acquit four officers, Kersten questioned the standard by which the board was operating.

I have larger questions about how the preponderance of evidence standard is being analyzed, Kersten said. I think this is a challenge for people thatve worked in criminal courts or criminal law-adjacent, to move from this idea of proof beyond a reasonable doubt to what a preponderance standard truly looks like. Im excited to see more about the Police Board with how they start to interpret that because were going to continue to give them more and more cases to decide.

For more than six decades, the board was a nine-person panel appointed by the mayor to mete out discipline in the most serious cases of alleged police misconduct, cases in which the officer was to be suspended for at least a year or fired.

In recent years, though, after the city established the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, the Police Boards role and makeup has shifted. The board no longer oversees the search for new CPD superintendents, and no longer are board members hand-picked by the mayor.

Now, after a board members five-year term ends, the CCPSA will submit three names to the mayor, who can pick one of those candidates or ask for a new group.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has about six weeks to select four new board members from six candidates submitted to him this month.

Meanwhile, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, the union representing rank-and-file CPD officers and detectives, announced last week that it reached a proposed agreement with the city for a new four-year contract that would mean a roughly 20% pay raise for officers. The tentative agreement would also provide officers accused of serious misconduct the choice to have their cases heard and decided by a third-party arbitrator behind closed doors. The contract proposal is still subject to City Council approval.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

MCCLINTOCK ADDRESSES DEAR WAYWARD COLLEAGUES IN SCATHING LETTER

Via David Lightman...

The House Republican civil war erupted anew Monday with a strongly worded rebuke from Rep. Tom McClintock to the eight colleagues who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker.

In a letter, he sarcastically branded them as martyrs and geniuses, and wrote we dont deserve you.

McClintock, R-Elk Grove, was a fierce McCarthy defender in the days before the October 3 vote.

His missive, addressed to Dear Wayward Colleagues, cited the offer from the eight last week to accept punishment for their effort to dethrone McCarthy.

Your letter of October 20, in which you graciously offer to martyr yourselves as long as you can get your way, is perhaps the most selfless act in American history, McClintock said sarcastically.

I was certain that our Republican colleagues who refuse to vote with the Republican majority would have been inspired by your stirring example of party discipline and loyalty to vote with the team, as you so eloquently phrased it.

I was frankly stunned when they did not, McClintock said. We should have appreciated how you (and 206 Democrats) saved us from a Republican speaker.

We truly dont deserve you, McClintock said.

What the eight Republicans have done, he said, is create a new standard where it would take 98.2% of the caucus to elect a GOP speaker. Some day, a messiah will be born who can achieve this miraculous threshold, McClintock wrote.

When that happens, you will be hailed as the geniuses that you are.

He proposed a different path, telling the renegades to plan your martyrdom in the only way that truly matters: to have the wisdom to see the damage you have done to our country and to have the courage to set things right before it is too late.

McClintock included a resolution that would criticize the McCarthy vote, and once again say he is the House GOPs nominee. Looks like that is unlikely to happen, though.

Nine Republicans are seeking the Speakership. McCarthy, who hasnt completely ruled out a comeback, is not one of them.

BONTA CO-AUTHORS OPEN LETTER ABOUT YELP CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER DISCLAIMER

Should crisis pregnancy centers  anti-abortion organizations that frequently portray themselves as reproductive health clinics  come with a warning label?

Yelp, the influential online review website, thinks so. The company is locked in a legal battle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over its decision to include disclaimers on pages for crisis pregnancy centers that they typically provide limited medical services and may not have licensed medical professionals onsite.

While some crisis pregnancy centers are licensed medical clinics, including in California, many are not. And many of them engage in deceptive practices such as providing inaccurate medical information about the possibility of reversing an abortion or claiming to offer referrals for abortions while actively counseling patients against seeking one, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who along with 15 other attorneys general penned a letter supporting Yelps initiative.

We have watched with increasing concern in recent years as anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) have proliferated in our states, outnumbering abortion clinics by a three-to-one ratio, while misleading consumers and delaying access to critical, time-sensitive reproductive healthcare, the letter reads in part.

You can read the letter here.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Going to home depot to buy an 18-foot tall Scott Wiener statue to put on my front lawn.

- Film and television editor Michael Tae Sweeney, discussing YIMBY Halloween ideas, via Bluesky.

Best of The Bee:

A judge has levied more than $50 million in fines against California for failing to correct a chronic shortage of mental health providers in its state prisons, via Maggie Angst .

How the Federal Reserve broke the once hot Sacramento real estate market, via Ryan Lillis .

Academic workers at the University of California voted to unite their two branches of the United Auto Workers into one local, consolidating to increase their negotiating power, according to a news release they issued Saturday, via Cathie Anderson .

(OPINION) Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg has given disgraced Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon the maximum amount of money in campaign donations for the upcoming primary election  $900  out of his own campaign fund from the 2020 mayoral election. Hell be eligible to give de Leon an additional $900 should the L.A. councilman make it to the general election, via Robin Epley.
(Bloomberg) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will take a proposal to reduce the flow of migrants up north for discussion with US counterpart Joe Biden after agreeing on a common strategy with other Latin American nations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

AMLO, as the president is known, hosted top officials from nine countries in Palenque, a small city in the south of the country where he owns a ranch, and invited them to tour a famous Maya archaeological site before preparing a statement. He promised on Monday to bring their joint proposals to a meeting with Biden, whom he criticized for his inconsistent policymaking ahead of the 2024 US election.

Weve made progress with President Biden, but theres more to do, and we need a clear stance, not zig-zagging, with them asking, What will the Republicans say if we have a dialogue with Cuba? What will the Republicans say if we continue to negotiate with Venezuela? said AMLO at a media briefing Monday, after his return to Mexico City. Its not possible that theyre giving more money to weapons, to fuel and maintain wars, and theyre not attending the causes of migration.

The Sunday gathering followed a meeting earlier this month between Mexican and US officials, who urged their southern neighbor to tackle migration and intervene in the drug trade. Biden and Lopez Obrador are expected to meet in November. The Mexican president has frequently called out the government of Texas, for tactics such as using buoys to prevent migrants from swimming to the US plus halting trucks for extra inspections, a disruption to billions of dollars of trade along the US-Mexico border.

Read More: Absurd Inspections Halt 19,000 Trucks at Texas-Mexico Border

The Latin American leaders, including five heads of state representing Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, Honduras and Cuba, agreed in a joint statement to foster economic development through wide-ranging proposals, from preferential tariffs to cooperation on oil, gas and renewable energies. They did not specify whether their governments would provide more funding for these measures.

They also pledged to combat transnational crime and proposed changes to the international financial framework of sovereign debt held by mid-income countries, which would allow them to develop their economies and reduce social inequalities that often lead people to migrate.

The best thing we can do is create progress in the south, Colombias President Gustavo Petro told reporters following the discussion. When these growing exoduses arrive to the north, whether to Europe or the United States, they face the fear of whats different, racism and xenophobia.

Read More: US Allows Work Permits for About 500,000 Venezuelan Migrants

The countries also called for a joint meeting between Cuba and the US, to discuss their bilateral relationship amid heavy migration from the island nation. Cubas Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said the country would be willing to meet with US authorities.

(Adds comments meeting in second paragraph, detail on funding in fifth)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
By Suamy Beydoun

MANAUS, Brazil (Reuters) - Human faces sculpted into stone up to 2,000 years ago have appeared on a rocky outcropping along the Amazon River since water levels dropped to record lows in the region's worst drought in more than a century.

Some rock carvings had been sighted before but now there is a greater variety that will help researchers establish their origins, archaeologist Jaime de Santana Oliveira said on Monday.

One area shows smooth grooves in the rock thought to be where Indigenous inhabitants once sharpened their arrows and spears long before Europeans arrived.

"The engravings are prehistoric, or precolonial. We cannot date them exactly, but based on evidence of human occupation of the area, we believe they are about 1,000 to 2,000 years old," Oliveira said in an interview.

The rocky point is called Ponto das Lajes on the north shore of the Amazon near where the Rio Negro and Solimoes rivers join.

Oliveira said the carvings were first seen there in 2010, but this year's drought has been more severe, with the Rio Negro dropping 15 meters (49.2 feet) since July, exposing vast expanses of rocks and sand where there had been no beaches.

"This time we found not just more carvings but the sculpture of a human face cut into the rock," said Oliveira, who works for the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) that oversees the preservation of historic sites.

(Reporting by Suamy Beydoun; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Richard Chang)
People displaced by the earthquake protest against lack of emergency assistance and worsening housing condition, in Amizmiz, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Youssef Mazouz)

AMIZMIZ, Morocco (AP)  Hundreds of protesters on Tuesday took to the streets of a city near the epicenter of a devastating earthquake that hit Morocco last month to express anger and frustration after weeks of waiting for emergency assistance.

Flanked by honking cars and motorcycles, demonstrators in the High Atlas town of Amizmiz chanted against the government as law enforcement tried to contain the crowds. The protest followed a workers strike and torrential weekend storms that exacerbated hardship for residents living in tents near the remains of their former homes.

Amizmiz is down!" men yelled in Tachelhit, Moroccos most widely spoken Indigenous language.

Entire neighborhoods were leveled by the Sept. 8 quake, forcing thousands to relocate to temporary shelters. In Amizmiz and the surrounding villages of Morocco's Al Haouz province, nearly everyone lost a family member or friend.

Tuesday's protest was initially organized by a group called Amizmiz Earthquake Victims Coordination to draw attention to negligence by local and regional officials" and to denounce how some residents had been excluded from emergency aid.

The state of the camps is catastrophic, Mohamed Belhassan, the coordinator of the group told the Moroccan news site Hespress.

The group, however, called off its planned march after meeting with local authorities who ultimately pledged to address their concerns. Despite the organizers' cancellation, hundreds still swarmed the streets to protest the conditions.

Protesters waved Moroccan flags and directed their anger toward the way local authorities, saying they had failed to provide the emergency assistance announced by Moroccan King Mohammed VI's Royal Cabinet. They chanted Long Live the King but implored him to visit Amizmiz to check on how local authorities were carrying out his decrees. They protested about a need for dignity and justice, decrying years of marginalization.

In the earthquake's aftermath, Morocco convened a commission and formed a special recovery fund. The government announced earlier this month that it had begun disbursing initial monthly payments of 2,500 Moroccan dirhams ($242) and planned to later provide up to 140,000 dirhams ($13,600) to rebuild destroyed homes.

Residents of Amizmiz told The Associated Press earlier this month that although many had given authorities their contact information, most households had not yet received emergency cash assistance. In Amizmiz, which had 14,299 residents according to Morocco's most recent census, many worry about shelter as winter in the Atlas Mountains approaches.

A trailer-based banking unit began operating in the town square in the aftermath of the earthquake. Local officials collected phone numbers to send banking codes to allow residents to get their cash. For many, the subsequent delays were the final straw, Belhassan told Hespress.

The Amizmiz protest over delays in aid comes after Morocco faced criticism for accepting limited help from only four foreign governments several days after the earthquake killed a reported 2,901 people.

Officials said the decision was intended to prevent clogged roads and chaos in days critical for emergency response. Search and rescue crews unable to reach the country expressed frustration for not getting the green light from the Moroccan government.
Vladimir Nekrasov

Vladimir Nekrasov, chairman of the board of directors of Russias Lukoil, has died in Russia, the companys press service reported on Oct. 24.

Nekrasovs predecessor "mysteriously" fell out of a window in Moscow a year ago.

"According to the preliminary conclusion of the doctors, the death was caused by acute heart failure," the statement reads.

Read also: Death of a Russian oligarch in India expands list of suspicious deaths of well-known Russians

Nekrasov was 66 years old.

This is the third death of a Lukoil executive in a year and a half, according to The Moscow Times.

Read also: IAEA arrives at ZNPP, but some mission members leave early, Chairman of Lukoil falls out a window, HRW releases report on filtration camps

Ravil Maganov , the vice president and previous chairman of the company's board of directors, fell out of a window in Moscow on Aug. 1, 2022. Nekrasov was appointed to replace Maganov on Sept. 1, 2022, but he lasted only a little over a year at the helm of the company.

Read also: Moscow will no longer comply with UN restrictions on Iran's missile program

In May 2022, Aleksandr Subbotin, former vice president and head of Lukoil's main supply and sales department, died in Moscow Oblast. According to Russian media, he died during a spiritual session with shamans, where they tried to cure Subbotin of his alcohol problems with the help of frog poison.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 40 Russian public figures have been reported dead, including oligarchs, scientists, and even generals.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Jenna Ellis speaks with her lawyer Franklin Houge after pleading guilty in Georgia over efforts to overturn former President Trump's 2020 election loss. (John Bazemore / Pool Photo)

Jenna Ellis, who boosted former President Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him, pleaded guilty in Georgia on Tuesday after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

She is the third attorney charged in Fulton County, Ga., in connection to attempts to subvert the 2020 presidential election to take a plea deal, and the fourth person to plead guilty in the racketeering case brought in August by Dist. Atty. Fani Willis.

"I believe in and I value election integrity. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse, Ellis, 38, told the court when entering her plea.

Read more: Opinion: Why the Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell guilty pleas are so dire for Donald Trump

Without naming them, Ellis said she relied on facts given to her by other, more seasoned lawyers.

I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than I, to provide me with true and reliable information, especially since my role involved speaking to the media and to legislators in various states, Ellis said. What I did not do, but should have done, Your Honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true. In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence.

Ellis pleaded guilty to a single felony count of aiding and abetting false statements/writings. She was indicted along with Trump and 17 others on charges that they participated in a wide-ranging scheme to keep the Republican president in office after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

She had been facing felony charges of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer in connection with a plan to submit fake electoral slates to Congress ahead of the Jan. 6 ratification vote. The 98-page indictment alleges Ellis urged state legislators in key swing states Biden won to appoint presidential electors who would vote for Trump.

As part of her plea, Ellis was sentenced to five years of probation, and must pay $5,000 in restitution and perform 100 hours of community service. She has already written an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia, and she agreed to cooperate fully with prosecutors as the case progresses, which could see her testifying against her former client. She can be called to testify about a broad range of topics related to the post-2020 election efforts to keep Trump in power.

As a senior legal advisor to Trump, Ellis participated in a November 2020 news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, where she appeared alongside fellow co-defendants Rudolph W. Giuliani and Sidney Powell. The three lawyers made baseless allegations of election fraud and accused states of suppressing votes. Ellis traveled extensively with Giuliani afterward in attempts to convince lawmakers in states including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania to overturn their results.

Ellis was censured by the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel in March and acknowledged making 10 false statements on television and Twitter about the election. Ellis is based in Washington, but has practiced law in Colorado, where she is from.

Ellis has been crowdsourcing funds for her defense after questioning in August why Trump's super PAC wasn't helping his co-defendants in the Georgia case. As of Tuesday, she had raised more than $215,000.

Last week, Fulton County prosecutors reached plea deals with two other lawyers who worked with the Trump campaign shortly before their trial was scheduled: Kenneth Chesebro, who helped devise a plan to submit fake electoral slates supportive of Trump, and Powell, who pleaded guilty to helping with a plan to breach the vote management system in Coffee County, Ga.

Last month, bail bondsman Scott Hall pleaded guilty to five counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties, all misdemeanors for his role in breaching election equipment in Coffee County.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A bull rolls in the mud as it prepares to fight another bull at a bullfight in Kabaras, Kakamega county Kenya, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Thousands of people braved the rain and cold to attend an annual bullfighting competition in western Kenya over the weekend, some of them sitting in trees or on hilltops to witness an event that has become a tourist attraction. Bullfighting in western Kenya goes back decades and features two prized bulls fighting it out until one runs away. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

KAKAMEGA, Kenya (AP)  Thousands of people braved the rain and cold to attend an annual bullfighting competition in western Kenya over the weekend, some of them sitting in trees or on hilltops to witness an event that has become a tourist attraction.

Bullfighting in western Kenya goes back decades and features two prized bulls fighting it out until one runs away.

The competition is usually preceded by a march where bull owners and supporters work the animals into a frenzy. Previous events have seen bulls goring onlookers.

Some bulls are fed concoctions that include marijuana, which locals believe makes them fierce in battle. Owners of the bulls are considered local heroes.

Fifteen bulls took part in the final event held at two locations, Khayega and Kabras. The main attraction was a fight between bulls Captain and Senje, with Senje winning in a 20-minute bout.

One spectator, 32-year-old Antony Angulu, said he was excited to be at the event but was left disappointed after his favorite bull lost.

We will do a rematch soon and I am sure we will win, Angulu said.

___

Associated Press writer Emmanuel Igunza in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report.
An AirTag helped an Atlanta family quickly recover their stolen car, but the family is still desperately looking for their stolen dog who was also wearing Apple's tracking device.

Sonya Reese told FOX 5 Atlanta that her son, Anthony Reese, went to a local smoke shop on October 12, but to his surprise, when he returned outside, his car had mysteriously disappeared from the shopping center.

Sonya Reese and Dior. The Reese's told FOX 5 how much they loved their dog.

"He walked in and noticed he didn't have his ID, and when he walked out, he noticed the car was gone," Reese said.

Reese said that the family's beloved pet, named Dior, a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix, was inside a dog carrier in the car at the time it was stolen.

IS AN AIRTAG DANGEROUS TO YOUR DOG?

After calling the police, Anthony recalled that he had an Apple AirTag inside the car and one on Dior's collar.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I have two AirTags in the car, and one on the dog," he said. "As we are talking to the police, we can see that the air tag was headed to the west side of Atlanta."

Anthony said the AirTags stopped at an apartment complex on the west side of Atlanta, Georgia.

Anthony said that after the AirTags stopped at an apartment complex, the family decided to "take matters into our own hands."

"I looked at my son and said, Were on the way,'" Sonya said. "We notified the officers and asked if we need to take matters into our own hands, and he shrugged and said you can."

PHILADELPHIA MEN FACE FEDERAL CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING 2 MILLION DIMES FROM TRUCKLOAD OF COINS

When Sonya and Anthony arrived at the two AirTags locations, they immediately spotted the stolen vehicle.

"We get there, and the first thing that we see is the car," Anthony said.

But, Dior was nowhere to be found.

Sonya and Anthony Reese discuss the robbery and recovery of their car.

Anthony said one of the AirTags appeared to be inside the apartment. But by the time police arrived, the tags had been disconnected.

SQUATTERS ARRESTED AT ATLANTA HOME WHERE NEIGHBORS SAID THEY RAN AN ILLEGAL STRIP CLUB

The family said they think police scared the suspects away.

"I was hurt. I was definitely hurt," said Sonya. "I love her to death because that's my fur baby."

Dior, a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix was inside, nestled in her carrier, at the time of the robbery.

Anthony said that while he got his car back, he did not get what was "emotionally most important" to him.

"I got what was physically most important, but I never got what was emotionally most important to me," Anthony told FOX 5.

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed they were still looking into the case.





Original article source: Apple AirTags help Atlanta family recover stolen car, pet dog named Dior still missing
Awad Darawashe before the day of the attack by Hamas (supplied)

An Arab-Israeli paramedic who helped to treat wounded survivors at the desert music festival massacre was shot dead by Hamas militants, his family has revealed.

Awad Darawashe, 22, was manning a first aid tent at the Supernova festival, when Hamas launched its deadly attack In the early hours of 7 October.

His ambulance was captured by the militants and driven back to Gaza with hostages inside, his cousin, Kazim Khalileh, told The Independent.

Mr Darawashe, from Iksal  a small Arab-majority town near Nazareth  was seen treating victims with gunshot wounds just moments before militants completely overran the overnight rave.

He stayed behind to treat the injured: a fatal decision, as he was shot in the chest and in the stomach

When the sirens went off, Awad refused to run away, he wanted to stay and help the injured people, said Kazim.

Its a natural instinct to run but Awad stayed, by that time many people Hamas had injured went to his tent.

My cousin, a Muslim, didnt run away, he stayed to help everyone and Hamas just shot him - I later learned he was hiding under the DJ stand. He was a hero.

Kazim said his brother identified the body after Awads mother was asked to do a DNA test.

Awad Darawashe (supplied)

My family will never be the same again, he said. I do not wish for any mother around the world to feel what my aunt feels now.

Kazim was in disbelief when he saw television pictures of Hamas driving around southern Israel with weapons. I thought it was fake news, he said.

Hamas militants stormed a border fence at 80 points after launching a barrage of rockets, according to the Israeli military and witness accounts. They raided towns and villages, killing at least 1,400 people  including as many as 260 at the Supernova festival. Israel says 222 hostages were taken into Gaza, including women, elderly and the sick.

Kazim said his family panicked when they could not get through to Awad by phone but saw a video shared on Hamas social media networks showing his ambulance being driven into Gaza.

Awad was a paramedic and the driver for the Yossi ambulance service so we thought Hamas took him to Gaza, Kazim added.

In desperation, Kazim searched hospitals for his cousin and found a man who had also been at the festival. I showed him a photo of Awad and asked if hed seen him. The mans face dropped down. I begged him to tell me what he knew. He said that saw Awad but unfortunately Hamas shot him twice  he saw it with his eyes.

Kazim waited until it was officially confirmed, two days later, before telling Awads mother.

He said he has been horrified by the response from the Arab world that has not condemned the horrific violence of 7 October.

My cousin was one of many Arabs killed by Hamas, one of 40 I think, Hamas didnt care. They are not the real Islam, I am a real Muslim, my cousin Awad was.

No country is perfect and of course we argue politically like most other countries but I am tired of people telling us how they think Arabs are treated in Israel.

Thousands of Israelis, Arab, Jews, Druze and Christians poured onto the streets to honour Awad at his funeral.

I didnt know whether to cry or be happy. But I want the world to remember my cousin Awad.
President Joe Biden has asked Congress to approve $106 billion in emergency aid for Israel and Ukraine, a package that also would increase funding for U.S. border security.

Of course, this assumes that Republicans will figure out that America actually needs a House of Representatives and find a way to choose a speaker.

Which, for now, seems iffy.

Anyway, Biden is supported in his proposal by Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said during a couple of television interviews, I know there are some Republicans in the Senate, and maybe more in the House, saying Ukraine is somehow different. I view it as all interconnected."

He added, This is a question of whether it is a serious threat to the United States. If the Russians are not defeated, theyre going to the NATO countries next.

Russia has 2 Arizona friends in Congress

Rep. Paul Gosar (left) and Rep. Andy Biggs have previously refused to offer aid to Ukraine.

Two of Russias very best friends in the U.S. Congress are Arizonas Republican Reps. Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs .

Gosar already has said he would not vote on an Israeli aid package tied to aid for Ukraine.

He posted on X, formally Twitter, It is a mistake 2 couple Israel funding w/Ukraine Funding. I will vote 4 necessary funding 2 assist Israel in its time of need but if combined with billion$ more for Ukraine I will B a no. I have not supported the Ukraine proxy war & will not start now just because its wrapped with an Israeli flag.

What pro-Palestinian protesters: Get wrong about Israel

Biggs hasnt said definitively that hed vote against the package, but he did post on X, Ukraine and Israel aid should not be tied together. Shame on Joe Biden.

Or is it shame on Biggs and Gosar, who for years have cozied up to Russian President Vladmir Putin, whom the late-Sen. John McCain called a thug and a murderer and a killer and a KGB agent?

Biggs and Gosar refuse to help Ukraine

Last year, the House rejected an amendment from Biggs by a vote of 104-330 that would have stripped $300 million from the bill for the Pentagon to train Ukrainian soldiers and purchase weapons for Kyiv.

Also last year, Biggs and Gosar were among only six House members to vote against a bill meant to document and preserve evidence of war crimes during Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Arizonas pair of Putinistas also were among 63 members of Congress  again, all Republicans  to vote no on a non-binding resolution reaffirming our countrys unequivocal support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as an alliance founded on democratic principles.

Will they protect Russia or aid Israel?

One of Putins top priorities is destroying the alliance.

Also last year, Biggs and Gosar were among 17 House members  yep, all Republican  to vote against a bill permitting a Russian oil ban and approving additional sanctions against the Kremlin.

We may well soon find out if the pairs loyalty to Vlad the Destroyer is stronger than their support for Israel.

Gosars already in, of course.

He once actually said  I am not making this up  Ukraine is not our ally. Russia is not our enemy.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com

For more opinions content, please subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar may vote against aid to Israel
An armed and dangerous man is on the run after his children led police to their mother, who was shot dead inside their Massachusetts home, according to authorities and news reports.

A search is underway for Aaron Pennington, 33, who is a murder suspect in connection with the death of his wife, Breanne Pennington, 30, which occurred Oct. 22 at their home in Gardner, according to an Oct. 24 Massachusetts State Police news release.

Four children of Aaron and Breanne Pennington arrived at a neighbors home scared and seeking help at about 9:14 that morning, according to an application for a criminal complaint filed that day, WCVB reported.

They could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying, a Massachusetts state trooper wrote in the application for a criminal complaint, according to WCVB.

The childrens ages are 2, 5, 7 and 9, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said at a news briefing the evening of Oct. 22.

When officers arrived at the home, Breanne Pennington was found fatally shot in the face while lying on a bed, according to police, The Gardner News reported.

The evening of Oct. 23, Penningtons car, a BMW, was discovered abandoned in the woods at Camp Collier in Gardner, state police said in their latest news release.

Police are warning the public to not approach Pennington if they see him and instead call 911, according to state police.

He may have a gun with him, authorities said.

Pennington and his wife were believed to be experiencing issues in their marriage before her death, according to the application for the criminal complaint, Boston 25 News reported.

Breanne Pennington had plans of moving to Texas with the kids to be away from Aaron Pennington. Aaron Pennington suffered from mental health issues and had threatened suicide, police wrote in the application, according to the outlet.

Pennington is described as white, has blond hair and blue eyes, is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds, police said.

Breanne Penningtons high school friend Chelsea Lowe told WCVB she didnt deserve it.

She was such a good mother and such a good wife, Lowe told the outlet.

Gardner is about 65 miles northwest of Boston.

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Armed police could be given more self-defence rights if they kill a suspect under a review ordered following a revolt among officers in the wake of Chris Kabas death.

On Tuesday, Suella Braverman laid out the terms of the review to establish whether there needed to be changes to the law to provide sufficient protections for those in the line of duty and maintain public confidence in policing.

The review was ordered by the Home Secretary after up to 300 of the more than 2,500 Metropolitan Police officers authorised to carry arms returned their permits after one of their colleagues was charged with the murder of Kaba. The rapper was shot dead by police in Streatham, south London, on September 5, 2022.

The review will consider longstanding demands from frontline police officers and chiefs for investigators to apply the subjective criminal law test for self-defence in police misconduct rather than the objective civil test.

The criminal test requires that an armed officer must honestly believe their life was in danger when confronting a criminal or terrorist, rather than the lower bar of the civil test which also requires they show their action was reasonable.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Commissioner, called for criminal test to be applied, saying: One simple test will avoid delay, simplify the process and provide better protection for the public.

Chris Kaba was shot dead by police in south London last year  an officer has been charged with his murder - PA

The review will also consider whether there should be a higher threshold for triggering an investigation by police watchdogs.

The Home Office said: The review will consider the systems for investigating police officers, including referrals to the IOPC, especially in incidents where members of the public have been killed or injured, and whether cases involving those acting in the line of duty should be treated differently from other cases.

In his call for a rethink, Sir Mark said: Too often investigations are announced when only a minimal interrogation of the facts has taken place, damaging public confidence, only for further enquiries to establish criminality or wrongdoing either wasnt borne out at the level initially suggested, or at any level at all.

The review will also consider whether investigations  which can last years  can be accelerated including whether more effective working between the IOPC and CPS can reduce timescales of criminal investigations.

Mrs Braverman said: We depend on our brave police officers to put themselves in harms way in order to keep us safe. It is one of the toughest jobs, relying on officers to make life-or-death decisions in a split second and we should never take it for granted.

It is why I requested this review to ensure the legal frameworks under which the police operate command the confidence of both officers and members of the public.

Sir Mark Rowley wants a law that 'lets the police, police' - PA/Aaron Chown

Sir Mark welcomed the publication of the reviews terms of reference.

In a statement posted on social media, he said: The breadth of this review captures the reality officers face when pursuing and catching criminals.

They welcome accountability that is swift, fair, competent, and recognise the split second operational decisions they have to make based on the training they have received. Regrettably, the current system often fails on all those tests.

A system that discourages our brave officers from chasing down criminals lets down victims. We must address imbalances in this area of law which is long overdue for reform and build a system which lets the police, police.

The review, to be carried out within the Home Office with help from the Ministry of Justice and the attorney-generals Office, is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

It is, however, unlikely to be published before the officer charged over Kaba stands trial next year.

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JERUSALEM  Over the past two weeks, since Palestinian terrorist group Hamas carried out its deadly attack in southern Israel killing some 1,400 Israelis, there is a fear that a new front in the old war between Israelis and Palestinians could open up  in the digital realm.

While doctored images and fake news have long been part of the Middle East wartime arsenal, with the arrival less than a year ago of easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) generative tools it seems highly probable that deepfake visuals will soon be making an appearance on the war front too.

"Hamas and other Palestinian factions have already passed off gruesome images from other conflicts as though they were Palestinian victims of Israeli assaults, so this is not something unique to this theater of operations," David May, a research manager at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital.

He described how in the past, Hamas has been known to intimidate journalists into not reporting about its use of human shields in the Palestinian enclave, as well as staging images of toddlers and teddy bears buried in the rubble.

FBI CHIEF WARNS THAT TERRORISTS CAN UNLEASH AI IN TERRIFYING NEW WAYS

Hamas killed at least 1,400 in a surprise terror attack that hit men, women, children and older civilians on Oct. 7.

"Hamas controls the narrative in the Gaza Strip," said May, who follows Hamas activities closely, adding that "AI-generated images will complicate an Israeli-Palestinian conflict already rife with disinformation."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

There have already been some reports of images reupped from different conflicts, and last week, a heartbreaking photograph of a crying baby crawling through the rubble in Gaza was revealed as an AI creation.

"I call it upgraded fake news," Dr. Tal Pavel, founder and director of CyBureau, an Israeli-based institute for the study of cyber policy, told Fox News Digital. "We already know the term fake news, which in most cases is visual or written content that is manipulated or placed in a false context. AI, or deepfake, is when we take those images and bring them to life in video clips."

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Pavel called the emergence of AI-generated deepfake visuals "one of the biggest threats to democracy."

A view shows smoke in the Gaza Strip as seen from Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel Oct. 18, 2023.

"It is not only during wartime but also during other times because it's getting harder and harder to prove what is real or not," he said.

In day-to-day life, Pavel noted, cases of deepfake misinformation have already come to light. He cites its use by criminal gangs carrying out fraud with voice-altering technology or during election campaigns where videos and voice-overs are manipulated to change public perception.

In war, he added, it could be even more dangerous.

"It's a virgin land and we are only in the first stages of implementation," said Pavel. "Anyone, with pretty low resources, can use AI to create some amazing photos and images."

The technique has already been used in Russias continuing war in Ukraine said Ivana Stradner, another research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who specializes in the Ukraine-Russia arena.

Last March, a fake and heavily manipulated video of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appearing to urge his soldiers to lay down their arms and surrender to Russia was posted on social media and shared by Ukrainian news. Once it was discovered to be fake, the video was quickly taken down.

Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza on Tuesday.

"Deepfake videos can be very realistic and if they are well crafted, then they are difficult to detect," said Stradner, adding that voice cloning apps are readily available and real photos are easily stolen, changed and reused.

Inside Gaza, the arena is even more difficult to navigate. With almost no well-known credible journalists currently in the Strip  Hamas destroyed the main human passage into the Palestinian enclave during its Oct. 7 attack and the foreign press has not been able to enter  deciphering what is fact and what is fake is already a challenge, with easy to use AI platforms that could get much harder.

CHINA, US RACE TO UNLEASH KILLER AI ROBOT SOLDIERS AS MILITARY POWER HANGS IN BALANCE: EXPERTS

However, Dr. Yedid Hoshen, who has been researching deepfakes and detection methods, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said such techniques are not totally foolproof yet.

"Creating images in itself is not hard, there are many techniques available out there and anyone reasonably savvy can generate images or videos but when we talk about deepfakes, we are talking about talking faces or face swapping," he said. "These types of fake images are more difficult to create and for a conflict like this, they would have to be made in Hebrew or Arabic when most of the technology is still only in English."

Israeli forces recaptured areas near the Gaza Strip that had been overrun in a Hamas mass-infiltration over the weekend.

Additionally, said Hoshen, there are still tell-tale signs that set AI visuals apart from the real thing.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"It is still quite difficult to make the visuals in sync with the audio, which might not be detectable with the human eye but can be detected using automated techniques," he said, adding, "small details like the hands, fingers or hair dont always appear realistic."

"If the image looks leery then it might be fake," said Hoshen. "There is still a lot that AI gets wrong."





Original article source: Artificial intelligence a new frontier in war: 'harder to prove what is real'
Joran van der Sloot pleaded guilty to extortion and fraud last week in a twisted plot to con money out of the mother of Natalee Holloway, the Alabama teen he has now admitted to killing in Aruba in 2005.

While the plea deal in a federal court in Birmingham, Alabama, did not include murder charges for the slaying on foreign soil, authorities in both countries have indicated that criminal charges could still happen in the island nation.

Natalee Holloway was last seen alive on May 30, 2005, leaving a bar with van der Sloot. He was the prime suspect in her disappearance for the following 18 years and finally admitted to killing her in an Oct. 3 confession made public last week after he pleaded guilty to the extortion case.

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT'S WHIRLWIND PLEA DEAL: HE WON THE GAME, BUT FAMILY ACCEPTS CLOSURE

Mugshot of Joran van der Sloot, the admitted killer of 18-year-old Alabama high schooler Natalee Holloway, taken in Alabama after Peruvian authorities agreed to send him to the U.S. to face trial in the middle of serving a sentence there for the murder of Stephany Flores.

The plea deal required van der Sloot to submit to a polygraph test  which he did.

He accepted the deal, confessed to killing Holloway on the beach after she refused his sexual advances, and later passed a polygraph test. And he might have got away with it if the Holloway family, supporters, the FBI and an international team of investigators didn't doggedly pursue the case for nearly two decades.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Beth Holloway , Natalee's mother, told Fox News on Wednesday that in addition to the taped confession, the FBI has been able to corroborate his claims. And Judge Anna Manasco said in court that the confession was examined in combination with analysis and evidence by the FBI.

COURT RELEASES RECORDING OF JORAN VAN DER SLOOT'S NATALEE HOLLOWAY CONFESSION

The polygraph was "just another tool" among many in a broader investigation, an FBI official told Fox News Digital Monday.

"We've been working on this case for 18 years, so there's been a lot of investigative work done over that period of time that was a baseline of our investigation," the official said.

Natalee Hollway, center, went missing during a spring break trip in 2005 and was never found. Last week, a federal court unsealed the confession of longtime suspect Joran van der Sloot, who admitted earlier this month to killing her on an Aruba beach when she refused his sexual advances.

READ MORE ON NATALEE HOLLOWAY FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL

The officials declined to go into specifics about the rest of that evidence, citing the potential that additional crimes could be under investigation by their counterparts in Aruba. But they said that the FBI, federal prosecutors  and importantly, the Holloway family  had all been satisfied that van der Sloot was being truthful in his recorded confession.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS

"After 18 years, Natalees case has been solved," Holloway's mother told reporters outside the courthouse immediately after the hearing last week. "Joran van der Sloot is the killer."

As part of the plea deal, Manasco said U.S. prosecutors have agreed not to use van der Sloot's confession against him for any other purposes.

But in Aruba, authorities tell Fox News Digital that their case against van der Sloot is still open, and are requesting investigative documents from the Department of Justice.

"The Holloway case is still an open investigation in Aruba. The Police Force, the Public Prosecutors Office of Aruba and other investigative entities will follow up on any serious leads that could solve the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The search of what happened to her remains unabated," said Ann Angela, spokesperson for the Public Prosecutors Office of Aruba. "We have requested the U.S. Department of Justice for all the documents related to the investigation, which we will review before deciding on the procedural steps to be taken against Joran van der Sloot. Up until now, even though we are indeed aware of the reports in the press, we have not yet been formally informed by US authorities."

However, Aruba has a 12-year statute of limitations for charging an individual with murder. Angela told Fox News Digital the issue isn't cut-and-dry.

"Your question as to whether the suspicion against Joran van der Sloot, who at the time of the disappearance of Ms. Holloway was still a minor, is statute-barred or not, cannot be answered with a straightforward yes or no. It depends on various factors within the investigation. As it is an open investigation, the Public Prosecutors Office will only provide limited information to the media, also about the issue of the statute of limitation," Angela said. "First things first for us at this moment in time, is to obtain the documents requested to the US Department of Justice."

Van der Sloot will return to Peru to finish a sentence in the mountaintop Challapacla prison for the 2010 murder of Stephany Flores, a 21-year-old business student who he killed in her father's casino. His sentence for the extortion and fraud charges will run concurrently, and once his Peruvian sentence is complete, he will remain imprisoned there for the remainder of his American punishment.

Van der Sloot's lawyer previously told Fox News Digital his client hates the conditions there. Challapalca is known for its nighttime freezing temperatures, and van der Sloot was transferred there after a drug and cellphone smuggling scandal in his former prison. Challapalca is so remote and so high above sea level that there's no cellphone service there, the lawyer said.

Van der Sloot had offered shifting explanations over the years for Holloway's final hours over the years, including that he shoved her into a rock , causing a head injury. He has also claimed that his father, a prominent judge who died in 2010, helped hide the body.

In his confession, van der Sloot also said that two friends who were with him on the night of Holloway's death had gone home before the murder.

A general view of the beach at the Marriott with the Holiday Inn resort visible in the distance, Noord, Aruba, Friday, May 12, 2023. The Holiday Inn resort is where Natalee Holloway stayed in 2005 before she disappeared.

Satish and Deepak Kalpoe, along with van der Sloot, were arrested and released multiple times as Aruba authorities investigated the case. Island police also questioned Paulus van der Sloot, the killer's father.

Holloway's remains have not been found  however authorities haven't ruled out that one day they may be.





Original article source: Aruba considers new charges in Natalee Holloway murder after suspect's surprise confession in US plea deal
The European Commission intends to present a positive assessment of Ukraine's progress in applying for EU membership on 8 November, but this assessment may contain additional conditions amid the upcoming decision to start accession talks with Kyiv.

Source: Reuters with reference to its own sources, reported by European Pravda

Quote: "Kyiv is expected to get a positive recommendation, possibly under additional conditions related to fighting graft and the rights of minorities, the latter issue having been raised by Hungary."

Details: The assessment will be published in the European Commission's annual report. It will describe in detail how far the countries seeking to join the EU have progressed in fulfilling the necessary economic, legal and other criteria.

As for other applicants, an EU official said this week that Moldova could receive a similar positive recommendation.

As for Georgia, the source said that "the jury has still not decided" on whether it will receive the official status of an EU candidate.

It is expected that during the EU leaders' summit on 14-15 December, a decision will be made on whether to start formal membership talks with Ukraine, which is currently Kyiv's top priority.

Any decision on enlargement requires the unanimous support of all EU members, which EU officials and diplomats believe may be difficult to achieve for countries in the Western Balkans.

Instead, they said, the Western Balkans region could receive additional financial assistance from the revision of the EU's common budget, which is also to be decided at the December summit.

The European Commission's proposal for the revision includes 50 billion in support for Ukraine through 2027, as well as a further 15 billion to fight illegal migration.

Budgetary decisions also require unanimity in the EU, and some member states have asked for increased spending on natural disasters such as forest fires and floods.

Background:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the College of European Commissioners gathered in Brussels on Tuesday, convincing them that Ukraine has fulfilled all the recommendations of the European Commission and is ready to start negotiations on accession to the European Union.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed confidence that the European Commission would give a positive opinion to start accession talks by the end of this year.

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, said that negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union would begin in the first half of 2024, when Belgium holds the EU Council presidency.

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ATWATER, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A homicide investigation is underway after an unhoused man was stabbed multiple times and assaulted Monday morning, according to the Atwater Police Department.

Police say around 9:20 a.m. they responded to a call of an injured person at Osborne Park in the 500 block of East Bellevue Road.

Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds throughout his body. They learned an altercation took place and the victim was stabbed and assaulted by a metal horseshoe. The 26-year-old unhoused victim was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition.

After conducting an investigation, detectives took 42-year-old David Lucas into custody on suspicion of being the one who inflicted the wounds. Lucas, said to be unhoused, was booked under suspicion of attempted murder.

Atwater Police thanks the residents on scene who provided critical assistance on scene. Anyone with any additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the Atwater Police Department at (209) 357-6384.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
A suspect has been arrested in connection with a stabbing attack on a man at a park in Atwater, according to authorities.

At about 9:19 a.m. Monday, officers responded to a report of an injured person at Osborne Park in the 500 block of East Bellevue Road, according to the Atwater Police Department.

When officers arrived on the scene they found a 36-year-old unhoused man suffering from multiple stab wounds. Police said officers determined that in addition to being stabbed, the man was assaulted with a metal horseshoe. He was transported by air ambulance to a Modesto hospital in critical condition.

After a search of the area and using information obtained from the public, officers arrested David Lucas, 42, an unhoused man from Atwater, in connection with the attack. Lucas was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony attempted murder and violation of post release community supervision, according to jail records. He remains in custody in lieu of $500,000 bond.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384.
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia and the United States will announce plans to cooperate on critical minerals and bolster Pacific Islands infrastructure when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Washington this week, a senior Biden administration official said.

Albanese's White House schedule begins Tuesday, Washington time, and is focused on broadening Australia's security alliance with the United States into an economic and technology partnership, Albanese told reporters in Washington on Monday.

The two leaders will flesh out details of further cyber security cooperation, in addition to a $5 billion Microsoft investment in Australia, the Biden administration official said.

Several announcements, including the infrastructure project, will showcase U.S.-Australia cooperation in the Pacific.

"This is an absolute imperative for both of these leaders ... that we do stay deeply focused on the Pacific Islands," the official, Mira Rapp-Hooper, special assistant to the president and senior director for East Asia and Oceania on the National Security Council, told Reuters.

"The prime minister's visit this week is an important reminder that our president, our commander-in-chief, is very much able to keep his steady gaze on the Indo-Pacific and our long-term interest there as he manages the crisis at hand," she added, referring to the world's focus on the Middle East.

A critical minerals task force to boost private investment in Australia's rare earths industry and reduce global reliance on China will be the centrepiece of Albanese's schedule, with Australia committing another A$2 billion ($1.27 billion) in financing to "de-risk" private sector involvement.

Albanese said on Tuesday Australia would "help to build supply chains with the United States and support our shared clean energy, manufacturing and defence ambitions".

"We're in a strong position, as the world's largest supplier of lithium, for example, a significant supply of cobalt, vanadium, copper, nickel. The minerals that will power the globe in the 21st century are things that Australia has significant amounts of," he earlier told reporters in Washington.

No announcements on critical minerals agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense are expected this week. Australian analysts have said that the U.S. auto and defence sectors are large buyers of rare earths and that a long-term sales contract could reduce investor risk in developing Australian processing.

Albanese will visit China, Australia's largest trade partner and biggest buyer of its iron ore, on Nov. 4.

Washington this year signed a defence cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea, north of Australia, and opened USAID offices in the region after China struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands.

Albanese and Biden will also discuss the South China Sea, where tensions between China and the Philippines are rising.

He said he would meet with U.S. lawmakers every day he is in Washington to highlight the need for the AUKUS defence technology partnership with the United States and Britain. The partnership aims to sell Australia nuclear-powered submarines and build a new class of submarine in Australia by 2040.

The pact faces hurdles in the U.S. Congress, and from U.S. export controls that could slow its implementation. On Friday, the Biden administration submitted a supplementary budget request to Congress that includes measures to support U.S. commitments under AUKUS.

($1 = 1.5723 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Barbara Lewis)
The United Auto Workers union called a strike at General Motors SUV plant in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, adding another major production facility to its growing work stoppage against the Big Three automakers.

The union said roughly 5,000 members would not be working at the facility, where GM produces the Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The Texas walkout brings the total number of auto workers on strike against GM, Ford and Jeep parent company Stellantis to around 45,000.

After nearly six weeks of its gradually escalating strike, the union is now hitting the automakers where it hurts the most: the production of big trucks and SUVs. Those models provide the automakers some of their widest profit margins, and the union boasted Tuesday that it was hitting GMs biggest moneymaker.

As weve said for months: record profits equal record contracts, UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement through the union. Its time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share.

GM said in a statement Tuesday that it was disappointed by the escalation of this unnecessary and irresponsible strike.

It is harming our team members who are sacrificing their livelihoods and having negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers and the communities that rely on us, the company said.

The UAW struck one of GM's most important plants on Tuesday.

The UAW struck one of GM's most important plants on Tuesday.

The strike in Texas comes just one day after the union shut down production at Stellantis Sterling Heights plant in Michigan, where the company makes its Ram pickup truck. As with the GM strike in Arlington, the union pointed out that it was now targeting Stellantis most profitable vehicles.

The UAW said Stellantis had put forth the worst offer of any of the Big Three. Its assessment of GM was not much kinder, saying Tuesday that GMs latest offer fails to reward UAW members for the profits theyve generated. The union cited deficient cost-of-living increases and the weakest 401(k) contribution offer on the table at GM.

This is the first time the UAW has ever waged a concurrent strike at all three companies. Workers are trying to secure major gains in new four-year contracts, citing previous concessions they made to help stabilize the companies following the financial crisis.

The union launched its strike on Sept. 15 at only select facilities, following an unpredictable playbook that leaves room for more walkouts. The Arlington strike is the third in two weeks that the union declared with no warning, hoping to catch the companies off guard.

The UAW had previously been setting deadlines before shutting down plants.

[B]ut then the Big Three began to slow walk bargaining until just before each deadline, the union said, prompting it to choose a less predictable strategy.

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Sometimes people accidentally call my 4-year-old, Matthew, by his older brother Thomas' name.

They're usually horrified. Thomas died of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as a newborn. Matthew never met him.

But I love it. Its something that would happen if Thomas were alive, and I dont want anyone to forget him.

This is my story.

In 2017, after my husband Jay and I had fertility treatments, I became pregnant with our second child. The pregnancy was rough. Thomas, however, was born a perfect, chunky and happy baby on November 18, two weeks early. He was monitored in the NICU, where he thrived, looking enormous compared to the other infants.

Thomas was strong from the start, with solid head control, a firm grip. and a robust appetite. He had blue eyes, just like his 2-year-old sister Adele. Thomas was a curious baby who didnt want to miss out on anything. When you talked, he looked right at you. There was just something about him.

Baby SIDS (Courtesy Jodi Bissonnette)

One day, when Thomas was 2-and-a-half months old, my husband Jay and I made plans with friends. It would be my first night socializing in approximately one year. My father, who lived 15 minutes away from our Boston-area home, babysat for us.

It was a routine night  the kids were awake when we left the house, and my father and Adele watched a movie while Thomas slept.

When Jay and I came home a few hours later, Thomas had woken up hungry. I went to feed him,but Jay insisted that I rest. In hindsight, knowing I missed Thomas' last feed and diaper change hurts.

Four hours later, I woke up to Jay screaming, "Thomas isn't breathing!"

Jay had fallen asleep in our living room recliner with Thomas in his arms. When he sat up to carry Thomas to his crib, his body was limp.

I jumped out of bed and called 911, while Jay lay Thomas on the floor and began CPR. It felt like an eternity until emergency responders arrived, although it could have been minutes.

Baby SIDS (Courtesy Jodi Bissonnette)

Two young-looking police officers showed up, followed by an ambulance. Paramedics immediately carried Thomas outside and intubated him, trying to revive him while Jay and I looked on, helpless.

I understood the term "out-of-body experience," as I watched the situation unfold as if I were a ghost, standing behind my physical body.

Realizing that my daughter Adele was still sleeping inside the home, I went inside but a police officer said I could not walk around or touch anything inside my house.

"This is a crime scene," she said, coldly. "Your dog can't go anywhere either."

My dog Bernie, a 280-pound English mastiff, followed me everywhere. He didn't have an aggressive bone in his body but that night, he knocked over a baby gate to stay by my side.

"Don't touch, this is a crime scene," she reminded me when I nearly walked over a stain on the rug where Thomas had regurgitated milk as Jay tried to resuscitate him.

"We didn't kill our son!" I yelled. "I just need some empathy and patience right now." I wish the officers would have realized how their insensitivity added to an already unimaginable situation. When I think back to that horrible night, I relive every moment of our interaction.

SIDS (Courtesy Jodi Bissonnette)

We didn't know that Thomas was already dead when Jay woke up in the recliner; doctors called time of death on February 4, 2018 while I was sitting in Adele's bedroom, waiting for my dad.

I rode in a police car to the hospital, speeding along on a windy road, gripping the grab handle above the passenger door.

"God, if Thomas has been out of breath this long, I need you to take him so he won't suffer," I prayed silently to myself.

The emergency room was empty except for our ambulance driver, who stood with a defeated look on his face. A doctor and Jay approached.

"We tried everything," the doctor told me. "Thomas passed."

I broke down in tears, asking the doctor, "Where is he?"

I was led to a private room enclosed by a curtain. When I pulled it aside, Thomas lay in the center of a hospital bed, looking so cute. The hospital staff was compassionate, allowing us to photograph Thomas' hands and footprints. We invited family members to hold him as they said goodbye.

We made the decision to donate Thomas' organs, a process that shortened our remaining time together. We were given only 30 minutes to say goodbye. Although it felt like the right thing to do, I couldn't comprehend someone needing Thomas' tiny heart valves.

I felt safe leaving Thomas with a nurse, who was the daughter of my high school math teacher and a friend of my sister, although I returned to his room three times for one last kiss and snuggle.

The following days were a blur of family, friends, detectives and representatives of the Department of Children and Families. My siblings and my sister-in-law graciously made Thomas' funeral arrangements as Jay and I struggled to handle the details. Thomas was cremated wearing baby blue pants and a onesie that read "Dad's No. 1 apprentice," along with his favorite blanket.

Explaining to Adele that Thomas died was rough. We told her that Thomas stopped breathing in his sleep, and that he didn't feel pain. We said that Thomas would watch Adele grow up from heaven. To this day, Adele worries about death more than a child should.

SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between the ages of 1 month and one year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The Safe to Sleep campaign, created in 1994, helped reduce the rate of SIDS by introducing the ideas of laying babies on their backs and on firm, flat surfaces without soft bedding.

The Mayo Clinic notes that SIDS can happen to any baby, with males slightly more at risk than females.

Our 4-year-old son, Matthew, was born with my sister as a gestational carrier. Matthew knows his brother through stories and photos. We often hold a framed photo of Thomas in family portraits, celebrate his birthday with songs and confetti poppers, and give the kids Christmas gifts we believe Thomas would have picked out.

In 2018, right before Thomas' first birthday, I realized how sad it was that no one else would ever know him. So we started a Facebook campaign in his memory, leaving little bags around town containing his photo, a teddy bear and a note encouraging acts of kindness. From what we've learned, the notes have made their way around places like Florida, Alabama and Nevada, along with Aruba, Italy, Ireland and Canada.

Baby SIDS (Courtesy Jodi Bissonnette)

Thomas would have turned 6 next month.

As time goes on, I worry that people think I "should" move on, but Thomas is forever with me now.

Sometimes I feel Thomas around me  once, I was sitting on top of our staircase consumed in grief and a balloon someone had brought over for Thomas' first birthday slowly drifted up the stairs and stopped in front of my face, before floating back downstairs.

On many occasions, Jay and I have prayed for Thomas by an angel-shaped lamp and the light flickered on and off. A spiritual medium once told my brother-in-law Will that Thomas communicates to him through funny license plates. Will often sends us photos of license plates with Thomas' initials or funny phrases. "Thomas, I see you," he says.

Losing a child is an unimaginable event. A bit of patience and empathy from law enforcement would have helped my healing journey. I wish they had understood my trauma.

Eight months after Thomas died, I wrote a Facebook post during SIDS Awareness Month in October:

"I hope there comes a time sooner rather than later that ... we never need to hear about another innocent, healthy and happy baby dying. Im sick of seeing all these parents blame themselves because they followed all the rules. So for the ones whose angels died in a crib on their back in the safest environment, you did nothing wrong and its not your fault. For the parents whose angels died while sleeping on your chest, just know that they didnt go alone and its not your fault. And for the ones whose angels died during the day in their arms, I hope you have comfort in knowing they too didnt go alone and no matter what you did to try and revive them, it wasnt your fault. You did everything you could."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Bank regulators on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping new rule to combat lending discrimination, the culmination of a five-year effort to overhaul a landmark 1977 anti-redlining law.

The new rule  which would require banks to increase their lending to low- and moderate-income communities  marks the most significant revision to the Community Reinvestment Acts rules in nearly three decades.

The adoption of the rule sets up a potential clash with the nation's lenders, who earlier threatened a court challenge, and it drew criticism from at least one Federal Reserve Board member, who blasted it as overly complex and unnecessary. The Fed Board voted 6-1 and the FDIC voted 3-2 to approve the rule.

The CRA was passed nearly 50 years ago to redress the historical practice of redlining, when the government discouraged lenders from extending mortgage loans to Black borrowers  drawing a red line around neighborhoods that were to be avoided.

The flaws in the law's current application are underscored by the fact that the racial homeownership gap is actually wider now than it was in 1968, when redlining was legal.

The new framework, which will go into effect starting in January 2026, requires banks to lend to lower-income communities in areas where they have a concentration of mortgage and small-business loans, rather than just where they have physical branches  a change meant to bring the CRA into the modern era of online banking. It assesses banks retail lending and community development financing with equal weight, using benchmarks based on peer and demographic data.

Banks have opposed the new loan-threshold test, which the Fed, the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency first proposed last year. Banking industry groups also argue that the requirement could result in lenders shuttering operations or restricting loans in more sparsely populated areas to avoid triggering CRA obligations for the broader region.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell defended the rule before the boards vote.

It will better achieve the purposes of the law by encouraging banks to expand access to credit, investment, and banking services in low- and moderate-income communities," Powell said in a statement. He said it is adapted to "changes in the banking industry, such as mobile and online banking; providing greater clarity and consistency in the application of the CRA regulations; and tailoring to bank size and type.

For large banks, the new retail-lending assessment areas would apply to areas where they originated more than 150 closed-end home mortgage loans or 400 small business loans in both of the previous two years  an increase from the proposed rules 100-mortgage and 250-small-business-loan thresholds.

The increased thresholds are helpful, but I still think theyre low, said a bank lobbyist who asked to not be named to discuss his initial reactions to the rule before he finished reading it.

If a bank is doing business in one part of a county, that county is now going to be assessed in its entirety, so you have to do a cost-benefit analysis of whether it even makes sense to do business in the area, the lobbyist said.

Republican FDIC Board Member Jonathan McKernan also voiced concern about the conflicting incentives the rule will impose on banks in some cases.

The bank could invest more resources to improve its CRA performance or, conversely, scale back its activities to avoid triggering a CRA test, he said in a statement.

National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard praised the rule, saying it would encourage affordable housing investments and small business credit in communities all around the country," including places that don't have bank branches.

Any bank with over $2 billion in assets is considered a large bank under the rule, with smaller banks exempt from new data requirements. For banks with more than $10 billion in assets, the evaluation of retail services and products would include online banking.

Still, community banks with over $600 million in assets would also have to comply with a new retail-lending test, expanded assessment areas and increased reporting requirements.

Under the new retail-lending test, nearly 10 percent of banks would score a needs to improve rating, according to an agency analysis of data from 2018 to 2020, compared with about 1 percent of banks getting that rating today.

Such a score would preclude those banks from getting an overall satisfactory CRA rating  below which banks are generally prohibited from merger and acquisition activity.

Fed Governor Michelle Bowman voted against the rule, saying the regulators have arguably exceeded the authority granted by the CRA statute by evaluating banks outside of their deposit-taking footprint.

Banks have made the same argument  that the original statute is limited to physical branches, rather than lending activity areas.

David Dworkin, president and CEO of the National Housing Conference, suggested the argument relies on a limited reading of the meaning of branch.

Most of us, myself included, havent been inside of a branch in years -- my app is my branch, he said. Theres nothing in the 1977 statute that says a branch has to be built with steel and brick rather than 0s and 1s.

Dworkin called the final rule an impressive achievement, noting that it had picked up bipartisan support with the vote of Fed Governor Chris Waller.

Bank lobbyists early reactions to the final rule were mixed as they studied its nearly 1,500 pages.

One lobbyist said he had been pleasantly surprised by the changes regulators made since releasing the proposed version in April 2022 and that legal action was a more remote possibility as a result.

For instance, a key provision of the proposal that industry advocates had flagged as a potential source of litigation  stating that a bank could be downgraded even for unrelated compliance violations with other laws, rather than violations related to credit and discrimination  was withdrawn.

In her dissent, Bowman said the rule is unnecessarily complex, overly prescriptive, and contains disproportionately greater costs than benefits, adding significantly greater regulatory burden for all banks, but especially for community banks.

She also questioned why the agencies needed to update the rule in the first place.

The premise of the changes being made in this rule is that banks are not doing enough to meet the credit needs of their communities, she said. Yet, there is no evidence provided to support this premise.

Fair-lending and civil rights advocates say the current rules clearly arent working, noting the racial homeownership gap  75 percent of white Americans own their homes, compared with 46 percent of Black Americans.

They had pushed the bank regulators to make race an explicit part of the rule.

"CRA was always intended to end racist practices and reverse their impacts on families and communities, said Jesse Van Tol, president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

It is a deep disappointment that these new final rules still fail to make the racial wealth equity goals of the law explicit, even as the agencies appear to have made great strides in fixing a broken system that permitted blatantly discriminatory banks to receive Outstanding grades for atrocious performance, he added.

Dworkin said regulators made the right call in light of recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action.

I know many activists will be disappointed that this did not go harder on race, he said. The problem is the Supreme Court has had a lot to say about that since this regulatory process began and the last thing wed want is to put the statute at risk.
Labour's parliamentary candidate to become MP for Barking in east London has been called "disrespectful to the dead" after his campaign banner was photographed attached to gravestones.

Darren Rodwell, who is also leader of the local council, held a launch event in Barking Abbey Grounds on Saturday.

His banner was seen fixed to headstones at a church on the same site.

Mr Rodwell says he "wasn't being disrespectful" and his team were fetching more straps at the time.

The Barking and Dagenham Council leader was launching his parliamentary campaign when a passer-by spotted the banner and says he took it down.

Matt Lismore, who says he is himself a member of the Labour Party, said he was walking his dog when he saw the rope tied around two gravestones.

"What occurred at Barking Abbey this weekend was astonishing, saddening and frustrating in equal measure," he said.

"It's damaging to the party and disrespectful to the dead. It shouldn't have been there."

Mr Rodwell told BBC London someone had taken a photo and "alluded to the fact we were doing this" but insisted he and his team were not.

He said "we tried to put a banner up" but at the abbey "you can't stick anything into the ground, you can't stick anything on the wall", adding that "while we had to go and get some more straps, unfortunately, someone took a photo and said 'oh look, they're hanging the banner from gravestones'".

"We haven't done that, and if you actually look at my campaign photo, you'll see that it's along the wall line."

It is understood the national Labour Party will be taking action.

Mr Lismore said he took the banner down and was confronted by Mr Rodwell, during which he alleged the council leader said the banner was "not on graves, it's on gravestones".

This allegation was put to Mr Rodwell's team to comment.

Mr Lismore has called for Mr Rodwell to resign as council leader: "It's really concerning to me that Darren hasn't apologised. I urge the party to investigate this matter to establish if disciplinary proceedings need to be taken."

Barking and Council said it would be inappropriate to comment on a "party political" issue.

Mr Rodwell was selected as Barking and Dagenham's candidate last October after current Labour MP Margaret Hodge announced she would stand down at the next election.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Charlottes food scene has once again made its way into the national spotlight, this time in Que Delicia: El Sabor De America, a new television series hosted by renowned Despierta America resident chef Jesus Diaz.

The Spanish-language show, which translates to What a Delicacy: The Taste of America, launched Oct. 12 on the free ViX app and features Diaz visiting several cities around the nation to discover the true flavor of Latin cuisine and its impact on Americas favorite foods.

Episode four  now available for streaming  spotlights several Charlotte area Latin restaurants, including Manolos Bakery, Felixs Handmade Empanadas, El Toro Bruto and Salud Cerveceria, a best bar semifinalist in the 2023 James Beard Awards.

Diaz calls the show, a masterclass, not only in gastronomy, but also in our culture, in our strength and our character.

It has been a blessing to have my own show in which, more than cooking and showcasing the wonders of our Latin cuisine, I was able to live and tell the stories of those who achieved their American dream through cooking, Diaz said in a statement.

Salud pastry chef Jessica Ceara and Que Delicia: El Sabor De America host Jesus Diaz work in the kitchen together during filming.

[READ MORE: Dive into Hispanic culture at these Latin-owned Charlotte restaurants.]

Salud owner: It was a match made in heaven

After the Charlotte episode aired, CharlotteFive spoke with Dairelyn Glunt, who owns Salud with her husband, Jason. She offered details from behind the scenes and discussed what it meant to share a taste of Charlottes Latin community with the world.

Asked to describe the show, Glunt said its just like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but Spanish and more classy. (Its worth noting that the Glunts have also been featured on Food Network.)

They did such an amazing job capturing everything and showcasing our story, Glunt said. We were thrilled to spend such quality time with Chef Jesus and to have the opportunity to cook up something special together.  With his expertise in all things culinary and our passion for crafting delicious, unique pizzas, it was a match made in heaven.

Salud owners Dairelyn and Jason Glunt are shown through camera equipment during the filming of Que Delicia: El Sabor De America.

Saluds segment was filmed in May, with the crew on site from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the one-day shoot. The Glunts decided to shut down the restaurant for breakfast and lunch so Diaz could spend quality time in the kitchen with Saluds pastry chef, Jessica Ceara. They made Saluds famous roasted Latin Lingo Pizza, which has a white sauce base, topped with Mexican street corn and chicken.

He raved about it and wanted us to teach him how to make it, Glunt said.

Salud pastry chef Jessica Ceara and Que Delicia: El Sabor De America host Jesus Diaz are pictured through a screen during filming of the Charlotte episode.

Diaz also tried several of Saluds beers, including a seasonal stout and house lager, and sat down with the Glunts to learn about their backgrounds and the origins of Salud.

By 1 p.m., Saluds doors were open for business as usual. Producers filmed around the customers, although some of the Glunts family and friends signed release forms and are featured in the episode.

Jesus Diaz films an episode of Que Delicia: El Sabor De America at Salud.

Chef Jesus was amazing to work with; a very humble guy who moved to the US as a teenager just like me, Glunt said. It feels unreal to see how everything played out on TV. I never thought Id be in a show of this magnitude for the Latin community. Im very proud.

Location: 3306 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Menu

Cuisine: American, pizza

Instagram: @saludcerveceria
The Chinese government is leveraging green energy companies in an effort to create technological dependencies and "achieve strategic, political, and intelligence advantages" over the U.S., according to a sprawling new report.

The report  published Monday by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a nonpartisan national security research institute  focuses particularly on the rapid ascent of Fujian, China-based electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL). With the support of China's government, CATL dominates the global EV battery industry and has gained a substantial foothold in the U.S. market.

"CATLs reach, which has grown through its strategic acquisitions and partnerships with Western automakers and utility companies, amplifies these fears. These connections serve as potential access points for intelligence collection, cyber espionage, and sabotage," the report states.

"By compromising internet-connected public charging infrastructure, CATL could install malware on EVs, consequently allowing for the extended monitoring of countless vehicles and gathering sensitive information about their owners," it continues. "Furthermore, the company could execute a shut-down of EV charging networks or even disable targeted vehicles through hardware infiltration."

HOUSE CCP PANEL PROBES BIDEN ADMIN OVER CHINESE GREEN ENERGY PROJECT ON US SOIL

CATL CEO Robin Zeng presents plans for the construction of a factory.

According to the FDD report, CATL, which is closely linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is, in addition to batteries and EV charging infrastructure, developing power storage stations  projects designed to store electricity in industrial-scale batteries during times of high renewable energy supply  in conjunction with American utility companies. Such projects give the company direct access to the U.S. power grid.

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"Sophisticated, sometimes undetectable malware on these energy storage stations could pose a threat to the industrial control systems connected to the U.S. energy grid," the report states. "In a worst-case scenario, an attack on these control systems could result in widespread blackouts impacting industrial centers or financial hubs."

CCP-TIED ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPANY AWARDED MORE THAN $500 MILLION IN TAXPAYER MONEY FOR SECOND US PLANT

The report further recommends policies to address potential infrastructure and data security risks posed by CATL and other CCP-linked firms expanding in America. And it states that U.S. policymakers should scrutinize and potentially limit CATLs joint ventures and partnerships with U.S. firms, imploring them to create stringent oversight protocols protecting Americans' data and sensitive U.S. technologies.

Overall, CATL, founded by Chinese billionaire Zeng Yuqun in 2011, provides the battery for one in three EVs worldwide, as of 2022. Since 2018, CATL has emerged as the single-largest mid-to-large-sized battery manufacturer for EVs, signing a major supply contract with Tesla and establishing partnerships with General Motors, Volkswagen, BMW, Volvo and other large automakers.

Ford CEO Jim Farley announces that his company will be partnering with the China-based company Contemporary Amperex Technology to develop an electric-vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, on Feb. 13, 2023.

Earlier this year, Ford Motor Company announced it would invest $3.5 billion to build a new EV battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, using services provided by CATL. The project earned the support of state Democrats, led by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but was heavily criticized by Republicans, former State Department officials and national security experts.

Ford abruptly put the project on pause late last month without providing a reason for the decision.

In addition, CATL storage batteries have already been installed at facilities in Florida, Virginia, Nevada and California, and at a solar farm on leased land inside a Marine Corps outpost in North Carolina, the report shows.

MICHIGAN DEMOCRAT SIGNED NDA INVOLVING CCP-TIED COMPANY, DOCUMENTS SHOW, CONTRADICTING HER PAST CLAIMS

"There's a lack of understanding about how these complex technologies work, and the Chinese are very keen to exploit subnational engagement to deepen their influence, and access, across the United States," Craig Singleton, the author of Monday's report and deputy director of FDD's China Program, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"I think we need to take a step back and say, Here are the suite and the range of potential vulnerabilities, are we comfortable with them  what can we possibly contain and implement and cauterize, and what can we not live with? And those conversations and assessments have to happen before these Chinese systems are deployed and pervasive across the United States," he continued.

In the report, Singleton notes that CATL's revenue in the first three months of 2023 alone surged to $13 billion, compared to its full-year 2016 revenue of just north of $3 billion.

The company has achieved such staggering growth thanks in large part to the Chinese government granting it subsidies, tax incentives, favorable procurement deals and additional policy benefits, the report states. In 2017, CATL was listed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on a so-called "white list" of approved battery manufacturers, giving it preferential access to government contracts and tax benefits.

CATL has also likely been buoyed by the fact that Zeng, the firm's founder and CEO, maintains an affiliation with the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). According to a U.S. government report published in 2018, the CPPCC is a "critical coordinating body" that brings together representatives of Chinese interest groups and is led by the CCPs Politburo Standing Committee.

"At every step along the way, the Chinese Communist Party took care of this Chinese national champion to ensure it had the resources and the subsidies to build out its global footprint with the goal, explicitly, according to the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plan, to establish competitive advantages over the United States," Singleton told Fox News Digital.

"I think it's the clearest example in recent memory of the Chinese directly intervening through industrial policy to shape a cutting-edge technology and quickly scaling that technology such that it has become the market champion. And none of that could have happened without direct support and intervention from the Chinese Communist Party."





Original article source: Beijing-backed green energy firm is expanding in US, posing serious national security risk: report
By Marine Strauss

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Belgium wants to temporarily ban the use of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic as a weight loss treatment amid a shortage of the medicine, the Belgian health minister said on Monday.

"We have told doctors that they must reserve this drug for their patients who have type 2 diabetes but we see that this strategy does not work," Belgian federal health minister Franck Vandenbroucke told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

"I know that this drug can also be useful for people who suffer from morbid obesity so we obviously need to discuss it. But I am convinced that we need a strong and legal signal because simple recommendations are not enough," he said.

Vandenbroucke said a ban would be temporary and last a few weeks or a few months, as is necessary depending on production and availability of the drug.

A meeting of the working group on the availability of medicines, which includes representatives of pharmacists, insurers, distributors, the pharmaceutical industry and the government, will take place tomorrow to decide on the ban.

In the UK, doctors and prescribers, including private online pharmacies, were ordered to stop prescribing Ozempic to people who don't have type 2 diabetes as soon as possible. They are also banned from starting new patients with type 2 diabetes on the medicine for as long as the shortage lasts.

Last month, the Belgian federal agency recommended doctors and pharmacists only prescribe Ozempic to diabetic patients due to the acute increase in demand.

The drug's limited availability will last until early 2024, according to the agency.

(Reporting by Marine Strauss; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
New York Citys 92nd St. Y has halted a beloved literary reading series after the organizations decision to cancel an event featuring a novelist who had been critical of Israel prompted other artists and writers to cancel their own appearances at the venue.

The Y, which was founded 150 years ago as the Young Mens Hebrew Association and is now known as 92NY, called off a Friday appearance by Pulitzer Prize-winner Viet Thanh Nguyen just five hours before it was scheduled to start. Nguyen had signed onto a letter condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza in response to Hamas Oct. 7 cross-border raids as disproportionate.

I hope there is a moral consensus that killing civilians is wrong, whether Hamas does it or whether Israel does it, Nguyen posted on Instagram two days prior, explaining his reasoning for signing last Wednesdays letter, published in the London Review of Books. I try to keep space in my mind and heart for all the victims and their loved ones. We share a common humanity.

The Y denied canceling the event with Nguyen, saying it had only postponed while we take some time to determine how best to use our platform and support the entire 92NY community, Reuters reported. (The talk was moved to a bookstore downtown, by the director of the Ys poetry center, according to The New York Times.) Still, over the weekend, writers Hannah Gold and Chris Kraus called off their December appearance at the Y in solidarity with Nguyen. Others, including British writer Hari Kundzlu and Pulitzer Prize-winning essayist Andrea Long Chu, followed suit. An unspecified number of Y staffers also quit, the Times reported.

Kraus said the Ys treatment of Nguyen seemed extreme and unreasonable.

Im not sure that cancelling events in support of [Nguyen] will have any effect or influence anyone, but to show up for a cultural institution that takes such heavy-handed partisan measures feels really distasteful, Kraus told The Daily Beast in an email.

On Monday morning, reports emerged on social media that renowned poet Nikky Finney , who was scheduled to appear at the Y on Thursday, would no longer be participating in light of Nguyens cancellation. Later in the day, the Y announced its entire 2023-2024 season of literary events would be on pause given recent staff resignations.

FYI Nikky Finney has withdrawn.



Extremely moved and emboldened by Nikky's unequivocal commitment to truth and justice. She did not hesitate  https://t.co/74vLTbNqu3  sara m. saleh |   (@SaraSalehTweets) October 23, 2023

Reached by phone, Finney said she is hoping the event will still happen, albeit somewhere other than the Y.

The poetry reading that is scheduled for Thursday must happen in a space where all are welcomed and all feel welcomed, Finney told The Daily Beast.

She said she believe[s] in this poetry reading very, very much and I really feel that this is the time to have this poetry reading, and that is what I am placing my bet on over everything else.

We need, as a community, to come together and listen to each other talk about truth, Finney went on. Artists look at the hard-to-say thing and speak into it. Thats why I want this [event] to happen. I am waiting to hear where the reading is going to be. That is critical.

Poet Marie Howe, who was also scheduled to be part of Thursdays lineup, said she feels much the same way.

Free discourse is the heart of a civil society, Howe told The Daily Beast, emphasizing that discourse does not mean hate speech. I am hoping that the persons at the Y who cancelled the discussion with Viet Thanh Nguyen will remember how crucial freedom of expression is to our worldnow more than ever.

Following the hubbub over Nguyens cancellationor postponement)the Y said in a statement released Saturday that it is a Jewish institution that has always welcomed people with diverse viewpoints to our stage.

The brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the continued holding of hostages, including senior citizens and young children, has absolutely devastated the community, the statement said. Given the public comments by the invited author on Israel and this moment, we felt the responsible course of action was to postpone the event while we take some time to determine how best to use our platform and support the entire 92NY community.

Speaking broadly, Finney said, Art is always about illuminating the story, thats what art does. That is what it must do. We must make art that does that, and so that is why were coming together.

Visitors to the poetry programs page on the Ys website on Monday afternoon were greeted by a blank screen stating: no results.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The Biden administration is expected to request another supplemental package from Congress for domestic matters this week, according to sources familiar with the proposal.

Several Senate aides said the request will include funding for child care, disaster relief, a nonprofit security program to fund synagogues, mosques, churches and other houses of worship, and a Federal Communications Commission program to fund broadband internet for low-income people.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, the nonprofit security grant program would enhance security for nonprofit organizations "that are at high risk of terrorist attack."

BIDEN ADMIN URGES MAJOR FUNDING INCREASES FOR AID TO UKRAINE, ISRAEL, AND GAZA CIVILIANS

"Adding money to the nonprofit security grant program came up in the call between the administration and Senators immediately after the attack [on Israel]," a source familiar said.

The aide added, "There's functionally unlimited appetite to add money to it."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The administration has not formally presented the request to Congress yet as details are still being ironed out.

The request will come as progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have been urging the administration to sponsor so-called domestic issues, which will likely draw opposition from Republican lawmakers.

CRUZ SAYS BIDEN'S $105 BILLION FUNDING REQUEST 'DESIGNED' TO WORSEN BORDER CRISIS

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) urges Biden admin to fund domestic matters.

"Congress cannot approve BILLIONS in a supplemental budget that ONLY addresses critical emergencies around the world," Sanders posted on X Monday. "We have crises here at home too  child care, health care, housing, opioid addiction  that need major funding NOW and must be included in the supplemental."

In August, a month prior to the government shutdown deadline, Sens. Chris Van Hollen , D-Md., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., linked arms with Sens. Tina Smith, D-Minn., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and House Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., calling on Biden to pour more funding into child care centers.

"We urge you to join us in supporting an investment of $16 billion a year by any and all means possible  including supporting Congress in efforts to extend the Child Care Stabilization grants passed in ARPAand through emergency funding for child care in any supplemental appropriations package put forth by the Administration," the lawmakers wrote at the time.

Additionally, another funding deadline, which will sunset the current temporary spending patch known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), is fast approaching on Nov. 17. Both chambers will have to agree on getting a funding package for government programs across the finish line for the next fiscal year.

However, the House is falling behind on spending negotiations as the chamber scrambles to elect a new speaker to replace former speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

SENATE PREPARES FOR BIDEN TO SEND SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST WITH ISRAEL, UKRAINE AID

A salvo of rockets is fired by Palestinian terrorists from Gaza as an Israeli missile launched from the Iron Dome defense missile system attempts to intercept the rockets, fired from the Gaza Strip, over the city of Netivot in southern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023.

The Biden administration sent an emergency supplemental request to Congress on Friday. The proposal includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel (with $10.6 billion allocated for military aid), $13.6 billion for the border crisis (including measures to combat the flow of fentanyl), and significant investments in Indo-Pacific security assistance, totaling around $7.4 billion. Additionally, there's $9 billion earmarked for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza.





Original article source: Biden administration expected to request more federal spending on domestic issues from Congress
The Biden administration is taking aim at the tobacco industry with a potential new rule that would ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week sent the rule to the White House for review, the last regulatory step before it gets issued.

A menthol ban has been more than a decade in the making and would be one of the most consequential policies from the FDA since it began regulating tobacco in 2009. Health officials and tobacco-control advocates have said such a move could save hundreds of thousands of lives, particularly among Black smokers.

Public health and civil rights groups have long argued Black Americans have been disproportionately harmed by menthol cigarettes, as the tobacco industry deliberately targeted Black communities for decades.

An estimated 85 percent of Black smokers use menthols, according to the FDA, compared with 30 percent of white smokers. It is estimated that approximately 40 percent of excess deaths due to menthol cigarette smoking in the U.S. between 1980 and 2018 were those of African Americans

These rules represent truly historic action to drive down tobacco use, Yolonda Richardson, president and CEO of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said in a statement. Once implemented, they will protect kids from tobacco addiction, advance health equity and save hundreds of thousands of lives, especially Black lives.

Multiple administrations have considered such a ban, but advocates and health experts are praising the White House for being the only one to move forward amid intense industry pressure. They want the administration to quickly issue the final rules before the end of the year.

Weve literally been waiting for 12 years for FDA to move forward with the product standard that would remove both menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars from the marketplace, said Erika Sward, assistant vice president of national advocacy with the American Lung Association.

I really cannot understate how significant these rules will be in improving public health and by reducing the number of deaths caused by cigarettes in the years to come, Sward added.

Menthol-flavored cigarettes accounted for more than a third of all cigarette sales in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the highest proportion since major tobacco companies were first required to report that information to the federal government in 1963.

Scientists have long known that menthol in cigarettes can make them more addictive. Menthol creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale.

Congress banned flavored cigarettes as part of the 2009 law giving the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products, but a loophole exempted menthol.

Instead, lawmakers at the time directed the FDA to determine whether continued sale of menthol cigarettes was appropriate for public health.

The Obama administration solicited comments for potential regulation of menthol cigarettes in 2013, but it never proposed a rule. Then in 2018, the Trump administration revisited the issue under former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.

I believe these menthol-flavored products represent one of the most common and pernicious routes by which kids initiate on combustible cigarettes, Gottlieb said in a statement at the time.

But Trumps FDA also failed to issue a formal rule. So when the Biden administrations April 2022 proposals for a ban on menthol and flavored cigars were released, they represented a significant step forward.

The authority to adopt tobacco product standards is one of the most powerful tools Congress gave the FDA, and the actions we are proposing can help significantly reduce youth initiation and increase the chances that current smokers quit. It is clear that these efforts will help save lives, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said at the time.

Mitch Zeller, who served as the head of the FDAs tobacco center from 2013 until 2022 and helped draft the proposal, said he thinks its inevitable that the policy will be introduced.

Weve never gotten it to this stage before. And as far as Im concerned, theres no going back, Zeller said.

Still, he acknowledged it should have happened earlier.

Its a fair question as to why it didnt happen in earlier administrations, and Im not going to try to defend the failure of prior administrations to move menthol forward. Theres no reason why this could not have happened years ago, Zeller said.

Tobacco industry and retail groups argue that a federal menthol ban will not help smokers quit, because theres no proven relationship between menthol and either increases in dependence on cigarettes or smoking initiation.

They also argue a ban would expand an illicit, unregulated marketplace of menthol cigarettes and will lead to more overpolicing in communities of color, similar to the war on drugs campaign of the 1980s and 1990s.

The ban would only apply to companies that manufacture, distribute or sell menthol cigarettes, not individuals who possess or use them. Still, critics of the ban often invoke civil rights arguments.

I think there is an Eric Garner concern here, Rev. Al Sharpton told The New York Times in 2019, referring to the Black man killed in 2014 after police stopped him on suspicion of illegally selling loose cigarettes. Tobacco giant Reynolds American reportedly enlisted Sharpton to lobby against a New York City ban on menthol tobacco products.

But tobacco control advocates and criminal justice experts said that while there is always a concern about overpolicing, they are skeptical that a menthol ban would compound the problem.

In California and Massachusetts, the two states that have already banned menthol, theres been no direct correlation.

Theres going to be more police interaction? Theres been no police interaction. This isnt about stopping someone and asking them, Are you smoking a menthol cigarette?' said Philip Gardiner, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council.

There has not been one person arrested in any place in the United States for the possession of a menthol cigarette. Thats the distortion being put out by the tobacco industry and the mouthpieces that are speaking for them, Gardiner said.

Keith Taylor, a former New York Police Department officer and an adjunct assistant professor at the John Jay College of the City University of New York, said the idea of an illicit market is overblown.

When you look at this idea of an illicit market, who is being robbed of profits from the sale of menthol cigarettes? Its not the general public, its not the communities that theyre sold in. Its the cigarette producers, Taylor said.

Taylor said he understands there could be tension between a federal rule and local law enforcement implementation. But he said it should be handled as a public health issue, not a public safety one.

Is there potential to misuse the ban to generate arrest of young people for selling it? Theres always a potential, but the hope is that  banning this product will have the long-term benefit of saving lives and costing municipalities less, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israeli military vehicles are seen during a raid on Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. | Majdi Mohammed, Associated Press

Its the 18th day of war since Hamas attacked Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, and the possibility of a ground invasion of Gaza still looms.

Civilians in northern parts of Gaza and bordering Israeli towns have already been ordered to evacuate in anticipation of a ground war. Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the killing of at least 1,400 Israelis, also took more than 200 hostages during the attack.

Several reports indicate the Biden administration is advising Israel to delay putting boots on the ground, in hopes of saving more hostages and deescalating the war.

Related

But an official from the Israeli Prime Ministers office told CNN on Friday that the possibility of a ground invasion isnt going away.

That (military) pressure isnt going to go because they were released, the official said. It wont change the mission, which is to dismantle Hamas.

Hamas is playing wicked psychological game, says Utah law professor in Israel

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby did not outright respond to whether the reports about the U.S. guiding Israels military moves were true.

Its our view that the Israeli Defense Forces ... need to decide for themselves how theyre going to conduct operations. Were not in the business of dictating terms to them and were certainly not going to be in the business here from the White House of previewing any future operations one way or another, said Kirby in a press briefing on Monday. That would be inappropriate.

Related

Amos N. Guiora, a law professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, who is currently in Jerusalem, told the Deseret News that Hamas is playing a wicked psychological game  releasing two American hostages on Friday, and two other hostages on Monday while not allowing direct communication with Israel.

Biden can say to (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), Bibi, dont go in because youll get more hostages released, said Guiora.

Guiora said he believes Netanyahu also has a hard time making decisions, a trait he has been accused of by others.

The Israeli Defense Forces have indicated that it is ready for a ground invasion with the goal of eliminating Hamas, according to The Times of Israel. But the timeline of such an attack is uncertain.

Related

To Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser in Israel and a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, there isnt a delay in the ground offensive, as Israel works to reduce damage while preparing its military for such an undertaking.

This is a momentous decision for Israel, and it must absolutely get it right, Freilich told ABC News. This time, the stakes are so high.

Bidens connections to Israel guide his administration's strategy

Guiora said that while ripping out Hamas seems like a good idea, the hostages can become collateral damage, which makes the situation complicated.

Biden is saving Israel from Israel, he said, adding that the president understands the need to whack the guys from Hamas who committed war crimes but he is also super, super sensitive to the humanitarian needs.

Biden, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, exemplified this sensitivity, saying that the U.S. will advocate for the Palestinian peoples right to dignity and to self-determination.

The actions of Hamas terrorists dont take that right away, he said.

Related

The professor said he thinks Biden may be the last American president to have a deep understanding of the Holocaust. The president previously revealed that he took all his children and grandchildren to Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp, to teach them about the Holocaust.

Biden has already spoken to the two American hostages, a mother and a daughter, who were released on Friday.

It is literally an hour-by-hour effort here at the White House and at the State Department to find out where these folks are and to try to make the effort to get them out and get them back, said Kirby.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce a plan to cooperate on technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, and critical minerals, during their meeting in Washington this week, the White House said on Tuesday.

"They are going to be announcing new advanced technology cooperation, particularly on artificial intelligence," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. "We'll also be highlighting a new space agreement that will allow U.S. companies to launch into space from Australia."

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Ismail Shakil)
FILE PHOTO: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives U.S. President Joe Biden at Al Salman Palace upon his arrival in Jeddah

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman held a call on Tuesday to discuss the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the White House said in a statement.

They agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts "to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding," the White House said, adding the two leaders will remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming period.

Biden and the Saudi crown prince welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance from Egypt into Gaza and recognized that "much more is needed for civilians" to have sustained access to food, water and medical assistance, according to the White House.

They both welcomed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and called for their immediate release, the White House added.

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia worry a wider conflict would affect their national security and have been pressing Western allies and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza and a lift of the siege on the strip.

The United States has thus far not supported calls for a ceasefire, with White House national security council spokesman John Kirby saying a ceasefire at this stage will benefit Hamas.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Chris Reese and Chizu Nomiyama)
President Biden and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman are pursuing diplomatic efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding into a broader conflict in the Middle East, the White House said.

Biden spoke Tuesday with Crown Prince Mohammed about the situation in the region, according to a readout of the two leaders call, and agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding.

The pair agreed to remain in close coordination as the situation unfolds.

The militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, launched a deadly attack on Israel earlier this month, and Israel responded with strikes against Gaza. The death toll is said to have surpassed 5,000 in Gaza and reached 1,400 in Israel, according to figures shared by the United Nations.

Bidens call with the controversial Saudi crown prince appears as part of an effort to stem a broader conflict and prevent more unrest in the Middle East.

Along the campaign trail, Biden had called Saudi Arabia a pariah after the 2018 murder of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which a U.S. intelligence assessment found had been approved by Crown Prince Mohammed.

The presidents first meeting with the Saudi crown prince in Jeddah sparked controversy last year when Biden greeted him with a fist bump amid concerns about human rights issues. This September, the president met Crown Prince Mohammed with a handshake amid the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi.

Biden suggested Friday that the Hamas attack on Israel was related to a normalization push and increased diplomacy between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

One of the reasons  why Hamas moved on Israel, is because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis, Biden said during remarks at a campaign fundraiser. Guess what? The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel.

On their Tuesday call, Biden and the crown prince affirmed the importance of working toward a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine as soon as this crisis subsides.

The two leaders also welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza from Egypt as well as efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, according to the readout. They acknowledged that much more is needed to help civilians in the area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An oil refinery in California. President Biden's green plans to shut down the US oil and gas industry appear to mean America going on bended knee to dictators in Venezuela and Iran - Ashley Landis/AP

It sometimes seems as if the Biden White House actually loves oil: but only if it is produced in other countries run by despots. While the President and his energy secretary, Jennifer Granholm, frequently repeat their desire to close down the US oil and gas industry in just a decade, the President and his appointees have no aversion to entering into deals enabling countries like Iran and Venezuela to pour more of their own oil onto the open market.

From a recent low of just 450,000 barrels of oil exports per day just a year ago, Iran was able to export about 2.2 million bopd in August according to Bloomberg. That increase is the result of the quiet decision by the US to ease off enforcement of its sanctions on Iranian exports starting late last year.

Just this past week, the White House entered into an agreement enabling the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro to ramp up its own oil exports in exchange for Maduros promise to allow free elections to take place next year. That move brought criticism from fellow Democrat Joe Manchin, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee:

On the heels of announcing the smallest five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan in decades, this administration is turning to Venezuela  one of the worlds dirtiest energy producers and an oppressor of its own people, Manchin said Thursday.

Wyoming Republican John Barasso told The Hill that the move shows once again that President Biden would rather go to dictators on a bended knee than  allow us to use American energy. While that is a bit of hyperbole, it is fair to say it is a criticism of this administration that too often has appeared to be valid.

At its base is a seeming disregard within the circle of Biden and his senior officials for the maintenance of US energy security. This deal with Venezuela came the day before the President made a nationally televised speech asking congress for another $105 billion in debt-funded appropriations to support two separate wars in which the US is now involved on two different continents. It is perfectly valid to question whether this is an appropriate time for the same President to be moving to raise Americas reliance on crude oil sourced from unfriendly regimes like those in Iran and Venezuela.

In the face of mounting criticism, the White House defended it actions vis-a-vis Venezuela as an effort to ensure free and fair elections in that country. But critics consider it a transparent attempt to rein in rising oil prices by adding more oil onto an undersupplied market. Sen. Manchin pointed to the naivety of trusting the Maduro regime to behave responsibly after already obtaining US concessions, saying it makes no sense at all to reward bad actors before they actually take the action you want.

Where Iran is concerned, the White House laughably continues to insist it is enforcing the sanctions even in the face of a 450 per cent rise in Iranian crude exports in just a year.

Weve imposed sanctions on Iran for support to Hamas and other terrorist organizations. That is going to continue  believe me, Politico quoted a senior administration official who was granted anonymity.

What everyone can believe without question is that this administration is willing to make deals with almost any bad actor in the world who is able to pour more oil onto the market. Conversely, it is transparently unwilling to take the logical steps to bolster US and global energy security by scaling back its efforts to hamstring the powerful domestic US industry. When unleashed, this is an industry that has proved in recent years it is capable of increasing US crude production by as much as 2 million barrels per day in just 12 months.

Rolling back its misguided regulatory assault on its own domestic energy producers would be the clearest signal this White House could send to Americas adversaries that it is serious about maintaining the countrys energy security. Making deals with and quietly lifting sanctions on despots like Maduro and the Mullahs in Iran is a clear signal of American weakness, and only serves to embolden the enemies of freedom.

David Blackmon had a 40 year career in the US energy industry, the last 23 years of which were spent in the public policy arena, managing regulatory and legislative issues for various companies. He continues to write and podcast on energy matters

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
U.S. President Joe Biden holds an event about the economy, at the White House in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden underscored the need to sustain "a continuous flow" of humanitarian assistance into Gaza in call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, the White House said.

Biden also "welcomed the release of two additional hostages from Gaza earlier today, and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas," the White House added.

He also updated the prime minister on "U.S. support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, to include new U.S. military deployments," according to the White House.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
McALLEN, Texas (Border Report)  President Joe Biden s request to Congress for $106 billion in a massive supplemental spending package, includes $13.6 billion for border security and border communities in the Southwest.

CBP reports all-time highs for yearly, monthly migrant encounters along Southwest border

Biden on Friday made the mega-ask to Congress, which also includes $61 billion for Ukraine, including $30 billion to help supply weapons to Ukraine; $14.3 billion for Israel; and $9.15 billion for humanitarian aid for Gaza, Israel and other global needs.

If approved, Biden wants the border funds to hire 1,000 more U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, as well as 1,300 more Border Patrol agents on the Southwest border. Currently, there are 20,205 agents funded in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If approved, heres what Biden also wants to use the additional border funds for:

$1.4 billion in grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations for temporary food, shelter, and other services for recently arrived migrants.

Equipping Southwest border ports of entry with new technology, including non-intrusive inspection equipment to detect drugs, like fentanyl and other illegal substances, as well as the smuggling of humans through checkpoints.

An additional 300 Border Patrol processing coordinators to work alongside Border Patrol agents assisting with the intake of undocumented migrants.

An additional 1,600 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum officers to help hear asylum claims and expedite removals from the United States. And 30 new USCIS officers to process work-authorization requests from migrants.

Additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities to hold asylum-seekers.

Funds to transport migrants, including an increase in removal and deportation flights. The Biden administration on Wednesday began deportation flights to Venezuela. An ICE flight with 130 Venezuelans left Harlingen, Texas, and departed for the South American country  the first time in several years such a deportation flight has taken off from U.S. soil.

The Department of Homeland Security also wants to transport non-citizens who choose to depart the United States, via voluntary departures, instead of undergoing removal proceedings.

Providing non-custodial housing options for asylum-seekers, like community-based residential housing facilities with medical and legal facilities.

An additional 1,470 lawyers and support staff to assist 375 new immigration judge teams to process immigration cases. There are currently 2.6 million backlogged immigration cases  the most ever, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

(TRAC Graphic)

DHS also wants to issue electronic Notice to Appear notifications for asylum and immigration court proceedings.

Increasing State Department efforts to create mobile processing offices in other countries for asylum applicants.

Faith sustains migrants fleeing violence on their journey to the US

The funding request, however, cannot be voted on by Congress until the House selects a Speaker. Several attempts to elect a Republican-led speaker have failed recently and that has put the chamber at a stand-still.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
President Bidens name will not be on the Democratic primary ballot in New Hampshire in 2024, both his campaign and state Democratic Party confirmed to The Hill on Tuesday.

While the president wishes to participate in the Primary, he is obligated as a Democratic candidate for President to comply with the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2024 Democratic National Convention promulgated by the Democratic National Committee. On October 24, 2023, the Democratic National Committees Rules & Bylaws Committee issued guidance urging Democratic campaigns to refrain from placing candidates names on the ballot, wrote Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez in a letter obtained by The Hill to state Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley.

In accordance with this guidance, Biden for President will refrain from submitting a Declaration of Candidacy for the Primary ahead of Fridays candidate filing deadline for the Primary, she added, noting that Bidens name would have his name would appear on the general election ballot in the state.

Buckley wrote in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the president was already slated to win the Democratic nomination next year in Chicago.

NH voters know and trust Joe Biden thats why he is leading Trump in NH by double digits, he said.

The decision comes as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) reshuffled its primary calendar, placing South Carolina first in its primary lineup. Under the DNCs calendar, Nevada and New Hampshire would hold their primaries second, followed by Georgia and then Michigan  a calendar that also removes Iowa from the early lineup of states to cast ballots.

It also comes as Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) is reportedly gearing up to launch a longshot bid for the Democratic nomination against Biden. Phillips has reportedly done outreach in New Hampshire; the Minnesota Democrat is not expected to ultimately draw a competitive contest against the president, but the move would create an unwelcome distraction for Democrats.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trump has indicated that, if elected president in 2024, he will consider pulling the United States out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) if the group does not acquiesce to his demands. The former president has previously attacked NATO allies and discussed withdrawing from the transatlantic organization altogether, a move which ostensibly came about as a result of his reported relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin .

Rolling Stone reported that Trump has already said he does not want a hypothetical second administration to be full of "NATO lovers," per two sources who have heard him make such remarks. The sources also shared that the ex-president has suggested that he is open to the idea of yanking the U.S. from NATO, although he is willing to reconsider if the group meets various demands of his, including his want for non-American members to increase their defense spending and a fundamental scrutinizing of the bedrock principle that an attack on one member is equivalent to an attack on all. Rolling Stone also reported that Trump, while in office, repeatedly derided Article 5, NATO's collective defense clause, arguing against starting "World War III" in the name of smaller NATO countries' sovereignty.

Donald Trump's threats to weaken NATO and side with Vladimir Putin undermine Americas strength on the global stage and threaten our national security. As president, Donald Trump spent four years cozying up to dictators and making our country less safe," said Biden campaign spokesman Ammar Moussa.

Dr. Aaron Stein, a Black Sea Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told Rolling Stone that Trump's plan would be a "tremendously stupid endeavor" and added that "trading away allies based on ignorance, and Trump is ignorant about this issue, is just silly for broader U.S. national security."

As this, and the damning tapes of Trump/Pratt conversation show, Donald Trump is the biggest internal threat to America's national security we have had since the Civil War. https://t.co/fVlt35oYwn  Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) October 23, 2023

As this, and the damning tapes of Trump/Pratt conversation show, Donald Trump is the biggest internal threat to Americas national security we have had since the Civil War, warned political scientist Norman Ornstein.
The world's worst bird flu outbreak has spread to the tip of South America, within striking distance of Antarctica (MARTIN BERNETTI)

Bird flu has been detected in the Antarctica region for the first time, according to British experts, raising concerns the deadly virus could pose a threat to penguins and other local species.

Scientists had been fearing that the worst outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in history would reach Antarctica, a key breeding ground for many birds.

The British Antarctic Survey said its staff took samples from brown skua seabirds after they died on Bird Island in South Georgia, a British overseas territory east of South America's tip and north of Antarctica's main landmass.

The tests were sent to Britain and came back positive, the UK's polar research institute said in a statement on Monday.

The virus was most likely brought by birds returning from their migration to South America, where there has been a huge number of bird flu cases, it added.

Visitors to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are under enhanced biosecurity measures, and scientific field work involving birds there has been stopped, the statement said.

There have been regular bird flu outbreaks since the virus first emerged in 1996.

Since mid-2021, much larger outbreaks started to spread southward to previously untouched areas including South America, leading to mass deaths among wild birds and tens of millions of poultry being culled.

- 'Devastating news' -

Michelle Wille, a bird flu expert at the University of Melbourne, said the spread of bird flu to the Antarctica region was "devastating news".

"The situation could change rapidly," she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Ian Brown, virology head at the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency, warned last week that there was a risk migrating birds could spread the virus from South America to the Antarctica islands and then onto the main landmass.

This could be a "real concern" for populations of birds such as penguins that are unique to Antarctica, he told journalists.

Birds such as penguins that have never before been exposed to the virus would have no prior immunity, potentially making them more vulnerable.

In better news, the Animal Plant Health Agency also said last week that preliminary research had confirmed that the populations of two seabirds -- northern gannets and shag -- had shown immunity to bird flu.

Humans rarely catch bird flu, but when they do it is usually via direct contact with infected birds.

Earlier this month, a two-year-old girl died from bird flu in Cambodia, the third death recorded in the country this year.

The virus has also been detected in a growing number of mammals, raising fears it could mutate into a version that is more transmissible between humans.

dl/js
California police rescued eight abducted Arkansas children after receiving a tip about a "woman displaying bizarre behavior" shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Responding officers found Trista Fullerton, 36, and six children in the parking lot of an Anderson, California, convenience store.

There was an arrest warrant out for Fullerton after she allegedly took her eight biological children from foster families, police said.

Fullerton, a resident of Rogers, Arkansas, who lost custodial rights to her kids, told officers where the other two children were, and law enforcement found them safe.

BYSTANDER TOOK BULLET RECORDING FINANCIER KILLING FAMILY FAMILY IN ROAD RAGE MURDER: POLICE

Trista Fullerton, 36, allegedly abducted her eight biological children from their foster placements, Anderson police said.

The kids were reunited with their foster families, police said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Fullerton was arrested on the fugitive from justice warrant and is being held without bail in the Shasta County Jail, according to inmate records.

DEVASTATING TANKER FIRE KILLS AT LEAST 1 PERSON, SHUTS DOWN MAJOR PENNSYLVANIA HIGHWAY: VIDEO

"The Anderson Police Department would like to thank the Shasta County Sheriffs Office for their assistance in this case, and thank the alert citizen who reported the incident," police said in a statement.

No other information on Fullerton's "bizarre behavior" or the circumstances of her capture was immediately released by police.

A police tip about a "woman displaying bizarre behavior" led police to this store where they found eight abducted children.

Inside a messy white pickup truck that Trista Fullerton drove after she allegedly abducted her eight biological children from their foster placements.

Before this weekend, Fullerton was arrested on charges of domestic battery and violating a no contact order with the children's father in June 2021, according to court records.

Fullerton "knowing and with the purpose of causing physical injury to a family or household member, caused physical injury to a family or household member, after having been previously convicted of Domestic Battery in the Third Degree," June 2021 charging documents say.

She ultimately pleaded guilty in July 2022 and was sentenced to four years of probation, court records show.





Original article source: 'Bizarre behavior' tip leads to rescue of 8 abducted children: police
Photo: The Canadian Press The Via Rail station is seen in Halifax.

The federal government should move toward giving Via Rail trains formal right of way on the tracks over freight trains, says Via Rail chief executive Mario Peloquin.

In an interview, the Crown corporation CEO said the measure would reduce trip disruptions prompted by Canada's two main freight railways  whose tracks Via runs on  and vastly improve performance on periodically tardy passenger trains.

It would also align Canada with regulations in the United States, where Amtrak passenger cars enjoy priority.

Ideally, the measure would go hand-in-hand with a passenger bill of rights comparable to the one now in place for air travellers to ensure customers receive compensation for long delays, Peloquin said.

"Now, we have no class, no prioritization. There was talk about putting rules in place prioritizing passenger rail trains. I would love that, together with a bill of rights for passengers similar to what we see in the airline industry, as imperfect maybe as it is," said Peloquin, who stepped into the top job at Via in June.

"All we can commit right now without those rules is that we'll get people where they want to go  eventually."

The air passenger rights charter, rolled out in 2019, spells out penalties for airlines that breach the rules and mandates passenger compensation for problems such as lost luggage and trip delays or cancellations  up to $2,300 and $1,000, respectively.

The regulations are currently undergoing an overhaul following criticism they contain loopholes for airlines to avoid compensation, and after thousands of customer complaints to the regulator.

In the quarter ended June 30, Via saw just 62 per cent of its trains arrive on time, which nonetheless marked an improvement from 53 per cent a year earlier.

Former transport minister Omar Alghabra told media over the summer he was looking into measures to improve travellers' experience amid Via's shaky performance, including through a bill of rights.

Not all rail industry players are on board.

John Corey, president of the Freight Management Association of Canada (FMA), said giving Via right of way over the country's two Class 1 rail operators  Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.  would further pressure an already strained supply chain, as would a rights charter.

"Prioritizing passenger rail service over freight rail service would be the tail wagging the dog. Freight railways, their customers and Canadians in general would be subsidizing the few people using the passenger rail system," Corey said.

"Currently, freight rail service in Canada is not optimal from a shippers point of view ... Any initiative that would make freight rail service less efficient would not be supported by the FMA."

Corey added that he can sympathize with travellers  "I have taken Via and sat on a siding waiting for the freight train to pass."

Under a bill of rights for riders, Peloquin said, CN or CP could well be the ones to pay up in the event of a Via trip disruption  if it stems from their actions  further incentivizing smooth operations along the line.

But it could also cost Via, which already contends with cash problems. In its second quarter, operating losses before government funding hit $120 million. The organization has not reached a full-year profit since 2017.

Peloquin pointed out that's the case for passenger rail companies globally, many of which are government-owned, publicly subsidized or part of a diversified business. He framed Via as a public utility serving far-flung populations: "It is an essential need in a lot of locations."

Despite that need, trip times have lengthened.

Two decades ago, riders could board an express train in Montreal's downtown Central Station and arrive at Toronto's Union Station about four hours after departure, said Greg Gormick, who heads On Track Consulting.

Now, the trip typically takes about five hours  assuming no delays hamper the journey  despite roughly $300 million in federal investments along the Montreal-Toronto corridor since 2009.

The slowdown owes partly to the ramp-up in traffic and upgrades along Metrolinx commuter rail lines in the Greater Toronto Area as well as CN lines, on which Via largely runs. (Only three per cent of the track Via uses is owned by the Crown corporation, Peloquin said.)

To ensure timely train access and trip frequency, Via must negotiate scheduling deals with track owners such as CN.

"We have to go to Metrolinx and then we have to go to CN Rail and say, 'Can we please have a time slot to run an additional passenger train on your corridor, on your right of way?' And then they may say yes or no," Peloquin said.

Marc Brazeau, CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, which represents CN and CP, said any legislation that alters right of way on the rails would need to be balanced against the importance of efficient freight operations.

"While millions of Canadians rely on passenger rail to connect communities and to get them work, school, or family visits on time (or even to doctors' appointments and to deliver their groceries in remote communities), any passenger service proposal must demonstrate that freight capacity to handle current and future anticipated volumes can be preserved, which is essential to support Canada's economy," Brazeau said in an emailed statement.

Laura Scaffidi, a spokeswoman for Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez, said Canadians already expect on-time service and high standards.

She highlighted the federal project for a new, faster passenger railway set to stretch from Toronto to Quebec City  a high-frequency rail line currently slated to launch in the mid-2030s.

The ministers office did not directly answer questions on whether it continues to mull passenger train priority or a bill of rights for riders.
A 27-year-old Black man says Dallas police tased and beat him, per a new lawsuit.

The complaint says police mistook Silvester Hayes for another man, Sylvester Hayes.

The incident left the single dad unemployed and struggling to care for his kids, the complaint says.

A 27-year-old Black man is suing the City of Dallas and officers from the Dallas Police Department, claiming they beat him and tased him in a case of mistaken identity, according to a new lawsuit.

Silvester Hayes, a former security guard, was mistakenly arrested in place of the almost identically named Sylvester Hayes, the suit says.

Sylvester Hayes, per the lawsuit, was wanted on an accusation of domestic violence.

The suit, filed last week in a Texas court, says the lives of Hayes and his four children were "fundamentally altered forever" by the encounter on October 16, 2021.

The Dallas Police Department declined to comment to Insider on the lawsuit, citing a policy of not commenting on pending litigation.

According to the lawsuit, Hayes, a single dad, was on an early-morning trip to get French toast and bacon for his kids when he was pulled over.

It says the encounter took place at an unnamed restaurant in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, and saw Hayes stopped by officers Holly Harris and Paul Guab.

Hayes, who alleges that he was racially profiled, was asked by Guab for his driver's license, the suit says.

According to the lawsuit, Hayes handed it over out of concern for the potential consequences of non-compliance with a police officer as a Black man.

The lawsuit said Hayes had no prior arrests and once dreamed of becoming a Dallas police officer himself one day.

Upon receiving Hayes' license, Guab handed it to Harris, who erroneously informed Guab that there was a warrant out for Hayes, according to the lawsuit.

The suit claims that Harris did not run a check on the Dallas Police Department's database.

It went on to say that once the officers decided to arrest Hayes, they forcibly removed him from his vehicle.

It is alleged in the suit that the officers "escalated their use of force" against Hayes, with other officers joining in after noticing a gun in Hayes' vehicle.

The gun was a lawfully registered weapon, the suit said.

The lawsuit, citing bodycam footage (which Insider has not reviewed), alleges that the officers kicked, punched, and used Tasers on Hayes, resulting in long-lasting injuries, including a dislocated shoulder.

Throughout the ordeal, Hayes begged for his life and appealed to bystanders for help, the suit says.

According to the lawsuit, Harris eventually checked the department's database and realized that they had apprehended the wrong person.

It is alleged in the suit that Harris can be heard on bodycam footage shouting: "Fuck, we got the wrong guy."

Nevertheless, the suit says Hayes was arrested on charges of resisting arrest and unlawful possession of a weapon.

According to the lawsuit, Hayes was held in jail for multiple days. It says that Hayes lost his job as a security guard because of his absence, which led to him being unemployed and struggling to provide for his young children.

The false charges against Hayes were dropped in December 2022, 14 months after the arrest, according to the lawsuit.

Hayes is seeking unspecified damages, alleging excessive use of force, unlawful arrest, and violation of his rights under the Fourth Amendment, which outlaws "unreasonable searches and seizures." He requested a trial by jury.

Read the original article on Insider
ASHEVILLE  A medical malpractice report that ruined a longtime Mission Hospital cancer doctors career has become the center of a lawsuit between the doctor and his former employer. Attorneys for Mission Hospital and its corporate owner, HCA Healthcare, argue the report is true. David John Hetzel, who performed most of his inpatient work at Mission Hospital for more than two decades, says that its not.

Hetzel initially sued Mission and HCA June 9, arguing that his former employer incorrectly reported him to the National Practitioners Databank, which is a repository of medical malpractice payments and adverse actions against individuals and entities in health care run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In the complaint, Hetzel argued that his former employer did not correct or rescind an NPDB report it filed following a surgery he performed that had complications, even though Mission staff and the North Carolina Medical Board cleared him. This report proved to be a black mark on his resume. He applied to 15 jobs and an Arizona medical license. Hetzel was denied each opportunity and attributes each to the NPDB report.

The Mission Hospital Campus, October 3, 2023.

He sued HCA for libel, dealing in bad faith, interfering with his future career opportunities and inflicting emotional distress.

Hetzel had already submitted his letter of resignation to HCA in February 2019, shortly after the for-profit HCA Healthcare bought Mission Hospital. His resignation would not become effective until July 2020. Hetzels Raleigh-based attorney, Cate Edwards, told the Citizen Times June 26, and continued to argue in legal filings, that Mission effectively blackballed Hetzel by filing the report.

HCA moved to dismiss Hetzels claim in a Sept. 25 motion and accompanying memo filed by Asheville-based attorney David Hawisher. HCA spokesperson Nancy Lindell did not have additional comment beyond the legal filing.

In the partially redacted legal filing, HCA argued that the NPDB report was accurate. It also argued that HCA was required by federal law to submit a report to the databased because Hetzel was in professional review for longer than 30 days. Hawisher argued that the hospital limited Hetzels privileges for 72 days, stretching from March 25, 2020, to June 5, 2020. HCA filed the report with the NPDB May 4, 2020.

Edwards disagreed in an Oct. 10 response, providing a three-pronged response to HCAs argument about the veracity of the report.

She argued that Hetzels longest suspension lasted less 30 days in effect because his privileges were fully restored April 23, 2020, rather than June. Edwards also pointed out that HCA filed the report to the databank after Hetzels privileges were restored. Finally, she argued that the medical board and a peer review committee agreed that Hetzels portion of the surgery in question was successful, and he did not violate the standard of care.

The NPDB report is knowingly false, she wrote in her legal filing. The house of cards that HCA Defendants have built in their Motion comes toppling down.

Mission Hospital in Asheville.

After arguing that the report HCA filed was false, Edwards took aim at Hetzels former employers responsibility to correct the record, writing that HCA should have vacated the report once it learned that Hetzel was cleared. Edwards noted earlier in the response brief that reporting entities, like the hospital, are responsible for the accuracy of the reports filed to the NPDB, according to federal law.

More: Mission Hospital patients, staff, decry poor care to HCA Healthcare independent monitor

More: 6 Asheville cancer surgeons fired amid corporate private equity-backed bankruptcy

More: Mission Hospital ambulance patient wait times lengthen while Buncombe mulls solutions

When youre seeking to dismiss a complaint at this early stage of litigation, youre asking for the plaintiff to get no discovery, no process and no hearing of his claims, Edwards told the Citizen Times Oct. 23. Thats an extraordinary measure under the law. I dont think that burden has been met to meet this extraordinary measure.

Dr. Hetzel can, should and will prevail on the merits. We havent gotten to the merits really.

HCA has until Oct. 27 to respond to Edwards filing.

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: 'Blackballed' doctor's lawyer: HCA's legal response 'house of cards'
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday separately met US leaders from the Jewish as well as Arab and Palestinian-American communities amid war in the Middle East between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the State Department said.

THE TAKE

Blinken's community outreach comes amid fears and warnings of a rise in Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Palestinian threats and hate speech in the United States due to the war in the Middle East.

President Joe Biden called on Americans to denounce such sentiments in an Oval Office address Thursday night.

KEY QUOTES

Blinken on Monday "strongly condemned racist, antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Palestinian incidents," and "underscored that hate has no place in America or anywhere else," the State Department said.

In the meetings, Blinken condemned Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel that left 1,400 people dead and reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security, the State Department said.

The State Department added that Blinken made clear in the meetings that Washington supported "the Palestinian people and a two-state solution and reiterated that Hamas does not represent Palestinians."

CONTEXT

Israel has bombarded Hamas-governed Gaza with heavy airstrikes that have killed over 5,000 Palestinians, local Gaza officials say. Gaza, a 45 km-long (25-mile) strip of land that is home to 2.3 million people, has been ruled politically since 2007 by Hamas, an Iran-backed Islamist group, but faces a blockade from Israel.

The U.S. Justice Department has been monitoring an increase in reported threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities.

The FBI said earlier this month it was investigating the stabbing death of Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Muslim boy, in Illinois as a hate crime. Authorities said the boy and his mother were targeted because they were Palestinian Americans.

Last week, authorities charged a North Carolina man for allegedly sending a threatening message to a Jewish organization.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Michael Perry)
U.N. Security Council holds a quarterly open debate on the Middle East in New York

By Michelle Nichols and Simon Lewis

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that he will work with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from spreading when they meet later this week.

Blinken called on the 15-member council to help contain the conflict, amid soaring tensions after Palestinian militant group Hamas' attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.

"Members of this council, and permanent members in particular, have a special responsibility to prevent this conflict from spreading," Blinken said, warning Iran and its proxies in the region not to open up more fronts in the war.

"I look forward to continuing to work with my counterpart from the People's Republic of China to do precisely that, when he visits Washington later this week," he said.

Washington does not seek conflict with Iran, Blinken said, but warned that it would act swiftly and decisively if Tehran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere.

Wang is set to arrive in the United States on Thursday for talks with Blinken and President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan , as Washington seeks to ensure the intense competition between the world's two largest economies and their disagreements over a host of issues from trade to Taiwan and the South China Sea do not veer into conflict.

Blinken is expected to meet with Wang on Thursday afternoon. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said the Chinese minister would also meet with Sullivan and Blinken on Friday. She said they would address challenging issues, including misperceptions and miscommunications, and ways they can work together.

U.S. officials are keen for Beijing to use its influence with Iran and other countries in the Middle East to help prevent the conflict there from spreading.

Analysts said that while China had expressed concern about the U.S. approach to the conflict, the two sides share a common interest in avoiding a wider regional war.

"That might be a basis for some common ground, even if China likely sees some benefits to the hit the United States is taking in the region among its Arab partners," said Dalia Dassa Kaye, a senior fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations.

However, she said Beijing's actual leverage could be limited, while others questioned Beijing's willingness to use it.

Jon Alterman, head of the Middle East program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China, as a major oil consumer, certainly has an interest in preventing a direct U.S.-Iranian confrontation as it would spike oil prices.

"Still, the Chinese are unlikely to do any heavy lifting here," he said. "I expect they'll want a seat at the table when the Israel-Gaza struggle gets resolved, but they dont feel much need or ability to hasten resolution."

Israel's bombing and siege of Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks has stirred anger in Muslim-majority countries, and Washington fears an imminent ground offensive could spark a wider conflict.

China has consistently called for restraint and a ceasefire in response to Israel's bombardment of Gaza, but has also sharpened its criticism of Israel.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom; editing by Deepa Babington and Leslie Adler)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reportedly told allies in a letter last week that Sweden should join the military bloc at the latest during a foreign ministers' meeting on Nov. 28-29, Bloomberg wrote on Oct. 24, citing the Swedish government's spokesperson.

Stockholm seems to be getting closer to entering the alliance as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a protocol on Sweden's NATO accession on Oct. 23, leaving a ratification by the Turkish parliament as the final step.

"I now count on the speedy ratification by the Turkish parliament," Stoltenberg said in a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson , but without publicly commenting on any concrete timeline.

"Sweden is fully ready to join NATO. The time has come," he added.

Both Sweden and Finland applied to join the alliance in May 2022 due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Turkey initially blocked both of their bids but gave the green light to Helsinki in this year's March.

Among the main reasons why Ankara denied Stockholm's entry was the Swedish support for Kurdish groups that Turkey considers terrorists. Following prolonged and tense negotiations, Erdogan voiced readiness to relay Sweden's bid to the Turkish parliament in July.

If Ankara gives its green light, the only obstacle remaining on Sweden's path to NATO is Hungary. According to Stoltenberg, Budapest has already signaled it "doesn't want to delay" the process.

"I have been assured on a couple of occasions by Hungary's prime minister that they won't delay Sweden's accession, and I believe they will stand by that," the Swedish head of government said.

Hungary's parliament has yet to schedule a vote on Swedish accession, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in late September that his country is in no hurry to do so.

Budapest's friendly gestures toward Russia amid the ongoing war against Ukraine have raised concerns among the allies. Orban met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week in China, and Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto visited Moscow earlier in October.

Read also: Erdogan: Turkey to ratify Swedens NATO bid if US approves F-16 sales to Ankara

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Belfast City Council's final legal bill over a controversy surrounding the cremation of a senior IRA figure was almost 100,000.

Bobby Storey 's funeral in June 2020 sparked a major political dispute.

Large crowds, including senior Sinn Fein representatives, attended during Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings.

The council had separately faced criticism over its handling of the veteran republican's cremation.

Eight bereaved families did not get the same access to Roselawn Cemetery as Mr Storey's relatives for the cremations of their loved ones.

'Hurt and distress'

The council apologised to the families affected "for the hurt and distress caused" and offered them compensation.

A total of 94,171.99 was spent on legal fees to deal with the controversy, the local authority said in a Freedom of Information (FOI) response.

The figure includes about 50,000 spent on a barrister-led report commissioned by the council to investigate what happened.

The council was criticised over its handling of the cremation of Bobby Storey on 30 June 2020

It does not include any compensation paid to the families affected.

The council refused to confirm or deny whether any payments were made, arguing this would be an "actionable breach of confidence".

At the time, it offered to "help facilitate a memorial service for their loved ones at a future date and also advised that the cremation fee can be refunded".

The council issued the FOI response after being asked to do so by the Information Commissioner's Office following a complaint over an almost three-month delay.

The barrister-led report, completed in 2021, found no political pressure was applied to the council to give special treatment for Mr Storey's cremation at Roselawn.

Peter Coll KC said the different arrangements for cremations that day were "avoidable, unnecessary and simply wrong".

Who was Bobby Storey?

Mr Storey, who was northern chairman of Sinn Fein, was named under parliamentary privilege as a former head of intelligence of the IRA.

He was a close and lifelong ally of former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.

Large crowds lined the streets for the funeral procession in west Belfast at a time when there were strict limits on public gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The attendance of Sinn Fein leaders sparked a political row in Stormont's power-sharing executive, with the party accused of disregarding rules set for the rest of society.

Police investigated and a file was submitted to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), but it decided not to pursue any prosecutions.

In its decision, the PPS cited prior engagement between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and funeral organisers, as well as a lack of clarity in the executive's coronavirus regulations.

Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill defended her attendance, saying she acted within the rules and would "never apologise for attending the funeral of my friend".

She later expressed regret over public health messaging being "undermined".

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) councillor Ron McDowell called for greater transparency from the council.

"The compensation, if there was any, paid to families should be in the public domain," he said.

"Everyone knows that this whole debacle cost the council, the executive and the PSNI their credibility. It's long past time we knew the total financial cost as well."

A council spokeswoman said: "Belfast City Council recognises the hurt which has been caused by its actions in respect of events of 30 June 2020 at Roselawn Cemetery.

"We also recognise that the public are entitled to information about how the council has dealt with these events and have made information publicly available, where possible.

"The council must however also respect the privacy of those affected and cannot release information which could be considered a breach of confidence.

"We again offer our unreserved and wholehearted apology to all those families impacted by these events."
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - The body of a man who jumped off a jet ski into Lake Lanier has been recovered.

Walter Jaurez Guardado, 37, of Roswell had reportedly gone to East Bank Park off of Burford Dam Road with his girlfriend Saturday. While riding on the lake with a jet ski, Guardado jumped off and tried to swim back to shore. His girlfriend said he never turned up.

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, along with Hall County Fire, spent Saturday and Sunday searching the water.

On Monday, divers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed they found Guardado approximately 20 feet underwater. Officials say he drowned.
Semiconductors

Samsung Semiconductor Inc. hired Covington & Burling LLP to lobby on issues including the advanced manufacturing investment credit, which incentivizes domestic semiconductor production. The firm will also focus on the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act, which the Senate Finance Committee unanimously advanced in mid-September, less than a week before the effective lobbying registration date. Ed McClellan, former tax counsel on the Senate Finance Committee, will work on the account.

Energy

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) hired Gray Global Advisors to lobby on policy issues related to energy infrastructure and climate. Former Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), former chairman of the House Oversight Committee, will work on the account.

Taxes and finance

Intuit hired The Duberstein Group to lobby on issues related to artificial intelligence, data privacy and intellectual property. Intuit owns QuickBooks, Mint, Credit Karma, MailChimp and TurboTax, the popular tax preparation service that could be destabilized by the free online tax-filing pilot program the IRS said it plans to launch during the 2024 tax season. Elizabeth Kelley, who was a special assistant to former President Obama and chief of staff on the National Economic Council, will work on the account.

Mindset Advocacy also registered to lobby on behalf of Intuit on a range of issues, including an open banking framework and expanded access to bank capital. Several former House Financial Services Committee aides will work on the account, including Lisa Peto, former chief counsel to the committee under then-chairwoman and current ranking member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).

Oversight

The Concord Fund, the dark money group better known as the Judicial Crisis Network, hired OnMessage Public Strategies to lobby on issues related to government oversight and reform. The registration marks an expansion in political advocacy by the network linked to conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo and comes amid efforts to enact a code of conduct for the Supreme Court. The lobbyist on the account is Thomas Binion, who was legislative director to former Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CONCORD, N.H.  Its a rite of passage for presidential candidates. But this time, President Joe Biden 's name won't be on the New Hampshire ballot.

Biden has been tussling with the state for nearly a year over its historically early primary date and will not make the trip to Concord to file this week.

In a break with centuries-old tradition, the incumbent president will not appear on the states Democratic primary ballot at all  with the national party pledging to discipline candidates who compete in unsanctioned primaries like the one New Hampshire plans to hold.

Biden's reelection campaign notified New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley of the president's decision on Tuesday evening, citing guidance from the national party that urged campaigns not to place their candidates names on the ballot.

"Biden for President will refrain from submitting a Declaration of Candidacy for the Primary ahead of Fridays candidate filing deadline for the Primary," the letter obtained by USA TODAY stated. "[T]he president looks forward to having his name on New Hampshires general election ballot as the nominee of the Democratic Party after officially securing the nomination at the 2024 Democratic National Convention where he will tirelessly campaign to earn every single vote in the Granite State next November."

Other presidential candidates have been making the trip to the New Hampshire State House for the last two weeks to file their paperwork to compete in the 2024 primaries.

The saga began last December when Biden proposed that South Carolina, the first state he won in the last competition, hold the first party-approved primary of the next presidential election.

Biden told members of the Democratic National Committee who were tasked with making the decision that New Hampshire and Nevada should share the date of the second primary election. He also advised them to demote Iowa, which has traditionally held the first caucus, and give Georgia and Michigan more influential contest dates.

In a December letter outlining his decision, Biden said the changes to the Democratic schedule were necessary to empower voters of color and encourage candidates to invest in battleground states earlier. The party did what Biden asked, and earlier this year, the DNC voted to affirm the new calendar.

Members of the committees rule-making body say they will take away delegates from state parties and candidates who appear on the ballot in any contest that defies the approved order. That has led to fierce clashes with Republican-led New Hampshire over its refusal to change a state law requiring it to continue a more than 100-year tradition of holding the countrys first presidential primaries.

Bidens allies in the state are pursuing a workaround. They are putting the pieces in place for a write-in effort, which they hope will keep him from losing the first contest of his reelection campaign.

We have had a growing number of prominent Democrats express interest in being on a grassroots committee. We have received a significant amount of financial pledges. We have done all of the research with the FEC and everything that's needed. So now it's just the final decision of whether to pull the trigger or not, said Jim Demers, a Democrat in New Hampshire who is helping with the preparations.

President Joe Biden responds to a question about hostage negotiations with Hamas alongside U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo at an event in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House on October 23, 2023.

Could eleventh-hour shuffling shake up the New Hampshire ballot?

Democrats inside and outside the state said for weeks that they did not expect Biden to appear on the ballot.

Biden does not currently face a significant primary challenger, although there have been rumblings for days that Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota may launch a bid this week in New Hampshire.

He has already missed the filing deadline for the Nevada primary and would not be eligible to win delegates in New Hampshire if he put his name on the ballot there.

Phillips, 54, has openly encouraged a Democrat to challenge Biden, 80, for the partys nomination. He has not said whether it will be him and a spokeswoman declined a request for comment.

Campaigns have until 5pm on Oct. 27 to submit the paperwork in New Hampshire.

Demers, a Democrat who co-chaired former President Barack Obama's campaigns in New Hampshire and supports Biden, said the potential for Phillips to get in has not affected plans to write-in the incumbent president. Those efforts were already in motion and organizers will be meeting this week to make a final decision, he said.

As for Dean Phillips, it is way too late to be entering a presidential primary in New Hampshire, he said. I have had so many Democrats contact me, really annoyed with even the thought of somebody getting in at this point and especially a sitting member of Congress.

The lobbyist and former member of the state legislature, whose Concord office sits across the street from the New Hampshire State House, said Democrats are looking ahead to next Novembers general election. They are fearful that GOP frontrunner Donald Trump could be elected president again, Demers said.

And they recognize that if Democrats go into November disunited, it does nothing but help Donald Trump, he said.

Democrats fear a New Hampshire loss in the general election

Democrats in the state say they are worried that Trump, or whomever the GOP nominee is, will dump money into the state that has four electoral votes. Had former Vice President Al Gore won New Hampshire in 2000, he would have become president.

Their arguments have done little to persuade members of the national partys Rules and Bylaws Committee to let New Hampshire off the hook.

In an Oct. 24 memo to Democratic presidential campaigns that stressed the panel's efforts to "increase the diversity and competitiveness of the process," which was obtained exclusively by USA TODAY, the panel's co-chairs, Jim Roosevelt, Jr. and Minyon Moore said that they have "no reason to expect" that New Hampshire will comply with its rules and its primary will be considered a "non-binding presidential preference event."

"As such, we advise campaigns to refrain from including their candidates name on the ballot. Should your campaign have already filed, we advise your candidate to inform the RBC of its process to remove their name from the ballot should New Hampshire schedule its primary in violation of Rule 12," they said.

"Campaigns should also remain cognizant that should they place the candidates name on the ballot or fail to take action to remove it from the ballot, they shall not receive pledged delegates or delegate votes from New Hampshire."

Democrats who serve on the panel hope that penalties for candidates who appear on the ballot in non-compliant states will dissuade candidates who are competing to win the Democratic nomination from future acts of defiance.

At an Oct. 6 meeting, RBC member Elaine Kamarck noted that their sanctions are pretty weak, okay, lets face it and suggested New Hampshire Democrats never cared about having delegates at the national convention.

New Hampshire cares about having the first-in-the-nation primary, she said. The ultimate sanction is that the presidential candidates dont go there. In other words. if you have a primary and nobody goes, you might as well have not had a primary.

The national partys plan to strip Democratic candidates who participate in any state that holds its contest too early in the nominating calendar did not keep longshot Biden competitor Marianne Williamson from putting her name on the New Hampshire ballot this year.

Two days before New Hampshire opened its filing deadline, however, former Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy changed his mind and said he would compete for the White House as an independent.

Some of Bidens supporters from outside the state encouraged Democrats to switch their party affiliation to undeclared before an early October deadline so they could vote against Trump in the GOP primary. They are uniting with Republicans who are trying to defeat Trump at a conference this Saturday at New England College in Henniker.

New Hampshires Democratic Party is informally supporting the expected Biden write-in effort. It can not officially be involved in that campaign once it launches, which is where activists such as Demers and former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair Kathy Sullivan come in.

Sullivan said in an interview from the party headquarters that her goal is to generate enthusiasm for Biden until he can campaign in the state.

A lot of people who are involved in politics in New Hampshire got involved because of presidential primaries, she said. And we're losing a lot of that right now, because we don't have the president here running for reelection. And so we don't have new people coming in and saying hey, what can I do to help. And that's unfortunate and that's sad.

Sullivan said she also hoped that a write-in effort would change negative attitudes toward the White House because Biden is not filing in the state. She said that she had heard from angry voters who asked why they should write Bidens name down on the primary ballot after what he did to the state.

A University of New Hampshire poll, taken in coordination with CNN at the end of September, found that 78% of likely Democratic voters in New Hampshire plan to vote for Biden whether he appears on the primary ballot or not.

In a separate interview at party headquarters, Matt Wilhelm, the New Hampshire House Democratic leader, said most Biden backers do not want to let the DNC dictate how they conduct their primary.

I think by engaging in a write-in campaign, we show that we take our first-in-the-nation primary really seriously, but also support the president, he said. We're able to, I think, separate a squabble over the order of which, primaries and caucuses are scheduled when, with the accomplishments of the administration.

New Hampshire plows ahead with first-in-the-nation contest

South Carolina will hold its Democratic primary on Feb. 3. The party told Nevada and New Hampshire to have their primaries on Feb. 6. But the New Hampshire secretary of state, David Scanlan, says his state will go first regardless.

Scanlan, a Republican, said he would not announce the primary date until after the filing period closes on Oct. 27. But he told USA TODAY as the filing period opened: We will not be going on Feb. 6."

Scanlan said there was no chance he would change his mind on holding New Hampshire's primary first.

I dont know if that opens the door for President Biden to sign up for the New Hampshire primary or not but thats his decision to make," Scalan said. "We will continue on our path, regardless of what that decision is.

Biden ultimately decided against it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden won't be on the New Hampshire primary ballot
Phil Barker competed for Great Britain in paratriathlon after years of rehab following shoulder dystocia

A hospital where midwives and doctors are trained to deal with shoulder dystocia using a mannequin believe no babies have suffered permanent injuries since training began.

North Bristol NHS Trust was the first in the world to use the Bristol-based Limbs & Things' model.

Shoulder dystocia is when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck during delivery.

Bio-scientist Philip Barker now designs the training products that may have stopped his own injury at birth.

The 32-year-old said: "I feel like this was meant to be."

Mr Barker, from Bristol, suffered severe nerve damage to his right shoulder and arm, leading to a condition called Erb's Palsy.

Depending on the severity of the nerve damage, the weakness and paralysis may last for days, months or life.

In Mr Barker's case, he was left with no movement in his right shoulder and arm.

He embarked on years of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and surgery - including subscapularis release, tendon and muscle grafts and experimental rotational surgery of the one of the bones in his forearm.

Consultant obstetrician Dr Joanna Crofts in a training session with the mannequin

"Erb's Palsy is a life changing condition for the child and family," Mr Barker said.

"There are several surgical options available, including nerve grafts and muscle releases that can result in significant improvement of the strength and mobility of the arm.

"But even with the surgical treatments, weekly physio and occupational therapy can often be required in the child's early years.

"While many make a full recovery, a large proportion will be affected for life."

Mr Barker was able to recover fully and went on to compete for Great Britain in paratriathlon.

After graduating from the University of the West of England with a degree in biomedical sciences, he went into teaching in Brighton and then into medical device product management.

In 2020, he moved to Bristol with his wife Martha and saw a job advert for product manager at Limbs & Things. After landing the post he helped design a device that could have prevented his birth injury.

Limbs & Things developed a device called the PROMPT Flex trainer - an anatomically realistic birthing model which allows maternity healthcare professionals to practice the correct actions to avoid injury after shoulder dystocia.

It was developed in partnership with healthcare professionals in Bristol.

The national guidelines and training in the UK for managing shoulder dystocia are based upon the PROMPT Flex trainer, and there is evidence that training staff to use the correct manoeuvres can reduce the incidence of injuries following shoulder dystocia.

Mr Barker said: "For some, Erb's Palsy can have severe impact on their quality of life, it can make daily tasks such as washing, cooking, driving and dressing difficult, impossible for some.

"Another side that is often forgotten about is the mental impact traumatic deliveries can have on parents.

"The stress, aftercare, and often perceived guilt from the birth can lead to postnatal PTSD and other mental health issues."

Earlier this year, Mr Barker and his wife welcomed their own baby, Phoenix, born at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, the first hospital to develop shoulder dystocia training for midwives and doctors using the PROMPT Flex trainer.

Dr Joanna Crofts, consultant obstetrician and specialist lead for the project said: "Our training is all about how we use specific manoeuvres to stop the staff pulling and to gently and safely deliver the baby."

She said they started using the device in 2000.

"We found that once training had been implemented for many years we didn't have any babies permanently sustain injuries," she said.

"Those results are replicated around the world."

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
Photo: Glen Korstrom. Flight Centre's only physical location in Vancouver is now at 2721 West 4th Avenue

While Flight Centre Travel Group Canada's top executive remains based in Toronto, the rest of the travel agency's executive team is to be based in Vancouver, following a small shake-up.



Today's news is that longtime Vancouver-based executive Chadd Andre has been appointed executive vice-president and general manager of what the company calls "Flight Centre Brand Canada," which is essentially the company's leisure travel business.



Andre will start that role on Nov. 30, replacing Toronto-based Brian McLaren, who is leaving the company on that date to pursue other opportunities. When that happens, Andre will be the company's only executive vice-president.



Chris Lynes remains in the top job, as managing director of Canadian operations, and he is based in Toronto.



Brisbane, Australia-based Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd. (ASX:FLT) opened its North American headquarters in Vancouver in 1995. By 2009, the Vancouver-based subsidiary, dubbed Flight Centre North America, was getting too large and had a disproportionate number of its agencies based in the U.S., former Flight Centre Canada top executive John Beauvais told BIV in 2015.



The company decided to create a new Flight Centre Canada division, with a Vancouver head office, and a separate subsidiary, known as Liberty Travel USA, to be headquartered in New Jersey.



The company's Canadian division now goes by the lengthier Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, and it has corporate offices in Toronto and in Vancouver. All executives other than Lynes are set to be based in Vancouver once Andre starts his new role, according to the company.



Lynes took over from Beauvais, who retired in mid-2022, after having been based in Vancouver since he moved to the city to take the job in April 2015.



Lynes had been with Flight Centre for many years before becoming its top Canadian executive, and had previously been based in Toronto, according to the company.



His ascention to the top job last year, however, marked the first time that the top Flight Centre executive in Canada was not based in Vancouver.



The Vancouver office also includes vice-presidents Lisa Baker and Anita Emilio, as well as Mark Wilke, the CFO of Canadian operations.



The company has adjusted to the evolution of most travel bookings being online. Years ago, it had many bricks-and-mortar stores in Vancouver. Today, its only physical store in the city is a relatively new location at 2721 West 4th Avenue  appropriately next door to Vancouver-based luggage retailer Monos.
Armed police met a British Airways flight from Miami to London Heathrow after a passenger allegedly threatened a member of cabin crew and used racist abuse.

Police say a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

It is understood that the musician Ed Sheeran was on board BA206, though he was not near the incident.

The Airbus A380 SuperJumbo took off from the Florida city at 5.23pm local time on Monday evening and was flying normally to Heathrow.

About two hours into the flight, a male passenger is reported to have started abusing a member of cabin crew and using racist language.

Another passenger on board, who was near the incident on the lower deck of the double-deck aircraft, said that the individual appeared to have been drinking heavily.

The passenger told The Independent: There was serious racist abuse to an air steward, as well as threatening behaviour. Many people on board were frightened and distressed.

Weve travelled all around the world but this was quite shocking. It originally kicked off during the dinner service.

There were two fairly fit young lads who tried to control him.

The individual was subdued, reportedly with the help of a former police officer who was travelling as a passenger.

He was initially held in the galley, where he continued to shout abuse, and later moved to a jump seat normally used by cabin crew.

They put him in the jump seat and kept talking to him, trying to calm him down, which did actually work.

The captain did not divert the flight. The aircraft continued to Heathrow, where it landed nearly an hour early at 5.50am and was met by armed police.

A spokesperson for British Airways said: Disruptive behaviour will never be tolerated onboard our aircraft and we will always take the appropriate action.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: At 01:59hrs on Tuesday 24 October officers at Heathrow airport received a report that a passenger on a flight arriving from Miami had made racist comments towards other passengers and crew members.

Officers met the aircraft on arrival and a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He remains in custody.
A British model and TikToker has been jailed for nearly seven years in Peru after he was caught trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country.

Modou Adams was stopped at the Jorge Chavez International Airport on 30 September with 2.9kg (6.4lb) of cocaine hidden in his suitcase.

The 25-year-old was sentenced to six years and eight months in a Peruvian prison.

The drugs were destined for the UK, according to a court statement.

Authorities found the drugs sealed into the back of his suitcase during a search, the Superior Court of Justice of Callao said in the statement which was released last week.

He was sentenced after admitting the drug smuggling charge, the court said, and was also fined.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Peru's Supreme Court said Adams was jailed for having coordinated the shipment of about 3kg of cocaine to London. It also shared a photoshopped image of Adams behind bars.

The last photos posted on Adams' social media accounts shows him visiting Machu Picchu - a popular tourist destination in Peru on the Inca Trail.

Local media quoted anti-drug prosecutor Lincoln Fuentes as saying it was not the first time the model had taken drugs out of the country.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said it was "supporting a British man who was arrested in Peru" and was "in contact with the local authorities".
[Source]

The British Navy is reportedly ending its century-old tradition of Chinese laundrymen serving on its ships over fears that China is ramping up its spying efforts.

Revealing the news: The report of the British Royal Navys decision to stop its long-held practice of employing Chinese laundrymen came days after MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warned that China has increased its spying efforts to steal secrets and hinder the UKs plan to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the United States and Australia.

Key details: In response, the British Royal Navy has reportedly decided to replace their Chinese laundrymen, most of whom were from Hong Kong, with Nepalese Gurkhas, reported The Sun. The tradition of Chinese laundrymen on British Navy ships employed to wash and press sailors' uniforms and tablecloths has been in practice since the 1930s.

Espionage fears: The report claimed that the Chinese laundrymen are susceptible to pressure from the Chinese Community Party through threats to their familys safety in China or Hong Kong, potentially forcing them to steal Navy secrets on behalf of Beijing.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Australian influencer mistaken for Ryan Reynolds swarmed by fans in Taiwan

The Sun report noted that three Chinese nationals have been barred from being a part of the British Royal Navys flagship aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, and her strike group voyage to the South China Sea.

A fourth Chinese laundryman, who has been working with the British Navy for 39 years, was also removed from duty this month as his family is reportedly living in Hong Kong.

Not all of them: Four Chinese laundrymen reportedly retained their jobs within the British Royal Navy as sources told The Sun that they have all passed security checks as their families have already moved to Britain.

Trending on NextShark: Weekend marriages,' where couples live separately, gain popularity in Japan

More on NextShark:

Woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Georgia in 1988 identified

Watch: Carefree Asian dad sleeping on plane floor wins praise on TikTok

Iconic Little Tokyo mainstay, the US' 1st shabu-shabu restaurant, closes after 32 years
Congratulations are in order for Cloudy Donut. The doughnut shop, which is also Brooklyn Heights first Black-owned food business, is celebrating its one-year anniversary.

According to The Grio, Cloudy Donut was founded in 2020 by Derrick Faulcon and his business and life partner Zewiditu Jewel. They opened the chains first and second locations in Baltimore, and decided to branch out last year to Brooklyn Heights. Nestled in the quiet, mostly unknown Willowtown area, Cloudy Donuts Brooklyn Heights location has shaken up the neighborhood, turning it into a lively hot spot, Brooklyn Heights Blog reported.

Cloudy Donut offers tasty vegan treats for both humans and dogs. Their 44 flavors are unique and rotate every week. Some fan-favorite flavors are sweet potato pie, lemon blueberry pound cake, strawberry Champagne, blueberry sage, cookie butter, salted caramel whiskey, bananas foster and creme brulee.

The chain is also exploring partnerships with other brands, such as Oatly, an oat milk company, according to Brooklyn Heights Blog.

Of what inspired them to enter the vegan doughnut game, Jewel confessed the opportunity fell into their laps.

To be honest, there is no real reason why we chose vegan doughnuts. I know people want to hear this amazing story about it, she told Brooklyn Heights Blog. As I said, Derrick had acquired a preexisting doughnut shop. Hed been going there for quite a few months for R&D (research and development), and he thought the product was amazing. I also really liked the doughnuts. Im not a person who loves sweets, and I was blown away.

Jewel said the product is ridiculous, its wild, its amazing, which is evident on Cloudy Donuts social media. For its anniversary, the company shared video clips of customers enjoying their treats.

Though the quality of the product is undeniable, Jewel said their success is due to how theyve approached the business.

We absolutely attribute some of our success to who we are, and this is only the beginning for us, she said. We are so happy that people are coming to Brooklyn Heights for the first time, seeing the neighborhood and falling in love with the neighborhood, and thats the goal.

Back in June, Faulcon opened up about his go-getting mentality and their impact on the community.

My whole goal was how can I build something thats so dynamic that it can help me change my situation, Faulcon told the Grio. And then how can I build it up so big and not only change my situation but change the situation of my family dynamic and other people can fit their goal underneath my goal.

He added that he always had a mentality [that] nobodys going to give me nothing. I grew up looking up to people like Master P, like JAY-Z, people who built businesses by doing all of the things themselves. Nipsey Hussle was a big influence too, as well, in the sense of vertical integration. Being able to own yourself and own the processes that go into the final result of your product or your service.

The Cloudy Donut founder also shared that he hopes other Black men follow in his footsteps.

I think being an entrepreneur in todays society specifically for a Black man is not an accessory, is a necessity, is essential, he told the Grio. [Its] the only way that will bridge the wealth gap in America. Its the only way that well provide our family with assets to be able to bequeath and leave behind. Its the only way well be able to employ our people.
Brooks Houck's legal team has requested that Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III be removed from the case over, alleging he is biased against Houck.

In the affidavit, attorneys Brian Butler and Michael Denbow say Simms made disparaging comments about Houck in a past, unrelated court proceeding, which now compromises his impartiality.

Houck has been charged with the murder of Crystal Rogers, the Bardstown mother whose disappearance has mystified the public since she went missing in 2015. Her body has never been recovered, but she is presumed dead.

Houck was Rogers' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance and is the father of one of her five children. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence.

More: Crystal Rogers case: What to know after Brooks Houck's arrest

Houck was identified as a suspect by law enforcement early in the investigation. According to his attorneys, this public identification made Houck "a pariah to many in Nelson County," creating an environment where "any Nelson County elected official, including a judge, faces enormous public and societal pressure to be adverse to Mr. Houck."

The affidavit includes alleged past remarks made by Simms six years ago during a custody dispute hearing involving Houck's longtime partner, Crystal Maupin.

Simms presided over the custody dispute and allegedly referenced Houck in a written order: "this Court is simply astonished that (Maupin) would want a relationship with a man (Brooks Houck) who is the prime suspect in the disappearance and presumed death of his previous girlfriend."

Since the comments were made before Houck was charged with Rogers' death, Houck's defense writes Simms has "prejudged Mr. Houck's guilt and is not and could not possibly be impartial."

Houck's attorneys also say Simms demonstrated a bias during Houck's arraignment by asking a probing question of the prosecution that would justify keeping his bond at $10 million.

At the arraignment, Simms heard arguments from both the defense and prosecution about whether Houck's bond should be substantially lowered along with the condition of GPS monitoring.

During the proceeding, Simms asked prosecutor Shane Young whether he was worried over the safety of witnesses. In the affidavit, Houck's legal counsel says Simms knowingly solicited information that he hoped would bolster his "predetermined decision" to keep the bond at $10 million.

The multimillion dollar bond was later upheld by Simms. In denying the motion to lower it, Simms' order cited the need to "adequately protect cooperating witness(es) and other individuals associated with this case."

More: Brooks Houck's arraignment reveals surprising details in Crystal Rogers case

According to Kentucky Revised Statutes, any judge disqualified in a proceeding shall be replaced by the state's chief justice.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Crystal Rogers murder trial: Brooks Houck's lawyers want judge removed
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill this month that will prohibit products containing Red Dye No. 3 from being sold in California

Assembly Bill 418 doesnt go into effect until January 2027.

Here are are seven treats that contain Red Dye No. 3:

Halloween candy with Red Dye No. 3

A Sacramento Bee reporter referenced ingredient lists and company websites to confirm the following candies contain Red Dye No. 3.

When does red dye ban take effect in California?

After Jan. 1, 2027 the red dye will be prohibited from being sold in California in any food or candy products, according to an Oct. 7 letter from the governors office.

The synthetic dye has been linked to cancer and was banned from cosmetic products in 1990 by the U.S. Food and Drug administration, according to a petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food and healthcare watchdog group.

Does this mean I will never be able to buy these candies again?

No, it doesnt mean that. The onus is on manufacturers to switch to cleaner ingredients in order to sell their products in California.

Not only will red dye 3 be banned as an ingredient in products, but so will brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate and propylparaben.

If manufacturers violate the ban on ingredients in their products they will be fined. The first violation will be penalized with a fine of up to $5,000, any violation after that can be fined up to $10,000, according to AB 418.

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.
SAG-AFTRA member John Schmitt, second from right, and others carry signs on the picket line outside Netflix in Los Angeles last month. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

The political fight over whether workers on strike should be allowed to collect unemployment benefits is reigniting in Washington.

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who is running for the Senate, introduced legislation on Wednesday that would provide unemployment benefits nationwide to workers on strike. Most states dont allow striking workers to collect unemployment, with the exception of New York and New Jersey. Eligibility requirements and the amount of weekly unemployment pay also vary by state.

Under the Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2023, workers would be able to collect unemployment pay after two weeks on strike. Workers would also be eligible for unemployment benefits starting on the date a lockout begins, when the employer hired permanent replacement workers or if the worker became unemployed after a strike or lockout ends, whichever is earlier.

"The corporate executives who are sitting on one side of the negotiating table get paid during a strike, and workers should too, otherwise management can simply wait them out," Schiff said in a statement. "Workers shouldnt have to choose between better working conditions or putting food on the table.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Donald Norcross of New Jersey and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York also are sponsoring the bill. Labor unions SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America, the Teamsters and the AFL-CIO are supporting the legislation as well, according to Schiff's office, which was initially planning to introduce the bill on Tuesday. More than 20 labor unions support the legislation.

But with Republicans controlling the House of Representatives, the odds that the bill will pass are slim. Businesses have strongly opposed the idea because they said it would lead to higher employer taxes and goes against the "principles" of the unemployment insurance program. Employers pay state and federal payroll taxes to fund the program.

The introduction of a federal bill comes after California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed state legislation in September to provide unemployment benefits for striking workers. Newsom said he did so because of financial concerns, a move highly criticized by labor leaders.

California borrowed billions of dollars from the federal government to cover unemployment benefits, and the state's unemployment fund debt was projected to be nearly $20 billion by the end of the year. Californias unemployment pay is as much as $450 a week for a maximum of 26 weeks. Businesses fought the bill because they said they would pay additional taxes annually to repay California's loan from the federal government.

The WGA and SAG-AFTRA lobbied for the expanded benefits, saying that they would help workers pay their bills. Members rely on side jobs and strike funds to stay afloat, but that money dwindles the longer a strike goes on. The 148-day Hollywood writers strike ended after WGA members ratified a new contract. Actors and crew members represented by SAG-AFTRA have been on strike for more than 100 days.

Democrats have expressed support for labor unions ahead of the 2024 elections. Labor unions including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Communications Workers of America and the Amalgamated Transit Union have endorsed Schiff for Senate, while other unions have endorsed his main Democratic rivals in the race.

During an October debate in Los Angeles, Schiff, along with California Democratic Senate candidates Barbara Lee and Katie Porter, disagreed with Newsom's decision to veto the bill to provide striking workers unemployment benefits. He mentioned during that event that he was working on federal legislation.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Teachers in Fresno, California, have authorized a strike, and to fill the temporary vacancies, the school district is sending out a state-wide call for substitute teachers with a lucrative offer  $500 per day to cross the picket line. That's more than the average daily pay for a full-time teacher in Fresno Unified School District and more than double the normal daily rate for substitute teachers.

If someone accepts a job in the classroom while the teachers are on strike, it will be regarded as crossing the picket line, according to Fresno Teachers Association President Manuel Bonilla. Guest teachers are not a part of the association, and if they teach during the strike they won't be blacklisted, but Bonilla said it will undoubtedly damage personal relationships with teachers fighting for a fair contract.

"It's hard to see one group of people fighting and advocating for positive change and another person that is getting in the way of that progress," said Bonilla.

The union has been negotiating with the school district for a new contract, but both sides have yet to come to an agreement about class size, special education caseloads, health care policies and salary. Similar to the striking United Auto Workers, the Fresno Teachers Association said members want the salary increases in line with inflation and the cost of living index. Chief Communications Officer for Fresno Unified School District Nikki Henry referred to that request as a "straw man argument."

Henry says more than 95% of the district's substitute teachers have agreed to continue teaching during the strike. But even with many willing to overlook the strike for a higher wage  substitutes in the district typically make $200 a day  the substitute teacher shortage plaguing schools nationwide leads Bonilla to believe the district won't be able to adequately fill the spots left temporarily open by striking teachers in California's third-largest school district.

Substitute teachers will see higher pay for work done while teachers are on strike. / Credit: CBS News

"We hear of the number of vacancies that take place on any given day. And so we do not believe that they have the ability to fill those spaces, and definitely not to fill them with qualified folks," said Bonilla.

The district has more than 2,100 credentialed substitute teachers who previously agreed to continue working even in the case of a strike, Henry said. She said outreach about the higher pay has been successful, and about 200 additional substitute teachers joined the district this past weekend.

"At this point, we have more than enough folks to make sure that our kids are taken care of and the learning continues," Henry said.

Josiah Mariano, who began substitute teaching in Fresno Unified School District last spring, plans to continue to do so during the strike. He told CBS News his friends who are full-time teachers in the district already expected he would keep teaching, and he might even cover their classes. Mariano said while he received very few details about the strike and contract negotiations, the district sent several messages highlighting the $500 daily pay if substitute teachers committed to teach during the strike.

"That's awesome to get paid that, but I can't imagine that we'll be able to sustain that for super long," said Mariano. "That's kind of nuts, you know, for a daily rate."

The school district explained the incentive funding comes directly from wages withheld from teachers on strike. Henry said that means they're able to continue the additional pay as long as the teachers are striking.

Teachers in Fresno, California. / Credit: Courtesy: California Teachers Association

"Our average teacher makes about $490 a day, so we're just diverting those funds over to the substitute teacher that would be in the classroom that day," said Henry. "It's not a big additional cost to the district."

Executive Director of the National Education Association Kim Anderson said Fresno is the first district she has seen offer this for substitute teachers filling in for striking teachers. She hopes it doesn't become a common practice.

"This move to pay substitutes, frankly, even more than the daily rate of a teacher sends a horrible message to what we think about the profession of teaching, and all the educators who provide support services to students," said Anderson. "Instead of looking to our band-aid solutions, we need everybody to recognize that students need high quality, well trained, committed and well compensated professionals every day of the year."

While the amount being offered by Fresno Unified School District is unprecedented, other school districts have opted to provide substitute teachers with bonus pay if they cross the picket line of a striking teachers union in the past. In 2017, Fresno Unified School District presented the same $500 proposal for substitute teachers in the case of a strike. It was never implemented as a contract agreement was reached before a walkout took place, but the idea laid the groundwork for the strategy being used now.

"It was very successful in recruiting the substitutes that we needed," said Henry about the 2017 offer. "Based on that success, we wanted to be prepared this time around."

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The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Tuesday that it is suspending Cruise LLCs permit to operate its autonomous vehicles without a test driver present. The company, which is owned by General Motors, was operating a fleet of robotaxis in San Francisco.

The decision is effective immediately. This marks the second time that the DMV has suspended a driverless testing permit, a DMV spokesperson said.

Public safety remains the California DMVs top priority, and the departments autonomous vehicle regulations provide a framework to facilitate the safe testing and deployment of this technology on California public roads. When there is an unreasonable risk to public safety, the DMV can immediately suspend or revoke permits. There is no set time for a suspension, the DMV said in a statement.

The agency said that it has provided Cruise with the steps needed to reinstate the permit to operate, which the DMV will not approve until the company has fulfilled the requirements to the departments satisfaction.

The decision does not affect the companys ability to test vehicles with a safety driver.

Cruise and Waymo, owned by Alphabet, both run driverless cars in San Francisco.

DMV said it has determined that Cruise vehicles are not safe for public operation and that the company misrepresented information related to the safety of its driverless vehicles.

The agencys action also follows a DMV investigation into a series of disturbing incidents involving Cruise vehicles this summer.

In a statement, Cruise said it learned of the suspension Tuesday morning.

As a result, we will be pausing operations of our driverless AVs in San Francisco, a spokesperson said.

Cruise said that the autonomous vehicles were developed and deployed to save lives, but that the DMV is reviewing an incident in which a pedestrian who was a victim of a hit-and-run was struck a second time by a driverless vehicle. The company said the vehicle braked aggressively but as it attempted to pull over ended up dragging the pedestrian with it.

Our thoughts continue to be with the victim as we hope for a rapid and complete recovery, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that the company is doing an analysis to determine potential enhancements to driverless vehicle responses to this kind of extremely rare event.

The Teamsters Local 856, which represents drivers in the Bay Area and which opposed implementation of driverless vehicles, issued a statement Tuesday calling the DMV decision too little, too late.

The Teamsters will not be appeased by baby steps or half-measures, the statement said. We are also disappointed to see that the DMV is providing Cruise with a pathway to apply for license re-instatement. The agency itself has alleged that Cruise misrepresented information related to the safety of its vehicles. This company doesnt deserve a second chance.

Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress, a tech industry-funded, center-left organization, said in a statement that it was a human driver who first struck the pedestrian and caused the victim to then be hit by a driverless car.

Its sad that the human driver responsible for causing a hit and run on San Francisco streets is still out there driving, Kovacevich said. Its critical that the California DMV take a safety-first approach to AV deployment, and its noteworthy that Cruise has taken responsible steps here to share video and data with regulators every step of the way. Hopefully this unfortunate tragedy doesnt stall a technology with the power to make our roads safer.
Due to an unreasonable risk to public safety, the California Department of Motor Vehicles on Tuesday immediately suspended Cruise from operating driverless taxis in the state.

Public safety remains the California DMVs top priority, and the departments autonomous vehicle regulations provide a framework to facilitate the safe testing and deployment of this technology on California public roads, the department said in a statement. When there is an unreasonable risk to public safety, the DMV can immediately suspend or revoke permits.

A Cruise spokesperson confirmed the suspension to HuffPost, saying the company would pause operations on driverless vehicles in San Francisco.

The DMV cited four regulations Cruise has run afoul of in its decision. In addition to deeming the vehicles unsafe for public operation, regulators accused the company of misrepresenting information about their safety.

A driverless Cruise robotaxi is operating in San Francisco, California, on July 24, 2023.

A driverless Cruise robotaxi is operating in San Francisco, California, on July 24, 2023.

Just last month, regulators in the state approved an expansion of robotaxi services there, including Cruise (a General Motors subsidiary) and Waymo, an Alphabet-backed competitor.

The abrupt reversal comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents involving Cruises autonomous vehicles, including a hit-and-run earlier this month in which a Cruise taxi dragged a pedestrian for 20 feet after theyd been launched into the taxis path by a separate car.

The hit-and-run driver remains at large.

Following that crash and a handful of others, Cruise agreed to reduce its autonomous fleet in San Francisco by 50%, capping the taxis to no more than 50 operating during the day and no more than 150 at night.

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Photo: The Canadian Press Defence Minister Bill Blair.

Defence Minister Bill Blair says Hamas is a terrorist organization that is a threat to the whole world and must be "eliminated."

Blair also says he has no expectation that Hamas would respect international law, including any agreement on a ceasefire.

His comments are the furthest any Canadian minister has gone in explaining why Canada does not support calls for a ceasefire.

The defence minister also appeared unwilling to back more recent calls for a "humanitarian pause," but says there are talks underway to get more aid into the Gaza Strip.

More than one million Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, and they face shortages of food, water and fuel.

European foreign ministers agreed Monday that a temporary halt to fighting was needed to get aid into Gaza and French President Emmanuel Macron is in Israel pushing for such a pause today.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced Tuesday that it has suspended GM-owned Cruises permits to operate driverless vehicles in the state  effective immediately. The suspension was based on several safety-related issues. It isnt yet clear if the move is directly related to an incident earlier this month when a Cruise robotaxi pinned a pedestrian under its tire in San Francisco after another cars hit-and-run.

According to an emailed statement the California DMV supplied to Engadget, the suspension was based on safety-related regulations. These include:

13 CCR 228.20 (b) (6) - Based upon the performance of the vehicles, the Department determines the manufacturers vehicles are not safe for the publics operation.

13 CCR 228.20 (b) (3) - The manufacturer has misrepresented any information related to safety of the autonomous technology of its vehicles.

13 CCR 227.42 (b)(5) - Any act or omission of the manufacturer or one of its agents, employees, contractors, or designees which the department finds makes the conduct of autonomous vehicle testing on public roads by the manufacturer an unreasonable risk to the public.

13 CCR 227.42 (c)- The department shall immediately suspend or revoke the Manufacturers Testing Permit or a Manufacturers Testing Permit - Driverless Vehicles if a manufacturer is engaging in a practice in such a manner that immediate suspension is required for the safety of persons on a public road.

The CA DMV says it has supplied Cruise with a path back to driverless operation in the state. The DMV has provided Cruise with the steps needed to apply to reinstate its suspended permits, which the DMV will not approve until the company has fulfilled the requirements to the departments satisfaction, the statement reads. The agency added that the suspension doesnt affect Cruises ability to test autonomous vehicles with a safety driver.

Cruise and Waymo received approval from California regulators earlier this year to operate and charge fares for fully autonomous cars in San Francisco at any time of the day. But the DMV asked the company in August to rein in its fleet by half, citing an investigation into crashes involving the autonomous vehicles. At the time, Cruise agreed to operate no more than 50 robotaxis in San Francisco during the day and at most 150 of them at night. However, todays move abruptly stops those agreements, at least temporarily ceasing all safety-driverless autonomous operations in California until further notice.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The California Department of Motor Vehicles has suspended the permits and vehicle deployment for Cruises driverless taxis, citing an unreasonable risk to public safety.

The suspension is effective immediately.

The DMV said its autonomous vehicle regulations provide a framework to facilitate the safe testing and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology on Californias public roads. When there is an unreasonable risk to public safety, the DMV can immediately suspend or revoke permits, the DMV said.

Las Vegas woman left U2 concert to take $50K from sugar daddys hotel safe, police say

The DMV notified Cruise of the suspension on Tuesday and provided the company with the steps needed to reapply to reinstate its suspended permits.

The companys permits can be reinstated, but only after Cruise has fulfilled the requirements to the departments satisfaction, the DMV explained. The DMV said the suspension does not impact Cruises permit for testing with a safety driver.

Nexstars KRON has reached out to Cruise for a response but has yet to hear back.

There have been a number of high-profile incidents of Cruise driverless vehicles malfunctioning on San Francisco city streets.

Last month, the San Francisco Fire Department accused two Cruise self-driving cars of blocking an ambulance transporting a patient who later died at a hospital.

The 50 rattiest cities in the US, as ranked by Orkin

This delay, no matter how minimal, contributed to a poor patient outcome, the fire department wrote in records obtained and published by Forbes. Cruise argued at the time that its data shows its autonomous vehicles have encountered emergency crews more than 168,000 times without any problem.

In August, a driverless Cruise vehicle and a fire engine collided, and in April, another Cruise car tried to squeeze passed a fire engine and battalion chiefs vehicle. That same month, Cruise recalled the software used by its autonomous cars after one of its taxis collided with a San Francisco city bus.

In April 2022, a Cruise vehicle was pulled over by a police officer only to apparently drive off when the officer turned his back. The company told KRON the vehicle was stopped because it did not have its headlights on due to human error.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Tuesday that he is joining dozens of other states in a federal lawsuit against Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that it is harming the mental health of young people.

The lawsuit, which is co-led by both Democratic and Republican attorneys general, alleges that the tech giant has violated both state and federal laws, including the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act and Californias False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law.

The complaint alleges that Meta has created a business model that maximizes the time young people spend on its platforms and that it uses psychologically manipulative features while misleading the public about the safety of those features. States charge that the company also misleads the public about how many users are harmed by the platforms, that it refuses to address those harms and that it works to conceal and downplay the adverse effects.

Our bipartisan investigation has arrived at a solemn conclusion: Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits, Bonta said in a statement.

Much of the complaint against Meta remains under seal, meaning it is not publicly available. But Bontas office in a statement cited publicly available sources  such as testimony from former Meta employees  about the companys attempts to addict children and teens.

Bonta also has an ongoing investigation into the social media platform TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, for practices allegedly harmful to young users.

In response to the lawsuit, Meta released the following statement:

We share the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families. Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

This lawsuit is the latest front in Californias ongoing battle with Meta. Earlier this year, lawmakers considered a bill that would have required Meta and other social media companies to pay for news that is shared on their platforms. That bill was delayed until 2024.

In 2022, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law  AB 2273  that prohibits social media companies from using childrens personal information. NetChoice, a tech industry lobbyist group that represents several companies, including Meta, is currently suing to block the law from going into effect.
A California man who sent hundreds of harrowing messages to an activist against gun violence whose daughter was killed in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting has been sentenced to 1 year in federal prison, according to prosecutors and court documents.

James Catalano, 62, of Fresno, California, pled guilty to cyberstalking on March 28, according to the court documents. CNN has reached out to his attorney.

In December 2021, a parent of one of the students killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School began receiving a slew of harassing messages with references to his daughter, the manner of her death, her pain and suffering as she was murdered and his advocacy against gun violence. The parent is identified only with the initials F.G. in court documents.

According to a complaint, on June 21, 2022, F.G. tweeted, Three weeks after the Parkland shooting, & on the day that gun safety legislation was passed in Florida, I stood with @marcorubio & asked him to support what was about to happen in Florida. He refused. He was a waste then and he is a waste now. Florida will elect @valdemings.

Fred Guttenberg - Amy Beth Bennett/Pool via Reuters

CNN has found that the tweet and others mentioned in the complaint were sent by Fred Guttenberg  who has dedicated his life to fighting for gun safety in America after his 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, was among the 17 people killed at Parkland, his Twitter profile reads.

Catalano replied to Guttenbergs tweets and continued to send harassing messages through July 2022 via multiple online platforms. Catalano sent hundreds of disparaging messages, which graphically described the victims daughters death, and focused on the debate surrounding gun control and the victims activism against gun violence, according to a news release Monday from the US Attorneys Office, Southern District of Florida.

Federal authorities were informed of the messages and traced two IP addresses to Catalanos workplace and home in Fresno, according to court documents.

On July 20, 2022, Catalano met with law enforcement after waiving his Miranda rights, according to a complaint. He admitted to sending the messages.

Guttenberg tweeted following the sentencing Friday, saying it sends a message to those who cyberstalk the families of shooting victims that they will be caught and punished.

CNN has reached out to Guttenberg for comment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A man who sent hundreds of repulsive online messages to the father of a high school student killed in the Parkland mass shooting was sentenced in Miami federal court to a year behind bars.

James Catalano, 62, who had pleaded guilty to cyber harassment, must also spend three years of supervised release after he gets out of prison. He has until Nov. 29 to surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami, records show.

The California resident, sentenced Friday, admitted to authorities that he sent more than 200 vile messages to Fred Guttenberg , whose 14-year-old daughter was one of 17 people killed at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, because the author and gun safety advocate was using his dead daughter to push his political agenda, according to a criminal complaint.

In a Tuesday phone call with the Miami Herald, Guttenberg said he hopes Catalanos sentence sends a strong message to people who engage in online harassment in the United States.

It needs to be clear to everybody in America that if you engage in online harassment, there is a chance you will be arrested and prosecuted, Guttenberg said.

Starting in December 2021, Catalano sent a slew of harassing messages to Guttenberg through the contact page of Orange Ribbons for Gun Safety, a nonprofit he founded to reduce gun violence by advocating for gun safety policies and candidates.

Many of these messages referred to his daughter Jaime Guttenberg, the manner of her death, and her pain and suffering as she was murdered along with other students and staff on Feb. 14, 2018. The messages, which were also included in the criminal complaint, also mentioned Fred Guttenbergs gun safety advocacy. They also showed support for former President Donald Trump and disdain for President Joe Biden and the LGBTQ community, according to Catalanos criminal complaint.

Jaime Guttenberg, 14, was one of 17 people killed in the Parkland, Florida mass shooting on Feb. 14, 2018. Her father, Fred Guttenberg, told the Miami Herald he took this photo of her the day before the massacre.

Among the messages: Catalano said that Fred Guttenberg was never going to be happy after his daughters murder and that she was rotting in hell.

We are having a party every night of this fantastic Parkland trial, Catalano said. So glad to celebrate blood and death.

In another message, Catalano wrote: Just got my concealed carry permit. Wish [Jaime] was alive so I could show it to her. But, damn... she got slaughtered and is now in hell.

Guttenberg said he felt threatened but that he never considered giving up his gun safety advocacy. Last year, he published a book he coauthored called American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence.

My daughter was murdered in school, Guttenberg said Tuesday. Thats all that matters to me.

Fred Guttenberg reacts as he awaits a verdict in the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Guttenbergs daughter, Jaime, was killed in the 2018 shootings. Cruz, who plead guilty to 17 counts of premeditated murder in the 2018 shootings, is the most lethal mass shooter to stand trial in the U.S. He was previously sentenced to 17 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for 17 additional counts of attempted murder for the students he injured that day. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool)

Catalano continued sending the hateful content until at least June of 2022  seven months after he began the rants, according to court documents. In July, Catalano admitted to law enforcement to be the author.

Catalano further stated that he believes that Fred Guttenberg was using his dead daughter to push his political agenda, that Catalano did not like that Guttenberg was doing that, and that Catalano was trying to put Guttenberg in check by sending him the messages, an FBI agent said in the criminal complaint.

In November, school shooter Nikolas Cruz received a prison sentence of life without parole for each of the slain victims and the 17 others he wounded during the massacre.
In California, your property is your responsibility. But what about the space in between? The parts you share with your neighbor?

Reader Mary Anne Broers asked The Sacramento Bees service journalism team, which focuses on helping the community navigate daily life: Is my neighbor liable for damage to our shared fence?

Broers told Bee Curious, a community-driven series in which we answer reader questions, that the neighbors palm tree was cut down and damaged the fence between their properties.

The tree was cut down but the stump was left, Broers wrote. It is not possible to repair/replace the fence because the stump encroaches the area of the fence line.

Heres what California law says on which neighbor is responsible for damage to a shared fence:

Californias Good Neighbor Fence Law

Californias Good Neighbor Fence Law, or Civil Code 841, states adjoining property owners share equal responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and structures on the property line

Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties, the civil code states. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, (both) shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence.

Do I have to give my California neighbor a notice before fixing our fence?

Before a property owner plans to make any changes to the shared fence, they must give their neighbor a written notice 30 days before.

According to the code, the notice must include the following information:

A notification of the costs of construction, maintenance or necessary replacement.

A description of the problem with the shared fence and the proposed solution.

The proposed cost split and possible timeline for getting the problem addressed.

If one neighbor feels that equal responsibility for the costs are unjust, both neighbors can go to court where they will consider all of the following:

Whether the cost to one landowner is unfair.

Whether the cost would make a big difference in the value of the property.

Whether the cost to one landowner would cause financial hardship.

Whether the cost is unnecessary or appears to be the result of the neighbors personal preference.

When a tree damages the fence

California Civil Code 833 states that if a trees trunk is solely on the land of ones neighbor, the tree belongs to them even if the roots grow into another property.

While Californias code of civil procedure prohibits cutting down your neighbors tree, you can cut or trim the parts of the tree that encroach on your property as long as you dont do lasting damage or kill the tree itself.

When your neighbors branches and roots come onto your property and cause damage, California law states, it can be considered a nuisance.

If the property is damaged, you can seek compensation for the measure of damages.

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.
California and 32 other states on Tuesday sued Facebook parent company Meta over allegations that it "designed and deployed harmful features" on the main social network and its platform Instagram despite knowing about the mental health risks to young people.

"Meta has harnessed its extraordinary innovation and technology to lure youth and teens to maximize use of its products," state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said at a news conference in San Francisco. "In seeking to bolster profits, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its products."

The 233-page lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Northern California, alleges the social media giant violated state consumer protection laws and a federal law aimed at safeguarding the privacy of children younger than 13. Other states such as Florida, Utah and Vermont filed separate lawsuits. A total of 41 states and Washington, D.C., took legal actions against Meta.

The legal actions highlight how states are trying to address potential mental health dangers exacerbated by social media platforms, including body image issues, anxiety and depression. Meta was compared to the tobacco industry in a separate news conference with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general including from Colorado, Tennessee, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

"It seems to be part of a corporate playbook where there is knowledge about harms to the public and it is hidden and lied about," Bonta said.

State attorneys general from across the nation in 2021 started investigating Metas promotion of its photo- and video-sharing social media platform Instagram to children and young people. Advocacy groups, lawmakers and parents have criticized Meta, alleging the multibillion-dollar company hasnt done enough to combat content about eating disorders, suicide and other potential harms to users.

As part of the investigation, the state attorneys general looked at Meta's strategies for compelling young people to spend more time on its platform. Some of those tactics include allowing users to infinitely scroll through posts on the app, luring teens to log on with constant notifications and enticing them to return to view content before it vanishes in 24 hours. The lawsuit also alleges that Meta failed to address the platform's harms even though it knew through internal research it was potentially dangerous to teens. Features such as the "like" button could lead teens to compare the popularity of their posts to others' and beauty filters can promote body dysmorphia, the lawsuit alleges.

Meta said it's committed to keeping teens safe, noting it rolled out more than 30 tools to support young people and families.

"Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path, a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

Scrutiny over Metas potential damage to the mental health of young people intensified in 2021 after Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, disclosed tens of thousands of internal company documents. Some of those documents included research that showed Facebook is toxic for teen girls, worsening body image issues and suicidal thoughts, the Wall Street Journal reported in 2021. Meta said that its research was mischaracterized, and that teens also reported Instagram made them feel better about other issues such as loneliness and sadness.

That year, executives from the social media company including Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified before Congress. Instagram then paused its development of a kids' version of the app and rolled out more controls so parents could limit the amount of time teens spend on it. Social media apps like Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old, but children have lied about their age to access the platform.

Families in various states have sued Meta, blaming Instagram for worsening eating disorders and increasing suicidal thoughts among teenage girls. However, those legal actions have been impeded because Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act shields online platforms from being held liable for content posted by users. In California, tech companies and industry groups have also sued to stop new state laws aimed at protecting child safety and promoting transparency about content moderation from taking effect. While other lawsuits are still ongoing, Bonta said it's possible the latest legal actions could help families receive monetary relief.

Read more: California lawmakers want to make social media safer for young people. Can they finally succeed?

Through the lawsuit, California and other states are hoping to change the practices of social media companies. Platforms such as Meta could change default settings and limit how much time young people spend on the apps, Bonta said. They could also tweak how they're recommending content to teens, which can pull young people down a rabbit hole of harmful videos and images.

The lawsuit accuses Meta of violating a federal children's privacy law. The platform collects personal data from children without parental consent even though the social media site promotes children's content and knows about users younger than 13, according to the lawsuit. Meta, for example, launched an ad campaign to direct teens to Instagram, which also hosted "child-oriented" content about Sesame Street, Lego and Hello Kitty on its platform, the lawsuit stated.

While more young people have defected from Facebook, Instagram remains popular among U.S. teens, according to a Pew Research Center survey released this year. About 62% of teens reported using Instagram in 2022. TikTok and Snapchat are also commonly used by teens.

About 22 million U.S. teens log on to Instagram every day, according to the lawsuit.

The amount of time teens spend on social media has been a growing concern especially as platforms use algorithms to recommend content they think users like to view. In 2022, attorneys general across the country started investigating TikToks potential harm to young people as well.

As social media platforms face more lawsuits that can drag on for years, technology continues to evolve rapidly. Meta has been doubling down on virtual reality and artificial intelligence that can generate content.

Bonta said that if state attorneys general need to amend the complaint in the future, that might be a move worth considering.

"We're focused on the well-documented practices that have caused the harm that leads us to today," he said.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A driverless rideshare companys permits have been suspended in California effective immediately.

Citing an "unreasonable risk to public safety," California DMV has suspended Cruises autonomous vehicle deployment and driverless testing permits, effective immediately. Cruise, an autonomous vehicle rideshare, has expressed an interest in operating in Charlotte @wsoctv  Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) October 24, 2023

Citing an unreasonable risk to public safety, the California Department of Motor Vehicles suspended Cruises autonomous vehicle deployment and driverless testing permits.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

Back in August, Cruise finished its preliminary testing of self-driving cars in Charlotte. The company told Channel 9s Joe Bruno then that theres no timeline yet for when its cars will launch without drivers in the Queen City. It said the next step is to fine-tune the technology to the unique driving conditions of the city before launching driverless cars.

Cruise has faced some issues with its cars. The company has nearly 400 all-electric vehicles and offers driverless ridehail services for people living in San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix.

In August, 10 of the cars stalled all at once in San Francisco and created gridlock for 20 minutes. The company blamed connectivity issues.

(PREVIOUS: Driverless rideshare company tests cars in Charlotte)




The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Gaza Strip so that vital resources can be sent to the territory amid the war between Israel and Hamas.

WHO remains unable to distribute fuel and essential, life-saving health supplies to major hospitals in northern Gaza due to lack of security guarantees, the health agency wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitte. WHO calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire so health supplies and fuel can be delivered safely throughout the Gaza Strip.

In their lengthy statement, the health agency described how many hospitals in the territory are running low on fuel and essential health resources. It said the Turkish Friendship Hospital, the only oncology hospital in the territory, is only partially functional due to lack of fuel, leaving 2,000 cancer patients at risk.

In addition to the hospitals that have had to close due to damage and attacks, six hospitals across the Gaza Strip have already shut down due to lack of fuel. Unless vital fuel and additional health supplies are urgently delivered into Gaza, thousands of vulnerable patients risk death or medical complications as critical services shut down due to lack of power, the WHO said.

These include 1000 patients dependent on dialysis, 130 premature babies who need a range of care, and patients in intensive care or requiring surgery who depend on a stable and uninterrupted supply of electricity to stay alive.

Its been two weeks since Hamas, which the U.S. recognizes as a terrorist organization and is the governing authority of Gaza, launched an attack on Israel that left 1,400 people dead.

In response, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes in Gaza, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) saying it launched more than 400 strikes Monday on the territory, a slight increase from about 320 the previous day.

As a result of Israels airstrikes, a Hamas-run health ministry said that 5,791 residents have been killed in the attacks, and that 6,297 citizens have been injured.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) emerged as Republicans' latest nominee for speaker, then as its latest dropout, unable to get to 217 votes. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Its not worth debating the daily drivel from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy that his sacking three weeks ago, and Republicans' failure to unite behind a successor, is Democrats fault  that Democrats, by voting with a minority of Republicans first against McCarthy and then against seditionist Rep. Jim Jordan, are to blame for the Houses ongoing paralysis.

Just ask yourself: If a Democrat had moved to unseat McCarthys predecessor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, would McCarthy and other Republicans have voted to keep his fellow Californian in the job?

Right. Not just no, but hell no.

And yet, a couple separate questions that are gnawing at some Democrats are worthy of consideration: Should House Democrats have tried to save McCarthy? And now that hes whacked, should they form some coalition with the relatively few sane Republicans to elect a speaker?

For me the answers are still no and no. And I say that even though my inclination after years of covering Congress is to favor compromise and consensus-building for the good of the institution and the country, even if the outcome  in this case, a speaker  isnt one youd have picked for yourself.

Read more: Calmes: Has the Republican Party grown so anti-government that it cannot govern at all?

On Tuesday, House Republicans nominated a third speaker candidate, Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota. But as with Jordan, of Ohio, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Lousiana, Emmer fell far short of what he needed to win a majority on the House floor, assuming Democrats would oppose him. So, like Scalise, Emmer dropped out of contention, leaving Republicans further humiliated and resorting to nighttime votes on additional candidates who will never be speaker, with the House still inoperable.

Emmer had a big handicap  former President Trump had telegraphed his thumbs-down. Emmer had done the unforgivable as far as the Don and his House henchmen are concerned: He was among the minority of House Republicans who voted on Jan. 6, 2021, post-mayhem, to certify Joe Biden s election as president. That vote, and Emmer's relatively moderate record generally, might have made him a contender for some Democrats' votes. But he couldn't have made a deal with them without hemorrhaging Republican support.

That dynamic underscores why Democrats havent seriously broached the idea of negotiating a speaker compromise with Republicans, despite their professed openness, and it only makes sense: In reality, there has been no one to negotiate with.

Read more: Column: These California Republicans voted for Jim Jordan and against the good of the country. Remember their names

That brings us back to the question of why Democrats didnt help McCarthy, if only to avoid ending up with a worse speaker (as Jordans candidacy threatened). For starters, McCarthy refused just hours before his defenestration to bargain with Democrats.

Not only did he not offer Democrats anything  he gave them more than ample reason to oppose him. Two days before the Republican motion to unseat him, McCarthy enraged Democrats by falsely claiming on CBS Face the Nation that theyd tried to block his stopgap government-funding compromise that averted a federal shutdown. In fact, Democrats had merely sought a few hours to read the bill  justifiably not trusting McCarthys description of it  and then provided more votes than Republicans did to pass the measure.

Read more: Calmes: Could Jim Jordan do anything other than tear government apart?

Months earlier, McCarthy reneged on the spending cuts deal he'd made with President Biden to prevent the nation from defaulting on its debt. He simply caved to his partys extremists and authorized deeper cuts, setting up a new impasse with the Senate and the president (and the prospect of a government shutdown in mid-November).

Also, McCarthy and Jordan are the two Republicans most responsible for the now-stalled, and groundless, impeachment inquiry against Biden. Should Democrats reward them with votes for speaker?

Another factor supporting Democrats stand: tradition. For two centuries, since political parties evolved, the majority has nominated and elected one of its own for speaker, typically without any votes from the minority party. McCarthys ouster Oct. 3 was unprecedented in U.S. history, and now Republicans are making more history by their inability to unite behind a replacement. It would be ahistorical for Democrats to bail them out.

Read more: Calmes: House Republicans should stop following Netanyahu's chaotic example

And heres yet another justification for Democrats stance, though not one I endorse necessarily: Their pro-government predilection for making the government work is running up against pressure from party voters to fight.

As Republicans in recent years have become more brazen in their partisan tactics  denying the legitimacy of Bidens election, blocking President Obamas Supreme Court nominee and ramming through three of their own, and gerrymandering congressional districts, just to name a few  Democratic voters have become ever more vocal in urging their partys pols to grow spines.

Democrats have signaled what they'd want if Republicans would negotiate, and they arent asking for the moon. The workaday nature of their asks speaks to Republicans extremism. They want Republicans to agree to prevent a government shutdown, fund the government at the spending levels agreed to in the debt deal, and provide further military aid to Ukraine as well as to Israel, and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians  all things Republicans should support on their own.

Read more: Calmes: McCarthy flopped, but blame the chaos on the entire Republican Party

One last hurdle to consider: Let's say that Democrats do somehow help Republicans out of their jam. They know that no sooner would the House reopen for business than Republicans would return to their own destructive business, not least their search for some reason to impeach the Democratic president.

The headless House majority is a problem of Republicans making. They must solve it, and make concessions to Democrats if necessary. As depressing as this paralysis is, it has had this benefit: Republicans have been exposed for their radicalism and thus their inability to govern. Thats good for voters to see before they go to the polls next year.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The United Auto Workers union turned up the heat on General Motors as 5,000 workers walked off their jobs Tuesday at a highly profitable SUV factory in Arlington, Texas.

The move comes just a day after the union went on strike at a Stellantis pickup truck factory in Sterling Heights, Michigan, north of Detroit.

The additional plants further escalate a labor dispute that's in its sixth week and now has about 46,000 union workers off the job. And rhetoric from both sides shows that they remain far apart on what they believe are fair wage and benefits offers, with the company and the union hold firmly to their positions.

The addition of the Arlington plant, which makes big truck-based SUVs such as the Cheverolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, came just after GM announced strong third-quarter financial results. The SUVs are among GM's most profitable vehicles.

The company on Tuesday posted a net profit of just over $3 billion for the quarter, down 7% from a year ago. But the company reported strong demand and prices for its vehicles.

UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement that GM beat Wall Street expectations, yet its offer lags behind Ford, preserving a two-tier wage structure and offering the weakest 401(k) contribution of all three companies at 8%. Its time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share, Fain said.

GM CEO Mary Barra said on Tuesday mornings earnings conference call that the company already has made a record offer and wont agree to a contract that jeopardizes the companys future.

The union said the move came just hours after GM announced quarterly earnings and four days after Fain said GMs latest offer wasnt large enough.

Barra said GMs record offer rewards employees but doesnt put the company or UAW jobs at risk. Accepting unsustainably high costs would put our future and GM team member jobs at risk, and jeopardizing our future is something I will not do, she said in a statement.

After the Arlington strike was announced, GM said that it's disappointed in the escalation, calling the strike unnecessary and irresponsible. The strike is harming employees and will have negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers, and the communities that rely on us.

Automakers have made layoffs since the strike began and blamed walkouts for the job cuts. And shares of General Motors Co. are down more than 13% this year, touching lows Tuesday that haven't been seen since 2020 during the pandemic, when the company's sales growth tumbled almost 11%.

Last week GM made an offer that increased its previous offer by about 25% in total value, the company said.

Thomas Kochan, a professor of work and employment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the escalation means the negotiations are at a pivotal point.

The pressures for reaching an agreement that everybody can live with are immense on both the company and the union, he said. The effects of an expanded strike across the three companies and prolonged over time would be profound, and would have very serious negative effects on the companies and on the workforce.

The companies, he said, are close to the limits on their offers and the union is close to what it legitimately can expect to get.

There comes a time where the parties have to have very private conversations in negotiations, Kochan said. Its time for the public rhetoric to stop.

He said both sides have to test whether an agreement is possible. They are professional negotiators and should be able to find the point where both parties can live with a new agreement.
Gary and Josh Dunmore died of gunshot wounds at their homes which were six miles apart in Cambridgeshire

A safety review has been commissioned following the murders of a father and son who were shot dead.

Stephen Alderton, 67, killed Gary Dunmore, 57, and Josh Dunmore, 32 at separate properties in two Cambridgeshire villages in March.

Cambridge Crown Court heard during the trial the murders came two days after a family court hearing.

Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership will conduct a domestic homicide review (DHR).

Josh Dunmore, the former partner of Alderton's daughter, died of gunshot wounds at his home in Bluntisham on 29 March.

His father Gary was also found dead at his home six miles away in Sutton on the same day.

A representative from East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership will be invited to the DHR panel because Gary Dunmore was from that district.

DHRs look at the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over seems to have resulted from violence, abuse, or neglect by someone they were related to, lived with, or were in an intimate relationship with.

The trail heard Stephen Alderton had a shotgun licence and lawfully held a Beretta shotgun, which was used in both killings

Alderton was arrested by armed police in his motorhome on the M5 near Worcester hours after the shootings, and his trial heard he told them "sometimes you have to do what you have to do even if it's wrong in the eyes of the law".

Soon after the first shooting was reported in Bluntisham, the body of Gary Dunmore, 57, was found in The Row, Sutton

Alderton, of no fixed address, was jailed for life for a minimum of 25 years on Monday for the two murders.

Judge Mark Bishop said Alderton murdered the men over his "distorted beliefs" about family court proceedings "following what was an interim and not final hearing on 27 March".

The judge told the defendant: "You took the decision to take the law into your own hands and end the lives of two innocent men."

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: "As is a statutory requirement in these sad circumstances, a Domestic Homicide Review has been commissioned on behalf of the relevant Community Safety Partnerships.

"This type of review looks at what public bodies can do to learn from what has taken place and how these organisations provide support to those affected by domestic violence."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
As candidates attempted to convince voters in 2022 that they were best suited to join the School Board of Alachua County, they were frequently asked one major question: What are your plans for the superintendent role?

The overwhelming answer among all candidates was to conduct a national search, rather than looking locally. The goal was to find a problem solver who can address rezoning, teacher retention and delve into a long-term strategic plan.

But just one year later, still looking to resolve the same issues, some of those candidates have made an about-face move and say they are pleased with the current leadership.

To better help readers understand the School Boards recent split decision to not move forward with a national search, despite public demands, here is a timeline of events involving Alachua Countys elected officials and their positions.

Alachua County Superintendent Shane Andrew looks at board member Leanetta McNealy as she talks about his performance during a May 2, 2023 meeting.

Simons appointment

In November 2020, former superintendent Karen Clarkes announced that she would resign from the position after serving the district for more than 30 years. She planned to leave by summer so that the board could conduct a search. The board, however, terminated her contract early. The next month, a split board appointed Carlee Simon to the interim position and later selected promoted her to the permanent role. Rob Hyatt and Gunnar Paulson voted against her appointment.

Throughout her tenure, Simon faced a barrage of attacks from several community members, mainly from conservatives who disagreed with her and the boards challenge of the states mask and vaccine policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also faced criticism for being chosen without a national search.

Simon often discussed the need for financial accountability, bringing up concerns with a questionable land deal from previous leadership and management of Camp Crystal. She also shared a vision for larger goals, like rezoning and implementing a strategic plan, ideas that began to formalize. But that all changed when Diyonne McGraw was removed from office after running for a district seat she didnt live in.

After Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Mildred Russell, the board outed Simon in March 2022. Hyatt and Paulson, joined by Russell, were the deciding majority.

More: Former superintendent named dean for Alaska university, reflects on time in Alachua County

Andrews appointment

In March 2022, the School Board had a short list of candidates for the vacant role. Among them were long-time district employee Chief of Operations Shane Andrew, retired administrator Kathy Black, acting superintendent Donna Jones and former superintendent Owen Roberts, who resigned after it was found he plagiarized in his book.

The majority of those who spoke at public comment at the meeting, including Tina Days, Nathan Skop and future School Board member Sarah Rockwell, all advocated for a national search.

Alachua County School Board

The boards majority wanted to elevate Jones to the role but she withdrew consideration as she was nearing retirement.

It was Tina Certain who nominated Andrew for the interim role, with Hyatt adding that the next board should be one who selects the next superintendent. The motion, seconded by Leanetta McNealy, passed 3-2 with Rusell and Paulson in dissent.

Calls for national search

During election season, four of the five seats were up for grabs. Candidates were frequently asked whether they intended to do a national or local search, given the resentment from some community members about how the past few selections were handled.

During an August 2, 2022 forum hosted on Facebook Live by the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors (GACAR), candidates were asked again about their plans.

I think it would be wise to look nationally for a candidate, Kay Abbitt said.

As we search for a superintendent, I think we need to do a nationwide search. We need to prioritize that even though its a bit more time-consuming and costly, said Rockwell, adding that all stakeholders should have their voices heard.

One of the first things that I will be looking at as a new board member coming in is coming up with an action plan where we as a board have to have our expectations for the process of hiring a new superintendent, said McGraw, who added that the board should work together to find what skills they want in a leader. ... The people have spoken. I would like to see a national search. We will work with Mr. Andrew during the timeframe that we have to, but we need to move forward.

I would nationally, but this community has to embrace new leadership that has a growth mindset that will follow the directives of the board, Certain said. But everybody wants change until the change is starting to be made.

All the other candidates who ran  Daniel Fisher, Russell, Ray Holt and Prescott Cowles  also said they supported the national search.

During a workshop in May, McGraw, who won back her seat, again called for a search, saying I think we need somebody from the outside  regardless of whos friends who knows each other. We got to get back to student focus. Thats the problem in this district, were not student-focused.

The only two to uphold their promise to voters have been Certain and Rockwell.

Andrews evaluation

At the May 6 School Board meeting, Andrews evaluation was up for discussion after he was scored poorly by some. His own self-evaluation also brought concerns, including taking credit for initiatives under Simons tenure and excluding key data that showed a host of underperforming elementary schools that were 2-7% proficiency in reading and math.

Also discussed at that meeting was an incident that occurred weeks earlier in another meeting with 12 staff members where he brought a Bible into the meeting and accused staff of backstabbing him by speaking with board members. He also likened himself to the biblical figure Joshua and said he had the upper hand over board members if they attempted to fire him, adding that he would have support at the May 6 meeting from various community members. He has denied the incident occurred.

More: School district employees reprimanded, demoted for taking notes after Bible meeting

A split board voted 3-2 to honor Andrews contract as an interim through the summer and delay a search until January 2024. Abbitt, McGraw and McNealy supported the motion, while Certain and Rockwell voted against it.

A packed room showed up to defend Andrew that night for his annual evaluation discussion, as Andrew suggested they would weeks earlier. Most in attendance agree that delaying the search until January was a fair move. Among the speakers included former Alachua city manager Adam Boukari, Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe, Newberry Commissioner Tim Marden and Russell.

What changed?

Since that meeting, the district has struggled to start its strategic planning process or figure out its rezoning to alleviate overcrowded schools. Andrew has delayed both plans along with setting other goals, citing his interim status.

McNealy, who previously wanted a national search, has said Andrew already met all student needs but needs more time to work on rezoning, a process that she also wanted to see delayed.

Andrew has also since hired McGraw's daughter as a parent liaison at Gainesville High School and appointed several other of the board member's acquaintances to various roles throughout the district.

Alachua County Interim Superintendent Shane Andrew at the School Board meeting on Oct. 17, 2023.

At the Oct. 17 meeting, Andrew suggested the board vote down the search and that a board member could just make a motion to negotiate his contract, which would include a pay raise and severance package, as well as avoid any public input on the matter.

Due to the significance of the issue, School Board attorney David Delaney said the topic would need to be placed on an agenda. Andrew disagreed and said the board votes on issues not on the agenda all the time and signaled that he would like his contract to be renegotiated prior to Jan. 1. His current contract includes a salary of $175,000, which is higher than most similarly-sized districts, and a car allowance of $800 per month.

McNealy then made the motion to discuss his contract at the Dec. 5 meeting, which passed. The vote to hire the search firm, however, failed 2-3 with McNealy, Abbitt and McGraw in dissent.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Alachua School Board candidates reverse backtrack promise for search
As advocates who promote sustainable and resilient farming in California, we continue to witness the urgent need for action in the face of climate change. Collectively, our organizations work to improve the health and well-being of farm workers, provide training and resources to help farm workers transition to organic farm ownership, and increase access to healthy food for all.

Climate change is all too real a threat in California for the people we serve. Farmers are facing an unprecedented frequency and intensity of drought, floods, extreme heat and wildfires. Small and medium-sized farmers with thin profit margins are at greatest risk, as are the younger farmers on whom we will be increasingly dependent as our aging farmer population retires.

We are also dependent on the workers who grow and process our food who face many climate-induced hazards, both in the field and at home. Many cannot afford or do not have access to safe drinking water, clean air and well-insulated homes.

Opinion

As we learned during the pandemic, our food processing and distribution systems are highly centralized and susceptible to supply chain disruptions which are likely to be more common with climate change, leading even greater hardships for the 8 million Californians who are food insecure.

Frank Tamborello at Hunger Action Los Angeles told us about Trinidad Luna, a Hunger Action Los Angeles member and double amputee, who has struggled after his COVID benefits ended in April. He can afford a gallon of milk, bread and peanut butter, but is left with just $8 to last the rest of the month. And hes not the only one: According to a recent study, one in five Californians are considered food insecure. These Californians depend on school meals, food banks and senior nutrition programs to survive.

We firmly believe that with vision, ingenuity and financial investments, we can build on effective models to create a food and farming system for the future.

Our vision for the future is one where all farm workers and their families are housed in dignified, affordable, energy-efficient homes, and where farmers are supported in using climate-resilient practices like improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and conserving water. We must build regional food processing and fisheries facilities, school kitchens, community food programs, urban farms and food distribution hubs organized around the needs of local communities that create markets for healthy, fresh, California-grown vegetables, nuts, fruits, meats and fish.

But where will the money come from to invest in this future?

State budget funding has proved unreliable in recent years. During the last two budget years, when the state had historically high revenues, over $3 billion was invested in programs and projects that moved us closer to this vision for a better food system. However, in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget deal, many of these gains were reduced or eliminated altogether. This inconsistency in funding cannot continue if we are to improve Californias food and farming system.

The California Legislature is considering several bond measures that would be on the November 2024 ballot to fund climate mitigation and resilience on forest lands, wetlands, open space and in the food and farming system. Assembly members Lori Wilson and Eduardo Garcia and California State Senator Ben Allen are leading these efforts and are negotiating what will be included in the package of measures.

We cannot wait for the states next economic upturn to invest in our food security. A 2024 climate bond measure is an opportunity to make once-in-a-generation investments in building a more resilient and equitable food system for all Californians while curbing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping farmers profitable and farm workers safe.

Patricia Carrillo is the executive director of the Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association. Irene de Barraicua is the director of policy and communications for Lideres Campesinas. Frank Tamborello, the executive director of Hunger Action LA and a member of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, also assisted with this piece.
CANTON  A 25-year-old city resident has been sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for raping a 13-year-old girl in June 2021.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank G. Forchione sentenced Matthew A. Gibbs on Monday for rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. In addition to serving the prison time, Gibbs will be required to register his address with the local sheriff every 90 days for the rest of his life following his release.

A jury found Gibbs guilty in a trial that ended Thursday.

Forchione appointed attorney George Urban to handle Gibbs' appeal of his conviction.

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com.

On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Judge Forchione sentences Matthew A. Gibbs, 25, for raping girl, 13
With cold winter weather on the horizon, Cardinal Sean OMalley is asking parishes throughout the Boston area to lend a helping hand to migrant families as the states shelter system is pushed to its limits.

In a letter to parishes across the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Monday, OMalley asked members of the clergy and churchgoers to act now before the need becomes overwhelming.

I offer this invitation in the spirit of Pope Francis who has asked us as Catholics to watch the peripheries of society where suffering is located. In our time, migrants and refugees are among the most vulnerable individuals and families in the United States. It is my hope and desire that as a Church we respond generously and effectively, OMalley writes.

In his letter, OMalley details how a shelter system already hosting 7,000 families is expected to welcome another 500 before the end of the month. Last week, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey put pressure on federal officials to address the growing migrant crisis, saying state officials can no longer guarantee shelter placement for new families arriving in the state.

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have been deeply committed and determined to care for a rising immigration population, but they have also been honest in saying that the Commonwealth faces a mounting crisis beyond its capacity to respond effectively, OMalley writes.

OMalley says some parishes have already welcomed some families and placed them into new shelters. He also asks that any parish that hasnt already received a St. Vincent de Paul Society donation bin to request one. Parishioners will be able to donate winter coats, boats, and socks to be picked up before Thanksgiving.

OMalley also asks that churchgoers donate diapers, toothbrushes (adult and child size) toothpaste, soap, deodorant, mouthwash, combs, lotion, shampoo, washcloth, and Kleenex tissues.

There may also be a time when severe weather displaces migrant families in need. He asks that churches that are able to open their doors.

If this occurs offering short-term critical care and shelter in the biblical sense of welcoming the stranger will be the appropriate response from the Archdiocese as a whole, said OMalley.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Cargo ship Verity crash - latest: P&O passenger cruise diverted to help in North Sea search after fatal crash

Rescue divers are searching for signs of life on a British cargo boat that crashed and sank this morning as four sailors remain missing.

One sailor has died and two have been rescued, reveal German authorities.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Verity was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham. The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie, remained afloat with 22 people on board.

A P&O cruise called the Iona which was travelling from Hamburg is helping with the urgent rescue mission, confirmed officals.

According to reports, passengers were panicked when there was an onboard Captain announcement at 6am this morning.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Missing cargo ship updates

One dead in North Sea cargo ship collision

A map of marine traffic

P&O liner joins rescue mission

A map to show where the ship sunk

What we know so far

The rescue mission so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:45 , Lydia Patrick

A search and rescue operation began after the British-flagged Verity hit a larger cargo ship, Polesie, about 14 miles (22.5km) south-west of the German island of Heligoland at around 5am on Tuesday.

While the larger, Bahamas-flagged Polesie stayed afloat, the Verity, which had departed from Bremen, Germany, and was destined for the port of Immingham on the east coast of England carrying steel coils, became submerged.

Shortly afterwards a signal from the ship was lost, German authorities said, and wreckage was found.

Searches are continuing involving several ships, aircraft, and a P&O cruise ship, with rescuers preparing to dive 98ft (30m) to the wreckage.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises told the PA news agency: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

Handout photo showing search lights scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank following a collision with the Bahamas-flagged vessel Polesie in the North Sea (PA)

Where did the Verity go missing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:11 , Lydia Patrick

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Where did the Verity go missing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:02 , Lydia Patrick

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Watch - Rescuers search sunken British ship for signs of life after fatal North Sea collision

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:31 , Lydia Patrick

Remaining missing sailors could survive for 20 hours'

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:00 , Lydia Patrick

The remaining missing sailors could survive for 20 hours in 12C waters say the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

We are now doing everything humanly possible to rescue more people alive, the head of the emergency command, Robby Renner, said at a news conference in Cuxhaven.

Several rescue ships and aircraft taking part in the search had not located the missing crew members by mid-afternoon.

Rescuers were considering the possibility that they were still inside the Verity, and planned to send divers down to the wreck to check whether there are any signs of life, Mr Renner said.

The Verity cargo ship had departed from Bremen, Germany (Alamy/PA)

A graphic to show where the Verity went missing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

British ship crash in North Sea - crew missing



The British inland bulk carrier Verity sank near the German coast after colliding with the bulk carrier Polesie earlier today. #AIS data shows 14 tugs in the area as rescue operations are underway.#marinetraffic #NorthSea pic.twitter.com/uDGbSx4wlM  MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) October 24, 2023

Mapped - Where the Verity sank

Tuesday 24 October 2023 15:00 , Lydia Patrick

Missing sailors may be alive say German Maritime Search and Rescue service.

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:30 , Lydia Patrick

Divers are looking for signs of life on a freighter that sank in the North Sea after colliding with another vessel, a spokesperson for the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said on Tuesday.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The Verity was carrying steel and had 1,300 cubic metres of diesel on board, the spokesperson added.

In Photos - P&O ship the Iona scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:00 , Lydia Patrick

The P&O cruise the Iona is involved with the help and rescue mission (PA Wire)

Cruise goers were awoken to a Captains alert telling them about the collision this morning, reveal reports (PA Wire)

Four of the seven sailors who were on board the Verity remain missing (PA Wire)

What we know so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 13:37 , Lydia Patrick

One sailor has died and several others remain missing after a British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, with a search currently ongoing for survivors.

One body has been recovered and another two people have been rescued, while four crew members remain missing.

Read the full report by Holly Evans here

One dead and several still missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

How many sailors were on the Verity?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:42 , Lydia Patrick

Seven people had been on board the Verity, the central command said, adding that a search was ongoing for the four missing.The Polesie had 22 people on board, none of whom were injured, the central command said.

One rescued man was taken to a hospital on land and the other was on his way to hospital on board the German maritime rescue cruiser Hermann Marwede, it added.

The Verity cargo ship had departed from Bremen, Germany ((Alamy/PA))

One dead in North Sea cargo ship collision

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:03 , Lydia Patrick

One dead body has been recovered and two people have been rescued in a search and rescue mission after two freighters collided in the North Sea off the coast of Germany, the maritime emergency authority said today.

Seven people were on board the ship Verity, the Central Command for Maritime Services said in a statement, adding that the search was ongoing for the remaining four missing persons.

Number of people missing confirmed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:31 , Lydia Patrick

Six people have been confirmed missing after one vessel sank in the early hours this morning say German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.One of the ships, the British-flagged Verity, is believed to have sunk.

The emergency command said one person was rescued from the water and was being given medical treatment, and rescuers were searching for more. It later said seven people had been on board the ship and six were missing, German news agency dpa reported.

Wind turbines in Helgoland in the German North Sea (Christian Charisius/Reuters)

P&O share update after their cruise joins rescue mission

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:59 , Lydia Patrick

The cruise liner Iona which was returning from Hamburg and headed towards Rotterdam is helping with the rescue mission.

According to reports, people on board were panicked when there was an announcement at 6am this morning alerting customers to what had happened.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Another P&O cruise ship (Getty Images)

German transport minister shares his support

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:36 , Lydia Patrick

Volker Wissing shared his gratitude to the rescue mission who have been searching the area since the early hours of this morning.

Nach der Kollision zweier Schiffe vor Helgoland sind meine Gedanken bei den Besatzungsmitgliedern und ihren Angehorigen. Ich danke den Rettungsteams, die seit dem fruhen Morgen im Einsatz sind. Sie unternehmen alles, um die Vermissten zu retten.  Volker Wissing (@Wissing) October 24, 2023

How big is the boat?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:34 , Lydia Patrick

The sunken Verity ship is a substantial 91 meters (299 feet) long and 14 meters (46 feet) wide.

The Verity and Polesie collided in the early hours of Tuesday roughly 14 miles off the coast of Heligoland. (Darren B Hillman/CC BY-ND 2.0)

What we know so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:24 , Lydia Patrick

A British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision, with several people missing as rescuers search for survivors.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, according to German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 nautical miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The British-flagged Verity, apparently sank, while the Polesie remains waterborne with its 22 passengers.

One person was rescued from the water and is being given medical treatment, while rescue parties are searching for several more people who remain unaccounted for.

Read the full report by Holly Evans here

Crew members missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

A map to show where the ship sunk

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:20 , Lydia Patrick

P&O liner joins rescue mission

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:05 , Lydia Patrick

A P&O spokesperson told The Sun their cruise ship Iona has joined the search mission as they try to find missing people.

They are also providing medical help for anyone in need on board the cruiser.

Rhys Johnson, 24, a passenger on the Iona, told The Sun that those onboard were woken just before 6am with an announcement that the crew were helping with the search and rescue operation.

Mr Johnson told The Sun: There are helicopters, search vessels and two of our RHIBs helping.

People are saying...the British ship has sunk. Its incredibly distressing.

We set off for Rotterdam from Hamburg yesterday, and we were about 200 metres away from the ships.

Everyone on here is sad and concerned and in a state of panic.

Map of marine traffic

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:47 , Lydia Patrick

A map to show when the British ship Verity was last seen.

The green arrow on the right is the Verity, its last position was received five hours and 40 mins ago.

The green arrow to the left is the Bahamas-flagged Polesie which remained afloat after the collision.

Map to show the last position of the Verity (Marine Traffic)

Welcome to our live blog

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:42 , Lydia Patrick

We will be live reporting the sinking of a British cargo ship off the coast of Germany after it collided with another shop.

So far, one person has been saved from the water and has received medical treatment whilst rescuers scramble to save other crew members.

Follow for live updates
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Memphis mom says a group of armed carjackers threatened to kill her 3-year-old daughter if she didnt give up her Jaguar Friday night.

Donnii Watkins said she had just pulled into a parking spot at her sisters apartment complex off Knight Arnold in Hickory Hill when she was ambushed by several men in ski masks who began beating on her SUV with guns and told her to get out of the vehicle.

I wasnt even in a parking spot for thirty seconds. My car wasnt even in park yet, said Watkins. I was like, Im not getting out of my vehicle.

Watkins said the carjackers had already blocked her vehicle in with another car, and when she refused to give up her Jaguar, they turned their attention toward her daughter.

I was trying to stay calm, and the guy that was on the passenger side grabbed the door open, and three of them were in the inside, and they were pointing the gun at my baby, and they were like, If you dont get out of the car, were going to kill your baby,' Watkins said. I was like, Okay. Ill leave everything. I just want my baby.'

Victim says teens who shot at him got slap on the wrist after multiple carjackings

She said they told her to leave all her belongings inside her car, but she was able to slip her cell phone into her daughters coat when she was getting her out of the vehicle. Watkins said she really thought they were going to hurt her child.

They grabbed her and put the gun up to her. She was like, Mommy, Im scared,' she said.

The six carjackers got away with her purse, house keys, credit cards, and glasses. Watkins said they were later spotted joyriding in her SUV. She said the suspects were still wearing the masks and hanging out of the windows with guns.

Monday, Watkins learned from WREG that her Jaguar was recovered a day later in the 1500 block of East Dempster in South Memphis. Police said the vehicle did not appear to be damaged.

Watkins doesnt have her vehicle back yet and said her daughter is still recovering from the ordeal.

She has been emotional since it happened. At nighttime, she will say she is scared, Watkins said.

The suspects wore white ski masks and arrived in a gold, older model Honda Accord. If you have any information that can help investigators find them, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

According to the Memphis Data Hub, 296 carjackings have been reported in the Memphis area so far this year. That compares to 352 carjackings over the same period in 2022.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher.

With the U.S. House of Representatives still without a speaker after three weeksand with no end in sight to the dramaThe New Abnormal co-host Andy Levy has someone in mind.

Theres nothing in the rules that says the speaker has to be a member of Congress. And thats why weve been hearing Donald Trumps name floated, Levy explains.

I think I have the right pick. I think it should be Arnold Schwarzenegger. Because he has experience being a kindergarten cop.

Levy adds Schwarzenegger is perfect for the role because its like trying to keep a bunch of kindergarten kids in line and letting them know when its nap time and when they have to drink their milk and whatever.

Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast.

Then, Kurt Bardella, a former Republican-turned-Democratic strategist and Los Angeles Times contributor, tries to make sense of the speakership shambles.

When you have a party that absolutely stands for nothing, when you have a party that has abandoned really any policy, legislative, substantive element to their core and instead replaced it with a cult of personality, this is the inevitable outcome.

How the Pentagon Changed the Plot of Top Gun

Then! The Intercepts Natasha Lennard joins the show to discuss how Scholastic, the worlds largest publisher of childrens books, finds itself under fire for a decision that critics say amounts to a concession to far-right extremistsa decision which Lennard calls cheap abdication.

Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
A yacht was hit with catastrophic flooding more than 100 miles off the North Carolina coast, officials said.

Four Canadian boaters were on the yacht when hatches on both sides broke, causing water to pour in and forcing its crew to abandon ship on Saturday, Oct. 21, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fortunately, the boaters made it to a raft, where they called for help. Then, the Coast Guard used a plane to track down the group and a helicopter to pull them up to safety, according to an Oct. 22 news release and a video posted to social media.

The @USCG rescues 4 Canadians from capsized catamaran 150 miles offshore of North Carolina!



"The ocean is unpredictable and unforgiving, and this case represents perfectly the value of being prepared at sea"



Read the full Release here: https://t.co/mknPlkTuW7 pic.twitter.com/bioPd9dYBR  USCG Mid-Atlantic (@uscgmidatlantic) October 22, 2023

We are so happy for the overwhelming support the local community has offered, Jason Kindree, captain of the yacht, told WNCN after the rescue. All I would say is that all of North Carolina that helped us is a fantastic community.

Rescuers were called to the capsized yacht after it experienced trouble about 140 miles from the Wilmington area. The vessel  a 60-foot catamaran called the Moon Dragon  charters between the Mid-Atlantic and the Virgin Islands, according to the Coast Guard.

The ocean is unpredictable and unforgiving, and this case represents perfectly the value of being prepared at sea, Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Lang, operations unit controller, said in the release. These sailors had the right gear on board, it worked, they knew how to use it, and its because of that we were able to find them and bring them home safely.

Seas were 11 to 12 feet with winds up to 35 mph when the flooding occurred, according to the Coast Guard.

No one on the boat was injured. As of Oct. 22, part of the overturned catamaran was still under water, and the Coast Guard is issuing a hazard-to-navigation safety broadcast to notify mariners, officials said.

Fishing boat with 3 men aboard vanishes off Georgia. Other anglers join the search

Fishermen stuck 50 miles off GA coast after boat sinks, officials say. See the rescue
A man walks by pictures of hostages who are being held in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, after a demonstration outside United Nations headquarters in New York City

A man walks by pictures of hostages who are being held in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, after a demonstration outside United Nations headquarters in New York City

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States and Russia have put forward rival plans at the United Nations to help Palestinian civilians caught in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip: a humanitarian pause or a ceasefire.

Both countries seek U.N. Security Council resolutions to address shortages of food, water, medical supplies and electricity in Gaza. But the U.S. has called for pauses to allow aid to enter Gaza, while Russia wants a humanitarian ceasefire.

A pause is generally considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire. While the differences may seem semantic, the U.S. proposal for pauses has grown out of an initial draft given to the 15-member council on Saturday that was staunchly pro-Israel, Washington's longtime ally.

Russia announced on Tuesday that it could not support the U.S. plan for action and put forward its own text that calls for a ceasefire, an idea backed by Arab states.

A council resolution needs at least nine votes and no vetoes by the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China to be adopted. It was not immediately clear if or when the U.S. and Russian draft resolutions could be put to a vote.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the case for the U.S. draft resolution at a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, saying the body had a crucial role to play and that the U.S. text "sets out practical steps."

The United States last week vetoed a Brazil-drafted resolution for humanitarian pauses, arguing that time was needed for U.S.-led diplomacy focused on brokering aid access to Gaza on the ground and trying to free hostages held by Hamas.

Twelve members voted in favor of the draft text on Wednesday, while Russia and Britain abstained.

The U.S. then proposed its own draft text on Saturday that initially shocked some council diplomats with its bluntness in stating that Israel has a right to defend itself and demanding Iran stop exporting arms to militant groups in the region.

It did not initially call for any pause or truce. But - responding to growing international pressure - it amended the draft to include a call "for all measures necessary, such as humanitarian pauses" to allow aid access.

The U.S. also toned down the overall draft, removing direct references to Iran and to Israel's right to self-defense.

RUSSIA ALTERNATIVE

But Russia put forward its own alternative draft resolution on Tuesday after saying it does not support the proposed U.S. action.

"The whole world is expecting from the Security Council a call for a swift and unconditional ceasefire," Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council. "This is precisely what is not in the American draft. Therefore, we don't see any point in it, and we cannot support it."

Russia last week failed to get the minimum nine votes needed for a draft resolution that called for a humanitarian ceasefire. The draft resolution received five votes in favor and four votes against, along with six abstentions.

Nebenzia said on Tuesday that the new Russian text drew on humanitarian language from the U.S., Brazilian and first Russian drafts.

Arab states made clear at the United Nations on Tuesday that they firmly back a call for a humanitarian ceasefire.

"We followed with regret the inability of this council twice to adopt a resolution or even to call for a ceasefire to end this war," Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the council.

Israel has vowed to wipe out the Hamas Islamist group that rules Gaza, after its gunmen burst through the barrier fence surrounding the enclave on Oct. 7 and rampaged through Israeli towns and kibbutzes, killing 1,400 people.

Israel has since pounded Gaza from the air, imposed a siege and is preparing for a ground offensive. Palestinian authorities say more than 5,700 people have been killed in the enclave. The U.N. says some 1.4 million have been made homeless.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Cynthia Osterman)
People against a plan for temporary shelter for migrants at 38th Street and California Avenue in Chicagos Brighton Park neighborhood cheer a comment at a public meeting at Kelly High School, Oct. 24, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Tension on the Southwest Side escalated Tuesday over Mayor Brandon Johnsons plan to erect winterized tents to house migrants in Brighton Park beginning with an early-morning scuffle between police and protesters and ending with a passionate community meeting Tuesday night that saw hundreds turn out.

A line of residents snaked down the sidewalk at Kelly College Preparatory High School for the meeting to discuss a plan to build a migrant base camp on a vacant parking lot at 38th Street and California Avenue. The auditorium quickly filled to capacity, and many were left outside.

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Let them in! Let them in! shouted residents, as city officials tried to calmly lay out their plan to house thousands of migrants in the encampment. Residents could be heard yelling their concerns from outside.

For the past week, protesters said they have been gathering daily, 24 hours a day, with signs in hand demanding the city halt the plan to turn the site into a tent city that would house about 2,000 migrants. City workers have been assessing the viability of the site, which has been unused since 2020 and records indicate is owned by Sanchez Paving Co., a private entity.

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An employee at the company who answered the phone Tuesday told the Tribune she could not comment.

At the meeting, Beatriz Ponce de Leon, the citys deputy mayor of immigrant, migrant and refugee rights, expressed her concern about migrants who have come to Chicago on buses who are not prepared for the winter.

This is not a Chicago issue. This is a national issue, she said, to roaring applause from those in the room.

Protesters have told the Tribune they are worried that moving migrants into the neighborhood could increase crime and lower property values. They said they also worry about their safety and the safety of the migrants by crowding them into tents amid winter on land that has been mostly used for manufacturing.

The city is still performing environmental assessments, but the lot appears to be viable, according to a website with details on the plan.

The city intends to stand up a base camp if the infrastructure can support it based on the results of the environmental assessments currently underway, it says. If the site does not meet the criteria the city will notify the alderman. There is no set date to finalize the assessment.

In a letter to constituents Sunday, Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, said that the mayors administration has been in direct contact with the property owner of the site at 38th & California, without looping in my office.

Last Thursday, Ramirez, was cornered by a crowd protesting against the proposed encampment and had to be escorted by police to a squad car. Hundreds had attended the protest after noticing that city construction crews were cutting down trees, flattening land and laying down infrastructure earlier this month.

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George Cardenas, former alderman of the 12th Ward, said he is dubious of the sites ability to safely house people given environmental concerns on previous industrial use in the area.

That site is contaminated, otherwise we would have built houses there a long time ago, said Cardenas, who now serves on Cook Countys Board of Review.

Jackie Zuniga, a resident of the area, has been organizing neighbors over the past weeks. She said that shes gathered a collective of people, including translators, to inform the residents of the citys plan.

If it hadnt been for us, our neighbors would have never known, Zuniga said. It shouldnt be the people against the city.

At the meeting, many of the residents who spoke said they are immigrants themselves. While some expressed a desire to help provide wraparound services and bilingual support, most voiced strong opposition to the mayors plan.

Ada Zhu, 33, read a printed script to city officials: (This) clearly showed the mayors disrespect for our district. You are taking our rights away. This is not right.

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Julie Ganez, 60, who lives a block and a half from the site, said she is not against immigration, but she knows there are other spaces to house migrants.

Nosotros necesitamos seguridad. Hay que arreglar los problemas que tienen en casa. We need security. We should fix the problems we already have here, she said in Spanish with the help of a translator.

Alondra Jara, 27, a volunteer at a police station in Bridgeport, spoke on behalf of the migrants she helps.

We just came here to find work, she said they told her. The tents are full. Theres rats. The only thing we want is a work permit. ... Please try to heal and not be so xenophobic.

Earlier Tuesday, a woman was taken to the hospital with a minor ankle injury after police clashed with protesters who attempted to block the entrance to the site, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

He Zhaoqiu, 58, was among the group of about 20 area residents who were blocking one of the entrances to city workers at around 4:30 a.m. when police arrived and forced the crowd away. Zhaoqiu was taken to St. Anthony Hospital but hours later she was back on the site joined by other protesters.

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It was scary, Zhaoqiu said, pointing to a video that shows the moment police approached the group and forced them away from the entrance. We dont want this here. It is not fair.

[ Ald. Julia Ramirez issues statement ahead of meeting on potential migrant camp: the mayors office did not consult with me ]

In the video shown to the Tribune, a man was put in handcuffs. He was later released, Zhaoqiu said. Another woman, Chan Beverly, 49, a homeowner in Brighton Park for nearly two decades, was also injured in the altercation and taken to the hospital.

Beverly said she had been awake for four days straight. I feel really sad, she said. We are just trying to protect ourselves, our neighborhoods.

The Chicago Police Department was not notified of any incidents and no reports have been filed, according to CPD spokesperson Kellie Bartoli.

Protesters rally in front of workers at a proposed winterized tent city site for migrants in the 3800 block of South California Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 24, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

On Sunday, Ramirez released a letter to her constituents that she did not offer the site as a possible location for the tents and that the mayors office had not consulted her about it.

In September, Johnsons administration signed a $29 million contract with GardaWorld Federal Services and its subsidiary Aegis Defense Services to construct yurt structures around the city, facing mounting pressure to house thousands of migrants staying at police stations with winter approaching. The contract reveals the structures will have fire extinguishers and portable restrooms with makeshift kitchens nearby but questions remain about their heating capabilities.

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A spokesman for Johnson told the Tribune Monday that the city is assessing the site for viability.

The city of Chicago has been identifying viable sites across the city to construct base camps as an alternative to new arrivals sleeping outdoors, at OHare and on the floors of police district stations as winter fast approaches. The site at 38th and California appears viable, and the intention is to construct temporary shelter at this site, Johnson spokesman Ronnie Reese said in an email. The city is currently performing work on the site to confirm the underlying infrastructures viability before initiating construction. The city will also notify residents of the outcome of this final assessment and share further operations details prior to placing any new arrivals into the facilities.

More than 19,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since August 2022. As of Tuesday, close to 12,000 are staying in city shelters, while another 2,500 are awaiting shelter placement at police stations, which have run out of space. As evening temperatures begin to dip into the low 40s, many have been sleeping outside the stations.

An additional 600 migrants are staying at OHare International Airport until they can find housing.

Johnsons first deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas said the site would only house families and children, with the ultimate goal of resettling the migrants. She closed the meeting Tuesday reiterating Chicagos promise to house and care for thousands of migrants.

Our city has been sanctuary to many and will continue to be sanctuary to many. We are in a humanitarian crisis, she said. We are certainly in unprecedented times.
Foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan  have agreed to continue cooperation with EU countries to combat Russia's attempts to circumvent sanctions.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the joint statement of the parties, which was published by the press service of the EU Council following the meeting

The message states that the EU has informed Central Asian countries of the 11 packages of restrictive measures it has adopted so far and stressed the importance of result-oriented dialogue and cooperation in the context of EU sanctions regimes.

"The EU stressed the need to cooperate effectively on preventing circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia through Central Asian territories," the statement said.

The European Union also highly appreciated the cooperation with Kazakhstan in the fight against circumvention of sanctions, and emphasised the importance of continuing efforts aimed at stopping the re-export of joint priority goods.

Earlier, representatives of foreign ministries and customs authorities of the EU states bordering Russia held a second meeting in Vilnius dedicated to the coordinated implementation of sanctions against Russia.

Reminder:

The first meeting of the six EU member states bordering Russia took place at the end of May.

Then, they agreed to coordinate border control in order to prevent further evasion of sanctions and the illegal importing of prohibited goods into Russian territory.

Vilnius has been asking the European Union for sanctions due to the fact that wine is supplied to Russia through Lithuania.

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The former president is facing a slew of legal challenges that could post a threat to his 2024 White House bid

Donald Trump has been found by a New York judge to have committed fraud  the latest in an intimidating list of legal issues to beset the former president.

The former president repeatedly over-inflated his wealth by as much as $2.2 billion (1.8billion), Judge Arthur Engoron found.

The states attorney general is seeking a $250 million judgment and a ban on Mr Trump doing business in New York. On Tuesday, Mr Trumps former fixer Michael Cohen is set to take the stand against him in court in hotly anticipated testimony.

Since leaving office, Mr Trump has been embroiled in a number of cases, both criminal and civil. Several of them will reach the courts next year as he campaigns to return to the White House in 2024.

In addition to claims that he tried to alter the election result, he faces criminal charges for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star, and mishandling White House documents.

Here are the key cases, whats going on, and where this could all finish.

Georgia election

Mr Trump has been charged with 13 counts relating to his alleged bid to overturn the election result in Georgia in 2020.

He has been charged with racketeering, violating an oath of office, and other crimes. A number of Trump associates were indicted alongside him, including his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, and lawyer John Eastman.

The charges Donald Trump faces in Georgia

Mr Trump has always denied he acted improperly in Georgia in the aftermath of the election, as he sought to overturn the result in the state after narrowly losing the vote to Mr Biden.

In a leaked call with Brad Raffensperger, the Republican secretary of state, Mr Trump pleaded with him to find thousands of votes that would allow him to win the crucial state.

Theres nothing wrong with saying, you know, um, that youve recalculated, Mr Trump is reported to have said. All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Because we won the state.

The former president also had a historic booking photo taken

Mr Trumps legal team has unsuccessfully argued that Fani Willis, a Georgia district attorney, should be barred from bringing charges against him and that a grand jurys report should be thrown out.

The grand jury spent eight months interrogating some 75 witnesses and filed a lengthy report on Mr Trumps conduct earlier this year.

Mr Trump surrendered at a Georgia jail in August to be arrested in connection with the charges, after his bail was set at $200,000 with strict conditions attached to it.

The judge has not yet set a trial date for Mr Trump.

Sidney Powell, a former lawyer for Mr Trump, on Thursday pleaded guilty to aiding the former US presidents efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat in the state of Georgia, agreeing to testify against him if called.

Scott Hall

Other 2020 election and Jan 6 charges

Aside from Georgia, Mr Trump has been charged with four criminal counts over the events that led to the riot at the US Capitol on Jan 6 2021.

In a 45-page indictment brought by special counsel Jack Smith, he was accused of trying to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election.

He allegedly did so by pushing officials in swing states he had lost to use fake electors to ignore the popular vote, and pressuring the Justice Department to open sham election inquiries.

Six co-conspirators are referred to in the indictment but have not been named. However Mr Giuliani appears to be the individual named as co-conspirator number one.

Prosecutors say the former president also tried to convince Mike Pence, the then vice-president, to reject legitimate Electoral College votes.

Mr Trump faces two counts relating to trying to obstruct an official proceeding having allegedly tried to block Congress confirming Joe Bidens victory.

Mr Trump has been charged with four criminal counts over the events that led to the riot at the US Capitol on Jan 6 2021 - Jose Luis Magana/AP

The felony charge was used against numerous rioters who stormed the Capitol.

The charge for conspiracy against rights criminalises any joint effort to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate people to stop them from enjoying their constitutional or federal rights.

Mr Trumps campaign said the persecutions were reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s. It added: These un-American witch-hunts will fail and President Trump will be re-elected to the White House.

Mr Trump pleaded not guilty in a federal courthouse in Washington DC at the start of August.

Mr Smith, who the former president has labelled as deranged, said he would seek a speedy trial over the four criminal counts.

Even if Mr Trump is convicted, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination has insisted he will continue to run for the presidency.

There are no mandatory minimum sentences for any of the crimes Mr Trump is accused of.

Conspiracy to defraud the government is the least punitive of the four charges and is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Conspiracy against rights carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, while conspiracy to obstruct and obstructing an official proceeding both mean up to 20 years in prison.

In October, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan hit Mr Trump with a partial gagging which prohibits him from publicly disparaging witnesses, prosecutors and court staff members involved in the case. Mr Trump is appealing the order.

Classified documents

Mr Trump faces 40 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The indictment accused him of endangering national security by removing US secrets from the White House and storing them in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower at his Florida club.

Some were said to contain information about nuclear programmes, along with the defence and weapons capabilities of the US and foreign powers.

Boxes of classified documents in a bathroom at Mar-a-Lago - US Justice Department/AFP via Getty Images

In July, three further charges were added after it was claimed that Mr Trump and two employees tried to delete Mar-a-Lago security footage before it could be handed over to the FBI.

A Trump spokesman has dismissed the case as a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden administration to harass President Trump and those around him.

Mr Trump will go on trial on May 20 in the middle of the 2024 election campaign.

While lawyers had called for the case to be postponed indefinitely, citing the challenges of juggling a criminal trial and election, the date has been set for May 20 2024 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Although a majority of state primaries will be finished by mid-May, a handful of votes will take place on May 14 and beyond.

Only two of the charges that Mr Trump faces carry a possible prison sentence of fewer than 10 years  the charges for scheming to conceal and making false statements and representations.

The 31 charges under the Espionage Act  the wilful retention of documents  carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors will have to prove that Mr Trump or his team  he is being tried alongside two co-defendants  knowingly mishandled materials to impede, obstruct or influence the investigation.

Charges for obstruction of justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record and concealing a document in a federal investigation all could mean a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

All charges are listed with a maximum fine of up to $250,000 (198,000).

Stormy Daniels hush money

In April, Mr Trump was charged in New York with 34 counts of fraud in relation to hush money paid to the porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair.

The former president is said to have falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment.

According to the 16-page indictment, the payments aimed to conceal damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election.

Mr Trump is accused of paying Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair - Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Michael Cohen, Mr Trumps former lawyer, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 after admitting tax evasion and campaign finance violations in relation to paying off Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, which he called a political witch-hunt, trying to take down the leading candidate, by far, in the Republican Party.

Mr Trump will go on trial in New York on March 25 next year, in the middle of the Republican primaries.

The presidential candidate would normally expect to be travelling around the country on the campaign trail, but a judge warned him not to make any commitments for March 2024.

The multiple counts of falsifying business records carry a maximum four-year jail sentence if Mr Trump is found guilty.

Ms Daniels has downplayed the charges, however, arguing the former president does not deserve to be imprisoned.

I dont think that his crimes against me are worthy of incarceration, she said on a TalkTV interview earlier this year.

Civil cases

New York fraud case

Mr Trump was in September found to have exaggerated his net worth and the value of his properties, including Trump Tower and his Mar-a-Lago resort.

In a civil fraud lawsuit in New York, Mr Trump was accused by the states attorney general of deliberately inflating the value of his assets by as much as $2.2 billion in an attempt to gain favourable terms from banks and insurance companies.

A non-jury trial overseen by Arthur Engoron, a New York judge, started in October and is expected to last until December. It will determine what penalties Mr Trump and his family members and business associates must pay.

The case could result in the sale of several major Trump properties, including Trump Tower and 40 Wall Street.

It may also give an indication of his true net worth, following decades of speculation.

Letitia James, the attorney general, is seeking damages of $250 million and a ban on Mr Trump operating businesses in the state.

Mr Engorons judgment said Mr Trumps estimates of the value of his assets were based in a fantasy world, not the real world.

He ordered some of the property tycoons business licences in the city to be rescinded, though this ban was temporarily suspended on appeal on Friday.

The former president claims the case against him is politically motivated and the valuations the case is based on were worthless.

He has called Mr Engoron unhinged, deranged and a political hack.

E Jean Carroll

E Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist, is seeking additional damages from Mr Trump after he called her a whack job a day after he was found to have sexually abused her in a civil lawsuit.

Ms Carroll claimed that Mr Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan in the mid-1990s.

The civil jury rejected the rape claim but ordered the former president to pay $2 million in damages for sexual abuse.

In a televised town hall hosted by CNN the following day, Mr Trump accused her of telling a made-up story.

He told the audience at the event: What kind of a woman meets somebody and brings them up and, within minutes, youre playing hanky-panky in a dressing room, OK?

Ms Carrolls lawyers claim he persisted in maliciously defaming Carroll yet again and are seeking an eight-figure sum.

Ms Carroll can proceed with her defamation claim against Mr Trump after the Justice Department ruled his presidency did not shield him from liability.

It said it no longer believes Mr Trump could claim his comments about the right were carried out as part of his presidential duties.

Ms Carroll is seeking another $10 million from the former president over his CNN comments, which her lawyers labelled malicious and defamatory.

A US judge ruled that Mr Trump was liable for making defamatory statements against Ms Carroll and her second lawsuit would be for damages only, in a defeat for the former president.

The former magazine columnist had already won $5 million from Mr Trump after he was found in May to have sexually abused and defamed her.

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SOUTH BEND  The organization Little Calumet River UGRR Project presents Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northern Indiana at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St.

Following a welcome and introductions by Brother Sage Gillam and Sara Maloney, the event includes presentations about the following:

 Freedom Seekers and the UGRR in Northern Indiana, the Chicago Detroit Freedom Trail, potential sites and doing specific research/site developments/historic designations/etc. by Larry McClellan

 National Park Service  Network to Freedom by Barry Jurgensen of the National Park Service

 Developing the Trail in Illinois and Indiana  recent activity by Tom Shepherd

 Michigan/Cass County Connections by Gillam

 Next Steps and encouraging participation McClellan and Gillam

The Little Calumet River UGRR Project organization seeks to commemorate the journeys of freedom seekers and the responding networks of the Underground Railroad with the designation of a National Historic Trail for the routes followed from Chicago to Detroit, including through northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

From the 1830s until the Civil War, many individuals and families escaping enslavement in Southern states came into Illinois with most of these traveling toward Chicago.

In northeastern Illinois, there were two streams of movement for freedom seekers. Coming up through the Illinois River valley, many chose to continue northeast to Chicago, then overland around the bottom of Lake Michigan and into northwest Indiana. From there they traveled across southern Michigan and on to Detroit and freedom in Canada.

The second stream of movement also came out of the Illinois River valley but continued east across Will County and southern Cook County in Illinois into northwest Indiana and on to Michigan and Detroit.

Following these two streams, 3,000 to 4,500 people escaping from their enslavement came to and through the Chicago region in the decades before the Civil War. Almost all continued toward Detroit and Canada.

For more information, find the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Underground Railroad topic of program at St. Joseph County Public Library
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Justyn Ross pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges during a Tuesday afternoon first appearance in Johnson County District Court.

The bond was set at $2,500, and stipulations included no contact with the alleged victim, no alcohol or drug usage and no firearms.

Ross emerged from the Johnson County jail roughly an hour later at 4:10 p.m. When asked by The Star about the charges against him, Ross said he had no comment.

Earlier in the day, Ross was charged with one count of domestic battery with no priors and one count of criminal damage to property totaling less than $1,000 after an incident at a Shawnee apartment, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Johnson County District Attorneys Office.

Both charges are misdemeanors. Ross next court date is Dec. 4.

Ross appeared via Zoom during a 2:30 p.m. appearance Tuesday while still in jail. He was represented in person by attorney Ryan Ginie.

The alleged victim, who The Star is not naming, appeared before the judge in person and described her relationship with Ross as his ex-girlfriend. Judge John McEntee granted the victim two hours Tuesday to remove her remaining items from Ross residence, with the two sides agreeing that Ross grandmother would meet the alleged victim at the apartment.

The alleged victim and Ross grandmother  a witness who also gave an earlier statement to police  were told not to discuss the case.

McEntee stated Ross could re-enter his home at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The alleged victim, Ross grandmother and Ginie declined comment outside the courtroom. The Chiefs also had no comment Tuesday.

On radio traffic captured on Broadcastify.com, a police dispatcher stated Monday that the alleged victim told police that Ross was dragging her through the house and has torn up the house.

The alleged victim suffered minor injuries, according to a Shawnee Police Department offense report. No specific injuries were included.

The property damage is to a laptop, iPhone, computer monitor, gold bracelet and car key, the offense report stated. No weapons were involved in the incident, per the offense report. The dispatcher said that the alleged victim stated that Ross had a gun in the house, but that it was not with him at the time.

No drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident, the offense report stated.

The dispatcher said the alleged victim was calling from a neighbors home because Ross broke her phone. The dispatcher added that there was no previous history at that residence.

A second-year receiver out of Clemson, Ross has three catches for 34 yards in seven games played for the Chiefs this season.
China has replaced its defense minister, ousting the publicly missing Gen. Li Shangfu , state media CCTV announced Tuesday.

Li has not been seen publicly in about two months and is the second such official to go without public appearances before being replaced, following Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July.

Both replacements were made without further explanation from the Chinese government.

Li was removed from the Central Military Commission, the board that controls the countrys military, and as a state councilor  the group of the most senior cabinet ministers. Qin was also removed as a state councilor on Tuesday.

The former defense minister was a member of President Xi Jinpings inner circle, perhaps signaling instability as China struggles to recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was sanctioned by the U.S. government over arms deals with Russia, though China contested the sanctions and never recognized them.

The internal operation of the Chinese government is opaque, leading to speculation over corruption and personal rivalries.

The government did not name a replacement for Li in the announcement on Tuesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese grain companies participated in a formal contract-signing ceremony for the purchase of US farm goods for the first time since the Trump-era trade dispute.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Buyers including Sinograin and COFCO International signed 11 agreements with crop traders such as Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., Bunge Ltd. and Cargill Inc. during a forum in Iowa, according to a statement from the US Soybean Export Council on Tuesday.

Such ceremonies were commonplace prior to the trade dispute that erupted during former US President Donald Trumps tenure, with the last occuring in 2017. Although Chinese imports of US farm goods have rebounded in the ensuing years, the Asian nation has diversified sourcing and has been buying more from countries such as Brazil.

Read More: Twilight of an Agripower: How US Lost Powerful Statecraft Tool

Terms and timelines of the 11 nonbinding deals were undisclosed, although they represent multiple billions in value, Xie Feng, Chinas ambassador to the US, said in the statement.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Graphite is one of the essential minerals needed to produce lithium-ion batteries, but the US is largely lacking in domestic production of the key material.

As a result, most graphite used in domestic EV production is imported from China, Chile, and Australia, though China holds a near monopoly on the processing of graphite.

Geopolitical trade wars are always brewing, as China announced graphite export permits last week. But how does this material supply change affect EV consumers?

It shouldn't come as a surprise that most materials needed to manufacture modern electric vehicles aren't indigenous to the United States. Sure, a bit of graphite exists in North America, and lithium is plentiful but protected throughout swaths of the country. However, neither amount is really available for Ford's future production plans.

As a result, mixed into the conversation surrounding lithium, graphite, cobalt, and manganese is a United Nations-like geopolitical string map connecting resources to producers. China is leading the way by a significant margin, as it claims over 80% of essential minerals and their respective processing standards, according to The New York Times.

picture alliance - Getty Images

Vocal outcry from global leaders and domestically centered statements from auto executives signal a desire to move toward production independence. Such a business move is unlikely in the very near future for many EV-hopeful nations, and China is well aware of this.

Just last week, Chinese officials announced they would now require export permits for some graphite products, in an effort to bolster national trade security. Exporters will now apply for permits to ship two graphite typessynthetic graphite material and natural flake graphiteboth of which are used in EV batteries.

Not only is China leading the way in graphite mining, but it's adept at processing the mineral as well. Notably, the graphite pitch coating process adds 50% of the mineral's value as it relates to EV production, further emphasizing China's grasp of the material.

So, what does a new, costly permitting process mean for automakers and their consumers?Pricing will be going up, of course! As is typical of a major industry shift, analysts and automakers are eager to proclaim that prices will rise on every level, but there may be some validity to these claims in this case.

Hyundai

"With this new graphite export curb, South Korean firms which heavily rely on China for graphite imports would need to seek alternatives, such as mines from the United States or Australia, but it would likely increase the cost burden for many," said Kang Dong-jin, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities, in an interview with Reuters.

But that view isn't shared across the board, as energy analysts explained that such temporary controls could have little to no effect on EV production in the short term.

Additionally, analysts from Mysteel, a commodity pricing service, noted that graphite prices are down 25% from the beginning of the year, indicating decreasing demand.

Data from Project Blue, an energy industry monitoring agency, shows that demand for graphite and current production levels are about even, but this harmony isn't set to last long. Graphite demand is projected to overtake supply by 2025 and could continue that way through 2033, as many automakers edge closer to their all-electric dates of 2035.



Unfortunately for automakers, building an automotive-grade battery is nearly impossible without graphite, according to LMC Automotive.

Graphite makes up 95% of the anode in a traditional lithium-ion battery, meaning its absence would be a significant problem. For reference, around two pounds of graphite are needed per kilowatt of battery energy.



But there is one fledgling alternative to graphite that could ease this heavy reliance: silicon.

"It's been known for a long time that using silicon as an anode material can significantly improve energy density. Many more lithium atoms can be stored in silicon than in graphite. In fact, up to 10% silicon is blended with graphite anodes today for this very purpose," writes Al Bedwell, Director of Global Powertrain at LMC Automotive.

Steve Fecht for General Motors

Stabilizing silicon, however, presents significant challenges, as it tends to expand and contract up to 300% during the charge and discharge cycle. As a result, most manufacturers have shied away from silicon, citing packaging constraints and reliability concerns.



But US-based Sila Nanotechnologies has seemingly cracked the code, with a silicon anode majority battery set for production in the incoming electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Plus, the application of silicon, as opposed to graphite, is largely regarded as battery weight-reducing, depending on the vehicle and battery size.

Northern Graphite

Looking forward, even the rise of silicon won't initially be enough to meet claimed future EV demand. While future demand is up for question at the moment, experts agree that sourcing graphite outside of China will be critical to the domestic EV market.



Companies like Graphex Technologies are beginning this process by finding new graphite streams, namely from free-trade countries like Canada and Australia. Furthermore, the US' only domestic graphite company, Northern Graphite, is calling for additional support from the public and private sectors.



"This news out of China underscores that the onus is on the West to develop secure sources of graphite supply to ensure a smooth energy transition," said Northern Graphite CEO Hugues Jacquemin. "I think it's time for government and markets to increase their support of the graphite industry if it's going to be ready to support the energy transition."

Also well positioned to address this market dynamic is battery producer Our Next Energy in Novi, Michigan. The company has developed an anode-free chemistry that requires no graphite at all.

Should the US expand its domestic mineral (lithium and graphite, specifically) production? Or should these resources be protected? Please share your thoughts below.
Former foreign minister Qin Gang (L) and defence minister Li Shangfu (R) have both been ousted from China's State Council, or cabinet, with Li also losing his defence portfolio (NOEL CELIS)

China removed defence minister Li Shangfu and ousted ex-foreign minister Qin Gang from its cabinet on Tuesday, state media said, in a major reshuffle of top leadership.

The news comes after months of speculation about the country's cabinet, including confusion over the abrupt removal of Qin from office in July without explanation and the months-long absence of Li from public view.

Both Qin and Li are believed by experts to have been personally selected for their roles by President Xi Jinping .

On Tuesday state broadcaster CCTV announced the removals in its regular evening bulletin, but did not offer reasons for the ministers' fall from grace.

No replacement for Li as defence minister was announced.

Previously it had been reported that the US government believed Li was under investigation and had been stripped of his ministerial duties, but China had refused to comment on the matter.

Li travelled to Russia in August to attend a security conference near Moscow on August 15. Two days later, the government of Belarus released handout photographs of Li meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk.

But since then, he has vanished from public view.

Li's now confirmed removal means there is no apparent host for China's regional security dialogue next week, the Xiangshan Forum, which is due to be attended by representatives from the US Department of Defense.

- Xi's 'unparalleled' power -

Experts said Tuesday's announcement deepened the recent uncertainty around China's top leadership.

Neil Thomas, Chinese politics fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, told AFP that the recent upheaval "hints at severe deficiencies in the vetting process for top officials at the 20th Party Congress last year, possibly due to lower-level officials not wanting to push back against Xi's preferred candidates".

But the removal of Li and Qin is "unlikely to significantly undermine (Xi's) political authority, as neither was part of his true inner circle", Thomas said.

"Their purge reinforces to other officials the importance of retaining Xi's favour."

As well as being removed as defence minister, Li has also lost his position on the State Council, China's cabinet.

Former foreign minister Qin, who was removed from office by Beijing's top lawmaking body after just 207 days in the job, has now also been stripped of his cabinet position.

He was replaced by Wang Yi, a veteran diplomat who served as foreign minister before Qin and who outranked him in the Chinese government hierarchy.

Xi's "willingness to correct course despite the optics suggest he is confident that such decisions do not have major repercussions," Yun Sun, senior fellow and director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, told AFP, adding that "Xi's control and power are unparalleled".

Any possible investigation into Li is "likely to continue for a while and we will not know the true reason for a long time," Sun said.

- Black box -

That opacity was also evident when China announced recently a new leadership for its Rocket Force, the army unit that oversees its nuclear arsenal, as media reported a corruption probe involving its former chief.

The navy's former deputy commander, Wang Houbin, was named as the new commander of the force in a brief article by state news agency Xinhua reporting his promotion to the rank of general.

His predecessor, Li Yuchao, had not been seen in public for weeks and Xinhua gave no explanation for his removal.

CCTV also announced Tuesday that science and technology minister Wang Zhigang and finance minister Liu Kun had been removed from their posts.

They will be replaced by current ministry of science and technology party secretary Yin Hejun and finance ministry party secretary Lan Fo'an respectively.

Adam Ni, publisher of the China Neican newsletter, told AFP the dismissals showed "elite politics at play".

"Leadership instability continues unabated despite the cementing of paramount power by Xi," he said, adding "all those below Xi with the exception of very few are subjected to quick falls from power".

"They can be picked and they can be discarded," Ni said.

tjx/mca
Chinas Defense Minister Li Shangfu was fired on Tuesday two months after he disappeared from public view, becoming the second high-profile minister to lose his job recently without any official explanation.

Li was also removed from his state positions as a member of the Central Military Commission  a powerful body headed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping who ultimately commands the armed forces  and as one of Chinas five state councillors  a senior position in the cabinet that outranks a regular minister, state broadcaster CCTV reported Tuesday.

The decision was approved by the standing committee of the countrys rubber-stamp legislature, the National Peoples Congress, according to CCTV. The committee did not name any successor to Li.

Li, who was appointed defense minister in March, has not been seen in public since late August, fueling intense speculation about his fate.

The generals disappearance follows a series of unexplained personnel shakeups that have roiled the countrys upper ranks, including the dramatic ousting of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July.

Qin was also removed as a state councillor on Tuesday, CCTV reported.

The disappearance and dismissal of two senior ministers in quick succession has raised questions about the governance of Xi, who has made Chinas political system even more opaque as he concentrates power and enforces strict party discipline.

Xi has also ramped up a campaign to bolster national security, seeking to eliminate any perceived threats and vulnerabilities to the ruling Communist Party amid rising tensions with the West.

Lis ousting, ironically, has removed a major roadblock for the resumption of high-level military talks between China and the United States.

Li was sanctioned by the US in 2018 over Chinas purchase of Russian weapons, and Beijing has repeatedly suggested that the US defense secretary wont get a meeting with Li unless the sanctions were revoked.

In China, the defense minister is a largely ceremonial role, serving as the public face of military diplomacy with other countries. Unlike the US defense secretary and other international equivalents, the Chinese defense minister does not have command power, which resides with the Central Military Commission.

Li and Qin still retain their positions within the Communist Party, which analysts say are likely to be removed at a party meeting later this year.

Vice chairmen and members of the Central Military Commissionof pledge allegiance to the Chinese constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11. - Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images/File

Unexplained disappearance

Weeks before Li vanished from public view, Xi convened the militarys top brass in Beijing for a meeting, where he emphasized political loyalty, discipline and the partys absolute leadership over the armed forces.

Days after that meeting, Xi sacked the two top generals of the PLA Rocket Force, an elite unite overseeing the nations arsenal of nuclear and ballistic missiles, sparking concerns of a broader purge in the military.

The Chinese government has repeatedly declined to comment on Lis whereabouts and reasons behind his absence.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Li was taken away in September by authorities for questioning, citing a person close to decision making in Beijing.

The Financial Times also reported that the US government believes the defense minister has been placed under investigation, citing American officials. Neither of the reports cited a reason for the investigation.

Asked whether Li was under investigation last month, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said he was not aware of the situation.

Its unclear if any disciplinary actions have been or will be taken against Li.

Li, 65, cut his teeth at one of Chinas main satellite-launch sites in the southwestern province of Sichuan, rising through the ranks to become its director.

After three decades at the launch center, he was promoted to work in the PLAs headquarters on armaments in 2013, soon after Xi rose to power.

Li is believed to be a protege of General Zhang Youxia, Xis childhood friend and closest ally in the military. In a sign of his prominence, Zhang was promoted to first vice chairman of the Central Military Commission during the leadership reshuffle last October despite having well passed the unofficial retirement age.

From 2017 to 2022, Li was in charge of Chinas weapon procurement as the head of the Central Military Commissions Equipment Development Department, a position Zhang previously held.

In July, days before the two top generals at Rocket Force were abruptly removed, the Equipment Development Department announced a fresh crackdown on corrupt procurement practices, calling for tips on questionable activities dating back to 2017  coinciding with the time Li took the helm of the department.

Li was last seen in public on August 29, when he delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing. He last traveled outside China in mid-August on a trip to Russia and Belarus.

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TechCrunch

Nio, the Chinese carmaker known for its sleek, premium electric SUVs, has started a new round of layoffs as intense competition propels it to cut costs and regroup resources. In an internal letter seen by TechCrunch on Friday, Nio's CEO William Li says the company is expected to reduce "around 10%" of its positions after weeks of discussions over the firm's two-year operational plans. The decision was made based on its newly defined priorities to continue its long-term investment in core technologies; ensure it has the sales and service capabilities to compete; ensure its products and brands are released as scheduled; consolidate duplicate departments and remove inefficient positions; and improve resource efficiency and cut project investment that doesn't contribute to its financial performance in the upcoming three years.
Joseph David Emerson, left, 44, was arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Tues., Oct. 24, 2023, in Portland, Ore. Emerson, a pilot, is accused of attempting to disable the engines of a plane on which he was riding while off-duty last Sunday. Emerson pleaded not guilty Tuesday. (Dave Killen/AP)

PORTLAND, Ore.  An off-duty airline pilot riding in an extra cockpit seat on a Horizon Air flight said Im not OK just before trying to cut the engines midflight and later told police he had been struggling with depression, according to charging documents made public Tuesday.

State prosecutors in Oregon filed 83 counts of attempted murder against Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph David Emerson, 44, on Tuesday just before he appeared in court, with his attorney, Noah Horst, entering not guilty pleas on his behalf. Federal prosecutors meanwhile charged Emerson with interfering with a flight crew, which can carry up to 20 years in prison.

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According to a probable cause statement filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Emerson told Port of Portland police following his arrest that he had been struggling with depression, that a friend had recently died and that he had taken psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before he attempted to cut the engines. He also said he had not slept in more than 40 hours, according to the document.

Police reported that Emerson did not appear to be intoxicated at the time of the interview, and in a statement Tuesday, Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, said neither the gate agents nor flight crew noticed any signs of impairment that might have barred him from the flight. An FBI agent wrote in a probable cause affidavit in support of the federal charge that Emerson said it was his first-time taking mushrooms.

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While psilocybin is illegal in most of the country  Oregon legalized it for adults this year  the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 designated it a breakthrough therapy that might be used for mental health conditions or substance use disorders.

Emerson, an Alaska Airlines pilot from Pleasant Hill, California, was arrested Sunday night after the flight crew reported that he attempted to shut down the engines on a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco while riding in the extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board.

The FBI affidavit said Emerson, who as an off-duty pilot was authorized to ride in the cockpits jump seat, made casual conversation with the captain and first officer when the plane was between Astoria, Oregon, and Portland, before trying to grab two red handles that would have activated the planes fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines.

After what the flight crew described as a brief struggle, lasting only about 30 seconds, Emerson left the cockpit, the FBI said.

Flight attendants placed Emerson in wrist restraints and seated him in the rear of the aircraft, but as the plane descended, he tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit, according to the document. A flight attendant stopped him by placing her hands on top of his, it said.

Alaska Airlines said Tuesday that Emerson had been relieved of all duties.

Horst did not immediately speak with reporters following the hearing or respond to phone and email messages seeking comment.

The captain and first officer told police after the plane landed that Emerson said Im not OK just before he reached up to pull the handles. They were able to stop him before he pulled the handles all the way down, the affidavit said.

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Emerson walked calmly to the back of the plane after being told to leave the cockpit and told a flight attendant, You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad, the affidavit said. Another flight attendant heard him saying, I messed everything up and tried to kill everybody.

According to the affidavit, he asked police if he could waive his right to an attorney: Im admitting to what I did. Im not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys.

He also told them he thought he was having a nervous breakdown and said: I pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up, according to the affidavit.

Pilots are required to undergo psychological screening as part of their regularly scheduled medical exams. There have been crashes that investigators believe were deliberately caused by pilots. Authorities said the copilot of a Germanwings jet that crashed in the French Alps in 2015 had practiced putting the plane into a dive.

Emerson took his most recent exam in September, Federal Aviation Administration records show  but according to the charging documents, he had long been struggling with depression.

Emerson was to remain in state custody pending an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Portland, the U.S. attorneys office said in a statement.

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Mark Angelos, a senior flight instructor at the NRI Flying Club in Concord, California, has known Emerson for more than 10 years. Emerson used to be president of the club and designed its safety program, meaning he was in charge of making sure instructors followed standard operating procedures, Angelos said.

Angelos said that when he and other club members initially heard the news, they thought Horizon Air must have been conducting an emergency drill to test its crew. They couldnt believe that a person they saw as a family man who loved his children could be accused of such a thing.

It just couldnt have been our Joe, he said.
By Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING (Reuters) - China removed its defence minister on Tuesday, the second ousting of a senior leader in three months, raising questions about the stability of the leadership team around Chinese President Xi Jinping.

General Li Shangfu , who has been absent from public view for two months, was dismissed as defence minister and state councillor, according to state media.

China also announced that Qin Gang , who was removed as foreign minister in July, was stripped of his state councillor position.

China's top legislators, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, approved the removal of both men, state broadcaster CCTV reported, without giving any explanation.

No replacement for Li was named, leaving the country without a defence minister as it prepares to host foreign defence officials at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Oct. 29-31.

Li, 65, was last seen in public on Aug. 29. Reuters reported last month that he was under investigation for suspected corruption related to equipment procurement and development.

He had only been in the job since March, when Xi started his precedent-breaking third term as head of state. Li, who is under U.S. sanctions over Beijing's purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russia, is China's shortest-serving defence minister.

Qin had also served less than a year before he disappeared from public view and was replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi. No formal explanation has been given but the Wall Street Journal cited sources saying Qin had an extramarital affair while he was ambassador to the United States.

The disappearances of Li and Qin have raised questions from diplomats about the abrupt changes in China's leadership at a time when the country's economic growth is sluggish and its relations with the United States have soured over a range of issues.

Both Li and Qin were seen by observers of Chinese politics as handpicked by Xi, making their absence after less than a year on the job particularly notable. The two men had prominent public-facing roles and also served among China's five state councillors, a post outranking a regular minister.

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian; Editing by Don Durfee, Mark Potter and Nick Macfie)
The US Department of Defense released its annual China Military Power Report last week.

The report says China's has increased in missile stockpiles, doubling its supply of the DF-21 missile.

The increase in what an expert called "Japan Killers" gives China greater capability to threaten US bases.

China has continued to build up its already menacing rocket force and nearly doubled the number of one particular missile it could use to target and pummel US bases in Japan should a conflict break out.

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force's includes a significant increase in DF-21 medium-range ballistic missiles. The Pentagon estimates China had 1,000 of these missiles by the end of 2022. That's a dramatic increase, almost doubling the 500+ estimate in 2021.

The new figures were released last week in the Department of Defense's annual China Military Power Report. The latest congressionally-mandated, unclassified update explores the military prowess of the People's Republic of China in 2022, highlighting, among other things, the PLARF's ongoing efforts to enhance its missile capabilities as part of "its strategy to deter and counter third-party intervention in regional conflicts," such as keeping the US and its allies out of a fight over Taiwan.

Military vehicles carrying DF-21D intermediate-range anti-ship ballistic missiles participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 3, 2015, to mark the 70th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II. GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images

The DF-21, which NATO refers to as CSS-5, has an estimated range of 1,000-3,000 kilometers  which is not far enough to reach US forces stationed in Guam like the intermediate-range DF-26 but too far to make sense for strikes on Taiwan, for which short-range missiles like the DF-11, DF-15, and DF-16 are better suited.

But as Tom Shugart, a former US Navy submarine commander who's now an adjust senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) think tank, wrote Monday on X, the DF-21s, or "Japan Killers" as he calls these weapons, are able to hit anywhere in Japan.

The ability to strike positions in Japan could spell major trouble for US bases  fixed, immovable targets  in the country and weaken their ability to deter potential geopolitical conflict, especially as tensions flare and China throws its weight around.

Handout photo shows U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships steaming in formation during their military manoeuvre exercise known as Keen Sword 15 in the sea south of Japan. Reuters

The DF-21 is a road-mobile, solid-fuel, single-warhead missile first used by China in the early 1990s. Since then, China has created multiple variants. Some are nuclear while others are conventional, and some are land-attack systems while others serve in an anti-ship role.

The anti-ship variant, sometimes called a "carrier killer" like the DF-26, could keep US Navy aircraft carrier strike groups away from Taiwan and limit their ability to quickly intervene if China were to invade the island, although there is some skepticism on whether the missile could single-handedly destroy a carrier and how it would actually interact with a moving target.

The PLARF's stockpile of 1,000 MRBMs likely includes both land-attack and anti-ship variants of the DF-21, as well as limited numbers of the hypersonic DF-17. That number nearly doubling from 2021 indicates a build-up in weapons that could hit US forces in the area, specifically key American bases and operations centers.

A map of China's fielded conventional strike capabilities Department of Defense

But that's been a priority for China for years now. In 2017, RAND assessed that the key US facilities specifically in Japan could already be within range of thousands of accurate Chinese ballistic and cruise missiles that could be hard to counter.

"In 1996, the PLA was just beginning to develop conventionally armed ballistic missiles and had only a few dozen relatively inaccurate conventionally armed short-range missiles that could reach targets in Taiwan or Korea, but not US bases in Japan," the RAND report said. "By 2015, however, the PLA's Second Artillery had deployed more than 1,200 conventionally armed ballistic missiles, including the DF-21C with the range to attack targets throughout Japan."

And China has also prioritized accuracy in addition to numbers. As Shugart wrote in 2017, "by marrying great accuracy with numerous ballistic missiles, China may have developed a capability that the Soviet armed forces never had: the ability to strike effectively, in a matter of minutes, US and allied bases, logistical facilities, and command centers without resorting to the use of nuclear weapons, and without having established air superiority."

US President Joe Biden meets with China's President Xi Jinping during a virtual summit from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, November 15, 2021. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

The bolstering of China's stockpile of missiles capable of hitting US targets across Japan is likely both a flex of military might and a deterrent against American forces in the region, and it also comes at a near-frigid point in PRC and US relations.

"In 2022, the PLA largely denied, cancelled, and ignored recurring bilateral engagements and DoD requests for communication," the Pentagon included in their report. "The PLA's refusal to engage with DoD has largely continued in 2023" and, along with its "increasingly coercive and risky operational behavior," there is significant concern "of an operational incident or miscalculation spiraling into crisis or conflict."

Read the original article on Business Insider
03 June 2023, Singapore, Singapur: Chinese Defense Minister General Li Shangfu meets with German Defense Minister Pistorius (not pictured). Britta Pedersen/picture alliance via Getty Images

China has dismissed defense minister General Li Shangfu from office.

Li hasn't been seen in public in two months and is the second Chinese minister to be ousted this year with no explanation.

President Xi also replaced two top commanders in China's Rocket Force in July.

China has dismissed its defense minister from office after his bizarre disappearance from public view two months ago. His unexplained firing marks the latest in a string of Chinese leadership shakeups just this year.

Chinese state media announced the removal of Gen. Li Shangfu from office on Tuesday without explanation and without naming a replacement. He'd been under investigation for corruption, US officials told The New York Times, and had seemingly disappeared since his last public appearance in late August. In September, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said she had no information on Li's whereabouts or what he was up to.

Since being appointed defense minister in March, Li's most notable appearance came just four months ago at a forum in Singapore. While there, he slammed the US for imposing a "Cold War mentality" that was "greatly increasing security risks," adding that war with the US would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world.

Li's departure as the defense minister follows the dismissal of foreign minister Qin Gang from office in July, again with no explanation. And that same month, two top commanders in the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), which oversees the country's nuclear and conventional missile strike capabilities, were also unexpectedly replaced.

The trend suggests President Xi Jinping is reshuffling both China's military and political ranks, possibly to tighten his grip on the People's Liberation Army, ruling Communist Party, and root out any corruption or potential challenge. But it's unclear what this means for confidence in Xi's leadership, especially amid his push for stronger national security due to increased tensions with the West.

Just weeks before Li disappeared from public view, Xi gathered military leadership in Beijing in July for a meeting on loyalty and the Communist Party's "absolute leadership" over the armed forces, which has been a recurring theme with regard to Chinese political influence over the military.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan during a visit to Washington this week, senior administration officials said, paving the way for President Joe Bidens potential first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a year.

Wangs visit from Thursday to Saturday is expected to focus largely on discussing a possible Biden-Xi meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco next month. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 economies in Bali, Indonesia, in November and have not spoken since.

The Biden administration has not announced a meeting between Biden and Wang, but senior administration officials described the visit as reciprocal to Blinkens visit to Beijing in June, when he met with Xi.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also confirmed the dates of Wangs visit on Tuesday.

The visit also comes as the Biden administrations focus is on the Middle East and the threat of escalation in the Israel-Hamas war through Iranian proxies in the region. Beijings close relations with Tehran prompted Blinken to call Wang this month and ask China to use its influence to prevent the conflict from widening. A State Department readout of the call said Blinken discussed maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict.

Relations between the worlds two largest economies have fallen to what Beijing says is their lowest point since diplomatic relations were established in 1979 over a variety of issues, including trade, technology, human rights, the status of Taiwan and Chinas stance on the war in Ukraine. They were further thrown into crisis when an alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down over U.S. territory in February, leading Blinken to postpone a planned visit to Beijing.

Over the summer the Biden administration, which says it seeks competition, not conflict, with China, sent a series of senior officials to Beijing to improve relations, including Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Last month, Sullivan, the national security adviser, had two days of discussions with Wang in Malta.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators visited Beijing independently this month and met with Xi for over an hour.

The lack of reciprocal visits by Chinese officials had drawn criticism from Republicans and others who want the Biden administration to take a harder line with Beijing.

John Kerry in Beijing For Climate Talks (Florence Lo / Pool via Getty Images)

China has expressed interest in a Biden-Xi meeting but has pressed for concessions, for example the easing of U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors and other strategically important technologies.

China believes head-of-state diplomacy is the compass and anchor of China-U.S. relations and has an irreplicable strategic role in guiding the relationship, Liu Qing, the vice president of the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, told NBC News last month.

At present, China-U.S. relations are facing serious difficulties and are at a critical crossroads regarding where to go from here, Liu said.

Last month, the Ministry of State Security, Chinas top spy agency, said Washington was taking a two-sided approach to Beijing, accusing it of wanting to combine contact with control.

To truly realize from Bali to San Francisco, the United States needs to show enough sincerity, the ministry said in a long post on its WeChat social media account.

Liu also said China hoped the U.S. would demonstrate its sincerity.

China has principled conditions and major concerns and asks the U.S. to create the right atmosphere, remove the turbulence and create the conditions for the next high-level exchanges between the two countries, he said.

The U.S. diplomatic outreach to China has also coincided with a period of apparent turmoil inside the Chinese government, with numerous personnel changes. During his visit to Beijing in June, Blinken had invited Qin Gang, the Chinese foreign minister at the time, for further talks in Washington. A month later, Qin was removed from his post without explanation after having disappeared from public view for weeks and was replaced by his predecessor, Wang, who was also invited to Washington.

Wang, 70, who also holds a separate post as Chinas top diplomat, is the first senior Chinese official to travel to Washington since Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who met with Raimondo in late May.

The State Department said last month that Blinken was expected to host Wang in Washington before the end of the year and that Biden hoped to meet with Xi sometime later this fall.

We believe there is no substitute for one-on-one conversations at the leader level, so we will continue to work towards the possibility of that, spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Abigail Williams reported from Washington, Keir Simmons reported from London, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.

CORRECTION (Oct. 23, 2023, 11:45 p.m. ET): A previous subhead on this article misstated whom Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be meeting with during his visit to Washington this week. He will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, not President Joe Biden.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Liz Lee

BEIJING (Reuters) -China will do its utmost when it comes to contributing to Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation, its foreign minister told his Israeli counterpart in a phone call, according to Chinese state media.

China will firmly support any resolution as long as it is conducive to peace, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israel's Eli Cohen, calling the conflict a "major choice between war and peace", state media said on Tuesday.

Wang also called for Israel to take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the Middle East, adding that "all countries have the right to self-defence, but they should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians".

China has condemned violence and attacks on civilians in the conflict, and while Wang has declared Israel's actions "beyond the scope of self-defence" he has not named Hamas in his comments.

In a separate phone conversation with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, Wang said he "deeply sympathises" with the people of Gaza, adding that they need security and efforts to promote peace, not weapons or geopolitical calculations.

China calls for the convening of a "more authoritative, wide-ranging and effective international peace conference" soon, Wang said.

Wang's comments come days before he visits Washington Oct. 26-28. He will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan, senior Biden administration officials said on Monday, declining to say if he will meet with Biden as well.

The conflict has put China and Russia in separate camps rom the United States over the conflict.

China and Russia share the same position that the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people have not been met. While the US has denounced the Hamas attack, fully supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

China, which has repeatedly urged a ceasefire, also made clear its warships in the Middle East were part of routine escort missions and friendly visits, and not an interference in the conflict, state-controlled Global Times said.

The newspaper said the spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in the United States has called for an end to the "groundless hyping" over the deployment of Chinese warships to the Middle East in response to reports about several warships stationed in the region.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Michael Perry and Miral Fahmy)
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Washington for high-level meetings, as the US and China continue a series of diplomatic engagements intended to manage tensions even as war in the Middle East shows the limits of potential cooperation.

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Wang will be in Washington Thursday to Saturday and meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, senior Biden administration officials said on a call with reporters on Monday.

The US side is planning to raise the subject of the war, which began with the invasion of Israel by Hamas. The group, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, seized more than 200 hostages. Washington has strongly supported Israel, while China has called for a cease-fire. President Joe Biden said Monday that we should have those hostages released, and then we can talk about a cease-fire.

China confirmed Wangs trip, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning saying Tuesday at a regular briefing in Beijing that hed meet high-level officials to discuss international issues of shared interest.

Wangs visit will be the first by Chinas top foreign policy official since March 2021. Back then, Yang Jiechi and Blinken bickered in Alaska over human rights, trade and international alliances. The two nations have been trying to stabilize their relationship recently, with the US sending a string of high-level officials to Beijing.

On Tuesday, US Treasury staff and counterparts from China held the first meeting of a new working group dedicated to discussing economic topics. China and the US agreed to establish two groups dedicated to holding regular, staff level sit-downs following Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens visit to China in July.

A second working group will meet Wednesday evening Washington time to discuss financial topics.

The crisis in Gaza has become a new point of division between Beijing and Washington. Last week, the USs top diplomat in China, Nicholas Burns, called on China to denounce terrorism by Hamas.

On Monday, China again acknowledged that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas while also calling on it to consider civilians. Every country has the right to self-defense but should abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians, Wang told his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in a telephone call.

Wang told Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in a separate call the same day that China deeply sympathizes with the difficult situation of the Palestinian side, especially the people of Gaza.

Read: China Repeats Its View That Israel Must Protect Civilians

During the meetings in Washington, US officials will also engage Wang over Russias invasion of Ukraine and North Koreas weapons program, the senior Biden administration officials said.

They said the meeting was part of efforts to manage US-China relations responsibly and didnt outline any clear deliverables from the visit. They also declined to say whether it would lay the groundwork for a meeting between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a summit in San Francisco next month, adding only that Biden has said he hopes to see Xi in the near future.

The Biden team also wants to bring up what it called Chinas dangerous and destabilizing activities in the South China Sea, the officials added, particularly around the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Chinese coast guard ship collided with a Philippines-contracted resupply boat early Sunday.

More: Chinas Stance on Hamas Key Point of Division, US Envoy Says

Wangs visit is the somewhat delayed result of an invitation issued to then-Foreign Minister Qin Gang in June, when Blinken traveled to Beijing as the most senior US official to visit the Chinese capital in five years.

Qin, Chinas former ambassador to Washington, was later ousted after just seven months in his new role, one of several senior officials to vanish from public view without explanation. Wang returned to that role in addition to his higher-ranking position as director of the Communist Partys foreign affairs body.

Blinken last spoke with Wang on Oct. 14 when the top US diplomat was in Saudi Arabia on a whirlwind trip around the Middle East. At a time when US officials were worried about Iran urging others to strike Israel, Blinken urged Wang to use Chinese influence in the region to try and keep things under control.

Also: Israel Latest: Macron Visits Israel as Hostage Talks Stepped Up

--With assistance from Colum Murphy, Jing Li and Philip Glamann.

(Updates with China confirming Wang Yi to visit and more context.)

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Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi will visit Washington later this week, ahead of a possible meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month.

Wang is expected to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss a range of issues, U.S. officials said Monday, including heightening tensions in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The U.S. and China have opposing views on the conflict in Gaza and war in Ukraine, but the Biden administration is hoping that this meeting can persuade China to take a more constructive approach" on both issues and work out, as one official told Reuters, where our interests intersect. During last weeks visit to the Middle East, Blinken reportedly asked Wang in a phone call if Beijing could exercise its influence in the region, particularly Iran, to ensure that the Gaza conflict doesnt spillover to other countries. China has so far called for a ceasefire and a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Hamas war and has not directly condemned Hamas for its attack earlier this month.

China observers are watching Wangs upcoming meeting with cautious optimism, with some telling state media outlet Global Times that the U.S. needs to make concrete efforts to address Chinas concerns. As a prerequisite to shoring up diplomacy, Beijing has asked that Washington abandon its tariffs on Chinese products, remove sanctions, and lift restrictions on Chinese companies. It has also urged the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle when it comes to Taiwan, but so far, the U.S. has not complied with Chinas requests. Despite the positive signs emerging from frequent interactions between the two nations, whether those issues of concern for Beijing can be solved will be important barometers to evaluate Washingtons sincerity, professor Li Haidong at China Foreign Affairs University told Global Times.

Despite the rapprochement, the head of the FBI called China the defining threat of this generation. Christopher Wray told CBS News last week that no other country presented a broader, more comprehensive threat to our ideas, our innovation, our economic security, and ultimately our national security. The FBI director accused China of repeatedly stealing intellectual property from U.S. companies and of waging a global espionage campaign. For decades, the Chinese government has engaged in a much less visible and possibly more damaging campaign to steal American trade secrets and intellectual property, the New York Times reported in March. Apart from weapons and military equipment, Chinese spies have also targeted pesticides, rice seeds, and wind turbines, among other commercial technologies.
For years, the US Navy has struggled to complete repairs of its ships on time.

Protracted delays heighten concerns about maintaining US naval presence in the Western Pacific.

To reduce workload at domestic shipyards and keep ships at sea, the US is looking for help overseas.

The rapid expansion of China's navy has heightened concerns about the availability of the US Navy's fleet, driving Washington to look abroad for help repairing warships that might otherwise face long delays at home.

China has the world's largest navy, with more than 370 ships and submarines in service in 2022, according to the Pentagon latest report on the Chinese military. Officials and experts say the US Navy's battleforce of roughly 300 ships has a qualitative advantage, but its edge has been dulled by protracted delays at domestic shipyards, problems that have the US looking to foreign shipyards to perform some maintenance and repairs its ships have had to leave the Pacific to receive.

The Government Accountability Office said in January that across 10 classes of US Navy ships, the average depot-maintenance delay per ship increased from 14 days in 2011 to 19 days in 2021. That number has improved, but delays persist amid other challenges at Navy shipyards.

The number of US shipyards has shrunk since the Cold War, and at the four public shipyards still in operation, "the condition of their dry docks and facilities is poor, and their equipment is generally past its useful life," the GAO said in June.

Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg in a dry dock in Norfolk in June 2021. US Navy/MCS3 Brandon Roberson

Public and private shipyards face some of the same challenges, including worker shortages. The Navy and Congress are pursuing shipyard upgrades and industrial-base investments that have had a positive impact, and the Navy is seeking high-tech tools to streamline the work. But the Biden administration is also looking abroad for help.

The US and India agreed "to explore possibilities" of using Indian shipyards for repairs and maintenance on US Maritime Sealift Command ships and mid-voyage repairs of US Navy ships during during a summit in April 2022.

That August, USNS Charles Drew, a dry cargo ship, arrived at Larsen & Toubro Shipyard in Chennai for what officials touted as the first repairs of a US Navy ship in India. It was followed in March by USNS Matthew Perry, also a dry cargo ship, and in July by USNS Salvor, a rescue and salvage ship.

Salvor was the first ship repaired in India following the signing of a Master Ship Repair Agreement with L&T Shipyard. The deal allows the shipyard to bid on US Navy and Military Sealift Command repair contracts and has "a rigorous vetting process" to ensure the shipyard can perform the work, the US consul general in Chennai said on July 10.

Another MSRA was reached with Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai in August, and the US and India are working on a third for Goa Shipyard in Goa.

Guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald in a dry dock at a US naval base in Japan in July 2017 after colliding with a merchant ship a month earlier. Leonard Adams/US Navy via Getty Images

"These agreements will allow mid-voyage US Navy ships to undergo service and repair at Indian shipyards, facilitating cost-effective and time-saving sustainment activities for US military operations across multiple theaters," the White House said in June.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the service's top civilian official, said in February that the ability to do "forward-based repair and maintenance is critical" and that the repair of USNS Charles Drew in India "was a perfect example of how well-executed we can do this mission."

"We're also looking at other opportunities throughout Asia as well to where we might be able to do that," Del Toro said at the National Press Club, "perhaps in the Philippines and Singapore and other places like that."

One of those places appears to be Japan. It hosts several US Navy bases where warships receive maintenance from Japanese workers, but more extensive or complex repairs, or work on nuclear-powered vessels, requires returning to a US shipyard, according to Nikkei Asia. Current and former officials have advocated expanding the scope of repair work done in Japan, turning to private shipyards to fix US warships so they can remain in the region longer.

USNS Charles Drew leaves L&T Shipyard near Chennai after conducting scheduled maintenance in August 2022. US Military Sealift Command/Joel Garcia

Japan has "a tremendous amount" of shipyard capacity and its industrial base can be "a big part of the solution" to the US's problems, Rahm Emanuel, US ambassador to Japan, said at an event in March. Using private Japanese shipyards "will enhance our readiness, which will save lives, money, and time," Emanuel said in a Wall Street Journal op-ed in July, adding that "Japan has the capability and capacity to do the work."

Until the US can expand its own shipyard capacity, "we ought to look at, in the interim, using our allies' capabilities," Harry Harris Jr., a former commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said at an event on October 16. "There's no better shipbuilding place in the world than South Korea and Japan and the like. We ought to use them to increase our capabilities."

Diverting repair work overseas and even using foreign shipbuilders to build auxiliary ships like those recently repaired in India could reduce the workload at US shipyards, allowing them to invest more resources in modernization, but doing so would likely worry US firms and the lawmakers who represent those shipyards and their employees.

"I know that's not optimal," Harris, a retired US Navy admiral, said of sending that work abroad. "We want to bring those shipyards to the US and rightly hire American workers to build those ships, but we're approaching extremis here. We need to be creative in how we go about fixing the industrial-policy shortfalls that we created ourselves."

Riggers unhook a hull section from ex-USS Minneapolis-St. Paul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in July 2021. US Navy/Wendy Hallmark

US officials and lawmakers say US shipyards need continued investment but that tensions with China and the demand for US naval presence in the Western Pacific necessitates looking for more immediate options.

"We know that there is a need in the Indo-Pacific theater. We also know we have a challenge in making sure we maintain the proper workloads at our American repair yards," Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, told Insider at an event on Capitol Hill on September 19.

"The reality is it's a logistical nightmare to bring a ship all the way back 6,000 miles if it needs emergency repairs," Wittman said. "So the question is how do we have that capacity there and maintain the ship-repair capacity in the United States, and I think we can do both."

Turning to India and Japan to repair ships would be "a force multiplier," Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican and chairman of House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China, said at the same event.

"We can't think about our ships program as a jobs program. It's about national security. We need more ships. We need more repair yards," Gallagher told Insider. "It's all hands on deck within the free world right now, and I think something like that would simultaneously enhance our ability to repair ships more quickly and also be a deterrent in the Pacific."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Until recently, 2023 looked to be a major year for Chinese outreach in the Middle East.

Beijing has made economic, diplomatic, and even military inroads across the region.

But the Israel-Hamas war is putting China's friends-with-all approach to the test.

China has made significant inroads in the Middle East in recent years, building up its economic and diplomatic ties by portraying itself as more neutral than the US and more willing to engage all parties.

However, the latest crisis in the volatile region, the fighting between Israel and Hamas, is putting China's multifaceted effort to win over Middle Eastern countries to its most significant test yet.

Until this month, 2023 looked to be a landmark year for China's outreach to the Middle East. Several countries there, including Iran, Syria, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, are already part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted several Middle Eastern leaders for state visits, including Syrian President Bashar Assad in September.

Chinese President Xi Jinping with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing in May 2013. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

In March, Beijing brokered a normalization agreement between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, made possible by its friendly ties with both sides. Given its heavy dependency on Persian Gulf oil, China has an interest in ensuring such rivalries do not create instability.

China also has a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement with Iran and has made large investments in Israel's technology sector, demonstrating how it has sought to maintain substantial economic ties with rivals within the region.

So far this year, China has also had separate joint military exercises with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They were the first exercises of their kind for China, leading some to believe Beijing's economic inroads in the region will be followed by a military presence.

The war between Israel and Hamas, which began with an unprecedented attack by Hamas inside Israel on October 7, has tested China's overall approach to the region, however.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks to Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on October 19. Israeli Defense Ministry/Ariel Hermoni/Anadolu via Getty Images

Beijing has decried the violence and called for a ceasefire, and China's special Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun, has made overtures about helping to resolve the conflict, but Chinese officials have also avoided condemning the attack and Hamas for carrying it out. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has gone so far as to criticize Israel's response.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer raised concerns about the initial Chinese statement "directly" with Xi while visiting Beijing, according to Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China. "The Chinese subsequently issued a new statement, where they did say that they were very sympathetic to the loss of life in Israel and, of course, did not support terrorism," Burns said at an event on October 11.

China may see criticizing the US and Israeli response and refusing to condemn Hamas as a way to get closer to Arab countries and gain an edge in its competition with Washington, but that is "a risky gambit," according to Michael Singh, managing director at The Washington Institute and a former White House official.

"If the Gaza conflict weakens the Abraham Accords and halts progress toward Israel-Saudi normalization, and/or if it sours ties between the US and its Arab partners in the Middle East, China will have gained strategically, but at the high cost of good relations with Israel," Singh said on October 19.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas with Xi in Beijing in June. Jade Gao - Pool/Getty Images

If that doesn't happen, "China will have trashed its ties [with] Israel and gained only fleeting praise among Israel's critics," Singh said, adding that China's "friends with everyone, allies with none" approach to foreign policy "is incompatible with exploiting global crises to undermine the US."

China may also see Middle Eastern countries' ire over US support for Israel as a chance to increase its arms sales to the region.

In recent years, Beijing has sold armed drones to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, and Iraq. These sales are minuscule compared to US arms exports to those countries, but they appear to be part of a broader effort to "displace" US influence, according to Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US Air Forces in the Middle East.

China, which gets much of its oil and natural gas from the region, is primarily building influence "through economic means," including infrastructure projects, and "in some cases foreign military sales or their equivalent of that," Grynkewich said at a Defense Writers Group event on October 4.

"What I think is a reasonable assertion, though, is that where economic interests start, military interests will follow to protect those economic interests," Grynkewich added.

Grynkewich pointed to areas of concern, including the presence of technology developed by Chinese technology firm Huawei, which officials say could be used to gather intelligence on US military activity. In December 2021, the UAE suspended negotiations for a landmark purchase of 50 F-35s after the US raised concerns about a 5G network that Abu Dhabi was working on with Huawei.

A Iranian newspaper reporting on the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia on March 11. ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

"Our focus is on securing the military dimension of the US relationship with these countries so that that Chinese influence remains displaced," Grynkewich said.

While Chinese officials have expressed interest in helping end the fighting between Hamas and Israel, it's not clear that Beijing is willing and able to use what influence it has to contain or resolve the conflict.

Zhai, China's Middle East envoy, began a tour of the region last week, stopping in Qatar first on October 19. That same day, Xi met with Egypt's prime minister in Beijing, where Xi said the "fundamental way out of" the Israel-Palestine conflict is "implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent state of Palestine," repeating China's often-stated position.

At the event on October 11, Burns, the US ambassador to China, doubted whether China could be "a true mediator."

Doing so means "you have to speak truth to both sides, you have to look for differences, you have to be actively engaged every day," Burns said. "It's the kind of role we've played for the last half-century in the Middle East. I don't see, really, indications of that" from China.

Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

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Among those targeted in the alleged disinformation campaign by Beijing is Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau

Canada says it has detected a disinformation campaign likely tied to China that has targeted dozens of its politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The "spamouflage" campaign used waves of online posts to discredit Canadian MPs, the foreign ministry said.

It says the campaign was carried out to silence criticism of Beijing.

China has previously denied any allegations of interference in Canadian affairs.

Global Affairs Canada said that its Rapid Response Mechanism, which was set up to monitor foreign state-sponsored disinformation efforts, detected in August a "spamouflage" campaign that is connected to Beijing.

It said the campaign, which accelerated over the first weekend of September, featured a bot network that "left thousands of comments" in Canada's two official languages - English and French - on the social media accounts of several Canadian politicians.

The comments claimed that a critic of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada had accused the various politicians of criminal and ethical breaches.

"The Spamouflage campaign also included the use of likely 'deep fake' videos, which are digitally modified by artificial intelligence, targeting the individual," Global Affairs Canada said.

The accusations are the latest in a series of claims that have come out from Canadian intelligence agencies and officials that have accused Beijing of interfering in Canada's elections.

A "spamouflage" campaign is one which uses a network of new or hijacked social media accounts to post propaganda messages across various platforms, such as Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Reddit, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Officials said those same accounts were also involved in spreading disinformation about the Hawaii wildfires in August, falsely claiming that they were caused by a secret US military "weather weapon".

In addition to the prime minister, the campaign targeted Conservative opposition leader Pierre Polievre and several members of Mr Trudeau's cabinet, officials said.

Global Affairs Canada said it has notified the affected social media platforms about the posts, "resulting in much of the activity and network being removed".

The department said it has also alerted the affected politicians and has given them advice on how to protect themselves and how to report any "suspected foreign interference activity".

The bot network behind this campaign could be linked to a larger, well-known Spamouflage network that has been publicly reported on in the past by tech giants like Meta and Microsoft, officials said.

This network has also been studied by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a Canberra-based non-partisan think tank, which helped Canada make its own assessments.

Earlier in September, Canada launched a foreign interference inquiry tasked with probing any meddling in its elections by China, Russia and other actors.

The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in Canada for comment.
China-US economic working group holds first meeting

15:47, October 24, 2023 By Wang Keju ( Chinadaily.com.cn

The first meeting of the China-US economic working group, co-chaired by vice-ministerial officials from the finance ministries on both sides, was held through video link on Tuesday.

The meeting was in line with the consensus reached during talks between Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who leads China's economic and trade discussions with the US, and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in Beijing in July.

The two sides engaged in extensive, candid and constructive discussions on various topics, including the macroeconomic situation and policies of both nations and the global context, bilateral economic relations, and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

China expressed its concerns, and both sides agreed to maintain communication.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Parishioners, including two women in chapel veils, which the Roman Catholic Church stopped requiring for mass in 1965, at Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Chicago, Oct. 10, 2023. As the pope and church leaders meet in Rome to discuss the Roman Catholic Church's future, they face a chasm between conservatives and progressives in the pews. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)

When the Rev. John Trout heard that Pope Francis wanted feedback from parishes before a major Vatican gathering this month on the churchs future, he decided that his suburban Chicago congregation would go all in.

St. Joseph Catholic Church hung banners about the meeting, distributed surveys, and invited an expert from Loyola University Chicago to speak to parishioners. The parish hosted sessions in person and on Zoom to discuss questions offered as prompts by the Vatican: What are your hopes and dreams for the Roman Catholic Church? What about the church breaks your heart?

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Less than an hour south of St. Joes, the Rev. Anthony Bus of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago said he viewed the gathering in Rome not as an opportunity but as a potential threat, or at the very least an irrelevance.

Our voices are not going to be heard in the halls of the Vatican, he said. Its dialogue, but only if you toe the party line.

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Bus has barely mentioned the synod to his parishioners, and he said that few people at St. Stans filled out the archdioceses open survey about the meeting.

The Synod on Synodality, the sprawling meeting in Rome, has become a flashpoint among different factions of the churchs leadership. Women and laypeople are participating in the meeting for the first time. Attendees have a broad mandate to discuss the future of the church, including ordaining women as deacons and outreach to LGBTQ+ people.

Relatively progressive leaders, including those appointed by Francis, see the synod as a hopeful moment that could lead to much-needed changes. Conservatives fear that the meeting will decay church standards and unleash chaos. They have compared it to Pandoras box, and warn that it could cause a schism.

Cardinal Blaise J. Cupich of Chicago, a close ally of the pope, is among the 14 American bishops attending the meeting. He strongly encouraged his parishes to contribute their thoughts. But in a moment when the American church is especially polarized at the top, the synod is also laying bare the divide in the pews, and the scale of the challenge facing the pope.

The Rev. Martin Luboyera distributes the Eucharist to parishioners in a car during a Sunday morning drive-in Mass, which the parish started offering during the COVID-19 pandemic, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Libertyville, Oct. 15, 2023. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)

The Rev. Martin Luboyera leads a Sunday morning drive-in Mass, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Libertyville, Oct. 15, 2023. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement that the archdioceses synod process was a meticulous and impartial effort to collect and report on the thoughts of its clergy, religious and faithful. She said the archdioceses report to the Vatican was an honest reflection of their contributions.

St. Stans and St. Joes belong to the archdiocese, the nations third largest. But their spiritual emphases and even their aesthetic sensibilities are worlds apart: St. Stans adheres strictly to tradition, with an emphasis on confession; St. Joes has embraced Francis emphasis on environmental causes and adapting to the changing world.

St. Joes 1960s-era sanctuary, with curved pews arranged around a simple altar, was inspired by the Second Vatican Councils emphasis on the church as the people of God. You dont have a church if you dont have people, Trout likes to say. He has celebrated Mass in parishioners backyards, at a local park, and at drive-in services in the church parking lot. The parish is active on social media and has been experimenting lately with contemporary music and podcasting. One of its four confessionals was recently turned into a snug production studio for streaming services online.

St. Joes fall parish calendar includes a solar-panel workshop and a screening of a documentary about the popes environmental encyclical, as well as an anti-abortion prayer event and community volunteer opportunities. Were a big tent, and the sides are open, Trout said.

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Kathleen OConnor, who was raised in the parish and has served on its leadership council, said, Our role is just to love each other where were at.

In the city, St. Stans, built in the 1880s, features an imposing gilded altar and a spectacular monstrance  a vessel that holds a consecrated eucharistic host for veneration  that the parish says is the largest in the world. The church is open 24 hours a day.

The Kennedy Expressway, one of the major highways connecting Chicago with its suburbs, was originally planned to cut through St. Stans church property. Construction would have required the demolition of the sanctuary. But the parishs large Polish population protested until the planners relented, and curved the road to barely miss the church complex, with cars speeding by just a few feet from some of the windows. St. Stans calls itself the parish that moved an expressway.

The highway clash illustrates something deeper about the character of St. Stans: It asks the world to bend to it, not the other way around.

The notion in the popular culture is that were going to accommodate the spirit of the world and then theyre going to come in droves, said Bus, who describes himself as a traditional orthodox Catholic. But its just the opposite.

A cross on the grounds of Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, which is close to the busy Kennedy Expressway, in Chicago, Oct. 10, 2023. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)

Young people in particular often turn to the church because they are disturbed or disillusioned by secular culture, he said. The church should stand firm in its doctrines on matters like sexuality and the sacredness of the Eucharist, rather than watering down its dogma in hopes of fitting in with the outside worlds values.

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When you start compromising on doctrine, you run the risk of pushing people who really believe in the doctrine away, said Zach Morris, 29, who attended a recent Mass at St. Stans and described himself as someone who approaches change with caution.

Bus has clashed privately and publicly with Cupich, who has reined in traditionalist parishes, especially those that continued to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass that was standard in the church before the Second Vatican Council. Some traditionalists in the archdiocese are wary of speaking publicly about Cupichs leadership, for fear of attracting his attention. When Bus requested special permission in 2021 to celebrate the Mass facing east, toward the altar  rather than facing the congregation, which is the style of the newer form  he was denied permission and then disciplined for his public statements on the matter. (The archdiocese did not respond to a request for comment on Bus characterization of these events.)

Bus described his congregation as the little people  the faithful who work and worship in near-anonymity, far from the elites in Rome. The church will survive through these people, he said, not through the people that are in the synod, but through the people who are on their knees praying and trying to just navigate through life and take care of their families.

St. Stans is in an historically Polish neighborhood that has gone through several transitions. Bus now offers 11 Masses each week, in Polish, Spanish and English. St. Stans offers seven hours of open confession time a week, in contrast to many more progressive parishes like St. Joes, which typically offers one hour on Saturday mornings and by appointment.

At a Mass on a recent Tuesday evening, Bus acknowledged the presence of a reporter from the pulpit, and led a prayer for the participants in the synod in Rome, that they be deeply infused with the spirit of God, and that the spirit of the world or any Luciferian spirit be eradicated from the halls of the Vatican.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
TAIPEI, Taiwan  China has replaced Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, who has been out of public view for almost two months, state media reported Tuesday. No further information was given.

Li is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from office in July with no explanation offered.

Li, who became defense minister during a Cabinet reshuffle in March, hasnt been seen since giving a speech on Aug. 29. There is no indication that the disappearances of Qin and Li signal a change in Chinas foreign or defense policies, although they have raised questions about the resilience of President and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinpings circle of power.

Xi has a reputation for valuing loyalty above all and has relentlessly attacked corruption in public and private, sometimes in what has been seen as a method of eliminating political rivals and shoring up his political position amid a deteriorating economy and rising tensions with the U.S. over trade, technology and Taiwan.

Li is under U.S. sanctions related to his overseeing weapons purchases from Russia; he is barred from entering the United States.

China has since cut off contacts with the U.S. military, mainly in protest over U.S. arm sales to Taiwan, but also strongly implying that Washington must lift the measures against Li, which Beijing refuses to publicly recognize.

The announcement from state broadcaster CCTV said that both Li and Qin had been removed from the State Council, Chinas Cabinet and the center of government power. That virtually assures the end of their political careers, although it remains unclear whether they will face prosecution or other legal sanctions.

CCTV also announced Lan Foans new appointment as finance minister, and Yin Hejun as science and technology minister.

Chinas political and legal systems remain highly opaque, fueling lively discussion of possible corruption, personal foibles or fallings-out with other powerful figures leading to the downfall of top officials.

Along with dealing with what appear to be internal political issues, the ruling party is struggling to revive an economy that has been severely impacted by the draconian zero-Covid measures, an aging population, high unemployment among college graduates, and a movement of many of its wealthiest and best educated to more liberal societies abroad.

Having had his ideology, known as Xi Jinping Thought, enshrined in the party constitution and with the abolishment of presidential term limits, Xi has structured the system so that he may stay in power for the rest of his life. The 70-year-old president also heads the party and state committees overseeing the Peoples Liberation Army, the worlds largest standing military with more than 2 million personnel on active duty.
Chris Packham has described one of Scotland's best-known landscapes as "sad" and "broken".

The naturalist and broadcaster said Glen Coe should not be a "barren moorland", but feature patches of native woodlands.

Much of Scotland was covered by trees 5,000 years ago, but only fragments of the ancient Caledonian Forest survive today.

Mr Packham said Glen Coe could be "fixed" by rewilding parts of it.

National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which manages a 14,000-acre national nature reserve in Glen Coe, said it was committed to helping natural habitats flourish.

Rewilding is the restoration of large areas of habitat for the benefit of native plants and animals.

Mr Packham said Glen Coe was a historically important landscape.

He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "I remember going through (Glen Coe) as a kid and going 'wow, Scottish wilderness, fantastic'.

"But that was in the late 1960s and early 70s. We've all learned now that landscape is broken and it needs fixing - and we can fix it."

Glen Coe is an area of mountains and moor in the west Highlands

He added: "So it didn't ought to be barren, overgrazed moorland. It ought to be patches of woodland, patches of spaces where wildlife can prosper.

"Glen Coe - it's sad driving through there. There are blocks of non-native forestry which aren't great for biodiversity and aren't great for employing people."

'Love Scotland'

Mr Packham has been in the Highlands to promote a new show and to visit Dundreggan, a 10,000-acre estate south of Inverness which Findhorn-based charity Trees for Life is rewilding.

The naturalist said restoring habitats could also help Scotland's economy through eco-tourism.

"From my point of view Scotland is the mecca for UK wildlife - you have got so many rare, endangered, sexy species," he said.

"We keep gravitating here and spending our money here.

"We love this country, there's no doubt about it, so why not invest in these landscapes to make them even better."

Chris Packham said Glen Coe should feature patches of native woodland

NTS said the reserve's habitats included waxcap grasslands at the bottom of the glen, and internationally important remnants of ancient Scottish rainforest in the woodlands of Coire Gabhail.

A spokeswoman said: "As a conservation charity, we are committed to stabilising and improving the condition of our estate, and to allowing nature to flourish, as set out in our 10-year strategy.

"Our actions at Glen Coe aim to regenerate native woodland in many areas of the glen and improve habitats generally throughout. Some designated habitats within the national nature reserve have been in poor condition for many years and this cannot go on."

'Making a difference'

She said NTS had changed its approach, tackling overgrazing and damage to saplings by "unsustainably high" red deer numbers, including year-round culls.

The spokeswoman said: "In taking action, there has been criticism from some quarters, but we can already see that this approach is making a difference."

She said the trust would be happy to invite Mr Packham to the reserve to discuss ongoing effort to enhance Glen Coe.

Glen Coe in the west Highlands, south of Fort William, includes some of Scotland's highest mountains, including Buachaille Etive Mor and the summits of the Aonach Eagach ridge.

The glen was the scene of an infamous massacre.

Almost 40 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed in February 1692 after soldiers were ordered to attack them.
I want to begin by reciting the well-worn quote that says, Seek to understand rather than to be understood. As a writer, I am challenged to remain true to lifting up marginalized voices. As a believer in Jesus, I will lift up the marginalized voice but end by lifting higher my voice of choice.

Over the last few weeks, I wanted to understand why so many Americans support the Palestinian movement. A quick response from a Harvard colleague stated, When I see them, I see us  African Americans  comparing the Palestinian struggle to the fight of the oppressed against police brutality and white supremacy in the United States.

How did he reach such a conclusion and conviction? On Aug. 9, 2014, Michael Brown was fatally shot by white police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Protests, both peaceful and violent, ensued, lasting for months at a time. Simultaneously, Israel was in the midst of Operation Protective Edge with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. As protesters in Ferguson were being tear-gassed by the police, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza started tweeting at Ferguson protesters, advising them on how to insulate themselves from tear gas.

This ignited the From Ferguson to Palestine call to action that many activists continue to invoke today. Black Lives Matter, other lesser-known advocacy groups and Palestinian activists quickly began to use social media as a tool to express support for and solidarity with one another. This confluence of events created a collaboration and increased kinship between the two ideologies.

Those supporting the Black for Palestine effort believe that Black Americans and Palestinians are similar victims of repressive, armed and largely white colonialist governments. Both groups believe that their movements are perceived by outsiders as illegitimate, and share a narrative of dehumanization, oppression and resilience. The sense of shared experience has coalesced into an intentional coupling and conflating of their narratives.

Now, I am a firm believer that a person can understand a position without fully embracing it. Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose by the receiver. Once received and clearly understood, you should be provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas.

I want to take this opportunity to gently offer an alternative point of view. I still believe that people can disagree without becoming violently disagreeable.

Make no mistake: As a Christian Bible-affirming believer, I support Israel. My reasoning is based on my fundamental belief that the Bible is the final authority on all matters regarding faith and practice.

The word of God emphatically calls us to Psalm 122:6-8 which states: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, May peace be within you. From this command, I am convicted and convinced to support Israel.

I also believe that Israel has every right to defend itself. As one great commentator stated, war happens when language fails. It is clear no one wants to talk it out anymore. From the streets to the Senate, middle ground no longer exists. This is so sad.

Though I believe Israel should defend itself, I do not believe Israel has the right to vehemently wipe evil off the face of the planet. No created being has that right. That power belongs to Jesus who shall soon return in that region to establish lasting peace on Earth as it is in heaven.

In closing, I am often reminded of this sobering thought: Only the dead have seen the end of war. God help us.

Darron LaMonte Edwards is lead pastor of United Believers Community Church in Kansas City.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie said the House GOPs struggle to elect a Speaker is an embarrassment to the party.

The House has gone three weeks without a Speaker after eight Republicans joined with Democrats to vote out former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Since then, the GOP has been unable to unify around a single candidate. Democrats have remained unified around their leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Weve gotten through two nominees of the party since Kevin McCarthy, its an embarrassment, Christie said in an interview with MSNBCs Stephanie Ruhle. Its an embarrassment to the party and to the country. And my view is just pick somebody now.

House Republicans are set to meet Tuesday morning to vote on a third nominee. Eight candidates are still in the running, which means the internal voting process could be prolonged. Once someone wins a majority conference vote, that candidate will need to go to the floor and not lose more than four GOP votes.

Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, pointed to issues of foreign policy, including Israels war with Hamas, Ukraines war with Russia and the southern border, as all needing Congresss attention.

We need a House of Representatives to function, to be able to address these problems and they should just pick a Speaker and lets move on, Christie said in the Monday interview.

Christie put some blame on House Democrats for the developments. Democrats had no responsibility to save McCarthy but have contributed to the problem by voting him out, Christie said.

The House GOPs first nominee, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), withdrew his candidacy a day after being nominated after not receiving enough internal support. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was then nominated by failed to secure 217 votes on three separate floor votes. Republicans then held another internal conference vote that ended his candidacy.

Eight new candidates have stepped forward to be the GOPs third nomination ahead of the secret ballot vote Tuesday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie has met the criteria for the third GOP primary debate, his campaign has reportedly said.

Christies campaign told Politico that hes met the polling and donor thresholds to get on the partys third debate stage in Miami next month. Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, shared the Politico piece on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) increased the requirements for candidates to qualify after the first debate in Milwaukee and the second in Simi Valley, Calif.

This time around, the candidates need to be polling at 4 percent or higher in two authorized national polls, or in one national poll and one poll from two separate carve out states. These states include Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Theyll also need to boast at least 70,000 unique donors, including at least 200 from 20 or more states and/or territories each.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy appear to have met the criteria to qualify  as has former President Trump, the front-runner of the party, though he skipped the first two events.

The former president is also expected to skip the third debate, holding a rally in Florida instead.

Christie has been an outspoken critic of the former president and called out his absence on the prior debate stage. He recently blasted Trump for pushing the RNC to nix the remaining primary debates.

He wants to end these things for purely selfish reasons, because he doesnt want to give exposure to the candidates who are challenging him out there, Christie said in an interview last month.

FiveThirtyEights tracker of 2024 Republican candidates has Christie at an average of 3 percent in polls, while Trump sits at 57 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Chris Christie s campaign says he has met the criteria for the third Republican primary debate, securing a spot next month on whats expected to be a winnowed stage of candidates.

Christie, the former New Jersey governor, has now surpassed the Republican National Committees 70,000 unique donor requirement, his campaign confirmed exclusively to POLITICO. He had previously met the RNCs polling requirement of reaching 4 percent support in multiple qualifying surveys, according to POLITICOs tracking of the criteria .

Christie becomes just the fifth candidate so far to qualify for the Nov. 8 debate in Miami, though fewer than that could be on stage. Former President Donald Trump is holding his own rally during the event, and Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur who has also met the RNCs criteria, said he is considering skipping the debate. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley have also qualified.

Christies donor support appears largely organic, as he is spending less money than any other major candidate in the primary  bringing in $3.8 million in the third fundraising quarter while spending just $1.5 million. Other candidates still attempting to qualify for the debate, including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, spent significantly more than Christie.

Christies ability to organically earn support from voters proves his message taking on Trump is not only distinct, but works, said Karl Rickett, campaign spokesperson.

To date, Christies campaign has spent just $28,300 on digital advertising and none on television, according to AdImpact. Tell It Like It Is, the super PAC supporting him, has spent $2.8 million on ads, mostly on television and streaming.

Since launching his campaign in early June, Christie, the GOP fields most vocal critic of Trump, has given more than 200 interviews  most of which were on television, radio and podcasts, according to a campaign official. The Trump critic has been a regular on network Sunday morning shows.

Christie is polling in low single digits nationally and suffers from higher GOP unfavorability ratings than the rest of his primary opponents. But he is banking heavily on New Hampshire, where he remains competitive in the race to be the top Trump alternative. In that first primary state, he sits behind Haley, but neck and neck with DeSantis, with a polling average of 9 percent. Christies lean campaign operation, so far with low overhead, may help him to stay in the race longer than some of his opponents  based on their current burn rates  even if his fundraising remains modest.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie argued Monday that former President Trumps current lead in the 2024 GOP primary race is fatally flawed.

During an appearance on MSNBC, host Stephanie Ruhle asked the former New Jersey governor why Trump remains the front-runner despite the legal battles hes currently facing.

Look, I think that hes the nominee twice in the last eight years, and theres a lot of folks who still think that sticking with Donald Trump is the way the best way to beat Joe Biden , Christie said. I think thats fatally flawed on a couple of fronts.

First, I dont think Donald Trump is fit to be president of the United States. And thats one of the reasons Im running. Secondly, I think if he were the nominee, he wouldnt beat Joe Biden, Christie added.

And third, I do think that our party needs to restore a sense of decency to the Oval Office, and that would not happen with Donald Trump as president.

Christie has focused much of his presidential campaign on making the case against Trump, whom he supported and advised in both 2016 and 2020.

Christie has taken repeated shots at Trump for his nonappearances at GOP presidential debates, calling him Donald Duck during the second debate.

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Dont worry, @realDonaldTrump. Debate stage or coming out of a building, youll have to face me one way or another, Christie wrote on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter, earlier this month. Get ready.

Trump has been hit with four criminal indictments this year and has a packed court schedule in the coming months.

He was most recently indicted by a Georgia grand jury in August on charges tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, an election he lost to President Biden.

Three of his lawyers also charged in that case have taken plea deals in recent days and agreed to testify against other co-defendants, including Trump.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A CIA agent. A U.S. Marine. A pastor. A clerk.

The four candidates running for Barberton Municipal Court judge in the Nov. 7 election have varied backgrounds and experience.

Two have run for office many times, while the other two have never run before.

Judge Todd McKenney, who has been a Barberton judge since 2017, is being challenged by Cletus Pulliam, a Summit County Common Pleas magistrate.

Judge Diana Stevenson, a long-time Barberton clerk who was appointed to an open judge seat in July, is facing Steve Elliott, the chief magistrate in Summit County Probate Court. They are competing for an unexpired term that runs through December 2025.

The judicial races are non-partisan, though the candidates are affiliated with political parties.

The Barberton court district includes Barberton, Green, New Franklin, Norton, Copley, Coventry and Clinton.

Steve Elliott v. Diana Stevenson

Stevenson, who had served as Barberton clerk for 12 years, was appointed in June to replace Judge Jill Flagg Lanzinger after she moved to the 9th District Court of Appeals.

Before becoming clerk, Stevenson, 56, ran unsuccessfully for Barberton law director once and Barberton judge twice. Her prior experience includes serving as a Summit County Probate Court magistrate, an assistant Summit County prosecutor and a judicial attorney for Ohio Supreme Court Justice Deborah Cook.

Barberton Municipal Judge Diana Stevenson

My unique combination of experience, qualifications, and deep community ties make me the better candidate, Stevenson said.

Elliott, 50, has been a magistrate in probate court since 2018 and was named the chief magistrate in January. Before this, he was an attorney in private practice for 15 years, worked for the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and was a CIA officer.

Magistrate Steve Elliott

Elliott said his experience as an attorney, magistrate and in law enforcement make him the best candidate.

I think one judge can make a difference and I bring a different background and experience, he said.

Stevenson said the biggest challenge in the Barberton court is people with mental-health problems who self-medicate with drugs. She said they are often homeless, without resources to help them, and run afoul of the law.

Stevenson said shed like to continue with a mental health court she presides over to help those whose mental illness keep them from following a law-abiding life and threatening the safety of our community.

Elliott agreed that mental health is a pivotal issue and one that hes seen firsthand in the New Day Court in Summit County Probate Court, which seeks to help people with serious mental illnesses who are hospitalized for potentially being a danger to themselves or others. He would seek to address this issue with Barbertons mental health court.

Without intervention, recidivism rises and will continue to rise, Elliott said. I want to be part of the solution.

If elected, Diana Stevenson would serve on the bench in Summit County at the same time as her husband, Scot, who was elected last year to the 9th District Court of Appeals.

More: 'D' for defeated? New party designations on ballot had impact in judge races, critics say

We never aspired to be judges at the same time, but we both set ourselves on paths to make that a possibility, Stevenson said.

Todd McKenney v. Cletus Pulliam

McKenney, 60, was appointed and then elected Barberton judge in 2017 and is currently the administrative and presiding judge.

Prior to this, McKenney was briefly a judge in Summit County Common Pleas and Summit County Probate Court. He also served in the Ohio House of Representatives and on New Franklin City Council and was the mercy and justice pastor for the Chapel in Akron and Green.

Barberton Municipal Judge Todd McKenney

With a decade of proven judicial experience, I am far better prepared for the challenges that come with this important position, he said.

Pulliam, 52, served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1989 to 1993. He was a judicial assistant and law clerk in Akron Municipal Court and an assistant prosecutor in the Cuyahoga and Summit County prosecutors offices. He then served as a judicial attorney and magistrate in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

Magistrate Cletus Pulliam

The values of sacrifice, hard work, faith, and service were ingrained in me by my parents, Pulliam said. Now is the time to serve my community as judge.

McKenney said the biggest challenge facing the Barberton court is drug and alcohol abuse and the crimes that accompany it, including domestic violence, theft and driving while impaired. He presides over drug court, which attempts to steer people suffering from addiction onto the right path.

Seeing changed lives and hearing people say, You saved my life, is the greatest reward we can receive, McKenney said.

During the pandemic, McKenney said the court managed to keep its doors open and cases current. He said he also continued officiating weddings at a time when few were doing this. Since 2020, he has officiated more than 550 weddings.

Pulliam said the two concerns he hears about most from people in the court district are fairness and safety.

If elected, Pulliam said he would start a procedure in which criminal and driving-under-the-influence defendants are screened to determine their underlying issues, such as substance abuse and mental health problems. This is a process used in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

It is the courts responsibility to identify and treat these existing conditions once a person is charged, Pulliam said.

If re-elected, McKenney said he would expand a veterans program through the probation department in which veterans receive special attention. He also would continue plans for a program with the two other municipal courts in Summit County and the Humane Society to address pet ownership issues, such as dog-at-large cases. He also would continue an effort to provide people with help getting their driving privileges restored.

Pulliam, who is Black, is the only of the four Barberton judge candidates who is a minority and would help improve diversity on the Summit County bench. Only two judges in the county are Black.

More: Diversity lacking on bench in Summit County, most of Ohio

As a magistrate, I witness the impact of diversity on all participants in a court proceeding, Pulliam said. All individuals want a just and fair system, free of bias, and an opportunity to be heard. That will be my guiding principle as your Barberton Municipal Court Judge.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.

About the Barberton judge candidates

ELLIOTT/STEVENSON

Name: Steve Elliott.

Personal: 50. Lives in Green. Married with three children.

Title: Chief magistrate in Summit County Probate Court.

Political party: Democrat.

How long an attorney: Since November 2003.

Campaign slogan: Does not have one.

Name: Diana Stevenson

Personal: 56. Married with two children.

Title: Barberton Municipal Court judge, appointed in July.

Political party: Republican.

How long an attorney: November 1992.

Campaign slogan: Justice Done with Stevenson.

MCKENNEY/PULLIAM:

Name: Todd McKenney.

Personal: 60. Lives in New Franklin. Married with two children.

Title: Barberton Municipal Court judge, appointed and then elected in 2017.

Political party: Republican.

How long an attorney: November 1989.

Campaign slogan: Keep Judge McKenney.

Name: Cletus Pulliam

Personal: 52. Lives in Copley. Married with four children.

Title: Magistrate in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

Political party: Democrat.

How long an attorney: May 2014.

Campaign slogan: Now is the time for change.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Mckenney, Pulliam, Stevenson and Elliott compete for Barberton judge
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The City of Las Vegas is hiring lifeguards and water safety instructors now and for the Spring and Summer 2024 seasons.

The positions are hourly, part-time positions, limited to 19 hours a week and 1,040 hours or less per fiscal year. Starting pay for lifeguards is $15 an hour and $16 an hour for water safety instructors. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Current shifts are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Municipal Pool and Pavilion Center Pool. Lifeguards for Baker Pool will be needed mid-February through mid-May for high school swim season.

For applicants needing training, certification classes are available at no cost. The course price of $160 will be waived for those who complete the course, pass the swim test, and commit to the job.

For more details and registration, call 702-229-6309 or visit the City of Las Vegas website.

More information and job applications are on the Citys Human Resources page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Mr Milne had paid for items at the store in Woodchurch Road, Prenton, and was confronted as he headed to the car park - Google Streetview/Champion News

A City lawyer is suing Sainsburys for defamation after a security guard falsely accused him of shoplifting.

Andrew Jonathan Milne is demanding 25,000 damages over claims that he was confronted outside a Sainsburys store and told: You are a thief, you are a shoplifter, you should be in jail, in front of 50 onlookers.

Mr Milne said that he had paid for items at the store and was walking to his car when he was defamed by the shouting guard, who claimed that he had stolen goods in his bag.

The lawyer said that he grew up not far from the store in Wirral and that it is highly likely that many who witnessed the incident recognised him.

He said that serious harm was caused to his reputation by the incident and that he was and continues to be deeply embarrassed about it.

Lawyers for Sainsburys are defending the claim, arguing that no real harm or damage was done and that his claim is bound to fail.

While accepting that Mr Milne had made a genuine purchase, lawyers for the supermarket chain said: There was a social, legal and/or moral duty on the security guard to prevent theft, namely shoplifting.

Confronted by man shouting

In papers lodged with the High Court in London, William Bennett KC, Mr Milnes barrister, said the incident occurred at a store in Woodchurch Road, Prenton, in June last year.

Mr Milne had paid for the items and was heading to the car park when he was confronted by a man who was shouting.

The man shouted the following words which defamed the claimant: Stop thief. You are a thief. You are a shoplifter. You should be in jail. I am arresting you for shoplifting. You are a thief  you are stealing my bag  you have stolen goods in your bag. I am arresting you, thief.

The volume of the mans shouting and the nature of the accusations he was making against the claimant attracted the attention of approximately 50 people who were in the vicinity of the doors to the store and the car park and within earshot of the man. It was obvious that the accusations being made by him were directed at the claimant.

The claimant then walked to the store, where he complained about what had happened.

The Sainsburys lawyers said that there was unlikely to be any continuing reputational harm to Mr Milne, because the incident took place more than a year ago in front of people who were unlikely to know him.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
As the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third week, President Joe Biden is walking a tightrope and trying to accomplish three objectives simultaneously: ensure Israel has everything it needs to defend itself in what Israeli defense officials admit will be a long and grueling campaign; remind the Israelis that civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip should be kept to an absolute minimum; and prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from spiraling into a regional conflagration.

Its the geopolitical equivalent of a high-wire act, and success is by no means assured.

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To date, the Biden administration has managed to thread the needle decently enough. The Israeli military not only has the equipment, military platforms and personnel to take the fight to Hamas but also has spent weeks hammering Gaza with thousands of airstrikes. Hundreds of thousands of Israeli ground troops are stationed near the Israel-Gaza border waiting for the order to root out Hamas infrastructure and kill the organizations political and military leadership. According to a running tally by The New York Times, 13 Hamas officials have been killed since Israel began bombarding Gaza on Oct. 7.

The second objective, limiting Palestinian civilian casualties, has been less successful. The Israelis are dealing with an extremely complicated operational environment, with Hamas militants setting up their positions amid civilians. Gaza is one of the most densely packed places in the world, and the Palestinians who call Gaza home are limited in where they can go. Due to strict border security measures from Israel and Egypt, the more than 2 million Palestinians in the area are in a state of desperation. They have two options: Stay in their homes and hope they dont get bombed and buried under the rubble or flee south, as the Israeli army has instructed, and risk getting killed along the main evacuation routes. That Hamas has apparently blocked some Palestinians from leaving Gazas northern half only adds to the misery, as does Israels initial decision to cut off food, water and fuel supplies to the area.

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While humanitarian aid has finally crossed the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, this good news is belied by the fact that three to four dozen trucks filled with aid are woefully insufficient to deal with the desperation in the enclave. Biden and his aides will need to continue leaning on Israel and Egypt to accelerate the aid shipments. This becomes even more urgent after Israeli ground troops enter Gaza in large numbers.

In terms of direct U.S. security interests, the escalation piece of the puzzle is by far the most important. Thus far, the U.S. has tried to contain the fighting through a mixture of deterrence and dialogue: deploying U.S. military assets in the region and using ties with regional partners to send Iran and Hezbollah the message, Dont get involved.

On Oct. 14, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a second carrier strike group, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to join the USS Gerald R. Ford in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. On Oct. 17, 2,000 U.S. military personnel received prepare to deploy orders, military jargon for get ready to move if we order you to move. And over the weekend, Austin sent another Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antimissile defense system to the Middle East as well as several additional Patriot missile system battalions.

[ Elizabeth Shackelford: The fate of the Palestinian people will affect Israels future security ]

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 >

Even so, U.S. officials are still worried that escalation is a real and pressing issue. We are concerned at the possibility of Iranian proxies, escalating their attacks against our own personnel, our own people, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday. Austin had a near-identical assessment: Were concerned about potential escalation. In fact, what were seeing is a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region.

Austin is right but only to a point. There isnt a prospect of significant escalation against U.S. troops  the significant escalation has already occurred. Several attack drones from Iranian-supported Shia militias targeted U.S. bases in the region last week, from the al-Tanf base in eastern Syria to a facility near Baghdads international airport  the first such attacks since March. The USS Carney, a warship that was traveling through the Suez Canal, intercepted a volley of drones and missiles that were launched by the Houthis in Yemen, presumably in the direction of Israel. There was another attack on U.S. troops in Syria on Monday morning, although no injuries were reported.

Then theres Hezbollah, the terrorist group that dominates southern Lebanon and has become a kingmaker in Lebanese politics. As bad as Hamas is, Hezbollah is even worse and boasts formidable military capability. Indeed, Hezbollah is more like a quasi-army than a terrorist group. It has tens of thousands of fighters with extensive experience training other Iranian-backed proxy groups in the region and a missile arsenal that might be as high as 150,000. Some of those missiles are precision-guided and can reach all of Israels territory.

If Hezbollah chooses to get involved in a significant way, Israel would be forced to fight on two fronts, something it hasnt had to do since 2006, when Hezbollah was far less capable than it is today. Israeli and Hezbollah forces have engaged in limited cross-border fire for more than a week, with fatalities registered on both sides.

Israels generals will have late nights in the days and weeks ahead. But so will Americas diplomats, who will be responsible for achieving goals that are no less vital: Stand by Israel as it pursues the dismantling of Hamas, even while continuing to maintain communication with all the potential combatants in the hopes of ensuring an already-tragic war doesnt get even worse.

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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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Clark County Fire Department is looking for more volunteer firefighters to keep the rural areas of Clark County safe.

According to a release from the CCFD, there are 10 volunteer fire stations throughout the county with nearly 120 men and women making up the volunteer firefighters.

We count on our volunteers to provide vital emergency services to our rural communities, said Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck. We are very grateful for their willingness to both train and respond when needed.

Exterior Support Firefighter Academy training. (CCFD)

Exterior Support Firefighter Academy training. (CCFD)

Exterior Support Firefighter Academy training. (CCFD)

Participants are required to complete 20 hours of online courses. Over the weekend of Oct. 21, volunteers went through the Exterior Support Firefighter Academy.

That training is held over three weekends twice a year, starting in March and September. The training includes hazmat and exterior firefighting skills.

Around 75% of the volunteers are residents and have responded to calls in their communities while they are home.

It is critical to keep the number of volunteer firefighters up, the release stated. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can email ruralccfd@clarkcountynv.gov or check out the Clark County Fire Department website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
CHICAGO  When a security guard clocked out of a Streeterville migrant shelter one Friday in March, hed just logged his 84th hour at work that week.

His bosses told the city it was at least his 56th day in a row working a 12-hour shift, according to invoices they filed with the city  invoices whose sizable overtime helped contribute to tens of millions in city payments to the firm staffing the citys migrant shelters.

The security guard was employed by Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a national employment firm that has become the citys biggest contractor to handle the growing migrant crisis. Under the deal, the city hired the firm to provide case workers, security guards, janitors and many other employees for the migrant shelters  at initial base rates ranging from $60 to $150 an hour.

Invoices reviewed by the Chicago Tribune show that hundreds of Favorite Staffing workers logged 84-hour workweeks  with the overtime, paid at a 50% premium, helping balloon bills that topped at least $56 million. At a Woodlawn shelter in early February, for example, two-thirds of the 50 staffers logged working at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week. At the Streeterville site one week in March, roughly 8 in 10 workers logged the same hours.

The detailed invoices help explain how costs to shelter migrants have swelled this year amid a growing debate about how well the city has managed the crisis.

Exactly what happens inside Chicagos nearly two dozen migrant shelters has largely been a mystery to the public because the city has chosen to keep the media and even volunteers out. Yet whats becoming more clear  from a Tribune investigation of city records  is how costly the arrangement has been, in a system staffed by an outside firm hired by city officials under pressure to act quickly and allowed to operate largely out of public view.

The Favorite Staffing invoices are filled with rows of employee names showing the dates, shifts, pay rates and number of hours they worked, including overtime. A Tribune review of those invoices offers a window into how Favorite Staffings revenue grew under the deal.

Just how much remains unclear because the city has not released most invoices filed by the vendor, including the most recent four months worth. It comes at a time when the city is pushing both the state and federal governments to help cover a larger share of the growing costs of migrant care.

Although the city has not released complete records of payments, the $56 million billed by Favorite Staffing from September 2022  as migrants had begun arriving in Chicago  through June reflected roughly two-thirds of all funds the city spent on all migrant services, records show.

As city officials still grapple with how to respond to the expanding 14-month-old crisis, the revelations in Favorite Staffings invoices sparked complaints and outrage about how two mayoral administrations have managed the arrangement  much of it funded by the state.

Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, who represents the downtown ward where the security guard worked at the Inn of Chicago shelter, said the fees being charged there have been insanity.

The conditions that exist there are deplorable, he said, so the fact that were paying so much to get so little in return is very frustrating.

A former aide to Mayor Lori Lightfoot described the amount of hours billed as not surprising given the scope and urgency of the services, while Gov. J.B. Pritzkers spokeswoman defended the payments as a frustrating byproduct of a nationwide worker shortage at a time staffers are most needed to help open and run shelters.

A humanitarian crisis that requires 24/7 staff at multiple sites throughout the city unfortunately will result in staff working overtime, Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said in a written response to questions.

Mayor Brandon Johnsons representatives did not address questions on the volume of overtime the city has paid out, but did note the city has twice renegotiated the deal to lower rates, including a push to hire local workers that includes even steeper discounts on fees.

Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a 42-year-old firm based out of suburban Kansas City with 30,000 employees across the country, is not new to Chicago or Illinois. It has received contracts from both the city and state going back years and been paid more than $1 billion for work at state veterans homes and to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic, city and state records show.

The firm declined to make a representative available for an interview. In an emailed response to questions from the Tribune, the firm didnt address questions about the overtime it billed the city.

A senior vice president at the firm, Keenan Driver, said in the statement that the firm charges fair and market-based prices that also cover overhead costs beyond the checks it cuts to its workers. Driver also said city officials manage the sites and that Favorite Staffing treats employees and migrants fairly.

We have developed a world-class staffing model that provides speed and flexibility but also focuses on employee safety and satisfaction, he said, later adding: Favorite is committed to working to continue to provide high quality services to assist the City of Chicago in navigating this crisis.

A quickly signed deal

The company  part of an international group owned by private equity firms  became the citys key vendor in September 2022, less than a month into the crisis after a cobbled-together collection of nonprofits and volunteers struggled to keep up with the hundreds of migrants sent by bus from the southern border.

In a sign of how rushed the deal was, Lightfoots administration piggybacked off a state emergency contract with Favorite Staffing for pandemic workers. The state deal listed specific positions and hourly rates. The city contract simply changed the names of jobs and kept the same pay rates.

So a certified nursing assistant during the pandemic  paid $75 per hour by the state  became a resident aide for migrant services in the city contract. A pandemic healthcare worker  paid $100 an hour by the state  became shelter security.

When asked why, a former Lightfoot administration official, Nubia Willman, recalled that the city was pressed for time to staff a shelter system largely built from scratch. And the state had already vetted Favorite Staffing for the pandemic deal, she said, so the city didnt have to follow the normal, cumbersome bidding process.

We did not want to disrupt services, and we couldnt afford to disrupt services, because we needed to maintain that stability as we continued to build the shelter operations and continued to figure out our long-term plans, said Willman, the former director of the Office of New Americans.

That shortcut came with a price.

For anyone working more than 40 hours a week, the city paid Favorite Staffing an extra 50% per hour, or time-and-a-half. So if a security guard  with a $100-an-hour fee  logged 84 hours a week, for example, that last 44 hours was paid at $150 an hour.

That scenario played out for scores of workers, week after week, in invoice after invoice reviewed by the Tribune.

In one week in early February, the city was billed nearly $460,000 for 50 Favorite Staffing workers at one shelter: a former elementary school in Woodlawn. Of the 50 staffers, 36 listed they worked all seven days that week and 12 hours each day.

A third of that shelters workers were listed as security guards. Every one of those 13 guards logged at least 20 hours of overtime that week. Most logged 44 hours of overtime, on top of the regular 40 hours that week. That meant the city spent roughly $18,000 a day for security at the shelter  about $11,000 of it just for overtime.

It wasnt unheard of for Favorite Staffing-supplied workers to put in that much time, on occasion, in contracts with Illinois government either.

Favorite Staffings pandemic deal with the state included an expectation that health care staff would work 72 hours per week in health care facilities to help battle COVID-19.

After migrants began arriving on buses late last summer, the state turned to Favorite Staffing to help staff hotels where some of the new arrivals were given shelter. A Tribune analysis of state records shows that in early January, near the height of the operation, 1 in 5 workers logged at least 84 hours in one week.

But the city-administered contract  as it moved into late winter and early spring 2023  saw even higher rates of overtime, the Tribune found.

When asked why so many of its employees worked overtime in Chicagos shelters, Favorite Staffing officials did not offer a direct response. Nor did it answer why it didnt dispatch more people to Chicago to cover more shifts that would limit overtime.

For sure, Favorite Staffing didnt profit from all the money collected in overtime fees. Like any staffing company, the firm must pay its employees from the fees it collects, and it is obligated to pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours per week.

Still, its unclear how much of the total fees it collected from the city was passed onto its workers as pay, how much was left to cover the firms overhead, and how much was profit. Favorite Staffing declined to discuss those details.

Favorite Staffing operates in an industry that saw revenues surge in recent years, and that level of overtime could have been particularly lucrative for the firm, experts said. Such firms typically have overhead costs for things like recruiting, insuring and housing workers, which can come out of the difference they charge employers versus what they pay their staff.

If the firm has a smaller number of staffers but works them more hours, the overhead can be limited while the staffing firm profits more from overtime fees.

Theres just far more incentive to work fewer people a ton of overtime, said Bob Bruno, a University of Illinois professor of labor and employment relations.

A city-provided spreadsheet of payment records, covering invoices submitted through late June, doesnt break out how much was paid in overtime fees. But those records show that, overall, in February, the firm invoiced the city $7.5 million. The next month, the firm nearly doubled what it billed the city.

In mid-March, available invoices show Favorite Staffing had dispatched more than 300 employees across Chicago, staffing at least 11 shelters. The week ending March 10, all but six were logged as working some overtime with more than 200 staffers logged as working at least 84 hours.

In essence, Favorite Staffing told the city, roughly two out of three of its workers put in at least an average of 12-hour days, all seven days.

When asked about the amount of overtime, Willman, the top Lightfoot aide on the migrant crisis, was not critical of what was billed.

For many, emergency staffing is their career and the workload is not surprising, she said in a statement. It sounds shocking to a layperson, but this is difficult, time-consuming, nonstop work.

But Bruno said hes never heard of so many people in such a contract working so many hours, comparing it to hours people typically worked in the late 19th century. He said the level of hours reported certainly does seem extraordinary.

And that worries Annie Gomberg, a volunteer who helps migrants at the Austin District police station.

Gomberg said no one working with migrants can be at their best when they are exhausted, working over-80-hour weeks: These are human beings, not machines.

Eight weeks in a row

The Tribune requested records from the Johnson administration detailing Favorite Staffings shelter work. The city responded with a breakdown of costs billed through June that totaled $56 million but said it was too burdensome to provide all of the invoices that detail those payments. Instead, the city handed over only invoices for February, March and May of 2023, which it said it had already provided to two other media outlets. One of them, NBC-5, reported Tuesday about those Favorite Staffing invoices.

While invoices showed regular 84-hour workweeks for some employees, others worked even more hours. One worker was logged as pulling five 12-hour shifts, a 14-hour shift and a 16-hour shift that week in mid-March. For his work alone that week, the city was billed $15,525.

That person worked at the citys most populated shelter: Inn of Chicago, at Ohio and St. Clair streets.

The employee worked at the same shelter as the security guard who was logged as working 12-hour shifts at least 56 days in a row for the Inn of Chicago site and another shelter. The city didnt provide invoices for the weeks before or after that 56-day stretch, so its unclear if he logged working an even longer string of days this winter and spring.

The guard, when reached by phone, told the Tribune he began working for Favorite Staffing in November, but said that hes not working at a Chicago shelter anymore.

I dont have time for those kind of questions. Im really busy right now, he said. Then he hung up.

Other Favorite Staffing employees approached by the Tribune declined to speak, and Favorite Staffing did not respond to a request to make employees available for interviews.

The guard was among 83 people who worked at the Inn of Chicago during a period this spring in which the Tribune had invoices to examine. Of them, 38 logged working at least three weeks in a row without a day off. The guard was among nine who logged at least four weeks in a row without a day off.

Another way to look at it: In every week that could be studied, at least 1 in 3 workers said they worked at least 84 hours a week. At most, 8 in 10 workers logged that many hours a week.

Its unclear to what extent the city audited the invoices, which is allowed under the contract. Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, says audits are needed.

Somebody needs to be really going through this with a fine-toothed comb and making sure in real time, before were cutting these checks, that the monthly amounts that theyre billing us actually equate to the work that theyre performing, she said.

The invoices came just after the General Assembly tightened the states law forbidding employers from making people work seven days in a row in Illinois. The law requires at least 24 consecutive hours off every seven days, with some exceptions.

Firms seeking exemptions can ask the state for waivers. The state Department of Labor said it has no record of receiving waiver requests from Favorite Staffing, nor complaints the firm broke the law. It noted some exemptions that might apply, such as for security guards, supervisors, those in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity or those needed in the breakdown of machinery or equipment or other emergency.

Regardless of the legality, the amount of hours logged by employees raises questions of worker productivity and safety. Researchers say that people working long hours are more prone to poor health, while being less productive with poorer cognitive performance the more overtime they work.

When youre really fatigued, you have less ability to concentrate and stay engaged in the response at hand, said Kirsten Almberg, who directs the University of Illinois at Chicagos Center for Healthy Work.

Reilly, the downtown alderman, in a letter to constituents earlier this month called for the Inn of Chicago shelter to be shut down, citing safety concerns such as public intoxication and narcotics sales, and said the city should absolutely not do more business with Favorite Staffing.

(Look) at their billing practices alone and their failure to maintain security and cleanliness in their facilities, period, Reilly said in an interview with the Tribune. And the fact that this administration is slow to release these invoices and these records  only in dribs and drabs  is concerning to me. It tells me that theyre hiding a much bigger problem, which is we are hemorrhaging money.

Migrants have told the Tribune that, while some staff inside shelters are helpful, others are dismissive, disrespectful and slow to respond to their needs for diapers, food and other resources.

Mayele Marin, 37, from Venezuela found herself at the shelter in the Broadway Armory Park in Edgewater in August. She said the lights stayed on all night. One staffer blatantly ignored her when she asked for help getting food and resources. She didnt know where to look for work and spent most of the day begging for food, because the shelter-provided cereal and pasta wasnt enough. She pointed to a carton of Coca-Cola on the sidewalk she got from a volunteer, and said she wasnt allowed to bring it inside.

She had most recently been sleeping on the floor of a police station, waiting for placement inside the city-run shelters. She said she wished shed stayed.

What purpose does the government have with us? We dont know, she said in Spanish, sitting along North Broadway Street as pedestrians walked by in business clothes. What is going to happen to us?

I wonder what theyre hiding

Favorite Staffing told the Tribune that the citys Department of Family and Support Services leads the management of all sites, while the firm places on-site lead workers at every shelter and embeds staff with the citys Emergency Operations Center.

Johnsons Office of Emergency Management and Communications spokesperson, Mary May, said city teams monitor shelters for a variety of things, including general operations, safety and security.

The city has said it keeps everyone out of the shelters  other than migrants and workers  to protect migrants privacy. That bothers some volunteers.

I wonder what theyre hiding, Ruth Lamour, a volunteer for migrants at the Austin police station, said about the shelters. You wouldnt send your child to a day care that you couldnt go inside. You wouldnt send your children to a school that you couldnt have access to.

Favorite Staffing workers even tried to shut out a City Council member, according to that alderman.

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, told the Tribune she stopped by a few days after the Brands Park shelter opened in her ward during the last weeks of the Lightfoot administration. One Favorite Staffing worker stopped her and said she needed to schedule visits in advance.

They couldnt keep me out, Rodriguez Sanchez said. I still went through the door, and I said, No, Im not leaving.

After forcing the issue, which she attributed to the corporate mindset within such private-sector companies, she was able to work with Favorite Staffing employees to improve conditions, Rodriguez Sanchez said.

A go-to contractor

Favorite Staffings contract with the city for migrant services is only the latest in a string of deals with the city and state government.

In 2017, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner brought the firm in to help staff a state-run veterans home in Quincy that was the site of multiple deadly outbreaks of Legionnaires disease.

When the pandemic hit, Pritzkers administration hired the firm for a host of needs, from staffing a short-lived field hospital at McCormick Place to dispatching nurses to understaffed hospitals. Workers staffed vaccination clinics too, a task from which controversy emerged.

In late 2021, a former Favorite Staffing nurse filed a lawsuit alleging she was unfairly suspended for warning local and state authorities that the vaccination site she was helping run, in Des Plaines, was being overstaffed. In her whistleblower lawsuit, she alleged one Favorite Staffing representative admonished her and told her: What happens in Favorite stays in Favorite.

That pending lawsuit joined others filed by ex-workers in four additional states. The other lawsuits alleged Favorite Staffing either unfairly fired or underpaid workers. In fall 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor pushed the firm to pay an additional $3 million to 1,677 workers whod done COVID-19 testing in Florida.

When asked about the lawsuits and federal action, Driver, the Favorite Staffing executive, responded: To the extent that workplace issues arise, we pride ourselves on taking swift and proactive steps to address them thoroughly.

None of the controversies stopped Favorite Staffing from keeping and getting more deals with the state and city through complex rules that allow government entities to bypass some competitive bidding requirements in a crisis.

The state used a formal bidding process late in 2020, when Favorite Staffing was chosen from seven bidders in a competitive process for a new master contract for emergency staffing  the one the city eventually piggybacked on to staff migrant shelters.

Frequent mayoral critic Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, said such expensive contracts should require input from the City Council and questioned whether Favorite Staffings high invoices were a cash grab.

When you have crises like were dealing with right now, youre going to get people who take advantage of the situation, Beale said. Theres a whole (adage) called, Haste makes waste. When youre in a hurry to do something, youre going to be wasteful, and thats what you see right now.

In a statement, Johnsons administration said the city renegotiated a rate drop in April and another that started Oct. 1. Under the new terms, a security guards regular hourly rate, for instance, eventually dropped from $100 an hour to $68. If the guard was a local resident and didnt need a hotel room, the rate would drop to $48 an hour, the city said.

The state contract is expiring Nov. 16, meaning the city can no longer piggyback off it. City officials did not answer if they would continue to use Favorite Staffing.

If Favorite Staffing continues to staff Chicago shelters, it would join another firm, GardaWorld Federal Services, which the city hired last month under a nearly $30 million deal to put up migrant yurt base camps across the city to house some of the 18,700 migrants whove arrived on more than 400 buses from Texas since August 2022.

In the meantime, as of Friday, shelters staffed by Favorite Staffing housed nearly 11,300 migrants. Another 650-plus stay in a section at OHare International Airport. More than 3,000 sleep in police station lobbies or outside, while city officials struggle with how best to pay to house them.

Whatever is decided, Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, said he hopes the city can learn lessons from its rushed contract with Favorite Staffing.

And hopefully, we can start saving some money, he said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police is receiving two federal grants to process rape kits.

The grants totals $2.9 million and is coming from the Department of Justice. It will help CMPD hire staff and support the processing of rape kits, according to a release.

Congressman Jeff Jackson released a statement Monday about the grants.

ALSO READ: CMPD detectives make arrest in 2006 sexual assault cold case

For every unprocessed rape kit there is a survivor of sexual assault who hasnt gotten justice, Jackson said. Im grateful that Charlotte will receive nearly $3 million in funding from the Department of Justice to process and review rape kits so that justice can be served and criminals are taken off the street.

The bill is set to provide transparency into rape kit backlogs.

(WATCH BELOW: Person accidentally shoots themself at CMPD training academy
"Game of Thrones" may be over, but winter is still coming.

That means the dreaded cold and flu season is right around the corner.

"A visit with a clinician has become increasingly common for upper respiratory symptoms since the COVID pandemic," Mark Fendrick, M.D., a general internist at the University of Michigan, who is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, told Fox News Digital.

HAVE A COLD OR FLU? HERE'S HOW TO KNOW IF YOU CAN STILL WORK OUT: USE THE NECK CHECK

"However, it is much more likely that cold symptoms will be self-limited and not require more than your favorite home remedy," added Fendrick, who has studied the common cold.

While there's no specific treatment for the common cold, there are some instances when antivirals are prescribed to treat the flu, the doctor noted.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

As cold and flu season approaches, two physicians share advice on when to seek medical attention.

"Doctors can only prescribe recommended treatment for specific causes that are less common than the common cold, such as antivirals for influenza or COVID-19 or antibiotics for bacterial infections such as strep throat," Fendrick said.

FLU PREVENTION TIPS FROM FLORIDA'S SURGEON GENERAL: A DAY-TO-DAY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS KEY

It's important to understand the signs and symptoms that should alert you to seek medical attention when you have a cold or the flu this winter season, he said.

Heres what to know.

The common cold can be caused by as many as 200 respiratory viruses, but the most prevalent is the rhinovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that generally infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs, per the CDC.

The common cold can be caused by as many as 200 respiratory viruses, but the most prevalent is the rhinovirus.

The cold and flu share many of the same symptoms, which means it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the two conditions.

People are generally sicker with the flu, experts agree.

AFTER LOSING HER LEG TO THE FLU, VIRGINIA WOMAN URGES PEOPLE TO GET VACCINATED: DONT WASTE TIME

Flu symptoms are more intense and come on quicker than the common cold, which generally has milder symptoms.

"The cold and flu can sometimes be complicated by pneumonia, bacteremia and rarely even central nervous system involvement," Dr. James H. Conway, pediatric infectious disease physician and medical director of the immunization program at UW Health Kids in Madison, Wisconsin, told Fox News Digital.

When respiratory viruses infect the nose, the body responds by making mucus to help clear out the viruses, according to the CDC.

SKELETONS FROM 1918 FLU PANDEMIC REVEAL CLUES ABOUT THOSE MOST LIKELY TO DIE, STUDY FINDS

People may develop nasal congestion, which is more common with colds.

They may also experience sneezing, coughing or a sore throat.

Over the next several days, the mucus may change color to white, yellow or green.

People may develop nasal congestion, which is more common with colds; they may also experience sneezing, coughing or a sore throat.

This color change is a natural progression of a cold, so antibiotics that fight bacteria are not typically prescribed, per the CDC.

Most people with colds dont develop a fever, so that symptom combined with headache and body aches could indicate influenza.

Symptoms from a cold usually peak within two to three days.

Conway recommends watching for symptoms that indicate a cold or flu may have turned into a more serious infection.

These may include higher fevers, he said, since most viral infections dont generally cause that symptom.

COVID-19, FLU AND RSV VACCINES ARE ALL AVAILABLE THIS FALL: SEE WHAT SOME DOCTORS RECOMMEND AND WHY

Other warning signs include shaking chills, fast or labored breathing, and any type of bad headache or confusion, he added.

"Any of these viral illnesses can also lead to ear infections or sinus infections," Conway said.

In those cases, fever with ear pain or facial pain is often seen.

"Viral illnesses can also lead to ear infections or sinus infections," said one medical professional.

Most illnesses from a cold or the flu last fewer than 10 days; but if symptoms persist and a person hasn't gotten better by the end of that timeframe, it's important to see a health care professional, per the CDC.

STUFFY NOSE? COMMON OTC NASAL DECONGESTANTS WITH PHENYLEPHRINE DONT WORK IN TABLET FORM, EXPERTS SAY

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious, always talk to your health care provider, either in person or via a virtual appointment.

"The increased availability of telemedicine provides an opportunity for many individuals to describe their symptoms and other important clinical information (such as the presence of fever) without an in-person visit, so their clinician can determine whether further evaluation of treatment is needed in most cases," Fendrick told Fox News Digital.

People who are at high risk of complications from the flu should contact their health care provider early in their illness to determine whether they should get a prescription for an antiviral medication like Tamiflu.

People who are at high risk of complications from the flu should contact their health care provider early in their illness to determine whether they should get a prescription for an antiviral medication like Tamiflu.

This includes those who are 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and those who have had asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease or stroke.

Tamiflu can be prescribed within 48 hours of the start of the flu illness in people 2 weeks of age and older, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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The oral antiviral medication reduces the duration of the flu by attacking the virus and preventing it from multiplying in the body, the FDA added.

Adults should carefully watch for warning signs in children with the flu, experts advise.

"In babies, its trickier, so poor feeding is something else to watch for," Conway said.

Children with the flu may also start to experience breathing difficulties.

Adults should carefully watch for warning signs in children with the flu, experts advise, as they may experience breathing difficulties.

Parents should take a child to the doctor or emergency room right away if they notice the childs lips turning blue or the ribs pulling in with each breath.

Complaints of chest pain also warrant a visit, according to the CDC.

Dehydration is also common among children with the flu, so parents should seek medical attention if the child has not urinated for eight hours or has no tears when crying, the agency added.

Other emergency warning signs are when young children become more fussy or drowsy than usual, or if they are not alert or interacting when awake, according to the CDC.

The keys to prevention, Conway stated, are getting flu vaccinations and having ill people stay home to prevent the spread.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health .





Original article source: Cold and flu season is coming: Know the warning signs and symptoms now
These days, Ohios healthcare system increasingly feels like a house divided against itself.

Many Ohioans are grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic just a few months after the emergency declaration was lifted.

The glaring health disparities in Ohio have amplified the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and worsened health outcomes, according to the Health Policy Institute.

Specifically, maternal mortality and opioid overdose deaths have been exacerbated in recent years in Ohio.

Why must Ohio's health care system change?

These are driven by many factors that ultimately prevent marginalized groups from seeking proper care. Addressing these disparities by establishing an inclusive, effective healthcare system is essential to fostering a more equitable society for Ohioans.

Amber Akhter

While Ohioans suffer from non-communicable diseases, two concerns stand out: maternal mortality and opioid overdoses.

Alarmingly, Ohio is second in the nation for total overdose fatalities, with the Opioid Overdose Death Rate per 100,000 being 29.6 compared to the US 11.9, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Franklin County experienced a 40% increase in overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020, with over 750 residents unintentionally overdosing in 2020. The maternal mortality rate in Ohio is 29.8 per 100,000 live births for Black mothers, compared to 13.7 for White mothers.

More: We knew that she would have a bright future. Why are so many babies dying in Ohio?

Ohio lawmakers must implement progressive policies that create structural change at the state level.

For young mothers, Medicaid can be expanded to include coverage for doula services to assist mothers through pregnancy.

Furthermore, harm reduction strategies should aim to assist and rehabilitate opioid users. Naloxone training programs for community members save lives during emergencies National Library of Medicine.

Supervised consumption sites create controlled environments for opioid use, which reduces the risk of overdoses.

How would universe health care help Ohioans?

Now that 100,000 Ohioans have been unenrolled from Medicaid as of July 2023 (with more disenrollments to come), policies must be developed to protect these individuals.

Letters: Columbus school bus call offs a 'calamity' in making that leaves kids stranded

More: Ohio ranks sixth in the nation for Medicaid spending. But how healthy are its residents?

House Bill 446, the Ohio Health Care Plan, establishes universal health coverage for every Ohio citizen.

This plan includes a comprehensive health care package that eliminates co-pays, premiums, and deductibles. Such policies can further reduce maternal mortality rates and the number of overdose deaths.

On a broader level, there are avenues to mitigate these issues. There is a national movement to pass Medicare for All Resolutions in municipalities to support the Medicare for All Act 2023.

Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, and Lucas County are just a few cities that have unanimously passed resolutions supporting Medicare for All.

Columbus City Council must put their constituents' health at the forefront and pass similar resolutions to ensure Columbus residents' right to health.

Sean Liu

In this critical period, where the very foundation of healthcare accessibility is being threatened in Ohio, Ohios legislators need to prioritize the accessibility of healthcare services. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the current state of healthcare; instead, there must be structural change at every level. Federal policy reforms like the Medicare for All Act can set new standards for healthcare accessibility and affordability.

State-level initiatives such as the Ohio Health Care Plan can build upon these foundations.

Moreover, local municipalities can play a pivotal role in combating maternal mortality and opioid overdose to improve the lives of Ohioans. Our legislatures must put healthcare at the forefront for change because, if it is not accessible, it is not acceptable.

Amber Akhter is a student at Case Western Reserve University studying biochemistry and medical anthropology.

Sean Liu is a student at Case Western Reserve University studying psychology and medical anthropology. They are part of Partners in Health, a global organization focusing on local and global health equity.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Disparities are killing Ohio. Medicare for all needed in Columbus, state
The Hawaiian Po'ouli or black-faced honeycreeper. You won't see this bird anymore, because it is extinct. (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife)

The removal of a species from the government's endangered species list is often a cause for celebration, as it means a plant or animal variety has somehow beaten the odds and recovered from its parlous condition.

That's not the case for 21 animal species just delisted from the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They're being taken off the list because they have moved in the opposite direction. They've gone extinct.

The latest list is a slight reduction from the agency's original proposed delisting of 23 animal and one plant species in 2021; the removals were of a woodpecker that the government isn't sure has gone extinct, though it hasn't been seen in the wild since 1944, and a Hawaiian herb for which a suitable habitat has been discovered. But both plainly are on borrowed time.

Its heartbreaking that Hawaii is known as the extinction capital of the world.

Maxx Phillips, Center for Biological Diversity

"My heart breaks over the loss of these 21 species, Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said after the agency's announcement on Oct. 16. "These plants and animals can never be brought back. We absolutely must do everything we can to avert the loss of even more threads in our web of life.

The species named by the government mostly aren't among the best known or most widely beloved. They include a fruit bat from Guam, eight small Hawaiian birds, two fish species formerly found in Texas and Ohio, and eight varieties of mussel last seen in the Southeast. For the most part, they don't have the pizzazz of other formerly endangered species that were brought back from the brink by focused efforts at preservation, such as the bald eagle.

But that doesn't mean their disappearance is unimportant. The listed extinctions are all due to human activities in one form or another: global warming that shrank the species' habitats, pollution, overexploitation, and the introduction of alien invasive species that helped kill them off. They are, to cite a common trope, canaries in the coal mine that clue us in to the effect  almost always negative  of our actions on the world we live in.

Conservatives and business lobbyists commonly dismiss concern about the fate of ostensibly unimportant species as pointy-headed liberal hand-wringing.

A good example is the disdain shown by Central Valley farmers and their political mouthpieces for the unassuming delta smelt, a tiny endangered fish they blame for mandated diversions of the water they use for irrigation into rivers and streams to preserve the ecosystem.

(As president, Donald Trump groused that the government was taking the growers' water and shoving it out to sea ... to protect a certain kind of three-inch fish.)

Read more: Column: The GOP's war on green investing is bad for the climate  and investors

"We care about the delta smelt not entirely for itself, but because its health is an indicator of the overall health of the delta ecosystem," I wrote in 2018  "and the signal it has flashed is alarming. In case growers don't get the message, it's that if the delta ecosystem entirely collapses, their commercial fortunes will go with it.

As Charles P. Pierce of Esquire puts it, obscure creatures like those on the latest extinction list "dont make good TV commercials. 'Save The Upland Combshell' makes for a terrible bumper sticker." (The upland combshell is one of the disappeared mussel species.)

Humans' selective solicitude for endangered species was well illustrated by George F. Will in a 2017 Washington Post column inveighing against the Endangered Species Act. It was headlined, "Federal power creeps its way toward controlling ... spiders?"

Will's complaint was that the Interior Department had placed the fate of the Bone Cave harvestman, an endangered blind spider, ahead of the right of Texas rancher John Yearwood to do what he wished with his land, on which the spider was found. How dare they, Will wrote, given that the ranch had been in Yearwood's family since 1871?

Never mind that, as Texas Monthly reported, the spiders are thought to have occupied their habitat since "before the last ice age," which one might think had given them superior rights to the property than those johnny-come-lately Yearwoods.

Will showed nothing but contempt for the spiders. No one asked the spiders what they thought of George F. Will, but if they could speak it's a fair bet that they wouldn't like him any more than he liked them. (The effort to quash the Interior Department's effort to save the spider failed in federal court; the creature remains on the endangered list.)

Read more: Column: Interior Secretary Bernhardt's previous job raises questions about a deal for his ex-client

As is almost always the case, the protection of endangered species is an issue in which economic interests get disguised as political talking points.

Trump's interior secretary, David Bernhardt, was his administration's severest critic of the Endangered Species Act. In a 2018 op-ed for the Washington Post, he announced that his agency was preparing to bring the act "into the 21st century," chiefly by restricting the Interior Department's authority to designate species as "endangered." (Bernhardt was deputy secretary then; he was appointed to the top spot the following year.)

What Bernhardt didn't mention was that, prior to joining the administration, he had sued the government to roll back the Endangered Species Act as a lawyer for the giant Westlands Water District. As I wrote, "the application of the Endangered Species Act to future water projects is of profound interest to Westlands and other agribusinesses like it, not to mention other industries Bernhardt represented as a private attorney."

Dismissing the extinction of species as no big deal merely demonstrates human narrow-mindedness and ignorance about our impact on the world.

Species of gambusia like the one designated extinct in the government list are crucial for controlling mosquitos, which are more than just a summertime nuisance but a vector for disease. It died off, according to the Center for Biological Diversity, because of "water overuse that depleted groundwater and spring flow." It was last seen in 1983.

The eight extinct Hawaiian bird species died off in part because "their forest habitats were razed by development and agriculture," the center observed.

Read more: Column: Right-wingers again demonize the tiny delta smelt to protect Big Agriculture

Did this matter for humans? Consider that the deadly Maui wildfires that dominated the news last summer were caused in part by the clearing of native vegetation to allow agricultural cultivation. Global warming has allowed mosquitoes to spread in Hawaii and move into elevations where they become threats to native birds.

"Of all the species listed as endangered or threatened in the United States, nearly a third are Hawaiian, Maxx Phillips, the Center's Hawaii director, said in 2021. "Its heartbreaking that Hawaii is known as the extinction capital of the world.'"

Humans are overwhelmingly responsible for the introduction of invasive species that can quickly exert dominion over native flora and fauna, reducing ecological diversity and undermining human commercial and industrial activities. That includes the quagga and zebra mussels, which hitched rides on oceangoing ships from their original habitats in Eastern Europe to reach the Great Lakes in the 1980s and the West Coast by 2008, destroying freshwater mussel farms along the way.

Eventually they started clogging intakes of water treatment and power plants and interfering with recreational boating. In the Great Lakes, they're blamed for outbreaks of avian botulism that have killed tens of thousands of birds and for a general increase in water pollution. Keeping them under control already costs $500 million a year; an analysis by UC Riverside estimates that if they become established in Lake Tahoe, they'll cost the tourism sector there $22 million a year.

The lesson is that we can ignore the interconnectedness of biological life only at our peril. Weighing the extinction of species through our careless stewardship of nature's bounty against the near-term cost of regulation demonstrates human shortsightedness at best, and stupidity and cynicism at worst. When a plant or species disappears for good in these modern times, it leaves behind a warning to our own species.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Residents who were displaced from an affordable housing development on Milwaukee's north side due to elevated levels of a cancer-causing chemical have reached a settlement agreement with the developer, court records show.

The agreement comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed ban on all uses of the chemical that caused the evacuation, calling trichloroethylene, or TCE, "an extremely toxic chemical known to cause serious health risks including cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity." The solvent is commonly used for cleaning and degreasing.

More than 150 residents of Community Within The Corridor East Block, 3100 W. Center St., were ordered to evacuate in late March due to elevated levels of TCE at the building that was once part of the Briggs & Stratton complex.

A 67-unit apartment community at 2758 N. 33rd St. is part of the Community Within The Corridor mixed use development on West Center Street near North 33rd Street and North 32nd Street in Milwaukee on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. More than 150 residents of the apartment project were ordered to evacuate their apartments on March 25 after dangerous levels of a cancer-causing chemical were found, according to an emergency DNR order obtained by the Journal Sentinel.

Residents were later told by city and state officials that they would not be able to move back in before January 2024.

Attorney Michael Cerjak, on behalf of Community within the Corridor East Block resident Tiffany Bowen, in June filed a class action lawsuit that accused the developer of failing to disclose and misrepresenting the contamination at the site.

In all, residents of 21 units are considered part of the "class," or group, to which the settlement with the Community Within the Corridor Limited Partnership applies, according to an affidavit Cerjak filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Not represented as part of the lawsuit are residents of 37 other units who agreed to a voluntary lease termination from the developers. Under that agreement, they received $5,000 in compensation but also gave up any right to sue the developer in the future.

The case is being heard by Judge Thomas McAdams. A hearing on a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Through mediation, the two sides reached a settlement that would provide the represented residents $25,000 per unit. They would also retain the ability to later sue over TCE-related death, injury or economic damages from a death or injury.

"(The settlement) resolves displacement damages for these folks, but it preserves the right for people to bring claims relative to exposure to TCE," Cerjak told the Journal Sentinel.

Separate from the payments to residents, Community Within the Corridor would also pay up to $182,500 for the plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, costs and expenses.

And, as part of the settlement, Community Within the Corridor would deny any liability and be released from all settled claims.

In the affidavit, Cerjak wrote that he found residents were concerned about preserving their right to sue if they develop health problems as a result of their exposure to TCE. And, he wrote, many were concerned about their housing.

"Many of the displaced residents have rent subsidized through affordable housing programs, and the application, approval and placement process for such programs can take significant time," he wrote in the document dated Oct. 17. "Some have not yet found stable housing, others are living with family members or friends, and the majority need access to resources, many desperately so."

He said Monday it is important to have nice, affordable housing in the city. He said he hoped Community Within the Corridor could remediate the building in short order that no one develops any adverse health effects.

Scott Crawford Inc., the development firm of the project's lead developer Que El-Amin, worked with local investors Mikal Wesley, president of Urbane Communities LLC, and Rayhainio "Ray Nitti" Boynes, who operates The Creative Corridor Inc. The local developers in 2017 also partnered with Minneapolis-based apartment development firm Roers Co.

"The parties and their legal counsel are pleased they were able to amicably and expeditiously resolve the lawsuit and believe that this settlement, which is subject to court approval, is fair, reasonable and serves the best interests of all parties," CWC spokesperson Phill Trewyn said in a statement. "The parties share optimism for the future of the Community Within the Corridor project and a desire for the continued development of quality affordable housing in neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee."

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Community Within the Corridor developer settles with displaced residents
The Biden administration is attempting one of its most ambitious foreign policy moves yet: convincing the American people and a divided Congress to authorize a $105 billion supplemental spending bill to deal with a diverse set of global crises.

The presidents address to the nation on Thursday night framed this spending as a response to the vicious Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, linked it to the ongoing war in Ukraine, and reasserted Americas global role as the indispensable nation. Israel featured heavily. Biden, seated in the Oval Office, promised that this spending would cement Americas unprecedented commitment to Israels security and make sure that Israel has what they need to protect their people, today and always.

But for all of Bidens high-flying rhetoric, its hard to disguise the reality of this proposed supplemental. The administration  faced with congressional pushback on foreign policy priorities  is proposing a truly epic logroll in which more popular spending priorities like Israel are lumped together with increasingly less popular ones like Ukraine, stitching together enough things that the bill might pass even our monumentally dysfunctional congress.

The Biden administration may be right that this tactic will work. Much is dependent on whether Republicans in the House prove capable of electing a new speaker in the coming days  and on how willing that speaker is to bring this legislation to the floor.

Regardless of the ongoing speaker drama, however, the breakdown of the supplemental  and the presidents rather unconvincing attempt to rhetorically link the Israeli and Ukrainian conflicts in the minds of American voters  tells us a lot about Bidens priorities and suggests that the administrations foreign policy continues to drift away from strategic planning, and into a reactive, all-encompassing approach to the world.

Take a moment to consider the stunning amounts were talking about here. The proposed supplemental will include over $60 billion for Ukraine, around $14.5 billion for Israel, $13 for the border, and a couple of billion dollars for Indo-Pacific initiatives, including AUKUS. An additional $10 billion is being requested for flexible humanitarian response across these areas. The grand total  $105 billion dollars  is equivalent to a whopping 12% of the last DOD budget.

The move to bundle together all these priorities is reflective of a growing shift inside the Biden administration towards the idea that America can do everything, an idea that contrasts strongly with the early days of Bidens presidency, where the administration made efforts to withdraw from Afghanistan, and to stabilize the relationship with Russia and the question of European security in order to focus on the Indo-Pacific.

Instead, the administration today pays most of its attention to Europe and, now, to the Middle East. There is no denying that Bidens initial response to the Russian war in Ukraine was effective, helping to bolster support to Ukraine in a way that undermined Russian capabilities without risking broader conflict. But as the war in Ukraine has ground into a battle of attrition over increasingly tiny pieces of land, it has become clearer that the administration doesnt have a good exit plan from this conflict, nor any strategy other than simply staying the course.

The breakdown of the supplemental funding request suggests that this is likely to continue. Indeed, the amount of Ukraine aid in the supplemental request is not only substantially larger than the aid request for all other contingencies in the package, but also almost as much as the United States has already sent to Ukraine since the start of the war. And as a recent publication from the Council on Foreign Relations highlights , aid to Ukraine now dwarfs that sent to any other recipient of U.S. aid, and towers over historic cases where the United States sent funds to support Israel, Taiwan, or others in wartime.

It is no surprise then that Congressional Republicans and China hawks are increasingly concerned that support for Ukraine is eating into the American ability to focus on a rising China . The president  attempting to preempt these criticisms  argued in his Oval Office speech that this spending will be broadly useful in bolstering the U.S. industrial base, regardless of where the armaments produced end up. But as recent reports have made clear, there are increasingly clear tradeoffs in U.S. support for different conflicts. The Pentagon has struggled to source ammunition to send to Israel, thanks to stockpiles depleted for Ukraine, and can expect to face more difficult choices in the future, when it faces overlap between weapons required for Ukraine, Israel, or a Taiwan or other contingency.

Perhaps the biggest problem here is the increasingly grandiose and global nature of the Biden administrations approach to national security. Bundling together Israel, Ukraine, the border and even Taiwan in the budget supplemental may reinforce the arguments Biden made in his speech: that there is nothing, nothing beyond our capacity, and that America is the essential nation.

But the actual breakdown of the supplemental request shows the reality: the United States does face trade-offs in foreign policy. In prioritizing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, Biden is in practice deprioritizing the Indo-Pacific, perhaps the region with the most genuinely pressing security threats for the United States itself. Congress would be wise to consider whether the breakdown of this supplemental spending bill is really the most efficient and strategic use of Americas limited resources.

Ashford is a senior fellow at the Stimson Centers Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program.
A convicted bank robber just months into parole is back behind bars, authorities in Michigan said.

Thats because he robbed another bank, according to the Oakland County Sheriffs Office.

Shannon Donald Sexton, 53, was paroled in April following a 2014 federal bank robbery conviction, according to an Oct. 23 news release. The parole was scheduled in end in 2025.

But about six months after his release, Sexton robbed a credit union in Independence Township, authorities said.

He entered the bank Thursday, Oct. 19, and handed the teller a note demanding they empty the cash drawer, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities said he then ran away with an undisclosed amount of money.

Witnesses reported he was wearing a neon yellow and green hoodie, a blue face mask and dark sunglasses.

Through an investigation, detectives learned what kind of vehicle the man was driving and connected it to a rental agency, authorities said. Less than 24 hours after the bank robbery, they tracked the vehicle to Pontiac and arrested Sexton during a traffic stop.

Great as well as quick police work has put a bank robber quickly behind bars - again, the sheriffs office said.

Sexton was arraigned Oct. 23 on a bank robbery charge and is being held on a $1 million bond, authorities said.

The sheriffs office said the man has an extensive criminal history, which includes multiple convictions for breaking and entering. He was also convicted in 2010 following bank robberies in Roseville and Saint Clair Shores, authorities said. He had been sentenced to 30 to 40 years in prison.

Independence Township is a suburb of Detroit.

Former Steak n Shake worker robs restaurant, then gets scammed buying car, feds say

Stolen AirPods lead police to man accused of robbing 28 people, Tennessee cops say

17-year-old dresses up as married woman to try to rob bank, Florida cops say
A former Arkansas police sergeant is facing charges after authorities say he misled his community into thinking he had cancer.

Former England Police Sergeant Eric Caffey was working as a school resource officer in 2022 when he said he learned he had cancer, his attorney Bill James told KARK.

Caffey went on to receive thousands of dollars in donations from community members and schools to help pay his medical bills, according to the Lonoke County Sheriffs Office.

But on Oct. 5, of this year, authorities opened an investigation after it received information that Caffey misled the England community by falsely claiming he suffered from cancer, according to officials.

Officials say after a lengthy investigation they found that Caffey had lied about the diagnosis.

However, his attorney says Caffey didnt learn his leukemia diagnosis wasnt real until the beginning of 2023, KARK reported. Caffey was originally told it was cancer, but it turned out he actually had heart and blood pressure condition that hes now being treated for, James told the news outlet.

McClatchy News reached out to Caffeys attorney on Oct. 24 but did not immediately hear back.

Caffey faces two felony counts of theft of property, according to officials. He turned himself into authorities Monday, Oct. 23, and was later released on a $2,500 bond.

Police officer stole drugs from busts and resold them in California, feds say

Grandmas funeral money among things stolen by Ohio cop during traffic stops, police say

Woman posed as decorated Marine with cancer and stole benefits, donations, feds say
As our General Assembly starts another legislative session, true gun safety advocacy cant happen without survivors  victims and their families  at the table. Before I became the executive director of One Aim Illinois, whose mission is to educate, advocate and organize to end gun violence in Illinois, I thought I understood the complexity of the problem, but it wasnt until I began working with survivors that I truly understood what it will take to prevent gun violence, once and for all.

Like many Americans, particularly Black and brown Americans, gun violence has lurked at the edges of my life. My mothers best friend was shot and killed by her husband. My best friend from college was shot but survived. I was held up at a restaurant by a person with a gun. Ive also been falsely accused of having a gun by a racist cabdriver who called the police.

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I spent years teaching youths in juvenile incarceration in Los Angeles and thought I understood the ins and outs of gun violence, but it wasnt until one of my students, Jose, was shot and killed just weeks after his release that I came to truly understand. Before he was freed, he told adults like me that he was afraid that hed be shot once he was out.

When you work with marginalized youths, its important to motivate and reassure them, and we were genuine in our positive outlook.

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However, the flip side is that sometimes a person is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes, you dont have control over what happens to you. Sometimes, things dont get better. This is the reality kids face when they grow up in communities where gun violence has become the norm, and often its compounded by generational violence and trauma. The reality of gun violence is that every shot fired injects hopelessness and nihilism into entire communities.

I joined One Aim to work toward real solutions that offer hope based on outcomes so that Joses death wouldnt be in vain. I never anticipated that the people with the most hope are survivors. Ive had the privilege to work with many whove lost a child to a bullet. These parents, mostly women, are the strongest people I know, but listening to their stories is only the first step.

Its harrowing to listen to Delphine, who lost two children to gun violence 20 years apart, or to Alice, now 75, whose daughters slaying has never been solved.

Ive learned that the facts of every survivors story are only the vessels for their grief and trauma, which permeate every aspect of their lives. It affects how they are able to parent other children; it influences every relationship in their lives, and it takes hold of other loved ones and seeps into their lives too.

[ Opinion series: Turning the tide on Chicagos gun violence ]

Its not enough to know survivors stories, to know in the back of our minds that thousands of people are living in perpetual mourning. Their sadness and anger must be our sadness and anger too  sadness that children are being killed and anger that we as a society continue to fail survivors and their loved ones memory.

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Despite everything, these survivors never give up hope that gun violence can end. Ill be honest, Ive had moments of doubt when the systemic problems feeding the gun violence epidemic just seemed too big. It was only through working day in and day out with survivors that the hope they keep alive became my own.

Every day, I have a front-row seat to see the progress being made to prevent gun violence. When all you see are news stories about shootings, you miss the real work taking place, much of it led by survivors at organizations working on the root causes that contribute to gun violence.

This grassroots work translates to legislative reform in Springfield only when we stop working in silos and come together. Just recently, our coalition of survivors, advocates, organizers and policymakers helped bring about the passage of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, which will hold gun dealers accountable for deceptive marketing practices to youths and communities of color.

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And now, we have the opportunity to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence by advocating for a policy that would require law enforcement to remove firearms within 48 hours of an emergency order of protection. Women are five times more likely to be killed when their abuser has access to a firearm, making it essential that we address the intersection of domestic violence and gun violence.

This legislative session, we must continue to build on our successes, and that means putting survivors at the center of the conversation about ending gun violence. Because the reality is that survivors show us that there is no alternative to passing laws that work to end gun violence. Anything short of that isnt enough.

Yolanda Androzzo is executive director of One Aim Illinois, the states largest grassroots coalition working to protect Illinois families from firearm violence.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
A multi-agency manhunt is underway in Massachusetts for a suspect who police said should be considered armed and dangerous after the mother of his four children was found dead in the familys home over the weekend. Aaron Pennington, 33, was at large on Monday night, even as police announced theyd located a vehicle owned by him. Authorities began searching for him after first responders found Breanne Pennington, 30, in a bed on Sunday morning with obvious signs of death from an apparent gunshot wound to the face, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the Telegram & Gazette. Investigators had been summoned to the Gardner home after a neighbor called 911, saying the Penningtons four children had come to her house scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying. The couple had been struggling with marital issues for quite some time, according to the arrest warrant, which alleges that Breanne had been planning to move to Texas with the children to get away from Aaron at the time of her death.

Read it at Telegram & Gazette

Read more at The Daily Beast.
WARREN  A 33-year-old Corry man with a prior record for child sexual abuse has been sentenced to 20 to 50 years in state prison for possessing child pornography on his computer.

The defendant, Mason T. Swanson, was also found to be a sexually violent predator at his sentencing on Monday in Warren County Common Pleas Court. He must register as a sexually violent predator for the rest of his life.

Warren County Judge Gregory Hammond also sentenced Swanson to five years of probation, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, which prosecuted the case. The office said the lengthy prison sentence was partly due to Swanson's prior record.

"This defendant has proven without a doubt that he is a threat to the children in our communities, Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. She said the "sentencing ensures that he will no longer have access to vulnerable young people, online or in person."

Swanson was previously convicted of indecent assault and corruption of minors for sexual contact with a 13-year-old child, the Attorney General's Office said.

Swanson is listed as living in Corry in the court records for the child pornography cases. The Attorney General's Office listed him as living in Columbus Township in Warren County, just east of Corry in Erie County. The child pornography case also involved a residence in Columbus Township, according to court records.

Swanson was charged in the child pornography case in November after investigators with the office found that child pornography files were being downloaded from a computer with his internet protocol address, the office said. The office said investigators executed a search warrant and found files containing child pornography on his laptop, desktop computer and multiple electronic storage devices.

Investigators interviewed Swanson, and he admitted to viewing child pornography on a regular basis. the Attorney General's Office said.

Swanson pleaded guilty in July to seven counts of child pornography as a third-degree felony, according to court records. The Attorney General's Office dropped 13 other child pornography counts and a charge of criminal uses of a communications device.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Lengthy sentence ordered for Corry man in child pornography case
A fleet of orange buses were a bright cornerstone of the transport system in the 1980s

Greater Manchester is full of yellow buses, the most obvious sign is being brought back under public control. So, could Glasgow make a similar move back to the orange Strathclyde region buses last seen in the 1980s?

For years, much of Scotland's bus network has been in decline, with fewer buses on fewer routes. The end result? Fewer passengers can take the bus to work, college or the shops.

Glasgow has been hit especially hard, with bus use plummeting by 32% in a decade. That's a staggering 70 million fewer bus journeys, in just 10 years.

It's all a far cry from the 1980s, when a fleet of orange buses (officially "Strathclyde Red") were a bright cornerstone of the transport system.

Yet buses are still - by miles - the most-used form of public transport, in Glasgow and across Scotland.

In 2022, Scots made almost five times as many journeys by bus as by train.

And for many, buses are a lifeline service - the only real option to get around.

So improving the network will make a huge difference to millions of people. And there is growing evidence that good bus travel is key to a strong economy.

Radical change

However, improving the bus network may need radical change.

Could that mean a return to how those 80s orange buses were operated?

According to SPT, which runs transport across Strathclyde, the answer is - perhaps, but only in places.

They are looking Manchester for inspiration.

The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has used new powers to replace the deregulated bus network, brought in by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.

Her plan was quite simple - bus operators could set up any route they liked.

She argued competition between bus firms would deliver more choice and a better service for passengers.

Critics say that has led to bus firms crowding the popular routes, and neglecting the rest.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has brought in a franchise system, which means private bus firms operate on set routes

In Manchester, Mayor Burnham has brought in a franchise system, which means private bus firms operate on set routes.

Some call this "nationalising the network".

He claims this works better for passengers, because they're guaranteed a minimum level of service, wherever they live.

And with some routes more profitable than others, the plan is to cross-subsidise services in quieter parts of town.

This basic franchise model already applies in Scotland - on the west coast ferry network run by Calmac - but NOT to buses.

It has taken years to reach this point and Andy Burnham's plans faced a court challenge from bus operators.

But the road is now open and a new network should be fully in place in Greater Manchester by January 2025.

Boost to prosperity

A newly-released report from the Centre for Cities think tank claims that improving bus services could bring a much-needed boost to Glasgow's prosperity.

Their work has been prepared in partnership with the Get Glasgow Moving campaign, a privately-funded charitable trust, which backs public control of the city's bus network.

It says better transport can link people to jobs. It argues the more people it is able to connect, the more attractive a city becomes, because of the greater choice it gives to both workers and businesses.

The study warns that Glasgow does not fare well compared with large European rivals, in part because the transport network does not reach as far as it could.

"Bus deregulation in the UK since the 1980s is widely seen as a failure," the study says. "The Transport Act in Scotland opens up the opportunity to reverse it."

It argues that investment is required, with a franchised bus network and more bus services linking up with rail, ferry and subway.

A franchised network would see a public body, such as SPT, set the precise routes, the timetable, the frequency and take in fares meaning that routes with lower patronage are subsidised by busier, more popular routes.

All this, say researchers, would help the city reach its economic potential.

A date in the diary

The 4th of December is a key milestone. That's when Scotland's local transport authorities finally get the power to develop franchise systems, like the one in Manchester.

It has taken four years since legislation was approved by MSPs. Quite a delay, say critics. Better late than never, say others.

Last month, SPT set out its Case for Change, highlighting a swathe of problems.

It warns:

Bus use is falling across Strathclyde - with passenger numbers down 32% in a decade.

The bus network is shrinking - with the distance covered by buses down 21% over the same period.

Bus services are less frequent - with buses non-existent on many routes in evenings.

Bus fares have risen even faster than the cost of living - they went up 25% in real terms over a decade.

So SPT is preparing a plan for Strathclyde which could see the network nationalised, and a municipal bus service run in parts of the region.

SPT Chief Executive Valerie Davidson said the current model was not working

Chief Executive Valerie Davidson said: "There are a lot of communities in the West of Scotland that don't have access to a bus, particularly in the evenings and at weekends."

She said SPT report showed the current model was not working and suggested options but they would all need more funding.

"If the same amount of money is there, that's not going to make an awful lot of difference to people," she said.

A decision will be made next spring then SPT will build a business case, Ms Davidson said.

The issue of money looms large. How much new money is needed? She won't be drawn.

"I'm not going to pre-empt that," Ms Davidson said.

"We already spend in Scotland not far off half a billion pounds in Scotland on public transport - for buses. That's a lot of money. But it may well take more."

Increased support for buses inevitably comes at a cost. Taxpayers may be asked to pay more in direct subsidy. And in London, motorists now pay a congestion charge to enter the city. Those funds are used to support the bus network.

Ellie Harrison says wholesale change is needed

Ellie Harrison, from the Get Glasgow Moving campaign, told me wholesale change is needed.

"There is a clear economic case for improving our public transport network," Ms Harrison says. "There is also an environmental case and a social case. It should be our number one priority."

Ms Harrison called for SPT to use the new franchising powers and re-regulate the bus companies across the region.

"They can cap fares and they can integrate ticketing with the subways, the trains and the ferries," she said.

"They can also set up a publicly-owned operator for Strathclyde - like Edinburgh's Lothian buses - which can start running sections of that regulated network."

Ms Harrison said the big city regions in England such as Manchester and Liverpool were already making moves to de-regulate with West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire looking into it.

"In the next couple of years, a massive chunk of the north of England will have a regulated, integrated transport system," she said.

"If we don't do it in Strathclyde, we're going to be left even further behind."
By Valerie Volcovici

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Countries are deadlocked over how to design a fund to help countries recover and rebuild from climate change-driven damage, with just over 30 days left before crucial United Nations climate negotiations kick off in Dubai.

Two dozen countries involved in a committee tasked with designing a "loss and damage" fund wrapped up the last meeting in the early hours of Saturday in Aswan, Egypt, with developing and developed countries at odds over central questions: which entity should oversee the fund, who should pay and which countries would be eligible to receive funding.

The committee was expected to draft a list of recommendations for implementing the fund, which was agreed in a breakthrough last year at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and would be the first U.N. fund dedicated to addressing irreparable climate-driven damage from drought, floods and rising sea levels.

Instead, the group agreed to meet one more time in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 before the COP28 U.N. summit begins in Dubai on Nov. 30 to try to bridge divisions, which could set the tone for the two-week climate negotiations.

"The entire COP28 negotiations could get derailed if developing countries priorities on funding for loss and damage are not adequately addressed," said Preety Bhandari, a senior adviser on finance at the World Resources Institute.

Among the most contentious issues last week was whether the World Bank should host the fund - a position pushed by the U.S. and developed countries - or whether the U.N. create a new body to run the fund, as developing countries have urged.

Housing a fund at the World Bank, whose presidents are appointed by the United States, would give donor countries outsized influence over the fund and result in high fees for recipient countries, developing countries argue.

"Its operational culture, the way in which the World Bank has been assisting countries in their development policies, I think it's not fit for purpose in relation to what we're looking for from this new climate facility," said Cuba's U.N. Ambassador Pedro Pedroso Cuesta, chair of the G77 (developing countries) and China.

He said the creation of a "new independent entity" to run the fund is the core of its position.

In response to these criticisms, a spokesperson for the World Bank told Reuters: "We are supporting the process and are committed to working with countries once they agree on how to structure the loss and damage fund."

While the issue of which body will host the fund dominated the meeting, other key issues remain unresolved. The United States, the European Union and others want a more targeted fund. The EU wants a fund dedicated to the most "vulnerable" while the U.S. has said the fund should focus on areas like slow-onset climate impacts such as sea-level rise.

Countries are also split over who should pay.

Brandon Wu, director of policy & campaigns for NGO ActionAid USA called on the United States to back off its insistence that the World Bank house the fund.

A State Department official said on Monday that U.S. support of the World Bank as the fund's host is not a red line for negotiations and it is open to other arrangements.

The official said it is open to a proposal floated at the meeting for the World Bank to host the fund on an interim basis while countries evaluate its performance.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington, additional reporting by Kate Abnett in Brussels; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  The El Paso region topped the nation in migrant encounters in fiscal year 2023 as it dealt with continuous mass arrivals of Venezuelan nationals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows.

Such surges documented in January, May, July and September stretched thin local governments and nonprofits that provide humanitarian assistance to asylum-seekers and filled processing centers to historical highs. At one point, Mayor Oscar Leeser said the city was on the brink of a breaking point, and voted with the City Council to purchase a vacant school for use as a migrant shelter.

CBP reports all-time highs for yearly, monthly migrant encounters along Southwest border

The U.S. Border Patrols El Paso Sector, which includes the state of New Mexico, recorded 427,471 illegal entries between ports of entry between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023. Border agents apprehended a total of 38,148 migrants last month alone  an average of 1,272 a day  and CBP had more than 7,500 individuals and families at processing centers in the region in late September, according to the City of El Pasos migrant dashboard.

But the same sources this Monday were reporting a drastic drop in apprehensions and migrants in custody in the region. The Border Patrol said in a statement it is apprehending an average of 742 migrants a day so far in October. The Citys migrant dashboard on Monday reported 1,056 migrants were in CBP custody.

For the month of October, we are seeing an average of 742 apprehensions a day, compared to the month of September when the average was 1,272.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said he conferred with Homeland Security Department Chief of Staff Kristie Canegallo and attributes mid-Octobers sudden drop to two factors.

A lot of the reasons our numbers went down was (because) the biggest challenge we had was Venezuela. For (DHS) to repatriate and begin to take them back to their country is probably the most significant change, Samaniego told Border Report on Monday. The other change that has brought the numbers down is working better with Mexico as (they) try to protect their borders as well.

US resumes deportation flights to Venezuela with more than 100 migrants on board

DHS told Samaniego that the numbers are down and that the agency doesnt expect them to go up again for the moment. Agency officials also attributed that to the repatriation flights that were announced on Oct. 5 and began last week.

I dont like the fact that theyre being sent to a place where they are running away from, but that serves as a deterrent and helps us organize ourselves better, Samaniego said. Most of them dont live in Venezuela anymore. They live in Colombia, theyre living all over.

Across the border in Juarez, Mexican officials say they, too, have noticed a decrease in the arrival of foreign nationals, particularly those who come to the border atop cargo trains.

Faith sustains migrants fleeing violence on their journey to the US

Border Report this past weekend toured migrant concentration points in South El Paso and northern Juarez. Only pockets of released migrants could be seen around El Pasos Sacred Heart Church and those spending the night near Juarezs Paso del Norte international bridge said they had pending appointments with CBP.

We spent one month getting the (online) appointment, and thank God, we got it, said Ricardo, a Venezuelan migrant preparing to spend the night with his family at the foot of the bridge.

Ricardo said he fled Venezuela because of rising food prices and threats from criminal gangs.

I had a small business. I sold many things. But if we didnt pay up (extorsion money to criminals), the consequences are bad, he said. Here (in Mexico), there is no work, the rents are high. Sometimes we paid for a room for the night, and it was already crowded. But God gave us the opportunity to be here tonight, and, in a few hours, we will cross into the United States.

Three Venezuelan women and their children prepare to spend the night on the streets of Juarez in anticipation of their asylum appointment with CBP the next morning.

Walter, another former store owner, and his wife Susana, a kindergarten teacher, were already in line at the foot of the bridge around 10 p.m. Their CBP appointment was at 6 a.m.

You never know if they will call you earlier, or if too many people get in front of you and they (limit) how many can go up the bridge, Walter said. He said fear of falling prey to criminals  especially that something might happen to his wife  prompted the couple to stay in Mexico City for several weeks while they waited for their online appointment to start the asylum process in America.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Susana said waiting to cross into the U.S. in a lawful manner was worth the wait and expenses in Mexico. The couple flew into Juarez, rather than expose themselves to kidnapping or mishaps on Mexican roads.

The trip to Mexico was not easy. It was getting off and on vans constantly. We had to stand in line many hours to get our (humanitarian visa) in Mexico, but we did it, Susana said. We dont know what awaits us, but we are confident that things are going to go well.

The couple is headed to Houston, provided they pass their screening by CBP.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Juliana, who has waived her right to anonymity, was quoted thousands when she requested a transcript

Victims of violent and sexual crimes are calling for court transcript costs to be cut after they were quoted "unaffordable" sums for them.

They told BBC Newsnight that charging thousands of pounds for copies of court hearings was "exploitative".

One rape survivor said she was quoted 7,500 for the transcript of her trial.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said victims could ask a judge to order a transcript at public expense, but cases were not routinely transcribed.

"If the request is declined, the fee covers the considerable costs that come with writing up the audio recording of potentially weeks' worth of hearings," a MoJ spokesperson said.

Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.

Juliana was raped by her former partner in 2020.

"He drugged me. He recorded the video of himself raping me and he actually played it back to me after waking me up," she said. "He then threatened to send the video to my 88-year-old father. That's when I reported him to the police."

Juliana's former partner was convicted by a jury at a trial, which lasted ten days.

She later wanted to revisit what had been said in court, but her request for a free copy of the transcript was rejected.

She was told provisions were only made in exceptional circumstances, such as in murder and manslaughter cases, but those circumstances were "not met in your application".

Instead, she was advised to contact one of the companies outsourced by the government to supply transcripts.

Acolad UK Limited quoted 7,459 for the transcription, Juliana said. The firm said the price was an estimate based on the length of the audio, which needed to be listened to by a transcriber.

"I just thought 'I can't afford this'. I had to stop working. My mental health was a mess," Juliana said. "Why do I have to pay for a service with data that is pertaining to me?"

The government's website says crown court hearings and those at civil and family courts are always recorded. Anybody can apply for a transcript of the proceedings.

It says victims will usually have to pay for the transcript, unless the court believes there are special circumstances. The final cost will depend on the size of the transcription, whether it's new or a copy, and other factors.

The court transcription service is outsourced to six companies in the UK, in a contract worth more than 17m.

BBC Newsnight found transcription costs at the six government-contracted firms varied from 80p per 72 words, to 1.71, for a 12-working-day transcription.

According to the government's guidance notes, Acolad UK Limited charges 80p per 72 words if the transcription is to be completed in 12 working days, which is listed as the cheapest turnaround option.

The company said pricing is based on the quantity of material to be transcribed, the level of urgency, and other factors.

"The sensitivity of the matter at hand - as in all legal and court proceedings - determines that use of AI-assisted tools is limited, and human expertise prioritised," Acolad said.

Claire, whose partner pleaded guilty to attempted murder, says it was hard to take in what the judge was saying in court

Crime victims have told BBC News that absorbing what is said in court can be incredibly difficult and traumatic, meaning they may have to rely on a transcription.

They argue having access to affordable transcripts allows them to go over the evidence and statements properly after cases have concluded.

According to the government, families in murder cases are entitled to free a copy of the judge's sentencing remarks following a conviction.

'People deserve closure'

But Claire, whose ex-partner tried to kill her in 2020, said she was still quoted hundreds of pounds by Acolad for a transcription.

"I was asleep and he cut my throat and then repeatedly stabbed me," Claire said. "I woke up to him trying to cut my neck."

Her former partner pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Because she had struggled to take in what had been said in the court hearing, Claire wanted to be able to read the judge's sentencing remarks.

She said she was not told a free copy could be requested from the court. Instead, she was advised to contact a transcription company.

Claire said the firm quoted her almost 300 to provide a transcript of the judge's sentencing remarks. "I was quite shocked," she said. "I was homeless, I'm not working, I'm disabled, and I really need this for my closure - and I wasn't able to get it."

She finally managed to get the transcript for free because somebody had already requested it and paid for the transcription work, which is standard procedure with all the companies.

"Some of the costs I've heard are astronomical, and these people deserve closure," Claire added.

London's Victims' Commissioner, Claire Waxman said the current system must "urgently change".

"Victims must be able to access accurate and timely transcripts, at no cost to themselves, to support their understanding and recovery, which is an essential part of their justice journey."

The Ministry of Justice said it was "incredibly rare for a victim to request a transcript of an entire trial" and it was more common for people to request the judge's sentencing remarks, which summarise the case against the defendant made at trial. It said that typically costs about 40.

If you've been affected by issues raised in this story, there is information and support available on BBC Action Line.
One dead and four still missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

One sailor has died and several others remain missing after a British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, with a search currently ongoing for survivors.

One body has been recovered and another two people have been rescued, while four crew members remain missing.

German authorities said one rescued man was taken to a hospital on land and the other was on his way to hospital on board a maritime rescue cruiser.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 nautical miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The British-flagged Verity, apparently sank with seven people onboard, while the Polesie remains waterborne with its 22 passengers.

The search operation currently includes a rescue cruiser, police boats, sensor aircraft and a helicopter among other vessels.

The emergency command said the 300ft British ship was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

P&O ship the Iona scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank following a collision (PA Wire)

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

The P&O cruise ship Iona is among those that have joined the search, alongside the rescue cruisers Hermann Marwede and Bernhard Gruben.

It is said to have doctors on board who are able to treat people if needed, while more medical personnel are being taken to the scene by helicopter.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

One person has died while four others remain missing (PA Wire)

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Faversham Ships Ltd, which owns the Verity, described the incident as ongoing and said it was working with local authorities.

A spokesman for Associated British Ports, which owns the port of Immingham, confirmed it was due to arrive there.
A crew of crooks broke into a Bronx parking lot early Tuesday to steal three yellow school buses, police said.

The four men entered the lot on Blondell Ave. near Eastchester Road in Westchester Square about 12:30 a.m., cops said. Once inside, they managed to drive three yellow school buses out of the lot.

The stolen buses were last seen heading east on Blondell Ave., police said.

No arrests have been made and the buses have not been recovered.

Cops were scouring the area for surveillance footage that could help them identify the crooks.
Standing near a billboard featuring her son's unsolved homicide, Brenda Johnson remained hopeful on Tuesday afternoon.

The billboard at the corner of Wilson and Fisher Roads on the city's West Side features a large picture of her son, 29-year-old James Johnson II, with information about his Oct. 20, 2020, homicide. The digital sign also includes information about how to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers with tips.

Brenda Johnson, center, speaks in front of a billboard featuring her son's unsolved 2020 homicide at the corner of Wilson and Fisher roads. James Johnson II, 29, was shot and killed on Oct. 20, 2020. The billboards are part of a Central Ohio Crime Stoppers campaign.

The billboard is one of four located throughout Columbus that will feature a rotation of unsolved homicides, a new effort from Central Ohio Crime Stoppers to shine a light on the cases and help bring closure to the victims and their families.

"My son's legacy ... is to be the voice of the voiceless," Brenda Johnson said.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is funding the billboards in partnership with Lamar Advertising. Billboards will be located in areas of the community where unsolved homicides are clustered, such as the Hilltop and Linden, and will feature cases that took place in those neighborhoods.

Napoleon Bell, the president of Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, said the funding for the billboards is coming, in part, from donations received after Mayor Andrew J. Ginther called for the community to be more involved in donating money for Crime Stoppers rewards. Ginther's request came the day after a Columbus police officer was critically wounded in a shootout on Interstate 70.

The idea for the billboards came from Johnson, who was going to purchase one of her own for her son's case but realized that not every mother who has lost a child could afford to do that.

Related coverage: Columbus has reported 100 homicides in 2023. Here's a look at the violence by the numbers.

"I'm his mom and I'm willing to go broke to get my son justice," Johnson said. "My son may not have been perfect, but he would have helped anyone."

Johnson reached out to Columbus police, who helped her get in touch with Crime Stoppers, and the idea for the billboards blossomed. She hopes to see the red "Solved" banner go across her son's billboard soon.

She also hopes fewer mothers have to endure her pain.

"You can hate each other all day long, but you don't have to kill each other," Johnson said. "You don't really hurt who you kill because they're in a better place. Me, his sisters, his dad, his nephew, his kids, we're all the ones they hurt."

Crime Stoppers is also starting a door hanger campaign and is seeking volunteers to take flyers to cities across Franklin County to place on door knobs. The flyers include information about providing tips to Crime Stoppers.

Information can be provided to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers by calling 614-461-TIPS, using the free P3 Tips mobile application or going to www.stopcrime.org. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Tips that lead to an arrest or indictment can result in a cash reward that is provided anonymously.

Crime Stoppers has received nearly 2,000 tips in 2023. Some of those tips have led to cash rewards being approved for the tipster. Columbus has about 1,000 unsolved homicides case, including 23 from 2023.

bbruner@dispatch.com

@bethany_bruner

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Crime Stoppers billboard campaign to feature unsolved Columbus homicides
A new U.S. Forest Service assessment of its plans to manage part of the Hoosier National Forest with logging and controlled burns was intended to clear confusion about the impact on Lake Monroe, but critics of the controversial project say the report is still lacking.

The assessment comes on the heels of two lawsuits over the Houston South management project.

Chris Thornton, district ranger for the Hoosier National Forest said Friday the assessment clarifies the demonstrated effectiveness of erosion control measures for projects like Houston South and shows that following our standards and guidelines, reduces sedimentation and would not affect the water quality of Monroe Lake.

A view of woods to the west, looking off of Browning Hill in a remote part of Brown County, Indiana. This area is in the Hoosier National Forest north of the Houston South project.

But Jeff Stant, executive director of the Indiana Forest Alliance, said the newest USFS report is a rehashing of previous reports and fails to provide new and specific data that would show the project will not have a negative impact on the important regional water source.

They are not addressing the concerns that scientists, and environmental advocates citing the work of scientists, are raising, Stant told IndyStar. "That's just infuriating. It just does not comply with the requirements for them to genuinely address the environmental effects and that means they have to take the publics input seriously."

Thornton said the agency values public comments.

I read every one of them because I think its important and thats part of my job is to understand fully what the public wants, Thornton said.

The new back-and-forth is the latest skirmish in a long-simmering fight over the forest service's Houston South Vegetation Management and Restoration Project, which covers the northwestern portion of Jackson County and a small northeast corner of Lawrence County. The project would allow the agency to harvest trees and perform prescribed burns over a 1015-year period as part of a plan to rejuvenate parts of the Hoosier National Forest.

The area contains mature forest, but little in terms of early forest growth. The plan is to harvest about 4,300 acres of pine and hardwood trees, implement prescribed burns on 13,500 acres. The agency plans to take other measure to promote forest health and enable more young growth, particularly hardwoods that serve as hosts to hundreds of native species. In addition, the agency plans to repair and relocate some roads and trails and as fix areas where erosion has occurred to reduce the amount of sediment entering nearby waterways.

The overarching goal of the project, Thornton said, is to improved the sustainability of the forest.

We've heard from those favoring a hands-off approach to those who'd like more extensive management actions and everyone in between, Thornton said. No matter what your stance, the long-term stewardship of the Hoosier National Forest will require that compromises be made for a healthy, functioning ecosystem 100-plus years down the road.

Several groups have filed two lawsuits in previous years against the service, claiming the project would hurt the water quality of Lake Monroe.

The first lawsuit opposing the USFS plan was filed in 2022 with the goal of halting the Houston South project. A judge dismissed the suit, but that action is being appealed in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The second suit was filed in January by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, Indiana Forest Alliance, Hoosier Environmental Council and Friends of Lake Monroe. It ultimately delayed the USFS plan until the agency could provide evidence that its forest management practices would not deteriorate Lake Monroes water quality.

The services new report released Friday comes after a U.S. District Court ruling in March 2022 that found the service violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to fully evaluate the environmental effects to Lake Monroe, and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finding that put the northern long-eared bat on the federally endangered list.

A core part of the agencys mission is to protect water quality, Thornton said, and the USFS would not consider proposing any project they had a reason to believe would endanger a source of drinking water.

Protecting water quality at Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe, the largest lake entirely within the state, is the sole source of drinking water for more than 130,000 people in nearby areas. The lake's water quality already is considered impaired, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Last year, IDEM published data showing the lakes public drinking water parameters exceeded algae levels while mercury and industrial chemicals were found in fish.

A management plan put together in 2022 by Friends of Lake Monroe found that fertilizer, animal manure, sediment and pollution from septic system leaks are washed into the lake when it rains.

The U.S. Forest Service is working on the Houston South Vegetation Management and Restoration Project that would see logging and prescribed burns within the Hoosier National Forest.

Sediment is only one contributing pollutant to the lake and is carried into the water from surrounding streams. That erosion needs to be reduced, the report says, because more than half of Lake Monroes watershed is highly susceptible to erosion.

Sherry Mitchell-Bruker, founder and president of Friends for Lake Monroe and former watershed manager at Lassen National Forest, supported the legal challenge against the Houston South project.

In court documents filed in March, Mitchel-Bruker said she does not believe the Hoosier National Forest has provided enough evidence to protect Lake Monroe's water quality by way of using best management practices.

"Indeed, this Forests past history demonstrates that it does not view (best management practice) implementation, monitoring, or documentation as a serious matter worthy of the agencys attention," Mitchell-Bruker said.

Houston South lawsuit: Court injunction stops planned controlled burns in Hoosier National Forest

The future of the Houston South management plan

The public has a 30-day period to submit written comments on the forest services latest environmental assessment.

Thornton said the service will look at comments for any changes that need to be made and will then issue a final environmental assessment. If no big issues are found, USFS will produce a draft Finding of No Significant Impact, which will open a new 45-day objection period.

Comments on this new draft environmental assessment can be sent to Christopher Thornton via:

Mail: 811 Constitution Ave., Bedford, IN, 47421

Fax: 812-279-3424

Email: comments-eastern-hoosier@usda.gov with subject line, Houston South Vegetation Management and Restoration Project Supplement

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: New report outlines protections for Lake Monroe during forest project
A vacant storefront in the 5600 block of West Belmont Avenue in Chicago is seen on June 2, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

For years, Illinois Democrats have been fixated on the concept of food deserts, with new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposing a government-run grocery store as a solution. However, its crucial to recognize that food deserts are merely a symptom of a more profound problem: opportunity deserts.

This issue disproportionately affects minority families and has been glaringly highlighted by a recent study by WalletHub ranking Illinois dead last in racial economic equity. If youre fortunate enough to not live in an opportunity desert, consider yourself blessed. Nevertheless, these areas are a cancer that can spread, and no region in the state is immune.

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An opportunity desert is a place where job opportunities are scarce, businesses are reluctant to invest and families struggle to thrive. Private enterprises, such as grocery stores, often find it economically unviable to operate in these areas.

How to combat opportunity deserts? Three ways: Provide access to a quality education, safe neighborhoods and a reasonable tax and regulatory environment. With all three in place, success is nearly guaranteed. However, the absence of any one of these elements can be devastating to a community. Unfortunately, many parts of Illinois are grappling with all three challenges, leading to a catastrophic combination.

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Illinois boasts some of the nations best public schools alongside some of the worst. The reliance on property tax dollars to fund our public school system results in a have and have not system with less affluent areas often plagued by underperforming schools, disproportionately affecting minority communities.

[ Willie Wilson: Why are disparities widening for African Americans in Chicago? ]

Its no surprise that job creators shy away from high-crime areas. The direct correlation between crime rates and the exodus of businesses is evident. Policies that reduce penalties for criminal activities have inflicted severe harm on entire communities. How can you convince businesses to move into challenged neighborhoods when young adult lawbreaking is viewed as mere indiscretion?

Want to strengthen the economy of opportunity deserts? Start with states attorneys who understand the need for consequences.

The tax and regulatory climate exacerbate the problem. For instance, Winnetka, with a median household income of well over $250,000, pays less than one-third of the property tax rate than south suburban Harvey residents, with a median household income of less than $36,000. Its worth noting that Harvey predominantly is a minority community, whereas Winnetka has no Black residents, according to census data.

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 >

I am a sponsor of legislation aimed at reducing property taxes by approximately 50% in some of the hardest-hit areas over the next 22 years. That legislation is dying at the hands of a Democrat-controlled House and Senate. Where is the outrage?

Teresa Haley, president of the NAACP Illinois State Conference, succinctly summed up the issues in a recent radio interview: People are leaving Illinois because of high taxes. People are leaving Illinois because they cant find a job, or the rich get richer and the poor stay poor.

Solutions exist to restore opportunity, including in education. I not only supported but also proposed expanding the Invest in Kids Act. Sadly, that program, which provides scholarships to families to escape poorly performing public schools, is a top target for elimination by Democrats during the veto session.

For two decades, Illinois Democrats have held near-total control of the state, and Cook County has been under their sway for a century. While their intentions may be noble, their policies are harming the very groups they claim to protect.

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Opportunity deserts exist because of them, and voters can and should hold them accountable.

State Rep. Dan Ugaste represents Illinois 65th District.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
CHICAGO - A CTA bus crashed into a light pole Monday afternoon in Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood.

Around 12:30 p.m., police say the bus  being driven by a 36-year-old woman  was traveling northbound in the 0-100 block of S. Ashland Ave. when another vehicle came into its lane.

The driver of the bus swerved to avoid a collision and then came to a stop after striking a light pole on the sidewalk.

The driver of the bus was transported to Stroger Hospital with a knee injury and in good condition, police said. Seven passengers on the bus  four women and three men  were all transported to nearby hospitals for minor injuries, and were all in good condition.

No citations were issued.
Over the last two years, Cuban entrepreneurs Jose Martinez and Joel Lopez have used an innovative technique to raise 24 tons of tilapia -- a critical source of food for an island nation surrounded by water but not enough fish.

The pair, lawyers both aged 35, rely on a symbiotic method called aquaponics in which waste from the captive fish feeds plants grown not in soil but in pond water filtered through their roots to be reused for the tanks.

Two years ago, Martinez and Lopez started their business in Barbosa, a suburb of the capital Havana, with a government loan and some private savings.

They built 12 ponds of 20 cubic meters each.

In their ponds, the tilapia need six months to grow to the required size of 400 grams (14 ounces) for human consumption.

"We sell them (the fish) here in the community as we are a local development project, but part of the production will be sold in the tourism sector so that we can earn the money we need to continue" with the project, said Martinez, co-owner of the enterprise called JoJo Aquaponico.

When they have completed building their three greenhouses, the pair also hopes to be able to grow 36 tons of vegetables at a time.

- 'Viable and sustainable ' -

Projects like these are increasingly important for feeding Cuba's 11 million inhabitants, under US sanctions for the last six decades.

The communist nation is experiencing its worst economic crisis in three decades, with shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

"Our idea is to bring this knowledge ... to everyone who wants to ... produce fish," said Lopez. "It is a viable and sustainable solution."

Before the economic crisis of the 1990s brought on by the disintegration of the Soviet Union, an important ally, Cuba had a fleet that captured some 100,000 tons of fish in international waters every year -- most of it sold at home at subsidized prices.

Its own coast is shallow and low in nutrients, according to experts, and overfishing has further diminished stocks around the island.

Another hurdle is a growing shortage of engines and fuel for fishing boats, Food Industry Minister Manuel Sobrino said on local television recently.

For the last three years, Cuba has taken in less than 12,000 tons of fish per year.

Last year, the country sold seafood worth some $54 million to clients abroad as it desperately needs foreign currency.

- Raise your own fish -

Fish cultivation has also taken a hit.

Official figures show that between 2018 and 2022, production of catfish -- another freshwater species raised in captivity -- dropped from 6,286 to 1,355 tons.

Agriculture yields in general fell by as much as 35 percent from 2019 to 2023 in Cuba.

In July, deputy prime minister Jorge Luis Tapia proposed that Cubans start cultivating their own fish at home -- a practice that was widespread in the desperate times of the 1990s. The suggestion was met with incredulity.

As the government scrambles to address the food shortage, it approved a law in 2019 to allow fishermen to sell their catches directly, without state intervention.

Small businesses have increasingly been buying fish from individual fishermen but with the mark-up, ordinary Cubans cannot afford to buy it from them either.

rd/ltl/mlr/tjj
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will fly to Israel on Wednesday in a show of support for the country in the wake of Hamas's large-scale attack on Israelis, government spokespeople confirmed on Tuesday.

The leaders will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog , spokespeople for both governments said.

Nehammer will also meet with the family of an Austrian-Israeli national who is currently being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Austrian government said in a statement.

"Hamas terror must end, and for this we need unity among all sides to prevent a possible conflagration - we will all make our contribution to this," Nehammer was quoted as saying in the statement.

"The aim of the talks will be support for Israel, including coordination in the context of the European Council, which meets this week," the Czech spokesperson said in a text message.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Friederike Heine; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Rachel More)
D-ID, the Tel Aviv-based startup best known as the tech behind those viral videos of animated family photos, is bringing its AI video technology to a new mobile app, launching today. Originally available as a web platform, D-ID's Creative Reality Studio allows users to upload a still image and script and then turn that into an AI-generated video. The technology can be used to create digital representations of themselves, historical figures, fictional characters, presenters or brand ambassadors.

Early use cases the company had been targeting involved corporate training and education, internal and external communication from companies, and product marketing and sales, TechCrunch previously reported.

Now available on mobile, users will download the D-ID app from the App Store or Google Play and then create an account or log in, if already registered. On the selection screen, you can either pick a premade "digital person" that D-ID provides or upload an image from your phone's photo library. You'll then enter the text you want the digital person to say, choosing from 119 languages, as well as pick between male and female voice options. You can also choose the tone of the speech -- like cheerful, excited, friendly, hopeful, newscast, sad, shouting, terrified, unfriendly, whispering and others.

Image Credits: D-ID

To work, D-ID is leveraging a mix of proprietary and open source AI technologies to power its platforms, says D-ID CEO Gil Perry.

"At its core lies a foundational model capable of generating video frames based on audio input. All its products are powered by its robust API with the ability to render video at an industry-leading 100 FPS, four times faster than real-time rendering," he says.

"The core audience is AI enthusiasts, but it is relevant for anyone who wants to post videos featuring digital people, either versions of themselves or of anyone they can imagine - historical characters, fictional characters, ancestors, etc.," Perry says. "The app enables video generation on the go, reducing the cost of production at scale, and allows the flexibility to produce videos anywhere."

Image Credits: D-ID

The videos can be up to 10 minutes in length and are subject to the same moderation policies as the web version -- meaning, the company is working to ensure the tech is not used for deepfakes that propagate misinformation and disinformation campaigns. The company has also pledged to respect copyright, adhere to AI regulations, and to not knowingly license its technology to what it calls "contentious areas," including political parties, pornography publishers, terrorist organizations, and guns or arms manufacturers.

Ahead of the mobile launch, the desktop version of Creative Reality Studio has seen 60,000 new sign-ups per day, with over 150 million videos already made using the platform, Perry tells us. In addition, the API for the service has more than 200,000 users.

With its arrival on mobile, D-ID is able to reach a broader market, including users who are mobile-first or mobile-only. This includes both existing users who are interested in using a leaner version of the studio for mobile devices as well as new users from the general public, including consumers.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE1puUGZgUs?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]

The new mobile service will be subscription-based, with plans starting at $5.99 per month. Users already subscribed to the desktop version can retain their existing plans. A 14-day free trial is also available.

Though headquartered in Tel Aviv, D-ID has employees in other markets around the work, allowing it to continue operations during the Israel-Hamas war.

"Our teams in Israel and around the world are working to ensure the highest level of support and service," says Perry. "It should be noted that our team in Ukraine is operating with extra diligence out of high solidarity with the situation in Israel," he adds.

Image Credits: D-ID

D-ID raised a $25 million Series B last year, following the launch of its Deep Nostalgia project and its spin-off, LiveStory. Those two projects involved animating historical photos of family members, with the latter adding audio. The videos went viral as people used the tech to create talking photos of long-lost loved ones or ancestors. Since then, D-ID has also been working to create a photorealistic interface for ChatGPT as well as its Creative Reality Studio software, as part of its broader AI development efforts.
DALLAS - The Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas FBI says its most important mission is combating violent crime and gun crimes.

The FBI released its 2022 nationwide violent crime report last week.

It shows homicides in Dallas are still up, while other types of violent crimes and gun crimes are down.

Nationwide, murders are down according to the data.

Across the Dallas Division of the FBI the press on the street is to try and markedly impact violent crime.

"Violent crime is at the top of the list. It is causing significant impact on our neighborhoods throughout our communities," said Chad Yarbrough, the Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas FBI.

Dallas recorded three more homicides over the weekend.

So far this year, the city has seen 208 murders.

Last year at this time, there were 184 murders.

Overall, gun crimes are down more than 12 percent, but in many of the violent crimes the guns being used are stolen.

"That's obviously a huge concern for us," Yarbrough said.

Yarbrough says his agents are seeing so-called "glock switches" which tun semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic.

"We've encountered those even more and more frequently this past year," he said.

Yarbrough also says repeat offenders, who should not have guns, are stealing them or buying them illegally.

"We're leaning in on federal prosecutions and making sure we're going after those violent offenders who are caught with firearms and working with the ATF and other federal partners to target those offenders who have that criminal history and we know to be committing violent crimes," he said.

Equally concerning, teenagers caught up in dangerous and deadly behavior.

"We're definitely seeing an uptick in juveniles who are victims of violent crime and, with my view here in Dallas, I'm seeing that we are seeing an uptick in violent crime in general by juveniles," Yarbrough noted.

The Special Agent in Charge says it is not only the juvenile system, but society, that has to do a better job to try and break the cycle of teens in trouble.

"Whether it be proactive programs and community outreach to reach those youth before they commit that crime, or whether that's trying to prosecute those individuals who have committed that violence, we have to be leaning in on both of those options," said Yarbrough.

For adults with a criminal history caught up in violent crime, especially using guns, those people are being tried in the federal system when possible and serving the full time of their sentence without early parole.


Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, left, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference at the Swedish Government headquarter Rosenbad in Stockholm, Tuesday Oct. 24, 2023. (Jonas Ekstromer/TT News Agency via AP)

STOCKHOLM (AP)  The damage to a telecommunications cable running under the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Estonia was purposeful, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Tuesday but declined to be drawn on the details.

We will not be more precise than that as of today," Kristersson said at a press conference, after Swedish divers had investigated the seabed.

A spokesman for the Swedish Navy, Jimmie Adamsson, told Swedish public broadcaster SVT that we see seabed tracks nearby, but we dont know if its deliberate or an accident.

On Oct. 17, Sweden reported damage to an undersea telecommunications cable that authorities believe occurred at the same time as damage to an undersea gas pipeline and telecom cable between Finland and Estonia. Swedish Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin said at the time that the cause of the damage was unclear, adding that it was not a total cable break" but "a partial damage.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the press conference Tuesday with Kristersson that member countries have tens of thousands of kilometers of internet cables, of gas pipelines over power cables, all the oil pipelines crossing the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and of course, these types of undersea critical infrastructure is vulnerable.

The military alliance was working "closely with the private sector, Stoltenberg said, because most of this critical infrastructure is owned by private companies, operated by private companies.

In June, NATO launched a new center for protecting undersea pipelines and cables following the still-unsolved apparent attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea in early 2022, amid concern Russia is mapping vital Western infrastructure for energy and the internet in waters around Europe.

On Oct. 8, Finnish and Estonian gas system operators said they noted an unusual drop in pressure in the Balticconnector pipeline  between Estonia and Finland  after which they shut down the gas flow. Two days later, the Finnish government said there was damage both to the gas pipeline and to a telecommunications cable between the two NATO countries.

We havent any final conclusion on or assessment about exactly who is behind (the damage on the Sweden-Estonia cable) or whether this was intentional or not. But the NATO, together with Finland, Estonia and Sweden, are working to establish the facts. Before they are established, Im not going to (go into) any details, Stoltenberg said.

Estonia has said that the disruption to the Swedish-owned cable was just off the northern part of the Baltic country.

Last week, Finland's National Bureau of Investigation - a unit of Finnish police known by its acronym NBI - said the damage on the Balticconnector pipeline in the Gulf of Finland had been caused by "an external mechanical force and not by an explosion.

NBI said it has now focused its investigation on checking the role of a Hong Kong-flagged container vessel, saying its movements coincided with the pipeline damage. The agency said it was also probing an extremely heavy object that was found on the seabed.
Nine lawmakers on Monday broke out their elevator pitches to become House speaker, as Republicans gathered late in the evening to hear quick speeches from the congressmen seeking the gavel, believing they can unite the GOP factions and get Congress working again.

On Day 20 without a speaker, Republicans found themselves starting over after having ousted Kevin McCarthy and rejected two potential replacements, bumbling ahead with few ideas about who will be the leader of the House, and second in line to the presidency.

Senior-most among the hopefuls is Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, but neither he or the other lower-level Republican lawmakers running to be speaker have any clear shot for the gavel. Instead he and others are reaching out to Donald Trump for backing ahead of internal party elections to choose a nominee.

They all called asking for support, said Trump, the Republican front-runner in the 2024 presidential race, who was in New Hampshire registering for the states primary ballot.

Of Emmer, Trump said, I think hes my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday and told me Im your biggest fan.

Trump downplayed, even derided, Emmer, the third-ranking House Republican with whom he has had rocky relationship, while presenting himself as a kingmaker who talks to a lot of congressmen seeking his stamp of approval.

Theres only one person who can do it all the way: Jesus Christ, he declared.

House Republicans were retreating behind closed doors, as they have most days since the ouster of McCarthy, to hear from the candidates. The candidates will have two minutes to make opening remarks, then take questions, then sum it up. The Republicans plan to meet Tuesday to choose the nominee.

McCarthy himself called the whole spectacle embarrassing for the House Republicans whose majority is being wasted away and for the U.S. government that cannot fully function.

What started as swaggering bravado when a contingent of hardline Republicans led by Rep, Matt Gaetz of Florida ousted McCarthy at the start of the month has morphed into a full-blown crisis of governing as dysfunction and dangerous, bitter infighting prevent the normal operations of Congress.

The federal government again risks a shutdown in a matter of weeks if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by a Nov. 17 deadline to keep services and offices running. More immediately, President Joe Biden has asked Congress to provide $105 billion in aid  to help Israel and Ukraine amid their wars and to shore up the U.S. border with Mexico. Federal aviation and farming programs face expiration without action.

Yet factional power plays are running stronger on Capitol Hill than any sense of urgency to resolve the standoff as the House Republicans are essentially eating their own  first by ousting McCarthy just nine months on the job, then rejecting the next nominees to take his place, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and hard-edged Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.

Launched over right-flank complaints over McCarthys leadership in budget battles, the speakership fight is now a string of political and personal grievances over various leaders, factions and personalities.

Is there anybody that can get there? I dont think there is, said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, who has repeatedly suggested Trump should be elected House speaker.

Trump himself has largely stayed in the background, but his presence is everywhere. Trump also spoke over the weekend to longshot candidate Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, according to a person who insisted on anonymity to discuss the private conversation. Early on Trump helped sink Scalises nomination by backing Jordan instead.

But when more centrist GOP conservatives in the House refused to back Jordan, worried about elevating the far-right Freedom Caucus founder as speaker, Trump was unable to salvage the Ohioans nomination. The House Republicans dropped Jordan as their nominee Friday.

The House has never been here before, having ousted its own speaker for the first time in history, and now led by a nominal interim speaker pro tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the bow-tie-wearing chairman of the Financial Services Committee whose main job is now to elect a more permanent speaker.

Some Republicans  and Democrats  would like to simply give McHenry more power to reconvene the House and get on with the routine business of governing. But McHenry, the first person to be in the position that was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as an emergency measure, has brushed back those overtures.

In the Senate, Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is trying to helm the party through a tumultuous time, has had little advice for his colleagues on the other side of the Capitol.

Look, Im not an expert on the House. I have my hands full here in the Senate, McConnell said Sunday on CBS. Were gonna do our job and hope the House can get functional here sometime soon.

For now, Emmer and the others will try their hand at uniting the broken Republican majority around each of their candidacies. Among those running are potential leaders, to be sure, but no singular figure who stands out as an obvious choice.

Along with Emmer and Sessions seeking the nomination are Rep. Mike Johnson, an affable lawyer from Louisiana, and Rep. Kevin Hern, a former McDonalds restaurant franchise owner who now leads the conservative Republican Study Committee, the largest bloc of House conservatives.

Also running are Reps. Byron Donalds, a Florida newcomer aligned with Trump, Austin Scott of Georgia, who had briefly challenged Jordan with a protest bid.

Others include Reps. Jack Bergman of Michigan, Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania and Gary Palmer of Alabama.

Internal party elections are set for Tuesday, but with nine candidates it could take multiple rounds to choose a nominee ahead of floor voting by the full House, possibly later this week.

Desperate to end the infighting, some GOP lawmakers are demanding that the candidates sign a pledge to back whoever is eventually nominated, as the Republican majoritys rules state.

Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, who leads a group of mainstream conservatives, said he was looking for a speaker candidate who would be willing to put his own political career on the line to move House Republicans forward.

Whoever navigates us through these difficult waters, which will be shrapnel filled, they may need to give up their own political career for the good of this country, he said.

__ Associated Press writers Stephen Groves, Jill Colvin, Farnoush Amiri and Kevin Freking and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The City of Centerville will not be getting a Sheetz convenience store and gas station after all.

>> Previous Coverage: City planning commission approves plans to build Sheetz in Centerville

Centerville City Council voted unanimously Monday night to reverse the decision made by the Centerville Planning Commission over the summer when it approved a plan for construction, a spokesperson for the city confirmed with News Center 7.

In August, city council members approved a plan to build a Sheetz convenience store along Far Hills Avenue where Elsas is located.

The reversal comes after opposition from Epiphany Lutheran Church and retirement community Bethany Village.

>> Previous Coverage: It raises significant questions; Centerville Church opposes proposed Sheetz development

News Center 7 previously reported Epiphany Lutheran Church, also located on Far Hills Avenue, filed an appeal with the city against the Sheetz development next door.

According to a statement from a church spokesperson, the Sheetz development is immediately adjacent to Epiphanys main campus.

They expressed concern over safety issues that may arise due to the 24-hour gas station, convenience store, and restaurant.

The church was concerned that the gas station would lead to increased crime in the area and that there would be alcohol and CBD sales right next door from the preschool housed on campus.

A Sheetz-funded traffic study estimated 2,400 vehicles per day at the proposed site.

Bethany Lutheran Village, a retirement community with over 700 residents, also previously expressed their concerns with a Sheetz development across the street.

On Monday night, the retirement community made a statement on social media.

City Council made the right decision today. The residents of this neighborhood will be overjoyed to know their voices were heard, and that the City stood by its mission of thoughtful governance, the post said. The proposed Sheetz development would not have served in the best interest of this community and the more than 700 Centerville community members who call Bethany Village home. We are pleased that Council saw fit to recognize the concerns of the people who live in this neighborhood and took a stand for the future of this community.

News Center 7 is working to learn whats next for the property. We will continue updating this story.
Honors for students, meet honors for teachers.

Delaware FFA students and teams brought home national awards last month, and in case you missed it, The First State has a new Teacher of the Year from Middletown High School.

Another Delaware school, Georgetown Middle, is also looking to tap into local talent  from businesses, to tradespeople alike  to help bridge the gap between classrooms and real-life career opportunities for students.

In this weekly roundup, we'll catch you up on some education updates.

[Did we miss another good education story? Tell me about it: kepowers@gannett.com.]

This Georgetown school is calling for businesses to connect with students

Inspire students while they're young. That's the idea.

George Schwendtner is one of four teachers leading Career and Technical Education classes at Georgetown Middle School. His team is looking to give students "a chance to experience real-world science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics" before they get to high school.

And they want help.

"We are asking if YOU would like to provide an authentic experience for the students at Georgetown Middle School," Schwendtner penned in a recent open letter aimed at employers. His team hopes to invite local companies, businesses and tradesmen right into the classroom.

Such businesses would plan a visit to present to classes, allowing students "the opportunity to discover, learn and network with your industry or career over a 45-minute class period," he said.

"We are working to fill the gap between classroom and careers."

By high school, most students will pick a career pathway. Before they get there, Schwendtner pointed to courses with a wide range:

Flight and space (Introduction to physics related to motion and flight, automotive, Newtons laws)

Medical Detectives (All medical fields)

Science of technology (Applied chemistry, food production, health, natural resources, manufacturing)

Design and modeling (Construction, fabrication, architecture, drafting, digital design)

Exploring agriculture (Environmental, wildlife biologist, veterinary, conservation, horticulture)

Exploring business (Software development, finance, exploring careers: skills, education/training, job applications)

Schwendtner hopes local businesses and companies will start to reach out. He also promised social media shoutouts to celebrate the time and effort.

Want to connect with Georgetown Middle School CTE?

Who: George Schwendtner

Contact: George.schwendtner@irsd.k12.de.us, (302) 856-1900

Delaware students bring home national awards in agricultural competition

Delaware FFA members from across the First State brought home national awards in last month at The Big E, an annual event in Springfield, Massachusetts, running most of September 2023.

Delaware FFA members from across the First State snagged national awards last month.

"The Big E" is an annual event in Springfield, Massachusetts, bringing students and teams together from across the country to compete in career and leadership development events, alongside an Agriscience Fair. Delaware's FFA, as DDOE explains it, is a career and technical student organization for any students pursuing careers in agriculture, food, natural resources and related fields.

And students cleaned up.

Eleven different chapters were in attendance  Appoquinimink, Delmar, Lake Forest, Middletown, Odessa, Redding Middle, Smyrna, Smyrna Middle, Sussex Central, William Penn, Woodbridge  and multiple students earned their way to top-five placings.

Cole Murphy, of Lake Forest FFA, was selected as the Eastern Regional Star Farmer. Smyrna FFA's Faith Hewes was selected as the Eastern Regional Star in Agriscience, and Roarie Glen-Russum, also from Smyrna, was selected as a finalist for the Eastern Regional Star in Agricultural Placement.

In the Agriscience Fair, Sanaa McDonald of William Penn FFA earned the top prize, the Delaware Department of Education shared Oct. 13.

Head online for a full list of Delaware winners.

Smyrna: Delaware district to review rule blocking students with lunch debt from dance amid pushback

ICYMI: Delaware has a new teacher of the year

Cory Hafer of Middletown High School is congratulated after being named the 2024 Delaware State Teacher of the Year. Hafer, of the Appoquinimink School District, was one of 20 district teachers of the year honored in a gathering in Dover, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Late last Wednesday, Gov. John Carney announced the 2024 Delaware Teacher of the Year. And the statewide honor headed to Appoquinimink's Cory Hafer.

"Holy water buffaloes," Hafer said from the podium, shocked to smiles as he began to thank those who touched his 11-year career as an educator. He works in Middletown High School, teaching engineering and science.

The honor follows a rigorous process of nominations, detailed portfolio submissions, classroom observations, a panel of judges delivering consideration and more.

Hafer will now become the state's nominee in the national program, while also receiving a $5,000 grant for students and a personal grant of $3,000. The winner also received several gifts from sponsors, past winners, advocates, commemorative plates from the Division of Motor Vehicles and access to a full doctorate program from University of Delaware and Wilmington University.

Meet this Appoquinimink educator: Delaware picks its 2024 Teacher of the Year

He told the Education Department he will use his position to advocate for the importance of building student connections and maintaining restorative practices.

"Our ultimate goal should be to have sufficient connections with our students, that they feel comfortable being themselves and confident asking for support," he said in a press release after the event. "Without these connections, other learning strategies and efforts to develop strong lessons will not meet the needs of all learners.

Some 20 educators were honored that evening, nominated from districts and Delaware's charter network.

Got a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Georgetown Middle calls on local companies to connect with students
Delhi has been witnessing smoggy mornings for the last few days

The air quality in India's capital Delhi has fallen to poor levels and is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days, officials have said.

Delhi is one of the world's most polluted cities through the year.

But its air turns especially toxic in winter due to various factors, including burning of crop remains by farmers, low wind speeds and bursting of firecrackers during festivals.

The polluted air causes severe health issues to Delhi residents every year.

On Monday, the level of PM 2.5 - fine particulate matter that can clog lungs and cause a host of diseases - was 306 in the city, according to government data.

Levels between 101 and 200 are considered moderate while those between 201 and 300 are categorised poor. Anything over 300 is categorised as "very poor" and a figure higher than 500 is considered "severe".

VK Soni, a scientist at India's weather department, said the air quality was expected to remain in the "very poor" category for the next few days.

Residents too have been complaining about the smog in the city, especially in the mornings.

"I think pollution levels have been rising in Delhi for the past 10-12 days. We can feel it in our eyes," a cyclist told news agency ANI.

Some residents said these were the early days in Delhi's pollution cycle and "the worst was yet to come".

Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the second phase of a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented to combat the effect of increased pollution.

As part of the strategy, all public transport services, including the Delhi metro and electric bus services, have been instructed to increase their frequency to curb vehicle emissions in the city.

The minister said that in addition to the 13 pollution hotspots identified so far, special teams would be deployed at eight other locations which have been recording high pollution levels.

"They will focus on the sources of pollution, whether it be biomass burning, dust, congestion, or cars," Mr Rai said.

A mix of factors like vehicular and industrial emissions, dust and weather patterns make Delhi the world's most polluted capital.

At this time of the year, the low wind speed also plays a part as it traps the pollutants in the lower atmosphere.

The burning of crop stubble, which is also a major source of pollution, hasn't picked up speed yet in the regions near Delhi but it is expected to intensify in the coming days.

Farmers in neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh burn crop remains to clear their fields for the next sowing cycle.

Northwest winds coming from these states will also pick up speed gradually, carrying smoke from stubble burning into Delhi, according to air quality forecast agency SAFAR.

India's pollution problem, however, is not just limited to Delhi and Indian cities routinely dominate global pollution rankings.

Last week, India's financial capital Mumbai witnessed a drop in air quality, overtaking Delhi several times this month. Officials said that withdrawing rains and constructions work caused the rise in pollution levels in the city.

BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features.

Read more India stories from the BBC:

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A man recording a TikTok video was arrested for allegedly shoving South Side Ald. Gregory Mitchell on Monday morning in the lobby at City Hall, authorities said, in the second altercation involving a City Council member this past week.

The 47-year-old pushed another man, later identified by sources as Mitchell, 54, in the neck area and was taken into custody, Chicago police said.

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Charges were still pending as of Tuesday afternoon. But the 47-year-olds wife identified him as the man who had been arrested, and said the 7th Ward alderman reached for her husband first because he was filming Mitchell for a TikTok video and Mitchell wanted him to stop.

The Tribune is not naming the man who allegedly pushed Mitchell because he has not been charged.

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Mitchell declined to comment on the interaction to a reporter Tuesday, but before walking away he complained about people recording him without asking.

The alleged attack is the second time in the past week that an alderman has reportedly faced a physical skirmish, after Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, was cornered last week by a crowd protesting Mayor Brandon Johnsons tentative plan to erect winterized tents to house migrants in her ward.

In response to questions about Mitchells alleged attack Monday, a mayors office spokesperson issued a statement condemning the recent violence against political figures, without naming Mitchell or Ramirez or discussing the incidents.

These type of acts against public servants are undeserved and unconscionable, and a dangerous precedent for elected officials whose job it is to be accessible and engaging with their constituents, spokesperson Ronnie Reese wrote. Violent acts against an elected official, or against any Chicagoan, are unacceptable and must be condemned.

Both altercations reportedly touched upon the sore subject of whether the citys efforts to care for a growing population of asylum-seekers is straining city resources for residents.

The wife of the man arrested for allegedly pushing Mitchell told the Tribune their family was recently evicted from their Rogers Park home and now stay at a homeless shelter.

The wife wasnt at City Hall on Monday, she said. But her friend said she witnessed the struggle between Mitchell and the man, who fashions himself as a content creator.

The friend said the man was recording Mitchell on the lobby floor as the alderman spoke with a woman concerned Black veterans were missing out on resources that were going to migrants instead. A video posted on TikTok shows the two conversing in front of the elevators until Mitchell notices the phone camera.

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Youve got to ask me to do that kind of stuff, Mitchell said, blocking the camera with his arm. A male voice, purportedly the mans, said that Mitchell is a public servant, to which Mitchell responded, Nah, Im a man too, brother. You will respect me as one. Then Mitchell is seen grabbing the phone before the video cuts off.

Thats when (he) defended himself and pushed (Mitchell) like that, said the friend, who frequently speaks during the public comment period at City Council meetings. Hes been coming down here fighting for housing. Him and his wife, and they have a daughter with special needs, have been out here fighting for housing.  Its not fair. Its not fair at all.

The Tribune requested a copy of a police report of the incident, but the Police Department has not provided one. No other details of the incident were immediately available.

Last Thursday, tensions also flared as hundreds of residents gathered on the Southwest Side to protest against the proposed encampment near 38th Street and California Avenue. When Ramirez arrived at the protest, dozens of protesters surrounded her, shouting angrily and pushing toward her, prompting police to intervene and escort her and an aide into a squad car.

ayin@chicagotribune.com

scharles@chicagotribune.com
Theres just something about the buzz of a deli or sandwich shop at lunchtime.

Business people in dress clothes dipping sandwiches in special sauce while whispering the latest office gossip. College students looking for something to cure that hangover from last night. Delivery drivers popping in to grab orders to hustle off to nearby apartments or dorms. Working folks noshing on towering club sandwiches or meaty subs, nourishment to help get them through the rest of their shift.

In Columbia and the Midlands, there are numerous sandwich shops and delis where customers are known to line up for lunch and more. Now, The State wants you to vote for your favorite sandwich shop in the Midlands from a list of 19 places, selected by the newspapers staff, in the poll below.

For this poll, we kept it to mostly locally owned places or very small chains, rather than include any larger national chains. (Sorry, Subway, Firehouse and Sub Station II fans.) And we attempted to stick with places that present themselves, for the most part, as delis or sandwich-centered operations.

To be absolutely certain, this is not an exhaustive, comprehensive list of every sandwich shop in the Midlands. Rather, it is simply a sampling of some of the many sandwich shops in the area, chosen by newspaper staffers.

You have until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, to vote in the poll below.

So vote early and vote often, and dont forget the pickle and a side of chips.
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz (Fla.) suggested Tuesday that Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) may face censure over her statements on the Israel-Hamas war once the House elects a Speaker.

I think once we get a House Speaker here, I think that censure resolution will come to the floor and I do think its something everyone should consider, he said on Fox News when asked whether there could be a censure after Tlaib issued a statement about the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion.

This is about U.S. intelligence, this is about U.S. information, this is about not willing to trust the Biden administration and U.S. intelligence but instead continuing to pretend like the Ministry of Health out of Gaza is nothing other than a terrorist organization, he added.

Some Republican lawmakers have floated a censure resolution directed at Tlaib over her comments about the ensuing violence in the region since Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Tlaib and a handful of other Democratic lawmakers have faced criticism for their remarks on the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza.

Moskowitz was responding to a statement put out by Tlaib on Monday, in which she raised questions about the hospital explosion last week. Israeli and United States intelligence officials placed blame for the explosion on an Islamic Jihad group in the days following the blast.

However, Tlaib said that she cannot yet accept that Israel was not responsible for the explosion.

Media outlets and third-party analysts have raised doubts about claims and evidence offered by both Israel and the Gaza Ministry of Health, and I agree with the United Nations that an independent investigation is necessary, Tlaib said in her statement.

I cannot uncritically accept Israels denials of responsibility as fact, especially in light of confirmation from the World Health Organization that Israel has bombed numerous medical facilities in Gaza and reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society of ongoing threats from the Israeli military to evacuate hospitals, she continued.

Initial reports on the blast relied largely on public statements from the militant group Hamas blaming Israels airstrikes for the explosion.

At the time of the explosion, Tlaib targeted the Biden administration on social media over the hospital blast in a post that is still up.

Israel just bombed the Baptist Hospital killing 500 Palestinians (doctors, children, patients) just like that, Tlaib said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. [President Biden,] this is what happens when you refuse to facilitate a ceasefire & help de-escalate.

Israel has escalated its airstrike campaign in Gaza in recent days, launching more than 400 strikes on the area Tuesday alone. The Israel Defense Forces said it was targeting Hamas leadership and military sites, but the strikes have also killed an increasing number of civilians.

More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 2,000 children, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. About 1,400 Israelis have also died in the violence, mostly in the Hamas surprise attack more than two weeks ago.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) took aim at White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for providing a weak answer on antisemitism amid the ongoing fighting between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

When answering a question about the level of concern about the rise of antisemitism due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Jean-Pierre said that officials have not seen any credible threats before speaking about crimes targeting Muslims and Arab Americans.

So a couple of things. Look, we have not seen any credible threats. I know theres been always questions about credible threats. And so just want to make sure that thats out there. But look, Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks, she responded.

She also emphasized that President Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize prevention and disruption of any emerging threats that could harm the Jewish, the Muslim, Arab Americans or any other communities.

Moskowitz criticized that response on social media Monday.

What a weak answer. And why are you looking in the book? Whats the approved answer? The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better, Moskowitz wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in response to Jean-Pierres remarks on antisemitism.

Jean-Pierre further clarified her response to the question on X.

To be clear: the President and our team are very concerned about a rise in antisemitism, especially after the horrific Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, she posted.

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned earlier this month that there could be an increase in domestic threat reports amid Israels war with Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

Concerns are also growing over the spread of anti-Muslim violence in the wake of the ongoing war.

Attorney General Merrick Garland opened a hate crimes investigation into the killing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois that police say was motivated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has already left thousands of people in the region dead.

More than 5,000 Palestinians have died so far in the conflict in Gaza, including an estimated 2,055 children and 1,119 women, with more than 15,000 injured, the Gaza Health Ministry reported Monday.

In Israel, more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed so far, mostly in the initial attack launched by Hamas on Oct. 7, and hundreds more were kidnapped during the attack and remain hostages in the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. and other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  Democrats are urging Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) not to launch a primary bid against President Joe Biden , warning that it would only play into the hands of hopelessly divided congressional Republicans and their 2024 front-runner, Donald Trump.

He ought to go home to Minnesota, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said of Phillips, who is reportedly planning a 2024 announcement in New Hampshire this week.

Weve got to beat Trump, added Welch, who served in the House with Phillips from 2018 to 2022. Its a distraction and hes going to be hounding on the president not because of policies  the Democrats support the policies and accomplishments of Biden  so hes going to try to unravel that. Its not helpful.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a top progressive who ran against Biden in the 2020 presidential primary, said flatly that Phillips shouldnt jump into the race.

It just doesnt make sense, Warren told HuffPost. Im all for President Biden getting reelected. He has delivered for Americas middle class and hes going to win.

The disdain for Phillips potential challenge to Biden is rooted in both Democratic leaders united public posture behind Biden, who polls show is in a razor-thin race with Trump, and in a belief Phillips is mostly embarking on a run to promote himself, rather than out of any real chance of toppling Biden.

Another Senate Democrat who asked for anonymity to speak frankly of Phillips said: What hes doing is irrelevant to the presidents campaign and makes him seem irrelevant too.

Plans are reportedly underway for a presidential announcement by Phillips in the early nominating state of New Hampshire this Friday, though sources told The Wall Street Journal that the congressman may yet change his mind. A campaign bus with Dean Phillips for President logos was spotted along an Ohio freeway on Tuesday, seemingly confirming speculation that he will enter the race.

Phillips spokesperson Taylor Deacon declined to comment.

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) isn't getting much love from his party after announcing plans to primary President Joe Biden.

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) isn't getting much love from his party after announcing plans to primary President Joe Biden.

The 54-year-old moderate Democrat, who was elected to Congress in 2018, has been outspoken about the need for younger leadership in the Democratic Party. He has openly stated his belief that the 80-year-old Biden shouldnt run for reelection and encouraged other potential candidates to run, breaking with the vast majority of his party.

Earlier this month, Phillips stepped down from his role in House Democratic leadership, amping up rumors he himself would launch a 2024 bid. My convictions relative to the 2024 presidential race are incongruent with the majority of my caucus, and I felt it appropriate to step aside from elected leadership, he said.

Congressional Democrats said they didnt know why Phillips was flirting with challenging the incumbent president of his own party. Some suggested he was doing it simply for attention.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) quipped that buses out of Minnesota get public attention, making an apparent reference to anti-war Minnesota Democratic Sen. Eugene McCarthys unsuccessful primary bid against President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) guessed the congressman would be running simply to get his name in the headlines.

Phillips Democratic colleagues in the House were just as unsupportive.

During a press conference, House Democratic Caucus chairman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) was asked about a tweet by Phillips earlier in the day suggesting he would vote present if Republicans voted to elect Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) to be speaker. Phillips floated the idea that he would do this to help Emmer get elected, in exchange for promises of holding votes on certain policies.

Aguilar said nobody in Democratic leadership was discussing Phillips idea. Emmer later dropped out of the race anyway.

Asked specifically about Phillips launching a primary bid against Biden, Aguilar said with a smirk: Im sure that has nothing to do with the tweet he put out earlier today.

I think all of us have talked about the importance of reelecting, you know, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Thats what were focused on, he said. But, you know, people having ambitions and running for other things in this place is just kind of par for the course.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) called Phillips a smart and talented member of House but said he dearly hoped he stays with us here in the House.

He ought to go home to Minnesota.Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.)

Aside from Aguilar, other House Democratic leaders didnt seem to want to talk about Phillips. Requests for comment from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.) were not returned.

But one aide to a veteran House Democrat conveyed the annoyance felt among some Democrats who werent comfortable speaking as bluntly.

A quixotic run from a third-term congressman who votes with the president 100% of the time, has little name recognition and touts a knock-off Trump slogan doesnt really strike fear in anyones heart, said this aide, who requested anonymity to speak freely. Joe Biden is our nominee, period.

Phillips decision to challenge Biden in the presidential primary has drawn him a primary challenger of his own in his congressional race. Democrat Ron Harris announced earlier this month that he is now running for Phillips House seat.

A primary challenge to Biden would likely be an extreme long shot, but it would serve as an embarrassing reminder of discontent within the Democratic Party regarding the presidents age. More than half Democratic voters are concerned about Bidens age and his ability to win the 2024 election, according to a CNN poll conducted last month.

Still, its not just Democrats who have questions about the age of their leadership. Trump, at 77 years old, is steamrolling the 2024 GOP presidential race, and making verbal gaffes to match Bidens slip-ups. He would be 78 if he takes office again in 2025.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to weigh in on Phillips presidential bid during Tuesdays press briefing, saying she doesnt get into electoral politics. But she did note one detail about the Minnesota Democrats record.

We appreciate the congressmans almost 100% support of this president as hes moved forward with some really important key legislative priorities for the American people, said Jean-Pierre.

Arthur Delaney contributed reporting.
The blanket of dense fog blamed for the multi-vehicle collisions that left seven dead, dozens injured and stranded over 150 motorists on a highway near New Orleans left drivers some 700 hundred miles away wondering: Could this happen in South Carolina?

Super fog was the culprit that created the impenetrable smog in Louisiana. Unlike fog itself, super fog is the treacherous mingling of smoke and moisture released from damp smoldering organic material with cooler, nearly saturated air. But according to the National Weather Services Charleston Office, South Carolinians dont have much to worry over in the way of super fog.

The Louisiana tragedy was set off by the coalescing of smoke from marsh fires burning in the region and dense fog that developed Monday morning, causing near-zero visibility.

But in the Palmetto State, conditions such as those that birth super fog are unusual, said Meteorologist Jonathan Lamb on Tuesday morning. Typically, the state doesnt get much widespread smoke on the ground, the Charleston-based weather expert said.

Its more often toward the end of the day, if theres still some smoldering or lingering fires, Lamb said. So its generally near any kind of wildfire or any kind of burning activity at nighttime when you also have the conditions for fog development.

In many of South Carolinas national forests, state parks and preserves, prescribed burns are professionally set to maintain diverse habitats and reduce fuels that could lead to a damaging wildfire. But because burn managers plan in advance to ensure smoke will rise up and dissipate, and not linger near the ground, Lamb said its rare that prescribed burns would lead to a super fog event.

However, in the event of a wildfire that produced widespread smoke and mixed with the cooler spring or fall weather, super fog could be possible.

With enough moisture in the air during the spring and fall months and dwindling nighttime temperatures, conditions are ripe for fog production. And fog, even without the super qualifier, is hazardous, Lamb said.

It doesnt have to be super fog for it to be dangerous to drive in, he said. Normal, dense fog can still be very treacherous. And so is super fog... its interesting, but its not the main thing to be worried about.

Fog can creep up quickly for drivers and visibility reduction can happen fast, with little-to-no warning. On highways, in particular, cars are interspersed with 18-wheelers and larger commercials vehicles that take more time to slow, which is often part of the problem in a chain reaction of crashes, Lamb said.

The precautions to take arent arduous. Just like when theres a downpour  slow down and stay focused.
Authorities are investigating a shooting that killed a 23-year-old man Monday night, the Denton Police Department said in a news release Tuesday.

At around 10 p.m. Monday, police responded to a call about a shooting at an apartment complex in the 1600 block of East McKinney Street.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim with gunshot wounds in the parking lot. Officers attempted life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, according to the release.

The male suspect, who remained on scene, was detained and is cooperating with the investigation, the release said.

The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office identified him as 23-year-old Daniel Ryan of Denton.

Detectives believe the victim and suspect did not know each other. The investigation is ongoing to determine what happened leading up to the shooting.

Today's top stories:

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Anyone with information about the shooting or the events leading up to the incident is asked to contact Detective David Bearden at (940) 349-7986.

Anonymous tips can be reported to Denton County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-388-TIPS (8477).
FIRST ON FOX: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in coordination with the chancellor of the states university system, has moved to crack down on student groups in the state they say have expressed support for "Hamas terrorism," which possibly involves terminating the student chapters and suspending school administrators.

"During a holy Jewish holiday, the recognized terrorist organization, Hamas, launched an unprovoked attack on Israel  among those killed were babies, women, and elderly," Ray Rodrigues , chancellor of the State University System of Florida, wrote in a letter to the states universities exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital.

"To date, approximately 1,400 Israelis have been killed, including 31 American citizens. Governor DeSantis, our State University System and the Florida College System have condemned these attacks."

The letter states that a student group present in at least two universities in the Florida system, known as National Students for Justice in Palestine (National SJP), published a "toolkit" that refers to the Hamas operation as "the resistance" and says that "Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement."

FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGE SPEAKS OUT ABOUT TERRIFYING HAMAS CAPTURE, DESCRIBES 'SPIDERWEB' OF TUNNELS

The letter explains that it is a "felony under Florida law to knowingly provide material support  to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

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"These chapters exist under the headship of the National Students for Justice in Palestine, who distributed a toolkit identifying themselves as part of the Operation AlAqsa Flood," Rodrigues writes.

"Based on the National SJPs support of terrorism, in consultation with Governor DeSantis, the student chapters must be deactivated. These two student chapters may form another organization that complies with Florida state statutes and university policies. The two institutions should grant these two chapters a waiver for the fall deadlines, should reapplication take place."

DESANTIS REFUSES TO BACK OFF DEMAND THAT US REFUSE REFUGEES FROM GAZA

Pro-Palestinian supporters gather for a rally at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Oct. 14, 2023.

Rodrigues says in the letter that he will continue working with DeSantis office "to ensure we are all using all tools at our disposal to crack down on campus demonstrations that delve beyond protected First Amendment speech into harmful support for terrorist groups."

"These measures could include necessary adverse employment actions and suspensions for school officials," the letter states, adding, "promoting excellent educational quality while providing a safe environment for all students is paramount."

DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, has been a vocal proponent of cracking down on and condemning the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7 that killed more than 1,400 Israelis. He recently said he would cancel student visas and deport foreign nationals who celebrate Hamas if he is elected president.

DeSantis is also planning to call for a special legislative session in Florida to increase state sanctions on Iran, the main financial supporter of Hamas.

Additionally, DeSantis allocated state resources to an evacuation operation that was responsible for chartering hundreds of stranded Americans in Israel on flights back to the United States in a move he touted as being more efficient than efforts by the Biden administration.

"We were able to fill the void," DeSantis said. "There was no leadership. And so we stepped up, and we led."





Original article source: DeSantis admin directs Florida universities to terminate student chapters that support 'Hamas terrorism'
Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is spotlighting his opposition to President Biden's humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

"They were wrong on the humanitarian aid to Hamas because Hamas is going to use that for terrorism," DeSantis said on Tuesday in an interview with Fox News Digital when asked about the $100 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The president, in announcing the aid last week, said the funding would help support "over a million displaced and conflict-affected people with clean water, food, hygiene support, medical care, and other essential needs. The United States provides humanitarian assistance through trusted partners, including U.N. agencies and international NGOs."

After Hamas militants launched a horrific sneak assault on Israel two and a half weeks ago  in which more than 1,400 Israelis were killed in the worst attack on the Jewish state in a half century  Israel responded with relentless airstrikes on the Gaza Strip that have left nearly 5,000 people dead.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE FOX NEWS UPDATES ON THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Smoke rises in Gaza City as Israeli airstrikes continue on Oct. 24, 2023.

The top contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination  including former President Donald Trump, who's the commanding frontrunner, DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley , and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina  have all been calling out Biden for what they charge is backdoor assistance to Hamas, which aims to wipe out Israel.

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"No U.S. tax dollars to the Gaza Strip. Hamas is holding American hostages and Biden wants to fund them?" DeSantis charged last week.

On Tuesday, DeSantis reiterated "you shouldn't be doing that" regarding the aid, "knowing that Hamas rules the streets."

2024 DIVIDE: GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SPAR OVER MIDEAST CONFLICT

Pointing to the over 200 Israelis and some Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, DeSantis said "it's doubly problematic when they still are holding all these people hostages. So wait a minute. How is it humanitarian to be holding these people hostages? That should have been a precondition before they even discussed anything else."

"The president has a responsibility to look after Americans, and that includes Americans overseas. And in this case, you need to be engaged in that," DeSantis said. "Most of what will go on will be things that are not going to be publicized. There's going to be a lot of things that are going to rely on intelligence. I'd work closely with the Israelis, but I think we both have common interests in this to be able to recover all those hostages."

DesSantis was interviewed during his latest campaign swing in New Hampshire, the state that holds the first primary and second overall contest in the GOP nominating calendar.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks with customers at the Red Arrow Diner in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on Oct. 24 2023.

Haley has also spotlighted her opposition to the humanitarian aid, noting how easily the assistance could fall into the hands of Hamas.

"Nikki opposes taxpayer dollars for Gaza just like she did when she helped eliminate it at the U.N. The money is too easily diverted to Hamas and is not a good use of tax dollars. Arab countries should step up if they want to help Palestinians as much as they claim," Haley's campaign told Fox News.

And in an interview Monday on the Fox News Channel, Haley reiterated "no more money to countries that hate America."

HEAD HERE FOR LIVE FOX NEWS CHANNEL COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

During her tenure as ambassador to the U.N., Haley slashed U.S. funding to Palestinians in Gaza by defunding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency. The aid was later restored under the Biden administration.

"I stopped all U.S. taxpayer money going to the Palestinian refugees when I was at the United Nations. This is something that I always said  the Arab countries, it was their responsibility, not the American taxpayer's responsibility," Haley said in an interview last week on Fox News' "Hannity."

Scott told Fox News in a statement that "there should not be a single U.S. dollar that risks ending up in the hands of Hamas. The terrorist organization brutally murdered innocent Israelis and dozens of Americans."

And Scott vowed to take steps "to ensure no future taxpayer dollars make their way into the hands of Hamas."

Trump has slammed the aid as "totally inappropriate."

The White House has said the aid will be distributed through the United Nations and non-government organizations. But Hamas has a long track record of seizing assistance funneled through the U.N. or relief agencies.

While the Republican presidential contenders are mostly on the same page in criticizing the Biden administration over the humanitarian aid, they've traded blows on other aspects of the Israel-Hamas war.

Most notable is the verbal fireworks between DeSantis and Haley and their campaigns and allied super PACs over whether the U.S. should accept any Palestinian refugees fleeing the fighting.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: DeSantis, Haley target President Biden over humanitarian aid to Palestinians: 'Doubly problematic'
(Bloomberg) -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will deliver a foreign policy address in Washington on Friday as the US confronts wars in Ukraine and Israel, according to a person familiar with his presidential campaign.

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DeSantis is expected to discuss the conflict in the Middle East and US-China relations. The platform offers him an opportunity to demonstrate foreign policy knowledge, as he seeks to fend off momentum from former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is viewed as one of the most experienced on international affairs in the Republican primary field.

His speech, which will be delivered at the Heritage Foundation, also comes a week after President Joe Biden submitted a $106 billion emergency spending measure to Congress to bolster Israel and Ukraine. The legislation includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion to help arm Israel and $10 billion for humanitarian efforts, including assistance for Palestinian civilians. It also has funds for security at the US-Mexico border and Taiwan.

DeSantis says he opposes bundling assistance for Israel with Ukraine as well as efforts to aid civilians in the Gaza Strip. He has also said the US should not accept refugees from the area.

The Florida governor has also clashed on the issue with Haley, who is threatening his No. 2 spot in the polls. His allied super political action committee has run ads saying she is calling for Palestinian refugees to enter the US. Haley has refuted that, saying DeSantiss team is intentionally misconstruing her words.

DeSantis and Haley have both assailed Biden over the release of $6 billion in Iranian oil money that was part of a prisoner exchange agreement and intended to be used for humanitarian purposes. They claim the funds have helped Iran finance terrorism. The US reached an informal understanding with Qatar to hold off on distributing the funds as the administration looks into whether Tehran was involved in the Hamas attack.

Earlier: Biden Requests $106 Billion for Israel, Ukraine, Border

Since the deadly Hamas assault on Oct. 7, DeSantis has asked lawmakers in his state to propose new Florida sanctions on Iran as well as arranged state-funded chartered jets to bring over 600 Americans in Israel back to the US, according to a person familiar with the governors plans. Hamas is designated a terrorist group by the US and EU.

He has also stepped up his criticism of Donald Trump, his chief rival for the partys nomination, after the former president criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not joining the US in a 2020 drone strike in Iraq that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and for calling Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US, very smart.

The Friday speech, which follows details of his positions on the military, veterans and energy, reflect DeSantiss focus on policy as he tries to close a wide polling gap with Trump. The RealClearPolitics average of national GOP polls shows Trump leading DeSantis by 46 points nationally and 33 points in Iowa, where DeSantis has been focusing his resources.

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Five months into his presidential bid and with the Middle East in crisis, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is leaning into the very thing that put him on the national political map to begin with: his executive authority.

In the weeks since Hamas militants launched a surprise incursion into Israel, DeSantis has shifted back into governor mode. He signed an executive order pouring millions of state taxpayer dollars into an effort to evacuate U.S. citizens stuck in Israel and cajoled state lawmakers into calling a special session to pass new state sanctions on Iran.

The recent actions mark something of a return to form for DeSantis, whose rise to national prominence was built in large part on his reputation as a hard-charging conservative governor who could insert himself and his state into the biggest news of the day.

Its something hes been good at  figuring out ways to take action on issues that conservatives care about, or setting the tone for what conservatives should be doing, said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida. This is one more opportunity for him to be looked at as a decisive leader; someone who takes action and does things and doesnt just talk about them.

DeSantis and his allies have cast his administrations efforts as necessary to fill what he has described as a void left by a slow-moving federal government. But his cash-strapped campaign has left little doubt that it sees his official response to the war between Israel and Hamas as an asset.

Last week, just a few days after the first flights carrying Americans stranded in Israel landed in Tampa  a trip the states emergency management director priced at $4 million  the governors presidential campaign began selling T-shirts emblazoned with DeSantis Airways. In a statement, DeSantis political team boasted that, thanks to the governor, over 670 Americans have been brought safely home from Israel so far, adding that more safe returns are expected this week.

The governor knows how to use the levers of executive authority to deliver results and has always stepped up to the plate when people are most in need, said Bryan Griffin, the press secretary for DeSantis campaign.

Ground to make up

Some of DeSantis critics, however, see a politician using state resources to boost his struggling campaign. On X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani referred Friday to the upcoming special legislative session as DeSantis wasting Floridian taxpayer money for his failing Presidential bid.

Despite entering the 2024 presidential race in May as Republicans far-and-away favorite alternative to Donald Trump , DeSantis has struggled to make any sort of dent in the former presidents stubbornly high polling numbers in the Republican primary. Even more recently, he has found himself competing more and more with other GOP hopefuls.

A USA Today/Suffolk University poll released on Monday showed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley surging to 11% support nationally among Republican voters, putting her just 1 percentage point below DeSantis. Trump, meanwhile, took 58% support  a 10-point increase since June.

Trump is so far ahead that hes called for the Republican National Committee to stop holding debates among primary candidates.

But Kevin Madden, a Republican strategist and former senior adviser to Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign, said that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas marks a new phase of the presidential race that will ultimately test the candidates readiness to respond to events outside of their control.

DeSantis, he added, is among the candidates seizing on this moment the best.

Its a big platform for the campaign, Madden said. As a candidate, you have to localize things and do retail politicking. But ultimately, events take over. It happens on every single campaign, where events start to drive the lens by which voters judge candidates. And what happened in Israel is a perfect example of that. You have to look where you can drive a commander-in-chief theme for your campaign.

Its unclear whether DeSantis can recreate the kind of political lightning that helped propel him into the presidential race in the first place. Madden cautioned that the fighting in the Middle East may not prove to be all that decisive in the Republican primary, and there are other problems for DeSantis to address in his presidential campaign.

But through the governors office, DeSantis can do things that other candidates  or even his own campaign  cant.

Official events, like a speech at a Surfside, Fla. synagogue earlier this month, often make news that is later echoed by his political team. Calls to action on the campaign trail can be translated into tangible executive orders that carry the force of law.

All elected officials who are running, either for reelection or for a new office  they have a kind of baked-in advantage, Jewett said. Hes in a position to take a stand on these issues as an actual executive and direct resources one way or the other. Hes able to turn the screws on the Legislature. Most candidates can only say what they would do if they were in a position of power.

Florida legislators are set to meet in Tallahassee the week of Nov. 4 for a special session where theyre expected to take up several of DeSantis recent proposals, including new sanctions on Iran, a resolution expressing support for Israel and a measure intended to ramp up protections against anti-Semitic violence and hate crimes. That session will come the same week that DeSantis will be in Miami, hundreds of miles from the Capital, participating in the third Republican presidential debate.

Justin Sayfie, a Florida-based Republican lobbyist and DeSantis fundraiser, said that the recent focus on the war in Israel had put the governor back on more comfortable political footing.

Hes action orientated in terms of his leadership style, Sayfie said. Here is a governor and presidential candidate who doesnt just talk but takes action and who gets things done. Thats the big takeaway.
Work on the new hree-story Cardiovascular Institute Health Center on the Edward Hospital campus in Naperville has started. (Ryan Cos./HANDOUT)

Construction of a new 71,000-square-foot, three-story Cardiovascular Institute Health Center on the Edward Hospital campus in Naperville is underway.

The health center at 10 W. Martin Ave. will help meet the communitys needs for outpatient cardiac care, Curt Pascoe, vice president of real estate development for Ryan Cos., said in a news release.

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The center will have two catheterization laboratories, diagnostic imaging and cardiac rehabilitation and will feature caregivers from NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health, Cardiac Surgery Associates and Midwest Cardiovascular Institute, the release said.

It will also serve as the main building at the new entrance to the hospitals campus at 801 S. Washington St.

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Shoes of the past topic of program

Museum volunteer Norman Walzer will give a lecture on the history of shoe and boot styles from the 1770s to the Civil War at 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at Garfield Farm Museum in Kane County.

A collection of 30 to 40 slides of shoes from Europe and the United States will form the basis for the presentation, organizers said. The presentation will also include reproductions of shoes and boots as well as wallets from the 1830s to the 1850 as well as examples of pre-Civil War shoemaking and harness-making tools.

The cost of attending the lecture is $7. To reserve a spot at the event, call 630 584-8485 or go to info@garfieldfarm.org

Garfield Farm Museum is located five miles west of Geneva off of Route 38 on Garfield Road. The 374-acre site is a historically intact former 1840s farm and teamster inn being restored as an 1840s working farm museum by volunteers and donors from around the country, museum officials said.

Pumpkin Smash planned in St. Charles

The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission is hosting its annual Pumpkin Smash event from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 4 at the St. Charles Public Works Facility, 1405 S. Seventh Ave. in St. Charles.

Participants can toss, smash, roll or simply drop off pumpkins to be composted, officials said.

Toys for Tots collection begins

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is partnering with The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program for the upcoming holiday season.

As a part of this initiative, Kifowits district office at 1677 Montgomery Road, Suite 116, in Aurora will serve as a drop-off location for new toys until Dec. 4.

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The campaign aims to collect new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to less fortunate children, organizers said. Stuffed animals cannot be accepted.

Donations will be accepted at Kifowits district office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The collected toys will be turned over to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots organization on Dec. 4, officials said.

For more information about the Toys for Tots drop-off site, contact Kifowits full-time constituent office at 630-585-1308 or email Stephanie.kifowit@att.net.
The conservative attacks on public education in Florida have become ever more extreme under Governor Ron DeSantis . Now theyre also becoming so absurd and so totalizing that they forbid taking a stand on them in any direction. It would be a fantastic act of satire were it not also so dangerous.

Back in May, DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 266, banning the states public colleges and universities from using public funds to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism. But the law, which took effect in July, never defined those terms, instead leaving that up to the Board of Governors that oversees those state schools. Now the board has done just that. In draft regulation obtained by The Chronicle of Higher Education, the board proposes that the ban apply to all campus programs and activities in which the college or university endorses or promotes a position on topics that polarize or divide society among political, ideological, moral, or religious beliefs, positions, or norms.

As University of South Florida general counsel Gerard Solis said, in a faculty senate meeting last week, I cant think of anything that doesnt polarize society along those lines. Should the boardwhich is composed mostly of DeSantis appointeesapprove the proposed language, Floridas public colleges and universities will be gagged so sufficiently that discussion of DeSantiss sputtering run for president might not be permitted on campus. DeSantis is hoping to produce an environment in which his opponents second-guess how or even if they can speak out. In fact, the regulation appears to even prohibit those on campus who have received public funding from either supporting or opposing the regulation itself.

The proposed regulation is of a piece with similar moves by Florida Republicansmost famously, the Dont Say Gay law and the Stop Woke Actthat are designed to be enforced not so much by the authorities as through a chilling effect in the classroom. They are also part of DeSantiss ongoing self-branding exercise in destroying public education. Student groups advocating for social issues that directly impact them, such as university funding, free-speech rights, and even religious freedom will be stripped of all support, while faculty will be intimidated into not sponsoring such groups on campus, said Andrew Gothard, president of the United Faculty of Florida union.

Under S.B. 266, Floridas public colleges and universities are prohibited from offering general education classes that distort significant historical events or include a curriculum that teaches identity politics or that include theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities. The law also bars public higher education institutions from using state or federal funds for activities or programs that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusionmaking Floridas anti-DEI law one of the most restrictive of the dozens of such laws introduced across the United States. A DeSantis press release announcing the bills signing declared it is meant to prevent woke ideologies from continuing to coopt our state universities and state colleges.

Now its up to the Board of Governors to fulfill the governors vision by defining the terms in the law. The draft regulation is just as broadly conceived as the aforementioned law. In addition to defining social issues as topics that polarize or divide society among political, ideological, moral, or religious beliefs, positions, or norms, it defines political or social activism as any activity organized with a purpose of effecting or preventing change to a government policy, action, or function, or any activity intended to achieve a desired result related to social issues, where the university endorses or promotes a position in communications, advertisements, programs. Diversity, equity, or inclusion, meanwhile, is any program, activity, or policy that promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals, or classifies such individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

The draft language is being circulated to public universities for comment ahead of the boards November 8 and 9 meetings, with final approval expected in January. In the meantime, the law that mandated the regulation is headed for a court date.

Consider the scene back when DeSantis signed S.B. 266. The ceremony was held at the New College of Florida, a public liberal arts college that was forced to alter its curriculum and programs in accord with the governors mandates. DeSantis is taking pride in systematically remaking the school, which has a long history of protest, in his own image. In January, he installed conservative ideologue and education foe Christopher Rufo as a member of the colleges board of trustees. During the bill signing in May, Rufo mocked the student protesters who could be heard outside. In August, with New College having lost more than a third of its faculty ahead of the fall semester, DeSantis hailed the replacement of far-left faculty with new professors aligned with the universitys mission.

But he wasnt able to purge the school entirely of dissent, apparently: That same month, a group of New College faculty and students filed a legal challenge to S.B. 266, and on Monday a federal judge heard arguments in their case. Hes the same judge who, last year, ruled that the Stop Woke Act was unconstitutional.
Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the ceremony.

Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

Detroit police officers work near the scene where Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue president, Samantha Woll, was found dead (AFP via Getty Images)

Woll was remembered as a beloved community leader who built bridges through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read.

Samantha Woll, president of the board at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue poses for a photo in Detroit, Oct. 13, 202

In a statement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wolls death was heartbreaking.

She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, the governor said.

There was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself, according to NBC. Police Chief James White said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline leading to Wolls death and asked the public not to jump to conclusions.

Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service, Chief White said.
Heavy fire from rooftops and booby-trapped apartments. Armor-piercing projectiles blowing up troop carriers. Fighters blending in with civilians, launching drone ambushes or surging from tunnels full of enough ammunition, food and water to sustain a long war.

As the Israeli army gathers tanks at the Gaza Strip border for a threatened invasion aimed at crushing Hamas, experts are warning that the countrys troops could face some of the fiercest street-to-street combat since World War II in Gaza City and other densely packed areas.

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Urban warfare studies and American officials offer dire comparisons to Iraq: Think of Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, the most intense battles that U.S. troops had faced since Vietnam; or the nine-month fight to defeat the Islamic State group in Mosul, Iraq, in 2016, which led to 10,000 civilian deaths. Then multiply the destructive toll, possibly exponentially.

Hamas has three to five times as many fighters  perhaps 40,000 in all  as the Islamic State had in Mosul. It can draw reserves from a young, restive population and has international support from countries like Iran. Even on its own, Hamas leadership has had years to prepare for battle across Gaza, including in city streets, where the superiority of tanks and precise munitions can be stymied by guerrilla tactics.

Its going to be ugly, said Lt. Col. Thomas Arnold, a U.S. Army strategist who has published studies on urban operations in the Middle East. Cities are the devils playground; they make everything infinitely more difficult.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has vowed to demolish Hamas. Without sharply defining what that means, he pledged to remove the group from Gaza after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel killed 1,400 people and led to the kidnapping of more than 200 others.

But Gaza, heavily urbanized, with Hamas deeply entrenched, is an especially complex battlefield. Concerned about the challenges ahead, the Biden administration has sent senior military officers to provide advice to the Israelis, based on their own experiences in Iraq, while pressing Israel to delay the invasion to leave more time to negotiate the release of hostages taken by Hamas and to deliver more humanitarian aid. American officials worry that Israel lacks a plan with clear, achievable objectives that would prevent an enormous loss of life among Gazas more than 2 million Palestinian civilians.

Ive encouraged them to conduct their operations in accordance with the law of war, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday.

With history as a guide, three factors would most likely shape a ground war in Gazas cities: the urban environment, the interaction between fighters and civilians, and political pressures.

The Landscape

The Gaza Strip is about 140 square miles, a narrow band slightly larger in area than Las Vegas, with a cluster of urban population centers. Gaza City, the capital, has around 700,000 people packed into around 20 square miles, with more tall buildings than U.S.-led forces faced in the battle for Mosul, creating a more dangerous three-dimensional front.

Many urban invasions  from the Middle Ages to modernity  have started off with a rapid advance, only to later bog down in districts that favor defenders. Mosul is a prime example; another is last years siege of Mariupol. A few thousand Ukrainian soldiers held the city for nearly three months against an advancing Russian force five to eight times as large.

They leveraged the citys heavy-clad, industrial buildings and its subterranean network very effectively, John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies with the Modern War Institute at the U.S. Military Academy, wrote in a report about the first year of the Ukraine war.

Cities can also be malleable. Israel has destroyed hundreds of Gaza buildings in airstrikes. Hamas, long before its assault on Israel this month, had built hundreds of miles of tunnels under Gaza City that can be used to move among attack positions, hide hostages and protect supplies.

Additional surprises  rocket factories under schools, weapons stored in mosques  are likely to be found if Israel invades.

In Mosul, where the Islamic State had less time to dig in, fighters punched holes through walls so they could fire at tanks through buildings. They used cheap drones with cameras to guide car-bomb drivers and stretched tarps over streets to hide supply runs.

There and elsewhere, explosives have been wired to rubble and apartment doors. Refrigerators, burning trash and engine blocks have been used to impede military vehicles.

Cities can mitigate your technological advantages, said Arnold, who is completing a doctorate at the University of Virginia. While Israel is biding its time  setting the conditions, dropping buildings, getting its troops ready  the other side is almost certainly getting ready as well.

The People

Civilian or combatant? Urban warfare tends to blur the line more often, in deadly ways.

Israel has already been accused of killing thousands of civilians in air attacks, including 1,200 children, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. Those figures could not be independently verified, but the risk to civilians clearly remains high.

Even as Israel encourages people in Gaza City to move south to safer areas, many are obeying instructions by Hamas or religious leaders to stay, or saying they cannot afford to go.

Its a familiar problem. In 2004, the Bush administration gave U.S. Marines only 72 hours to plan an invasion of Fallujah after four American contractors were killed, their mutilated bodies lashed to a bridge. Commanders warned that a revenge-driven operation would endanger civilians and fail, and they pulled back after heavy losses, giving Iraqis six months to flee before a second push.

An estimated 30,000 to 90,000 stayed.

A lot of the innocent civilians were not allowed to leave, said Freddie Blish, a retired U.S. Marine lieutenant colonel who was deployed to Fallujah as a combat engineer. And thats whats going to happen with Hamas; theyre going to use them as human shields.

Israel has emphasized that it does not target civilians. But in urban battles, commanders often take fire from structures housing both fighters and families, forcing a judgment call: Clear the rooms with troops, putting them at risk, or call in a heavier response that might kill civilians.

The tolerance for troop losses tends to decrease as urban warfare drags on.

In Mosul, after casualty rates for Iraqi troops reached 50%, airstrikes increased. The Iraqis often demanded that their U.S. partners take down more than just one building.

They wouldnt move forward until we leveled the block, said Amos Fox, a U.S. military planner in Iraq during the Mosul operation.

It took 252 days and 100,000 Iraqi troops, with U.S. air support, to rid Mosul of ISIS. Along with 10,000 civilian deaths, 8,200 Iraqi soldiers suffered casualties, and at least 13,000 buildings were made uninhabitable, according to the United Nations.

Israeli troops, while better trained than the Iraqi army, with years to prepare invasion plans and special engineering units for challenges like tunnels, will face a tougher adversary.

There were 3,000 to 5,000 ISIS fighters in Mosul at the start of the operation, according to initial U.S. military estimates, and a few thousand more came later. Hamas military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, is estimated to number 30,000 to 40,000, not including thousands of militants with other groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Most ISIS fighters were also from other countries. Hamas fighters grew up in Gaza. Their units are bonded together by location, family, faith and shared frustration with Israel.

They know the streets. They know the tunnels, said Blish, the retired lieutenant colonel. Its going to be a tough slog.

Geopolitics

Recent wars have rarely gone as quickly as either side expected: Mosul was supposed to be cleared in three months, not nine; Russia expected a rush to victory in Kyiv, Ukraine. And as the death toll mounts and economies crater, international support often weakens.

Ukraines leaders know this better than most, but Israel also has experience with the political and military challenge that comes with extended conflict. Israels last ground invasion in Gaza, in 2014, lasted less than three weeks. As Spencer at West Points Modern War Institute recently pointed out, Israel has fought almost every war of its history in a race against time, seeking to achieve its goals before international pressure forces it to stop operations.

In the current case, Israeli officials have warned that they are expecting several months of fighting, if not years. That would mean a spike in demand for weapons, and added global volatility. American officials are worried about the potential for the war to spread to Lebanon and Iran, along with possible attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq. Those concerns could affect how Washington advises Israel as the conflict evolves.

In past wars, the Israeli public supported military operations as long as they showed progress, with evidence of destroyed weapons stockpiles and other tangible results. Casualties  66 Israeli soldiers died in the 2014 war  mattered less than perceptions of the campaigns success, according to a Rand Corp. report from 2017.

Now, however, polls show that Israelis have less faith in their government under Netanyahus divisive leadership and after his failure to prevent the recent attack. The definition of success is also broader this time and may be harder to achieve in part because Hamas has grown stronger with Irans help, vastly increasing its rocket stockpiles and deploying new technology like drones.

Hamas and Israel have already engaged in a contest for sympathy that has spurred angry protests around the world and again made the Middle East a source of international anxiety. How both sides fight with arsenals of weapons in crowded cities will create an even more transformative test of competing narratives and willpower as long as the war lasts.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Editors note: Star visual journalist Emily Curiel is on the hunt for the best carne asada taco in the Kansas City area. Join this native of Los Angeles in our new video series, Taco Tales, as she searches for the taco that checks all the boxes on her list of whats required for a perfect 10 out of 10.

At the suggestion of my editor, who had given me a card from Taco Naco, a local eatery known for its Mexican cuisine, I decided to visit. It seemed that I had previously shared my struggle in finding good tacos when I first moved to the area.

Intrigued by my editors suggestion, I decided to give Taco Naco in Westport a try.

As I stepped into the restaurant, I was immediately drawn to a captivating array of Mexican trinkets on display. Among them were vibrant serapes, traditional woven baskets and a striking painting of Frida Kahlo, the illustrious Mexican painter who occupies a cherished place in my heart and has profoundly influenced my journey as a visual journalist.

Adorning the restaurants walls were portraits of iconic figures, including Cantinflas, the beloved Mexican actor who holds a special significance due to my fathers influence, and Chavo del Ocho, a character from a cherished Mexican TV series I fondly watched alongside my father during my formative years.

These cultural references contributed to the restaurants dynamic and culturally rich atmosphere, providing a sense of homecoming. The presence of comforting Mexican food items not typically found in local grocery stores added to the restaurants allure. Mexican mercado bags provided an authentic touch, and the soothing sounds of Spanish music in the background completed the immersive experience.

Noticing a crowd of people, I thought, This place must be special. My anticipation grew as I placed my order and observed the meticulous care put into assembling the tacos, including the unique touch of a Mexican flag.

Watch the video to find out how I rated the carne asada tacos at Taco Naco.

Taco Naco has locations in Westport restaurant at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave. and downtown Overland Park at 8220 Metcalf Ave.
A bitterly divided House GOP conference will meet behind closed doors Tuesday to elect a new Speaker nominee, this time choosing from a menu of eight members ranging from establishment figures to anti-institutional lawmakers who say they want to shake things up.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) is widely seen as a favorite, though it is far from clear that he  or anyone in the conference  could secure the votes needed to win the gavel on the House floor after the chaos of the last few weeks.

In the backroom meeting, only a majority is needed to win the groups nomination. But whoever emerges from that internal election will need near-unanimous support from the conference on the floor  a herculean task that the GOPs two previous nominees fell short of accomplishing.

Tuesdays nomination vote comes exactly three weeks after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from his post. After a pair of failed candidates, heightened tensions among members and three weeks of stalemate in the House, many are pessimistic about the conferences chances of choosing his successor this time around.

Getting 217 is obviously going to be very difficult and is the sort of Rubiks Cube of the answer to all of this, said Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

Adding a new layer, former President Trump waded back into the Speaker contest, though he stopped short of making an official endorsement. That could make new waves into the ongoing quest for the gavel that has fractured the GOP conference and left the House in a weeks-long standstill.

Trump called several Speaker candidates over the weekend, sources confirmed to The Hill, but he indicated he does not plan to formally throw his support behind one aspirant  after his first pick failed. Trump initially endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for Speaker, but the Judiciary Committee chair fell short of the gavel on three House floor ballots as Republicans withheld support, and the House GOP conference then voted to remove him as its nominee.

Even without a formal endorsement, Trumps involvement in the race  albeit from a distance  could hurl a new curveball into the entire process, considering the former presidents polarizing presence in the House GOP conference and the bitter divisions already coursing through the group.

Were looking at a lot of people. And you know, Im sort of trying to stay out of that as much as possible, but theyll get it straightened out, Trump said Monday in New Hampshire. But no, Ive always gotten along with him. I get along with all of them, really. A lot of good people, they have a lot of great people.

One of the candidates Trump talked to was Emmer  a dialogue that followed recent comments from Trump loyalists that were negative toward Emmer.

Former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, for example, called Emmer a Trump hater. And Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn, speaking on former Bannons War Room show Friday, knocked Emmer for not yet endorsing Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Emmer has said he does not plan to endorse any primary candidate.

Emmer is one of the two Speaker candidates who voted to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

One friend of Trump urged against reading into the chat.

Emmer called President Trump this weekend and the two had a polite conversation. End of story. Attempts from Emmer and his allies to make the call sound like something that it wasnt is misleading, a friend of Trump told The Hill.

In New Hampshire on Monday, responding to a reporter who said Emmer had not always been Trumps biggest fan, the former president said: I think hes my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday, and he told me, Im your biggest fan, so I dont know about that.

Ive always gotten along with him, Trump added of Emmer.

Emmer, for his part, spun Trumps words into a positive.

Thank you, Mr. President. If my colleagues elect me Speaker of the House, I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship, Emmer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Trump also spoke with Reps. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Pete Sessions (R-Texas), sources confirmed to The Hill, in addition to Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). Hern told CNN Trump just wanted to know what was going on in the race and said he thinks the former president is gonna sit this one out.

I dont, Hern said when asked if he thinks Trump will endorse, because all of us are friends of his.

I think when you look at this now, hes gonna let this play out, he added.

A source familiar said Sessionss conversation with Trump was polite and went well, and Donalds said the former president is focused on getting the nomination of our party.

GOP Reps. Gary Palmer (Ala.), Jack Bergman (Mich.) and Austin Scott (Ga.) are also vying for the spot. Rep. Dan Meuser (Pa.) dropped out Monday night.

Despite the conversations, Trump was bearish on any of the candidates chances of winning the gavel.

Theres only one person that can do it all the way. You know who that is? Jesus Christ, Trump said Monday. If Jesus came down and said, I want to be Speaker, he would do it. Other than that, I havent seen anybody that can guarantee it.

As the conference remains divided and lawmakers are bearish on the groups chances of uniting around a candidate, one Republican is trying to avoid another embarrassing floor fight that Jordan suffered last week  and that McCarthy endured in January.

Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) encouraged his colleagues to sign a pledge to back whomever the conference picks in its internal election on Tuesday. All candidates have signed it.

With the Speaker showdown headed into its third iteration, the pressure on lawmakers to come to a consensus is as high as ever.

The White House unveiled a roughly $100 billion supplemental request last week, which includes funding for Ukraine and Israel  amid their ongoing wars  in addition to the border and allies in the Indo-Pacific. And the Nov. 17 government funding deadline is creeping up.

Without a Speaker, the House is unable to conduct legislative business  leaving Congress hamstrung as two key priorities hang in the balance.

Its my 10th term in Congress, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told ABCs This Week on Sunday, this is probably one of the most embarrassing things Ive seen because if we dont have a speaker of the House, we cant govern. And every day that goes by, were essentially shut down as a government.

We have very important issues right now, war and peace, and we cannot deal with an aid package, or my resolution condemning Hamas and supporting Israel, he continued. We cant do that.

Emily Brooks and Brett Samuels contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MADISON - The leader of the Department of Natural Resources will step down from his post at the end of the month, after serving less than a year.

Secretary-designee Adam Payne said he would leave the agency on Nov. 1 in a letter to Gov. Tony Evers dated last Friday.

"This is bittersweet, but the past year really helped put into better focus what is most important to me. After a very fulfilling career in public service, 24 years at Sheboygan County alone, I need to spend more quality time with my aging parents and support my wife's role as caretaker," he said in the letter. "I also want to spend more time with our four young grandchildren and focus more attention on my personal health and well-being."

In his short tenure at the DNR, Payne was vocal in his desire to address water quality issues, such as "forever chemical" contamination. He also waded into the debate on the wolf management plan, which will go before the DNR's policy-setting board for a vote Wednesday.

More: New DNR Secretary calls on Legislature to 'step up' in protecting the state's waters

In a letter shared with environmental leaders, obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Payne said he resigned with a "heavy heart."

"Since I was a boy, the Department of Natural Resources has always been an agency that I admired. Now, I have even a greater appreciation and understanding for why  DNR employees are something special, and I am proud to know you and count many of you as friends," he said.

Evers appointed Payne late last year, after years of public service in both administration and natural resources.

Earlier in his career he was the executive director for the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association and served for five years at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from 1990 to 1995, including as director of the Farmland Preservation Program.

More: Meet Wisconsin's new DNR secretary Adam Payne. Here's what he has to say about wolves, factory farms and clean water

He then served as the administrator of Sheboygan County, where he focused on conservation, leading projects to clean up the Sheboygan River and Harbor and purchasing and preserving the Amsterdam Dunes, which encompasses 328 acres of undeveloped shoreline along Lake Michigan.

Payne had not yet been confirmed by the Senate, but had undergone questioning earlier this year by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. No vote had been scheduled for Payne in that committee, either.

As of Tuesday morning, Evers had not yet appointed a new secretary.

"The governor will be working expeditiously to find a replacement," said Britt Cudaback, the governor's communications director.

In an interview, Payne said his and his wife's parents are both in their 80s, and caring for them has become a larger task, in need of more of his attention.

"I see what my my wife is going through, as a registered nurse and cutting back on her job to spend more time helping and caring for her parents and I want to be there to support her and to support my parents," he said.

And though the department has faced some upheaval in the past few weeks with the ousting of more than half of the Natural Resources Board by the Senate, Payne said he's confident there won't be a lack of leadership in his absence.

He said he's confident his departure won't impact the wolf management vote the board is expected to make Wednesday.

"There's always controversy with the Department of Natural Resources. There's always new challenges, and there's new fires to put out," he said. "I'm proud of our staff, I'm proud of the (management plan) and I'm hopeful that tomorrow the Natural Resources Board is going to support it."

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X at @SchulteLaura.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DNR Secretary Adam Payne resigns less than one year after appointment
For the past two months, Betty Bowmans friends and family have been grieving the loss of the Minnesota mother they believed died from a rare autoimmune disorder. But now they are reeling from the shock over the allegations that she was murderedby her doctor husbandfor insurance money.

Dr. Connor Bowman, a 32-year-old who did his residency at the Mayo Clinic, was charged with second-degree murder after, prosecutors allege, he poisoned his wife in August with a drug used to treat gout. The killing was carried out against a backdrop of marital strife and infidelity and the promise of a $500,000 life insurance payout, prosecutors say.

Betty Bowman, a 32-year-old operating room pharmacist at Mayo, went to the hospital with severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. Her symptoms took a sharp turn for the worse; she experienced cardiac issues, fluid in her lungs, and organ failure, and had surgery to remove part of her colon.

Au Pair Charged in Mysterious Virginia Double Murder

Her husband was the first to suggest that Betty was suffering from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), an infection in which white blood cells damage organs, according to the criminal complaint. After just four days, Betty died in the hospital. HLH was listed as the cause of death on her obituary, although prosecutors say a test for the condition was inconclusive.

One of Betty's friends, Mary Bartlett, told The Daily Beast that what happened to Betty was horrific, and we hope justice prevails.

She was truly a one-of-a-kind individual, Sarah Leeser, a friend who set up a GoFundMe for the family, told The Daily Beast. So intelligent and caring and lived life to the fullest.

In a statement to The Daily Beast, Bettys family described how the pharmacist has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special and that her kindness, warmth, and genuine compassion touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Betty had a passion for life that was infectious. She lived life to the fullest, embracing each day with enthusiasm and job, the family added.Co-workers continue to speak positively about her which speaks loudly to show how she carried her positive energy both in her personal and professional life.

Meanwhile, the criminal complaint paints her husband as a murderous schemer.

It says Connor Bowman purchased colchicine and sodium nitrate online, made some suspicious internet searches just before the murder, and then tried to cover his tracks with an unsuccessful attempt to cancel an autopsy and rush a cremation. Bowman is in jail on a $2 million bond, and his lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.

Authorities were first alerted to possible foul play the day after Bettys Aug. 20 death, when the Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiners Office reported it halted a request for cremation after learning from an unnamed source that the Bowmans were having marital issues and were talking about a divorce following infidelity and a deteriorating relationship, the complaint says.

The couple, who had been together since at least 2016, got married in 2021, and Facebook photos showed they honeymooned in Hawaii. They moved to Minnesota when before Connor Bowman got accepted into the internal medicine residency program at the Mayo Clinic, according to the obituary. The couple also shared a corgi named Sir Crumpet II of Mulberry.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10161628368176515&set=ecnf.511016514

Prior to the move, Connor Bowman attended pharmacy school and worked in poison control in Kansas. Bettys family added in the statement that while she loved food and traveling, she decided to become a pharmacist after working as a pharmacy tech as a young age. She completed her pharmaceutical residency in 2018 and worked as a hospital pharmacist. The complaint states that the pair had separate bank accounts and that Connor Bowman was in debt.

Days before she was admitted to the hospital, Betty was texting a man about how she had a few days off work and was looking to spend some time with him, the complaint says. The next day, she texted him that she was sick and could not sleep at all because she felt so ill. She added that she thought it was a drink she had received that caused her illness because it was mixed in a large smoothie.

Throughout her stay at a Rochester hospital, prosecutors say Bowman checked his wifes electronic health records, including doctor notes and the operating room log, with his hospital credentials. After her death, Bowman allegedly continued to look at the log daily and even modified an entry on Aug. 22.

Bowman created a documentation encounter but did not add anything, the complaint states. Because Bowman created a documentation, he was identified as part of [his wifes] care team which allowed him to enter the medical record without entering his credentials.

Investigators got their break in the case when they obtained a search warrant for Bowmans house and his laptop, which showed he had researched colchicine, even though he had not received any calls about the gout drug. He also looked up sodium nitrate, which is used to limit oxygen throughout the body. There was then a Google shop page for various vendors selling sodium nitrate, the complaint states.

Prosecutors also said Bowman searched internet browsing history: can it be used in court? Police track package delivery, and delete amazon data police on Aug. 5. Five days later, he allegedly looked up food v. industrial grade sodium nitrate and calculated his wifes weight to determine a legal dosage of colchicine.

The Minnesota Department of Health found traces of colchicine in Bettys blood and urine samples but no previous diagnosis of gout or HLH. The results also concluded that Betty received the lethal dose about 24 hours before she exhibited symptoms and went to the hospital.

Once this determination was made, Bowman was arrested on October 20, 2023. At that time, law enforcement also executed another search warrant on Bowmans residence, the complaint states. Officers located a receipt for a $450,000 bank deposit inside.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Too much work goes into a Halloween costume to only get one candy pay-off, which is probably why there are so many trick-or-treat events happening around Rhode Island in the lead-up to Halloween.

These events are conveniently timed so that the most enterprising candy gatherer could find a way to go to all of them, though it would make for a very busy Saturday (and since not all of them are free, it's also probably not the most cost-effective scenario).

Whether you're looking for one more chance to don your costume or a weather-proof candy option, these six events happening around the state will have you saying "trick or treat?"

"Wicked Walk: A Trick-or-Treat Experience," a family-friendly Halloween event happening at the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge on Oct. 28.

When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: The State House, 82 Smith St., Providence

What to know: For once, the legislators, lobbyists and denied public records requests wont be the scariest thing at the State House. Trick-or-treaters are invited to the Spooky State House event. There will be decorations and friendly frights from the offices of Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, General Treasurer James A. Diossa, the Rhode Island Senate, and the Rhode Island House of Representatives, according to a press release announcing the event.

Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. All ages are welcome.

Boo: House of 1000 Pumpkins in Cranston RI open nightly

When: Friday, Oct. 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport

What to know: The fanciest place to go trick-or-treating in Rhode Island, bring a bag and head to one of the most impressive Newport mansions for this annual event. The Breakers bills the event as slightly spooky with plenty of treats and prizes.

Trick-or-treating happens in two sessions, at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, but kids under 2 are free. The event is also free for family-level members, but they do need to register in advance. People are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center food pantry.

Looking for kid-friendly Halloween fun? 12 events the whole family can enjoy

When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence

What to know: Its not fruits and veggies at the Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market, there are plenty of treats. Children under the age of 14 are invited to trick-or-treat at the farmers market on Oct. 28 when about 20 businesses will be giving out treats. There will also be a costume contest, cookie decorating and live music.

Admission is free.

Ready for Halloween? Check out these Rhode Island corn mazes

When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo

What to know: At this point, youve probably heard about the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Zoo, but have you heard about Spooky Zoo? For the cost of zoo admission on Saturday, Oct. 28, kids and adults alike get a trick-or-treat bag. There will also be live music, costumed characters and fall-themed enrichment for the animals.

When: Saturday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Where: Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge & 195 District Park in Providence

What to know: Attracting thousands of little trick-or-treaters, this free public event invites kids to explore interactive themed Halloween Doors and a story walk while collecting candy. There are also Halloween crafts, activities and a ghost haunt adventure walk.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Where: Providence Place mall, 1 Providence Place

What to know: If youre looking for a spot to go on Halloween thats protected from the elements, the Providence Place mall has you covered. Go store to store collecting sweets from participating businesses. Children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult, and only children under the age of 12 can wear costumes with full face coverings.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Go trick or treating in RI this Halloween beyond the neighborhood
HARRISBURG  A bill sponsored by a Beaver County legislator that will streamline licensing for dog owners and place new requirements on kennels was signed into law this week.

According to the office of state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47, New Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the " Dog Law Modernization" bill into law Monday evening. Now known as Act 18 of 2023, the new legislation will formally go into effect on Jan. 22, 2024, and seeks modernization for the various processes currently overseen by the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

New legislation in Pennsylvania will make dog liscencing easier for residents and require more of local kennels.

This bill has been in the works for several years at this point, and with the diligent discussions with the Department of Agriculture and stakeholders, as well as with the support of my colleagues in both chambers, I am proud to see this legislation get over the finish line, Vogel said.

Under the new law, Pennsylvania residents can receive dog licenses online, opening the process to owners in regions without existing dog licensing centers. Annual licensing fees will increase to $10 by 2027, with lifetime licensing available through the state for $50. These increased costs will be used to manage the new services offered by the dog law bureau.

Transparency will also be required for individuals advertising dog sales, including the source of the dog and the seller's license information. Several animal protections will also be implemented, with increased penalties for animal cruelty and those violating state laws.

Kennels will also have increased licensing and inspection fees, which Vogel says have not increased for over 57 years in Pennsylvania. Under Act 18, these kennels must tell the state Department of Agriculture of any updates to their classifications and provide all licensing information when authorities request their documents. If a kennel is accused of animal cruelty, their licenses can also be revoked.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: New PA law expands dog protections and licensing access
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A Fresno man was sentenced Friday for cyberstalking the father of a girl who was murdered during the 2018 mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Southern District of Florida announced.

Attorneys state around December 2021 through July 2022, 62-year-old James Catalano of Fresno sent the victim hundreds of disparaging messages.

In these messages court officials say Catalano graphically describes the victims daughters death and focuses on the debate surrounding gun control and the victims activism against gun violence.

Court records reveal Catalano pled guilty on March 28 and was sentenced on Friday to 12 months in prison for sending hundreds of harrowing messages to a local activist against gun violence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Eric Morong, director of the CHMS 7th/8th-grade band and the schools jazz band, created this poster, recognizing students chosen for the state ensemble (Eric Morong) - Original Credit: Eric Morong (Eric Morong/HANDOUT)

Clarendon Hills Middle School recently had its largest-ever number of students chosen to be among band, choir and orchestra students from around the state for upcoming state festivals.

Twenty-eight CHMS students were chosen, after auditioning, by the Illinois Music Education Association, a statewide honor organization for young musicians. A year ago, CHMS had seven students selected for these ensembles.

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This is a really big deal, said Eric Morong, director of the CHMS 7th/8th-grade band and the schools jazz band. We are thankful for every student who tried out for the ensembles, and we want to congratulate the students who were selected to perform. We are so proud to have so many hardworking musicians represent Clarendon Hills Middle School at the state level.

Band, choir, and orchestra students will rehearse together and perform at a Nov. 4 concert at Unity Junior High School in Cicero.

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The jazz band students will perform at a special Nov. 11 Jazz Festival at Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor.

Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis has taken a plea deal in the Georgia election subversion case, pleading guilty to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements, making her the fourth co-defendant in the case to do so following attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell 's back-to-back guilty pleas last week.

As part of her agreement, Ellis will incur five years of probation and pay $5,000 in restitution as well as complete 100 community service hours, pen an apology letter and cooperate with Fulton County prosecutors, according to MSNBC's Katie Phang. Ellis, who maintains an active social media presence, is also barred from posting anything on social media about the case while the proceedings against her co-defendants continue.

She delivered a tearful statement to the judge Tuesday while pleading guilty.

If I knew then what I knew now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-challenges. I look back on this experience with deep remorse, Ellis said, adding "I failed to do my due diligence. She also implicated Rudy Giuliani and Trump campaign lawyer Ray Smith in the deal by admitting that she aided and abetted the former New York mayor's "false statements" to Georgia lawmakers at a December 2020 hearing and acknowledging that she was "assisting with the execution of" that hearing with both Giuliani and co-defendant Smith.

"The dominos are falling," former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade wrote on X, formerly Twitter, of the development.

The dominos are falling. https://t.co/bNnzp1lkiB  Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) October 24, 2023

"Jenna Ellis in her guilty plea acknowledges that she and the others LIED about election fraud in 2020," Phang added. "Her truthful testimony puts Trump more in a corner because its yet another lawyer like Powell and Chesebro saying that the Big Lie was a lie."

And again, most importantly, Jenna Ellis in her guilty plea acknowledges that she and the others LIED about election fraud in 2020. Her truthful testimony puts Trump more in a corner because its yet another lawyer like Powell and Chesebro saying that the Big Lie was a lie.  Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) October 24, 2023

Ellis has raised more than $216,000 for legal fees from online crowdfunding after bemoaning the lack of financial support from pro-Trump groups.
Mrs Braverman believes the police must do more to protect gender-critical women from abuse - Joe Giddens/PA

Police should not refer to transgender rapists as women because it is offensive and factually incorrect, Suella Braverman has told womens campaigners.

The Home Secretary set out her views after hosting a roundtable for policing leaders and womens rights campaigners amid concerns women feel they are not being protected by the police.

The campaigners, including the Womens Rights Network, claimed that gender-critical women were being harassed and abused in public without appropriate action being taken by police to protect them.

The term gender critical refers to someone who believes that sex is binary, and that somebody who is born male cannot become a woman.

Their concerns have been compounded by the practice of labelling rape suspects as women, which they believe is insensitive and insulting to victims.

Earlier this month, The Telegraph revealed that police have referred 260 females to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider a charge of rape.

A further 209 suspects have been recorded with an unknown sex, which is understood to include those who identify as non-binary. By law, rape can only be committed by a biological male.

It comes after the row earlier this year over Isla Bryson, the trans rapist who was initially sent to a Scottish womens prison before being moved to a mens jail following an outcry.

Only men can be rapists

A Home Office source said: Only men can be rapists and official police information should be reflecting that wherever appropriate  anything else is a nonsense.

Mrs Braverman also believes the police need to do more to protect gender-critical women from harassment and abuse.

It follows the case of Sarah Baker, a transgender activist who told a crowd at a London Pride Event to punch a Terf. A Terf is an abbreviation for trans-exclusionary radical feminist, a term used to describe people who believe that a trans womans gender identity is illegitimate.

When a complaint about the speech was made to the Metropolitan Police, a sergeant decided it warranted no further action. But that decision was later overturned amid a public outcry and an intervention by Mrs Braverman.

Barker, 54, was subsequently cleared of encouraging violence after telling a court that her outburst was a publicity stunt.

A Home Office source said: The Home Secretary is clear that those who stand up for womens rights must be protected from harassment and abuse. Its unacceptable and she has urged policing partners to do everything they can.

Campaigners also complained that officers were using non-crime hate incidents to police individuals who argued that a man could not be a woman. This is a waste of police resources and gender-critical views are protected under the law, one present told the Home Secretary.

Among the groups represented was Fair Cop, a group which championed the case of Harry Miller, a former police officer who was investigated by police for retweeting a poem which suggested transgender women were still men.

One of the attendees, Heather Binning, founder of the Womens Rights Network, claimed police training had been hijacked by gender activists. They should rip out all of this training, she said. They are misrepresenting the law that if someone says they are a woman, you must treat them as a woman.

In a tweet, Mrs Braverman said:

Yesterday I chaired a roundtable with key policing partners & women's rights campaigners to discuss women's confidence in policing, police impartiality & the role of single-sex spaces.



It was a valuable meeting with numerous recommendations for consideration. pic.twitter.com/mctA1qP23R  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) October 24, 2023

Fiona McAnena, from Fair Play for Women, said: The police seem to think its an offence for a woman to hurt the feelings of a male with a transgender identity. Instead of policing impartially, they appear to have taken sides. They are making themselves look ridiculous, and its undermining trust and confidence in them, and not just among women. Men see it too.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with several of the Republican House speaker candidates.

The spectre of former President Donald Trump loomed large over the US Capitol on Tuesday as House Republicans met to choose a new Speaker candidate.

While Mr Trump has not publicly endorsed a candidate, he has had a contentious relationship with the frontrunner, Minnesota's Tom Emmer .

It has now been 21 days since the House of Representatives has had a Speaker, leaving it unable to function.

Mr Trump's preferred candidate, Jim Jordan, dropped out last week.

On Tuesday morning, Republican House representatives gathered in an office building near the Capitol to begin a series of secret-ballot votes, which will continue until a nominee emerges with majority support.

A full vote in the House will follow, although it is unclear when that will take place. It remains to be seen whether any of the many candidates has enough support to win on the House floor.

Speaking to reporters at a campaign event in New Hampshire on Monday, Mr Trump said that he is "staying above it", even as candidates seek his support.

"I've spoken to just about all the candidates. There are quite a few of them," he said. "And they're terrific people".

Several key Trump allies and former administration officials, however, have harshly criticised Mr Emmer, characterising him as "disloyal".

Mr Emmer drew the ire of many of Mr Trump's supporters for voting to certify the rightful results of the 2020 election, in President Joe Biden's favour. He is one of only two of the Republican Speaker candidates, along with Georgia's Austin Scott, to do so.

Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon referred to Mr Emmer as a "Trump hater" on his podcast on Friday and urged the former president's supporters in the House to "stop" him.

On the same podcast, a former Trump advisor, Boris Epshteyn, questioned whether "someone so out of step with where the Republican electorate is" can "even be in the conversation" about a new Speaker.

Additionally, US media outlets - including the Washington Post - reported that Mr Trump privately directed his allies to criticise Mr Emmer ahead of the vote.

Citing two anonymous sources familiar with the situation, the Post also reported that Mr Trump's backers circulated a 200-page "opposition research" book about Mr Emmer that critiques many of his policy positions.

The BBC has been unable to independently verify the report.

Mr Trump reportedly also spoke to several other candidates ahead of the Republican vote, including Oklahoma's Kevin Hern and Louisiana's Mike Johnson.

If Mr Emmer secures the nomination, it is unclear when a vote would be taken to the House floor.

On Monday, he said only that "the will of the conference" can determine when the vote will take place.
Peter Teahen (right), of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids West, and John Ockensfels, of the Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M., Iowa, USA, completed a flight around the world to raise money for polio eradication, flying more than 25,000 miles over three months. Pictured in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 23, 2023.

We dont hope, we believe.

Thats the message of the two eastern Iowa-based pilots who gained global fame for their 90-day, 25,000-mile flight around the world earlier this year, raising $1.5 million to eradicate polio.

John Ockenfels and Peter Teahen, both in their 70s, have spent decades flying as a hobby and are members of their local Rotary clubs  Teahen is part of the Cedar Rapids West Rotary Club, while Ockenfels is with the Iowa City A.M. Rotary Club. The pair have done humanitarian work in places from Iowa to Malaysia.

They wanted to inform the globe that polio still impacts lives on a daily basis.

We're at 99.9% of eradicating this thing in the world and maybe through our discussion, we can help people kind of rejuvenate the idea that the fights on, Teahen said.

Polio, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. The disease can infect the spinal cord, causing paralysis. The CDC said there is no cure for polio, with no specific treatment.

Rotarians from Ames, Boone and Nevada are hosting a Flight to End Polio meet and greet with the two pilots at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Ames Municipal Airport. Donations can be made during the event as Ockenfels and Teahan share their inspirational story.

More: Colony Acres Family Farm in North Liberty named one of 10 best pumpkin patches by USA Today

Flight to End Polio initially grounded by global turbulence

The globe-trotting trip started as a zany idea by Teahen, who originally planned to set off alone. Eventually, he reeled in Ockenfels, his cousin by marriage and longtime friend.

When we got to the point of saying, Okay, we're going to fly around the world, we decided, it doesn't really fit our mode of doing it just for doing it, Teahen said. Let's see if we can do it for some good.

Talk of the worldwide trip led to the creation of the Flight to End Polio. With the idea in hand, the pair began to plan their flights, only to be derailed repeatedly.

In 2020, just 10 days before their journey began, the pairs eager engines were stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic. A year later, as pandemic restrictions remained worldwide, they were forced to push their takeoff back again.

The journey was originally set to take Ockenfels and Teahen up to Alaska and through Russia, but before they could get their wheels off the ground in 2022, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. A third cancellation briefly hurt the journeymens morale, putting the trip in jepordary. They questioned whether they should keep pushing or not.

Are we so crazy that we are not going to be able to do it and just kind of give up? Teahen remembers. We said, No, it's too important.

The Flight to End Polio 3.0 revealed a new route, a longer and much more dangerous journey across the Pacific Ocean's open, often turbulent waters.

More: Flights through Time: 300-foot airport mural highlights Iowa City's aviation history

The latest plan meant the pair would fly from the United States to Australia in a single-engine plane, a risky flight that would have them "off the grid" for hours.

A treacherous flight plan

Ockenfels and Teahen were confident they could fly across the open water but were concerned about fuel. Their aircraft requires a special kind of fuel not easily available along the route, which included stops at Christmas Island and New Zealand. They were forced to coordinate special shipments to their destinations so they could easily fuel up.

Costs mounted quickly.

The duo originally mapped out a $10,000 budget for the original route. The final plan ended up costing them $27,000, all out of their own pockets.

We made a commitment very early on, John and I paid 100% of the expenses of this trip, Teahen said. And 100%, every single penny, every dollar that we raised goes to Rotary to fight polio in the world.

Peter Teahen (left), of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids West, and John Ockensfels, of the Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M., Iowa, USA, completed a flight around the world to raise money for polio eradication, flying more than 25,000 miles over three months. Pictured in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 23, 2023.

Fundraising and hospitality flew past original expectations

The Flight to End Polio had a seemingly simple goal: to raise $10,000 to eradicate polio. They didnt know how to do it but were determined to meet that goal.

It didnt take long to soar past the initial mark.

Then, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to match each donation and said they'd even double the amount.

Since then, the campaign has raised more than $1.5 million in the fight to end polio, a financial representation of the hospitality of some people they were fortunate to encounter on their aerial circumnavigation.

Teahen, Ockenfels landed in the last hub of polio on Earth, helping to vaccinate children

Nowadays, polio exists in only a few places in the world, but it is especially present along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and especially in poorer areas, Ockenfels said.

The pair made four stops in India, where polio was eradicated in the late 2000s. At one airport, they were greeted by as many as 300 people chanting, We believe, we believe, we believe that polio can finally be eradicated.

One of the biggest challenges of the fight was convincing people that polio was still an issue for a lot of people, Teahen said.

Its absolutely true, especially here in the United States or any of the other developed areas in the world, polios been gone for 30 years or more, Ockenfels said. But it was still, in Asia in particular, massively endemic until 14 years ago when we finally got India polio-free, and we got polio-free certification in Africa just a couple of years ago.

Years of preparation, cancellations and modifications delayed and altered the Fight to End Polio. But throughout the three-year project, the duo knew there was one definite stop, halfway around the world, where they absolutely would land  the front lines of the last big fight against polio.

Historically, Taliban-controlled communities in Afghanistan have limited children from being vaccinated, Teahen said, but over the past few years, that rhetoric has changed within Afghani families, who have brought their children to vaccination spots and been a part of the final fight.

The pair were able to experience vaccination first-hand, providing even the youngest of children with the first two drops on the tongue in a series of doses to prevent polio.

To earn polio-free certification, countries must go three consecutive years without a case of polio and pledge to continue their polio-free status. In 2023, only a few polio cases were reported in Afghanistan and Pakistan as of Oct. 24, World Polio Day.

Worldwide changes like those seen in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India over the last two decades have helped contribute to a shift in the narrative around polio eradication  its not a matter of if, but when. Its not a matter of hope, its belief.

Teahen and Ockenfels feel they have helped, no matter how small, to create a discussion that has been long overdue.

Teahen and Ockenfels feel like humankind is on the precipice of global eradication of a virus for just the second time.

Weve been saying for many, many years, we're just around the corner, Ockenfels said. But knowing what I know, seeing what I've seen, I honestly believe we are literally just around the corner and it would not surprise me if, within three years, you hear that we go on a year or so without any polio.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa pilots fly 25,000 miles to raise money for polio eradication
A mass shooting at a small private Christian school affecting mostly white, affluent families is so unimaginable that it sparked a state-wide conversation about gun laws and school safety protocols.

While that conversation is important, we also have to acknowledge that school shootings are not the reason guns are the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee. Homicides in homes and communities are driving that statistic, and its black teens who face the greatest risk of dying from gun violence.

While its up to our state leaders to decide whether they change our gun laws, there are other life-saving public policies we can affect here at the local level that our new mayor has promised to champion.

More: See Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell celebrate inauguration with supporters

Child homicide deaths could have been prevented. Here's how.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Freddie OConnell declared it a new day in Nashville, and specifically asked Nashvillians to stand with and push city leadership as they make policy choices that move us in the right directions.

Anna Caudill, Covenant mom, speaks against gun violence during a press conference held by Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, to show their support for gun reform in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. The state legislature is holding a special session on public safety starting today.

Lets work together and use this moment, while there is a spotlight on this issue, to start a broader conversation about why gun violence is affecting our childrens lives.

The most recent Davidson County Child Death Review report by the Metro Public Health Department documents that most child homicide victims were experiencing one or more behavioral, social, or school-related issues prior to death, including truancy, academic issues, or they were previously suspended or expelled from school.

Most of the victims were killed by someone they knew, such as a peer or family member, but the circumstances of their deaths varied. Some of the homicides were related to other crimes or gang violence, while others involved domestic violence, arguments, or simply someone playing with a gun.

The common thread here: All of their deaths could have been prevented if the teens had been surrounded by more positive support and policy.

Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns.

Five solutions to addressing gun violence afflicting children

So how do we better protect our kids?

We know that when a child is having academic or behavioral issues at school, it can be a sign that theyre facing difficulties outside of school. In recognizing this, Metro Nashville Public Schools rewrote its disciplinary code a decade ago to reflect restorative justice practices, reduce discipline disparities, and help quell the school-to-prison pipeline.

The initiative has made a difference, but talk to any high school principal in Nashville and theyll tell you that managing threats of violence and guns brought to school is still the No. 1 issue keeping them up at night.

More: Black clergy, pediatricians in TN partner to tackle gun violence as public health crisis

This is a societal issue our schools cant solve alone. It demands a community-wide solution aimed at reducing the root causes of crime, violence, and juvenile delinquency. We can start by:

Better supporting parents: When parents struggle, their children do too. Rather than blame parents, lets help them. From access to high-quality childcare to affordable housing for families to resources that help break generational cycles of violence, we can improve the lives of children by improving the lives of parents.

Addressing childhood trauma: We need to view the need for mental health services following childhood trauma the same way we view our childrens needs for nutritious food and medical care. Research shows a direct link between unaddressed childhood trauma and risk-taking behaviors during adolescence and adulthood.

Investing in early academic interventions, especially literacy: The path that leads a high school student to become disengaged from their education usually starts in elementary and middle school, and it affects the rest of their life. Research has shown that upwards of 75% of the adult prison population in our country is illiterate. Lets view improving our citys literacy rates as a public safety need, not just an academic one.

Offering more after-school options: After-school activities can give kids a sense of belonging, help them build a positive relationship with a caring adult, and occupy their time when juvenile crime is most likely to occur.

Expanding youth employment opportunities: Teens who turn to criminal behavior are often financially motivated. Lets give them better options while also improving our citys workforce pipeline.

Nashville has advocates championing several of these issues already, but the conversations are siloed and that needs to change. Youth gun violence is not an isolated problem; it is a symptom of systemic disparities that have long plagued marginalized communities.

Lonnell Matthews

Lets channel the recent swell of energy for saving children from gun deaths into building a more just, equitable, and safer city for all of us.

Lonnell Matthews is the elected Juvenile Court Clerk in Davidson County. He serves as a board member for Opportunity Nashville, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization advocating for educational equity in Nashville. Lonnell also leads My Brother's Keeper Nashville.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Youth gun violence: Here's how local communities can fix the crisis
The River Ipoly in Hungary over which migrants have been crossing in increasing numbers into Slovakia (FERENC ISZA)

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban claims to be "defending Europe from a tide of migrants".

But the discarded chocolate wrappers and water bottles left round the ashes of campfires on the border with neighbouring Slovakia seem to give the lie to Orban's boast that "only the Hungarian model" of dealing with the problem is working.

Most of the country's EU neighbours have reimposed border controls with Hungary -- with both Slovakia and Slovenia taking the exceptional measure in the last 10 days -- as the number of migrants passing through the country has risen sharply.

In September alone, Slovakian officials registered 13,000 -- more than the whole of last year put together.

In the Hungarian border village of Hont, civic guard Viktoria Teknos told AFP that locals "keep their distance" from people dropped off by "smugglers who then run to the border".

"Some people don't hike near the river or forest anymore because they are afraid to meet migrants," she added.

So many have been crossing the frontier in recent months that a Slovakian volunteer called Csaba, who helps asylum seekers register on the other side, described himself as a "migrant herder".

Most, however, want to go on to "Germany because their family members or friends are already there", said Katarina Levcikova, of the Slovakian aid group Mareena.

Some Slovakian politicians, including ethnic Hungarians, have accused Budapest of deliberately allowing migrants to cross the border unhindered.

- Releasing people smugglers -

Earlier this year, Hungary also drew the ire of Austria and a challenge from the European Commission when it decided to "save money" by releasing convicted foreign-born people smugglers from jail.

More than 1,500 have so far been freed and given three days to leave the country, according to the latest data of the Hungarian National Command of Penitentiary Services sent to AFP.

The EU said there seemed to be no checks on whether the released smugglers actually left the country.

Yet Orban continues to vaunt Hungary's tough line on migration, building a razor wire fence along its southern frontier during the height of the 2015 migrant crisis and making it virtually impossible for refugees to seek asylum there.

Only 10 people obtained refugee status in Hungary last year, drawing a rebuke from the EU's top court.

"We have built both the fence and the legal barriers to keep the terrorist threat that migration necessarily entails away from Hungary," Orban said in a recent radio address.

But critics accuse Orban of playing a double game -- letting people slip through the country, while accusing the EU of failing to curb migration.

Germany is coming under pressure with more than 250,000 asylum requests in the first eight months of this year -- more than for the whole of 2022.

- 'Back within a week' -

"It is in the government's interests to make it easier for asylum seekers to transit Hungary," said Rudolf Berkes, an analyst at the Budapest-based Political Capital think-tank.

"It can use them as political leverage either in EU negotiations," Berkes added, "or in the Slovak elections", which were won by Orban ally Robert Fico, who since sealed a coalition deal to form a government.

As well as their shared anti-migrant, anti-Muslim stances, both Orban and Fico have maintained ties with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and don't want to send military aid to Ukraine.

Yet back on Hungary's northern border with Slovakia, the migrants keep coming.

Just down the road from Hont, the mayor of Dregelypalank, David Rigo, sees no end to the flow.

Hungary's continued attempts to push back migrants to Serbia -- even though that was judged illegal by the European Court of Justice in 2020 -- is not working, he argued.

"What we're seeing is that people who are caught and taken away (to the southern border) are coming back within a week," he said.

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CONCORD  Evan Gadarowski, 29, a Dover man accused of inducing teenage girls to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, has pleaded guilty in federal court.

Gadarowski waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count each of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to Jane Young, U.S. attorney for New Hampshire.

Between 2018 and 2021, Gadarowski solicited, received, and disseminated sexually explicit images and videos depicting numerous minors, according to Young.

Evan Gadarowski, 29, of Dover, pleaded guilty to one count each of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Gadarowski posed as a bisexual teenage girl using sexually explicit images and videos of a minor survivor as part of a fictitious online persona, a practice sometimes referred to as catfishing, according to Young. He pursued online relationships with high school age girls. Not knowing his identity, girls sent him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Investigators found Gadarowski sold collections of sexually explicit images depicting some of the minor survivors to others online, Young stated.

U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for Feb. 2. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of 5 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and mandatory restitution, according to Young.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Information: justice.gov/psc.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover NH man pleads guilty to targeting teen girls for sexual images
US states began investigating Meta some two years ago after a Facebook whistleblower leaked a trove of documents and accused the social media titan of putting profit over safety on its platforms (ALAIN JOCARD)

Dozens of US states on Tuesday accused Facebook and Instagram owner Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its platforms.

"In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued a joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California.

In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case.

Meta has exploited young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health, the legal filing argued.

"Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement announcing the suit.

"Meta has profited from children's pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem."

The suit accuses Meta of deceptive and unlawful conduct harming vulnerable youth for financial gain.

The suit urges the federal court to order Meta to stop manipulative tactics and pay hefty financial penalties along with restitution, according to James.

"Social media companies, including Meta, have contributed to a national youth mental health crisis and they must be held accountable," James said.

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy early this year urged action to make sure social media environments are not hurting young users.

"We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis -- one that we must urgently address," Murthy said in an issued advisory.

A few states have passed laws barring social media from allowing minors without parental permission.

- Industry issue? -

Meta said it was "disappointed" by the suit and that the states were not working with the array of social media companies to create age-appropriate standards.

Meta maintained that it has developed more than 30 tools in its apps to support teenage users, and made it easier for parents to "shape" online activity.

The Silicon Valley tech firm contended it is disappointing that attorneys general have singled out Meta instead of seeking industry-wide solutions given the popularity of rivals including TikTok, YouTube and Snap.

Social media can also be a place where young people struggling with other issues in their lives go to find support of community, Meta maintained.

The legal complaints resulted from a nationwide investigation announced in November of 2021, according to California attorney general Rob Bonta.

"Our bipartisan investigation has arrived at a solemn conclusion: Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits," Bonta said in a release.

"With today's lawsuit, we are drawing the line."

The investigation was launched after Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked more than 20,000 pages of internal documents to the media that sparked criticism that the social media giant had put profit before the security of its users.

During testimony to American and European lawmakers in 2021, she insisted that Facebook failed to curtail toxic content and that the company cannot be trusted to change its ways.

Facebook later that year changed its name to Meta in a move critics suspected was intended to distance the company from its social networking controversies.

Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg defended the company at the time, saying that "the argument that we deliberately push content that makes people angry for profit is deeply illogical."

gc/caw
Maryland police are searching for a driver they said hit a man with a car, then dumped his body on the side of the road.

After being called to conduct a welfare check near a neighborhood in Hyattsville at about 4:05 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, officers discovered a man lying by the side of the road, according to an Oct. 23 Prince Georges County Police Department news release.

The man, identified as Franklin Membreno Mendez, was confirmed dead at the scene suffering from trauma, police said.

Mendez was involved in an unrelated, minor collision earlier that night about 2 miles away, investigators said. The 28-year-old stepped out of the car, according to investigators, which is when another car crashed into him and he became lodged in that cars windshield.

The driver traveled those 2 miles and dumped Mendezs body near a road, then fled, police said.

Maryland investigators say a driver traveled two miles with a mans body stuck to the windshield. McClatchy News

Doorbell footage from neighbors was shared with WUSA 9, showing the moments a car pulled up where Mendezs body was later found. The neighbor who filmed the car told WUSA 9 she had found Mendezs body and reported it to police.

A small wooden cross shrouded with yellow and red roses was placed where the New Carrollton residents body was discovered, WUSA 9 reported. Etched in white on the memorial is his name, video from the outlet shows.

Police on X, formerly known as Twitter, called on community members to help investigators locate the driver, asking for any information related to the case.

PHOTOS: We are asking for the communitys assistance in locating the driver and car involved in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in Lanham. The victim is 28-year-old Franklin Membreno Mendez of New Carrollton.https://t.co/2D7jGeax6n pic.twitter.com/gznCbVgaaE  PGPDNEWS (@PGPDNews) October 23, 2023

Police say the drivers car is a 2011-2017 gray Honda Civic with a large white decal on its back window. There would also be damage to the cars front bumper on the passenger side and fender, as well as a smashed area of the windshield, police said.

Hyattsville is about 5 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.

Driver jumps out of car window like a dolphin during high-speed chase, Florida cops say

Man trying to help fallen biker is fatally struck by passing vehicle, NC police say

Police officer intentionally struck by driver loses use of legs, Maryland cops say
A drought in an Amazon river has revealed prehistoric carvings reminiscent of modern emojis.

The carvings represent faces smiling or scowling.

It's not clear who made the carvings, but they are thought to be 2,000 years old.

A drought in the Amazon has revealed prehistoric carvings of faces that show a variety of expressions, from smiling to scowling, just like today's emojis.

The faces, seen on several rocks in Manaus, Brazil, are thought to have been submerged by a river for up to 2,000 years.

A picture shows a rock uncovered by the Amazon drought in the Lajes archaeological site on October 21, 2023. MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP via Getty Images.

It's not clear who would have made these engravings, but scientists think they are linked to indigenous cultures who lived in the area in pre-Columbian times.

"The engravings are prehistoric, or precolonial. We cannot date them exactly, but based on evidence of human occupation of the area, we believe they are about 1,000 to 2,000 years old," archaeologist Jaime Oliveira of the Brazilian Institute of Historical Heritage, told Reuters Monday.

"The site expresses emotions, feelings, it is an engraved rock record, but it has something in common with current works of art," said Oliveira, per Agence France Presse (AFP).

An engraving on the rock found at Lajes archaeological site is show pictured here on October 21, 2023. MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP/Getty Images.

Rock carvings had been spotted before at the site, notably during another drought in 2010. One area at the site appeared to show grooves in the rock used by indigenous populations to sharpen their spear, per Reuters.

But archaeologists had never before spotted the mysterious faces, Oliveira told Reuters Monday.

Archaeologist Jaime de Oliveira points at an engraving of a face at the Lajes archaeological site on October 21. MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP via Getty Images

The engravings are an "inestimable" find when it comes to understanding these prehistoric populations, Beatriz Carneiro, historian and member of Iphan, Praia das Lajes, told AFP.

"Unhappily it is now reappearing with the worsening of the drought," Carneiro said.

The drought could also threaten the conservation of the Lajes site, per Carneiro, AFP reported.

The river Negro dropped by about 49.2 feet since July, according to Reuters. The river recorded its lowest flow in 121 years last week, AFP reported. Amazon rivers are crucial waterways in the area, and the drought has caused issues with supplies and transportation, the report added.

"We come, we look at (the engravings) and we think they are beautiful. But at the same time, it is worrying... I also think about whether this river will exist in 50 or 100 years," Ribeiro said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Some members of the public are questioning the decision by the village of Glencoe to quickly remove signs in downtown supporting hostages in Gaza with officials countering they were following the established local ordinances.

On Oct. 19, 12 days after the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel that killed hundreds and led to many others being taken hostage, including some Americans, hundreds of signs with names and pictures of some of the hostages were placed at the bases of Park Avenue street poles in downtown Glencoe, according to Village Manager Phil Kiraly.

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The signs were there for two to three hours and placed by unknown individuals. They were taken down quickly by village staff, according to the village, as officials maintained there is a prohibition of these types of signs in the public right of way.

You cannot exercise a moral compass, Village Attorney Steven Elrod said at the Oct. 19 board meeting. You cannot look at the content. You cannot determine what signs you should allow and what signs you should not allow. You can either allow it altogether or prohibit it altogether.

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Village President Howard Roin offered a similar sentiment.

Under the First Amendment, the village cannot permit signs we like and take down signs we dont like, he said.

Roin made his comments on the signs in message stating an overall condemnation of the Hamas attack.

This is not a time, we think, for equivocation. There are not two legitimate sides, Roin said. The Hamas government sent henchmen to kill Jews and they made it clear they are proud of their atrocity.

However, Salomon Dayan, an audience member at the board meeting, disagreed with the village position.

You should take sides when genocide is occurring, said Dayan, an Evanston resident. That is shameful.

Mark Stern, who said lived in Glencoe for approximately 45 years, said he appreciated Roins comments, but took another viewpoint.

32 Americans were viciously murdered by terrorists and at least 15 Americans were cruelly taken. Stern said. When terrorists abduct Americans and kill Americans, I believe special circumstances exist.

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Stern said he did not know who put up the signs. He later compared the situation to one in the summer of 2020 when messages in chalk were written on Glencoe sidewalks, drawing the objection of some residents.

Where is the moral compass when signs supporting cruelly-abducted Americans are not to be displayed in public? Stern said.

Roin said most of the current trustees were not on the Village Board at the time of the chalking incidents and he would be open to reexamining the policy on that issue.

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
Do you get tired of creating an account every time you purchase something from an online store?

Youre not alone.

I Own My Data (IOMD) is a startup aiming to eliminate the tedious step for consumers, so not only do you not have to create a password, or deal with Captcha, you also dont get bombarded with follow-up promotional email or text communications. The advantage for merchants is being able to offer an easier and faster way for people to shop on their sites.

The companys self-described aim is to flip the script on commerce with its Node platform. Rather than people having to enter and re-enter personal information on countless sites, I Own My Data says it lets consumers manage, retrieve and save all of their online interactions, purchases and profiles only on their devices.

Founder and CEO Rohan Mahadevan said he started the company last year after growing frustrated with his own experience as a consumer of having to re-verify and validate who he was, and creating new accounts with every site.

Node is the safest, fastest and most convenient way to transact online because it requires no central servers and consumer data doesnt need to be stored anywhere else, said Mahadevan, who spent 15 years at PayPal in a variety of senior roles, including SVP of its international division. You can actually have really fast checkout processes, and not worry about any hacking, or phishing or anything.

With Node, all of a users private information such as past purchases, cards, addresses and preferences are stored on their own device, so transactions can be completed instantly with one click, tap or touch, anywhere on the web, he said.

Its similar to Amazons one-click purchases, but works across merchants, so they can rely less on a single platform, Mahadevan added. E-commerce is a very crowded space, with most companies solving symptoms of an underlying health problem associated with profile capture and management, payments and security. The problem is caused by the need to store information on millions of servers, which poses issues for both consumers and businesses. The massive paradigm shift is to keep all personal information on the consumer's device. Solving the health problem alleviates the symptoms.

Node is emerging from stealth today, having raised $2.75 million in a seed funding round led by Neotribe Ventures, and including participation from executives and founders from companies such as Bill Me Later, Boku, Citicards, Facebook, Magento, Meta and PayPal.

The 20-person startup is currently onboarding merchants into its beta program and has a live app in the App Store. The new capital will go toward supporting product development and go-to-market. Eventually, IOMD hopes to take its offering global.

We can serve any merchant, anywhere, but we think those who have a big proportion of visitors who checkout as guests will be the first to truly love us, said Mahadevan. Merchants who sell cosmetics, specialty food, fashion, baby or pet products and other frequent, but not subscription products will benefit in the biggest and most immediate way.

Mahadevan emphasizes that IOMD is not a payments company, but rather an information company.

I think that's really important to know that we're not processing payments, he said. We're not interested in whatever payment process you useWhat we are doing is we're actually just saving that information back to your node. There is zero latency because there is no server involved, and we give everyone a tokenized email so they dont have to share their info if they dont want to. This also eradicates hacking.

The executive also distinguishes Node from single sign-on (SSO) tools that tech giants such as Facebook, Google and Apple have developed, saying that SSO is about, "If I have accounts sitting on other people's services, how do I access those accounts?" The information they are accessing is still on the other party's servers, he points out, -- -- hence the need for user ID and passwords -- and is not entirely owned by the consumer. Also, if a user name or password gets compromised, it can be used anywhere you have that same combination. And, the user's information remains on their device.

"With Node, that data - and who it is shared with - is controlled only by the user," he told TechCrunch. "When someone uses node.connect to send their information over, its the consumer's choice not ours."

Kittu Kolluri, founder and managing director at Neotribe Ventures, told TechCrunch that he believes Node is taking on e-commerce at the highest level.

Gary Marino, former chief commercial officer at PayPal, told TechCrunch via email that he and Mahadevan worked together at PayPal to build user experiences that enabled shoppers and merchants to trust each other enough to transact.

Node recognizes that trust can be established in a much more straightforward and less intrusive manner while improving the shopping and buying experience, Marino added. The use of new technology at Node will lead this transformation.

With a rather large e-commerce market, a lot of one-click competitors have entered, mainly driven by the consumer buying behavior shift that took place over the past few years. Last year, we saw Deuna raise $37 million and Sleek raise $1.7 million to get started in a space that is dominated by companies like Ownit, Bolt, Checkout.com, OurPass and Rapyd -- which had collectively raised more than $3 billion in investments within an 18-month period. During that time, Colombia-based Addi said it was getting into the one-click space after taking in a $75 million extension to its Series B.

Reporter Christine Hall contributed to this story
An Israeli solider checks the gun of a Merkava tank deployed along Israel's border with Gaza (Aris MESSINIS)

After 16 days of mobilising and massing near the Gaza Strip, an eerie calm lingers among Israeli troops as they await the highly anticipated invasion of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory.

The parched desert floor is now filled with hundreds of armoured vehicles along with columns of tanks primed for the expected onslaught.

The mechanised steel is adorned with the blue and white Israeli flags, while soldiers labour away with the everyday maintenance of their vehicles.

This entire first line is protected by an immense trench, about two kilometres (more than a mile) long, that was dug by engineering units outfitted with heavy machinery.

Like most ground offensives, the combat engineering corps will lead the armoured formations when they enter Gaza -- breaching defences and clearing mines and booby traps to pave the way for ground troops.

"Military engineering is essential. Without us, no one enters Gaza," explained a soldier serving with unit 601 of the military engineering corps, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"There are a lot of obstacles. The enemy is spraying rockets and other things that I cannot detail to prevent us from progressing," he added.

- Jammed -

Israel's general staff said their troops are "ready" for a ground incursion, after more than two weeks of heavy bombardment of Gaza by Israeli warplanes and artillery that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 5,700 people.

The campaign follows the bloodiest day in Israel's 75-year history, when hundreds of Hamas fighters rampaged through communities across southern Israel, killing around 1,400 people and taking more than 200 others hostage, according to Israeli officials.

The decision to launch a ground invasion is now in the hands of the Israeli government, even as pressure builds from its allies over the shape and parameters of the operation.

As its forces wait to strike, Israel has jammed signals near the Gaza border, rendering navigation applications like Google Maps and Waze useless throughout the militarised zone that has been sealed off from civilian use.

AFP journalists on the ground noted that the attempts to pin their locations with the apps resulted in errant positions, including the airport near Tel Aviv or the Egyptian capital of Cairo.

To reach the sprawling Tze'elim base some 20 kilometres from Gaza, a steady traffic jam leads to the entrance of the largest military facility in the country's southern desert.

For kilometres (miles), tourist buses, family cars, tanks and army jeeps form an seemingly endless convoy en route to the base.

Tze'elim has long been renowned as one of the premier training grounds for urban combat, which includes life-size replicas of Gaza neighbourhoods, including a mosque and minarets.

The forces that have spent years honing their skills at the base will likely be instrumental in the expected ground campaign.

Israeli forces last entered Gaza on foot in 2014, allowing Hamas ample time since then to fortify and expand their defences, including a maze of tunnels snaking under the city.

In Tze'elim, "tens of thousands" are believed to be on hand in addition to the 169,500 Israeli soldiers already serving in active duty, while an estimated 360,000 reserves have been mobilised to assist in the fight.

"Many are already on the ground," explains a senior officer on condition of anonymity referring to the Gaza border.

The families of conscripts flock to the base to deliver meals or join their relatives on brief stints of leave, as they lounge on camping chairs lining the road to the base.

- 'We have to face this' -

At the entrance to the facility, Omer, a 23-year-old artillery reservist, searches through the masses of troops hoping to find a friend who is taking him on 24-hour leave.

"I have been cut off from everything for 14 days -- two weeks in the field, shooting day and night," explained the artilleryman, with a dirt-smeared face and an Indian necklace hanging from his neck.

Before the war, the gunner was a yoga teacher and had been studying in northern India when he received his marching orders.

Since then, Omer has been manning his battery during "impossible" nights filled with the repeated concussion of heavy artillery and clouds of dust kicked up by passing armoured vehicles.

"The worst thing is being in this shit and not even having time to grieve. I have two friends from Nova killed and a friend of a friend kidnapped," said the Israeli soldier, referring to the desert rave where around 270 people were gunned down by Hamas.

"When all this is over, we will also have to face this," he added.

"But right now, we don't have time."

dar/ng/ds/jd/dv
Two recent moves by Mayor Brandon Johnson offer more worrisome evidence of how steep the learning curve is for this administration.

First, the Johnson administration apparently failed to consult or even provide notice to Ald. Julia Ramirez , 12th, about plans to place a large migrant camp in Brighton Park. Thats according to the alderman herself. As we write, Johnsons folks have yet to comment on those assertions despite being asked for an explanation.

Ramirez and an aide were physically accosted last week when meeting with constituents, many of whom are angry about the prospect of having a temporary tent city housing 1,500 migrants as neighbors. The aide was hospitalized; Ramirez escaped unharmed.

Ramirez since has written an open letter to her constituents describing whats been happening at the site in her ward. More discussion is to come. The alderman was to host a public meeting Tuesday night with Johnson administration officials in attendance.

The Oct. 22 letter contained two notable statements.

First, The mayors administration has been in direct contact with the property owner of the site at 38th and California without looping in my office, Ramirez wrote.

Second, To my frustration, the mayors office did not consult with me or my office about their current plans (for the site) nor did they inform my office they would be sending work crews to conduct a site assessment last week.

For a mayor, this is basic blocking and tackling.

Chicago mayors dont undertake projects as significant and controversial as the migrant camp without at least giving a heads-up to the alderman representing that ward. Actual, meaningful consultation would be preferable.

Chicago has 50 aldermen, a far larger City Council than found in most peer cities. There are pros and cons to that, but one of the pros  at least theoretically  is that aldermen representing such bite-sized areas are attuned to the needs and desires of their wards in ways a mayor cant possibly be. Failing to consult an alderman  any alderman  on a matter like this is politically undesirable, to say the least.

Theres more. Ramirez says the administration has told her theyre moving forward with their plans for the site regardless of her position, if they determine they can provide water service.

We understand the migrant crisis is just that: a crisis. But thats no excuse for failing Communication 101. Especially for a mayor who repeatedly frames himself as a collaborator.

The second worrisome sign of problems at City Hall is the recently negotiated contract with the union representing Chicago police officers. The pact includes language giving officers accused of misconduct carrying penalties of a years suspension or more the right to have their cases decided by an arbitrator rather than by the Chicago Police Board, a public body.

Johnson is opposed to that, saying it undermines transparency and accountability. An arbitrator ruled that way when the city and the Fraternal Order of Police local couldnt resolve the issue in 2021. Nevertheless, that provision is part of the contract Johnsons own administration just forged with the union.

Now, apparently, the mayor wants the City Council to reject the misconduct language. Council members arent permitted to amend union contracts and then approve them as amended.

So whats the deal? Is Johnson now asking aldermen to nix a contract he just agreed to?

There obviously will be more to learn about this, since statements from the mayors office mostly have sown confusion. But suffice to say that all of this is not a good collective look for a mayor trying to reassure the public he knows what hes doing.

Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Attorney General Ashley Moody wont be satisfied with simply banning abortion in Florida, at which she appears close to success. She also intends to prevent voters from doing anything about it.

Moody has notified the Florida Supreme Court that she will ask it to rule against placing a constitutional initiative guaranteeing abortion rights on the November 2024 ballot.

The drive has collected signatures from more than 400,000 voters toward a required goal of nearly 900,000. Sponsors and supporters have spent more than $9.7 million in anticipation of Florida Supreme Court rulings that would effectively abolish abortion in Florida.

The initiative would change the constitution to say that No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare providers. It would not affect an existing provision dealing with parental notification.

A focus on viability

Moody telegraphed her strategy in an opinion essay to Florida newspapers, arguing that the language of the ballot summary and the amendment is ambiguous and would mislead voters.

As any mother knows, viability has two meanings when it comes to pregnancy, Moody wrote.

Some women, according to Moody, relate viability to the risk of miscarriage, while others take it to mean when a fetus can survive outside the womb.

She wrote that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which supports abortion rights, notes the two medical definitions.

Whats misleading is Moodys misrepresentation of where the American College actually stands on that definition. There is nothing misleading about the term viability so long as doctors are defining it  and they are the only ones who should.

The full definition

This is precisely how doctors define it: Viability is the capacity of the fetus to survive outside the mothers uterus. Whether or not this capacity exists is a medical determination, may vary with each pregnancy, and is a matter for the judgment of the responsible attending physician. (Emphasis added).

Moody did not quote that.

Most commonly, viability is calculated at 23 or 24 weeks of gestation. It is not, and never should be, a matter for meddling or ambitious politicians like Moody.

Moody has consistently been on the wrong side of a womans right to her own body. In a pending case being watched nationally, she has urged the court to repeal its historic 1989 decision that Floridas constitutional right of privacy protects abortion rights.

Were the court to do that, it would effectively limit privacy protection to the release of public records  a faint shred of how the court defined it in 1989.

The court, then and now

Floridas privacy provision is clearly implicated in a womans decision of whether or not to continue her pregnancy, Justice Leander Shaw wrote at the time. We can conceive of few more personal or private decisions concerning ones body that one can make in the course of a lifetime.

Restricting the provision, as Moody and the Legislature want the court to do, would expose almost any personal conduct to political control, from end-of-life decisions to the availability of contraception. Parental rights could, and likely would, be subject to unlimited interference by the state.

The pending case involves the constitutionality of Floridas current ban on abortions past 15 weeks, but a law the Legislature passed this spring automatically caps the procedure at six weeks, a time when many women dont know they are pregnant, if the court upholds the 15-week ban.

In what appears to be a clear breach of judicial ethics, Justice Charles Canady has been participating in the case despite the interest of his wife, state Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, as a co-sponsor of the six-week abortion ban, which passed as SB 300.

Moody and the Legislature are contemptuous of how the voters spoke nine years ago on a ballot proposal by lawmakers that would have expressly overruled the 1989 precedent. It would have narrowed privacy rights to those determined by the U.S. Supreme Court under the federal constitution. The vote was 4.3 million against and 3.5 million in favor. Had it passed, there would be no privacy rights in Florida because of the high courts subsequent decision repealing Roe v. Wade.

Hostility toward voters

Moodys quibbling over viability is in line with her hostility to giving voters a voice on other controversial citizen-sponsored amendments. She opposes those dealing with marijuana. Even after Parkland, she sided with the gun lobby in persuading the court to not allow a statewide vote on banning assault weapons.

The attorney general is required to petition the court to rule on proposed initiatives when they hit a threshold of verified signatures. The abortion question qualified with 222,881. Moody is not required to oppose them. It is difficult to conceive of any dealing with abortion rights, marijuana legalization or guns to which she would not manufacture an objection.

The job of Florida attorney general has long been called the peoples lawyer. Moody is not.

____

The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writer Martin Dyckman and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Editorials are the opinion of the Board and written by one of its members or a designee. To contact us, email at letters@sun-sentinel.com.

___
The Los Angeles County's Men's Central Jail facility, shown in 2011. Thirty-seven people have died in Los Angeles County jails so far in 2023. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

A man was beaten to death in Mens Central Jail in June, and much to our collective shame, thats hardly news. So far this year, 37 people have died in Los Angeles County jails.

The particularly noteworthy aspect about the killing of Masoud Rahmati is that for nearly four hours, sheriffs deputies failed to notice he had been badly hurt and was dying.

In a news article on Thursday, Times staff writer Keri Blakinger reported that jail oversight inspectors had been sounding alarms for months about a lack of supervision in the dorm where Rahmati was attacked in the shower, beaten and then dragged to his bunk.

Read more: Editorial: Unconscionable abuse and shameful inaction at L.A. County jails

Another man died of suicide in the adjacent Twin Towers jail last month. In a story in L.A. Public Press on Saturday, Emily Elena Dugdale reported that deputies who should have been walking the corridors every half-hour to check on the welfare of the incarcerated men, such as the man who died, were allegedly watching internet videos on county computers instead.

Streaming movies rather than conducting mandatory welfare checks may have been standard operating procedure in the jail. Dugdale cited a July report by the Sybil Brand Commission on Institutional Inspections  the countys civilian body that inspects jails and reports to county leaders about conditions  that describes deputies bantering with inspectors about the movie they were watching while on shift, apparently unashamed that they werent doing their assigned rounds.

Read more: Editorial: L.A.'s cruel and deadly jail is still full on shutdown date

The Sheriffs Department has now reportedly restricted streaming in parts of the jail. That's the least it can do, though it's not enough.

The complex of Los Angeles County jails has been a cruel and violent place for so long that deadly conditions are too often ignored as merely routine. A consent decree resulting from a lawsuit filed nearly half a century ago remains in place but manages the crisis without ending it.

A Citizens Commission on Jail Violence sounded the alarm a decade ago and recommended steps to remedy the problem, but the end result is merely a jail where deputies themselves inflict less violence on people in custody, but appear to have little motivation to protect them. The Sybil Brand Commission and the grand jury repeatedly report horrendous conditions to the Board of Supervisors to little effect.

Read more: Editorial: Changing climate is turning prisons into torture chambers and death traps

County officials note, correctly, that people die in jail all over the nation. Jails house many people who arrive in poor physical or mental health or are prone to violence and other predatory and antisocial behavior.

But rather than excusing the appalling conditions in Los Angeles, the fact of inhumane incarceration around the nation is merely a reminder of the widespread failure of the U.S. jail system. A civilized society has an obligation to provide a level of safe and appropriate care to those who are so sick, marginalized or uncontrollable that, at least for a time, they cannot live unsupervised.

The Sheriffs Department has pleaded poverty, arguing that it could not fulfill its responsibility to those in its custody without additional funding for personnel and overtime. But there appears to be a cultural problem that more staff and dollars will not solve. The deaths and the inspectors reports suggest that the department is failing not because there are too few deputies to do the work, but because there is little understanding of the work that must be done. More deputies watching videos for more hours, obviously, would not enhance the safety of the jail for the incarcerated.

Nor is the problem a lack of oversight. There is abundant oversight. The Sybil Brand Commission could better document failures if it could conduct inspections more frequently, but the problems it has already noted ought to be sufficiently alarming to spur immediate change. Instead, its reports are little heeded.

There is a deficit of humanity, and a lack of acknowledgment that we and our institutions have a duty of care to people in jail. It would be foolish to believe that the contempt and indifference we funnel into our jails won't eventually break out and destroy our community.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A small plane takes off from the Long Beach Airport under heavy clouds. The airport has some of the highest lead emissions in the nation, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Lead was phased out of gasoline sold for cars and trucks decades ago. But that brain-damaging fuel additive used to prevent engine knock is still being spewed into the air across the nation  including Southern California  by small aircraft that use leaded fuel.

For two decades, community groups and environmentalists have been pushing federal regulators to ban leaded aviation fuel that is used by about 170,000 small piston-engine planes, single and twin-engine planes that typically carry between two and 10 passengers. Aviation gasoline, or avgas, is the only transportation fuel that still uses lead and is the nation's largest single source of airborne lead emissions, responsible for about 70% of the total.

After years of inaction, federal regulators are now finally poised to start eliminating this dangerous pollutant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week issued an important finding that aircraft that use leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare. This action now obligates the EPA to adopt emissions standards while the Federal Aviation Administration develops standards for aircraft fuel.

Read more: Editorial: Dont believe the naysayers. We can electrify the economy without leaving workers behind

This is very good news, though it should have happened long ago given mounting evidence of elevated blood lead levels of people who live in communities near general aviation airports. There is no safe level of exposure for this powerful neurotoxin. Lead contamination poses the greatest risks to young children, who can suffer irreversible behavioral, cognitive and developmental problems, including loss of IQ, from even small amounts of lead, which is emitted in tiny particles in aircraft exhaust and can also be deposited in the soil.

The Federal Aviation Administration last year started working with the aviation industry toward a goal of ending the use of leaded fuel by 2030, but adopting regulations and standards will turn what's currently an aspiration into a true obligation. Federal officials dont yet have a timeline for how soon they expect to propose emissions rules, but its important that they work to phase out leaded fuel quickly.

More than 5 million Americans live within 500 meters, or about 1,600 feet, of an airport, according to a 2020 EPA analysis , and studies have found higher blood lead levels among children who live or go to school near airports.

Aircraft pollution is especially bad in California, which has some of the airports with the nations highest reported lead emissions. Long Beach Airport ranks No. 2 in lead pollution, and Van Nuys Airport is No. 7, according to an analysis of EPA data by the group Earthjustice. John Wayne Airport, Chino Airport, Riverside Municipal Airport and Torrance Municipal Airport-Zamperini Field are also high up on the list.

This is also a matter of environmental justice. Communities near airports tend to have higher proportions of people of color and low-income residents than areas that are more distant. Many of these communities are among those with the highest lead pollution.

Read more: Editorial: Big Oil is exploiting California's Latinos in its latest climate disinformation push

Fortunately, technology is no longer much of a barrier. The FAA has already approved safer, unleaded fuels for piston-engine aircraft. And while about 35 airports nationwide already provide unleaded fuel, much more needs to happen to scale up production and distribution and make higher-octane alternatives widely available.

There are aviation industry concerns about how to safely phase out lead. The average piston-engine aircraft still flying is more than 45 years old, and federal rules should address those safety concerns in addition to protecting public health from poisonous emissions.

Read more: Editorial: Finally, a bus-lane building boom in Los Angeles

Some local governments have chosen not to wait for federal regulators to address this public health hazard. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted last year to stop selling leaded aviation fuel at county airports after commissioning a study that linked its use to elevated blood lead levels in children living near Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose. Long Beach is working on a plan to reduce lead pollution from planes at its city-owned airport, but the City Council has stopped short of pursuing an outright ban on leaded fuel.

These developments are a good start, but a patchwork of local laws is no substitute for a strong, nationwide ban with clear and enforceable deadlines.

Regulators eliminated lead from paint and gasoline because it was clear decades ago that it is so dangerous we could not keep allowing it to pollute our communities and jeopardize childrens health. Those bans have been some of the greatest public health success stories ever, reducing the concentration of lead in childrens blood by more than 90% and yielding trillions of dollars in health and social benefits, including health savings, higher IQ and lower crime .

It's time for officials to act again, remove leaded fuel from the aviation system and replace it with alternatives that dont pollute neighborhoods and put childrens health at risk.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Health authorities recommend receiving an annual influenza shot to prevent transmission and severe illness, but vaccine skeptics are falsely promoting elderberry as an alternative. Their posts overstate the plant's merits as a flu remedy and include misleading information about the efficacy and safety of inoculation.

"ELDERBERRY VS FLU SHOT," says a September 9, 2023 Facebook post listing the purported benefits of elderberry and the downsides of the flu vaccine.

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken October 23, 2023

The image accumulated hundreds of shares on Facebook and Instagram as campaigns encouraging people to receive their annual flu shot ramped up in Canada and the United States.

Influenza is among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the country reported approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 flu deaths annually (archived here).

Health Canada and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both recommend the jab for almost everyone six months and older. The vaccine is reformulated each year based on recommendations from the World Health Organization.

The efficacy of the shot does vary based on how well it matches the circulating strains -- but vaccination "can still provide protection even when there's a less-than-ideal match," Health Canada says on its website (archived here).

The posts repeat previously debunked claims about the risks associated with the flu vaccine while overstating the positive effects of elderberry, a dark purple berry that grows in much of Southern Ontario and other areas of eastern North America.

AFP took a closer look at some of the claims circulating online.

Flu shot ingredients

The posts mislead in saying the flu shot contains aluminum, mercury and formaldehyde.

In 2023, there are 10 influenza vaccines authorized and available for use in Canada (archived here). None of them list aluminum as an ingredient, and two of the authorized vaccines -- Supemtek and FluMist Quadrivalent -- do not contain any of the claimed components.

Four of the available shots -- Flulaval Tetra, Fluzone Quadrivalent, Afluria Tetra and Flucelvax Quadrivalent -- contain thimerosal, a mercury derivative used in multi-dose vials to preserve the vaccine.

Ian Gemmill, who served on Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization, told AFP in 2019: "The amount of thimerosal in the multi-dose vials is infinitesimal. It's been in use for decades."

He said there is no evidence of harm caused by the small dose. Additionally, patients can request a shot from a single-dose, prefilled syringe that does not contain thimerosal.

Formaldehyde, meanwhile, is sometimes used in the vaccine production process to inactivate a virus.

Five flu shots -- Flulaval Tetra, Fluzone Quadrivalent, Influvac Tetra, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Fluad pediatric/Fluad -- contain trace amounts of the compound. But Natasha Crowcroft, a professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, told AFP in 2020 that the amount in a vaccine is far less than other natural sources of exposure.

"For example, pears include 50 times more formaldehyde than any vaccine," she said.

Adverse effects

Health Canada says it is common for people to experience injection site pain, fatigue or headache following flu vaccination, but these reactions are typically short-lived.

Serious adverse events -- including allergic reactions -- are rare.

The posts mention Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms such as weakness in the lower limbs that can cause paralysis. The condition was first associated with the swine flu vaccine administered in the United States in 1976, but it is a rare side effect.

The Canadian Immunization Guide says studies have shown the risk of suffering GBS within six weeks following an influenza illness is much greater than the risk from vaccination (archived here).

Elderberry for flu

Elderberry is regularly sold in cold and flu relief products, but only a small number of studies have examined the plant's potential to lessen symptoms -- and not all found it effective.

A 2019 study with 180 participants said: "Supplementation with elderberry was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms" (archived here).

But a study published in 2020 (archived here) found no difference in the severity or duration of flu symptoms between patients given elderberry or a placebo.

There are also safety risks associated with the plant.

Raw berries and other parts of the tree contain toxic substances, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

"Little is known about whether it's safe to use elderberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding," the agency says on its website (archived here).

Krupa Playforth, a pediatrician in the US state of Virginia, says on her website (archived here) that evidence supporting the plant's effectiveness against the flu is not "robust." She also advises parents to purchase elderberry from a "reputable company," as incorrectly prepared products can cause cyanide poisoning.

Playforth sums up her advice in an August 29 Facebook post (archived here), saying if people choose to use elderberry they must "recognize that it cannot replace other known methods of preventing illness & supporting immunity: immunizations (esp against flu!), handwashing, etc."

AFP has debunked other vaccine misinformation here.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  One person died and four others were hurt after they were electrocuted in a fountain at a Florida shopping center Sunday, officials said.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Jupiter Police Department were called to the Harbourside Place shopping center around 3:30 p.m. after a child was in distress in the fountains.

Officials said five people, including three children, were hurt and needed to be taken to hospitals.

Jupiter police said the children were taken to St. Marys Medical Center and are continuing to recover.

One of the adult victims died at the hospital. The other was released.

The names of the victims have not been released.

7 dead after more than 150 vehicles crash amid super fog in Louisiana: officials

A spokesperson for the shopping center told NBCs WPTV that the electrocution incident happened in the fountains where there are signs warning against climbing and swimming.

When we arrived on the scene, the Jupiter Police Department and civilians were treating patients when we got here, so they got here very quick, and the community and Jupiter police were also involved in that, and that was a good thing, Capt. Tom Reyes of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue told WPBF.

Firefighters said the cause of the electric shock is unclear, WPBF reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Ellis at plea hearing says she has deep remorse over representing Trump

Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis tearfully expressed remorse while pleading guilty Tuesday in Georgia, telling the judge she regretted representing then-President Trump following the 2020 election.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges, Ellis told Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee before he accepted her plea.

I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse, she continued. For those failures of mine, your honor, Ive taken responsibility already before the Colorado bar, who censured me, and I now take responsibility before this court and apologize to the people of Georgia.

Ellis is the third former Trump campaign attorney to take a plea deal with Georgia prosecutors in their 2020 election interference case, agreeing Tuesday to testify against her co-defendants, including the former president.

She was sentenced to five years probation. Like the other defendants who have taken plea deals, Ellis also agreed to write a letter of apology to the citizens of Georgia.

Jenna Ellis pleads guilty in Georgia election interference case

During the brief proceeding Tuesday, she pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings for her participation at a Dec. 3, 2020, Georgia legislative committee hearing.

At the hearing, key Trump allies including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani attempted to convince lawmakers of baseless claims of mass electoral fraud.

I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than I, to provide me with true and reliable information, especially since my role involved speaking to the media and to legislators in various states, Ellis said during Tuesdays court proceeding.

What I did not do but should have done, your honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true, were in fact true.

Legal experts suggest the recent plea deals and the agreements to testify could increase the others defendants exposure and increase their legal jeopardy.

Elliss plea came days after similar agreements from fellow former Trump campaign attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro.

In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence, Ellis said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Billionaire Elon Musk believes that military conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine could escalate into World War III, so the US should improve relations with Russia and persuade Ukraine to cease fire.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Globely News, based on a discussion in Spaces on Twitter

Quote from Musk: "We need to figure out peace in Ukraine, and I think we need to restore normal relations with Russia."

Details: Speaking at an online discussion on Twitter on 23 October, Musk suggested that "US policy has been forcing Russia to ally with Iran and China" and that an alliance of Russia, China and Iran could defeat the West in a global conflict.

According to Musk, a fierce confrontation with China and Russia would be catastrophic for the US, as Russia with its rich raw materials and China with its phenomenal industrial potential "is a formidable combination".

Musk believes that "civilization itself may be at stake", so the priority of US policy should be "avoiding World War 3" and preventing a situation of "a regional conflict rapidly becoming a global conflict".

Musk considers Ukraine's war against Russia to be a hopeless situation.

The billionaire called on the US to "figure out" a way to peace in Ukraine and "resume normal relations with Russia".

During the Spaces discussion, Musk suggested that there is no anti-Russian insurgency in the Russian-occupied "Russian-speaking areas of Ukraine", hinting that the current lines of control could be transformed into a ceasefire or permanent border.

Musk believes a ceasefire is possible because it makes no sense to force areas that supposedly want to be part of Russia to be a part of Ukraine. He is convinced that Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine and Crimea really want to be Russian.

The billionaire does not understand why soldiers of both countries die every day. In his opinion, Russia will not leave these lands, and Ukraine will not succeed with a smaller army, so a ceasefire is the best way out for the Ukrainian people.

US Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also joined Musk at the Spaces session organised by venture capitalist David Sacks.

Ramaswamy echoed Musk's warnings about the possibility of global conflict, telling the audience that "if we do enter World War 3, the United States as we know it will cease to exist".

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William Holcomb talks to his wife, Diane, left, and daughter, Sara, in front of a case containing his Purple Heart and other service ribbons. - Original Credit: News-Sun (Halcomb family/HANDOUT)

Little did William Holcomb know as a newly arrived U.S. soldier in Vietnam in January of 1967, a refrigerator he purchased from a departing GI would save his life.

Holcomb was asleep on June 9, 1967, when his quarters were hit by enemy mortar fire. A shell hit the refrigerator beside his bed. He was severely wounded by the shrapnel spewed during the explosion, but he survived. He needed nearly three months to recover from major surgery.

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I slept on my back, and my head was by the refrigerator, Holcomb said If I slept the other way, we wouldnt be talking today.

Holcomb is one of several military veterans who will tell their story through questioning by a judge or lawyer on Nov. 10 at the Lake County Courthouse and Administration Building in Waukegan as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

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Kasey Morgan, the public information officer for the Lake County Court, said Holcomb and the other participants sit in a courtroom, where either a judge or attorney asks them questions about their military experience. Their story is transcribed by a court reporter.

Once the transcript is complete, Morgan said the story will be archived forever in the U.S. Library of Congress. She is still looking for veterans who want to share their stories. They need to apply and share their information by Nov. 4.

Were looking for individuals who served in the military in war or peace, including civilians who supported the war effort, to tell their stories, Morgan said. If we dont take the opportunity to do this now, their stories could be forever lost.

Held annually in conjunction with Veterans Day, Morgan said this years event is being held the day before since the holiday is on a Saturday when the courthouse is closed. The participating veterans are the guests of honor at a breakfast.

Established by Congress in 2000, Morgan said the project is in its 12th year in Lake County. After the breakfast, the veterans go to an assigned courtroom. A judge or an attorney interviews them, and the court reporter transcribes their story of service.

Larry LaLuzerne is a longtime Lake County attorney who counts as a client Holcombs wife, Diane. After learning about Holcombs military service, including his wartime experience, he suggested the Farmington Hills, Michigan, resident come to Waukegan for the Veterans Day event and share his story.

A veteran himself, LaLuzerne served four years in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate Generals office. He said he has interviewed five veterans over the years as part of the project, and looks forward to doing the same for Holcombs story.

I have a great appreciation for all the veterans who have served before me and since, LaLuzerne said. Im a fan of history and the sacrifice of the service of these men and women. Ive done this before, and all their stories are memorable.

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Doing research before conducting the interview, LaLuzerne said he understands the difference between World War II veterans who were welcomed home as heroes, and those who fought in Vietnam during a time the country was divided. It helps him prepare.

Holcombs story is both common for men graduating high school in 1966, as he did with the country at war thousands of miles away in Southeast Asia, and unique as a story of survival.

Graduating high school in June of 1966, he said he was informed by his local draft board shortly after that he was 1-A  available for military service. He and his friends knew they would soon be soldiers.

A friend and I decided to go down there together, Holcomb said. They took us then,

After being drafted in August of 1966, Holcomb said he was finished with basic training and additional schooling to prepare him for his role supporting and supplying the troops. He got to go home for Christmas that year and report for duty in January of 1967, in Vietnam.

He said he was optimistic about his upcoming service.

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I knew I was going to Vietnam, Holcomb said. I was going to do my two years, and then live the rest of my life. It never crossed my mind I might not be coming back.

After recovering from his injuries, Holcomb said he spent the rest of his time in the military in the U.S. before being honorably discharged in August of 1968.

After a brief stint in different jobs, Holcomb said he went to work for General Motors and had a 30-year career there before retiring. While there, he earned an engineering degree from Wayne State University and plied those skills for his employer, including its Corvette Division.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Monday the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and Russias ongoing war in Ukraine, raise the potential for World War III.

We need to figure out peace in Ukraine, and I think we need to restore normal relations with Russia, Musk said in a talk on his social media platform X on Monday.

World War III is a civilizational risk that we may not recover from. So we need to prioritize avoiding World War III, thats what actually matters, he said. And not what happened in World War I and have a regional conflict rapidly become a global conflict.

The billionaire had previously offered a proposal to end the Ukraine war, which would have potentially ceded large swathes of Ukraine to Russia. He called for a ceasefire again Monday, saying war against Russia is helpless.

Musks suggestions have been derided by Ukrainian officials as non-starters. F off is my very diplomatic reply to you @elonmusk, Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Melnyk responded to his proposal in October 2022.

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Still, the billionaire has been an influential figure in the war, leveraging his powerful Starlink internet technology which enables much of the Ukrainian military at the front. That includes allegations that Musk turned off Starlink access for the Ukrainian military in certain situations.

Amid the newly-erupted war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza  spurred earlier this month by a Hamas surprise attack killing mostly Israeli civilians  Musk said U.S. might could be tested by an alliance between Russia, China and Iran.

We do not have an overwhelming advantage in industrial might, he said of the U.S. facing off against such an alliance. The foundation of war is economic power, especially industrial output, basically how many tanks and guns and drones can you make, relative to the other side.

The talk on X was hosted by fellow tech entrepreneur David Sacks and also featured presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who Musk has signaled that he may support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Just hours after House Republicans  with much dissent  nominated Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, Emmer bowed out of the speakership race on Tuesday.

House Republicans are now in talks about suspending conference rules to open the speaker nominations, which would do away with the candidate forum, according to Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman and John Bresnahan. If successful, the move would make Reps. Kevin Hern, R-Okla. and Mike Johnson, R-La., candidates.

Just before reports of Emmer's dropping out, several Republican members of Congress told CNN correspondents Melanie Zanona and Manu Raju that his candidacy was "on the verge of collapse." The development marked an acceleration in the House GOP's turbulent in-fighting, which sparked McCarthy's historic ouster earlier this month and has since delayed the elevation of a new House speaker.

Freshman Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., a MAGA Republican, publicly declared she did not vote for and would not be voting for Emmer on X, formerly Twitter, Tuesday afternoon following the official, closed-door role-call vote nominating him that saw 26 Republicans state their intentions to vote for someone else. Many of the Republicans' reservations about the Minnesota congressman stem from his record on fiscal and social issues, particularly his support of gay marriage, which Georgia Rep. Rick Allen told Punchbowl News was a disqualifier for him. Former President Donald Trump also expressed his disapproval of Emmer's bid for the speakership, deriding the Minnesota Republican on Truth Social as a "RINO," or Republican in name only hours after he secured the GOP nomination.

"I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them. He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! He fought me all the way, and actually spent more time defending Ilhan Omar, than he did meHe is totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters," Trump began before further questioning Emmer's loyalty to him. "Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!" he added.

Trump's attack came as Emmer worked to garner more votes to secure the speaker's gavel in a full floor vote. He had reportedly vowed to remain in the voting chambers until he garnered a full 217 but was seen leaving the voting chamber without so much as a word in the late afternoon Tuesday before Punchbowl News' report. "So at this point, House Republicans are literally ungovernable," Politico correspondent Rachel Bade tweeted of the GOP dissent against Emmer. "Enough of them continue to prioritize revenge against their political enemies & enhancing their own power over the good of their own party."

So at this point, House Republicans are literally ungovernable.



Enough of them continue to prioritize revenge against their political enemies & enhancing their own power over the good of their own party.



Really something.  Rachael Bade (@rachaelmbade) October 24, 2023

The House speakership has been vacant for the last three weeks, a time period which has seen the quick rises and quicker downfalls of two other hopefuls: Reps. Steve Scalise, R-La., and Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. Scalise dropped out of the race just a day after receiving the nomination after a group of GOP holdouts' refused to back him, while 122 Republicans voted to boot Jordan from the race in a secret ballot last week after he failed three attempts to be elected speaker.
PANAMA CITY BEACH  The Fore Her breast cancer peer support group is expanding its meetings to Bay County. The group will meet 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

Fore Her Breast Cancer peer support group will have more meeting dates in 2024.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fore Her wants to spread the word about what it has to offer. According to a press release, the group was created to provide an environment for women to discuss their experiences, their fears, their concerns, and their needs. Fore Her also offers resources.

"Resource pamphlets and books, both autobiographical and inspirational self-help, are offered free of charge. Breast cancer patients share their stories of diagnosis with an empathetic audience," the release says.

This group is open to anyone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. The group will have more meeting dates in 2024.

Earlier coverage: Fore Her tea to benefit breast cancer patients

The support group will meet at the Bay County Public Library, 898 W. 11th St., Panama City.

For more information about Fore Her in Bay County, visit Panama City Beach Breast Cancer Awareness | Foreher.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Breast cancer peer support will hold meetings in Bay County
Alright, rocket jockeys. Get in here. I dont know what kind of half-cocked space-frat party you satellite barons have been throwing these last 20 years, but low Earth orbit is becoming so thoroughly and hazardously enshittified by private companies and their broken satellites that something has to be done before you send us into a global telecom blackout and turn the skies into a space-gore B-movie full of dead astronauts.

The Federal Communications Commission has started writing tickets for wrist-slap fines for space trash, beginning with the $150,000 its charging Dish Network after the company failed to cleanup its dead EchoStar-7 satellite. Not that $150,000 is going to matter much to a company reporting $16.7 billion in revenue in 2022, but the fact that the FCC has to do something at all should be a wakeup call that the enshittification of space has indeed commenced.

And theres no better term for whats happening. Its true that Cory Doctorow coined enshittification, as known as platform decay, specifically to address the inevitable decline of corporate-owned social media sites and other internet intermediaries which sabotage user service and interoperability for the interests of advertisers (whom platform owners invariably repel by squeezing them for greater profit).

But the underlying principle and characteristic trash-trail of enshittification are becoming just as applicable to geosynchronous and low Earth orbit as they are to Twitter and TikTok. And dont get snippy with me about how different social media is from low Earth orbit; the digital-physical distinction between the internet and nearby space matters little when you consider that both have become the unregulated playfields of the rich where public-option participants (be they municipal broadband outfits or NASA) are either underfunded, or actively elbowed out by private-interest lobbying.

The corporate balkanization of the internet into unusable-yet-unavoidable platforms full of garbage is a predictable foreshadowing of what the continued privatization of space is going to look like. Centralization, reckless security operations and over-collection of user-surveillance data have turned gigantic internet intermediaries into digital superfund sites where massive breaches are just waiting to happen  at which point the cybersecurity ablation cascade is sure to crash into any number of online services. The internet flirts with its own version of Kessler syndrome every time a flickering Google or AWS outage temporarily makes half your favorite sites unusable.

Meanwhile, NASA says there are more than 9,000 metric tons of space debris hanging around the globe as of January 2022. Thats about 500,000 pieces of space debris between 1 and 10 cm long, with particles larger than 1 mm exceeding 100 million in number. And those specks can move 10 times faster than a bullet. Even when theyre only at orbital speed, theyre still hurtling around that crowded zone at up to 17,500 miles per hour. And its all out there in a big trash-belt, just waiting to set off an internet-crashing, astronaut-killing catastrophe of inestimable proportion.

Even though active satellites already have to dodge trash chunks routinely, an estimated 25,000 more satellites are expected to be added to the crowded zone by 2031. Among those are the thousands-strong fleets that will be launched by the likes of SpaceX, Amazon, Viasat and OneWeb.

NASA says any debris in orbits below 600 km will typically fall back to Earth (and thus burn up in the atmosphere) within several years. And, in one hopeful move, SpaceX has already said it plans to keep its Starlink satellites at an even lower, 500 km orbit. But that doesnt help the problem of toxic metals from this crap which scientists say are now polluting our upper atmosphere, nor the light pollution these eyesores create.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

And what about everyone else? The majority of space trash is hanging around at the 800 km to 1,000 km orbital range.

Debris left in orbits below 600 km normally fall back to Earth within several years. At altitudes of 800 km, the time for orbital decay is often measured in centuries. Above 1,000 km, orbital debris will normally continue circling the Earth for a thousand years or more, NASA says.

Meanwhile, weve got car-sized space crud smashing into Australia, and another hunk of SpaceX scrap cratering into a Washington farmers property. One Congressional report from the Federal Aviation Administration estimated that by 2035 falling debris from US-approved low Earth orbit tech could kill or injure a person every two years.

As space environmentalist Moriba Jah wrote for Scientific American, we are building a new space economy that is sadly reminiscent of the gold rush: companies and governments are rushing to stake their claim on as much orbital territory as possible without regard to the consequences.

Are there plans in the works to fix this? Sure. For one, a bill from Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) would kickstart a program to reduce the debris. And the FAA is trying to create time limits for satellites to improve the decommissioning process, as some researchers try to figure out an assigned-parking style plan. The European Space Agency is already funding space missions focused on sky clean-up, and the Japanese government is throwing up to $80 million at junk-removal company Astroscale for its research program. The space-cleaning sector is heating up with emerging companies, and NASA is ready to blast this space trash with some $200,000 AI-powered lasers and $850,000 worth of TransAstra garbage bags (Hefty, this could have been your moment).

I dont know what else its going to take for you private space-faring companies to get your act together. Do we need to make a commercial for this to get the Stop Being Trashy movement off the ground? Heres the pitch: We zoom in on an AI-generated deepfake of Iron Eyes Cody inside the International Space Station, staring through a porthole window at the Earth and its swirling trash-belt. We move to an extreme close-up as he expels a single glycerin tear into zero-G. We pull back and see hes actually awaiting destruction by a massive object hurtling toward the station  its a Tesla.

An earlier version of this article originally appeared in Salon's Lab Notes, a weekly newsletter from our Science & Health team.
Looking for a job, but need to find one that actually pays enough? Finding a job to support you and your family without a long list of requirements can be difficult.

The Bellingham Herald has searched the job website Indeed and local Craigslist listings to find positions with minimal requirements that are available as of Thursday, Oct. 5, that advertise wages at or above living wages:

Machine operator at Lynden Door

 $21.10 per hour

 Full-time

 No requirements lists

Administrative assistant for city of Lynden

 $24.19 - $28.28 per hour

 Full-time

 High school diploma or GED and experience or education in a related field is required.

Delivery driver aircraft agent at FedEx

 $22.43 per hour

 Full-time

 High school diploma or GED required

Mail carrier for USPS

 $19.33 - $33 per hour

 Full-time

 No requirements listed

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology calculated the living wage by county by evaluating typical expenses to find how much an individual must make hourly to support themselves, or multiple children or dependents in a full-time job.

MIT records living wages for individuals, couples and families that vary based on the number of dependents, number of children and the number of adults who are working:

 Whatcom Countys living wage for an individual with no dependents is $17.47 per hour, working full time.

 For a household with two adults, no children, and only one individual working, a living wage in Whatcom County is $27.62 per hour.

 For a household with two adults, no children and both adults working, the living wage is $13.81 per hour.

 For a household with two adults, one child, and only one adult working, the living wage is $34.53 per hour. If this household had two children the living wage would be $39.51 an hour.

 For a household with two adults and two children and both adults working, the living wage is $25.98 per hour. If the family had three children, both individuals would need to make $32.10 per hour.

As Washington states minimum wage is $15.74 per hour, this amount is not considered a living wage in Whatcom County unless you have multiple adults working in a household with no dependents.
Update: On Tuesday, the Kansas Corporation Commission ruled in favor of Evergy and Kansas Gas Service in the case outlined in the column below, deciding that Abilenes Victorian Inn is a business for utility billing purposes.

The unanimous decision was narrowly based and it means the owners, who live there, will continue to pay more for gas and electricity than they would under residential rates.

Unfortunately, the commission failed to address the larger point of fairness raised in this case, that thousands of other residential properties across the state are being used substantially as businesses while enjoying lower residential energy bills.

These include speculators who buy homes in residential neighborhoods and operate them essentially as hotels through online websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Those business owners will continue to pay lower residential bills for electric and gas service, at everyone elses expense.

The following column was posted online on Kansas.com early Tuesday morning, before the commission made its decision.

---

In these days of work-from-home and online bed-and-breakfasts, how do you draw the line between whats a home and whats a business?

The Kansas Corporation Commission will consider that issue Tuesday, following up on a complaint filed by the owners of a bed-and-breakfast inn in Abilene.

The question at hand is whether the owners of Abilenes Victorian Inn, who rent out spare rooms in their spacious home to tourists, should pay lower residential rates or higher commercial rates for their electricity and natural gas.

The owners, Adrian and Jay Potter, argue that the B&B they bought 17 years ago is primarily their home, and should be treated that way on their utility bills.

Since COVID, many people have been working in or out of their homes and this should be no different, Adrian Potter wrote in a complaint to the KCC. It is discriminatory to charge us as a commercial property compared to owners of Air BNBs that are charged residentially and most of which do not live on the property.

The vacation rental website Airbnb lists over 1,000 places for short-term rental in Kansas, 18 in shouting distance of Abilene.

And according to Forbes Magazine, about 13% of full-time employees work from home all the time and 28% split work time between home and office, after corporations off-loaded office space and normalized work-from-home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Potters space is unique. It was originally built as a single-family home in 1887 by Edward E. Hazlett, a pioneering local physician who lived there with his family until his death in 1916.

In the 1920s, Arthur Hurd, a prominent lawyer with four children and a busy social life, bought the home and remodeled it to his wifes tastes, doubling it in size.

In the 1940s, it was divided up into 11 bedrooms, eight of which were rented to tenants during World War II.

Owners ask for utility split same as property tax

In 1992, then-owners Don and Diana McBride restored the inn in the style of the 20s, added a three-bedroom attic suite and established the bed-and-breakfast.

The Potters continued to rent rooms, but the homes primary use has always been their home, Adrian Potter said. Occupancy is not even close to 100%, she said. Even if we rent out all our rooms one night, the next night we might not rent any.

The one constant is the familys presence in the home, where they raised their children, who have since grown up and moved out, she said.

We have lived here as permanent residents and only leave for vacations and normal errands such as grocery shopping etc., her KCC complaint says. We sleep in the home, eat in the home, and use its separate kitchen, living facilities, provisions for sanitation like any other residential family in Kansas  whether we have renters or dont have renters, the space still needs to be heated and cooled to be comfortable.

Adrian and Jay Porter dressed for an event at their inn.

Dickinson County divides the inn 65% residential and 35% commercial usage for property tax purposes, and the Potters are asking for the utilities to split the bills the same way.

That seems a reasonable compromise, but the utilities arent having it.

Kansas Gas Service and Evergy argue that the property is a business, regardless whether the Potters live there or not.

Under the Home tab on the Inns website, Potter describes the property as a lodging/food service establishment, wrote KGS attorneys James Flaherty and Robert Vincent. The video (on the site) indicates the premise has been a bed and breakfast operation since 1992 and was purchased by Potter seventeen years ago to be operated as a bed and breakfast operation  The Video also shows that the Inn operates a gift shop on the premise.

Adds Evergy lawyer Cathryn Dinges: Ms. Potter is clearly operating her property as a hotel. The fact that she and her husband may also live there is irrelevant to that conclusion.

When Adrian Potter filed the original complaint, handwritten on a KCC form, she wasnt expecting it to escalate to a legal battle with two of the biggest companies in the state. It was just me trying to change it from commercial to residential, she said.

Both utilities are requesting summary dismissal of the complaint. Whether to grant that is the decision the commission will make Tuesday. An official order has been prepped, but the KCC doesnt release those until after the meeting.

Many corporate work-at-home employees pay own utilities

Adrian Potter didnt even know it was on the commission agenda for Tuesday until I told her on Monday and sent her a link. Nobody has notified me about that, she said.

Given that and the forces arrayed against her, she fully expects to lose the case.

I really hope this doesnt fall to summary dismissal, because there are deeper questions involved:

 Is what the Potters are doing qualitatively different from an accountant meeting clients and doing taxes in his home office, or a beautician cutting peoples hair in her kitchen eight hours a day? Like the Potters, they advertise on the web.

 Is it different from a speculator who buys a residential home, has never lived there, never intends to, and rents it out on Airbnb or Vrbo on a daily or weekly basis  like the notorious College Hill party house in Wichita, where there was a fatal shooting two years ago? Those are advertised on the web too.

 Is it different from the corporation that jettisons its costly office space (and utility bills) and has hundreds of full-time employees working out of their living rooms, paying their own heating and air conditioning? Those companies certainly offer their products and services on the web.

One thing is certain. As time passes, more and more commerce will be done out of peoples homes (unless you work for Elon Musk  he hates that).

If the commission doesnt do something, rates are only going to get less fair over time.

The Abilenes Victorian Inn case gives the KCC an opportunity to establish a consistent set of rules, either clearly defining how much work can be done at a residential utility customers home before it becomes a commercial account, or possibly coming up with formulas to split the cost of work-at-home between residential and commercial billing.

The people who set our taxes seem to have figured this out. It would be wonderfully forward-thinking if the people who set our utility rates could do the same.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a call that Western countries' "silence" was exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Erdogan's office said.

In a statement, the presidency said Erdogan told Putin the "savagery" towards Palestinian lands was deepening and that civilians were constantly being killed.

He also repeated earlier comments that Turkey, a NATO ally, would continue working to achieve calm in the region, the statement added.

Western countries have stressed Israel's right to defend itself following an Oct. 7 assault by Hamas militants on Israeli towns and kibbutzim that killed 1,400 people, mainly civilians.

Since then, thousands of people have been killed during heavy daily Israeli bombardment of Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas.

The Kremlin later issued its own statement on the call, saying that Putin had told Erdogan that Russia and Turkey largely agree on the Israel-Palestinian issue.

"The positions of Russia and Turkey... are focused on the implementation of the well-known two-state formula, which envisages the creation of an independent Palestine coexisting with Israel in peace and security," it said.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Gareth Jones)
The European Union continued importing "critically important" raw materials, such as titanium and nickel with the total worth of 13.7 billion from companies related to the Kremlin since February 2022.

Source: investigation of the Investigate Europe portal based of the data of the European Statistics Service and the European Commission Analytical Centre  Joint Research Centre

In 11 packages of sanctions against Russia, the EU provided for the exceptions for 34 types of "critical" raw materials, the supplies of which cannot be replaced due to the required speed of these supplies, their cost or global deficit.

Thus, the EU is badly in need of these resources since they play an important role for electronics, solar panels and electric vehicles, as well as for traditional industry branches, such as airspace and defence sectors.

According to the analysis of Investigate Europe, from March 2022 to July 2023, the EU imported 13.7 billion worth of "critical raw materials" from Russia, while the cost of supplies this year exceeds 3.7 billion.

These funds go not only to Russias budget but also to companies related to the Kremlin.

For instance, Vsmpo-Avisma is the world's largest titanium manufacturer based in Russia; it is connected with Sergey Chemezov, an oligarch close to Vladimir Putin, and it still has not been added to the sanctions list of the EU. This company has received US $308 million during the analysed period. Among the clients of Vsmpo-Avisma there is Airbus, the European aerospace giant.

The Russian Nornickel, the world leader in palladium and high-quality nickel manufacture, was exporting a US $7.6 billion worth of nickel and copper, and over US $3 billion worth of platinum and rhodium to the EU from March 2022 to July 2023. The EU has not imposed sanctions on Nornickel.

The Russian aluminium giant Rusal owns the EU's largest aluminium refinery in Ireland and a metallurgical plant in Sweden. In 16 months since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Rusal has imported to the EU countries at least US$2.6 billion worth of aluminium.

The EU unofficially admits the problem and is trying to reduce the dependence on Russia's critical mineral resources. A European source explained to Investigate Europe that abrupt implementation of the sanctions may cause a rise in prices, harming the EU and helping Russia earn even more.

This is not the only example how Russia manages to earn on the trade with the EU under sanctions. Last week, the media found out that Russian oil may be imported to Germany through a Rosenft affiliate, Rosneft Deutschland GmbH, which allegedly imports it from Kazakhstan.

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Eugene City Councilor Randy Groves, Ward 8, left, ended the Monday night's council meeting early due to racist and antisemitic comments made by individual who had signed up to speak virtually.

This story was updated at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday

Eugene city councilors ended their meeting early Monday night, after the public forum was hijacked by racist and antisemitic comments from virtual speakers.

City councilors planned to hold a public forum before approving an annex application from a Santa Clara land owner and voting on a proposed low-income housing property tax exemption.

But the meeting was derailed when the second speaker, who testified online and gave his name as Michael Wittman, the same name as a tank commander who fought for Nazi Germany during World War II, gave testimony with expletives directed toward Jewish and Black people and a declaration of "white power," prompting complaints from councilors.

Local governments around the country have faced similar issues recently, including the Charlottesville, Virginia, City Council on Oct. 2; the Beaverton City Council on Oct. 12; and the Lane Council of Governments on Sept. 28.

What happened after the first racist comments were made

The individual who signed up as Wittman completed a two and half minute testimony with his camera off.

Councilor Randy Groves, who acted as mayor for the meeting while mayor Lucy Vinis was absent, sent the meeting into a five minute recess.

Groves condemned the comments when council returned.

"This council does not condone violent comments," he said. "It does not condone comments against individuals or a people. And I would just ask that everybody maintain a sense of decorum and respect in these proceedings."

"Testifying in public forum is not a right. It's a privilege and I just ask that everyone exercise that privilege responsibly," Groves said.

He reorganized the meeting to have people giving in-person testimony go first. This lasted for about half an hour, primarily with a group advocating for the proposed pickleball complex at Lane Community College.

But after in-person testimony concluded, the next online speaker, who identified himself as Lee Shabbos, made racist comments before Groves directed staff to mute him.

Groves ended the meeting early, with 10 remaining people signed up to give online testimony. The other items on the agenda were postponed for Wednesday.

Racist comments also made at Human Rights Commission meeting

Councilor Lyndsie Leech said similar comments were made at the Oct. 17 Eugene Human Rights Commission for which she serves as the council liaison.

"We've had an incident in which unidentified individuals tried to use the Human Rights Commission meeting as a platform for disseminating messages infused with hate, antisemitism and harmful sentiments aimed at our Jewish, immigrant and Black communities," Leech said.

The commission's mission is to "affirm, encourage and initiate programs and services within the city of Eugene and in the community designed to place priority upon protecting, respecting and fulfilling the full range of universal human rights."

This can take many forms, including events put on by the commission such as the annual vigil for people who died while unhoused and an annual event for International Human Rights Day.

Leech told The Register-Guard that three or four people gave virtual hate speech during the commission meeting. The commission couldn't confirm until after public comment that they were allowed to use City Council procedure to end comment early.

Leech said this included someone using the same voice but a different name as the person who called himself Wittman during the City Council meeting.

She said she's "not convinced" these speakers are from Eugene and she supported the decision to reorder comment and end the meeting early.

"Public forum has rights for people of free speech, but we're also not going to tolerate hatred and terrible comments towards anyone in our community," she said.

What the Eugene City Council intends to do

Leech said she's been reaching out to the other Eugene advisory boards to warn them about what happened and tell them they have the authority to end meetings early if public comment gets out of hand.

She said the Human Rights Commission is considering reordering its agenda to put public comment last.

While it has a different set of procedures, Leech said she shared a similar warning to members of the Eugene 4J school board.

"The opportunity for public comment during council meetings has existed for many years. Over the years, there have been instances where the mayor has recessed a meeting during public forum," Caitlin Wallace, spokesperson for the city of Eugene said.

"With the advent of new technologies, we are faced with new challenges. City Council and staff will continue to evaluate meeting processes and procedures to ensure council can continue to conduct its business and receive input from the community."

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on twitter @alanfryetorres.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Racist, antisemitic comments made at Eugene council meeting
Almost 10 years after the 2013-2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, a court ruled against those implicated in the murders of dozens of protesters in the revolution's final days.

Yet, the prosecutors and lawyers who fought for years to see a fair trial say justice hasn't been served.

Kyiv's Svyatoshynsky District Court on Oct. 18 issued a verdict that gives the ultimate legal assessment to the most dramatic events of the pro-Western revolution, which ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych .

The decision finalizes a long-running trial that began in 2016.

One of the five defendants was acquitted. The others won't see jail either: One of them was released, and the other three are hiding in Russia.

The verdict follows years of what critics say was sabotage of the EuroMaidan cases by the Ukrainian authorities and law enforcement agencies.

"The authorities have done their best to make sure there are no real results," Sergii Gorbatuk, a former top investigator in charge of EuroMaidan cases, told the Kyiv Independent.

"The defendants who are in Ukraine were not held responsible, while those (in Russia) were. It's impossible to implement this verdict," he added.

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have also investigated whether Russia could have played a role in suppressing the EuroMaidan protests and provoking violence. Experts say that Russia has made efforts to destroy EuroMaidan cases and hide its potential role.

The Svyatoshynsky District Court did not respond to a request for comment.

Read also: EuroMaidan Revolution

Court ruling

The five defendants, who are ex-officers of the Berkut riot police, were tried on charges of killing unarmed EuroMaidan protesters on the morning of Feb. 20, 2014.

At least 48 demonstrators were murdered on that day, and at least four police officers were also killed. The prosecutors requested life sentences for all the defendants, who denied all accusations of wrongdoing.

Oleksandr Marynchenko and Serhiy Tamtura were present during the trial. Oleh Yanishevsky, Serhiy Zinchenko, and Vyacheslav Abroskin, who are hiding abroad, were tried in absentia.

The court gave long sentences to those in hiding  Yanishevsky, a deputy commander of a police regiment, received life imprisonment for murder. Abroskin and Zinchenko were sentenced to 15 years each on murder charges.

Those who remained in Ukraine got off easy. Marynchenko was sentenced to five years in jail for abuse of power but was acquitted on murder charges. He was released because he had already spent five years in prison.

Tamtura was the luckiest among the defendants, he was acquitted on all charges.

Both the prosecutors and defense lawyers said they would appeal the verdict.

Yury Aksyonin, the son of killed EuroMaidan protester Vasyl Aksyonin, said on Oct. 18 that he would also appeal the ruling and demand life sentences for all defendants, according to media outlet Suspilne.

Read also: Russias annexation of Crimea

Individual or collective responsibility?

According to the prosecutors, the five defendants were accomplices in a terrorist attack on EuroMaidan protesters. However, the court rejected terrorism charges, leaving only the murder and abuse of authority ones.

In many cases, it was impossible to identify which Berkut officer shot specific protesters because they wore face masks or their images in photographs and video footage were of poor quality.

The defense lawyers argued that this means the murder charges cannot be proven.

The prosecutors said that the officers must be convicted for their common actions as part of a criminal group that murdered dozens of protesters, not necessarily for individual murders.

But, the court effectively considered the officers' actions individually rather than collectively, thus dropping murder charges where it was impossible to prove which officer killed which protester.

"Only one (of the defendants) got a life sentence, although all of them should have been given life sentences because all of them were shooting," Svitlana Chapliska, the wife of EuroMaidan protester Volodymyr Chaplinsky, said at the Oct. 18 court hearing.

Chaplinsky was killed on Feb. 20, 2014.

EuroMaidan protesters hold Ukrainian flags as they clash with riot police on Independence Square in Kyiv on Feb. 19, 2014. A day later, riot police open fire on protesters killing around 100 people. The EuroMaidan Revolution ended after pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country. (Getty Images)

Oleksiy Donsky, a prosecutor in the murder case, said at the court hearing that he saw no logic in the court's decision to differentiate between suspects who were convicted of murder and abuse of power and acquitted on some or all charges, Suspilne reported.

Donsky cited a Supreme Court opinion according to which suspects must be held responsible collectively for their crimes if they were part of one criminal group. It doesn't matter who carried out specific actions in this case, he said.

Supreme Court opinions are mandatory for enforcement by Ukrainian courts.

Sergii Gorbatuk, a former top investigator in EuroMaidan cases, and Vitaly Tytych, a lawyer for EuroMaidan victims, also say they disagree with the court's opinion.

Gorbatuk told the Kyiv Independent that there is plenty of evidence that the Berkut officers coordinated their actions. They must have received similar sentences, he added.

Instead, only the commander was held fully responsible, while the others received lighter penalties or no punishment at all, Gorbatuk said.

Serhiy Dyachuk, the presiding judge in the murder case, argued in an Oct. 21 interview with Ukrainska Pravda news outlet that there is evidence that Yanishevsky, Zinchenko, and Abroskin coordinated their actions as part of one criminal group. However, there is no such evidence in the case of Tamtura and Marynchenko, he claimed.

Gorbatuk rejected this argument as absurd, saying that photos and video footage proved that all Berkut troops, including Tamtura and Marynchenko, coordinated their actions.

Marynchenko and Tamtura made phone calls from the site of the mass murder during the events, and all Berkut officers were photographed and filmed with weapons, coordinating their actions, Gorbatuk said.

Moreover, bullets have been found that were shot from Marynchenko's assault rifle, he added.

Read also: Viktor Yanukovych: Ukraines scandal-ridden ex-president

A fatal exchange

The bizarre situation in which only two of the defendants were present at court hearings stems from a 2019 agreement reached by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia's proxies.

According to the deal, the five Berkut officers were exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia's proxies in the Donbas.

Both the lawyers representing EuroMaidan protesters and the prosecutors in the murder case were against releasing the defendants. They said the exchange would be illegal because Ukrainian law does not allow the release of suspects in a criminal case for a prisoner exchange.

However, then Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka replaced the prosecutors with new ones, who agreed to release the defendants.

Both Tytych and Gorbatuk argued that the exchange constituted a crime.

"The (exchange) can be interpreted as a crime," Tytych said. "There is no legal procedure at all. The purpose of the (exchange) was to disrupt the trial. The trial was suspended for one and a half years."

Zelensky's spokesman, Serhiy Nikiforov, and Riaboshapka did not respond to requests for comment.

Surprisingly, two of the five Berkut officers  Tamtura and Marynchenko  remained in Ukraine despite the exchange.

This triggered speculation on their motivation.

"They behaved in a very confident way. I have the feeling that they knew that nothing would happen to them," Gorbatuk said.

Tytych said that "they returned, knowing that they face no threat."

Read also: Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine

History of sabotage

The 2019 exchange was the latest episode in Berkut troops' quest to escape justice in Ukraine.

In total, at least 27 Berkut officers charged in EuroMaidan cases are hiding in Russia and Russian-occupied areas.

In July 2014, 16 former Berkut officers left Ukraine just before their arrest was planned.

In September 2014, a Kyiv court also released Dmytro Sadovnyk, who headed the Berkut unit involved in the murders, from a detention facility. As a result, Sadovnyk escaped to Russia.

In 2017, another four former Berkut officers investigated for beating and killing EuroMaidan protesters went to Russia by bus.

Berkut troops' flight is just one example of the alleged sabotage of EuroMaidan cases.

EuroMaidan lawyers and Gorbatuk had also previously accused the administrations of both Zelensky and ex-President Petro Poroshenko and their handpicked top prosecutors of blocking EuroMaidan cases.

Officials and police officers implicated in the cases have often been let off the hook, and some cases have been allegedly blocked due to negotiations with Russia.

Spokespeople for Poroshenko and Zelensky did not respond to requests for comment.

Justice in absentia

Berkut officers are not the only ones escaping justice in EuroMaidan cases.

Ex-President Yanukovych has not been held responsible for the killings either, despite being sentenced to 13 years in jail for high treason in absentia in a separate case.

The State Investigation Bureau said on Oct. 4 that it had sent to trial a case against Yanukovych on charges of organizing the EuroMaidan murders.

However, the prospects of the case are uncertain.

Gorbatuk said the trial would take many years since it's even more complicated than the one against Berkut officers and because it involves about 600 victims.

"If the trial against Berkut officers took seven years, then how many years will the Yanukovych case take?" he said.

Demonstrators take part in a mass rally on Independence Square in Kyiv on Feb. 9, 2014, during the EuroMaidan Revolution. (Martin Bureau/ AFP via Getty Images)

Moreover, EuroMaidan lawyers and Gorbatuk say that Ukrainian law on in absentia trials contradicts international law, and a potential verdict may be canceled by the European Court of Human Rights.

Previously, only internationally wanted suspects could be tried in absentia, but Interpol often refused to put them on a wanted list, creating obstacles for such trials.

In 2021, the Ukrainian parliament tweaked the law, allowing in absentia trials against suspects hiding in Russia and Russian-occupied territories regardless of Interpol's wanted list.

However, Gorbatuk says the law is still imperfect and may be interpreted by European courts as an example of selective justice since it targets only those hiding in Russia and the occupied areas.

Russia's role

Another major issue in the EuroMaidan investigations is the role that Russia allegedly played during the EuroMaidan Revolution.

The Prosecutor General's Office has investigated whether Russia was behind several escalations of the EuroMaidan Revolution from December 2013 to February 2014. According to this version of events, Russia aimed to trigger bloodshed in Ukraine to have an excuse to launch a military operation and annex Ukrainian territories.

On Oct. 16, Ukraine's State Investigation Bureau said it had charged 20 employees of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in absentia as accomplices in suppressing the EuroMaidan protests in December 2013 and infringing on Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, national defense, and security.

Gorbatuk said that FSB officers came to Ukraine in December 2013 and in January-February 2014 to help the Yanukovych government suppress the protests, according to the investigators.

Tytych and Gorbatuk believe that Russia was also interested in the release of the Berkut officers in 2019 to disrupt and discredit EuroMaidan investigations and to hide its possible role in the murders.

This is why the fate of EuroMaidan investigations is crucial in the context of how Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine began in 2014.

"This trial is not about 2014 but about now and how this war is going to end," Tytych said.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A drawing of the proposed $600 million-dollar Centerpoint BioFuels Plant by Fulcrum Bioenergy in Gary, Indiana Tuesday March 29, 2022. The plant was the topic of discussion during the monthly A Seat At The Table discussion at Js Breakfast Club in Gary. (Andy. Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune)

California-based Fulcrum Bioenergys plan to sell up to $500 million of tax-exempt environmental improvement revenue bonds through the Indiana Finance Authority for its planned Centerpoint Biorefinery in Gary is on hold after the companys bonds for a similar plant in Nevada went into default.

The news prompted criticism from local environmental activists, who have long questioned the efficacy and safety of the companys planned trash-to-fuel plant.

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Fulcrum sold about $290 million of environmental improvement revenue bonds between 2017 and 2020 through the Nevada Department of Business and Industry to fund construction of its Sierra Biofuels Plant, located near Reno, according to reporting by the trade newspaper The Bond Buyer.

On Oct. 17, bond trustee UMB Bank posted notice that bonds for the Sierra facility, which started operating last year, were in default. At the direction of holders of a majority of the debt, it demanded accelerated repayment of the 30-year bonds.

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Fulcrum had been planning to sell up to $500 million of tax-exempt environmental improvement revenue bonds for the Centerpoint project later in October but has now put those plans on hold, The Bond Buyer reported.

The Gary facility, to be located in the old Lehigh Cement property in Buffington Harbor, was slated to start turning household waste and other organic matter into jet fuel in 2026. Fulcrum has framed the project as a way of reducing airlines reliance on crude oil and lowering carbon emissions, all while boosting the struggling citys economy. The company has promised to invest $600 million in Gary and to divert 700,000 tons of waste from local landfills each year. Gary Mayor Jerome Prince has supported the proposal, lauding its potential as a job creator.

Dorreen Carey, of Gary, sets among a signs distributed by Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD) during the public hearing to gather questions and comments on the licensing of Fulcrum Centerpoint at the 21st Century Charter School in Gary, Indiana Wednesday April 27, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune)

Critics of the proposal have questioned the efficacy of Fulcrums technology, and warned of the potential for damage to the local environment. Princes support for the Centerpoint facility was one issue on which he clashed with State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, who unseated Prince in the citys Democratic mayoral primary in May.

Among the plans most dogged opponents has been the grassroots environmental group Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD).

On Dec. 16, members of the group filed a petition with the Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication in which they asked that an air permit issued to Fulcrum for the Centerpoint facility be revoked because of what they believe to be incomplete information and unsupported emissions calculations in its permit application.

In a statement released on Monday, GARD spokesperson Carolyn McCrady framed news of the default as a sign of Fulcrums inability to deliver on its promises.

Over and over again Gary residents have questioned the feasibility of the project, and over and over again, Fulcrum has said we should look to its Sierra plant as a successful example of what it plans to do in Gary, she wrote. Well now we know. They have not produced fuel at scale and cannot pay back their investors. This is just further evidence that this is an ill-gotten venture that is bad for Indiana taxpayers and should be abandoned.

In a statement, Fulcrum vice president Rick Barraza wrote that Fulcrums decision to not move forward with the Centerpoint bonds has no relation to the Sierra bonds.

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Fulcrum is working closely with UMB and the Sierra bondholders to finalize a forbearance agreement to resolve the current matter with UMB, he wrote, adding that the company remains steadfast in its commitment to both the Centerpoint and Sierra projects and their respective bondholders.

adalton@chicagotribune.com
Europe has set a new date for a key long-duration static-fire test needed to get the new Ariane 6 rocket ready for launch.

The Ariane 6 test article rocket will fire its Vulcain 2.1 engine for a full eight minutes (470 seconds), representing the entire flight phase of the core stage. The test will occur sometime in November 2023 at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the European Space Agency (ESA) said in a statement on Oct. 19.

Another test designed to rehearse launch procedures including engine ignition is expected to occur by the end of October.

Ariane 6 is Europe's new-generation, expendable launcher that will take over from the recently retired workhorse Ariane 5 that began flying in 1996 and had over 100 missions under its belt before it was put out to pasture.

Related: 1st launch of Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket slips to 2024

The Ariane 6's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen-burning Vulcain 2.1 engine was fired up for the first time on Sept. 5, firing for four seconds in a test that went according to plan.

RELATED STORIES:

 Meet Ariane 6 and Vega C: Europe's new 'rideshare' rockets (videos)

 Watch the gantry of Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket take its 1st test drive (time-lapse video)

 Europe won't have reusable rockets for another decade: report

A combined test of a full, 36-hour launch rehearsal followed by a short ignition of the main stage is scheduled for Oct. 23, SpaceNews reported .

The long-duration test was earlier scheduled for early October before an issue with the hydraulics of the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system was discovered.

Ariane 6 was originally planned to begin flights in 2020 but has been hit by a series of delays. The first flight will now be in 2024 . ESA aims to announce a date for the debut flight after the November test.
A controversial child sexual abuse material (CSAM)-scanning proposal that's under discussion by lawmakers in Europe is both the wrong response to tackling a sensitive and multifaceted societal problem and a direct threat to democratic values in a free and open society, a seminar organized by the European Data Protection Supervisor heard yesterday.

More than 20 speakers at the three hour event voiced opposition to a European Union legislative proposal that would require messaging services to scan the contents of users' communications for known and unknown CSAM, and to try to detect grooming taking place in real-time -- putting the comms of all users of apps subject to detection orders under an automatic and non-targeted surveillance dragnet.

Critics argue the approach runs counter to the fundamental freedoms that are pivotal to democratic societies. The European Commission has pushed back aggressively against this sort of criticism to date -- arguing the proposal is a proportionate and targeted response to a growing problem. It was even spotted recently using microtargeted ads to promote the plan, apparently turning to covert targeting to attack critics by suggesting they do not support child protection (despite the existence of another live EU legislative proposal that seeks to restrict the use of political microtargeting... so, er, oops!).

The contentious debate is still live as it's now up to EU co-legislators, in the European Parliament and Member States, via the Council, to hash out (no pun intended!) a way forward -- which means there's still time for regional lawmakers to pull back.

And the need for the bloc to pull back from this brink was absolutely the message from yesterday's event.

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) himself, Wojciech Wiewiorowski, suggested the EU could be at a point of no return if lawmakers go ahead and pass a law that mandates the systemic, mass surveillance of private messaging. In his opening remarks, he suggested the Commission's proposal could bring consequences that go "well beyond what concerns with the protection of children".

"It is often being used in the debate that this proposal is only about protecting children. I would like this to be the case -- but it's not," he went on, arguing that the Commission's proposal questions the "foundations" of what privacy means in a democratic society; and pointing out that privacy, once undermined, leads to "the radical shift from which there might be no return", as he put it.

Without amendments, the proposal would "fundamentally change the Internet and the digital communication as we know it", Wiewiorowski also warned at the event's close -- invoking his personal childhood experience of living under surveillance and restrictions on freedom of expression imposed by the Communist regime in Poland. And, most certainly, it's an awkward comparison for the EU's executive to be asked to contemplate coming from the mouth of one of its own expert advisors.

The EDPS, an EU institution which advises the Commission on data protection and privacy, is not a newly converted critic of the Commission proposal either. Indeed, the Supervisor and the European Data Protection Board put out a joint opinion a full year ago that warned the legislative plan raises "serious data protection and privacy concerns" -- including for encryption. But that joint expression of concern from inside the EU has -- so far -- failed to persuade Johansson or the Commission to rethink their full-throated backing for mass surveillance of citizens' private communications.

Seminar attendees heard that Johansson had been invited to attend but the event but had declined to do so. Nor did anyone else from the Commission agree to attend. (We've reached out to the Commission and Johansson's office about her decision not to participate and will update our report if we get a response).

Mounting concerns

The Commission presented its draft CSAM legislation back in May 2022. Since then opposition has been building over human rights impacts as the implications of the proposal have become clearer. While concerns -- and even suspicions -- about the driving forces behind the proposal have mounted, not helped by a perceived lack of engagement from the Commission with civil society organizations and others expressing genuinely held misgivings. The emotive debate has also, at times, lent itself to unhelpful polarization.

Even from the start there were clear questions about the legality of the proposal. EU law requires any interferences with fundamental rights like privacy and freedom of expression to be necessary and proportionate. While the imposition of a general content monitoring obligation on online platforms is prohibited -- so how does that square with a law that could put the messages of hundreds of millions of Europeans under watch by design?

Giving a perspective on the legality at yesterday's seminar, Frederik Borgesius, professor at iHub, Radboud University, in the Netherlands, said in his view the Commission's proposal is not a proportionate way of interfering with fundamental rights. He referred back to case law on data retention for terrorism -- as the most relevant comparison -- which has seen the bloc's top court repeatedly strike down general and indiscriminate storage of Europeans' metadata. (Not that that's stopped Member States from keeping on breaking the law, though... )

"Actually, the court might not even get to a proportionality test because the data retention cases were about metadata. And this is about analysing the content of communications," he went on. "The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has an element that says if the essence of a fundamental right is violated then the measure is illegal by definition -- there's not even a need for a proportionality test."

Borgesius also pointed out there's case law on this essence point too. "When is the essence violated? Well, the court has said -- in a different case -- if authorities can access the contents of communications on such a large scale then the discussion is over," he explained. "No room for proportionality test -- the essence of the right to privacy would be violated, and therefore such a measure would be illegal."

Legality is just one element the seminar considered. Multiple critics of the Commission's proposal speaking at the event also argued it's even ill-fitted in its main claimed purpose -- of addressing the complex societal problem of child sexual abuse -- and actually risks causing unintended consequences, including for children.

The seminar heard repeated concerns from panellists that minors could end up being harmed because of the regulation's single-minded focus on scanning private comms, with speakers emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking in such a sensitive area, rather than a blinding rushing down the road of technosolutionism.

One issue several speakers raised is that a large proportion of the sexualized content involving minors that's being shared online is actually being done so by (and between) consenting minors (i.e. sexting). The Commission proposal could therefore lead to children being investigated and even criminalizing for exploring their own sexual identities, they suggested -- since understanding what is and isn't CSAM is not something that can necessarily be done by simply reviewing the imagery itself.

The Commission's proposal hinges on the idea of forcing messaging platforms which are suspected of hosting CSAM to scan for illegal content (and grooming activity) and pass flagged content to a European Center to carry out initial checks -- but also potentially send reported content on to law enforcement agencies.

Certainly in the case of new CSAM (i.e. suspected CSAM content that has not been previously seen, investigated and confirmed as illegal child sexual abuse material), context is essential to any assessment of what is being depicted. This is not something an AI scanning tool, or even a trained human looped in to review flagged imagery, can inherently know just by looking at a piece of content, the seminar heard.

So a law that automates CSAM scanning and reporting without there being a foolproof way to distinguish between actual CSAM, innocent sexting between kids, or even just a parent sending a family holiday snap to a relative via a private messaging channel they believe to be a safe way to share personal stories, looks the opposite of an intelligent response to child sexual abuse.

"A big part of the material that we see is not a result of sexual abuse," Arda Gerkens, chair of the board of The Netherlands' Authority for the Prevention of Online Terrorist Content and Child Sexual Abuse Material, told the seminar. "The material's indeed being spread by the Internet -- but it's a growing number which is a result of sexual activity of young people themselves."

The risk of "leaked images and sextortion" are "even more reason why we should keep the Internet safe and secure", she also suggested -- pointing out children can be put in an exceptionally vulnerable position if their accounts are hacked and their private comms fall into the hands of someone who wants to manipulate and abuse them.

"The scanning of private communication will certainly flag problematic situations -- I definitely know that that's already happening -- but it's not the solution to combat this sexual child abuse," she went on, speaking up in favor of a narrower practice of scanning for known CSAM on image hosting websites to stop the further spread of material -- "but not to prosecute".

The legislation proposed by the Commission doesn't properly address image hosting websites as potential repositories of CSAM, she suggested, because it's too focused on "private communication and subsequently prosecution". She therefore predicted the EU's approach will be "counterproductive" when it comes to detecting perpetrators and ending domestic sexual violence.

"The sheer amount of images will overflow the systems we have and put even more pressure on the fragile law enforcement systems," she suggested, adding: "It would be much better to invest in those systems and strengthen collaborations between the EU countries."

Another speaker, Susan Landau, bridge professor in cyber security and Policy at Tufts University, also argued the Commission's proposal misunderstands a multifaceted and highly sensitive issue -- failing to respond to different (and distinct) types of child sexual abuse and exploitation that can occur over the Internet.

An approach that's centered on investigation and prosecution, as the Commission's is, would hit a wall in many cases, she also predicted -- pointing out, for example, that an overwhelming majority of Internet-enabled sex trafficking cases involve victims being abused by people close to them, who they do not want to report.

"What you need there, as well as with real time abuse, is spaces that make children safe. Community spaces. Online safety education. Education about online security and safety by design," she suggested.

"The point is that the law requires scanning to handle the child sexual abuse and exploitation issue misunderstands the issue," Landau added. "There are multiple ways... to prevent and investigate the crime [of child sexual abuse] that are not affected by end-to-end encryption (E2EE) . Meanwhile, end-to-end encryption is a technology that secures both children and adults."

Also speaking during the event was Alexander Hanff, a privacy expert and advocate -- who is himself a survivor of child sexual abuse. He too asserted that a lot of sexualized imagery of children that's shared online is being done privately between consenting minors. But the impact the Commission's proposal would have on minors who sext is not something the EU's executive appears to have considered.

"If we now introduce a law which requires the scanning of all digital communications, and by that we're talking billions, tens of billions of communications every single day across the EU, those images would then be sent to multiple individuals along the chain of investigation -- including Europol and various law enforcement bodies, etc -- creating victims," he warned. "Because one of the things that we see in relation to CSAM, and speaking as a survivor myself, is the impact on the dignity of the individuals for whom it relates.

"The very fact that people are viewing these images -- which is exactly the intent of the Commission to try and overcome -- is a form of abuse itself. So if we now take innocent pictures, which have been shared among consenting individuals, and expose them to potentially hundreds of other individuals down the investigation chain then we are indeed actually creating more victims as a result of this."

Another attendee -- WhatsApp's public policy director, Helen Charles -- chipped into the discussion to offer an industry view, saying that while the Meta-owned messaging platform supports EU lawmakers in their aim of tackling child sexual abuse, it shares concerns that the Commission's approach is not well targeted at this multifaceted problem; and that it risks major unintended consequences for web users of all ages.

"We think that any outcome that requires scanning of content in end-to-end encrypted messaging would undermine fundamental rights, as several colleagues have set out," she told the seminar. "Instead, the draft regulation should set the right conditions for services like WhatsApp and other end-to-end encrypted services to mitigate the misuse of our services in a way that's reasonable and proportionate but that also considers both the different nature of harm... but also includes things like prevention and other upstream measures that could help tackle these kinds of harms."

Charles went on to advocate for EU lawmakers to give platforms more leeway to use "traffic data" (i.e. metadata; not comms content) for the prevention of child sexual abuse under the EU's existing ePrivacy Directive -- noting that the current (temporary) ePrivacy derogation for platforms, which lets them scan non-E2EE messages for CSAM, only covers detection, reporting and takedown, not prevention.

"Having access to some data can be helpful in a targeted proportionate way to address those risks," she argued. "Where it is legal Meta does deploy techniques, including the use of traffic data, to identify potentially problematic behaviour. This is not just about detection, though. This is also about prevention... [T]raffic data can be an important signal when used with other signals to help services proactively disrupt violating message groups and accounts who may be seeking to abuse our services.

"So we would encourage institutions, when they're thinking about the way forward here, to both ensure end-to-end encryption is protected and that services can tackle CSAM without accessing message content but also look at ways that EPG traffic data can be processed in a proportionate and targeted manner, including for prevention. We think, in this way, the regulation will move closer to achieving its objectives."

The seminar also heard concerns about the limitations of the current state of the art in AI-based CSAM detection. A big issue here is AI tools used to detect known CSAM are proprietary -- with no independent verification of claims made for their accuracy, said Jaap-Henk Hoepman, visiting professor in computer science at Karlstad University. "The problem is that the [CSAM detection] techniques being discussed -- either PhotoDNA [developed by Microsoft] or NeuralHash [made by Apple] -- are proprietary and therefore not publicly available and known and study-able algorithms -- which means that we simply have to rely on the figures provided by the companies on how effective these technologies are."

He also pointed to work by academics and other researchers who have reverse engineered PhotoDNA that he said revealed some elementary flaws -- such as evidence it's particularly easy to evade detection against a known CSAM fingerprint by simply rotating or mirroring the image.

"Clearly this has implications for the proportionality of the [Commission] proposal, because a serious breach of privacy is being proposed for an not-so-effective measure," he added, going on to warn about risks from "targeted false positives" -- where attackers seek to manipulate an image so that an algorithm detects it as CSAM when, to the human eye, it looks innocuous -- either to frame an innocent person or trick app users into forwarding a doctored image (and, if enough people share it, he warned it could flood detection systems and even cause a DDoS-like event).

"This technology is not free from error -- and we're talking many billions of communications [being scanned] every day. So even if we have a 0.1% error rate that accounts for many millions of false positives or false negatives on a daily basis. Which is not something that we can subscribe to in a democracy," Hanff also warned, chiming in with a technosocial perspective on flawed AI tools.

Claudia Peersman, a senior research associate in the Cyber Security Research Group of the University of Bristol, had a pertinent assessment to offer related to work she'd been involved with at the Rephrain Centre. The expert academic group recently independently assessed five proof-of-concept projects, developed in the U.K. with government backing, to scan E2EE content for CSAM without -- per the Home Office's headline claim -- compromising people's privacy.

The problem is, none of the projects lived up to that billing. "None of these tools were able to meet [our assessment] criteria. I think this is the most important part of our conclusion. Which does not mean that we do not support the development of AI supported tools for online child protection in general. We just believe that the tools are not ready to be deployed on such a large scale on private messages within end-to-end encrypted environments," she told the seminar.

Delegates also heard a warning that client-side scanning -- the technology experts suggest the EU law will force onto E2EE platforms such as WhatsApp if/when they're served with a CSAM detection order -- is far too new and immature to be rushed into mainstream application.

"As computer science researchers we've just begun to look at this technology," said Matthew Green, a cryptographer professor at The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. "I want to stress how completely new the idea of client side scanning is -- the very first computer science research papers on the topic appeared in 2021 and we're not even two years later, and we're already discussing laws that mandate it."

"The problem of building systems where [content scanning] algorithms are confidential and can't be exploited is something we're just beginning to research. And so far, many of our technical results are negative -- negative in the sense that we keep finding ways to break these systems," he also told the seminar. "Break them means that we will ultimately violate the confidentiality of many users. We will cause false positives. We will cause bad data to be injected into the system.

"And, in some cases, there's this possibility that abuse victims may be re traumatised if the systems are built poorly... I'm just a computer scientist. I'm not a legislator or a lawyer. My request to this community is please, please give us time. To actually do the research, to figure out whether and how to do this safely before we start to deploy these systems and mandate them by law."

Children's rights being ignored?

A number of speakers also had passionate critiques that the views (and rights) of children themselves are being ignored by lawmakers -- with several accusing the Commission of failing to consult kids about a proposal with severe implications for children's rights, as well as for the privacy and fundamental rights of everyone who uses digital comms tools.

"We should involve the children," said Gerkens. "We are speaking here about them. We are judging about what they do online. We have a moral opinion about it. But we're not talking to them. They are the ones we are speaking about. We haven't involved them in this legislation. I think we should."

Sabine Witting, assistant professor at Leiden University, also warned over a raft of "negative" impacts on kids' rights -- saying the EU proposal will affect children's right to privacy, personal data protection, freedom of expression and access to information.

"In this context, I really would like to highlight that -- from a children's rights perspective -- privacy and protection are not contradicting each other. Actually, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, and its General Comment number 25, made it very clear that privacy is actually vital for children's safety. So privacy is not a hindrance of children's safety as it's often projected. It's actually an important precondition to safety," she said.

Witting also had a strong message about the harms that could accrue for adolescents whose private texts to each other get sucked up and caught in a CSAM-scanning dragnet. "The investigation alone can already be very, very harmful for affected adolescents, especially in cases where we have adolescents from marginalised communities. For example, LGBTQ+ children," she warned. "Because this kind of investigation might lead to false disclosure, further marginalisation and in a worst case scenario, also political persecution or the like, so children and adolescents being targets of a criminal investigation is already harmful in and of themselves.

"Unfortunately the proposal will not be able to prevent that from happening. So this whole process of scanning private communications among adolescents of the most intimate nature, the further review by private sector, by government, the potential involvement of law enforcement, all of that is really a significant violation of children's right to privacy."

Witting said she'd raised this issue with the Commission -- but had no response. "I think because there is just no simple answer," she added. "Because it lies in the nature of the subject matter that these kinds of cases will not be able to be filtered out along the process."

The idea of the EU passing a law that sanctions warrantless searches of everyone's "digital worlds" was skewered more generally by Iverna McGowan, director of the European office of the Center for Democracy and Technology.

"What essentially the detection orders amount to are warrantless searches of our digital worlds," she argued. "We would of course never expect or accept that law enforcement would enter our homes, or private setting, with no warrants and no reasonable suspicion to search everything belonging to us. And so we cannot of course, allow that to happen on the online space either because it would be a death knell to the rule of law and criminal law as we know it in the digital context."

Going on to offer some thoughts on how to salvage something from the Commission proposal -- i.e. to undo the existential threat is poses to European values and democracy -- would, she suggested, require a fundamental rewriting of the detection order provisions. Including to ensure provisions are formulated with "sufficient precision" to not apply to people whose conduct is not suspected of being criminal.

She also argued for an independent judicial authority being invoked to sign off searches and verify the purposes and basis upon which individuals or groups of people are suspected. Plus proportionality tests built in -- to determine whether the law allows for a truly independent assessment.

"If you consider that all of these different elements would have to be in line in order for detection order to be lawful then I think we're in a very challenging situation at the moment with the text that's on the table before us," she cautioned.

Mission creep was another concern raised by several speakers -- with panellists pointing to documents obtained by journalists that suggest Europol wants unfiltered access to data obtained under the CSAM-scanning proposal.

"[We] know that the objective of Europol is to become a data hub and to also enlarge and strengthen its missions," said MEP Saskia Bricmont. "Is there a risk of function creep? I think there is obviously, not only because of what has happened before in the evolution of the legislation around Europol but also because it seems that Europol has been pushing to obtain, in this legislation, what it aims for -- namely, collect data, extend access to data and filter data -- and which is also reflected in the Commission's proposal."

She noted this requires all reports "not manifestly unfounded" to be sent simultaneously to Europol and national law enforcement agencies. "So far the European Parliament's position is not going in that direction... But, nevertheless, the initial proposal of the Commission is going in that direction and... Europol has been also pushing for extended detection to other crime areas beyond CSAM."

No dialogue

The event was being held two days before Ylva Johansson, the bloc's commissioner for Home Affairs -- who has been the driving force behind the CSAM-scanning proposal -- is due to attend a hearing with the European Parliament's civil rights committee.

Critics have accused Johansson personally, and the Commission generally, of a lack of transparency and accountability around the controversial proposal. So the meeting will be closely watched and, most likely, rather a tense affair (to put it mildly).

One key criticism -- also aired during the seminar -- is that EU lawmakers are using the highly sensitive and emotive issue of child abuse to push a blanket surveillance plan on the region that would drastically impact the fundamental rights of hundreds of millions of Europeans.

"What I find really problematic is the instrumentalization of such a sensitive topic, emotional question also related to the fight -- and legitimate fight and prior fights -- against child sexual abuse," said Bricmont. "And this is also what we as MEPs as European parliament have to dig into, and we will have the exchanges with the commissioner in our LIBE Committee. Because we want to know more about this and other revelations of BalkanInsight's [investigative reporting] when it comes to potential conflicts of interests."

"Let us regret the absence of the Commission because I think we need dialogue," she added. "I think we need to share knowledge and information in this file and that the fact that there's a closed door [increases] suspicion also. If we want to believe that the intentions are positive and to fight against child sexual abuse then it means that every party, every person needs to be also open to the counter arguments and bring founded arguments to explain why they want to go into that direction.

"So the question is, is the Commission misled? Misinformed? What is it? And this is also true for the Council side -- because we know [there is there] probably also a lack of understanding of what is discussed today, and the risks related to the end of end-to-end encryption."

Earlier this month Johansson responded to critics by penning a blog post that denounced what she suggested had included personal attacks on her and attacked those who have been raising doubts, including over opaque lobbying around the file -- after journalists questioned the level of access given to lobbyists for commercial entities involved in selling so-called safety tech who stand to benefit from a law that makes use of such tools mandatary.

She went so far as to suggest that civil society opposition to the CSAM-scanning proposal may be acting as a sock puppet for Big Tech interests.

"The biggest digital rights NGO in Europe gets funding from the biggest tech company in the world. EDRI, the European Digital Rights NGO, publishes on its website that it receives funding from Apple," she wrote. "Apple was accused of moving encryption keys to China, which critics say could endanger customer data. Yet no-one asks if these are strange bedfellows, no-one assumes Apple is drafting EDRIs speaking points."

Ella Jakubowska, senior policy advisor at EDRi, did not engage directly with the commissioner's attack on her employer during her own contribution to the seminar. Instead she dedicated her two-to-three minutes of speaking time to calling out the Commission for asking Europeans to make a false choice between privacy and safety.

"This disingenuous narrative has been reiterated in surveys which have crassly asked people if they agree that the ability to detect child abuse is more important than the right to online privacy," she said. "This is a misrepresentation of both privacy and safety -- as if we can all altruistically give up some of our privacy in order to keep children safe online. It doesn't work in that way. And this sort of attitude really failed to grasp the deep social roots of the crime that we are talking about. To the contrary, I think it's clear that privacy and safety are mutually reinforcing."

Jakubowska also accused the EU's executive of seeking to manipulate public support for its proposal by deploying leading survey questions. (Johansson's blog post pointed to a new Eurobarometer poll which she claimed showed massive public support for laws that regulate online service providers to fight child sexual abuse, including 81% supporting platforms having obligations to detect, report and remove child sexual abuse.)

She went on to highlight concerns that the proposal poses risks to professional secrecy (such as lawyer client privilege), warning: "This of course, on the surface should be of concern to all of us in a democratic society. But even more so when we're thinking about this crime of child sexual abuse, where securing convictions of perpetrators is so deeply important. The idea that this law could stand in the way of already fragile access to justice for survivors should not be taken lightly. But this element was not even considered in the Commission's proposal."

She also highlighted the risk of negative impacts on children's political participation -- which she said is an angle that's been under-examined by lawmakers, despite children's rights law requiring their voices to be listened to in legislation that will impact young people.

"We've heard very little from children and young people themselves. In fact, in a representative survey that was undertaken earlier this year, it was found that 80% of young people aged between 13 and 17 from across 13 EU Member States would not feel comfortably being politically active or exploring their sexuality if authorities were able to monitor their digital communication. And that was specifically asked if it was being done for the purpose of scanning for child sexual abuse. So it's really clear when we asked young people if this is the sort of measure that they want to keep them safe that this is not the answer," she suggested.

The final panellist to speak during the event was MEP Patrick Breyer who has been a stalwart voice raised in opposition of the CSAM-scanning proposal -- aka, "Chatcontrol" as he's pithily dubbed it -- ever since the controversial plan popped up on the EU's horizon.

During the seminar he described the proposal as "unprecedented in the free world", suggesting it has led to unhelpfully polarized arguments both for and against. The more fruitful approach for policymakers would, he argued, be to work for consensus -- to "try to bring the two sides together", by keeping bits of the proposal everyone can get behind and then -- "consensually" -- adding "new, effective approaches" to push for something that "can protect children much better".

Discussing how the proposal might be amended to reduce negative impacts and bolster protections for kids, Breyer said a new approach is needed -- one that doesn't just remove the controversial detection orders but focused on prevention by "strictly limiting the scanning of communications to persons presumably involved in child sexual exploitation". So targeted investigations, not Chatcontrol. "That's the only way to avoid involvement in court and achieving nothing at all for our children," he argued.

Per Breyer, MEPs who support reforming the proposal are working hard to achieve such changes in the Parliament. But -- so far -- he said the Council is "refusing any measure of targeting".

"We also need to avoid un-targeted voluntary detection by industry, both concerning content and metadata, because it suffers the same problems for proportionality as the mandated detected," he went on. "And the same goes for not turning our personal devices into scanners, in order to back door encryption. So we need to explicitly exclude client-side scanning... What the Council is looking at -- some vague commitments to how important encryption is -- does not do the job."

On detection, as an alternative to unacceptable mass surveillance he spoke up in favor of proactive crawling of publicly accessible material -- which he noted is already being done the U.K. and Canada -- as a way to "clean the web". The proposed new EU Centre could be tasked with doing that, he suggested, along with focusing on crime prevention, victim support and best practices for law enforcement.

In wider remarks, he also urged lawmakers to resist calls to impose mandatory age verification on platforms as another ill-thought through child safety measure -- suggesting the focus should instead be placed on making services safe by design.

"Shouldn't profiles be restricted to being private unless the user explicitly wants to make them publicly visible? Should anybody be able to reach out to new users and to send them all sorts of photos without the user even being asked? And shouldn't the users have the right to decide whether they want to see nude photos? It's possible to tell on the device without giving any information to the provider. Such confirmation could also go a long way to warning teenagers and children of what could be the consequences -- and maybe offering them to reach out for support."

But non-technical solutions are ultimately "key" to preventing child sexual abuse, he suggested, emphasizing: "We can't focus just on technical approaches only.

The stakes if EU lawmakers fail to reach a sensible revision of the proposal in trilogue negotiations on this file are grave indeed, he also warned -- with the possibility that a CSAM-scanning law could mean "the end of truly confidential private messaging and secure encryption" -- and also "pave the way to introducing unprecedented authoritarian methods to democracies".

It is the thin end of the wedge, in Breyer's view. "If they start scanning our communications without cause what prevents them from scanning our devices, or even from scanning our homes? There is technology of shot detection; everything can be done with AI. And I think if that precedent is set -- that it is justified to intrude in personal and private spaces just because they could be some hint of a crime -- then this very much destroys the essence of the right to privacy," he suggested.

"But if we prevail with our views, I think we can set a global example for protecting children online in line with our values. And that's what I'm fighting for. Not just for our generation but also for our children, because I want them to grow up in a free world where we trust each other and not in a surveillance state of mutual fear."
IndyStar is tracking police shootings where an Indianapolis law enforcement officer injures or kills a person. This list is preliminary, and the information can change as authorities investigate the circumstances of each shooting. The information below is compiled using data from Indianapolis police, court records and interviews with family and friends of those involved.

Frederick Davis, 37, shot by officer during struggle for gun dies, officer injured

Officers and investigators work a scene where a person and an IMPD officer were shot just before 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, near the intersection of East 21st Street and North Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis. The person was left in critical condition and the officer sustained a "graze wound," according to IMPD.

Oct. 26: Frederick Davis, 37, was killed after being shot by a police officer, who also was injured at a Burger King near East 21st Street and North Shadeland Avenue.

Police said the shooting occurred before 6 p.m. after officers were called to a nearby hotel regarding the man trespassing.

Davis fled to a nearby Burger King and when police arrived they grappled with Davis, who was able to unholster the officer's firearm, police said. Davis was taken to a hospital in critical condition but died after arriving. The officer, who shot Davis, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was identified as patrol officer Nicolas Deem, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Deem has been with the department for five years.

More: What we know about the 14th shooting involving Indianapolis police this year

Darcel Edwards, 35, dies after being shot in tree by officer following car crash

Indianapolis police have Dr. Andrew J. Brown Boulevard and East 25th Street blocked as they investigate a shooting involving one of their officers early Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

Oct: 24: Darcel Edwards, 35, was died days after an Indianapolis police officer shot him while he was in a tree following a car crash on the city's north side.

About 4:15 a.m., an officer in the area of East 25th Street and Dr. Andrew J. Brown Boulevard, near Douglass Park, heard shots fired then saw a vehicle speeding away, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Kendale Adams.

The officer made a traffic stop on the vehicle then the driver, identified as Edwards, got out of his car and made a comment about another vehicle hitting his vehicle. Edwards then got back into his car and fled. The officer did not pursue the vehicle, but followed it, Adams said.

After losing sight of the vehicle, the officer spotted it near East 25th Street and Columbia Avenue, where it had crashed. Additional police arrived and found Edwards in a tree, Adams said.

Police told Edwards to come down from the tree while he made comments about a medical condition. Adams said officers told him not to reach several times and he remarked about "going in" his pocket, and "kill me."

An officer then shot Edwards. He was taken to a hospital in critical, but stable condition. The Marion County Coroner's Office said Edwards died Oct. 26, two days after the shooting.

Police said he was wearing a holster, but officers did not immediately find a gun belonging to him.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police on Oct. 31 identified the officer who fired shots as 5-year Patrol Officer Gunnar Gossett. It marked at least the second time Gossett was involved in a police-action shooting. In 2001 the prosecutor declined charges against Gossett and officer Dwayne Mills who shot and killed 35-year-old Grant King on July 19, 2020.

More: IMPD shoots man in tree after crash on city's north side

Antoine Beech, 38, shot by Indianapolis officer during warrant investigation at gas station on Shelby Street

Law enforcement investigate Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, after a man in a vehicle was shot at least once by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers near the intersection of Shelby and Raymond streets on the city's south side. Officers approached a man, who they say was armed and had a possible warrant, and gave him commands before at least one officer fired a weapon. Shelby Street will be closed for several hours from Raymond Street to LeGrande Avenue because of the shooting. Drivers are asked to find alternate routes.

Oct. 19: Antoine Beech, 38, was shot by an Indianapolis officer after he was approached by police in his car and they allege he reached for a gun.

The shooting occurred shortly after 7 a.m. as police were investigating an unrelated robbery at a Speedway gas station at 2053 Shelby St. While at the gas station, police were told a man was inside a vehicle who possibly had a warrant.

Officers approached the man, who they identified as Beech, as he sat in the passenger seat of a Chevrolet Impala. Police said officers saw a firearm within Beech's reach in the car and told him not to reach for the gun. Department officials said Beech reached for the weapon and an officer fired shots, striking him.

Beech was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

The officer involved in the shooting was identified Oct. 26 as 8-year veteran patrol officer Ryan Thomas

More: One man shot, injured by Indianapolis police on city's south side

Mar-Kel Sampson, 31, shot by off-duty officer after gunfire erupts inside bar on East Washington Street

Oct. 14: Mar-Kel Sampson, 31, was critically injured he was shot by an off-duty Indianapolis police officer after gunfire broke out at Bubbaz Bar and Grill on the east side of the city.

Police said the officer was trying to defuse an argument between two groups near the entry to the business, in the 10000 block of East Washington Street, when gunshots rang out from inside about 2 a.m., injuring two people. The off-duty officer shot the gunman, who police later identified as Mar-Kel Sampson, who was taken to a hospital.

Sampson was charged with battery by means of a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm.

Indianapolis police later identified the off-duty officer who fired the shots as 16-year veteran Roman Ervin-Williams.

More: Off-duty Indianapolis police officer shoots person after gunfire erupts at bar and grill

Darmon Graves Jr., 42, shot and killed by 3 officers from 2 agencies during traffic stop on Keystone Avenue

A police drone flying overhead captured this image of a traffic stop during which police shot and killed a man near East 40th Street and North Keystone Avenue on Sept. 26, 2023.

Sept. 26: Darmon Graves Jr., 42, died after being shot by two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers and a trooper with Indiana State Police.

The shooting happened near East 40th Street at Keystone Avenue when members of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan after identifying Graves Jr., its passenger, as having an outstanding violent warrant.

Graves exited the car holding a handgun that he raised and pointed in the direction officers, police said. Graves fired his weapon, officials said, and during a brief exchange of gunfire, two IMPD officers and one ISP state trooper fatally shot Graves.

Indiana State Police identified the trooper involved as Christopher Stout, a six-year veteran of the force and member of the task force. The Indianapolis police officers involved were identified as 9-year veteran Officer Jai'dion Broader and 6-year veteran Officer Matthew Harris.

More: Armed man shot and killed; 3 officers from 2 agencies involved, ISP says

Ricktez Williams, 27, dies after being shot by Indy SWAT team members near Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis police remain on scene outside Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, after reporting an officer-involved shooting.

Sept. 22: Ricktez Williams, 27, died in the hospital after both he and Eriana Morris, 25, were shot by three IMPD SWAT team officers following reports of an armed robbery on the south side of Indianapolis.

Investigators received a description of the armed robbery suspects and their vehicle, which SWAT officers found in the 600 block of South Missouri Street near Lucas Oil Stadium. Police said Williams fired a gun at officers after they performed a maneuver to prevent the vehicle he was seated in from fleeing.

Members of the SWAT team returned fire. Both Morris, who was driving, and Williams were taken to the hospital where he died the following day.

A week later, IMPD identified the three officers who fired shots as 21-year veteran Sergeant Jeremy Steward, 27-year veteran Officer Kenneth Kunz and 5-year veteran Officer Dalton Hair. They were placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure during a shooting in which the officer's use of deadly force against a suspect is investigated.

More: Two armed robbery suspects shot by Indy SWAT team near Lucas Oil Stadium, one dead

Eric Levon Taylor, 37, shot and killed by officer during south side domestic violence call

Sept. 19: Eric Levon Taylor, 37, died after police shot him during a domestic violence call on the south side of Indianapolis.

The shooting happened about 3 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 1800 block of Portage Terrace near Madison Avenue and East Stop 10 Road after police were called about a domestic violence situation. A woman who called told dispatchers the man was going to "kill them all."

The woman left the home with her children, but her ex-boyfriend followed. Officers attempted to stop a vehicle near Southport Road and Madison Avenue with the man suspected of making the threats. After a short pursuit, the man, identified later as Taylor, got out of the vehicle holding a handgun and told police, "shoot me" multiple times, police said.

At some point, one officer shot Taylor and he fell into the passenger seat of the vehicle. He died later at the hospital.

A week later, IMPD identified the officer who fired his weapon as 5-year veteran Officer Bryan Gibson.

More: Officers fatally shoot man after domestic violence call on city's south side

Brandon Ramirez, 24, shot by two officers after K9 Ringo stabbed during burglary call

A photo of a knife found inside an auto repair shop, where Indianapolis police say they shot a man who is suspected of burglarizing the business and stabbing a K9 officer named Ringo on Sept. 1, 2023.

Sept. 1: A man was shot by two IMPD officers during a suspected burglary in which a K9 was stabbed three times.

IMPD officers arrived at an auto repair shop in the 100 block of West Raymond Street just before 8 p.m. after the business owner called police about a suspected break-in. Police who entered the building found a man standing near the front desk and ordered him to surrender.

A K9 named Ringo was released and the suspect reportedly stabbed the dog, at which point at least one K9 officer fired their gun. Police said the man got back to his feet and walked toward the front desk after the shooting while officers told him to stop. Another K9 officer tased him, and he fell to the ground. He was then taken into custody.

Brandon Ramirez, 24, the man police said they found inside the business is facing charges of burglary, resisting law enforcement and cruelty to a law enforcement animal, pending additional charges by the Marion County Prosecutors Office.

IMPD identified the officers involved as 21-year veteran Officer Zachary Taylor and 15-year veteran Officer Scott Hartman. IMPD later announced Ringo the police dog was released from the emergency vet and sent home to recover.

More: IMPD identifies officers who shot man accused of stabbing police dog

Kendall Darnell Gilbert, 40, killed by officer after wielding machete and threatening to decapitate family members

Aug. 27: Kendall Darnell Gilbert, 40, died on the city's northwest side after an hours-long standoff with police in which he could be seen on video yelling at officers while holding a machete. Indianapolis police said Gilbert had threatened to decapitate members of his family and burn his house down.

Police that weekend responded to multiple calls from a residence in the 4500 block of Woodland Drive near West 46th Street and North High School Road. A caller told officers a man at the address was schizophrenic and sending strange messages to family. Police said he later barricaded himself in his bedroom and refused to come out.

Officers returned to residence Aug. 27 to check the welfare of the woman who pushed her emergency alert button and found a man outside with a machete who "made threatening statements."

For more than two hours, multiple crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with the man, police said. SWAT responded and deployed less-than-lethal weapons (including bean bag shots and stun guns). During that exchange, police said the man rushed toward officers with the machete, at which point an officer opened fire.

Gilbert was taken to the hospital in critical condition but did not survive.

IMPD identified the officer who fatally shot Gilbert as 28-year veteran Lt. John Perkins.

More: Indianapolis officer who fatally shot man on northwest city identified

Gary Dwayne Harrell, 49, fatally shot in the back while running from officer after traffic stop

Aug. 3: Gary Dwayne Harrell, 49, died after he fled from a traffic stop with a gun in his hand on the city's east side.

The shooting happened moments after a traffic stop in the 3400 block of North Parker Avenue near Washington Park. The officer pulled the driver of a Black Chevy sedan over on suspicion of reckless driving before the driver ran from the car holding a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver, according to police.

During a short foot pursuit, the officer shot Harrell in the back at least once and police provided him aid until medics arrived. He died at the hospital, police said.

Harrell's family members and community leaders have called for more transparency in the wake of his death.

IMPD identified the officer who shot Harrell as Douglas Correll, a 28-year veteran of the force.

More: Indianapolis police release edited video of officer fatally shooting man after traffic stop

Daniel Yefter Ghebrehiwet, 46, dies in east side shootout that injured two officers

April 20: Daniel Yefter Ghebrehiwet, 46, was fatally shot after an exchange of gunfire with police on the city's east side that left two officers injured and a patrol vehicle riddled with bullets by an AR-15-style rifle.

The incident unfolded about 12:40 p.m. when officers with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force and Lawrence Police Department were investigating a previous shooting. Officers saw a potential suspect get into a black 2077 Toyota Sienna van and tried to stop the vehicle, police said.

The driver fled west on East 30th Street. Task Force officers attempted to forcibly stop the van but were unsuccessful. The suspect crashed in a parking lot leading to an exchange of gunfire between Ghebrehiwet and four IMPD officers.

Ghebrehiwet was struck and pronounced dead on the scene. Two officers, 5-year veteran Jonathon Phelps and 8-year veteran Sergio De Leon, were shot and taken to Eskenazi Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

IMPD identified the other officers involved in the exchange of gunfire as 15-year veteran John Wallace and 5-year veteran Matthew Harris.

More: Court docs give details in shootout that hurt 2 officers, killed Daniel Ghebrehiwet

Michael Barnes, 33, shot by officers after suspected northwest carjacking

March 29: Michael Barnes, 33, was critically injured by police after a suspected carjacking-turned-car chase escalated into gunfire.

The events leading up to the shooting began when IMPD officers were dispatched to a crash in the 5600 block of Georgetown Road. Before officers arrived, a passenger in one of the damaged vehicles carjacked a black four-door Chevrolet Impala that was uninvolved in the crash, IMPD said.

The driver, identified as Michael Barnes, 33, fled police until stopping at the I-65 onramp at Kessler Boulevard. Police approached the Impala at the same time the driver exited the vehicle, turning toward officers with a gun in his hand.

Police said two officers made a "split-time" decision and fired their weapons, critically injuring Barnes whose condition was later upgraded to stable.

IMPD identified the officers who fired shots as 6-year veteran Officer David Yohe and 5-year veteran Officer Donovan Hankins.

More: Indianapolis police: Man critical after being shot by officers following carjacking, chase

George Leachman, 42, shot by two officers after three police cars rammed during pursuit that ends on Poplar Road

Indianapolis police were involved in a shooting Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 in the 300 block of Poplar Road on the citys east side.

Feb. 25: A man was shot after IMPD said he rammed a stolen vehicle into three police cars while trying to evade arrest.

The shooting, which stemmed from a police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, happened in the 300 block of Poplar Road  near Michigan Street and Emerson Avenue. Police said they found a stolen Ford F-250 near East 19th Street and North Campbell Avenue and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver of the pickup rammed the police vehicle and fled.

Officers again located the pickup and a pursuit ensued. The pickup driver then backed up into a police vehicle, injuring an officers legs before the driver struck a third vehicle, injuring an officers arm, police said.

While trying to arrest the driver, later identified as George Leachman, 42, two officers shot and injured him. Leachman was taken to the hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

IMPD named 4-year veteran Officer Donald Fague and 7-year veteran Officer Michael Herrera as the officers who fired their weapons in the shooting.

More: Man shot by police on east side after pursuit in stable condition, IMPD says

Christian Myers, 22, shot by three officers in exchange of gunfire on Winding Way Lane

Two cars at the scene of an incident at the corner of Binford Blvd., and Kessler Blvd. East Drive. Early reports indicated that IMPD attempted to pull over a vehicle at 38th and Binford, a police chase ensued, then shots were exchanged between at least one person and IMPD officers after a foot chase. It is unknown whether these cars were involved in the chase.

Jan. 29: A man was shot after a brief exchange of gunfire with police on the northeast side of Indianapolis stemming from complaints of an earlier shooting in Broad Ripple.

The shooting occurred in the 5800 block of Winding Way Lane but started with a traffic stop at a gas station on 38th Street and Fall Creek Road. Police wanted to speak with 22-year-old Christian Myers, whose ex-girlfriend had accused him hours earlier of firing a bullet that struck the front bumper of the vehicle she was driving.

Myers fled from police and a car chase ensued. Myers drove northbound until he lost control and crashed into another car near the intersection of Binford Boulevard and Kessler Boulevard East Drive. Police said he got out of the drivers seat, handgun at his right side, and ran.

Myers eventually stopped to rest, police said, then raised his gun and fired at a detective. Three officers returned fire and Myers was taken to a hospital for his gunshot injuries.

Indianapolis police have identified the three officers involved in the shooting as 3-year veteran Zachary Boston, 15-year veteran Andrew Girt and 3-year veteran Officer Jacob Liebhauser.

More: Indianapolis man accused of gunfire exchange with IMPD officers issued 10 charges

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police shootings resulting in injury or death in 2023
Former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal predicted that more co-defendants could be about to flip in Donald Trump s sprawling Georgia election interference case.

Trump attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro last week pleaded guilty to illegal attempts to overturn Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia. The lawyers have agreed to testify against Trump and the remaining 15 co-defendants.

Trump has since attacked Powell on his Truth Social platform, and even claimed she was NEVER his attorney  despite social media posts showing otherwise.

Katyal, talking to MSNBCs Ari Melber on Monday, said the bigger picture is that Trump is doing what he always does, which is when he gets in trouble, he tries to have someone else hold the bag, and he abandons them.

He added, He is doing it now with Sidney Powell, and he will do it time and again, as he has in the past. He said the co-defendants have just one choice: To tell the truth and accept the consequences.

Because Trump is not going to protect you, added Katyal. It happens in conspiracy case after conspiracy case. Once a couple people start to flip, others follow.

Watch Katyals analysis here:

Related...
Ivanka Trump may soon have a difficult decision to make that could have dire consequences for her father, Donald Trump , former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance wrote in her latest Civil Discourse newsletter.

The former presidents eldest daughter may well have to choose between Daddy and perjury, suggested Vance.

Vance explained how Ivanka Trump, who served as a White House advisor during her fathers presidency, is contesting New York Attorney General Letitia James call for her to testify in her fathers ongoing civil fraud trial in New York.

Ivanka Trump has argued she shouldnt have to appear before the court because she wasnt deposed before the trial. Vance, however, said it likely wont wash because Ivanka Trump is a fact witness in courtroom testimony about the alleged price manipulation of a penthouse. James should, therefore, be permitted to call on her to take the stand, Vance added.

Vance said testifying shouldnt be a tough call for Ivanka Trump, who was last week pictured at reality personality Kim Kardashians birthday party, given her fathers reputation for throwing even his closest allies under the bus to save himself.

If their positions were reversed, its hard to imagine Trump sacrificing himself for her, said Vance. As the wheels come off the Trumps legal wagon, its going to be everyone for themselves.

Read Vances full analysis here.

Related...
A Pasco School District employee is suing the district and its superintendent, alleging a pattern of retaliation by top administrators for reporting racial discrimination and harassment during his time as transportation director.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Richland by Jose Hernandez, who still works for the district but in another department.

The suit details charges of a hostile work environment, workplace retaliation and racial discrimination.

In court documents, Hernandez describes a broken system and racially hostile work environment, where he was subject to nearly a decade of racial slurs, anonymous notes, insensitive language, targeted graffiti calling him names on school district buildings and an alleged harassment campaign by a group of subordinates.

Employees would slip notes under his door, some saying, Go back to Mexico, Speak English, or calling him a slur.

He alleges hearing comments and anti-Mexico jokes, including, Dont f******* talk to me... I still cant believe we have a Mexican for a director, and, Mexicans  like Mr. Hernandez  will steal the buss hubcaps, and, You people dont like Trump because he wants to build a wall, whyd you even come to our country?

Hernandez claims employees would use his picture as a dartboard target.

The harassment got so bad, the lawsuit says, that Hernandez was reporting one new instance of racially harassing conduct per month to his supervisor. He also alleges that another supervisor used the phrase you people to refer to Mexican-Americans in a derogatory manner.

I encouraged humanism and open and honest conversations, but it was obvious that the district was not concerned about the racism, hostility or the vulgarity of hate words used toward me and others, Hernandez said in a statement. Through this lawsuit, I hope to bring change in our school system and provide a platform for others to come forward and take a stand.

Hernandez claims the district did very little to investigate or discipline employees after he reported the abuse, and went so far as to retaliate against him by reassigning him after he reinstated a worker who allegedly drove a school bus while under the influence, and denying him a promotion.

Pasco Superintendent Michelle Whitney

Hernandez is requesting the court award him lost wages, damages for emotional harm and attorneys fees, among other relief.

The district disputes the claims alleged by Hernandez in the 24-page document filed by the Seattle law firm, Bloom Law PLLC.

Pasco School District does not tolerate discrimination, and the district and Superintendent (Michelle) Whitney adamantly disagree with the characterizations in Mr. Hernandezs complaint, said Anna Tensmeyer, director of public affairs, in a statement Tuesday to the Tri-City Herald.

The districts record illustrates prompt and reasonable responses to all reports of discrimination brought forward by Mr. Hernandez and the districts support of, and dedication to, Mr. Hernandez as an employee, it said.

Hernandez earned an annual salary of more than $162,000 as transportation director during the 2022-23 school year. When the district reassigned him as the migrant program manager, he was offered the same salary for two years. Today, he makes more than $170,000.

While the district could have chosen a harsher response, Mr. Hernandezs record of service and previous expression of interest in similar work were considered in offering him his current assignment, Tensmeyer said.

Career with Pasco schools

Hernandez began working for the Pasco School District in 2006 as a dropout prevention manager and after four years was promoted to student achievement coordinator.

In 2012, he took a job as the districts transportation director, where he oversaw the transportation of 11,000 students daily and managed 230 workers.

The lawsuit says he received uniformly positive reviews during his nine-year tenure as director despite witnessing and being subject to pervasive racial harassment.

Jose Hernandez

Hermandez alleges a small group of bus drivers in the district, who call themselves the Stearman Group, engaged in intimidating and racist conduct towards him because of his race.

The school districts transportation facilities are located on Stearman Avenue.

He says they directed threatening glares at him, refused to acknowledge his greetings, distributed social media pictures of offensive graffiti ostracizing him in 2016 and spread false rumors.

Jose Hernandez, Pasco School Districts former transportation director, is suing his employer for being subject to a racially hostile work environment. His subordinates allegedly distributed these images on social media of offensive graffiti drawn on school district property targeting Hernandez.

In 2019, the group also reportedly delivered an intimidating and anonymous package with a coffee mug inside, which read: Its a Stearman Thing. You Wouldnt Understand.

He also learned secondhand of other racist comments and conduct toward he and other Latino employees on either a weekly or monthly basis.

Mr. Hernandez frequently felt anxious and physically sick after hearing of this racist treatment of him and others, the lawsuit reads.

Despite reporting the harassment to his supervisors, Hernandez claims they repeatedly failed to take prompt or effective remedial action.

Within his first year as transportation director, Hernandez claims he told his supervisor that bus drivers were engaging in appalling racist conduct. Not much was done at first, he says, but investigations were slowly opened.

In 2016, the district formally investigated Hernandezs reports of racist conduct. He claims investigators never spoke with him and that he was left uninformed about the outcome.

The district also formed a climate assessment committee that year, but Hernandez claims it fell apart.

In 2017, after Hernandez and others reported racist comments made by transportation workers, the district issued a non-disciplinary letter to employees to maintain professional behavior at work and be respectful of co-workers beliefs, values and privacy. The letter stated no one will discriminate, harass or intimidate others.

Two years later, in November 2019, the district opened another investigation based on hostile work complaints from Hernandez. But he says investigators failed to look into his concerns. No corrective actions were taken based on the report, but Hernandez claims in the lawsuit that Whitney acknowledged to him that people needed to be fired based on that report.

Because of the districts repeated inaction and failure to take prompt or effective remedial measures, Mr. Hernandez was continually exposed to a racially hostile work environment for years, court documents read.

Hernandez said he would frequently feel physically ill, and the environment was emotionally distressing.

Mr. Hernandez gained a reputation, especially towards the end of his tenure, as someone willing to call out the districts inaction on issues of race intolerance, claims the lawsuit.

The district never disciplined nor fired a single employee based on Hernandezs claims, says the suit.

Tensmeyer says while the district was unable to identify who sprayed the graffiti and sent the coffee mug, they enlisted the support of law enforcement and third-party investigators in an attempt to hold someone accountable.

In other situations, the district took prompt and appropriate measures to address misconduct and prevent any further violations. Additionally, the district implemented measures in Mr. Hernandezs department to improve the climate with demonstrated success, she said.

Intoxicated bus driver

One of the main reasons Hernandez was reassigned, according to the district, was because of allegations that in December 2021 he allowed a district school bus driver to continue driving despite an alcohol test identifying a low level of alcohol in his system.

One of Pasco School Districts two electric school buses is parked at a school sponsored event recently in Pasco. The districts is using about $1.2 million in grant money from the state Department of Ecology to buy them and install infrastructure needed to operate them.

Hernandez claims he placed a bus driver back on duty after verifying the driver took a blood-alcohol test and was below Washingtons state legal intoxication limit. The driver blew an alcohol concentration of 0.014 and 0.016 when tested.

In Washington state, a person is considered legally drunk if they have a blood alcohol measure of 0.08 percent or higher. Hernandez claims the two breath tests were below the limit and would be classified negative by Washingtons Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards.

But Pasco school policy states an employee is not allowed on duty or to remain on duty to perform safety-sensitive functions while having any alcohol concentration.

As an administrator, it was Mr. Hernandezs responsibility to know and enforce this policy, the district said in a statement.

In the subsequent third-party investigation, Mr. Hernandez admitted to not knowing of Policy 5259 (zero-tolerance policy) and stated that if he had, he would have not permitted the school bus driver to move until HR got a hold of him.

But Hernandez says placing drivers back on duty when they blow below 0.02 is consistent with the agencys and PSDs zero-tolerance standard for alcohol, and that the district used the incident as an excuse to retaliate against him for reporting racial harassment.

In November 2021, Hernandez said he proposed to an assistant superintendent a meeting with the school board to discuss his concerns about the hostile environment.

A month later, Pasco School District placed him on administrative leave from December 2021 to March 2023, citing allegations of misconduct due to the incident with the bus driver.

The lawsuit says the district ultimately determined that while he acted reasonably in allowing the driver back on duty, he had violated the districts zero-tolerance policy. He was denied a promotion to the executive director of operations and placed in the districts version of Siberia.

The districts justification was nothing more than a cover-up for race discrimination and retaliation, court documents read.
Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis broke down as described her efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Ellis pleaded guilty to one count related to her efforts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results.

She is now required to cooperate with prosecutors, including potential testimony about Trump.

Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who challenged the results of the 2020 presidential election on behalf of Donald Trump, teared up on Tuesday as she entered her guilty plea in Georgia related to her failed efforts to overturn President Joe Biden 's victory in the state.

"I believe in and I value election integrity. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges," Ellis said in court, her voice breaking as she described her conduct. "I look back on my experiences with deep remorse."

Ellis began crying almost as soon as she began her statement. She pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements, stemming from her falsely telling Georgia lawmakers that fake votes were counted in the 2020 election.

Her plea deal, negotiated with the Fulton County district attorney's office, will allow her to avoid jail time as long as she abides by its terms and cooperates with prosecutors. Under the deal, Ellis will face five years of probation, pay a $5,000 fine to the Georgia Secretary of State's office, and must complete 100 hours of community service. She is also prohibited from making comments in the media or contacting any of the witnesses involved in the case.

Ellis was one of more than a dozen Trump allies criminally charged alongside him in August, when the Fulton County district attorney's office in Atlanta brought a sprawling indictment alleging the group conspired to illegally overturn Georgia's election results.

She was one member of Trump's "Elite Strike Force" team of lawyers who held an infamous press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters after Biden won the 2020 election. She stood alongside Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani as they sprouted conspiracy theories falsely claiming the election was rigged and Trump was the true winner. Powell, last week, pleaded guilty to her own set of criminal charges in the case, and Giuliani faces numerous other legal problems.

According to The Washington Post, Ellis is the first senior Trump aide who has been held criminally accountable for and admitted to making false statements about the 2020 presidential election.

Ellis has already faced sanctions for her actions. A Colorado judge said she "undermined the American public's confidence in the presidential election" as he handed down a censure.

After her indictment, Ellis openly complained on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Trump wouldn't cover her legal fees. She launched a fundraiser that raised about $200,000 ahead of her guilty plea.

"I don't have half a million dollars to defend myself against a weaponized government targeting me," she wrote on the social media platform in September.

Ellis previously said that she no longer supports the former president due to his "narcissistic" tendencies. Ellis also offered effusive praise for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's best-positioned GOP primary foe.

An attorney representing Ellis didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Andrea Shalal, Stephen Nellis and David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Apple, the world's largest tech company, said on Tuesday that it will back a U.S. right-to-repair bill, following years of complaints from consumer advocates that its sleek devices are difficult and expensive to fix.

The announcement is part of a broader push by President Joe Biden to promote competition and crack down on so-called junk fees and other actions that increase prices for consumers.

Apple also on Tuesday said it would make parts, tools and documentation needed to fix its iPhones and computers available to independent repair shops and consumers nationwide, a move that could help push other companies to follow suit.

Restrictive practices used across industry raised costs for consumers, stifled innovation, closed off business opportunities for independent repair shops and created unnecessary electronic waste, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan said.

"We've heard from health care workers and hospitals worried that they would be unable to fix a ventilator because the manufacturer was seeking to deny access to repair it," Khan said.

Apple's decision to back federal legislation and allow independent repair shops to fix its products is part of a years-long shift toward touting the longevity and resale value of its devices while making it easier to fix them and to access spare parts.

The company started distributing parts and manuals to some independent repair shops in 2019. In August, Apple backed right-to-repair legislation in its home state of California, which requires firms to give repair shops and consumers access to parts, tools and manuals needed for repairs - at fair and reasonable prices.

"We intend to honor California's new repair provisions across the United States," Brian Naumann, Apple's vice president for service and operations, told the White House event. "Apple also believes that consumers and businesses would benefit from a national law that balances repairability with product integrity, usability, and physical safety."

National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard hailed Apple's decision and called on Congress to pass national legislation. California, Colorado, New York and Minnesota have already passed their own right to repair laws. Thirty other states have introduced similar legislation.

Brainard said commitments from private companies like Apple could lower costs for consumers and keep unnecessary waste out of landfills.

Repairing consumer electronics devices could save American consumers $49.6 billion annually, Brainard said, and reduce the U.S.'s nearly 7 million tons of annual electronic waste, while boosting small independent repair shops.

While Apple has provided spare parts to repair shops since 2019, the California bill also requires it to supply diagnostic tools. Apple said it plans to follow the same model nationally as it does in California.

But some consumer advocates reacted to Tuesday's news with reservations because Apple's embrace of repairs in the past has often come with caveats.

Nathan Proctor, who leads right-to-repair campaign efforts for advocacy group called U.S. PIRG, said his group will follow the details of any federal legislation that emerges.

"It's really going to depend on people's experience in the real world - that's what we care about," Proctor said. "We're going to keep watch-dogging Apple and the other companies."

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal in Washington and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Emails and other messages from within a California Department of Motor Vehicles call center in Fresno are shedding light on how the state agency handled an infestation of rats that sent numerous employees to the doctor for headache, nausea and dizziness.

The communiques were obtained through a California Public Records Act request and included 13 email threads from the DMV concerning the issues at the call center at the Manchester Center mall. Records from the city of Fresnos Code Enforcement Division were also obtained that detailed an inspection of the DMVs leased property.

The emails paint a more detailed picture of how a few dead rodents festered into a stench that one employee described as a dead person that had been sitting in the 110-degree heat for 10 days. The employees, represented by SEIU Local 1000, say the rodent problem existed for years but that they alerted their union representatives when the stench became unbearable and asked them to intervene.

Although a DMV manager initially submitted a complaint about the smell on Sept. 26, Omninet Capital, which manages the building, didnt call in its pest control contractor for a week, the emails show. The emails also reveal that five call center employees filed workers compensation claims, and two went to the hospital, as a result of the stench.

It appears that the buildings management also did not install air scrubbers until nearly two-and-a-half weeks after the complaint was originally lodged.

DMV spokesperson Anita Gore said that during the week of Oct. 2, the call center had paused its requirement for employee teams to work in-office for one week every six weeks.

However, employees later said that their managers did not communicate this change directly to them.

When asked by an employee about the pause in rotations, one manager told the employee, We were never informed, according to a Microsoft Teams message obtained through the public records request.

I asked this in our meeting yesterday and was told it was fictitious information, the manager wrote.

Gore did not acknowledge the screenshot of the Teams message, nor did she answer requests for a response to the managers accusation of false information.

Employees were concerned that rodent droppings and decaying carcasses could lead to infection with hantavirus, a respiratory illness spread primarily by certain types of rodents, including rats and mice. (Cases of hantavirus are exceedingly rare, and only 850 have been detected in the U.S. in the last 30 years.) Rodents shed the virus in their fresh urine, droppings or saliva, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and humans can contract the illness by inhaling air that contains infected droplets.

Below is a reconstructed timeline of how the DMV, Manchester Center and Omninet Capital responded to employee complaints about dead rodent stench in its Fresno Contact Center office. The timeline is based on documents obtained by The Bee via a Public Records Act request.

Sept. 26: Rodent stench reported

2:05 p.m.

Leaders at the Fresno Contact Center emailed Manchester Center leadership to call attention to the rodent stench in the office. The manager who wrote the email says her colleague usually opens work order tickets, but the colleague wasnt in the office that day and she couldnt figure out how to log in to the work order app herself.

There is a BAD odor in the north entry hall, wrote Rosalind Davis-Gonzalez, program manager for the Fresno office, in the email to Sandra Cortez, Manchester Centers director of marketing and business development. Manchesters Chris Conover was also copied on the message. I will open a ticket on our side but if we can get it checked-out I would appreciate it.

2:16 p.m.

Davis-Gonzalez submits a work order request using the DMVs ticketing support system for building management issues at leased facilities.

Bad odor in the north hall way gets stronger as you get to the restrooms you can smell it slightly as you enter the north east side of the work area, reads the work order request.

The ticketing system automatically generates email notifications to the DMVs Facilities Leasing Unit, the Manchester Centers management team and the lessor/owner of the building, Omninet Properties.

Sept. 28: No word from building management

10:39 a.m.

Davis-Gonzalez submits another ticket regarding the rodent smell in the office.

Strong rodent like smell coming from north side of office, the request reads.

DMV employees answer calls in the call center in Manchester Mall in Fresno on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

Oct. 2: Building management responds

10:44 a.m.

Davis-Gonzalez tells building managers that the rodent smell is back and is particularly odoriferous on the north side of the building.

The managers who sit in that area and the employees who are in office are smelling something bad, she writes.

11:48 a.m.

Kimberly Kimmie Tyler, another senior-level DMV manager in the Fresno office, submits another maintenance request regarding the rat odor.

12:26 p.m.

Tyler sends a follow-up email to Manchesters Cortez and Conover in addition to the ticket.

I sent a ticket over and I know you are extremely busy, so sorry for emailing as well. I just have agents who are complaining and one is leaving already due to the smell, Tyler wrote, adding a sad-face emoji.

5:04 p.m.

Tyler sends another follow-up email to Cortez and Conover.

Hi there. Just an update on the smell. One area is good now, but there is still a very strong odor in another area.

5:39 p.m.

Cortez responds: Our maintenance team has made a couple rounds, checked traps and areas. I have placed a call to our pest control to do a site visit and see if they could guide us.

Oct. 3: Employees told to telework for day

9:07 a.m.

Davis-Gonzalez replies to Cortezs update from the previous day. She said the office had fans running to circulate the air and tried moving workers from one side of the office to the other, but the smell was still strong enough that workers were calling out sick.

This is really starting to affect my onsite staff we had a few go home sick yesterday due to the smell, she wrote. If we can get some scent bags we would appreciate it.

12:16 p.m.

Davis-Gonzalez sends a manager-wide email to a mailing list titled CPD Fresno Call Center Manager Contact. The email informed managers of the rodent situation and instructed them to send workers home to telework for the remainder of the day. The workers were instructed to return to the office the next day.

If you have team members in office that are able to telework let them go home to finish off the day at home due to the smell, and returning to the office tomorrow. They are sending maintenance out once again to keep searching for the source of the odor until its located.

1:28 p.m.

A follow-up message from Davis-Gonzalez expresses hope that the building management team will locate the source of the smell that evening when they investigate the space.

Manchester will be working this evening to remove all the ceiling tiles to find the source of the smell so hopefully the smell will be gone tomorrow!! Please let your team members know, I will follow up with Manchester tonight to make sure that we are good, she wrote. Thank you all for your patience with this on-going issue.

People shuffle pass the DMV call centers unmarked doorways inside the Manchester Mall in Fresno on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

Oct. 4: Telework allowed as smell persists

9:26 a.m.

Tyler sends the following message to Manchester building management to inform them that the DMV office still smells of rodents.

Was maintenance able to search all over above? There is still an area with the smell. :( sorry to start off the day like this. Appreciate your help.

10:02 a.m.

Cortez responds, saying she and Conover will swing by shortly to see what they could do. She also cautioned Tyler and Davis-Gonzalez that employees need to immediately stop leaving inviting amounts of food in their cubicles and shared spaces.

10:30 a.m.

If you have office personnel that can go home and telework for the reminder of the week send them home, Davis-Gonzalez wrote to the Fresno managers. Manchester is working diligently to get the smell under control however there is still an odor in the office in certain areas stronger than others.

For those employees and managers who remain on site please move to areas that arent affected by the smell for the time being.

DMV spokesperson Anita Gore originally said that the Fresno call center had paused its six-week in-person rotations during the week of Oct. 2. However, employees said their managers did not communicate this message to them.

1:45 p.m.

A member of the DMVs facilities leasing unit writes to the building management team to request that their pest control contractor not use poison or pellets to kill rodents and instead use glue traps in order to avoid further deaths in the walls and ceiling.

We are all aware that having the rodents die in the walls has been an ongoing issue, wrote Elizabeth Patrick, a staff services manager with DMVs facilities leasing unit in Sacramento. From our end, we will be discussing the food at the desks and requesting that food and sweets are only kept in air tight containers in the breakroom.

DMV employees answer calls in the call center in Manchester Mall in Fresno on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

5:39 p.m.

A representative from the buildings owner promises to fix the problem.

We are committed to resolving this issue and understand the importance of the situation, wrote Grayson Ishimatsu, operations manager for the building owner, Omninet Capital. We plan on installing metal mesh barrier enclosures above the ceiling grid to prevent further entry.

Oct. 5: Employees request workers compensation

9:15 a.m.

Patrick responds the next morning to emphasize the severity of the concerns that the DMV raised.

We have 5 employees request Workers Comp paperwork and 2 who went to the hospital, wrote Patrick. We need to ensure that we are not continually having these smell related issues in the future. We do appreciate the measures that your team have taken but the dead rodents in the building just cant be the norm for this office going forward.

Oct. 9: Smell improves but lingers

1:49 p.m.

Tyler writes to Cortez to tell her that the office definitely smells better, but asks if they can keep the big fans running overnight for a couple of days to further eradicate the smell.

Oct. 12: DMV orders air scrubbers

3:53 p.m.

DMV manager Stacey Monazzami notices a faint whiff of rodent odor near the north entrance to the office and submits another work order.

Ongoing issue with decaying rodent smell coming from dead rats in the ceiling. There is still a faint smell by the North side door that enters into the training area. We are requesting scent bags for that area, as well as the automated training room and the quality control room.

4:25 p.m.

Patrick requests air scrubbers for the Fresno call center to get the lingering smell out of the air.

Apparently the air purifiers that were sent the previous week emitted a chemical smell and did not work well for this office, she wrote. Air purifiers with a charcoal filter that circulates the air would be helpful.

Oct. 13: Fresno code enforcement inspection

9:05 a.m.

The director and general manager of Omninet Capital, Roland Molimard, weighs in. He tells the DMV managers via email that he and Conover, plus Davis-Gonzalez, did a walk-through of the office earlier that morning and did not notice any rodent odor except in the northeast corner of the office. He thanks the team for their cooperation.

Air scrubbers are will be mobilized this afternoon. Additionally, deodorizers and sanitizers above and below the ceiling will be applied, Molimard writes.

12 p.m.

An officer from the city of Fresnos Code Enforcement Division inspects the DMV workspace and finds no physical indicators of a rat infestation. He inspected the main office space, the break room, the trash enclosure outside the building and also the exterior walkways (the latter of which was lined with rodent traps).

No feces or urine trails were observed anywhere in the DMV workspace, wrote Richard Salinas in his write-up after the inspection.

A scent bag for catching rats hangs from the ceiling inside the DMV office at Manchester Mall in Fresno on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

Oct. 17: Droppings but no signs of any rodent infestation

11:30 a.m.

Salinas returns to the DMV office to inspect the inside of the drop ceiling. He used a ladder to climb up and remove ceiling tiles, stuck a flashlight into the space and looked around for any signs of rodent droppings or urine. He could see no signs of any rodent infestation in any of the six areas of the ceiling that he checked.

Throughout the DMV workspace I detected a strong scent of either air freshener or some type of mild cleaning solution. I did not see any air freshener devices or cleaning solution on the floor or anywhere else in the workspace, Salinas noted in his write-up.

Salinas did find a few mouse droppings on a ceiling tile in a small equipment storage area. He advised the maintenance team to place traps there and check them daily.

3:30 p.m.

Manchester Center and Omninet blamed the rodent problem on nearby construction at what used to be the old Sears building. Salinas inspected the property and found some sparsely spaced rat and mouse droppings in the area. Although most were old and covered in dust, a few were relatively fresh.

I could not detect any physical signs of a rodent infestation, Salinas wrote in his notes.

I will be following-up with monitoring of the Manchester Center over the next month, concluded Salinas report. I will also confirm that appropriate exterminator services are employed by the Manchester Center.

Oct. 19: Odor dissipates ... almost

9:34 a.m.

Tyler submits a final maintenance request and reports a faint rodent odor near the mens restroom.

10 a.m.

Building management tells Tyler that they will ask housekeeping to do a drain flush/cleaning to assist with odor.

The Fresno Bees Thaddeus Miller contributed to this story.

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Xi stresses mobilizing workers to participate in national rejuvenation

Xinhua) 08:05, October 24, 2023

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and delivers an important speech in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday stressed upholding the Party's overall leadership over trade unions and mobilizing the country's hundreds of millions of workers to vigorously take part in the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a talk with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU).

The development of the Chinese workers' movement was under the leadership of the Party, and trade unions are people's organizations of the working class led by the Party, he said.

Xi stressed the importance of adhering to the overall leadership of the Party over trade unions, and not wavering or deviating from it at any time or under any circumstances.

Based on the fundamental policy of relying wholeheartedly on the working class, efforts must be made to encourage workers to actively take part in the great cause of building China into a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation on all fronts, he said.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event.

Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the working class has been the main force in the development of the cause of the Party and the country under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee. The Chinese workers' movement has made historic achievements, and the work of trade unions has made comprehensive progress.

Over the past five years, the country's workers have been of one heart and mind with the Party and demonstrated their courage to fight tough battles and shoulder heavy burdens in major work such as economic development, scientific and technological innovation, poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, epidemic prevention and control, and disaster relief, Xi said.

The CPC Central Committee fully acknowledges the significant contributions made by the working class and the new achievements made by the trade unions in their work. The CPC Central Committee has high expectations for the new leadership of ACFTU, he said.

Xi stressed comprehensive and effective efforts in upholding the Party leadership in the whole process and every aspect of the work of the trade unions, urging sound implementation of decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee in trade unions.

To implement the new development philosophy, build a new development pattern, and promote high-quality development, the country needs to carry out various forms of labor and skills competitions and stimulate employees' working enthusiasm and their creative potential, Xi said.

It is necessary to promote the spirit of model workers, the working spirit and craftsmanship, give full play to the leading role of model workers and artisans, and encourage employees to achieve their dreams in hard work, honest work and creative work, Xi said.

Xi stressed that the working class and working people are the main creators of social wealth, and more tangible progress in promoting common prosperity for all people must first be reflected in the hundreds of millions of working people.

Trade unions, as representatives and defenders of workers' interests, should earnestly fulfill their basic duties of safeguarding rights and providing services, focus on solving practical problems concerning the vital interests of workers, and attach importance to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of workers in new employment forms, Xi said.

They should strengthen democratic management in enterprises and public institutions, offer effective channels for employees to express their demands, guide employees to safeguard their rights and interests in accordance with the law, and promote harmonious labor relations, he added.

Xi said that the reform and construction of trade unions should be further deepened by consolidating grassroots trade unions and strengthening their leadership, organization and service capabilities. The trade union network should cover more workers, and trade unions should innovate working methods and strive to provide targeted and considerate services to workers.

Xi stresses that Party committees at all levels should strengthen leadership over trade unions and their work, ensure that trade union leaders are strong and capable, and care about and be strict with trade union cadres.

Governments at all levels should see that the joint conference mechanism between the government and trade unions fully plays its role, and helps trade unions solve workers' difficulties and problems, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Kourtney Wallace of Lowell said her 7-year-old black rescue pig Ellie is on her second day on the run after escaping her outdoor enclosure. (Photo courtesy of Kourtney Wallace/HANDOUT)

When Kourtney Wallace of Lowell rescued a four-week-old Yucatan pig from a medical research facility seven years ago, she did not know just how much she would grow to love her pet.

The black floppy eared pig, named Ellie for her resemblance to an elephant, was originally purchased by the lab to help with research for children who are burn victims. Her start in the medical world adds to the uniqueness of her ears. Both are scalloped from docking, and one has a permanent hole where her USDA tag used to be. Wallace said shes quirky and loving and remarkably fast for a pig.

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Today, Ellie is missing.

Kourtney Wallace of Lowell said her 7-year-old black rescue pig Ellie is on her second day on the run after escaping her outdoor enclosure. (Carrie Napoleon/Post-Tribune)

Wallace, a registered veterinary technician, said Ellie managed to escape her enclosure at the Hebron farm where she lives some time Monday morning when the other pigs on the farm had their visits with the farrier. Wallace said the pigs in general can be pretty noisy with cries and barks during the process of having their hoofs trimmed and it could have spooked Ellie, who was in her outdoor enclosure at the time. Ellie was not scheduled to see the farrier.

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Wallace said with everything going on, no one noticed Ellie had escaped until about 5 p.m. She said she later learned there was a sighting of Ellie heading south on U.S. 231 from Hebron toward Demotte at about 10 a.m. Monday. There has been no word since.

I did not sleep last night, Wallace said. She was booked on a flight to Montana Tuesday for a trip to volunteer for three days spaying and neutering pets on a Native American reservation. She had to cancel the trip to search for Ellie.

Its tough, she said.

Veterinarian Jenice Bell shared the post in an effort to help Wallace. She said Ellie is a good pig and she is hopeful someone will spot her and reach out.

Im sure shes scared, she said.

Wallace and her family and friends have been searching since Monday. Her brother was out Monday night using heat vision goggles to see if she could be spotted. All he found were deer, she said.

The area where Ellie went missing may make her difficult to find. It is not uncommon on occasion for pigs to get loose from one of the multiple neighboring farms near U.S. 231 and Indiana 2.

Ellie is a friendly pig and worked for years at The Childrens Farm at the Center in Palos Park where children would interact with her and pet her. Wallace said she may be scared and hungry, and she worries someone may mistake her for a nuisance. One of Ellies favorite treats is pumpkin, and holiday decorations may be appealing.

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Wallace said she worries about the condition Ellie might come home in if she is found. A report of an animal related power outage in Demotte gave her both a glimmer of hope and fear Ellie may have been seen since Monday morning but could be injured. It turned out the power outage was caused by a squirrel getting into a substation, according to NIPSCO spokesperson.

For Wallace, it was a moment of relief, followed by more worry.

Still, she said, this is a good time of year for the pig to go on the lam. Beans and corn are being harvested so there is plenty of food for her to forage. Wallace said she is hopeful Ellie is able to stay safe until she is found. Ellie is fast and smart and may be able to find her way home, but she has never left the property along before.

Nora, Ellies 6-year-old adopted sister, is alone in the pen the two shared. (Photo courtesy of Kourtney Wallace/HANDOUT)

Her sister Nora, a 6-year-old rescue pig she shares her pen with, is now alone and misses her pal. The two would spend summer days in their outdoor enclosure, rooting around in the dirt and digging holes to lie in to cool off. Now Wallace said she is unsure what Ellie could be doing and where.

Ellie is a tall and slender pig, weighing in at about 150 pounds. She is black and her elephant ears stand out. Wallace is asking anyone who has seen the pig, who is a pet, not livestock, to reach out. If Ellie is scared or cold, she may burrow underneath something, like a deck, straw or other area. She may return to the same spot she has previously burrowed in if it was someplace safe and warm.

Wallace has been asking neighbors to check their properties and urging anyone who may have spotted her at anytime Monday, Tuesday or moving forward, to text her. Ellie may run if approached. She is highly food motivated, loving all fruits and vegetables and treats like marshmallows.

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If anyone spots Ellie and is able to corral her, Wallace said will come and retrieve her pet. She will be spending the next three days she was scheduled to be in Montana searching for her beloved pet.

Ellie was last seen running south on U.S. 231 on the east side of the highway, heading toward Demotte. Wallace is asking anyone who has seen her to report the sightings via text to 219-776-3011.

She has to be scared. I want to bring her home, Wallace said.

cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com
A turkey leg and daiquiri joint will debut in north Charlotte just before Thanksgiving.

Jive Turkey Hut will open next month at 3701 Statesville Ave., said co-owner Clarence Boston, a longtime business owner in Charlotte and Atlanta. The opening date has not yet been set.

The fast-casual restaurant was formerly Bodricks Bar-B-Q, which closed in 2015 after over 15 years in business.

I used to pass that building every day and eat there several times, said Boston, a mortician who sold Bostons Mortuary funeral home on Statesville Avenue in 2021.

Jive Turkey Hut is Bostons latest business venture. He also is co-owner of Another Brewery, expected to open in November at 2509 N. Davidson St., followed by Hippin Hops Brewery & Distillery, opening in December at 650 E. Brooklyn Village Ave.

Jive Turkey Hut food

Jive Turkey Hut is co-owner James Pettis and Bostons take on the popular Turkey Leg Hut in Houston, Texas, founded in 2015, according to the business website. The trendsetting restaurant serves 2,000 to 2,800 turkey legs a day, according to Texas Monthly.

In Charlotte, expect smoked turkey legs, just short of foot, stuffed with shrimp Alfredo, mac and cheese and collard greens. Prices will range from $14.99 to $30 for lobster or etouffee stuffed, Boston said.

Other turkey dishes include smoked wings and grilled turkey burgers.

The menu has appetizers such as Thanksgiving egg rolls and salmon bites, to entrees such as Cajun shrimp or salmon and grits, salmon burgers and grilled or fried chicken sandwich, according to Jive Turkey Huts website.

Jive Turkey Hut at 3701 Statesville Ave. in Charlotte, N.C., will include a full-service bar specializing in daiquiris.

Jive Turkey Hut drinks

The Hut also will have a full bar, specializing in frozen daiquiris. Rotating some eight kinds of daiquiris, flavors include rum punch, mojitos and margaritas, Boston said.

Prices will range from $8 to $22, depending on the liquor used.

What else to expect

Boston said hes been renovating the roughly 700-square-foot space on Statesville Avenue since May.

Jive Turkey Huts black, white and gray interior with pops of color features artwork by Charlotte artist Whitney Austin.

Boston expects to hire 10 full- and part-time employees.

Jive Turkey Hut has renovated the former Bodricks Bar-B-Q spot at 3701 Statesville Ave. in north Charlotte.

A bit about Jive Turkey Huts owner

Boston, 46, is a familiar business owner in Charlotte.

He started his first business, Boston Tech Services cleaning labs, at age 28 in Charlotte.

In 2020, he sold Bostons Mortuary on Statesville Road to pursue other business interests.

In 2021, Boston sold his ownership interests in Charlotte bars Firehouse Bar & Lounge in uptown and Recess in Plaza Midwood.

He moved to Atlanta and opened the first Black-owned brewery in Georgia  Hippin Hops Brewery & Oyster Bar in Atlanta. The brewery now has two locations in Atlanta and a brewing facility in Stone Mountain.

Boston also returned to the funeral business opening Bostons Funeral & Cremation Services in Stone Mountain.

Jive Turkey Hut is not affiliated with Jive Turkey Legs food truck and catering or cafe on Cleveland Community College campus.

Atlanta brewery expanding to Charlotte after all. But first Another Brewery debuts
Oct 24, 2023; columbus, ohio, usa; A form that is required by anyone purchaing a firearm rests on a counter at L.E.P.D. Firearms, Range & Training Facility.

If Ohio voters approve State Issue 2, marijuana users will likely have a new-found sense of freedom. But since marijuana will remain a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, questions arise over its use and the legal purchase of firearms.

The proposed new law would allow those 21 or older to buy, sell, use or grow marijuana under a set of rules.

June 23, 2023; Columbus, Oh., USA; Cannabis is hung and dried inside PharmaCann, Inc.'s cultivation and processing facility at Buckeye Lake.The cannabis industry opposes Senate Bill 9, which would revamp the state's medical program, saying there is an oversupply of cannabis in Ohio for the medical marijuana program.

But in order to purchase a gun or ammunition in Ohio, Form 4473 of the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives must be filled out, under penalty of perjury, including the fifth question on the first page that some may pause at: "Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?"

Answering yes automatically disqualifies you from purchasing a gun. Lying on the form and getting caught is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

"They're bound by federal law," to answer honestly, said attorney Sean Maloney of the Buckeye Firearms Association, a gun rights advocacy group.

But how often does prosecution happen if you don't?

Rarely.

"Very few people are ever prosecuted for perjuring themselves by lying on that form," said Maloney.

Convictions even less so.

More: Struggling marijuana industry hoping for Ohio's Issue 2 to help boost bottom line

A 2018 report to Congress by the U.S. Government Accountability Office showed that there were just 12 prosecutions in 2017 against those who lied on the Form 4473. That's the result of 12,000 cases of lying that were investigated out of 8.6 million gun transactions that year.

Maloney won't give advice for those filling out forms. But he concedes that "mental gymnastics" can play a role when doing so for those who use marijuana either as prescribed by a doctor or, if Issue 2 passes, for recreation.

"I can say I've smoked my last joint yesterday and I won't do so in the future. And it's truthful at the moment," he said.

He notes that drugs like oxycodone, vicadin and other opiates have lower federally controlled substance classifications and have similar effects as marijuana, yet don't prohibit firearms purchases if used legally.

"You can't revoke someone's Second Amendment rights for that," Maloney said.

Eric Delbert, owner of LAPD Firearms and Range on Bethel Road, takes a conservative approach. If someone even asks about medical marijuana he may turn them away.

Oct 24, 2023; columbus, ohio, usa; Eric Delbert, Owner of L.E.P.D. Firearms, Range & Training Facility stands behind a display in his store on Bethel Road.

As few as a fourth of 1% of his customers check the box, and sign away their rights to a purchase, he said. For the one or two weekly who enter the store smelling of marijuana, "we turn them around at the door," Delbert said.

Others take a "try and buy" approach, risking prosecution," he said, thinking "Let me see if the system is up to date and if it will catch me."

The ATF in May affirmed its stance: "Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug, which under federal definition, has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Other drugs in this category include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, etc. Federal law does not provide any exception allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes."

The Department of Health and Human Services this summer moved to reclassify marijuana as less harmful than cocaine or heroin and remove it as a Schedule 1 drug. Instead, it argued marijuana should be classified as a Schedule 3 substance, which consists of drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.

In addition, a federal appeals court in August ruled that drug users shouldn't be automatically banned from having guns.

It's time for Congress to follow the 23 states that have legalized pot and revoke its controlled substance status, Maloney and others believe.

"It doesn't make sense to put people in a quandary," he said.

About one in seven Ohioans have said they've used marijuana in the past year. More than 600,000 firearms were purchased by Ohioans legally last year, according to Safehome.org.

"It's kind of a trap for a lot of people," said Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearms Association. "The Food and Drug Administration does not acknowledge any benefit to medical marijuana."

Rieck said with FDA approval of pot for therapeutic use, Congress, along with other federal agencies including ATF might follow, and eventually there would be uniform agreement, less confusion and fewer restrictions for gun owners.

Gun dealers withholding the sale of weapons "should be about whether you're a violent felon, not about who you are or what kind of drugs you use," he said. "We're concerned that if you're a user (of marijuana) that that shouldn't bar you from owning a gun."

Legalizing pot in Ohio also has implications for cops, said Brian Steel, president of Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, the union for Columbus and most suburban police departments.

He envisions an officer stopping a vehicle for a minor offense such as a missing tail light, the driver opening the window and a waft of marijuana flooding out.

Currently, that would give the officer probable cause to search the vehicle. And if a stolen gun was found, to file charges.

But if marijuana becomes legal, "I imagine a suppression hearing by a good defense attorney will require prosecutors to throw out the charge because there was no probable cause for the search," Steel said.

Suzanne Dabkowski, spokeswoman for ATF, said these examples and others will likely be used by lawmakers to determine if laws will change.

"That's literally a Congressional decision to take (marijuana) off the (controlled substance) schedule. Literally, our hands are tied."

dnarciso@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio's legalized pot effort could create hurdles for gun buyers
Former President Donald Trump made numerous false claims in a campaign speech Monday in New Hampshire.

Trump falsely claimed that the United States had no terrorist attacks during his presidency. He falsely claimed that Republican presidential rival Nikki Haley had initially proposed to flood the US with refugees from Gaza.

He repeated his frequent lie that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen. He wrongly described an exchange he had with Joe Biden and a moderator during a 2020 presidential debate.

And he repeated a variety of familiar false claims from his presidency. Those included his regular assertion that no previous president had secured any revenue from tariffs on China  in fact, the US has had tariffs on Chinese goods for more than two centuries and was taking in billions per year under his predecessor  and his old story about approving a policy that supposedly gave 10 years in jail to anyone who damaged a monument; thats not what his executive order did.

Trump also claimed with no evidence that Biden has received money from China.

Below are more detailed fact checks of Trumps inaccurate claims about terrorist attacks under his watch and Haleys stance on accepting refugees from Gaza.

Trumps false claim about terrorist attacks during his presidency

While criticizing Biden for his handling of Iran and national security matters, Trump made a significant false claim about his own national security record in office  wrongly declaring that there were no terrorist attacks in the US during his presidency.

If you notice, all of the problems, all of the big problems, they all stopped. And I never talked about it during my four years, but look what happened: we didnt have any attacks in the United States for four years, Trump said in a campaign speech in New Hampshire.

Trump touted his ban on travel from horrendous, dangerous nations, most of which were Muslim-majority countries. Then he repeated, But we didnt have an attack for four years.

Facts First: Trumps claim that we didnt have an attack for four years isnt true. The claim is inaccurate even if he was referring specifically to attacks by Islamic extremists.

Trumps own Justice Department alleged that a mass murder in New York City in 2017, which killed eight people and injured others, was a terrorist attack carried out in support of ISIS; Trump repeatedly lamented this attack during his presidency. Trumps Justice Department also alleged that a 2019 attack by an extremist member of Saudi Arabias military, which killed three US servicemembers and injured others at a military base in Florida, was motivated by jihadist ideology and was carried out by a longtime associate of al Qaeda.

In addition, there were a variety of other terrorist attacks during Trumps presidency. Notably, Trumps Justice Department said it was a domestic terrorist attack when one of Trumps supporters mailed improvised explosive devices to prominent Democratic officials, CNN and other people in 2018.

In 2019, a White supremacist pleaded guilty to multiple charges in New York, including first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, for killing a Black man in March 2017 to try to start a race war. And Trumps Justice Department described a 2019 shooting massacre at a Walmart in Texas as an act of domestic terrorism; the gunman who killed 23 people was targeting Latinos.

Trumps false claim about Haley and refugees from Gaza

Trump claimed that Nikki Haley, his Republican presidential rival and his former US ambassador to the United Nations, had proposed the US to take in a large number of refugees from Gaza.

But she flip-flopped  last week, you saw that disaster  after proposing to flood America with refugees from Gaza. Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea, doesnt it, Trump said in a speech in New Hampshire.

Facts First: Trumps claim is wrong. Haley did not propose taking in a large number of refugees from Gaza. Trump was falsely portraying her October 15 response to a question from CNN anchor Jake Tapper that was not even about US refugee policy toward Gaza.

Similar claims about Haleys remarks to Tapper have been made by the campaign of another Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom Trump also criticized in his Monday speech. CNN fact-checked the DeSantis camps claims last week.

As CNN explained in that previous fact check, Haley never said anywhere in her comments to Tapper that she wanted the US to take in refugees from Gaza.

Rather, the former South Carolina governor was asked by Tapper for her thoughts about DeSantis having said that while the people of Gaza are not all Hamas, they are all antisemitic and none of them believes Israel has the right to exist. Haley responded that many Gazans dont want to be ruled by Hamas, just as many Iranians oppose the regime that governs them, and the US should continue to distinguish between terrorists and civilians.

She did not say the US should take in any of these Gaza civilians as refugees. And in subsequent remarks, Haley has expressed firm opposition to the US accepting refugees from Gaza. She argued on Fox last Tuesday that Hamas-sympathizing Middle Eastern countries should take in these refugees instead.

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Claim:

Images shared in October 2023, authentically showed an enormous crowd of Israelis demonstrating support for their country.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

Context:

The in-question images were generated using artificial intelligence (AI). They were not shared by an official X account of Israel, as some social media users claimed.

In late October 2023, a photo went viral on social media, allegedly depicting a crowd gathered in Israel. "You can't defeat such a nation," one post published on X (formerly Twitter) read.

You can't defeat such a nation pic.twitter.com/AmKl52mxI4  iMac_too (@iMac_too) October 15, 2023

Google reverse-image search results showed that the same image was shared on social media multiple times. "Am Israel chai  bring our family home," one post on Instagram captioned the image. "Is this real?" other social media wondered. "The most united and strong people of Israel!" another post in Spanish captioned the image. Moreover, some social media users used the image to encourage prayers:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, "May those who love you be safe, peace within your walls, and security within your fortresses."

While some social media users shared the photo to show support for Israel, others noticed  rightly  that there was something wrong with the picture.

The image was, as many suspected, an AI-generated fake. There were also people who claimed the fake image was promoted on social media by the Israeli government itself. For instance, one user shared the image on X with the caption " Another FAKE from @Israel," tagging an official X account of Israel. "AI generated support for Israel, you cannot match the support that the Palestinians have," another X user commented. In a similar tone, another one wrote, "Having to resort to AI to fake public support is insane and also very embarrassing." On one online forum, users debated why Israel was producing "fake looking AI images" so easy to spot:

Israel uses the free version to generate extremely fake looking AI image of Israelis supporting IDF instead of paying $30 to use proper AI tools that can generate very hard to spot fakes. Why are they being so cheap?

However, Snopes found no evidence that Israeli officials have ever shared the in-question photograph. It was first published by Omri Shafi on Oct. 11, 2023, with a caption that read (we translated it using Google Translate; emphasis ours):

A lot of this war is psychological

So let's imagine our victory picture and so it will be!

** Sharpened - Of course in war there are many losses but there is a big but here! We must stay in high energy and consciousness, we can't give what happens and happens!!! To break our spirit look at the bright side of the picture literally..

*The images were created using artificial intelligence.

The image was subsequently shared by the @livefromisrael Instagram account, which might have caused some social media users to believe it was published by Israeli officials. The @livefromisrael account is dedicated to tourism.

The image had the usual tell-tale signs of being generated by artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, various bodies were deformed and people were standing in the air:

(Instagram user @livefromisrael)

Moreover, the author shared other similar pictures that would go on to be re-shared without proper captions labeling them as AI-generated.

(Instagram user @livefromisrael)

A comment under one of the viral AI-generated images depicting crowds in Israel read:

Do you really need to use AI to show that youre supported? Did your decades of marketing, indoctrination in synagogues across the world, paying people to post on your behalf, your campaigns to get people fired for boycotting you not get you any real support? Did it all fail this so dramatically that you cant gather 10,000 people in one place in one country to support you? Thank you for teaching us that even when you go to these lengths to deceive the world, the truth will always blare louder, and when push comes to shove, when you thought all your tactics would work, all youre left with is a hollow picture created by a machine that doesnt know between wrong and right. Its a reflection of you. You have truly lost the the minds of the people of earth, and the politicians will follow.

All in all, the images were AI-generated, and therefore we have rated the claim as Fake. Moreover, the rumor that they were shared by the official @Israel X account is false.

We encourage you to read other articles on the topic of Hamas-Israel war that you can find in our archives.
U.S. House of Representatives meet to choose new Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House Republicans picked Majority Leader Tom Emmer as their nominee for speaker on Tuesday, making him the third pick in as many weeks, after the last two failed to garner enough support on the House floor to get the gavel.

Here are some facts about Emmer:

MINNESOTA

Emmer, 62, has represented Minnesota's 6th Congressional District since 2015, covering suburbs to the northwest of Minneapolis, with Emmer winning 62% of the vote in 2022.

Emmer grew up in the state and received a political science degree from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, then a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He practiced as a lawyer for two decades before winning election to the House in 2004.

He and his wife Jacquie have been married for over 30 years and have seven children, according to his official biography.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

Emmer served as chair of the House Republicans' campaign arm from 2019 to 2022, helping to win back the majority in 2022 before being elected majority whip.

Both roles gave him face time with a wide swath of members in the Republican conference, although he has never served as chair of a major committee.

POLICY STANCES

Emmer is a relative moderate compared to other House Republicans - he voted in favor of federal legislation recognizing same-sex marriage last year, and voted to certify then-President Donald Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. He supports aid for Ukraine and voted for the short-term resolution keeping the U.S. government funded in late September.

He currently sits on the Financial Services Committee and is a co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus.

RELATIONSHIP WITH TRUMP

Emmer faced criticism from some far-right Republicans in the House for not being close enough with Trump, in particular for not endorsing his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president.

Emmer has pushed back on this, pointing to his endorsements of Trump in 2016 and 2020, and adding that other Republican leaders have also not endorsed Trump yet, including former speaker nominee Steve Scalise and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

However Trump came out swinging against Emmer on Tuesday, saying on social media, "Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!"

(Reporting by Moira Warburton in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis)
FAIRVIEW  The Fairview School Board is beginning its search for a new schools superintendent, by searching for a consultant or firm to lead the search.

School directors on Monday postponed a decision on who will lead the search and instead opted to invite the Northwest Intermediate Unit 5, Pennsylvania School Boards Association and at least one private search firm to detail their search services and fees at the Nov. 6 School Board meeting, if possible.

The IU, PSBA and private firms can lead searches for qualified candidates in Pennsylvania or nationwide, depending on the district's wishes, school directors said.

This is the sign in front of the Fairview School District campus.

Directors won't rush the process, School Board President Jim Lyons said.

"We realize how important this decision is for us and for this district," Lyons said.

Also on Monday, school directors hired retired Fairview School District Superintendent Larry Kessler to lead the district as acting superintendent beginning Nov. 1. Kessler will serve until a superintendent is hired or through June 30, whichever comes first.

That term could be extended if necessary, district solicitor George Joseph said.

Kessler is able to fill in without jeopardizing his retirement benefits because the unexpected retirement of current superintendent Erik Kincade on Oct. 31  20 months before his contract with the district would have expired  is considered an emergency situation for the district, Joseph said.

As acting superintendent, Kessler will be paid $650 per day with no benefits, insurance or paid time off. If he works through June 30, Kessler will be employed for 139 work days, minus holidays and unpaid days off for time previously planned away from the district. His total compensation through June 30 would be $90,350.

School directors unanimously accepted Kincade's early retirement during a special meeting on Oct. 16. The retirement follows an undisclosed personnel issue with Kincade that Fairview School Board members discussed in private beginning in early October.

"Given that this is a personnel matter, the School Board by law is not at liberty to comment further," Lyons said then.

Lyons on Monday assured the public that their voices will be heard in the search for a new superintendent.

"I assure everybody here that we will not do this in a vacuum and that we intend to listen and take everyone's viewpoints into account. That matters to me a lot," Lyons said.

Kessler was Fairview schools superintendent from 2002 until his retirement in 2009. He previously was a Fairview social studies teacher and was Fairview High School principal from 1995 to 1997, when he was hired as curriculum coordinator for the General McLane School District.

He was out of town and unable to attend Monday's School Board meeting, directors said.

Fairview board meets in private: On 'personnel matter involving the superintendent'

Kincade retires 'abruptly': Now Fairview School Board looks to future

Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fairview takes first steps in search for new schools superintendent
State inspectors have confirmed what some residents families already suspected: Caregivers have endangered residents at a nursing home located in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Charlotte.

At least two residents at the Hunter Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were hospitalized this year after staff failed to detect serious health problems, state inspection reports show.

In one case, a woman was admitted to a hospital intensive care unit with severe sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection. A wound on her foot, which eventually caused a bone infection, was to blame, according to a new inspection report from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

A son of Mary Emma Lane, the resident who was hospitalized, said he and other family members want answers to a fundamental question: How did his mothers infection get so bad without anyone at the nursing home noticing?

You dont develop this type of infection overnight, Tyrone Wooten said.

Lane never recovered after her trip to the hospital  and never spoke again, Wooten said. On June 17, after several more trips to the hospital and a brief stay at another nursing home, Lane, breathed her last breaths. Her death certificate says she died from dementia, Wooten said. Whether her infections contributed to her death is unclear.

Mary Emma Lane died on June 17, after a wound became severely infected. Now her family wants to know whether her nursing home missed warning signs.

A pattern of poor care

Located in Charlottes Hidden Valley neighborhood, just south of I-85, Hunter Woods scores poorly on the scale that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services uses to rate nursing homes. The nursing home gets just one out of five stars overall. It also gets one out of five stars for staffing.

Hunter Woods is owned by Consulate Health Care, a company that owns more than 50 nursing homes, including 16 in North Carolina. Regulators here and elsewhere have repeatedly cited the companys nursing homes for violations. Eleven of Consulates 16 North Carolina nursing homes got just a single star for staffing.

Officials for Hunter Woods and Consulate Health Care did not respond to repeated requests for comment, beginning last week.

But the nursing homes leaders have told the state theyll do better. In response to the state inspection findings, they submitted plans to prevent such problems from recurring. They told the state theyve reeducated staff members about assessing the skin conditions of residents and will observe nurses periodically to ensure quality care.

Such problems arent unique to Hunter Woods. Left Alone, a Charlotte Observer investigation published last year, found that severe staffing shortages are endangering thousands of nursing home residents in North Carolina, leaving some to miss crucial medications, develop life-threatening infections and wait hours for help.

Need to find a high-quality nursing home in North Carolina? Here are some tips.

How long was she in pain?

Lanes family members arent the only ones concerned about the quality of care at Hunter Woods.

In May, complaints from another family led state inspectors to cite the nursing home with immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety  the most severe category of violation.

In that case, inspectors found staff members failed to check a diabetic residents blood sugar levels before they became dangerously high. The resident had to be admitted to a hospital ICU, where she was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can lead to a coma or death.

One nurse was suspended pending investigation into the case, according to the inspection report. Staff members were also educated about monitoring the glucose levels of diabetic residents.

Another resident, Shakita Fleming, came to the 120-bed nursing home in June 2022, after suffering a stroke that left her unable to talk.

Shakita Fleming came to Hunter Woods in 2022 after suffering a stroke that left her unable to talk. Since then, family members say, she has fallen repeatedly, injured her head and suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Flemings mother, Beverly Fleming Killian, said she suspected her daughters shoulder was dislocated earlier this year. When she touched Shakitas shoulder, she would moan in pain and push her hand away.

Caregivers at the nursing home told her they didnt think her shoulder was dislocated, Killian said. But after about three months, the nursing home agreed to send her to an outside doctor, who found her shoulder was dislocated and fractured, her mother said.

Our question was, How long was she in pain?  said her sister, Beatrice Fleming.

Fleming, now 34, developed an antibiotic-resistant infection at the nursing home and has fallen repeatedly, sometimes injuring her head, her sister said. Dependent on a feeding tube, she at one point became so badly malnourished that she lost about 40 pounds, Beatrice Fleming said.

The sister recalled a morning several months ago when she entered the nursing home around 9 a.m. and found that Fleming had not been fed, washed or changed out of her night clothes. For the next three hours, Beatrice said, she remained at the home, trying to summon help from staff members. But it was not until noon that an employee finally came to care for her sister, she said.

I feel like they shorted my sister, Beatrice Fleming said.

Killian said that when she visits the nursing home, her nose detects another indication of neglect.

It smells like urine and bowel movements, she said. All over the building.

Were danger signs ignored?

Mary Emma Lanes family learned about her medical crisis in mid April, when a Hunter Woods staff member called with a disturbing report: The 92-year-old woman was unresponsive and her blood pressure had dropped, so they were sending her to the hospital.

At the emergency room, Lanes family learned that the heel of her foot was infected all the way to the bone, according to Wooten, her son. A wound on her buttocks was also infected, Wooten said.

Doctors told the family that the infections had sent Lanes body into septic shock.

For months before her hospitalization, Lane would yell in pain when nursing home staff members moved or changed her. No one discussed her heel wound or her infections with the family, Wooten said.

We didnt understand why she was in so much pain, he said.

The state report does not name Lane, but Wooten confirmed that shes the patient who inspectors refer to as Resident #21.

On April 10, five days before Lane was hospitalized, a nurses note recorded an open area on her heel. But during the five weeks prior to that, the staff documented no issues with her skin, the state inspection report says.

A nurse who was responsible for monitoring Lanes skin for problems noted that at multiple times in March and April she had noticed a dressing on her foot but did not remove it, the report says.

She explained she had seen the dressing in place on multiple occasions but did not address it because she thought the Wound Nurse was treating the residents foot, the report states.

Inspectors cited the nursing home with one of the more severe violations - a Level G breach. According to the federal definitions, that means there was actual harm to a resident.

The Hunter Woods nursing home, located in Charlottes Hidden Valley neighborhood, is one of 16 nursing homes that Consulate Health Care owns in North Carolina.

Lane grew up in eastern North Carolina, where she raised four children as a single parent and worked as a sharecropper on farms in and around Edgecombe County, according to Gerome Dupree, another one of her sons.

More than 50 years ago, she moved to Charlotte, where she took on a job as a custodian for Presbyterian Hospital. She was quick to laugh, and in her younger years loved to shop for antiques at thrift stores, and to go to church each Sunday, Dupree said.

When she died in June, she left behind three children, six grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Hoping to hold the nursing home accountable for what happened to Lane, family members have hired a lawyer.

Someone, Wooten said, wasnt doing what they were supposed to do.

At NC homes, staffing problems are rampant

Most nursing homes get the bulk of their revenue from taxpayers, in the form of Medicaid and Medicare dollars. Industry leaders say low Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement limits what they can afford to pay employees. That contributes to staff shortages.

But advocates for nursing home residents argue that many nursing homes could afford to provide better care.

Bill Lamb, board member for Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, which advocates for North Carolina nursing home residents, said he sees many for-profit companies like Consulate cutting every cost they can, including staffing. The quality of care suffers as a result, he says.

Most states require minimum staffing ratios for nursing homes, The Observers investigation found. But North Carolina isnt among them.

That means homes here can operate with minimal staffing and face little risk of penalty. At times, The Observer previously reported, nurse aides have been left to care for more than 20 residents apiece, a situation that exhausts them and leaves vulnerable patients in danger of neglect.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last month proposed minimum staffing standards for nursing homes.

But some experts say that plan  which would require homes to provide an average of at least three hours of caregiver time per day for each resident  would do little to improve the situation. The proposal falls well short of staffing standards long proposed by experts, according to Charlene Harrington, a professor emerita at the University of California, San Francisco and a national expert on nursing home staffing and quality.

What they proposed is very, very low, Harrington said. Its extremely disappointing. It seems they mostly focused on cost considerations instead of researched facts.

While many nursing homes have struggled to hire and retain front-line caregivers, theyve also had a hard time keeping managerial positions filled.

Like many nursing homes, Hunter Woods has experienced high turnover among managers, according to Hillary Kaylor, the Charlotte regions nursing home ombudsman. It has had at least three top administrators in recent years, she said.

Years ago, many nursing homes in North Carolina were locally owned. Now, however, most are owned by large out-of-state corporations, said Kaylor, whose office advocates for nursing home residents and their families.

That is part of why we think we see poor care, she said. If you work in New Jersey, you dont necessarily think about whats going on here.
The family of a former Kansas City police detective, whose manslaughter conviction in the shooting death of a Black man was upheld last week by the Missouri Court of Appeals, has filed a clemency request with Gov. Mike Parson .

Eric J. DeValkenaere, who is white, had been found guilty at trial in Jackson County in 2021 on charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Sentenced to six years in prison, he remained free on bond while he appealed his conviction.

Johnathan Shiflett, a spokesperson for Parson, a Republican, said in an email to The Star that DeValkenaeres family attorneys submitted a request for clemency to Parsons office. The office has also received hundreds of additional calls and requests from private citizens on his behalf.

Governor Parson has made no decision regarding clemency for Mr. DeValkenaere at this time, the email said. Shiflett said the clemency request was a closed record and he could not provide The Star with a copy.

The Missouri Constitution gives Parson the power to delay, reduce or eliminate the punishment of state-level crimes. The clemency process ranges from a full pardon of a criminal conviction to a reprieve  the temporary suspension or delay of a criminal sentence.

DeValkenaere remained in protective custody in the Platte County jail Tuesday after he surrendered to authorities last week when the Missouri Court of Appeals decided to uphold his conviction in the killing of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. DeValkenaere shot and killed Lamb as he was backing his pickup truck into his garage in November 2019.

Sarah DeValkenaere appeared Tuesday morning on the Pete Mundo radio talk show and said she has filed a clemency petition with Parsons office.

We have submitted a clemency packet directly to the governors office and I just hope that, I know hes a former law enforcement officer himself. I know he has firsthand knowledge of how hard these men and women work each day and how sometimes theyre put into life-and-death situations where they have to make quick decisions, Sarah DeValkenaere said in the radio interview.

She could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

A fundraising letter for Eric DeValkenaere on behalf of his wife Sarah contains false claims about the death of Cameron Lamb at the former Kansas City police officers hands.

Really sick and tired

In June, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker sent a letter to Parson urging him not to pardon DeValkenaere.

Parson, a former sheriff of Polk County, told reporters at the time that he has the power to pardon DeValkenaere even if he did not apply for clemency.

Last week, after the court upheld DeValkenaeres conviction, Parsons office issued a statement saying Parson was aware of the courts decision and was assessing the situation.

Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaeres case that he gives to all others that come across his desk. No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time, Shiflett said.

Lambs family and community activists have pleaded with Parson not to issue a pardon or grant clemency to DeValkenaere.

Laurie Bey, Lambs mother said she was upset with the clemency petition.

Theyre still not accepting responsibility for the killing of my son, Bey told The Star. Im not happy about it. Im really sick and tired. I hope that Gov. Parson does not consider it.

In a rare decision by a Jackson County judge, DeValkenaere had been allowed to remain free on bond nearly two years while he appealed the November 2021 criminal conviction. DeValkenaere is the first Kansas City police officer to be convicted in the shooting death of a Black man.

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said Parson should recognize that to grant clemency or a pardon because DeValkenaere is a former police officer is blatantly disrespectful to the victim and his family.

This request for clemency is yet another attempt to skirt justice. DeValkenaere needs to do the time for his crime. Period, Grant said in a written statement emailed to The Star.

I believe six years was a lenient sentence for this former cop who killed an unarmed Black man while violating his 4th Amendment rights and tampering with evidence at the crime scene.

Grant continued: Cameron was killed for nothing more than a traffic violation. His life should mean something to the Governor, the FOP, the Police Chief, and all DeValkenaere supporters who believe Cameron does not deserve justice.

Pushing for another release

On Wednesday, after being in jail for one day, DeValkenaere sought through a new court filing to be released on bond again.

In a court filing seeking to have DeValkenaere released a second time, attorney Jonathan Laurans wrote that the former police officer had not violated any conditions of previous bond set down by the Jackson County court in February 2022.

DeValkenaere was not a flight risk, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baileys office has not objected to the motion.

Bailey, a Republican whose office is responsible for arguing on behalf of the state, instead agreed that the involuntary manslaughter conviction should have been overturned.

It will likely take a week before the Court of Appeals rules on the bond request.

DeValkenaere is expected to be taken to prision while he waits for the courts decision. He could be assigned to one of the Missouri Department of Corrections three reception and diagnostic facilities for men in St. Joseph, Bonne Terre or Fulton, according to state officials.
New Yorker Guy Tsadik decided to answer the protesters who have been tearing down posters of the hostages held by Hamas.

"There is good and evil, and you need to be on the side of good," Tsadik told Fox News Digital. "The idea that there is even one counter-protester who is legitimizing these crimes should be alarming to every American. You can't appease evil."

Guy Tsadik and his family canvassed local businesses to put up posters of missing individuals in the shop windows in New York's Long Island.

The 46-year-old New York businessman decided to become a street activist. Along with his wife Tami, their 9-year-old son Eitan and 21- year-old daughter Maya, the family set out and canvassed local businesses to put up the posters of the missing in the shop windows along the commercial strip that encompasses several towns on New York's Long Island. He said that he was met with wide-ranging support from more than 100 merchants who readily displayed the poignant and heartbreaking posters in their front windows.

OUTRAGED JEWISH STUDENT CALLS OUT NYU LEADERSHIP OVER PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTS: 'NEED TO DRAW THE LINE'

Diza Heiman, an 84-year-old Israeli woman, is one of the nearly 200 individuals kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.

"This goes to the basis of humanity. I am thinking of my own children. I was seeing pictures of the hostages, kids who don't have their parents, a 4-year-old child being held hostage, who doesn't have his parents, babies in cages in Gaza. I was hoping to come up with something that I could do for them."

Tsadik found the website of the two Israeli artists from New York who have designed the posters, KidnappedfromIsrael.com. He downloaded the link at a local printer store and printed out a heavy stack of posters for his project. Mindful of the anti-Israel protesters who have gone around and torn down the hostage photos elsewhere, he prevailed on shop owners to tape his posters inside their windows.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I made sure that they were put inside of the stores, and not outside of the stores so that they couldn't be torn down. These people who are tearing them down would be the very same people, if they were in Gaza, they would be executed in a dark alley," he said.

Fernando Marman, a 60-year-old Israeli-Argentinian man, is among nearly 200 individuals kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.

"They are misinformed or completely evil. The fact that they do not have compassion for innocent civilians, is beyond the pale. They are justifying these crimes against humanity, while in Israeli hospitals the murderers and terrorists are being treated side by side. The perpetrators and the victims are in adjoining rooms."

TENSIONS LEAD TO UNREST AT PRO-PALESTINIAN RALLIES ACROSS US CITIES

The first distribution of the posters is in what is called "The Five Towns," the communities of Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence and Woodmere that lie just adjacent to New York City's borough of Queens. Tsadik said other businesses that he did not visit are contacting him to get their own posters, and the operation is spreading to New Jersey.

While others across the country have been putting up posters, he is encouraging people in all communities to do the same.

"I think this can be done across the country," noting that the process is easy and available from the website.

The posters have caused outrage among some pro-Palestinian supporters. Videos of people tearing them down have also gone viral. In Florida, a dentist was fired after being caught on camera tearing down posters in Brickell, while in New York, two New York University students who were recorded tearing down signs on campus may face disciplinary action by the university.

INSIDE THE CHAOS ON CAPITOL HILL AS HUNDREDS OF PRO-PALESTINIAN JEWS ARRESTED: 'A MORAL CATASTROPHE'

Tsadik said he encountered the opposite reaction. Not only were store owners supportive of the posters, but pizza parlors and sushi shops donated so much food that he brought meals to the Israeli reservists and citizens returning home who were lining up at JFK airport for the El Al flight back to the Jewish state.

"I don't think that people truly understand the evil that we have faced for years and continue to face" he said.

"Death is their goal, while life is ours."





Original article source: Family fights back in response to anti-Israel protests: 'You cannot appease evil'
Felicita Nieves with her daughter, Emily Mejia, along with family and friends, prepare to release balloons on the 10th anniversary of the murder of Yessenia Suarez and her two children, Thalia Otto, 9, and Michael Elijah Otto, 8, in Deltona, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

Felicita Nieves released two silver balloons in the form of the number 10 Monday to mark a decade since she last saw her daughter and two grandchildren, who were murdered and whose bodies have never been found.

Nieves, 59, gathered with family and friends along DeBary Avenue near Interstate 4 to raise awareness about domestic violence and to mark the commemoration of the killings.

Ten years not easy, Nieves said at the memorial. Still waiting for answers. Like I always said, I will never stop looking for my daughter and my grandkids. They are always in my heart. I just know I need to continue, hoping for the best, hoping that one day I will find them.

Family and friends mark the 10th anniversary of the murder of Yessenia Suarez and her two children, Thalia Otto, 9, and Michael Elijah Otto, 8, in Deltona, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

Yessenia Suarez, 28, along with her two children, Thalia Otto, 9, and Michael Elijah Otto, 8, were murdered in their Deltona home Oct. 23, 2013.

Suarezs husband, Luis Toledo, was convicted of their murders in 2017 in a trial that was moved to St. Augustine due to the publicity.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty but the 12-member jury fell two votes shy of that recommendation. Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano sentenced Toledo in 2018 to three consecutive life terms.

The 41-year-old Toledo, who was a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings gang in Florida, is serving his time at the Columbia Annex part of the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City.

Toledo has never revealed what he did with the bodies.

"Yeah, 10 years, believe it or not, I never thought we were going to be 10 years without not finding Jessie or the kids," Nieves said. "I never thought this would happen but reality yes its here. Ten years have come and still waiting."

So on Monday afternoon, Nieves and friends and family held signs and waved at passing motorists. One sign read, "Break the Silence, End Domestic Violence," while another said, "Honk. Say No to Domestic Violence." A sign with a photo of Yessenia Suarez under the word "Missing" was placed on the grass near the road. Many passing motorists honked their horns.

Under a small canvas shelter, the group had placed handouts about the mother and children. A photo album displayed their pictures, memories of good times and smiles, of achievements and of special occasions, like a church play.

Emily Andino with her mom, Elaine Melendez, gather to remember Yessenia Suarez and her two children, Thalia Otto, 9, and Michael Elijah Otto, 8, on the 10th anniversary of their murders in Deltona, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

Emily Andino looked through the photo album. Andino, who is 18, met Thalia in kindergarten and had the same class with her every year. She remembered her friend had always been active in school, a cheerleader who also enjoyed playing a musical instrument.

She was so much joy, Andino said. She was always so kind.

Happy kid, very happy, said Andinos mother, Elaine Melendez, about Thalia.

They said the families would sometimes get together at their homes or at a park.

We would take the girls shopping for back to school, Melendez said. We would have matching outfits for them.

They still have drawings that Thalia made. And Andino wore a beaded bracelet that Thalia had made for her many years ago.

The murders brought a violent end to gatherings.

It was very shocking and very heartbreaking that day we found out, Andino said. And its just really hard to process. Thats not something you can get over, you know. Its not something you ever learn how to deal with. But we try to get on day by day. And you just hope that one day theyll come home.

She said it would be "healing" to have a place where family and friends could visit them.

Yessenia Suarez's sister, Emily Mejia, would also like a place to visit her family members.

"I just pray that one day Luis would eventually say something that way we can go ahead and put them to rest," Mejia said.

"Its been 10 years," Mejia said. "I just want to know where my sister and Thalia and Elijah are. We just want to put them to rest. They deserve a proper burial."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Murdered Deltona family's bodies still missing 10 years later
UPS opened a $22 million package processing center in Skokie. After packages are sorted, they are loaded onto trucks in the facility. (Richard Requena)

UPS, the parcel delivery company, opened a 172,500-square-foot processing facility in Skokie in late September, which a spokesperson said would facilitate package deliveries during the holiday season.

The $22 million package center, located on Austin Avenue, is able to process up to 12,000 packages an hour. UPS spokesperson Karen Tomaszewski Hill said the facility also brought 250 jobs to the area.

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The Skokie facility opened nearly a month after UPS opened a package center in Chicagos South side Bridgeport neighborhood. Like the facility in Skokie, that facility has energy-efficient LED lights and uses automotive technology to process packages.

UPS opened a $22 million package processing center in Skokie. After packages are sorted, they are loaded onto trucks in the facility. (Richard Requena)

In a tour given to Pioneer Press, Sergio Rocha, an Industrial Engineering Manager, explained that nearly half the operations in Skokie are automated through levers, ramps, and conveyor belts that read microchips inserted in stickers placed on packages.

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Rocha said there are package centers in Lockport, Addison and Hodgkins where everything is automated and that the only job left is loading and shipping the trucks.

Our Hodgkins facility is the largest tractor-trailer operation in the country and is referred to as the Chicago Area Consolidation Hub, she wrote in an email.

The point of automation is not to reduce the number of jobs, said Rocha, but to put jobs in more productive areas that can do the jobs that computers cant do.

According to Rocha, the Skokie facility uses two cameras to inspect the stickers and has a 90% accuracy rate. What doesnt get picked up is manually sorted out. Rocha said other facilities will use up to six cameras to read the labels and have a higher accuracy rate.

Cameras at Skokie's UPS facility interpret microchips embedded on stickers to sort out where packages should go. The Skokie facility currently uses two cameras, but other facilities use six. (Richard Requena)

Packages come to the Skokie facility from Hodgkins Chicago Area Consolidation Hub. Packages are delivered to Hodgkins from just about anywhere in the world and are sent to packaging centers, according to Hill. The CACH facility is also fully automated, said Hill.

Once they get to packaging centers, the packages are sorted and placed into trucks with specific delivery routes. According to Rocha, up to 400 packages are placed in a truck with eight sections. If a package enters the wrong truck, the truck also has sensors that will detect the smart chip sticker and raise an alert.

Hill said the Skokie facility and 12 other locations around the Chicago area will hire up to 3,500 seasonal employees for the holiday season, from the first weekend in November to mid-January. Most of those jobs will be for package handlers, said recruiter Alexandria Heppner.
A small Michigan town is outraged and calling for justice after a beloved, people-loving deer was killed by police.

It happened Oct. 20 outside a home in Lawrence, in Van Buren County, according to a news release from the Pokagon Band Tribal Police.

Graphic video shared to social media shows one of the departments officers trying to restrain the deer, named Annie. As the doe struggles to break free, people can be heard criticizing the officer.

Eventually, the officer pins Annie upside down, pulls out a handgun and fires a single shot, video shows. Annies body jolts, then rolls over limp.

A police officer is seen shooting the deer with a handgun outside a home in Lawrence, Michigan.

Police have not said why the officer shot the deer, but state wildlife officials strongly discourage people from feeding or trying to domesticate deer.

There is no reason for her to be put down, she never hurt anybody, Pamela Babb told WSBT.

Babb said she and her family rescued Annie as a fawn after her mother was hit by a car, the outlet reported.

When she got old enough she just kept coming back to the farm, she would play with you, the kids, the animals, Babb said.

Annie became well-known and loved throughout the community, and many turned to a newly created Facebook group, Justice for Annie, to share their encounters with her as she wandered from place to place.

Annie brought so much joy to so many, one post read.

While some reminisced about Annie, others made their anger clear.

This wasnt JUST A DEER and  people KNOW this was unjust and cruel, another post read. Imagine what the last minute of this [deers] life was like after thinking humans loved her and wouldnt hurt her.

Officers with the Pokagon Band Tribal Police were at the Lawrence home to assist the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office in making an arrest, police said in the release. The incident with Annie appears to be unrelated.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, while an investigation is carried out, police said. We appreciate your patience in this matter and we will provide an update once the investigation is complete.

Police also consulted with the state Department of Natural Resources on the matter.

Michigan DNR did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Oct. 24.

Lawrence, with a population of roughly 1,000 people, is about 55 miles southwest of Grand Rapids.

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Someone made racist threats toward people in the Buffalo, New York, Police Department, and federal authorities say they were able to track the threats to a man in Lenoir, North Carolina.

The threats were made between Aug. 18 and Aug. 26, according to court documents filed earlier this month and obtained by Channel 9 on Tuesday.

An agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation wrote in an affidavit that a member of the Buffalo Police Department got a call from a man who identified himself as Ryan Johnston. Court documents say Johnston became noticeably angry and called the department over 50 times from a cell phone on Aug. 18.

ALSO READ: FBI arrests man accused of making threats against local Jewish Federation

Investigators say in court documents that Johnston made a racist threat against one police receptionist. He allegedly told the department he would go to Buffalo to shoot officers, and reportedly stated that he would kill any Black people, while using a racial slur.

Several days later, on Aug. 26, Johnston allegedly called the department again and made similar threats to police officers.

The FBI started investigating and tracked the phone number to Ryan Michael Dewitte Johnston, who lives in Lenoir, North Carolina.

According to online jail records, Johnston was booked into custody in the Catawba County Jail on Monday. Hes facing federal charges for making the threats.

(WATCH: School threats have impact on mental health, students say)
In all the thousands of pages of legal documents written in the sprawling Murdaugh saga in recent years, a zinger in a footnote written last week by a federal judge about disgraced lawyer and convicted killer-thief Alex Murdaugh might be among the most memorable:

There is certainly rich irony in the Defendant (Murdaugh), who engaged in the methodical theft of millions of dollars in client funds and then expended the great majority of those funds for his personal use, to accuse two honorable members of the Bar serving as state receivers of wasting assets, wrote federal Judge Richard Gergel .

Gergel wrote the footnote Tuesday in a three-page order denying a request by four of Murdaughs criminal lawyers, including Phil Barber, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, to have the federal government seize Murdaughs assets over which state court-appointed receivers had exercised stewardship for nearly two years.

Murdaughs lawyers wrote in a Sept. 25 motion that the federal government can be good stewards of Murdaughs assets and do the work for free, while the current state stewards  called receivers  are charging hefty lawyers fees and will further dissipate the assets. The motion also asked for an accounting of the assets.

In his order, Gergel shot down the Murdaugh lawyers motion on three grounds, including that Murdaugh has no recognizable interest in any assets now under the control of the state receivers  an amount said to be nearly $2 million.

A criminal defendant has no authority to demand that the Attorney General or any other officer of the United States Government do his bidding regarding the seizure of his stolen funds, wrote Gergel in the body of his three-page order.

Moreover, in a matter where a state has already assumed control over a defendants assets, the federal government has no jurisdiction because the state already has dominion, Gergel wrote.

Gergel also noted that the Murdaugh lawyers motion suggested that the current lawyer-receivers, John T. Lay and Peter McCoy, have engaged in some kind of misconduct and are wasting assets. But the Murdaugh lawyers provided no specific evidence as to misconduct, the judge wrote.

Lay had this reaction to Gergels order: We are glad this distraction is over and we look forward to moving ahead with the process established by Judge (Daniel) Hall so there can be a speedy and equitable distribution of the funds to Alex Murdaughs victims and creditors.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty before Gergel in Charleston federal court on Sept. 21 to 22 counts of federal financial crimes involving some $9 million in embezzlements and thefts over more than 10 years. He had been indicted on May 23.

Although a state grand jury under the S.C. Attorney Generals office had begun indicting Murdaugh for state versions of roughly the same set of crimes, state prosecutors have not yet tried Murdaugh or persuaded him to plead guilty. An initial state trial addressing Murdaughs thefts has been set for Nov. 27.

Nearly two years ago, state Judge Hall put Murdaughs assets under the control of two receivers  attorneys McCoy and Lay  and gave them the authority to identify, collect and administer all the assets.

Hall acted on the request of Mark Tinsley, who represented the estate of Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old woman killed in a boat crash involving Murdaughs boat and youngest son, Paul.

At that time, in early November 2021, Murdaugh was just beginning to be charged with an ever-expanding succession of financial crimes by the state, and Tinsley was concerned that Murdaugh was going to liquidate and hide his assets.

Tinsley said he believed Gergels order was the only right decision.

Barber, a Murdaugh lawyer, said, We respect the judges order and indicated an appeal was not likely.

A state jury in March convicted Murdaugh of two counts of murder in the 2021 shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at their 1,770-acre estate in rural Colleton County. Murdaugh is now serving two consecutive life sentences in state prison.

Gergels order only concerned Murdaughs financial crimes and not any aspect of his murder convictions.
U.S. authorities upped the ante Tuesday against a gang leader who is considered one of the most dangerous criminals in Haiti, charging him anew with the kidnapping of a Haitian American couple and murder.

Vitelhomme Innocent, who heads the Kraze Barye gang and was indicted on similar federal charges last year, is accused of ordering the kidnapping of Haitian Americans Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin from their home in Haiti on Oct. 7, 2022. The wife was shot and killed and the husband held in captivity until his family paid a ransom for his release 21 days later.

Innocent, 37, who was charged alone with conspiracy, kidnapping and murder, faces up to life in prison or the death penalty. He is at large in Haiti.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, at a news conference in Washington, D.C., said that Innocents gang and others in Haiti are increasingly targeting Haitian Americans as they terrorize the island nation amid political turmoil in the wake of the assassination of Haitis president more than two years ago. Innocent and the Krazye Barye gang operate in the Ouest department of Haiti that includes Delmas, Torcelle, and Tabarre, committing kidnappings for ransom, extortion and car thefts, Graves said, citing an indictment.

The gangs and gang leaders in Haiti must be held accountable for their atrocities committed against innocent civilians, Graves said.

This summer, the U.S. government ordered non-emergency staff at its embassy in Port-au-Prince to leave Haiti, after an escalation in gang violence led dozens of Haitian families to seek refuge outside of the embassy compound in the Tabarre neighborhood of the capital.

The U.S. embassy area is surrounded by at least three powerful gangs, two of which are controlled by leaders implicated in the kidnapping of 16 American missionaries in October 2021. The gangs, 400 Mawozo and Kraze Barye, have been escalating their violence, raiding businesses and homes.

The Kraze Barye gang, which is behind the latest upsurge in violence, is led by the politically connected Innocent. Despite having a $1 million FBI reward for his capture for the missionaries kidnapping, he has been carrying out a wave of brutal attacks. The developing U.S. crackdown and reward reflect the increasing attention the Biden administration has been paying lately to addressing Haitis lawlessness.

In his recent report to the U.N. Security Council this week, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said violence was worsening in Haiti. Major crimes, including homicides and kidnappings, are surging at unprecedented rates, mostly in the West and Artibonite departments of Haiti. Between July 1 and Sept. 30, the national police reported 1,239 homicides compared to 577 reported in the same period last year. There were 701 victims of abductions, including 221 women, 8 girls and 18 boys, between July 1 and Sept. 30, showing a 244 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

In and out of Port-au-Prince, where the indicted gang leaders operate, Haitians are being kidnapped, killed and raped by armed groups that, according to the United Nations, are systematically using rape as a weapon of control and terror.

As Haiti gang crisis grows more violent, Kenyan court blocks plan to send security forces

Despite the widespread violence, a Kenya-led multinational security mission to help Haitis police put down dangerous armed gangs remains up in the air after a court in Kenya on Tuesday extended its order barring the deployment for two more weeks.

On Monday, members of the U.N. Security Council, which authorized the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission for Haiti a week before the court challenge, made clear that Haiti couldnt afford to wait for help and that deployment needs to happen sooner rather than later. Children were increasingly being killed or injured in the crossfire, and one in four schools has been closed since last year, the Security Council was told.

Federal crackdown

Nearly a year ago, Innocent was charged with six other gang members in a federal crackdown on gang leaders in Haiti, charging them with armed kidnapping, including three suspects wanted in the abductions of the 16 U.S. citizens who were members of the Christian missionary group taken as hostages in the fall of 2021.

The indictments charged Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmo Sanjou, 29, Jermaine Stephenson, who is known as Gaspiyay, also in his late 20s, and Innocent. The indictments say they had leading roles in the kidnappings of the missionaries serving near Port-au-Prince, and the U.S. is offering a $3 million reward for information leading to their arrests.

The three suspects collaborated with other gang members and demanded $1 million in ransom per victim and threatened to kill the missionaries, who worked for the Ohio-based Christian Aid Missionaries, if the ransom was not paid, U.S. authorities said. An undisclosed ransom was eventually paid. Most of the missionaries, including five children and a Canadian citizen, were held hostage for 61 days before escaping.

The indictments against the Haitian gang leaders came a year after the missionaries kidnappings made global headlines, and as gangs continued to spread chaos and despair in Haiti.

Those charges by the Justice Department followed the high-profile indictment of another Mawozo gang leader, Germine Joly, 29. He was transferred to the United States in May 2022.

Germine Joly, better known as Yonyon, has been indicted on U.S. federal gun charges after he was transferred aboard a special Federal Bureau of Investigation flight on Tuesday, May 3, to the U.S. following a request from the U.S. on April 22. Joly is the leader of the gang 400 Mawozo, which was behind last years kidnapping of 17 American and Canadian missionaries.

Joly, aka Yonyon, was in a Haitian prison at the time of the missionaries kidnappings but was accused of directing the gang from behind bars, including ransom negotiations for the hostages release. Also charged with Joly was fellow Mawozo gang member Jean Pelice, 27. Both have pleaded not guilty.

In addition, federal authorities said four other Haitians who lead three other gangs were charged with the kidnappings of two other U.S. citizens in Haiti in 2021.

The four defendants, all believed to be in Haiti, are: Renel Destina, 40, known as Ti Lapli, who controls the Gran Ravine area; Emanuel Solomon, known as Manno, one of two leaders of the Village de Dieu gang; and John Peter Fleronvil and Jean Renald Dolcin, leaders of the Kokorat san Ras.

The kidnapping investigations have been led by the FBI field office in Miami with assistance from the State Departments Diplomatic Security Service and the Haiti National Police.

The indictment unsealed today demonstrates the FBIs commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are, Jeffrey Veltri, special agent in charge of the FBIs Miami field office, said in a statement.
In an emotionally charged revelation, the woman who made the 911 call that sent police to Michael Ramos location  an encounter that ended with Christopher Taylor shooting and killing him  said she felt responsible for his death.

I feel like I shot him, Meko Scott said in court Tuesday.

During the call, which played during her testimony, Scott repeatedly told the dispatcher that Ramos had a gun and said he had pointed it at the woman in the car with him, an allegation that Taylors attorneys have said shaped the police response. On the stand, Scott admitted that she never saw Ramos with a gun and was acting off what bystanders told her.

Police have confirmed no gun was ever found in Ramos vehicle or on the scene.

Scott repeatedly apologized to Ramos family in court.

Her comments came on the second day of testimony in Taylors murder trial, which also brought new details about the circumstances that led to Ramos death. Prosecutors presented an interactive digital rendering of the shooting and sparred with the defense over the implications of narcotics found in Ramos vehicle.

I feel like I shot him, Meko Scott said Tuesday about Michael Ramos, who was fatally shot by Austin police officer Christopher Taylor in 2020. Scott placed the 911 call that sent police to Ramos' location.

Taylors attorneys drew attention to narcotics found in Ramos vehicle

Prosecutors have openly acknowledged Ramos criminal history and have not shied away from presenting evidence with such implications. During the testimony of Sgt. Shelly Holmstrom  then an officer in the Special Investigations Unit  prosecutors displayed photos of illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia found in Ramos' car.

Holmstrom said that a white substance in one of the photos was likely crack cocaine.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Ken Ervin homed in on the presence of narcotics in the vehicle and their connection to Ramos behavior during the police encounter.

Ervins line of questioning suggested that being under the influence of narcotics such as crack cocaine might lead to erratic and aggressive behavior.

Can (one of these substances) cause someone to become violent, when they would not have been violent but for this substance? Ervin asked Holmstrom.Holmstrom agreed.

Ervin also suggested that narcotics could cause someone to be less sensitive to pain, which might have affected how Ramos reacted to being struck by a less-lethal round.

Assistant District Attorney Rob Drummond pushed back on Ervins assertions, saying that Holmstrom did not know what kind of drugs Ramos might have ingested, or in what quantity.

Mark Johnson, president of the Visual Law Group, points to aspects of a digital recreation of the shooting of Michael Ramos during Austin police officer Christopher Taylor's murder trial Tuesday.

Prosecutors presented a digital rendering of shooting

Prosecutors presented an interactive 3D digital rendering, providing new vantage points on the shooting.

Mark Johnson, president and CEO of Visual Law Group, testified that his company used videos captured by police-worn body cameras, patrol vehicle dash cameras and bystander cellphone cameras. He described his process as scientific.

Prosecutors played animated videos that depicted the shooting from a birds-eye view, as well as from the perspectives of Ramos and Taylor.

Crucially, Johnson said his company was able to calculate the speed at which Ramos was driving when he was shot. He said that when the first shot was fired, Ramos was driving at 8.5 miles per hour.

Drummond also pointed out that at no point during the shooting was anyone in the path of Ramos vehicle.

Doug OConnell, one of Taylors defense attorneys, questioned Johnson on his techniques and expertise. Gesturing at Taylor, OConnell said, Youre comfortable for this jury to rely on your work products, considering that Chris is on trial for murder?

Certainly, Johnson replied.

Defense attorney Doug O'Connell hands Mark Johnson, president of the Visual Law Group, screenshots of his digital recreation of the shooting during the trial Tuesday.

911 caller apologized, saying that she never saw Ramos with a gun

In a pivotal moment, Scott took the stand to discuss the 911 call she made April 24, 2020.

Scotts son lived in the Southeast Austin apartment complex where Ramos was killed.

At times crying, Scott described seeing Ramos in his vehicle that afternoon, doing what she thought was smoking narcotics. Scott said a group of bystanders had gathered around Ramos vehicle, and she was told that Ramos had been there all day and all night.

Scott said that an older Hispanic woman told her that Ramos had a gun, but she never saw one herself.

On the 911 call, Scott repeatedly told the dispatcher that Ramos had a gun.

She said that making the call was the most messed-up mistake Ive ever done. But, throughout questioning from both prosecutors and defense attorneys, she insisted that the Hispanic woman  whom prosecutors said police were never able to locate  told her about the gun.

Assistant District Attorney Dexter Gilford pressed Scott on her claim about the Hispanic woman, but Scott held firm.

In his cross-examination, Ervin said, I think its clear you had good intentions for why you did what you did, why you said what you said.

He continued, By now, you understand that your call set into motion a terrible chain of events.

Ervin suggested that because Scott falsely claimed that she saw Ramos with a gun, police responded accordingly.

During Scotts testimony, Brenda Ramos, Michael Ramos mother, left the courtroom in tears.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 911 caller testifies during Austin officer Christopher Taylor's trial
A female jogger reported being attacked Monday by a masked assailant near Fort Mill, according to deputies and a York County Sheriffs Office incident report.

The incident happened around 5:20 a.m. off Sutton Road near the intersection of Camber Woods Drive, the report states.

The area is west of Interstate 77 and south of S.C. 160, a few miles south of the North Carolina state line. The areas in northern York County west of I-77 have a Fort Mill address but are outside the Fort Mill town limits.

The woman told deputies she was jogging along Sutton Road when she was tackled by a man who approached her from behind, the report states. The victim said she was groped and fought back, then the man fled into nearby woods, according to the incident report.

The victim immediately called 911, the resort said.

A K-9 team attempted to track the suspect but was unsuccessful, deputies said.

The suspect is described in the report as a man around 5 feet 8 inches tall wearing dark clothing, a gray hat and a mask, the report states.

The reported assault remains under investigation, sheriffs office spokesman Trent Faris said Tuesday.

Be safe while exercising

The reported attack happened before sunrise Monday.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officials urged people not to go out alone in a news conference earlier this month after assaults of women walking and jogging in Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Observer reported.

There have been attacks on women in southern Mecklenburg County in 2022 and 2023, according to reporting from the Observer. In one of those 2022 attacks, a man was arrested in late September, the Observer reported.
Meharry Medical College students Emmanuel Kotey, center, and Teresa Belledent, right, watch as the liver and kidneys are removed from an organ donor June 15, 2023, in Jackson, Tenn. Theyre part of a novel pilot program to encourage more Black and other minority doctors-to-be to get involved in the transplant field, increasing the trust of patients of color. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Its long after midnight when the bustling operating room suddenly falls quiet  a moment of silence to honor the man lying on the table.

This is no ordinary surgery. Detrick Witherspoon died before ever being wheeled in, and now two wide-eyed medical students are about to get a hands-on introduction to organ donation.

Theyre part of a novel program to encourage more Black and other minority doctors-to-be to get involved in the transplant field, increasing the trust of patients of color.

There are very few transplant surgeons who look like me, said Dr. James Hildreth, president of Meharry Medical College, which teamed with Tennessee Donor Services for the project  one of several by historically Black colleges and universities to tackle transplant inequity.

Fresh off their first year at Meharry, six students spent the summer shadowing the donor agency to learn the complex steps that make transplants possible: finding eligible donors, broaching donation with grieving families, recovering organs and matching them to recipients sometimes hundreds of miles away.

In the operating room, student Teresa Belledent worried she'd get emotional seeing a donors face  especially this one, a Black father of six, just 44, who reminded her a bit of her own dad. Instead, calm descended as Dr. Marty Sellers, the organ agencys surgeon, began retrieving the kidneys and liver while teaching Belledent and classmate Emmanuel Kotey.

Im able to feel sad and honor this person ... and be able to focus on the act of helping other people, said Belledent as the tired team began the two-hour drive back to Nashville from the Jackson, Tennessee, hospital.

The nights tougher lesson: Hours into the surgery the room falls quiet again. The donor had died of a brain hemorrhage but now Sellers has found undiagnosed cancer in his lungs. The kidneys and liver, already carefully placed on ice, cant be used. Still, the corneas can be donated  and for the two students, the surgery offered a powerful teaching moment.

I got to see so much and do so much  and trying is better than not, Belledent said.

MISTRUST AND THE TRANSPLANT GAP

Despite record numbers of transplants in recent years, thousands die waiting because there aren't enough donated organs  and some don't get a fair chance. Black Americans are over three times more likely than white people to experience kidney failure. But they face delays in even being put on the transplant list and are far less likely than their white counterparts to get an organ from a living donor  the best kind.

Overall, Black patients make up 28% of the waiting list for all organs but account for just about 16% of deceased donors. Increasing donor diversity also helps improve the odds of finding a good match.

How do we close that gap? was the question Jill Grandas, Tennessee Donor Services executive director, took to Hildreth.

The Meharry students know mistrust of the medical system  a legacy of abuses such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment that left Black men untreated for syphilis  is a barrier both to organ donation and seeking care, such as transplants, that people may not be familiar with.

Austin Brown of Memphis said his grandfather absolutely despised medicine," and died of a heart attack after refusing an artery-clearing stent.

Belledent, of Miami, recalled her mother saying not to check the organ donor box when she got her drivers license  because of a widespread myth that doctors wont work as hard to save the life of a registered donor.

Now that Ive seen the process, its crazy to even think about, Belledent said. In the ICU, no ones looking through stuff and trying to find your license, look for the (organ donor) heart on there.

Stacey Scotton of Cleveland, Tennessee, said a cook in Meharrys cafeteria listed the reasons he's heard "that its not a good idea to be an organ donor. And Im able to now go in and comfort him and correct, you know, some of those disbeliefs.

AWE IN THE OPERATING ROOM

Back at the Jackson, Tennessee, hospital, Kotey and Belledent are getting a very different anatomy lesson than medical students introductory lab with cadavers.

Machines keep oxygen and blood flowing to Witherspoon's organs  and Kotey lets out a quiet wow upon touching a pulsating artery while assisting Sellers, the surgeon.

It was the first time Ive ever done anything like that. I didn't want to mess up, he said later.

Sellers gives precise instructions: Place your right hand here, pinch this spot, clamp that one. The students learn to trim fat from a kidney, stitch a biopsy wound and feel the lung nodule that proved cancerous  opportunities they normally wouldnt get until far later in training.

Im a firm believer that students cant get really excited about something theyre not exposed to, said Hildreth, who thinks early experiences like this could help diversify the transplant field.

Only 5.5% of transplant surgeons and less than 7% of kidney specialists are Black.

The Meharry students were stunned to learn how rare donation opportunities are. Only about 1% of deaths occur in a way that qualifies someone to even be considered, and hospitals must alert agencies like Grandas' fast enough to evaluate candidates and approach families.

Its not like you go to the hospital, you die and you automatically become a donor. Theres a lot more moving parts, said Sam Ademisoye of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

MATCHING ORGANS TO RECIPIENTS

In a Nashville ICU, Brown is learning bedside care for a deceased donor  an 18-year-old motorcycle crash victim  and how to match the organs on the national waiting list.

The heart is immediately claimed. But theres a hitch with the lungs: Hospitals have said no for 16 patients, primarily because a week-old scan in the donors records suggested bruising.

Brown knows young donors organs usually are in high demand, and these lungs are working well.

The denial, that blows my mind, he said, helping nurses take the risky step of moving the body for another CT scan to prove the lungs really are fine.

The gamble pays off and the next transplant center in line grabs them.

The many steps to successful donation are like gears in a machine and the entire machine breaks down if one gear fails. Thats my biggest takeaway, said student Mikhail Thanawalla of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE FOR FAMILIES

What the students may remember most were grieving families who shared their donation experience.

Daphne Myers, struggling with her son's death at 26, initially was ready to refuse.

I remember my reaction: I dont want to talk about that, Myers said. I wasnt educated on it. My generation wasnt raised to be organ donors.

But the donor representative didn't make that request, instead asking Myers all about her son  how Haston Stafford Myers Jr. always helped others and loved to sing. Only then did Myers learn her son was a registered organ donor and realized she supported his choice.

She was caring, Myers recalled. That changed my opinion, changed my mind. ... The impact you guys can have on families, the caring that comes along with doing your job, it makes all the difference.

Its far too soon to know if the program pointed students to new career paths. But next year, Grandas plans to also invite students from a historically Black nursing school.

Kotey thinks hell become a general practitioner and pledges his patients young to old, will know about organ donation.

Belledent, though, has long wanted to become a surgeon. She spent her childhood in Haiti and recalls family friends with kidney disease and no access to transplants. Specializing in transplant surgery is definitely on the list because I like the idea of being able to give someone a second chance.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
A Filipino caregiver in Israel says she feels its her duty to remain with her elderly employer, for whom shes worked the last five months, despite the monumental tensions and instability in the region.

Lourdes Levi, who works in-home night shifts in Tel Aviv for a 96-year-old man with Alzeheimers, told NBC News that, while she feels fear, she doesnt plan on leaving the area, regardless of how dangerous conditions may become amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Its like a call of responsibility that we need to take for our employer. Theres nobody to take care of them, Levi, 65, said. And even on the other side of your mind, you want to leave and get yourself to safety, deep inside your heart, you are thinking about your employer.

Levi is among roughly 30,000 Filipinos living in Israel, the majority of whom work as caregivers for the countrys aging population. Several caregivers of Filipino descent have already died in the violence in Gaza, the Philippines government confirmed. One of them, Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, was killed while taking cover with her employer in a bomb shelter, according to Filipino state media.

Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining by Niras side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum said on X.

As of Monday, at least 1,400 have been killed in Israel and 5,087 in Gaza since Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a multipronged attack on Oct. 7. Even though Tel Aviv is some 50 miles away from the epicenter of the violence, Levi, whos been a caregiver in Israel for over two decades, said that the war has altered many aspects of her work. Rockets can be heard flying overhead at times, she said. And she feels its her job to get her patient to safety.

When youre inside the house, you feel like family. You need to protect them, Levi said. Suddenly the rockets will bomb and you need to put him in the wheelchair and you need to run to the bomb shelter. This is our life now.

The 65-year-old shuttles between her home in the northern city of Haifa and Tel Aviv, by train, to work 11-hour night shifts four times a week. Levi said her patient needs her assistance with eating, going to the restroom and making his sleeping arrangements. She said shes gotten accustomed to lying on the floor and covering her head at the sound of rockets. For many caregivers like her, Levi says the only way to carry on is to throw themselves into work.

Were giving our hearts 100%  our hearts and our minds  even when we are in a dangerous time, Levi said.

She added: What we are facing now, we dont feel that we are safe. But we are trying to be safe and we are trying to live normally.

Levi, whos also a community leader and founded the organization Kalahi, which aims to serve fellow Filipinos working overseas, said shes heard from caregivers, including those near Gaza, who are currently grappling with mental health issues due to the inability to leave their employers homes and seek community and comfort.

Its a very hard situation that the caregivers that are in the neighborhood of Gaza, they are more facing the challenges, Levi said. They are not allowed to go out yet, they need to keep themselves inside. So its giving them nerves, and giving them fear.

Some caregivers in Israel have left for the Philippines as well, with concerns around the escalating violence, Levi said. But she has no plans to leave.

I want to stay here and help my people, help my employer, she said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
State Rep. Randy Fine, a longtime supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis, publicly broke with the governor Monday and threw his support behind former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

In an op-ed published Monday in the Washington Times, Fine blamed the governor's handling of Jewish concerns in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks in Israel and rising antisemitic incidents across the state.

"Eighteen months ago, my Nazi 'friends' showed up in Florida. They assaulted a Rabbi. They beat up a Jew who yelled back at one of their protests. They commandeered highway overpasses to illegally hang banners saying 'Gas the Jews.' They have tormented Jews at their homes with filth," Fine wrote. "Until a few weeks ago, Governor DeSantis said almost nothing. And worse, he did almost nothing."

"I love his words. His actions have broken my heart," wrote Fine, who is Jewish.

Rep. Randy Fine appears alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis at a news conference in Satellite Beach in this May 2021 file photo.

Until Monday, Fine had been among DeSantis' strongest supporters in the State Legislature, frequently introducing bills that championed the governor's political and legislative agendas.

Fine served as DeSantis' Jewish outreach chair during his first successful run for governor in 2018 and has accompanied him on trips to Israel, most recently in April to sign House Bill 269 strengthening restrictions on religious harassment and intimidation, which Fine sponsored.

DeSantis had tapped the Brevard County legislator to possibly take over as president at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton earlier this year, though Fine ultimately failed to make the shortlist of candidates decided by the school's board of directors.

Turning on the governor wasn't an easy decision, Fine said Tuesday. "The easy path is never the right path," he told FLORIDA TODAY.

Instead, he would support Trump for the Republican nomination for president in 2024, Fine said.

He cited what he described as Trump's strong pro-Israel track record, including support for Israel's annexation of the disputed Golan Heights territory from Syria; and the Abraham Accords peace treaties between Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, which the Trump administration helped to broker.

"What is going on in the world would not be happening if he was still president. It didn't happen, because they were afraid of him," Fine said.

Bryan Griffin, DeSantis' press secretary, responded to Fine's criticism in a strongly worded statement Tuesday.

This is nothing more than shameful political theater at a time when Ron DeSantis is leading the charge to support Israel," Griffin wrote. "From working to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, to combatting antisemitism throughout Florida and its schools, to securing funding for security at Jewish schools and synagogues, theres never been a more pro-Israel Governor.

"When Joe Biden stood idly by, Ron DeSantis sent planes to bring over 700 Americans home to safety and called the Florida legislature back for a special session to levy sanctions against Iran and provide further protections to Jewish students and faith communities in Florida," Griffin wrote. "When it comes to standing in defense of Israel, hes always been a leader who acts and delivers."

Fine said the last straw for him was what he said was the governor's failure to crack down on pro-Hamas protestors at state universities in the wake of the Oct. 7 terror attacks.

An open letter to DeSantis on Oct. 13, calling on the governor to pressure universities to clamp down the protests under a 2019 law aimed at curbing religious discrimination on college campuses, which Fine sponsored, was a signal that his support was on the line, Fine said.

"Instead, he shrugged it off and passed the buck to university presidents," Fine said.

During a campaign stop in New Hampshire on Tuesday, DeSantis told reporters Fine's stand was "pure politics," accusing the state representative of being bitter about not landing the FAU job, online news outlet The Messenger reported.

He was up for a presidency of FAU; he didn't get it. Now he's running for [state] Senate. He's trying to ingratiate himself. Totally ridiculous," the website quoted DeSantis as saying.

Fines defection to Trump makes him the first legislator backing DeSantis to break with the governor in what is now his longshot bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

Fine was among the 99 state House and Senate members who endorsed DeSantis in May (out of 113 legislative Republicans), shortly before DeSantis announced his candidacy. Since then, the Florida governors presidential hopes have been steadily sinking.

For DeSantis, a fear would be that Fines move triggers a stampede of departures among Floridians who publicly backed the governor, but who now want to scramble into the good graces of Trump, now seen as the inevitable GOP nominee.

In throwing his support to Trump, Fine makes no reference to the former presidents own difficulties with Jewish voters. In 2017, Trump was attacked for saying there were very fine people on both sides of clashes at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va.

Last month, Trump came under fire for posting on his Truth Social his criticism of liberal Jews for not appreciating his support of Israel and for buying into accusations of anti-Semitism aimed at him.

Eric Rogers is a watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or esrogers@floridatoday.com. Follow him on X: @EricRogersFT. John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard's Randy Fine breaks with DeSantis, backs Trump for president
By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) -Damage to a Baltic Sea gas pipeline earlier this month is believed to have been caused by a ship dragging a large anchor along the seabed, but it was too early to tell if this was an accident or a deliberate act, Finnish police said on Tuesday.

Investigators said they had now retrieved a lost anchor from the seabed location where the pipeline ruptured on Oct. 8, and were investigating whether it belonged to a Chinese container vessel.

Police have previously said damage to the Balticconnector subsea gas pipeline and two Baltic Sea telecoms cables was cause by external mechanical force and were investigating whether this was a case of sabotage or caused by accident.

Broad drag marks were seen on the seabed leading up to where the pipeline was broken, and the anchor was lying immediately after the damage spot. A narrower path was seen on the seabed stretching onwards for dozens of miles, police said.

A piece of the anchor, one of its two spikes, had broken off, they added.

"The next questions are about whether it was intentional, negligence, poor seamanship, and that's where we get into whether there could be a motive for what's going on," National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Robin Lardot told a press conference.

"But it's too early to answer that at this stage," he added.

The NBI on Friday said they were focusing their probe on the Chinese NewNew Polar Bear container vessel that had travelled above the pipeline and the cables at the time of the damage.

The NBI on Tuesday said they had established that the NewNew Polar Bear was in fact missing one of its front anchors, and said they had tried unsuccessfully to contact the ship to ask whether this was the one retrieved in the Gulf of Finland.

China called on Monday for an "objective, fair and professional" investigation into the pipeline damage.

The incident cut pipeline gas supplies to Finland, although the country expects to manage with imports of liquefied natural gas via ship deliveries to its Inkoo port.

As a result of the damage, NATO has stepped up patrols in the Baltic Sea.

In September 2022, the larger Nord Stream pipelines connecting Germany and Russia were damaged by explosions that authorities have said were deliberate acts of sabotage, although it is still unclear who was behind the attack.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto, editing by Terje Solsvik and Bill Berkrot)
A birds eye view of the proposed final plans for the Elder/Centennial beach project in Winnetka from the southern boundary of Centennial Beach looking north toward Elder Beach. - Original Credit: Handout (The Lakota Group/WPD/HANDOUT)

The Winnetka Park District Board voted to submit permits for the most recent design plans of the Elder Lane and Centennial beach rebuild project more than a year after the original permits were pulled and three years after the original land swap agreement was signed.

The board voted 4-2 to authorize Park District staff to submit permits for the latest iteration of the project to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Village of Winnetka.

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Schematics of the final design for the Elder/Centennial beach project in Winnetka. (Winnetka Park District)

Permits for previous beach plans were narrowly pulled by a vote during the June 9, 2022 board meeting after residents came out to protest the inclusion of several design elements, including steel louvers and planter pockets that would have blocked views of the lake.

Issues with the beach rebuild began with a land swap agreement between billionaire resident Justin Ishbia and the Park District in October 2020 that would trade the land Ishbia owns in between the two beaches at 261 Sheridan Road with a chunk of land from Centennial that abuts his other property at 205 Sheridan Road. The deeds have yet to be swapped even with the Park District attempting to finalize the deal multiple times.

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Along with concerns about impacted views, some residents have stated they dont believe the Park District should be in the business of giving public land to private citizens. A lawsuit by resident Robert Schriesheim which halted Park District plans for a time was dismissed earlier this month. Paul Gaynor, a lawyer for Schriesheim, has stated they plan to refile on one count outlined in the suit which claims the land swap is in violation of the Public Trust Doctrine. This count states that the land under the lake is the property of residents and is held in trust for the residents by the government.

All three counts were dismissed. By conventional thinking, that means weve won so far, Park District Board Counsel Adam Simon said. The plaintiffs would have to show the Park District acted arbitrarily and unreasonably.

Commissioners Colleen Root and Cynthia Rapp, who both voted to pull the initial permits, voted against submitting new permits. Rapp wanted to have the resolution allowing the resubmittal changed to ensure the Park Board would see permits before submission, but Commissioner Warren James said because the permits are based off recent drawings that isnt necessary.

Its not typically the province of the board to opine on the permit plans, James said. The schematic design reflects the design intent and we know from prior experience that the first review will be a review of sufficiency and then it will come to a 30-day public comment period.

James pointed to the concerns of some residents about Elder Beach having been closed for several years due to unsafe conditions as reason to move forward quickly with the plans.

The Park District also pointed to results of the recent Winnetka Caucus survey to say residents approved of the project. Nearly 44% of residents responded they would like to see the Park District do what is needed to repair and preserve the beaches while 15% said they had concerns about the plan. When asked what they thought of the Park District selling real estate, 39% said it should only be sold to other municipal entities, 27% said they would only like to see green space acquired and not sold and 22% said under no circumstances should the Park District sell land.

Former Park District Commissioner David Seaman spoke at the meeting concerning the caucus survey and pointed out 25% of the respondents were between 25 and 44 years old, a group he said is much more represented now than in the previous five years.

I think its fair to say that this does represent the current views of the broader community, not the same group that shows up every night or every meeting, Seaman said. In June 2022, I voted along with Commissioners Root and Rapp to withdraw the permit for work at Elder/Centennial. Its now been 16 months since that vote. Sixteen months of listening and gathering valuable feedback from the broader community.

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Root was concerned about how the resolution put forward would interact with previous resolutions made by the board, saying she worries about ambiguity and wished the previous permit submittal resolution were restated. Simon said the resolution allows staff to create the permit drawings based on the schematics and bring them to the board for consideration.

They dont have discretion to change the design, Simon said. The goal is to move up to the next level of engineering, the next level of specificity but they should, in all respects, represent the schematic drawings that are being presented tonight for consideration.

Katie Stevens, a resident who has fought the beach project since the start, told the board she has never been more disappointed. She went on to compare the various portions of the project to the gifts in the 12 Days of Christmas carol.

We are giving away more rocks on the beach than we are getting a beach. I dont want to go up and over four rock walls where there are none, she said. We want a project which protects us, the public, not land owners.

Former Park District Board Commissioner Susie Schreiber urged the board to give residents more time to look over the schematics which were released along with the meeting agenda packet two days before the meeting.

When youre trying to regain the respect of the general public, rushing is not the right way to go, she said.
(Bloomberg) -- Finnish authorities raised a ship anchor on Tuesday from the seafloor in the area where an underwater gas pipeline was damaged earlier this month, saying a Hong Kong-flagged vessel appears to have caused the incident.

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The National Bureau of Investigation displayed pictures at a news conference of what it said was a 6-ton anchor that appears to be missing one of its arms, potentially belonging to the Hong Kong-flagged vessel Newnew Polar Bear. An investigation is proceeding into whether the damage was intentional, officials told reporters in Vantaa, just outside of Helsinki.

Authorities in the newest member of the NATO defense alliance are working to ascertain what happened to the pipeline in the Gulf of Finland that began leaking Oct. 8. The investigation has proceeded on the premise of sabotage, with the incident reviving concerns over the safety of Europes energy infrastructure as winter approaches.

The sequence of events has been established on the basis of evidence and data, and the vessel Newnew Polar Bear, flying the flag of Hong Kong, is believed to have caused the damage, the Finnish authorities said in a separate statement.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has responded by increasing patrols in the Baltic Sea, dispatching aircraft and minehunters to the area.

Officials had already concluded the damage was caused by an external mechanical force, and that no explosion took place.

The investigation showed drag marks as wide as 4 meters (13 feet) on the seabed to the west of the site where the 77-kilometer Balticconnector gas pipeline had been damaged. The pipeline has moved eastward on the seafloor, the police said. Authorities had previously discovered an extremely heavy object in a 3-meter hole near the site, which was cleaned up using a robot and lifted from the seabed after three dives.

Last week, the focus in the probe shifted to the role of the Newnew Polar Bear ship, which sailed over the pipeline on Oct. 8 on its way to St. Petersburg and left the Russian city on Oct. 10, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The vessel only called at Russian ports since arriving from Asia in September, the data show. Its registered owner is Hainan Xin Xin Yang Shipping and its beneficial owner is unknown.

The vessel could not be stopped as it was sailing in international waters, while it appeared reluctant to be approached by Finnish authorities, the police said. Finnish officials are closely cooperating with Chinese authorities, it said.

The government of Russias western neighbor has declined to point any fingers at potential culprits, and President Vladimir Putin has denied that the Kremlin was involved in the rupture of Balticconnector pipeline. Finland is no longer looking at the movements of Russian vessel Sevmorput as part of the main probe, the police said. It had earlier identified that vessel, along with the Newnew Polar Bear, among those being investigated.

The Balticconnector pipeline isnt the first energy asset to be damaged in the Baltic Sea, as both links of the Nord Stream gas pipeline were broken in explosions just over a year ago in waters near Denmark and Sweden, with the outcome of investigations into those events yet to be made public.

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--With assistance from Gina Turner.

(Updates with details, comments from second paragraph.)

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With a quiver of emotion in his voice, Brent McDougal, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Knoxville, recalled his perilous journey out of the town of Bethlehem, the historical site of Jesus's birth that now sits in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank.

It had only been a day since Hamas attacked Israel, and the brand-new war was escalating. McDougal was traveling with a dozen members of his church, and they could hear the blasts of missiles in the distance, and thought air strikes may be getting closer.

He was driving a van out of Bethlehem and got lost in a rural valley, far from the main roads. A man they believed to be an Israeli reservist, one of 360,000 called to fight in a historic mobilization, led them back to the main road. When they came upon a dead end, a Palestinian man led them to safety.

"I believe that God used those two persons to help us to navigate the safest path," McDougal said from the pulpit Oct. 22.

The Sunday morning service at First Baptist, typically a time of worship insulated from the turmoil of global conflicts, became a reflection on the Israel-Hamas war only days after the group evacuated Israel and rejoined their congregation.

McDougal, who left Israel with other congregants on a U.S. Department of State flight after more than a week of air raid sirens, backup flight plans and prayers for safe passage, based his sermon on Psalm 122:6, which calls on Christians to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem."

Standing at the front of the historic church, which dates back to 1843 and meets in a century-old Main Street building, he thanked congregants and the entire region of East Tennessee for praying for him and his fellow travelers.

The group of 12 pilgrims arrived Oct. 6 in Israel to follow the footsteps of Jesus and awoke the next morning to sirens and missiles over Tel Aviv as Hamas launched a deadly surprise assault on Israel. McDougal called on his congregation to pray for Israel and the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank since "God does not favor one ethnic group over another."

"If you believe that your prayers were faithful to help us get home, can you not also believe that those same prayers can help to bring about real peace in Israel and in Palestine?" McDougal asked.

Jerusalem is the holiest city for Christians, who believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected there more than 2,000 years ago. Israel has long been viewed by Christians as a land of promise and many take pilgrimages there.

"We go to Israel because there's something about that land that connects us to our own faith," McDougal said. "In fact, in many ways, it's like our homeland, too."

Jerusalem is also a holy site for Muslims and has been spared from rocket strikes. McDougal said their group was safe for several days within the walls of the Old City, the most ancient and holy segment of Jerusalem, though it was eerily empty of tourists. The group later moved north of the city, but evacuated ahead of schedule when tensions grew along the border with Lebanon.

First Baptist prays for peace in Israel-Hamas war

Over 1,400 Israelis were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks and more than 5,000 Palestinians in Gaza, an enclave controlled by the militant Islamist group Hamas, have since been killed by Israel in heavy airstrikes. The war has tested the sympathies of American evangelicals, a demographic that overwhelmingly supports Israel but has seen that support wane among its younger members.

The First Baptist group took refuge within the walls of the Old City, which is divided into the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters, symbols of a divided and contested nation where disputes between religious and ethnic groups flare up periodically.

McDougal said praying for peace in Jerusalem was worthwhile because "if peace can come to Israel, there is hope for the rest of the world," including in Ukraine. Indeed, even President Biden has tied the Israel-Hamas war to the Ukraine war, calling on Congress to approve billions in military aid to the two U.S. allies in a passionate speech from the Oval Office on Oct. 19.

"Hamas and Putin represent different threats, but they share this in common," Biden said. "They both want to completely annihilate a neighboring democracy  completely annihilate it."

At First Baptist's service, there was talk not of allies, but of lasting peace. McDougal remarked that the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," can mean wholeness. Now that the whole group is back home, staff said the church felt more whole and had much to be grateful for.

"God guided them and protected them on their journey and he blessed their time in the Holy Land, even in the midst of conflict and war and crisis," said Susan Tatum, minister with children and families. "It drew them closer, I'm sure, together as a group throughout this experience. So welcome home, and to God be the glory."

Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee church celebrates return of group from Israel-Hamas war
2023 has been a bad year for emperor penguins. In August, a study in the journal Communications Earth & Environment found that the loss of polar ice in Antarctica is likely to lead to a "catastrophic breeding failure" for penguins throughout Antarctica, eventually causing them to be unable to naturally sustain their own species by the end of the century. But a virus may get them first. A new report by the British Antarctic Survey confirms the existence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on Bird Island in Antarctica's South Georgia region  a discovery that has potentially devastating implications for local bird populations.

The British Antarctic Survey became aware of HPAI on Bird Island after they were informed that individuals in a bird species known as brown skua were displaying symptoms; some were dying. Test samples confirmed the presence of HPAI, with scientists speculating that it was spread from South America by birds returning from their migrations.

"The presence of HPAI could have serious implications for the Territories' abundant seabird colonies and [Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands] and British Antarctic Survey are working in partnerships to monitor the ongoing impacts," the scientists explain in their report.

There are species on some of the Antarctic islands and sub-Antarctic islands that are unique to those islands, and only occur in small numbers, in hundreds or thousands, Thijs Kuiken from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, who was not involved in the study, told New Scientist. If the virus reaches those populations, they are in threat of extinction.
A man who confessed to making numerous racially motivated harassing phone calls to a Black woman employed at a church in Billings, Montana, was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week.

Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, will be subject to one year of supervised release after he serves his prison term, U.S. attorney Jesse Laslovich announced on Oct. 20.

In June, Hiestand pleaded guilty to the charges of making the harassing calls. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters also ordered him to pay $617 in restitution.

Joshua Leon Hiestand (Photo: Yellowstone County)

Laslovich condemned Hiestands actions in a statement.

When Hiestand, a white man, went to a Billings church looking for help, an elderly African American woman who worked there responded with kindness and assistance. In return and for nearly two years, Hiestand launched a barrage of harassing, hateful and racist calls and voicemails at her and the church. His racist conduct isnt just abhorrent, it is illegal. We are better than this, Laslovich said.

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The victim, identified as Jane Doe, described the distressing nature of Hiestands messages during a statement to the court that left her deeply shaken and anxious.

The first message made me sick. I literally started shaking. What he said really frightened me. I get high anxiety when I listen to those messages, Jane Doe said.

According to court documents and statements, in November 2020, Hiestand visited the church seeking work and financial help. Jane Doe gave him a gift card. However, a few days later, Hiestand left a voicemail for Jane Doe, using a racial slur and threatening to withhold further financial support if the church continued to employ Black people.

The next month, Hiestand made references to his white friends and reiterated that if the church did not hire African-Americans, he would contribute more to the church.

His actions did not stop there. Hiestand left another voicemail stating, Nobody wants you here.

The woman reported the harassment to the Billings Police Department, and authorities identified Hiestand as the perpetrator. Hiestand initially apologized to law enforcement during a phone interview but continued his offensive behavior.

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In August 2021, he left another voicemail in which he used racial slurs and stated that the world is going to end because of your black a race.

Hiestands harassment persisted for the next 19 months, during which he also targeted Historically Black Colleges and Universities with similar threatening and racially motivated calls. The investigation determined that Hiestand had made these calls from outside of Montana.

Read the original story here.
My motto keeps dogging me: Never give up.

And lately it feels like Ive had to keep relearning the same lesson about never quitting.

In August I received a phone call from a guy in Oklahoma who wanted to come out to California in early October for a visit, which included three days of fishing for stripers. Bob and his wife Retha were both retired and avid striper anglers, who had fished all the top Eastern U.S. freshwater and saltwater spots and they loved traveling to new areas to explore. Sounded like a wonderful way to see a lot of new places and catch some big fish.

They were intrigued by the reports about fishing for big stripers at San Luis Reservoir and wanted me to be their guide. They also wanted to see Yosemite and maybe go to the coast, too.

Bob added a challenge: he wanted a shot at breaking his striper personal-best of 40 inchespossible, but improbable if the conditions were adverse.

The wind was so bad on their first day that the lake remained closed all day. It was blowing about 15 mph when we went out the next day, and we ended up plowing through strong 20-25 mph westerlies that threw our wave splash back into the boat all day. We landed about 6-7 decent-sized fish and Bob and Aretha were happy. I later found out that Retha had gotten soaked by the spray but she never complained. I was more determined than ever to try to make our last day the best.

We started at 8 a.m., and the plan was to go until dusk when we had to get off the water. The fish were still recovering from the cold windy period, but I felt that the warming day might reinvigorate the bite. Three hours later and the fish still were not too active  but we slogged on trying all kinds of areas and different trolling lures. We could see fish, but few bites.

As the day wore on, patience became the key as the fish were getting more active. I think I sounded like a broken record, saying Weve got to keep fishing hard and hang in there. Funny, I think they believed me.

It was about 45 minutes before closing time (gate closed) when I decided to move to a new area on a hunch for the last shot.

With 30 minutes to go, it hit. A big strong rip, then the striper took off on a screaming 50-yard run with Bob hanging on for dear life. This was a good fish. We followed the fish as Bob kept the pressure on.

When it came up, I heard Bob gasp.

I netted it, and there were big smiles all around. The striper measured 41 inches and 26.4 pounds  a new personal best.

After pictures, we released it.

Mission accomplished and a dream come true.

Sometimes its really hard not keep trying, especially when things look bleak near the end of 10 hours of poor fishing.

Its funny how the very last 1% of an effort makes the other 99% worthwhile. Not fun, not easy, but once again, the lesson is clear: Never give up.

Roger George: rogergeorge8@protonmail.com, Rogergeorgeguideservice on Facebook and @StriperWars.
STUART  A 23-year-old student attending a flight school at Witham Field Airport vandalized 10 planes at the facility Monday, according to Martin County Sheriffs officials.

The student broke internal instruments on the planes and the damage could have been "a recipe for disaster" if the aircraft took flight, Chief Deputy John Budensiek said Tuesday.

Sheriffs investigators said they arrested Sumebh Singh, a student from India, in connection to the incident on Monday.

Sheriffs officials said a student at the Treasure Coast Flight School damaged 10 planes at Martin County Airport.

MCSO: Two men arrested after Stuart man found dead Sunday near Stuart Walmart

Singh was training at Treasure Coast Flight Training, which is located at Witham Field, in Stuart, sheriffs investigators said.

He's accused of vandalizing the planes after being denied a solo flight at the school. Budensiek said Singh allegedly paid $50,000 to the flight school and was eager to complete a solo flight.

Treasure Coast Flight Training is a full-service flight school that offers a variety of courses for students to learn the required knowledge to become professional pilots, according to the school's website.

A person answering the phone at the facility on Tuesday declined to comment to TCPalm.

The school offers student housing and free shuttle service to the airport, according to one of the school's promotional videos. The aviation school's website also promotes admissions for pilots and aviation students from India, Mexico, Jamaica and several other countries across the world to obtain more useful Federal Aviation Administration certificates.

Singh said that he was already a pilot in India and was at Treasure Coast Flight Training to obtain certifications, according to Budensiek.

After instructors told him he was not ready for a solo flight, Singh walked away and soon after started going from plane to plane and damaging the throttle of each one, the chief deputy said.

Singh, he said, bent the throttles on the 10 planes.

"If that throttle, because it's now been compromised, has been bent, especially if that broke in flight, it will be catastrophic," Budensiek said.

Each damaged instrument has caused an estimated $12,000 in damage for the school, Budensiek said.

"... (Singh) said that he was mad at the flight company because of how much money he cost them," Budensiek said. "So his goal was to cost them $50,000 and damage as much as he had paid to go to school."

The throttle controls the amount of fuel diverted to a plane's engine, according to SKYbrary, an electronic repository on aviation safety knowledge.

The planes associated with the flight school have been grounded until mechanics can assess the damage on each one, investigators said. Budensiek said the aviation school is determining if any other parts of the plane were damaged.

"We're not certain that that's all the damage he did," the chief deputy said. "That's just what we can immediately see."

FBI agents have also joined the investigation, which is typical with criminal acts involving aircraft. Budensiek said there's no evidence indicating the vandalism of the planes were meant as an act of terror.

"As of this time, he has no ties to any terrorist organizations or any anti-government organizations," Budensiek said. "So at this moment, it simply looks like a disgruntled flight student went out and vandalized the planes to get revenge for not being able to take his solo flight."

Budensiek said Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has also been contacted as Singh is an Indian citizen.

"... our goal is to, if it's possible, see that he makes it back to India and does not continue to fly here in the United States," Budensiek said

Singh faces a felony charge of criminal mischief, sheriffs officials said.

More: Stuart police arrest 59-year-old man accused of torching a1955 Oldsmobile

More: Port St. Lucie Police officers, good Samaritan rescue man from sinking vehicle

Mauricio La Plante is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow him on Twitter @mslaplantenews or email him at Mauricio.LaPlante@TCPalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Treasure Coast Flight School student damages planes at Witham Field
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit alleging the parent company of Facebook and Instagram uses manipulative features to keep minors hooked on the social media platforms.

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Moodys lawsuit came on the same day that 33 states filed a similar lawsuit in California against the company, Meta, which defended itself by saying it has tools to protect minors who use the platforms. The company also pointed to the complexity of mental health and various challenges that teens face outside of concerns related to social media.

Moodys lawsuit, filed in U.S. district court in Tampa, alleges that Metas platforms cause serious harm to children, parents and the community at large, by using algorithms and other features designed to maximize the time minors spend on the apps.

We have been investigating for years the intentional development of online social media to addict children, to get them online, keep them online and then profit from that, Moody said in an interview with The News Service of Florida.

The 38-page lawsuit contends that Meta has violated a law known as the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, which prohibits unfair methods of competition, unconscionable acts or practices, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce. The lawsuit also alleges the company violated the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act.

Moodys office is seeking an injunction against Meta to prevent future violations of state and federal laws and to award civil penalties and attorney fees for willful violations of the Florida law.

The lawsuit lists various features that Moodys office argues are designed to hijack the attention of its (Metas) users, barrage them with advertisements, and relentlessly mine their interactions for monetizable data.

For example, the lawsuit points to an infinite scroll design and auto-play features that attorneys for Moody asserted are particularly harmful to young people.

The infinite scroll format makes it difficult for young users to disengage because there is no natural endpoint for the display of new information, the lawsuit said.

In addition to arguing that Meta has intentionally made social media addicting, the lawsuit alleges the company has deceptively downplayed negative impacts on mental health of teens and other young people.

The lawsuit cites a U.S. surgeon generals advisory titled Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Children and adolescents on social media are commonly exposed to extreme, inappropriate, and harmful content, and those who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of poor mental health including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, a summary of the advisory said.

Another part of the lawsuit alleges ineffective age gating practices on Meta platforms that do not prevent users younger than 13 from creating and using social media accounts.

The 33 other states, meanwhile, joined together in a lawsuit filed in the federal Northern District of California.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms, the multi-state lawsuit said.

In a statement provided to the News Service, Meta pushed back on the allegations in both lawsuits.

We share the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families, the statement said.

Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path, the statement said.

The company, for example, cited its terms of service, which it said prohibits users under 13 from using Instagram. It also described how it restricts ads for teens and contended that research on the negative impacts of social media on teens mental health is not conclusive and pointed to the positive impacts that social media can have on young peoples lives.

While we share the attorneys generals concern around teen mental health trends in the U.S., its also important to recognize the complexity of mental health and the many issues teens struggle with in their daily lives, such as growing academic pressure, substance use, rising income inequality and limited access to public mental health care, the company said in the email.

Moody, however, said social media is very addictive to children.

Its no surprise to parents that children cannot stay off their phones. This has been shown to be very addictive to children across the United States. Its caused mental health problems and sleep problems, the attorney general said in the interview.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Emergency management officials have authorized up to nearly $50 million in taxpayer dollars to one contractor for open-ended charter flights since Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the state to bring Floridians home from Israel two weeks ago, public records show.

State officials have offered little information about whos involved in helping Americans leave Israel amid the war with Hamas, besides identifying Project Dynamo, a Tampa-based nonprofit international rescue group founded by ex-military personnel helping to run the mission.

So its unclear if all of the money is going to the Israel evacuation or to DeSantis controversial migrant flights as well.

Open-government advocates say a full accounting of the costs should be a public record and note that the governors office was sued and lost when it tried to hide the expenses for migrant flights to Marthas Vineyard and California.

There is no exemption for the records sought here, said Michael Barfield, director of public access initiatives for the Florida Center for Government Accountability.

The Governors Office fought the release of records in the migrant flights case tried last year, Barfield said. But the judge ruled against the state, requiring the release of the names of those transported, the itineraries of the transport, the costs, text messages, etc, Barfield said.

News organizations used those emails, text messages and other information to report about the migrant flights, said Barbara Petersen, former executive director of the First Amendment Foundation and a founder of FLCGA.

One of the contractors responsible for migrant flights is also involved in the Israeli mission. A search of Division of Financial Services online records by the Orlando Sentinel found that ARS/Global Emergency Management was issued four open-ended purchase orders beginning on Oct. 13 totaling $49.64 million to provide wet flights.

Wet flights are aviation-industry lingo for leasing planes with a lot of flexibility built in to fly anywhere, anytime for anyone. Those leasing arrangements often include their own pilots, flight crew, maintenance and airline certificates.

ARS/ Global also received $830,400 this year for flights that took migrants to California, records show.

Since DeSantis first announced his desire to bring Floridians home from Israel, the state has flown close to 700 Americans home, the governors office said Tuesday.

Only a fraction of them were Florida residents, said Bryan Stern, CEO of Project Dynamo, which received a $1 million donation from the state and federally funded Volunteer Florida Foundation on Friday.

About 40 of the 270 passengers on the first flight from Tel Aviv to Tampa on Oct. 15 were Floridians, Stern estimated.

Even fewer Floridians were among the 47 passengers on the next flight to Florida from Egypt. Among those were 23 people who had been stranded in Cyprus for five days before a larger plane could be found for them and after an additional two dozen passengers were picked up in Athens, Greece.

Stern told the Sentinel that he blamed the delay in Cyprus on the contractors used by the state that made the leasing arrangements for the planes. He said they rushed to get them in the air to help DeSantis score political points for his sagging political campaign for the presidency.

But after first lady Casey DeSantis announced the $1 million donation to his organization, the official Project Dynamo account on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted that the Sentinel took Sterns comments out of context.

The post said the organization appreciated Governor DeSantis and his swift decision to help save Americans. The Governor clearly cares about Floridians and Americans and we applaud his support.

Project Dynamo would not comment this week about what was out of context.

Asked by ABC News to comment on the Sentinel article, DeSantis said, of course, officials were in a rush to get Americans out. What are we going to do, just let them sit there for weeks on end? he asked

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has offered more than 5,000 seats and gotten 1,500 people out of Israel, with more charter flights scheduled for Thursday and Sunday.

Bobby Block, executive director of the First Amendment Foundation, said security could be a legitimate exemption for withholding flight information.

But he questioned the legality of the governors international airlift, saying he wondered whether the state is even allowed to act in situations like this.

________
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Floridas only Jewish Republican state lawmaker is dropping his endorsement of Gov. Ron DeSantis for president, writing in a scathing column that the Republican governor has not done enough to counter antisemitism in their home state.

State Rep. Randy Fine, previously a DeSantis ally, has pushed top priorities of the governor  including co-sponsoring legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors. He had such a good relationship with DeSantis that the governor at one point was backing him as a candidate for the presidency of Florida Atlantic University.

Fine, however, said that in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on Israel, he is now shifting his support to former President Donald Trump . He touted Trumps record in office, including his support for moving the United States embassy to Jerusalem and for brokering a peace deal between Israel and two Arab countries.

The past two weeks have made me realize our choice as Jews is simple, Fine wrote Monday in The Washington Times. We can vote for the governor who says all the right things, or we can vote for the president who actually does them. When it comes to action, Donald Trump has never let us down.

He also faulted DeSantis for not taking action against college students who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, though DeSantis has said that, if elected president, he would cancel visas for foreign students who openly supported Hamas attack on Israel. Fine says students who espouse antisemitic views should be expelled from schools, pointing to a recent change in state law.

DeSantis, during a campaign stop in New Hampshire, called Fines Trump endorsement pure politics and said that Fine tried to become Florida Atlantic University president and didnt get it and is now running for state Senate.

Hes trying to ingratiate himself. Totally ridiculous, said DeSantis, who touted his record regarding Israel, including his use of emergency powers to tap into millions of state dollars to pay for charter flights to bring back Americans from Israel.

What other governor has rescued people from Israel? DeSantis said. I mean, like I marshalled resources. We brought back close to 700 people.

Bryan Griffin, a spokesperson for DeSantis campaign, had also called Fines endorsement shameful political theater at a time when Ron DeSantis is leading the charge to support Israel.

Fine, in a text message, responded by saying that what is shameful political theatre is the rallies taking place on college campuses calling for the extermination of Jews. And staying silent as Nazis marched across our state.

DeSantis, who is trailing Trump in the presidential race, has long touted his support of Israel during his time as governor. He has sharply criticized Trump over his comments during a recent campaign appearance where he called Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran that has clashed with Israel, as very smart. Trump in that same appearance was also critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Fine was one of nearly 100 GOP state legislators who in May endorsed DeSantis bid for president just days before the governor officially jumped into the race. Fine also donated to DeSantis campaign. While Fine is just one legislator, his decision to withdraw his endorsement is another sign that the governors sway over Florida Republicans is starting to ebb.

Fine said that he told DeSantis campaign Monday night about his decision. He acknowledged that they tried to dissuade him from changing his endorsement although he did not go into any details.

A key question is whether other legislators will follow Fines lead even though DeSantis has two more years in office and could jettison their budget items and legislative priorities. State Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican who endorsed Trump, contended some of his bills were targeted due to his endorsement.

In his column, Fine took DeSantis to task over several items, including the states foot-dragging on creating a Holocaust memorial at the state Capitol. Legislators approved its creation five years ago but it still hasnt been built. Earlier this year, legislators agreed to move the site of the memorial to a piece of property across the street from the current Capitol complex. Fine publicly complained about the ongoing delays.

Fine also criticized DeSantis for saying little about several sporadic neo-Nazi protests across the state in the last 18 months, including one near Disney World where participants carried both pro-DeSantis and Nazi flags. Democrats have repeatedly criticized the governor for not calling out these protests but DeSantis at one point said that Democrats were trying to smear him over the actions of a half-dozen malcontents and jackasses.

In September, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested four people in connection for hanging antisemitic banners over an interstate highway overpass in Orlando. Fine was one of the sponsors of a 2023 law that prohibited individuals from displaying or projecting images onto a building, structure or property without permission.

On Tuesday, Fine also took credit for Florida's university system chancellor directing state universities to disband campus groups with ties to the national Students for Justice in Palestine organization.

Why did it take me endorsing [Trump] to get you to take action? Fine posted on social media Tuesday. I gave you all of this on October 9th. I have the texts. All I got back was a bunch of handwringing.

Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report.
Talks are ongoing in advance of a special legislative session about how much money would be needed to reduce a backlog of grant applications from Floridians looking to upgrade their homes to help lower insurance premiums.

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State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Tuesday wouldnt say how much money the Department of Financial Services, which he heads, is seeking to address the more than 17,000 applications that await funding or have been submitted as part of the My Safe Florida Home program.

But the program has used most of the $215 million it has received for grants since it was relaunched last year during the first of two 2022 special sessions on the states property insurance problems. The program has resulted in an average reduction in premiums of just over $1,000. Patronis said hed like to add a little bit extra to it to carry us through to the 2024 regular session, which will start in January.

Its still in the works. We just sat down with Senate appropriations staff yesterday, Patronis said after speaking to the Capital Tiger Bay Club at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.

How can we touch more people? Do we need to revisit the different eligibility categories? Patronis said. Are there other ways that we can play with it? Maybe we can touch more people and stretch those dollars out.

Republican legislative leaders on Friday announced lawmakers will hold a special session starting Nov. 6 on a series of issues, including the My Safe Florida Home program. Other issues include increasing state sanctions against Iran amid the war between Israel and Hamas; providing additional assistance to people and communities affected by Hurricane Idalia; and increasing the number of children served by the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities voucher program.

In memos about the special session, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, pointed to a backlog of applications for the My Safe Florida Home program.

The program initially was created in 2006 with $250 million but did not receive additional funding in the ensuing years, according to a House staff analysis. The program was re-established as an insurance patch during a May 2022 special session and received $115 million in grants. An additional $100 million went into the program as part of the states fiscal 2023-2024 budget, which took effect July 1.

Data from the Insurance Information Institute, an industry organization, puts Floridas home insurance --- including windstorm coverage, but not flood protection --- at an average cost of $6,000 a year. The average is 42% higher than in 2022.

The national average is $1,700 a year, which grew by 11% from 2022.

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Among other things, the My Safe Florida Home program provides grants to help pay for such things as reinforcing roof-to-wall connections, upgrading roof coverings, and upgrading doors and windows, according to the programs website.

Patronis said inspections are ongoing while adding Theres definitely more demand than theres dollars in the bank.

As of Monday, with 20,926 My Safe Florida grants approved, $209 million has been obligated to homeowners in various stages of completing work. Another 17,617 grant applications are considered submitted or are awaiting funding.

Meanwhile, inspections have been completed on 84,707 homes, with another 12,419 in the pipeline.

Patronis said he would like lawmakers during the 2024 regular session to provide money for the program on an annual recurring basis.

I truly feel like the Legislature likes this program, said Patronis, a former state House member whose department oversees the grant program. They see theyve seen the value because of the drop in premium price.

About $25.7 million in reimbursements have been sent to 2,881 homeowners, an average of $9,137. Of those homeowners, 1,468 have disclosed insurance premium discounts, which the department puts at $1,014 annually.

The department said the process from initial home inspection through grant approval, construction, and reimbursement is an average of 118 business days.

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Tourists visit the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province on Oct. 15, 2021. (Xinhua/ Zhang Xiaoliang)

A lecture featuring the art of China's Dunhuang Grottoes was held in Australia's Sydney on Monday, taking the audiences on an in-depth cultural tour of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.



The lecture, hosted by the China Cultural Center in Sydney in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, was presented by Zhao Shengliang, director of the Academic Committee of Dunhuang Academy.

In the hour-long lecture, Zhao dived deep into the excavation, format, and majestic artistic characteristics embodied in the Dunhuang Grottoes, particularly Dunhuang mural painting arts, and its wide influence along the Silk Road.

He also briefed the audiences about the international cooperation on research and preservation, and the digital project which could help with the data preservation of the cultural relics and provide virtual access to the art treasury.

Zhao said Dunhuang Grottoes art is a vivid portrayal of the cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the East and the West. He hoped the exhibition of Dunhuang Grottoes could also be staged in Australia in the future.

Home to more than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of frescoes, the Mogao Caves, located in Dunhuang in northwest China's Gansu Province, were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

"I visited Dunhuang back in 2005, and I was very impressed," said Ronand Schnewl, one of the over 300 lecture attendees.

He told Xinhua that he became interested in Chinese history around ten years ago, but it was very confusing for Westerners because of the language and different names of the dynasties.

"So this lecture is very helpful. I really appreciate having a lecture like this, by someone who is a professor and very knowledgeable, which can give me more insight into the history," he said.
Frozen iguanas falling out of trees? That's so Florida.

Finding an iguana in a toilet in Florida? Uh ... there are no words.

That was Gary Greenspan's reaction. On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Hollywood, Florida, man found a live iguana sitting in his toilet bowl. "There's nothing like getting up in the morning and finding an iguana in your toilet," he says as he narrates the video (scroll up to watch it). "It is alive."

The dark green iguana with the long thin tail can be seen at the bottom of the white porcelain toilet bowl in a shallow pool of toilet water. The lid is open the whole time as Greenspan provides commentary, and he appears to be filming from a short distance. The iguana, whom Greenspan joked was possibly taking a spa day, barely moved throughout the video. It did change positions, but it did not attempt to jump out of the toilet bowl ... or come back where it came from.

While his footage is understandably shaky, Greenspan goes on to explain he was waiting for animal control to remove the reptile: "It's huge, and I don't know how it got there.

"Once they remove it, I'll be a happy camper, and, hopefully, so will the iguana," he said.

Snow, falling iguanas? For Florida winter 2024, Farmer's Almanac says expect 'a few frosts'

In the past, it's been so cold in South Florida that iguanas have fallen from the trees. But fear not, these cold-blooded creatures weren't dead  just temporarily stunned when this occurs.

It's become such a Florida phenomenon that even the National Weather Service mentions frozen iguanas in weather forecasts.

Why does this happen? Iguanas are known to thrive in Florida's warm climate, and they like to sleep in trees. When temperatures hit the 40s, that slows them down or immobilizes them. They stiffen up and lose their grip on branches.

Weird gator sightings, frozen iguanas, love for Publix subs are signs you live in Florida

This paralysis effect is only temporary.

The creatures unthaw once the weather warms up, so if people don't want to touch a frozen iguana, they can leave them be.

But to find an iguana in a toilet here? Those stories are not as common.

Later in the video, Greenspan mentioned his "buddy Adam" would remove the iguana from the toilet to release it into the wild. Greenspan's reaction to that? "Yay."

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Video shows not a frozen iguana falling out of a tree but one in toilet
A Tampa, Florida man was arrested on Sunday after allegedly attempting to pull vehicles over with his pickup truck outfitted with red and blue flashing lights, and while wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey, according to authorities.

The driver is identified as 62-year-old Earl Mitchell Cesario has been charged with false impersonation of officials in Sumter County.

On Sunday morning, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper learned of a red GMC truck that was attempting to pull other vehicles over while flashing red and blue lights, FOX 13 in Tampa reported.

FLORIDA WOMAN ALLEGEDLY ATTACKS TROOPER WITH FINGERNAILS AFTER 120-MPH DRUNKEN JOYRIDE

Earl Mitchell Cesario booking photo

At about 11 a.m., the trooper spotted and stopped a red pickup truck, operated by Cesario, on the northbound side of I-75 near Bushnell.

Police spoke with Cesario, who allegedly admitted to being in possession of red and blue lights that were on his dashboard before being pulled over.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

But the lights, he told troopers, were never activated.

FLORIDA MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING WIFE OVER REFUSAL TO APPEAR ON REALITY TV SHOW

During the investigation, troopers spoke to a male witness who said he was heading north on I-75 when a red GMC Sierra came up from behind and started flashing red and blue lights.

The witness told troopers he believed the red truck may have been an undercover law enforcement vehicle, describing how the driver of the truck motioned for him to pull over before speeding off.

When the trooper conducted a search on Cesarios pickup truck, red and blue lights were found.

FLORIDA MAN GETS YEAR IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR TRYING TO RUN DOWN 6 BLACK MEN IN PICKUP TRUCK

When plugged into two electrical sockets in the vehicle, the lights turned on.

The trooper noted that both electrical sockets, which are commonly used for push-in cigarette lighters, already had their covers removed before conducting the test on the lights.

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Cesario was then arrested and transported to the Sumter County Jail.





Original article source: Florida man impersonated police while wearing Buccaneers jersey and flashing red, blue lights: authorities
[Source]

Fifi Fidias Panayiotou, a 27-year-old YouTuber with 2.4 million subscribers, is under investigation for filming and traveling across Japan without paying for train rides along with three other fellow international YouTubers.

The YouTube video: Fidias recent YouTube video I Travelled Across Japan For Free, uploaded on Oct. 20, shows him and his group separately traveling from Nagasaki to Aomori in a race to win $10,000. In the video, Fidias can be seen riding trains without purchasing tickets, including hiding in a toilet on a bullet train and pretending to be ill to avoid a ticket collector. At one point, he also enters a hotel to get free breakfast by pretending to be a guest.

I just (got) access to a five-star Japanese buffet. And we're leaving the hotel without getting caught and without any problem, he tells his viewers.

YouTuber Night Scape, who has 1.7 million followers, can also be seen begging locals for money to pay for tickets. It is unclear when the video was shot or if the YouTubers are still in Japan.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Australian influencer mistaken for Ryan Reynolds swarmed by fans in Taiwan

The investigation: JR Kyushu, the regional train operator, has reportedly seen the YouTube video and is considering informing the police.

"We are aware of the case and investigating it," a spokesman said, according to The Japan Times.

Backlash from viewers: Social media users expressed frustration and called for the YouTubers to be arrested.

Trending on NextShark: Weekend marriages,' where couples live separately, gain popularity in Japan

The country is a wonderful place with kind people and is a very clean, respectful, and safe society all around. These influencers need to obey the laws of any country that they're in. It's scary that these idiots can give us all a bad name. There needs to be sufficient punishment to deter anyone from trying things like this in the future, one viewer wrote.

I hope no one will copy this foolish act. Japan is a country with a wonderful culture. I want all kinds of people to come and enjoy sightseeing, so please don't lower the image of tourists like this. This video is truly boring and disgusting, and its criminal behavior should not be tolerated. another person commented.

Fidias apology: The backlash has led to Fidias issuing an apology on his YouTube channel, vowing to be more culturally sensitive in the future.

Trending on NextShark: Woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Georgia in 1988 identified

I apologize to the Japanese people if we made them feel bad, that was not our goal! From now on, I am going to be make more research to the cultures we go to and try to prevent this from happening again - I love you all, Fidias wrote on Tuesday.

Not the first time: This incident follows a previous case involving American livestreamer JohnnySomali, who was arrested for trespassing at a construction site and harassing train passengers with references to the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan in 1945.

In 2017, American YouTuber Logan Paul also came under fire for filming and posting a dead body in Japans Aokigahara forest, famously known as the suicide forest. His video drew s 6illion views before being taken down.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Carefree Asian dad sleeping on plane floor wins praise on TikTok

Government's action: As Japan faces issues of overtourism with incidents of foreigners misbehaving, the Japanese government is developing measures to address the problem, which may include higher train ticket prices and innovative solutions like musical trash bins.

In some areas and during certain periods, there has been an impact on the lives of local residents due to inbound tourists, such as bad manners, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said this month, according to South China Morning Post.

Trending on NextShark: Iconic Little Tokyo mainstay, the US' 1st shabu-shabu restaurant, closes after 32 years
I would make a poor Christian, as I find it hard to forgive.

Everyone finds it hard to forgive, a Christian might reply. Thats why we need Christianity.

Fair enough. Let me rephrase: I resent being encouraged to forgive, at least when the wrong done is substantial.

When a transgression is small and relatable, its churlish to hold a grudge. Were all sinners; who am I to cast a stone at someone for lying?

But the reflexive hectoring to forgive even grandiose wrongs irritates me. Shame is a powerful deterrent. Our culture, in particular our political culture, would benefit from more of it. The cheaper grace is, the less expensive malfeasance becomes.

So perhaps we should be stingy in doling out grace to someone who committed a truly grandiose civic sin. If, say, you abetted a demagogues plot to keep himself in power despite having lost an election, Ill chuck a stone at you for that.

All of this is a prelude to the spectacle that played out in Georgia on Tuesday morning. Jenna Ellis, a member of the elite strike force legal team that tried to overturn Donald Trump s 2020 defeat in court, appeared before a judge to accept a plea deal in Fulton Countys criminal case against her. And she did something so uncharacteristic for a prominent Trump apologist that I wonder if its unprecedented.

She sounded remorseful. On camera.

I confess to having relished her public humiliation, another character flaw that would make me a poor Christian. But her anguish made me enjoy it less than I would have if she had played true to MAGA type, defiantly proud of her own corruption.

This afternoon, Im wrestling with what we on the anti-coup side of the political divide owe a repentant Jenna Ellis. Owe is the wrong word, perhaps, as we might choose to forgive herthat is, to spare her from social sanctioneven if we conclude forgiveness isnt owed. Should we? Is it in our own interest to let bygones be bygones and spare her from shunning and shaming going forward?

Is it our place to forgive her at all?

I dont know Jenna Ellis. Neither do you, probably. So in what sense is forgiveness ours to give?

She made amends today to the people of Georgia by acknowledging her guilt in aiding and abetting false statements and writings. Earlier this year, she was censured in Colorado for violating her duty as an attorney not to engage in misrepresentations. Her wrongs are being redressed by the appropriate authorities. If shes to be forgiven, theyre the ones to provide absolution, not us, no?

No.

Ellis and her co-conspirators tried to nullify my vote by overturning the election on preposterously flimsy and conspiratorial pretenses. They would have destroyed my country and ended the American experiment for the sake of making a celebrity game-show host Caesar.

Those wrongs were done to me, personally, and to you. So forgiveness is ours to give or withhold as we see fit, however the Fulton County prosecutors office might feel about it.

One question we might ask in deciding how to proceed is whether or not we believe Ellis remorse is sincere. Earnest regret is compelling, even to grudge-holders by nature like me.

Her emotion in court seemed real. She may have been obliged by her plea deal to apologize, but she surely wasnt obliged to sob her way through it. In fact, theres reason to believe Ellis had a sincere change of heart about her former client even before she was indicted in Georgia.

This past spring, as Ron DeSantis prepared to enter the presidential race, she irked her friends in Trumpworld by complimenting the Florida governor on social media. The Republican primary was shaping up to be the supreme loyalty test for right-wing populists; it was unimaginable to Team Trump that someone like Ellis whom they had made famous would equivocate between their guy and DeSantis.

Online pro-Trump influencers turned on her, impugning her character in all the ways youd expect. By summer, she had tilted toward DeSantis, describing him as the best chance to save America and questioning whether Trump still had a path to the presidency. In late August, having now been indicted, she called the governor the best conservative candidate for 2024 by any relevant metric.

Last month she took an additional fateful step. I simply cant support [Trump] for elected office again, she said. Why I have chosen to distance is because of that frankly malignant narcissistic tendency to simply say that hes never done anything wrong. Too many times, she complained without any hint of irony, Trumps supporters have been unwilling to put the Constitution and the country and the conservative principles above their love for a star.

I do think its possible for Trumps enablers to repentand to mean it.

Its unusual, and the further up the chain you go the more unusual it becomes. Joining his inner circle requires sacrificing so much credibility that at some point it becomes rational to keep doubling down on him and hoping for the best. Theres no path back to respectability for Rudy Giuliani, for instance; any public influence he wields in his final years can only be at Trumps sufferance.

But those who dont quite reach the tier closest to the throne are more prone to have a crisis of conscience. Stephanie Grisham, Cassidy Hutchinson, Sarah Matthews, Olivia Troye, Alyssa Farah Griffin: They all seem earnest to greater or lesser extents in repenting of their time working for Trump. Make of it what you like that theyre also all young-ish women. Is it so hard to believe that Jenna Ellis, another young-ish woman and a relatively late adopter to Trumpism, might also feel remorse earnestly? Particularly given that her work for Trump was corrupt in nature in a way that the others wasnt?

I could be convinced that Ellis regret is heartfelt.

I just dont think Im there.

On August 15, the day she was indicted in Georgia, she shared this thought with her 1 million followers on The App Formerly Known as Twitter: The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law.

Twelve days later, she complained that Donald Trump is being unjustly and wrongly persecuted by a weaponized government in Georgia.  Ron DeSantis should directly address and condemn the Georgia indictment of Donald Trump. Do the right thing regardless of the outcome.

A few weeks after that, a critic told her that she should be ashamed of herself for getting indicted. Im innocent, Ellis answered. Why would I be ashamed of that?

Her remorse, it seems, is a recent development.

Ellis hasnt tweeted about her guilty plea as of this writing, but I share Griffins curiosity as to how remorseful shell sound once shes back addressing her online audience of election cranks and populist goblins instead of a judge in Georgia. Those cranks have been good to her, you know:

Jenna Ellis raised over $200,000 off her indictment to fight the criminalization of the practice of law, but then plead guilty. pic.twitter.com/ooDJfwtdLm  PatriotTakes (@patriottakes) October 24, 2023

Theyre going to want to know what they got for their money besides a teary admission that she should never have taken on their hero, Donald Trump, as a client.

Its hard not to notice that her distaste for Trumps malignant narcissistic tendency ripened only after his toadies on social media had unpersoned her for being too friendly toward DeSantis. Was that tendency not clear enough when she chose to help him subvert a national election, a project that sent innocent people into hiding in fear for their lives?

In her statement before the court on Tuesday, ostensibly given to acknowledge responsibility for her actions, Ellis snuck in this bit of buck-passing: I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than I, to provide me with true and reliable information, especially since my role involved speaking to the media and to legislators in various states. To hear that, you might think she was guilty of nothing more than too credulously relaying to the public what the voices in Rudy Giulianis head were telling him about fraud in Georgia.

But Ellis was more than a mouthpiece. She strategized about how to give the coup a patina of lawfulness:

A few days before the 2020 election was slated to be certified by Congress, the lawyer Jenna Ellis sent President Donald J. Trump a memo suggesting a way he could stay in power by upending the normal course of American democracy. In the memo, Ms. Ellis, who had little experience in constitutional law, offered Mr. Trump advice he was also getting from far more seasoned lawyers outside government: to press his vice president, Mike Pence, who would be overseeing the certification ceremony at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, not to open any Electoral College votes from six key swing states that Mr. Trump had lost.

She knew what she was doing, the babe-in-the-woods routine before the court notwithstanding. In fact, members of Team Trump knew better than average joes like you and I did that there was no merit to his rigged election nonsense. Yet, months after Joe Biden was sworn in as president, Ellis was still grumbling on social media about things Pence could have done to slow down the certification of Bidens victory on January 6.

In context, the tears we saw this morning before the judge seem less the product of conscientious agony over a great moral mistake than the product of frustration at having been abandoned by Trump and forced to take a deal rather than bear the financial burden of a prolonged criminal defense.

No one is owed forgiveness, I would argue, although forgiveness may always be charitably granted. But when repentance is hollow, charity seems like foolishness.

Besides, MAGA heroes never forgive. They glory in their vindictiveness. Why shouldnt I do so in this case?

The New Right treats its enemies worst impulses as moral license to behave as badly as they do. I wont stoop to that with respect to how state power is appliedJenna Ellis deserved the rule of law in court, her contempt for it in 2020 notwithstandingbut I dont mind delivering a taste of ones own medicine when it comes to social sanction. Vindictiveness as a general political ethic is corrosive and nihilistic, but vindictiveness applied discriminately, to deter truly egregious behavior, feels more like hygiene.

I resent forever being asked to be better than amoral populist cretins, in the same way Democrats resented being asked to bail out Kevin McCarthy when Matt Gaetz and his allies staged a minor coup of their own. Republicans, Democrats argued, made their bed by empowering illiberal grandstanders like Gaetz. Now let them lie in it. There are lessons to be learned from pain.

Im inclined the same way with respect to Ellis. She was plainly seduced by the glamor of representing a crook in a legal dispute the entire planet was watching. Shes obviously enjoyed the clout she earned among grassroots Republicans by doing so. She made her bed. If being shunned and shamed by decent people indefinitely is painful for her, good. The coup-plotters of tomorrow will profit from her example.

It wont surprise me, in fact, if she turns around and endorses her former client with malignant narcissistic tendency for president next year, whatever she might say to the contrary at the moment. Shell never be accepted by Trumps critics; she may as well do what she can to repair the bridges on the right that shes burned.

But isnt that in itself cause to forgive her?

Forget the morality of doing so. Forget what shes owed or whether her remorse is sincere. This is politics, and politics in a democracy is about building a coalition thats bigger than the other teams. If forgiving Jenna Ellis makes her feel more comfortable in her newfound Never Trump position, that sounds like something Never Trumpers should maybe consider doing as a matter of basic pragmatism.

Call it strategic forgiveness. You want Trump cultists to leave the cult? Then give them a reason to think their lives will get better by leaving. Knowing that youll be ostracized forever by the outside world if you renounce MAGA is a great argument for never renouncing MAGA.

Im persuadable on that point. Ive been persuaded, in fact, with respect to Grisham, Farah, and the rest. If a truly consequential figure in the MAGA kingdom defectedalthough Im not sure theres anyone truly consequential beside Trump himselfId consider granting them moral asylum in exchange for their help in defeating him next year. Heck, have you seen me write a newsletter condemning the highly compromised Bill Barr now that hes become a Trump antagonist?

Ill grant strategic forgiveness, or a simulacrum of itbut not to Ellis. Not to any henchman who undertook to plunge this country into a crisis that might plausibly have led to its dissolution if only Mike Pence had cooperated. Especially not to the lawyers among them, who knew best of all how dubious the plot was and went forward anyway. Not Rudy, not Sidney Powell, not Jeffrey Clark, not John Eastman. Not Ellis.

God forgives all sins. You and I dont have to.

The defections obtained by forgiveness wouldnt be worth anything anyway, frankly. John Eastman wouldnt bring any voters with him if he belatedly joined Team Never Trump. And you know what? Even if we offered him and the rest forgiveness, I doubt theyd accept it. Its one thing to whimper for mercy before a judge, but its another to accept grace from enemies whom youve demonized remorselessly for years in order to rationalize your own moral corruption.

Jenna Ellis might apologize to a court, but I doubt shed ever apologize to those like you and me who, quite justifiably, take it personally that she made herself into an enemy of liberal democracy. We were right and she and her colleagues were wrongand thats something theyll never forgive us for.

No redemption, then. Not from me, anyway. Although if she ends up flipping and sending the rest of Team Coup to prison, I reserve the right to reconsider.

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A teenage Shamima Begum, seen in a photo held by her eldest sister Renu (LAURA LEAN)

A woman who left Britain to marry an Islamic State jihadist fighter when she was a teenager began her appeal against the revocation of her citizenship in a UK court Tuesday.

A lawyer for Shamima Begum, 24, told the Court of Appeal in London that the Home Office had failed to consider its legal duties owed to her client as a potential victim of trafficking.

"The appellant's trafficking was a mandatory, relevant consideration in determining whether it was conducive to the public good and proportionate to deprive her of citizenship, but it was not considered by the Home Office," Samantha Knights said in a written submission to the court.

"As a consequence, the deprivation decision was unlawful."

Begum was 15 when she left her east London home for Syria with two school friends in 2015.

While there, she married an IS fighter and had three children, none of whom survived.

In February 2019, Begum said she was left stateless when Britain's interior minister at the time, Sajid Javid , revoked her British citizenship on national security grounds after she was found in a Syrian refugee camp.

A UK tribunal ruled in 2020 that she was not stateless because she was "a citizen of Bangladesh by descent" when the decision was made, by virtue of her Bangladeshi mother.

Earlier this year, Begum lost a challenge against the decision at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).

The SIAC said that while there was a "credible suspicion that Begum was recruited, transferred and then harboured for the purpose of sexual exploitation", this did not prevent Javid from removing her citizenship.

The ruling meant that Begum could not return to the UK from her current home, a refugee camp in northern Syria.

Lawyers for the Home Office, which is set to begin oral arguments on Wednesday, told the court that SIAC's conclusion was correct.

"The fact that someone is radicalised, and may have been manipulated, is not inconsistent with the assessment that they pose a national security risk," James Eadie said in written submissions for the department.

The hearing is set to conclude on Thursday, with a decision expected at a later date.

Begum is one of hundreds of Europeans whose fate has challenged governments following the 2019 collapse of the Islamist extremists' self-styled caliphate.

Knights told the five-day SIAC hearing last November that her client had been "influenced" along with her friends by a "determined and effective" IS group "propaganda machine".

Around 900 people are estimated to have travelled from Britain to Syria and Iraq to join the IS group. Of those, around 150 are believed to have been stripped of their citizenship, according to government figures.

srg/pdh/js
A former Georgia vehicle emissions inspector pled guilty to faking test results for thousands of emissions certificates.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Mehboobhusain Malik, a 72-year-old Lilburn man, worked as a state emissions inspector.

The emissions inspectors determine whether a car is environmentally friendly under certain local regulations.

Vehicles are emissions-tested in various Georgia counties as a condition of vehicle registration.

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Justice Department officials said Malik and his confederates used a test simulator to fraudulently pass vehicles that failed emissions tests.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan described Maliks charges in court as violating laws meant to protect human health and air quality.

As detailed in court records, Malik used his inspector credentials to program a simulator to run tests on cars that failed emissions inspections, providing a false pass to the vehicles.

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The Georgia emissions program exists to protect our communitys air quality, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. With his guilty plea, Malik admits that he essentially sold his position as a licensed emissions inspector by issuing fake emissions certificates for cars that should have failed the test.

By doing so, Malik allowed the vehicle to be improperly registered, DOJ officials said.

Malik did these fraudulent emissions tests at multiple testing locations in the metro Atlanta area, performing what USDOJ said were thousands of fraudulent tests.

This case demonstrates how local, state, and federal agencies work together to uphold and enforce laws designed to protect human health and the air that we breathe, Sara Lips, Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, said. It further underscores EPDs emphasis on compliance and enforcement in the Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance Program to ensure Georgia and Metro Atlanta continues to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Malik is due back in court on Jan. 18, 2024 for sentencing, after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Air Act.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
HYANNIS  It was a stormy night on Dec. 5, 2009, when John C. Shea parked at an angle, left his car running and stumbled up an accessible ramp into Puff the Magic.

"He was clearly, really drunk so I said, 'Why don't you come back tomorrow, and I'll buy you a beer and we'll watch the game," said David Wood, then-owner of the bar and cigar lounge on Main Street at the time. "I shook his hand and he grabbed it really hard and he said, 'Do you know who I am?' And he threw me into the air and across the bar. I landed on a glass table that smashed," Wood said during a telephone interview.

When Wood called the police, Shea began throwing patio space heaters around the bar. Mary Kent, Wood's wife at the time, came out of the restroom to respond to the commotion. Shea picked her up and threw her into a piano. She suffered three broken ribs, said Wood in a recent telephone interview. Bruce Bierhans represented Wood and Kent in the civil case that followed the incident.

Hyannis resident John Shea, a bar manager with 40 years of experience, is trying to change his life, he said in a Sept. 8 interview with the Times at a Hyannis coffee shop. Shea was captured on video in a dispute that started on May 31 and extended into June 1 with a Medford man on Main Street in Hyannis. Shea has pleaded not guilty in court to seven related criminal charges. The video went viral, and Shea was fired days later from his manager job at a popular nightspot on Hyannis Harbor.

"When police arrived, I remember hearing two cops saying 'Do you know who that is?'" said Wood, who now lives in Texas. "I had a feeling we were going to have a problem with the cops. Shea was going to get some leniency."

A judge in the 2009 criminal case against Shea in connection with the incident dismissed the charges. Court records were sealed and are unavailable for public review, including the name of the judge, the charges and what precipitated it being sealed.

According to Times archives, Shea was arraigned on Dec. 6, 2009, on two counts of assault and battery and vandalism and a pretrial hearing was scheduled for Jan. 8, 2010.

"At court, his lawyer said hes gotten treatment and he just walked right out of the courtroom," said Wood. "It was open and shut. It was alarming."

The treatment was for alcohol addiction, Shea's attorney said at the time, according to Bierhans.

Shea did not want to comment on the record about the incident during a September in-person interview.

Wood and Kent eventually won a civil case  which is available for public review  against Shea in 2014. A jury found him guilty of assault and battery in the 2009 incident at Puff the Magic. Shea was required to pay $50,000 to the couple. The jury verdict appeared to be the first time that Shea was held accountable for his actions, Bierhans said.

Barnstable police and court records reveal Shea has a history of criminal complaints going back to 2001, all of which were ultimately not prosecuted or were dismissed, according to police, court records and Times archives.

Viral video shines spotlight on John Shea

Shea gained public attention after a viral video of him appearing to verbally accost a Black man on Main Street Hyannis last spring in a diatribe that included racial slurs. He now faces charges in connection with the incident.

The current criminal case against Shea is underway in Barnstable Superior Court, after three cellphone videos of him on a sidewalk on Main Street in Hyannis went viral. The incident, which began late on May 31 and extended to early on June 1, leaves Shea facing charges of three counts of threatening to commit a crime, assault to intimidate based on race or color, assault and battery to intimidate based on race or color, a civil rights violation and intimidation of a witness.

Shea is white, and the person who is alleged to have been assaulted, Millyan Phillips of Medford, identifies as Jamaican and Armenian. Phillips' foot was injured in the incident.

Shea pleaded not guilty to the charges during his July 27th arraignment.

His lawyer, Kevin Reddington, has argued in court that Shea's record is clean with no prior convictions.

Previous allegations against John Shea in Barnstable police records

But dating from the early 2000s, there have been allegations of assault, breaking and entering and a civil rights violation that have led to no charges, no prosecution or liquor licensing citations, according to public records obtained by the Times.

The Times requested all records from the Barnstable Police Department that referenced Shea. The records included complaints made against Shea and reports made by Shea, most often on the job as a bar manager.

"In light of my office presenting an investigation to the grand jury, that resulted in seven indictments, which remain pending in Barnstable County Superior Court, I should refrain from commenting about John Shea at this time, Cape and Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois told the Times on Sept. 19.

Former Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe, who held the office from 2003 to 2022, told the Times he doesn't know Shea and won't comment on someone he does not know.

A screenshot from an Instagram video shows Hyannis resident John Shea in a dispute on May 31 with Millyann Phillips, of Medford, on Main Street in Hyannis. Shea, a bar manager with 40 years of experience, has been indicted on charges of three counts of threatening to commit a crime, assault to intimidate based on race or color, assault and battery to intimidate based on race or color, a civil rights violation and intimidation of a witness.

A landlord, a property owner and a bar manager

Shea, 60, is a Hyannis resident, a father, a property owner in Barnstable and a bar manager in Hyannis with 40 years of experience, according to public records and an in-person interview with him on Sept. 8. Shea held the job of manager of Trader Ed's restaurant in Hyannis at the time of the alleged incident involving Phillips. The incident occurred when Shea was off-duty and about a half-mile away from Trader Ed's.

A waterfront cabana bar and restaurant, Trader Ed's is known for its nightlife at the Hyannis Marina, a 180-slip complex. The marina is owned by Wayne Kurker.

Kurker fired Shea a few days after the videos went viral. On Aug. 16, an application was filed by Trader Ed's with the Barnstable Licensing Authority, to change its manager from Shea to Jared Pane, according to an authority meeting agenda. Pane was approved by the authority, said Erin Logan, interim deputy director of asset management and licensing for the town of Barnstable. The state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission approved Pane on Sept. 25.

During the Sept. 8 interview at a Hyannis coffee shop, Shea said he was 100 days sober. He said he is very good at his job and loves the hospitality business and making customers happy. As a bar manager, customers can get intoxicated and get violent, and Shea said he has to intervene, which can involve physical restraint and physical contact.

"It's not like we're serving holy water," Shea said. Customers are constantly under the influence, and babysitting people like that can sometimes take its toll, he said.

What is in the public records? What is missing?

There are eight reports of arrest, and related incident reports, involving Shea, according to the Barnstable Police Department response to a Times public records request. Generally, the eight incidents can be categorized as reports of allegations against Shea of breaking and entering, a civil rights violation or assault. There was an incident report alleging over-serving at Trader Ed's that mentioned Shea in his role as bar manager. Withheld by the police department were five call log entries, 20 reports of arrest, seven offense reports, two field investigation reports and two warrant request reports that concern or involve Shea, according to the Barnstable Police Department response.

Those records were withheld due to public records law exemptions, the response stated. Because the records were withheld, there was no way to identify if police arrested anyone in connection with the incidents set out in the 20 reports. The nature of Sheas involvement was also withheld, including whether he was a victim or a witness.In the public records provided to the Times were also 47 police log entries, with seven matching audio files. Twenty-five of those documented calls were made by Shea to Barnstable Police, and fourteen of those calls reported disturbances at Trader Ed's.

A police log entry is from a municipal police department's daily log, which is a record of all responses to complaints received, crimes reported, the names and addresses of persons arrested and the charges against such persons arrested.

A police arrest report provides details on an arrest made by police, and a police incident report provides details on police responses to citizen calls for assistance, reports of accidents or reports of crimes being committed.

A 2015 allegation against Shea of breaking and entering

On Sept. 13, 2015, Jeremy Moustakas and his girlfriend Sarah Flaherty told police that Shea broke into a home owned by Moustakas. Flaherty said Shea was drunk and was yelling her name when he entered the residence, according to a police report. When Moustakas asked Shea to leave, Shea is alleged to have walked to Flaherty's car and taken a suitcase from the vehicle. Shea then left in his Mercedes Benz convertible, according to the report.

A few days later Flaherty told police that Shea's friend, named "Beezer" in the police report, called her and said he would return her suitcase. Flaherty was uncomfortable with the arrangement. Police told Shea to bring the suitcase to the Barnstable police station instead. When Shea arrived at the station, he told police that he didn't have the suitcase, according to the police report. Shea also told police that he went to the Moustakas' house to conduct a "well-being" check on Flaherty, who he said was his ex-girlfriend of seven years. That same day, Flaherty told police that Shea came to her job offering her $500 to replace the suitcase and asked her to call the police and drop the charges. Shea was arrested and faced charges of breaking and entering in the nighttime to commit a misdemeanor; breaking and entering a motor vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony and larceny of property over $250. During a jury trial in September of 2016, Flaherty didn't appear. All charges against Shea were dismissed.

Allegation of civil rights violation

In July 2009, a woman who identified herself to police as a gay woman told police that Shea used homophobic slurs to address her and three other women after they complained at Trader Ed's that the valet took an hour to retrieve their vehicle. Shea is alleged to have told the women to leave and yelled at them, according to the police report. Fearing they would be physically assaulted, the group called police, the report said. With a lack of cooperation from Shea, Barnstable Police Officer Keith M. Sexton requested a hearing for a violation of civil rights, according to the police report. The paperwork didn't specify why charges were never filed against Shea but does note that the incident was forwarded to prosecutors and the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission.

During the Sept. 8 interview, Shea said the alleged victim misheard what he said.

Allegations of assault against John Shea: 2020-2022

In August 2020, Barnstable Patrol Officer Michael Lima responded to the 19th Hole Tavern in Hyannis, according to a police report. Shea met Lima at the bar's entrance and said he had everything under control. Because Lima knew Shea wasn't an employee at the bar, he asked Shea questions, and Shea became uncooperative, according to the report.

A man approached Lima and said Shea followed him into a bathroom and punched him in the head. The incident was entered into the police report as a simple assault and battery but no charges were filed.

In June 2021, a man told police that Shea pushed him and threw him to the ground at Embargo Restaurant in Hyannis, according to a Barnstable police log entry. At the time, Shea told police the man hit him in retaliation. Embargo bartenders and a bouncer confirmed Shea's version of the story. In a correlating emergency 911 call, reviewed as an audio file by the Times, the alleged victim said he was assaulted by John Shea. The dispatcher seemed to know Shea, and said "Johnny Shea assaulted you?" The man making the call became disturbed that the dispatcher seemed to know Shea and disconnected the call. The man's name was not listed in the record.

On June 24, 2022, Shea is alleged to have assaulted a relative, according the police records. The case was dismissed due to a lack of prosecution. Lack of prosecution means the case was dismissed because of a lack of evidence.

Alleged incidents of town bylaw violations, spitting

As early as 2000, Shea has been associated with a handful of alleged infractions at businesses in downtown Hyannis, according to police reports. In December 2000, former Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald alleged he saw Shea, who was the manager of the former Sophie's nightclub on Main Street in Hyannis at the time, leave the bar at 2:40 a.m., with an off-duty Yarmouth police officer, whose name was redacted from the police report. Sophie's was required to close by 1 a.m., and MacDonald approached Shea and informed him that he was in violation of town rules. The incident was reported as a liquor law violation to the town by Barnstable police. No record of a related citation was available from the town.

On March 28, 2011, Wood testified at a Barnstable Licensing Authority hearing at town hall, asking the board to deny a liquor license renewal to Trader Ed's, according to meeting minutes. For Wood, it was an opportunity to inform the board about the incident involving Shea at Puff the Magic in 2009. Wood told the Times that he warned the board that with Shea running Trader Ed's "accidents were waiting to happen."

At an April 11, 2011 board meeting, board Chairman Martin Hoxie, a retired Barnstable police lieutenant, said that Kurker is the manager of record at Trader Ed's, not Shea, according to the meeting minutes.

"Unless we see something proving that is not the case, this has nothing to do with this Authority," Hoxie said to Wood at the meeting. The board renewed Trader Ed's liquor license at that meeting, according to the minutes.

In August 2015, Shea was reported as spitting in a customer's face at Trader Ed's, in a police log. In July 2016, Shea is alleged to have identified himself, falsely, as a police officer at 7-Eleven in Hyannis and spit on the customer who reported the incident to police, according to a police log. Shea, in the Sept. 8 interview with the Times, declined to comment on the spitting allegations.

In two Barnstable police log entries from October 2021 and July 2022, Shea is accused of indecent exposure and public urination at Embargo Restaurant and Trader Ed's. During the Sept. 8 interview with the Times reporter, Shea declined to comment about the allegations.

The Times reported Shea was charged with assault and battery on May 17, 2001. No information related to the arrest could be provided by Barnstable District Court or Barnstable Superior Court. The case was dismissed, according to the Times.

2023 viral video outside Embargo in Hyannis: What is the town licensing board's response?

The Barnstable Licensing Authority doesn't review arrests or police investigations, generally speaking, John Flores, a board member, said during a phone interview. The board reviews and makes decisions only on complaints from the community that are made to the board in writing, Flores said.

"If someone brought a complaint, I would definitely want to look into that and have it researched and figure out if there was a violation occurring and move forward accordingly," Flores said.

There are no complaints in writing related to the alleged incident of May 31 and June 1 between Shea and Phillips, he said.

Michele Conover, a West Yarmouth resident who lives near Trader Ed's, called the Licensing Authority on June 7 to express her disapproval of Shea, according to Logan, the town licensing administrator. Conover also asked about the status of the liquor license for Trader Eds.

"I advised that Trader Eds currently has an active seasonal liquor license. I added that the matter was under active investigation by the Barnstable Police Department," Logan said of her call with Conover.

With a new manager on the horizon, Flores said Trader Eds has "turned the page and is now moving in a new direction."

The town's licensing officials and the Barnstable Town Council have been lax in their oversight, Wood said, based on his experience. The licensing board members are appointed by the Town Council. Town Council member Eric R. Steinhilber, who is the council's liaison to the licensing board, referred the Times to the licensing board for comment.

What is next for John Shea?

Shea asked that people don't judge him in his recovery from alcohol addiction.

"It's been difficult," he said in the Sept. 8 interview with the Times. Everyone makes mistakes, he said. His intention is to do his best going forward. He said he wants to continue to try to prove himself "to the community, family and friends."

Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: John Shea PD records: Years of allegations on Cape. Few consequences.
Channel 2 Action News has learned that Jenna Ellis , an attorney for former President Donald Trump , has reached a plea deal in the Georgia election interference case.

Ellis pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements, according to Fulton County court documents.

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The former attorney was sentenced to five years probation, 100 hours of community service, must pay $5,000 restitution and write an apology letter. She will also have to testify if the state calls her.

In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence. I believe in and value election integrity. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post election challenges, Ellis read from a letter in court.

This is a developing story. Stay with Channel 2 Action News for the latest.

Ellis is the fourth defendant in the Georgia election interference case to change their plea to guilty. Scott Hall, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro reached agreements.

Following Ellis plea, that leaves 15 others still facing charges in the case, including Trump. Steve Sadow, who is representing the former president in Georgia, released the following statement.

For the fourth time, Fani Willis and her prosecution team have dismissed the RICO charge in return for a plea to probation. What that shows is this so-called RICO case is nothing more than a bargaining chip for DA Willis. Moreover, this plea was to a completely separate charge, not a part of the original indictment, which doesnt even mention President Trump.

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Hall, an Atlanta-area bail bondsman, received five years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 200 hours of community service.

Chesebro agreed to five years of probation, pay $5,000 in restitution, community service hours and to write an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia. He will also have to truthfully testify and cannot have contact with witnesses or other co-defendants.

Powell was sentenced to six years probation, a $6,000 fine and will have to pay $2,700 in restitution to the Georgia Secretary of States Office. She will also have to testify truthfully against the other co-defendants in the case and cannot have any contact with witnesses or other co-defendants.

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Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis tearfully read an apology letter to the state of Georgia after taking a plea deal in the election interference case.

Ellis and 18 other people, including former President Donald Trump, were facing charges surrounding their alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

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Ellis is the fourth defendant to change their plea to guilty. Scott Hall, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro reached agreements. Fifteen others still facing charges in the case, including Trump.

All four defendants who have pled guilty have been required to write apology letters as part of their plea agreements. Ellis is the first defendant to read a letter in open court.

In her letter, Ellis claimed she was given false information by more seasoned attorneys and said that if she knew what was going to happen, she never would have agreed to represent the former president.

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Heres her statement in full:

As an attorney who is also a Christian, I take my responsibilities as a lawyer very seriously and I endeavor to be a person of sound moral and ethical character in all of my dealings.

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In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, I believed that challenging the results on behalf of President Trump should be pursued in a just and legal way. I endeavored to represent my client to the best of my ability. I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than me to provide me with true and reliable information, especially since my role involved speaking to the media and to the legislators in various states.

What I did not do, but should have done, your honor, is to make sure that the facts that the other lawyers alleged to be true were, in fact, true. In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence.

I believe in, and I value election integrity. If I knew then what I knew now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse. For those failures of mine, I have taken responsibility already before the Colorado bar, who is censuring me, and I now take responsibility before this court and apologize to the people of Georgia.




Jenna Ellis , a co-defendant with Donald Trump in the Georgia election conspiracy case, became the fourth person to plead guilty Tuesday in the case alleging attempted interference in the 2020 election.

Ellis, whom Trump called part of his "truly great team" of private lawyers in November 2020, traveled the country promoting baseless claims of election fraud, holding news conferences and meeting with state lawmakers. She was initially charged as part of the broader racketeering conspiracy with asking Georgia state lawmakers to violate their oaths of office by appointing fake presidential electors to support Trump despite him losing the state to President Joe Biden.

Speaking inside an Atlanta courtroom, Ellis portrayed herself as an inexperienced attorney who had fallen for Trump's narrative. Ellis pleaded guilty to a felony, aiding and abetting false statement and writings. She agreed to five years of probation and to pay $5,000 of restitution. Her agreement falls under Georgia's First Offender Act, which means the conviction will be wiped off her record if she completes the probation period.

Ellis said she relied on other lawyers with more experience to provide true and reliable information while challenging results of the 2020 election. She said she didn't check whether allegations others made were true. She apologized to the people of Georgia.

"I believe in and I value election integrity," Ellis said tearfully, reading a statement. "If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse."

Trump told reporters after her plea that he is totally innocent and the case is political persecution.

"She was a big, big fan of that, Trump said of challenging the election. I guess she made a deal. It's too bad to see it."

Jenna Ellis reads a statement after Ellis plead guilty to a felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings, inside Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfees Fulton County Courtroom, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. Ellis, an attorney and prominent conservative media figure, reached a deal with prosecutors Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge over efforts to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia.

Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee thanked her for the statement.

All too often I dont get to hear the perspective of the accused in these cases, and so that is appreciated, McAfee said.

Ellis appeared at a meeting on Dec. 3, 2020, before a Georgia Senate Judiciary subcommittee with Trump campaign lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Ray Smith, two co-defendants in the case, according to Daysha Young, executive district attorney in Fulton County.

Giuliani and Smith made false statements including that 2,506 felons voted illegally, 66,248 underage people illegally registered to vote, 2,423 people voted who were not listed as registered to vote, and 10,315 dead people voted, Young said. But state investigations found no widespread fraud.

The false statements were made with reckless disregard of the truth and with conspicuous purpose to avoid learning the truth, Young said.

Giuliani and Smith have pleaded not guilty.

Legal experts said the co-defendants reaching plea agreements could provide powerful testimony during trials because they met with key players in the alleged racketeering conspiracy that sought to keep Trump in power.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, former Trump White House communications director, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Ellis plea shows the election protests were all a lie & the public was deceived.

Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who served on the Trump campaign, allegedly solicited, requested, and importuned Pennsylvania legislators present at a meeting to unlawfully appoint presidential electors from the state, according to the indictment. She also allegedly made false election fraud statements. Ellis faces two charges: violation of the RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

Ellis is one of 19 co-defendants charged in the case, which alleged a broad racketeering conspiracy. The indictment described a conspiracy including the recruitment of fake presidential electors to vote for Trump, lying about election results to state officials and in court records, and soliciting public officials to violate their oaths of office.

Sidney Powell, who had claimed widespread election fraud, pleaded guilty last Thursday to one count of conspiracy to commit theft and five counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties. Powell agreed to testify in future trials in exchange for serving six years of probation, a $6,000 fine and paying restitution of $2,700.

Kenneth Chesebro, another lawyer who developed the scheme to recruit fake presidential electors for Trump, pleaded guilty Friday.

Another co-defendant, bail bondsman Scott Hall, pleaded guilty last month to five misdemeanors and also agreed to testify against others.

Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee is seen on the bench during a plea by Jenna Ellis at the Fulton County Courthouse, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. Ellis, an attorney and prominent conservative media figure, reached a deal with prosecutors Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge over efforts to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia.

Ellis was already censured by the Colorado bar for making 10 false statements about the election.

The indictment described Ellis acting as part of the conspiracy:

Nov. 19, 2020, Ellis attended a news conference at the Republican National Committee with co-defendants Powell and Giuliani making false claims about election fraud.

Nov. 25, 2020, Ellis joined Giuliani meeting with Pennsylvania lawmakers to encourage them to appoint fake presidential electors supporting Trump. Ellis and Giuliani made calls to Pennsylvania lawmakers the next two days.

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2020, Ellis and Giuliani met with Arizona lawmakers to encourage them to appoint fake electors.

Dec. 3, 2020, Ellis joined Giuliani and other co-defendants in asking Georgia lawmakers to violate their oaths of office by appointing fake electors.

Dec. 31, 2020, and Jan. 5, 2021, Ellis wrote memos for Trump analyzing how then-Vice President Mike Pence, in his role as president of the Senate, could reject electors from six contested states when Congress counted votes Jan. 6, 2021. Pence refused to participate.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jenna Ellis, a Trump lawyer, pleads guilty in Georgia election case
Sean O'Harrow, President and CEO of Bowers Museum, speaks during an interview at Bowers Museum in Orange County, Southern California, the United States, on Oct. 20, 2023. Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)



Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, the United States, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview.



Located in the heart of Orange County, Bowers Museum has eight permanent collection exhibitions showcasing art and artifacts from cultures around the world, including a dedicated China gallery.

The Ancient Arts of China gallery presents a remarkable collection of nearly 200 objects created over more than 5,000 years, from Neolithic times to the Qing Dynasty.

Artifacts in the gallery represent all the major forms of artistic expression generally associated with Chinese history and culture, including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, bronzes, textiles, and sculpture.

"China has been one of the major cultures in the world. Also being on the West Coast and along the Pacific, we consider China our neighbor. So it's important to have a very important gallery here (about China), and continue the cultural connection with the Chinese people," O'Harrow told Xinhua.

Since its founding in 1936, Bowers Museum has cooperation and exchange programs with Chinese museums, including the Palace Museum, Nanjing Museum and Shanghai Museum.

It has hosted various exhibitions featuring cultural heritage in the Forbidden City, Tibet, Xinjiang, the Terra-Cotta Warriors in Shaanxi Province, and other parts of China.

The museum plans to extend partnerships with China in the future, according to O'Harrow.

"We are working with new museums that are opening in Fujian Province that specialize in the Pacific Rim and Pacific islands. We are going to be loaning art work to those museums," he told Xinhua.

Bowers Museum also plans to bring more contemporary artists from China, O'Harrow said, adding it is important to make a connection between the past, the present and the future.

Anne Shih, chairwoman of the Board of Governors of Bowers Museum, launched a "Junior Ambassadors Program" for the museum in 2001, with an aim to expose young participants to the rich history and culture of ancient China while helping them improve public service and presentation skills.

The museum has been a base for students in Orange County to experience the Chinese history and civilizations.

"We have a big responsibility to teach students, the youth people, world cultures. Having a Chinese gallery is extremely important, especially when you talk about the development of cultures throughout Asia, the origins of Chinese culture and religion, and the influence of countries that are surrounding China and the history," O'Harrow said.

Bowers Museum will continue to serve as a bridge for U.S.-China cultural exchanges and people-to-people friendship, he noted.

"We hope to bring the Chinese culture to American audiences through various exhibitions, so that they can learn more about China's profound history and splendid culture," Shih told Xinhua.

Some new exhibitions are currently held in Bowers Museum, including a photo exhibition named The Power of Photography, which features a selection of iconic images compiled by the pioneering collector and gallerist Peter Fetterman to celebrate the photograph's unique capacity for sensibility.

Among over 70 outstanding original prints on display is one portrait of a Chinese ambassador in the Qing Dynasty.

"What's remarkable (of the photo) is the power of his face, the emotion, dignity, intensity and the beauty of it," Fetterman explained to Xinhua.

The sheer quality of the print, the details, the light, the way the photographer captured the Chinese man's expression are very rare, he noted.
By Jack Queen and Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Donald Trump 's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen testified on Tuesday that he manipulated the values of the former U.S. president's real estate properties to match "whatever number Mr. Trump told us."

Testifying as a key witness in New York Attorney General Letitia James ' civil fraud case against Trump, Cohen said Trump tasked him and other former Trump Organization executives with doctoring financial statements to boost the value of the company's holdings and secure better real estate premiums.

"He would say, 'I'm actually not worth $4.5 billion, I'm really worth more like 6 (billion)," Cohen said, adding that Trump arrived at the valuations of his assets "arbitrarily."

Tuesday's testimony marked a highly anticipated reunion of the allies-turned-bitter-foes.

Trump initially leaned back in his chair with his arms folded and stared intently at Cohen as he testified, but spent most of the day hunched over the defendant's table, occasionally watching Cohen and speaking to his lawyers.

Cohen is expected to return to the witness stand on Wednesday for cross-examination by Trump's lawyers. Trump told reporters after exiting the courtroom that he would return on Wednesday as well.

Cohen testified that he and onetime Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg would mark up line items by hand using red ink in Trump's financial statements after the former president told them the numbers were too low.

The testimony came during the fourth week of a trial in New York state court in Manhattan stemming from a lawsuit that James, a Democrat, brought against Trump and his family company last September. The suit, which could break up Trump's business empire, alleges Trump inflated the value of his properties.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied wrongdoing and defended the valuations of his properties, saying the case is a "fraud" and a political witch hunt.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom when the trial ended for the day, Trump called Cohen a "disgraceful fellow."

"The witness is totally discredited already," Trump said.

James' civil suit is one of many legal woes Trump faces as he campaigns for the presidency. He has pleaded not guilty to four criminal indictments, including federal cases tied to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and the removal of government documents from the White House.

COHEN SAYS HE LIED AT TRUMP'S DIRECTION

Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump, turned on his onetime boss in 2018, when he pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia.

In an apparent effort to head off expected attacks by Trump's lawyers on Cohen's credibility, Colleen Faherty, a lawyer for the attorney general's office, began her questioning of Cohen by reviewing his criminal history. Cohen said he lied at Trump's direction.

Cohen began a three-year prison sentence in 2019 but was released to home confinement the following year during the coronavirus pandemic.

Prosecutors never accused Trump of criminal wrongdoing stemming from his business dealings with Russia.

During about a half hour of cross-examination on Tuesday, Cohen - a disbarred lawyer - rattled off case law to support an objection by the attorney general to a question by Trump lawyer Alina Habba.

"We can also go on to your favorite, United States vs. Nixon," Cohen said, referencing a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering former President Richard Nixon to hand over records related to the Watergate scandal.

Trump's appearance in court on Tuesday was his first after being fined $5,000 by Justice Arthur Engoron, the judge overseeing the case, for violating a gag order.

In September, before the trial began, Engoron found that Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth and ordered the dissolution of companies that control crown jewels of his real estate portfolio, including Trump Tower in Manhattan. That ruling is on hold while Trump appeals.

The trial largely concerns damages. James is seeking at least $250 million in fines, a permanent ban against Trump and his sons Donald Jr and Eric from running businesses in New York and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Trump and the Trump Organization.

(Reporting by Jack Queen; Writing by Jack Queen and Luc Cohen; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Nick Zieminski, Lisa Shumaker and Rod Nickel)
A woman sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to sell drugs was arrested at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, where she worked as a corrections officer.

Large quantities of fentanyl-laced pills and other drugs were found at her home.

It was the second sentencing scheduled this month on a felony charge against a state prison guard in Eastern Washington.

Leticia Rodriguez, 44, was a corrections officer at the same time she was a driver for a large drug trafficking operation selling in Eastern Washington that used the Affordable Landscaping business in Kennewick as a front, according to U.S. court documents.

Ms. Rodriguez violated the trust of the public she had been sworn to serve, said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref, of the Eastern Washington District U.S. Attorneys Office, in a statement on Monday. Her criminal conduct undermines the respect many of our law enforcement officials earn on a day-to-day basis.

The public must remain confident that no one is above the law, she said.

On Oct. 19 a Pasco man, Randy Joe Harris, who had been a corrections officer at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell for 24 years apparently shot himself and died just before he was scheduled to be sentenced at the Richland U.S. Courthouse for possessing child pornography.

Fentanyl sales ring

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine.

She and other drivers would take cash to Arizona and California and then drive back with large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to court documents.

Another defendant in the case said that Rodriguez and another woman traveled to Tucson, Ariz., in July 2021 and brought back 30 pounds of meth to Kennewick.

Rodriguez admitted after her arrest in March 2022 that she had made two trips to Arizona and a trip to California, each time with a second person, and was paid around $2,000 per trip, according to a court document.

She said that she stopped driving after the three trips, suspecting that drugs might be involved.

A search of her house found a bag with 11 pounds of meth, 8,000 fentanyl-laced pills, a half pound of cocaine and a digital scale that she reportedly was holding for another defendant in the case.

She said that co-defendant Joel Chavez-Duran had given her a bag to hold containing 30 pounds of meth, 10,000 pills and and unknown amount of cocaine about two weeks before he was arrested, according to a court document.

She has not worked for the Washington Department of Corrections since the week of her arrest, after being employed at the Walla Walla prison for about a year.

She was the second of 10 defendants to be sentenced in the landscaping business case.

Jose Mendoza-Ruelas, 38, was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute substantial quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

A search of several houses and the landscaping business on the 3800 block of West Kennewick Avenue found loaded assault rifles hanging on the wall; more than $165,000, much of it hidden within a wall; a digital money counter; a 45-caliber pistol and materials often used for street level drug packaging.

Rodriguez did not live there. Mendoza-Ruelas also was not among the members of the drug trafficking organization that lived at the Kennewick compound, but told a law enforcement source that he could sell him up 60,000 fentanyl-laced pills in addition to large quantities of meth, according to court documents.

U.S. Judge Mary Dimke sentenced Rodriguez to five years of probation in addition to her prison term.

Child pornography case

Harris, 55, pleaded guilty in June to possessing child pornography.

He admitted to grooming a 15-year-old girl in Illinois, who he successfully pressured to send him an explicit photo of herself, according to a court document.

When he failed to show up at his sentencing Thursday afternoon, the court learned that he was dead of a gunshot wound at his Pasco home.

The U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Richland.

Benton County Coroner Curtis McGary said Thursday that the death was being investigated as a suicide.

The Eastern Washington District U.S. Attorneys Office had asked the court to sentence Harris to 10 years in federal prison. Harris attorney had requested a four-year prison sentence.
A former Waukee man accused of killing his 6-month-old infant has been acquitted by a judge who found insufficient proof his actions caused the baby's death.

Nicholas Cox of Iowa Falls was charged with murder and child endangerment causing the death of his son Kaeggin in February 2021. Prosecutors had alleged that Cox, exhausted and frustrated with the infant's crying, manhandled the infant too forcefully, causing fatal spinal injuries.

After a bench trial in May, Judge Bethany Currie issued her verdict Friday, finding Cox not guilty. While she found the state proved Cox had mistreated his son, and even proved he had done so intentionally, Currie found more credible the testimony of a defense expert who believed the infant had died of a pre-existing infection for which he'd been hospitalized in the week before his death.

"It is entirely possible that Mr. Cox was excessively and unreasonably rough with K.C. and yet he may have died from an unrelated cause," Currie wrote, describing Cox's actions as "horrendous" and "reprehensible."

Previously: Jury finds Bravon Tukes innocent of all counts in Starts Right Here school shooting deaths

"Mr. Cox was absolutely wrong to treat K.C. the way he did on the morning of his death," she continued. "However, the court cannot say beyond a reasonable doubt that K.C. died of any one or more of the injuries Mr. Cox inflicted on him that morning."

Currie noted that Cox "undoubtedly committed assault and child endangerment," but because he was not charged with those crimes and the parties had not asked her to consider them as lesser offenses, she found him not guilty of both of the charges against him.

An attorney for Cox declined to comment on the ruling. Prosecutors from Hardin County and the Iowa Attorney General's Office did not respond to messages seeking comment.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Infant son's death not conclusively fault of ex-Waukee man, judge rules
Meta is facing a massive lawsuit from 41 states as well as the District of Columbia over alleged harms to its young users. Attorneys general from dozens of states joined a lawsuit, filed in California federal court, claiming that Meta knew its addictive features were harmful and intentionally misled the public about the safety of its platform.

In addition to the California suit, attorneys general from eight other states filed their own claims against the company. In a statement, California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the filings as part of a coordinated effort to hold Meta accountable for alleged misconduct. Our bipartisan investigation has arrived at a solemn conclusion: Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits, Bonta said in a statement.

A central claim of the lawsuit is that Metas business model depends on holding the attention of young users on Facebook and Instagram, even at the expense of their wellbeing. Meta designed and deployed harmful and psychologically manipulative product features to induce young users compulsive and extended Platform use, while falsely assuring the public that its features were safe and suitable for young users, the lawsuit states. It added that the company routinely shared reports suggesting otherwise despite overwhelming internal research showing its features were harmful.

The lawsuit  sections of which are redacted  also calls out several other Instagram features, including likes, filters and its recommendation algorithm. It states that likes promote compulsive use of the app and that filters can promote eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The lawsuit also alleges that Instagrams highly scrutinized recommendations are designed to capitalize on young users dopamine responses and create an addictive cycle of engagement. The apps algorithms, it alleges, routinely present young users with psychologically and emotionally distressing content, in order to increase time spent in the app.

We share the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families, a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

The lawsuit is the latest reckoning over the companys handling of youth safety and mental health. Lawmakers, regulators and other officials have become increasingly focused on the issue, and whether social media companies are doing enough to protect their youngest users. Meta has come under particular scrutiny since the disclosure of internal documents by a former employee turned whistleblower, Frances Haugen.

Her disclosures, known as the Facebook Files, included internal research that showed teens struggling with mental health issues reported that Instagram made them feel worse. The company has attempted to downplay this research, saying that it was taken out of context.

The disclosures ultimately prompted the company to indefinitely pause work on an Instagram Kids app. Meta also released a slew of new safety features for Instagram, including changing the default privacy settings and limiting ad targeting features for younger teens. Instagram also added reminders for teens to take a break from the app and new parental control features.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the lawsuits are the result of a years-long investigation into Meta spearheaded by Colorado and Tennessees attorneys general. Meta had been in settlement talks with the states, but those discussions failed.

Meta isnt the only social media company thats faced scrutiny over its effect on teenage users. Snap, TikTok and YouTube have also been criticized by lawmakers for safety issues. In his statement about the Meta lawsuit, California Attorney General Bonta noted that theres also an ongoing investigation into TikTok for harms to youth associated with the use of its platform.
Four of Donald Trump s co-defendants, including three of his former lawyers, have pleaded guilty in the Georgia case related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Theyve all promised to testify in future trials against co-defendants in the massive racketeering case, and experts say it doesnt present a rosy outlook for Trump, the alleged ringmaster of the election scheme.

Shortly after Sidney Powell , one of the most recognizable members of Trumps 2020 legal team, pleaded guilty last week, experts predicted she wouldnt be the only one. You could start to see a domino effect, one local law professor told Semafor after Powells plea. Now, following two more guilty pleas, including Jenna Elliss on Tuesday, analysts remain even more confident that dominoes will keep falling. Ellis wont be the last one to plead guilty, former federal prosecutor and legal commentator Renato Marriotti said.

By admitting that he knowingly helped file the false electors certification, former Trump campaign attorney Kenneth Chesebro pleaded guilty to a count in the indictment that also names Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and John Eastman, another lawyer who promoted the fake elections scheme. So Chesebros testimony could deal a significant blow to Trump, Dennis Aftergut, a former federal prosecutor, wrote. It could also put pressure on Giuliani and Eastman, both of whom worked closely with Trump following the election, to take plea deals.

Elliss plea has more ominous elements for Trump, especially in his federal case related to Jan. 6, conservative attorney Jonathan Turley argued. Ellis pleaded guilty to knowingly aiding and abetting Giuliani and an Atlanta-based attorney in making numerous false claims about the election to Georgia lawmakers in December 2020. Of the pleas so far, this one is likely to interest Special Counsel Jack Smith the most in his parallel federal prosecution, Turley said, since Smith has accused of Trump of knowingly lying about the election.

Given that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has succeeded in securing four guilty pleas so far, an attempt by Georgia Republican lawmakers to punish her for indicting Trump may not go anywhere, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported this week. The proposed rules for a newly created state commission that can sanction or remove prosecutors sets a high bar for disciplining them; one local expert said a complaint against Willis would probably be dead on arrival.
Four North Korean people were recovered in a small wooden boat off the coast of South Korea early Tuesday in what is believed to be a defection, South Korean officials said.

The four North Koreans were rescued by the South Korean coast guard early Tuesday after being identified by a passing fishing boat, The Associated Press reported.

South Korean media KBS, citing an unidentified government official, reported that the four North Koreans  a man and three women  are members of one family.

Defecting by sea is a rare and extremely dangerous strategy, as many of the small ships are lost in rough seas. The more common method of defection is escape to China and then to Southeast Asia, which could take months.

More than 30,000 North Koreans have defected to the South since the late 1990s, most through the Southeast Asia route.

The group discovered Tuesday would be the second sea defection this year, if proven true. In May, nine people defected by sea along South Koreas west coast.

Defectors are questioned by the South Korean military after capture to determine if they may be spies or criminals.

In 2019, South Korea deported two North Korean fishermen who said they wished to resettle, after determining they were criminals who had killed 16 fellow crew members. Earlier, several North Koreans were arrested after South Korean investigations concluded they were spies who had entered the country posing as defectors.

North Koreas state media didnt immediately report on the alleged defectors.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Four people were taken to the hospital after a sedan struck a light pole at the intersection of Pawnee and Hillside on Tuesday.

Officers responded around 3:20 p.m. to an accident call and found a vehicle had struck a pole on the corner of Hillside. Four people were inside the vehicle when the crash occurred, Wichita Police Sgt. Douglas Gredes said.

All four were taken to a hospital by Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services with non-life threatening injuries, Gredes said.

The car was going well beyond the posted sign [speed limit], according to a preliminary investigation, Gredes said.

Traffic heading north on Hillside at the intersection is closed off while police work to tow away the car. Gredes said the intersection is expected to open back up in the next 30 minutes.
FILE - In this photo provided by the Ventura County Fire Department, VCFD firefighters respond to a fire aboard the Conception dive boat fire in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Southern California on Sept. 2, 2019. Federal prosecutors are seeking justice for 34 people killed in a fire aboard the Conception in 2019. The trial against Captain Jerry Boylan begins Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Los Angeles with jury selection. (Ventura County Fire Department via AP, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  By the time the scuba dive boat sank off the Southern California coast after catching fire, 34 people had been killed in the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history.

The Labor Day tragedy in 2019 spurred changes to maritime regulations, congressional reform and civil lawsuits. Four years later, a federal trial for the Conception's captain, Jerry Boylan, was underway Tuesday with jury selection in federal court in Los Angeles. Boylan watched as the judge questioned potential jurors.

It's been a long, frustrating wait for the families of the dead.

The past four years have been like living in a nightmare that you dont wake up from, said Kathleen McIlvain, whose 44-year-old son Charles was killed.

The 75-foot (23-meter) boat was anchored off the Channel Islands, 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Santa Barbara, on Sept. 2, 2019, when it caught fire before dawn on the final day of a three-day excursion, sinking less than 100 feet (30 meters) from shore.

The National Transportation Safety Board blamed Boylan for the tragedy, saying his failure to post a roving night watchman allowed the fire to quickly spread undetected, trapping the 33 passengers and one crew member below.

Those on board included a new deckhand whod landed her dream job and an environmental scientist who did research in Antarctica, along with a globe-trotting couple and a Singaporean data scientist.

Susana Solano Rosas lost her three daughters Angela, Evan and Nicole Quitasol, who were onboard the Conception with their father, Michael Quitasol, and his wife, Fernisa Sison. Solano Rosas waited with other relatives for jurors to be chosen.

Weve been waiting for this for a long time, she said. We want to start some healing.

U.S. District Judge George Wu on Oct. 12 granted Boylan's request to bar most if not all references to victims  which the captain's attorneys say is a prejudicial term that jeopardizes his right to a fair trial. It was the latest setback for the prosecution.

A grand jury in 2020 initially indicted Boylan on 34 counts of a pre-Civil War statute colloquially known as seamans manslaughter that was designed to hold steamboat captains and crew responsible for maritime disasters. Each count carries up to 10 years in prison in a conviction, for a total of 340 years.

Defense lawyers sought to dismiss those charges, arguing the deaths were the result of a single incident and not separate crimes. Prosecutors got a superseding indictment charging Boylan with only one count.

Then in 2022, Wu ruled the superseding indictment failed to specify that Boylan acted with gross negligence, calling that a required element to prove the crime of seamans manslaughter. He dismissed that indictment, forcing prosecutors to go before a grand jury again.

Boylan is now charged with one count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer. The single count means he faces only 10 years behind bars if convicted.

He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. His federal public defenders did not return The Associated Press' repeated requests for comment, and a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment.

Some of the dead were wearing shoes, prompting investigators to believe they were awake and trying to escape. Both exits from the below-deck bunkroom were blocked by flames. Coroners reports list smoke inhalation as the cause of death.

What exactly started the fire remains unknown. Early official scrutiny appeared to focus on a spot where divers plugged in phones and other electronics. But a Los Angeles Times story, citing a confidential report by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the blaze began in a plastic trash can on the main deck. An official cause remains undetermined.

Boylan and four crew members sleeping in the upper deck told investigators they tried to save the others but were ultimately forced to jump overboard to survive. Boylan made a mayday call before abandoning ship.

Dozens of family members have since formed Advocacy34 to push for strengthened boating regulations. While seeking answers, theyve comforted each other during loved ones missed birthdays and mourned each anniversary.

We have no idea when well get those answers, or if we ever will, McIlvain said.

The NTSB faulted the Coast Guard for not enforcing that requirement and recommended it develop a program to ensure boats with overnight passengers have a watchman.

Victims families have sued the Coast Guard in one of several ongoing civil suits.

At the time of the fire, no owner, operator or charterer had been cited or fined for failure to post a roving patrol since 1991, Coast Guard records showed.

The Coast Guard has since enacted new, congressionally mandated regulations regarding fire detection systems, extinguishers, escape routes and other safety measures.

Three days after the inferno, Truth Aquatics Inc., which belongs to the Conceptions owners, Glen and Dana Fritzler, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles under a pre-Civil War provision of maritime law that allows it to limit its liability to the remains of the boat, which was a total loss. The time-tested legal maneuver has been successfully employed by the owners of the Titanic and other vessels, and requires the Fritzlers show they were not at fault.

The couple's attorneys did not respond to requests for comment.

In response to the families' outcry, federal lawmakers last year updated the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 so owners could be held liable for damages regardless of the boats value afterward. The law is not retroactive, however, and will not apply in the Conception fire.

__

Associated Press Photojournalist Damian Dovarganes in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday and called for the international coalition initially built to fight against ISIS to now target Hamas.

The U.S.-led coalition has fought ISIS in the Middle East for years, and Macron did not offer details about how the coalition could be involved in Israel's retaliatory war against Hamas. Israel has appeared poised for a ground invasion of Gaza for more than a week.

"France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas," he told reporters, using another term used for ISIS.

He added that the fight against Hamas "must be without mercy but not without rules."

US MILITARY SHOOTS DOWN TURKISH DRONE AFTER COMING TOO CLOSE TO TROOPS IN SYRIA

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, met with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday and called for the international coalition initially built to fight against ISIS to now target Hamas.

Netanyahu has called for international support for the war against Hamas, but Israel has not requested any foreign boots on the ground. The U.S. has devoted two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean as a deterrent for Iran, Hezbollah or other regional powers from joining the war against Israel.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

US NAVY INTERCEPTS MISSILES HEADING NORTH FROM YEMEN, POTENTIALLY TOWARD ISRAEL: PENTAGON

Both Israeli and U.S. officials have suggested that U.S. forces would intervene should Iran or its proxy, Hezbollah, join the war.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has called for international support for the war against Hamas, but Israel has not requested any foreign boots on the ground.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been massed around the Gaza Strip for more than a week, poised for an invasion. That order has yet to come down, however, and hostage negotiations remain ongoing.

DRONE STRIKES TARGET US MILITARY BASES IN SYRIA, IRAQ AS REGIONAL TENSIONS FROM ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR ESCALATE

Hamas terrorists took more than 200 hostages during their Oct. 7 massacre in Israel. So far, two Americans and two Israelis have been released.

The U.S. has tasked USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Eastern Mediterranean, along with USS Gerald Ford. The two aircraft carriers sport a crew of thousands and are among America's most powerful military assets.

The IDF said Tuesday that it dropped leaflets in the Gaza Strip making a direct appeal to Palestinians to provide Israel with information on hostages held by Hamas .

"If you want a better future for you and your children, take action and provide us with solid and useful information as soon as possible regarding the hostages in your area," the leaflet reads.

The Israelis are offering protection and even a monetary award to any Palestinian who comes forward with verifiable information leading to the rescue of an Israeli hostage.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: France's Macron says Israeli campaign against Hamas in Gaza must be 'without mercy'
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem ahead of talks in Ramallah with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas (Christophe Ena)

French President Emmanuel Macron, on a solidarity visit to Israel after the October 7 attacks, called Tuesday for Palestinian militants Hamas to be added to the targets of an international coalition against the Islamic State group.

Macron also said there had to be a "decisive relaunch" of the Middle East peace process, following talks with leaders in Israel, whose army is building up to a likely ground invasion of the Gaza Strip with the declared aim of toppling Hamas.

The French leader went on to visit Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, where he told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas the Hamas attacks were "also a catastrophe for the Palestinians".

In Jerusalem, Macron said the Global Coalition against Daesh, or the Islamic State (IS) group, "should also fight against Hamas".

The French president said he had proposed this during talks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to other "international partners".

"We should build a regional and international coalition to battle against terrorist groups that threaten us all," he told a joint news conference with Netanyahu.

An Elysee Palace source said Macron's proposal "draws inspiration from the experience of the Global Coalition against Daesh and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas".

The coalition was set up in 2014 and says it has 86 "members" -- countries and groups such as the European Union and the Arab League.

It has focused on countering IS in Iraq and Syria but is also aimed at cutting off funding to the jihadists, the sharing of intelligence and support for many countries, including the training of Iraqi forces.

Macron was the latest of a string of Western leaders to voice support for Israel's riposte to the Palestinian militant group after the attacks that Israel says left 1,400 people dead, mostly civilians.

But as he made overtures to Israel, Macron faced calls for restraint during a trip to the seat of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

After his meeting with the French president, Abbas said that the international community must halt Israel's "aggression" as it battles Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"We urge you, President Macron, to stop this aggression," Abbas said.

Macron told reporters that "nothing can justify" the suffering of civilians in Gaza, a narrow territory of some 2.4 million people.

The Hamas government says at least 5,791 people have been killed in Israel's bombardment of the Palestinian territory, most of whom are civilians. Israel says that its hundreds of air raids each day target Hamas leaders and military positions.

- Peace process -

Macron said extending the anti-IS coalition would benefit Israel and its neighbours who are also "threatened" by Hamas, which is branded a terrorist organisation by the European Union and United States.

"The battle must be without mercy, but not without rule because we are democracies which fight against terrorists, democracies which respect the right to war and assure humanitarian access," Macron said in Israel.

Macron's office said before his visit that he would seek a "humanitarian truce" in Gaza while in Israel, but no mention was made after his talks with Netanyahu.

The French leader did call for a "decisive" new effort to move toward a Palestinian state, declaring: "The Palestinian cause must be heard with reason".

"Israel's security cannot be sustainable with a decisive relaunch of the political process with the Palestinians.".

Macron also met some of the relatives of the 30 French people killed in the October 7 attacks and the nine people missing, at least one of whom has been confirmed as being a hostage.

He said freeing all hostages had to be the "first objective" of the Israeli military campaign.

Like other Western leaders, Macron told Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog that their country was "not alone", drawing parallels with past attacks on French soil.

"I think this is our duty to fight against these terrorist groups, without any confusion, without... enlarging this conflict."

Speaking alongside Macron, Israeli premier Netanyahu vowed to "destroy Hamas".

"We will dismantle its terror machine. We will dismantle its political structure. We will make every effort to release our hostages," Netanyahu said.

With the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group daily trading fire with the army across the Lebanon-Israel border, Western governments are concerned the conflict could spread.

Macron named Hezbollah, Iran and the Huthis in Yemen when he said they should "not take the ill-considered risk of opening new fronts".

US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz raised similar concerns during visits to Israel over the past week.

ds/ami
This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows a night view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China's Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) will attend China's landmark imports expo for the sixth time in November, leading a business delegation of over 500 senior business representatives from 56 Singapore companies in search of fresh market opportunities.



The China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is scheduled to take place in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, will see about 40 percent of Singapore exhibitors participating for the first time, while 60 percent are repeat exhibitors, Kok Ping Soon, CEO of the SBF, told a press conference Monday.

"The CIIE remains an essential platform for Singapore businesses to grow their business in the Chinese market, particularly in high-growth areas such as digital innovation and sustainability," Kok said.

"Attending the CIIE for the first time was like eating durian for the first time. You felt curious and excited before tasting the fruit and fell for it after the first bite," said Cha Pei Pei, CEO of International FLS Corp., an education company that will be attending the CIIE for the second time.

Occupying a total exhibition area of close to 1,286 square meters this year, the Singapore Pavilion at the sixth CIIE will showcase a wide range of products and services in consumer goods, food and agricultural products, and services trade.

China has been Singapore's largest trading partner since 2013, while Singapore has remained China's largest source of foreign investment during the period.

According to the SBF's National Business Survey 2022/2023, 46 percent of Singapore companies surveyed have a presence in China. Among those companies that plan to expand overseas, 21 percent are keen to venture into China.
Gov. Roy Cooper visited an East Durham elementary school on Tuesday to see students having breakfast in their classroom, an innovation the state will spend $1.4 million to encourage.

Weve seen a significant uptick in the number of children who actually eat when you allow them to have it in the classroom and everybody eats, regardless of what your economic status is, Cooper said inside the library at Glenn Elementary.

Students grabbed plastic bags with fruit, cereal and milk inside and unpacked them at their desks, eating while playing a math computer game as Cooper and other state and local officials looked on.

Nearly 1 in 5 children dont eat breakfast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2020.

Cooper announced $1.4 million in federal money will help schools expand school breakfast. The state will make grants available to public school districts and charter schools, offering up to $50,000 per school.

The money will help schools set up innovative breakfast models, such as eating breakfast in the classroom, providing grab-and-go items, and offering second chance breakfast for those who arent hungry first thing in the morning. There is also federal money that subsidizes free meals for all students in schools with high percentages of low-income students.

Food is the most important school supply, said Morgan Wittman Gramann, executive director of the North Carolina Alliance for Health. And getting kids off to a good start early in the morning with a good breakfast is the right thing to do.

The North Carolina Alliance for Health and Carolina Hunger Initiative will administer the program.

Durham Public Schools offers free breakfast for its students, but lunch costs $3.75. A bill filed last year estimated providing public school lunches free would cost the state $159 million a year. Cooper said thats the future theyre hoping for.

Were making a lot of progress. Were not there yet, he said.
A hostage freed by Hamas described the nightmare she lived through after being abducted from her home in Israel and taken to a spiders web of tunnels below Gaza.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, said Tuesday that she was beaten with sticks as she was taken by motorcycle from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7. She was finally released along with her 79-year-old neighbor Nurit Cooper on Monday, making them just the third and fourth people of the more than 200 kidnapped by Hamas to be set free since the attacks began earlier this month. Lifshitzs husband, 83, is still being held hostage.

Foreign Reporters Burst Into Tears During IDF Screening of Hamas Atrocities

On Monday night, Hamas released a video appearing to show the moment Lifshitz and Cooper were released to representatives of the International Red Cross, according to the BBC. The footage shows Lifshitz confirming her age and name and, before leaving, turning to a masked Hamas militant, shaking his hand, and saying shalom, which means peace. Asked why she had extended such a gesture to one of her captors, Lifshitz said she did so because they treated us very nicely.

The pairs release comes after American Judith Raanan, 59, and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were freed Friday. The Ranaans say eight other members of their family are still being held by Hamas.

Speaking from a hospital in Tel Aviv where Lifshitz is now recovering on Tuesday morning, Lifshitzs daughter Sharone helped to translate as Lifshitz told reporters she had been through hell over the course of the two weeks in which she was taken and held captive. They went rampant in our kibbutz, she said, according to Haaretz. I was taken hostage. They laid me on a motorcycle and sped through a thicket.

The Israeli grandmother said she was beaten along the way and struggled to breathe, adding that Hamas militants took her watch and jewelry. Lifshitz also criticized failures in security that allowed her abduction to take place. They blew up the electronic fence, that special fence that cost $2.5 billion to build but didnt help with anything, she said. Masses mobbed our homes. They beat people, took some hostage. They didnt distinguish between young and elderly, it was very painful.

She says she was taken to Hamas network of tunnels, which she likened to a spiderweb. When we got there they told us that they are believers of the Quran, that they wont harm us, Lifshitz was quoted as saying.

Underground, Lifshitz said she first went through a tunnel into a large room containing about 25 people. After about two or three hours later, five people from her kibbutz were moved to a separate room. They guarded us closely, Lifshitz added.

According to the BBC, Lifshitz said there was a doctor and a paramedic underground in addition to her captors. She said the captives slept on mattresses on the floor in the tunnels below Gazawhich Lifshitz described as cleanand said a doctor visited them every two to three days. One captive who had been seriously injured in a motorbike accident en route to the tunnels was treated for his wounds, she said.

Lifshitz said hostages were given the same food as their captors: white cheese and cucumber. She also added that Hamas took care of every detail and even had women who knew about feminine hygiene.

Lifshitzs daughter Sharone told reporters that her mother feels the storys not over until everybody comes back. The scores of hostages still held by Hamas include Lifshitzs husband, Oded Lifshitz, a journalist who has spent decades campaigning for the rights of Palestinians, according to the BBC. Together with his wife, Oded co-founded the kibbutz from which they were abducted and in recent years had volunteered for a group that transports sick Palestinians from Gaza to Israeli hospitals for treatment.

Murder of Israeli Grandma Filmed and Shared on Her Facebook, Family Says

Over a quarter of their kibbutz are considered dead or missing in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, which claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis in total, according to Israeli figures. The Israeli governmentwhich continues to retaliate for the attacks with massive strikes that officials in Gaza say have killed more than 5,000 peopleis now working to free the remaining hostages.

The U.S. has reportedly advised Israel to delay a ground invasion of Gaza to allow more time for hostage negotiations to take place and to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave, which is running desperately short of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies amid Israels siege.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Editor's Note: For the latest news on the Israel-Hamas conflict, please see our live updates file here.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken encouraged Tuesday the implementation of humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas war, though the Biden administration said that doesnt mean a ceasefire, which it believes would benefit the militants.

At a tense meeting of the U.N. Security Council, Blinken reiterated the U.S. position that Israel has the right and duty to defend itself after the slaughter of its people by Hamas forces in the stunning Oct. 7 onslaught that killed more than 1,400 on Israeli soil. He also noted the means of defense makes a difference, as Israel intensifies a bombing campaign that has devastated Gaza and, according to Hamas, killed nearly 6,000 Palestinians.

Blinken called for Palestinian civilians to be protected, both from Hamas using them as human shields and from the Israeli bombardment and a siege that has largely kept water, food, medicines and fuel from coming into Gaza, creating a humanitarian crisis.

That protection, Blinken said, means civilians must be able to get out of harms way. It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes.

It also means a ceasefire, according to U.N. leadership and countries like China that are pushing for one. But President Joe Biden made it clear Monday that he would not support a ceasefire until the approximately 220 hostages Hamas still holds captive are released.

And the White House drew a distinction Tuesday between a humanitarian pause and a ceasefire, saying theyre different in terms of duration and scope.

We want to see all measure of protection for civilians, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. And pauses in operation is a tool and a tactic can do that for temporary periods of time. That is not the same as saying a ceasefire. Again, right now, we believe a ceasefire benefits Hamas.

Palestinians injured in Israeli air raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on October 24, 2023, in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. A brutal Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7 sparked retaliatory strikes in which thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Hamas frees two more hostages: US pushes for delayed Gaza invasion

Developments:

 The U.S. is transferring its two Iron Dome systems to Israel to improve its air defenses, Bloomberg reported.

 Blinken said the number of Americans confirmed dead in the Hamas attacks is now up to 33, and 10 remain unaccounted for.

 The U.S. Maritime Administration issued a warning Tuesday to ships traveling through the Red Sea to exercise caution when transiting this region" after a recent drone and missile attack launched from Yemen.

 A pregnant woman in Gaza whose apartment was hit by an airstrike Tuesday sustained multiple fractures and abdominal bleeding, but doctors performed an emergency C-section and delivered her baby. Navine Abu Owdah had a healthy girl, Dr. Salim Saqer said in Khan Younis.

 Hamas is guilty of "unspeakable brutality," but Israel's military response must strictly abide by international law to shape opinion and build alliances  because it is the right thing to do, former President Barack Obama said in a statement posted on the online site Medium.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was held hostage in Gaza after being abducted during Hamas' bloody Oct. 7 attack on Israel, speaks to the media at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv on Oct. 24, 2023.

'Then we can talk': Biden says no cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war until hostages released

UN chief: Hamas attack 'did not happen in a vacuum'

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the Security Council in New York, said a ceasefire was needed "to ease epic suffering, make the delivery of aid easier and safer and facilitate the release of hostages.

He also accused Israel of violating global humanitarian law in Gaza and pleaded for the protection of civilians in the war-torn territory. Guterres said Palestinian grievances don't justify the "appalling" Hamas attack that shocked Israel and the world but said that doesn't warrant the punishment now raining down on the Palestinian people.

"It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum," Guterres said. "The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation."

The comments evoked strong condemnation from Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the U.N., who called them "shocking'' and "unfathomable'' in a tweet, saying they excused Hamas' actions.

"Its truly sad that the head of an organization that arose after the Holocaust holds such horrible views. A tragedy!'' said Erdan, who called on Guterres to resign.

French leader Macron says Israel not alone fighting terrorism

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Israel on Tuesday, expressing support and saying the country is not left alone in the war against terrorism. He also offered comfort to French families impacted by the Hamas attack, which killed 30 French nationals. Another nine are missing.

After a news conference in Jerusalem alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which Macron said Israel's fight against Hamas "must be without mercy, but not without rules, he met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank. Macron noted the Hamas rampage was also a catastrophe for Palestinians.

At the U.N., Blinken pointed out more than 30 member countries had citizens killed in the rampage. This council has a responsibility to denounce member states that arm, that fund and train Hamas, or any other terrorist group that carries out such horrific acts,'' he said.

Freed Israeli hostage, 85, recalls Hamas 'hell,' kindness

The release of two more hostages and reports that talks were underway involving dozens more captives offered a glimmer of hope Tuesday for the families of more than 200 people held by Hamas since the murderous attack by militants into Israel less than three weeks ago.

One of the elderly hostages released Monday shared a harrowing tale of survival. Yocheved Lifshitz, speaking at a hospital in Tel Aviv, said she was swept out of Israel on the back of a motorbike, her legs hanging off one side and her head off the other. Lifshitz, 85, said she was hit by Hamas militants, forced to walk for miles through a web of underground tunnels and went through hell.

But she said captors later treated hostages gently, fed them and allowed them to wash. She said the operation was organized and appeared to have been planned well in advance.

Lifshitz was released with Nurit Cooper, 79, after negotiations involving Egypt and Qatar. A video released by Hamas shows Lifshitz shaking hands with one of her captors as she is freed  and saying shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, tranquility or harmony as well as hello or goodbye.

Gaza health officials report 'complete collapse' of hospitals

Twelve hospitals and 32 health centers in Gaza are out of service because of damage from bombings or a lack of desperately needed supplies of food, fuel and medicine, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Tuesday.

"The Ministry of Health announces the complete collapse of hospitals in the Gaza Strip," the statement said. "Hospital doors remaining open does not mean that they are providing service to the flood of wounded people flowing into them."

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 704 people in the past day, the most deadly of the war for Gaza residents, ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra said in the statement. He put the Palestinian death toll at 5,791, including 2,360 children, At least 16,297 people have been wounded and another 1,550 are missing. Those figures have not been independently verified.

"We call on all parties to ensure the flow of medical aid according to hospital priorities to save the wounded," the statement said.

Israel said the 400 airstrikes it had launched over the past day struck command centers, killed Hamas commanders and hit militants preparing to launch rockets into Israel. More than 1,400 Israelis have died since the Hamas attack Oct. 7. The vast majority were killed in the first hours of the war.

Tensions over Gaza fuel supply

Israels military appeared to suggest on Tuesday that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ask Hamas for fuel after the agency said it urgently needed supplies or it would be forced to stop operations the next day.

UNRWA posted the warning on X earlier Tuesday, which read: #Gaza operation will end tomorrow 'if we don't get fuel.'

The Israel Defense Forces quoted the post, replying that there are about 132,000 gallons worth of fuel tanks in Gaza, and to "Ask Hamas if you can have some." The post included an unspecified satellite image.

The UN reported earlier this week that hospitals in Gaza were running low on fuel, putting more than 100 premature babies at grave risk, the Associated Press reported.

In the last 18 days since the conflict began, about 2,360 children were reportedly killed and 5,364 were injured, totaling more than 400 incidents daily, according to a report by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. More than 30 Israeli children were also reportedly killed, and many remain captive on the Gaza Strip.

UNICEF said the 18-day period is the deadliest escalation seen in Gaza since 2006.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is a growing stain on our collective conscience. The rate of death and injuries of children is simply staggering, said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement. Even more frightening is the fact that unless tensions are eased, and unless humanitarian aid is allowed, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel, the daily death toll will continue to rise.

The agency said on Tuesday that fuel is of paramount importance to operate hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations.

Western media called out for double standards' by Jordans Queen Rania

Queen Rania of Jordan, who is of Palestinian descent, on Tuesday condemned Western medias coverage of the war in Gaza, saying there is a "glaring double standard in how Westerners cover attacks on Palestinian and Jewish communities.

It has been very disappointing to see the double standards in the world today, to see the strong condemnation of what happened on 7 October but very little condemnation of what is happening today, she told CNNs Christiane Amanpour in an interview. The silence is deafening  and to many in our region, it makes the Western world complicit.

Rania also spoke about a temporary stop to the conflict.

Why isn't there a call for an immediate ceasefire? We are seeing staggering human suffering happening today, so why is the narrative always skewed towards the Israeli side?" she said.

Arab leaders across the world have voiced their frustrations with the U.S. government's perceived unwillingness to rein in Israels attacks in Gaza. Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority pulled out of a planned summit in Jordan with President Joe Biden last week, CNN reported.

Sisterhood forms important bonds between Muslim, Jewish people in US

The war can put stress on relationships between Muslim and Jewish people in the U.S. who consider themselves friends. Long Island resident Cipora Eisenberg-Simms has family in Israel, some of whom are being called to serve in the Israeli military. She understands how difficult it is for her Muslim friends that her family members' service "is in direct conflict with the people they're thinking about as fellow Muslims."

Eisenberg-Simms belongs to Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that brings together Jewish and Muslim women to talk, learn and support each other, and to work together for peace.

"You're having to explain your own faith, and that makes you reengage with and reexamine it," she said. Read more here.

 Phaedra Trethan

US reportedly makes contingency plan to evacuate almost 700,000 Americans

The Biden administration is making plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Americans from the Middle East if the war threatens to spread across the region, the Washington Post reported, citing four officials familiar with contingency planning. The officials told the Post that Americans living in Israel and neighboring Lebanon are of particular concern, but that such an evacuation was considered a worst-case scenario. The State Department estimates that about 600,000 U.S. citizens were in Israel and 86,000 in Lebanon when Hamas attacked Oct. 7.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel-Hamas war live updates: Blinken urges 'humanitarian pauses'
French-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi was freed last week after charges against him were dropped (JULIEN DE ROSA)

Journalist Mortaza Behboudi, who had spent 284 days in jail in Afghanistan, said he thought he would never make it out alive.

The French-Afghan reporter was covering a gathering of students in front of Kabul University when he was arrested in January this year.

He was imprisoned just two days after entering Afghanistan.

What followed next were "10 months of torture," Behboudi, 29, told a news conference in Paris on Monday following his release from prison last week.

He said he was beaten by his jailers, nearly choked to death by members of the Islamic State group, and questioned by the Taliban government's intelligence services.

"You know in these countries interrogations by intelligence services are not at all easy," he told the news conference organised by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

- 'Journalism stifled' -

Behboudi refused to go into detail about the abuse he said he suffered out of concern for other journalists who are still imprisoned in Afghanistan.

"We don't know if they will be released soon," Behboudi said.

Originally from Afghanistan, he became a refugee in France in 2015 where he set up a news site, Guiti News, with other exiles from Afghanistan.

After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has cracked down hard on what had been seen as a thriving sector.

"Journalism has largely been stifled since the Taliban came to power," said Christophe Deloire, RSF director general.

According to the press advocacy group, "more than half" of media outlets have disappeared.

Of the country's 12,000 journalists, barely 4,800 are still working now, and "more than 80 percent of female journalists" have been forced to quit their jobs, RSF says.

Behboudi planned to write about female students who could no longer pursue their studies in Kabul when he was arrested.

Officials had initially promised a softer version of the strict Islamic rule that characterised their first stint in power from 1996  2001, but restrictions affecting women have gradually been reintroduced.

Teenage girls have been banned from attending most secondary schools and women from universities, and last year women were prohibited from entering parks, funfairs, gyms and public baths.

Women are also barred from travelling without a male relative and have been told they must cover up, with a veil or burqa when outside the home.

Most women have lost their government jobs - or are being paid a tiny salary to stay at home.

- 'Kidnapped' -

Behboudi said neither his French passport nor his press cards saved him from arrest by the Taliban government's intelligence services. He was accused of being a spy and supporting the anti-Taliban "resistance" and jailed.

"I felt kidnapped," he said. He shared tiny cells, measuring just two to three square metres, with a dozen other inmates including members of the Islamic State group.

He said he was "harassed all the time", could not see the sky and lost track of time.

Speaking to broadcaster France Inter on Tuesday, the journalist, who is a representative of the Hazara ethnic minority group, said several members of the Islamic State group tried to choke him in his sleep.

"They wanted to strangle me one night," he said, adding that the guards intervened and transferred him to another cell.

The Islamic State, a Sunni jihadist group, has for years targeted predominantly Shiite Hazaras and other religious minorities.

More than six months into his ordeal a delegation of Taliban officials came to see him.

Afterwards he was transferred to Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul where conditions improved. He also learnt that RSF had hired a lawyer to defend him.

Last week, the journalist was finally freed after all charges against him, including espionage and illegal support for foreigners, were thrown out at a court hearing in Kabul.

Taliban officials have issued directives on the protection of detainees' rights, but a recent report by the UN mission in Afghanistan said prisoners were still subject to mistreatment and urged the authorities to put a stop to abuses.

The interior ministry this week said an internal investigation had found evidence of mistreatment at its detention centers and that it was working to address the issue.

Asked about his plans for the future, Behboudi said he wanted to "move on".

He admits he was fortunate and that other Afghan journalists do not have the "support of Western media and the international community".

Under the Taliban, "everything is censored these days", Behboudi said.

"If I a take photo on the street, I risk being arrested," he said. "There is no longer freedom of expression, there is no longer freedom of the press in Afghanistan."

jf-as/jxb/rox
Fresno teachers could go on strike next week after voting overwhelmingly to authorize a strike next month if negotiations with the school district dont result in an agreement.

The strike authorization vote comes nearly a month after the district and the union failed to reach a Sept. 29 deadline to reach an agreement. If teachers go on strike, it will disrupt education for over 70,000 students at Californias third-largest school district.

No educator wakes up and wants to go on strike, we want to teach and we want to be valued by our school district for our calling, said Manuel Bonilla, president of the Fresno Teachers Association and teacher at McLane High School.

But during the course of negotiations, Bonilla said, its become abundantly clear that Superintendent Nelson is disconnected from the realities of the classroom, out of synch with our districts needs and now hes out of time.

More than 3,450 out of 3,693 votes were cast in favor of the strike authorization, or 93.5%. He said the total votes represent 92% of the unions 4,015 eligible voters.

The FTA went on strike for the first and last time in 1978 for approximately two weeks. Bonilla said the union was roughly half the size then, and had a 59% voter turnout with a 61% vote in favor to strike.

Bonilla said the vote gave the board two authorizations: setting a date for picket lines to start on, Nov. 1, and to hold a supplemental event to share information outside of schools about the FTAs four priority issues, the strike and how it can be averted.

Bonilla said the FTA remains at odds with Fresno Unified School District specifically on four issues:

Reducing class sizes

Reducing the caseload of special education programs

Paying educators a wage that keeps up with inflation

Maintaining the employee health fund

Fresno Teachers Association president Manuel Bonilla (center) publicly announced the union voted in favor of striking on Tuesday morning, Oct. 24, 2023 at the FTAs offices in Fresno. The vote in favor allowed the FTA executive board (standing behind Bonilla) to decide Nov. 1 will be the start of educators picket lines if they and Fresno Unified School District dont come to an agreement before then. LAURA S. DIAZ/ldiaz@fresnobee.com

Given the vote results, the union expects between 3,000 to 4,000 teachers and school staff to potentially walk out, and maybe even more could gather outside district schools if community members join in support. That means willing substitute teachers would have to cross picket lines and instruct students with the curriculum provided by the district because teachers would take their materials and lesson plans out of their classrooms.

The district said its ready to handle a strike. Last week, the board of trustees allocated $3 million to beef up security measures and recruitment efforts for substitute teachers for a potential strike and are prepared to pay $500 a day to over 2,000 substitute teachers.

When striking, teachers arent paid. If picket lines do start on Nov. 1, he said there isnt an estimated time theyll last because educators, though voting in favor of striking, hope to avert the strike and reach a contract they like. For parents concerned about how their students will be taught and cared for, Bonilla encouraged them to keep their kids at home.

A strike is shorter with more folks out on the picket line and less students in the classroom, he said.

Now that a strike date is set, the union notifies Fresno Unified within reasonable time, somewhere between 48 to 60 hours of notice, before the strike begins.

Bonilla said they are meeting today, Tuesday, and will notify of the strike and provide a document on behalf of the union as a response to the last package proposed by the district with suggestions on how to address the unions four priorities.

Fresno teachers started voting last Wednesday on the strike authorization vote, after thousands of teachers gathered at the Paul Paul Theater at Fresno Fairgrounds for an impassioned rally where teachers said they were ready to fight on issues such as class sizes, pay and caseload for special education teachers. Some said they hoped they didnt have to strike, and hoped the strike authorization vote would force the district to renegotiate.

The FTA executive board met Monday night after polls closed at 5 p.m. The American Arbitration Association  a non-profit organization that offers arbitration, mediation and election services  tabulated the votes for the union.

Previously, the FTA agreed to a no strike clause for their 2019-2022 contract, which expired and resulted in negotiations throughout this year.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  Pentagon Spokesman Brig. General Pat Ryder confirmed on Tuesday, that forces from Fort Sill are being sent to the Middle East.

The announcement comes as Oklahoma patriot battalions and batteries are gearing up for deployment in a undisclosed location in the Middle East, according to Ryder.

 Find more Top Stories from KFOR.com

Ryder said in his briefing Tuesday, the Department of Defense continues to remain actively engaged in the situation in the Middle East. Ryder said, it is the militarys aim to avoid any regional expansion of Israels conflict with Hamas but it stands willing and prepared to protect and defend our partners and our interests and will act to do so.

Ryder concluded his announcement saying, the message is simple we will take all necessary measures to defend our troops and our interests overseas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
UPDATE: The final suspect involved in the shooting, Serenity Marie Hagan, 18, was arrested on Oct. 23 in Memphis by the United States Marshals Service for the shooting death of Jaylin Ferrell who was killed near the Walmart in Hinesville on Sept. 12.

___

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WSAV)  Two suspects have been arrested and one is wanted in the death of a 20-year-old in Hinesville.

According to the Hinesville Police Department, Jaylin Ferrell was killed in a shooting behind Liberty Woods Apartments in the early morning hours of Sept. 12.

On Friday, the department announced the arrests of 18-year-old Jaquaves Jaquez Pittman and 19-year-old Jalijah Daquon Pittman in connection to the shooting.

Man dies in overnight shooting in Yamacraw Village

Officials said a magistrate judge denied their bonds, and they remain in custody at Liberty County Jail.

Meanwhile, Serenity Marie Hagan, 18, is still being sought.

All three face charges of murder, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected, according to Hinesville Police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Several defensive gunshots were fired by guards at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis after an individual drove their vehicle through a control point outside the base gate, according to a statement from 502nd Air Base Wing.

Just after 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 21, a suspect drove toward the gate at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction of traffic, Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis spokesperson Angelina Casarez told Military Times. The intruder was on the base for several minutes, but did not reach any training areas on the camp.

Security forces pursued the driver and took defensive measures when the suspected gate runner attempted to exit the installation via the inbound lane traveling at an excessive rate of speed, according to the statement.

No injuries to Air Force personnel or the suspect were reported, Casarez said. Air Force property was also undamaged. Casarez added that the gate runner was later involved in another incident nine miles from the base, where they were apprehended by the San Antonio Police Department.

In February 2021, an intruder gained unauthorized access to a jet at Joint Base Andrews after coming onto the base. The Air Force later announced it would review security practices at its installations.

According to the bases website, Joint Base San Antonio is home to more than 200 mission partners across its three locations  JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph. The 502nd Air Base Wing is the bases support wing.
A doctor at a hospital in the Gaza Strip warned Monday that nearly 10 babies in their neonatal unit will soon be dead if the facility runs out of fuel in about two days due to shortages.

Dr. Hatem Edhair made the claim to The Associated Press as Hamas continues to refuse an offer by Israel to end its widespread blockade of fuel and other humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza if the Palestinian terrorist group releases the more than 200 hostages it is believed to have taken.

Edhair said there are eight babies in the intensive care unit and 10 others in the neonatal department at Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis, which is expected to run out of fuel within 48 hours.

"Half of these children are on CPAP (pressurized air) machines and oxygen machines," he said Monday. "If the hospital runs out of fuel, half of these babies will die in less than 24 hours."

LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL AT WAR WITH HAMAS

People search for victims in buildings destroyed during Israeli airstrikes on Saturday in the southern Gaza Strip in Khan Younis.

Doctors treating premature babies across Gaza have warned that at least 130 are at "grave risk" across six neonatal units because of worsening fuel shortages, the AP also reports.

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"We are working around the clock," Edhair said. "We need to save these babies."

None of the 20 aid trucks that crossed into Gaza on Saturday  the first since the blockade was imposed  contained fuel, amid Israeli fears it will end up in Hamas' hands, according to the AP. Limited fuel supplies inside Gaza were being sent to hospital generators.

ISRAEL RELEASES UNEDITED VIDEO OF OCT 7 HAMAS ATTACK TO COUNTER HOLOCAUST DENIAL-LIKE PHENOMENON

The White House announced last week that it is "providing $100 million in humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank," but it's not immediately clear if that aid has been delivered yet.

Fox News Digital asked the White House on Monday and Tuesday what the status of the aid is, but they did not respond.

President Biden said Tuesday that the aid is not reaching Gaza "fast enough."

At the time the aid was announced, the White House said "funding will help support over a million displaced and conflict-affected people with clean water, food, hygiene support, medical care, and other essential needs."

Palestinian emergency services and local citizens search for victims in buildings destroyed Sunday following Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis.

"Civilians are not to blame and should not suffer for Hamass horrific terrorism. Civilian lives must be protected and assistance must urgently reach those in need," the White House's statement added. "We will continue to work closely with partners in the region to stress the importance of upholding the law of war, supporting those who are trying to get to safety or provide assistance, and facilitating access to food, water, medical care, and shelter."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Gaza hospital doctor says nearly 10 babies at risk of dying soon over fuel shortages
Mohammad Al Shanti is forced to travel nearly four miles to Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza to fill up plastic bottles with water. Its only enough for his familys most basic needs.

We dont wash our clothes, we save every little drop, he told CNN, describing the water situation as catastrophic.

Finding clean water is becoming an all-consuming  and increasingly difficult  challenge for many Gazans.

Hamas brutal attacks in Israel on October 7 killed at least 1,400 people and the group took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. In the wake of the assault, Israel launched an aerial bombardment of Gaza that Palestinian health officials say has killed more than 5,000 people. Israel also announced a complete siege on the enclave, withholding vital supplies of water, food and fuel.

Israel has since allowed some water to flow through one of the three pipelines that run into Gaza, but experts say it covers only a tiny percentage of the enclaves needs. Most of Gazas water comes from local sources  but the fuel required to pump and clean it is fast running out.

As the water system collapses, some Gazans have been forced to drink dirty, salty water, sparking concerns of a health crisis and fears that people could start dying from dehydration.

A humanitarian catastrophe

Water production in Gaza is currently at 5% of normal levels, according to a UNICEF report from October 17, citing the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA).

Gazans are now living on less than 3 liters of water a day, according to the UN, far below the World Health Organizations (WHOs) recommended 50 liters as the absolute minimum needed to meet basic needs, including drinking, cooking and hygiene.

The only water people have is essentially non-potable seawater mixed with sewage, said Natasha Hall, a senior fellow with the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Some are being forced to drink from farm wells, according to the non-profit Oxfam.

Mazen Ghunaim, head of the PWA, said that without large-scale intervention, the lack of water will trigger a humanitarian catastrophe.

There was a glimmer of hope this weekend when the first convoy of aid trucks loaded with water, food and medical supplies entered south Gaza through the Rafah crossing, on the border with Egypt.

A convoy of lorries carrying humanitarian aid, including water, enters the Gaza Strip from Egypt via the Rafah border crossing on October 21, 2023. - Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images

But Gaza received just 60,000 liters of water on Saturday, Ghunaim said. To cover the bare necessities of the 2.3 million people living in the enclave requires 33 million liters every day, he told CNN.

These first aid efforts are just the initial drop in the ocean, said Richard Peeperkorn, the WHOs representative for the West Bank and Gaza.

Fuel is water

One vital supply missing from the aid convoys has been fuel. Without it, Gazas water system has crumbled.

Fuel is water, said Hall of CSIS. Cutting off fuel is cutting off water.

Water is a voracious energy user because it is so heavy, said Kellogg Schwab, a water and public health professor at Johns Hopkins University. Every liter weighs 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). Moving water around takes a massive amount of energy, Schwab told CNN.

For Gazans, no power means taps have run dry. Even if you are lucky and have a well, you will not be able to pump (water) to high floors because we dont have electricity, Al Shanti said.

Many of the water trucks Gazans rely on to fill water containers are unable to reach peoples homes because they lack fuel, and because of the bombardment, said Omar Shaban, founder and director of the Gaza-based independent think tank PalThink for Strategic Studies.

Making water drinkable also relies on fuel.

All five wastewater treatment plants and two of the three desalination plants have stopped working. The enclaves last remaining major desalination plant, which had been shut down for almost a week, resumed operations on Saturday but is at less than 7% of its usual capacity. While some smaller desalination units remain operational, these are local and far from sufficient.

Gazas fuel supplies could be exhausted in as little as 48 to 72 hours, Ghunaim, from the PWA, said on Monday.

People fill plastic containers with potable water in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on October 23, 2023. - Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images

Concerns are mounting about disease. People are resorting to filling up containers and storing water as they try to eke out supplies. That water can become re-contaminated so quickly, Schwab said. Sewage is accumulating in the streets and displaced Gazans are crowding into shelters that lack adequate sanitation.

Experts fear the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, which would put more pressure on a health system already teetering on the edge of collapse.

Hospitals face an imminent water and sanitation crisis, Peeperkorn, from the WHO, said. Some have so little water, they are struggling to sterilize surgical equipment.

CNN contacted COGAT, Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, for comment on the water and fuel situation in Gaza but has yet to receive a response.

Israel has repeatedly said fuel will be used for Hamas war effort. The government decision is that fuel doesnt go in because it will be stolen by Hamas and itll be used by them to power rockets that are fired into Israel to kill our people, Mark Regev, senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told CNN on Monday. He said Israel would not allow fuel in even if all hostages were released.

However, chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has since suggested a softening of this position. We will make sure there will be fuel in places where they need fuel to treat civilians. We will not allow the fuel for Hamas so they can continue fighting against the citizens of Israel, he said in a live TV address Tuesday afternoon. But he shared no details of when or how they would distribute the fuel.

International agencies warn that without fuel, safe drinking water will run out. People will start dying of severe dehydration, among them young children, said Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

A crisis decades in the making

Access to clean water has long been one of the hardest challenges for those living in the Gaza Strip. The 140-square-mile territory is one of most densely populated places on Earth.

Gaza has three main sources of water: desalination plants, pipelines that carry in water purchased from Israel and groundwater wells.

Most of Gazas water comes from a coastal aquifer, a body of underground water that stretches along the coastline of the eastern Mediterranean from Egypts Sinai Peninsula up to Israel.

Around 97% is undrinkable; its salty, brackish, and contaminated by untreated wastewater and pollution.

The aquifer has been over-extracted to serve Gazas growing population. More than twice the amount of water is removed than is naturally replenished each year, and as the levels of freshwater drop, salty water from the Mediterranean has seeped in.

The climate crisis is also having an impact. Sea level rise will increase the salinity of the groundwater and more intense and frequent extreme weather events such as heat and drought further threaten water resources.

Israels control over Gazas water system has made the situation harder, Hall said, especially in terms of parts allowed into the enclave.

Items that are considered dual use  meaning they could also be used for military purposes  require special permission to be brought into Gaza. Getting anything built, either in the West Bank or Gaza, in terms of water infrastructure is really, really difficult, Hall said.

Even before the conflict, many experts were saying the water situation would be catastrophic in the future, Hall said.

We have been humiliated

Displaced people fetch drinking water in the yard of an UNRWA school in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, on October 20, 2023. - Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images

For people in Gaza, there is no escape as the crisis becomes more acute. Water shortages happen in conflicts around the world, but the reality is a lot of people just leave, Hall said. When water dries up, they move and Gazans cant move.

For Um Haitham Hassan, who is living in an UNRWA tent in the southern city of Khan Younis, the situation is becoming untenable  she cannot wash her familys clothes or bathe her children. There is no water, the fuel is completely cut off, she said.

We have been humiliated, she told CNN. All our clothes, our hair, our bodies are dirty.

Where do we get water? she asked.

CNNs Abeer Salman, Lauren Kent, Niamh Kennedy, Kareem Khadder, Alex Hardie, Mitchell McCluskey and Clarissa Ward contributed reporting.

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You are here: Business

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) on Monday announced the discovery of a deep coalbed methane (CBM) field in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, with proved reserves exceeding 110 billion cubic meters.

The discovery of the Shenfu deep CBM field, located at the eastern edge of Ordos Basin, in Yulin City will contribute to national energy security, said CNOOC CEO Zhou Xinhuai.

CBM refers to natural gas stored within coal seams. Deposits discovered at depths exceeding 1,500 meters are known as deep CBM.

The coal seam of the Shenfu deep CBM field is about 2,000 meters deep and the thickness of a single layer is between 6.2 meters and 23.3 meters, with average gas content per tonne of coal reaching 15 cubic meters.

Currently, over 100 exploratory wells have been dug in the area, with a maximum daily gas output of 26,000 cubic meters per well.

CNOOC will continue to intensify its efforts to increase onshore unconventional gas exploration and development to ensure the national energy security, Zhou said.
Ibrahim AlAgha and his wife Hamida had been enjoying an extended holiday in Gaza when Israeli air strikes on the territory began.

The couple, who are Irish citizens, had wanted their three Dublin-born children to get to know their Palestinian relatives and learn about the language and culture.

But instead of the relaxed family gatherings they had expected to round off their trip, the family had to contend with strikes and explosions.

"It was... constant bombing, bombing, bombing and the house [was] shaking", Ibrahim says.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza after an attack by Hamas gunmen on 7 October killed at least 1,400 people. So far, 5,000 people in Gaza have also been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

After Israel told 1.1 million people to head south ahead of an expected ground invasion, the family packed up their belongings in their apartment in Gaza City and left. They took shelter in Ibrahim's parents' house in the southern city of Khan Younis.

As more people fled south, they were joined by relatives and friends with no place to stay and the house is now home to 90 people. His family, Ibrahim says, would never turn anybody away.

Life for 90 in a four-bedroom home is not easy. The group moved some of the furniture outside to make room for makeshift beds. Sleeping is done in shifts, with two to a mattress. Ibrahim, an engineer, removed the windows from their frames to prevent glass from injuring people in the event of a possible drone attack. But with food, water and electricity supplies blocked in Gaza, no-one can ever relax.

"From the time we wake up to the time we sleep, we're just trying to survive," he says.

Some of the group try to go out every day to see if canned food is being distributed. Though they can bake bread in a neighbour's wood oven with their dwindling supplies of wheat and water, there is not enough for more than one meal a day.

The situation is especially hard on the 30 children - 10 of whom are under five.

"They always ask for food and water, and we're trying to get them as much as we can... It's very difficult.

"Elderly people, we can bear it a bit, we can stay hungry, but when children are asking for food we can't say no to them."

The house is attached to a farm, which has a well. The group has managed to extract water from it using an electric generator and though it is salty and unfiltered, Ibrahim says they have no option but to drink it.

He is concerned about the health of the group, which includes a pregnant woman and an elderly diabetic man who he says will run out of medicine soon. If anyone gets seriously ill, he fears the group will not be able to get medical attention for them in Gaza's crowded hospitals.

'My son is really worried'

And Ibrahim's own children have been deeply affected by the events. Omar and Eileen - aged just three and four - get frightened when they hear a strike or an explosion, and Ibrahim and his wife try to distract them by playing games and reading stories.

At night, the commotion can interrupt their sleep and they sometimes wake up screaming. Eight-year-old Sami is missing his teacher and his school in north Dublin and is scared by the situation.

"He understands what's going on he can hear and feel the frustration we are going through and he is really worried."

More on Israel Gaza war

While conditions in Gaza worsen, Ibrahim and his family have been trying their best to get back to Dublin and are in contact with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs about an evacuation. On Saturday, they took a "very risky" journey from Khan Younis to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt - one of the two land routes out of the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people have gathered there to try to leave Gaza.

But when they got to the border, Ibrahim says they received a message from the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv instructing them to turn back because the Rafah crossing was not going to open. Now he worries he might not have enough fuel to be able to reach the border again if another evacuation plan goes ahead. Even if he does have fuel, he may lose communication with the embassy if phone networks die.

"I'm starting to lose hope," he says.

The Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin has said the government is working to assist Irish citizens in Gaza. In the meantime, the family face an agonising wait.

After an explosion hit the Al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, in which hundreds are feared to have been killed, Ibrahim says no-one in their crowded Khan Younis house could sleep.

"We are really fearing for our lives... there's no limits anyone, anywhere could be targeted.

"Things are getting worse every day."
A staff member stuff tips in the tip jar at the Munch Hut in downtown Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

Get your pocketbooks ready, we have some tips to cover.

USA TODAY Blueprint conducted an online survey which examined tipping culture in the U.S.

The data in this study was collected from Sept. 11 to Sept. 25 of 2023 and was commissioned by USA TODAY Blueprint and conducted by market research company, OnePoll. The online survey was taken by 100 people per state across the country, for a total of 5,000.

According to the study, Georgia is ranked high among the best states for tipping. On average, the Peach State tips 19%. But where does our state rank among others? And why do we tip?

Where does Georgia rank among the best states for tipping?

Georgia ranked No. 10 as one of the best tipping states, with Georgians tipping an average of 19%.

Which is the best state overall for tipping?

California secured the top spot, with the study finding that California residents tip on an average 22.69%.

What are the top ten states for tipping overall?

According to USA Today, the best tippers can be found in the East and West coasts:

California - 22.69% Missouri - 22.05% Florida - 21.68% Arizona - 20.66% Rhode Island - 20.50% Washington - 20.23% Colorado - 19.85% Pennsylvania - 19.64% Connecticut - 19.14% Georgia - 19.00%

Athens' only Indian restaurant: Eat Athens: Indian eatery went from downtown lunch staple to eastside dining destination

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Which states tip the least?

Illinois residents tip the least, averaging 14.22%.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in the United States, with tipped employees making $2.13 per hour. The state minimum wage law in Georgia does not apply for tipped employees, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Accordingly, the DOL said that employers in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee "must pay employees covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act at least the federal minimum wage."

Other states set higher amounts for tipped workers, for example, Florida raised the minimum wage for tipped employees to $8.97 an hour as of Sept. 30. However, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina and Utah do not.

According to USA Today, the worst tippers are a little more scattered across the country and can be found in the South, West and Midwest:

Illinois - 14.22% Mississippi - 14.98% South Carolina - 15.13% New Mexico - 15.32% Tennessee - 15.40% Oklahoma - 15.51% Wisconsin - 15.78% North Dakota - 16.05% West Virginia - 16.16% Utah - 16.23%

What is the average tip left by patrons?

The average tip percentage in the U.S. is 17.94%.

Which age group tips the best?

The study found that Millennials tend to be the best tippers in the country, averaging 18.18% at tip time. Millennials are considered anyone born between 1981 and 1996, according to Pew Research Center.

Baby Boomers came in second with 17.92% and Gen Z came in third with 17.88%.

Members of the Silent Generation came in as the least likely to give a big tip with an average of just 15.16%.

Why do we tip?

The study determined the top three reasons for tipping were because they felt an employee earned it, because tips are expected in certain industries and because theyd feel guilty if they didnt tip. In addition, respondents wrote in reasons for tipping such as:

To ensure workers are paid a fair wage.

To show appreciation for good service.

Because theyre familiar with the industry and know how demanding the work can be.

What is the appropriate amount to tip? Is it always good to tip?

Many consider tipping mandatory and a 20% tip should be the standard across the board. For others, they believe it depends on the service.

According to nerdwallet.com, it is customary and considered good etiquette to tip servers, bartenders, drivers, artists, and beauticians anywhere from 15% to 20% of the total bill.

For certain situations, etiquette expert Melissa Leonard told USA Today that it's not expected to tip for takeout. A 10% gratuity might be recommended for extra services like curbside delivery or particularly complicated orders.

Where does tipping culture stem from?

According to Restaurant Business Online, the practice might have origins dating back to the Roman era, but most trace it back to medieval Europe, when wealthy visitors to homes would leave tips for servants who provided good service.

The writer later explained that it was almost nonexistent in the U.S. before the Civil War until wealthy Americans brought the practice to the U.S. in the mid-1800s after visiting Europe. It took root as a business strategy during the Reconstruction Era.

"Some hospitality companies started to use freed slaves, paid them low wages, then encouraged customers to leave tips," Jonathan Maze wrote for the publication.

Even then the practice was met with criticism, likened to a bribe and was seen as "un-American." However, it grew in popularity and the practice was stuck by the early 1900s.

Contributing reporting: Carissa Rawson, Glen Luke Flanagan and Robin Saks Frankel, USA Today BLUEPRINT

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia one of best states for tipping, USA Today survey says
ATLANTA - The Georgia Supreme Court is expected to hand down its ruling determining if Georgias controversial abortion law will stand on Tuesday. Justices heard arguments back in March on the so-called fetal heartbeat law.

Georgia has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation. It bans terminating a pregnancy once a doctor can detect cardiac activity, which is generally around six weeks.

The lawsuit was filed shortly after the Heartbeat Law went into effect. The initial lawsuit was filed in the Fulton County court, but made its way up to the Georgia Supreme Court.

The Heartbeat Law was originally by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019, but did not go into effect right away because of lawsuits challenging its validity. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade this summer, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit allowed the ban to go into effect.

The suit also argues the heartbeat abortion ban violates Georgia's constitution because it contains strong privacy protections.

If the states highest court rules in favor of the state, then the law will stand as is with abortions legal for about the first six weeks. If the court justices side with the petitioners, women will be able to obtain abortions again until around 20-weeks.
THOMASTON, Ga. (AP)  A Georgia man has been charged with murder after police said he killed his girlfriend, stuffed her body in a suitcase and stashed it in the closet of the apartment they shared.

Freddrick Durham of Thomaston was being held without bail in the Upson County jail. Durham appeared before a judge on Monday, a Thomaston police investigator said by phone, but Durham does not yet have a lawyer who can speak for him.

Officers and relatives had gone to Margret Dubignon's apartment Friday in the the town about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Atlanta, but didn't find her, after last speaking to her on Thursday.

She was officially reported missing Saturday morning, with relatives saying Durham and Dubignon's vehicle were also missing. Officers were called back to the apartment 90 minutes later after relatives found Dubignon's body in the suitcase. Upson County Coroner Craig Stubbs said Monday that Dubignon's cause of death will be determined once an autopsy is completed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

License plate cameras tracked Dubignon's vehicle to Atlanta, where Atlanta police arrested Durham about two hours later. He was taken back to Thomaston, where he was also charged with concealing a death, tampering with evidence and motor vehicle theft. Police said more charges could follow.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia man charged with murder after girlfriend's body found in suitcase
Georgias heartbeat abortion ban is constitutional and will remain in place for now, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

The 6-1 ruling rejected a lower courts reasoning that the six-week abortion ban was unconstitutional. The case will be sent back to that same court for additional arguments by abortion advocates and providers.

The ruling means access to abortion in the state will continue to be restricted, and most abortions will remain illegal once a physician can detect fetal cardiac activity, which is usually around six weeks gestation, before many people know they are pregnant.

The ruling was praised by anti-abortion groups, including Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America.

We congratulate Governor Kemp, Attorney General Carr, all our local allies, and the people of Georgia on a long and well-fought battle. Life is winning in hearts and minds nationwide. When you lead and stand boldly for life, Americans will stand with you, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said.

A Fulton County Superior Court judge previously sided with the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, along with other abortion providers, and ordered the state to stop enforcing the ban. The judge said the law was plainly unconstitutional because it was passed in 2019, while Roe v. Wade was still the law and abortion was constitutionally protected.

But the state Supreme Court said the U.S. Constitution doesnt change, only its interpretation. Since Roe was overturned in 2022 by Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, that means abortion is not a constitutional right and the states ban is aligned with current law.

The holdings of United States Supreme Court cases interpreting the United States Constitution that have since been overruled cannot establish that a law was unconstitutional when enacted, Justice Verda Colvin wrote for the majority.

Because Dobbs is controlling precedent on whether the United States Constitution confers a right to abortion, and because the parties and the trial court do not dispute that the LIFE Act complies with Dobbs, it follows that the LIFE Act did not violate the United States Constitution when enacted in 2019, Colvin wrote.

The ruling is not the end of the legal fight over the states abortion ban. The case was remanded back to the trial court to rule on the remaining claims brought by the plaintiffs that the ban violates Georgians rights to privacy and equal protection under the state constitution.

The abortion ban in Georgia was one of a wave of trigger ban laws across the country that took effect shortly after Roe was overturned. The law includes some exceptions for rape and incest, as long as a police report is filed, and allows for later abortions when the mothers life is at risk or a pregnancy is deemed medically futile.

Abortion rights advocates said they would continue to fight for the law to be overturned.

Todays ruling is not the end of this fight for womens healthcare, Andrea Young, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia said in a statement.

Be clear, the right to abortion is on the ballot in 2024. Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia legislature acted to take away our rights. The Georgia legislature can restore our rights and we must organize to elect a pro-choice legislature, Young said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the state law banning abortions after six weeks can remain intact pending further legal action by a lower court.

In the majority opinion, Justice Verda Colvin disagreed with Fulton County Judge Robert McBurneys decision in November to overturn the ban on abortions after six weeks.

Therefore, the court is sending the case back to Fulton County for the judge to address each part of the law and determine its constitutionality.

This is a developing story. Channel 2 Action News will have reaction from both supporters and opponents of the heartbeat law throughout the day.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The heartbeat abortion law has been in legal battles since Gov. Brian Kemp first signed it in 2019. The courts made several key rulings on the law last year.

On July 20, 2022, a federal appeals court judge ruled the states heartbeat abortion law was allowed to take effect immediately. The move came weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

On Nov. 15, 2022, a Fulton County Superior Court judge overturned Georgias six-week ban on abortions, ruling that it violated the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court precedent when it was passed and signed into law. Overturning the law meant abortions were allowed again until 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr filed an immediate appeal with the Georgia Supreme Court. Carrs office also asked the high court for an order putting the decision on hold while the appeal was pending.

On Nov. 23, 2022, the Georgia Supreme Court granted an emergency stay of the lowers courts ruling, which allowed the heartbeat abortion law to go into effect again as the states appeals continue.

RELATED STORIES
Georgias Supreme Court ruled that the states six-week abortion ban was constitutional on Thursday, upholding a ban that severely limits access to the form of reproductive healthcare.

In a 6-1 decision, Georgias Supreme Court upheld the ban, which prohibits abortions at six weeks of pregnancy  before most women know they are pregnant.

The highly anticipated ruling comes after nearly a year of back and forth between lower courts in the case of Georgia v SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective.

Plaintiffs argued that the states law violated Georgias constitutional requirement that statutes cannot violate the law. When the law was passed in 2019, abortion was legal in the state.

It wasnt until the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022 that the law went into effect.

In response, the state argued that it didnt matter when the law was passed but that it is now aligned with the current law.

Last November, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney initially decided the law was unconstitutional and blocked it temporarily. However, eight days later the Georgia Supreme Court reinstated the law while awaiting a decision.

In their decision, the Georgia Supreme Court argued that the lower court erred in the decision saying it cannot render a law void from the beginning or ab initio

The holdings of United States Supreme Court cases interpreting the United States Constitution that have since been overruled cannot establish that a law was unconstitutional when enacted, the Georgia Supreme Court said in its ruling.

Protestors march and chant in Downtown Atlanta, in opposition to Georgia's new abortion law on July 23, 2022 (Getty Images)

In the majority opinion, written by Justice Verda Colvin, the court argued that they were addressing challenges to the law under a post-Dobbs world since Roe is no longer the precedent.

Georgia is now among 12 states that have passed and upheld so-called fetal heartbeat bills which claim the six-week point in gestation is the point at which fetal heartbeat is detectable  though this fact is disputed among the American Medical Association and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The law, nicknamed the LIFE Act, mandates a penalty for doctors who perform the procedure. It does make exceptions for abortion in the case of rape or incest, so long a woman is less than 20 weeks gestation, but requires a police report.

The implications of restrictive access to abortion care can lead to medical, emotional and physical trauma, something several women in Texas have testified to when they were denied abortion care.

Todays decision will cause irreparable harm to the people of Georgia, the majority of whom want abortion to be legal, Carol McDonald, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates said in a press release.

Ms McDonald said Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates intends to hold lawmakers accountable for the public health crisis theyve created across Georgia.

Monica Simpson , the executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective said the ruling was devastating.

This abortion ban has forced Georgians to travel across state lines at great expense or continue the life-altering consequences of pregnancy and childbirth against their wills. In a state that already has OB/GYN deserts, one of the highest maternal mortality rates, especially for us as Black women, and cruel anti-trans legislation, this decision only further disregards us, our bodily autonomy, and our lives, Ms Simpson said.

Ms Simpson, like Ms McDonald, vowed to continue fighting for reproductive justice.

Now, the case will return to Fulton County Superior Court where Judge McBurney will consider the plaintiffs other arguments as to why the six-week ban should be lifted.
The man police shot and killed Monday on the roof of a Germantown middle school drove a car with out-of-state license plates and no known connection to the village, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said Tuesday.

Germantown officers shot the man after he climbed to the roof of Kennedy Middle School and shot at them, the department said. He apparently had walked to the school from a car repair shop, where investigators say he was acting erratically.

No students were injured in the shooting, which occurred Monday evening while about 70 students and 20 adults were inside the building, Germantown Superintendent Chris Reuter said.

Classes were canceled for all Germantown schools Tuesday, and everyone was set to return Wednesday except for those at Kennedy Middle School, which remained closed.

"We believe they are safe going back to school," Germantown Police Chief Mike Snow said at a news conference. "We believe this was an isolated incident."

It was the fifth time police in Wisconsin fatally shot a suspect this month, according to reports from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which investigates such shootings, and the second in a week to take place outside a school.

The circumstances that investigators believe led to the shooting became more clear Tuesday afternoon in a news release from the Department of Justice. When the man's car broke down Monday evening, he took the vehicle to a nearby repair shop.

He was behaving erratically at the shop and eventually walked to the school, to which he had no apparent connection, the Department of Justice said. He tried to get in the school doors, but they were locked, and he was seen again behaving erratically in the parking lot.

Police responded about 6:30 p.m. to Kennedy Middle School after a 911 call that the man was removing signs reserving parking spots for people with disabilities in the parking lot, according to dispatch radio traffic from Broadcastify. The man told a groundskeeper who approached him to "get back or something might happen," according to the dispatch audio. He had a large ratchet tool to take the signs off the posts, the dispatcher said.

When police arrived, the man climbed to the roof of the school and fired at officers, the Department of Justice said. Three officers returned fire and shot the man. He died at the scene despite first aid. No officers were injured.

Authorities did not release the name, age or hometown of the man Tuesday.

Asked whether the man was targeting the school, Snow said: "We dont believe he was targeting anything.

Four officers have been placed on administrative leave for the investigation, Snow said. In addition to the three who fired shots, a fourth officer was close to the scene, Snow said. The identities of the officers were not released Tuesday.

Snow credited the school district for training its staff and students well in case of emergency.

"They are committed to working with us to ensure that these students know what to do. And last night they demonstrated that almost flawlessly," he said.

Students, adults returned home safely

In a message to families Tuesday, Reuter said there will be no access to the middle school until further notice.

Reuter said about 70 students ranging from elementary to high school age, as well as 20 adults, were inside the middle school during the incident.

They were taken on buses to an elementary school to be reunited with family. All returned home safely.

Tuesday afternoon, principals at all six Germantown schools planned to meet with teachers and staff to talk about supporting students as they return to schools, Reuter said, noting that principals and counselors would send parents more information about resources and guidance in response to the incident.

Thank you for your continued care, support, and compassion during this unfortunate event in our community, Reuter said in his message.

Parent-teacher conferences at the elementary and high school levels will continue as scheduled.

If parents aren't comfortable sending their children to school Wednesday, absences will be excused, Reuter said. Thursday and Friday were previously scheduled days off for parent-teacher conferences.

School district officials didn't answer questions from the Journal Sentinel about why so many students were at the school or what exactly happened during the lockdown.

A parent whose daughter was in the lockdown told the Journal Sentinel her daughter was at the school to participate in a dance team known as Poms. Other parents also posted on social media that their children were at the school for Poms.

School board meeting went into lockdown

Over a mile away at Germantown High School, a school board meeting went into lockdown at about 7:07 p.m., as shown in a recording of the meeting.

The meeting was interrupted with an announcement about an incident at Kennedy Middle School with a police presence. Those at the meeting were told they couldnt leave the high school until further notice from police.

School board members paused the meeting during the lockdown, with members noting that it could be a violation of open-meetings law to run a public meeting while doors are locked.

About six minutes later, it was announced that the board was able to open the building and could finish the annual meeting. They adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

Leaders react after shooting

Wisconsin politicians thanked Germantown police for their response and expressed gratitude that no children were injured.

State Sen. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, said in a statement that his office would be in contact with authorities to offer help.

"I am very grateful for the Germantown Police Department and their quick response. This situation could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for their preparedness and professionalism. Thankfully, no children were harmed," he said.

And Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were thinking of those affected by the shooting.

"Kathy and I are thinking of the students, staff, and families affected by the events at Kennedy Middle School last night. Were grateful for the officers who responded swiftly to keep our kids safe, and we are praying for the Germantown community as they recover and heal," he said in a statement.

Latest in a string of police shootings

The Germantown shooting is at least the fifth time this October that Wisconsin police officers shot and killed a suspect.

Menasha police officer Derrick Rotta on Oct. 7 shot and killed Kenneth R. Blevins, 43, after police responded to a domestic dispute and encountered Blevins armed with "bladed weapons," according to the Department of Justice.

Then, on Oct. 8, Rice Lake police and Barron County sheriff's deputies shot and killed a man who they said "charged at officers with a bladed weapon." The man had barricaded himself in a Rice Lake apartment after stabbing a woman, said the Department of Justice, which has not yet named the man or the officers involved.

Also this month, a Fond du Lac County sheriff's deputy on Oct. 14 shot and killed Kyle Massie, 34, as officers responded to a "disturbance involving weapons," the Department of Justice said. The deputy, Blaine Evans, and Massie exchanged gunfire, the department said, and Massie was killed and a Sheriff's Office K-9 was seriously wounded.

Then on Oct. 18, Watertown police shot and killed a man near Luther Preparatory School, a high school, after he pointed a gun at officers. The man fled an apartment building where he was causing damage, the Department of Justice said, and officers found him in the school's parking lot, local news outlets reported. Neither the officers nor the man have been named.

Other recent shootings at Wisconsin schools

The shooting in Germantown also follows a number of shootings at schools in recent years in Wisconsin.

In 2019, authorities said a student at Waukesha South High School brandished a pellet gun at another student then pointed it at officers trying to negotiate with him, and they shot and injured him. One day later, Oshkosh West student Grant Fuhrman attacked school resource officer Michael Wissink with a two-pronged fork, and Wissink shot him in the chest. Fuhrman was sentenced to 17 years in prison earlier this year.

Someone fired or brandished a gun on school property in Wisconsin 14 times between 2019 and June 2022, according to the most recent data available from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Cathy Kozlowicz of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Germantown's Kennedy Middle School closed after fatal police shooting
Attention to caring for and preserving our beautiful seaside environment is not a new priority for the town of York and its citizens.

In 2008 the York Selectboard signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. (The Mayors Climate Protection Center, founded in 2007 as a subgroup of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is dedicated to providing mayors with "the guidance and assistance they need to lead their cities efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are linked to climate change.") That same year, the York Selectboard also sent voters a Green-Building ordinance developed by high-school students that would apply LEED standards to new town buildings. Additionally, the board formed the York Energy Steering Committee (ESC) to identify opportunities for energy conservation and efficiency upgrades in town buildings. The mission of the ESC has evolved over time and was officially revised in 2017: to advise the York Selectboard on matters of energy policy and assist the board in reducing Yorks carbon emissions.

York Ready for Climate Action

Of the many achievements the ESC has encouraged, significant changes for York include:

- LED streetlights, which immediately cut carbon emissions from town streetlights by 67%, saving roughly $120,000/year of town taxpayer money.

- Solar panels on the roof of the York Beach Fire Station, reducing the electric bill to $0.

- A weatherization program that reached out to families in need of assistance with energy audits, insulation and window inserts. With a small Rotary grant, Rotary and Selectboard members, high school students, and other volunteers built window inserts that were installed at no charge.

- And, support of a Vista Volunteer who conducted the first greenhouse gas emissions inventory of the entire York community, setting the stage for the Selectboard to make a formal commitment to cutting carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. In 2019, the Climate Action Plan process began in earnest and was adopted by voters in May 2022.

Getting Ready: 8 easy ways to reduce your homes carbon footprint and heating bills

As a result of the Climate Action Plan, the Energy Steering Committee will now pass its baton to the newly formed Climate Action Committee, slated to coordinate work with the (also) newly appointed York Environmental Planner Taylor Maguire.

As the newest addition to Yorks Planning Department, Maguire brings impressive experience from Utah, where she served most recently as an ecological impact analyst and as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army National Guard. She earned a bachelor of science in urban ecology from the University of Utah, as well as a master of city & metropolitan planning with a dual emphasis on ecological planning and smart growth: Land use, transportation and accessibility. She articulates a strong desire to empower communities and preserve their character.

Getting Ready: 8 easy ways to reduce your homes carbon footprint and heating bills

In addition to the support our town government has provided, and no doubt will provide going forward, this new era of ongoing commitment to the quality of Yorks environment rests and continues to rely on the work of many local volunteers. The upcoming years will require all of us to pitch in together on behalf of a safe and sustainable future. Many thanks to all of you who have brought us this far.

Bancroft volunteers with York Ready for Climate Action. YRCA is a grassroots citizens organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the causes and effects of climate change and advancing environmentally friendly and inclusive policies and behaviors. Please see yorkreadyforclimateaction.org or info@yorkreadyforclimateaction.org. Information about EcoHOMES is on the same site.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Getting Ready: A new era of environmental care for the town of York
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Tuesday it's revoked permits for driverless vehicle testing operated by the rideshare company, Cruise, following multiple incidents. While authorities did not cite any specific event that led to the suspension, run-ins with pedestrians have made headlines in recent months while the company was beta testing its self-driving cars in San Francisco.



The DMV cited the following codes as reasons for the suspension:

13 CCR 228.20 (b) (6)  Based upon the performance of the vehicles, the Department determines the manufacturers vehicles are not safe for the publics operation.

13 CCR 228.20 (b) (3)  The manufacturer has misrepresented any information related to safety of the autonomous technology of its vehicles.

13 CCR 227.42 (b) (5)  Any act or omission of the manufacturer or one of its agents, employees, contractors, or designees which the department finds makes the conduct of autonomous vehicle testing on public roads by the manufacturer an unreasonable risk to the public.

13 CCR 227.42 (c)  The department shall immediately suspend or revoke the Manufacturers Testing Permit or a Manufacturers Testing Permit  Driverless Vehicles if a manufacturer is engaging in a practice in such a manner that immediate suspension is required for the safety of persons on a public road.

Cruise has been under state and federal investigation since October 2, when one of its autonomous vehicles  sometimes referred to as robotaxis  was unable to stop after a pedestrian was knocked to the ground by another, human-driving car. CNN reported that the robotaxi rolled over the woman , injuring her critically, and that she had to be extracted from under the car with a jaws of life hydraulic rescue tool.

"Public safety remains the California DMVs top priority, and the departments autonomous vehicle regulations provide a framework to facilitate the safe testing and deployment of this technology on California public roads," the DMV said in a statement. "When there is an unreasonable risk to public safety, the DMV can immediately suspend or revoke permits. There is no set time for a suspension."



In September, a Cruise robotaxi struck and then ran over another woman, trapping her under the car for several minutes, the Washington Post reported. She survived after being rescued by firefighters and transported to the hospital.

Cruise responded to the California suspension on X, stating that it would comply, pausing its autonomous vehicle operations in San Francisco and that it had proactively shared relevant information with California authorities.

(1/6) We learned today at 10:30 am PT of the California DMVs suspension of our driverless permits. As a result, we will be pausing operations of our driverless AVs in San Francisco. https://t.co/A5HAV2WUv7  cruise (@Cruise) October 24, 2023

Cruise, founded in 2013, was bought by General Motors in 2016. The company is also getting heat from local governments in Texas concerning its driverless cars in cities there. Austin news station, KXAN , reported last week that the city has received more than 40 complaints about self-driving vehicles since July. All but one of those complaints were about Cruises vehicles.

While Cruise is not the only driverless ride-hailing company operating in Austin, KXAN said, it does account for the vast majority of complaints. The complaints range from blocking traffic lanes to collisions and almost hitting an ambulance. The Texas Tribune reported one complaint in which a Cruise vehicle actually left the scene of the accident without stopping after hitting another car.

Houston Public Media reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into reports saying their vehicles allegedly injured pedestrians on at least two separate occasions. Although Austin and Houston have recorded complaints about Cruises self-driving cars, the city does not actually have the authority to rein in Cruise. In Texas, regulating autonomous vehicles falls under state law.

Besides San Francisco, Austin, and Houston, Cruise has also been beta testing its self-driving cars in Phoenix, the Denton Record-Chronicle reported. It also reported that the company plans to launch in Dallas before the end of the year.

In July, Road & Track reported a social media trend where people filmed self-driving cars disabled by placing traffic cones on their hoods, highlighting the potential dangers of having no human to override its controls when they are flummoxed. R&T also reported that after a collision with a firetruck , the State of California asked Cruise to cut back on its driverless cars in the state until an investigation into the crash could be completed.

In a recent blog post , Cruise said it had improved technology and operations to ensure greater safety and reliability for its autonomous vehicles. In particular, the company said it upgraded its systems for detecting and responding to emergency vehicles, a main driver of collisions and complaints.

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This photo taken on May 28, 2023 shows a C919 large passenger plane at Hongqiao International Airport in east China's Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

The C929 has entered the preliminary design stage, with its carbon emission expected to be slashed by 60 percent, Science and Technology Daily reported, quoting head designer of the C919, China's first self-developed single-aisle aircraft.



Wu Guanghui, head designer of the C919 and chief scientist at Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, better known as COMAC, disclosed fresh details about the C929 during the International Forum on Green Aviation held in Hefei, East China's Anhui province, on Sunday.

Wu shared C919's achievements in the area of green aviation, as well as the green design philosophy of C929, which is in the preliminary design stage.

Compared with old similar models, C919's carbon emission is reduced by 12-15 percent, Wu said, adding that for C929, the goal is set at 60 percent.

Data from the International Energy Agency showed last year the aviation sector accounted for 2 percent of global carbon emissions. And the figure is expected to reach 25 percent by 2050, according to a United Nations report.

At present, Europe and the United States have released their green aviation plans. Earlier this month, China also issued a guideline, formulating the country's development plan for a green aviation manufacturing system between 2023 and 2035.

According to Wu, reducing the weight of airplanes is an important way to reducing fuel consumption and carbon emission. "The weight of ARJ21-700 has been reduced by over 600 kg. The lightest seat weights only 7 kg now, compared with the global average of 12-14 kg."

Based on a green design concept, a slew of measures are adopted to reduce fuel, noise and carbon emission of C929, Wu added.

Promoting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which is made from feedstock ranging from used fat, oil and grease to municipal and forestry waste, is the most effective method to reduce carbon emissions for the aviation sector, the newspaper said.

Regarding the exploration scope of SAF, Wu said, besides biofuel, other renewable fuels such as methanol and ammonia-hydrogen, should be paid more attention, exploring more possibilities for carbon emission reduction of the aviation sector.
The post-9/11 era of veterans are starting to get older. Those who signed up in the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks are turning 40 this year. Desert Storm and late Cold War vets are starting to retire. Time passes fast, and if we dont stop to look around, it might pass us by entirely.

For aging veterans, navigating the health care system can be a particularly daunting task with so many different options that can vary person to person. VA health care, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, Medicareits a lot to digest.

Some veterans have access to VA services, while some arent eligible, Stephanie Muckey, a Marine Corps spouse and caregiver who leads Humanas Veteran Health Equity & Social Impact strategy, tells We Are The Mighty.

When someone starts talking about Medicare, the gut response for many veterans (especially those with a high disability percentage) is that they get VA health care and dont need Medicare. But, Muckey says even the VA recommends eligible veterans enroll in Medicare .

This confusion is precisely why Humana has a team dedicated to helping Medicare-eligible veterans understand how Medicare may work alongside their current benefits and what other resources are available to support their unique needs.

Humana has Medicare Advantage plans designed to complement VA health care where it needs to, she says. And we tailor those plans with veterans in mind.

Humana USAA Honor plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare, including veterans spouses, but they are designed in a way that may work alongside the benefits a veteran receives through VA health care.

While Medicare Advantage plans provide a multitude of benefits that support the health of beneficiaries, what really interests Muckey in her role at Humana goes beyond visits to the doctor or hospital. She is part of an extensive team dedicated to understanding and addressing needs that directly impact a veterans health but may not be managed in a typical healthcare setting.

Beyond the Doctors Office

Active veteran sitting at a picnic outside with family.

Whole-person health isnt just checkups, annual screenings and vaccinations. An individuals environment plays a big role in overall health. For example, if someone doesnt have access to regular meals or they arent able to pay their heating bill, that can have a detrimental impact both physically and mentally.

This is why Humana has partnered with hundreds of Veteran Service Organizations and other like-minded organizations across the country to connect veterans with community resources and address health-related social needs as risk factors to veteran suicide.

One in five Medicare-eligible Americans is a veteran, says Muckey. So, theyre in our neighborhoods, our churches, the grocery storeveterans are all around us, and we can all help support their social health needs by connecting with them.

Active veterans playing pickleball and laughing.

Muckey says the companys focus on veterans began many years ago with a Vietnam veteran who worked for Humana, bringing the needs of the veteran population to the table to say, This is important. These are the individuals who put their lives on the line to sacrifice for our freedoms and there's more we can do here.

We now have a team of veteran community engagement executives and regional veteran executives, who are all veterans or military spouses, focused on connecting and assisting our agents and providers in understanding what the needs are, and bringing people together to help serve veteran communities.

What they found is there are a lot of factors that take place outside of the doctors office that are affecting veteran health and the quality of veteran lives. In fact, some of the biggest challenges include food insecurity, homelessness, employment, transportation, and housing insecurity.

Muckey says Humana is committed to ensuring all veterans and military members have access to the care they need and deserve, especially those who stem from underserved and diverse communities.

Active veterans at a VFW event.

Humana and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched the Uniting to Combat Hunger Campaign in 2018 to fight food insecurity among veterans, providing more than 4.5 million meals since the campaigns inception. This year alone, more than 150 local VFW Posts and Auxiliaries teamed up to lead activations in 40 states, totaling more than 111,000 pounds of food and more than $171,000 donated to local food banks.

These needs don't live in a vacuum, Muckey explains. Oftentimes these veterans are experiencing multiple social needs. If they have financial strain, they're also going to struggle with food insecurity, for example. It's pretty consistent across generations, but social needs increase for underserved and diverse veteran populations, including female veterans, veteran communities of color, and veterans struggling with mental health challenges.

Humana has developed a specialized tool, the Humana Community Navigator , that anyonewhether they are part of Humana or notcan use to connect to resources in their local community that they can use to address specific needs.

There are 18.4 million veterans in the US who chose to put service before self to secure our freedom, according to Muckey. They deserve our very best, especially as it relates to ensuring their health care needs are met.

About Humana USAA Honor Plans

Active veterans playing cards at a table and laughing.

For the first time, all of Humanas veteran-focused Medicare Advantage plans are now co-branded as Humana USAA Honor plans and will be available to more beneficiaries in more locations for the 2024 plan year. These plans are available to Medicare-eligible individuals during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with coverage beginning Jan. 1.

Veterans and Medicare households have access to Humana Customer Care specialists who collaborated with USAA to receive special training to better serve the unique healthcare needs of veteransmany specialists are veterans themselves and can make it easier for them to manage their health.

Individuals can visit www.Humana.com/Medicare/Veterans or call toll-free 1-833-585-8387 (VETS) (TTY: 711) 8 a.m.8 p.m., seven days a week, to speak to an agent who is trained to support the unique needs of veterans.

Disclaimers: Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. The Humana USAA Honor plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare and veterans should consider all of their health plan options. Humana Insurance Company pays royalty fees to USAA for the use of its intellectual property. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term USAA member or USAA membership refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. USAA and the USAA Logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Automobile Association. All rights reserved. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.

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Attendees step up to see the Golden Spike Monument after its arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News





The diverse coalition of workers who came together to build the transcontinental railroad mesmerized bronze sculptor Douwe Blumberg.

As one dispatch for the Daily Alta California memorialized the railroads completion in 1869, All personal and sectional animosities, all distinctions of class, all prejudices of race and nationality were forgotten for the moment in the all absorbing interest of the grand event of history and civilization about to take place.

When Blumberg heard the Utah-based nonprofit organization Spike 150 formed a committee to commission an artist to construct a golden spike monument, he knew this project was just in my wheelhouse. And he couldnt stop thinking about the workers behind the railroad.

After going through the testing process, the committee awarded him the commission and on Monday, Blumbergs 43.3-foot monument arrived in Utah, culminating its multistate tour from Kentucky to the steps of the Beehive States capitol building.

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The gold-leafed, spike-shaped monument has 74 different people portrayed. Our focus is more on the unnamed people and the diversity of the people who helped build the railroad, Blumberg said. He paired dozens of not well-known railroad workers with a few recognizable people such as Abraham Lincoln, Grenville M. Dodge, Brigham Young and Theodore Judah.

This is memorializing and helping us remember the folks who brought the country together, DJ Bott, mayor of Brigham City, told the crowd gathered Monday on the steps of the state capitol building, looking at the monument.

I like to describe this piece as the ultimate storyteller, Spike 150 president Robyn Kremer said in a phone interview. When the committee was assessing the artwork submitted, she said they noticed the sculpted depictions of railroad worker groups. It was unique.

The enthusiasm across the country has been phenomenal, Kremer said. At the zero mile marker for the railroad in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a chilly rain drizzled when the truck carrying the spike stopped there. But that didnt deter members of the community from visiting the monument and telling stories of their families multigenerational involvement with Union Pacific.

Some even shared stories of how their ancestors were there at the original installation of the golden spike, Kremer said.

This monument will reach its final destination in 2024 when it is installed in Brigham City. It not only culminates three years of Blumbergs artistry, it symbolizes what was made possible when the East and West could meet.

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The Golden Spike Monument arrives in front of the state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike statue was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Before the railroad

There is nothing more important before the nation than the building of the railroad to the Pacific, President Lincoln said in 1862, according to Gen. Dodges recollection.

Prior to the invention of cars, taxis and commercial jets, people trekked by wagon or on foot to move from East to West, a pioneer history well-known in Utah and the Intermountain West. Alexander Graham Bell had not yet invented the telephone, so mail sometimes carried on horseback, newspapers and, eventually, telegraphs composed the slow communication across state lines.

The rugged, mountainous terrain of the West made communication particularly cumbersome. The Butterfield Overland Mail Service and the Pony Express made it possible for transcontinental communication, but it was slow and costly.

Transporting goods or trekking west presented other challenges. Typhus, scurvy, malaria and other ailments accompanied sea travel along with cramped conditions, lack of fresh food and limited technology to predict weather and ocean conditions. Instead of traveling by sea, would-be travelers could pack up buggies and brave the craggy landscape, knowing they might encounter deadly weather or animals en route.

As smaller-scale railroads were built in the 1830s across the Eastern United States, talk began about connecting the East and the West by railroad. For nearly three decades the nation had been dreaming of the scheme, it had done little more than dream, James K. Medberry wrote for The Atlantic, reflecting on the transcontinental railroad.

And in 1849, a man named Asa Whitney proposed an idea: a railroad from Chicago to California. He enjoyed popular support, according to the Library of Congress. Soon after in 1852, railroad engineer Theodore Judah mapped a route through the mountains and showed Congress his findings four years later.

Several investors including Mark Hopkins, James Bailey and Collis Huntington started to support the project in 1860, per PBS. Then, on July 1, 1862, Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, authorizing government support for the creation of the Pacific Railroad.

The signing of this act came when the Civil War raged on. Lincoln saw the construction of the transcontinental railroad as advantageous to the Norths efforts to win the war because it could be used to establish military stations, according to Union Pacific.

The railroad wasnt completed until after the end of the war and after Lincolns assassination.

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Attendees yell a welcome to the Golden Spike Monument after its arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The building of the railroad

With financing and legislation secured, the two railroad companies entrusted to work on this project  Union Pacific and Central Pacific  began gathering crews to start laying down tracks in 1863. Employing thousands of Irish, Chinese, German and Italian immigrants, Central Pacific started laying down tracks eastward in Sacramento, California, while Union Pacific began work westward in Omaha, Nebraska. Civil War veterans and those freed from slavery also joined railroad companies.

These workers were often struggling with various issues, Blumberg said. China was being torn apart by civil war and internal strife in this era and there was a huge diaspora to other countries, he noted, including the U.S. where some of them immigrated to find work to feed their families back home.

Latter-day Saints, who had already trekked out West, also became involved in the railroad early on. During that same year in 1863, Brigham Young, then-president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, purchased $5,000 in stock of the railroad and rallied Latter-day Saint support for the project. We want to hear the iron horse puffing through this valley. What for! To bring our brethren and sisters here, Young said, per Utah State University.

Workers did almost all the work by hand, Kremer told me. They would drive spikes into the ground mile after mile and slowly broke through rocks and mountains.

As railroad workers pressed on, some Native American tribes objected to Pacific Railroads construction. Sioux and Cheyenne tribes tried to thwart construction as the railroad encroached on their land and resources, per PBS.

It came at a devastating cost to Native American communities, former chairman of the Northwest Band of the Shoshone Nation Darren Parry told KSL-TV.

The Pawnees ended up helping Union Pacific as they built in the area, as did the Paiute. They were impacted by the railroads, too, as the railroad was probably the single biggest contributor to the loss of bison, per Digital Public Library of America.

Once the transcontinental railroad was complete, it took getting from New York to California from six weeks to six days, Kremer said. Think about what that means. Theyre picking oranges in California. No one in New York can have California oranges because it takes six weeks to get there. Theyd be rotten. But oranges will last for six days. So now New York gets California oranges. It changed commerce.

It created national unity, Kremer explained.

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The Golden Spike Monument arrives in front of the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall Golden Spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Todays monument

Now 154 years after the transcontinental railroad was completed, Spike 150 still has stories it wants to tell.

In 2019 was the first time that the story of railroad worker groups had been told, Kremer said. Weve heard about the politicians, the financiers, the surveyors and others that also made it happen. But never really the worker groups.

The year 2019 was the year Stanford researchers published two books on the importance of the Chinese workforce in building the railroad. The year marked the 150th anniversary of its completion. It was a true recognition of the largely immigrant labor that constructed the transcontinental celebration, Utahs deputy state historic preservation officer Chris Merritt said amid the festivities.

What drew Spike 150 to Blumbergs design was the inclusion of the different types of railroad worker groups, Kremer said.

One side of the monument depicts the Central Pacific company, composed mostly of Chinese workers. The Union Pacific appears on another side with a mix of Civil War veterans, Irish workers and people freed from slavery. Advancements in technology are on the third side of the spike and the final side is devoted to how Native Americans were impact with particular attention to some of the devastation they experienced.

Blumberg said the design started with an idea and sketches on napkins in restaurants. He spent six months talking with various Native American, Chinese and Irish groups to better understand these groups part in the railroad. After research and making initial design choices, Blumberg grabbed some clay, started molding it and eventually casting it into metal.

On Monday, the monument arrived at the steps of the Utah State Capitol before it finds its home in Brigham City next year.

CEO and chairman Spencer Eccles and president Lisa Eccles of the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation were one of the primary benefactors of the golden spike monument.

The railroads have been part of our familys history for over 150 years, Lisa Eccles told me as Spencer Eccles recounted how he served on the Union Pacific board of directors for 30 years, George Eccles was on the board for 45 years and David Eccles worked for Union Pacific in the late 1800s.

The familys ties to Union Pacific and what the railroads have meant to Utah motivated their involvement in the monument.

And now its here for the people of Utah first and foremost, Spencer Eccles said. Then, for everybody that comes to visit and therell be a lot of folks who will come out Highway 89 to turn off to see it.

Chairman of the Golden Spike Foundation Doug Foxley told the Deseret News that after the 150th anniversary celebration, we really wanted to continue to tell the story of the forgotten heroes of building the first transcontinental railroad. So, the foundation decided to make a monument, which resulted in Blumbergs piece of art.

Its far better than I ever thought it was going to be, Foxley said as he looked toward the monument.

As the monument attracts visitors, Blumberg wants them to back away from what he called chronological snobbery and learn from the generations who built the railroad. We can sometimes discount generations that went before us as less complex, less intelligent, less caring, he said. But he thinks history is complicated.

I would love people, especially young people, to see that real people that went before us werent just these flat, grainy, black and white people, that they were as complicated ... as we all fancy ourselves today, he said.

If everyone walked away from the monument learning something new about the workers behind the railroad or the various ways the railroad changed the environment and Native American life, Blumberg said what he hopes for the monument would be fulfilled.

Attendees step up to see the Golden Spike Monument after its arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Terence Chen holds 2-year-old Kayce Chens hand as he walks next to the Golden Spike Monument after its arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Golden Spike Monument arrives in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Connor Foxley and Rick Aoki eat the Golden Spike flavor of Aggie ice cream before the Golden Spike Monument arrives in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Doug Foxley, chair of The Golden Spike Foundation, introduces James Van Orman, the driver who brought the Golden Spike Monument to Utah, after the monuments arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Train whistles are handed out before the Golden Spike Monument arrives in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

James Van Orman, the driver who brought the Golden Spike Monument to Utah, and Karen Keller, The Golden Spike Foundation committee member, take a photo together after the Golden Spike Monuments arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Jack Foxley Strasser, 4, puts on white gloves so he can touch the Golden Spike Monument after its arrival in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

The Golden Spike Monument arrives in front of the Utah state Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. The 43-foot-tall golden spike was commissioned as a public art piece by the Golden Spike Foundation to honor the tens of thousands of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
(The Hill)  Tech giants Google and Apple have disabled some features in their mapping applications in Israel and the Gaza Strip, as tensions ramp up ahead of an imminent invasion of the area currently controlled by militant group Hamas, the companies confirmed Monday.

Hamas, which the U.S. recognizes as a terrorist organization, launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing thousands of Israelis and resulting in around 200 more being taken hostage and transported back to the Gaza Strip.

Israeli boy marks 9th birthday as he is held hostage by Hamas

In response, Israel has launched aerial and naval attacks on Gaza, an area controlled by Hamas. The Gaza Health Ministry says the resulting reprisals have killed over 5,000 people. Israeli military commanders have said a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip will happen soon.

Sources told Bloomberg Monday that the company is removing real-time crowding data in Israel and Gaza at the request of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), noting that live traffic information could previously reveal the movements of Israeli armed forces.

Googles actions will restrict info on its Google Maps and Waze products. Apple Inc.s own map service, Apple Maps, also complied with the IDFs request.

In a statement to The Hill, a Google Maps spokesperson said that drivers will still be able to use the navigation system to receive estimated times of arrival (ETA) based on their live traffic conditions.

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As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities, spokesperson Caroline Bourdeau said in a statement.

Anyone navigating to a specific place will still get routes and ETAs that take current traffic conditions into account, Bourdeau said.

The company took a similar approach in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country in February 2022.

Its been over two weeks since Hamas attacked Israeli communities bordering the Gaza strip, killing 1,400 Israelis, including hundreds of civilians in their homes, at a bus stop and at a music festival, and taking hundreds of hostages.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2018, file photo the logo for Alphabet appears on a screen at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York. Alphabet reports earnings on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Googles digital advertising sales growth accelerated during the summer, advancing a recent revival that helped its corporate parent Alphabet Inc. to deliver a quarterly profit that exceeded analysts' projections.

The third-quarter results released Tuesday for the July-September period included a 9% increase in Googles ad sales from the same time last year. Those gains were the main reason Alphabets total revenue rose 11% from a year ago to $76.69 billion. The upturn was even better than the 7% year-over-year increase in revenue that Alphabet produced in the April-June period when it reversed an unprecedented drop in Googles ad revenue after nearly 20 years of growth.

The higher revenue  coupled with cost cuts that have trimmed more than 7,800 employees from Alphabets payroll so far this year  enabled the Mountain View, California, company to post a profit of $19.7 billion, or $1.55 per share, a 42% increase from last year. Alphabet ended September with nearly 182,400 employees.

Despite the signs of progress in many areas, revenue from Google's Cloud division that helps powers websites  an area of robust growth  fell below analysts' projections at at time when artificial-intelligence technology was expected to provide a bigger lift. Meanwhile, Microsoft was simultaneously reporting stronger results in its own cloud operations, stoking worries that Google may be losing ground in a battleground that is expected to become even more important as AI progresses.

In a conference call with analysts, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said some customers were ''optimizing" their spending on cloud services  an indication that some businesses are tightening their budgets amid economic uncertainty caused by wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as a potential shutdown of the U.S. government next month.

Cloud computing is a much lumpier business than advertising, and one where Google is facing stiff competition, said Insider Intelligence analyst Max Willens. While the traction it has among AI startups may bear fruit in the long run, it is not currently helping Google Cloud enough to satisfy investors.

The Cloud letdown appeared to take the luster off the third-quarter report for many investors. Alphabet's stock fell more than 6% in extended trading after the numbers came out. But the company's shares have surged by more than 50% so far this year, a run-up that may have prompted some investors to lock in their gains.

The third-quarter performance indicated that Googles early push to introduce more artificial intelligence technology into its search engine and other products such as Gmail and its latest Pixel smartphone, is paying off.

Were continuing to focus on making AI more helpful for everyone; theres exciting progress and lots more to come, Pichai said in a prepared statement.

The results also serve as a reminder of the financial juggernaut that Google has been able to assemble under its dominant search engine  the target of an ongoing antitrust trial focused on the U.S. Justice Departments allegations that the company has been abusing its power to boost its profit while stifling competition and innovation. Google has vehemently denied the allegations, alleging its success simply flows from all the good that its search engine does for consumers and advertisers.
As Jim Jordan and his allies attempted to whip speaker votes last week, they kept running into a familiar refrain from their skeptics: The brass-knuckle tactics they were deploying were causing Jordans critics and their families to receive a slew of vicious messagesincluding death threats.

The Pynchonesque-ly named Iowa Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks reported that she had received credible death threats and a barrage of threatening calls after switching her vote to oppose Jordan on a second speaker ballot. Georgias Drew Ferguson changed his vote after Jordan wouldnt calm down the hysteria surrounding his nomination. Nebraskas Don Bacon revealed his wife had grown so fearful after a barrage of intimidating calls that she had started sleeping with a loaded gun. On Friday, CNN aired a voicemail that the wife of one unnamed congressman received from a caller that threatened she would be fucking molested if she didnt convince her husband to back Jordan.



Jordan may have publicly decried these threats, but his association with an effort to use threats and intimidation as an explicit political tacticand as a means of cajoling fellow Republicans to get in line behind himis the clearest sign yet of just how central such tactics have become for mainstream Republicans. Indeed, while they failed to have their intended effect, its abundantly clear that the Republican Party remains as comfortable with radical elements promising violent retribution as Donald Trump was during his effort to overturn a legitimate election.



Given the size of the anti-Jordan contingentabout two dozen membersand the slim majority required to win the gavel (he could lose five Republican votes, give or take), one could reasonably expect Jordan to try to turn the temperature down in an attempt to woo his detractors to his side and end the stalemate that has gripped the House GOP ever since a group of hard-liners deposed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this month.



But that isnt what happened. Instead, Jordan dug in and his hate-mailing buddies did as well. And there was little in the way of circumspection among Jordans faction: At an early Friday morning meeting, one of Jordans closest allies, Warren Davidson, insisted that those receiving death threats deserved them. Per a summary from Punchbowl court stenographer Jake Sherman, Jordans fellow Ohioan told those assembled, Its not Team Jordans fault that holdouts are getting death threats. They are getting the death threats, he said, because they voted against Jordan. It was hard to interpret this as anything other than a promise that these death threats will continue, as long as opposition to Jordans candidacy remains. As if to make the point even clearer, protests were organized outside several of the home offices of many of Jordans foes.



Jordans gambit didnt work, of course. On Friday, he lost a third vote for speaker and, not long after, lost his speaker-designate status in a secret ballot taken by the Republican caucus. Its tempting to see this as just deserts. It is, at the very least, a very funny outcome; many in the House Republican conference deserve humiliation, but arguably none so much as Jim Jordan. One might hope that his failure might serve as a lesson that will be taken by others: that the strong-arm tactics favored by Donald Trump and his followers will ultimately not only fail but lead to a counterrevolution. It is even tempting to say that the unending, repetitive failure of House Republicans to elect a speaker has been something of an awakening for many in the GOP to the threats posed by radical, increasingly powerful members aligned with Trump, like Jordan.



These outcomes remain a long way off. Jordan may have failed, but no one is paying a price for having sunk as low as his allies have, and without accountability, its difficult to imagine that these kinds of threats and intimidation wont continue to be mainstreamed and redeployed in the furtherance of far-right aims. Naturally, this is partially the result of the GOPs lurch toward authoritarianism and increasing embrace of political violence as a means of enforcing and holding onto political power.



Donald Trump routinely uses threatsboth explicit and implicitas a means of enforcing his own grip on the Republican Party. His uses his Twitter feed and public speeches to reward those who lick his boots while putting a crosshair on those who dare break with or criticize him, however lightly. These are the ambient threats that have purged the party of its remaining moderate elements as well as pushing Trumpisms far-right detractors into silence. The larger point is this: Criticize his aims, and you jeopardize not only your place within the right-wing hierarchy but your safety as well.



Jordans embrace of these tactics points to another area of concern. As I argued last week, the Republican Party has long since abandoned policymaking, retreating, in large part, from governance itself. McCarthy, for instance, largely used his perch to put a spanner in the works of the legislative process while pushing the ridiculous investigations favored by right-wing media and the partys most radical members. He was pushed out, however, for the crime of compromisingbarelytwice with Democrats to keep the government open. He theoretically could have tried to save his speakership by doing further deals with Democrats but decided against itprobably because he understood that doing so would have been a bridge too far and would have brought an even fiercer excommunication than the one he received when he only lightly attempted to govern.



Without a policymaking apparatus or a productive idea about governing, however, Republicans are left with witch hunts as their primary activity and organizing purpose. Naturally, their aim will be toward burning Democrats at the stake most of the time. But there is little room to compromise on the basic existential things that the House needs to do. Political leaders in the past would have built coalitions with carrots and sticks, telling members that they would support pet causes or policies in exchange for their support. Theyd get consolation prizes in the form of earmarks to take the sting out of ideological tradeoffs. Theyd find common ground across the aisle to do the necessary tasks. Republicans dont have that option now, as they lack a policy agenda. All they have are threats, which will increasingly be used to police matters of internal purity. Jim Jordans dream may be deadthank God. But he and Republicans like him will continue to reach for these menacing tactics to obtain and preserve powerand keep dissidents in line.


Rep. Dan Meuser dropped out of the House Speaker race Monday night at a Republican candidate forum held by the party, members in the room told CNN. Those gathered gave Meuser a standing ovation following his announcement, the network reported. There are still eight other GOP congressmen running for the role, including Reps. Jack Bergman (MI), Byron Donalds (FL), Tom Emmer (MN), Kevin Hern (OK), Mike Johnson (LA), Gary Palmer (AL), Austin Scott (GA), and Pete Sessions (TX). I believe the House will elect a new Speaker, and I know we will be in good hands with one of our colleagues running, Meuser posted on X, formerly Twitter. Ive spoken to President Trump, and he supports my decision. He added to CNN: I felt that it was in the best interest in the end. I came in late, I have other commitments that I want to adhere to. Largely, leading President Trumps campaign in Pennsylvania. We have great candidates, and I wrote up a plan of how to improve the speakers office making it a members-first office, which in the end is a peoples-first office  and a few of the candidates up there have adopted some of my ideas.

We must this week come together as Republicans and elect a new speaker and get back to work. Growing our Republican majority in the House, winning the Senate, and electing President Trump in 2024 is the best way to move our country forward.  Dan Meuser (@Meuser4Congress) October 23, 2023

Read it at CNN

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The House GOP's latest Speaker nominee might be undone by a single vote: the one he cast to certify the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), the House GOPs Majority Whip, beat six other candidates on Tuesday to become the partys third Speaker nominee in the three weeks since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed. But it didnt take long before Emmers chances seemed to go up in smoke.

The Minnesota Republican had been the nominee for barely an hour before Republicans began questioning him over his decision to uphold the 2020 election result after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6and it was about two hours before Donald Trump himself issued a blistering statement against Emmer and likely ended his chances.

Trump Officially Tries to Kill Tom Emmer's Speaker Bid

Even before Trump knifed Emmer, the Houses No. 3 Republican was already in big trouble. During a private meeting where lawmakers aired their concerns to Emmer, several said his 2020 certification vote was raised with some frequencyperhaps no surprise in a party where baseless election fraud conspiracies remain core beliefs.

Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), who voted against certifying the 2020 election results, said Emmer's vote to certify was a sticking point for his detractors.

I mean thats a big issue, right? said Williams. I'm one of those who voted not to accept the results of the electoral college. That's an issue with some because he voted to accept.

According to Williams, Emmer deflected concerns about his certification vote by pointing to the need for Republicans to focus on winning the 2024 election.

Hes saying that we need to focus on 2024 and I agree with him, Williams continued. Will Rogers said, Don't look back, we aint going that way. That's kind of where we are.

Although he wouldnt go into detail, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), who himself ran for Speaker and voted against certifying the 2020 results, also said Emmers vote was discussed, but he wouldnt expand on details.

We're trying to resolve matters, not bring them out here and fight about it, Sessions said. And I don't want to be a part of that fight. I want to be a part of the resolution.

Speaking to Fox News, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also indicated that the 2020 election was a major point of contention in the meeting.

Notably, its hardly as if Emmer is a Big Lie dissenter in the mold of Liz Cheney.

In the wake of the 2020 election, Emmer amplified unproven claims of fraud to cast doubt on President Joe Bidens victory. He also signed his name to an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit, filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, to throw out the election results in several battleground states which Biden won.

Still, Emmers 2020 election vote exemplifies what members worry will become a rift between a future speaker and future president. Trump doused gasoline on those concernsand lit the match that might end Emmers speaker chanceswith a Truth Social post after the Minnesotan secured the nomination.

I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them, Trump said.

Trump then blasted Emmers handling of the GOPs House elections during two-cycle tenure as the National Republican Congressional Committee chairmana role in which Emmer worked closely with Trump and his team.

House GOP Chooses Its Next Sacrifice to Speaker Vote: Tom Emmer

I believe he has now learned his lesson, because he is saying that he is Pro-Trump all the way, but who can ever be sure?, Trump asked. Has he only changed because thats what it takes to win? The Republican Party cannot take that chance, because thats not where the America First Voters are. Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake.

The takedown is a departure from Trumps rhetoric just yesterday. The former president told reporters he wouldnt weigh in on the speakers race and relayed that Emmer called him to tell him, Im your biggest fan.

Some Republican lawmakers minimized Emmers role in the 2020 election certifications as a factor in the speaker vote. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), who objected to the 2020 certification, insisted that Emmers vote nearly three years ago wasnt the issue in the room.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), another objector, said he hadnt heard concerns about the 2020 election during the conference meeting. He said the biggest sticking points for Emmer holdouts were in other areas. House conservatives surely dont love Emmers past support of sending aid to Ukraine, for instance.

It's all across the board. More policy-related than it is leadership-related, Loudermilk said. And I think what we've got to do is separate that the speaker is really not a policy position. It's a leadership position.

But with Trump likely putting the nail in the coffin for Emmers speakership bid, its hard not to see how his decision to not overturn the 2020 election played a decisive factor.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed a new judge to the Ventura County Superior Court.

Court Commissioner Paul William Feldman was named to fill the vacancy created by the governor's appointment of Superior Court Judge Tari Cody to the state Court of Appeal earlier this year.

Feldman, 41, was appointed to the judgeship until November 2026 when the seat will be up for election. It's not clear yet what cases he will be assigned but criminal trials are possible, court officials said.

The new judge is a resident of Ventura County and a Democrat, the governor's office said.

Feldman had served as a court commissioner beginning in July 2022 and prior to that as a Ventura County prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office. As a prosecutor he worked in areas including major crimes, sexual assault cases, mental health cases and misdemeanors. As commissioner, he heard misdemeanor and traffic arraignments and trials along with small claims trials and other matters.

Before relocating to Ventura, Feldman was a prosecutor at the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

He was recognized for outstanding prosecution in that county by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Feldman has served for more than 10 years in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps for the Air Force, conducting work at bases in Colorado and California.

He also served as San Bernardino County's representative on the impact of prison overcrowding for a statewide lawsuit regarding prison reform.

Feldman earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Paul William Feldman appointed to Ventura County Superior Court
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. JB Pritzker and community leaders on Monday drew attention to the spike in hatred against the Arab, Muslim, and Jewish communities in Illinois and across the nation amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Pritzker said hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims, and Jews have increased in Illinois in the wake of the war.

"Hate has no home here in Illinois. It's a phrase I've used time and time again, but hate always has an insidious way of trying to move in," Pritzker said.

Multiple threats in southwest suburban Bridgeview last week left residents on edge and forced the closure of an all-girls Islamic day school on Friday.

A little more than a week ago, a 6-year-old Palestinian boy was stabbed to death and his mother was seriously wounded in Plainfield. Their landlord was arrested on murder and hate crime charges, accused of targeting them because of their ethnicity and Muslim faith.

"This is an accelerating rise of hate violence in America, and it's fueled by hateful portrayals and dehumanization of Arab Americans," said William Haddad, founding president of the Arab American Bar Association.

Pritzker, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and other officials reinforced the state will fight all forms of hate against any targets.

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Fifty hotels will be closed to asylum seekers by January and the government will "not stop there", immigration minister Robert Jenrick has told MPs.

He said hotel contracts would end in "all four nations of the UK" in the coming months as his plan to cut asylum claims was "starting to work".

About 400 hotels were being used to house record numbers of asylum seekers.

The hotel contracts cost the taxpayer 8m a day, which Mr Jenrick said was "unacceptable" and "unsustainable".

Labour's shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock dismissed the minister's announcement, saying he was only planning to close a "paltry" 12% of hotels currently in use.

"He is like an arsonist who has burnt our house down and expects us to thank him for throwing a bucket of water on it," Mr Kinnock told MPs.

In a statement to Parliament, Mr Jenrick said agreements with France and Albania along with stricter penalties for those connected to illegal migration had helped reduce the numbers arriving in small boats, enabling the government to start ending the use of asylum hotels.

He also said a push to increase room-sharing in hotels and accommodating asylum seekers in disused military sites had freed up space.

He added the government would continue to house people on the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland. The vessel, which has a capacity of 500, is currently holding 50 people.

The Home Office has not confirmed the costs of the barge, but Labour estimates that the current occupancy rate means the government are spending more than 800 per person per night for someone to stay on the Bibby Stockholm.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Jenrick said the figure was "completely wrong" adding: "As soon as it [the barge] is at full capacity, then it will be better value for money than a hotel."

The use of hotels has increased exponentially as the number of people claiming asylum in the UK has increased.

The Home Office has an obligation to house asylum seekers, who would otherwise be destitute, whilst their claim is being processed.

In August, the number of asylum seekers having their application processed reached a record high of 175,000 people.

How many asylum seekers are living in hotels and where are they based?

At the end of June 2023 there were 50,546 asylum seekers living in hotels in the UK

This is a 10% increase compared with the end of 2022, when there were 45,775 people living in hotels

In March 2023, government sources told the BBC there were 395 hotels being used for this purpose

The majority of them - 363 - were in England, 20 in Northern Ireland, 10 in Scotland and two in Wales

Between April 2022 and March 2023, the government spent about 2.3bn on hotel accommodation

Since the beginning of the year the government has doubled the number of people processing asylum applications to 2,500.

Labour have called for 1,000 more caseworkers to be hired to clear the asylum backlog.

Peter Walsh, a researcher at Oxford University's Migration Observatory, told the BBC that while the legacy backlog - applications made before the end of June 2022 - had fallen, this had been offset by new applications.

He questioned where asylum seekers would be housed given the total backlog of cases had remained largely stagnant since last year.

Over the summer, local councils raised concern that some Afghan families were facing homelessness after being told by the government to move out of hotels.

Migrants in a dinghy sail in the Channel toward the south coast of England

Some hotels have stopped housing migrants in recent weeks, including around Northampton and Kettering - potential target areas for Labour at the next general election.

The government has not published a list of all the hotels set to close.

However, the minister did tell Sir George Howarth, the MP for Knowsley that the hotel in his constituency - which was the scene of violent clashes earlier in the year - was one of the hotels due to be shut for asylum seekers.

In 2022, small boat arrivals across the English Channel accounted for about 45% of asylum applications made in the UK.

According to the latest figures, the number of small boat crossing so far this year is 26,501, down from 37,578 by this time last year - a reduction of 30%.

The government hopes its plan, announced in April 2022, to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda to claim asylum there will help reduce crossings further.

The legality of the scheme is currently being considered by the Supreme Court, after the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling that the plan was lawful.
A Thai business and trade delegation visited Quzhou, Zhejiang province, from Oct. 17 to 19, aiming to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.



A Thai business and trade delegation visits Quzhou, Zhejiang province, from Oct. 17 to 19. [Photo/China.org.cn]

The delegation, led by Qi Xiaoyun, a member of the Board of Directors of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and president of the Thai Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, visited the Quzhou High-Tech Industrial Development Zone and several local listed companies involved in new materials, new energy, and pharmaceuticals.

During the meeting, Qi introduced the economic and social development of Thailand and highlighted the significant potential for cooperation between Quzhou and Thailand in sectors such as high technology, new energy, new materials, and machinery manufacturing.

He said that this exchange and dialogue presented an excellent opportunity to establish a more extensive cooperation platform, fostering increased economic and trade interactions as well as cultural exchange between the two sides. Qi said he hopes that the Thai Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce could offer support and services to Quzhou companies as they pursue international development.

The Thai Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, established in 2019, has played a major role in strengthening economic and trade as well as cultural exchange between Zhejiang and Thailand.
Reporters in southern Israel take cover on Monday upon hearing sirens warning of an incoming rocket attack from Gaza. (Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images)

CNN anchor Sara Sidner was live on air from the West Bank when she was confronted by an angry pro-Palestine protester. He walked up to her quickly  getting within a couple of inches of her face  before yelling: You are not welcome here, genocide supporters.  F CNN.

While Sidner remained calm during the encounter Friday , watching the scene unfold was quite disturbing. Since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, at least 23 journalists have been killed covering the recent outbreak of violence. Three other journalists are unaccounted for.

Sidner and her crew were fortunate not to be harmed, but that doesnt mean they are safe.

As images from the war make clear, in Israel and the occupied territories right now, there is no such thing as safe.

Not for children. Not for the elderly. Not even for those already ailing in the hospital.

Read more: Granderson: Those campus rallies aren't just pro-Palestinian. They're anti-colonial

According to the Washington Post, photojournalist Muhammad Sobh was wearing a flak jacket, helmet and other protective gear when the building in which he and a colleague, Hisham al-Nawajah, were sheltering was hit by a bomb. They were both killed .

Theres a folksy saying in journalism: If one person says its raining and another says its not, a reporters job is not to quote them both but to look out the window and see whether its raining. Sometimes going to the window places journalists in harms way. How else would the world learn whats going on?

Read more: Granderson: Can Americans have a not-racist conversation about border security?

The purpose of journalism hasnt changed, but the reactions of politicians and the public are unrecognizable from the Walter Cronkite era.

During his first campaign for president, Donald Trump vilified journalists for his own political gain and whipped up supporters to harass them, dealing new damage to the already fractured trust between the electorate and the free press.

But journalists are not an enemy of the state. In the U.S., the press is even enshrined in the Constitution as essential infrastructure to keep the state accountable.

Read more: Granderson: Can the U.S. ever recover from Rupert Murdoch's exploitation?

Unfortunately, a lot of factors are stacking up against that free press idea. Not only mortal risk in war zones that could deter reporting. Not just eroding trust here in the U.S. One of the biggest threats is simply math.

Calculated business decisions lead to consolidation of ownership, budget cuts and ultimately closing a lot of newsrooms. The relationship between journalism and corporate media owners is increasingly similar to Silicon Valley cash out dynamics. Legacy newspapers and networks are being treated like startups whose purpose is to generate revenue in a portfolio. When the cuts happen, they are driven by bottom lines, not by what the community needs.

When local news sources die off , there is an increase in polarization and a decrease in civic engagement, including voter turnout. The U.S. lost more than 360 newspapers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2005, the toll has been 25% of the nations papers, according to a Northwestern University study, leaving roughly 70 million residents in a local news desert and countless journalists out of work.

A lot of Americans may welcome that decline in newsgathering. But many of those people  including former President Trump  probably dont like it when journalists tell the public the truth.When journalism is at its best, brave reporters have exposed corruption in city halls and threats to public health. Journalism can even contribute to ending a war, as was the case in Vietnam.

Much has been made of the confrontation that happened when a Palestinian protestor in the West Bank confronted me, Sidner posted online Monday . ... Some in the small group of protestors gathered supported Hamas and wore or waved Hamas flags because they see Hamas as just a military wing of the Palestinian struggle to end the occupation. But much of the world sees Hamas terroristic actions against Israel citizens as a redline that was crossed and cant be tolerated this time around.

And in the middle of this are reporters risking their lives so that we may all have a better understanding of an increasingly maddening world. Some, like Motaz Azaiza , do even more. After an Israeli strike into Gaza, Azaiza can be seen in a vehicle holding two crying babies covered in blood. He said they were injured and given to him presumably to get them to safety.

But there is no safety.

Journalists in Gaza face particularly high risks as they try to cover the conflict, the Committee to Protect Journalists stated.

In 2018, Yaser Murtaja was fatally shot while covering protests in Gaza . He reportedly was wearing a flak jacket with press on it. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike took the life of Roshdi Sarraj , also a Palestinian journalist, in Gaza City.

Reporters covering war shine a spotlight on the worst acts that humans can commit. The accounts that they publish can inform the public and, in turn, influence leaders making decisions that affect millions.

The everyday work of reporters and photographers in the relative safety of the United States may not have the same stakes, but the framers knew it was a matter of life and death for the republic.

At home and abroad, journalists can't always be protected. However, times of war remind us that journalism needs to be.

@LZGranderson

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When owners Russell Matthes and Tom Halkidis opened The Greyson, a casual, family-friendly sports restaurant and bar at 5045 96th St. E., Palmetto, earlier this year, they said they were planning multiple locations.

True to their word, the partners have filed paperwork with Manatee County Development Services to open their second restaurant in Lakewood Ranch.

The Lakewood Ranch Greyson is planned for restaurant space at 11161 State Road 70 E., in the Lakewood Walk shopping center.

That space was home to Trumans Tap & Grill for 11 years until August, when owners Carrie and Jason Leitzman announced they were closing to spend more time with family and to travel.

The Lakewood Ranch Greyson is planned for restaurant space at 11161 State Road 70 E., in the Lakewood Walk shopping center. Shown above is partner Russell Matthes.

The Greyson partners say they dont expect the former Trumans location to be closed long.

We are planning on making the new location very similar to the current successful location. The complete remodel will include redesign of the bar, kitchen and interior, Mathes said in a text.

We also plan on opening a wall up out to the patio and, like the current location, will be covering the patio and adding TVs. We are excited about expanding The Greyson brand and expect to open in the next two to four months, he said.

he Lakewood Ranch Greyson is planned for restaurant space at 11161 State Road 70 E., in the Lakewood Walk shopping center.

The original Greyson has a Palmetto address but is well north of Palmetto at the southwest corner of Interstate 75, along fast-developing Moccasin Wallow Road.

The restaurant has about 20 large-screen TVs inside and on the patio, and serves beer, wine and cocktails, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. Greysons fried chicken sandwich is a fan favorite. Theres also a kids menu.

Lots of restaurant news

The Bradenton area has been seeing robust growth in new restaurants opening or planned.

This month, The Breakfast Company opened its second location at 8491 Cooper Creek Blvd., unit 107 in University Town Center.

10/27/2020_This month, The Breakfast Company opened its second location at 8491 Cooper Creek Blvd., unit 107 in University Town Center. Shown above are the mother-and-son team of Terri and Dimitri Syros

The mother-and-son team of Terri and Dimitri Syros opened the original The Breakfast Company at 7246 55th Ave. E., in East Manatees Twelve Oaks Plaza in late 2020.

This restaurant was opened as a tribute to my grandfather, George Soublis, who founded El Greco Cafe in downtown Sarasota in 1990, Dimitri Syros said in 2020.

The restaurant is open 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday and is closed on Monday. For more information, visit https://www.thebreakfastcompanyfl.com/.

Coming soon

Creekside Commons, 8980 US 301, Parrish, anchored by Lowes, Aldi and HomeGoods, has become a major retail player in Manatee Countys fast growing North River area since opening less than a year ago.

Among planned restaurants there are Ono Poke and Three Natives healthy food, according to paperwork filed with Manatee County Development Services.

The Ono Poke web page offers no information on a proposed opening date.

But the Three Natives web page suggests a spring opening for stores in Creekside Commons and Lockwood Commons, 4274 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Three Natives also has a store in Lakewood Ranch at 11577 State Road 70 E.

Other restaurants in the works

Here is a sampling of some of the planned restaurants previously reported in the Bradenton Herald:

 Taverna Toscana, an upscale Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, is slated to open in early 2024 at 1301 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton.

 Rich Knowles, a chef and owner of Innovative Dining, a catering business, is bringing back his EnRich Bistro, which closed early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant is under construction at 5239 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

 Two Outback Steakhouses are on the drawing board for Manatee County. One is planned for Lakewood Ranch at 12245 State Road 70 E. and the other at 3390 Erie Road in Creekside Commons in Parrish. The planned eateries would be Manatee Countys third and fourth Outback Steakhouses.

 Toasted Yolk Cafe, a Texas-based daytime restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, is planned for Lakewood Ranch in the Center Point at Waterside development, 6516-6600 University Parkway. Bar Italia, a made from scratch Italian restaurant, is also under construction at Center Point.

 A McDonalds fast-food restaurant with a dual drive-thru is planned for 2845 69th St. E., Palmetto, south of the Interstate 275-U.S. 41 intersection.

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Donald Trump has been consolidating support in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, but the former president is bleeding support in an even more important contest: his coming trial in Georgia on 13 felony counts related to his effort to overturn his 2020 election loss.

On Tuesday, lawyer Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty to a single felony count of aiding and abetting false statements, which were made as part of the efforts of Trumps elite strike force of lawyers to change the presidential election results.

Ellis admission of guilt is just the latest in a series of plea agreements in the sweeping case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis against Trump and his associates for their attempts to block Joe Biden from assuming the presidency. She joins Trump lawyers Sidney Powell , another member of Trumps elite strike force, and Kenneth Chesebro, the architect of a fake electors scheme, in accepting plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify in the trial of the other 15 defendants. (A fourth co-defendant, Atlanta businessman Scott Hall, also pleaded guilty.) Trump has called the indictment a witch hunt.

The requirement that Ellis, Powell and Chesebro provide truthful testimony in exchange for reduced sentences bodes ill for the former president and others involved in the election theft effort, including Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and conservative lawyer John Eastman.

Even worse for Trump and his co-defendants, Ellis is also required as part of her plea deal to provide additional recorded statements and affidavits to the state and any requested documents or evidence, while also participating in interviews with prosecutors and assisting in pretrial matters.

The string of guilty pleas also drives home why legal experts have long pointed to the Georgia case as the one Trump, a master of escaping accountability, may not be able to run from. The states racketeering laws, the foundation of the case, are notoriously strong, and Willis prosecution is beyond the reach of Trumps allies in the federal government.

Lawyers Jenna Ellis (center) and Sidney Powell pleaded guilty in Fulton County, Georgia, for their roles in former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Lawyers Jenna Ellis (center) and Sidney Powell pleaded guilty in Fulton County, Georgia, for their roles in former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Ellis, Powell and Chesebro were not bit players in the campaign to overturn the election. They were key actors involved in meetings, strategy and communications with the biggest targets of the indictment. All three of them, especially Ellis, have direct knowledge of the scheme concocted by Trump, Giuliani and others to steal the election.

The importance of Ellis plea deal was immediately clear during her tear-filled statement to the court on Tuesday, when she admitted her statements that the election had been stolen from Trump were false and implicitly pointed the finger at Giuliani as the reason why she believed the election fraud lie.

I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than I, to provide me with true and reliable information, especially since my role involved speaking to the media and to legislators in various states, Ellis said.

Giuliani is also implicated as the defendant whom Ellis admitted to aiding and abetting in the false statements in order to solicit the appointment of illegal electors. Guiliani, for his part, has called the indictment a travesty and an attack on the American people.

That effort is detailed in the indictment as 10 separate acts that Ellis engaged in, alongside Giuliani, to spread lies about the election in the press and before state legislatures in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania with the intent to get Republican lawmakers to reject their state election results and instead send alternate slates of electors to Congress that would flip the Electoral College count in Trumps favor. Her actions included soliciting lawmakers to illegally appoint electors for Trump at committee hearings and in private meetings, including one held at the White House with Trump, Giuliani and then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, who is also charged in the Georgia case.

Ellis participation in these efforts means that she was privy to meetings, phone calls, emails and other communications that went into the strategy and execution of the plot to overturn the election. By blaming Giuliani, who, as a former U.S. attorney, is a lawyer with many more years of experience than her, Ellis testimony can provide direct testimony about the former New York City mayors actions and thought process in the weeks after Biden won and leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

She was also in communication with Trump, in particular at a Nov. 25, 2020, White House meeting, which also included Giuliani and Meadows, when the effort to overturn Pennsylvanias election results was discussed with state GOP legislators.

Powell, who spouted absurd lies about electronic voting machines operated by Dominion Voting Systems, was also engaged in communications with Trump as part of his elite strike team. She not only participated in an infamous press conference with Giuliani and Ellis but also met with Trump on multiple occasions, including once when she pushed to be named a special counsel tasked with investigating election fraud and seizing voting machines. Trump was dissuaded from giving broad powers to Powell, but she pursued other avenues.

Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro is sworn in during a plea deal hearing Friday at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta.

Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro is sworn in during a plea deal hearing Friday at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta.

The effort to seize or otherwise access voting machines to prove fraud, or at least claim proof, led to Powells indictment in Georgia. She pleaded guilty on Thursday to six misdemeanors in connection with the illegal breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia, conducted by a forensics firm that she hired. But there are still some open questions that could implicate Trump and Giuliani about how the Coffee County breach and theft of voter information related to the broader scheme, as Anna Bower lays out in an article in Lawfare, and whether there was any connection between Trumps tweet announcing his Jan. 6 rally and a meeting Powell attended in the Oval Office the day before.

As for Chesebro, he was the architect of the fake electors scheme whereby Republicans in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin signed affidavits that claimed Trump had won their states and that they were the true electors, then submitted them to Congress. In pleading guilty, Chesebro admitted that the fake elector effort was an illegal conspiracy designed to disrupt and delay the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021.

As part of this conspiracy, Chesebro was in regular contact with Eastman, who provided legal advice on how to manipulate the Electoral Count Act that governs Congress counting of the electoral votes on Jan. 6. The two lawyers also exchanged emails and phone calls over the Jan. 6 strategy.

Similarly, Chesebro worked closely with Giuliani in the effort to contact and convince the fake electors to do their part. He could also speak to the strategy and planning that involved Giuliani.

By turning these three lawyers, Willis has secured vital testimony from key participants who were close to the leaders of the alleged conspiracy and the top targets of her indictment: Trump and Giuliani. These losses for Team Trump are likely to be bigger than any forthcoming primary victory for the former president.

Related...
This June 29, 2016, file photo shows guns on display at a gun store in Miami. Gun sales have surged among Jews throughout the United States since Hamas attacked Israel more than two weeks ago, according to news reports. | Alan Diaz, Associated Press

Gun sales have surged among Jews throughout the United States since Hamas attacked Israel more than two weeks ago.

Firearm instructors and Jewish security groups across the country say they have been flooded with new clientele since the Oct. 7 assault, according to NBC News. Gun shop owners in Florida say they have seen more Jews purchase firearms in recent weeks than ever before.

Weve definitely seen a tremendous increase in religious Jewish people, Orthodox people, purchasing firearms, said David Kowalsky, who owns Florida Gun Store in the town of Hollywood, and also offers firearms training classes. Ive seen a surge in interest in individual training as well as group training.

Kowalsky, who is Jewish, said local synagogues had asked him to host gun training seminars and shooting sessions in the past week. He said most participants at one gun safety seminar were new to guns, per NBC.

These are mothers, teachers, the majority of them are mostly people who have never interacted with firearms or thought about owning them, he told the news outlet. Theres a safety concern. I think people are nervous about whats going on and what can happen.

An Anti-Defamation League report earlier this year found antisemitic incidents in the U.S. were up 36% before the war in Israel and Gaza. Assaults, vandalism and harassment were higher in 2022 than in any year since the league began keeping records in 1979.

Related

Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, who runs a nonprofit in Los Angeles that offers self-defense classes and firearm training to the Jewish community, said his organization has received more than 600 calls in the past week, NBC reported.

Dallas-Fort Worth area television station WFFA reported that one gun shop owner says hes seen a 300% increase in gun sales at his two locations immediately after the war started.

Its been a really big change this last three or four days, David Prince, of Eagle Gun Range, told the TV station. The people coming in and saying they are scared for their lives, because of their religion they are expecting to be attacked.

The customers, he said, are primarily Jewish, including one named Jake, who described himself as an observant Jew.

From my experience in Israel, whenever something big happens, the Jews around the world, they suffer from it too as well, he said. With whats going on over there, Im more concerned of something going bad.

Related

NBC News reported speaking with more than a dozen Jewish Americans around the country who looked to buy a firearm or get formal gun training for the first time in response to the Israel-Gaza war. Many said they did not feel comfortable publicly sharing their identities out of fear they might be targeted. At least two people said they had received antisemitic death threats on social media.

Ryan Burge, a political scientist and assistant professor at Eastern Illinois University, produced a chart last year showing the share of various religious communities that personally own a gun. He made the graphic using data from the 2020 Cooperative Election Study.

Burges chart showed that white evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are more often gun owners than other people of faith.

One-third of white evangelicals and about one-quarter of mainline Protestants and Latter-day Saints personally own a gun, compared to 17% of atheists, 17% of nonwhite evangelicals, 11% of Jews and 9% of Muslims, Burge found.

Related
A powerful Haitian gang leader has been charged by U.S. prosecutors with ordering the kidnapping of an American couple from their home in Haiti, which left the woman dead, authorities said Tuesday. Vitel'Homme Innocent  who remains at large and is believed to be living in Tabarre, Haiti  was also charged last year in the 2021 kidnappings of Christian missionaries. The charges are considered largely symbolic in Haiti, where gangs are more powerful than the government and have bigger and better weapons than the police.

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A Utah man's pole dancing skeleton display has residents picking sides after city officials called for the risque display to be taken down.

Christopher Fujishin's skeleton display featured two skeletal onlookers "watching" a skeleton with a purple wig "dancing" on a stop sign near his home in Grantsville, Utah.

"Maybe a little risque for some people but it's all in the name of fun," Fujishin told KSTU.

City officials said in a Facebook post that the display violated city code by using the street sign for its dancing pole.

Fujishin said that the only backlash he received was a neighbor who cut the display down from the traffic sign.

However, that changed after the City of Grantsville took the matter to Facebook, calling for the owner of the display to take the display down by 9 p.m.

MOM'S CREEPY-COOL TAYLOR SWIFT HALLOWEEN DISPLAY GOES VIRAL ON TIKTOK

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"Displays like this are not acceptable as it is against city code to attach anything to a street sign," read the post, which noted that city officials would remove the display if the "person responsible" didnt take it down by 9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18.

Skeleton

Some agreed, saying that the display was inappropriate for neighborhood Halloween decorations.

"I guess teaching our children respect, decency, and manners has gone by the side," one person wrote in a Facebook comment.

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"If your kids understand what that is, maybe the problem's not the skeleton dancing on the pole. Maybe it's something else," Fujishin said, disagreeing with critics.

City officials said in a Facebook post that the display violated city code by using the street sign for its dancing pole.

Fujishin complied and immediately moved the skeletons to his own yard, but some residents were quick to support his exotic skeleton dancers.

Neighbors began bringing over more skeletons, music speakers and lights to expand the display.

"We look forward to keeping this going and getting a little more elaborate as we go," Fujishin said.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .





Original article source: Halloween skeletons pole dancing on a stop sign cause uproar in Utah city: 'All in the name of fun'
A Hamas abduction manual with detailed instructions on how to take civilians hostage, bind them by their wrists and ankles, collect their identification papers and kill the problematic was released by the Israeli Defense Forces on Monday along with grisly new bodycam footage that shows Hamas fighters gunning down civilians.

The kidnapping directives  imprinted with a watermark that reads al-Quds brigade and labeled Top secret in Arabic  also include instructions on how to livestream kidnappings, a tactic that was used by some Hamas hostage takers during the Oct. 7 attack. The surprise assault, which killed over 1,000 civilians, was the bloodiest terrorist attack on Israeli soil in the country's 76-year history.

The release of the materials appears to be part of an effort by Israeli officials to counter claims by Hamas that hostages were seized by Palestinian civilians who entered Israel during the attack, not its fighters. The documents also suggest that hostage-taking was a core goal of Hamas strike and that the group planned to document it in both photos and videos.

Follow live coverage from NBC News here.

IDF officials said the documents were recovered from the bodies of Hamas members who attacked kibbutzim near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.

It is unclear whether the "abduction manual" documents were related to an attack on a specific village or broad guidance for Hamas attackers.

Israeli officials also released Hamas bodycam footage of terrorists shooting civilians. The footage includes a video taken by the bodycam of a Hamas gunman as he shoots at two civilians, who appear to be a man and woman, as they try to drive past in their car. A second clip shows the same man running up to the car and saying, He is not alive. I checked him just now," he said. "I checked them well. Lets go, lets go.

A third clip, which was previously released by an Israeli first responder organization, shows the dashcam footage from the civilian car as it is being fired upon by the Hamas members.

hamas terrorist attack civilians car auto (IDF)

Hamas has put out multiple statements denying they targeted civilians on Oct. 7, and have characterized the more than 200 hostages they took to Gaza as their guests. At the time of publication, a total of four hostages had been released.

The hostage-taking manual and the footage give a fuller picture of Hamas plan to take multiple hostages and kill any captive who they felt posed a threat. The document instructs the attackers to ration their food and suggests they were potentially planning to keep hostages in an enclosed location for a long period of time.

The newly released materials add to the picture painted by other Hamas documents obtained by NBC News that show a plan to attack Kfar Saad kibbutz. That plan included instructions to sweep two schools as well as a youth center. The attack was carried out on a Saturday and school was not in session.

Those documents included maps with blue circles around Kfar Saad and three other villages that also border Gaza: Alumim, Nahal Oz and Kraf Aza, where dozens of Israeli civilians, including babies and children, were murdered or kidnapped and taken back to Gaza.

An Israeli government official said the IDF was analyzing a family of documents recovered from the bodies of attackers that showed a systematic targeting of civilians, flying in the face of Hamas public statements.

They are constantly lying all the time, an IDF source told NBC News.

The abduction manual is organized into eight sections and appears to prepare Hamas fighters to hold hostages inside Israel, perhaps for days. The first section of the document is labeled Gathering and includes instructions on how to take hostages.

The second section is titled Isolation and control within the area and around it. It appears to instruct attackers how to maintain control of hostages, fend off anyone trying to help them and prevent captives from escaping. The first directive in this section is: Kill anyone that may pose a threat or cause distraction or disturbance.

Other tactics include creating chaos with firearms and grenades, and subduing hostages with sedatives. The third section of the manual is labeled Safety/Security and includes the directive to take ID, separate and isolate (women and babies/men,) and kill the problematic and those who pose a threat.

The first page of a Hamas

Eyewitnesses accounts and interviews with family members of the abducted show that Hamas kidnappers followed their orders. Some of the attackers on Oct. 7 livestreamed the abduction of hostages from Kibbutz Nahal Oz.

NBC News interviewed Maayan Zin, the mother of two girls abducted with their father; his girlfriend, 50-year-old Dikla Eliaz; and Eliazs 17-year-old son.

Zin obtained the livestream video of the abduction, in which the kidnappers hold Eliazs driver's license to the camera. Zin said Eliazs son was then used by Hamas to lure other neighbors out of their homes.

The fourth section of the manual, Supplies, suggests the Hamas appeared to be preparing for a lengthy siege: Collect as much food and drinks as possible, and Do not use your own supplies to feed the hostages, except in emergency situations.

The fifth section is titled Camouflage and Hiding and gives directives to conceal the mission of the kidnappers. Do not declare the number of kidnappers and their weapons. ... Do not declare your connection with the outside world.  Do not state the number of wounded and dead (of the enemy.)

The sixth section, Communication, instructs Hamas members to Secure the video/audio live broadcast between groups and orders in the field.

The seventh section is called Live Broadcast. It directs Hamas members to not waste the camera battery and storage, but use them as much as possible. The eighth and final section anticipates communication with Israelis and is called Negotiations.

Do not engage in negotiations in the field if possible, the manual states. Only the most senior in the field will communicate with the enemy and they must remain in contact with their commanders throughout the incident If communication is interrupted, try to discuss and convey what we came for.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
At least 140 people were killed in the Gaza Strip after another night of Israeli airstrike, according to the local Hamas government.

The group also reported "hundreds of injured" and "dozens of homes destroyed". On Monday, in its latest overall report, the Hamas government announced that more than 5,000 people, including more than 2,000 children, had been killed since the start of the war on 7 October.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground offensive. The US advised Israel to delay the expected operation to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels sealed border. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the UN said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza.

Hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas 7 October rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza," Lifshitz' daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who uses a different spelling for her name, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles' lives were saved because" of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. "Yeah.

Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover of the two elderly hostages, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing a series of prisoners from the Hamas attack  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the early October attack.

The men said they were under orders to kill young men and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The videos were both clearly intended to shape the wars narrative  with Israel focussing on Hamas brutality, and Hamas trying to show a humane side.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of a possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Mideast if a ground offensive is launched in Gaza.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a US official.

Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it would be a combined offensive from air, land and sea, but he did not give a time frame.

A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group took power in Gaza in 2007.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians, slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said it struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war.

Inside Gaza, the civilian death toll continued to mount.

Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

The bodies were laid to rest side by side in the courtyard of al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Men discussed where to fit the shrouded corpse of a small child. Bring them all, a gravedigger called out.

Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armoured bulldozers inside Gaza. The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

On Monday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in UN-run schools and shelters, the UN said Monday.

No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the U.N. said.
Hamas terrorists in Gaza launched a massive series of rocket barrages into Israel on Tuesday, with some observers saying it is the largest wave since Hamas' Oct. 7 assault.

The barrage centered on Tel Aviv, but rocket sirens blared across more than a dozen cities, and maps of rocket alerts displayed a sea of red warning signs in central Israel.

Hamas has fired thousands of rockets into Israel since launching its unprecedented assault on Oct. 7. Israel has responded in kind, destroying thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza with airstrikes.

Nevertheless, the Tuesday barrage from Hamas marks a spike in its aggression over the past 18 days of war, with the Jerusalem Post reporting that it is the single largest attack since the war began, next to the Hamas violence on Oct. 7.

US NAVY INTERCEPTS MISSILES HEADING NORTH FROM YEMEN, POTENTIALLY TOWARD ISRAEL: PENTAGON

At least five Israelis were wounded in Tuesday's barrage, according to the Post. The injuries took place in separate incidents in Holon, Tel Aviv, Kfar Saba, Be'er Yaakov and Yavne.

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DRONE STRIKES TARGET US MILITARY BASES IN SYRIA, IRAQ AS REGIONAL TENSIONS FROM ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR ESCALATE

The Israeli military remains poised for a ground invasion of Gaza at any moment, though plans for such an operation have been delayed. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi told reporters that Israel is "ready to invade," but nevertheless explained the delay.

"At this stage, there are tactical and strategic factors which are allowing us more time to improve and to exploit every minute to be more ready," he said. "With every minute that passes for the other side, we are attacking the enemy more, killing his fighters, killing his commanders, destroying his infrastructure, and collecting more intelligence for the next moves."

A salvo of rockets is fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza toward Israel on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, President Biden's administration has also urged Israel to delay the invasion in hopes of providing more time to negotiate the release of hostages.

US MILITARY SHOOTS DOWN TURKISH DRONE AFTER COMING TOO CLOSE TO TROOPS IN SYRIA

Hamas has so far released four of the roughly 200 hostages it took in the Oct. 7 attack. The terror groups released two Americans and two Israelis, but there have been no further updates on negotiations.

Israeli Defense Forces are prepared for a ground invasion into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "destroy" Hamas, and he has the full support of the U.S. and other Western nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Netanyahu on Tuesday and said the campaign against Hamas must be "without mercy, but not without rules."





Original article source: Hamas launches massive rocket barrage as Israel delays invasion
JERUSALEM  Hamas released two more hostages Monday, likely bringing relief to families who were desperate for their return but leaving hundreds of people in agony over the fate of the more than 200 people who remain captive.

The two hostages were identified as Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85. In a statement on Telegram, the military wing of Hamas said it had decided to release the two women for compelling humanitarian reasons.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had facilitated the release of the two captives and transported them out of Gaza on Monday night local time.

Follow live coverage from NBC News here.

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper. (via Reuters; Hostages and Missing Families Forum via AP)

Lifshitzs grandson, Daniel Lifshitz , expressed relief upon news of her release.

I believed this moment would come, he said. I wanted this moment to come.

Daniel Lifshitz, speaking from Eilat, Israel, said relatives were emotional and happy his grandmother and Cooper were released after they were taken from a western Israel community, Nir Oz kibbutz, near Gaza.

Were expecting the rest to be released, all hostages from the kibbutz, and all hostages in general, he said.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that both Coopers and Lifshitzs husbands, Amiram, 85, and Oded, 83, who were kidnapped together with them, remain in Hamas custody, along with other hostages.

We will continue to work in every way for their return, a statement from the office said.

Reuters footage showed a helicopter landing on the rooftop of Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv in the early hours of Tuesday, with soldiers carrying the women on stretchers into the medical facility.

The hospital said the hostages were doing OK and were reunited with their families in a very moving meeting, according to a spokesperson, in video translated by news agencies.

The announcement comes three days after the release of two Americans who had been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip  Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter, Natalie. They are related to former Israel-based NBC News correspondent Martin Fletcher.

At least 222 people were taken hostage by Hamas after terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,400 people, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel and Hamas have been at war since, and Israels retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza have killed more than 5,000 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Hamas has said it does not have custody of all the hostages and that some were taken captive by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group based in Gaza.

Israel has demanded the release of everyone who was kidnapped on Oct. 7; Hamas has said it will free its captives only when Israeli airstrikes in Gaza come to a halt.

The hostage crisis has roiled Israel and stunned people around the world. The U.S. is advising Israel to delay a ground invasion to allow for more time for hostage negotiations and humanitarian aid, according to four U.S. officials.

The rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza have stoked international concerns about a major humanitarian crisis, with many groups accusing Israel of breaching international law by exercising collective punishment.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an organization formed in the wake of the brutal Oct. 7 attack, said in a statement that it welcomed the safe return of Cooper and Lifshitz as well as their upcoming reunification with their loved ones.

We are determined to achieve our goal  the release of all hostages, the group added. Hundreds are still in the hands of a ruthless terrorist organization, among them babies, mothers, fathers, elderly, and soldiers, who are all awaiting their safe return.

In an interview on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the release of the Raanans but appeared to express skepticism over whether Hamas would actually release more hostages.

Were hopeful that more [will be] released, Blinken said. But the bottom line is this: They need to be released. Each and every one of them. Now. Unconditionally.

President Joe Biden echoed those comments in an exchange with a reporter Monday morning. When asked whether he would like to see a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, the president replied: We should have those hostages released, then we can talk.

He spoke with Netanyahu after the release of the hostages, and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas  including Americans, a White House readout of the call said.

Richard Engel reported from Jerusalem, and Daniel Arkin from New York.

This article first appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
China has issued a guideline to strengthen the dynamic monitoring of the low-income population and improve the tiered and classified social assistance system.

Efforts should be made to ensure the fruits of reform and development benefit people in need more equitably and the basic living needs of the people are met, according to the guideline jointly issued by 10 government agencies and forwarded by the General Office of the State Council.

It identified the range of low-income people in need of assistance and categorized them into different tiers according to their degree of difficulty.

Civil affairs authorities at all levels should gradually improve the dynamic monitoring information platform for low-income populations, detect the risks of their difficulties through real-time monitoring, and deal with early-warning information in a classified way.

The guideline required related authorities to offer tiered and classified relief and assistance to low-income people regularly with the help of monitoring information. The assistance includes support for basic livelihood, support in the fields of medical care, education, housing, employment, disaster relief, as well as emergency support.

It also encouraged the development of social assistance in the form of services, other forms of assistance, and charitable assistance.
Several locations in the southern city of Khan Younis were targeted in Israeli strikes overnight and on Tuesday

More than 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

Israel's military said it struck 400 "terror targets" and killed several Hamas commanders over the same period.

It also declared that it would not reduce its attacks despite Hamas's release of another two hostages.

UN aid agencies meanwhile pleaded for sustained and safe humanitarian access, warning they were "on their knees".

A third of hospitals in Gaza are no longer functioning due to shortages of electricity, medicine and staff, and the shortage of clean water is now critical.

Israel launched its bombing campaign against Hamas - which Israel, the UK, US and other powers class as a terrorist organisation - in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October in which at least 1,400 people were killed and 222 others were taken hostage.

Nearly 5,800 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the health ministry.

Map of Gaza showing the zone in the north which Israeli authorities have ordered civilians to evacuate by moving south of the Wadi Gaza.

Intense Israeli air strikes overnight hit hundreds of locations across Gaza.

Some of those killed in the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah were displaced people who had fled the north in response to an Israeli military order to evacuate the area for their own safety, local officials said.

They included 13 members of one family from Gaza City, who had been staying in a residential building in Qarara, on the north-eastern outskirts of Khan Younis, where the population has swelled from 400,000 to 1.2 million.

A relative who survived said: "We were sleeping and suddenly a big explosion happened. All of my family are dead."

The BBC's Rushdi Abu Alouf says there was grief, shock and anger at the city's hospital on Tuesday morning, as bodies were brought out of the mortuary and taken away for burial. Mourners said there was "no safe place" in Gaza.

Later, about 20 people were reportedly killed in a strike on a residential building in the heavily-populated Amal area of Khan Younis.

Israel's military chief said its "unrelenting attacks" would fully dismantle Hamas

The Hamas-run health ministry said it had been the deadliest 24 hours of the war so far, with 704 people reported killed, including 305 children, 173 women and 78 elderly people. That brought the overall death toll in Gaza to 5,791, it added.

The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, said on Tuesday morning that its jets struck "dozens of terror infrastructure and Hamas staging grounds" in several northern areas in and around Gaza City, as well as a "Hamas operational tunnel shaft" near the Mediterranean coastline.

It added that aircraft also targeted Hamas command centres and staging grounds located in mosques, killing the deputy commanders of three battalions of Hamas's military wing, and also struck dozens of Hamas gunmen setting up to fire rockets towards Israel.

"We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling - its leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms," IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi told commanders on Monday. "The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way."

He also said that Israeli troops massing near the Gaza perimeter fence were "well prepared for the ground operations" - a reference to the invasion expected soon.

The general spoke before Hamas released two elderly Israeli women - Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79 - who were taken as hostages from the Nir Oz kibbutz close to Gaza on 7 October. Others living there were killed and the women's husbands remain among those being held.

Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters that she "went through hell" when Hamas took her hostage

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is growing more and more desperate, with shortages of food, water and shelter for the 1.4 million people who have fled their homes.

The health ministry warned the territory's healthcare system could collapse and 12 of the 32 hospitals in Gaza were out of service. The others were running out of fuel and only running the most essential services.

A spokeswoman the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which runs the largest humanitarian operation in Gaza, warned that it had also almost exhausted its fuel stocks.

"If we do not get fuel urgently, we will be forced to halt our operations in the Gaza Strip as of Wednesday night," Juliette Touma told the BBC.

More on Israel-Gaza war

At a briefing in Geneva, UNRWA said just 54 lorries of aid had been allowed to cross through the Egyptian-controlled Rafah crossing since 21 October. Before that, Gaza had been receiving around 500 lorries a day.

Access once the limited supplies are allowed in is also challenging.

The UN has not received the necessary security guarantees to allow aid to be delivered across Gaza, including to the north, where thousands of people, some of them severely injured, remain despite Israel's evacuation order.

The World Health Organization warned that while some medical supplies had been allowed in they were not enough to meet the needs. Medical personnel standing by in Egypt have also not been allowed to accompany the supplies.

The WHO stressed that fuel, which has so far not been allowed in, was essential for desalination plants, bakeries and hospitals.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering inside UN-run facilities across Gaza

The shortage of clean water is now critical, as people only have access to between 1 and 3 litres (34-101 fl oz) of water per day. The basic minimum is 15 litres per day, according to the WHO.

The World Food Programme said it had reduced food rations in an effort to ensure it was reaching as many people as possible.

Emad Abuaassi, who moved from Blackpool in England to northern Gaza with his wife and four children 10 months ago, told the BBC in a voice note that they were now living in a two-bedroom flat in Khan Younis with about 50 other people.

"We're struggling for everything. We've just managed to have half a sandwich - me and my kids this morning," he said. "The queue is half a mile for a bag of bread."

"I don't know what's going to happen in the next two or three days."

Israel has agreed to limited deliveries of aid other than fuel, saying that could be stolen and exploited by Hamas for military purposes.

An IDF spokesman posted a satellite photo showing 12 fuel tanks near Rafah which he said contained hundreds of thousands of litres of diesel belonging to Hamas. He alleged that the group "steals the diesel from the civilians and transfers it to tunnels, [rocket] launchers and senior officials".

Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter) the Israeli military told UNRWA: "Ask Hamas if you can have some."

Additional reporting by Imogen Foulkes in Geneva
A 27-year-old vagrant, who detectives initially nicknamed "Mountain Dew Man" until they uncovered his true identity, has been convicted of murdering a retired couple on a New Hampshire hiking trail near their home in April 2022.

Jurors found Logan Clegg guilty of all charges Monday after two days of deliberations following the shooting deaths of Stephen Reid, 67, and Djeswende "Wendy" Reid, 66, on the Marsh Loop Trail in Concord.

"A liar, a thief, a murderer has been brought to justice today, more importantly forever," son Brian Reid said after the verdict. "Let it be known that the legacy of my parents humanitarian work, their kindness, their love for life will endure. Let today be a reminder of the value of human life and the strength of community."

Clegg faced nine charges, four counts of second-degree murder, four counts of falsifying physical evidence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

NEW HAMPSHIRE DOUBLE MURDER: HOW POLICE ID'D HOMELESS MOUNTAIN DEW MAN IN RETIRED COUPLE SLAYING

The Reids were humanitarian workers who met in Washington, D.C., and immediately knew they were soulmates, their family said previously. They retired to New Hampshire to enjoy the outdoors.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Clegg had been camping in the woods near their home for months.

Shortly after the Reids were reported missing on April 18, police canvassed the area and encountered a man in the area who gave his name as "Arthur Kelly," according to court documents, which noted he was seen carrying a stack of Mountain Dew cans.

Police later found the Reids' remains near the trail, covered in leaves and brush, and began investigating Kelly, who they discovered was really named Logan Clegg. However, he lit his campsite on fire and fled before authorities closed in.

VERMONT VAGRANT TO FACE NEW HAMPSHIRE MURDER CHARGES IN DOUBLE SHOOTING OF RETIRED COUPLE ON HIKING TRAIL

Vermont police arrested him at the South Burlington Public Library on Oct. 12, 2022, according to court documents.

They traced him there through purchase records and phone pings after Homeland Security Investigations discovered he had booked a one-way ticket to Germany that would have left on Oct. 14.

HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol told Fox News Digital that "extraordinary detective work" from agencies across the country went into Clegg's arrest.

He had an open warrant in Utah, so when an HSI agent saw that he had booked the flight to Berlin, he contacted detectives there, according to a police affidavit. The Utah investigators flagged their counterparts in New Hampshire, who circled back with Homeland Security and learned that Customs and Border Protection had uncovered payment and contact details that ultimately led the task force right to the burner phone in Clegg's pocket in Vermont.

At his burned out campsite, police found dozens of cans of Mountain Dew, more than 150 propane tanks and 19 spent shell casings that matched the brand and caliber as the ones recovered near the victims' bodies. However, according to the defense, ballistics testing was inconclusive when compared to the gun recovered from his backpack.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS

Clegg's criminal history includes burglaries and shoplifting  including the thefts of handguns from a sporting goods store.

Retired humanitarian aid workers Stephen Reid, age 67, and Djeswende Reid, age 66, were reported missing on April 18, 2022. Search teams discovered their remains hidden near a hiking trail close to their home on April 21, 2022.

He killed a 28-year-old Spokane man in Washington in 2018  claiming he stabbed him in self-defense. Authorities there did not prosecute him, citing a lack of evidence.

In Utah in 2020, he was arrested again for shoplifting. When police took a gun out of his belt during that arrest, he told the officers he wished he had "a chance to pull [it] out and fight one on one," according to the affidavit.

He added that he would "rather die than f---ing go to prison."

Now, he faces life in prison at sentencing on Dec. 15.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: New Hampshire 'Mountain Dew Man' convicted in double murder of retired couple on hiking trail
HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. - Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams says nine people were arrested, and a drug house has officially been shut down.

The home is located on College Circle, directly across the street from Buchanan Elementary School.

"We had numerous complaints about this drug house," said Sheriff Williams.

Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams (FOX 5)

Complaints came in about people coming and going all hours of the day and night. Callers said the illegal activity would sometimes spill over onto school property.

"Neighbors and school personnel talked about drug deals in the street, people walking up with backpacks," said Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams. "Theyre selling drugs in the street."

A house across the street from Buchanan Elementary School was busted during a drug raid on Oct. 20, 2023. (FOX 5)

Sheriff Williams called in the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force.

"We worked on it a month-and-a-half, made three or four buys from the house, and on Friday, hit the house," said Sheriff Williams.

A house across the street from Buchanan Elementary School was busted during a drug raid on Oct. 20, 2023. (FOX 5)

Investigators say they found meth, heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Everyone inside was arrested. The homeowner, Donnie Worthy, who was not there at the time, was picked up the next day and charged with maintaining a disorderly house.

Nine people were arrested in connection to a drug house bust on Oct. 20, 2023. (Haralson County Sheriff's Office)

Another woman who was walking away when law enforcement showed up was also arrested.

"The activity has been suspicious for a while," said resident Matt Cook.

Cook lives next door. Hes also running for mayor of Buchanan. He says hes relieved law enforcement intervened and arrests were made.

A house across the street from Buchanan Elementary School was busted during a drug raid on Oct. 20, 2023. (FOX 5)

"Its a good step forward to see things are getting done," said Cook.

Sheriff Williams placed a sign out front saying: "This drug house closed for business."

(Credit: Haralson County Sheriff's Office)

"The living conditions in this neighborhood should improve and thats what were here for, were all about helping the people," said Sheriff Williams.
Betty Jo Bowman loved to travel and spoil her Corgi named Crumpet. She was an adept pharmacist.

The 32-year-old Wichita native, who graduated in 2009 from Bishop Carroll High School, died Aug. 20 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She worked as a pharmacist at the renowned hospital.

Bowmans husband, 30-year-old Connor Fitzgerald Bowman, who was doing residency in internal medicine at the hospital, was charged Monday with murder in her death. He is accused of poisoning her, court records show.

Jason Herold is a pharmacist at the Mayo Clinic. He trained Betty Bowman when she arrived in 2021.

What I really remember about her is right away she was so sharp and very reliable and hardworking and smart, he said. Like I told my supervisor the next day, we hit a home run with that one. She was like a very, very good pharmacist. She was also a really nice person. Everybody liked being around her  you were happy to see her.

She moved on to work as a pharmacist in the operating room, he said, but would still occasionally take shifts where he works alongside roughly 100 people.

Im certain that not a single person didnt like her, he said. Its like really hard for me to imagine how anybody could not like her. There was nothing to not like.

Herold said he was originally told she died of a sudden illness, but it didnt make sense for someone who was healthy.

To be honest, this makes a lot more sense then she got sick and died suddenly, he said on learning her husband had been arrested in her death.

Connor Bowman remained jailed Tuesday afternoon. He was arrested Friday during a traffic stop. An attorney for Bowman did not immediately respond to a call.

Betty Bowman lit up every room she was in

Family sent a statement about Betty Bowman through a friend of hers.

Bettys love was boundless, and it extended far beyond the confines of family and friends, the statement said. Her warm smile, kind words, and caring actions left an indelible mark on our hearts. Betty had a passion for life that was infectious. She lived life to the fullest, embracing each day with enthusiasm and joy. One of Bettys greatest strengths was her unwavering love, forgiveness and support for those she cared about.

Coworkers and friends wrote about the impact Betty Bowman had on them on a funeral homes online condolence page and on Facebook.

Betty (Bowman) was the best friend anyone could ask for, thoughtful, smart, witty, and so much fun to be around, high school friend Mary Bartlett said on Facebook. She lit up every room she was in with her smile and sense of humor.

On the condolence page, another person wrote: You always showed me kindness on such a personal level even when things were complicated. You personalized our chat with lime green and dolphins because you knew they were my favorite. We bonded over Stitch and Land Before Time  I always felt confident in myself, flaws and all whenever we hung out together.

The person added: You were also one of my biggest supporters when I initially fell sick. Your validation and kind heart meant SO much to me as I struggled mentally to be at peace with my chronic illness. You let me stay with you and Connor while I sought answers at Mayo.

Betty Bowmans obituary says she loved to travel and liked to spoil her Corgi with unique doggy treats, toys, and outings to local parks.

She often spent her free time visiting local coffee shops, eating delicious cheeses, and spending quality time with her good friends, her obituary says. Her authentic spirit lives on in the hearts of friends and family.

The obituary says she died of sudden onset autoimmune and infectious illness and that she is survived by her fur-baby Sir Crumpet II of Mulberry (corgi), her husband Connor, and so many special friends and loved ones.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help her family with legal costs, memorial costs, meals, bills and anything else that can help make things just a little easier while they grieve.

Betty adored her mom and I know she would want her and her family to be taken care of during this difficult time, the fundraiser says.

The fundraiser can be found at rb.gy/h7dej.

Another fundraiser set up in honor of Bowman has more than quadrupled its $1,000 goal.

That fundraiser was set up for the Trevor Project, a nonprofit aimed at reducing suicides in the LGBTQ community. That fundraiser has a picture of Crumpet sitting on an inflatable with a rainbow on it while sitting in the water.

One of the donations was anonymous but says from your entire Pharmacy Family Nationwide.

People wore rainbow attire at Bowmans celebration of life. Herold said she was an advocate for LGBTQ rights.

On the last day of them working together, a former coworker said in the condolences, Bowman came in later than usual because there was a beautiful rainbow and sunrise to observe.

She was one of the few people to openly share her love for her practice, as well as her love for life, the person wrote.

Bowman got her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas in 2017 before taking jobs at Stormont Vail Health, Ascension Via Christi and then the Mayo Clinic, according to LinkedIn and her obituary.

We are aware of the recent arrest of a former Mayo Clinic resident on charges unrelated to his Mayo Clinic responsibilities, the Mayo Clinic said in a statement. The residents training at Mayo Clinic ended earlier this month.

The Mayo Clinic would not respond to specific questions.

Poison specialist at KU

The Bowmans got married less than two and a half years ago.

A Facebook post on his page says Connor Bowman got the residency at the Mayo Clinic through the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita.

Here are what court documents say about his arrest after his wifes death:

In addition to his residency, Bowman had been working as a poison specialist through the University of Kansas.

As a poison specialist, he had devices from the University of Kansas to do his work and would answer calls regarding poisons. He worked in that role for a few days at the beginning of August, before his wifes death.

After her death, KU contacted the police department about some of the searches Bowman did.

He had been looking up sodium nitrate, which limits oxygen being transported throughout the body. He also looked up colchicine, which is used to treat gout, and had multiplied his wifes weight by 0.8.

0.8 mg/kg is considered the lethal dosage rate for colchicine, court records say. Bowman had not received any calls regarding colchicine, no other employee received calls regarding colchicine either.

Betty Bowman wasnt prescribed the drug but had an elevated level of colchicine in her blood when she got to the hospital. She was killed by the toxic effects of colchicine, court records show, indicating the death was a homicide.

Additionally, before his wifes death, Bowman had searched other things as well, including a medical journal used to search the lethality of substances, and the terms: food v. industrial grade sodium nitrate and internet browsing history: can it be used in court? and Police track package delivery and delete amazon data police, according to court records.

Other details from court records

One person told police that they texted Betty Bowman on Aug. 15. She reported drinking at home with her husband.

The next morning, she texted back that she was sick and thought it was a drink she had received that caused her illness because it was mixed in a large smoothie.

Betty Bowman was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 16 with severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. Based on the symptoms, she was treated for food poisoning but her condition continued to decline until her Aug. 20 death.

Bowman gave her husband permission to look through her medical file, but that permission expired at her death, court records say. Still, he continued to look at the records and even created a document but didnt enter any information.

Because Bowman created a documentation, he was identified as part of Victims care team which allowed him to enter the medical record without entering his credentials, the record says.

Bowman told people his wife was suffering from a rare illness called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which damages a persons organs. Tests for the illness were inconclusive, but Bowman mentioned an autoimmune disease as the cause of death in her obituary, according to court records.

The Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiners Office contacted the Rochester Police Department after learning that her death was suspicious.

Bowman tried to order that she be cremated immediately and tried to cancel an autopsy, according to court records. He also asked a death investigator about the thoroughness of a toxicology.

One witness told the examiners office that they were having marital issues and were talking about a divorce following infidelity and a deteriorating relationship. Another person told a detective that Bowman had debt and that Bowman told them that he would get $500,000 if his wife died.

Officers searching Bowmans home found a receipt for a $450,000 bank deposit.

He has been charged with second-degree murder.
Harvard takes another blow over Israel as ex-Maryland governor withdraws from a pair of fellowships citing 'dangerous antisemitism'

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is pulling out of two Harvard University fellowship programs.

Hogan said this was in response to "dangerous antisemitism" that had "taken root" on its campus.

Tensions escalated after some student groups said they held Israel responsible for Hamas' attacks.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is the latest prominent figures to cut ties with Harvard, saying he's withdrawing from the university's fellowship programs over what he claims is "dangerous anti-Semitism" on campus.

In a letter to the university's leadership on Monday explaining his decision, Hogan referred to a statement originally signed by more than 30 Harvard student organizations saying that they held Israel "entirely responsible" for the outbreak of violence in the Middle East following Hamas' terrorist attacks on Israel.

Hogan's letter was addressed to Claudine Gay, the university's president, who has been heavily criticized over Harvard's response to the student groups' statement.

"While these students have a right to free speech, they do not have a right to have hate speech go unchallenged by your institution," Hogan wrote. "Harvard's failure to immediately and forcefully denounce the anti-Semitic vitriol from these students is in my opinion a moral stain on the University."

Hogan was due to start fellowships at Harvard's Kennedy School of Politics and the Chan School of Public Health.

"Unfortunately, this letter is to officially inform you that I must regretfully withdraw my offer to participate in this engagement," he wrote to Gay. "I cannot condone the dangerous anti-Semitism that has taken root on your campus, especially by more than 30 Harvard student organizations attempting to justify and celebrate Hamas' terrorism against innocent Israeli and American civilians."

"This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but it is my hope that it may help further spur you to take meaningful action to address anti-Semitism and restore the values Harvard should represent to the world," Hogan continued.

Hogan had been appointed to serve as a Hauser Leader at Harvard Kennedy School in the fall semester, a position which involves advising students, speaking in classrooms, engaging in research, talking to key external stakeholders, and sharing expertise with faculty. His role was described as a leadership advisor to the program, and his term was set to coincide with that of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Insider understands that Hogan was going to visit the Harvard Kennedy School in November in his role as an advisor.

Hogan was removed from the Hauser Leaders Program webpage on Tuesday morning.

Hogan was also initially set to serve as a fellow at the Chan School of Public Health but because of his limited availability he was instead scheduled to livestream a Q&A from campus and hold some private meetings and round-table conversations with students and faculty, Insider understands.

Hogan, a Republican, served two terms as Maryland governor from 2015 to 2023.

Insider contacted Harvard for comment on whether it will replace Hogan and for a response to his statement. The request was sent outside regular working hours.

Lawmakers, donors, and students have criticized Harvard's response

The collection of student organizations quickly faced backlash after they released their statement on October 8 blaming Israel for the attacks by Hamas. Business leaders including hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman have asked for a list of the names of the organizatons' members so that they can avoid hiring them. Students said to be associated with the statement have also been the victim of doxxing attacks.

The university itself has also faced immense backlash. Some students, lawmakers from both sides, wealthy donors, and alumni say that Harvard hasn't done enough to condemn Hamas' attacks on Israel and to denounce the students involved in the statement.

Israeli billionaires Idan and Batia Ofer stepped down from their positions on the executive board of the Harvard Kennedy School, while billionaire retailer Les Wexner's Jewish leadership philanthropy organization, the Wexner Foundation, cut funding from the school.

Gay, the university's president, has made multiple statements condemning Hamas' violence and has stressed that the student groups don't speak for Harvard or its leadership. But in a video released on October 12, she said that the university also rejects harassment and intimidation based on people's beliefs and that its commitment to free expression includes "views that many of us find objectionable, even outrageous."

"We do not punish or sanction people for expressing such views," Gay said. "But that is a far cry from endorsing them."

The Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee, which penned the original student-group statement, previously said in an update that it "staunchly opposes all violence against all innocent life and laments all human suffering."

"We reject that Palestinian solidarity groups are always expected to preempt their statements with condemnation of violence while overlooking the structures that produce said violence," the PSC added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
It was nearly 20 years ago, but Cindi Hagley, a realtor in Californias Bay Area, still remembers being alone inside a home in Antioch when she swore she spotted something out of the corner of her eye.

Hagley, who left a career as an ABC TV executive in 2006, hosted an open house for the property the following afternoon. A neighbor arrived, eager to see the inside  and thats when she learned the scary home had a decades-long reputation of being haunted.

Hagley later informed the seller of this interesting feedback. They told her oh yeah, weve got a ghost.

She wondered what would happen if she started marketing the home as haunted. When she did, the interest spiked.

Her marketing strategy worked out in her favor, although she ultimately sold the home to buyers who didnt believe in ghosts, she explained.

She first made her mark selling homes rumored to be haunted, including that first one she ever sold in Antioch, but shes not a haunted house realtor as some folks claim to be, she told McClatchy News.

Nowadays, Hagley, who grew up in West Virginia and Ohio and lived in homes she believes were haunted, takes a different approach and no longer markets homes as potentially haunted, she said.

Nor do I disclose it until were already in contract.

In California, disclosing a potential haunting isnt required, or mentioned, by state law. This is similar for the majority of states in the U.S., according to a recent Zillow analysis.

However, a few states  Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York  do have laws mentioning paranormal activity when it comes to real estate.

Two states with laws mentioning the paranormal

A home.

In Minnesota, there is no duty for sellers to disclose if a home is the site of a suicide, accidental death, natural death, or perceived paranormal activity, according to state law.

Cari Ann Carter, a realtor with Edina Realty, a top producing broker in the Twin Cities in Minnesota and the owner of the Cari Ann Carter Group, has represented over a thousand homes for sale over the past 25 years, she told McClatchy News.

Of those homes, shes come across around five she believes were potentially haunted, which she said is rare.

In regards to disclosures, despite there being no requirement in the state to do so, Carter views it as unnecessary to mention if a home comes with potential ghosts and describes doing so as opening a can of worms because it is subjective.

Some people dont even believe in this at all  at the end of the day, what youre selling is real estate and, you know, architecture and a lifestyle, Carter said.

Certain details that do need to be disclosed to buyers in Minnesota relate to the physical condition of the property, Carter explained, such as mold, prior zoning violations or criminal activities  specifically whether methamphetamine was manufactured inside a home.

As for potential hauntings, Carter, who describes herself as very in tune with energy, believes they can happen, but that theyre not as frequent as people think they are.

On one occasion, she had a bizarre experience when showing a family a home along Summit Avenue in St. Paul, where theres a large amount of historical homes.

While walking up the homes staircase, she said she suddenly felt as if she walked through a cold ice wall, turned around and tripped down the stairs. She said it felt as if she was pushed.

I looked at the family and said this isnt the right property. We need to go now, she said. Now is that a regular occurrence? No you either resonate with that and believe in it or you dont.

Later, she said she was told a murder took place at the property.

Similar to Minnesota, Massachusetts state law specifically mentions perceived paranormal phenomena as something that doesnt need to be disclosed ahead of the sale of a home.

Theres no way to prove paranormal activity, Carter said.

Theres a lot bigger subjects that have to be discussed, like affordability  meeting the needs of the client.

New York, where one home is legally haunted

A sign reading I believe in Ghosts stands outside the Cassadaga, Fla. house owned by Victor Vogenitz, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007.

In New York in 1991, the state Supreme Court ruled one home in Nyack  a village nestled along the Hudson River about an hours drive north of New York City  was haunted as a matter of law.

The ruling stemmed from how a buyer sued the woman who sold him the home after she didnt tell him it was purportedly haunted  a reputation she helped perpetuate. As a result, the man filed suit to rescind the contract of the sale, according to Cornell Law Schools Legal Information Institute.

Plaintiff, to his horror, discovered that the house he had recently contracted to purchase was widely reputed to be possessed by poltergeists, Justice Israel Rubin wrote in the famous case of Stambovsky v. Ackley.

While the homes owner, Helen V. Ackley, reported the existence of spectral apparitions in her home to the media, which once described her home as a riverfront Victorian (with ghost) she made no mention of paranormal activity to Jeffrey M. Stambovsky, who was from New York City.

The State Supreme Courts appellate division ruled in favor of Stambovsky, arguing Ackley shouldve disclosed the purported hauntings to him as she did to the public. The ruling rescinded the contract of the sale and allowed Stambovsky the recovery of his down payment.

Jill McDowell, a real estate agent in Long Island, New York, who has worked in the business for nine years after a 20-year career as a TV news reporter, told McClatchy News that while she believes homes can be haunted, shes never sold or attempted to sell such a property.

If a seller believes their home is haunted and its known throughout the community, I think, without a doubt that a seller should not only tell the agent but also allow the agent to disclose that information to potential buyers, she said.

She said her friend purchased a home that she later discovered was haunted. While her friend considers the rumored spirit that dwells in it to be friendly, McDowell said she wishes the seller disclosed the haunting.

Paranormal investigators weigh in

Haunted sign outside of a door.

Kathy Eastman, a medium and team member of the Paranormal Investigators of New England  an organization founded in 2004 that conducts paranormal investigations free of charge  lived in a home she and her family believed was haunted in New Jersey as a child, she told McClatchy News.

When my parents sold their haunted house they did disclose it, Eastman said before her family moved to Vermont in 1975.

In New Jersey law, certain psychological impairments related to a home, including a property purportedly being haunted, dont need to be disclosed  unless the potential buyer asks about it.

Eastman said she and her parents felt a potential buyer should know if the house was haunted before the sale, she said.

If Im buying the Amityville Horror House and I dont actually know the background of it, I think that should be disclosed  or the Conjuring house, she said.

As a member of the Paranormal Investigators of New England, which is part of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) founded in 1990 by Jason Hawes of the TV series Ghost Hunters, Eastman and her colleagues conduct an in-depth investigation to determine if a home is haunted.

Team members rely both on equipment  including digital recorders to capture electronic voice phenomena body cameras, a temperature gun, a thermal imager and a night heat seeking camera  and the abilities of certain members, including herself, she describes as sensitives.

They will first do a walkthrough of a home, making observations of what they see, feel and hear, before consulting with the client about their personal experiences. Then, they will go back in and conduct an investigation using their equipment before making conclusions in a written report, Eastman said.

Sometimes, there may not be a paranormal issue occurring, according to Eastman, who said the team tries to debunk everything that we can.

Were there to distinguish what is (paranormal) and what isnt, Eastman said.

It may be a tree was banging against the wall on the outside of the house  or, you know, maybe there were pests up in the attic and running around  rather than rustling from a spirit, Eastman said.

We take all the evidence and put it together before we make a determination, she added.

Dan Pacella, the lead paranormal investigator and co-founder of Orange County NY Paranormal, which conducts paranormal investigations throughout New York, estimates for the majority of residential properties they investigate, they dont usually find much.

However, theres been a few instances where theres been a lot of activity, Pacella said.

He said the investigations his team conducts are purely equipment-based, as no one currently on the team is a psychic or medium.

When asked if he believes whether potential hauntings should be disclosed, Pacella said he understands why people choose not to disclose it.

Itll either help you sell it or help you not sell it. I know people that if they know a house is haunted, they would probably buy it in five seconds, he said. But some people want nothing to do with it.

I can play voices for you that Ive captured in a house, he added, but if you dont believe theyre there  theres nothing I can do.

But Pacella stressed that even if you believe a home comes with uninvited paranormal guests, you shouldnt fear the worst.

Satan is not in everybodys basement, he said. We dont run into a lot of negative entities because we dont seek them out and nor do we antagonize.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Haywood County Sheriffs Office needs your help finding a woman who was reported missing from her home in Brownsville.

Dana Davis, 52, was reported missing from her home located at 642 Cobb Crossing on Oct. 15.

According to the sheriffs office, her vehicle was left at her home with her purse laying inside the vehicle. The drivers door was also open and her cell phone was missing.

Davis is described as 56, 130 pounds with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing jeans, a pullover top, and sandals.

Deputies searched the area surrounding her home using a drone, helicopters, trained search canines, tracking search and rescue deputies, rescue squad, and family volunteers along with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource agency. However, no trace of her was found.

Are kids committing more crimes? Many say yes, but the numbers dont show it

Anyone with information about Dana Davis whereabouts is urged to call the Haywood County Sheriffs Office at 731-772-6158.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
October marks LGBTQ+ History Month, which celebrates the communitys notable contributions to the country and observes the fight for equal rights. Historically Black colleges and universities took part in the celebrations through their own HBCU Out Loud Day, held on the third Wednesday of the month. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation originally introduced the event to carve out a space for Black LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs.

We established HBCU Out Loud Day, and it was a day that we wanted people to be out loud in their own way on campus, Leslie Hall, the founder of HBCU Out Loud Day and HRCs HBCU program director, told the Advocate. We would rely heavily on the campuses themselves to post or, plan, post and organize events for their own community. We didnt want it to be such a lift where we were planning the events on their campuses.

 To commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month, the @HRC Foundations Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program established HBCU Out Loud Day, a national day of action raising awareness about Black LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs. #HBCUBUZZ #HRC #LGBTQ https://t.co/cGUKTmpSds  HBCU Buzz (@HBCUBuzz) October 24, 2023

About 14 HBCUs participated in this years celebrations, including institutions such as Howard University, Dillard University and Alcorn State University. The event included initiatives such as workshops, panel discussions and educational programs that highlighted the unique experience of being both Black and queer. The event also served as a space where students could embrace their identity without the pressure of coming out.

It really is a day for campuses to embrace their LGBTQ community in a way that feels natural to them, Hall added. Its also not Coming Out Day. And I think that is what folks just had some angst about.

A student shared her thoughts on the event and noted the impact of having that representation on campus.

The initiative behind HBCU Out Loud Day is what DU PRIDE is all about, Tyronae Smith, a student at Dillard University, told the news outlet. We want to celebrate and embrace black queerness and be unapologetic about it.

The event is about representation and highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ+ people of color to the community and its fight for civil rights.

We want campuses to roll out the welcome mat for their LGBTQ students, Halls said. If its HBCU Out Loud Day, then thats another way that students can really see themselves represented on the campus.
By Leroy Leo

(Reuters) -HCA Healthcare tightened its full-year forecast and missed Wall Street estimates for quarterly profit on Tuesday, as the hospital operator's staffing joint venture was hit by high physician compensation and subsidies.

Shares of the company dropped 8.3% to $221.03 in early trading. It also sent shares of smaller rivals such as Tenet Healthcare and Community Health Systems down more than 3%.

Valesco, HCA's joint venture with a unit of bankrupt Envision Healthcare, has been under pressure from an increase in physician expenses across the sector, which partly led to the bankruptcy filing of medical staffing firm American Physician Partners last month.

Last month, CFO William Rutherford said HCA has had to provide "increased subsidies" to stabilize the staffing programs, especially as they need emergency room doctors and anesthesiologists.

Stephens analyst Scott Fidel in a note said that the pressure from Valesco offset the strong performance of the hospital operator, which showed better-than-expected 4.1% growth in same-facility equivalent admissions.

HCA, the largest for-profit hospital operator in the U.S., generated third-quarter revenue of $16.21 billion, which surpassed estimates of $15.82 billion, as per LSEG data.

The company reported a 9.5% year-on-year increase in expenses on salaries and benefits to $7.56 billion, which accounted for nearly 46.6% of its third-quarter revenue.

On an adjusted basis, its profit came in at $3.91 per share for the third quarter, missing analysts' average estimate of $3.98 per share.

The hospital operator also tightened its forecast for 2023 profit to $17.80 to $18.50 per share, with its midpoint now lower than that of the company's earlier forecast of $17.70 to $18.90 per share.

(Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal)
The Boarding School Healing Totem Pole at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska was raised just before sundown on Sunday. (Photos/Levi Rickert for Native News Online)

ANCHORAGEBraving frigid temperatures, members of Alaska Native communities took the concept "it takes a village to raise a child" to a different level on Sunday, Oct. 22, when a crowd of more than 500 gathered to raise a totem pole dedicated to healing from the Indian boarding school era.

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland joined the crowd as it raised The Boarding School Totem Pole after Sunday's "Road to Healing" listening session at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Other attendees included members of the Interior Department's team that has assisted along the Road to Healing tour, as well as Deborah Parker, chief operating officer of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and Shelly Lowe, chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland assisted with blessing the healing totem pole. (Photo: Levi Rickert)

The Boarding School Healing Totem Pole is the first totem pole dedicated to Indian boarding school survivors, descendants, and ancestors who did not return home. The totem pole was carved this year at the Alaska Native Heritage Center by Haida master carvers Gidaawaan Joe Young and Sgwaayaans T.J. Young. The concept of this special pole was brought forth by Haida Elder Norma Jean Dunne (Haida/Tsimshian).

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Haaland and other women, including teen females, blessed the healing totem pole before it was raised. Newland helped Alaska Native men carry the totem pole from where it was carved to the spot it was raised.

Assistant Secretary Newland assisted by carrying the totem pole. (Photo: Levi Rickert)

The healing totem depicts Bear mother who can be seen clutching her two cubs while the father (in human form) sits above her, embedded in a ravens tail. Above him, the raven is mid-transformation, at a place in between a human and a raven form. Two children rest comfortably in ravens ears.

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About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
China to strengthen monitoring of low-income population, improve social assistance system

Xinhua) 08:09, October 24, 2023

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- China has issued a guideline to strengthen the dynamic monitoring of the low-income population and improve the tiered and classified social assistance system.

Efforts should be made to ensure the fruits of reform and development benefit people in need more equitably and the basic living needs of the people are met, according to the guideline jointly issued by 10 government agencies and forwarded by the General Office of the State Council.

It identified the range of low-income people in need of assistance and categorized them into different tiers according to their degree of difficulty.

Civil affairs authorities at all levels should gradually improve the dynamic monitoring information platform for low-income populations, detect the risks of their difficulties through real-time monitoring, and deal with early-warning information in a classified way.

The guideline required related authorities to offer tiered and classified relief and assistance to low-income people regularly with the help of monitoring information. The assistance includes support for basic livelihood, support in the fields of medical care, education, housing, employment, disaster relief, as well as emergency support.

It also encouraged the development of social assistance in the form of services, other forms of assistance, and charitable assistance.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This file photo taken by an infrared camera shows a snow leopard in the Mount Qomolangma reserve area in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Snow Leopard Conservation Alliance was established on Monday in Xining, capital city of northwest China's Qinghai Province.

The alliance was jointly initiated by the provincial forestry and grassland bureau, the municipal government of Xining, the Sanjiangyuan National Park administration, the Qinghai administration of the Qilian Mountain National Park, and Eco-Bridge Continental. It has seen the participation of more than 90 government agencies, universities, research institutions, social organizations and enterprises from across the country.

On Monday, a seminar on snow leopard conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was also held. Experts and scholars attended the event, sharing their experiences of snow leopard monitoring research and conservation.

The establishment of the alliance is expected to integrate and optimize the strengths and resources of all parties involved in snow leopard conservation, and establish an efficient system and collaborative mechanism for the co-building, co-management and co-protection of snow leopards.

Known as the "king of snow mountains," the snow leopard is under first-class national protection in China and is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Experts have estimated that the population of snow leopards in Sanjiangyuan has reached about 1,200.
Five years after they last met in person, the former president and his self-described fixer were reunited in court on the most anticipated day yet in Donald Trump 's fraud trial.

The New York County Courthouse's Roman facade and frescoed interiors have played backdrop to many iconic movies and television shows - perhaps, most famously, Goodfellas.

The scene inside the building today was very much real life, but the dramatic stakes were something straight out of cinema: the consigliere turning on his boss, the underling exacting revenge on the master.

Michael Cohen, the one-time personal lawyer for Mr Trump, took the stand on Tuesday to testify against his former boss in a high-stakes civil fraud case that could see the former president lose a portion of his famous real estate business.

The anticipation for this hearing was high. Though Mr Cohen has provided damaging testimony to prosecutors several times by now, this was the first time he had sat before Mr Trump while he did it.

"Heck of a reunion," Mr Cohen quipped to reporters before walking in to face his boss.

Dressed in a blue blazer, Mr Cohen had ditched the tie but kept his signature hangdog expression and thick Long Island accent.

This being an actual court proceeding, not a cinematic one, there were no bombshell revelations or accompanying gasps from the audience. There was no spontaneous outburst from the defendants.

But over several hours, Mr Cohen provided damaging testimony that repeatedly tied his own actions, and the actions of all the employees at the Trump Organization, directly to Mr Trump.

Mr Cohen testified that he answered to Mr Trump, and Mr Trump alone.

"Whatever issues he had, whatever created ire for him, he would bring it to me in order to resolve it," he told the court.

Later, he said Trump personally asked him and Allen Weisselberg, the convicted ex-chief financial officer of the company, to inflate his assets "arbitrarily" by a number he had chosen.

They did "whatever Mr Trump told us to," Mr Cohen said.

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In this setting, there was not much Mr Trump could offer in response aside from folded arms and a stony expression. But in the court of public opinion, Mr Trump has sought to paint his former personal counsel as a traitor and a "rat".

Walking into court on Tuesday, he told reporters that Mr Cohen was a "proven liar" and a "felon".

"You see what his record is, he is not a credible witness," Mr Trump said. His lawyers picked up that thread during their cross examination.

Alina Habba began by making Mr Cohen read out his guilty pleas from 2018 one by one. She later read federal government statements that Mr Cohen engaged in a "pattern of deception." If Cohen could not be trusted then, she argued, how could they trust what he said under oath today?

At one point, Mr Cohen clearly grew irritated with her questioning and began to interject. When she said he was out of order, Mr Cohen began dictating Supreme Court precedents to justify his statements.

Chris Kise, Mr Trump's lead attorney, declared that Mr Cohen was "out of control".

Years of loyalty, then a falling out

Mr Cohen once claimed he would "take a bullet" for his boss.

The pugnacious lawyer was at Mr Trump's side as he ran his real estate empire - an empire that prosecutors now allege was built on a foundation of fraud.

During the 2016 election, Mr Cohen had arranged hush money payments to an adult film star whom Mr Trump denies he had an affair with (the former president faces a criminal trial related to those payments in New York next year).

But in 2018, during Mr Trump's presidency, Mr Cohen turned on him in the face of serious legal jeopardy. He eventually went to prison after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations.

Since his release, Mr Cohen has undergone a very public reversal, becoming one of Mr Trump's harshest critics and a star witness in not one but two criminal investigations into the former president. He has handed over financial documents to Congress, bashed Mr Trump in the press and said Mr Trump inflated his personal wealth.

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's ex-lawyer, arrives in court where he will testify against his former boss

Mr Trump responded with a $500 million lawsuit against Mr Cohen. His lawyers now say that suit is on pause as he juggles four other criminal cases with a presidential campaign.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has brought a civil fraud case against the Trump Organization, Mr Trump, and his two sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump . She alleges that the company massively inflated its properties' value for personal gain and to secure favourable loans.

Mr Trump has denied any wrongdoing. He has accused Ms James, a Democrat, of leading a politically motivated prosecution.

Judge Arthur Engoron has already ruled the Trump Organization perpetrated fraud. The current trial focuses on other charges of falsification of business records, business fraud, and conspiracy.

Should Mr Trump lose, he could face a fine of up to $250 million, lose his ability to conduct real estate business in New York, and find the future of some of his most famous properties at stake.

Meanwhile, barred from practising law, Mr Cohen, like so many who have been ejected from Mr Trump's orbit, has written a book.

He titled it, "Revenge".
Whether working together to "dent the image of Russia around the world" amid the war in Ukraine, or collaborating to build a nuclear-propelled submarine to assert international water rights in the South China Sea, the United States remains in tight partnership with one of its oldest and closest allies: the United Kingdom.

British Ambassador to the U.S. Dame Karen Pierce touched on many of the world's conflicts and zones of tension during a fireside chat with former U.S. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus at Vanderbilt University on Monday evening.

Here are three takeaways from their conversation.

How can Britain and the U.S. help avert a regional war as conflict continues between Hamas and Israel?

Since Hamas unprecedented attack that left hundreds of Israeli civilians, including scores of children, dead, Britain has worked alongside the U.S. to help prevent the conflict from becoming a regional war.

Hamas is holding British civilians hostage as well as Americans. Britain has deployed the Royal Navy to support the U.S.S. Gerald Ford aircraft carrier positioned in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and provided humanitarian supplies to civilians in Gaza.

British Ambassador Karen Pierce visits Vanderbilt University for a fireside chat with former spokesperson for the US department, Morgan Ortagus in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

Israel has a right to self defense. This was a heinous attack, Pierce said. It is the worst killing of Jews since the holocaust en masse. Somehow a way has to be found that takes that into account without causing more deaths throughout Gaza.

Looking to the future, Pierce said that a two-state solution  one in which both a State of Israel and State of Palestine exist  must be a central goal.

We are going to have to try, eventually, and coax both sides back to negotiating, she said.

But theres a real question on one side of who Israel will be negotiating with.

I think there is a very interesting question as to who represents the Palestinian people in Gaza? We have the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Will Hamas come back to be the leaders of Gaza? Will the Palestinian Authority go in? Some people are even talking about a temporary protectorate.

The end goal, Pierce said, is for both the Israeli and Palestinian people to feel  and be  secure in their own state.

Half the embassy back in D.C. is working on one or other aspect of this problem, so we keep in very close touch with the Israelis as well as with the Arab neighbors, she said.

What is at stake for Europeans as the U.S. considers whether to send more aid to Ukraine?

Once a new U.S. House Speaker is elected, Congress will consider whether to continue sending aid to support Ukraine in the countrys fight to reclaim territory occupied by the Russian military. U.S. President Joe Biden last week proposed a $105 billion foreign aid package to Congress, that includes $61 billion for Ukraine, along with aid for Israel and more funding for border security. Multiple members of Tennessees Congressional delegation have indicated they would support diverting Ukraine aid to Israel.

British Ambassador Karen Pierce visits Vanderbilt University for a fireside chat with former spokesperson for the US department, Morgan Ortagus in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

In Britains perspective, Pierce said, continuing to support Ukraine in its justified fight against Russian aggression is crucial to the stability of Europe. She calls Russian action in Ukraine is a deliberate flouting of international law.

If Russia wins, then the rest of Europe will be at risk. Some countries like Romania, Moldova, the Balkans will be particularly vulnerable to Russia, Pierce said. If Russia has a victory, the Chinese will see that as, not exactly as a green light, but as an incentive to go for Taiwan. And then America really will have to defend its interests.

Pierce said allies should continue to give Ukraine weapons that enable them to meet situations on the ground. Ukrainians have used the British long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles effectively in Crimea, forcing Russians to move their fleet from the west to the east. That, she said, has allowed ships to transport grain from the Black Sea to international markets, including Africa.

The vast majority of people in the U.K. are bipartisan and theyre right behind Ukraine, possibly because they see echoes in it of what Hitler did in the run up to the Second World War, Pierce said.

Aiding Ukraine is not about attacking Moscow, but helping Ukrainians get back more of their lost territory. At some point, Pierce said she foresees a peace process, but that may be a while off.

I think its everyones assessment at the moment that President Putin would not be negotiating seriously if he came to the table at all, she said.

Meantime, there are some reputational wins.

President Putin set out to recreate the Russian empire. Hes not going to be able to do that. That in itself is a win, Pierce said. The Russian army has been shown to be not as capable as people thought. Their defense equipment has been shown to be pretty ragged. That, again, is a win  denting the image of Russia around the world.

Little by little, I think what were really doing is denying a Russian victory, she said.

How can western allies ease tensions between China and Taiwan?

Outcome of the conflict in Ukraine will have implications for Taiwan, Pierce said, and thus, the British government is engaged in strategies in deterrence and communication to avoid increased tension on the Taiwan strait.

In recent years, the Chinese military has built up its forces near Taiwan, while Taiwan has necessarily increased defense capabilities.

British Ambassador Karen Pierce visits Vanderbilt University for a fireside chat with former spokesperson for the US department, Morgan Ortagus in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

If you look at Chinese activity in the area, its all about trying to assert dominance over a larger stretch of territorial water than is recognized by international law," she said. "It's also about trying to stop freedom of navigation."

Britains goal, like that of the United States, is for neither side to escalate or initiate a wider crisis. Britain has sought to protect international waters by freely sailing ships through portions of the sea over which the Chinese have asserted control. Britain is also urging the Chinese to allow the setup of a hotline, similar to an exchange done with the Soviet Union, to avoid miscommunications.

This isnt a cold war, but that need is still there, she said. Were having a huge difficulty convincing the Chinese that its in their interests as well, but were going to go on trying.

Both the British and U.S. militaries are working with Australia in the AUKUS partnership to build nuclear-propelled submarine, which Pierce describes as "groundbreaking from a deterrent point of view."

Like the United States, Britain is not supporting Taiwan to be an independent nation."

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X and Threads at @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Israel-Hamas war: UK ambassador addresses conflict in Nashville chat
One person has died and four others are missing after two cargo ships collided off Germany's North Sea coast, German authorities say.

Two other crew members have been rescued, it added. Seven were on board in total.

The British-flagged Verity reportedly collided with the Bahamian Polesie at around 5:00 local time (3:00 GMT) on Tuesday morning.

The Verity is believed to have sank, while the Polesie is buoyant.

The Verity was travelling from the northern German city of Bremen to Immingham in the UK when it collided with the Polesie, which had departed from Hamburg on a journey to La Coruna in Spain.

The incident happened off the coast of Heligoland, a German archipelago which is part of the state of Schleswig-Holstein.

Two sea rescue cruisers from the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS), a German navy helicopter and a water police boat are aiding in the search efforts, the DGzRS said. A cruise ship which is in the vicinity is also contributing.

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, German Transport Minister Volker Wissing thanked rescue crews and said every effort was being made to rescue the missing people.

The cause of the collision is still unclear.

Map of the last recorded position of the Verity
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Here's a look at how area members of Congress voted Oct. 13 through Oct. 19.

There were no key votes in the House. The House did hold a vote on Friday for a new speaker, but none received enough votes. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., received 210 votes, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, received 194 votes, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., received eight votes, and seven other Republicans received a total of 17 votes.

Senate

Senate Vote 1:DELAWARE JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Jennifer L. Hall to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for Delaware. Hall has been a magistrate judge on the Delaware court since 2019; previously, she was a federal prosecutor in the state. A supporter, Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del., said Hall's "exceptional qualifications, strong character, and even temperament will make her an asset to the District of Delaware." The vote, on Oct. 17, was 67 yeas to 29 nays.YEAS: Sherrod Brown D-OH, J.D. Vance R-OH

Senate Vote 2:PENNSYLVANIA JUDGE: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Julia Kathleen Munley to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Munley was a private practice lawyer in the state for more than two decades then, in 2016, took her current role as a county trial court judge. A supporter, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Munley's "significant litigation background and experience as a state court judge will serve her well on the federal bench." The vote, on Oct. 17, was 52 yeas to 45 nays.YEAS: Brown D-OHNAYS: Vance R-OH

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, works in Washington on Sept. 12, 2023. Sen. Brown, who has represented Ohio since 2007, is running for reelection in 2024.

Senate Vote 3:EMPLOYMENT LAW: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Karla Ann Gilbride to be general counsel for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a four-year term. Gilbride has been a private practice employment lawyer since 2009, most recently at the Public Justice law firm. The vote, on Oct. 17, was 50 yeas to 46 nays.YEAS: Brown D-OHNAYS: Vance R-OH

Senate Vote 4:SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREDIT: The Senate has passed a resolution (S.J. Res. 32), sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., to disapprove of and void a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau agency rule issued this May that requires banks and other financial companies to submit small business credit application information to the bureau. Kennedy said the bureau has perverted Congress' intent for it to only collect a narrow set of information by also requiring private, sensitive information about gender, race, and ethnicity. A resolution opponent, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said: "More data means more accountability, ensuring that lenders reach minority communities and helping to root out discrimination." The vote, on Oct. 18, was 53 yeas to 44 nays.NAYS: Brown D-OHYEAS: Vance R-OH

Senate Vote 5:ISRAEL RESOLUTION: The Senate has passed a resolution (S. Res. 417), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to express support for Israel in its current war with Hamas, including willingness to resupply Israel with military assets, but without authorizing the use of U.S. military force against Hamas. Schumer said: "We demand Hamas stop their attacks and release all hostages, including American hostages. We urge the world to unite against Hamas and against nations like Iran that support global terrorism." The vote, on Oct. 19, was unanimous with 97 yeas.YEAS: Brown D-OH, Vance R-OH

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Votes cast by area members of Congress Oct. 13-19
In Jada Pinkett Smith s new memoir, Worthy, the actor lays down some revelations about her personal life, including the shocking disclosure that she and husband Will Smith have been separated since 2016.

The two are parents to son Jaden and daughter Willow Smith , both in their 20s. Will Smith is also father to Trey Smith, 30, with ex-wife Sheree Zampino.

In an interview with InStyle, Pinkett Smith described the process of asking her children for permission to tell these stories.

What I did was tell them whats in the book, what stories I was going to tell about them specifically, and [ask] if they were okay with that, she said, revealing that her daughter read a huge part of my book before it was even edited.

Of course, most parents arent part of a Hollywood power couple. Gossip about our families wont make headlines or spread across the internet  but anything we share on social media creates a record that can impact our children in both the present and the future.

Experts say that we should all be asking for our childrens consent to share information  and photos  in the way that Pinkett Smith described, assess whether its truly possible for our kids to comprehend what their consent means, and pause to reflect on the potential ramifications before we click share.

Consider your childs feelings now  and years from now.

As Pinkett Smith acknowledged when recounting the way she spoke with her kids about her memoir, writing about your child is different than writing about other key players in your life story.

When its your kids, you have an obligation to protect them in their future, said Devorah Heitner, the author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World.

This means anticipating reactions to whatever photo or anecdote you share, both in the present moment and years down the line.

Anne Marie Albano, a psychologist and clinical site director for the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, said that its not unusual for photos posted years ago by parents to cause issues for kids today.

Youth report being embarrassed and angry when their friends, teachers or other adults share with others their parents Instagram photo of them going through potty training, or a video of them having a tantrum, or in some embarrassing moment that their parent posted, which often also described the child as cute, defiant, shy or by some other label that is then used to embarrass the child, Albano said.

Something that seems cute and innocent to you now may not feel that way to your child years into the future.

Capturing the childs activity or reactions may very much be adorable and touching the heart of the parents and others, at that moment, Albano said. But posting is forever. And as children age and develop their own ideas, their personalities and their interests, posts can lead to negative emotions and feelings about themselves.

In other words, kids may become upset at you for sharing, or your past comments about them may color their current perception of themselves. Neither of these is a desirable outcome.

Be cautious about revealing sensitive family information online.

When it comes to serious news, such as a divorce or job loss, we all understand that its better for kids to hear about it directly from parents. But sometimes parents arent savvy enough to keep things under wraps online.

For example, I remember learning about the divorce of a couple I knew via a comment that one of them posted in a large, international Facebook group. I doubt the person who made the comment realized that she was disclosing the information to me, or even had any idea that I was in the group. What if my own kids then heard me talking about their divorce? What if the couples own children found out this way?

Unfortunately, Albano said, this sometimes happens. We have seen many children and teenagers who find out about major life changes through social media, and not directly from their parents, she said. Among the most difficult have been youth whose friends tell them during school that your parents are getting divorced or your dad was fired from his job, resulting in humiliation and shame, compounding the sadness and grief accompanying the loss and stress that is happening in a family.

If youre going through something painful like a divorce, it can be tempting to reach out online. But unless youre certain that you can remain anonymous, there are good reasons to refrain.

You might want the support that might come from being on social, but it might be at too great a cost if there are children, Heitner said. What if they go back and see those posts later, they learn things about the reasons that maybe you never needed them to know?

You absolutely deserve support, but it may be best to limit some topics to in-person conversations with folks like close friends and your therapist.

However, after youve discussed a big life change with your child, Heitner said that social media posts amicably announcing a divorce or separation  such as were now two households  can be a way to get the news out. Of course, make sure to clear such a post with your child beforehand. You might even consider having them help you write it.

Assess if your child can truly give consent.

While adult children, such as Pinkett Smiths, have the maturity to comprehend what sharing their stories and images may mean, most parents these days begin documenting their parenting journey on social media well before their child comes of age  its not unusual for someones presence online to begin with an ultrasound photo.

As your child becomes their own person, remember that context matters. A bed-wetting story about a 3-year-old is much less likely to embarrass a child in the future than a similar story featuring a third grader. As parents, its our job to anticipate how our children may react to anything that we share  in addition to explicitly asking for their permission to post.

Heitner said that its best practice to ask your child before sharing, but you also have to keep in mind how much they are able to understand the idea of information or pictures being public. If you have any lingering doubts, Heitner advised that you refrain from posting. Even if your 4-year-old says yes, take a moment to imagine what their 14- or 18-year-old self might say.

Young adults are going to be dating and applying for jobs, Heitner noted, and might not see potty or tantrum photos as cute or harmless.

You can always share with friends or share with your grandparents, but posting is hard to get back, she continued. A text message or email, even to a large group of people, is easier to control than a social media post. Once you do it there, its very easy to lose control over the audience and for your kid to get blowback, Heitner said.

Albano described how, for children, not every yes means the same thing. Some children will say yes but not really mean yes, she said. It is difficult for some kids to express their real feeling to parents or adults in authority for fear of disappointing them, so think carefully about your child and what they really would want you to do. Put yourself in your childs place, and picture yourself in the middle of the cafeteria at lunch, and kids around them are taking out their phones and laughing. ... Could your post potentially cause that scene?

In addition to future embarrassment, your childs unique face is also data for companies to mine using facial recognition software. This is why some parents have taken to posting photos in which their childs face is blurred or concealed with an emoji, or only the back of their head is visible.

The question of consent is a particularly thorny one for parents of children who have disabilities that impact the way they think and communicate. Heitner pointed to criticism of the book To Siri With Love, which originated as a 2014 New York Times essay that a mother wrote about her autistic sons touching relationship with iPhones personal assistant bot. A number of autistic people came out strongly against the way the author wrote about her son, and the fact that she was writing about him at all.

Whether youre posting snapshots on social media or writing essays for a wider audience, its important to weigh the particular considerations of your own child before publicly sharing their picture or their story.

Include your child in decisions about sharing information.

Regardless of their age, you should start by requesting your childs consent in a way that makes clear to them what sharing might mean. Albano suggested asking, Do you want other people (your friends, their parents, our family and anyone else) to see this?

If they say no, let the conversation end there, Albano advised. Thank them for giving you their decision, and let them know that you will do as they say, she said. And dont try to talk them out of it by saying things like are you sure youre not being too sensitive? This is really funny, and I think people will like it, she added.

Likewise, Heitner noted that having boundaries and letting our kids get to say no is of course great modeling for them, and then they know they can have those boundaries, both with you and others in their lives.

Another option is to shift your approach. Instead of thinking of you posting about your child on your accounts, think of you and your child curating and sharing posts together.

This shared activity on social media can assist your child in developing healthy habits for social media and also learn about healthy messaging, Albano said. When done together and with everyones consent and voices reflected in the posting, the result can be a family bonding activity that is captured for the ages.

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The fate of a Kenya-led multinational security mission to help Haitis police put down dangerous armed gangs remains up in the air after a court in Kenya on Tuesday extended its order barring the deployment for two more weeks.

Earlier this month, the highest court in Kenya blocked any deployment until Oct. 24 in order to hear a challenge by former presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot, who filed a petition saying that Kenyas offer to help Haiti conflicts with the countrys constitution.

He and other opponents of President William Rutos offer criticize the president for agreeing to send 1,000 Kenyan security forces to Haiti when Kenya is dealing with militant attacks and ethnic clashes.

The high court said it would now rule on the case on Nov. 9, which extends the uncertainty as the gang violence in Haiti continues to worsen. The deployment has yet to be voted by Kenyas national assembly.

On Monday, members of the U.N. Security Council, which authorized the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission for Haiti a week before the court challenge, made clear that Haiti couldnt afford to wait for help and that deployment needs to happen sooner rather than later. Children were increasingly being killed or injured in the crossfire, and one in four schools has been closed since last year, the Security Council was told.

Meanwhile, half of the Haitis population is now in need of humanitarian assistance, including nearly three million children.

Unfortunately, the security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as growing gang violence plunges the lives of the people of Haiti into disarray and major crimes are rising sharply to new record highs, Maria Isabel Salvador, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres special representative in Haiti, told the Security Council. Killings, Sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, continue to be used by gangs every day and in the context of ineffective service support for victims, or a robust justice response.

Vigilante groups also continue to add a layer of complexity to the security crisis, she said. Between April 24 and Sept. 30, the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti registered the lynching of at least 395 alleged gang members. Salvador as well as Mirlande Manigat, a former first lady and presidential candidate who currently heads the High Transition Council, informed the group that last Wednesday its secretary-general, Anthony Virginie Saint-Pierre, was kidnapped in the middle of the day by members of a gang dressed as police officers. The High Transition Council is tasked with helping Prime Minister Ariel Henry prepare a road map for elections.

His kidnapping was certainly not by chance, said an upset Manigat.

Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, told the Security Council that abductions for ransom have skyrocketed. Meanwhile, students, teachers, and health workers are subjected to threats daily, leading to skilled workers, who are desperately needed to deliver essential services, to flee their communities and even Haiti, entirely.

An estimated two million people, including 1.6 million women and children, live in areas under their effective control, Russell said. And they are expanding their operations outside of the capital, perpetrating extreme levels of violence in both Port-au-Prince and neighboring Artibonite.

This along, with the strangling of major transport routes from the capital to elsewhere in the country, along with other life-threatening conditions is causing an intensifying food security and nutrition crisis  especially for children, Russell said. Since last year, we have seen an unprecedented 30% increase in the number of children suffering from severe wasting to more than 115,000 nationally.

Since July, the Security Council has approved three resolutions related to Haiti, all penned by the United States and Ecuador. First it unanimously re-authorized and strengthened the mandate of the Integrated Office in Haiti; on Oct. 2, members authorized the deployment of the Multinational Security Support mission under Chapter VII, with Russia and China abstaining; and last week it unanimously agreed to renew a sanctions regime for Haiti, and asked a committee to provide new names to designate based on a blistering report by a panel of experts that highlighted several high-profile connections to gangs in the country.

Armed members of G9 and Family march in a protest against Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

The United States has voted to support each of these resolutions precisely because... the situation in Haiti continues to grow more dire, said Ambassador Robert Wood, the United States alternative representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N. The aim of the Multinational Security Support mission, Wood said, is to support the Haiti National Police as the force works to improve security. He said it is a task that requires help from the U.N. Integrated Office in tackling other challenges, including helping Haitis political and civil society groups break a political stalemate and come up with a plan for governing the country that will lead to elections.

The Multinational Security Support mission, which this council mandated earlier this month, is an important step to help the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation in their country and we pay tribute to Kenya and other countries who are stepping up, United Kingdom Ambassador James Kariuki said at the U.N. Security Council meeting. But this mission will not alone solve the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.

We call on all political actors to put aside their differences for the common interest of the Haitian people and agree on a road map that commits all parties to working toward a return to long-term stable governance, he said.

The Security Councils vote authorizing the deployment of non-United Nations Multinational Support Security Mission to Haiti came after Ruto in late July said his East African nation would positively consider leading such a force on several conditions. They included the findings of a security assessment mission to Haiti, authorization by the U.N. Security Council and at least 2,000 personnel fielded by other nations in the hemisphere.

Officials from the United States, which has pledged $200 million in support, have not specified how large the mission would be, but have said they have received pledges of support and continue to urge nations to help by offering troops, funding or equipment.

A week after the Security Councils vote, the high court in Nairobi, Kenyas capital, blocked any deployment until Oct. 24 in order to hear the challenge. The non-United Nations combat mission is also opposed by some members of the Haitian diaspora, who sent an open letter to President Biden.

Manigat, addressing the Security Council by video from Port-au-Prince, said the support troops are something a large amount of the population is awaiting, including people whove been real victims.

Thousands of children, she said, are not able to go to their schools, patients are succumbing to their wounds because they simply cannot get to hospitals and merchants are being deprived of their livelihoods because their goods have been destroyed, pillaged or burned by the gangs. She added pregnant women are dying because their doctors have been abducted or could not get to them because of the lack of security.

It is the policeman or woman who is powerless because of a lack of means, and who feel helpless she said. I urge you not to remain indifferent to the frustrations of these desperately disappointed young people who are condemned to begging, to corruption, to perversion, to crime and to drunkenness, all things that go along with a life in a criminal gang.

The resolution mandating the security mission, Manigat said, brings a new breath of hope to these people who are bogged down in the pit of insecurity. Suffering Haiti is speaking through me.

Its time to provide the aid that has been pledged, she said. I do very much hope that the Security Council of the United Nations will move from words to action.
As former and current state attorneys general Daniel Cameron (R) and incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear (D) face off in the 2023 election, a major focus of their campaigns has been about law enforcement.

The governors office takes on some of the greatest law enforcement responsibilities in the state  having powers to grant pardons, overseeing Kentucky State Police, serving as the commander-in-chief of the states military forces and having statutory authority to make appointments to cabinets overseeing criminal justice.

Police shootings have been an issue in recent years, and police accountability has been under the spotlight ever since Breonna Taylor, a Louisville woman, was shot and killed by Louisville police in 2020.

The Herald-Leader asked the candidates about the issue. These were there responses.

Q. In 2021 it was reported KSP had the nations highest rate of police-involved shooting deaths. Police shootings remain an issue in Kentucky, with 28 officer shootings reported last year, and key information about why and how police used lethal force on citizens is often withheld from the public by KSP. How would you promote transparency in police shootings as agencies come under increased pressure to release more information to the public?

Beshear: Everyone deserves to be safe. Government must be transparent at all levels, but we need to strike an appropriate balance that allows law enforcement to do their jobs while also providing justice for those that have been harmed. The Kentucky State Police current policy tries to reach this balance by releasing footage as soon as possible without compromising the integrity of an investigation. Ive always supported efforts to better strike a balance that allows appropriate levels of transparency for the public while making sure that were getting our officers the resources they need to keep our communities safe. Thats why weve worked to increase funding for law enforcement, and provide a $15,000 raise for our troopers. Moving forward, I will continue to work with advocates, law enforcement and community leaders across Kentucky to make sure the process of releasing information is as transparent as possible without threatening active investigations.

Cameron: Strong relationships between police officers and our communities are crucial. While it is essential to hold the rare instance of gross police misconduct accountable, we must look at the incredibly high rise in crime across our state, and address the safety of our citizens. But I dont think most Kentuckians are concerned about that. Here in Kentucky, rural counties have seen a 68.5% increase in homicides. From 2019 to 2021, carjackings in Louisville increased by more than 200%. Louisville has experienced a historic high of murders for three years in a row and has outpaced Chicagos and Philadelphias murder rates. I introduced the Cameron Public Safety Plan, a comprehensive plan to begin supporting Kentuckys law enforcement community and reduce crime on Day One. The plan includes a $5,000 recruitment and retention bonuses for law enforcement, a stand-alone car-jacking law, and adding a stand-alone KSP post in Louisville.

How has Beshear handled law enforcement as governor?

Beshear served as the states attorney general before he narrowly defeated former Republican Governor Matt Bevin in the 2019 election. Since that time, Beshears administration has poured millions of dollars into local and state law enforcement agencies, according to his campaign.

Part of this includes a $15,000 pay raise for troopers which was signed into law after it was passed by the General Assembly to allow KSP to recruit, train and retain higher law enforcement. Beshear and state lawmakers established paid vacation, sick leave and holiday pay, as well as enhanced health insurance contribution payments for retired state police.

In January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras. Beshear said it was the first time in Kentucky history that KSP would get money for body cameras.

Beshear also broke ground this summer on a $28 million law enforcement training facility, according to the DOCJT. The facility will be nearly 43,000 square feet and is expected to be completed in 2025.

In 2020, Beshears office launched an investigation after it was discovered KSP were using offensive training material that featured quotes from Adolf Hitler and Robert E. Lee. Beshear confirmed the offensive material was found while his office reviewed all of KSPs training documents to remove the problematic presentations. The commissioner of KSP at the time resigned.

Cameron touts police support, faces criticism over Taylor

Attorney General Cameron was elected in 2019 as the first African American elected to a standalone statewide office in Kentuckys history. He is the first Republican to hold the Attorney Generals Office since 1948, according to his website. Cameron graduated from Louis D. Brandeis School of Law and was a McConnell Scholar who served in Washington, D.C. as legal counsel to the longtime senator.

Camerons campaign says hes been publicly endorsed by more than 100 law enforcement agencies, and he touts his support for police and other first responders as a top priority in this race.

In July, Camerons campaign released a lengthy 12-point plan to address crime in Kentucky. The plan proposed allowing murder charges for drug dealers involved in an overdose death, pursuing the death penalty for people who murder cops, revoking subpoena powers for civilian police review boards and giving Kentucky law enforcement officers a $5,000 bonus.

He also has created Operation Fight Fentanyl, an initiative to combat the opioid crisis by hearing from Kentuckians who have been directly impacted by illicit fentanyl.

But Cameron has faced sharp criticism for the way he handled an investigation into Breonna Taylors death. The public and Taylors family have accused him of not being transparent about the investigation and being unwilling to prosecute the officers involved in her death. An investigation led by Cameron led to an indictment for only one officer who was later acquitted, but federal prosecutors found wrongdoing and systemic issues within the department. Multiple officers in the case were federally charged.
A plan by a Charlotte historic Black university to stabilize a century-old church has changed, with only portions of the structure now being preserved.

Mount Carmel Baptist Church, located just steps from the Johnson C. Smith University main campus, has been long identified as a building worth saving for sentimental and historic reasons. The building earned local historic landmark status in 1983, and efforts over the years attempted to preserve the entire relic thats been a bedrock of the African-American community in west Charlotte. But Johnson C. Smith, which owns the property, told The Charlotte Observer on Monday only a portion will be restored.

Due to years of deterioration and to keep the community safe, Johnson C. Smith University has decided to preserve just a portion of Old Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Gabrielle Allison, a JCSU spokeswoman, said in an email.

The current project calls for preserving the churchs bell tower and front-facing facade that points toward the 400 block of Campus Street, according to the most updated plan.

Only portions of the structure of the historic Black Mount Carmel Baptist Church is now being preserved.The church near Johnson C. Smith University is being worked at on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 in Charlotte

Construction workers with large machinery in tow now surround the worn building that shows obvious signs of age. The heart of the church  where Sunday services and programs were once held  has been reduced to brick and wooden rubble.

Still, large crosses affixed to white-painted interior walls remain in place.

After work on the bell tower and facade is complete, Johnson C. Smith officials said the remainder of the property will be untouched. The school said it hasnt decided how the land where the church sits will be used.

Plan to stabilize historic church

The overhaul, targeted for completion in February, is scaled back from a previous plan. That plan eyed stabilizing the building so work can be done to improve its interior after the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission voted last year to request up to $850,000 from Mecklenburg County commissioners to move ahead, the Observer previously reported.

JCSU also worked with the city and Raleigh-based Preservation North Carolina to assist with preservation efforts over the years.

In a June 2022 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission report on the church, the building was described as in a high state of disrepair that endangered its basic integrity.

The then-proposed project would have removed much of the buildings interior framing and millwork. It also called for stabilizing and protecting the buildings shell and interior architectural elements.

The current concession still maintains a significant semblance of the church designed in 1921 by Louis Asbury, a Charlotte native who was one of the first licensed architects in North Carolina, according to church and JCSU records.

They are following through what was agreed upon by North Carolina Preservation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, Jack Thomson, regional director of the Preservation NC Western office, said about Johnson C Smiths plan. While not ideal, we are happy the school is moving forward despite (the churchs) dilapidated condition and the challenges the college faced in trying to preserve the church over time.

All the investment to restore the church  even a piece of it  still matters for the school to preserve an essential symbol of the Black community.

Church is landmark of Charlotte neighborhood

The Mount Carmel church has served as a cultural landmark and a centerpiece of the Biddleville neighborhood.

It was described in a 2022 Observer story by JCSU facilities director Erna Perkins Jones as a place people went to find community and spiritual awakenings.

The history of the church dates back to a small prayer group in Biddleville in 1878, according to the Historic Landmarks Commission records. The group first gathered at residents homes or elsewhere in the community until the church acquired its own formal space. By 1947, the church membership had grown to 979 people.

A classroom wing was added to the building. In 1977, the church moved to a much larger, previously built church on Tuckaseegee Road.

We are able to keep some of the historical and sentimental value of the building in the community where it was built. This is a history JCSU is working to preserve through this project and one that lives on through the members of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church congregation, Allison said.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine will get Russian Black Sea Fleet ships everywhere

Forcing the Russian Black Sea Fleet to flee Crimea is a historic achievement, Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyy said in his opening speech at the second Crimean Platform parliamentary summit in Prague on Oct. 24.

Russian naval ships are no longer able to sail safely in the western waters of the Black Sea, he noted.

Recently, the Russian leader was forced to announce the creation of a new base of the Black Sea Fleet, or rather its remnants, in the occupied territory of Georgia, Zelenskyy explained.

As far away as possible from Ukrainian missiles and drones. But we will get them everywhere. Together with the UN and Turkey, we were able to launch the Black Sea Grain Initiative, then add the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative, and launch new temporary export routes from our seaports.

Ukrainian forces struck and damaged two Russian Project 22160 Vasily Bykov patrol ships in the southwestern Black Sea on Sept. 14. A missile ship, the Samum, was also targeted in this operation.

Powerful explosions were reported across occupied Sevastopol on Sept. 13. Russia claimed that these were the result of an attack by missiles and unmanned boats, acknowledging damage to a ship repair facility and admitting that two ships were under repair.

Ukrainian intelligence stated that the large landing ship Minsk and the submarine Rostov-on-Don were also hit, and are considered to be beyond repair.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has already destroyed 20 Russian ships and boats, as well as one submarine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
This week, an Orlando firefighter who saved a Seminole County deputy from a burning car will fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Orlando Air Show officials selected Lt. Benjamin Wootson III for his lifesaving actions as part of their Hometown Hero program.

Wootson will ride in the backseat of an F-16 at the Orlando Sanford International Airport and experience thrills, loops and turns in a one-hour flight.

I could not be more excited, he said. I am extremely honored to have been given this opportunity.

Read: Firefighter honored for saving Seminole County deputys life in fiery crash

State of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody honored Wootson with the Back the Blue award in May as the only firefighter to receive this distinction.

Wootson, a Field Training Officer with the training division at the Orlando Fire Department, has served the community since 2013.

The Orlando Air Show will feature the Thunderbirds on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29.

Read: Do whats right: Orlando firefighter recalls saving Seminole County deputy from fiery crash

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
You are here: China

A team of Chinese scientists proposed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that may help significantly speed up the process of discovering drugs.

The researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described PBCNet, or pairwise binding comparison network, in a study recently published in the journal Nature Computational Science.

The AI tools have been widely used for hunting chemicals that can potentially be translated into drugs, but their efficiency continues to pose a challenge.

The PBCNet is designed for comparing the relative binding affinity among similar ligands -- molecules or ions that bind to larger molecules, according to the study.

A simulation-based experiment showed that active learning-optimized PBCNet may accelerate structure optimization by 473 percent and save computing resources by an average of 30 percent.

The team also established an open-source web service with an easy-to-operate graphical interface for the convenience of users. The tool can be used at pbcnet.alphama.com.cn.
Hong Kong's Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld the right of same-sex couples to inheritance under a pair of laws following a judicial review. File Photo by Jerome Favre/EPA

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Hong Kong's Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled that same-sex couples should have equal inheritance rights.

The appeals court upheld a lower court's ruling that same-sex couples should be covered under the Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependents Ordinance and the Intestates' Estates Ordinance after the government called for a review.

"Same-sex couples are simply seeking access to the institution of marriage that is available to other committed heterosexual couples -- and for the same mix of reasons, from affirming their love and commitment to providing security and protections for their family," the nongovernmental organization Hong Kong Marriage Equality said in a statement.

Hong Kong resident Edgar Ng asked for a judicial review of the laws in 2019 after he feared he couldn't pass on a home he bought to his husband, Henry Li, whom he married in Britain.

Hong Kong's inheritance laws define spouses as valid marriages between a man and a woman, excluding same-sex unions that take place overseas.

In September of 2020, the Court of First Instance allowed the review to proceed, ruling that excluding same-sex couples from the benefits of the inheritance laws was unlawful discrimination.

Hong Kong's secretary for justice then appealed the ruling, arguing that treating same-sex couples differently under the laws was justified because they were "materially distinguished" from heterosexual couples, citing other laws that treat same-sex couples differently.

Li took over as the review's applicant after Ng committed suicide in late 2020 and lodged a review after the government refused to recognize him as Ng's surviving spouse but dropped the challenge after receiving confirmation he would be treated equally when making pos-death arrangements.

Same-sex marriage supporters have long complained about Hong Kong's limited rights and protection for the LGBTQ community. They said they have turned to the judicial branch as a last resort.

Last month, Hong Kong's top court ruled in a different case that the government must provide an alternative legal framework recognizing same-sex relationships within two years.
Wedding photos of Henry Li and Edgar Ng show the couple holding hands, surrounded by friends -- the freeze-frame of joy a contrast to the men's struggle for LGBTQ rights (ISAAC LAWRENCE)

Wedding photos of Henry Li and Edgar Ng show the couple holding hands, surrounded by beaming friends -- the freeze-frame of joy a contrast to the two men's struggle in Hong Kong for LGBTQ rights.

Ng had launched legal bids in 2019 demanding equal treatment for same-sex couples on public housing and inheritance -- a fight continued by his husband after Ng's suicide a year later.

The LGBTQ community has seen incremental legal victories in finance hub Hong Kong since the mid-2000s, winning in the Chinese city's courts on targeted issues ranging from visas to taxes.

But same-sex marriage remains out of reach -- a painful jolt of reality for Li when the Hong Kong morgue refused to let him identify Ng's body.

"They were telling me that my husband was not my husband and that I was nobody," Li, 37, told AFP. "I couldn't react. I froze."

In a decision in September, Hong Kong's top court ordered the government to create an "alternative framework" within two years that recognises same-sex couples' legal rights.

However, the judges also unanimously declared marriage "confined to opposite-sex couples".

The decision was met with guarded optimism and an undercurrent of grief in the former British colony, according to eight people who spoke to AFP.

Li said he was "a bit disappointed", but hopes Hong Kong comes up with a framework that covers "growing up, growing old, illness and death".

Showing photos in his home, Li said after their 2017 London wedding, Ng had insisted they hold a Hong Kong ceremony -- even convincing a church to let them walk down the aisle.

"He was a brave person... He rightly said our marriage was open and aboveboard," Li told AFP. "More members of Hong Kong's LGBTQ community are waiting for their rights and identity to be respected."

- 'Needs of the minority' -

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has seen increasing support for same-sex marriage, a stark contrast to mainland China where stigma is widespread and the LGBTQ community has alleged a growing crackdown.

In the case decided in September, prominent activist Jimmy Sham had argued the city's ban on same-sex marriage violated his right to equality.

"So many people, including Jimmy Sham, have been pushing forward (LGBTQ rights) to where we are today," said Annie Chau, co-founder of "Butterfly", a social network for the lesbian community in Hong Kong.

Hong Kongers are now more open about their sexual orientation "in their workplaces and families", she told AFP, adding that Butterfly's forum topics used to revolve around unpleasant experiences, but recent users talk about marriage, starting families and retirement.

"I think (September's court decision) is a big improvement," Chau said.

But the community is not immune to the changing political climate -- rights advocacy has partly gone underground since Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, following huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests.

"It's tougher for the public to see the needs of the minority," she said, noting the relative lack of media coverage of Sham's case.

Also a pro-democracy activist, Sham has been behind bars since 2021 pending trial for alleged national security crimes. He declined to comment.

Angus Leung, who in 2015 challenged the city's restrictive policies on spousal medical and tax benefits, said he felt Sham's lawsuit "came too soon".

"Of course after he filed it, we hoped he would win. But in the end you could see same-sex marriage was dismissed."

Leung's case had a happier ending -- the highest court in 2019 ruled that denying spousal benefits to same-sex couples breached Hong Kong's anti-discrimination laws.

But the court process was stressful for the couple, who now live abroad.

"We knew that if the outcome was negative, I would become a tool for the government to dismiss future cases," Leung told AFP.

- Double lives -

Hong Kong officials have declined to comment on next steps after September's ruling, while the Department of Justice has asked the court for flexibility on the two-year timeline, a legal source told AFP.

Ben, 53 -- who has been with his partner since the 1990s -- said he had little confidence Hong Kong's pro-Beijing legislature would come up with a "reasonable" framework.

"Hong Kong still has a long road ahead," said Ben, using a pseudonym.

For some, progress has come too late.

"There's no point in coming out now, I'll keep on pretending. After all, I'll die soon," said Pat, a 76-year-old retiree who has hidden his two-decade-long relationship from his family.

Thirty years ago, he might have longed for marriage, he said.

"But now I've walked such a long road, I've adjusted to my life."

hol/dhc/sco
A farmer has criticised the Environment Agency (EA) after properties were flooded in Horncastle in the wake of Storm Babet.

Floodwater is supposed to be stored on John Harrison's land as part of a flood relief scheme.

However, he claims a switch was left in the wrong position for several hours allowing water to flow back into the river.

The EA said there would be a full investigation into what happened.

A number of homes in Horncastle and surrounding villages were flooded over the weekend despite an 8m Flood Alleviation Scheme, which was completed in 2017.

It consists of a single flood storage reservoir on the River Bain, upstream of the town.

That scheme uses John Harrison's land, but on Friday he discovered a problem.

"I was down here at midday and I could see immediately the mechanism was holding water back from going down the river but the return valve was open.

"So it was like getting in a bath and you turn the tap on and haven't put the plug in."

Mr Harrison said he realised this would pose a serious flood risk and called the EA.

"They told me they knew there was a problem here some time about 09:00 in the morning.

"I said 'well there will be a problem very shortly because all the water is still going down the plughole as it were'."

He said it was not until 14:00 BST that two men from the EA arrived and switched the valve.

"I feel the Environment Agency have a lot to answer for," Mr Harrison said.

Lincolnshire area director with the EA, Leigh Edlin told BBC Radio Lincolnshire he did not know all the details.

"Our focus at the moment is responding to the ongoing situation.

"We do need to get to the bottom of what happened and we will do, but right now we are focusing on keeping people safe."

He said the agency would conduct its own review in due course.

"We know the flood storage reservoir is working at the moment and it is storing water as it is supposed to."

Mr Harrison's comments come as the Met Office has forecast further rainfall and 26 flood warnings remain in place in and around Lincolnshire.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk
High-ranking Catholics from across the globe have converged on the Vatican, where a landmark initiative is underway that will shape the future of the Catholic Church. Cardinals, bishops, priests and lay Catholics, both men and women, are meeting Oct. 4-29, 2023, as part of the Synod on Synodality: an effort Pope Francis launched in 2021 to generate dialogue among Catholics. More than two weeks into the synod's first global assembly, participants are largely keeping quiet.

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House Republicans officially have their third Speaker candidate in as many weeks: on Tuesday, a majority of the GOP conference nominated Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) to win the gavel and put an end to the partys interminable civil war.

Emmer, who served as the House GOPs No. 3 under former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, prevailed in a secret ballot contest over six other candidates in five rounds of voting.

In the final ballot, Emmer beat out Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), a senior member of the party's right flank, according to a source familiar with the result.

Emmer won 117 votes to Johnson's 97.

House Republicans Swear Theyll Find Their Speaker This Time

On the second to last round, Reps. Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Byron Donalds (R-FL), two of the more conservative front runners, were dropped.

Winning the nomination was a grind for the Majority Whip. While he had the backing of McCarthyand, reportedly, the help of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL)Emmer made his way from 78 votes to 117 over the course of several tough rounds.

Emmer won more votes than Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) did when he became the first post-McCarthy nominee for Speaker. But he won fewer than Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) did, when Jordan became the second nominee.

Neither Scalise nor Jordan, of course, were able to win the 217 votes needed to secure the gavel. The Minnesota Republican must now find a way to succeed where they failedwhile facing the same structural challenges.

Immediately, Emmer tried a different strategy. After the final secret ballot vote, he called a closed-door roll call vote, in which members would go on the record to say who they support for Speaker. The idea was to see how close he is to 217 votesbefore taking his candidacy to the floor.

Ultimately, 26 Republicans registered their opposition to Emmer, according to multiple reports. Right-wing lawmakers like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) voted for Jordan, while others simply voted present. Only able to lose three Republicans in a floor vote, Emmer has a steep hill to climb if he is to win the gavel.

Though he was an early backer of Donald Trump in 2016, Emmer is seen by some in his party as insufficiently conservative or loyal to the former president. He voted to certify the 2020 election result and has supported sending aid to Ukraine.

But three weeks of leaderless chaos and exhausting infighting have pushed Republicans to the brink, and some may be eager to put an end to the saga. Democrats might be, too: some have indicated that they might sit out a floor vote if Emmer were the nominee in order to ease his path to the gavel.

Some Democrats see Emmer as a more palatable option than any other candidate Republicans have put forwardwhich, in turn, may damage his standing among Republicans.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a ceremony in Beijing on Oct. 17. (Sergei Savostyanov/Pool via Reuters) (via REUTERS)

Republicans and Democrats alike have raised concerns in recent days that the House Republicans inability to choose a new leader is hurting the U.S. internationally.

This is so dangerous what we're doing. And most importantly, it's embarrassing because it empowers and emboldens our adversaries like [Chinese President] Chairman Xi [Jinping] who says, you know, democracy doesn't work, said Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on ABC News Face the Nation on Sunday.

On Monday, a group of House Democrats sent a letter to the nations two top intelligence officials, asking them for a classified briefing on how China and Russia might be using the House GOPs dysfunction to discredit democracy globally in their efforts to promote an alternative authoritarian model of governance internationally.

The 11 Democrats also expressed concern that the current episode could help Russia and China enhance their ability to form economic and national security alliances, and harm our standing with strategic partners.

The letter noted that a propaganda tabloid of the Chinese government had published an op-ed arguing that the removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy , a California Republican, had shattered the notion that the U.S. is a beacon of democracy.

Former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California talks to reporters after House Republicans nominated Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer to be the speaker on Oct. 24. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) (REUTERS)

Why it matters

Toby Gati, a Russia expert who served in the Clinton administration, told Yahoo News that anti-democracy messages like these are intended for multiple audiences.

Poking fun at American dysfunction can help regimes justify their authoritarianism as necessary, Gati said. It can be used to weaken relationships between the U.S. and its allies and to reduce the potency of efforts to constrain Russian and Chinese aggression.

Easily disseminated by social media, such messages from sources aligned with the Chinese and Russian governments can also aim to increase dissatisfaction among U.S. citizens with their own government.

The message we should be getting across is that in the end it always works out and we come out stronger, Gati said. But I can't tell you that that's the case now because I'm not sure I believe it.

Gati said she is not concerned about what the Russians or Chinese think about U.S. politics, but that it is a real concern if the U.S. government is not able to act collectively to deal with crises, such as the war in Israel, the war in Ukraine and the looming deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a press conference in Beijing on Oct. 18. (Sputnik/Sergei Guneev/Pool via Reuters) (via REUTERS)

Understanding Americas 'power of example'

Fiona Hill, who served as an adviser on Russia to former President Trump, wrote in her 2021 book There is Nothing for You Here that the projection of American soft power  the power of our example has been hindered by partisan spectacles that have undermined the countrys standing as a democratic model.

Hill said she agreed with fellow analysts who concluded that America's lack of internal cohesion and cooperation had become a 'top-tier national security concern' that could upend the U.S. role in maintaining the 'rules-based global order.'"

Political polarization is ultimately a national security threat, Hill concluded.

Fiona Hill, Russia adviser in the Trump administration, warns that partisan spectacles have undermined the U.S. standing as a democratic model. (Erin Scott/Reuters) (Erin Scott / reuters)

No end in sight

To become speaker of the House, a candidate needs to win the support of a majority of the chamber, which is controlled by Republicans. But since McCarthys removal, no Republican has been able to do so.

Reps. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio have already seen their bids for the speakership fail amid dissent within the Republican ranks.

On Tuesday, Republicans selected Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota to be their next nominee for speaker in a closed-door meeting. But only hours later, Emmer withdrew from the contest after it became clear he could not get the near-total unanimous support needed to win the speakership.

It was, once again, back to square one for the Republicans, who have now gone three full weeks without a speaker since McCarthy was deposed by eight Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican. Gaetz worked with Democrats to vote McCarthy out.

Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer bowed out of the race for speaker on Oct. 24. (Nathan Howard/Reuters) (Nathan Howard / reuters)
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., speaks with reporters as he arrives as Republicans meet to decide who to nominate to be the new House speaker, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press

House Republicans have another nominee for speaker  the second in one day, and the fourth in the three weeks since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted.

The conference nominated Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., as their candidate for speaker late Tuesday. He won the nomination with 128 votes, according to Punchbowl News Jake Sherman. He will need 217 votes in the full House to claim the speakers chair, which has now been vacant for three weeks.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the third-ranking House GOP lawmaker, dropped out of the speakers race Tuesday afternoon just hours after securing a majority of his partys support in an internal conference election.

Within minutes of Emmers narrow win, more than 20 GOP lawmakers came out in opposition to his nomination, arguing his views on bipartisan spending bills and same-sex marriage did not represent the conservative wing of the conference  a stance reaffirmed by former President Donald Trump who told House Republicans Tuesday that voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!

Emmer proceeded to remove himself from consideration by walking out of a closed-door meeting, according to Sherman. In this dramatic fashion, Emmers short-lived bid for the Houses top leadership position followed the precedent set by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan last week, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise the week before.

After Emmer withdrew, the House Republican Conference met Tuesday evening to hear from another round of candidates, including Johnson, who is the Republican conference vice chairman, who had come in second place to Emmer.

Aid to Israel on hold

The House has now been unable to advance legislation to the floor for 21 days, amid deep divides among Republicans over which personality is best suited to lead the conference. The chaos started with the removal of McCarthy by a small group of GOP lawmakers and all House Democrats at the beginning of October.

Despite a majority of House Republicans repeatedly demonstrating their desire to assign the speakers gavel, they only have a few votes to spare in the full House, where Democrats hold 212 seats to Republicans 221. This has enabled a small minority of lawmakers to tank any speakers bid they find issue with.

Related

This congressional paralysis comes as both the House and the Senate need to pass 12 annual spending bills before Nov. 17s federal funding deadline. President Joe Biden has also requested supplemental aid packages for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and the southern border.

Republican Reps. Dave Joyce of Ohio and Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania have said if the conference is unable to unite, they will introduce a resolution to empower Speaker Pro Tem Patrick McHenry of North Carolina to perform the duties of speaker for several weeks until Congress passes its annual spending bills.

This resolution would almost certainly need significant Democratic buy-in to pass. But a growing number of House Democrats and Republicans have expressed their openness to such a bipartisan solution as it starts to look like no Republican can receive 217 votes from their own conference.
House Republicans are cautiously optimistic they can set aside the rancor and bitterness thats marked their search for a new House speaker so far as they embark on a third try to name someone who can get 217 votes.

Theyll find out whether that optimism is warranted Tuesday morning when they start to meet behind closed doors to winnow the field from eight candidates to one that will be formally nominated on the House floor.

Its been a raucous three weeks for the House GOP that saw former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) toppled and the candidacies of Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) implode because of infighting.

Were bigger than this. Were bigger than these grievances that have been going on for a long time, said Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) as he headed into the House GOP candidate forum Monday night.

I want to elect a speaker of the House. I think I speak for everybody in America: Its time to move on, he said. People are ready to move on. Everybody wants to get this going, so Im confident were going to get there.

Flood was the representative behind a unity pledge meant to avoid a repeat of when some of Jordans supporters withheld their support for Scalise, making it clear that Scalise would not win a floor vote, and when a group of moderates and members of the Appropriations Committee voted against Jordan.

The pledge is to vote for the member who wins the intraparty conference vote on the House floor as well. Flood said all of the candidates had signed it by the time the forum had started, though it was unclear how many rank-and-file members had agreed to abide by it.

Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.), a freshman who voted against Jordan on the House floor last week, said Monday night shell be looking at who will avoid deep defense cuts that would hurt her district economically.

I cant have that for my district, for my military and for my country. So thats important to me, she said.

Looming over the contest is the shadow of Donald Trump, the partys presidential front-runner, who is campaigning while out on bail from criminal and civil charges at the state and federal level.

Trump endorsed Jordan but did not make a public push when Jordan faltered and said Monday he was planning on staying out of the contest. But some of Trumps allies have said they would try to derail the candidacy of Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), the likely front-runner.

Emmer currently holds the No. 3 post in party leadership in the House, the party whip. He has also served as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans.

But Emmer was also one of two candidates in the field who voted to certify the 2020 presidential election. The other was Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).

I think obviously anybody and everybody has the right to espouse their opinions, and we should always be respectful of that, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) said.

But ultimately, when push comes to shove, this is an internal decision by the Republicans in the House, he said.

In addition to Emmer and Donalds, other candidates include Reps. Kevin Hern (Okla.), Austin Scott (Ga.), Pete Sessions (Texas), Jack Bergman (Mich.), Mike Johnson (La.) and Gary Palmer (Ala.).

The choice of speaker will have major implications down the road. A temporary government funding law expires in mid-November, meaning another one will need to be negotiated with Democrats and the White House. President Joe Biden has also proposed a $106 billion supplemental spending bill that would tie together aid for Israel, Ukraine and U.S. partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region like Taiwan.

But about half of House Republicans have opposed additional aid to Ukraine, even as they have favored aid to Israel. Advocates for Ukraine were on Capitol Hill Monday as part of a multiday lobbying effort to free up the aid. A handful who learned of the forum as they visited lawmakers offices greeted Republican House members as they arrived, politely saying, Please remember Ukraine as the Republicans went into the meeting.

One of those advocates, Mira Rubin, president of the House of Ukraine cultural museum in San Diego, said the choice of the next Republican speaker was an existential one for Ukrainians.

If the next speaker is pro-Russian, were doomed, she said. This is probably the most important thing thats happening for us on the Hill in the next couple of days, is knowing who that speakers going to be. Theyve got to be strong for Ukraine, theyve got to be strong for Israel.
The House Republican conference held its candidate forum behind closed doors on Monday evening but emerged with no clear frontrunner.

House Republicans met in the Longworth House Office Building where nine candidates made their case to be the next speaker of the US House of Representatives.

Going into the meeting were Reps Byron Donalds (R-FL); Mike Johnson (R-LA); Jack Bergman (R-MI); Kevin Hern (R-OK); Dan Meuser (R-PA); Gary Palmer (R-AL); Pete Sessions (R-TX); Austin Scott (R-GA); Pete Sessions (R-TX); and Tom Emmer (R-MN), who also serves as House Majority Whip. But Mr Meuser dropped out early into the meeting, culling the field down to eight.

But any Republican will have to deal with thin margins in the House. Republicans have only 221 members and the House has only 433 members, meaning any Republican nominee must have 217 votes and can only afford to lose four members.

Well, we're gonna do the vote and we've all agreed that we would do a vote, roll call vote in the basement before we go up, Mr Hern told The Independent. So if we go to the floor, we'll have 217 votes.

The forum comes 20 days after eight Republicans, led by Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and every Democrat voted to eject former speaker Kevin McCarthy . In addition, House conservatives blocked House Majority Leader Steve Scalise before he could go to a floor vote. Last week, Rep Jim Jordan (R-OH), failed to clinch the required votes to become speaker and Republicans voted to depose him as their nominee in a secret ballot.

When you're five people or eight people and you undercut the majority, there's a price to pay. And that's what happened last week, Rep Don Bacon (R-NE) told The Independent. Let's learn our lesson and well work out our differences like right now behind closed doors.

House Republicans are set to have a vote on Tuesday for their nominee for speaker.

We're gonna do it tomorrow morning, and you come together and you work as a team, Mr Bacon said. People that demand 100 per cent in what were doing, they fail.

Some of the Republicans who had voted to oust Mr McCarthy and who pushed for Mr Jordan expressed optimism.

We have a great crop of candidates, Rep Nancy Mace (R-SC), who was one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust Mr McCarthy and supported Mr Jordan even after Mr Scalise became the nominee, told The Independent.

Similarly, Mr Gaetz praised Mr Hern and other Republicans plans for passing spending bills. Specifically Republicans oppose passing so-called continuing resolutions, which are stopgap spending bills that Congress passes while they pass full spending bills for a fiscal year, as well as omnibus spending bills, wherein all 12 spending bills Congress must pass are combined into one bill.

Kevin Hern really laid out in his messaging to all the members a critique of governing by continuing resolution and omnibus bill and he has a plan to get us to those single subject spending bills, Mr Gaetz told reporters. I'd also note that Congressman Mike Johnson had a plan for single subject spending bills that was also quite attractive.

The race for speaker comes as Congress faces a looming deadline when the government runs out of money on 17 November.

If we have to bridge with the continuing resolution, that wouldn't be my preference, but we're certainly looking to go in the same direction, Mr Gaetz told reporters.

The longer this goes on, the less confident I am that that's gonna happen, Rep Pat Fallon (R-TX) told The Independent.

Rep Tim Burchett (R-TN), one of the eight Republicans who voted to depose Mr McCarthy, told The Independent that he thought the House could pass a spending bill to keep the government open.

Where was the rush when we were gone for six weeks, he said, noting how Congress always acts like there is a rush to pass spending bills. Comes down every year, same time every year. And yet, you know, this year all of a sudden, oh, it's a rush.

Many Republicans seemed to feel a sense of exasperation about the fact they have not been able to coalesce around a speaker.

I think that our own needs and desires are what are going to get us there, Mr Sessions told The Independent after the meeting. I think theres only so many times you can go through this process. Go to the floor, make a mistake. And I think that that is it made us more cognizant of the need to get things done back in this room and then go present to American people with great confidence.

When asked about whether Republicans could coalesce or anyone could win 217 votes, Rep Dan Crenshaw said simply, I dont know, man. Im tired, as he munched on a brownie.
Some House Republicans who voted to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif., appear open to Majority Whip Tom Emmer s candidacy for the gavel.

Emmer is one of several Republicans gunning for the speakers gavel after the last nominee, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, failed to secure enough votes to ascend to the top House office.

The majority whip rolled into Tuesday mornings votes with an endorsement from McCarthy, and at least two of the members who ousted the now-former speaker are open to an Emmer candidacy.

EMMER ON TOP AFTER FIRST ROUND OF VOTING FOR GOP SPEAKER PICK

Some House Republicans who voted to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., are open to Majority Whip Tom Emmers candidacy for the gavel.

A spokesperson for Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., told Fox News Digital that the congressman has not made a public endorsement of any candidate yet but is close to Emmer and voted for the whip several times on the House floor during last weeks three rounds of balloting.

Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchetts spokesperson told Fox News Digital that, while the congressman has not specifically endorsed Emmer, he would vote for any candidate that can get the 217 votes needed to get the speakership  including the whip.

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A spokesperson for Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., told Fox News Digital the congressman plans to support whoever the GOP nominee ends up being.

Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs' spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the congressman isn't publicly revealing who he is supporting at the moment.

Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchetts spokesperson told Fox News Digital that, while the congressman has not specifically endorsed Emmer, he would vote for any candidate that can get the 217 votes needed to get the speakership  including the whip.

The offices of GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Bob Good of Virginia, and Eli Crane of Arizona did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. Gaetz provoked the storm over the speaker's chair when he moved to unseat McCarthy.

Emmer is currently the front-runner in the internal contest that began voting on Tuesday morning.

The Minnesota Republican won 78 votes in the first round on Tuesday morning, with the closest second candidate  Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.  securing just 29.

Its likely to take several rounds of voting  a candidate must win a conference majority to be named speaker-designate under current House GOP Conference rules.

If no candidate manages to win a majority during a given round, the person with the least amount of votes is withdrawn from the race and another round is held.

MEET TOM EMMER, THE GOP MAJORITY WHIP RUNNING FOR HOUSE SPEAKER WITH MCCARTHYS ENDORSEMENT

It's unclear whether Emmer will succeed where Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., failed  convincing the various factions within the GOP to unite around his leadership.

"He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference," McCarthy said of Emmer. "He understands the dynamics of the conference. He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority."

Emmer said he would use teamwork, communication and respect to build on the success Republicans had taking back the House majority in 2022 and scoring legislative wins.

"Our Conference remains at a crossroads, and the deck is stacked against us. We have no choice but to fight like hell to hold on to our House majority and deliver on our conservative agenda," Emmer told Republican members of Congress in a letter Saturday about his bid for the speaker's gavel.

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, is out of the running for the GOP speaker's nomination after losing the first round of closed-door voting.

The election comes three weeks after McCarthys ouster from the top job, the first time in history the House of Representatives removed their leader in the middle of a congressional term.

Fox News Digitals Elizabeth Elkind, Adam Shaw, and Thomas Phippen contributed reporting.





Original article source: GOP House rebels who ousted McCarthy reveal stance on Emmer
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message to an international symposium on China's neighborhood diplomacy, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday.

"China will continue to follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work with other countries in the region to build an Asian homeland of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty and friendly coexistence, to jointly write a new chapter in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for Asia and for humanity," said Xi in the message.

Xi pointed out the basic policy of China's neighborhood diplomacy is to pursue friendship and partnership with its neighbors, and to build an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, highlighting the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.

Over the past decade, China has actively practiced the above-mentioned principle, and developed friendly and cooperative relations with its neighbors in an all-round way. The two sides have continuously enhanced political mutual trust and deepened convergence of interests, thus opening up a bright pathway of good-neighborly friendship and win-win cooperation, said Xi.

He went on to point out that in the new era, China will lend new meaning to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, and provide new impetus to regional unity, openness and progress.

"We will promote new development of the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, so that Chinese modernization will bring more benefits to our neighbors," Xi said, adding China will work to jointly advance Asia's modernization process, and make sure China's high-quality development and a sound neighborhood environment will reinforce and complement each other.

The symposium, themed "Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit and Inclusiveness: New Dimensions, New Progress and New Vision" was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the principle in China's neighborhood diplomacy.
Hundreds of supporters formed a human chain in Boston Common Monday, demonstrating support for the more than 200 men, women and children held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Organized by the Israeli American Council, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and Jewish Community Relations Council, the rally raised awareness to Bring Them Home Now, an online forum dedicated to the missing hostages.

We formed the Hostage and Missing Families Forum less than 24 hours after the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, in which thousands of innocent civilians were murdered and taken hostage by Hamas, the website said.

One IAC organizer said he expected close to the 2,000 people to line the sidewalk along Tremont and Park streets towards the State House. Supporters sang songs, waved Israeli flags and held candles for the kidnapped men, women and children.

All of these people care about humanity, Chestnut Hill resident Relly Banker said. We came here in the name of humanity, to ask everyone [to] help us. Release these people. Let them go home to their mothers and fathers and to their children.

For such a small global population that is the Jewish people, its really cool to see so much support in a city like Boston, Natick resident Matt Gentile said.

IAC volunteer Michael Kimeldorfer Rabinowitz said its important to not forget the names and faces of the people held against their will.

Were not going to rest until everybody joins us in our attempt to get them back home, Kimeldorfer Rabinowitz said. These are faces of regular people who woke up Saturday morning and just wanted to do a regular rest day and found themselves hostages of a terrorist organization.





This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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FILE - Hungary's Prime Minister Victor Orban briefs the media in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 10, 2020. The Hungarian parliament has refused a proposal to hold a vote on Swedens bid to join NATO, further delaying the Nordic countrys inclusion in the military alliance. The delay on Tuesday comes as Hungary remains the main hurdle to Swedens admission into NATO after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a protocol to Turkeys parliament on Monday to approve its admission. All 31 allies must endorse the accession. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File ) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  The Hungarian parliament on Tuesday refused a proposal to hold a vote on Sweden's bid to join NATO, further delaying the Nordic countrys inclusion in the military alliance.

Hungary is the main hurdle to Sweden's admission into NATO after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a protocol to Turkeys parliament on Monday to approve its admission. All 31 allies must endorse the accession.

The governing Fidesz party  led by populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban who is widely considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putins only allies in the EU  which holds an absolute majority in the Hungarian parliament, has stalled Sweden's bid since July 2022, alleging that Swedish politicians have told blatant lies about the condition of Hungarys democracy.

Fidesz lawmakers blocked the Tuesday proposal to schedule a vote, according to Agnes Vadai, a lawmaker with Hungarys opposition Democratic Coalition party and a former secretary of state in the Ministry of Defense.

The next possible time to vote on the ratification will be during the parliamentary session beginning Nov. 6, she said.

Hungarian officials have said repeatedly that their country will not be the last member to endorse Sweden's bid, but Ankaras move toward ratification suggests that the time for further holdups may be running out.

The delays have frustrated other NATO allies, who were swift in accepting Sweden and Finland into the alliance after the neighboring countries dropped their longstanding military neutrality after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Hungary has always seemed to follow Turkeys lead when it came to NATO expansion. After multiple delays in ratifying Finlands NATO bid, Hungarys parliament swiftly passed the measure in March, immediately after Erdogan indicated his government would move forward on the ratification.

However, speaking from New York before a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, Hungarys Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, said the ratification process by Turkeys parliament does not change anything, and that Hungarian lawmakers will make a sovereign decision on this issue.

Last month, Orban said that Hungary was in no rush to ratify Sweden's accession, and a senior Fidesz lawmaker said he saw little chance that parliament would vote on the matter this year.

The press office of the Fidesz party did not respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press.

Erdogan has delayed ratification of Swedens membership over accusations that Stockholm of being too soft on Kurdish militants and other groups his country considers to be security threats. But Hungary, on the other hand, has expressed no such concrete concerns.

While Erdogans decision to submit ratification protocols to Turkeys parliament brought Sweden closer than ever to joining NATO, it was still unknown when an actual vote would go to the floor.

Some opposition politicians in Hungary  who have argued for immediate approval of Sweden's bid  believe that Orban's party is following Ankara's timetable. Vadai, the opposition lawmaker, said that the Hungarian ruling party is likely to act as soon as it seems clear a vote is imminent in the Turkish parliament.

In July, Szijjarto, in a news conference, said he had been in close and constant communication with his Turkish counterpart on the question of Swedens membership.

If there is movement (in Turkeys position), then of course we will keep our promise that Hungary will not delay any country in its accession, Szijjarto said at the time.

Vadai said that made it clear both countries are in constant dialogue.

What Id guess is that the two countries will ratify it, if not at the same time, then very close to each other, she said.
The massive manhunt for four Georgia inmate escapees led armed law enforcement teams to the doorstep of a murder suspect, who vanished after he appeared to be kidnapped seven months ago.

U.S. Marshals were "met by gunfire" through a closed apartment door, and backed up by SWAT teams who blasted through the entrance, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office said Monday evening.

They found a man  later identified as Christian Williams, 23  "down from a self-inflicted gunshot wound," the sheriff's office said.

This is the first time anyone has seen Williams since he was reportedly abducted on March 6 just hours before he was due in court for 2021 murder charges.

GEORGIA DEPUTIES FIND CAR USED IN JAIL ESCAPE; 4 INMATES REMAIN ON THE RUN

Williams was rushed to a hospital, where he's in critical condition, according to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office.

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He's suspected of helping Joey Fournier, 52, Chavis Stokes, 29, Marc K. Anderson, 24, and Johnifer Barnwell, 37, break out of Bibbs County Jail last week.

BODYCAM CAPTURES DRAMATIC SHOOT-OUT WITH MAN ACCUSED OF SLAUGHTERING FAMILY BEFORE VANISHING

The four inmates climbed out of a damaged window in the oldest, most deteriorated section of the jail, cut through a fence and made their getaway in a blue Dodge Challenger, according to investigators.

The suspected getaway car was found in the parking lot of in a Biomat USA in the city of Macon, about two miles north of the jail, but there's still no sign of the fugitives, as the search enters week two.

The blue Dodge Challenger was seen outside the jail at the time of the escape on Oct. 16, officials said. The car was found in a parking lot in Macon on Friday.

A blue Dodge Challenger seen outside the jail is believed to have helped the inmates escape following the jailbreak.

Williams's involvement in the escape is currently under investigation, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office said in an official statement.

His girlfriend, who was in the house as the time, was arrested and charged with felony aiding or permitting another to escape lawful custody or confinement.

PROMINENT JEWISH SYNAGOGUE PRESIDENT SAMANTHA WOLL FOUND DEAD OUTSIDE HOME

Meanwhile, Fournier, Stokes, Anderson and Barnwell remain on the run.

"They could be anywhere," Bibb County Sheriff said during Friday's press conference. "But how long they stay together or even if they're together at this point: We don't know."

WATCH SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE OF WILLIAMS REPORTED ABDUCTION

Prosecutors released surveillance footage of the last time Williams was seen.

He was out of jail on $100,000 bond when he appears to be mugged and dragged off by two men.

HOW A POKER GAME IN JAIL COULD SOLVE MISSING PERSONS CASES

Williams was wearing an ankle monitor at the time, but the battery reportedly died.

Given the circumstances around his disappearance, Sheriff Davis appeared to be suspicious of the disappearance in a June interview with local news outlet 13WMAZ.

"That is one of the things that's been so perplexing about this," Davis told 13WMAZ. "There has been no phone calls from anyone about this situation. There have been phone calls from people saying, you know, where he might be or third party, fourth party conversations."

Law enforcement put a $73,000 reward on the heads of the four escaped inmates.

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office added $20,000 to the combined rewards from the FBI, Macon Regional Crime Stoppers and U.S. Marshals Service to bring the total amount to $73,000, the sheriffs office said Wednesday.

The escape happened when fewer than 10 employees were working at the jail, which was holding about 800 inmates at the time, according to the sheriff.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS

"Everyone from the Bibb Sheriffs Office and our law enforcement partners is focused on recapturing these fugitives," Sheriff Davis said in a statement.

"We ask that anyone having information about these wanted individuals to make the call and help us bring these escapees back to jail."

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Anyone with information on the possible location(s) of these escapees should call the FBIs tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), the USMS at 1-877-WANTED2, or the Bibb County Sheriffs Office at 478-751-7500. Tips may also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov or USMS Tips App.





Original article source: Hunt for Georgia jail inmate escapees leads to violent confrontation with kidnapped murder suspect: Police
Recent excavation of ancient burial sites suggests women played a bigger role in prehistoric big-game hunting in the Americas than scientists previously thought, per reports. | Adobe.com

Recent excavation of ancient burial sites suggests women played a bigger role in prehistoric big-game hunting in the Americas than scientists previously assumed, according to scientific journal Plos One.

To gain insights into ancient foraging societies, an international research team conducted a study of 391 foraging societies spanning from the early 1800s to the present day.

Related

One significant discovery Plos One examined was a 9,000-year old burial site in the Andean highland area of Wilamaya Patjxa, Peru. Scientists discovered the remains of 11 females at 10 different sites containing big-game hunting tools and animal processing equipment.

Another instance of women acting as hunters in early societies was confirmed through genetic analysis in 2017. In 1871, a lavish burial site of an ancient Viking warrior was discovered on an island in Sweden, per Atlas Obscura. The site included two sacrificed horses, hosts of weapons and a shield. The remains were originally thought to belong to a man, but the warrior was later confirmed to be female.

More evidence for female hunters appeared when archaeologists found a 2,500-year-old burial site with four females alongside weapons and warrior equipment, per Plos One. The buried womens ages ranged from 12 to 50 and they were allegedly nomadic Scythians. One-third of Scythian women were buried with weapons.

By analyzing these discoveries and current hunter-gatherer societies, researchers concluded that women hunted in 79% of foraging societies. Smithsonian magazine reported that nearly two-thirds of the time, female hunting didnt occur while doing other activities; it seemed intentional.

In societies where families relied heavily on hunting for survival, women participated in hunting 100 percent of the time, Smithsonian magazine reported.

Plos One concluded that these burial sites suggest scientists may know less about how Holocene societies were organized than they previously thought. Their hypothesis is that the majority ... of hunter-gatherer communities do expect females to contribute to hunting strategies.

If women being buried with weapons implies they were commonly involved in hunting, it would challenge the long-held perceptions of sex-specific gender roles within foraging subsistence labor.
Leland Gohlmann needed gas when he stopped at a local Caseys gas station and convenience store.

But after filling up his tank, the Nebraska man began feeling a little thirsty, lottery officials said in an Oct. 20 news release.

Thats why Gohlmann decided to head inside and grab a soda.

While I was in there, I thought I might as well get a ticket, Gohlmann told the Nebraska Lottery.

He decided to buy a quick pick Powerball play for the Oct. 14 drawing, officials said.

The next morning, Gohlmann and his wife, Jeri, began hearing rumors about someone in their hometown of Fremont winning a $1 million prize with a ticket from Caseys, according to the release.

Gohlmann called the Nebraska Lottery and checked his ticket  and thats when he realized he was the big winner.

He had matched all five white balls  14, 16, 42, 48, 64  but not the Powerball of 14, officials said.

He was so calm, Jeri recalled. I just didnt believe it.

Gohlmann does not consider himself a regular Powerball player, but he does occasionally buy tickets, according to the release.

Fremont is about 40 miles northwest of Omaha.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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Tens of thousands of women in Iceland, including Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, are refusing to work on Tuesday.

The "kvennafri", or women's day off, has been called in protest at the gender pay gap and gender-based violence.

Fields in which women form the majority of workers, such as healthcare and education, are especially affected.

The planned walkout marks the first full-day women's strike since 1975.

Women and non-binary people have been urged to refuse paid and unpaid work on Tuesday, including household chores.

Some preschools and primary schools are closed, while some others that remain open are offering reduced services. Some museums, city libraries and zoos are also affected.

"I will not work this day, as I expect all the women [in cabinet] will do as well," Iceland's PM Ms Jakobsdottir told the mbl.is website ahead of the protest.

Ms Jakobsdottir said her government is looking into how female-dominated professions are valued, in comparison to fields traditionally dominated by men.

According to the Icelandic Teachers' Union, women make up the majority of teachers at every level of the educational system, including 94% of kindergarten teachers.

Around 80% of workers at the National University Hospital of Iceland, the biggest in the country, are women.

Speaking to BBC Newshour, strike organiser Kristin Astgeirsdottir said violence against women remains a problem in Iceland despite high levels of gender equality.

"The theory was that the more gender equality, the less violence. That unfortunately does not seem to be the case," she said, adding: "Violence against women is deeply rooted in our culture."

Iceland has been ranked the best country in the world for gender equality by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for 14 years in a row. But the country is not completely equal, with the WEF assigning it an overall score of 91.2%.

"We're seeking to bring attention to the fact that we're called an equality paradise, but there are still gender disparities and urgent need for action," said Freyja Steingrimsdottir, one of the strike organisers, in quotes cited by Reuters news agency.

The volcanic island, which is one of the most sparsely-populated countries, ranks 14th in the world for economic participation, below countries including Liberia, Jamaica and Norway.

Around 90% of Iceland's female workforce went on strike in 1975, seeking to highlight the importance of women to the economy. The strike prompted the country's parliament to pass an equal pay law the following year.

Former Icelandic president Vigdis Finnbogadottir told the BBC in 2015 that the 1975 strike was "the first step for women's emancipation in Iceland," which paved the way for her to become the first woman to be democratically elected head of state in the world in 1980.
Trump says no more America-haters: "I will implement strong ideological screening of all immigrants," said former President Donald Trump at a Derry, New Hampshire, campaign rally yesterday. "If you hate America, if you want to abolish Israel, if you don't like our religionwhich a lot of them don'tif you sympathize with the jihadists, then we don't want you in our country and you are not getting in."

This is a strange caricature of the immigrants coming here. Do we have evidence that America-hating jihadist-sympathizers are trying to get into the country en masse? To which ideologies should immigrants subscribe? What exactly is "our" religion?

Three-quarters of total immigrants are here legally, and 45 percent are naturalized citizens. More than half of immigrants are proficient in English. About one-quarter of adult Hispanic immigrants to the U.S. have already earned bachelor's degrees. Per 2013 Pew data, "Christians remain by far the largest religious group among legal U.S. immigrantsover the past two decades, the U.S. has admitted an estimated 12.7 million Christian immigrants."

Though it's difficult to get a full sense of what percentage are here illegally, most agree that today's number is a bit below the 2007 peak of 12.2 million, probably somewhere between 10 and 12 million. Per Pew's 2013 data on illegal immigrants, about 83 percent are Christian.

None of this is to say that only Christian, English-speaking immigrants should be let in. But it is to say that we currently attract an awful lot of Christian, English-speaking, semi-educated immigrants and that at least some folks with sympathies for Hamas are homegrown.

As for jihadists, sure, it only takes one being let into the country to create a problem. But do we have any evidence that our current system is allowing jihadists to enter? New America's count indicates that, over the last 22 years, 107 people have been killed by jihadists within the United States. Each of those deaths is tragic and each terrorist event is scarytake the 2019 shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where three people were killed by an Al Qaedaaffiliated gunmanbut it's not clear to me that Trump's "ideological screening" would fix that very limited problem.

Beware campaign-trail immigration applause lines. They're pretty much all terrible.

Hamas' brutality comes into fuller view: Amid swirling reports and conspiracy theories that journalists and the Israeli military were lying about, for example, Hamas beheading some of its October 7 victims, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showed body cam, traffic camera, and CCTV footage to 200 foreign journalists yesterday, corroborating many of the most gruesome accounts.

"I killed 10 Jews with my bare hands," says one Hamas terrorist to someone on the phone, per one of the recordings. Multiple Israeli victims appear to have been beheaded and burned alive. Video shows small children being shot. One victim was reportedly beheaded by a Hamas terrorist with a shovel. IDF officials told journalists yesterday that they have evidence of rape, but that they are not yet releasing it.

"When we say Hamas is ISIS, it's not a branding effort," said IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. "Why does a person take a GoPro [to such an attack]? Because he's proud of what he does."

Meanwhile in Gaza: Overnight, Israeli strikes on Gaza heated up. Gaza's health ministry reports that 704 people were killed in attacks last night, including in the southern areas that the IDF had told northern Gazans to flee to. Israel has been criticized by international aid organizations for not allowing fuel into Gaza, which is needed to power generators to keep hospitals running (12 of the 32 total hospitals are currently out of service), but Israel and Egypt have disagreed for more than a week now about proper screening measures for aid shipments going across Egypt's Rafah border crossing to ensure weapons aren't being secretly passed via aid shipments to Hamas, and that the terrorist group won't seize the fuel to use it toward its own ends. Trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies have passed through the border, but humanitarian groups say they're struggling to distribute supplies.

Administrators at Al Shifa hospital say no help has arrived from the aid convoys yet. Check out CNN's reporting on the horrific cascading effects that will come from hospitals in the region running out of fuelincluding doctors no longer being able to keep babies in neonatal units alive.

Scenes from New York:

A packed house last night for the Reason Speakeasy, where Nick Gillespie interviewed Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott about their new book, The Canceling of the American Mind.

(Liz Wolfe)

A few delinquents (me, Matt Welch) sat in the back, drank Beaujolais, and, um, took in the sights.

(Liz Wolfe)

QUICK HITS

Why did fertility decline in France during the 18th century?

Explainer on the Houthi militants in Yemen.

Today in Iceland, thousands of women (including the prime minister) are on strike (called kvennafri ) to protest the purported gender pay gap. "Women and non-binary people have been urged to refuse paid and unpaid work on Tuesday, including household chores," reports the BBC. (Pretty sure that in my household, a failure to do all my "unpaid work" on one day would simply meanplaying catch-up the next day. Hard to see how that's some huge win.) But here's the best part: "Iceland has been ranked the best country in the world for gender equality by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for 14 years in a row."

Pray for Justin Amash and his family in Gaza:

In this video, provided to me by a relative on site, you can see the destruction at Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza. The ancient sanctuary remains standing, but the church annex, which includes offices and meeting spaces for the Christian community, collapsed from an pic.twitter.com/jJfRD29uJK  Justin Amash (@justinamash) October 23, 2023

Rep. J.D. Vance (ROhio) calls for aid to Israel and Ukraine to be split up.

"General Li [Shangfu] is the second Chinese minister to be purged this year without explanation and under a cloud of suspicion; the foreign minister, Qin Gang, was dismissed in July," reports The New York Times on the abrupt ousting of Xi Jinping's defense minister.

Facts:

there is no way to talk about "limiting the spread of misinformation" without sounding like a Leninist  roon (@tszzl) October 24, 2023

This feels like a very L.A. rendition of Israel-Hamas cancel culture, mostly because nobody has been very specific about anything, and because this top agent at Creative Artists Agency will keep her job, just step down as co-head of the motion picture department. (Also very L.A. to say, after you've been punished by your bosses for speech, that "dialogue is healing." Is it really?)

This:

The general narcissism of the American far left can be very annoying and counterproductive. No, racial minorities in America in 2023 are not oppressed in any way shape or form similar to stateless Palestinians in Gaza or the West Bank. The comparisons are insane.  Lee Fang (@lhfang) October 20, 2023

A beautiful photo essay on what it feels like to come of age in Ukraine amid the constant horrors of war.

The post Ideological Screening appeared first on Reason.com.
The Israeli military is offering rewards to Palestinians who have information on the hostages being held in Gaza by the militant group Hamas.

If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area, the Israel Defense Forces wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The military noted it will devote its maximum effort to providing security and financial rewards and guaranteed complete confidentiality to those who submit information on the hostages.

Hamas militants took more than 200 people as hostages during its initial attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, including many believed to be civilians. At least four hostages have been released so far as officials from multiple countries negotiate for their release.

The militarys request for help from the public comes as it mulls a potential ground invasion into Gaza. The U.S. has reportedly advised Israel to delay an invasion, arguing the delay could help release the 200 hostages still under Hamas control, a U.S. official told The Associated Press Tuesday on the condition of anonymity.

Israeli officials have been signaling it will launch a ground invasion for days but have yet to lay out a specific timetable. Some U.S. lawmakers and humanitarian groups have warned that a ground invasion could worsen the conditions in Gaza, where supplies like food, water and fuel, continue to run low.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) warned an Israeli ground invasion into Gaza would be catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardize urgent efforts to save hostages.

Comments like those from Welch and the U.S. official who spoke to The Associated Press follow President Bidens remarks from Tel Aviv last week, in which he cautioned Israel against making the same mistakes the U.S. made following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Justice must be done, Biden said. But I caution this: While you feel that rage, dont be consumed by it. After 9/11, we were enraged in the United States. While we sought justice and got justice, we also made mistakes.

Israel has ramped up its airstrike campaign in Gaza in recent days, launching more than 400 strikes on the area Tuesday alone. The IDF said it was targeting Hamas leadership and military sites, but the strikes have also killed an increasing number of citizens.

More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 2,000 children, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. About 1,400 Israelis also died in the violence, mostly in the Hamas surprise attack more than two weeks ago.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Israeli military claimed it struck a military target inside a Gaza refugee camp late Monday.

The strike killed and wounded dozens of civilians at the Al-Shati refugee camp, the Gaza Health Ministry said. It did did not specify exactly how many.

Palestinian media, however, reported that five people were killed in the strike, according to Reuters.

Many of the casualties are children and women who are still under rubble, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

The Israeli military described the attack as as part of its strikes on terror infrastructure and Hamas staging grounds all across Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces have stepped up the intensity of its aerial strikes on Gaza amid preparation for an expected ground invasion of the territory, which has brought increased scrutiny as Palestinian civilian casualties rise.

More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting so far, including over 2,000 children, the Hamas-controlled health ministry said. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the conflict, mostly civilians in the surprise attack earlier this month which launched the war.

At least 50 Palestinians were killed in strikes overnight Monday, according to survivors and the Hamas-run Gaza Interior Ministry. Two significant sets of strikes on a group of homes in Rafah and an apartment building in Khan Yunis killed 28 and 32 people, respectively.

While Israel ticks up its aerial strikes, humanitarian groups continue their push for more aid for civilians in the territory. Aid convoys began flowing into Gaza on Saturday, but humanitarian leaders have warned that the little that has entered so far is not enough, and that convoys will soon need to stop as Gaza runs entirely out of fuel.

President Obama urged restraint from Israel in the conflict, saying in a statement Monday that Israel must protect Gaza civilians.

But even as we support Israel, we should also be clear that how Israel prosecutes this fight against Hamas matters, Obama wrote. In particular, it matters  as President Biden has repeatedly emphasized  that Israels military strategy abides by international law, including those laws that seek to avoid, to every extent possible, the death or suffering of civilian populations.

The Israeli governments decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis, he continued, saying it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israels enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A 92-year-old man who just conquered a 24-mile, rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon is set to become the oldest person on record to have accomplished the feat.

Alfredo Aliaga, a Spaniard who lives in Berlin, hiked for 21 hours over two days to complete the hike on Oct. 15, according to hundreds of photos and videos submitted to USA TODAY, an independent witness' account and fitness trackers.

Along the way, Aliaga spread joy with his upbeat attitude and inspired plenty of hikers decades younger than him.

In his first interview following the accomplishment, Aliaga told USA TODAY that finishing the rim-to-rim hike felt amazing and said it's never too late to do something big, even in your 90s.

After all, he said, it's "only one step after the other."

Alfredo Aliaga, 92, during his 24-mile rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 14 and 15.

'Go, Mom!' 81-year-old with cancer completes 24-mile Grand Canyon hike in 21 hours

Did Alfredo Aliaga break a world record?

Aliaga's journey in the Grand Canyon was well-documented by his daughter, son-in-law, two independent witnesses and the many strangers who posted photos with the 92-year-old during the journey. Aliaga and his family tracked the hike using several methods, including Google Earth and shared the evidence with USA TODAY.

Aliaga's network has so much material and proof to submit, that they're still organizing the package that they plan to send to Guinness World Records this week.

Alfredo Aliaga, 92, is pictured during his 24-mile rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 14 and 15, 2023, along with (from left to right) his son-in-law Jurgen Buchenau, daughter Anabal Aliaga-Buchenau, and independent witnesses Peter Todd and Julian Coiner.

A Guinness spokeswoman says the company reviews submissions within three to four months and analyzes all submitted evidence to confirm the success or failure of a record attempt.

The current record-holder for the oldest person to have hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim is John Jepkema of Craig, Colorado. Jepkema completed his hike over five days at the age of 91 in 2019. He died this past March.

Who is Alfredo Aliaga?

Aliaga was born on Aug. 28, 1931, in a tiny village in northern Spain called Mozota, which had no running water when he was a boy, according to Aliaga's daughter, Anabel Aliaga-Buchenau, a longtime resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, and a professor of German and comparative literature at the University of North Carolina.

During the Spanish Civil War  which broke out in 1936  Aliaga's parents sent him to live with his aunt and uncle on a sheep farm in the mountains, where he helped shepherd the animals, his daughter said.

Alfredo Aliaga, 92, takes a break on his ascent of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 15, 2023.

Aliaga spent time in the military, worked for a telephone company and at the age of 25, immigrated to Germany to study geology. There he met his wife Ingrid, then became a pharmaceutical rep and the couple settled down with their two children in Northeim in central Germany, about halfway between Berlin and Frankfurt.

In their retirement, Aliaga and his wife began traveling the world on a shoestring budget, bringing their tent and hiking poles to places like Machu Picchu, Mount Everest Base Camp and the Grand Canyon. They once went on a 2,000-mile bike ride from Finland to Germany.

Aliaga lost his adventure buddy in 2006 following 39 years of marriage when Ingrid died of Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS, at the age of 76.

"My dad would say, 'Oh, how about if we do this?'" Aliaga-Buchenau said. "And she would say, 'Yes, let's go!' She was always ready to take on the next adventure."

After his wife's death, Aliaga "was a shell of his former self, having taken care of Ingrid 24/7 for two years," his daughter said.

Ingrid and Alfredo Aliaga are pictured during one of their many adventures before she died of Lou Gehrig's disease in 2006 at the age of 76.

Around the world in 80 days: 81-year-old best friends from Texas travel the globe, inspire followers

How the Grand Canyon helped Alfredo Aliaga find his joy again

To help him heal after Ingrid died, Aliaga decided to return to all the places he had been with her. At the top of his list was the Grand Canyon.

He took his daughter and his then 9-year-old grandson Nick to the natural wonder, where they camped for the night and left a paper origami crane in Ingrid's memory (family and friends made her 1,000 cranes as she lay dying and threw them on top of her grave at her funeral).

Since then, Aliaga has returned to the canyon repeatedly and has done various rim-to-rim hikes. He's been so many times, his daughter said, that rangers and other hikers recognize him.

Alfredo Aliaga, 92, is pictured with a park ranger during his 24-mile rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 14 and 15, 2023.

Ahead of his most recent trip, KNXV-TV in Flagstaff, Arizona, reported about Aliaga's record attempt, and that story was posted in a rim-to-rim hiking group with more than 70,000 members on Facebook, further solidifying the 92-year-old's fame.

Aliaga could barely get into a good rhythm because of all the people stopping him during his most recent hike.

"(There were) a lot of people asking me, 'Oh, you are Alfredo. May I get a picture with you?'" Aliaga said. "We lost a lot of time making pictures, and they (would say), 'Oh, you are my hero, you are my inspiration.'"

While he said he felt honored by the recognition, he joked about having to disguise himself to stop losing time. "I put my hat down over my eyes and the people could not see that I was Alfredo."

Alfredo Aliaga, 92, with a family inspired by his 24-mile hike of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 14 and 15, 2023.

How did Alfredo Aliaga do the rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon?

In order to train for the hike, Aliaga walked three hours every day in Berlin, where he lives with his son.

He didn't do any mountain training but wanted to make sure he was prepared for long efforts.

Asked whether he could share his tips for a long life filled with adventures like his, Aliaga said it's quite simple.

"I have a routine, three things that I do every day and that is enough to be strong, happy and healthy when you are so old," he said. "The first one: Eat healthy food, drink water with it ... The second one, just 30 minutes each day walking. If you can do more, very good, but 30 is enough. But every day!"

The third recommendation, he said, is the most important one: Sleep eight hours every night, going to bed and getting up at the same times every day.

Aliaga said he began his three-step method when he was 74 so it's never too late.

"We are willed by Mother Nature to move, and if you are eight hours sitting in a chair, you cannot be healthy," he said. "We must move."

Alfredo Aliaga, 92, is pictured during his 24-mile rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 14 and 15, 2023.

'You made our day, Alfredo'

On a post in the Facebook group about Aliaga's hike, about a dozen people shared the photos they took with the nonagenarian.

"You made our day, Alfredo!" one user wrote along with a selfie with a beaming Aliaga.

Another posted their photo with Aliaga and wrote: "I felt like I was meeting a celebrity!"

A video shared with USA TODAY showing Aliagas final steps on the rim-to-rim hike shows dozens of people cheering him on as he nears the end.

We heard about you and wanted to see you, one person told him. Another shouted: Youre our idol! We love you!

The cheers appeared to give Aliaga a boost as he lifted his trekking poles higher and brought them down with force with each new step.

As he finished 21 hours of hiking, Aliaga raised each pole in the air and declared: We did it!

Amanda Lee Myers is a trending reporter and editor for USA TODAY. She writes about ordinary people who do extraordinary things.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alfredo Aliaga's rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike seeks world record at 92
Advocates for ending cash bail in Illinois are praising a 7.5% drop in the average number of people being held in the Winnebago County Jail since August as a positive early sign.

A new law eliminating cash bail called the Pretrial Fairness Act took effect a month ago. A new pretrial system was introduced that seeks to evaluate whether a defendant accused of a crime is a danger to the community or is a flight risk before a determination is made on whether he or she should be jailed before trial.

There is an assumption the court will set conditions for pretrial release unless clear and convincing evidence is presented as to why a defendant should be jailed. Money no longer plays a role.

"People who do not need to be detained awaiting trial, who should be with their family, who should be working, who should be trying to keep their life on track, who are not a risk to their community or another person, shouldn't be detained before a conviction," said the Rev. Matthew Johnson of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford.

"Over time, I think we should see a steady decrease in the jail population."

More: Meet the judge presiding over Rockford's new no cash bail court

Average daily jail populations in Winnebago County fell from 802 in August to 765 in September to 742 so far in October. The jail has a capacity for 1,300 inmates and the numbers include more than 100 defendants being held on federal charges.

That is the lowest the average daily jail population has been in Winnebago County since it averaged 735 inmates in August 2021, when the numbers were still being impacted by the global pandemic, Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said.

Caruana said that it will likely take months to see how the pretrial fairness act will impact the jail.

So far, there have been few hearings in Winnebago County seeking the release of inmates held on bond from before the new law took effect, Caruana said. Numbers of the detained could swing back and forth when more are released under the new rules and then perhaps returned to jail for re-offending or missing court dates.

"It's still too early," Caruana said. "Let's see how it shakes out as we move down the road. There is no doubt some of it is from the Pretrial Fairness Act."

Stephenson and Boone counties have also seen decreases in average daily jail populations since August. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said there was a 21.5% decrease from 65 in August to 58 in September to 51 in October.

Boone County Sheriff Scott Yunk estimates that his jail has seen a 25% decrease in inmates since the implementation of the new rules.

Ann Rundall, a retired Rockford Public Schools principal and a leader of Eliminate Racism 815, is a volunteer courtroom observer organized by Rockford Urban Ministries to watch the rollout of the Pretrial Fairness Act in Winnebago County.

She has observed initial appearance court on three separate occasions and is trying to go once a week. So far, she said court personnel appear to be applying the law as they are supposed to.

Rundall said it was "wonderful" to learn that the number of people being held in jail appears to be decreasing since the Pretrial Fairness Act was implemented Sept. 18. She said that people in the past would too often sit in jail for "months and months and months" simply because they couldn't afford bail.

It punished families for being poor, not because a defendant was a danger to the public, Rundall said.

"They haven't been proven guilty of anything yet, but they are sitting in a jail cell because they don't have money," Rundall said. "That's not fair. That's not right."

Jeff Kolkey can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on Twitter @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Reform advocates praise falling numbers at Rockford area jails
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Is the 60-second rule worth adopting? Sarah Akram, the founder of Sarah Akram Skincare, shares her thoughts. The post Expert weighs in on whether or not you should wash your face for at least 60 seconds appeared first on In The Know.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and the attorneys general of 41 other states are suing Meta, the technology company that owns Facebook and Instagram, accusing the company of "purposefully" deploying features on the platforms that are addicting for children and teens.

Our children are our most precious God-given gift, as they are our future generation, Rokita said in a statement Tuesday. This is just the next step in our endless fight to protect our youth from harmful, toxic platforms.

The attorneys general say that Meta's practices violate state consumer protection laws and the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. The multistate complaint was filed in federal court Tuesday; a handful of states filed additional, separate lawsuits in their respective state courts.

They are alleging that Meta knew of the "harmful" effects its platforms could have on young people but concealed the extent of the psychological damage allegedly inflicted and did not make changes to mitigate the harms.

"Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," the federal complaint states. "It has concealed the ways in which these Platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children."

In an email to IndyStar, a Meta spokesperson said the company has introduced several tools to help young people navigate its platforms in healthy ways and has been talking with attorneys general about this work.

We share the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced more than 30 tools to support teens and their families," the spokesperson said. "Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

Rokita previously sued TikTok, the popular video-based social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, alleging exploitation of personal information. A federal judge recently declined to take the case in a scathing decision, and it remains in state court. A slew of other states have also sued TikTok over both privacy and addiction concerns.

What's in the lawsuit

The lawsuit claims Meta's business model incentivizes maximizing the amount of time young people spend on their platforms.

The "harmful" and "addicting" features the complaint lists include recommendation algorithms, "like" buttons, alerts urging users to open the app, filters on photos, and the ability to infinitely scroll through content. Meta "deceptively" presented these features as not manipulative, the complaint alleges.

The complaint also accuses Meta of downplaying the effects of its platforms on young people, even after a whistleblower leaked internal studies at Facebook showing the effects of platform usage on teen mental health.

Finally, the attorneys general are accusing Meta of marketing its platforms to children under 13 and profiting off their personal data without parental consent.

What Meta says

A spokesperson said Meta does not knowingly collect data from anyone under 13 years old and prohibits such users from Instagram.

Some of the tools Meta has developed to support children and families include age verification technology, tools for parents to set time limits on their teens' social media apps, and tools that remind users to take a break from the app they're on. The company tracks the usage of these tools, and over the course of a week, according to Meta, nearly half of teens who get such a reminder actually take it up at least once by leaving Instagram for at least 10 minutes.

Broadly, the company spokesperson said, mental health in teens is complex and can be influenced by a wide variety of factors outside of social media. The issues identified in the complaint should be addressed by collaborating with all social media companies, not just singling out Meta, the company argues.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Todd Rokita sues Meta over 'harmful' features on Instagram, Facebook
By Stefanno Sulaiman and Stanley Widianto

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Two of Indonesia's three presidential hopefuls told U.S. investors on Tuesday they would address issues surrounding doing business in the Southeast Asian country.

Former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo told an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce that he would ensure legal certainty for foreign investors and boost tax collection in the trillion-dollar economy.

Anies Baswedan, the former governor of the capital Jakarta, promised to maintain Indonesia's policy credibility by giving major posts to technocrats and to bolster investment in the manufacturing industry if he wins the Feb. 14 election.

"Illegal fees must be eradicated, services must be made cheaper, faster. We must provide legal certainty by enforcing the law," said Ganjar, who narrowly trails front-runner Prabowo Subianto in surveys, adding that certainty issue ranks among investors key' concerns.

Ganjar has promised to boost the average growth of Southeast Asia's largest economy to 7% if he wins the next five-year presidential term. U.S.-educated Anies targets 5.5% to 6.5% growth on average.

Indonesia's economy grew 5.3% last year, boosted by the commodity upcycle, but with commodity prices falling growth is expected to ease to around 5% this year.

Ganjar vowed to improve governance in the tax office to double the government's spending capacity, without giving details.

Anies offered plans to create at least 14 new economic growth centres outside of the main Java island.

Prabowo, the defence minister, did not attend the American Chamber of Commerce event. He is expected to officially register his candidacy to the election commission on Wednesday and has not made public his policy platform.

Elections in Indonesia are often a battle of personalities rather than policies, with candidates running on similar platforms promoting growth, jobs, and pluralism in the world's largest Muslim-majority country.

However, candidates also often promote economic nationalism when campaigning.

Incumbent Joko Widodo, who must step down after serving a maximum of two terms, has asked his successor to continue his policy of prioritising processing natural commodities onshore.

Widodo has overseen Indonesia's 2020 export ban on nickel ore, which he followed with stopping exports of unprocessed bauxite this year.

(Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman and Stanley Widianto; Editing by Gayatri Suroyo, Clarence Fernandez and Mike Harrison)
National remembrance service for victims of the mosque attacks, at Hagley Park in Christchurch

By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) -A coroners inquiry into New Zealand's worst mass shooting opened on Tuesday with a traditional Maori welcome and a reading from the Koran in remembrance of the 51 Muslim worshippers killed by an Australian white supremacist.

Armed with high-capacity semi-automatic weapons, Brenton Tarrant, 32, killed 51 people and injured dozens when he opened fire in two mosques on March 15, 2019, in Christchurch.

Tarrant released a racist manifesto shortly before the attack and streamed the shootings live on Facebook. He was convicted on 51 charges of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act and is serving a life sentence in prison without parole.

I ask simply that we keep each of the 51 people whose lives have been lost, and that common goal at the centre of this hearing, Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley said as she opened the inquiry.

Windley said the inquiry would seek to shine a light on what happened and would consider making recommendations to reduce the chances of a similar event happening again.

This inquiry is not about establishing liability or negligence, she said. I have no mandate to award compensation or to direct further proceedings.

Over the next six weeks the inquiry will examine 10 issues including the response by emergency services and hospital staff, whether Tarrant had direct assistance from any other person and the cause of death for each of the deceased.

Windley is not expected to release her findings until some time in 2024.

The inquiry is a legal process required by New Zealand law to examine unexpected deaths and receives input from medical examiners, police, first responders and other witnesses to the death.

The main courtroom was full and further space had been made available in a neighbouring courtroom for families to watch a livestream.

Before the first witness appeared, a video was played with photos and memories of all those who died. The start of the inquiry was then dedicated to the events on the day and how emergency services responded.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Susan Christian lives in the historic Boulevard Park section of midtown. She loves trees, especially the over 100-year-old American elm that towers 70 feet with its broad canopy, defining and sheltering her house on 22nd Street.

But in August the city slapped a notice on the giant elm she adores. The city deemed the tree a safety hazard. It had to come down.

Christian, a civil rights attorney, happened to be reading a novel by Elif Shafak, The Island of Missing Trees, at the time. Its message resonated.

I love the authors view of trees as being sentient, Christian said. Its exactly how Ive always felt about them, and why Im so sad about my dear elm. Im not really an eccentric person, but I recognize and value life in every living thing, person, creature.

So Christian stepped into action.

She not only appealed the decision of the citys division of urban forestry, but hired her own expert: Gordon Mann, an arborist with 43 years of experience including as the city arborist for Redwood City.

Mann knows Sacramento trees well, having once served as the urban forest services director for the Sacramento Tree Foundation.

In his report on the American elm, Mann wrote, the city has invested a lot in this tree over time, with sidewalk repair, pruning, and response to branch failures. The reduction pruning of this tree would cost the city less, avoid the removal of the large diameter trunk, and retain the tree shade for the property.

Mann recommended in his assessment a fairly radical approach to save the tree: reducing the top from approximately 70 feet to 40-45 feet.

This would result in shortening all the leveraged branches and retaining a smaller height and lesser spread elm tree at this location, he surmised. This reduced-size tree will still provide the desired afternoon shade for the property owner.

Susan Christian stands earlier this month in front of the trunk of the California elm tree that she wants to save on her property in Sacramentos Boulevard Park. The city is considering cutting down the tree for safety, but an arborist hired by Christian believes that only part of it needs to be removed. Paul Kitagaki Jr./pkitagaki@sacbee.com

Kevin Hocker respectfully disagrees. And he loves trees, too. So much that he has made it his lifes work.

Hocker is the city of Sacramentos urban forester, a job that entails overseeing the staggering roughly 100,000 city-owned trees  in medians, near sidewalks, and in parks.

Sitting at an outside table at a local coffee shop on a bright, clear fall day, Hocker noted that the nearby shade from a sprawling tree with a giant trunk was from a walnut tree. They do get very big and very old.

Hocker stressed that most of the work the six arborists he oversees involves saving trees, increasingly under threat from big storms, extreme heat, and drought associated with climate change.

In many other cities, a sidewalk is a sidewalk. If its damaged, it gets repaired back to its original condition. If that involves cutting the roots of the tree or damaging the tree or removing the tree, so be it, Hocker said. Sacramento uses a variety of techniques; shaping the roots, cutting roots selectively, and also using experimental materials such as plastic sidewalks, rubber sidewalks, metal sidewalks.

He respects Christians right to appeal, and perhaps even more importantly her passion for trees.

Hocker says when a notice of removal is placed on a tree and a homeowner or resident appeals his decision that its time for an aging or diseased tree to be cut down, he offers to meet the person who has filed an appeal protesting his wisdom. Hocker said the appeals process helps some people through the grieving process of losing beloved trees, which many feel are like members of their family.

And sometimes that grieving process involves anger, Hocker said. Sometimes that grieving process involves denial.

Still, Hocker has a job to do and a decision to make  one he rarely rescinds.

In the seven years he has been adjudicating these decisions, Hocker told The Bee he has only reversed himself three times (he estimates he has handled about 70 such disputes). Two of the reversals he acknowledges were for sentimental reasons, including a reprieve for a 97-year-old man who had just lost his wife and was bereft at the idea of seeing her favorite tree axed.

I agreed to let the tree stay a little longer, Hocker said, so that he could see the tree for the rest of his life.

Hocker in an email to Christian said he had no choice but to order the trees removal.

I really do appreciate everything you have done to explore ways to preserve this tree, he wrote. Gordons made solid suggestions. We considered the same options ourselves and if we thought they would work we would be doing it ourselves.

Hocker noted that the elm had lost large limbs in the past, and in a letter accompanying his decision said, In this particular case we have a tree that has severe defects that are capable of causing injury or death to a person if they should happen to be under the tree at the same time as a limb fails.

After reviewing all the records, seeing the tree for myself, and hearing all objections to the removal of this tree, it is my final decision to remove this tree and replace it with a new 15-gallon size tree in the same place.

Nevertheless, Christian hasnt given up hope. She is now asking the city council to intervene or just hoping that Hocker changes his mind. She is picking up some supporters.

Im very concerned about this decision, Kate Riley, a longtime activist with the advocacy organization Sacramento Trees, said. Because of climate change, every large tree in Sacramento is at risk. The bottom line is we need to work to preserve our huge canopy trees.

We are seeing a crisis in what is called charismatic mega flora worldwide. Large trees, like the one in question on 22nd Street, is an important example of Sacramento mega flora. These trees are crucial for us to survive a hotter planet.

Riley expressed frustration that her organization has been providing input into an updated Sacramento Urban Forest Management Plan (the citys current plan is from 1994), since 2017.

It was supposed to be completed by 2019, Riley said.

One of the changes that Sacramento Trees has advocated for, most recently in an August letter to the city, is the establishment of a tree committee with members drawn from the arborist, neighborhood, and advocate community, to advise the Council on tree canopy issues.

Riley said she found it problematic that Hocker was ruling on appeals of his own decisions.

Its like he is the DA, and the judge. She said that appeals, like Christians, could be handled by a tree committee made up of diverse experts.

Long-term, Riley said, establishing structures like the tree committee are important. In the short term, it seems to me this tree could still be saved, if the council asked the arborist to take another look.

The current city code gives Hocker the last word when it comes to ruling on appeals. Christian says that she hopes that the city council could step in and at least request that Hocker give the tree a temporary reprieve so that Manns proposed solution could be tried and evaluated.

For the moment, the tree is slated for removal at any time.
Occupiers

Torture pits for offenders have been discovered on Russian military training grounds, Russian outlet Vazhnyye Istorii (VI) and Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) reported on Oct. 24.

Read also: Russian volunteer battalion commander captured near Bakhmut

The Russian Security Councils Deputy Chairman and former president, Dmitry Medvedev , inspected two Russian military training grounds in Prudboy, Volgograd Oblast and Totsky, Orenburg Oblast this summer, where volunteers were trained before being sent to fight in Ukraine.

Prudboy, considered one of Russia's best training grounds, was also inspected by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Military personnel undergoing training at the time of the inspection visits informed VI and CIT about the torture "pits" on the grounds. Their accounts were corroborated by satellite imagery.

A soldier named Sergei, claimed that the training sessions were a mere formality. Phones were confiscated and those who protested were put in the pits. He repeatedly tried to file a report to be released and exempted from service but was threatened with physical violence and placed in a pit, deprived of food or water.

Several of his comrades who were caught drinking were subjected to the same treatment. The soldiers were first beaten and then placed in the pits where they were kept for several days to a week. They were given food once a day, and no medical care was provided.

One of Sergei's comrades died after being placed in such a pit, although there's no independent confirmation of this.

Read also: Russia threatening Black Sea blockade, poor showing for RU Africa summit, Shoigu in NK

Sergei claimed to have personally seen two "pits," and satellite images taken in early August confirmed this, showing two deep pits near the tent camp, along with paths leading to them from the camp entrance in the fence.

It's worth noting that the April 2023 image did not show any pits or pathways.

The "pits" were unlikely to have any practical or training purpose. If they were meant to dispose of waste from the compound, they wouldn't be so close to the camp, which is against Russian military regulations.

Read also: Wagner mercenaries involved in training Hamas militants for operations against Israel, Ukrainian military say

In September 1998, the mother of a 19-year-old Russian serviceman, Alexei Rybakov, received a zinc coffin containing her son's body without being informed of his death. Rybakov died on the same training ground: he was covered with dirt in a pit similar to those where volunteers are now held before being sent to war against Ukraine.

A Russian military defector named Viktor, who trained at the Totsky training ground this summer, also spoke to the media. He said that volunteers who "violated the statute" were beaten, handcuffed, and threatened with the pits.

Read also: On Russias new volunteer battalions

Viktor didn't see the "pits" with his own eyes, but he heard how his comrades were threatened with being "put in a pit" for violating the rules.

Satellite images of the Totsky training area also revealed two pits near the field camp, but experts couldn't conclusively determine their purpose.

Read also: Ukrainian ombudsman accuses Hungary of violating international law by holding Ukrainian POWs

Viktor said that a group of "close associates of the unit commander" dealt with troublemakers at Totsky. Those who drank or broke the rules were caught, beaten, handcuffed, and held until they sobered up.

Sometimes, after being beaten, soldiers were thrown into pits and covered with a lid.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Welcome to Investigative Stories from Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent's newsletter that walks you through the most prominent investigations of the past week.

If you are fond of in-depth journalism that exposes war crimes, corruption, and abuse of power across state organizations in Ukraine and beyond, subscribe to our investigative newsletter.

If you enjoy this newsletter, consider joining our membership or supporting us with a one-time donation. Start supporting independent journalism today.

Top investigative stories

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Investigation reveals Russias abduction of Ukrainian children with disabilities

An investigation by Hromadske, a Ukrainian media outlet, details how Russian officials rely on Ukrainian collaborators to forcefully transfer children from occupied territories to Russia.

The journalist investigation follows the story of nine-year-old Mykyta Bilanchuk, abducted by Russian authorities in October 2022 and forcefully held for almost a year.

Bilanchuk was undergoing treatment in a center for children and young adults with disabilities in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, when Russian forces occupied the city in February 2022.

According to the Hromadske investigation, the director of the center refused to collaborate, so the Russian occupiers replaced him with someone they could control. This proxy reportedly signed documents authorizing the transfer of the center residents.

Bilanchuk briefly stayed in facilities in occupied Crimea and Russia before ending up in a boarding school in his native Kherson Oblast, 60 kilometers from home, according to the journalist investigation.

To retrieve Mykyta, his grandmother, Polina Kindra, who lives in Poland, went on a perilous journey through Belarus and Russia and had to stay in occupied Crimea for two months. Hromadske media outlet and Save Ukraine, a charity that helps to return abducted Ukrainian children from Russia, helped Kindra with organizing and paying for the trip.

According to Kindra and a Hromadske anonymous source, residents of the facility in Kherson Oblast, where Mykyta was held, were mistreated by Russian authorities and collaborators, and two of them died.

Ukrainian authorities have identified almost 20,000 children illegally deported to Russia since the full-scale invasion, although the actual number is believed to be much higher.

The Kyiv Independents War Crimes Investigations Unit previously documented Russias abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children, the crime that forms the basis for the International Criminal Courts indictment of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Watch the full investigation in Ukrainian with English subtitles here.

Ukrainian MP has allegedly run a business under Russian occupation for a decade

Oleksandr Hereha, a lawmaker with For the Future parliamentary group and co-owner of the Epicenter chain of stores, may have kept running his family business in the Donetsk Oblast after the 2014 Russian occupation, according to an investigation by Schemes, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty project.

Epicenter is the largest chain of home improvement stores in Ukraine, owned by Hereha and his wife, Halyna. According to Forbes, jointly, the couple had the 6th highest net worth in Ukraine, at $1.2 billion, as of December 2022.

When the war first broke out in 2014, Hereha said that Russian proxies seized from him his Epicenter stores in the occupied territory and rebranded them as Galaktika, the name under which they operate to this day. The renamed Galaktika stores collaborate openly with Russian occupation authorities, according to RFE/RL.

The Herehas could have preserved control over their Epicenter stores located in the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast for the past decade through an intermediary whom they allegedly kept on the payroll, RFE/RL reported.

Hennadii Halchuk, who had managed an Epicenter store in Donetsk Oblast before its partial occupation in 2014, became the head of the rebranded Galaktika chain in occupation. Halchuk kept receiving payments from Kyiv-headquartered Epicenter and a connected business up until at least July 2022, according to the journalist investigation.

In 2016, almost two years into the Russian war in the Donbas, Halchuk contributed financially to the For Tangible Solutions party founded by the Herehas. This political force is primarily active in local politics in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

A previous investigation by Schemes showed that Hereha still owned stores in Russian-occupied Crimea, where they had also been renamed.

Watch the full investigation in the Ukrainian language here.

Charged with treason, ex-Ukrainian lawmaker flees to Moscow, resides in elite properties there

Oleksandr Yefremov , a notorious Ukrainian politician with a vocal pro-Russian stance, charged with treason, fled to Moscow, where he owns elite properties, according to an investigation by Schemes, an RFE/RL project.

Yefremov headed the ruling pro-Russian Party of Regions faction in parliament between 2010 and 2014. Two years after the EuroMaidan Revolution that had ousted corrupt pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Yefremov was caught trying to escape the country.

He then spent three years in a pre-trial detention center between 2016 and 2019, accused of treason, among other charges.

After his release, Yefremov regularly traveled to Russia, including just days before the full-scale invasion, and finally fled Ukraine on March 18, 2022, through Slovakia, according to RFE/RL.

Yefremovs reported registered places of residence are two Moscow apartments worth $4 million combined, owned by his son Ihor.

Journalists also found that the former Ukrainian lawmaker has Russian tax and insurance numbers, meaning he could be paying taxes and receiving a pension in Russia.

Schemes journalists reached Yefremov on his Russian phone number, but he declined to speak with them.

Read the full investigation in the Ukrainian language here.

Russian oil may be flowing to Germany despite sanctions

The Schwedt refinery, a major German plant, may still be receiving Russian crude oil in breach of sanctions, according to a joint investigation by German media outlets, including Suddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR.

Schwedt is primarily owned by Rosneft Germany, the German subsidiary of sanctioned Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has been managed by the German government since September 2022 due to sanctions on Russian oil.

On Sept. 8, 2023, Germanys highest customs authorities ordered stopping checks on oil purchased by Rosneft Germany, according to a letter seen by journalists, in a move insiders described as extraordinary.

Before the imposition of sanctions, Rosneft Germany received all its oil from Russia but now gets supplies from Kazakhstan. This raises a high risk that Russian oil is circumventing sanctions through its ally, Kazakhstan, if proper checks are not in place, according to German officials cited in the journalist investigation.

The Kazakh oil field supplying Schwedt is reportedly partly owned by Russian state company Lukoil.

German authorities told journalists that in September, they were worried about a possible supply gap. And thus, authorities may have instructed customs officials to reduce checks and expedite imports, according to the journalist investigation.

Read the full story in German here.

Reactions

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Kazakhstan flip-flops on its move to end exports to Russia following journalist investigation

Following a journalist investigation picturing Kazakhstan as a major back door for Western electronics to enter Russia, circumventing sanctions, a Kazakh official announced a ban on the export of 106 dual-use goods that Russia can use for military purposes. On the next day, he walked back on his claims.

An investigation by Schemes, an RFE/RL project published in June 2023, revealed that Kazakh companies were acting as intermediaries for Western electronics, selling parts to sanctioned Russian arms companies. Exports of dual-use goods to Kazakhstan have skyrocketed sevenfold since the full-scale invasion.

Sanctions loopholes have been a persistent headache for the West, which has sought to stop the flow of goods supporting Russias war effort.

Western parts have been found throughout Russian military hardware in Ukraine, including Kalibr missiles that have been used in deadly attacks against civilians.

The RFE/RL investigation also named several Kyrgyz firms as those helping Russia evade sanctions, but the government of Kyrgyzstan has yet to comment on their countrys involvement.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have strong relations with Russia and take a neutral stance on Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in Russia

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Investigation reveals members of Russias most infamous military intelligence unit

An investigation by the independent Russian media outlet The Insider identified members of a unit within Russias military intelligence, known under its Russian acronym GRU, allegedly responsible for carrying out attacks in Europe.

The infamous Unit 29155 allegedly carried out several operations in NATO territory. Among them, the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergey Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia, in the U.K., which caused international outrage.

According to the journalist investigation, the mastermind and commander of the unit is General Andrey Averyanov, who rose to be the GRUs deputy head and Putins right-hand man in Africa. According to The Insider, Averyanov took control over much of the Wagner Group following the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a mysterious plane crash.

Through leaked emails, border crossing data, and phone metadata, The Insider also learned the agents involved, entry routes taken, and device used in the GRU units 2011 bombing attack in Bulgaria  the groups maiden international sabotage operation.

According to the journalist investigation, the GRU unit could also be responsible for six more explosions in Bulgaria, including two that happened since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Insider identified most of the units members who were given fake passports printed in consecutive order.

Like Averyanov, four of the units members reportedly got promoted to high-profile government roles for their service as saboteurs.

Read the full investigation in English here.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An Iraqi militant group backed by Iran has claimed responsibility for an attack on US forces in southeastern Syria, according to reports.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq reportedly used a pair of drones to attack the al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders. The region is frequently used by Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant organisation, to traffick weapons throughout the region, according to Fox News.

US forces were attacked last week as well. The Islamic Resistance reportedly confirmed to the Associated Press that it was behind a pair of attacks on Wednesday and Thursday targeting US forces in Iraq.

The militants issued a statement claiming responsibility and warned that the escalation "heralds more operations" against the "American occupation."

These evil people must leave the country. Otherwise, they will taste the fire of hell in this world before the afterlife, the group said in its statement.

The US military confirmed that it has suffered an attack from drones.

"In the last 24 hours, the U.S. military defended against three drones near U.S. and Coalition forces in Iraq. In western Iraq, U.S. forces engaged two drones, destroying one and damaging the second, resulting in minor injuries to Coalition forces. Separately in northern Iraq, U.S. forces engaged and destroyed a drone, resulting in no injuries or damage. We are continuing to assess the impacts to operations," CENTCOM said in a statement after last week's attack.

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said the US would take all necessary action to protect its troops and its coalition with Iraqi allies.

While Im not going to forecast any potential responses to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat, he told reporters during a press briefing.

Though there have been some minor injuries, no US officials have been killed in any of the attacks.

The al-Tanf military outpost in southern Syria is seen on Oct. 22, 2018. Two U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the al-Tanf garrison, where U.S. troops have maintained a presence to train forces as part of a broad campaign against the Islamic State group, was attacked by drones on Thursday, (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

There are currently approximately 900 US troops in Syria, and 2,500 in Iraq.

Iraqi government officials said they would work to root out the militants who attacked the US bases.

Major General Yahya Rasoul issued a statement on Monday explaining that US forces were in Iraq "at the invitation of the government" to train Iraqi soldiers and to help prevent the re-emergence of the Islamic State.

It's likely not a coincidence that US forces in Syria and Iraq are experiencing increased aggression at a time when Israel and Hamas are engaged in a shooting war.

On Wednesday, Iranian-backed militant groups in Iraq said they had formed a "joint operations room" to assist Hamas in its fight against Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

The rising tensions and increased aggression have some world leaders worried that the violence in Israel and Gaza will spill out and result in a broader regional conflict.

We have seen the Arab streets fill with rage all across the region. So the risk of a regional spillover is real, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday. Iran, Hamass patron, only wants to fuel the fire of chaos. Russia, Irans wartime customer, is watching carefully. Russia and Hamas are alike."

Russia's Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov also expressed concerns that the violence could overflow into neighbouring states, but warned that allegations like Ms von der Leyen's about Iran's involvement may only serve to make matters worse. He called the insinuations "provocations."

Iran celebrated the 7 October attack but insists it was not involved in its planning or execution.
A Chinese Type 052D destroyer in the Arabian Sea. US moves in response to the Gaza situation have left China with the most powerful naval force in the Gulf - Tass

Tracking major warship movements in response to the developing situation in Gaza and beyond has been interesting. Most people have focused on the comings and goings of the US Navy in or towards the Eastern Mediterranean. Even the USN itself seems to have taken its eye off other potential flashpoints, as something has happened which never normally would: the most powerful naval force in the Gulf is Chinese.

Just fourteen days ago, US Navy movements were being passed off as business as normal. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R Ford was in the Mediterranean anyway. The Dwight D Eisenhower (Ike) carrier group deployment was planned anyway, just brought forward.

About ten days ago this changed. Fords stay in the Med was extended and it was stated that Ike was going to join the Ford. Two super-carriers in the same place  thats big medicine. Articles were written noting this, by me among others. We armchair admirals also noted that the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall, amphibious ships carrying the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were dispatched from the Gulf to the Red Sea and the command-and-control ship Mount Whitney, complete with a 3* Admiral and his staff, was pulled off Nato duties and sent to take charge in the eastern Med. This could no longer be passed off as planning adjustments.

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Then, just as everyone thought they knew what was happening, someone in Yemen  Im going to take a punt on the Houthis  launched four cruise missiles and nineteen drones up the Red Sea in the direction of Israel. Destroyer USS Carney, having come through Suez southbound only the day before, then had what could only be described as a good day on operations as she shot all of them down, with a combination of her own missiles and her gun. That is an outstanding effort.

Just a few hours later, one more announcement, and now Ike isnt joining Ford: shes going through Suez. At some point the Ike group will meet the 26 MEU ships heading the other way and they will need escorting. Carneys work is not yet done.

The only way to work out whats going on is to take away the drinking straw through which you are looking at Gaza and zoom out, a long way out.

One thing jumps out straight away. The US Navy, for now at least, is not the preeminent naval force in the Gulf. That distinction now belongs to the 44th and 45th naval escort groups of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The two groups, one of which has just arrived to take over from the other, have a total of six ships. Two are Type 052D destroyers equipped with YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles.

There was some breathless reporting on how this was a takeover move by China: but as with the US movements above, its worth looking at what is pre-planned and what is reactive. The handover between the two groups was long planned as part of their established operating pattern in the region. Granted, this handover has now been extended (as in the case of USS Ford) but the total number of ships is not an immediate response to what is happening in Gaza.

That doesnt mean its not important though: for a few reasons.

First, every malign actor who thrives off disruption either is, or is about to, exploit the current situation to maximise this. That includes the Houthis last week in the Red Sea, Hezbollah to Israels north, Russia (everywhere) or the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea. The water is warm in Chaosville and everyone is jumping in.

If you take away assets from the Gulf as the US has done, who is left to carry out the more routine tasks that Western navies have been doing there for so many years? In mid August, the Marines of the 26th MEU were tasked to prevent Iranian disruption of commercial shipping in the Gulf, a problem which has been building for some time. This task hasnt gone away  who is tending to it now? That part isnt clear.

US aircraft carrier Dwight D Eisenhower at sea. The carrier is en route to the Middle East as part of the USA's response to the Gaza war - Ryan D McLearnon/AFP

In the wider Middle Eastern region, there are US-allied coalition ships aplenty. France, Spain and Japan have warships in the area. Theres also the Royal Navys HMS Lancaster and some US ships. And the Ike is coming. But in the Gulf itself, right now, there is a naval power vacuum  one filled, at the moment, by China.

This leads to the second issue, the ongoing risk of miscalculation there. Historically, when ships and fast boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN  the maritime wing of Irans fanatical Revolutionary Guards) swarm your ship or generally behave like maritime hooligans in your vicinity you carry out your countermeasures, do everything you can to avoid escalation and then go on your way. You do this knowing that if it does escalate, either by accident or design, Uncle Sam will appear over the horizon momentarily.

If this happens right now you would be more likely to find a Chinese hypersonic armed warship offering to help. If the IRGCN want to ratchet up their bad behaviour in the Strait of Hormuz, and it generally doesnt take much encouragement, now would be the perfect time.

Third, we know there is an arm-wrestle going on now between the West and China for the respect of key players in the region, and you just know that recent PLAN port visits were used to discuss future basing options. US Central Command, US 5th Fleet and the UK Naval Support Facility remain in Bahrain so its definitely not an abandonment. I would imagine that high-level conversations between CentCom and the Saudis are happening right now, possibly even looking at counter-Houthi options as the Ike passes by.

Back when I was playing wargames a lot as a staff officer, we found that if a war with Iran was going to start, the Bab el Mandeb strait at the bottom of the Red Sea and/or the Eastern Med were likely places for the Iranians to start it. This is partly because it exposes the problems of having three US Combatant Commands converging, but mainly because it draws assets away from the root of the problem  Iran. And now we have attacks happening in both places, launched by Iranian-backed organisations in both cases. Suddenly there are not many assets left near the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran menaces all traffic in and out of the Gulf. It all looks a bit like the beginning of some of those Iran-vs-the-West wargames.

Large naval deployments affect oceans and continents way beyond the coastlines off which they sail. Experts in land power and followers of land wars sometimes forget this. One has to zoom way out and look at all of the moving parts to even have the first idea of what effect things like carrier strike groups may have and even then, dont be surprised if you are wrong or if it changes.

Winston Churchill got this when he said, a battleship exercises a vague general fear and menaces all points at once. It appears, and disappears, causing immediate reactions and perturbations on the other side. There will be many conversations along these lines in the corridors of Washington DC and Whitehall  and its to be hoped that the planners remember that Churchill used this phrase to compel the deployment of Force Z, with its battleships without air cover, against the advice of the Admiralty. More than eight hundred British sailors paid the price.

US Navy ship movements and those of her allies are certainly causing reactions and perturbations but, strategically, will they work? Only time will tell. But we have definitely learned that despite whats happening in Gaza, Ukraine, the Red Sea, the Baltic, the South China Sea and elsewhere, we should never take our eyes off Iran and the Persian Gulf.

Tom Sharpe is a former Royal Navy officer and frigate captain

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Yevhen Korniichuk, Ukraine's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Israel, is confident that not only the people of Israel but also the country's government will become more pro-Ukrainian because of the Hamas attack and the Kremlin's support for it.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine news agency

Quote: "I think the government's position has changed because of the recent events. I am sure that Israel will be more pro-Ukrainian  not only its citizens and society, but also the Israeli government. Because the position of the Russian Federation, which has repeatedly expressed its support for Hamas, and [actions of] all the Iranian proxies that emerged in this large-scale terrorist attack against the State of Israel, are absolutely clear."

Details: Korniichuk also stressed that it is important to separate the approaches of the people and the government of Israel, and the people have been supporting Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale war.

Background:

Hamas attacked Israel with rockets, and fires broke out in cities on 7 October.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated there was a need for Palestinian-Israeli negotiations on 13 October, which, in his view, should result in the creation of an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Subsequently, the media reported that Israel had sent a warning to Russia through diplomatic channels over Moscow's reaction to the Hamas attack.

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Israel stepped up its airstrike campaign in Gaza on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced, in preparation for an expected ground assault on the territory amid the ongoing war with the militant group Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched more than 400 strikes Monday on Gaza, an increase from about 320 the previous day. The attacks targeted Hamas leadership and military sites, the Israeli government said, but have killed an increasing number of civilians.

Since the war began earlier this month, more than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 2,000 children, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. About 1,400 Israelis also died in the conflict, mostly civilians in the Hamas surprise attack at the outset of the war.

The new wave of strikes hit targets all over Gaza, including in its south, where the IDF has instructed civilians to shelter to avoid danger.

We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. He again told Palestinians to head south for your personal safety.

As aerial strikes increase, humanitarian groups continue their push for more aid for civilians in the territory. Aid convoys began flowing into Gaza on Saturday, but humanitarian leaders have warned the small haul that has entered the region so far is not enough, and convoys will soon need to stop as Gaza runs entirely out of fuel.

Israel prevented food, water, medical supplies, power and fuel from entering Gaza for the first weeks of the war and still bars the entry of fuel, leaving key power generators at hospitals in a dire situation.

The expected ground invasion of Gaza has created fears over an escalation in the conflict, as militant groups across the region hint they may join the fight if Israel sends troops into the region. The U.S. has warned Hezbollah in Lebanon against fighting, but the group has skirmished with the Israeli military for days on the Israeli-Lebanese border.

On Monday, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. is deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the conflict from the militant groups, chiefly Hezbollah.

The U.S. has advised Israel to delay an invasion, saying the tactic could help release the 200 hostages still under Hamas control, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Four of those hostages were freed in recent days, including two Americans. An unknown number of Americans are still missing, though the U.S. government said it is a very small number.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) made a similar claim Monday, urging the Israeli military not to send its forces into Gaza.

There is no doubt that an imminent ground invasion would be catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardize urgent efforts to save hostages, he said in a statement. Israel has the absolute right to attack Hamas for the brutal, heinous slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis and the taking of more than 200 hostages.

But, Israel also has a responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, including one million children, Welch added. Already, more than 5,000 Palestinians have died.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israel has escalated its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, launching 400 airstrikes over the past day, its military said Tuesday. The heavy bombardment comes ahead of an expected ground invasion as Israel has waged a war against Hamas, which governs Gaza.

On Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the 400 airstrikes struck command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft, killing Hamas commanders and additional Hamas troops as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel. The previous day, Israel said it conducted 320 strikes that hit targets across Gaza.

Also on Tuesday, the IDF revealed a list of names of Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Saleh al-Arouri, Ismail Haniyeh and others.

They "have the blood of thousands on their hands," the IDF wrote on X.

BLINKEN SAYS US IS 'READY' TO GET INVOLVED IN ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR IF LINE IS CROSSED: 'WE WON'T HESITATE'

GAZA CITY, GAZA - OCTOBER 24: Smoke rises near the al-Wafa Rehabilitation hospital as the Israeli airstrikes continue on its 18th day in Gaza City, Gaza on October 24, 2023.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after it launched a surprise invasion of the Israel-Gaza border and slaughtered more than 1,400 people in Israel in a single day. The deaths included mostly civilians.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The attack was the worst terrorist attack in Israels history as a country.

"The IDF will continue operating in order to ensure the safety of innocent civilians," the IDF said on X.

NETANYAHU SAYS IF HEZBOLLAH LAUNCHES A WAR AGAINST ISRAEL AND INVADES, 'IT WILL MAKE THE MISTAKE OF ITS LIFE'

Iranian-backed fighters in the region have prodded Israeli forces and civilians  as well as striking U.S. military personnel in the region  increasing the possibility of escalation.

SDEROT, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 24: Smokes rise in the city of Beit Hanoun which is seen from Sderot as the Israeli airstrikes continue on its 18th day on October 24, 2023, in Sderot, Israel.

The focus of the war has shifted from the Israeli border communities where Hamas terrorists slaughtered men, women and children in their homes or in bomb shelters, to across the Gaza border where thousands have been killed.

According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, more than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors, have been killed. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

GAZA CITY, GAZA - OCTOBER 24: Smoke rises near the al-Wafa Rehabilitation hospital as the Israeli airstrikes continue on its 18th day in Gaza City, Gaza on October 24, 2023.

TOPSHOT - People stand around a crater following Israeli strikes on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on October 24, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.

The United Nations, which is assisting in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, said Monday that at least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Israel fires 400 airstrikes into Gaza as IDF identifies terrorists said to be responsible for Oct 7 attack
Though Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops around Gaza, Hamas forces still attempted an attack inside southern Israel near a military base Tuesday evening local time. The details of exactly what happened and how long the engagement lasted are in dispute.

A force of frogmen affiliated with the Al-Qassam Brigades was able to infiltrate by sea and land on the beaches of 'Zikim' south of occupied Ashkelon, and armed clashes are now taking place with the occupation army in that area, Hamas said on Telegram at around 8:30 p.m, local time (1:30 p.m. EST).

Israel said it thwarted the attack.

"Earlier today, IDF naval forces located a Hamas terrorist cell exiting a tunnel on the Gaza Strip coast and attempting to infiltrate Israeli territory via the sea, near Zikim," the IDF said on Telegram at about 11:55 p.m. local time (4:55 p.m. EST). "Israeli Navy, IAF and ground soldiers struck the terrorists and thwarted their infiltration attempt. IDF fighter jets and naval soldiers struck the tunnel and weapons warehouse used by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip."

"There is no immediate risk of an additional infiltration at the moment," the IDF added.

https://twitter.com/JoeTruzman/status/1716858788886831454

We cannot independently verify the current situation.

The base near the kibbutz, headquarters of Israel's Home Front Command, was one of the first attacked by Hamas Oct. 7, according to The Jerusalem Post . At least one Israeli soldier was killed in that attack.

Israel has continued its massive bombardment of Gaza.

"Over the last day, the IDF struck over 400 terror targets and killed several Hamas commanders and numerous operatives preparing attacks," the IDF said on its Telegram channel. "In a wide-scale operation to dismantle Hamas' terrorist capabilities, the IDF struck dozens of Hamas gunmen setting up to fire rockets and carry out terror attacks against the Israeli homefront. Over the last day, IDF fighter jets struck dozens of terror infrastructure and Hamas staging grounds in the neighborhoods of Shuja'iyya, Shati, Jabalia, Daraj Tuffah, and Zaytun."

In addition, the IDF said one of its aircraft "struck a Hamas operational tunnel shaft which gave terror operatives quick access to the coastline

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1716670778127552882

Israel also claimed its forces came under attack by Hamas.

"During the combined activities of the 162nd Division led by the 401st Brigade and the Givati Brigade in recent days - tanks, helicopter gunships and artillery of the IDF were attacked from anti-tank launchers and observation posts by terrorists of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip," the IDF said.

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1716732599861662104

Hamas decried the constant strikes on Gaza.

"For the 18th consecutive day, the fascist aggressive occupation continues its genocidal war against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip," Hamas said on Telegram. "This series of massacres, endorsed shamelessly by some Western countries, has become a stain on humanity."

Hamas said that to date, 5,910 Palestinians have been killed and 16,297 wounded, figures we cannot independently verify.

"They lost their lives in brutal airstrikes, their homes demolished over their heads, forcing them into shelters and then the airstrikes followed them in the areas of displacement, streets, markets, and the few remaining bakeries that have survived the attacks. They endure the scarcity of water, food, and fuel," Hamas said. "The depletion of fuel led to the electricity cutoff in the Indonesian hospital at night, threatening the lives of hundreds of patients and wounded. All of this happens under the eyes of Washington and other Western capitals, which practice hypocrisy and double standards when it comes to the Zionist occupation.

People carry a dead body of a child pulled from rubble as civil defense teams and civilians conduct search and rescue operations and debris removal work after Israeli attacks by warplanes and artillery fire in Khan Yunis, Gaza on October 24, 2023. (Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Hamas launched another round of rocket attacks against Beersheba and Tel Aviv.

https://twitter.com/no_itsmyturn/status/1716824483909321209 https://twitter.com/YWNReporter/status/1716820581985984670 https://twitter.com/Opeyemtech/status/1716838701618147549

Israel's border with Lebanon, meanwhile, remains hot.

"In the last hour, the IDF attacked three terrorist squads in the Lebanese border area," the IDF said around 6:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. EST). "A remotely manned aircraft attacked two terrorist squads that were firing mortars and anti-tank missiles at IDF positions in Netua and Alkosh areas on the Lebanese border. Artillery and tanks were also fired at the sources of the fire."

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1716838707884384667

A few hours earlier, "an aircraft attacked a terrorist squad that was identified on Lebanese territory in the Mount Dov area and destroyed weapons used by the squad," the IDF reported. "Also, a report was received a short time ago about anti-tank fire from Lebanese territory to the Manara area, there are no casualties. IDF forces respond with artillery fire at the source of the fire."

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1716809419768344941

With concerns growing that the war could widen to a full-on Israeli confrontation with Hezbollah, Lebanons caretaker prime minister Tuesday visited troops deployed near the border with Israel and U.N. peacekeepers, The Associated Press reported Tuesday .

The visit by Prime Minister Najib Mikati to the tense southern province is his first since the latest Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct. 7. It also came two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops along the border on Sunday.

Mikati and international governments have been scrambling to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding to Lebanon, where the powerful Hezbollah group warned Israel about a ground incursion into the blockaded Gaza Strip, AP reported.

https://twitter.com/chehayebk/status/1716851803801760235

As the fighting rages and threatens to engulf the region, the Biden administration is preparing for the possibility that hundreds of thousands of American citizens will require evacuation from the Middle East if the bloodshed in Gaza cannot be contained, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. The publication cited four officials familiar with the U.S. governments contingency planning.

The specter of such an operation comes as Israeli forces, aided by U.S. weapons and military advisers, prepare for what is widely expected to be a perilous ground offensive against Hamas militants responsible for the stunning cross-border attack that has reignited hostilities, the Post wrote. The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to detail internal deliberations, said Americans living in Israel and neighboring Lebanon are of particular concern, though they stressed that an evacuation of that magnitude is considered a worst-case scenario and that other outcomes are seen as more likely.

Still, one official said, it would be irresponsible not to have a plan for everything.

https://twitter.com/AbuJamajem/status/1716712833499463947

French President Emmanuel Macron proposed on Tuesday that an international coalition fighting against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria be widened to include the fight against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, Reuters reported .

During his visit to Israel, Macron gave no detail on how the U.S.-led coalition of dozens of countries, of which Israel is not a member, could be involved.

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron stressed that France and Israel shared terrorism as their "common enemy."

"France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas," he told reporters, referring to Islamic State.

Macron, who warned against the risks of a regional conflict , also said the fight against Hamas "must be without mercy but not without rules."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly comment on Macron's proposal but said the fight was a battle between the "axis of evil" and "the free world."

https://twitter.com/PedderSophie/status/1716793307743879631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1716793307743879631%7Ctwgr%5Eddc91725a8da98aaac1141008ffd2a6069f07b8a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fswp.thedrive.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D6292528action%3Dedit

The Pentagons top spokesman on Tuesday briefed reporters and these are some highlights about the latest on the U.S. response to the Israel-Hamas war:

The New Jersey Air National Guards 119th Expeditionary Fighter squadron arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility today with additional F-16 fighters, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

https://twitter.com/centcom/status/1716833336990241092?s=12

Between Oct. 17 and Oct. 24, U.S. and coalition forces were attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria with a mix of drones and rockets. He did not have details about whether an attack occurred in that area today. "We are looking into that," he said.

Though these incidents are part of what the Pentagon sees as an uptick in attacks from Iranian proxies, Ryder would not specify what action the U.S. could take against Iran: In terms of accountability, I'm not going to discuss particular actions we could or might take other than to say we will do everything necessary to protect and defend our forces. If and when we decide to respond, we will do so at a time and place of our choosing.

The deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and additional Patriot batteries to the region is underway, though he declined to provide further details. The THAAD battery is coming from Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Patriot battalions and batteries are coming from Fort Liberty In North Carolina and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

On whether the U.S. is advising Israel to delay its Gaza operation: Its Israel's decision as to when and how they conduct their operations. The relationship between the United States and Israel right now is focused on understanding what their defense needs are and making sure that we're able to support them in that regard. But we're also communicating with them in terms of providing those kinds of thoughtful questions and things to consider based on our lessons in urban combat. And also emphasizing the importance of mitigating civilian casualties in light of the situation in Gaza. And so that continues to be our focus.

Ryder said the Houthi land attack cruise missiles intercepted last week by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney had a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles). Thats just about enough distance to reach Israel. Ryder, however cautioned that we still cannot say for certain what those missiles and drones were targeting. But those missiles were within range of the Carney which made the decision to take those missiles down.

The Houthis, as we noted previously have an extensive array of long-range kamikaze drones , as well as cruise and ballistic missiles , that it has acquired with Iranian assistance, some of which could potentially reach Israel.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau)

As a recently released hostage offered details about her ordeal as a prisoner of Hamas, Israel is offering security and compensation to Gazans in exchange for information about the location of more than 200 others still held captive.

Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, was one of two women, along with Nurit Yitzhak, r eleased by Hamas yesterday . Speaking to journalists outside Tel Avivs Sourasky Medical Center on Tuesday, she talked about how she was captured from her kibbutz of Nir Oz in southern Israel, and how she was treated. She also said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not take threats from Hamas seriously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSc0pIZIbi4\u0026t=4s

Her comments sparked outrage in Israel for those who thought her too kind to Hamas, as well as compassion by people who understood her husband is likely still a captive, while others question the accuracy of her account.

The lack of awareness by Shin Bet (the Israel Security Agency) and the IDF hurt us a lot, she said through her daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, who served as a translator. They warned us three weeks beforehand, they burned fields, they sent fire balloons and the IDF did not treat it seriously, she added, referring to Hamas.

On Oct. 7, many, many people came through the fence, Lifschitz said. The fence cost 2.5 billion shekels (about $600 million) and it didnt help even a little bit.

Lifschitz said she was taken away on a motorbike and hit with sticks.

They didnt break my ribs, but they hurt this area a lot, and that made breathing very difficult, she said , adding that she was robbed of her watch and jewelry while on the motorcycle.

https://twitter.com/JasonMBrodsky/status/1716764998586802259

When she first arrived, they told them that they are Muslims that they do not want to hurt them, and that they ate the same food that the Hamas was eating, Sharone Lifschitz told reporters. My mom is saying that they treat them kindly and provided for them.

Once in Gaza, the hostages arrived at a tunnel.

They walked for a few kilometers on the wet ground, Lifschitzs daughter explained. There is a huge, huge network of tunnels underneath. It looks like a spiderweb.

There were doctors and paramedics waiting to receive the hostages, Lifschitz said . After initially being grouped together with 25 other people, Lifschitz said her captors then placed her in a smaller group with four other individuals from a kibbutz near hers.

Hamas, she said, took care of hostages' individual needs.

https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1716748128856993976

As we got there, the people told us that they are people who believe in the Quran and they will not harm us, and we will get the same conditions they get in the tunnels, Lifschitz said .

There were guards and a paramedic and a doctor who took care of the fact that well have the same medicine that we need," she said , adding Hamas "took care of the sanitary side of things so that we didn't get sick."

https://twitter.com/AP/status/1716894186740297882

This is wonderful, but our hearts [are] with the other 200 hostages still there, Sharone Lifschitz told reporters. We are heartened to hear that they are well looked after. We do not know [if] that is everyone because there's many that my mom did not meet. Our hearts [are] with our friends and brothers and mothers and sisters that are still waiting like us [for] our dad

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 24: Members of the media surround Yocheved Lifshitz (C) alongside her daughter Sharone Lifschitz (L) during a press conference at Ichilov Hospital after she was released by Hamas last night. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Her 83-year-old father, Oded, is still believed to be in Gaza, according to The Washington Post.

The Washington Post noted that the interview outraged many in Israel.

Nachman Shai , a former minister and Israeli army spokesperson, called it a mortifying event, with no organization, no guiding hand. She must be tired. They might have waited a little. I dont understand if she was pre-briefed or not.

Many also recoiled at Lifshitzs lack of harsh words for her Hamas captors claiming the conference ended up being public diplomacy for terrorists, the publication reported. On Azriel, co-founder of the Bodkim fact-checking collective, however, noted that her husband is held captive by them and its unclear whether they threatened to kill him.

https://twitter.com/washingtonpost/status/1716782426045734916

In a separate interview, Lifschitz told the BBC that she and her husband "are known peace activists who helped transport sick people out of Gaza to hospitals in Israel, according to their families."

Oded is a journalist who's worked for peace and the rights of Palestinians for decades, Sharone Lifschitz told the BBC.

"According to the National Union of Journalists, he used to work for newspaper Al Hamishmar, and was among the first journalists to report on the massacre in two Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut in 1982," according to the BBC.

"He speaks good Arabic so can communicate very well with the people there. He knows many people in Gaza. I want to think he's going to be OK," Sharone Lifschitz said.

In total, four hostages have now been released, after two American-Israelis, mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan, were freed on Friday.

Israel says more than 200 people are still being held hostage. The husband of Nurit Cooper, who was also freed on Monday night, is believed to be among them.

https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1716687857887203588

As part of its effort to recover the remaining hostages, Israel said it showered Gaza with leaflets offering a monetary reward and promises of security guarantees for information leading to the location of those still held by Hamas.

If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area," the IDF leaflet reads. "The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality."

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1716760058086756490?s=12

One hostage expert we spoke told us that she has had mixed results over the years with similar appeals.

Interesting messaging appeal to the people in Gaza, said Zorka Martinovich, who retired in 2018 from the FBI as a supervisory special agent in the FBIs Crisis Negotiation Unit as a negotiator and served on the National Security Council Hostage Working Group.

At this point it seems the basic needs of food, water, utilities, etc would be of greater immediate value than compensation, she said. I can't imagine people feel particularly secure in the middle of the ongoing fighting.

Palestinians including children are served food by United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) officials as they took refuge in UNRWA camp to flee Israeli attacks in Khan Yunis, Gaza on October 24, 2023. (Photo by Ashraf Amra/Anadolu via Getty Images)

While it makes sense to have a platform and entice people to provide information, Martinovich said Israel needs to manage expectations on what they get out of this initiative.

When you create these types of platforms you also invite bogus information to be shared, she said. People working a scam, people manipulating the platform (Hamas sending information).

Martinovich said that in her experience, these kind of appeals have had mixed results. They may get some useful info. They can only get that with having a platform and doing an effective job of marketing it to the targeted audience. I would look at it as one tool which may help better understand what is happening on the ground.

You can read more about what Martinovich and three others with deep hostage rescue experience have to say about the challenges facing Israel in any rescue effort here .

CNN is reporting that talks to secure the release of a large number of hostages held by Hamas "are ongoing," two sources familiar with the matter and one western diplomat familiar with the discussions told CNN. The negotiations, however, "are being complicated by a number of factors."

The U.S., Israel, Qatar, Egypt and Hamas are engaged in the ongoing deliberations with the hope of "reaching a deal for a bigger group of hostages released at once," CNN reported.

"Israel is pressing for a comprehensive plan for such a release, another source said, after seeing just two sets of two hostages released so far," according to CNN. "Israel has so far held off on making a ground incursion into Gaza, and the US has pressed Israel to further delay its invasion to allow for the release of more hostages held by Hamas."

The sources said the timing of the ground invasion is a moving target.

"There is no specific timeline to that delay, and the sources said they dont believe the Israelis will hold off for more than a few days," CNN reported. "As part of the negotiations, Hamas wants more fuel allowed into the coastal enclave, according to a person familiar with the groups demands, but Israeli officials have made clear publicly that that isnt negotiable."

Members of the Jewish community attend a Solidarity Rally in Trafalgar Square, central London, calling for the safe return of hostages and to highlight the effect of the Hamas attacks on Israel. (Photo by Lucy North/PA Images via Getty Images)

This is a developing story. We will update it when there is more news about the Israel-Hamas war.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israel escalated airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, crushing families in the rubble of residential buildings, as health officials said hundreds of Palestinians were killed in the past day and medical facilities were shut down because of bomb damage and lack of power.

The massive air bombardment continued through the night as Israeli jets hit sites across Gaza, the Hamas-run Interior Ministry said.

The soaring death toll from the bombardment is unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It augurs an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas militants.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on towns in southern Israel.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 704 people over the past day, mostly women and children. The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

In Washington, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. also could not verify that one-day death toll.

The Ministry of Health is run by Hamas, and I think that all needs to be factored into anything that they put out publicly.

Israel said Tuesday it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they prepared to fire rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. Israel reported 320 strikes the day before.

Hamas is sworn to Israels destruction.

Israel, for its part, has vowed repeatedly since the massacre to crush Hamas.

On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told the U.N. Security Council that the proportionate response to the Oct. 7 attack is a total destruction to the last one of the militants. It is not only Israels right to destroy Hamas. Its our duty, he said.

The Israeli military said it thwarted an assault by a group of Hamas underwater divers who tried to infiltrate Israel on a beach just north of Gaza. They were attacked by air, naval and ground forces.

Across central and south Gaza, where Israel told civilians to take shelter, there were multiple scenes of rescuers pulling the dead and wounded out of large piles of rubble from collapsed buildings. Graphic photos and video shot by the AP showed rescuers unearthing bodies of children from multiple ruins.

A father knelt on the floor of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah next to the bodies of three dead children cocooned in bloodied sheets. Later at the nearby morgue, workers prayed over 24 dead wrapped in body bags, several of them the size of small children.

Buildings that collapsed on residents killed dozens at a time in several cases, witnesses said. Two families lost a total 47 members in a leveled home in Rafah, the Health Ministry said.

A strike on a four-story building in Khan Younis killed at least 32 people, including 13 members of the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people sheltering in the building, including many who had evacuated from Gaza City.

We thought that our area would be safe, he said.

Another strike destroyed a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, witnesses said. AP photos showed the floor of a vegetable shop covered with blood.

In Gaza City, at least 19 people were killed when an airstrike hit the house of the Bahloul family, according to survivors, who said dozens more people remained buried. The legs of a dead woman and another person, both still half buried, dangled out of the wreckage where workers dug through the dirt, concrete and rebar.

The Health Ministry says more than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government.

As the death toll in Gaza spirals, and fuel supplies dwindle, the number of facilities able to deal with casualties is shrinking. More than half of primary health care facilities, and roughly 1 of every 3 hospitals, have stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said.

Overwhelmed hospital staff struggled to triage cases as constant waves of wounded were brought in. The Health Ministry said many wounded are laid on the ground without even simple medical intervention and others wait for days for surgeries because there are so many critical cases.

While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza to keep it out of Hamas' hands. The U.N. said its operation distributing aid will halt Wednesday evening if it does not receive fuel.

To make room for the dead, cemeteries have been forced to excavate and reuse old plots. Families have dug trenches to bury multiple bodies at a time.

Bodies pour in by the hundreds every day. We use every empty inch in the cemeteries, said Abdel Rahman Mohamed, a volunteer who helps transfer bodies to Khan Younis main cemetery.

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, according to Israel, and Hamas said it fired a fresh barrage on Tuesday.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the roughly 220 people Israel says were taken hostage during the Oct. 7 attack and forced into Gaza.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several kilometers (miles) on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spider web, she said.

Once there, she said, she was treated well, fed and given medical care.

Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informants home.

Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
(Bloomberg) -- US intelligence officials have concluded with high confidence that Israel wasnt behind an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City last week that killed as many as 300 people, the Washington Post reported.

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Israels credit outlook was cut to negative by S&P Global Ratings, which cited risks that the war with Hamas could spread more widely and have a more pronounced effect on the countrys economy than expected.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza at the Security Council, saying that clear violations of international law are ongoing. Israels ambassador to the UN demanded that Guterres resign over his comments. President Joe Biden said humanitarian aid isnt getting into Gaza fast enough  the Red Crescent said eight aid trucks arrived late Tuesday after delays.

(All time stamps are Israeli time)

US Determines Israel Didnt Cause Hospital Blast (3:44 a.m.)

US intelligence officials have determined that Israel wasnt behind a large explosion at a hospital in Gaza last week that killed as many as 300 people, the Washington Post reported, citing three officials it didnt identify.

While analysts werent able to determine who launched the rocket that caused the Oct. 18 blast, they were able to use video from four locations to track the trajectory of the weapon, which showed it was fired from within Gaza and malfunctioned. Other intelligence, including intercepted communications and a review of the damaged hospital, helped officials conclude with high confidence that Israel wasnt responsible.

Israeli officials previously said they have evidence that the errant rocket was fired by the group Islamic Jihad.

S&P Cites Risk That War Could Spread (1:40 a.m.)

S&P Global Ratings affirmed Israels rating at AA-, the fourth highest score. Last week Moodys Investors Service put Israels debt rating on review for downgrade and Fitch Ratings placed the nations credit score on negative watch, both citing the conflict.

The Israel-Hamas war could spread more widely or affect Israels credit metrics more negatively than we expect, analysts Maxim Rybnikov and Karen Vartapetov wrote. We currently assume the conflict will remain centered in Gaza and last no more than three to six months.

Israel Calls for Resignation of UN Chief Guterres (1:25 a.m.)

The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations demanded that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres resign for saying Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel didnt happen in a vacuum, capping a day of heated exchanges at the Security Council over violence that threatens to spark a regional war.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan was responding to Guterress speech at the the opening of a Security Council meeting to discuss the Israel-Hamas war in which the world bodys leader said no Palestinian grievances can justify the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, which killed about 1,400 people.

Red Crescent Says Eight Aid Trucks Enter Gaza (11:45 p.m.)

Eight aid trucks carrying water, food and medicine entered Gaza from Egypt, the Red Crescent said late Tuesday. The delivery came after United Nations officials said that scheduled aid deliveries had been unable to cross the border earlier in the day.

The UNs aid agency in Gaza said it will run out of fuel by the end of Wednesday and will be forced to halt operations including delivery of aid. Israel says it wont allow fuel to be delivered because Hamas uses it for operational infrastructure.

Pentagon Sending Iron Dome Batteries to Israel (11:00 p.m.)

The Pentagon is sending Israel the US Armys two batteries of Iron Dome radar, command posts and interceptors to boost the nations air defense, according to a defense official, who didnt disclose how soon it would arrive.

One missile battery of three to four launchers and radar can defend almost 60 square miles. The batteries are mobile, and as of mid-2021 Israel had 10 of them deployed throughout the country, according to Raytheon Technologies.

Biden Talks to Saudi Prince About Stabilization, Gaza Aid (10:00 p.m.)

Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman agreed to pursue diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the Middle East and keep the conflict between Israel and Hamas from expanding, the White House said Tuesday.

The leaders also discussed efforts to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, and resuming broader peace talks once the immediate crisis subsides. Biden has said he believes that Hamas launched the Oct. 7 attack against Israel in part to disrupt US-backed talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia aimed at normalizing relations.

US Working on Evacuation Plans for Americans (9:30 p.m.)

The US is actively trying to get Americans out of Gaza and also thinking through a broad range of contingencies for evacuation of its citizens from the wider Middle East if the conflict escalates, White House spokesman John Kirby said. He said the plans are not at a point of execution right now.

Israel Strikes Hamas Divers Trying to Enter From Sea (8:40 p.m.)

The Israeli military said its naval forces targeted Hamas divers trying to enter southern Israel by sea, and the air force hit the military compound in the Gaza Strip that they had left from. Hamas is considered a terrorist group by the US and European Union.

Macron Says Nothing Justifies Suffering of Civilians in Gaza (8:25 p.m.)

French president Emmanuel Macron said nothing can justify the suffering of civilians in Gaza and stressed that a Palestinian life equals a French life which equals an Israeli life. He spoke after talks with Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

Hours earlier, after meeting Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron called for an international coalition against Hamas on the lines of the one that fought Islamic State, and told the Israeli premier that Frances priority is to defeat these terrorist groups with you.

Israel Says It Returned Fire Across Lebanon, Syria Borders (8:20 p.m.)

The Israeli military said it responded with artillery after two projectiles were fired across the border from Syria, landing in an open area.

The military earlier said it struck Hezbollah positions on the border with Lebanon, after they launched rockets and mortar shells toward Israeli territory. Hezbollah said it struck struck an Israeli post near the border with guided missiles, according to the militant groups Al-Manar television channel.

Biden Says Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Too Slow (8:10 p.m.)

Biden said humanitarian aid to Gaza isnt getting in fast enough. He was speaking in response to a question at a White House event.

Biden held talks last week with Israeli and Egyptian leaders, and said afterward that arrangements were in place to let some aid in. The United Nations said that three convoys with a total of 54 trucks reached Gaza in the three days through Monday.

Blinken Backs Humanitarian Pauses for Gaza Aid (8:00 p.m.)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for humanitarian pauses in the fighting between Israel and Hamas so that people in the Gaza Strip can get aid, and said Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians.

It means food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian assistance must be able to fall into Gaza and to the people who need it, he said. It means civilians must be able to get out of harms way. It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes.

Blinken also warned Iran that if its proxies attack Americans then the US will respond decisively, after a spate of drone and rocket attacks that targeted US forces in Iraq and Syria.

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People look up at the damage caused when a rocket, fired from Gaza towards Israel, at a Holocaust museum at a Kibbutz near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel

People look up at the damage caused when a rocket, fired from Gaza towards Israel, at a Holocaust museum at a Kibbutz near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel

By Jonathan Saul

ASHDOD, Israel (Reuters) - When night falls, Sarina Blumenfeld gets flashbacks from what she endured during the Holocaust and struggles to process the carnage that took place when Hamas Islamists entered Israel from Gaza and killed 1,400 people.

Blumenfeld, 89, is one of tens of thousands of elderly survivors of the Nazi Holocaust who live in Israel and are once again facing up to the reality of war, with more than 220 Israelis taken hostage in Gaza.

"This all reminds me of what we went through during the Holocaust and how much we suffered," Blumenfeld told Reuters from her home in the coastal city of Ashdod, which is 40 km (25 miles) from Gaza and frequently a target of Hamas rocket fire.

The persecution of Jews in 20th century Europe is seared into the collective memory of Israel and since Hamas' Oct. 7 assault, leaders both at home and abroad have been quick to evoke memories of the Holocaust, when the Nazis and their collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe.

"I would argue that it was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust," U.S. President Joe Biden said on Oct. 11, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Hamas had killed children in the same way the Nazis used to.

Rivkah Har Arieh, who lives in Neot Mordechai, which is 3 km from the Lebanese border in the north of Israel, said she felt anxiety because of the loud exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah fighters.

"I went through the Holocaust and all the wars, but it is not like before, the noise is deafening. We will have to get used to even this," the 92-year-old said.

"I feel uneasy, and for the people who were murdered and made homeless, and all the funerals in this land."

Over 7,600 rockets have been fired towards Israel since Oct. 7 out of Gaza, according to Israeli government data, while there have been repeated clashes along the northern border as tensions rise around the region.

SUFFERING

Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza and launched air strikes on the territory, killing 5,791 Palestinians so far, including 2,360 children, Gaza's Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Har Arieh, who spent part of World War Two under house arrest in Bulgaria as a young girl, with eight families forced to live in four rooms, said she was aware that Palestinians in Gaza were suffering.

"It is not good for any of this to happen. Nobody wants this, but this is the consequence of what they (Hamas) did."

According to the latest study published in April by the government's Holocaust Survivors' Rights Authority, there were 147,199 survivors in Israel, with an average age of 85, including 462 who were over 100.

Many managed to weather the difficult conditions during the COVID pandemic, but the current war in Gaza has triggered new levels of stress and anxiety, said Shelly Feigenblat, a Tel Aviv-based social worker with the Foundation for the Welfare of Holocaust Victims, a non-profit organisation.

"Some of them don't even want to go into a bomb shelter. They're so depressed, they don't care if they live or die," she said, adding that everything that had happened was "definitely a trigger for PTSD" (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

"To say that it's worse than the Nazis, I think that's the worst trigger for a Holocaust survivor."

(Reporting by Jonathan Saul, Rami Amichai and Amar Awad; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Gareth Jones)
FILE - Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, Israel, Thursday, Oct.19, 2023. Since Israel activated the Iron Dome in 2011, the cutting-edge rocket-defense system has intercepted thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. By Israeli military estimates, Hamas has already fired 7,000 rockets into Israel during the current war. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov, File)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Since Israel activated the Iron Dome in 2011, the cutting-edge rocket-defense system has intercepted thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.

The system has given residents a sense of security, and Israelis can often be seen watching the projectiles flying through the skies and destroying their targets overhead.

But the current war with Gaza's militant Hamas group might be its stiffest challenge yet.

In just two weeks, Hamas has fired 7,000 rockets toward Israel, according to the Israeli military. That is more than any of the previous four wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group seized power in Gaza in 2007.

On Oct. 7 alone, the first day of fighting, Hamas launched at least 2,000 rockets, according to data from West Point. Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group has also fired hundreds of rockets along Israel's northern front since the fighting began.

Most of the rockets have been intercepted. But some have managed to get through, killing at least 11 people and hitting buildings as far away as Tel Aviv, according to Israeli officials.

Here is a look at the accomplishments  and limitations  of the Iron Dome.

HOW DOES THE IRON DOME WORK?

The Iron Dome is a series of batteries that use radars to detect incoming short-range rockets and intercept them.

Each battery has three or four launchers, 20 missiles, and a radar, according to Raytheon, the U.S. defense giant that co-produces the system with Israel's Rafael Defense Systems.

Once the radar detects a rocket, the system determines whether the rocket is headed toward a populated area.

If so, it launches a missile to intercept and destroy the rocket. If the system determines the rocket is headed to an open area or into the sea, it is allowed to land, thus conserving missiles. According to the military, all interceptions occur in Israeli airspace.

The military declined to comment on how many Iron Dome batteries are currently deployed. But as of 2021, Israel had 10 batteries scattered around the country, each able to defend a territory of 60 square miles (155 square kilometers), according to Raytheon.

The Iron Dome is part of a larger multi-layer air-defense system that includes the Arrow, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles, and also David's Sling, which intercepts medium-range missiles such as those believed to be possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Both systems, like the Iron Dome, were jointly developed with the United States. Israel is also developing a laser-based system called the Iron Beam that it says will be able to intercept rockets and other short-range threats at a fraction of the cost of the Iron Dome. Israel says that system, developed with U.S. funding, has not yet been deployed.

HOW ACCURATE IS THE IRON DOME?

It is roughly 90% effective, according to Rafael.

But it can get overwhelmed if a mass barrage of rockets is fired, allowing some to slip through.

While it has performed well so far, the risk could be raised if Hezbollah enters the war. Hezbollah has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS THE SYSTEM?

Each missile costs an estimated $40,000 to $50,000, according to the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv think tank.

The U.S. has invested heavily in the system, helping with development costs and replenishing it during times of fighting.

President Joe Biden has said he will ask Congress for $14.3 billion in military aid for Israel. The majority of that would help with air and missile defense systems, according to the White House.

Were surging additional military assistance, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome, Biden said.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
By James Mackenzie

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved to dampen media pressure over the government's conduct of the war against the Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza, issuing a statement insisting he was in full accord with his defence and army chiefs.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest serving prime minister, has seen his already falling approval ratings plunge following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which killed some 1,400 people in the deadliest day for Israel in its 75-year history.

On Monday, amid growing expectations of an imminent ground operation against Hamas in Gaza, Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel's largest circulation newspaper, published a stinging attack on the government, saying that a "crisis of confidence" had developed between Netanyahu and the army leadership.

"It has deeply impeded the need to focus on the war and on making decisions, including painful decisions. Israel now needs an effective, task-oriented leadership," it said.

Making the comparison with the 1973 Yom Kippur war, which began with an attack by Egypt and Syria that caught Israeli forces unprepared, the newspaper said that the country's leaders 50 years ago were able to restore confidence before Israel achieved final victory.

"Nowadays, Israel is managing, but it doesn't have a functioning management," it said.

Late on Monday, Netanyahu's office, together with the defence minister and the army chief of staff, issued a statement saying they were working together in full cooperation and urging the media to avoid "false publications that only harm our unity and strength".

"Between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff there is complete and mutual trust and a clear unity of purpose," the statement said.

Israel has carried out an intense air and artillery bombardment of the Gaza Strip, killing more than 5,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and has massed troops around the densely populated enclave.

On Tuesday, the army spokesperson said the military was ready to open the ground campaign against Gaza, whenever the political leadership gave it the green light.

However there has been growing pressure from the United States to hold off on an invasion.

SHOCK

Netanyahu has said the government will draw the necessary lessons from what happened on Oct. 7. But he has so far defied pressure to take responsibility for the security failures that allowed hundreds of Hamas gunmen to break through the barriers around Gaza and embark on an extended killing spree in communities in southern Israel.

The criticism of the government, echoed in other media, has also come from other quarters, including the country's mayors who found themselves having to take on a heavy share of the immediate relief work in the wake of the attack.

"I understand that everyone was in shock at what happened. It took the military a day or two to recover. It took the local authorities a day or two to recover," Haim Bibas, mayor of the city of Modiin and chairman of the federation of mayoralities, told Channel 12 television at the weekend.

"The government ministries have not, as of now, recovered."

Netanyahu, who returned to power this year at the head of a hard-right nationalist-religious coalition, had already faced months of some of the biggest demonstrations in Israel's history against his plans to overhaul the powers of the Supreme Court.

But the government's unpopularity has plumbed new depths with ministers regularly abused by furious Israelis during encounters with the public.

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, Netanyahu invited former Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who leads one of the centrist opposition parties, to join his war cabinet as part of an emergency unity government.

But his own personal standing, already clouded by a corruption trial on charges which he denies, has been badly damaged and a recent poll showed Gantz was now a far more popular choice as prime minister.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Nick Macfie)
After Israeli strikes on Gaza, October 10, 2023

For Ukraine, the prolongation of the crisis in the Middle East will have ambiguous consequences.

Two weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel, it is clear that the crisis is dragging on, and it will develop somewhat differently from previous similar crises. In the near future, we will likely see its next phase - a ground operation by Israeli troops (IDF) in the Gaza Strip against Hamas. Much will depend on how effective it will be, how many victims there will be, and how the Arab world will react to this operation. Even according to Israeli military estimates, this operation will last several weeks, or even two to three months. So, perhaps, at least until the end of the year, the war in the Gaza Strip and around Israel will still be in its hot phase.

It will most likely be a war between the IDF and Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as other Arab paramilitary groups, not only in the Gaza Strip but also on Israel's border with Lebanon. The surge in anti-Israeli sentiment that has already emerged will continue (and is likely to intensify, depending on developments in the Gaza Strip), and not only in the Arab world. Of course, there is a risk of Iran being drawn into a war against Israel. That is why the United States is deploying its military grouping in the eastern Mediterranean  to deter the Iranian threat. The Americans do not want to be directly involved in this war and will neutralize the risks of expanding the scope of the current crisis in the Middle East.

The most challenging part is Israel's attempt to reshape the security regime in the Gaza Strip, most likely through the demilitarization and ousting of Hamas. In parallel, Israel's intelligence services will begin hunting Hamas leaders worldwide, seeking to destroy the organization. Whether this will succeed is also a big question that has not yet been answered. Even if Hamas's leadership is destroyed and the organization itself is pushed out of the Gaza Strip, previous historical experience shows that a new radical anti-Israeli Arab youth organization may emerge in its place.

There is a risk of Iran being drawn into a war against Israel

The international community, including the United States, will push Israel to restore peace in Palestine and negotiate peace with the Palestinians. That is, another attempt will repeat what has happened many times before. The solution is already being proposed the same as it has been: the creation of an independent Palestinian state. All these efforts will again run into one insoluble problem: who will be in power in this State? The best-case scenario would be for moderate politicians to come to power in Palestine, though that would be difficult. In any case, it is virtually impossible for them to come to power in Palestine or the Gaza Strip in a democratic way. If the Gaza Strip or an independent Palestinian state is again under the control of anti-Israeli militants (no matter what they are called), a new war between the Palestinians and Israel is inevitable.

Some experts and politicians propose a different scenario: demilitarizing the Gaza Strip under international control (after the IDF operation) with the gradual restoration of the Palestinian Authority, led by moderate Palestinian politicians. If this experiment works, negotiations on creating a Palestinian state can begin. This scenario is being widely criticized. It seems utopian to many. However, it theoretically provides a peaceful alternative for the future.

Among the possible political consequences of the current crisis in the Middle East, I would also suggest the end of the Netanyahu era. Not immediately, but after the relative stabilization of the current situation, Netanyahu will most likely be forced to resign as Israeli Prime Minister. He is directly responsible for both the failure of Israel's unpreparedness for a Hamas attack and the internal split in Israeli society. But will this resolve the rift in Israel's political elite and society?

For Ukraine, the prolongation of the crisis in the Middle East will have ambiguous consequences. On the one hand, it is already diverting international attention from the war between Russia and Ukraine, and this trend will continue. There may also be some reduction in the scale of U.S. assistance to Ukraine, including military aid. However, we will be part of the same defense and financial package with Israel. This may weaken radical Trumpists' resistance to resolving the financing support issue for Ukraine next year.

Meanwhile, the current situation may push the US and the EU to expand the production of ammunition and weapons significantly. There is a chance for warming relations between Israel and Ukraine. But we should refrain from counting on a positive change in relations with the countries of the so-called Global South. The current Middle East crisis has become another reason for the aggravation and complication of relations between the West and many countries of the Global South. China will take advantage of this to a greater extent than Russia. But the situation that has arisen will not help to advance our positions in the countries of the Global South. However, this is problematic but not critical for us.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
 Flash

The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza on Monday, as more planes carrying humanitarian aid landed at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai, waiting to be sent into war-torn Gaza.

As Israel's airstrikes on Gaza and its preparations for a possible ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave persisted, Lebanon's Shiite military group Hezbollah and Israel clashed more along the border, raising fears of a regional escalation of the conflict.

Hamas releases hostages

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said Monday in a statement that it has freed two more hostages for "humanitarian reasons" through "Egyptian-Qatari mediation."

A man walks by posters showing information of Israeli captives in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 17, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

It is the second time that Hamas has released some of the hostages it took on Oct. 7 after releasing two American hostages on Friday.

An Israeli government official confirmed the release of the two Israelis, who arrived at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, adding that an Israeli team was on its way to meet them.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news identified the two women as Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79. Yocheved's husband, Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old journalist, was kidnapped with his wife and is still being held by Hamas.

Earlier on Monday, Palestinian sources said Hamas plans to release some foreign hostages captured in Gaza following "intense mediation efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations."

In a briefing to reporters, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari said the military "has been actively involved in operational and intelligence efforts to secure the release of all the hostages," while neither confirming nor denying reports on Hamas' hostage-release plan.

Hagari confirmed that the number of hostages in Gaza now stands at 222, adding they include Israelis, foreign nationals, women, children, and the elderly.

More humanitarian aid enters Gaza

The latest release of two Israelis also coincided with the delivery of the third shipment of humanitarian aid into the coastal enclave through the Rafah crossing on Monday.

The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that it has received the third convoy of 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid containing food, water, medicines, and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, planes from Algeria, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the World Health Organization carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip arrived at Egypt's al-Arish Airport, which is less than 50 km from the Rafah crossing.

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday that Turkiye sent two cargo planes to Egypt carrying medical equipment and supplies for the Gaza Strip, adding that two more aircraft would be sent with more supplies. The aircraft also carried a medical team of 20 doctors, he said on social media platform X.

Israel ocntinues airstrikes, prepares ground offensive

Meanwhile, Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza with hundreds of air attacks on the besieged coastal enclave. According to the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 436 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, pushing the total death toll in Gaza to at least 5,087, which includes around 2,055 children.

People check buildings destroyed after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Oct. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Having entered its 17th day, the conflict has also killed over 1,400 people in Israel, according to official statistics.

The Israeli military reported the killing of five commanders from Hamas' aerial array, responsible for Gaza's air defense, in addition to "dozens" of Palestinian militants.

As the airstrikes intensified, the Israeli army prepared for a potential ground offensive, deploying tens of thousands of troops and conducting training exercises.

The IDF also carried out limited ground raids in Gaza. "During the night, there were raids by tank and infantry forces," Hagari told reporters during a daily briefing on Monday, saying that the raids were carried out "deep" in Gaza.

The raids and air strikes "have been carried out as part of the preparations for the next stage of the war," Hagari added.

On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armored bulldozers and forced an Israeli force infiltrating east of Khan Younis in south Gaza to withdraw. The Israeli military also confirmed that a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

Meanwhile, more rockets were still launched from Gaza towards southern Israel, hitting an apartment in the southern Israeli city of Sderot. No injuries were reported, as most residents in the city had already been evacuated to central Israel.

Israel-Lebanon border clash escalates

Fighting also continued along Israel's northern border with Lebanon. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that a ten-year-old girl and a 39-year-old man sustained minor injuries on Monday when an anti-tank missile struck the backyard of a house in Kiryat Shmona, a northern city that Israel had commenced evacuating on Friday.

A man checks a house damaged by Israeli airstrikes in Rab El Thalathine, southern Lebanon, Oct. 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Israeli military responded by launching drone and artillery attacks on two groups of fighters who were attempting to fire anti-tank missiles from Lebanon into Israeli territory.

Lebanese army sources said a Hezbollah fighter was killed during clashes with the Israeli army on the border. This incident brought the total number of Hezbollah fighters killed within a 24-hour period to five, with four others wounded.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and sending its militants into Israeli territory, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

On Oct. 8, Hezbollah fired multiple rockets toward Israeli military sites in support of Hamas, prompting heavy artillery from the Israeli side. Since then, the Israel-Lebanon border has seen escalating tensions, increasing the odds of a broader war in the region.
Experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have estimated that Russia will be able to maintain its firepower with its own and North Korea's ammunition in 2024, but significantly lower than that of 2022.

Source: ISW

Details: Experts suggest that domestic production of artillery projectiles in Russia, supplemented by increased imports of munitions from North Korea, will likely allow Russian forces to maintain sufficient artillery fire in Ukraine in 2024, albeit at a relatively lower level than in 2022.

Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Estonian Defence Intelligence Centre, stated that Russia has about four million artillery projectiles left, which Russian troops can use to wage "low intensity warfare" for another year.

Kiviselg pointed out that reports emerged of North Korea sending up to 1,000 containers carrying ammunition to Russia, each containing 300 to 500 pieces of artillery ordnance.

Kiviselg estimates that North Korea may have, therefore, provided Russia with 300,000 to 500,000 pieces of munitions, which could last up to one month at the current daily use rate of about 10,000 projectiles.

The report points out that Western sources and satellite imagery confirm that North Korean shipments, which appear to consist mainly of artillery munitions, have surged since Russian and North Korean authorities likely began more formal military-technical cooperation in September, as ISW previously reported, adding that North Korea is likely to continue deliveries.

The analysts summarise: "Based on Western estimates of Russian artillery production capacity and continued North Korean artillery exports, Russia will likely be able to maintain generally sufficient rates of fire in the foreseeable future."

Although an overall decline in fire intensity may limit the ability of Russian forces to engage in large-scale offensive operations, the ISW believes the Russians are unlikely to face large-scale shortages that would significantly undermine defensive operations, and a decline in fire intensity would not give Ukrainian forces an advantage.

"The degree to which Ukraines international partners sustain Ukraines ability to sustain an effective weight of fire relative to Russian forces will be a key determiner of respective capabilities in 2024," the analysts added.

To quote ISWs Takeaways for 23 October:

Russia's domestic production of artillery shells, supplemented by increased ammunition imports from North Korea, will likely allow Russian forces to sustain sufficient rates of artillery fire in Ukraine in 2024, albeit at a relatively lower level than during 2022.

Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Avdiivka and made confirmed advances northeast of Avdiivka.

Russian sources claimed that Russian forces pushed Ukrainian forces back from some newly captured positions on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast but noted that Ukrainian forces maintain a presence on the east bank.

Russian forces conducted another series of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine on the night of 22 to 23 October.

Ukrainian forces advanced south of Bakhmut on 23 October amid continued counteroffensive operations near Bakhmut and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.

The Russian government appears to be emphasising defence spending over social programs in the 2024 federal budget despite contrary messaging intended to reassure the Russian populace.

Ukrainian Air Force Command Spokesperson Colonel Yuriy Ihnat stated on 22 October that the first group of Ukrainian pilots will begin training with instructors on F-16 fighter jets "in the near future."

Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Kupiansk, along the Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, south of Donetsk City, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and made confirmed gains in some areas.

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ROME (Reuters) - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Tuesday a blast at a hospital in Gaza City last week was not caused by a missile fired by Israel and also said around 50 people had been killed, not the almost 500 reported by Palestinian officials.

Tajani, who did not say what evidence his comments were based on, was commenting on the Oct. 17 explosion at Al Ahli hospital, among the most hotly disputed events of the Gaza war.

The Gaza health ministry has put the death toll at 471.

An Israeli official has said the toll appeared to be "several dozen". A U.S. intelligence report estimated the number of those killed to be "probably at the low end of the 100 to 300 spectrum".

"We need to avoid the negative impact of propaganda. Because that missile, which was said to have caused 500 deaths - in reality it was around 50 people - and which inflamed Arab masses in big cities, was not however launched by Israel," Tajani told the Sky TG24 news channel.

Tajani said the missile hit the hospital car park.

The governing Palestinian Islamist group Hamas accused Israel of carrying out an air strike on the hospital. Israel denied that, saying the blast was caused by a Palestinian rocket falling short after being launched at Israel.

The Israeli account has been supported by U.S., French and Canadian analyses.

The minister said in a separate interview that Italy was working to bring a group of 18 people, including Italians and their Palestinian relatives, out of the Gaza Strip.

"Cars are ready to leave from Cairo to go and pick them up when the Rafah crossing opens," Tajani told RAI public radio.

The group comprises seven Italians, seven dual Italian-Palestinian nationals and four Palestinians, Tajani said, adding that a 19th person, an Italian Red Cross worker, had said she wanted to remain in Gaza.

(Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro and Alvise Armellini; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Mike Harrison and Alison Williams)
ROME (Reuters) - Controls at the border between Italy and Slovenia will probably continue into next year, Rome's interior minister said on Tuesday, citing the risk of terrorists among the migrants in transit on the Balkan route.

Italy reinstated police checks at the border as of Oct. 21 for an initial 10 days, suspending the free movement normally allowed within most of the European Union under the Schengen treaty.

Following the attack on Israel by Hamas, and assaults by self-proclaimed Islamist militants in France and in Belgium, Rome said the threat of violent action had increased inside the EU.

"An enforcement limited to the first 10 days will not be enough," Minister Matteo Piantedosi told the northern Italian newspaper Il Piccolo.

The minister told a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday that Italy was aware of the importance of free movement of European citizens within the Schengen area and would act to re-establish it as soon as possible.

"We decided to restore controls only as a last-resort measure," he said.

He told lawmakers 3,142 people and 1,555 vehicles had been checked as of Monday, with police tracking down 66 irregular migrants and arresting two people, one of them on charges of aiding and abetting illegal immigration.

Piantedosi said around 16,000 people illegally reached Italy across the eastern border in 2023, and he had scheduled a meeting with the Slovenian and Croatian interior ministers on Nov. 2 to discuss border police cooperation.

The government has also strengthened its anti-terrorism controls at the maritime border, he said.

Italy has also seen a surge in seaborne migrants leaving from northern Africa.

Over 141,000 have disembarked so far this year, compared to around 79,000 in the same period in 2022, official data show.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Gavin Jones and Barbara Lewis)
An 85-year-old Israeli woman who was taken hostage by Hamas has spoken out about her harrowing two-week ordeal, recalling how she was initially beaten and thrown on a motorbike but later cared for and treated kindly by her abductors.

Ive been through hell, Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters while seated outside of a Tel Aviv hospital, with her daughter translating, after her release late Monday with fellow prisoner Nurit Cooper, 79. The two womens husbands, who were among more than 200 people Israel said were taken hostage during Hamas Oct. 7 raid on the country, remained missing as of Monday.

Yocheved Lifshitz speaks to the media outside a hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, after she was released by Hamas on Monday night.

Yocheved Lifshitz speaks to the media outside a hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, after she was released by Hamas on Monday night.

Lifshitz was filmed shaking a Hamas gunmans hand while leaving custody, an act that generated some public controversy. Lifshitz did this, she told reporters, because they treated her very nicely.

She said that she and other hostages were given food, medical attention, shampoo and conditioner, and mattresses to sleep on. The militants promised the hostages that they wouldnt be harmed, she added.

Thats not to say that her experience started out this way.

They stormed into our homes. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young without distinction, she said, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

The young men hit me on the way. They didnt break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing, she said of her abductors, who stole her watch and jewelry and put her on a motorbike  with her legs and head on opposite sides. She was driven from her Nir Oz kibbutz to the neighboring Gaza territory, where she traveled on foot through what she described as a spiderweb of tunnels.

Lifshitz's daughter helps translate her mother's comments to reporters gathered outside the hospital Monday.

Lifshitz's daughter helps translate her mother's comments to reporters gathered outside the hospital Monday.

Lifshitz blamed Israels leadership for effectively allowing Hamas attack to occur.

Authorities didnt take early warnings seriously, she said, and Israels security barrier along the Gaza border did nothing to stop Hamas ground invasion.

It cost NIS 2 billion ($493 million) and it didnt help, not even a little bit, she said of the barrier, according to The Times of Israel. She called those victimized by Hamas the scapegoats for the leadership.

Lifshitzs daughter told the BBC in a separate interview that her 83-year-old father, Oded Lifshitz, had long campaigned for coexistence with the Palestinians. Shes holding on to hope that hes doing well.

He was very involved in rights for Palestinians and working towards peace with our neighbors, the daughter said. He speaks good Arabic, so can communicate very well with the people there. He knows many people in Gaza. ... I want to think hes going to be OK.

Hamas on Friday also freed two Israeli American women, a mother and her daughter. Lifshitz was the first of the four former prisoners to speak out publicly about her experience.

Related...
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden s reelection fundraising operation has gotten a powerful assist from the nations Democratic governors, who have helped him amass a record $91 million war chest a year ahead of the presidential election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has organized events with deep-pocketed donors, bringing in more than $1 million for Bidens campaign, according to a person familiar with the fundraising. Californias Gavin Newsom is tapping grassroots contributors to ask them to pitch in small-dollar amounts, said the person, who requested anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly.

Involving well-known governors popular with Democrats in their home states has given the Biden campaign additional avenues to tap donors in some of the wealthiest pockets of the country. Their support is also a demonstration of how party heavyweights are rallying behind Biden even as polls show voter concerns about his age and handling of the economy.

Since launching his reelection effort in late April, Biden has raised more than $143 million, including $71 million in the third quarter, a strong total for what has historically been a slow fundraising period. That puts him far ahead of the Republican primary field, including the GOP frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, who raised $45.5 million last quarter.

Governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Ned Lamont of Connecticut helped organize events in their states, while New Jerseys Phil Murphy will likely host a fundraiser before the end of the year.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham held an event that raised a high six-figure total, exceeding expectations for the state. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland co-hosted a fundraiser in New York with the Black Economic Alliance, an advocacy group, and has committed to hosting more events in his home state.

Its just super helpful especially on fundraising to have real surrogates who can do this, said Jim Messina, who ran former President Barack Obamas 2012 reelection campaign. Its better than free beer.

Newsom is the most effective surrogate out of all the governors among grassroots givers, according to the person familiar. Small-dollar donors, those who contribute less than $200, have given more than $39 million to Bidens reelection effort, Federal Election Commission records show.

Biden also has an advantage with major donors. Because of a joint fundraising agreement between Bidens campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties, the president can accept money in much bigger chunks than his Republican rivals.

The maximum donation to the Biden Victory Fund is $929,600. That dwarfs the $3,300 individual contribution limit for Republican campaigns that dont have a broader agreement with their party, and has allowed Biden to raise far more than his GOP rivals.

The $91 million cash-on-hand the campaign reported across all fundraising entities is a high for a Democratic president at this point in the cycle.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Mayor Donna Deegan announced that Lakesha Burton, the Director of Community Initiatives in the Mayors Office, is resigning.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Burton took on the role in July 2023 with the responsibility of leading programs focused on creating safer communities through prevention and intervention efforts. Her departure from the city stems from her husband, Greg Burtons, health concerns.

In a released statement, Mayor Deegan stated The Burtons are in our hearts and our prayers as Greg faces unexpected health challenges. I am incredibly grateful for Lakeshas service to Jacksonville, both in the Mayors Office and during her extensive 24-year tenure with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. She is a passionate and dedicated public servant who deeply cares about our community. I look forward to future collaborations with her.

Lakesha Burton shared her resignation with Mayor Deegan in a letter dated today.

The letter read:

Dear Mayor Deegan, I regret to notify you that I am resigning from my position as Director of Community Initiatives effective immediately. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in your administration. I genuinely felt that I had a great opportunity to move your vision for a thriving community forward. However, the unexpected health challenges my husband is facing require me to step back from my role as a full-time employee. I am open to considering other ways to continue serving you and our city. I cannot thank you enough for the support you have provided me. I look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Lakesha Burton.

This unexpected change in leadership marks a significant shift in Jacksonvilles ongoing community initiatives.

The city will now commence the search for a new Director of Community Initiatives who will carry forward the important work initiated by Lakesha Burton.

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A Jacksonville Sheriffs Office police officer was arrested for driving under the influence early Tuesday, Sheriff T.K. Waters said.

Officer Justin Marinos girlfriend called 911 around midnight and said they had gotten into an argument while intoxicated and he left in his patrol car, Waters said.

Police found Marino at a gas station on Gate Parkway and noticed signs of impairment.

Waters said Marino refused to perform field sobriety exercises and was then arrested on DUI charges.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Marino was not on duty at the time of his arrest, but Waters said he shouldnt have been in his patrol car or any other vehicle.

Waters said Marino, who has been with JSO since June 10, 2019, has been suspended and stripped of his powers.

This is the fifth arrest of a JSO employee in 2023, Waters said.

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Former Donald Trump attorney Jenna Ellis on Tuesday became the fourth person to take a plea deal in Georgia over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Ellis  who promoted Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud alongside an elite strike force team" of lawyers following the election  pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings.

She is set to serve five years of probation, pay $5,000 in restitution, and write an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia. She also must testify truthfully at co-defendants trial.

In a tearful statement to the court after pleading guilty, Ellis said she has deep remorse over her experience promoting the false election claims. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges, she said.

Ellis said she relied on other lawyers with more experience who said the election was stolen, and didnt do her due diligence to check those claims. She did not mention any of the lawyers by name.

What I did not do but, should have done, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, she said. I now take responsibility before this court and apologize to the people of Georgia.

Know More

Ellis was originally incited on one count of racketeering and one count of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

She appeared with fellow Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani at a legislative hearing in Georgia in December 2020 during which Giuliani amplified conspiracy theories about the election and said Republican lawmakers should take actions to reverse Joe Bidens loss. She has since been a critic of Trump.

Former Trump attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro pleaded guilty in the same case last week.
ATLANTA (AP)  Attorney and prominent conservative media figure Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony charge over efforts to overturn Donald Trump s 2020 election loss in Georgia, tearfully telling the judge she looks back on that time with deep remorse.

Ellis, the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal with prosecutors, was a vocal part of Trump's reelection campaign in the last presidential cycle and was charged alongside the Republican former president and 17 others with violating the states anti-racketeering law.

Ellis pleaded guilty to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She had been facing charges of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO, and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer, both felonies.

She rose to speak after pleading guilty, fighting back tears as she said she would not have represented Trump after the 2020 election if she knew then what she knows now, claiming that she relied on lawyers with much more experience than her and failed to verify the things they told her.

What I did not do but should have done, Your Honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, the 38-year-old Ellis said.

The guilty plea from Ellis comes just days after two other defendants, fellow attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, entered guilty pleas. That means three high-profile people responsible for pushing baseless legal challenges to Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 election victory have agreed to accept responsibility for their roles rather than take their chances before a jury. A lower-profile defendant pleaded guilty last month.

Responding to a reporter's shouted question in the hallway of a New York City courthouse, where a civil case accusing him of inflating the value of his assets is being held, Trump said he didn't know anything about Ellis' plea deal but called it too bad and said he wasn't worried by it.

Don't know anything, we're totally innocent of everything, that's political persecution is all it is, he said.

Steve Sadow, Trump's lead attorney in the Georgia case, used Ellis' plea to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the racketeering charges Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis brought against all 19 defendants.

For the fourth time, Fani Willis and her prosecution team have dismissed the RICO charge in return for a plea to probation, he said. What that shows is this so-called RICO case is nothing more than a bargaining chip for DA Willis.

He also noted that Ellis pleaded guilty to a charge that wasn't in the original indictment and doesn't include Trump.

She was sentenced to five years of probation along with $5,000 in restitution, 100 hours of community service, writing an apology letter to the people of Georgia and testifying truthfully in trials related to this case.

The early pleas and the favorable punishment  probation rather than prison  could foreshadow similar outcomes for additional defendants who may see an admission of guilt and cooperation as their best hope for leniency. Even so, their value as witnesses against Trump is unclear given that their direct participation in unfounded schemes will no doubt expose them to attacks on their credibility and bruising cross-examinations should they testify.

The indictment in the sweeping case details a number of accusations against Ellis, including that she helped author plans on how to disrupt and delay congressional certification of the 2020 elections results on Jan. 6, 2021, the day a mob of Trump supporters eventually overran the U.S. Capitol.

Ellis is also accused of urging state legislators to unlawfully appoint a set of presidential electors loyal to Trump at a hearing in Pennsylvania, and she later appeared with some of those lawmakers and Trump at a meeting on the topic at the White House. The indictment further says she similarly pushed state lawmakers to back false, pro-Trump electors in Georgia as well as Arizona and Michigan.

Prosecutor Daysha Young said in court Tuesday that Ellis attended a December 2020 meeting of Georgia state senators with Trump attorney and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and with Georgia-based attorney Ray Smith. Ellis intentionally aided and abetted the other two as they made false statements to the lawmakers, including that more than 2,500 people convicted of felonies, more than 66,000 people who were under 18 and more than 10,000 dead people voted in the 2020 election in Georgia, Young said.

Before her plea, Ellis, who lives in Florida, was defiant, posting in August on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law. I am resolved to trust the Lord.

But she has been more critical of Trump since then, saying on conservative radio in September that she wouldn't vote for him again, citing his malignant, narcissistic tendency to simply say that he's never done anything wrong."

Along with Giuliani, Ellis was a leading voice in the Trump campaign's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, appearing frequently on television and conservative media to tell lies about widespread fraud that did not occur and spread misinformation and conspiracy theories.

She was censured in Colorado in March after admitting she made repeated false statements about the 2020 election.

That punishment was due in part to a Nov. 20, 2020, appearance on Newsmax, during which she said, "With all those states (Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia) combined we know that the election was stolen from President Trump, and we can prove that.

Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors and was sentenced to serve six years of probation and was ordered to pay a fine of $6,000. Chesebro pleaded guilty to one felony and was ordered to serve five years of probation, pay $5,000 in restitution and do 100 hours of community service. Bail bondsman Scott Graham Hall pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges and got five years of probation. All of them were ordered to write apology letters to the people of Georgia and to testify truthfully in any other trial in the case.

Ellis and the other three pleaded guilty under Georgias first offender law. That means that if they complete their probation without violating the terms or committing another crime, their records will be wiped clean.

Trump and the other defendants, including his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, have pleaded not guilty.

___

Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
A former senior legal adviser to Donald Trump, Jenna Ellis , pleaded guilty to a felony  aiding and abetting false statements  in a Fulton County, Ga., court Tuesday. The admission comes in the wake of indictments against other Trump-affiliated attorneys, Sydney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, who also pleaded guilty in Georgia last week, dodging jail by flipping on the former president.



Ellis, Powell, Chesebro, and 17 other co-defendants, including Trump himself, were indicted for conspiring to defraud Georgians of a free and fair election.

The courtroom saw Ellis with a smug smile on her face for most of the hearing, shedding tears only as she stood to address the court. With a solemn tone, she admitted, In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence.

Elliss guilty plea now requires her to testify truthfully against other Georgia defendants. This came after she raised more than $215,000 online for her legal defense when it became clear that Trump would not be footing the bill.

Post-Trump presidency, Ellis transitioned into a conservative pundit, media commentator, and social media influencer, gaining traction for her vehemently anti-LGBTQ+ stances and rhetoric, often intertwined with her evangelical Christian faith. Yet her plea agreement imposes a silence concerning the case or any individuals involved, marking a hiatus in her media commentary.

In March, about U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, and their family, Ellis wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that they weren't an actual family because Pete and Chasten are two men. She called the two "sexual perverts."

This isnt a family. Its two sexual perverts and a child that deserves an actual family: a mom and a dad. Childrens rights matter. Kids are not commodities, Ellis tweeted to her more than 950,000 followers.

Elliss political loyalties have shifted as well. She has parted ways with Trumps MAGA world, now supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his 2024 GOP presidential nomination bid.

Addressing the court, Ellis stated, I believed that challenging the results on behalf of President Trump should be pursued in a just and legal way. I endeavored to represent my client to the best of my ability. Yet, reflecting on her past actions, she added, I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than I, to provide me with true and reliable information.

She expressed her remorse, saying, If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges.

Her plea entails a five-year probation term, a $5,000 restitution payment to the Georgia Secretary of States office, 100 hours of community service, and a no-contact order with the media, co-defendants, or witnesses.

I have taken responsibility already before the Colorado Bar, who censured me, and I now take responsibility before this court and apologize to the people of Georgia, Ellis declared.

Watch the Fulton County Court hearing below.

State v. Jenna Lynn Ellis www.youtube.com
 Flash

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis announced Monday that he will resume the 10th Emergency Special Session of the assembly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a letter to delegations, he said he had received a letter dated Oct. 19 from Jordanian UN ambassador Mahmoud Hmoud and Mauritanian UN ambassador Sidi Mohamed Laghdaf in their respective capacities as chair of the Arab Group and chair of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, requesting the resumption of the 10th Emergency Special Session as quickly as possible.

He said he also received a letter from the representatives of Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, as well as a letter from the representatives of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and Brunei, related to the same matter.

"I will convene the 39th plenary meeting of the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023," said Francis.

The 10th Emergency Special Session was convened for the first time in April 1997. The special session was last resumed in June 2018.
Washington  Jenna Ellis , an attorney who served as an adviser on former President Donald Trump 's 2020 campaign, pleaded guilty to a single count in the case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over alleged efforts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.

Court filings showed Ellis agreed Monday to plead guilty to one felony charge of aiding and abetting false statements and writing. She appeared before Fulton County Superior Court Scott McAfee for her plea hearing Tuesday, and she agreed to serve five years probation, pay $5,000 in restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service.

Ellis, 38, also had to write an apology letter to the state of Georgia, which she has already done, and must testify at all proceedings involving the others charged.

Jenna Ellis speaks in Superior Court of Fulton County to enter a guilty plea on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. / Credit: Superior Court of Fulton County

Ellis, a senior legal adviser to Trump's campaign, is the fourth to plead guilty of the 19 defendants charged by Willis in August for allegedly engaging in a scheme to overturn Trump's loss in Georgia's presidential election. She joins Trump-allied lawyers Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro and Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall in accepting a plea deal.

Prosecutors alleged that during the 2020 presidential election, Ellis and Rudy Giuliani, another lawyer for Trump, promoted misinformation about the election during a Georgia state legislative hearing held Dec. 3, 2020, and falsely claimed that thousands of people unlawfully voted in the November 2020 election.

CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson, noting that Trump may try to rely on an advice-of-counsel defense, suggested, "It has to feel rather ominous for the former president." She pointed out that three lawyers who advised Trump or his campaign have now pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case. In the federal election interference case against Trump, the special counsel filed a motion earlier this month demanding that Trump's attorneys disclose whether he intends to assert an advice-of-counsel defense by Dec. 18 because if that is the case, "he waives attorney-client privilege for all communications concerning that defense, and the Government is entitled to additional discovery and may conduct further investigation."

Ellis was initially charged with two counts, one of which stemmed from alleged efforts to convince Georgia state senators to unlawfully appoint presidential electors supporting Trump. Ellis surrendered to authorities on Aug. 23 and agreed to a $100,000 bond.

What Jenna Ellis said at her plea hearing

In brief comments delivered during her court appearance, Ellis said that she relied on other lawyers with more experience to provide her with "true and reliable information," but should have ensured the information she was receiving was accurate.

"In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence," she said. "I believe in and I value election integrity. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse."

Ellis said she has already taken responsibility for her actions before the Colorado Bar Association, which censured her in March, and went on to apologize to the people of Georgia.

"As an attorney who is also a Christian, I take my responsibilities as a lawyer very seriously, and I endeavor to be a person of sound moral and ethical character in all of my dealings," she said. "In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, I believed that challenging the results on behalf of President Trump should be pursued in a just and legal way."

Sneak peek: Melissa Turner's Closing Act

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Jeremy Renner has announced that he will release a deeply healing set of songs written in response to his near-fatal snowplough accident.

The Marvel actor, 52, was crushed by a snowplough on 1 January 2023 outside his home in Nevada, sustaining blunt chest trauma and several other injuries.

Renner was rushed to hospital, where he was treated for major trauma, 30 broken bones, and blood loss.

Postin on Instagram earlier this week, the Hurt Locker star teased a forthcoming new collection of songs titled Love and Titanium, explaining that writing the tracks had been a cathartic way of dealing with his experience.

A collection of music we wrote about different milestones in my journey of recovery since Jan 1st this year, he wrote. Love and Titanium has been painful, deeply healing, and ultimately cathartic for me to create. I hope I get the courage to share with you all.

The accompanying image simply includes the word soon alongside a piece of artwork.

Renner has dabbled in music before, having released two EPs  Live For Now and The Medicine  in 2020.

Back in June, Renners Avengers co-star Chris Hemsworth recalled the reaction of his co-stars when news of Renners accident first broke.

We were all on our Avengers text chain, we were all chatting. And it was wild, Hemsworth said in an interview with British GQ.

None of us really knew how serious [Renners accident] was. I think anything like that, its an immediate realisation of, Wow, any of us can go at any minute

(Marvel Studios)

Were getting to the age now where were going to start losing people we love, Hemsworth added.

In Marvels hugely popular superhero franchise, Renner plays the character of Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye. The actor fronted his own series on Disney+, titled Hawkeye, opposite Hailee Steinfeld.

Following Renners slowplough accident, several of his co-stars offered updates regarding his recovery, including Black Widow actor Scarlet Johansson, who recalled an emotional visit to her friends bedside.

I was honestly so f***ing happy to see him. I didnt know if I was ever going to see him again. To not only see him again but to see him thriving and in such an amazing space, mentally, she said.

Hes a very spiritual person in general and a very soulful person. And you can see that in his work. It comes through. He has such a depth to him. And I just was so happy to see that he is full of life and light, and hes also hilarious. We laughed a lot.
Two uncontested seats are open on the Port Royal Town Council in the Nov. 7 election. One candidate has been serving for 8 years while the other is running for the first time.

Incumbent Jerry Ashmore and Jorge Guerrero will each win a seat because they were the only candidates to submit the required paperwork.

Ashmore, 58, is seeking a third term on the Town Council. The 24-year resident of Port Royal, who is married with five children, is the director of workforce development and safety at The Greenery, a landscape contractor.

Guerrero, 43, who is married with two kids, is a real estate agent and retired marine. The Harlingen, Texas native came to Beaufort County in 2008 because of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was deployed 9 times on three different fronts.

Heres how the candidates responded to questions from the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette.

Jerry Ashmore

Jerry Ashmore

Please provide your overall grade and supporting details of how the port property development is proceeding. What steps should the town take to ensure it meets the towns vision and requirements spelled out in the agreements?

Currently I would give it a C -. Despite the fact they are in compliance, the lack of activity and the type of activity they are proposing in the Bluff neighborhood are of particular concern. We have increased the frequency of meetings and requested more updates from Safe Harbor. We also have our attorney reviewing all documents to ensure compliance.

Please provide your overall grade and supporting details for Beaufort Countys preliminary plans for the redevelopment of Ribaut Road. Are there elements you would suggest revisiting?

Currently I would give it a C -. My concern is the intersection of Ladys Island Drive and Ribaut Road. With the frequent malfunction of the Woods Bridge, this is the most important intersection in northern Beaufort County.

Is it time for Port Royal to regulate short-term rental properties?

We do regulate it from a nuisance perspective. We looked at this about 4 years ago. The town purchased monitoring software and ensured all units are properly licensed and inspected. If youre asking about placing caps or regulations, I would be willing to consider if there is a serious concern from our constituents.

The town passed a tree ordinance in April that imposes some of the highest financial penalties in South Carolina for taking down specimen and landmark trees. In what ways can the town protect its trees and environment without hurting the economic investment it needs as it grows?

We agreed to revisit the impact of the ordinance after a trial period and that is set to begin. We have asked that staff compile data on its impact. We have tasked the Redevelopment Commission with drafting an overlay district for the Port Royal Gateway that includes a potential exemption from portions of the ordinance.

What is your vision for Naval Hospital property?

We are participating with the Military Enhancement Committee of Beaufort County to consider its redevelopment if it were to close. We are fortunate to have their presence in the community. But, its important to be prepared if it happens. I support something of regional significance for that property that would be impactful for all of northern Beaufort County.

What should the town be doing to ensure there is housing availability for moderate income workers as rents increase along with purchase prices for new and existing homes?

Historically, we have been the recipient of several Tax Credit apartment complexes, so we have been filling that need. We are actively participating in the new housing trust with ARPA dollars and have committed for several years. We are evaluating our development code to make things more favorable for affordable housing.

What non-political skills do you bring to the job? For example, experience working with budgets or land development or land preservation? Can you change a tire?

Ive worked in HR and contract management. I have been in leadership roles for many years. I have developed budgets for a large company. Yes, I can change a tire and even do an oil change!

Why are you running?

It isnt about the money, we work a lot of hours for about $0.35/hour. I am running because its important to set an example for my children and grandchildren, I feel that we are called to serve others and I care about Port Royal.

Jorge Guerrero

Jorge Guerrero

Please provide your overall grade and supporting details of how the port property development is proceeding.

The overall grade that I would give to how the port development is proceeding would be a C-. The developers are on the brink of missing some deadlines that they established themselves and have begun to isolate the property from the citizens that live around there using Private Property style signage that wasnt present ever before. There are two parts to this development, and I look forward to getting on Port Royal Town Council and learning all the details of the sale as well as the build-to-rent.

What steps should the town take to ensure it meets the towns vision and requirements spelled out in the agreements?

The Town of Port Royal should consider a tactical pause on the development to truly see if the agreements that are being executed now continue to fit the vision that we have for Port Royal. This will give us the clarity and necessary information that we will need as we negotiate follow-up agreements that will ultimately develop the remainder of the property/properties involved with the entirety of this development.

Please provide your overall grade and supporting details for Beaufort Countys preliminary plans for the redevelopment of Ribaut Road. Are there elements you would suggest revisiting?

The Ribaut Road redevelopment will cause an increase in traffic and accidents through the major intersections within the Town of Port Royal as some traffic will divert to another route to avoid Ribaut altogether.

My biggest concern is access to the hospital and emergency vehicles such as fire, police, and ambulance services being slowed to one-directional traffic should Ribaut Road go to two lanes.

Next concern is the McTeer Bridge intersection and the need to make this area a priority. We have seen in the last few weeks, when the downtown Woods Memorial Bridge is out, traffic and congestion are a nightmare for most citizens in the local area ultimately causing additional traffic challenges in Port Royal. The current plan does nothing to affect how traffic will get better here. To be fair, I have not seen the supporting information on traffic studies, the design committees supporting documentation or Port Royal having a seat at the table in this reimagine Ribaut plan. The grade I give is an F.

Is it time for Port Royal to regulate short-term rental properties?

There are many sides to this very important issue as it relates to short-term rental properties within the Town of Port Royal. I do believe that short-term rental properties have contributed to a shortage of affordable homes available for long-term rental and these short-term rentals are not charged a hospitality tax like a hotel is so none of the money comes back to the Town of Port Royal. VRBO and other booking agencies have an agreement with the State of South Carolina to receive the tax funds, and Port Royal only sees a fraction of the funds to support roads, bridges, trash, police, or fire service. This issue is complex, and I await the opportunity to learn more, and hear from citizens about how short-term rentals affect their neighborhoods as well as owners of the short-term rentals and VBROs. Once on Port Royal Town Council, I will explore the opportunity to work alongside the Accommodations Tax Committee to gather information, learn more and hear all sides of the short- term rental market and explore what similar municipalities are doing to make this a win-win for the neighborhoods and owners of short-term rentals.

The town passed a tree ordinance in April that imposes some of the highest financial penalties in South Carolina for taking down specimen and landmark trees. In what ways can the town protect its trees and environment without hurting the economic investment it needs as it grows?

The ordinance will make us all aware of our trees and their value to us. The ordinance allows developers the ability to still afford to execute their plans without going bankrupt and in a manner that keeps our trees at the forefront of their development plans.

What is your vision for Naval Hospital property?

I would like to see the historical significance of the land linked somehow to the history of the Navy in some way. In addition, to keep Port Royal Cool Coastal and Far from Ordinary there should be parts of the 127-arce land and buildings open to the public for families to enjoy like the Beaufort Arsenal Museum downtown.

I look forward to working with the Town of Port Royal on the Town Council to review studies and work with the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and others to develop a plan should the property become available.

What should the town be doing to ensure there is housing availability for moderate-income workers as rents increase along with purchase prices for new and existing homes?

Providing safe and affordable housing for all of our citizens is a high priority. The firemen, police officers, teachers, administrative support staff, restaurant services, restaurant hosts and so many more are at the center of affordable housing. These are the people affected with rents starting at over $2,300 a month at some apartment communities and single-family homes. These are the faces I see searching for an affordable place to live.

If we do not take a stand and solve this problem, the area will become retirees who live in the area six months out of the year without any workers available to provide services. Dont get me wrong, I am retired from the United States Marine Corps and I love our diversity in Port Royal. The fact of the matter is that we already lack the diversity of new college graduates because of the unaffordability of our area.

I look forward to working with Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust to find a solution to this challenge. A few ideas could be to limit short-term rentals in the Town of Port Royal and ask any developer asking for a new development to provide at least 20% of its inventory to affordable housing.

What non-political skills do you bring to the job? For example, experience working with budgets or land development or land preservation? Can you change a tire?

I bring to the table a plethora of skills and realistic experiences that I have learned in my 43 years on earth. From my 23 years serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps at the highest enlisted level to owning and operating my own business, I like to think I can find myself out of a wet paper bag.

The extensive experience that I bring to the table includes managing people and expectations, dealing with major catastrophic natural events such as hurricanes, managing budgets, understanding real estate acquisitions and transitions as well as development and execution of agreements. I can change tires and I make the best Mexican tacos that most of my friends have ever tasted.

Why are you running?

I am running to be a voice for those who find themselves drowned out of conversations by citizens who speak louder than everyone else so that their issues are heard. I am running for those who know that their concern is valid, important, and relevant but do not want to argue in public about it with others who are passionate about their opposing view. I am running so that my part of Port Royal (Shadow Moss, Picket Fences, Old Shell Point, Port Royal Landing, Willow Point, and more) can have a seat in the room when decisions are being made and resources are being allocated. I am running so that we can all appreciate the uniqueness of who we are, what we represent, and where we live. And finally, I am running because I feel that it is my duty to serve our citizens, in any capacity, while I still have the physical ability, moral capacity and mental acuity to do so.

Jerry Ashmore, left, and Jorge Guerrero prepare for a candidates debate on Monday, Oct. 16 at the Port Royal elementary school. The two candidates are running for two uncontested seats on the Town Council.
New Jersey Republicans did not get the memo on abortion.

Democrats and their allies are attacking GOP candidates on the issue in every competitive legislative district  even claiming the deep blue state "is just one election away from losing abortion access."

The Republican response: Admit the procedure is legal in New Jersey and theres no way they can change that.

Its just a political issue to scare their own voters, John DiMaio, the Republican minority leader in the state Assembly, said in a phone interview. In reality, we have full-term abortion in New Jersey that was passed about two years ago. The governor signed it. And theres no real push that were going to do anything about that.

DiMaios decision to write an op-ed saying so is just one high-profile example of how New Jersey Republicans are hoping to blunt the issue, which has proved politically potent for Democrats in other parts of the country since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.

New Jersey Republicans' approach bears little resemblance to national party talking points and largely contrasts with how their counterparts in other states have dealt with abortion since the fall of Roe. The issue is indisputably a winning one for Democrats in states where abortion rights are genuinely at risk, but New Jerseys legislative elections in November  among the few key races this year  offer one of the last chances before 2024 for the GOP to prove it can mount a real defense in a state where those rights are firmly protected.

In Virginia, one of the few other states to hold legislative elections this year, Republicans are countering campaign attacks by saying Democrats are extreme because they dont want to place limits on abortion and that theyre spreading disinformation. Republicans in Kentucky are making a similar argument in that deep-red states governors race. And Ohio Republicans passed a ballot initiative asking voters next month to decide whether to enshrine abortion protections into the state constitution or be the first to reject an abortion-rights measure since the end of Roe.

One implication of the Supreme Courts Dobbs ruling is that the GOP feels pressure to surrender the abortion question in blue states. And now New Jersey Republicans are doing just that  attempting to gingerly sidestep the issue. The tactic follows several instances of the general public siding with abortion rights on ballot questions in far redder states. Backlash to the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision is also widely attributed to staving off a red wave in the 2022 midterm elections.

Candidate responses in some of the state's most competitive districts show how Republicans have recognized the strong support for abortion rights in New Jersey even if they do not necessarily agree.



In South Jersey, six state legislative candidates this month issued a statement distancing themselves from nearby Republican state Sen. Ed Durr (R-Gloucester) who wrote in 2020, before he was elected, that women have a choice to close their legs instead of getting an abortion.

Central Jersey Republican state Senate candidate Mike Pappas  who as a member of Congress in the 1990s opposed abortion even in cases of rape and incest  has refused to answer a reporters inquiry on whether he still holds that stance. Another candidate in a swing district in Central Jersey, Steve Dnistrian, wouldnt take a stance on abortion when asked during an interview.

State Democrats have been battered by Republicans this summer on clean energy, dead whales washing up at the beach, sex education standards and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphys lawsuits against school districts over LGBTQ policies. Now theyre trying to counter by saturating airwaves and mailboxes with ads suggesting that abortion rights will be less-protected if Republicans gain power.

Democrats hold a 25-15 majority in the Senate and a 46-34 majority in the Assembly. With their hopes buoyed by unexpected gains in 2021, in which they won six Assembly seats and one Senate seat, Republicans believe they may actually have a shot at taking control of one or both houses of the Legislature for the first time in 20 years.

Still, Democrats warnings that abortion rights are at risk cant be simply dismissed. Even when Republicans have held partial power in New Jersey government, theyve worked around the edges to curtail abortion access without attempting to ban the procedure.

Republican lawmakers, including both houses GOP leaders, have in this legislative session introduced about a dozen bills that would restrict abortion in some way, from sweeping measures like a ban on abortions after 12 weeks to more narrowly tailored ones such as barring teaching students about it before sixth grade and then requiring schools to notify parents.

Former Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who opposed abortion rights, cut millions of dollars in state funds from clinics that performed them and vetoed repeated Democratic attempts to restore the funding.



And more than 20 years ago, during the waning days of their hold on both houses of the state Legislature, Republicans fought to enact a parental notification law for minors seeking abortions. After it was overturned by the state Supreme Court, they unsuccessfully sought a constitutional amendment and have re-introduced the proposal ever since.

While New Jerseyans are overwhelmingly in favor of preserving abortion rights, certain restrictions on abortions arent necessarily unpopular with the public. A Monmouth University poll from February found a 39 percent plurality said abortion should be legal with some limitations.

When DiMaio referred to full-term abortion being legal in New Jersey, he was talking about the fact that the state does not bar abortion at any stage. While abortions in the third trimester are rare  and, according to advocates, usually performed for medical reasons  Republicans in New Jersey often appeal to the public by noting Democrats have allowed it up to the point of birth.

Despite that, some New Jersey Republican leaders demur when asked if they would pass any abortion restriction bills if they take power.

Im not going to speculate on that issue. We have members that are pro-life. We have members that are pro-life with exceptions. And we have members that are pro-choice, state Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco said in a phone interview. But as of right now, this issue is settled law in New Jersey. And thats why I dont think its going to resonate like theyre hoping for.

Bucco himself is a co-sponsor of the New Jersey Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. And DiMaio sponsors the parental notification constitutional amendment as well as legislation that would require physicians to offer women seeking an abortion an ultrasound at least 48 hours before performing an abortion (There is currently no required waiting period for an abortion in New Jersey).

Some of the Republican abortion-related bills would:

 Bar the use of fetal tissue from elective abortions for use in scientific research

 Require female jail inmates to cover the full cost of abortions

 Roll back insurance mandates for abortions

 Bar the use of Medicaid funds to pay for abortions unless its medically necessary to save a womans life

New Jerseys Republican base mostly favors at least some restrictions on abortion, with 57 percent of registered Republicans in the Monmouth poll considering themselves pro-life compared with 34 percent who said theyre pro-choice.

Even as New Jersey Republicans try to avoid talking about abortion rights, New Jersey Democrats over the past decade have become more explicit in their support for them. For instance, when Christie first cut $7.5 million in funding for family planning centers, Democrats characterized them as cuts to womens health centers and stressed that the money did not directly fund abortions. Today, Democrats often refer directly to Christies cuts as targeting Planned Parenthood.

State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex), whos made abortion rights the centerpiece of his campaign against the staunchly anti-abortion Pappas, said the defunding of Planned Parenthood clinics shows that the issue is far from a red herring.

Believe what they do, not what they say. You start with the fact that with a Democratically-controlled Legislature and a Republican governor, Planned Parenthood was defunded, Zwicker said in a phone interview. Thats had an enormous impact for health care for women in New Jersey.

Zwicker acknowledged that abortion rights wouldnt be at risk with Murphy in office. But the next governor will be elected in 2025, and Murphy, who faces term limits, wont be on the ballot.

Its a meaningless statement to say that if the Republicans control the Legislature they wouldnt do anything. Well of course not, because Gov. Murphy would be governor for two more years, Zwicker said. But in the election after that in 2025, who knows who wins? And under the possibility of full-Republican control of the Legislature and a Republican governor, we see extreme abortion bills already introduced.
According to a new class-action lawsuit, police in New Jersey are taking as long as 20 months to comply with court-ordered expungement of individuals' criminal records.

Under New Jersey law, individuals can generally have their criminal records expunged after 10 years without a criminal conviction. Those convicted of substance userelated crimes, though, can have their records expunged as soon as they complete an addiction treatment "Recovery Court" program. Additionally, after the passage of a 2022 law, those who are convicted of certain crimes committed due to being victims of human trafficking can apply to have their records expunged any time after conviction.

But many individuals are waiting months, even years, to actually have their criminal records expunged after a judge has granted their request, according to the lawsuit, which was filed by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender on Monday. Plaintiffs say that they have been rejected or chilled from employment, licensure, and volunteer opportunities after their record was revealed.

The New Jersey State Police (NJSP), which is tasked with administering expungements, has delayed processing expungement orders for the plaintiffs in the suit for at least several months. One plaintiff still has his criminal convictions on record 20 months after a court ordered his expungement.

"Plaintiffs, and the class members they seek to represent, share a common grievance that the NJSP's extreme delay in processing expungement orders deprives them of their right to a timely expungement and its resultant benefits," the lawsuit reads. "Because of this delay, criminal records that should have been expunged have instead been repeatedly shared with employers and other entities, throughout the State and in other jurisdictions, by the NJSP, for months after petitioners' expungement orders were granted and received by the agency."

The lawsuit further alleges that the delay violates plaintiffs' rights under New Jersey civil rights statutes by "allowing their expungement orders to languish unprocessed for an unreasonable amount of time after such orders were received."

Individuals who have shown a longstanding commitment to living a law-abiding life shouldn't face the permanent punishment wrought by having their criminal convictions constantly appearing on background checks. While New Jersey law has thankfully embraced this idea, bureaucratic holdups from state police have continued to deny New Jerseyans the benefits of their court-ordered criminal record expungements.

"This increased delay is unacceptable and inexplainable given that the New Jersey State Police received $15 million from taxpayers to improve and modernize their expungement processing systems in 2019," Meredith Schalick, director of Rutgers Law School's Expungement Law Project, said in a statement to the New Jersey Monitor. "New Jersey can do better for people seeking a second chance, and the New Jersey State Police should be held accountable for failing to do their job."

The post New Jersey Police Have Waited Almost 2 Years To Expunge a Man's Criminal Record, Lawsuit Claims appeared first on Reason.com.
After her friend was found dead of what police initially presumed to be an overdose, Jessy Kurczewski changed the narrative by suggesting she had been suicidal.

Five years later, Ms Kurczewski is facing a murder trial, with Wisconsin prosecutors alleging she killed her friend, Lynn Hernan, with eye drops and then staged the scene to make it look like shed taken her own life.

The 39-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing her of defrauding Hernan of nearly $300,000 before killing her by dumping six bottles of Visine into her water bottle.

The murder trial began on Monday 23 October with jury selection in Waukesha County with Judge Jennifer Dorow, who oversaw Darrell Brookss Waukesha parade massacre trial, in charge of proceedings. Opening statements began the following afternoon.

A panel of 16 jurors will hear how deputies found Hernan in a recliner at her home with crushed medication on her chest, and how investigators initially thought she had overdosed.

This was until Ms Kurczewski said there was a possibility her friend was suicidal.

Lynn Hernan (pictured) was allegedly killed by her friend Jessy Kurczewski (Handout)

But toxicology tests showed Hernan had a fatal dose of tetrahydrozoline, which is the main ingredient in eye drops, in her system.

When Ms Kurczewski was told by investigators that it was tetrahydrozoline that killed her friend and that the scene was staged to look like a suicide, she said it was what her friend wanted and she must have staged her own suicide, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Ms Kurczewski later revealed to investigators she had given her friend a water bottle mixed with six bottles worth of Visine. She said she didnt think it would kill her friend because she had been drinking it for so long.

Heres what to know about the case:

The suicide theory

On 3 October 2018, police responded to a home on Meadow Grass Circle in Pewaukee after Ms Kurczewski called to report that her friend, Hernan, wasnt conscious or breathing. She had been checking in daily, she said, and that she had been acting oddly the week before.

Crushed medication was found on Hernan and prescription bottles were found nearby.

Ms Kurczewski told investigators there was a possibility that Hernan was suicidal. However, other people who knew her, told authorities they didnt think she would intentionally or unintentionally overdose.

Hernans death was believed to be a drug overdose but later ruled a homicide when the Waukesha County medical examiner found the victim had a fatal amount of tetrahydrozoline in her system.

The medical examiner said to reach those levels with the eye drops, it was impossible to have just been used in the eyes.

The staging theory

Over the course of several interviews with police, Ms Kurczewski had told them she had brought Hernan a water bottle with Visine in it at her request. She said her friend was known to purchase a large volume of eyedrops and that she drank Visine with vodka before her death.

While behind bars at the Waukesha County Jail, Ms Kurczewski told investigators she was probably going to prison for the rest of her life because she helped Hernan do what she wanted, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

She also allegedly had a breakdown while at Taycheedah Correctional Institution and told her roommate she gave Hernan several bottles of Visine to kill her.

The fraud

Investigators later found that Ms Kurczewski had committed nearly $300,000 worth of fraud, according to the criminal complaint, including a $130,204 check that was transferred fraudulently from the victim to Kurczewski.

Ms Kurczewski told investigators that she was acting as power of attorney and that Hernan had no immediate family, yet a cousin told authorities it was suspicious that she had left her entire estate to Ms Kurczewski.

She now faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, theft of movable property greater than $100,000 in value, and theft of movable property between $10,000 and $100,000 in value, according to online court records.

Opening statements began on Tuesday and the first witness is expected to take the stand in the afternoon.

Judge Jennifer Dorow has set aside a month for the trial.
For the second time in as many weeks, Boeing has made an announcement related, at least in part, to the ongoing development of a powered derivative of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) precision-guided bomb family. The company is pitching the Powered Joint Direct Attack Munition (PJDAM) as a flexible and lower-cost cruise missile that can be used to attack targets on land and ones at sea. It could help countries, including the United States, readily boost their stockpiles of stand-off munitions.

Boeing announced earlier today that it had signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australia's Ferra Engineering regarding the continued production of pop-out wing kits for the unpowered JDAM Extended Range (JDAM-ER) series. The company said that this deal would also include an "intent to explore applications" for the PJDAM. As currently designed, the PJDAM uses the same wing kit as the JDAM-ER.

A mock-up of the Powered JDAM with its pop-out wings in the deployed position. Joseph Trevithick

This follows an announcement last week about another MOU between Boeing and Technical Directions, Inc. (TDI) regarding the 200-pound-thrust-class TDI-J85 turbine engine as a propulsion option for PJDAM. TDI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc .

"Boeing, Kratos TDI, and the U.S. Government have made investments into TDIs engine, and we are encouraged by the maturity, production capacity, affordability and capability it provides," Boeing told The War Zone when asked if other engine options might be under consideration for integration onto the PJDAM. "We have invested significantly in [the] integration of the engine into Powered JDAM airframe."

A TDI-J85 engine installed on a ground test rig. Boeing

In addition, in August, Boeing announced that it had completed a round of PJDAM wind-tunnel testing , which it said was "a key milestone in the maturation of the long-range, precision strike system." The company also said at that time that it would use the data collected to create a so-called "digital twin," a high-fidelity digital model that would be used to support further development in a virtual environment.

A picture Boeing released from the PJDAM wind tunnel tests that wrapped up earlier this year. Boeing

At its core, the PJDAM consists of four key components, the engine, the pair of pop-out wings, a main guidance package derived from GPS-assisted inertial navigation system one found on typical JDAMs, and a standard low-drag 500-pound-class bomb as its warhead.

The PJDAM is effectively a small cruise missile and is designed to offer significantly greater range even over the unpowered JDAM-ER. A standard wingless JDAM can glide around 15 miles to its target, depending on the release altitude. With its pop-out wings, the JDAM-ER can hit targets up to 45 miles away. Boeing says that the PJDAM is expected to be able to reach targets at least 300 miles away.

A picture of an unpowered JDAM-ER in flight. Royal Australian Air Force

As with existing JDAMs, the PJDAM's use of a standardized bomb shape as its warhead immediately gives the design significant flexibility. There are a host of 500-pound-class bombs and other munitions with this form factor already available, including specialized designs intended to reduce the risk of collateral damage and air-dropped shallow-water anti-ship mines .

A wind tunnel model depicting a PJDAM fitted with a U.S.-made Quickstrike shallow-water naval mine as its warhead. Boeing

Boeing says that leveraging the existing JDAM guidance system, as well as other components from that package, means that any aircraft onto which the unpowered types have already been integrated should also be able to employ PJDAMs. Full integration would, of course, still require testing to make sure PJDAMs could be safely released from whatever is carrying them. That being said, PJDAM is a separate kit that cannot be combined directly with existing JDAM kits.

PJDAM is also "provisioned for optional modular capability enhancements for increased lethality utilizing open system architecture interfaces," according to a Boeing fact sheet.

There is no word yet about whether the PJDAM concept could be scaled up to work with 1,000-pound or 2,000-pound class warheads. Doing so could require the integration of a larger, more powerful engine. Since it is self-powered, there might be an option in the future for employing PJDAMs from surface-based launchers, too.

It is important to note that the PJDAM concept is not new . However, it has evolved in significant ways since it was first unveiled many years ago now.

Most notably, Boeing is now actively developing versions with additional capabilities, including a maritime strike variant with a seeker system added to the nose. The War Zone has reached out for more information about exactly what the seeker system entails.

A wind tunnel model depicting the maritime strike version of the PJDAM with its seeker nose. Boeing

Another view of the maritime strike PJDAM wind tunnel model. Boeing

The U.S. Air Force has been separately testing an add-on dual-mode seeker system for use on unpowered JDAMs, which combines a radar and imaging infrared (IIR) camera, specifically to help employ those bombs in the anti-ship role. You can read more about that project, known as Quicksink, here .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37qDHY9b6Lk\u0026t=2s

Boeing's fact sheet says that PJDAM has a built-in 1.2-kilowatt alternator specifically to help provide power for "optional enhancements" like "seekers, data link, [and] other mission avionics."

In addition, the PJDAM is also now being pitched as a possible air-launched decoy. In this configuration, its warhead would be replaced with an additional fuel tank designed to extend its range out to at least 700 miles.

Details about the PJDAM from Boeing's fact sheet. Boeing

Altogether, as advertised, the PJDAM offers a number of potential benefits. The first of these is the aforementioned flexibility that would give units in the field a stand-off munition that can be readily reconfigured to the mission at hand, or even turned into decoys, as necessary.

Then there is the added value in the ability to turn existing stockpiles of standard 500-pound-class bombs into lower-cost cruise missiles with relative ease. Boeing has, so far, not disclosed a project unit cost for the PJDAM kit.

However, standard JDAM kits have historically cost between $20,000 and $30,000 apiece. A typical 500-pound-class low-drag bomb adds another few thousand dollars to that total. The unit cost of the unit cost the TDI-J85 is unknown, but the Williams F107 , a larger turbojet also used in various cruise missiles, has been priced at around $190,000 in the past. Any additional seeker system or other features would add to the cost of the PJDAM. Still, for comparison, a single AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), one of the U.S. Air Force's go-to air-launched stand-off munitions currently, has a price point above $1 million .

A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle loaded with five JASSMs. USAF

Unlike many existing cruise missiles, like the AGM-158, the PJDAM may be small enough to be carried inside the internal weapons bays on stealth fighters like the F-35 . For stealthy aircraft, carrying stores externally negatively impacts their radar-evading capabilities.

It is important to note that the PJDAM's expected 300-mile range in its non-decoy configuration is significantly shorter than many existing cruise missile types, such as the AGM-158 and its extended-range versions. The powered version of the JDAM is also not stealthy, unlike the members of the AGM-158 family, among others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z83zXB8j5ow

At the same time, when it comes to the U.S. military, any potential future high-end conflict, especially against China across the broad expanses of the Pacific , would come along with the prospect of having to prosecute many thousands of targets on land and at sea. Large volumes of stand-off munitions will be critical for engaging many, if not most of those threats given extensive enemy defenses in the air and down below .

This, in turn, presents a host of challenges when it comes to keeping up a steady supply of stand-off munitions to engage those targets, and doing so in a timely manner that is not cost-prohibitive. A design like PJDAM could, therefore, be extremely valuable for rapidly increasing the total number of available stand-off munitions. This could help free up AGM-158s and other cruise missile types to prosecute targets that require additional reach and survivability. Decoy versions of the PJDAM could also be used to confuse and misdirect defending forces to help ensure that other stand-off munitions get through to their targets.

In addition, shorter-range PJDAMs could support other key missions, including helping to seed naval minefields. The War Zone has explained in depth in the past in the context just of using JDAM-ERs with shallow-water naval mines as their warheads about how much of a boon this could be for shaping maritime battlespaces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vkjO1_7QV8\u0026t=162s

The War Zone has been highlighting the need for lower-cost stand-off munitions that still have appreciable range for some time now . The U.S. military is clearly aware of this demand itself. Between 2017 and 2020, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) tested a low-cost cruise missile design powered by a TDI-J85 as part of a project called Gray Wolf . That work has since fed into an ongoing AFRL project that is experimenting with swarms of networked munitions called Golden Horde .

A Gray Wolf test article, designed by Northrop Grumman and powered by a TDI-J85 engine, under the wing of an US Air Force F-16 Viper. USAF

The U.S. Navy also previously planned to acquire a turbojet-powered version of the AGM-154 Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) precision-guided glide bomb , a concept similar in many broad respects to the PJDAM. In 2021, the service axed those plans in favor of acquiring a derivative of the JASSM-ER.

A prototype of the turbojet-powered AGM-154E JSOW-Extended Range (JSOW-ER). Raytheon

Commonality with JDAM, which has now been widely exported to U.S. allies and partners  including to Ukraine , where they are being used actively against Russian forces  could also open potential opportunities for PJDAM sales to military forces around the world or other kinds of foreign cooperation. This latter point is underscored by Boeing's existing relationship with Ferra Engineering in Australia with regard to the JDAM-ER, and now the PJDAM.

https://twitter.com/KpsZSU/status/1694618329015599234

Certain foreign armed forces might also be interested in a munition like PJDAM as a path to acquiring any kind of precision air-launched stand-off capability due to weapons like the AGM-158 being too complex and/or expensive, or out of reach over operational security concerns or other reasons.

"We continue to work with [the] U.S. and its international partners to accelerate fielding Powered JDAM in support of urgent needs over the next several years in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere," Boeing told The War Zone when asked about whether there are any prospective customers now.

Altogether, there is clear continuing interest in lower-cost cruise missiles like the PJDAM, which offers additional flexibility for use against land-based and maritime targets.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
I am Palestinian. I was born in a refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. I moved to Lubbock, Texas, in 1983 and have made Oklahoma home now for 32 years.

In his remarks upon being elected to his second term as the Mayor of Oklahoma City, David Holt stated that we are not a red city, we are not a blue city, but we are Oklahoma City. I echo his remarks as I address the OKC City Council in saying that we are not a Christian city, we are not a Jewish city, we are not a Muslim city, but collectively our beautiful diversity makes up the best parts of what it means to live in Oklahoma City.

My time in the spotlight resulted from religious and racial profiling. On April 19, 1995, I was one of two gentlemen wrongly profiled as John Moe number one and John Moe number two in the tragedy that unfolded that morning. The first 48 hours following that unspeakable horror, my family and my community lived in fear, knowing that the public eye was looking at us through a lens of guilt rather than the innocence we were promised in the Constitution. But through tragedy, a candle was lit that began to shine with the spark of hope that there was a better way for people to live with one another.

Almost three decades later, I stand before you as one of the leaders of the interfaith movement in Oklahoma City that eventually became a nationwide and global movement. Through the hardship and the struggle, we learned the valuable lesson that we hope to impart to the world  that despite our differences, we can build a foundation of trust, friendship, and, if we are lucky, love  based on the principles of mutual respect and understanding.

These foundational principles helped us through the tragedy of 9/11 that resulted in the highest level of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate America and Oklahoma had ever seen. In 2015, at our First Oklahoma Muslim Day at the Capitol, it was my dear friends Rabbi Vered Harris and Rabbi Abby Jacobson who stood on either side of me, escorting me through a crowd of anti-Muslim protestors to ensure that I, and every other Muslim attendee that day, could exercise our American freedoms. In 2016, when a former Representative was so bold as to make such false and offensive allegations that I was one of the biggest terrorists in Oklahoma, it was my sister, Rabbi Vered Harris, who reminded me I am loved and valued and that the interfaith community stands behind me.

And it was this same interfaith community, consisting of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, who value the diversity of our religious and cultural communities in Oklahoma, that joined together to take a historic trip to the Holy Land to gain a stronger perspective on the complexities and challenges of seven decades of violence and war. Upon returning to Oklahoma, we all came to the stark realization that regardless of what religious community we belong to, the path towards a solution for peace in the Middle East is complex and complicated.

When violence yet again broke out on October 7, 2023, the first person I called was Rabbi Vered. We had coffee together.

I was watching with horror. I couldnt believe what my eyes were seeing. It brought back memories of the traumatic experience of growing up in the Sabra and Shatilla refugee camp and surviving a violent massacre in 1982.

Before I could even address the concerns of my local Muslim community and the sudden rise again of Islamophobia in America as a result of fear and misinformation, my heart was drawn to reach out and ensure the safety of my family in Gaza. I sent message after message after message. I called family and friends, but none could reach the Enshassi family of Gaza. On October 18, the heartbreaking news reached me that all four members of my family had been killed. Yousef, Ilhan, their son and daughter-in-law, all taken from this earth as a result of the pure hatred that has fueled the indiscriminate killings of innocent Palestinians.

You must understand, what is happening half-way across the world cannot be understood in a Tik Tok video or through a news clip. More than seven decades have brought us to where we are today and the mass amount of ignorance surrounding this issue has led to the resurgence of anti-Muslim and antisemitism hate the likes of which we thought were far behind us.

In Illinois, a 6-year-old boy was killed by a 71-year-old man that used to play with him, all fueled by the hate burning within. In Los Angeles, Florida, and other states, Palestinian demonstrators have had their First Amendment trampled upon by violent anti-Palestinian protestors that physically and verbally assaulted these innocent individuals that are partaking in their right to freedom of speech. And right here at home, the death threats and Islamophobia comments have come crashing down upon me like the wave of the ocean  much like they have for my colleague Rabbi Harris who faces similar concerns about the rise of antisemitism in America.

Today we stand united, unwavering in our condemnation of Islamophobia, antisemitism, hate-based violence, and xenophobia. We implore the City Council of Oklahoma City to join us in affirming that Oklahoma City is a place where religious diversity is valued and protected.
Randy Fine, the only Jewish Republican in the Florida state legislature, rebuked his former ally Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday and announced he was switching his endorsement to former President Trump.

Fine, a member of the state House, criticized the governor in an op-ed in The Washington Times, saying that he had been an early supporter of DeSantiss but that the governor was not strongly countering antisemitism in the Sunshine State.

Before Governor DeSantis got elected, I helped fund a state Holocaust memorial. Its five years later; they havent broken ground. Governor DeSantis has taken longer to commemorate the deaths of six million Jews than it took the Allies to stop the deaths of six million more, Fine wrote.

Eighteen months ago, my Nazi friends showed up in Florida. They assaulted a Rabbi. They beat up a Jew who yelled back at one of their protests, he continued. They commandeered highway overpasses to illegally hang banners saying Gas the Jews. They have tormented Jews at their homes with filth. Until a few weeks ago, Governor DeSantis said almost nothing. And worse, he did almost nothing.

Fine explained that he was switching his endorsement from DeSantis to Trump because he argued that Trumps actions demonstrated his support for the Jewish community.

Donald Trump didnt just talk about moving the Embassy. He did it. Donald Trump didnt just talk about Israeli security. He green-lit them annexing the Golan, he said. Donald Trump didnt just talk about peace. He signed the Abraham Accords. He deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for it.

DeSantis campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin slammed Fines op-ed in a statement, arguing that the Florida governor had taken steps to support the Jewish community.

This is nothing more than shameful political theater at a time when Ron DeSantis is leading the charge to support Israel. From working to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, to combatting antisemitism throughout Florida and its schools, to securing funding for security at Jewish schools and synagogues, theres never been a more pro-Israel Governor, Griffin said in his statement.

When Joe Biden stood idly by, Ron DeSantis sent planes to bring over 700 Americans home to safety and called the Florida legislature back for a special session to levy sanctions against Iran and provide further protections to Jewish students and faith communities in Florida, he continued. When it comes to standing in defense of Israel, hes always been a leader who acts and delivers.

While speaking in New Hampshire on Tuesday, DeSantis pointed to the states work in trying to rescue those stuck in Israel, saying, What other governor has rescued people from Israel? according to Politico. I mean, like I marshaled resources. We brought back close to 700 people.

He also alleged that Fine was trying to ingratiate himself and labeled the state lawmakers move pure politics.

The development comes as Trump is the clear favorite to win the GOP nomination. The race for a Trump alternate increasingly looks like a two-way contest between DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Several high-profile Republicans, including former 2024 GOP presidential contender Will Hurd, have come out more recently in support of Haley. The Florida governor is largely seen as No. 2 to Trump in Iowa, while Haley looks positioned as No.2 in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The claim: Jim Jordan flunked the bar exam; Hakeem Jeffries was a Rhodes scholar

An Oct. 17 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) compares a key congressional Republicans purported academic record with the supposed accomplishments of the Houses top Democrat.

Jim Jordan flunked his bar exam 2xs  never did pass, the post reads. Hakim (sic) Jeffries  Georgetown Univ., NYU Law school, Rhodes scholar.

It was shared more than 5,000 times in a week. Similar iterations of the post were shared on X, formerly Twitter, more than 3,000 times in four days.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: False

Rep. Jim Jordan has never taken the bar exam. A spokesperson for the scholarship program says Rep. Hakeem Jeffries was not a Rhodes scholar.

Jordan never took bar exam, couldn't have flunked

Jordan and Jeffries have been at the forefront of the ongoing speaker vacancy that has paralyzed the House of Representatives.

Jordan, an Ohio Republican, was dropped as his party's nominee after losing three straight elections. Jeffries, a Democrat from New York and the House Minority Leader, received 100% of the votes cast by his fellow Democrats on all three ballots, but House rules require the speaker to win the majority of all ballots cast.

The claims in the Facebook post get a key fact wrong about each of their backgrounds.

Fact check: Video shows Jim Jordan questioning ATF director, not attacking Adam Schiff

Jordan could not have flunked the bar exam because he has never taken it, spokesperson Russell Dye told USA TODAY in an email.

The congressman was born in Ohio, earned his law degree from Capital University in Columbus, and currently represents the state in Congress, according to his official biography.

But Ohio Office of Bar Admissions records show Jordan has never applied to take the exam in the state, Supreme Court of Ohio spokesperson Lyn Tolan told USA TODAY in an email. That court appoints the 18 people who make up the board that administers the exam.

Jordan previously said during a 2018 interview with NPR that he did not take the exam.

No Rhodes scholarship for Jeffries

Jeffries holds degrees from Georgetown University and New York Universitys law school, as the post claimed, according to his official House biography.

But he was not a Rhodes scholar, Thom Yu, a spokesperson for the Association of American Rhodes Scholars, told USA TODAY in an email.

There is no evidence that Jeffries has ever claimed to have been one. His name does not appear in the online database of Rhodes scholars maintained by the Rhodes Trust, a charity that supports the students who earn scholarships to study at Oxford University, England.

The social media user who made the post declined to provide evidence to support the claim in a Facebook message to USA TODAY.

USA TODAY reached out to spokespeople for Jeffries but did not immediately receive responses.

Our fact-check sources:

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim Jordan didn't flunk the bar exam. He's never taken it | Fact check
 Flash

Children use candles for lighting in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Oct. 20, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

On the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating further and causing even more serious humanitarian hardship, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.

The current Palestinian-Israeli conflict affects the whole world and involves a major choice between war and peace, Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a phone conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

Cohen introduced Israel's position and security concerns on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

China is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict and the worsening situation, and deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict, Wang said.

China condemns all acts that harm civilians and oppose any violation of the international law, said Wang.

All countries have the right to self-defence, but they should respect the international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians, he added.

Wang stressed that the painful lesson of the repeated cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict fully demonstrates: only adhering to the concept of common security can help achieve sustainable security, and only adhering to the direction of political settlement can facilitate the thorough resolution of Israel's legitimate security concerns.

The two-state solution is the consensus of the international community, Wang said.

It is hoped that the two sides can consider the current situation as well as the long-term interests of peace and security shared by future generations, return to the right track of the two-state solution as soon as possible, resume peace talks and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel and the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations, he said.

Wang said China does not pursue any selfish interests on the Palestinian issue and sincerely hopes that the issue can be comprehensively and fairly resolved on the basis of the two-state solution, so that the legitimate security concerns of all parties can be truly and thoroughly addressed.

China will firmly support anything that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel, he said.

Wang also said he hopes that the Israeli side would take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Israel.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, House Judiciary chairman and staunch ally of Donald Trump, meets with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. The Republican dysfunction that has ground business in the U.S. House to a halt as two wars rage abroad and a budget crisis looms at home is contributing to a deep loss of faith in American institutions.

Edward J. Gallagher is a retired professor of American literature at Lehigh University. He is working on a book entitled History Remembers the Trump Enablers.

If Jim Jordans congressional career ended right now, he would be remembered as the attack dog for Donald Trump, arguably the most corrupt president in American history.

There is no landmark legislation, there are no consequential speeches affixed to the Urbana Republicans name to show for his nine terms in Congress, during which his forte has been destruction not construction.

Entertainingly, Jordans highlight tapes will show future generations a loud, crude, truculent, abusive, strident, aggressive, intimidating, bullyish brawler in signature coatless attire shredding witnesses and colleagues alike in slashing and gnashing style in his role as Trumps junkyard dog  perhaps Trumps most loyal congressional ally and most effective congressional accomplice in the furtherance of the Big Lie of a fraudulent election that was the greatest threat to the stability of our government since the Civil War.

The Medal of Dishonor.

Jordans claim to the Hall of Infamy will be voting against certification of Joe Bidens valid election to the presidency while the very heat of the January 6, 2021, insurrection could still be felt in the Capitol.

And, stunningly, without notice, five short days later, in closed-door ceremony, Trump demeaned the nations highest honor by awarding Jordan the Medal of Freedom for precisely valiantly defending Trump through the witch hunts and impeachments by his chimerical deep state enemies.

Edward J. Gallagher

Never was medal conferred so selfishly.

Never was medal accepted so dishonestly.

Trump dishonored the honor embodied in the medal by adding Jordan, a man completely without appropriate merit, to a distinguished company of such cultural giants as Marian Anderson, Andrew Wyeth, John Kennedy, Walt Disney, Cesar Chavez.

Bestowing an award that, to even the most detached future observers, will feel more like a payoff or a pardon  and a national disgrace. History will see this as outrageous behavior as glorification of a hit man, a raised middle finger to our cultural norms.

More: Republicans are saying 'hell no' to Jim Jordan. Let's hope it stays that way.

More: SNL skewers Jim Jordan's losing vote with Donald Trump, Lauren Boebert, George Santos

Jim Jordan soulless loyalty to Donald Trump.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, lost a third bid to become Speaker of the House. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

In the Trump post-presidency, the bone this attack dog has aggressively chewed on most in his role as chair of the House Judiciary Committee has been the putative link of Biden to potential criminal business activities by his son Hunter.

The sensational notion of a Biden crime family is designed to distract the already clouded attention of Trump supporters from the several major criminal indictments against him handed down this year, as well as stoking their irrational anger, the emotion that fuels Trumps populist political engine and his disruptive candidacy for the presidency in 2024.

History will record such examples of Jordans totally soulless loyalty as his response to a CNN interviewer who asked whether he had ever heard Trump  whom the Washington Post calculated made over 30,000 false or misleading statements during his presidency  tell a lie, to which Jordan responded without a blush, "I have not . . . nothing comes to mind. . . . I don't know that [Trump has ever] said something wrong that he needs to apologize for."

An absurd vision of Trumpian perfection, of human perfection even.

Which was breathtakingly stupid on Jordans part. Jordan not only facilitated the Big Lie in the service of Donald Trump but here is one instance of many in which he told one as well.

More: Jim Jordan didn't have to tap out of House speaker's bid. Thankfully his party did it for him

So the disgraced Trump and the errantly bemedaled Jordan are birds of a feather.

Jim Jordan has no teeth.

Trumps threatening challenge of "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU," aimed at the prosecutors of his multiple indictments, is mirrored in the past few days in the torrent of bullying and physical threats, even credible death threats, made by Jordan supporters  though perfunctorily disavowed by Jordan himself -- against House opponents of his ultimately humiliating bid to be Speaker.

History will record the attack dogs bark but not his bite, because in the final analysis so far it has been toothless.

And history will wonder why Jordon was fool enough never to see though the sham that is Trump.

Saturday Night Live last Saturday did.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- Bad Bunny Episode 1846 -- Pictured: Mikey Day as Jim Jordan during the Jim Jordan Cold Open on Saturday, October 21, 2023 -- (Photo by: Will Heath/NBC)

SNLs Jordan asks why Trump endorsed him for Speaker then disappeared, to which Trump replies, echoing his vicious comment about prisoner-of-war John McCain, I dont like losers.

Loyalty is not a two-way street for Donald Trump. Which lesson learned and acted upon might well reverse historys now inevitable judgment on Jim Jordan.

Edward J. Gallagher is a retired professor of American literature at Lehigh University. He is working on a book entitled History Remembers the Trump Enablers.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jim Jordan legacy: Being mocked by SNL, Trump's toothless junkyard dog
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is hosting a series of college recruitment events throughout Florida and Georgia throughout the remainder of the year.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Positions include but are not limited to correction and police officers, vehicle coordinators and crossing guards.

JSO will be holding its recruitment events:

St. Johns River State College - Orange Park Campus, 283 College Dr.

Oct. 24, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 2023 Manufacturing Job Fair

Flagler College - Commons Hospitality Suite

Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Fall 2023 Accounting Networking Fair

Georgia Southern University - University Hall (Armstrong Campus), 11935 Abercorn St.

Oct. 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Criminal Justice Career & Internship Fair

Valdosta State University - Student Union, 1500 N. Patterson St.

Oct. 25, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Valdosta State Career Fair

Flagler College

Oct. 25, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday Workshop - How to Interview

Prime Osborn Convention Center - 1000 Water St.

Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. City of Jacksonvilles Career Fair

Marriott Jacksonville, 4670 Salisbury Rd.

Oct. 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Best Hire Career Fair

New Horizons Jacksonville, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 180

Oct. 26, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. New Horizons Job Fair



[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

In addition, JSO will be participating in events at First Coast Technical College, San Jose Cecil High School, the Pace Center for Girls and the University of North Florida. The UNF event will include mock interviews to prepare students for the job market.

The event dates and times listed are subject to chance.

To apply for any of the listed events, visit joinjso.com.

Read: Jared Bridegan murder: JSO releases mugshot of ex-wife Shanna Gardner after her extradition to Jax

Important Application Deadlines:

December 2023 Corrections Academy Class - Applications must be submitted by Nov. 1.

January 2024 Police Academy Class - Applications must be submitted by Dec. 6.

Read: Jax City Council to vote on creating a $1 million homeless trust fund

 Upcoming Recruiting Events  October 24 - 26, 2023  Our Recruitment Team has a busy week ahead of them and there are... Posted by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Monday, October 23, 2023

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One hundred years after the Rosewood race massacre, a federal judge sentenced a white Cedar Key, Florida, man on hate crimes for a vicious attack against six Black men in Florida. The man will spend the next year and a day in prison followed by two years of parole for his actions.

After a conviction earlier in the summer, on Oct. 19 U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor sentenced David Emanuel to 12 months and a day in connection with the Sept. 6, 2022, incident.

David Emanuel Credit: Levy County Sheriffs Office

Historian Marvin Dunn, his son Frederick Douglass Dunn, and four other men told Atlanta Black Star they were surveying land near Rosewood to build a memorial commemorating the horrific race slaughter that occurred decades ago on the ground. Emanuel saw them and drove his pickup truck toward them. He alleged that though they were on a public street, they were too close to his private property.

Trending Today

The retired Levy County clam farmer will be required to surrender himself to federal prison no later than noon on Jan. 2, 2024.

Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin Weiss, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the Department of Justice convinced the court over a two-day trial that the 62-year-olds actions was racially motivated. She intended to make sure that people who engage in racially motivated attacks are clear about the repercussions.

We dont tolerate these acts in these districts, she said.

The judge said when determining the sentence, he considered the defendants mental health history and the fact he did not have a criminal record. He also reviewed 37 written statements from witnesses, family, and friends about the incident and his character.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and his team see this as a historic win. While speaking before a group the law enforcement leaders at the state Capitol inTallahassee, he detailed the significance of the victory.

In July, this offices Civil Rights Division secured a conviction of a defendant who attacked a group of Black men who were surveying land near the horrific hate-fulled 1923 Rosewood Massacre. The defendant was convicted on hate crimes charges. Garland said according to WCJB.

The 83-year-old Dunn, who owns the property across from Emanuel, wants the ordeal to be over.

Id like to feel comfortable on my own property, and I dont right now because of this. Id like to live in peace, Dunn said after the hearing, according to Alligator.org.

Dunn, a Florida International University professor and a Black history tour guide, also asked the judge via a prepared statement to show his neighbor mercy and talked about the only way to stop racism, the ugly prejudice he called the nations most indigestible problem.

It is the lump in our collective throat, the thorn in our collective side, the unmovable rock in our common path, Dunn said. For America to become whole, the lumps, thorns, and rocks must be removed.

Despite his request for leniency, Emanuel himself expressed little remorse for his actions. I didnt do a godd-mn thingget treated like this sh-t over a f-cking n-r, man. I didnt do a godd-mn thing to them, son. Bh, I should have run over them motherfers, noted federal prosecutors during the trial.

Dunn also he also has had highway patrolmen at his tours of the historic Rosewood town, a community became a footnote in American domestic terrorist history after a white mob killed over 100 Black people in January 1923 because they were self-sufficient and successful.

For Dunn, his conduct and forgiveness of Emanuel is a model of peace and a step toward healing.

When asked why he asked for leniency, he said, At this moment in our history, its good to show reconciliation.

Adding, Its good to show a reach for peace, even if its not successful.

As much as Dunn wants this incident to be over, it will not be. Emanuel still has to face a state charge, where he has been indicted on a count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

Read the original story here.
Kenya's plan to send police to Haiti has been been criticised at home (Tony KARUMBA)

A Kenyan court on Tuesday extended an order barring the government from deploying hundreds of police officers to Haiti on a UN-backed mission aiming to pacify the troubled Caribbean nation.

The ruling came a day after the United Nations warned that security in Haiti, where violent gangs control large swathes of the country, has collapsed even further, with major crimes hitting "record highs".

The UN Security Council gave the go-ahead in early October for the deployment of the non-UN multinational mission, led by Kenya, to help the overwhelmed Haitian police.

But the High Court in Nairobi subsequently granted an interim injunction in a case brought by opposition politician Ekuru Aukot , who argued the deployment was unconstitutional as it was not backed by any law or treaty.

"This court became seized of this matter earlier than everyone else and it would not make sense for it to set aside or allow the interim orders to lapse," High Court judge Enock Mwita said, adding that doing so would amount to "an academic exercise".

He said the matter would be heard in an open court session from November 9 in "a quicker way".

Aukot told AFP he was "very happy and excited" about the new court order as it stopped deployment until the case was heard and determined.

"The judge has made the orders even better," said Aukot, a lawyer who helped draft Kenya's 2010 constitution.

Details of Kenya's deployment are still not finalised, with parliament yet to approve the move as required by law.

Kenya's cabinet said on October 13 that it had "ratified" the deployment and submitted the resolution to parliament for approval.

But Aukot said the decision was in contempt of court and that he would launch a legal challenge against all members of the cabinet.

"They are doing a cleanup and seeking approvals after we got the court injunction."

- 'Guinea pigs' -

Kenya's involvement has been criticised at home, with many questioning the wisdom of such a risky mission.

Rights watchdogs also say Kenyan police have a history of using sometimes lethal force against civilians, and that they pose an unacceptable risk in Haiti where foreign troops have committed abuses in past interventions.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki defended the deployment earlier this month, saying they "are not taking our officers to Haiti as guinea pigs".

Kenya is seen as a democratic anchor in East Africa, and has participated in peacekeeping operations in its immediate region including in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia as well as other parts of the world.

Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation, has been in turmoil for years, with armed gangs taking over parts of the country and unleashing brutal violence, and the economy and public health system is also in tatters.

ho/txw
Donald Trump is once again at the centre of explosive leaked audio  this time after an Australian billionaire and member of his Mar-a-Lago club gabbed about his extensive conversations with the former president.

Anthony Pratt, a businessman and chairman of Visy Industries, was heard on the tapes describing how Mr Trump would objectify his own wife and brag about his access to world leaders and US national security secrets as he sought to impress his friends and colleagues in the business world. Audio of Mr Pratt making those remarks was published by 60 Minutes Australia over the weekend.

It all comes after Mr Trump was separately reported by ABC News in early October to have discussed a much more serious topic with Mr Pratt: US nuclear submarines and their capabilities. On 5 October, the news outlet cited sources familiar with the Department of Justices investigation into Mr Trumps handling of classified materials as saying that the matter had come up in the agencys ongoing prosecution of the former president.

Should the agency find that Mr Trump shared top-secret information with Mr Pratt, he could face a superseding indictment in one of his two federal cases.

Lets dive into the new audio obtained by 60 Minutes Australia and what Mr Pratt alleges he heard:

Trump bragged about leveling a city

In what could be one of the more shocking descriptions of Mr Trumps relationships with leaders around the world, Mr Pratt described a conversation between then-President Trump and a leader of Iraq, presumably then-Iraqi President Barham Salih.

According to Mr Pratt, his US friend had boasted about brow-beating Mr Salih after the US strike targeting Qassem Soleimani, leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Soleimani was accused of directing Iranian-aligned forces against US troops and interests throughout the Middle East.

I just bombed Iraq today, Mr Pratt recalls Mr Trump as saying. And the president of Iraq called me up and said, You just levelled my city.

And I said to him, OK, what are you going to do about it? Mr Pratt alleges the US president claimed to have responded.

The comments underscore the lack of respect Mr Trump was known to show his colleagues on the world stage at times  the notable exception to that rule being Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, who enjoyed a warm relationship with Mr Trump and largely avoids any criticism from his US counterpart, even now.

The Ukraine call was just the beginning

Keeping on the topic of Mr Trumps conversations with world leaders, Mr Pratt made another piece of news with his description of Mr Trumps boasts related to the first impeachment effort launched by Democrats in 2020. At that time, Mr Trump faced allegations of improperly pressuring Ukraines president into opening a criminal investigation into Joe Biden, with the intent of causing political damage to his 2020 rival.

Anthony Pratt (Getty Images for The New York Times)

At a Senate trial, Mr Trump was acquitted along near party lines, though one member of the GOP broke ranks and voted for his removal from office. But according to Mr Pratts retelling of his talks with the president, the now-infamous phone call between Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky was just the tip of the iceberg.

Trump said, You know that Ukraine phone call? That was nothing compared to what I usually do, Mr Pratt is heard saying on the audio.

Its hard to say what other outlandish demands Mr Trump could have been making to world leaders, or whether the entire claim is just another one of Mr Trumps boasts that did not correspond to reality. But the obvious implications behind the reported remarks clash quite severely with how Mr Trump has described his call with the Ukrainian leader, which he often refers to as perfect and totally above board.

Americas first lady is treated like an object

Easily the most controversial accusation leveled by Mr Pratt in the recordings relates to a conversation he supposedly had with Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago, alongside other guests and Mr Trumps wife, Melania.

According to the Australian billionaire, the ex-US president bragged in front of his wife about parading Melania around in a bikini so all the other guys could get a look at what theyre missing.

Melania, quick with a jab in response, supposedly shot back: Ill do that when you walk around with me in your bikini.

None of this is surprising  or proven

While all of the above revelations from Mr Pratt are well within the known boundaries of Donald Trumps character, it should be noted that this is all second-hand information, albeit from a source with no known grudge or animosity towards the US ex-president.

Mr Trump, for his part, has lashed out at Mr Pratt as a weirdo on social media, likely guaranteeing that any access the billionaire had at Mar-a-Lago has just ended.

He didnt deny any of the claims made by Mr Pratt in the leaked audio. He did, however, dispute the ABC News report which claimed that Mr Pratt had told special counsel Jack Smith of the Department of Justice  as well as a number of his own confidantes  that Mr Trump had discussed US nuclear submarine capabilities with him.

If nothing else, Mr Pratt is one more credible voice in the chorus accusing Mr Trump of being careless with US military secrets. Whether those accusations will result in Mr Trump actually being held accountable for wrongdoing? That remains, for now, unclear.
This story contains graphic descriptions and images

The walls of the first and only pediatric cancer ward in Gaza could come caving in at any moment.

The medical facilitycalled the Dr. Musa and Suhaila Nasir Pediatric Cancer Departmentoperates in Gaza Citys al-Rantisi hospital, in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave.

On Oct. 13, the Israeli government ordered all civilians in the northern region of the besieged enclave to evacuate south during its ongoing aerial bombardment of Gaza, the northern half of which is home to a million residents and 22 hospitals. The evacuation is impossible to carry out without devastating humanitarian consequences, a United Nations spokesperson said of Israels order at the time.

For the patients in al-Rantisi pediatric cancer ward, Its an impossible situation, said Dr. Zeena Salman, an American pediatric oncologist who has volunteered at the facility with the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, the U.S. charity that founded the cancer ward in 2019.

Theres a number of patients who are not stable enough to transfer to another hospital, Salman told The Daily Beast, adding that there are at least 10 in-patient children being treated in the department. And there may not be enough resources in the hospital.

Israel Issues Warning to U.N. Urging a Million Gazans to Evacuate

Ever since Israel began its relentless airstrike campaign on Gaza, in response to the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by the Hamas militant group, the pediatric cancer unit at al-Rantisi has become a makeshift shelter for patients and their families, many of whom have lost their homes in airstrikes. The hospital as a whole is sheltering some 1,000 civilians, including the cancer department.

And so those children remain and their families remain because they have no other options. Some of them require blood transfusions or platelet transfusions on a regular basis, Salman said. In addition to that, there are nurses, social workers, and others who have evacuated their homes, she added.

Hospital staff at the Dr. Musa and Suhaila Nasir Pediatric Cancer Department sent videos to The Daily Beast from the ward, showing the children being treated at the facility and their families. The Daily Beast was not able to interview the patients and families directly, due to phone service interruptions in Gaza.

This is Mujahid. He was 7y old. We treated him in our #cancer department. This was his last drawing - a message of thanks for the #chemo he received while living in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Last night a bomb was dropped on his home, killing him and his entire extended family. pic.twitter.com/Ge5L9d0lLw  Steve Sosebee (@Stevesosebee) October 24, 2023

In one of the clips, shared with The Daily Beast by a hospital staffer, a woman with an infant on her lap sits nearby her young daughter, who looks to be about 10 years old. We have no winter clothes, no milk, no diapers, she said, speaking to the staffer, who said in the video that the familys home was destroyed by an airstrike.

In another clip, a young boy with a bald head named Adamdescribed as a leukemia patient by the stafferis laying on the bed, with his brother hovering over him. The staffer asks the brother how he is feeling, and whether he is scared. He shakes his head, mumbling no in Arabic.

This is a place to heal cancer patients, and this is the suffering we are going through the staffer said while giving a video tour of the ward. Its a tragic situation.

Courtesy of Dr. Zeena Salman

No words

The head of the PCRR, the charity that funded and facilitated the opening of the cancer unit, is Steve Sosebee, Salmans husband. Sosebee is an American citizen who has been back and forth between the U.S. and the Palestinian territories for some 30 years.

Weve never seen this kind of absolute inhumanity and complete disregard for human life. And the use of high-ordnance weapons on innocent civilians, over and over nonstop, is beyond the pale of humanity, Sosebee told The Daily Beast in an interview last week, referring to civilian casualties from the Israeli airstrikes pummeling Gaza. And theres just simply no words to express this kind of crime and murder of innocent women and children and civilians. And I dont know what else to say about that, other than: Were all brokenhearted, and in shock.

More than 5,000 Gaza residents have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in which Hamas militants killed some 1,400 Israeli citizens and took roughly 200 others hostage. Now, a looming ground invasion of Gaza is all but certain to add to the death count.

For Sosebee, the horrors of the war go beyond the threat of a missile hitting the hospital.

These kids have had their homes destroyed, their family members killed and could slowly die themselves because their medication has been cut off, citing issues caused by Israels blockade on Gaza. That department every day has a shortage of clean water for those patients to drink, which is the bare minimum of nutrition. Theyre not able to get food on a regular basis.

Even the norm in Gazawhen the enclave isnt being pounded by airstrikesis difficult to bear, Salman emphasized.

Courtesy of Dr. Zeena Salman

She recalled the case of one cancer patient who she had helped treat on one of her trips to the Palestinian territories: a 3-year-old boy from Gaza who had to be transferred to another PCRF cancer ward in the West Bank. His mother couldnt join him, she said, because she didnt have the right permit to leave the enclave.

For a month, he was in the hospital. He didnt smile, not one time for 30 days. And I remember that at the end of the 30 days, by some miracle, his mother obtained a permit. And I will never, ever forget that moment when he saw his mother, Im tearing up right now thinking about it. The smile that finally appeared on this beautiful little boys face would just break your heart into a million pieces, she said.

For people in Gaza, those kinds of difficulties persist even without active war or bombing taking place at any moment, Salman added. Theyre hoping for a situation in which theres still so much trauma. That is their norm and that norm is traumatic and painful and horrific to watch.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Kittery was unfair to Chuck Denault. We support him.

Oct. 18  To the Editor:

We, the undersigned former Kittery, Maine, town employees, support Chuck Denault and his candidacy for election to the Kittery Town Council. Though much has been written by the Portsmouth Herald regarding his abrupt departure from the Kittery Town Council in 2021, very little was published pertaining to the employees that he assisted during that tenuous time.

We would like to take this opportunity to tell our side of the story. When our many and varied individual complaints to our direct supervisor, human resources and ultimately the town manager regarding theft, hostile work environments, retaliation, harassment, co-workers sneaking out of work when the boss was not there, time card fraud, nepotism and mismanagement along with an assortment of other complaints were not resolved or even believed, we had no one left to turn to except Councilor Denault. He advised us that he would personally take the information to the town manager per the town charter. This was well within the scope of his duties as a town councilor and our rights as employees.

Councilor Denault always looked out for the citizens and employees of Kittery and in order to assist us, tried to fix the wrongdoings to benefit those who were subjected to unfair treatment. He was trying to protect us while doing his job as a town councilor. As a direct result of us reporting bad behavior, the retaliation started and among other things, we were told that we could not speak to Chuck nor voice our concerns to the public. This ultimately led to our resignations, one by one, including Chucks wife. These were not easy decisions to make. Some of us had over 15 years of employment with the town of Kittery.

Over the past few years, there has been an obvious downturn in morale and a not so stellar reputation of Kitterys management practices. From multiple town employees moving on to other employment, to the residents becoming divided, the effects of the management problems have been clear and well articulated yet ignored. They were clear then as they are today. It was devastating that the town manager knowingly disciplined the wrong people while we were trying to do what was morally right.

What happened to Former Councilor Denault was unfair and the accusations were not true. The information he brought forward is accurate. He defended us, tried to do what was right and was true to his oath and obligations. If you could see what we saw happening inside, away from the publics eye, you would truly support Mr. Chuck Denault in his candidacy as we do.

Daniel Upton, Robert Hames, Daniel J. Colbert, Terry McDonnell, Shawn Tapley

Please submit all letters related to the Nov. 7 election by Oct. 31 to ensure publication both in print and online.

Portsmouth lucky to have so many good City Council candidates

Oct. 18  To the Editor:

I took advantage of several recent opportunities to meet the candidates for Portsmouths City Council. I have now met and heard from all 17 candidates. Whatever your position on the city budget, one-way traffic on State Street, outdoor dining, or the citys water supply, you have to be impressed with the candidates. For a small city of about 20,000 we are fortunate to have so many, so thoughtful, so talented, so dedicated, volunteers.

To my fellow citizens I say, you owe it to these candidates to familiarize yourself with what they offer, select 9 and vote on Nov. 7. To the 17 candidates, I say, if you do not win, please, be gracious in defeat. Please.

Bess Mosley

Portsmouth

Support Kathleen Soldati for Portsmouth City Council

Oct. 19  To the Editor:

I am writing to support Kathleen Soldati in her bid for the Portsmouth City Council. Ive known Kathleen for almost a decade, meeting her first through a business engagement and then developing a valuable friendship with her and her diverse family. What struck me initially about Kathleen was her ability to connect people: She has an uncanny memory of faces, names and individuals stories, and constantly engages in a way that focuses on others and our common values. She has been deeply involved in our community at all levels: Business development, nonprofit, and volunteerism. She has been a rebel with a cause her whole life. Kathleens creative and motivated family members reflect her values and persistence to make positive changes in the world  through business, the justice system, military service, government and through the arts.

Kathleens candidacy is rooted in the idea of civil discourse. Civil discourse is defined as communication for the purpose of objectively enhancing the understanding of matters of shared or public concern. It is the process of showing respect and facilitating a back-and-forth conversation with people who may have differing opinions or beliefs.

Kathleen has the intellect, energy, life-experiences and undying optimism to positively affect the tone and outlook of our City Council and their interactions at all levels; with Portsmouth residents, City staff, the business community, and other institutions that influence the councils decisions. I hope you will support Kathleen Soldati by giving her your vote on Nov. 7.

Beth Jefferson

Portsmouth

Wells beachfront property owners restrict public access without paying taxes

Oct. 12  To the Editor:

I'm encouraged by the recent efforts of Free Moody Beach and Our Maine Beaches to restore public recreation rights on the Maine shoreline. Several years ago our family built our forever home on Moody Point in Wells, anticipating quality beach time with our family.

While walking on Moody Beach, we stopped and stood in the water up to our calves while my nephews played in the waves. A woman approached us, ordered us to leave immediately, and then threatened us with sending down her mother, who is nastier than me.

We were dumbfounded! My nephews told us they thought this was their fault because they had been laughing and splashing too much. We tried to explain to my nephews that some people dont want to share the sand or the water with other people. This was a difficult concept for all of us to grasp!

Apparently, its only gotten worse with each year. We are disheartened to hear that others are experiencing the same kind of thing that we went through. Especially since the people who claim they own the beach to the low tide mark, dont pay any taxes on the land they claim to own!

We sincerely hope that the town of Wells and the state of Maine will make beaches more welcoming to families like ours. This is not the way life should be.

Jocelyn and Louis Dupre

Wells, Maine

Is Haley shag dancing around the political rules?

Oct. 12  To the Editor:

While working in South Carolina decades ago, one observation was that residents had a way of getting around things.

The rule for nightclubs was that drinking wasnt allowed on Sundays. The workaround was to become a member of a private club" for a small fee and you could drink and dance the Shag into the wee hours. After buying libations at a drive through, you could even drink and drive with an open container in your cup holder, "as long as you werent drunk."

Fast forward to 2023 and one Palmetto State resident seems to be at it again. A political advertisement is being run by the SFA PAC to promote Nikki Haley. SFA is the Stand for America PAC that coincidentally was formed by Nikki Haley. Note that contributions to candidates are limited to as little as $3,300 per election cycle for individuals, but contributions to PACs can be over a million dollars.

See contributions to the SFA PAC, including some over a million dollars, here.

A search for New Hampshire donors returned zero results. The inspiration for writing this was watching an SFA advertisement. The shot contained the text Nikki Haley Ban China from Buying American Land over an image of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Seriously, this ad may work well in Iowa showing farmland in the background, but PNSY is a critical Department of Defense asset owned by the U.S. government for the last 223 years. There is zero risk of the shipyard being sold to China. How dumb does the former ambassador and her helpful PAC think we are here in the Northeast? To believe that a PAC someone founded is in no way affiliated with the founder is quite a stretch as well.

Yes, some South Carolinians certainly have a way of getting around things.

Don Cavallaro

Rye

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kittery was unfair to Chuck Denault: Letters
Law enforcement may finally have answers on the murders of 19-year-old Diane Olkwitz in 1966 and 15-year-old Terri Lee Erdmann in 1971  and the same killer may be responsible for the two cold case homicides.

According to a search warrant unsealed Thursday and obtained by the Journal Sentinel, police dug up the body of a man who died in 2008 to gather his DNA for a possible connection to both cold cases.

Before the Menomonee Falls Police Department provides an update on the two cold case homicide investigations at a news conference Wednesday, here's what you need to know.

Diane Olkwitz and Terri Lee Erdmann were murdered five years and two miles apart

Investigators search for evidence outside Kenworth Manufacturing Co. in Menomonee Falls on the night of Diane Olkwitz's murder, Nov. 3, 1966.

Diane Olkwitz, who was supposed to give her friend a ride home from work, was found lying in a pool of blood at her workplace in Menomonee Falls around 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 3, 1966. She had been stabbed more than 100 times.

Olkwitz was found with her dress disheveled and partially off her shoulders. James Welch, the Waukesha County coroner at the time determined at the time she had not been sexually assaulted.

Terri Lee Erdmanns body was found June 24, 1971, in a field near railroad tracks behind a More-Way department store in the 10100 block of West Appleton Avenue on Milwaukees far northwest side. She had been stabbed about 60 times and was nude from the waist down with her shirt pulled over her face.

In this 1971 archival photo, police and detectives  protected from the rain  take footprint impressions on a path in the field where the body of Terri Lee Erdmann, 15, was found. She had been stabbed to death.

Erdmann had been missing overnight. The day before, she had been at a friends house near North 95th and West Rio streets. She frequently used a utility path through the field as a shortcut to her home in the 10400 block of West Silver Spring Drive, about a mile and a half away.

Police at the time said her murder was similar to the Olkwitz stabbing. The locations of Olkwitzs and Erdmanns murders are about two miles apart.

It was later found that in both cases, male DNA consistent with sexual assault believed to belong to the person responsible for the homicides was recovered, according to an affidavit for the search warrant obtained by the Journal Sentinel.

Who was Diane Olkwitz?

Diane Olkwitz is shown in her senior portrait from Menomonee Falls High School, Class of 1965.

Diane Olkwitz was the second daughter in a family of six children. She had two older brothers and three sisters. She had graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 1965.

Olkwitz, a secretary at Kenworth Manufacturing Co., a metal stamping plant in the 13700 block of West Silver Spring Drive at the time, worked alone from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every day to answer calls and accept late deliveries.

She was a very warm and caring person, Debi Olkwitz, who was just 9 when her sister was murdered, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2019. Always looking out for other people. She was just a generous person that way.

Diane Olkwitz's sister Patti Saidler, who was four years younger, remembers Olkwitz as sensitive but outgoing. We were very close, Saidler said. She was pretty much my mentor.

More: In 1966, a Menomonee Falls secretary was stabbed more than 100 times. Her murder has never been solved.

Who was Terri Lee Erdmann?

At the time of her death, Terri Lee Erdmann had graduated from ninth grade at Samuel Morse Junior High School. She was planning to attend James Madison High School in September 1971. Two classmates described her as a reserved and quiet girl with a good sense of humor.

Erdmann was the middle child in her family and had an older and younger brother. She was looking at family photos and listening to records with a friend in a neighbor's basement the night she was killed, the Milwaukee Sentinel reported in June 1971.

DNA technology gave investigators new hope

Nearly 3,000 pages of documentation on Diane Olkwitz's murder fill three file boxes at the Menomonee Falls Police Department.

Menomonee Falls police have always considered the Olkwitz case an active investigation, but their efforts took on a more determined tone with the advent of DNA technology.

The Wisconsin State Crime Lab isolated DNA from Olkwitz's girdle undergarment in 2001, according to the affidavit. A DNA profile was created from that evidence and entered into CODIS, the FBIs Combined DNA Index System that looks for matches with convicted killers.

As DNA technology evolved in later years, police kept abreast of updates in hopes of solving the case.

During Erdmann's autopsy, DNA found on her body was collected as evidence. A Wisconsin State Crime Lab report from 2011 noted that the DNA was from a male.

The similarities in the cases, including the distance between the killings, both victims being teenage girls and the manner in which they were stabbed, caused detectives on the case to suspect the same person could have committed both homicides, according to the affidavit. Detectives on the case submitted a joint request for the Wisconsin Crime Lab to compare the DNA profiles found in each homicide to one another, according to the affidavit.

The crime lab found that the profiles of the DNA found on both Erdmann and Olkwitz were consistent with one another, the affidavit said.

Police suspect a man who died in 2008 to be responsible for the murders of Diane Olkwitz and Terri Lee Erdmann

In July, City of Milwaukee detective Timothy Keller requested a search warrant to dig up the body of a man whose DNA is suspected to match the DNA evidence found on both Erdmann and Olkwitz.

The man was a truck driver who would make deliveries to the Kenworth Company where Olkwitz worked and was killed. He did a pick-up there four days before Olkwitz was killed, according to a questionnaire conducted by the Menomonee Falls Police Department in the initial investigation of the homicide. Officials believed he would have been familiar with the scene of the homicide.

In both homicides, partial Y-STR profiles were developed from the DNA evidence found. A Y-STR is a "short tandem repeat" on the Y chromosome. All men who are paternally related should share the same Y-STR profile.

Knowing this, investigators reached out to the deceased suspect's two adult sons and one consented to providing a DNA sample. Investigators then compared that son's DNA with the DNA profiles established from the evidence in both homicides. They found that the DNA recovered from Diane Olkwitz's clothing is very likely from the son's father, the deceased suspect who has not yet been charged.

Erdmann's murder is one of MPD's oldest cold cases

Erdmanns 1971 murder is the third oldest unsolved murder case at the Milwaukee Police Department. The two older, still unsolved cases are the May 1971 fatal shooting of cab driver Riley Campbell, who was killed during a robbery, and the July 1969 murder of Stephanie Casberg, a waitress at a Big Boy restaurant on North Van Buren Street, whose dismembered body was found in the Rock River near the Racine County line.

Olkwitz's killing was Menomonee Falls' first recorded murder

Olkwitzs 1966 murder is believed to be the first homicide in the village and is the oldest unsolved case at the Menomonee Falls Police Department.

The department has two other unsolved cases on the books: the May 1981 fatal stabbing of Joyce Garder, 54, in her Elm Lane home, and the April 1988 disappearance of 20-year-old Sandra Bertolas, who has never been found and is considered a victim of a homicide.

Police will provide an update on the cases and their possible connection Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Village of Menomonee Falls village boardroom, W156 N8480 Pilgrim Road.

Former Journal Sentinel journalist D. Kwas contributed to this story.

Contact Bridget Fogarty at bfogarty@gannett.com

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Diane Olkwitz, Terri Lee Erdmann cold case murders
The administration of the Russian president gave new instructions to the state and pro-government Russian media, asking them not to publish news about the crimes of Russians who returned from the war in Ukraine  in particular, this concerns mercenaries and pardoned prisoners.

Source: Meduza, Latvia-based Russian outlet, with reference to employees of outlets close to the authorities

Details: The sources clarified that they had not been sent such instructions before. Some pro-government media were happy to publish such news, because "crime always provides good traffic, and the mention of special military operation (as the war against Ukraine is called in Russia  ed.) in the title warms up the audience, makes the news more clickable."

For example, in mid-October, one of the outlets reported that a former mercenary of the Wagner Private Military Company returned from the war and stabbed his disabled grandmother for money.

A source close to the presidents office explained that restrictions on such news are "about time so that the Russians do not consider the fighters potential criminals, and do not fear their return."

He also noted that truly "patriotic journalists" understood the "inappropriate nature" of such publications even before the Kremlin's recommendations.

In turn, a source close to the Russian presidential administration emphasised that there allegedly is "a desire to show that really polite, sympathetic and caring people are returning from the front."

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin on Tuesday denied a report that President Vladimir Putin was ill, and laughed off persistent rumours that he used body doubles to cover for him in public appearances.

"Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about an unsourced report by a Russian Telegram channel, picked up by some Western media, that the president had suffered a serious health episode on Sunday evening.

The spokesman laughed in response to a further question about body doubles, and denied that Putin had any.

"This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile," Peskov said.

Putin, a judo enthusiast who has long cultivated an "action man" image, turned 71 on Oct. 7. He maintains an intensive schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of them televised.

His recent programme included a visit to China last week, with stop-offs in two Russian cities on the way back.

In a 2020 interview, Putin denied longstanding rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons.

(Reporting by ReutersWriting by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Gareth Jones)
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Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa speaks during a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and Japan should bring their relations back to the track of sound development, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Monday in Beijing. Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda attended the event.

Wang pointed out that in the face of a volatile and intertwined international situation, China-Japan relations have once again stood at key crossroads. A stable and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan is vital to the two countries, indispensable to Asia and has important influence on the world.

"We should take the 45th anniversary as an opportunity to remember the original intention of the treaty, abide by the consensus of the treaty, practice the principles of the treaty, and bring China-Japan relations back to the track of sound development," said Wang.

Noting that both China and Japan are Asian countries and bear responsibility for the future of the Asia, Wang said the two countries should follow the trend of the times, practice genuine multilateralism, promote open regionalism, and advocate the eastern philosophy of "harmony and coexistence".

China and Japan should oppose ideological confrontation and reject a "new Cold War", and inject more positive energy into regional peace and stability, added Wang.

Yasuo Fukuda said Japan is willing to work with China to carry forward the purpose of the treaty, overcome difficulties and make unremitting efforts to deepen peace, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

About 200 representatives attended the reception jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association.

Wang Yi met with a Japanese friendship delegation led by Yasuo Fukuda on Monday.
Three Los Angeles County residents are facing decades in prison after the U.S. Department of Justice charged them in connection with 10 pharmacy robberies this summer.

Makai Yusef Sanders and Kenyatta Kamar Jones of Hawthorne and Diavion Deshawna Mouton of Carson, all 22 years old, were charged earlier this month with Hobbs Act robbery (indicating it affected interstate or foreign commerce) and using a firearm during a violent crime, the DOJ said in a news release.

Federal authorities allege the trio targeted Rite Aid and Walgreens stores between Aug. 9 and Sept. 19, striking in Long Beach, Bellflower, South Los Angeles, Pasadena, Whittier, Lakewood, Monterey Park, Burbank and Glendale.

Mouton allegedly served as the driver while Sanders and Jones allegedly robbed the stores, the release said.

The robberies typically occurred about an hour before closing, and the robbers used guns while stealing cellphones and money from the stores offices, authorities said, adding that in some cases, they assault[ed] and injur[ed] their victims.

The DOJ highlighted the Sept. 19 robbery of a Walgreens in Glendale in particular.

That day, two armed men believed to be Sanders and Jones  one wearing a black balaclava mask and the other wearing a black mask with a red logo  robbed a Walgreens store in Glendale, the release said. The suspects robbed a store customer who was at a register attempting to purchase some items, held the victim at gunpoint, and stole the victims iPhone.

They also robbed a store employee, who in fear for her life took one of the robbers to the safe at the back of the store before she noticed the robber was distracted talking to the other robber, locked herself in the office and called 911, officials said.

Though the robbers didnt get into the safe, they made off with four iPhones and about $776 from the cash registers before fleeing in a white Honda Civic that had been booked through a carsharing company, investigators said.

The three were arrested a week later after police used phone and GPS data to track them.

At the time of their arrests, Jones and Sanders allegedly possessed handguns consistent with the firearms used in the Walgreens robbery, the release said. Law enforcement also found clothing  including the black mask with a red logo  consistent with what one of the suspects wore during that robbery.

The three are now in federal custody and were due to appear in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday.

If convicted of both charges, each person could be sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on the robbery charge and up to life in prison on the gun charge.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The melee was unrelated to U.S. participation in World War II, labor unrest or President Franklin D. Roosevelt's controversial move to seize control of local Chicago industries. The exhibition featured the prints of Jose Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican engraver who had died in 1913. On display were his calaveras, the satirical skull and skeleton illustrations he made for Day of the Dead, which he printed on cheap, single-sheet newspapers known as broadsides.

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TOMS RIVER - A Lacey man has pleaded guilty to gambling away more than $40,000 given to him for home remodeling work and spent another $30,000 on personal items he purchased that were intended to be used on the same job, announced Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on Monday.

Jeffrey Crawford, 50, faces up to three years in state prison and is expected to be ordered to pay the $70,000 in restitution to the victim, whose home also sustained extensive damage as a result of Crawfords negligence, according to the Prosecutors Office.

The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs contacted the Toms River Police Department in May 2021 in response to a complaint about Crawford, who was operating a business at the time called Hercules Renovations LLC, the statement said.

Police investigated Crawford over a contract he entered into in September 2020 to remodel the first floor of the victims residence, for which the homeowner gave Crawford a down payment of $115,000. While Crawford sporadically performed some work on the property, he abandoned the job in March 2021, leaving behind damage to the house, the Prosecutors Office said.

The investigation determined that a significant amount of the money given to Crawford for the project was used for his own personal benefit rather than for completion of the project. Specifically, Crawford spent more than $40,000 on gaming activity in Atlantic City and about $30,000 on other personal expenses. In total, Crawford misappropriated about $70,000 of the payments made to him so he could be able to do the renovations, according to the statement.

More Local Headlines: Ex-teacher claims unwanted hugs; gets $775K settlement from Central Regional

On Oct. 14, 2021, Crawford was arrested at Toms River Police Headquarters before he was released on a summons pending the outcome of the case in state Superior Court in Toms River.

More Local Crime: Pipe-wielding man jumped counter at 7-Eleven to steal cigarettes, Lakewood cops say

He has since pleaded guilty to theft by failure to make required disposition of property before state Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari in Toms River. Crawford is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler is handling the case on behalf of the state of New Jersey.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Lacey NJ contractor admits he gambled away part of clients money
Land O Lakes High School was closed Tuesday after a report of a suspicious substance that was found in the mail at the school, the Pasco County Sheriffs Office reported on social media.

The school district said the school will be open on Wednesday.

In a post just before 9 a.m., the sheriffs office said the substance is isolated in one non-student area of the school and was determined to be non-hazardous in nature.

Out of an abundance of caution, Land O Lakes High School is closing for the day, the post states. No additional information is available at this time as the investigation continues. An update will be provided when available.

Corey Dierdorff, a spokesperson for the school district, said students were sent home so the sheriffs office could complete its investigation.

The important thing is that the substance was non-toxic and no students were ever in danger, Dierdorff said.

Times staff writer Marlene Sokol contributed to this report.
A trained surveyor, Phil Spencer is best known for fronting some of the UKs favourite property shows, including Location, Location, Location and Love It or List it alongside Kirstie Allsopp. He has written three books and hosted podcasts and radio shows. Spencer joins Telegraph Money as a regular columnist to share his knowledge and experience from over 20 years of buying and selling property and operating as a landlord

Landlords have not had an easy time of it lately. As a landlord myself for over 20 years, it feels as though we are being squeezed on all sides.

Mortgage rates have risen astronomically over the past five years. The average five-year fixed buy-to-let mortgage rate was 3.4pc on 1 October 2018, at the start of this month it was 6.32pc.

Compounding this are legislative changes from the Government that have made it even harder for landlords to make money from their investments. All the while, the media portrays us as the bogeyman of the housing market.

So I want to make the case for being a landlord to you and sticking with it even though it feels the tide is against us.

First, it is important to remember being a landlord is a long-term investment. I bought two houses in south London in the late-1990s with a plan to be able to provide housing for each of my sons once they are old enough, and rent them out in the meantime.

My plan was never to buy, turn a profit for a while on the income, and then sell even though at the time money was cheap.

It is the same for the other properties I own and rent. I enjoy developing them and getting the most I can out of them for myself and the tenants.

Many of the landlords I know who have more than three properties, bought in the period of low interest and used that to leverage and build their portfolio. An undeniably shrewd investment.

However, times have changed and the era of cheap money is definitely over. But that doesnt mean your investment isnt worth sticking with.

There are two types of payoffs with rental property; the income you get from rent and then the sale of the house or flat when you decide its time to exit.

Regarding your rental income, while mortgage rates are eating into what you take home, helped by the Governments decision to remove tax relief on the loans, there is increased demand in the market.

Estate agent Hamptons has projected that rents will rise by around 25pc over the next four years, in part due to housing supply issues. We are seeing this already.

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While I find it difficult to support the current practice of prospective tenants bidding over the asking rent to secure a property  I think if you want more money you should ask for it at the advertised price  no one has engineered this.

It reflects the current state of the market and the need for good rental properties in the country, particularly in cities.

And in terms of house prices, I think it is always important to remember that they dont matter until they do. You dont need to know the value of your home unless you want to sell. At which point you get the gearing benefit that you have put down a 10pc or 20pc deposit.

But you receive the gain or loss on 100pc of the value. You dont get that with shares.

There is a dip at the moment and it is easy to panic. However, if you can I think its best to hold firm and remember the reason you invested in the first place.

Currently I am making no money on a couple of flats I own and rent close to Victoria in central London. A combination of increased service charges and mortgage rates mean I am only just breaking even, despite putting up rents.

So why arent I selling up (current housing market aside)? Because I believe the reasons I bought in the area still hold true.

Yes, it is going to take longer for the area to reach the potential I think it has, but it will get there and when it does, then I will make a decision about selling.

I tend not to purchase buy-to-lets with a firm figure in my head of what I want to get from it. It is too fluid. But this isnt necessarily the same for everyone. I go to work to make my money, my buy-to-let portfolio is a long term investment that I hope makes some money in years to come.

However, if you do rely on being a landlord for your income then your calculations will of course be different. But there are things you can do to make life easier.

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There is no doubt that sometimes being a landlord can be a headache. Using agents and a management company helps me to run my buy-to-let portfolio. To be honest I struggle to see how you manage without them.

As the amount of regulation has built up over the past few years, with the potential for more down the line, I think its the safest thing you can do to protect your investment and your tenants. However, I would still make sure you have your hand on the tiller, so to speak.

For example, my letting agent recently came to me with a prospective tenant who had various county court judgements against her. Rather than dismiss the application I spoke to her and her previous landlord who vouched for her good character and ability to pay, and went ahead with the letting.

Make sure you dont lose sight of how you want to manage your properties in favour of expediency.

The other thing you can do is to set yourself up as a limited company and reduce your tax burden. More landlords are doing it. The number of buy-to-let companies that have been set up doubled from 2016 to last year, according to Hamptons.

Now almost three quarters of new buy-to-let purchases are put into limited companies rather than individual holdings. It is easy to see why.

The structure offers full tax relief on mortgage interest and arrangement fees, and for some access to lower tax rates. In this high interest and high regulation environment it can be a huge boost to landlords.

However, for the vast majority of us who are already invested, the financial burden of having to pay stamp duty in order to effect a transfer of ownership into a company makes it hard to justify.

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To be completely frank with you I think the pendulum of regulation against landlords has swung too far.

Of course there are bad landlords around. Some you hear about are verging on criminals, but they are few and far between, and of course none are Telegraph readers.

In my mind the current regulatory set up is too heavy handed for the task. It leaves the majority of landlords, who are decent and want the best for their tenants, with onerous requirements and very little sweetener.

But, and here comes the optimism, I think it will swing back the other way. These things tend to oscillate and with an election on the horizon maybe we shouldnt be surprised. Ive seen both ends of the spectrum in my time.

There are positive signs as the Prime Minister rowed back on the threat of EPC regulations for landlords. In my view the move is politically motivated as we approach an election.

Hopefully there is a dawning realisation that landlords leaving the sector doesnt help the countrys rental crisis. The overwhelming majority of individual landlords own four or fewer properties (85pc) and the burden of implementing the changes without any help, such as making any work costs tax deductible, was too high.

I suspect quite a number of those landlords might be inclined to vote Conservative, and they were very upset over the lack of clarity and the amount of money that would have needed to be spent on the improvements.

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However, I think it will come back. We do need to improve our housing stock with better insulation. Longer term it is good for landlords and good for tenants, but it needs to be done in the right way. The devil is in the details.

Despite being a popular punching bag for its ills, the housing market needs landlords. We know there isnt enough social housing and while there is some movement in the build-to-rent market were still not meeting demand.

That is another of my reasons to stay in the market, you play a vital role in society.

As we all know increased demand puts upward pressure on prices making renting increasingly unaffordable, and then what? People need places to live.

And while there is something in the argument that landlords hoover up the homes that could be bought by first time buyers, there will still be people who need to rent either due to circumstance or choice.

The final reason to stay invested is the question of what you are going to do with the money from any sale. I understand if you are now maybe in your sixties and looking to access your pension. Or maybe you are younger and want to put the money into pension savings.

It is not my place to offer financial planning advice, but make sure you have a plan for the money.

Dont leave it languishing in a basic account while you decide what to do when it could be earning for you. Even if the amount you are making has taken a hit.

And of course selling is time consuming and stressful, so think carefully before leaving the market. Or make sure youre properly set up before you do.

All that said, if I am wholly honest would I join the market right now if I was starting out? No, I cant say I would.

However, once youre in, youre in. I am sure investing in rental properties is not a decision you took lightly, and exiting shouldnt be one either.

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Are you part of the landlord exodus? Heres what you should do next

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As ever, do email me with your thoughts and questions: phil.spencer@telegraph.co.uk

Phil Spencer shares his advice on his website moveiQ.co.uk

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police have arrested a man they said shot and killed an innocent bystander in a July shooting.

On July 15 at around 11:30 p.m., officers were called to the 9400 block of West Post Road, near S. Fort Apache and W. Sunset roads after reports of a shooting.

When police arrived at the scene, they learned that friends had already taken the victim to a nearby hospital. He was identified as Bryce McKinney, 23, of North Las Vegas.

According to police, McKinney was hit by a stray bullet from a shooting that happened in the 9500 block of Rolling Thunder Ave, which is around 500 feet from where he was struck.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His cause of death was officially ruled as a gunshot wound to his abdomen and pelvis, and the manner of death is a homicide, Coroners office officials said.

Devin Mansch, 19, is accused of shooting and killing an innocent bystander in July. (LVMPD)

Through the investigation, detectives identified Devin Mansch, 19, as a suspect in a case. He was taken into custody by the Criminal Apprehension Team on Oct. 20.

Mansch was booked into the Clark County Detention Center for open murder with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, and four counts of discharging a gun into an occupied structure.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 24.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Workers of a Las Vegas Starbucks won union representation in a vote of 16-3 on Monday, Oct. 23, marking it the fourth Las Vegas store to unionize.

The employees of the Starbucks located at Casino Center and Clark Avenue are joining a nationwide movement of over 9,000 baristas organizing for better working conditions, fair wages, and consistent schedules.

The workers at the location sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan in September to announce the formation of their union.

Starbucks Workers United is the union drive that has overtaken the labor movement. Since December 2021, over 360 Starbucks stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia have successfully unionized.

Workers at three other Starbucks locations in the Las Vegas-area have already unionized.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Republican lawmakers are pressing Defense Department leaders to posthumously promote all of the U.S. service members killed in the Kabul airport terrorist attack in the final days of the American military deployment in Afghanistan.

Thirteen troops were killed in the attack in August 2021, along with hundreds of Afghan civilians. The deaths have become a focal point of Republican criticism of President Joe Bidens decision to completely withdraw U.S. military forces from the country, and concerns that military leaders may have missed warning signs of a terrorist strike at the airport.

In a letter to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth on Tuesday, the five lawmakers  Mike Waltz of Florida, Mike McCaul of Texas, Cory Mills of Florida, Brian Mast of Florida, and Darrell Issa of California  said the issue of posthumous promotions was brought up during recent meetings with the fallen troops family members.

Pentagon orders new interviews on deadly 2021 Afghan airport attack

When our brave service members give the last full measure of devotion in the service of our republic, we have a solemn obligation to care for their survivors with the dignity and respect their service demands, the group wrote. We kindly ask for your assistance in upholding this obligation.

About one month after the attack, Navy officials posthumously promoted Maxton Soviak to Hospital Corpsman Third Class in recognition of his actions and sacrifice. The other 12 service members who died in the bombing were not granted similar honors.

The other troops killed in the attack were:

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza of Rio Bravo, Texas

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee of Sacramento, California

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover of Salt Lake City, Utah

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss of Corryton, Tennessee

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, of Indio, California

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum of Jackson, Wyoming

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola of Rancho Cucamonga, California

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui of Norco, California

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo of Lawrence, Massachusetts

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez of Logansport, Indiana

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz of St. Charles, Missouri

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page of Omaha, Nebraska

Although posthumous promotions are largely symbolic measures, the changes in rank can have small impacts on survivors benefits.
Despite efforts targeted to protect it, Oklahoma's wild turkey population is declining from a peak about a decade ago and has dropped sharply just in the last six years, a group of wildlife experts told a Senate committee Monday.

Oklahoma is home to three subspecies of wild turkey  the Merriam, Eastern and the most common, the Rio Grande. Wildlife experts said the Rio Grande has shown the biggest decline.

Bill Dinkines, chief of the wildlife division for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said his department was actively studying the problem. Dinkines said the wild turkey population was robust in parts of the state prior to statehood, but by 1925 most scientists thought the birds were extinct.

Twenty-three years later, in 1948, Oklahoma wildlife officials started a restoration program using wild birds from Texas that were relocated to Harper County. By the 1970s, the nation's wild turkey population stood at about 1.5 million. The population came close to being fully restored during the 1980s and they continued to grow. In 2010, estimates put the number of wild turkeys at about 6.7 million nationwide.

In Oklahoma, the wild turkey population increased rapidly from the year 2000 through 2006 and by 2016 the population was estimated at close to 100,000.

But as of last year, that number had dropped to 70,000.

Speaking at Monday's interim hearing of the Senate Wildlife Committee, Scott Alls, state director of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Wildlife Service, said turkey population dynamics were complex and based on several factors including weather extremes, disease, predators and habitat.

"There are so many things that work against them," he said.

State wildlife commissioners have delayed a vote on Wildlife Department proposals for smaller bag limits and set a later start to spring turkey hunting season due to plummeting populations.

Alls said mesocarnivores  raccoons, striped skunks, opossums crows and feral swine  have also contributed to a reduction in the number of wild turkeys. He said the probability of a wild turkey nest being attacked is increased by more than 30 percent if the nest is located within a kilometer of a predator's feeding station.

"We know the raccoon population has been a big, big deal," he said. "I figure they are one of your number one predators."

State Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah, said Oklahoma officials have taken steps to increase the population by lowering the bag limits for turkeys and moving the opening date of the spring turkey season. He said the decline in the wild turkey population was similar to the decline in the quail population.

Turkey hens stand on a fence in Logan County.

"As we witnessed the decline of the quail population, there was an emergence of the turkey population in Oklahoma," Stephens said. "And now, after several years of that (population) explosion, we are now witnessing a serious decline in their (turkey population) numbers."

Stephens said lawmakers also were considering incentives to farmers and ranchers to improve turkey habitats statewide.

Still, the problem isn't just limited to Oklahoma.

Wild turkeys run along a path during a previous year at the habitat area at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

In September, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks announced it had canceled its fall turkey hunting season, citing a decline in turkey populations across the Midwest and southeastern parts of the country. Kent Fricke, a small game biologist with Kansas' DWP, told The Associated Press the destruction of turkey habitat from urbanization and losses caused by extreme weather events such as drought and flooding had all contributed to the decrease.

In addition to Kansas, Mississippi announced it, too, had canceled its fall turkey hunting season, the AP said.

Dinkines, with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, said agency officials were working with scientists from other states to develop ways to increase the population. He said the declines in population numbers had leveled out between 2022 and 2023. "To put a positive spin on it, in 2022 and 2023, it's hopefully leveled out and maybe 2023 is showing a little bit of an increase."

Stephens said lawmakers needed to understand the issue. He said the study was held so legislators could get the truth about the decline. "I'm thinking how we can best approach what we have in front of us. We're all seeking answers," he said. "Hopefully help us preserve that special bird that we love so dearly."

Turkeys, geese and starlings look for dinner on the grounds at IOOF Cemetery.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Experts wrestling with Oklahoma's sudden drop in turkey population
A drug deal leads to a victim being stabbed multiple times, according to police.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The incident happened Tuesday around 12:17 a.m.

Athens-Clarke County Police were called to College Station Road in regard to a stabbing. When officers arrived, they reportedly found the victim, with several stab wounds.

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The investigation later revealed that the victim was selling marijuana to the suspect, police said.

According to Athens officials, an altercation occurred, leading to the victim being stabbed multiple times.

The suspect, later identified as Felix Nugyen, 20, of Lawrenceville ran away with the marijuana.

The University of Georgia Police found Nugyen near the stabbing location.

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ACCPD arrived and arrested Nguyen. Nugyen is charged with aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The victim, whose age and identity have not been released is currently stable and expected to survive the injuries.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lister at 762-400-7333 or via email.

IN OTHER NEWS:




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Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Oumar Demba Ba, chief diplomatic adviser to the president of Senegal, in Beijing, capital of China, on Oct. 23, 2023. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Monday met with Oumar Demba Ba, chief diplomatic adviser to the president of Senegal.

Both sides exchanged views on enhancing China-Africa cooperation and preparing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said FOCAC has become the most important platform for solidarity and mutual assistance between China and Africa and has set a good example for South-South cooperation.

He said China is ready to work with Senegal as FOCAC co-chairs to prepare well for next year's FOCAC meeting to inject new and strong impetus into China-Africa cooperation.

Wang said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Senegal have established solid mutual trust and deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, and promoted the China-Senegal comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level. China supports Senegal to play a more important role in international and African affairs.

Demba Ba, who is in Beijing to attend the Senior Officials' Meeting of FOCAC, said fruitful cooperation between Senegal and China in various fields has helped Senegal achieve rapid development in national construction.

Demba Ba appreciated China's firm support for Africa's development and for the enhancement of its international status, saying that FOCAC has become a significant platform for promoting Africa-China cooperation and democracy in international relations.

Senegal will, as always, firmly adhere to the one-China principle, support China in safeguarding its core interests, and vigorously promote Africa-China cooperation, said Demba Ba.
At least 23 journalists have been killed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, reflecting the ongoing danger reporters face covering the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the war at large.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said this weekend 19 Palestinian, three Israeli and one Lebanese journalist have been killed, as well as nearly a dozen others who were injured, missing or detained.

CPJ emphasizes that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties, Sherif Mansour, the groups Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, said in a statement. Journalists across the region are making great sacrifices to cover this heartbreaking conflict. All parties must take steps to ensure their safety.

Palestinians, including some journalists, carry the bodies of two Palestinian reporters, Mohammed Soboh and Said al-Tawil, who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Oct. 10, 2023.

Palestinians, including some journalists, carry the bodies of two Palestinian reporters, Mohammed Soboh and Said al-Tawil, who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Oct. 10, 2023.

Many reporters have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip in recent days, according to the group. Israel is reportedly preparing for a large-scale invasion of Gaza in the coming days after Hamas unleashed a surprise attack against the country on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,300 people.

Palestinian officials say more than 5,000 people in Gaza have been killed in the ensuing fighting and more than 15,000 injured.

Access to Gaza has been limited since the war broke out. The Associated Press notes many news organizations had maintained bureaus in the territory, including the AP, the BBC, Reuters and Agence France-Presse, but many reporters had to flee amid the destruction.

Working in Gaza right now is extremely difficult and thats in large part because our staff are both covering the story and worrying about their own safety and the safety of their families, Julie Pace, the executive editor of the AP, said earlier this month.

Related...
The number of Americans confirmed killed in Israel during Hamas Oct. 7 attack rose to 33 on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during the United Nations Security Council meeting on the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Every civilian life is equally valuable, Blinken said. There is no hierarchy when it comes to protecting civilian lives. A civilian is a civilian is a civilian, no matter his or her nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, faith. His appearance before the U.N. comes as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion of Gaza and U.S. officials urge restraint. Palestinian civilians are not to blame for the carnage committed by Hamas, Blinken said.

Read it at The Messenger

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited troops on the countrys southern border with Israel on Tuesday.

Mikati visited his countrys border with Israel for the first time since fighting began in the wake of an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel earlier this month.

Mikatis visit also came after a visit to the border by his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu , two days before.

Mikati is trying to stop the current Israel-Hamas conflict from expanding into his country. The Lebanese-based militant group, Hezbollah, has fired rockets into Israel in recent weeks and the U.S. is worried about a broader war breaking out.

Hezbollah has a large army and is seen as a much more muscular opponent than Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Israel and Hezbollah have had conflict before. In 2006, the two got into a war that lasted a month and resulted in a stalemate. Hezbollah has warned Israel about its expected ground invasion into Gaza, which is already facing dire humanitarian circumstances along with repeated bombardment from Israel.

The deputy leader of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Kassem, said his group is in the heart of the war to defend Gaza and confront the occupation, according to The Associated Press.

Its finger is on the trigger to whatever extent it deems necessary for the confrontation, Kassem tweeted, according to The Associated Press.

On Saturday, Israel Defense Force (IDF) spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus stated his concern about the current conflicts expansion.

We are concerned, and we urge the state of Lebanon to think twice or maybe 200 times if they really want to jeopardize whats left of Lebanese sovereignty and prosperity for the sake of a bunch of terrorists in Gaza, Conricus said in an interview with CNNs Wolf Blitzer.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Lebanon's Najib Mikati (L) shaking hands with UNIFIL chief Aroldo Lazaro in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border (-)

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reaffirmed on Tuesday Beirut's commitment to a UN resolution that ended a 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, amid border tensions as Israel fights Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from the blockaded Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities, and taking more than 200 others hostage.

Israel's retaliatory bombing campaign has killed more than 5,700 in Gaza, mainly Palestinian civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Mikati paid a surprise trip to southern Lebanon on Tuesday, as Israel and the powerful Hezbollah group, a Hamas ally, have been trading near-daily cross-border fire -- tit-for-tat attacks that have so far been relatively contained.

He emphasised Lebanon's commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war and which also called for the removal of weapons in southern Lebanon from the hands of everyone except the Lebanese army and other state security forces.

"We came to the beloved south... to reaffirm peace-loving Lebanon's respect for all legitimate international resolutions and its commitment to implementing" resolution 1701, Mikati said, according to a statement.

Mikati and Lebanon's army commander Joseph Aoun visited troops and the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission during the trip, the statement from the premier's media office said.

Since the end of the 2006 conflict, Hezbollah has not had a visible military presence on Lebanon's southern border, which is patrolled by UNIFIL peacekeepers.

However, experts and reports say Hezbollah, which enjoys broad popular support in the south, and has positions, hideouts and tunnels in the area.

- 'Real concern' -

Iran-backed Hezbollah said Tuesday that its fighters had targeted Israeli positions, including with guided missiles and artillery shells.

The group said in a statement that six more of its fighters had been killed, bringing the number of dead on the Lebanese side since violence erupted earlier this month to 47, most of them Hezbollah combatants but also including four civilians, one of them a Reuters journalist.

Four people have been killed in Israel, including three soldiers and one civilian.

UNIFIL commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro said Tuesday that "the conflict has intensified over the past two weeks, and this is a real concern".

"We must redouble our efforts to maintain the stability that we have all worked so hard for over the past 17 years. We must avoid a wider conflict that would put many more people in danger," he added in a statement.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported Israeli bombings in several southern border areas on Tuesday, adding that two phosphorus shells fell on the outskirts of the village of Mais al-Jabal.

The Israeli army said its aircraft struck fighters in Lebanon, while the Israeli military responded "with artillery fire" following the reported launch of an anti-tank missile towards Israel.

Israeli has denied using the incendiary weapon white phosphorus in either Gaza or south Lebanon.

bur-lar/lg/ami
People attend the funeral procession of Hezbollah fighter, Bilal Nemr Rmeiti, who was killed by Israeli shelling, during his funeral procession in Majadel village, south Lebanon, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

BEIRUT (AP)  Lebanon's caretaker prime minister Tuesday visited troops deployed near the border with Israel and U.N. peacekeepers, as Saudi Arabia evacuated the families of diplomatic staff because of ongoing clashes between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops.

The Saudi move comes amid rising tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, where Hezbollah members have been exchanging fire with Israeli troops daily for two weeks.

There was no official announcement from Saudi authorities, but the move came days after Saudi Arabia urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations said the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Waleed Bukhari, the military attache and other staff members were not with the 65 people leaving Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon.

The visit by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to the tense southern province was his first since clashes erupted along the border following a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7. It also came two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops along the border on Sunday.

Mikati and international governments have been scrambling to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding to Lebanon, where the powerful Hezbollah group warned Israel about a ground incursion into the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Kassem said the group is in the heart of the war to defend Gaza and confront the occupation."

Its finger is on the trigger to whatever extent it deems necessary for the confrontation, Kassem tweeted.

Clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli military thus far have been mostly limited to several towns along the border.

Journalists from Hezbollah's Al-Manar television reported that an Israeli helicopter attack struck an empty position near the border town of Houla, after a missile fired from Lebanon hit an Israeli military position. The Israeli military said the anti-missile attack hit a position in Manara with no casualties. They added that they struck a group of militants in Mount Dov, a disputed territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon, where the borders of Lebanon, Syria and Israel meet.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's top Druze political leader Walid Jumblatt , said that he along with Mikati and Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri, who is Lebanon's parliamentary speaker, are in agreement that the war shouldn't further expand into the tiny Mediterranean country. Jumblatt said that he held calls with top Hezbollah security officials on the matter.

But the matter is not up to Hezbollah alone ... Israel could have hostile intentions, Jumblatt said after meeting with Druze religious officials and clergymen in Beirut. We must expect the worst.

Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Israel sees Iran-backed Hezbollah as its most serious threat, estimating it has around 150,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israel.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel on Tuesday, where he reaffirmed calls to prevent the war from expanding into Lebanon and the wider Arab world, and called for a decisive political process with the Palestinians for a viable peace.

Macron warned Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups against opening a new front in the ongoing war, and that Paris had expressed those concerns in direct communication with Hezbollah.

To do so would be to open the door to a regional inferno from which everyone would come out the loser, he said.

___

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.
New Yorkers can now pay tribute to one of the city's most enduring urban legends with a life-size alligator sculpture lying on a manhole in Manhattan.

The Union Square Partnership unveiled a new sculpture called N.Y.C Legend" on Oct. 17. It is a sculpture about the urban myth of alligators in New York City. The sculpture is composed of a life sized alligator lying on a manhole cover, according to a news release by USP. It is set to be on display until June 2024 in Union Square Park in Manhattan.

Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor worked with Mollbrinks Gallery to bring the old urban legend to life.

The sculpture pays homage to the century-long myth that baby alligators were abandoned in the sewers underground. Different variations of the story have evolved over time, but the sculpture is meant to symbolize New York City's ability to survive anything - including man-eating myths, says Union Square Partnership.

The urban myth of New York alligators

This file photo shows a view of the Manhattan skyline at night. A new sculpture unveiled in Manhattan's Union Square Park pays homage to one of the city's most enduring myths: The sewer-dwelling alligator.

Talk about alligators in the sewers has been going on for decades, with some tales dating back to the early 1900s, according to the New York Times.

In 1907, an article reported that a worker in New Jersey was bit by a small gator while cleaning a sewer.

From there, news reports of gators took flight. From manhunts to fictional books, the rumors about these scaly creatures lurking in the New York City sewer system never went away.

According to New York Law, you can not own an alligator in New York City. Alligators are usually found in the southern part of the U.S according to Florida Wildlife Conservation. Alligators are cold-blooded animals, and the cold temperatures in New York would be too severe for them to survive properly.

Many reports have shown people owning baby gators and letting them loose when they become too big. However, authorities will press criminal charges if someone releases them outdoors.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYC alligators-in-sewers myth commemorated in Union Square sculpture
In the 2018 documentary The Cleaners, a young man in Manila, Philippines, explains his work as a content moderator: We see the pictures on the screen. The man in Manila is one of thousands of content moderators hired as contractors by social media platforms  10,000 at Google alone. Content moderation on an industrial scale like this is part of the everyday experience for users of social media.

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The tides have started to turn in the Georgia election interference caseand it appears there will soon be a tsunami of evidence against Team Trump .

On Tuesday, former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis struck a plea deal with Fulton County prosecutors. Ellis has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings.

Ellis agreed to be sentenced to five years probation along with a $5,000 restitution. She will also be required to complete 100 hours of community service and is expected to cooperate and testify against Trump and his 15 remaining co-conspirators as part of her plea deal.

Ellis is the third member of Trumps legal team to flip on him in the Georgia case, behind Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, who both pleaded guilty on related charges last week. They followed Scott Hall, a Georgia bail bondsman, who was the first person to plead guilty in the criminal conspiracy.

JUST IN: Jenna Ellis has struck a plea deal with prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia.



No livestream (yet). Details TK. pic.twitter.com/ToFK5ObTM0  Anna Bower (@AnnaBower) October 24, 2023

In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence, Ellis said.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these postelection challenges. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse.
To the editor: I would like to thank U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez for his evocative thinking on assault weapons. There have been a few times in my life when I have feared for my safety, and being elderly and all that, I would like to invoke my "core right of self-defense," guaranteed by the Constitution, while I still can.

Unfortunately, my hands have gotten a bit shaky, and my eyesight isnt what it used to be, so I dont really think that an assault rifle  Californian's ban on which Benitez found unconstitutional  would be the weapon of choice for me. What I need is a howitzer.

Please bear with me on this.

Yes, a howitzer is a weapon of war, as are AR-15s. Of course, howitzers do not have the ubiquity among Americans that is important to Benitez, but give them a little time to catch on.

I could have one in my backyard, and if I thought the bad guys were coming, I could just fire in their general direction without having to worry about my shaky hands.

Here's the thing: If I were to I get one, I suspect that I might never have to use it. Once it got out that Granny had a howitzer, people around here  the neighbors especially  would be running out to get their very own, for deterrence. Before you know it, howitzers would be the next big thing.

I'd like to express my appreciation for Benitez's words of wisdom. I feel so much safer already.

Helen Maurer, Mission Viejo

..

To the editor: Many objections to Benitez's ruling are simply appeals to emotion that ignore the U.S. Supreme Court's very clear instructions on gun bans. They do not address how a court could even consider an assault weapons ban under the 2008 Heller decision and last year's Bruen decision.

Under Bruen, the government must prove that there are similar bans from the founding era, which is essentially prior to 1800. Any laws after that cannot be used to ban guns, and if a ban is to stand, it may only cover a firearm that is both dangerous and unusual.

It's impossible to prove that the ubiquitous AR-15 is unusual, and therefore it cannot be banned.

Futhermore, the Supreme Court has ruled that interest balancing tests may no longer be used. Appeals to emotion in previous 2nd Amendment cases worked in some jurisdictions previously, because interest balancing was allowed.

Even if Benitez desired to enforce a gun ban from the bench, his hands are tied as an inferior federal court, because of the Supreme Court's clear instructions on the matter dictate that he must declare these bans unconstitutional.

Brandon Case, San Rafael, Calif.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: I am dismayed by the Western States Petroleum Assn.'s media campaign targeting Latinos and telling them the move toward electrification, notably electric vehicles, will harm them economically. As your editorial and the accompanying opinion piece by Tony Barboza state, the Latino community is hard hit by the negative health and environmental impacts of fossil fuel pollution.

The oil industry has lied about climate change and pollution for decades. It should be doing everything in its power to help with the transition to clean energy in transportation. So, why not take the money it is spending on disinformation campaigns and put it toward subsidizing the cost of electric vehicles for Latinos?

As the planet endures its hottest year on record, the oil companies should do something positive to ensure the health of our planet for future generations. I encourage everyone to write to the WSPA and voice their opposition to this campaign.

Karen Feeney, Lafayette, Calif.

..

To the editor: The petroleum industry is not filled with angels. Nevertheless, the truth lies somewhere in the middle on the hardships that will be imposed on Latinos and others by California's mandated electrification.

Your editorial and Barboza's accompanying personal note were filled with anecdotal comments from interviewed Latinos who generically support electrification. I got the sense that some interviewees did not want to appear closed to protecting the environment.

However, no attempt was made to quantify or ask about the financial hardship of transitioning. Instead, the focus was the evilness of the WSPA and its ostensible exploitation of Latinos' economic anxieties.

You should ask Latinos about those anxieties.

William Goldman, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: I almost feel sorry for the WSPA as it promotes a dying and deadly industry.

Unaffected by oil spills or gas leaks, solar and wind farms don't inflict wildly fluctuating prices subject to world events or the whims of oil-producing countries. That's why, in 2019, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was able to sign a contract to receive solar power with battery storage at 3.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, guaranteed for 25 years.

A Harvard study published two years ago found that fossil fuel pollution was responsible for 1 in 5 deaths worldwide in 2018. Asthma, heart disease and other illnesses linked to fossil fuels result in lost work and school days and add to the healthcare expenses we all pay.

We are we still paying subsidies to oil companies making record profits.

I haven't even mentioned climate change.

Tom Hazelleaf, Seal Beach

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
What to expect from upcoming China International Import Expo

Xinhua) 08:11, October 24, 2023

A truck carrying exhibits of the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) from New Zealand and the South Pacific regions arrives at Cosco shipping logistics in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) has been well-prepared, and will provide more market, investment and growth opportunities and create synergy for common development, an official said Monday.

The expo, scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai, is a showcase for China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening up, and a public good for the whole world, said Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping at a press conference.

The following is an overview of what to expect from this year's expo:

As the world's first import-themed national-level expo, the CIIE has built international platforms for overseas procurement, investment promotion, people-to-people exchanges and open cooperation, and has won great enthusiasm from all parties, said Sheng.

The sixth CIIE is expected to attract guests from 154 countries, regions and international organizations, said Sheng, adding that over 3,400 exhibitors and 394,000 professional visitors have registered to attend the event, representing a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

A total of 69 countries and three international organizations have confirmed their participation in the country exhibitions, of which 11 countries will make their debuts and 34 will participate in offline exhibitions for the first time.

The exhibition area of the expo will be around 367,000 square meters, and 289 Global Fortune 500 companies and industry-leading enterprises are poised to attend the expo, both exceeding the previous levels, said Sheng.

Currently, over 1,500 enterprises from Belt and Road partner countries are gearing up to participate in the sixth CIIE, with their exhibition area totaling nearly 80,000 square meters, an increase of 30 percent from last year's event.

An array of new products in areas of high-end equipment manufacturing, environmental protection and biotechnology will be initiated at the year's CIIE, while exotic agricultural products such as yellow dragon fruit from Ecuador and pineapples from Benin will enter the Chinese market via the expo, he said.

The previous five expos have seen about 350 billion U.S. dollars' worth of tentative deals, contributing to stabilizing foreign trade and investment, said Sheng, adding that 322 CIIE exhibitors will be organized to make business trips in China in a bid to attract foreign investment.

At this year's Hongqiao International Economic Forum, an important part of the CIIE, the World Openness Report 2023 and the latest World Openness Index will be released, said Sheng.

The CIIE will continue to serve high-quality development and high-level opening up in the next step, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
 Flash

China deplores and rejects the United States' baseless attacks against China's legitimate and lawful law enforcement activities to safeguard our rights at Ren'ai Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily press briefing on Monday.

It is reported that the U.S. Department of State issued a statement on Sunday, saying that China Coast Guard and maritime militia adopted "dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal". The statement also includes that the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea made clear that "there exists no legal basis for any entitlement by China to maritime zones in the area of Second Thomas Shoal".

Mao said that the statement goes against the spirit of international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In disregard of facts, the statement made baseless attacks against China's legitimate and lawful law enforcement activities to safeguard our rights at Ren'ai Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, Mao said, adding that it is a sinister attempt to endorse the Philippines' acts of infringement and provocation, and China deplores and rejects it.

Mao reiterated that first, Ren'ai Jiao has always been China's territory. It is an integral part of China's Nansha Qundao geographically, economically, politically and historically, and it has been established as a widely held international common view and fully accords with provisions on archipelagos in UNCLOS.

Second, the Philippines' infringement and provocation at Ren'ai Jiao have been emboldened and supported by the U.S.'s connivance and support, Mao said, pointing out that since the beginning of this year, the U.S. has been blatantly emboldening the Philippines' acts of infringing upon China's sovereignty, even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines, and repeatedly sought to threaten China by citing the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which has considerably bolstered the Philippines to make provocation at Ren'ai Jiao.

Third, Mao said that Ren'ai Jiao is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines, and the U.S. has no place in it.

"In seeking selfish geopolitical interests, the U.S. has incited, supported and cooperated with the Philippines in its infringement and provocation at Ren'ai Jiao, which seriously violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations, seriously undermines China's sovereignty and rights and interests and seriously jeopardizes regional peace and stability," Mao said, emphasizing that China has firm resolve and will in safeguarding its lawful rights and the U.S.'s attempt is doomed to fail.
The mother of a Henry Clay High School student confronted the Fayette County School Board Monday evening about accusations against her son after a fight at the school Friday.

Natasha Sanford spoke Monday during a Fayette County School Board meeting, telling the board she wants to review video of the incident because her son is facing charges of assaulting a police officer. She wants to see if that actually happened before officials charge her son with something he did not do.

My son was sprayed several times with mace and thrown across a cafeteria table by an officer, she said.

She said she wasnt given an explanation. Three people were charged after the fight at Henry Clay High School which ended with school police using pepper spray, Fayette County Public Schools officials said previously.

FCPS said the altercation involved two female students, both of whom were arrested by the Lexington Police Department after the fight.

At least one male was also involved, according to the school district.

The Henry Clay school resource officer tried to break up the fight but determined pepper spray was needed to bring the incident to an end, FCPS spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith had said.

Sanford said that as a parent and a taxpayer, her son is supposed to feel safe at school and shes supposed to have an explanation of what took place.

She wants to meet with the officer, the principal and Superintendent Demetrus Liggins.

School board members did not immediately comment at Mondays meeting.
Li Shangfu had only been in the job since March

China has officially sacked its defence minister Li Shangfu, two months after he disappeared from public life.

No explanation has been given for his removal, nor has a replacement been announced for his job.

His sacking follows recent axings of several top military officials, including Qin Gang - who was removed as foreign minister in July.

Mr Qin and Mr Li were also removed from their positions on the State Council, the country's ministry, on Tuesday.

China's top legislators, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, approved the removal of both men, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

His dismissal leaves China without a defence minister as it prepares to host foreign defence officials in Beijing this week.

Reuters reported last month that he was under investigation for suspected corruption related to equipment procurement and development.

He was last seen in public on 29 August, at a Beijing security forum with African nations. He had only been in the post since March.

An aerospace engineer who began his career at a satellite and rocket launch centre, Gen Li has had a smooth ascent through the ranks of the military and Chinese political elite.

In 2018, when he headed the equipment development arm of the military, he was sanctioned by the US government over China's purchases of Russian combat aircraft and arms.

The sanctions were thought to be a sticking point for Gen Li, who refused to meet his US counterpart Lloyd Austin at a Singapore defence summit earlier this year.

Qin Gang was officially removed in July

He was said to be a favourite of President Xi Jinping, just like Mr Qin, who has now been stripped of his last government title.

In July, Mr Qin was removed as China's foreign minister just seven months into the job.

No reason was given for Mr Qin's removal either but the Wall Street Journal cited sources saying he had an extramarital affair while in his post as ambassador to the United States.

Soon after, two leaders of an elite unit managing its nuclear arsenal were replaced, triggering speculation of a purge.

General Li Yuchao who headed the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Rocket Force unit and his deputy had "disappeared" for months before their dismissals were announced.
Sen. Lindsey Graham(R-S.C.) pounced on a reporter in Israel who asked about Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), even demanding the journalists removal from the press conference. (Watch the video below.)

Get this guy out of here! Graham said.

Daniel Cohen, a Jerusalem correspondent for Newsmax, gave a lengthy preamble to thank the bipartisan panel for visiting Israel and then asked the Democrats to respond to Tlaibs tweet blaming the country for the bombing of a hospital in Gaza last week.

Evidence has emerged that the destruction was most likely caused by the misfire of a Palestinian rocket, The Associated Press reported, but nothing is definite.

Ah, stop, no, stop! Graham said as Cohen continued his query.

Cohen insisted it was a fair question, and Graham said the senators were in Israel together not to talk about the problems at home.

Ive got my own view of what to say. Youre not going to screw this up, said Graham, clearly trying to cultivate a united vibe.

Im not trying to screw it up, Cohen replied.

Get this guy out of here! Graham sniped.

The two continued to exchange words.

I dont believe what the Squad has to say at all, Graham continued. But I came here with Democrats and Republicans to let everybody in the world know, dont judge every Democrat by the Squad, and dont judge every Republican by some of the things you hear.

The senator went on to sum up the need for aid to Israel and Ukraine in their wars.

He then seemed to pull back from his initial request for the reporters expulsion.

And Im sorry, my friend, Graham said. I probably shouldnt have said it, but my nerves are raw right now.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham asks to have @Newsmax Jerusalem correspondent @DanielCohenTV thrown out of a press briefing for asking about Rep. Rashida Tlaibs response to the Oct. 7th terrorist attack in Israel.



Graham later apologized to Cohen. pic.twitter.com/QLENfaik6l  Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) October 22, 2023

Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in the House, has been critical of Israel and the Biden administrations policies in the war and has called for a cease-firealong withother House progressives known as the Squad.

Her tweet about the hospital explosion has remained up but with a reader note about contradicting evidence.

Israels continued bombardment of Gaza ahead of a possible ground attack has pushed the death toll to more than 5,000 after Hamas militants killed and abducted scores of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7.

Graham has previously posted on X, formerly Twitter, that members of the Squad should be ashamed of yourselves for refusing to unequivocally stand with our closest ally.

Related...
Its deer mating season in Illinois, and that means more than a bunch of fawns six months from now.

Its the peak time for motor vehicle collisions , according to state officials, whose press release on the topic is appropriately titled, `Deer prudence: Avoid the urge to swerve during their mating season

In 2022, 14,524 Illinois collisions involved deer. Four of the crashes resulted in fatalities, while 629 resulted in injuries, the release states. Property or vehicles were damaged in most of those collisions, the release states.

The states list of 10 counties with the most deer-related collisions, at least in 2022, includes Madison County, with 396. Heres the entire Top 10 list:

1. Cook 542

2. Madison 396

3. McHenry 351

4. Lake 350

5. Will 344

6. Peoria 323

7. Fulton 313

8. Kane 286

9. Sangamon 282

10. Macoupin 271

While your natural instinct is to steer quickly out of the way when you see a deer, remember to not veer suddenly because you could lose control of your vehicle and swerve into another lane or off the road, said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman stated in the release. Always prepare for the unexpected. A deer might stop in the middle of the road or double back. They also frequently travel in groups so when you see one there likely are others nearby.

Forty percent of all deer-car collisions happened in October, November and December, and mostly at twilight or night. The release calls November the ``highest-risk month.

Drive cautiously this time of year, especially at dawn and dusk, when deer are particularly active for the fall mating season, Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie stated in the release.

Here are safe driving tips to help avoid crashes, quoted directly from the press rlease.:

 Be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with deer crossing signs.

 Scan the sides of the road for eye shine  the reflection of headlights in their eyes.

 Slow down if you see a deer and anticipate others could be following.

 Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road and not move for oncoming vehicles.

 If a collision is inevitable, dont veer. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road.

If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and call 911, the release states.  Do not exit the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road. For information on how to claim a deer involved in a crash, or to report possession of a deer killed in a crash, click here , type bit.ly/Illinoisroadkill into your computers url address bar or visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Despite his support of the intentions behind Floridas Live Local Act, DeBary City Manager Carmen Rosamonda has been taken aback by the extent to which the still-new legislation has been used as a cudgel against his city and others.

A lot of developers right now are using this as a threat  every developer Ive met within the past three or four months has threatened the city with it  and theyre using it as a weapon.

The weaponization Rosamonda describes is related to the local zoning preemption element of Live Local Act, a law that received bipartisan support and was designed to help alleviate the states affordable housing crisis. The language regarding preemption requires cities and counties to approve multifamily projects on land with industrial or commercial zoning  so long as 40% of the proposed units meet its affordable housing designation.

Read: Woman arrested for painting car to look like FHP vehicle; I like the color scheme

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Palestinians rescue a survivor of Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Nusseirat refugee camp, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ali Mohmoud)

Israel has ramped up airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, reducing residential buildings to rubble and crushing families. Airstrikes have killed dozens at a time in leveled homes, according to witnesses.

The surging death toll foretells even greater loss of life ahead in Gaza, where Israeli forces are expected to launch a ground invasion seeking to destory Hamas. Fuel shortages and the bombardment forced the shutdown of medical facilities, Gaza officials said.

U.S. and other officials fear the fighting could spill over into a wider regional conflict.

The war, in its 19th day Wednesday, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said Tuesday that least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 704 in the past day, and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.

The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, according to Israeli officials, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage. In addition, 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza, Israel's military has said. Four of those have been released.

Currently:

Heres whats happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

AUSTRALIA SENDS 2 MORE TRANSPORT JETS TO MIDDLE EAST IN CASE EVACUATION NECESSARY

CANBERRA, Australia  Australia said it sent an additional two air force transport jets to the Middle East in case citizens of the country need to be evacuated should hostilities escalate.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said Wednesday that three aircraft were now in the region.

All of this is a contingency and the purpose of it is to be supporting Australian populations that are in the Middle East if, in fact, this conflict gets worse, Marles told Nine Network television.

Marles did not say where the aircraft were sent other than they were not in Israel. He urged Australians who want to return home to take commercial flights now rather than wait for a possible military evacuation.

Australia has helped hundreds of Australians leave Israel aboard chartered flights and was working toward helping 79 leave Gaza.

RATING AGENCY S&P CHANGES ISRAEL CREDIT OUTLOOK FROM STABLE TO NEGATIVE

NEW YORK  Credit rating agency Standard & Poors says it is changing its outlook on Israels credit rating to negative from stable as the country fights a war against Hamas in Gaza in response to the militant groups devastating attack.

S&P said Tuesday it was revising the outlooks on its long-term foreign and local-currency ratings on Israel, citing the war, its potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict and the impact that could have on the countrys economy.

S&P left Israels credit rating unchanged at AA-. The agencys highest rating is AAA. By revising the outlook, S&P is raising a warning flag signaling that a rating downgrade could happen in the future.

Credit ratings firms Fitch and Moodys have taken similar actions.

OFFICIAL SAYS CANADA DOESN'T BELIEVE HAMAS WOULD RESPECT A CEASE-FIRE

OTTAWA, Ontario  Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said Tuesday that Canadas government does not believe Hamas would respect a cease-fire in its conflict with Israel.

I have no expectation that a terrorist organization would respect international law or any call for a cease-fire, Blair said before heading into a Cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said afterward that Canada supports the idea of humanitarian pauses, temporary halts to fighting, allowing for aid to get into Gaza safely and people to leave.

Hamas is sworn to Israel's destruction, and Blair said it is a threat as long as it exists.

"I think (Israel has) a right to defend themselves against that terror threat, Blair said. And quite frankly, Hamas has to be eliminated as a threat, not just to Israel but to the world.

Canada has listed Hamas as a terrorist group since 2002 and has no dealings with any of its leaders.

ISRAELI FM RENEWS VOW TO CRUSH HAMAS. PALESTINIAN FM SAYS IT IS COLLECTIVE HUMAN DUTY TO STOP THE BLOODSHED

UNITED NATIONS  Israel is vowing again to destroy Hamas, rejecting calls for a cease-fire from the U.N. chief, the Palestinians and many countries at a high-level U.N. meeting and saying the war in Gaza is not merely its own but the war of the free world.

Israels Foreign Minister Eli Cohen also dismissed calls for proportionality in the countrys response to Hamas surprise attacks Oct. 7 that killed 1,400 people. More than 5,700 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, according to its Health Ministry.

Cohen told the U.N. Security Council the proportionate response to the Oct. 7 massacre is a total destruction to the last one of the Hamas, calling the extremist group the new Nazis.

It is not only Israels right to destroy Hamas. Its our duty, he said.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said he came to the meeting to stop  the ongoing massacres being deliberately and systematically and savagely perpetrated by Israel.

Over 2 million Palestinians are on a survival mission every day, every night, he added.

Under international law, al-Maliki said, it is our collective human duty to stop the Israeli attacks and bloodshed.

___

This item has been updated to correct in the headline that it was the FMs that made these remarks, not the PMs.

FRANCES MACRON VISITS ISRAEL TO SHOW SUPPORT

JERUSALEM  French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel on Tuesday in the latest trip by a Western leader to express support for the country amid its war against Hamas, offering an assurance that Israel is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

Macron met with the families of French citizens who were killed or taken hostage in the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, saying, we will neglect nothing to obtain freedom for French citizens. Nine French nationals are missing or believed held captive, and 30 were killed.

At a news conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron stressed Israels right to defend itself.

The fight must be without mercy, but not without rules, Macron said, because democracies respect the rules of war, an apparent reference to criticism of Israeli airstrikes that have killed Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

He later traveled to the Israeli-occupied West Bank for a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who runs the semi-autonomous Palestinian Authority. Macron said Hamas' attack was also a catastrophe for Palestinians and there will be no lasting peace without a two-state solution.

CALLS FOR PEACE AT INTERFAITH GATHERING IN FRANCE

MARSEILLE, France  Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith leaders held hands and called for peace in the Middle East at a gathering Tuesday in the Mediterranean city of Marseille.

Around 100 people came together outside the landmark Notre Dame de la Garde church in an event organized by fans of the Olympique de Marseille soccer team.

Faith leaders spoke in turn in favor of peace and led the crowd in a moment of silence honoring victims of the Israel-Hamas war.

Political flags were barred from the gathering, meant as a moment of community togetherness at a tense time. The faith leaders spoke of each other as neighbors and brothers.

France has the worlds largest Jewish population outside of Israel and the U.S., and Europes largest Muslim population outside of Turkey.

US FIGHTER SQUADRON ARRIVES IN MIDDLE EAST

WASHINGTON  The New Jersey Air National Guards 119 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in the Middle East on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters. The squadron has F-16 fighter jets, and officials would not say where exactly it went.

Ryder also said the U.S. is preparing for an increase in violence, noting that there have already been at least 13 attacks against troops and installations in Iraq and Syria.

What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran, he said during a Pentagon briefing.

He added that the U.S. wont hesitate to take action if needed to protect its forces and interests in the region.

UNTOLD NUMBER OF CHILDREN AMONG THE DEAD IN GAZA

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  The sharp increase in Israels bombing of the Gaza Strip and large death toll Tuesday included an untold number of child deaths.

Graphic photos and video shot by The Associated Press showed rescuers digging with their hands to unearth small bodies from the ruins of collapsed homes and buildings across Gaza.

Unconscious children were cradled in the arms of adults who ran from ambulances and cars into Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. A man used one hand to give light chest compressions to a small child on the hood of an ambulance.

A lifeless child who was dug out of the dirt from beneath concrete and a web of rebar where a house was destroyed in Khan Younis was wrapped in a blanket and laid on the side of a road next to an adults body.

The body of an older boy on a stretcher was passed between anguished men along the edge of a large crater where a bomb had landed and destroyed buildings in Rafah.

A father also knelt on the floor of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah next to the bodies of three dead children cocooned in bloodied sheets with their faces showing.

WHO CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE, SAYS HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IS DESPERATE

CAIRO  The U.N. health agency called Tuesday for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza to be able to distribute fuel and essential, life-saving health supplies, including to major hospitals in the strips northern half.

For people in the Gaza Strip, the situation is desperate. It will become catastrophic without the safe and continuous passage of fuel and health supplies, and additional humanitarian assistance, the World Health Organization said in a statement.

The WHO said some health facilities in northern Gaza, including the territorys largest Shifa hospital, were waiting for supplies and fuel. Among them is the Indonesian hospital, which suffered a brief power outage and was forced to shutter some critical services due to lack of fuel.

Gazas only oncology hospital, the Turkish Friendship Hospital, remains partially functional, putting around 2,000 cancer patients at risk, the agency added.

Supported by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the health agency said it delivered 34,000 liters (about 9,000 gallons) of fuel Monday to four major hospitals in southern Gaza and the Palestine Red Crescent. That was only enough to keep ambulances and critical hospital functions running for a little over 24 hours.

PREGNANT WOMAN SURVIVES AIRSTRIKE IN KHAN YOUNIS, DELIVERS HEALTHY BABY

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Navine Abu Owdahs apartment in Khan Younis was hit by an airstrike on Tuesday, badly injuring the pregnant 30-year-old. Owdah was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital of al-Amal, where thankfully doctors managed to deliver a healthy baby girl.

A cesarean section was performed in the emergency department, and her baby girl, who is in good condition, was delivered, Dr. Salim Saqer said, speaking to The Associated Press from just outside the operating room.

The mother, who suffered multiple fractures and has abdominal bleeding, remains under observation and is receiving treatment.

TOP HAMAS OFFICIAL CALLS DEATHS IN GAZA UNPRECEDENTED

BEIRUT  A top Hamas official says the killings that people are being subjected to in Gaza are unprecedented.

Ghazi Hamad told reporters in Beirut that Israel is carrying out brutal and savage acts against people, adding that in addition to the more than 5,700 people killed, over 17,000 have been wounded.

The death toll is changing every second, Hamad said. The counter is rising amid killings, destruction and revenge.

He said that among the dead were 57 doctors, nurses and paramedics, and that 27 ambulances were destroyed.

Hamad said 122 entire families were killed.

The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.
Cincinnati City Councilwoman Liz Keating is the only Republican running for council. Ohio might be a red state, but a survey of the councils from Ohio's seven largest cities shows she's one of the few Republican council members left in an urban area.

For the last two years, Cincinnati City Councilwoman Liz Keating has been the lone Republican on the city's nine-member council, asking tough questions while remaining friendly with her Democratic colleagues.

She's part of a dying breed  a moderate Republican representing the increasingly Democratic stronghold of Cincinnati.

In fact, an Enquirer review shows Keating is the last Republican council member of any of Ohio's six largest cities: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron and Dayton.

Parma in Northeast Ohio clocks in eighth in population among Ohio's largest cities and like Cincinnati, has one Republican council member.

The question now is: Will voters keep Keating on Nov. 7 or choose one-party rule for the first time ever? Ten candidates are running for nine seats. The council is officially nonpartisan, but Keating is the only Republican. The rest are Democrats.

The Hamilton County Republican Party endorsed her but so did groups that frequently back Democrats: a trio of city unions, the Charter Committee, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund and Equality Cincinnati PAC, among others.

Keating is the granddaughter of William J. "Bill" Keating, a Republican congressman who later became publisher of The Enquirer. After being appointed, she won a seat on council in 2021. She placed ninth in the field of 35 candidates. Three other Republicans fell short of the needed votes.

In Cincinnati, council candidates don't have party affiliation on the ballot, but in a city of a little over 300,000 people, voters know. They're either politically savvy enough or it's hard to miss the Democrat sample ballot, which the party sends out in mailers and passes out on election day at polling locations.

Republicans in Cincinnati 'should have a voice'

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou, who was formerly the Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman, said Keating and other Republican candidates have a tough road to winning in Cincinnati because "youve seen a lot of Republicans leave urban centers for lower taxes, safer streets and better schools."

"Cincinnati is not all Democrats," Triantafilou said. "Republicans live in Cincinnati. They should have a voice."

"Opposition as old as Democracy," Triantafilou said. "Voters have to keep powerful people in check. And I would be remiss not to mention corruption at city hall. There has to be an alternative point of view challenging the status quo."

The election comes as the current council works to regain the trust of citizens after three council members in 2020 were arrested in separate federal corruption investigations. The most prominent, former Democrat Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld, was sentenced earlier this month to spend 16 months in prison.

When Sittenfeld was suspended from council after his arrest in November 2020, Republican Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph Winkler appointed Keating to replace Sittenfeld. Winkler said at the time, "At this critical time in Cincinnati history we need a person that Cincinnatians can trust to be fair, honest and open."

Toledo and Dayton have also had elected officials arrested on federal corruption charges in recent years. All were Democrats. In Cincinnati, two of the three indicted council members were Democrats. The third was a Republican.

In September three former Toledo City Council members were sentenced for accepting bribery payments. In 2019, a federal investigation resulted in charges against a former Dayton city commissioner and three other men.

Trump, anti-city rhetoric makes it harder for Republicans

"There are a lot of things at play," said David Damore, co-author of "Blue Metros, Red States: The Shifting Urban-Rural Divide in Swing States," which assessed 27 major metropolitan areas in America, including Cincinnati. As Ohio has become reliably red, Cincinnati has become a bastion of blue.

"Moderate Republicans who could win before when they ran on good governance and being problem solvers get lumped in with (former President Donald Trump)," Damore said. "Even if they didn't vote for Trump, being a Republican is a turn-off for voters in urban areas."

What's being lost in the process, Damore said, is diversity of opinion, and that reinforces itself over time.

"You get a machine mindset and then it becomes really hard to break through," said Damore, interim executive director of the Brookings Mountain West, a Nevada-based think tank focused on the research and policy issues that affect the western part of the country.

Keating is an example of how a Republican can stay in office, said David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman who was also a Cincinnati city councilman.

"She works hard to reflect the community and works across the aisle. She doesn't sound like her party." Keating, he said, "is the opposite of what I am seeing from Republicans at a higher level."

Pepper said he often sees Republicans at the state and national level deride cities and the diversity in cities.

"The tone set by the state and national party is to trash cities and be hostile toward things that make cities great and the views held by people in the city," Pepper said. "It pulls the rug out from candidates in these cities. Her path is made a lot more difficult by higher-level party rhetoric."

Keating: 'Opposition doesn't need to be combative'

Republicans know not letting that last urban seat slip away is important.

Council members tour Cincinnati, assessing maintenance needs. Keating, a Republican, rode along with with her colleagues, who are Democrats. Fom left: Keating with Reggie Harris, Meeka Owens, Seth Walsh, Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Jeff Cramerding.

Even Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine threw his might behind her candidacy when he hosted a fundraiser for Keating at Cincinnati's Queen City Club earlier this month.

"Cincinnati benefits from having a viewpoint like hers on council, and I am proud to support her campaign, DeWine told The Enquirer.

Keating has raised $225,000 for her campaign so far from Republicans, Democrats, Charterites and independents who have hosted events.

Keating, looking around the state, said she sees politics that are increasingly more polarizing.

"Until we get back to a time when we value people over politics, well continue to see blue urban areas and red rural areas without much of a mix," Keating said. "A thoughtful exchange of ideas is fundamental to democracy. Opposition doesn't need to be combative  it can be productive. It means someone is asking questions, challenging ideas, and spurring debate to encourage better outcomes. It's the role I play on Cincinnati City Council."

USA TODAY Network Ohio bureau reporter Jessie Balmert contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is Liz Keating, Cincinnati City Council candidate?
A man once at the helm of conservative Tea Party politics in Monroe County is being sent to federal prison after he pleaded guilty last week to fraudulently receiving $400,000 from a business and pandemic relief funds.

Robert K. Hall II, 73, whose most recent address was in Bedford, was sentenced by a U.S District Court judge in Evansville to 41 months behind bars. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Robert Hall ran an unsuccessful campaign in 2016 for the 9th Congressional District.

According to federal court documents, a 15-month scheme that started in September 2019 and lasted through December 2020 attempted to defraud multiple businesses, six states and the federal Small Business Administration of a total of $669,000.

Some of the transactions were blocked, so not all of the money was received. Sixty-four transfers of COVID-19 emergency funds are listed in the May 2021 grand jury indictment against Hall.

From 2017: Hall to GOP: 'Do what you said you are going to do'

They range from a $649 unemployment benefit payment from the State of Colorado to $149,900 from the Small Business Administration.

In September 2019, Hall established a bogus business called B&K Electric, a Secret Service investigation revealed.

He then diverted money received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to his own accounts at Crane Federal Credit Union, Hoosier Hills Credit Union, German American Bank, Bedford Savings Bank, Home Bank and JP Morgan Chase Bank.

He kept 20% of the proceeds from the emergency government funding before funneling the rest to three people alleged to have conspired with him to defraud the government, court records said. They are named in the indictment by initials only: C.S., D.C. and D.M.

The wire fraud allegations stem from Hall converting $35,500 of the ill-gotten funds to Bitcoin digital currency using bank machines in southern Indiana.

He was arrested on a federal warrant Aug. 25, 2021, and booked into the Lawrence County Jail. His guilty pleas came more than two years later.

In 2016, Hall was one of five Republicans seeking Indiana's 9th Congressional seat vacated by Todd Young. The national Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund endorsed Hall, calling him "a constitutional conservative who believes Washington elites have been waging war on Americans who live in fly-over states."

Trey Hollingsworth won that primary election. Hall came in fifth with 8,036 votes, about 7% of the total.

An excerpt from a U.S. attorney's office news release about the case provides an example of what happened and how the federal money was laundered.

"In September 2019, an employee of Victim Business 1 received a fraudulent email purporting to be a recognized vendor that the business previously worked with. The purported vendor explained that due to an audit involving its primary bank account, future payments should be made to a different account. The account that was named belonged to Hall under the guise of an electric company. This fraudulent email caused Business 1 to unknowingly transfer $113,550 into Halls personal account."

After his release from prison, Hall will be on probation for three years.

This defendant played a critical role in multiple fraud schemes, including stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from vital relief programs created to support individuals and businesses in the midst of a global pandemic, Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, said in the news release.

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Robert Hall sentenced to prison for wire fraud, money laundering
A police investigation has begun into alleged sexual harassment at a London Overground station.

Video posted to social media appears to show a man harassing a woman, who repeatedly asks him to leave her alone.

In a statement, British Transport Police (BTP) said the incident was believed to have happened at about 22:00 BST on Friday at Bruce Grove, Tottenham, north London.

BTP said inquiries were ongoing and "detectives are aware" of the video.

Transport for London (TfL) said it was assisting police with inquiries.

In the footage, the man approaches and follows the woman who asks another person, who cannot be seen, to help her.

No-one intervenes and she says the man has "jumped across the tracks to come and chat to me", telling him to "stay away from me".

He continues to follow her and she says "I don't want to chat to you, I don't know you," before the man responds, "I'll follow you... if you act up, I'll follow you".

The man then asks for her phone number as she tries to leave the station and asks if she is filming him, threatening to "take her phone".

A spokesperson for BTP said: "No-one should have to put up with this sort of behaviour on the rail network and we take all reports of a sexual harassment very seriously."

BTP is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

Siwan Hayward, TfL's director of security, policing and enforcement, said: "This is an appalling incident, and we are deeply sorry that this person experienced this on our network. We are assisting the police with their investigation into this incident.

"Women and girls feeling safe on our transport network is an absolute priority for us, and we are working closely with the police to make the transport network a hostile place for offenders."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Florida state Rep. Randy Fine, a longtime ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the only member of the Florida Legislature who is both Jewish and Republican, is withdrawing his support for the governors 2024 presidential bid and endorsing Donald Trump , accusing DeSantis of not doing enough to combat antisemitism.

In an op-ed published Monday by the conservative Washington Times, Fine outlined his past support for the governor, writing that he endorsed DeSantis before he ever won the GOP nomination for governor in 2018 and served as the Jewish outreach chair of that campaign. He said he helped shepherd some of the governors most controversial policy priorities through the state Legislature.

But when it came to combating antisemitism, Fine wrote, DeSantis has done too little.

I love his words, Fine wrote. His actions have broken my heart.

Fine, who represents southern Brevard County, wrote that it was Hamas surprise assault on Israel just over two weeks ago that forced a reckoning with his endorsement, calling Trump the only candidate who can bring this to an end.

The past two weeks have made me realize our choice as Jews is simple, Fine wrote. We can vote for the Governor who says all the right things, or we can vote for the President who actually does them. When it comes to action, Donald Trump has never let us down.

Fines op-ed  published as Florida state lawmakers are set to meet for a four-day special session in early November to consider DeSantis proposed Iran sanctions and a measure to ramp up efforts to combat antisemitic violence and hate crimes  offered a scathing assessment of DeSantis.

He blamed the governor for not doing enough to build a Holocaust memorial that Fine had supported and accused him of failing to adequately condemn a group of neo-Nazis who gathered in Tampa last year. Fine said that it wasnt until a few weeks ago that DeSantis began taking a stronger stance against antisemitism.

DeSantis still has the support of the vast majority of Republicans in the Florida Legislature. But the defection of a longtime ally like Fine is likely to raise questions about whether other members are considering jumping on board with Trump, who remains the far-and-away favorite to capture the GOPs 2024 presidential nomination.

Bryan Griffin, the press secretary for DeSantis presidential campaign, rebuked Fines op-ed as nothing more than shameful political theater and pointed to a flurry of actions the governor has taken since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out earlier this month: signing off on state-chartered flights to evacuate U.S. citizens stranded in Israel, proposing new sanctions against Iran and calling on legislators to approve new efforts to combat antisemitic violence.

When it comes to standing in defense of Israel, hes always been a leader who acts and delivers, Griffin said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Trumps campaign did not respond to the Miami Heralds request for comment on Fines endorsement.

Even before announcing his endorsement of Trump, Fine had shown some frustration with DeSantis. He sent a letter to DeSantis earlier this month urging him to use his powers as governor to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests on Florida university campuses.

I did not write these laws to create press conferences, Fine wrote in the Oct. 13 letter.

DeSantis office responded at the time by saying that the governor shared Fines frustrations, arguing that university officials need to do more to protect Jewish students and combat antisemitism. The governors office also highlighted an Oct. 12 executive order declaring a state of emergency in Florida in response to the attack on Israel.
 Flash

The 4th Session of the Abuja Forum was jointly held in Abuja, capital of Nigeria by the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University and Gusau Institute of Nigeria on October 19.

Themed on "Promoting Africa-China Belt and Road Cooperation for a New Era of Common Development", participants had an in-depth discussion on the eight major steps China will take to support its joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and offered their advice and suggestions for the practical cooperation between China and Nigeria.

More than 100 representatives from both sides attended the opening ceremony of the seminar, including Aliyu Gusau Mohammed, former Nigerian Minister of Defense; Cui Jianchun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria; Shao Guoping, Vice Chair, University Affairs Committee of Zhejiang Normal University; Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University and scholar of the Chang Jiang Scholars Program of China's Ministry of Education; Lv Xuejun, Director General of Contemporary World Magazine; Ahmed Magaji, former Nigerian Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe; and Olusegun Awolowo, Executive Secretary of National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Gusau said, a new and feasible strategic framework should be developed in China-Africa cooperation to address the increasingly complex challenges, continuously enhance multilateral communication and collaboration, and work together to establish a stable and inclusive new international order. The Abuja Forum, jointly founded by the Gusau Institute of Nigeria and the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University, aims to facilitate mutual understanding, enhance traditional friendship, and inject vitality to the economic cooperation and trade between China and Nigeria.

Ambassador Cui Jianchun pointed out that China has long been trying to help African countries achieve development in various fields as a leader. At present, the Nigerian leaders attach greater importance to collaboration with China, which has brought about new momentum for the bilateral cooperation. The partnership between the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University and the Gusau Institute of Nigeria has played a positive role in boosting the bilateral people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation. I hope more of such partnerships will emerge between our two countries.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas, African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns made a keynote speech entitled "Energizing Africa-China Cooperation in Achieving Peace". Chambas said, China-Africa relations have undergone rapid development since the 21st century. As China has a growing number of partners in Africa, its investment will help Africa build a more peaceful and prosperous African continent. China has always supported Africa in seeking its own solutions to problems. It has made tremendous achievements in reform and opening-up, and its experience in development is worth learning for Africa.

Liu Hongwu said that the Sino-African cooperation is an important part of the South-South cooperation. Under the framework of the Belt and Road cooperation, more and more Chinese enterprises have come to Nigeria to invest and build up factories. For example, the completion of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Abuja-Kaduna Railway has injected new impetus into Nigeria's economic development and continuously improved the local livelihood.

Lv Xuejun pointed out that faced with rising global challenges, adherence to peaceful development and win-win cooperation is the only right path. The visions of a human community with a shared future and the Belt and Road Initiative have constantly connected different parties for in-depth cooperation. China supports the eight major steps to jointly pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and will make unremitting efforts to promote the realization of modernization of many countries, and will also advance both sides to create China-Africa relations for a new era.

Four panels were set up in this forum, including "Combating Maritime Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea", "Using Duty-free Access to Close the Trade Deficit Gap", "Infrastructure Development and Financial Constraints", and "China-Africa Educational Exchange and Industrial Capacity Cooperation".
Donald Trump's longtime "fixer" and former lawyer took the stand against him on Tuesday and alleged that the former president "arbitrarily" inflated the value of his real estate assets in order to secure better insurance premiums.

Cohen testified during Tuesday's hearing in the former president's New York civil fraud case. Cohen, who severed his relationship with Trump five years ago, is a key witness in the lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, which accuses Trump of exaggerating and devaluing his family companies' properties to make business deals. The case threatens to dismantle part of the business empire that catapulted Trump into celebrity and the Oval Office.

According to Reuters, the key witness told the judge that Trump instructed him to "reverse-engineer" the values of many of the Trump Organization's holdings so the company's statements of financial condition would display the assets as having "extremely high values with low liabilities in order to secure better insurance premiums."

The holdings' values would be "whatever number Mr. Trump told us," Cohen said ahead of the trial's lunch break.

Cohen also acknowledged his complicity in crimes he said he committed for the former president's benefit at the start of his highly anticipated testimony in Trump's civil fraud case, CNN reports.

A prosecutor from the New York attorney general's office questioned Cohen about the crimes he pleaded guilty to in 2018, which include tax crimes, campaign violations and lying to Congress. Cohen responded with a lengthy answer rehashing the crimes and outlining why he made public statements about the legitimacy of his conviction.

He had previously testified before Congress in 2019 about Trump's involvement in the hush-money plot involving both former Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had affairs with Trump  allegations Trump has denied.

"I acknowledge my complicity in the Stormy Daniels matter, but I never paid Karen McDougal," Cohen said, clarifying that payments to McDougal were made through AMI, the National Enquirer's former owner.

Trump did not react when Cohen spoke about the hush-money payments, instead staring straight ahead at the witness.

Cohen also acknowledged that he lied to Congress during a 2017 hearing pertaining to the amount of times he spoke to Trump about a Trump Tower Moscow project by saying they had only three conversations when it was actually 10.

"I did that at the direction of, in concert with and for the benefit of Mr. Trump," Cohen claimed said.

He added that that statement was written in discussions with a number of Trump's close associates, including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Trump Organization legal counsel Alan Garten. Though Trump attorney Chris Kise objected to that statement, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron's overruled it.

Cohen explained that he felt he had to address the public information about him.

"When all of this started, it was overwhelming. The amount of disinformation misinformation, mal-information about me. It was overwhelming and enormous," he said.

Despite public statements countering the federal charges against him over the years, Cohen confirmed that he eventually took a plea deal and served a sentence to take responsibility for each of the counts he pleaded guilty to.

The start of his testimony follows shortly after he and Trump traded jabs upon arriving to the courthouse Tuesday morning.

"This is about accountability, plain and simple," Cohen  one of the former president's most vocal critics since they cut ties five years ago  told reporters as he entered the courthouse, adding that the determinations in the case are all for the judge to make.

This is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen, or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump. This is about accountability, plain and simple.



 Michael Cohen arrives to testify at his former boss Donald Trumps civil fraud trial in Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/TIYady3WJM  The Recount (@therecount) October 24, 2023

Trump called Cohen a "liar" when he arrived minutes later, Reuters reported.

"He's a proven liar, as you know, a felon," Trump told reporters before entering the courtroom, referring to Cohen. "We did nothing wrong and that's the truth."

Digs at Cohen's character are part of Trump's and his team's approach to countering the lawyer's testimony, according to CNN, which reports that the defense's strategy is to amplify Cohen's testimony and paint him as the start witness as a means to later discredit him and the case. They also aim to present videos and statements Cohen previously made to portray him as a liar.

Cohen, who began a three-year prison sentence in 2019 but was later released to home confinement, told Reuters Monday that Trump calling him a liar was like "the pot calling the kettle black," adding the acknowledgement that he lied to Congress at Trump's behest that he repeated in Tuesdays testimony.

He also teased his court appearance on X, formerly Twitter, Monday, writing, "I will continue to speak truth to powerno matter Donalds continued smear and harassment campaign against me. #TeamCohen."

I will continue to speak truth to powerno matter Donalds continued smear and harassment campaign against me. #TeamCohen pic.twitter.com/ojbaMA7d3S  Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) October 23, 2023

While exiting the courtroom for a lunch break, Trump took a verbal swing at Cohen again, telling reporters that he's not worried about his testimony because he's not a credible witness.

He has a horrible record, Trump said outside the courtroom per CNN. Its not going to end up very good for him. Were not worried at all about his testimony.

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Cohen, on the other hand, told reporters while walking out for the break that his appearance in court is a "heck of a reunion."

Trump voluntarily dismissed earlier this month a $500 million lawsuit he filed against Cohen earlier this year shortly after his indictment in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's criminal case pertaining to the hush-money payments to Daniels. The GOP primary frontrunner has occasionally appeared in court over the past month for his civil fraud trial, leveling inflammatory complaints to reporters that the case is a distraction from his campaign.

He arrived in New York Monday after a campaign stop in New Hampshire and just days after Engoron fined him $5,000 for violating a limited gag order, which the judge imposed after Trump shared a social media post attacking Engoron's principal clerk and identifying her personal Instagram account. Trump deleted the post from Truth Social, but last week Engoron discovered the post had remained up on Trump's campaign website since the order and issued the fine, warning that future violations would result in "far more severe" sanctions.

Ahead of the trial's start, Engoron found last month that Trump had defrauded banks and insurers by inflating his net worth and the value of his assets, ordering the dissolution of key businesses in Trump's real estate portfolio. The ruling is on hold while the former president appeals.

In addition to the $250 million in fines, James is also seeking a permanent ban against Trump and his co-defendants, sons Eric and Don Jr., from running any businesses in the state and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Trump and the Trump Organization. Trump has denied wrongdoing in the case and defended the valuations of his properties, dubbing the suit a "fraud" and a political witch hunt.
Alarmed by a plummeting birthrate, Taiwanese officials are helping to organize singles events to try to get young people to meet, marry and have children. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

Hsu Yu-hsin wasnt sure what to expect when she attended her first singles mixer this summer at a temple to Taiwans god of marriage. But even in the blistering heat, the 37-year-old makeup artist enjoyed mingling with the other attendees, except for one peculiar group: the local officials and dignitaries enthusiastically encouraging everyone to find love  and fast.

You should pair up as quickly as possible and have kids as quickly as possible, temple chairman Wang Tseng-rong told the crowd, after thanking different government departments in the city of Tainan for their assistance in organizing the matchmaking event. We hope that the mayor will support us in our next event, and we can solve Taiwans national crisis together.

The crisis in question  a birthrate falling to record lows  is one facing countries across East Asia. As social values have shifted and young people have grown more pessimistic about their economic prospects, fertility rates from South Korea to China to Singapore have sunk, raising concerns over the consequences of a rapidly shrinking  and aging  population.

Even at the city-sponsored mixer in Tainan, which took place in August the weekend before Chinese Valentines Day, some participants remained ambivalent about marriage and starting a family, a sign of the challenges officials face in convincing younger generations to help reverse depopulation.

Makeup artist Hsu Yu-hsin, 37, at a singles mixer in Tainan, Taiwan. She says she does not feel any internal pressure to get married and have children. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

Hsu, who had traveled two hours by train from Taipei, bonded with another participant over their appreciation of Tainan street food, and joined him for a late-night snack. However, she decided afterward they were better off as friends. Since turning 30, she had stopped feeling any pressing need to wed and have children, particularly after seeing others around her struggle with multiple kids.

Having children is easy. Raising them is really hard, said Hsu, citing the costs of buying a car, a home and everyday goods. Todays economic pressures are too much. No one is willing to have them because it will impact their quality of life.

Read more: Inside Japans miracle town, where the birth rate is soaring amid a demographic crisis

Fewer Taiwanese even want to get hitched these days. In a 2019 survey by Taiwans Ministry of Health and Welfare, 38.6% of women said they were not interested in marriage, compared with 12.4% in a similar survey from 2011. For every 1,000 people, there were 4.88 marriages in 2021  a record low in government data going back more than a quarter-century.

Taiwans government has acted as an intermediary in helping singles find partners for nearly three decades. But playing Cupid has taken on a greater sense of urgency as Taiwans fertility rate, or the number of children the average woman will bear in her lifetime, has fallen to 0.87 in 2022.

That rate, a record low in data dating to 1951, is far below the 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. Birthrates below that level mean that a growing subset of elderly people must rely on the dwindling support of younger workers, with the problem compounding as the overall number of women able to bear children shrinks as well.

To reverse depopulation trends, Taiwanese officials are actively encouraging young people to meet and marry, as at this singles event in the city of Tainan. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

Only in South Korea was the birthrate lower last year, at 0.78. In Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has warned that the low birthrate of 1.26 must be addressed immediately and risks rendering society unable to function. In April, the country launched an agency dedicated to new measures supporting families with young children.

Taiwan's presidential candidates, ahead of an election in January, are raising the issue in their campaigns. Vice President William Lai has said the declining birthrate should be a top priority, and touted the current administration's population policies. Opposition candidate Hou Yu-ih has proposed more subsidies for egg-freezing and for families with three children. Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, who is making a long-shot bid, suggested gifting cats and dogs to new parents to incentivize births, since raising pets is an increasingly popular pastime in Taiwan  often in lieu of raising kids.

But the proposals come long after the ideal time for action, said Lin Wan-i, the government minister in charge of Taiwan's population policy. In 2008, Lin published a white paper to try to draw attention to the issue of declining birthrates. But it took another decade for the government to start implementing broader policies to encourage child-rearing, he said.

Read more: Iran is urging people to have babies  and making life hard for those who don't want to

Its like sending someone to the ICU too late. The timing is too slow, but you still need to think of a plan to rescue them, he said.

Now, Lin is working to counter several economic and social trends that have dampened the desire for children in Taiwan. The easiest to address has been the high cost of child care, Lin said, which the government aims to mitigate through measures such as expanding public child-care facilities, providing tuition subsidies and capping preschool fees.

Stagnant wage growth and high housing prices pose tougher challenges. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the ratio of Taiwans median national house price to the median household annual disposable income reached a record high last year of nearly 10 to 1, doubling over the last two decades.

Efforts to raise the minimum wage, tax owners of multiple homes and construct more affordable housing have done little to bridge the gap for a society where buying a house before starting a family is the traditional expectation.

Government-sponsored matchmaking events in Taiwan are usually more popular with men than women, organizers and experts say. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

For Shen Pin-yu, 39, watching her younger brother and his wife spend nearly all their monthly income raising their 3-year-old daughter exemplifies why people have become more reluctant to have children. She said she would rather stay single and childless than start a family with someone who is financially worse off than she is.

Housing is getting more expensive, goods are getting more expensive, said Shen, who works in marketing at a real estate firm in Taichung, a city in central Taiwan. Before, they also worried about financial troubles, but now that they have a kid, they have this responsibility.

In 2021, Taiwan increased the amount of pay that new parents can receive during maternity or paternity leave to 80% of their salaries, up from 60%. Lin said that officials are now considering boosting that further, or lengthening the duration of paid leave beyond six months, but that the government isnt sure it can afford to do so, having spent more than $3 billion already on child-rearing initiatives.

Read more: Pope joins in urging Italians to have more kids, not just pets

We have to do this step by step, he said. If we can get the birthrate up to or above 1.1 this year, then we can continue working hard to stabilize this trend.

Pai Yi-che, a 28-year-old subway maintenance worker in Taichung, said he can't even consider getting married right now with his current salary of $1,100 a month. Still, he signed up for a local government-sponsored dating event in July, since he has had trouble meeting potential partners in male-dominated work and school settings.

"I want to find and try out a steady relationship, since I haven't had that before," he said. "If there is the opportunity, I would like to have children."

Participants at a singles event help each other with name tags. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

To help young people date, Lin said universities in Taiwan have added courses on relationships and meeting new people. The government is also studying matchmaking initiatives in Japan and Singapore, to assess how it might expand singles events or take advantage of artificial intelligence and online platforms, he said.

There are some people who think: Why is the government so intrusive? Lin said. I dont think it can hurt. Whether it will have any impact, no one knows.

Chen Yu-hua, an associate professor at National Taiwan University and the former president of the Population Assn. of Taiwan, said even though local governments started dedicating more time and resources to matchmaking activities back in 2010, there have been few success stories.

A lot of surveys and analyses say people do not really marry or have babies because they cannot find Mr. or Ms. Right, she said. I dont think its so easy to increase the marriage or fertility rate.

Another issue, she said, is that the matchmaking events are often much more popular among men than women, who are less inclined these days to prioritize family life, which is still largely patriarchal, over their careers, as gender roles in the workplace have become more progressive.

Now a lot of people are chasing their own goals, so they will prefer to have their own time to pursue what they want, said Chen Chian-yi, a 26-year-old graphic designer who attended the Tainan matchmaking event in August. Having kids and getting married is not the first choice anymore.

Chen Chian-yi, 26, attended a singles event but left early after losing interest. "Having kids and getting married is not the first choice anymore" for young Taiwanese, she says. (Annabelle Chi / For The Times)

In high school, Chen imagined that she would be married by now and on her way to having three kids. But over the last few years, she's come to the conclusion that she has no interest in either marriage or children. She ended up leaving the singles mixer early with her two friends, driven away by the heat, the flies and the realization that some other participants, armed with pens and notepads, took finding a partner much more seriously than the three of them did.

When I was younger, I was more idealistic. I didnt think about the reality of things," Chen said. "Hearing stories from friends around me about what it's like being married and having kids rattled that perspective."

Participants get acquainted at a singles event in Tainan, Taiwan. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

The Tainan government held its first singles event in 2019 in an attempt to facilitate more relationships  and, hopefully, more births down the line. It has hosted three mixers in all, resuming this year after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

While the events have led to dozens of initial matches, the government has yet to send its first congratulatory wedding gift, said Chiang Lin-huang, the citys director of civil affairs. However, he hopes it can at least prompt young people to start thinking about pairing up and settling down.

We want to remind people that theyve already reached marrying age and should start seriously looking for their future life partner, Chiang said. It lets the people know the government really cares about this, and that they also need to be worried about these major life matters.

Yang is a Times staff writer and Shen a special correspondent.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
As 4,000 teachers in the Fresno Unified School District plan to walk out of classrooms and go on strike next week, make no mistake about it: The losers will be the children that both sides profess to love.

On Tuesday the Fresno Teachers Association announced that 93.5% of its voting teachers chose to start striking on Nov. 1. It will be the first such labor action since 1978.

The district is the third largest in the state, with about 72,000 students. Fresno Unified is offering $500 a day to anyone who can become a replacement teacher. So far, it has hired over 2,200 replacements who are credentialed substitutes. With another 150 credentialed district managers added in, FUSD believes it can fill every classroom with an instructor.

But while those fill-in staffers will aim to do a good job of teaching, they are not the regular instructors who have spent this fall making relationships with students. The temporary teachers efforts may be sincere, but would be less effective than the instructors who have made it their careers to educate Fresnos schoolchildren.

It has been well chronicled how deep the learning loss was for the nations youth when schools shut down during the COVID pandemic. Labor disputes now just compound that problem.

Last year Sacramento teachers walked out for eight days until they agreed to a new contract  instructional minutes that were simply lost.

Then earlier this year teachers walked out in the Los Angeles Unified School District for three days in support of bus drivers, classroom aides, cafeteria workers and other union-backed colleagues.

Better pay, smaller class sizes and improved health benefits are the issues now in dispute in Fresno Unified.

But here is the heart of the matter: The Fresno Teachers Association and district leaders must continue to meet and negotiate with all due diligence to get a contract done as soon as possible. There is no excuse for anything less if helping students is the real aim.

Unfortunately, a report by a fact-finder hired to mediate between the two sides does not offer much hope. It found both the district and FTA guilty of undermining the quest for mutual trust, the key ingredient to successful negotiations.

Trust and confidentiality

Labor negotiations are tense, hard-fought deliberations, so achieving a level of trust is critical.

But the chairman of the fact-finding panel, Donald Raczka, said he witnessed behaviors that were antithetical to establishing trust, the needed foundation of an interest-based system.

Raczka said that he presented an informal settlement to the two sides with the caution of confidentiality. However, the district was unable to keep elements of that suggested settlement from being publicly reported on by an outside party, Raczka said.

On the other side, the president and the executive director of the association chose to leave the hearing after their presentation, even though they were an essential part of the association bargaining team., he added. Both these behaviors, confidentiality and respect for the other sides right to their viewpoints, are overt trustworthy behaviors.

It is no surprise that interest-based bargaining was unsuccessful with disrespectful behaviors such as these two examples. Clearly the parties, though expressing a desire to return to an interest-based approach, have much to learn. Acting in a trustworthy manner is paramount to the success of this style of bargaining.

Students must come first

The Bee Editorial Board does call on both sides to act professionally. The fact-finders characterization is embarrassing to all concerned. A walkout of any duration creates an unacceptable learning loss for students.

The two sides were to return to the bargaining table on Tuesday. May the sides redouble their efforts and get a deal done. Educating Fresnos youth is at stake.

This editorial has been updated from its initial posting to report the strike authorization vote.
An amazing little newborn giraffe was welcomed by a California zoo, officials said.

The baby girl named Kendi, which means loved one in Swahili, was born Oct. 19 at the Oakland Zoo, officials said in a post to its Facebook.

This birth comes after a very long pregnancy as giraffes carry their babies for 14 to 16 months, the zoo said in an Oct. 20 news release.

The new baby joined the herd weighing in at 150 pounds and stands 6 1/2 feet tall, zoo officials said.

The first-time mama Kijiji has shown her loving and protective nature by guiding her baby into the giraffe barn, the zoo said.

Kijiji, described as curious and sassy, was brought to the Oakland Zoo from Kansass Lee Richardson Zoo as a way to help ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse species population throughout U.S. zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, officials said.

Were so excited to have a new baby join the herd. With the expertise of our staff, were prepared to assist Kijiji as she enters this stage in life as a new mother, Amy Phelps, assistant zoological manager at Oakland Zoo, said in the release.

The zoo said giraffes are classified as critically endangered as they experience habitat loss and are victims in illegal wildlife trade. Theyre usually captured and sold for their bones, hair and tails, according to the zoo.

The daughter and mama duo will serve as ambassadors as they educate people who go to the zoo, officials said.

Kendi hasnt made a public appearance yet and will remain in a separate area with her mama for the next two weeks to ensure the two bond peacefully, officials said.

Oakland is about 10 miles northeast of San Francisco.

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Several years ago, Lydia Davis made a decision never to set foot in France again. Why such a prohibitionfor the translator of Madame Bovary and In Search of Lost Time, a writer who spent two formative years there in her youth? The answer has less to do with France and more to do with the planet. In order to prevent a rise in temperature of more than the two degrees Celsius, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated, the average carbon footprint per person will have to drop below two tons. A round-trip flight between New York and Paris emits almost two tons of carbon dioxide, a persons whole yearly allotment.

The resolution to stop flying set Davis on a new way of thinking. The very monumentality of the decision, after a lifetime of traveling and involvement with foreign cultures and languages, she said in a 2020 interview, shocks me into other actions. She joined a food co-op, served on a local governing board, and canceled credit cards that have not divested from fossil fuels. In her craft essays, she has advised writers to scrutinize the progression of their lists with fanatical rigor; she brings a similar exacting attention to her political commitments.

Her newest collection of fiction writing, Our Strangers, reflects this new consciousness in subtle ways. The pieces here143 pieces in totalhave a lot in common with her earlier work: Most are just a page or two in length, with a handful of very sparse prose pieces with line breaks. There are series that run through the collectionscrupulous descriptions of somebodys distant relations to famous people, vignettes of moments of annoyance in a marriageas well as pieces that are revisions, or alternate tellings, of previous ones. But if she continues to pay heed to the smallest, unturned details of the problems of domestic life, she affords them less importance than before. With insistence, she returns to themes of plant and animal life, community, and old age.

Davis has wondered if she should continue to write amid the destruction of our environment. Her increasing ambivalence about writing is detectable in Our Strangersnot because her prose is any less good, but because its fastidiousness now seems to culminate in ordinary everyday language. In her latest stories, she has made herself smaller, shifting her focus to networks, communities, and systems, the units which we will need to think in to change course collectively.





Daviss title announces straight away the new territory she is exploring. Whereas older collections like Break It Down (1986), Almost No Memory (1997), and Cant and Wont (2013) largely feature intimate relationshusbands, ex-husbands, friends, childrenthis collection foregrounds a cast of strangersneighbors, fellow travelers, old men seen around town. These strangers variously produce reactions of irritation, bafflement, pity, gratitude, and intrigue.

Seven stories take place in trains. The narrators of these stories are crotchety, easily nettled by the behaviors of other passengers. One is a scholar who shushes those around her so she can dictate facts about the ancient language of Occitan to them. Exasperated with the convivial atmosphere in the car as she attempts to read stories printed with copious misspellings and faint type in a new dialect, she soliloquizes about the difficulty of her task. Her speech falls on deaf ears, and she concludes her tirade with a moralistic huff: So, please.

Another is more succinct with her complaint. In the four-line piece Those Two Loud Women, the narrator exclaims, they could at least have an interesting conversation, / one that I would like to overhear! Observe, Davis seems to instruct, the haughty condescension laden in that at least, and also the ironic banality of that reaction. In the most absurd of these stories, the narrator assiduously documents every sneeze that takes place during her journey. She records descriptions of each person who sneezes, the locations of their seats, the number of sneezes they release, and the rapidity of those sneezes. She questions why a man blesses one of them but not the rest.

Silly and mundane as these encounters are, they reflect a diligent interest in the petty trials of coexisting with others.

Silly and mundane as these encounters are, they reflect a diligent interest in the petty trials of coexisting with others. Her literary encounters with strangers dont all go poorly. Pardon the Intrusion, one of her longest stories in the book, takes the form of a list of fictionalized messages posted on a community board. Some are run-of-the-mill queries for recommendations for doctors, caregivers, or plumbers; some describe things that people are looking for, or looking to get rid of or sell.

In these snippets, Davis puts her arch eye for humor on full display. One note announces with no further explanation: Dear colleagues, my daughters calculator died. Another formulates the posters request as, my turtle is interested in paying someone to stop by 3-4 times to drop some lettuce off with him. (Can a turtle be interested in such a thing?) Somebody wants to find a violinist to play the Kreuzer Sonata with, and a complaint is lodged against a certain Dr. X: VERY dismissive and rude. A picture of the communitya middle- to upper-class one occupied with a good deal of academic and artistic activityemerges.

The man who lives in a small community lives in a much larger world, the English writer G.K. Chesterton argued in an essay in his 1905 collection Heretics. He reasons that while we get to associate with like-minded people in a larger community, in a smaller one, we have no choice in the matter. Davis takes this proposition seriously. In her title story, Davis chronicles all the different relationships the narrator has had with her neighbors over the years. She starts out with the bad ones (a man once defaced her property out of spite), before proceeding to survey ones marked by generosity and goodwill. She advances a thesis statement for what it is to live in a neighborhood:

We are like a family and unlike a family, since we come together as strangers and form a temporary alliance, while family members often come to be strangers and are bound together only by blood. A neighbor becomes a sort of cousin, or parent. Or else a neighbor becomes a bitter enemy, an intolerable presence encroaching on ones land.

The bond between strangers is not so different from the bond between family members, Davis suggests. Both can be seen as arbitrary. We might love our families, condemn them, or even reject them, but its impossible to entirely ignore themand something like this applies to the strangers we live with, too.





Brian Dillon writes of Daviss prose that her language is character. This astute observation gets to the heart of the technical mastery of a piece like Winter Letter, a mothers report to her kids in the city on a recent vacation to rural Texas. She begins her letter with modest aims not to let this go on forever and to tell you some of what weve been up to. Earnest and excitable, she relays her lifestyle habits and her disagreements with their dad. Her various updates on domestic life are random and amusing, and she disarms us almost immediately: Were trying to eat healthy, and our best new discovery is, guess what  radishes! She is chatty and she knows it, fixating on such minor changes as moving to a different chair at the table and observing the ladybugs that have started to appear in the kitchen. I know this isnt too fascinating, but its our life, she says.

This is not a disdainful portrait of an elderly American couple in the vein of Jonathan Franzens The Corrections. Davis has great affection for the rambling mother and her minuscule attentions. If she writes her letter with the awareness that her kids might find her preoccupations trivial, she doesnt seem too bothered by it. From glancing references to their dads restlessness and occasional moods, we gather that her energetic interest in small details is one she sustains entirely on her own.

She hurries to write down an anecdote from their trip before she forgets it. Not long ago, they went to Texas to visit her friend and to spend a couple days looking at the vegetation. Things start out as planned. They see the friend, check in at the inn, and do a tour of the surrounding area. There is slight friction between the married couple, but the differences are funny more than they are troubling. He takes an interest in military history and flags; she likes to notice the flora and fauna and discuss the advantages of composting toilets.

On the second day, a sudden storm causes torrential flooding. Plans to see their friend again are thwarted. In the afternoon, during a break in the rain, she goes out on a walk alone down by the river with a map from the inn that points out trees and shrubs that grow along different trails. At a crossroads, she is consulting her map when she is startled to see the gray face of a raccoon staring back at her. She stays still. The raccoon waddles toward her, until it is just a few feet away. She wonders if the raccoon knows she is there.

Not sure what to make of this, she calls the event again and again strange. What was most strange about this experience was that I felt invisible, or more than thatI felt as I werent there at all, she says. The tone and pace of her writing are transformed by her encounter in the wild. Until now, her letter is dotted with exclamations, driven by the propulsive momentum of putting everything down on paper. Now, she pauses to consider her feeling of derangement. Unnerved, she finally heads back to the inn, where, back to a place of safety, she turns chatty again. She tries to tell their dad about what just happened, but notes, I dont think he really understood how strange it was.

The unaccountable incident with the raccoon is filed away, and she makes a few jovial closing remarks on an apron exhibit at the library, foot massage classes, and postal stamps. But there is a new feeling of disquietude by the time she signs off, as if something uncomfortable has been brought up at dinner and then effortfully covered up to reinstate the tenor of business-as-usual. She has come face-to-face with the indifference of other creaturesand the planet as a wholeto human existence.





It is tempting to see the stories in Our Strangers as pieces written primarily to poke fun and entertain. I almost made this mistake reading one particular piece framed as a letter of complaint to the U.S. Postal Service. In it, the writer complains about a poster in her local post office that glamorizes Styrofoam peanuts and excessive packaging. After detailing how the peanuts stick to her hands, she makes a pedantic correction to the wording of the poster, finally condemning its overall message, which promotes wastefulness. Her methods for protest are quaintly ineffectual and display a faith seemingly prevalent among older people that the same habits of local civic engagement work with entities such as the USPS.

To act at all todayin relation to communities, in relation to the climaterequires an embrace of ones own insignificance in the larger scheme of things.

But reading it over, I began to realize that Davis was rather serious about this letter, even if ironically self-aware about the comic disproportion between sender and recipient. She began publishing letters of complaint in Cant and Wont, and hard as it is to imagine a writer who edits her own writing to bits drafting grousing letters of complaint to unfeeling agencies and corporations, she has claimed to often do this in earnest. Embedded in this practice is the same quasi-religious dedication to her own experience that has run through all her writing, with relative unconcern for whether she has an audience or not.

In a tight seven-sentence piece, Davis writes that a persons ultimate aim should be to feel small and still feel strong, and good. To act at all todayin relation to communities, in relation to the climaterequires an embrace of ones own insignificance in the larger scheme of things. By giving meticulous form to her singular sensibility, Our Strangers suggests that this fact does not have to annihilate meaning. Rather, it can be a wellspring for the wonderful and absurd.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  An off-duty pilot who allegedly tried to bring down a commercial flight from Washington to California on Sunday engaged in casual conversation prior to losing it, according to court documents.

The documents, released Tuesday, recounted the moments leading up to the incident.

Horizon Airlines Flight 2059 was forced to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday evening after a credible threat to an authorized occupant on board.

Authorities said an off-duty pilot, identified as 44-year-old Joseph D. Emerson, was sitting in the planes jump seat and allegedly attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines by pulling the fire handles in the cockpit.

Its common for off-duty pilots to ride in the jump seat on their way to commute to or from work, or to major air travel hubs.

Before the incident, though, the on-duty pilots reported zero indication of anything wrong with Emerson, a commercial pilot with Alaska Airlines. (Alaska Airlines owns Horizon Airlines, a regional carrier.) Earlier in the flight, he engaged them in casual conversation about the weather and his career with Alaska Airlines.

But court documents indicate that Emerson later in the flight abruptly threw his headset across the cockpit and declared Im not OK, one of the pilots told authorities. He then grabbed the fire handles, which shut off fuel to the engine, according to court documents.

Alaska Airlines plane diverted to Portland Airport after credible threat

The two pilots in the cockpit with Emerson were reportedly able to subdue him and declare an inflight emergency. Emerson initially resisted their efforts, physically engaging with one pilot for 25 to 30 seconds before settling down, documents state. He was then asked to leave the cockpit.

Documents also cite the testimony of flight attendants who received a message that Emerson was losing it and needed to get out of the cockpit.

One of the pilots estimated that a total of 90 seconds elapsed between Emerson saying he was not OK and leaving the cockpit.

Emerson was seen peacefully walking to the back of the aircraft after leaving the cockpit. Documents then state that he told a flight attendant hed just been kicked out of the flight deck. He then said, You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad.

Flight attendants sat him in a seat at the back of the aircraft and placed cuffs on his wrists. During the planes emergency descent into Portland, Emerson turned toward an emergency exit door and tried to grab the handle, the documents say.

Flight attendants were able to stop him from opening the door and engaged him in conversation to prevent him from trying to grab the door handle again, documents state. Another flight attendant said Emerson made statements that included, I messed everything up and that he tried to kill everybody.

A flight attendant saw Emerson take his phone out and begin texting. He was also heard saying he had put 84 peoples lives at risk, his own included.

Once the plane landed in Portland, Emerson was arrested.

23-mj-185-Emerson-Complaint-CERTIFIEDDownload

During an interview with officers, documents state that Emerson believed he was having a nervous breakdown and that he had not slept in 40 hours. He also admitted to feeling dehydrated and tired. During his interview with police, Emerson admitted to trying to pull the emergency shutoff handles.

I didnt feel OK, he reportedly said. It seemed like the pilots werent paying attention to what was going on. They didnt  it didnt seem right.

He also told officers he pulled the handles because he thought he was dreaming and wanted to wake up. He denied taking any medications but said he became depressed six months ago.

It was not immediately clear from the court document if Emerson was high on mushrooms when he was on the plane, but an FBI agent wrote in the probable cause affidavit that the pilot spoke with police about the use of psychedelic mushrooms and said it was his first-time taking mushrooms.

When asked whether Emerson took psychedelic mushrooms right before the flight, Kevin Sonoff, the spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon, said that was still under investigation.

California DMV suspends permits for self-driving taxis

At the Port of Portland police department, Emerson said he would waive his right to an attorney. Im admitting to what I did, he said according to documents. Im not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys.

A criminal complaint from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of Oregon states Emerson has been charged in federal court with one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

Emerson was to remain in state custody pending an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Portland, the U.S. attorneys office said in a news release.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(Bloomberg) -- Maria Corina Machado is on course for an overwhelming victory in Venezuelas opposition primary with two thirds of ballots counted, according to the organizers.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The former lawmaker had 93% support with about 1.5 million votes counted, Jesus Maria Casal, head of the primaries organizing committee, said Monday evening. The second bulletin came 18 hours after an initial projection which gave Machado a similar lead.

The main opposition groups held the primary to choose a candidate to take on President Nicolas Maduro in 2024 elections, in the hope of ending a quarter century of socialist rule.

Earlier this year, Maduros officials effectively banned Machado from holding public office, but she is betting that a big win will put pressure on officials to reinstate her. The government is under pressure from Washington to allow a fair 2024 presidential election in return for an easing of crippling economic sanctions.

Maduros government tried to sabotage the vote, including by blocking a website Sunday that told citizens where to cast their ballots. Now the administration is alleging foul play.

Maduro said Monday evening that there are several pieces of proof of a mega fraud in the primary, and dismissed the projected turnout of 2 million people, saying that only between 550,000 and 700,000 people voted.

Read More: Venezuela Opposition Primary Results Delayed as Server Blocked

Earlier, top Socialist Party official and Maduro ally Diosdado Cabello shared audio recordings of supposed collusion between polling center staff and an opposition mayor to inflate Machados vote count.

Read More: Venezuelas Machado Headed for Victory in Opposition Primary

(Adds results updates from first paragraph and Maduros comments in sixth paragraph)

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Deputies arrested a man this week and charged him with stealing a Dodge Challenger and helping four men escape the Bibb County jail last week, arrest warrants show.

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office accused Jakaylen Billy Ray Williams, 24, of stealing the Challenger from a local Enterprise rental car business and helping inmates escape from the downtown Macon jail.

It was unclear in the warrants if investigators believe Williams cut the fence that allowed the four inmates  identified as Joey Fournier, 52, Marc Kerry Anderson, 24, Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, 37 and Chavis Demaryo Stokes, 29  to escape last week.

The warrants did not connect Williams stealing the Challenger to his role in the jailbreak, though deputies did find and seize a Dodge Challenger last week that is connected to the shooting, the sheriffs office said.

Williams address was listed at the Baconsfield Apartments on Tidewater Circle behind the east Macon Kroger where the Challenger was found.

Williams was booked into the Bibb County jail at about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, according to the jails inmate search system. He was originally arrested Saturday in Monroe County and held there for four days, according to the Monroe County jail website.

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office found the Dodge Challenger Friday that helped four inmates escape from the Bibb County jail last week.

Connection to Monday morning shooting

The arrest comes after Bibb sheriffs deputies, U.S. Marshals and a Bibb County SWAT team confronted Christian Williams, 23, at a Vineville apartment complex Monday morning.

Deputies went to the Pines Apartments next to Holt Avenue because they were tipped that someone in the apartment  later identified as Christian  could help lead them to the escaped inmates, sheriff David Davis said Monday.

When deputies and U.S. Marshals approached the door, shots came from inside the apartment. They retreated and returned with the SWAT team to find that Christian had shot himself, according to a news release.

Deputies also arrested a woman named Mykia Williams, 20, Monday for helping the four inmates escape last week, an arrest warrant said.

It was unclear in the warrants or Bibb County jail records if Jakalayen, Mykia and Christian Williams were related.

The four inmates were still on the lam Tuesday morning more than a week after the Oct. 16 escape.
A Madison County man distributed videos of children ages 3-7 engaged in sexual activity and exploited two teenage girls on Snapchat and Google Duo into sending him pictures and videos of themselves engaged in sexual conduct, federal prosecutors say.

Donald Adams , 52, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Columbus to 20 years in prison for his guilty pleas in May to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor and two counts of distributing child pornography.

Adams was also ordered to pay restitution to the two teens he directly exploited as well as eight other child victims from his pornography collection identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Between May and September 2021, prosecutors alleged, Adams admitted using Snapchat and Google Duo to convince two female teenagers he was in a romantic relationship with them and then coerced them to send him photos and videos of themselves engaged in sexual conduct, according to federal court records.

At least one of the teens sent the sexual content to other online predators at Adams' direction, records state.

Adams even drove to another state to pick up one of the teenage girls, whom he took to a hotel room for three hours, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Columbus.

In addition, Adams sent videos of children ages 3 to 7 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct to an online undercover FBI agent in September 2021, court records indicate.

More than 1,500 photos and 2,000 videos of children being sexually abused were found among Adams' pornography collection after his arrest. The U.S. Attorney's Office says some of the victims being sexually abused by adults were only infants and toddlers.

jwilhelm@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Madison County man sentenced for distributing child porn of kids 3-7
(Bloomberg) -- A senior Venezuelan official accused the opposition of reporting an inflated number of votes in Sundays primary, thereby violating a deal that led to US sanctions being eased.

Most Read from Bloomberg

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the government will request an urgent meeting with opposition leaders and the Norwegian mediators to review a recently-signed agreement, which was announced last week following talks in Barbados.

The opposition has yet to issue a final vote count from its primary on Sunday. With two thirds of ballots counted as of Monday evening, former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado was on course for a overwhelming victory, with more than 90% of the vote. The organizers projected participation of nearly two million people.

Read More: Machado Holds 93% Lead in Venezuelan Primary Vote Count Update

The primarys organizers havent yet responded to the governments accusations, though they scheduled a press conference for Wednesday to address the matter. The organizing committee didnt immediately reply to a written request for comment.

While Rodriguez said the government would continue talks with the opposition as it reviews the vote, his accusations could potentially sour the breakthrough agreement intended to ensure a more competitive presidential race next year.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro is under pressure from Washington to allow a fair 2024 presidential election in return for an easing of crippling economic sanctions. Even so, his government tried to sabotage the primary, including by blocking a website Sunday that told citizens where to cast their ballots.

As a goodwill gesture following the agreement, the US Treasury issued a six-month license authorizing transactions involving Venezuelan oil and gas. It also lifted a ban on secondary trading of some Venezuelan sovereign bonds and debt and equity issued by the state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA.

In a TV program on Monday, Maduro said he had proof the opposition has committed fraud during the primary.

--With assistance from Nicolle Yapur and Fabiola Zerpa.

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 Flash

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will visit the United States from Oct. 26 to 28 at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Tuesday.

Mao told a daily press briefing that Wang would have an in-depth exchange of views with senior U.S. officials on bilateral relations, international and regional issues of common concern and have friendly exchanges with people from all walks of life in the United States, demonstrating China's principled position and legitimate concerns in China-U.S. relations during his visit.

It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen communication and dialogue, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences, and bring bilateral relations back on the track of sound and stable development, Mao said.
Jenna Ellis smiled in her mugshot. The former Trump attorney who was indicted alongside him and 17 others over an alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results even made the Fulton County booking photo her profile picture on Twitter. Those who mock me, my former client, and my God want to see me break and they arent going to get that satisfaction, she told The New York Times in August.

On Tuesday, through tears, Jenna Ellis accepted a plea deal from Georgia prosecutors. Five years probation and some community service in exchange for her truthful testimony against her co-defendants. While Ellis role in the upcoming trial remains an open-ended question, something else looms over her decision to flip on her former allies: the $216,431 crowdsourced by friends and Trump supporters to fund her legal defense.

In the aftermath of her indictment, major players in MAGA-land rushed to help boost a fundraiser supporting Ellis. Figures like Congressman Chip Roy (R-Texas), Daily Wire host Ben Shapiro, One America News Liz Wheeler, Pizzagate conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec, Fox Host Mark Levin, Project Veritas founder James OKeefe, far-right writer Ashley St. Claire, and former congressional candidate Robby Starbuck posted links to Ellis fundraiser or urged their followers to donate.

There was a pretty large push in conservative media to crowdfund Ellis' defense  she ended up raising more than $200K. pic.twitter.com/poOREyWQ9a  Andy Kaczynski (@KFILE) October 24, 2023

At one point, Ellis claimed that she had gotten support and donations from a lot of DEMOCRATS [] and private notes saying they support me, one saying against Americas true enemies and another this is totally unconstitutional. A link to the fund remained the pinned tweet on her X account on the day of her guilty plea.

Despite her support for Trump in the aftermath of the election, and her alleged participation in schemes to help keep him in power, Ellis was among several of the former presidents allies left to fend for themselves as his legal troubles dragged them into the sights of prosecutors  even though Trump regularly dips into his massive campaign coffers to cover his own legal expenses.

I was reliably informed Trump isnt funding any of us who are indicted, Ellis tweeted in August, shortly after she was indicted. Would this change if he becomes the [2024] nominee? Why then, not now? I totally agree this has become a bigger principle than just one man. So why isnt MAGA, Inc. funding everyones defense?

I was reliably informed Trump isnt funding any of us who are indicted.



Would this change if he becomes the nominee? Why then, not now?



I totally agree this has become a bigger principle than just one man. So why isnt MAGA, Inc. funding everyones defense? https://t.co/dI0JvThJyp  Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) August 19, 2023

Nevertheless, Ellis fell back to asking for donations to fund her defense, and the prospect of a lengthy trial with no reliable stream of income likely factored into her decision to accept a deal with prosecutors. The question now is whether Ellis decision to make a deal with prosecutors will draw backlash from the figures who supported her financially in the aftermath of her indictment. Attorneys for Ellis did not respond to a set of questions from Rolling Stone clarifying what would become of the fund, but the criticism had already begun.

Pro-Trump activist Laura Loomer wrote on X that Jenna Ellis scammed all of you who donated to her. I TOLD YOU NOT TO DONATE TO THIS DISLOYAL WENCH [] Shes now going to use the money so many of you foolishly gave her to work against President Trump in an election year. Shame on every single MORON who donated to Jenna Ellis.

Jenna Ellis scammed all of you who donated to her.



I TOLD YOU NOT TO DONATE TO THIS DISLOYAL WENCH.



Today she accepted a plea deal, which will only require her to pay a $5,000 fine and get probation for 5 years. She didnt even attempt to fight the charges.



Shes now going https://t.co/Ixof9IefZi pic.twitter.com/YywNJz1aKU  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) October 24, 2023

Former Breitbart editor Raheem Kassam derided Ellis for taking $216,000 from the public, claiming she was going to fight against the court case. Instead, she copped a plea deal today.

Pro-Trump political consultant Alex Bruesewitz called it an absolute disgrace that Ellis raised $216k from grassroots donors in the name of fighting back and then immediately caved.

Is she pocketing the money? I think she should return it, Bruesewitz added.

Conservative podcast host Breanna Morello wrote on X that Ellis had raised $216,431 on GiveSendGo by promising the American people she would fight for the truth, and then folded in just a few weeks.

Will she refund her donors? Morello asked. Likely not. A grifter has to grift.

On Wednesday, the fundraiser description was changed to answer a question that has been raised regarding the fund. The legal fees and costs [incurred by Ellis] significantly exceeded the amount raised by the fund. The recipient of the fund is listed as Melito Law LLC, and is still accepting donations.

Ellis is not the only defendant struggling to pay off legal bills. Rudy Giuliani was sued last month by his ex-attorneys for nearly $1.4 million dollars in unpaid legal fees and keeps losing attorneys amid his financial turmoil.

Trumps failure to extend monetary assistance to his Georgia co-defendants may backfire against him. Ellis is the fourth of those indicted to accept a plea deal in exchange for testimony  following bail bondsman Scott Hall, lawyer Ken Chesebro, and election attorney Sidney Powell  and a sense of every man for themselves has now supplanted the unified front the co-defendants presented in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

This article was updated on October 25, 2023, to include additional details regarding the future of the fund.

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Click here to read the full article.
Map showing the forecast track of Hurricane Otis, according to the US National Hurricane Center at 0900 GMT on October 25 (Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA)

Mexican authorities rushed to send emergency aid, restore communications and assess damage in the Pacific coast resort town of Acapulco on Wednesday after a powerful hurricane left what residents described as a "total disaster".

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador arrived in the seaside city late Wednesday, after his convoy found roads blocked by landslides and other debris, forcing the president and others to abandon their vehicles and walk the final miles.

"The army is bringing machinery and we're going to try to reopen (the highway) as soon as possible," he told journalists who were also trying to reach Acapulco.

He had said earlier that there were no initial reports of deaths but "there's material damage and blocked roads."

The closures forced some to slog for hours through mud and debris in an attempt to find food and shelter.

"Acapulco is a total disaster. It is not what it was before. The park was totally destroyed, the buildings, all the streets," said 24-year-old resident Eric Hernandez, who made the decision to leave on foot.

"The shops had all been looted, people were fighting for things. So we decided to walk as there wasn't anything left there," he said.

Others said an overflowing river and collapsed bridges had cut off communities near Acapulco.

"A lot of people got stuck on the other side of the river in our village, which was overflowing a lot. People were left homeless, there's no electricity," said Israel Perez, a 21-year-old baker.

- Aid convoy -

A convoy carrying humanitarian aid set off to try to reach Acapulco -- home to about 780,000 people -- by land since the airport was closed, authorities said.

"The urgent thing is to attend to the affected population. We still don't have the damage assessment because there's no communication," Civil Protection national coordinator Laura Velazquez said.

Otis was packing maximum sustained winds of 165 miles (265 kilometers) per hour when it hit the coast, but later dissipated over southern Mexico, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The storm had rapidly strengthened to the most powerful category of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale as it neared land, taking authorities by surprise.

"Rarely, according to records, does a hurricane develop so quickly and with such force," Lopez Obrador said.

People recounted a terrifying ordeal as Otis made landfall overnight on the usually sun-kissed resort town.

"The building shook as if there was an earthquake," Citlali Portillo, a tourist accommodation manager, told the television channel Televisa, adding that she had taken shelter in a bathtub.

- Tourists hunker down -

Videos posted on social media showed severely damaged hotels and other buildings, including many shattered windows.

Tourists used beds and mattresses for protection in their hotel rooms, once windows were blown out.

"We protected ourselves with barricades made by children, women, men... many were injured by glass," said Nely Palacios, a Mexican tourist.

Toppled trees were seen in the debris-strewn streets and a shopping mall appeared to have suffered major structural damage in Acapulco, located in the southern state of Guerrero.

More than 500 emergency shelters were opened for residents.

There were widespread power blackouts, though state electricity company CFE said Wednesday that it had managed to restore supply to 40 percent of the more than half a million affected customers.

Heavy rains continued to deluge Guerrero and parts of neighboring Oaxaca -- two of Mexico's poorest states, home to remote mountain communities.

"This rainfall will produce flash and urban flooding, along with mudslides in areas of higher terrain," the NHC warned.

- Frequent storms -

Hurricanes hit Mexico every year on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts, usually between May and November, though few make landfall as a Category 5.

In October 1997, Hurricane Pauline hit Mexico's Pacific coast as a Category 4 storm, leaving more than 200 people dead, some of them in Acapulco.

It was one of the deadliest hurricanes to batter Mexico.

In October 2015, Patricia became the most powerful hurricane ever recorded, pummeling Mexico's Pacific coast with sustained winds of 200 miles per hour.

But the storm caused only material damage and no deaths as it made landfall in a sparsely populated mountainous area.

Just this week, Tropical Storm Norma left three people dead, including a child, after making landfall for a second time in the northwestern state of Sinaloa.

Earlier this month, two people died when Category 4 Hurricane Lidia struck the western states of Jalisco and Nayarit.

Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer with climate change.

bur-dr/aha/lb/sco
A majority of New York state voters in a new poll said they agree with Mayor Eric Adams s (D) statement that the influx of migrants will destroy the city.

In a Sienna College poll published Tuesday, 58 percent of respondents said they agree with their Democratic mayors earlier statement, while 32 percent said they disagree, three percent were in the middle and eight percent said they didnt know or refused to say.

The question included a quote from Adams  a former Brooklyn Borough president, who spent decades in the NYPD  recalling his life experience while stressing the gravity of the migrant situation, before asking respondents if they agreed with his statement.

The question read: Recently, Mayor Adams said this in relation to the recent influx of migrants: Never in my life have I had a problem that I did not see an ending to  I dont see an ending to this. This issue will destroy New York City. Do you agree or disagree with Mayor Adams that the influx of migrants will destroy New York City?

Adamss remarks came during a town hall in early September, as the mayor pleaded for more federal and state assistance to deal with the large numbers of asylum seekers at the border.

New York City has a right-to-shelter law that requires the city to provide housing for those who seek it, but as more migrants have been arriving at the border, the city government has struggled to find enough housing to keep up with demand.

This issue will destroy New York City, destroy New York City. Were getting 10,000 migrants a month. Now again, people from all over the globe have made their minds up that theyre going to come through the southern part of the border and come into New York City, Adams said at the September town hall.

In the Sienna College poll, the vast majority of respondents said they saw the recent influx of migrants as a serious problem for the state  a sentiment that extends across demographics. A total of 84 percent of respondents called it a serious problem, compared to 12 percent who said it was not a serious problem.

Eighty-one percent of Democrats called it a serious problem, compared to 16 percent who said it was not serious. Ninety-four percent of Republicans said the recent influx of migrants was a serious problem for the state, compared to four percent who said it was not. Eighty-two percent of Independents/Others said it was serious, compared to 14 percent who said it was not.

The breakdown was somewhat starker by ideology, with 68 percent of liberals calling it serious, compared to 28 percent who called it not. Eighty-seven percent of moderates said it was serious, compared to 11 percent who said it was not. Ninety-seven percent of conservatives said it was serious, compared to just two percent said it was not.

The survey was conducted Oct. 15-19 and surveyed 1,225 New York State voters with a margin of error of +/-3.4 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A man holds a placard with a slogan written on it during a solidarity gathering to show support for Palestinians in Kuala Lumpur

A man holds a placard with a slogan written on it during a solidarity gathering to show support for Palestinians in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined 16,000 pro-Palestinian supporters to condemn Israel's "barbaric" acts in the Gaza Strip, where thousands are estimated to have been killed in Israeli attacks, and denounce its Western supporters.

The gathering in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, was the largest in a series of demonstrations held in Muslim-majority Malaysia in recent weeks.

More than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes, Gaza's health ministry said on Tuesday, the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel began a bombing campaign to crush Hamas militants who stunned the country with a deadly Oct. 7 attack.

The health ministry has said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed in strikes since Oct. 7.

Malaysia has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has called for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

"It's a level of insanity to allow people to be butchered, babies to be killed, hospitals to be bombed, and schools to be destroyed... it's the height of barbarism in this world," Anwar told the crowd gathered at an indoor stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

"We are with the Palestinian people yesterday, today and tomorrow," he said, adding that support from the United States and Europe was bolstering Israel's position.

Anwar last week said he rejected Western pressure to condemn Hamas. He spoke to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this month and called for an immediate end to bombardment in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.

U.N. agencies called "on our knees" on Tuesday for aid to be allowed unimpeded into Gaza, saying more than 20 times current deliveries were needed after two weeks of Israeli air strikes.

Carrying Palestinian flags and banners, the demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur chanted "long live Palestine" and "down with Israel."

Nurul Anis Syafiqah Muhammad, a 20-year-old student, said she was at the gathering to protest against Israeli actions.

"This is not just about religion, it is about humanity... as humans we must be compassionate towards each other," she said.

(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff, Danial Azahar and Ahmad Luqman Ismail; writing by A. Ananthalakshmi; editing by Nick Macfie)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 34-year-old man faces burglary and kidnapping charges after Henderson police arrested him at a bank near the Galleria Mall.

On Oct. 21, officers said they responded to a report of a man attempting to rob a bank in the 600 block of Mall Ring Circle.

Joseph May was identified as the suspect in the incident.

When they arrived, officers received additional information confirming May, was still inside of the bank with other customers.

Officers said when they made contact with him he initially refused to exit the building.

Later, May exited the bank but refused to comply with multiple verbal commands

issued by officers. They then utilized less-than-lethal tools in his arrest.

The Henderson Police Department arrested Joseph May on Oct. 21, 2023. (Credit: HPD)

No injuries to other citizens or officers were reported, according to police.

May was booked into the Henderson Detention Center for the following offenses:

1 count of Burglary of a Business

6 counts of Kidnapping 1st degree

1 count of Attempt Robbery

1 count of Resist Public Officer

The FBI Las Vegas office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. It remains an active investigation, and no further details will be released at this time, according to the Henderson Police Department.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A man recording a TikTok video was arrested for allegedly shoving South Side Ald. Gregory Mitchell on Monday morning in the lobby at City Hall, authorities said, in the second altercation involving a City Council member this past week.

The 47-year-old pushed another man, later identified by sources as Mitchell, 54, in the neck area and was taken into custody, Chicago police said.

Charges were still pending as of Tuesday afternoon. But the 47-year-olds wife identified him as the man who had been arrested, and said the 7th Ward alderman reached for her husband first because he was filming Mitchell for a TikTok video and Mitchell wanted him to stop.

The Tribune is not naming the man who allegedly pushed Mitchell because he has not been charged.

Mitchell declined to comment on the interaction to a reporter Tuesday, but before walking away he complained about people recording him without asking.

The alleged attack is the second time in the past week that an alderman has reportedly faced a physical skirmish, after Ald. Julia Ramirez, 12th, was cornered last week by a crowd protesting Mayor Brandon Johnsons tentative plan to erect winterized tents to house migrants in her ward.

In response to questions about Mitchells alleged attack Monday, a mayors office spokesperson issued a statement condemning the recent violence against political figures, without naming Mitchell or Ramirez or discussing the incidents.

These type of acts against public servants are undeserved and unconscionable, and a dangerous precedent for elected officials whose job it is to be accessible and engaging with their constituents, spokesperson Ronnie Reese wrote. Violent acts against an elected official, or against any Chicagoan, are unacceptable and must be condemned.

Both altercations reportedly touched upon the sore subject of whether the citys efforts to care for a growing population of asylum-seekers is straining city resources for residents.

The wife of the man arrested for allegedly pushing Mitchell told the Tribune their family was recently evicted from their Rogers Park home and now stay at a homeless shelter.

The wife wasnt at City Hall on Monday, she said. But her friend said she witnessed the struggle between Mitchell and the man, who fashions himself as a content creator.

The friend said the man was recording Mitchell on the lobby floor as the alderman spoke with a woman concerned Black veterans were missing out on resources that were going to migrants instead. A video posted on TikTok shows the two conversing in front of the elevators until Mitchell notices the phone camera.

Youve got to ask me to do that kind of stuff, Mitchell said, blocking the camera with his arm. A male voice, purportedly the mans, said that Mitchell is a public servant, to which Mitchell responded, Nah, Im a man too, brother. You will respect me as one. Then Mitchell is seen grabbing the phone before the video cuts off.

Thats when (he) defended himself and pushed (Mitchell) like that, said the friend, who frequently speaks during the public comment period at City Council meetings. Hes been coming down here fighting for housing. Him and his wife, and they have a daughter with special needs, have been out here fighting for housing.  Its not fair. Its not fair at all.

The Tribune requested a copy of a police report of the incident, but the Police Department has not provided one. No other details of the incident were immediately available.

Last Thursday, tensions also flared as hundreds of residents gathered on the Southwest Side to protest against the proposed encampment near 38th Street and California Avenue. When Ramirez arrived at the protest, dozens of protesters surrounded her, shouting angrily and pushing toward her, prompting police to intervene and escort her and an aide into a squad car.

ayin@chicagotribune.com

scharles@chicagotribune.com
A man has been charged with several counts of sex abuse - months after he was linked to a teen who went missing in Arizona before mysteriously reappearing in Montana four years later.

Prosecutors in Montana have charged Edmund Davis, 36, with two counts of felony child sex abuse resulting from child pornography allegedly found on his devices. The Attorney Generals Office said that the charges were filed under seal last week to ensure Mr Davis safe arrest on Monday.

Investigators made the discovery while serving a search warrant at Mr Davis home in Havre after he was linked to then-missing 18-year-old Alicia Navarro in July.

Ms Navarro, who vanished from her Glendale, Arizona home in September 2019 at the age of 14, had visited the local police department in Havre just days before, asking to be removed from the missing persons list. When police served the warrant at Mr Davis residence, he was seen throwing his phone into a trash can after Ms Navarro opened the door, prosecutors said.

Dozens of images of suspected child sex abuse material were located on the device, confirmed to belong to Davis, the Montana Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. The phone contained images of infants and toddlers and other computer-generated or animated content showing children being sexualized.

Mr Davis is being held in the Hills County Detention Center and his bond has been set at $1m.

Medical experts determined that several of the individuals in the picture were under the age of 13, and two pictures showed minors under the age of five.

Former co-workers of Mr Davis told The New York Post that Ms Navarro had been living with him for at least a year and that he used to call her his niece.

Its terrible. Its gross and I cant believe he was doing that to all those kids, they told the Post. He always had a hard shell. He wouldnt talk a lot. He would be very defensive when someone would talk about him. Its kinda a confusing thought that someone can do all that and hide it all and not show any emotion.

Ms Navarros disappearance in 2019 sparked a vast search operation involving police, the FBI and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

On 23 July, she showed up alone at a police station in Havre, about 40 miles from the Canadian border.

Ms Navarro told detectives in Glendale that no one had hurt her, but its unclear if she has shed further light on where shes been, or if she will return to her family home.

Her mother, Jessica Nunez, had previously said that her daughter was on the autism spectrum, which made her shy in social situations.

At the time, Ms Nunez raised concerns that Alicia may have been lured out of the home by an internet predator, emphasising that it was out of character for her daughter to run away because she didnt even know how to take public transportation

Ms Navarro and her mother spoke on a call after she reappeared, police said earlier this year, but it is unclear if they have been reunited.

Happy Birthday I know this message will be seen and I just want to say that I love you and will always will be here, Ms Nunez wrote in a Facebook post on her daughters birthday in September. I remember today I gave birth to a special baby that I love with all my heart and always will.
The Montana Attorney General's Office announced that a man connected to the missing persons case of Alicia Navarro, who was found safe earlier this year, was charged with sexual abuse of children.

In a Tuesday press release, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said that 36-year-old Edmund Davis was charged with two felony counts of sexual abuse of children resulting from child sexual abuse material found on his cell phone. Officials said Davis was Navarro's boyfriend.

The release stated that the charges were filed under seal last week to help ensure the safe arrest of Davis.

Davis was arrested Monday afternoon in Chinook, Montana, by agents from the Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation and the Blaine County Sheriff's Department. The material found on his cell phone was seized when a search warrant was executed in Havre, Montana, earlier this year, according to a news release.

The statement said that in July, Havre police served a search warrant for Davis' apartment after learning that Navarro, who went missing from Glendale as a 14-year-old in 2019, was living there.

Charging documents released by the Montana Attorney General's Office state that Davis had been seen in the presence of Navarro before she went to Havre Police Department, where she asked to be taken off the missing persons list. The documents state that Davis was later identified to be Navarro's boyfriend.

Navarro answered the door and said no one else was in the apartment. But officers said they saw Davis in the kitchen behind her throwing a cell phone into a trash can and placing items on top of the phone to hide it, according to the release and charging documents.

Police seized three cell phones, including the one from the trash can; a laptop computer; and an Xbox. They were sent to Glendale police.

Officials said in charging documents that over 80 images of suspected child sex abuse material were located on the device thrown in the trash can, which was confirmed to belong to Davis. Following protocol, Glendale police selected ten of those images and took them to medical experts for review. The experts determined that most of the individuals depicted were under 13 and two were under 5 years old.

Previously: What we know about 'miracle' reappearance of Glendale teen Alicia Navarro

The phone and other electronic devices found during the search were then handed to the Division of Criminal Investigation's computer forensics unit in Helena, Montana after Glendale's review. Under a separate search warrant, agents found images of infants and toddlers and other content that showed children being sexualized.

Officials stated that Davis' first count of sexual abuse of children was for knowingly possessing electronic images of a child or children that were 12 years old or younger engaged in sexual conduct. That charge carries a 100-year prison sentence, 25 of which may not be suspended or deferred. His second count of child abuse has an imprisonment range of four years to life.

Davis was being held on a $1 million bond in the Hill County Detention Center.

Glendale police announced on July 26 that Navarro, now 18 years old, was found alive in a small Montana town. At the time, they did not release the name of the town, but it was later identified as Havre.

"She is, by all accounts, safe. She is, by all accounts, healthy," Glendale spokesperson Jose Santiago, said. "She is, by all accounts, happy."

Santiago said Navarro's whereabouts were made known because she went to police in town with the hopes of being taken off a list of missing children. He said Navarro went to them of her own free will and identified herself to officers.

At the announcement, police said all they knew was that this all started as a runaway situation because of statements she had made to them, including a handwritten note left on the night she was last seen. It read, "I ran away. I will be back, I swear. - Alicia."

Later that day, Navarro's mother Jessica Nunez said in a video posted to Facebook that she did not know the details of her daughter's recovery but expressed joy that Navarro was safe.

"I, first of all, want to give glory to God for answering your prayers and for this miracle," Nunez said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man connected to Alicia Navarro case charged with child sexual abuse
A man has died after reportedly shooting himself, after police sought to question him about four escapees from a Georgia jail.

Christian Williams, 23, was pronounced dead by a coroner on Tuesday morning local time, the Bibb County Sheriffs office said.

Officers from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force had arrived at an apartment in Macon on Monday. When they knocked, gunfire was heard through the door.

A SWAT team later attended the scene and found a man, identified as Mr Williams, with a gunshot wound  apparently self-inflicted, according to the sheriffs office.

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis told reporters that Mr Williams was not one of the four missing men, but that the department had received a tip that he may have had information in relation to their escape.

The force previously said that Mr Williams was reported to have been kidnapped on March 6, 2023, hours before he was due in court for on murder charges stemming from 2021.

Mr Davis said no officers fired their guns during the incident on Monday, which resulted in the death of Mr Williams, but that a second person had been taken into custody and was being questioned about the escapees.

The four men have been identified as Joey Fournier, Marc Kerry Anderson, Johnifer Dernard Barnwell and Chavis Demaryo Stokes.

On Friday, deputies found a blue Dodge Challenger abandoned in the parking lot of a Macon supermarket that they believe was involved in the escape.

According to The Associated Press, video showed the Challenger had been just outside the jail earlier in the night and appeared to show someone tampering with the fence. That person then brought some items into the enclosed area, and the sheriff said investigators believe the items were used to help the men escape. The men escaped out a jail window and through the fence.

A combined $73,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the inmates, who remain at large.

Fournier, 52, is a white male with gray hair and blue eyes who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He was being held on a murder charge after he was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in February 2022.

Anderson, 24, is a Black male with dreadlocks and is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He is charged with aggravated assault.

Barnwell, 37, is a Black male with braids and is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. He was being held on federal drug charges.
SAN DIEGO  Authorities are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead in his Ramona home on Friday, according to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department.

Around 5 p.m., SDSO received a call reporting a deceased person in a home on the 400 block of 16th Street, Lt. Joseph Jarjura said in a release. Upon arrival to the scene, deputies spoke to the person who alerted authorities to the body.

Jarjura said the reporting party told deputies that he had found his brother, identified as 26-year-old Eduardo Aguilar Alba, deceased inside his home under suspicious circumstances.

Authorities checked the residence and found Alba unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Boy hit, killed by trolley

Albas body was taken to the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. According to SDSO, the preliminary cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head and the manner was ruled a homicide.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. At this stage, details about the motive, circumstances and possible suspects remain unclear.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to call the SDSO Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A Dayton man has been indicted for the Gettysburg Avenue stabbing.

35-year-old Larry Hall has been indicted for two counts of murder and two counts of Felonious Assault in relation to the death of 32-year-old Isaiah Hudson.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man facing charges for deadly Dayton stabbing

Hudsons body was found on Sept. 23 at the 1900 block of Gettysburg Avenue with multiple stab wounds.

According to a statement from prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck, Jr., DNA evidence and video surveillance identified Hall as the assailant.

>> 66-year-old womans eye gouged out in attack on security guard, Dayton firefighters

Hall reportedly took a Greyhound bus to Indiana, where he was arrested.

Hall is currently in custody at the Montgomery County Jail with a $1,000,000 bond. He is set to be arraigned on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 8:30 a.m.
Petersburg Police investigators check the parking lot of Family Dollar on South Crater Road Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A 65-year-old Dinwiddie County man was shot to death Monday in the parking lot. The suspect, a Prince George County man, was arrested after a pursuit through Petersburg into Dinwiddie County.

PETERSBURG  A Dinwiddie County man was shot to death outside a Walnut Hill store Monday afternoon, and the alleged shooter led police on a pursuit that ended in Dinwiddie County.

Robert Morton Booker Jr., 65, of North Dinwiddie, was shot shortly before 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Family Dollar at 2075 South Crater Road in front of Walnut Hill Plaza, according to a statement Monday night from Petersburg Police. He died at the scene.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and led police on a hide-and-seek pursuit that went into downtown Petersburg, then on Halifax Street through Delectable Heights out onto Boydton Plank Road [U.S. Route 1] where he was finally caught near a fast-food restaurant.

Police identified the suspect as Isaiah Dante Tyree, 31, of Prince George County. Tyree has been charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and use of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was arrested without incident. No one else was injured.

A motive for the shooting was not disclosed. The investigation is ongoing.

Police closed the northbound lanes of South Crater Road in front of the store for several hours while the preliminary investigation continued.

Booker is the 18th murder victim in Petersburg this year and the second homicide in the past eight days.

Petersburg Bureau of Police extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Robert Morton Booker Jr., the police statement read. We also extend our gratitude to the public and all law enforcement agencies involved in the swift apprehension of the suspect.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Man killed in Petersburg Family Dollar parking lot; suspect arrested
An Ohio man with white supremacist ties has pleaded guilty to attempting to burn a church to the ground because it was planning to host a drag story hour for children, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Aimenn Penny, 20, attempted the arson back in March, when he made two Molotov cocktails and threw them at the Community Church of Chesterland, a rural area outside Cleveland. He was arrested days later and charged in federal court.

Scorch marks could be seen on the buildings exterior walls, along with a broken vodka bottle  but the church did not burn. The storytime events took place April 1 as scheduled.

Penny was a member of a local White Lives Matter group whose members include neo-Nazis, according to an FBI agents affidavit. He told law enforcement that he wished the fire had spread.

Around two weeks before the attempted firebombing, he and other members of the group showed up to another drag event in Ohio with swastika flags, shouting Heil Hitler and homophobic slurs, the affidavit said. Penny distributed White Lives Matter flyers in an effort to spread the word that Black people were the problem, according to law enforcement.

A drag queen reads a children's book at the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland, Ohio, on April 1 amid heightened security.

A drag queen reads a children's book at the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland, Ohio, on April 1 amid heightened security.

The night before the arson attempt, Penny had gotten himself worked up by watching internet videos of news feeds and drag shows in France and decided to attack the church, the affidavit stated. He wanted to protect children.

Community Church of Chesterland Rev. Jess Peacock told Cleveland.com they were pleased with the outcome of the case.

Actions like this need to have consequences, Peacock told the local news outlet. There needs to be a cooling effect to anyone who may want to burn down a church or a mosque or a synagogue.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said in a statement that such acts of extremist violence are antithetical to core American values of freedom of expression and worship, adding that the Justice Department will not tolerate those who would use force to deny our citizens the free exercise of their rights.

A search of Pennys home allegedly turned up a hand-written manifesto that contained ideological statements, a Nazi flag, Nazi memorabilia along with a gas mask and gas cans, the affidavit said.

He now faces a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of 20 years behind bars, with sentencing scheduled for Jan. 29.

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A man stole millions of dollars from residents in Beverly Hills after he was accused of taking mail and packages from their homes  allowing him to steal their identities, according to federal prosecutors.

Hes accused of raiding the residents mail for debit and credit cards, bank account information, phone numbers and other personal details he used to take over their bank accounts between November 2021 and October 2023, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California said in an Oct. 24 news release.

In the past two months, homeowners surveillance cameras, as well as city-owned cameras, have captured Oren David Sela driving through Beverly Hills and stealing mail, according to an affidavit filed with a criminal complaint on Oct. 6.

Sela, 35, of North Hills, stole nearly $2.6 million from four people, according to prosecutors who said theyre aware of at least 20 more victims.

A grand jury returned an eight-count indictment on Oct. 24, charging Sela with three counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and more, the attorneys office announced.

McClatchy News contacted a federal public defender representing Sela for comment on Oct. 24 and didnt receive an immediate response.

Apartment full of stolen mail

In December 2022, Beverly Hills police officers said they believed Sela was driving a stolen car and arrested him, according to the affidavit.

Inside the vehicle, officers found six debit and credit cards that belonged to four people, prosecutors said.

Following his arrest, police searched Selas West Hollywood apartment, where he was living at the time, and found extensive stolen mail  including bank statements connected to 18 people, five California drivers licenses, seven debit and credit cards, and expensive items, according to the affidavit.

One of the items was a watch worth nearly $17,000 that Sela bought with money he defrauded one of his victims of, the affidavit says.

The search of his apartment initially led police to learn of three victims Sela is accused of stealing $2.4 million from, according to the affidavit.

At the time, he had about 33 pieces of mail he was accused of stealing, prosecutors said.

By Oct. 10, when federal authorities arrested him, he was found with at least 118 pieces of stolen mail, according to prosecutors.

When Sela would gain access to someones bank account with their personal information he found from their stolen mail, he would open new bank accounts in their names, prosecutors said.

Then, hed empty their account and transfer the money to the new accounts, according to prosecutors.

SIM swapping used as a way to access accounts

In some cases, Sela needed to bypass two-factor authentication to get into a victims bank account, prosecutors said.

To do so, hed carry out SIM swapping of the victims telephone number to a SIM card that he would control, according to prosecutors.

This results in a cellphone carrier assigning a persons cellphone number from their SIM card to a different SIM card without the legitimate subscribers authorization, prosecutors said.

Then, the fraudster can take control of the victims various accounts through two-step authentication text messages sent to a victims cell phone, prosecutors added.

If Sela is convicted of all eight counts against him, he could be sentenced up to 97 years in prison, according to the release.

North Hills is about 15 miles northwest of Beverly Hills.

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A Dallas man who was beaten by officers while being arrested in a case of mistaken identity is suing the city for the cops use of excessive force. According to his lawsuit, police did not bother to verify his identity before arresting him. The man, named Silvester Hayes, was pulled over and informed police that he had a legally owned handgun in his car. After Hayes showed his ID, an officer apparently mistook him for another Sylvester Hayes who was wanted for family violence charges. When police ordered Silvester Hayes out of the vehicle, he refused and once he was on the ground, refused handcuffs. Police put his legs in restraints and can be heard on the bodycam footage running his ID through their database. The officer who misidentified Hayes curses and says at one point, it may not be him.

Read it at The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Atlanta police are investigating a shooting in downtown Atlanta.

The shooting happened at 348 James P Brawley Drive NW.

Police believe the shooting resulted from a domestic dispute between a man and a woman at the home.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police say during the dispute, a man appearing to be related to the woman pulled a gun and shot the man who was involved in the dispute.

Officers recovered the gun from the scene and the suspected shooter was detained.

Their investigation continues.

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An Ohio man threw two Molotov cocktails at a church, hoping to burn it down, because he was angry the church planned to host two drag events, officials said.

Aimenn D. Penny, 20, was arrested earlier this year after he tried to set the Community Church of Chesterland on fire on March 25. He pleaded guilty Monday to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and to using fire and explosives to commit a felony.

"Our churches should be safe havens for all people, not sites subjected to violence motivated by hate and vitriol," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

Penny's Molotov cocktails were made with a vodka bottle and a beer bottle, according to the criminal complaint. Gasoline was used as an accelerant.

Investigators determined that Penny is a member of White Lives Matter, which was described in the criminal complaint as a "group with racist, pro-Nazi, and homophobic views." Members of the group, including Penny, had shown up in protest to a Wadsworth, Ohio, drag event on March 11.

The FBI interviewed Penny after he threw the Molotov cocktails at the church in Chesterland, according to the criminal complaint. He told them he was trying to protect children.

"Penny stated that night he became more and more angry after watching internet videos of news feeds and drag shows in France and decided to attack the church," according to the complaint. "Penny stated that he would have felt better if the Molotov cocktails were more effective and burned the entire church to the ground."

The Molotov cocktails left scorch marks on the church's front door, according to the complaint. There were also scorch marks on a sign on the building's exterior. A sign on the southeast corner of the property was damaged.

Penny is set to be sentenced on Jan. 29. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the violation of the Church Arson Prevention Act and a 10-year mandatory prison sentence that will run consecutively with any other prison term imposed for using fire to commit a federal felony.

Drag events have spurred protests and new laws in recent years. Tennessee placed strict limitations on drag performances in a law that was ruled unconstitutional in June. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in May barring minors from attending drag shows.

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A paedophile who arranged to rape a 12-week-old baby at a hotel has been jailed.

Mark Whalley was arrested in the foyer of a hotel in Manchester city centre where he planned to carry out the abuse.

The 71-year-old admitted arranging a child sex offence, making and distributing indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography at Manchester Crown Court.

He was sentenced to 80 months.

The court heard Whalley was tracked down after detectives received a tip-off from police in Norway.

National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators found Whalley had discussed his sexual interest in children under 12 on the online Wickr platform.

He had shared indecent images of children with other users and described the extreme abuse he wanted to engage in.

Detectives said Whalley, from Manchester, had used the site to message an individual who said they had access to a baby, and discussed how he would like to carry out the abuse when they met.

'Dangerous offender'

Whalley was arrested on suspicion of child abuse offences before he could get in the lift at the hotel.

At this point, he told officers they were mistaken and attempted to pass the meeting off as an affair.

After initially pleading guilty to making and distributing indecent images of children, he later pleaded guilty to an additional count of arranging a child sex offence and possession of extreme pornographic images.

Whalley had arranged to abuse the child while subject to a separate investigation in which indecent images of children had been recovered from his devices in 2021.

NCA operations manager Daniel Waywell said he was "a dangerous offender who had clear intentions to rape a young child".

"As a result of close collaboration with colleagues here in the UK and overseas, we were able to intervene and arrest him, and he will now spend years behind bars for his crimes," he said.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has partnered with Mandalay Bays Shark Reef Aquarium to host a blood drive.

According to a release, the blood drive will be held on Friday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center.

As we approach the end of October, we strongly encourage potential donors to help us replenish our blood supplies, Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter said. Our partnership with the Shark Reef allows us to provide critical medical care to patients while also offering a unique experience for our donors.

All donors will receive complimentary admission to the Shark Reef Aquarium and the Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality Theater. Parking fees will also be waived at the blood drive for donors.

Donors can schedule an appointment on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, on the Red Cross website, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Use the code HALLOWREEF when booking for Fridays blood drive or find another drive that suits your schedule.

The Red Cross is facing a blood donation shortfall due to reduced summer donations and numerous blood drive cancellations caused by natural disasters, the report stated.

The timing of this event is crucial as we continue to recover from a significant shortfall in donations, Flanigan said. Low blood supply levels can jeopardize patient care in hospitals, particularly during emergencies or major surgeries that can require large amounts of blood.

All blood types are needed, but there is a critical need for type O donors.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A manhunt is underway for an Air Force veteran suspected of fatally shooting his wife at their home in Massachusetts, police announced this week.

Aaron Pennington  33, a white man described as 6-feet-2, weighing 175 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes  is believed to be "armed and dangerous," Massachusetts State Police said in an online statement.

Police were called to Penningtons home at 42 Cherry St. in Gardner, about 70 miles west of Boston, shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday for a disturbance. They found Breanne Pennington, 30, dead in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to the face.

Penningtons four young children had left the house and gone to a neighbor's home, Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said at a news briefing Sunday. The children are in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Authorities said Tuesday they found Penningtons white BMW on Monday night in woods at Camp Collier, a scout camp in Gardner. They searched the surrounding woods, but Pennington was not found.

"The vehicle was located by a hunter so we're asking anyone with trail cams, any hunters, any people with video cameras at their houses to give it to the police," Early said at a news briefing.

Police believe Pennington went into the woods Sunday morning and is armed with a handgun.

Aaron Pennington. (Massachusetts State Police )

A shelter-in-place order for residents near Penningtons house was initiated Monday afternoon. It was lifted later that evening, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholsons office said.

Police reports obtained by NBC Boston said the neighbor dialed 911 because Pennington's children had come to her house scared, "because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying."

Security video and interviews revealed that the couple had been dealing with marital issues, a statement of facts from Gardner District Court. Breanne Pennington had been planning to move to Texas with the children to be away from her husband; he had threatened suicide and suffered from mental health issues, it said.

"I know [Aaron] has some mental health issues that [Breanne] tried to get him to get help for, but he just wouldnt," Brooke Pertile, Breanne Penningtons sister, told NBC Boston. "He just robbed my nieces and nephews of a fantastic mom and robbed me of a sister and everybody else of their friend.

Neither of the Penningtons had a Massachusetts firearms license, but Breanne was known to have a gun in the residence for her protection, the court statement of facts said.

Investigators did not find a firearm in the residence during a search, but they did find three spent shell casings in the bedroom.

According to his LinkedIn account, Pennington was a senior supervisor at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. A spokesperson for Raytheon told NBC News that Pennington has not been employed at the company for some time.

Before Raytheon, Pennington's LinkedIn account says, he was employed by the Air Force for more than eight years as an airlift and special missions aircraft maintainer. On his Facebook page, he identifies himself as a "Father, and Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

Police are directing anyone who sees Pennington not to approach him and to call 911. To provide information about his whereabouts to state police, dial 508-829-8236.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Massachusetts police on Monday night located a vehicle belonging to Aaron Pennington, the Gardner man wanted for questioning in connection with the Sunday homicide of his wife.

Breanne "Breezy" Pennington, 30, was found dead inside their Cherry Street residence on Sunday. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Family Services safely took four children who were home at the time of Breanne's death into state custody, according to local and state authorities.

Investigators found Aaron's abandoned, white BMW "in a wooded area at Camp Collier," a Boy Scout camp in Gardner.

"After a perimeter was established around the car, the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team determined that the car was unoccupied," Massachusetts State Police said in a Tuesday morning press release. "After clearing the car, STOP Troopers, MSP K9 Unit teams and the MSP Air Wing conducted a search of the surrounding wooded area and did not locate PENNINGTON."

ARMED AND DANGEROUS' MASSACHUSETTS MAN WANTED AFTER WIFE FOUND DEAD INSIDE HOME

The Gardner Police Department said in a Monday update that authorities are still looking for Aaron Pennington and believe he "may be armed with a firearm."

Detectives are currently searching the area for any signs of Pennington's whereabouts. The Worcester District Attorney's Office will release information regarding the results of the search later today.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

SUSPECT IN MARYLAND JUDGE'S KILLING FOUND WHILE ALLEGED SHOOTER STILL ON THE RUN

Local police issued a shelter-in-place order to residents on Kelton Street in Gardner on Monday evening between 6 and 10 p.m., according to WBZ News.

Investigators found Aaron Pennington's abandoned, white BMW "in a wooded area at Camp Collier," a Boy Scout camp in Gardner.

Authorities said Monday that Pennington, 33, should be considered "armed and dangerous" and are asking members of the public not to approach him directly but to call police if they see him.

MOTHER OF SLAIN TEXAS WOMAN SAYS LONG-HAUL TRUCKER SUSPECT ASKED HER TO SAY HE DIDNT DO IT'

Court documents obtained by WBZ show that the couple's four children went to a neighbor's house on Sunday and said their mother was crying in her bedroom and that they could not find their father. The couple had been having marital issues "for quite some time," and Breanne apparently had plans to move to Texas with their children, the outlet reported.

Aaron Pennington described his wife as the most "important human being on this earth" and "very smart."

When police arrived, they found Breanne dead after she had apparently been shot in the face, according to WBZ, citing court records.

MARYLAND JUDGE FATALLY SHOT IN DRIVEWAY ISSUED JUDGMENT IN SUSPECT'S DIVORCE CASE

Pennington is a White male, standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Authorities found Breanne "Breezy" Pennington, 30, deceased inside her Cherry Street home on Sunday.

Aaron Pennington's LinkedIn profile states that he works for Raytheon with a high-level security clearance, but Raytheon said it does not have an employee by that name. His LinkedIn profile also says he served in the U.S. Air Force.

MURDER OF JEWISH LEADER SAMANTHA WOLL WASN'T A HATE CRIME: DETROIT POLICE

Breanne Pennington's social media posts suggested the family had just recently moved from California to Massachusetts.

"Were in the middle of buying this awesome house built in 1880 in north central Massachusetts," she wrote in a Facebook group for old homes, along with photos of the house on Cherry Street where she was found dead. Other posts indicate that she and her husband were renovating the house, which she described as a colonial revival.

Aaron Pennington wrote multiple Facebook posts about his love for his wife and family, calling her the most "important human being on this earth" and "very smart" in one such post.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding Pennington's whereabouts not to approach him and to contact the Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8236 or the Gardner Police Department at 978-632-5600.





Original article source: Manhunt for Massachusetts family man wanted in murder of wife, mom of 4, leads to his abandoned BMW
A Manx government department has backtracked on plans to demolish a registered building which is part of the Douglas horse tram stable complex.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) last week announced it intended to knock down the 1877 Tramway Terrace building due to safety concerns.

A DOI spokesman said that was now "not necessarily the case".

It comes after heritage campaigners raised concerns that the department was seeking to "bypass" planning rules.

Last week the department called for contractors interested in undertaking emergency demolition work of the Victorian terrace in Douglas to come forward after its own surveys found the site was unsafe.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the DOI changed its position and said an independent structural review of the building had been commissioned by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa).

A department spokesman said this report would be used to consider "appropriate actions", and all processes would be followed correctly.

'All the hoops'

Isle of Man Victorian Society member Peter Kelly had raised concerns that safety was being used as "an excuse" to avoid acquiring planning consent to demolish.

Registered building consent is usually required from planning authorities before any demolition or alterations to a protected building can take place.

A bid to demolish and redevelop an 18th Century warehouse building on North Quay in Douglas last year saw private sector applicants "go through all the hoops" before the application was turned down, Mr Kelly said.

In that case, Defa commissioned an independent report to assess the structural integrity of the building after claims were made it was unsafe.

Mr Kelly said in the case of Tramway Terrace, it had appeared "one department is letting the other go ahead and do what it likes, which is quite wrong".

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk
Donald Trump s legal dream team is dropping like flies.

Jenna Ellis , Trumps former senior legal adviser, has now pleaded guilty to one count in case to overturn the 2020 election results. Ellis, the second attorney to flip on Trump is a devout Christian popular with his evangelical fanbase. Her plea should be a wake up call to MAGA voters. But it probably wont be.

Ellis, a Colorado-based lawyer, pleaded guilty Monday to one felony charge of aiding and abetting false statements and writing in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia. Ellis agreed to serve five years probation, pay $5,000 in restitution, and complete 100 hours of community service. She also had to write an apology letter to the state and testify at all legal proceedings involving the other people who were charged.

This is just a few days after another of Trumps attorneys, Sidney Powell, also pleaded guilty to criminal charges in the Georgia election interference case against Trump. Powell was originally charged with seven felony charges and ended up pleading guilty to six misdemeanors. She was sentenced to six years of probation, a $6,000 fine and $2,700 in restitution and had to write an apology letter.

Ellis slow decline started earlier this year. In March, a Colorado judge censured her for misconduct. Ellis admitted that several statements she made after the 2020 election, specifically about the presidential election being stolen, were misrepresentations. She wound up admitting to 10 such misrepresentations, including that the 2020 election was stolen.

In an emotional statement to the judge in Georgia, Ellis blamed more experienced attorneys for giving her false information and claims that if shed done more of the work herself, she would not have represented Trump and challenged the election results.

In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, I believed that challenging the results on behalf of president trump should be pursued in a just and legal way, Ellis said. What I did not do, but should have done was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true. In the frenetic pace in attempting to raise challenges in several states including Georgia I failed to do my due diligence.

Ellis statement is a load of baloney and demonstrates just how Trumps election conspiracies spread. Challenges to election procedures and counts were found to be lacking in multiple courts for years. Ellis had plenty of time to discover that the attorneys she claimed to rely on had given her bad information.

The fact is, Ellis stood firmly on Trumps side, believing him and claiming the election results were fraudulent, happily spreading conspiracy theories to this end, until this exact moment. Then, when shes about to face real consequences, she passed the buck, blamed others, and showed little actual remorse. Shes as bad as Trump.

As bizarre and infuriating as this is, Ellis statement doesnt change reality: The 2020 election results stand. MAGA voters should see this now. But they probably wont. The evangelical community that found camaraderie in Ellis Christian faith, should see this. But it wont, either. Ellis, whose social media bio reads A servant of Jesus Christ, regularly posted Bible verses on X, formerly Twitter, when people would call her out for her election claims.

Important thread. 



Also. Its amazing to me that the most hate I get is from the BIBLE verses I post. That tells me people hate that they are being confronted with Truth  God is calling you to repentance and salvation.



Seek Him. https://t.co/OCpaAXHPBy  Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) February 5, 2021

Claims of election conspiracy or fraud now runs so deep in the MAGA fanbase, its become a part of the DNA. Instead of supporting a one-time president who appointed a few solid Supreme Court Justices, or who upheld religious liberty, or even who liked to talk tough on Twitter, theyve become a group of people who so vigorously believe Trump won the election, they cant see the truth of the matter right in front of their faces  guilty lawyers and all.

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Maria Corina Machado, a former center-right member of Venezuelas legislature, won the presidential primary to lead the opposition in the countrys upcoming presidential election.

However, its unclear whether the 56-year-old activist and longtime government critic will actually be able to run for president given that President Nicolas Maduros government has barred her from next years race. But the U.S. has threatened to roll back sanction reliefs if Maduro does not restore democratic norms and lift such bans on opposition figures.

Once one of the most prolific opposition voices in Venezuelan politics, Machado has gone more or less unnoticed in recent years, notes Spanish newspaper El Pais. While she was disqualified from holding office, Machado also distanced herself from the failed opposition government of Juan Guaido, saying that participation in the electoral process to bolster Guaido legitimized Chavismo, the paper wrote. Machados nomination has already accelerated rifts within the opposition, with other leaders refusing to congratulate her because her party does not officially align with the Unitary Platform that promotes dialogue with the current Venezuelan government. A candidate has been chosen, [but] the leadership of the opposition is something else, said the head of the Unitary Platform after Machados nomination.

But Latin American leaders are calling for Venezuelas opposition to unite behind Machado, warning that failing to do so will only benefit Maduro. There cant be a negotiating table without Machado, former Colombian President Andres Pastrana told NTN24, adding that other opposition leaders in Venezuela dont have political legitimacy after years of failing to withstand attacks by Maduro. We dont have time for dissidents right now, said former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, cautioning the opposition to prioritize Machados physical safety because since she is not someone that can be intimidated, they could possibly harm her in whatever way they have in their reach.

The White House wants to deepen the dialogue with Caracas now that Machado is nominated, Voice of America reports. The two countries recently agreed to have oil sanctions on Venezuela potentially lifted so long as Maduro agreed to free and fair elections, with the White House specifically asking for Machados disqualification to be resolved. While Maduro has welcomed a new era of relations with the U.S., his government has also pushed back against lifting Machados ban on running for office, particularly as multiple polls show strong support for her. Venezuela does not accept pressure or blackmail, or bribes, or interference from any power or country, said Maduros chief negotiator with the U.S.
On September 9, Marines at Twentynine Palms, California, strapped a rocket launcher to the back of a commercially available robotic goat as part of a tactical training exercise. In a video of the test, the robotic goat is set up for safety on a firing range within a little sandbagged shelter, cleared to fire, and then the rocket-propelled grenade launches off the goats back. (While most quadrupedal robots of this size are referred to as robot dogs , the Marine Corps referred to the robot in question as a robotic goat.) The test, one of several new and autonomy-adjacent technologies demonstrated that day, offers a glimpse into what robot-assisted combat of the present and the future could look like.

The test was conducted by the Tactical Training and Exercise Control group, together with the Office of Naval Research, and it took place at the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, which is the largest Marine Corps base. The rocket-propelled grenade launcher used was an M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon (or LAW). The weapon is a NATO standard, and thousands of the weapons have been delivered to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in February 2022.

The M72 LAW has been in service with US forces since 1963. Weighing just 5.5 pounds, the weapon is light, cheap enough to discard after firing, and dead simple to use. A Marine Corps guide notes that it is a standard tool of infantry battalions (which includes roughly 800 Marines). The weapon is also not specific to any line of service and can be fired by any Marine with basic infantry skills.

[Related: The US militarys tiniest drone feels like it flew straight out of a sci-fi film ]

The rockets fired by the launcher can travel up to 3,280 feet, but are most effective at a range of 650 feet. Thats a dangerously close distance to be near a tank, as it places the person trying to destroy the tank within range of not just the tanks big cannon but also any machine guns it may have for self-defense. This danger is exacerbated for armies fighting in open fields, but the M72 was designed for the density and obstructions of urban combat. All of those features, from simplicity to disposability to close-range firing, make it an ideal weapon to mount on a remote-controlled robot shooter.

Instead of having a Marine handle the weapon system, manipulate the safeties, we could put a remote trigger mechanism on it that allowed it to all be done remotely, said Aaron Safadi, in a release on the test. Safadi is the officer in charge of the emerging technology integration section of the Tactical Training and Exercise Control group. The Marine could be behind cover and concealment, the weapon system could go forward, and the Marine could manipulate the safeties from a safe place while allowing that weapon system to get closer to its target.

The robot goat on which the Marines tested the M72 is, as a Marine emphatically explains in the video, a tool for testing and not the intended robot for carrying it into combat. As reported by The War Zone , the underlying quadrupedal robot is a Chinese-made Unitree Go1, which is readily available for purchase online, including through Amazon . (The War Zone is owned by PopScis parent company, Recurrent Ventures.)

In the past, security concerns about using off-the-shelf robotics and drones made in China have led to the Department of Defense banning their use without explicit waivers for permission . Thats left the Pentagon in a sometimes tricky spot , as the overwhelming majority of commercial manufacture of such robots is in China, to the point that even models branded Made in USA have Chinese components .

Both Ukraine and Russia have adopted off-the-shelf commercial robots for use in their war against each other. The low price point of the Go1 goat robot suggests it could follow a similar pattern, should it prove useful as a remote-control firing platform. The Marine Corps, should it pursue a different mount for the M72, could pursue a platform like the Ghost Robotics Q-UGV. This four-legged robotic dog has already seen use patrolling an Air Force base in Florida , and in 2021 Ghost demonstrated a version of the Q-UGV with a gun mounted on its back at a defense technology exposition.

To mount the M72 on the robot goat, the robot first dons a metal box with firing controls and safety switches on its back. After firing, the box can be opened, the spent launcher discarded, and the robot is ready to take on a new round. It is easy to see the appeal of such a system in combat. With the M72 designed to punch through armor or defenses at short range, the driver could use a video-game-like controller to scout ahead, watching through the robots cameras as eyes. Sensors on the side of the robot help it avoid other obstacles. Once its in position, the robots rocket could be launched, and if the robot survives the encounter, it could let the Marine witness the destruction before advancing.

Bringing tanks or other armored vehicles into cities is already a fraught decision, as urban combat necessitates reduced perception. Cities, even ones reduced to rubble, can hide all sorts of waiting unpleasantness. For urban defenders and assaulters alike, the ability to mount weapons on robotic scouts, even and especially disposable robots with disposable weapons, offers a way to take a first toe into urban combat without exposing troops to excess danger.

Watch a video of the robot goat , and other items test in the training exercise, below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdyIB_bLeKA
Maryland hit-and-run suspect seen in doorbell video pulling body off windshield before driving away

A hit-and-run driver in Maryland struck and killed a man before removing the body from the windshield of his car and fleeing the scene, according to a doorbell camera that recorded the incident.

The victim, 28-year-old Franklin Mendez, was found dead in the street on Ardwick Ardmore Road in Prince George's County on Saturday, the Prince George's County Police Department wrote on Facebook.

Officers responded to the 7500 block of Ardwick Ardmore Road for a welfare check at about 4:05 a.m. when they discovered the victim's body, which appeared to have suffered trauma.

Mendez was pronounced deceased on the scene, police said.

SUSPECT VEHICLE IN MARYLAND JUDGE'S KILLING FOUND WHILE ALLEGED SHOOTER STILL ON THE RUN

When neighbors checked their doorbell cameras for possible footage of the incident, they found video of the suspect exiting his car and pulling Mendez's body off his windshield before reentering his vehicle and driving away, FOX 5 DC reported.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The preliminary investigation into the victim's death revealed he had been involved in an unrelated minor collision about two miles away in the 8900 block of Annapolis Road, according to police. It is believed that Mendez exited his car after that collision and was struck by another car.

Instead of stopping, the person in question continued to drive to Ardwick Ardmore Road where he left Mendez and fled the scene.

TEEN ACCUSED OF INTENTIONALLY STRIKING, PARALYZING MARYLAND OFFICER: POLICE

The car involved in the incident is believed to be a 2011 to 2017 gray Honda Civic with a large white decal across the top of the back window, police said. The car will have damage to its passenger side front bumper and fender, and will have a hole in the windshield.

Police are seeking public's help in identifying the suspect and have asked anyone with information to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422.





Original article source: Maryland hit-and-run suspect seen in doorbell video pulling body off windshield before driving away
A thick wall of superfog may be to blame for a chain-reaction crash that saw 158 vehicles pile up on Interstate 55 northwest of New Orleans, according to Louisiana State Police.

Seven died in the chaos, at least 25 were taken to hospitals, and many victims sought medical assistance on their own, according to a news release. The injuries ranged from minor to critical.

The crash happened early Monday, Oct. 23, in St. John the Baptist Parish, along Lake Pontchartrain.

Drone images show vehicles and debris piled up on both sides of the interstate, with at least one vehicle falling from a bridge into the water below.

Dozens of area first responders continue to search for victims of the crash, state police said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that at least 158 vehicles were involved. ... That total is from both north and southbound lanes. ... A portion of the crash scene caught on fire shortly after the initial incident.

A tanker truck of hazardous liquid was involved and the load was considered compromised, officials said. An inspection of vehicles surrounding the tanker was postponed until the liquid could be off-loaded.

Dense fog & smoke have combined to form what is known as Superfog (yes, it is the technical name) & this is still heavily impacting I-55 between Ponchatoula & LaPlace. The interstate was still closed according to @La_DOTD due to multiple accidents. Fog is slowly improving. pic.twitter.com/xwovJBbuco  NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) October 23, 2023

Once the tanker is removed, first responders will be able to better assess the vehicles in that immediate area, police said. It is possible that additional fatalities could be located.

The interstate will be closed for the foreseeable future and an inspection of the bridges stability will be required, officials said.

An initial cause of the pile-up has not been reported, but weather conditions appear to be a factor.

National Weather Service forecasters report dense fog & smoke have combined to form what is known as Superfog (yes, it is the technical name) & this is still heavily impacting I-55.

A dense fog advisory remained in effect for Tuesday, Oct. 24, forecasters said.

Due to ongoing marsh fires in the area, the fog could be enhanced to become near zero visibility conditions, forecasters said.

Flying tire slams into windshield, killing mom driving with 5 children, VA cops say

Deputy and Amazon driver stop to check car in Florida canal and find 3 trapped inside

Watch as chair flies from pickup, directly into windshield of a Vermont State Trooper
A former security guard who lives and works in Dallas is suing the city, alleging excessive force during his 2021 arrest after a case of mistaken identity, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court.

The lawsuit claims that Dallas police did not use any methods to verify the mans identity and, because he had a similar name to another man wanted on a felony charge, officers pulled 27-year-old Silvester Hayes from his vehicle, arrested him and, in the process, beat him, kicked him, put knees on his skull, neck and back, and used Tasers on him.

Spokespeople for the city and Dallas police declined to comment, citing policy stating that they do not comment on pending litigation.

Hayes, who has no previous convictions or arrests, is suing the city, council members, city manager, police chief, two individual officers and the police department as a whole, claiming that the policies created by the city, or the lack of policies created or enforced, led to the two officers using excessive force and causing him continued mental and physical anguish.

According to the lawsuit, he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and faces pain and mobility issues from a shoulder dislocated by officers. Hes also suing because he lost his job as a security guard after spending multiple days in jail, unable to show up for work.

Hayes also lost his home and his ability to provide for his four young children, according the lawsuit. He was set to face two charges for crimes unrelated to the reason he was arrested. Both charges have since been dropped.

Video shows Oct. 16, 2021 arrest

Hayes was out on the morning of Oct. 16, 2021, to get breakfast for his children when he was pulled over by Dallas police, according to the suit. In edited body-camera video provided to the Star-Telegram by Hayes attorneys, he can be heard telling a police sergeant after the arrest that the stop was initiated because he did not come to a complete stop at a traffic light.

In the lawsuit, Hayes alleges he was pulled over as a result of racial profiling. When he was stopped, Hayes provided police with his ID and informed them he had a legally owned handgun in the vehicle. The bodycam footage provided to the Star-Telegram does not include any video or audio of Hayes informing officers of a gun.

During the stop, one officer recognized Hayes name and thought he was wanted on charges of family violence, according to the suit. While there was a man with a similar name wanted on those charges, his name was spelled Sylvester Hayes, not Silvester.

According to the lawsuit, the Dallas police officer did not check Hayes drivers license for any charges but made the assumption that he was the same man wanted on those charges. When they ordered Hayes out of the vehicle, he began asking why he was being arrested. At that point, the lawsuit says officers began using unnecessary force on Hayes.

In bodycam footage, Hayes is told multiple times to step out of the vehicle. He asks why, but refuses. One of the officers who initiated the traffic stop says that if he does not step out, officers will deploy Tasers, then reaches in and begins trying to pull Hayes out of the vehicle. Hayes appears to resist the officers efforts, then after he is pulled out and on the ground appears to resist their attempts to place him in handcuffs.

The lawsuit says Hayes resistance was prompted by a combination of concern about his safety as a Black man being arrested and because he was alarmed by this sudden escalation of force.

When other officers arrived at the scene, the lawsuit says, they saw a gun in the car. It was the same gun Hayes had informed officers, but the officers who were at the scene first did not tell the others that he had disclosed the firearm. When they saw the handgun, officers who were arriving at the scene started calling out, Gun, and the force on Hayes increased.

With 10 officers total on scene, Hayes was kicked, beaten, Tasered and placed in leg restraints, according the suit. It also claims officers put their knees on his skull, neck and back and dislocated one of his shoulders. While the video provided to the Star-Telegram does not clearly show any officers placing their knees on Hayes back, neck or head, some of the footage does clearly show officers putting pressure on his head and neck with their hands, pressing the side his face at one point against a curb.

As officers are trying to place him in cuffs, Hayes can be heard screaming in the bodycam footage for them to get off his neck. He then asks why he is being Tasered and starts calling out for help and screaming that the officers are hurting him.

When they begin trying to place him in the back of a police patrol vehicle, Hayes appears to again resist officers while continuing to call for help. Officers can be seen pushing down on his head to try to get him into the back seat and Hayes continues trying to get away from the door, eventually falling to the ground and continuing to tell the officers they are hurting him.

After Hayes falls, another officer in the video can be seen walking up with a large, double-loop zip tie he uses to bind Hayes legs together.

According to the lawsuit, Hayes began calling out for help both from bystanders and other officers, but was ignored. His legs were tied, wrists cuffed and he was taken to a patrol vehicle.

Youre getting this because youre acting this way, one officer can be heard telling Hayes as the leg restraint is put on him. One hundred percent.

Hayes complains to officers in the footage that they are twisting his body. One officer says he knows he is pressing on Hayes pressure point because you are acting stupid. Stop.

At one point, Hayes tells the officers he will get up and get in the car willingly. They continue to tell him to stop resisting. He appears to resist officers attempts to put his legs in restraints while crying out that they are hurting him, to which officers respond that he needs to stop resisting.

It was not until after Hayes legs were bound that the officer who originally said Hayes was wanted on felony charges ran his ID through the police database and found out he was not the same man. She can be heard exclaiming expletives as the results come up on the computer.

The officer who initially misidentified Hayes as a family violence suspect at one point said, [expletive] bro, it may not be him.

Hayes continued to appear to resist officers attempts to place him in the back of the car until an officer went to the other side, climbed in the back seat and pulled him in.

After he was placed in the patrol vehicle, officers retrieved a Smith & Wesson handgun and can be heard saying that Hayes kept reaching for it in his pocket. Hayes responds by telling officers that it is his weapon, in his name.

At that in the footage point, a police sergeant tells Hayes that the arrest for family violence was done because he has the same name as another man. The lawsuit says that if police had done things the right way, running his name and drivers license through the police database before initiating an arrest, they would have realized that he was not the same man wanted on those charges and that his name is spelled differently.

The sergeant tells Hayes that the handgun he had contributed to the way the arrest happened. Hayes responds by telling the sergeant that he wouldnt pull a gun, he doesnt want to get killed and he has four children at home waiting for him to get back home with breakfast. He tells the sergeant he has a good job and wanted to be a police officer himself.

The sergeant tells Hayes that he apologizes if you felt like they roughed you up or whatever, I do apologize. But anytime that there is a gun involved in a traffic stop? Hey. Give us a second and were gonna have you checked out.

The sergeant tells Hayes he ran the gun and it came back clean.

Hayes then tells the sergeant that he believes he was treated the way he was during the arrest because of the color of his skin and the way he looks. The sergeant tells him that has nothing to do with it.

Officers began looking for anything they could use to file charges against Hayes after realizing theyd arrested the wrong person, according to the lawsuit.

Mistaken identity and charges filed

In the body-camera footage shared with the Star-Telegram, one of the officers who initiated the traffic stop and the arrest is seen telling the sergeant that the pair of officers had previously seen Sylvester Hayes, the man wanted for continuous family violence. They ran the plates on a vehicle, which came back with registration to that man. When Silvester Hayes, the man who was arrested and is suing the city, handed his license to the officers, one of them saw the name and thought he was the same man.

After they tell the sergeant their side of the story, the sergeant asks the officers if they had a good warrant to arrest Silvester Hayes.

Well, he does have tickets, the officers tell him. The tickets were for speeding, but officers did not know about them until after the arrest, when they ran his name through the police database.

Also during the conversation with the sergeant, one police officer said Hayes had no injuries. The lawsuit claims he sustained at least one lasting injury, the dislocated shoulder.

The sergeant and officers talk, seeming to brainstorm what charges they could possibly file against Hayes. In the end, they determined he would be charged with resisting arrest and unlawful possession of a firearm. Those charges were dropped about 14 months later.

The lawsuit says that Hayes was, in fact, in lawful possession of the firearm.

In the bodycam footage that shows the police sergeant talking to the officers who initiated the stop and the arrest, one officer tells him he doesnt think they can charge Hayes with resisting arrest because he was actually resisting detention, which is different.

In talking to the officer who pulled Hayes out of the vehicle, the sergeant suggests to the officer that his behavior during the arrest was a result of concern for his safety because of the gun that officers saw after pulling Hayes out of the car.

The officer told the sergeant that he initially only wanted Hayes to step out and move to the back of his car so they could investigate whether he was the same man wanted on continuous family violence charges.

Hayes story

Hayes said in a videoed interview with his attorneys, shared with the Star-Telegram, that he has never be convicted of any crimes. He wouldnt be able to work as a security guard if he had, he said.

The morning of his arrest started with getting his children out of bed. They told him they were hungry, so he asked his cousin to watch over them while he went to a restaurant a short distance from his home to get them a breakfast of french toast and bacon.

While he was driving, he said, he noticed police driving around the neighborhood.

With me being who I am, I feel like Im a law-abiding citizen, I didnt pay them too much mind, Hayes said. Once they saw me, they kind of found a reason to follow me. Found a reason to stop me.

He said being in south Oak Cliff, a neighborhood in Dallas, he has seen people getting racially profiled and arrested by police every day. The way he has seen police interact with Black men has left him feeling scared of police.

When he was pulled over, he said he was scared he could potentially lose his life. He described the way they stopped him as aggressive. He gave them his license, thinking they would run his ID through the police database and give him a traffic ticket. Instead, he saw them look at his drivers license and they began arresting him.

Hayes says in the video that the officers immediately began reaching inside his car and trying to open the drivers door. The body-camera footage shows the officer asking him to step out of the car several times before he began trying to open the door.

Hayes said in the interview videoed and provided by his attorneys that as he was being arrested he was scared because he has heard about young, unarmed Black men being killed by police. He said he did not resist arrest as police were trying to remove him from the car, but in body-camera footage it appears he is trying to resist the officers efforts to pull him out of the vehicle.

Hayes said he has changed as a father since the arrest. He used to be the fun dad, but now he is trying to figure out where he and his children will live. He has found a job working in a warehouse, but it doesnt pay as well as the security job he lost because of his arrest.

Hayes and his children are living with a family member, he said. He pays rent to the family member and has a car payment.

Its hard to get out of the hole that they put me in, Hayes said. I was working hard to be one of those guys. I had about two and half years of security.

He said he was approached by recruiters from the police department at one point who said he would make a good police officer. He was planning to enroll in the police academy until he was arrested. After his experience with police on Oct. 16, 2021, he said he doesnt have any desire to be a police officer now.

Hayes said he feels now that he is at the lowest point in his life he has ever been because of the arrest and crimes for which he was charged. He said he made good grades in school, stayed out of trouble, played sports. Now, hes traumatized and worries about his safety any time he sees police.

Hows it going to turn out if they see me? What if they mistake me for someone else again? Hayes asked. Maybe I wont be so lucky this time to make it out again.

The lawsuit calls for the city to pay damages for physical and mental pain and loss of job and wages, along with attorney fees, but does not specify an amount.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has promised to protect the Sikh community after a 66-year-old man who wore a turban was killed in Queens last week.

Jasmer Singh was left in critical condition on Thursday after a vehicle collision on Queens Van Wyck Expressway led to a physical confrontation with another driver. After being transported to a hospital, he died from his injuries on Friday.

Police told NBC News that they arrested 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin, who is charged with manslaughter, assault, aggravated unlicensed operator and leaving the scene of an accident. Augustin pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and attempts to reach his lawyer were unsuccessful.

Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death, Adams tweeted Sunday afternoon. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you.

Police said the investigation is ongoing but did not disclose if the attack is being looked into as a hate crime.

In another tweet, Adams said that his team will be meeting with Sikh leaders this week to discuss the communitys needs. The Sikh Coalition, a national organization dedicated to advancing Sikh Americans, tweeted on Monday that its leaders are aware of Singhs death and are in touch with the NYPD and the Sikh community, also known as the sangat, in Queens.

For those who continue to advocate and raise awareness around this and other recent attacks on NYC sangat members, we continue to urge against racist language or generalizations, the organization said in a series of tweets. We remain committed to standing together with all marginalized groups, who also stand with us, to push for better policies to counter and prevent bias-motivated violence.

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is viewed Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. The resort will re-open Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, as the first phase for tourism returning to West Maui. (AP Photo/Mengshin Lin)

HONOLULU (AP)  All of West Maui except for burned-out sections of historic Lahaina will reopen to tourism on Nov. 1 following the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than century, the mayor of Maui County said Monday.

Mayor Richard Bissen said he made the move after talking about it with his Lahaina advisory team, the Red Cross and other partners.

West Maui has about 11,000 hotel rooms, or about half of Maui's total. Travelers evacuated those hotels after the Aug. 8 fire raged through Lahaina town, killing at least 99 people and destroying more than 2,000 buildings.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green last month declared West Maui would officially reopen to tourism on Oct. 8 to bring back badly needed jobs and help the economy recover. Bissen modified the governors declaration with a phased plan, allowing a small section on the northern edge of West Maui to open first with the rest to follow at an undetermined date.

The community has had an impassioned debate about when to welcome travelers back to the disaster-stricken region. Some residents drafted a petition opposing the return of tourists, saying the community wasn't ready.

Bissen said Monday that workers are ready to return to their jobs while acknowledging this isnt for everyone.

Those who arent prepared to go back to work on Nov. 1 should talk to their employers and continue to seek the help and attention that they need, Bissen said at a news conference in Lahaina that was livestreamed online.

The mayor said many residents are also concerned about not having child care. He said the countys partners are working on that issue.

Residents who have been staying in West Maui hotels and other short-term accommodations after losing their homes in the fire won't lose their lodging, the mayor said.

Were assured by the Red Cross that their housing will not be in jeopardy, Bissen said.

The mayor said the reopening schedule was voluntary and said some properties have already reopened on their own.
Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky., said Tuesday that Republicans will push for a "number of changes" regarding border security in President Biden's requested emergency supplemental funding package.

McConnell said Israel and Ukraine aid should not be split up, but combined in a "comprehensive" package since both are a "worldwide issue" that correlate with other countries that pose a threat to the U.S., like China and Russia.

"It's pretty clear that the supplemental that was set up is just a starting place," McConnell told reporters following the leadership conference's weekly luncheon. "We're going to go over it with a fine tooth comb, as you can see is a lot of passion among our members without having a credible border security provision in there, and we're going to make other changes as well."

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION EXPECTED TO REQUEST MORE FEDERAL SPENDING ON DOMESTIC ISSUES FROM CONGRESS

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks to the Senate Chambers in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 27, 2022.

McConnell said Sen. Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., has been meeting with a group of lawmakers to come up with a more "credible border proposal."

"I can tell you what, it probably will not be sending a bunch of money to Chicago and New York," McConnell said. "We want to do something about the problem, the problems at the border."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

When it comes to coupling Israel and Ukraine  which has received pushback among GOP lawmakers more skeptical of Ukraine aid but supportive of Israel  McConnell said White House officials "feel that this is a worldwide problem and needs to be dealt with entirely, not in pieces."

"Our members now that we have the package are scrubbing it for recommended changes except for the fact that it's worldwide, I think it'll end up having a number of Republican changes," he added.

The Biden administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent Congress an emergency supplemental funding package request  totaling $106 billion  to aid Ukraine and Israel and to increase security at the southern border on Friday morning.

BIDEN ADMIN URGES MAJOR FUNDING INCREASES FOR AID TO UKRAINE, ISRAEL, AND GAZA CIVILIANS

President Biden walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11, 2023.

The funding proposal includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel (with $10.6 billion allocated for military aid), $13.6 billion for border provisions (including measures to combat the flow of fentanyl and speed up asylum processing) and significant investments in Indo-Pacific security assistance, totaling around $7.4 billion. Additionally, there's $9 billion earmarked for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza.

But the border provisions quickly drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argued the funds would not stop the flow of migrants entering the country, but rather make the problem worse if there are no policy changes, like restoring Title 42.

"The border funding that is included is all designed to accelerate the processing of illegal immigration," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News in an interview Friday. "In other words, it's not designed to stop the crisis at our southern border. It's designed to make it worse."

CRUZ SAYS BIDEN'S $105 BILLION FUNDING REQUEST 'DESIGNED' TO WORSEN BORDER CRISIS

Meanwhile, Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Tuesday morning he would be urging "strong bipartisan support" to get the supplemental package across the finish line in the next few weeks.

"Bipartisanship must lead the way as we take up the president's supplemental request," Schumer said. "To my Republican colleagues, let's work together to ensure that this process remains bipartisan, because only things that win support from both sides will make it to the president's desk."

On Tuesday afternoon, Schumer said of Republicans' qualms on tighter border security in the package: "We are not for policy changes."





Original article source: McConnell urges tighter border security in Biden's budget request along with support for Israel, Ukraine
BOSTON  A decade after Massachusetts rejected a ballot question that would allow medical aid in dying, the issue is back in the spotlight.

The End of Life Options Act, the subject of a legislative hearing on Friday, would allow some patients with six months or less to live and mentally capable of making a decision, the right to obtain and ingest medication to peacefully die in their sleep if suffering is unbearable.

What is medical aid in dying?

The debate dates back to 1995 when the first bill was introduced to the Massachusetts Legislature.

The legislation was filed a couple of sessions, 2008, again in 2010, and it was decided to do a ballot initiative in 2012, said Melissa Stacy, the regional advocacy manager with Compassion & Choices Action Network.

It's really hard to pass something through the Legislature when a ballot initiative has failed," she said. "(It) takes some time to rebuild and so we've been working on that ever since every year we've gained additional co-sponsors on the bill.

The effort to legalize the practice was helped last year when the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that medical aid in dying is not protected by the state's constitution and lies with the Legislature.

According to the proposed legislation, terminally ill patients must undergo evaluation by a physician or a licensed mental health professional, and patients are required to make two separate requests for the self-administered medication. These proposals do not compel health care providers or pharmacists to participate in medical aid in dying.

The measure, also known as the Death with Dignity Act, was narrowly defeated statewide in 2012. It did pass on Cape Cod as the act passed in the region, reflecting the aging population.

Compassion & Choices played a central role in the legal battle, filing a suit against former Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael OKeefe and then-Attorney General Maura Healey. They argued medical aid in dying represents a compassionate option to alleviate suffering during a prolonged dying process, influenced by advances in science and technology. The case initially filed in Suffolk Superior Court in 2016, sought to prevent the prosecution of doctors who practiced medical aid in dying.

The newest proposal from Reps. James ODay, D-Worcester, and Edward Philips, D-Sharon, and Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Northampton, follow the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, which includes several safeguards such as individuals not being eligible for medical aid in dying because of age or disability. The Oregon law has been in practice for 25 years.

Whats different about medical aid in dying this time?

Proponents said the differences in this proposal are the rigorous safeguards and shifts in public sentiment.

Anyone that was concerned in terms of improper undue influence, there have been safeguards that have been added to be sure that it is actually the person's will and that that will is confirmed by medical professionals  it is with a clear and true presence of mind, said Rep. Susan L. Moran, D-Falmouth.

State Sen. Susan Moran

Comprehensive polling has shown a positive shift in opinions within certain communities, as people continue to learn about this bill through polls, said Stacy.

We saw some really big jumps both within the Catholic community as well as people living with disabilities, she said. People who self-identified as living with a disability in Massachusetts went from 60% support and up to 78% once they learned about the safeguards in the bill.

Public sentiment about medical aid in dying mixed

Several residents testified about their personal experiences before the Legislature on Friday.

Steve Sheehan, from the Boston area, spoke about his wifes death from cancer.

My wife was in pain and she was scared, she begged me to end her life, but I didn't have the resources to honor her wishes because medical aid and dying is not available in Massachusetts as a result, Sheehan said. Shouldn't Massachusetts, a beacon for the best medical care in the country, help to set the standard for how we treat our terminally ill citizens?

Sigrid Schmalzer's father stopped eating and drinking to escape his incurable and unbearable illness.

Please try to imagine the suffering that could have been prevented if my father had been allowed to take prescribed medicine like my brother-in-law, rather than having to die of thirst over six days, said Schmalzer. Imagine how much safer it would have been from a medical, legal and ethical perspective if a proper process had been followed with all the safeguards that this bill contains.

Roger Kligler, a North Falmouth resident and co-chair of the Cape Cod Action Team of Compassion & Choices, a retired physician in internal medicine, and a driving force in the states efforts to pass medical aid in dying bills, spoke from a doctors perspective.

Many of us, myself included, have been asked on more than one occasion to help (patients) to end their suffering and they want to die because their suffering is so severe, Kligler said. This legislation has done that for 22% of the country, but not for us.

Former internal medicine physician Roger Kligler, in a 2016 photo in North Falmouth, is a driving force in the states efforts to pass medical aid in dying bills,

John Robinson from Somerville argued, though, that the legislation does not provide rational solutions to issues such as poverty.

Robinson's father had to sell the family home in order to afford the rent for a room in an assisted living facility for a family member, he said.

Money is being valued over people in the health care system," he said, "managed care corporations rationing health care costs under the guise of cost containment.

Pamela Daly, who became paralyzed from a car accident at the age of 17, does not support allowing doctors to prescribe lethal doses to patients.

We should spend our good money on working to perfect excellent physical and mental comforts and not be in the business of helping people commit suicide, Daly said. Freedom of choice for me means leaving my doctor out of it and leaving state laws out of it.

The Cape Cod Times mobile app gets you to the heart of the matter  fast. Whether breaking news, sports, entertainment or weather get succinct, personalized coverage along with award-winning videos, captivating photography, and interactive user features. Download the app.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Medical aid in dying bill in the Legislature. What is new?
Rita was an overachiever as a kid: Her school placed her in a gifted and talented program at 5, and she competed on the national level with her swim team starting in elementary school. But when she entered junior high school, she suddenly couldnt focus. Everything was boring, Rita, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, told The Daily Beast. Years later, in the early 1990s, she dropped out of college and started bartending in Phoenix, Arizona. Thats when a coworker offered her methand everything changed.

When she tried it, Rita didnt get high. Instead, for the first time in a very long time, she could focus. All my problems were solved, she recalled. I felt like I did when I was a kid. Like I could do things again.

She began using small amounts of meth daily and was quickly promoted to manager at the bar where she worked. For the first time I was really excelling, and I felt that my parents were proud of me, which Id always wanted them to be, she said. But things quickly devolved again when police pulled her over for a traffic violation and found drugs in her car. She was arrested for possession. After that, she was in and out of jail for a year.

After years of turmoil, she finally found an explanation for her focus issuesand for why meth seemed to ease those symptoms. In the 2000s, with the help of newly-available search engines, she learned that people with ADHD react to the drug differently. At first, Rita was skeptical about the idea that she might have it; she was not a hyper person per se. But as she began to understand the different ADHD subtypes, things started to click. It took a long time to find a doctor who would listen to her because of her drug history, but she was eventually diagnosed with the disorder.

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Having ADHD can come with all kinds of costs, especially when it goes untreated. Mark Willenbring, a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction at Alltyr Clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, told The Daily Beast that people who go untreated can have poor life trajectories. They are less likely to get married. Theyre less likely to have a successful marriage. They dont do as well in employment. Theyre also more likely to develop addictions.

And while more and more adults are starting to understand what ADHD is and if they might have it, there are not enough resources to help them all. The sudden high demand for ADHD evaluation and treatment means longer wait times for diagnosis. And even those who have a prescription for ADHD medication might be unable to access it due to shortages. In October 2022, the FDA officially announced a shortage of Adderall, one of the most prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. The shortage is ongoing and its affecting other ADHD medications as well. Some patients are driving for hours to find pharmacies with medication available, while others are simply going without. These adults who are in medical limbo could also be at risk for meth dependence. At the same time, the Biden administration plans to further restrict access to these medications due to fears that telehealth services make it too easy for patients to access addictive drugs.

Garrett Reuscher, a licensed social worker in New York who counsels people who use drugs, told The Daily Beast hes started getting questions from clients who have ADHD but have never tried meth before, saying theyre inquiring about safer meth use, inquiring about the effects, [saying] I cant get my medication. I need to find something to help me function.

He explains that illegal meth is unsafe and recommends other options, but tells clients that, if they do try meth, they should use harm reduction measures like keeping their doses low and testing their supply for fentanyl.

Meth, just like many ADHD medications, is an amphetamine as well as a central nervous system stimulant; it helps correct the dopamine imbalance that makes it difficult for people with ADHD to focus. It is so effective for ADHD, there is a legal, pill form of meth that is FDA-approved for ADHD treatment, though its rarely prescribed.

And without a doctors supervision, meth can be extremely dangerous. Meth-related overdose deaths have risen exponentially in the U.S. over the last decade, taking more than 30,000 lives in 2021. The majority of these deaths also involved fentanyl, a potentially deadly synthetic opioid that has increasingly contaminated street meth.

For a long time, meth was the only way Rita could find to address focus issues. Now, with the nationwide ADHD medication shortage, others like her are beginning to turn to the illegal street drug to treat their disordersto devastating consequences.

The Daily Beast spoke to people all over the planet who started using meth to help them with tasks at work, school and in their household, but who slowly became addicted to it over time. This included people in West Virginia, Missouri, Arizona, all the way to Poland and Australia, who found that meth helped with their ADHD symptoms, often before they understood those symptoms were part of a diagnosable condition.

(Their names have been changed to protect their privacy)

Brianna, a woman in her forties who works as a massage therapist in Las Vegas, told The Daily Beast she remembers that growing up, she could never get straight As. It would just be like Bs and Cs and I couldn't understand how anybody got straight As if I was trying my hardest, you know? Then, in college, she started using meth and began getting straight As, too. Twenty years later, she still buys about a gram a week to focus at workalthough she is constantly afraid of random drug testing.

Clarissa, a phlebotomist in her late thirties, tried meth for the first time at 16 when her best friends brother sold it to her instead of cocaine by accident. It was way better than cocaine, she told The Daily Beast. I was like, really focused. When normally Im all over the place.

Clarissa, and others like her, met drug dealers through work and school when they were youngand their drug networks have only grown as theyve gotten older and used more. For many of them, buying meth is as simple as sending a text.

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Willenbring says hes encountered patients with similar stories for decades. Some came to him because of a court order, while others came to him voluntarily. He found that many of the patients he saw with a meth dependence were in fact using it to treat undiagnosed ADHD. They didnt escalate their dose, they never got psychotic, he said. Some of these patients never used it to get high, ever.

Many people with ADHD who turn to using meth are often surprised to hear that people without ADHD are more likely to get high off of amphetamines, even at relatively small doses. Jessica said shed watch her friends stay up for days without eating while on meth and think, That doesnt look like it feels good, why are you doing that?

At larger doses, though, meth can get anyone high. Its also more intoxicating and dangerous when its smoked or injected than when taken orally or snorted. When Jessica first started using meth, she had rules: she didnt ever smoke or inject it. But when she became addicted, she started using a lot more and smoking it as well. After one days-long binge, she experienced psychosis and was arrested.

For many people with ADHD, to be able to receive a diagnosis and treatment is life-changingwhich is why many of the people who spoke with The Daily Beast wished theyd had access to better mental health care and legal medications before finding meth.

Jessica, who started taking meth as a young mother to help with chores, says she now regrets finding meth, even though it helped her in some ways. But understanding her condition has helped her forgive herself; shes realized many of her problems stemmed from ADHD, not just her addiction. You cant solve anything if you just blame it all on drugs, she said.

Rita says that when she realized she had ADHD, her immediate reaction was anger. Ive never been successful, she said. I wasnt able to keep jobs. I missed out on maybe even a college education, or making something of myself. If I had known that at a younger age, I could have gone to a doctor and I could have gotten prescribed something. Meth did help her at first, but she now regrets ever trying it. It needs to be illegal, really.

For users who want to start legal treatment, there are a host of barriers. Brianna, the massage therapist, quickly realized she would have to submit to drug testing in order to get treatment because of her meth history, so she gave up on the idea pretty quickly. She didnt want to stop using meth, even temporarily, because it makes it possible to do her job.

I would go to doctors and tell them, Hey, I think this [ADHD] is my problem. And they would say, No, its because you're a drug addict and thats why you feel like this, she said. She did eventually find a doctor who diagnosed her and prescribed her Adderall, which has helped her cut down on meth, though she hasnt managed to quit.

When Willenbring encounters patients like Rita, he will try to treat their ADHD and their meth addiction at the same time. He monitors them closely, and even drug-tests some of them regularly. He prescribes medications that are less likely to become addictive, either because they have slow release formulas or because they are not stimulants. However, many psychiatrists who refuse to even evaluate patients for ADHD if they have an active meth habit.

Most doctors wouldnt prescribe it, wouldnt do things the way I do, he said. I think theyre wrong. Its a moral judgment. Im not a cop, I'm a doctor. I treat patients. That said, Im pretty careful so I dont get hauled up before the medical board.

Many of the people who spoke to The Daily Beast first encountered meth in the 1990s and 2000s, when ADHD was still newer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordersthe official list of mental conditions in the U.S.and therefore less frequently diagnosed. Now a new problem is emerging: an unprecedented number of adults are realizing they might have ADHD.

Jessica, who first started using meth to help with the burdens of motherhood, quit the drug five years ago. She was diagnosed with ADHD, but her Medicaid doesnt cover treatment, so shes saving up for it. Without meth or any kind of medication, a lot of times the household chores dont get done. But shes not as ashamed as she was when she thought she needed meth to function. I'm not just a broken person with a secret, you know? I dont feel like Im less than everybody else anymore.

It was a long and painful road for her to get to this placeand one that is hard to follow. Jessica is one of a small fraction who managed to quit. Without better resources, others could find themselves with a meth dependence on top of an already impairing condition.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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As the head of a major State Department office that oversees some $40 billion annually in global arms transfers, the crises in Ukraine and Israel have Mira Resnick up to her knees in work.

The days may be long, but Resnick, deputy assistant secretary for the Regional Security Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, knows how important the job is for the country and to help manage the dual conflicts.

We are going to handle both because we will have to handle both, she told The Hill in a recent interview. And the secretary has said before that we have to walk and chew gum at the same time  so that is what we will do. Our partners rely on us, and we will be there for them.

Resnick oversees the bureaus Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, making her the person on the State Department side behind all the defense equipment and weapons headed to embattled countries, such as Ukraine. She works closely with other officials in the federal government, including the Pentagon, in a key partnership that ensures the transfers get to where they need to go.

Resnick is also managing peacetime security aid to countries, including Egypt, and is overseeing critical work ensuring nations have military grant assistance and the financing to purchase U.S. equipment.

Its a big task: Resnick usually travels twice per month, has daily intelligence readings, frequent meetings with leadership and even calls her work partners on the way home and before bed.

We are in constant motion here, she said.

Ive been interested in foreign policy for as long as I can remember, says Resnick, who grew up in California. The U.S.-Israel relationship was a private focus in my household because of my Jewish background, but also because we were just a politically aware family.

She studied political science at Columbia University, where she graduated in 2005, and later earned a masters degree in security studies from the Pentagon-funded National Defense University.

She jumped into foreign policy work with Congress not long after leaving the school, working for multiple Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Bill Keating (Mass.) and former Reps. Henry Waxman (Calif.), Ron Klein (Fla.) and Steve Israel (N.Y.).

This lengthy experience on Capitol Hill has proved invaluable, says Resnick, who works closely with Congress to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Resnicks first foray in the State Department was from 2011 to 2013, when she worked as a congressional liaison in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

But she transitioned back to work for the House Foreign Affairs Committee before assuming her current position in January 2021, when President Biden came into office.

Resnick says she rejoined the State Department out of interest in advancing peace and security, primarily in the Middle East, and restoring ties with alliance members.

This months conflict in Israel with the Palestinian militant group Hamas has shocked her deeply.

I think its been hard for everyone on a human level, Resnick says.

She has helped speed up emergency air defense munitions to Israel in the wake of the war, working with the Israeli government to allow private citizens to donate equipment, such as body armor, and is also pushing an effort to potentially get Israel more assistance through foreign military financing.

The frenzy in responding to Israels needs reminds Resnick of the first days of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

The early days were full of urgent requirements, making sure that our partners were communicating with us, and that we were communicating with our partners as they sought to send U.S. origin equipment to Ukraine, she says.

Congress quickly passed legislation that awarded billions of dollars to Ukraine, which led to an immediate and ongoing effort to ensure weapons and equipment are being used properly.

We knew [it was] going to be a tremendous challenge to keep track of, Resnick says. We knew that there was going to be a lot of oversight, and there should be a lot of oversight on this money, and so we took that opportunity to develop standard operating procedures to develop training for our Ukrainian colleagues and to work with them to really press on the importance of making sure that they are using the equipment and that they are not diverting it to other sources.

The U.S. has provided $43.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia first invaded.

Washington gets military equipment to Ukraine through presidential drawdown authority, which takes from existing military stocks; third-party transfers, which involve working with allied nations to move U.S. defense articles; and purchasing from the defense industry directly.

Resnicks office works very closely with the Pentagon, she says, but State has the authority on third-party transfers.

She also emphasizes a key part of her job is to work on ways that we can help partners diversify away from Russia by meeting their security needs instead.

And its not just Ukraine and Israel. Countries around the globe are relying on Resnick and the U.S., including the independent island nation of Taiwan, which is increasingly being threatened by China.

There has been a major backlog of weapons to Taiwan, but Resnick said the U.S. is drawing lessons from the challenges, particularly in cooperating with the defense industry.

We want to make sure items are getting on an island quickly, we want industry to take that very seriously, she says, noting it can take up to four years to build an F-16. We all need to do better.

But the most important work for Resnick is actually something much simpler and core to the function of government: protecting human rights.

She was a major force behind the Biden administration overhauling its guidelines on conventional weapons transfers earlier this year.

The revised code requires a stricter review of whether any arms transfer is likely to violate human rights or international war laws.

Resnick says the Biden administration set a new standard for when we would not conduct a transfer.

This was my goal in the beginning of my administration, she says. To make sure that we could have a conventional arms transfer policy that reflected this administrations commitment to putting human rights at the center of our foreign policy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Melissa DeRosa opens up in new book on Cuomo, the pandemic and the prank Trump wanted to pull in the Oval Office

Melissa DeRosa says her new memoir isnt about settling any scores. Instead, the former secretary to then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) says Whats Left Unsaid is focused on setting the record straight.

When you live through something, the real-time reporting is sort of the first draft of history. And then I think the second draft of history is told by firsthand, primary sources who lived through things, says DeRosa.

DeRosa indisputably lived through a lot  from the governors famed daily press briefings that became must-see TV during the pandemic, to criticism and cover-up accusations over his handling of nursing homes and their COVID-19 death rates, to Cuomos 2021 resignation following allegations of sexual harassment.

In this situation, this was a once-in-a-century pandemic  New York was the global epicenter of it, DeRosa said of her job as Cuomos top aide, the first woman to serve in the role.

We experienced so much during that period in terms of the shortcomings of government, and what it took to lead in that moment. And I think that so much of it got lost in sort of the fog of COVID, said DeRosa.

And then, 2021 happened, and I felt like that story needed to be told, too, and the truth behind that story needed to be told. So this, for me, I felt like it was a responsibility that I had to the public, to my administration and to myself: to tell this story from a firsthand perspective.

DeRosa said she took copious notes on the job because she recognized the gravity of what we were living through during the pandemic. She started writing her book within a week of her resignation.

The briefings by Cuomo, DeRosa wrote in her book, released Tuesday, were borne out of his belief that if the people understood what was going on, they would choose to do what we asked them to do.

People were traumatized, and the governor believed it was vital to give them a sense of stability in an otherwise out-of-control world, DeRosa wrote.

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She also opened up about her personal life, detailing the breakdown of her marriage and her struggle with infertility. She spoke about some of her unlikely across-the-aisle relationships, such as her friendship with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), before DeRosa said politics blew it up.

DeRosa said she met her schoolmate Stefanik in eighth grade, and the pair clicked immediately.

Our shared experiences and the challenges we faced as young women in a male-dominated industry created a bond that time, distance, and ideological differences were able to transcend, DeRosa wrote.

But after Stefanik became one of former President Trumps strongest allies in the House and fiercely criticized the Cuomos administration plan to redistribute ventilators in the Empire State, DeRosa said she berated the lawmaker in a phone call.

I am embarrassed to be associated with you, she recalled telling Stefanik, dubbing the congresswoman a partisan hack.

That was the last time Elise and I ever spoke, DeRosa told ITK in an interview.

Im not sure I ever anticipate the two of us speaking again, which actually, frankly, its sad.

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I think that Elise and I are sort of a reflection of whats happened to America writ large in the Trump and post-Trump and continuing Trump era, where I feel like so many friendships, families  it never used to be this way, that you could not be friends with people that you disagree with politically. And I think Trump sort of changed that, DeRosa said.

A Tuesday statement to ITK from Alex DeGrasse, Stefaniks senior adviser, referred to DeRosa as Cuomos disgraced sycophant henchwoman assistant.

The good news for everyone in New York is that the career and life of this D-List author have been deservedly destroyed by her own vicious actions and this desperately false Mean Girls burn book of smears will sell even less copies than Andrew Cuomos basement bargain tome of trash, DeGrasse said, a reference to the then-governors 2020 COVID-19 memoir, American Crisis.

Good riddance, the statement added.

Beyond the friendship-ending political fights, there were also a handful of lighter moments along the way. DeRosa accompanied Cuomo in 2018 to the White House to meet with then-President Trump about infrastructure funding. The 41-year-old Cornell University graduate recalled that during a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump wanted to play a trick on the governors younger brother, then-CNN anchor Chris Cuomo .

That was my first real experience going to the White House and meeting with a president of the United States in the Oval Office, she said. And you have sort of this vision, growing up watching West Wing and revering the White House.  And we walk in and Trumps like Oh, you know what would be fun? Lets prank call your brother, Chris! Whats his number?

Im like, What the hell is happening? DeRosa remembered of the experience with a laugh. Trump ultimately didnt follow through with his phone stunt.

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DeRosa wrote in the book that her father, a lobbyist, taught her from a young age to think of politics as a contact sport.

Youre on a team and almost always playing against another: Democrats vs. Republicans, House vs. Senate, executive vs. legislative. The press, he explained, played the role of referee, he told her.

But DeRosa accused the media of chasing ratings rather than news value.

While Cuomos team relished its reputation for being hard-charging with the press, DeRosa said, in hindsight, Thats one of the things that I think if I could do over again, I would have recalibrated differently.

When everything is an emergency, DeRosa said of her relationship with reporters, nothing is an emergency.

She said she hopes Whats Left Unsaid leaves readers with a hopeful message: In life, sometimes you get knocked down  whether its a pandemic, whether its a scandal, whether its a divorce, whether its issues with trying to conceive, whatever it is  but you have to get back up and keep fighting.

DeRosa predicted Cuomo reentering the political world would not be out of the question, but said while she would support him in another political run, she wouldnt work for the ex-governor again.

I think its time for me to chart my own course, she said.

Updated at 4:52 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors note (October 24, 2023): Since this story was published, Penny pleaded guilty to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and for using fire and explosives to commit a felony, according to the Department of Justice and court records. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the first charge and a mandatory 10 years for the second, the DOJ says. His sentencing is scheduled for January 2024.

A member of a neo-Nazi group was arrested Friday after attempting to burn down a church in Ohio that was planning to host a drag show event, according to court documents.

Aimenn D. Penny, 20, of Alliance, Ohio, has been charged in the US District Court in Cleveland with one count of malicious use of explosive materials and one count of possessing a destructive device, according to a criminal complaint.

Authorities claim Penny used Molotov cocktails against the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland, Ohio, in an attempt to burn the church to the ground, the Department of Justice said in a press release.

As alleged in the charging documents, the defendant used an explosive device to cause harm to a church he found objectionable, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said in the release. It is the solemn duty of the Department of Justice to safeguard the right of all Americans to free expression, and I commend the work of law enforcement in this matter.

Burn marks are seen on the door of the Community Church of Chesterland (CCC), in Chesterland, Ohio. - WEWS

The FBI claims Penny is a member of White Lives Matter, a pro-Nazi group, according to an affidavit filed in court Friday. The FBI said the group has racist, pro-Nazi, and homophobic views.

Penny confessed he attempted to burn down the church using Molotov cocktails, to protect the children and stop the drag show event, according to the criminal complaint.

CNN has reached out to an attorney appointed to represent Penny but did not receive an immediate response. Penny made his initial appearance in federal court Friday and was remanded in custody. He is due to face a court hearing on Thursday, Michelle Sztul, the chief deputy clerk for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Cleveland, told CNN.

The affidavit alleges the Ohio church was targeted in the early hours of Saturday, March 25. The FBI said the church was damaged by what appeared to be Molotov cocktails and had scorch marks on the front door, scorch marks on a sign on the exterior of the building and a broken sign on the southeast corner of the property.

Investigators recovered broken glass pieces from a vodka bottle and a beer bottle each containing a cloth-type material, the affidavit said. A burnt matchstick and a blue plastic spray bottle filled with gasoline were found near the damaged door.

Law enforcement agencies obtained a court order to collect historical location data from Pennys cellphone after receiving a tip, the affidavit said. While searching Pennys home, agents found a Nazi flag and other Nazi memorabilia, a handwritten note with ideological statements, a White Lives Matter of Ohio T-shirt, a gas mask, multiple rolls of blue painters tape and gas cans, the document says.

The affidavit also said Penny traveled to Wadsworth, Ohio, on March 11, where he attended a drag queen story hour to distribute propaganda flyers (sic)representing White Lives Matter Ohios anti-drag queen views.

The Community Church of Chesterland, located in Geauga County, went ahead with hosting the drag queen story hour and brunch event Saturday, the churchs minister told CNN.

Rev. Jess Peacock said its not the first time the church has been targeted. They said representatives of the church have in recent weeks received hate mail and messages containing threats of protests and violence over planned drag events.

There hasnt been a day or two where I have not received hate messages from my personal phone, Peacock said.

Peacock said they are relieved and very pleased over Fridays arrest. No one was inside the church during the attempted firebombing and drag show events will go ahead there as planned, Peacock added.

We hold no ill will against this man whatsoever. We forgive this individual. But we do want this individual to be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Just to send a message and have them think twice about attacking a synagogue, a church or a mosque. We want to see peace, not violence, Peacock said.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio said, Violence and destruction are never an acceptable way to express a disagreement with a particular viewpoint.

While, as Americans, we enjoy the right to disagree, doing so peacefully is the only appropriate option, Baeppler said.

If convicted, Penny may face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison for the malicious use of explosive materials charge and up to 10 years in prison for the possession of a destructive device charge, according to the DOJ.

Samantha Beech and Celina Tebor contributed to this story.

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The Met Office has said it will conduct a "full review of our forecasts and warnings" after claims its warnings about Storm Babet were not accurate.

Parts of Suffolk and Norfolk were lashed by rain and hit by devastating flooding on Friday.

While a red warning was issued for Scotland, a more moderate yellow warning was given for eastern England.

"Storm Babet was a complex weather system impacting large parts of the UK over a number of areas," it said.

A total of 13 areas broke their daily rainfall records for October last week across the UK, the government-run organisation said.

A major incident was declared in Suffolk on Friday during the storm after a deluge of heavy rain hit roads, homes and businesses.

Simon Brown, Met Office services director, said while the rainfall was high in Suffolk, only half the amount was measured in Essex.

He added the warning included that flooding could occur, potentially resulting in places being cut off and traffic disruption.

"Whilst we accurately predicted the impacts in Scotland, the localised high intensity rainfall that occurred in Suffolk was more difficult to forecast and this was reflected in the level of certainty within our warnings," said Mr Brown.

"Our first weather warning for impacts in Suffolk were issued for heavy rain on Monday and updated on Wednesday for 25-50mm of rain to fall quite widely across a swathe of eastern England."

There was heavier rain than expected - with Charsfield in Suffolk recording 78mm in 24 hours, as did Wattisham.

Mr Brown added: "Localised rainfall amounts were higher than expected - and we will, of course, be undertaking a full review of our forecasts and warnings associated with the very complex situation related to Storm Babet.

"Our thoughts are with the communities who have been impacted by Storm Babet during what remains a very difficult time."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
An investigation has been launched into Monday's attack in Coyuca de Benitez

At least 11 police officers and two security chiefs have been killed in Mexico's southern Guerrero state, say local media quoting police sources.

They say a security patrol was ambushed by unidentified gunmen in the Coyuca de Benitez municipality, just west of the Pacific resort of Acapulco.

Some of the victims of Monday's attack were handcuffed before being shot dead, El Universal newspaper says.

Guerrero has been plagued by violence related to drug-trafficking.

Various groups in the area battle for control of the lucrative drug routes north along the Pacific corridor.

The region is also a hotspot for the growing of opium poppies and the production of heroin.

Last year, a mayor of a small town in Guerrero was shot dead by gunmen.

The authorities blamed that attack on a criminal gang linked to a drug cartel.

Map
Trump and Michael Cohen saw each other on Tuesday for the first time in five years.

Cohen was called as a key witness in Trump 's New York civil fraud trial.

It was Cohen who first told the world that Trump's net-worth statements to banks and insurers were frauds.

Donald Trump and his fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen came face-to-face in a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday, their first time in the same space since Cohen flipped on his boss five years ago.

And it didn't take long for Cohen to start lobbing bombshells from the witness stand, by testifying that his former boss was at the top of a conspiracy to defraud banks and insurers about his worth.

Just before the lunch break, a lawyer for the state attorney general's office asked Cohen what his role was in preparing his boss's annual net-worth statements, the documents at the heart of the Manhattan fraud trial.

The allegation in Cohen's answer was highly incriminating to Trump  placing the former president firmly at the top of a document-fraud conspiracy.

"I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets based upon a number that he arbitrarily elected," Cohen intoned, speaking slowly and keeping his eyes on Colleen Faherty, a lead lawyer for New York Attorney General Letitia James .



"And my responsibility, along with Allen Weisselberg, primarily, was to reverse engineer" the value of Trump Organization assets, Cohen added, "in order to achieve the number that Mr. Trump tasked us."

Asked by Faherty what he meant by "whatever number," Cohen did not miss a beat in answering.



"Whatever number Mr. Trump told us to," he said.

The two adversaries did not appear to lock eyes as Cohen, his demeanor cheerful, entered the courtroom and took the witness stand in Trump's $250 million civil fraud trial, now in its fourth week.

But Trump watched intently from the defense table as Cohen was sworn in and promised to tell the truth against him.

Cohen  clad in jeans, a gray tweed jacket with an open collared white shirt, and no tie  immediately addressed his criminal record, insisting that he only copped in 2019 to personal income tax evasion because of federal pressure.

"When all of this started it was overwhelming," he said of his time in the spotlight as Trump's most vocal, and prolific, accuser. "The amount of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation against me was enormous."

Trump and his former lawyer have been bitter enemies since 2019, when Cohen testified before Congress that the then-president widely exaggerated his net worth to impress banks while downplaying his worth to save on real estate taxes.

That testimony launched two state-level investigations in New York  one brought by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, the other by the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James.

It's James' investigation that led to the fraud lawsuit against Trump, Trump Organization, and four longtime company executives  including Trump's two eldest sons  that is now being tried.

The Manhattan DA's Cohen-prompted probe eventually led to one of the four criminal indictments that Trump now faces  the so-called "hush-money" case, which charges Trump with felony-level falsification of business records.

That case, alleging that Trump Organization records were falsified to hide a $130,000 hush-money payment to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels, was the first indictment brought against the former president.

In the hush-money case, too, Cohen, who handled the money transfer, will be the key witness against Trump. Cohen has said Trump directed him to make that payment to keep Daniels quiet before the 2016 presidential election.

The lead Manhattan prosecutor in the hush-money case, Susan Hoffinger, was briefly in the courtroom Tuesday morning but left prior to Cohen taking the stand.

Throughout his testimony, Cohen repeatedly referred to Trump by full name, "Donald J. Trump," even as Faherty asked him who was his legal client and his Trump Organization employer prior to 2019.

This is a breaking story; please check back for developments.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, testified at Trump's New York civil fraud trial about boosting the company's assets with "whatever number Trump told us."

I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets, based upon a number that he arbitrarily elected, Cohen said.

Cohen has already accused his client under oath of falsifying property values in his real-estate empire,

Cohen testified that he and former Trump Organization finance chief Allen Weisselberg worked to reverse-engineer the various different asset classes, increase those assets, in order to achieve a number that Mr. Trump had tasked us.

Asked what that number was, Cohen replied: Whatever number Trump told us to.

Cohen said it was the first time he's seen Trump in person in five years. Cohen looked away from his former employer, keeping his eyes on state lawyer Colleen Faherty. As Cohen testified about his career and convictions, Trump whispered to his lawyers. At other points, the former president hunched forward in his seat or leaned back with crossed arms.

Trump shook his head emphatically as Cohen testified that Weisselberg indicated he spoke to the former presidents children  Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka  before preparing their fathers financial statements.

Trump would summon Cohen and Weisselberg and say: Im actually not worth four and a half billion dollars. Im really worth more of six, Cohen testified.

Cohen said he and Weisselberg would then inflate the value of Trump properties by pegging them to comparable real estate that was actually different  brand-new developments with higher ceilings, more sweeping views and no rent regulation, for instance.

Michael Cohen arrives for former President Donald Trump's civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in New York.

Cohen, who once said he would take a bullet for Trump, went to prison after arranging his hush money payments for Trump to a porn actress and a former Playboy model. Cohen already testified before Congress in February 2019 that Trump inflated property values to secure loans and insurance.

This is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump, Cohen said as he arrived at the courthouse. This is about accountability, plain and simple.

Trump noted as he headed into court that Cohen served prison time after pleading guilty to tax evasion, lying to Congress and campaign finance violations.

Hes a proven liar, Trump told reporters. I think youll see that for yourself.

Cohen told reporters he committed crimes such as lying to Congress about a project in Russia at Trump's direction.

I did it at the direction of, in concert with and for the benefit of Donald J. Trump, Cohen said.

Former President Donald Trump sits in court with his attorney Christopher Kise during his civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court on October 24, 2023 in New York City. The former president may be forced to sell off his properties after Justice Arthur Engoron canceled his business certificates and ruled that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire after being sued by Attorney General Letitia James, seeking $250 million in damages. The trial will determine how much he and his companies will be penalized for the fraud.

Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron has already ruled Trump committed fraud for years. One of his findings was that Trump valued rent-controlled apartments at Trump Park Avenue, where Cohen lives, at millions of dollars more than their appraised value because of their potential to eventually be sold as market-rent units.

Engoron canceled Trumps business certificates, but an appeals court put the impact of that decision on hold while the case is argued. Engoron is presiding over the trial to determine penalties for Trump and his business. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million.

Trump's lawyers vowed to appeal the ruling. Trump called the decision "ridiculous and untrue."

Former President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as he arrives at New York State Supreme Court where he will face Michael Cohen, who is testifying against him, in New York, on October 24, 2023. Former president Donald Trump returned to his New York civil fraud trial on October 17, 2023 and complained about a partial gag order imposed on him by a judge in a separate case.

In August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty in federal court to concealing more than $4 million in personal income from the IRS, making false statements about a home equity loan, and "causing $280,000 in payments to be made to silence two women who otherwise planned to speak publicly about their alleged affairs with a presidential candidate, thereby intending to influence the 2016 presidential election," according to court records.

The hush-money payments are at the heart of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs criminal case against Trump, for allegedly falsifying business records to repay Cohen.

Cohen also pleaded guilty in November 2018 to lying to Congress about a Trump project in Moscow.

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, is sworn in to testify before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ORG XMIT: NC106

Cohen delivered a searing account of his dealings with Trump during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing in February 2019, when he called Trump a racist, a con man and a cheat.

Trump disputed Cohens testimony, tweeting from a foreign trip that Cohen was a convicted liar.

He is lying in order to reduce his prison time, Trump said in the tweet.

In another tweet, Trump called Cohen a "Bad lawyer and fraudster" who lied under oath about never having asked for a pardon.

Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison, but served about half the term in home detention because of COVID-19.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Cohen, who Trump calls a 'fraudster,' to testify at NY trial
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen testified against Donald Trump today in New Yorks civil fraud lawsuit against the former president. The courtroom encounter marked the first time Trump and his infamous former fixer have been in the same room in over five years.

The trial will determine how much Trump owes to the state of New York after he, several of his adult children, and his business associates were found liable for fraud. The court determined Trump overvalued his properties and inflated his net worth over several years, thus deceiving banks, investors, and insurers.

Cohen testified on Tuesday that Trump directed him and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg to inflate the value of his assets to whatever number the former president asked for.

He would look at the total assets and say Im actually not worth 4.5 billion. I am really worth more like $6 billion, Cohen said. My responsibility, along with Allen Weisselberg predominantly, was to reverse engineer the various different asset classes and increase those assets [] to achieve a number Mr. Trump asked us.

Trump told reporters outside of the courtroom that he and his attorneys were not worried at all about his testimony.

I havent seen him in years. And you know his record. His record is a horrible one. All you have to do is ask the Southern District of New York, hes got a horrible record, Trump said

Reporter: How did it feel to see Michael Cohen here?



Donald Trump: Uh, well, I havent seen him in years. And you know his record. His records a horrible one. All you have to do is ask the Southern District of New York  Were not worried at all about his testimony. pic.twitter.com/0fCn4i8xQU  The Recount (@therecount) October 24, 2023

Cohens falling out with the former president dates back to 2018, when Cohen was embroiled in allegations that he had helped coordinate hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels to buy her silence ahead of the 2016 election over an alleged affair with Trump.

In 2018, Cohen was convicted of having committed campaign finance violations when he made the payments and sentenced to 36 months in prison. Cohen was released from prison early in 2020. In a separate case that same year, Cohen pleaded guilty to having lied to Congress about the details of a proposed business deal between Russia and the Trump Organization.

During the proceedings on Tuesday, Trump took to Truth Social to make several digs against Cohen, posting quotes from past articles in which Cohen defended the former president.

Donald Trump's latest Truth Social posts are about his former attorney Michael Cohen who is currently on the stand testifying against him in a civil trial. pic.twitter.com/1rpUMSaTVK  Jordan Fischer (@JordanOnRecord) October 24, 2023

When entering the court, Cohen attempted to tamp down the fervor surrounding his encounter with the former president. This is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen, or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump, he told reporters, this is about accountability, plain and simple.

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Microsoft's most recent Q1 2024 earnings report continues the company's upward trajectory thanks to the cloud. Microsoft's earnings reached $56.5 billion, up 13 percent from last year! Profits hit $22.3 billion, up 27 percent. Almost every aspect of Microsoft's business is a success  that is, except for its devices, which dropped 22 percent from last year.

That segment, which includes its Surface hardware, HoloLens and accessories, has been in decline over the last two years. It fell from $7.2 billion in revenue in 2020 to $6.5 billion in 2021 and $5.4 billion in 2022. And there doesn't seem to be any sign of that stopping. (At the very least, its devices earnings drop was lower than the mid-30 percent decline the company estimated last quarter.)

Ahead of Microsoft's most recent device event in New York City, it was obvious that its Surface PCs were in a rut. The arrival of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Surface Laptop Go 3, while welcome, likely won't change that. They're both solid upgrades, but they're not transformative enough to woo over many new Surface users.

It's becoming increasingly clear that the time of the Surface may be over for Microsoft. Panos Panay, the charismatic product lead for those devices, has moved to Amazon. The iconic Surface tablet line hasn't been touched at all this year. Given Microsoft's wildly successful cloud business, as well as its gamble on AI this year, is there any point in duking it out in the PC market?

Between Apple's successful transition towards its own efficient-yet-powerful Arm chips, and more nimble PC makers who can quickly adopt new CPUs and GPUs, there just isn't much room left for Microsoft.
Dredging vessels like this one operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers are working to keep the Mississippi River navigable (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)

In the middle of the shrunken Mississippi, a barge drags a giant metal-edged suction head along the riverbed to remove sediment from shipping lanes.

The crew of the dustpan dredge Hurley has been working around-the-clock for months to deepen the channels so boats and barges can pass through.

"We've worked almost nonstop since last fall, everywhere from New Orleans up to St. Louis" in Missouri, said the vessel's captain Adrian Pirani, standing on the bridge.

For the second straight year, water levels in North America's biggest river have dropped to record lows amid a lengthy drought. Locals say they've never seen it this bad.

From the Great Lakes in the north to Louisiana in the south, the majestic Mississippi is a shadow of its former self.

Plants have taken over newly exposed banks. Salt water is pushing in from the Gulf of Mexico. And farmers dependent on the river to ship their products have watched with frustration as traffic has seized up.

Authorities are doing what they can to ensure the river remains navigable, and that's where the Hurley, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, comes in.

The dredge is currently digging at the same spot near Memphis, Tennessee for the third time. The dredge scrapes and sucks up mud from the river bottom and spews it onto the bank.

Pirani said he works long hours, first of all, "to make sure that commerce does not stop."

But the job hits closer to home.

"I come from a farming family right here across the river. So it is kind of personal for me... I will do all I can do to keep the river going," he told AFP.

- Unusable docks -

For farmers in the vast US Midwest, the Mississippi is an indispensable part of their transportation network.

But drought has left the river narrower and shallower, limiting shipping capabilities.

The bottleneck is ill-timed: early autumn is when farmers are working flat out to harvest soybeans and corn. With river shipping limited, they scramble to deal with massive buildups of stocks.

On the river in Osceola, Arkansas, Jeff Worsham manages an agricultural port. But two of its three docks are unusable due to the low water.

A barge is tied up at the only accessible dock as soybeans are shot from a huge metal spout into its hold.

The vessel's capacity equals that of roughly 80 trucks -- but for now, it can only be filled to 50 or 60 percent capacity so the craft does not run the risk of getting stuck in the mud.

To ensure operations at all three docks next year, Worsham says, "we have made plans to do some dredging next year."

- 'Extreme weather' -

The overriding fear is that the water crisis will become the new normal.

Last year, a record that had stood since 1988 was broken. It was broken again this September, and yet again in October.

A drought that began last year in the Mississippi's vast watershed (covering 40 percent of the continental United States) "lingered into this year, and it's gotten worse," Anna Wolverton, a National Weather Service specialist, told AFP.

"It's not normal for us to see this in back-to-back years."

The river's flow has grown so weak that in southern Louisiana, salt water from the Gulf of Mexico has been encroaching, contaminating drinking water in some towns and forcing inhabitants to rely on bottled water.

Around Memphis, gauges that monitor the Mississippi's depth have been left high and dry by the receding waters, explained Sarah Girdner, a hydrologist with the Army Corps of Engineers.

"Over the past 10 to 15 years, we've seen extreme weather on both spectrums," she told AFP aboard the Hurley. "We've seen more historic floods, and we've seen more historic droughts."

When asked what explained the conditions, she said: "We don't necessarily use the term 'climate change,' because causality is attached to that, but we do know that weather patterns are changing."

- 'Frightening' -

In 50 years working around the Mississippi, Pete Ciaramitaro has seen the changes.

But what Ciaramitaro, director of river operations for the Southern Devall shipping company, has not seen is two consecutive autumns with so little water.

While droughts used to occur roughly once every 25 years, he said, "It looks like it's going to be an annual thing to me. And that's frightening."

Of the dozen professionals interviewed by AFP, Ciaramitaro was the only one to link the drought explicitly to climate change -- a politically sensitive term in the United States.

"If somebody else has got a better explanation for it, I'd love to hear it," he said. "But it's the only one I can come up with -- climate change."

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Russia has decreased the number of ground attacks against Avdiivka but intensified its air strikes, dropping around 40 bombs at and near the town in just two nights, the Tavria group of forces' spokesperson, Oleksandr Shtupun, said on Oct. 24.

"The number of ground attacks has decreased somewhat. We can even say it dropped by half," Shtupun said on television.

Nevertheless, Avdiivka continues to be one of the hottest sectors of the front. The spokesperson noted that 80% of the past days' clashes  which amounted to 28 yesterday and 57 the day before  took place in the Avdiivka direction and near Marinka, another front-line town in Donetsk Oblast.

Shtupun did not say explicitly whether these figures refer only to the Tavria group's sector of the front. However, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces gives a much higher number of total skirmishes on all fronts, reporting 55 clashes on Oct. 23 and over 90 clashes on Oct. 22.

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Russia intensified its attacks against Avdiivka in the past weeks, seeking to encircle the town that lies at occupied Donetsk's doorstep. More recently, Moscow's troops have also increased their activity on other parts of the eastern front, launching major attacks in the Lyman, Kupiansk, Marinka, and Bakhmut directions.

This reportedly cost Russia a great deal in manpower and equipment. Shtupun said that in the Tavria group's area of responsibility in Donetsk Oblast, Russian casualties in the past five days amounted to around 2,400 soldiers killed or wounded.

"In addition, more than 150 armored vehicles were destroyed by our military, including 54 tanks," Shtupun added.

Read also: Surviving Avdiivka: Russia intensifies assault on city deemed a second Bakhmut

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The national living wage is likely to go above 11 next April, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told the Conservative Party conference.

About two million workers aged 23 and over benefit from the living wage, currently worth 10.42 an hour.

How much is the minimum wage?

The minimum wage - known officially as the National Living Wage - varies according to the age of the employee, and is updated every April.

From 1 April 2023, the rates are:

National Living Wage for over-23s: 10.42 an hour

National Minimum Wage for those aged 21-22: 10.18

National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds: 7.49

National Minimum Wage for under-18s: 5.28

The Apprentice rate: 5.28

The apprentice rate applies to people aged under 19, or people over 19 in the first year of their apprenticeship.

The minimum wage is the same across all parts of the UK.

Speaking at the Tory party conference in Manchester, the chancellor confirmed the minimum wage would rise to at least 11 an hour from April 2024.

The government says this would increase the annual earnings of a full-time worker on the national living wage by 1,000.

Minimum wage rates across all age categories are due to be announced later in October.

Do employers have to pay the minimum wage?

The retail, care and hospitality sectors account for a large number of minimum-wage jobs, although they are found in many other parts of the economy too.

Any employer not paying the minimum wage can be fined by the UK tax authority, HMRC.

If you think you should be getting the minimum wage and aren't, you can complain via the HMRC website.

You can also get advice from the Acas website or by calling its helpline on 0300 123 1100.

What happens if firms don't pay the minimum wage correctly?

In June, the government confirmed more than 200 firms had been fined nearly 7m and told to reimburse 63,000 workers for breaches dating back over a decade.

Companies involved include WH Smith, Marks & Spencer, Argos and Lloyds Pharmacy.

WH Smith was the worst offender, having failed to pay more than 1m to more than 17,600 workers.

Who sets the minimum wage?

The rates are decided each year by government, based on the advice of an independent advisory group, the Low Pay Commission.

Its recommendations reflect how many people are in work, what's happening to earnings and how much people are having to pay for essentials such as food and housing.

Supermarket worker

Who isn't entitled to the minimum wage?

People who don't qualify include:

the self-employed

company directors

volunteers

members of the armed forces

people living and working in a religious community.

Those with disabilities or in long-term unemployment who take part in government work programmes are paid fixed amounts at different stages of the scheme, which are less than the minimum wage.

Work done by prisoners is paid at a minimum of 4 a week, while students on work placements of less than a year as a required part of their studies are not entitled to be paid anything.

When was the minimum wage introduced?

The law to introduce the minimum wage was passed in 1998 by the Labour government and it came into force the following year.

It started at 3.60 for those 22 and older, and 3 for 18-21 year olds.

Before the minimum wage was introduced, the lowest-paid people consistently saw the slowest growth in their wages.

Care worker

Did the minimum wage cost jobs?

Before the minimum wage was introduced, there was concern that it would cost jobs, because it was thought employers would compensate for their higher wage bill by hiring fewer people.

But this didn't turn out to be the case.

There's no evidence of an overall loss of jobs linked to the minimum wage, and only weak evidence of negative impacts on some groups of workers.

What is the 'Real Living Wage' and how much is it?

More than 430,000 workers across the UK benefit from the voluntary "Real Living Wage", which is set by the Living Wage Foundation charity.

It's above the level of the legal minimum wage, reflecting what the charity thinks people need to earn to cover everyday needs.

It is currently 13.15 an hour in London, and 12 an hour elsewhere in the UK.

There are more than 13,000 Living Wage-accredited employers, including Google, Ikea, Aviva, Nationwide and Burberry.
Ukraines temporary corridor through the Black Sea has managed to transport nearly 700,000 metric tons of grain, Minister of Agrarian Policy Mykola Solskyi announced during a meeting of the EU Council in Luxembourg, UkrAgroConsult reported on Oct. 24.



The temporary corridor was opened in August and has since seen 38 ships enter Ukraines ports and over 30 leave. Most of the ships are transporting grain to Europe and Africa.



It works thanks to the support of our armed forces and the trust of international partners. Every day the number of ships calling at the ports is increasing, Solskyi said.



The corridor does not go directly towards the Bosphorus Strait in a straight line as it did under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, but vessels hug the coastlines of Ukraine and NATO members Romania and Bulgaria for added security.



Unlike the grain initiative, which ended in July after Russia pulled out of the agreement, vessels are exporting metal products from Ukraine as well.



Ukraines recent successful attacks on Russias Black Sea fleet have forced the Russian Navy to retreat, attracting more shipowners to take the risk and travel the Ukrainian corridor.

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Nevertheless, Solskyi noted that the majority of products are exported via the Danube River via Romania.



Last month, 2.3 million metric tons of agricultural products were exported via the Danube Ports, a decrease of 100,000 tons compared to August.



Overall, 3.6 million metric tons of agricultural products were exported in September, including via road and rail routes. Solksyi stressed that at least 6 million metric tons need to be exported per month.



This volume of transportation can only be ensured by restoring the full operation of the deep-water ports of Greater Odesa, the minister said.



Solskyi noted that the number of ships leaving Ukrainian ports is increasing, a trend he hopes will continue.



Ukraine will harvest 79.1 million tons of grain and oilseed this year and hopes to export 50 million tons in the 2023/2024 marketing season, the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry predicts.

Read also: Ukrainian farmers sow 4.5 million hectares of winter crops but volumes expected to drop by 20%

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Around 1,000 residents remain in Donetsk Oblast's town of Avdiivka, which has recently come under intense attacks by Russian forces, Deputy Prime Minister and Reintegration Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on Oct. 24.

"Avdiivka  now, according to our data, about 1,000 people still live there," Vereshchuk said on the air.

The official called on people to leave the besieged town for their own safety. Vereshchuk also noted, citing the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, that all children have been evacuated from Avdiivka.

Russia intensified its attacks on Avdiivka in the past weeks in an effort to encircle the front-line town. According to Vitalii Barabash, the head of the town's military administration, Russian forces are shelling a crucial road connection, thus disrupting the evacuations and the flow of humanitarian aid.

Kyiv reported that despite the ongoing onslaught, Ukrainian defenders are holding the defenses and inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops and equipment.

The heavily fortified town of Avdiivka lies several kilometers north of occupied Donetsk and has stood on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war since 2014.

Read also: General Staff: Russia launches major attack across entire eastern front

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Ukrainian farmers in four oblasts have completed sowing winter crops, with 4.95 million hectares planted in total, the Agriculture Ministry reported on Oct. 24.



Agricultural workers in Volyn, Zakarpattia, Zaporizhzhia, and Poltava oblasts finished the sowing season while winter rape sowing has concluded across all regions.



The sowing area consists of 3.5 million hectares of wheat, 1.1 million hectares of rape, 322,000 hectares of barley, and 71,000 hectares of rye.



Wheat, millet, and rye are still being planted in the rest of Ukraine.



During the week, farmers seeded 506,000 hectares of agricultural products.

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Last week, lawmaker Dmytro Solomchuk said the volume of winter crops is expected to drop by 20% compared to last year as farmers lack financial resources.



He noted that the decrease in winter crops will result in less bread produced next season and stressed that farmers need urgent solutions.



Ukraine will harvest 79.1 million metric tons of grain and oilseed this year and hopes to export 50 million tons in the 2023/2024 marketing season, the Agriculture Ministry predicted.

Read also: Minister: 700,000 metric tons of grain exported via Ukrainian Black Sea corridor

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The 16 employees of the Nova Poshta delivery service injured in the Russian attack on the terminal in Kharkiv Oblast remain in hospital. Eight employees are in critical condition, and six out of them are in intensive care.

Source: Hromadske media outlet with reference to Nova Poshta

One of the victims, Maksym Ye., has suffered a complex fracture of his shoulder and hip, which caused major blood loss. He has been operated on and kept on artificial lung ventilation. After that, the man regained consciousness.

PHOTO: NOVA POSHTA/FACEBOOK

The next day, he was operated on again and was put into drug-induced sleep. At the moment, the condition of Maksym is stable but critical.

Yevhen Kh. has received a head and a lung injury. He was in a coma, on artificial lung ventilation. As of now, he regained consciousness and is now in a neurosurgical intensive care unit.

Maksym V. was operated on, as he had fragments removed from the stomach, liver and intestines. Now he is in need of leg treatment as it is broken from knee down.

Another injured employee Yevhen Z. has had a piece of shrapnel extracted from his stomach. He has also suffered multiple injuries to his back and limbs. At the moment his condition is stable.

"We are always in touch with them. We talk to them, their families and doctors to quickly provide the necessary aid," the Nova Poshta company revealed.

In total, eight employees have received injuries of moderate degree of severity. Two of them, a father and a son, have been taken to a private clinic.

Several more employees have minor injuries and are getting treated at home.

Background:

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FILE PHOTO: The National Bank of Costa Rica's headquarters are pictured in San Jose

SAN JOSE (Reuters) - Costa Rica's attorney general's office has opened an investigation into the disappearance of some $6 million at the Central American country's largest commercial bank, bank officials said on Tuesday.

The 3.3 billion colones ($6.2 million) in question were first detected missing at the National Bank of Costa Rica in August through internal audits, and five employees have been suspended as a result, the bank's interim manager, Jaime Murillo, told a press conference.

The attorney general's office is investigating five officials, including an accountant, supervisors and a guard.

"We cannot say for sure that this is fraud or that someone stole this cash. We are not at that point yet. It is under investigation," Murillo said, adding that such a situation had never before occurred in the bank's 109-year history.

The bank's clients are not at risk, the official added.

The bank reported that it does not know when or how the money went missing, adding that the details will be clearer after the attorney general's office's investigation and an internal investigation by the bank.

($1 = 530.1500 colones)

(Reporting by Alvaro Murillo; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Sandra Maler)
McKay Coppins sat across from Mitt Romney in the senators Capitol Hill office looking for a higher level of alarm.

It was the night of Dec. 14, 2021, a little less than a year after the insurrection and not quite a year before the next set of midterms, and Coppins wanted to know if Romney was seeing the same warning signs that he was  a slew of Republicans on ballots across the country who had supported Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Romney, in Coppins recollection, seemed to downplay the threat.

Im sure there are some people who might succumb to corruption, Romney said, but the great majority of states and elected officials and even legislators are not going to do so.

Well, Coppins said, invoking the Trump-incited riots, after January 6, you told me you were very concerned about the fragility of democracy. Are you still concerned about it?

Romney acknowledged he was  because of Trump , because of Trumps Big Lie  but I dont know how widespread that is, he said. Im not at the point of moral panic, he added. I do think that people fundamentally dont want to be dishonest and acknowledge to themselves that theyre a dishonest person, that theyve lied, and that theyve thwarted democracy.

This moment does not appear in Coppins biography of Romney, which is just out today. I know about it because of a handful of recent conversations I had with Coppins about the highly unusual, often clandestine conversation the two men had in more than 45 interviews over the course of more than two years. Romney: A Reckoning is filled with fun fodder for publication-day hype: unvarnished and unflattering assessments by Romney of many of the most prominent Republicans alive. But the books most meaningful contribution to what remains of civic discourse is the uncommonly intimate glimpse it offers of a man in elected office engaged in a hard grappling with the reality and consequences of Trumps rise, the countrys (and in particular his partys) increasingly antidemocratic, even authoritarian bent, and ultimately the complicated question of his own complicity.

Getting an answer to that last question required Coppins on numerous occasions to press Romney in ways he did not always like, to connect dots Romney did not always see as connected  to ultimately force him to recognize the rationalizations he had made in his career, the junctures at which he might have sacrificed his principles amidst his quest for power.

That night in Romneys office was one of those moments.

Behind Coppins on the wall was a Rand McNally histomap, charting the rise and fall of the worlds leading civilizations through some 4,000 years of history, the key to the falls frequently meant the emergence of tyrants. A man gets some people around him and begins to oppress and dominate others, Romney told Coppins the first time he showed him the map. Americas experiment in self-rule is fighting against human nature, he said. Authoritarianism, he explained, is like a gargoyle lurking over the cathedral, ready to pounce. Was Romney, literally looking at a graphic depiction of a reason for democracies destruction, soft-pedaling the present danger?



I see what youre saying, Coppins told him. Nobody wants to think of themselves as a thief or a liar or whatever, but the conditions of the partisan media landscape are such that you dont have to believe that youre a liar. You can decide to believe in these various conspiracy theories or say, Well, Im only doing this because the other side does it, or, What Im doing is only correcting the corruption of the other side.

Romney, Coppins recalled, sat back in his chair, sort of slumped  almost like a psychic sigh.

I dont disagree with you, Romney told Coppins. I am concerned.



It started in church.

Coppins on June 13, 2021, was sitting in adult Sunday school in the gym of his Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints in Oakton, Va., when he received an unexpected text message from Romney. Coppins had launched the work for the book, and Romney was a willing participant in the project. Thought this might set the stage for our chat, the text message from Romney said.

In Coppins email inbox was an attachment to Romneys private journal running from right after his loss in the 2012 presidential campaign through the tumultuous election of 2016  the first, it turned out, of tranches of personal documents Romney offered up. Coppins couldnt help but start reading.  probably should note my own feelings now that I am in the air and have a few minutes to write. Disappointed is the best word. Not angry, not despondent, maybe a little numb ... They had had a general conversation about papers or notes he might like to show or share, but Romney during his career had been known for control more than candor, and Coppins at that early stage of the work hadnt yet thought to even specifically ask for this. My immediate reaction was, Oh, hes entering into this in good faith, Coppins told me. It showed me he was taking this seriously.

There are different ways to take in this book. Its an astonishing, nearly unprecedented catalog of intraparty critique. Steadily more depressing the deeper one reads, its a reminder of the grave current state of the republic. But its also, and maybe all the more importantly, a deft study of the capacity for rationalization  in this case an accounting of the chronology of Romneys rationalizations in the business world at Bain Capital as (depending on somebodys perspective) either a blue-chip corporate turnaround artist or ruthless plutocrat who profited from destroying livelihoods, as a political candidate starting in Massachusetts, as a presidential candidate starting in 2008, as a smart, sober, logical, capable, coherent, hyper-prepared person attempting to navigate this American era dominated by a figure he considered from the start if not outright odious then obviously absurd.

Romney discovered, Coppins writes, a remarkable ability to justify his choices to himself.

I have learned through my life experience, Romney told Coppins, that its human to rationalize whats in our best interest.

In business? People had to be fired because he and Bain had a fiduciary responsibility to their investors. These companies, after all, already werent doing well. And in politics? Making nice with people he didnt really like? Saying stuff he didnt totally believe? You say things that make the audience respond positively, he told Coppins. I admit it.

In 2012, for instance, Romney agreed to accept the endorsement of Trump  at Trumps insistence at Trumps hotel in Las Vegas  because he calculated it would help him beat Barack Obama. And to do that, he needed not just Romney Republicans, of course, but also Donald Trump fans. Some of his advisers  even Nancy Reagan  told him to steer clear. Romney was quick to rationalize keeping Trump inside the tent, Coppins writes. Alienating a guy with a massive bullhorn and a habit of holding grudges seemed risky. And while, yes, Trump was clearly ridiculous and vapid and filled with outlandish ideas, Obama had accepted endorsements and checks from every dolt and crackpot in Hollywood, from Kanye West to Lena Dunham to Adam Levine  why couldnt Romney have his own silly celebrity surrogate? But the truth, which surprised even Romney himself, was that he liked Trump. Or at least, he liked having him around. Trump was funny and outrageous and talking to him broke up the monotony of the campaign trail.



As for the insidious, racist and Trump-led birther smear? Romney did not see that having a racial arc to it, he told Coppins. And perhaps Im not as sensitive in that regard as I should be.

Also: I need to get to 50.1 percent or more, Romney told reporters at the time.

By 2016, having lost and owing Trump nothing, Romney was freer to offer his true thoughts about the shocking presidential hopeful. Romney, in Coppins telling, considered Trump a buffoon, an unabashed demagogue, a manifestly unqualified madman and a profoundly depraved and broken person whose election would coarsen Americas culture. His number one priority was to stop him. When Chris Christie became arguably the first major establishment Republican to endorse Trump, Romney sent Christie an email: He is unquestionably mentally unstable, and he is racist, bigoted, misogynistic, xenophobic, vulgar and prone to violence. There is simply no rational argument that could lead me to vote for someone with those characteristics. I believe your endorsement of him severely diminishes you morally  though probably not politically  and that you must withdraw that support to preserve your integrity and character. When Reince Priebus, then the chair of the Republican National Committee, called Romney to urge him to endorse Trump, Romney laughed and called Trump nuts.

Yet in the end, Romney met with Trump after he was elected, first at Trumps Bedminster club in New Jersey, then at the restaurant Jean-Georges in New York, to talk about being his secretary of state. He had in mind what at the time was a familiar refrain. He could help Trump, he thought, by being an adult in the room. But there was, of course, this, too: I wanted to be president, Romney told Coppins. If you cant be president, being secretary of states not a bad spot to come thereafter. Romney obviously didnt get the job  partly because he didnt fully retract what he had said about Trump  but Trump got a picture widely viewed as humiliating to Romney.

Romney was elected to the Senate in 2018. One of the first things he did was write an op-ed criticizing Trump. He voted for his impeachment. Twice. He marched with Black Lives Matters protesters. Again and again, Romney was struck by the cravenness and cowardice of his colleagues. And on Jan. 6, 2021, he raged at Josh Hawley: You did this! He thought about Alfred Lord Tennysons Idylls of the King. The madness has come on us for our sins. What Romney didnt do that day, Coppins writes, was think to turn any of those ruminations or recriminations more toward himself. Is any of it my fault, too?

A week and a day, though, after Coppins had gotten Romneys text in Sunday school at church, the two of them eating pepperoni pizza from Andys in his Capitol Hill townhome with the blinds drawn, Romney edged slightly closer to that difficult question. They were talking about a piece hed recently read on The Bulwark. They were talking about Matt Gaetz. Part of what Romney said made it in the book: I dont recognize my party in some respects.  The things that people say in my party  its, like, how can I even associate myself with a party thats doing some of those things and saying some of those things?

But most of what he said that night did not. Matt Gaetz  20 years ago he would be run out of our party.  Now hes celebrated, Romney told Coppins. He was staring down at his kitchen table, based on Coppins notes, his face twisted into a pained expression.

If I watch Fox and  what is it?  OAN, Romney continued, I mean, is this my party?

For a moment, Coppins thought, Romney seemed to be talking to himself.



They had an agreement. Romney would have no editorial control but would get to read the manuscript before it was published. Coppins in return would at least listen to his concerns. And so Coppins headed back to Romneys townhome earlier this year for one final time.

Coppins had figured Romney would have misgivings mostly about what he had said about his fellow Republicans  about Ted Cruz (frightening), about John Kasich (too undisciplined), about Scott Walker (too opportunistic), about Rick Perry (prima donna, low-IQ personality), about Rick Santorum (sanctimonious, severe and strange, driven by ego, not principle) about Michele Bachmann (a nut case), about Bobby Jindal (a twit) 

Not so much.

The stuff that he was more focused on was just this idea of his rationalization, Coppins told me. I think he was surprised when he read it by how much attention I gave to these moments in his career when he found himself rationalizing in his own self-interest, he said. He felt that I was giving those moments too much weight. And I think maybe he worried that the reader would come away thinking that his entire life and political career have been one sort of downward drift into moral relativism and nihilism.

For what its worth, I didnt come away thinking that, but I told Coppins I did come away thinking that this is what makes this book so interesting, and also important. Even Romney  manifestly diligent and disciplined, apparently more self-aware, lets say, than some of his peers, committed to his faith in a way that seems not at all fake  even Romney was and might to a certain extent still be susceptible to these kinds of rationalizations. And even for Coppins and Romney, with their shared Mormon backgrounds, values and trust, it was hard to have this conversation.

I really do think that a huge part of this kind of crisis moment that our politics have landed in is theres an epidemic of self-justification and rationalizing in the American political class, Coppins told me. So many people have internalized the idea that getting reelected is what matters, and fitting comfortably in your partisan tribe is what matters, and that its almost kind of like self-righteous and quaint to talk too much about your conscience and your principles.



Coppins in the book asks Romney if he would have voted for Trumps impeachment 30 years earlier  at the beginning of his political career instead of the end, in other words, when he still harbored the very highest ambitions.

His answer sits on the page as honest as it is unnerving.

I dont know the answer to that, Romney told Coppins. I think I recognize now my capacity to rationalize decisions that are in my self-interest. And I dont know that I recognized that to the same degree back then.

In our two years of interviews, Romneys efforts to process his partys evolution  and his own  were halting and messy. Hed seem to confess complicity in one meeting, then walk it back in the next. Hed get angry and then cool off. Romneys rationalizations, he argued, have been the exceptions in his life, not the rule, and theyre hardly unique to him. Fair enough, Coppins writes in the epilogue. But his rationalizations fascinate me because theyre so common in Washington. The path to this fraught moment in American history is paved with compromises made for political advantage that didnt seem like compromises at the time.

In one of our last conversations last week, Coppins offered additional context: I think he has a hard time kind of accepting blame for the Trump era when hes one of vanishingly few Republicans who did anything to try to stop it. And none of the other Republicans who are way more complicit are willing to accept blame, he told me. He doesnt think that its his fault that Donald Trump ended up becoming president. I think the way he sees it is, in the grand ledger  by standing on that stage in 2012, he may have added a little bit of weight on the side of helping him  but then, in 2016, he added way more on the other side in trying to stop him.

This stance makes sense. Its hard not to sympathize. Its ironic, too, that the very fact of Romneys earnest self-examination  an act almost no one else in his party has ventured  is leading to a measure of scrutiny more intense than is typically directed at Trumps worst enablers.

Romney: A Reckoning is a fine and sensible title. But Coppins at one point had a different pick. I wanted to name the book, he told me, in a nod to the histomap on Romneys wall, The Cathedral and the Gargoyle. His publisher said no. Wouldnt sell. And maybe so. But still. I sometimes, Coppins said of Romney, tried to be the person who would remind him of the gargoyle.


Mitt Romney gave Biden some advice on how to appear younger.

According to a new book, Romney encouraged the president to change how he walks.

Romney later said that he thought both Biden and Trump needed to step aside.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah has bonded with President Joe Biden over getting old.

According to a new book, Romney, now 76, told Biden that he looked old based on how he walked and might benefit from taking a step in a new direction. Biden, who is now 80, is the oldest president in US history.

"Romney gave some advice for appearing more vigorous in public," journalist McKay Coppins wrote in his biography of Romney, "Romney: A Reckoning." "'You look old when you shuffle, Romney informed the president. 'You've got to take longer strides.'"

Biden, according to Coppins, later excitedly called Romney to tell him that he followed the advice.

"'I tried it!' He made a point of lengthening his paces as he exited the stage after a speech, and the First Lady had taken notice. 'What's gotten into you?' she asked," Coppins wrote.

Romney and Biden preferred to keep much of their apparent friendship private, though the book recounts that they grew closer after Romney became one of just three Republicans who voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the high court.

"Eventually, Biden began identifying himself on their phone calls with a casual 'This is Joe,'" Coppins wrote. "The first time this happened, Romney, who didn't realize the two were now on a first-name basis, spent the first few seconds of the conversation assuming he was talking to Joe Manchin." (Manchin is a West Virginia Democrat, who serves in the Senate with Romney.)

Their relationship is somewhat remarkable, especially considering how Biden rather famously attacked Romney on the campaign trail during the 2012 presidential election. Then-Vice President Biden told an audience in Virginia that reportedly included African-Americans that Romney and then-Republican Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan were "going to put y'all back in chains." According to a Boston.com report, Biden later said his comments were a reference to Ryan saying he wanted to "unshackle" the economy.

Biden even called Romney out of the blue once just to tell him how much he admired him.

"'I wanted to call and tell you that I admire your character and your personal honor," Biden said, according to the book. "'We disagree on a lot of things, but I think highly of you as a person.'"

Romney, who is described as being taken aback by the unexpected praise, replied, "I feel the same way."

Their friendship shouldn't be taken as an endorsement. Romney has criticized the White House, particularly over Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. After announcing his own retirement, Romney said it was time for Biden and former President Donald Trump to follow suit.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dozens of vandals in Northern California were caught on video looting a 7-Eleven convenience store earlier this month, authorities said Friday.

The chaos unfolded on Oct. 8 at the store on Elkhorn Boulevard in Rio Linda, just outside of Sacramento, after a nearby sideshow, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said. A sideshow is an illegal street racing event where drivers perform dangerous stunts like "donuts" and "burnouts" on public streets.

Surveillance video from inside the store shows individuals streaming through broken plate glass windows, rushing down aisles and jumping over the counter.

The mob was seen stealing cases of beer, cigarette cartons and other items from the store. Many of the individuals were seen covering their faces.

WATCH: NEW FOOTAGE OF PHILADELPHIA LOOTERS RANSACKING PHARMACIES, GAS STATION WITH ARMLOADS OF STOLEN GOODS

Dozens of looters were seen stealing from a 7-Eleven store in Sacramento, California, earlier this month.

Since the looting was nonviolent, most suspects will receive citations instead of jail time if they are caught, sheriffs spokesperson Sgt. Amar Gandhi told KXTV.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Many of the looters were covering their faces as they moved through the store.

Cities in California, most notably Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay areas, have been plagued with smash-and-grab looters. Videos of the incidents have gone viral online and fueled critics who argue California takes too lax of an approach to crime.

Looters were seen with armloads of beer cases and cigarette cartons.

Last month, state officials announced it will spend $267 million to help dozens of local law enforcement agencies increase patrols, buy surveillance equipment and conduct other activities aimed at cracking down on smash-and-grab robberies happening around the state.

MAN POSES AS MANNEQUIN IN STOREFRONT, GOES ON SHOPPING SPREE AFTER MALL CLOSES

The investigation into the Sacramento 7-Eleven looting remains "very active," the sheriff's office said, adding that some of the individuals may be from the Bay Area.

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Authorities asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the sheriffs office at (916) 874-5115 or the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357).





Original article source: Mob of looters terrorized California 7-Eleven store on video: authorities
Modesto City Schools and other area districts have policies to protect students who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. But outside the LGBTQ community, they may not be widely known or understood.

Veronica Ambrose, a community organizer at the Central Valley Pride Center, also known as MoPride, said Modesto City Schools follows California education laws that protect LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups, but she wants the district to go further to safeguard these students.

Ambrose, who uses she/they pronouns, said she knows its difficult to address systemic issues that remain in schools. For districts including Modesto City Schools, she often participates in mental health outreach days and attends family resource events.

Ambrose said theres often a lot of hesitation to talk about LGBTQ students and the policies that affect them. Theyre difficult conversations to have, she said, and too often lead to no change. She believes that because the school district is fairly neutral when it comes to its policies, marginalized groups can feel excluded because they are not directly being communicated with.

In Oakdale, seventh-grader Killian Woods said its sometimes difficult identifying as LGBTQ in Stanislaus County. Woods uses they/them pronouns. You can get made fun over it, bullied about it. So it can definitely be difficult, they said.

A message for all who enter at the Central Valley Pride Center in Modesto, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

Woods said although they are not bullied for their identity, theyve seen it happen to their friends. Woods hopes school administration in all districts will keep closer watch on students to ensure bullying doesnt continue.

Whether you dont know the person or whether you do, the person that you dont like shouldnt be any less human for just being a little different, they said.

At Oakdale Joint Unified School District, the superintendent said students found discriminating their LGBT peers may be up for suspension or expulsion under their anti-discrimination and bullying policy.

In Modesto City Schools, if a student comes out to a teacher or school worker as transgender or gender nonconforming, the student will be referred to a school site administrator. The administrator then will work with the student to develop an individual transition plan, or ITP.

The purpose of the ITP is to have a conversation with the student about facility use, their preferred name and pronouns, as well as identifying someone on site that the student is comfortable talking with, and ensuring the student knows how to report any incidents of harassment or bullying should they occur, said Linda Mumma Solorio, public information officer at Modesto City Schools.

The Modesto City Schools ITP document has spots for the students preferred name and pronouns, preferred timing of transition, an option for adults theyd like to inform and an option to inform their teachers and classmates. It lets students know where they should go in case of bullying and harassment. It tells how to request a class schedule change for PE and asks the students preferred locker room and bathroom.

Turlock Unified School District spokesperson Marie Russell said TUSD has a process for responding to AB 1266 (the School Success and Opportunity Act) requests that follows state and federal laws. Counselors are to encourage students to include their parents or guardians in the process.

In the Ceres Unified School District, with student permission, a confidential support plan is developed to specify a students preferred name and pronouns, as well as how and with whom the student wishes the information to be shared.

Heres what a school district to the north did

In a Placer County community, northeast of Sacramento, Rocklin Unified School District trustees voted 4-1 in early September to implement a parental notification policy requiring district staff to inform parents if their student requests to change gender identity.

Ambrose said she does not think the school districts in and around Modesto will follow suit.

She said she does worry about the effect of backlash from conservative parents, noting that schools need to be separate from religion.

Some of these adults are not even within Modesto City School boundaries. ... They dont have students that are attending these schools, but theyll still show up to the meetings to say very transphobic, misogynistic and very painful things at these public board meeting comments, Ambrose said. Our LGBTQ youth are paying attention to this and theyre hearing all of that and theyre really scared.

According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, only 10% of LGBTQ youth in California in 2019 said all of their school staff were supportive, while only 27% felt comfortable talking with their school counselor about questions related to their sexuality.

In addition, only 40% of transgender and nonbinary students always were called by their affirmed names at school, and only 21% said they always were called by their correct pronoun.

Its organizations really attacking the youth who are just trying to survive, Ambrose said. Just trying to get through their day. Its difficult and I know its not the majority of people. Its really the minority who are just very loud and they know how to make a big impact.
Modesto police reported Monday that officers took a 17-year-old Merced boy into custody in connection with a drive-by shooting involving an Elliott Alternative Education Center student.

No one was injured in the shooting, according to a Police Department Facebook post. It took place Thursday at about 1:45 p.m. at the northeast corner of Sunrise and Orangeburg avenues, near the school.

Department spokeswoman Sharon Bear said school was letting out for the day when the incident took place. She said the intended victim is a teenage boy.

The Facebook post states the departments street gang unit, along with detectives from investigative services, took over the case and identified the Merced boy as the shooter.

Street gang detectives arrested the boy Saturday afternoon after finding him in Turlock. He was booked at the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of assault with a firearm and other weapons charges related to being a juvenile and near a school.

Modesto City Schools spokeswoman Sharokina Shams said Elliott staff immediately called 911 when the gunfire was heard. She said police put Elliott and nearby Downey High and John Muir Elementary schools on lockdown.

She said the longest lockdown was at Elliott and lasted 25 minutes. Shams said the school district is grateful to the police for its quick work in making an arrest.
Authorities in Moldova blocked access to 22 Russian media sites, saying they were being used as part of an "information war" against the country, according to a decree published by Moldova's Security and Information Service on Oct. 24.

The decree said that the sites distributed content from a "state in military conflict and recognized as the aggressor state," clearly implied to be Russia.

The sites listed, all of which were Russian in origin, included popular state-run or controlled outlets like RT, NTV, Ren TV, and others.

Read also: Investigation: Leaked document exposes Kremlins 10-year plan to undermine Moldova

Moldova previously banned the re-broadcast of Russian television news in June 2022, followed by suspending the licenses of a number of Russian-language stations operating in Moldova that were accused of spreading misinformation about the war in Ukraine.

Russia has long sought to pressure Moldova, but increased both its rhetoric and aggressive actions towards the country after the election of pro-Western President Maia Sandu in 2020.

Relations between the two countries further deteriorated after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Sandu said in an interview with the Financial Times in May 2023 that she thought Moldova would have been next if Russia had succeeded with its original plan to take Ukraine in three days.

I dont believe they would have stopped at the border, Sandu said. We are only safe today thanks to Ukraine.

Sandu also alleged that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late Wagner Group founder, attempted to foment a coup against her government in February 2023, but the plot was prevented.

Read also: Russian official: Pashinyan trying to turn Armenia into Ukraine No. 3

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Soldiers from Moldova and Romania will take part in international military training exercises from Oct. 23 through Nov. 3, the Moldovan Defense Ministry announced.

The exercises are part of Moldova's 2023 Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) program and will be held at the country's National Army Military Training Base.

Moldova has participated in the JCET program since 2009.

Participating servicemenbers "will fire different types of infantry and artillery weapons, and will carry out actions that train physical endurance and command skills," the ministry said.

Romania and Moldova have both faced threats of aggression from Russia.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu reported in February 2023 that Russia had planned to stage a coup d'etat in Moldova.

In addition, Russia's continued attacks against port and grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine have threatened neighboring Moldova and Romania.

Romania introduced new security measures, including anti-drone systems, after debris from Russian drones was found on Romanian territory .

Read also: Belarus Weekly: Post-Soviet strongmen gather in Bishkek, say West tearing them apart

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A toddler and a baby were found by themselves in a running car outside a Florida bar as an officer patrolled the parking lot, police say.

Now, their mother is charged.

A police officer was on a routine business patrol outside Penny Annies Bar on Oct. 22 when he spotted an SUV parked behind the bar, according to an Oct. 23 release from the West Melbourne Police Department.

The vehicle was running, police said, but when the officer looked into the SUV, there was no one in the drivers seat and two kids in the back.

Police said a 2-year-old and an 8-month-old were asleep in the backseat as the vehicle sat with the doors unlocked, according to the release.

When police looked for their mom, they said they found her inside the bar.

McClatchy News is not identifying the woman to protect the identity of her children.

The childrens mother, 33, was sitting at the bar visiting with a friend, police said, and she had been there for at least 20 minutes.

When (the mother) learned law enforcement was outside with her vehicle, she was more concerned about going to jail, than the welfare of her children, police said in the release.

She was taken into custody and charged with child neglect.

The children were placed in the care of a family member, police said.

West Melbourne is about 70 miles southeast of Orlando.

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A jailhouse romance has turned into an expected prison sentence for a Monmouth County Jail corrections officer who has pleaded guilty to a charge of passing a cellphone to an inmate who was her romantic partner, authorities said.

Latonya C. Johnson, 52, of Piscataway, was charged in January with a single count of knowingly providing an electronic communication device to an inmate.

Johnson brought the cellphone into the Freehold Township jail between May and October of last year when she was involved in a relationship with the unidentified inmate "in order to be able to communicate with him more frequently," Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said in a statement Monday.

The crime carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

Under the plea agreement, the prosecutor's office will be seeking a three-year prison term for Johnson at her sentencing, scheduled for Jan. 12, Santiago said.

The Professional Responsibility and Bias Crime Bureau of the prosecutor's office and the jail's Investigations Division, which falls under the Sheriff's Office, investigated.

As a part of her plea deal, Johnson permanently forfeited the right to seek future public employment in New Jersey.

Ken Serrano covers crime, breaking news and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or at kserrano@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ corrections officer in jailhouse romance to get prison time
A Waltham food pantry and soup kitchen has finally found its new home after searching since the summer.

The Middlesex Human Service Agency (MHSA) announced on Tuesday its Bristol Lodge soup kitchen and weekly food pantry has relocated to Christ Church Episcopal at 750 Main Street in Waltham. The new location is about a mile from the old Moody Street location and is accessible by public transportation.

We are happy to announce that these vital nutrition programs, which the Waltham community has relied on for so long, are able to continue without interruption, said MHSA CEO Robert Mills.

Hours of operation for the soup kitchen will continue to be Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Hours for the food pantry will continue to be Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Both services are open to anyone in need.

Back in September, Mills told Boston 25 News he needed to find a new location for the facility because the buildings owners were renovating the space. After running the food pantry and soup kitchen out of Moody Street for over 18 years, he was given a deadline of October 15 to move. Mills biggest worry at the time was having to pause services.

With the help of the community, the MHSA is now back in business.

Thank you to everyone who answered our call for help and offered assistance; we are so grateful, Mills said. We thank Christ Church Episcopal, in particular, for their willingness to make room for our operations and look forward to a long and successful partnership. We couldnt have asked for a better space.

MHSA has operated a soup kitchen and food pantry in downtown Waltham since the 1970s. They provide an average of 40 take-out meals a day and serve approximately 80-100 individuals and families each week.

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Morrisville Council appears set to discipline its police chief.

A special meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday night to call for a motion to approve issuing a Loudermill notice to Chief George McClay, a process that suggests the council is planning to take employment action against him.

Why McClay is facing potential discipline is unclear.

The hearing notice comes a week after several residents appeared at a council meeting in support of McClay and express concerns the council plans to terminate him.

On Monday, McClay declined to comment on the situation. Council President Robert Paul did not respond to emails requesting information about the reason for the Loudermill motion sent on Friday and Monday.

Here is what we do know ahead of Wednesday's meeting:

Morrisville Chief George McClay is the subject of a council meeting on Wednesday Oct. 25, 2023.

Morrisville mayor skips hearing Where was Morrisville Mayor? Brud Anderson held for trial after he skips hearing

What is a Loudermill hearing?

The hearing is named after a 1985 U.S. Supreme Court case that held certain public-sector employees have an interest in their employment and are entitled to a due process hearing before facing severe discipline.

That ruling requires an employee be allowed to defend their self before any discipline is decided. The employee must be informed in a written notice  commonly referred to as a Loudermilll letter  of the charges against them and what evidence the employer has to support the claims.

Loudermill hearings can be public or private at the discretion of the employee.

What we know about George McClay

McClay was hired to take over the borough police department in February 2014 after the retirement of Jack Jones, who left the position in December 2012.

Before becoming chief, McClay served 28 years as a Philadelphia Police Department officer reaching the rank of lieutenant. He has a masters degree in criminal justice.

In 2019 he was named the boroughs emergency manager. He is also an active participant in the police bike patrol.

McClay faced criticism from a council member at the October meeting over a phone call he made the previous month to a local district judge seeking a continuance of a preliminary hearing on behalf of former Mayor Brud Anderson, who oversees the police department.

Anderson reportedly was with his mother, who was receiving a medical treatment and claimed the district judge did not respond to an email requesting a continuance on his preliminary hearing on charges related to leaving the scene of an accident.

McClay responded that hearing continuances are common in court cases and he denied that it appeared he was taking the side of a criminal defendant.

What do residents have to say about police chief?

Supporters at the October council meeting described McClay as community- and prevention-oriented and someone who seeks to enforce regulations. They noted violent and property crime has declined since he took control of the department nearly a decade ago.

Residents also praised McClay for turning a department described by one resident as Keystone cops into an efficient and effective police force.

Residents were also critical of council members' lack of transparency around its reported investigation into McClay and accused the council of acting in secret.

I would venture to say there are many residents, obviously proven tonight, that have high praise for the chief and his officers, resident Donna Wilson said. I do not think terminating the chief is a good idea for our town.

McClay reiterated at the October meeting that he makes himself available to residents.

As everyone knows my door is always open and I will talk to any of our citizens, he said.

Morrisville pays hotel stay for manager Why Morrisville taxpayers are paying for borough manager's work week hotel stays

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: What is going on with Morrisville's police chief George McClay?
Regardless of whether you live near or far from the touch of her waves, you are tied to the ocean. She dictates our weather, safeguards us against climate change and feeds our families. Everyone is a stakeholder of the ocean, so everyone should weigh in on the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and the future of our coast.

As the Chumash Heritage Sanctuarys final public comment period draws to a close on Oct. 25, lets keep our focus on why were pushing for a sanctuary. We are here to protect the giver of all life: Grandmother Ocean. She is why the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and our partners have spent 40 years inching closer to protecting the Central Coast. She is why this weeks milestone for the Sanctuary is so meaningful. This is the most important thing we have ever done for our coast.

Opinion

For millennia, the Northern Chumash have cared for the lands and waters now called San Luis Obispo County. My late father, Chair Fred Collins, dreamed of making these waters a marine sanctuary, with Morro Bay as its hub. He saw the sanctuary as an opportunity for long-lasting environmental and cultural protection. After his passing in 2021, I knew I had to carry on our dream.

Thats why Im writing to say that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) recently released draft proposal for the Chumash Sanctuary needs significant improvement. This draft excludes about 2,000 square miles, leaving Morro Bay to Cambria  at risk of becoming an industrial corridor and a sacrifice zone. If left out, it would be the only stretch of unprotected waters in almost 19,000 square miles of continuous marine sanctuary protection along the California coast.

One reason for the exclusion of this land is Californias pursuit of offshore wind energy; specifically, accommodating the large cables needed to bring energy from wind turbines to the power grid. I appreciate the federal governments challenge of balancing potential offshore wind with a protected sanctuary. While our tribal council initially participated in responsibly sited and permitted offshore wind, its unacceptable to omit 2,000 square miles of ocean from the sanctuary.

If renewable energy developers are allowed to run afoul of habitat protection and cultural preservation just like fossil fuel interests do, whats the point? NOAA should collaborate with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to find better solutions that do not leave Morro Bay and large swaths of the coastline vulnerable to industrialization, which could include deep-sea mining and offshore oil. These agencies must route offshore wind cables in a more consolidated way, taking more care to avoid sensitive biodiversity hotspots, endangered species and sacred sites.

There is so much at risk here. Morro Bay holds deep importance to our Chumash community. My tribe believes Morro Bay is a sacred place, one of the seven wonders of the world. Yet Morro Bays history of environmental degradation spans generations, and we do not want to see this legacy of disrespect continue.

Morro Bay is also essential to the Chumash Sanctuary for economic reasons. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council has already partnered with institutions like Pew and Stanford to bring in millions of dollars to conduct baseline monitoring within the proposed sanctuary. The research enabled our tribe to develop a robust economic development and job creation strategy for the proposed sanctuary that will generate $23 million annually for the local economy and create almost 600 jobs. Morro Bay is uniquely situated to host the sanctuarys education center, an aquarium, science facilities and boats for fishing and whale watching.

A smaller sanctuary would reduce the benefits for fishermen. Local fishermen know well that the quality, quantity and cost per pound of Monterey Bay fishing has increased steadily ever since that sanctuary has been in place. Inappropriate industrial development in Morro Bay poses a threat to their livelihood as well as ours.

When it comes to protecting the majority of Californias coastline, theres just one missing piece: the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Tell NOAA and BOEM you support the Chumash Sanctuary protecting the entire stretch of the Central Coast, with Morro Bay at its heart.

Violet Sage Walker serves as chair of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and nominator of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. She lives in Guadalupe Bay, California.
it was claimed on Sunday the Russian president had been struck by a serious illness - SPUTNIK

The Kremlin has denied that Vladimir Putin is ill following reports that he suffered a heart attack over the weekend.

An unsourced report by a Russian Telegram channel, picked up by some Western media, claimed on Sunday that the Russian president had been struck by a serious illness that evening.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for Putin denied that he was in poor health and dismissed persistent rumours he used body doubles to cover for him in public appearances

Dmitry Peskov , the Kremlin spokesman, said: Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake.

In response to further questioning about body doubles, Mr Peskov said: This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile.

Putin, a judo enthusiast who has long cultivated an action man image, turned 71 on Oct 7. He maintains an intensive schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of them televised.

His recent programme included a visit to China last week, with stop-offs in two Russian cities on the way back.

In a 2020 interview, Putin denied long-standing rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons.

Hes entirely too healthy

Speculation the Russian leader is in declining health  from cancer or Parkinsons disease  was last year dispelled by the CIA, which described him as too healthy.

William Burns, director of the CIA, said at the time there was no intelligence to suggest Putin was sick, despite him appearing unsteady in numerous public appearances since the war began.

There are lots of rumours about president Putins health and as far as we can tell hes entirely too healthy, Mr Burns told the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado.

In May last year, Putin appeared to have a bloated face and limp on the Russian Victory Day parade, in Red Square, Moscow. He has since been seen shaking and gripping tables and chairs for support.

At the time, an unnamed Russian oligarch, who claimed to have close ties to the president, told a US magazine that he was very ill with blood cancer.

Suspicions were reignited during his trip to Iran in July 2022 when commentators said he appeared to be limping at times with his arm hanging stiffly by his side as he disembarked the plane.

The day after his arrival in Tehran, Putin coughed during a public appearance, when Interfax news agency quoted him as saying he had caught a slight cold during his visit to Iran.

It was very hot in Tehran yesterday, plus 38 (degrees Celsius), and the air conditioning was very strong there. So I apologise, Putin was quoted as saying.

These most recent reports surrounding the Russian presidents health come as the front lines in Ukraine remain broadly frozen.

On Tuesday Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, pledged to maintain Germanys aid to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion, even as Berlin supports Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

We are backing Ukraine economically, financially, with humanitarian aid and also with weapons, Mr Scholz said.

This support will in no way be impacted by the fact that we of course, since the horrible morning hours of October 7, have focused on Israel and the Middle East with the greatest sympathy and concern, he added.

The German leader said Putin had attacked Ukraine in an act of imperialist delusion and was mistaken if he believes that he will endure longer than we will.

Ukraine will not stop fighting for its freedom - that has become unmistakably clear in these more than 600 days since the start of the invasion in February 2022, Mr Scholz said.

And you have our word. We will support Ukraine as long as necessary.

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Imagine a radio emission so powerful that it released as much energy in a fraction of a second as our Sun releases over 30 years. Yet unlike our massive and nearby Sun, this radio emission known as FRB 20220610A is tiny and comes from 8 billion light years away, as detailed in the journal Science. Its source is in fact a mystery, as this is a fast radio burst (FRB): an intense, extremely brief flash of radio emission. Intriguingly, this is the most distant FRB ever discovered.

"We now know that energetic FRBs can be produced in the distant Universe," study co-author Ryan Shannon, a scientist at Swinburne University of Technology's Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, told Salon by email. "This demonstrates that FRBs are indeed extreme." Shannon detailed how the team of researchers utilized the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) in order to pinpoint a burst that they suspected might have originated from a very distant galaxy. After this was accomplished, they then utilized the Very Large Telescope in order to locate the host galaxy, at which point they "saw that the light from it had been stretched by a factor of two, meaning the burst had traveled 8 billion years between when it was emitted and when we received it at ASKAP. The burst was also very bright and energetic."

Perhaps most notably, "The FRB we discovered emitted the same amount of energy that the Sun emits in 30 years."

Shannon broke down the significance of this discovery.

"Our study challenges models for FRB emission," Shannon explained. "The most likely source is a hyper magnetized neutron star (a magnetar), a dense stellar corpse the mass of the sun, the size of a small city, and magnetic field strengths a trillion times stronger than that of an MRI machine. Our study challenges models for how the pulses are produced as it shows [the] maximum energy an FRB could have is higher than previously thought."

The authors also traced the FRB to what seems to be a group of two or three galaxies that are in the process of merging. This further reinforces the popular theory that FRBs are caused by magnetars. It also makes FRB 20220610A one of nearly 50 FRBs that have been successfully traced back to their points of origin. Nearly half of those were identified by ASKAP.

Perhaps one of the most seemingly bold claims made by the researchers  who hailed from countries as diverse as Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan and Chile  is that the discovery of this particular FRB will do more than simply tell us that FRBs can come from very distant parts of the universe. Additionally, they point out that their findings with FRB 20220610A actually make it possible to do something scientists previously doubted could ever be done: Measure the "missing" matter between galaxies and thereby "weigh" the Universe.

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"The FRB signal is imprinted with the signal of all the gas they travel through," Shannon pointed out. "As the FRB passes through gas, it is subtly slowed down in a way we can measure when we detect the burst. We can use this to measure all of the gas in between where the FRB came from an us." Shannon added that this means everything - the cosmic web has diffuse gas between galaxies that scientists cannot detect any other way. "By studying FRB signals we are able to see that the amount of gas they travel through depends on how far away the bursts came from. This relationship tells us the amount of matter there is in the Universe, and allows us to weigh it. Our discovery paves the way to do this in the frontiers of the Universe."

In a statement, Shannon also elaborated on what FRB 20220610A does not prove.

While we still dont know what causes these massive bursts of energy, the paper confirms that fast radio bursts are common events in the cosmos and that we will be able to use them to detect matter between galaxies, and better understand the structure of the Universe, Shannon wrote in that statement. When speaking with Salon, he was very clear about his enthusiasm for the implications of this discovery about FRB 20220610A in terms of future scientific research.

"We're excited about the future of the field and discovering more distant FRBs," Shannon explained. "We are developing more sensitive FRB search systems for ASKAP and look forward to following them up with the VLT to answer fundamental questions about the structure of the Universe."
A Canton police officer shot and killed a dog that was moving aggressively toward him last week after he responded to a domestic disturbance at a home. This is a screenshot of the body camera footage from the officer involved.

CANTON  A dog owner is criticizing a city patrolman for fatally shooting her family's 100-pound pet during the police response to a domestic disturbance at her home.

Police reports about Thursday night's incident indicate the cane corso was shot after it moved aggressively toward the officer. Both the officer who shot the dog and another who witnessed it wrote that before the animal went toward the patrolman, family members refused police commands to put it in the house.

Amanda Bulick said her children - Landen, 12, Anthony, 9, and Ava, 7 - were traumatized by having their dog killed. She also said the officer's actions threatened their safety.

"He shot with my kids in the driveway and in the yard," she said. "He didn't have a spotlight. There's a bullet that ricocheted off the cement driveway, or something, that had struck the back of my vehicle, which was behind me, and he also hit my house. There's a bullet hole in my pillar on my front porch.

"If he would have been shooting any further over, he would have shot me right in the middle of the face in front of my kids and everybody on top of killing my dog," Bulick said.

She said her daughter was sleeping upstairs when the shooting occurred.

Amanda Bulick's children, Landen, Anthony and Ava, left to right, are shown with their cane corso Bella. A Canton police officer fatally shot the dog Thursday night during officers' response to a domestic violence incident at the family home on Tyler Avenue SE.

Video shows dog running at Canton police officer before shooting

A police video and audio recording of the exchange at 332 Tyler Ave. SE captured officers telling residents to put the dog inside at least five times before the patrolman shot the dog. The video confirms the officer's statement that the dog, which had been running around and barking, moved toward him before he shot it.

Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said the officer's actions are under review.

"We take the discharge of firearms by our officers very seriously," Gabbard said in a prepared statement. "This incident is under review by our Office of Professional Standards, as is our practice with every instance when force is used. Unfortunately, police officers frequently have to respond to unpredictable, volatile situations and address threats of all kinds in order to preserve public safety.

"I have viewed the video and find it heartbreaking. The fact that these difficult situations are inherent in the nature of police work makes them no less devastating to everyone involved, including the officers," he said.

The patrolman who shot the dog remains on regular duty.

Bulick said police should have handled the situation differently.

"All of the officers were yelling different demands," Bulick said. "You had one officer yelling, 'Get down.' You had another officer yelling, 'Put your hands up.' You had the other officer yell, I guess, 'Get your dog.' They were all yelling. You don't know what to do in that situation."

Bulick said police shouldn't have shot the dog, named Bella, because she didn't leave the yard.

"They could have tazed her or pepper-sprayed her," she said, adding that postal carriers have such spray to help them deal with animals. "Pepper spray would definitely get anybody off, a person or dog or anything."

'Like a murder scene'

After the dog was shot, it went back into the house, where it died. Bulick said Bella walked around inside the house, went into her cage and finally collapsed at the bottom of the steps.

"My house looks like a murder scene in my living room," she said.

Bulick said she was unable to carry the dead dog from the house herself. She said she asked police to remove the dog, and they took it to the garage.

Police reports indicate that one officer, trained to handle a police dog, gave medical aid to the Bulicks' pet.

No criminal charges had been filed against anyone from the household as a result of Thursday night's conflict, in which several family members said they had been physically fighting.

Bulick described Bella as a well-trained dog who stayed in the yard. She said her daughter was able to walk the dog around the block.

"She was the biggest, sweetest baby. She was a good girl. They (police) definitely did her dirty," Bulick said.

The American Kennel Club website says the cane corso, also known as the Italian mastiff, has a name that roughly translates from the Latin as "bodyguard dog."

"Corsi are intelligent, loyal, eager to please, versatile, and intensely loyal to their humans, but are also assertive and willful, and can end up owning an unwitting owner," the AKC site says. "As with any other big guardian dog, responsible breeding and early socialization with people and other dogs is vital."

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com.

On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton family traumatized after police shoot cane corso dog
MSC Cruises has canceled months of itineraries on two ships amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The line scrapped MSC Orchestras entire winter schedule due to the proximity of some ports of call to Israel as well as the number of restrictions in the bordering countries that would have adversely affected passengers travel experiences, MSC said in a news release on Monday. The ship was scheduled to sail the Red Sea from Nov. 8-April 17, 2024.

MSC also canceled MSC Sinfonias winter schedule from Nov. 12-April 15, 2024. The itinerary centered on Haifa, Israel.

The line is also making small adjustments to Grand Voyages on MSC Opera, MSC Splendida and MSC Virtuosa, along with a pair of 11-night cruises on MSC Armonia, though the line is still working through the changes and reaching out to guests, according to spokesperson Field Sutton.

The line cited the current geopolitical situation, travel restrictions issued by local authorities in certain destinations, and various government advisories against travel to certain areas as reasons for the changes in the release. Passengers booked on impacted sailings can request a full refund or switch to a different cruise of similar length without penalty.

Live updates: Freed Israeli hostage, 85, recalls Hamas 'hell,' kindness and web of tunnels

The safety of guests and crew is always MSC Cruises top priority, the line said. As this is an evolving situation, the line will continue to monitor the situation and modify ship itineraries if necessary.

Many cruise lines, including MSC, changed itineraries earlier this month in the wake of the conflict. Last week, a Royal Caribbean International ship also helped evacuate U.S. nationals, transporting them from Haifa to Limassol, Cyprus.

The U.S. State Department has an advisory in place for the region, warning against travel to Gaza and urging travelers to reconsider going to Israel and the West Bank. The State Department also issued a global travel advisory last week, calling for Americans overseas to exercise increased caution.

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: MSC cancels months of cruises amid Israel-Hamas war
A murder suspect who disappeared after his attorneys claimed he was kidnapped is dead after he shot himself during a search for four escaped Georgia inmates.

Deputies say officials found Christian Demond Williams during a search connected to the recent escape of four inmates in Bibb County.

Williams had been scheduled to go before a judge back in March for his charges in a 2021 murder case. However, Williams attorneys alerted prosecutors to a video that showed their client allegedly being kidnapped.

The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office shared the video with Channel 2s ABC affiliate WGXA-TV News. The video shows two people dressed in all black hit Williams and drag him out of the front yard at his home. The camera view does not show how they left with Williams.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Monday, the Bibb County Sheriffs Office said Williams was found at an apartment complex in Macon months after his disappearance.

Deputies said US Marshals were following up on a lead regarding four inmates who escaped from jail. The Marshals went to knock on an apartment door at a complex when they were met by gunfire.

When officials entered the home, they found a man, later identified as Williams, had shot himself. The sheriffs office confirmed to WGXA-TV that Williams died Tuesday morning around 11:25 a.m.

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office said Williams involvement in the incident of the four escaped inmates is currently under investigation, but said they could not go into further detail due to it being an open investigation.

Another person inside the apartment was taken in for questioning.

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Meanwhile, Bibb County deputies are continuing their search along with US Marshals and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the inmates. Officials recovered the blue Dodge Challenger used as a getaway car at a grocery store parking lot on Saturday.

According to the sheriffs office, the inmates include one man accused of murder, and three others in jail for a variety of other charges. The escaped inmates include:

52-year-old Joey Fournier, who was being held in jail for murder. Fourner is a white man with blue eyes and gray hair. He stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall.

24-year-old Marc Kerry Anderson, who was being held in jail for aggravated assault. Anderson is a black man with dreads. He stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall.

37-year-old Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, who was being held for the United States Marshals. Barnwell is a black man with braids. He stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall.

29-year-old Chavis Demaryo Stokes, who was being detained for possession of a firearm and drug trafficking. Stokes is a black man with black hair. He stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall.

There is a combined $73,000 reward for any information that leads to their capture.

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Elon Musk

During an online discussion on his X platform (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk has proposed "restoring normal relations" with Russia by ceding parts of Ukrainian territory to it, The Wall Street Journal reported on Oct. 23.

Read also: Is Elon Musk a traitor? US to hold closed-door meeting over whether billionaire is conducting own foreign policy

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who has previously stated his intent to halt aid to Ukraine and prevent Russian dictator Putin from losing the war, also took part in the discussion.

Musk believes that the wars conducted by the Hamas against Israel and Russia against Ukraine could escalate into World War III, which he characterizes as a "civilizational risk" from which "we [humanity] may not recover," thereby making preventing a third world war a priority.

"We need to figure out peace in Ukraine, and I think we need to restore normal relations with Russia," he said.

Musk contends that Western policy has forced Russia and Iran into a strategic partnership with China, which he believes could potentially overshadow the U.S.-led alliance of Western countries.

He also proposed holding a "vote" in occupied territories of eastern Ukraine to determine if these regions would wish to be part of Ukraine or Russia. He asserted that some parts of the occupied territories would definitely want to be part of Russia. Musk also stated that Ukraine is not making "territorial progress" and that the battlefield situation is "hopeless;" thus, a "ceasefire," in his view, would be the "best outcome."

Read also: Musk denies shutting down Starlink over Crimea, says he denied request altogether

Musk echoed the narratives of Russian propaganda, calling Russians and Ukrainians 'relatives,' who, in his opinion, were forced into a fight by Western foreign policy.

Read also: Russian propaganda retreats as its Avdiyivka offensive stalls, ISW speculates on what comes next

In response, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said in a Telegram post that "the surrender of Ukraine" would not bring about the end of the war or "peace for our time" as Musk hopes.

Read also: Musk mocks Zelenskyy for asking for aid, neglects to mention the billions in aid hes received from the US government

That [would be] a catastrophic mistake, said Podolyak.

Abandoning support for Ukraine would not halt the war, but would instead spark numerous conflicts around the world, end the era of global peace, ruin the world economy, and secure a triumph of evil. There would be no more rules It will all end in a great war across many continents, in which U.S. citizens will likely have to fight in.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
File - Family members and colleagues wait to welcome released prisoners from Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Military-ruled Myanmar on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, allowed prisoners to have visitors from outside, a right that had been suspended for 3 1/2 years due to the coronavirus pandemic, the military's information office and prison officials said. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

BANGKOK (AP)  Military-ruled Myanmar on Tuesday allowed prisoners to have family visitors from outside, a right that had been suspended for 3 years because of the coronavirus pandemic, the militarys information office and prison officials said.

The rule allowing visitors carries detailed conditions, but it's the first opportunity for many of the thousands of political detainees who have been locked up for opposing the militarys 2021 seizure of power to meet with their family members.

Visitors must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations and a household relationship to the prisoner being met. Further documentation is required from the visitors local administration offices and police precincts.

A family member of a prisoner convicted of incitement and high treason for protesting military rule told The Associated Press that she was allowed to meet her son for about 20 minutes in a large room after waiting for about two hours with more than 100 other visitors. She visited a prison in Thayarwaddy township in Bago region, about 95 kilometers (60 miles) north of Yangon, the countrys biggest city.

She said she was happy to see her son again after more than a year and to be able to bring him medicine and money, since she last saw him at his trial in August last year.

Visitors had to speak to the prisoners through two wire mesh dividers about a foot (30 centimeters) apart, the woman said.

She spoke on the condition of anonymity because of concern about being identified since the military prefers to be the sole source of information on sensitive subjects.

The mother said she was told by the prison authorities that the inmates would be allowed to receive visitors once a month. Before the pandemic, they were allowed to meet their families at least twice a month.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a group that keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the repression of the military government, said that 25,337 people had been arrested since the 2021 takeover, and 19,616 of them, including ousted national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, were still in detention as of Tuesday.

Tun Kyi, a senior member of the Former Political Prisoners Society, a mutual support group, said any easing of prison conditions should be regarded as an effort by the military government to score political points and ease international pressure. Many Western nations apply economic and diplomatic sanctions on the countrys ruling generals because of their 2021 takeover and record of human rights abuses.

There is nothing to be happy or welcome about this case, which is intended to ease international pressure, Tun Kyi said.

Family visitation rights were suspended after the coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020. Most sectors of society gradually reduced or dropped testing requirements and other virus-fighting measures since 2022, but family visits to prisoners had remained banned.

Although prisons, in Myanmar as elsewhere, saw the coronavirus spread easily because of crowding and poor hygienic conditions, the continuation of the ban on visits had been widely seen as meant to demoralize political prisoners and highlight the punishment awaiting those who challenge military rule. Protests against the armys takeover were initially nonviolent, but after they were suppressed with deadly force, an armed resistance movement arose, which now operates throughout much of the country.

The total number of prisoners held in Myanmar, not only political detainees, isn't publicly known. There are about 66 prisons and 48 labor camps in Myanmar. Prison Department officials from Yangon, Magway region and Mon state told the AP on Tuesday that the visits have already begun. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to release information.

The militarys information office said in a statement sent to journalists that the in-person meetings with inmates at the prisons have been allowed to begin, but visitors must have been vaccinated twice for coronavirus and must be included in the same official household lists as the prisoners. It said other details of the visiting rules are posted on signboards in front of the prisons.
Editors note: What Myrtle Beach people, places or things make you nostalgic? Tell us more about this story or other notable stories that our journalists should know about our community. Email us at online@thesunnews.com.

Myrtle Beachs train depot isnt only a nationally recognized landmark, but a trove of memories for dozens of families, functionaries and friends that over the decades have gathered under its eaves to break bread.

Since opening in 1937 at 851 Broadway, the station spent decades as a major transportation artery, with visitors pouring off the Atlantic Coastline Railroad car and onto the citys beaches and colorful attractions.

Myrtle Beach is a modern, rapidly growing sea-side resort with several miles of paved streets, modernly equipped hotels, with practically all the advantages of the city, yet close enough to Nature to make a visit there refreshing, and luring one back again and again, that summers edition of Atlantic Coastline Railroads newsletter proclaimed.

By 1955, trains pulling into the depot were just three left in the nation that had mixed routes as civilians traveled with servicemen from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

As passenger rail travel began to wane, Atlantic Coastline sold the depot in 1967 to a beverage distributor that erected offices and warehouses on the site  blocking the depot from view.

On Oct. 23, 1986 the final passenger train departed from the depot en route to Conway for a political rally.

City officials would take possession of the depot at the turn of the 21st century, with a public-private campaign raising more than $1 million to purchase and then later restore the site.

Since then, its been used for baby showers, class reunions, birthday parties and family banquets.

In 2017, the Myrtle Beach Police Department honored retiring K-9 officer Alli with a function at the depot. And the follwing year, the depot hosted 201 events.

The city hosted its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in 2022 with a parade that stepped off from the depot.

Legendary Myrtle Beach photographer Jack Thomson, who has spent his career capturing iconic city scenes - including thousands of the depot - stepped in front of bulldozers to halt its demolition.
By Sabine Siebold

BERLIN (Reuters) - NATO is pushing its members to overcome protectionist tendencies and agree on a single standard for artillery ammunition to boost production of urgently needed 155mm shells while driving down prices that have soared since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Admiral Rob Bauer , head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's military committee, called on member countries to stop protecting national arms makers, whose current business model he compared to that of companies producing printers.

"The manufacturer will not get rich because of the printers that they make, but because of the ink," Bauer told Reuters in an interview published on Tuesday.

"If you make an artillery round that only fits in the gun that you make, then you force the users to buy your ammunition."

According to Bauer, the price for one artillery shell has gone up to 8,000 euros ($8,489.60) from 2,000 euros before Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Western countries have been scrambling to boost the output of artillery shells as Kyiv, firing thousands of rounds a day, has been burning through supplies much faster than the allies can produce them.

While there is a NATO standard for artillery ammunition, its implementation is voluntary and a lack of adherence by various countries has led to a fragmentation of the market and hampered the flow of supplies.

Bauer said 14 NATO nations reserved the right to deviate from the standard, meaning there were 14 different types of 155 millimetre ammunition.

He attributed the backsliding on standardisation to a defence market that has shrunk drastically since the Cold War, when NATO countries spent 3%-6% of GDP on the military.

"The number of buyers went down, the amount of money went down, and so everybody was protecting their own industry," the admiral noted, saying that, during the Cold War "everybody was getting a piece of the pie".

However, referring to significantly increased defence spending in previous years, Bauer said he was convinced that for the next 15 years there was enough money to be earned for the industry.

With NATO nations in the process of replenishing inventories depleted by donations to Kyiv, Bauer said now was the right time to break the cycle and make a new push for standardisation, also with a view to other areas such as transportation and medical supplies.

"If I look at the position of the soldier in the battlefield, they want interchangeability because they want to have a box of 155 millimetre artillery rounds," he said. "And they don't care who produced them, as long as they fit and they can shoot straight."

($1 = 0.9423 euros)

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Mike Harrison)
For the first time in Navy history, the service promoted a female mortician to senior chief petty officer.

Senior Chief Jessica Zugzda, originally from Perth, New York, is also just the second Navy mortician ever to become a senior chief petty officer, the Navy said Monday.

Although its rare for morticians to promote to E-8, Zugzda said she hopes her story encourages other sailors to not limit themselves and recognize whats possible in the field.

I want my junior sailors to be able to see their future doesnt have a cap on it, Zugzda said, according to a Navy news release. They can continue to grow, excel, and achieve the unachievable.

Zugzda is assigned to the U.S. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, where she and her team are in charge of the dignified transfer of remains for a fallen service member.

The quiet artistry of bringing the dead home from war

The dignified transfer process occurs every time a U.S. service member dies while serving in a theater of operations and their remains are returned to the United States via Dover Air Force Base. After the remains are transferred from the aircraft to a vehicle, they are then carried to a mortuary facility.

Zugzda, who joined the Navy in 2004, noted that the job takes an emotional toll  one she didnt fully realize until her current assignment.

Until I was here at Dover Port Mortuary and experienced this mission firsthand, I never really understood the gravity that came with it, she said. As challenging as some days may be, though, its twice as rewarding.

Zugzda advanced to senior chief petty officer in June.

Navy morticians fall under the hospital corpsman rating as a specific enlisted job classification, and the sea service is the only branch of the military with enlisted morticians, according to the Navy.

Although Zugzda originally envisioned becoming a forensic pathologist, she became interested in becoming a mortician after visiting a funeral home in 11th grade. She has no regrets about her career choice, she said.

It has made me a stronger, more knowledgeable person and leader, Zugzda said. Ive had the opportunity to serve alongside some wonderful people in places I never thought I would get to see.
North Carolina Republican House Speaker Tim Moore is going to the U.S.-Mexico border this weekend with his Texas counterpart.

The trip comes as the General Assembly is set to pass a new congressional map, including a district redrawn to favor Republicans that includes Moores home of Cleveland County. Moore said Tuesday hes considering a run for Congress.

Moore also said Tuesday that he will visit Eagle Pass, Texas, on Saturday with Republican Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Preventing immigrants from crossing the border into the United States illegally has been a consistent Republican priority, for both the traditional and MAGA wings of the party.

I had the opportunity to visit the border in Yuma, Arizona, earlier this year. And just seeing what an acute problem it is  its a problem thats affecting North Carolina in a significant way, Moore said. Ive talked to other speakers of the House from around the country who are facing increased fentanyl, drugs coming across, crime ...

Moore considers run for Congress

Moore has said previously that he wont run for another House term in 2024, but will finish out his current term, including as speaker, but hasnt announced whats in his future.

Im gonna evaluate all the options once we finish the session this week. Going to look at [running for Congress], and look at some other options as well, Moore told reporters after a House session Tuesday.

Moores counterpart in the Senate, Republican Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, said Tuesday hell run for another term in 2024 to his Senate seat representing Rockingham County. Berger and Moore have led the Republican-controlled legislature together for more than a decade.

Moore considered a run for Congress in 2022 but stopped short of announcing after then-incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn switched districts, then switched back, and then was ousted in the GOP primary by now U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards. Edwards Western North Carolina congressional district remains similar in the new maps, and a new one currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson of Charlotte was redrawn. Jackson may now be considering a run for attorney general.

I dont have a firm timeline. Im not certain, Moore said about when hell make a decision. Right now the focus is on getting the business done at hand.

He said a decision on his political future will likely be made in the coming weeks. Candidate filing for the 2024 elections is in December.

Moores trip to border

Moore said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone recommended he visit. In 2022, when Stone was running for reelection as sheriff, The Enterprise in Wilson reported that Stone defended sending his deputies to train at the U.S.-Mexico border. Stone said at a Nash County Republican Party event that his deputies were keeping drugs from reaching Nash County communities, The Enterprise reported.

When I talk to sheriffs, when I talk to folks in law enforcement, I hear more and more about the drugs coming across the border, Moore said.

Moore said he wants to go see for himself, and that it is a state issue, not just a federal one.

Eagle Pass seems to be where a lot of different things are happening. And I think seeing it firsthand will be will be very important, he said.

The House passed a bill in February that would require North Carolina sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but the Senate did not take it up.
Amid one of the worst economic and political crises since the late Fidel Castro turned Cuba into a communist country over sixty years ago, the island has lost almost 4 percent of its population in the past two years.

These Cubans are now in the United States.

Nearly 425,000 Cubans have come in the past two fiscal years, according to the latest U.S. border numbers, a migration crisis of historic proportions that underscores the challenges the Biden administration faces in trying to contain the displacement set in motion by authoritarian governments and political upheavals in the Western Hemisphere.

The population of Cuba stood at 11,113,215 by the end of December 2021, according to Cuban government statistics. The alarming wave of migration over the past two years is akin to a scenario where all the residents of the central province of Cienfuegos packed up and abandoned the island.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported 200,287 encounters with Cubans at U.S. borders nationwide in fiscal year 2023, which ended in September. In fiscal year 2022, CBP had reported another 224,607 encounters with Cuban nationals.

While the number of Cuban migrants has soared to levels only compared to the exodus unleashed by the revolution led by Castro in 1959, migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti have also reached record levels. In the past two fiscal years, just over a million people from those three countries (1,048,140) also reached U.S. borders. Most were able to stay.

A major earthquake, the murder of President Jovenel Moise, gang blockades and violence, and a wave of kidnappings have deteriorated living conditions in Haiti. In Cuba and Venezuela, insufficient healthcare, food shortages, frequent power blackouts, and repressive governments have sparked a mass exodus out of the two countries. Along with the rest of the region, they have also struggled to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and health aftermath.

Venezuela alone is the source of the largest displacement of people in the history of the Western Hemisphere, with over seven million people fleeing the humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations.

Some of the people reflected in the U.S. border data have come legally as beneficiaries of the Biden administration parole programs that allow citizens from the four countries to come here for a two-year period as long as they pass health and background checks, among other requirements. Over 241,000 people have arrived in the United States in the last fiscal year using these programs, including over 50,000 Cubans, more than 85,000 Haitians, over 38,000 Nicaraguans, and over 66,000 Venezuelans.

Most are coming to the United States through the Miami airport, the federal data shows.

But those coming through the Biden parole program still make up a fraction of the total number of migrants coming from those four countries, which is at historic levels.

The end-of-year border figures also show that tough policies embraced by the Biden administration, such as resuming deportations to some of these countries in turmoil, have yet to make a significant impact.

In response to a federal lawsuit challenging the parole programs, the Department of Homeland Security has argued that the significant increase of migrants from these four countries has at times strained DHSs operational capacity at the southwest border during the last two years.

This increase has been especially challenging because it is difficult for DHS to remove [them] to their home countries, DHS wrote.

Homeland Security has defended the new parole program as a way to get Mexico to accept returned nationals of these four countries at the border. The agency warned that if a judge ends the program, Mexico would almost certainly stop accepting these deportees. In its attempt to curb irregular migration, Homeland Security took other controversial steps and resumed direct deportation flights to Cuba and Venezuela.

For the first time, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is able to repatriate Venezuelan nationals back to their home country for those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States, ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Patrick J. Lechleitner said Tuesday. This is a tremendous step forward in the agencys ability to strengthen consequences for migrants who cross our border unlawfully.

The Biden administration is also working diplomatically to address some of the root causes of this unprecedented wave of migrants coming from those four countries.

U.S officials conducted secret negotiations that recently ended with a deal to partially lift U.S. sanctions on Venezuela in exchange for commitments by the government of Nicolas Maduro to allow free and fair elections in Venezuela.

The U.S. government actively worked to get approval for a U.N. resolution it drafted to authorize a one-year deployment of a multinational armed force to Haiti, with the hope of controlling the spiraling gang violence that is worsening the humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean nation.

Administration officials are also set to meet with their Cuban counterparts in Havana on Nov. 14 to discuss the implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, a series of bilateral agreements that date back to 1984, a State Department spokesperson said.

These talks, held twice a year, are consistent with our interest in fostering family reunification and promoting greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba, the spokesperson said.

Ensuring safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration between Cuba and the United States remains a primary objective of the United States, the official said.

In a recent gathering of Latin American and Caribbean leaders in Mexico hosted by the Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Cubas handpicked president Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed U.S. sanctions for the migration crisis, though experts mention the countrys failing economic policies and increased repression of critics as playing a major role. The participating countries, which included Haiti, Venezuela, and Honduras, issued a joint statement that, among other things, proposed a dialogue between Cuba and the United States as soon as possible about their bilateral relationship.

Biden is also hosting a larger gathering of countries from across the Western Hemisphere to a summit early next month in Washington D.C., that is focused on eradicating the root causes of migration as well as fostering economic development in the region.

The International Organization for Migration said last month that regional action is essential as unprecedented numbers of migrants are moving through Mexico and Central America.

The challenges of migration are too vast for any nation in the Americas to tackle alone, said Marcelo Pisani, IOMs Regional Director for South America.
A robber has been found guilty of murdering a 71-year-old woman and stealing 13,000 from her bank account.

Xyaire Howard bound and strangled Susan Hawkey to get her to reveal her PIN.

Ms Hawkey's decomposing body was discovered about three weeks later under a duvet in the living room of her home in Neasden, north-west London.

Howard, 23, and his girlfriend Chelsea Grant, 28, both from Press Road, Neasden, were remanded into custody until sentencing.

The couple who lived nearby, had also repeatedly robbed Ms Hawkey before the killing last September, the Old Bailey was told.

The pair admitted fraud by false representation in relation to their misuse of Ms Hawkey's bank card.

Grant was cleared of murder. She was found guilty of three counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery of the victim.

Howard had pleaded guilty to one of the robberies. He was also convicted by the jury of one charge of robbery and attempted robbery.

Howard admitted that he tied Ms Hawkey's hands to extract her PIN, but maintained she was alive when he left her home.

Her body was found with her hands taped and tied behind her back, her eyes taped shut and a ligature knotted around her neck.

Ms Hawkey was said to be a highly vulnerable elderly woman who lived an isolated life with little contact with friends and family.

Previously, prosecutor Annabel Darlow KC told jurors that the defendants had identified Ms Hawkey last summer as an "ideal victim".

She said: "When Susan Hawkey's decomposing corpse was found by the authorities, she was bound and blindfolded, and a ligature was around her neck.

"For some reason, all of her lower clothing, including underwear, had been removed and her upper clothing had been cut down the front. An item of clothing had been placed over her head and her body concealed under a duvet."

The victim's bank account went from a balance of more than 16,000 to just 3,434 as the defendants bought themselves perfume, a new television, portable speakers, telephones, clothes, shoes, sunglasses, watches and handbags.

Both defendants also sent money to St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean using money transfer services.

Sentencing will take place at the Old Bailey on 8 December.

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Hamas massacre of more than 1,400 Israelis and kidnapping of over 200 others on Oct. 7 was more than a national tragedy for Israel  it was also a massive intelligence failure. Now, as Israel goes to war against Hamas, vital questions abound: Why didnt Israeli leadership see this coming? If Israel defeats Hamas, what will take its place? And what are the odds that Israels greatest ally, the United States, could get pulled into a direct role in the conflict?

Amos Yadlin has unique insights into all these questions. The 71-year-old former Israeli intelligence chief, who oversaw the destruction of Syrias nascent nuclear program and the serial sabotage of Irans, has emerged as a key voice on the crisis, briefing members of Israels war cabinet. For nearly a decade following his term as intelligence chief, he served as head of Israels highly influential Institute for National Security Studies, and he remains a security eminence grise, now running the national-security consultancy Mind Israel.

In a new interview with POLITICO Magazine conducted via Zoom over two days last week, Yadlin offered a useful window into official Israeli thinking on the escalating war  from solutions to the ongoing hostage crisis to the challenge of avoiding Palestinian civilian casualties.

Yadlin made clear that Israels policy in this war was not simply to retaliate for the massacre or weaken Hamas, but to definitively end the jihadist groups 16-year rule in Gaza.



We are going to destroy Hamas, as Nazi Germany was destroyed, he said, adding that Israel would mount a global assassination campaign against Hamas leaders akin to the one it launched following the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.

Aligned politically with the countrys center left  he was the Labor Partys candidate for defense minister in the 2015 elections  Yadlin attributed much of the blame for the catastrophe to the national distraction of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s push to overhaul the countrys judiciary: Netanyahu got all the warnings  from his defense minister, from the chief of staff, from the head of intelligence, from the head of Shin Bet and from independent writers like me, like others  that this is weakening Israel deterrence and endangering Israeli national security.

Complicating matters in recent days, the Israeli media has been abuzz with reports of internal Israeli government deliberations over a second front with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with the defense minister and other Israeli officials reportedly advocating a preemptive strike on the militant group and the U.S. cautioning against it.

Yadlin said Hezbollahs very cautious behavior indicated a low likelihood of a second front developing. But while declining to go into details, Yadlin  who is privy to recent discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials  hinted that, in the event Hezbollah were to initiate a full-blown war with Israel, the U.S. might join shoulder to shoulder with Israel: If Hezbollah attacks first, dont be surprised  the U.S. may participate in this war.

The following is a partial transcript of our conversation. It has been edited for concision and clarity. (Full disclosure: Yadlin is an advisory-board member of ROPES, an Arab-Israeli peace organization I founded.)

Ben Birnbaum: Israel has called up 300,000 reservists, many of whom are now massed on the border with Gaza, preparing for an imminent ground invasion. It seems like the government has decided to definitively topple the Hamas regime, but what does that entail, and what will take Hamas place?

Yadlin: OK, youre absolutely right. The Israeli government has decided to destroy Hamas and to end its existence as the sovereign power in Gaza. The paradigm that led to this catastrophic failure was the paradigm that Hamas had become moderate, that it felt accountable to 2 million people in Gaza, that it was rebuilding Gaza, caring for the welfare of the Gazans, and that it was a responsible address.

Big mistake.

Hamas is a terror organization that is committed to the destruction of Israel, ISIS-level, even worse than ISIS  killing children in front of their parents.  They even took pictures of it, posting on the social networks, very proud of their shocking war crimes. So Israel needed to change the paradigm.

We refer to Hamas from now on as the government of Hamas-stan in Gaza, a neighboring country that attacked Israel, and we declare war on this country. And we are going to destroy this state, very much like what the Allies did to Germany in 1945, very much like what the U.S. did to ISIS, to the Caliphate, in Iraq and Syria, 2014 to 2019. We hope that after Hamas is destroyed, the [Palestinian Authority] may come back to Gaza. There are even more innovative ideas of an Arab mandate  maybe a consortium of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE  that will control the place. We are not there yet. It took the Americans years to try and destroy Al Qaeda in Afghanistan or the jihadists in Iraq and five years against ISIS. Gaza is smaller, the Israelis are fighting close to home, and we can do it maybe in months  two months, three months  but it is not going to be so quick, so we have time to think about the solution as the operation goes on. But the goal is well-defined: Hamas will not control Gaza anymore.

Birnbaum: There are somewhere between 200 and 250 hostages being held by Hamas and other armed groups. How does this complicate Israels military planning, and what is the strategy for bringing them home?

Yadlin: You have to develop leverages vis-a-vis Hamas, which create possibilities to bring them home. Its part of the wars objective. They may be released through operational raids, much like [the 1976 Israeli raid to rescue Palestinian-held hostages at the airport in Entebbe, Uganda], even though this is not Entebbe  they are guarded better, they are dispersed, they may be used as human shields. It is very difficult, but I guess well see some operations. And you can do it by negotiation. Personally, I think that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is giving the two sides an opportunity for humanitarian-for-humanitarian deals. There are kids being held hostage: 9-month-old babies, 5-year-old kids, young elementary school boys and girls. There are women there, there are elderly that need medicine. All of these are humanitarian cases, and we should try to get them out one by one. I think the finger should be pointed at [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar. If he wants to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he should release at least all the humanitarian civilian cases that he took, contrary to any standard of human behavior and international law.

Birnbaum: Do you think in the end that well be looking at some sort of prisoner swap?

Yadlin: You know, the source of the problem today is the prisoner swap for [Israeli soldier] Gilad Shalit in 2011, when Israel released [more than 1,000] very dangerous terrorists, including Sinwar. So the Shalit deal was extremely costly. I think all options are on the table, and some prisoners may be released. We are not there yet.

Sinwar, at this moment, is in a euphoria, but I think within a week or two, he will understand the disaster he brought on the Palestinian people, and he will try to correct at least some of the [impression that] Hamas=ISIS, which is now a slogan that is accepted in the Western world, and hopefully he will release at least the humanitarian civilian cases. At the end of this conflict, the lesson to every Palestinian should be, If you attack Israel, the price is high. Your organization will be destroyed. Israel will not return all the territories. We are not going back to the 2005 line [of Israels withdrawal from Gaza]. This should be the lesson of what he has done. And at the end, very much like 1972 after [the Munich Olympics massacre of Israeli athletes] and Black September, all Hamas commanders, leaders that participated in this Holocaust today, will be targeted and will be brought to justice or just killed.

Birnbaum: You said that Israel would not go back to the 2005 line. What do you mean by that? Will Israel maintain some sort of a buffer zone even after the invasion?

Yadlin: After the destruction of Hamas, we have no desire to control 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, but we have an obligation to ensure that a catastrophe like the 7th of October never happens again. So the way to do it is, as you mentioned, a buffer zone  a perimeter of one or two kilometers, well-mined with anti-tank obstacles, that will make sure that if there will be another intention to invade Israel, it is not going to be as easy as it was last time. And the idea that you pay in territory if you kill Israelis is also an idea that we want them to fully understand. But this is based on future security needs. Nobody in Israel will come back to live one kilometer from the border if there is no security zone that will ensure we have enough time to stop the next attack.



Birnbaum: You supported Israels 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. In light of everything that has happened, are you having second thoughts?

Yadlin: I think the principle of the withdrawal was right. Since we didnt want to control at that time 1.7 million Palestinians, the idea was, You dont want peace. We will withdraw to what we think is the right border. Since this was done with American cooperation, the Americans insisted on the 5th of June, 1967 line. I thought that was a mistake. There were a couple of Israeli settlements in northern Gaza that were not entangled with the Palestinian population  we should have kept them. It would have saved the very easy access to northern Gaza [that allowed Hamas] to shorten the range of the rockets to Ashkelon and then Ashdod and then Tel Aviv. I think the withdrawal was a good idea. The parameters of it and the execution of it were flawed. But the policy of enabling Hamas to build up their military power was the greatest mistake.

Birnbaum: Coming back to the present situation: As part of its preparations for the military invasion, Israel called on more than 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate to the south. As you know, the U.N., the Red Cross, a number of governments have condemned the order. What do you say to them and, more generally, to those who have expressed alarm at the number of Palestinian civilians who have already been killed in the Israeli military response?

Yadlin: I say two things: First, the evacuation of the Palestinian population is because we care about them. Hamas uses them as a human shield. Hamas wants us to kill civilians, and we want them to clear the front, to clear the area where we and Hamas are going to fight, and we dont think that this is problematic. It is according to international law. The ones who can stop this war are Hamas. If Hamas says, Im returning all the people I took, and Im evacuating Gaza, as Arafat evacuated Beirut in 1982, the war is over. They can blame Israel, but they are using the population as human shields. They are stopping them from evacuating northern Gaza.

Birnbaum: In recent days, theres been quite a bit of exchange of fire with Hezbollah on the northern border. Israel has been evacuating communities there. What in your view are the chances of Israel being drawn into a full-blown second front with Lebanon?

Yadlin: When I look at [Hezbollah leader] Hassan Nasrallahs behavior, it seems like he still cares more about Lebanon and the need to protect Iran  and deter Israel from attacking its nuclear program  than he does about saving Hamas in Gaza. He is not willing to sacrifice Lebanon and to destroy Beirut for the sake of Sunni Palestinians that started this war without consulting him.

There are three levels of Hezbollah attacking Israel. The first stage is where we are today. Hezbollah is showing moral support for Hamas but not seriously starting a war with Israel. Theyre attacking through the border with limited fire  one or two or five anti-tank missiles, a couple of mortars, Palestinian terror teams trying to cross the border, a couple of rockets. And Israel is reacting to each one of them. You dont see them attacking deeper than five kilometers at the maximum and very, very limited. This is the first stage.

In the second stage  I think they will move to it when Israel gets on the ground in Gaza  they will move a little bit deeper and with heavier weapons like ballistic missiles or heavy rockets on military targets, not yet on civilian targets, and take the risk that Israel will retaliate in the same way, but still trying not to escalate to a full-scale war. But once we are in this second modus operandi, the chances for miscalculation and being unable to control the escalation can lead us to a war.

Here, we come to the U.S. role.

The U.S. doesnt need to help Israel in the military operation in Gaza. However, the U.S. interest is to try and prevent regional war. So they sent two aircraft carriers to the Eastern Mediterranean, basically conveying a deterrence message to Hezbollah and Iran: If you attack Israel, we are with Israel. And this is the reason I think Hezbollah is very careful and Iran is very careful. Having said that, we have to be very cautious, because the intelligence was unable to discover the intentions of Sinwar, so maybe we dont see the intentions of Iran and Hezbollah. But the strategic surprise is not there. Israel has its best military power on the northern border. And I think Nasrallah knows that, and so he will try not to start a full-scale war. But if he does, Israel is ready, and the U.S. may join  shoulder to shoulder. It never happened before. The U.S. supported Israel with weapons, with diplomatic support, with financial support. They never fought directly for Israel. In this case, the fact that Israel is restraining itself vis-a-vis Hezbollah brought a commitment from the U.S.: If Hezbollah attacks first, dont be surprised: The U.S. may participate in this war.

Birnbaum: Is there any chance Iran would become directly involved, as theyve threatened to do  say, by sending missiles directly from Iran?

Yadlin: The Iranians are very cautious, and they prefer to do everything through proxies. The Iranian strategy to destroy Israel is not through direct confrontation, which may be very risky for them. The Iranian strategy is to make life in Israel miserable. Very much like the barbaric attack of Hamas from Gaza and the Hezbollah firing of rockets at the civilian population from Lebanon. They want the proxy to pay the price, and the risk to Iran is minimal. Thats how they went after the Americans in Iraq. They didnt attack the U.S. directly  only after [the assassination of Irans Quds Force commander Qasem] Soleimani, and also very calculated and limited.

Birnbaum: What would full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah look like?

Yadlin: Hezbollah will try to launch their ballistic missiles to the centers of power of Israel  air force bases, intelligence bases, the missile defense of Israel and maybe the power stations. They will try to destroy Israel as much as they can, to have their commandos crossing the Israeli border very much like what Hamas did. But in this case, they will lose at least the strategic-surprise advantage, because the Israeli military is now all over the place. And the Israeli forces are ready to protect and then to attack Hezbollah. At the end of such a war, Beirut will be destroyed  very much like Gaza. Israel will have to destroy the three main components of Hezbollahs might, which is the ballistic missiles, the Radwan force on the border  this is their commando units  and the air defense that they built. Nasrallah will not be with us at the end of this war. And Lebanon as a state will pay a very high price. It will be a very devastating war  for both sides. And both sides know that and are trying to avoid it.

Birnbaum: How much of these failures would you attribute to Israels domestic crisis over the judicial overhaul?

Yadlin: There were nine months that Netanyahu pushed Israel into a domestic crisis that took all the energy of everybody. The attention of Israel was inside and not outside. And Netanyahu got all the warnings  from his defense minister, from the chief of staff, from the head of intelligence, from the head of Shin Bet and from independent writers like me, like others  that this is weakening Israel deterrence and endangering Israeli national security, that he is risking and weakening every source of Israeli power  the high-tech industry, the Air Force, the intelligence, the deterrence, the relations with the world, with the U.S.

Netanyahu also has to be blamed for releasing Sinwar and hundreds of other dangerous terrorists [in the 2011 Shalit deal]. And he conflated Hamas with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah because the PA was a body that he should negotiate with, and he didnt want to negotiate. So he said, OK, Hamas is not that dangerous, we can live with it. Every three, four years, well do a round of exchange of fire. But this is not the most dangerous enemy of Israel.

Birnbaum: Youre a longtime supporter of the two-state solution. In your opinion, from an Israeli perspective, did what happened strengthen or weaken the case for a Palestinian state?

Yadlin: Weaken, dramatically. By the way, Im a supporter of a two-state solution, but with zero military presence in the Palestinian state, because I know what the Palestinians want to do. We went through decades of terror, and exactly what happened on Simchat Torah is making me  a security hawk and political dove  even more strict on security. This attack will move the Israeli public even more to the right. The right already blames Oslo and the Disengagement. And the idea that we can give the Palestinians the capability to build even security forces at the levels that the PA has  this will be very difficult now. The only reason that the polls are not showing a move to the right is Netanyahu, because Israelis blame Netanyahu, even on the right. But when Netanyahu departs, getting a two-state solution will become more difficult.

Birnbaum: President Biden visited Israel after the Hamas attack. Are you satisfied with his administrations response thus far?

Yadlin: I think this is a very friendly administration, and Biden personally is the best president toward Israel. Hes not shy to say that hes a Zionist  that you don't have to be Jewish to be a Zionist. He still remembers the Holocaust. His two speeches belong to the Hall of Fame of speeches. He was empathic. He was making a moral statement that supports Israel. He promised Israel a lot of assistance and security and gave us the sense that we have an ally, that we are fighting together against this very cruel terrorist organization.

Having said that, America has its own interests, and one of the interests is that the war will not escalate to the north and to Iran, so Biden urged Netanyahu not to launch a preemptive strike against Hezbollah. He is also concerned about the Palestinians. He wants a two-state solution. He cares about the Palestinians who are not terrorists, who are under the Hamas control and unfortunately being used as human shields. He supports the wars objective, to destroy Hamas, but he asked Israel to do it according to international law, with minimum suffering to innocent people.

Birnbaum: Some Republicans have criticized the Biden administrations recent deal with Iran that unfroze $6 billion in oil revenues, saying it indirectly or even directly helped finance these attacks. Is there any merit to those charges?

Yadlin: America is now approaching an election, and the two sides will use arguments against each other. Im looking at something that is more encouraging  that Israel is again becoming a bipartisan issue on the Hill, with both parties supporting Israel. This is not the case on the [college] campuses. Over there, the [boycott, divestment and sanctions] and Palestinian supporters are still quite influential.  But in Washington, you see bipartisan support for Israel, and this is whats important.

Birnbaum: Prior to these events, Israel and Saudi Arabia were engaged in intense negotiations to normalize their relations with the support of the Biden administration. Is it fair to say that this effort will be on hold indefinitely?

Yadlin: In the short run, it seems like its dead. Look at last night, when Hamas falsely accused Israel of what Islamic Jihad did to the hospital in Gaza. [Editor's note: The explosion of Gazas al-Ahli Arab Hospital on Oct. 17 prompted an information war, with each side blaming the other for the incident. A video analysis by the AP appears to show that the explosion resulted from a rocket fired from Palestinian territory that broke up mid-air, part of which crashed to the ground.] And Arabs went to the street. In this atmosphere, even though it was motivated by the false psychological warfare of terror organizations that has no connection to the truth, it makes such a deal more difficult.

However, I think that the attack of Hamas is showing normal Muslims that this is an organization that doesnt represent the culture of most of the Arab world. And if Hamas is destroyed fast, we will still have enough time before the deadline  basically in the spring, when the 2024 campaign starts. It is still possible that this event will make such an alliance of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia and Israel against Iran even more urgent, because if Iran is standing behind the attack, they can do something like that in other parts of the Middle East.



Birnbaum: Lets speak briefly about Israels existing partners in the region  Egypt, Jordan and now the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco. Are you satisfied with what youve been hearing and seeing from these five countries?

Yadlin: I am not satisfied with the reaction of Egypt and Jordan. They cannot justify such an attack. They should denounce it, the way the UAE did. If you listen to the UAE representative at the UN Security Council, she spoke the truth  that this mass murder has no justification, that theyre war criminals. She denounced it with the harshest language.

Sisi and King Abdullah were less in the right position, I guess, because of the internal pressures from their street. Im not happy with it, but the tough time is still ahead of us. When the ground operations start, when we eradicate Hamas, they may again denounce Israel, but we have to do what we have to do after 1,400 Israelis were killed  the deadliest day since the Holocaust. We are going to destroy Hamas, as Nazi Germany was destroyed, whatever will be said in Amman or Cairo.

Birnbaum: On a separate note, youve been teaching at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government recently and were a Wexner Fellow there when you were younger. The Wexner Foundation announced this week that it was cutting ties with Harvard over the administrations response to the massacre, which the foundation considered inadequate, and its failure to condemn a letter by 30-plus student organizations blaming Israel for what happened. Do you have any comment on that?

Yadlin: I personally felt these BDS organizations that support terror and Hamas when I taught a course in 2022 at Harvard, so Im not surprised. They were near my class, chanting that Palestine should be free from the river to the sea. I was not surprised by them. I was disappointed deeply by the leadership of Harvard and the Kennedy School that did not denounce the pogrom, the mini-Holocaust that was carried out against innocent people.

However, Im not sure that terminating the Wexner program, which was an excellent program, and leaving the Kennedy School to these BDS terror supporters without the presence of 10 distinguished Israeli students on campus is a smart move. We have to fight these people. And we can win because we are the just side. They support terror, and we support peace. It was easy for me in the class to convince my students. Some of them were Arabs, some of them were from the progressive side, but we had a dialogue. These people support terror, and they refuse to have a dialogue. And Harvard should change its approach to them if they think that they want to be on the moral side. With all due respect to the First Amendment, there are some moral principles that are more important.

Birnbaum: And last question: I really havent seen this outpouring of sympathy for Israel across the world since at least the Second Intifada, maybe in my lifetime. Do you think this is fleeting? Or has something in the global consciousness of this conflict shifted?

Yadlin: Whenever the Jewish people are killed  slaughtered, raped, removed from their place  people support the victim. People understand who were fighting with, why we cannot allow a Palestinian terror state zero distance from on our border. And we are encouraged by the broad support from the United States  and even from Europe. I prefer not to be a victim and not to get sympathy. But I think the case for Israel is now much stronger.


House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik said Sunday that nine candidates have joined the race for speaker after Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, dropped his bid last week.

Stefanik, R-N.Y., noted on X that the deadline to announce speaker bids was noon ET Sunday.

The GOP candidate forum is set for 6:30 p.m. ET Monday. Then, an internal conference vote will occur 9 a.m. Tuesday. Speaker Pro Tem Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has said his intention is to move to a floor vote as soon as Tuesday.

After his defeat on the House floor for a third time last week, Jordans speakership bid fell apart Friday after he lost a vote of confidence at a closed-door meeting of Republicans.

The internal, secret-ballot vote was 86 Republicans for Jordan and 112 saying they wanted to move on from him and go with someone else, lawmakers said as they left the meeting.

These are the candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring after Jordan dropped out:

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota

House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., ahead of the third vote for Rep. Jim Jordan's speakership bid. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images)

Emmer, the No. 3 Republican in leadership, officially announced his bid Saturday, a day after he began making calls. He quickly picked up an endorsement from ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

If given the opportunity to be your Speaker, we will use that same culture of teamwork, communication, and respect to build on the moments that brought us success, learn from our mistakes, and keep fighting for each and every one of you and our Republican majority, Emmer wrote in a letter to colleagues.

Emmer, who previously was that chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, also vowed to always be honest and direct with all of you, even if we disagree.

GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson of Louisiana

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., at the Capitol. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images file)

Johnson also started making calls Friday before he announced his speakership bid Saturday.

We all agree the urgency of this hour demands a specific plan and bold, decisive action. It also demands a leader who will humble himself each day before Almighty God, selflessly serve the full membership of this body, and fight ceaselessly for our core conservative principles and policies, Johnson said in a letter to colleagues.

Johnson, an attorney and former talk show host, is serving his fourth term and sits on the Judiciary Committee. He previously supported Jordans speakership bid.

Jack Bergman of Michigan

Rep. Jack Bergman. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)

Bergman, a retired Marine lieutenant general who is in his fourth term, announced his speakership bid Friday.

The regular functioning of the federal government cant wait on useless infighting and arguments, Bergman said in a statement. What matters right now is choosing a Speaker in order to make sure that our government  and particularly our military  is funded, and that both our homeland and our critical allies are secure in this time of crisis.

James Hogge, his communications director, said Bergman had proudly supported Jordans speakership bid but was approached by colleagues and has had conversations about a possible Speaker run following the second round of voting.

Byron Donalds of Florida

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., at the Capitol. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images file)

Donalds, a second-term lawmaker, is on the Financial Services and Oversight committees. He announced his speakership bid Friday.

My sole focus will be securing our border, funding our government responsibly, advancing a conservative vision for the House of Representatives and the American people, and expanding our Republican majority, he said in his announcement.

Donalds, who makes frequent appearances on right-wing media, was nominated for speaker by his conservative Freedom Caucus colleagues in January.

Kevin Hern of Oklahoma

Rep. Kevin Hern. (Win McNamee / Getty Images file)

Hern, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives on Capitol Hill, launched a bid Friday.

Im in, Hern told NBC News as he left a closed-door meeting of Republicans on Friday. Hern had voted in support of Jordans speaker bid.

We must unify and do it fast, Hern said in a statement announcing his own bid. Ive spoken to every member of the conference over the last few weeks.

We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why Im running for Speaker of the House, he added.

Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania

Rep. Dan Meuser. (Mariam Zuhaib / AP file)

Meuser, a former business executive, signaled his consideration of a bid after Jordan dropped out.

I come from the business world, and I plan to bring, if I run, a business perspective to things and gain consensus, Meuser said Friday.

Meuser, who entered Congress in 2019, is on the Financial Services and Small Business committees. He previously was secretary of revenue in Pennsylvania.

Gary Palmer of Alabama

Rep. Gary Palmer. (Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call via AP file)

Palmer, a fifth-term congressman who was elected in 2014, has been the chair of the Republican Policy Committee since 2019.

He serves on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. Before his time in Congress, he co-founded the Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative think tank.

Austin Scott of Georgia

Rep. Austin Scott. (Bryan Olin Dozier / AP file)

Scott, who had challenged Jordan for speaker, signaled hell run again after Jordan dropped his bid.

If we are going to be the majority we need to act like the majority, and that means we have to do the right things the right way, Scott wrote on X. I supported and voted for Rep. Jim Jordan to be the Speaker of the House. Now that he has withdrawn I am running again to be the Speaker of the House.

Scott previously lost the secret-ballot vote against Jordan 124-81.

Pete Sessions of Texas

Rep. Pete Sessions. (Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call via AP file)

Sessions, a former Rules Committee chairman, announced his bid Friday.

Congressman Sessions believes he can forge a positive path as a conservative leader who can unite the Conference, his office wrote in a statement.

Sessions also was chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The conflict in Gaza dominates the front pages. The i reports on the news that two elderly female hostages have been released from Hamas custody and says the US is thought to have advised Israel to delay launching its ground invasion of Gaza to allow more time for negotiations about the other people still being held.

The Guardian says Gaza has been "hit by one of the deadliest nights of Israeli bombing so far" and that, according to Hamas officials, at least 400 Palestinians were killed on Monday. It says "entire residential blocks across the strip have been levelled", including in areas where people had been told to seek refuge, and carries a picture of a young woman holding her infant child in the aftermath of an air strike.

France and other EU states have set up a "clash" with Britain and the US after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the Daily Telegraph. The paper quotes French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne calling for a "humanitarian truce" and says the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has argued that a halt to bombing would allow more time to negotiate with Hamas for the release of hostages. By contrast, it reports, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said it would be "difficult" to push for a ceasefire while Israel is still facing regular rocket attacks, while US President Joe Biden has said all hostages need to be released before negotiations can begin.

The Daily Mail reports on "horrific" video screened by Israel on Monday that it says "proved the true barbarism of the Hamas terror attacks". The paper says the images, downloaded from the bodycams and smartphones of the militants, were too graphic to publish but were shown to journalists in Tel Aviv, and that "several viewers were brought to tears". It adds that some accounts of the attacks have been "subject to loud denials around the world" and quotes the Israeli government saying it released the footage to challenge the "Holocaust deniers of 2023".

The prime minister has criticised the Metropolitan Police for not stopping people at pro-Palestine marches in London from chanting for "jihad", according to the Daily Express. The paper says Mr Sunak has told police to tackle such behaviour "head on" and dismissed claims that they did not have the powers needed to do so.

The Times says Mr Sunak has declared that the chants are a "threat to British democracy", but also quotes Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley saying current legislation on extremism is insufficient and that his officers cannot "enforce taste and decency". The paper says the prime minister has appeared to accept that the law may need clarifying and that ministers, prosecutors and police are working on "urgent plans to ensure that protesters who use extremist language at rallies are arrested".

Some of the families whose homes have been flooded by Storm Babet "feel abandoned", according to the Daily Mirror. The front page features a picture of a number of cars on a residential street submerged by water and a quote from a mum in South Yorkshire who says: "Nobody is helping us".

A coroner has found that a catalogue of 51 failures by probation staff contributed to a man's murder of his partner and three children at a sleepover, according to the Metro. The paper says Damian Bendall killed Terri Harris, 35, her children Lacey, 11, and John Paul, 13, and Lacey's friend, Connie Gent, 11, at Ms Harris's home in September 2021. It says no safeguarding checks were carried out before Bendall was placed under curfew at the house despite the fact he had a "history of serious and violent" offences.

The Financial Times reports that US energy giant Chevron has agreed to buy oil and gas producer Hess in a $53bn deal. The paper says the move will give Chevron "a foothold in Guyana, home to the biggest oil discovery of the past decade" and that it shows the company is "doubling down on its bet that demand for fossil fuels will remain robust for decades to come".

And the Daily Star says researchers have found mice surviving in ultra-thin air at the top of a volcano in Chile. The paper says that if the rodents can live in such an inhospitable environment then "they can live anywhere" and asks whether the discovery means there could be "mice on Mars".

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House Republicans are still trying to figure out who they want as the next speaker.

It's been weeks since McCarthy was ousted, and work is piling up on the speaker's desk.

The new speaker will need to keep the government funded, pass Israel and Ukraine packages, and more.

It may be days or even weeks before a majority of representatives elect a new House speaker, but one thing is certain: The next speaker will have a huge amount of responsibilities to quickly deal with after taking office.

House Republicans began the secret voting process on Tuesday morning to whittle down the 8 remaining speaker candidates until only one remains. But as the past few weeks have shown, that doesn't guarantee they'll have coalesced enough party support to win the speakership.

Once that hurdle is overcome, there's one thing the new speaker most certainly will need to take care of, and fast: keeping the government funded.

As it stands, Congress has until November 17 to avoid a government shutdown and ensure federal workers, contractors, and members of the military remain paid. Congress just narrowly avoided closing shop on October 1 after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy struck a last-minute bargain on a 45-day continuing resolution at the end of September to keep the lights on. That same agreement, however, was what ultimately led to his historic ouster.

While the House has been speakerless, war broke out in the Middle East in early October after Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Israeli civilians. The Biden Administration requested permission from Congress to send $14.3 billion of support to Israel in response to the fighting, but Congress won't be able to do anything about it until a new speaker is chosen.

The Biden Administration has also asked Congress to approve $61.4 billion in aid to Ukraine in its prolonged fight against Russian forces, which may be a tougher hurdle for some members of Congress to get on board with as the fighting's gone on since February 2022 and the government's already approved of $75 billion in assistance.

On top of this, Congress' farm bill  which is rewritten every five years  has already expired with some of its most important programs being temporarily propped up by the aforementioned continuing resolution to keep the government funded for 45 days.

It'll likely take several months for the House and Senate to come to an agreement on the terms of such a deal, which includes support for federal food stamps and comes at a time when the country's farm economy isn't faring too well.

Federal officials are also asking Congress to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it expires at the end of the year, which the assistant attorney general called "among the most consequential national security decisions we face as a country."

With the fierce amount of partisanship on display in the House and the GOP holding such a narrow majority, there's no assurance that all or even any of these bills get tackled at all before the year's end.

Perhaps most critically, House rules still dictate that it only takes one member to begin the process of ousting a speaker, as is what happened to McCarthy.

This means there's also an increasing possibility the bills are each tackled by a series of different speakers, each one gaining authority after their predecessor gets the boot for disgruntling a select few members for passing one of the above bills.

The mountain of responsibilities the next speaker needs to urgently take care of is getting bigger and bigger. An avalanche of some sort appears inevitable, with its full consequences still to come.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FILE - Haitian migrants who hope to apply for asylum in the U.S. wait to register their names on a list made by a religious organization in Reynosa, Mexico, Dec. 21, 2022, on the other side of the border with McAllen, Texas. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  More than 260 charter flights believed to be carrying migrants from Haiti have touched down in Nicaragua in recent months, according to flight data and experts in the region, adding to a historic crush of migration by people hoping to reach the U.S.

The flow of migrants has left the Biden administration and Latin American leaders scrambling for solutions, and experts say it's also being used as leverage by governments like Nicaraguas to get concessions from the U.S. amid tightening sanctions.

The Ortega government knows they have few important policy tools at hand to confront the United States, ... so they have armed migration as a way to attack," said Manuel Orozco, director of the migration, remittances and development program at the Inter-American Dialogue. This is definitely a concrete example of weaponizing migration as a foreign policy."

Nicaragua has long been used as a migratory springboard for people fleeing struggling Caribbean nations like Cuba and Haiti as well as countries as far away as Mauritania in Africa, because it is one of the few countries that doesnt require visas for many of them to enter.

Such flights from Cuba were already gaining steam late last year amid a historic exodus from the island. In August, Orozco said the Nicaraguan government allowed charter airlines to carry out the flights.

The journeys are not on official air routes, but flight tracking data that has been analyzed by Orozco and The Associated Press shows that 268 of the charter flights went from Haiti to Nicaragua since the beginning of August.

The charter airlines have flown as many as 31,000 people out of Haiti, which would represent nearly 60% of the Haitians arriving to the U.S. border, Orozco's data shows. Over the same period, some 172 flights have carried 17,000 people from Cuba to Nicaragua.

The AP spoke to three Haitian migrants who were aboard the charter flights, who said they doled out thousands of dollars to leave the poorest country in the hemisphere in hopes of reaching the United States. Orozco said most tickets range between $3,000 and $5,000 a seat.

Things came to a head this weekend, when local media reported that in 48 hours, 27 charter flights from Haiti had landed in Nicaragua. The mounting number of flights comes at a strategic moment for Ortegas government, said Enrique Martinez, a spokesperson for the dissident group Platform for Democratic Unity.

As Venezuelans make up a big portion of those arriving to the U.S. border, the Biden administration recently negotiated a loosening of sanctions on Venezuela's government  which have deepened the countrys economic crisis  in exchange for promises of carrying out democratic elections.

Ortega may be hoping for a similar outcome, Martinez said.

The U.S. government and European nations have ratcheted up sanctions on members of Ortegas family and administration in recent years as he has grown more repressive. His government has driven hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans to flee abroad and shut down thousands of non-governmental groups and universities in an effort to stifle dissent.

Ortega is going to use this migration issue to say to the United States that were the ones in control," Martinez said.  And if they want to stop this, theyre going to have to negotiate.

Ortegas government did not respond to an emailed request for comment on the charter flights and allegations they were being used as leverage. Aviation authorities in Haiti did not respond to a request for more information.

Stephanie Armand, a spokesperson for Sunrise Airways, which data show carried out at least 15 flights over the past week, said the company doesnt sell tickets to Nicaragua, but rather is contracted by third parties to carry out the flights. She would not elaborate on who the third parties were.

Asked if the carriers services are being used by people smugglers to carry out migration to the U.S., Armand said the company checks passengers documents before boarding.

As an airline and aircraft operator, we have no information about the intentions of passengers we are carrying, Armand wrote. If passengers comply with the countrys entry requirements and are admitted, it is for the authorities, not the airlines, to follow up on their status.

Sky High Aviation Services, Air Century and Euroatlantic Airways, which also have made some of the charter flights, did not respond to the AP's requests for comment.

A previous investigation by the AP unveiled a shadow industry of charter flights moving largely Haitians around the Americas. Migrant aid groups in other parts of Latin America accused airlines of being at the end of a chain of powerful businesses making money from this circuit of Haitian migration.

After boarding the pricey flight to Nicaragua, migrants have described to the AP walking out of the Managua airport and seeing crowds of smugglers waiting for migrants with photos and their names. From there, they are smuggled north.

The wave of flights come as the United States and other Central American nations have been left reeling as they struggle to cope with the numbers of people traversing their territories and arriving to the U.S.-Mexico border.

U.S. authorities said they stopped migrants more than 2 million times on the Mexico border in the 12 months of the governments fiscal year that ended Sept. 20.

Last January, the Biden administration announced a plan it hoped would deter illegal immigration, saying it would accept 30,000 people per month from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela and authorize them to work in the U.S., as long as they come legally, have eligible sponsors and pass background checks. This humanitarian parole was paired with a warning that the U.S. would turn away any citizens from those countries who enter illegally.

In Tapachula, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border, tensions have risen along with the increase in the number of migrants passing through the city.

On Monday, saying they were frustrated by long lines and poor conditions, a group of largely Haitian migrants pushed into a temporary Mexican government asylum office in the town, and seven people were injured.

They were among about 3,000 migrants gathered outside the asylum office, among them Nilda Jean, a 28-year-old farmer from Haiti.

Jean said she paid $3,000 for her flight to Nicaragua and sacrificed a lot only to now find herself sleeping on the streets outside the asylum offices with the hope of reaching the U.S.

Mexicos efforts to contain migrants in the south have frequently led to such displays of anger, because there are relatively few opportunities for work and housing is limited in Tapachula. Migrants already in debt for their journey are eager find work to begin paying it off.

The Biden administration has urged Central American nations and Mexico to help contain migration levels. While some countries in the region at least talk about trying, Nicaragua, no friend of the U.S., has not.

Martinez, at the Nicaraguan dissident group, said Ortegas government views migration as a business injecting money into the country. While the Ortega administration has done little to facilitate travel by migrants, airlines pay taxes to the government and migrants and smugglers pay for hotels, food and transport.

What (Ortega) is doing is taking advantage of things, Martinez said, but what its doing is making the path forward even more difficult for the countries searching for a solution.

___

Associated Press writer Edgar H. Clemente in Tapachula, Mexico, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
High-tech radar to help in fight against relic crimes

08:14, October 24, 2023 By Chen Meiling ( China Daily

An archaeologist displays the standing statuette of the Gautama Buddha discovered in Xianyang, Shaanxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A high-tech radar system, commonly used in the aerospace and defense industries, could one day help China protect its cultural relics from criminals, especially tomb raiders.

Researchers in Shaanxi province are exploring the feasibility of using the phased array radar, capable of monitoring and tracking moving targets over a large area, to prevent the theft of outdoor relics.

The radar is not only capable of keeping real-time tabs on targets 24/7, but it can also trigger precise alerts about suspicious people, vehicles or activities to facilitate a more efficient crackdown on relic crimes.

Shaanxi, which is considered an important point of origin for the Chinese civilization, boasts priceless historical and cultural relics that cannot be moved to museums for safekeeping. These include ancient buildings, tombs, cave temples and stone carvings.

The province has 49,058 immovable cultural relics, including 270 important heritage sites under State protection, according to the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration. The fact that these are scattered widely and sometimes cover large areas makes their protection and management very challenging.

For example, the Qianling Mausoleum, built in AD 684, covers an area of 2.3 million square meters. The site comprises the joint mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong, the third ruler of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.

Some other groups of relics feature complex landscapes, and patrolling these areas is difficult during rain and snow.

Compared with video surveillance or ground motion monitoring technology previously used to protect these relics, the phased array radar is more flexible and reliable, according to Han Jianwu, deputy director of the Shaanxi Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

The radar has stronger ability to prevent interference and is more adaptable to complex environments. Its functioning is not affected by rain, snow or light, and it can help prevent nighttime thefts, said Han, who is in charge of the research project.

"The device can detect vehicles within a range of 10 kilometers and spot people within 5 km, so large-scale monitoring can be achieved at a low cost," he said. "Moreover, it can simultaneously capture and track 128 groups of targets and provide their distance, speed, angle, category and trajectory. All this reduces the chance of missing suspicious activities in the monitored area."

The highly efficient radar can search targets within a range of 10 km and pan 45 degrees left or right within a few seconds, allowing it to quickly detect and report human activity. It can also detect slow-moving individuals within the monitoring zone, with a minimum detection speed of 0.3 meters per second, Han said.

With a compact battery panel and a small storage device, the radar can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. As it has no mechanical scanning components, it requires zero maintenance when deployed in the field. All these features can help promote the use of the device with grassroots units, he said.

The radar has demonstrated feasibility after multiple experiments, Han said, adding that the research team is conducting more tests to be doubly sure.

"In the future, a phased array radar security system will be able to supplement existing security technologies and deliver proactive, intelligent early warning functions that will further enhance the effectiveness of efforts against cultural relic crimes," he added.

The Shaanxi provincial government has pledged to enhance the protection of relics by adopting new security technologies, and with joint efforts from the police and society.

The number of thefts in key national and provincial cultural relics protection sites have been steadily decreasing, with no such crimes reported in 2020 and 2021, according to a news briefing in May 2022.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Tuesday criticized a school district in his state after it canceled Halloween celebrations in the name of diversity and inclusion.

Seriously? We cant let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break, Murphy said in a post on X, previously known as Twitter, in response to a local report about a school district nixing the festivities.

The Hill has reached out to Murphys office for further comment.

South Orange-Maplewood School District told families that no Halloween events would occur during school hours this year, local news outlet News12 New Jersey reported.

The South Orange & Maplewood School District (SOMSD) is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion meaningfully  not just saying the words but also promoting an inclusive school community that creates belonging for all students, families, and staff. Our aim is to build a consistent approach across the District as to how our schools observe and celebrate holidays and special events, Superintendent Ronald Taylor said in a letter to parents earlier this month.

The school district said it looked at questions such as if Halloween activities created financial hardships for families and if the activities violate the dignity of some of our students and families, either culturally or religiously.

The result was not allowing Halloween festivities or costumes during school hours.

I know this may make some uncomfortable and elicit some challenges across our community. However, in the end, I feel these recommendations align with SOMSDs commitment to building equity, fostering inclusion, and building a sense of belonging throughout our schools, Taylor concluded.

SOMSD declined The Hills request for further comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Exerting state control over academic freedom is what dictatorships do, but Florida Gov. Ron Desantis is so comfortable  and proud to flaunt his role of censor  that he has come up with yet another way to silence state colleges and universities.

Not content with teaching school children despicable versions of Black history, like claims that there was a silver lining to slavery, and defunding diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public colleges and universities, DeSantis now wants to control what social issues can be debated on state campuses.

Theres no limit to how deep into our lives his fascist instincts will lead him.

The Republican lackeys who do DeSantis bidding are circulating a draft of a new SB266, an addition to the last legislative session gutting of DEI initiatives.

This one would outright limit free speech by restricting the discussion of social issues defined as topics that polarize or divide society among political, ideological, moral, or religious beliefs, positions, or norms, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thats like saying an institution of higher learning cant teach world history, national history or state history  just about every relevant topic to human life.

But the neanderthals running the state are so lacking in intellectual rigor that they cant even see the obvious. What will they do next? Defund political science, history, social sciences and religious studies?

A college or university education devoid of discussion and debate is a political tool of whoever is in charge. Learning critical thinking skills is part of what happens inside and outside the classroom at the college level.

If, in Florida, you wont be able to expand your intellectual capacity when youre an adult on a college campus, what is left of freedom of speech in this state?

Draft bill on social issues

The draft bill also says that state colleges and universities cannot promote or engage in political or social activism.

Political or social activism is any activity organized with a purpose of effecting or preventing change to a government policy, action, or function, or any activity intended to achieve a desired result related to social issues, where the university endorses or promotes a position in communications, advertisements, programs, or campus activities.

And DeSantis will market the censorship to Floridians with a catchy, headline-grabbing phrase  you wont see whats happening in Harvard in Florida  while demonizing student demonstrations.

He will use the terrorist attack on Israel to silence Palestinian students and Arab professors in an effort to vindicate himself from the antisemitism that he has indulged to please the neo-Nazis who stage roadside demonstrations with pro-DeSantis signs.

READ MORE: DeSantis stokes Jewish-Palestinian division in Florida. Its dangerous and deplorable | Opinion

What hes cooking is all, of course, politically-motivated.

On the campaign trail to win the GOP nomination by outperforming Donald Trumps MAGA attempt at social engineering, DeSantis is trying to appeal to Americans who live in a world that, with the unfolding of every crisis in real time, feels uncertain and dangerous.

What his control-yearning base doesnt see is that extremist legislation is only making Florida more vulnerable to violence. The oppressed will rise and answer extremism with extremism, a no-win situation.

Quashing dissent

Democracy, by definition, calls for debate.

But autocratic DeSantis continues to quash dissent instead of solving Floridians problems. He has gerrymandered districts to favor Republicans, made it harder for minorities to vote and established control of classroom speech and teaching from kindergarten to the university level.

Its outrageous and, no matter the mass appeal, we must never normalize government incursions into censorship, something DeSantis has vowed to take to the national level if elected president.

This new assault on higher education is yet another attempt to stop push back on the fundamentalist conservative Christian thought DeSantis wants in Florida. Thats what he wants a state once celebrated for its diversity, openness and first-class public education to stand for: state indoctrination.

And Im not going to let Floridians off the hook.

This is where I say Ive told you so, several times, way back when.

One of the DeSantis-appointed executors of the political takeover of Miami Dade College in 2019 outlined the conservative plan for education in Florida during a two-plus hour interview with me. He told me about the first step, the campus surveys of student and faculty political views, and the end goal: the installation of conservative ideological curricula to balance the liberals, he argued.

DeSantis has gone way beyond any balancing act. And GOP leaders have publicly voiced their desire for total political domination.

So stop the wishful thinking. Next session will be as culture war-driven as the last two have been, and maybe even worse because DeSantis will still be on the 2024 campaign trail.

This is another warning, students and scholars.

Pay attention. Act now.

By the time this bill is filed  and promoted by the governor in one of his self-serving press conferences its too late. Censorship again will be a done deal.
In a scathing statement, board members of the Overland Park Police Officers Foundation said they are disappointed no criminal charges will be filed against four officers accused of repeatedly using the charitys funds for their own personal use and self-interest.

Vanessa Riebli, the foundations attorney, said that Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howes decision not to charge the officers should cause concern for all Johnson County charitable organizations and businesses if that is the new standard of review by his office for this type of crime.

The attorney on Tuesday released the 82-page audit that launched an investigation into the officers use of the foundations charity funds while they served as board members. The auditors found that there were numerous unauthorized payments to former board members, casting it as theft under state law.

The alleged misconduct included granting school scholarships to board members in violation of the foundations bylaws. The funds were put directly in two board members pockets, rather than sent to the academic institutions in which they were enrolled. The auditor questioned whether the payments were for legitimate academic expenses.

In addition, board members were given financial assistance meant for officers and their families following catastrophic injury or death, for expenses such as veterinarian bills, according to the district attorneys office.

In one case, there was a $1,500 check for a donation to a family, but it was written out to a former board member rather than a family, according to the audit.

The police officers  Sgt. Brandon Faber, Officer Brad Heater, Sgt. Rachel Scattergood and Sgt. Tim Tinnin  were placed on paid administrative leave in May 2022. Howes investigation found the four officers, all leaders of the charity, directly received around $15,540 from the foundation. However, according to the audit released by the foundation on Tuesday, the officers received more than $27,000 for their own benefit.

Despite clear evidence the officers violated charitys bylaws concerning self-dealing and self-enrichment, Howe said he could not prove the officers knowingly collected money for unauthorized expenses or misused funds on purpose.

To charge the Board members with theft, this office would have to prove, by the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt, that the past Board members either knowingly obtained the money by deceptive means, or knowingly exerted unauthorized control over Foundation funds, Howe previously said.

The audit also found a major lack of record-keeping by charity leadership, including missing meeting minutes, treasurer reports and bank records. Howe cited the lack of documents as an insurmountable hindrance to his investigation, saying it made it impossible for him to determine the officers motivation and intent.

The officers wiped their electronic devices clean of any data, according to the district attorneys office. The four officers lawyers also prevented them from being interviewed by the district attorneys office, Howe said.

Riebli said in the foundations statement that, The extensive efforts made by former board members ranging from not maintaining required board minutes to deleting emails, text messages and other records, relating to these expenditures, in our opinion, shows a clear intent to coverup any wrongdoing.

She added that, these officers had a duty to the public, who donated to the Foundation, as well as to the officers these donations were intended to help during crisis, to act within the scope of the by-laws.

Meg Ralph, spokeswoman for Overland Park, said the officers remain on administrative leave pending an internal city investigation.

Riebli said that foundation activities remain suspended while the board works to guarantee the proper internal controls are in place to make certain funds are used for the intended purpose of helping officers in crisis and improving relationships with the public through community outreach.

As police officers, she said, the current Foundation Board believes officers need to be held to a higher standard to ensure the publics trust, especially in the current climate between police and the public they serve.

While Howe has declined to charge the officers criminally, he has left the door open for civil proceedings. Howe said last week that the Kansas Attorney Generals Office is looking into whether the foundations actions violate the Kansas Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act, in which case a civil action may still be brought against the four officers.

Audits findings

The Overland Park Police Officers Foundation was established as a charitable nonprofit in 2016, with the mission of helping officers and their families facing financial issues after injury or death and to fund educational opportunities.

Fraternal Order of Police members questioned the charitys spending and disbursement of funds. And following allegations of misconduct, a new board took over last year and organized a forensic audit of the charitys books.

The findings of the audit were forwarded to Howes office, kickstarting the criminal investigation, as the police charity temporarily shuttered.

According to the audit, the foundation spent more than $27,000 on food and dining purchases; $75,000 on lodging expenses and $67,600 on gift cards. It also paid Outreach Marketing more than $1.2 million. Public tax records show a majority of funds collected by Outreach Marketing on behalf of police officers went to Outreach.

However, the audit also concluded that former foundation board members did not cooperate with the investigation and failed to provide the auditor with board meeting minutes or receipts.

The lack of accountability and controls was striking, the audit said.

This lack of transparency from prior board members is at best a critical failure in record-keeping, and at worse an indicator of a desire to conceal their activity, the audit later read.

The audit also revealed that the family of Mike Mosher, who served on the foundations board until he was killed in the line of duty in May 2020, received more than $219,000. His father Scott Mosher, who was elected to the Overland Park City Council in 2021, received more than $108,000 while additional family members received other donations.

Criminal investigation

Howe began investigating allegations of misconduct in spring 2022, a process that he said was greatly hampered by a lack of documents and meeting minutes that should have been recorded per the foundations bylaws. The officers also had wiped their electronic devices clean of any data, according to the district attorneys office.

Howes investigation determined that board members violated the foundations bylaws that prohibit self-dealing and self-enrichment.

One issue was the disbursement of scholarship funds. The foundation began awarding scholarships in 2017, initially aimed to help children of FOP members with their undergraduate education. But it was later expanded to include scholarships for FOP members in graduate programs.

The foundations bylaws prohibited the distribution of scholarship funds to members of the board. The committee overseeing the program, however, awarded scholarships in 2021 to Faber and Scattergood while they were board members.

He also said the scholarships awarded that year did not match the actual amount of funds distributed. That discrepancy is not documented in any business records.

Also, the scholarships were typically paid directly to the educational institution, Howe said, but both Faber and Scattergood were paid directly by the foundation.

Howe determined the scholarship committee was not aware of the bylaws.

Through our investigation, we determined that Scholarship Committee members were not aware of this Section of the bylaws and thus were not aware they were committing any violations, Howe wrote.

Another issue is the offering of financial assistance to board members.

The foundations stated purpose is to assist families in financial distress following catastrophic injury or death, but the organization began granting officers money for other situations, such as medical, dental and veterinarian bills, which could fall under the bylaws, Howe said.

But Howe found that board members received such financial assistance on multiple occasions, violating the bylaws.

Faber received $3,000 in officer assistance, along with a $1,000 scholarship. Scattergood received more than $4,500 in assistance, including more than $1,000 for a veterinarian bill. She also received a $2,000 scholarship.

Heater received $4,000 in officer assistance, while Tinnin received $1,000.

Howe determined that when complaints about the financial awards arose, text messages of the former Board members revealed discussions that they believed they were only receiving payments for things that all FOP members, including themselves, were eligible to receive, and therefore they believed there was no wrongdoing on their part.

Complaints also were made by FOP members regarding board members using funds for out-of-state trips. One concern involved the board working with the organization Surf Waves Enjoy Life, or SWEL, which provides first responders with meditation and yoga trips. Scattergood is listed as SWELs treasurer on its website.

Howe found that board members attended functions that were paid for by SWEL, but it is unclear from the records reviewed in this investigation if Foundation funds were used for the SWEL trips. Ultimately, the Foundation made three $1,000.00 contributions to SWEL and conducted some joint fundraisers, for which they split the receipts equally.

City officials are also investigating whether any city policies were violated.
Winter is coming in Ukraine, and as it approaches, just as last year, Russia has gone on the offensive in the east.

Starting on Oct. 9, dozens of Russian armored vehicles backed by thousands of infantry personnel, artillery, and air power, were launched at the flanks of the city of Avdiivka, a Ukrainian stronghold city still standing since 2014 just outside occupied Donetsk.

Two weeks in, the offensive has been an undisputed failure so far. Russian gains have amounted to little more than a handful of treelines on the flanks.

Instead of the rapid advances Moscow was hoping for, the Russian attacking force achieved fame as the main characters in a seemingly endless stream of Ukrainian drone footage of destroyed Russian armor in the fields around the city.

The scenes captured from the air are dramatic, showing tens of millions of dollars worth Russian equipment falling victim to Ukrainian artillery, anti-tank fire, and FPV (first-person view) kamikaze drones. Videos filmed by Russian and Ukrainian soldiers on the ground show dozens of dead bodies scattered among the destroyed vehicles.

It was pure chaos, the amount of troops they were sending into the assault was pretty ridiculous, said Ryan OLeary, the American commander of Chosen Company, an assault unit of foreign volunteer fighters in the 59th Mechanized Brigade, to the Kyiv Independent.

It doesn't seem like the Russians even knew what they were doing, it doesn't seem like it was planned out very well, at least the ground troops didn't have a clue.

On Oct. 19, after a brief lull in the fighting, Russia sent fresh waves of armored vehicles at Avdiivka, with the same result: heavy losses in heavy battles with very little gains to speak of.

The scale of the carnage that day was revealed in the daily report on Russian losses the next morning.

The General Staff tallied 1,380 personnel, 55 tanks, and 120 armored fighting vehicles as lost by Russian forces that day alone, all record numbers since the military began releasing official figures in March 2022.

The amount of geolocated visual evidence, backed by reports on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels left no doubt that the bulk of these losses came in the Avdiivka sector.

They are probably pretty close on the equipment loss because that is easy to verify, said OLeary about the General Staff figures, but the estimates of the infantry dead and wounded from their assaults are probably actually lower than reality.

Soldiers of the 59th Motorized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces prepare to open fire on Russian positions with Grad rockets in the direction of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Oct. 20, 2023. (Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The offensive on Avdiivka has drawn comparisons to Russias similarly fruitless armored assault on Vuhledar in southern Donetsk Oblast last winter, but also to the battle of Bakhmut, where Russia committed a large force to try and surround a fortress city when frontal attacks initially failed.

Although Russian forces came very close to surrounding Bakhmut, their efforts were ultimately denied by a spirited Ukrainian defense, forcing the Wagner Group to take the city street by street in brutal urban fighting.

According to OLeary, whose unit is fighting on the citys southern flank, the calamitous tactics used by Russia in Avdiivka are not comparable even to Bakhmut.

They weren't doing what they were doing in Bakhmut where they would send 12 guys in, then another 12, he said.



Here they would push 80 guys with armor down this road and see what happens, and if it didn't work, they would push another 80 guys in and see what happens this time, and so on.

Why Avdiivka?

Of all the areas of the front line that Russia could choose to target when it regained the initiative, Avdiivka was always an obvious choice.

Over the first year of the full-scale war, Russian forces had slowly but surely pushed past the contact line that had run through the area since Russias war began in 2014, taking significant territory on both the northern and southern flanks of Avdiivka but failing to mount a successful front-on assault on the city itself.

Fresh attacks in March this year closed the pincers even further, and by the end of that month, Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi warned that the city could become a second Bakhmut.

The comparison was apt then and remains to this day: the Ukrainian presence in Avdiivka is the most prominent salient on the map, with just over eight kilometers between Russian positions on the flanks, and only one main sealed road into the city.

The Ukrainians knew it was coming, they might not have known where exactly but they knew the Russians were building forces, OLeary said.

Even if Russia fails to completely encircle Avdiivka, a slower, attritional fight could come at a higher relative cost to Ukrainian forces under fire from three sides, as was the case in Bakhmut.

Quick victory in Avdiivka would also be an undeniable major political boon for Moscow. The last major city taken by either side was Bakhmut, the ruins of which fell to Russian forces in May at a cost so high that Ukraine was able to immediately start counterattacking in the area.

Political motivations to take the city also hold a deep propaganda element.

Avdiivka, where the northern neighborhoods of Donetsk are easily visible from the roofs of apartment buildings, has played a central role in Russias years-long disinformation campaign accusing Ukraine of shelling civilians in Donbas, which became one of the central public justifications for the full-scale invasion.

A view of the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant in the front-line town of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Oct. 18, 2023. (Stringer/AFP via Getty Images)

The geography of Avdiivka presents its own challenges to the Russian side.

Ukrainian positions on the southern edge of the city, facing Donetsk, are largely the same ones held since 2014, and have been fortified and strengthened in preparation for a head-on Russian attack.

North of the urban area lies the enormous Avdiivka Coke Plant, itself prepared as a fortress long in advance much like the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, which a small, depleted, and encircled Ukrainian force held for over six weeks against all odds.

Next to the plant rises a large slag heap of waste product from the plant, typical to the industrial landscape of Donetsk Oblast. Though considered a strategic height, the slag heap also offers next to no cover from enemy fire for forces occupying it. According to Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov, after numerous Russian attempts to take it, the slag heap has become a grey zone not held by either side as of Oct. 23.

Beyond Avdiivka itself, the wide open, well-defended terrain in this part of Donetsk Oblast makes the prospects of rapid progress unlikely, even in the event of capturing Avdiivka.

Read also: Surviving Avdiivka: Russia intensifies assault on city deemed a second Bakhmut

Tactical tangle

As Russian artillery sounded around Avdiivka without respite and Russian attack helicopters flew low over occupied Donetsk, the countrys infamous milbloggers (military bloggers) on Telegram initially claimed deep advances into Ukrainian-held territory. Several accounts claimed that Russian forces had reached the village of Berdychi, which would have brought them just a few kilometeres from the main road to Avdiivka.

If Russia could really have reached and held the settlement, the threat of encirclement could have become very real. Very quickly, however, the reports turned out to be little more than wishful thinking.

As the first attacks were fought off, Russias hopes of a quick victory tempered quickly. The tone was set early on: in one of the first videos to emerge of the attacks on Oct. 10, a Russian tank at the head of a long column was seen to veer off a makeshift bridge into a canal near the village of Vodiane.

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Over the next few days, the area quickly turned into a haphazard graveyard of Russian armored vehicles.

In one operation my guys went out against, said OLeary, they (Russian forces) used six BMPs (Soviet-designed infantry fighting vehicles) and only two made it out damaged, the rest are sitting there burning in the field.

Russias choice to launch a large-scale offensive on Avdiivka may have been expected, but the tactics employed came as a surprise to many. Both sides have dug in along a front line that has remained much more static over 2023 than in 2022, making armored maneuver warfare more and more difficult to carry out.

The Russians are, to some extent, running into some of the same problems that the Ukrainians have run into in their offensive in the south, said Emil Kastehelmi, a Helsinki-based analyst from Finnish open-source intelligence organization Black Bird Group, to the Kyiv Independent.

Strong minefields do work, and if you just try to rush across fields where enemy aerial reconnaissance will surely see all your movements, then this is the end result.

The scenes of clusters of destroyed armored vehicles in the fields do resemble the failed Ukrainian armored attacks near Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in the first days of the southern counteroffensive, but the scale of the Russian assault on Avdiivka is unarguably larger.

A Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle travels along a road near Avdiivka on March 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

According to Butusov, Russia has committed armored units from four motorized rifle brigades to the attack, bolstered by paratroopers and tank battalions from other units.

The Russians are pushing with what looks like a regimental-level force, said Kastehelmi.

It's a very strong push, we havent seen something like this in a very long time from the Russians, which means that they are trying to get the initiative, at least locally.

However big the Russian force was, the way it was used completely fits the definition of the human wave or meat assault tactics Russia became notorious for in Bakhmut, according to OLeary.



There are some Russian units that no longer really exist, they were just completely wiped out, he said.

But unlike in Bakhmut, where small squad-level assaults were largely conducted by the Wagner mercenary groups expendable units of convict soldiers, here, it is the regular Russian army that is taking the brunt of the losses.

Some of the people we killed turned out to be contract soldiers, not mobilized, so it's human waves, but with their trained guys, OLeary added.

None of it made any sense.

Read also: They crawl forward 24/7: On the zero line with Ukrainian infantry north of Bakhmut

Lessons for winter

As shambolic and unfruitful it has been so far, Russias assault on Avdiivka also comes with serious warning signs for Ukraine ahead of the winter campaign.

The intensity of fighting over the summer, which saw hardened Russian units often transferred from one sector of the front line to shore up defenses in another, gave rise to assessments that Russia was suffering from a lack of reserves in the face of severe attrition.

It proves that the Russians have not yet come close to running out of reserves and equipment, they still seem to be determined to continue offensive actions, said Kastehelmi.



There has been talk about Russian forces being severely depleted but there hasn't been any concrete proof for that, it's just more of an assumption that some have made.

The scale and boldness of Russias attack also could indicate that Moscow has assessed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive on the southern front line has culminated or is approaching its culmination.

Russian milbloggers still continue to report Ukrainian attacks on the key settlement of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, though significant gains have not been observed in the area since Ukrainian forces achieved a narrow breach of the Surovikin line of defense over August and September.

The entrance sign to Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast reads "Avdiivka is Ukraine!" photographed on March 20, 2023. (Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

Just as it was too early to judge Ukraines summer counteroffensive achievements a month into the operation, Russias push on Avdiivka is only two weeks old.

Even if attempts at a quick encirclement fail, the high value Moscow has placed on taking Avdiivka indicates that the area will likely remain a hotspot of Russian attacks in the coming months.

There is always the question of whether they should change to the smaller infantry group tactics which we saw in the battle of Bakhmut, said Kastehelmi, with the state of the losses that they have taken already it's unlikely that they can continue this offensive with this approach for very long.

They're going to be using less armor because they lost it all, said OLeary.

They're not changing from their human wave tactic, now it's just on a different scale because they don't have the machinery available.

Whether or not they later opt to change tactics, Russian forces hapless attempt to quickly encircle Avdiivka is yet another sign that neither side is likely to have success taking large areas in maneuver-based offensives in the future of the war.

It's possible that some small territories, a couple of villages could change hands quickly, Kastehelmi said.

But if we think of a breakthrough, a systematic collapse of defenses in a large area with larger operational implications, I don't think we will see something like this any time soon.

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Francis Farrell, cheers for reading this article. We are entering a new phase of the war, which could potentially be stranger, tougher, and more uncertain than it has ever been so far. In a time when instability around the world is growing, and attention is fading when it is needed the most, please consider supporting our reporting.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell), one of the sponsors of a congressional redistricting bill, speaks as the North Carolina Senate debates the bill at the Legislative Building, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina Republicans closed in Tuesday on enacting new boundaries for the states congressional and legislative districts that aim to fortify GOP prospects both in the narrowly divided Congress and in the state General Assembly, where conservatives hope to solidify control there for the rest of the decade.

The full Senate voted along party lines for maps for the state's congressional delegation and for the Senate's own districts. The state House voted later Tuesday for districts in their own chamber. House and Senate leaders aimed for their chambers to give final approval to all three maps Wednesday.

They were all drawn by Republicans in time for the 2024 elections after recent state Supreme Court rulings reversed decisions of the court last year that had thrown out proposed district lines it had deemed were illegal partisan gerrymanders.

The state's highest court flipped from a Democratic to a Republican majority with the 2022 elections, and the GOP justices ruled in April that the state constitution placed no limits on shifting lines for partisan gain. The U.S. Supreme Court had already declared in 2019 that partisan gerrymandering claims weren't subject to federal court review, either.

Those rulings now diminish legal options for Democrats and their allies opposed to the new maps to challenge the lines in court. They also opened the door for the proposed U.S. House map that could help the GOP pick up at least three seats on Capitol Hill at the expense of first- and second-term Democrats. The 2022 elections, which were run under a temporary map created by trial judges, resulted in a 7-7 seat between the two parties.

The congressional map that passed the state Senate creates 10 districts that appear to favor a Republican, three that favor a Democrat and one that could be considered competitive, according to statewide election data and political experts. Republicans currently hold a 221-212 seat advantage over Democrats in the U.S. House.

Democrats whose seats are threatened by the plan are Reps. Jeff Jackson of Charlotte, Wiley Nickel of Cary and Kathy Manning of Greensboro. And first-term Rep. Don Davis, one of the three Black Democrats in the state's delegation, would run in a competitive district in northeastern North Carolina. Republicans have defended their maps, particularly with their political leanings, as lawful.

Partisan consideration is a valid criterion in which we balance with other legitimate traditional redistricting criteria, Sen. Ralph Hise, a Mitchell County Republican and co-sponsor of the congressional map proposal, said during floor debate. Demonstrators in the Senate gallery chanted fair maps now as the debate began before authorities quickly ushered them out.

Republicans also redrew boundary lines for their respective chambers that also appear to keep the GOP in a good position to retain their current veto-proof majorities of 72 seats in the House and 30 in the Senate. Statewide election data and a Duke University professor's analysis indicate keeping such a supermajority may be more challenging in the House, where Republicans reached 72 in April when then-Democratic Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County switched parties.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and his allies have criticized the new maps as a power play by the GOP that discriminates against minority voters and fails to align with the political balance of the nations ninth-largest state. North Carolina statewide elections are usually close affairs. Redistricting maps approved by the General Assembly, however, arent subject to Coopers vetoes.

While partisan gerrymandering claims have been short-circuited by the courts, critics have alleged racial gerrymandering in the maps that likely will result in federal Voting Rights Act litigation soon.

The congressional lines unnecessarily pack and crack the states most urban and diverse communities, diminishing their voting power even though these are the very same areas where population has grown, said Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, a Wake County Democrat. Republicans said they didnt use voter population data based on race to form the boundaries.

We have complied with the law in every way on these maps, Rep. Destin Hall, a Caldwell County Republican, said during debate on the state House districts.

GOP lawmakers used parliamentary maneuvers to block or vote against Democratic amendments. That included one that would have altered districts in and north of Charlotte so that Democratic Sen. Natasha Marcus would be moved out of a proposed strong Republican district where GOP Sen. Vickie Sawyer also lives. Marcus said Republicans are trying to push her out of the Senate because she's spoken strongly against GOP policies.

Redistricting, meanwhile, seems to have worked in favor of Cotham, whom Democrats have castigated as a traitor for switching parties. Last November, Cotham won a state House seat in a Democratic district and was facing an extremely tough path for reelection if her district had stayed untouched. The new maps appear to offer her two options if she wants to run for office in 2024.

The state House map proposal places Cotham's residence in a new district where Republicans would have a slight advantage, according to statewide election data. And the Senates congressional redistricting proposal also would place her in a district along the states southern border. The district's current representative, GOP Rep. Dan Bishop, is running for attorney general in 2024.
South Korean soldiers lock the entrance to a beach on Yeonpyeong island, near the northern limit line sea boundary with the North

A small boat carrying suspected defectors from North Korea has been detained after it crossed into the South's waters, Seoul's military said.

It was detected on South Korea's side of the Northern Limit Line, the maritime boundary of the two Koreas.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said the four people on board were "presumed to have defected" from North Korea.

Defections have become increasingly difficult since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took power in 2011.

Border controls were also tightened further since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

South Korean authorities did not release further details about the four North Koreans on board the wooden boat.

In May, a group of nine North Koreans crossed the western sea boundary aboard a fishing boat and were rescued by the coast guard.

Would-be defectors are typically detained and questioned for up to a month, in order to ascertain their motives for leaving the North.

They are then sent on to Hanawon, a resettlement centre where they are prepared for life in South Korea.

Earlier this month, Seoul said that Beijing forcibly repatriated a "large number" of North Korean defectors. Human rights groups said as many as 600 North Koreans had been sent back, and that they face imprisonment, sexual violence or even death once back in the North.

China does not recognise North Korean defectors as refugees. It claims they are "economic migrants" and has a policy of sending them back, despite requests from foreign governments and human rights organisations to reconsider its stance.

Additional reporting by Rachel Lee in Seoul

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MINNEAPOLIS -- A longtime Rabbi in the Twin Cities just returned from Israel where he heard stories of the war firsthand. He met with survivors and families of hostages as well as prominent government officials.

Rabbi Harold Kravitz now wears a blue ribbon in honor of the hostages as well as an armband that reads "Until they are all here, all of us are there," in Hebrew. He visited Israel for just a day and a half, but describes a life-changing mission.

"As soon as I got there, I understood why I had to be there," Rabbi Kravitz said.

He was among 50 U.S. Jewish community leaders who traveled on the solidarity mission with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

"It's a very frightening thing to think they've been taken by people who would do such horrific atrocities, they are besides themselves," Kravitz said.

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They prayed with the parents of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a U.S.-Israeli citizen abducted by Hamas militants as a music festival. Kravitz said they also heard stories of survival, including one of a nurse who was separated from her family helping a wounded soldier then was shot multiple times. She is now reunited with her family as she heals.

"We were both in tears and as was her mother who was standing by her," he recalled.

Kravitz is bringing their stories home to Minnesota where he says the community remains on edge.

"We know there's hate directed at Jews, we know there's hate directed at Muslims. And we're in it together in that way and so we have to make sure people in this country are safe and we do not allow hatred to reign," he said.

As the violence continues, Kravitz said he prays for the decades long conflict to end with peace.

"It's terrible, painful to see human suffering. We hope at some point this can be behind us and the work of coexistence and peace building can happen again, and people can do that with great resolve," he said.

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NEW YORK  The last five pages may be the most fascinating part of Melissa DeRosas new book on her time as the top aide to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo .

Its a series of 13 short blurbs highlighting the downfalls  or at least, the low points  of all the people and organizations that had crossed her and the Cuomo administration. He resigned in August 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, and DeRosa left with him.

Example: Alessandra Biaggis dream of running for Congress came true. During the campaign, a number of her staffers accused of her of fostering a toxic and hostile work environment. She lost the election by thirty-four points and subsequently announced she was enrolling in divinity school.

Biaggi is a former Democratic state senator and was among the loudest critics of the Cuomo administration in the state Legislature. She didnt respond to a request for comment. Others getting the "where are they now" treatment include Gov. Kathy Hochul, former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Charlotte Bennett, an aide who accused Cuomo of sexually harassing her.

This is not a burn book, this is not public revenge, DeRosa said in an interview with POLITICO. That part is just like the closing credits of a movie, she said, filling the reader in on where everybody ended up.

Engaged readers of New York political news  the people who would read the memoir released Tuesday, Whats Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis  already know where everybody ended up. And many wont accept DeRosas defense.

It just seems like retribution, one consultant close to the Cuomo administration told POLITICO. This seems like a big I went down, he went down, Im trying to take people down with me.

Theres a lot of eyerolls among Albany insiders talking about the book, said another political consultant, who like the first, was granted anonymity to speak freely about the book. Theres a little bit of desperation here.

In fact, DeRosa threatened to sue New York magazine for writer Rebecca Traisters piece on the book, Semafor reported. The two had a frosty relationship from Traisters previous coverage of the administration  the writer herself is criticized in the book  and DeRosa wanted a different reviewer assigned. But a publicist for DeRosa said theres no plans for legal action against the magazine.



Some of the newsiest bits have been shared with journalists already. President Joe Biden personally convinced Cuomo not to run for president in 2020. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was Cuomos top choice for a 2014 running mate. And New York Times Albany Bureau Chief Jesse McKinley was pulled off Cuomo coverage because DeRosa filed a complaint with the paper that hed made her uncomfortable flirting with her in 2020.

Why do that, after so ardently defending Cuomo from, in her words, seemingly frivolous harassment allegations?

Its the Times  which told The Washington Post a review did not substantiate Ms. DeRosas characterization of the events  thats hypocritical, DeRosa said.

They allowed him to take the lead driving the coverage of a #MeToo story. And its important that readers know that when evaluating the presss role in Cuomos resignation, she said.

When DeRosa isnt settling scores, the book reads like a testimony for the defense: Over closing businesses during the pandemic. Over Covid-19 nursing home deaths. Over going on TV with Chris Cuomo . Over the governors memoir on the state's pandemic response. Over sexual harassment. Over resignation.

Ambitious aides, however, will love her stories of being in the governors mansion or at the Capitol where it happened, or, in one episode, convincing former President Donald Trump to call off his plan to send federal troops to fight crime in New York City by yelling at Jared Kushner.

Its certainly on the table, Melissa, DeRosa recalls Kushner saying in a July 2020 phone call. Its the presidents home city, and we cant trust de Blasio to get things under control. Weve called on Andrew to use the National Guard for over a month, and he seems unwilling to do it, so what other options do we have?

The NYPD would freak out and anti-Trump protesters would take to the streets, DeRosa writes. There will be violence, there will be mayhem, and it will be your fault. My voice had risen to a near-shout without me even realizing it.

He got the message, and Cuomo sealed the deal in a call the next day, starting a very brief, very uneasy peace.

The anecdote is typical of those in the book  DeRosa and the other professionals in the administration making hard calls and getting good results. Its self-aggrandizing, but it could also be inspiring for staffers. That is, if theyre not scared out of the profession entirely by her description of 20-hour days, two phones at the bedside  and no apologies for yelling at people.

DeRosa still has a foot in the world of New York politics thats been whispering about the book. Shes appearing regularly on talk radio, had a column in The Daily Beast and is consulting a nice roster of clients.

Who? Shed rather not say, so as not to open them up to criticism, but I personally am not appearing before the state on anything, DeRosa said.

Her two-year lobbying ban would have been lifted recently. She resigned as secretary to the governor in August 2021, just two days before Cuomo did himself.

No, Cuomo didnt get to edit the book, DeRosa says. He was only given a copy last week, since she didnt want the infamous micromanager telling me that I needed to move commas and change this and change that.

But Cuomo probably wouldnt find anything to object to. In fact, he came to her book release party Monday night at the Hotel Chelsea, along with, among others, actor Alec Baldwin, a fellow defender of Cuomo.

The first draft of history is written by reporters in real time, and they screwed it up, DeRosa said. This is what was happening when the camera wasnt rolling. This is the truth about how an administration was undone.

A version of this story first appeared in Tuesdays New York Playbook. Subscribe here.
Update 10/24/23: Instead of dismissing a meritless case about Planned Parenthood billing Texas Medicaid for providing services like birth control, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk decided it should go to trial. He scheduled the trial for April 2024, meaning his rulingand any appealswill come out in the run-up to the presidential election. Its possible the Supreme Court will release a ruling on the abortion pill around that time as well.

Original story from 8/16/23:

Read more

Texas sent Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood without incident during that period. But Alex Doe sued in 2021 and, in January 2022, now-suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) joined the lawsuit against Planned Parenthood Federation of America and three affiliates that operate in Texas: Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Planned Parenthood South Texas, and Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, which has clinics in both Texas and Louisiana. (Paxton is currently awaiting an impeachment trial.) Though the state has sued the reproductive health organization many, many times, its believed this is the first time Texas has sued it for money. Paxton brought the suit under the federal False Claims Act, which allows fines of up to $11,000 for every alleged improper Medicaid payment. (The case is called United States ex. rel. Doe v. Planned Parenthood.)

Susan Manning, the general counsel for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement after arguments on Tuesday that the case is baseless and that their health centers follow the law. The plaintiffs only goal in this case is to achieve their decades-long goal of shutting down Planned Parenthood to advance a political agenda, she said.

The CEOs of the three affiliates said in a statement that more than 100,000 Texans rely on their clinics every year for affordable health carean option that would disappear if they are forced to close: It is critical that we not lose sight of who will be harmed if Planned Parenthood is ordered to pay the outrageous penalties...: our communities and our patients, especially people with low incomes. Manning added in a press call on Tuesday that, for many patients of reproductive age in Texas, Planned Parenthood providers are their only source of health care.

State and federal courts explicitly permitted Planned Parenthood health centers to provide care through the Medicaid program during the period in question, as well as a grace period provided to Planned Parenthood so that we could continue to care for our patients, Manning said on the call. Planned Parenthood was paid for providing those services to patients with Medicaid coverage, just like any other health care provider, and just as the courts required. That is not fraudit is providing healthcare and its following the law.

Jacob Elberg, a former federal prosecutor who specialized in healthcare fraud, told the Associated Press that Texas argument is weak. Elberg, who is now faculty director at Seton Hall Law Schools Center for Health & Pharmaceutical Law, said it was hard to understand how Planned Parenthood could have been knowingly filing false claims when when it was actively suing to stay in the Medicaid program, and Texas was still reimbursing the organization.

Kacsmaryk will decide if the case will go to trial or get dismissed; Manning told reporters he didnt give a timeline for his decision but she said it was a meritless case that the judge shouldnt let proceed any further. Like the abortion pill case, any appeals will go first to the extremely conservative Fifth Circuit, then on to the Supreme Court. (Yes, we are still waiting for the Fifth Circuit to issue its decision in response to the Food and Drug Administrations appeal of the mifepristone case.)

Similar to the abortion pill case, this lawsuit is entirely without merit and seems designed waste the time and money of those that support abortion access, and to test the fences of the federal court system that is now littered with Trump-appointed judges. It seems unlikely that the Supreme Court would go for Paxton and Does argument, but the problem with this court is that you can never be too sure.

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Ukraine's postal service Nova Poshta will arrange additional bomb shelters in its depots after a Russian strike on their facility in Kharkiv Oblast killed six people, the company's co-founder said on Oct. 23, as cited by Ukrinform.

"We have built bomb shelters at all depots. But now it's about making small bomb shelters inside the buildings so people can be as close to them as possible," said Volodymyr Popereshniuk.

"In the case of Kharkiv - a strike takes place in less than a minute, literally 30-40 seconds. You need to manage to hide during this time."

A Russian missile hit a post depot of Nova Poshta in the village of Korotych in Kharkiv Oblast late on Oct. 21, killing at least six postal employees and injuring 17 more people, according to the regional prosecutor's office.

There was a bomb shelter in the depot, but the victims didn't have time to get to it as only 15 seconds passed between the air raid alert and the explosion, said another Nova Poshta co-founder, Viacheslav Klymov, citing the wounded workers.

Korotych lies just 16 kilometers west of Kharkiv, 33 kilometers away from the Russian border, and some 135 kilometers from the front lines.

The northeastern Kharkiv Oblast remains a frequent target of Russian attacks due to its proximity to Russia and the front line.

Read also: Every family affected: Devastated village copes with aftermath of Russian strike on funeral

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was held hostage in Gaza after being abducted during Hamas' bloody Oct. 7 attack on Israel, speaks to members of the press a day after being released by Hamas militants, at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Eighty-five-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz spoke of a hell that we never knew before and never thought we would experience as she described the harrowing Oct. 7 assault on her kibbutz by Hamas militants and the terror of being taken hostage into the Gaza Strip.

Lifshitz was the first of the four hostages released so far to speak of their experience, from the initial attack through the more than two weeks of captivity.

Masses swarmed our houses, beat people, and some were taken hostage," said Lifshitz, speaking softly from a wheelchair as she briefed reporters on Tuesday at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital, a day after Hamas released her and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper. They didnt care if they were young or old.

Her 83-year-old husband, Oded, remains a hostage in Gaza.

Lifshitz, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was among the more than 200 Israelis and foreigners seized after heavily armed Hamas militants broke through Israels multibillion-dollar electric border fence and fanned across southern Israel, overrunning nearly two dozen communities, military bases and a desert rave. More than 1,400 people died in the daylong killing rampage that followed.

Israels military has launched a devastating war on Gaza in an effort to crush Hamas and its airstrikes into Gaza after the attack have killed more than 5,000 people, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. Lifshitzs captors hustled her onto a motorcycle, removed her watch and jewelry and beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it difficult to breathe, she said.

Once in Gaza, she walked several kilometers to a network of tunnels that she described as looking like a spider web. She reached a large room where 25 people had been taken but was later separated into a smaller group with four others.

The people assigned to guard her told us they are people who believe in the Quran and wouldnt hurt us.

Lifshitz said captives were treated well and received medical care, including medication. The guards kept conditions clean, she said. Hostages were given one meal a day of cheese, cucumber and pita, she said, adding that her captors ate the same.

Lifshitz and her husband were peace activists who regularly drove Palestinian patients from Gaza to receive medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. But in captivity, the hostages told their captors, We dont want to talk about politics," she said.

Lifshitz and Cooper were the second pair of hostages to be released. On Friday, Hamas freed two Israeli American women. Israels government has said returning all hostages safely is a top priority.

Israel overlooked warnings that something was afoot ahead of the attack, Lifshitz said.

We were the scapegoat of the government, she said. They (Hamas) warned us three weeks before they taught us a lesson. A huge crowd arrived at the road. They burned fields. They sent incendiary balloons to burn the fields, and the army didnt take it seriously.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
JERUSALEM  Eighty-five-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz spoke of a hell that we never knew before and never thought we would experience as she described the harrowing Oct. 7 assault on her kibbutz by Hamas militants and the terror of being taken hostage into the Gaza Strip.

Lifshitz was the first of the four hostages released so far to speak of their experience, from the initial attack through the more than two weeks of captivity.

Masses swarmed our houses, beat people and some were taken hostage, said Lifshitz, speaking softly from a wheelchair as she briefed reporters on Tuesday at Tel Avivs Ichilov Hospital, a day after Hamas released her and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper. They didnt care if they were young or old.

Her 83-year-old husband, Oded, remains a hostage in Gaza.

Lifshitz, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was among the more than 200 Israelis and foreigners seized after heavily armed Hamas militants broke through Israels multibillion-dollar electric border fence and fanned across southern Israel, overrunning nearly two dozen communities, military bases and a desert rave. More than 1,400 people died in the daylong killing rampage that followed.

Israels military has launched a devastating war on Gaza in an effort to crush Hamas and its airstrikes into Gaza after the Oct. 7 attack killed more than 5,000 people, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. Lifshitzs captors hustled her onto a motorcycle, removed her watch and jewelry and beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it difficult to breathe, she said.

Once in Gaza, she walked several kilometers to a network of tunnels that she described as looking like a spider web. She reached a large room where 25 people had been taken but was later separated into a smaller group with four others.

The people assigned to guard her told us they are people who believe in the Quran and wouldnt hurt us.

Lifshitz said captives were treated well and received medical care, including medication. The guards kept conditions clean, she said. Hostages were given one meal a day of cheese, cucumber and pita, she said, adding that her captors ate the same.

Lifshitz and her husband were peace activists who regularly drove Palestinian patients from Gaza to receive medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. But in captivity, the hostages told their captors, We dont want to talk about politics, she said.

Lifshitz and Cooper were the second pair of hostages to be released. On Friday, Hamas freed two Israeli American women from Evanston, Ill. Israels government has said returning all hostages safely is a top priority.

Israel overlooked warnings that something was afoot ahead of the attack, Lifshitz said.

We were the scapegoat of the government, she said. They [Hamas] warned us three weeks before they taught us a lesson. A huge crowd arrived at the road. They burned fields. They sent incendiary balloons to burn the fields, and the army didnt take it seriously.
[Source]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has promised to protect the Sikh community following the death of a senior member last week.

What happened: The deceased, identified as 66-year-old Jasmer Singh, was driving his wife from a doctors appointment when he collided with another vehicle on the Van Wyck Expressway on Thursday. A physical altercation ensued after the second driver, identified as 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin, allegedly exited his vehicle and grabbed Singhs phone.

Singh got out of his own car to retrieve his phone. After an argument, Augustin allegedly punched him in the head and face three times.

The aftermath: Singh, who fell and hit the ground, suffered a broken skull and lost two of his front teeth. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he succumbed to a brain injury the next day, as per the New York Post.

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Charges: Augustin has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, assault, aggravated unlicensed operator and leaving the scene of an accident. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

What his family is saying: Singhs family is calling for hate crime charges against Augustin. They believe his appearance contributed to the violence.

The guy was addressing my father with his costumes, with his turbans. There was no reason for someone to go in that intensity. My father was targeted and it is a possible hate crime," Singhs son, Multani, told CBS New York.

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What Adams is saying: In an X post on Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams condemned the incident and honored Singhs memory. He also vowed to protect the Sikh community.

Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you.

Adams added that his team will meet Sikh leaders this week to discuss the communitys needs.

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By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some of Israel's actions in its war against Hamas, like cutting off food and water for Gaza, could "harden Palestinian attitudes for generations" and weaken international support for Israel, former U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday.

In rare comments on an active foreign policy crisis, Obama said any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs of the war "could ultimately backfire."

"The Israeli government's decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population (in Gaza) threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis; it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel's enemies, and undermine long-term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region," Obama said.

Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza with air strikes since Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on Israel left over 1,400 people dead. Israel's air strikes have killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, Gaza officials say.

Obama condemned Hamas' attack and reiterated his support for Israel's right to defend itself, while cautioning about risks to civilians in such wars.

It was not clear whether Obama had coordinated his statement with U.S. President Joe Biden, who served as his vice president for eight years.

During his presidency, Obama often backed Israel's right to self-defense at the start of conflicts with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, but quickly called for Israeli restraint once Palestinian casualties mounted from airstrikes.

Gaza, a 45 km-long (25-mile) strip of land that is home to 2.3 million people, has been ruled politically since 2007 by Hamas, an Iran-backed Islamist group, but faces a blockade from Israel.

The Obama administration sought, but ultimately failed to broker, a peace deal in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Since taking office in early 2021, Biden has not tried to resume long-stalled talks, saying that leaders on both sides were too intransigent and the climate was not right.

Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a testy relationship when Obama was in office, including when Obama's administration was negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran.

Biden, as Obama's vice president, often acted as a mediator between the two men.

In his statement on Monday, Obama acknowledged that the U.S. had itself "fallen short of our higher values when engaged in war," especially after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Matt Spetalnick, Arshad Mohammed and Jeff Mason in Washington; Editing by Kieran Murray and Stephen Coates)
The off-duty pilot accused of trying to bring down an Alaska Airlines flight told investigators that he took psychedelic mushrooms 48 hours before the incident, that he had been depressed and that he believed he was experiencing a mental breakdown, authorities said.

The off-duty pilot  Joseph Emerson , 44, of California  has been charged with more than 80 counts of attempted murder, and the FBI is investigating whether he was under the influence when he tried to shut down the plane's engines while he was sitting in the cockpit of Sunday's flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, officials told NBC News.

An attorney for Emerson entered a plea of not guilty related to the attempted murder charges Tuesday afternoon.

Joseph Emerson is a caring father, a loving husband, and a skilled aviator who is supported and loved by a vast network of friends, family, and colleagues. He would never intentionally hurt another person. Joe was not under the influence of any intoxicants when he boarded that flight. We will pursue a diligent investigation into all the facts and circumstances surrounding the events and request that you respect the familys privacy," an attorney for Emerson told NBC News.

Emerson also said he had not slept in about 40 hours and indicated his depression may have been boosted by the recent death of a friend, investigators who interviewed him said in an Oregon criminal complaint charging him.

"Emerson indicated he was in mental crisis and had not slept in over 40 hours and requested medical attention," the Oregon filing says.

The Oregon complaint, filed Tuesday, added details  among them that Emerson said he took mushrooms two days before the flight  to the backstory initially sketched out by a federal complaint filed Sunday.

The state case includes 83 counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of endangering an aircraft; the federal case includes one count of interfering with a flight crew or flight attendants, as summarized by NBC News affiliate KGW of Portland, Oregon.

Emerson denied to investigators he had taken any medications before he got on the flight but spoke about becoming depressed six months ago and said it was his first time taking mushrooms, the federal complaint says.

"I didn't feel OK," Emerson said, telling investigators that he was tired and dehydrated, according to the federal complaint. "It seemed like the pilots weren't paying attention to what was going on."

"I pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up," he added.

Joseph Emerson. (Joe Emerson / via Facebook)

The psychoactive experience associated with the psychedelic mushrooms is said to normally last four to six hours, sometimes eight, but it often depends on dosage, according to experts.

A psychedelic drug researcher, Dr. Charles Grob, the director of child and adolescent psychiatry at HarborUCLA Medical Center, said it was possible the effects of psilocybin could last for days after ingestion under certain conditions.

"I wouldn't doubt that psilocybin mushrooms could have had residual effects even 48 hours after ingestion, especially if he took a large dose and was without any effective supervision, preparation, oversight or follow-up integration," Grob said.

Emerson is being held in an Oregon jail on 167 charges, including the 83 counts of attempted murder. The judge in the case said a custody hearing would be held separately within five days, and Emerson will remain in jail for now.

He was also expected to make his first appearance in federal court later this week.

'I am not OK'

Emerson had been sitting in a flight deck jump seat in the cockpit, which is permitted for pilots who may be commuting between airports.

The federal complaint alleges that Emerson was engaging in "casual conversation" with the other pilots, discussing the weather and his career with Alaska Airlines, when he tried to grab two red handles that activate a fire suppression system. Activation includes cutting power, according to the filing. Emerson threw his headset across the cockpit and told the pilots "I am not OK" as he reached for the handles, the federal complaint said.

Pilot Alan Koziol said a flight screen indicated a fire suppression system was activated, according to the state criminal complaint, but it appeared that the engines had not been cut off. That would have resulted in the planes gliding and descending, the other pilot, Emil Riemer, told investigators, according to the state filing.

Riemer said that the plane was seconds away from being a glider but that Emerson was not able to pull the handles all the way down before the pair intervened, according to the state complaint.

Experts say the ability to quickly turn off an engine may be crucial in emergency situations, such as fires.

One of the pilots grabbed Emerson's wrists, while the other declared an in-flight emergency, according to the federal document. Emerson had to be "wrestled with" for several seconds until he settled down, the pilots told investigators, the federal complaint says.

Emerson was then forced out of the cockpit, and the other pilots secured the cockpit door, it says.

Flight attendants told investigators that after they were alerted to an issue up front, they went to bring Emerson to the back, the federal filing says.

Emerson said, "You need to cuff me right now or it's going to be bad," according to the flight attendants' account in the federal filing.

Flex handcuffs were placed around Emerson's wrists, it said. While he was seated at the back of the plane, he tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit but was stopped by a flight attendant who placed her hands on top of his, the federal complaint says.

A flight attendant said Emerson made comments like "I messed everything up" and acknowledged that he put people's lives at risk, according to the federal filing.

'I may eye contact with him'

There were 83 passengers on board Flight 2059, the state complaint said. Some on the flight, operated by Alaska Airlines subsidiary Horizon Air, lauded the crew's quick actions and ability to stop Emerson.

"I made eye contact with him," Aubrey Gavello said, after Emerson was booted from the cockpit and walked to the back of the plane. "It was, like, one of those soul-chilling, dead in the eyes, just calm and just kind of like he was taking in everyone around him."

About 35 minutes after takeoff, a flight attendant "frantically" alerted passengers over the loudspeaker that "we have a situation" and that the pilots needed to land the plane, Gavello said.

No details were given; Gavello said it sounded like a medical-related emergency.

Gavello said she saw the flight attendant and a man, who at the time no one knew was an off-duty pilot, walking from the cockpit to the back of the plane.

She said that the man was in zip ties and that the flight attendant was "trying to calm him down, saying that we were going to get him on the ground and everything was going to be OK."

The man remained seated in the back, Gavello said, and the flight attendant informed the cabin that "I just want to let everyone know they're safe" and reassured the passengers that the plane was not having mechanical issues.

"Her second announcement calmed everyone down," Gavello said, "and then we landed."

The plane made an emergency stop in Portland, where police were waiting to board it and escort Emerson off.

Gavello's boyfriend, Alex Wood, who said he had slept through the ordeal and woke up only when they were landing, had no clue that it was an Alaska Airlines employee who was accused of putting lives in peril and learned more details only when he saw news reports Monday morning.

"It's very scary to know that that person was allowed in the cockpit, in the jump seat, where he was sitting," Wood said.

Gavello said: "I thought I was being dramatic, because I got off the plane and my boyfriend and I weren't sitting together, and I was, like, shaking, and he was asleep the whole time, so he didn't know. And I was like, Am I being so dramatic, or was that really traumatizing?'"

The investigation

Alaska Airlines said it was "grateful for the professional handling of the situation" by the flight crew. The FBI also said it was investigating with support from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Emerson was initially employed by Horizon Air in 2001, and he has also worked for Alaska Airlines and Virgin America.

A review of his mental state will be part of the investigation, aviation analysts said.

Pilots over 40 must undergo medical evaluations every six months and disclose whether they are having mental health issues or taking medications. But full mental health evaluations are not part of a pilots physical exams, according to the FAA. Emersons last physical was in September.

Emerson lives with his wife and young children in the San Francisco Bay Area community of Pleasant Hill, where a neighbor said he was surprised by the allegations.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An off-duty pilot who tried to disable the engines of a plane bound from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco has been charged with attempted murder.

The Alaska Airlines flight, operated by Horizon Air, was diverted to Portland, Oregon, on Sunday after reporting a credible security threat, the airline said.

The suspect, Joseph David Emerson, 44, was booked on 83 counts of attempted murder and endangering an aeroplane, according to Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, after being arrested by Port of Portland police.

He tried to disable the engines using the fire suppression system from the flight deck, but was subdued by the crew, according to Reuters. Alaska Airlines also confirmed that the engines were never disabled.

It is standard practice for off-duty pilots to sit in jump seats to return home or to a future flight assignment. An FAA pilot database listed Emerson as a certified pilot who received a medical clearance last month.

Ongoing investigation

Port of Portland police officers met the flight and took the suspect into custody without incident. They said the investigation is ongoing.

According to audio posted by LiveATC, the Horizon pilot told FAA air traffic control: Ill just give you a heads-up. Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit.

It doesnt sound like hes causing any issue at the back. I think hes subdued... We want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the worlds largest pilots union, which represents aviators at Alaska, said in a statement that the airline profession in North America is one of the most highly vetted and scrutinised careers.

The FBI in Portland said it is investigating and can assure the travelling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident.

The FAA also told airlines in a separate notice on Monday that the incident is not connected in any way, shape or form to current world events, but said it is always good practice to maintain vigilance.

Alaska Airlines said all passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight.

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By David Shepardson and Steve Gorman

(Reuters) -An off-duty pilot charged with trying to disable the engines of an Alaska Airlines jet in flight told police afterward he was suffering a nervous breakdown, had taken psychedelic mushrooms two days earlier and had not slept in 40 hours, court documents showed on Tuesday.

Joseph David Emerson, 44, an Alaska Airlines pilot, was riding as a standby employee passenger in the cockpit "jump seat" of Sunday's flight, en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, when the airborne altercation occurred, authorities said.

After a brief scuffle inside the flight deck with the captain and first officer, Emerson ended up restrained by members of the cabin crew and was arrested in Portland, Oregon, where the flight was diverted and landed safely.

He was charged in Oregon state court on Tuesday with 83 counts of attempted murder - one for every person aboard the plane besides himself - and a single count of endangering an aircraft.

He pleaded not guilty to those charges at a brief arraignment on Tuesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, and was ordered to remain in custody pending a detention hearing to be held within the next five days.

Emerson was charged separately in federal court with one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

The criminal complaints in both cases were filed with sworn affidavits from investigators outlining a harrowing sequence of events that came close to shutting down hydraulic operation and fuel to both engines of the twin-jet aircraft, an Embraer 175.

Alaska Airlines reported no blemishes in Emerson's employment record. And the head of a California flying club he once belonged to said Sunday's alleged behaviour was completely at odds with the meticulous, mild-mannered family man he remembered Emerson to be.

MENTAL CRISIS SUGGESTED

According to the affidavits, Emerson told police after his arrest that he was suffering a mental crisis during the incident and had struggled with depression for the past six months.

The court documents said he also told police that he had taken "magic mushrooms" for the first time, ingesting them about 48 hours before boarding the plane.

Alaska Air Group, the airline's parent company, said in a statement on Tuesday that at no time during the check-in or boarding process did employees observe any signs of impairment that would have led them to prevent Emerson from flying.

Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 was operated by the group's regional subsidiary Horizon Air, the company said.

Court documents gave no indication of whether investigators had confirmed any drug or alcohol use by the suspect, though one of the arresting officers told investigators that Emerson did not appear "outwardly under the influence of intoxicants."

Medical research has shown that psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen found in certain mushroom varieties, to be beneficial in treating anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. A ballot measure approved by voters in 2020 made Oregon the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and to legalize its supervised therapeutic use for adults.

COCKPIT AND CABIN STRUGGLES

The two pilots who were at the controls of Flight 2059 told investigators, according to affidavits, that Emerson had started out chatting with them casually, before suddenly hurling his radio headset across the cockpit and saying, "I'm not OK."

He then reached up and grabbed two red-colored fire-suppression handles, pulling them downward, the affidavits said.

A scuffle ensued as one of the two pilots quickly clutched Emerson's wrist to keep him from fully engaging the handles, while the other declared an in-flight emergency, before Emerson abruptly quieted down again and left the cockpit.

The flight crew later told investigators that had Emerson managed to fully deploy the shut-off handles, the plane was "seconds away" from being turned into a glider.

In his interview with police, the affidavits said, Emerson acknowledged pulling the handles, saying he did so because he felt like he was trying to awaken from a dream.

After leaving the cockpit, he was escorted to the back of the plane, placed in a flight attendant's seat and was fitted with handcuffs, having warned the cabin crew: "You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad," according to affidavits.

Even as he was under restraint, the court documents said, Emerson tried to grab an emergency exit handle, but a flight attendant stopped him by placing her hands over his and making conversation to distract him.

Another flight attendant was quoted as telling authorities she overheard Emerson say: "I messed everything up," and that he had stated that he had "tried to kill everybody."

Emerson joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon first officer in August 2001 and became a captain at Alaska Airlines in 2019, the carrier said, adding that "at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked."

A Federal Aviation Administration pilot database showed Emerson received a medical clearance last month. Aviators are expected to self-report any mental health conditions.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Allison Lampert; Additional reporting by Steve Gorman; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Jonathan Oatis, Mark Porter and Jamie Freed)
For two decades, Joseph D Emerson had a successful career as an airline pilot. He joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer, before becoming a pilot in 2019.

But, on Sunday, something suddenly changed when the pilot was involved in an incident that has shocked people who know him to the core.

While travelling in the flight deck jump seat in the cockpit of a plane flying from Seattle to San Francisco, the 44-year-old allegedly attempted to cut off fuel to the engines.

He was subdued by the flight crew, arrested and hit with 167 charges, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder. He now also faces a federal charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

No one was hurt in the incident, authorities said, but the FBI is working with the Port of Portland police to investigate the incident.

Many questions remain unanswered as to what led Mr Emerson to allegedly attempt to crash the plane mid-flight.

Heres what we know so far:

What happened on the flight?

Authorities said Mr Emerson, who was off-duty at the time, was travelling in the flight deck jump seat in the cockpit when he suddenly tried to shut down both of the planes engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles.

The 44-year-old was then subdued by flight crew as the captain and first officer intervened to keep the engines running. Mr Emerson was escorted by a flight attendant to the rear of the aircraft where he was placed in wrist restraints and belted into the aft jump seat.

According to Alaska Airlines Mr Emerson also attempted to grab the handle of the emergency exit during the aircrafts descent before being stopped by a flight attendant.

The flight, which was travelling from Seattle to San Francisco, was diverted to Portland, and all 80 passengers on board were able to board a new plane.

Passengers who were on board the plane told ABC News that they were not immediately alerted to what Alaska Airlines called the security threat, until a flight attendant told them over the speaker that there was an emergency situation and the plane needed to land immediately.

A worker cleans a jet bridge at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, before passengers board an Alaska Airlines flight (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Once the plane landed, police boarded the aircraft and arrested Mr Emerson, escorting him off the plane handcuffed.

Aubrey Gavello, one of the passengers on the plane, told Laura Coates Live the suspect was calm and cooperative as he was escorted off the plane.

Following the incident Mr Emerson was removed from service indefinitely and relieved from all duties at Alaska Airlines. The airline said it was now consulting with its partners in labour regarding his employment status.

Who is Joseph D Emerson?

Joseph D Emerson was taken into custody and hit with 167 charges, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to authorities.

His alleged motive for the incident remains unclear.

Prior to the incident Mr Emerson was a pilot with Alaska Airlines. According to the airline he joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon First Officer in August 2001.

In June 2012, Mr Emerson left Horizon to join Virgin America as a pilot but became an Alaska Airlines First Officer following Alaskas acquisition of Virgin America in 2016. He became an Alaska Airlines Captain in 2019.

Neighbours of the 44-year-old told The Daily Mail he lives with his wife and two young sons in California. He was described by neighbours as a friendly and fantastic father.

Joseph Emerson is charged with attempted murder (Joseph Emerson/Facebook)

He plays with the kids all the time, Karen Yee told the outlet.

Hes just a great guy. Hes very understanding of other people, she said.

We just couldnt imagine him doing anything to hurt someone. Its very hard for us to believe that he would do anything intentionally like that, she added. I cant fathom him doing anything that would hurt anyone.

Meanwhile, her husband Ed Yee described the incident as very shocking.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, he told CNN.

What was the motive?

It is not known why Mr Emerson allegedly attempted to crash the plane, though he reportedly told police following arrest that he had had a nervous breakdown and had been taking psychadelic mushrooms.

According to a federal affidavit seen by The Independent, he told police he was experiencing a nervous breakdown, and had not slept in 40 hours. Mr Emerson explained to the officers: I didnt feel okay. It seemed like the pilots werent paying attention to what was going on. They didntit didnt seem right.

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines said Mr Emerson did not have a history of medical issues.

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

Passengers on the plane said a flight attendant told them Mr Emerson suffered a mental breakdown.

After we did land and the gentleman was escorted off, the flight attendant got back on the speaker and said, plain and simple, He had a mental breakdown. We needed to get him off the plane immediately, Aubrey Gavello told ABC.

Records from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is supporting the law enforcement investigation, show the 44-year-old did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175  the type of plane involved in Sundays incident.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically-motivated violence, according to CNN.
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who allegedly tried to shut off the engines of a regional jet mid-flight is now facing a federal charge in addition to dozens of state counts of attempted murder.

Joseph David Emerson, 44, of Pleasant Hill, Calif., was charged with interference with flight crew members in the U.S. District Court in Oregon on Monday.

Federal prosecutors allege Emerson  who was authorized to ride in the cockpits jump seat  was having a casual conversation with the captain and first officer when he said, Im not OK, and tried to grab two red handles that activate the planes fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines.

Emerson later told responding officers he believed he was having a nervous breakdown, had not slept in 40 hours and admitted to taking psychedelic mushrooms for the first time, court filings said.

One of the pilots then grabbed Emersons wrist while the other pilot declared an in-flight emergency, according to court filings. An initial struggle ensued between Emerson and the pilots before he quickly settled down and left the cockpit, federal prosecutors wrote.

The flight, with over 80 people onboard, departed from Everett, Wash., shortly before 5:30 p.m. Sunday and was expected to land in San Diego, but the two pilots safely diverted the plane to Portland, Ore., due to the incident.

Audio recordings of the conversation between the pilots and air traffic controllers, first reported by The Seattle Times, revealed the pilots requested law enforcement to meet them when they landed in Portland.

Flight attendants sat Emerson in a flight attendant seat in the back of the aircraft and placed cuffs on Emersons wrists, court filings said. While the flight was descending, Emerson tried to grab the handle before a flight attendant stopped him, prosecutors said.

Upon landing and interviewing with authorities, Emerson was taken to the Port of Portland Police Department where he asked to waive his right to an attorney, telling authorities, Im admitting to what I did. Im not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys, according to filings.

Emerson was also heard saying he had just put 84 peoples lives at risk tonight including his own, filings said.

Emerson was separately charged with 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft early Monday morning, according to the Multnomah County (Ore.) Sheriffs Office booking report.

The passenger jet was a 76-seat Horizon Air Embraer 175, according to The Associated Press. Alaska Airlines operations Horizon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot said he was having a nervous breakdown and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms before attempting to kill the engines of a passenger jet mid-flight on Sunday, according to a newly filed federal complaint.

I am not OK, two Horizon Air pilots said they heard Joseph David Emerson, 44, say before he allegedly reached up to pull emergency handles that would shut off fuel to the airliners engines as it flew from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, the complaint released Tuesday states.

The complaint accuses Emerson, of the San Francisco area, with interfering with flight crew members and attendants. Emerson also faces state charges in Oregon: 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

Emerson pleaded not guilty to the state charges on Tuesday.

One of the pilots of the Horizon Air plane, which is owned by the Alaska Air Group, declared an in-flight emergency as the other pilot grabbed Emerson, who was riding in a cockpit jump seat, preventing him from completely activating the aircrafts fire suppression system with the handles, according to the federal complaint.

A Horizon Air plane takes off at the Portland International Airport in Oregon in a file photo. Horizon Air is a regional carrier in the Alaska Air Group.

A Horizon Air plane takes off at the Portland International Airport in Oregon in a file photo. Horizon Air is a regional carrier in the Alaska Air Group.

If the handles were pulled down entirely, the aircraft would have turned into a glider within seconds, an FBI agent wrote in the complaint, citing an interview with the two pilots, who described Emerson as initially appearing calm while seated with them.

Emerson was ordered out of the cockpit by the pilots and was seen peacefully walking to the back of the aircraft, where he requested that flight attendants restrain him, according to the complaint.

You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad, he allegedly told a flight attendant.

Emerson was given a seat at the back of the plane and placed in flex handcuffs. As the plane descended for an emergency stop in Portland, Oregon, he was allegedly seen trying to grab the emergency exit doors handle but was stopped by a flight attendant.

The complaint says flight attendants heard him saying that I messed everything up and that he tried to kill everybody.

I pulled both emergency shut-off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up.Off-duty pilot's comments, according to a federal complaint

Emerson told a responding police officer in Portland that he was having a nervous breakdown and that he had not slept in 40 hours. He said he felt dehydrated, tired and unwell, the federal complaint states.

I didnt feel okay. It seemed like the pilots werent paying attention to what was going on. They didnt ... it didnt seem right, he said, according to the complaint. I pulled both emergency shut-off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up.

He allegedly said he had not taken any medication but did say that he had taken psychedelic mushrooms.

These were consumed about 48 hours earlier, he allegedly told Port of Portland police following his arrest, according to a probable cause statement filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court and obtained by The Associated Press. The use followed a friend dying, and him struggling with depression, he said.

Oregon in 2020 became the first U.S. state to legalize the supervised use of psilocybin, which is the psychedelic active ingredient found in several species of mushrooms. It can cause hours of hallucinations.

Emerson said it was his first time taking mushrooms, the complaint states.

Its not clear whether a drug test was administered to him. A public affairs officer for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon told HuffPost that the matter remains under investigation.

Authorities with the Port of Portland told HuffPost they are consulting with the district attorneys office on what details can be made public at this time.

Emersons attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Related...
The off-duty pilot accused of trying to turn off a plane's engines mid-flight is now facing federal charges.

Court documents detail the bizarre incident that unfolded on Sunday aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059.

Prosecutors say the accused pilot discussed taking mushrooms and said he needed to be cuffed "or it's going to be bad."

The off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut off the engines of an Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight told law enforcement it was his first time taking psychedelic mushrooms in the 48 hours before takeoff and that he was incredibly sleep-deprived, according to newly released court documents.

The federal and state court papers shed new light on the bizarre ordeal that unfolded on Sunday on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 operated by Horizon Air from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California.

Joseph Emerson, the off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, was federally charged Tuesday with one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon said.

Emerson pleaded not guilty to 83 counts of reckless endangerment and 83 counts of attempted murder in the first degree in state court, and was held after his arraignment Tuesday. His attorney did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

Emerson, 44, was riding as a passenger in the flight deck "jump seat" of the cockpit when he tried to shut down the engines by trying to pull two red fire handles that would have activated the plane's emergency fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines, the court papers say.

The pilots flying the plane, which had a total of four crewmembers and 80 passengers, told authorities Emerson did this about halfway between Astoria, Oregon, and Portland, after having a casual conversation with them, including about the weather.

One of the pilots said that Emerson tossed his headset across the cockpit and said "I'm not okay," before he reached up and grabbed the red fire handles and pulled them down, according to a federal criminal complaint.

A pilot then grabbed Emerson's wrist while the other declared an in-flight emergency, the pilots said, explaining that Emerson had to be "wrestled with" for several seconds before he stopped what he was doing, the court documents say.

"Pilot 1 said Emerson initially resisted him, and they physically engaged for a duration he estimated to be 25-30 seconds, and then Emerson quickly settled down," the complaint says.

About 90 seconds passed from the time Emerson said he wasn't okay until he left the cockpit and was restrained by the flight crew, according to the court documents.

Flight attendants ultimately put Emerson in wrist restraints and sat him in the back of the plane before the flight made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport.

"You need to cuff me right now or it's going to be bad," Emerson told a flight attendant, according to the criminal complaint.

As the plane made its descent, Emerson again caused a disturbance when he tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit door, but was stopped by a flight attendant, according to federal prosecutors.

Another flight attendant heard Emerson saying, "I messed everything up" and that he "tried to kill everybody," the court papers say.

"The flight attendant noticed Emerson take out his cellular phone and appeared to be texting on the phone. Emerson was heard saying he had just put 84 peoples' lives at risk tonight including his own."

Port of Portland Police officers arrested Emerson after the flight landed and he told authorities during an interview that he believed he was having a "nervous breakdown," and had not slept in 40 hours, according to the criminal complaint. He also said he felt dehydrated and tired.

"I didn't feel okay. It seemed like the pilots weren't paying attention to what was going on. They didn't...it didn't seem right," Emerson told police, according to the court documents.

He admitted he "pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up," the court papers say.

The complaint said that Emerson denied taking any medication, "but he stated that approximately six months ago he became depressed."

"The officer and Emerson talked about the use of psychedelic mushrooms and Emerson said it was his first time taking mushrooms," the complaint added.

According to an affidavit filed Tuesday in Oregon's Multnomah County Circuit Court, Emerson told police officers during an interview that he "struggled" with depression for six years and that a friend recently died.

Emerson told police and medical personnel that he had "consumed 'magic mushrooms' approximately 48 hours prior to the incident on the plane," the affidavit says.

"I don't understand why you're showing me so much kindness, I'm obviously f****d up," Emerson said, according to the affidavit.

A Port of Portland Police officer noted that "he did not observe Emerson to be outwardly under the influence of intoxicants," the affidavit states.

While in police custody, Emerson asked if he could waive his right to an attorney, according to federal prosecutors.

"I'm admitting to what I did. I'm not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys," Emerson said, according to the federal court papers.

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An off-duty pilot for Alaska Airlines tried to switch off the fuel supply to the engines mid-flight (Daniel SLIM)

The off-duty US pilot who tried to shut down the engines of a plane mid-flight over the weekend had taken magic mushrooms and thought he was having a nervous breakdown, court documents showed Tuesday.

Pilots wrestled Joseph Emerson out of the cockpit on Sunday after he lunged for handles that would have starved the engines of fuel and turned the plane into a glider.

Emerson, who told police he had not slept in 40 hours, also tried to open an emergency exit in the rear of the aircraft and had to be restrained by the cabin crew during an emergency landing.

"I pulled both emergency shutoff handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just want to wake up," Emerson told police, according to a criminal complaint.

Emerson and the investigating officer "talked about the use of psychedelic mushrooms, and Emerson said it was his first time taking mushrooms."

The 44-year-old was arrested on Sunday evening after the Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon.

Emerson had boarded the flight -- which was operated by Horizon Air -- between Everett, Washington, and San Francisco, sitting in the jump seat of the cockpit, in line with airline policy for non-working staff.

A short way into the journey, after chatting with the pilots "Emerson attempted to grab and pull two red fire handles that would have activated the plane's emergency fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines," the Department of Justice said.

"After a brief physical struggle with the pilots, Emerson exited the cockpit."

Alaska Airlines said Monday that pilots had reacted quickly to reverse the handles, and the aircraft had landed safely.

"Flight attendants placed Emerson in wrist restraints and seated him in the rear of the aircraft," the Department of Justice said.

"During the flight's descent, Emerson tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit. A flight attendant stopped him by placing her hands on top of his."

The US Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon said Emerson faces a federal charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

He has also been charged in Oregon with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

US media reported that he pleaded not guilty to these charges during a brief court appearance in Portland on Tuesday.

Live ATC, a website that archives conversations between pilots and air traffic controllers, published an audio recording of the moments after the incident.

"We've got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit," the pilot said. "And he doesn't sound like he's causing any issue in the back right now.

"I think he's subdued. Other than that, yeah, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked," the pilot said.

Alaska Airlines said Tuesday that Emerson had been "removed from service indefinitely and relieved from all duties."

A Germanwings plane on a flight from Barcelona to Dusseldorf was intentionally crashed by a pilot in March 2015, killing all 144 passengers and six crew members on board.

hg/caw
This week, were marking five years since the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that took the lives of 11 worshippers.

Four police officers were injured in the shootout at the Tree of Life Synagogue, and now one is sharing his story exclusively with Channel 11s Rick Earle.

Officer Dan Mead was one of the officers who were first to confront Robert Bowers inside the building. He was shot in the hand, sustaining injuries hell have for the rest of his life.

Mead says it was a feeling of relief when a jury in August sentenced Bowers to death for the murders.

RELATED COVERAGE >> Pittsburgh synagogue shooter Robert Bowers to be sentenced to death

Its like a load of bricks off your back. Its something that just sits back there, Mead said.

Mead agreed with the jurys decision.

I think the jury made a good decision. I mean there was only two decisions. I think they made the right one. And I always say that hes going to have to suffer for his actions. Thats one person. But you got all of these families and the victims, and their friends and even the people that have been wounded. Its going to be a lifetime, a lifetime of suffering, Mead said.

Mead and his partner, Mike Smidga, were the first to respond to the shooting. While approaching the glass door, Mead saw someone through the glass.

I could see somebody and you could see through the smoke glass and it was from me to him away, Mead said.

The next thing Mead knew, Bowers was shooting at them.

Didnt expect it until I felt this. It went up in the air like a piece of clothes on the laundry line, and then I looked down and it was just, it was dangling there, Mead said, referring to the hand injuries he sustained in the shootout.

During the trial, prosecutors played an emotional police body camera video of Mead after he was shot in the hand.

Though my wrist here... thats where it came out the top, and just shaving on top, just shattered everything, Mead said.

Mead has had eight surgeries on his hand and while he still cant close it all the way, he knows it could have been a lot worse.

Its short. I appreciate life every day and the things that I do have in it. And its and I still think to this day, I mean, that one of two seconds me or my partner wouldnt have been here, Mead said.

Five years later, and still off the job on disability, Mead has come to the realization that the prospects of returning are slim.

Im a pretty simple person. And I understand, like, what I can do and I cant do and its frustrating, but you get used to it and its been many years to get used to it and just move on and all I want to do is be happy and be able to pay my bills, and what have you. Thats it. Thats all I ask for, Mead said.

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A missile attack against the Gaza Strip killed two children with Ukrainian citizenship on Oct. 24, Maksym Tokin, an official within Ukraine's Representative Office to the Palestinian National Authority, told Suspilne news outlet.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko confirmed the information to Hromadske, adding that the children were aged six and nine.

"We express condolences to the parents. The representative office of Ukraine in the city of Ramallah is investigating all the circumstances of the tragedy and is in contact with relatives," Nikolenko said.

Earlier, Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniichuk, said that a Ukrainian woman was killed in the embattled Gaza amid the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Read also: Ukrainians trapped in besieged Gaza: We are constantly bombed

There have been conflicting reports about the number of Ukrainians killed following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Michael Brodsky, Israel's Ambassador to Ukraine, said on Oct. 18 that 23 Ukrainians had been killed, but Korniichuk refuted that number, saying that 18 had been killed.

Over 500 Ukrainians have so far been evacuated from Israel since the start of the conflict. Meanwhile, 337 Ukrainians are waiting for the Rafah border crossing into Egypt to open, which would allow them to evacuate from the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave besieged by the Israeli military, according to Korniichuk.

The militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, launched unprecedented attacks on Israeli settlements on Oct. 7. Tel Aviv responded by retaliatory airstrikes against Gaza and a total blockade of the enclave. Thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed on both sides.

Read also: A wave of terror: Hamas attack brings back haunting memories of war for Ukrainians in Israel

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Department of Justice

An Ohio man pleaded guilty on Monday to arson and obstruction for attempting to burn down the Community Church of Chesterland because of its support for the LGBTQI+ community. According to court documents, Aimenn Penny, 20, threw two Molotov cocktails at the church on Mar. 25 in response to its plan to host two drag events. Penny was a member of White Lives Matter and claimed to law enforcement that he wanted to protect children from the drag shows. Penny faces up to 10 years in prison for the arson charge and up to 20 years on the obstruction charge for preventing people from exercising their religious beliefs. He did not make a comment in court, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 29. In a press release from the Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division said, There is no room in this country for such bias-motivated violence and terror, and the Justice Department will continue to protect all Americans in their free exercise of religious beliefs.

Read it at The Repository

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The eight officers who fired more than 90 bullets that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Jayland Walker are allowed to go back to work as police officers.

While disappointing, this news is not shocking considering it comes nearly six months after an Ohio grand jury declined to indict the officers involved and concluded that they were justified in their use of deadly force.

Read more

Police said officers tried to pull over Walkers car for minor equipment violations and that he failed to stop and then fired a shot from the vehicle 40 seconds into the pursuit. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the states investigation found that Walker then jumped out of his still-moving car, ran from police and ignored commands to stop and show his hands. Some of the officers first used Tasers to try and stop Walker, but he reached toward his waistband and raised a hand as officers were chasing, Yost said.

Officers assumed that Walker was armed when in reality, he left his firearm in his car. As a result, all eight officers fired a hail of bullets, hitting him 46 times, which resulted in his death.

In a statement, Bobby DiCello, the attorney for Walkers family told WKYC-TV, The Walker family is saddened by the way in which they continue to be ignored by the City of Akron. City leadership has never once reached out to discuss the employment of the eight officers or explain why the officers are being reinstated. While this decision reopens painful wounds for them, the family remains strong in their commitment to seeking Justice and Dignity for Jayland.

While the officers are allowed back to work, and wont face any criminal charges, Walkers family is still looking for some form of justice. In June, they filed a $45 million lawsuit against the Akron Police Department and the city, according to the Associated Press.

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A man was hospitalized after a daytime stabbing in Brighton on Tuesday.

Officers responded to 15 Fidelis Way shortly after noon and found an adult man suffering from a stab wound, according to Boston police. The victim was rushed to the hospital with injuries not considered to be life-threatening.

The suspect, who was identified as Darrell Murchison, 59, was arrested shortly after, according to police. It is unclear if the victim and the suspect knew each other.

Police could be seen sectioning off a large area around the Brighton Cafe on Commonwealth Avenue with yellow crime scene tape. A black knit hat could also be seen lying on the sidewalk.

Murchison was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, police say. He will be arraigned in Brighton District Court.

An investigation into the incident is active and ongoing.

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Winning a majority partys nomination for speaker of the House of Representatives usually elevates a lawmaker into the pantheon of American political leaders.

But such is the toxicity of the GOP three weeks after the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy that the nominee expected to emerge on Tuesday may never get the top job.

The nomination is an assignment to what may be an impossible political mission to unite a conference that might never be reconciled. And even if the nominee wins the gavel, the next speaker has a reasonable chance of a tenure even shorter than McCarthy, who lasted nine months.

But this is about more than the plight of a Republican Party that often looks like its tearing itself apart. If the dysfunctional House GOP majority cannot get its act together, the US government could run out of funding before Thanksgiving week  and millions of Americans could pay the price.

As lawmakers returned to Washington on Monday, there was a growing sense of rising public frustration about a House that has been paralyzed for three weeks, as global crises boil and the shutdown deadline approaches.

Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan said his constituents think all of us are incapable. Buchanan, who is supporting fellow Sunshine State lawmaker Byron Donalds for speaker, added: People are very angry and upset.

The hopefuls lined up on Tuesday at the start of rounds of secret balloting that will produce a party nominee for speaker following the failures of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan to replace McCarthy. But there is no guarantee the candidate who emerges from secret balloting will be able to get the required majority in the full House  given the extreme splits in the GOP between some of the far-right hardliners who helped eject McCarthy and more moderate lawmakers in battleground districts.

Because of their tiny majority, almost every Republican must back the nominee for him to become speaker  a longshot in a conference that is deeply divided. Ex-President Donald Trump has been fielding calls from top candidates seeking his endorsement but joked on Monday that only divine intervention could end the crisis.

I said theres only one person who can do it all the way, Trump said in New Hampshire. You know who that is? Jesus Christ. If Jesus came down and said, I want to be speaker, he would do it.

A new GOP speaker could find it impossible to unite the party

The fact there were so many candidates on Tuesday tells its own tale  namely that no one is strong enough to clear the field and whoever emerges may not have a strong base of support.

There are signs House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has been making progress, but as a member of a House leadership team distrusted by the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, his candidacy may suffer the same liabilities as those of Scalise and McCarthy. Another possible nominee is Donalds of Florida, a member of the House Freedom Caucus and one of the few Black Republicans in Congress. But Donalds may be too radical for moderate Republicans in districts that voted for President Joe Biden. Theres been palpable anger among such members  on whom the majority rests  that the lawmakers who voted out McCarthy have escaped punishment. A speaker from the far-right may be too much for them to accept.

But the identity of the new Republican speaker  when he eventually emerges (theres not one woman among the current candidates)  may be less important than the dire situation he will confront. The House GOP has now spent three weeks failing to select a new leader  time that would have been better spent staking out a position on a new government funding deal needed to prevent the government from closing down in mid-November. Even if a new speaker is selected by the end of this week, theres barely three weeks before the Thanksgiving break to get a deal with a Democratic-run Senate and the White House to avoid yet another governing debacle on the GOP majoritys watch.

The funding showdown will represent one of the most difficult tests ever for a new speaker. The likelihood that this leader will be a compromised figure at risk of losing his job at any moment at the head of a rebellious conference makes the position even more vulnerable.

As former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, himself a notoriously polarizing figure, said on Fox News this weekend: They got big decisions coming down the road. Theres a very real danger that theyll elect somebody and three of four or five weeks from now, youre going to have a group of people blow up and decide to go back into the same mess.

The risk of such a scenario is raised by the fact that any new speaker will face the same kind of impossible choices that confronted McCarthy when he narrowly averted a government shutdown last month. Knowing that he couldnt satisfy extreme demands for spending cuts from hardliners with a Democratic Senate and the White House, McCarthy was forced to use some Democratic votes to pass a stopgap funding bill. And it cost him his job.

The growing pressure to fill the speakers chair might be a motivating factor for the GOP to finally end the stalemate. But the risk is that a compromise candidate will not have spent the years building a powerbase  inside the Capitol and on the critical fundraising circuit  and may therefore not be an effective leader of a fractious conference.

The fact that party leaders can only lose four votes and still pass a bill on party lines has highlighted the huge splits inside the conference and underscored that there is no reliable Republican majority for any legislation in the House right now.

Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, for instance, said the leadership crisis shows that were not functioning as a majority. And when you lose that, you lose the ability to govern.

How Americans could pay the price for the Houses dysfunction

The 2024 elections are still more than a year away, but the spectacle of a House brought low by its own divisions augurs poorly for the GOP. The party cannot enact its agenda, has no chance of showing voters it can be an effective majority, and cannot even use its power to jam Democrats into taking tough political votes that may come back to haunt them  as a majority party might generally do at this point in the political cycle.

But House Republicans are not just harming themselves. If the leadership limbo goes on much longer, the damage could spread countrywide and go global.

A government shutdown could harm countless Americans  including members of the armed services that could go without pay. And the paralysis in the House means that lawmakers cannot vote on sending emergency aid to Israel amid its war with Hamas. Bidens request for a new $60 billion aid package for Ukraine is also not going anywhere. Domestically, vital appropriations bills on everything from farming to energy and foreign operations are stalled.

I think House Republicans know that this is very detrimental to the country. Look at what is going on  over in Israel, whats happening in Ukraine, and all the other things we know are happening in the world, including in our own country, Rep. Larry Bucshon told CNNs Brianna Keilar on Monday. The Indiana Republican also warned the party was hurting itself ahead of the critical funding showdown.

I think it does put us at a disadvantage. We dont have someone who is the speaker of the House to negotiate with the White House, with Senate Democrats who are in the majority.  It does put us at a political disadvantage.

Also practically for the country, its not a good thing.

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One person was killed and another was injured Monday in a crash, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The collision happened at about 11:30 a.m. in Orangeburg County, Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover said.

A 2019 Chevrolet pickup was driving north on U.S. 301/Five Chop Road, and near the intersection with Webber Farm Road the truck hit a person who was standing on the side of the road, according to Glover. Thats about a mile from Exit 154 on Interstate 26.

The pedestrian died at the scene, Glover said.

The Orangeburg County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the pedestrian.

The Chevy driver, who was the only person in the pickup, was taken to an area hospital, according to Glover. Further information on the drivers condition was not available.

No other injures were reported.

There was no word if the driver was wearing a seat belt, or will face any criminal charges.

Information about what caused the pickup to collide with the pedestrian was not available, and the Highway Patrol did not say if the crash remains under investigation.

Through Saturday, 789 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2023, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,091 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 29 people have died in Orangeburg County crashes in 2023, according to DPS data. Last year, 47 deaths were reported in the county, DPS reported.
Editors Note: Laura Beers is a professor of history at American University. She is the author of several books on British culture and politics, including the upcoming Orwells Ghosts, on the continuing relevance of George Orwells writing in the 21st century. The views expressed here are her own. Read more opinion on CNN.

George Orwell and his classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four are having a moment. The book ranks in the top ten on Amazons classic literature best seller list, and last year Russian media reported that it was the most downloaded e-book in that country.

Laura Beers - Laura Beers

Earlier this month, Elon Musk posted a picture on X (formerly Twitter) showing off his new T-shirt emblazoned with What Would Orwell Think  an ironic homage from a man many see as enabling a resurgence of Orwellian disinformation on the social media platform.

Nineteen Eighty-Four, a searing denunciation of totalitarianism, censorship and disinformation, brought us the terms doublethink and Thought Police. Its relevance in the era of Trump, Putin and Xi has led many to return to the novel or to seek it out for the first time.

The dangerous disinformation campaigns attending the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas earlier this month have only underscored the relevance of Orwells critique of those who seek to rewrite history for their own ends.

Yet, while Nineteen Eighty-Four is revered for its clear-eyed depiction of tyranny, there have long been those who chafed under the books representation of gender.

Now, nearly 75 years since its publication, the novelist Sandra Newman has produced a feminist retelling of Nineteen Eighty-Four which asks us to imagine how the story might have looked had it been told from the womans perspective.

Julia forms part of a long tradition of fictional retellings that complicate the perspective of an original works protagonist by telling the story through the eyes of a marginalized character.

Miltons 17th-century epic poem Paradise Lost, which narrates the Old Testament from Satans perspective, is the first and arguably the best example of this genre, which also includes novels such as Jean Rhys 1966 Wide Sargasso Sea, a retelling of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre from the perspective of Bertha, the madwoman in the attic, and John Gardners Grendel. There have also been film and television reinterpretations such as Disneys latest Star Wars spinoff Ashoka, which offers a new female-centered perspective on the fate of the Jedi after the fall of the Empire. As with Newmans Julia, the most successful retellings are both homage to and critique of the original work.

In Nineteen Eighty-Four, agents of the totalitarian regimes Thought Police entrap, arrest, torture and finally mentally break a couple perceived to be dangerously disloyal to Big Brothers regime. In Big Brothers eyes, both are threats worth eliminating, but in Orwells estimation, they are not equal.

The male member of the couple is the hero of the novel. We know his full name. Winston Smith. We know that he is thirty nine years old, and a factotum in the Records department of the Ministry of Truth (where he spends his days manufacturing fake news), that he has brown eyes, bad teeth and varicose veins. The woman presumably also has a full name, but we never learn it. She is simply Julia.

In fact, according to Orwell, she is not a woman but a girl, whom Winston estimates to be in her late 20s. (Tellingly, the reader never learns her age, only Winstons perception of it.) Her principal traits are her physicality and her voracious sexuality.

They both work in the Ministry of Truth, but while Winston uses his mind to rewrite history, Julia uses her hands in some mechanical job. She is uninterested in politics. She falls asleep when Winston attempts to share with her his revelations about the inner workings of Big Brothers regime and laughs with delight when he dismissively claims that she is only a rebel from the waist downwards.

Actors perform the adapted novel by George Orwell "1984" on the stage of the Podil theatre located in the center of Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on June 25, 2022. - Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images

While they are both caught up in the Thought Polices net, its clear that Winston is the big fish. Julia only meets OBrien, their captor and interrogator, because Winston invites her to tag along when he pays a visit to the great mans apartment.

At first reading, Orwells marginalization of Julia might seem like simply a product of its time  yet a growing body of work, including most recently Anna Funders Wifedom: Mrs. Orwells Invisible Life, has emerged suggesting that Orwell was exceptionally misogynistic and patriarchal even by the standards of the 1940s.

Orwell first came under attack from second-wave feminists in the 1980s, including Daphne Patai and Beatrix Campbell, who argued that his work generally ignored the position of women within society and specifically obscured the burdens that poverty places on working-class women.

A spate of archival revelations over the past few years further reinforced existing evidence that he was a philanderer who frequented prostitutes and seemingly never missed an opportunity to proposition both his wifes friends and his friends wives.

So, how would the story of Nineteen Eighty-Four have looked different had it been told by a feminist?

For one thing, Julia would have had a last name. Julia Worthing. She would also have a fully developed backstory. In Newmans novel, Julia comes from a family of bourgeois socialists who are initially in the vanguard of Big Brothers revolution.

Her family is first exiled and ultimately murdered when the leader, like the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin on whom he was modeled, consolidates his hold on power by eliminating his potential rivals within the party.

A copy of George Orwell's novel '1984' sits on a shelf at The Last Bookstore on January 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Julias sexuality and her anti-intellectual practical-mindedness are the tools that help her survive life as an exile and an orphan. She sleeps her way back from exile and into a good party job in London.

She mentally compartmentalizes the crimes that she is forced to commit to survive, and she possesses a knack for black-marketeering, which keeps her in chocolates, coffee and cigarettes. Whereas Winstons rebellion is driven by an intellectual rejection of Big Brother, hers is ultimately propelled by love. (Crucially, not love for Winston Smith who is, at best, a minor character in Julias story).

Its an ingenious conceit. At several points, I found myself asking whether this portrait of Julia could really be squared with the two-dimensional picture of her that we get in Nineteen Eighty-Four, and whether the story that Newman tells could hold simultaneously with Orwells narrative. That they arguably could underscores how differently the world can look depending on your perspective.

Newmans attempt to turn Orwells Oceania on its head and look at it from the perspective of a woman never granted the dignity of a last name is in many ways not dissimilar to this summers blockbuster attempt to reclaim Barbie for feminism.

Like Barbie Handler, Julia Worthing is a product of the patriarchy who refuses to stay in the box and let herself be objectified and diminished. She insists on being the heroine of her own story and, in doing so, pushes Winston Smith into a life of blond fragility.

But if the Barbie movie largely dodged the problematic question of Barbies hypersexualized physical appearance in favor of a focus on her intellectual awakening, Newmans Julia remains fundamentally a rebel from the waist downwards.

Why doesnt Julia get to be an intellectual rebel in her own right? Why must she be characterized by the traditional feminine traits of empathy, practicality and intuition, not to mention a stereotypical physical attractiveness?

The womens movement has long been divided between maternalist or biological feminists who view woman as fundamentally different from men and seek to elevate and celebrate that difference, and equal rights feminists who argue that gender differences are largely societal constructs and that, but for patriarchy, empathy would not be deemed a feminine trait nor intellect a masculine one. (Others, of course, would argue that the truth lies somewhere between these two extremes.)

In doubling down on Orwells depiction of Julia as a practical-minded anti-intellectual, Newmans book appears to come down firmly in the former camp.

One of my favorite parts of the original Nineteen Eighty-Four is a rare instance in which Orwell grants Julia intelligence and agency, with the narrator even conceding that, In some ways she was far more acute than Winston.

This moment comes as the couple are discussing the seemingly endless war between Oceania and its rivals, when she startle[s] him by saying casually that in her opinion the war was not happening. The rocket bombs which fell daily on London were probably fired by the Government of Oceania itself, just to keep people frightened. This was an idea that had literally never occurred to him.

Perhaps this is just evidence of Julias feminine intuition, but it at least hints that she possesses a power of reasoning equal to if not beyond Winstons.

In exalting Julias feminine practicality above Winstons idealism, Newman is arguably adhering to Orwells original pessimistic message about the futility of clinging to notions of intellectual freedom under absolute tyranny. But it is cold comfort to imagine that Julia might have survived by forfeiting her right to think for herself.

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Editors Note: Mark Goldfeder is a former law professor and director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center.The views expressed here are his own. View more opinion articles on CNN.

I would have hoped that, following the mass atrocities Hamas visited on more than 1,400 Israelis, US students who support Palestinian aspirations would want to separate themselves as quickly as possible from the scenes of depravity committed in the name of an explicitly antisemitic genocidal agenda.

Mark Goldfeder - Courtesy Mark Goldfeder

Shockingly, however, several pro-Palestinian organizations on Americas most elite campuses showed no empathy for what happened to Israelis and instead blamed the victims for the unspeakable horror they suffered. (Pro-Palestinian is in quotations because you can, of course, be pro-Palestinian without supporting genocidal terrorism.) A coalition of student groups at Harvard University, for instance, put out a statement that they hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence. Some of those groups and students did eventually walk their statements back, but while Harvards was particularly egregious, it was not the only such incident.

Thankfully, some heroic citizens in the corporate world have issued a response. Students may have the right to openly support murder, but hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman explained that he and his fellow business leaders have a legitimate interest in knowing their names so they never inadvertently hire any of them. When a New York University Law student released a statement similarly hideous to Harvards, the law firm of Winston and Strawn exercised its own right to rescind the students employment offer.

Now these figures are going directly to the top. After mealy-mouthed administrators at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania seemed hesitant to respond to the massacre or to use the word terrorist, major donors announced they were closing their checkbooks and resigning from university boards in protest.

These actions are welcome, but more must be done. Donors and anyone else concerned about the climate on campus should urge administrators to hold accountable student groups whose speech crosses the line into territory not protected by the Constitution.

In particular, one of the major pro-Palestinian student groups, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), demands reining in. The national organization issued a call to action for students to participate in a National Day of Resistance last Thursday, and affiliates across the country have planned more events in the near future.

The words and imagery used in SJPs call to action are nothing short of frightening. Its Instagram account featured a graphic of a paraglider in a clear reference to the means some Hamas terrorists used to infiltrate Israel. Today, we witness a historic win for the Palestinian resistance  reminding each of us that total return and liberation to Palestine is near, the accompanying text stated. The Palestinian resistance has captured over a dozen settlements surrounding Gaza along with many occupation soldiers and military vehicles. This is what it means to Free Palestine: not just slogans and rallies, but armed confrontation with the oppressors. The organization repeated that text in a tool kit it supplied for the action, accompanied by an extra line: National liberation is near  glory to our resistance, to our martyrs and to our steadfast people.

The presence of at least one anti-Zionist student group such as SJP has long been correlated with antisemitic incidents on campuses. But SJP crossed a new line when it openly encouraged its members to rally in support of a terror group whose charter calls for the annihilation of Jews, everywhere, separate from the clauses vowing the obliteration of the State of Israel. Many Jewish students have already been fearful of ostracization when attending classes or expressing their identity. But fear for their physical safety is becoming ever more acute.

Universities, take note: Your lack of action is complicity.

While several university presidents have spoken out, to their credit, many more need to join them. And they all must do more when students glorify the actions of Hamas  a US-designated foreign terrorist organization  and support armed confrontation.

First, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, institutions that take federal funds have an obligation to protect their Jewish students  including from other student groups. Per the US Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights, speech becomes harassing conduct when it is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability of students to join in or benefit from a universitys services or activities. Many Jewish students (even some professors) are literally afraid to go to class. Stanford Law School moved classes to Zoom last Friday out of concerns over violence. If the words of Title VI mean anything, they must protect against environments like this.

Second, all private universities have the right to shut down hateful protests without triggering any constitutional issues. Public universities are more constrained, but under Tinker v. Des Moines and its progeny  which courts have applied to universities  schools can shut down speech that will materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school or invad[e] the rights of others. Schools dont have to wait for trouble; they can ban expression in advance if they can reasonably forecast that it will violate those standards.

In Melton v. Young, for instance, school officials were allowed to prohibit the wearing of a Confederate flag because it was reasonable to assume it would be disruptive in an environment of racial tension. Shouting all of us are Hamas while declaring that support for Palestinians includes violence and condoning armed confrontation is certainly no less likely to cause a disruption. Moreover, SJP rallies have sometimes turned violent in the past. Predictably, some did last week as well.

Finally, it is a federal crime if someone knowingly provides material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization. Under Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project, that can include even some speech if done under the direction of, or in coordination with foreign groups that the speaker knows to be terrorist organizations.

For instance, United States v. Osadzinski held that merely translating ISIS videos into English for pro-ISIS media organizations clearly constituted concerted activity in violation of the statute, even if there was no interaction with an actual member of the terrorist group.

In sponsoring and prepping the Day of Resistance events, SJP provided its chapters with public relations materials, instructing, We must act as part of this movement. All of our efforts continue the work and resistance of the Palestinians on the ground. As such, the government should carefully monitor SJPs behavior. Indeed, some lawmakers have already recognized the problem and started calling for action along these lines.

SJP and other student groups can take the side of barbaric baby killers, but as donors and employers taught them this week, free speech has consequences. And accountability does not end there; university and government officials have responsibilities as well.

If and when speech crosses the line into discriminatory harassment, schools must remove their imprimatur from that evil while making sure to protect targeted communities, and they should proactively shut down events that are likely to cause material disruption or infringe the rights of others. At the very least, schools with applicable conduct codes should defund and/or revoke the charters of any organization that openly supports a group whose stated desire is to kill other members of the campus community.

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Editors Note: Ghaith al-Omari is a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former adviser to the Palestinians during permanent-status talks between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. David Schenker is the director of the Program on Arab Politics at the Washington Institute and a former US assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs. The views expressed in this commentary are their own. View more opinion at CNN.

Egypt has re-emerged as a pivotal actor in the Middle East thanks to the Israel-Gaza War. Its revived influence was epitomized by the summit Cairo convened on Saturday for a number of Arab and European leaders. Although it didnt produce a unified statement from the parties, underscoring the challenges of finding common ground, it was the crucial player in drawing top leaders together after several Arab countries refused to meet with President Joe Biden earlier in the week.

Ghaith Al-Omari - Lloyd Wolf/The Washington Institute

David Schenker - Lloyd Wolf/The Washington Institute

Egypts importance is not just as a leader among Western-allied Arab countries, however. The country is a critical partner for the Biden administration on all issues related to Gaza because its control of the Rafah crossing  currently the only point of entry into the embattled Gaza Strip since Israel closed all crossings on its borders after Hamas October 7 terror attack  allows Egypt to dictate and leverage the terms by which humanitarian assistance can enter the Palestinian territory.

Its understandable if Washington, which provides Egypt with over $1 billion per year in military assistance, is frustrated that Cairo isnt allowing American citizens and other nationals to exit Gaza via the crossing, as Egypt has seemingly made their departure contingent on the entry of aid. Its also understandable if humanitarian groups are frustrated that Egypt wont open its border for a humanitarian corridor to let out hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Gazans who are trying to take refuge in the south of the Gaza Strip, which Rafah sits on, as the most intense fighting rages in the north.

But Egypts positions reflect serious, and legitimate, concerns. First and foremost is the fear of a massive refugee flow if the crossing were opened. A decade after the Syrian civil war started, Egypt claims to host 9 million refugees from different countries, with no horizon of repatriation for most in sight. For Egypt, a deluge of Palestinian refugees would not only pose humanitarian and economic challenges  Egypt is currently experiencing a devastating economic crisis  but also security and political ones.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in uncharacteristically explicit remarks, on Wednesday warned that transferring Palestinians into Sinai will turn the peninsula into a launching pad for attacks against Israel, eliciting Israeli reprisals, triggering war between the two countries and upending the longest peace between Israel and any Arab country.

Additionally, the movement of Palestinian refugees out of Gaza would evoke memories of the mass displacement that accompanied the creation of Israel in 1948. Egypt fears that such an eventuality would bring an end to any future prospect of Palestinian-Israeli peace based on a two-state solution, instead bringing a diplomatic void, and inflaming Arab public opinion.

This concern is so widely and deeply held in the region that, even as Palestinian civilian casualties mounted after October 7, other Arab countries supported Egypt in its vehement opposition to opening the Sinai for refugees. Indeed, after concluding a tour to several Arab capitals, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Al-Arabiya TV that he heard from virtually every  leader that Ive talked to in the region that that idea is a nonstarter, and so we do not support it.

Additionally, Egypt has privately held that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is ultimately Israels problem, and that the latter should bear any political or territorial costs of its resolution. During the Trump administration, an American proposal to build infrastructure in Sinai to serve Gaza was roundly rejected by Cairo, part of Egyptian fears that a slippery slope that could draw it into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Egypt is also concerned that open crossing could allow in Hamas and its sympathizers. Hamas is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, Sisis most serious domestic political rival. And Egypt has faced Islamist terror in the Sinai Peninsula since the 2011 revolution that toppled the Mubarak regime.

For all these reasons, shortly after Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, Egypt sealed the border. By 2018, according to Human Rights Watch, Egypt had razed the entire Sinai city of Rafah on the Egyptian side of the borders, destroying thousands of homes and displacing 70,000 persons, to create a nearly mile-wide buffer zone to prevent the movement of weapons and terrorists in tunnels between Egypt and Gaza. To emphasize the point, Egypt even flooded those tunnels. Two years later, in 2020, Egypt built a 20-foot reinforced concrete wallthat reaches 16 feet below ground.

This wall has helped ensure the war in Gaza doesnt spill over into Egypt. Like other Middle Eastern states, however, what is happening in Gaza is having an impact within Egypt, where there is a significant reservoir of support for the Palestinians. For the first time since the Mubarak days, the Egyptian government has organized anti-Israel protests to try to come out ahead of public opinion on supporting the Palestinians and better control the demonstrations.

The very staunch US support for Israel, which reflects longstanding American policy, sharpened further by the brutal nature of Hamas terror and Bidens own convictions about it, has inevitably created additional tensions in the Arab world. The view that the US is complicit in the human suffering in Gaza is widely held in the Arab world, partly out of compassion and partly out of political opportunism. This, naturally, complicates Egypts engagement with the US and helps explain why the meeting with Biden last week was canceled, after (later disproven) reports of Israeli targeting a hospital in Gaza circulated.

However, the delicate way the US approached the cancellation, framing it as a response to the period of mourning announced by the three Arab countries and expressing sympathy for the victims, helped ease pressure on Sisi, who would have been criticized by his public for appearing with the US president at such highly charged times, and was no doubt appreciated in Cairo. Subsequent US policy, focusing on delivery of aid into Gaza also signaled support for Egypts position, buying some goodwill from Cairo.

Still, if Washington is committed to the objectives of both supporting Israel in its campaign to degrade, if not eradicate, Hamas and at the same time providing critical humanitarian support to Palestinian civilians, the US will need to coordinate with its Arab allies. For reasons of geography, history and diplomatic heft, Egypt is the linchpin.

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A home that has solar panels installed on the roof in Cottonwood Heights on July 12, 2023. The world relies on China for much of the mineral supply to create clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and even nuclear energy reactors. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

If you walk through any suburb, youll likely see solar panels on many rooftops. In fact, by the end of 2022, around 6% of households in the U.S. had solar panels installed, and that number is expected to grow.

What you may not realize is the materials to produce those solar panels were likely imported from China or produced by Chinese companies. Currently, the world relies on China for up to 90% of the mineral supply to create clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and even nuclear energy reactors.

We have allowed China to establish dominance on these crucial materials for clean energy and military production. Across the world, they are buying up foreign mines to strengthen their hold on this industry. In the last few months, China purchased the oldest mine in Zimbabwe and built a $300 million new mine to extract lithium from the country.

Here is what we know: China is buying up natural resources all across the world and wants to control the clean energy sector. In America, we rely on China for 11 of the 29 critical minerals of the world. For America to lead in clean energy production, we need increased control over mineral supplies.

The trajectory of this trend is getting even worse. Earlier this year, the Biden administration signed a memorandum of understanding with the Congo and Zambia for mining resources. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., is fighting back, and in a press release he stated, It is past time that America be self-reliant for our mineral needs. Instead, the Biden administration chose the Congo and Zambia over places like Minnesota, Alaska, Arizona and Nevada to supply our minerals. This news is particularly concerning as the Democratic Republic of the Congo has over 40,000 documented cases of child slave labor in the mining sector while Communist China controls 15 of 19 mines.

Importing minerals from foreign countries can be advantageous because resource locations vary around the world. Our nation can benefit from free trade with our allies to get critical minerals. However, we must be cognizant of where we are getting these resources from and the reliance we are building. Our natural allies like Chile, Brazil and Australia, as well as many other nations, are rich in their mineral supply. We should increase our mineral imports from these allies while reducing our dependence on China both to ensure national security and to effectively deploy clean energy.

Related

At the same time, we need to look within our own borders and extract Americas minerals from states like Arizona, Minnesota, Alaska and many others. After all, the United States has some of the highest environmental standards in the world. If anyone is mining, it should be the United States. Yet, the Biden administration is continuing to cripple our mining industry and increase our reliance on foreign powers. Recently, his office shut down prospective mining projects in Arizona and Minnesota. Even when allowed, mines wait decades to be approved. Mining permit reforms are critically needed to break our reliance on China as quickly as possible.

One of the most egregious harms regarding this issue is our reliance on a foreign hostile power for our military weapons. At a recent climate summit, Stauber said if China stopped exporting minerals to us, our F-35 fighter jets would halt production in Fort Worth, Texas. It is shameful to be reliant on China for military production when America has mining resources available. As an American, I find it disgraceful that our government has become so dependent on a foreign power for our defense and clean energy capabilities.

Its imperative our national leaders take action on this issue and implement policy to reduce our reliance on China by increasing our domestic mining and importation of minerals from South American allies.

Ryan Graydon Smith is the chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans. | Ryan Smith

Ryan Graydon Smith is the chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans and a member of the American Conservation Coalition.
Last weekend, humanitarian relief supplies finally started trickling into Gaza as Israels aerial bombardment intensified. The combined total of 34 trucks bringing desperately needed food, water and medical supplies amounted to just 3% of Gazans previous meager average daily commodities imports.

Distribution remains patchy, with some hospitals reporting having received body bags and medical equipment, others not yet. The main U.N. relief organization in Gaza said on Tuesday that it would have to cease operations on Wednesday if it did not receive fuel.

The delivery of humanitarian aid during war is always fraught. Swimming against the tide of war can prove frustrating and even futile; hard-fought gains can be swept away by a single errant bomb. Ongoing hostilities can make logistics of delivery nightmarish, especially in places like Gaza's northern "evacuation zone."

Read more: Opinion: The problem with Israel's futile Gaza strategy, explained

One of the most common humanitarian quandaries, however, is a kind of moral hazard. It involves making concessions to unsavory local governments in order to get aid to the people in need.

This is not specific to Gaza, where Israel is understandably concerned that aid could support Hamass continuing attacks. Humanitarians often have to work with distasteful governments, nonstate armed actors and warlords to gain access to the people in greatest need. The terms set by such actors will naturally benefit them in some way.

Read more: Column: Biden's balancing act is the only choice: Support Israel against Hamas and help Palestinians in harm's way

Moral hazard questions gave rise to the modern humanitarian landscape. When Biafra declared its independence from the rest of Nigeria in 1967, Nigeria imposed a military blockade and starvation campaign. An estimated 1 million to 3 million people died between 1967 and 1970 as a result.

Doctors and supplies were dispatched to the conflict by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It and other groups organized an airlift into the territory, paying "landing fees" charged by Biafran authorities  fees that were then used to fund the war.

Read more: Opinion: 9/11 offers awful lessons for what could happen with a Gaza ground invasion

Some doctors felt frustrated by the aid organizations injunction against speaking out against this corruption. Some believed that their very presence might ultimately be doing more harm than good. Ultimately, they quit the Red Cross to found the more activist Doctors Without Borders in 1971.

Since then, the Hippocratic oath to "do no harm" has been incorporated into the humanitarian lexicon. But recent revelations about aid embezzlement fueling further conflict abound  from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Ethiopia to Yemen .

Read more: Opinion: I'm a former U.S. diplomat who was stationed in Israel. I feel only empathy and pain

In Gaza, numerous instances of aid diversion have been reported over the 16 years that Hamas has run the government. Hamas agents have dismantled EU-provided water pipes for rocket fuselages, and they have stolen food and fuel from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

Hamas has also benefited from aid less directly. The relief agency, funded on a voluntary basis by other countries, including the U.S., has delivered education and healthcare services via 284 schools and 22 hospitals. It thereby lessens the discontent of the Gazan population and allows Hamas to channel scarce resources into missiles instead of medicines.

Here in the U.S., Republicans such as Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.) seem to think the answer to the risk of aid diversion in Gaza is not to give it at all . Their party has taken that view on numerous occasions. In 1987, President Reagans GOP passed the Anti-Terrorism Act aimed at cutting off aid to the Palestinian Liberation Organization. In 2003, Sen. Mitch McConnell opposed President Bush's proposed $20-million aid package to the PLO, warning that Hamas might benefit. In 2006, most U.S. foreign aid to Palestinians was cut in response to Hamas' election victory. And in 2018, President Trump signed the Anti-Terrorism Classification Act and slashed aid to the Palestinian territories citing in part textbooks adopted by Hamas (but funded by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency) that some said glorified jihad . Another instance of aid organizations having to make nice to gain access.

On the other hand, the foreign aid largely channeled through that agency has been a lifeline in a territory forced to endure brutal economic isolation . The upsides to the interventions have been enormous : more than 500,000 students enrolled in any given year, 1.9 million Palestinians provided with healthcare services, not to mention the 22,000 local UNRWA jobs that do all that and more. And now, the agency has become an important provider of humanitarian assistance during this conflict.

Despite the long-established U.N. presence in Gaza, the U.S. effectively needs Israeli permission to deliver aid there. President Biden's proposed $10-billion aid package for Israel outstrips the humanitarian aid package he is offering to Gaza by 100 times , sweetening an otherwise bitter proposition. (And yet Israel is a developed country with a per capita GDP roughly 14 times higher than among Palestinians; the U.S. proposed military aid would represent only around 30% of the Israel Defense Force's budget for 2023.)

We dont know the terms of the deal Biden struck with the Israelis to allow some aid to flow, but we do know that the trickle has begun. We also know that the suffering of the people of Gaza far eclipses the aid headed their way. The U.S. will continue to play a role, and it can ensure future terms with Israel include more and more concessions to help civilians in the war zone.

Topher McDougal is a professor of economic development at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Whale of a Feast

Over the last four years, researchers have been watching a grisly scene unfold in the ocean: pods of orcas tearing unsuspecting blue whales into grisly chunks.

This year has already been chock full of incidents of orcas attacking and even sinking boats. These strange new trends have puzzled experts, raising difficult-to-answer questions. How are they learning these behaviors? Are they even new or are we simply paying more attention to them?

Experts who spoke with Live Science now suggest that it's likely a mix of a number of factors. Orcas are bright and highly sociable mammals, capable of teaching each other new things  including, possibly, how to tear new forms of prey into pieces.

This kind of social learning by adult orcas "will be passed along," as Robert Pitman, a marine ecologist at Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute, told Live Science. Taking down the biggest animal on Earth is no easy feat, after all, and "requires cooperation and coordination."

Tongue Tied

Learning new behaviors like this can have negative consequences for the orcas as well, with an increasing number of the beasts getting caught in fishing gear off the coast of Alaska after teaching each other to eat groundfish.

"This behavior may be being shared between individuals, and that's maybe why we're seeing an increase in some of these mortality events," Josh McInnes, a marine ecologist who studies orcas at the University of British Columbia, told Live Science.

But there's also a good chance that some of these orca behaviors aren't a new phenomenon at all  we're just observing it properly for the first time thanks to increased interest in the animals.

For instance, as previous research has shown, orcas love to swim inside the mouths of their prey to eat their tongue first, as was seen in recent blue whale attacks. That's likely because they have their 'preferred cuts of meat'" just like humans, Pitman told Live Science.

Fortunately, as far as humans are concerned, orcas are unlikely to start hunting us as savagely as blue whales. According to scientists, we simply don't rank high enough on their list of preferred meals.

More on orcas: Furious Orcas Throw Around Yacht "Like a Ragdoll"
As the City of Orlando plans to transform Edgewater Drive in College Park to be more accessible, some cycling groups are not happy with the idea of removing bike lanes along the stretch of road.

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The Orlando Bike Coalition encourages cyclists to attend Tuesdays meeting with the City of Orlando at Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The city plans to remove the bike lanes between Par and Lakeview streets and add wider sidewalks and on-street parking to revitalize Edgewater Drive.

READ: How Brightline trains Orlando ridership fared in its 1st four weeks

The city would also add a roundabout to slow traffic down in the area at Lakeview Street.

WFTV reported a year ago about the plans and spoke with residents who would like to see the city reconsider their plans.

The city has another meeting planned for Spring 2024 before the final plans are expected to be completed in Fall 2024.

Orlando Bike Coalition wants the city to reconsider removing bike lanes along Edgewater Drive.

Orlando Bike Coalition wants the city to reconsider removing bike lanes along Edgewater Drive.

Orlando Bike Coalition wants the city to reconsider removing bike lanes along Edgewater Drive.

Orlando Bike Coalition wants the city to reconsider removing bike lanes along Edgewater Drive.

Orlando Bike Coalition wants the city to reconsider removing bike lanes along Edgewater Drive.

Orlando Bike Coalition wants the city to reconsider removing bike lanes along Edgewater Drive.

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Orlando City Commissioners signed off on a deal to purchase the Pulse Nightclub property for $2 million.

The city said the purchase will be the first step in them developing a permanent memorial at the site that honors the victims of the June 12 massacre, where 49 people were killed.

The purchase comes nearly seven years after the city made an offer to buy the property for $2.25 million in 2017. The owners ultimately pulled out of that contract and formed the One Pulse Foundation.

In the years that followed, the foundation tried unsuccessfully to come to an agreement for the property.

Read: Pulse survivors question citys decision to buy nightclub property

In May, the One Pulse Foundation announced that a deal with property owners Barbara and Rosario Poma, and a third party - Michael Panaggio, fell apart.

As a result, the One Pulse Foundation suggested building a permanent memorial on a different site.

According to Mayor Buddy Dyer, sometime after that deal fell apart, the city of Orlando approached the owners and renewed talks to purchase the property.

Read: Central Florida marks seven years since the deadly Pulse nightclub mass shooting

During the hours-long city council meeting on Monday, over 50 speakers signed up to share what they want to see happen at the site.

The audience was full of survivors and victims loved ones who wiped away tears and embraced during the emotional meeting.

Mayra Alvear lost her daughter Amanda Lizzette Alvear in the Pulse tragedy.

Alvear said after seven long years, she was overjoyed by the news that the city was stepping in.

When the city announced that they wanted to acquire the club, we felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from our help. We could breathe again, said Alvear.

All 6 Orlando City Commissioners agreed that city ownership of the property was the only way forward after seven years of failed attempts to reach an agreement.

However, commissioner Jim Gray said he believed the city was getting a bad deal on the sale.

Read: Orlando mayor shares thoughts on citys proposal to buy Pulse nightclub property

He brought up the possibility of using eminent domain to get a better price on the property by paying fair market value through the court system.

We pay the fair price. We still control it, and we can still do a memorial. But we dont succumb to the owners who have done absolutely nothing that they promised they would do, Gray said.

The idea was ultimately shot down, with some expressing concern for the time that process would take.

I think we just need to move forward, said Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

Central Florida came together Monday to commemorate seven years since the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people.

I know you want to move forward. Im trying to look at taxpayers as a fiduciary, replied Gray.

The city council ultimately voted to give the purchase a green light.

As the planning process began yet again, commissioners vowed to do better than the One Pulse Foundation in honoring the wishes of survivors and victims family members.

If anyone has any concerns over this process. I will make myself available to answer all your concerns during a public forum, said Commissioner Patty Sheehan.

Read: Heres where plans for a permanent Pulse memorial, museum stand 7 years later

The mayor has said there are still several questions to be worked through regarding the design of a permanent memorial, and who would be responsible for maintenance.

He said he wants loved ones and survivors to be a part of a transparent planning process moving forward.

Dyer also said hes looking to raise $2 million to reimburse taxpayers for the property purchase.

The deal is set to close this Friday.

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Thousands of Massachusetts customers who use the Bank of Canton may have had personal information, such as account numbers and social security numbers, exposed following a data breach, a bank spokesperson confirmed to Boston 25.

Approximately 9,540 people who use the Bank of Canton may have had their banking information exposed after Fiserv, one of the banks vendors, was impacted by a cyber security incident around or on May 27, 2023.

A bank spokesperson says clients were notified after the bank received the necessary information from Fiserv.

Although the bank says there is no evidence any of its customers have experienced fraud at this time, clients can enroll in a free two-year identity protection service including credit monitoring, fraud consolation and identity theft restoration. Customers can also opt-in for security alerts warning them of potential fraudulent charges to their accounts.

The clients data was stored in an unstructured, technical format but could reveal customers names and other personal info if successfully parsed and digested, a Bank of Canton spokesperson details.

In a letter to customers, the Bank of Canton detailed that the cybersecurity incident stemmed from an issue with Fiservs MOVEit Managed File Transfer application, a software used by companies nationwide that has been the target of hackers following the reveal of a vulnerability in the programs protection. Fiserv informed the Bank of Canton that its customers data may have been obtained as a result of the vulnerability on August 3. The bank then notified customers about the incident on September 22nd after a detailed review, a bank spokesperson says.

[Fiserv] has also informed us that it has patched the technical vulnerabilities related to the MOVEit software and remediated this event in accordance with the MOVEit software providers guidelines. We will continue our customary monitoring for unusual activity through the various automated fraud detection and analytical tools already in place, the Bank of Canton wrote the letter.

530 residents who live outside the Bay State were also notified of the incident.

Bank clients wishing to sign up for the free identity protection service must do so within 90 days.

Concerned customers can contact bank officials at 866-846-0597 during normal business hours.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Russian forces attacked Ukrainian territory on the night of 23-24 October. The invaders dropped incendiary bombs on Kherson Oblast, injuring four civilians. Four more people were injured in Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

Details: The Russian military continues terrorising coastal settlements in Kherson Oblast.

The Russians launched two airstrikes on the village of Zmiivka in Beryslav district at midnight. The Kherson district was attacked with incendiary ammunition only an hour later. Four people were injured, including a 12-year-old child, in the settlement of Bilozerka. Twenty houses, a gas network, cars and outbuildings were damaged.

Russian forces shelled the village of Illinka in Marhanets hromada in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with artillery [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.]. Early reports indicate there were no casualties.

The Russians launched missiles on the Kramatorsk district in Donetsk Oblast, presumably an S-300. A workshop building was destroyed, and nine cars were damaged on the territory of an agricultural facility.

The Russians attacked the village of Borova in the Izium district of Kharkiv Oblast at around 23:00 on 23 October. A two-storey building was damaged. Four people were injured and taken to hospital.

An air-raid warning has been issued in many regions as of 08:50 on 24 October, Klymenko warned.

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Three-time Pakistani prime minister and graft convict Nawaz Sharif (C) appeared in court Tuesday for the first time since returning from self-imposed exile (Aamir QURESHI)

A Pakistan high court granted bail on Tuesday to three-time prime minister and graft convict Nawaz Sharif, his party said, after he returned from exile with a bid to clear his name and contest elections due early next year.

Sharif left Pakistan in 2019 part way through a jail sentence to seek medical care in the United Kingdom, ignoring multiple court orders to return under the government of Imran Khan .

But with Khan in custody and out of favour with the military, Sharif has launched yet another political comeback ahead of elections slated for January 2024.

Islamabad High Court -- where Sharif is appealing two convictions -- extended his bail until Thursday, according to Ahsan Iqbal, a senior official in his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

"We hope that the injustice that was done to him... should be rectified," Iqbal said.

"It is the right of Mr. Nawaz Sharif to lead his party, to lead his people, and to lead Pakistan to turn around the country."

Earlier in the day his bail in a separate case was confirmed at a graft court in the capital, where supporters showered him with petals as he arrived.

"A date will be fixed by the court for when proceedings should start," Sharif's lawyer Naseer Ahmed Bhutta told AFP outside the court.

"He will attend all proceedings that he is required to."

Last week Sharif was granted protective bail in all cases, paving the way for his homecoming without the threat of arrest.

Analysts say his return was likely smoothed by a deal with the powerful military establishment.

"Nawaz is here to be a part of the electoral process and most likely to be the next prime minister of the country," political analyst Tauseef Ahmed Khan told AFP.

"It's quite evident that he has reached a rapprochement with the establishment; he will sail through the court proceedings."

- 'Man of the soil' -

Sharif's return has been touted for months by his party, which hopes his political clout and "man of the soil" swagger will revive its flagging popularity.

On Saturday he greeted thousands of his supporters at a welcome home rally in his powerbase of Lahore, telling the crowds how much he had missed them.

Sharif has been prime minister three times but has never completed a full term.

His political fortunes rise and fall on his relationship with Pakistan's military establishment - the country's true kingmakers who have ruled directly for more than half of its history and continue to enjoy immense power.

His primary opponent Imran Khan, who remains wildly popular in Pakistan particularly among the young population, was on Monday indicted over allegations of leaking state documents.

The charge could see him kept in custody in the lead up to elections.

He was already disqualified from contesting polls after being convicted of graft in August, although his three-year prison sentence was later suspended.

Khan, who has waged a campaign of defiance against the military which ultimately led to a major crackdown against his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, has said the cases against him are politically motivated.

bur-cyb-ak/jts/mca
ISLAMABAD  Pakistan has successfully conducted a training launch of a Ghauri medium-range ballistic missile.

The militarys media branch, Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan, said Tuesdays test was intended to determine the operational and technical readiness of Army Strategic Forces Command. ASFC operates Pakistans land-based, nonconventional ballistic and cruise missiles, most of which can be armed with nuclear warheads.

The Ghauri missiles survivability on a battlefield is unlikely given it would have to move with a convoy of support vehicles that provide fuel and prepare it for launch; that grouping of platforms would make it vulnerable to detection.

The country has replaced the weapon with the more advanced and survivable Shaheen series of solid-fuel ballistic missiles.

But Mansoor Ahmed, an expert on Pakistans nuclear program, said the Ghauri first underwent testing in 1998 and is still useful.

Ahmed, now in academia at the Australian National University, also told Defense News the Ghauri appears to be the most widely tested missile system in the Pakistani arsenal.

Although this particular test is a training exercise, in addition to validating improved technical and performance parameters, these tests could also be an affordable way to test new reentry vehicle technologies, Ahmed added.

And given it is the only liquid-fueled ballistic missile in Pakistans strategic forces, the liquid-fueled tech may at least have given Pakistan experience to develop a satellite launch vehicle if it wants to go down that route.

The Ghauri is fueled by TM-185 (a mixture of gasoline and mainly kerosene) and fuming nitric acid, he explained.

While kerosene has been, and still is, used for space rocket applications, he said, fuming nitric acid generally is not. A more usual combination, he added, would be kerosene and high-test peroxide that may deliver a higher specific impulse  or greater bang for your buck in terms of efficiency  to deliver cargo to orbit.
FILE PHOTO: View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Aris Martinez

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Police arrested nearly 50 protesters in Panama in confrontations over a new government-approved contract for a major copper mine, officials said on Tuesday, adding that five police officers were injured in the clashes.

Last week, lawmakers gave final approval for the extended concession covering the Cobre Panama mine operated by Canada's First Quantum. The sprawling open-pit mine accounts for nearly 5% of Panama's economic activity.

In a statement, police confirmed the detention of 48 protesters so far, charging them with personal injuries, damage to property and other crimes.

Some locals and civic organizations have opposed the contract due largely to concerns about the mine's environmental impact.

Demonstrating their anger with the deal that will allow the mine to continue operating for at least another couple decades, environmentalists, teachers, indigenous people and construction workers took to the streets in the capital, shutting down key highways. Protests also played out in the city of Colon and in western Chiriqui province.

While unrest over the mine has simmered for about a month, the protests intensified over the past week.

A stretch of the Pan-American highway, which runs the length of the country and is key to trade across Central America, has been intermittently blocked since Monday, when authorities suspended classes.

Officials also paused the capital Panama City's bus service due to the protests.

The police noted two officers were wounded by gunshots on Monday night in Panama City, while three others where beaten in a street blockade in Chiriqui.

Later on Tuesday, President Laurentino Cortizo defended the new deal with First Quantum as beneficial to the country's economic health, arguing the contract will safeguard jobs and social security funds.

(Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Rod Nickel)
The family of an Ivy League student with a heart condition who died after drinking a charged lemonade caffeinated drink has sued Panera Bread.

Sarah Katz, 21, went into cardiac arrest hours after buying the drink, which contains more caffeine than cans of Red Bull and Monster Energy combined, the lawsuit states.

Lawyers for her parents say in court papers filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas that Katz had a heart condition  long QT syndrome type 1  and avoided energy drinks at the advice of doctors.

The suit states that the University of Pennsylvania junior bought the drink at a Panera Bread in Philadelphia on 10 September 2022.

It was offered side-by-side with all of Paneras non-caffeinated and/or less caffeinated drinks and was advertised as a plant-based and clean drink that contained as much caffeine as the restaurants dark roast coffee, according to the wrongful death lawsuit.

But the complaint states that the drink actually has 390 milligrams of caffeine, more than in any dark roast coffee on the companys menu.

The lawsuit also says that the drink contains guayana extract and the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar.

I think everyone thinks lemonade is safe. And really, this isnt lemonade at all. Its an energy drink that has lemon flavor, Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at Philadelphia-based law firm Kline & Specter, PC told NBC News. It should have an adequate warning.

The attorney said that the family wants to make people aware of the ingredients in the charged lemonade.

That has become their most important thing, is making the public aware of these dangers to make sure that it doesnt happen to someone else, she said.

Katzs friend and roommate told the news outlet that her friend would not have bought the drink if she actually realized what was in it.

She was very, very vigilant about what she needed to do to keep herself safe, Victoria Rose Conroy said. I guarantee if Sarah had known how much caffeine this was, she never would have touched it with a 10-foot pole.

Sarah Katz doing CPR training with Dr Vicki Vetter of the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (SADS Foundation)

A medical examiner determined that the cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia due to long QT syndrome, reported the outlet.

The report states that she had no drugs in her system and does not make any mention of the drink as a factor in the death.

The Independent has reached out to Panera Bread for comment.

Katz studied international relations, health and society, and East Asian languages and cultures at Penn.

She had taught CPR in high schools and impoverished areas as a Rep Cap Ambassador for the American Heart Association.
The parents of a 21-year-old student at the University of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit claiming that Paneras Charged Lemonade contributed to their daughters death.

The parents of Sarah Katz said Paneras Charged Lemonade, which the restaurant chain describes online as its ultimate energy drink, is unreasonably dangerous, alleging that the company has failed to warn customers of its high levels of caffeine and sugar.

A photo of Sarah Katz shared on a Facebook fundraiser post.

A photo of Sarah Katz shared on a Facebook fundraiser post.

Defendants [Panera] knew or should have known that the Panera Charged Lemonade, as designed and formulated, once consumed, could injure children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people sensitive to caffeine  including those with underlying heart problems  by causing catastrophic injuries and/or death, the lawsuit says.

Katz was diagnosed at the age of 5 with Long QT, a condition that the American Heart Association says can cause potentially life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms, according to the lawsuit.

Katz, who also worked to raise awareness about heart conditions as a Red Cap Ambassador for the AHA, avoided highly caffeinated drinks, including energy drinks, because of her diagnosis, according to the suit.

However, in September 2022, Katz purchased a Charged Lemonade from the restaurant in her apartment building with her Panera Sip Club membership, thinking it was a traditional lemonade, the lawsuit says.

Katz, after drinking the lemonade, reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and was taken to a hospital where she went into another cardiac arrest.

An ad for the Charged Lemonade on the Panera website.

An ad for the Charged Lemonade on the Panera website.

The lawsuit accuses Panera of defective warnings, stating that the store did not market the beverage as an energy drink but instead advertised it as plant-based and clean, with as much caffeine as the restaurants dark roast coffee. But Paneras coffee does not contain sugar or other ingredients, the lawsuit noted.

The lawsuit also claims that the Charged Lemonade is defectively manufactured because in-house Panera workers mix unsafe ingredients at uncertain concentrations to make the drink.

The Food and Drug Administration considers as much as 400 milligrams of caffeine a day safe, depending on an individuals sensitivity. According to Paneras website, a regular Charged Lemonade contains 260 milligrams of caffeine and the large size has 390 milligrams of caffeine.

The drink has gained popularity as well as controversy in the past year, with TikTok users criticizing how it affects them.

In one video that has amassed more than 214,000 likes, a TikToker says the drink should come with a warning because its delicious and will lead to my cardiac arrest.

In a statement to HuffPost, Katz family attorney Elizabeth Crawford said the high-caffeine lemonade poses a hidden danger.

Panera Breads charged lemonade is a hidden danger to the public and the Katz family wants to prevent this tragedy from happening to someone else, she said.

Victoria Rose Conroy, Katzs friend and roommate, told NBC News that the 21-year-old was always careful about what she consumed.

She was very, very vigilant about what she needed to do to keep herself safe, Conroy told NBC. I guarantee if Sarah had known how much caffeine this was, she never would have touched it with a 10-foot pole.

Panera did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment but told NBC the company will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter.

We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family, the spokesperson told NBC. At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients.

Related...
A Paris wax museum has confirmed that it will redesign a statue of Dwayne Johnson following criticism from social media users and the actor himself.

The figure was unveiled last week by the Musee Grevin in Paris, but attracted criticism for its dubious resemblence. Much of the reproval focused on the statues skin colour, which appeared markedly lighter than that of the real Johnson.

In a post on Instagram, the museum wrote: Our artists are already working on improving the waxwork of Dwayne Johnson. Your feedback is always valuable to us.

When the statue was first unveiled, the Grevin said that sculptor faced many challenges in capturing Johnsons likeness.

The teams went to gyms in the hope of finding a man who matched The Rocks extraordinary measurements, they revealed. The stars Samoan tattoos took the painters 10 days of painstaking work and a lot of research.

On Sunday (22 October), Johnson, who was born to a Samoan mother and Black Canadian father, addressed the criticism on social media. The Fast and Furious star shared a video from the comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr, in which Jefferson roasts the statue.

You know Black a** Samoan The Rock? Thats how Paris thinks he looks, Jefferson Jr says in the clip. They turned The Rock into a pebble! it looks like The Rock has never seen the sun a day in his life You make The Rock look like hes David Beckham. It looks like The Rock is going to be a part of the royal family. Did yall even Google him?

It looks like he works at H&R Block or something  Is this how yall felt when you lost The Little Mermaid? he continued, alluding to the racist backlash that surrounded Black actor Halle Bailey after she was cast in the 2023 live-action remake of the popular Disney animation.

Re-posting the video on his Instagram account, Johnson wrote that he had belly-laughed at Jeffersons Little Mermaid joke, and announced that he would be asking the museum to re-design the wax statue.

For the record, Im going to have my team reach out to our friends at the Grevin Museum in Paris France so we can work at updating my wax figure here with some important details and improvements  starting with my skin colour, Johnson wrote.

And next time Im in Paris, Ill stop in and have a drink with myself, he added.
COVINGTON, Tenn.  People in Covington who depend on the Boys and Girls Club are shaken by a weekend crash that closed part of the facility.

Covington Police charged 18-year-old Chyleia Sanford of Brownsville with numerous felonies after she lost control of her vehicle while reportedly cutting donuts on the clubs parking lot on Saturday.

Teen crashes car into Boys and Girls Club in Covington

The huge hole caused by the crash is covered with plywood, but inside a classroom on the other side of the wall, the vehicles impact left broken concrete blocks, pencils and teaching materials tossed about, and a heavy teachers desk relocated across the room.

Fortunately, the incident happened when there was no one inside the classroom or at the club but nearby witnesses saw Sanfords car crash and pointed her out to police.

Felisha Mason, CEO for the Boys and Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region in Covington, Tennessee, is still in shock by what happened Saturday.

I received a call that a car had ran through our club and I was like, Whoa,' Mason said. We work so hard to provide resources for our children and for our youth and then something like this happen, it truly hurts.

Man robbed of $20K after giving someone a ride

Club leadership wants the community to be assured safety is a high priority

We have police that come through. We have neighborhood watch that looks over the community, so it is still a safe place for kids to be, said David Bennett, board president of the Boys and Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region.

Chyleia Sanford was not serious injured and two juvenile passengers with Sanford will not face charges. Sanford is free on a $5,000 bond awaiting a Tipton County Generals Sessions Court appearance later this month.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region is accepting donations to help with re-building. You can donate by going to their website or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 384, Covington, TN 38109.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
My party of 2 paid $160 for a cabin on a 12-hour train ride from Rome to Sicily. We'll definitely stick to flying next time.

My partner and I boarded a train from Rome to Palermo, Italy. Mia Rodriguez

My partner and I booked $160 tickets for a sleeper train from Rome to Sicily.

The ride wasn't what I expected, as it was pretty bumpy and I couldn't sleep comfortably.

Next time, I think we'll skip the sleeper train and stick to flying to Sicily.

Since my partner and I bought a house in Sicily, we've frequently been flying between our place in the United Kingdom to Palermo, Italy.

Instead, for this trip, we took a cheaper flight to Rome and spent 12 hours on a sleeper ItaliaRail train to Palermo.

I haven't traveled across Europe by train much in recent years, but this felt like a low-risk alternative to flying.

Here's how it went.

Booking the train was fairly straightforward

We bought two individual bunks in a cabin that slept four passengers through the ItaliaRail website. I could also request a women-only cabin, which seemed like a reassuring option for some solo travelers.

My partner and I booked two of the four spots in a cabin for about 130, or $160.

The ItaliaRail website states that partially booked cabins will be shared with other passengers when you buy your ticket. Still, we didn't realize we might be sharing our cabin until we boarded the train.

We arrived at the train station in Rome fairly early

The Roma Termini station was really pretty. Mia Rodriguez

After spending the night in Rome, we headed to the Roma Termini station at about 4 p.m., ready to set up camp in the indoor food market.

We spent a few hours catching up on work, picking up dinner, and waiting to find out which platform our train was due to arrive at.

Our assigned platform wasn't displayed on a screen in the station until about 20 minutes prior to departure. We briefly panicked, but it wasn't too much of a bother. If we'd been traveling with children, I probably would've asked the staff for guidance to give us more time to get to the right place.

At this point, my main concern was sharing a room and bathroom with strangers for the first time since my pre-coronavirus-pandemic hostel stays.

Our cabin was small but pretty functional

The cabin was a bit of a tight fit. Mia Rodriguez

We found our train car fairly easily, and our bunks were numbered, so we knew which side to set up on. It was fairly cramped, but we were able to store our rucksacks above and below the bunks.

There were also plug sockets and a table by the window with a small bin below it. There were switches for the main shared lights and individual lamps, though the one by my bunk didn't work.

We made up our beds using the provided bedding, which was wrapped and sanitized.

Our beds came with bedding for us to use. Mia Rodriguez

As we departed, a train attendant came through the car to provide drinks and snacks and check our tickets and passports.

I thought the snacks, which consisted of crackers, cookies, water, and juice, were a bit underwhelming.

I wish the snacks would've been more substantial. Mia Rodriguez

I definitely would've wanted to eat something more substantial if we had boarded the train at an earlier time.

The nighttime train ride wasn't quite what I was expecting

The bathroom was efficient yet small. Mia Rodriguez

After brushing my teeth in the shared bathroom, which included a small sink, toilet, and mirror, I headed to bed.

At this point, we noticed that the top bunk had seat-belt-like straps running from the ceiling to mitigate the risk of any potential falling-out-of-bed situations.

The top bunks had straps that slightly resembled seat belts. Mia Rodriguez

Once we stopped in Naples, the other two passengers sharing our room boarded the train.

As we all got ready for bed, I expected the small space to turn humid and warm, but it was surprisingly cold (even when I used the small provided blanket).

For the rest of the night, I regretted not bringing earplugs or an eye mask.

The ride was bumpy and loud, and at 3 a.m., when our train boarded a ferry, I was convinced I was going to fall out of bed. I felt as if I was being jostled around a tin can.

After a long night, we finally arrived in Sicily

I thought the morning views of Italy were gorgeous. Mia Rodriguez

I was woken up by the train attendant handing me an espresso at around 6 a.m.

Breakfast in bed is usually a treat, but I thought it was a shock to the system on such little sleep. About half an hour later, our bunkmates rushed off the train, having almost missed their stop.

After a brief caffeine spike, I dozed off for another three hours.

We arrived at the Palermo Centrale station at 9:30 a.m., which was a great time to have a larger breakfast and head to our Airbnb.

I wouldn't ride the sleeper train from Rome to Sicily again

Overall, the general discomfort of a shared room and lack of filling meals was a letdown for me. Next time, I think my partner and I will stick to what we know and take the three-hour flight to Sicily.

The 130 train ride, along with the 60 flight from the UK to Rome, cost a total of 190 for two of us. By comparison, two flights from London to Palermo through Ryanair or Wizz Air are typically about 120 to 300 if we don't check bags.

I'm still keen to try out other sleeper train experiences, though perhaps we'll save some money for a more spacious option that wouldn't require us to share with other passengers.

We'd love to explore more of Italy by train but would prefer to travel during the day when we can count on staying awake.

Correction: October 24, 2023  An earlier version of this story misstated that the room was private. It is technically considered a shared room.

Read the original article on Insider
A woman has reignited the debate around child-free flights after posting a scathing criticism of a mother who changed her toddlers nappy three times in the planes cabin.

By not going to the bathroom to change the youngster, the womans actions meant the aircraft stunk like hell, said the fellow passenger, who called for children to be barred on some flights.

Writing on Reddit, the woman claimed she was on a four-hour night flight from 10pm until 2am, flying back home from a holiday, but the journey was awful because of the young traveller, who she guessed was probably one to two years old.

He kept getting all worked up at various points, yelling incoherent toddler babble, kicking the back of my seat, sticking his feet up on my arm rest, and SH***ING his pants regularly. Mom changed his diaper THREE times, IN the seat. Didnt bother taking him to the bathroom even though she was one row up from the very back of the plane, right near it. It stunk like hell.

There was also a baby in another seat piping up screaming on occasion on the plane, added Reddit user TheTallestLeah. One lady even had a puppy on the plane and he made zero fuss. Perfect little angel. Maybe he had had a sedative, idk [I dont know]. But these parents should either sedate their damn kids or just not be allowed to bring them on certain flights. Good Lord.

The anecdote has been upvoted almost 600 times. It was posted in the child-free discussion thread, gaining plenty of supportive comments for the idea of adults-only flights.

I honestly dont know why its not a thing? Make it once a week or once a month even and myself and others would happily and eagerly fill up those seats, wrote one user, while another said: Id pay almost double for a child-free flight. I dont blame the kids, I blame the parents.

The top-voted comment said: I feel like changing a diaper in a plane is some sort of biohazard? Also 100 per cent would pay extra for child-free flights though parents would scream DISCRIMINATION and then sneak their kids onto the flight somehow Im sure because everybody loves babies why wouldnt you love my precious angel who shrieks the whole 10-hour flight?!.

In August, The Independent reported how adults-only zones on flights will be trialled later this year by one European airline, in a move that could mean getting stuck next to a screaming baby is a thing of the past.

Having kids is already an isolating experience, before I had kids I never cared about other kids in resturants or on airplanes.



But if they want people to reproduce isolation for moms is not a good look  Gwen (@gremlinscottges) September 5, 2023

Corendon Dutch Airlines, the sister company to Turkey-based Corendon Airlines, will begin testing this approach on flights between Amsterdam and the Caribbean island of Curacao from 3 November. The Only Adult zone will feature 102 seats at the front of the Airbus A350-900, including nine with extra legroom.

It will be separated from the rest of the plane by walls and curtains, which the airline said will create a shielded environment that contributes to a calm and relaxed flight.
Passengers onboard an Alaska Airlines flight have spoken out after an off-duty pilot tried to crash their plane mid-flight.

Joseph Emerson, 44, was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after he allegedly tried to cut off fuel to the engines during a flight from Seattle to San Francisco on Sunday  before being subdued by the flight crew.

The flight was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon after the captain and first officer intervened to keep the engines running.

Passengers who were on board the plane told ABC News that they were not immediately alerted to what Alaska Airlines called the security threat, until a flight attendant told them over the speaker that there was an emergency situation and the plane needed to land immediately.

Once the plane landed, police boarded the aircraft and arrested Mr Emerson, escorting him off the plane handcuffed.

Bailey Beck, one of the passengers on the plane, told SFGate he saw a man  later identified as Mr Emerson  walk from the cockpit to the back of the plane by himself, where he was then handcuffed to a railing and didnt make any disturbance from the rear.

Aubrey Gavello, another passenger, told Laura Coates Live the suspect was calm and cooperative as he was escorted off the plane.

Mr Emersons alleged motive for the incident remains unclear, but passengers said a flight attendant told them he had suffered a mental breakdown.

After we did land and the gentleman was escorted off, the flight attendant got back on the speaker and said, plain and simple, He had a mental breakdown. We needed to get him off the plane immediately, Aubrey Gavello told ABC.

Authorities confirmed that they do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically-motivated violence, but questions still remain after Alaska Airlines said Mr Emerson, who has worked for the company since 2001, did not have a history of medical issues.

An Alaska Airlines flight at an airport in Washington (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

The FBI and the Port of Portland police are now investigating the incident.

Records from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is supporting the law enforcement investigation, show the 44-year-old did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175  the type of plane involved in Sundays incident.

Alaska Airlines said that Mr Emerson was travelling in the flight deck jump seat in the cockpit when he suddenly tried to shut down both of the planes engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles.

None of the 80 passengers on board the flight were hurt in the incident but Mr Emerson now faces 167 charges, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder, authorities said.

Alaska Airlines confirmed that all passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight.

Neighbours of the 44-year-old, who described him as a friendly and fantastic father, told of their shock after hearing the news.

He plays with the kids all the time, Karen Yee told the Daily Mail.

Hes just a great guy. Hes very understanding of other people, she said.

We just couldnt imagine him doing anything to hurt someone. Its very hard for us to believe that he would do anything intentionally like that, she added. I cant fathom him doing anything that would hurt anyone.

Meanwhile, her husband Ed Yee described the incident as very shocking.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, he told CNN.

Mr Emerson first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon before becoming a pilot with the airline in 2019.
SAN DIEGO  A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run collision on State Route 94 in the early morning on Friday, according to California Highway Patrol.

Around 3:34 a.m., authorities say an adult man was walking in the No. 3 eastbound lane when he was struck by a vehicle just east of Spring Street. The vehicle then left the scene, CHP said.

The pedestrian suffered critical injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead on the scene by medical personnel.

Traffic stopped on northbound I-5 after pedestrian hit by vehicle

CHP did not disclose the identity of the man, but said the San Diego Medical Examiners Office will release it pending any family notifications.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, CHP said.

At this stage, authorities are still working to get a description of the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. It is also unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.

Anyone with information regarding the crash that may be able to assist in the investigation are encouraged to contact CHP officer Jared Grieshaber at 619-401-2000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
The Pensacola woman charged with manslaughter in May after he dogs mauled a man to death pleaded no contest to the charge on Tuesday and received two-and-a-half years in prison.

Circuit Judge Coleman Robinson sentenced 36-year-old Kathleen Taylor to over 30 months in Florida's Department of Corrections Oct. 18 after she pleaded no contest to second-degree felony manslaughter admitting her dogs killed 63-year-old Nathaniel Posey in February.

The Office of the State Attorney's charging document says that Taylor failed "to properly secure her dogs that she knew to have a propensity for violence" on Feb. 24, 2023, the day Posey died from the attack.

Dogs maul man: Pensacola woman's dogs bit a man to death. Now she's charged with negligent manslaughter.

After serving her prison sentence, Taylor will serve an additional two years on probation and cannot own any household pets, per the plea offer.

On April 17, Taylor was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. She was also sentenced to over 30 months in prison for the drug charge, but it will run concurrent to the first sentence, not lengthening her incarceration time.

What happened on Feb. 24, 2023?

During a May press conference where Escambia Sheriff Chip Simmons announced Taylor's arrest, the county's animal welfare department Director John Robinson said Taylor failed to secure her dogs' kennels and other enclosures meant to keep the animals on the property.

When the three dogs escaped the Norris Avenue home, they attacked and bit Posey to death in the street. Simmons said he was pronounced dead on scene due to multiple head and torso injuries.

Robinson also said that animal control received numerous calls for service for her animals chasing people and wandering through the street.

"We have a lot of roaming calls, we call them nuisance calls, where the animals may have been chasing people and things like that," Robinson said in May. "She doesn't have the proper housing and obviously doesn't have the proper care for them."

One of Taylor's dogs was euthanized after she surrendered ownership after the incident. The News Journal reached out to Escambia County to see if the other two dogs have been euthanized, but have not yet received an answer.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola woman pleads no contest to manslaughter after dog attack
CAMDEN - A Philadelphia man is accused of fatally shooting a city resident outside a motorcycle club.

Michael Field, 44, is accused of the murder of 31-year-old Jody Spence, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Investigators believe Spence was fatally shot around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 on the 800 block of Princess Avenue in Camden.

Three suspects charged, one dead All suspects in fatal police shooting in Philadelphia are South Jersey residents

The shooting occurred outside the Wheels of Soul motorcycle club, the prosecutor's office noted.

Spence's body was found five days later on the 400 block of North 5th Street in Philadelphia.

He was a graduate of Highland Regional High School in Gloucester Township and worked as a lineman for Amtrak, according to an obituary.

"He enjoyed a good book, reggae music, island vacations and was a motorcycle enthusiast," the obituary said.

Among other interests, it said, Spence also enjoyed "good food, good music, his family, his friends, (and) he could often be found lifting weights and staying fit."

Field was arrested in Trenton on Oct. 19.

The charges against him are only allegations. No one has been convicted in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Prosecutor's Detective Tanner Ogilvie at 856-650-6398 and Camden County Police Department Detective Jake Siegfried at 609-820-3537.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter at the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Michael Field is charged with the murder of Jody Spence
The Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza is one of the oldest churches in the world.

The church compound was hit by Israeli airstrikes on October 19, killing at least 18 people.

The IDF confirmed it was behind the strike, which was aimed at a Hamas command center.

The Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza City, Gaza, is among the oldest churches in the world.

Airs trikes carried out by the Israel Defense Forces on October 19 damaged part of the church complex and killed 18 people, according to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which owns and oversees the church.

In a statement to Insider, the IDF confirmed that it was behind the strike, which was aimed at a Hamas command center, and said the incident was "under review."

"The IDF can unequivocally state that the Church was not the target of the strike," the IDF statement said.

The escalating violence in the region follows the worst terror attack in Israel's history on October 7. Hamas militants have brutally killed at least 1,400 people, injured around 5,431, and taken at least 200 hostages, including a number of women, children, and elderly people, who remain in Gaza, the United Nations reported, citing data from Israeli authorities. Some hostages have since been released.

Israel declared war on Hamas, launching a counterattack in which at least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed and 9,600 more have been injured in airstrikes in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.

Take a look at the historic church before and after the airstrikes.

The Church of Saint Porphyrius, located in Gaza City, Gaza, is thought to be the third-oldest church in the world.

Inside the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City, Gaza, in January 2023. Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

According to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, the church dates back to the 5th century. It then became a mosque in the 7th century until a new church was constructed by Crusaders in the 12th century, making the current building at least 1,616 years old.

The Greek Orthodox church is named after the Bishop of Gaza, who lived from around 347 to 420.

Young altar servers take part in the Orthodox Christmas mass at the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City in January 2023. MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images

According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, Saint Porphyrius was ordained in 392 and became the Bishop of Gaza in 395.

Christians are a small minority in Gaza.

Palestinian Christians attend an Orthodox Easter service at the Church of Saint Porphyrius in April 2022. MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images

Out of the 2 million people living in Gaza, around 1,300 are Christians, according to a 2022 State Department report. A majority of Palestinian Christians are Greek Orthodox.

The church's ornate chapel features iconography of various saints.

A Palestinian Greek Orthodox worshipper attends the Easter morning mass at the church of Saint Porphyrius in April 2021. MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images

The church's thick limestone walls keep the chapel cool in the summer and warm in the winter, Al Arabiya reported.

In addition to the chapel, the church complex features seven buildings and a courtyard.

Palestinian children dressed as Santa Claus prepare to distribute gifts at the Church of Saint Porphyrius during Christmas celebrations in December 2021. Ahmed Zakot/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

In past years, local children have dressed up as Santa Claus to distribute gifts in the church courtyard on Christmas.

The church has hosted Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, head of the organization's political bureau.

Head of the political bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, meets Archbishop Alexios during his visit at Saint Porphyrius Church in January 2019. Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Hamas, the Palestinian political and military organization that governs the Gaza Strip, has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States since 1997.

An Israeli airstrike on October 19 damaged part of the church complex and killed at least 18 people, according to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

A view of destruction after Israeli airstrikes hit the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church complex in Gaza City, Gaza, in October 2023. Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

Former Rep. Justin Amash, who served as the US representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district from 2011 to 2021, said that several of his relatives were killed in the airstrikes.

"The Palestinian Christian community has endured so much. Our family is hurting badly. May God watch over all Christians in Gaza  and all Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering, whatever their religion or creed," Amash wrote.

Debris littered the grounds of the church as search-and-rescue teams looked for survivors.

Search and rescue efforts continue in the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church after Israeli airstrikes in October 2023. Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

Around 450 people had taken shelter on the grounds of the church when it was hit, according to the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

The church's chapel was not hit and remains intact, The New York Times reported.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate condemned the airstrikes in a statement calling them a "war crime."

Cracked walls and debris litter the ground of the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church complex following an airstrike in October 2023. DAWOOD NEMER/AFP via Getty Images

"The Patriarchate emphasizes that targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas over the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored," the statement read.

The Israel Defense Forces claimed responsibility for the strike, saying it was aimed at a Hamas command center.

A view of damage to the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church complex in Gaza in October 2023. Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

In a statement to Insider, the IDF confirmed that "a wall of a church in the area" was damaged after IDF fighter jets struck a "command and control center belonging to a Hamas terrorist involved in the launching of rockets and mortars toward Israel."

The IDF also said the church was not the target of the strike, adding that "Hamas intentionally embeds its assets in civilian areas and uses the residents of the Gaza Strip as human shields."

"We are aware of reports on casualties. The incident is under review," the statement read.

On Sunday, Saint Porphyrius Church held a memorial service for victims of the strike, as well as those who have died in airstrikes throughout Gaza.

People gather in the courtyard of Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes in October 2023. Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

"We appeal to you to awaken the longing for a peaceful life in all those who are filled with hatred for their neighbours, especially those now at war or preparing for war," Patriarch of Jerusalem H.B. Theophilos III said in a statement.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A 44-year-old pilot, Captain Joseph David Emerson, is in custody in Portland, Oregon facing 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment as well as a charge of endangering an aircraft.

On 22 October 2023 Captain Emerson was travelling off-duty in the jump seat on the flight deck of a Horizon Air jet flying from Everett, north of Seattle, to San Francisco.

He is accused of trying to disable both engines by deploying the engine fire-suppression system on the plane. He later told police afterward he had taken magic mushrooms two days earlier and had not slept in 40 hours,

The incident highlights the use of jump seats on aircraft  and the wider issue of pilots deliberately putting passengers and crew at risk.

What happened to Horizon Air flight 2059?

Eighty passengers and four crew members were on board the Embraer 175 aircraft. As the plane was approaching Salem at a cruising altitude of 31,000 feet, he tried to shut down the engines.

The crew managed to subdue Captain Emerson and move him out of the flight deck, which was then locked in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. The aircraft diverted to Portland, with the pilots telling air-traffic controllers: We want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked. Mr Emerson was arrested, while passengers continued to San Francisco on a different plane. The original aircraft is now back in service.

Horizon Air is owned by Alaska Airlines, which said in a statement: Captain Emerson unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines. The Horizon captain and first officer quickly responded, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.

Engine power was not lost despite the off-duty pilots attempt to shut down the engines by engaging the engine fire handle, also known as the fire suppression system.

The fire suppression system consists of a T-handle for each engine. If the T-handle is fully deployed, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine. In this case, the quick reaction of our crew to reset the T-handles ensured engine power was not lost.

Our crew responded without hesitation to a difficult and highly unusual situation, and we are incredibly proud and grateful for their skilful actions.

Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from Air Traffic Control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland.

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.

Why are jump seats fitted, and who can use them?

One or two jump seats may be fitted to flight decks to provide space for for the purposes of training (including for air-traffic controllers as well as pilots and inspectors). When no passenger seats are available, they may be used to carry other people. The rules are set by national aviation authorities and vary from one country to another. They may also differ for domestic and international flights.

In some jurisdictions, only a very limited categories are allowed to occupy a flight deck jump seat  typically crew involved in training, screened airline personnel and government officials. In others the options may be wider, including pilots who work for other airlines.

In addition, jump seats are installed for cabin crew around the aircraft. They are typically located at bulkheads and are normally folded away except during take-off and landing.

Why are jump seats used?

Most of the time jump seats are not being used for official purposes  ie only the two pilots are on the flight deck, and the number of available jump seats in the cabin exceeds the number of cabin crew.

When the plane is full, the view is taken that jump seats in the passenger cabin may as well be occupied by non-revenue travellers. These include:

staff flying as part of their duties (eg flight crew positioning to another airport)

off-duty staff

family or friends of staff who are travelling on free or heavily discounted tickets

Has someone in a jump seat jeopardised a journey in the past?

In 1994 a FedEx flight engineer, Auburn Calloway, was travelling on the flight deck of a cargo DC10 aircraft and, in a pre-meditated attack, attempted to kill the captain, first officer and engineer in order to crash the plane.

Calloway had earlier been accused of falsifying flight hours and was facing possible dismissal. He used hammers and a spear gun  which he had smuggled on board in a guitar case  to attack the three flight crew. But they overcame Calloway and safely landed the aircraft despite being badly injured.

There are rather more cases in which a third, off-duty pilot has assisted the captain and first officer.

In 1989 Captain Dennis Fitch was travelling as a passenger aboard another DC10 operating United flight 232 from Denver to Chicago. A catastrophic failure of the engine in the tail led to the loss of most controls. But Captain Fitch had experimented on a flight simulator with controlling an aircraft using only the engine throttles. The plane made a crash landing and 184 of the 296 people on board survived.

On 28 October 2018, a third pilot on the flight deck of a Boeing 737 Max belonging to Lion Air and flying from Bali to Jakarta identified that the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) was malfunctioning and told the captain and first officer how to fix the problem.

The aircraft landed safely. But the next day the same fault occurred on Lion Air flight 610 from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang. The plane crashed with the loss of 189 lives. Soon afterwards the Boeing 737 Max was grounded worldwide while the MCAS was overhauled.

How common is pilot suicide?

Cases of flight crew deliberately crashing their aircraft in a bid to kill themselves and everyone on board are rare. The vast majority of aircraft-assisted suicides involve small private planes.

The most recent significant proven example of a pilot murdering everyone on board was Germanwings flight 9525 from Barcelona to Dusseldorf on 24 March 2015. The first officer, Andreas Lubitz, used his expertise to lock the captain out of the flight deck of the Airbus A320, which he subsequently flew into a mountainside in the French Alps. He knew that the procedures implemented since 11 September 2001 enabled someone on the flight deck to take total control.

Until the 9/11 attacks, most passenger aircraft had a fairly flimsy door between the cockpit and the cabin, because an attack on the pilots and a takeover of the aircraft was considered implausible. The 9/11 hijackers, armed with blades that they had taken through security, were able to access the flight deck and kill the pilots to take control. After the terrorist attacks, airlines began to install reinforced doors that are intruder-proof and bullet-proof.

Only one alleged pilot suicide has killed more people: EgyptAir flight 990, flying from New York to Cairo on 31 October 1999. The Boeing 767 crashed in the North Atlantic, killing all 217 passengers and crew on board. The US safety authorities concluded the crash happened as a result of the relief first officers flight control inputs but did not ascribe a motive.

The loss of MH370, the Malaysia Airlines flight that disappeared on 8 March 2014, remains a mystery. One theory is that the aircrafts commander, Captain Zaharie Shah, intentionally hijacked his own aircraft in order to take his own life and kill all 239 passengers and crew. The Boeing 777 jet had taken off from Kuala Lumpur on a routine flight to Beijing. Air-traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, which flew south across the Indian Ocean before crashing in an area west of Australia.

The investigators last word on the greatest mystery in aviation history appears on page 443 of the MH370 Safety Investigation Report: The Team is unable to determine the real cause for the disappearance of MH370.

One person close to the saga believes the plane will be found in the southern Indian Ocean once undersea drone technology makes it feasible to deploy 100 or more unmanned devices to plumb the depths for signs of former life.

Only if and when divers assess the wreckage will a narrative start to emerge. Even then, the grieving relatives may never know the full story of how and why their loved ones died.
By Brendan Pierson and Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -Planned Parenthood must face a trial in a $1.8 billion lawsuit by Texas accusing the organization of defrauding the Republican-led state's Medicaid health insurance program, a federal judge ruled on Monday.

At issue is billing by Planned Parenthood after Texas announced its decision to terminate the organization as a provider under its Medicaid insurance programs for low-income people.

Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions and a variety of other healthcare services, and Texas both had asked U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, in Amarillo, to rule in their respective favor rather than having the case go to trial. But Kacsmaryk declined to do so, and scheduled a trial to begin next April.

In an order that is now sealed but was briefly posted on the public court docket, the judge ruled against Planned Parenthood on a key legal issue, finding that it was obligated to return some funds to Texas and to Louisiana, which is not taking part in the case. However, he did not rule on exactly how much it must return, or whether Planned Parenthood knowingly broke the law.

Whether Planned Parenthood is found to have knowingly committed fraud will be key to the outcome. The lawsuit accuses the organization of overbilling by about $17 million, but the legal penalties for fraud are potentially many times that.

Planned Parenthood general counsel Susan Manning in a statement called the case "baseless."

"We will never back down, and we look forward to winning this case at trial," she said.

The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit against Planned Parenthood was brought in 2021 by an anonymous plaintiff under the federal False Claims Act, which lets individuals bring whistleblower lawsuits on behalf of governments and collect a reward if successful. The lawsuit was later joined by Paxton.

They accuse Planned Parenthood of unlawfully continuing to bill the state after Texas announced its decision - blocked for years in legal challenges - to kick the organization off the Medicaid insurance program for low-income people.

State and federal funds are barred from being used to pay for abortions, but Planned Parenthood is reimbursed by most states for other reproductive healthcare services it provides.

Kacsmaryk, a conservative jurist who was an anti-abortion activist before being appointed to the bench by Republican then-President Donald Trump, is the judge who in April issued an order effectively banning the abortion pill mifepristone. That order has been put on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court has a chance to weigh in.

The anonymous plaintiff who brought the lawsuit has identified himself as the person who in 2015 released undercover video footage purporting to show Planned Parenthood staff discussing the sale of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood has said the videos were heavily edited and misleading, and denied wrongdoing.

Those videos led Texas, as well as Louisiana, to announce later in 2015 that they would terminate Planned Parenthood as a provider covered by their Medicaid programs, but federal court orders stopped them from finalizing the terminations for years. The orders were later lifted on appeal, allowing Texas to end its contract with Planned Parenthood in 2021 and Louisiana in 2022.

The lawsuit before Kacsmaryk accuses Planned Parenthood of defrauding the states by continuing to bill and collect payments from their Medicaid programs after the initial termination decisions, and failing to repay what it received after the terminations were finally allowed to take effect. Texas joined in the case, while Louisiana did not.

Planned Parenthood has said that its total liability in the case, including legal penalties, could amount to $1.8 billion, and threaten its ability to operate in Texas.

Planned Parenthood has said there was nothing illegal about billing the states while their termination decisions were paused by court orders and that it cannot be held liable because the states never asked for the money to be repaid. Kacsmaryk, however, ruled on Monday that once appeals courts allowed the terminations to become final, Planned Parenthood was obligated to return the money it had received in the meantime.

Planned Parenthood, as a leading abortion provider, has long drawn the ire of abortion opponents, who have called for cutting off its government funding.

Kacsmaryk automatically hears all federal cases filed in Amarillo, which has made the court a popular venue for litigation brought by conservative activists.

Texas has banned nearly all abortions in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Will Dunham, Alexia Garamfalvi, Leslie Adler and Jonathan Oatis)
Similar schemes have been launched in other areas across England

A road in Surrey will be closed to traffic for hours at a time so children can play safely together outside.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is adopting the "play street" scheme to allow children to play freely, without organised activities.

The authority has approved an application for Miles Road, which it said had the support of more than 75% of residents.

It said the scheme would support the "mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of children" and the wider community.

Similar car-free play zones can be found in places such as Portsmouth and London, and the idea has recently been adopted by neighbouring Elmbridge Borough Council.

The resident-led schemes allow for streets that are not a main road or bus route to be closed to through-traffic for up to three hours.

Miles Road resident Jo Markworth, who led the application, told BBC Radio Surrey it would initially be trialled about once a month over the winter.

She said: Children will be able to play with friends, make new friends. We are also hoping that adults will come out. Its a win-win for everybody really."

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, chair of the council's community and wellbeing committee, said: We believe the scheme will help support the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of children and the community by creating a safe and inclusive space."

He said any road could apply to have a playing out scheme but not all roads were suitable.

"It is primarily geared to side roads, small roads, where they can be closed off for a period of time and marshalled by the residents, he said.

Lawrie Baker, head of active communities at Active Surrey, said it was a "brilliant" idea.

He added: "Hats off to Epsom and Ewell. The benefits are huge for physical health and wellbeing."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
A local plumbing company in Baltimore, Maryland is causing a stir online regarding a kitchen appliance that might be a bit of a misnomer.

On Oct. 18, Prime Plumbing posted a TikTok in which several of its plumbing professionals are asked a simple question: What is one thing you should never put down your garbage disposal? Their answers have led to a rousing and sometimes contentious discussion in the comments section.

The first Prime Plumbing employee thinks deeply for a moment before replying, Anything.

Other plumbing experts answer with familiar items like chicken bones, eggshells and rice. Another man says, Everything,

Anything starchy, another person adds, meaning foods like rice, potatoes, pasta, cereal and bread.

Food, says the final expert.

The plumbers answers seemed to shock viewers, with thousands taking to the comments to share their (mostly humorous) thoughts.

Everything they mentioned I put in my garage disposal today , wrote TikToker commented.

Cucumber peels, old cooked nooodles, have learned the hard way, wrote another commenter.

My apt neighbor cleaned out her fridge and all of her food clogged our shared pipes and it started backing up into my kitchen and bathroom, shared another commenter, painting a vividly icky image.

Some folks took the opportunity to share the wildest things they have witnessed disappear into the growling monster living in their sinks.

Well mines going strong 22 years and I put a lot of egg shells in there lol, wrote another commenter, perhaps mind-melding with another commenter who said, Ive put at least 900,000 egg shells in the garbage disposal.

I watched my grandma throw a whole jersey mikes (sandwich) down the garbage disposal last week, commented another, to which someone else replied, What did the sub do to gramma .

So, whats the point of a garbage disposal?

With garbage disposals, the best way to think of them is that theyre really designed for the stuff that comes off when youre actually cleaning your dishes, Adam Hauf, Prime Plumbings operations manager, tells TODAY.com. Best practice is always to go ahead and dispose of the big chunks, scrape your plate off right into the trash can.

Hauf says that a disposal is meant for the little bits of food that remain on your dishes after that initial scrape, adding that it doesnt matter how much you try to scrape a dirty plate clean, theres always going to be a little residue.

Its really designed for the residual that is bound to wind up in your kitchen sink to grind it up smaller so that its less likely to cause a backup or negatively impact your draining system, he explains.

Hauf notes that its less about the garbage disposal itself and more about, well, the plumbing.

You know, if you get a really high horsepower model, theyll grind bones, oyster shells, they can grind almost anything, Hauf says. The problem is less about the wear and tear on a disposal and more about the impact of the items on your draining system.

Regarding the starches, including rice, which several plumbers mentioned are a disposal no-no, it all comes down to clumping.

If you ever cook a pot of pasta or rice, it sticks together. So when you grind it up, some will go down the drain, but those starches can stick to the side of your line, he says. What will happen is you get build up, little by little. And then next thing you know, your kitchen sink is overflowing.

Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, told TODAY.com in our comprehensive garbage disposal cleaning guide that home cooks should steer clear of tossing a range of things into their garbage disposal, including fat, grease, oil, seafood shells, meat, bones, fruit pits and starchy foods like pasta, potatoes and oats.

One of the simplest things you can do to help mitigate risk of a backup is to make sure that before you run the disposal, you start running some cold water and then after the disposal is off, let that cold water run for you know, another 45 seconds to a minute, Hauf adds. That way any food debris has a chance to catch some water and flow out of the trap and then down further into your drainage system.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed support for Ukraine during an official visit to Germany on Oct. 24, the government's press service reported.

"Germany plays an important role in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, as well as in cooperation with the European Commission," Shmyhal said at the meeting. "Thank you for this, and we count on your continued unwavering support."

The officials also discussed the issue of using frozen Russian assets to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular, through the international compensation mechanism.

"We must jointly find opportunities to make Russia pay for the crimes and destruction committed in Ukraine," the prime minister added.

Shmyhal also thanked Scholz for the organization of the German-Ukrainian Business Forum, emphasizing that such events contribute to new investments and international projects in Ukraine.

The 5th German-Ukrainian Business Forum  Rebuild Ukraine is taking place in Berlin on Oct. 24. The event provides a platform for discussions on the involvement of business in Ukraine's reconstruction.

Read also: Kenneth Rogoff: Europe must lead Ukraines reconstruction

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Elon Musk 's suggestion that a ceasefire in Ukraine on terms favorable to Russia would prevent further war is a "catastrophic mistake," said advisor to Ukraine's Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak on Oct. 24.

Musk had suggested earlier on Oct. 24 in a discussion on Twitter spaces that the U.S. was "sleepwalking" into World War III and that it should seek to normalize relations with Russia, which he suggested could happen if the U.S. pressures Ukraine into a ceasefire.

Later in the discussion, Musk was joined by U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who proposed giving away Ukrainian territory to Russia in exchange for peace.

Musk appeared to agree and also denied that a pro-Ukrainian insurgency was happening in Russian-speaking areas, implying that the current line of control might be a good permanent dividing line.

Podolyak posted a lengthy response refuting Musk's argument, writing that surrendering Ukraine to "mandatory large-scale genocide" from Russia will have far-reaching consequences.

Appeasement will only embolden other international aggressors, he said, and the "great war" that Musk predicted will be even more likely.

Podolyak has previously reacted strongly to Musk's controversial public statements about the war in Ukraine.

After Musk shared an insulting doctored meme of President Volodymyr Zelensky on Oct. 2, insinuating that Zelensky asks for too much aid for Ukraine, Podolyak responded on Twitter.

"Any silence or irony towards Ukraine today is a direct encouragement of Russian propaganda that justifies mass violence and destruction," he said.

Musk has had an inconsistent track record in regards to supporting Ukraine. He received praise for providing Ukraine with the Starlink satellite internet system shortly after the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

However, he came under fire in September 2023 for allegedly instructing his engineers to secretly turn off Starlink satellite communications near Crimea to prevent a Ukrainian submarine drone attack against Russian military ships.

Musk denied the accusations, saying that Starlink satellite communications had not been active near Crimea in the first place.

Musk has also previously suggested that Ukraine should trade land for peace.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Authorities were clued in to a Minnesota poison control specialist's alleged role in his wife's death after a concerned friend reported the couple's marital issues shortly after the doctor asked for her to be "cremated immediately."

Dr. Connor Fitzgerald Bowman is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection to the death of his wife, 32-year-old Betty Bowman.

He was arrested during a traffic stop in Rochester, Minnesota, on Friday, per a criminal complaint obtained by Fox News Digital. He is being held at Olmsted County Jail, online records show.

Betty died in the hospital on Aug. 20 following a four-day ordeal with severe dehydration and diarrhea that doctors said "deteriorated rapidly."

BURGLARY EXPOSES WOMAN'S PLOT TO POISON STEPDAD AT MOM'S REQUEST: POLICE

Connor Bowman, 30, was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Betty Bowman, 32, on Oct. 20.

Doctors' initial treatment for food poisoning was ineffective, and Betty began to experience organ failure, cardiac issues and fluid in her lungs. The woman was perfectly healthy before she was admitted to the hospital, per the complaint.

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Detectives would later learn that Connor, 30, used his medical credentials to access his wife's electronic health information at the hospital, then again a few days after she died. This information included the medication she was administered, her reported allergies and an operating room log, according to the complaint.

Connor wrote in his late wife's obituary that she suffered from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)  a rare illness where certain blood cells are over-produced and damage organs. Tests performed for HLH were inconclusive, police wrote.

The husband reportedly told the Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiner's Office that his wife should be "cremated immediately." The doctor also asked the office if the toxicology reports they would run on his wife would be more "thorough" than what was typically done by the hospital via email, per the complaint.

Betty Bowman's cause of death was determined to be the toxic effects of gout drug colchicine in excess  her manner of death was deemed a murder, for which her husband Connor Bowman faces criminal charges.

Amid these communications, per the affidavit, a concerned wife reached out to the examiner's office, telling them that the Bowmans were having marital issues when Betty died, "talking about a divorce following infidelity and a deteriorating relationship."

Connor had attended pharmacy school, was currently in medical school and worked in poison control in Kansas. He completed a residency at the Mayo Clinic earlier this month.

"We are aware of the recent arrest of a former Mayo Clinic resident on charges unrelated to his Mayo Clinic responsibilities," the hospital said in a statement to Law & Crime, refusing to comment further.

Betty had recently told friends that her husband was about $500,000 in debt and that they kept separate bank accounts; meanwhile, per the affidavit, Connor told a friend that he stood to receive a $500,000 life insurance payout after his wife's death.

A man referred to only as "SS" told detectives that Betty told him she "had a few days off and was looking to spend some time with him" on Aug. 14. She and SS met up the next day and would text back and forth while the woman was drinking with her husband at home.

CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR ACCUSED OF POISONING HUSBAND SAYS 'FAIR TRIAL' NOW IMPOSSIBLE

Betty reportedly texted "SS" on Aug. 16, telling him she was sick and unable to sleep. She said, per the affidavit, that an alcoholic drink mixed with a large smoothie may be causing her illness.

A University of Kansas laptop seized from Connor by police showed that he had looked up the drug colchicine, which is used to treat gout, according to the affidavit. He was supposed to use the computer to look up medications when receiving calls to the university's poison control center  but neither he nor his coworkers received any calls about gout or colchicine during his work hours preceding his wife's death, per the affidavit.

On Aug. 5, Connor allegedly searched "internet browsing history: can it be used in court?," "delete Amazon history police," and "police track package delivery."

Five days later he searched "food v. industrial grade sodium nitrate" and looked up a journal used by medical professionals to search the lethality of different substances. He converted his wife's weight to kilograms and multiplied it by 0.8 to determine the lethal dose of colchicine, per the affidavit.

In the following days, Connor would purchase a gift card for a site that sold the drug, investigators wrote.

Betty's blood samples were sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for testing, where medical professionals concluded that 29 ng/ml of colchicine was in her bloodstream at her time of death. There was no reason that the drug should have been in her body, medical examiners noted, because she did not have any gout symptoms that would lead a doctor to prescribe it.

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Betty's cause of death was determined to be the toxic effect of colchicine and her manner of death was ruled a homicide. Investigations found a $450,000 bank deposit note when they searched the Bowmans' home after the doctor's arrest.

Betty had graduated from the University of Kansas with a pharmaceutical doctorate in 2018 and worked as a "diligent and capable hospital pharmacist," per her obituary. She was pictured alongside her husband.

Connor was arraigned on Monday but has not yet been assigned a public defender, per the Olmsted County Court.





Original article source: Poison control doctor tried to cremate wife after gout medicine murder: police
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Jarosaw Guzy, a 68-year-old historian and journalist, will become the Ambassador of Poland to Ukraine.

Source: Ukrinform, Polish Foreign Ministry

Details: Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau handed orders for the appointment of ambassadors: Jarosaw Guzy will become Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ukraine.

In addition, Rau handed orders for appointments to ambassadors in Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Angola.

Yaroslav Guzy is a sociologist by training. In communist times he was engaged in active opposition activities, for which he was interned. In the early 90s he was an adviser to the Minister of Defence, then he was engaged in entrepreneurship. His wife is a famous Polish journalist, general director of the Belsat TV channel Agnieszka Romaszewska-Guzy.

Plans to appoint Guzy as Ambassador to Ukraine were reported by Rmf24 in March.

Jarosaw Guzy will replace Bartosz Cichocki as Ambassador of Poland to Ukraine, who has been holding this position since February 2019.

Cichocki was the only ambassador from an EU country who remained in Kyiv on 24 February 2022, when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.



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(Bloomberg) -- Polands pro-European opposition put forward Donald Tusk as their candidate for the premiership, intensifying pressure on the president to speed up a handover of power after the parties secured a majority in the Oct. 15 election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Tusk, the former European Council president who led the oppositions campaign, may have to wait to retake the top job. President Andrzej Duda has signaled that hell give a first chance to the ruling Law & Justice party to form a government, since it won the most votes.

But the ruling nationalist have no plausible avenue to a third term in power, having fallen well short of a majority. Three opposition parties, however, have enough to form a government under Tusk  and are asking the head of state to skirt precedent and hand them the mandate.

The opposition has pledged to turn the page on the countrys strained relations with Brussels and unlock aid blocked over rule-of-law concerns. Tusk plans to travel to Brussels Wednesday to meet European leaders and officials.

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The three largest opposition parties in Poland, having defeated the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party in parliamentary elections on Oct. 15, are ready to form a government, opposition leader Donald Tusk said on Oct. 24.

Although PiS won the most seats, it did not win an outright majority and is lacking enough potential partners to form a government.

Tusk's three-party coalition, which involves center-right and left parties, has 248 seats to PiS's 194, out of a total of the 460-member lower house of parliament.

Read also: Polish opposition wins elections, according to final count

They still must ask Polish President Andrzej Duda to form a government. The announcement on Oct. 24 was seen as a declaration that only Tusk's coalition has the votes to do so.

However, there is still a process, and although Duda is independent, he has previously been an official PiS candidate and has remained affiliated with the party.

Duda may be able to delay the creation of a new government by almost two months if he allows PiS to make what would likely be a futile attempt to form its own coalition.

The largest party is usually given the initial right to attempt to form a government.

Tusk and his allies appealed to Duda to hasten the process. "I count on constructive cooperation with the president," he said, emphasizing that "Poles are waiting for quick decisions."

Poland has been roundly supportive of Ukraine across the political spectrum, including from PiS, even though tensions have risen in recent months around diplomatic spats and trade disputes.

Tusk has also called for unwavering support for Ukraine, saying that a Ukrainian victory was in the Polish national interest.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
FILE PHOTO: Supporters and leaders of the largest opposition grouping Civic Coalition (KO) react to exit polls

FILE PHOTO: Supporters and leaders of the largest opposition grouping Civic Coalition (KO) react to exit polls

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Poland's likely next prime minister Donald Tusk will meet top EU officials in Brussels this week in a bid to rebuild ties and unblock EU funds frozen because of rule-of-law concerns under Poland's outgoing Eurosceptic government, EU officials said.

Tusk is to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday and take part in a meeting of leaders of European centre-right parties on Thursday morning, the officials said.

At stake is Poland's access to 35.4 billion euros ($37.5 billion) in grants and loans from the European Union's recovery fund, which the EU has suspended until Warsaw restores the independence of its judiciary system.

The same concerns are blocking Poland's access to 76.5 billion euros of EU cohesion funds, meant to raise the standard of living in the EU's poorer regions.

Tusk, a former European Council president and twice Poland's prime minister, has been put forward as a candidate for prime minister again after the Oct. 15 elections by three opposition groups that together have a clear majority in parliament.

But his government may not be formed until December under the formal steps envisaged by the constitution.

The eurosceptic and nationalist PiS party of current prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki won the most seats in the election, but fell well short of an overall majority and therefore is unlikely to be able to continue in power.

During its eight years in power, the PiS has feuded with Brussels over issues ranging from judicial independence to LGBT rights, leading to a suspension of most EU funding for Warsaw.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski and Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
This photo provided by the Anderson Police Department shows a pick-up driven by a woman who had abducted her children in Arkansas. The photo was taken in Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 in Anderson, Calif. Authorities say they rescued eight children after they had allegedly been abducted by their biological mother from their foster homes in Arkansas. (Anderson Police Dept. via AP)

ANDERSON, Calif. (AP)  Authorities rescued eight children in California on Saturday after they were abducted by their biological mother and found roughly 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from their foster homes in Arkansas, police said.

The 36-year-old mother had lost her custodial rights, according to police in Anderson, a tiny city in a rural part of Northern California about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Sacramento.

Law enforcement in Arkansas had previously issued a warrant for her arrest, though it was unclear when that occurred and how she transported the children.

A concerned citizen reached out to authorities around 12:30 a.m. Saturday to request a welfare check after seeing six children with a woman who was displaying bizarre behavior, Anderson police said.

Officers discovered the outstanding arrest warrant and took the woman into custody. The other two children were found in a home about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.

Details about the abductions and why the mother had lost custody of her children were not immediately available. Arkansas State Police, which is responsible for issuing Amber Alerts, did not issue one for the children and an alert had not been requested, state Department of Public Safety spokesperson Cindy Murphy said.

Local law enforcement typically requests an Amber Alert, and the state issues them only under certain circumstances, Murphy said. Arkansas State Police was not involved in the case, she said.

An Arkansas attorney who had represented the woman in a previous case said she was no longer his client.
Sharon Lifschitz and Noam Sagi, right, at a press conference of British children of Israeli hostages - AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Police should ask protesters singing from the river to the sea if they understand what it means, the son of a Hamas hostage has said.

Prosecutors have faced heavy criticism by Jewish community leaders over their failure to charge anyone over the hateful chant following the terror attacks in Israel earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Noam Sagi, whose 75-year-old mother, Ada, was taken by Hamas terrorists on Oct 7, called on the Met Police to quiz protesters singing the song.

Speaking at the Israeli embassy in London, Mr Sagi, 53, said: The Government, to which we are absolutely thankful for all the efforts and the kindness  we need to see that in the streets.

We need to see the Metropolitan Police saying, Guys, do you know what from the river to the sea means?.

The chant has been used by Palestinian nationalists and terror groups to assert territorial claims of an independent Palestinian state. And many interpret its controversial lyrics as a call for the destruction of Israel as a whole.

Alluding to the massacres carried about by Hamas on Oct 7, Mr Sagi added: We just saw that.

The Crime Prosecution Service has previously said that it acknowledges that the chant is offensive to many, but that its decision to charge will always depend on all the facts and circumstances of the offence.

Speaking alongside Mr Sagi at a press conference for relatives of victims and hostages, David Barr, told journalists that Jewish people in the UK lived in fear.

Mr Barr, who was born in Leeds, detailed how his sister-in-law Naomi, 53, was murdered by Hamas while on a morning run.

The bible teacher, who grew up in Leeds before moving to Israel in 1984, said: As a British citizen myself  and I love this country  this is not the country I know. Things have changed.

I dont just worry for my own young family [in Israel], I worry for my Jewish community here in the UK. They live in fear. Not only do I worry for them, I worry for everybody here.

The relatives were also asked about whether the release of hostages brought hope.

Hope after release

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, was released on Monday along with 79-year-old Nurit Cooper after both were abducted from their kibbutz of Nir Oz.

However, Ofri Bibas Levy, whose brother Yarden was taken hostage along with his wife Shiri and their two children Ariel, four and nine-month-old Kfir, compared the news to like torture.

She said: We cant forget what happened. Those releases are like torture for us. It is really torture.

Ayelet Svatitzky, whose mother and brother were taken from their homes and older brother was murdered, said: On a personal level, someones mother came home, maybe not my mother.

Someones mother came home yesterday, it is the beginning, it is far from the end.

Three miles away from the embassy, around 60 people gathered in Parliament Square for a vigil to remember the children killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Attendees had the names of Palestinian children killed in the conflict written on the palms of their hands, which they raised in unison.

Melanie Ward, chief executive officer of Medical Aid for Palestinians, the charity which organised the event, called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in a short statement to attendees.

A minutes silence was then held to pay respect to the victims.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police said a man was shot and killed during a drug deal in the east Las Vegas valley.

On Sunday, Oct. 22 at around 8 p.m. officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to East Charleston Boulevard and North 28th Street after reports of a shooting.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Arriving officers found a man who had been shot inside a vehicle near an apartment complex. Medical personnel pronounced him dead on the scene.

According to a release, police found that the victim had arranged a meeting with two people and was shot during a drug deal. Both suspects had left the scene before police arrived.

The identification of the victim, as well as the cause and manner of death, will be released

by the Clark County Coroners Office.

Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide

Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain

anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the Crime Stoppers website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
[Source]

A New York police official recently revealed that they found no evidence supporting Rep. George Santos ' (R, NY-3) claim that his niece was kidnapped by Chinese Communist Party members.

Key details: Santos made the claim during an interview with New York Times reporter Grace Ashford in early September, describing the alleged kidnapping as the "one story that nobody talks about.

Ashford and co-author Michael Gold also released an expose about Santos in December 2022 that detailed his alleged lies, including his purported Wall Street background and his attendance of Baruch College in New York City.

What happened: According to Santos, his 5-year-old niece disappeared while she was in a playground in Queens, New York. She was only located about 40 minutes later through a surveillance camera. Santos claimed that the surveillance footage showed the presence of two Chinese men.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Australian influencer mistaken for Ryan Reynolds swarmed by fans in Taiwan

It was not revealed when the alleged kidnapping incident occurred.

The one responsible: Santos "heavily implied" that the alleged kidnapping may have been retaliation on Chinas part as the Republican politician is a vocal critic of the CCP, according to the report.

When Ashford asked if he thought it was China, Santos noted he did not want to go into the conspiracy theory space, But you know, if the shoe fits, right?

Trending on NextShark: Weekend marriages,' where couples live separately, gain popularity in Japan

What authorities said: Ashford reportedly looked into the matter by contacting an unnamed high-ranking police official, who confirmed that officers were called about the incident and the police purportedly looked into the case.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Carefree Asian dad sleeping on plane floor wins praise on TikTok

During the investigation, the high-ranking police official reportedly noted that they found no evidence of kidnapping or even suggesting that the CCP was involved.

We found nothing at all to suggest its true. Id lean into, he made it up, the official told the New York Times.

Facing charges: The embattled New York representative was arrested on May 10 on 13 charges, including wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements to the House of Representatives.

Trending on NextShark: Iconic Little Tokyo mainstay, the US' 1st shabu-shabu restaurant, closes after 32 years

In a post on X the same day, Santos claimed that his arrest was linked to his vocal support for self-exiled Chinese billionaire Miles Guo, who was arrested and charged with wire fraud and money laundering in March. Prosecutors in April demanded that Guo not be granted bail following his arrest.

I asked questions about #MilesGuo & the DOJ indicts me 5 days later! The fight is real & Im OVER the target, I need your support to keep me fighting for freedom.#MAGA #TrumpWasRightAboutEverything#StopTheCCP #freeMilesGuo Chip in today!https://t.co/BH2nGK54vp  George Santos (@MrSantosNY) May 10, 2023

Santos was indicted on 10 new additional federal charges in a superseding indictment on Oct. 10. Some of the new charges filed against him include conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission and aggravated identity theft, to name a few. He is due to return to federal court on Friday.
Warning about mining of the territory in Zhytomyr Oblast

Poland's Pronar, a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery, is patenting a special machine for demining fields and construction sites with mass production expected to begin in 2024, Pronar's Director of Trade and Marketing Radoslaw Bielecki revealed in a press release on Oct. 24.

"A team of 150 engineers is working very closely with partners in Ukraine to overcome challenges that exist...mined agricultural fields...to ensure that agricultural machinery has special integrated systems that can handle these challenges," Bielecki said.

Read also: South Korea to supply Ukraine with two K600 Rhino anti-mine vehicles

Bielecki refused to disclose more details about the machine's characteristics until the patenting process is complete, noting that the vehicle will be automated, can be controlled remotely, and can be used in fields, at construction sites, and in other open areas.

This is yet another product line that Pronar has designed specifically for use in Ukraine.

"The newest line is shredding machines that allow us to raze the places where businesses will continue to grow in order to prepare locations for new construction, Bielecki revealed.

Read also: Over 250 Ukrainian civilians killed by landmines during the war

Pronar also exports snowplows, spreaders, and sweepers to.

Ukraines Economy Ministry noted earlier that there are 30 mine-clearing machines in the country, of which 25 are constantly in operation.

On Sept. 27, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that about 174,000 square kilometers of Ukraine remain potentially mined.

On Sept. 29, Switzerlands Federal Council approved a $110 million package for demining Ukraine.

In early October, Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with partners, announced the launch of the Minefields Honey project, which involves raising funds for clearing Ukrainian territory of landmines.

Ukraine and Croatia also signed a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in demining.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Polish President Duda holds consultations with leaders of two main parties in newly elected parliament in Warsaw

Polish President Duda holds consultations with leaders of two main parties in newly elected parliament in Warsaw

WARSAW (Reuters) -Poland's mainstream opposition parties said on Tuesday they are ready to form a government under the premiership of Donald Tusk , as they urged President Andrzej Duda to make a quick decision on the transfer of power.

Duda, an ally of the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS), is holding consultations on Tuesday and Wednesday with all the parliamentary parties that won seats in the Oct. 15 elections.

With PiS having fallen short of a majority, pro-European Union opposition parties look poised to take power in a huge shift for Poland after eight years of feuding with Brussels over issues ranging from judicial independence to LGBT rights.

"Together with the leaders of the democratic parties, we confirmed our readiness to cooperate fully and create a majority in the next parliament," Tusk, the leader of Poland's largest liberal opposition grouping Civic Coalition (KO), told a news conference.

He said he would be the opposition's candidate for prime minister.

Duda has previously said that he would give the first shot at forming a government to the largest single party in the lower house of parliament.

PiS came first in the general election but is unlikely to be able to form a coalition that could govern.

A PiS delegation led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki arrived at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday for talks shortly after the opposition leaders spoke.

"We will try to create a majority government, but whether it will be possible... depends on the president," said government spokesman Piotr Muller.

The leaders of the three groupings intent on forming the next government - Tusk's liberal KO, the centre-right Third Way and the New Left - have all ruled out working with PiS and have urged Duda to give Tusk the job of forming a government immediately.

"Mr President, with all due respect for the institution and dignity you hold, I would like to tell you: no more scheming," New Left co-leader Wlodzimierz Czarzasty said.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Deborah Kyvrikosaios and Mike Harrison)
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled to keep the states heartbeat law in effect, meaning pregnant Georgians may not undergo an abortion procedure once a heartbeat is detectable, with narrow exceptions.

While the states highest courts own decision was narrow, with the justices sending the court case back to a lower court, politicians on both sides of the aisle, and both sides of the abortion debate, weighed in on what comes next.

Reactions ranged from in Georgia to across the country, and even from the White House.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris released a joint statement in the role of their 2024 campaign positions, Biden for President, seeking the nomination for the Democratic Partys candidate.

Todays decision in Georgia is a direct result of Donald Trump, Brian Kemp , and MAGA Republicans attacks on a womans fundamental freedom to make her own health care decisions. As MAGA Republicans running for president champion a national abortion ban, the stakes couldnt be higher: This election could determine whether every woman in America faces the same terrifying reality Georgians will now face.

TRENDING STORIES:

The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group, a national nonprofit organization and supporters of Georgias heartbeat abortion ban, praised the decision.

Todays Georgia Supreme Court decision ensures that tens of thousands of children with beating hearts will continue to be protected from brutal abortions. It is the latest vindication of the will of Georgians, who have compassion for both babies and mothers, along with lawmakers like Governor Kemp and many others who heard them and acted, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a news release, calling the decision a major victory for life.

Georgias Republican House Speaker Jon Burns reiterated his support for the legislation, called the Living Infants and Fairness Equality Act, or LIFE Act.

Georgia defends the sanctity of life and todays ruling upholds our commitment to this noble goal. I appreciate all those who supported the LIFE Act and continue to support families in our great state, Burns said in a statement.

Likewise, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr told Channel 2s Richard Elliot We are pleased with the courts decision and will continue to defend the constitutionality of Georgias LIFE Act.

On the other side of the political aisle in Georgia, U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, the chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, said the ruling is a direct result of Brian Kemp and Georgia Republicans unrelenting assault on Georgians reproductive freedom.

At every turn, despite knowing his draconian abortion ban is extreme, dangerous, and out of touch, Kemp and his Republican allies have fought tooth and nail to enact it anyway. Kemps abortion ban may stand for now, but Georgia Democrats are not resting in the fight to protect abortion access. Come 2024, well fight to keep anti-abortion extremists out of both the White House and the statehouse and work to codify protections for reproductive freedom into federal law. Todays ruling is a blow to Georgians and to reproductive freedom, but the fight continues.

Sen. Jon Ossoff also reacted to the ban being upheld, pending further litigation, saying it was one of the most extreme abortion bans in the nation and that it stripped women of their autonomy in the most personal health decisions.

More than half of Georgia counties have no OB/GYN, and we have one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the country, Ossoff said in a statement. Georgias extreme abortion ban risks worsening our states womens health crisis.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Most Americans support sending additional military aid to Israel and Ukraine, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll finds, but a divide is deepening between those who see U.S. global leadership as crucial and those who want to pull back from the world to focus on problems at home instead.

The survey found double-digit support for aid to Israel in its battle against the terrorist group Hamas, 58%-35%, and majority support for sending more aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia, 51%-43%.

Additional military aid to Taiwan, which faces a continuing threat from China, was backed by a smaller margin, 43%-39%.

The poll of 1,000 registered voters, taken Oct. 17-20 by landline and cell phone, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

On the broader question of the U.S. role in the world, however, there was an almost even split: 46% embrace a major leadership role for the United States in world events while 47% said the country should refocus on challenges within its own borders.

A picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke rising behind destroyed buildings in the norther-western part of the Palestinian enclave during an Israeli bombing on Oct. 21, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas.

A generation gap and a partisan divide

The debate over the part the United States should play around the world dates to the nation's founding, with support for isolationism ebbing and flowing through its history. At this moment of conflict in the Mideast, Europe and Asia, the divide has become a defining generational and partisan issue.

Supporters of President Joe Biden by double digits back a robust global role (65%-28%) and supporters of Donald Trump by double digits back the contrary view (36%-56%). Voters 50 and older endorse U.S. leadership by double digits, while those under 35 overwhelmingly reject the idea, 54%-38%.

"Why are we sending money to foreign countries?" demanded Dustin Gibbons, 34, a home-warranty manager from Queen Creek, Arizona and a Republican who was among those surveyed. He was interviewed afterwards while he was driving. "I'm sitting at a streetlight here, (and) in the next five minutes...I guarantee there's going to be two homeless veterans that are sitting there, people I might have served with. You know, we can't even get our own stuff straight."

But Justin Henry, 41, of Tampa, a professor of religious studies at the University of South Florida and a Democrat, warned against what he called a "trend toward isolationism" under Trump and in the GOP.

"Right now, there's a wing of Republicans in the House who really want to radically withdraw the U.S. role in the world," he said. "But the last 75 years of life in the world has been improved by the United States being kind of a beacon for democracy and liberalism abroad. So I think we need to continue to uphold that role because the other rising powers in the world, India and China, disregard its democratic and liberal values."

The case for more military aid

That's the case the president made in a rare Oval Office address last week, calling the United States the essential global leader in perilous times.

On Israel, support for additional military aid is bipartisan, although Republicans are somewhat more supportive than Democrats, 65% compared with 56%.

The differences are more striking by age, with voters under 35 dividing almost evenly, with 49% supporting more aid to Israel and 45% opposing it. Among those 50 and older, nearly two-thirds support the aid.

On Ukraine, Democrats overwhelmingly support sending more aid, 77%-19%, while Republicans oppose it, 60%-34%. That makes the prospects problematic for convincing the Republican-controlled House to approve more aid to Kiev.

That's one reason the White House has proposed a $100 billion package that includes both $14 billion in aid to Israel and $61 billion in aid to Ukraine, as well as $11 billion for border security.

"I think we've given Ukraine enough," said Desiree Whitney, 64, an independent voter from Boerne, Texas, who voted for Trump in 2020. She supported sending help to Kiev at the start of the war but has been alarmed by reports of corruption there.

But Tanya Richie, 64, a retired cosmetology teacher and a Democrat from Lincoln, Illinois, says standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin helps protect the United States, too.

"If it wins over there, he's just going to keep going and these idiots that don't realize that need to wake up," she said. "It's the same thing with Hamas and Israel, because they're backed by Iran. If these people don't realize what's happening, they will come for us next."

Take your pick: What's the biggest threat to U.S. interests?

Overall, Americans rank China's expanding power as the biggest threat to U.S. interests, chosen by 30%. Close behind is illegal immigration along the southern border, cited by 27%. An expanding war between Israel and Hamas is at 18%; an expanding war between Ukraine and Russia at 13%.

But Democrats put the threat from China first and the border last. Republicans rank the border first and Ukraine last.

Those perceptions may help explain differences in support for military aid.

Those surveyed expressed more trust in Trump than Biden to handle foreign policy, 49% to 43%. Nine of 10 Republicans trusted Trump; nine of 10 Democrats trusted Biden, and independents divided 51%-37% in Trump's favor.

We agree on this: It's a dangerous world

A third of those surveyed, 32%, said the world faces bigger problems than usual, and another third, 35%, said the world was in the most troubled state of their lifetime.

Just one in four said today's challenges are nothing new.

"In the '60s, we had Vietnam; we had Middle Est wars and we've had the Cold War and pointing nuclear weapons at each other," said Tarek Ellaicy, 35, a Republican from Dunlap, Illinois. "I remember (when) we were a kid, we were doing the nuclear drills in school, so it's always been a mess."

"It is more dangerous today," said George Ramge, 72, a residential and commercial building contractor from San Diego, California, who frequently travels overseas and sees threats rising. "Right now, we have all our enemies coming after us and doing what they want to do, which is anything. And the price we're paying right now is  look at (the) disruption in the foreign policy, the economy, our gas and oil and stuff. It's a complete disaster."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Poll: Support for Israel and Ukraine but a split on U.S. role in world
FILE - Pope Francis during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, on Oct. 18, 2023. The pope on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop whose diocese has been rocked for weeks by reports of a gay orgy involving a male prostitute in a priests apartment. The Vatican didnt give a reason for why Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak was resigning as head of the diocese of Sosnowiec, in southwestern Poland. At 59, he is several years shy of the normal retirement age of 75. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ROME (AP)  The pope on Tuesday accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop whose diocese has been rocked by reports of a sex party involving a male prostitute in a priests apartment, as well as previous violent incidents involving his clergy.

The Vatican didnt give a reason for why Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak was resigning as head of the diocese of Sosnowiec, in southwestern Poland. At 59, he is several years shy of the normal retirement age of 75.

But his diocese has been in the spotlight again after one of his priests was placed under criminal investigation for an Aug. 30-31 incident at his apartment in Dabrowa Gornicza that allegedly involved a male prostitute.

Polish media reported that one of the participants of a sex party at the home collapsed after overdosing on erectile dysfunction pills. The reports said the priest allegedly tried to initially bar paramedics from entering the apartment.

Waldemar ubniewski, spokesman for the District Prosecutors Office in Sosnowiec, said the investigation focused on a failure to provide assistance to a person in a situation that poses an immediate threat of loss of life or serious damage to health.

The scandal has gotten substantial attention in Poland, with the event widely described as a gay orgy, further harming the image of the church in the once-staunchly Roman Catholic homeland of St. John Paul II. For several years now, Polish society has been undergoing a fast process of secularization, with many people rejecting the church and some even taking steps to leave it formally.

It wasn't the first incident involving clergy in the diocese to make headlines, suggesting that the sex scandal was the final straw for the Vatican. Pope Francis moved with unusual speed to remove Kaszak after the bishop said he offered to resign Sept. 29.

In 2010, the then-acting rector of the Sosnowiec seminary allegedly got into a scuffle at a gay club, but was allowed to remain in his job for over a year even after the case was publicized by Polish media. The Holy See finally intervened and dissolved the seminary altogether, according to the PAP news agency.

In March 2023, the corpse of a 26-year-old deacon was found with injuries suggesting homicide. Local prosecutors said he had been killed by a 40-year-old priest who then committed suicide. Prosecutors said the two had been in a conflictual relationship for some time and that the priest had sent the deacon threatening messages, PAP reported.

In a statement Tuesday, Kaszak said he had asked the pope to let him resign in a letter Sept. 29. He thanked the priests and nuns of his diocese and asked "everyone to forgive my human limitations.

Kaszak was appointed bishop in 2009 by then-Pope Benedict XVI, after having served briefly as the No. 2 in the Vaticans family office.

The diocese, which identified the priest involved in the incident as Fr. Tomasz Z., has largely corroborated the media reports, saying an outside investigative commission concluded he committed a very serious violation of moral norms, as well as of his obligations as a priest. It cited an incident at the priest's apartment involving him and at least two other lay people.

Kaszak dismissed the priest from all functions on Sept. 21 and initiated an in-house canonical trial, the outcome of which could result in defrocking, or laicization, according to a statement on the diocesan website.

The priest has not been charged by Polish prosecutors. Polish media quoted a statement he issued soon after the scandal erupted, denying he had prevented paramedics from accessing his apartment and questioning the definition of orgy.

I perceive this as an obvious attack on the church, including the clergy and the faithful, in order to humiliate its position, tasks and mission, the priest was quoted in a statement he emailed to the Gazeta Wyborcza daily.

Polish tabloid Fakt published what it said was the audio recording of the call one of the participants made to police. In it, the person said he had been kicked out of the apartment and begged for paramedics to come, weeping at one point and saying his friend was foaming at the mouth after having ingested drugs. The Associated Press couldn't immediately verify the authenticity of the recording.

The Polish Catholic Church has been rocked for several years by allegations of sexual abuse of minors involving the clergy, scandals that have led to the forced resignations of several bishops and tarnished the churchs reputation.

The Vatican embassy in Poland said a temporary administrator, Archbishop Adrian Galbas of Katowice, would run the diocese of Sosnowiec until a new bishop is named.



Gera contributed from Warsaw.
A U.S. Postal Service employee abandoned his mail route and trashed more than 200 pieces of mail he was meant to deliver in West Virginia, federal prosecutors said.

While working as a postal carrier, the man tossed mail belonging to Putnam County residents in a dumpster behind a Speedway gas station in Winfield on March 27 and April 1, according to his plea agreement.

On both occasions, he threw out the parcels because he was running late for a personal matter, prosecutors said. His personal matter wasnt specified.

The 34-year-old, of St. Albans, appeared in court on Oct. 23 and pleaded guilty to desertion of mail, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of West Virginia announced in a news release that day.

McClatchy News contacted a federal public defender representing the man for comment and didnt receive an immediate response.

As part of his plea agreement, he admitted that rather than finishing his route, he drove to the same Speedway gas station in March and April and discarded mail in the dumpster to make sure he arrived at his personal obligation on-time, the court filing shows.

Now the man is facing up to one year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine, according to officials.

His sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 29, the release said.

St. Albans is about 10 miles northwest of Charleston, West Virginia.

Tipster lies about witnessing mail carrier robbery to put his enemy in prison, feds say

Postal worker stole $1.7 million from checks in mail, then tried to flee US, feds say

Postal carrier stole hundreds of checks from her mail route in Illinois, feds say
Prague hosted the Crimean Platform's second parliamentary summit on Oct. 24, with the participation of delegations from dozens of countries and the Ukrainian Parliament's chairman, Ruslan Stefanchuk.

In their joint statement, the participants of the summit condemned Moscow's attempts at annexing Ukraine's territory and the human rights and humanitarian law violations committed against the Ukrainian people.

In particular, the parliamentarians denounced the "political persecution in the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula that has been ongoing since 2014 and that targets mostly Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars."

They also declared commitment to supporting Ukraine's efforts at restoring its sovereignty over the occupied peninsula, its EU aspirations, and President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-part peace formula.

"All participants reaffirmed the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine! All condemned Russia's illegal aggression! And all declared their continued support for Ukraine!" Stefanchuk wrote on social media.

"I thank every speaker, every country for their comprehensive assistance to Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian people," he added.

Marketa Pekarova, the speaker of the Czech Parliament's lower house, said that the summit sent a clear message to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that the participating countries will continue backing Ukraine until the complete liberation of its territories.

"There is no doubt that Crimea is Ukraine. Crimea is Ukrainian, and we want to achieve its liberation, as well as the liberation of other parts of Ukraine where the fight is ongoing," Pekarova said, according to the Czech Press Agency.

Zelensky, who joined the event via videoconference, said that the parliamentary summit "makes our Crimea Platform exceptionally strong by adding the energy of the democratic world."

"We are moving towards achieving our goal more actively than ever, for nearly a decade of Russian hybrid and then full-scale aggression," the president said.

"It is in the Black Sea region, specifically in the situation surrounding Crimea, where the effectiveness of our tactics is working best," he noted, adding that achieving full fire control over Crimea is "just a matter of time."

Ukrainian forces have struck significant blows to the Russian military and navy operating in occupied Crimea and the Black Sea in recent months. A Ukrainian missile attack hit the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol on Sept. 22, killing dozens of Russian officers.

The Crimean Platform, established in 2021, is aimed at consolidating international efforts for the liberation of Russian-occupied Crimea and at raising awareness of human rights violations committed by Moscow on the peninsula.

While the Czech Press Agency reported that around 40 countries participated in the Prague summit, Ukrainian officials said that up to 70 parliamentary delegations arrived in Czechia's capital.

The Crimean Platform's first parliamentary summit was held in October 2022 in Zagreb, Croatia, bringing together delegations from over 50 countries.

Read also: Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Donald Trump can't seem to decide whether he wants to execute drug dealers or free them from prison. The former president's debate with himself reflects a broader clash between Republicans who think harsher criminal penalties are always better and Republicans who understand that justice requires proportionality.

Trump has long admired brutal drug warriors like Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines. Consistent with that affinity, he has repeatedly floated the idea of imposing the death penalty on drug traffickers.

Trump returned to that theme in November 2022, when he officially launched his 2024 presidential campaign. "We're going to be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught selling drugs, to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts," he said.

Trump reiterated that position during a June 2023 interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier , saying, "That's the only way you're going to stop it." But as Baier pointed out, a policy of executing "everyone who sells drugs" is inconsistent with Trump's record as president, which included sentencing reforms and acts of clemency aimed at reducing drug penalties that Trump described as "very unfair."

Defending that record, Trump cited the commutation he granted to Alice Johnson, a first-time, nonviolent drug offender who was serving a life sentence for participating in a Memphis-based cocaine trafficking operation. "But she'd be killed under your plan," Baier noted, "as a drug dealer."

That observation flummoxed Trump. "No, no, no," he said. "It would depend on the severity," he added. He also noted that the death penalty he imagines would not apply retroactively to Johnson herself and suggested that, had it been the law at the time, it would have deterred her from getting involved in drug dealing.

All of that is beside the point, of course. If a life sentence was excessively severe for Johnson, a death sentence obviously would have been inappropriate as welland not just for her specifically but for anyone guilty of similar offenses.

Trump's confusion on this point is especially striking because Johnson became a symbol of his purported opposition to unjust drug penalties: She attended his 2019 State of the Union address, appeared in a Trump campaign ad during the 2020 Super Bowl, and spoke at the Republican National Convention that summer. Trump repeatedly linked Johnson to the broader cause of sentencing reform, which he proudly championed by embracing the FIRST STEP Act.

Among other things, that 2018 law reduced several mandatory minimum sentences, authorized the resentencing of crack offenders in line with current penalties, expanded the "safety valve" that allows some drug defendants to avoid mandatory minimums, increased "good time" credit for federal prisoners, and facilitated "compassionate release" of elderly and ailing inmates. With Trump's backing, the bill attracted support from 182 Republicans in the House and 38 in the Senate.

During the 2020 presidential race, Trump used the FIRST STEP Act to attack Joe Biden from the left on criminal justice, highlighting the Democrat's long history of supporting draconian drug penalties that disproportionately hurt African Americans. Now Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump's leading rival for the Republican presidential nomination, is using the FIRST STEP Act to attack Trump as soft on crime.

DeSantis, who brags about lengthening Florida's drug sentences, condemns the FIRST STEP Act as "a jailbreak bill," saying it endangers public safety by "releasing people who have not been rehabilitated." As president, he says, he would urge Congress to repeal that "huge, huge mistake."

Trump could respond by noting that several provisions of the FIRST STEP Act are designed to promote rehabilitation. He also could cite data indicating that former prisoners who have benefited from the law have a relatively low recidivism rate.

Trump might even argue that the goal of preventing crime by keeping people locked up must be balanced against the goal of ensuring that punishment is commensurate with the offense. Instead, Trump seems determined to show, by re-upping his kill-them-all proposal, that he can be even more mindlessly punitive than DeSantis.

Not to be outdone, DeSantis has suggested that suspected drug traffickers should be summarily executed when they are caught "breaking through the border wall" between the U.S. and Mexico. "Of course you use deadly force," he said during a June campaign stop in Eagle Pass, Texas. "If you drop a couple of these cartel operatives trying to do that, you're not going to have to worry about that anymore," he explained, because they would be "stone-cold dead."

The post President Trump Freed Drug Offenders. Candidate Trump Wants To Kill Them. appeared first on Reason.com.
Mykhailo Podoliak, Advisor to the Head of the President's Office, believes that the refusal to support Ukraine will not end the war, but will only fuel conflicts around the world and will be the end of international law.

Source: Podoliak on Telegram

Quote: "Musk believes that the surrender of Ukraine to the knife of the mandatory large-scale Russian genocide will lead us to the end of the war and eternal peace.

This is a catastrophic mistake. The refusal to support Ukraine will definitely not end the war, but will inevitably lead to a sharp increase in conflicts around the world, the end of the era of international law, the collapse of the international economy and the triumph of the forces of evil.

There will be no more rules. Predictability and contractual capacity will be gone eventually. The appetites of the aggressors will grow, terrorist groups will receive more and more investments within the axis of evil.

All this will end with a great war on different continents, in which, probably, in this case, the citizens of America will have to participate.

 Any doubts become a breeding ground for the aggressors, disturbing their minds with thoughts of the weakness of the West. The echoes of these doubts we have seen in Israel."

Details: In his opinion, Musk is right, though, when he says that Russian aggression in Ukraine is universal and civilizational in its destructiveness.

Background:

Musk, speaking at an online discussion, called on the United States to find a way to peace in Ukraine and restore normal relations with Russia.

He suggested that there is no anti-Russian insurgency in the "Russian-speaking areas of Ukraine" occupied by Russia, hinting that the current lines of control could be turned into a ceasefire line or a permanent border.

According to Musk, a ceasefire is possible, because it makes no sense to force regions that "want to be part of Russia" to be part of Ukraine. He is convinced that part of the territories occupied by Russia, eastern Ukraine and Crimea, really want to be Russian.

He says he does not understand why soldiers of both countries die every day. In his opinion, Russia still will not leave these lands, and Ukraine "will not succeed" with a smaller army, so a ceasefire is the best way out for the people of Ukraine.

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A private police force has prosecuted 300 shoplifters with a 100 per cent conviction rate after police officers failed to crack down on the thefts.

The company, headed by a former Scotland Yard detective chief inspector, has expanded to cover 19 retail and business districts in central and outer London, where retailers pay for the firms detectives to patrol their area, catch shoplifters and then prosecute them.

The firm, TM Eye, guarantees that its plain clothes officers will be on the scene within minutes of a phone or app alert of theft and apprehend the shoplifter. They are prepared to use reasonable force under section three of the Criminal Law Act but will only do so if a suspect is aggressive or violent.

Ninety eight per cent of those arrested by the private detectives plead guilty because most are caught with the goods and confess to the crime at the scene, which is recorded on the officers body-worn videos. Additionally, stores provide CCTV footage as further evidence.

Our conviction rate is 100 per cent because the evidence is put together by experienced detectives and reviewed independently by very experienced solicitors, said David McKelvey, founder of TM Eye.

More importantly we are turning up to court with a full case file and experienced counsel with full knowledge of the case. We are not turning up with a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer with 80-plus cases.

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The courts treat the private prosecutions like any other by the CPS, which means that shoplifters can face up to seven years in jail for goods worth more than 200 and up to six months for those less than 200.

Retailers have turned to the firm as police cannot provide the same physical presence to tackle the epidemic of thefts. Under a new national action plan announced on Monday, officers will only attend incidents if there is violence against a store worker, a suspected thief is detained or officers are needed to secure evidence.

The important point is that we are on the scene within minutes of an offence or at the time of an offence, catching them in the act, said Mr McKelvey. That is where police need to start looking, at that old-fashioned bobby on the beat.

The problem is staring everyone in the face. Number one is that there are not the police resources to do this. There are not the police officers to deal with this particular type of situation and there are other priorities, like knife crime and murders.

On top of that, the most telling thing for me is that they have not increased the cell space. If they are going to arrest shoplifters, they havent got the cell space. They would have to increase it 10 times to be able to do what they say they are going to do. There is a big question over whether it is achievable.

Trespass notices

TM Eye started by investigating and prosecuting counterfeit goods rackets, then five years ago launched My Local Bobby, private police officers uniformed with magenta vests and caps to provide a beat cover 24/7 for householders and businesses.

The private beat bobbies play a preventative role by providing visible policing while the plainclothes detectives target catching shoplifters, 80 per cent of whom are prolific and often known to the retailers.

The detectives have a dedicated iPhone number and WhatsApp for retailers which means any known shoplifter can be tracked from the point they arrive to the point they leave a retail park as each store passes on intelligence. On one of the newer beats in Romford, east London, they have been catching 20 shoplifters a week.

The detectives will also serve prolific shoplifters with a trespass notice which means that, if they return, they will face a burglary charge for illegally entering premises. Burglary carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, double that for shoplifting. Thats a big deterrent, said Mr McKelvey.

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Fire in the house of Anatoliy Shariy

Unidentified persons threw Molotov cocktails at the house of Ukrainian pro-Kremlin propagandist Anatoly Shariy in the Spanish city of Tarragona, online newspaper elDiario reported on Oct. 24.

As seen in the published video, several incendiary mixtures were used in the attack, which led to a serious fire in the building.

The Spanish outlet reported that Shariy had recently begun receiving new threats online and over the phone, including one that threatened to throw Molotov cocktails at his house.

Shariy reacted to the incident and said that the Spanish police allegedly linked the attack to a "cartel investigation."

"They already know who did it, I can't say more; there is no politics in the case," he added.

This refers to one of Shariy's latest videos, in which he accuses Ukrainian politicians of drug trafficking.

Shariy is wanted in Ukraine on treason charges. As reported by Ukraines SBU security service, after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Shariy personally helped the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to make and distribute staged videos of Russians interrogating Ukrainian prisoners.

Read also: SBU adds high treason charge against pro-Russian blogger Anatoliy Shariy

Anatoliy Shariy left Ukraine in 2012 and has since lived in various EU countries, most recently in Spain. On May 4, 2022, he was detained by Spanish law enforcement. According to Spanish media, the blogger was detained in the city of Tarragona (Catalonia) because of an international arrest warrant.

He was later released, and Spain refused to extradite him to Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Minutes before a man choked Jason McKinnon until he was unconscious, McKinnon could be heard telling a woman driving an SUV that she was about to turn the wrong way from a parking lot.

I think it might be a one-way, McKinnon said as he walked on East 14th Street near Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine. McKinnon and his wife, who was walking in front of him, had just attended an Oct. 4 FC Cincinnati match.

Soon after, McKinnon and the SUVs driver began shouting at each other. The driver, an unnamed woman, apparently took offense with McKinnons statement.

Eventually, 24-year-old Lavontez Davis, who prosecutors say was with the woman, walked up to McKinnon, punched him in the face, and body-slammed him to the sidewalk.

Lavontez Davis, 24, is charged with murder in the death of Jason McKinnon.

The confrontation escalated, and Davis placed McKinnon in a chokehold, prosecutors said, holding McKinnon until he lost consciousness.

One man can be heard saying, apparently to Davis, Stop, stop, stop, stop. Several other people also approached and pleaded with Davis to release McKinnon.

Mckinnon, 48, died four days later. The Hamilton County Coroners Office said he died by means of neck compression.

On Tuesday, a Hamilton County grand jury indicted Davis on charges including murder and strangulation. He faces 15 years to life in prison.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers on Tuesday announced the indictment of Lavontez Davis on charges including murder in the choking death of Jason McKinnon. The incident that led to McKinnon's death happened Oct. 4 in Over-the-Rhine after an FC Cincinnati match.

Prosecutor Melissa Powers, at a news conference, said the incident began with a stupid argument between two people, and someone lost their life over it.

Just senseless and tragic, Powers said.

At attorney for Davis previously said that Davis denies any wrongdoing and believes he was defending himself and his pregnant girlfriend.

Previous assault, robbery charges

Davis has faced serious charges three times in recent years only to see the charges dropped.

In January, he was charged with aggravated robbery, but a grand jury didnt indict him. The same month, he was charged with misdemeanor assault, but those charges also were dismissed.

In 2021, Davis was charged with felonious assault after being accused of beating a man with a handgun, but a grand jury declined to indict him.

Powers did not provide details Tuesday about why the previous cases against Davis were dropped but said its often because witnesses dont show up.

Davis is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $1 million bond.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Indictment handed down for man accused of killing Jason McKinnon
Branch County Prosecutor Zack Stempien is appealing the parole board's decision to release a 37-year-old man who pleaded no contest to second-degree criminal sexual assault.

The board's Oct. 2 decision would release Adan Rodriguez Nov. 30. He was sentenced to two to 15 years in prison last October.

Stempien's emergency request cites abuse of discretion by the board in a 29-page brief with the Branch County Circuit Court.

Prosecutor Zack Stempien does not want Adan Rodriguez paroled next month.

Until this summer, Rodriguez continued denying any assaults as he sat in jail for over a year before his no-contest plea. He received credit for 377 days in jail when he was sentenced.

On June 14, the Parole Board had denied Rodriguez parole. The Parole Board lacks reasonable assurance that the prisoner will not become a menace to society or to the public safety and denial of parole is warranted with no reconsideration until Oct. 31, 2024, the members ruled.

Rodriguez refused a Sex Offender Risk Assessment in February. He agreed to take the assessment on July 28.

Rodriguez admitted he molested the victim a couple of times while drunk. The assessment labeled Rodriguez a moderate risk for re-offending.

The parole board two months later agreed to the parole, citing Rodriguezs now accepts responsibility and his lack of prior felony charges.

Stempien pointed out that Department of Corrections records showed Rodriguez did not complete any sex offender treatment or the Michigan Sex Abuse Prevention Program.

The prosecutor wrote the parole board whimsically changing its position on Rodriguez as a menace to society to a position of finding reasonable assurance that (Rodriguez) will not become a menace to society or to the public is an abuse of discretion.

Public defender John Vincent confers with Adan Rodriguez at sentencing in November 2022.

In November 2021, a friend of the 11-year-old victim told her mother about the repeated rape of her friend, police reports stated.

The mother called a school counselor and Coldwater Police investigated.

The pre-teen gave details of three years of sexual assaults by Rodriguez during interviews.

An examination by sexual assault nurse examiners at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital found an indication of assaults, police reports stated.

Prior story Coldwater man to serve 2 years prison for assaulting child

Stempien prepared the first-degree CSC life felony case for trial.

When DNA evidence tested by the state lab proved too small for testing or inconclusive, Stempien agreed to reduce charges to a 15-year felony with a minimum of two years in prison.

With no DNA and little other evidence to support the girls testimony, Stempien offered the plea bargain because there is not enough for us to have a solid foolproof case.

The detailed brief cites findings of the Sex Offender Risk Assessment, which Stempien said clearly shows the dangers of releasing Rodriguez without treatment

Subscribe Follow this appeal.Subscribe to the Daily Reporter.

Stempien stated in the appeal, This is vital as the Board is REQUIRED to have reasonable assurances that Appellee will not be a menace to society BEFORE he is paroled, which clearly is lacking.

If the request for an appeal is granted, the parole board will respond before Circuit Judge Bill OGrady makes a decision.

Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Prosecutor fighting parole of man convicted of second-degree criminal sexual assault
Shaun M. Cunningham speaks to the family and friends of Travis L. Charles. Cunningham was convicted last week of murdering Charles in 2022 during a family dispute.

CANTON  When Shaun M. Cunningham shot Travis L. Charles, he didn't just kill a boxer, a brother, a son, an uncle and a boyfriend.

He killed a father to five children, including some who had not formed memories of him before he died from a single gunshot wound to the back of his head on Oct. 25, 2022.

Charles' sister Latisha Jackson described that loss in a letter read Tuesday in Stark County Common Pleas Court where Judge Chryssa Hartnett sentenced Cunningham to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years.

"Some of Travis' children will never know who Travis was," Jackson wrote in the letter read aloud by Assistant Stark County Prosecutor Megan Starrett. "They all will not have Travis for birthdays, holidays and father walks to school, school dances, graduations or weddings. You have taken someone very special for each of us."

Jackson wrote that on July 27, 2019, Charles told her that he felt he would never be good enough for Cunningham, grandfather to four of his children.

"Sis, I'm going to die by that man, she wrote of his remarks at the time.

Remembering Travis Charles of Canton

Ashley Charles, another sister to the deceased, said she had seen the hurt in the eyes of his son Khaine on Father's Day weekend, and could not begin to feel the pain felt by a child whose father was murdered.

Ashley Charles, sister of Travis L. Charles, speaks at Tuesday's sentencing hearing for his killer, Shaun M. Cunningham of Canton.

The boy learned to box like his father, who was nicknamed the Canton City Cobra.

"You took my brother, my baby brother, Ashley Charles said while sobbing. I dont hate you, but Im very, very disappointed. I just pray that one day you ask God to forgive you and He forgives you.

Tashea Brown, Travis Charles' older sister, told Cunningham he would probably die in prison.

Tashea Brown, sister of Travis L. Charles, reads a prepared statement during the sentencing of his killer Shaun M. Cunningham.

"The night you shot my brother was purely unnecessary," she said. "The night you pulled the trigger, you ended more than just my brother's life. You ended the lives of everyone around you. For that, I feel you must pay."

She referred to the fatal shooting that occurred at Cunningham's house in the 1200 block of 16th Street NW in Canton. Charles, 31, went there in an unsuccessful attempt to pick up his child. He was shot when he was leaving the home, according to testimony.

"You turned a disagreement into murder for no reason other than your own anger," Brown said. "There were so many other things you could have done, Shaun, but you chose to shoot."

Shaun M. Cunningham during sentencing for murder conviction

Given the chance to speak on his own behalf before sentencing, Cunningham said that a part of him died on the night of the shooting.

I assure you, no matter what you want to think, no matter how they want to say it, no matter how they want to twist it, no matter how they want to portray it, I was protecting my family, he said. The person that I love wasnt who was at my house that night."

Shaun M. Cunningham, seated next to his attorney Rick Pitinii, listens to a sister talk about her late brother Travis L. Charles. Cunningham was convicted of murder for their fatal confrontation in 2022.

He said Travis Charles was angry "and came at me like I was a stranger.

The last thing I wanted to do was kill Trav," Cunningham said. "But I did want to stop him coming for me to get to my wife because they were arguing and fighting all day.

The judge said state law dictated the sentence she gave to Cunningham, 49, for murder, felonious assault and using a gun in the crimes.

"Mr. Cunningham, I am baffled that you would continue to malign the character of the man you shot and killed when you were about to be sentenced by the court," Hartnett said. "I suppose you perhaps feel that it doesn't matter because there's only one sentence that I can give. But I can assure you that it makes my job a whole lot easier to be able to pass this sentence when not once have I heard you say, 'I was wrong. I shouldn't have shot.'"

Murder: Canton man expected to get 18 years to life for killing boxer in 2022

A son remembers: 'I know he's telling me to do my best.' 9-year-old Canton boxer fights for slain father

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com.

On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Shaun M. Cunningham gets life sentence for killing Travis L. Charles
[Source]

The self-proclaimed Queen of Canada is back in the headlines after her group allegedly threatened a remote village with public executions for treason and crimes against humanity.

Catch up: The group, which calls itself the Kingdom of Canada, is headed by Romana Didulo , a Filipino immigrant who gained notoriety as a QAnon figure. After being forced out of the town of Kamsack, the group made its way into the village of Richmound in the same province of Saskatchewan on Sept. 15.

Didulo and her followers have since stayed at the former Richmound School after being invited by its property owner. A playground close to the school has been shut down to prevent encounters between the group and children.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Australian influencer mistaken for Ryan Reynolds swarmed by fans in Taiwan

What they allegedly said: After residents staged a protest in late September, the group on Oct. 2 sent at least four cease and desist emails to Richmound leaders, Mayor Brad Miller told CBC News. They reportedly accused him, village councilors, fire department members, Canadian police members, a local journalist and a schoolteacher of bullying, stalking and corruption.

The group allegedly coerced the village to obey the decrees of the queen. Anyone found guilty of treason and crimes against humanity would face publicly broadcast execution upon yourselves, and undeserved devastation upon your children, grandchildren and families, the notice allegedly said.

How authorities are responding: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have set up a mobile detachment in Richmound and began an investigation on the alleged threats, according to CTV News. Ricky Manz, the schools property owner, was arrested on Oct. 11 and charged with assault after an altercation.

Didulo, for her part, has reportedly refused to go outside of the school and communicate with Miller. The village is now focused on driving the group out legally.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: Carefree Asian dad sleeping on plane floor wins praise on TikTok

We just want her out," the mayor told Vice News. "We want our health and safety back. We want the love of our community back to where it was."

Trending on NextShark: Iconic Little Tokyo mainstay, the US' 1st shabu-shabu restaurant, closes after 32 years
DOHA (Reuters) - Qatar's ruling emir on Tuesday urged the international community not to grant Israel "unrestricted authorisation to kill" Palestinians in its fight against Hamas, in what he called a dangerous escalation that threatens global security.

"We say enough. Israel shouldn't be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorisation to kill," Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in an annual speech to open the Gulf Arab state's advisory Shura council, his first public comments since Qatar began its most recent efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas.

The Palestinian health ministry said the Gaza death toll had topped 5,000 in two weeks of Israeli air strikes in response to Hamas' surprise Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, in which the Islamist militant group killed more than 1,400 people and captured more than 200 hostages.

Since then, wealthy gas-producer Qatar has had an open dialogue with both Israel and Hamas which has brought about the release of four hostages held by Hamas, including two Israeli women on Monday.

"We call for a serious regional and international stance against this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, which threatens the security of the region and the world, Sheikh Tamim said.

"We do not accept double standards and acting like the lives of Palestinian children aren't accounted for, as if they don't have faces or names."

(Reporting by Andrew Mills, Nayera Abdallah and Tala Ramadan; Writing by Andrew Mills, editing by Ed Osmond and Bernadette Baum)
In a fiery interview that aired Tuesday, Queen Rania of Jordan sat down with veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour and lambasted what she described as the glaring double standard in Western mainstream media coverage of the Israel-Gaza war.

It has been very disappointing to see the double standards in the world today, to see the strong condemnation of what happened on Oct. 7, but very little condemnation of what is happening today, the Jordanian royal said on Amanpour & Co, in a video interview from the capital city of Amman, Jordan.

Why isn't there a call for an immediate ceasefire? We are seeing staggering human suffering happening today, so why is the narrative always skewed towards the Israeli side? The Western media and policymakers are quick to adopt the Israeli narratives. When Israel attacks, Palestinians die, but when Israelis die, they are killed, murdered in cold blood.

Although the 53-year-old queen has long advocated for the rights of the Palestinian people, her interview with Amanpour struck a particularly searing tone not often seen among royals. She called Israels bombardment of Gaza butchery at a mass scale, and went so far as to criticize U.S. President Joe Bidens public statements about the Oct. 7 attacks on Israeleven taking aim directly at CNN.

When the President of the United States is told that he has evidence he has seen evidence of children beheaded, only to retract it because the IDF said that there's no proof of that. That is confirmation bias. Even at your network Christiane, the CNN website, at the beginning of the conflict reported a headline about Israeli children found butchered in an Israeli kibbutz. And when you read through the story, thats not hasnt been independently verified. Now, my question to you is would you publish such a damning yet unverified claim made by a Palestinia

Bidens Big Middle East Summit Nixed After Hospital Massacre

Amanpour then interjected, Queen Rania, I just need to stop you right there because there have been pictures shown by the Israelis and our journalists have been down there. Im not talking about beheadings, Im talking about babies bodies riddled with bullets, before changing the subject.

Speaking about the Arab worlds reactions to the airstrikes that have been pummeling Gaza in recent weekskilling some 5,000 Palestinians, according to the enclaves health ministerthe queen said there was a feeling among many that the Western world is complicit in the mass death of civilians.

We are being told that it is wrong to kill a family, an entire family at gunpoint, but its okay to shell them to death . And it is just shocking to the Arab world, she said, later adding: This is the first time in modern history that there is such human suffering, and the world is not even calling for a ceasefire. So the silence is deafening.

During the interview, Amanpour warned the queen that she will come under a lot of criticism from Israel and its supporters for calling Israel an apartheid state. The royal responded: Let me just emphasize that, that apartheid is a designation that was given not by Arabs, but by Israeli and international human rights organizations.

This is a 75-year-old story, a story of overwhelming death and displacement to the Palestinian people, the queen said, referring to the Israeli occupation and the dehumanization of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza through daily indignities and human rights violations.

There is a hyper fixation on Hamas now, because of what happened the last couple of weeks. But this is a problem that far precedes Hamas, and will continue after Hamas. This is a fight for freedom and for justice.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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PROVIDENCE  In a unanimous vote last month, state utilities regulators approved a proposal to replace electric meters in Rhode Island with smart meters that supporters say will put the state on track to modernize the power grid and help meet climate goals.

The 500,000 advanced meters that Rhode Island Energy, the state's main energy utility, plans to install will use a radio signal to send usage data in near-real time to the company, enabling it to better manage how electricity is delivered to its customers and help integrate new supplies from renewable generators.

The project represents a big step forward for the utility and it could also lead to changes in how Rhode Islanders use electricity.

Here are answers to some important questions about whats in store for the state.

Rhode Island Energy is set to replace existing electric meters with smart meters made by Swiss company Landis+Gyr.

When will smart electric meters be installed in Rhode Island? Can you opt out?

Rhode Island Energy has already started working on the computer systems that will process and store data from the new meters. Once those systems are in place sometime late next year, the company will roll out the new meters, starting in the Westerly area and moving north. The installation process is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

The company says it will send out more details to customers before the replacement program starts up. Rhode Island customers will also have the option to opt out of the program and keep their current meter. But anyone who does so will be charged a fee, because Rhode Island Energy technicians will have to read their meter manually.

The upgrade is being done now because 60% of the meters currently in use, a mixture of electromechanical meters and solid-state meters, are reaching the end of their 20-year design life and will need to be replaced starting in 2024. Replacing them with a single technology will allow for more uniform collection of data, according to Rhode Island Energy.

Why are the new smart meters considered necessary?

Information from the current meters is collected only once a month, meaning Rhode Island Energy must rely on past information, future projections and models to manage the grid. The new meters will transmit data every 15 minutes, meaning the company will be able to understand in near-real time where electricity is coming from and where its needed.

If it can more efficiently manage electric supplies, then Rhode Island Energy may be able to put off infrastructure projects, such as substation upgrades or new power lines, the costs of which are passed on to ratepayers.

The new meters will also have the capability to send out last-gasp alerts when the power is cut off, so the company wont have to rely on customers calling in to report outages. In Pennsylvania, where PPL, Rhode Island Energy's parent company, has had smart meters in use for several years, the company says its now being alerted to outages 22 minutes sooner on average.

Rhode Island Energy plans to install new smart meters, a process that is expected to last into 2026.

What do smart meters have to do with reducing climate emissions?

Meeting the mandates set out by the Act on Climate, the 2021 state law that requires the state to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, means electrifying as much of the economy as possible. Electric load in Rhode Island is expected to nearly double in that time as more people switch to electric cars and electric heating systems.

Its not just that the electric system is set to grow in size and importance. The grid is also undergoing sweeping changes as its transformed from a system that relies on power from a limited number of large fossil fuel-burning generators to one that has many smaller, intermittent suppliers that use power from the sun and wind. Adding to the mix, more power is coming from behind-the-meter renewable systems installed by homes and businesses.

It all means that the power grid is becoming infinitely more complex than it once was. Utilities like Rhode Island Energy say they need more sophisticated technology to manage these new power sources to ensure operations continue to go smoothly.

Where do utilities regulators and other experts in the state stand on smart meters?

The three members of the state Public Utilities Commission all voted for the smart meter proposal.

Every other party that intervened in the docket also supported the adoption of smart meters, though there were differences among them on timing, costs and estimated benefits.

The parties include the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, the sister agency to the PUC which advocates for ratepayer interests in proceedings, the Office of Energy Resources and the Attorney Generals office.

Whats the rest of the country doing when it comes to smart meters?

In 2021, about 111 million smart meters had been installed in the United States, equal to 69% of all electric meters in the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That number is expected to rise to 84% by the end of 2026.

Will customers have to pay more for smart electric meters?

The Public Utilities Commission capped the cost of the program at $153 million. Rhode Island Energy plans to recover costs incrementally over time, but it has yet to make specific tariff filings with the commission.

At the beginning of the program, the estimated monthly bill impact for a typical customer that uses 500 kilowatt hours of electricity is expected to be 7 cents. As the installation process ramps up, that cost will grow, but will stay below $4 a month, according to the company.

The program is expected to have net cost benefits to the state. While Rhode Island Energy estimates the benefits to total $729 million over 20 years, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers puts the number at $266 million.

The benefits would come from savings from faster outage notifications; fewer field investigations and reduced staff levels; avoided energy costs; climate and public health benefits realized through lowered greenhouse gas emissions; and, eventually, time-variable electric rates.

Wait, what are time-variable rates?

These are rates that change based on the time of day, dipping down when usage is low, such as the early-morning hours, and edging up when demand climbs, say around dinner time when people are home from work.

Theyre considered an important tool in making customers more aware of the actual costs of power and changing their usage habits. Time-variable rates could, for example, convince someone to put their clothes dryer on late at night, which could save them money and also benefit the utility by easing pressure on the system at times when demand is higher.

Rhode Island Energy says it cant set up a time-variable rate structure while the current meters are in use because they cant collect the granular data necessary for such a proposal. Its unclear when the company will make a proposal. For now, its only saying that a filing will come after installation of the smart meters.

Why are variable rates important for electric car owners?

The switch to electric cars will put a huge strain on the power system. The state currently uses about 7,7000 gigawatt hours of electricity a year. Replacing all the cars and trucks in Rhode Island with electric models will drive up usage by another 6,000 gigawatt hours, according to state estimates.

One way of reducing that impact is by incentivizing owners to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours. Time-variable rates are considered an essential tool in making that happen.

Charging station for state vehicles in the DOT parking garage.

So what will the smart meters look like?

The plan is to use meters from Landis+Gyr, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of meters for gas and electric utilities thats been in business since 1896 and is considered a worldwide leader in the technology.

PPL installed an earlier generation of Landis+Gyr meters in Pennsylvania four years ago and a similar effort is underway for its customers in Kentucky.

In Rhode Island, the company would deploy its latest model, known as the Revelo, which would allow data to be submitted to Rhode Island Energy every 15 minutes and go from the meter to a customer portal every 30-45 minutes. Thats much quicker than in Pennsylvania, where data processing can take 4-6 hours.

Rhode Island Energy didnt go out to bid for the new meters in Rhode Island, arguing instead that it made sense to stick with Landis+Gyr, and would save ratepayers millions, because the smart meter systems it already has in place use the companys software and technology.

A link to a page on the Revelo meters can be found online at www.landisgyr.com/product/revelo-meters.

Will Rhode Island Energy have to come inside your home to install the new meter?

Only about 14% of meters in Rhode Island are located inside a building. While replacing those devices will require a technician to come inside, for all others, the work will be conducted outside. Customers will receive notice of the timing and have the opportunity to schedule the exchange.

Installing the new meter will take 15 minutes, during which power will briefly be interrupted. A video summarizing the installation process in Pennsylvania can be found at pplelectric.com/newmeters.

Will customers have access to more data once the new meters are installed?

Yes, customers will also be able to access data on their usage in close to real time. It could allow them to pinpoint activities or appliances that drive up usage and make adjustments.

The meters will also be able to be paired with mobile or computer applications to manage usage and with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Are there any negative impacts from using smart meters?

There are two major concerns in some circles when it comes to smart meters: privacy breaches and negative health effects.

On privacy, Rhode Island Energy says it has developed a plan to protect customer information. Typically, usage data transmitted by smart meters does not include personal information, such as account names or addresses. Only once its received by utilities is it paired with account information.

In regard to health impacts, some people fear that the radio waves emitted by smart meters could cause headaches and even cancer. However, the World Health Organization says theres no scientific evidence for negative health effects from the type of low-frequency signals used by smart meters. The Federal Communications Commission has come to a similar conclusion. The governments in Canada and England have also found that radio frequency exposure from smart meters is below guideline limits.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Smart electricity meters coming to Rhode Island Energy customers
Voters around the Kansas City metro will head to the polls for the Nov. 7 election.

During this off-year election, your ballot is likely to feature races for local officials such as city council members, school board members and mayors, as well as ballot questions on city and county proposals.

Here are the questions youll be voting on in a handful of local jurisdictions, and what they mean.

Kansas City ballot questions

You can find a sample ballot for the Kansas City election on the Kansas City Election Boards website. Voters within Kansas City limits in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties will weigh in on two local questions in addition to their own countys questions.

Question 1 asks whether or not the city should continue its 0.375% sales tax to fund the bus system. This tax must be renewed by voters every 10 years.

Question 2 asks whether or not the city should remove around 5.4 acres of vacant land from the citys parks system.

Jackson County ballot question

All voters in Jackson County, both within and outside of Kansas City, will vote on whether to impose a countywide use tax that will always match the countys sales tax  currently at 1.38%.

Money from the tax would be used to fund infrastructure projects, programs for those facing homelessness and repairs to county courthouses.

This use tax would be applied to purchases made in the county from vendors outside of the county. The purpose of local use taxes is to tax transactions where the local sales tax doesnt apply because the vendor is not based in that jurisdiction.

Shawnee ballot questions

Shawnee is the only city in Johnson County with ballot questions this election. Other cities will vote on local officials like mayors, city council members and school board members.

Question 1 asks voters whether or not the city should continue a 0.125% sales tax. Around half of the money from this tax funds parks and recreation, while the other half funds storm drainage improvements.

Question 2 asks voters whether or not the city should continue a 0.375% sales tax. The money from this tax funds repairs and upgrades to streets, curbs and sidewalks.

Clay County ballot question

All voters in Clay County, both within and outside of Kansas City, will weigh in on one ballot question this election.

Proposition A asks voters whether a monthly $1 fee should be charged to all cell phone plan subscribers in the county in order to fund its 911 call services. If passed, the county would remove the current 911 fee from landline phone plans.

Voting YES means cell phone users bills would rise by $1 per month, and landline phone users bills would decrease.

Voting NO would mean current phone plans wouldnt be impacted, and the countys 911 services would continue to be funded by landline phone plan fees.

Parkville ballot questions

Parkville is the only city in Platte County aside from Kansas City with ballot initiatives this election.

Proposition T proposes implementing a local use tax matching the citys sales tax (currently 2.5%) in order to collect tax on purchases made from outside Parkville, where the citys sales tax doesnt apply. The money from this tax would fund infrastructure projects including roads, sidewalks, highway repairs and recreational trails.

Proposition M asks voters whether or not Parkville should implement a 3% sales tax on marijuana.

Do you have more questions about whats on your ballot this November? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine, M.D., the first transgender executive branch official confirmed by the U.S. Senate, is warning people about misinformation, transgender medicine, and the alarming emergence of what she termed medical refugees in the United States. She recently spoke with The Advocate about what she means and the concerns she has.



Levines background as a trained pediatrician adds a crucial layer of understanding to these pressing health care topics.

The conversation came after Levine participated in a panel discussion alongside the president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, hosted by transgender writer and advocate Charlotte Clymer at PFLAGs National Convention in Arlington, Va., on Saturday.

A striking highlight of the discussion was the concept of medical refugees. Levine delved into the stark reality facing individuals who have to cross state or regional borders to access vital health care services.

[Republican legislatures] have created medical refugees who have to leave their state or even their region to get abortion services or to leave their state and region to get transgender medical services. And that really is a health equity issue because some people have the ability and the means to be able to fly to Illinois to get an abortion or to get transgender care, medical care. And many people, they cant do that. They cant get on a plane or get into a car and drive a thousand miles, Levine said.

Her words underscore a significant challenge and reflect a grim landscape of health care accessibility nationwide.

Tackling the pervasive issue of misinformation, Levine explained, Battling disinformation and misinformation is critically important for public health in general right now.

She urged people to have a reflective evaluation of the sources theyre getting their information from so that they can make their decisions.

Levine clarified common misconceptions when the conversation steered toward gender-affirming care for minors.

Theres no medical care, medical treatment for pre-pubertal children. The medical care starts right after puberty starts, she said, noting that this is the earliest age at which patients can discuss accessing puberty blockers with their physicians.

Related: Americans Dont Want Politicians Focusing on Transgender Issues, Survey Finds

Experts in pediatric gender-affirming care consistently explain that before a minor enters puberty, the treatment protocol for kids who are transgender is social support and counseling.

Once a young person reaches puberty, medical interventions can be considered after lengthy consultations with doctors, counselors, parents, and the patient.

Levine strongly criticized restrictive laws.

We do not want the state legislators and governors to get in between the relationship between a young person and their family and their medical providers, who [are] providing evidence-based care according to well-established standards, she said.

Levine also touched on the erosion of trust in experts, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She is concerned about manipulating this distrust for political gains.

I think that with the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an erosion of trusted messengers and experts, Levine said. I think that is being manipulated for political and ideological purposes.

She accentuated the collective effort needed to rebuild public trust, highlighting her outreach initiatives across various states to provide accurate medical and public health information.

She outlined her efforts, saying, Ive been to California, and Ive been to Massachusetts, and Ive been to Washington; Ive been to Texas, and I have been to Florida, and Ive been to Missouri, and Ive been to Oklahoma, and Ive been to South Dakota, and were going to Georgia and many other places to speak out and to give accurate medical information, accurate public health information.

Expressing a resilient sense of optimism, Levine lauded the inclusivity demonstrated by the Biden-Harris administration and the emerging coalitions among various civil rights groups.

I think we fight hate with love, and I think that the wheel will turn, and then we will be successful, she said.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, one of three likely 2024 White House hopefuls to join the upcoming GOP debate stage next month, reportedly said that the notion of the United States "reevaluating" its United Nations member or potentially pulling out of NATO is "reasonable."

Ramaswamy made the remarks to Politico in Iowa.

He was asked to reply to a recent Rolling Stones article claiming former President Donald Trump had been talked out of backing out of NATO during his first term and was now considering  if he gets elected again  of ensuring the United States only maintains a "standby" position in the transatlantic military alliance formed after World War II.

"Its a reasonable idea that I have considered," Ramaswamy told Politico, considering the idea but falling short of committing to doing so if elected.

HALEY AND RAMASWAMY'S WAR OF WORDS HEATS UP WITH FRESH VOLLEYS OVER ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks to guests at the third annual MMM Tailgate celebration hosted by U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) on Oct. 20, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa.

"I am also open to reevaluating U.S. involvement in the UN," he reportedly added without elaborating.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Ramaswamy has frequently butted heads with GOP presidential rival Nikki Haley, Trump's former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and more of a traditionalist on foreign policy.

NIKKI HALEY WARNS BIDEN TO 'BE SMART' FOLLOWING HAMAS' RELEASE OF 2 AMERICAN HOSTAGES; 'DON'T FALL FOR IT'

Ramaswamy greets guests at the third annual MMM Tailgate celebration hosted by U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-IA, on Oct. 20, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa.

The two, as well as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, will take to the third GOP presidential debate stage in Miami on Nov. 8. It's unlikely Trump, who skipped the first two, will participate.

Sources told Rolling Stone that, if elected, Trump does not want to fill his next administratio with "NATO lovers." The debate comes amid the Israel-Hamas war, as Ramaswamy has urged members of Congress to vote against President Biden's proposed $106 billion aid package to the Jewish state and Ukraine.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during the 2023 First in the Nation Leadership Summit on Oct. 13, 2023 in Nashua, New Hampshire.

"The U.S. should be clear with Israel that further U.S. support is contingent on Israel identifying clear objectives for success in Gaza and a coherent plan for what comes after toppling Hamas even if Israel is successful in doing so," Ramaswamy told Politico on Saturday. "As of now, these critical questions remain unanswered."





Original article source: Ramaswamy considering 'reevaluating' US United Nations membership, scaling back NATO involvement: report
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called the idea of withdrawing the United States from NATO reasonable in a brief statement Monday.

Its a reasonable idea that I have considered, Ramaswamy told Politico when asked about a Rolling Stone story earlier Monday detailing former President Trumps openness to withdrawing from the alliance.

I am also open to reevaluating U.S. involvement in the U.N., Ramaswamy added, without providing additional details on his position.

Ramaswamys campaign confirmed the reporting to The Hill on Tuesday.

Ramaswamys position on matters related to foreign policy sets him apart from many other GOP contenders looking to take Trumps place as the front-runner in the 2024 primary. Ramaswamy has been skeptical about foreign aid to Ukraine and further entanglements abroad.

On Saturday, Politico reported that Ramaswamy urged a no vote on President Bidens request to Congress for a $106 billion aid package that would help Israel and Ukraine. He also told Politico that U.S. military aid for Israel should be contingent on Israel having a plan for the steps that would follow a ground offensive in Gaza.

The rift between Ramaswamy and foreign policy hawks in the race, including former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, is reflective of the larger generational divide in the Republican Party: Ramaswamy represents younger conservatives who are more opposed to U.S. intervention in foreign affairs.

This rift was on full display during the most recent GOP presidential debates. Ramaswamy was the only candidate to raise his hand during the 2024 GOP debate in August when asked whether they would stop support for Ukraine.

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, Haley told him during the GOP debate.

Both Haley and Ramaswamy have stood out in the large pack of GOP candidates, but, so far, no candidate has made much of a dent in Trumps sizable and consistent lead among primary voters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
One of the better-polling Republican presidential candidates said on Monday that withdrawing the U.S. from NATO was a reasonable idea and that he was reevaluating whether America should remain a member of the United Nations.

POLITICO asked Vivek Ramaswamy , the entrepreneur polling fourth nationally and in Iowa, about a Rolling Stone article detailing how the GOP frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, was open to taking the U.S. out of the transatlantic military alliance. He answered by supporting the notion, but didnt commit to following through if he were elected president.

Its a reasonable idea that I have considered, he said in a brief statement.

Ramaswamy didnt detail, even after questioning, why he was amenable to a NATO withdrawal. Unsolicited, the candidate added that I am also open to reevaluating U.S. involvement in the UN without expounding further, even after more queries on the subject.



Still, the statement makes clear that Ramaswamy is mulling a radical shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that would see the United States withdraw from alliances and institutions it helped found after World War II. Ramaswamys stance means at least two of the top four Republicans vying for the nomination are skeptical that remaining in such organizations is beneficial for Americas foreign policy goals.

If the U.S. were no longer in NATO, it would lose a commitment from 30 other allies to defend it if attacked. The only time NATOs Article 5 was invoked was after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. And leaving the United Nations would mean a loss of Americas veto power on the Security Council, possibly giving China and Russia, two of the five nations with that privilege, more influence in the world body.

Ramaswamy is resistant to further entangling the U.S. abroad and has called for a weakening of Americas commitments to Ukraine and Israel, urging lawmakers to vote no on President Joe Bidens $106 billion aid package, which would boost both countries defenses. He told POLITICO on Saturday that the U.S. military aid for Israels fight against Hamas should be contingent on Israels having a detailed plan for what comes after a ground invasion of Gaza.

Ramaswamy, however, isnt looking for a complete removal of the United States from world affairs. He has promoted military strikes on Mexican drug cartels to curb the spread of fentanyl, and has warned other countries, namely China, that if they wade deeper into the Western Hemisphere, they will have hell to pay.

His comments on NATO and the United States are likely to earn him more pushback from U.S. foreign policy traditionalists in both parties. Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the U.N. and a rival for the GOP presidential nomination, has been a staunch Ramaswamy critic, calling him a foreign policy novice partly over his stances on Israel.

Ramaswamy and Haley are two of three candidates to qualify for the next GOP presidential debate in November. The other, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, will join them. Trump, who did not show up for the first debates, is unlikely to appear.
A rape victim has claimed she was quoted 7,500 for the transcript of her own trial.

The woman, called Juliana, was raped by her former partner in 2020. He drugged her and filmed the attack, threatening to send the footage to her elderly father and playing it back to her after she woke up.

Her ex was convicted by a jury after a ten-day trial and afterwards Juliana wanted to revisit what was said in court, she told the BBC.

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) guidelines state victims can apply to the judge to order a copy of their transcript, which would be billed to the taxpayer, but these requests are not always granted.

After her application for a free transcript was denied, Juliana was advised to contact Acolad, one of the outsourced companies used by the Government to supply court transcripts.

The company quoted her 7,459 for the transcription, she claimed.

I cant afford this

I just thought I cant afford this. I had to stop working. My mental health was a mess, she said. Why do I have to pay for a service with data that is pertaining to me?

The news comes as victims of violent and sexual crimes are calling for the costs of court transcripts to be cut.

The court transcription service is currently outsourced to six UK companies in a contract worth over 17 million.

An investigation by BBC Newsnight found that transcription costs at the firms ranged from 80p per 72 words to 1.71 for a 12 working-day transcription.

Acolad said its prices were based on the quantity of material needing to be transcribed and how urgently the transcript was needed, as well as other factors.

The sensitivity of the matter at hand  as in all legal and court proceedings  determines that use of AI-assisted tools is limited, and human expertise prioritised, Acolad said.

Crime victims told the BBC that absorbing what was said in court could be traumatic, meaning they might rely on a transcription.

The Government has said that families in murder cases should be entitled to a free copy of the judges sentencing remarks after a conviction.

Change to system urgently needed

Claire Waxman, the victims commissioner for London, said the current system must urgently change.

Victims must be able to access accurate and timely transcripts, at no cost to themselves, to support their understanding and recovery, which is an essential part of their justice journey, she said.

The MoJ said it was rare for a victim to request a transcript for the entire trial and more common for victims to request sentencing remarks, which typically cost around 40.

A spokesman told the BBC that the fees for transcripts cover the considerable costs of writing up an entire trial, which in some cases can last weeks.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Abdullah was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh

A rapist who was chased by his victim after he sexually assaulted her in Aberdeen has been jailed for seven years.

Mohammed Abdullah, 19, attacked the 18-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on 17 August 2021.

A jury last month heard how he seized her by her wrists and restrained her before raping her.

The judge told Abdullah he would remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Abdullah attacked the woman after she left the Prohibition bar in the city centre.

He had been waiting outside in the moments leading up to the attack and taking pictures of girls dancing in the street.

After the attack, the woman started running after him. Abdullah fled and walked along nearby streets in Aberdeen city centre.

Detectives uncovered CCTV footage from a location close to where the rape took place.

At the trial in September, jurors were played the footage and they could hear the sound of a woman screaming.

They were also shown video footage of the woman adjusting her clothing moments after the attack and then starting to chase him.

When police officers detained Abdullah they found he could not speak English and after seizing his mobile phone they found footage of young women dancing in the street outside a nightclub.

Jurors convicted Abdullah, who was described as being a prisoner of YOI Polmont in Stirling, on a single charge of rape.

Sentence was deferred for the court to obtain a report on the first offender's background and the risk he posed to the public.

On Tuesday, judge Lord Ericht told Abdullah that he took the sentencing guidelines on young people into consideration in deciding the term.

Lord Ericht said: "You have no previous convictions. The criminal justice social work report assesses you at being of a moderate risk of sexual re-offending on one assessment but a high risk of sexual reoffending on another risk assessment.

"Your victim was unknown to you. You were hanging about late at night outside a nightclub. After your victim left the nightclub you raped her in the street.

"Your sentence will be one of seven years' imprisonment."
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge has ordered rapper Blueface to pay a shuttered Las Vegas strip club more than $13 million in damages after a shooting in 2022, according to court documents.

Earlier this month, a different judge sentenced Blueface, whose real name is Johnathan Porter, to probation for the Oct. 8, 2022, shooting that left one man injured.

The victim said he was shot in the hand outside of Euphoric Gentlemens Club on Windy Road off the Las Vegas Strip, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. He reportedly recognized Porter in the venue and had spoken with him earlier in the night.

The victim said he made a joke about Porter speaking with some females in a cheap vehicle, according to the documents.

Prosecutors initially charged Porter with attempted murder. A plea deal lowered the charges to battery and discharging a firearm at or into an occupied structure.

Las Vegas woman left U2 concert to take $50K from sugar daddys hotel safe: police

Attorneys for the clubs owner filed the lawsuit on Dec. 29, 2022, records showed, saying as a direct result of [Bluefaces] negligence, willful, and/or reckless conduct, the clubs licenses were revoked on Oct. 14, 2022.

The business sued Porter, citing claims of nuisance; indemnification and contribution; and declaratory relief, documents said. In an order filed Saturday, Reynolds ordered Porter to pay lost revenue of $12.6 million, plus other damages, totaling nearly $13.1 million, documents said.

Reynolds granted the plaintiffs motion for summary judgment last week after Porter failed to file an opposition, court documents said. An attorney for Porter was not listed in the civil case.

Blueface faced at least two civil cases related to the alleged shooting. Porters attorneys had asked a judge to pause any civil cases as his criminal proceedings moved forward.

Police arrested Porter on a robbery charge as he was entering court in June. Detectives said he had stolen a fans phone at the Palms casino. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the charge after Porter was sentenced in the shooting case, records showed.

It was unclear Monday if Porter would appeal the judgment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
While studying a medieval cemetery in Sudan, experts found several Christian symbols tattooed on the foot of a 1,300-year-old body. The rare tattoo has prompted many questions.

It was quite a surprise to all of a sudden see what appeared to be a tattoo, Kari Guilbault, a bioarchaeologist, said in an Oct. 18 news release from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw.

Guilbault was studying the remains of a middle-aged man who lived in Nubia, modern-day Sudan, around 667 to 774 A.D., she told McClatchy News in an email. During this time, Christianity was widespread in Nubia.

When he died, the tattooed man was wrapped in a shroud and buried in a stone-box grave near Ghazali, a medieval monastery complex, Guilbault said. The location of his burial indicates he was likely part of the monasterys local community.

Archaeologists excavated the well-preserved ruins of Ghazali and its four surrounding cemeteries between 2012 and 2018, the release said.

They uncovered more than 2,000 burials, according to the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeologys website.

Guilbault, along with bioarchaeologist Robert Stark, was analyzing some of those remains when she noticed the tattooed foot, according to the release.

At first, I was not certain, but when the images were processed and the tattoo was clearly visible, any initial uncertainties were removed, Guilbault said.

The unique Christian tattoo found on the foot of a middle-aged man buried 1,300 years ago near Ghazali.

The tattoo has two parts: a Christogram and a pair of Greek letters, experts said in the release.

The Christogram is a religious symbol combining the Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P) to form a monogram abbreviation for the name of Christ, per the release. This design forms the center of the tattoo, photos show.

The additional Greek letters are to the left of the Christogram, photos show. Experts identified these as alpha (A) and omega, () the first and the last letter of the Greek alphabet, (which) stand for the Christian belief that god is the beginning and the end of everything.

This is only the second time researchers have found evidence of tattooing in medieval Nubia, the release said. The find prompts questions about the practice of tattooing and signs of faith in medieval Nubia.

The Ghazali monastery functioned from the seventh to 13th century, according to the centers website. It had two churches, a dining room, kitchen, oil press, mill with silos, dormitories and bathrooms. At its peak, the monastery could host about 70 monks, the center said.

Ghazali is located about 280 miles north of Khartoum.

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Herzi Halevi , Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces, said that Hamas already "regrets" starting war against Israel, and acknowledged that the ground offensive is postponed for "strategic considerations."

Source: The Times of Israel, quoting Halevi

Quote: "Israel is in the midst of a war that was launched by the Hamas terror group. It already regrets it.

Weve prepared for this. The IDF and the Southern Command have prepared quality offensive plans to achieve the goals of the war.

The IDF is ready for the [ground] manoeuvre, and we will make a decision with the political echelon regarding the shape and timing of the next stage," Halevi said.

Details: He added that there were "tactical and even strategic considerations" that delayed the ground offensive, but they allowed the IDF to carry out more significant preparations.

"We are making use of every minute to be even more prepared... Killing terrorists, destroying infrastructure, collecting more intelligence for the next stage," he added.

Background:

On 22 October, Halevi informed the IDF Command that the military would launch an operation to take out Hamas.

On 20 October, Western media reported that the US and European governments were asking Israel to postpone the start of a ground operation in the Gaza Strip and allow time for secret negotiations mediated by Qatar to free the hostages held by Hamas.

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Soaked and sandy bags after the incident, and Alex Snell and Leah Martine (SWNS)

A reality TV contestant and his girlfriend suffered a terrifying ordeal when a tourist boat capsized off a Bali beach.

Alex Snell said he and partner Leah Martine consider themselves lucky to be alive.

Mr Snell appeared on season five of Netflixs Too Hot to Handle, a reality dating show.

The pair, both 28, were travelling from Uluwatu to Canggu when their boat, operated by firm GoBoat, got into difficulty. Mr Snell, personal trainer, said he and Ms Martine were then tipped into the water, where they spent half an hour before they were rescued.

The couple's belongings were ruined and, now back in home in London, they are trying to come to terms with the ordeal.

Mr Snell said: It was terrifying. I honestly couldn't believe it was happening. I was in so much shock I could barely register what was going on. The waves were around 18 foot high. They were relentless and just kept crashing.

Ruined luggage from the capsized boat (Alex Snell/SWNS)

I tumbled around in the water. I got stuck under the boat and I couldn't breathe. I was struggling there for about 30 seconds. When I got to the surface it was another battle to keep up. I was sure someone would have not made it, we were all assuming the worst.

We were in the water half an hour  but it felt much longer.

Ms Martine, a campaign manager, said: I've never been so scared in my life  it was my worst nightmare. We honestly thought we were going to die. Waves were constantly going over our heads. It's been really hellish.

The couple boarded the boat on 29 September as part of their six-week Indonesia trip. They claim the vessel  which they believe was around 25 feet  started to rock halfway to Canggu, a popular tourist area on the south coast of Bali.

One massive swell then engulfed the boat and tipped it over, sending them and all their belongings overboard. The couple, along with the other passengers and two crew members, had to desperately keep afloat for half an hour, they said, before someone onshore spotted them in trouble and alerted two surfers who came to their rescue.

It was approaching sunset which was pretty scary. If it had gone dark it would have been even more horrendous, said Ms Martine.

I lost Alex immediately. I thought he was dead and he thought I was. If someone hadn't sent the surfers to help I really don't know what would have happened. We lost everything.

Mr Snell said it was so lucky that someone alerted the surfers, who he added were only teengers but incredible.

It was very difficult as we all had to swim and hold onto the boards which were flipping over constantly in the horrendous waves. Ultimately were just glad everything worked out in the end  and I'm very lucky I've been able to come home and talk about it.

The couple arrived back in the UK on 12 October.

GoBoat declined to comment when approached. However, the firm posted on Instagram about the incident earlier this month, which said: Recently our boat experienced an accident at Nelayan Beach with five passengers and two crew members onboard, despite impeccable weather conditions.

Thankfully, everyone is safe and all passengers were wearing life jackets. The boat sustained minor damages and is being repaired.

Were conducting a thorough investigation  and we kindly request patience and ask the community to refrain from speculation or spreading unverified information.

The company was approached for further comment but declined.
(NEXSTAR)  A run of bagged collard greens sold at Kroger grocery stores in several states are being recalled over concerns of a possible listeria contamination. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and even fatal illness in children and the elderly.

The recalled items were manufactured by Baker Farms, a Georgia-based grower, and sold at Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee, according to the companys announcement.

Sad: Sears reopened a store in California and shoppers have thoughts

The affected 16-ounce bags of Kroger Collard Greens contain:

UPC code: 11110-18171

Best-by date: 10-16-2023

Production code: 110093-387

Parts of Illinois, Indiana and Missouri should also be advised of the recall, Baker Farms said in its announcement.

If you have the recalled items you should throw it away immediately or return it to your local Kroger store for a full refund.

How safe and secure are cockpits?

Literia infections, known as listeriosis, can cause symptoms like high fever, diarrhea, headache and abdominal pain. There have been no reports of illness so far, Baker Farms says.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Kroger from 8 a.m. to midnight Mondays-Fridays or 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays at (800) 632-6900.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
An elderly Israeli woman who was released by Hamas after being held hostage for weeks, said Tuesday that the tunnel system used by the militant group under Gaza is like a spiderweb.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, was freed from captivity Monday after being taken hostage from her home near the Gaza border at the outset of the war  which began with a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas that killed more than 1,400 Israelis.

Hamas released Lifshitz and a fellow Israeli Nurit Cooper, 79, just days after the militant group released a pair of Americans. More than 200 people are believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Lifshitz said she went through hell during her captivity. She was beaten and sustained bruises during the Oct. 7 surprise attack and during her capture, but she said the militants otherwise treated the hostages reasonably.

She told CNN that she slept on mattresses in the tunnels with four other hostages from her town and received regular medical care.

They really took care of the sanitary side of things so that we didnt get sick, Lifshitz added. They were very generous to us, very kind. They kept us clean. They took care of every detail.

There are a lot of women, and they know about feminine hygiene and they took care of everything there, she added.

Top Stories from The Hill

Lifshitz also criticized the Israeli government, saying the internal security service Shin Bet did not take Hamas threats seriously.

The lack of awareness by Shin Bet and the IDF hurt us a lot, she continued. They warned us three weeks beforehand, they burned fields, they sent fire balloons and the IDF did not treat it seriously.

Israel has stepped up its aerial strikes on Gaza amid its pressure campaign to encourage the release of hostages. Its military is preparing for an expected ground invasion of Gaza, but U.S. officials have warned that could make releasing further hostages more difficult, The Associated Press reported.

The Israeli military completely locked down Gaza from its borders, preventing humanitarian aid from entering the territory before Saturday. Humanitarian leaders now say the small amount of aid permitted to enter Gaza was not enough and will likely have to stop soon as fuel supplies dwindle.

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The U.S. is assisting Israel and working on hostage negotiations hour by hour, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Monday. He again pushed for Hamas to release all the hostages.

They can release them all now. Just let them go now, because these people didnt do anything wrong, Kirby said. Theyre just innocent civilians being caught up in this conflict. Let them go now.

Now, I recognize that its not going to happen, which is why were going to keep working with our partners in the region to do what we can to get them released, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Purchase tickets to attend the in-person screening event on November 4th at Bucks County Playhouse.

equalpride has partnered with 'Queer Cuts: New Hope' as an exclusive media partner and will host all five short films online for free from November 6th to November 7th at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT on the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device.

Apple Store - Google Play

Roku - Apple TV - Fire TV - Google TV

Learn more about Creative Hope Initiative by visiting queercuts.com.

The town of New Hope, Pennsylvania is a vibrant community filled with a creative spirit that honors LGBTQ+ identity and history. Known for their inclusivity, the New Hope of today welcomes all people and cherishes everyone who comes to visit. Not all small towns are like this, and even if they are, that doesnt mean they always were. But thats not the case with New Hope, because ever since they were discovered in the 1940s, they were a haven for all kinds of people.

Artists, stage performers, and people attracted to that lifestyle were known to hang out in New Hope, creating a melting pot of different people with so many different stories to tell. That past has informed New Hopes present, becoming a hub for all artsy types with various handmade shops and a robust theater scene that keeps the history of this charming town going. And as a celebrated destination for LGBTQ+ travelers since the 1940s, this towns past has turned this cherished destination into a home for so many queer stories.

This year, New Hope's contemporary queer stories are going to be told as a part of The Creative Hope Initiative with Queer Cuts: New Hope. The Creative Hope Initiative, created by production studio TRAVERSE32, funded five filmmakers (Hansen Bursic, Joy Davenport, Natalie Jasmine Harris, Kase Pena, and Kristal Sotomayor) to create short documentaries highlighting local queer stories in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

With the help of New Hope residents Daniel Brooks, founder of New Hope Celebrates (NHC), a 501(c)(3) LGBTQ+ non-profit highlighting local retail, hospitality, and professional partners through marketing opportunities, educational activities, and cultural events for locals and visitors, and local filmmaker Sara Scully, who together co-founded New Hope Celebrates History, the stories of LGBTQ+ residents today will be shared. But what about the stories of New Hopes queer past? Luckily, when Sara was uncovering history for her own film project on New Hope, she was able to uncover photographs from residents' private albums with stories attached. With archival photography of New Hope as it was in the 1970s, Sara describes what it was like to be LGBTQ+ in the small town.

Bastille Day on Mechanic St., Photo credit: Robert Ebert.

In 1975, New Hope celebrated Bastille Day on Mechanic St, and the experience was a perfect encapsulation of what life was like. This Mechanic St medley captures the spirit of downtown New Hope in the 70s: A relaxed small town with the cosmopolitan flair of a city, where gay, straight, trans, and curious friends of all ages mixed and enjoyed fantastic times at outdoor restaurants, block parties, and late great places like Chez Odettes, which is now the Odettes River House hotel, Sara shares.

She continues on, This Bastille Day celebration in 1975 took place on Mechanic St. in downtown New Hope with a block party and everyone in town, all ages, were invited. There was dancing in the streets as well as a drag race where anyone, especially those in drag, could enter to race up Mechanic St. hill and back down.

Bastille Day on Mechanic St., Photo credit: Robert Ebert.

That unforgettable experience is typical of the stories told in New Hope from its LGBTQ+ residents. And when considering the history of a queer space, Sara shares how The Raven (the subject of Hansen Bursics documentary), a gay bar that became a safe haven for all queer people  especially trans people, was an LGBTQ+ space before it even became a bar, known as La Camp.

The Raven pool, Photo credit: Robert Ebert.

La Camp was a place we knew and loved, long before it was sold and turned into The Raven, Sara says. La Camp was opened by Bruno Cesarone, Les Dille, and partners in 1976, as an LGBT restaurant-hotel destination when many people had to go on vacation to be their true LGBT selves. Before Bruno and Les owned it, the site was a simple motel called The Brookmore. La Camp lasted just a few years until it was purchased and turned into The Raven in the late 1970s/early 1980s. The Raven reigned as the queer meeting place for decades, hosting weekly drag shows, a lively pool club, dance club, trans weekend meet-ups and more.

The Raven reunion, Photo credit: Robert Ebert.

These are just a couple anecdotes of the rich LGBTQ+ history New Hope has to offer, and luckily the stories of today will be cemented in history for everyone to learn.
Only limited amount of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza: UN

Xinhua) 08:17, October 24, 2023

A truck loaded with humanitarian aid prepares to enter Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Oct. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

No fuel means no functioning water desalination. No fuel also means that humanitarian partners will have to focus almost their entire aid delivery operation on transporting water. It also means no bakeries and no hospitals.

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 20 trucks crossed the Rafah border point into Gaza on Monday. Half of the trucks were carrying UN supplies - water, food and medicine.

On Saturday and Sunday, a total of 34 trucks were able to enter Gaza with life-saving supplies. This is equivalent to no more than 4 percent of the daily average volume of commodities entering Gaza prior to this latest crisis, said OCHA.

A convoy of 20 trucks entered Gaza through Rafah on Saturday, the first in two weeks since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Palestinians.

Aid deliveries entering Gaza have not included fuel. The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, by far the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza, will exhaust its fuel reserves within the next two days, said OCHA.

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid prepare to enter Gaza on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Oct. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

"No fuel means no functioning water desalination. No fuel also means that humanitarian partners will have to focus almost their entire aid delivery operation on transporting water. It also means no bakeries and no hospitals," it said.

The number of people internally displaced in Gaza is estimated at about 1.4 million, with nearly 580,000 people sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters. Humanitarians warn about overcrowding, as the average number of people per shelter has reached more than 2.5 times capacity, it said.

The situation in hospitals remains dire, given shortages of electricity, medicine, equipment and specialized personnel. The Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the largest in the strip, is currently treating some 5,000 patients, significantly over its capacity of 700 patients. This is in addition to approximately 45,000 internally displaced people seeking refuge within and around the hospital, said OCHA.

As of Thursday, the World Health Organization had documented 62 attacks on health care, affecting 29 healthcare facilities and 23 ambulances. Seven hospitals, all in Gaza City and northern Gaza, were forced to shut down due to the damage they sustained, lack of power and supplies, and evacuation orders, it said.

For the 14th consecutive day, Gaza remains under full electricity blackout, said OCHA.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Kari Lake poses for a portrait before speaking at a fundraising event for Trent Staggs state Senate campaign at Siempre in Draper on Sept. 18, 2023. Utah 4th District Rep. Burgess Owens has endorsed Lake in her Arizona Senate race. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Utah Congressman Burgess Owens has endorsed Arizona Republican Kari Lake in the 2024 Senate race.

In a statement provided to the Deseret News, Owens said he was giving Lake a total endorsement.

Owens said he hopes to see more lawmakers in Washington, D.C., who are guided by the principles of faith, family, free markets and education.

Having had the pleasure of watching Kari Lake grow into the political force of nature that she is, I can say with confidence that she shares those same values, he said. She is a tenacious fighter for the America First policies that have made our country great and will make it great again.

In response, Lake said of Owens, I am honored to have the endorsement of Rep. Burgess Owens. He is a man of faith and true America First Patriot. I look forward to working with him in Congress to save our country.

Lake hopes to replace Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat-turned independent who is up for reelection in 2024. Sinema has not said whether shell run again.

If Lake wins the Republican nomination, she will likely face Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, who announced in January he would run for the seat.

A recent poll published by The Washington Examiner shows Lake ahead in a hypothetical three-way matchup, with Lake at 37%, Gallego at 33% and Sinema at 19%. If the race were between Lake and Gallego, they are almost evenly matched, according to the same poll.

Related

In 2022, Lake was the Republican nominee in the Arizona governors race. She narrowly lost to Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, but she refused to concede the race. Instead, she filed lawsuits over the election results, and has claimed she lost because of election fraud. Her efforts in court have so far been unsuccessful.

She was also sued for defamation by an Arizona election official over her statements about the election.

Since she announced her bid for the Senate earlier this month, Lake has also received endorsements from former President Donald Trump and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso.

Lake was in Utah in September to endorse Senate candidate Trent Staggs, the Republican mayor of Riverton who is running to replace Sen. Mitt Romney.

She said at the time she was seriously considering joining the Arizona Senate race.

We have a chance to get an America First candidate and an America First senator, and I am seriously giving that thought and Ill probably be making a decision here the next few weeks, she told the Deseret News.

She said she would continue with her cases, and to fight for fair elections, even if she runs for U.S. Senate.

Im a mom, Im a multitasker. I can do more than one thing, she said.
10/20/2023, Washington, DC, united states. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) participated in a rally calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and raised her fist in a show of solidarity with thousands of demonstrators. This call for a ceasefire came after Israel initiated military action in response to terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.



10/20/2023, Washington, DC, united states. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) participated in a rally calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and raised her fist in a show of solidarity with thousands of demonstrators. This call for a ceasefire came after Israel initiated military action in response to terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

As the death toll from the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to rise, calls for a ceasefire have been growing in Congress, particularly among progressives of color. One of the loudest voices urging a ceasefire is Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush.

For those who havent been following the crisis, earlier this month, tensions boiled over after Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel  killing 1,400 civilians and kidnapping an additional 212 people. Israel retaliated by bombing the Gaza Strip and cutting off food, water, fuel, and electricity to the two million people who live there, nearly half of whom are children. Over 5,700 Palestinians were killed during bombing raids in the Israeli-occupied territory over the last several weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. And the humanitarian crisis is likely to get worse as the remaining hospitals in Gaza rapidly run out of fuel and capacity.

Read more

So far, the White House has rejected calls for a ceasefire. A National Security Council Spokesperson told The Root, that while theyre concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel, has a right to defend itself. President Joe Biden has urged Congress to provide additional military support for Israel. However, he has also brokered a deal to provide aid to Palestinians trapped in Gaza.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre went a step further saying calls for a ceasefire, spearheaded by progressives including Bush, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, were repugnant, disgraceful, and wrong.

Bush says shes still waiting for clarification on whether the White House was directly speaking about her and the others in her coalition, but she has a rebuttal all the same.

What is repugnant and disgraceful is feeling as if there are certain people who are collateral damage, that collective punishment is ok, that if there is an ethnic cleansing to bring about a desired effect, that is ok, she says. So if we are what is repugnant and were disgraceful, Id rather be on that side, that actually saves people regardless of where they live and what their skin color looks like.

Bush says that when she and others worked to elect President Biden in 2020 she had high hopes. We came out, we hit the streets and made sure that our voices were heard at the ballot box, she says. We hoped that we had someone who is going to see Muslims and Palestinians the same way as they see our Jewish neighbors and anyone else in this country.



Bush and the White Houses dueling comments speak to a growing divide between the Biden administration and progressives of color. As of the time of our interview on Friday, Bush noted that the only people to sign on to her and Rep. Tlaibs resolution were people of color, hinting at a growing racial and political divide within the Democratic party that could spell trouble for President Biden as he seeks re-election.

Bush Connects Black Lives Matter To Free Palestine

For Bush, a former Black Lives Matter activist, this issue is deeply personal. I came to Congress [to end] the oppression, the violence, the dehumanization of an entire group of people by the state and state-sanctioned media, she says. Thats the basic premise of the movement to save Black lives. How I got started in the first place. And thats the premise behind the movement to free Palestine.



Bush doesnt shy away from acknowledging that the Free Palestine movement, which calls for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories, and a full citizenship for Palestinians, is controversial. But, she notes that when Black Americans fought against police brutality, Palestinians and Muslims stood beside them. When I think about these movements, whether it was from Michael Brown all way to George Floyd, our Palestinian and...our Muslim community members came out and hit the streets with us, says Bush. They stood with us for no more bloodshed. They stood with us because they understood that violence. And so that same solidarity, we should be able to feel back for them.

Although the war is thousands of miles away, this is an issue Bush says Black Americans should pay attention to. We have both in two different parts of the world, been living under oppression and this state-sanctioned violence, she says. This struggle for freedom, for our full dignity and humanity, were both fighting this fight.

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The News

Rep. Tom Emmer dropped his bid for the speakership Tuesday afternoon, barely four hours after the Minnesota Republican secured the GOP nomination.

It was the quickest exit yet for a Republican seeking the speakers gavel, the third in less than a month and a sign that the House GOPs toxic blend of grievance and ideological clashes isnt abating anytime soon. Though Emmer emerged the victor after a series of secret ballots, he almost immediately crashed into fierce resistance from former President Donald Trump who shredded him as a Republican in Name Only.

I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them, Trump posted on Truth Social. He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGA, Trump said.

Emmer failed to attract enough support from Republicans amid a conservative backlash about his past votes, which included certifying the 2020 presidential election and supporting the federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

He has a voting record I couldnt support and most Republicans, conservative Republicans, dont support, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., told reporters.

House Republicans are expected to reconvene at 6pm for Tuesdays second forum where lawmakers will hear speaker candidates make their case that they can win 217 votes, the threshold necessary to become speaker relying only on GOP votes. Among the Republicans expected to jump back into the race: Reps. Mike Johnson, R-La., and Kevin Hern, R-Okla.
The newest candidate in the race for North Carolina governor in 2024 is first out of the gate with a statewide television advertisement Tuesday.

Its not from the frontrunner of either race, but from Republican Bill Graham, a previously unsuccessful candidate for governor.

Graham entered the primary race earlier this month with $5 million of his own money and plans to spend millions of dollars on televised ads through the end of the year. The first ad airs starting Tuesday in all of the states markets, on a range of stations from local to sports to cable news. The initial ad buy is $3.5 million, according to his campaign.

In the 30-second ad, Graham, a Salisbury attorney, says our streets arent safe because far-left politicians coddle criminals.

Bill Graham, Republican and Salisbury attorney.

Graham does not mention his fellow Republican primary opponents: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, state Treasurer Dale Folwell, former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, former state Sen. Andy Wells and retired health care executive Jesse Thomas.

In the Democratic primary, Attorney General Josh Stein is the frontrunner vs. recently retired N.C. Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan. As attorney general, Stein is the states top law enforcement officer.

Graham says that if hes elected governor, hell put violent criminals in jail, or in the ground. Graham supports the death penalty for drug dealers and human traffickers.

According to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center, North Carolina has 140 people on death row now, and its method of execution is injection. But there have been no executions since 2006 while court fights play out.

Only the governor can grant clemency.

If elected, Graham says hell start a gang prevention task force and wants longer sentences for violent crime.

The Republican-controlled General Assembly repealed the state law requirement for a pistol purchase permit earlier this year, the first veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper that Republicans overturned since gaining seats in the 2022 elections.

Stein said at the time that repealing the law has made our communities less safe. Now, dangerous people  like violent criminals and domestic abusers  will be able to more easily get their hands on guns.

According to the State Bureau of Investigations latest annual report, crime in North Carolina decreased by 1.4% in 2022 compared to 2021, with the rate of violent crime decreasing by 3.9% in the same time period.

In a campaign email after Graham announced his run, Stein said that the states Republican politicians keep moving further right with even more extreme ideas every day. They support banning abortion, restricting access to the ballot box, attacking trusted institutions of our democracy, defunding public education, and protecting guns rather than kids.
US Representative Mike Johnson, pictured in 2019, won the US House speaker nomination in his second attempt of the day (POOL)

Republicans on Tuesday made their fourth pick in just two weeks to replace the ousted speaker of the US House of Representatives, underlining the chaos engulfing the fragmented party after three previous nominees failed to win the gavel.

Louisiana's Mike Johnson won an internal party vote just hours after previous nominee, Majority Whip Tom Emmer , buckled under a backlash led by former president Donald Trump and announced his withdrawal.

Congress has been at a standstill and unable to address multiple global crises, as well as the fast-approaching threat of a government shutdown, since Kevin McCarthy's historic dismissal in a far-right rebellion on October 3.

"The dysfunction in the Republican Party right now seems to be saying we want to lose," exasperated Kentucky Republican Andy Barr told CNN.

"That is crazy to me. We were elected as a majority to govern, and we are not doing that right now."

Johnson -- the vice chairman of the conference but a relative novice in politics -- lost out to Emmer earlier in the day but quickly threw his hat back in the ring after his leadership colleague bowed out.

But all the indications are that Johnson will likely fall foul of the same internal divisions that have left the party incapable of uniting around any leader.

Tuesday's disarray marked two weeks since the party's first nominee to replace McCarthy, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, withdrew as it became clear he was nowhere near the 217 votes needed to be elected.

Hard-line Trump ally Jim Jordan, the next nominee, flopped three times on the House floor as successively larger tallies of Republican opponents joined the Democrats to reject him.

- Growing desperation -

Adding to the sense of growing desperation in Republican ranks, McCarthy was pitching what looked like a far-fetched plan ahead of the latest contest that would see him reinstalled as speaker with Jordan as his assistant.

If Johnson were to succeed where his colleagues have failed, he would be the least experienced speaker in more than a century, having never chaired a committee or held a top leadership role.

And he could find himself presiding over a government shutdown in three weeks unless he can cut a 2024 budget deal with much more seasoned negotiators in the White House that is acceptable to his party.

He would also be expected to lead the deeply fractured conference through upcoming fights over funding for Ukraine and Israel in their conflicts with Russia and Hamas.

Johnson moved up to the House from state-level politics in 2017.

He is best known as a driving force among more than 100 Republicans who signed on to a legal brief supporting a lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 election results in four swing states won by Biden.

He can afford to lose just four Republicans and still claim the speakership if every Democrat votes against him, although the House adjourned until Wednesday with no election scheduled.

Only 128 of Johnson's colleagues voted for him in the final round of balloting, according to US media -- with 29 preferring his rival, Florida lawmaker Byron Donalds, and another 44 casting their votes for someone else entirely.

Like Johnson, Emmer had baselessly sown doubt over the validity of Biden's 2020 election win over Trump, but supporters of the former president were angered by the majority whip voting to certify the result.

The writing was on the wall when Trump took to his Truth social website to brand Emmer a "globalist RINO" -- short for "Republican in name only."

Trump took credit for Emmer's downfall as he spoke to reporters at his New York civil fraud trial.

"I assume it had a big impact," he said of his statement.

ft/caw
The faction of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives, following the results of five rounds of voting on Tuesday, has chosen Tom Emmer , a native of Minnesota, as a new candidate for Speaker of the House.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Emmer has led consistently throughout the voting rounds, edging out Louisiana's Mike Johnson in the final round.

A total of nine candidates took part in the voting.

Tom Emmer, 62, holds the faction's third most powerful post of "whip", responsible for party discipline during voting in the House of Representatives. Before being elected to Congress in 2015, he chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee, which helps congressmen in their election campaigns.

Emmer is considered a mainstream Republican close to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy . He also voted to approve the results of the 2020 US presidential election, which Donald Trump and Trumpists themselves reject.

The Republicans for Ukraine organisation rated Emmer's support for Kyiv with a maximum positive score of A. He voted for all Congressional initiatives to support Ukraine and against the reduction of this support.

Last week, the Republican members of the US House of Representatives voted by secret ballot to remove the candidacy of far-right Trumpist Jim Jordan, who was running for the post of speaker, because he could not garner enough support, instead losing votes with each new round.

On 3 October, Kevin McCarthy resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives. This happened under pressure from the far-right wing of his Republican Party, where McCarthy was accused of working with Democrats and a "secret deal" to help Ukraine.

The US House of Representatives cannot pass new laws, including aid to Ukraine until a new speaker is elected. The US interim federal budget is only due through mid-November, so Congress needs to address this issue to avoid a shutdown.

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MADISON  Private grants to help local governments with the costs of elections, long scrutinized by Republicans and those who have questioned the 2020 election, were again the focus of a joint meeting of the Assembly and Senate elections committees Tuesday.

Lawmakers discussed one measure that reflects Republicans' past scrutiny of $8.8 million in private grants mostly allotted to the state's five largest cities  Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine and Kenosha  to help them administer elections safely during the 2020 election, which was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cities used the funding to purchase ballot drop boxes, mail information about voting to the public and provide PPE to poll workers and pay them higher wages, for example. Courts have rejected lawsuits over the grants and affirmed President Joe Biden's win in Wisconsin. Bipartisan members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission also threw out challenges to the grants.

Republicans questioned the grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, which were financed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife and went to cities that are concentrated with Democratic voters. Twenty-four states have prohibited, limited or regulated the use of private funds for elections administration, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

More: Grants to five cities are at the heart of Wisconsin Republicans' election review. Here are the activities under scrutiny

"I think elections are a necessary expense, and as a taxpayer, I'm OK with spending more money through my local municipalities on elections to make sure that these private dollars aren't part of the equation," said Rep. Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva, an author of the proposal.

Republicans noted municipalities just received an influx in shared revenue funding that could help them with elections administration, and the Legislature's finance committee could consider motions to help municipalities meet costs.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit, said funding also went to about 200 other municipalities, even if the bulk of the money went to the five largest cities. He said the finance committee rejected funding for electronic poll books during the budget process.

"I think we know that the shared revenue increase is not going to last forever, and you've got to give them room to go somewhere," Spreitzer said. "If the state isn't going to give grants for needed equipment, they're going to go out and seek private grants. And you're looking to close off both avenues of funding."

More: Republicans focus on election grants to five cities that favor Democrats, but more than 200 Wisconsin communities got funds

A bipartisan bill would help counties and municipalities with the costs of special elections for open Assembly and Senate seats, for example, which can come as a surprise and strain local governments. That bill already passed the Senate with only one vote against and could get a full Assembly vote soon.

"I've never had one municipal clerk come to me and say, 'We don't have enough money to run our elections,'" said Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Cameron. Spreitzer responded that he has heard from clerks and asked them to contact their legislators.

Many changes would require approval from voters

Other measures that would clarify requirements for voting require changing the state constitution, which means the proposals would go to voters to approve before they are enacted.

Two of the constitutional amendments have already been passed by the Legislature in a past session, a requirement before they reach voters' ballots. If passed again by both houses, the questions could appear on ballots as early as the April or November 2024 elections.

Those include the measure that would restrict private grants and an amendment that would clarify that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in Wisconsin. Currently, the state constitution is written to allow "every U.S. citizen" 18 and older to vote.

Another bill would require the state Department of Transportation to give WEC access to databases and verify that voters are U.S. citizens as soon as possible. It would also require licenses or identification issued by DOT to non-citizens to indicate the cards cannot be used for voting.

Sen. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, said the Mequon clerk informed the authors she observed a voter, who acknowledged he was not a citizen, attempt to vote in-person absentee using a valid driver's license. He also referenced the case of a Ukrainian woman who was charged in Ozaukee County this month after voting in a school board election.

That bill does not require voter support but could be rejected by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has said he would veto legislation that makes it harder to vote.

While some states and cities have moved to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, Wisconsin's municipalities are prevented from doing so because state statutes that limit voting in local elections to citizens.

Republicans want to prevent a liberal Supreme Court majority from striking down ID laws

Another measure, which would enshrine state voter identification laws in the constitution, would have to pass the Legislature next session before it goes to voters for approval. The measure would not prevent new exceptions or change the ability of voters who arrive without an ID to cast a provisional ballot.

Republicans cited a lawsuit filed before the state Supreme Court's new liberal majority that challenges restrictions on absentee voting and drop boxes but does not target voter ID laws. Republicans added if Democrats gain a majority in the Legislature, repealing voter ID laws "would probably be the first of a tidal wave of things" they would reverse.

"I cannot say for certain how the Wisconsin Supreme Court would rule on voter ID laws, but I'm also not willing to risk the Wisconsin Supreme Court declaring voter ID laws unconstitutional," said Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine. "The only way to ensure it will not happen is to enshrine this basic election integrity law in Wisconsin's constitution."

Lawmakers acknowledged that checking identification to vote could look different in the future, such as using biometrics like a fingerprint. Spreitzer said that possibility "seems like a really good reason to not put this language into the constitution."

Other bipartisan measures moving through Legislature

While the two committees took up measures Tuesday that lack support from Democrats, the theme of a hearing in the Assembly-side committee last week was working across the aisle.

Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, and Rep. Donna Rozar, R-Marshfield, testified together on a bipartisan bill that would eliminate the requirement that poll list numbers be placed on the back of absentee ballots, something clerks asked for in an informational hearing earlier this fall.

Committee chair Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, referenced Rozar being "verbally accosted" on social media by a fellow Republican for working with a Democrat on elections legislation.

"People are afraid to write bills that are going to make things better," Krug said. "Don't be intimidated. That is exactly what we're here for."

More: Ballot text alerts, preventing poll closures and other changes that could come to Wisconsin's elections

Krug also included bills introduced by Democrats in the hearing, a rare move for Republicans who control committees. Those include requiring state lawmakers to gain poll working experience and allow 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote.

Some bipartisan bills could get to the floor as early as mid-November, Krug said. Those include fixing an impossible deadline for clerks to send absentee ballots and sending voters text alerts about when their absentee application.

Bipartisan lawmakers also agree that clerks should be allowed to begin processing absentee ballots on the Monday before Election Day, though a bill that includes that change alongside others has not been moving as quickly.

Election officials say early processing would prevent voter confusion that results from large swaths of ballots being added to the returns late, sometimes changing which candidate is in the lead.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Private funds return as the focus of joint elections hearing
The News

Republican House members nominated Rep. Tom Emmer for speaker of the House on Tuesday, according to multiple reports, making their third attempt to pick a speaker after Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the post nearly three weeks ago.

The five-term congressman from Minnesota, who is currently the majority whip, emerged victorious after several rounds of votes behind closed doors, defeating eight other candidates. The No. 3 Republican in the House, he was bolstered by an early endorsement from McCarthy.

Attention now turns to whether Republicans can unite behind Emmer on the House floor and deliver a majority to elevate him to speaker.

The party previously picked two other nominees for speaker, Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan, but both failed to garner the full support of the conference.

The House has been paralyzed for nearly three weeks since a faction of hard-right Republicans, along with Democrats, voted to remove McCarthy from the speakership.
Some Republican lawmakers are calling on Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser to rename the two-block area in front of the White House that was dubbed Black Lives Matter Plaza three years ago amid a wave of racial justice protests.

Groups affiliated with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement have faces a backlash after messages sent out following the grisly Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel appeared to support terrorists and express anti-Israel sentiment.

BLM chapters across the nation have circulated disturbing anti-Semitic rhetoric and images on social media, encouraging the spread of pro-Hamas propaganda, the group of more than 20 House and Senate members, all Republicans, wrote in a statement accompanying their letter.

Continuing to honor terrorist sympathizers with a plaza in our nations capital is a slap in the face to all Americans, especially Jewish and Israeli Americans.

Among Republicans signing the letter: Sens. Marco Rubio (Fla.), Thom Tillis (N.C.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Rick Scott (Fla.), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.) and Bill Cassidy (La.); and Reps. Elisa Stefanik (N.Y.), Jim Banks (Ind.) and Jeff Duncan (S.C.).

The mayors office didnt immediately respond to The Hills request for comment on the letter or plans for the plaza.

Immediately after Hamass deadly blitz on Israel, which included attacks on multiple kibbutzim and an outdoor music festival, some BLM chapters expressed sympathy with Palestine and appeared to justify the aggression against Israel.

A BLM Chicago chapter posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, an image of a paraglider with the message I stand with Palestine. BLM Phoenix shared statements declaring that Palestinian freedom fighters are not terrorists!, and The Palestinian attack was a revolution and attempt to reclaim their freedom.

BLM chapters are run independently and can be unaffiliated with the broader Black Lives Matter organization, which hasnt commented on the latest Israeli-Hamas conflict.

These posts are meant to delegitimize Israel and rationalize brutal attacks on the Jewish people, the GOP lawmakers wrote in their letter. It is hard to escape the conclusion that these statements are motivated by an ugly animus against the Jewish people.

Israeli officials estimate that more than 1,400 people were killed during the Hamas raids, making it the deadliest attack ever on Israel. Israels military has responded with a blitz of airstrikes over the past two weeks that Gaza health officials say have killed thousands.

Black Lives Matter Plaza was named during a summer of protests following the police killings of George Floyd and other Black people. In addition to having a bright yellow street mural marking the zone, Bowser had a street sign placed to designate the area.

There are people who are craving to be heard and to be seen and to have their humanity recognized, Bowser said during a June 2020 news conference announcing the renaming. We had the opportunity to send that message loud and clear on a very important street in our city.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  House Republicans will try for a third time to select a speaker of the House nominee on Wednesday, casting their votes on another pick to lead the lower chamber.

Deeply divided House Republicans, roiled by infighting since they took control of the House at the start of the year, have already been unable to elect two speaker nominees: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise , R-La., and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Those divisions threaten the next nominee's chances to lead the House. Whether they can garner enough support and unite House Republicans is completely up in the air.

Eight GOP lawmakers are vying for the nomination, making for a crowded field that underscores the fact there is no clear successor to ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Those eight candidates offered up their visions for the speakership and took questions from members for over two hours in a candidate forum Monday evening. House Republicans will again gather behind closed doors Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. to vote on a nominee before a speaker election with the entire House. That could happen the same day.

Heres what to know as the House enters its third week without a speaker.

Related: Cut it out. Americans by more than 2-1 tell the House to elect a speaker.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, House Judiciary chairman and staunch ally of Donald Trump, meets with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. The Republican dysfunction that has ground business in the U.S. House to a halt as two wars rage abroad and a budget crisis looms at home is contributing to a deep loss of faith in American institutions.

Floodgates open as eight candidates jockey for speaker

Eight GOP lawmakers are running for House speaker: Tom Emmer of Minnesota, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Byron Donalds of Florida, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Austin Scott of Georgia, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Pete Sessions of Texas and Pete Sessions of Texas.

Needless to say, thats a lot of candidates. The historic ouster of McCarthy earlier this month and the failure of the House Republican conference to elect two different speaker nominees has resulted in the mad dash among GOP lawmakers seeking the top job in the lower chamber.

Last Friday, after House Republicans voted to drop Jordan in a closed-door meeting, some members immediately declared their own candidacy, such as Hern and Scott.

This is embarrassing for the Republican Party. It's embarrassing for the nation and we need to look at one another and solve the problem, McCarthy said on NBCs Meet the Press of the chaos that has embroiled the House.

Former US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California, speaks to reporters leadership meeting at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 20, 2023.

How many votes will it take to become speaker?

The key question for any of the eight candidates is whether they can shore up enough support within the House Republican conference to be crowned speaker. The GOP controls the House with just 221 seats, and the magic number for any prospective speaker to be elected is 217. That means the eventual Republican nominee will need near-unanimous support from the conference to become speaker.

Of the eight candidates in the speakers race, it is unclear who can reach 217 votes.

Jordan, who was abandoned by the conference as the nominee, and Scalise, who voluntarily withdrew from the race, both had a handful of their own detractors that prevented them from ever drumming up the support required to be elected speaker.

Getting 217 is obviously going to be very difficult and is the sort of Rubik's Cube of the answer to all of this, Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., in an effort to ensure the next nominee has the support to become speaker, has been circulating a unity pledge for members to sign and promise they will support the eventual nominee, regardless of who it is.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., center, and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., right, the House GOP deputy whip, arrive as GOP members meet behind closed doors to try to elect a new speaker of the House, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. After the rejection of former speaker Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan by the GOP caucus, Emmer is emerging as the newest probable candidate to hold the gavel.

Will Republicans return to the backup plan to empower interim speaker McHenry?

The House, without a speaker, has been in a state of paralysis for the last three weeks after McCarthy's removal. The chamber can continue committee work, but it cannot pass any legislation on the floor until there is a new leader.

And the House has crucial legislation to consider, including a funding package to avert a government shutdown and President Joe Bidens request for a supplemental foreign aid package to U.S. allies, including Ukraine and Israel. Some GOP lawmakers frustrated with the legislative stasis in the House have called to temporarily empower acting speaker Rep. Patrick McHenry to get the lower chamber moving again.

Two GOP lawmakers, Reps. Dave Joyce, Ohio, and Mike Kelly, Pa., have each introduced their own resolutions empowering McHenry as interim speaker for a limited period to allow Congress to address time-sensitive issues, such as the looming shutdown.

Prior to dropping Jordan as their nominee, House Republicans debated such a move behind closed-doors, but the plans ultimately fell through as it became clear empowering McHenry would require Democratic support, a prospect some GOP lawmakers balked at.

But if House Republicans make no progress towards electing a new leader by the end of the week, frustrations among Republicans could boil over, and there could be a revival of the efforts to grant McHenry more powers.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the temporary leader of the House of Representatives and the speaker pro tempore, speaks with reporters as he departs after a Republican caucus meeting in which they dropped Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as their nominee for speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the next House speaker election? Republicans make their pick
The Republican nominees for Speaker of the US House have developed the political lifespan of mayflies.

Tom Emmer barely had time to bask in his five-round secret-ballot victory for the speaker's gavel on Tuesday before it all came crashing down.

Setting the charges and pushing the plunger was a familiar Republican demolitionist, Donald Trump.

Just yesterday, the former president had pledged to stay out of the Republican speaker's race. Within minutes of Mr Emmer's coronation as speaker-designate, however, he dropped a scathing post on his social media website.

He called the third-ranking House Republican "out of touch" with voters and a Republican-in-name-only "globalist" whose selection as speaker would be a "tragic mistake".

Mr Trump's endorsement may not have been able to help Jim Jordan win the speakership last week, but his anti-endorsement still packs a punch.

Within the hour, hard-core conservatives - including Marjorie Taylor Greene and the usual cast of right-wing firebrands - were pledging to block Mr Emmer if his nomination reached a vote on the floor of the House.

It's a phenomenon Republicans, both in Washington and across the US, know all too well. And it is one of the main reasons the party continues to tread lightly around the former president, even if behind closed doors (and in secret ballots for House speaker) they have their doubts.

And so the Republican cycle of anger and retribution continues.

Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the speakership after 10 months by a handful of right-wing rebels. The first pick to replace him, Steve Scalise , was blocked by an even larger number of conservative true-believers. Mr Jordan, who followed, was torpedoed by centrists and institutionalists, many frustrated by Mr Scalise's treatment.

Mr Emmer was undone by the same group that sank Mr Scalise. Mike Johnson, the Louisiana congressman who finished second behind Mr Emmer and is the pick of the hard-core right, is now the next man up, having won on a third round of balloting Tuesday night.

Whether the Republicans who blocked Mr Jordan and backed Mr Emmer will return the favour to Mr Johnson remains to be seen. He isn't as well-known or as inflammatory as Mr Jordan, who made plenty of enemies in the House of Representatives, but revenge can be a powerful motivating factor.

And the tradition that leadership elections are definitive, that the majority pick of Republicans is then supported by the entire party, has been so shredded that it could be fired from a confetti cannon.

All it takes is a handful of Republican dissenters, along with all the House Democrats, to prevent the next speaker-designate from winning the gavel and keeping the House of Representatives in this legislative purgatory.

For the moment, the American public seems blissfully uninterested in this very inside-Washington drama, giving Republicans more time to figure a way off the merry-go-round of political futility. But without a resolution, a government shutdown in mid-November is all but guaranteed.

And that is when voters might take note - and start assigning blame.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined The Daily Show guest host Desus Nice on Monday to shed some light on the GOP infighting following their ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Republicans kicked out their speaker, and now they cant find a new guy to run their group project, the New York congresswoman quipped. And theyre all fighting with each other about it.

In terms of how it affects the U.S. on a wider scale, Ocasio-Cortez said, Weve got a clock ticking on a government shutdown, adding, Thats when we start seeing TSA and airports get affected. Thats when people could potentially miss their checks.

While underscoring the impact of the speaker, she also noted: We need to make sure that we dont have people like Jim Jordan, or extremists, because whoever takes over the house could potentially put our democracy in danger when it comes to certifying, or re-certifying, an election.

Prior to the removal of McCarthy as speaker, Ocasio-Cortez said she would support Rep. Matt Gaetzs efforts to remove McCarthy from his leadership position. Its not up to Democrats to save Republicans from themselves, the congresswoman said when Jake Tapper asked if she would vote to keep McCarthy as speaker. He clearly has lost control of his caucus, she continued. He brought the United States and millions of Americans to the brink, waiting until the final hour to keep the government open and even then only issuing a 45-day extension, so were going to be right back in this place in November.

When Nice asked Ocasio-Cortez on Monday evening who she would be voting for this time around, she replied, Ill be casting my vote for Hakeem Jeffries .

Earlier this month, the Democratic Minority Leader said that informal conversations are taking place that could lead to a bipartisan governing coalition to elect a House speaker. My Republican colleagues have a simple choice. They can either double or triple down on the chaos, dysfunction, and extremism, Jeffries said. Or, lets have a real conversation about changing the rules of the House so it can work in the best interests of the American people.

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An Army investigation concluded that retired Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky did not violate any legal or ethical rules when he mocked first lady Jill Biden in a social media post in June 2022, a report obtained by USA Today revealed.

The report did, however, find that Volesky strayed from the social media guidelines that he had created while still working in public affairs for the Army, USA Today reported Tuesday. The report concluded that his tweet resulted in negative media attention.

The report was obtained by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Volesky responded directly to the first ladys tweet lamenting the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which read, For nearly 50 years, women have had the right to make our own decisions about our bodies. Today, that right was stolen.

Glad to see you finally know what a woman is, Volesky tweeted in response to Bidens post, according to USA Todays reporting. The reply has since been taken down.

His comment echoed a refrain from conservative-leaning politicians and pundits, pushing back on non-binary definitions of gender and highlighting any uses of binary terms from left-leaning politicians and pundits, who often argue for LGBTQ+ rights and validation.

Volesky, who had been hired as a contractor for the Army, was suspended following the tweet.

The report suggested he strayed from parts of the Army Social Media Guide, which was published in 2013 and which he signed.

When in a position of leadership, conduct online should be professional  by using social media, you are essentially providing a permanent record of what you say  if you would not say it in front of a formation, do not say it online, the report quoted from the guidelines, USA Today reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The European Commission is expected to issue a positive evaluation of Ukraine's accession bid on Nov. 8, although additional conditions may be raised, Reuters reported on Oct. 24, citing three official sources.

Following a potential recommendation by the EU's executive body, the member states' leaders still have to agree to open the actual negotiations. The bloc's representatives are expected to make the decision during a Dec. 14-15 summit, the news agency reported.

While the Commission will likely support the launch of Ukraine's membership talks, Kyiv may be asked to take more steps in its fight against corruption and in national minorities rights, Reuters said.

The latter point is reportedly connected to Budapest's long-term complaints of alleged discrimination against the Hungarian ethnic minority in western Ukraine pertaining to language rights, an accusation that Kyiv rejects.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us

As part of the accession process, Kyiv was presented with seven criteria it needs to fulfill in order to begin the membership talks.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said in September that Ukraine had already "fulfilled the EU recommendations on the necessary legislative work in the judicial and media spheres," adding that the reforms in other areas are ongoing.

When asked how far Ukraine came in fulfilling all the seven criteria, an EU official told Politico earlier in October that progress has been encouraging, and only the area concerning national minorities seemed problematic in the short term.

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, adopted changes to its law on national minorities on Sept. 21, taking into consideration recommendations by the Venice Commission.

The Venice Commission is the Council of Europe's advisory body that provides guidance to Ukraine and other potential members on implementing steps needed for EU integration.

The EU's executive body is expected to issue its assessment on other hopefuls as well. While Moldova may receive a similarly positive evaluation, "the jury is still out" on Georgia, Reuters said, citing its sources.

The Caucasian country's ruling party  the Georgian Dream  has been accused of democratic backsliding and of pulling the country back into the Kremlin's orbit. Unlike Kyiv or Chisinau, Tbilisi was not granted an EU membership candidate status in June 2022.

Read also: Opinion: The geopolitics of EU enlargement

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Laura J. Hester, who joined Richland as director of parks and public facilities on Jan. 3, has resigned after less than 10 months on the job.

She submitted her resignation late last week as city leaders abandoned plans to pack Leslie Groves Park with new amenities in the face of opposition from some neighbors. It was not clear if the two events are connected.

Laura Hester

Joe Schiessl, the citys deputy city manager, confirmed Hesters resignation Monday afternoon after a message to Hesters city email triggered an automated reply indicating she is no longer with the city.

We wish Laura the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her service to Richland. The city will begin a recruitment effort for the important role in the coming weeks, he said in a statement to the Tri-City Herald.

Hester, 48, cited a conflict with Scheissl for her decision to resign, effective immediately.

Lets put it this way, theres a deputy city manager in the city of Richland that is very, very difficult to work with, she told the Herald on Monday.

She declined to provide details, but said her attempts to bring up management concerns led to retaliation against her.

Schiessl did not immediately respond to her comment.

Hester later clarified her comments in a statement to the Tri-City Herald:

I am grateful for my tenure as the Parks and Public Facilities Director in Richland. It was indeed a pleasure working alongside the dedicated and talented employees, contributing to the remarkable efforts they put in for the citizens of Richland. I thank Jon Amundson, Joe Schiessl, and the Richland City Council for the opportunity. I wish everyone the very best. As I move on to the next opportunity, I will always think highly of my time spent with the wonderful people of Richland.

Hester and her husband moved their family to Richland from Sahuarita, Ariz., in January after she was chosen from a field of six candidates to succeed Schiessl as the parks and public facilities director.

Schiessl vacated the post when he was promoted in 2022 to deputy city manager, reporting to City Manager Jon Amundson.

In January, the city touted Hesters 20+ years of experience in parks and recreation roles in Arizona and, prior to that, Utah.

In Arizona, she served as parks and facilities manager and then parks, recreation and community services director for the town of Sahuarita. She previously held positions of increasing responsibility in parks and recreation programs in Utah.

She holds a bachelors in parks and recreation and therapeutic recreation therapy from the University of Utah.

Hester told the Herald she had high hopes when she moved her family to the Northwest earlier this year.

This is not what I was planning bringing my family across country to be part of, she said.

In her Richland role, Hester served on the citys leadership team and oversaw a department of about 100 employees.

She is the second department head to depart from the city in less than two months.

In September, Brigit Clary, 53, Richlands first woman police chief, announced she will retire on Jan. 1, 2024, after less than two years in the role.

Her predecessor John Bruce, resigned after less than three years with the city.
RICHMOND, Ind.  A Richmond woman is accused of battering her boyfriend's three-year-old daughter.

Brittney Nicole Byrd, 27, was charged Monday in Wayne Superior Court 1 with domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a person less than 14 years old, a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison.

According to an affidavit, Richmond police and a case manager with the Indiana Department of Child Services were called to Reid Hospital on Saturday after the child was brought there for treatment of a black eye and bruises on her head.

The child's father said the injuries were apparently suffered while his daughter was in the care of Byrd, his live-in girlfriend, at their Oakland Avenue home.

The man said when he confronted Byrd about his daughter's injuries, she denied any wrongdoing "and left the residence," an officer wrote.

More: Richmond woman charged with neglect after child's stroller rolls into street

The child's aunt showed the officer online communication in which Byrd allegedly said she had "accidentally" put her hands on the child, also suggesting that "maybe I should go to jail" for her actions.

When later interviewed by the officer, Byrd reportedly "admitted to pushing (the child) to the ground approximately (three to four) times and forcibly pulling (the girl) off the bed by her arm."

Byrd "stated that she knew she should not have done it, but she was angry," the officer wrote

The Richmond woman said she "lost her cool" because the child was "misbehaving," according to the affidavit.

She also said the girl likely suffered the eye injury when she was pulled from the bed and her head struck the floor.

"Brittney also stated that she had committed similar acts against (the victim) within the past six months, but no one found about it it," the affidavit said.

Byrd continued to be held in the Wayne County jail on Tuesday under a $15,000 bond. An initial hearing in her case is set for Wednesday.

Court records reflect no prior charges against the Richmond woman.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Police: Richmond woman admitted battering boyfriend's 3-year-old child
Humans have been changing the atmosphere from Earths surface for nearly two centuriesbut now in the Space Age, were altering it from outer space, too. Atmospheric scientists recently found traces of unexpected metals in the stratosphere , the second-lowest layer of the atmosphere where ozone resides and meteors burn up into shooting stars . The researchers determined that this pollution came from spacecraft as they reenter Earths atmosphere, in research published last week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .

This study is the first observational evidence that space activities are a very significant source of particulate pollution to the stratosphere says Slimane Bekki, an atmospheric scientist at LATMOS not involved in the new work. More importantly, nobody knows the impacts of these particles on the ozone layer, he adds, pointing out the importance of this molecule in shielding humans from dangerous UV radiation.

Usually, mission planners main concern is to ensure that space debris doesnt hit the ground, where it could hurt people or structuresbut, as this research points out, what evaporates in the stratosphere could still be making an impact, even if its not a literal one. That material has to exist somewhere, and it looks like its lingering in the stratosphere. We are finding this human-made material in what we consider a pristine area of the atmosphere. And if something is changing in the stratospherethis stable region of the atmospherethat deserves a closer look," said co-author and Purdue atmospheric scientist Dan Cziczo in a press release .

[Related on PopSci+: Rocket fuel might be polluting the Earths upper atmosphere ]

The research team flew through the stratosphere across the continental US in aircraft specially designed to fly at high altitudes, equipped with air-analyzing instruments in their nose cones. These unique planes NASAs ER-2 and WB-57 cruise at around 65,000 feet, almost double the altitude of typical passenger jets. Flying as high as 70,000 feet, the research craft can go above 99 percent of the mass of Earths atmosphere.

Scientists identified more than 20 distinct elements from spacecraft reentry, using the particle sampling seen in this illustration.

Within the stratosphere, the collecting equipment on these planes recorded traces of the heavy metals niobium and hafnium . These elements arent found naturally in the atmosphere, but they are typically used in rockets and spacecraft shells. The team also measured higher-than-expected concentrations of over 20 metals, including copper, lithium, aluminum, and lead. All told, about 10 percent of aerosol particles in the stratosphere contain metals.

Atmospheric scientists arent sure exactly how these changes will affect Earth. The stratosphere contains tiny blobs of sulfuric acid, which are now infused with the metals from old spacecraft. The presence of those metals could change the chemistry of the stratosphere, including how big the sulfuric acid drops grow. Even small tweaks high up could affect the way light bends, the transfer of heat, or how crystals of ice grow.

The big question is how these changes will affect human life on the surface. Unfortunately, theres no clear answer to that, but in the past small stratospheric changes have led to big impactslike adding CFCs that ate away at the ozone layer. Eventually, there may need to be additional environmental precautions for spaceflight to prevent harm to the stratosphere.

[Related: This beautiful map of Earths atmosphere shows a world on fire ]

The only way for these particles not to appear in the upper atmosphere is for the satellites not to be launched in the first place, explains University of Exeter atmospheric scientist Jamie Shutler, who was not part of the research team. The possible ways forward are to launch less, make the satellites last for longer (so we need to launch less), or encourage industry to make the constituents of satellites public knowledge (so we can guide manufacturers as to the potential harmful effects). He adds that this new finding confirms our concern about stratospheric contamination.

But before we can solve this problem, the concept that reentry can affect the stratosphere has to be thought about, says lead author Daniel Murphy , atmospheric scientist at NOAA. He emphasized that this idea is still incredibly new and will require much more research to understand the scale and potential consequences of this pollution.

Potential impacts are expected only to grow as the rate of spacecraft launches and reentries accelerate. In the last five years, space agencies and private companies have launched more than 5,000 satellites, noted Martin Ross, co-author on the work and climate scientist at The Aerospace Corporation, in a press release. Most of them will come back in the next five, and we need to know how that might further affect stratospheric aerosols, he said. The team expects that the proportion of particles containing metal could grow from 10 to more than 50 percent in the next few decades, especially thanks to upcoming plans to reduce space debris by hurling it back into the atmosphere.

Those efforts and upcoming launches, though, need to be aware of the possible effects on Earthand researchers need to do more work to determine the extent of those effects. Understanding our planet is one of the most urgent research priorities there is, said Cziczo.
Dmitry Rogozin , former head of Roscosmos, Russia's state space agency, suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin hit Ukraine with a space missile. The idea came shortly after he was hit by shrapnel in his buttock last December.

Source: BILD, citing sources and recordings of Rogozin's conversations with Director General of the Rocket Space Centre

Details: The media received recordings of Rogozin's conversations with Dmitry Baranov, Director General of the Progress Rocket Space Centre.

Judging by these records, they discussed the technical details of organising an attack on a large city in Ukraine with the help of a launch vehicle used for flights into space since the beginning of January 2023. They concluded that it would be best to launch it from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome with explosives on board.

As Baranov believed, the main problem is that existing heavy high-explosive bombs or guided warheads would overheat due to supersonic entry into the atmosphere. Rogozin promised to consult the designer Yuriy Solomonov. Bild reports that he found a solution after a few days.

In addition, they discussed that parts of the missile could fall on the territory of Russia. They were also concerned that the error during the impact could be 50 to 100 km.

Rogozin asked Baranov how much time he would need to prepare. He answered that about six months.

The media reports that Rogozin called Putin "our great and terrible" and said he would pass the plan to him through Anton Vaino.

BILD says the plan was brought to Putin on 16 January. How he reacted to it is still unknown.

Background:

On December 21, Dmitry Rogozin, the former Director General of Roscosmos, and Vitaliy Khotsenko, the so-called "head of the government of the Donetsk People's Republic", were injured in occupied Donetsk, allegedly after shelling from Ukraine.

At the time, Russian media reported that Rogozin received a shrapnel wound to the soft tissues of the head, a penetrative shrapnel wound to the glutes, and a penetrative shrapnel wound to the left hip.Later, Rogozin stated that a 3x4mm metal shard hit him above his right shoulder blade. He did not report any other injuries.

On January 23 Dmitry Rogozin said that with the help of satellite images, he had precisely located the howitzer that fired at him and was preparing a "take revenge" operation.

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Mikanuk Hall on the Main Campus of Bay Mills Community College.

SAULT STE. MARIE  A new Bay Mills Community College partnership will pay for hundreds of students to become early childhood educators in tribal communities.

This October, Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) partnered with Head Start, a national program designed to help early childhood educators get their degrees.

The program connects BMCC to Head Start programs in different tribal communities across the country, allowing for people currently working to finish their degrees more easily.

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People currently working at one of the five partnering programs in the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Early Childhood Program, Hannahville Tribal Head Start, Mississippi Choctaw Head Start Program, Seneca Nation Early Childhood Learning Center and Aleutian Pribilof Island Head Start Program qualify.

Students can receive support through mentor programs, tuition assistance, scholarships, textbooks and even laptops to be used for schoolwork.

"This grant really targets removing a lot of those barriers that can be challenges for people to look at going to school," said Heather Stelzer, chair of the BMCC Early Childhood department. "Between the scholarships and incentives, there really shouldn't be any out of pocket expense to do this."

The grant will cover the program starting this year for the next five years, awarding the funds once each year. This year, BMCC received $642,675 in funding awarded by the Administration for Children and Families.

The early childhood education program consists of a bachelor's degree and an additional one-year certification class. BMCC is the only tribal college to provide the bachelor's degree program entirely online for non-local students.

Scholarships of up to $500 can be won by the first new or returning students to apply for the program to help with other related expenses.

"This grant is like rolling out the red carpet when you think about equitable learning experiences," said Stelzer. "It's quite an amazing opportunity."

 Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Bay Mills Community College partnership helps students finish degree
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has an ambivalent relationship with the First Amendment. One of his signature legislative efforts, the so-called Stop WOKE Act, is currently enjoined by a federal court on First Amendment grounds, and First Amendment litigation against his attempt to retaliate against Disney for criticizing his parental rights legislation continues.

But it doesnt appear that DeSantis has learned his lesson, because he just proposed something else thats not just a likely violation of the First Amendmentits downright un-American.

When the blood wasnt even dry on the Israelis who had been massacred, you had people in America going out and protesting in favor of Hamas, DeSantis recently said. Some of these people are not U.S. citizens, so as president, if you're on a student visa and youre a foreigner and youre out there celebrating terrorism, Im canceling your visa and Im sending you home.

The New York Times Mea Culpa on the Gaza Hospital Explosion Is Too Little, Too Late

The 2024 GOP presidential candidate was clearly referencing the protests that erupted in recent weeks everywhere from Times Square to many college campuses in support of the Palestinian cause. In some cases, the people attending these rallies express sympathy and solidarity with the plight of the Palestinian people, living under decades of Israeli occupation. But, in other cases, they praised Hamas terrorists who killed innocent Israeli civilians as freedom fighters and otherwise celebrated the violence against Israelis.

It should go without saying that this kind of glorification of violence is evil and contemptible. Yet its still unconstitutional, wrong, and short-sighted for the government to start targeting people for deportation because they say offensive and vile things.

A rally in Miami in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on October 13, 2023. Marco Bello / Getty

The Supreme Court has said since 1945 that, at least with respect to people who are within the borders of the United States lawfully, we all enjoy First Amendment protections, Joe Cohn, Legislative and Policy Director at the nonpartisan Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), told me. And thats true whether were a citizen or on a more temporary visa.

Cohn referenced the 1945 Supreme Court case, Bridges v. Wixon, which concerned the attempt to deport an Australian who had lawfully immigrated to the U.S. over his alleged support for the Communist Party. In that case, while ruling in favor of the Australian, the Supreme Court declared, Freedom of speech and of press is accorded aliens [immigrants] residing in this country. In another 1953 case, the Supreme Court reaffirmed this holding that once an alien lawfully enters and resides in this country he becomes invested with the rights guaranteed by the Constitution to all people within our borders.

There are some cases where the Supreme Court allowed immigrants to be deported because they were affiliated with groups that actively sought to violently overthrow the U.S. government. But thats a fundamentally different situation than deporting someone for speech generically supporting violent acts overseas. That case also came before some relevant landmark decisions on what constitutes actual incitement to violence, and its not clear if the case would be decided the same way today.

So, legal immigrants have First Amendment rights. But what about these protests? The next question, according to Cohn, is the speech protected by the First Amendment?

Whether its students praising Hamas past violent attacks targeting civilians or even chants like from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free that some interpret as calls for genocide against Israelis, most of the speech promoting terrorism that DeSantis is referencing, vile as it may be, doesnt meet the extremely narrow First Amendment exceptions for incitement of violence or true threats.

So, like it or not, its protected free speech.

If legal immigrants have free speech rights and their speech celebrating terrorism is protected speech, then they cannot face punishment for it from the government. If they do, thats a textbook example of retaliation for protected speech, a well-established category of First Amendment violation.

The Israel-Hamas War Has Scrambled the Cancel Culture Tribes

When presented with this criticism, DeSantis defenders argue that theres no right to a visa.

Its a privilege that can be revoked, DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern tweeted. They have a right to free speech. They dont have a right to be in the United States.

Its true that no one has a right to a visa. But no one has an inherent right to food stamps, either. Yet itd still be unconstitutional for the government to revoke someones EBT card because it disliked their anti-Israel activism. Its the principle of government retaliation thats at stake here, not a question of whether these students have a right to be in America. They, like anyone protected by the First Amendment, have the right to not face government punishment for their words.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the so-called "Stop WOKE Act" on April 22, 2022. Daniel A. Varela / Getty

DeSantis defenders also point to federal law that explicitly allows the government to deny a potential visa to a foreign applicant who endorses or espouses terrorist activity. It is true that current federal law and court precedents recognize the governments ability to deny people who apply for a visa based on their viewpoints. But thats a fundamentally different situation than revoking an immigrants lawfully-awarded visa once they are here in the U.S. because of their political expression.

"Once a person has a visa and is here, the Supreme Court has said that they cannot be removed in retaliation for their exercise of the constitutional right to free speech," Cohn told me. "The legal analysis might be different when someone is applying for a visa, but there is no question that the First Amendment protects all people lawfully within our borders from viewpoint-based discrimination."

A rally in Miami in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on October 13, 2023. Marco Bello / Getty

Basically, applicants overseas dont necessarily have full First Amendment rights, according to some of the current Supreme Court precedent. But once they are here lawfully, they domeaning that, after that point, its unconstitutional to revoke their visa in retaliation for their protected speech. (They could certainly be deported for materially supporting or recruiting for a recognized terrorist group like Hamas, but simply praising their cause or actions is a different story).

If DeSantis actually cares about free speech, then he shouldnt go down this path, no matter how vile pro-Hamas campus demonstrations may be.

Americans have always prided ourselves on the fact that we might disagree with what you have to say, but well defend your right to say it to the death. That was what prompted the ACLU to famously defend the rights of literal Nazis to march through Skokie, Illinois, where many Holocaust survivors lived, something many on the Right regularly point to when making their own free speech arguments. As a matter of intellectual consistency, that free speech ethos cant suddenly go out the window when it comes to college students saying crazy shit about Israel.

Congress Should Reject Calls to Expel Members of the Squad

Plus, you always have to ask yourself if youd still want the government to have that power when the other side is in charge. Would DeSantis defenders really be okay with a future progressive president seeking to deport Israeli or other foreign students who call to level Gaza? What about Israeli or other foreign students defending the actions of the Israeli governmentsomething a President AOC certainly might consider supporting genocide, endorsing apartheid, or, yes,  supporting terrorism?

The government either has the right to deport students because of their viewpoints or it doesnt.

With war, bloodshed, and chaos blaring at us from the headlines every day, emotions and passions are running higher in our political conversation than at any time in recent history. But moments like these are not the time to compromise on our free speech principles. On the contrary, the times when its most difficult to defend civil liberties are the very times that defense is needed the most.

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The roommate of a 21-year-old college student who died after drinking a charged lemonade from Panera Bread is revealing new details exclusively to Channel 2 Action News about the day she died.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Sarah Katz, who was a student at the University of Pennsylvania, died of a cardiac arrest last year after she drank a highly caffeinated beverage at a Panera Bread in Philadelphia, her family said in a new lawsuit.

Katz suffered from a pre-existing heart condition called Long QT Type 1 Syndrome and avoided drinks with high levels of caffeine.

Her family said in a lawsuit filed against the restaurant chain that Katz didnt know the drink had high levels of caffeine because the drink was not adequately labeled. The family believes her death was a direct result of drinking the charged lemonade.

Channel 2s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell spoke to Katzs roommate, Victoria Conroy, who remembered the day she died.

Conway said Katz had just signed up for Paneras Sip Club 10 days before she died. She said Katz had gone to a birthday party at a restaurant connected to their apartment building when she collapsed. Her phone immediately started ringing.

I remember just hearing, Sarah just collapsed suddenly, shes having a seizure. You need to get down here right away, Conway said.

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Conway and some friends raced downstairs, where Katz was unconscious on the ground and EMTs were already performing CPR. They were able to briefly stabilize her, but Katz suffered another heart attack at the hospital and died.

Immediately I was shaking. I had to sit down and process everything, she said.

Conway said that pretty quickly, she noticed a half-empty cup of Charged Lemonade at the home the girls shared.

She had been drinking the lemonade, at least I know 100% concretely, on the day of her death, Conway said. She was very vigilant to avoid caffeine. She never drank coffee. She never drank Red Bull. Panera was not properly advertising this if someone as smart and vigilant as Sarah wasnt really able to understand what was contained in this drink.

Conway said she thinks Katz had been drinking the Charged Lemonades, unaware they were caffeinated, in the days leading up to her death.

Conway said her roommate wore a heart monitor and took medication daily and that she had regular doctors appointments.

She said she misses her friends energy and ability to light up a room.

It hasnt gotten any easier, Conway said. The pain hasnt gotten any easier.

Newell spoke to a cardiologist Tuesday about how energy drinks can affect the heart.

Sometimes with a higher dose of caffeine, that can sometimes irritate the heart a little bit in a sense that it could potentially trigger symptoms of palpitations where an individual can feel their heart skip a beat or two, Dr. Jonathan H. Kim with Emory University said.

Panera issued a statement about the lawsuit Monday, saying:

We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family. At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter.
Tens of thousands turned out for this year's Rougarou Fest, beating prior year's numbers by 13,000.

Twenty-five thousand people turned out to the festival, more than doubling last year's 12,000. Rougarou Fest is the primary fundraiser for the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center in Houma. Started in 2012, it was named after the bayou werewolf.

An official total of money raised this year is not in yet, but the unofficial estimate is about $221,000, which, once expenses are removed, comes to about $121,000 for the center, according to the festival's founder Jonathan Foret.

Volunteers who worked the event for multiple years say they've watched it grow, and that it is exciting to be a part of something with so much potential. From its beginnings as a small event in front of the courthouse, the festival had multiple stages, with 115 vendors and more.

"I'm super excited that I'm able to be a part of it," Gizelle Rau said. "You know there's not a lot of festivals in Houma, per say, that you can see it go from downtown Houma, where there was only so much space that they could go into. Right now we are seeing the beginning of one of the biggest festivals in Louisiana."

Here are some scenes from the 2023 Rougarou Festival in Houma.

Rau, 35, was working the beer stand and said this was the busiest she'd ever seen the festival. This was her fifth year volunteering, and people were arriving from not just other states but other countries as well. Visitors came from Oregon, Illinois, Missouri, California, New York, Canada and Honduras.

Locals say they look forward to the festival every year.

"Halloween is my favorite time of year, and I get to spend it with my grand kids," Aloana "Lolly" Chauvin said.

Chauvin was at the main stage watching the crowds get ready for this year's howling competition. Her grandchildren Gracelynn Chauvin, 5, and Amelia Garnett, 6, were practicing their howls while seated in the grass.

The three, dressed as witches, took the stage and competed. They didn't win, but the kids were all smiles. Garnett said her favorite part of the festival was seeing Chucky in the haunted house.

This was the first year that the festival included the howling competition. Nine kids and eight adults competed in their divisions.

Here are some scenes from the 2023 Rougarou Festival in Houma.

Seated near the main stage and also dressed as a witch was 6-year-old Madyson Humphrey. This was Humphrey's second year attending the festival, and she was watching the howling competition and eating a meal. This was the first year the festival included a hot air balloon, and it was throwing out jets of fire to stay inflated nearby.

Humphrey said she had no intention of taking a ride on the balloon. She braved all the monsters of the event without fear, but the balloon was just too much.

"I didn't want to ride in it," she said. "It was scary."

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Houma's Rougarou Fest more than doubles in size
The 36-year-old boyfriend of a teenage girl who went missing in 2019 has been charged with two felony counts of sexual abuse of children resulting from child sexual abuse material found on his cell phone, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Tuesday.

Edmund Davis was arrested Monday afternoon in Chinook, Montana. The material was allegedly found on a cellphone he tossed into a garbage can during a police search of his home on July 26, according to charging documents filed in Hill County District Court.

Alicia Navarro, a high function autistic child who vanished from Glendale, Arizona when she was 14, walked into a police station in Montana on July 23 to identify herself and ask for help to get off a list of missing juveniles as she wanted to begin living her life as an adult, the documents say. Navarro, now 18, had been living with Davis, police said in the filing, which identifies Davis as her boyfriend.

When cops visited Davis home on July 26, Alicia stated no one was present at the apartment but her, the charging documents say. But officers observed Edmund in the Kitchen behind Alicia, the documents say. Edmund was seen throwing a cellphone into the trash and placing items on top of said phone.

The phone belonged to Davis, according to cops. When investigators viewed the contents of it, they found more than 80 images of boys and girls being sexually abused, some of them under the age of 5, according to the charging docs.

The cache of material included photos of infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children, at least one of whom was in bondage gear, the documents state. There were also a multitude of pictures found that are computer generated or animated content showing apparent children being sexualized, the documents say.

It remains unclear why Navarro vanished, how she got to Montana, or where she had been for the past several years, according to police. When she first reappeared, cops released a new photo of her in which a Glendale PD spokesman said she didnt look much different than she did when she disappeared... her appearance is that of a very young looking lady.

The spokesman told reporters at the time that Navarro was very apologetic to what she has put her mother through.

Davis, who has not been charged in relation to Navarros disappearance, was being held in the Hill County Detention Center on $1 million bond on Tuesday. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. A Navarro family spokesperson did not immediately respond to The Daily Beasts request for comment on Tuesday.

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Russian forces shelled three settlements near the Sumy Oblast border on Oct. 23, firing five times and causing at least 48 explosions, the local military administration reported via Telegram.

The attacks struck the communities of Bilopillia, Yunakivka, and Khotin.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.

The communities along the Sumy Oblast border have been subject to near-daily attacks since Ukrainian troops liberated Russian-occupied areas of the region in April 2022.

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Russia continues systematically abusing Ukrainian political prisoner Oleksandr Marchenko who was illegally imprisoned in the Russian Federation in 2020.

Source: Dmytro Lubinets, Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Commissioner for Human Rights, on Telegram

Quote: "Ukrainian citizen Oleksandr Marchenko, illegally sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment in the penal colony No 8 in Ulan-Ude (Buryatia), was sent to solitary confinement for three months on 26 September.

The reason for such a severe punishment was Oleksandr's alleged non-observance of the established order, namely: violation of dress code. This once again confirms that Ukrainians are treated with prejudice in Russian prisons.

... I call on the world community to help stop Russia's arbitrary violations of the rights of Ukrainian citizen Oleksandr Marchenko and release him, as well as all illegally imprisoned Ukrainians."

Details: Apart from that, Oleksandr is constantly threatened with being sent to a mental institution, Lubinets says. Such claims have intensified since his recent meeting with a lawyer.

He has not received letters for over three months because they do not pass the censor. Oleksandr has not even received any of the ordered books and magazines for the last half year. Penal colony employees redirect them to another institution.

In addition, Oleksandr Marchenko is not allowed to make calls. In this way, they [the Russians] try to isolate him from the outside world.

Background:

Marchenko was detained in December 2018 during a trip to Russian-occupied Donetsk, and later handed over to the FSB at the border. After that, he was placed under administrative arrest for alleged illegal work in Russia, and later a criminal case was opened under the article on arms smuggling.

In November 2020, Marchenko was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Former Ukrainian ombudsman Liudmyla Denisova noted that Marchenko's rights in Russia were grossly violated, and Ukrainian diplomats were forbidden from meeting with him.

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Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi shows how Ukrainian forces use American ATACMS missiles

Russian forces have decreased their use of attack helicopters on the battlefield following the Ukrainian ATACMS missile strikes on Russian airfields in occupied Luhansk and Berdyansk, Ukraines National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary, Oleksiy Danilov, told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on Oct. 24.

When we began receiving ATACMS, the application of the first batch exceeded all expectations, said Danilov.

Read also: Satellite image shows Luhansk Airport aftermath after ATACMS strike

Note that air attacks, particularly by helicopters, against our troops have diminished following this.

Danilov added that the Russians also removed a significant portion of their helicopters from occupied Crimea to more "safe places".

Ukrainian Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on airfields and equipment in the temporarily occupied cities of Berdyansk and Luhansk on the night of Oct. 17. The specific weaponry used in these attacks was not disclosed at the time.

Read also: US to supply Ukraine with ATACMS on a regular basis  FM Kuleba

These strikes were subsequently characterized by propagandists as one of the most significant attacks since the onset of the full-scale invasion.

Later the same day, several U.S. media outlets, citing anonymous sources, reported that Ukraine had deployed ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States for the first time. This information was subsequently confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Read also: How Ukraine used its first ATACMS against Russian air power

According to the AP news agency, the U.S. had delivered less than a dozen ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. However, U.S. newspaper the New York Times, citing two Western officials, stated that the U.S. had dispatched approximately 20 ATACMS missiles with a limited range.

One of the anonymous officials specified that one of the conditions for providing these long-range missiles to Ukraine was the assurance that they would not be used to target Russian territory.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Occupiers

Russia largely continues to rely on specially designated Shtorm-Z (Storm-Z) units for local offensive operations in Ukraine, which highlights the extreme difficulty it has in generating combat infantry capable of conducting effective offensive operations, the United Kingdoms Ministry of Defense reported in an intelligence update on X (Twitter) on Oct. 24.

According to the UK MoD, there is a realistic possibility that Russia originally envisioned Shtorm-Z, which were initially company-sized groups likely first fielded in 2022, as relatively elite formations that could seize the tactical initiative. However, since at least spring 2023, these units have effectively become penal battalions, manned with convicts and regular troops on disciplinary charges. Multiple accounts suggest that Shtorm-Z units are given the lowest priority for logistical and medical support, while repeatedly being ordered to attack.

Read also:

Shtorm Z units are also reportedly modeled after Russias Wagner mercenary companys recruiting efforts in Russian prisons  with convicts motivated by the prospect of reduced sentences and financial incentives.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The UK MOD said Russia tried to create elite "storm" units in Ukraine, but they were largely ineffective.

It said they were full of convicts and were sent to attack with little support.

The UK update said the debacle showed how Russia was struggling to field effective fighters.

Russia tried to build up its "Storm Z" units as an elite fighting force but instead pivoted to stuffing them with convicts and other low-quality fighters, UK intelligence said.

The units instead became a symbol of Russia's struggle to field any units capable of mounting an effective offense, the assessment said.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in its intelligence update on Tuesday that Russia probably wanted the Storm Z units  sometimes styled as Shtorm-Z  to be "relatively elite organisations which could seize the tactical initiative."

Instead, it said, they had "effectively become penal battalions, manned with convicts and regular troops on disciplinary charges."

This tallies with reporting that suggested soldiers had been sent to such battalions as punishment  one man described this happening in an interview with Reuters.

Despite the units' shortcomings, the MOD said, Russia was still relying on them for local offensive operations in Ukraine.

The use of prisoners in storm units of Russian convicts has previously been reported, including by the Institute for the Study of War, which said in September that the units had been sent to a region of heavy fighting, presumably to act as "cover" in case elite units needed to retreat.

Fighters in the units and people with knowledge of them told Reuters this month that soldiers in storm units were seen as disposable.

A soldier in a regular army unit said he was instructed not to treat injured storm-unit soldiers. "Storm fighters, they're just meat," he told Reuters, adding that he disobeyed the instruction not to help them.

One Storm-Z group of fighters said in a video in June that they would not obey orders to go back to the front line and alleged they were not given food, water, ammunition, or medical care, Reuters reported.

The UK update said the storm units seemed to be sent to heavy fighting with little help from Russia: "Multiple accounts suggest the units are given the lowest priority for logistical and medical support, while repeatedly being ordered to attack."

The MOD said Russia's struggles with building storm units showed the trouble it was having with building up an effective infantry, though its troops "often conducted an effective defence."

"The existence of Shtorm-Z highlights the extreme difficulty Russia has in generating combat infantry capable of conducting effective offensive operations," the MOD said.

Reports and Western intelligence have also pointed to Russia's struggle to staff and direct its military since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This includes relying on prisoners to replenish its fighters and seeing once-elite units being degraded by new members without any significant training.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russian attacks against Ukraine in the past 24 hours killed two civilians and wounded another 20, including a child, regional authorities reported on Oct. 24.

Russia launched six Shahed-type drones to attack Ukraine overnight, all of which were shot down in Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia oblasts, according to the Air Force. The regional authorities didnt report on casualties or damage.

Russian forces carried out 101 strikes against Kherson Oblast, firing 597 projectiles from various weapons, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Telegram. Two people were reportedly killed, and 14 more were injured, including a 12-year-old child.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia attacks in multiple directions on eastern front

The attacks against the southern region hit residential districts, a factory, a critical infrastructure facility, and a park, Prokudin added.

Russias military targeted four districts in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, wounding four residents of the Borova village aged between 42 and 68, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. The MLRS attack damaged a two-story residential building, he said.

In Ukraines eastern Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks injured two civilians in Maksymivka, some 25 kilometers northwest of Vuhledar, said acting regional governor Ihor Moroz.

Russian attacks were also reported in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Luhansk oblasts, but there were no casualties, according to the regional authorities.

Read also: Demographic disaster: Ukraines biggest post-war threat

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Ukrainian Sich Riflemen on vacation. 1915

NV publishes excerpts from the memoirs of a corporal of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen (USS), who had lived in Russian captivity for more than a year, and then, together with his fellow prisoners, got his captors drunk and escaped.

Time now! one of these crusaders shouted to me, but I didnt understand the Russian language and didnt guess what time he wanted. I understood only when he cursed with a rude Russian word, grabbed my hand, and pulled up my sleeve. And since I didnt have time either on my hand or in my pocket, the soldier pushed me forward with the butt of his kris, followed by another juicy Russian curse. Another soldier did the same with sotnik [lieutenant of Cossack troops] Petro Pasika. We ended up in Russian captivity.

Read also: Russia deports children, rapes and tortures Ukrainians  UN report

This episode is from the memoirs of a USS corporal, Dmytro Herchanivskyi, about his military service at the height of WWI. At that time, the USS Volunteer Legion fought within the Austro-Hungarian Empire against the army of Russian Emperor Nicholas II. The USS soldiers together with the 310th Hungarian regiment tried to prevent the enemy from advancing near Mount Lysonia in a battle near Berezhany in early September 1916, but they were captured.

Lieutenant Andriy Melnyk was among the prisoners, who became the leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) in 1938. Together with him, Herchanivskyi went under convoy from Ternopil and Kyiv to Kursk, Penza, Ufa, and Tsaritsyn. They spent a year and three months in captivity before escaping.

According to Herchanivskyi, about 50 USS officers and soldiers were captured by the Russians near Berezhany. In order not to give anything to the enemy, the USS soldiers smashed their revolvers and cameras against the trees and broke their razors and knives. Ukrainians were surrounded by enemy infantry.

Conversations with Russians

Already in captivity, the Russian field priest, examining the prisoners blue and yellow cockades, wondered why the USS caps were called Mazepynka, since Hetman Ivan Mazepa did not wear them. He provoked political conversations while addressing the prisoners in Ukrainian. He spoke about Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky and one nation. He asked the USS soldiers why they were fighting against their own. Melnyk tried to object, but the priest cut him off mid-sentence.

The prisoners were lined up and brought to Pidhaitsi (a town 58 km from Ternopil). Here, Melnyk got into an intense argument with a general who was inspecting new arrivals. The general declared that neither Ukraine nor the Ukrainian language existed, as if it was some obscure term in Halychyna [or Galicia, a region in western Ukraine]. And it was correct to call the language Southern Russian or Little Russian.

Read also: Ukraine repatriates bodies of 64 fallen defenders

Andriy Melnyk started to argue, Herchanivskyi recalled.

He reminded that Rus is a name stolen by [Emperor of Russia] Peter I. That Ukraine and Ukrainian are equal to Rus and Russian. At first, the general listened attentively to Melnyks arguments. And then he got angry: There has never been any Ukraine, and there will never be. And he added ironically at the end: Did you hear that, adjutant? Hes a lieutenant, and Im a general, and he knows more than me. Well advance to Vienna soon and will catch your [Emperor of Austria] Franz Joseph I!

The prisoners werent accommodated in barracks for the night, but in the homes of local residents. The residents of Pidhaitsi met the USS soldiers as heroes, trying to accommodate them in everything.

Ms. Kobrynska treated us to a hot, fragrant meat dinner and vegetables, writes the corporal in his memoirs.

A delicious dinner just didnt fit into the imagination of a front-line soldier. And then fresh, white linens and a soft bed!

In the morning, the convoy of prisoners left for Ternopil. They were accompanied by a hundred infantrymen and several horsemen from the Don Cossacks, who galloped on both sides of the road, swinging their clubs, and hurried those who were lagging.

The USS prisoners arrived in Ternopil on Sept. 6. They walked gloomily down the city street, while the locals threw bread, cigarettes, and soap to them. The Don Cossacks whipped everyone who tried to approach the convoy, even children and the elderly.

The barracks were the next stop, where the residents of Ternopil stubbornly continued to throw food, tobacco, and underwear over the wall to Ukrainian fighters.

Kyiv was next. Young girls with hot pies, sweets and all kinds of food were bustling around the railway carriages with prisoners. Any purchases were out of question, since the prisoners had only Austro-Hungarian money, and no one would give away a single piece of bread for nothing.

Read also: Some 26,000 civilians and soldiers are considered missing under special circumstances in Ukraine

A few days later, the memoirs author was surprised by Russian Kursk. At the station restaurant, all the more than 200 captured senior officers who were brought here were treated to a comprehensive first-class lunch, right at the station, at tables elegantly covered with white tablecloths, with silver cutlery and porcelain dishes, Herchanivskyi recalled.

Penza was next, where the Ukrainians met Austrians in a large POW camp. The latter complained that the Russians had reduced their officer privileges and even boarded up the windows of the officers quarters. Melnyk and his comrades wrote letters to their relatives and appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its representatives soon issued underwear, blankets, warm wraps, 10 [Russian] rubles in cash to the soldiers, and exchanged Austrian money for Russian.

Life in captivity

The camp outside Ufa, where the Ukrainians were brought in late October, was supposed to be the final destination of the Mazepyntsi [followers of Ivan Mazepa], as the Russians called the USS soldiers. The walls of their barracks were covered with dark brown mold from under the old wallpaper. Constant rains washed out the roads, along with the camels, which were more common here than horses and could barely pull the carts behind them. Prisoners were allowed to go to the market and to the hairdresser once a day in small groups  no more than two or three senior officers accompanied by a guard. Once a week they were taken to a bathhouse.

All Ukrainians were given 50 rubles each in early October. At that time, the average workers salary in Russia was 37.5 rubles. The money was paid out regularly every month, without delays. Sick leaves were also paid out.

Books saved me from boredom. We read everything we could get our hands on, mostly Russian classics. And at the same time, we learned this foreign language. Melnyk, as the oldest among all, developed a daily schedule of classes. Everyone followed it.

All sorts of small matters were discussed there. To live in certain forms, to show oneself as an organized community, not to break up into groups of several people or to stand alone, Herchanivskyi explains.

Read also: UN says 90% of Ukrainian prisoners of war have been tortured by Russians

In February 1917, when the revolution broke out in Russia, the prisoners were transferred to Dubovka near Tsaritsyn and accommodated in [local merchant] Evlampy Chelyukanovs mansion.

They followed the same order and discipline in the new place. The prisoners filled their free time with learning foreign languages, beekeeping, gymnastics, and mastering the Japanese martial art of jiu-jitsu. At the same time, platoon commander Vasyl Kuchabskyi, a future diplomat and historian, worked on military terminology for the new Ukrainian army.

The USS soldiers ordered books, collected a whole library in the camp, which they planned to transfer to the Ukrainian university in Lviv after the war. They were also allowed to swim in the Volga River under the supervision of a guard, whom they paid a ruble.

Melnyk himself recalled: The camp administration treated us, USS officers, properly. Like all the captured senior officers, we had the opportunity to run our own household, that is, support ourselves from the 50 rubles we received monthly, we had two trips outside the city, and we could read books and magazines.

In Dubovka, Melnyk met Yevhen Konovalets, a future well-known OUN colonel, and at that time also a lieutenant and a prisoner from a nearby barracks. Together, they plotted to escape. Konovalets managed to escape in June 1917 and reach Kyiv, while Melnyk and a dozen of his fellow prisoners waited until Dec. 24.

Audacious escape

When Christmas Eve came, the conspirators went to visit captured senior officers from among the Czechs and Poles, of whom there were many in the camp. The camps commandant and the guards were invited to dinner. They bought a lot of good alcoholic beverages. And then, in the whirlwind of a merry feast, the Ukrainians left the barracks one by one and walked through the knee-deep snow-covered steppe to Tsaritsyn.

Exhausted Melnyk, who had caught a cold the day before, was carried by his comrades for two hours. He was given hot tea and rubbed with vodka in some abandoned village. The Russian language came in handy as the locals did not understand what kind of people were in their house and helped them rent a sleigh with horses. The fugitives more or less calmly reached Tsaritsyn, where three men from Konovalets were already waiting for them in the barracks of the 172nd reserve regiment. After changing clothes, everyone boarded the train and went to Kyiv, where they proclaimed the Ukrainian Peoples Republic.

It was a time of chaos after the October Revolution. Melnyk and his comrades passports, which Konovalets handed over from Kyiv, were not legal in Russia. On the way between Kursk and Voronezh, the fugitives almost got into trouble, but their ingenuity saved them. The three soldiers who entered the railway carriage to check documents turned out to be illiterate. The USS soldiers nodded at a clean-shaven man in a long fur coat made of black ferret fur, as if hes a Polish priest, he knows everything. In fact, it was their comrade Dmytro Burko, who diligently looked at Melnyks passport and confirmed that it was a real state document. When the priest was asked for his passport, he pulled out some crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. Surprisingly, it worked, and when the controllers left, the USS soldiers were laughing for a long time.

Read also: Russia complicating all for all prisoner swap process, says HUR head Budanov

Finally, they arrived at the Kyiv central railway station, which at that time looked like a dimly lit, dirty barrack full of soldiers lying on the platform. People with bags were pushing and swearing. It stank of mothballs, sweat, and tobacco smoke. Sunflower seed husks, dirty paper, and rags were scattered everywhere. The hungry soldiers could not eat the bread and the pies from the buffet, on which all sorts of abominations were crawling. Stunned by the new realities of revolutionary Kyiv, yesterdays prisoners went to 9 Pyrohova Street, where Konovalets and his comrades were already waiting for them in the building of the then Kyiv Trade University. The Sich Riflemen Halych-Bukovyna Kurin [military unit] was formed in Kyiv, which would later become the backbone of the Ukrainian Peoples Army.

Herchanivskyis memoirs has no mention of the murders, torture, or any other horrors of Russian captivity that Ukraine has faced in modern warfare. The Hague Convention (II) with respect to the Laws and Customs of War on Land, adopted at the initiative of Russian Emperor Nicholas II, has been in effect in Europe since 1907. Its provisions regarding the treatment of prisoners were strictly observed.

According to the convention, prisoners could not be stripped of their officer rank and were treated accordingly. Forced labor was prohibited. Prisoners of war were to be paid the same salary as they received in their army before capture. They could be settled in a fortress or in a camp, and they vowed not to go beyond certain established limits. But no one had the right to completely deprive a prisoner of his freedom if he did not pose a clear danger.

The provisions of the above Hague Convention, like many later international documents on the laws and customs of war, are still in force today. But Russia neglects them.

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GAZA/JERUSALEM, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza on Monday, as more planes carrying humanitarian aid landed at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai, waiting to be sent into war-torn Gaza.

As Israel's airstrikes on Gaza and its preparations for a possible ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave persisted, Lebanon's Shiite military group Hezbollah and Israel clashed more along the border, raising fears of a regional escalation of the conflict.

HAMAS RELEASES HOSTAGES

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said Monday in a statement that it has freed two more hostages for "humanitarian reasons" through "Egyptian-Qatari mediation."

It is the second time that Hamas has released some of the hostages it took on Oct. 7 after releasing two American hostages on Friday.

An Israeli government official confirmed the release of the two Israelis, who arrived at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, adding that an Israeli team was on its way to meet them.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news identified the two women as Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79. Yocheved's husband, Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old journalist, was kidnapped with his wife and is still being held by Hamas.

Earlier on Monday, Palestinian sources said Hamas plans to release some foreign hostages captured in Gaza following "intense mediation efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations."

In a briefing to reporters, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari said the military "has been actively involved in operational and intelligence efforts to secure the release of all the hostages," while neither confirming nor denying reports on Hamas' hostage-release plan.

Hagari confirmed that the number of hostages in Gaza now stands at 222, adding they include Israelis, foreign nationals, women, children, and the elderly.

MORE HUMANITARIAN AID ENTERS GAZA

The latest release of two Israelis also coincided with the delivery of the third shipment of humanitarian aid into the coastal enclave through the Rafah crossing on Monday.

The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that it has received the third convoy of 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid containing food, water, medicines, and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, planes from Algeria, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the World Health Organization carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip arrived at Egypt's al-Arish Airport, which is less than 50 km from the Rafah crossing.

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday that Turkiye sent two cargo planes to Egypt carrying medical equipment and supplies for the Gaza Strip, adding that two more aircraft would be sent with more supplies. The aircraft also carried a medical team of 20 doctors, he said on social media platform X.

ISRAEL CONTINUES AIRSTRIKES, PREPARES GROUND OFFENSIVE

Meanwhile, Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza with hundreds of air attacks on the besieged coastal enclave. According to the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 436 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, pushing the total death toll in Gaza to at least 5,087, which includes around 2,055 children.

Having entered its 17th day, the conflict has also killed over 1,400 people in Israel, according to official statistics.

The Israeli military reported the killing of five commanders from Hamas' aerial array, responsible for Gaza's air defense, in addition to "dozens" of Palestinian militants.

As the airstrikes intensified, the Israeli army prepared for a potential ground offensive, deploying tens of thousands of troops and conducting training exercises.

The IDF also carried out limited ground raids in Gaza. "During the night, there were raids by tank and infantry forces," Hagari told reporters during a daily briefing on Monday, saying that the raids were carried out "deep" in Gaza.

The raids and air strikes "have been carried out as part of the preparations for the next stage of the war," Hagari added.

On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armored bulldozers and forced an Israeli force infiltrating east of Khan Younis in south Gaza to withdraw. The Israeli military also confirmed that a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

Meanwhile, more rockets were still launched from Gaza towards southern Israel, hitting an apartment in the southern Israeli city of Sderot. No injuries were reported, as most residents in the city had already been evacuated to central Israel.

ISRAEL-LEBANON BORDER CLASH ESCALATES

Fighting also continued along Israel's northern border with Lebanon. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that a ten-year-old girl and a 39-year-old man sustained minor injuries on Monday when an anti-tank missile struck the backyard of a house in Kiryat Shmona, a northern city that Israel had commenced evacuating on Friday.

The Israeli military responded by launching drone and artillery attacks on two groups of fighters who were attempting to fire anti-tank missiles from Lebanon into Israeli territory.

Lebanese army sources said a Hezbollah fighter was killed during clashes with the Israeli army on the border. This incident brought the total number of Hezbollah fighters killed within a 24-hour period to five, with four others wounded.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and sending its militants into Israeli territory, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

On Oct. 8, Hezbollah fired multiple rockets toward Israeli military sites in support of Hamas, prompting heavy artillery from the Israeli side. Since then, the Israel-Lebanon border has seen escalating tensions, increasing the odds of a broader war in the region. 
Sevastopol

Three Ukrainian drone boats allegedly attacked the occupied Crimean peninsula overnight on Oct. 23-24, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Telegram messenger.

Reportedly, the drones were spotted at around 4 a.m. in the northern part of the Black Sea and, according to the Russian ministry, are said to have "inflicted fire damage with anti-sabotage missile and bomb systems."

"A set of mine countermeasures and anti-sabotage activities is being carried out at the outer roadstead of Sevastopol Bay," the Russian Defense Ministry added.

Earlier, the head of the Russian occupation authority in Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, claimed that Russia's Black Sea Fleet had repelled a "possible underwater attack". Radio Libertys Krym.Realii project reported that shooting and sounds resembling the operation of rocket launchers were heard in Sevastopol at night.

Read also: Russia claims overnight attack by 28 Ukrainian drones

Ukraine has conducted a series of operations in Crimea in recent months, with many successful strikes. Russian authorities have repeatedly alleged that Ukrainian drone strikes have reached the Kerch Bridge, which connects the occupied peninsula with the Russian mainland, while local Telegram frequently report explosions in the area.

In particular, on Oct. 13, NV's sources in Ukraines SBU security service reported that the SBU, together with the Navy, attacked the Russian cruise missile carrier Buyan and the ship Pavel Derzhavin near Sevastopol using an experimental surface drone called Sea Baby.

Later, the Navy clarified that there was no confirmation of damage to the Buyan. However, the Nikolai Muru tugboat was reported to have been damaged.

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The Russians have set up so-called torture pits at the Prudboi training ground in Volgograd Oblast and the Totsky training ground in Orenburg Oblast, where they put "offenders".

Source: Vazhnye Istorii (Important Stories), a Russian independent news outlet

Quote: "In the summer of 2023, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, who is overseeing a large-scale campaign to recruit 400,000 contract soldiers into the Russian army, visited two Russian training grounds where volunteers were being trained before being sent to war  Prudboi in Volgograd Oblast and Totsky in Orenburg Oblast.

The same summer, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Prudboi, which is considered the best training ground in the country.

Soldiers who had been trained there during Medvedev and Shoigu's visits told Vazhnye Istorii and the Conflict Intelligence Team about the existence of torture pits on the territory of the training grounds.

We were able to confirm their words with the help of satellite images. Here's what awaits volunteers at Russian training grounds before they are sent to war."

Details: One of the Russians who had been to the training ground told journalists that Prudboi did indeed have pits where offenders were held.

He said that several of his comrades-in-arms had been in the pits, mostly caught drinking.

According to him, the military police beat them and then put them in the pit, where they were kept for several days to a week. Food was brought once a day and no medical care was provided.

He added that one of his fellow soldiers died at the training ground after being in the pit, although Vazhnye Istorii and CIT have not been able to find independent confirmation of this incident.

Prudboi. On the image of 16 April 2023, there are no "pits" in this place

PHOTO: PLANET.COM

Later, the man managed to leave the training ground and flee the country: "I saw what a s**t show was going on around me: classes were held for the show, phones were confiscated, and those who were outraged were put in pits along with alcoholics and drug users, and I decided to run away."

The man also told the CIT that he had seen with his own eyes two pits next to the training ground.

His words are confirmed by a satellite image of the site taken in early August 2023.

It shows two deep pits in the ground not far from the tent camp, at the same point as the man's description. In another image from April 2023, there are no pits. They appeared later.

Another Russian soldier who deserted was trained at the Totsky training ground in Orenburg Oblast in the summer of 2023. He said that at the Totsky, volunteer soldiers who "violated the charter" were beaten, handcuffed, and those most "violent" were also threatened with pits.

Something that looks like pits at the Totsky training ground in Orenburg Oblast, pictured on 4 August 2023

Photo: SKYFI

The man did not see the pits with his own eyes, but he personally heard his fellow soldiers being threatened with being "put in a pit".

The media studied satellite imagery of the Totsky training ground: in an image from early August, two pits were found not far from the field camp where the soldiers lived.

In the summer of 2023, a new, 25th army was being created at Totske, which was promised to be sent to war in September. Only volunteer soldiers were brought there: 80% of them were former convicts, the people who had served their time, under articles ranging from murder to rape of minors.

According to the man, a group of close associates of the unit commander, Colonel I. Yem, dealt with the troublemakers at the Totsky.

The media sent inquiries to the press services of the Central and Southern Military Districts of the Russian Federation, as well as to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, asking about the pits on the territory of the Prudboi and Totsky training grounds.

There were no pits on this site yet in June 2022

PHOTO: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/GOOGLE

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Consequences of one of the shellings in the Zaporizhzhya region

Russia launched two missiles towards the city of Zaporizhzhya on Oct. 24, with one striking the grounds of an industrial zone, Zaporizhzhya regional governor Yuriy Malashko reported.

The missiles, believed to have been ballistic projectiles, were launched at approximately 11:27 a.m., according to Ukrainian authorities.

Read also:

One of the missiles hit the premises of a local enterprise, and the location of the second missile is currently being clarified, Malashko said. The strike is said to have damaged some of the structures in the industrial zone, but no casualties have thus far been reported.

Russia launched an attack on Ukraine using Iranian Shahed suicide drones overnight on Oct. 23. Air defenses successfully intercepted all of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

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A Russian official in occupied Crimea claimed that the CIA, MI6, and Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) collaborated to attack the Crimean bridge with naval drones, Russian state-run media Ria Novosti said on Oct. 24.

Vladimir Konstantinov, a Russian proxy official in Crimea, alleged that the July 2023 strike directly involved the U.K. and U.S. intelligence agencies, claiming that Ukraine could not have carried out the attack on its own. The SBU took credit for the attack in August, saying that 'Sea Baby' experimental marine drones had been used to damage the bridge.

Konstantinov cited the Oct. 23 article by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), which detailed the SBU's high-profile assassinations of Russian targets, as evidence.

The WSJ article said that the attack on the Crimean bridge used "naval drones that were developed as part of a top secret operation involving the CIA and other Western intelligence services."

However, Konstantinov neglected to reference the earlier part of the paragraph, which says that U.S. officials were notified in advance of the attack, and raised concerns that it could cause an escalation. It does not say that either the CIA or MI6 were directly involved in either planning or carrying out the drone strike.

U.S. sources consulted for the WSJ article said that U.S. intelligence also had no involvement in the assassinations carried out by Ukrainian agencies and that their cooperation focused mainly on developing skills in gathering intelligence.

"We never involved our international partners in covert operations, especially behind the front lines," a former senior Ukrainian security official reportedly said.

Konstantinov disputed these aspects of the article, saying that it was just trying to hide that Ukraine only follows the orders of its Western allies.

The SBU declined to comment on the WSJ article, saying it "would be possible to discuss details regarding its special operations only after Ukraine's victory over Russia."

Read also: Washington Post: Ukraine conducts high-value assassinations inside Russia

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The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Oct. 24 that its forces had destroyed three Ukrainian marine drones in the northern part of the Black Sea overnight. Kyiv hasn't commented on the allegation.

Earlier, Mikhail Razvozhaev, the head of Sevastopol's illegal Russian occupation government, said Russia's Black Sea Fleet was repelling "a possible attack by enemy submarine sabotage forces."

Several explosions were heard in Sevastopol in occupied Crimea at around 3:35 a.m. local time, according to several Telegram channels.

Explosions have been occurring regularly in Russian-annexed Crimea. The Russian Defense Ministry alleges that these explosions are the result of Ukrainian attacks.

Starting in the summer of 2023, there have been a series of increasingly destructive attacks on Russian military facilities in occupied Crimea.

One of the most significant incidents happened on Sept. 22 when a strike targeted the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. This strike reportedly utilized long-range Storm Shadow missiles and resulted in the deaths of 34 Russian officers.

In response to these repeated attacks in recent months, Russia's Black Sea Fleet has intensified its defensive and reactive measures, according to a report by the UK Defense Ministry on Oct. 14.

Read also: Military intelligence: 400,000 Russian soldiers occupy Ukrainian lands

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Russian forces attacked Kherson Oblast on Oct. 24, causing damage to a hospital and fire station, as well as injuring two people, local authorities said.

Ukraine's State Emergency Service said that an air strike damaged the roof and windows of a local fire station, but that their equipment remained intact and none of the personnel were injured.

Kherson's regional military administration also said that overnight Russian shelling heavily damaged a hospital in the village of Bilozerka, located about 15 kilometers from the city of Kherson.

In addition, Russian forces attacked the village of Kozatske, causing multiple injuries, including spinal wounds and soft-tissue damage, to a 63-year-old woman and another 66-year-old resident.

Since the liberation of the city of Kherson and its outskirts in Nov. 2022, Russian forces have relentlessly shelled the area, causing numerous civilian deaths and injuries.

Read also: Biden all in on aid to Ukraine, yet House remains an issue

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A Russian UAV is moving in the air space between Kharkiv and Poltava Oblasts of Ukraine, the Air Force reported late on 24 October.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "A Russian UAV (likely Shahed) is on the border between Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts, it is moving in the northwestern direction.

The air defence [network] is responding."

Updated: At 22:52, the Air Force reported that the all-clear was given.

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The Russian army is superior to Ukrainian forces technically and quantitatively, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine have an advantage in motivation and the quality of the military.

Source: Petro Kuzyk, Commander of the Svoboda (Freedom) battalion, in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "They [the Russians] surpass us in everything regarding technical equipment: the number of tanks, the quality of these tanks, the number of ammunition, the number of artillery that covers the infantry and that ensures their offensive operations, the amount of shelling, the use of aircraft, electronic warfare  these are all elements where we are outnumbered, and outnumbered fully."

Details: At the same time, Kuzyk considers the advantage of Ukrainians to be that "we are on our land, this war is sacred for us".

Quote: "Our advantage is in the quality of our infantry. We are protecting our families, we are protecting our people from real savages...

What else is our advantage? If you take our artillery, our artillerymen are more professional and accurate. But we are given a very limited amount of ammunition. You will be very surprised when we will be allowed to talk about these numbers."

Details: For example, Kuzyk said there were "give or take 500 strikes" in their "small square" position in an hour when his battalion was defending Rubizhne. Whereas on the Ukrainian side, "a mortar fired twice in this time".

Kuzyk also explained how his fighters held their positions in the battles near Horlivka, where "there was no point in holding positions, but I was given an order: 'At any cost'."

Quote: "Imagine when the order is given to 'hold the position at all costs', and I tell this to the boys, and we work. And I would like to list the soldiers who held these positions. Kostia, who goes by 'Vandam', the youngest soldier in our battalion. Then he was 19, now he is 20. Mine wreckage hit his face. And I gave him the order to evacuate, he said: 'Commander, I will not leave because there is no one to hold this position'.

That time, when a soldier with the alias 'Traktor' refused to come out after shrapnel pierced his nose and entered his face.

When Vasyl 'Sharhorod' Ivashko was forcibly taken to hospital by my order after shrapnel hit his neck. He ran away from the hospital with a bandaged neck and a cellophane bag with antibiotics at 02:00. I began to shout at him, emotionally, using all sorts of vocabulary. He says: 'Commander, there is nothing left of us. I am with you because I cant just lie there'."

Can you imagine the motivation of this person, these fighters?"

Details: Kuzyk emphasised that there are a lot of people like that, he can "list them for a long time".

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Yehor Semenov, a native of the currently occupied city of Melitopol, was arrested for 15 days under an administrative article on petty hooliganism in Armavir, Krasnodar Krai of the Russian Federation.

Source: Radio Liberty Russia

Details: Russian media and Telegram channels, citing sources in the security forces, call Semenov a suspect in a supposed attempted poisoning of graduates of the Armavir Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots, which the FSB is allegedly investigating. It was not officially announced.

Earlier, several Russian military bloggers said that the participants of the meeting of the schools graduating pilots almost became victims of poisoning on 21 October in Armavir. A bottle of whiskey and a cake were brought to their banquet. The pilots found the gifts suspicious and reported it to the FSB. Allegedly, it turned out that the cake and whiskey were poisoned (the kind of poison not reported). It is claimed that Yehor Semenow was the employee who delivered the cake.

Kommersant Russian media writes that the investigation is now investigating his involvement in the attempt. Baza Telegram channel previously wrote that he was detained in Stavropol while trying to fly to Moscow.

At the same time, he was arrested under an article about petty hooliganism. The joint press service of the courts of the Krasnodar Krai reported that "citizen Semenov, being on the street, spoke obscenely, waved his hands, did not respond to comments". Sources of the media claim that Semenov may be arrested in a criminal case of attempted terrorist attack after serving his sentence. Neither the initiation of such a case nor the suspects were officially announced.

Russian bloggers, citing sources in the security forces, claim that the attempt was allegedly organised by employees of the Security Service of Ukraine.

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Kirill Logvinov

European Union countries have expelled hundreds of diplomats for spying for Moscow. Russia's top representative to the European Union, Kirill Logvinov, may also be a spy, according to a joint European media investigation published by German news outlet Der Spiegel on Oct. 24.

Logvinov had been a diplomat at Russia's permanent mission in Brussels since 2018. After Russia's ambassador to the EU left his post about a year ago, Logvinov served as the head of the mission, becoming his de facto deputy.

Read also: Russian TV propagandist accuses diplomat Zakharova of heavy drinking, anti-semitism in viral video

Logvinov was first suspected of spying last year, before he was head of the Russian mission.

He also worked at the Russian embassy in Berlin from 2010 to 2014. At the time, Logvinov's alleged espionage "went unnoticed."

Belgian authorities believe Logvinov and other remaining EU embassy staff are covertly working against European interests, and the Belgian secret service has added the top diplomat to its list of foreign intelligence agents.

The question of what to do with Logvinov has been on the minds of EU diplomats and Western intelligence agencies for some time. Insiders report that a dispute over him erupted in EU circles last year.

Read also: US and China will lead peace negotiations, not Putin, as Russias dependency on China grows  says Ukrainian diplomat

Belgian counterintelligence demanded that the alleged spy be expelled. However, diplomats from the European External Action Service (EEAS) prevented this move, possibly fearing retaliation against its own diplomatic staff in Russia.

Vice-President of the European Parliament Martin Hojsik said he was shocked that Logvinov had not yet been expelled, and suggested that the European Parliament would look into the case following the publication of Spiegels investigation, and put pressure on the EEAS.

Logvinov and the Russian Permanent Representation to the EU did not respond to a request for comment from Der Spiegel and its partners on investigation.

The EEAS said it does not comment on individual cases. Belgian intelligence also did not respond to a request for comment on the case.

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KINSHASA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 23 people were killed in an attack attributed to the rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Monday evening in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a Congolese military spokesperson said Tuesday.

The rebels launched the attack around 8:30 p.m., local time, Monday on the outskirts of Oicha, a town in the eastern North Kivu province, said Anthony Mualushayi, a military spokesperson in the Beni region.

According to him, the rebels tied up the majority of the victims before executing them with machetes and bullets. Military reinforcements deployed after the attack are still tracking down the rebels.

The territory of Beni, where Oicha is located, has been plagued by attacks by the ADF rebels for decades.

The ADF was founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda. It was originally based in western Uganda but has expanded into the neighboring DRC, which led to joint operations between the DRC and Uganda to fight against the group. 
German media suggest that Kirill Logvinov, Head of the Russian delegation to the EU based in Brussels, is probably a spy under diplomatic cover.

Source: European Pravda; SPIEGEL article, based on the results of the study together with partner organisations.

Logvinov's case is part of a broader study by Espiomats journalists, which focuses on possible Russian spies in the EU who operate under diplomatic cover.

In addition to SPIEGEL, Belgian De Tijd, Swedish Expressen, Estonian Delfi, Lithuanian broadcaster LRT, Polish VSquare and Frontstory, the Dossier Center founded by emigrants from Russia and Slovak ICJK are working on this project.

48-year-old Kirill Logvinov has been accredited as a diplomat at the Russian Permanent Mission in Brussels since 2018. Since Russia's last ambassador to the EU left office about a year ago, Logvinov has become the de facto head of the mission.

In 2010-2014, he worked at the Russian Embassy in Berlin, then he was not suspected as a possible spy.

Journalists report that Belgian security agencies suspect Logvinov works for the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.

Belgium does not rule out that some other Russian employees of the representative office may also secretly work against the interests of the European Union. Sources from the security agencies did not want to comment on what kind of activity they were talking about. Belgium declined to directly comment on Logvinov.

Suspicions against Logvinov appeared last year and were probably first mentioned in the article EU Observer on the activities of alleged Russian agents. At that time, Logvinov was not yet the actual head of the representative office. After the publication, the Parliament launched an investigation into possible links between Logvinov and employees of the European Commission (EC), but the EC denied that such contacts existed.

The question of what to do with this Russian diplomat has allegedly long concerned European diplomatic circles and special services. Belgian counterintelligence allegedly called for his expulsion, but the European External Action Service (EEAS) opposed it, possibly fearing consequences for its diplomats in Russia.

At the question of the co-authors of the study, Martin Goisik, Vice-president of the European Parliament, expressed surprise that Logvinov had not yet been expelled. "If the Belgian security agencies recommended that he be expelled, I am very interested in why the EEAS did not do so," Martin Goisik said.

The European External Action Service said it does not comment on specific individuals accredited as diplomats. Still, in general, the threat of espionage activities is constantly monitored in close coordination with relevant structures.

Logvinov himself and the Russian delegation to the EU ignored a request for comment from the consortium of journalists.

Earlier, the Swiss press published a piece of information that a fifth of all Russian spies in Europe probably operate in Switzerland.

Non-governmental Russian media recently published an investigation into how the Russian Geographical Society is trying to recruit spies in Norway to collect information about military bases and energy infrastructure facilities.

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BOSTON  The Massachusetts attorney general announced Tuesday that her office had reached a settlement with Sen. Ryan Fattman , his wife, Worcester Registrar of Probate Stephanie Fattman, and members of their campaign committees in the three-year probe into campaign finance irregularities.

Enforcing our campaign finance laws, and holding those who violate them accountable, are critical functions of our office, said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. We will continue to hold accountable those who misuse positions of power, break the law and undermine the publics trust.

The settlements include Fattman's father, Donald Fattman, for his actions taken as treasurer of the Ryan Fattman Committee; the Republican State Committee; the Sutton Republican Town Committee; and his brother Anthony Fattman for actions taken as chair of the Sutton Republican Town Committee. The settlement resolves allegations that each person or entity violated state campaign finance laws during Stephanie Fattmans campaign for reelection as registrar of probate in 2020.

Sen. Ryan Fattman and his wife, Stephanie, and son, Grady.

According to the attorney general the probe revealed that in 2020, Sen. Fattmans campaign donated money to the Republican State Committee and the Sutton Republican Town Committee, which used the money to fund over 550,000 mailers in support of (and made other in-kind donations to) Stephanie Fattmans campaign. These contributions, totaling more than $160,000, of which $137,000 flowed through the Republican State Committee, far exceeded the legal limit $100 on contributions from one candidate to another.

Stephanie Fattman and the Stephanie Fattman Committee have agreed to disgorge the full amount of the impermissible contributions funneled to the Stephanie Fattman Committee through the Republican State Committee, or $137,000. The committee will relinquish all current assets and make four annual payments of $27,000 to make up the difference.

Sen. Fattman is required to pay $55,000 and Donald Fattman, former treasurer of the Ryan Fattman Committee, is required to pay $10,000. The Sutton Republican Town Committee also entered into an agreement and has paid the remains of its committee bank account to the state, totaling $5,211.48. As part of the agreement, Anthony Fattman will resign immediately. He is prohibited from serving as chair in the future.

As outlined in the agreements, both Stephanie and Ryan Fattman will retain professional compliance agents to ensure that their campaigns comply with all campaign finance laws through the 2026 primary and general elections.

OCPF will continue its role in educating and informing candidates of their duties and responsibilities under the campaign finance law, said OCPF Director William Campbell. Where apparent violations exist, the agency will take measures to ensure the publics interest in accurate and timely disclosure of campaign finance activity.

The payments by the campaign committees of Registrar Fattman and Sen. Fattman represent the largest amounts ever paid by candidate committees to the state to resolve alleged campaign finance violations.

Last month, the Massachusetts Republican State Committee agreed to pay a fine of $15,000, in three installments, as part of its settlement into the attorney general's probe of alleged campaign finance irregularities. The Fattmans have agreed to pay $55,000 to the state through the office of director in the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Were happy to move forward and put this behind us, said Stephanie Fattman, in an interview Friday at Sen. Fattman's State House office, where they were accompanied by their youngest son, Grady, 2. Our daughter was 4 when this started, now shes 7, and we didnt have this little one.

There was no finding of liability, no admission of wrongdoing, Ryan Fattman said Friday.

Sen. Ryan Fattman

I dont want to be distracted from other issues, he continued, referencing the migrant issue and the governors response to the influx, and the firearms bill that was recently passed by the House and awaits action in the Senate.

The special election (to fill a vacant Worcester and Hampshire District Senate seat) is a huge test for the Republican Party in Massachusetts, Ryan Fattman said, contending that Massachusetts would benefit with more balance in the State House, a true two-party system that increases accountability and transparency. Its time to get all our oars in the same boat and in the water.

In his own words: Sen. Ryan Fattman

Ryan Fattman said he considers the campaign finance investigation political payback for his opposition to changing the way the director, also known as the regulator, of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance is appointed. Changes were proposed in 2019 that Fattman believes would have nullified Republican input in the selection and appointment process.

Now, there are four people who have a veto: the chairs of the respective political parties, the secretary of state and the dean of a Boston-area law school, Fattman said, explaining that he believes the changes proposed by the Senate would have effectively cut the Republican out of the equation.

I helped defeat that provision, Fattman said. That defeat, Fattman alleges, led to his being targeted, and to the retirement of the director, Michael Sullivan, at the time. I feel it was political payback. The regulator was not reappointed; the chair of the Republican State Committee did not want to reappoint him.

Sullivan was first appointed to the directorship of the office in 1994, and was subsequently reappointed through 2018 to a fifth term that, if completed, would have ended in 2024. The longtime director had retired in December 2019. He was recalled to service in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic because the state could not find a successor. He worked through April 2021 until the appointment of Campbell.

He disputed Fattman's claim that the probe into the Fattman family's campaign accounts prompted his retirement.

"Everyone was aware that I was planning to retire, and the amendment the senator was referring to would have had zero impact on my career," Sullivan said. "I did the job for 27 years; I didn't care if someone was a Democrat or a Republican." He pointed to the John Buonomo case, the former Middlesex County register of probate who was convicted of stealing money both from his campaign account and state copy machines, and the Dianne Wilkerson case, the former Boston senator who pleaded guilty to bribery charges and spent two years in prison.

The activity uncovered in this case took place in 2020, after I was asked to return on an interim basis," Sullivan said. "Realistically, no candidate settles a case for the kind of money involved here unless they are aware that their actions violate the law," Sullivan said. "It's very clear what happened in this case, and I am pleased that the AG pursued it to a conclusion."

In discussing the events, Fattman said that Sullivan called the senator into his office Jan. 7, 2021, saying he believed Fattman had violated the law that limits direct campaign contributions from one candidate to another to $100 maximum. He described the meeting as informal and laments that it was not recorded.

The senator said Friday that contributions from campaigns to state party committees are unlimited and that the committees have a right to spend that money, in kind, on other candidates running for office. In 2020, Fattman was running unopposed and he felt he could contribute to elect other Republicans into office.

The point is to get people elected, Fattman said.

Once the donation is made, the candidate has no control over the funds; the money can be spent on any other candidate, Fattman said, adding politicians on both sides of the aisle engage in the practice.

The Fattmans joined with members of their namesake political committees and filed a lawsuit in March 2021 against Sullivan, attempting to block him from forwarding any evidence to the state attorney general.

We didnt sue to hide what was going on, but to bring light to (Sullivan's) actions and get it out from behind closed doors, said Stephanie Fattman.

The lawsuit was rejected by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Christine Roach, allowing the investigation to continue.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Sen. Ryan and Stephanie Fattman to pay fines in campaign finance case
Capital Public Radios troubles mounted Tuesday as the operations website went down temporarily because of difficulties finding a way to pay its domain fee to GoDaddy.com.

Capital Public Radios website is back online after resolution of an issue that caused the media outlets website and content streaming to go down on Tuesday, Oct. 24, Sacramento State officials said in a statement. The shutdown was caused by a payment authorization issue that was quickly remedied.

The missed payment was not caused by lack of funds. Rather, it was because GoDaddy, which controls the online domain, requires payment by credit card and, as CapRadio works to recover its financial health, it is not utilizing credit cards to make payments.

Sacramento State  which holds the broadcasting license used by CapRadio, a university auxiliary  now has operational control of CapRadio and followed required procedures to make the domain payment, which, with penalties, was about $100.

The National Public Radio affiliate has been beset by financial troubles and layoffs that resulted from mismanagement and an aggressive expansion plan that would have moved the operation to two downtown buildings, according to a scathing California State University audit released Oct. 4.

Since the release of the audit, Sac State has announced it will oversee CapRadios operations  except for its programming and journalism content  and has seen most of its board of directors resign.

The audit found problems that included credit card charges not being reviewed properly, questionable practices involving car donations and gifts to the operation and a failure to involve more Sac State students in its operations.

University officials also raised concerns about CapRadio contracts involving board members or their relatives and the fact that the operation had an unauthorized CapRadio endowment fund that included a Lake Tahoe-area timeshare.

Sac State says the operation was in such financial disarray that it may be insolvent by January, and university officials opposed an effort by the board to bring in a new general manager.

The operation currently is being run by interim General Manager Tom Karlo, who was brought in Aug. 15 at the urging of Sac State President Luke Wood.

Sacramento State holds the license for CapRadio, which operates KXJZ-FM (90.9) and KXPR-FM (88.9) and a network of repeater stations, including KUOP-FM (91.3). CapRadio also manages North State Public Radio, which has two stations owned by Chico State.
A Sacramento father of seven children, whose wife is pregnant with their eighth, was killed over the weekend after he was struck by a vehicle in Utah while working to provide for his family, according to authorities and an online fundraising page.

Maksim Max Vechirko was standing next to his Mercedes Sprinter van hitched to a trailer Saturday morning on eastbound Interstate 80, near milepost 55 in Tooele County, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. A Hyundai Elantra hit the trailer and then struck Vechirko, which killed him, Utah officials said in a news release.

Vechirko was inspecting the tires when he was hit, the Gephardt Daily news service reported.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in the incident, according to the Gephardt Daily. The driver was booked into jail Saturday on suspicion of negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, driving under the influence, having marijuana, using or possessing drug paraphernalia, unlawfully selling alcohol from out of state, drinking alcohol in a vehicle and failing to stay in one lane, Tooele County jail records show.

Vechirko was delivering fruit as a way to provide for his family, according to a verified GoFundMe page established by community members. His pregnant wife, who was a homemaker, is now the sole provider for their family, the GoFundMe said. Their children range from 2 years old to 14 years old.

However, the sudden loss of Maksim Vechirko has left this family emotionally shattered and facing daunting financial challenges. the GoFundMe said. Their hearts ache with the pain of his absence, and they are confronted with the overwhelming responsibility of providing for the little kids down to the basic necessities.

There were no other injuries in the crash, the news release said.

The GoFundMe campaign for the Vechirko family had raised more than $100,000 as of Monday afternoon toward a goal of $150,000.
The satisfaction of passengers flying out of Sacramento International Airport improved this year, according to a study released last month by consumer rating firm J.D. Power.

This increased satisfaction was also true of airports across the U.S., despite record high passenger volume, an ongoing pilot shortage that shrank the number of available flights and countless weather delays and cancellations.

Sacramentos airport ranked sixth out of 27 large airports in the J.D. Power rankings. Other airport categories, based on the number of annual travelers, are mega and medium.

Sacramento scored 806 points out of a possible 1,000 points. The average score in the large airport segment was 789.

In the 2022 survey, Sacramento ranked 10th out of 27 with a score of 798.

The airports increase in its ranking this year is attributed, according to the survey, to terminal facilities; food, beverage and retail services; and the baggage claim. The survey covers August 2022 to August 2023.

It has not been an easy year at Sacramento International Airport and other North American airports but major capital improvements theyve made over the last several years and new investments in getting food, beverage and retail operations back up and running at full capacity have helped them manage the crush of passengers, said Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality and retail at J.D. Power.

They improved in almost every category,  Taylor said.

Overall, airports in the survey saw an average customer satisfaction rating increase 3 points to 780 this year.

The study found that recent renovation projects can give the airport experience a huge boost. New Yorks LaGuardia Airport came in dead last for traveler satisfaction among large airports in 2019, but a major continuing renovation project has brought it up to the middle of the pack.

At Sacramento International Airport, Taylor said theres room for improvment in terms of its food score.

Even though Sacramento has fairly good food, beverage, and retail, I think they suffer the same thing Las Vegas suffers like lack of identity of what could be a local food or local concept that goes into the airport, Taylor said.

Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is ranked No. 3 in the mega airports 2023 category with a score of 787

There isnt really anything theyre doing badly, I just think they just need a little more zest, local flavor, you know? Put more California into the airport! Taylor said.

Sacramento International Airport officials say theyre committed to a food revamp of the airport as part of a new concessions program.

We always want to provide the highest quality dining for our customers here at SMF. As we move forward with the implementation of our new concessions program we will wow our customers with an exciting re-imagined food and beverage program in the next 12 to 18 months, said Stephen Clark, deputy director of Sacramento International Airport.

The three top airports in the large airport category this year are Tampa International Airport, 832 points, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, with 829 points, and Salt Lake City International Airport with 825 points.

The three lowest ranked airports in the 2023 large airport survey were Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport with 759 points, Honolulu International Airport with 753 points, and Philadelphia International Airport with 750 points.

The top airport in the mega airport 2023 category is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport with a score of 800 points while coming in in second place was Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport with a rating of 796.

Indianapolis International Airport ranks highest among medium airports for a second consecutive year, with a score of 843, Southwest Florida International Airport near Fort Meyers ranks second with 839 and Ontario International Airport in Southern California ranks third with 834 points.
The Sacramento Ethics Commission determined Monday evening that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation that mayoral candidate Flojaune Cofer violated city code when she raised her first batch of campaign cash.

Political consultant Steven Maviglio in July filed a complaint with the commission alleging Cofer had violated city code by raising $158,738 during the first six-month cycle  much higher than the $67,900 limit. The three other mayoral candidates, Steve Hansen, Dr. Richard Pan and Kevin McCarty, each raised less than $67,900.

Maviglios complaint was dismissed by the commission.

The confusion stemmed from the question of when candidates were allowed to start raising money ahead of the March 2024 mayoral primary.

In March 2023, a year ahead of the primary, the City Clerks Office brought an item to the council to approve new deadlines. It passed without controversy on the consent calendar, but due to an error by staff, it included the wrong date, City Clerk Mindy Cuppy told the commission Monday.

In March 2023, my office, in error I believe, did not update that off-election period to end, Cuppy said.

Steven D. Miller of Hanson Bridgett, tasked by the city to do an independent evaluation, recommended the commission determine Cofer did indeed violate the code, but that she should not be punished because of the confusion of the code. Cofers campaign sent the city emails six times to get clarity and did not get an emailed response, Miller said.

During the hearing, Cofer made a case that not only should she be spared from discipline but the commission should determine she did not actually violate the code. Cofer accused Maviglio of attacking her partly because she is the only woman in the race and the first Black woman to run for mayor in the citys history.

Maviglio did not attend the meeting, but he said Tuesday that Cofers race had nothing to do with his complaint. He cited his work in running the campaign for Kevin Johnson, the citys first Black mayor, and his work for other Black and Latino elected officials. He said that bringing up Cofers race was an effort to distract from the finding of the independent evaluator that she broke the law.

Cofer in her speech to the commission refuted the finding that she had violated city code.

Mr. Maviglios assertion that these findings give me an advantage over my opponents in terms of fundraising is absurd, Cofer told the commission. Each of my opponents  having previously been elected to other offices  have a clear advantage over me in terms of fundraising  not the other way around ... I ask you find no violation occurred  not because it was an understandable one that did, but because we fully complied with the law.

In addition another resident named Grant Rabenn submitted a similar complaint to the commission about Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela raising $39,960 in her bid for re-election next year  higher than the $34,000 limit. Miller also found that Valenzuela had violated the code but should not be punished due to confusion.

The commission was set to also discuss that complaint Monday but did not do so, however, because it lacked a quorum. Commissioner Deanna Adams was not present at the meeting. Commissioners Susan Underwood, Linda Ng and Nicole Velasquez were present, but when the meeting came to the Valenzuela item, Ng recused herself, leaving too few members for a quorum.

As a result of the complaints, the city will pay Hanson Bridgett for its consultant reports about Cofer and Valenzuela, Cuppy said. It has not yet been billed with an amount.

The primary election for the local races will be held March 5. If no single candidate gets more than 50.01% of the vote, the races will go to the general election Nov. 5.

The city is working to fix the issue that caused the problem for future election cycles, Cuppy said.
Its spooky season  and Sacramento is one of the best places in the country to celebrate, a new report found.

WalletHubs list of the Best Places for Halloween used 20 metrics  grouped under trick-or-treater friendliness, Halloween fun and weather  to compare the 100 largest cities. Sacramento ranked 18th.

California had eight other cities in the top 20: Los Angeles (third), Anaheim (sixth), San Diego (seventh), Santa Ana (12th), San Francisco (13th), San Jose (14th), Chula Vista (16th) and Long Beach (20th).

Sacramento took first place for weather.

The following factors were included in trick-or-treater friendliness, where Sacramento ranked 48th:

Share of potential trick-or-treaters

Share of potential trick-or-treat stops

Population density

Walk score

Crime rate

Car crash related pedestrian fatality rate

Perception of safety

For Halloween fun (where Sacramento ranked 18th), WalletHub included these factors:

Google search index for Halloween parties

Halloween costume stores per capita

Halloween party supply stores per capita

Candy and chocolate stores per capita

Haunted houses per capita

Farms per capita

Pumpkin patches per capita

Movie theaters per capita

Average price per movie ticket

Bars and dance clubs per capita

Number of amusement parks

For Halloween weather, WalletHub compared the temperature on Halloween vs. the average temperature and the forecasted Halloween precipitation.

Source: WalletHub

How can you save money on Halloween?

The average U.S. household will spend $108.24 on Halloween expenses such as treats and costumes this year, adding up to about $12.2 billion for the 73% of households participating, according to WalletHub.

If youre looking to save, Ashley LeBaron-Black, assistant professor of family life at Brigham Young University, recommended looking for free community events and inexpensive home activities such as pumpkin carving. You can also DIY costumes instead of buying a new outfit.

Give children a budget for their costumes  this will help Halloween be more manageable for you while also teaching valuable financial skills, LeBaron-Black said in the report. Help kids think of creative ways to put together their own costumes instead of buying one.

Halloween could also be an opportunity to teach children about personal finance.

Its related to delayed gratification, just like saving up for something you want or budgeting, LeBaron-Black said. Halloween candy can also be used to instill habits of giving, that candy and money bring more joy when they are shared, not hoarded.

What is The Sum?

The Sum is your friendly guide to personal finance and economic news.

Were a team of McClatchy journalists cutting through the financial jargon so you know how these issues impact your life. We verify information from diverse sources and keep the facts front-and-center, making finance and economic news add up for you.

Ready to take the first step to getting your finances under control? You can sign up for our five-week budgeting newsletter at thesum.news.
The attempt by an off-duty pilot to shut down the engines of a U.S. airliner in midflight highlights the threat that insiders pose to aviation safety with their ability to go where passengers are prohibited.

Events like the one Sunday on a Horizon Air jetliner are very rare, but they are potentially devastating.

The captain and co-pilot prevented disaster by subduing the off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who  from his perfect vantage point in the cockpit jump seat  tried to cut fuel to the engines.

Were just lucky he wasnt flying the plane when he decided to do this. Whats going to stop that? said Jon Loffi, a longtime law enforcement officer who teaches aviation security at Oklahoma State University and wrote a paper on identifying insider threats.

There is something of a see-something, say-something mindset in aviation, where employees are encouraged to voluntarily report anything that raises a safety concern, including suspicious behavior of colleagues. Its not clear how often that happens, however  if ever.

The pilot who was arrested after Sundays flight doesnt appear to have raised alarms. Neighbors and fellow members of a flying club where he was an instructor described him as a great guy who was obsessed with safety.

Pilots are required to undergo psychological screening as part of their regularly scheduled medical exams. The pilot involved in Sundays incident got his most recent exam in September, according to FAA records.

During those exams, pilots are supposed to go through an interview and report whether they have received psychiatric treatment and what medicines they take. The Federal Aviation Administration says its approved medical examiners are trained to gauge a pilots mental health.

Airlines frequently conduct their own interviews that include a psychological evaluation, but most of those are to determine whether the pilot is a good fit for the company, not whether they are mentally unstable, said Jeffrey Price, an aviation security expert at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

The Horizon close call could result in the re-examination of the practice of letting off-duty pilots or other airline employees sit in the cockpit jump seat.

Im afraid this will put that privilege in jeopardy now, said Ross Aimer, a retired airline pilot who is now CEO of an aviation consulting firm. This is obviously an extremely important issue, and they have to quickly come up with an answer.

Price said airlines must approve people who sit in the jump seat, but the captain can deny access.

Our flight crew vetting system is just that  its based on trust, he said. We have to trust personnel to a certain extent, or the system doesnt work.

Loffi, the Oklahoma State professor, said banning pilots from the jump seat would be silly because a pilot intent on crashing the plane could simply wait until their turn to operate a flight.

Investigators concluded that is what happened on board a Germanwings plane in 2015. They determined that the co-pilot deliberately crashed the plane in the French Alps. The man had been treated for suicidal tendencies but did not tell the airline.

A FedEx pilot riding on a cargo plane tried to kill the crew and crash the plane in 1994 but was stopped by the on-duty pilots. In 1987, a fired employee who still had his security badge hijacked a Pacific Southwest Airlines jet, which crashed in California, killing everyone on board.

On rare occasions, other employees, including a mechanic, have been accused of sabotaging planes.

Loffi said pilots could be subjected to more rigorous psychological examinations, as is often done with police officers, but thats not foolproof either.

I think were doing a pretty good job of managing the insider threat, he said. How often does this happen? Darn seldom. And its just so hard to predict this kind of behavior.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the FAA will look into any safety considerations that come out of investigations of the Horizon Air incident.

Im not OK: Moments before off-duty pilot allegedly tried to bring down plane revealed in court docs

Security experts say it would be difficult if not impossible to stop every determined criminal or terrorist who targets aviation. They say there are steps that could make such an attack more difficult, but they would come at a cost of time and money.

One possibility is to make airline and airport employees go through the same type of security checkpoints as passengers. Currently, many of those insiders can go behind security perimeters with the right credentials.

Federal law requires that people seeking to work in secure areas of an airport must pass a criminal records check and a security threat assessment that includes checking their names against a terrorism watch list. The vetting is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration.

The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was arrested after the Horizon flight, Joseph David Emerson, joined Horizon as a first officer or co-pilot in 2001. In 2012, he went to work at Virgin America, which was bought by Alaska in 2016. Emerson was promoted to captain in 2019.

Alaska Airlines said Emerson met all requirements for medical exams and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.

On Tuesday, Emerson was being held in the Multnomah County, Oregon, jail on one federal count of interfering with a flight crew and 83 state counts of attempted murder, a felony, 83 counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft, a felony. He was due to be arraigned Tuesday in Portland.

Emersons neighbors in Pleasant Hill, California, a suburb about 30 miles east of San Francisco, describe him as friendly, and officials of a local flying club say he is meticulous about safety.

No sign he was off. Nothing, Karen Yee, a neighbor whose grandchildren play with Emersons two elementary-school kids, told The (San Jose) Mercury News. He is everything you would want to have in a good neighbor. We see him over the fence and on walks. Great guy. Great family.

Allen Scott, former president of a flying club where Emerson served as a flight instructor several years ago, told the San Francisco Chronicle he has flown with Emerson and he was fanatical about safety.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A 21-year-old Salem man was arraigned Monday in Polk County Court on 22 charges, including manslaughter and attempted murder, in connection with a late September shooting on Highway 22 that ended with one person dead and an officer and another bystander shot.

A 21-year-old Salem man was arraigned Monday in Polk County Court on 22 charges, including manslaughter and attempted murder, in connection with a late September shooting on Highway 22 that ended with one person dead and an officer and another bystander shot.

Jose Corral-Zavala appeared in court via phone from the Marion County Jail in Salem, where he is being held on a probation violation from a 2021 case in which he was found guilty of attempting to elude a police officer.

Corral-Zavala pleaded not guilty to all 22 charges in Polk County. A grand jury indictment includes eight counts of attempted murder, assault, reckless endangering, assaulting a public safety officer, attempting to elude a police officer, mischief and reckless endangerment.

Corral-Zavala is awaiting an Oct. 30 hearing in Marion County Court on his probation violation status.

"Our desire is to get him over here to Polk County as soon as possible," Deputy District Attorney Matthew Wilson said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Corral-Zavala only spoke at the hearing in Dallas to acknowledge Judge Timothy Park asking if he was on the phone.

Park ordered Corral-Zavala held without bail.

A pre-trial conference on the 22-count Polk County case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 15, and Corral-Zavala's trial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12.

According to the probable cause statement in the case, in the early hours of Sept. 30 an Independence Police Department officer tried to pull Corral-Zavala over in a black BMW, but he sped away north on Highway 51 until running over a spike strip laid out by Polk County Sheriff's deputies.

Corral-Zavala kept going onto Highway 22 and went east about two miles until crashing the car.

He got out of the car and when deputies caught up with him, he fired a gun at them multiple times, then got into a minivan that had stopped on the side of the road. He forced the van to drive away, making it about a mile into West Salem before crashing into a house.

A 17-year-old girl in the van got out after it crashed and was taken to Salem Hospital with injuries, including a gunshot.

Corral-Zavala refused to surrender for several hours, and when he did, he was arrested. Police found the driver of the van, 18-year-old Ivan Ocegueda of Carlton, dead in the van.

Polk County Sheriffs deputy Michael Smith, who had been shot in the ankle and treated at Salem Hospital and was placed on leave after the incident, was cleared by a grand jury on Friday.

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem man arraigned on 22 counts in shooting on Highway 22
Authorities investigating the fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said they dont believe her murder was motivated by anti-Semitism.

At around 6.30am on Saturday, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Authorities believe she was attacked inside her home and then stumbled out before collapsing on the sidewalk.

On Monday, Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

Chief White also said there was no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Woll once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Key Points

Samantha Wolls final text message revealed

16:10 , Andrea Blanco

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

What do we know about the stabbing?

14:58 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Wolls sister delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them  because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy  and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Read more:

Detroit synagogue leaders murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Samantha Woll was instrumental in building bridges between communities

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read.

Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

DETROIT-SINAGOGA-PRESIDENTA (AP)

Politicians mourn Samantha Wolls death

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Woll.

My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, she said in a statement.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness.

Nessel said that she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Final text message of slain synagogue leader revealed

10:29 , Rachel Sharp

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Everything we know about Samantha Wolls stabbing

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of Saturday. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue has shocked the local community and city officials, who have remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Few details about the murder will be released in order to protect the investigation, Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday, but the evidence suggests that the killing was not motivated by antisemitic sentiments.

Read more:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Samanths Woll attended wedding hours before being killed, police say

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12:30 a.m.

By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self, Chief White told reporters.

Detroit synagogue president laid to rest

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Nick Ferris reports:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Police warn the public not to jump to conclusions

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

The FBI is aware of the incident, and will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Detroit Police Department Chief James E White urged the public not to draw any conclusions until more facts were gathered.

Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence, he said in a statement.

WATCH: Detroit Police Chief James White provides update on Samantha Woll murder

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Woll remembered for her interfaith work

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

Detroit police say they've identified several people of interest in synagogue president's killing

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president but would not talk about their connections to the woman during a press conference Monday.

Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Wolls body outside her home early Saturday after a caller told police about a person lying on the ground.

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

He said there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home and investigators believe Woll was stabbed inside before stumbling into the yard.

We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect, he said, adding that investigators believe a suspect acted alone.

What do we know about the stabbing?

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Slain synagogue president Samantha Woll fought for everyone

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the ceremony.

Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

Authorities believe that Samantha Wolls killer acted alone

Tuesday 24 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Chief James White said on Monday that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he doesnt think there is a threat to the community at large.

He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

We are not in the position to discuss [details,] Chief White said. There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.

Police ask for publics help in Samantha Wolls stabbing investigation

Monday 23 October 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Police have encouraged neighbours to reach out to investigators with any details they recall from the early morning hours of Saturday, no matter how small it may seem.

If they saw anything ... if they saw someone who is not known to the neighbourhood, someone who was there earlier in the week, or someone who was lurking around, certainly let us know, the chief said. Check your video cameras at home, share anything you know with us.

WATCH: Investigation ongoing into killing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll

Monday 23 October 2023 21:47 , Andrea Blanco

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death in her home. Police have no idea why

Monday 23 October 2023 20:41 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities in Detroit believe that 40-year-old Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Woll, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue, left a trail of blood as she stumbled outside of her home and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

Andrea Blanco reports:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Police say there are persons of interest in Samantha Wolls murder

Monday 23 October 2023 19:55 , Andrea Blanco

The chief said that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:51 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:50 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

What was the motive in Samantha Wolls murder?

Monday 23 October 2023 19:25 , Andrea Blanco

A motive in Wolls murder has yet to be established.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

I again ask the community to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work, Chief White said in a statement. Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at her home

Monday 23 October 2023 16:45 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Woll, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was remembered as a driving force behind the establishment of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, and an organizer of events to welcome Syrian refugees.

A motive has not been identified in the killing and the incident is under investigation, a spokesperson for Detroit Police Department told The Independent.

Read more:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Samantha Woll praised her interfaith work

Monday 23 October 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco

The Michigan chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations called her death a tragic loss, noting interfaith work with Wolls congregation. That included a prayer vigil for the victims of the deadly 2018 attack on a Pennsylvania synagogue.

We are troubled by the horrific murder of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, said Dawud Walid, the Muslim advocacy groups executive director, in a Saturday statement.

Synagogue leaders death was not hate crime, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 15:45 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said the killing has left many unanswered questions, and he asked the public to be patient as investigators examine all available evidence.

In a statement late Saturday, he said the department had mobilized many of its resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation.

Detroit police, Michigan State Police and the FBI are investigating Wolls death as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime, police said.

Authorities said that they found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Officials mourn Samantha Wolls death

Monday 23 October 2023 15:15 , Andrea Blanco

In a statement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wolls death was heartbreaking.

She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, the governor said.

Michigan State Police were assigned to support the Detroit Police Department in the investigation, Whitmer said.

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Woll once worked as a staffer for Ms Nessel.

Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known, Nessel said. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.

Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin, who Woll worked for as an aide, also commented on X, saying she was heartbroken at this news.

Duggan issued a statement saying he was devastated to learn of Wolls death.

Sams loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community, the mayor said. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.

Samantha Wolls body was found outside her home in Detroit, police said

Monday 23 October 2023 14:45 , Andrea Blanco

Welcome to The Independents live blog on the killing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll.

Authorities in Detroit said Wolls body was found at her home Saturday morning after someone called officers to alert them of a person lying on the ground unresponsive.

While at the scene, police officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victims residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred, Cpl Dan Donakowski said.

Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday met with visiting Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in Beijing. Both sides agreed to accelerate the boundary demarcation process and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Han said that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbors sharing mountains and rivers. He said that although the two countries have not yet established diplomatic relations, they have long maintained friendly exchanges.

He said the two countries have promoted positive progress in bilateral ties in recent years, following the resumption of boundary negotiations. Strengthening that friendship and expanding cooperation are in the fundamental interests of the two countries and in the expectations of the two peoples.

"China always respects Bhutan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all fields, expand practical cooperation on the economy, trade, culture and tourism, and accelerate the boundary demarcation process and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bhutan to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples," Han said.

Tandi Dorji said that the Bhutanese government attaches great importance to the development of relations with China and abides firmly by the one-China principle. Both sides have firm determination and a sincere desire to demarcate their boundaries and establish diplomatic relations at an early date. Bhutan is willing to maintain the sound momentum of cooperation with China in all fields and push for the greater development of bilateral ties. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

On Monday, authorities in Michigan revealed they have persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Chief White said there was no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Woll once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Key Points

What do we know about the stabbing?

14:58 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Wolls sister delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them  because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy  and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Read more:

Detroit synagogue leaders murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Samantha Woll was instrumental in building bridges between communities

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read.

Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

DETROIT-SINAGOGA-PRESIDENTA (AP)

Politicians mourn Samantha Wolls death

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Woll.

My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, she said in a statement.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness.

Nessel said that she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Final text message of slain synagogue leader revealed

10:29 , Rachel Sharp

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Everything we know about Samantha Wolls stabbing

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of Saturday. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue has shocked the local community and city officials, who have remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Few details about the murder will be released in order to protect the investigation, Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday, but the evidence suggests that the killing was not motivated by antisemitic sentiments.

Read more:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Samanths Woll attended wedding hours before being killed, police say

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12:30 a.m.

By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self, Chief White told reporters.

Detroit synagogue president laid to rest

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Nick Ferris reports:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Police warn the public not to jump to conclusions

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

The FBI is aware of the incident, and will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Detroit Police Department Chief James E White urged the public not to draw any conclusions until more facts were gathered.

Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence, he said in a statement.

WATCH: Detroit Police Chief James White provides update on Samantha Woll murder

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Woll remembered for her interfaith work

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

Detroit police say they've identified several people of interest in synagogue president's killing

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president but would not talk about their connections to the woman during a press conference Monday.

Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Wolls body outside her home early Saturday after a caller told police about a person lying on the ground.

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

He said there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home and investigators believe Woll was stabbed inside before stumbling into the yard.

We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect, he said, adding that investigators believe a suspect acted alone.

What do we know about the stabbing?

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Slain synagogue president Samantha Woll fought for everyone

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the ceremony.

Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

Authorities believe that Samantha Wolls killer acted alone

Tuesday 24 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Chief James White said on Monday that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he doesnt think there is a threat to the community at large.

He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

We are not in the position to discuss [details,] Chief White said. There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.

Police ask for publics help in Samantha Wolls stabbing investigation

Monday 23 October 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Police have encouraged neighbours to reach out to investigators with any details they recall from the early morning hours of Saturday, no matter how small it may seem.

If they saw anything ... if they saw someone who is not known to the neighbourhood, someone who was there earlier in the week, or someone who was lurking around, certainly let us know, the chief said. Check your video cameras at home, share anything you know with us.

WATCH: Investigation ongoing into killing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll

Monday 23 October 2023 21:47 , Andrea Blanco

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death in her home. Police have no idea why

Monday 23 October 2023 20:41 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities in Detroit believe that 40-year-old Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Woll, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue, left a trail of blood as she stumbled outside of her home and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

Andrea Blanco reports:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Police say there are persons of interest in Samantha Wolls murder

Monday 23 October 2023 19:55 , Andrea Blanco

The chief said that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:51 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:50 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

What was the motive in Samantha Wolls murder?

Monday 23 October 2023 19:25 , Andrea Blanco

A motive in Wolls murder has yet to be established.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

I again ask the community to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work, Chief White said in a statement. Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at her home

Monday 23 October 2023 16:45 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Woll, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was remembered as a driving force behind the establishment of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, and an organizer of events to welcome Syrian refugees.

A motive has not been identified in the killing and the incident is under investigation, a spokesperson for Detroit Police Department told The Independent.

Read more:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Samantha Woll praised her interfaith work

Monday 23 October 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco

The Michigan chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations called her death a tragic loss, noting interfaith work with Wolls congregation. That included a prayer vigil for the victims of the deadly 2018 attack on a Pennsylvania synagogue.

We are troubled by the horrific murder of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, said Dawud Walid, the Muslim advocacy groups executive director, in a Saturday statement.

Synagogue leaders death was not hate crime, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 15:45 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said the killing has left many unanswered questions, and he asked the public to be patient as investigators examine all available evidence.

In a statement late Saturday, he said the department had mobilized many of its resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation.

Detroit police, Michigan State Police and the FBI are investigating Wolls death as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime, police said.

Authorities said that they found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Officials mourn Samantha Wolls death

Monday 23 October 2023 15:15 , Andrea Blanco

In a statement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wolls death was heartbreaking.

She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, the governor said.

Michigan State Police were assigned to support the Detroit Police Department in the investigation, Whitmer said.

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Woll once worked as a staffer for Ms Nessel.

Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known, Nessel said. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.

Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin, who Woll worked for as an aide, also commented on X, saying she was heartbroken at this news.

Duggan issued a statement saying he was devastated to learn of Wolls death.

Sams loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community, the mayor said. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.

Samantha Wolls body was found outside her home in Detroit, police said

Monday 23 October 2023 14:45 , Andrea Blanco

Welcome to The Independents live blog on the killing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll.

Authorities in Detroit said Wolls body was found at her home Saturday morning after someone called officers to alert them of a person lying on the ground unresponsive.

While at the scene, police officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victims residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred, Cpl Dan Donakowski said.

Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.
Samantha Woll, president of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, poses for a photo in Detroit on Oct. 13, 2022. Woll was found stabbed to death outside her home on Saturday, police said. The motive wasnt known. (David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP) (AP)

On Saturday morning, Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll was found stabbed to death at her home in the citys Lafayette Park neighborhood. Police said Monday that Wolls killing did not appear to be an act of antisemitism, with Detroit Police Chief James E. White revealing that a number of people that give us interest had been identified. He otherwise offered few new details about the killing.

The killing came two weeks after a brutal attack on Israel by Hamas militants, which resulted in the death of 1,400 people, most of them civilians  and was followed by devastating Israeli airstrikes that have claimed thousands of Palestinian lives while also fostering a humanitarian crisis.

Across the United States, pro-Palestinian protests have erupted in many cities and on many college campuses. The timing and tenor of those protests have led many American Jews to worry about their safety. American Muslims also fear that they will be blamed for the attack by Hamas, a fundamentalist group that seeks the complete elimination of Israel.

In that context, the news of Woll's killing only caused anxieties to spike, to make raw feelings even more so.

We may not know the motive for Samantha Wolls murder, but we know her brutal death only feeds into the fear our Jewish brothers and sisters are feeling, wrote New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who represents the largest Jewish community in the United States, in a social media post. May her killers be brought to justice. May the cycle of hatred end. And may her memory be a blessing.

'She lived to love and loved to live'

Police tape blocks access near the scene where Woll was found dead. (Sarah Rice/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Woll, 40, was leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit. She was also active in Democratic politics, having worked for both Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Democrat of Michigan, and the states attorney general, Dana Nessel.

Sams loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community, said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, echoing widespread shock at her killing from elected officials across the state.

In keeping with Jewish custom, which calls for a funeral to take place within 24 hours of a death, Woll was buried on Sunday. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities continued to look for a motive for the killing, which instantly made national news.

She had unbridled joy and an infectious laugh. She had the most incredible compassion. Most importantly, she lived to love and loved to live, her obituary said.

According to news reports, Woll attended a wedding on Friday night, leaving shortly after midnight.

There was no evidence of forced entry at Woll's home, her body displayed no defensive wounds and there was a large Israeli flag in the residence that appeared to be untouched, reported NBC News, citing law enforcement authorities.

We have a number of people that give us interest," Chief White said on Monday. "We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday that President Biden, like everyone else, is paying close attention to the investigation into Wolls killing.

Recommended reading:

Rise in antisemitic incidents

Organizers prepare for an "Emergency Rally: Stand with Palestinians Under Siege in Gaza," amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on October 14. (Reuters/Brian Snyder) (Brian Snyder / reuters)

Although police say they have not found evidence to show Wolls killing was motivated by antisemitism, the attack occurred as more stark incidents of antisemitism have been reported across the nation, including vandalism and even physical assault. American Jews have reported feeling that they have to conceal their identities, or their support for Israel. Many were doing so before the Hamas attack.

Since the attack, there has definitely been a large increase in the amount of incidents reported to ADL compared to the same time period last year, wrote Jake Hyman, associate communications director of the organization formerly known as the Anti-Defamation League, in an email to Yahoo News.

Some American Jews believe they have been subjected to a coordinated effort led by pro-Palestinian activists to silence Jewish voices and create an atmosphere of fear that denies and delegitimizes Jewish identity," according to human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein.

Jewish people are not safe anywhere now, an Orthodox Jewish woman, Henya Chein, told NBC News. She and other Jews have embraced gun ownership, a trend that preceded the Oct. 7 attacks but appears, at least anecdotally, to have spiked since then.

Recommended reading:

Muslims fear reprisals

Mourners attend a vigil service for Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6, on Oct. 17 at the Prairie Activity & Recreation Center in Plainfield, Ill. According to police, the Muslim boy was stabbed to death in an attack that targeted him and his mother for their religion and as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas. (Reuters/Jim Vondruska) (Jim Vondruska / reuters)

Both Jews and Muslims have been on edge since the deadly Hamas incursion into Israel. In a brutal attack two weeks ago, a white Illinois landlord is alleged to have fatally stabbed a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy. His mother was critically injured in the attack.

We must without equivocation denounce antisemitism, President Biden said in an Oval Office address last week. We must also without equivocation denounce Islamophobia.

Law enforcement authorities predict that hate crimes against both Jews and Muslims could rise. We expect to remain in a heightened threat environment in the near-to-medium term  even if a diplomatic solution to the crisis is found, a new Department of Homeland Security assessment warns.

Recommended Reading:
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), stated Tuesday that he plans to vote no on the confirmation of Monica Bertagnolli, President Bidens nominee for director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Sanders decision comes just one day before the HELP committee is to consider the nominations of Bertagnolli and other nominees at agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dr. Monica Bertagnolli is an intelligent and caring person, but has not convinced me that she is prepared to take on the greed and power of the drug companies and health care industry and fight for the transformative changes the NIH needs at this critical moment, Sanders said in a statement.

I intend to vote NO at her confirmation hearing on Wednesday. I have not asked any member of the Committee to follow my lead. This should be a vote of conscience.

Sanders had held up a confirmation hearing for Bertagnolli, saying he would oppose the nomination until the Biden administration provided plans for combating high prescription drug costs. He relented in September, saying he would allow a confirmation hearing after receiving a commitment from the White House to work on lowering prescription drug costs.

NIH Principal Deputy Director Lawrence A. Tabak has served as acting director of the agency since former NIH Director Francis Collins stepped down from his long-held position in December 2021.

During the hearing last week, Sanders made clear what he was looking for in a nominee for NIH director.

We need an NIH director who is prepared to take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and use every tool at his or her disposal to substantially lower the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, Sanders said in his opening remarks.

During his questioning of Bertagnolli, Sanders specifically asked if she would reinstate the reasonable pricing clause that the NIH employed for a brief period in the late 80s and 90s.

This clause was added to agreements between federal agencies and private firms when developing drugs together and stipulated any drugs created through public-private partnerships with the federal government had to have reasonable pricing that reflected the public investment in that product, and the health and safety needs of the public.

This requirement was eventually removed from agreements in 1995 after federal officials said it had driven away potential NIH partners.

I can say that I myself believe that the American people deserve a fair return on the investment that Congress has placed within the National Institutes of Health and the research that we do, Bertagnolli told Sanders in response to his question.

And I will commit to working to make sure that the benefits of our research are affordable and available to all the American people. I cannot give further specifics at this time about the execution of that that plan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Activist Edin Alex Enamorado stands at the Santa Barbara intersection where hundreds gathered to protest last month after the release of a video of a white woman's interaction with a Latino man. (Faith E. Pinho / Los Angeles Times)

A month ago, a viral video of a woman railing against a Latino construction worker rocked Santa Barbara, raising conversations around the dynamic between white and Latino people in the coastal town.

A second video surfaced last week in which she appears to harangue a taco vendor. And now the Santa Barbara County district attorney has charged Jeanne Umana with battery and trespassing.

In the first video, filmed on his phone, construction worker Luis Cervantes tells the woman, who had walked onto a construction site, that she was on private property and had to go. As she's walking away, Umana turns and says, I live here. Im American; youre a Tijuanan." The video sparked a large protest in Santa Barbara, with hundreds pouring into the street to decry what many deemed racist behavior.

In an interview with The Times the following day, Umana, 74, apologized for her remarks, saying her "judgment went very, very badly.

Read more: 'You're a Tijuanan': Viral video roils Santa Barbara, spurring hundreds to protest

A second video, posted by activist Edin Alex Enamorado last week, shows Umana in a separate incident speaking harshly to a sidewalk vendor at a park.

Enamorado, based in the Inland Empire, frequently posts viral video of incidents he believes to be racist and is known as an advocate for sidewalk vendors.

Umana told the local news outlet the Santa Barbara Independent that the second video was recorded in August, before last month's incident.

"You're illegal," Umana says to the sidewalk vendor, who repeatedly asks what the problem is.

"You're a crook. You're an illegal crook. You know what crook is? I thought you didn't speak English! You don't speak English, because you're a liar and a crook," Umana says, threatening the vendor with calls to the police.

Umana claimed in the video that she works "for the Police Department," as she did in the previous viral video. The Santa Barbara Police Department confirmed Umana does not work for the department.

City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez said he was troubled by "the level of confidence that she showed in both those videos."

"And my biggest issue," he added, "is just the targeting of people of color. ... And feeling that she can associate herself with the city really, really bothers me."

Gutierrez said he was grateful Umana had been charged, though he was "pretty disappointed" the district attorney did not pursue a hate crime charge, which Santa Barbara police had recommended. Enamorado agreed, saying that, as an activist, "it feels that [the D.A.] gave us nothing."

Read more: In the land of wine bars and super-rich, street art reminds Santa Barbara of its Latino roots

"Based on the evidence that we have at this point, we filed the charges we believed we could prove to a jury of 12 people beyond a reasonable doubt," said Jennifer Karapetian, Santa Barbara's chief deputy district attorney. Umana's arraignment is set for Nov. 30.

Asked whether the second video spurred action by the district attorney, Karapetian did not address the timing of the charges.

Gutierrez said he'd asked the city attorney to look into sending Umana a cease and desist letter so she would stop claiming to work for the city.

"The audacity she had to feel like she could represent the people on that level, and then for her to go out and attack people of color, is just beyond obscene," Gutierrez said. "Its criminal."

Umana could not be reached for comment.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NEW YORK  The wait to replace indicted Rep. George Santos has lasted longer than his rivals expected.

Both Democratic and Republican candidates have been using that time to lay the groundwork for his ouster.

Long Island political leaders are preparing for the possibility of a special election to succeed Santos amid his legal woes. The Republican congressman is due in court Friday to answer still more criminal fraud charges.

We will select the best candidate, and we will give 110 percent effort as we do in every race, Nassau County GOP Chair Joe Cairo said. Weve probably heard from 20 different prospective candidates.

Between the two parties, about 30 candidates  with varying degrees of viability  have been jockeying for Santos seat. The race is vital: Its one of about six battleground New York House races next year critical to determining who controls Congress. Its also dizzying with the possibility of three elections in 10 months.



Top contenders said in interviews theyre well aware of the variables in the moderate district that President Joe Biden won by 10 points in 2020.

Theyre ready for both a lower-turnout special election as early as January or February, if Santos is removed soon from office, as well as a June primary, if Santos sticks it out. And then there will be a November general election, when potentially redrawn district lines could be a complicating factor.

Our job is to show up, said Democratic candidate Zak Malamed, who once ran a donor network for aspiring politicians.

Republican hopeful Mike Sapraicone, a retired NYPD detective, said he was putting my heart and my soul into the run  not to mention his own cash.

Running with or without Santos

The field for New Yorks 3rd Congressional District  which spreads across Nassau County and into Queens  is still in formation as better-known candidates enter or weigh bids.

Former Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi recently declared hell run. The 2022 Democratic nominee Robert Zimmerman and 2016 Republican nominee Jack Martins, a state senator, have also been floated as special election contenders.

Santos, who took office despite fabricating much of his resume, will appear before a federal judge Friday on Long Island to be arraigned on a recent 23-count superseding indictment. The expanded case against the first-term House member now includes additional charges of wire fraud, identity theft and falsifying records.

Santos attorney, Joe Murray, said his client will plead not guilty on Friday.

Court papers show Santos has engaged in plea talks with prosecutors, but he has maintained his innocence and publicly declared he wont accept a plea deal.

They can try to expel me, but I pity the fools that go ahead and do that and think that thats the smartest idea, he told reporters earlier this month.

He remains defiant about running for reelection in the face of an expulsion measure proposed by Rep. Anthony DEsposito with fellow House Republicans from Long Island and other parts of the state.

Theres a glaring problem, though: Santos refunded more campaign cash than he raised last quarter.

Democrats in his district, meanwhile, are raking in money for the election  special or otherwise  and Republicans appear just as determined to get rid of him.

The Nassau GOP has been plotting to remove him from office since he took the congressional oath in January, with party chair Cairo and more than two dozen other local Republicans demanding Santos resignation.

Cairo said in an interview he hasnt spoken with Santos since December.

Ten or 15 of the 20 GOP contenders deserve serious consideration, and the process will be hastened if theres a special election, the party leader said.

Cairo stressed, however, that his party is more immediately focused on local races next month.

Indeed, earlier this month, at their respective fall dinner gatherings (both held at Crest Hollow Country Club a week apart), the Nassau Democratic and Republican parties touted this years municipal candidates.

The local races are important because when you get your candidates in there, you can begin to build an infrastructure, motivate voters and attract more volunteers, Jay Jacobs, who chairs the county and state Democratic committees, said in an interview.

Weve enjoyed a fair amount of success the last couple years, 21 and 22, Cairo said. We think itll continue in 23 and carry over into the next year.

Winning Santos' seat key in 2024

Santos swing seat is the prize party officials are laser-focused on.

The Democrats thus far have a larger, better-known, better-funded field  and they previously represented the district under Suozzi.

I think the Democrats will take this seat, Jacobs said. "Youve got a mess on Capitol Hill, youve got George Santos, which is an embarrassment, and Im confident well have a strong candidate for that election.

He counted four or five viable candidates in a total of about eight, so far.

Jacobs said the decision on who to give the party line to in a special election would be made by the Nassau and Queens Democrats, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks, as well as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Suozzis entry remakes the primary landscape. Hes a big name in local politics and a strong fundraiser. But he left Congress last year when he ran against Hochul in the gubernatorial primary, straining some Democratic ties in the state.

Former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan and Austin Cheng, a health care CEO, are also declared contenders.

Malamed, a first-time candidate and a former national fundraising juggernaut, has proved his prowess by reporting $530,000 cash on hand without the self-funding that others relied on.

If theres a takeaway from all of this, its that complacency is not going to win this race, Malamed said of the Santos saga.

A wild card is Zimmerman, who lost to Santos last year.

If theres a special election, Suozzi is expected to be the party favorite. But Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee member with strong labor support, could also be chosen, as well as several others.

Zimmerman and Suozzi both declined to comment.

In efforts to keep the seat, Republicans are under pressure to back a more familiar candidate after choosing a relative newcomer in Santos, whom Cairo reiterated was recommended by the Queens GOP.

Retired NYPD detective Mike Sapraicone and Afghanistan war veteran Kellen Curry are the top fundraisers; Sapraicone far more familiar to Long Island political leaders as a donor to both parties.

Sapraicone has $520,000 in cash on hand, recent filings showed.

Im so tired of looking at the far, far left and the far, far right, he said in an interview. I thought it was about time we have somebody who cares about the people who elect them.

Another name being circulated is Jack Martins, the state senator who ran for Congress in 2016 and 2008. He said in an interview that his preference is to stay on Long Island.

My priorities are my district, continuing to serve in the Senate and the quality of life that I have with my wife and children, Martins explained. And Im very concerned about the impact that Washington will have on that.

But he did not rule out a run: We will have that conversation if and when it comes up.

Santos has few friends in politics as he returns to federal court, but Queens Republican Party Chair Anthony Nunziato still has not called for his ouster.

Acknowledging that Queens makes up a small part of the district and the boundaries could change in the redistricting process, Nunziato said in an interview that hell defer to Cairo on endorsing a candidate.

Show the proof, let him prove himself, Nunziato added of Santos, with whom he still talks. To me, to have the tail wag the dog doesnt make any sense.

Jeff Coltin contributed to this report.
A photo of the Sarasota's historic McAlpin house, located at 1530 Cross Street. Recently the Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a six-month stay on demolishing the McAlpin house, which was built in 1912.

With pressure from developers to tear it down, the clock may be ticking for a historic Sarasota structure.

Virginia-based developer Orange Pineapple LLCs petition to demolish the McAlpin House  where one of Sarasotas most influential developers lived  will remain in limbo after the City Commission tabled a decision at an Oct. 2 meeting. Now, the developers have to prove the house should go while advocates argue the opposite.

The house, located at 1530 Cross St., is in a prime spot for new development. Its location in Sarasotas downtown core allows developers to construct a variety of projects, and at only a few minutes from the bayfront and downtown shops, its right in the middle of a hub for commercial activity.

More: Bee Ridge Road residents sue Sarasota County over school's special zoning exception

Orange Pineapple LLC acquired the property in May as part of a $32 million purchase of seven nearby parcels. The company plans to build a mixed-use development across the more than 3 acres it now owns, according to application documents, though it hasnt yet submitted a formal site plan to the city.

The company argued the presence of the McAlpin House would hinder development efforts, and applied to demolish it through the citys Historic Preservation Board in July. When the board denied the request, Icard Merrill law firm  which represents Orange Pineapple  appealed to the City Commission, where a second application now sits inconclusive.

Orange Pineapple LLC and Icard Merrill did not respond to requests for comment.

What is the McAlpin House?

Hesitation to scrap the building stems from its historical significance. With ties to one of Sarasotas most influential developers and a distinctive architectural style, preservation proponents have lobbied for it to stick around.

Dave Baber, vice president of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, said buildings like the McAlpin House are Sarasotas distinguishing features  standing out from modern development projects that would otherwise render municipalities identical to each other.

What makes (Sarasota) unique and special is the historic buildings that have grown organically over time, Baber said. You tear those down and build pretty generic new buildings to replace them, you lose that special, unique sense of place.

More: Florida housing increases leave state with most cost-burdened renters in the country

The house belonged to George McAlpin, a concrete magnate who oversaw the construction of Sarasotas curbs and sidewalks in the early 1900s. Locally, hes most known for his partnership with Owen Burns, who developed most of the citys historic structures and monuments.

Constructed in 1912, the McAlpin House is significant not only for who built it but for how it was built, experts say. McAlpin used his pioneering rusticated blocks  concrete blocks made to look jagged and rough to mimic a stone  for the houses structure. Its a style that fell out of favor as the post-World War II movement toward modern architecture set in, making The McAlpin House a rarity.

Structures like the Wilson House in Urfer Park and the Halton House on Cocoanut Avenue also incorporate the rusticated block technique, and representatives from Orange Pineapple argue the still-standing buildings adequately preserve the history of the style. But Lorrie Muldowney, president of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, said the McAlpin Houses value as a product of its time and a reflection of its owner makes it especially worthy of preservation.

It sort of hits it on all the points, Muldowney said.

The building received local designation as a historic place in the 1980s, and while its yet to receive that distinction nationally, Muldowney said it could qualify based on its significance. The title would secure the house a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, affording it access to grants, federal tax incentives, and other benefits.

While preservation on its original site is the goal, moving the McAlpin House to another location may be a viable solution to keep the house. Correspondence as early as 2018 between consulting firms and the city has considered relocation, and the preservation board granted the previous owners a Certificate of Appropriateness to move it.

The possibility of preservation

The question now is whether practicality trumps possibility. Though relocation is possible, new owners argue efforts to move or preserve the structure on-site unnecessarily expend resources and threaten the success of future development.

At more than 100 years old, the building would require significant repairs and restoration efforts to be usable, and attempts to contact the county and other parties that may have taken the house off the developers hands were unsuccessful. Moving it has proven a challenge, Icard Merrill attorney Maclaire King said in the July 11 preservation board meeting: The building wouldnt clear nearby power lines and traffic signals due to its height, rendering transportation impossible.

The applicant has diligently and repeatedly tried to relocate the structure, King said. Unfortunately, all of those efforts have been unsuccessful.

More: DeSantis makes surprise pit-stop at the new Governor Ron DeSantis Park in Manatee County

Developers suggested alternatives to total preservation at the Oct. 2 city commission meeting, proposing only identifying structures like the front door, the historical plaque, and the rusticated blocks be salvaged to open the site for development and still commemorate McAlpin.

Advocates say these efforts arent enough. Erin DiFazio, program director for the Sarasota Preservation Program, said its location and surroundings  not just the structure itself  complete its historic image.

We cant take all of our history and ship it to somewhere else, she said. It would deprive the city in a big way.

The houses fate is uncertain now. With the tabled decision from the commission, developers and preservation advocates are working to make their cases when the item appears on an agenda again. The commission said this will likely happen early next year.

Meanwhile, preservationists are left with more questions than answers following Orange Pineapples appeal. The company hasnt offered any details for its development, stating only that it will consist of a mix of commercial and residential units in its demolition application.

With information scarce, Muldowney said demolition is too drastic a move.

Buildings should not be knocked down until the development thats planned there is absolutely approved, defined, designed, funded, Muldowney said. Otherwise its just not a fair conversation.

Contact Herald-Tribune Growth and Development Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @hmb_1013.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota developers push to tear down McAlpin House in downtown
A group of South Carolina lawmakers is firing back after they say a few solicitors were out of line in calling for, in part, the removal of a Black legislator from the states Judicial Merit Selection Commission.

In a statement Tuesday, the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus said it unequivocally condemns a letter recently sent to S.C. House Speaker Murrell Smith and Senate Judiciary Chairman Luke Rankin, in which nine elected solicitors from across the state requested that state Rep. Todd Rutherford, D-Richland, be removed from the body responsible for vetting judges, based on a pattern of alleged misconduct in the courts.

Specific instances of any wrongdoing by Rutherford were not clearly cited in the letter. Rather, two cases were alluded to, where Rutherford achieved unusually hefty prison sentence reductions for two separate clients, which, according to the letter, gave the improper appearance of Rutherfords alleged undue influence on the judiciary.

The baseless allegations published in the letter by these solicitors are a prime example of hypocrisy at bestand thinly veiled racism at worst, SCLBCs statement said.

Rutherford, too, has claimed that his status as a successful Black attorney is likely the impetus of the solicitors letter.

There are a number of people who cannot accept the fact that I am a Black man who can simply go into court and do a good job, that it must be because of something else, Rutherford previously told The State. There is nothing untoward about what Ive done.

The letter from the nine elected solicitors not only called for Rutherfords removal but also for that of every other lawyer-legislator who sits on the JMSC. Notably, that even includes one of the letters addressees, Rankin.

In the Senate, besides Rankin, state Sens. Scott Talley, R-Spartanburg, and Ronnie Sabb, D-Williamsburg, are both lawyers and serve on the JMSC. In the House, besides Rutherford, state Rep. Micah Caskey, R-Lexington, and House Ethics committee Chairman Jay Jordan, R-Florence, also are both lawyers and serve on the JMSC.

Of the six lawyer legislators serving on the JMSC, only Rutherford was specifically called out in the letter, which follows a pledge by state Sen. Wes Climer to block all judicial elections during the next legislative session unless Rutherford is booted from the judge selection group.

The SCLBC will not stand idly by while a few politicians attempt to single out the only Black lawyer-legislator appointed by the House when every legislator appointed by the General Assembly to the screening committee is a lawyer-legislator, the SCLBCs statement read.

If these solicitors wish to have a voice in the General Assemblys business, they should follow the proper democratic process and run for the Statehouse, the statement said.
Disappointment. Disbelief. Outrage. Sadness.

I have heard these sentiments loud and clear in the many conversations I have had with Richland One parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders over the past few days.

This is far more than simply a professional question for me as State Superintendent. As a Richland One taxpayer, it is also personal.

The seemingly sudden shift of several teachers between schools has raised hard questions in our community about the districts personnel practices, communication, and leadership.

In acknowledging this fact, I am in no way minimizing the strong headwinds district leaders both here and across the state face as they work to find teachers, nurses, counselors, bus drivers, and more. Serving as an administrator in a large district, in which many competing needs must be balanced, is without question a difficult challenge.

This challenge however, does not relieve the responsibility of leadership to approach decision-making with the highest level of compassion and consideration for the teachers, students, and parents who feel the impacts of these decisions deeply in their daily reality.

A school isnt just a building a student walks into every day. It is an intentional and deeply interconnected community of students, families, educators, staff, and volunteers. And when poorly communicated decisions disrupt this ecosystem, trust is broken and ultimately, it is students who suffer.

Perhaps the greatest long-term concern is the self-defeating message that has been sent to both current and potential teachers. We may have temporarily filled classrooms but permanently lost educators, at a time we can least afford to do so.

But relitigating what has already happened wont solve the problem. So where do we go from here?

One of the many challenges of education governance in South Carolina is that with multiple and sometimes competing authorities, there is rarely a straight line or simple answer to Who can fix things?

I will start with my own role as State Superintendent. Teaching contracts are between the local district and individual teachers. Under state law, the State Department of Education (SCDE) and State Board of Education (SBE) facilitate the adjudication of contract disputes, and the SBE is required to suspend or revoke a teachers certification upon a school board filing a complaint and establishing conclusive evidence of a breached contract.

State law does, however, give my office the authority to inquire into district finances. Accordingly, the SCDE placed Richland One on fiscal watch in December 2022, and the district remains on fiscal watch to this day.

Both the Governor and I may also request that the Office of the Inspector General investigate if presented credible evidence of potential malfeasance. Additionally, recently revised state law also allows for the State Superintendent to take over both districts and individual schools for very specific definitions of academic underperformance.

Your representatives on the Richland County legislative delegation also have multiple levers of power which they might pull, including following the example of districts across the state whose delegations have made the admittedly tough decision to consolidate multiple districts into a single county-wide district. Of note, in this years state budget, the General Assembly provided funds for the SCDE to facilitate these types of consolidation.

Perhaps the greatest focus of power in these situations is the local school board. These boards approve annual budgets, set district policies, hire and fire the local superintendent, and in some local jurisdictions, even have the authority to raise taxes. Making your voice heard at meetings is vital, with of course the communitys ultimate recourse being the ballot box.

Finally, I believe this is a golden chance for our community to unite to turn an obstacle into opportunity. These are our schools, which means they are our responsibility. And our students both in Richland One and across South Carolina have never needed our parents, business, civic, and faith communities more.

Over the last few months, SCDE staff have worked to establish a Department-wide volunteer program to serve local students and educators, connecting our team with the front lines of South Carolinas educational mission. This week, I have asked my staff to accelerate our timeline for deploying this initiative, and I invite you to join us in this vital work.

Whether it is donating supplies; sitting in the lunchroom so teachers can take their planning period; serving as a reading buddy, mentor, volunteer, or substitute; or even just writing a note of encouragement, our teachers in every school in Richland One need to know that our community loves them and values the work they do.

Hope is a powerful idea, woven tightly into our South Carolina DNA. Hope is a confident expectation that the future can be better if we come together to make it so; our students and educators have never needed it more. I believe hope for education across our state can start right here in Richland One if we each answer the call and determine together not to waste this opportunity to make that dream for a hope-filled education future a reality.

Ellen Weaver is South Carolinas 19 th State Superintendent of Education. To raise your hand to volunteer to support a Richland One school, please visit www.ed.sc.gov/volunteer .
The state Department of Education wants to take the authority to choose books and other materials away from local school boards.

A September notice from the department proposed a new regulation for school and classroom library materials to align them with the states instructional program and standards. The effort comes as some school libraries books have become a flashpoint for some parents and conservative groups.

It also comes months after state education Superintendent Ellen Weaver publicly split with the state school librarians association over books in libraries.

Its unclear what the policy will be. But at an Oct. 10 meeting with the S.C. Board of Education, Weaver said that she is looking at a regulatory process of library materials based on age-appropriateness and alignment with the South Carolina instructional standard.

Im certainly a proponent of local control, but I also know that half of our state education budget comes from the state, and with that investment comes responsibility, Weaver said at the meeting. It is well within the purview and the responsibilities under state law of this board to advise on the age-appropriateness and alignment with the South Carolina instructional standards ... that is what we will be bringing before this board.

The state board of education oversees the selection of textbooks and other course-related materials in public schools. But decisions about other books in classrooms and school libraries remain in the hands of local board boards.

A first reading of the policy will be considered by the state Board of Education at its meeting next month, said Laura Bayne, a spokeswoman for the state education department. If the board ultimately approves the regulation, it must then be approved by the legislature to become law.

We are still in the drafting period, Bayne said. The regulation will be available for review at first reading.

The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina called the idea book censorship at the state level.

Given the context and the deteriorating relationship between the state superintendents office and school librarians, it seems like cause for alarm, said Paul Bowers of the ACLU. Anything that centralizes power, centralizes control over books is cause for alarm.

The ACLU asked the public to write to the state board of education to oppose the policy. The period for initial public comment ended Friday evening.

Weaver wrote to the South Carolina Association of School Librarians in August to say that the state Department of Education was cutting ties with the group after a 50-year partnership.

In the letter, Weaver said the organization had created a hostile environment using politicized rhetoric to oppose efforts to remove books from school libraries, citing an advocacy toolkit by the American Library Association posted on its website, testifying about library censorship before the teacher recruitment and retention task force and sending letters to school board members across the state.

Parents are entirely justified in seeking to ensure educational materials presented to their children are age-appropriate and aligned with the overall purpose of South Carolinas instructional program and standards, Weaver wrote. When SCASL labels those efforts as bans, censorship, or a violation of educators intellectual freedom, the result is a more hostile environment which does not serve the needs of students.

Two weeks later, the president of the the S.C. Association of School Librarians, Michelle Spires, announced her resignation.

While the decision to step down as President of the SCASL has not been easy, it is a decision that I have made to put the well-being of my family and myself first. I am still committed to the work that SCASL does and will continue to support the organization and its members; however, I am unable to fulfill the role that is needed as the leader the organization, Spires wrote in a statement provided to The State.

Diane Ervin, executive secretary of the librarian association and a past president, confirmed Spires departure was a direct response to the split.
By Aidan Lewis

CAIRO (Reuters) - With a trickle of aid flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip from Egypt, humanitarian staff and diplomats face a web of political, security and logistical obstacles as they try to build up and sustain deliveries of relief.

The aid is desperately needed. Supplies of food, water, medicines and fuel have been running critically low for Gaza's 2.3 million people since Israel began its bombardment and "total siege" of the Palestinian enclave in retaliation for a lethal incursion by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

But Israel's conditions for inspecting and tracking the aid, security risks transporting and distributing it, and arrangement of its passage through a crossing not used during previous conflicts for large-scale relief efforts have all hampered work to get the operation off the ground.

Aid began flowing through Rafah, the main exit and entry point for Gaza that does not border Israel, on Saturday, with up to 20 trucks crossing daily since. United Nations officials say 100 trucks are required daily to meet essential needs.

During past conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, aid had mainly been delivered through crossing points with Israel, and the United Nations aid operation for the Palestinian territories has been run through Israel since the 1950s.

Now aid needs to be brought in from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, an isolated region with a recent history of insurgent attacks and a heavily militarised border.

"It's a huge, huge undertaking to set up a humanitarian operation from scratch," said one aid official who asked not to be named. "We're not set up like that, not even close, from the Egyptian side."

BOTTLENECKS

The aid operation was brokered in talks involving the United States, Israel and Egypt, with a deal to start with a convoy of 20 trucks clinched during a visit by Joe Biden to Israel last week, aid officials and diplomats say.

As it began, details of an inspection system were still being worked out.

Scaling up aid required a quick and light system based on random checks, such as that used for sending aid from Turkey into northwestern Syria, U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths said.

Trucks are currently driving more than 40km (25 miles) south along the Egypt-Israel border to be inspected before returning to Gaza, meaning a lag of several hours between their entry into the crossing on the Egyptian side and their exit into Gaza.

"There are bottlenecks," said Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme, which brought some supplies into Gaza with the first convoys but has many more waiting on the Egyptian side of the border.

"What exactly are these bottlenecks? It's very unclear, but I think a lot of it is basically, probably the inspection mechanism and the ability of movement inside Gaza," she said.

Some Gaza bakeries the WFP works with have been put out of operation because of shortages of fuel, a commodity that has so far not been allowed to cross because of Israeli concerns that it could be used by Hamas.

Fuel is also crucial for hospital generators and water supplies, and is fast running out.

U.S. Special Envoy David Satterfield, who has been negotiating with Israel, Egypt and the United Nations to set up sustained aid deliveries, told MSNBC on Sunday that while the critical role of fuel was understood, the provision of food, water and medicine would continue to be the focus "in the immediate future".

Israeli authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

BATTLEFIELD

The United States, along with other countries, has also been negotiating to get thousands of foreign passport holders out of Gaza through Rafah, while Qatar has been leading efforts for the release of hostages taken by Hamas militants during their Oct. 7 incursion into Israel.

Two Egyptian security sources linked scaling up of aid to Hamas's willingness to free hostages. From a total of more than 200 hostages, two were freed through Rafah late on Monday, with Hamas crediting Qatar and Egypt for their mediation. Two others were released last week.

The United Nations says delivery of aid should be unconditional.

On the Gaza side of the border, distribution will depend on the pattern of the conflict and mass displacement of residents, which could be further complicated by an expected Israeli ground operation.

As intense bombardment continues, aid organisations have appealed for a humanitarian pause or ceasefire to deliver relief. Security guarantees, especially for northern Gaza where Israeli bombing is concentrated, had not been forthcoming, said Rick Brennan, emergencies director for the World Health Organization. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees says 35 of its staff have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7.

Bombardment has damaged roads and buildings around Rafah. Not long after Sunday's convoy of trucks entered the crossing, shelling from an Israeli tank hit an Egyptian position nearby, wounding several Egyptian border guards. Israel said the incident was an accident.

"We're going to have to adapt the whole logistics of the operation according to what is transpiring on the battlefield," said Griffiths.

(Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Geronimo Rivera scored a superb second-half goal as Banfield clinched a 1-0 away victory over Velez Sarsfield in Argentina's Primera Division on Monday.

The 20-year-old forward latched onto Milton Gimenez's headed flick before rifling an unstoppable 20-yard shot into the top-right corner.

The result lifted Banfield to third in the 14-team Group A, three points behind leaders Independiente. Velez are sixth, a point further back.

In Monday's only other Primera Division fixture, Zaid Romero struck late as Estudiantes edged to a 2-1 home victory over Sarmiento.

Mauro Boselli put the hosts ahead by converting a 43rd-minute penalty before Juan Cruz equalized early in the second half. Romero restored his side's lead by heading home from point-blank range after Jose Sosa's delivery from a corner. 
There has been scepticism over the idea floated by Macron (Christophe Ena)

French President Emmanuel Macron evoked an international coalition along the lines of the one that defeated Islamic State (IS) extremists in Iraq and Syria to fight Palestinian militant group Hamas but such an idea will struggle to even get off the ground, experts say.

Macron floated the proposal during a visit to Israel Tuesday, as a conflict rages between Israel and Hamas that has seen thousands of civilians killed on both sides.

It appears he did not wish to signal that any international forces should be sent into the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, as Israel prepares for a ground operation that it wants to destroy the Islamist group, even if the comments created a certain ambiguity.

The war was triggered by an unprecedented attack on Israel launched by Hamas on October 7 from the Gaza Strip. More than 220 hostages are being held by Hamas in the territory.

During his visit to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron said that "France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh (IS)... to also be able to fight against Hamas."

"I propose to our international partners that we should build a regional and international coalition to battle against terrorist groups that threaten us all," he added.

- 'Draws inspiration' -

Macron's advisors appeared eager to rapidly dampen any assumptions his comments may have created about the potential of any Western-backed ground force emerging to join Israel in its stated aim of destroying Hamas.

An Elysee source said the aim of such a coalition would be to draw "inspiration" from the anti-IS alliance that emerged from 2014 to defeat the Islamist extremists in Iraq and Syria.

The source also emphasised that the anti-IS coalition was "not limited to operations" on the ground but also the training of Iraqi forces, the sharing of information between partners and the fight against terror financing.

Macron's proposal "draws inspiration from the experience of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas", said the source, who asked not to be named.

The coalition worked to dislodge and ultimately defeat the Islamic State group which had seized swathes of territory in northern Syria and northern Iraq including the key Iraqi city of Mosul.

It was set up in 2014 and says it has 86 "members" -- countries and groups such as the European Union and the Arab League -- and worked notably with Kurdish fighters who handled the bulk of fighting on the ground in Syria backed and trained by Western special forces.

- 'Highly improbable' -

Experts say that the degree of unanimity that was found over the campaign to defeat IS would not translate into a campaign against Hamas, making it tough to simply expand the existing coalition.

The list of anti-IS coalition members includes "many countries which absolutely do not share France's position on Hamas" such as Qatar, Jordan and Turkey, said Elie Tenenbaum of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI).

"Israel is not a member of this coalition, so that would also be problematic," he added.

"The feasibility of extending the scope of the global coalition against IS to the fight against Hamas seems highly improbable to me."

Renad Mansour, senior research fellow at London-based think tank Chatham House, added that whereas there was large local support from Iraqi and Syrian populations in the fight against IS any such the campaign against Hamas "will be much more difficult because it (Hamas) is more organic, from Gaza".

"It would be a much more difficult task and, as we have already seen, the nature of Gaza and Palestine is going to result in significant casualties of civilians."

- 'Can have their place' -

At least 5,791 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments since October 7, according to the Hamas government's Ministry of Health.

More than 1,400 people have also been killed in Israel since Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on 7 October, according to Israeli authorities.

Tenenbaum nevertheless emphasised that such coalitions against extremist groups are not limited to operations on the ground.

"Missions to combat propaganda, the financing of terrorism, stabilisation missions and reconstruction of liberated areas can have their place in the fight against Hamas," he said.

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged Tuesday to maintain Germany's aid to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion even as Berlin supports Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

Speaking at a German-Ukrainian business forum in Berlin attended by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal and joined virtually by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Scholz vowed Kyiv would have assistance "as long as necessary".

"We are backing Ukraine economically, financially, with humanitarian aid and also with weapons," Scholz said.

"This support will in no way be impacted by the fact that we of course since the horrible morning hours of October 7 have focused on Israel and the Middle East with the greatest sympathy and concern."

Scholz said Russian President Vladimir Putin had attacked Ukraine in an act of "imperialist delusion" and was "mistaken if he believes that he will endure longer than we will".

"Ukraine will not stop fighting for its freedom -- that has become unmistakeably clear in these more than 600 days" since the start of the invasion in February 2022, Scholz said.

"And you have our word. We will support Ukraine as long as necessary."

During the conference, German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall unveiled details of a previously announced joint venture with state weapons company UkrOboronProm to maintain and produce military vehicles in Ukraine.

- 'Constant assistance' -

Shmygal said the venture, which launched this month, was part of a drive to develop Ukraine's own defence industry with a "global alliance" encompassing 60 foreign companies.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the federal government and the German people for the solidarity and constant assistance Ukraine is receiving from Germany," he said.

After some initial hesitation, Germany drastically ramped up its support for Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion. The country is now the second-biggest supplier of military assistance to Kyiv after the United States.

Scholz was the first foreign head of government to visit Israel after the shock Hamas attack and has emphasised that support for Israel's self-defence is at the core of German foreign policy because of Berlin's responsibility for the Holocaust.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said this month that Germany would allow Israel to use two of its Heron TP combat drones and is considering a request for ammunition for warships.

More than 220 Israelis, dual nationals and foreigners were kidnapped by Hamas militants during their attack on southern Israel on October 7 that killed more than 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials.

Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control of the area under attack.

More than 5,700 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist militant group, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

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Sen. Ted Cruz doesnt think kids should have unfettered access to social media apps while in school. Hes proposed legislation, The Eyes on the Board Act, which would limit childrens access to the sites by requiring schools that receive federal broadband funding to cut off access on networks and devices they subsidize. This is a good start, but schools really shouldnt be waiting for a guy like Cruz to force them to ban kids social media use or else.

The bill would also require the districts to set screen time policies and guidelines in place for students limiting how much students are assigned to use electronics as part of their schoolwork.

The Texas Republicans legislation is a good inroad into a growing problem that few dont take seriously enough, least of all the kids. More studies show that kids use social media at an alarmingly high pace and that spending several hours on social media a day fails to provide a net gain. In fact, almost everything we learn suggests kids are easily addicted to social media, distracted by it in school when they should be learning and, at home, when they should be doing homework or connecting with family and friends. Theyre too online to see that social media makes them depressed, lonely, and anxious.

Experts say over three hours of social media use is the threshold for negative effects, but a Gallup survey suggests the average teen spends up to almost 5 hours per day on social media apps and even more time on screens in general. The National Institutes of Health said that when adolescents use social media a lot, its associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

Cruzs attempt to leverage internet connectivity subsidies with social media use is smart, but honestly, its sad this piece of legislation even exists. Presumably school districts  places of learning  can read all the surveys, research and studies for themselves. They can see, firsthand, the effects of prolonged social media use for adolescents.

All school administrators would have to do to curb rampant social media use among kids is institute a schoolwide policy that demands kids have limited to no access to their phones during school hours or can only use them during class for assignments. Emergencies are the only exceptions. After school hours, when kids need to get in touch with parents, is fine, too.

Many Texas schools already have such a policy, and its a win-win for all involved: Teachers no longer have to spend precious class time telling kids to pay attention or put their phones away, putting them at an unfair advantage with a highly addictive device. Students come to school knowing the expectations, do better in classes and spend valuable time being social and learning in-person skills. These have been dwindling with the rise of social media use among kids.

Social media, like online porn, has become ubiquitous and almost as addictive. YouTube, kids No. 1 choice for social media apps, has almost 2.6 billion active users a month in 100 countries. Then, theres Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and more.

Sometimes, when something is this powerful, it feels like parents, school administrators  and even kids  are powerless. But school administrators, teachers and parents can implement steps and guidelines to help kids learn to make better decision for themselves about their own social media use.

Kudos to Cruz and his co-authors for a smart bill addressing a growing problem for kids. Its too bad school administrators may finally take this seriously when its used as leverage against internet funding. Theres nothing stopping schools from implementing social media bans and screen time limits right now.
A coalition of tech and workers rights advocacy groups asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to prioritize protections for workers in artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, in a letter sent Tuesday.

The letter sent to Schumer highlighted ways employers can use automated systems to surveil, replace, or hire and fire workers. In some cases, the organizations said workers are already alleging their employers, including Amazon, Google, and Walmart, are monitoring them through AI or other tech tools.

To guard against this dystopian future, Congress should develop a new generation of economic policies and labor rights to prevent corporations like Amazon from leveraging tech-driven worker exploitation into profit and outcompeting rivals by taking the low road, the groups wrote.

Establishing robust protections related to workplace technology and rebalancing power between workers and employers could reorient the economy and tech innovation toward more equitable and sustainable outcomes, they added.

The Hill reached out to spokespeople for Amazon, Google, Walmart, UPS and FedEx for comment in response to the allegations of surveilling workers included in the letter.

The letter was signed by 20 groups, including the Athena Coalition, Public Citizen, Accountable Tech and the Open Markets Institute.

As Congress drafts regulations, the groups urged lawmakers to prioritize the heath, safety and wages of data workers that develop and train AI.

They also urged Congress to fortify workers rights to organize without being subject to employer surveillance and union-busting, and to adopt a framework that addresses the underlying lack of transparency and job security in the at-will employment system in the U.S.

The letter was sent the same day as the Senate is holding its second AI Insight Forum.

The forums are part of Schumers plan to address how the Senate tackles AI regulation by allowing stakeholders to speak directly with senators about the benefits and risks of AI.

The second forums attendees include Marc Andreessen, co-founder and general partner of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz; NAACP presient and CEO Derrick Johnson; and Center for Democracy and Technology president and CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Thursday PM update: Coast Guard calls off search for three missing Georgia fishermen. Read more HERE.

Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson and Christian Tyler Barlow are missing after disappearing during a fishing trip off the coast of Georgia last week.

The owner of a fishing vessel named Carol Ann told Coast Guard Sector Charleston on Oct. 21 that the three-person crew, which were identified by the Coast Guard as Conway, Wilkinson and Barlow, he hired failed to return on Oct. 19 as scheduled. The owner of the boat was identified as Josh Morgan, according to a social media post by Barlow's father.

Conway, lives in Brunswick, and is the captain of the Carol Ann. According to his Facebook, he works as a rigger at Insetta Boatworks, a boat manufacturer in St. Marys, and is the CEO and co-owner of One Time Concrete Solutions.

Recent: Family of fisherman missing off Georgia coast says 'we're not giving up'

More: Coast Guard searching off Georgia coast for fishing boat and 3 crew members

His sister Stevie Conway, who is also the girlfriend to Wilkinson, posted on her Facebook on Oct. 22.

"Please lord bring my family back tonight!!!!" she wrote. "Im ready to have my man back, knuckle head brother back, and our good friend Tyler back ! This is so exhausting and feels like its taking years to end."

According to CBS Affiliate WJAX, Stevie said this was just another business trip for Conway and Barlow, who are professional fishermen. This was Wilkinson's first trip.

Barlow lives in Kingsland, and is a professional fisherman and heavy equipment operator, according to his Facebook. His father, Chris Barlow, posted on his Facebook on Oct. 22.

"Thank you to everyone who has shared the information, and prayed and for everyone actively searching for the safe return of overdue boat Carol Ann with my son Tyler Barlow, Dalton Conway, and Caleb Wilkinson on board," He wrote. "They do have all of the proper safety equipment onboard including an EPIRB, life vest, flares and a 6-person auto-deploy life raft. This gives us hope that they are simply stranded somewhere on anchor waiting to be found."

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Fishing boat missing off Brunswick, Ga. coast: Families still hopeful
ST. LOUIS  Police are searching a backyard for a south St. Louis woman whos been missing for nearly three years. The most recent search led investigators to dig in the victims familys backyard.

BreAyn Lee Miller disappeared on July 26, 2020.

Lawsuit attempts to link mans death to Agape Boarding School in Missouri

Miller was last seen in south St. Louis after her boyfriend picked her up from a local casino. At the time, police said there was a verbal altercation, and Millers boyfriend dropped her off in the vicinity of South Grand Boulevard and Delor Street. She was never heard from again.

Few details have been released in the case. Detectives would not say why their most recent search led them to Millers parents backyard.

The home is vacant, but neighbors are concerned that police are here digging. Law enforcement is using excavating equipment and ground-penetrating radar to see if anything has been buried.

Missouri news: Headlines from St. Louis, Jefferson City and across the Show-Me State

I know it was a crew out here with ground penetrating radar, and they were out here a couple of hours, Adam Keune said. They did identify some area where they think they found something, and to my knowledge, they did not excavate anything.

FOX 2 has learned that police were tipped off that something connected to Miller might be on the property. Police have stopped short of getting into any specifics and theres been no mention of whether they found anything.

Just today, they went back there with shovels, dug down about two footwas using the little siftersand come back with nothing, so they are still looking for her, neighbor Tom Seller said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
File - Pilots conduct a pre-flight check in the cockpit of a jet before taking off from Dallas Fort Worth airport in Grapevine, Texas, on Dec. 2, 2020. Aviation experts say the incident on Sunday in which an off-duty pilot, riding in a jump seat in a cockpit, tried to disable a jetliner in midflight renews questions about the threat posed by airline workers who have special access to places where passengers can't go. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The attempt by an off-duty pilot to shut down the engines of a U.S. airliner in midflight highlights the threat that insiders pose to aviation safety with their ability to go where passengers are prohibited.

Events like the one Sunday on a Horizon Air jetliner are very rare, but they are potentially devastating.

The captain and co-pilot prevented disaster by subduing the off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who  from his perfect vantage point in the cockpit jump seat  tried to cut fuel to the engines.

Were just lucky he wasnt flying the plane when he decided to do this. Whats going to stop that? said Jon Loffi, a longtime law enforcement officer who teaches aviation security at Oklahoma State University and wrote a paper on identifying insider threats.

There is something of a see-something, say-something mindset in aviation, where employees are encouraged to voluntarily report anything that raises a safety concern, including suspicious behavior of colleagues. It's not clear how often that happens, however  if ever.

The pilot who was arrested after Sunday's flight didn't appear to raise alarms. Neighbors and fellow members of a flying club where he was an instructor described him as a great guy who was obsessed with safety. The pilots who let him in the cockpit Sunday said they didn't see anything out of the ordinary before takeoff.

Pilots are required to undergo psychological screening as part of their regularly scheduled medical exams. The pilot involved in Sunday's incident got his most recent exam in September, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

However, the pilot, Joseph David Emerson, told police that he had been depressed for about six months  starting long before his last medical exam  and was having a nervous breakdown," according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

During FAA-required exams, pilots are supposed to go through an interview and report whether they have received psychiatric treatment and what medicines they take. The FBI agent's affidavit didn't indicate whether Emerson was being treated for depression.

The FAA says its approved medical examiners are trained to gauge a pilot's mental health.

Airlines frequently conduct their own interviews that include a psychological evaluation, but most of those are to determine whether the pilot is a good fit for the company, not whether they are mentally unstable, said Jeffrey Price, an aviation-security expert at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

The Horizon close call could result in the re-examination of the practice of letting off-duty pilots or other airline employees sit in the cockpit jump seat.

Air travel changed after the 9/11 terror attacks. The Transportation Security Administration was created to screen passengers. Cockpit doors were hardened. For a time, jump-seat riders were banned.

Pilots fought to restore their ability to hitch a ride in the cockpit. Many of them commute to their jobs, and letting them use the jump seat means the airline doesn't have to bump a passenger off a full flight to make room for a pilot.

Im afraid this will put that privilege in jeopardy now, said Ross Aimer, a retired airline pilot who is now CEO of an aviation-consulting firm. He said air travel won't function  it will come to a grinding halt  if off-duty pilots can't use the jump seat to commute to work.

Airlines must approve people to sit in the jump seat, and pilots wishing to do it must present their credentials to the crew. The captain can deny access.

Our flight crew vetting system is just that  its based on trust, Price said. We have to trust personnel to a certain extent, or the system doesnt work.

Loffi, the Oklahoma State professor, said banning pilots from the jump seat would be silly because a pilot intent on crashing the plane could simply wait until their turn to operate a flight.

Investigators concluded that is what happened on board a Germanwings plane in 2015. They determined that the co-pilot deliberately crashed the plane in the French Alps. The man had been treated for suicidal tendences but did not tell the airline.

A FedEx pilot riding on a cargo plane tried to kill the crew and crash the plane in 1994 but was stopped by the on-duty pilots. In 1987, a fired employee who still had his security badge hijacked a Pacific Southwest Airlines jet, which crashed in California, killing everyone on board.

On rare occasions, other employees including a mechanic have been accused of sabotaging planes.

Loffi said pilots could be subjected to more rigorous psychological examinations, as is often done with police officers, but thats not foolproof either.

I think we're doing a pretty good job of managing the insider threat," he said. "How often does this happen? Darn seldom. And it's just so hard to predict this kind of behavior.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the FAA will look into any safety considerations" that come out of investigations of the Horizon Air incident.

Security experts say it would be difficult if not impossible to stop every determined criminal or terrorist who targets aviation. They say there are steps that could make such an attack more difficult, but they would come at a cost of time and money.

One possibility is to make airline and airport employees go through the same type of security checkpoints as passengers. Currently many of those insiders can go behind security perimeters with the right credentials.

Federal law requires that people seeking to work in secure areas of an airport must pass a criminal-records check and a "security threat assessment that includes checking their names against a terrorism watch list. The vetting is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration.

The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was arrested Sunday joined Horizon as a first officer or co-pilot in 2001. In 2012, he went to work at Virgin America, which was bought by Alaska in 2016. Emerson was promoted to captain in 2019.

Alaska Airlines said Emerson met all requirements for medical exams and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.

Alaska said Tuesday that Emerson was relieved from all duties" on Sunday, the day of the flight. His next flight had been planned for Thursday. The airline indicated it was talking to the pilots' union regarding his employment status.

On Tuesday, Emerson was being held in the Multnomah County, Oregon, jail on one federal count of interfering with a flight crew and 83 state counts of attempted murder, a felony, 83 counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft, a felony. He was due to be arraigned Tuesday in Portland.

Emerson's neighbors in Pleasant Hill, California, a suburb about 30 miles east of San Francisco, describe him as friendly, and officials of a local flying club say he is meticulous about safety.

No sign he was off. Nothing, Karen Yee, a neighbor whose grandchildren play with Emerson's two elementary-school kids, told The (San Jose) Mercury News. He is everything you would want to have in a good neighbor. We see him over the fence and on walks. Great guy. Great family.

Allen Scott, former president of a flying club where Emerson served as a flight instructor several years ago, told the San Francisco Chronicle he has flown with Emerson and he was fanatical about safety.

___

Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, contributed to this report.
At least seven people were killed and 25 were injured after a superfog of smoke from marsh fires and dense fog descended on Interstate 55 in Louisiana, causing a massive pileup that left more than 100 vehicles smashed and in flames.

An estimated 158 vehicles were involved in the crashes Monday near New Orleans, according to a preliminary investigation by the Louisiana State Police. Officials warned the death toll could climb as the search for victims continue. At least 25 people were taken to local hospitals, and others with less severe injuries sought medical care on their own, a Facebook post by the Louisiana State Police said.

Videos and pictures taken by drivers, passengers and responding law enforcement show crushed vehicles packed amid scattered debris along the interstate. Some cars were overturned and atop others. The elevated interstate, which was expected to be closed until it can be cleaned and inspected, passes over swamp and open water between lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.

Shortly after the series of crashes began, a portion of the area "caught on fire," according to Louisiana State Police. One tanker truck "carrying a hazardous liquid" was "compromised" and had to be offloaded, which delayed first responders from assessing vehicles and searching for people who may have been trapped inside, police said.

Responders are seen near wreckage after a multi-vehicle pileup on I-55 in Manchac, La., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A superfog of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense morning fog caused multiple traffic crashes involving scores of cars.

State troopers said the removal of cars, trucks and tractor-trailers will take additional time. After the interstate is cleaned up, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will inspect the bridge.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards released a statement Monday on X, formerly Twitter, asking for prayers for those injured or killed in the pileup, as well as for their families. He urged locals to donate blood to "help replenish supplies that are being drained today to care for the wounded."

This aerial photo shows responders near wreckage after a multi-vehicle pileup on I-55 in Manchac, La., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A superfog of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense morning fog caused multiple traffic crashes involving scores of cars.

Responders are seen near wreckage after a multi-vehicle pileup on I-55 in Manchac, La., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A superfog of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense morning fog caused multiple traffic crashes involving scores of cars.

What is 'superfog'?

Superfog is the combination of smoke and fog, Phil Grigsby, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told USA TODAY.

Early Monday, dense morning fog began to blanket the area around the interstate at about 3 a.m. Hours later, wind direction changed and carried heavy smoke from a marsh fire near the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge toward I-55, Grigsby said. The combination caused zero visibility and the closure of a nearby bridge. The fire has been burning for at least nine days.

This aerial photo shows responders near wreckage after a multi-vehicle pileup on I-55 in Manchac, La., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A superfog of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense morning fog caused multiple traffic crashes involving scores of cars.

Superfog takes the fog that you normally would have, and makes it even more dense as that smoke gets mixed in and reduces the visibility until you basically have near zero visibility develop," Grigsby said.

He added that superfog events are not common, but they do occasionally happen  especially when theres a wildfire in the area.

The marsh fire is on private land. The National Weather Service says it does not know what caused the blaze.

Contributing: Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 7 dead after I-55 pileup caused by 'superfog' in Louisiana
A day after Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Chris Anderson wrote a letter to state and national Republican Party leaders asking for an investigation into racial discrimination he says he has faced since his first day on the job nearly five years ago, two Seminole County Republicans named in Andersons letter have responded calling the claims baseless and accusing him of playing the race card.

Bruce Cherry, who is also Black, and Kelly Shilson, chair and vice chair respectively of the Seminole County Republican Committee, both penned letters Tuesday responding to Andersons latest accusations of racist treatment in Seminole.

In video, Seminole elections chief says so much racism in county

In his letter to party leaders Monday morning, Anderson described a meeting planned by Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart in August. He said the meeting was to cover topics related to county elections but he was excluded. When he insisted he be allowed to attend, the meeting was canceled. He said he felt Lockhart excluded him because he is Black, at the time the latest example of racial discrimination levied by fellow Republican county leaders. He also Shilson of discrimination when she also insisted he not attend the meeting.

Andersons letter went on to say that Cherry had also faced discrimination from Lockhart since he was elected chair of the Seminole County Republican Committee. Anderson wrote that Cherry shared his own story about discrimination in a conversation in August and said Lockhart and Shilson also attempted to exclude him from the meeting. Cherry told the Sentinel on Monday that he did not know the letter had been written or sent and denounced the claims of racism.

In a letter sent to the Seminole County Board of Commissioners Tuesday afternoon, Cherry addressed Andersons letter again.

View this document on Scribd

I would like to make it very clear: I have never claimed or felt that Seminole Countys Republican Executive Committee Board have practiced racism against me or anyone else, he said. The fact I am an African American man and was elected in with a very large majority from the Executive Committee body would suggest just the opposite of racism.

He went on to confirm that he did speak with Anderson in August but said Anderson misrepresented their conversation.

Supervisor Anderson asked me how I was faring with my newly elected position, Cherry wrote. I explained that I was facing some opposition but that it was just part of the process, the way our Republic is supposed to work. At no time did I ever claim there was anything racial involved. Neither towards Vice Chair Kelly Shilson nor (Board of County Commissioners) Chair Amy Lockhart. I was shocked and saddened by the news that: A. I had been dragged into this fantasy. B. That someone who I thought was a fellow Republican would play the race card as a means of leveraging power for personal gain or retribution.

Shilson also sent a letter Monday evening to Seminole County commissioners calling Andersons claims libelous allegations unsupported by evidence.

View this document on Scribd

While differences of opinion are a natural part of any democratic process, Mr. Andersons predisposition to perceive every situation through a distorted racial lens is not only unproductive, but also a gross misrepresentation of our committees values and intentions, Shilson wrote. Mr. Andersons incessant accusations of racism against several elected officials without actual evidence of discriminatory intent begs the question of who is the one actually exhibiting prejudice based on race?

Shilson is also a member of Moms for Liberty, which the Southern Poverty Law Centers recently deemed an extremist anti-government group alongside others like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, who were blamed for planning the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

According to the SPLC, the rise in influence Moms for Liberty has seen in recent years contributed to a rise in the number of hate and anti-government groups in Florida and across the nation.

In his letter to state and national Republican Party leaders, Anderson said it was imperative to investigate his claims because the Republican Party has long been plagued by the stigma of racism in the GOP.

Cherry also disagreed with that framing.

I will unequivocally deny that I have experienced racism from the Republican Party of Seminole County Florida, Cherry wrote. I am blessed to serve as its Chairman and I work tirelessly every day to share with the world, Republicans are not racist, and America is not a racist country. Anyone who pushes a narrative to the opposite is just trying to divide and conquer.

Lockhart did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier this month, she wrote a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis calling Andersons behavior erratic and requesting that the governors office investigate Anderson. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment on whether any such investigation was underway. Anderson did not respond to a request for comment.

Anderson was appointed by DeSantis to the supervisor of elections post in 2019. He was reelected in 2020 to a four-year term, and has said he plans to seek reelection in 2024.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and his wife Ann Romney arrive for the State Dinner with President Joe Biden and the South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol at the White House on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Washington. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann Romney, were sitting for an interview that aired Sunday on CBS when they were interrupted by a phone call from the president of the United States.

We might have to pull the senator for a call with the president, a staffer told CBS News host Norah ODonnell, as aides began stripping the lavaliere microphone, and its wire, off the senator.

Do you have to be on a secure line? ODonnell wondered out loud.

Biden reportedly called before traveling to Israel last week, only a few days after Romneys own visit.

This has been a heartbreaking, heart-wrenching experience, for me, for my colleagues, for the world, said Romney, a Republican, at a press conference in Israel on Oct. 15.

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The senator said he would never forget meeting the families of hostages. And I can only imagine the horror in their lives. My heart reaches out to them, my prayers join with yours to see those hostages returned to their loved ones, he said.

Romney and other members of the Senate delegation had to shelter during an air raid siren while in Israel.

Biden, too, spent nearly seven hours in the Israeli war zone. During his trip, he pushed for humanitarian aid to Gaza to be unblocked, amid bombardment from Israel that began after the Hamas attacks on civilians on Oct. 7.

Bidens visit to the Middle East coincided with an explosion at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital last week, which, as Reuters reported, was fired from within Gaza. This derailed his administration's plans for a diplomatic trip to the Middle East as Arab countries called off their meeting with Biden.

But his statements in the initial fog of war  especially the awkwardly phrased, It appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,  when expressing support for Israel after the hospital blast were met with criticism, according to CNN.

Former foes, now friends

Biden and Romney took plenty of shots at each other during the 2012 presidential campaign when Romney was the Republican presidential nominee and Biden was running for reelection as vice president.

They became friends on first-name-basis after Romney was one of three Republicans to confirm Bidens nominee for the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in April 2022.

As the Deseret News previously reported, Romneys latest biography details the surprising friendship between the two as they would talk on the phone about anything from work to aging in the spotlight.

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I just wanted to call and tell you that I admire your character, Biden once told Romney during one such phone call.

In Romney: A Reckoning, author McKay Coppins writes that Romney gave the president tips on how to look younger when he walked.

But friendship aside, Romney wants whats best for his country, which isnt a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024.

Romney told Politico that while he is not a Biden supporter, he said he cant vote for Donald Trump.

The Utah senator has urged Republicans to coalesce around a single choice to take on Trump in the Republican primary. He has also encouraged several Democratic senators  including Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia  to run against Biden.
GUANGZHOU, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou on Tuesday sentenced two former senior staff members of the China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd. (CRTG) to prison terms and fines for bribery charges.

According to the court's verdict, Xi Zhengbing will serve five years in prison and get a 300,000 yuan (about 41,790 U.S. dollars) fine for bribing foreign government staff and taking bribes. Zhou Zhonghe will serve two years in prison and get a 100,000 yuan fine for bribing foreign government staff.

The court established that from 2017 to 2019, Xi and Zhou offered 220,000 Singapore dollar bribes to the government staff of Singapore to seek illegitimate business interests.

In addition, Xi took advantage of his domestic posts in CRTG between 2003 and 2009 to seek benefits for others in matters such as business operations and monetary settlements. In return, Xi accepted 1.92 million yuan bribery.

Considering their cooperative behavior while handling their cases, Xi and Zhou were both granted a lenient sentence, according to the court. 
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said Monday he has "grave concerns" about Israel's potential ground invasion into Gaza amid an ongoing war prompted by Hamas' terror attack on the Jewish State.

In a statement released Monday, Welch said he has "grave concerns about the wisdom and military efficacy" of an Israeli ground invasion in Gaza and that there is "no doubt" an imminent ground invasion would be "catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardize urgent efforts to save hostages."

"Israel has the absolute right to attack Hamas for the brutal, heinous slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis and the taking of more than 200 hostages," Welch wrote. "But, Israel also has a responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, including one million children. Already, more than 5,000 Palestinians have died."

More than 5,700 people have been killed and thousands more wounded in Gaza and Israel since Hamas launched its largest attack against Israel in decades on Oct. 7, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war on the terrorist group.

TWO AMERICAN HOSTAGES RELEASED FROM GAZA, FOX NEWS IS TOLD

Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, a Democrat, said Monday he has "grave concerns" about Israeli forces' potential ground invasion into Gaza amid ongoing violence in the region.

Israel has indicated it will be conducting a ground invasion into Gaza to attack Hamas, although there is no definitive timetable on when such an attack would begin.

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Hamas has taken more than 220 people hostage, but at least four have been released thus far, including two Americans who were freed last week. The Israeli military told The Times of Israel that it is concerned additional hostage releases by Hamas could lead the political leadership to delay a ground invasion or stop it midway.

U.S. and international officials, lawmakers and humanitarian aid groups have expressed concerns about the conditions in Gaza after Israel cut off water and fuel supply to the region following Hamas' initial attack.

"The humanitarian conditions in Gaza are terrible and getting worse every day," Welch said in his statement. "One million Palestinians, including women and children, have been displaced. Most are living in the openwithout food, without shelter, fuel, water, or access to medicine. United Nations relief efforts have begun but are unable to meet the extreme needs of the moment."

"A ground invasion would further exacerbate the dire conditions in Gaza," Welch concluded.

BIDEN, OTHER WESTERN LEADERS REAFFIRM ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF, CALL FOR FOR CIVILIAN PROTECTION

Sen. Peter Welch said there is "no doubt" an imminent ground invasion would be "catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardize urgent efforts to save hostages."

Last week, Welch and fellow Democrat Sens. Brian Schatz, of Hawaii, and Chris Van Hollen, of Maryland, wrote a letter to Biden urging that "every effort be made to avoid civilian harm and to allow access to humanitarian aid for those in need," including restoring access to food, electricity, water, fuel and medicine to civilians in Gaza and establishing a humanitarian corridor to allow aid into Gaza and safe passage for U.S. citizens who wish to evacuate the region.

The international community has been working to supply civilians of Gaza with humanitarian aid in the wake of the violence in the region. Egypt, Israel and the United Nations facilitated a 20-truck convoy carrying humanitarian assistance that was delivered to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing last week.

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President Biden and five other Western leaders said in a joint statement Sunday that they "welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs."





Original article source: Sen. Peter Welch says Israel ground invasion would 'exacerbate' conditions in Gaza: 'Grave concerns'
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said in a statement Monday that he has grave concerns about a potential ground invasion by the Israelis in Gaza as violence continues to grasp the region.

There is no doubt that an imminent ground invasion would be catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardize urgent efforts to save hostages, he said in a statement. Israel has the absolute right to attack Hamas for the brutal, heinous slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis and the taking of more than 200 hostages.

But, Israel also has a responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, including one million children. Already, more than 5,000 Palestinians have died, he continued.

Israel launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the Gaza Strip to target the militant group Hamas, which infiltrated Israel in an unprecedented move on Oct. 7 that included slaughtering civilians and taking people into Gaza as hostages. More than 1,400 Israelis have died so far in the conflict, mostly during that initial attack.

Now, Israel has signaled that it would proceed with a ground invasion into Gaza. Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops to prepare to see Gaza from the inside Thursday, but there has been no definitive timetable.

Hamas militants took more than 200 people as hostage during its initial raid on Israel, including many believed to be civilians. At least four hostages have been released so far as officials continue to negotiate with the militant group. The U.S. has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

There have also been a number of reported civilian deaths in Gaza. More than 5,000 Palestinians have died so far in the conflict in Gaza, including an estimated 2,055 children and 1,119 women, with more than 15,000 injured, the Gaza Health Ministry reported Monday.

Many officials, lawmakers and humanitarian aid groups have also expressed concerns about the conditions in Gaza after Israel cut off supply of water and fuel to the area in the wake of the attacks.

Welch suggested that a ground invasion would worsen the conditions.

The humanitarian conditions in Gaza are terrible and getting worse every day. One million Palestinians, including women and children, have been displaced. Most are living in the openwithout food, without shelter, fuel, water, or access to medicine. United Nations relief efforts have begun but are unable to meet the extreme needs of the moment, he said.

A ground invasion would further exacerbate the dire conditions in Gaza, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Senate struck a deal on three bipartisan government funding bills Tuesday, allowing lawmakers to move forward on legislation the chamber has been working to advance on the floor since last month.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced a long-awaited deal on amendments, teeing up more than three dozen amendments for consideration in the coming days and final passage of the trio of bills, better known as a minibus.

The package would provide funding for military construction and the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

Our allies are watching. Our adversaries are watching, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said on the floor, pointing to the chaos and dysfunction in the House.

We need to show them that we are still able to work together and solve problems and respond effectively to the pressing challenges of this moment, she continued. This is an important opportunity to do just that.

Top Stories from The Hill

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told reporters late last week that lawmakers were closing in on a deal on the minibus after Schumer worked out a deal with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) to allow a vote on an amendment that would allow military veterans whose finances go into conservatorship to keep their firearms.

Schumer had previously labeled the amendment a poison pill, leading to intense talks on the floor with Collins early last week.

Collins added that she and Murray were working out one other item before a deal could be clinched. One Senate GOP aide said it related to Democrats wanting to change the threshold level of one of the GOP amendments included from a simple majority to 60 votes.

Schumer said earlier in the day that he was hopeful that lawmakers could start voting on the bill by Wednesday morning. Votes on the minibus are expected to last through next week.

The Senate initially started voting on the minibus Sept. 12.

The move comes just over three weeks before government funding is set to expire Nov. 17 and as lawmakers look to avoid a massive omnibus package before Christmas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Leading Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee were critical of the United States response to a series of coups in West Africa since President Biden took office, during a hearing on Tuesday.

There has been a wave of coups in the region, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Gabon, and Mali. Although the U.S. government initially refused to label the military takeovers in Niger and Gabon coups, it has deemed both a coup this month.

But senators including committee Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said it was clear that the U.S. government needed a critical evaluation of its policies on handling coups.

I would just argue the fact that we dont have a consistent response to those who participate in coups has led to the view that you can commit a coup and still remain a relationship with the United States, Cardin said.

In countries like Niger, where the United States has large military bases, the coup designation posed tricky questions about military ties with the new junta, likely contributing to the delay. And in places like Gabon, the US halted non-humanitarian aid even before officially acknowledging the coup.

Cardin said the U.S. must stop sending mixed messages and take a principal stance when coups occur.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) also called out Americas intelligence failure in the region, noting that several US-trained military officials took part in the coup efforts, including in Niger, where American provided weapons and gear were used as well.

Appearing before the committee, Molly Phee, the State Departments assistant secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, admitted that those links were concerning, but said was not representative of the Department of Defenses training program, which has trained thousands of foreign soldiers.

I want to say that we all share the disappointment that military leaders with whom we have worked would make a decision to support a coup, Phee said. Generally speaking, they have positive results. Its certainly something we can review.

Several senators expressed concern over the delay in recognizing the coups in Niger and Gabon, and asked why the US was not hitting the new leaders with sanctions, as the European Union has done in Niger.

Some of us think [the delay] may have shown the military authorities that the consequences of a coup are not going to be felt, Cardin said. They look at the fact that we have not imposed sanctions on any of the individuals involved in coups. To me, its giving the wrong signals that the consequences wont be there.

Phee said U.S. allies in the region have asked to delay sanctions as they try to restore Nigers democracy on their own.

Our friends and partners in ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) all asked us to delay making our formal assessment because they were fully committed to trying to restore President Bazoum to power, and they thought that our statement would derail their efforts, Phee answered. We were trying to support the subregion in its efforts to promote democracy and the restoration of democracy.

The official U.S. designation of a coup triggers the application of Section 7008, which bars direct aid to governments in countries where the duly elected head of government is deposed by a military coup detat or decree.

However, in some cases the U.S. has sought to continue varying levels of humanitarian aid or, in the case of Mali, ongoing support for law enforcement. But Phee said the State Department had learned from that experience.

We have adjusted our policy because what we did in Mali didnt work, Phee said. So, what we are doing now in Niger and Gabon, we are applying 7008 but also incorporating other US government assistance and cooperation so theres an across-the-board suspension.

We believe we were making a very positive impact in Niger, but we have suspended those activities because of the coup, and we have told the authorities that our partnership was making a difference and if theyd like to resume that partnership, they need to make changes, Phee added.

Another challenge facing Americas present in West Africa is vacancies of ambassador posts, due largely to a hold from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

According to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), In Africa alone there are 11 vacant ambassador posts.

When we are not there, we cannot compete with China and Russia, Shaheen said, asking Phee to assess the impact of the vacancies.

When we are missing that voice, we are diminished in all of our efforts, Phee said.

I ask you to support the administrations budget requests and confirm ambassadors.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), one of the eight candidates for Speaker, warned that there is a lot of uncertainty still surrounding the Speakership race as the House GOP meets Monday night to hear from their potential third nominee.

Theres a sense of around I think, members of Congress, Republicans, that theres a lot of uncertainty. Theres a lot thats happening and people are skittish. And we probably should be after two weeks of trying this, but I want to give them our members confidence that we can win, he said on NewsNations The Hill on Monday ahead of the Speaker forum.

When pressed further on what Republicans can win under his leadership, Sessions said they will win on the House floor on Tuesday and the election. He also emphasized that his role leading the National Republican Conference Committee (NRCC) in 2010 gave him the experience needed to be Speaker.

Well, the pitch is real simple and that I believe I have the experience. In 2010, I led the National Republican Congressional Committee when we were 40 seats back. When no one thought we could win the majority, we won back 63 seats. And we did that because we all got together as a team. And if Republicans get together, we can achieve these, he said.

Sessions served as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee from January 2009 until January 2013. He then moved to be chairman of the House Rules Committee where held the gavel from January 2013 through January 2019.

He said that he has made more than 100 phone calls over the last few days to make his pitch for the Speakership. When asked if he believed he would be the next Speaker, he was hesitant to say he whether he did.

Its hard to know. Weve got to move through nine people, regional people, people in committee, he said, adding that the Speaker election is a difficult task.

There are now eight lawmakers vying to become the next Republican candidate for the Speakership after Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) dropped out of the race Monday night. The Republican conference is holding a Speaker forum Monday evening to hear from candidates before holding an internal election on Tuesday.

The House has now been nearly three weeks without a Speaker after eight Republicans sided with Democrats to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Since then, the House GOP has put forward two candidates and is now searching for a third after he GOP conference voted in a secret-ballot election Friday to boot Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as the Republican nominee.

The Hill show on NewsNation airs Monday to Friday at 5 p.m. EST.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Seven California Lottery players are the states newest millionaires after winning a combined total of $17 million from scratcher games, lottery officials announced.

Two winners purchased their winning scratcher tickets in Los Angeles County, while others got theirs at California Lottery retail locations In San Mateo, Ventura, Tulare and Fresno counties.

Guillermina Perez and Jaime Medrano won $1 million each after purchasing tickets from World Donuts & Ice Cream in Pomona and a Vons location in Lakewood, respectively.

Three California Lottery players become instant millionaires from scratcher games

Perez won $1 million from the California Road Trip Riches game, while Medrano won $1 million from the Cloud 9 Scratchers game, a news release said.

Brent Young won the biggest prize out of the group after winning $10 million from the California 200X game. Young purchased the scratcher ticket from Prince Food & Gas in Visalia and told lottery officials that he let the clerk pick out his scratcher since he wasnt sure which one to choose.

Its almost like Gods intervention. I didnt have a specific ticket I was going to buy, so I let someone else decide, Young said. I had no choice but to go to Princes. My usual stop was closed. If it had been open, none of this probably would have happened.

Young decided to take the lump sum amount of $5.8 million and the stores owner received a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Winning $1.73 billion Powerball ticket sold in Southern California; 3rd SoCal jackpot in a year

These California Lottery players also won big

Daryl Knighten won $2 million after playing the Instant Prize Crossword Scratchers game. The ticket was purchased at the Stage Shop III Chevron station on Highway 3 in Fort Jones ( Siskiyou County)

Marco Matiasic won $1 million after playing the Show Me $1,000,000 game. The ticket was purchased at Speedy Spot in San Bruno (San Mateo County)

Reyna Gomez won $1 million after playing the Show Me $1,000,000 game. The ticket was purchased at Campus Plaza Shell in Moorpark (Ventura County).

Felix Arambula won $1 million after playing the 0 Cloud 9 scratchers game. The ticket was purchased at Shop N Go in Kingsburg. (Fresno County)

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) defended herself after audio of her profanity-laced rant berating staffers was published Friday, saying she had fallen short of my own standards.

In the leaked audio first reported by The Houston Chronicle, Jackson Lee insults staffers as two goddamn big-ass children, fups, and idiots, among other offensive names. Her office confirmed the audio was authentic late Monday but could not confirm the identities of the staffers.

To anyone who has listened to this recording with concern, I am regretful and hope you will judge me not by something trotted out by a political opponent, Jackson Lee said in a statement distributed by her Houston mayoral campaign.

I know that I am not perfect, she said. I recognize that in my zeal to do everything possible to deliver for my constituents I have in the past fallen short of my own standards and there is no excuse for that.

Top Stories from The Hill

Angelica Luna Kaufman, Jackson Lees campaign spokesperson, told The Hill the audio file was originally leaked to the media by an online account with the same name as a staffer for her electoral opponent, state Sen. John Whitmire (D). The Hill could not confirm the claim.

Whitmires campaign denied being involved with the audio in a statement to Houstons ABC13.

To try to accuse our campaign of leaking it is just an attempt to take away attention from what is on the recording, his campaign said.

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Whitmire and Jackson Lee, both Democrats, are expected to need a runoff election to determine the Houston mayoral race in November amid a crowded field. Lee has served in Congress since 1995.

Early voting in the mayoral race began Monday, just after the audio was leaked.

Jackson Lee has made news before for her treatment of her staff. Washingtonian named her the meanest House member in 2014.

In 2019, a former staffer sued Jackson Lee over wrongful termination after the congresswoman allegedly fired her in retaliation for pursuing a rape claim against an employee at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which she chaired at the time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, speaks during an EPA meeting on April 20, 2023 in Houston. Credit: Mark Felix for The Texas Tribune

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, expressed regret Monday and said she is not perfect after a recording came out that appeared to show her berating staff with profanity.

Jackson Lee is running for Houston mayor, and the recording was sent from an anonymous email account to multiple news organizations Friday, three days before the start of early voting. She broke her silence on it in a statement Monday night.

I want to convey to the people of Houston that I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes my own staff, Jackson Lee said. I know that I am not perfect. I recognize that in my zeal to do everything possible to deliver for my constituents I have in the past fallen short of my own standards and there is no excuse for that.

On the recording, which is about a minute and a half, a voice that sounds like Jackson Lees can be heard erupting at a staffer who does not have a document she was looking for. She tells the staffer she wants him to have a fuckin brain and says nobody knows a Goddamn thing in my office  nothing. She refers to another staffer, who is apparently not in the room, as a fat-ass stupid idiot and adds both staffers are fuck-ups.

Its the worst shit that I could have ever had put together, Jackson Lee says. Two Goddamn big-ass children, fuckin idiots who serve no Goddamn purpose.

Former staff members did not respond to requests for comment about the recording.

Jackson Lees campaign has refused to verify the recording and only referred to it as an alleged recording in the title of her statement.

To anyone who has listened to this recording with concern, I am regretful and hope you will judge me not by something trotted out by a political opponent, that worked to exploit this, and backed by extreme Republican supporters on the very day that polls open, but from what Ive delivered to Houstonians over my years of public service, Jackson Lee said in her statement.

A spokesperson for the Whitmire campaign, Sue Davis, said the campaign had nothing to do with this recording.

This weak attempt to try to pin this on us is a desperate effort to try to change the narrative away from the contents of the recording, Davis wrote in an email.

Jackson Lees campaign provided a screenshot appearing to show a consultant who works on the Whitmire campaign, Jaime Mercado, as the creator of the audio file. Davis said that was a separate version of the audio file that Mercado created to share internally inside the Whitmire campaign after members were blind-copied on the original email.

Jackson Lees reputation for volatility in her office is well established. She ranks sixth for staff turnover from 2001-2022 in a Worst Bosses ranking compiled by LegiStorm, a congressional data website.

The Harris County Young Democrats, which previously issued a dual endorsement for Jackson Lee and Whitmire, announced Monday they were withdrawing their support for Jackson Lee, saying they have a zero-tolerance policy for body-shaming and staff abuse.

In an interview Monday about the race, Whitmire brought up the audio but declined to criticize Jackson Lee over it.

Our records speak for ourselves, he said. I havent said one negative word. Not one.

Correction, Oct. 26, 2023 at 1:02 p.m. : A previous version of this story misstated the range of years included in a ranking of the most staff turnover for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. The years included in the ranking were 2001-22.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has "far more questions than we do have answers" when it comes to its investigation of a woman's body found atop a barge Saturday morning.

Among those questions include how the woman ended up on the barge and who the woman is, since an identification has not yet been made.

"We have absolutely no clue," SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said when asked how she ended up on the barge. "Our detectives have been working around the clock since Saturday morning, trying to piece together all of the information and evidence that they could find to hopefully unpack a story on how she ended up on the barge. Our critical piece of information is, number one, finding out who she is. Hopefully, from there, we can work backwards to determine if there's any kind of avenue that will help us understand how she ended up there."

Buckner said Monday that SCSO investigators, along with the Shelby County Medical Examiner, are working to identify the woman and her cause of death, but said they do not believe foul play was involved. Buckner added that the investigation is "extremely unusual."

"In my 22 years of working with the sheriff's office, I don't think there's been any investigation of a body on a barge," he said, adding that there were no apparent gunshot wounds on the woman's body, though said he "thinks she would have had several injuries."

Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said there are "more questions than we have answers" in a death investigation after a woman's body was found on top of a barge Saturday morning. Investigators are still working to find out the woman's identity and cause of death.

A key part of the investigation, Buckner said, will be finding out who the woman is. He said SCSO has been in contact with police in Arkansas and the Memphis Police Department to search their missing persons databases. Buckner said there was nobody missing in the SCSO database that matched the woman's description.

The woman was found around 7:15 a.m. Saturday during a routine inspection as the barge was moving upriver.

The woman, who is white with blonde hair, was found wearing a pink shirt with the word "Oxford" written on it, but Buckner could not say if that related to Oxford, Mississippi, or somewhere else. She also had a blue and white flannel shirt on, Buckner said, and was wearing black tights. The woman had a knee brace on her left leg.

A precise age was not given by Buckner, but he said he believed her to be between 20 and 40 years old.

"Right now, we are trying  desperately  to locate the family, locate the identity of this person," he said. "We want to make sure we make the appropriate notifications and try to find out more information about her and how she ended up on the barge."

An initial inspection of the barge was done around 11 p.m. Friday night, and the barge was cleared to travel upriver from Memphis around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. The barge, Buckner said, had been idling near the I-55 bridge prior to getting that clearance.

The woman's body was found during a second inspection of the barge around 7:15 a.m., just outside of the Shelby Forest area, and the crew called the Coast Guard prior to SCSO being contacted. Buckner confirmed that the woman was not part of the barge crew.

The barge was not carrying cargo when the body was discovered, Buckner said. SCSO said they believe her time of death occurred sometime between the two early Saturday inspections.

SCSO is asking for anyone who may have seen something, no matter how small or insignificant they believe it to have been, to call (901) 379-7625 with that information.

"Any tip could be very valuable to us right now," Buckner said. "We want to make sure we have the opportunity to vet that information, and that's one thing that we say in these types of moments, especially when it comes to crime investigations. There are people who hold just a little clue that's valuable to us, but to them, they may minimize it and say, 'Oh, you know, they're not going to be interested in it. So I'm not going to call.' All we ask in the law enforcement community is if you have any kind of tip that you think  whether it's large or small  please give it to us and let us make the determination of if it connects to this particular case."

Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 'No clue' how a dead body ended atop a barge in Memphis: officials
The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office will be hosting a drive-thru drop event as part of this weekends National Drug Take Back Day.

>>Officers investigating after crash closes Dayton street

Sheriffs deputies will be hosting it at the Harrison Township Substation at the 5900 block of N. Dixie Drive from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. this Saturday, the Sheriffs Office said.

National Drug Take Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way of disposing unwanted or expired prescription medications.

Drug Take Back can help save lives and cut down on prescription drug abuse by disposing of unused medication through proper methods, the Montgomery County Sheriffs said. Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed or poured down the drain.

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Montgomery County residents can also dispose of their unwanted or expired medications free of charge at the following locations:

Sheriffs Office Headquarters- 345 W. Second Street (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Jefferson Township Substation- 555 Infirmary Road (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Washington Township Government Center- 8200 McEwen Road (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Biohazard materials and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Acceptable items include needles, liquids, non-narcotics, narcotics, over-the-counter medication, herbals, and veterinary medications.

For a full list of prescription drop locations in your area, visit this website.
Staff members of Egyptian Red Cresent carry humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at a warehouse in al-Arish, Egypt, Oct. 23, 2023. More airplanes carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip landed Monday at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai governorate. Earlier in the day, North Sinai Governorate announced in a press release that at least 27 aid planes have landed in North Sinai's al-Arish airport since October 12, carrying aid from many countries including Jordan, UAE, Russia, Turkiye, and Brazil as well as United Nations agencies. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

CAIRO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- More airplanes carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip landed Monday at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai governorate.

Planes from Algeria, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip arrived at the airport which is less than 50 km from the Rafa border crossing, the Egyptian Red Cresent announced on its official Facebook page.

Meanwhile, al-Arish Airport also received two World Health Organization planes carrying aid to Gaza, reported the state-run Ahram Gate news website.

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday that Turkiye sent two cargo planes to Egypt carrying medical equipment and supplies for the Gaza Strip, while two more aircraft would be sent with more supplies.

The aircraft also carried a medical team of 20 doctors, he added on social media platform X.

Earlier in the day, the Egyptian Red Cresent announced that it delivered a new aid convoy to the Palestinian Red Cresent Society through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that it has received the third convoy of 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid containing food, water, medicines, and medical supplies.

Earlier in the day, North Sinai Governorate announced in a press release that at least 27 aid planes have landed in North Sinai's al-Arish airport since October 12, carrying aid from many countries including Jordan, UAE, Russia, Turkiye, and Brazil as well as United Nations agencies.

For two weeks, the Gaza Strip has been under deadly Israeli siege and strikes in retaliation for the attack of the Gaza-controlling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) against Israel on Oct. 7. The Israel-Hamas conflict killed more than 6,000 people on both sides. 

Staff members of Egyptian Red Cresent carry humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at a warehouse in al-Arish, Egypt, Oct. 23, 2023. More airplanes carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip landed Monday at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai governorate.

Earlier in the day, North Sinai Governorate announced in a press release that at least 27 aid planes have landed in North Sinai's al-Arish airport since October 12, carrying aid from many countries including Jordan, UAE, Russia, Turkiye, and Brazil as well as United Nations agencies. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

Staff members of Egyptian Red Cresent carry humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at a warehouse in al-Arish, Egypt, Oct. 23, 2023. More airplanes carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip landed Monday at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai governorate.

Earlier in the day, North Sinai Governorate announced in a press release that at least 27 aid planes have landed in North Sinai's al-Arish airport since October 12, carrying aid from many countries including Jordan, UAE, Russia, Turkiye, and Brazil as well as United Nations agencies. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

Staff members of Egyptian Red Cresent carry humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at a warehouse in al-Arish, Egypt, Oct. 23, 2023. More airplanes carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip landed Monday at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai governorate.

Earlier in the day, North Sinai Governorate announced in a press release that at least 27 aid planes have landed in North Sinai's al-Arish airport since October 12, carrying aid from many countries including Jordan, UAE, Russia, Turkiye, and Brazil as well as United Nations agencies. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 23, 2023 shows humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at a warehouse in al-Arish, Egypt. More airplanes carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip landed Monday at Egypt's al-Arish Airport in North Sinai governorate.

Earlier in the day, North Sinai Governorate announced in a press release that at least 27 aid planes have landed in North Sinai's al-Arish airport since October 12, carrying aid from many countries including Jordan, UAE, Russia, Turkiye, and Brazil as well as United Nations agencies. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)
TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Marshals are on the hunt for a suspect in the shooting death of a Maryland judge who had just ruled against him in a custody dispute.

Circuit court judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot in his driveway by Pedro Argote, 52, on Thursday. Argote's Mercedes was found Saturday 10 miles from the shooting scene.

Law enforcement officials believe he is not in that immediate area, and said he has ties to New York, Indiana and North Carolina as well as Tampa and Clearwater.

RELATED: U.S. Marshals searching for man with Tampa ties suspected of murdering Maryland Circuit Court Judge

"They obviously know that from either his spouse, telling them, law enforcement, that that's where he's frequented in the past," said John Muffler, the head of Aequitas Global Security and former U.S. marshal who studies threats judges face.

It's unclear what Argote's exact ties to the Tampa Bay area are, given most of his former addresses are in other states.

Pictured: Pedro Argote.

Clearwater police released the following statement:

"We have shared BOLO information with all of our sworn personnel and our analysts have looked into his connection to Clearwater. We are prepared to provide any support that may be requested of us."

MORE: Who killed Alek Smith? Hernando County detectives still searching for answers 5 years later

"Those individuals who may know him and if they see him, they need to report him," said Muffler. "You don't want to be harboring a fugitive. You get yourself hurt, you get yourself arrested."

Muffler said it's likely Argote planned this in advance. He said judges' personal information is too often available online.

Pictured: Circuit court judge Andrew Wilkinson.

"The government, those responsible for protecting our judiciary, needs to provide them the appropriate resources to protect their private information," said Muffler.

He said attacks on judges, both verbal and physical, have increased exponentially, though data is hard to come by because 23 states don't officially track it.

There is a reward for anyone who provides information to U.S. Marshals that leads to Argote's arrest.
The application of the law in a different context was the focus of a meeting at Downing Street on how to tackle the scourge of shoplifting. Retailers were invited to meet ministers and police chiefs to discuss their concerns following an upsurge in thefts carried out by people who have no fears of being caught or anything happening to them if they are.

The Government has been urging police forces to investigate every crime in their areas, but police chiefs say this is impractical where shoplifting is concerned because it is so rife and offenders are hard to identify unless apprehended.

This is not the fault of the police but of politicians who downgraded shoplifting from what was once considered a relatively serious crime to a misdemeanour. Penalty notices or out-of-court disposals are now the most commonly used approach when dealing with so-called low value theft. Only 14 per cent of shoplifting offences result in a charge, down from 30 per cent five years ago.

This has encouraged a belief that shoplifting is victimless, yet many staff, especially in small shops, would beg to disagree. Big stores are now increasingly employing security staff and bringing private prosecutions, but this is not an option available to small retailers who are at risk of assault if they intervene.

A new initiative is to be trialled whereby CCTV and other image data will be more easily matched to state databases to encourage the police to follow up incidents. But with the courts overwhelmed by a backlog of cases and ministers preparing to scrap prison terms for most low-level offences, even if the shoplifters are caught, will they be punished?

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Since 2007, astronomers have been monitoring the sky for quick pulses of radio waves known as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) . Their best guess for where these bursts come from? A type of super magnetic dead stars: Magnetars .

Usually, an FRB lasts for a brief thousandth of a second, releasing as much energy in that short time that our sun does in a whole day  but an international team of researchers has just reported evidence of FRBs that each last for a millionth of a second (a microsecond). These are the shortest FRBs yet observed.

These ultra-short bursts were spotted coming from FRB 20121102A, a known FRB source about three billion light years away from us. Past searches missed these pulses because their observations werent quick enough  it was sort of like trying to sift through sand to find rocks with a strainer, but the strainers holes were too big to catch the specific size of rocks scientists were interested in.

Related: Record-breaking radio burst could help us find the universe's missing matter

The researchers needed data where they could track changes down to these millionth-of-a-second timescales. "By coincidence, I found out that there was a public dataset that we could use for this, lead author Mark Snelders, an astronomer at the University of Amsterdam, said in a press release . The research team used data originally collected with the Green Bank Telescope to search for radio signals from intelligent aliens, part of a project known as Breakthrough Listen.

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As FRBs travel through space , they gain a distinctive curve  that is, certain frequencies arrive first, while others are slowed down by gas and dust on the path towards Earth . This information can help map out all the hard-to-see stuff between the stars and galaxies, leading astronomers to a better understanding of how galaxies gather gas from the cosmos.

Microsecond FRBs might be an even more precise tool for interstellar mapping than longer FRBs, like upgrading the prescription on your glasses. And now that theyve found one source of these microsecond bursts, astronomers want more.

These new results were published on Oct. 19 in the journal Nature Astronomy .
The North West Relief Road will seek approval in a planning meeting on 31 October

A relief road has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Shrewsbury's North West Relief Road is due to be discussed at Shropshire Council's Northern Planning Committee meeting on 31 October.

The road has previously sparked protests and the Environment Agency has raised concerns about its impact.

The scheme comprises of a single carriageway running from Churncote Roundabout to Ellesmere Road roundabout.

Recently the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper said the road would receive money saved from the scrapping of the northern leg of HS2.

The North West Relief Road is one of a number of Midlands transport projects due to receive a share of 10bn.

Last week MP Daniel Kawczynski asked for another 30m for the road after about 54m was promised in November 2019, stating costs had risen since then.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk
The fact that Shtorm-Z units exist in the Russian army demonstrates Russia's challenges in forming combat infantry capable of an effective offensive.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update on Twitter dated 24 October, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The UK MoD noted that Russia is largely continuing to rely on Shtorm-Z units for localised offensive operations in Ukraine. These company-sized groups were likely first deployed in 2022.

Russia apparently initially intended them to be relatively elite units capable of seizing the tactical initiative. However, the Shtorm-Zs have effectively turned into penal battalions, made up of convicts and regular army personnel subject to disciplinary action, since at least the spring of 2023.

Numerous reports indicate that these units are given the lowest priority in terms of logistical and medical support, while they have often received orders to attack, UK analysts said.

The ministry stated that Russian troops have often conducted effective defence, but the very existence of Shtorm-Z reveals the extraordinary challenges Russia faces in creating a combat infantry capable of performing effective offensive operations.

Background: On 22 October, UK Defence Intelligence estimated that Russia's losses in terms of killed and seriously injured amounted to up to 190,000, and up to 290,000 including the injured who can return to the battlefield after recovery.

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Speaking in New Hampshire recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis tied the countrys immigration problems to a letter signed by a coalition of Harvard students blaming Israel for the heinous Hamas attacks.

I see Harvard students signing letters supporting Hamas terrorists who are decapitating infants and raping women, DeSantis said, during a stop on the campaign trail as he runs for president. Thats a sickness in our society. Part of it, I think, you know, our immigration system is a joke. Weve brought in people who dont like this country. Im sorry, like, nobody has a right to come here. And I believe a lot of people that have emigrated have done great things for our country. But if you do not like this country, then stay where you are.

Its disturbing and appalling that the letter penned by Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups ignored the carnage Hamas inflicted against families, innocent children, the elderly and music festival-goers. By writing that Israels apartheid regime is the only one to blame, the letter essentially excused and justified those terrorist attacks.

But blaming our immigration system, as broken as it is, for a a sickness in our society is ludicrous  how many immigrants broke into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, for example? It is ignorant and insulting to immigrants who believe what happened in Israel was pure evil, even if they are also perplexed by the suffering of Palestinians who are desperately trying to flee Gaza. Its unclear how many, or if any, of the students who drafted the letter were immigrants.

After signing an Oct. 12 executive order to charter flights to return Florida residents stranded in Israel, DeSantis should have let his deed speak for itself. But outrage is DeSantis political brand. He also has said the U.S. should not accept displaced Palestinians because they are all antisemitic. Hes stoking the same Islamophobia that authorities say drove a landlord in the Chicago area to stab a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy  26 times  to death last Saturday.

Perhaps fanning the flames of a heated debate is the pathway to snatching the GOP presidential nomination from the man who perfected that political strategy.

Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Oct. 9: The same people that raided Israel are pouring into our once beautiful USA, through our TOTALLY OPEN SOUTHERN BORDER, at Record Numbers. Trumps campaign didnt provide any evidence to back that up, according to Politifact, which rated the claim pants on fire for its misinformation.

Although the federal government has reported a larger number of border crossings involving people on the terrorism watch list, many of the people on the list arent terrorists or affiliated with groups that are a threat to Americans, Politifact reported.

DeSantis speech in New Hampshire seemed to go deeper than Trumps attempt to link the Southern border to terrorism. DeSantis appears to blame immigration for what he often paints as the corrupt liberal intellectual elites that Harvard represents. Thats laughable given that most immigrants, and Americans, will never set foot in an Ivy League school  unlike DeSantis, who attended Yale and Harvard.

Just like Trump once wished the U.S. had more immigrants from Norway and and fewer from s---hole countries, DeSantis words are an attempt to define what a desirable immigrant is  and what it means to love this country. The immigrants who voted for him dont seem to be the problem.

Gauging expressions of patriotism is a complicated matter but the type of conservatism that DeSantis and Trump represent draws a line in the sand. If you believe in concepts like systemic racism or that theres any flaw in the countrys history, youre anti-American. You must go back to your country, no matter where you were actually born. The four progressive congresswomen whom Trump told in 2019 to go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came are all U.S. citizens. Three were born in the U.S.

The good versus bad  or the grateful versus ungrateful  immigrant binary is part of a larger attempt to control the narrative of this country. Good immigrants and Americans are only allowed to view the country as that city on a shining hill.

A simple measure of love for country should be that we try to unite during tension, rather than drawing false parallels that serve no purpose other than political expedience.

Click here to send the letter.
Jasmer Singh, a Sikh man who was beaten to death in New York this month (CBS New York screen grab)

Advocates are calling for a hate crimes investigation after a Sikh man in New York was beaten to death in an alleged road rage incident.

Jasmer Singh, 66, was driving his wife home from a doctors appointment on 19 October when he collided with Gilbert Augustin, 30, in Queens.

The two men got out of their cars and had a heated coversation, according to a criminal complaint obtained by The New York Post.

As Singh headed back to his car, Mr Augustin allegedly punched him multiple times in the head and face, causing the man to fall to the ground and suffer a brain injury, per court filings.

Singh, who had a broken skull and missing teeth after the alleged attack, died in the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center the following day, according to his family.

Mr Augustin, who has been charged with induced manslaughter, assault, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, allegedly made remarks about Singhs turban during the encounter.

The guy was addressing my father with his costumes, with his turbans, Singhs son told CBS New York. There was no reason for someone to go in that intensity. My father was targeted and it is a possible hate crime.

The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights group, called on officials to investigate whether the incident was a hate crime.

We urge law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate whether there was a bias motive for this horrific crime and to bring appropriate charges based on the results of that investigation, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said in a statement Tuesday. We extend our deepest condolences to the Singh family and the Sikh community of New York City.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences.

Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death, the mayor wrote in a statement on X. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you.

The mayor said his office would be meeting with Sikh leaders in the city.

Arabs, Muslims and Sikhs in the US, who faced a wave of post-9/11 discrimination and hate violence, experienced 431 hate crimes in 2022, according to recently released FBI data.
The Georgia Supreme Court has decided to allow a restrictive week abortion ban to stand.

The Georgia Supreme Court has chosen to uphold the state's current six-week abortion ban, rejecting a lower court's earlier ruling.

In a 6-1 decision, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the "heartbeat" law, known as the LIFE Act, was constitutional, contradicting an earlier decision by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney last November.

McBurney previously ruled the ban "unequivocally unconstitutional" on the grounds it was introduced in 2019 before the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The higher court, however, determined that the new precedent set by the reversal is now the standard by which to judge abortion-related matters.

Justice Verda Colvin wrote in the ruling for majority that the court is "obligated to apply the Court's new interpretation of the Constitution's meaning on matters of federal constitutional law," after the United States Supreme court overruled "its own precedent interpreting the United States Constitution."

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"The trial court erred in relying on overruled decisions of the United States Supreme Court to conclude that portions of the LIFE Act violated the United States Constitution when enacted in 2019. The same United States Constitution governs today as when the LIFE Act was enacted, and Georgia courts are required to look to the United States Supreme Courts now-controlling interpretation of the United States Constitution when determining whether a statutory law violates that Constitution," it read in part.

McBurney prior determined the law to be unconstitutional, which he argued made it invalid from the get-go, but opposing officials contended that Roe v. Wade was an improper interpretation of the constitution from the start, making the law valid and enforceable.

The Georgia Supreme Court had prior allowed the ban to be enforced while the matter was still moving through the courts, effectively making abortion all but fully illegal in the state. The bill bans abortion after a "detectable human heartbeat" is heard, though the "heartbeat" that is only detectible by ultrasound around six weeks gestation is actually electric signals beginning to fire within an embryo's cells around where a heart will eventually form.

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The law does include some written exceptions for rape, incest and health of the mother, but studies have shown that women generally don't discover they are pregnant until they've at least missed one period, around five to six weeks into gestation.

Tuesday's ruling determined the case will be sent back to McBurney to consider arguments that he had not prior decided on, including the argument it violates Georgians' right to privacy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia Supreme Court allows six-week abortion ban to stay in place
In the coming months, Americans will hear more about nuclear weapons and their critical role in our national security than they have in years. In particular, theyll be told that for the first time in the more than 30 years since the Cold War ended, nuclear weapons are more important than ever. Theyll be told that Chinas recent and unprecedented decision to massively build up its nuclear arsenal means the United States must follow suit. Theyll be told that to choose otherwise is foolish and even dangerous.

The American people deserve and want to be armed with the knowledge to ask the right questions about nuclear proliferation and its importance for the national security of the U.S. in the coming years. Nuclear policy, like much of U.S. defense policy, has rarely been informed by the views of the American public. On the contrary, the community of experts who drive how America postures its nuclear forces and determine what must be done to implement the presidents vision is relatively small. The choices the U.S. makes with regard to its own nuclear forces can either heightenor reducethe risk of nuclear war.

Right now, too many American nuclear experts are beginning to warm up to the idea of an arms raceand, if they have their way, this arms race is likely to look quite different from its Cold War predecessor. They are concerned that the U.S. will face a security challenge that is unprecedented since the end of the Cold War: China is building up the number of nuclear weapons it possesses and will, sometime in the 2030s, join Russia as a nuclear peer of the U.S.

This is true: Beginning in 2021, satellite imagery collected by independent, nongovernmental analysts showed that Beijing had started building a large number of intercontinental-ballistic missile silos in its western desert. Before this, in 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense had publicly noted that China possessed a nuclear force numbering warheads in the low-200s, a fraction of the 1,800 or so nuclear weapons the U.S. deploys. Last year, the Department noted that if China continued building nuclear weapons at the rate it appears to be today, it may have as many as 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.

Last week, a bipartisan group of experts, representing a range of views on nuclear weapons, produced a report for Congress that recommended, in no uncertain terms, that the U.S. must respond to thisand other developmentsby preparing to quantitatively build up its own forces (among other measures). If followed, the recommendations of this Strategic Posture Commission, as the group is known, would mark a dramatic reversal of more than three decades of continuity in American nuclear policy, and supercharge a new arms race.

After the Cold War ended, the George H.W. Bush administration unilaterally drew down literally thousands of nuclear weapons deployed worldwidepartly as a gesture of goodwill to Moscow that Washington would not seek unilateral advantage as the Soviet Union crumbled. Since then, the number of deployed U.S. nuclear weapons has slowly trended downward over Republican and Democratic administration: a consequence of arms control, unilateral nuclear policy choices, and normative considerations.

The commission writes that it partly arrived at its recommendations in light of evidence that the U.S.-led international order and the values it upholds are at risk from the Chinese and Russian authoritarian regimes.

It is reasonable for Americans to share concerns that the world is fundamentally more primed for conflict between major powers than it has been in decades. Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine, backed by overt and covert nuclear threats, paired with Chinas more muscular foreign policy in its neighborhood, is a legitimate source of concern for anyone seeking a fairer, more just world built on universal principles and norms. Against this backdrop, arms controlan important tool for predictability and transparencyhas considerably frayed. The last remaining U.S.-Russia treaty on strategic nuclear arms was suspended by Moscow earlier this year.

But when Americans are told that the answer to these problems will be found with a decision to reverse decades of progress toward lowering the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. national strategy, they should be skeptical.

While no word in Washington is perceived to convey more legitimacy unto a policy product than bipartisan, the Strategic Posture Commission report does not, in its topline recommendations, match the true scope of debate around these issues in Washington. Most notably, the Biden administration itself appears to diverge substantially from the recommendations made by this commission. In a speech this June, Jake Sullivan, the presidents adviser on national security affairs, noted that the United States does not need to increase our nuclear forces to outnumber the combined total of our competitors in order to successfully deter them.

He added that weve been there, and weve learned that lessonreferring to the Cold War arms race. Proponents of a U.S. nuclear buildup like to note that Russia and China have already chosen to build up, so why shouldnt we? As Sullivan suggests, the compulsion to do something in response to the other side was the source of many poor decisions during the Cold War. That same compulsion is widely felt today as more and more American nuclear policy experts grow more uncomfortable with the prospect that American nuclear superioritya fact largely taken for granted in the postCold War decadesmay be coming to a close.

The U.S. can still choose to avoid an arms race, and it should make this choice because its security interests can be better served through other meanseven in a world where the combined number of Russian and Chinese nuclear weapons aimed at our homeland is greater than our deployed forces by a factor of two. Nuclear deterrence, after all, does not demand nuclear superiority; the compulsion felt among many in Washington to build up is a product, instead, of how the U.S. has done nuclear strategy since the 1960s.

There are other ways forward, and the American people should ask the experts, thinkers, and leaders who work through these issues to consider these better alternatives. For instance, one solution might be found today with non-nuclear technologies and weapons. Missiles armed with conventional warheads have grown so precise and capable that, for years, Russian and Chinese experts have been concerned that such capabilities could degrade their nuclear forces. As Sullivan suggested in June, one answer for the U.S. could be offsetting any new perceived nuclear gap with upgraded conventional weapons that might be fit for that purpose.

Another solution may be found through a wholesale rethink of how the U.S. implements its strategy of nuclear deterrence. Beginning in the 1960s, the U.S. moved toward a strategy that privileges the limitation of damage against its homeland in a nuclear war. While this may sound like a laudable objective, it was in no small part responsible for contributing to arms-racing dynamics during the Cold War and even heightening the risk of unwanted nuclear war in a serious crisis.

Washington might reassess the wisdom of such an approach and adopt a strategy that instead understands that nuclear deterrence can hold with a smaller number of deployed nuclear weapons: As long as any American adversary can be assured that the U.S. will be able to retaliate for any nuclear attack against our homeland or our allies and deliver unacceptable damage in return, deterrence might hold. And nuclear weapons arent the sole contributors to avoiding the failure of deterrence; Americas capable conventional forces play a role too.

Finally, proponents of a buildup should be careful what they wish for. One reason to avoid an arms race in the twenty-first century is simply that the U.S. is not well positioned to win one. For starters, fiscal and political constraints in Washington mean that the country will never go back to spending close to what it once spent, as a percentage of gross domestic product, on nuclear weapons and national defense. With defense spending already bulging close to $800 billion in nominal terms, various constituencies within the Department of Defense feel that their priorities are not being met; allowing nuclear weapons spending to surge would be both infeasible and imprudent.

More practically, the U.S. is already modernizing its nuclear forces and has budgeted to do so. The decisions driving this modernization should not be treated as sacrosanct, but the plans are already sealed into hard-fought programs of record, which have very little leeway for expansion or change. In fact, choosing to alter these realities will undoubtedly eat into other non-nuclear defense priorities that could actually play a much more important role in deterring the emergence of a major crisis with American adversaries that could spiral into a war where nuclear weapons become salient.

A final arms-racing constraint is Americas ability to actually build more nuclear weapons. Early in an arms race, the U.S. could get away with whats known as uploading existing forces: removing warheads from storage and putting more of them on our currently deployed submarines and intercontinental missiles. But should Russia and China, two authoritarian states with far more political and economic flexibility to respond, do so along similar lines, the U.S. would find itself hard-pressed to build more nuclear weapons. Americas plan to build plutonium pits is hamstrung by cost overruns, mismanagement, and delays and is designed to do little more than support the maintenance of aging nuclear weapons, in any case.

Nuclear deterrence doubtless remains important for U.S. national security and the security of American allies. It has, for instance, allowed the U.S. and our European partners to arm Ukraine without suffering Russian attacks. (At the same time, it has also restricted our ability to further help the Ukrainians by making the prospect of directed armed involvement in Ukraine too risky.)

The changing global nuclear environment and the fever thats gripped nuclear experts in Washington amid the emergence of two nuclear peers in Russia and China are likely to elevate these questions in national politics. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, presidential candidates may be asked about nuclear weapons, arms races, and even nuclear war.

These are important questions that deserve serious thought and consideration. American taxpayers and citizens are owed better answers than those recommendations that would see the country sleepwalk into a nuclear buildup out of a compulsion to do something about what Americas authoritarian adversaries have chosen to do with their own nuclear weapons. Keeping the U.S. and its allies secure does not require making choices that lead to an arms race that will inevitably endanger everyone.
(Reuters) - Slovakia's president will appoint a new government on Wednesday led by three-time leftist prime minister Robert Fico, who won a Sept. 30 election with pledges to end military aid to Ukraine and battle illegal migration.

The path to appointing a government from Fico's three-party coalition was cleared after the nationalist SNS party put forward a new environment minister on Tuesday, following President Zuzana Caputova's objection to their original nominee.

Fico is forming a government with SNS and the centre-left HLAS, hoping to be in office in time for a European Union summit beginning on Thursday where Ukraine and migration will be on the agenda.

Caputova's office said she had now received a full list of ministerial nominations after the change, allowing the government's appointment to go ahead on Wednesday when the new parliament opens.

Fico campaigned heavily on pledges to end military aid to Ukraine, make foreign policy independent of EU partners and the United States, and get tough on protecting borders from migrants seeking to make it to western Europe.

His return as prime minister - a position he quit in 2018 amid mass public protests against corruption after a journalist was murdered - will sway some of Slovakia's policies, although one of his partners has promised to prevent any hard shift in EU and NATO commitments.

Caputova had rejected SNS's first environment minister nomination, Rudolf Huliak, citing his denial of climate change and verbal attacks on environmental campaigners.

The new nominee is Tomas Taraba, a far-right politician who won a parliamentary seat in the Sept. 30 election on the SNS ticket.

"I will do everything to ensure there is a stable government in these next four years," SNS chief Andrej Danko told a televised news conference. "I believe that Robert Fico can happily go to Brussels on Thursday."

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by David Holmes and Toby Chopra)
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 police officers were killed in an armed attack in the Guerrero state, southwest Mexico, the state attorney general's office said Monday.

The incident occurred Monday in the town of El Papayo under the municipality of Coyuca de Benitez. The policemen were attacked by a group of armed men near the Acapulco-Zihuatanejo federal highway, according to police reports.

In a video conference, Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Mendoza, Guerrero's deputy prosecutor of investigations, confirmed that among the dead are two police chiefs, one of whom is the secretary of public security of Coyuca de Benitez, Alfredo Alonso Lopez.

The National Police has decided to strengthen its presence and surveillance in the city of Coyuca de Benitez.

Guerrero is one of the Mexican states most affected by the violence of criminal groups, which in recent months have intensified their attacks against security agencies combatting them. 
FILE - Slovakia's President Zuzana Caputova talks to the media during a news conference in Skopje, North Macedonia, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. Caputova was ready to swear in a new Cabinet lead by a former populist prime minister after its junior party accepted her condition to remove an originally nominated environment minister known for his disbelieve in the threat of climate change, the presidential office said on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Slovakias president is ready to swear in a new Cabinet led by a former populist prime minister after a coalition partner agreed to replace its nominee for environment minister known for not believing in the threat of climate change, the presidential office said on Tuesday.

President Zuzana Caputova was set to appoint the new government on Wednesday.

Caputova, a Liberal, last week said Rudolf Huliak, who was nominated by the ultranationalist and pro-Russian Slovak National Party, could not ensure the proper functioning of the environment ministry because he opposes the governments long-term environmental policies and Slovakias international obligations.

The Slovak National Party announced Tuesday the nomination of Tomas Tabara instead. Tabara is also known for controversial statements about the environment.

Huliak was the most controversial of the Cabinet candidates presented to the president by former populist prime minister Robert Fico, whose leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the most seats in the Sept. 30 parliamentary election.

Ficos party won 42 seats in the 150-seat Parliament after campaigning on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. He has vowed to withdraw Slovakias military support for Ukraine.

Fico needed coalition partners to form a parliamentary majority and signed a deal with the leftist Hlas, or Voice, party and the Slovak National Party to govern together.

The deal gives Smer the prime minister post and six other Cabinet ministers, opening the way for Fico to serve as Slovakias head of government for the fourth time.

Hlas will have seven Cabinet ministers, while the Slovak National Party will have three.

Caputova has been president since winning a 2019 election and won't run for the second term next year.
A volunteer with the ZAKA relief organization cleans a bedroom inside a home that was heavily damaged during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen, near the border with Gaza in Kibbutz Holit, Israel on Oct. 26, 2023. (Tamir Kalifa/The New York Times)

JERUSALEM  For 17 days, Israeli ground troops and tanks have been on standby, idling in the dusty fields around the Gaza Strip. Their stated mission: Invade the Palestinian coastal enclave and destroy the military capabilities of Hamas, the armed Islamist group, and its ability to rule there.

More than two weeks after hundreds of Hamas assailants surged across the border into Israel, killing more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians, and taking more than 220 hostages back to Gaza, many Israelis have been asking what the government is waiting for.

Various explanations have been put forward.

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The United States has been pressuring Israel to hold off to allow more time for hostage negotiations and aid deliveries, and for more U.S. military assets to be deployed to the region. The Israeli news media is filled with reports of differences within the government and between the political leadership and the military. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , long viewed as cautious about military adventures, is thought to be still deciding when  or if  to go ahead.

So pervasive is the pall of infighting, paralysis and chaos that Netanyahu, his defense minister, Yoav Gallant  whom Netanyahu tried to fire in March  and the military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, issued an unusual wartime statement Monday evening assuring a traumatized public that the three were working in close and full cooperation, around the clock, to lead the state of Israel to a decisive victory, and professing total and mutual trust among them.

Then they appeared together before a security meeting and made more statements  without giving any hint of the timing of a ground invasion.

The show of unity came a day after Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, said in a televised briefing that the army was awaiting a green light from the political echelon to invade Gaza.

With the initial urgency for a ground invasion appearing to have waned, supporters of Netanyahu have begun a campaign to put on the brakes, spreading a slick, anonymously produced video on social media calling for soldiers lives to come first by allowing extra time for the air force to destroy Hamas treacherous tunnel system before troops enter Gaza.

Some commentators said that could mean never, since it would likely be impossible to destroy all the tunnels from the air.

Experts say the Israeli government and military are struggling with competing considerations and real dilemmas.

Its a delicate balance between the advantage of letting the air force do what they do best, and how long you can delay the ground offensive, said Ehud Yaari, an Israel-based fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The more tunnels the air force destroys, he said, the easier it will be for the forces on the ground.

Beyond that, Yaari said, Israel has been using the time to expand its roster of targets in Gaza by gathering more intelligence and interrogating the scores of Hamas operatives who were captured in Israeli territory.

There are risks to waiting, however.

As the days pass, Israel may encounter an erosion of international support for its actions, as the Palestinian death toll rises and a humanitarian crisis grows still worse in the besieged enclave.

Then there is the morale of the soldiers and reservists being kept in limbo to consider, as well as the impact on the Israeli economy and the state-funded evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis from the border areas around Gaza and in the far north, where cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, the heavily armed Lebanese Shiite organization, have been intensifying.

This is not something that can go on and on endlessly, Yaari said of the waiting game and the fighting still to come.

The Israeli military, caught off guard by the Oct. 7 attacks, released a statement of its own Monday evening saying its conscripts and reservists were conducting a variety of training exercises in order to improve the forces readiness and capabilities for ground operations in Gaza, perhaps in an effort to bring the military more in line with the government in the eyes of the public.

Israel has also been trying to assess the chances of Hezbollah setting off a full-blown conflagration on the northern front once the Israeli military is bogged down in Gaza, or even a broader conflict involving Iran and its proxies in the region.

Netanyahu came into this crisis at a low point in his career, fighting corruption charges in court as his far-right and religiously ultraconservative government sought to curb the powers of the judiciary, spurring months of mass protests in the deeply divided country.

He has since brought political rivals into his government to bolster public confidence and has formed a small war Cabinet that includes more experienced and professional decision-makers.

Still, there is bad blood between the senior members. In March, Netanyahu fired Gallant after he openly criticized the governments judicial overhaul plan. He reinstated the defense minister weeks later under intense public pressure.

Benny Gantz, leader of a centrist party and a former military chief who left the opposition to join the war Cabinet, has his own unhappy history with Netanyahu, who reneged on a power-sharing agreement with him in 2020.

He was always risk-averse, Amos Harel, military affairs analyst for the left-leaning Haaretz newspaper, said in an interview of Netanyahu, who has been in power for 16 years altogether. He is in the worst place in his political life, and going into Gaza is the biggest strategic gamble ever, he added.

Recent opinion polls have shown that the Israeli public has far more faith in its army than in the government. There is a consensus among Israelis after the atrocities of Oct. 7 that they will not feel safe until the threat of Hamas is removed from their doorstep, even if the details of how to achieve that remain vague.

On a recent weekday, Itai Indig, an English teacher, was staging a one-man protest opposite the military and Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, with a homemade sign with a caricature depicting U.S. President Joe Biden pressing Israels leaders into submission. Biden, he suggested, had nixed a ground invasion.

Biden is now running our Cabinet, Indig fumed. If we dont go into Gaza now, it will be 10 times worse the next time.

A passerby, Elisheva Picker, stopped to argue with him. To go in now will mean so many more dead, she said. And what about the hostages?

Many Israelis dread a ground invasion but view it as inevitable.

Harel said the shock of Oct. 7 had heightened public tolerance for the prospect of Israeli soldiers coming home in coffins. People are more willing to risk a massive military operation, even if it means an unusual number of casualties, he said.

On the other hand, Harel said, Im not sure they could stomach another failure.

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Forty years ago, a suicide bomber in an explosive-laden truck breached the Beirut International Airport and detonated their bomb, killing 241 American troops -- mostly from the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit -- who had deployed to Lebanon as a peacekeeping force during the country's civil war.

On Monday, top military officials who gathered in Jacksonville, North Carolina, to mark the anniversary of the 1983 bombing noted the parallels between the Beirut attack and what is shaping up to be a new and tumultuous chapter in the Middle East following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas.

Two aircraft carrier strike groups and military units, including the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been deployed to the region to support Israel and deter others such as Iran and Hezbollah from entering the conflict. U.S. troops have already faced an uptick in attacks in Iraq and Syria, and as more forces move into the region, officials fear further strikes.

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"In 1983, the Marines and sailors of Battalion Landing Team 1/8 were deployed to Lebanon on a peacekeeping mission to be a friend to the Lebanese people and bring about a semblance of stability to a region marked by decades of conflict," Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said.

"Does that sound familiar?" he said during the event, which included Marines, veterans and family members.

Del Toro's comments come just days after the USS Carney shot down cruise missiles from Houthi forces out of Yemen, according to the Pentagon. Bases with U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria were also targeted by drones, and an American contractor died of a heart attack amid the threats -- a harbinger of the potential regional violence that could be caused by the Israel-Hamas war, which began Oct. 7.

The Oct. 23, 1983, attack on the Marine barracks was preceded by increased assaults on U.S. personnel, escalating tensions in the region, state-sponsored terrorism, and a U.S. response focused on deterrence and allyship with Middle Eastern countries.

The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, offered some of the most aggressive U.S. rhetoric about wider conflict in the region following Israel's declaration of war and bombing of the Gaza Strip in response to the surprise Hamas attack, which killed about 1,400 Israelis earlier this month.

"I'll tell you this -- the 24th MAU, Marine Amphibious Unit -- there's a unit just like it today that's in the area," Smith said, referencing the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which he said was "in the vicinity" of the Mediterranean and Red Sea in response to the conflict.

"They're there also to come in peace, if called, but they bring with them the weapons of war, if needed," Smith said to whoops and applause from the crowd. "For those that are in the area, if that MEU has to go in, if you target them, someone else will raise your children."

Amid the saber-rattling, there were other lessons to be learned from the 1983 bombing. It was the single deadliest day for the Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and a tragic mark in the service's history.

U.S. officials have linked the 1983 attack to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant movement based in Lebanon. In a State Department commemoration Monday, the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said that the attack was "conducted with Iran's support."

A Defense Department commission report published two months after the 1983 attack said that the Marines were tasked with "the unique and difficult task of maintaining a peaceful presence in an increasingly hostile environment."

It conceded, however, that the security measures at the compound "were neither commensurate with the increasing level of threat confronting the [U.S. multinational force] nor sufficient to preclude catastrophic losses such as those that were suffered on the morning of 23 October 1983."

While seemingly apt at the time, given indirect and probing attacks on the base, the commission said, "the decision to billet approximately one-quarter of the [battalion landing team] in a single structure contributed to the catastrophic loss of life."

The conflict in Lebanon was complex and involved religious differences between the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Christans and Muslims. The Marine forces thrust into the midst of the fighting were meant to buy the Lebanese government time to gain control, according to the Marine Corps University.

The Oct. 23 attack turned the Marine presence there from one of deterrence to that of risk of further attacks as the state government struggled to quell the fighting. By 1984, the Marines and other multinational forces had evacuated from the country.

As the war in Israel unfolds today, defense officials said last week that the Marine Corps' 26th Expeditionary Unit was heading "to the waters off of Israel" as a result of the crisis after it abruptly ended pre-scheduled training in Kuwait.

A Navy spokesperson told Military.com on Monday that the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, which transports the 26th MEU, was in the Gulf of Oman area conducting freedom of navigation operations.

Recently, the Pentagon bolstered its presence in the Middle East, including with two carrier strike groups; a Marine expeditionary force; Patriot missile battalions; and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, battery. At least 2,000 troops were put on alert as a response to the instability embroiling the Middle East, as well.

Israel has been adamant about the U.S. keeping troops out of the country.

The Defense Department has maintained that the moves are acts of deterrence aimed at warning Iran and its proxies not to take advantage of the instability, even as U.S. forces have seen an "increase in rocket and [unmanned aerial vehicle] attacks against our bases in our facilities in Iraq and Syria," according to Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary.

Meanwhile, the 1983 barracks attack, many have argued, ushered in a new era of terrorism that the U.S. is still fighting today.

Retired Col. Timothy Geraghty, the then-commanding officer of 24th Marine Amphibious Unit during the attack, said that Iran and its proxies continue to influence the region through terrorism, a sentiment that the Pentagon has largely agreed with.

"The bombing launched a murderous new era of international terrorism," Geraghty said Monday. "For those of you here today who served so courageously during the Beirut mission in 1983, it is important to remember that many of the same culprits continue their havoc and carnage today."

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on X @df_lawrence.

Related: US Redirects Navy Carrier Strike Group, Deploys High Altitude Defense Missile System and Patriot Battalions to the Middle East
The agreement between Spain's Socialist party and hard-left Sumar is key for Pedro Sanchez in trying to secure another term (OSCAR DEL POZO)

Spain's Socialist party and hard-left Sumar said Tuesday they had reached an agreement to form a coalition government, a key step to reinstating acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for another term.

Spain is in political limbo since an inconclusive July general election which was won by the conservative Popular Party (PP) but without enough support to form a government.

Last month PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo lost a key parliamentary vote to become prime minister.

Sanchez, whose Socialists finished second, now has a chance. Sumar's support is crucial but not enough to ensure he will pass a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament.

But the Socialist premier, who has governed since 2018, still needs the backing in parliament of smaller regional parties, including Catalan separatists JxCat and their more moderate rivals ERC.

"We have governed for five years and we will continue to do so for four more years," he said after he and Sumar leader, acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, signed the agreement at a ceremony in Madrid.

The deal includes a proposal to reduce working hours to 37.5 hours per week from 40 hours without reducing salaries, measures to boost public housing and a "shock plan" against youth unemployment, the two parties said in a joint statement.

"This governing deal for a four-year legislative term will allow our country to continue growing in a sustainable manner and with quality employment, developing policies based on social and climate justice while broadening rights, feminist conquests and freedoms," they said.

No date has been set for Sanchez to face the confidence vote. If no candidate for prime minister secures a majority by November 27, a repeat election will be called for January.

In exchange for its crucial support, JxCat and ERC are demanding an amnesty for hundreds of politicians and activists facing legal action over their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 secession bid, which sparked Spain's worst political crisis in decades.

The proposed amnesty has angered the right and some elements within Sanchez's party, who argue it jeopardises the rule of law and violates the constitution.

Among those who would benefit is JxCat leader Carles Puigdemont, who headed the Catalan regional government in 2017 when it made a short-lived declaration of independence after a violence-marred referendum banned by Madrid.

Puigdemont fled Spain shortly after to avoid prosecution and now lives in Belgium.

For many Spaniards he is considered an enemy of the state, so any deal that could benefit him is politically toxic.

The right has staged regular protests against the proposed amnesty, including one in Barcelona on October 8 that drew tens of thousands of demonstrators who called for Puigdemont to be imprisoned.

PP spokesman Borja Semper on Tuesday accused the Socialists and Sumar of lacking "transparency" for not mentioning the amnesty in their agreement. which he said was "worthless" unless it gets the green light from Catalan separatists.

vab/ds/rox
The Seattle Police Department is investigating a West Seattle shooting that left a man seriously injured on Monday.

SPD said around 2:40 p.m., there were multiple reports of gunfire near the intersection of 35th Avenue South and South Webster Street.

Witnesses said they saw suspects in two cars shooting at each other as they fled the area.

Officers got there and found evidence of a shooting but no victims. Police also found bullet damage to multiple buildings and an abandoned car several blocks away.

When officers were collecting evidence, they found out a 30-year-old man arrived at Harborview Medical Center with a gunshot wound. He is currently in stable condition.

Detectives responded and are working to figure out what led up to the shooting.

No suspects have been identified.

If you have any information call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
In April 2021, Springfield school board members Maryam Mohammadkhani, Danielle Kincaid and Scott Crise were sworn in.

Springfield school board officers Danielle Kincaid and Scott Crise confirmed Monday they will seek a second term. It is not yet clear if Maryam Mohammadkhani will run again.

The initial three-year terms for Crise, Kincaid and Mohammadkhani will end in six months.

Springfield Public Schools posted details Monday for residents interested in seeking a seat. It included the eligibility rules, dates for picking up and dropping off candidate packets and what steps are required for those who hope to appear on the April 2 ballot.

The News-Leader reached out the incumbents with expiring terms, candidates who made unsuccessful bids in 2022 or 2023, and individuals who picked up packets or publicly discussed the possibility of running for the elected office but stopped short of running.

There is no rush. The first day to pick up a packet to run for the board is Oct. 31  yes, Halloween  and any hopeful has until Dec. 26 to turn in the required paperwork.

All seven seats on the SPS board are at-large, meaning they represent the entire district and not a specific area, and the candidates with the most votes are sworn in. The governing board hires and evaluates the superintendent, sets policy, approves a budget and shapes the future of the district.

Here's a look at potential candidates who confirmed they will or won't run next year plus any the News-Leader has reached out to who have not yet responded.

Planning to run

Scott Crise, manager of gas plant operations for Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. His children graduated from SPS. He currently serves as board vice president.

Danielle Kincaid, an attorney and partner with the Elder Law Group. She is president of the board.

Maryam Mohammadkhani, a retired pathologist. Her children have attended both private and public schools, including SPS. She is a former board vice president.

Landon McCarter, a business owner and entrepreneur. He is a graduate of SPS and his children are enrolled in the district. He recently started working part-time as a substitute teacher. He received 12,889 votes in the April 2023 election, coming in third of four candidates.

Kyler Sherman-Wilkins, associate professor of sociology at Missouri State University. He is board president for the GLO Center and vice president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP. He considered a run in 2022 but opted against it.

Chad Rollins, facility manager and pharmacy director at HealthDirect Pharmacy Services in Ozark, is a fitness enthusiast. A graduate of SPS, he has seven children who are or have been in SPS. He received 11,898 votes in April 2023 and came in fourth.

Planning to run?

The News-Leader has reached out to the following individuals to see if they are planning to run but had not received a response by deadline.

J. Michael Hasty, a veteran who served in Iraq, works in sales. He created the Queen City Watchdog and made an unsuccessful bid for City Council. His children have attended SPS. He hoped to run in 2023 but failed to get enough petition signatures. In a Monday text, Hasty wrote: "I am currently undecided."

Brandi VanAntwerp, executive director of FosterAdopt Connect, who previously worked at both CoxHealth and Habitat for Humanity. She ran in 2021 and 2022 but not 2023. She attended SPS and has children enrolled in the district.

Not planning to run

The following individuals confirmed Monday that they will not seek a spot on the 2024 ballot:

Charles Taylor, professor of communications at Drury University. First elected in 2016, he ran as an incumbent in 2022 but was defeated.

Chad Courtney, an attorney, ran in 2022 and does not plan to run again.

Stephanie Sproule, a real estate agent and parent who was active in the campaign to elect board member Steve Makoski, said she briefly considered running but has decided against it.

The basic eligibility requirements for candidates include being age 24 or older, and being a voter in the Springfield district who has lived in Missouri for at least one year prior to the election.

Each candidates must fill out and submit paperwork including petitions with the signatures of at least 500 registered voters in the SPS district by the deadline.

How to run for the board

Board secretary Tammi Harrington scheduled a board candidate orientation open to anyone interested in running. In it, she will go over key dates and answer questions.

The orientation is 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6 at the Kraft Administrative Center or KAC, 1359 E. St. Louis St. Here are key dates:

Packets to run for the board will be available starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 at KAC;

Petitions must included the names and signatures of at least 500 registered voters from the district;

Packets to run for the school board can be turned in starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the KAC;

Candidates who file on the first day  Dec. 5  will participate in a random drawing to determine the order in which their names will appear on the ballot. The drawing will be at 5:15 p.m. that day and candidates are welcome to attend;

Candidates who file Dec. 6 or after will have their names appear on the ballot in the order in which petitions are received and validated by the board secretary;

Packets and petitions must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26. The district is closed that day but the office will be open from 4-5 p.m. that day for this purpose;

The election is Tuesday, April 2.

Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Three SPS seats are up in April. How many incumbents will run again?
FILE PHOTO: A surfboard is seen in the middle of an empty beach, near hotels at Unawatuna beach in Galle

By Uditha Jayasinghe

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's cabinet approved issuing free tourist visas to visitors from seven countries including China, India and Russia, a statement issued by the media ministry said on Tuesday, to boost tourism and help revive its crisis-hit economy.

Tourists from China, India, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia will be issued free visas till March 31, 2024 under a pilot programme, the statement detailing cabinet decisions said.

The scheme is part of attempts by Sri Lanka to boost tourism recovery and hit a target of five million arrivals by 2026, the statement added.

The country of 22 million people, famed for its beaches, ancient temples and aromatic tea, saw its tourism industry pummelled first by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by a severe financial crisis last year that saw mass scale protests and shortages of essentials such as fuel.

But the tourism industry is seeing a turnaround in 2023 with Sri Lanka clocking a million arrivals by September, for the first time since 2019. The island is expecting to close the year at 1.5 million arrivals.

India is the largest source of tourists with 200,310 arrivals, followed by Russia with 132,300, latest data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority showed.

Sri Lanka earned $1.3 billion from tourism in the first eight months of 2023, up from $833 million dollars during the same period last year, according to the central bank.

(Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
As the search for a new Stanislaus State University president continues, the Board of Trustees will host a forum during the first meeting of the selection committee.

The forum will have a hybrid format, allowing participants to join virtually or in person on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the University Event Center.

The selections committee will outline the search process of hiring a president and will invite the community to share input. The deadline to register to speak during the open forum is Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. Register at tinyurl.com/StanStateforum.

The virtual open forum will be web-streamed live and archived on the President Search website, csustan.edu/president/presidential-search.

In January, former Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn announced her retirement at the end of the past academic year. She was the first Korean American woman to lead a four-year higher education public institution in the United States. She was the colleges 11th president and had served in the position since 2016.

Susan Borrego has been interim president since August. She previously served as the chancellor and a professor at the University of Michigan-Flint.

Borrego has said that during her tenure as the interim president, she will focus on four aspects at the university: increasing and retaining enrollment, gaining philanthropic support, growing the Stockton campus and making an easy transition for the next president.

This year, my focus will be fostering a strong sense of community where everyone has the space and support to bring their best selves forward, she said during her campus welcome video. Im here to collaborate with all of you.
Matthew Miller

Addressing speculation in recent media reports, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller provided context on how American military aid to Ukraine and Israel are coordinated to meet distinct national security needs during a briefing on Oct. 23.

"There is very little overlap between what Israel has requested and what it needs and what Ukraine has requested and what it needs.

Miller could not refute or confirm media speculation about individual weapons systems until the United States announces what it will provide to Israel and Ukraine in the future.

Washington will work "as hard as [it] can" to make sure it can supply both countries with what they need to defend themselves, but this requires Congress to pass the supplemental funding request.

Axios reported that the Pentagon plans to send Israel "tens of thousands" of 155-mm artillery rounds that were set aside for Ukraine from American stockpiles.

The New York Times reported that according to a Pentagon official, the United States would send tens of thousands of 155-mm artillery rounds to Israel, which it had previously vowed to give to Ukraine, as Jerusalem needed them for a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The United States announced its intention to reduce the amount of aid to Ukraine from $1.1 billion to $825 million per month. President Joe Biden addressed Congress with this request for emergency funding to help Ukraine.

The White House requested nearly $106 billion from Congress for Ukraine, Israel, and other priority areas on Oct. 20. The request for Ukraine includes $61.4 billion, while the request for Israel stands at $14.3 billion.

Israel received the first batch of armored vehicles from the United States to replace those damaged in the fighting against the Hamas militant group on Oct. 19.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Washington has enough capabilities to simultaneously support Ukraine in its war with Russia and Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Washington State Senator Jeff Wilson was arrested at the Hong Kong airport last Friday for a gun in his luggage.

In a news release, Sen. Wilson said he found his pistol in his carry-on luggage and reported it to customs authorities.

Wilson was traveling with his wife to Southeast Asia. He said he noticed his gun when he was mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong after he reached in his briefcase to get a pack of gum.

Wilson said he didnt realize his gun was in his briefcase when he went through Portland Airport security and that the baggage screeners didnt pick it up.

The news release said when the plane landed, Wilson went to officials about the issue.

Press accounts indicating that the weapon was discovered during a bag check are incorrect, said the news release.

Wilson was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. He was released Sunday after posting bail and will have a hearing on October 30.

Wilson noted that while his pistol was not registered in Hong Kong, it is properly registered in Washington state and that he holds a concealed pistol license, a spokesperson for his office said.

Wilson said he was on a personal vacation at his own expense and, being a port commissioner in Longview, planned to meet with counterparts at the port of Shanghai.

It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Wilson said.
Increasing foreign investment in NE China highlights new opportunities

Xinhua) 08:21, October 24, 2023

SHENYANG, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- At a workshop of German automotive parts supplier Vitesco Technologies in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, autonomous delivery robots shuttle to provide materials for industrial robots, while a small number of workers operate a bustling production line.

Serving as one of its important production bases, Vitesco Automotive Changchun Co., Ltd. has invested more than 500 million yuan (about 69.6 million U.S. dollars) in Jilin Province in the past three years.

"China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is already at the forefront globally, which is why we will continue to invest further in the Chinese market and expand production capacity," said Jiang Huaisheng, general manager of Vitesco Automotive Changchun Co., Ltd.

A staff member operates at a workshop of Vitesco Automotive Changchun Co., Ltd. in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Si Xiaoshuai)

Once the heartland of the nation's heavy industry, northeast China had long been afflicted by industrial overcapacity, shrinking resources and an outflow of talent.

However, the growth of Vitesco Automotive Changchun Co., Ltd. offers a glimpse into foreign capital's optimism about the potential of this region, which includes the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning.

Over the past few years, a slew of multinational corporations have invested or increased their investment in various projects ranging from NEVs and high-end equipment manufacturing to biopharmaceuticals in northeast China, making the region a hot spot for foreign investment.

In March this year, the construction of a mega China-Saudi Arabia chemical project worth 83.7 billion yuan commenced in Panjin City of Liaoning Province. In May, BMW Group's joint venture in China, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., began the construction of a new battery production plant in Liaoning's capital, Shenyang, with a total investment of 10 billion yuan.

This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of a China-Saudi Arabia joint venture project for fine chemicals and raw materials in Panjin, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Official data show that the actual utilization of foreign capital in Liaoning Province in the first half of this year exceeded the level of the same period in 2019, while in Jilin and Heilongjiang, it increased by 23.83 percent and 85.2 percent year on year, respectively.

The continuous increase of investment in northeast China reflects foreign capital's confidence in the Chinese market and highlights the attraction of the region's industrial revitalization.

As the first industrial base built after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, northeast China not only boasts a complete industrial and supply chain but also has a lot of industrial workers, which enhances investor confidence.

Jochen Goller, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said the company values Shenyang's automotive industry and talents, and so it continues to increase its investment in the NEV sector and large-scale projects.

BMW i3 electric cars are pictured at Plant Lydia of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Tiexi District of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Furthermore, a conducive business environment also contributes to the growth of foreign enterprises in northeast China.

"Heilongjiang continues to improve and optimize its investment environment and roll out many favorable policies for investors. The government attaches importance to food production and increases investment in agriculture and rural revitalization, providing a broad market for our development," said Luca Mainardi, president of CNH Industrial (Greater China).

In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to push for the revitalization of northeast China, as the region's industrial structure continues to optimize.

A series of high-level opening-up measures in northeast China are making multinational corporations optimistic about new opportunities for win-win cooperation and adding new growth drivers to revitalize the region.

"Northeast China has a solid industrial and scientific research foundation, and is now shifting from traditional and modern industrialization to new industrialization," said Li Zheng, dean of the School of Economics at Liaoning University, who thinks breakthroughs will be made in the full revitalization of northeast China during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

"Meanwhile, northeast China is continuously optimizing its institutions, mechanisms and business environment, which will further stimulate the vitality of market entities and the potential for social creation," Li added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
KIGALI, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Delegates at the preparatory conference for the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Kigali, Rwanda, on Monday stressed the urgent need for a robust approach to addressing information challenges within peacekeeping missions.

The two-day conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, international peacekeeping and peacebuilding experts, civil society organizations, academia, think tanks, and senior representatives from the United Nations, regional organizations, and military and civilian sectors from Africa and beyond.

During the conference, Rwandan Minister of Defense Juvenal Marizamunda highlighted the critical timing of the event, as peacekeeping missions worldwide confront substantial challenges in their deployments. "These challenges are particularly acute with respect to the core task of protecting civilians in a context where disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech are being propagated faster than ever through social media platforms," he said.

Multidimensional peacekeeping missions face increasing challenges from armed groups involved in peace disruption, war economies, sexual violence, organized crime and drug trafficking, Marizamunda added. He said that no peacekeeping mission is immune to these threats, making it vital to manage the expectations of local populations and use technology effectively to counter false narratives and shape perceptions of UN Missions.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee called for comprehensive communication strategies aligned with political and security priorities, emphasizing the need for a robust approach to address information-related challenges across all mission components.

The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial serves as a crucial opportunity for member states to collaborate in strengthening the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and their impact on the communities they serve. The 2023 Peacekeeping Ministerial is scheduled to be hosted by Ghana in Accra on December 5-6. The preparatory conference was a collaborative effort organized by Rwanda, Indonesia, Britain and the Netherlands. 
During a press conference on Friday, Monroe County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso provided more details on the case of missing Tobyhanna man Stephen Lepore and the recent search of a property in Wayne County in connection to it.

The District Attorneys Office also formally introduced two people, Brian Sonny Hewson, 49, and Kip Morgan, 59, into the case, as well as revealed pictures of the gun believed to be the murder weapon, and pictures of the excavation team investigating the Dreher Township property were Lepores remains were found.

Mr. Lepore had been reported missing, which was very uncharacteristic for him to not check in with family, friends, neighbors, said Pocono Mountain Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner. From the beginning, we suspected foul play because it was so out-of-character for him."

According to a search warrant affidavit, Morgan told investigators in May 2015, under a grant of immunity, that he heard Hewson and Lepore arguing, with Hewson saying that Lepore owed him money, and Lepore telling Hewson he knew more about him than he thought. Morgan said he heard a gunshot, followed by the sound of something hitting the ground, and saw Lepore face down on the ground outside, bleeding from the back of the head.

A photo of the property where Stephen Lepore's remains were found is shown during a press conference on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Morgan assisted Hewson in cleaning up the scene of the crime, including placing Lepores body into a barrel and abandoning Lepores van in Stroudsburg, the affidavit says. A .38 caliber Taurus revolver, allegedly used to kill Lepore, was later found in a backpack in New York at a residency of Morgan's siblings.

According to the affidavit, Hewson may have owed Lepore $15,000, and Lepore started keeping tabs on illegal activities done by Hewson and his associates.

Morgan would later confess, in September 2015, to shooting Lepore at Hewson's request, according to the affidavit, also under a grant of immunity.

Last month, Hewson was arrested in Florida and charged as fugitive from justice, as he missed court appearances related to a burglary charge in Monroe County, along with other unrelated charges.

On Oct. 16, Hewson informed Monroe County DA's Office Detective Craig VanLouvender that he could find the remains of Lepore and next to a shed in the backyard of his mothers residence in Newfoundland, according to the affidavit. A human remains detection canine alerted to the spot on the same day, and the remains were identified as Lepore later that week.

From left to right: Monroe County District Attorney's Office Detective Craig VanLouvender, Monroe County First Assistant DA Michael Mancuso, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department Chief Chris Wagner during a press conference on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Hewson was the one who provided information to us that was able to led us to the recovery of the remains, said VanLouvender during the press conference. This is part of an ongoing investigation with a lot of work left to be done, but it was information that he provided that led us to that location.

"When a cold case gets hot, it's a very exciting thing, at least for me," said First Assistant DA Michael Mancuso during the press conference. "And when that happens now, you'll see an intense collaboration in getting the case ready for prosecution, so I look forward to that."

Morgan is not currently in custody. His whereabouts are known to the DA's office and he is not believed to be a threat to the public. Hewson is in custody in Lee County, Florida.

The Pocono Record has reached out to Christopher P. Boran, the Florida lawyer listed as representing Hewson. There was no response as of Monday morning.

No charges have been filed yet in connection to the case.

Max Auguliaro is the public safety and government watchdog reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach him at MAugugliaro@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: 'A lot of work left' after remains of missing Poconos man found
As part of its effort to demonize LGBTQ+ communities nationwide, the GOP has removed books from classrooms, banned the mention of gender identity and sexual orientation, and forbidden using pronouns. Drag queens are portrayed as deviants, while transgender people are portrayed as illegitimate and needing to be legislated out of existence.

In August, Laura Ann Carleton, who went by Lauri, was murdered outside of the Southern California boutique that she owned because she dared to show her support for the LGBTQ+ community. A man who held anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes shot and killed her when she wouldnt remove a Pride Flag that flew at the store.

Throughout the current political climate, in which Republicans have chosen to make mainstream positions held by some of the most extreme far-right fringe elements that espouse neo-Nazi and white supremacist worldviews, coupled with right-wing media figures and grifters who amplify bigoted and dangerous narratives about marginalized groups like Black and LGBTQ+ people, one alarming tactic is gaining popularity  stochastic terrorism.

As a result of this tactic, armed white supremacists and other hate groups are screaming rabidly at children in public venues. In some places, schools are also being swept for bombs multiple times per week.



What is stochastic terrorism?

Stochastic terrorism refers to violent acts performed in response to messages intended to inspire such actions. As another way of putting it, this type of terrorism is statistically predictable but unpredictable for individuals.

Harvard Kennedy School professor Juliette Kayyem is an expert on security and terrorism, serving as the Department of Homeland Securitys assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs under President Obama. She also served as Massachusetts homeland security advisor. She tells The Advocate that the term has gained popularity among Republicans, who have used it to their advantage.

Kayyem says that over the last year, as the term stochastic terrorism has been defined and added to the American vocabulary, some on the right have attempted to take the word and use it to mock and dismiss those calling out the behavior.

She says its typical of how those on the right operate to weaponize language.

The precious, easily insulted right would be starting to use it as a sword in terms of criticism, she says. I sort of view that as them playing on our terrain, which is good, but also typical of how the right works.

She says to look no further than the word woke, which Republicans have coopted from African-American Vernacular English and made to connote a negative falsely negative concept when it denotes something entirely else.

Floridas Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, often celebrates how Florida is where woke goes to die. He uses the term as a pejorative because Democrats embrace the concept that one is awakened or woke to social injustices and acknowledge the origins and history of systems and social structures that remain in place today.

Georgias Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene s currency includes attacks on woke. The Republican has been an outspoken transphobe and anti-LGBTQ+ champion who frequently spreads the false and dangerous claim that Democrats are pedophiles.

The same thing goes for the word stochastic, Kayyem says.

She explains that for whatever reason, the January 6 committee, to which she gave two briefings regarding the framework through which actions of those involved with the events leading up to and including the insurrection, didnt use the term, but what they outlined could be described as stochastic terrorism tactics.

Maybe it was the word terrorism, or maybe stochastic is not helpful or user friendly, but whatever you call it, it was very well memorialized in the January 6 committee report regarding that transition from stochasti terrorism to direct, she says.

The ways former president Donald Trump deployed stochastic terrorism by amplifying a resonant message to the die-hard followers, he inspired them to commit acts of violence at the Capitol, Kayyem reasons.

After he was de-platformed by social media companies Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter, prior to Elon Musk acquiring it and calling it X, Kayyem says his ability to affect his followers behavior had become very limited.

As the politics of this have become more interesting, its clear to me, at least, that while theres a sort of Fox prime time commitment to minimize January 6, the polling is clear for Republicans that this is a bad place for them to be, she says.

Theres not another national spokesperson who has replaced Trump in this regard, either because they wont go there or they cant, so in some ways, I view that as a success because the accomplishment of his use of stochastic terrorism was he could amplify it so that the more people saw it, the more likely it was that there was going to be violence, she says.

Who engages in stochastic terrorism tactics?

Kayyem says that other far-right agitators who have taken over the mantle were born from that success. Chaya Raichiks use of her Libs of TikTok Twitter (now X) account to target the LGBTQ+ community is one such example, Kayyem says.

Raichik regularly targets Drag Queen Story Hour events where kids listen to over-the-top characters read, claiming that people are grooming children for sexual exploitation. She also focuses a lot of her attention on school libraries that carry LGBTQ+ books like, This Books is Gay.

She has amassed over 2 million followers in more than a year using the schtick shes carved out for herself, reposting videos of queer  particularly trans  creators often out of context with commentary meant to ridicule and inspire ill will, vilifying the LGBTQ+ community generally, with specific ire reserved for drag queens, things Raichik deems woke, and transgender-related issues.

On Saturday, a Drag Queen Story Hour event in New Jersey had to be evacuated because of an anonymous bomb threat that contained anti-LGBTQ+ language. It doesnt appear that Libs of TikTok targeted that specific event.

However, Raichik often complains that when acts of violence occur at events she has highlighted, she is unfairly blamed for the actions of those who engage in violent acts. However, she always takes credit for getting LGBTQ-related content removed from school districts that she targets with her platform.

 (@)

What are examples of stochastic terrorism?

In March, Raichik successfully got an Iowa school system to remove a book from its high school library after she targeted it. In upstate New York, the Hilton Central School District had to evacuate schools twice in one week over threats from an anonymous person on the Internet who took issue with the availability of This Book is Gay in the districts school libraries.

Far-right extremist groups have shown up armed at events Libs of TikTok has highlighted. Some have called bomb threats into childrens hospitals the right-wing hatemonger has targeted. Former Fox News entertainer Tucker Carlson has eagerly spread Raichiks messages on television.

In early March, in Ohio, hundreds of armed neo-Nazis chanting Sieg heil and doing a one-armed Hitler salute joined with members of Patriot Front, the Proud Boys, III Percenters, White Lives Matter Ohio, and others to harass families who had gathered at a public park to hear a drag queen read a story to kids.

Several weeks later, in early May, also in Ohio, neo-Nazis displaying swastikas and chanting neo-Nazi slogans threatened people attending a drag brunch.

In July, armed neo-Nazis menaced an LGBTQ+ Pride in the Park event in Wisconsin.

Additionally, in early August, an Oregon clinic that provides gender-affirming care, among other services, received a bomb threat after Libs of TikTok featured it on its page.

Kayyem cites the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland in March as an example of stochastic terrorism tactics employed as well.

Right-wing commentator, Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire, argued to an assembled crowd that transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely, adding that it would be for the good of society.

This was a perfect example, Kayyem says. He says eradication, and then he says transgenderism. So he knows hes going to try to get an out, out of that.

Using the term transgenderism (which is outdated and not used) conveys everything he intended to convey to his followers while affording him some plausible deniability, she explains.

Of course, with Libs of TikTok, its the use of incredible claims  children are being mutilated, forced to become girls against their will  thatll be heard by some percentage of those people as a justification for violence, Kayyem notes.

This is dehumanizing, and thats the point, she says.

Raichik and Jaimee Michell, whose group runs Gays Against Groomers, become very good at denying that their attention results in any harm, she adds.

They dont have to say, and they never do say attack this hospital or that hospital, Kayyem says. Its an incitement about a process or a procedure thats going on that would justify anyone who cares about children, of course, to go try to bomb a facility.

Fox News has also engaged in behavior that can be categorized as stochastic terrorism, says research fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University Jon Lewis.

In June, when Fox News ran an outrageously inflammatory and false story with the headline, White House flew controversial new transgender flag that promotes grooming and pedophilia, say critics, the network published the claim that the use of the Progress Pride flag at the largest Pride celebration at the White House on the South Lawn indicated that the administration was celebrating pedophiles.

The critics that the headline cited was Michell, the lesbian founder of Gays Against Groomers.

The White House continues to insist on a retraction of the Fox News story.

The Pride flag, whether Progress or otherwise, has become a symbol that evokes hatred on the right because of messages spread by right-wing media outlets like Fox News.

Lewis notes that a direct line can be drawn between messaging about Pride flags by right-wing actors and an act of violence, the Carelton murder, as just one example of stochastic terrorism.

You have to look at the root cause of those incidents, Lewis says. When you do pull back that curtain, I think it is hard to look at any singular reason besides stochastic terrorism.

In the aftermath of a May mass shooting in Allen, Texas, where a gunman killed eight people, including children, and injured many more, police found it to be potentially bias-motivated.



The alleged gunman, Mauricio Martinez Garcia, had an online presence that indicated extremist views.

Photos attributed to Garcia showed his body with a swastika and SS tattoos.

Open-source intelligence researchers discovered at least one post on a Russian social media site that Garcia wrote, This post was inspired by Libs of TikTok, before going on an anti-Semitic rant.

Kayyem says that while Libs of TikTok inspires incitement and violence, this shooters exact targets remain unclear because of a general hate stew that he espoused.

I do think that when leaders nurture or support or fail to condemn this activity, it could lead to violence like this, Kayyem says. They know it and that is the point. It isnt like it is a surprise anymore.

No single figure since the former president has been able to grab the attention of those who would be susceptible to suggestions and galvanize them behind a cause, Kayyem says.

We have not seen a national figure be able to replicate what Trump was able to do, and I think we have to view that as a bit of a success, she says. But what that does is that others maybe not as successfully or loudly have taken up the mantle, including groups like Libs of TikTok.

Lewis notes that politicians like DeSantis are flirting with stochastic terrorism tactics that could inspire acts of violence toward Black people.

The anti-woke agenda in Florida, which seeks to rewrite the history of slavery and eliminate discussions about racism in classrooms, is another example of dehumanizing and othering behavior, he says.

Lewis says that although hes hesitant to ascribe a single motivation to the shooting last weekend in Jacksonville that targeted Black people because the investigation is not yet complete, its clear that the swastikas and the writings were those of a racist.

What I would say broadly is that in both the white supremacist and anti-LGBTQ+ spaces, you have seen these very similar patterns where the fringe has become embraced by an increasingly large subset of Americans. Concepts like the great replacement theory that 10 years ago was kind of the fodder for these closed white supremacist chat rooms and kind of niche online spaces are now in the past couple of years are all over Tucker Carlsons show.



He explains, Its common sense that whenever you have this kind of mainstreaming, this kind of seeding of these ideas out to this number of people, its always going to increase the likelihood  not that hundreds of thousands of people are all of a sudden going to have that cognitive shift, but 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 of them are going to be radicalized, are going to think, Hey, this makes a lot of sense. I should go down this rabbit hole. And then at the end of that is where you then see individuals who, for any combination of ideological reasons, personal grievances, whatever, are willing to then commit acts of mass violence.

As far as the future is concerned, Kayyem advises to remain vigilant.

I think the GOP will always be pretty successful in creating their plausible deniability, she says. I think the divisions within the GOP that got played out at CPAC, who was going, who wasnt, and how fringy CPAC has gotten, suggest that there will be elements of the GOP that always will align with that violent, racist, homophobic element.

For her part, Raichik has reveled in her role as someone whose words inspire acts of violence by mocking the terminology that experts use to describe her tactics.

They made up the term stochastic terrorist for us. So honestly, like, that makes me feel really important, she said on a podcast recently.

\u201cLibs of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik: "they made up the term stochastic terrorist for us. So honestly, like, that makes me feel really important."\u201d  Ari Drennen (@Ari Drennen) 1683642480

Ari Drennen, LGBTQ+ program director at Media Matters for America, a media watchdog group, noted that Raichik removed the label stochastic terrorist from her Twitter accounts biography since the Allen shooting.

\u201cLibs of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik appears to have removed "stochastic terrorist" from her twitter bio\u201d  Ari Drennen (@Ari Drennen) 1683597601

The grifters want the attention, says Lewis. They want the think pieces. They want the articles written about them saying, Oh, this Twitter account or this TikTok account is doing this, this, and this bad thing, so that they can fundraise off of it. Theyre going to say, Im under attack from these people. Theyre spreading falsehoods. Im just expressing my opinion!

He says that the faces of those who make money off the rage, like Raichik, Michell, and others like far-right influencer Tim Pool who engages in transphobic and homophobic screeds regularly, are unlikely to find themselves engaging in violence themselves.

What are the statistics for hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people?

The FBI's annual crime report for 2022 has revealed a troubling increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. According to the FBI data, hate crimes based on sexual orientation saw a significant 13.8 percent rise, while those targeting gender identity surged by a striking 32.9 percent compared to the previous year. Specifically, the report documented 1,947 incidents related to sexual orientation in 2022, up from 1,711 in 2021, with 469 incidents concerning gender identity, including 338 anti-transgender cases and 131 targeting gender nonconforming individuals.

Who commits acts of violence?

Your Tim Pools arent going to be the ones who are taking the beanie off, getting off the couch, or getting up from behind the laptop and going to shoot up a grocery store or go shoot someone thats flying a Pride Flag on their house, Lewis explains. Its going to be one of the hundreds of thousands of followers who is a reply guy. That was the case with the individual who, after the Mar-a-Lago search warrant was executed, drove to the Cincinnati FBI field office with a nail gun and a rifle and was shot and killed trying to break into it. If he had two followers on Truth Social, that was a lot of followers.

He continues, He was just a reply guy. He was looking at these grifters and the right-wing Congress people like [Arizona Rep.] Paul Gosar or [Georgia Rep.] Marjorie Taylor Greene, who are just continually perpetuating these narratives. When someone is already looking for an excuse to commit violence, and they see an elected official that they agree with posting messages saying, The FBI is coming after us, theyre corrupt. Someones got to do something about it. That person isnt going to think, Oh, I better go make sure I vote in the next election so that we can ensure effective oversight of the executive branch by the legislative branch. Hes thinking, I better go pick up my gun and commit this attack. And that speaks to the insidious nature of stochastic terrorism.
Team GB athlete Bianca Williams and her partner were stopped and searched by police in London

Two Metropolitan Police officers have been sacked for gross misconduct following the stop-and-search of athlete Bianca Williams.

In July 2020, the British sprinter and her partner, fellow athlete Richard dos Santos, were handcuffed and searched outside their car in London.

Nothing was found, and no arrests were made.

What is stop-and-search?

In England and Wales, Section 1 stop-and-search powers let police search an individual or vehicle if they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect the person is carrying:

illegal drugs

a weapon

stolen property

something that could be used to commit a crime, such as a crowbar.

How else can the police stop and search people?

Some stop-and-searches can be carried out without "reasonable grounds", under Section 60 powers.

People can be searched under these powers when senior officers reasonably believe that serious violence may take place in an area. The powers can also be used after a violent incident has happened.

Section 60 searches cover a specified area - usually a neighbourhood, sometimes a whole borough - for a defined period of time. This can last initially up to 24 hours but can be extended up to 48 hours with the authorisation of a superintendent.

Local communities do not need to be told about Section 60 powers in advance.

How many stop-and-searches are carried out in England and Wales?

In the year to March 2023, the police carried out 547,003 stop-and-searches, up 3% from the 530,365 recorded in the previous 12-month period.

Nearly a third (32%) were conducted by the Met Police in London.

The overall number of stop-and-searches has fallen significantly since the 2009 peak of 1.5 million.

There were 4,280 Section 60 stop-and-searches in the 12 months to March 2023, slightly down on the previous 12-month-period (4,341) and less than half the year before (9,002).

Chart showing section 60 stop-and-searches in England and Wales (3 October 2023)

Who is subject to stop-and-search?

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of searches in the year ending March 2023 were of 15 to 34-year-old males, a group that makes up 13% of the population.

Where ethnicity was self-defined, or defined by a police officer, black people were more than five times as likely to be searched than white people. Asian and mixed raced people were searched at a rate 1.6 times the rate of white people.

Stop-and-searches by ethnicity in England and Wales (3 October 2023)

In April 2022, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) made 18 recommendations to police forces across England and Wales to address the "disproportionate use of stop-and-search on people from black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds".

Does stop-and-search work?

Not all searches where something is found - such as small-scale drug possession - result in arrest.

Of the 547,003 stop-and-searches carried out in the year to March 2023, 74,000 (14%) led to an arrest.

In 71% of cases, "no further action" was taken, similar to the year before.

A number of reports - including some commissioned by the government - question its impact on crime levels. For example, a 2016 study found that a stop-and-search operation in some London boroughs had no effect on police-recorded knife crime.

What rights do you have if you are stopped?

Police officers cannot stop you because of your race, gender or previous criminal record.

You must comply if stopped but should be told:

why they are stopping you and under what law

what they expect to find.

You can be asked to remove gloves, a jacket or coat.

However, if officers want to remove anything else (including religious clothing) they must take you out of public view. You should be searched by someone of the same sex.

You can film or record the experience. Many officers also have body cameras.

You should be given a receipt of the search, or told how to get one, and given contact details if you wish to complain.

A police officer searches a pro-Palestinian demonstrator outside Elbit System HQ in London during a protest against Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip, on May 11, 2021

What are the rules for a strip-search?

Strip-searches must be performed by an officer of the same sex with authorisation from a senior officer. It is recommended the senior officer is of at least inspector rank.

They can only be carried out when officers have reasonable grounds to suspect someone is concealing something harmful - such as a weapon or class A drug - which wasn't found during a standard search.

If a child is strip-searched, an appropriate adult (a person safeguarding the child's interests) must also be present. The child can request - with the adult's agreement - that the appropriate adult is not present during the search.

In separate incidents in December 2020, two teenagers from ethnic-minority backgrounds - both of whom were menstruating - were strip-searched by Met officers.

What happens in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

The laws regarding stop-and-search in Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly different, but "reasonable grounds" are generally required.

In Northern Ireland, 25,858 people were stopped and searched between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, a 28% increase on the previous 12 months.

Between April 2022 and March 2023, Police Scotland carried out a total of 29,926 stop-and-searches.
A man who was found dead in his car which was swept away in flood water in Aberdeenshire has been named by police.

Officers found the body of Peter Pelling, 61, from Arbroath, on Monday after a three-day search.

Torrential rain and high winds hit north east Scotland and other parts during Storm Babet's rare red weather warning.

Mr Pelling has been described by his family as a "very kind, loyal and hardworking man".

A road in Marykirk collapsed during flooding

In a statement released through Police Scotland, they said: "He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, partner and friend. Our family are absolutely devastated by this horrific and tragic accident.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the first responders and all of the emergency services teams involved in what was a particularly challenging rescue, due to the weather and environmental factors surrounding the incident.

"Their continued efforts over the past few days has been so greatly appreciated. We would like to ask for privacy while we come to terms with this incredible loss."

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances around the death and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Mr Pelling was the third person to die in Scotland as a result of the storm.

John Gillan, 56, was killed on Thursday after a falling tree hit his van near Forfar.

Emergency services attended but Mr Gillan, from Arbroath, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes have also been paid to Perthshire businesswoman Wendy Taylor, 57, who was swept away in the Water of Lee, Glen Esk.

Mrs Taylor was a director at the Errol-based Taylor's Snacks, previously known as Mackie's.

She was also the secretary and a director of Taypack Potatoes, along with her husband George.

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said he was "terribly saddened" at the news of Mrs Taylor's death.

The storm has also claimed two lives in England, a man in his 60s in Shropshire and a woman in her 80s in Chesterfield.
Palestinians wait to cross into Egypt at the Rafah border crossing in the Gaza Strip on Monday, Oct.16, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  For more than a week, Talaat Ghabayen, a citizen of Norway who spent his whole life in Oslo, has waited days and nights at the Gaza Strip's land crossing with Egypt as his embassy advised, hoping to flee Israel's bombardment and looming ground invasion and reunite with his wife and sons back home.

Egypt is literally meters away, I can see it, Ghabayen, a 54-year-old insurance agent who traveled to Gaza before the war erupted for his mother's funeral, said Tuesday from the Rafah crossing.

Under intense Western pressure, the gates at Rafah opened over the weekend for the first time since the war broke out, letting a trickle of humanitarian aid into the besieged strip and stoking hopes that hundreds of foreign nationals trapped in Gaza would be able to cross into safety.

But with each passing hour, Ghabayen loses hope. And each day that Rafah remains shut, he said, is another day that he could die.

They tell us to go south, then they bomb south. They tell us to go to hospitals, then they bomb hospitals. They tell us to go to shelters, then they bomb shelters, Ghabayen said of the Israeli army, his voice rising with emotion. We are not Hamas, we are innocent civilians who dont even live here.

The Israeli military says it goes after only Hamas infrastructure in their war with the militant group. Palestinians reject that, pointing to airstrikes that have hit and damaged U.N. schools and hospitals in the densely populated strip.

Since the war broke out, the United States and other countries have scrambled to arrange charter flights  and even an evacuation ship  to ferry their citizens in Israel to various destinations in Europe.

But no such evacuation has materialized for foreign citizens stranded in Gaza, who are coping with the fiercest Israeli bombing campaign in the territory's memory and dire shortages of food, water and fuel since Israel severed its flow of supplies to the strip.

Ghabayen is among what Western diplomats estimate to be some 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza with European or U.S. citizenship, caught up in Israel's devastating air campaign that has killed thousands of Palestinians and crushed entire neighborhoods. Israel launched its counteroffensive after Hamas fighters surged into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,400 people and abducting over 200 others in an unprecedented attack.

On top of that, there are hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza holding other foreign passports. Many said their governments told them to fill out forms and wait at the Rafah crossing.

More than a week later, they're still waiting. In some cases, the bombs got to them first.

We waited so long they'll have to evacuate us by ambulance, said Abdelaziz Shaaban, who said American authorities assured him that his whole family would be able to leave through Rafah because his son is a U.S. citizen.

An airstrike crashed outside his home in Gaza City last week, killing his 14-year-old daughter, Joud, and wounding everyone else in the house  just as they were preparing to try their luck at Rafah a third time. His 18-year-old son Youssef, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has a broken jaw and wrist. His other daughter broke her arm. Shaaban lost so much blood that he struggles to walk.

We are studying the case, we are studying the case, they tell us over and over, Shaaban said of U.S. officials. What are you studying? We are wounded and cant get painkillers. We are wounded and Shifa Hospital kicked us out because they needed room for more patients.

Shifa Hospital, Gaza's biggest, is struggling to handle a deluge of war-wounded patients as its resources dwindle. While some trucks of humanitarian aid gradually made their way into Gaza in recent days from Egypt, Palestinians say it's nowhere near enough to address the humanitarian disaster.

Egypt has refused to open its doors to those fleeing Gaza  in part because it doesn't want to be seen as aiding Israel's forced displacement of Palestinians but also because it doesn't want a massive refugee crisis within its borders.

As the days tick by, the desperation of foreign nationals trapped in Gaza is growing. Many are increasingly upset with what seems to them a double standard in Western policy. The same countries failing to respond to their plight, they say, have galvanized to evacuate their citizens from Israel and other war-zones around the world.

It really makes us feel like second-class citizens, said Mahmoud Sarhan, a 48-year-old security guard from Essen, Germany, who made his first trip to Gaza in nearly three decades before the war to tend to his ailing mother in the northern Jabaliya refugee camp.

Sarhan said he is sleeping on the street in Rafah in case the crossing opens without warning. Others are staying with friends and relatives near the crossing or making the treacherous trip several times a week.

After an Israeli airstrike tore into his Sarhan's family house in the north, killing his sister, an English teacher, and her eight children, he said he had nowhere else to go. His mother came with him to Rafah and it's not clear if she'll be able to travel with him to Germany.

They help their own in Ukraine, in every part of the world where their citizens are in danger. But not Gaza, he said of Western governments.

For Palestinian Americans stuck in Gaza, President Joe Bidens proclamations of staunch support for Israel during his wartime visit to the country following Hamas' unprecedented attack has added to resentments.

Ridiculous," was how Hamdan Abu Speitan, a 76-year-old physician from Syracuse, New York, put it.

He is so busy trying to give Israel weapons that he can't get water in or get Americans out, he said, referring to Biden.

The State Department said David Satterfield, recently appointed special envoy for humanitarian issues in the Mideast, was in Israel Tuesday engaged in negotiations with Israel, Egypt and the United Nations to get Rafah to open for U.S. citizens, other dual nationals and employees of international organizations.

Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, blamed Hamas for the hold-up in a briefing on Monday.

We do believe that Egypt is ready to process American citizens if they can make it to Egyptian authorities, he told reporters. Hamas just has to stop blocking their exit.

After days of subsisting on tea, bread and onions, Abu Speitan said he was feeling dehydrated and exhausted. His sisters house in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza had no generator  just a solar phone charger so he could keep in touch with his worried family back in New York and Boston.

Over the weekend an airstrike slammed into a house just 500 meters (yards) away, sending shrapnel into his room. He clutched his face  blood was gushing everywhere.

He left the hospital and headed straight to Rafah crossing on Tuesday for the fourth time in the past week. There was no indication this time would be any different. But he said he had no other choice.

We are stuck waiting, without any information, he said at the border crowded with Palestinians from America, Canada, Germany, Sweden and countless other countries, some of them wounded. Let me know if you hear something.

___

DeBre reported from Jerusalem
A 23-year-old flight school student is accused of sabotaging 10 aircraft at a Florida airport after he was denied a solo flight, according to investigators.

It happened at Treasure Coast Flight School, an international piloting school at Whitham Field Airport in Stuart, the Martin County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Stuart is about 100 miles north of Miami.

The student became angry after school instructors would not allow him to take a solo flight, the sheriffs office said.

School officials called the sheriffs office when they said they saw (the student) on video going from plane to plane causing damage to each of the aircraft. Items such as a planes throttle was damaged.

Ten aircraft at the school remain grounded while mechanics determine the extent of damage, the sheriffs office said.

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said something terrible couldve happened had the damage to planes not been discovered prior to take off, according to station WPEC. Some of the damage ... wouldve impacted their ability to land, Snyder told the station.

The student, who is visiting the United States, was arrested at Whitman Field and was charged with felony criminal mischief.

Additional charges are possible, the sheriffs office said.

Treasure Coast Flight School reports it is a full service flight school that trains pilots from all around the world, using the certifications required for specific nations or regions.

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Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and other world leaders on Monday launched a joint bid to try to stop the horrific bloodshed in the Middle East escalating into a wider conflict.

They issued the appeal as Israel continued its heavy bombardment of Gaza following Hamass brutal terror attack, saying it had hit more than 320 targets in the besieged strip in 24 hours including a tunnel housing Hamas fighters, and dozens of command and lookout posts.

But the United Nations warned that civilians were running out of places to seek shelter in the 25-mile long, six-mile wide enclave, where more than a million of the 2.3 million population were said to have been forced from their homes in a growing humanitarian crisis.

As fears of a widening war grew, the US president, British Prime Minister and leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Canada issued a joint appeal to try to keep a lid on the violence which has already cost thousands of lives, including many children.

A No10 spokesman said: The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.

They welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. They committed to close co-ordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.

The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue co-ordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs.

The war, in its 17th day, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides.

More than 1,400 people were slaughtered in Israel by terror group Hamas in Islamic State-style atrocities on October 7, with at least 3,000 injured.

Another glimmer of hope. pic.twitter.com/Keq1fuq0sG  Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) October 22, 2023

Israels response to the Hamas attacks has seen at least 4,651 people killed and 14,254 wounded in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians were reported to have been killed and 1,650 injured since October 7. With an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza expected within days:

Concerns were growing that the conflict could spiral as Israel struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon and traded fire with Lebanons Hezbollah terror group.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken warned of a likelihood of escalation while saying no one wants to see a second or third front to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which controls Gaza.

With Israeli tanks massed on the border with Gaza, the countrys deputy ambassador to the US, Eliav Benjamin, said: They (America) understand that we are conducting the war in accordance with our interests. In the end of the day, we will do what we need to do when we need to do it.

Israel said its latest wave of air attacks had destroyed sites liable to endanger the troops who are preparing on the Gaza periphery for a ground manoeuvre as well as dozens of mortar and anti-tank missile launcher positions.

Hamass armed wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, said its fighters engaged with an Israeli force east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, destroying two bulldozers and a tank.

EU chiefs called for far more aid to be allowed into Gaza after 20 trucks entered from Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Saturday and 14 yesterday. EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stressed the need to get power and desalination plants in Gaza running again. Without water and electricity, the hospitals can barely work, he said.

Cindy McCain, executive director of the UN World Food Programme, said the situation in Gaza remained catastrophic.

Israel has told Gaza residents to evacuate the north to avoid being caught up in the fighting. But hundreds, and possibly thousands who had fled were now returning to the north, according to some reports, due to bombardments in the south and the lack of shelter.

The Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah was clashing with Israeli forces along the border with Lebanon, which has seen the deadliest escalation of frontier violence since an Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006.

Monday's Evening Standard front page (Evening Standard)

Israels defence minister, Yoav Gallant, has warned that the campaign in Gaza may take a month, two or three, but at the end there will be no more Hamas.

A top official with Hezbollah warned that Israel would pay a high price whenever it starts a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. But Israels premier Benjamin Netanyahu countered: If Hezbollah decides to enter the war, it will miss the Second Lebanon War. It will make the mistake of its life.
TechCrunch

The world is watching the humanitarian crisis in Gaza unfold in real time through firsthand accounts documented on, of all places, Snapchat. Israel has retaliated against Hamas October 7 attack with unprecedented force against the Palestinian territory, claiming over 9,000 Palestinian lives according to Gaza Health Ministry numbers reported by the Associated Press. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that at least 30 journalists have been killed since Israels bombardment and total blockade of the region began, and journalists in Gaza say that without consistent access to food, water and power, its becoming impossible to continue reporting.
Seven people are dead and dozens more injured after a Super Fog caused a massive vehicle pileup on an interstate highway in Louisiana on Monday, the Associated Press reports.

St. John Parish Sheriffs Office Chief Mike Tregre told New Orleans, La., Fox affiliate WUVE that the deadly 25-vehicle pileup happened along I-55 west of New Orleans between Ruddock and Manchac, resulting in closures in both directions.

A Super Fog is when a mixture of smoke and moisture released from damp smoldering organic material such as brush, leaves and trees, mixes with cooler, nearly saturated air, according to the National Weather Service.

That fog type can also lower visibility to less than 10 feet and can be very dangerous when present over highways, causing large vehicle pileups. The fog was combined with a wildfire happening nearby.

Tregre said about three 18-wheel trucks collided and were engulfed in flames in the northbound lanes of the highway. Two multiple-vehicle pileups were also reported on the southbound lanes, with one bursting into flames.

At least seven people are dead, and 30 others are injured in the result of the pileup, Tregre said, noting that authorities expect more fatalities to be confirmed through the rescue effort.

The tractor that pulls the tank is damaged, so theyre gonna have to offload the chemical from that one to a backup tanker which theyll have to bring to the site, Department of Environmental Quality press secretary Greg Langley told WUVE.

Louisiana has experienced a string of unpredictable weather conditions since the summer that have included wildfires, extreme heat and drought conditions across the state, according to CNN.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Drakkar hotel, housing French troops, was razed to the ground in the 1983 attack (PHILIPPE BOUCHON)

On October 23, 1983, attacks on French and US military in Lebanon's capital Beirut left hundreds dead -- 40 years on, survivors are horrified at today's upsurge in violence.

"What's going on now in the Middle East just stirs up all those memories," said Eric Mohamed, a former French soldier.

He was just 20 when the Drakkar, the hotel housing French troops, was razed to the ground. Fifty-eight died, and Mohamed was among 15 survivors.

Moments earlier, he and his colleagues had heard a massive explosion elsewhere in the city and gone to the balcony to look -- it was an attack on a US base that killed 241.

"We barely had enough time to turn around and 'boom', it was our building that was blown up," Mohamed recalled at a memorial ceremony in Paris on Monday.

In Beirut, the US and French ambassadors laid a wreath at the US embassy's memorial for those who were killed.

"Today, we reject, and the Lebanese people reject, the threats of some to drag Lebanon into a new war," US ambassador Dorothy Shea said in comments posted on the embassy's website.

Israel is involved in a brutal conflict with Hamas in Gaza, and tension has been rising with Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist militant group, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

For many of the survivors of the 1983 attacks, the pain of four decades refuses to ease -- intensified by outstanding questions over what happened that day.

- 'Wound never healed' -

The official explanation from both Paris and Washington was that Hezbollah, working to the orders of its paymasters in Iran, carried out the attacks using truck or car bombs.

Mohamed doesn't buy it.

"From the fourth floor, I had a view of the entrance to the garage just a few metres away, and I can tell you that no car bombs entered the site," he said.

He is not alone in doubting the official account.

Plenty of those involved with the official association for survivors and families of the Drakkar attack believe the building was mined by Syria's secret service, which had occupied it shortly before the French.

And families continue to get new information, questioning why they have never received a full and clear account of the day's events.

Annick Devaast, whose older brother Patrick was killed in the attack, said she had only just learnt that her brother had called for help for two hours before he died.

"The silence has lasted 40 years, it's unacceptable," she said at the ceremony in Paris.

Likewise Pierre-Yves Lepretre, whose brother Dominique also lost his life at the Drakkar, said he had never had an explanation.

"We received a coffin and that was it," he said.

"We have a lot of questions and we've never had answers. The wound never healed."

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KAMPALA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military has called on the residents in its western district of Kasese bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to cooperate in the fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) following the recent deadly attacks.

The call came after suspected ADF rebels last week attacked a safari vehicle, killing a couple of foreign tourists and their guide in the Queen Elizabeth National Park area of Kasese.

A week earlier in the same district, ADF rebels attacked a cargo truck transporting onions, killing two civilians and setting ablaze the vehicle.

The Commander of Land Forces of Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF), Kayanja Muhanga, rallied the leaders and residents of Kasese to join efforts toward eliminating the remnants of the ADF, the military said in a statement issued late Monday.

"The enemy right now is at his weakest. We have killed many of their foreign fighters and many of their commanders," said Muhanga during the mobilization meeting with locals held in Bwera Sub-county of Kasese on Monday, who was quoted as saying in the statement.

Muhanga urged the residents to be vigilant and always report unknown and suspicious people in their areas before the rebels take advantage to cause more mayhem in the East African country.

Dick Olum, the overall commander of the joint Uganda-DRC operation, called upon the local leaders and residents to always share information early enough so that the security forces could detect and prevent the enemy from carrying out deadly attacks.

Ugandan troops, in collaboration with their DRC counterparts, have been jointly combating the rebel group since November 2021. 
A suspect has finally been arrested seven months after the death of a young Indigenous American woman on the side of a Montana highway. On Friday, Sunny White was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence and negligent homicide of Mika Westwolf, an accident involving a deceased person, two counts of criminal child endangerment, and criminal possession of dangerous drugs while driving in the early hours of March 31 with her two toddler childrennamed Aryan and Nation. According to court documents provided to The Daily Beast, authorities at the time found methamphetamine, syringes, and unopened cases of Narcan inside Whites vehicle. She had denied having done any opioids within the last week, but a blood sample taken by a crime lab discovered traces of fentanyl and meth. The fight to seek accountability, raise awareness, and protect the lives of Indigenous people and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives remains an ongoing battle, Westwolfs family said following the arrest. White will appear in court Wednesday.

Read it at KRTV 3 Great Falls

Read more at The Daily Beast.
DALLAS - The man arrested for a hit-and-run accident in Dallas that left one of the victims with devastating injuries is believed to have entered the country illegally.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement want 41-year-old Gilberto Salas Guerra held at the Dallas County Jail so he can't bond out.

Guerra has been charged with five counts of collision involving injury or bodily harm.

25-year-old Alan Tienda, one of the victims in the crash who was knocked unconscious, got a chance to see his crushed 2019 Dodge Charger for the first time since the crash.

The car was T-boned in the hit-and-run crash at East Kiest Boulevard and South Marsalis Avenue.

Tienda and his wife survived, but were sent to the hospital in critical condition.

"I dont remember how I got to the hospital. I dont remember nothing," he said.

Tienda spoke with FOX 4 over the weekend after Salas Guerra was arrested.

Police say the 41-year-old ran a red light and crashed his 2012 Ford F-150 into the couple's Dodge Charger before abandoning his truck and running away on foot.

"I didnt think they were going to find him, like, honestly didnt," said Tienda.

According to the arrest affidavit, the F-150 is registered to Salas Guerra and his Mexican passport was left in the truck.

A detective made contact with Salas Guerra's ex-girlfriend who told police he called her the night of the accident. He allegedly told her he was involved in a crash and needed a ride.

"You always gotta think about what you do before you do the things," said Tienda.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office says there is a federal illegal immigration hold on Salas Guerra. That means he's unable to post bond.

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has not responded to FOX 4's requests concerning details of Salas Guerra's immigration status.

A records search reveals his criminal history, which includes four traffic violations.

One is a conviction of driving without a license in 2019.

"Then you gotta face your consequences," Tienda said.

Tienda had bleeding to his brain and other injuries.

His wife had a broken pelvis, shoulder and head injuries.

She remains in the hospital.

Still, Tienda is grateful they're alive and around to take care of their two boys.

"I thank God for giving me another chance and everything," he said. "I just thank him so much for giving me another chance to be here alive, to keep going forward and to be here for them."

According to the arrest affidavit a passenger in the suspect's truck also took off running, but Dallas Police say no additional arrests have been made at this time.
A suspect in Louisville was critically injured Tuesday morning after being shot by police, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department.

The shooting happened near S. 26th Street and Garland Avenue. LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel confirmed several LMPD officers fired at the suspect and no officers were injured.

Its unknown what led up to the incident or why officers fired their guns. Body-worn camera footage of the incident will be released in 10 business days, according to LMPD.

At 10:15 a.m., LMPD said its SWAT team had cleared the scene and there was no longer a public safety threat. No other suspects have been identified.

Police didnt release further information.

MEDIA STAGING AREA: Media please go to 26th and Maple. This is still an active scene. pic.twitter.com/Pvmi8S7WZX  LMPD (@LMPD) October 24, 2023

In ref to this mornings OIS. SWAT has cleared the scene. There is no further danger to the public pic.twitter.com/EfGQjYgyUB  LMPD (@LMPD) October 24, 2023

Its the second shooting involving LMPD to take place within a seven-week span. In early September, officer Brandon Haley was shot in the chest while conducting a traffic stop in the 4000 block of Kentucky Street.

Haley was discharged from the hospital over two weeks later, according to LMPD.
Marcos Faguada, the 4-year-old killed in a December crash on Fleur Drive that prosecutors say resulted from a drag race that began outside a south side bar. Keith Jones, being tried on charges of vehicular homicide, denies he was drunk or racing.

The second driver blamed for a Des Moines crash that killed a 4-year-old child in December is arguing to the jury in his trial that he can't have been drag racing before the fatal collision because his car was too fast.

Keith Jones, 48, is charged with multiple vehicular homicide and serious injury charges as well as leaving the scene of the Dec. 13 crash that killed Marcos Faguada and seriously injured Marcos' aunt, Mayra De Catalan. His trial began this week, two months after another driver involved in the crash was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Jones and Robert Miller III spent several hours drinking together at the Wicked Rabbit bar on Des Moines' south side, then left together and raced along Army Post Road and up Fleur Drive until reaching the area of Gray's Lake, where Miller lost control and crossed into the southbound lanes, striking De Catalan's vehicle.

Jones, whose vehicle was not involved in the crash, left the scene and was later arrested after his SUV was found in Chicago.

News: Man who died in fiery car crash on Hubbell Avenue identified

Prosecutor: 'His actions caused crash'

Like Miller, Jones faces separate homicide charges for OWI, reckless driving and drag racing.

In her opening statement Tuesday, prosecutor Jaki Livingston said video evidence from inside the bar and along the roads support all three charges. She told jurors Jones had at least six shots and two mixed drinks over 2 1/2 hours, then left the bar at the same time as Miller, the two leaving the parking lot from different exits.

"And immediately, the race was on," Livingston said.

Her first several witnesses backed up that account, with an employee at a nearby business and another driver who the two passed on Fleur describing the them as rapidly and loudly accelerating from stoplights and weaving in and out of traffic.

"His actions were his own," Livingston said of Jones. "His actions were deliberate. His actions are what caused the crash."

Defense denies drunkenness before crash

Defense attorney Van Plumb acknowledged to jurors that Jones and Miller were speeding, and that Jones made a "very bad decision" in not contacting law enforcement after he learned what had happened in the crash.

But he said the evidence will show Jones had fewer drinks than Livingston claimed, and that his driving had not been as dangerous as she claimed.

"After hearing all the evidence, there will be no evidence, folks, that he was intoxicated," Plumb said. "There will be no evidence he was driving recklessly, cutting people off, making them slam on their brakes. There will be no evidence he was engaged in a drag race."

Jones claims car too fast to have lost drag race

In particular, Plumb drew attention to the vehicles involved. Jones was driving a BMW SUV, while Miller was driving a Hyundai Genesis. The BMW can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in about 6 seconds, Plumb said, while the Hyundai takes 16 seconds to reach the same speed.

"The evidence will show you that if Mr. Miller and Mr. Jones were engaged in a drag race, when they hit the open road and can floor it, Mr. Millers car doesnt stay with Mr. Jones," Plumb said.

Instead, he said, Miller was ahead of Jones when he lost control and crashed, disproving the allegation the two were racing.

Jones is expected to testify later in the trial, and like Miller, faces potentially decades in prison if convicted. He also is scheduled for trial next month in an unrelated felony sex abuse case, which was filed just weeks before the Fleur Drive crash.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Attorney: BMW too fast to have been in fatal Fluer Drive drag race
Sweden inched a step closer to joining NATO on Monday after Turkeys president sent accession protocols to parliament.

Russias invasion of Ukraine prompted both Sweden and Finland to seek NATO membership but the formers entry had been stymied by Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans sign off on the accession protocols comes after months of delays but it is unclear how long the process will take.

Erdogans proposal must make its way out of a parliamentary commission and then be opened up for a general vote on the main floor of the assembly where the Turkish president and his allies have the majority needed to ratify Swedens bid.

Finland, which applied for membership in May 2022 along with Sweden, joined NATO in April 2023.

Erdogan accused Sweden of being too lenient on militant groups, most notably the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and harboring people associated with a 2016 Turkish coup attempt.

Turkish officials have also accused Swedish officials of being complicit in Islamophobic demonstrations, such as the burning of the Quran.

Since applying for membership, Sweden has tightened its anti-terror legislation and agreed to work more closely with Turkey on its security concerns.

In July, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg announced that Erdogan had agreed to send the accession protocols to Turkeys parliament for ratification, but did not specify a time frame. The announcement represented a stunning about-face for Erdogan, who had previously suggested Sweden could only join the alliance after Turkey was accepted into the European Union.

The United States welcomed the news that Erdogan had signed and sent Swedens NATO accession protocols to the Turkish parliament on Monday.

Obviously we have been calling for ratification of Sweden accession for some time, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said.

We look forward to that bill being considered in the Turkish parliament and passed as soon as possible, he said at a department briefing.

Erdogans actions represent a step forward in Swedens quest to join NATO but does not mean that Sweden will immediately become the next member of the alliance.

Hungary also has not voted to approve Swedens membership. In September, Hungarys Prime Minister said the country was in no rush to approve Swedens bid, according to Reuters.

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FILE PHOTO: The logo of Foxconn is seen outside a company's building in Taipei

By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday hit out at China over its probe of major Apple supplier Foxconn, saying Beijing should "cherish" Taiwanese companies and not put pressure on them during an election.

Foxconn is facing a tax probe in China, two sources close to the company said on Monday, confirming a report in China's state-backed Global Times.

The sources said they believed it was disclosed for political reasons tied to Taiwan's January elections where the company's founder Terry Gou is running as an independent candidate for president.

The Global Times, in an English-language story late on Sunday, said by running, Gou might split the opposition vote, potentially ensuring a victory for Lai who is already leading in the polls.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and Beijing detests Lai, whom it believes is a separatist. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and Beijing has rebuffed his offers of talks.

Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang strongly denies being pro-Beijing, but has said it will restart talks with China if it wins and that it opposes formal independence for Taiwan.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei and asked about Beijing's probe into Foxconn, Lai said China should "cherish and treasure" Taiwanese companies given their help in that country's economic development.

"During an election, China does not need to put pressure on Taiwanese companies, demanding they declare a position, or even that they directly support a candidate they prefer," he said.

Taiwanese companies will lose their confidence in China and if they feel scared will shift production elsewhere, which will be a big loss to China, Lai added.

Foxconn has been pushing to diversify its manufacturing base outside China to places such as India, which one of the sources said may have contributed to Beijing placing pressure on the company.

Gou has not commented on the probe, with his campaign team referring questions to Foxconn and pointing out he is no longer involved in the company's day-to-day running, though he remains a big shareholder.

Gou cancelled without explanation a campaign event originally scheduled for Monday evening, and has no events planned for Tuesday, according to his media team.

Foxconn said in a statement on Sunday that legal compliance was a "fundamental principle" of its operations, and it would "actively cooperate with the relevant units on the related work and operations".

Foxconn's shares extended their declines on Tuesday, closing down 2.2% compared to the broader market's 0.4% gain. Shares closed 2.9% lower on Monday.

INTERFERENCE ACCUSATIONS

Taiwan frequently accuses Beijing of seeking to exert pressure, whether military or economic, to sway the outcome of its elections to ensure an outcome favourable to China, whose government has not commented on the Foxconn probe.

One senior Taiwanese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media, told Reuters the government's assessment was that China's senior leadership was not happy with the Global Times story.

This is because the probe has been jumped on so quickly by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, of which Lai is chairman, to accuse China of seeking to interfere in the election in a bid to win more support from voters, the source added.

Authorities in China have not yet confirmed the probe, which has not received further media coverage within the country.

Speaking at a separate event, former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who is running as presidential candidate for his Taiwan People's Party and is second to Lai in many polls, said China "which claims to be a world power" should explain the investigation.

"The biggest problem in this matter is that the Taiwanese government has no way to communicate with the mainland on behalf of Taiwanese companies," Ko said.

China cut off a routine government-to-government talks mechanism with Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Jeanny Kao; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Jamie Freed)
Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te said Beijing should "cherish" the island's companies after an investigation was launched into tech giant Foxconn (Sam Yeh)

Economic powerhouse Taiwanese companies based in China may be forced to relocate if they feel "unjustly pressured," the island's vice president warned Tuesday after Chinese authorities launched a probe into tech giant Foxconn.

The Taiwan-based company -- one of the world's largest contract producers of electronics and a key supplier for Apple's iPhones -- is under tax and land investigations in several Chinese provinces, China's state-run Global Times reported Sunday.

It did not specify what authorities are looking into, nor any offences that Foxconn may have committed.

The company said Sunday it would cooperate with relevant authorities "for the operations concerned," without providing further details.

The probe comes as self-ruled Taiwan -- which Beijing claims as its territory and has vowed to seize one day -- prepares for presidential elections in January.

Vice President Lai Ching-te, the current election frontrunner and head of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), warned that Taiwanese businesses might move out of mainland China if they feel "unjustly pressured".

"If they grow wary and fearful, losing trust in China, they might gradually relocate their bases to other countries," he said at a press conference.

"That would be a significant loss for China," Lai said.

He urged China to "cherish and value" Taiwanese businesses and not to pressure them "every time there is an election, asking them to express allegiance or even to support specific candidates."

Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is China's largest private-sector employer, with more than a million workers nationwide.

Its billionaire founder Terry Gou -- who handed over management reins four years ago -- is currently running as a long-shot independent candidate in January's elections.

The other presidential candidates are Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang party and Ko Wen-je from the small Taiwan People's Party.

Ko, a former Taipei city mayor, said Tuesday the Foxconn probe reflects Taiwan's predicament as a "world orphan" due to deteriorating cross-strait relations with China.

"The biggest problem... is that the Taiwanese government has no way to communicate with China on behalf of Taiwanese companies," he said at a briefing with foreign media in Taipei.

Since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016, Beijing -- which loathes her for refusing to accept that Taiwan is China's territory -- has cut communication with her government while ramping up military, diplomatic and economic pressures on the island.

aw-dhc/mtp
CNN anchor Jake Tapper admonished House Republicans after their latest nominee for Speaker once again dropped his bid to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was ousted three weeks ago.

Im covering life and death issues, serious tragedies, serious momentous occurrences here in Israel, Tapper said Tuesday while broadcasting his weekday newscast from Tel Aviv, Israel. And of course, we have to interrupt this for one moment to cover the complete and utter clown car that is the House Republican speakers race back in Washington, D.C.

Republicans failed to elect a Speaker for a third time when House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) dropped out of the race Tuesday, only hours after the conference nominated him for the top job.

Emmer is the third Republican behind Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) to be nominated for the post but fail to garner the necessary support to secure the gavel.

Tapper called Emmer a sensible human being and as he threw CNNs coverage to Capitol Hill correspondent Manu Raju, he asked why Emmer had failed.

Was he too sane? the anchor asked.

Tapper just days ago during an interview with Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) asked the lawmaker if he had any idea just how clownish you guys look, amid the partys struggles to nominate a replacement for McCarthy.

Emmers prospects Tuesday quickly dimmed after former President Trump released a statement opposing his bid.

I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them, Trump wrote on Truth Social, using the acronym for Republican in name only.

He added that voting for Emmer would be a tragic mistake.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The News

For months, headlines have focused on concerns surrounding President Joe Biden s age and health. Polls indicate voters believe hes too old to serve a second term; at least one Democrat is preparing to challenge Biden, in part because of age concerns; Bidens stumbles (both verbal and physical) are quickly spread around social media and turned into articles; and there was even an Axios piece, which team Biden widely scoffed at, detailing the presidents dont-trip plan.

Bidens reelection campaign wants to change the narrative  or at least bring Donald Trump into the conversation.

In recent weeks, Bidens campaign has begun highlighting the former presidents gaffes: Trump mixing up who the current president is; Trump slurring words during speeches; Trump making statements that dont quite make sense. The effort is intentional, and due in part to a growing frustration among Bidens campaign and allies with regard to what they see as an unequal media focus on the presidents age and health.

If you guys are going to fucking cover every stumble of Joe Biden, then Donald Trump deserves the same scrutiny, one national Democratic strategist close to the Biden campaign told Semafor, listing out some of Trumps verbal missteps. When Joe Biden does that, theres wall-to-wall coverage of it.

The presidents own team, along with Democrats backing his reelection bid, have long sought to dismiss age and health questions. Biden himself has declared his age simply means hes more knowledgeable, and those around him argue that voters ultimately will make their decision based on other factors. At times Biden has also joked about it, including a pointed nudge to reporters at the White House Correspondents Dinner to give Trump the same treatment. But his campaign is definitely taking the topic more seriously as of late, with ads and speeches that emphasize Bidens stamina on trips abroad. Biden is not getting any younger before Election Day, and its unlikely the issue will ever fully go away. But the goal of the attacks on Trump isnt to convince voters Bidens suddenly found the fountain of youth: Its to build a counternarrative about his opponents age that might give some reluctant voters permission to stick with the incumbent.

I think it is shoring up a little bit of a defense on an attack  and an attack that feels like [it] plays into a false equivalency, said Tim Hogan, a Democratic consultant who argued that Bidens recent Israel trip shows he has the endurance for a second term, versus Trumps rambling rallies. There is not a voter who could rationally look at the age of these two candidates, and say, Well, Im going with one or the other.

Shelbys view

Poll after poll is clear on this: Voters think Biden is old and that its a problem. Polls also consistently show that its not just about a number when it comes to the president: Its also about whether he has the mental and physical ability for four more years in office. And as much as Democrats would like it to be strictly a media problem, Biden looks demonstrably older than he did when he was vice president and it would be strange if voters didnt have questions about electing a president who would still be in office at age 86.

That said, Trump has shown at least some concern about the age angle damaging him as well, given hes less than four years younger  during an interview in September, the former president argued that Biden wasnt too old, rather just grossly incompetent. Both candidates appear acutely aware that any remarks from them on age or health will draw immediate attention.

Room for Disagreement

While Biden is visibly older in his public speaking, Semafors David Weigel noted that authors who have examined his presidency have tended to portray him as an engaged decision-maker behind-the-scenes. Biden buries himself in details and takes technocratic charge of issues, biographer Franklin Foer told Semafor. Foer added that, contrary to his image as a cloistered president, Biden frequently delivers speeches that make little news because he doesnt say anything insane.

The View From Trump's Campaign

The Biden campaign is desperate because theyre getting absolutely crushed in the polls. Their days of hurting Americans and trying to turn our country into a dumpster fire are over, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement to Semafor. Trump himself regularly mocks Bidens competence while on the campaign trail.

Notable

Yes, Trump is almost as old as Biden, Andrew Sullivan wrote in a column last month urging Biden to end his campaign. But he has the energy and stamina and obsessiveness of the truly mentally ill.

Ron DeSantis is homing in on both Trump and Bidens age: During a CBS News interview in September, the Florida governor argued that the presidencys not a job for someone thats 80 years old and that the subject is absolutely a legitimate concern for voters. Nikki Haley has also called for politicians over 75 to take a mental acuity test.
by Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Hafiz Salman, a 24-year-old Pakistani MPhil student, was keenly performing digital image processing to analyze the size and shape of wheat grains at the recently established China-Pakistan Joint Wheat Molecular Breeding International Lab in Quaid-i-Azam University in capital city Islamabad.

"We are collaborating with Chinese experts and scientists to produce the best varieties of wheat to enhance the yield of the staple crop and achieve zero hunger, which is one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations," Salman told Xinhua.

He said that Chinese scientists have already developed high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate change-resilient varieties using DNA-based technologies and augment wheat production in China, adding that under this new initiative, the Chinese scientists would impart knowledge and information as well as the resources to get better wheat varieties suitable for Pakistan.

The lab, funded by the Science and Technology Partnership Program of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, is aimed at enhancing food security, human resource development and training of Pakistani students and scientists through knowledge and research sharing.

In a conversation with Xinhua, Owais Rasheed, the head of the project and an assistant professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, said that the agricultural cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been bringing socio-economic benefits to Pakistan.

"Food security is an enormous challenge, not only for Pakistan but also for China, and for that we need the continuous development of staple food crops to increase productivity," he said, adding that Pakistan has a lot to learn from the Chinese experience to develop high-quality wheat varieties.

Rasheed, who has also been associated with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2013 to 2018 as a scientist, said that the results of recent research at the lab were quite promising as the researchers were able to produce wheat varieties that gave 8-10 percent more yield than conventional local varieties.

"We are going towards the registration process of new varieties, and hopefully the products from this project will be available to the farmers in the next two to three years," he added.

The professor said that several international organizations including the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center have shown interest in collaborating with the Pakistan-China lab, which would help in further strengthening linkages for the development of wheat varieties in future.

With the establishment of the joint lab, Pakistan also set up its first-ever speed wheat breeding center at the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) to develop multiple generations of wheat in minimum time by providing saplings with favorable conditions.

Zahid Mehmood, a senior scientist of the NARC's wheat breeding program, told Xinhua that wheat breeding and registration of new varieties is a long process in Pakistan, normally taking 12 to 15 years.

"With the speed breeding program, we are able to reduce six to seven years to develop a new variety ... we have acquired wheat samples from China. Our main purpose is to introduce good traits of Chinese varieties such as wheat lodging resistant varieties to introduce and incorporate in Pakistani varieties to create desirable characters in new products at minimum time," Mehmood said.

He said that lodging in wheat is one of the key issues Pakistani farmers encounter during wheat cultivation, substantially impacting yield, adding that other than wheat, Pakistan and China have also been working together to improve and innovate agricultural practices, farmers' capacity and livelihoods, and enhance food exports.

Besides agricultural cooperation, he said China has been assisting Pakistan under the CPEC to develop road and energy infrastructure, promoting industrialization by establishing special economic zones, trade and connectivity.

Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation. 
A 19-year-old was shot and killed in Raleigh last week.

The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun now list the Triangles most recent homicides online in this new weekly roundup.

An interactive map, a searchable database, and links to our stories provide details on each death and the status of the investigation.

We are reassessing how we report homicides and violent crime.

 We want to rely less, especially on initial stories, on official sources alone.

 We want to emphasize trends and tell more about those killed and those affected by loss and violence in their communities.

 We want to create time in our reporters schedules to go deeper in search of better stories.

To do this, we may forgo separate stories on deaths when there is little information and sometimes not even a victims name.

The new homicide tracker, however, will include all violent deaths. (See below.) With the map, you can hover on a dot, learn the basic details and see the location of all homicides. With the database, you will be able to search for incidents by name.

Know that as you do this, we are working to learn more about each case, about the victim and the ripples their death has in the community.

If you know one of the victims of the homicides listed below and would like to tell their story, please contact reporters Colleen Hammond at chammond@newsobserver.com or Aaron Sanchez-Guerra at asanchezguerra@newsobserver.com

These are the homicides in the Triangle from Oct. 10- 24

Raleigh homicides

Date: Oct. 15

Victim: Richard Harris

Age: 55

Location: 1300 block of Durlain Drive

Arrest: Christopher Plantier, 27, has been charged with murder in Harriss death

What we know:

Richard Harris, 55, was shot on the 1300 block of Durlain Drive in Raleigh. He was taken to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. On Friday, Christopher Plantier was arrested and charged with murder in Harriss death.

Date: Oct. 21

Victim: Taliyah Watson

Age: 19

Location: 1300 block of Sawyer Road

Arrest: Jordan Sanders, 23, and Ashante Freeman, 21, have been charged with murder in Watsons death

What we know:

Taliyah Watson, age 19, was shot and killed shortly after midnight on the 1300 block of Sawyer Road in Raleigh. Two people have been arrested and charged with murder in Watsons death.

Durham homicides

Date: Oct. 18

Victim: Jerry Miles

Age: 33

Location: 900 block of East Main Street

Arrest: Unnamed suspect

What we know:

One man was shot and killed on the 900 block of East Main Street in Durham around 9 p.m. Police said this was an isolated incident and a suspect was taken into custody.

Read more:

Man shot and killed just a few steps from Durham police headquarters is identified

Wake County homicides

Date: Oct. 23

Victim: Steven Dallas Contestable

Age: 34

Location: 100 block of Abercrombie Road in Wake Forest

Arrest: None

What we know:

No charges have been filed after a homeowner shot and killed a man who was allegedly attempting to break into his Wake Forest home. Police claim the homeowner gave repeated verbal warnings before shooting and killing Steven Dallas Contestable, 34.

Read more:

Homeowner shoots and kills a man trying to break into a Wake Forest house

Orange County homicides

No new homicides were reported in Orange County between Oct. 10- 24.

Database editor David Raynor contributed to this report.
Kosher corned beef is a rarity in Central Florida, and if youre a literate lover of overstuffed deli sandos, Temple Israel in Winter Springs has the perfect event for you.

On Oct. 29, theyll be hosting their first-ever Corned Beef Sandwich Day in conjunction with a Book Fair fundraiser and with a qualified deli diva at the helm.

Fans of Browns New York Deli, which operated in Maitland, might remember Lauren Brown, whose ample platters satisfied the kosher cravings of locals between 2013 and 2015. Back then, Brown, a longtime Temple Israel volunteer, smoked the pastrami and cured the corned beef in-house, and shell be doing the latter for this one-day event.

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A member got the idea from another synagogue where for years theyve been doing a Corned Beef Sandwich Day, and its gotten bigger and more successful every year, said Daniel Wise, Temple Israel volunteer and chairman of the fundraising committee. Thats our hope for this one.

Sandwiches, which will come with potato salad and a pickle, can be pre-ordered online for $18 through today (Oct. 24) and $20 thereafter. Walk-ins will be welcome while supplies last the day of the event.

Weve collected thousands of books, said Wise. Gently used paperbacks and hardcovers will sell for $1-2 apiece. Visitors are welcome to peruse and purchase, then head to the makeshift sandwich counter to enjoy lunch. Cookies and beverages will also be available for sale.

Brown, who has been involved with special events and catering at the temple for decades, hosts a regular Supper Club, too, which is open to the public. The next one, a Hanukkah dinner, will take place on Dec. 8. Other dinners, however, run the gamut of cuisines, Mexican, Hawaiian, Spanish, more she says. All the food is kosher.

Best Sandwich: 2023 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards

Corned beef sandwiches are fun. Not something you get every day, Wise notes. Its satisfying in a very unique way. Its culturally Jewish but has a very wide appeal. Plus, we have someone who really knows how to make a corned beef sandwich. We hope itll be a big success.

More info

Temple Israels First Annual Book Fair & Corned Beef Sandwich Day will take place on Oct. 29. The book fair is from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the sandwich sale is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or sell out. Pre-orders are available at templeisraelevents.com. Location: 50 S. Moss. Road in Winter Springs

Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinels Facebook food group, Lets Eat, Orlando.
Multiple organizations on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessees aggravated prostitution statute, saying it and related sex offender registration requirements are unconstitutional and violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Transgender Law Center and the ACLU of Tennessee in the U.S. District Court in Memphis on behalf of four plaintiffs identified as Jane Does and OUTMemphis, a local nonprofit that serves the LGBTQ community.

Aggravated prostitution is defined by Tennessee law as when a person, knowing that they are HIV positive, engages in sexual activity as a business or is an inmate in a house of prostitution or loiters in a public place for the purpose of being hired to engage in sexual activity.

It is a class C felony, and those who violate it must register as a lifetime violent sex offender.

People convicted of Aggravated Prostitution must spend years in prison and then register as violent sex offenders for the rest of their lives  meaning they cannot access the housing, employment, healthcare and community life that they need to get back on their feet, said Molly Quinn, executive director of OUTMemphis, in a news release. This statute solely targets people because of their HIV status and keeps them in cycles of poverty, while posing absolutely zero benefit to public health and safety.

OUTMemphis Executive Director Molly Quinn speaks at a rally in support of transgender rights in front of Memphis City Hall in Downtown Memphis on March 16, 2023.

The aggravated prostitution statute was passed in 1991. It enhanced charges related to sex work from a misdemeanor requiring a small fine and minimal jail time to a felony.

HIV is recognized as a disability protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit asks the court to strike down the statute and the resulting lifetime sex offender registration requirement.

The Aggravated Prostitution statute is a relic from when HIV first emerged in the 1980s and is motivated by fear, misinformation and discrimination  not sound science or evidence, said Jeff Preptit, ACLU-TN staff attorney, in a news release. Instead of criminalizing HIV, which disproportionately targets transgender and cisgender Black women who are already socially and financially marginalized, lawmakers should invest in evidence-based public health responses to support people living with HIV to end the epidemic. All Tennesseans should be able to live a full life free from discrimination and harm, regardless of our health conditions.

According to the lawsuit, the four Jane Does have been convicted of aggravated prostitution, and now cannot be alone with their nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, and are forbidden, for example, from watching their grandchildren perform in a school play or sporting event. This is even though their convictions have nothing to do with the abuse of children.

Jeff Preptit is a staff attorney for the ACLU of Tennessee.

One of the women has been harassed by a neighbor due to her HIV status being posted online. Another has struggled for years to find housing. And, according to the lawsuit, a third woman has eight grandchildren whom she cannot even take to a park.

The fourth Jane Doe is incarcerated for a registry violation and has decided not to seek parole due to the onerous registry requirements.

More: Tennessee's lost reproductive healthcare funding will go to Planned Parenthood

The lawsuit argues that criminalizing knowledge of ones HIV status disincentivizes at-risk individuals from seeking testing and treatment. The statute criminalizes sexual acts that carry zero to very low risk of HIV transmission and does not account for the usage of condoms or pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, both highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition, the suit argues.

Transmission of HIV can now be effectively prevented by either party to a sexual encounter, and even unprotected encounters pose very little risk of transmission, the lawsuit reads. Huge advances in treatment of HIV and the profound effect of such treatment on preventing viral transmission and on the health and life expectancy of people living with HIV render it comparable to other infectious diseases prevalent in Tennessee. Yet only people living with HIV are criminalized and forced to register as violent sex offenders.Katherine Burgess covers Memphis City Government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com or followed on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kathsburgess.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee aggravated prostitution statute challenged for violating ADA
Kentuckys candidates for governor got into the granular details of working with the legislature, pandemic response, school vouchers and more during KETs Kentucky Tonight debate Monday night.

In their most tense meeting yet, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican challenger Attorney General Daniel Cameron skirmished for 60 minutes, often directly calling on, speaking over and questioning one another.

Mondays match-up, moderated by KETs Renee Shaw, was the fourth meeting of the candidates on the debate stage in less that two weeks time, and one more debate between the two is set for Tuesday night.

Additionally, the candidates running mates  Lt. Gov. Jacquelyn Coleman and State Sen. Robby Mills  will debate Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.

Beshear sought to paint Cameron as an extreme partisan who refuses to answer even basic direct questions. In turn, Cameron cast Beshear as a leader who refuses to take accountability for problems and claims credit where he hasnt earned it.

Here are highlights from:

On working with legislators

Shaw opted to skip the opening statements and went straight to questioning the candidates, beginning with Beshear and his relationship with the GOP-dominated General Assembly.

Theres been a lot made about the lack of communication that you have with legislative leaders over your time as governor, the first term, and 2022, as you know, House Republicans filed their proposed budget, two, three days before you unveiled your budget recommendations, Shaw said.

How effectively can you govern in the next four years if you are re-elected given those political tensions?

Beshear touted that hes signed 627 bipartisan bills into law and said he and his team work well behind the scenes.

Its just, in politics what happens out front is often not what you see behind closed doors, Beshear said. Again, what you see at the forefront, that makes the news is the dramatic, but the hard work happens and we get the job done.

Shaw asked Cameron how hed assert his own leadership if elected and not merely serve as a rubber stamp to the actions on the third floor, where the House of Representatives and Senate chambers are located.

Im willing to do whatever is necessary for the people here of the commonwealth, but I think most people would agree that its better to have everyone rowing in the same direction. ... This is about making sure that we have leadership in this state that reflects your values.

On Donald Trump and Jan. 6

Donald Trump, the former Republican president and current front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, came up frequently in the debate.

First, Shaw directed a question at Cameron on whether he thought Trump deserved blame for the attempted insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has stated. Cameron is seen as a mentee of Kentuckys senior senator and previously worked for the Republican McConnell as his legal counsel.

Cameron did not answer the question directly, stating only he was proud to be endorsed by Trump. Instead, he pivoted to criticizing Beshear for a commercial that ties the Democratic governor to Trump by touting support from a Trump voter.

President Trump is such a big deal in this race that Andy Beshear ran a campaign ad trying to tout some relationship between him and Donald Trump, Cameron said.

Beshear, in response, justified the decision by stating that a governor cant be hyper-partisan and that my opponent constantly tries to make you think that this race is somehow about whos running for president.

After the debate, Cameron would not say whether his campaign was working to get Trump to appear in Kentucky to support his candidacy, as former GOP governor Matt Bevin did.

Cameron did say, though, that hed be grateful for President Trump to come in and welcomed any Republican governor to do the same.

On school vouchers

Beshear repeated a strategy from the last debate Saturday, using his time to directly question Cameron himself, this time on school vouchers, which some GOP lawmakers have named a legislative priority in 2024.

Beshear has maintained that he is vehemently opposed to any voucher program, whereas Cameron would use them to funnel millions of dollars into private schools.

Cameron has previously quipped that Beshear needs to be the first to enroll in the Cameron Catch-Up Plan because he misrepresented what the educational framework includes.

Daniel Camerons approach to education includes vouchers, Beshear said, as Cameron interjected. Such support would take tens, if not hundreds, of million dollars away from public education and send it to fancy private schools.

Now, hell try to tell you its not in his enumerated plan. But out on the campaign trail, he said this race is about vouchers and you can just ask him directly.

Well, lets just ask him directly: Do you support vouchers, General Cameron? Shaw asked.

Cameron said hes always supported catching up our kids.

Is one of those options school vouchers and scholarship tax credits? Shaw interjected.

Weve seen Andy Beshears education plan, and its a plan that shut down our schools for for nearly two years, Cameron said.

But you would be for school vouchers? Shaw asked again.

No, I will support, primarily, our public school system, Cameron said. Look, we need to make sure that we expand opportunity and choice...

Thats three times youve asked the question, Beshear said.

Different tones

Compared to previous debates, Cameron came across as more even-keeled and Beshear played the aggressor more often. These strategies played to both candidates benefit in certain moments.

In response to Beshears claims, Cameron often spoke directly and calmly to the camera, telling viewers that the governor was misleading them. In one of those moments, he referenced the famous Eagles song Lyin Eyes.

Andy Beshear is lying to you nightly on the television during these debates, Cameron said. The fact of the matter is, the economy is not doing well. You know at home because youre having to work two or three jobs. You know it at home because when you got the grocery store your bill is more, your gas is more, your utility bills are more.

Beshear, on the other hand, frequently challenged Cameron to answer yes or no on questions that merited such an answer. The school vouchers exchange was an example of that, as well as the well-worn topic of exceptions for rape or incest to the states ban on abortion.

As has been the case in previous debates, despite the attorney generals previous support for the trigger ban, Cameron said hed sign a bill adding such exceptions to the law.

However, he didnt say whether he personally supported the provision when asked.

My opponent has been asked nine times and hes refused to look in the camera and answer it once. You deserve a governor who will level with you, so here let me show him how to do it: I believe that victims of rape and incest deserve options, Beshear said. ... Daniel Cameron wont answer the question because hes already shown you what the answer is.
Former President Donald Trumps decision to skip next months third GOP presidential primary debate and instead hold a rivaling rally just up the road highlights how complicated  and at times thorny  the relationship between the Republican National Committee and the front-runners team has become.

The RNC was caught off guard when Trumps campaign announced last week that it would hold a counterprogramming event the same night as the debate, just down the road from the Miami arena where other Republican candidates would be facing off.

While Trump has not attended any of the debates, citing his commanding lead in the polls, the decision to host what appears to be a competing event in the same area has rubbed some Republicans the wrong way.

Its a slap in the face [to the RNC], one Republican operative with ties to the committee told CNN. An intentional slap in the face.

Allies close to Trump attempted to justify the decision, pointing to Trumps public frustration that the RNC is continuing to hold debates despite the wide margin he has over the rest of the field. Earlier this month, the former presidents top campaign advisers called on the RNC to immediately cancel the upcoming debate in Miami and end all future debates in order to refocus its manpower and money on defeating Democrats in 2024.

But even before the debates took center stage, Trumps relationship with the organization, led by his own hand-picked chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel , had become increasingly tumultuous in recent months.

For one, the former president privately still harbors resentment towards the organization over the 2020 election, blaming them for not having what he believes were the proper attorneys in place to challenge the election results, multiple sources told CNN. Some Trump allies have tried unsuccessfully to rid him of this belief  noting that it was not the RNCs responsibility to provide the legal resources to challenge the election. Others have pointed out that his own 2020 campaign should have had a better legal infrastructure in place  however, these arguments, like many involving the 2020 election, have fallen on deaf ears.

While Trump seems to understand that why the RNC has not endorsed his 2024 candidacy, sources said he has asked allies and aides why the RNC must remain neutral in the 2024 GOP presidential primary race. The RNCs bylaws mandate neutrality; this primary season, McDaniel has taken pains to act as an impartial chair.

The RNC stressed that it is focused on presiding over the GOP primary in a fair way to all the candidates running for the Republican nomination for president.

The RNC will continue to enact a fair, transparent debate process. In addition to sanctioning the primary debates, the RNC is continuing to buildout our 2024 operation, with in-state hires for Political and Election Integrity staffers in key battleground states, an RNC spokesman said in a statement.

Trump appointed McDaniel as chair after he was elected in 2016, and dozens of establishment Republican committee members were replaced by Trump loyalists. Trump personally felt like he helped make McDaniel into the party leader she is, and has expected loyalty from her as a result, sources familiar with their relationship said. When Trump was president, McDaniel was extremely supportive. And, while Trump was a driving force behind McDaniel retaining the chair of the committee earlier this year, many in his orbit fault her for Republicans underwhelming results in the 2022 midterms.

Theres a general concern about Ronna and the RNC when it comes to the 2020 and 2022 elections, a person close to Trump told CNN, pointing to what they saw as mistakes with the partys messaging strategy and get out the vote efforts.

Theres a lot of concern about her leading the party going forward, the source added.

However, Trumps top campaign officials are in regular touch with RNC leadership and Trumps senior campaign advisers, including Susie Wiles, flew to California earlier this year for McDaniels reelection as chair. Privately, Trumps team had made it clear that they were backing McDaniel against her opponent, Trump attorney Harmeet Dhillon.

Shortly after winning, McDaniel told Fox News that this would be her last term as chairIts done.

After a major political party picks a nominee, there are usually some adjustments between that nominees campaign structure and the party committee  something that some members of Trumps inner circle would like to see if Trump becomes the GOP nominee.

One source noted that it was too early to have a conversation about changes at the RNC, but added that top officials, including McDaniel, should be willing to step aside to make way for new leadership if Trump wins the nomination.

Another insisted that Trump is not planning to clean house should he becomes the nominee.

Its not unusual for the nominee to make some changes at the RNC, and I imagine Trump will, but there is nothing planned, one source close to the former president said, noting that McDaniels term would be over in a year and a half anyway. There would be a new RNC chairman that I imagine Trump would be influential and in choosing just like he was influential with [McDaniel].

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Tensions began escalating ahead of first debate

After McDaniel announced the first debate would be in August, Trump began to suggest publicly he may not participate, citing his lead in early polls and because he would face questions from what he described as hostile news networks.

Trump also said in a Truth Social post that the RNC didnt get approval from him or his campaign ahead of announcing the debates, though presidential candidates do not have singular control over the format or timing of these events.

A GOP adviser familiar with the process said Trumps campaign was fully briefed on the timing, location and other specifics of the announced primary debates. McDaniel had told Trump personally that the debates would start in August, according to two sources familiar with the conversation.

The debate fight came to a head when RNC officials met with Trumps senior campaign advisers in Nashville last spring at the RNC retreat to sort out what had become a public back and forth, multiple sources familiar with the meeting told CNN.

The conversation turned into a heated back-and-forth between David Bossie, who is in charge of the RNC debate committee, and Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita. McDaniel and Wiles stepped in break it up.

As it became clear Trump would not likely participate in the first debate, McDaniel and Bossie privately visited Trump at Bedminster in July to encourage him to participate in the debates, CNN previously reported. Trump was noncommittal on his plans during that meeting. However, in the weeks that followed, he increasingly became frustrated with McDaniel and Bossie for continuing to try and pressure him into attending  something that has also contributed to the straining of their relationship, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Sitting there, having Bossie and Ronna tell him that its a good idea to go to a debate where hes going to get the crap kicked out of him by all the other candidates, never mind the moderators, theres no upside, the source said. He didnt appreciate it.

It just started to grate on him, the source said.

RNC officials and members pushed back at the idea that they would not hold the debate just because Trump is leading in the polls.

The reality is 50% of the base is with him  that means theres another 50% thats not, the Republican operative said. That 50% has to feel like theres a fair process that played out if theyre going to turn out if Trump is nominated and actually vote for him.

While Trump bristled at the date, which he said was early, the sources said that he did not completely shut it down. But two Trump sources familiar with the conversations between Trumps campaign and the RNC said that his team and the former president himself had made it clear that he would not attend a debate before Labor Day.

Trump instead sat for a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The legal complications

The link between Trump world and McDaniel and the RNC goes deeper than politics, as the chairwoman and the committee have become entangled in Trumps legal woes. The RNC paid millions of dollars to law firms representing Trump in various investigations, but stopped after Trump announced his third presidential run due to their neutrality policy.

The committee cannot pay legal bills for any candidate thats announced, McDaniel told CNNs Dana Bash last November when asked whether the RNC would stop paying Trumps legal bills if he became a candidate.

We cannot do in kind contributions to any candidate right now. Hes the former president being attacked from every which way with lawsuits, and hes certainly raised more under the RNC than weve spent on these bills, she added at the time.

McDaniel also testified before the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, and is likely to testify in the federal trial as well. The federal case into Trumps alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election is just one of several trials Trump is facing early next year.

Earlier this month, the judge presiding over the Georgia election subversion case signed an order to compel McDaniel to testify at the trial.

Youd think that maybe everyone attacking her would take into consideration that shes probably going to end up in several of his trials, the GOP operative told CNN.

As of now, its unclear how her potential testimony could further impact their relationship, but her role as a likely witness could further add to the strain between the two.

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Will the Hamas-Israel conflict turn into a regional conflagration? Is the Gaza war going to spiral out of control? It seems increasingly plausible.

As Israel appears poised to launch a multiphase ground offensive to try to eliminate Hamas as an effective organization, one of the biggest concerns for almost all parties is whether the fighting will spread. There are already numerous instances of other players in the regional network of militia groups and armed gangs supported by Iran in Arab countries taking tentative steps toward engagement in the fighting. Israel has demonstrated its alarm over the prospect by issuing threats and warnings to Irans most potent client, Hezbollah in Lebanon. There have been media reports that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged a preemptive attack against Hezbollah but was overruled by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid strong pressure from the Biden administration not to widen the war.

The deployment of major U.S. naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean is clearly aimed at deterring that powerful organization and its Iranian patrons and giving Israel backing that would also stay its hand. Indeed, Hezbollah and Iran have ample and obvious reasons to want to hold back from all-out involvement.

But almost all of the pro-Iranian groups in the region have been poking and pecking at the conflict, including by attempting to attack U.S. forces in the region. Iran has numerous clients and proxies in the Arab world that are capable of joining the fray, and not just against Israel but also the United States. Pro-Iranian Popular Mobilization Forces militia groups in Iraq like Kataib Hezbollah have long bedeviled U.S. forces in the region. Last week U.S. troops at the Ain Al Asad airbase in western Iraq were attacked by drones and missiles, as was another base near the Baghdad international airport. There were several other drone attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq last week. Similar pro-Iranian organizations in Syria launched drone attacks against American forces there, causing injuries to American troops. Another drone apparently aimed at U.S. forces was shot down near the Turkish border. In addition, the USS Carney naval destroyer intercepted several missiles and drones fired from land in Yemen, apparently by the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels.

But by far the biggest concern is that the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah militia will get drawn into the conflict with Israel. Unlike pro-Iranian militia groups in Iraq and even Yemen, and certainly unlike Hamas, Hezbollah is an extremely potent hybrid military organization combining exceptionally effective guerrilla and commando capabilities with conventional military prowess. Hezbollah has demonstrated the ability to take and hold territory and, in its last major conflict with Israel in 2006, it shocked the Israeli military with its capabilities, including effective use of land-to-sea missiles against Israeli naval forces. Since then, the organizations capabilities have greatly expanded. It has developed a vast arsenal of missiles and rockets with hyper-precision guidance capable of striking anywhere in Israel. Its ground forces are also now more battle-hardened and experienced than ever due to the Syrian war, in which Hezbollah troops were essential to the coalition with Russia and Iran that intervened in the fall of 2015 to keep Bashar Assad in power.

There has been noteworthy unrest on the Israel-Lebanese border that has, naturally, increased concerns of a wider conflict. In recent days there have been numerous limited skirmishes and exchanges of fire on or near the Israel-Lebanon border, and Hezbollah claims to already be in the heart of the battle.

One Israeli officer and at least six Israeli soldiers and 13 Hezbollah fighters and Lebanon-based Palestinian militants have been killed. Yet for now, this limited fighting is, essentially, within the tacitly established terms of understanding between Israel and Hezbollah, although patience on both sides is being sorely tested. Their tense relationship is characterized by such occasional flare-ups, and as long as they are within certain geographical limits and not too large in scope, they are essentially tolerated by both sides and do not lead to all-out war.

Yet mounting Israeli concern has been clearly expressed in its increasing warnings and threats to Hezbollah that it is capable of fighting a two-front war and is ready to decimate not only that organization but all of Lebanon if it is attacked. The U.S. has dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, soon to be joined by additional U.S. Air Force fighter power, all in a clear warning to Hezbollah and Iran that Washington is also prepared to get involved if need be. Its the first time in decades, and arguably ever, that American forces have been poised to actively defend Israel. Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder was blunt in saying that the deployment of these forces was designed to deter groups from acting recklessly to provoke a wider conflict.

Such deployments will undoubtedly incentivize all the major players, most notably Iran and Hezbollah, not to try to expand the conflict into a wider regional conflagration. But that may not be necessary. Hezbollah still has ample reasons of its own not to want a war with Israel under current circumstances. The Lebanese socioeconomic and political condition in which the group operates is dire. Lebanons political system is deadlocked, with no president and a state that barely functions. Its economy has collapsed completely, plunging a once relatively prosperous society into penury, with over 80 percent of Lebanese now living in poverty. The country simply cannot afford another experience of being pulverized by the Israeli military. And the Israel Defense Forces are, not surprisingly, threatening reprisals and mayhem.

After the 2006 conflict with Israel, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was compelled to go on Lebanese television several times to apologize for having initiated such devastation. In one such broadcast, he even said that had he anticipated the consequences, he never would have authorized the attack on Israeli soldiers at the border that led to the conflict. Everybody knew he was lying, since no one in Lebanon by 2006 had failed to understand fully Israels doctrine of disproportionality and determination to counterattack brutally when provoked. But his claim demonstrates that Hezbollah can be accountable not just to its own Shiite constituency but to the broader Lebanese society and that it must be careful to preserve its ability to function within the Lebanese context.

Hezbollah does not operate in a vacuum. It is completely embedded in its Lebanese environment, and it is in no way immune from the Lebanese economic and political crises that have racked the country in recent years. Neither Lebanon nor, by extension, Hezbollah can afford another major war with Israel, particularly under the current parlous circumstances. That doesnt mean that Hezbollah would refuse a command from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, which operates the network of Arab militia groups of which Hezbollah is the oldest and most effective member, to go into action. Despite its own considerable incentives not to get involved in the current conflict, an Iranian demand would be extremely hard, and perhaps impossible, to refuse.

But there are ample reasons to think that Iran also will not want Hezbollah to enter into a major conflict with Israel over the Gaza war. Hezbollah is Irans greatest asset, to be deployed only when absolutely necessary. The main function of Hezbollah for Iran is to serve as a massive and potent deterrent against Israeli military strikes on Iran itself, and particularly against its nuclear facilities. Tehran is therefore highly unlikely to want to expend such a potent deterrent on Gaza, which is, in truth, of marginal strategic interest to Iran. Deterrents are only effective when poised and in waiting. If they are deployed in action, they no longer serve the deterrent function. Instead, they become combatants that are expended as a deterrent force. Since Iran regards Hezbollah as a crucial defense against Israeli attacks on its key assets at home, it is going to think twice before expending that for any other purpose.

Its possible that Hezbollah might get drawn into the conflict anyway. There are smaller groups, including Hamas operatives, in Lebanon who are already attacking Israel with drones and missiles. If Israel misinterprets one of these attacks and decides to retaliate in a manner that Hezbollah regards as mandating a strong response, such an exchange could set off a tit-for-tat spiral that neither side can control.

Alternatively, if fighting spreads to the occupied West Bank and, above all, occupied East Jerusalem, calculations could quickly change. Violence in and around the Al Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem would inflame Arab and Muslim passions around the world in a way that nothing in Gaza could. A conflagration around the third-holiest site in Islam could prompt either Hezbollah or Iran, or both, to decide that there is more to gain than to lose by unleashing Hezbollahs fearsome missile and rocket capabilities in the name of defending the faith and, in effect, God.

Thus far, the skirmishing on the Lebanese-Israeli border and attacks against U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq are limited enough to be manageable. Nothing that has happened yet makes spread of this conflict into a broader regional explosion inevitable. But unrest like this does make it more likely, because it raises tensions and puts all parties on the defensive. The good news is that one of the few things that Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah all agree on is that the war should not spread, especially to include the potent Lebanese militia. The bad news is that when tensions and passions rise, parties that rationally do not want a conflict with each other are sometimes drawn into a reactive dynamic that produces one anyway.

World War I is probably the most striking example of how actors that dont want a conflict can end up in a huge one anyway. The even worse news is that this time the U.S. could well get directly involved as well. As things stand, its still more likely than not that the conflict will be contained to Gaza and Israel. Everything is in place for that to change quickly, but so far, its a mutual agreementexcept for some senior Israeli officials and, possibly, a few bigwigs in Iran as wellthat the Hamas-Israel conflict shouldnt spread.
FILE - Birds rest on concertina wire along the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass,Texas, July 6, 2023. Texas sued the Biden administration Tuesday, Oct. 24, seeking to stop federal agents from cutting the state's razor wire that has gashed or snagged migrants as they have attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the Rio Grande. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

McALLEN, Texas (AP)  Texas sued the Biden administration on Tuesday, seeking to stop federal agents from cutting the state's razor wire that has gashed or snagged migrants as they have attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the Rio Grande.

In the lawsuit filed in federal court in Del Rio, Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton accuses the Biden administration of undermining the state's border security efforts.

Texas has the sovereign right to construct border barriers to prevent the entry of illegal aliens, Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, said in a news release Tuesday.

State authorities started rolling out miles (kilometers) of the concertina wire in May before the end of Title 42, a temporary emergency health authority used to turn migrants back during the pandemic. The sharp wire was deployed in areas of high traffic through the Rio Grande at the border near such locations as Brownsville and Eagle Pass, Texas.

Migrant and environmental advocates quickly raised concerns over the damaging effects of the razor wire, which were also raised internally by those charged with enforcing its use. A state trooper and medic described the use of their border tactics as inhumane in July when he sent an internal complaint documenting cases of lacerated and injured migrants.

The barrier is set up a few yards (meters) from the river or sometimes at the edge of it and would keep migrants in the water, sometimes for hours, waiting for U.S. Border Patrol tasked with processing them under immigration law. In some cases, federal agents have broken through the wire to gain access to entangled migrants or on the other side.

Texas alleges the practice of cutting through the wire increased recently when thousands of migrants waded through the river and into the area of Eagle Pass in late September.

By cutting Texass concertina wire, the federal government has not only illegally destroyed property owned by the State of Texas; it has also disrupted the States border security efforts, leaving gaps in Texass border barriers and damaging Texass ability to effectively deter illegal entry into its territory, the complaint stated.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment.

The razor wire is just part of Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's two-year effort of escalated measures to block migrants from crossing the states 1,200-mile (1,930-kilometer) border with Mexico.
Advice for passengers of Bangkok's mass transit railway system has been shared in multiple Thai-language social media posts that falsely claim people risk being electrocuted by "10,000 watts of electricity in the stations' roofs" if they open an umbrella on a station platform. Both the operator of the elevated railway and an electrical engineering expert have refuted the claim, pointing out the trains are powered by electricity supplied through a third rail on the railway tracks.

"If you're at a Skytrain station when it rains, do not unfurl an umbrella," reads part of a Thai-language Facebook post shared on October 8, 2023.

"There is 10,000 watts of electricity in the roof of each station, and anyone unfurling an umbrella could get pulled up to the roof or electrocuted."

The BTS Skytrain is an electric mass transit railway system in Thailand's capital, Bangkok (archived link).

The post also shares a graphic showing a list of "suggestions made by BTS during the rainy season".

These include putting away wet umbrellas or raincoats, being careful of slippery floors, and refraining from opening umbrellas on platforms.

Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on October 17, 2023

The claim circulated as central Thailand was affected by prolonged heavy monsoon rains and flooding in October 2023. Riverside areas of Bangkok were also bracing as officials warned that incoming rains could cause flooding in the sprawling capital.

The kingdom's rainy season typically brings months of daily deluges but scientists say man-made climate change can make rainfall more intense.

The same claim was also shared in other Facebook posts here, here, here and here, as well as on TikTok here.

But the operator of BTS Skytrain has dismissed the claim as "fake news", and an electrical engineering expert told AFP that using an umbrella on the train stations' platforms is safe.

Advice for windy days

A keyword search of the BTS Skytrain operator's official Facebook page found the graphic used in the false posts was originally shared here on May 23, 2019 (archived link).

The post does advise people against opening umbrellas on the train platforms, but makes no mention of a risk of electrocution.

On October 8, 2023, the Skytrain operator issued a statement on their Facebook page here to refute the claim being spread in the false posts (archived link).

The Thai-language statement reads: "There are not 10,000 watts of electricity in the BTS Skytrain stations' roofs as claimed. There is only 750 volts of electricity supplied to the trains and it runs only on the train tracks."

The Department of Rail Transport also says the BTS Skytrain's third rail provides trains with 750 volts of direct current (archived link).

The transit system operator added that it had only suggested passengers avoid opening umbrellas on train platforms because "strong winds during rainy days may cause umbrellas to be blown away or onto train tracks".

Screenshot of the Skytrain operator's statement on Facebook

The National News Bureau of Thailand and Anti-Fake News Center Thailand also issued debunks on their websites on October 9 (archived links here and here).

Electrical engineering expert Theppanom Sopaperm, from the Mahanakorn University of Technology, told AFP it was not possible for a person to be electrocuted by the roof of a BTS Skytrain station (archived link).

"Since the power is provided through the running rails, it is impossible that unfurling an umbrella on a platform attracts an electric shock," he said on October 17.

"BTS commuters are safe and unfurling their umbrellas will do no harm." Theppanom added.
Jenna Ellis reacts with her lawyers after reading a statement pleading guilty to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 24, 2023 (John Bazemore)

A third Donald Trump campaign lawyer reached a plea deal on Tuesday that could see her testify for the prosecution in future trials, turning up the pressure on the former president as his legal woes grow.

A tearful Jenna Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty to charges related to Trump's attempts to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss in the southern US state of Georgia.

"If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post election challenges," Ellis told the court in Atlanta on Tuesday.

The deal allowed her to avoid jail time by admitting to one felony count of "aiding and abetting false statements and writings."

It came after lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sydney Powell also pleaded guilty last week.

They were among the 18 codefendants charged alongside Trump in the case, the only state-level proceeding thus far targeting the Republican for actions he took to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden .

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of involvement in a criminal conspiracy to change the result in Georgia, where Biden won by some 12,000 votes.

Ellis, like Powell and Chesebro, received several years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 100 hours of community service, while agreeing to testify in any future trials.

After Trump's November 2020 loss, Ellis made frequent appearances on television and in state legislative hearings to call for Biden's victory not to be certified, citing false claims of irregularities.

According to a court filing, Ellis admitted that she helped attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Ray Stallings Smith, two other co-defendants in the case, submit false testimony to the Georgia state senate.

"In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence," Ellis said in court.

- Trial looms -

Legal analysts have described the plea deals as a potential blow to Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination, as his former lawyers turn witnesses for the prosecution.

Cheseboro, 62, had been accused of orchestrating a scheme to submit a slate of fake electors to Congress in a bid to block certification of Biden's election victory. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to file false documents.

Powell, 68, was a vocal Trump supporter who peddled outlandish conspiracy theories about voting machines allegedly designed in Venezuela under the late Hugo Chavez that "flipped" Trump votes to Biden votes.

She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to interfere with the performance of election duties and was sentenced to six years of probation.

A trial date has not been set yet for the 77-year-old Trump, who on Tuesday was in a New York courtroom again to defend himself against a major civil fraud case.

In addition to the three ex-campaign lawyers, bail bondsmen Scott Hall has pleaded guilty to five counts of conspiracy to interfere with the performance of election duties.

Others indicted in Georgia include Giuliani, Trump's former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, John Eastman, a constitutional lawyer, and Jeffrey Clark, a mid-level Justice Department official.

Trump also faces federal charges for his efforts to upend the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters. He is to go on trial in that case in Washington in March 2024.

des/st
For the record:

5:00 p.m. Oct. 25, 2023: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the date of the last bargaining session held between hotels and Unite Here Local 11. The session was held Oct. 19.



Unite Here Local 11, the union representing hotel workers in Southern California who have been striking on and off for nearly four months, said it has reached a tentative agreement with Loews Hollywood.

The deal came as workers at five properties scattered across Pasadena, Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point walked off the job Monday, kicking off the latest burst of strikes. The work stoppage was planned after a bargaining session on Thursday went poorly, union spokesperson Maria Hernandez said.

Loews Hollywood, which employs 300 union members, is the third Southern California property with which the union has struck a deal. The first was the Westin Bonaventure, which reached a tentative deal just as contracts were set to expire June 30 for more than 15,000 hotel workers at some 60 properties in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The second was the Biltmore in downtown L.A.'s financial district, which announced a deal last month.

Our team members are at the core of what makes Loews the company it is, Vincent Piro, managing director at the Loews Hollywood, said in a prepared statement shared by the union. We are thrilled to be in agreement with our partners at Unite Here Local 11 and look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests, fellow team members and neighbors.

Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, said in a prepared statement that the three hotels the union has struck agreements with are among the largest hotels in L.A.

Read more: L.A. hotels hire migrants from Skid Row homeless shelter to replace striking workers. Gascon investigates

"It is time for the rest of the industry to share their prosperity with their workers," Petersen said.

For all three hotels, the union said the agreements provide for higher pay and benefits, as well as improved healthcare, more robust staffing, pension increases and more inclusive hiring procedures for formerly incarcerated people and immigrants  but has declined to give specifics about wages and other economic details of the agreements. Unionized workers have not yet held votes to ratify the contracts.



Contract negotiations between the union and a group of hotels ended Oct. 19 without resolution.



Keith Grossman, an attorney representing the group of more than 40 Southern California hotel owners and operators  reached for comment last week about the practice of hiring homeless migrants as replacement workers at hotels where employees are striking  said concerns the union raised appeared to be "another red herring."

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon on Monday announced he would launch an investigation into working conditions for migrants hired at hotels based on information brought to him by the union and reporting by The Times.

The union "seems more focused on continuing its intermittent work stoppages than listening to and delivering on what employees really want," Grossman wrote in an Oct. 18 email. "Employees are communicating but the Union is not listening  the % of employees crossing picket lines has steadily increased and at most hotels are now at levels at which unions would end all work stoppages and focus on getting a contract."

Reached Tuesday, Grossman said he couldn't immediately respond to questions about the Loews Hollywood settlement and the new walkouts.

Hernandez, the union spokesperson, said workers are planning a march in downtown L.A. on Wednesday in response to last week's failed negotiations and to protest the hiring of unhoused migrants as replacement workers. In a news release Tuesday, the union said the hotel group "did not meaningfully improve upon their prior position, offering no new money for wages, pension, or health insurance."

Here is where workers are currently on strike:





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ULAN BATOR, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ninety-three forest and steppe fires have been registered across Mongolia since the beginning of this year, burning 583,500 hectares of forest and grassland, the country's National Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday.

People's negligence was the leading cause of the wildfires, said the agency in a statement.

"The period from Sept. 20 to Nov. 10 is considered to be the dry conditions of autumn or the 'fire-dangerous period'," it said, urging the public not to make open fires or throw cigarette butts on the ground. 
WASHINGTON  Just hours after he beat out a crowded field to win the GOP nomination for speaker, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer , R-Minn., dropped his bid Tuesday after it became clear he could not win the 217 votes needed on the floor.

Emmer, the No. 3 Republican in leadership and the GOPs chief vote counter, told GOP colleagues in a closed-door meeting Tuesday afternoon that he could not continue his bid for speaker, sources in the room said.

His made the decision after he huddled with several of his detractors, who made it clear to him they would not, under any circumstance, support him in a floor vote.

Emmer is the third straight GOP nominee to have dropped his bid for speaker, underscoring the chaos and dysfunction roiling the Republican Party. Republicans will hold another candidates forum Tuesday night.

Just four hours earlier, Emmer and his allies were celebrating having won the nomination in a hard-fought race. He defeated GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson of Louisiana in the fifth and final round of internal voting. The vote was 117 to 97, with five Republicans voting for other candidates, lawmakers said.

But Emmer's victory was met with swift and vocal opposition from former President Donald Trump and his conservative allies in Congress.

Follow live updates on the speaker race

More than two dozen Republicans indicated in a private roll-call vote that they would not back Emmer's nomination on the House floor. And Trump, who had stayed on the sidelines during this round of selecting a new nominee, issued a scathing statement on Truth Social bashing Emmer as a Republican in name only.

"I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them," Trump said. "He never respected the power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGA  MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Emmers nomination and rapid exit come exactly three weeks after California Republican Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the speakers office  the first time in history a sitting speaker had been removed. Emmer told colleagues he wanted to secure the needed 217 GOP votes first before he rushed to the floor, lawmakers said, and he stayed for hours after the vote addressing concerns from his staunchest critics.

But like the partys two previous nominees  Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio  Emmer appeared nowhere close to having the votes needed to win the gavel.

Its either third times a charm or three strikes youre out! Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., said before Emmer dropped out.

Photo Illustration: The U.S. Capitol (NBC News / Getty Images)

Immediately after Emmer's victory, House Republicans took a separate roll call to see whether 217 members were willing to back him on the floor. More than two dozen voted "present" or for someone else, multiple lawmakers said; many of the anti-Emmer votes were cast for Jordan or Johnson, said lawmakers who kept a list of the detractors.

"It should not be surprising to anyone that there is nobody in that room that is going to be able to get 217 votes as we speak," Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., told reporters.

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who voted for Jordan in the roll call, said there was no path for Emmer to win the speakership on the floor.

"I can't go along with putting one of the most moderate members of the entire Republican Conference in the speaker's chair," said Banks, who lost to Emmer in the race for majority whip last year. "That betrays the conservative values that I came here to fight for. So I hope there's a change along the way."

Another "Never Emmer" vote, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., tweeted that Emmer "voted for Democrat gay marriage bill, voted with Democrats to overturn President Trump's transgender military ban, voted for every penny of Ukraine funding, at one time supported the Soros national popular vote scheme, and voted to certify Biden's 2020 election."

After Emmer ended his bid, Greene, a Trump loyalist, explained the dynamic of House Republicans: "The GOP Conference is changing, and it's changing to reflect America First. And Republican voters overwhelmingly support President Trump, and the GOP Conference and the speaker of the House should do the same."

Moderate Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said the "bad blood" between the warring factions of the GOP  the Reagan conservatives and the populist wing  continues to get worse with each speaker nominee.

"What happened to Kevin McCarthy started it. It was very raw for eight people to do that. They opened up a Pandora's box," Bacon said. "And then what happened to Steve Scalise, which angered me, because I thought supporters of Jim Jordan didn't handle themselves. And we're seeing a continuation of this."

After Jordan bowed out Friday, nine speaker hopefuls threw their hats in the ring for the third round. But at Monday nights candidates forum, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., abruptly dropped out, and moments before any votes were cast Tuesday, Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., followed suit, leaving seven candidates.

Tuesdays nominating process took place by secret ballot and behind closed doors in the cavernous Ways and Means Committee hearing room in the building named for the late Speaker Nicholas Longworth.

To winnow the list of seven, the lowest vote-getter was eliminated. In the first round of voting Tuesday, that was Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, the former Rules Committee chairman.

Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., was voted out next, followed by Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., in the third round. Both Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Kevin Hern, R-Okla., tied for last in the fourth round; Donalds dropped out of the race, lawmakers said, and Hern was therefore eliminated.

Emmer had dominated earlier rounds of voting by wide margins, and he secured support from a majority of the lawmakers in the room on the fifth ballot.

A GOP civil war has prevented Republicans from agreeing on a McCarthy successor. The GOPs two previous picks bowed out after they failed to secure the votes needed to win on the floor, leaving the House in a state of unprecedented chaos with a possible government shutdown less than a month away and wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Emmer has "got a little bit of work to do, but I sure hope we can get there," House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said in a brief interview. "We can't afford 40 more days without governing. We're running out of time."

Emphasizing the need for his colleagues to move on and coalesce around a new leader, Womack said in an appearance earlier on NBCs Meet the Press NOW: The world is burning around us, and American leadership is necessary. And you cant have the full complement of American leadership if the House of Representatives is not functioning.

The world is watching; our adversaries are paying attention. And it does not, you know, cast a good light on the democratic institutions that we all have sworn to defend, he added. So again, lets hope and pray that this week is it.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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A third former lawyer to Donald Trump has pleaded guilty in an election subversion case in the US state of Georgia.

Jenna Ellis is the fourth of 19 co-defendants to plead guilty in a deal with Fulton County prosecutors.

She is accused of drafting a letter intended for top Georgia officials declaring that the state's election results were illegitimate.

Ms Ellis is the second person to plead guilty in less than a week.

Mr Trump is also among those charged in the case. He has pleaded not guilty.

Ms Ellis pleaded guilty to one felony charge of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She agreed to prosecutors' recommendations that she face five years of probation, pay a fine of $5,000 (4,108) in restitution and perform 100 hours of community service.

The 38-year-old also wrote an apology letter to the state of Georgia and will have to testify in all other proceedings related to those charged in the case. In exchange prosecutors dropped Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) charges she had been facing.

This includes former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani , whom Ms Ellis has implicated in her plea deal by admitting that she aided and abetted his "false statements" about voter fraud.

Mr Giuliani has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Through tears, Ms Ellis told the court on Tuesday: "If I knew then what I know now I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post election challenges. I look back on this full experience with deep remorse for those failures."

A former senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign, Ms Ellis was censured by the Colorado Bar Association in March for making "reckless, knowing, or intentional misrepresentations" while working as an attorney to Mr Trump.

In its ruling, the association said Ms Ellis' statements on behalf of the former president had "undermined the American public's confidence in the presidential election, violating her duty of candour to the public".

In her statement on Tuesday, Ms Ellis accused "lawyers with many more years of experience than I" of misleading her and failing to provide her with full and proper information related to the case.

She has been a lawyer since 2011, according to records held by the Colorado state bar.

"What I did not do, but should have done your honour, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true, were in fact true," she told the court.

"As an attorney who is also a Christian, I take my responsibilities as a lawyer very seriously, and I endeavour to be a person of sound moral and ethical character in all of my dealings," she added. "In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, I believed that challenging the results on behalf of President Trump should be pursued in a just and legal way."

Ms Ellis' plea deal comes just days after two other ex-Trump lawyers, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, admitted guilt in the case.

A fourth co-defendant, bail bondsman Scott Hall, also struck a plea deal with prosecutors in late September.

Ms Ellis is one of several of Mr Trump's co-defendants who did not receive any financial assistance from the former president or pro-Trump groups, despite unyielding allegiance to Mr Trump after his election defeat.

Shortly after the indictment dropped, she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Why isn't MAGA, Inc. funding everyone's defense."

A donations page set up by her team has already raised some $216,431 (177,828).

The lawyer, who hosts a radio programme for the American Family Network, has since declared that she will not support Mr Trump's bid for a second tilt at the White House.

"I simply can't support him for elected office again," she said on her podcast in September. "I have chosen to distance is because of that frankly malignant narcissistic tendency to simply say that he's never done anything wrong."

Ms Ellis' and other's early pleas - which end in probation rather than jail - are potentially the beginning of a scary pattern for Mr Trump, as the list of potential witnesses against him grows.

Steve Sadow, lead counsel for Trump in the Georgia case, implied in a statement that prosecution's willingness to dismiss Rico charges were a sign of district attorney Fani Willis' true strategy.

"What that shows is this so-called RICO case is nothing more than a bargaining chip for DA Willis," he said. "Moreover, this plea was to a completely separate charge, not a part of the original indictment, which doesn't even mention President Trump."
AUSTIN, Texas - Three people in Austin High School's orchestra community are recovering from burn injuries.

This happened after an accidental flash fire at the orchestra's Monster Concert, which is a community event and fundraiser.

The Austin Fire Department says there was a gasoline tank on a generator that was being refueled about 10 feet from a propane grill and a charcoal grill.

"The fuel ignited in the air and flash burned three people," Rachael Lewis, operations public information officer for Austin Fire, said.

"It was just definitely a tragedy you never expect to see in person. I mean, everyone was just shocked," Joy Lobb, Austin High's Orchestra Booster President, said.

Three people were taken to the hospital. Two of them are family members of orchestra director Ana Maria Solis-Herrera. The third is an orchestra parent.

Lobb says two of them are still in the hospital.

"Everyone feels just so, so much sorrow and pain for this family, for Ms. Solis and her family, that it just so dramatically affected them and the other orchestra family as well," she said.

She says everyone from students to parents to alumni are coming together to raise money for medical bills.

RELATED: Three burned, hospitalized after fuel tank catches fire at Austin High School concert

"I'm just so happy to see that level of support is coming out because Ms.Solis is the teacher that cares for her kids," Lobb said. "I'm really thrilled that people are coming out to show their support. At the same time, I'm just so sad that this is the reason why, because you always want happy reasons for people to understand how meaningful they are to a community, not tragedy."

As the Austin High School orchestra community grapples with the accident, AFD offers some general safety tips.

"Although gasoline is usually in liquid form, as it off gases, it comes around and floats around in the air, and anytime you're refueling anything, we ask people that they are not doing any hot refueling and that's refueling with an engine or a generator on," Lewis said. "We ask that there be no functioning pilot lights or any open flames around any kind of fuel, even if the fuel seems to be a far enough distance away."

Click here for the GoFundMe.
FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., spoke to Fox News Digital about his presidential campaigns shift of resources to the state of Iowa, and why he believes his campaign is well positioned to make inroads with the evangelical base in the Hawkeye State.

"Iowa chooses presidents and the entire road to the White House starts in Iowa," Scott told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "I wanted to make sure I anchored myself in a place where I believe our message is resonating. We're seeing a positive response, which has aligned with my faith-filled message. Personal experience seems to match with the Iowa voters, so it's just been a really good experience so far, and I look forward to seeing it translate into votes."

The interview with Scott came a day after his campaign announced he was going "all in" on Iowa and has shifted ad buys from New Hampshire to Iowa, along with staff and nearly all of his other resources.

Scott told Fox News Digital that Iowa is a state "rich in faith" that understands that the "miracle of America is not a miracle, its driven by faith."

2024 GOP CANDIDATE FACED WRATH OF ROMNEY AFTER ENDORSING TRUMP, BOOK SAYS: 'DIMINISHES YOU MORALLY'

Presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

"Our Founding Fathers should be celebrated for founding a country on ideals, the ideal of religious liberty, religious freedom, and a Judeo-Christian principle," Scott said. "And so having the same perspective and worldview and understanding that the importance of the policy positions that we take or what we're doing is undergirded by the way we do it. And here in Iowa, I see that that message continues to resonate, and it's just been a really good alignment."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The Real Clear Politics average of polling in Iowa shows Scott at 6%, behind former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

CHER SAYS SHE'LL LEAVE US IF TRUMP RETAKES WHITE HOUSE IN 2024: 'I ALMOST GOT AN ULCER THE LAST TIME'

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics Politics and Eggs speaking series in Windham, New Hampshire, on Sept. 20, 2023.

Scott told Fox News Digital that his focus on Iowa won't be "attacking" other candidates, but rather on providing a contrast on where he stands on certain issues.

One of those issues is abortion, where Scott said he has "been working on getting the rest of the Republican presidential candidates to join me in a 15-week national limit." He acknowledged that DeSantis pledged support for that position at the last GOP debate, but pointed out that Haley did not.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Scott also explained his stance that the U.S. should not accept refugees from Gaza and said, "Other candidates decided that was a good idea, but backtracked when the polls changed."





Original article source: Tim Scott explains why move to go 'all in' in Iowa will 'translate into votes': 'Message is resonating'
Washington  In the three weeks after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker of the House in a historic vote, the chamber's Republican conference was engulfed in chaos as it searched for a replacement.

But the turmoil ended Wednesday when Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana secured the gavel after surpassing the 215-vote threshold to win the speakership, capping a process that involved four nominees for speaker and a 22-day fight to fill the post

The effort to elect a new speaker began in early October, when GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida followed through on a threat to remove McCarthy after he worked with Democrats to avert a government shutdown. Here's what transpired after:

Oct. 2

Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, speaks to members of the media outside the Capitol on Oct. 2, 2023. / Credit: Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz officially announces he will move to oust McCarthy as speaker by filing what's known as a "motion to vacate," a maneuver that forces a vote on the House floor.

Gaetz launches his effort to remove McCarthy just two days after the speaker reached an 11th hour deal to fund the government through Nov. 17. The Florida Republican claims the agreement allegedly involved a "secret side deal" to provide more support for Ukraine. Gaetz and a number of congressional Republicans oppose sending any more aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Oct. 3

Allies of McCarthy unsuccessfully try to table Gaetz's resolution to declare the office of speaker vacant, with 11 Republicans voting against the effort to spare the speaker.

A final vote on the measure is then taken, and it passes 216 to 210. As a result, McCarthy is removed from his position as speaker, the first time in history a speaker has been voted out during a congressional session. Eight Republicans join with all Democrats to approve the resolution removing McCarthy.

GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California is seen in the Capitol after the House voted to remove him as speaker by a vote of 216-210, on Oct. 3, 2023. / Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Following the vote, Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina is designated the speaker pro tempore. McHenry's name topped a list submitted by McCarthy to the House clerk in January that laid out who would fill in as an interim speaker in case of a vacancy.

McHenry immediately recesses the House to allow for the Republican and Democratic conferences to "meet and discuss the path forward" before proceeding to the election of a new speaker.

Hours later, McCarthy announces that he will not run for speaker again.

Oct. 11

After a week of campaigning, Majority Leader Steve Scalise is selected by the Republican conference as the nominee for speaker by a vote of 113 to 99. He defeats Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a conservative firebrand, in the internal race held behind closed doors.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, speaks with members of the media in the Capitol on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. / Credit: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Oct. 12

Just one day after winning the speaker nomination, Scalise withdraws his candidacy. The majority leader tells reporters that "there are still schisms that have to get resolved," an indication of the deep divisions among the GOP conference that would make it difficult for him to secure the necessary support to become speaker.

Oct. 13

Republicans select Jordan by secret ballot as their second nominee for House speaker in a closed-door Friday meeting. The Ohio Republican co-founded the House Freedom Caucus, a group of far-right GOP lawmakers, and served as its chairman. He is also one of the most ardent defenders of former President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill. As leader of the Judiciary Committee, he is one of the chairs tasked with leading the House GOP's impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

Rep. Jim Jordan speaks to reporters as House Republicans hold a caucus meeting on Capitol Hill on Oct. 13, 2023. / Credit: Win McNamee / Getty Images

Jordan fends off a late challenge from Georgia Rep. Austin Scott in order to win the nod with the backing of 124 of his Republican colleagues.

Lawmakers head home for the weekend without holding a vote for a permanent speaker.

Oct. 17

The House convenes to hold its first formal vote for speaker. Republicans nominate Jordan, while Democrats select Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York as their candidate.

But after the first ballot, Jordan falls short of the 217 votes he needs to ascend to the speakership, winning 200 votes to Jeffries' 212. Twenty Republicans vote for someone other than Jordan  seven GOP lawmakers vote for Scalise, six support McCarthy, and three vote for former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin. Receiving one vote apiece are Reps. Mike Garcia of California, Tom Cole of California, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Emmer.

Jordan vows to press ahead, telling reporters, "We're going to keep working, and we're going to get the votes."

Oct. 18

The House gathers for a second vote for speaker, with Jordan and Jeffries again nominated by their respective parties.

Jordan again fails to secure the necessary votes to become speaker and sees his opposition grow on the second ballot. In all, 22 Republicans withhold their support for the Ohio Republican, but he picks up votes from two GOP lawmakers who opposed him on the first ballot: Reps. Doug LaMalfa of California and Victoria Spartz of Indiana.

Some Republicans indicate they want the House to vote to give McHenry more authority to allow for consideration of a limited legislative agenda, though such an effort would likely require support from Democrats.

Jordan again pledges not to step aside.

"We got 200 votes. You know, we picked up some today, a couple dropped off but they voted for me before, I think they can come back again," he tells reporters. "So we'll keep talking to members, we'll keep working on it."

Rep. Jim Jordan talks to reporters as he heads from his office in the Rayburn House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 18, 2023. / Credit: Getty Images

Oct. 20

The House holds a third vote for speaker, and Jordan continues to bleed support from fellow Republicans. On the third ballot, the Ohio Republican loses 25 GOP lawmakers in total. The final tally is 210 votes for Jeffries and 194 for Jordan.

The GOP conference convenes for a closed-door meeting and votes by secret ballot to drop Jordan as the nominee for speaker  86 members say Jordan should remain in the race, while 112 say he should not.

The vote leaves Republicans again searching for a speaker candidate who can unite the deeply divided conference.

Oct. 22

Nine Republicans meet a deadline to announce their candidacies for speaker, according to Rep. Elise Stefanik, chair of the House GOP conference. The nine candidates for the speaker nomination are:

Rep. Jack Bergman of MichiganRep. Byron Donalds of FloridaRep. Tom Emmer of MinnesotaRep. Kevin Hern of OklahomaRep. Mike Johnson of LouisianaRep. Dan Meuser of PennsylvaniaRep. Gary Palmer of AlabamaRep. Austin Scott of GeorgiaRep. Pete Sessions of Texas

Only two of those nine voted to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Oct. 23

Republicans meet for a candidate forum, where the contenders make their pitch to their colleagues on why they should be nominated for speaker.

Meuser drops out of the race, bringing the total number of candidates to eight.

Before the forum, former President Donald Trump weighs in and declines to endorse any of the candidates. Instead, he tells reporters during a campaign stop in New Hampshire that "I'm sort of trying to stay out" of the race. It's unclear how much weight Trump's endorsement holds with the current GOP conference, as he threw his support behind Jordan, and his bid failed.

Oct. 24

Republicans gather behind closed doors for the third time to select their nominee for speaker. Palmer drops out of the race just before the meeting, bringing the field of candidates vying for the nomination to seven.

The party holds five rounds of voting in all, and the nod ultimately goes to Emmer, the majority whip.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. / Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Sessions is eliminated after the first round, followed by Bergman after the second and Scott after the third. Donalds withdraws from the race after the fourth round, while Hern drops off the ballot.

On the fifth and final ballot, Emmer goes head-to-head with Johnson and defeats him 117 to 97, lawmakers say. A subsequent roll call vote to gauge Emmer's backing, though, sees at least 20 Republicans withhold their support, according to Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York.

The level of opposition from the GOP conference indicates that Emmer will face an immense challenge in winning 217 votes. Shortly after Emmer clinches the nomination, Trump comes out against his candidacy for speaker despite saying he planned to remain on the sidelines a day earlier.

In a post to his social media site Truth Social, the former president claims Emmer "never respected the power of a Trump endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGA  MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump goes on to say that "voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!"

Later in the afternoon, Emmer told his fellow Republicans that he was dropping his candidacy for speaker, just hours after he won the nomination.

The party heads back to the drawing board yet again, and six candidates submit their names for consideration following Emmer's exit: Donalds, Hern, Johnson, Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, Mark Green of Tennessee and Roger Williams of Texas. Hern, however, drops his bid shortly after declaring his candidacy and throws his support behind Johnson.

Republicans huddle for another candidates' forum  their second in two days  and proceed to voting for a new nominee.

Johnson is selected as the speaker nominee after three ballots, becoming Republicans' fourth speaker-designate. Like the others before him, though, Johnson faces a tough path to earning 217 votes, as there were 44 "other" votes on the final ballot cast for people not officially running. McCarty himself earns 43 of those 44 votes despite not mounting a bid for the gavel.

Oct. 25

The House convenes to fold its formal election for speaker. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, chair of the House GOP conference, delivers a speech nominating Johnson, and Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, chair of the House Democratic caucus, rises to nominate Jeffries.

There are three Democrats and one Republican absent from the vote, so Johnson will need to win 215 votes  a majority of the 429 members in attendance  to win.

Johnson easily surpasses that marker and wins the speakership in a vote of 220 to 209, earning the backing of all GOP lawmakers present.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries hands the gavel to newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Oct. 25, 2023. / Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

He delivers a speech declaring, "The People's House is back in business."

"I want to say to the American people on behalf of all of us here, we hear you. We know the challenges you're facing. We know that there's a lot going on in our country, domestically and abroad, and we're ready to get to work again to solve those problems and we will," Johnson says. "Our mission here is to serve you well, to restore the people's faith in this House in this great and essential institution."

He is then sworn in as the 56th House speaker.

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The author (left) on her wedding day, with her mom.

I love my little nephew. He has a kid-sized broom that he uses to dance around in his diapers to Freddie Mercury songs as if its his microphone.

And I love my little niece, to whom uppy means both pick me up and put me down, and to whom no is a magical word for exercising newfound willpower.

Im always happy to see them, and I have a great time learning from and with them about the world. But when they go home, and the house is so nice and quiet, I breathe a deep sigh of thanks: I get to give them back!

Then I can decide with my husband, Tim, to suddenly go out for dinner (without a diaper bag or babysitter), to go camping, or to visit a casino. We can go see some raucous band and stay out till 1 a.m., or we can fall asleep on the couch watching TV and drinking wine, and wake up whenever we want.

Im in the phase of life when so many people I know ache to become parents, but meanwhile, I love being child-free. This is, believe it or not, all thanks to my own mom, who also loved her child-free life before she had kids, and made sure to let me know that was OK.

My mom is a badass. She was a nerd growing up, just like me. And just like me, she wanted to travel and go to college, but she had very few financial resources.

So, one day, she joined the army as an interpreter. She went to a language institute and passed a Russian-language program that only a tiny portion of her incoming class passed, and then flew to Germany to work on a mountaintop compound. She was one of three women in a company of 300 men listening to German and Russian soldiers on the radio, translating it all into English for Army intelligence.

Thats where she met my dad. They got married and traveled, came back stateside, and went to college. Roughly eight years later, they had me.

Its no wonder, then, that when my mom asked me what I wanted from my life as I was having a teenage existential meltdown, I said, I just want to have an extraordinary life.

I wanted to travel, take risks, get into trouble, have adventures, go to college and, eventually, make what I hoped would be a positive difference in the world.

I was inspired by my moms own life. And at that time in my world, like her, I felt limited only by money, as I had all the other great propulsive forces of youth, like energy, recklessness and idealism. Plus, after my parents divorce, my mom, my brother and I lived in my grandmothers attic, and space was a little tight.

I wanted to explode outward into newness. So when I did move out of the house with my first boyfriend, at about age 20, and my period was late one month, that potential pregnancy felt to me like a very bad thing  not a boon.

I hadnt traveled.

I hadnt gone to college, or had any adventures.

I hadnt taken any big risks.

I sure hadnt made a difference in the world.

Nick was a nice boyfriend, and he told me hed get on board with whatever path I wanted to choose: get married and have the baby, have the baby and not get married, put the baby up for adoption, or get an abortion.

I thought about it for a few days and tried on all of these options in my mind. But after much mulling, the only way that felt right was to go on with my original plan of having a wild and free life. I didnt want a baby. I didnt want to be pregnant.

I felt like I was about to get stuck in my hometown for the next few decades, changing diapers and picking out public schools.

I decided I would get an abortion on the same day my period came back of its own volition, and I heaved a mental sigh of relief.

However, I was very aware that I had dodged a big baby-sized bullet, despite all of my birth control efforts from the age of 15 onward. And I decided, if I was not to become a mom, that I wanted to be able to have sex like a man, with fewer consequences in the reproductive department.

The author, in her early 30s, with her mom in Arizona.

The author, in her early 30s, with her mom in Arizona.

I was able to admit to myself for the first time that I knew I did not ever want to have kids  at least not in any traditional biological sense. If I ever changed my mind about mothering, well, there are millions of kids in the world needing homes.

So, I went and talked to the only person I felt might really understand my need to not mother: my mother.

My mom did something very important for me as I was growing up: Shed told me about some of her experiences in the sex realm, helped me to understand what I was feeling when these experiences started to arise for me, and answered all my questions about how this weird and impactful part of life worked.

Because of this open channel of communication, I knew that my grandmother had flown my mom to Japan in the 60s for an abortion when she was 18, after American doctors theyd consulted said she didnt look sad enough for a procedure here.

And just as Id hoped she would, my mom helped me. She offered to take me to get an intrauterine device. I said Id prefer to just have my tubes tied and be done with it, having already heard my fair share of IUD health horror stories (including hers).

And instead of telling me to just wait and see or that I would probably change my mind like so many other people have, she called around and got me into an abortion clinic, where I sat down with a counselor and earnestly explained my desire never to have children. Within a week or two, I had an outpatient tubal ligation procedure.

Looking back now, I realize it must have taken my mom a lot of searching to find a doctor willing to perform this on such a young woman with no previous children; most doctors wouldnt have, whether out of fear of being sued if I did change my mind, or because so many people still believe that all women inherently want or ought to have children.

I also know now, having had my own health care plans and understanding what elective surgery means, that when my mom said she had wrangled things out with our health plan, she meant she had in fact quietly paid for this surgery for me out of pocket.

So here I am, child-free at 40 and at the doorstep of menopause, remembering, with gratitude, this generous gift. I also remember those other voices:

You might change your mind.

Youre just not ready yet.

Your biological clock will kick in someday.

These are sentiments that have floated around me for years, before and after my tubal, not only from the popular media but from people Ive loved and trusted. And these are mythologies that surround every woman on the planet, every day: the idea that we are born and built to breed.

Womanhood is not synonymous with motherhood. For many of us, our truest selves are the selves without progeny.

We are, as an American culture at least, very much in midprocess of correcting this idea. Womanhood is not synonymous with motherhood. For many of us, our truest selves are the selves without progeny.

And when people, often women, ask me how I feel about things now, I tell them wholeheartedly that Ive never regretted my decision to amend my reproductive capacities  not once. (Ive even recommended the procedure to interested parties.) But its also important to acknowledge that if I did have regret, it would have been my own choice to regret  not anyone elses. And that kind of regret, born of agency, is still good; it would have been mine to own.

Needless to say, its since become important to me that other women know this child-free by choice option is viable from early on in our lives.

I would have been a bad mom at 20: resentful and risky and selfish. Id still be a mostly bad mom  a little more risk-averse, but covetous of my time alone, my mobility, and my ability to have sex anytime I want without period planning, birth control side effects, and potentially life-changing consequences. Ive gotten to move over 25 times in the past two decades, meet a ton of people, see and do crazy things, and go to college  a lot.

Ive been able to reallocate my energy to get really good at other things besides mothering. Not that I buy into the either-or myth of motherhood; there are many amazing women who can manage an impressive amount of autonomy, professionalism and wildness while still doing right by their children. Its just that I knew I couldnt  and I didnt want to anyway.

And its because people listened to me  my mom and the counselors and doctors at Oregons Lovejoy Surgicenter  that I was able to live the life I wanted to live.

So my takeaway here, besides the closely related vote pro-choice sentiment, is that when someone, especially a woman, says, I dont think parenthood is for me, we need to honor and respect them in the same way we would an aspiring parent. Both choices are equally natural, equally potent and equally rich with possibility.

Doctors, support women in permanent birth control when they ask for it. Friends and family, believe what women tell you about their bodies.

Then there remains just this little bonus takeaway: We should remember to enjoy, and to spoil, our nieces and nephews, at least a bit, before we give them back to their parents, who chose the hard work that parenthood entails.

Lydia Paar is an essayist and fiction writer. Her essay Erasure was of notable mention in the 2022 Best American Essays collection, and was the 2020 winner of North American Reviews Terry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction Prize. The New England Review nominated her as a finalist for its 2021 Award for Emerging Writers, and her works have been showcased in outlets such as Literary Hub, The Missouri Review, Essay Daily, Witness, Haydens Ferry Review and others. The recipient of an MFA from Washington University in St. Louis and a masters from Northern Arizona University, Paar is also a former recipient of a Frederick & Frances Sommer Fellowship and of a Millay Arts residency. She currently co-edits for the NOMADartx Review and teaches writing at the University of Arizona. Her first full-length essay collection, The Entrance Is the Exit: Essays on Escape, is forthcoming from the University of Georgia Press. She can be reached there or at www.lydiapaar.com.

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Republican Tom Emmer has dropped out of the race to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives, only hours after being nominated.

He is the third nominee to fail to secure enough support from his own party members to lead the chamber.

Mr Emmer, from Minnesota, emerged as the party's pick in a series of secret internal ballots earlier on Tuesday.

But more than 20 Republican lawmakers - and Donald Trump - said that they would not support him.

The House has been without a Speaker and has been unable to pass bills since Kevin McCarthy of California was ousted on 3 October.

Mr Emmer's decision to drop out of the race puts Republicans back at the start of a quest they have so far struggled to complete - finding a candidate that can win the support of almost all of the party's representatives.

During a meeting on Tuesday evening, Republican lawmakers nominated a new set of six candidates: Byron Donalds of Florida, Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, Mark Green also of Tennessee, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Mike Johnson of Louisiana and Roger Williams of Texas.

The sentiment among House Republicans, according to South Carolina's Ralph Norman, is that they should "stay as long as it takes" to get a new nominee.

Republicans only hold a narrow majority over Democrats in the lower chamber of Congress, so their nominee can only afford to lose a handful of votes from their own side to win.

Earlier, nominees Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio both failed to gather enough support to replace Mr McCarthy.

Now the same has happened to Mr Emmer, who won the nomination after successive rounds of voting by Republican lawmakers that whittled down eight candidates one by one.

Mr Emmer defeated Mike Johnson of Louisiana in the final round but opposition to his nomination became almost immediately apparent.

Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform shortly after to call him a "Rino" - Republican In Name Only - who "never respected the power of a Trump endorsement or the breadth and scope of Maga - Make America Great Again".

Mr Trump added that he believed it would be "a tragic mistake" for Republicans to back Mr Emmer.

Speaking to reporters following Mr Emmer's withdrawal, Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene said that she was unable to support him as a result of policy disagreements, including over a bill that provides federal recognition to same-sex marriage. Mr Emmer voted in favour of the legislation, which became law last year.

He also voted to certify the results of the 2020 election in favour of the winner, President Joe Biden, a vote that angered Mr Trump's allies.

Ms Greene said that the eventual Speaker nomination should reflect the "will of Republican voters" who "overwhelmingly support President Trump".

Mr Emmer, 62, is House Majority Whip, making him the third-most powerful Republican in the chamber.

A former college ice hockey player and coach, Mr Emmer also previously served as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, which works to help party candidates win elections across the US.

He has held his seat in Congress since 2015, and prior to that served in the Minnesota state legislature. He narrowly lost a race for governor of the state in 2010.

Representative Mike Flood of Nebraska - who previously suggested giving temporary speaker Patrick McHenry additional powers - said he would vote "yes" on that if it became an option amid the continued inability to elect a Speaker.

Mr Flood added that he believes the party "will find out tonight" who their nominee is and what the next steps would be.

Additionally, Mr Flood said that he believes differences between factions of the party would make any "unity pledge" difficult.

Several lawmakers expressed frustration with the inability to reach consensus.

Among them was Georgia's Rich McCormick, who told reporters that the process "is not helping at all".

Steve Womack of Arkansas also said that he believes the Republican conference is at "an impasse" and that it is "apparent to the American public that the GOP conference is hopelessly divided".

He said he did not want to predict when a next vote for the nominee will take place.

With additional reporting from Mike Wendling

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The Minnesota representative Tom Emmer has abandoned his bid for speaker after it became clear he had no pathway to winning the 217 votes required to claim the gavel. He abandoned his attempt hours after getting enough votes to be the GOP nominee.

Related: Who is Tom Emmer, Republicans latest candidate to be House speaker?

Emmer is the third Republican to withdraw from the speakership race after initially getting the nod from a majority of the conference. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio previously launched unsuccessful efforts.

Emmers failure to get the speakership is the latest development in a remarkably embarrassing three weeks for House Republicans that came after they ousted Kevin McCarthy as speaker.

Emmer won the nomination to be speaker shortly after noon ET on Tuesday, defeating the Louisiana congressman Mike Johnson by 117-97 in a secret ballot vote. After becoming the nominee, Republicans took a non-secret roll call vote in which 26 members said they would vote against Emmer in a floor vote, according to Punchbowl News, making his pathway to getting 217 votes virtually impossible. Republicans hold a 221-212 majority in the House, meaning that whoever is eventually elected speaker needs to get the support of almost the entire conference, assuming all Democrats vote for their leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

Johnson and Kevin Hern, the chairman of the Republican study committee and one of the eight candidates Emmer defeated on Tuesday, immediately announced they were running for speaker.

Donald Trump had publicly come out against Emmers candidacy on Tuesday afternoon.

I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors, Trump said in a statement posted on Truth Social, his social media network. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them. He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGA-MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! He fought me all the way.

Emmer abruptly left a meeting of House Republicans on Tuesday afternoon, shortly before it was announced he was ending his bid, Punchbowl reported.

Unlike many of his colleagues, Emmer voted to certify the 2020 election in Congress. When he led House Republicans campaign arm, he also reportedly advised candidates to not talk about Trump on the campaign trail  something Emmer strongly denies.
Chinas top diplomat will visit Washington, D.C. on Thursday, in the latest sign of improving communications between the superpowers after months of rising tensions.

The meeting comes three weeks ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, where President Biden and President Xi Jinping may meet.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Hamas war, the Russia-Ukraine war and a recent vessel collision in the South China Sea, the Associated Press reported.

Wangs trip to D.C. follows Blinkens visit to Beijing in June.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in meetings this week, Wang wants to clarify Chinas position on its relationship with the U.S. and its legitimate concerns.

China hopes to jointly push the bilateral relationship back to the track of sound and stable development, Mao said.

Upon Wangs arrival, its likely that American officials will urge China to be more constructive in the Middle East, the AP reported. Blinken previously spoke with Wang about the importance of deterring other parties from entering the Israel-Hamas war.

Following Blinkens visit to China over the summer, the State Department said he discussed areas of potential cooperation, along with US concerns about human rights abuses, reports of Chinese spy facilities in Cuba and Chinas unfair and nonmarket economic practices.

The Secretary raised concerns about PRC human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as individual cases of concern. He emphasized that the United States will always stand up for our values, said a readout from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The two sides underscored that the United States and China should work together to address shared transnational challenges, such as climate change, global macroeconomic stability, food security, public health, and counter-narcotics.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Biden administrations campaign to convince Americans to get an annual Covid shot is off to a very slow start.

Even so, the nations top disease-fighting official says the U.S. remains on track to hit last years uptake levels, which crested at just 17 percent of the U.S. population.

So far, 12 million people, or about 3.6 percent of the population, have gotten the shot in the five weeks since it hit pharmacy shelves  though reporting lags mean its likely a bit higher, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Mandy Cohen said.

More people, by far  16 million  have gotten their annual flu vaccine, Cohen said, attributing the difference to long-held routines.

Cohen is in the middle of a national tour promoting vaccination targeting elderly people at most risk from Covid, as well as underserved communities.

Shes also meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including House Republicans who have criticized the agency, as part of her efforts to rebuild trust in the CDC.

She spoke about her pitch in an interview with POLITICO on Tuesday.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The vaccine numbers seem really low  how do you explain them?

What I would say about that number is, just like the process, its different [now that insurers are paying for the vaccine rather than the federal government.]

We dont have the same level of visibility. When you dont purchase and distribute, you also arent getting the same real-time information about whos vaccinated. The number is really just a number that our pharmacy partners share back with us voluntarily.

Is distribution a problem?

This is the first time the private sector is doing this work. I think they've learned some lessons about distribution and demand.

After the first couple of weeks, things have really resolved so there are plenty of appointments, plenty of supply.

Is 12 million what you were expecting at this point?

I think were on track. Would I love to see more? Of course, thats my job as CDC director is to want more.

Whats the goal?

Look, I want as many people vaccinated as possible. I certainly want to make sure that we're getting to our over 65 population.

The uptake of last years booster was 17 percent. Are you on track to hit that number?

Towards that number. I'd like to see it higher. I think we all would, but I think that's a fair benchmark.

How does that compare with the flu in terms of uptake?

The flu shots have been around for a lot longer and people have sort of worked it into their routine and so the flu shot uptake is higher than what we were seeing at least with the past Covid boosters.

The Covid shot is a new formulation, so well see if that matters to folks. Its paired at the same time with the flu shot, so well see if that changes how people are thinking about it and the uptake.

I think it does take time to build these sorts of habits and that behavioral change.

Most people got the initial Covid shots. Why dont most people want this one?

I think there's a lot of folks that say I got the original ones. Aren't we done here? Or I've had Covid, aren't I protected?

I'm trying to help them understand two important facts: One is that the virus has changed. And this updated vaccine is mapped to those changes in the virus. And then the other fact is we're seeing in the data that your protection from either a previous vaccine or from having Covid before decreases over time.

People were told they were fully vaccinated with the initial shots. Was that a mistake?

You haven't heard us use that term in a while. I find it confusing.

At the time, we used 'fully vaccinated' to help folks understand they needed to complete the primary series. I think that was right. But what does fully vaccinated mean for us right now? Its getting this updated Covid vaccine.

What are you doing on tour and what are you hearing?

The visits have been to locations where we know that there are higher risk folks who need to get vaccinated. Yesterday I was out in the Philly area and I went to a nursing home. Obviously we want to get our older Americans vaccinated.

Last week I was in Miami and we went to a CVS ymas, which is a store focused on the Latino community, also another important group to make sure we're getting vaccinated.

The reception has been very good.

We're trying to get the word out and meet with the folks who are doing the hard work of vaccinating. We recognize their time and effort and that they have to keep at it.

In your meetings on the Hill, have you made any inroads with Republicans?

I think the first part of building trust is showing up and listening and so that's what I've been doing.



CORRECTION: A previous version of this report misstated the number of Americans who've gotten their annual flu vaccine.
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani has highlighted the importance of a peaceful and stable Asia Pacific, and emphasized that Pakistan is ready to collaborate with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states in achieving the goals of confidence-building and conflict prevention.

The foreign minister made the remarks on Monday during the inauguration of ASEAN Corner at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), an Islamabad-based think tank.

Jilani reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to its special relations with ASEAN member states, and stressed the need for common solutions to shared challenges, including climate change and terrorism.

He emphasized the need to avoid bloc politics and geopolitical constructs that did not align with unique geographical, historical, and cultural realities of regions spanning Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Speaking on the occasion, Sohail Mahmood, director general of ISSI, noted that Pakistan has been keen on strengthening hard and soft connectivity between the two sides, besides increasing trade and investment ties.

In this context, exploring the potential of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is of crucial importance, he added.

Launched in 2013, the CPEC, the flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, is a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation. 
A trial date has been set in Tuskegee in the Big John Williams capital murder case.

The trial is set to begin Oct. 7, 2024, about five years after the popular Lowndes County sheriff was shot and killed while disbursing a large crowd in the parking lot of a downtown Hayneville convenience store.

William Chase Johnson faces capital murder charges in the November 2019 fatal shooting of Williams. Johnson was 18 at the time. Retired Escambia County Circuit Judge Bert Rice granted defense attorneys change of venue request in June, moving the trial to Macon County.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys could not be reached for comment because there is a gag order in the case that bars participants from commenting outside court proceedings and court document filings.

Court records show that two weeks have been set aside for the trial. In a capital case there is the guilt phase, during which the jury will decide if Johnson is guilty of capital murder. If he is found guilty, the same jury will begin the penalty phase, where it will decide if Johnson faces a sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility or parole. Those are the only two options for a capital murder conviction in Alabama.

The defense successfully argued that Johnson could not get a fair trial in Lowndes County, given the nature of the case, the media attention and small population from which to draw a jury pool in Lowndes County, where Williams is held high regard. The courthouse in Hayneville was named in the slain lawmans honor, and the crime scene is across the street and can be seen from the courtroom.

During the change of venue hearing, Rice listed those factors as being key in his decision in changing venue.

Rice was appointed by the Alabama Supreme Court to preside in the case after local judges recused themselves.

Johnson has been held in the Elmore County Jail under no bond since his arrest the night of the shooting. That is standard in a capital case.

Johnson has entered a plea of not guilty due to mental disease or defect. The defense has not elaborated on what mental disease of defect Johnson may have.

Williams spent more than 40 years serving his community. He started out as a reserve deputy in 1978 under then-Sheriff John Hulett before spending three years with the Hayneville Police Department, then going back to the sheriffs office as a road deputy. He worked his way up to chief deputy and was elected sheriff in 2010.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Trial date set in 'Big John' Williams capital murder case
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two Las Vegas teens who face numerous charges, including murder, in the death of a bicyclist who was intentionally hit appeared in court Tuesday morning as a judge set their trial date.

A grand jury indicted Jesus Ayala, 18; and Jzamir Keys, 16 for an hours-long crime spree. Theyre accused of stealing at least three cars, burglarizing a home, hitting another car on the road and taking off, and striking two bicyclists in separate incidents.

New video shows Las Vegas teens first alleged intentional hit-and-run

A 72-year-old man survived the first hit-and-run. Retired California police chief Andy Probst, 64, did not survive.

Caught on camera: Its not that serious said brazen teen accused of intentional deadly hit-and-run in Las Vegas

Ayala and Keys appeared to smile at the widow and daughter of Probst in court.

They started trying to intimidate us, mad dog us, Taylor Probst said. These guys, they did not respect the court whatsoever.

The teens also appeared to communicate with each other and at times, covered their faces.

On Monday, the 8 News Now Investigators obtained additional evidence at the center of the case including body camera video from the moment after Ayala was taken into custody.

Its just a <expletive> hit and run, slap on the wrist, Ayala told a Las Vegas Metro police officer.

Taylor Probst said that she believed that the evidence would help in the prosecution of the teens.

It shows that they really have no remorse, that this is just a game to them. Like they dont they really dont care if anyone else lives or dies, she said. They dont care about themselves if they live or die.

She also said she believed that the teens parents were also to blame.

A multitude of different people failed, but I think ultimately the parents, theyre the ones who failed, she said.

Taylor and Crystal Probst said that they will continue to attend the teens court appearances to seek justice and to also put a face on a victim of the teens alleged crimes.

Crystal Probst wore her husbands Apple watch which he was wearing when he was killed. Taylor Probst and her brother had received an alert.

Keeping him close reminds me hes here with me in the courthouse, you know, to fight for him, Crystal Probst said.

Clark County Public Defender David Westbrook expressed concerns about evidence in the case obtained by the media and suggested that the Clark County District Attorneys office leaked the material. However, the evidence that was obtained is public record.

Both teens, who were minors at the time of the crash, are being tried in the adult court system. Clark County District Court Judge Jacqueline Bluth set their trial date for Sept. 16, 2024.

Taylor Probst told reporters she wants the teens to receive the death penalty. However, because they were juveniles at the time of the alleged crime spree, by law, they could not face the death penalty.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The 2021 lawsuit claims white supervisors and officers subjected Black officers to vulgar comments about Black male anatomy and a stream of racial jibes, threats and harassment.

Five Black University of Washington police officers are heading to court in a lawsuit in which they recounted over 100 incidents of rampant, pervasive discrimination and retaliation.

According to the The Seattle Times, Russell Ellis Jr., Damien Taylor, Karinn Young, Gabriel Golden and Hamani Nowlen allege discrimination by white police supervisors and officers.

Ellis is a 22-year law enforcement veteran; Taylor is a 15-year police veteran; Golden is a 10-year veteran; Nowlen is a five-year veteran; and Young is a 12-year veteran and the only Black woman involved in the 2021 lawsuit, which claims white supervisors subjected Black officers to vulgar comments about Black male anatomy and a never-ending stream of racial jibes, threats and harassment.

Trial is set to begin after five Black University of Washington police officers filed a lawsuit against the institution in 2021 alleging they were discriminated against because of their race. (Credit: Screenshot/YouTube.com/KING 5 Seattle)

Jury selection begins this week for the trial, which is set to last until December and feature over 80 witnesses, including former Black police chief John Vinson, as well as the introduction of exhibits.

While UW acknowledges the plaintiffs allegations are disturbing  if true, the institution and the accused officials have refuted the charges.

Plaintiffs allege that they heard a number of racial slurs by co-workers and other non-managers and that they were subject to other treatment which they perceive to be racially motivated, UWs lawyers wrote in a failed dismissal motion. But those whom the plaintiffs accuse of engaging in or witnessing such conduct have credibly denied these allegations under oath and will do so at trial.

The lawsuit claims the UW administration was aware of the years of allegations detailed in the 33-page complaint but did nothing.

According to the lawsuit, Young discovered a banana in front of her locker with a note that said, Heres your (expletive) lunch, you (expletive) monkey, the Times reported.

In another instance, one of the Black officers, responding to a call with a white supervisor, recalled a suspect saying he was only confronted because I am a Negro. In response, the supervisor allegedly said, Well, Ive got my own Negro with me.

Following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in May 2020, one of the plaintiffs overheard several white officers joking about the incident.

According to the lawsuit, a racist culture has persisted inside UWPD for decades and heightened when the university hired Vinson, the first Black chief, in 2009. His recruitment came after other officers filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the university alleging sexual and racial discrimination in 2008. That case went to trial in 2011 and the university prevailed.

Multiple officers and supervisors allegedly complained about Vinson recruiting too many unqualified police, which the five plaintiffs believe refers to his hiring of Black police officers, including themselves. However, a university-sponsored investigation never listed race as a motive.

The white officers eventually pushed Vinson out, with him leaving UWPD in 2019  but not before informing the administration and the institution of the departments major racism problems. Craig Wilson, the new chief, is also Black.

Seattle attorney Toby Marshall declined to discuss the lawsuit but said their clients look forward to court and hope that truth and justice will prevail.

He noted that Nowlen is the only one of the five officers still working for UWPD.

The five plaintiffs  constituting every unranked Black officer currently in the department  have experienced widespread acts of racial harassment and discrimination within the Department, including the use of the N-word and other racial slurs, racist stereotypes, physical intimidation and preferential treatment of white officers, the lawsuit read, the Times reported. UWPD has a culture of racial insults and mistreatment that UWPD management is aware of and sometimes directly involved in.

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The post Trial set to begin after five Black University of Washington police officers sue school for racism appeared first on TheGrio.
The first over-the-counter birth control pill available in the U.S. has been Food and Drug Administration-approved since July, but the militarys health insurance isnt stocking or covering it, according to a letter several senators sent to the Defense Department on Monday.

The lawmakers hope that the non-prescription pill will increase access to contraceptives for service members and their dependents.

Studies show that requiring prescriptions for contraception can be a barrier to access due to prolonged appointment wait times, difficulty scheduling time off from work, and challenges finding childcare during medical appointment times  hurdles that are exacerbated by the nature of military service, the letter reads. The prescription requirement in part contributes to the lower rate of contraception use among active duty service members compared to the national population.

Defense Department data shows that in 2018, nearly two-thirds of service members who became unintentionally pregnant were not using birth control.

Unlike many private health insurance plans, TRICARE is not subject to the Affordable Care Act. Service members and their dependents, therefore, are not entitled to copay-free contraceptives.

The Military Health System serves approximately 1.6 million women of reproductive age, including service members, retirees and their dependents, the letter reads. As part of the full spectrum of reproductive health care, contraception provides individuals control over their reproductive health and family planning. Access to contraception, as well as education about it, increases readiness and improves quality of life for our service members and their families.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a DoD spokesman, told Military Times that he could not confirm receipt of the letter, but said that, as always, we will respond to Congress appropriately.

In the wake of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, 40 percent of active duty women are stationed in a state with severely restricted access to abortions, or none at all. The Pentagon has authorized leave and reimbursements for travel expenses to go out of state, but those benefits still require approval of time off by ones chain of command.

DoD attempts to get its head around how the end of Roe affects troops

Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Maizie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., authored the letter, which was endorsed by 31 colleagues, including Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.

The letter requests that DoD respond by the end of the month with its plan to stock and cover over-the-counter birth control without a copay at its pharmacies, or otherwise provide a reason why it cant support the request.
Former President Trump appeared to confuse the leaders of Hungary and Turkey during a campaign speech Monday evening in Derry, N.H.

I was very honored  theres a man, Viktor Orban, anybody ever hear of him? Hes probably like, one of the strongest leaders anywhere in the world, he said. Hes the leader of Turkey.

Orban is the authoritarian leader of Hungary and a frequent recipient of praise from the former president. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the president of Turkey.

Trump went on to say that Orban shared a border with Russia, which neither Hungary nor Turkey do.

Trumps praise for Orban and the rising popularity for the leader in American conservative circles has drawn sharp criticism in recent years.

Orban has been hesitant to support efforts to back Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, and has cozied up to Russia in the past. He also made headlines after a controversial speech last year where he denounced so-called mixed race nations.

The authoritarian leader has championed the conservative social issues important to some Republicans, including leading crusades against woke and LGBTQ causes.

He was also a headline speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last year, and hosted his own CPAC in Budapest in May.

When Trump was indicted on federal charges for the first time earlier this year, Orban told the former president to keep fighting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump rolled out a new, multi-pronged attack on the federal election obstruction case against him in Washington, arguing hes a victim of selective prosecution by the Biden administration, that the indictment violates his free-speech rights, and that the charges in the indictment are legally unsound.

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The former presidents defense team filed a barrage of arguments on Monday night urging US District Judge Tanya Chutkan to toss out the case, building on a sweeping presidential immunity claim that they raised earlier this month.

Monday marked a major deadline. With the March 4 trial just over four months away, Chutkan had rejected Trumps request to give his team until early December to file these types of broad legal challenges to the indictment  a move that prosecutors argued was an attempt to delay the trial.

Special Counsel John Jack Smiths office already filed its opposition to Trumps immunity claim and will have two weeks to respond to his latest round of challenges. Rulings denying pretrial motions to dismiss indictments cant always be appealed right away, but Trumps lawyers have signaled theyll at least try to immediately challenge a loss on the immunity issue, and might argue to pause the entire case until thats fully litigated.

Heres what Trump is arguing:

Presidential Immunity

Trump is claiming immunity against charges for conduct that fell within the outer perimeter of his presidential duties. The US Supreme Court adopted that standard decades ago to protect current and former presidents against civil lawsuits, but hasnt addressed criminal prosecutions.

Trumps lawyers argued a robust shield was necessary to empower presidents to make decisions in office without worrying about threats of future charges from political rivals. They also said presidential prosecutions had to be tied to a US Senate conviction following impeachment and that history and tradition supported broad immunity.

Prosecutors countered that there was no support for Trumps position in the US Constitution or in Supreme Court precedents. At a minimum, they said, it should be harder, not easier, for current and former officeholders to claim criminal immunity because prosecutions are meant to protect the interests of the public, not private parties. They also rebuffed Trumps claim that actions he took after the 2020 election to try to overturn President Joe Biden s wins in various states were within his official responsibilities.

Selective Prosecution

Trump is arguing that the federal election interference case is a politically-motivated selective and vindictive prosecution intended to boost Bidens reelection campaign.

Claims of selective prosecution historically are hard to win. Prosecutors get wide discretion in deciding when to bring charges. Defendants have to show not only that other people werent prosecuted for the same conduct, but also that they were singled out for indictment for some discriminatory or unconstitutional reason.

Trumps lawyers contend that theres a long history of people contesting election results and not facing charges, and that news reports indicated Biden supported a prosecution. Prosecutors have disputed any political motive and that Biden was involved in the decision to charge.

First Amendment

Trumps lawyers raised a trio of constitutional challenges to the indictment. They argued foremost that the case represented an effort to criminalize core political speech and political advocacy protected under the First Amendment.

Impeachment Acquittal

Trumps second constitutional challenge contends that because he was acquitted by the US Senate following his impeachment by the US House, he cant be criminally prosecuted for related offenses. His lawyers argued that the Justice Department couldnt second-guess the legislative branch and that the case violates the principles of separation of powers and double jeopardy.

Due Process

Trumps third constitutional challenge argues that the case violates his due process rights. His lawyers said people throughout US history have challenged election results and never faced charges. Claiming an election is rigged is a staple of American political discourse, they wrote. Trump couldnt have been on notice that his conduct after the 2020 election was potentially criminal, they said.

Invalid Conspiracy

The other set of challenges tackled the validity of each of the four counts in the indictment. The first count charged Trump with conspiring to defraud the US by interfering with the counting of votes and certification of results. Trumps lawyers argued that the law at issue, 18 USC 371, requires showing deceit or trickery, and that applying it to their clients political advocacy would open the door to criminalizing vast swaths of the citizenry.

Obstruction Law

Two counts accuse Trump of corruptly obstructing an official proceeding  Congress certification of the 2020 results  and conspiring to commit obstruction. Trumps lawyers argued that urging other government officials to take certain actions didnt obstruct or impede their duties and that prosecutors hadnt offered evidence Trump acted corruptly.

Congress adopted the law at issue, 18 USC 1512(c)(2), in 2002 following the collapse of energy-trading giant Enron Corp. and efforts by the companys auditor to destroy documents during the governments investigation. More recently, federal prosecutors have used the offense in hundreds of cases against Trump supporters charged in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

Federal judges in Washington, including Chutkan, have rejected challenges to the obstruction offense in the Jan. 6 cases. A federal appeals court twice has sided with prosecutors arguing for a broader range of conduct that can be covered by the law.

Civil Rights

The final count accuses Trump of conspiring against the right to vote. His lawyers argued that he couldnt violate that law, 18 USC 241, by exercising his own rights to contest the election and speak about matters of public concern. They also argued that because the offense requires a showing that Trump acted to achieve a governmental purpose, it conflicts with prosecutors contention that his conduct fell outside his presidential duties, so he isnt entitled to executive immunity.

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In a fiery cross-examination Tuesday, Trump 's lawyer repeatedly attacked Michael Cohen as a "liar."

"You're not on your podcast," the lawyer, Alina Habba, snapped at Cohen at one point.

Earlier Tuesday, Cohen alleged that Trump directly ordered that his net-worth numbers be fudged.

Star witness Michael Cohen kept his cool on the stand at Donald Trump's New York fraud trial Tuesday, despite an aggressive, and at times procedurally odd, cross-examination by a defense lawyer who repeatedly interrupted his answers and called him a liar.

"Mr. Cohen, here's how it's gonna work," the lawyer, Alina Habba, told Cohen at one point, her voice striking a scolding tone as she cut into the testimony by the former Trump Organization insider.

"You're not on 'Mea Culpa,'" Habba continued, naming Cohen's podcast, which routinely targets Trump with vitriol. "You're not on your podcast," she added.

Trump, who was attending the trial, watched from the defense table as the judge presiding over the trial, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, quickly interrupted Habba.

"No speeches," Engoron warned, noting that as a lawyer, Habba must ask questions, not make statements.

Habba responded with another statement. "No speeches. That goes both ways," she said, though it was unclear if she was agreeing with the judge, or deflecting his directive onto Cohen, or both.

Habba is expected to continue her cross-examination of Cohen on Wednesday morning. She got in only a half hour of cross before court ended for the day.

But in that half hour, she called Cohen a liar and perjuror in multiple questions  "so you have lied under oath numerous times, Mr. Cohen?" was a typical query, as was "So you lied?"

The attack on Cohen's credibility  called "impeaching" a witness in legal parlance  was not surprising.

Cohen is one the former president's most legally dangerous opponents, given his key role in both the ongoing Manhattan fraud trial and a felony "hush-money" case scheduled for March in a courthouse just a block away.

But Cohen is vulnerable to perjury accusations.

In flipping against Trump, his former client and employer, five years ago, Cohen admitted he lied to Congress about the then-president's plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 election. Cohen has since further admitted that he lied to a federal judge when he pleaded guilty in 2019 to federal tax evasion charges.

But at one point, Habba dragged Cohen's wife into the cross examination.

"Did you ever tell your wife that you were committing perjury?" in the 2019 tax plea, Habba asked Cohen.

Over the next minute, a figurative game of courtroom musical chairs ensued, with Cohen behaving like a lawyer instead of a witness, Habba behaving like a judge instead of a lawyer, and the real judge struggling to keep order.

"Objection!" Cohen, a former lawyer with a revoked law license, answered Habba's "did you ever tell your wife" question.

"No, you don't get to object." Habba told him, noting correctly that only lawyers can do that, but acting like a judge in saying so.

At that point, the attorney general's lawyers objected to the objection, and lead defense lawyer Christopher Kise rushed to Habba's defense.

"He is a serial liar," Kise said of Cohen. "And if he lied to his wife, that is relevant to impeachment."

Assistant Attorney General Colleen Faherty, who had just finished a direct examination of Cohen, protested that "the question is improper."

"I think it falls under spousal privilege," the judge wondered aloud of Habba's "wife" question.

"I apologize," Habba said, before turning back to Cohen and adding, "But clearly, I hit a trigger with you."

The question was eventually allowed, and Cohen answered yes, he did tell his wife that in pleading guilty to tax evasion in 2019, he had committed an act of perjury.

On his way out of court for the day, Trump paused before the hallway news cameras and called Cohen a "disgraced felon."

Cohen's testimony is scheduled to continue Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Trump on Tuesday blasted House Majority Leader Tom Emmer as a "globalist RINO," warning that electing him speaker of the House "would be a tragic mistake."

Emmer won the Republican nomination to be the next speaker of the House on Tuesday. Emmer is the third nominee since the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this month.

MEET TOM EMMER, THE GOP MAJORITY WHIP AND NOMINEE FOR HOUSE SPEAKER

But even as he secured the majority of votes in the House Republican Conference meeting Tuesday, Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner, slammed his nomination, and urged Republicans not to vote for him on the House floor.

Rep. Tom Emmer, left, and Donald Trump

"I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors," Trump posted on his Truth Social Tuesday.

Trump endorsed Jordan, R-Ohio, to serve as speaker of the House earlier this month.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them," Trump said. "He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Former President Donald Trump, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, speaks to supporters at a campaign event in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on Oct. 9, 2023.

A "RINO" stands for "Republican In Name Only."

Trump said Emmer "fought me all the way, and actually spent more time defending Ilhan Omar, than he did me."

"He is totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters," Trump said. "I believe he has now learned his lesson, because he is saying that he is Pro-Trump all the way, but who can ever be sure? Has he only changed because thats what it takes to win?"

WHY JORDAN COULDN'T GRAB THE SPEAKER GAVEL AFTER THREE FAILED BALLOTS

Trump warned that the Republican Party "cannot take that chance, because thats not where the America First Voters are."

"Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!" Trump posted.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., left, and Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, address an Election Night party at The Westin Washington hotel in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Trump's comments come as Emmer's team has been seeking to portray the majority whip as in-line with Trump. Reports say Emmer keeps an autographed photo of himself with the former president in his office.

Emmer reportedly spoke to Trump over the phone this weekend, as he announced his bid for speaker, but so did several of his opponents.

Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee

Emmer had led voting Tuesday morning amid multiple votes within the House GOP conference on secret ballots to determine who would be their nominee to pick up the gavel. On the fifth vote, Emmer secured a majority and became the nominee.

Emmer is only able to afford four defections from fellow Republicans when the vote eventually goes to the House floor.

Emmer is the third nominee chosen by the House Republican Conference since McCarthy, R-Calif., was historically voted out of his role.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., on Oct. 3, led a motion to vacate. All House Democrats and eight House Republicans, led by Gaetz, voted to remove McCarthy as speaker a first in U.S. history.

Since then, House Republicans tried to elect Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Jordan, but neither were able to secure votes on the House floor, facing significant Republican opposition.

House Republicans also sought to empower Speaker Pro-tempore Patrick McHenry last week, but the effort also failed.

This is the second-longest period the House has ever gone without a speaker. It lacked a speaker for two months in late 1855 and early 1856.





Original article source: Trump blasts Emmer as 'globalist RINO,' warns Republicans it would be 'tragic mistake' to elect him speaker
Anthony Pratt, one of Australias richest men, has repeatedly said that former President Donald Trump shared sensitive information with him, including discussions of Trump's calls with the leaders of Ukraine and Iraq, according to The New York Times and "60 Minutes Australia."

Pratt is listed as a potential witness against Trump in the felony case brought by special counsel Jack Smith relating to Trump's mishandling of classified information. Pratt's testimony could potentially expose the former president to further legal risks, including additional charges under the Espionage Act, legal experts say.

Pratt reportedly has a fortune measured in the billions, largely built on the paper and packaging industry. He spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on memberships at Trumps private Mar-a-Lago resort after Trump became president, which led to a friendship between the two and reported conversations in which the former president allegedly shared sensitive or classified information with Pratt.

In one recording that was made public Sunday by the Times, Pratt recalled a conversation with Trump from 2019 in which the then-president told him about recently ordering an airstrike against Iranian-linked militants in Iraq.

"It hadn't even been on the news yet and he said, 'So I just bombed Iraq today," Pratt said.

In a different conversation with Pratt, Trump discussed his now-notorious phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which helped lead to Trumps first impeachment.

In that call, Trump urged Zelenskyy to help him win the 2020 election by investigating Joe and Hunter Biden for unsubstantiated claims of corrupt business dealings in Ukraine.

That was nothing compared to what I usually do, Trump told Pratt, according to the tape. Thats nothing compared to what we usually talk about.

Trumps pattern of sharing sensitive government information with Pratt could create additional legal jeopardy in the form of more Espionage Act charges similar to those already filed relating to his retention of classified documents after leaving the White House, said Javed Ali, a former senior counterterrorism official at the Department of Homeland Security, in an interview with Salon.

Under the Espionage Act, Ali said, "the willful transmission of national security information to unauthorized persons" could provide a basis for such charges, "although the burden of proof would fall upon the prosecution to prove that President Trump did so with Pratt beyond a reasonable doubt."

Its unclear whether prosecutors had already obtained the tapes that were disclosed to the public on Sunday, but the new recordings offer Pratts private thoughts about Trumps behavior and his reasons for forming a close relationship with the ex-president.

In one recorded conversation, Pratt explained that he had cozied up to Trump and his allies because they were like the mafia, adding, You want to be a customer, not a competitor.

Trump "knows exactly what to say and what not to say so that he avoids jail, Pratt said, "but gets so close to it that it looks to everyone like hes breaking the law. Like, he wont go up to someone and say, I want you to kill someone. Hell say, hell send someone to tell someone to kill someone.

If Trump indeed shared classified information regarding key U.S. national security priorities with Pratt  a foreign national who was clearly not authorized to receive such information  that leads to compounded security risks, Ali explained.

The potential risk to national security in cases like this is how then that information is passed to other individuals who similarly were not authorized to receive such," he said, along with whether "there is any compromise to intelligence sources and methods or whether U.S. policy becomes affected as a result of those unauthorized disclosures.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Trump has already been indicted for unlawfully mishandling and retaining classified materials, as former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani observed. Whether or not Trump provided that classified information to a third party is not directly relevant to those charges, Rahmani added, but certainly does not help the former president's defense.

In response to the Times report about Pratt, Trump took to his social media outlet, Truth Social, to lash out at the newspaper. He said that he and Pratt had spoken about creating jobs in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but also appeared to insult the Australian billionaire as a "weirdo" and claim the story was politically motivated.

The Failing New York Times story, leaked by Deranged Jack Smith and the Biden Political Opponent Abuser DOJ, about a red haired weirdo from Australia, named Anthony Pratt, is Fake News, Trump posted.

Trump and Pratt certainly appeared to enjoy a friendly relationship during the former's time in office. In 2019, Trump helped open a new Pratt Industries plant in Ohio, where he referred to Pratt as a friend and described him as one of the most successful men in the world, The Guardian reported.

"Pratts testimony will be powerful for jurors hearing the case," Rahmani said. "The Department of Justice will argue that these laws exist for a reason, and that Trump compromised American security interests and that of our allies. Pratts testimony will also be important at sentencing if Trump is convicted. Prosecutors will argue that Trump should receive prison time because of his flagrant disregard of the law."
In the weeks following Hamas' attacks in Israel and Israel's military response in Gaza, college students have launched protests on campuses across the United States. Some efforts, like the student group letter at Harvard University that held Israel "entirely responsible" for Hamas' siege, have drawn a huge backlash. Harvard has seen major donors withdrawing their financial support and executive board members stepping down over the protests.

Three Republican presidential candidates have not only expressed their opposition to the protests but have also voiced their desire to see certain protesters punished.

"As president, if you're on a student visa and you're a foreigner and you're out there celebrating terrorism, I'm canceling your visa and I'm sending you home," said Ron DeSantis at a campaign event last week. "We will revoke the student visas of radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners at our colleges and universities," promised former President Donald Trump. "We will send them straight back home." Sen. Tim Scott (RS.C.), likewise, said that "foreign national students on visas who are protesting against our ally Israel should be sent back to their country." (The DeSantis, Trump, and Scott campaigns did not respond to Reason's requests for comment by press time.)

The call isn't just limited to the 2024 GOP presidential candidates. Nineteen Republican House members have urged Biden administration officials to deport "foreign students who are in the U.S. on temporary visas and have expressed support for Hamas," according to Fox News. "They note that students on student visas can be disqualified under the Immigration and Nationality Act from being eligible for a visa if they endorse or espouse terror activity."

Hamas has committed grave atrocities against Israelis, and some stateside anti-Israel protesters have voiced truly objectionable and troubling views at demonstrations. But these protesters are still entitled to their First Amendment rights, and the candidates' proposal raises serious concerns about free speech and noncitizen civil liberties.

"If we want to protect free speech, we have to protect both the speech and the speaker," says Michael Kagan, a law professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic. "The problem for immigrants is that we do protect the speech, but we leave the speaker vulnerable."

Kagan, an expert on the intersection of immigration law and free speech, notes that certain immigrants may be punished for their speech. Reno v. AADC (1999) "basically found that it would be extremely difficult for an immigrant to raise a selective prosecution defense against deportation," he notes. "Undocumented immigrants are always vulnerable to being deported, but the key question is, will they be targeted by the government for deportation?" Selective prosecution could defend them if they can show that the government is trying to deport them only on the grounds of their political speech, but Reno "makes that a very difficult defense to raise."

The Supreme Court "has at least twice said that the First Amendment applies to non-citizens in the country," Kagan wrote in a 2015 article for the California Law Review, but "no Supreme Court case has squarely reached the question of whether free speech rights apply to immigrants that entered unlawfully." The situation might not be clear-cut for foreign student protesters either. Kagan argues that foreign students who are here legally may still be vulnerable on the grounds of their speech: They often need their visas to be renewed, which means "there's a lot more discretion involved in when [their visas] could be canceled."

The GOP candidates haven't narrowly defined who they favor sending home. They haven't specified who, exactly, qualifies as people who are "celebrating terrorism" or are "radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners," the people DeSantis and Trump singled out last week. Scott favors booting an ostensibly broader categorystudent visa holders who are "protesting against our ally Israel." This would seem to include more than just the extreme end of anti-Israel protesters and more than the people explicitly calling for violence. It would be deeply problematic for a U.S. president to have the power to kick out foreigners on such subjective groundsa power that Republicans would no doubt oppose if wielded by Democrats.

What's more, "the Supreme Court has set forth very narrow exceptions to the First Amendment," says Joe Cohn, legislative and policy director at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "For example, incitement to commit imminent acts of violence has been defined in Brandenburg v. Ohio and more recently refined in Counterman this last term. Simply expressing approval of violence is not the same as incitement."*

"People who are here lawfully, regardless of whether or not they are citizens, are here on student visas, or have permanent residencethey all enjoy the same First Amendment rights," Cohn continues. "It's good that elected officials and candidates for office are actively thinking about how to protectstudents from antisemitism, but they have to use strategies that are constitutional to accomplish that important goal. Unfortunately, these proposals would not survive First Amendment scrutiny."

This isn't the only way candidates have proposed targeting immigrants and other noncitizens on ideological grounds. If elected, Trump says he would "implement strong ideological screening for all immigrants" and "aggressively deport resident aliens with jihadist sympathies." He also says that foreigners who don't believe in Israel's right to exist wouldn't be allowed to enter the country.

There are obvious civil liberties problems with the candidates' call to revoke the visas of foreign student protestersbut they're doubly disappointing since they illustrate an unwillingness to encounter contentious ideas. "The statements I've seen from these candidates are not talking about someone who's actually giving material support to terrorists, they're just expressing an opinion that they disagree with," says Kagan.

"The usual American response to that is supposed to be, 'Then explain why you disagree,'" he continues. "To throw them out of the country is essentially to repress and silence people and to send the message to others, 'Don't speak. Don't raise your voice.'"

*CORRECTION: Joe Cohn's quote has been corrected to reflect his reference to Counterman v. Colorado.

The post Trump, DeSantis, and Scott Want To Kick Out Foreign Students Who Protest Israel appeared first on Reason.com.
Israel-Hamas War: Russian-Speaking Jewish Christians Rush Aid to War Victims

Local evangelical churches distribute groceries, hot meals to hundreds of traumatized Israeli families

Partnering with Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org ), members of local Russian-speaking evangelical churches in Israel are distributing free groceries and serving hundreds of hot meals daily to overwhelmed Israelis.

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)

Oct. 23, 2023

LOVES PARK, Ill., Oct. 23, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Jewish Christians in Israel, including Russian-speaking immigrants whove fled the war in Ukraine, are delivering aid to traumatized Israeli families, even as rockets continue to rain down.

Hamas continues to fire rockets at the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon, where many frightened families are huddled in bomb shelters.

Partnering with Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org), members of local Russian-speaking evangelical churches in Israel are distributing free groceries and serving hundreds of hot meals daily to overwhelmed Israelis.

They began providing aid within hours of the first wave of attacks on Israeli cities.

Ukrainian Refugees Turn Relief Workers

According to Eric Mock, the organizations senior vice president of operations, local church relief teams include Christians who fled the conflict in Ukraine, only to find themselves suddenly thrust into another war zone.

These churches are ministering to hundreds of families in Israel living in fear right now, Mock said. One pastor and a church member moved all the women and children in their church to a safe area and then returned to the frontline to help those who had nowhere to go.

People are hunkered down in their homes and bomb shelters in fear and shock . . . in dire need of food and comfort, said a local SGA-supported missionary pastor whose church is feeding up to 250 people every day. We talk to many about the need to pray and trust God.

Hope For Grief-Stricken

Amid all the terrible bloodshed and suffering, local churches in Israel have a message of hope for those who are overwhelmed, grief-stricken, and traumatized, said SGA president Michael Johnson, a regular visitor to the region.

Theyre showing their neighbors that God has not forgotten them, especially in this dark hour, and theyre sharing the Gospel with them, Johnson said.

For decades, SGA has supported local evangelical churches in Israel started by Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union. These churches -- located mostly in poor neighborhoods -- run ministries to the homeless and addicts, as well as summer Bible camps for children.

One local pastor, who cannot be named for security reasons, said, We know that everything is in the hands of God. The whole country is in shock. We need prayers and support more than ever before.

Founded in 1934, Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) helps forgotten orphans, widows and families in Ukraine, Russia, the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Russian-speaking immigrants in Israel  caring for their physical needs and sharing the life-transforming Gospel. SGA supports an extensive grassroots network of local evangelical missionary pastors and churches in cities and rural villages across this vast region.

SOURCE Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)

CONTACT: Nicole Ponder, 321-586-2332, nponder@inchristcommunications.com
Trump distances himself from Jan. 6 in asking court to toss vindictive case

Former President Trumps legal team is asking a judge to toss his prosecution in his federal election interference case, arguing that its a vindictive prosecution that violates his free speech while seeking to distance Trump from the attack on the Capitol.

In a series of late Monday motions filed minutes before a midnight deadline, Trumps attorneys echo many of his oft-repeated lines from the campaign trial, arguing he was simply raising questions about the 2020 election and shouldnt be held responsible for the storming of the building.

Because the Government has not charged President Trump with responsibility for the actions at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, allegations related to these actions are not relevant and are prejudicial and inflammatory. Therefore, the Court should strike these allegations from the Indictment, his attorneys wrote in a motion to strike inflammatory allegations from Trumps indictment.

Special counsel Jack Smith acknowledged in his four-count indictment that Trump could lawfully challenge his electoral loss, but his office contends that Trump illegally sought to block the transfer of power by relying on fraudulent claims and by illegally conspiring to block the official counting of electoral votes by Congress.

Top Stories from The Hill

Trumps motions, including those to drop the case, are fairly common moves by defendants facing criminal prosecution and are routinely rejected. Trump already has one pending motion to dismiss the charges arguing he is immune from prosecution given his status as a former president  a challenge the Justice Department decries as turning limited immunity for sitting presidents on its head.

Still, many of the motions bring weighty constitutional questions to the case, including the limits of Trumps First Amendment rights.

In that argument, Trumps legal team rehashes the former presidents baseless claims the election was stolen.

The fact that the indictment alleges that the speech at issue was supposedly, according to the prosecution, false makes no difference, the defense wrote. Under the First Amendment, each individual American participating in a free marketplace of ideas  not the federal Government  decides for him or herself what is true and false on great disputed social and political questions.

Former President Donald Trump speaks in New York City on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, outside the New York Supreme Court room where the civil fraud trial is underway that imperils his real estate empire. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

The same motion said prosecutors have failed to show Trump intended to deceive the public with such rhetoric.

President Trumps opinion on the subject was just that  an opinion formed based on his view of the available information. Virtually every American, including the cited public officials, had similar access to much of this same information, including a mountain of publicly reported facts and opinions, which were the subject of wall-to-wall media coverage throughout the post-election period and beyond, they wrote.

Each official thus had every opportunity to form his or her own conclusions, just like President Trump.

Its a detail prosecutors will have to address at trial in order demonstrate Trumps intent.

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In another expected motion to dismiss the case due to selective prosecution, Trumps team hangs its argument on the appointment of Smith himself, as well as President Bidens pledge to ensure Trump would not be president again.

His attorneys cast Smiths selection due to the election as part of a flawed effort to insulate Biden and his supporters from scrutiny of their obvious and illegal bias, and Bidens campaign pledge as a direct effort to incapacitate a political rival.

In another argument, Trumps team rehashes claims he cannot be prosecuted as he was acquitted by the Senate following an impeachment trial.

Prosecutors have noted, however, that Trump attorneys at the time argued the opposite ahead of the Senate impeachment trial, saying such matters could be handled by the court system.

In a separate legal filing, Trumps team also hammered back at a motion from the Justice Department asking the judge to force him to formally declare he will use an advice of counsel defense  arguing that a delay in doing so could kick back the case.

These demands place an unacceptable burden on President Trump to foreshadow a possible formal defense, they wrote.

Trump is slated to face trial in March in connection with the case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has become one of the most vocal critics of the former US president (SPENCER PLATT)

Donald Trump arrived at his New York civil fraud trial Tuesday blasting his former right-hand man Michael Cohen as a "liar," ahead of testimony by the disgraced lawyer that could expose his old boss's intimate business secrets.

Cohen has become one of the former US president's -- and leading Republican 2024 candidate's -- most vocal critics. He delivered searing testimony to Congress while Trump was still president and his appearance now as a witness in the New York trial, delayed last week for health reasons, is hotly anticipated.

Having served Trump as his lawyer and general fixer for years, Cohen has been privy to many of the scandal-embroiled populist's private and business dealings.

Ahead of their possible courtroom confrontation, Trump amped up the feud, telling reporters: "He's a liar. He's trying to get a better deal for himself but it's not going to work."

"We did nothing wrong," Trump added.

Trump is not required to attend the proceedings, but he has shown up sporadically, using his appearances to portray himself as the victim of a supposed Democratic Party plot to interfere with his 2024 presidential campaign.

The 77-year-old and his two eldest sons are accused of vastly -- and fraudulently -- inflating the value of the Trump Organization's real estate assets to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms.

The former president does not risk going to jail in the fraud trial, but New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, is seeking $250 million in penalties and the removal of Trump and his sons from management of the family empire.

Cohen, once known as Trump's "Pitbull," has been taunting the former president on social media ahead of his testimony.

He said Monday he "will continue to speak truth to power... no matter Donald's continued smear and harassment campaign against me."

On Tuesday, as he left a hotel apparently heading for the courthouse, Cohen insisted his credibility was intact and "I'm looking forward to the reunion" in court.

It was Cohen's testimony before Congress in 2019 that sparked the investigation by New York authorities into whether Trump artificially inflated his net worth.

- Trump ally pleads guilty -

Cohen is also expected to be a star witness in a separate criminal case facing the former president in New York for allegedly paying election-eve hush money to a pornographic actress.

Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with the payment. He has pleaded not guilty.

Cohen was sentenced in 2018 to three years in prison for crimes including the hush-money case and tax evasion, but was released after a little over a year and served the remainder of his sentence in home confinement.

Trump's defense lawyers are expected to attack Cohen's credibility during his testimony in the civil fraud trial by bringing up his criminal record.

Earlier this month, Trump withdrew a lawsuit he filed against Cohen in April seeking $500 million for alleged breach of attorney-client privilege and a confidentiality agreement.

No reason was given for Trump dropping the suit, but Cohen, 57, noted that it came just days before the former president was scheduled to sit for a deposition.

The civil fraud and hush money cases are only two of the multitude of legal battles facing Trump as he seeks to recapture the White House.

He is to go on trial in Washington in March for conspiring to overturn results of the 2020 election and in Florida in May on charges of mishandling secret government documents.

Trump also faces racketeering charges in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to upend the election results in the southern state after his 2020 defeat.

Compounding his legal woes, a third former Trump lawyer who worked on the Trump 2020 campaign pleaded guilty in the Georgia case.

Jenna Ellis struck a deal Tuesday with prosecutors, and in a tearful statement before Judge Scott McAfee, she expressed regret for her actions following Trump's election loss to Joe Biden.

"I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse," she told the court, after pleading guilty to a charge relating to false claims of voter fraud that were made to the Georgia state Senate.

"If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges," she said.

arb-cl/mlm/sms
Just ahead of his campaign rally in New Hampshire, former president Donald Trump falsely claimed that he was never indicted in response to a question about his former attorney Sidney Powell .

Asked by a reporter if he was concerned that his recent assertion that Powell was never his lawyer (despite him previously saying she was) means that his communication with her would not be protected under attorney-client privilege, Trump, who has been indicted four times, falsely stated that he was actually "never indicted."

"We did nothing wrong, Trump asserted. This is all Biden. Indictments, impeachments  this is all about Biden. ... I was never indicted. You practically never heard the word. It wasn't a word that registered.

At the rally itself, HuffPost reports, the former president put forth a host of strange statements, one of which involved him encouraging supporters to watch other voters but advising them not to worry about voting themselves. In another instance, Trump proclaimed that "U.S." and "us" are spelled the same and noted that he "just picked that up" before lamenting how the media doesn't acknowledge his "genius" remarks. "Has anyone ever thought of that before? he asked the audience. Couple of days, Im reading, and it said us. and I said, you know, when you think about it, us equals U.S. Now if we say something genius, they will never say it.

Later in the event, Trump appeared to confuse Hungary's authoritarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, with Turkey's authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while exalting the former as "one of the strongest leaders anywhere in the world. He also vowed to prevent immigrants who "don't like our religion" from entering the United States, despite the First Amendment establishing that the country has no state religion. In another remark, the former president likened himself to Nelson Mandela to justify his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.

"I don't mind being Nelson Mandela because Im doing it for a reason."
Former United States President Donald Trump late Monday filed multiple challenges to his 2020 election subversion case. File Pool Photo by Shawn Thew/UPIFile Pool Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Former President Donald Trump filed a challenge to federal charges alleging he tried to subvert the 2020 presidential election results.

In three motions filed just before midnight Monday, Trump's attorneys argued that his actions were protected by the First Amendment, that he can't be tried criminally after he was acquitted in his Senate impeachment trial and that he is being targeted by President Joe Biden 's administration.

Trump's lawyers argued the indictment "does not explain" how his actions were connected to the charges he faces for conspiring to obstruct the election certification process, conspiring to deprive Americans of a fair voting process and conspiring to defraud government officials overseeing the election.

"Because the government has not charged Trump with responsibility for the actions at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, allegations related to these actions are not relevant and are prejudicial and inflammatory," Trump's legal team wrote.

Attorneys for Trump provided the example that his efforts to submit an alternative slate of presidential electors could not be proven as an act of deceit or trickery.

They also have argued that Trump's actions were protected by the First Amendment and that convicting him would criminalize acts such as lobbying or protest.

"Therefore, the court should strike these allegations from the Indictment. The indictment must be dismissed because it seeks to criminalize core political speech and advocacy that lies at the heart of the First Amendment," Trump's lawyers wrote.

Trump also argues double jeopardy, saying the U.S. Senate had already acquitted him in an impeachment trial shortly after leaving office and he cannot be tried again for the same or related charges.

The Constitution says a president who is impeached and removed from office can later by charged by "Indictment, Trial, Judgement and Punishment."

Trump's lawyers, however, argue that the wording "presupposes that a president who is not convicted may not be subject to criminal prosecution."

"The Constitution's plain text, structural principles of separation of powers, our history and tradition and principles of Double Jeopardy bar the Executive Branch from seeking to re-charge and re-try a president who has already been impeached and acquitted in a trial before the U.S. Senate," they said.

The filings come in addition to an earlier challenge, which claimed Trump was immune from prosecution since he was serving as president at the time the alleged crimes took place.
Donald Trump was accused of arbitrarily inflating the value of his assets to secure favourable insurance premiums as Michael Cohen testified in his former bosss civil fraud case.

During his much-anticipated court appearance, Mr Trumps former lawyer and fixer said he was instructed to reverse engineer the value of the Trump Organisations holdings to reach whatever number Mr Trump told us.

Mr Cohen, 57, who cut ties with the former president five years ago, is a key witness in the $250 million case that alleges Mr Trump inflated the value of his family companies properties by up to $2.2 billion.

Once one of Mr Trumps most loyal allies, Mr Cohen has become a thorn in the Republican frontrunners side as he began cooperating with prosecutors.

Tuesdays hearing at New York State Supreme Court was the first time the two friends-turned-foes had seen each other in five years.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Mr Cohen said it had been a heck of a reunion.

A court sketch of Michael Cohen giving evidence against his former boss on Tuesday - REUTERS

Ahead of the session, the two men chided one another as they arrived at the court, with Mr Cohen saying the trial was about accountability rather than about Donald Trump versus Michael Cohen or Michael Cohen versus Donald Trump.

The former president, 77, branded Mr Cohen a proven liar and a felon, adding: We did nothing wrong and thats the truth.

During the hearing, Cohen said Mr Trump instructed him and former Trump Organisation CFO Allen Weisselberg to reverse-engineer the values of many of his companys holdings so financial statements would show the assets had extremely high values with low liabilities in order to secure better insurance premiums.

The value of the companys holdings would reflect whatever number Mr Trump told us, Cohen said.

He said when the two men would present Mr Trump with his financial statements, he would look at the total assets and say Im actually not worth $4.5 billion. I am really worth more like $6 billion.

He would ask Allen and I to go back to the office and return with the desired goal, Cohen said.

Cohen said he and Mr Weisselberg would mark up line items in Mr Trumps financial statements by hand using red ink after he told them the numbers were too low.

Mr Weisselberg previously testified at the trial, claiming he does not remember having any meetings with Cohen and Mr Trump to discuss Mr Trumps net worth or financial statements.

Donald Trump said he was not worried at all about Cohens testimony - BLOOMBERG

On Tuesday Cohen also pointed the finger at Mr Trump, saying he himself committed a crime at the behest of his former boss.

Recounting his criminal convictions, Cohen said he pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation and lying to Congress during a separate probe of Mr Trumps business dealings with Russia.

I did that at the direction of, in concert with and for the benefit of Donald Trump, Cohen said.

Mr Trumps lawyer Alina Habba and Cohen had a terse exchange during the cross-examination.

Grilling Cohen on his past misdemeanours, Ms Habba asked whether he had ever told his wife he was committing tax evasion, provoking an outburst from Cohen.

Chris Kise, another lawyer for Mr Trump, called Cohen a serial liar and told the judge: This witness is completely out of control.

Mr Trump told reporters he would return to court on Wednesday.

The former president leaned back in his chair with his arms folded and intently watched Cohen on the stand, occasionally whispering to his lawyers.

He later told journalists he was not worried at all about Cohens testimony.

During a break Mr Trump shared excerpts of interviews Cohen had previously given about his former boss in which he described him as a patriarch, mentor and claimed he was fiercely loyal to him and committed to protecting him at all costs.

Cohen, who once said he would take a bullet for Trump, began a three-year prison sentence in 2019 but was released to home confinement the following year during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Cohens testimony during a 2019 Congressional probe of Trumps finances was the impetus for Letitia James lawsuit.

Mr Trump has denied wrongdoing and defended the valuations of his properties, saying the case is a fraud and a political witch hunt.

Last week Justice Arthur Engoron, the judge overseeing the case, fined Mr Trump $5,000 and threatened him with prison for violating a gag order.

In September Mr Engoron found Mr Trump had fraudulently inflated his net worth and ordered the dissolution of companies that control crown jewels of his real estate portfolio, including Trump Tower in Manhattan. That ruling is on hold while Trump appeals.

Ms James is seeking $250 million in fines, a permanent ban against Mr Trump and his sons Donald Jr and Eric from running businesses in New York and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Mr Trump and the Trump Organisation.

09:20 PM BST

We conclude our coverage

The prosecution has wrapped up examination of Michael Cohen. Mr Trumps lawyer, Alina Habba, is about to start her questioning.

It is at this stage where we will conclude our live coverage - thank you for following.

08:38 PM BST

'Gang of four' gave insurance firms inflated statements

Cohen talked about a gang of four Trump employees who were tasked with dealing with insurance and risk projection.

The four consisted of Cohen and Trump Organisation executives Matt Calamari, Ron Lieberman and Allen Weisselber.

The group would give insurance companies inflated financial statements, Cohen said.

08:36 PM BST

Court sketch: Cohen looks at Trump as he takes the stand

Michael Cohen looks towards former U.S. President Donald Trump as he is questioned by a lawyer for the attorney general's offic

08:26 PM BST

Cohen gives examples of sharing inflated assets

Cohen told the court that when Trump wanted to buy NFL team the Buffalo Bills, they used a financial statement with inflated assets to show his ability to purchase the team.

Trumps bid for the Bills was unsuccessful.

Cohen also said he showed a journalist writing a feature on Trumps net worth for New York real estate magazine The Real Deal in 2013 a statement with an inflated net worth.



07:48 PM BST

'Im really worth more like $6bn'

After resuming his testimony, Cohen said Trump directed him and Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, to greatly inflate his assets.

Cohen said when they showed Trump his financial statements, the former president would look at the total assets and say Im actually not worth 4.5 billion. I am really worth more like $6 billion.

He would ask Allen and I to go back to the office and return with the desired goal, Cohen said.

07:23 PM BST

Court back in session

The court is back in session - Donald Trump has returned to the defence table.

Prosecution questioning of Michael Cohen will resume in due course.

07:22 PM BST

Pictured: Michael Cohen arriving in court earlier

Cohen arriving at court - REUTERS

06:39 PM BST

Trump claims court failed to mention covid outbreak

06:07 PM BST

Trump: Cohen is 'not a credible witness'

After the court broke for lunch, Trump told reporters outside the courtroom Cohens record is horrible and is not a credible witness.

He said he was not concerned about his former colleagues testimony and said it would not end up very good for him.

Judge Engoron told Cohen not to speak to reporters in the hallway.

05:57 PM BST

Trump shares Cohen's praise for his former boss

Ahead of Cohen taking to the stand, Trump posted snippets of praise his former friend had said about him on Truth Social.

05:44 PM BST

Cohen starts blaming Trump within minutes

Trump is folding his arms as he stares down his former close ally and confidant in court.

Cohen was asked about the various crimes he pleaded guilty to in federal court in 2018.

He said one of the charges - lying about Trumps efforts to land a property in Russia - was at the direction and benefit of Mr. Trump.

Asked if he ever made public comments about his conviction, the outspoken Cohen replied, More than once.

05:25 PM BST

Cohen called to the witness stand

Cohen made no eye contact with Trump, whos sitting with his arms crossed, as he approached the stand.

The last time the two men saw each other was five years ago, when Mr Trump was US president and Cohen was his fixer.

05:16 PM BST

All the charges Donald Trump faces

Struggling to keep up with all the charges Trump is facing?

Since leaving office, Mr Trump has been embroiled in a number of cases, both criminal and civil. Several of them will reach the courts next year as he campaigns to return to the White House in 2024.

In addition to claims that he tried to alter the election result, he faces criminal charges for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star, and mishandling White House documents.

Here are the key cases, whats going on, and where this could all finish

04:40 PM BST

Fourth co-defendant pleads guilty in Georgia case

Jenna Ellis reacts with her lawyers after reading a statement after pleading guilty to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings inside Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee's Fulton County

In another blow to Trump, another of his co-defendants agreed a plea deal in the 2020 election interference case.

Jenna Ellis, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to helping the former US presidents efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat in the state of Georgia and agreed to testify against Trump if called upon.

Ms Ellis, 38, is the third member of Trumps legal team to reach a plea deal since Thursday, following Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, and the fourth of the 19 people charged in the sweeping racketeering indictment brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to agree to testify.

Ms Ellis, her voice cracking at times, told an Atlanta court that she failed to do my due diligence in vetting claims about voter fraud from other Trump attorneys.

What I did not do and should have done, your honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, Ms Ellis told Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse.

04:21 PM BST

How Trumps former fixer turned from archdefender to archnemesis

For a decade, Michael Cohen served as Mr Trumps lawyer and backroom fixer, working, in his own words, to cover up his ex-bosss dirty deeds.

But since becoming mired in legal trouble of his own, Mr Trumps one-time henchman has transformed from archdefender to archnemesis.

It was Cohen who facilitated, and was later jailed for, the hush money payment that led to Mr Trump becoming the first former US president to be indicted.

Since then, Mr Trumps legal woes have snowballed, and Cohen is set to turn on the former president once again by testifying against him in his $250 million fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.



Read the full story here

04:12 PM BST

Maskless Trump lawyer asks for a fresh mic over covid fears

Trumps lawyer Alina Habba asked to use a different microphone rather than the contaminated one in the court room.

An outbreak of covid reportedly spread to four court staff.

Louis Solomon, whos wearing a mask, said the microphone was provided by the AGs office. She said Trumps team, who are not wearing masks, are free to bring their own.

Court staff are currently changing out the microphone at the podium used to examine witnesses.

04:06 PM BST

First witness takes the stand

The first witness up on Tuesday was Bill Kelly, the general counsel of Mazars, Trumps accounting firm.

Mr Kelly said receiving a subpoena is not a cause in itself for stopping working with a client.

In May 2021 he determined the firm had to end its relationship with Trump Org after the District Attorney subpoenaed Mazars for information about CFO Allen Weisselberg.

If we can no longer rely on him as CFO we can no longer perform those services, Mr Kelly said.



03:52 PM BST

Pictured: Trump attends civil court hearing

Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court

Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court

Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court

03:34 PM BST

Trump lawyer: it is 'beyond irresponsible' to expose Trump to covid

Trumps lawyer Chris Kise has said proceedings should not have gone ahead today as four members of the attorney-generals legal team apparently tested positive for covid.

He said it was beyond irresponsible to have convened the court.

We have the leading candidate for the president of the United States in court and are exposing him to risk, Mr Kise added.

Proceedings were postponed on Monday because of the outbreak.

03:13 PM BST

Trump calls Cohen a 'proven liar' outside court

The former president criticised his former ally before entering the New York courtroom.

He said Cohen was a proven liar, as you know, a felon, served a lot of time for lying and were going to just go in and see that and I think youll see that for yourself.

He added: So hes a liar and trying to get a better deal for himself but its not going to work this case by any other judge, this case would have been over a long time ago. We did nothing wrong and thats the truth.

03:02 PM BST

Cohen tells reporters trial is 'about accountability'

Michael Cohen has arrived at the Manhattan court for the much-anticipated showdown.

Addressing reporters outside the court, he said: Let me just turn around and say that this is not about Donald Trump versus Michael Cohen or Michael Cohen versus Donald Trump.

This is about accountability, plain and simple. And we leave it up to Judge Engoron in order to make all the determinations on that. So I thank you all for coming.

03:00 PM BST

Trump fined $5,000 and threatened with jail

The New York judge overseeing the fraud trial last week fined the former president $5,000 for violating a gag order with false claims that a court clerk was Chuck Schumers girlfriend.

Judge Arthur Engoron had threatened to jail Mr Trump before hitting him with the fine for breaching a partial gag order brought in earlier this month after Mr Trump shared a picture of clerk Allison Greenfield posing with the Senate Majority leader, alongside allegations the pair were in a relationship.

In the Truth Social post, the Republican frontrunner, 77, also shared a link to Ms Greenfields personal Instagram account.

While Mr Trump deleted the post from his social media page, it remained on his campaign website for a further 17 days. It was removed on Thursday night after the court emailed him.

Read the full story here

02:53 PM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Hello and welcome to The Telegraphs live coverage of Donald Trumps New York civil lawsuit.

Well be bringing you all the latest developments as his former fixer Michael Cohen is set to testify.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Donald Trump was greeted by a protester chanting lock him up as he arrived in New Hampshire to file for the states Republican primary ahead of a rally with supporters in the afternoon.

The ex-president was seen greeting supporters as he stepped out of a black vehicle, surrounded by Secret Service agents. A man was heard chanting lock him up! Donald Trump! into a megaphone for a few seconds before journalists were shooed away by handlers with the Trump campaign.

Mr Trump filed his name as a candidate in the 2024 election on Monday ahead of a rally in Derry, New Hampshire, where he is likely to address his ongoing legal battles as well as, potentially, some of his GOP rivals for the nomination. But he has largely depicted the 2024 Republican primary as decided, even going as far as refusing to attend debates with candidates who significantly trail him in the polls.

Wow. Trumps handlers just rushed journalists away after people start chanting Lock him up as Trump arrived in New Hampshire. pic.twitter.com/GjSdXdYCVJ  No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) October 23, 2023

Mr Trump remains at the centre of nearly a half-dozen active legal investigations, with the potential for more ever-present. The Department of Justice continues to prosecute him for his handling of classified US secrets and the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. He also has now seen two of his 2020 campaign legal attorneys, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, plead guilty to crimes in a Georgia probe into the 2020 election  they are expected to testify on behalf of the state against Mr Trump and other co-defendants.

Then theres the criminal fraud trial in Manhattan, which is set to resume on Tuesday.

Despite (or perhaps thanks to) the above, Mr Trump remains the far-and-away favourite to win the 2024 Republican nomination. His closest rivals, such as Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, trail him in every state by significant margins.
(Bloomberg) -- State prosecutors in Atlanta secured a fourth guilty plea in their election fraud case against Donald Trump when attorney Jenna Ellis admitted she aided and abetted false statements relating to the former presidents efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ellis, 38, cried as she read a statement Tuesday in state court in Atlanta about false statements she made in support of efforts to sow doubt on the outcome of the election in Georgia and other states. She said she relied on more experienced lawyers to guide her in trying to overturn President Joe Bidens electoral victory. Ellis worked extensively with Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani .

What I did not do but should have done was make sure the facts that the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, Ellis said. If I knew then what I know now I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I look back on this whole episode with deep remorse.

The felony plea by Ellis is another victory for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis , who secured an indictment of Trump and 18 others on racketeering and other charges related to the election. Last week, attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro also pleaded guilty on the eve of their scheduled trial. Like Ellis, they agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify at any trial, raising the prospect that other codefendants may also agree to provide evidence against Trump and others. With all their pleas, prosecutors dismissed racketeering and other charges against them.

Read More: Trump Lawyer Chesebro Pleads Guilty in Georgia Election Case

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said Ellis must serve five years probation, pay $5,000 in restitution and apologize to the people of Georgia.

Ellis, who once described herself as part of an elite strike force fighting for Trump after the election, often spoke to the media and lawmakers after the election. She joined Giuliani in promoting pro-Trump electors in states that he lost, including Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, according to the indictment. She also wrote a memo outlining a strategy to disrupt the Electoral College certification in Congress.

In a court filing Tuesday, prosecutors said Ellis aided false statements by Giuliani and others at a hearing before Georgia lawmakers on Dec. 3, 2020. They falsely asserted 96,600 mail-in ballots were counted in the election, 10,315 dead people voted, 2,506 felons voted illegally, and 2,423 unregistered people cast ballots, according to the filing, which Ellis admitted.

Trump attorney Steve Sadow said in a statement that Willis and her team had reached a fourth plea deal that resulted in a sentence of probation and dismissal of charges under Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

What that shows is this so-called RICO case is nothing more than a bargaining chip for Willis, Sadow said. Moreover, this plea was to a completely separate charge, not a part of the original indictment, which doesnt even mention President Trump.

What Trumps Many Legal Perils Mean for His 2024 Bid: QuickTake

The sweeping indictment by Willis claims that the defendants went too far in their support of Trump by attempting to reverse his loss even after it was verified by multiple recounts. She alleges they pressured Georgia officials to reject valid votes, organized fake presidential electors for Trump to prevent the certification of Bidens victory, intimidated poll workers and stole election machine data in rural Coffee County.

You could have other defendants in any of these subplots start to come forward looking for deals and pleas, said Gwen Keyes Fleming, a former district attorney in nearby DeKalb County. There is always a time element in whether to plead early in a case to get a more favorable deal versus waiting and seeing what happens at trial. I would imagine more defendants are starting to have discussions with the DAs office.

In her statement, Ellis said shes a Christian who takes her responsibilities as a lawyer very seriously.

Ellis was formally censured earlier this year by the Colorado Supreme Court after admitting to making 10 misrepresentations about the 2020 election. Ellis, who is from Colorado, agreed with a disciplinary judge that she repeatedly misrepresented facts on social media and national television, including by claiming the presidential election had been stolen and that Trump won in a landslide.

--With assistance from Erik Larson.

(Updates with statement by Trumps lawyer.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Donald Trump s legal team has filed a flurry of legal motions attempting to throw a wrench in the Justice Departments 2020 election interference case against him.

The former presidents lawyers submitted four motions to dismiss, in whole or in part, in D.C. court late Monday night. Each one employs a different legal argument to request the case against Trump be thrown out.

Many of the arguments made by Trumps team are on shaky legal ground themselves. Attorneys argued that the charges against Trump violated his First Amendment right to petition the government when he questioned the results of the 2020 election. They also claim that Trump cannot be tried in relation to his post-election activities because he was already acquitted by the Senate during 2021s impeachment proceedings against him. Another filing argues that the case should be dismissed on unproven allegations that President Biden pressured the DOJ to pursue a nakedly political indictment against his 2024 rival. Yet another requests that any and all mentions of the violence that took place on Jan. 6 be stricken from the indictment against Trump.

The various arguments are a legal pile-on to a claim made earlier this month by the former presidents attorneys: that Trump cannot be tried due to presidential immunity.

As previously reported by Rolling Stone, amid the mountain of criminal cases Trump has privately expressed his concern to close advisers that he could end up in prison, and its clear the former president is willing to exhaust every potential legal avenue to avoid having the cases move forward. Trumps D.C. case is expected to go to trial in March 2024.

More from Rolling Stone

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Click here to read the full article.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump stepped up his bid to have criminal charges against him over efforts to overturn his 2020 U.S. presidential election loss dropped, filing a flurry of motions overnight seeking again to have the federal case dismissed.

The three filings submitted late on Monday follow the Republican former president's attempt earlier this month seeking to dismiss the case citing presidential immunity, a claim U.S. prosecutors rebutted last week.

Trump, who is the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, had sought to delay the federal trial in Washington, currently due to begin in March, until after the November 2024 election.

He was charged with four felony counts for attempting to interfere in the counting of votes and block the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 election victory in the case, one of four criminal prosecutions the former president faces.

In three filings overnight, his lawyers asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to dismiss the case, saying the prosecution was unconstitutional, failed to state how he violated any laws and was "selective and vindictive."

Representatives for the U.S. special counsel's office declined to comment but have until Nov. 6 to file their response with the court.

Trump's lawyers also asked the federal court in Washington to strike references about individuals related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol, where Trump's supporters sought to prevent congressional certification of Biden's win in a deadly riot.

"Because the Government has not charged President Trump with responsibility for the actions at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, allegations related to these actions are not relevant and are prejudicial and inflammatory," they wrote.

In a separate filing last month, U.S. prosecutors noted that "the indictment does in fact clearly link the defendant and his actions to the events of January 6."

Earlier this month, Trump's lawyers sought to dismiss the case, arguing that he could not be prosecuted because ensuring election integrity was at the heart of his official responsibilities as President. U.S. prosecutors rejected that claim, saying there was no constitutional provision that protected a former president from criminal prosecution.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Former President Donald Trump has mounted a fresh legal challenge to the federal election subversion case against him, demanding it be dismissed because it violates his First Amendment rights, among other claims.

The motions put legal bones on the defense Trump repeats the most in public: that he had every right to challenge President Bidens win in the 2020 vote and to claim that it was tainted by fraud.

His defense lawyers say Special Counsel Jack Smith is wrongly seeking to criminalize claims that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen nor impose its views on a disputed political question like whether there was widespread fraud.

The fact that the indictment alleges that the speech at issue was supposedly, according to the prosecution, false makes no difference, the defense wrote in the 34-page filing. Under the First Amendment, each individual American  decides for him or herself what is true and false on great disputed social and political questions.

Trumps new defense motions filed late Monday are considered long shots but appeals to higher courts and even the U.S. Supreme Court could force delays in the trial that U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered to start on March 4.

Trump also claimed in the new filings that he is being singled out for prosecution by Biden allies to prevent him from running for president again.

Analysts also call that a legal Hail Mary since there is no evidence the White House has anything to do with the moves to prosecute Trump.

Trump also says he cannot be charged with crimes stemming from conduct that was considered by Congress during his second impeachment trial.

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump but Senate Republicans refused to convict him, a move that would have barred him from running for office again but would not have carried criminal penalties.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell voted against convicting Trump but said that he expected the ex-president could be held accountable by the criminal justice system.

Prosecutors note that they have amassed a mountain of evidence against Trump in the years since the impeachment effort.

Trump has earlier claimed that he has immunity from prosecution for all actions taken while he was serving as president.

All the objections are likely to be ruled on by Chutkan. Trump could appeal rulings to the Washington, D.C. federal Circuit Court and eventually the Supreme Court, although there is no guarantee they would agree to hear any of the arguments.
(CNN)  Akbar Al Baker is resigning as chief executive of Qatar Airways, marking a sudden end to one of the longest managerial reigns in the world of aviation.

Al Baker, who has led the airline since 1997, will step down on Nov. 5. The move was unexpected, and no reason was given by Qatar Airways for his departure. The airline said he will be replaced by Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the chief operating officer of Doha Hamad Airport, which serves as the airlines base.

Known as one of the industrys most outspoken and influential executives, Al Baker is widely credited with transforming Qatar Airways into one of the worlds top airlines. During his 27-year tenure, he oversaw aggressive expansion and investment into Doha airport, which is now an established global hub. Al Baker currently serves as the airports chief executive.

Al Baker often courted controversy with his forthright views on the airline sector. In June, he told CNN the industrys net zero targets were a PR exercise and predicted they would be missed.

In 2018, Al Baker apologized for making sexist comments at an International Air Transport Association meeting.

When asked about gender inequality in the industry, Al Baker said of course Middle East airlines must be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position.

After the comments caused uproar, Al Baker expressed remorse in a statement, saying it would be my pleasure if I could help develop a female candidate to be the next CEO of Qatar Airways.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Qatar Airways longtime CEO Akbar Al Baker resigns"
Former President Trump on Tuesday ripped his former fixer, Michael Cohen, as a proven liar as Cohen was set to testify in a New York fraud trial involving Trumps business empire.

Well hes a proven liar, as you know. Hes a felon who served a lot of time for lying, and were gonna just go in and see him, Trump said as he entered the courthouse in Manhattan.

Hes a liar trying to get a better deal for himself, but its not going to work, Trump added. This case, by any other judge, this case would have been over a long time ago. We did nothing wrong.

Cohen was set to testify on Tuesday, putting him face-to-face with Trump, who Cohen once said he would take a bullet for, but has since flipped against.

Previously the Trump Organizations longtime executive vice president and general counsel, Cohen is a star witness in New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess (D) case.

James has said Cohens 2019 testimony before Congress, where he claimed the former president significantly overstated his wealth before taking office, spurred her sprawling investigation into Trump and his business empire.

Cohen first flipped on his former boss amid investigations into a hush money deal made ahead of the 2016 election. He paid a combined $280,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal on Trumps behalf to cover up allegations of an affair.

That payment is central to Trumps criminal indictment in New York, which is separate from the civil fraud trial. Cohen pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the deal, though he earned early release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump and his allies have seized on Cohens criminal record to argue he is not a credible witness.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign event on October 23, 2023 in Derry, New Hampshire. Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump told his supporters they "don't have to vote" for him.

He said they should instead "watch" other voters, alluding to his false election fraud claims.

"You don't have to vote, don't worry about voting," he told his New Hampshire fans.

Former President Donald Trump told supporters at a New Hampshire rally that they don't need to vote on election day next year.

Instead, they should spend their time keeping an eye on other voters, he said.

Speaking at the Monday event in Derry, Trump once again alluded to his baseless claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.

"So we have to be careful, you gotta get out there and you got to watch those voters," Trump said. "You don't have to vote, don't worry about voting. The voting, we got plenty of votes, you gotta watch."

Trump, who often campaigns and fundraises off a debunked claim that the 2020 election was rigged, in his speech criticized current voting requirements in the US and called for more counter-fraud measures in national elections.

Trump secured the GOP nomination in New Hampshire in the 2016 and 2020 primaries, but subsequently lost the state to Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden in the presidential elections.

When asked to comment on the former president's Monday statements, a spokesperson for Trump told Insider: "He was clearly talking about election integrity and making sure only legal votes are counted, and not letting what happened in 2020 happen again."

The 2024 campaign team for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who's competing with Trump for the GOP nomination, seized upon the former president's remarks about voting.

"This is the type of talk that loses elections," wrote DeSantis' press secretary, Bryan Griffin, on X.

During his speech, Trump also compared himself to South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, and cast himself as a victim in the four criminal indictments and other civil trials he's facing.

"I don't mind being Nelson Mandela because I'm doing it for a reason," he said.

The former president has been slapped with 91 felony charges since March.

Before the rally, he denied that he had ever been indicted, though he's personally appeared in court to plead not guilty to the crimes he's been accused of.

"This is all Biden stuff, all of these indictments that you see. I was never indicted, you practically never heard the word, it wasn't a word that registered," he told reporters.

He had visited New Hampshire's state Capitol that day to officially file the paperwork for his GOP nomination bid.

A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Trump commended his formal rival Perry Johnson for making a valiant effort in the 2024 presidential race, calling his endorsement Monday a great honor.

After a valiant effort, he is now leaving the Race for President to do other things, which I have no doubt he will be very successful, Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social. It is a great honor for me to have received his Full Endorsement.

Johnson announced last week that he would be suspend his long-shot bid for the White House, while blasting the Republican National Committee (RNC) after he didnt make the debate stage.

The Michigan businessman  who ran a mostly self-funded campaign  announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he would endorse Trump.

Having suspended my campaign, I am officially endorsing @realDonaldTrump for President of the United States, Johnson said in his post. We must beat @joebiden to save this country and Donald Trump is the only candidate who can do it.

Johnson said he supported Trump in his 2016 and 2020 races and is going to assist the former presidents efforts in the upcoming election.

Trump, Johnson said, is the only candidate left in the race who can provide a solution to our nations economic, foreign policy and social crises.

In his response, Trump said he would make Perry very proud.

Perry Johnson is a brilliant Businessman who has enjoyed great success, Trump said in his post. Above all, he loves our Country!

I will make Perry very proud of this decision, because we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he concluded.

Johnson, who announced his bid in March, struggled in national polling and failed to make the cut in the first two GOP debates.

Last year, he failed to get on the ballot for the Michigan gubernatorial race after the court ruled he used fake signatures.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
John Bazemore/AFP via Getty

During Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, attorney Jenna Ellis penned a series of Facebook posts suggesting Trump was a narcissist, and an unethical, corrupt, lying, criminal, dirtbag.

Then Ellis became one of his staunchest allies, even committing a felony on behalf of Trumps 2020 election lies. But by September 2023, she had returned to calling Trump a malignant narcissist. Now shes flipped on him in a racketeering case in Georgia.

Ellis pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count felony count of aiding and abetting false statements. Crying during her court appearance, Ellis agreed to a five-year probation, $5,000 in restitution, and 100 hours of community service. The charge was part of a sprawling case in which four Trump allies have pleaded guilty to helping the ex-president push false claims of voter fraud. In a statement to the court, Ellis declared that if I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges.

The statement might represent the final stop in Elliss on-again-off-again ride on the Trump train, as Ellis agrees to work with prosecutors in the case. Ellis did not return a request for comment.

A minor commentator in Colorado law circles, Ellis was a fierce critic of Trump during his 2016 campaign. In a 2016 Denver talk radio appearance (titled Christian Professor Jenna Ellis - Dont let ungodly spirits in even through coloring books), Ellis urged voters against Trump.

Why should we rest our highest office in America, on a man who fundamentally goes back and forth and really cannot be trusted to be consistent or accurate in anything, she asked.

But despite those remarks, and other anti-Trump diatribes in 2016, Ellis ultimately went back on her opinion after Trump became the Republican nominee, CNN reported. (Ellis later told the channel that shed been completely wrong about Trump during the 2016 primary.)

Broke Lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis Prove Trump Will Never Run Out of Marks to Con

By the second year of Trumps presidency, Ellis had become a strident supporter, defending him while appearing as a constitutional law attorney in television appearances. In reality, Ellis was no election law expert, The New York Times found. Instead, she had served a short career as a prosecutor, before going on to represent clients in criminal cases and self-publish a book that argued for a biblical interpretation of the Constitution.

Elliss Fox News appearances caught Trumps eye by 2018, the Times reported, and she became a Trump campaign advisor in November 2019. She would eventually become a senior legal advisor for the campaign as it promoted false claims of voter fraud after the 2020 election.

But as the Stop The Steal movement unraveled, Ellis incurred her former bosss wrath by making nice with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this spring, shortly ahead of DeSantiss presidential campaign launch. Ellis shared pictures of herself at a DeSantis event and complimented DeSantis on Twitter, even attacking some Trump surrogates for their anti-DeSantis stances.

Jenna Ellis speaks during the election night party for Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano on May 17, 2022. Michael M Santiago/GettyImages

Prominent Trump supporters struck back, accusing Ellis of having been disowned by Trumpworld. Ellis responded critically toward these former allies. I was called a lot of things and had a lot of leftist hit pieces trying to destroy my credibility while I represented Trump, she tweeted in April, But I never saw a media outlet or journo use the blatant sexism & vulgarity that MAGA influencers do now.

Days later, she suggested that Trumps 2024 presidential campaign was enabling harassment against her. Trump 2024s message to women like me and Erin Perrine: Youre either 100% in all the time or you deserve to be harassed, she wrote. (Perrine, a former Trump staffer, had recently joined the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down super PAC.)

By summer, Ellis was supporting DeSantiss presidential campaign outright, describing him in a Truth Social post as the right choice for GOP nominee.

Those divisions between Ellis and Trumpworld appeared to deepen in August, when she was indicted alongside Trump and 16 others on racketeering charges in Fulton County, Georgia.

Ex-Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Cries as She Cops a Plea

Ellis tweeted that Trump would not provide financial support for any of his co-defendants, and suggested that this was more reason to be skeptical of his presidential bid.

I was reliably informed Trump isnt funding any of us who are indicted, Ellis tweeted at a Trump supporter who said Republicans should combine their support behind a single candidate, in order to save money for the racketeering defendants legal fees.

Would this change if he becomes the nominee? Why then, not now? I totally agree this has become a bigger principle than just one man. So why isnt MAGA, Inc. funding everyones defense?

In a September appearance with right-wing radio personality Steve Deace (a DeSantis supporter), Ellis signaled that she was done with Trump for good.

I simply cant support him for elected office again, Ellis said. Why I have chosen to distance is because of that frankly malignant narcissistic tendency to simply say that hes never done anything wrong.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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In two courtrooms 800 miles apart on Tuesday, a stark reality for former President Donald Trump became clearer than ever: If Trump is taken down in his myriad criminal and civil cases, it will likely be at the hands of his own former lawyers.

In the morning, Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty to an election felony in Georgia and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors who have charged Trump and various allies with a racketeering conspiracy to subvert the 2020 election. She became the third Trump-affiliated lawyer in the past week to flip in the Georgia election case.

Then, in the afternoon, Trump's longtime personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, took the witness stand in Manhattan and told a judge how his former boss fraudulently inflated his net worth.

Trumps lawyers have long served as a force field separating him from investigators and prosecutors targeting him. He and his allies have invoked attorney-client privilege to shield potential evidence, and Trump has even floated an advice of counsel defense in some of his criminal cases, arguing that he cannot be guilty because he was simply following the advice of his lawyers.

But as Trumps legal troubles mount, prosecutors are increasingly turning his relationships with his lawyers against him.

Just last week, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro  two lawyers who helped advise Trump on his desperate last-ditch strategy to subvert the 2020 election  pleaded guilty in Georgia to aspects of the alleged scheme. In an ominous split screen for Trump, another architect of his effort  attorney John Eastman  retook the witness stand in a long-running disbarment trial in California, describing Oval Office meetings and phone conversations in the frenzied weeks before Jan. 6, 2021.



Ellis plea means nearly every high-level attorney who worked with Trump in that period has provided voluminous testimony to congressional investigators or prosecutors. The group includes campaign attorneys who have spoken with prosecutors and the House Jan. 6 select committee, as well as Trumps two top White House lawyers from the final period of his presidency: Pat Cipollone and Patrick Philbin.

Ty Cobb, another White House lawyer from earlier in Trumps administration who helped him navigate special counsel Robert Muellers probe, said he is not surprised that many ex-members of Trumps legal team have found themselves in legal trouble.

Hes had lawyers abandon their ethics for him for decades, he said. And he puts enormous pressure on lawyers. Thats why Trump went through a lot of lawyers, in my own view.

Trump has no ability to be grateful, he added. Gratitude is something that does not exist in his narcissistic world. So, the fact that these people are sacrificing their lives, reputations, and careers, that will not register with him, he said.

Its not just Trumps election-related cases that feature evidence supplied by his own lawyers. In New York, Cohen is a star witness for the government both in Trumps ongoing civil fraud trial and in Trumps pending criminal case stemming from hush money payments to a porn star. And in Florida, where Trump is facing federal charges for warehousing national security documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office, Trump attorney Evan Corcoran was ordered by a court to provide notes, recordings and testimony about Trumps alleged efforts to obstruct the government from reclaiming the materials.



Trump and his current lawyers have already moved to distance the former president from figures like Ellis and Powell. Cohen, who turned on his former boss years ago, gets harsher treatment: a scathing, direct attack on his character.

Well, hes a proven liar, as you know. Hes a felon. He served a lot of time for lying and were just going to go in and see. And I think youll see that for yourself," Trump said before court Tuesday morning. "Hes a liar trying to get a better deal for himself but its not going to work."

What remains unclear: How damaging will these lawyers testimony actually be for Trump? Chesebros attorney Scott Grubman insisted Saturday that Trump doesnt need to worry about his clients testimony.

I can say personally that I do not believe the state will call him to testify on their behalf, Grubman told MSNBCs Katie Phang. If they do, and I'm wrong, Mr. Chesebro will be there, he will testify truthfully. If I were the state, I would not call him.

Prosecutors in Georgia have not explicitly indicated that those who pleaded guilty had evidence to offer about Trump or whether they might be likelier to testify about others charged in the conspiracy, like Eastman or yet another Trump lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Trump tried to suggest on his own social media site Sunday that Powell didnt really work for him, despite his close consultation with her during the post-election period and his campaigns public description of her as part of an elite strike force leading his battle to reverse his 2020 election loss.

MS. POWELL WAS NOT MY ATTORNEY, AND NEVER WAS, Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday, three days after Powell entered her plea deal in Georgia.

But just days after the 2020 election, Trump took to X, formerly Twitter, to tout Powell by name, along with Ellis, as part of a truly great team, added to our other wonderful lawyers and representatives! And in December 2020, he considered appointing Powell special counsel to empower her to seize voting machines and investigate her fringe claims of voter fraud. Trump ultimately reversed course amid pushback from his White House staff.

As with Powell, the role of Trumps lawyers in his criminal cases has also shined a light on the murky arrangements he and his campaign had with some of those who took on key leadership roles in Trumps orbit.

For example, Eastman and Chesebro spent weeks facing questions about whether and when they actually entered into attorney-client relationships with Trump  if they ever in fact did. A federal judge in California ordered Eastman to produce evidence of his formal relationship with Trump, and he turned over an unsigned retainer agreement with Trumps campaign that he said was subsequently put into effect.

Eastman has continued to cite attorney-client privilege to decline to answer certain questions posed by California investigators seeking to take away Eastmans law license.

Before he took his plea deal, Chesebro had sought to block prosecutors from introducing key pieces of evidence by citing attorney-client privilege. But Georgia prosecutors contended that Chesebro had similarly not proven his formal affiliation with the Trump campaign or the scope of work Trump required of him. The judge in the case, Scott McAfee, ultimately rejected Chesebros effort for a different reason: The materials prosecutors intended to introduce against him would be disclosed under the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege.

Now, all three lawyers pleading guilty in the Georgia case have agreed to surrender relevant documents to prosecutors  subject to privilege claims that judges may have to sort out.
Trump's fraud trial began week four on Tuesday after skipping Monday due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

An unmasked Trump watched as his unmasked lawyers asked the trial be halted due to the risk of infection.

The judge declined, saying N95 masks were available in the courtroom to anyone who wanted one.

Donald Trump's attorneys on Tuesday demanded that the former president's New York civil fraud trial be halted immediately due to a COVID-19 risk that could affect the former president himself as he sat in the courtroom.

An unmasked Trump watched as his unmasked lawyers asked the trial be delayed due to the risk of infection, but the judge overseeing the high-profile Manhattan trial quickly shot down that request.

He reminded the parties that if anyone was concerned, N95 masks were available. But for all the hubbub over the "risk," there were no takers, Trump included.

The lead defense lawyer, Christopher Kise, raised the COVID-19 issue before any witnesses took the stand on Tuesday, during the fourth week in the fraud trial, at which New York officials are seeking to ban Trump's real-estate empire from the state.

Kise kicked off the COVID kerfuffle, rising from his seat to complain that someone on New York Attorney General Letitia James' team had contracted COVID-19 on Wednesday and that a total of four members of her office had since tested positive for the virus.

At least two key members of the AG's team, including Kevin Wallace, a lead lawyer who had made the state's opening statement, were not present in court Tuesday morning.

Yet Kise said Trump's team was only alerted to the positive tests over the weekend.

Kise said there were dozens of court staff and attorneys in the room, as well as "literally hundreds of media."

"These individuals are entitled to know this so that we can take appropriate precautions," Kise said.

Kise accused the AG's office, who brought the $250 million fraud lawsuit against Trump, of instead forging ahead because "nothing else matters besides pursuing President Trump."

Tensions were high. Kise and fellow Trump lawyer Alina Habba at one point demanded that a second hand-held microphone be brought in for the defense to use in cross-examining witnesses so they wouldn't have to use the microphone being used by the AG's office.

At another point during the morning testimony, Assistant Attorney General Louis Solomon asked why Kise was "concerned" about a particular line of questioning.

"Everything in this courtroom concerns me, including your health," Kise shot back at Solomon, his voice sarcastic.

"Well," Solomon responded, half-rising from his seat to get in the last, also sarcastic, word, "thanks for your concern."

The AG's office is, meanwhile, insisting that all notification and quarantine rules have been followed.

New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron decided to move ahead with Tuesday's proceedings after hearing arguments from both sides and noting the availability of masks.

A spokesperson for the AG's office told reporters in a statement, "As always, the Attorney General's Office has followed and complied with CDC guidelines. Our office properly notified the court and defendants' counsel, and the court decided to proceed with trial today. If there were any concerns, defendants' counsel could wear masks today or at any point, but they have opted not to."

This story was updated to include additional developments from the courtroom.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An early-season winter storm was brewing in the Northern Plains while Chicago was expected to enjoy summerlike temperatures Tuesday of up to 80 degrees, weather officials said.

National Weather Service officials warned of an early-season winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall Tuesday through Wednesday in portions of the Northwest, Northern Rockies and Northern Plains.

Travel conditions are expected to be challenging in those areas, but in Chicago it should be smooth-sailing Tuesday with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees.

Early afternoon conditions at OHare International Airport are a few clouds at 79 degrees. At Midway Airport farther south, conditions are the same, at 77 degrees.

Tuesday later in the evening there is a 60% chance of rain. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are possible, officials said.

Wednesday, there is an 80% chance of rain, officials said.
Tunisians gather during a pro-Palestinian protest to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Tunis

TUNIS (Reuters) - The Freedoms Committee in the Tunisian Parliament on Tuesday approved a draft law criminalizing the normalization of relations with Israel, amid ongoing protests in solidarity with Palestinians in the country.

The move paves the way for hearings on the bill followed by a public session for discussion and vote.

The draft comes as Israeli reprisal strikes on blockaded Gaza have killed more than 5,000 people in response to Hamas militants who killed at least 1,400 Israelis in a rampage after breaching the fence enclosing Gaza on Oct 7.

"The draft law includes seven chapters, in which penalties reach life imprisonment sentence", Hela Jaballah, head of the freedoms Committee, said.

She added that normalization, communication in trade, commercial and cultural activities, services, military or intelligence with Israel will be punished.

Tunisia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, but Israeli tourists, most of whom are of Tunisian origin, take part annually in Jewish celebrations at Ghriba synagogue in Djerba.

This year, an attack near the Djerba synagogue killed two security officers and two Jewish visitors, one French Tunisian and the other Israeli Tunisian.

In recent years, Morocco, Bahrain, and the Emirates have normalized relations with Israel.

Saudi Arabia is putting U.S.-backed plans to normalize ties with Israel on ice, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking said, signalling a review of its foreign policy priorities as war escalates between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.

(Reporting by Tarek Amara; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
By Huseyin Hayatsever

ANKARA (Reuters) - The speaker of Turkey's parliament will send a bill approving Sweden's NATO membership bid to parliament's foreign affairs commission on Wednesday, a source from the assembly said on Tuesday.

President Tayyip Erdogan submitted the ratification bill for Sweden's NATO membership bid to parliament on Monday, a move welcomed by Stockholm as it clears the way for it to join the Western defence alliance.

The bill must now be approved by the foreign affairs commission before parliament's general assembly formally ratifies it, Erdogan signs it into law and it is published in the Official Gazette, completing the process.

Numan Kurtulmus, the speaker of parliament, said he would send the bill to parliament's foreign affairs commission after returning to Turkey from a visit to Prague, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday.

"I hope it (the bill) will come to the parliament's general assembly as soon as possible and the lawmakers will make their decision," Kurtulmus was quoted as saying.

There is no specific timeframe set for the commission to ratify Sweden's NATO membership. The commission chair decides when it discusses the bill.

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland's membership was sealed in April, in a historic expansion of the alliance, but Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary.

The Hungarian parliament will make a "sovereign decision" regarding the ratification of Sweden's NATO bid, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Tuesday after a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Gareth Jones)
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office has released the names of two passengers killed in a single-car accident in Teaneck early Saturday morning that resulted in vehicular homicide charges for the driver.

Rudy Rosales Escobar, 40, of Hasbrouck Heights, and Alexander Cosme Curruchich, 29, of Englewood, died in the accident on Teaneck Road near Bilton Street at about 2 a.m. Saturday, Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Tuesday morning.

Officers determined that a 2021 BMW M850i driven by Teddy Mejia, 32, of Teaneck left the roadway and struck a tree before overturning. The two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, and Mejia was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for his injuries.

The scene where two people were reportedly killed after a vehicle crashed into a tree on Teaneck Road near Hamilton Road in Teaneck, NJ around 2:45 a.m. on October 21, 2023.

Mejia was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, and police recovered a suspected controlled dangerous substance during a search, the prosecutor said. Mejia was charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide while in violation of driving while intoxicated, and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Teaneck: What happened to Teaneck's tax bills? Internal investigation of post office requested

The scene where two people were reportedly killed after a vehicle crashed into a tree on Teaneck Road near Hamilton Road in Teaneck, NJ around 2:45 a.m. on October 21, 2023.

Mejia was also issued summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and failure to maintain a lane. He was served with his charges at the hospital and, upon his release, will be remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

The crash is being investigated under the direction of Jason Love, chief of detectives for the Prosecutor's Office, and Teaneck Police Chief Andrew McGurr.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Teaneck NJ car crash victims IDd as two Bergen men
(CNN)  Dwayne Johnson has heard the complaints about his wax figure and says hes doing something about it.

The Musee Grevin, a museum in Paris, France, that specializes in wax figures of famous people, came under fire recently for a sculpture of Johnson that many found to be too light skinned to represent the actor, who is multi-ethnic.

Some people took to social media to accuse the museum of white washing the figure of the Black Adam star, commenting that the recently unveiled likeness suffered from a melanin deficiency.

Johnson, whose late father, the wrestler Rocky Johnson, was of Black Nova Scotian descent and his mother, Ata Maivia, is Samoan, saw the outrage and addressed it Sunday on social media.

Johnson posted a video of comedian James Andre Jefferson talking about the wax figure and wrote in the caption, I knew my boy @jamesjeffersonj had this Rock wax statue in his roasting crosshair.

Is this how yall felt when you lost the Little Mermaid? he quoted Jefferson as saying, adding a laughing emoji.

For the record, Im going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris France so we can work at updating my wax figure here with some important details and improvements - starting with my skin color, Johnson wrote.

According to the museums site, After Dwayne Johnson was chosen at the first edition of the Grevin Awards, sculptor Stephane Barret had to rely on photos and videos to create a statue as close to reality as possible, without the presence of the international star.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man and a woman have both been charged after a road rage-induced shooting on Interstate 49 Sunday afternoon.

Cass County court documents show Hayley Baxter is charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon after prosecutors say she shot at victims from a Dodge truck. The driver of that truck, Damion Holman, is charged with felony unlawful possession and transporting an illegal weapon.

One man dead after shooting in east Kansas City, 42nd and Benton

One of the victims in a Kia sedan told police that she and two others were driving south on I-49 at around 12:50 p.m., when Baxter allegedly fired a gun at their car while Holman drove.

After deputies pulled them over, Baxter admitted to shooting at the victims because they were showing gang signals out the window and brake checking them.

The victims told police the road rage incident began after they attempted to pass Baxter and Holman on the right while Holman was driving in the left lane, court records say.

4-year-old dies, 3 other kids injured in UTV crash in Sedalia

That caused Holman to speed up to stop the victims, but they had already passed and pulled in front of Baxter and Holman in the left lane.

Holman then sped into the right lane to pull next to the victims, court records detail. Baxter then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot and hit the car, leaving a bullet hole in the passenger headlight. The victim driving then slammed on her brakes.

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Police found multiple guns in Holmans truck, including the pistol used in the shooting and drugs that contain THC.

Baxter and Holman were arrested and then charged in Cass County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
An Israeli hostage released by Hamas has described her ordeal after she was kidnapped by gunmen and taken into a tunnel system in Gaza during the Palestinian militant groups deadly assault in Israel on October 7, saying I went through hell.

Yocheved Lifshitz, a frail 85-year-old grandmother who was one of two hostages released by Hamas on Monday, recounted the moment that militants snatched her from her home in the kibbutz of Nir Oz and drove her away on a motorbike towards Gaza, a painful act during which she said she was beaten and sustained bruises.

Lifshitz said she was forced to walk on wet ground and descended into an underground tunnel system she likened to a spiderweb, where she was greeted by people who told us we believe in the Quran and promised not to harm her and her fellow hostages.

Lifshitzs daughter Sharone, who helped convey her mothers comments to reporters outside a hospital in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, called it a huge network of tunnels.

Lifshitz said she was initially grouped together with 25 other people before her captors separated her into a smaller group with four other individuals from her kibbutz. She said they slept on mattresses on the floor of the tunnels, ate the same food as Hamas fighters and received regular treatment from doctors during her incarceration.

They really took care of the sanitary side of things so that we didnt get sick, Lifshitz added.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, an Israeli grandmother who was held hostage in Gaza for over two weeks, speaks to reporters a day after her release from captivity. - Janis Laizans/Reuters

Each of the five hostages in her group received their own doctor and there was a paramedic present who supervised medication, she said.

They were very generous to us, very kind. They kept us clean, Lifshitz said. They took care of every detail. There are a lot of women and they know about feminine hygiene and they took care of everything there.

Lifshitz also accused the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet intelligence service of not taking threats from Hamas seriously and said the costly Gaza border fence erected by Israel had done nothing to protect her community from Hamas attack.

The lack of awareness by Shin Bet and the IDF hurt us a lot, she stressed. They warned us three weeks beforehand, they burned fields, they sent fire balloons and the IDF did not treat it seriously, she continued.

Lifshitz explained how this culminated in the attack on Nir Oz in southern Israel on October 7.

All of a sudden on a Saturday morning, everything was very quiet. There was a hard pounding on the settlement, Lifshitz said. Not long after, hordes of Hamas fighters broke through the kibbutzs expensive fences and kept coming in their droves, she said.

It was very, very difficult and unpleasant, a visibly upset Lifshitz added.

As she concluded her remarks, Sharone said her mothers feeling was that the storys not over until everybody comes back.

Hostage release an amazing thing

Hamas released Lifshitz and her neighbor and friend Nurit Cooper, 79, on Monday, and later they were reunited with family members who rushed to their bedside at Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv.

Lifshitzs grandson Daniel, who heard of her release while staying at a hotel in Eilats with other evacuees from Nir Oz, said Monday that news of the womens release sent a jolt of joy through the hotel and hope that others may be freed soon.

For this community to see these two old women was just an amazing thing, said Daniel Lifshitz, who took a helicopter from the hotel to see his grandmother in the early hours of Tuesday.

More than a quarter of the Nir Oz community are dead or remain missing after October 7 attack, when Hamas killed more than 1,400 people in barbaric raids, according to Israeli authorities.

The attack triggered a retaliatory Israeli assault on Gaza that has killed more than 5,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, and threatened to escalate into a wider regional conflict.

Yocheved Lifshitz as seen in a video following her release, accompanied out of an ambulance. - Al-Qahera News/Reuters

The release of the two women takes the total number of captives freed to four, but more than 200 hostages are believed to be trapped in Gaza, some within the labyrinth of Hamas tunnels dug beneath the coastal strip.

The remaining hostages include Lifshitz and Coopers husbands, Oded Lifshitz, 83, and Amiram Cooper, 85.

Yocheveds daughter Sharone previously told CNN she was delighted about her mothers release but fears for her father and others being held.

My father is there and so many other people we know are waiting for good news about everyone, she said. We dont know whats going on with them. Not even know if theyre alive or what their situation is.

For decades, Lifshitz and Cooper lived within the close community of Nir Oz, once home to 400 people near the Gaza border. Being so close to the barrier fence, it was one of the first communities targeted by Hamas militants  and one of the worst hit.

Rows of houses now stand devoid of life, their windows broken, bedrooms torched, and residents possessions strewn all around. Video footage shows dried blood smeared on beds and floors, the walls pocked with bullet holes.

Lifshitz is one of the communitys founders and worked as a photographer and a teacher at the regional high school, according to a Nir Oz community statement.

Cooper was also a long-term resident and worked in early childhood education and at the local paint factory, the statement said.

On Tuesday, Eti Uziel, head nurse at Ichilov hospital, said both women appeared to be in OK medical condition.

They will stay with us tonight and tomorrow, Uziel said in a video released by the hospital shortly after the womens arrival. Right now, for them and family members, it is a very, very emotional situation, and we are happy that they are here with us.

Ken Grey, a criminal justice professor at the University of New Haven and former FBI special agent, told CNN Tuesday of the intelligence value of Lipshitzs remarks.

It means that there was a process of separating the hostages to make it more difficult in the event that IDF comes in to rescue the hostages, he said. That may not have been the intent but it certainly shows that this will be a difficulty on the part of any type of rescue operation  the fact that the logistics will make it difficult having them in separate locations.

Grey also noted Lipshitzs comments could be part of a strategy from Hamas.

They want to project the information that they are treating the hostages very well  using this as a method of being able to show themselves of being humane, treating the hostages well. And then it will make the IDF look even worse when they actually enter into the Gaza, referring to Israels anticipated ground operation.

Remaining hostages

The latest hostage release comes amid growing international pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of hundreds of others still held captive in Gaza.

They include nationals from countries including Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Germany and Thailand as well as Israeli civilians and soldiers.

Talks to secure the release of a large number of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are ongoing, two sources familiar with the matter and one western diplomat familiar with the discussions told CNN, but the negotiations - which involve the United States, Israel, Qatar, Egypt and Hamas - are being complicated by a number of factors.

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas in response to the deadly October 7 attacks, and is cutting off Gaza from water, fuel and food as it pounds key targets with airstrikes.

The sustained bombardment of the enclave despite the presence of so many Palestinian civilians has angered Arab nations and drawn condemnation with public protests worldwide.

The US is seeking to delay an Israeli ground offensive in hopes of getting more hostages out and aid into Gaza, according to two sources briefed on discussions. However, a senior Israeli official told CNN there will be no ceasefire.

US President Joe Biden on Monday called on Hamas to release its hostages before talks could start on a ceasefire.

For the families of those held, theres no time to waste.

Daniel Lifshitz said seeing his grandmother had shown him that other hostages need to be freed as soon as possible.

Im telling you we have to be fast, seeing my grandmother like that, he said. The clock is ticking and bringing all those hostages back is so evident now  its the top mission now for everybody.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Niamh Kennedy contributed reporting.

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The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is closed for a second day

Two of Scotland's most popular museums have closed as staff take strike action over planned job cuts.

The award-winning Burrell Collection in Glasgow's Pollok Park has closed on Tuesday, as well as the Kevingrove Museum in the west end of the city, which was also shut Monday.

Other Glasgow museums and galleries face possible closures later this week over the dispute which proposes cuts to specialist roles such as gallery curators and conservators - who protect items in the museums.

Glasgow Life, which runs the city's museums, said it had to make 7.1m of savings.

Unison, the union representing staff on strike, warned that cutting the number of conservators could cause a "high-profile accident" and valuable collection pieces could be damaged.

"Collections do not look after themselves," a union spokesperson said.

New plans will reduce the Special Collections team, in the Mitchell Library, to one person to care and repair for 1.8 million objects, Unison said.

"Deep cleaning of display venues by specialist Conservation staff will greatly reduce or completely disappear.

"World-class textiles at the Burrell Collection, taxidermy specimens at Kelvingrove and other vulnerable organic objects will be at particular risk of pest damage without regular, vigilant cleaning by highly-trained specialists."

A museum conservator at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The entire Glasgow museum collection is worth over 1.4bn, with millions of objects on display and in archives.

Glasgow Life, an arms-length organisation which runs the city's art, leisure and culture sector, said it received 80% of its budget from Glasgow City Council.

It said 7.1m worth of savings had to be made because of a 50m council budget deficit.

Unison has been in talks with Glasgow Life over proposed cuts for the past month.

High-profile events

Brian Smith, Unison Glasgow secretary, said: "These workers are taking a stand to defend both themselves and the citys world class museums. They deserve support."

Glasgow's museums have hosted high-profile events this year, like the Mary Quant fashion exhibition at Kelvingrove and Banksys Cut and Run exhibition.

The Burrell Collection in Pollok Park also won the award of Art Fund Museum of the Year.

"These are just some of the successes Glasgow Museums have delivered this year," Unison said. "The very staff that helped deliver these successes are now under threat of losing their jobs."

A recent exhibition in Glasgow explored Dame Mary Quant's impact in fashion

Glasgow Life said senior museums officers had met Unison to discuss the impacts of the planned staff cuts within the museums service.

It said cutting 38 jobs would save 1.5m.

Glasgow Life said: We recognise how valued our museums and collections are to Glasgows communities and the citys international profile, and we understand the concern any changes may cause.

"Wherever possible, we have identified ways of making savings by reducing, rather than losing Glasgow Life services programmes, and events; retaining the potential to rebuild them in the future.

"However, we have been saying for some time now that the savings we are making this year add up to around 9% of our annual service fee from the Council and ensure none of our facilities will have to close."

Glasgow Life apologised for any inconvenience and said it would post further updates on closures on its website and social media channels.

The city's museums will reopen as normal on Saturday 28 October.
The Russian army has launched an attack on the village of Podoly in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast, killing two civilian men.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: Syniehubov reports that the men killed by the Russians were aged 57 and 50.

The preliminary reports say the Russian forces launched attacks from artillery. An outbuilding was destroyed, and two cars and a fence were damaged.

Quote: "Law enforcement members are working on the site of the attack, documenting new crimes of the occupiers against the civilian population of Kharkiv Oblast."

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Destruction in the Gaza Strip

Two Ukrainian children were killed in an Israeli missile strike in the Gaza Strip, the head of the Ukrainian embassy's representative in the Palestinian Authority, Maksym Tyokin, told Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne on Oct. 24.

An unnamed representative of the Ukrainian community currently in the Gaza Strip told the broadcaster that the two children, a 9-year-old brother and his 6-year-old sister, had been killed. Their mother, a Ukrainian originally from Kharkiv, survived.

Read also: Over 330 Ukrainian citizens out of more than 500 contact Ukrainian embassy for evacuation from Gaza Strip

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko told NV that the circumstances of the tragedy are being investigated.

Twenty-four Ukrainian citizens have been confirmed as dead after an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, and three remain missing, according to reports in Israeli media on Oct. 20 citing government sources.

Read also: Ukrainian woman killed by Israeli strike on Gaza

Earlier, a Ukrainian woman was killed in an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip as it continues its response to the Hamas attacks, according to Tyokin. Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, confirmed the death of 18 Ukrainians in Israel and said that the situation in the enclave is becoming even more complicated with more than 300 people on the evacuation list.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas militants, said some 5,087 people, including 2,055 children, had been killed in the Gaza Strip as of Oct. 24. Israel claimed that at least 1,400 people had been killed by Hamas and more than 200 had been taken hostage.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Two Ukrainian children were killed in a missile attack on the Gaza Strip.

Source: Oleh Nikolenko, Spokesman of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Maksym, Tiokin, Head of the branch of the Embassy of Ukraine at the Palestinian National Administration, in an interview with Suspilne

Quote: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirms the death of two Ukrainian children, aged 9 and 6, in the Gaza Strip. Their identities have been established. Our condolences to the parents.

The representative office of Ukraine in Ramallah is investigating all the circumstances of the tragedy and is in contact with the families."

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The families of three fishermen missing off the coast of Georgia arent giving up in their search. Tyler Barlow, Caleb Wilkinson, and Dalton Conway went on a trip on Oct. 14 aboard the Carol Ann but never returned to shore.

Barlows parents told Channel 2s sister station Action News Jax that the U.S. Coast Guard planned to suspend the search Tuesday. But the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed they will now extend the search for another 24 hours.

So, that definitely helps give us more hope, Tyler Barlows dad, Chris Barlow said.

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The three men went on board the Carol Ann, a 31-foot fishing boat, on Oct. 14. They were due back last Thursday afternoon, but they never returned. The U.S. Coast Guard has been searching for these three men since Friday.

They were reportedly last seen 80 miles offshore of Brunswick at a fishing spot called the Triple Ledge.

Tylers parents, Chris Barlow and Kim Jones said he had only been on five commercial fishing trips before this one.

He actually did not want to go in and he said he didnt want to go, but he needed the money, Jones said.

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So, every overdue case of the Coast Guard runs is complex, U.S. Coast Guard Chief of Response Commander Preston Hieb said. This one is no exception. This is a very complex case.

Commander Hieb says the U.S. Coast Guard has covered more than 20,000 square miles over the sea and sky since the search began. Air stations from cities in North Carolina down to Clearwater and Miami are assisting

Despite no one hearing from them since they hit the waters, they have a lot of safety gear on board. This includes an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which is a device that is used at sea to alert search and rescue services (SAR) in distress. But it has not been activated yet.

That does give us hope that the fishing vessel was still out there disabled, Commander Hieb said.

You know, how could they just disappear with a combination of everything that they have on board, right? Chris Barlow questioned.

Now, they are calling on the maritime community to help find them.

I swear, swear theyre sitting there anchored and just cant move, cant go anywhere and theyre just waiting for somebody to spot them, Jones said.

The search continues tonight and will go on all day Tuesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard says they believe the boat may be on the Gulf Stream drifting northward towards the South Carolina-North Carolina coast.

Anyone with information that may assist search efforts should contact Sector Charleston at 843-740-7050.

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IN OTHER NEWS




U.S. intelligence officials say they have high confidence that last weeks deadly blast at a Gaza hospital was caused by a failed rocket launch by Palestinian militants, not an Israeli strike.

In a briefing to reporters on Tuesday, the intelligence officials said they based their assessment on analysis of videos of the projectiles flight, as well as an examination of the blasts effects on the hospital and surrounding area. They were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Analysis of videos shot from four locations, including from two cameras that captured the projectiles flight, showed the rocket was launched from within the Gaza Strip and traveled northeast, according to one of the officials. About 10 seconds after the launch, analysts assess the motor combustion became unstable, one of the officials said.

We can tell that in part based on the fluctuating intensity of the rocket plume about five seconds after that there's a flash in the video, said the official.

Five seconds later, one object hit the ground, followed about two seconds later by a second. Analysts believe the first object was likely the motor from the rocket, and the second was the warhead.

There was a catastrophic motor failure that likely occurred, which separated the motor and the warhead. The warhead landed in the hospital compound and that was the second explosion and a much bigger one, said the official.

Analysts also based their assessment on the effects of the blast. The damage at the site is consistent with what officials would expect to see from a rocket, not the large craters and broader blast effects from an air-dropped munition or artillery round, the official said, adding that the hospital only sustained light structural damage.



There was no observable damage to the main hospital building, no large impact craters, only light damage to the roots of the two structures near the main hospital building and both of them remained intact, said the official. All of this is inconsistent with our assessment of what the damage would look like if this was an Israeli munition.

The officials also said they assessed with low confidence that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible for launching the rocket, backing up statements made by the Israeli Defense Forces. The assessment is based on audio of Hamas militants discussing who is responsible for the launch, which was provided by Israeli officials and carefully vetted, said the official. However, officials cant confirm who the speakers are or that what they are discussing took place.

Officials also have not seen images or video of debris that would have come from Israeli munitions, the official said.

If an Israeli munition was responsible for this blast, we would expect that Palestinian militants would be very directly and clearly showing what they thought was an Israeli munitions, said the official.

The initial U.S. assessment  that the blast was not caused by the Israeli Defense Forces by the first night  was based on initial signals intelligence, according to a second senior intelligence official.

Then over the course of the next several days of when we got imagery of it, when we got some additional reporting and the analysts had time to sift through the data and do some analysis of it, I think our views of  our confidence level evolved over the next three four five days, the senior official said.
The U.S. government is drawing up emergency plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Americans from the Middle East if the crisis in Israel escalates, according to a report. Anonymous officials told The Washington Post that the Biden administration is particularly concerned about an estimated 600,000 Americans living in Israel and 86,000 in Lebanon. One official said the cross-border clashes between Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Israel have become a real issue, and that the U.S. government is very, very, very worried that this thing is going to get out of hand. Sources told the Post that mass evacuations are considered a worst-case scenario, with one official saying it would nevertheless be irresponsible not to have a plan for everything.

Read it at The Washington Post

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The United States late Monday said it has concluded that a coup has taken place in Gabon, where the military on Aug. 30 ousted President Ali Bongo. Photo by EPA-EFE

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The United States has concluded that a military coup d'etat has taken place in Gabon, the State Department said as it suspended most U.S. assistance to the African nation.

The declaration, announced by the U.S. government late Monday, comes nearly two months after the Gabon government of President Ali Bongo Ondimba was ousted by the military on Aug. 30.

The junta seized power hours after Gabon's election commission announced Bongo had been elected to a third term, extending his family's more than five-decade dynastic rule of the country that began with the president's father, Omar Bongo , in 1967.

Ali Bongo, who succeeded his father in 2009, had secured two-thirds of the vote in the September election, which opponents argued was fraudulent.

The United States and the European Union came out against the seizure, though both voiced concerns over the electoral process that preceded the government takeover.

The Biden administration late last month then paused foreign assistance programs that the State Department suspended Monday.

"Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State's annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the government of Gabon," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said late Monday in a statement, while stating the United States' humanitarian, health and education assistance to the country will continue.

"The United States reaffirms our commitment to support Gabon in conducting a timely and durable transition to democratic civilian governance and advancing shared security interests in the Gulf of Guinea," he said.

"We will resume our assistance alongside concrete actions by the transitional government toward establishing democratic rule. We will continue to work closely with the Gabonese people and regional partners."

The coup in Gabon came about a month after Niger fell in a military coup in late July.

Africa has seen at least eight military coups -- six that resulted in a change of power -- since August of 2020.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  At least 109 Filipinos in Lebanon are now seeking to return home amid the rising tension between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed the number, a week after the Philippine embassy in Lebanon advised Filipinos living near the southern border of Lebanon to flee the area.

READ: Gov't calls on Filipinos near Lebanon's southern border to flee from clashes

De Vega also urged Filipinos to go home, saying that "it's just a matter of time" before the Philippine government places Lebanon under Alert Level 3, which calls for voluntary repatriation.

READ: 'Consider going home': DFA tells Filipinos in Lebanon

Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Raymond Balatbat on Monday told CNN Philippine' The Source around 17,500 Filipinos live and work in Lebanon, including 122 in the southern area.

Tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah had been relatively dormant since 2006 but erupted again earlier this month. Both sides have been trading fire since the Palestinian group Hamas' shock attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Israel responded by pounding Gaza with air strikes.
Picketers are reflected in a puddle as they strike outside of the General Motors assembly plant, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The United Auto Workers union is turning up the heat on General Motors as 5,000 workers walked off their jobs at the highly profitable SUV factory. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

DETROIT (AP)  First it was Ford, then Stellantis, and now a General Motors factory has been added to the growing list of highly profitable plants where the United Auto Workers union is on strike.

On Tuesday, about 5,000 workers walked out at GM's factory in Arlington, Texas, that makes big, high margin SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade.

The strikes in Texas, as well as at the largest Ford factory in the world in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Stellantis plant that makes lucrative Ram pickups in Michigan, are aimed at getting the companies to capitulate to union demands for richer wages and benefits than the automakers so far have offered.

But judging from statements out of Detroit, the companies are at or near the limit on how much they're willing to budge to end a series of targeted strikes now involving 46,000 workers that began on Sept. 15. About 32% of the union's 146,000 members at the companies are on strike, and the automakers are laying off workers at other plants as parts shortages cascade through their systems.

In announcing the Arlington strike, UAW President Shawn Fain noted that GM posted big earnings on Tuesday, yet its offer to the union lags behind Ford, preserving a two-tier wage structure and offering the weakest 401(k) contribution of all three automakers.

Its time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share, Fain said.

But GM CEO Mary Barra told investors on the company's earnings conference call that the automaker already has made a record offer and wont sign a contract that jeopardizes the companys future.

We will not agree to a contract that isnt responsible for our employees and for our shareholders," she said. "We need to make sure we have a contract that is going to allow us to compete and win in what is a challenging market for EVs and also allows us to support the business that we have with strong margins in our (internal combustion engine) business.

Last week, Ford told reporters that it had reached the limit of what it was willing to pay to end the nearly 6-week-old strike, bringing out Executive Chairman Bill Ford to urge strikers to return to work. On Monday, after the union took down the pickup plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, north of Detroit, Stellantis said it was outraged by the escalation because it improved its offer to include a 23% wage increase over four years.

All three automakers have said they won't stick themselves with high labor costs that would make their vehicles more costly than nonunion competitors.

Talks continued Tuesday with Stellantis and Ford, with new offers from the union either coming or delivered at both companies. The status of talks with GM wasn't clear.

Early on, the union struck at plants that didn't make the companies' most expensive and profitable vehicles. But as the strikes dragged on, Fain has targeted truck and SUV plants in an effort to empty the companies' wallets.

At the same time, workers are getting by on $500 per week of strike pay, hardly enough to pay the monthly bills. The payments also are making a dent in the union's strike fund, which was $825 million when the strikes began. Fain said it was still healthy.

Thomas Kochan, a professor of work and employment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said adding the GM SUV plant means the negotiations are at a pivotal point.

The pressures for reaching an agreement that everybody can live with are immense on both the company and the union, he said. The effects of an expanded strike across the three companies and prolonged over time would be profound, and would have very serious negative effects on the companies and on the workforce.

The companies, he said, are close to the limits on their offers and the union is close to what it legitimately can expect to get.

There comes a time where the parties have to have very private conversations in negotiations, Kochan said. Its time for the public rhetoric to stop.

On the picket line in Texas, Ethan Pierce, a material handler with more than 23 years at GM, said workers sacrificed, making concessions to help save GM when it was in dire financial trouble around the 2008 financial crisis. We started asking for some of our stuff back. They didnt want to give it to us, Pierce said.

Now, with inflation driving up prices, workers are struggling, he said. Among the sticking points is GMs refusal to let workers go on strike over plans to close factories, Pierce said.

If youre being treated unfairly, sooner or later you have to stand up, he said. When we get treated better, everybody else gets treated better.

The addition of the Arlington plant came just after GM announced strong third-quarter financial results. The SUVs are among GM's most profitable vehicles.

The company on Tuesday posted a net profit of just over $3 billion for the quarter, down 7% from a year ago. But the company reported strong demand and prices for its vehicles.

GM later said that it's disappointed in the escalation at Arlington, calling the strike unnecessary and irresponsible and said it will have negative ripple effects on dealers, suppliers and communities.

Because the striking plants supply or get parts from other factories, the automakers say they've been forced to lay off another 7,672 workers. And shares of General Motors Co. are down more than 14% this year, touching lows Tuesday that haven't been seen since 2020 during the pandemic, when the company's sales growth tumbled almost 11%.

Last week GM made an offer that increased its previous one by about 25% in total value, the company said.

Barra said GM has made a record offer to the union that will raise top factory pay to $40.39 per hour, or roughly $84,000 per year in four years.

The company also said the strike is expected to cut pretax earnings by $800 million this year, and another $200 million per week after that. And those estimates were made prior to the Arlington strike, GM said.

____

AP Chief Photographer for Texas Julio Cortez contributed to this report from Arlington, Texas, and AP Business Writer David Koenig contributed from Dallas.
By Andrew MacAskill

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday said it will stop using 50 of the hotels in which it houses asylum seekers and instead rely on cheaper forms of accommodation as part of plans to deter people arriving on the south coast of England in small boats.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made stopping people arriving on the boats one of his priorities after the number of asylum seekers landing on the south coast of England soared to more than 45,000 last year, up 500% in two years.

Surveys show that immigration, a key factor in the 2016 referendum vote for Britain to leave the European Union, remains a major concern for voters ahead of a national election expected next year. A majority of the public think the government is handling the issue badly.

The government argues the use of hotels is unsustainable with the cost of processing and housing asylum seekers rising to 3 billion pounds ($3.66 billion) per year, while some politicians have complained the policy has adversely impacted tourism and inflamed local tensions.

The BBC reported earlier this year that 400 hotels were being used to house asylum seekers. The UK interior ministry declined to confirm that figure.

The immigration minister Robert Jenrick told parliament on Tuesday he had written to councils to tell them that the government will end the use of the first tranche of hotels by January with the aim of cancelling more contracts in the future.

In March, about 20,000 in Britain receiving asylum support were being housed in hotel accommodation, according to the House of Commons Library.

The government has announced plans to use more mass accommodation instead, including military bases and barges.

It also wants to deport nearly all asylum seekers who arrive in Britain on small boats to Rwanda. That plan has undergone a series of legal challenges and its fate rests on a Supreme Court decision expected in mid-December.

($1 = 0.8191 pounds)

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Almost 1.5 million tonnes of products have been exported via the new alternative corridor, on which Ukraine commenced work after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Infrastructure Minister, during the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum

Quote: "The No. 1 condition for the restoration of the economy is the ability to export through the deep-water ports in the Black Sea. From the moment Russia pulled from the grain agreement, we began to work with a new alternative corridor. We already see our first results  almost 1.5 million metric tons have been exported," the minister stressed.

Details: Kubrakov added that 32.9 million tonnes of agricultural products were shipped to Africa, Asia and Europe between August 2022 and July 2023. The official said it is necessary to focus on export logistics to fulfil a larger volume.

"The Danube performs a very important function. When no ports were in operation in Odesa region, it took almost 50% of all exports and imports. This is our big alternative route,

About 85% of the Dnipro gateways are in critical condition, so the need for investment in modernization is $165 million," Kubrakov summed up.

Background: Russia has carried out 17 massive attacks on Ukraine since withdrawing from the grain deal, which has led to a 40% reduction in the Ukrainian ports' export potential.

Ukraine managed to resume the operation of the Greater Odesa ports without third-party involvement, thanks to military preconditions, including the attack on a Russian landing ship in August (the three ports of the Greater Odesa are Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi  ed.).

Ukraine opened registration for merchant ships and their owners to use temporary routes to and from Odesa ports after Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The first vessel to use the Ukrainian Black Sea corridor after Russia's withdrawal from the grain initiative arrived in Istanbul, Turkiye, on 18 August.

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Ukraine has converted US AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for Western fighters into surface-to-air missiles.

Source: Financial Times

Quote from FT: "A recent success was to convert redundant US air-to-air AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles into surface-to-air missiles  an area of critical need given Russia continues to launch attacks on towns far from the front line."

Details: A high-ranking Ukrainian official confirmed this information to Financial Times, "Those [AIM-9, which were delivered to Ukraine  ed.] missiles were out of operation.

...We fixed them. We found a way of launching them from the ground. Its a kind of self-made air defence".

The official believes that these converted projectiles will help "get us [Ukrainians  ed.] through the winter" when Russia is expected to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure. At the same time, he emphasised that this is not a long-term solution.

The official said this is one of a number of such initiatives, when old materials considered superfluous by the US military are turned into up-to-date weapons.

"We have an agreed solution where we take something obsolete and make it something different," the official said.

For reference: The AIM-9 Sidewinder is an US short-range air-to-air missile developed in the mid-1950s. Most AIM-9 modifications are equipped with an infrared homing guidance.

Over 200,000 missiles have been launched since 1955, making the AIM-9 one of the most used air-to-air missiles in history.

The AIM-9M Sidewinder was included in the summer US aid package.

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Ukrainian authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation of 802 children from 23 settlements in Kherson Oblast subjected to regular Russian attacks, the Reintegration Ministry announced on Oct. 23.

The children with their parents or legal guardians will leave the Beryslav, Kakhovka, and Kherson districts for safer regions, the ministry said on Telegram.

The evacuation will be carried out free of charge by trains and buses, particularly to Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Lviv oblasts.

About 100 children will also be hosted in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, according to the announcement.

Read also: Explainer: What we know about Russias deportation of Ukrainian children

The authorities will provide all the evacuated civilians with support payments, shelter, humanitarian aid, and psychological assistance, the ministry added.

Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the Dnipro River's west bank in November 2022.

Russian forces were pushed to the east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

Over 500 Ukrainian children have been killed and 1,138 wounded since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, according to the Children of War database.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the board of European Commissioners gathered in Brussels on Tuesday, 24 October, assuring them that Ukraine has fulfilled all the recommendations of the European Commission and is ready to start negotiations on joining the European Union.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Zelenskyys address

Quote: "Ukraine has been implementing the seven recommendations of the European Commission as quickly as possible to enable a political decision to open accession negotiations already this year.

We have done a lot, and I would say  much more than could be expected from a country that has been subjected to full-scale aggression," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is not asking for political discounts, but is demonstrating the necessary political pace as it shares the approach that "decisions should be based on the individual achievements of countries that seek to become members of the European Union".

"For Ukraine, this is a top priority  to be ready for a political decision to start negotiations on EU membership this year. And I hope it is the same for the European Union. We have laid a solid basis for this," Zelenskyy said, detailing the implementation of each of the seven recommendations that were provided by the European Commission.

Background:

Earlier, Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, expressed confidence that the European Commission will give a positive conclusion to start accession talks before the end of this year.

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said that the negotiations on Ukraines accession to the European Union will begin in the first half of 2024, when Belgium holds the EU Council presidency.

Politico reported on a similar scenario. Its sources said the leaders of the European Union will decide to start negotiations on the accession of Ukraine by the end of 2023, and they will actually start a tad later.

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By Dan Peleschuk

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian authorities feel newly empowered to prosecute the once-powerful tycoons known as "oligarchs" thanks to shifting political realities and the war with Russia, Kyiv's justice minister said.

Denys Maliuska spoke to Reuters in an interview on Monday as investigators probe several prominent billionaires for crimes like embezzlement, fraud and money laundering in cases mostly opened during the 20-month-old Russian invasion.

"Everyone was afraid of (the) consequences of indicting oligarchs, but this is no longer the case," he said.

Ukraine had long struggled to shake off the influence of its shadowy tycoons, who used the huge industrial wealth they amassed after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union to gain political influence and power.

But Russia's invasion has eaten into their influence, destroying industrial assets in the east and south, while the television channels they controlled have been broadcasting under a centralised signal since Moscow's February 2022 attack.

A 2021 law aimed at curbing their political and economic influence also sent a clear signal, Maliuska said, and now oligarchs have become "quite accessible" to authorities.

"It's easier to get access to documents, to witnesses, to case files, which was impossible even a couple of years ago for law enforcement agencies to achieve," he said.

Billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky, once considered President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief patron, was jailed last month and is suspected of fraud and money laundering.

In May, Ukraine also announced it suspected businessman Dmytro Firtash, who is wanted by the United States, and companies under his control of stealing up to $485 million in a "large-scale scheme" involving Ukraine's gas transit system.

Both have denied wrongdoing.

Authorities earlier this year also seized more than $375 million worth of assets they said belonged to exiled billionaire Vadym Novynskyi, whom they allege aided Russia. He denies wrongdoing.

The Ukrainian investment group Smart Holding said the assets no longer belonged to Novynskyi, whom it said gave up ownership last year.

Ukraine wants to join the European Union and show its Western partners that it can handle a huge influx of investment and funds to help rebuild the country.

Anti-corruption agencies have launched cases against current and former officials, while authorities are also hoping to overhaul the judiciary and cement the rule of law.

The EU has recommended that Kyiv defer the implementation of the 2021 legislation, which places those designated by the National Security Council as oligarchs in a register, because of its potential to be "misused for political purposes".

Maliuska said that Kyiv would comply with the EU's recommendations but that Ukrainian law enforcement, in the meantime, would continue their investigations, which he called "game-changers" for Kyiv's bid to clean up.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Tom Balmforth and Mark Potter)
Zelensky President of Ukraine, speaks during a live broadcast at the 6th German-Ukrainian Business Forum of the DIHK, the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations and the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, 2023

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, today warned Moscow that his forces would continue to put pressure on Russian-occupied Crimea. The peninsula has come under repeated attack by Ukraine, using a wide variety of methods, including drones, missiles, and sabotage. In recent weeks, several high-profile targets have been struck, including the Black Sea Fleet headquarters , the vital Kerch Bridge , Russian airbases , and vessels of the Black Sea Fleet itself .

The Russian [Black Sea] Fleet is no longer able to operate in the western part of the Black Sea and is gradually fleeing from Crimea. And this is a historic achievement, the Ukrainian president said, describing Russias supposed domination of Crimea and the Black Sea as an illusion.

https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1716784429622775835

We have not yet gained full fire control over Crimea and surrounding waters, but we will, Zelensky added. This is a question of time.

Zelenskys comments came during a video address to the Crimea Platform , a security conference in Prague.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1716729305344946246?s=12

There are suggestions that Zelenskys address to the conference was interrupted by hackers, with various technical glitches interrupting his speech. At one point, for example, his voice was modulated to a higher pitch. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Czech parliamentary speaker said the website for the event had come under a hacking attack. The culprits have not been identified.

Meanwhile, in Crimea, Russian officials say that the Black Sea Fleet was today involved in repelling a Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol, said to be using uncrewed surface vessels  USVs, or drone boats .

https://www.twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1716858590147825965?s=20

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its naval forces destroyed three Ukrainian USVs in the northern part of the Black Sea, off the Crimean peninsula.

Anti-sabotage missiles and bombs hit the area where the unmanned boats were detected, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app. The ministry added that an anti-mining and an anti-sabotage operation was being carried out off the port of Sevastopol port, home to the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea and a prime target for Ukrainian operations.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, said it was likely a Ukrainian underwater sabotage attack, suggesting that uncrewed underwater vehicles , rather than USVs, may have been employed.

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1716629853548495246

These Russian claims have so far not been verified and the level of damage or number of casualties is not presently clear.

Before getting into the rest of the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can get caught up with our previous rolling coverage here .

The Latest

Elsewhere, fighting continues around the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka , where Russia launched a major new offensive earlier this month. While Russia has suffered heavy losses in terms of manpower and equipment, it has also committed even more personnel to the offensive.

One result appears to be the successful operation to capture a waste heap near the town. Despite the bleak optics, the success has been heralded by Russian military bloggers, reflecting the limited nature of the Russian gains in this area so far. A video showed a Russian flag atop the waste heap, together with the banner of the 114th Brigade, with the area otherwise seemingly deserted.

https://www.twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1716763826685727155?s=20 https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1716594848642265132

There is growing evidence that Russia is increasingly relying upon convicts to wage its war in Ukraine. According to an analysis from the U.K. Ministry of Defense, the Kremlin is now having extreme difficulty in filling the ranks of its combat infantry.

In its latest intelligence update, the ministry said that Russia is relying, to a significant degree, on penal units, known as Shtorm-Z, for local offensive operations in Ukraine.

These company-sized groups were likely first fielded in 2022. There is a realistic possibility that Russia originally envisioned them as relatively elite organizations which could seize the tactical initiative, the U.K. Ministry of Defense posted on X, formerly Twitter.

https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1716698567908221209

However, since at least spring 2023, Shtorm-Z have effectively become penal battalions, manned with convicts and regular troops on disciplinary charges. Multiple accounts suggest the units are given the lowest priority for logistical and medical support, while repeatedly being ordered to attack.

Russian troops have often conducted an effective defense. However, the existence of Shtorm-Z highlights the extreme difficulty Russia has in generating combat infantry capable of conducting effective offensive operations.

In recent weeks, we have reported on Russian efforts to boost combat personnel by using Redut, a purported private military company, now recruiting mercenaries to fight in Ukraine, as well as Serbian fighters, who are being recruited against the wishes of the government in Belgrade.

Footage of Ukrainian military aircraft in action has been widely circulated since the start of the current conflict. But videos showing any kind of guided munitions being delivered are far rarer. This makes the following all the more interesting. It shows a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker fighter launching a radar-killing AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) at a very low altitude.

https://twitter.com/OleksandrKolym/status/1717248271070945765

Ukraine has teamed up with the German Rheinmetall arms manufacturer, creating a joint venture that will service and repair Western-made weapons provided to Kyiv. The development was announced by Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, at a German-Ukrainian Business Forum in Berlin. Most interestingly, the joint venture will also launch local production of certain key components made by Rheinmetall.

The joint venture between Rheinmetall and the state-owned Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC will bring cooperation between our countries to a qualitatively new level and will allow us to build together the arsenal of the free world, Shmyhal told the forum, according to Reuters .

The first project will be repairing of German equipment, tanks, heavy armored vehicles, Panzerhaubitzers , and other German equipment. All other production projects  its not public information, but we have some plans what to produce in Ukraine, but the companies will announce it by themselves when the time will come, Shmyhal added.

The plans to undertake local production should help Ukraine meet the growing demands of the war as well as establish a modern arms-manufacturing base.

https://twitter.com/BlogUkraine/status/1716765038457843849

One area in which Ukrainian arms producers are keeping especially busy is the manufacture of drones, including those of the kamikaze type, intended for one-way missions to strike Russian targets. So far, most of these have been airborne or naval, but the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation has released a video showing a ground-based kamikaze drone, known as the Ratel S.

According to the ministry, the Ratel S has successfully passed field tests and has now entered quantity production. The drone is reportedly capable of carrying anti-tank mines and can travel atv a speed of 15 miles per hour over a distance of 3.7 miles. The Ratel S has been developed to blow up targets including tanks and dugouts.

https://twitter.com/saintjavelin/status/1716755269907038547 https://twitter.com/fedorovmykhailo/status/1716746653388923119?s=12

Ground warfare on another scale can be seen in some dramatic footage from the Kupyansk area, in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine. It shows the kind of close-quarters combat that main battle tanks have been getting involved in. In this case, we see a Ukrainian T-80BV opening fire with its 125mm main gun while moving very close to the Russian positions on the treeline in front of it.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1716796343421743352?s=12

Another interesting drone video shows the apparent use of a Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) type drone, during an attack on a Russian tank. The drone in question seems to be carrying an incendiary device, which can be seen to prematurely ignite before the drone operator seems to be able to recover it and then press home an attack.

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1716812789447082221

There have been various steps made to protect tanks and other armored vehicles against drone strikes, by both sides, including the so-called  cope cages . One of the less common vehicles to now sport this kind of protection against attacks from above is this Russian Armed Forces 2S9 Nona-S , a self-propelled artillery piece that carries a 120mm mortar.

https://twitter.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1716810709181616599

The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, has met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. The meeting has been seen as an important symbol of the increasing proximity between Russia and Iran, one which the United States has described as a burgeoning defense partnership.

Russia is increasingly reliant upon Iran to arm its forces in Ukraine and it is perhaps significant that Lavrovs trip to Tehran came soon after he visited China and North Korea  the latter, in particular, is becoming a major supplier of arms to Russia for use against Ukraine.

Iran has supplied Shahed kamikaze drones to Russia, which have been used extensively against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. There are also concerns that Iran may also start to deliver ballistic missiles to Russia for the same purpose.

https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1716489639895224723

The governor of the Kherson region, in southern Ukraine, has said that two people have been killed there due to Russian shelling, and another 14 injured.

The governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, posted to Telegram to say that Russia had launched 101 attacks against the region, firing 597 shells over the past day alone.

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1716713022054351330

Prokudin said: The Russian military targeted the residential quarters of the populated areas of the region; a critical infrastructure facility and plant in Beryslav; the territory of the park in Kherson.

As a result of the Russian aggression, two people died, another 14 were injured, including one child, he added.

https://twitter.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/1716649470715199766

According to the regional military administration in the Kherson region, more than 50 windows, the roof, and the doors of a hospital were damaged in overnight shelling. It added that two women, aged 63 and 66, sustained injuries. A fire station was said to be damaged, too.

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1716807967868403886

An interesting addition to the Swedish-made CV9040 infantry fighting vehicles used by Ukraine is the Barracuda multi-spectral camouflage , developed by Saab. All the CV9040s of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade seen in the video below carry Barracuda camouflage, which is designed to defeat hostile sensors and target acquisition systems by reducing the vehicles internal temperature. At the same time, the kit also helps cool the personnel and onboard electronic equipment.

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1716582828048101415

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has released its latest figures on the number of Russian personnel killed since the launch of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The invasion has taken the lives almost 300,000 Russian personnel, Ukraine claims.

In addition to 295,510 personnel killed, an increase of 810 since Monday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense claims that Russia has also lost 5,105 tanks, 7,081 pieces of artillery, 320 aircraft, and 9,447 vehicles and fuel tanks. It should be noted that these figures cannot currently be independently verified.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1716686620651290964

More details are coming to light about the damage to a telecommunications cable running under the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Estonia earlier this month. Swedens prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has said that the damage was purposeful, although he stopped short of naming any culprit.

We will not be more precise than that as of today, Kristersson told a press conference, explaining that Swedish divers had investigated the seabed, according to the Associated Press.

A Swedish Navy spokesperson, Jimmie Adamsson, told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT that we see seabed tracks nearby, but we dont know if its deliberate or an accident.

Sweden first reported the damage to the cable on October 17. Authorities there believe that the damage occurred at the same time as damage to an undersea gas pipeline and telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia.

As to the latter damage, Finnish police say they have retrieved a large anchor from the seabed near the location where the gas pipeline ruptured. According to Reuters, investigators there think the anchor may have come from a Chinese container vessel, the NewNew Polar Bear.

https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1716863261302222981

The Finnish police have already concluded that said damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and two telecoms cables were caused by some kind of external mechanical force. However, they have not said whether they consider this to be deliberate sabotage or caused by accident.

Finlands National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed last week that the NewNew Polar Bear had traveled above the pipeline and the cables at the time of the damage, and they now also say that the vessel has lost one of its front anchors.

The military implications are clear and the situation has alerted NATO. The alliances secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, told a press conference today that member countries had:

Tens of thousands of kilometers of internet cables, of gas pipelines over power cables, all the oil pipelines crossing the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and of course, these types of undersea critical infrastructure [are] vulnerable.

The BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) has been widely deployed by both sides during the conflict, although Ukraine has now migrated some of the tubes from that weapon onto a much more mobile platform: the U.S.-designed HMMWV, or Humvee. The HMMWV has nine tubes for the 122mm artillery rockets mounted on a turntable at the rear.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1716818670176104647

For comparison, here is a standard Ukrainian Armed Forces BM-21, purportedly one of those donated by Poland:

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1716545329992982867

Finally, while the claim cannot be verified at this stage, Russian state media is reporting that a poisoned cake was delivered to a reunion event for Russian aviators recently. The story seems to have first emerged as a rumor on the Telegram channel and claims that the cake was brought to a reunion party for a Russian aviation school by a Ukrainian man. Exactly how the hazardous nature of the cake came to light is unclear, but the report suggests that 77 Russian pilots and officers avoided being poisoned.

https://twitter.com/AricToler/status/1716859913723314685

That is all for now. This story will be updated when theres more news to report about Ukraine.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
Ukraine is heading toward another winter of fighting, where battlefield progress may be limited.

A land warfare expert said even if Kyiv can't break enemy lines, it can still cause pain for Russian forces.

To do so, it will need to exploit a wider front line and force Russia to spread itself thin.

Russia's war in Ukraine is heading into another winter, and if last year's cold season is any indication of what the future battlefield could look like, there may be limited territorial movement in the months ahead.

But even if Kyiv's forces aren't necessarily able to break through the enemy lines, they could still inflict significant damage on Moscow's army throughout the winter, a land warfare expert says. The key could be drawing out Russian forces into the cold by pushing into opportunities rather than attempting to batter their defenses.

Last winter saw both militaries clash along a largely static front line that stretched  and continues to stretch  across hundreds of miles in eastern and southern Ukraine. The fighting centered around the war-torn city of Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region, and was characterized by its brutality and large number of casualties. Over the cold season, Russia also managed to build a network of complex defensive lines and fortifications, which have so far blunted Ukraine's summer counteroffensive, preventing its forces from making more progress.

Jack Watling , a senior research fellow for land warfare at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, wrote in a recent analysis on Ukraine's winter fighting preparations that if Kyiv doesn't keep pressure on the Russia's forces, there's a risk its defenses could become an even more troubling problem, as it could further fortify its positions along the front.

"Kyiv must balance reconstitution with a need to keep up pressure on Russian forces," he said.

Ukrainian forces fire near Bakhmut on September 16, 2023. Libkos/Getty Images

Ukraine faces several different concerns heading into the winter, Watling wrote, among them being a need to keep its ammunition stockpiles high to punish enemy forces and maintain its air-defense systems to prevent devastating Russian strikes.

Over the past few months, Kyiv has expended a great quantities of ammunition, straining not only its own stockpiles but those of its Western military backers. The US has, in turn, boosted artillery shell production, but it has also been forced to seek alternative solutions to allow Ukraine to inflict the same amount of damage with less ammo. One alternative was the decision to outfit Ukraine with highly effective but controversial cluster munitions. And air-defense capabilities continue to be prioritized in NATO security assistance packages.

Russia has also increased its supply of ammunition, seeking support not only from its defense industry but also international partners like North Korea. It has also increased domestic production and supply of missiles and drones, which experts say could be used to launch bigger attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure and attempt to overwhelm its air-defense network in the coming months. This cruel tactic would be a repeat of what Moscow's forces did last winter, when they relied heavily on Iranian-made explosive one-way attack drones to terrorize Ukrainian cities and civilians.

One area where Ukrainian forces have found recent success is with long-range strikes. Toward the end of the summer, Kyiv employed Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles from Britain and France to wreak havoc around the occupied Crimean peninsula and Russia's Black Sea Fleet, inflicting damage on high-profile buildings, shipyards, and naval assets.

More recently, Kyiv unveiled its new arsenal of MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, that it secretly obtained from the US in devastating strikes on Russian airfields, reportedly taking out a collection of helicopters and other military hardware.

Experts have long suggested that ATACMS could allow Ukraine to strike deep behind enemy lines without expending its limited supply of Western cruise missiles or requiring Kyiv's forces to make significant territorial gains. Longer-range strike capabilities can be used to create vulnerabilities.

Members of the SPG-9 anti tank recoilless gun crew fire the gun onto Russian positions near the occupied Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on August 14, 2023. Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Watling said that even if Ukraine is unable to pull of a massed breakthrough, which may be difficult given the current battlefield conditions, it can shift away from trying to push through heavily defended sectors and exploit gaps along a wider front line to draw the enemy into fights of opportunity and force Russian soldiers to stay out in the bad weather and bleed the army through combat and climactic casualties.

"Recent attacks across the Dnipro, for example, expand the frontage that Russian troops must defend, reducing the number of forces that can be pulled back and trained or reconstituted," Watling wrote. "Actions that make progress where the Russians have left themselves vulnerable can be rapidly exploited. Russian commanders cannot, therefore, simply trade space on their flanks."

"The winter once again poses an opportunity to maximize Russian losses," he said. "If Russian troops are drawn into the defence along a wide front, with Ukrainian troops pushing into opportunities rather than trying to break through defended areas, then Russian forces will be outside, getting wet and cold."

Indeed, Moscow's forces suffered heavy casualties last winter, especially during its months-long campaign to take Bakhmut  led by the Wagner Group mercenaries. According to a recent intelligence update from the British defense ministry, as many as nearly 300,000 Russian soldiers, not including Wagner, have been killed, permanently wounded, or temporarily wounded while fighting for Russia since its full-scale invasion began last year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has confirmed that Ukraine will be landing strikes on the Russian fleet in Abkhazia, the occupied territory of Georgia.

Source: Zelenskyy, during his speech at the Second Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform, as reported by European Pravda

Talking about Ukraines steps towards the liberation of the Crimean Peninsula, Zelenskyy remarked that the Russian military fleet "is no longer able to operate in the western part of the Black Sea and is gradually retreating from Crimea".

"This is a historic achievement," he stressed.

"Recently, the Russian leadership was forced to announce the creation of a new base for the Black Sea Fleet  or what's left of it  on the occupied territory of Georgia, in the southeastern part of the sea, as far as possible from Ukrainian missiles and naval drones. But we will reach them everywhere."

At the beginning of October, Aslan Bzhania, the leader of non-recognized Abkhazia, stated in an interview for the Izvestia newspaper that Russia was planning to create a naval base on the Black Sea coast of Abkhazia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia called these actions a harsh violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and another provocative attempt to legitimise the illegal occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

Abkhazia, located in the north-western part of Georgia on the Black Sea coast, started a war for separation from Georgia in 1992-93. After the forcible occupation of part of the Georgian territory by the Russian forces in 2008, the "independence" of self-proclaimed Abkhazia was recognized by Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the proposal to create a universal health care coordinating council to oversee the nationwide implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

At a briefing, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the problem that the UHC coordinating council will try to fix is the fragmentation of the health system.

"The council will serve as a national governance body that will oversee the implementation of Universal Health Care Act nationwide, the project and estimate total national cost for UHC and also implementation of the Universal Health Care at local government level," said Herbosa, who added the council will also be where discussions on concerns regarding the implementation of the UHC will happen.

The DOH will serve as the council chair, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as co-chair.

Several other government agencies will be part of the council. Among them are the Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Finance, Budget and Management, as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education and Department of Education.

They are working to consolidate the health systems, said Herbosa.

"When the UHC Act was implemented the aim was to integrate health systems. So, youll come up with the provincial health board run by the governor and then it would consolidate all the health systems in the different mayors in his province  so, this is how the integration will happen," he explained.

Herbosa also said the council will oversee how the health fund would be spent.

"There is going to be a special health fund which is actually emphasized in the law and thats why we created the council to watch the spending of the money on the special health fund and the implementation would be standard for all different LGUs," he said.

Beginning 2023, Hebosa said five sites have already been engaged to pilot the UHC integration. These are located in Baguio, Bataan, Quezon, Guimaras, and South Cotabato.
The US has outfitted Ukraine with AIM-9 missiles that it says are to be used for "air defense."

These are air-to-air missiles, but the Pentagon and Kyiv have plans to launch them from the ground.

A Ukrainian official said the Sidewinder missiles will be used in an improvised air-defense system.

With winter on the horizon, Kyiv is turning to its improvised air-defense systems to augment its capabilities and help get the country through an anticipated onslaught of Russian missile and drone barrages. A senior Ukrainian official said this involves tinkering with the primary job description of an American-made missile.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, the official said Kyiv is using its US-provided AIM-9 air-to-air missiles  which were reportedly "out of operation"  in a surface-to-air role, giving the missiles a kind of second life.

"We fixed them," the official told the publication. "We found a way of launching them from the ground. It's a kind of self-made air defence." They added that the weapons will help "get us through the winter," during which Russia is expected to carry out relentless drone and missile strikes on Ukraine's energy grid and civilian infrastructure, especially as Moscow looks to boost its domestic production and supply of drones.

Such barrages would be a repeat of a tactic that Russia employed last winter in a bid to try and break the country's will to fight, when Moscow's forces relied heavily on Iranian-made Shahed explosive drones to terrorize Ukraine's population.

While the Ukrainian official did not provide additional details about this process, its description matches the work of a Pentagon program called "FrankenSAM"  a nod to the novel "Frankenstein" and the abbreviation for surface-to-air missile, or SAM. This initiative involves building a new missile system that's made up of parts provided by allied and partner countries around the world.

A senior US defense official told the Associated Press earlier this month that the program began months ago, has grown over time, and has been used to boost Ukraine's air-defense network. The US official said that one system to come from the FrankenSAM program will be capable of launching the AIM-9 missiles.

The US in August first announced that it would send AIM-9M short-range air-to-air missiles to Ukraine, and Washington has included the weapon in several security assistance drawdowns in the weeks since. In statements revealing these, the Pentagon has said that the missiles are intended "for air defense," meaning they could be fired from fighter jets or launched from ground-based air-defense systems, though it was ultimately unclear how they'd be used.

Speaking in mid-October about the most recent US military aid package for Kyiv, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said it includes AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles "for a new air-defense system that we will soon deliver to Ukraine." He did not elaborate any further on what that might be, nor did he reveal any details about the FrankenSAM program.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Key developments on Oct. 24:

Zelensky: Full Ukrainian fire control over Crimea 'only a matter of time'

SBU charges businessman over supplying materials for Russian warships

Around 1,000 civilians remain in Avdiivka

Ukraine reportedly repurposes US-supplied missiles for air defense

Russia lacks infantry capability, UK intel says



Ukrainian forces will soon have fire control capabilities over Russian-occupied Crimea, President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed in an online address to the parliamentary summit of the Crimean Platform on Oct. 24.

A series of Ukrainian attacks on Russias Black Sea Fleet in Crimea have degraded Russias defense networks on the peninsula, Zelensky said, and although Ukraine does not currently have complete control of the skies over Crimea, it is only "a matter of time."

He also said Russia is planning a new naval base in the Russian-occupied Georgian region of Abkhazia, to move ships "as far as possible from Ukrainian missiles and naval drones."

Reports about the degradation of the Black Sea Fleet have been echoed by Ukraine's allies.

U.K. Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said on Oct. 3 that Ukraine's attacks have led to a "functional defeat" of Russia's Navy in the Black Sea.

Ukrainian forces in recent months have struck significant blows to the Russian military operating in occupied Crimea and the Black Sea. A Ukrainian missile attack hit the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol on Sept. 22, killing dozens of Russian officers.

The Second Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform is being hosted in Prague.

Since its inaugural summit on Aug. 23, 2021, it has gathered participants from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, including the EU.

Read also: Uncertain Triumph: Ukraine picks apart Russias best air defenses in Crimea

Ukraine reportedly repurposes US-supplied missiles for air defense

Ukraine has successfully converted redundant U.S.-provided air-to-air AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles into surface-to-air missiles, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Oct. 24, citing an unnamed Ukrainian official.

"(AIM-9) missiles were out of operation," said the official.

"We fixed them. We found a way of launching them from the ground. It's a kind of self-made air defense."

The strategy to repurpose the missiles with a new makeshift launcher, known in the Pentagon as the FrankenSAM project, was first reported by the Associated Press on Oct. 13.

Since this is not a long-term solution, the modified projectiles will help Ukraine get through the winter when Russian forces are expected to attack energy infrastructure, FT reported.

These repurposed missiles were among similar ambitions to transform old arms in U.S. stockpiles into essential weaponry.

American and Ukrainian engineers have also managed to modify a Soviet-era Buk air defense launcher so that it can fire U.S.-made RIM-7 missiles, an anonymous official told AP.

Read also: With winter approaching, is Ukraines energy system ready for renewed Russian attacks?

Around 1,000 civilians remain in embattled Avdiivka

Around 1,000 residents are left in the front-line town of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, which has recently come under intense attacks by Russian forces, Deputy Prime Minister and Reintegration Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on Oct. 24.

The heavily fortified Avdiivka, an industrial town with a pre-war population of roughly 32,000 people, is largely abandoned and destroyed by Russian air strikes and artillery barrages.

About 1,000 people are still living in Avdiivka, according to our data," Vereshchuk said.

She also called on locals to leave the town, which sits several kilometers north of Russian-occupied Donetsk.

Meanwhile, all children have been evacuated from Avdiivka.

Russia boosted its attacks last week in an attempt to encircle Avdiivka. Local military administration chief, Vitalii Barabash, said Russian forces are shelling a crucial road connection, disrupting evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Ukrainian military reported that despite the ongoing onslaught, its forces are holding their positions, inflicting heavy losses on Russian troops and military hardware.

Russian forces have been trying to capture Avdiivka since 2014.

Read also: Surviving Avdiivka: Russia intensifies assault on city deemed a second Bakhmut

Ukrainian businessman charged over supplying materials for Russian naval radars

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) charged a local businessman in the countrys western Zakarpattia Oblast for allegedly supplying raw materials to the Russian Navy for radar production, the agency reported on Oct. 24.

The businessman was said to have imported the materials from EU countries before supplying them to his Russian customers via Belarus.

Several shipments worth around Hr 12 million ($330,000) were uncovered. The businessmans top customers were Russia's major metallurgical plants, according to the investigation.

The Russian companies reportedly sent smelted materials to the sanctioned company Izumrud, where they were used to produce radars for Russian warships.

The businessman allegedly hid his activities by falsifying invoices and other shipment papers.

The SBU also said the businessman is now "hiding from justice abroad."

Read also: Investigative Stories from Ukraine: MP collaborates with Russian forces

Russia lacks infantry capability, UK intel says

Russian forces continue to rely mostly on Storm-Z units staffed by convicts and regular troops on disciplinary charges for local offensive operations in Ukraine, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its intelligence update on Oct. 24.

While Russian forces have often carried out an effective defense, the existence of Storm-Z highlights the extreme difficulty" Russia faces in generating combat infantry capable of conducting successful assaults, according to the report.

The ministry also said Russia likely initially viewed the Storm-Z units, first deployed in 2022, as relatively elite organizations which could seize the tactical initiative.

However, since at least this spring, the company-sized groups have effectively turned into penal battalions.

Numerous reports indicate that these units receive the least logistical and medical support, all the while being consistently tasked with carrying out repeated offensive actions, according to the ministry.

Russian troops are launching heavy attacks in many eastern axes, including in the Avdiivka, Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, and Marinka sectors, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its evening update on Oct. 24.

The past few days have experienced a high number of clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

Read also: I want to go home: Inside a Russian prisoner of war camp in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's executive is set to present on Nov.8 an assessment of progress made by Ukraine in its membership bid, three officials said, a key stepping stone in the bloc's decision on whether to start accession talks with Kyiv.

The assessment will come in an annual report by the Brussels-based European Commission detailing how far countries looking to join the 27-nation bloc have advanced in meeting the necessary economic, legal and other criteria.

A decision is then expected during a Dec.14-15 summit of EU leaders on whether to launch formal membership negotiations with Ukraine, a top priority for Kyiv as it fights the Russian invasion.

Kyiv is expected to get a positive recommendation, possibly under additional conditions related to fighting graft and the rights of minorities, the latter issue having been raised by Hungary.

Of the other hopefuls, an EU official said this week a similar recommendation could come for Moldova, where the bloc is also engaged in a geopolitical tug-of-war with Russia.

On Georgia, "the jury is still out" on whether it would receive formal candidate status, the person said, something Kyiv won in June last year, shortly after Russia had started the invasion.

Any enlargement decisions require unanimous backing of all the bloc's members, something that might be difficult to achieve for countries in the Western Balkans, according to EU officials and diplomats.

Instead, they said, the region could get additional financial assistance from a review of the bloc's shared budget, something the December summit is also due to decide on.

The Commission's proposal for the review includes earmarking 50 billion euros to support Ukraine through 2027, as well as assigning another 15 billion to handling unauthorised immigration.

Budget decisions also require unanimity in the bloc and some member countries have asked to also raise spending on tackling natural disasters like wildfires and floods, sources said.

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by David Holmes)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a live broadcast at the 6th German-Ukrainian Business Forum of the DIHK, the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations and the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Ukraine), in Berlin, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Topics include infrastructure, energy and defense as well as investment conditions for German companies in Ukraine. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Tuesday that recent Ukrainian attacks have denied the Russian fleet safe bases and secure maritime corridors in the western part of the Black Sea, as Kyivs troops look to squeeze the Kremlins occupying forces out of the Crimean Peninsula.

Crimea provides rear support for Moscows battlefield efforts further west and has been a frequent target for Ukrainian forces during the war since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian fleet is no longer capable of operating in the western part of the Black Sea and is gradually retreating from Crimea, Zelenskyy claimed, without providing evidence. This is a historic achievement.

Ukraine is keen to show that billions of dollars worth of weapons supplied by its Western allies have allowed it to make progress in the fighting, as the conflict enters its 21st month amid a broad stalemate.

With the war poised to extend into another winter and likely deep into next year, Kyiv is pushing its allies to provide it with more military assets. Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, are competing for the worlds attention with the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraines forces are not yet able to strike at any target in Crimea and its waters but that capability is coming closer, Zelenskyy told a meeting of the Crimea Platform, a diplomatic forum, in Prague via video link. He did not elaborate.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces hit three Ukrainian sea drones in the Black Sea early Tuesday.

Russia annexed Crimea, in eastern Ukraine, in 2014. In February last year, it launched a full-scale invasion that also aims to annex the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Since the collapse last August of a deal allowing Ukraine to safely export grain despite the war, Zelenskyy said, a new Black Sea export corridor has allowed some 50 ships to set sail, with more than 50 more departures expected. He did not provide details.

In other developments:

__

Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Ruslan Stefanchuk , Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraines Parliament), appealed to the parliaments of other countries to help in research of holding elections during a war.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine news agency, quoting Stefanchuk

Quote: "I appealed to my fellow parliamentarians from many parliaments with a request: please provide us with the experience of your parliaments, how you conducted or did not conduct elections during the war.

And now we are exchanging these experiences. I think we will have a solution soon."

"But at the same time, there are certain inconsistencies in Ukrainian legislation regarding the possibility or impossibility of holding elections both at the parliamentary level and at the presidential level. We are now discussing these issues."

Details: According to Stefanchuk, in order to hold elections during the war, it is necessary to solve "five or six" very important problems, the first of which is how to ensure the right of Ukrainian servicemen to vote and be elected into civilian offices.

The second issue that needs to be resolved for the elections, Stefanchuk said, is how Ukrainian refugees will participate in the voting, with about 7 million of them staying abroad.

He added it is also necessary to solve the issue of how to organise elections in the temporarily occupied territories and the issue of financing. The question of free access to the media during the election campaign also remains open.

"And during this period, we need to understand how to ensure free access to the media, but at the same time to prevent Russia from using freedom of speech to spread its narratives inside the country," the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament said.

Stefanchuk also noted that there are even smaller issues related to the holding of elections. "But I think when we find answers to these main five [questions  ed.], Ukraine can decide to hold elections," Stefanchuk said.

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The gang members who tried to illegally sell valuable Ukrainian artefacts in Spain were neutralised as a result of cooperation between the Security Service (SSU) and the Bureau of Economic Security (ESB) of Ukraine and the Police of the Kingdom of Spain.

Source: SSU press service spokesperson Artem Dekhtiarenko, ESB press service

Quote: "As a result of an international special operation in Madrid, five gang members who tried to illegally sell Ukrainian artefacts were detained. Among the detainees is a representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

During the investigation, 11 stolen golden items of our country's cultural heritage worth more than 60 million were seized from the criminals.

These are precious items dating back to the VIII-IV centuries BC, including gold earrings, a pendant, chokers and a pectoral necklace."

Details: According to the investigation, the defendants illegally exported the artefacts from Ukraine to the European Union in 2014-2020.

The offenders then attempted to "legalise" the stolen cultural property under the guise of purchasing it by foreign collectors and reselling it on the black market.

Law enforcement officers gradually documented the criminal actions of the suspects and detained them red-handed while transporting the Ukrainian artefacts.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the guilty to justice.

The antiquities were seized and an expert opinion was obtained that they are part of the cultural heritage of Ukraine.

In addition, comprehensive measures are being taken to establish the location of all Ukrainian artefacts of the Scythian Gold that were stolen from the territory of our state, the SSU said.

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By Max Hunder

KYIV REGION, Ukraine (Reuters) - At a simple shooting range outside Kyiv, a group of 20 Russian citizens clad in Ukrainian uniforms practiced firing assault rifles and machine guns.

Soon, they expect to be taking aim at the Russian army.

Their commander, a Ukrainian who introduced himself by the callsign Batya, said some of the recruits to Ukraine's newly-formed Siberian Battalion, the yellow and blue flag on their sleeves, were now ready for battle.

A Ukrainian military officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said most of the unit's 50 members came from Russia, travelling through third countries to reach Ukraine.

The officer said most are from among the indigenous peoples of Siberia and recruits said they want to fight against what they said was Russian imperialism both inside Ukraine and in their homelands.

"Starting from Tsarist Russia, when they colonized us, they destroyed our culture, our language and traditions. It was Russification, pure and simple," Gennadiy, a 29-year-old with the callsign Buryat, which refers to his homeland of Buryatia on the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia, told Reuters.

Military analysts say that Buryatia, as well as some of the other Russian regions which are home to indigenous peoples, have provided a disproportionately large number of soldiers for Russia's war effort.

Gennadiy said many people were forcibly mobilised by Russia, while others were tempted by salaries that could be more than ten times the wages earned by some people in the region.

Civil society group Free Buryatia Foundation has said the drive to mobilise a disproportionate number of Buryats was a political choice, as the Kremlin saw Buryatia as posing less of a risk in terms of anti-government protests.

Not all of the recruits are from Siberia. Some came from other parts of Russia, but said they were driven by a desire to join a unit fighting for Ukraine against Russia, and expressed solidarity with the Siberian peoples.

"I don't want to have any part in those terrible crimes that my country did within its own borders, and what is more terrifying, the massed firepower that is now killing thousands of Ukrainians. Without pity for women, children or the elderly," said a 41-year-old from Moscow region with the callsign Gandhi.

Russia denies targeting civilians in its invasion of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has said he is prepared to use all available means to defend Russia's "territorial integrity."

Gandhi said he took the name due to his fascination with the ideas of the 20th century leader, who led India's drive for independence from British colonial rule.

The Siberian Battalion's own Gandhi now wants to break up what he called Russia's "prison of nations".

"I think this will help the empire to collapse, the prison to be destroyed," he added.

($1 = 93.3060 roubles)

(Reporting by Max Hunder; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Local activists in Kyiv hung a brightly-colored camouflage net over a centrally located statue of famed Russian writer Alexander Pushkin as a protest of the continued Russian cultural imperialism in Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda said on Oct. 24, citing the activists' Telegram post.

The "mask" was intended to "remind the society and the authorities that the symbols of Russian imperialism still stand quietly in our cities and the process of de-Russification should take place more actively," said the group, named "Solomianski Cats."

The group also called on others to participate in drawing attention to the numerous remaining Russian and Soviet sculptures by placing their own 'masks' and sharing them on social media.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Ukraine has continued an ongoing process of de-Russification that gained momentum after the Euromaidan Revolution in 2014. As part of these efforts, monuments to Russian historical figures have been dismantled, and streets named after Russians or Soviet history have been renamed.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law in April 2023 that prohibits naming geographic sites in Ukraine after Russian figures or historical events associated with Russian aggression.

Titled On Geographical Names, the law aims to address the decolonization of toponymy and to regulate the use of place names in Ukraine, according to the text of the law.

The law prohibits naming geographical sites with titles that glorify, perpetuate, promote, or symbolize Russia or its prominent, memorable, historical and cultural places, cities, dates, events, and figures who carried out military aggression against Ukraine and other sovereign countries.

It also bans geographic markers associated with state totalitarian policies and practices related to the persecution of opposition figures, dissidents and other persons who criticized totalitarian Soviet and totalitarian Russian regimes.

Last spring, monuments to Pushkin were dismantled in cities like Ukraines southern port city of Mykolaiv, Ukraines western city of Ternopil, and in the western Zakarpattia Oblast.

In August, the Soviet coat of arms (hammer and sickle) was removed from Kyiv's Motherland Monument, Ukraine's tallest statue and a fixture of the city's skyline. It was replaced with Ukraine's coat of arms, the trident.

In a survey conducted after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 85% of respondents supported the idea of replacing the Soviet emblem on the Motherland statue's shield with the trident.

Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 19  Ukraines struggle to dump Soviet legacy

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Ukrainian Defence Forces are conducting an offensive on the Melitopol front and have had partial success south of Robotyne.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 24 October

Details: In total, the Russians launched 4 missile strikes and 68 airstrikes, and fired 49 times from multiple-launch rocket systems at Ukrainian positions and populated areas. Russian terrorist attacks have resulted in casualties among the civilian population. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure facilities were destroyed and damaged. In addition, the Russian occupiers conducted another airstrike on Ukraine on the night of 23-24 October, using six Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs. Air defence destroyed all the attack UAVs.

Airstrikes were carried out on Synkivka and Petropavlivka (Kharkiv Oblast); Serebrianka Forest (Luhansk Oblast); Klishchiivka, New-York, Avdiivka, Orlivka, Oleksandropil, Marinka, Novomykhailivka, Urozhaine and Staromaiorske (Donetsk Oblast); Novodarivka, Orikhiv, Mala Tokmachka and Piatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia Oblast); Zmiivka, Olhivka, Lvove, Tiahynka, Ivanivka, Mykilske, Sadove and Prydniprovske (Kherson Oblast).

About 110 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts came under Russian artillery fire.

In the area of responsibility of the Pivnich (North) Operational Strategic Group on the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russian forces are maintaining their military presence in the border areas, undertaking sabotage activities to prevent Ukrainian troops from being deployed to vulnerable areas, and is increasing the density of minefields along the state border in Belgorod Oblast of Russia.

In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled about five Russian attacks near the settlement of Ivanivka (Kharkiv Oblast).

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian Defence Forces are holding their ground and have repelled just about all Russian attacks near the settlement of Nadiia (Luhansk Oblast).

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian troops repelled all Russian attacks near the settlements of Bohdanivka, Khromove, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast). Ukrainian Defence Forces pursued their assault operations south of the city of Bakhmut (Donetsk Oblast), inflicting losses in military personnel and equipment on the Russian occupying forces and consolidating their positions.

In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, the Russians have kept trying to encircle the city of Avdiivka and have actively used their aircraft, whereas Ukrainian soldiers steadfastly held the defence, inflicting heavy losses on them. The Russian offensive near the settlements of Keramik, Stepove, Avdiivka and Tonenke (Donetsk Oblast) was a failure, as the Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled over 10 attacks.

On the Marinka front, the Russians launched unsuccessful assault operations around the populated areas of Marinka and Pobieda (Donetsk Oblast), with Ukrainian troops repelling 15 Russian attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk and Zaporizhzhia fronts, Ukrainian defenders repelled all Russian attacks near Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast) and south-east of Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia Oblast).

On the Melitopol front, Ukrainian Defence Forces are pursuing an offensive operation, have partial success south of Robotyne and are inflicting losses in military personnel and equipment on the Russian occupying forces and exhausting the Russians along the entire line of contact.

In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian Defence Forces are leading their counter-battery operations, striking the Russian rear.

Ukraine's Air Force launched seven attacks on clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment and three attacks on Russian anti-aircraft missile systems over the past 24 hours.

Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery destroyed eight Russian artillery pieces, four clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, an electronic warfare station and a pontoon and bridge crossing. In addition, remote mining was carried out in two districts.

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Allegedly poisoned cake with the emblem of the school

In Armavir, Russia, a native of Melitopol tried to poison military pilots with a cake in an attempt allegedly organized by Ukraines SBU security service, the Russian newspaper Kommersant alleged on Oct. 24.

The Armavir City Court arrested 32-year-old Yehor Semenov for 15 days under a report of disorderly conduct. He is now suspected of attempting to poison flight school graduates, which the Russian authorities are choosing to treat as a terrorist attack.

Read also: Ukraine holds firm in Avdiyivka and Kupyansk, continues offensive south of Bakhmut and towards Melitopol

According to Kommersant, on Oct. 21, Armavir flight school graduates celebrated the 20th anniversary of their graduation in a restaurant in the city. There were 77 people in the room at the time.

In the midst of the banquet, a courier showed up at the restaurant and delivered a 20-kilogram cake and several boxes of whiskey. The courier explained that he had brought gifts from one of the graduates who allegedly could not make it to the meeting.

Read also: Tatarskys assassination most likely a Russian false flag, expert says

The courier quickly left without telling the attendants the name of the sender. This seemed strange to the graduates, so they did not eat the cake, although they did cut it. Later, the pilots reported the situation to the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The FSB claims that the cake and whiskey were tainted and that the attempt on the Russian pilots was allegedly organized by SBU. Russian authorities allege that the courier was Yehor Semenov, who had recently been living in Moscow Oblast.

Graduates and former teachers of the flight school did not comment on the incident. One user in the schools Internet forum originally expressed doubts about the incident, but later confirmed that the incident did occur.

So far, no official comment has been made.

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Hong Kong: Patriotic education law welcomed

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the adoption of the Patriotic Education Law of the People's Republic of China at the sixth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress today.

The law, which will take effect on January 1, 2024, aims to strengthen patriotic education, inherit and promote the spirit of patriotism.

The law sets out the main content of patriotic education, covering areas such as ideology and politics, history and culture, national symbols, the motherland's magnificent scenery and historical and cultural heritage, constitution and law, national unity and ethnic solidarity, national security and defence, and the deeds of heroes, martyrs and role models.

It also includes provisions on patriotic education for different groups such as compatriots in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Chief Executive John Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government has been working together with various sectors to promote patriotic education, with a view to enhancing the sense of national identity and patriotism in the community.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will fully facilitate the relevant work to co-ordinate within the Government and also the patriotic forces of different sectors in making persistent efforts to promote patriotic education, so as to enable the public to gain further knowledge of the history, culture and rapid development in all aspects of our country and understand the close relationship between Mainland and Hong Kong, Mr Lee added.

This story has been published on: 2023-10-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Beijing, Tokyo vow to relive spirit of landmark treaty

08:28, October 24, 2023 By Zhang Yunbi ( Chinadaily.com.cn

As a climax of the celebrations of the 45th anniversary of the landmark Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan, leaders from both sides pledged to relive the spirit of the treaty and envisioned the future growth of bilateral ties.

Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 45th anniversary of the signing of the treaty.

In his message, Li expressed Beijing's willingness to work with Tokyo to "firmly grasp the correct direction of the development of the two countries' relations" and commit to building a China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

In August 1978, the leaderships of the two countries made their strategic decision to sign the treaty, one of the four landmark bilateral political documents signed since the normalization of China-Japan relations in 1972.

The treaty, in the form of a legal protocol, sets out the general direction of bilateral ties, featuring peaceful coexistence and friendship between the two neighboring countries for generations to come, and emphasizes that both nations are opposed to hegemonism.

In his message sent to Tokyo on Monday, Li described the treaty as "an important milestone in the development process of relations between the two countries" and said China is willing to work with Japan to "relive the spirit of the treaty".

The premier said the development of China-Japan relations over the past 45 years was "hard-won".

He said the progress made in the relationship "has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples and contributed in positive ways to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world".

Kishida said, "Japan is willing to relive the spirit of the treaty with China and strive for greater development of Japan-China relations."

The Japanese prime minister said it is important for the two sides to work together to build a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship.

"Japan and China shoulder important responsibilities for peace and prosperity in the region and the world, and have the potential for cooperation in a wide range of areas," he said.

Addressing a commemorative reception in Tokyo on Monday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa noted that there are many challenges facing Japan and China and that "we must renew our determination to further develop the aspirations of our predecessors, which are inscribed in the treaty".

"It is important to pass on these aspirations to the next generation, who will be responsible for the future of both Japan and China, and to ensure that this treaty will always retain its brilliance," she added.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Kamikawa also exchanged congratulatory messages on the same day.

The exchange of congratulatory messages between the two sides "sends an important positive message of upholding China-Japan peace, friendship and cooperation", said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

It is still necessary to honor the core contents of the treaty, such as noninterference in each other's internal affairs, when handling China-Japan relations today, she said.

Observers said that China-Japan relations are at a critical stage of improvement and development amid many risks and challenges, and the two sides should secure the political foundation of the relationship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and manage and control contradictions and divergences.

Cheng Yonghua, executive vice-president of the China-Japan Friendship Association and former Chinese ambassador to Japan, noted that China-Japan ties have been dampened recently as Tokyo frequently issued negative signals on strategically blocking China and economically "decoupling" with China, and some Japanese politicians even linked the situation in the Taiwan Strait to Japan.

"Tokyo should not forget its treaty obligations and it needs to rethink the role of the relationship in Japan's diplomatic strategy. Economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods are common tasks for China and Japan, particularly in this post-pandemic era," he added.

Japan is currently China's fifth-largest trading partner, and China is Japan's largest trading partner, export destination and source of imports. Last year, bilateral trade totaled $357.424 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

About 61.5 percent of Chinese respondents and 53.1 percent of Japanese respondents endorsed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in improving bilateral relations, according to a recent survey by China International Publishing Group and Japanese think tank Genron NPO.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is currently monitoring Abra's massive withdrawal of candidacies for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set for Oct. 30.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier confirmed that at least 122 candidates in the province of Abra have backed out from the barangay polls.

It added that 14 barangays in the province are under the yellow category for areas of concern.

READ: Comelec: Over 100 candidates in Abra back out ahead of BSKE

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP chief PGen Benjamin Acorda said they are in close coordination with the police regional director in Cordillera regarding the situation.

"They are closely monitoring the developments, especially the issues under withdrawal of candidacy of some of the aspirants for this BSKE," he said.

Asked about the reason for their withdrawal, the police chief said some elders in Abra had initiated negotiations with aspirants after filing their candidacies as part of their culture.

"There were some negotiations. They came up with some resolutions or decisions to avoid any further confrontations among the relatives or members of the residence in the locality," he said.

Acorda added that there were also some recorded threats against candidates that resulted in their withdrawal.

"Regardless of the tradition in certain areas, what must be upheld is the rule of law and of course democracy," he asserted.

Together with other government agencies, Acorda said they will ensure aspirants are given a choice to run without intimidation or threat.

Acorda said he was scheduled to meet with some government officials from Abra after the briefing.
Captain 3rd Rank Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, has said that Ukrainian defenders will finally destroy the Kerch (Crimean) Bridge when the situation requires it.

Source: Pletenchuk in an interview with Ukrinform news agency

Quote: "Unlike the Russians, we are not attached to symbolic things. This helps a lot when fighting with limited resources. If they have the task of capturing something somewhere for the birthday of the so-called president of the Russian Federation, we do not act like that. And it makes our tasks a little easier. Therefore, this (Crimean) Bridge will be destroyed, but it will be destroyed when the situation requires it."

Details: Pletenchuk says that the main purpose of the bridge's existence is the logistical support of the grouping of the occupying forces in Crimea itself and the grouping on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

Pletenchuk emphasised that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will destroy the bridge "when it is necessary to cut off the logistical tails of Crimea and make it an island." "That is why we should wait for the right moment," the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy said.

Background:

On 21 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Crimean Bridge was a legitimate target for Ukraine because Russian invaders use it to transport weapons. This target should be neutralised, the president said.

"The objective is to reclaim the whole of Crimea because it is our sovereign territory... The Crimean Bridge is not just a logistical road. This is the route used to fuel the war with ammunition  and it militarises the Crimean Peninsula. For us, this is understandably an enemy facility, built outside the law, outside international laws and all applicable laws, so understandably this is our objective, and any objective, any target that carries war, not peace, has to be neutralised," the president emphasised.

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Ship-building and repair plants in the territory of temporarily occupied Crimea which serve the Russian army and are part of the Russian military-industrial complex are legitimate targets for the Ukrainian Defence Forces.

Source: Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, in an interview with Ukrinform

Quote: "At least we can speak of the Lyman plant in Kerch, which built and launched a new Karakurt-class missile ship Cyclone," Pletenchuk said, as quoted by Ukrinform.

"They built it a little bit clumsily, as usual, and for 2 years it could not pass the tests to launch cruise missiles. There was information that they had even loaded the missiles but never launched them from the vessel. This ship will soon be in service for six months without state tests.

Now the Russians are testing another such vessel, which was also built and launched there, but it has not been accepted into service. In addition, a third such vessel is being completed."

"Hence, as you can see, production efforts continue there, and they are using our facilities, which appeared to be even more technological than the Russian ones," Ukrinform quotes.

Details: Pletenchuk said that there are other locations in Feodosiia, and there is more than one ship-building and repair plant in Crimea.

"All of them are indicated on the map, in Wikipedia, and, of course, the enemy is using them all. Therefore, such enterprises are remaining legitimate targets, as they are the enemy logistics, enemy infrastructure and, in fact, they are part of Russias military and industrial complex, and are working for the benefit of the Russian army. All these targets are legitimate for Ukraine," Pletenchuk stressed.

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Ruslan Stefanchuk

The Speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, has appealed to other countries' parliaments to help Ukraine study the experience of holding elections during wartime, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported on Oct. 24.

Read also: Ukrainian Election Commission member Buhlak lives in Florida and collects salary while his country is at war

I have appealed to my fellow parliamentarians from many parliaments with a request: please, share your parliaments' experiences, how you have or have not conducted elections during a war, said Stefanchuk.

We are now exchanging these experiences, and I believe we will have some resolution shortly.

However, Stefanchuk pointed out that under existing Ukrainian law, elections cannot be conducted while martial law remains in effect.

But there are certain inconsistencies in Ukrainian law regarding the possibility or impossibility of conducting parliamentary or presidential elections; we are currently discussing these issues," he added.

Read also: Ukraines Western allies divided on push to hold elections in wartime

Stefanchuk said that to conduct elections during a war, "five or six" significant issues must be resolved, the first of which is ensuring Ukrainian troops right to vote and be elected to governing bodies.

According to a poll conducted in September by the Razumkov Centre, 64% of Ukrainians are against holding general elections in Ukraine until the war is over.

Read also: Ukraine hasnt abandoned idea of presidential elections, says political scientist

In an interview with the Romanian publication Digi24 on Oct. 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the possibility of running for re-election, stating, If the war continues  yes, if the war ends  no.

In August, Zelenskyy acknowledged the impossibility of holding elections during a state of martial law but expressed his readiness to make changes to the legislation. When questioned about concerns over losing in the elections, he boldly responded, I am not afraid of losing.

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Units from the Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Defence Forces destroyed 12 artillery pieces and Russias logistics hub during the day; the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Tuesday evening.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 24 October.

Details: The aviation of the Defence Forces carried out 13 strikes on clusters of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment, and three more on anti-aircraft missile systems.

A total of 54 combat clashes took place during the day. The Russian army launched five missile strikes and 33 air strikes and carried out 42 attacks using multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas.

Ukraine's Defence Forces continue to conduct an offensive operation on the Melitopol front and assault actions on the Bakhmut front.

Quote: "On the Kupiansk front, the enemy conducted unsuccessful assault operations with the support of aviation near Synkivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv Oblast). Here, the Defence Forces repelled eight Russian attacks.

On the Lyman front, the Defence Forces repelled all hostile attacks near Nadiia and Makiivka (Luhansk Oblast).

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 5 enemy attacks near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Avdiivka front, the enemy conducted unsuccessful assault operations with the support of aviation near Stepove, Avdiivka, Sieverne, and Nevelske (Donetsk Oblast), where Defence Forces repelled 6 enemy attacks.

On the Marinka front, the enemy conducted unsuccessful assaults with the support of aviation near Marinka and Pobieda (Donetsk Oblast), where the Defence Forces repelled about 20 enemy attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the enemy conducted unsuccessful assault operations, using the aviation support near Staromaiorske. Ukrainian soldiers repelled all hostile attacks near Novomykhailivka, Prechystivka, and south of Zolota Nyva (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled the enemy's attack southeast of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast."

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette received the largest funding award in its history to support efforts to ensure communities have access to electricity and other vital services during natural disasters.

The university is receiving $87 million in federal and state funds as part of Louisianas Hubs for Resilient Energy Operations, or HERO, initiative. UL Lafayette will create Community Resilience Hubs, which will be part of a network to help communities maintain access to electricity and key services during disasters.

Terry Chambers, the director of UL Lafayettes Green Hydrogen Center of Excellence, said in a release that the hubs will be implemented by building solar and battery microgrids at the universitys three research centers: the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab in Lafayette, the New Iberia Research Center and the Cleco Alternative Energy Center in Crowley.

Driven by a commitment to community resilience, were implementing these hubs at key research centers, Chambers said. These hubs represent a significant leap toward a more sustainable and connected future.

The HERO initiative is being funded through a $250-million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant and $250 million in matching funds from state partners. UL Lafayette is the largest single recipient of the funding.

Through the initiative, the state plans to deploy a network of the Community Resilience Hubs, which should improve the states ability to respond to emergencies.

Acadiana energy: Solar panel maker First Solar breaks ground on $1.1 billion facility in Iberia Parish

The microgrids will  after a hurricane, for instance  serve communities by assisting first responders and providing spots where there would be power and people could get food and water, cool off, or charge cell phones, Chambers said.

UL Lafayette also will be training workers to install the microgrids. Earlier this year, the university was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to lead the Louisiana Solar Corps  a statewide solar workforce training program. Now, the university will be working with Xavier University, the Louisiana Green Corps and the Louisiana State Building and Trades Council to grow the program.

The university also said in a release that being involved with HERO will help solidify the state as one of the nations leaders in the energy transition.

Our state is prone to natural disasters that can cause significant disruptions to our power grids, said Ramesh Kolluru, UL Lafayettes vice president for research, innovation and economic development. As a global leader in renewable and solar energies, our top-tier R1 research institution is uniquely positioned to improve the resiliency of our state during times of disasters. For more than a decade, we have been leading in the areas of disaster resiliency and energy resiliency, and through this project, we are bringing together those capabilities to make Louisiana more resilient and serve as a national model. We believe that to be our obligation as a public research university.

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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: UL Lafayette gets $87 million for energy resilience initiative
Ultra-Orthodox Jews visit Israeli army soldiers to show their support as they deploy at a position near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on October 11, 2023. (Menahem KAHANA)

They were spared from the bloody Hamas attack on October 7 and they are exempt from military service.

Yet some ultra-Orthodox Jews have chosen to renounce that controversial privilege and join the Israeli army.

Dozens gathered outside a recruitment office in Tel Aviv this week, responding to an appeal by the army to all those who might have skills useful in the war against Hamas.

The army said that, in the end, 120 had enrolled and would be assigned to support missions, nursing or driving.

Journalists have not been permitted by Israeli authorities to speak with the new recruits.

The number may be modest, but the symbolism is nevertheless strong.

Under an agreement that dates to the foundation of Israel in 1948, Jewish men who choose to study the Torah full time in a yeshiva are granted an annual deferment from military service until the age of 26, at which point they become exempt.

That allows around 12,000 young men a year, according to a recent army report, to avoid obligatory national service that would otherwise last 32 months as well as the reserve duty for which discharged citizens are liable until the age of 40.

Religious women are automatically exempted from the 24-month conscription imposed on secular Israeli women.

There were few, if any, members of the Haredi community -- the Hebrew name for the ultra-Orthodox, meaning "those who tremble" at the word of God -- among the 1,400 killed by Hamas on October 7.

The all-night rave and the secular kibbutzim around Gaza where the Islamist militants killed hundreds of civilians, were not places were ultra-Orthodox Jews were likely to spend time.

Nor, because of their exemptions, were Haredi Jews likely to have been among those soldiers killed fighting to regain control from Hamas.

Instead, the ultra-Orthodox are active in charitable associations and, in particular, Zaka, an NGO that works to identify bodies and ensure proper Jewish burials.

Among those few Haredi Jews who do join the military, many serve in a unit that specialises in body retrievals.

- A newly urgent debate -

With the Israeli army likely to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, following on from its relentless aerial bombardment that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 5,000 people, mostly civilians, the decades-old debate around Haredi military exemptions has gained a new urgency.

The spiritual leaders of ultra-Orthodox Judaism, who account for around 12 per cent of the Israeli population, have called for a redoubling of prayers and a strengthening of religious practice.

Before the war started, a bill was due to be debated in the Israeli parliament on continuing the deferments for Haredi Jews.

The two ultra-Orthodox parties that were members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pre-war government -- they provided 18 of 120 MPs -- supported his controversial judicial reforms in exchange for support on the law.

There have been calls, albeit rare ones, from within the ultra-Orthodox community to join the army and participate in the war effort in uniform.

Raphael Kreuzer, a rabbi from a modernising stream of Haredi Judaism, caused waves by calling for yeshiva students to enrol in the military.

"It is about our people, it is about us and we must act," he said, adding that students should demand that their rabbis "be part of the defence of their land".

"To say that tomorrow, all the yeshiva students will join the army, no, I don't think that's possible, but this is a real war... It is a religious duty to serve and protect your country," Yosef Taieb, an MP for the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox Shas party, told AFP.

"Everyone in their own way must help the army and the country to win this war," Taieb, a former combat soldier, added.

Such views, though, are far from universal in the Haredi community.

Images have spread widely on social media of a senior officer who had visited a yeshiva to urge students to put aside their books and enlist only to have rabbis and pupils try to silence him.

"I will continue to do so until 10,000 yeshiva students enlist," the officer, Erez Eshel, wrote in the right-wing newspaper Makor Rishon.

The army offers multiple options to religious Jews, allowing them to do military service without abandoning their way of life.

Nevertheless, only a few hundred are willing to take the risk of being ostracised by their communities.

And the vast majority of Haredi leaders remain hostile to any attempts to enrol their youngsters.

One rabbi even criticised the secular victims of Hamas the army is seeking to avenge.

Yaakov-Tzvi Boshkovski called the desert rave on the Jewish sabbath, at which Hamas killed 260 people, "a provocation in the face of the divine".

mib/ng/dcp/kir
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United States told the United Nations on Tuesday it does not seek conflict with Iran, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Washington would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attacks U.S. personnel anywhere.

Blinken spoke to the 15-member U.N. Security Council amid international fears the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip could spill over into a wider war, drawing in Lebanon's heavily armed Hezbollah that is also supported by Tehran.

"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: we will defend our people, we will defend our security - swiftly and decisively."

The U.S. military is taking new steps to protect its troops in the Middle East as concerns mount about attacks by Iran-backed groups, officials tell Reuters. The U.S. has also sent warships and fighter aircraft to the region to try to deter Iran and Iran-backed groups, including two aircraft carriers.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Blinken's remarks. Iran was due to address the Security Council meeting on the Middle East later on Tuesday.

"We call on all member states to send a firm, united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israel's partners, including the United States: don't. Don't throw fuel on the fire," Blinken said.

Standing with his Arab counterparts, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told reporters at the United Nations that the threat of the conflict spreading was a "real danger."

"We're all doing everything we can to stop it. There's the threat of this expanding into the West Bank, into Lebanon, into other fronts. None of us want that, we're all working against that," he said.

VIOLATIONS IN GAZA

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pleaded on Tuesday for civilians to be protected in the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants, voicing concern about "clear violations of international humanitarian law" in the Gaza Strip.

More than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes, Gaza's health ministry said, the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel began a bombing campaign to crush Hamas militants who stunned the country with a deadly Oct. 7 attack.

Guterres told the Security Council that at a "crucial moment like this," it was vital to be clear that war has rules, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.

"It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation," Guterres said.

"But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he said.

Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan described Guterres' speech as "shocking." In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he called on Guterres to immediately resign, while Israel's visiting Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said that he would no longer meet with Guterres later on Tuesday as planned.

"I will not meet with the U.N. secretary-general. After Oct. 7 there is no room for a balanced approach. Hamas must be erased from the world!" Cohen wrote.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Howard Goller and Deepa Babington)
By Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber

GENEVA (Reuters) -United Nations agencies called "on our knees" on Tuesday for aid to be allowed unimpeded into Gaza, saying more than 20 times current deliveries were needed to support its Palestinian population after two weeks of Israeli air strikes.

U.N. organisations have been making increasingly desperate appeals since Israel imposed a full blockade on the coastal strip and began bombardments to root out Hamas militants who had killed civilians in a bloody raid into southern Israel.

Trucks of aid began moving into Gaza from Egypt on Saturday after intense diplomatic efforts, but the agencies say they are far from enough. Half of the enclave's 2.3 million people are homeless, many people have been wounded and food and clean water is in short supply.

"The aid which resumed from Egypt over the weekend is a mere drop in the ocean of what is needed," said Jeremy Laurence, Spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Fuel, which has not been sent to the Gaza Strip along with the humanitarian aid, was crucial, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said.

"Fuel is extremely urgent because without fuel, the trucks themselves cannot move," UNRWA spokesperson Tamara Alrifai said. "Without fuel, the generators cannot produce electricity for hospitals, for bakeries and for the water desalination plant.

Brian Lander, deputy head of emergencies at the World Food Programme, said that some 465 trucks of humanitarian aid were needed per day to support the population in Gaza prior to the conflict.

"We're seeing at best 20 trucks a day at the moment," he said, stressing that the people of Gaza were dire need of water, food and other essential products.

WHO said medicines and health supplies had been delivered to three key referral hospitals in southern Gaza but that it still needed to reach the north of the Palestinian enclave, one of the most densely-populated places in the world.

"We still have not been able to reach the hospitals in the north with the medical supplies or the desperately needed fuel," said Dr Rick Brennan, WHO Regional Emergencies Director for Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Brennan said one-third of hospitals in the Gaza Strip were now non-functional at a time when the medical burden is enormous, and that some two-thirds of clinics are not functioning.

"We are on our knees asking for that sustained, scaled up, protected humanitarian operation," he said.

"We appeal to all of those in a situation to make a decision or to influence decision-makers to give us the humanitarian space to address this human catastrophe."

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; additional reporting by Mohammed Benmansour and Yusri Mohamed; editing by Rachel More, Janet Lawrence, Philippa Fletcher)
At the University of Texas, free speech is upheld and celebrated. During its annual free speech week, the university hosted events with professors and national officials last week to discuss the importance of diverse perspectives, civil discourse and constructive debate.

Some students, however, say they're afraid that openly expressing their views on issues such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas war could bring them negative attention or even harm.

A day after the Al-Ahlil Baptist Hospital was bombed in the Gaza Strip, the Palestine Solidarity Committee, a UT student group, held an emergency vigil on campus Wednesday in response to the attack. More than 300 people attended, and as golden hour fell across the UT Tower Plaza, where the vigil was held, students spoke of fear and grief as they came together in mourning.

A graduate student, who asked not to be named due to safety concerns, said they attended the vigil to show solidarity with Palestine. But they did not attend without fear.

The University of Texas at Austin's Palestinian Solidarity Committee holds an emergency vigil in mourning for Palestinian lives lost in the Israel-Hamas war at the Tower Plaza Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Just one thought that I had before coming to this, I was prepared that something's going to happen. Something harmful is going to happen to us, the student said.

Some people who attended took extra steps to conceal their identities. The vigil was peaceful and undisturbed.

Jewish UT students held a similar vigil Oct. 9 to mourn and pray two days after the conflict began when Hamas, a Palestinian militant political group, attacked Israel. More than 300 students attended that event.

Both vigils were secured by UT police.

Noy Lohr, an Israeli American student, said some students have stopped wearing the Jewish Star of David for fear of antisemitism and feel uncomfortable speaking up about the highly charged issue.

While yes, I think that Jewish students, Israeli students on campus definitely feel a sense of support from their university, in my opinion, I don't think that students feel safe to express their genuine emotions, Lohr said. I know my own opinions are either not deemed important or necessary, or it just brings and invites violence and hate despite facts.

Free speech is protected at the University of Texas

UT President Jay Hartzell said free speech is highly valued on campus, and the school's annual free speech week is a chance to celebrate and remember its importance. When it comes to safety in free speech, Hartzell said he hopes students can have ground rules and shared values.

It hurts my heart, and wed like to set a different tone on campus, Hartzell told the American-Statesman in an interview Wednesday. Thats part of why were celebrating free speech week.  Our hope is that in that moment when somebody feels like they have something they want to share, that they feel that they're supported in sharing.

The university's student affairs division reached out to Jewish, Israeli and Palestinian student groups Oct. 9 to offer its support. Earlier this month, students spoke about the difficulty of coping with the war.

On Oct. 12, a student meeting at UT's Welch Hall held by the Palestine Solidarity Committee about the history of Palestine was disrupted by three men who were in the hallway outside the event and verbally harassed those in attendance. A video was posted online shortly after the incident showing a man saying he will be in Israel killing Arabs.

Since then, Hartzell has sent two emails to the UT community, with the first on Oct. 13 announcing that UT police have plans for keeping campus events safe. The email came after the national group Students for Justice in Palestine declared a National Day of Resistance that made some Jewish people feel threatened.

The University of Texas at Austin's Palestinian Solidarity Committee holds an emergency vigil in mourning for Palestinian lives lost in the Israel-Hamas war at the Tower Plaza Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

On Oct. 17, Hartzell sent another email addressing how the Middle East conflict has deeply affected both Jewish and Palestinian students on campus and condemning the acts of Hamas. Hartzell also promised that UT would be active in identifying perpetrators of hate-filled incidents against Jewish, Palestinian and Muslim communities.

Speech is protected on our campus, violence is not, Hartzell wrote.

In an interview filmed this week at UT, Amanda Cochran-McCall, the university's vice president for legal affairs and general counsel, said that incitement to imminent violence or lawless action, fighting words and obscenity are not protected under the law or on campus.

[The First Amendment] trusts that the discourse that well have about that is valuable, she said. We do live in a space of discomfort sometimes when we are a place that values free speech, and thats just part of the price for having the benefit that it gives us.

Hate speech is not specifically defined under the law.

UT students' views differ on safety in speech

Zander Feinstein, a junior at UT and a leader in multiple Jewish organizations on campus, said Hartzells email and assurances of increased security have made a difference in his perception of safety on campus.

I feel very comfortable sharing my thoughts about Israel, Feinstein said. People shy away from speaking about free speech. But I think that, especially in times like this, it's important to discuss not just about Israel and Hamas, but about free speech as a whole and its part on the college campus.

The school president's two emails addressed how the war has affected students in general but did not speak to specific incidents. A Muslim UT student, who asked not to be identified due to safety concerns, said the lack of response from the university directly and publicly about the incident at the Palestine Solidarity Committee meeting at Welch Hall was harmful.

At what point does free speech become hate crime? the student asked. Because our students were targeted for being Palestinians, for being Muslims on campus.

Students also expressed disappointment with the president's emails not explicitly mentioning Islamophobia.

Anwer Imam  an imam, or Muslim prayer leader, and director of religious affairs at Nueces Mosque, an off-campus mosque that serves downtown Austin and students from UT and other area universities  said the university had not reached out to them as of Wednesday about the incident at Welch Hall or any others in which Palestinian support student groups were harassed or felt in danger.

That to me is a problem, Imam said. Definitely, there is a real, tangible concern for safety. Because when things do happen, we don't feel supported, and more so we don't feel heard.

Imam said the mosque did received a message from Student Emergency Services and it has been in contact with Austin police.

Ayisha Rimshem, a Muslim student at UT who attended the vigil for Palestinians, said she believes in free speech on campus for both sides, but that peacefulness must be considered.

I don't think any side should be harassed for saying what they feel or what they support, she said.

Emma Miller, a senior at UT and a member of multiple Jewish organizations on campus, said she worries that polarization prevents understanding on campus.

There are people out there on both sides that are so extreme, but for the most part, everyone is just in support of everyone's safety, she said.

Why free speech?

Mira Kovalsky, a UT senior and a member of multiple Jewish organizations on campus, is Israeli American. She said her grandfathers family escaped from a concentration camp during the Holocaust, and that adds to her sense of duty to speak out, even when it feels exhausting.

When nobody spoke up during the Holocaust, that's the whole reason that so many people were murdered, she said. I need to use my voice, and I need to take advantage of the fact that I have free speech.

Yusrallah Adediran, a first-year student at UT and a member of the Muslim Student Association and the Black Muslim Alliance, said she attended the vigil because she believes its important to show support.

I feel like it's important to show up, Adediran said. Whether you're Muslim, non-Muslim, Arab, non-Arab, I feel like they said it's a humanity thing.

University officials said the school's student affairs group has sent information to student leaders on campus about how to lead and support their peers. In Hartzells Oct.17 email, he said the university will work with the faculty to further invest in research and teaching that helps students understand the conflict.

Brian Pena, a UT junior and the president of University Democrats, said the political club is very involved in Austin-centric politics and voter registration. Pena said he feels that the club has every ability to speak freely.

Jackson Paul, a UT senior and co-chairman of the university's chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas, said he has been met with respect and understanding in conversations on campus.

On the whole, free speech at UT is thriving and I think growing stronger and stronger, Paul said.

Brendon Bankey, UT debate director and associate professor of instruction, led a debate with the UT debate team Tuesday, as part of free speech week, on whether universities should allow all forms of constitutionally protected speech.

A lot of the arguments were traded back and forth in terms of the potential harms if universities begin to regulate constitutionally protected speech, he said, and how that can kind of backfire.

Jet Sullivan, a UT student, won the Moody College competition for his video about free speech. In his view, free speech is what makes us people. At UT, he said, it is absolutely a part of campus culture.

I hear all sorts of different opinions, for the left, for the right, different religious backgrounds, different cultural backgrounds. I hear it all the time, Sullivan said. Everyone is always so supportive of each other. And I think that's such a fantastic thing.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Amid Israel-Hamas war, UT Austin students reflect on free speech
For many, the cooler temperatures of autumn are a welcome relief, but an extreme temperature anomaly delayed sweater weather for a significant number of people globally, according to Marko Korosec of Severe Weather Europe.

What happened?

October is autumn in Europe, but as Korosec pointed out, this year a heat dome  a term used for a weather phenomenon that traps warm, high-pressure air near the ground, bringing a heat wave  started setting up in southwestern Europe.

In early October, temperatures reportedly were expected to reach an unseasonably high 77 degrees Fahrenheit in south England.

London, which has an average high temperature just above 62 degrees Fahrenheit in October, reached above 78.4 degrees (25.8 degrees Celsius) on Oct. 8, marking the warmest October day in five years, per the Evening Standard.

At close to 97 degrees Fahrenheit, southwestern France set a national record on Oct. 2 for the hottest October day ever, according to The Connexion, while Spain combatted even hotter temperatures.

Why is this concerning?

At first glance, a high of 78 degrees Fahrenheit might not sound too bad for lovers of sunshine and summer, but the unseasonably warm temperatures are part of a larger global trend.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the temperature of our planet has risen by, on average, 0.14 degrees Fahrenheit every 10 years since 1880, or approximately 2.0 total degrees by 2023. The rate of warming has been more than twice as fast per decade since the 1980s.

Researchers from Penn State University recently published a study that found many parts of the world, from Eastern China to sub-Saharan Africa, could be unlivable if temperatures rise just 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit over pre-industrial levels.

According to the study, if the temperatures warm another 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit above that, places like Florida, Chicago, and New York might be similarly affected.

What can we do to help?

Human actions and technological advancements have directly contributed to the overheating of our planet, but that also means we can be the cure.

Simply using cost-effective LED light bulbs or turning off your car when waiting  except when in traffic or at stoplights  can significantly reduce the amount of harmful heat-trapping pollution over time.

Additionally, some companies are developing innovative technology that is not only good for the planet but can also help us moderate the temperatures of our internal environment.

In the meantime, if you do find yourself in a heat wave, you can avoid vigorous exercise and the consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks to help keep safe.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
(CNN)  Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi will visit Washington, DC, later this week, senior administration officials said Monday ahead of a potential meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in California next month.

Wang will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during his trip to the US capital October 26-28, the officials said.

They would not say if Wang will meet with Biden. However, Blinken met with Xi while in Beijing and one of the officials described Wangs trip as a reciprocal visit after Secretary Blinkens trip to Beijing in June.

Tensions between the two countries have been high but the Biden administration has been making an effort to push dialogue with Beijing. Wangs trip comes as the US is looking to prevent the Israel-Hamas war escalating into a wider conflict in the Middle East and as the Ukraine-Russia war continues.

This visit by Wang Yi is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication with China across the full range of issues, the official said.

US officials are expected to discuss the South and East China Seas, cross-Strait issues, the Middle East, Russias war in Ukraine, North Koreas provocations, among other issues with Wang.

The official would not go into details about what the messaging to Wang will be on Israel-Hamas war beyond saying that theyre watching the situation very closely and that will in part dictate the contours of that conversation on Thursday and Friday.

Blinken spoke with Wang on October 14 and urged Beijing to use its relationships with countries in the Middle East to stop the war in Israel from spreading, a senior State Department official said at the time.

The senior administration official said the resumption of military to military relations remained a priority.

If were going to continue to manage this relationship and our competition responsibly, if were truly going to minimize the risk of miscalculation that could veer into conflict, we have to get our mil-mil ties fully open, the official said. There have been some sporadic engagements between our two defense establishments in the last couple of months, but what we need is sustained mil-mil dialogue and the communication channels. And those arent yet established, but I can assure you that itll be on the agenda for Wang Yis visit.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Chinas top diplomat to visit Washington this week"
Editor's note: This news article initially reported on U.S. Congressman Tom Emmer's nomination for the House Speaker position. It was updated as soon as it became known that Emmer dropped his bid.

The Republican Party's latest nominee for the House Speaker position, Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer , dropped out of the race following opposition from the hard-line faction close to former President Donald Trump , CNN reported on Oct. 24.

Holding the position of the Republicans' Majority Whip  responsible for the party's voting discipline in the House  Emmer emerged as the leading candidate after a series of internal ballots.

However, he dropped out from the race only hours after his nomination, while Trump publicly lashed out against his candidacy.

Emmer, who has a rocky relationship with the former president, is considered a "mainstream Republican" close to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose ousting by the Trumpist faction left the speaker's seat empty for weeks.

The Republican whip has a solid record of supporting pro-Ukrainian initiatives in the House of Representatives. The Republicans for Ukraine, a coalition of pro-Kyiv party members, rated Emmer with a maximum positive score.

"Vladimir Putin's unwarranted invasion of Ukraine is a result of weak leadership on the world stage," Emmer said at the start of the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people and their families as they bear the brunt of these unlawful actions, and our response to these aggressions must be done in a swift and unwavering manner that holds Russia... to account."

The vacant speaker's seat has serious consequences for Kyiv, as U.S. President Joe Biden needs Congress approval for his $105 billion funding package, which includes over $61 billion for Ukraine.

The failure of Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the House, to elect a new speaker is effectively blocking the legislative process needed for the approval of the aid.

Read also: Biden all in on aid to Ukraine, yet House remains an issue

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WASHINGTON  The Pentagon plans to send Israel two Iron Dome missile defense systems as the country continues to fight the militant group Hamas, according to a U.S. Defense Department official.

The transfer will aid Israels air defense after Hamas on Oct. 7 launched a massive, coordinated attack  making it the deadliest day for Israel in 50 years. Some 1,400 Israelis have since been killed, and Hamas continues to fire rockets from the Gaza strip.

Is Israels Iron Dome missile defense system ironclad?

As weve said previously, the U.S. will be flowing additional Iron Dome support to Israel, the official said. As a result, the Department of Defense is currently engaged in planning to support the provision of U.S. Iron Dome batteries to Israel.

The U.S. Army bought the two Iron Dome systems  manufactured by Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and co-developed by RTX  at the request of Congress several years ago. The purchase was meant to fill a gap in cruise missile defense while the Army developed a longer-term countermeasure for various air and missile threats. But the service doesnt plan to purchase more Iron Domes or to integrate the system into its air defense architecture, Army officials have told Defense News.

It has scarcely used the two batteries it has. Army personnel trained with the Iron Dome systems at Fort Bliss, Texas, before one system deployed to Guam at the end of 2021 for a two-week exercise. Otherwise, the systems have sat with a unit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

The official, speaking on background to discuss the transfer, did not specify under what arrangement the batteries will be provided, nor did the official say whether the batteries will be returned to the U.S. should they survive combat.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the Defense Department is also deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and Patriot air defense battalions to the region.

By providing Iron Domes, the U.S. continues to widen the spigot of security aid entering Israel. In the week after Hamas attack, Pentagon and Israeli officials announced the arrival of American aircraft stocked with air defense supplies and munitions. It has since expanded this aid to include artillery rounds, armored vehicles and precision-guided munitions, according to Israeli and American officials.

The supply effort is just one stream in a larger outpouring of American support.

One carrier strike group  led by the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford  has already deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean. Another is on its way to the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, a Marine expeditionary unit and 2,000 troops are readying themselves to deploy within a day if given orders by the White House, said Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.

Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden have all visited the country, pledging continued U.S. support. In a nighttime address from the Oval Office, the president asked Congress for more than $100 billion in supplemental security aid, including $14.3 billion for Israel. The aid so far has not come with conditions that Israel limit civilian casualties.

Still, U.S. officials in the last week have publicly called on its closest Middle Eastern ally to obey the laws of war. As Israel retaliates, some 5,000 people in Gaza have been killed so far, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas.

With more than 2,000 rockets intercepted, Iron Dome is among the most statistically successful air defense system in the world, said Tom Karako, director of the missile defense project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.

This is a system that was built to defend [against] certain kinds of threats, especially the kinds of threats that Israel is facing, Karako said.

Each battery consists of three main parts: a radar, a command-and-control system, and the launchers that fire interceptors. Each of these, Karako argued, will be useful for Israel, as extra radars will increase their ability to detect threats, while more launchers and command-and-control technology will help defend more Israeli territory from rocket fire.

Should the war widen beyond the Gaza strip, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has tens of thousands of rockets it could fire, said Karako.

This week, Israels military said its aircraft had struck two Hezbollah cells, which the country said were preparing to launch rockets across the border.
By Valerie Volcovici

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Emerging U.S. businesses in the energy transition supply chain such as hydrogen and wind power should act fast to avoid being dominated by China, a senior State Department official said on Tuesday.

Geoffrey Pyatt, assistant secretary for energy resources at the State Department, said the U.S. needs to ensure that China does not dominate wind power, small nuclear power and hydrogen, an emerging fuel that could help mitigate carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industries like cement and aluminum smelting.

China has enjoyed "essentially a monopoly" on solar wafers and solar cells that has prevented robust domestic solar manufacturing, he said.

Pyatt said he has been engaging with industry in Australia, the EU, and Japan to ensure the energy transition in Europe does not simply swap a dependence on Russia for China.

"We need to make sure we don't replace European dependence on Russia for gas with a collective dependence on Chinese clean tech and critical minerals," Pyatt, a former ambassador to Ukraine, told a conference on natural gas in Washington. "We shouldn't give in to fatalism. We shouldn't assume this race is lost."

Pyatt said he was made hopeful about the U.S. energy transition by a recent visit to a battery manufacturer in San Jose, California that he said was thinking of an entire "de-risk from China" supply chain. "I think you're going to see a lot more of that as these technologies continue to roll out."

President Joe Biden last year signed into law a bill with hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy incentives, yet some industries are taking years to develop, such as new nuclear power. Also, new legislation is needed to maximize transmission of electricity from large solar and wind power projects to cities.

Minerals needed for many components of renewable energy present another hurdle for the U.S. supply chain, which depends on China and African countries for mining many of these materials.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici, writing by Timothy Gardner; Editing by David Gregorio)
The federal government cracked down on a migrant labor contractor in eastern North Carolina for widespread farmworker labor violations, the U.S. Department of Labor said Monday.

Investigators with the DOLs Wage and Hour Division found that labor contractor Valentino Lopez, of Atkinson in Pender County, violated laws and abused workers participating in the federal H-2A visa program in the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons.

The DOL fined Lopez $62,531 for the violations and banned him from employing temporary migrant workers for three years.

Workers in the H-2A program come to the U.S. legally to help agricultural employers meet seasonal demands and earn good wages to help support their families at home, said Richard Blaylock, a Wage and Hour Division district director in Raleigh, in a news release. Valentino Lopez chose to exploit and intimidate dozens of workers and charge fees illegally, and now has been held accountable.

H-2A visas allow some 15,000 people to come to North Carolina annually to work temporarily on farms across the state, filling much-needed jobs that farms otherwise could not.

According to the DOL, Lopez recruited, hired, housed and transported H-2A program workers to pick blueberries at Ronnie Carter Farms Inc. in Sampson County.

Since mid-2019, North Carolina employers have filed requests for more than 88,000 workers on H-2A visas. Only four states have requested more, federal data show.

Abuses, lawsuits in NC

Previous reporting published this month by The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer detailed abuses in the H-2A program in North Carolina, which were outlined in nine different lawsuits filed against labor contractors since 2017.

Lopez has not been sued, but the labor violations he is accused of are consistent with those mentioned in the lawsuits. That includes confiscating workers passports immediately after they arrived from Mexico, wage theft, neglecting to pay inbound and outbound transportation expenses for workers, and charging workers fees between $150 and $8,000 to participate in the federal program.

Investigators learned that Lopez attempted to hide his intimidation and threats against his workers by returning all passports and visas to workers immediately before federal investigators arrived.

Specifically, investigators found the following violations:

Failing to pay inbound transportation expenses to 75 workers during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, as well as outbound transportation expenses to 47 workers in the 2020 season.

Not paying 13 workers for their last few weeks of employment in the 2020 season.

Charging 21 workers fees to participate in the program, despite provisions prohibiting employers from passing along operating costs to employees, according to the DOL.

Those with questions can call the Wage and Hour Division at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). The free line is staffed with those who can speak in over 200 languages.
(Bloomberg) -- A state senator from Washington was arrested on Friday night at Hong Kong International Airport over a gun in his carry-on bag, his office said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Jeff Wilson, a Republican from the city of Longview, was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm after he arrived in the Chinese city with an unloaded revolver, his office said in a statement. He was released Sunday on bail and faces a hearing on Oct. 30.

Wilson traveled from Portland International Airport, with a layover in San Francisco, for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia with his wife, according to the statement, adding that baggage screens in Portland didnt detect the weapon. Wilson discovered the firearm on his way to Hong Kong and informed customs officials right after he landed, according to the statement.

It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Wilson said in the statement.

He also denied reports that the weapon was discovered during a bag check, saying he immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue upon landing. Previously, Hong Kong media reported that he was detained after a baggage screener found a gun in his belongings.

US officials have repeatedly warned of the growing number of firearms being intercepted at US airports, as looser restrictions make gun carriage more commonplace. Authorities stopped almost 20 guns a day at airport security checkpoints during the third quarter, with the nine-month total on pace for another record in 2023.

The Transportation Security Administration is investigating the matter, it said in an emailed statement. Americans are allowed to travel with firearms in checked luggage but those stopped with guns at TSA checkpoints risk fines up to $15,000.

Maximum Penalty

In Hong Kong, firearms are strictly regulated. Mainly police and private security contractors are allowed to carry guns. The maximum penalty for possessing arms without a license is 14 years in prison and a fine of HK$100,000 ($12,785).

Wilson said that while his pistol was not registered in Hong Kong, it is properly registered in Washington state, where he holds a concealed pistol license, according to the statement. He said he found his gun mid-flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum.

The lawmaker, who is a port commissioner in Longview, had planned to meet with counterparts at the port of Shanghai in addition to making trips to Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia. He said he hopes to resume his itinerary when the case is resolved.

--With assistance from Anthony Palazzo.

(Updates with TSA comment in seventh paragraph.)

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American military officials are trying to steer Israel away from the type of brutal, urban combat the US engaged in against insurgents during the Iraq War, in an effort to keep the Israelis from getting bogged down in bloody, house-by-house fighting as they prepare for an assault on Gaza, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

In helping the Israel Defense Forces game out a number of different strategies to defeat Hamas, US military advisers on the ground in Israel are invoking lessons learned specifically from Fallujah in 2004, one of the bloodiest battles of the Iraq War.

Instead of launching a full-scale ground assault on Gaza, which could endanger hostages, civilians, and further inflame tensions in the region, US military advisers are urging Israelis to use a combination of precision airstrikes and targeted special operations raids.

They are also drawing on strategies developed during the battle by US-led coalition forces to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from ISIS, which relied more heavily on special operations forces. Like Hamas, ISIS built tunnels throughout Mosul and used civilians as human shields, and the fight to retake the city was harder and more drawn-out than anticipated.

To help deliver this message, the Biden administration has sent a three-star Marine Corps general to counsel the IDF on planning its tactical assault. Gen. James Glynn, the former commander of Marine Forces Special Operations Command, has significant experience with urban warfare in Iraq, particularly in Fallujah, where he commanded troops during some of the bloodiest fighting there between US forces and insurgents, officials said.

Since the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, the US has grown increasingly concerned that Israels strategy to move into Gaza with a large number of ground troops is only half-baked and could lead to a bloody and indefinite occupation by Israeli forces in the Gaza strip, officials said.

The US has also urged Israel to think about how a full-scale ground invasion could endanger the more than 200 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, the civilians who have no way out, and what comes after an invasion in terms of governance of the millions of Palestinians in the Gaza strip.

I dont think Israel has a strategy for what they do next in terms of executing a full-blown ground invasion, one source familiar with concerns within the Biden administration said.

Use his head, not his heart

Israels objectives and strategy have been a central point of discussion between American and European officials over the course of the past week, people familiar with the matter said, as the allies work to coordinate an approach to Israel.

President Joe Biden spoke Sunday with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom about the crisis, hoping to align on the key issue of supporting Israel while also gaining clarity on its path forward.

CIA director Bill Burns has been on back-to-back phone calls with partners and allies in the region, including the Israeli intelligence service Mossad, the US Arab partners and its NATO allies, in an effort to keep the conflict from spiraling into a regional conflagration and to work to ensure the safe release of hostages still held by Hamas.

President Joe Biden greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport, Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv. - Evan Vucci/AP

Biden has encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their recent conversations to think through how such an invasion would unfold, and what the exit strategy would be, officials said. Biden and Netanyahu spoke on Sunday and again on Monday, and in those conversations, the president sought to try to get [Netanyahu] to use his head, not his heart, a source familiar said.

Still, the sentiment across much of the US government is that Israel is almost certain to proceed with a full scale ground invasion, in large part because domestic sentiment inside Israel is so enflamed that Netanyahu may feel he has no other choice.

We stand before the next stage, it is coming, Netanyahu told the Israel Defence Forces Yahalom unit on Tuesday, according to a press release from Netanyahus office. You know it and you are part of it; you are part of the vanguard.

We have only one mission  to smash Hamas, he added. We will not stop until we complete it, with your help.

Military to military channels

In 2014, Netanyahu set out to debilitate Hamas with the last ground invasion into Gaza. While that war dealt Hamas a significant blow, it was a huge challenge and failed to dislodge the militant organization from the coastal enclave. Despite numerous rounds of escalation and conflict with Gaza, Israel hasnt attempted another incursion since.

A senior Israeli official said that the US is not telling the Israelis to deescalate or refrain from crossing any red lines.

An IDF soldier guides an armored personnel carrier in southern Israel on October 21, 2023. - Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images

They are saying while you fight the war  pay attention to all of these dimensions, the official said. The US has its own experience for fighting wars in urban areas, Fallujah, in Mosul and so on.  And so you [the United States] also have some experience in such a situation. And its always good to share experiences, among friends.

In all of our conversations, we continue to talk to them about the importance of having meaningful goals, meaningful objectives and a plan to achieve those objectives, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday. Weve been engaged in a number of levels. The Pentagon has been engaging in military-to-military channels about what their operations might look like.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant daily about Israels military needs and strategy, an official said, and one frequent point of discussion is how the extensive network of tunnels Hamas has built inside Gaza will complicate a ground invasion, an official said.

The message is, have you really thought this through? a Western diplomat said. Coming from friends who have in recent years gotten themselves embroiled in counterinsurgency scenarios in hostile territory, we can tell you need an exit plan and it gets ugly quickly.

Gallant on Tuesday told an elite commando unit of the Israeli army that Israel must destroy Hamas and warned that the war is still in its early stages.

Prepare for the tasks to come, the war is just starting. And unfortunately, well have to pay a price, Gallant said. Prepare well, be ready  physically and mentally, with equipment and means. Well get to the field and will destroy Hamas. Literally. Otherwise, we couldnt exist here, he added.

A fight without mercy, but not without rules

Another key US and allied message to Israel has been that any invasion must abide by international humanitarian law.

A Western source told CNN that Israel is being cautious in its planning for a ground incursion because it realizes if it gets it wrong it will lose the moral high ground. They acknowledged that the battle for the moral high ground is already difficult for Israel, pointing to the quick condemnation directed at the Israeli government over the hospital blast, which Israel said was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad misfire.

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel and offered support for Netanyahu, but warned: This fight must be without mercy, but not without rules.

Macron also suggested forming an international coalition to counter Hamas, akin to the US-led coalition meant to defeat ISIS formed during the Obama administration.

The idea is to draw on the experience of the International Coalition against [ISIS] and see what aspects can be replicated against Hamas, a French official told CNN. As a reminder, the International Coalition against [ISIS] is not limited to operations on the ground, but also involves training Iraqi forces, sharing information between partners, and combating the financing of terrorism.

But a Western official familiar with the matter said forming any international coalition would depend, in large part, on gaining more clarity from Israel on the goals of its ground invasion.

Israels ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, told CNN last week that Israel has no interest in occupying Gaza, although Israeli officials have warned the operation there will be lengthy.

Our advice to them isnt Dont do it, because we completely respect their right to go after Hamas and that means going after them wherever they are, a NATO defense minister previously told CNN. So its not Dont do it, but it is Think about what happens and have a strategy, not just a tactical maneuver. We expect Israel to act within international humanitarian law, but we understand that theyre dealing with an enemy here.

CNNs Alex Marquardt, Jennifer Hansler, Kevin Liptak and Pamela Brown contributed to this report.

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By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has concluded that a military coup has taken place in Gabon, the U.S. State Department said on Monday, adding it was suspending most U.S. assistance to the African country's government.

THE TAKE

Gabon army officers seized power on Aug. 30, annulling an election minutes after an announcement that President Ali Bongo had won, which they said was not credible. Bongo, in power since 2009, had succeeded his father Omar Bongo , who ruled for 42 years.

The United States said in late September it was pausing some foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Gabon. On Monday, the State Department said it was suspending most U.S. assistance to the government. However, it added that humanitarian, health, and education assistance will continue.

KEY QUOTES

"The United States has concluded that a military coup detat has taken place in Gabon," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said.

"Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of States annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most U.S. assistance to the Government of Gabon."

CONTEXT

The junta in Gabon had promised to oversee free and fair elections, but has not given a precise timetable for organising them.

A 24-month transition to elections in Gabon would be "reasonable" after the coup, junta-appointed Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima was quoted as saying by French news agency AFP in September.

The Bongo family's dynastic rule in the Central African oil producer had created widespread discontent, with critics saying the Bongos did little to share Gabon's wealth with its 2.3 million people.

The African Union suspended Gabon's membership following the coup.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
The United States maintains about 1,100 military personnel in Niger as part of an ongoing anti-jihadist mission in the West African country. However, the July 2023 coup, which saw former president Mohamed Bazoum ousted by the military, has raised questions about the future relationship between Niger and its Western allies. A post on X, formerly Twitter, claims the US State Department officially recognised the new regime in a recent statement. However, AFP Fact Check found the dispatch simply concluded that a military coup had taken place in Niger and described how it would impact American aid to the country.

"The US has officially recognised the Nigerien coup regime and called for a democratic transition. Which means that Pablo Ecowas is now fully out in the cold and his desired war is 100% not happening anymore. Congratulations to the people of Africa (sic), reads a post on X, published on October 10, 2023.

A screenshot of the misleading post, taken on October 23, 2023

Liked more than 10,000 times, it includes an announcement from the US State Department officially categorising the situation in Niger as a military coup detat.

The phrase "Pablo Ecowas" likely refers to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the current chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc promoting economic cooperation among its 15 member states (archived here).

A screenshot of ECOWAS member countries taken from the official website on October 23, 20323

ECOWAS imposed hefty sanctions on Niger following the coup and repeatedly warned of possible military intervention to reinstate Bazoum if peaceful attempts to resolve the crisis were to fail (archived here).

Niger remains under sanctions, but as of publication, ECOWAS has not used force to restore civilian rule in the landlocked country (archived here).

The account that shared the misleading post belongs to David Hundeyin, a Nigerian journalist living in Ghana who regularly shares content disparaging Tinubu (archived here and here).

Hundeyin has claimed that his life would be in danger if he returned to his home country because of his work as a journalist (archived here).

While the US has signalled its intent (archived here) to engage with Niger to address broader security issues in the region, the claim that the US recognised the military junta as legitimate is misleading.

Official statement

On October 10, 2023, the State Department categorised the government ouster in Niger as a military coup detat (archived here).

Following our conclusion that a military coup detat has taken place in Niger and pursuant to section 7008, the U.S. is suspending most assistance to the government of Niger. Any resumption of aid will depend on concrete actions to restore democracy. https://t.co/i9Oj2Rnz5b  Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) October 10, 2023

"The United States has concluded that a military coup detat has taken place in Niger. Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of States annual appropriations act, the United States is suspending most US assistance to the government of Niger," reads the official notice signed by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Section 7008 is a provision that prohibits providing financial assistance to governments that have taken power via a military coup (archived here).

Legally defining an event as a coup requires proving two key elements.

First, the State Department must determine whether the countrys military played a decisive role in overthrowing the government.

Then, it has to confirm whether or not the deposed leader was "duly elected". In the case of Niger, both criteria were met.

A document from the Congressional Research Service detailing the elements of a coup, screenshot taken on October 23, 2023

Before the coup, the US provided foreign assistance to the government of Niger totalling nearly US$200 million.

While "life-saving humanitarian, good and health assistance" continues uninterrupted, the State Department made it clear that the resumption of US assistance to the government required reinstating "democratic governance in a clear and credible timeframe".

The US also reaffirmed its support for efforts by ECOWAS to "achieve a return to democratic rule".

State Department comments

AFP Fact Check contacted the US State Department to confirm its Niger policy and stance towards ECOWAS.

"On October 10, the United States suspended certain assistance to the government of Niger due to the military coup detat," the department told AFP Fact Check.

"We encourage all parties to work with ECOWAS, which is leading efforts to resolve the political crisis in Niger," it added.

"The United States supports ECOWAS efforts to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to usher in civilian democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met ECOWAS representatives on September 22, 2023, where he further outlined the steps the US has taken to "support ECOWAS pressure" on the military junta to restore democracy in Niger (archived here).

AFP Fact Check has debunked several false claims about the coup in Niger, which you can read about here.
Jeff Wilson said he told officials in Hong Kong as soon as he landed (Getty Images)

A US politician has been arrested in Hong Kong after travelling to the city with a pistol in his bag  though he claims it was an honest mistake.

Jeff Wilson, a Republican state senator for Washington, has been charged with possession of a firearm without a license, according to the charge sheet, a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of almost 10,000, reports CNN.

He was travelling with his wife on the first leg of a five-week holiday in Southeast Asia and forgot it was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, according to a statement posted on his website.

Mr Wilson discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong, when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum, and felt his unloaded revolver inside. When the plane landed, He immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue.

The statement, in which the senator confirms that the weapon is registered in Washington state and that he holds a concealed pistol licence, adds that Mr Wilson hopes to resume his itinerary when the matter is resolved.

The Independent has contacted Mr Wilsons office for further information, as well as Portland International Airport and the US Transport Security Administration (TSA).

Mr Wilson appeared in court earlier this week and was granted bail, according to local media reports, with another hearing set for the end of October.

Earlier this month, two US airports  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland and Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania  broke their record for the highest number of guns caught at airport security in a year, with more than two months of 2023 to go.

We would much rather see fewer people toting guns in their carry-on bags, but thats not the way this is trending, said Karen Keys-Turner, the TSAs federal security director at the Pittsburgh airport.
A U.S.-sponsored draft resolution on the Israel-Hamas war that was expected to be voted on at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday includes no mention of Iran, the main patron of the Hamas and Hezbollah terror organizations.

The original draft resolution had called on Iran to stop funding terror groups, according to a Saturday report from Reuters. The first draft resolution, since obtained by Fox News Digital, stated that "Iran must cease the export of all arms and related materiel to armed militias and terrorist groups threatening peace and security across the region, including Hamas ..."

The latest version  which was expected to be voted on Tuesday, but negotiations are ongoing  features no mention of Iran, however. Fox News Digital obtained a copy of the latest draft resolution that "Urges Member States to intensify their efforts to suppress the financing of terrorism, including by restricting financing of Hamas through applicable national-level authorities, in accordance with international law and consistent with Resolution 2482 (2019)."

PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY ATTACKS ON US TROOPS HAVE 'IRANIAN FINGERPRINTS ALL OVER'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, speaks with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield before a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York City on Oct. 24, 2023.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the U.N. blamed Russia for Iran's omission from the latest draft resolution.

"The Biden Administration has been unequivocal in its condemnation of Irans longtime support of terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah  and we will never hesitate to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities," the spokesperson wrote. "Regarding the U.N. resolution, Russia's mission in New York insisted that references to Iran be removed. I suggest reaching out to the Russians to ask why they made those demands. That said, the Resolution has very strong language that applies directly to Iran, including calls to suppress financing of Hamas (Op 14), to prevent the export of arms and [materiel] to Hamas (Op 16), and language on Iran-backed Hizballah ceasing its cross border attacks (Op 15)."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The paragraphs that the U.S. spokesperson says refer directly to Iran in the latest draft resolution "Calls on all States and international organizations to intensify urgent, concrete steps to support efforts by the United Nations and regional States to prevent the violence in Gaza from escalating, spilling over or expanding to other areas in the region, and calls on all those with influence to work towards this objective, including by demanding the immediate cessation by Hezbollah and other armed-groups of all attacks which constitute clear violations of Resolution 1701 (2006) and relevant Security Council resolutions "

Whereas operating paragraph 16 states, "Calls on all States to take practical steps to prevent the export of arms and materiel to armed militias and terrorist groups operating in Gaza, including Hamas "

Fox News Digital inspected both drafts and confirmed that any mention of Iran had been removed from the latest draft of the resolution.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the U.N. Security Council in New York City on Oct. 24, 2023.

While there was no mention of Iran in the U.S. draft resolution, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iran during his speech to the Security Council, "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake, we will defend our people. We will defend our security swiftly and decisively."

Blinken continued, "To all the members of this council: If you, like the United States, wants to prevent this conflict from spreading, tell Iran, tell its proxies  in public, in private, through every means  do not open another front against [Israel] in this conflict. Do not attack Israel's partners. And we urge members to go a step further. Make clear that if Iran or its proxies widen this conflict and put more civilians at risk, you will hold them accountable. Act as if the security and stability of the entire region and beyond is on the line because it is."

Hamas militants are seen during a military show in Gaza City on July 20, 2017.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Russian spokesperson to its U.N. mission to ask why they insisted that Iran be taken out of the draft resolution.

According to sources, Russia has introduced its own U.N. draft Security Council resolution, which calls for a humanitarian cease-fire. Neither draft resolution was voted on Tuesday, and it's uncertain when the U.N. Security Council will next meet to consider the dueling texts.

Earlier this month, Hamas terrorists launched thousands of missiles at Israel and invaded towns along the Gaza border, killing at least 1,400 people and wounding thousands more. The actions from the Iran-backed group resulted in Israel declaring war against the terror group.

Just before the Hamas attack, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that "the usurper regime is coming to an end," in reference to Israel.

MCCONNELL CALLS CHINA, RUSSIA, IRAN NEW 'AXIS OF EVIL' THAT US MUST DEAL WITH: 'THIS IS AN EMERGENCY'

"Today, the Palestinian youth and the anti-oppression, anti-occupation movement in Palestine is more energetic, more alive, and more prepared than ever during the past 70 or 80 years," he wrote. "God willing, the movement will achieve its goals."

An Israeli army self-propelled gun opens fire near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on Oct. 11, 2023.

On Monday, senior Pentagon officials said they expect to see a "significant escalation" of attacks against U.S. troops in the Middle East, adding that the attacks have "Iranian fingerprints all over" them.

A senior U.S. defense official and a senior U.S. military official held a background briefing on Monday afternoon, and both officials suggested that attacks will likely increase on U.S. troops over the coming days.

The defense official reiterated that Iran is funding, equipping, guiding and directing partners and proxies across the Middle East, including Lebanese Hezbollah militia groups in Iran, Syria and Yemen.

Iranian protesters burn U.S. and Israeli flags in Tehran on Oct. 20, 2023.

"I think its fair to say when you see this uptick in activity in attacks by many of these groups, theres Iranian fingerprints all over it," the defense official said.

Fox News' Peter Aitken and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.





Original article source: US removes mention of Iran from draft UN resolution on Israel-Hamas war over Russian demands
Gaza and Jerusalem (CNN)  Aid agencies are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as doctors warn an Israeli blockade on fuel means many more vulnerable babies and wounded people in hospitals will soon die. One agency says at least 2,000 children in Gaza have been killed in the past few weeks.

Israel has intensified its bombing campaign in the besieged strip as its defense minister Yoav Gallant said Monday the country is preparing for a multilateral operation on the militant group Hamas that controls Gaza from the air, ground, and sea.

Israels leadership has vowed to wipe out Hamas in response to its October 7 deadly terror attacks and kidnap rampage in which 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed and more than 200 taken hostage.

On Monday, Hamas freed two Israeli citizens  both elderly women  amid growing international pressure to secure the release of the rest of those abducted and taken to Gaza.

Inside Gaza, cut off from the world by a near total blockade, Israeli airstrikes have decimated entire neighborhoods, leveling homes, schools and mosques. CNN drone footage from Monday showed the level of destruction across parts of the strip, with whole streets flattened in the al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City and a row of destroyed buildings known as al-Zahra towers in central Gaza.

Save the Children said Monday that over 1 million children are trapped in Gaza with no safe place to go and warned of the devastating impacts of lacking medication and electricity to power vital health infrastructure in the enclave.

At least 2,000 children have been killed in Gaza over the past 17 days, and a further 27 killed in the West Bank, the aid agency said on Monday.

We call on all parties to take immediate steps to protect the lives of children, and on the international community to support those efforts, Save the Children said, adding that Israeli airstrikes are killing and injuring children indiscriminately.

Latest figures from the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said the death toll resulting from Israeli strikes on the strip has reached at least 5,087, including 2,055 children.

The health system [in Gaza] has reached the worst stage in its history, said health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qudra in a statement early Tuesday.

Fuel is a lifeline

Fuel means life in Gaza. Without fuel, water cannot be pumped or desalinated, generators that power hospitals  that keep incubators, ventilators and dialysis machines running and to sterilize surgical equipment  will fail.

Twelve hospitals and 32 medical centers are now out of service after Israeli strikes and fuel depletion, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza. Early Tuesday, the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza had no electricity due to the fuel shortage, Hamas said.

Despite the urgency, no fuel trucks have entered Gaza as part of a humanitarian aid convoy from Egypts Rafah border crossing over the weekend, according to Israeli and UN authorities.

Israel has repeatedly said fuel would be purloined by Hamas for its own war effort, including rocket attacks.

On Monday, Mark Regev, senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told CNN that Israel would not allow fuel into Gaza even if all hostages were released.

At the moment we have no interest in more fuel going to the Hamas military machine and we have not authorized fuel, we have authorized medicine, we have authorized water. Weve authorized foodstuffs, weve not authorized anything else, Regev said.

The government decision is that fuel doesnt go in because it will be stolen by Hamas and itll be used by them to power rockets that are fired into Israel to kill our people.

However, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said Monday that while the UN is watching closely for signs that Hamas is diverting humanitarian aid meant for civilians in Gaza, they have not reported any such signs to date.

Hospitals could become mass graves

In Gaza, outbreaks of smallpox, scabies, and diarrhea have emerged due to the deteriorating health environment, lack of sanitation, and consumption of water from unsafe sources, according to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health based in the occupied West Bank.

Hospitals are nearing collapse, operating at more than 150% of their capacity and situations have become so dire that surgeries are being conducted without anesthesia, and in some cases, under the illumination of phone lights, the Palestinian Authority health ministry added.

Around 50,000 pregnant women are struggling to access health care, with about 166 unsafe births happening daily, and more than 5,000 women due to give birth in the next month, it said.

The Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City  the largest hospital in the enclave  has enough fuel to last a maximum of two days, according to senior surgeon Marwan Abusada on Monday.

Conditions in Al-Shifa are dire, with another doctor saying that without electricity, the hospital will just be a mass grave and theres nothing to do for these wounded.

British-Palestinian surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah told CNN overnight that the system is disintegrating and without a ceasefire and a proper humanitarian corridor, theres going to be an even larger catastrophe that the one that already exists here.

The overwhelmed hospital has run out of burns dressings for the more than 100 patients in the facility with burns covering over 40% of their bodies, Abu-Sittah said. More than 150 patients on ventilators with critical injuries are relying on electricity to stay alive, he said.

Hospitals across Gaza are facing similar situations.

A neonatal doctor working in a hospital in southern Gaza told CNN Monday that premature babies relying on oxygen supplies will die if fuel is not urgently delivered into the enclave.

Hatem Edhair, head of Neonatal ICU at Nasser Medical Complex, said all non-emergency facilities have been turned off, as well as lights and air conditioning.

He said 11 babies  most weighing under 1.5 kilograms  are in his neonatal intensive care unit, with admission rates rising as residents from northern Gaza flee south.

Twenty more trucks carrying vital relief aid crossed into Gaza Monday, but aid agencies warn that the current rate of delivery will do little to address the needs of more than 2 million people living in the enclave.

The territory normally receives 455 aid trucks per day, according to the United Nations. That means that with the weekend deliveries, Gaza is more than 7,200 truckloads of aid short of what would normally have been received between October 7 and October 22, CNN calculations suggest.

Thats half of 1%  or one two-hundredth  of the amount of aid it ordinarily receives.

Hostages released

Family members welcomed the release of two elderly hostages from Hamas custody Monday, while relatives of the hundreds of others captives in unknown conditions in Gaza face an agonizing wait for news of loves ones being held at gunpoint.

Israeli citizens Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, were released following Qatari and Egyptian mediation, according to two Israeli officials and two other sources briefed on the matter.

The women were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, a statement from Israels prime ministers office said. Their spouses  Coopers 85-year-old husband Amiram and Lifshitzs 83-year-old husband Oded  were kidnapped alongside them and are still held by Hamas, it added.

Around a quarter of residents from Nir Oz were killed or taken hostage in Hamas onslaught.

Their release follows that of two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan, who were freed on Friday.

Speaking to CNN Tuesday, a grandson of Lifshitz said she can hug her grandchildren.

She is talking, she can walk, she can hug her grandchildren, which we are very happy from that, Daniel Lifshitz said after meeting his grandmother in Tel Aviv.

Asked about the fate of his grandfather held by Hamas, Lifshitz said, now my grandmother is back but still now Im more afraid about my grandfather that hes still there, and still no men being released.

On Monday, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby rebutted calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, telling CNN that Hamas must first release hostages.

We dont believe that this is the time for a ceasefire. Israel has a right to defend themselves. They still have work to do to go after Hamas leadership, were going to keep supporting them or giving them more security assistance, Kirby said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
Palestinians inspect the damage of a destroyed house that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The prospect of Israeli forces launching an assault into Gazas dense urban neighborhoods, where militants use civilians as human shields, brings back searing memories of the deadly battles the U.S.-led coalition fought against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

For U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his military leaders, that intense combat and the thousands of civilians killed in airstrikes and neighborhood gunfights in Mosul and Raqqa are lessons to be shared as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion against Hamas.

In our conversations with the Israelis, and as weve made very clear, were continuing to highlight, the importance of mitigating civilian casualties and ensuring that ... things like safety corridors are thought through, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman, said Tuesday.

The U.S. can paint a vivid picture of civilian slaughter. During the eight-month siege to liberate Mosul from Islamic insurgents, as many as 10,000 people were killed, including at least 3,200 civilians from airstrikes, artillery fire or mortar rounds between October 2016 and the fall of the Islamic State group in July 2017, according to an Associated Press investigation. About the same number of civilians were killed or taken hostage by militants and used as human shields as they fled the city.

Austin, Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Eric Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, and other senior military commanders all spent time in the region around then and watched the violence unfold. They were keenly aware of efforts to set up humanitarian corridors and decisions to pause operations while civilians were warned to move away. So as they are speaking to their Israeli counterparts on an almost daily basis, they are sharing advice on the challenges of urban warfare, the threats of booby traps and roadside bombs and the drive to protect the innocent while rooting out insurgents hidden in schools, mosques and homes.

Sharing our 20 years of lessons learned is occurring up and down the chain, said Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey, the spokesman for Brown.

Underscoring that priority, the U.S. has sent a team of military advisers to Israel, including Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State group. Glynn, who also served in Fallujah during some of the most heated urban combat there at the height of the Iraq War, will be able to advise the Israelis on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare.

These officials, to include Gen. Glynn, have experience when it comes to urban combat, Ryder told reporters Tuesday. Theyre in there temporarily with their military expertise to just go through and discuss some of the hard questions that the IDF should consider as they plan various scenarios.

In discussions last week with Israeli defense and government leaders in Tel Aviv, Austin recalled his experiences heading U.S. Central Command during the first two years of the campaign to defeat the Islamic State group. He talked about lessons learned, including the realization that the world is watching, officials familiar with the talks said.

Austin was blunt both publicly and privately that as Israelis plan their military operations, including any ground assault into Gaza, they must take into account the safety of civilians.

There are some lessons learned that we will be more than happy to share with our allies here in terms of operating effectively in dense urban terrain, creating safe humanitarian corridors, making sure that were thoughtful about how we shape the battle and making sure that our objectives are well defined, Austin told reporters.

A RAND report released last year found that while the U.S. emphasized the need to minimize civilian harm in the devastating 2017 siege to liberate Raqqa, Syria, there were thousands of casualties. It recommended that the U.S. military adjust its planning, training, targeting and use of weapons in order to better avoid widespread civilian deaths and damage.

Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, who took over U.S. Central Command in 2016 when Austin retired and oversaw the operations, said the most important message for the Israelis  which has been delivered by Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden  is that its not what Israel does in its pledge to destroy Hamas, but how the military does it.

How you orchestrate this campaign really matters, said Votel. And they have to do this in a way that reflects values and the concern for innocent Palestinians who themselves are being held hostage by Hamas.

He added that there are many similarities and some key differences between those missions and a potential assault into Gaza. Hamas, he said, is better armed, with more sophisticated explosives and other weapons supplied by Iran. And the labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza is far more developed and lengthy than those seen in Raqqa.

Militarily, he said, Israel is seeing a more sophisticated and better armed opponent than the Islamic State was in Syria and Iraq.

Theres a difference between being dug in, going to ground and what we are seeing in Gaza, which is an underground architecture that connects different parts of Gaza and allows people to move supplies, people and other things, and enhance critical functions underground, said Votel. I dont think ISIS got to that particular level of sophistication.

He said the U.S. and coalition allies had more time to prepare for the battle to retake Mosul. And he said that as the coalition moved down the Euphrates River, it stopped and paused operations a number of times in order to meet with local tribal leaders and try to get innocent civilians out of the line of fire.

The brutality of it all is another element Austin recalls, as well as the need to stop militants even as they are embedded deeply into urban civilian areas.

In countering ISIS I felt as if we were staring evil in the eye, Austin said. It was truly evil. And what weve seen from Hamas, it takes that evil to another level. And so thats the first thing that we need to remember and consider.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Joe Kennedy III focuses on Northern Ireland's economic and investment opportunities in his role

The United States Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III is leading a delegation of senior business people on a four-day trip to Northern Ireland.

The delegation is a blend of US companies already present in Northern Ireland and potential investors.

US President Joe Biden promised the delegation when he visited Northern Ireland earlier this year.

He said "scores" of US firms wanted to come to Northern Ireland; some already employing over 30,000 people.

It is not clear if any of the delegate companies will announce any jobs or investments during the visit.

It typically takes years for large-scale foreign direct investments to be finalised.

Who will be attending?

The delegates include Tim Sweeney, the chief executive of Liberty Mutual Insurance, which has a major IT operation in Northern Ireland, as well as a local insurance business.

Also present will be John Murphy, the president and chief financial officer of Coca-Cola.

On Tuesday, the company is launching a new canning line which has created 35 jobs as part of a 17m expansion of its site near Lisburn.

Mr Kennedy suggested the trip would be a learning experience for some delegates who had not previously considered Northern Ireland.

"They will learn about Northern Ireland's highly skilled and motivated talent pool, driven by its world-class universities and colleges," he added.

In the absence of devolved ministers the delegation will be hosted by the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady.

She said there had been a "collaborative effort between business, academia and government" to showcase key elements of the region as an investment proposition.

"We will be providing curated sessions across Northern Ireland to highlight sectors, where we already compete globally, including advanced manufacturing and net zero, software and fintech, life and health sciences and the creative industries," Ms Brady added.

Analysis box by John Campbell, NI economic and business editor

Whenever foreign direct investment projects are being putting together they generally take years to reach fruition.

This might be more the acorns rather than the oak trees stage of the process.

Given that Joe Kennedy has only been in this role for about a year, it is hard to see that we would get a blockbuster announcement while he is here.

That is not to say there could be some promising developments announced as part of this trip.
Authorities in Hong Kong arrested a politician from Washington state after he stepped off a flight from San Francisco for having a pistol in his carry-on bag.

Jeff Wilson, a Republican state senator, was granted bail on Monday after being charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. A court hearing in Hong Kong, which China administers, is set for 30 October.

Related: Obama criticizes Israels decision to cut off food and water to Gaza

It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Wilsons office said in a statement on his website.

Wilson said he did not realize the pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through US airport security, and only discovered the unloaded weapon, he said, when he reached in to get some chewing gum mid-flight. He said the gun was registered in Washington state.

Wilson was travelling with his wife on a five-week personal vacation to Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. And he said he alerted Hong Kong customs officials after the plane landed.

But the Wilsons holiday is now disrupted. Though a Hong Kong magistrate granted bail to Wilson, the state senators travel documents were confiscated, and he was ordered not to leave the city, according to Hong Kongs Sing Tao Daily.

Penalties for possession of arms or ammunition without a license in the region run up to a maximum of 14 years in prison and a fine of HK$100,000 ($12,800).

But the magistrates court where Wilson is set to appear typically hands down sentences of two years or less, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Wilsons Republican colleagues in Washington state said they hoped his case could be resolved expeditiously.

We are learning about the incident with [Wilson] at the same time as the press and public here in America. As I understand it, this was an honest mistake, Washington states senate Republican leader, John Braun, said in a statement, according to the Journal.

Figures from the US transportation security administration show officers at pre-flight screening found 6,542 firearms at 262 different American airports last year.

The agency said it screened approximately 761 million passengers and crew members at airports. It discovered firearms in carry-on luggage at a rate of 8.6 firearms per 1 million passengers  or one firearm for every 116,394 travelers screened.

Regionally, north Texas airports came out top with 521 weapons found in travelers carry-on luggage.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta came in first place, with 448 found firearms, followed by Houstons George Bush Intercontinental with 298; Nashville with 213, and Phoenix Sky Harbor with 196.

Then came Orlando, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.

It is not known how TSA screeners in Portland, Oregon, where Wilsons flight originated, missed the weapon.
U.S. forces based in the Middle East have been attacked at least 13 in the past week, the Pentagons top spokesperson revealed Tuesday.

Between Oct. 17-24, American troops were targeted 10 times in Iraq and three times in Syria via a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets, press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at the Pentagon.

While there is no evidence that Iran has ordered the attacks, Defense Department officials said Monday that all recent targeting of U.S. troops had Iranian fingerprints all over it.

Its been well-documented and youve heard U.S. officials across the podiums as well as policy leaders for years talk about Irans funding, equipping, guidance and direction, to partners and proxies across the region, a senior defense official told reporters.

That includes Lebanese Hezbollah, militia groups in Iraq and Syria, as well as the Houthis, in Yemen. So I think its fair to say when you see this uptick in activity and attacks by many of these groups, theres Iranian fingerprints all over it, they added.

Ryder did not have the exact number of U.S. troops injured during the attacks, but the Pentagon earlier revealed that an American contractor died of a heart attack during a false alarm at al Asad air base in Iraq.

The recent attacks are the first such attempts on U.S. troops in Iraq in more than a year and come amid the backdrop of the Hamas-Israel war. Biden administration officials fear Iran and its proxies may use the conflict  which began after Hamas militants launched surprise attacks on Israel on Oct. 7  to open another front in the war or further destabilize the region including through attacking American forces.

To counter this, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over the weekend ordered the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to a location overseen by U.S. Central Command. The strike group has previously been moved to the Eastern Mediterranean along with the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group after the Hamas-Israel war began.

In addition, Austin placed a number of forces on prepare to deploy orders should they need to respond to any aggressions, and deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and additional Patriot battalions to be spread across the region.

Ryder on Tuesday would not disclose the exact number of each weapon sent or where they would be located, but noted that the THAAD battery is coming from Fort Bliss, Texas and the Patriot battalions and batteries from Fort Liberty, N.C., and Fort Sill, Okla.

He added that the U.S. is posturing additional forces to send a clear message that we will protect our forces. We will always maintain the inherent right of self-defense. And if there is a response, should we choose to have one, we would do that at a time and place of our choosing.

The Pentagon this week has amped up its rhetoric against Iran, with Ryder on Monday saying that it will hold the country ultimately responsible for the attacks in Iraq and Syria.

By virtue of the fact that they are supported by Iran, we will ultimately hold Iran responsible, he said.

The recent drone and rocket assaults on American troops include an Oct. 18 attempt on al Asad base west of Baghdad, where two drones were shot at. One was destroyed and one was damaged, with minor injuries to coalition forces and slight damage to the base.

Hours later, another drone attack targeted the al-Harir air base in Erbil in northern Iraq but was thwarted.

The same day, an attack targeted al Tanf Garrison in Syria, with four U.S. service members injured.

And on Oct. 19 while in the northern Red Sea, the USS Carney shot down four land attack cruise missiles and 15 drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The U.S. Department of Transportation has partnered with Kansas City to enhance delivery and finance infrastructure projects

The Emerging Projects Agreement focuses on $15 billion worth of Kansas City projects designed to improve the infrastructure throughout the area.

Kansas City bars, restaurants weve lost so far in 2023

The partnership will help with work for an east-west KC Streetcar extension, which hopes to connect underserved communities with health care and jobs.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the department hopes to bring safer, cleaner and modern transportation to Kansas City.

Ive had the chance to see firsthand the great strides Kansas City is taking to modernize their infrastructure, and this agreement will help advance that work for years to come, Buttigieg said.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said hes honored to have a partnership with USDOT to improve the community.

I am thrilled about our collaboration to bring billions of dollars to our community to make improvements, Lucas said.

KC nonprofit expands program to help with mental health

According to Lucas, the improvements include reconnecting communities once torn apart by highway construction, creating a rapid transit system from the airport to the city, and making critical repairs to our bridges.

Here are some of the projects that could benefit:

The city will get funding from Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans, Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF), Private Activity Bonds (PABs) and technical assistance grants.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The state of Utah filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms on Tuesday, marking the second lawsuit from the state against a major social media organization. | Dreamstime/TNS

The state of Utah filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms on Tuesday, marking the second lawsuit from the state against a major social media organization. According to the suit, Meta intentionally designed flagship social media platforms Facebook and Instagram with addictive features, alleging the social platforms contribute to poor mental health in children and teens.

Gov. Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes claim Metas business practices violate the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act through designs intended to lure in and manipulate young users, giving way to excessive use and adverse impact on mental health in young Utahns.

Related

Just as litigation effectively spurred change by the opioid pharmaceutical industry and Big Tobacco, we expect this lawsuit will inspire Meta to improve its child safety practices, Cox said in a press release.

Regulating social media companies to protect minors is not a partisan issue, and most people across the political spectrum agree we cannot allow addictive algorithms and deceptive practices to continue harming our children. This action shows we will continue to fight for the mental health and well-being of our kids.

In a statement to KSL.com, a Meta spokesperson said the company shares the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families. Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

The complaint, filed in Utahs 3rd District Court, alleges Meta relies on personal data from users to hook young, vulnerable minds on personalized content and taking advantage of children in the name of profit.

Two separate counts are noted in the 62-page filing:

Meta crafted addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay to children and teens, resulting in harmful overuse and negative effects on mental health.

In attempts to maintain a positive public image, Meta deceived users through publishing misleading reports that purported to show impressively low rates of harmful experiences by its users, per the suit.

Every burgeoning industry has a moment where they have to recognize the power they possess, Reyes said in a press release. We are now seeing a generation that hasnt known life without Metas products. With that growth comes a responsibility to protect our values and communities, particularly our kids. This lawsuit is a first step toward putting guardrails around a company that is in our homes, our schools, and our neighborhoods. I invite Meta to the table to right past wrongs and to take meaningful steps forward.

Utahs lawsuit against Meta comes in wake of the states recent suit against social media platform TikTok, which lists similar allegations of addictive and harmful use.

We will look back on this and deeply regret that we didnt do this sooner, Cox said, as previously reported by the Deseret News. Its one of my regrets that we didnt do this four or five years ago.
A new vaccine from Pfizer has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as the first shot of its kind to address multiple strains of meningococcal disease, the company said Oct. 20.

After receiving FDA approval, the vaccine is now waiting for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to release their recommendations, which would allow the shot to reach consumers.

Meningococcal disease, the cause of meningitis and other severe illnesses, has been on the decline since vaccines were introduced as part of a childs regular shot regimen, according to data from the CDC.

But what has long been a multi-dose care plan may now come down to a single shot.

Heres what you need to know.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal diseases include a group of illnesses that are caused by a type of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis.

The bacteria is so common that about one in every 10 people have the bacteria in their nose and throat, but may not get sick, according to the CDC.

When the bacteria is able to enter the body, it most commonly causes one of two illnesses, either meningococcal meningitis or meningococcal septicemia.

The first, known commonly as meningitis, can cause a fever, headache and stiff neck, or progress to more severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and mental confusion.

The symptoms are caused by the bacteria entering the lining of the brain and the spinal cord, causing the lining to swell and increase pressure, the CDC says.

In extreme cases of meningitis or if the bacterial infection is left untreated, it can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, necrotic tissue, nerve and brain damage, or death, according to the CDC.

About 10% to 15% of people who develop a meningococcal disease die from the illness, and of those who survive, one in five are left with long-term medical complications like limb amputations, deafness, nervous system problems or brain damage.

The second most common illness from the bacteria, meningococcal septicemia, may begin with similar symptoms like fever and nausea.

However, septicemia occurs when the meningococcal bacteria enters the bloodstream instead of the nervous system, traveling through the walls of the bloodstream and blood vessels to the skin and organs, according to the CDC.

Symptoms include cold hands and feet, muscle and joint aches and pains, rapid breathing, diarrhea and a dark purple rash.

Left untreated, septicemia can have similar severe negative effects as meningitis, the CDC says.

Most meningococcal diseases fall under six different serogroups or serotypes, an identifiable strain of the bacteria.

Neisseria meningitidis has serotypes A, B, C, W, X and Y, and the most common serotypes seen in the United States are B, C and Y, according to the CDC.

Is there already a vaccine for meningococcal disease?

Due to the potentially extreme symptoms of meningococcal diseases, there are two vaccines already available as part of a childs regular vaccine regimen.

The first is a meningococcal conjugate vaccine, or MenACWY vaccine that addresses four of the six serotypes.

The second is specific to serotype B, known as a MenB vaccine.

Most kids will only receive the first vaccine during their preteen years and then a booster at age 16, but some children with preexisting conditions or heightened risk factors will also take the second vaccine.

Now, the FDA has approved a new vaccine called Penbraya, and it addresses five of the six serogroups, the first vaccine of its kind.

Nearly 9 out of 10 adolescents have incomplete protection against invasive meningococcal disease caused by the leading serogroups, Jana Shaw, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Upstate Golisano Childrens Hospital said in an Oct. 20 news release. For the first time, we have a single vaccine that helps protect against the five most common serogroups and has the potential to improve coverage and increase protection among adolescents and young adults.

Who should get a vaccine?

The CDC currently recommends the existing MenACWY for all children ages 11 and 12. This includes three approved shots  Menactra, Menveo and MenQuadfi. These shots are given as two doses, the first at age 11 or 12 and the second as a booster at age 16.

A meningococcal disease vaccine is required by most states for students in public education, according to the CDC.

Health officials also recommend that teens should get the second vaccine MenB, to increase their protection.

This includes the two-dose vaccine Bexsero given to people ages 16 to 23, or the two-dose vaccine Trumenba given to the same age group. Trumenba has an additional dose for those at an increased risk.

These recommendations may change with the introduction of a single vaccine to combat all five serogroups, but those changes wont be made until the CDC advisory committee meets.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Oct. 25 to discuss changes to meningococcal vaccine recommendations to include Penbraya, according to an Oct. 20 release from Pfizer, the vaccine developer.

If they did not receive the vaccine during their teen years, adults can get one of the existing vaccines if they have preexisting conditions or an increased risk of the disease such as living in a college dormitory, working internationally or being a member of the military.

Pregnant women should not receive a meningococcal vaccine while pregnant unless they are at an increased risk for the disease and have discussed the potential risks with a doctor, the CDC says.

In all situations, its important to discuss your vaccine options with a primary care physician or health care provider.

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Maria Corina Machado (C) celebrates her victory in an opposition primary in Venezuela on October 22, 2023 (Federico PARRA)

Liberal politician Maria Corina Machado held an overwhelming lead Monday in the opposition's presidential primary contest, but it remained unclear if her candidacy to oppose President Nicolas Maduro in next year's elections will clear a major legal hurdle.

With 65 percent of ballots counted so far, Machado had won 92.6 percent of the votes, according to the commission which organized the election.

But the 56-year-old engineer and opposition figure has been disqualified from any public post for 15 years by Maduro's government, which has charged her with supporting international sanctions against the South American country.

That presents a major obstacle to Machado becoming a unitary opposition candidate against Maduro, who lambasted her victory Monday on his television program.

"We respect this group (of voters) and I call on them: Don't be fooled. Don't let yourselves be led into an adventure of hate," Maduro said.

Machado pledges to end socialism and bring about liberal economic reforms, including the privatization of the state oil firm, Petroleos de Venezuela.

She is a fervent opponent of Chavism, the brand of populist leftist ideology left behind by deceased former president Hugo Chavez and championed by Maduro.

After voting ended, Machado on Sunday night told her supporters: "In 2024 we are going to win in this presidential election... We are going to oust Nicolas Maduro and his regime and we are going to start the reconstruction of our nation."

The United States, which last week eased sanctions on Venezuela following the resumption of dialogue between the government and the opposition, is pushing to have Machado's disqualification lifted.

Her disqualification from political life was extended from an initial 12 months to 15 years last June, just as her campaign began to take off.

The Comptroller's Office, lead by the now head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Elvis Amoroso, accused her of corruption and promoting sanctions against the country.

"No way," said Diosdado Cabello, a Chavism power broker, speaking of her future.

"There is not a single possibility, but not one, not one, not one, not half, not 0.2, not 0.1 possibility that a person who is disqualified can be enabled to participate in a presidential election."

The primary vote, organized without government help, unfolded in parks, squares, storefronts and people's homes.

Machado's closest rival, Carlos Prosperi, who had criticized alleged irregularities in the process, took 4.5 percent, with the other candidates garnering less than one percent of the vote.

mbj/jt/gm/tjj/nro
Maria Corina Machado, a former lawmaker and longtime government foe, speaks to the press in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Machado continued to dominate the primary election held to pick the opposition's candidate to challenge Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro next year, holding her support above 90% in the latest partial returns announced Monday. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuelas government escalated attacks Tuesday on the past weekends opposition primary to choose a challenger for President Nicolas Maduro next year, saying the voter turnout claimed by organizers was inflated and amounted to a crime.

Maduros government and its allies have spent months hindering opposition efforts to hold their primary election and have banned the now-apparent winner from being a candidate  leaving the effectiveness of Sundays poll in doubt. The attacks on the legitimacy of the primary also could sow fear among voters already wary of government reprisals for participating in the polling.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the partial results showing participation of at least 1.6 million voters were mathematically impossible given the number of available voting centers and the time it takes a person to cast a ballot.

What happened this past Sunday was not an election, it was a farce, it was a scam, Rodriguez said Tuesday. Since we knew that they were planning the farce we put a person in each of the voting centers and we counted one by one, minute by minute and hour by hour.

He called organizers criminals, insisting that he had shown sufficient evidence that establishes a crime in Venezuela.

Maria Corina Machado, a longtime government foe and former lawmaker, already has declared herself the winner of Sundays polling after results showed her far ahead of nine other candidates. The partial results released by the organizing National Primary Commission showed that with 65% of tally sheets counted, Machado had 1,473,105 votes, or nearly 93% of the total. Her closest competitor had just under 70,819 votes, a little over 4%.

The primary was open to all registered voters within Venezuela and roughly 400,000 people living abroad. Within the South American country, voters defied repression, censorship and the weather to participate, even in neighborhoods once considered strongholds of the ruling party.

Organizers did not forecast participation figures, but logistical issues, fuel shortages, government threats and repression led people involved or familiar with the effort to initially estimate turnout of around 1 million. That projection doubled as more and more people arrived at the polls in Venezuela and other countries, including Spain, Mexico and the U.S.

The strong turnout by Venezuelans in and outside their homeland demonstrated a deep desire for an alternative to Maduros decade-long, crisis-ridden presidency.

Opposition-driven efforts have struggled in the past to keep names of participants private, and voters' fears could be reignited by the voting-center surveillance that Rodriguez described Tuesday.

In 2004, a pro-government lawmaker posted online the names of millions of people who had signed a petition to get on the ballot a referendum to recall then-President Hugo Chavez. Many who were on the list have said they lost government jobs and assistance after their names became public.

Holding Venezuelas first presidential primary since 2012 required the deeply fractured opposition to work together. That itself was a feat. But it could still prove futile, if Maduros government wishes.

While the administration last week agreed in principle to let the opposition choose its candidate for the 2024 presidential election, Machado remains officially barred from running for office. And Maduros government has in the past bent the law, retaliated against opponents and breached agreements as it sees fit.

Last weeks agreement was part of a two-year-old negotiation process between Maduros government and a faction of the opposition backed by the U.S. government. The deal calls for both sides to work together on electoral conditions ahead of next years election.

Rodriguez, Maduros chief negotiator, said Tuesday that intends to call a meeting with his counterpart from the opposition and a diplomat of Norway, which has been guiding the dialogue process, to address the primarys alleged violations of the agreement.
COLUMBUS  Jack Patterson of West Lafayette has been inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. The 32nd annual induction ceremony featuring 20 honorees will be in November.

Patterson is the former mayor of West Lafayette and has represented Veterans of Foreign Wars on the Coshocton County Veterans Service Commission since 2006. His term ends in 2026. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era from 1966 to 1969.

"I think it's a real honor," Patterson said of the induction. "It's always good for what veterans of Ohio do. It's recognizing everything they've done, so I'm just proud to be part of that group."

Jack Patterson of West Lafayette is being inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Family. He's on the Coshocton County Veterans Service Commission and has served at more than 1,100 funerals as part of the Coshocton County Honor Guard.

Patterson has also been a member of the Coshocton County Honor Guard since 2006 and has served as chaplain since 2008. In 2021, Patterson was honored for being present at more than 1,000 military funerals as part of the honor guard. He's now served at more than 1,100.

The other honor guard members with more than 1,000 funerals are David Dilly, Tommy Apple, Fred Lent, Jack Lipps, James Stone and George Leach. Dilly was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017 and nominated Patterson along with his wife, Patty.

"I really want to see and help the family with their closure and I want them to realize this man or lady that passed was a veteran, it meant something to them and, in turn, it means something to me for the family to see that," Patterson said of his honor guard work.

Patterson returned to Coshocton after getting out of the army. He briefly worked for General Electric before moving to Western Southern Insurance. He retired in 2004 after 35 years of service.

He also served as a part-time police officer in West Lafayette in 1976. In 1979, he won a seat on village council and then became mayor in 1983. He lost re-election, but was elected again in 1995 and served until 2015. He's the longest serving mayor in West Lafayette history.

Patterson has also been commander of the West Lafayette American Legion since 1981 and is a lifetime member of many local veterans organizations. He's also been a guardian on three Honor Flight trips and a passenger on another. The program flies military veterans to Washington D.C. to visit historical sites.

"I enjoy being with them and hearing stories of their military career," Patterson of working with other veterans.

Even at the age of 77 he doesn't look to slow down anytime soon with his work regarding military veterans in Coshocton County.

"Veterans have always been very important in my life. I've seen a lot happen with veterans and mistreatment of veterans and not getting the proper treatment by the government and so on. I've just never been pleased or happy with that and I thought if I can do something on my own, whatever I can do," he said. "As long as I'm healthy and able to do things to help veterans, I want to. I just want to help out."

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Jack Patterson of West Lafayette added to Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions

Gaza (CNN)  The bodies of three children lie on a steel tray inside what appears to be a Gaza hospital morgue, one leg of their trousers pushed up to reveal writing in black ink on their skin.

We received some cases where the parents wrote the names of their children on the legs and abdomen, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Masri, the head of the emergency department Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, told CNN.

He said parents were worried that anything could happen, and no one would be able to identify their children.

This means that they feel they are targeted at any moment and can be injured or martyred, Al Masri added.

The black ink is a small sign of the fear and desperation felt by parents in the densely populated enclave as Israel continues to pound it with relentless airstrikes in retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attacks.

The supervisor of the room at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital where dead bodies are washed described Sunday as an exceptional day.

Declining to be named, he told CNN that the number of dead overnight from Saturday into Sunday had exceeded 200, and echoed what Dr. Al Masri had said.

What we noticed today is that many parents writing the names of their children on their legs so they can get identified after airstrikes and if they get lost. This is a new phenomenon that just started in Gaza.

Many of the children are missing, many get here with their skulls broken  and its impossible to identify them, only though that writing do they get identified.

Over the last two weeks hundreds of children have been pulled from the wreckage of pancaked buildings hit by airstrikes in what is one of the most densely populated places in the world, many of them made unrecognizable by their injuries.

With Israel continuing its complete siege of the impoverished territory and crucial supplies running dangerously low, doctors in Gaza hospitals have been forced to operate without painkillers, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Leo Cans, who is head of mission in Jerusalem for the group also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, told CNN on Monday dwindling supplies meant surgical operations were proceeding without the correct dose of narcotics, without the correct dose of morphine.

In terms of pain management, its not happening. We currently have people being operated on without having morphine. It just happened to two kids, Cans said. We have a lot of kids that are unfortunately among the wounded, and I was discussing with one of our surgeons, who received a 10-year-old yesterday, burnt on 60% of the body surface, and he didnt end up having painkillers.

There is no justification at all to block these essential medicines to reach the population, Cans continued.

He also acknowledged terrible reports that Gazan parents have resorted to writing their childrens names on their limbs in the event that either they or the children are killed. He added that colleagues had told him families were sleeping in the same room as they want to live together or die together.

Health workers have also started seeing the impact of fuel shortages. Fuel is essential for the water plants in order to desalinate to water  If you dont have fuel, you dont have quality water, Cans said, adding many were now drinking untreated water, leading to outbreaks of diarrhea.

In a video released by Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health on Sunday. Dr. Fuad al-Bulbul, head of the neonatal department unit at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, warned that most of the infants under his care would perish if fuel runs out.

If the electricity is stopped, there will be catastrophic events inside this unit. Most of the babies depending on ventilators will die because we can save only one, two babies, but we cannot save all babies, Al-Bulbul said in the video.

His department houses 45 incubators and predominantly cares for preterm babies resulting from high-risk pregnancies.

By Sunday, his hospital had run out of surfactant and caffeine citrate Al-Bulbul said, both commonly used to relieve breathing issues in preterm babies.

Most infants are critically ill and his exhausted medical team has worked 18 straight days, he added.

A neonatal doctor working in a hospital in southern Gaza told CNN Monday that premature babies relying on oxygen supplies will die if fuel is not urgently delivered into the enclave.

At Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza, 11 babies in the neonatal intensive care unit are also at risk of dying if fuel is not delivered to the enclave to help power vital machinery like ventilators and monitors, said Dr. Hatem Edhair, the hospitals head of neonatal ICU.

Most of them are premature babies, he said. Half of them are on non-invasive ventilation that needs oxygen. That means half of them urgently need oxygen and monitors.

One baby was conceived through in vitro fertilization and his family has wanted to have him for about eleven years, according to Dr. Edhair.

How can I [tell] the family of this baby that their child will die because there is no oxygen? he said, explaining

Hospitals in crisis

Meanwhile, hospital are also running out of medicine, water and electricity, while hundreds of injured Palestinians continue to seek treatment, doctors and health workers in Gaza told CNN.

More than 300 people sought help at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, Gaza after Israel dropped bombs nearby Saturday night into Sunday, said Dr. Iyad Issa Abu Zaher, the hospitals director general.

The situation has become catastrophic, he added.

Its impossible for any hospital in the world to admit this number of injured. There is no room or hospital beds for these injuries. The injured are at the door of operation theater rooms and on top of each other, each waiting their turn for an operation, he lamented.

Israel declared a complete siege of Gaza two weeks ago in response to Hamas attack, bombarding the enclave with airstrikes and shutting off the entire populations access to food, water and power.

At least 1,400 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the Hamas assault, the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and more than 200 were taken hostage.

The death toll in Gaza since October 7 has risen to more than 5,000 with more than 15,000 wounded, according to Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health in the occupied West Bank.

Hospitals have since faced tremendous challenges, from caring from the overwhelming number of injured, to accessing life-saving medical supplies as bombs rain down and generators run perilously low on fuel.

The first convoys of aid trucks were allowed into Gaza from Egypt over the weekend, but none of the 34 vehicles that passed through the Rafah crossing were carrying fuel supplies.

Gaza is more than 7,200 truckloads of aid short of what would normally have been delivered between October 7 and October 22, CNN calculations suggest.

The territory normally receives 455 aid trucks per day, the United Nations said, which means 7,280 trucks should have arrived in those 16 days. In other words, Gaza has received half of 1%  one two-hundredth  of the amount of aid it normally gets.

Humanitarian groups have also stressed that what was delivered over the weekend was nothing close to whats needed.

It is only a small beginning and far from enough, the World Health Organization said in a statement Saturday.

On Sunday, the UN agency aiding Palestine refugees cautioned that its fuel reserves would run out in three days.

Impossible to evacuate

Israel has repeatedly warned residents to evacuate the northern part of Gaza ahead of an expected ground incursion by the Israeli military.

The Palestinian Red Crescent says that the Israeli military issued three evacuation orders on Friday for the Al-Quds hospital, which is treating more than 400 patients and providing shelter for around 12,000 displaced civilians.

We do not have the means to evacuate them safely. Most of the patients are with critical injuries, spokesperson Nebal Farsakh told CNN Sunday.

Farsakh said that 24 hospitals, including the Al-Quds, are under the threat of being bombed at any second due to Israeli evacuation orders.

CNN has not independently verified this number.

The Al-Quds Hospitals administration also said the Israeli army had repeatedly contacted them demanding the immediate evacuation of the hospital in preparation for a nighttime airstrike.

Asked for comment, the IDF responded by saying that it requested residents in the northern area of the Gaza Strip to evacuate in order to mitigate civilian harm.

Hamas intentionally embeds its assets in civilian areas and uses the residents of the Gaza Strip as human shields, the IDF statement added.
A Gardner man who is wanted by police for questioning following the shooting death of his wife remains at large as investigators continue to search a vast, 400-acre tract of woods where his vehicle was found Monday in Gardner, authorities said Tuesday.

Search operations to capture Aaron Pennington will resume on Wednesday morning, after crews concluded an exhaustive search on Tuesday night, state police said around 6 p.m. The target area for the search is approximately 175 acres.

The 33-year-old Pennington is wanted by authorities for questioning in the death of his wife, 30-year-old Breanne Pennington, which state police are calling a homicide.

He has not been found at this point, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early told reporters around 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.

Police: Gardner couple had marital problems before Breanne Pennington was found fatally shot in home

Aaron Pennington should be considered armed and dangerous, and the public should not approach him or try to search for him but rather call 911 immediately, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

Be vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings, Early said in his message to the public during a press conference from the wooded area in Gardner.

Authorities described Aaron Pennington as a white male with blonde hair, and blue eyes, standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighing approximately 175 pounds. Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately, state police said.

Early said a bow hunter on Monday found a white BMW sedan believed to belong to Aaron Pennington in a wooded area of the Collier Campground in Gardner, which is about three miles from the couples home. The hunter immediately called police. Residents in the Kelton Street neighborhood on Monday were asked to shelter-in-place as investigators combed the area.

That search continued throughout Tuesday morning in a wooded area of the Collier Campground, an expansive land trust which is often used by local churches and Boy Scout groups, authorities said.

This is a big area. Its about 400 acres out here and its incredible how (search crews) do the work, Early said.

The search includes members of the State Police Special Response Team, the State Police Tactical Operations Response team, the Violent Fugitives Apprehension Section, state police K9 units, and Gardner and Ashburnham police.

We still treating this like he is alive and would be somewhere in the woods, Early said.

Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene asked local hunters and nearby residents with video cameras to review trail cameras and to contact police immediately if they see Pennington or anything unusual.

Its very heavily wooded, sparse... the grid search is large at this point in time, McAvene said. Were operating under the assumption that he is still alive and on the run.

Breanne Pennington was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the face in an upstairs bedroom in their Cherry Street home shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday, according to an application for criminal complaint filed by police in Gardner District Court.

The couples four young children, who are ages 2, 5, 7, and 9 and who went to a neighbors house asking for help before their mother was found dead Sunday, are now in state custody, authorities said.

In their complaint, filed Sunday in Gardner District Court, police are seeking to arrest Aaron Pennington for unlawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The couple was having marital problems before Breanne Pennington was found fatally shot, police wrote in the criminal complaint.

Breanne Pennington had plans of moving to Texas with the kids to be away from Aaron Pennington. Aaron Pennington suffered from mental health issues and had threatened suicide, police wrote.

Earlier Sunday, police issued a public alert for his white BMW 320 sedan with a Massachusetts Veterans plate number, later saying Pennington may have attached one of two other registrations with Texas or California plates to the vehicle.

The district attorney on Tuesday urged the public to call police with any information that could help investigators.

Its incredible how often that these tips help us, Early said. Were asking the public for all of their help.

But, he urged people to stay away from Pennington if they see him.

Investigators are treating this like they have a man whos armed in the woods, he said.

Please, no one in the public try to go and find this guy, Early said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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El Paso County sheriff's deputies have arrested a neighbor accused of attacking a young woman who was left bleeding on the ground with her neck slashed outside her home in something like a scene out of a horror movie.

Sheriff's officials on Monday announced the arrest of Rojelio Jose Jacquez Jr., 27, in connection with a vicious knife assault that had gone unsolved until the critically wounded 19-year-old woman recovered enough to identify her alleged attacker.

A Sheriff's Office news release spelled the suspected attacker's first name as "Rogelio," though jail records and court documents have it as "Rojelio."

Courts: El Paso man sentenced in deadly shooting at Memorial Park home of lawyer couple

Jacquez was allegedly uncooperative and combative when he was taken into custody on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the sheriff's Northwest Patrol Station in Vinton, officials said.

Rojelio Jose Jacquez Jr. is accused in a vicious knife attack on a 19-year-old woman on Sept. 22 outside her home in Vinton in northwestern El Paso County.

Jacquez faces charges of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and resisting arrest. He is jailed on a total bond of $252,500 at the El Paso County Jail in Downtown after Magistrate Judge Antonio Aun refused to lower the bond amount during a teleconference bond hearing on Saturday, Oct. 21, due to the nature of the case.

The attack completely severed the woman's carotid artery in a crime that, during the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Marcantel described as nearly a murder.

Young woman attacked outside Vinton home

The attack occurred about 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, outside a family's home at a trailer park in the 7800 block of Kiely Road in a semi-rural village of Vinton in northwestern El Paso County, according to a complaint affidavit filed by a sheriff's detective and obtained by the El Paso Times.

The young woman, Olivia Marie Matta, had just returned home after hanging out with friends and parked her vehicle in the driveway, the affidavit stated.

The woman's father was inside when he heard his dogs barking. He looked outside to see why the dogs were barking and saw his daughter on the ground, covered in blood. The woman's father and mother rushed outside and immediately called 911, the affidavit stated.

Crime: Lower Valley man arrested in shooting death of neighbor

When deputies arrived, they found the woman face up on the ground, being held by her mother on an unpaved roadway in front of the home. The woman was covered in blood on her shirt, face, upper back and neck, the affidavit stated. The wounds were life threatening.

Paramedics from Life Ambulance arrived and rushed Matta to University Medical Center of El Paso, where she underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to the affidavit.

A surgeon informed detectives with the sheriff's Major Crimes Unit that the woman's carotid artery was completely severed and she received "a massive blood transfusion" to help stabilize her, the complaint document stated. The surgeon told detectives that a large slash to the side of the right side of the neck and wounds to the woman's back were consistent with a stabbing with a knife.

Stab victim identifies alleged attacker

On Oct. 5, nearly two weeks after the attack, a detective conducted a follow-up visit with the woman's parents at UMC. Matta still couldn't talk, but she was beginning to communicate with some verbalization and through writing, documents stated.

The woman had told a nurse with a hand gesture that she had been stabbed in the neck. When asked by her father who had stabbed her, the woman replied, "neighbor" and when her father asked her if it was the neighbor's dad, she wrote on a piece of paper, "kid."

Homicides 2023: Homeless man wanted in connection with deadly El Paso stabbing arrested in Miami

Detectives identified the "kid" as Jacquez, who, according to court records, has past convictions for assault and making terroristic threats. At the bond hearing, a public defense lawyer mentioned Jacquez is disabled. A jail log describes him as 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 330 pounds. The nature of the disability was not disclosed.

On Oct. 10, the young woman was recovering and regaining her ability to speak and was being transferred to a rehabilitation hospital.

On. Oct. 18, detectives conducted a photo lineup where the woman identified Jacquez as the person who attacked her with 98% certainty, the affidavit stated. Jacquez was arrested the following day.

The complaint affidavit does not mention a possible motive in the knife attack.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Woman's neck slashed, El Paso sheriff's deputies arrest neighbor
A few dozen residents and local officials sat inside a Placer County conference room last week hoping to hear an update on the possible release of a man into their community with a sexually violent past.

Yet when the time came for representatives from a state agency, and its contractor, to discuss the housing search for William Stephenson, they did so behind closed doors. A small committee of county delegates were allowed to attend the briefing, but it was considered confidential.

Such secretiveness is not necessary, says Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. He says its caused by the Department of State Hospitals, and Liberty Healthcare, misinterpreting a new state law.

A goal of the act, which went into effect this year, was to bring greater transparency to the controversial practice of releasing people deemed sexually violent predators back into communities. Instead, Gire argues, it is having the opposite effect because of how it has been implemented.

At this point, he said, it has not been productive.

State hospitals officials did not make anyone available for an interview. In an emailed statement, an unidentified department spokesperson said the closed session occurred because the agency must discuss individual patient health information and risk factors, which is subject to federal and state privacy protections. Beyond that, the response said, the private conversation is allowed under state open meeting law.

Gire, though, believes agency members can provide an update to the public on their housing search without disclosing protected information.

The disagreement is the latest rift over where to place Stephenson, who was granted a conditional release by a judge almost two years ago. And is another source of conflict in an already often contentious process.

The new law was intended to help situations like his. It requires local officials to be on a committee and assist the state in finding housing for patients with sexually violent histories who are set to be released with restrictions.

But tension has accompanied the change in Placer County.

At the recent meeting, Sheriff Wayne Woo said he was surprised to hear from an official at another county department, and not from Liberty Healthcare directly, that the contractor was exploring the idea of placing Stephenson in a temporary homeless encampment. Like Gire, Woo has a representative on the recently-created housing committee.

Those lines of communication, this kind of behavior, Woo said during a public comment period, is why there is this mistrust.

Few given conditional release

Under California law, people are labeled sexually violent predators if they are convicted of certain offenses and diagnosed with a behavioral condition that makes them a danger to the safety of others.

Stephenson, 67, began exposing himself in public in the 1980s, according to details contained in an opinion from the states Third District Court of Appeal.

He was later accused of assaulting two women at a nude beach, including forcing one to perform oral sex on him, which led to his arrest and eventual conviction. He was sentenced to 31 years in prison.

A jury determined he was a sexually violent predator before he was set to be released. And in 2009, he was transferred to a state hospital in Fresno County. He is one of roughly 1,030 people committed under the predator law since 1996, when it went into effect.

Those patients are sent to a state hospital for an undetermined amount of time. Treatment there is voluntary and includes help with substance abuse and education as well as assessments of sexual arousal. Their behavioral conditions are evaluated at least once a year.

A judge later granted Stephensons release, with conditions. In 2014, he was placed in a home in Roseville, because he has legal ties to Placer County.

But in 2017, Stephenson was arrested and accused of possessing child pornography, installing software designed to mask his online activity and accessing the internet without permission, according to details in another Third District Court of Appeal opinion. He was ordered back to a state hospital.

As of last week, 55 patients with sexually violent histories have received conditional releases statewide since 1996. Stephenson is one of 17 who later had that arrangement revoked.

In January 2022, a judge once more granted Stephenson a restricted release. The search for housing in Placer County started again.

Needs to know

Finding a place to live for a person committed as a sexually violent predator is a challenge.

There are limits on where they can stay and residents and officials are usually resistant to having them in their communities. But the search cant last forever; the patients have a legal right to be released.

The state hospitals department contracts with Liberty Healthcare to work on the housing hunt, as well as provide monitoring and treatment when the person is let out.

When patients are granted conditional releases, a game of hot potato can ensue with county officials trying to push them onto other communities.

The new state law  which passed last year as Senate Bill 1034  created a formal process that must occur before a person is sent to another county. It requires the offices of the sheriff or local police chief, county counsel and district attorney to help the state find housing in their own region. The patients lawyer is also on the committee. Public defender Brad Whatcott, who is representing Stephenson, declined to comment.

So far, the state hospitals agency has held two meetings with Placer County committee members and Liberty Healthcare officials. They have included a public comment period. But conversations about the search for Stephensons housing have only occurred in private.

The department declined to comment on Stephensons case, citing privacy laws. Liberty Healthcare representatives did not respond to email and phone messages requesting comment.

They need to say: Heres where were at, heres what were doing, said Gire, the district attorney. Because I think the general public needs to know that.

Whats more, Gire said his own representative on the housing committee, a lawyer in his office, is not supposed to share with him what is discussed because it is treated as confidential.

Still, the district attorney said he is able to glean more information about the housing search through court documents and hearings. A judge is scheduled to hear an update on Stephensons case Wednesday at 1 p.m. and the proceeding is open to the public.

Gires frustrations are not universally held.

It just gives us a greater opportunity to participate in findings and decisions in regard to placement, Dawn Bladet, an assistant chief deputy with the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office, said of the new law.

Sacramento County currently has one person, William Rahar, being evaluated for housing as part of a conditional release. He was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old, according to a state sex offender database.

When asked about the concerns Placer County officials have about the sharing of information, Bladet said: We havent encountered that yet.

Only a handful of other counties have had committee meetings under the new law this year.

Underwhelming

The boiling frustration in Placer County was evident at its latest meeting last week.

Supervisor Shanti Landon, during the public comment period, said the communication, or lack thereof, with the housing committee and residents was unacceptable.

Others were upset that state and Liberty Healthcare officials appeared via a video call and not in person.

Its very challenging to respect the process when youre not here with us, working with us, to solve a community problem, said Supervisor Cindy Gustafson.

It was the first of four housing committee meetings the state was holding in two days.

A short while later, state and Liberty Healthcare representatives moved to a private space to consult with housing committee members.

When the closed session ended about 50 minutes later, a state hospital official said no action, only a discussion, had taken place. Shortly after, the official said the hearing was over.

What? an audience member said, before others grumbled incredulously. The video feed showing the state and Liberty Healthcare officials ended.

Oh my God, said another attendee.

Moments later, Gire made his way to the front of the meeting room.

Ill fill the void here since that was, sort of, very underwhelming, he said. All this build up for that.

He then stayed up there, answering the many questions residents still had on their minds. At least the ones he could.
Virginias Republican Party mailed voters in the states 57th district explicit material about Democratic state House candidate Susanna Gibson, who was the subject of a scandal last month when The Washington Post reported that she had sex with her husband in front of a live audience on the website Chaturbate. Later, The Washington Free Beacon shared screenshots of her videos. Gibson denounced this, saying that her political opponents had committed a sex crime in order to silence her. According to NBC12, the mailed envelopes were labeled, explicit material enclosed and warned, Do not open if you are under the age of 18. The mailer contained two pieces of paper with censored quotes and screenshots from Gibsons public porn livestream. A Reddit user shared its contents and wrote that the screenshot was cut off below Gibsons shoulders. Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson defended the partys decision, stating, Polling now shows her to be 11 points behind her Republican opponent [David Owen]... The mail piece corrects her false statements using already-published mainstream media news accounts. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin later said, This candidates personal life is something that that candidate needs to explain to people. According to The Daily Dot, Gibsons campaign responded that Republicans are trying to distract voters from their extreme agenda.

Read it at NBC12

Read more at The Daily Beast.
A new map of congressional districts that Republican lawmakers unveiled last week took a step closer to approval Tuesday afternoon.

Votes in both chambers of the General Assembly began in the Senate, which voted 28-18 just before 1 p.m. to approve a new map for North Carolinas 14 congressional districts that could see the GOP pick up at least three seats next year.

The Senate is now debating the map for its own districts, and the House is expected to take up the map for its districts during its voting session at 2 p.m.

Final votes (the House voting on the congressional and Senate maps, and the Senate voting on the House map) could come as soon as Wednesday. Governors dont have a role in redistricting, so the maps cant be vetoed like other bills; once theyre approved by both chambers, they become law.

Copies of the latest version of the redistricting map, House Bill 898 Edition 2, were handed out to those in attendance for the the House Rules Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C. The committee approved the new version, which will advance the redistricting map to a floor vote.

The congressional and legislative maps are moving to the House and Senate floors on Tuesday after clearing key committees on Monday with minimal revision. Republicans approved a few minor, uncontroversial amendments submitted by Democrats.

More substantive amendments to the maps could be entertained on the floor, but Republicans are expected to defeat any changes proposed by Democrats that they oppose.

Republicans unexpectedly released two different proposals for U.S. House seats last week before abandoning one of them on Monday, which would have likely given the GOP an 11-3 advantage, according to an analysis by the website Daves Redistricting.

North Carolinas congressional delegation is currently evenly split, with both parties controlling seven seats apiece. Thats under a map that was drawn by court-appointed experts, which can only stay in place under state law for one cycle.

Instead, Senate Republicans advanced the other map they proposed last week, which would likely give the GOP at least a 10-4 advantage, with one of the four Democratic-leaning seats being highly competitive.
Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilson released a statement to the public on Monday after his arrest at Hong Kong International Airport over the weekend for possessing an unregistered pistol.

It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Wilson said in the prepared statement.

The 63-year-old Republican lawmaker was arrested upon arrival in Hong Kong, according to a news outlet in China called The Standard that first broke the news.

Wilson, traveling with his wife, was on the first leg of a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia, the statement reads. Wilson did not realize his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners failed to note it.

McClatchy is still waiting on a response from the Transportation Security Administration to determine what prevented proper security protocols.

Wilsons statement also said that the senator discovered the unloaded pistol mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong when trying to find gum in his briefcase. He then reported it to customs officials when the plane landed.

He was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and released on $2,556 bail. His next hearing date is scheduled for Oct. 30, according to The Chinook Observer. Wilson was required to surrender his travel documents while he awaits that hearing.

Press accounts indicating that the weapon was discovered during a bag check are incorrect, Wilson added in his statement.

He also noted that while the weapon is unregistered in Hong Kong, it is registered properly in Washington state and that he holds a concealed pistol license.

The Standard reported that Wilson and his wife scolded the media waiting outside the courthouse for taking photos of them, and demanded the photos be deleted. Media then left accompanied by security guards.

Accounts of an altercation are a bit overblown, said Erik Smith, communications director for Sen. Wilson.

Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, also released a statement regarding the situation on Monday.

We are learning about the incident with Sen. Wilson at the same time as the press and public here in America, said Braun. As I understand it, this was an honest mistake. I do not have any additional information to share at this point, but we are watching the situation closely. That said, I hope that this can be resolved in a timely manner.

The Standard reported that Wilson is believed to be the first American state senator to be charged with this type of offense in Hong Kong.

Wilson represents the 19th Legislative District in Washington, including parts of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, and Lewis Counties, as well as Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.
At a ceremony Monday in North Carolina to remember the 241 U.S. service members who were killed in a terrorist attack in Lebanon 40 years ago, it didnt escape anyones notice that Marines are back in the Middle East in an effort to tamp down tensions.

Gen. Eric Smith, the Marine commandant, had a blunt message for anyone who would target the Marine expeditionary unit now heading into the region near Israel.

The secretary of defense has been very clear that, whatever their mission may be, dont target those Marines  he said it very carefully  because they come ready to respond, Smith said during his keynote address at the ceremony in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Ill be less diplomatic and more Marine-like, Smith said, to cheers from the audience, according to a live-streamed video of the event. For those that are in the area, if that MEU has to go in, if you target them, someone else will raise your children.

Despite the reference to the current conflict in the Middle East, Smiths speech was mostly focused on the sacrifices of those who served in Beirut 40 years ago, including those who survived.

Two hundred forty-one American service members  220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers  on a peacekeeping mission to Beirut were killed in the terrorist bombing on their barracks on Oct. 23, 1983. Fifty-eight French troops and six civilians also were killed that day.

The event in North Carolina is a somber annual ceremony, held in front of the granite wall on which the names of the fallen are etched along with the line, They came in peace. Speakers and musicians honored both the fallen and the living from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines  the unit that lost so many people 40 years ago.

But with Israel at war with Hamas following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants, the dread of more violence on U.S. service members in the region was present in the ceremonys speeches.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a special operations capable unit of approximately 2,400 Marines and sailors, was sailing in the direction of the East Mediterranean, the Marine Corps confirmed, having left an exercise in Kuwait early because of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

The 26th MEU has not been tasked with a specific mission but is on a high readiness status prepared to respond should the department have need, U.S. Central Command said in a statement to Marine Corps Times on Monday.

Blinken, Austin say US ready to protect American troops in Middle East

Similar to the battalion that suffered immense losses in Lebanon in 1983, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is part of II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Theyre in the vicinity of the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and, at the unclass(ified) level, well just leave it there, Smith said at the ceremony Monday. Theyre there also to come in peace, if called, but they, too, bring within the weapons of war if needed.

Smiths pointed words of warning echoed 2019 remarks by Iraq veteran retired Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia after receiving his Medal of Honor: We dont want war. But if you want war with the United States of America, theres one thing I can promise you, so help me God: someone else will raise your sons and daughters.

In his speech Monday, Smith also referred to the upcoming scheduled deployment of 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and said, That day may come sooner than we would all like.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is scheduled to deploy with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group in May 2024 to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Capt. Kenzie Margroum said in an emailed statement to Marine Corps Times on Monday.

In answer to a Marine Corps Times question about whether the unit was preparing for an earlier deployment because of the Israel-Hamas war, Margroum said, The 24th MEU stands ready to provide Combatant Commanders with a ready force, postured for crisis response, conventional deterrence, and campaigning across the spectrum of conflict.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro noted in his remarks at Mondays ceremony that the U.S. peacekeepers had been in Lebanon in 1983 to bring about a semblance of stability to a region marked by decades of conflict.

Does that sound familiar? Del Toro asked the audience, before saying, We continue to play an important role in the Middle East today in a similar fashion by combating terrorism in an effort to preserve peace and stability around the globe.

Retired Col. Tim Geraghty, who led the Marines in Beirut in 1983, said at the ceremony that the U.S. embassy in Beirut had plans to plant 241 cedar saplings in honor of the fallen. He said the U.S. and French embassies there  which have been the sites of recent protests  also had commemoration ceremonies scheduled.

An irony is that the world we live in today  theyre probably modifying those ceremonies, Geraghty said.

The State Department on Wednesday recommended that U.S. citizens leave Lebanon and authorized some U.S. government employees and their families to depart the country. Nevertheless, the U.S. embassy did have a ceremony, and Marines did plant a grove, according to a statement and a video released by the embassy.

It is important to remember that many of the same culprits continue their havoc and carnage today, Geraghty said, singling out Iran.

Rest easy, our dear peacekeepers, Geraghty said. Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.
The coastal town of Acre experienced bouts of violence during Israel's last war Hamas in 2021 (Yuri CORTEZ)

With schools and businesses shut, the streets were unusually quiet in Acre, an Israeli town home to Jewish and Arab communities hoping their fragile yet time-honoured ties survive the latest war.

When Israel and Palestinian armed group Hamas last fought in 2021, violence spilled over into towns like Acre, shared by both Jewish and Arab residents, with bouts of rioting resulting in deaths.

In Acre, a placid town of some 50,000 inhabitants along Israel's northern Mediterranean coast, a joint Jewish-Arab theatre and a restaurant that long served as a symbol of coexistence were both set ablaze during the 2021 melee.

During more than two weeks since the latest war erupted on October 7, triggered by a bloody Hamas assault on Israeli soil near the border of the blockaded Gaza Strip, Uri Jeremias has kept his iconic eatery open -- but it has remained largely deserted.

Jeremias, who earned a reputation for indiscriminate hiring of Arabs and Jews at his Uri Buri restaurant, told AFP it was "very important to keep the team together. We've been open for 35 years, like a family."

The arson attacks that two years ago had left his business badly damaged were not "against me as a person but against my ideas" of bringing Jews and Arabs "together", Jeremias said.

For Jeremias, a 79-year-old Jewish man, his work "to close the gaps" in the divided Israeli society "annoyed them".

Members of Israel's Arab minority, many of whom identify as Palestinians, make up around 20 percent of the country's population.

Despite being Israeli citizens, human rights organisations frequently highlight the regular discrimination faced by Arab communities -- the descendants of Palestinians who remained on their land following the 1948 war that coincided with Israel's foundation and resulted in mass displacement.

Jeremias said he was hopeful that violence would not resurface in Acre but admitted he had little idea where things were headed.

"Nobody knows, really, how it will develop."

- Northern unrest -

Sitting in front of his empty restaurant, 35-year-old Hamoudi Barghouti waits for business to pick up amid the sluggish torpor that has taken hold over Acre.

The day before Hamas militants stormed Israel's south, Barghouti recalled, "it was like a very nice Friday, a lot of people in the street."

"It was busy, we worked, people (from) all of the world" including Palestinians who had travelled from the occupied West Bank and "a lot of Jewish people" too, said the Arab restauranteur.

"We woke up on Saturday, and it was... a war."

In the early morning on October 7, Hamas fighters breached the barrier around Gaza and poured into Israel, where they mounted a house-by-house, community-by-community rampage that according to Israeli officials has left more than 1,400 people dead, most of them civilians killed on the first day of the raid.

Israel responded with a ferocious air strike campaign that the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said has killed more than 5,700 Palestinians.

As Gaza is pummelled from the sky, tens of thousands of soldiers have been amassing along the borders of the narrow Palestinian territory for a potential ground invasion.

In the north, clashes between Israel and Hamas's Lebanese ally Hezbollah have also spiked since October 7, triggering evacuations of communities just south of the frontier.

The now regular cross-border exchanges of fire are not far from Acre, located about 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) from the Lebanese border.

- No end in sight -

With tensions mounting, Israeli police chief Kobi Shabtai praised the "exemplary behaviour" of members of the Arab minority before an audience of parliamentarians.

"We've had virtually no friction," he said.

But that has done little to soothe locals' concerns.

On one of Acre's squares lined with cafes, only one establishment remained open. The owner, like many other residents approached by AFP, refused to comment on the surging violence.

Resident Ali Awabtawi was one of a few people sitting on the square despite the fear he described of "bombs" fired by Hezbollah.

"We all hope that peace will come some day, because nobody wants to live like that," Awabtawi told AFP.

The 46-year-old businessman said he could not "see any end" to the war, lamenting a "heavy" load for businesses and "our children" to bear.

"You don't know what's going to happen -- not tomorrow, not (the) next hour."

The alleyways of the old town were decorated with election posters plastered in preparation for municipal elections, initially set for October 31 but postponed due to the war.

One of them called for "unity" in both Arabic and Hebrew.

"Acre is above all else," read the poster.

cgo/ds/jd/ami
Federal and state authorities arrested a 22-year-old man in Boise on a felony warrant Monday.

The U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force arrested Anthony Garza, of Nampa, on suspicion of domestic battery with traumatic injury at 1611 W. State St., according to a news release from the agency. The warrant was issued on Aug. 16, the release said, and the Nampa Police Department requested the task forces assistance on Oct. 3.

Nampa police spokesperson Carmen Boeger told the Idaho Statesman by phone that the warrant stemmed from two domestic violence incidents that occurred in August and October. The Statesman reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service for additional information.

In 2017, Garza pleaded guilty to aggravated battery for severely beating a 15-year-old boy, the Idaho previously reported. Garza was also 15 years old at the time. Hes on probation until January 2028, according to online records from the Idaho Department of Correction.

The U.S. Marshals Service, the Ada County Sheriffs Office, and the Boise and Nampa police departments assisted in the arrest.
The recent ouster of Polands government at the ballot box signals some significant potential changes to the security posture of NATOs strongest ally in Eastern Europe. Under the next Polish government, U.S. defense firms may find tougher competition from European industry for big-ticket arms purchases by Warsaw. The total size of Polish defense spending may be smaller. Washington should take note and respond.

Polands Law and Justice, the leading party within the countrys previous ruling coalition, won the most seats of any single party in the Oct. 15 election  but not enough to hang onto power. In claiming victory, opposition leader and former Polish President Donald Tusk celebrated his partys success. Never in my life have I been so happy about seemingly taking second place, he said.

Tusks excitement might be short lived. Without an outright majority in parliament, a future government under his centrist Civic Coalition party is likely to be weak and wobbly. Tusk will need the support of smaller leftist parties to form a government  and their interests will not always be aligned with his. Keeping these bedfellows within his political fold will almost certainly require the dispensation of large domestic spending programs, likely at the cost of Polands mighty defense budget, which is currently 3.9 percent of the countrys GDP. It may also require a reversion to Polands previous preference for splitting the baby on arms deals between the United States and European firms.

On the campaign trail, Tusk promised voters a return to pro-European Union policies. The last time that his party was in power it regularly divided major defense purchases between American firms and their EU competitors. The practice was intentional. Mega-deals with the United States, like the fielding of the Patriot air defense system, maintained a strong link with Washington. Other purchases from the EU allowed Warsaw to burnish its reputation as a team player in Brussels. While the outgoing government broke with this approach, Polands next government will likely return to it. As the former president of the European Council, Tusk might even have a greater affinity for the EU than before.

In the near term, the greatest potential for a change in Polish defense could occur in the air. Under the outgoing government, Warsaw spent big to purchase 32 F-35 fighters from the United States in 2020. It is now looking to acquire two additional squadrons of multi-role fighter aircraft. The lead candidates in this competition are the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by a consortium led by Europes Airbus, and the F-15EX Eagle II, made by Americas Boeing. If the next government decides to proceed with this purchase, the two companies will need to make a compelling political and geostrategic case for their option in addition to the capabilities of their aircraft.

On the ground, additional changes could be coming for Polands ambitious plans to field state-of-the-art main battle tanks. Earlier this year, the outgoing government signed a $5.8 billion deal with South Korea to acquire 1,000 K2 tanks from that country. This was in addition to $6.1 billion in deals with Washington to acquire hundreds of Americas M1A2 Abrams tanks over the next two years. While this sizable expansion of Polands heavy armor was meant to bolster Warsaws plans for a 300,000-person military in the coming years, the total bill might be too large for the incoming government to stomach.

New Polish governments traditionally revel in axing or modifying the defense decisions of their predecessors. When the Law and Justice party came to power in 2015, Poland incurred the fury of France when it cancelled a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase 50 Caracal multi-role helicopters from Airbus. Warsaw opted instead to build a Polish-made version of Americas Blackhawk. While major reversals in Polands strategic approach to its defense are not in the cards, its very possible that the incoming government will reshuffle Polands defense-industrial ties and scale down plans for a military buildup.

What is unlikely to change under the next government is Polands broader geopolitical orientation. The country will continue to take seriously threats from dangerous and destabilizing neighbors like Russia and Belarus. Meanwhile, it will remain a constant target for malign Chinese influence. For decades, Poland has leaned on its security relationship with the United States to mitigate these risks. That relationship benefits both sides. The White House can and should use all available diplomatic leverage with Poland to ensure that our defense-industrial relationship remains ironclad.

Meanwhile, Washington can expect Warsaw to maintain its support for Kyiv. However, a major test could occur if Ukraine faces stronger pressure to negotiate a settlement with Russia in the months ahead. In that event, the next Polish government may align closer with the positions of Germany or France instead of the expected strong line taken by allies like the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Romania. Navigating these tensions will not be easy for Warsaw, and it will look to the United States for guidance.

Having won victory, the challenge for Tusks party will not only be in keeping it  but also paying for it.

Peter Doran is Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Gaza and Jerusalem (CNN)  Hamas released two Israeli citizens on Monday, according to multiple sources, amid growing pressure to secure the release of hundreds of hostages taken by the Gaza-based militant group during its brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel.

I can confirm that my mother Yochi [Yocheved] Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening. While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, daughter Sharone Lifschitz said in a statement.

She said she remained focused on securing the release of her father, still believed to be in captivity.

Multiple sources named Nurit Cooper as the second hostage freed on Monday.

The militant groups fighters killed more than 1,400 people that day, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in what was the most deadly attack by militants in Israels 75-year history and revealed a staggering intelligence failure by the countrys security forces.

In response, Israel has bombarded Gaza, which Hamas controls, killing more than 5,000 people and injured more than 15,000 in just over two weeks, according to the Gaza health ministry. The blasts have leveled entire neighborhoods, including schools and mosques, and devastated the already insufficient health care system.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed on Monday that it had facilitated the two hostages release, transporting them out of Gaza. Our role as a neutral intermediary makes this work possible & we are ready to facilitate any future release. We hope that they will soon be back with their loved ones, ICRC posted to its official X account.

Hamas confirmed two hostages were released following Qatari and Egyptian mediation in a statement Monday. [We] released the two detainees bearing in mind that the enemy has refused since last Friday to receive them, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida said. We have decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and health reasons.

The development follows Hamas release of two American hostages  Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie Raanan  last week. A Hamas spokesperson at the time claimed that the two US hostages had been released for humanitarian reasons and to prove to the American people and the world that claims made by the United States government are false and baseless.

Uptick in strikes

Israel has recently widened its offensive against Hamas and its regional enemies, intensifying its bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip, striking Hezbollah cells in Lebanon and targeting the occupied West Bank.

Hundreds were killed in Gaza after sustained aerial assaults on Monday morning, according to the health ministry in the isolated enclave, which is controlled by Hamas. The ministry said that 436 people, including 182 children, were killed in strikes overnight, and that most of those killed were from the southern part of Gaza.

A small number of relief aid trucks have been allowed to cross from Egypt into Gaza since the weekend, but relief agencies warn that the current rate of delivery will do little to address the needs of 2 million people living in the enclave.

Israeli strikes appear to be ramping up; overnight blasts on Sunday were among the most sustained bombardments of northern Gaza in the past two weeks, according to a CNN team on the ground in southern Israel. They came as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) prepares for a potential ground operation in the besieged territory. Huge numbers of troops and tanks have already massed at the border.

Israel is preparing for a multilateral operation on Hamas from the air, ground and sea, Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said Monday. After touring the Ashdod Navy base, Gallant released a video statement instructing Israels soldiers to get ready.

CNN previously reported that the Biden administration has pressed Israel to delay its imminent invasion of Gaza to allow for the release of more Hamas hostages and aid into the enclave.

A number of foreign nationals were among those kidnapped by Hamas, including people from the US, Mexico, Brazil and Thailand.

Information about the status, location and identity of all the hostages remains scarce. Some have been identified by families who recognize them from online videos, sparking desperate pleads for their return.

US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have flocked to Israel amid growing pressure on world leaders.

In a statement on Friday, Hamas said it was working with mediators in Egypt, Qatar and other friendly countries to release foreign nationals.

Amid efforts to free the hostages held by Hamas, a senior Israeli official told CNN Sunday there will be no ceasefire in Gaza.

Aid trickles into the enclave

A total of 34 trucks filled with desperately needed aid traveled into Gaza from Egypt over the weekend. But none carried fuel supplies, which is vital for running hospitals and treating water in the isolated territory. Israel has said fuel would be purloined by Hamas.

A further 20 trucks crossed Rafah into Gaza on Monday, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). But UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned that the current aid provisions reaching Gaza were a drop in the bucket.

No fuel means no functioning water desalination. No fuel also means that humanitarian partners will have to focus almost their entire aid delivery operation on transporting water. It also means no bakeries and no hospitals, the OCHA statement declared.

Aid workers and international leaders warned that the supplies were insufficient to combat the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, while the Palestine Red Crescent Society said it is a drop in the ocean of what is needed.

The territory normally receives 455 aid trucks per day, according to the United Nations. That means that with the weekend deliveries, Gaza is more than 7,200 truckloads of aid short of what would normally have been received between October 7 and October 22, CNN calculations suggest. Thats half of 1%  or one two-hundredth  of the amount of aid it ordinarily gets.

As the situation in the strip gets increasingly dire, doctors in Gaza hospitals are being forced to operate without morphine or painkillers due to shortages, according to Leo Cans from Doctors Without Borders.

We currently have people being operated on without having morphine. It just happened to two kids, said the head of mission in Jerusalem for the group also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Cans also acknowledged CNNs reporting on parents who have resorted to writing their childrens names on their limbs in the event that either they or the children are killed.

Medical professionals have also described catastrophic conditions at one central Gazan hospital as electricity and fuel supplies run out and crippled medical facilities rapidly become overwhelmed with casualties.

Dr. Iyad Issa Abu Zaher, director general of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza, described a bloody day for his staff to CNN on Sunday, saying the hospital had received up to 166 bodies and more than 300 injured people.

Its impossible for any hospital in the world to admit this number of injured, he said.

Videos obtained by CNN showed the hospital receiving more than a dozen bodies wrapped in shrouds, while grieving family members tried to identify them.

At another Gaza hospital, doctors have warned that most of the critically ill infants relying on ventilators in the neonatal unit will die if the electricity supply is interrupted.

If the electricity is stopped, there will be catastrophic events inside this unit, said Dr. Fuad al-Bulbul, head of the neonatal department Unit at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, in a video released by the Health Ministry in Gaza.

We can save only one [or] two babies but, we cannot save all babies.

Gaza residents: Nowhere is safe

Over the weekend, Israel called once again for civilians to leave northern parts of the strip  a warning that was condemned by the World Health Organization and which the Palestinian Red Crescent said amounted to a death penalty for patients.

Residents who chose to remain behind told CNN that no place was safe in the Gaza Strip amid Israels heavy bombardment.

At least 26 people were killed in Israeli strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp  one of the largest in Gaza  the director of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza, Atef Al Kahlout told CNN. In the southern city of Rafah, 29 people were killed after four houses were struck, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza spokesperson Ashraf Al Qidra.

Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Gaza skyline after Israeli airstrikes on the strip, a live feed on Al-Jazeera showed. Reuters showed a large smoke cloud rising from Gaza and seen from southern Israel.

The bombs hit buildings in Rafah, Khan Younis, central Gaza and Gaza City, including homes, the Palestinian Interior Ministry in Gaza said. The IDF said on Monday that it struck 320 terror targets in Gaza, including tunnels and dozens of operational command centers belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

They want us all dead, they are whipping Gaza, this has nothing to do with a war against Hamas, one resident of Jabalia, Mahmoud, said.

My mother is paralyzed, she refuses to evacuate and says there is no safe place, he said.

Another resident of Jabalia, Mohammad Salama, said he lost 18 family members in a strike on Monday morning, mostly women and children.

There are no terrorists here, I swear on all my family members that I lost today, its only innocent civilians, Salama said.

On Sunday, Hamas and Israeli forces engaged in limited clashes inside Gaza  in what is believed to be one of the first significant skirmishes on the ground inside the strip since the Islamist militants October 7 attack on Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

An IDF soldier was killed and three others were wounded during an operation in the area of Kibbutz Kissufim near Gaza on Sunday, according to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Earlier, Hamas said its fighters had destroyed two Israeli military bulldozers and a tank in an ambush near the Gazan city of Khan Younis, forcing Israeli troops to retreat without their vehicles.

The United States and its allies have urged Israel to be strategic and clear about its goals during any ground operation in Gaza, warning against a prolonged occupation and placing an emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties, although the past two weeks have seen more people killed in Gaza than during any previous conflict with Israel.

The mounting death toll has sparked growing protests across the Middle East and further afield as social media fills with imagery of the devastation Gazans are living through.

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden made a flurry of calls to world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, about the ongoing conflict and amid efforts by US officials seeking to keep it from widening.

The White House said Netanyahu and Biden affirmed there will now be a continued flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza during their call.

Wider conflict

As Israel readies its troops around Gaza, its military has also been engaged in flare-ups elsewhere, with increasing violence in the occupied West Bank and on its northern border with Lebanon.

The IDF has launched a series of raids and arrested dozens of alleged Hamas members in the West Bank since the attack on Israel earlier this month.

Two Palestinians were killed after Israeli forces raided the Jalazoun refugee camp near Ramallah on Monday, according to a statement by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The Monday raid brings the total of those killed since October 7 in the occupied West Bank by both the IDF and Israeli settlers to 95, the ministry said.

The IDF told CNN that 15 wanted suspects were apprehended in the raid, 10 of whom it claimed were Hamas operatives, and that weapons and ammunition had been found.

On Sunday, the IDF launched an airstrike on the Al-Ansar mosque in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin, which it said was being used by militant groups to plan for an imminent terror attack.

It would not say whether the strike came from a jet, in what would be the first fighter jet strike in the West Bank in nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, late Sunday and into Monday, the IDF said it struck cells belonging to the Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed paramilitary movement, on the Lebanese side of the border, which it said had planned to launch attacks on Israel.

Netanyahu warned Sunday that if Hezbollah decides to enter the war, it will be crippled with a force [it] cannot even imagine.
A state senator from Washington was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday and charged with possession of an unregistered firearm after unexpectedly finding his gun in his carry-on bag.

Jeff Wilson, a Republican who represents Washingtons 19th District, was travelling from San Francisco to Hong Kong when he discovered the unloaded firearm in his bag as he was reaching for a piece of gum.

Upon landing, Mr Wilson notified customs authorities about the firearm.

It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Mr Wilson said in a statement provided by his office on Monday.

Mr Wilson insisted he was unaware the weapon was in his bag and claimed it went undetected by baggage screeners at the airport in Portland, Oregon.

The firearm is properly registered in Washington state, where Mr Wilson holds a concealed pistol license. Mr Wilson was released from jail on Sunday after posting bail. A hearing is set for 30 October  Mr Wilson will remain in Hong Kong until then.

Passengers walk through Hong Kong International Airport on July 6, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

In Hong Kong, it is illegal to carry an unlicensed firearm. It is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of an equivalent of $12,800 USD.

It is unclear how the unloaded firearm managed to successfully pass through baggage detectors. Mr Wilson told Oregon Public Broadcasting that he should have never been out of security in America.

The Independent has reached out to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for comment.

The state senator said he hopes to resume his planned trip to Southeast Asia after the issue is resolved. He is travelling abroad with his wife on a personal five-week vacation. The two are planning to visit Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia.
[Source]

Washington state senator Jeff Wilson was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport for having a firearm in his carry-on luggage.

What happened: Wilson, who was traveling with his wife for vacation in Southeast Asia, claimed that he did not know his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, Oregon. He said he discovered the firearm mid-flight when he reached into his briefcase for gum. When the plane landed in Hong Kong from San Francisco, he immediately notified customs officials.

It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Wilson said in a statement.

Arrest and charges: Wilson was arrested by custom officials on Friday and was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and a fine of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ($12,800).

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Wilson was released on Sunday after posting bail. The senator is scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 30.

TSA Investigation: The Transportation Security Administration confirmed that Wilson had passed through security in the U.S. with the firearm, and they are investigating the circumstances.

[The TSA] takes this situation very seriously and is currently investigating the circumstances, a spokesperson said, according to ABC News.

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The TSA noted that they have been confiscating firearms in carry-on luggage at record rates in recent years, with an average of 20 guns found per day. According to the agency, being caught with firearms at checkpoints may be fined up to $15,000.

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) - Washtenaw County residents with criminal convictions can get help clearing their records at a free expungement fair this weekend.

The Michigan Advocacy Program and Legal Services of South Central Michigan will be at the Learning Resource Center in Ann Arbor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

This fair will include free eligibility screenings, application preparation, and background checks and fingerprinting, which are both required for expungements.

Registration for the fair is recommended but not required. Register here.

Some offenses are expunged automatically after a set amount of time, while others require that you apply for the convictions to be set aside.

Automatic expungements are available for those who have up to four misdemeanors that are punishable by 93 days in jail or more after seven years have passed since the sentence was given. For felonies, up to two convictions may be automatically expunged after 10 years from the sentence or when the term of imprisonment ends - whichever comes later.

To get an expungement, you must fill out an application and obtain a certified order of conviction from the court where you were convicted. You also need to get fingerprinted and purchase a $50 money order for Michigan State Police. This process can take up to eight months.

Most state offenses can be expunged after a set amount of time. This includes up to three felonies, two convictions for assaultive crimes, one drinking and driving offense, and unlimited misdemeanors.
My religious, conservative mom didn't let me participate in traditional Halloween celebrations.

When I had kids of my own, I embraced Halloween.

Now I live for our family's celebrations.

When I was growing up, my religious, conservative mom didn't allow me to trick-or-treat, watch movies with witches, or dress up for school in anything even remotely ghoulish.

As a kid, I cared less about the candy and more about the embarrassment of being left out of this iconic childhood tradition. I figured if I had kids, I'd course-correct by taking them trick-or-treating.

I didn't expect to become a Halloween fanatic

I didn't expect to be a Halloween convert. The second my eyes hit the plush Carter's elephant costume in Costco when my oldest was 5 months old, I dove headfirst into living out my childhood Halloween fantasies. It was better than I'd ever imagined.

That impulse purchase on a grocery run snowballed into me buying a lion costume for our trusty lab mix on a whim, followed by my decision to dress up like I was on a safari to tie it all together. Before you could say, "Boo!" a family-costume tradition was born, as was my low-key autocratic reign every October.

The author on her first Halloween as a mom. Courtesy of Saba Khonsari

Halloween allows me to let go of being an adult

I last about 12 seconds on the floor with my kids before "playing" turns into a fit of reorganizing their closets or bookshelves. I spend our time together at home managing never-ending loads of laundry or prepping dinner, organizing Target curbside pick-ups, or printing something for school. The Halloween season provides a magical space to let go of the weight of adulthood and relish the joy of childhood with my kids.

Halloween is an outlet for all my untapped creativity. It bubbles over every October when months of combing our closets and thrift stores culminate in a coordinated homage to "Star Wars: Episode IV," Winnie the Pooh, or "Hamilton."

I jury-rig costumes armed with nothing more than fabric glue, scraps, and imagination. Oftentimes, the brainstorming for the next Halloween starts the second we take our family photo for the current one. Rather than a rebellion against my upbringing, what I found in celebrating Halloween was pure, unrelenting fun.

It's a time of year when I love attention from strangers

I once stayed up late to handcraft an orange tutu to transform my toddler into a pumpkin. Another time, I joined my husband as he studied a dad's YouTube tutorial for a DIY Tin Man costume, spray-painting in the driveway well into the night. We've worn wigs and face paint and forced our dogs to join in on more than one occasion. I commit to our annual family Halloween costume with the energy of the community-theater musical director Corky St. Clair .

We live in a quaint nook of our large city with a long tradition of meeting in the park for hotdogs and hayrides before we diffuse into the streets.

On other days of the year, I get anxious when people notice me. But as our kids head to the doors to yell "trick-or-treat" and fill their bags with candy, I savor our family's chance to take center stage  the temporary celebrity as kids whisper among themselves, "That's the Cat in the Hat," or, "That's Olaf," is pure gold.

There are moments when I look at my kids and wonder, "What if?" What if I had that same experience as a child? I don't regret my childhood lack of the spooky. I have grown our family's Halloween traditions not despite my childhood but because of it: having the opportunity each October 31 to relish each trick and treat with fresh eyes and the youngest part of my heart.

Read the original article on Insider
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A total of 14 men were arrested as part of a multi-agency operation to identify people trying to target children for sex, according to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office.

The 14 men were booked into the Fresno County Jail and their ages range from 21 to 58, officials say. Included in those arrested was an employee at a local school district.

The arrests were part of what was called Operation Boogeyman, which took place from October 18 until October 20. Detectives posed as preteen and early teenage boys and girls and arranged a time to meet with the suspects. The suspects were arrested when they arrived for the meet.

While this operation had its successes of identifying and capturing several dangerous sexual predators, many more are still out there who will continue to try and target our children, said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni. Law enforcement cant be everywhere at every moment, so it is critical that parents and kids remain vigilant each day to prevent victimization.

Agencies that took part in Operation Boogeyman include the Fresno County Sheriffs Office, the FBI, and other state and federal agencies. Police departments from cities including Fresno, Paso Robles, Sanger and Visalia also assisted in the operation.

You can watch the full press conference in the video player above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
For the latest updates on fog affecting Louisiana, check here.

A superfog made of smoke from marsh fires and dense fog took over parts of Louisiana and caused at least two dozen traffic accidents Monday, including multi-car pileups involving over 150 cars on interstate highways, leaving seven people dead and at least 25 injured.

Several sections of Interstates 55 and 10 west of New Orleans were closed on Monday and continue to remain closed causing traffic congestions and delays, while the 24-mile-long causeway over Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans is expected to be closed for the foreseeable future.

Videos and pictures taken by drivers, passengers and responding law enforcement show crushed vehicles packed among scattered debris along the interstate. Some cars were overturned and atop of others.

Shortly after the series of crashes began, a portion of the area "caught on fire," according to Louisiana State Police. One tanker truck "carrying a hazardous liquid" was "compromised" and had to be off-loaded, delaying first responders from assessing vehicles and searching for people potentially trapped inside, police said.

"Troopers are currently responding to multiple crashes on Interstate 55 (in both directions) between Ruddock and Manchac," the Louisiana State Police had said in a transit alert on Facebook on Monday afternoon. "There is heavy fog in the area and drivers should avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes."

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Schools closed

The mayhem and traffic issues caused by the 'superfog' forced several New Orleans area schools to cancel and delay classes, reported Nola.com.

A combination of dense fog and smoke made it "nearly impossible" for drivers to see the road causing multiple car crashes and pile-ups on interstate highways in Louisiana on October 23, 2023.

What is a 'superfog'?

Smoke from several wetland fires in the region combined with fog creates a 'superfog,' according to the National Weather Service.

Dense fog & smoke have combined to form what is known as Superfog (yes, it is the technical name) & this is still heavily impacting I-55 between Ponchatoula & LaPlace. The interstate was still closed according to @La_DOTD due to multiple accidents. Fog is slowly improving. pic.twitter.com/xwovJBbuco  NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) October 23, 2023

The weather service advised locals and visitors to avoid the area until the fog can completely dissipate, and the roads can clear.

"Smoke is still possible in some places due to the multiple marsh and local fires but fog is not anticipated to be a major issue tonight as winds should be much stronger," said the weather service.

While fog is normal at this time of the year in Louisiana, it is the smoke coming from a marsh wildfire that is causing more damage a NWS meteorologist told Nola.com. The official added that foggy conditions are expected to persist in the upcoming days due to air pressure and lack of rainfall.

A combination of dense fog and smoke made it "nearly impossible" for drivers to see the road causing multiple car crashes and pile-ups on interstate highways in Louisiana on October 23, 2023.

WDSU News reported that the smoke is the result of a wildfire near the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city limits of New Orleans, that was caused by a lightening strike back in July. The fire is reportedly burning on a hard-to-access part of the wetland which is why authorities have been unsuccessful in putting it out.

Besides the smoke, a chemical-like smell has taken over the area, according to the local media outlet, which may be the result of the peat  decayed vegetation  burning.

A fire is also burning in the Barataria Preserve, according to the National Parks Service. However, it was at 52% containment and is not believed to be contributing to the fire in the New Orleans area, reported Nola.com.

Safety precautions

The Louisiana State Police advises taking the following precautions when experiencing heavy fog conditions:

Headlights on : If you cant see 500 feet in front of you, you should have your low-beam headlights on

Reduce speed: Speed limits are for ideal conditions, you can be ticketed for driving too fast in heavy fog (not an ideal condition)

Minimize distractions and increase distance from other cars

A superfog made of smoke from marsh fires and dense fog has taken over parts of Louisiana and caused at least two dozen traffic accidents near New Orleans.

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Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Orleans 'Superfog' causes multiple accidents, 7 deaths on roads
Washington  The federal government's ongoing and sometimes contentious evaluation of sites for the construction of a new FBI headquarters was not impeded or unduly affected by the Trump White House, a new report from the Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General found Tuesday.

For years, the FBI and General Services Administration (GSA) officials have been thinking about moving the bureau's 1970's-era, downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters to suburban locations in either Maryland or Virginia. But in 2019, the FBI changed its stance and recommended remaining in the nation's capital, across the street from the Justice Department.

The Justice Department watchdog's review centered around that shift in preference and whether concerns raised by congressional Democrats about then-President Donald Trump 's influence were valid. Democrats in Congress alleged Trump may have wanted to keep the FBI headquarters in Washington in order to avoid the possibility that a hotel might be built there  which would have competed with the Trump International Hotel a few blocks away. The Trump Organization announced in May 2022 that it had sold the hotel.

Between 2014 and 2017, the government sought to sell the current FBI headquarters land to a developer in exchange for the discounted construction of a new site at a different location.

"With regard to possible influence by then President Trump or the White House, we found no evidence that the FBI's decisions were based on improper considerations or motives," the Justice Department inspector general wrote Tuesday. "Specifically, we found no evidence that, in making the decision to seek to have the new FBI headquarters remain at its current JEH site, Director Wray or others at the FBI considered the location of the then named Trump International Hotel or how then President Trump's financial interests could be impacted by the decision."

Under the Biden administration, momentum has shifted against keeping the FBI headquarters entirely in Washington, D.C. Now, the FBI plans to split components of its headquarters between Washington and another location. There are three possible sites  Springfield, Virginia; Greenbelt or Landover, Maryland  to be chosen by the GSA in coordination with an advisory panel.

The report said the inspector general was "concerned" by the lack of progress made by the FBI and Justice Department in moving forward with a new facility.

"Although we recognize that considerable work toward determining the FBI's requirements for a new Headquarters facility has been accomplished, GSA, DOJ, and the FBI must make significant decisions, obtain necessary congressional support, and complete substantial work over the next several years before the FBI's essential mission can be supported by a new Headquarters," the report said.

The watchdog investigators said they conducted over 50 interviews with 31 witnesses, including FBI Director Christopher Wray and then-former Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Robert Hur, who has since been named special counsel to investigate documents with classified markings found at President Joe Biden 's office and residence from his time as vice president.

Wray told the inspector general, according to the report, that ongoing discussions about the billion-dollar decision came up in his 2017 interview with Trump to replace James Comey, on a call later that year and again during a 2018 Oval Office meeting, but said he did not feel pressured by the president.

"I did not feel pressured. I did not feel bullied," Wray said of the 2018 meeting, the report revealed. Wray told Trump, according to a memo summarizing the meeting and detailed in the report, that it would be "great" if the FBI could remain in its current location and asked for the White House's support. He made similar remarks in testimony before to Congress around the same time.

"There was no requirement to stay in the current location. The Director concluded that the President had a topic that was in his element, he knows building. He was excited and engaged about the topic," the memo said, as described in the inspector general's analysis. " There was nothing inappropriate or improper. The President said go forth and make plans."

The Justice Department watchdog found that many of the FBI's leadership and its employees opposed the plans to move the headquarters outside of Washington, D.C., because they preferred being in closer proximity to law enforcement partners and other officials in the area.

Wray told the inspector general that the decision to change the location recommendation was based on "merits" and other equities, and not any undue influence.

The FBI remains headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C. and its potential move has become a flashpoint between congressional representatives of Virginia and Maryland because development would be a boon to the local economy.

The FBI declined to comment on the report, citing its standard practice of not commenting on IG reports.

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As progress of legalized marijuana remains wedged in New York's bureaucratic maw, the old-fashioned brand of marijuana  the illicit stuff  continues to flood the streets of Rochester.

There is money to be made with black-market marijuana: hundreds of thousands of dollars in fact. And an offspring of the trade is violence.

The equation is long entrenched: communities most in need of investment because of generations of poverty, redlining and economic deprivation become havens for drug-trafficking and its illegal profits, with a significant number of the drug buyers coming from surrounding suburbs.

Meanwhile, these Black and brown neighborhoods pay the highest price with the associated bloodshed and persistent trauma.

That harm has come in many forms, including bloodshed.

One example was laid bare in a recent trial detailing how during three nights of July 2022 three men were murdered and feuding factions vied to ambush each other with gunfire.

For the community of several blocks east of North Clinton Avenue, chaos and fear ensued.

Some of the more than $260,000 found in a search of an apartment linked to local marijuana trafficking.

Fatally shot were Rochester police officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, hip-hop artist Richard Collinge and MyJel Rand. Convicted of their murder was Kelvin Vickers Jr., and his month-long trial still leaves some questions unanswered, both for neighborhoods and law enforcement:

Are the criminal gang factions in Rochester hierarchical organized structures as present in some major cities?

What is the reach of the factions? Vickers came to Rochester from Boston to provide muscle to one of the warring drug rings  was this simply through loose connections or the power of the ring?

Why did police send plainclothes officers in a 20-year-old Dodge van used so often that it was allegedly recognized in the neighborhood?

Why were a number of cops detailed to find a car linked to the violence without being alerted to the continuing escalation of gun battles?

Meanwhile the community is grappling with the wreckage from the trade in illegal marijuana and its aftermaths.

Trying to rupture the drug rings dealing East Coast weed

Two drug rings in Rochester  ostensibly supported by the Crips and the Bloods  are involved in major ongoing federal criminal cases. The Vickers' trial, court papers from the Vickers' case, and hearings and hundreds of pages from the federal cases provide a portal into the reach of the trafficking and the criminal investigations trying to rupture them.

The records also show the stubborn constancy of the trafficking.

Within months after the July 2022 killings, an alleged ringleader, Rasheem Sullivan, had drug houses back up and operating at full speed, according to allegations in court records. In October and November 2022, wiretaps intercepted calls from men allegedly associated with Sullivan.

In most calls, the banter about what prosecutors say are drug transactions is veiled and coded  but not in all of the calls.

"I just got done fixin' all those bags and about to bring them over again," one man says in a conversation, angering the other who apparently becomes worried about the blatant talk of packaged "bags."

"Man, you wilding on my phone," he responds. "I'm about to block your a--."

Drug-related violence in Rochester

Occasionally during the recent trial, witnesses testified about the drug-related skirmishes. Defense lawyers often elicited the testimony, perhaps trying to show that the violence was so pervasive that any attempts to try to link murders to one individual were futile.

"The violence was so rampant that people were just shooting each other up left and right," said defense attorney Michael Schiano.

Kelvin Vickers is led out of court in handcuffs after being convicted on all counts including the murders of three people including Rochester police officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, Richard Collinge and MyJel Rand. Vickers will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Vickers was also convicted of the July 20, 2022, shooting murders of rapper Collinge and Rand on North Clinton Avenue. Also accused in those murders are Deadrick Fulwiley and Raheim Robinson, who are scheduled to be tried next year.

Fulwiley is also accused in federal court of marijuana trafficking and violence with an automatic weapon, defined as "machine gun" in federal law. Photos from a security camera at a house on Sixth Street, one allegedly used as a drug stash and purchase location, show Fulwiley entering with a black duffel bag.

A later search of the house revealed that the duffel bag held "multiple firearms," records say.

Accompanying Fulwiley was Brandon Washington, alleged to be the boss of the faction at war with Sullivan.

On July 21, hours before the murder of Officer Mazurkiewicz, police responded to reports of gunfire at the same Sixth Street house. There, records show, they found "what appeared to be numerous bullet strikes into the residence."

There were also indications of attempts to torch the house. Police found Budweiser bottles near the house "containing flammable liquids, with cloths inserted in the tops like Molotov cocktails."

Federal prosecutors allege that Washington has identified himself as a member of the violent gang, the "Crips." Sullivan has been alleged to be a member of the "Bloods," the gang known as rivals of the Crips.

Washington allegedly reached out to fellow gang members, including Vickers, from other cities for help.

Cpt. Umbrino on Gangs in Rochester: In Rochester we have a bunch of kids that hang out together. Quite frankly, theyre not smart enough to be involved in an organized type of gang such as some of the historical ones that were familiar with. pic.twitter.com/qBtAJJgag3  Jackie Napier (@TheJackieNapier) July 22, 2023

The local debate over what is and isn't a "gang" may miss a larger point: Regardless of whether there is organization or simply a fluid and fluctuating rotation of individuals, violence is typically a byproduct that plagues neighborhoods.

"These group dynamics, whether they're a longstanding group or a group thats just together for a few months has real consequences in term of violence, especially in micro-areas," said Irshad Altheimer, a Rochester Institute of Technology criminal justice professor who works with the city to analyze shootings.

In court last year, Washington's attorney said he was involved in drug trafficking but was no ringleader. "The role that Mr. Washington played was greatly exaggerated," lawyer Jessica Naclerio said.

Much of the evidence against Washington comes from videos taken from security cameras inside and outside his home. The videos, which show him armed and counting cash and marijuana, were of crystal-clear quality.

Arson as a weapon: Gang turf war in NY

Arsons and attempted arsons were part of the criminal playbook between the rival factions, according to prosecutors.

A silver Dodge Caliber, linked to the violence, was torched July 20 in the Weyl Street driveway of Sullivan's mother. Flames fully engulfed the car and stretched to the home.

Dodge Caliber set ablaze on Weyl Street

The violent three-day span in July was rife with shootings as the feuding intensified.

The first witness at the trial was a North Clinton Avenue resident who, while blowing leaves from his lawn, had to duck behind his parked truck to avoid a swath of gunfire near his home.

Mazurkiewicz and Officer Sino Seng were part of the police tactical unit detailed to respond to the growing violence and to search out a car connected with the conflict.

District Attorney Sandra Doorley contended during the trial that Vickers likely knew the two men in the undercover van were police. Vickers was unknown to local police, and was willing to take on any task from the drug ring, prosecutors maintained.

"Who better to take care of that problem than a guy with no footprint in Rochester?" Doorley said in her closing argument. "They figured he could leave as quickly as he arrived."

The jury accepted the argument and found Vickers guilty of "aggravated murder" of a police officer, a charge that brings a life without parole sentence.

There have been no allegations connecting Brandon Washington directly to the murders, but instead the charges that his ongoing conflict with the Rasheem Sullivan-led faction was at the root of the killings.

Making money selling drugs in western New York

In the aftermath of the July 2022 violence, police searched multiple houses and apartments allegedly linked to the drug rings. Seized were nearly 140 pounds of marijuana and more than two dozen guns.

But the heavy police attention and the massive seizures could only be so much of an impediment.

Six months later, police raided the apartment of a man alleged to be an associate of Brandon Washington.

Found during the 6 a.m. raid in January were:

money counters

a rose-gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch

$5,000 in a safe in a laundry room

$190 on a nightstand

nearly $263,000 inside kitchen cabinets and drawers. The bulk of the $263,000 consisted of $20 bills  8,612 of them.

The seizure is now in the administrative process of forfeiture. Federal prosecutors contend that the cash is the offshoot of Washington's illegal marijuana trade, and that the man, who has not been criminally charged, also dealt cocaine.

In September, his lawyer filed papers demanding return of what was seized. He wants the money back. His contention: All of the money was legally obtained.

From 'Kodak Girl' to the mob, Rochester woman's remarkable life story could become streaming series

 Reporter Kayla Canne contributed to this article.

 Gary Craig is a veteran reporter with the Democrat and Chronicle, covering courts and crime and more. You can reach Craig at gcraig@rocheste.gannett.com. He is the author of two books, including "Seven Million: A Cop, a Priest, a Soldier for the IRA, and the Still-Unsolved Rochester Brink's Heist."

Shootings in Rochester are down nearly 50%. Here's what city leaders say is working

BACKGROUND:

More than a week ago, a jury found Kelvin Vickers, 22, guilty of the three murders and the attempted murder of another police officer. The verdict was welcomed by the victims' families, law enforcement and many in the community, especially since the jury decided that Vickers was likely aware the two men he ambushed in an undercover van were police.

The verdict should ensure that, without a successful appeal, Vickers will be imprisoned for life.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Kelvin Vickers' murders stem from marijuana trafficking in New York
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Maternal mortality continues to rise at alarming rates both in the state and across the country.

The bad pregnancy outcomes for Black women, including maternal mortality, are often much higher, compared to women from other racial or ethnic groups.

But, changing that trajectory could have a lasting impact on the Black community.

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Enter Elisa Joseph.

Elisa Joseph says sharing her personal passions for breastfeeding and health literacy with a co-worker sowed a seed that grew into a full-time passion.

She was like, Oh my God, Ive never had anybody care so much about my health. Specifically my health. And I started to cry, said Joseph, who is also a registered nurse, a Dress for Success graduate and a mother of two boys.

The Maternal Society was born  with a goal of making sure every mother receives high-quality care during their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey, regardless of their socioeconomic background, according to Joseph.

We are blessed to expand our reach and services to better serve expectant mothers in our community. Every mother deserves quality unbiased care during this special journey, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for as many families as possible, she said in previous statement to KFOR.

But, her vision for a community-based health center also grew out of a problem that hit close to home.

Moms who look like me is what put the fire up under me because we were dying, she added.

And, shes right  according to state statistics.

Black women account for 10% of births statewide, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, but make up nearly a quarter of all maternal deaths.

Its an alarming statistic for Ward 7 councilwoman Nikki Nice.

These numbers have increased within the last ten years instead of decreased [and] its truly alarming for our communities, especially for our Northeast part of our community, she said in an interview Friday with the station.

Nice has called attention to the Black maternal health crisis for years, saying its easy to see the devastating effects of bad maternal health outcomes on Black families, as a whole.

[As a result] we now we have young people without mothers to raise their childrenwe have to know that our Black mamas matter all across the country, and they should matter especially within Oklahoma City, she continued.

Elisa said the new location along N Martin Luther King Avenue serves the mission of the organization, perfectly.

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Were right in front of a bus stop. Were right across the street from an elementary school, right down the street from a high school, right down the street from the library  Ward seven was the perfect place. I could not have prayed for a better location, she said adding that one of her main goals is to raise health literacy in the community for everyone in the community.

Of course, its [all about] maternal health and breastfeeding, but everyone here matters, she added.

The nurse-led initiative is open to all expectant mothers and theyre already taking appointments, even for those currently without insurance.

For more information about The Maternal Society and its services, please visit www.thematernalsociety.org or contact Elisa Joseph at contact@thematernalsociety.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
CHICAGO - A mass shooting Monday night in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood killed one person and wounded another three.

Around 9:11 p.m., police responded to the 6100 block of S. Justine St. where they found four victims who had been shot. A 35-year-old man was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

A 60-year-old woman was shot in the head and transported to Holy Cross Hospital in critical condition. A 52-year-old victim was struck in the upper right thigh and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

A 64-year-old man had been shot in the right forearm and transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in good condition.

Witnesses at the scene said they saw an unknown man who was shooting at the mouth of the alley and fled the scene afterward, according to police.

Nobody was reported in custody. The investigation is ongoing.
London (CNN)  Women across Iceland  including the prime minister  will go on strike Tuesday as part of a campaign pushing for greater gender equality in the country.

This will be the seventh time that women in Iceland strike in the name of gender equality, campaign organizers said on their official website. The first strike took place on October 24, 1975.

On 24 October, all women in Iceland, including immigrant women, are encouraged to stop work, both paid and unpaid. For the whole day, women (and non-binary people) will strike, to demonstrate the importance of their contribution to society, organizers said.

The strike, which is known as the Womens Day Off or Kvennafri in Icelandic, hopes to raise awareness about the systemic wage discrimination and gender-based violence faced by women in Iceland, according to organizers.

Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir told Icelandic news site Iceland Monitor on Friday that she will not work on the strike day and expects other female members of government to do the same in solidarity with Icelandic women.

As you know, we have not yet reached our goals of full gender equality and we are still tackling the gender-based wage gap, which is unacceptable in 2023. We are still tackling gender-based violence, which has been a priority for my government to tackle, Jakobsdottir said.

Her government had previously committed to eradicating the gender pay gap by 2022.

Icelandic employers have historically gotten behind the strikes and not prevented or docked the pay of employees who participate, according to organizers.

This years strike has the backing of the countrys largest federation of public workers unions, the Federation of the Public Workers Union in Iceland (BSRB), the Icelandic Nurses Association and the Icelandic Association of Womens Associations, among others.

Organizers are drawing particular attention to the plight of immigrant women whose invaluable contribution to Icelandic society they say is rarely acknowledged or reflected in the wages they receive.

Writing for CNN in 2019, Jakobsdottir described how testimonies from migrant and ethnic minority women marked a turning point in Iceland. They revealed that while Iceland has made internationally recognized progress on gender equality, we have not sufficiently confronted the intersections of gender, racial and class injustices, she wrote.

Organizers have called on men to show their support for women striking by taking on additional responsibilities in home and at work which will enable female and non-binary partners/ colleagues to strike.

Meanwhile, the Icelandic government is focused on a recently launched research project into the wage disparity between professions traditionally dominated by men versus those dominated by women, according to Jakobsdottir.

We are looking at how these jobs are different because we estimate that the difference in wages that exists is due to this, Jakobsdottir said.
A window washer died after falling from a Boston office tower on Oct. 23, 2023. This file photo shows the Boston skyline as seen from Squantum Point Park in Quincy on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

BOSTON  A window washer from Weymouth died after falling from one of the tallest high-rise buildings in Boston on Monday morning, police said.

The worker was identified by the Suffolk County district attorneys office as Nicholas Marks, 40, of East Weymouth. Marks worked for Sky Safety, a window cleaning company.

Boston emergency crews received a call Monday morning from 100 Summer St. about a window washer who had fallen. Police arrived at about 8 a.m. and said the man had died.

100 Summer St. is a 32-story building in the Financial District. It is one of the tallest buildings in Boston, according to the building's website.

Two beautiful children and hes going to be missed greatly, a person who was at the scene said, according to Boston 25 News. Great person... great person. Thats it. Thats all I got to say.

Window washing safety

Window-washing fatalities are rare. According to Boston News 25, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is investigating, has reported 28 falls in the last five years, 11 of which were fatal.

Marks, a father of two, was described by several co-workers as a "really good guy." Investigators are working to determine what went wrong.

An eyewitness told WCVB he was walking out of the breezeway when he heard a thud above his head. He said he watched the man fall in front of him.

Witnesses say four window washers were hoisted about 20 stories above the ground. Part of the rope was still dangling, and the rest was on top of the breezeway.

By mid-morning, the medical examiner arrived, and investigators collected evidence to determine what happened.

"I know him, I started shaking," said Gerardo Ortiz, who also washes windows. "I couldn't believe it. I started calling other people, and they told me what happened."

"We just wake up in the morning, go to work, and we don't know what's going to happen that day," Ortiz said.

Ortiz said the victim was already tied off and coming down the rope, so he doesn't know what could have happened.

"It could've been the ropes failed or something, you know," he said.

Boston police, the Suffolk County district attorney's office and officials with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration are investigating.

The building is one of the tallest buildings in the city, according to its website.

Earlier this morning, we were made aware of a tragic incident involving a window cleaning service provider at 100 Summer Street," a spokesperson for the building wrote in a statement. "We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals family and loved ones. We are actively supporting the local authorities in their investigation of the incident, which remains ongoing."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weymouth window washer dies after falling from Boston high-rise
The government has announced plans to end the use of 50 hotels housing asylum seekers by the end of January.

In an announcement to MPs, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said the first hotel contracts would end in the coming days, with further "exits" to be announced "shortly".

The use of hotels has increased in recent years, as the number of people entering the UK illegally or claiming asylum has hit record levels.

How many asylum seekers are living in hotels?

According to the latest available data, 50,546 asylum seekers were being housed in hotels in the UK at the end of June. This is around 10% more than the 45,775 living in hotels at the end of last year.

According to a Freedom of Information request by BBC East Investigations, 380 hotels were being used to house asylum seekers across the UK at the end of June.

In March 2023, government sources told the BBC there were 395 hotels being used for this purpose.

Mr Jenrick said the government had avoided the use of a further 72 hotels through increased room-sharing.

In addition to those in hotels, a further 58,636 who have qualified for longer-term support while their applications are processed are in other government-supported accommodation, such as flats.

Asylum seekers would typically only be housed in hotels or hostels for a few weeks, before being moved to long-term self-catered homes.

Where are the hotels located?

The government has not published a detailed list of the hotels being used to house asylum seekers.

The Home Office declined to give the BBC this information, on the grounds it could put individuals in danger.

However, the department did provide a breakdown by UK nations and regions, and top-tier local councils, such as county councils and unitary authorities.

The region with the most hotels in use is London, with 86, followed by south-east England with 50 and the West Midlands with 42.

The part of the UK with the fewest hotels in use was Wales, with two - both of which are in Cardiff. This was followed by north-east England, with eight, with 10 hotels being used in Scotland.

The individual council with the most hotels was Hertfordshire with 12, followed by Birmingham with nine and the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with eight.

The use of hotels to house asylum seekers has attracted protests and counter-protests

Which areas have the most people in hotels?

Separately, the Home Office publishes data on the actual number of asylum seekers in hotels, and other longer-term accommodation, by region and councils.

London has the most in hotels, with 15,434 as of the end of June - around one-in-three of all asylum seekers in UK hotels.

This is followed by south-east England with 6,089, with 5,259 in the South West.

They were among five southern regions in England with more asylum seekers in hotels than in longer-term housing.

The opposite was true in other regions of the UK. North-east England, for example, had 653 asylum seekers in hotels, but 6,281 in longer-term accommodation.

And in Wales, the equivalent figures for were 110 in hotels and 3,044 in longer-term housing.

The region with the most asylum seekers in long-term accommodation was the North West, with 14,289.

What is the total cost?

The latest figure for the total cost of asylum hotels is around 8m a day - or 2.9bn a year.

The cost was revealed in the Home Office's annual report, published in September, which called it "unacceptable".

MPs on the Home Affairs Committee were told the cost stood at almost 7m a day in October last year.

Where will hotels be closed first?

The Home Office has not published a list of the 50 hotels that are due stop taking asylum seekers before the end of January.

Mr Jenrick said, however, they would include hotels in all four UK nations. He promised MPs that "we will not stop there" - although he did not commit to precise numbers beyond this.

He also confirmed to the MPs for Knowsley and Harwich and North Essex that a hotel each in their constituency would be among the first wave to stop taking asylum seekers.

The MPs for Copeland, in Cumbria, and Ipswich, in Suffolk, have also since put out statements that a hotel in their area is being closed.

There have been newspaper reports that the government hopes to stop using a further 50 migrant hotels by the end of March, taking the total to 100.

The reports have suggested ministers want to target the closures in constituencies likely to be important to the Conservatives at the next general election, expected next year.

The government has also announced plans to house asylum seekers in large sites such as surplus military sites, barges, former student halls of residence, and holiday parks, to ease the cost of hotels.
WASHINGTON  After drawing criticism for not addressing the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that she misheard the question.

Jean-Pierre began Tuesday's White House press briefing saying she wanted to "make something clear at the top" as she condemned antisemitism.

"When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism," Jean-Pierre said. "And that is unacceptable. There's no place for antisemitism. Full stop. Period."

On Monday, a reporter asked Jean-Pierre about President Joe Biden's level of concern about the rise of antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East.

Jean-Pierre responded by saying "we have not seen any credible threats" - without clarifying what she meant - and went on to discuss hate against Arab Americans and Muslims, not against Jews.

"Look, Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks," Jean-Pierre said Monday. "And certainly President Biden understands that many of our Muslim, Arab-American and Palestinian-American loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their communities."

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, during a briefing at the White House in Washington.

Jean-Pierre's response drew immediate criticism, particularly among Republicans.

"This is the most tone-deaf answer ever," Ari Fleischer, former press secretary for President George W. Bush, wrote on X. "The question was about antisemitism and KJP talks about threats to Muslim Americans I guess the fact that Jews are attacked doesnt register with her."

In a statement the White House provided to USA TODAY, first reported by Politico, Jean-Pierre said she appreciated the chance to address her remarks.

Yes, I did mishear the question," Jean-Pierre said. "As I have footstomped many times from the podium and on the air, antisemitism is an abomination that this President has fought against his entire life; and I feel strongly about that work."

She added: "Thats why, in the briefing room, I have blasted the repulsive increase in antisemitic rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and hate crimes in our nation, calling out that, tragically, this is a rising threat."

President Joe Biden has stood in complete solidarity with Israel since the attack and in an Oval Office address last Thursday said, "We must, without equivocation, denounce antisemitism. We must also, without equivocation, denounce Islamophobia."

Jean-Pierre pointed to the Biden administration's deployment of a national strategy to combat antisemitism and the Homeland Security Department's efforts under Biden to crack down on threats the Jewish, Muslim, and Arab-American communities.

"As President Biden says, winning the battle for the soul of this nation depends on giving hate no safe harbor. Im proud to make sure it never has one in the briefing room.

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @Joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karine Jean-Pierre says she misheard antisemitism question
General view of the White House in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House will request another supplemental spending package this week to address child care, disaster relief, and other priorities, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday.

Last week, President Joe Biden asked Congress to provide $106 billion in supplemental funding, with the bulk of the money going to bolster Ukraine's defenses and the remainder split among Israel, the Indo-Pacific and border enforcement.

(Reporting By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Chris Reese)
The latest symbol of ordinary Iranians resistance to their authoritarian and fundamentalist government is Armita Geravand, a 16-year-old who was allegedly viciously beaten by Irans morality police for refusing to wear a head covering, or hijab, mandated for women and girls in public.

Geravand was confronted on Oct. 1 by the morality police, who enforce the hijab rule and other similar rules. On Sunday, her father said that she was brain dead and there was no hope of recovery. Geravands seemingly imminent death comes almost exactly a year after Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman of Kurdish origin, like Geravand, died in custody after being arrested for not wearing a hijab.

After Amini was killed in September 2022, mass protests erupted across the country  and were viciously suppressed by Irans leaders, who hew to a fundamentalist brand of Islam. But women have continued to flout hijab rules in a sign that younger Iranians want to live in a free, modern country.

Geravand could become the latest symbol of their resistance. She stands as a beacon for millions in Iran, defiantly refusing to submit to oppressive mullahs & enforced hijab, wrote U.S.-based Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad in a social media post.

Recommended reading

Subway confrontation

Via Facebook (Garawand Family)

According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which advocates for Irans oppressed Kurdish minority, Geravand, who lived in Tehran but hailed from the distant province of Kermanshah near the border with Iraq, encountered a physical altercation with morality police in the Shohada subway in Tehran due to noncompliance with mandatory hijab rules. Subsequently, she collapsed and was admitted to Fajr Hospital. Both her hospitalization room and the hospital itself have been subjected to stringent security measures.

Although her hospitalization was known, the severity of her condition was not. According to Hengaw, Medical experts have expressed pessimism regarding her recovery.

Recommended reading

A year of protests

About 2,000 people marched through the streets of Brussels to protest against Iran in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Since 1979, Iran has been an Islamic republic led by a supreme leader  a title held since 1989 by Ali Khamenei. Iran considers the United States and Israel its sworn enemies and is under heavy economic sanctions that have crippled its economy.

Many young Iranians deviate strikingly from the views of their leaders. For example, after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel carried out by Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. that has been supported by Tehran, many ordinary Iranians refused to echo official anti-Israel rhetoric.

Resistance to the ruling regime first exploded in 2009, during the Green Revolution. The more recent protests came after Aminis death in 2022. Women who flouted Irans strict hijab rules came to represent a broader desire for freedom.

The death of Mahsa Amiri released decades of suppressed energy and will among women to fight back, Iran analyst Omid Memarian told Reuters when the protests began a year ago. Its not the first time, but this time is different.

Recommended Reading:

What now?

An Iranian woman lights a firework during a celebration at a park in Tehran in March. (Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency) (Wana News Agency / reuters)

With the war between Hamas and Israel widening, and American warships moving into the eastern Mediterranean, the danger of an escalation involving Iran is a real  and dangerous  possibility.

The international dismay over Geravands plight, however, suggests a profound disconnect between the regime and the people it rules. The Islamic Republic supports & sheds tears for Hamas abroad while it continues to murder Iranian youth domestically with impunity, the British Iranian actor Omid Djalili wrote in a widely shared social media post.

Authorities in Tehran got a taste of their unpopularity when they tried to recruit Iranians to fight for Hamas, only to become a source of ridicule on social media, according to Iran International, an outlet opposed to the Islamic Republics regime.

A large number of people wish that the volunteers would actually go to the war so that Iran is rid of such regime sympathizers.

Recommended reading
PLYMOUTH  Nips of alcohol won't be sold in Plymouth starting in July.

At the fall town meeting Saturday, the ban of the 1.7-ounce bottles was approved by a 72-67 vote. The ban will take effect July 1.

Litter and the ease with which the nip bottles can be tossed out while driving were two of the reasons people said they wanted the ban. Substance abuse, drunken driving and the environmental impact of the plastic containers were also among the concerns raised during the discussion before the vote.

Volunteers collected 14,000 empty nip bottles during a recent four-day town cleanup, said Ken Stone, who helped draft the town meeting article for the open space committee, which sponsored the article.

Plymouth not alone in nip ban

Other towns that have banned nips include Mashpee, Wareham and Falmouth.

Plymouth joins a handful of Massachusetts towns that have nip bans, including Chelsea, Newton, Wareham, New Bedford, Mashpee and Falmouth. There has been little push to impose the ban in other South Shore towns. Some at the meeting said the ban should be statewide.

Restaurant customers bring nips into eateries to spike their drinks, creating potential liability issues, people at town meeting said.

Trying to balance environmental concerns and package store viability

Advocates noted that Plymouth imposed a smoking ban in restaurants before it became a statewide ban. A plastic bag ban, passed a few years ago, reflects a similar local push to be proactive in the towns commitment to the environment.

The package stores in Plymouth are wonderful neighbors, said Precinct 15 town meeting member Art Desloges. This prohibition is not a penalty because of some infraction. We need to change what we buy, what we sell and how we use them.

Supporting the ban was not a given for speakers who identified themselves as environmentalists.

I am a very environmentally conscious person and recycle everything we can possibly recycle, Precinct 12 town meeting member Karen Petracca said. Of all the litter around me I find in my daily walk, I find just as many bottles and cans on the street as I do nip bottles. If we're not going to ban all these, I do not believe we should ban the nips.

Precinct 8 town meeting member James Grillo said part of the appeal of nips is their small price tag.

So this is also targeting a socioeconomic class, he said.

He and others said they would support the ban if it were part of a wider prohibition against selling single-use containers, such as water bottles, as some Cape Cod towns have done.

Precinct 7 town meeting member Dave Golden said the ban could be dangerous.

No matter what we do here today, the people who want to drink are going to find a way to do it. They will absolutely either buy a larger container, which means that they're going to drink more, or they're going to go to one of our neighboring towns, he said. I would say that the public health concern presented by either of those two scenarios is worse than what we have now.

Precinct 10 town meeting member Brian Fitzgerald said the ban is a good start to help reduce waste.

We need something more, and this is what's in front of us now. To stand here and reject an opportunity to reduce waste and litter is a fallacious line of thinking, he said. The crunching under my feet should be autumn leaves, not bottles of empty Fireball whisky. But that is what we have here. Yes, we want more. We need more. But this is what's in front of us and it's time to start to reduce the litter to make this town better.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Plymouth town meeting narrowly approves controversial nip bottle ban
Single-dose vials of Pfizer's updated COVID-19 vaccine booster. Anti-vaccine agitators are still spreading unscientific propaganda, but the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective. (Associated Press)

Over the weekend, as I pondered a volume of forgotten lore  it was Emily Wilson's gripping translation of Homer's "Odyssey," actually  my email inbox started filling up with the curious news that a long-discredited and retracted paper claiming that the COVID vaccines had killed nearly 300,000 Americans had been "reinstated."

It did not take long to determine that the truth was, no, not really. But the sudden appearance of this claim and its rapid spread across the anti-vaccine ecosystem speak volumes about how "bad papers written by antivax ideologues designed to promote a narrative that vaccines are dangerous and/or ineffective ... never die," to quote the veteran pseudoscience debunker David Gorski.

"Junk science can often find a home somewhere in the bowels of the literature, but that doesnt stop it being junk science, says John P. Moore, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College, whose experience fighting anti-science quackery dates to the AIDS epidemic of the 1990s.

Bad papers written by antivax ideologues designed to promote a narrative that vaccines are dangerous and/or ineffective...never die.

Pseudoscience debunker David Gorski

In this case, the assertion that a retracted paper by Michigan State University economist Mark Skidmore has been resurrected in the peer-reviewed literature is based on "one possibly accurate piece of information, a lie, and a half-truth," Gorski observes.

Let's take a look.

I wrote about Skidmore's paper in April, when it was retracted by its original publisher, the respectable medical journal BMC Infectious Diseases.

Published in January, the paper had started out as a sort of sociological study of what factors might lead people to be more or less amenable to taking a COVID-19 vaccine.

Based on an anonymous database of 2,840 respondents compiled by a third-party survey firm, Skidmore reported that people who knew someone who had a serious bout of COVID illness were more likely to get vaccinated, while knowing someone who appeared to have suffered a post-vaccination injury made them less likely to take the shot.

That was not especially surprising. But Skidmore proceeded to extrapolate from the number of respondents who said they knew someone who had died from the vaccine to conclude that the number of U.S. vaccine-related deaths may be as high as 278,000.

Read more: Column: Right-wing judges are on a mission to stop the FDA from warning consumers about snake oil

That claim was taken as gospel truth by the anti-vaccine movement, which helped make the paper one of the most-viewed papers in the journal's history.

But there was a problem. Skidmore based his estimate of vaccine-related deaths on the opinions of people who had no way of knowing that the illness or death their acquaintances suffered after vaccination had anything to do with the shot.

Another red flag was that he relied on the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System, or VAERS, as a benchmark database for COVID vaccine injuries.

VAERS is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which warns explicitly that it's not suitable for that purpose. Thats because its a repository of entirely voluntary reports that can be filed by anyone, including but not limited to doctors, patients and family members, who arent required to document the injury.

VAERS is not designed to determine if a vaccine caused or contributed to an adverse event, the CDC says. A report to VAERS does not mean the vaccine caused the event.

When serious vaccine scientists see VAERS treated in a paper as an authoritative source for injury estimates, they take it as a sign that the paper is sloppy or even willfully dishonest. As it happens, VAERS is a popular source for anti-vaccine claims of all sorts, especially about the COVID shots.

As I observed before, there are few fields in which flawed scientific research has been weaponized as much as in studies of COVID treatments. Worthless nostrums such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin have been promoted as COVID treatments based on transparently bogus evidence.

Skidmore disagreed with BMC's retraction notice in April, and still does. He maintains that BMC's retraction violated professional standards, although one rule he cited is that a journal has "clear evidence that the findings are unreliable."

Yet BMC's retraction notice cited "concerns ... regarding the validity of the conclusions drawn after publication." It said Skidmore's methodology in estimating vaccine deaths "was inappropriate as it does not prove causal inference of mortality. ... Furthermore, there was no attempt to validate reported fatalities."

Read more: Column: Sorry, Joe Rogan: Scientists should never 'debate' anti-vaccine quacks. Here's why

"My article is one piece of evidence among many that the COVID-19 vaccines have resulted in injury and death," Skidmore told me by email.

That's what lawyers might call "assuming facts not in evidence." For there is no "evidence" in Skidmore's paper that the vaccines have resulted in injury and death to any degree that would make them more dangerous than contracting COVID-19  just unsupported conjectures by acquaintances of people who died at some point after getting vaccinated that their deaths resulted from the shots.

The evidence is overwhelmingly on the other side  that the vaccines have saved millions from the dire consequences of the disease.

That brings us to the reported "reinstatement." Or as anti-vaccine activist Steve Kirsch put it on his Substack blog, "after a 7 month review by his university, Mark Skidmore was exonerated of all charges and his new, improved paper was published in a more credible peer-reviewed journal."

Only 2,032 reports of possible adverse reactions to the COVID bivalent boosters through this spring were "serious"  a tiny percentage of the more than 55 million doses delivered. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Following Gorski's formulation, we'll start with the "one possibly accurate piece of information." That piece is a ruling by Michigan State's Institutional Review Board, which oversees the ethics of research involving human subjects. On Sept. 13, the board informed Skidmore that it had found "no noncompliance" with its protocols.

That may be understandable. Skidmore's defense against accusations of unethical treatment of human subjects that his critics had brought to the IRB was that he had based his paper on an anonymized third-party database, so he had no direct clinical contact with any human subjects and the research thus "posed little risk to human respondents," according to Liberty Counsel, the conservative legal group that represented him in discussions with the IRB.

But that doesn't get to the core problem of the paper. The "lie," as Gorski describes it, is Skidmore's claim that "COVID-19 vaccines might have killed well over a quarter million people by the end of 2021."

There are simply no data to support that assertion. Skidmore's calculation is a wild extrapolation from unreliable reports. It flies in the face of more solid evidence, which validates the CDC and Food and Drug Administration findings that the vaccines are safe. A 2022 FDA study, covering COVID vaccinations through mid-November 2021, found that death reports on VAERS were actually lower than all-cause death rates.

The most recent CDC statistics showed that of the 26,331 VAERS reports of problems from the bivalent boosters developed by Moderna and Pfizer authorized by the FDA in August 2022 and delivered through last spring, 2,032 were "serious," a category that presumably includes death.

Read more: Column: How Trump's anti-science meddling erased 3 years of crucial COVID research

Because 55.2 million doses of the boosters had been delivered since then, the rate of "serious" complications came to less than four-thousandths of a percent of doses. And that figure was probably exaggerated, since the VAERS reports are, by their nature, unsubstantiated.

Finally, there's the "half-truth." That's the assertion that Skidmore's study has been restored to the peer-reviewed literature.

First of all, it's still retracted by BMC, and there are no indications that the journal will backtrack, since its retraction was the result of extended negotiations with the journal editors, ending with Skidmore's acknowledgment that he had no way of knowing whether the study subjects perceptions about their acquaintances' vaccine-related injuries were accurate.

Validating reported fatalities is not possible with an anonymous survey, Skidmore told the editors. Kirsch asserted on Substack that Skidmore's "new, improved paper was published in a more credible peer-reviewed journal." Is that so?

There are barely any differences between the original paper and the new version, which has been published in a journal called "Science, Public Health Policy, and the Law," issued by the Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge. The institute is a repository and publisher of anti-vaccination reports, including the long-discredited claim that autism is a consequence of childhood vaccinations.

As for the journal, its editorial board is composed 100% of vaccine skeptics, outright anti-vaxxers and dispensers of medically and scientifically unsupported treatments. Among its most recent articles is one that, amazingly, continues to push the antimalarial medication hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19, despite overwhelming evidence that it's useless for the purpose. (That paper's co-author is Mark Skidmore.)

To assert, as Kirsch does, that this journal is "more credible" than BMC Infectious Diseases, which is associated with the Nature publishing group, must be some sort of a gag. It's true that questions have been raised about how BMC came to publish Skidmore's paper in the first place, but at least the journal retracted it after critics pointed out its flaws.

The political landscape of COVID remains infected with misinformation on a pandemic scale. The Skidmore case underscores an observation seen in science, business and politics: Bad information always prevails over good information, unless the truth fights back, constantly and vigorously.

Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Scene

YAOUNDE, Cameroon  On the evening of Oct. 4, two frightened-looking middle aged men in T-shirts were forced by armed men to sit on the ground in the middle of a village square in Guzang, in North West region of Cameroon, one of two main English-speaking regions in the predominantly Francophone Central African country.

The two men were alleged to have been spies for the national Francophone-led government. In a video seen by Semafor Africa, and shared widely on Cameroon social media in recent weeks, the men were lined up and executed by a firing squad in front of a small crowd of villagers. The execution has been claimed by the armed wing of the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC), a separatist group.

That moment of almost casual, coldblooded violence earlier this month is a dark reminder of one of Africas low profile but seemingly intractable armed conflicts taking place in Cameroons English-speaking North West and South West regions, which the separatists refer to as an independent state called Ambazonia.

The battle has also moved to Washington DCs K Street, infamous for its expensive lobbying firms. Houston-based separatist leader Chris Anu confirmed to Semafor Africa that, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, he had contracted the lobby firm Scribe Strategies, led by veteran Washington player Joseph Szlavik, in a bid to make their case to key Africa watchers on Capitol Hill and at the United Nations.

La Republique du Cameroun [government of Cameroon] is in the habit of saying that it doesnt know who to talk to in Ambazonia, Anu said. By hiring a lobbyist, we are saying to LRC that they now know who to talk to and how to reach us. He said the separatists will be speaking with one voice in conducting future negotiations or referendum matters via the firm.

Know More

Cameroons armed separatist conflict has claimed the lives of over 6,000 people, displaced 630,000 internally and a further 88,000 as refugees to next-door Nigeria. Its roots lie in Europes imperial past. In 1884, Germany annexed swathes of independent kingdoms in Central Africa to form a colony it named Kamerun but lost it after World War I to Britain and France which partitioned the territory.

In the 1960s, some in the British territory wanted independence by forming their own state, and not by joining neighbouring Nigeria or the already independent French Cameroun. However, they were not given that third option under a U.N.-organized referendum. This has bred frustration and secessionist agitations ever since. In 2016, protests against the imposition of French language officials in English-speaking schools and courts sparked protests and strike action by lawyers and teachers. But things turned violent the following year.

Amindehs view

For the past seven years, the lingering Anglophone crisis has attracted little global attention aside from the odd headline, presumably because it doesnt significantly threaten the interest of major foreign powers.

Much of the battle is being fought on the ground and also on social media platforms with separatist activists and pro-government operators taking turns to spread propaganda.

Its important to note both sides in the crisis have been spending in the U.S. to fund a lobby war. Since the conflict erupted, separatists told us they have contracted at least two lobby firms, Foley Hoagg and now Scribe Strategies & Advisors. The government for its part has used several lobby and PR firms on a variety of matters. They include Glover Park Group, Clout Public Affairs, Mercury Public Affair and Squire Patton Boggs.

It seems the conflict has descended into a stalemate with both sides hoping that the other will get exhausted and give up. As Arrey Elvis Ntui, a senior analyst for Cameroon at Brussels-based International Crisis Group, put it, the conflict has outlived narrow efforts made by the government and Anglophone separatist groups in the last seven years. What could change the scenario is the parties doing what they have so far failed to do: discuss an end to hostilities and a political solution, Ntui posited.

Room for Disagreement

Cameroons government insists that the socio-political upheaval in its North West and South West regions is an internal affair which it has under control. When the Canadian government announced early this year that Cameroons leaders had agreed to enter a peace process facilitated by Canada, Yaounde was quick to issue a rebuttal. It is first and foremost up to the Cameroonian people, to the institutions and leaders that have been freely chosen, to seek appropriate ways and means to address problems facing our country [Cameroon], it said in a statement.

The View From Buea, South West Cameroon

Dr. Suh I Fru Norbert, a political scientist and conflict resolution expert at the University of Buea in the South West region, said nothing substantial had changed since the shock of the executions. In a situation of asymmetric warfare, it is common for fighters to make sporadic appearances of the sort to remind the enemy they can still do something...However, what appears as a puzzle is to see such a mobilization at a market square in the day without the presence of conventional security forces, Norbert told Semafor Africa.

Notable

The U.S. extended the special Temporary Protected Status (TPS) visa program for Cameroonians seeking refuge there by 18 months through to June 7, 2025, citing ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon.
Residents around the state were jolted on Oct. 21 when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sent out a rare Blue Alert for John Drake Jr., who is wanted for two counts of attempted first-degree murder after allegedly shooting two La Vergne police officers.

Officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern were shot outside a Dollar General store while chasing a suspected stolen vehicle. Kern, who was shot in the right groin and right forearm, was released from the hospital Oct. 22, a department spokesperson said. Boleyjack was shot in the left shoulder and released on Oct. 21.

TBI has been using Blue Alerts, similar to Amber Alerts, since July 1, 2011. These alerts are posted on TDOT road signs, lottery displays and social media platforms, and are sent out to mobile phones using the statewide infrastructure of the existing Amber Alert system.

TBI uses Blue Alerts "for the rapid dissemination of information to the public to assist in apprehending violent criminals who kill or seriously injure law enforcement officers in the line of duty or to aid in locating a missing officer where foul play is involved."

Why does TBI send out a Blue Alert?

When TBI receives a request from a law enforcement agency that a death or serious injury of a law enforcement officer has occurred, administrators will ensure that the Blue Alert criteria has been met, then proceed to issue the alert. Five criteria must be met:

A sworn law enforcement officer is killed, sustains life threatening injuries or is missing in the line of duty under circumstances warranting concern for the officers safety.

The suspect(s) pose(s) an imminent threat to public safety and law enforcement personnel.

A description of the offender or vehicle is available for statewide broadcast to the public and law enforcement 911 centers.

Prior to activation, if the suspect(s) is/are identified, the requesting agency will immediately place the suspect in the temporary felon file in the National Crime Information Center, obtain felony warrants as soon as possible and enter the offender into the NCIC database.

The head of any Tennessee law enforcement agency, colonel of the Highway Patrol, chief, sheriff or their designee of the investigating law enforcement agency of jurisdiction asks TBI to activate the Blue Alert system.

How often are Blue Alerts used?

Blue Alert systems currently operate in 37 states, but are not used very frequently. This is the first time Tennessee has used the system this year.

One of the most high profile uses of the alert in Tennessee involved Steven Wiggins, a suspect in the fatal shooting of a Dickson County Sheriff's Office deputy in May 2018. Wiggins was located and taken into custody two days later.

Last year, TBI was heavily criticized after sending out two alerts on the same day. Many residents complained that alerts came hours late  some after the suspects had been found. Some people didnt get any alert at all. TBI apologized for the issues and said it was working with its partners to solve the root causes that led people to receive multiple alerts.

Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What is a TBI Blue Alert? What does it mean and why was it issued?
FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE)  Governor Gavin Newsom opened a week-long trip to China on Monday with an assurance that his state will always be a partner on climate issues no matter how the U.S. presidential election turns out next year.

But Californias GOP Congressional delegation, which includes Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Rep. David Valadao, have reservations about Governor Gavin Newsom talking to Chinese officials  or even being in China  due to what they say are gross violations of human rights by the Communist Chinese Party.

Governor Gavin Newsoms visit comes as U.S.-Chinese relations witnessed a sharp deterioration in recent years due to trade disputes, U.S. support for self-governing Taiwan, and human rights concerns, among other contentious issues.

California governor visits China and says his state will always be a partner on climate change

Newsoms visit is described as wholly focused on climate letting federal partners deal with federal issues, such as alleged human rights violations in China. According to the letter, the California GOP Congressional delegation is calling Newsom to cancel his trip amid those allegations.

Federalism should not serve as an excuse for you to avoid having difficult conversations about the Communist Chinese Partys (CCP) gross violations of human rights and documented genocide of ethnic minorities, the representatives stated in the letter.

We believe that it would be an affront to California if you engage with these officials and fail to raise issues such as the genocide of minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet, transnational repression of dissidents, and other gross violations of human rights. Californias GOP congressional delegation

As part of the visit, Newsom says he will visit the first Chinese city to deploy an all-electric bus fleet, tour an offshore wind facility and see Teslas Shanghai Gigafactory. He will sign agreements with leaders of various Chinese provinces to set mutual commitments on a host of climate goals.

Newsoms agenda also includes conversations on strengthening cultural ties and combating xenophobia, and promoting economic development and tourism.

Asked if the only way to make progress on climate matters with China is not to mention human rights issues, Newsom denied the tradeoff, saying we can do many things at once.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
(CNN)  Sweden inched a step closer to joining NATO on Monday after Turkeys president sent accession protocols to parliament.

Russias invasion of Ukraine prompted both Sweden and Finland to seek NATO membership but the formers entry had been stymied by Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans sign off on the accession protocols comes after months of delays but it is unclear how long the process will take.

Erdogans proposal must make its way out of a parliamentary commission and then be opened up for a general vote on the main floor of the assembly where the Turkish president and his allies have the majority needed to ratify Swedens bid.

Finland, which applied for membership in May 2022 along with Sweden, joined NATO in April 2023.

Erdogan accused Sweden of being too lenient on militant groups, most notably the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and harboring people associated with a 2016 Turkish coup attempt.

Turkish officials have also accused Swedish officials of being complicit in Islamophobic demonstrations, such as the burning of the Quran.

Since applying for membership, Sweden has tightened its anti-terror legislation and agreed to work more closely with Turkey on its security concerns.

In July, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg announced that Erdogan had agreed to send the accession protocols to Turkeys parliament for ratification, but did not specify a time frame. The announcement represented a stunning about-face for Erdogan, who had previously suggested Sweden could only join the alliance after Turkey was accepted into the European Union.

The United States welcomed the news that Erdogan had signed and sent Swedens NATO accession protocols to the Turkish parliament on Monday.

Obviously we have been calling for ratification of Sweden accession for some time, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said.

We look forward to that bill being considered in the Turkish parliament and passed as soon as possible, he said at a department briefing.

Erdogans actions represent a step forward in Swedens quest to join NATO but does not mean that Sweden will immediately become the next member of the alliance.

Hungary also has not voted to approve Swedens membership. In September, Hungarys Prime Minister said the country was in no rush to approve Swedens bid, according to Reuters.
Saabs Gripen E multirole fighter has been chalking up some milestones of late, including the delivery of a first series-produced aircraft to the Swedish government, for pre-service tests. Intriguingly, one of the jets has also begun to sport a revised wing planform, with additions suddenly appearing on the trailing edge of one of the prototypes, resulting in a wing of overall greater dimensions. The War Zone spoke to Saab to find out more.

The revised Gripen E wing was not formally announced by the company  so far, at least. However, in recent official photos released of Saab E serial 6002 , its quite clear that additional surface area has been added to the wing, resulting in a more trapezoidal look, rather than the previous cropped delta. Some observers have even compared the new appearance to Saabs classic Cold War-era Viggen fighter, with its big canard/double-delta configuration.

https://www.twitter.com/Fighterman_FFRC/status/1715624950533706135?s=20 https://www.twitter.com/GripenNews/status/1715668156964860253?s=20

The revised planform appears to have been achieved by replacing the original inboard and outboard elevons  the trailing-edge control surfaces that combine the functions of the elevator and aileron  with larger versions. That might seem as a quick way to increase wing area, but it will also have required extensive testing and modifications to the flight-control system.

Gripen E serial 6002 with its revised wing planform. Saab

An earlier view of the same Gripen E jet with its original wing planform. Saab

Saabs Johan Segertoft, head of the Gripen business unit, explained exactly why the changes had been made:

At an early stage in the development process, an opportunity was identified to improve Gripens heavy load-carrying capabilities, as a clear benefit to future operations. A decision was made to implement this enhancement as quickly as possible. We have made updates to the software and some modifications affecting canard and elevon surfaces. These changes bring immediate benefits, prove our ability to reliably deliver growth, and consistently improve aircrafts potential for the future.

While Segertoft mentions changes to the canard foreplanes, these are not immediately obvious based on the photos released so far.

Another view of Gripen E serial 6002 with the increased-area wing. Saab

Segertoft continued: The cornerstone of the Gripen design concept is its ability to adapt rapidly and effectively to changing needs. We continue to enhance the aircraft in ways that can be seen and not seen, as we incorporate new technology and new requirements. Fighter aircraft must be able to evolve quickly, effectively, and affordably to meet the needs of their users. As an example, Gripen Es performance envelope has now been enhanced and further expanded through an increased ability to integrate heavier and more complex loads to meet future mission requirements.

While the revised wing may have only recently been identified, the idea has been around for a while, Segertoft confirmed.

A pair of Swedish Gripen E test jets. Saab

The feasibility of this enhancement was identified in the early stages of Gripen E development using Saabs model-based design techniques. Further exploration in the early trials program underlined the benefits for future operations and in 2021 it was decided to make these improvements to the baseline design.

The first aircraft with the revised wing configuration took to the air in the second half of 2021. As of today, there are 16 Gripen E fighters flying in Sweden and Brazil  the Latin American nation is the first and so far only export customer for the jet and has also inaugurated a domestic production line , which will build 15 of the 36 aircraft currently contracted to the Brazilian Air Force.

The first Gripen E for Brazil was shipped from Sweden to South America by sea, arriving on September 20, 2020. Saab/Linus Svensson

According to Segertoft The new design features have already been added to some of these aircraft and successful flight trials have been completed. Segertoft also confirmed that the modification will become the standard configuration going forward in all production aircraft for Sweden, Brazil, and other customers.

As to the benefits that the new wing will bring, Saab has emphasized that it will boost the Gripen Es ability to carry heavier loads, in the form of external weapons, fuel tanks, and other stores. For a smaller fighter like the Gripen, this is clearly a considerable bonus, although its not clear at this point how it will change the kinds of loads that it can carry. Its worth noting, too, that the Gripen E can already carry some fairly heavy loads, including up to four of the big Saab RBS 15 anti-ship missiles, although this configuration has not so far been seen in the air. Other heavy loads include up to nine air-to-air missiles, or 16 Small Diameter Bombs , albeit at the expense of external fuel.

A Gripen E carrying four RBS 15 anti-ship missiles. Saab

A Gripen E loaded with seven MBDA Meteor and two IRIS-T air-to-air missiles. Saab

Conceivably, the heavier load-carrying capabilities could see the Gripen E be adapted to use different kinds of pylons or stores, allowing a greater number of weapons to be fitted simultaneously. With a total of 10 hardpoints already available, there would certainly seem to be some options in this regard.

Expanding the combat potential of the Gripen E is also in keeping with recent Swedish defense policy, which has seen a renewed emphasis on its fighter fleet as the country grapples with a further deterioration in regional security policy including increasing Russian belligerence. As part of this, as well as joining NATO , Sweden has decided to retain its older Gripen C/D fleet for longer, as well as procuring 60 new-generation Gripen Es. The Gripen E is a substantially different aircraft  as you can read about here .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxtVVa0_8RQ

At the same time, the effect that the new wing has on the maneuverability of the Gripen E should not be disregarded. A wing with a larger area certainly translates into improved flight performance at low speeds  especially useful for within-visual-range combat. Overall, larger elevons should mean that the Gripen E has improved pitch control and roll control, fundamental to optimizing agility. The change also will likely have benefits for general handling at the lower end of the speed spectrum, including takeoffs and landings, especially with heavier loads.

Again, it should be noted that low-speed handling and maneuverability is not the key driver behind the Gripen Es revised planform, but it would certainly appear to be more than a useful byproduct.

Its also worth recalling that Eurofighter also offers a package to improve the heavy load-carrying capabilities of its Typhoon fighter. The Aerodynamic Modification Kit ( AMK ) involved adding fuselage strakes, leading-edge root extensions, and increased-area elevons, increasing the maximum lift created by the wing by a reported 25 percent.

A diagram showing the fuselage strakes and leading-edge root extensions included in the Aerodynamic Modification Kit for the Typhoon. Eurofighter

The AMK modifications were tested on the German Eurofighter prototype IPA7 in 2015. Eurofighter

Its about generating even higher longitudinal stability of the aircrafts aerodynamics to new potential weapon integration, said Airbus Head of Combat Aircraft Systems Kurt Rossner. For a Typhoon, this would mean that even a heavily loaded jet would enjoy increased turn rate, tighter turning radius, and improved nose-pointing ability at low speed.

So far, however, no Typhoon customer is known to have opted for the AMK modifications.

For the Gripen E, on the other hand, the new-look wing planform is now set to be fitted as standard to the jet. It will certainly be interesting to see how its operators  for now, Sweden and Brazil  will exploit the enhanced capabilities that this modification promises.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
It was more than 16 years ago when the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved a town center development of 4,500 homes north of Rio Linda, in Elverta. Not a single home has been built as part of this plan ever since.

This is because the county estimates that it would cost developers more than $228 million to build the road system to convert what is now the boondocks of the northern county into suburban sprawl. Unsurprisingly, given the price tag, nothing has happened.

Opinion

As supervisors revisit the Elverta Specific Plan on Tuesday afternoon, the question is whether they will acknowledge that this is no longer 2007? Regional population growth is now moving at a fraction of what it was 16 years ago. In fact, the Sacramento region has already approved more suburban projects (like Elverta) than the region will need for the next generation. This is according to the Sacramento Council Area of Governments, the transportation planner for the region.

It is time for supervisors to think far more strategically about growth.

They must acknowledge that there can only be so much growth and what growth is approved must happen in a way that minimizes congestion and maximizes affordable housing and transit opportunities. Otherwise, it simply doesnt make sense for the Sacramento County of today.

Sadly, it appears as if the countys transportation staff is going about Elverta in precisely the wrong way, avoiding tough conversations about financial realities and pretending there is a way to make projects like this magically cost less.

County staff acknowledged in its report that the road improvements to make the Elverta Specifiic Plan a reality would cost more than $75,000 per unit. There isnt an area in the region with housing prices that could support a fee burden that big.

So what did the county staff do then? They went to developers for guidance, and the developers said fees of less than $30,000 per unit could work.

How can the county bridge the shortfall between what this project would truly cost and what the regional housing market could afford? With terrible ideas based on unrealistic growth projections.

According to the latest SACOG population projections, the entire six-county region is expected to grow by approximately 278,000 between now and 2050. But Sacramento Countys transportation staff is suggesting that nearly half of the regions entire growth is about to happen in Supervisor Phil Sernas district. The county is floating the idea that the Elverta project only pay 14 percent of one needed interchange improvement because all this other nearby growth can pay the rest.

That is bananas. But it is the only way the county transportation staff can appease the development community and lower the transportation costs of this one project.

Setting aside projects like Elverta that have been approved but not built, SACOG estimates that all the expected population growth through 2050 could be accommodated by repurposing properties already inside communities for housing.

Infill projects have their own infrastructure challenges; but it makes so much more sense to maximize the value of retail and office sites that could be revitalized into new residential communities. And so many of these are in the unincorporated areas of the county that supervisors control. Every time they choose more sprawl rather than focusing inward, their communities suffer.

Supervisors and staff need to accept that some big approved projects still on the drawing may very well stay there. Nobody wants to pay for all those new roads. Advancing climate-friendly, infill growth is a far better use of the supervisors valuable time.
A wife gave her husband a Powerball ticket for his birthday that ended up being a surprise of a lifetime in Idaho.

Now the lucky couple is $100,000 richer.

Scott Pancheri of Middleton wasnt shocked when his wife gave him a Powerball ticket for his birthday, the Idaho Lottery said in an Oct. 20 news release.

Im not much of a gambler. My wife, though, she plays all the time. She loves scratch games, buys a couple of raffle tickets each year, Pancheri told lottery officials.

His wife checked his ticket a few days later, and she was stunned, lottery officials said.

It said we needed to take the ticket to the Lottery office to claim it. So, we tried to figure out how much wed won, Pancheri said.

He thought he won $50,000. But once they got to the lottery office, he realized he had a $100,000 winning ticket.

His ticket matched four out of the five white balls and the red Powerball. He scored $100,00 because his wife added a Power Play that multiplied his win by two.

The lucky winner has plans to put his prize money aside for his children, then put the rest in savings.

Middleton is about 30 miles northwest of Boise.

What to know about Powerball

To score a jackpot in the Powerball, a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball.

The odds of scoring the jackpot prize are 1 in 292,201,338.

Tickets cost $2 and can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times vary by state.

Drawings are broadcast Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:59 p.m. ET and can be streamed online.

Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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A woman in Florida is accused of backing over her husband when he stepped out of the vehicle to look for their dog, police told news outlets.

A 70-year-old woman arrived back home with her husband in their vehicle on Oct. 20 following a dinner at Beef OBradys in Palm Bay, according to a police report obtained by WOFL.

The woman was driving, and when she pulled into their driveway, they noticed their front gate was open, the outlet reported.

Thinking their dog, which had a history of escape, was on the loose, her husband stepped out of their SUV to go and look for it, according to the police report, as reported by WKMG.

While her husband looked on foot, the woman stayed in the SUV, backed out of the driveway and drove around the block looking for the dog, the outlet reported, citing police.

What the woman didnt know was that her husband was standing behind the vehicle when she reversed, according to the police report obtained by WESH.

The woman drove around their block and then came back around to see her husband lying in the street, the outlet reported.

A person called police suspecting a hit-and-run when they saw the man in the street with a head wound, WKMG reported, and the husband was declared dead when officers and paramedics arrived.

Police told the outlet there was damage to the back of the womans SUV and her husband had injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle.

Officers talked with the wife and smelled alcohol on her breath, according to the police report obtained by WOFL, and she was asked to provide a breath sample.

Police said the woman had a blood alcohol content of 0.12, the outlet reported, almost two times the legal limit of 0.08.

The woman was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and driving under the influence manslaughter, according to a report shared with McClatchy News.

Palm Bay is about 75 miles southeast of Orlando.

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Tranecka Charles was in her Wilmington home when her 19-year-old daughter suddenly stopped breathing.

An ambulance and paramedics arrived at Charles' West Center City house, along with several Wilmington police officers. What followed that November morning, according to a class-action lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, is just one example of how Wilmington police engage in a pattern and practice that violates the constitutional rights of Black people.

The incident, according to the lawsuit, included police barring the woman from seeing her deceased teen daughter, her son being charged with crimes that would later be dismissed in court, and her other daughter being detained in the back of a police car. Charles was also threatened with criminal charges, according to the lawsuit.

"It is long past time for the WPD to be held accountable for the terror they've instilled in our communities with their racially discriminatory practices," the Delaware State NAACP and Wilmington NAACP said in a statement Tuesday. "We're demanding justice on behalf of those who have been harmed, intimidated, and disrespected by these officers."

Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and the city have been named in the lawsuit.

"The claims made by the ACLU are offensive to me," Purzycki said in a statement. "The Wilmington Police Department makes it a practice to treat every person equally and with the utmost respect even under the very difficult circumstances they face each day as they serve and protect the community. The city does not engage in, promote, or tolerate any policies, practices or customs that discriminate against any group or violate anyone's rights.

"We will vigorously defend against this suit in court."

Charles' encounter with police is one story in the 26-page lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Delaware on behalf of the NAACP of Delaware and two people that aims to show a pattern and practice in how Wilmington police repeatedly violate people's rights including their Fourth Amendment, which gives people the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The lawsuit claims Wilmington police violate rights by:

Stopping, frisking and searching people without reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

Stopping motor vehicles without reason to believe the driver has committed criminal behavior or violated the motor vehicle code.

Generating unreasonable searches without a warrant.

Making unreasonable arrests.

Racially biased policing, evidenced by large racial disparities that demonstrate the targeting of Black pedestrians and drivers based on their race.

"The absolute lack of oversight combined with a blatant disregard for the rights and well-being of the public is shameful," said Dwayne Bensing, legal director at the ACLU-DE. "This kind of policing isn't providing protection or public safety  it's an abuse of power that needs to be stopped."

The state NAACP and its members are harmed by the Wilmington Police Department's policies and the unconstitutional practices described by the lawsuit impede the organization's goals and directives, the ACLU's statement said.

The lawsuit also claims the Police Department has failed "with deliberate indifference" to monitor its officers for compliance with constitutional practices, investigate and discipline officers who engage in unconstitutional conduct and, by policy and practice, has failed to record and preserve records and information regarding the stop and frisks of civilians whose federal and state rights were violated.

Among the lawsuit's requests is that a monitor be appointed to coordinate and oversee the Police Department's development and compliance with practices of remedying the legal violations.

What happened to Charles

According to the lawsuit, Charles called emergency operators when her daughter, Xzaybion Jeriah Charles, stopped breathing about 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 6 last year.

As emergency crews cared for her daughter upstairs, the lawsuit claims Charles went downstairs where officers asked if her daughter had used drugs. Charles explained her daughter had recently been released from a hospital after being treated for a blood clot.

Officers instructed her not to go upstairs.

About 30 minutes later, Xzaybion Jeriah died, sending Charles and the rest of her family outside their rowhome for some fresh air. Police, according to the lawsuit, told the family they could not enter their home, claiming an "investigation was ongoing."

Charles' son, according to the lawsuit, disobeyed police and entered the house, at which time he was tackled and pinned to the ground. Charles was physically prevented from entering the home to calm her son, who was saying he could not breathe as an officer had a knee on his chest, the lawsuit states.

Other officers "forcibly seized and dragged" Charles and her other daughter down the stairs outside their house, according to the lawsuit.

The officers threatened to arrest Charles for resisting arrest, the lawsuit states, and temporarily detained Charles' other daughter in the back of a police car.

Charles' son received injuries to his left shoulder as he was handcuffed and arrested, according to the lawsuit. He was also charged with resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.

"The charges against Ms. Charles' son were dismissed in court," according to the lawsuit.

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Who else is included in the lawsuit

Charles' story is not the only case claiming they were harmed by Wilmington police, primarily through the Wilmington Safe Streets program where police team up with probation and parole officers.

Lamotte Johns is also suing the city's department after 12 officers went to his home on June 27 searching for Javonte Waters, a former roommate. The lawsuit claims the lead officer had been there three months before searching for Waters.

Both times, the lawsuit says, Johns told the lead officer that Waters had not lived there since September 2020 and was not there.

After telling officers to leave, Johns tried to shut his door but the lead officer used his foot to wedge and force the front door open, the lawsuit said. The officers entered the West Center City home and began searching it without a warrant or probable cause.

Waters had been arrested earlier that day  something the lead officer, according to the lawsuit, knew when he led the search of Johns' home.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington police sued by ACLU over unconstitutional practices
Many residents have said they are concerned the project will generate too much traffic

A floating wind farm off the north Devon coast could cause years of disruption, opponents say.

The White Cross Offshore Wind Farm is proposed to sit about 31 miles (50km) out to sea, but the connecting cables would come ashore near Braunton.

Villagers said the proposed cable route could clog roads, damage the landscape and be "disastrous" for businesses.

Floating Energy, the company behind the project, said it had "fully considered" the concerns of residents.

According to plans submitted to North Devon Council, underground cables would be installed from Saunton Sands car park to a new substation at East Yelland.

The substation would then connect up to eight floating turbines, located in the Celtic Sea, to the national distribution network.

Saunton Sands is one of the South West's most popular beaches and is near to one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain.

Many residents at a public meeting in Braunton on Tuesday said they were concerned about the potential environmental disturbance and increased traffic.

Resident Paula Ferris highlighted the potential risk to the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"They couldn't have chosen a worse site for landfall," she said.

Brian Gilbert, another resident, said the work would cause a "flow of lorries through the village".

Mike Ravensdale, the owner of Saunton Surf Hire, said the work could be "disastrous" for his business.

He said: "They are taking up 40% of the car park for at least a year, and if it runs over time, then that's another year of disruption."

'Working with communities'

Floatation Energy said the project would provide "clean renewable energy" and "create long term job prospects".

It said the cable route "minimises potential impacts on the environment" by avoiding conservation areas.

The firm said it planned to stagger work over a two-year period and minimise the use of lorries.

A spokesman said: "We recognise and understand the concerns from local stakeholders who may be impacted by our project and are committed to working with communities to ensure their voices and opinions are heard and fully considered."

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk
A window washer died after falling 32 stories from one of the tallest high rise buildings in Boston on Monday morning, police said.

Boston emergency crews received a call Monday morning from 100 Summer Street about a window washer who had fallen several stories to the ground. When police arrived, around 8 a.m., they reported the victim as deceased at the scene in a statement from the Boston Police Department.

100 Summer Street is a 32 story high rise building located in downtown Boston. It is one of the tallest buildings in Boston according to their website

The worker was identified by The Suffolk County District Attorneys Office as 40-year-old Nicholas Marks of East Weymouth, according to Boston 25 News.

A window washer died after falling from a Boston office tower on Oct. 23, 2023. This file photo shows the Boston skyline as seen from Squantum Point Park in Quincy on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.

Gerardo Ortiz, who has known the victim for 18 years, said safety is a priority in their work.

You follow all the safety procedures, and nothing will happen, said Ortiz in an interview with Boston News 25. You never know what could have happened. The equipment failed. Its a lot of weight on the ropes.

Marks worked for Sky Safety, a window cleaning company that provides commercial-quality cleaning.

Window Washing Safety

Window-washing fatalities are very rare. According to Boston News 25, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported 28 incidents in the last five years, and only 11 incidents have resulted in death.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Markss family and friends at this tragic time, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

No additional information was immediately available as the investigation is still underway and OSHA was notified.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Window washer dies after falling from one of Boston's tallest building
After a shooter started firing at police from a middle school roof in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, officers fatally shot the gunman.

The incident occurred at Kennedy Middle School around 6.36pm on Monday  while somewhere between 50 and 70 students were in the building, the Wisconsin Justice Department wrote in a statement.

Germantown Police officers were responding to reports of someone acting erratically in the schools parking lot, the statement added. When officers arrived at the scene, the person climbed up to the schools roof, and two officers followed.

The person, who has not been identified, then fired at the two officers and they shot back, striking the individual. The subject sustained injuries, first aid was rendered, but the subject died on the scene, the statement said.

None of the officers were injured. This is believed to be an isolated incident and there [is] no danger to the public. All interactions with the subject occurred outside of the building, the state Justice Department said.

The department is investigating the incident, the statement added. The officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave.

The Associated Press reported that the school will be closed on Tuesday.
This article was originally published in Wisconsin Examiner.

Wisconsins Kenosha Unified School District removed four books from school libraries this year, joining a nationwide debate about removing books from schools. The books, which focused on LGBTQ topics and characters, were purged for having pornographic material, one school board member explained on social media. While their removal satisfied some residents, others worry about the effects on vulnerable kids.

On Sept. 8, Kenosha Unified School District School Board member Eric Meadows posted on Facebook about the book removals.

A few weeks ago, several parents in the community looked into reportedly explicit books in our libraries, Meadows said in the post. See my previous post about this. Since then, a national spotlight has shined on this same topic. A number of graphic books were identified as being in some of our schools through numerous open records requests from several people. The following books have been removed from our libraries, not because of the LGBT nature of them, but because of overtly explicit and obscene pictures and descriptions.

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The post identifies the books as This Book is Gay, Gender Queer, Lets Talk About It, and All Boys Arent Blue. I am opposed to exposing children to any pornographic material in school, whether LGBT or heterosexual. Neither belong in public schools, Meadows wrote in his post. I will work towards clarifying our policy to ensure this doesnt happen again. I will receive a lot of anger from some in the community just for writing this. I dont care. My first priority will be to protect the innocence of our children.

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Meadows accused the Wisconsin Examiner of bias when reached for comment. He added that the district removed a few books because they were sexually explicit. Those books are widely available to purchase and at the public library.  I stand by my Facebook post.

The Kenosha Unified School District didnt respond to requests for comment.

When she heard about the removals, Kenosha resident Amanda Becker said she was left disappointed on a few different levels. I was disappointed that it was specifically LGBTQ+ content that was being targeted. And I was disappointed that this was happening at all.

Its a form of censorship and I dont agree with it, Becker added.

Barb Farrar, director of the Southeast Wisconsin LGBT Center, said the fallout for students from removing books shouldnt be downplayed. As an LGBT person, any time people are talking about taking away your freedom to read literature for young people, its really hurtful, Farrar told Wisconsin Examiner. To help educate community members and defeat stigma, the Center runs its own LGBTQ book club. Its always by learning that you truly understand what some elses experience is, she continued. Taking the books away from students is depriving them of access to being able to broaden their understanding and appreciation of others, as well as potentially their own identities.

Beckers daughter, Ruby, who recently graduated from high school in Kenosha, remembers what it was like to come out to her classmates Harry Styles, the pop artist, actually helped me come out at one of his concerts, she says. Pretty public coming-out my senior year, but even before that people kind of knew. Prior to attending the KUSD during her high school years, Becker went to a Catholic school. The change in my surroundings definitely helped me to come to terms with that part of myself. She says, If I didnt change schools, I dont know who Id be today. Becker added, It was just nice finding people like me, or people who are also queer but are either non-binary, trans, just other queer experiences.

Despite finding people like her, Becker also encountered students who bullied LGBTQ students. Becker fears that things could change for students still attending Kenosha schools. She recalled conversations about banning flags and banners at school including Black Lives Matter flags, LGBTQ flags, and other banners. Becker recalled that, teachers were always kind of told to stay away from controversial topics which, I dont know, my identity is not controversial, but whatever.

Farrar recalled attending annual school board meetings, where she noticed a strong anti-LGBTQ contingent among the attendees. There, Farrar told Wisconsin Examiner, some people were referencing banning books trying to interject that into the meeting.

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Everything started to get a lot more aggressive, Becker says of school board meetings since the pandemic, where people werent necessarily talking to each other, but more so talking at each other and kind of screaming, to where the winner was whose voice was heard the loudest. At county budget hearings, a vocal group organized to cut education funding. So I think that the book thing is just the next item on the list, says Becker.

Becker read Gender Queer and This Book Is Gay. I thought it was good, she says. It was a coming-of-age story about a child discovering their gender identity. And I picked it up because my older daughter has some friends that fall into the various areas of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. It took time for Becker herself to understand LGBTQ issues, and reading the book was part of that journey. I wanted to be able to understand it better, and I wanted to support my child and her friends. Farrar also read some of the books during the Centers book club, and found them to be phenomenal. She said, all of those books are useful for students trying to figure themselves out.

Farrar says she has heard children repeating things they heard at home, bullying LGBTQ classmates. Weve had examples of young children saying really hurtful things like LGBTQ students shouldnt exist, or they shouldnt be allowed to live, said Farrar. I mean just really, really hateful things.

Its very targeted, and it feels organized, and very political at this time, says Farrar.

Policies banning and restricting books in schools have grown across Wisconsin since 2020. This week Wisconsin Public Radio reports, the school district of Menomonee Falls removed more than 33 books from the high school library including titles on the Advanced Placement English Literature reading list, including The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut and The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison, because they were deemed too sexually explicit for students.

Last year, the Examiner reported on a list of books furnished to Republican lawmakers by concerned parents. The books largely covered LGBTQ topics, but some also touched on racial inequality and discrimination. In an email to now Sen. Jesse James (R-Altoona), one parent described having seen books which she felt taught our kids to hate cops and their white skin in elementary school classrooms.

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James used the list to approach libraries within his legislative district to see whether the books were available. A nearly identical list was also used in the Elmbrook School District in Waukesha County. There, as books on the list were removed from shelves, a new policy of reporting a students library checkouts to parents took effect. The shift slashed the districts student privacy policy for book checkouts, allowing only parents to opt out. Meanwhile, James and other Republican lawmakers explored ways of exposing librarians and teachers who provide certain books in class to felony charges. In May, those efforts were materialized as proposed legislation. This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson, one of the books removed from the KUSD, also appeared on both of those lists.

Farrar is deeply concerned by policies like Elmbrooks, which could out children to their parents. Just because theyre interested in a book doesnt mean anything about their identity, and thats a complete lack of childrens privacy, said Farrar. So we over-emphasize parents rights, we really need to start thinking about the rights of young people to explore, and to have privacy to do that.

While Amanda Becker is prepared to support her children, shes aware that not all of KUSDs students have a parent in their corner. Theres kids out there that dont, and thats why I feel that I need to say something, she told Wisconsin Examiner. That and, you know, you give in on books and freedom to read and whats the next thing thats going to happen? It has the potential to have a domino effect.

Ruby Becker tells current students to find community with your peers. Try and find a teacher who you can trust, and be 100% yourself around.

Wisconsin Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Wisconsin Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Ruth Conniff for questions: info@wisconsinexaminer.com. Follow Wisconsin Examiner on Facebook and Twitter.
A woman accused of abducting eight children from their foster homes in Arkansas was arrested Saturday in California, after a concerned citizen saw the woman and six of the children in a parking lot at 12:30 a.m. and requested a welfare check.

The caller said the woman was displaying bizarre behavior in the parking lot outside of a Mexican restaurant, according to a news release from Californias Anderson Police Department.

Officers responded and identified the woman as 36-year-old Trista Fullerton, who was wanted on a felony warrant related to the childrens disappearance. A white Dodge pickup truck with Arkansas plates was found nearby.

Officers say Trista Fullerton was linked to this white Dodge pickup truck with Arkansas plates.

Officers say Trista Fullerton was linked to this white Dodge pickup truck with Arkansas plates.

Fullerton is the biological mother of the children, but shes accused of kidnapping them from their foster placements after she lost her custodial rights.

Upon being taken into custody, Fullerton shared the location of the two children who werent in the parking lot, police said. The pair were located at a residence in Shasta County.

All eight of the children were released to Shasta Countys children and family services to be reunified with their guardians in Arkansas.

Fullerton, meanwhile, has been booked into the Shasta County Jail, police said.

Colleen Nick, the CEO of the Morgan Nick Foundation, an Arkansas nonprofit that supports the parents and families of missing children and adults, told Arkansas 40/29 News that the kids have undoubtedly been through a harrowing ordeal.

Its not a safe situation for the children, Nick told the outlet. Plus theyve been taken very suddenly from everyone they know so everything has dramatically changed for them.
(CNN)  The US has intelligence that Iranian-backed militia groups are planning to ramp up attacks against US forces in the Middle East, as Iran seeks to capitalize on the backlash in the region to US support for Israel, according to multiple US officials.

The militia groups have already launched multiple drone attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria.

But the US now has specific intelligence that those same groups could escalate even further as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

There are red lights flashing everywhere, a US official in the region told CNN.

Officials said that at this point, Iran appears to be encouraging the groups rather than explicitly directing them. One official said Iran is providing guidance to the militia groups that they will not be punished  by not getting resupplied with weaponry, for example  if they continue to attack US or Israeli targets.

On Monday, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said there is a very direct connection between these groups and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and he said the US is deeply concerned about the potential of any significant escalation of these attacks in the days ahead.

A senior defense official echoed that concern on Monday.

We see a prospect for much more significant escalation against US forces and personnel in the near term, the official said. And lets be clear about it. The road leads back to Iran. Iran funds, arms, equips and trains militias and proxy forces all across the region.  We are preparing for this escalation, both in terms of defending our forces and being prepared to respond decisively.

Iran supports a number of proxy militia groups in countries across the region through the IRGC-Quds Force, and Tehran does not always exert perfect command and control over these groups. How willing those groups are to act independently is a persistent intelligence gap, noted one source.

But, Kirby said, we know that Iran is closely monitoring these events and in some cases, actively facilitating attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good, he said. Irans goal is to maintain some plausible deniability here, but we are not going to allow them to do that.

Asked by CNN on Monday whether Iran is directing the groups, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, Whether theyre directing them or theyre not, these are militias that they have sponsored and theyre responsible for.

A senior State Department official separately told CNN that the US and its partners are all on the same page that sending a clear message to Iran  that it should not seek to take advantage of the situation and groups that are under its control or influence should not seek to take advantage of this either, and if Tehran does so, that could have very escalatory and dire consequences.

Its not just a US message; its a shared message, the official said.

Qatar has been a key intermediary between the US and its allies and Iran, multiple officials told CNN.

In the case of the recent drone attacks on bases housing US forces, Iran is certainly more culpable than in the case of the Hamas attack in Israel, said another person familiar with the intelligence. CNN previously reported that Iranian government officials appeared caught off guard by the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7.

Iranian proxy forces have attacked bases housing US troops in the past, and the US has responded with airstrikes against the groups infrastructure, including as recently as March. But another source said that right now, the Iranians appetite for expanding [the conflict] is high. Their risk tolerance is high.

The US, meanwhile, is actively bolstering its defenses in light of the heightened threats. The US has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and around 900 in Syria as part of the anti-ISIS coalition, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement over the weekend that he was deploying additional air defense systems to the region in response to recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East. Those include a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system and additional Patriot batteries.

Two drones targeting US forces in Syria were shot down on Monday, and troops in Iraq and Syria faced three separate drone attacks last week from suspected Iranian proxy groups, the Pentagon confirmed. Last Thursday, a US Navy warship operating off the coast of Yemen intercepted multiple missiles fired by Iranian-backed Houthi militants that appeared to be heading toward Israel.

In Tehran, there does not appear to be a clear consensus about what approach to take to the war between Israel and Hamas.

I am sure there are different voices in their system advocating different things, the senior State Department official said.

Another official said that while it is unlikely that Iran would be willing to engage in direct fighting with Israel or the US, directing proxies to attack US assets in the Middle East allows Iran to maintain their influence and reputation while managing escalation risks.

In a news conference with his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor in Tehran on Sunday, Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the Middle East is like a powder keg, according to quotes published by state-aligned Tasnim news.

Any miscalculation in continuing genocide and forced displacement can have serious and bitter consequences, both in the region and for the warmongers, Abdollahian said, referring to the US and Israel.

The Iranian foreign minister also warned the US and Israel that if crimes against humanity do not stop immediately, there is the possibility at any moment that the region will go out of control.

Were concerned about potential escalation, Austin said on ABCs This Week. In fact, what were seeing is a  is a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region, and because of that, were going to do whats necessary to make sure that our troops are in the right  in a good position, and theyre protected, and that we have the ability to respond.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Intelligence shows Iranian-backed militias are ready to ramp up their attacks against US forces in the Middle East"
A woman lost her way while walking her dog and spent the night in the New Hampshire wilderness, wildlife officials said.

The 52-year-old was last seen by her family at about 6 p.m. Oct. 22 in the area of Sherwood Forest Road in Weare, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said in an Oct. 23 news release.

Her family reported her missing before 11:30 p.m. that day, and police started searching the immediate area, wildlife officials said.

Police dogs were also used to search the area for several hours, but no one could find her or her dog, officials said.

Police told wildlife officials about the missing woman at about 3 a.m. Oct. 23.

At about 5:30 a.m., wildlife officials began their search of the area, and an officer used an ATV to search the trails in Clough State Park. They found her on an off-road vehicle trail at about 5:55 a.m.

Clough State Park is next to Everett Lake, which is a 150-acre body of water that was created by a dam, according to New Hampshire State Parks.

The park has a 900-foot beach and is a popular spot for people to picnic or use a non-motorized boat in the water.

Pets are not allowed in this state park.

Weare is about 15 miles southwest of Concord.

What to do if you get lost while hiking

If you think youre getting lost, experts say its best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if youre able to see any landmarks around.

Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step, officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.

You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are very, very confident in the route.

There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:

Have more than enough food and water with you.

Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.

Dont rely solely on your cell phone. It probably wont work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.

Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how youll return.

Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.

Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.

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(Bloomberg) -- The prime minister joined other women in Iceland on a strike to call attention to the remaining inequalities in their society even though the country ranks highest globally in terms of gender parity.

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The protest, in which women are encouraged to stop working for a full day, is intended to highlight challenges including a gender pay gap, the uneven burden of unpaid work within the home and violence that still afflicts women disproportionately.

The day has echoes back to 1975, when 90% of the islands female workforce first walked out of their jobs and handed children to their fathers for an eye-opening demonstration of the importance of their work, both paid and unpaid.

Tuesdays demonstrations drew a crowd of tens of thousands in central Reykjavik, according to the police, a large number in the country of fewer than 400,000 people. Even the countrys prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, took part. It was the seventh such gathering over the years, and the latest since 2018.

Iceland is the most gender equal country in the world based on economic opportunities, educational attainment, health care outcomes and political leadership, according to the World Economic Forum, a title its held onto for the past 14 years. It has closed 91.2% of its gender gap according to the forums Global Gender Gap Index, where 100% denotes full parity, and compares with about 75% for the US.

Thats led many to feel that equality has been reached, said Sonja Yr Thorbergsdottir, who runs public sector federation of labor unions BSRB. Thats very far from the truth. There is still a long way to go, she said, with 40% of women subject to violence at some point in their lives and with womens median incomes on average 21% lower than mens.

You call this equality? asks the slogan of Tuesdays demonstration, organized by 45 unions and organizations.

The main reason for the gender disparity in Iceland, according to Thorbergsdottir, is line of work, with female dominated sectors offering lower salaries. Another problem is that women bear more of the burden at home, including the mental load.

It isnt womens choice to work fewer hours than men, she said. Its because they do more unpaid work.

For many Icelandic businesses, the day means a loss of earnings with female workers gone and most child care facilities shut. The countrys biggest workplace, the National University Hospital, with 80% female staff, has pushed back operations and is running on minimum staffing.

Not all women are unequivocally in favor of the protest. Sigridur Margret Oddsdottir, the first woman to run SA Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise, says she supports the cause but questioned stopping the Icelandic economy for an entire day. Instead, she encouraged making arrangements with managers to ensure the economy would not be brought to a halt.

We know that if women walk out of all jobs without consulting their managers it will have a huge effect on Icelandic society, she said.

--With assistance from Gina Turner.

(Updates with number of participants in fourth paragraph.)

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From classrooms to corporate offices to household cleaning, women across Iceland walked away from work  both paid and unpaid  Tuesday to demand improvements to unequal pay and gender-based violence.

The "kvennafri", or women's day off, emphasizes the power of women's work, from the executive chair to household cleaning.

When women aren't there to work, who really pays?

"What's happening in Iceland is a visible demonstration of women's labor," Amy Diehl, a gender equity researcher and author of "GLASS WALLS: Shattering the Six Gender Bias Barriers Still Holding Women Back at Work." With women on strike, men are left to "pick up the pieces," she told USA TODAY.

"(The strike) sends a very strong signal to what women do," Diehl said. "When work is underpaid or not paid at all, it's just taken for granted and is unseen. The benefit of this strike is it makes this kind of labor visible  the women's labor that's often taken for granted."

Iceland, a Northern European nation with a population of 380,000, is the only nation to have closed more than 90% of the gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum, and has held the top spot in gender parity for 14 years in a row.

According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, no country has yet achieved full gender parity. The United States ranks 43 out of 146 countries in the index and experts say America is trailing countries like Iceland in terms of policies such as paid family leave, employer accountability, increased minimum wage, or promoting union representation to establish fair bargaining power.

With a far larger population that is geographically, racially and economically diverse than Iceland, how is the U.S. ever supposed to catch up?

"The statistics can hide what's going on at the individual level," Diehl said, meaning even if America meets the right gender equality indicators to close the gap, there's no guarantee the benefits will be realized homogenously among women and other marginalized groups, experts said.

"It is a more complex issue in the United States," said Ann Warner, interim CEO at the International Center for Research on Women. "Gender is one important facet of the pay gap ... When we look at the intersection between gender and race, we see those gaps widen even more."

Even a global gender leader is calling out the need for progress

Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir joined thousands of women on the day of the strike, which was the nation's first such event since Oct. 24, 1975, when 90% of women refused to work, clean, or look after children to voice anger at discrimination in the workplace.

We have not yet reached our goals of full gender equality and we are still tackling the gender-based wage gap, which is unacceptable in 2023, she told news website mbl.is. We are still tackling gender-based violence, which has been a priority for my government to tackle.

"It's so interesting to hear that Iceland is the most gender-equitable country in the world, and yet, they are not equal yet," said Warner. "(Iceland) is taking a really extreme and strong action to stop and say that, 'even where we are in Iceland, which is far beyond many other countries in the world, this is not good enough.'"

People across Iceland gather during the women's strike in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Tuesday. Iceland's prime minister and women across the island nation are on strike to push for an end to unequal pay and gender-based violence.

What to do in the US

There are many ways to intervene in gender inequality in the U.S., from widening access to health care to promoting participation in male-dominated fields, Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute told USA TODAY, but it's not a one-size-fits-all all solution when gendered pay difference maps across so many different systems, especially race.

"I think there's no silver bullet in the United States to close the gender pay gap," Gould said. "We have a lot more economic inequality in general."

Going to college and getting a salaried position might seem like the obvious answer, but research by Harvard professor Claudia Goldin found that even if women are college-educated and have high-paying jobs, long, inflexible hours exacerbate the gender pay gap.Goldin received a Nobel Prize in economics for her groundbreaking work on women in the labor market.

Motherhood penalty?: Fatherhood premium, motherhood penalty? What Nobel Prize economics winner's research shows

"Getting women in high-paying careers doesn't do anything about getting men involved with caretaking," Diehl said. Having a large class of salaried women doesn't disrupt precarious cycles of care work that historically employ Black and brown women, many of whom are immigrants, and have few employment options, Gould said.

"(Care workers) are women with less power to actually be able to bargain for better wages," Gould said. "The best way to get a wage increase is often to get an offer somewhere else. And if you've limited other offers, then you're not going to have that leverage."

And while U.S. women's workforce participation has recouped to pre-pandemic levels, that's not a signal to relax, Gould said. Prior to the pandemic, the goal posts for the gender gap hadn't moved much, she said, so it's important not to slip backward.

"The way we have set up our economy devalues the work women do," Gould said, adding even if women and men do the same jobs, there are still likely to be pay differences based on sex. Her tip: Always ask for pay transparency.

"I think that a lot of women don't even realize how much less are being paid," she said.

The U.S. also needs more women in leadership positions so that a dynamic range of voices are represented in decision-making, Diehl said.

"In a utopian society you would have complete diversity in all industries, including caretaking," Diehl said. "I think the way we're pushing current initiatives, they still reinforce inequality."

Large-scale efforts, such as Iceland's strike, are also an important strategy for change, Warner said.

"Iceland has ground to a halt because women refused to work," she said. "That shows really vividly just how much our society depends on the paid and unpaid labor of women. And sometimes you need those dramatic moments to compel decision-makers to take action. And I think that there's a lot to be learned from that here in the United States."

As for a strike, Diehl said she would love for something like this to happen in the U.S. "but like for a week, to really drive the point home."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iceland women revolt against gender pay gap. Can US learn from strike?
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Oxford Police Department says they have identified two women responsible for vandalizing a new park next to Oxford City Hall.

OPD says that at around 1 a.m. Tuesday, two women defaced the globe fountain at Pocket Park. The suspects were with a larger group of people when the incident happened.

Reports state that the damages will cost more than $5,000, which is a felony.

Oxford Police immediately posted pictures of the pair on Facebook along with a statement saying, The park was just dedicated this past Thursday by the Mayor. This behavior is unacceptable and we will pursue charges.

Police have not released the names of the suspects pending their arrest but they will be charged with felony malicious mischief.

It didnt take long for the act to spark outrage in Oxford.

Tuesday, Megan Wootten and Wendy Richard came to see what was left of the globe fountain after city crews replaced the globe on its mount. The damage included a long crack and two deep gashes in the concrete/fiberglass globe provided by the Oxford Rotary Club.

I noticed it first thing this morning, and the whole community of Oxford is sharing it so we can find these two ladies that are responsible for this nonsense, Wootten said.

They put the park here for something nice for people to enjoy, and then they want to come vandalize one of the main pieces, one of the art pieces, so its really sad, Richard said.

Photo by Mike Suriani, WREG

Photo by Mike Suriani, WREG

When the two suspects pushed the globe, they also disconnected the electric pump that sends water out the top of the art feature.

According to the City of Oxford, another globe fountain has been ordered but the cost to replace the concrete mount, redo the electric and plumbing, and labor was estimated at $5,000.

We just opened this new park, I mean, and its beautiful, and as soon as we open it, it gets destroyed for no reason, Wootten said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Women who dont have a college degree are going to bear the brunt of job losses in the future, a recent analysis found.

According to employment trends and predictions, the jobs non-college-educated women have typically found security in are going to decline, per the analysis.

Specifically, non-college women are slated to lose the most middle-wage jobs  jobs that have historically allowed them to provide for themselves and their family, the report by Third Way found. And unless there is a surge in women moving into traditionally male-dominated professions, job growth for non-college women will be concentrated in the lowest-paying sectors.

The analysis, performed on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projected jobs like cashiers and mail carriers, mostly held by people without a college degree, are going to see some of the biggest declines in employment in the next 10 years.

According to the gender breakdown of the occupations likely to see the most cuts, two-thirds of them are held by women, the report found.

In-office and administrative work will also see declines, the analysis predicted. These jobs have historically been held by women, and have offered good wages, benefits, and job security, all of which provided a dependable path into the middle-class for non-college women, it said.

Factors such as automation and outsourcing are reducing companies desire to hire someone and have the employee work in-house, Third Way found. And the remaining administrative jobs now tend to require a college degree.

The BLS predicted that slightly more than half of all jobs created in the industries experiencing the most growth will go toward women, although they will be low-wage occupations that pay less than $36,700 annually. Only 15 percent of new jobs that will go to women will make more than $110,100 each year, per the report.

As more college graduates enter the workforce and secure high-paying jobs, middle-wage jobs will continue to disappear, which will leave people without a college degree, specifically women, finding employment in low-paying positions, the analysis found.

Many of the positions women without college degrees will find themselves in will involve caring for others, Third Way reported.

Without efforts to increase the quality and pay for care-work jobs and an investment in more middle-class positions, non-college women will face further hurdles to gaining economic security, the organization found.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Harvey County judge last week ordered a 28-year-old Newton man to serve more than four years in prison for harming a disabled resident at a facility where he worked, according to a news release from Harvey County Attorney Heather L. Figger.

Michael Lee McJimsey was sentenced to 50 months by District Judge Jason Lane. McJimsey pleaded guilty on Aug. 17 to mistreating a dependent adult. Figger, in the release, said McJimsey battered the victim while he was employed at Heart Land Supports LLC. The organizations Facebook page says it provides day and residential supports for adults with intellectual disabilities. Its located at 313 Muse St. in Newton, the Facebook page says.

After prison, McJimsey must serve two years of post-release supervision, Figger said in the release.

Post release requires the Kansas Department of Corrections to supervise McJimsey for the 24 months after his release, she said.

McJimsey is subject to conditions of release set by the Kansas Department of Corrections. If he violates those conditions, he could be sent back to prison.

Lane handed down the sentence on Oct. 20.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Emily Rose

GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel is preparing a ground invasion of Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday while Israeli shelling killed more Palestinian civilians and international pressure grew to deliver aid and to safeguard hostages held by Hamas.

U.S. President Joe Biden , in remarks looking beyond the war that broke out with an Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants, said the future should include a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel should be integrated among its Arab neighbours, he said.

"Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live side by side in safety, dignity and in peace," Biden said at a joint press conference in Washington with visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Biden said he believed one reason Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages of different nationalities, was to prevent normalising relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Israeli retaliatory strikes have killed over 6,500 people, the health ministry in the Hamas-run strip said on Wednesday. Reuters has been unable to independently verify the casualty figures of either side.

Biden said he had no notion that the Palestinians were telling the truth about how many had been killed. "I'm sure innocents have been killed, and it's the price of waging a war."

At the United Nations, Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted Security Council resolution calling for pauses in hostilities to allow much needed food, water and medicine to be delivered to Palestinian civilians. The United Arab Emirates also voted no, while 10 members voted in favor and two abstained.

Russia made a rival proposal that advocated a wider ceasefire, but failed to win the minimum number of votes. Israel has resisted both, arguing that Hamas would only take advantage and create new threats to Gaza civilians.

Limited deliveries of food, medicine and water from Egypt restarted on Saturday through Rafah, the only crossing not controlled by Israel.

NETANYAHU SAYS ISRAEL HAS 'KILLED THOUSANDS OF TERRORISTS'

In Jerusalem, Netanyahu said the decision on when forces would go into Gaza would be taken by the government's special war cabinet, but he declined to provide any details on the timing or other information about the operation.

"We have already killed thousands of terrorists and this is only the beginning," Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

"Simultaneously, we are preparing for a ground invasion. I will not elaborate on when, how or how many. I will also not elaborate on the various calculations we are making, which the public is mostly unaware of and that is how things should be."

Israeli tanks and troops are massed on the border with Gaza awaiting orders. Israel has called up some 360,000 reservists.

International pressure is growing to delay any invasion of Gaza, not least because of hostages. More than half the estimated 220 hostages held by Hamas have foreign passports from 25 different countries, the Israeli government said.

The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. and Israeli officials, reported that Israel had agreed to delay invading Gaza for now so that the United States could rush missile defences to the region to protect U.S. forces there, reflecting its concern about the Gaza war spreading around the Middle East.

U.S. officials have so far persuaded Israel to hold off until U.S. air defence systems can be placed in the region, as early as this week, the Journal said.

Asked about the report, U.S. officials told Reuters that Washington has raised its concerns with Israel that Iran and Iranian-backed Islamist groups could escalate the conflict by attacking U.S. troops in the Middle East. An Israeli incursion into Gaza could be a trigger for Iranian proxies, they said.

VIOLENCE FLARES ELSEWHERE IN MIDEAST

As Israel stepped up bombings of south Gaza, violence flared elsewhere in the Middle East and a showdown loomed at the United Nations over aid to Palestinian civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom fled from north to south in the tiny coastal strip.

Israel had warned them it would bombard mainly the north to wipe out Hamas militants.

Among Wednesday's casualties, an internally displaced person was killed and 44 were injured in an air strike near an United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) school in the southern town of Rafah, said the agency, which is responsible for Palestinian refugees in the strip.

The school was sheltering 4,600 people and sustained severe collateral damage, an UNRWA statement said.

The Israeli-Hamas war has already kindled increased conflict well beyond Gaza.

Israeli warplanes struck Syrian army infrastructure in response to rockets fired from Syria, an ally of Iran.

Syrian state media said Israel had killed eight soldiers and wounded seven near the southwestern city of Deraa, and hit Aleppo airport in the northwest, already out of action.

Israel did not accuse the Syrian army of launching rockets but is suspicious of Iran, its arch-enemy which has a significant military and security presence in Syria.

Iran has sought regional ascendancy for decades and backs armed groups in Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere as well as Hamas. It has demanded Israel stop its onslaught on Gaza.

Israel said its forces also hit five squads in south Lebanon preparing attacks. Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group said 42 of its fighters had been killed since border clashes with Israel resumed after the Gaza war erupted.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Emily Rose, Yusri Mohammed, Andrew Mills, Paul Grant, Michelle Nichols and Humeyra Pamuk; writing by Philippa Fletcher, Mark Heinrich and Grant McCool; editing by Kevin Liffey, Nick Macfie, Angus MacSwan and Howard Goller)
At a July hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Republican members focused on social media companies' moderation of largely conservative viewpoints and accused the Biden administration of working hand-in-hand with tech companies to censor critics.

The First Amendment generally restricts the actions of the government and not purely private decisions of companies. A spirited, and unsettled, debate is emerging nationwide as to the extent of government pressure on platforms that should render a moderation decision a First Amendment violation.

But some members of the Weaponization Subcommittee sought to minimize the concerns about moderation without engaging in a nuanced discussion about government pressure, or "jawboning."

"I'm an attorney by training, and one of the things I learned very early on in constitutional law is that no right given to the people of the United States is absolute," Rep. Linda Sanchez (DCalif.) said when asking a witness about the harms of health misinformation. "And that includes the right to free speech because you do not have the right to shout fire in a crowded theater, because it could produce harm and death of people by being false."

Fire in a crowded theater. If you're discussing whether U.S. law should protect allegedly false speech, there is a good chance that someone will say these five words. That person likely wants the government to regulate harmful speech and justifies it by pointing out that the U.S. Supreme Court said that you can never yell "fire" in a crowded theater.

Like much of the speech that those invoking "fire in a crowded theater" are trying to prohibit, the statement is incorrect because sometimes you could yell "fire" in a crowded theater without facing punishment. The theater may actually be on fire. Or you may reasonably believe that the theater is on fire. Or you are singing in a concert, and "fire" is one of your lyrics. Of course, there are scenarios in which intentionally lying about a fire in a crowded theater and causing a stampede might lead to a disorderly conduct citation or similar charge.

The real problem with the "fire in a crowded theater" discourse is that it too often is used as a placeholder justification for regulating any speech that someone believes is harmful or objectionable. In reality, the Supreme Court has defined narrow categories of speech that are exempt from First Amendment protections and set an extraordinarily high bar for imposing liability for other types of speech. As the Supreme Court wrote in 2010, the United States does not have a "free-floating test for First Amendment coverage," and the free speech protections do not "extend only to categories of speech that survive an ad hoc balancing of relative social costs and benefits."

"Fire in a crowded theater" is a derivative of a line in a 1919 Supreme Court opinion, Schenck v. United States, an appeal by a Socialist Party official of his conviction for distributing leaflets that criticized the military draft as a 13th Amendment violation. The Court unanimously rejected his appeal, reasoning that the First Amendment's protections yield to a "clear and present danger" such as the leaflet. Writing for the Court, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote that the "most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic."

The crowded theater scenario was a hypothetical to support a low-burden "clear and present danger" test and the conviction of a military draft critic. Although the Supreme Court has never had the occasion to adjudicate an actual dispute involving a person yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, the Court did at least narrow its "clear and present danger test" in 1969, setting a higher standard for imminent incitement of lawless action.

Yet the "fire in a crowded theater" enthusiasts persist, and they use the hypothetical to justify regulating a wide swath of harmful or objectionable speech without seriously evaluating the unintended consequences of giving the government more censorial power. Just as you cannot yell "fire" in a crowded theater, they argue, you can't say insert false speech here.

But you often can utter or publish a falsehood without a regulator or court having the power to intervene, thanks to a long history of free speech precedent. These rights have not contracted; if anything, courts and legislators have expanded protections for false speech over the years. Of course, U.S. law does not protect all false speech. If a plaintiff meets the many stringent requirements for proving defamation, the defendant may be liable for damages. Regulators may oversee the claims that companies make about their products. Prosecutors may charge defendants with fraud, lying to government officials, and other crimes arising from false statements. There are even scenarios in which lying about a fire in a crowded theater could lead to liability. But the standards for holding speakers liable for false statements are high.

But such nuance is often absent in today's discussions of free speech. After mentioning the crowded theater, Sanchez confirmed with the witness that social media platforms have policies regarding health misinformation. "We are not trying to censor speech," Sanchez said. "We are simply trying to create factually correct information to prevent harm to people, including death, and that's what they were trying to do during COVID."

But alleged misinformation is speech. While some speech undisputedly can be regulated, the Supreme Court has explicitly rejected a broad exception for false speech. Invoking the crowded theater will not magically create an avenue for unchecked censorship.

The concerns about false speech have driven many commentators and politicians to propose new laws that would penalize at least some types of false statements that have long received legal protection. For many of the same reasons that courts and legislatures have protected falsehoods for centuries, imposing broad new "misinformation" laws would be stifling, ripe for abuse, inefficient, and largely inconsistent with the U.S. legal system's approach to false speech.

***

Among the most notable of such recent proposals came from Gov. Jay Inslee on the first anniversary of the January 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol. The Washington state Democrat issued a press release that touted his support for "legislation currently being written that would outlaw attempts by candidates and elected officials to spread lies about free and fair elections when it has the likelihood to stoke violence." State lawmakers, he said in the statement, were drafting a bill that would create a gross misdemeanor for elected officials or political candidates in Washington state who tell knowing lies about elections.

"The proposed law is narrowly tailored to capture only those false statements that are made for the purpose of undermining the election process or results and is further limited to lies that are likely to incite or cause lawlessness," Inslee said. Inslee appeared to rely on Brandenburg v. Ohio, the 1969 case that refined the Schenck v. United States "clear and present danger" test that Holmes articulated in 1919. "The U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that speech can be limited where it is likely to incite lawlessness," Inslee's press release stated. But the statement did not capture the narrowness of the Brandenburg opinion. In that ruling, the Court wrote that the First Amendment prohibits state regulation of advocacy unless that advocacy "is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action." Inslee's press release omitted any mention of an imminence requirement. As First Amendment scholar and Volokh Conspiracy blogger Eugene Volokh told Reason, imminence is a high bar. An example of imminent lawless action, Volokh said, is "standing outside a police station and yelling 'burn it down.'" Claiming fraudulent election results, Volokh said, is not incitement.

Therein was the problem with Inslee's initial proposal. While it was well-intentioned and arose from a legitimate desire to prevent a repeat of the unrest at the Capitol, Inslee could not easily explain how a politician's lie about election administration rose to the level of imminent incitement of lawless action.

Throughout January 2022, Inslee tried to justify the proposal as constitutional and urgently necessary. At an event on the day of his announcement, which took place as former President Donald Trump continued to contest the election results, Inslee resorted to a comfortable and censorious metaphor. "The defeated president as recently as an hour ago is yelling fire in the crowded theater of democracy," Inslee said. But no amount of references to fires or crowds or theaters could justify jailing politicians just because their speech was found to be untrue.

Perhaps in response to the criticism that Inslee's announcement received, lawmakers over the next few weeks consulted legal scholars and released a revised version of the bill. The proposal begins with legislative findings that contain bold statements about Washington state's election integrity. The bill would create a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, for any elected official or candidate who "knowingly, recklessly, or maliciously makes false statements or claims related to any pending or completed and certified election conducted in the state, regarding the legitimacy or integrity of the election process or election results," provided that the false speech: (1) is "intended to incite or produce imminent lawless action and do incite or produce such action resulting in harm to a person or to property"; (2) is "made for the purpose of undermining the election process or the election results"; or (3) "falsely claim[s] entitlement to an office that an elected official or candidate did not win after any lawful challenge made pursuant to this title is completed and the election results are certified."

To the credit of those who drafted the revised bill, they at least tried to hew more closely to the language of Brandenburg than Inslee did in his press release. But even the narrower languagetying the false statements to imminent lawless actionwas not guaranteed to survive constitutional scrutiny. And the revised bill covered two other types of false speech that were unrelated to the Brandenburg standard.

At a January 28, 2022, hearing on the bill, thenstate Sen. David Frockt (DSeattle), the bill's primary sponsor, discussed the delicate balancing act that was required to address election lies while adhering to United States v. Alvarez, Brandenburg, and other First Amendment precedents. "It's kind of like trying to drive a toaster through a car wash," Frockt said. "You have to get it just right. And so we do not take the First Amendment for granted. I don't. We don't treat it cavalierly." Others who testified were more skeptical both about the bill's constitutionality and its potential impacts.

Paul Guppy, vice president for research of the conservative Washington Policy Center think tank, pointed to the state's close 2004 gubernatorial election, which required a recount that lasted more than a month. "That was exactly a time period when we needed the maximum open and transparent debate of different opinions about what was happening with that election than ever," Guppy said. "If this bill had been in effect, public officials and candidates would have been restricted or chilled or fearful about what they could say about that election." The bill could undermine its primary goal, Guppy said. "It doesn't increase the confidence in the outcome of the election," he said. "It actually creates more suspicion when people are not allowed to debate the outcome of elections honestly."

The opposition was substantial enough to prevent the bill from passing. A few weeks after the hearing, Frockt issued a statement acknowledging that the proposal would not progress in the legislature in 2022.

***

Had the bill passed, would it have survived a constitutional challenge? It is hard to predict with certainty. The revised bill at least attempted to address First Amendment concerns by mimicking the Brandenburg imminent incitement standard. While adding the Brandenburg language increases the chances of the law surviving First Amendment challenges, it also reduces the number of scenarios in which the government could hold a politician accountable for lying about election integrity.

In a 1973 opinion, Hess v. Indiana, the U.S. Supreme Court highlighted the narrowness of the Brandenburg exception that it had articulated four years earlier. The case involved an antiwar protest at Indiana University. After police began clearing the street, the defendant said something like "We'll take the fucking street later" and was arrested for disorderly conduct. The Supreme Court reversed his conviction, finding that the Brandenburg exception did not apply. "Since the uncontroverted evidence showed that [the defendant's] statement was not directed to any person or group of persons, it cannot be said that he was advocating, in the normal sense, any action," the Court wrote. "And since there was no evidence, or rational inference from the import of the language, that his words were intended to produce, and likely to produce, imminent disorder, those words could not be punished by the State on the ground that they had a tendency to lead to violence."

Even with the Brandenburg language, the Washington law still might face First Amendment problems. A politician challenging the law might argue that the uncertainty about what constitutes imminent incitement would chill a wider swath of constitutionally protected speech. A politician who has legitimate concerns about how an election was administered may understandably refrain from saying anything to avoid even the prospect of being prosecuted and sentenced to up to a year in prison. Even though the prosecution would face a high burden of proving all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, it is not inconceivable that a politically biased judge could sway a guilty verdict. Even if they were not ultimately convicted, they would need to spend substantial time and money defending the case. Perhaps it is more attractive to not say anything about their concerns.

Nor does the bill's limitation to knowing, malicious, or reckless falsehoods directed toward particular goals eliminate concerns of a chilling effect, as illustrated in the 8th Circuit's opinion in 281 Care Committee v. Arneson. In striking down a Minnesota law that criminalized intentional falsehoods about ballot questions, the court rejected the argument that limiting the misdemeanor to intentional falsehoods avoided constitutional problems. "The risk of chilling otherwise protected speech is not eliminated or lessened by the mens rea requirement because, as we have already noted, a speaker might still be concerned that someone will file a complaint with the [Office of Administrative Hearings], or that they might even ultimately be prosecuted, for a careless false statement or possibly a truthful statement someone deems false, no matter the speaker's veracity," the court wrote. "Or, most cynically, many might legitimately fear that no matter what they say, an opponent will utilize [the law] to simply tie them up in litigation and smear their name or position on a particular matter, even if the speaker never had the intent required to render him liable."

Even if the Washington bill were somehow found to comport with the First Amendment, I question whether it would meet its goals of instilling further confidence in elections and preventing repeats of the January 6 violence. The mere presence of the law on Washington state's books might make some segments of the public more skeptical of the state's elections procedures, perhaps fueling speculation that politicians might be aware of problems but stay quiet out of fear of jail time. This would not be an unreasonable worry; after all, they might think, why would Washington state need to threaten politicians with jail time if its elections actually were secure?

It is far from certain that such a law would substantially reduce the most harmful false speech about elections. Trump and some other elected officials spread false claims about the 2020 elections, but they were not the only ones. Washington state's proposed law does not (and could not) regulate false speech spread by talk radio hosts, social media trolls, foreign governments, and others.

The opposition to and failure of Washington state's proposal reveals the many difficulties of addressing falsehoods through legal penalties. First Amendment precedent guides the legal analysis, but even if it survived a constitutional challenge, the law would reveal many practical problems in effectively regulating false speech. All the reasons for allowing falsehoods apply to arguments against new misinformation regulations. Censorial new laws threaten to chill the ability of people to express criticism of those in power. They also reduce the ability of speakers to shine light on public functions such as the elections system. And it's unclear whether they are effective.

This article is adapted from Liar in a Crowded Theater: Freedom of Speech in a World of Misinformation by permission of Johns Hopkins University Press.

The post How To Yell 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater appeared first on Reason.com.
Jenna Ellis , a member of Donald Trump s team of lawyers who helped challenge the results of the 2020 election, has taken a plea deal in Georgia.

Ellis on Tuesday pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings in connection with the scheme to overturn President Joe Bidens win. She was sentenced to five years probation and community service, and has agreed to testify truthfully against other defendants in the case.

In a tearful statement to the court Ellis stated that she had failed to do [her] due diligence.

I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience than I to provide me with true and reliable information, she said. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post election challenges. I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse.

Fulton County prosecutor: How do you plead to aiding and abetting false statements and writings?



Trump co-defendant Jenna Ellis: Guilty. pic.twitter.com/E9JAn8hL85  The Recount (@therecount) October 24, 2023

Ellis was charged alongside Trump and 17 others in August with having participated in a sprawling racketeering scheme to subvert Georgias 2020 election results. Ellis was indicted on two counts: having violated Georgias RICO act, and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. The second charge related directly to her alleged participation in the fake electors scheme, a ploy by Trumps allies to replace electoral college votes for President Biden with an alternate slate of pro-Trump electors.

Ellis is the fourth of Trumps co-defendants to plead guilty, joining bail bondsman Scott Hall, coup plotter Ken Chesebro, and Trump election lawyer Sidney Powell. Rolling Stone reported last week that Powells plea last week surprised the former president, in particular, as he and his team believed she really believed what she was pushing about the election being rigged, according to a lawyer close to Trump.

Trump tried to claim over the weekend that Powell was never his attorney.

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NEW YORK -- Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday that more than 100 migrants were housed in a Manhattan shelter even though it ultimately was found to be unsafe because the city has few options  and that New Yorkers could soon see migrants sleeping on the streets.

We are out of room, Adams said.

The removal of migrants Monday from the shelter at the old Touro College building on the West Side was prompted by an FDNY inspection that found it didnt have a functioning fire safety system in place.

At a news briefing Tuesday, Adams said the migrant crisis has become so dire in the city that it isnt a matter of if people will be sleeping on the streets, its when.

What we are concerned about is we are going to run out of places, and youre going to start to see people sleeping on the streets, he said, later adding, This is going to hurt, and its not going to be pretty.

Regarding the situation at the Touro building  and vacate orders at migrant shelters  Adams said migrants arent going to be put in places where a life-threatening issue exists and that the city wouldnt violate safety laws.

Fire alarms have been out of service at the Touro shelter for months. Adams chief of staff, Camille Joseph Varlack said the city put in place mitigating strategies like hiring people to serve as fire guards during that time period. When the FDNY returned to conduct additional inspections, Varlack said, they found the citys safety measures insufficient.

Every single location was opened with the FDNY and Department of Buildings having come in and done an inspection, she said.

A spokesman for the FDNY declined to comment on the situation at Touro and referred questions to Adams press office.

Shelters such as the one at Touro were initially viewed as stopgaps for housing migrants, according to one administration official. When FDNY inspectors examined the facility, they did so with that in mind, but after three months  when it became clear it was no longer functioning in a temporary capacity  the inspectors opted to shut it down, the official noted.

The Touro facility is one of several city-run sites the fire department has slapped with vacate orders due to safety violations. Another site on that list includes St. Johns Villa Academy, a shuttered Staten Island school that was the target of anti-migrant protests for weeks.

Adams wouldnt say Tuesday how many migrant shelters have received similar vacate orders from the fire department.

The controversy over where and how to shelter migrants has been boiling over for months. Adams has projected the migrant crisis will cost the city $12 billion by 2025 and has said it will destroy the city if not addressed properly. At turns, hes taken swipes at both President Joe Biden and the state government for not doing enough to help the city.

On Tuesday, his deputy mayor, Anne Williams-Isom directed her own frustration at the state government, noting that it has only accepted about 20 families as part of the its migrant resettlement program  a drop in the bucket when considering the more than 120,000 migrants whove arrived to the city since last year and more than 60,000 remain in city care.

I wish I could say I could stop at 20 families, she said. Every day we are trying to figure out how do we make sure that people are where they need to be.

She added that the city has referred over 100 families to the state program and that about 75 units are now available.

Theyve hit some obstacles, she said of the states resettlement efforts. Were waiting for furniture, or were waiting for other things. I might be like, Lets put an air mattress in there and lets get this done. Somehow people dont have the same sense of urgency, I think, that we do.

Williams-Isom said the situation shows why the city needed to force single adult migrants out of shelter after 30 days and families with children out after 60 days  a policy thats weathered criticisms for creating more chaos and instability for already struggling asylum seekers.

Thats the only way Im going to be able to make space in this system for people who come through the front door, she said.

Adams voiced his own frustrations Tuesday.

He told reporters he wants ideas from anywhere on the globe about how to help address the crisis and suggested his administration hold a roundtable with those who have great ideas that think they know how to solve this problem.

Im open to have folks come into the room with their ideas of how they solve having 2,500 people and somedays 4,000 a week, he said.

The mayor also said that accepting migrants sleeping on the streets is new territory for the city. While planning around that is not yet entirely clear, the city would aim to prioritize assistance for children and families.
(CNN)  Rapid melting of West Antarcticas ice shelves may now be unavoidable as human-caused global warming accelerates, with potentially devastating implications for sea level rise around the world, new research has found.

Even if the world meets ambitious targets to limit global heating, West Antarctica will experience substantial ocean warming and ice shelf melting, according to the new study published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Ice shelves are tongues of ice that jut out into the ocean at the end of glaciers. They act like buttresses, helping hold ice back on the land, slowing its flow into the sea and providing an important defense against sea level rise. As ice shelves melt, they thin and lose their buttressing ability.

While there has been growing evidence ice loss in West Antarctica may be irreversible, there has been uncertainty about how much can be prevented through climate policies.

The researchers looked at basal melting, when warm ocean currents melt the ice from beneath. They analyzed the rate of ocean warming and ice shelf melting under different climate change scenarios. These ranged from the ambitious, where the world manages to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, to the worst-case, where humans burn large amounts of planet-heating fossil fuels.

They found if the world limits temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which it is not on track to do, climate change could still cause the ocean to warm at three times the historical rate.

Even significantly cutting planet-heating pollution now will have limited power to prevent warmer oceans from triggering the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet, the report found.

It appears that we may have lost control of the West Antarctic ice melting over the 21st century, said Kaitlin Naughten, an ocean modeler with the British Antarctic Survey and lead author of the study.

West Antarctica is already the continents largest contributor to global sea level rise and has enough ice to raise sea levels by an average of 5.3 meters, or more than 17 feet. Its home to the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday glacier, because its collapse could raise sea levels by several feet, forcing coastal communities and low-lying island nations to either build around sea level rise or abandon these places, Naughten said.

While the study focused on ice shelf melting and did not directly quantify the impacts on sea level rise, we have every reason to expect that sea level rise would increase as a result, as West Antarctica speeds up this loss of ice into the ocean, Naughten said.

Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder who was not involved with the study, said the findings are sobering. They build on existing research that paints an alarming picture of whats happening to the planets southernmost continent, he told CNN.

The thing thats depressing is the committed nature of sea level rise, particularly for the next century, Scambos told CNN. People who are alive today are going to see a significant increase in the rate of sea level rise in all the coastal cities around the world.

The only way to really stop the rapid ice melting, Scambos said, would be not just to cut levels of planet-heating pollution but also to remove some that has already built up. This will be a real challenge, he said.

Some scientists sounded a note of caution about the study. Tiago Segabinazzi Dotto, senior research scientist at the National Oceanography Centre in the UK, said it should be treated carefully as it is based on a single model.

However, its conclusions do agree with previous research in the region, he told the Science Media Center, giving confidence that this study needs to be taken in consideration for policymakers.

Naughten and her colleagues acknowledged their study has limits  predicting future rates of melting in West Antarctica is very complex and its impossible to account for every possible future outcome. But, looking at the range of scenarios, the report authors said they were confident the melting of ice shelves is now unavoidable.

The question of doom and gloom is something Ive spent a lot of time thinking about with this study, because how do you tell such a bad news story? Naughten said.

Conventional wisdom is supposed to give people hope, and I dont see a lot of hope in this story, she added, but its what the science tells me and its what I have to communicate to the world.

West Antarctic ice shelf melting is one impact of climate change we are probably just going to have to adapt to and that very likely means some amount of sea level rise we cannot avoid, Naughten said.

But although the outlook is dire, humanity cannot give up on slashing fossil fuel emissions, Naughten said. Devastating impacts can still be avoided in other parts of Antarctica and the rest of the world, she noted.
More news has been revealed about Anderson .Paaks K-POPS!.

The upcoming film also produced by Paak along with Stampede Ventures. Rapper Dumbfoundead (aka Jonnie Park) and Yvette Nicole Brown will also star.

The film focuses on a Los Angeles-based musician whose career has seen better days. But after going to Seoul to try his hand at becoming a K-Pop star, he realizes he has a chance at something betterreconnecting with his son.

According to the description:

K-POPS! is about a washed-up musician from Los Angeles who attempts to reinvigorate his career by joining the band for a K-Pop competition show in Seoul and discovers that his long-lost son has the chance to front one of the countrys hottest new groups. He jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on his sons stardom for his own renaissance but learns that fatherhood is much more fulfilling and meaningful.

Live Nation Productions and Stampede Ventures talked about how they feel to work on the project.

Anderson .Paak is an exceptional storyteller and creative talent, and were looking forward to supporting him as he steps out for his directorial debut, said Live Nation Productions head of production and development Ryan Kroft in a statement.

Stampede Ventures president Chris Bosco added, K-POPS! is a prime example of what Stampede is all about. We develop, package, physically produce and finance the film, creating a 360 degree approach to franchising the brand beyond just the movie, including music and cross-promotional opportunities for the brand. We are thrilled to have Live Nation Productions as a strategic partner and investor in the project.

Stampede Ventures Greg Silverman and Jon Berg with produce with EST Studios Jaeson Ma. .Paak will produce via his company APESHIT Films, and Park will also produce via his production company Big Dummie. Khalia Amazan will executive produce with Stampede Ventures Gideon Yu, Bosco and Grant Torre as well as Tadross and EST Studios Eric Tu.

Other additions to the films production team include Former Paramount exec Michael Tadross, who has been hired to lead the films physical production, and Live Nation Productions, which has provided an equity investment for the films production and will take part as a strategic partner.

Principal photography is set to begin Oct. 30 in Los Angeles, with additional filming in South Korea and AlUla, the latter of which is described as a historic and culturally significant region of Saudi Arabia and scouted through The Royal Commissions film agency, Film AlUla.
White supremacist Brenton Tarrant shot and killed 51 Muslim worshippers in two mosques on March 15, 2019 (JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON)

An inquest into New Zealand's 2019 mosque killings opened Tuesday, with relatives of the 51 people who died in the massacre hoping to discover if any lives could have been saved.

White supremacist Brenton Tarrant shot and killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two Christchurch mosques on March 15, 2019, in New Zealand's deadliest modern-day mass shooting.

Deputy chief coroner Brigitte Windley opened the inquiry in Christchurch, saying it would "look at what we may learn from this atrocity and speak for those who have lost their lives in an effort to protect the living".

Maha Galal, spokesperson for the "15 March Whanau Trust" representing some of the victims' relatives, said there was an "urgent need for answers".

"Our paramount concern is to comprehend the truth," Galal said in a statement before the inquiry began.

Family and friends packed the courtroom for the emotionally charged opening session, which included a moving video tribute to each of the 51 victims.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Farrant then gave an outline of the attacks, saying 49 people were murdered in the space of 19 minutes -- with two more later dying of their injuries in hospital.

The detective described the homicide investigation launched in the wake of the attacks as "the largest" ever undertaken by New Zealand police, "with the size and scope of the offending being unprecedented in our history".

Observers were shown a harrowing video depicting Tarrant's movements around Christchurch on the day of the attack, including footage he had filmed using a GoPro camera.

Tarrant's first attack on the Al Noor mosque would ultimately result in 44 people dying.

He then drove about 10 minutes to the nearby Linwood Islamic Centre, where he would kill seven more worshippers.

The inquest will examine the response times of police and emergency services, the medical response at each of the mosques, whether Tarrant was helped in planning the attack, and whether any lives could have been saved.

"This pursuit of truth is crucial for healing and closure," said Galal.

The families of the victims "are united in their pursuit of understanding, seeking clarity on whether their loved ones could have survived", Galal added.

- 'Base hatred' -

The killings carried out by Tarrant, an Australian former gym instructor from the rural New South Wales town of Grafton, horrified New Zealand and sparked global revulsion.

After admitting to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism, he was sentenced in August 2020 to life imprisonment without parole.

In his sentencing, Judge Cameron Mander said Tarrant's "warped" ideology and "base hatred" led him to murder defenceless men, women and children.

Tarrant had livestreamed the killings on social media and published a manifesto online before carrying out the attacks.

Then-prime minister Jacinda Ardern quickly moved to tighten gun laws in the aftermath and put pressure on social media giants to curb online extremism.

Galal said the victims' families hoped the inquest would provide some closure and highlight ways such an attack could be prevented in future.

"We believe that there is much we can learn from what happened on March 15, 2019, so that we are all prepared, as a community, if such a tragedy happens again which we pray will not happen."

ryj/sft/smw
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will keep up military pressure on Russian-occupied Crimea, he said in a video address to a security conference in Prague on Tuesday that was marred by technical glitches and a possible hack attack.

Kyiv has ramped up strikes on Russian forces in the Black Sea and Crimea, which was seized and annexed by Moscow in 2014, as Ukrainian forces press on with a nearly five-month-old counteroffensive.

In remarks affected by technical glitches, including one that intermittently modulated his voice to a higher pitch, Zelenskiy said the "illusion" of Russia's domination of Crimea and the Black Sea had been shattered.

"The Russian (Black Sea) fleet is no longer able to operate in the western part of the Black Sea and is gradually fleeing from Crimea," Zelenskiy said. "And this is a historic achievement."

Ukrainian attacks in and around Crimea have included strikes on a Russian air base on the peninsula, a Black Sea Fleet command post in Sevastopol, and the only bridge linking Crimea to Russia.

The attacks have highlighted Kyiv's growing capabilities, which also include naval drones, as Moscow continues bombarding Ukraine from afar with long-range missiles and assault drones.

"We have not yet gained full fire control over Crimea and surrounding waters, but we will," Zelenskiy told a meeting of the Crimea Platform, a diplomatic initiative he launched in 2021. "This is a question of time."

A spokesperson for the Czech parliamentary speaker said the website for the event, which brought together lawmakers from various countries, "had come under a hacking attack" but did not specify by whom.

Zelenskiy's spokesman said there had been a technical glitch but did not address the apparent voice modulation. A Czech parliamentary spokesperson said the effect was only due to a "bad signal".

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Additional reporting by Jan Lopatka and Pavel Polityuk; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Ukraine will soon have fire control capabilities over occupied Crimea, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an online address to the second parliamentary summit of the international Crimea Platform on Oct. 24.

Russian air defense in the peninsula have been consistently degraded, he said, and although Ukraine does not currently have complete control of the skies over Crimea, it is only "a matter of time."

Zelensky noted that Russia's Black Sea Fleet has suffered such significant losses that a new naval base is planned to open in Abkhazia, a Russian-occupied region of Georgia located on the Black Sea, in order to move ships "as far as possible from Ukrainian missiles and naval drones."

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Reports about the degradation of the Black Sea Fleet have been echoed by Ukraine's allies. U.K. Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said on Oct. 3 that Ukraine's attacks on the Black Sea Fleet have led to a "functional defeat" of Russia's navy in the Black Sea, a victory that is "every bit as important" as Ukraine's surprise counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast in the autumn of 2022.

Ukrainian forces have struck significant blows to the Russian military and navy operating in occupied Crimea and the Black Sea in recent months. A Ukrainian missile attack hit the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol on Sept. 22, killing dozens of Russian officers.

Zelensky also remarked on other Ukrainian achievements relating to occupied Crimea and the Black Sea. He noted that pro-Ukrainian sentiments in Crimea have become more pronounced, shaking the illusion that the peninsula had come firmly under Russia's thumb.

The president also commented on Ukraine's successes in maintaining the humanitarian shipping corridor in the Black Sea despite Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the grain deal in July 2023 and subsequent threats to civilian cargo ships operating there.

Almost 50 ships have picked up cargo since the opening of the new export corridor in August, Zelensky said, and the arrival of another 50 has been announced.

The Second Parliamentary Summit of the Crimean Platform is being hosted in Prague, Czech Republic.

Since its inaugural summit on Aug. 23, 2021, it has gathered participants from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, including the EU.

Read also: Uncertain Triumph: Ukraine picks apart Russias best air defenses in Crimea

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy , President of Ukraine, has signed the dismissal decree, which stipulates that Bohdan Danylyshyn is removed from office as a member of the Council of the National Bank of Ukraine.

The corresponding decree 707/2023 has been published on the Presidents website.

The document says that Danylyshyn was dismissed due to the end of his term in office.

The decree came into force on the day it was published.

Background: Danylyshyn was appointed as a member of the National Bank of Ukraine Council in 2016, by the decree of then President Petro Poroshenko.

In October 2016, the Council of the National Bank of Ukraine chose Danylyshyn as its head.

In November 2022, Danylyshyn left office as the head of the Council due to the end of his term in office.

After that, Danylyshyn rejoined the Council as its member.

In 2007-2010, Danylyshyn was the Minister of Economy in the government of Yulia Tymoshenko.

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PM addresses at Vijaya Dashami celebrations in Dwarka, Delhi

New Delhi, Tue, 24 Oct 2023 NI Wire

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today witnessed Ram Leela at Dwarka in Delhi and saw Ravan Dahan.

Addressing on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that Vijaydashimi is a festival of victory of justice over injustice, of humility over arrogance and patience over anger. He said this is also a day of renewing pledges.

The Prime Minister noted that this time we are celebrating Vijay Dashmi exactly two months after the Chandrayaan landing. Referring to the Shastr Poojan tradition on this day, the Prime Minister emphasized that in India weapons are not used for annexation but for defence. He said that Shakti Pooja means wishing for the happiness, well being, victory and glory of the entire creation. He emphasized the eternal and modern aspects of Indian philosophy. "We know maryada (boundaries) of Ram as well as also how to defend our borders", Prime Minister Modi said.

The Prime Minister said "the temple being built on the birthplace of Lord Ram is a symbol of victory for the patience of us Indians after centuries of waiting." He said next Ram Navmi, prayers at the temple will spread happiness in the entire world. "Bhagawan Shri Ram bas aane hi wale hain", Lord Rams arrival is imminent, the Prime MInister said. Recalling signs of arrival described in Ramcharitmanas, the Prime Minister mentioned similar signs now, such as India's economy becoming the fifth largest economy, landing on moon, new Parliament Building, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. "India is today emerging as the world's largest democracy as well as the most trusted democracy", he said. As Lord Ram is coming under such auspicious signs, the Prime Minister said that "in a way, after 75 years of independence, India's fortunes are now going to rise."

He emphasized the need to stay vigilant against the forces of pathologies that wreck harmony of the society, casteism and regionalism and thinking that is about selfishness instead of development of India. "We should take a pledge to end evils and discrimination in the society", he said.

The Prime MInister reiterated the importance of the next 25 years for India. "We have to create an India of Lord Ram's ideas. A developed India, which is self-reliant, a developed India, which gives the message of world peace, a developed India, where everyone has equal rights to fulfill their dreams, a developed India, where people feel a sense of prosperity and satisfaction. This is Ram Raj's vision", he said.

In this light, the Prime Minister asked everyone to take 10 resolutions such as saving water, promoting digital transactions, cleanliness,vocal for local, making quality products, seeing the country before thinking of foreign, promotion of natural farming, prompting and adopting millets, fitness and finally "we will raise the social status of at least one poor family by becoming a member of their household." The Prime MInister concluded "as long as there is even a single poor person in the country who does not have basic facilities, no house, electricity, gas, water, no treatment facilities, we will not rest."

Source: PIB Delhi
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu Despite moves by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the political rift in Ondo State, the State Assembly has written a fresh letter to the state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to constitute a panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Recall that the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, had constituted a high-powered panel to resolve issues between Aiyedatiwa, the State Assembly, and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. But in a letter signed by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, the House said the impeachment process resumed after the expiration of the ex parte order of the Federal High Court. The letter was titled, Request to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, following the expiration of the interim injunction of the Federal High Court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023 by operation of the law. The letter read in part, The Ondo State House of Assembly had on 3rd October 2023 requested Your Lordship to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled by the House against the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in line with Section 188 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). In a reply letter dated October 6, 2023, Your Lordship acknowledged and quoted Section 188 (10) of the Constitution, which states that No proceedings or determination of the House of Assembly or the panel or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court. Your Lordship, however, opined that until the ex parte order made on September 26, 2023, by the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court restraining you from setting up the panel was either vacated or set aside, your hands would continue to be tied. However, from the facts and legal advice at the disposal of the House, the said order has now elapsed and/or become extinguished by the operation of the law, in view of the clear provisions of Order 26 Rule 10 (2) & (3) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. Your Lordship would agree that the said order has elapsed by the operation of the law and no longer constitutes an encumbrance for Your Lordship to discharge the sacred constitutional obligation placed on your office by virtue of Section 188 (5) of the Constitution to set up the seven-man panel. Consequently, the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly hereby calls on Your Lordship to kindly constitute the panel without any further delay. Recall that the House had suspended the impeachment process against the deputy governor following the intervention of the national leadership of the APC. The Speaker had, at the Abuja meeting with the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party stalwarts, announced that the House had suspended the impeachment process. The House subsequently called on Aiyedatiwa to withdraw all the suits filed against the lawmakers and Akeredolu. NAIJANEWS

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The Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos has sentenced the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Femi Olaleye, to life imprisonment for raping his wifes niece.

The presiding judge, Rahman Oshodi, in a ruling on Tuesday, convicted Olaleye on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.

The judge ruled that the defendant should serve life imprisonment for count one and the same for count two.

However, the judge said the sentencing should run concurrently.

Naija News recalls that the doctor was accused of sexually violating a minor, who was said to be a niece of his wife, for over 20 months.

Olaleye was then arraigned by the Lagos state governmen, in November 2022, on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.
Eighteen lakes across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall, including Big Lake in Council Bluffs.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months, according to a news release.

Big Lake will be stocked Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 3 p.m.

Grab your neighbors, friends and kids and try trout fishing this fall, said Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa DNR Fisheries Bureau. Its time well spent. The fish are here, easy to catch and good to eat.

The fall community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a night crawler or corn under a small bobber or small simple spinners such as a Panther Martin or Mepps is all you need to get in on the fun.

Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a close to home option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. A family friendly event is often paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing. Check the Iowa DNR Trout Fishing website to see which lakes are having events.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.

Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.

Find more information at iowadnr.gov/fishing/trout-fishing.
A painting by a 20th century muralist who hailed from Council Bluffs will soon be on display at Iowa Western Community College.

The college will unveil Louis Grell's "Three Muses" at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, according to a news release. The painting will be displayed in The Arts Center at Iowa Western, where the public can view it during regular hours of operation.

"Three Muses" was given to Iowa Western by the M. Christine Schwartz Collection, a privately owned collection of paintings by Chicago artists from the mid-19th and 20th centuries.

Grell was born in Council Bluffs in 1887, and he developed an interest for drawing and design at a young age. He studied art in Europe and went on to teach art in Chicago. Walt Disney was among his students.

Grell is known for numerous murals, including the Union Station in St. Louis and a memorial to his parents in St. Johns Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. But he was also an accomplished portrait painter, and he received the Harry Frank prize for figure composition in 1930 and the Municipal Art League prize for portraiture in 1936.

The Schwartz Collection sought to display "Three Muses" in Grell's hometown. The painting dates to 1934 and depicts three statuesque women against a backdrop of slender trees and grasses, the release stated.

Iowa Western is grateful for the generous donation from the M. Christine Schwartz Collection, Iowa Western President Dan Kinney said.

The piece was originally untitled, but it became known as "Three Muses" despite the fact that only one of the depicted women can be identified with the muses of Greek mythology.

An earlier version of "Three Muses" was incorporated into the mural design of the Gateway Theatre in Chicago, according to the Louis Grell Foundation.

"The sleek, elongated forms and the delicate patterns of foliage are among the features that link 'Three Muses' with the Art Deco-inflected classicism that was popular in the 1930s, according to the news release.

The Oct. 27 event includes remarks from Kinney and Richard Grell, his grand-nephew.

***

Here's a look at some other upcoming events:

Tuesday, Oct. 24

 Hitchcock Nature Center will hold its Hitchcock Hike for Health Club for visitors age 50 and older from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free with $5 paid entry per vehicle to the park. Advanced registration is required.

 Ride your bike along First Avenue with the Railway Wednesday Bike Rides from 6 to 7 p.m. with a social hour at 5 p.m. Starting at the Railway Inn, the approximately 15 mile ride will go a different route each week over mostly flat terrain. Families, novice and amateur bicyclists are welcome. No one will be left behind.

 Don a costume and head to the Council Bluffs Public Library between 6:30 and 8 p.m. to take photos against a green screen backdrop. You can then use software like Adobe Photoshop to transform your photo's background.

Thursday, Oct. 26

 The Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College hosts the Russ Taff Benefit Concert from 6 to 9 p.m. Taff is known for his vocals and contributing to the Christian music scene.

 Hop on your bike for the weekly Taco Ride along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail starting at 5 p.m. and concluding about 20 miles through the Loess Hills with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. Most riders start at the Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park, 4102 Harry Langdon Blvd., which offers parking.

 The 746 Needlework Club meets 6 to 8 p.m. at the Council Bluffs Public Library for knitting, crochet and embroidery of all skill levels. Bring your own supplies or project.

 Visit Wenday (of Deja-Vu) and Pam (of Stella & Irene's) for an evening of Halloween fun throughout the Haunted Park Building, including ghost stories, a costume contest with cash prizes, sweet and savory food options, wine tastings and games. The festivities run from 6 to 9 p.m.

 Author John Irving will discuss his most recent novel, "The Last Chairlift," and his other work with the Author Chat Book Club at the Council Bluffs Public Library from 7 to 8 p.m.
After the states first case of bird flu this fall was recorded late last week in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County in Northwest Iowa, two additional cases were reported Monday.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the new cases are in a commercial turkey flock in Pocahontas County and a mixed-species backyard flock in Guthrie County.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday immediately issued a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County, her office announced. The proclamation makes available resources from the state Agriculture and Homeland Security departments, plus other agencies, to assist with managing the disease and preventing its spread.

Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Monday for Pocahantas County, making available the same state resources to assist with tracking and monitoring, containment, disposal and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.

Before Friday, the only other bird flu cases confirmed this year were in January  also in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County  and in March in a backyard flock in Chickasaw County.

There were 30 confirmed cases of bird flu in Iowa in 2022, according to state records.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent cases of bird flu do not present an immediate public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products with proper handling and cooking.

Producers who suspect signs of bird flu in their flocks should contact their veterinarian immediately, along with state officials at 515-281-5305.

$470,000 awarded to advance rural development

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority recently announced that more than $470,000 in grants have been awarded to communities across the state to support rural initiatives, including child care, housing and leadership development.

The grants were awarded through the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, which Reynolds created in 2018 to drive investment and growth and expand high-speed broadband internet service in rural Iowa.

A list of the grant recipients is available at https://bit.ly/45D56ak.

Buchanan and Story counties plan to use the grant money to launch local leadership programs. Seven cities, including Independence, were awarded Rural Housing Assessment Grants of $10,000 each to help understand and improve local housing conditions. Three organizations  the city of Cascade, Decatur County Hospital and Jackson County Economic Alliance  were awarded rural child care planning grants of $10,000 each.

Reynolds also signed an executive order shifting the focus of the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative as a startup incubator for innovative rural policy. Other changes are designed to streamline operations for efficiency, including a transition from three task forces to one. The initiative will continue to be co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and a representative from the Iowa Rural Development Council appointed by Reynolds.

I'm excited to work with the restructured committee, with a clear focus on innovative and impactful rural policy, Gregg said in a news release. We look forward to building on programs like Iowa United First Aid (a pilot program aimed at decreasing emergency response times in rural Iowa) as we address some of the tough challenges and amazing opportunities in rural Iowa.

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors move to IowaWORKS

Eighteen Vocational Rehabilitation counselors who work with job candidates in offices across from the Iowa Capitol complex will be moving to the IowaWORKS job center in south Des Moines.

The state agency helps Iowans with disabilities find and keep a job, explore college and vocational training, access economic support via Social Security disability benefits, and live independently in their homes.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services was recently moved from the Iowa Department of Education to Iowa Workforce Development as part of Gov. Kim Reynolds state government reorganization plan. The move, according to IWD, is designed to improve efficiency and expand access to workforce services for Iowans with disabilities.

Starting Friday, counselors will begin working from the IowaWORKS office at 200 Army Post Road in Des Moines.

By putting agency staff together who do the same or similar work, we hope to learn from each other and find new ways to improve the service we deliver to Iowans, Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development, said in a statement.

Finance and administration members of the Vocational Rehabilitation team moved earlier this month to the IWD offices at 1000 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Information technology staffers are expected to follow in early November. Plans call for the Vocational Rehabilitation division to fully vacate its portion of the Jessie Parker Building by the end of November.

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors will see job candidates at the Jessie Parker Building through Wednesday. The division will close to the public Thursday to facilitate the move, then reopen at IowaWORKS on Friday.

For more information on Vocational Rehabilitation Services, visit ivrs.iowa.gov.

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Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, wife of Gabons former leader Ali Bongo Ondimba, will remain in detention in Libreville main prison after the investigative judge turned down her defense teams bailout request, Gabon Review reports.

The Franco-Gabonese woman was sent to prison on October 12, after long hours of hearing in an alleged case of money laundering and other offenses, including concealment and forgery.

A public prosecutor charged her on September 29 for the offenses one month after her husband was removed from power by the current transitional leader General Brice Oligui Nguema.

The investigative judge had given her defense 10 days to prepare evidence for her release on bail but the lawyers failed to secure her release (on bail), Gabon Review reports citing the court.

The judge ruled for the extension of her detention until her trial begins. Sylvia Bongo Ondimba had been under house arrest in the capital Libreville since her husband was overthrown.

Her eldest son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has also been charged with corruption and embezzling public funds with several former Cabinet members and two ex-ministers.
Egyptian holding company GYPTO pharma and several other local companies signed Monday $129.44 million worth of contracts with Saudi Arabian Med City Pharma company to transfer drug manufacturing technology and production to the kingdom, Ahram Online reports.

Under the deal, GYPTO Pharma will also manufacture some of its drug brands in Med Citys factories in the Gulf country. Amr Mamdouh, Chairman of GYPTO Pharma, indicated that the agreement also includes registering some Egyptian drug brands in the kingdom, paving the way for more cooperation.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2023, held on 22-23 October in Riyadh, the Egyptian media notes.

GYPTO pharma brands itself as the first of the art Medicine city in the region containing diversified highly skilled team occupied with best production facility and high standards machines and systems.

The Medicine city launched in 2021 is a specialized hub in manufacturing various medicines and vaccines, covering 180,000 square meters in Khankah, Qalyubiyah, north of Cairo.

Egypts pharmaceutical market ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2023, with a $56.6 billion market value.
Tanzanias government has signed a 30-year port management agreement with Dubai-based logistics firm DP World, hoping the deal would boost exchanges with landlocked neighboring countries and reduce unloading times at the countrys largest port.

The Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania will soon be modernized amid a 30-year concession agreement with the Emirati logistics giant that was inked in the presence of the countrys President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday (22 October). The multimillion-dollar deal looks set to further entrench the dominance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Africas freight industry.

Tanzania Ports Authority immediately sought to allay any concerns by announcing that DP World will only operate four berths of the port, located in the countrys financial capital, and not the entire port, with its performance to be reviewed every five years. But the opposition and civil society have still protested the government decision to have a foreign logistics company manage Tanzanias ports, with more than 22 people having been arrested so far, according to Amnesty International.

The development (of the port) will deliver trade opportunities for the region, connecting East Africa and broader sub-Saharan Africa with global markets, driving economic growth, job creation, enhanced access to products and service, and creating value for all our stakeholders, said DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

However, the reports of the $250m deal that first emerged in July sparked criticism by the opposition that it violated Tanzanias constitution and endangers national sovereignty. Chronic inefficiency, corruption allegations and competition in freight management by neighboring Kenya are some of the underlying reasons that led Tanzanias government to sign off on the agreement.

Established and owned by Emirati ruling families, DP World has in recent years increased inroads in Africa with port operations in Angola, Djibouti, Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, and Somalia, at times sparking tensions and testing geopolitical relations across Africa.
Almost 1,500 African migrants have reached Spains Canary Islands over the past weekend only, prompting an urgent 50 million aid package from the Spanish government along with a pledge to organize their prompt transfer to the mainland.

The record influx of African migrants arriving at the shores of the Canary Islands via various precarious vessels from sub-Saharan Africa within only about 48 hours was a remarkable event, which involved a single boat carrying a record-breaking 321 individuals, as reported by the rescue services of this Spanish archipelago on Sunday (22 October).

Over the past weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in migrant arrivals that has brought the total number of migrants reaching the Canary Islands to 23,537 people between 1 January and 15 October this year, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry. This marks an 80% increase compared to the same period the preceding year, reflecting the evolving dynamics of human migration.

The latest group of illegal arrivals comes only days after Spains acting migration minister has pledged to put together a 50 million aid package to help the autonomous communitys government cope with what he described as an extraordinary migration flow. Jose Luis Escriva, during a visit to El Hierro, the archipelagos smallest island, announced that the central government would ensure that the new arrivals would promptly be transferred to the Spanish mainland. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, for his part, has linked the recent surge in illegal arrivals to the political destabilization in the Sahel region, referring to the countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Niger, and Sudan, all of which are presently ruled by military governments.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is supporting Moroccos efforts to enhance inclusive access to healthcare, improve employability of vulnerable people through training, and provide urgent assistance to the families affected by Al Haouz earthquake.

In this connection, three financing agreements worth 270 million were signed Tuesday in Rabat by the Bank and the North African Kingdom to better healthcare services, create more job opportunities for socially vulnerable people and support those affected by the earthquake that hit Morocco on Sept.08.

AfDB pledged to provide Morocco 120 million in support for the program of Inclusive Access to Health Infrastructure. The Bank also agreed to inject 149 million in Moroccos program aimed at expanding social security coverage and improving employability skills.

The African Development Bank earmarked $1 million for emergency assistance to the Atlas Mountain villages affected by the earthquake.
The Sutherland State Aid Bridges 109 years of service to Lincoln County will end as early as Wednesday.

County commissioners said Monday theres no alternative to immediately closing the historic bridge that wouldnt jeopardize its $5.24 million replacement after 37 years of seeking state help and federal approval.

Theyll focus instead on ensuring the quickest possible emergency responses north of the North Platte River and reimbursing Sutherland Public Schools for its busing costs for coping with a 13-mile-long detour around the bridge site 3 miles north of Sutherland.

Commissioner Chris Bruns said he and senior County Board member Joe Hewgley had an exhaustive conversation reviewing options for temporary access across the river at a Wednesday meeting with Highway Superintendent Jason Schultz and representatives of project consulting engineer Miller & Associates and contractor KEA Constructors LLC.

All of them came back with a pretty resounding no, that was not possible  not without risking killing the entire project, said Bruns, whose District 4 includes Sutherland and the bridge.

And I dont think that is in anybodys appetite, including the residents in that area from those (with) whom I have spoken.

KEA will leave the old bridge open until the moment its crews are ready to begin work, he said. While that most likely will be Wednesday, it could be as late as next Monday.

The contractors representatives, Bruns said, told him and Hewgley that they plan to work on the project year-round and not take winters off.

Their crews are part of our local community, he said. They want to get this done in a timely manner.

Commission Chairman Jerry Woodruff, who attended the projects Oct. 4 preconstruction meeting, agreed. From that discussion, getting the job done was paramount in their minds.

Bruns said he and Hewgley, who didnt elaborate himself on Wednesdays meeting, have met with Sutherland-area leaders to develop steps to mitigate the impacts of the coming long-lived, lengthy detours.

To guard against traffic wear and tear, the county roads department will lay down crushed granite on the 3-mile-long stretch of North River Road between North Hershey Road and Prairie Trace Road.

North River Road will be one of the top priorities that we have for road maintenance and snow removal, Bruns said.

Plans are in the works, he said, for the joint North Platte-Lincoln County 911 center to dispatch both Hersheys and Sutherlands rural fire departments to emergency calls north of the river 24 hours a day, instead of just 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

The Hershey Rural Fire District has a truck with lifesaving equipment that it can send first on medical emergency calls while the Sutherland Rural Fire District ambulance heads to the scene, Bruns said. Medical helicopters also will be used when appropriate.

Woodruff agreed with a request by Bruns to devise a way for the Sutherland schools to submit claims to the county for their extra hours and fuel costs to take students living north of the river to and from their homes.

No. 1, Sutherland schools is going to have extra expense, he said. From the get-go, I thought it would be an appropriate offer from this board to help with that expense.

Commissioners, who awarded KEA the bridge contract Sept. 5, have said they were stunned to learn at the Oct. 4 meeting that the old bridge wouldnt stay open as they had hoped until its successor is nearly finished.

Though the bid documents said nothing about a closing timetable, all four bidders assumed they would close the old bridge right away, Miller & Associates engineer Kevin Petross told the County Board and some 20 residents north of the river on Oct. 16.

Its remains will be used for roadway fill and building temporary berms to provide dry land for the construction site 20 feet east of the old bridge, he said.

Woodruff asked Bruns and Hewgley to set up last weeks follow-up meeting to seek any means of fulfilling years of pledges to keep the bridge on Prairie Trace Road open until the last minute.

But much to my frustration and chagrin, but in understanding, we will need to close that bridge, Bruns said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which gave its final go-ahead to the bridge project Oct. 17, also would have to approve any plan for a temporary bridge across the North Platte.

If we did make any change or amendment to what has been proposed, its been relayed to us that it would be very likely, at a minimum, an 18-month review process by the Corps, Bruns told his colleagues.

With that kind of delay, funding from the state would be in serious jeopardy and likely go away, he added. And so we just could not risk that.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is paying about 71% of the new bridges cost, Schultz has said. Lincoln County first made replacing the bridge a top priority in 1986.

Bruns said the engineers and KEA told him and Hewgley that the bridge sites surroundings also work against keeping the old bridge, which sits just east of a right-hand bend in the North Platte.

Corps of Engineers officials say the temporary berms for building the new bridge cant be built any farther east because there are some sensitive geology and some artifacts that are in that area immediately to the east downstream that prevent that from happening, he said.

So we cant build that berm any farther east. You cant physically do it to the west because of the hydrological flows that occur right there.

Finally, the equipment that theyre bringing in is going to encroach on the (old) bridge, Bruns said. Because of the nature of those earthen (berm) dams, you cant use the current bridge because theres not enough room to work otherwise.

Commissioner Kent Weems brought up a conversation he recently had with retired North Platte City Administrator Jim Hawks, who was county highway superintendent during most of the Sutherland bridge quests early years.

What he vehemently told me was we do not want to walk away from this and put it on the bottom of the list again, because the ramifications for that  they could be very devastating, Weems said.

Weve had 12 commissioners, five highway superintendents and three consulting firms with their hands on this in 30-some years. Were here. Weve got a contract signed. We have to get this thing done.

After thanking Bruns and Hewgley for looking at every option available, Woodruff asked: What is our next step?

Lets proceed, Hewgley said.

Lets get it done, Weems added.
Itll be at least this time next year before Lincoln County again considers opening the door to commercial-scale wind or solar energy farms.

County commissioners Monday extended their seven-month-old moratorium on such projects and turned over drafting of new wind and solar regulations to the firm rewriting its 2012 comprehensive plan.

Two people involved with a proposed 40- to 50-turbine wind farm between Maxwell and Brady criticized the decision and accused Commissioner Chris Bruns of excessively influencing the outcome.

It is an endorsement from the board to pass something that is not well researched and would have a project-killing effect, said Julie Drennen, development outreach manager for RWE Clean Energy. But were not walking away.

Im very disappointed in the delay, added Peggy (Loostrom) Pape of Grand Island, whose ranching family is among a group of property owners that have signed leases for wind turbine sites.

Us landowners pay our taxes every single year, and most of the time we dont say much. But when we come to the County Board, we expect some consideration when we do come.

Mondays votes came three weeks after more than 70 people packed the North Platte courthouses district courtroom for 4 hours of public hearings on changes offered by the countys Planning Commission. About half spoke, with most of those opposing large-scale wind or solar projects.

Commissioners voted then to develop their own set of zoning changes and vote on them Nov. 6.

But after two of four planned work sessions Oct. 9 and 16, the County Board voted Monday to return the issue to the Planning Commission and direct its members to work with Marvin Planning Consultants of David City.

The County Board and North Platte City Council each hired the firm last spring to rewrite their 11-year-old comprehensive plans.

Firm principal Keith Marvin has said itll take until late 2024 to have the countys rewrite ready for Planning Commission and County Board hearings and votes, said Bruns, a member of the latters planning and zoning committee.

Commissioners adopted a one-year wind and solar moratorium March 20. They voted 5-0 Monday to replace it with one lasting either 18 months  until April 23, 2025  or until they approve a new set of wind and solar regulations, whichever comes first.

Commissioner Kent Weems said that most likely means when a new comprehensive plan is adopted.

Were putting them in the hands of Marvin for the comprehensive plan, which is the basis for all planning and zoning, he said.

The County Board likewise voted 5-0 to refer the Planning Commissions proposed solar changes back to that panel and Marvins firm.

But commissioners split 3-2 in favor of similarly referring the wind issue. Commissioners Micaela Wuehler and Joe Hewgley voted no, with Bruns, County Board Chairman Jerry Woodruff and board Vice Chairman Kent Weems voting in favor.

Wuehler cited language in both resolutions requiring further research, consideration and recommendation on ruling out wind and solar projects in the Loess Canyons, south of North Platte; the area around the confluence of the North and South Platte rivers, just east of North Platte; and Lincoln Countys part of the Sandhills.

The solar resolution simply calls for examining specific and reasonable setbacks. But the wind resolution suggests possible wind-turbine setbacks from nonparticipating properties next to a wind farm of one-half mile from their property line and 2 miles from their nearest occupied residence.

Other suggested setbacks would be three miles from village limits; five miles from North Plattes city limits; one mile from state parks and recreation properties; three miles from each bank of the Platte and its branches; and two miles from all public and private burial sites.

The Planning Commissions proposed regulations, offered in July, called for setbacks of at least 2 miles from property lines and 2 miles from the nearest homes closest exterior wall.

Current regulations are based on tower height but require turbines be at least 1,000 feet from both homes and property lines. They also limit noise levels to 50 decibels at the nearest homes, a subject not addressed in Mondays resolutions.

Both the wind and solar resolutions propose requiring plans to maintain county roads and restore damage caused by construction vehicles. The wind resolution also calls for a reasonable limitation on total tower height.

Bruns said he brought up those ideas during the work sessions. But others were also thrown out, Wuehler and Hewgley said, and commissioners reached no consensus on any set.

I dont feel like I personally was on board with all of these recommendations, Wuehler said. So my concern is when its put in a resolution  is that it gives the impression that this is a joint request from all of the commissioners.

Deputy County Attorney Tyler Volkmer said he drew the suggested restrictions from his work session notes based on what it appeared the majority of you had coalesced around.

He said they could be taken out of the wind resolution. But even if they stay in, Weems and Bruns said, the Planning Commission doesnt have to follow them when they offer fresh regulations.

At the end of the day, were asking them to research, consider and make recommendations, Bruns said.

Pape and Drennen said after the meeting that the inclusion of Bruns suggestions well could tip the final regulations.

My thing is it definitely matters what the resolution says, Pape said.

I understand they have a project they want to get off the ground, Bruns replied, but I think it would be irresponsible for our board to cater our regulations to one specific project.
Beijing slams Washington's statement on Ren'ai Reef

08:30, October 24, 2023 By Zhou Jin ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Ren'ai Reef. [File photo/chinanews.com.cn]

Beijing has expressed strong dissatisfaction over and firmly opposed Washington's "sinister attempt" to endorse Philippines' acts of infringement and provocation at Ren'ai Reef while attacking China's legitimate law enforcement actions.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remark on Monday after the United States issued a statement on Sunday saying it stands with the Philippines as the China Coast Guard and maritime militia adopted "dangerous and unlawful actions" to obstruct a Philippine resupply mission in the South China Sea.

The US statement disregards facts and goes against the spirit of international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Mao said at a daily news briefing.

She said the US was citing in vain the so-called South China Sea arbitration award to suggest that China's territorial claims to Ren'ai Reef are "unfounded".

"The so-called South China Sea arbitration award is illegal, null and void. It is pointless for the US to keep trying to make an issue out of this illegal award. ... China will continue to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," she said.

Two civil vessels and two Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines intruded the waters of Ren'ai Reef in China's Nansha Islands on Sunday to deliver supplies to an illegally "grounded" Philippine warship.

China Coast Guard lawfully intercepted the vessels in order to uphold China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. The action taken at the scene was "professional and restrained".

The US statement is aimed at realizing its selfish geopolitical gains, which infringes upon China's sovereignty and rights, and severely undermines regional peace and stability, Mao said on Monday.

"The Ren'ai Reef issue is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines, and it has nothing to do with the US," she said.

For quite some time, China and the Philippines managed the situation at Ren'ai Reef through communication relatively well and had even reached an understanding, according to Mao.

However, since the beginning of the year, the US has been blatantly emboldening the Philippines' acts of infringing upon China's sovereignty. It has been inciting and supporting the Philippines' attempts to repair and reinforce the warship that was deliberately "grounded" at Ren'ai Reef, the spokeswoman said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
BEIRUT  Lebanon's caretaker prime minister Tuesday visited troops deployed near the border with Israel and U.N. peacekeepers, as Saudi Arabia evacuated the families of diplomatic staff because of ongoing clashes between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops.

The Saudi move comes amid rising tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, where Hezbollah members have been exchanging fire with Israeli troops daily for two weeks.

There was no official announcement from Saudi authorities, but the move came days after Saudi Arabia urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations said the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Waleed Bukhari, the military attache and other staff members were not with the 65 people leaving Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon.

The visit by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to the tense southern province was his first since clashes erupted along the border following a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7. It also came two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops along the border on Sunday.

Mikati and international governments have been scrambling to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from expanding to Lebanon, where the powerful Hezbollah group warned Israel about a ground incursion into the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Kassem said the group is in the heart of the war to defend Gaza and confront the occupation."

Its finger is on the trigger to whatever extent it deems necessary for the confrontation, Kassem tweeted.

Clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli military thus far have been mostly limited to several towns along the border.

Journalists from Hezbollah's Al-Manar television reported that an Israeli helicopter attack struck an empty position near the border town of Houla, after a missile fired from Lebanon hit an Israeli military position. The Israeli military said the anti-missile attack hit a position in Manara with no casualties. They added that they struck a group of militants in Mount Dov, a disputed territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon, where the borders of Lebanon, Syria and Israel meet.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's top Druze political leader Walid Jumblatt, said that he along with Mikati and Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri, who is Lebanon's parliamentary speaker, are in agreement that the war shouldn't further expand into the tiny Mediterranean country. Jumblatt said that he held calls with top Hezbollah security officials on the matter.

But the matter is not up to Hezbollah alone  Israel could have hostile intentions, Jumblatt said after meeting with Druze religious officials and clergymen in Beirut. We must expect the worst.

Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Israel sees Iran-backed Hezbollah as its most serious threat, estimating it has around 150,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israel.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel on Tuesday, where he reaffirmed calls to prevent the war from expanding into Lebanon and the wider Arab world, and called for a decisive political process with the Palestinians for a viable peace.

Macron warned Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups against opening a new front in the ongoing war, and that Paris had expressed those concerns in direct communication with Hezbollah.

To do so would be to open the door to a regional inferno from which everyone would come out the loser, he said.
I spent this past Thursday in Lincoln at the governors Property Valuation Roundtable, along with fellow western Nebraska Sen. Teresa Ibach.

This round table is a cross-section of business leaders and state senators working on a more equitable property tax plan that better shares the tax load between property classes of real estate and equitably distributes the tax burden among all taxpayers.

As I pointed out in a previous article, three primary types of taxes in the state fund most of the needs of state and local taxing authorities.

Property taxes account for the lions share of the $12 billion needed to achieve this funding. Approximately $5 billion is generated from property taxes, just under $4 billion from income taxes, and another $2 billion from sales taxes.

The balance is raised from inheritance taxes, gas taxes, excise taxes, etc.

It is important to remember that all property taxes are assessed locally. The state does not receive property tax revenue.

All property taxes are assessed by local political subdivisions, the largest being the public school system. Each local political subdivision with taxing authority has a locally elected board that resides in the subdivision. Because of that, you, the local voter, can elect who represents you on that board.

Those boards, in turn, select who will lead those organizations. The system was set up that way so that those living in these political subdivisions decide how much they want to spend.

Cities and villages can also charge a sales tax (referred to as a local option sales tax) since that tax is above and beyond the 5.5% charged by the state.

The local option sales tax stays with the municipality and allows them to offset some of their property tax reliance. Counties are the sole beneficiaries of inheritance taxes, which can help offset their property tax ask.

The State of Nebraska relies primarily on personal and corporate income taxes and sales tax (5.5%), as well as user fees, to fund the bulk of its funding needs.

From the time that the sales tax was first introduced in Nebraska, the plan was to have sales, income, and property taxes each generate approximately 1/3 of the total funding needs.

However, over the years, sales taxes have lagged and property taxes have soared, causing the imbalance we have today. The governors working group is working on a plan that will bring balance back to the system.

The Legislature has already begun this process by taking community colleges off the property tax rolls and by providing more direct aid to public schools to help reduce their property tax asks.

Additionally, the state provides a property tax credit (shown on your property tax statement) and an income tax rebate that equaled 30% of the amount you paid in property taxes to your local public school district and community college last year. You receive the rebate even if you do not pay state income taxes.

With these two credits, real progress has already been made. However, we believe that there needs to be at least another $1 billion in property tax savings to balance property, income and sales taxes.

I know that there are some who want to abandon our current forms of taxation altogether in exchange for a consumption tax. Although I understand the appeal of this concept, I have several concerns with the EPIC tax proposal being circulated.

First, this concept is totally untested, yet the ballot initiative would mandate it in our constitution.

Second, there is conflicting data about how high the consumption tax rate would have to be, particularly if we begin to lose businesses that can operate for less in another state.

Third, although implementation will be up to the Legislature, it has been suggested that one or two unelected commissions would decide how the revenue would be distributed across the state.

I am concerned about totally eliminating local control for budgeting and spending. When the cost per student in rural schools is higher than the urban areas, can we really expect fair funding?

What about our roads? Will we be forced to consolidate our county seats as well as our schools? Who would you complain to if an unelected board was in charge? If we want to consolidate to control costs, I would prefer to make that decision locally.

I am sensitive to the property tax burden felt by Nebraskans, particularly our agricultural producers. I truly believe the Legislature has made large strides in recent years in addressing this problem. We should give some time for these measures to take effect, and continue exploring ways to broaden our sales tax base before we take a drastic measure like changing our constitution.

I look forward to continuing to hear from you regarding issues that are important to you. It is a privilege to serve as your State Senator, and I will continue to give my full effort to make a positive difference for the District and the State. You can reach me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or by calling my legislative office at 402-471-2729.
No Labels CEO Nancy Jacobson flanked by two of her favorite politicians: Joe Manchin and Jon Huntsman. Photo: Amanda Voisard/Getty Images

One of Democrats many nightmares heading into the 2024 election involves the schemes of No Labels. The shadowy centrist organization has been planning an independent presidential candidacy designed to break the major-party duopoly in American politics and (allegedly) force those parties to work with each other. Up until now, the main source of reassurance for Joe Biden supporters fearful that a centrist third candidate might throw the election to Donald Trump has been that No Labels leadership has sworn not to launch a candidacy unless theres a chance of actual victory (though the fact that the organizations pollster, Mark Penn, is married to No Labels CEO Nancy Jacobson could make for some slippery polling on its candidates viability). While plenty of voters invariably express openness to a theoretical centrist option, support for actual candidates (especially the kind of marginal figures alienated enough from the two major parties to entertain this sort of demolition exercise) isnt that impressive.

But now theres evidence that No Labels is moving the goalposts in deciding what would justify an independent ticket. The centrist Democratic organization Third Way, which has adopted a Paul Revere role in charging that No Labels, with its undisclosed corporate donors, is really a MAGA Trojan horse, is sending out alarms in a memo about No Labels new strategy:

Since they launched their third-party presidential effort last year, the No Labels Party has repeated a central refrain: our bipartisan ticket, led either by a Democrat or a Republican, will not be a spoiler  we are in this to win. But that has now changed. No Labels has made clear that their new plan is to put a Republican at the top of their ticket. And because they cant win the presidency outright, theyve indicated that their intention now is to exercise leverage over the winner by denying both major parties 270 Electoral College Votes (ECVs). That radical new plan would ensure a second Trump term.

The idea of picking a Republican to head the ticket (possible names include former governors Jon Huntsman of Utah and Larry Hogan of Maryland) is presumably intended to rebut claims that No Labels wants to take more votes away from Biden than from Trump. But as Third Way points out, No Labels own published polling shows a Republican-led ticket is more likely to actually carry a few battleground states and deny either major-party candidate the 270 electoral votes necessary for victory:

None of this is speculation. No Labels put out a chart based on their new polling that shows their candidate (from either party) cant win 

Their chief strategist has said publicly they are preparing for a contingent election in which they try to win a few states and deny Trump and Biden 270 electoral votes. This, No Labels believes, would give them leverage to cut a deal by promising their electors support to whichever major party candidate they deem more worthy.

Barring some sort of outrageous bargaining by faithless electors, its more likely that a deadlocked election would send the contest to the U.S. House, where under the 12th Amendment each state delegation would have one vote. Republicans control, and are very likely to continue to control, a majority of House delegations. Thats the basis for Third Ways argument that the contingent election strategy is ultimately just another path to the Donald Trump victory that is No Labels real goal:

Whether a Democrat or Republican tops a No Labels ticket, Donald Trump wins  but in different ways. When a Democrat is at the top, No Labels throws seven battleground states to Trump. With a Republican leading their ticket, No Labels prevents Biden from winning any battleground outside of Pennsylvania, while Trump wins three battlegrounds and nearly reaches 270 ECVs. In this scenario, No Labels believes their GOP-led, third-party ticket wins a handful of electoral votes.

Whether or not you accept Third Ways attribution of stealth MAGA motives to No Labels, and even if you believe the group wants to keep equal distance from the major parties, its very significant that it is flirting with a strategy that is almost certain to give a green light to an independent bid that could wreak havoc on the 2024 election. All it really requires is polling showing a close major-party election (which almost everyone foresees) and a potential No Labels win in one or two states. Thats a vastly different threshold than the previous No Labels requirement of a plausible path to 270 electoral votes.

If the contingent election scenario actually occurred, creating either an unsavory moment of wheeling and dealing among candidates and their electors or the first House election of a president in two centuries, the chaos surrounding the outcome would reach genuinely dangerous levels. Were already looking at the high probability of a contested election if Trump loses by anything other than a landslide and an atmosphere of mistrust and fear that could damage faith in democracy for a long time. If No Labels is consciously trying to muddy the waters even more, its professions of high-minded nonpartisanship are even more mendacious than we realized.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images

Since Hamass horrifying October 7 attack on Israel, which has prompted near-constant retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, social media has been inundated with disinformation about the war, including a flood of graphic visual content, unsubstantiated claims, and opportunistic monetized content generation. Last week for the latest episode of On With Kara Swisher, Kara tried to cut through the digital fog by assembling a panel of three experts with unique vantage points on this information war: senior BBC Verify disinformation journalist Shayan Sardarizadeh, former longtime Facebook/Meta public policy director Katie Harbath, and Stanford Internet Observatory research manager Renee DiResta. Below is a lightly condensed excerpt from their conversation.

Kara Swisher: I want to start by asking each of you to tell me whether the first weeks of this war have more less or the same amount of misinformation and disinformation  especially visuals, which is whats being focused on here  as the first weeks of the Ukraine War and why you think that is Katie first, then Shayan, then Renee.

Katie Harbath: To me, it seems like more, particularly given the coordination Hamas had on social media  and ready to be pushing out their own videos and images of this. Plus, all of everybody kind of jumping on it, adding videos, and images from past conflicts and other things. So it just seems like, from what Im hearing from others, that the volume is more. Though Renee and Shayan may have different opinions on that.

Shayan Sardarizadeh: I think it would be difficult to because I dont have all the data from both conflicts to be able to compare and say, Well, this one was more, this one was less. I think what I would say is its definitely been overwhelming because I was doing the exact same thing in the first few days of the Ukraine conflict. And there was a ton of misleading videos and images, and its not just, by the way, visual posts. Its also completely unsourced, un-evidenced claims. You know, when something breaking is developing, and in this case being a war, that can actually have consequences. So I would say its been quite overwhelming. I would say probably more or less similar to the Ukraine War. Well, I cant definitively say which one was more, but both of them were bad enough, basically.

Renee DiResta: Id say we dont know. The reason being we dont have Twitter API access anymore.

Swisher: Right. Explain what that is for people who dont understand that.

DiResta: Yeah, so back in the olden days, there was a really good researcher relationship between academic institutions and Twitter, and we had access to what I call the fire hose, right? Various types of fire hoses, Im not going to get into the details, but ways that we could build tools, create dashboards, and just ingest data directly from the company. And because it was an academic project, we didnt have to pay for it.

The kind of data access that we had now costs over $42,000 dollars a month. So a lot of academic institutions have backed out of observing Twitter, which means that our focus has really been on Telegram. Thats not entirely bad, right? Thats where a lot of the content is for the impacted populations; theyre not necessarily sitting on Twitter, so spending our time on Telegram isnt a bad thing.

Elon very significantly changed curation. So theres whats visible, and then theres volume, and those are not necessarily the same things. Whats visible is really decidedly different, and I think maybe Shayan would agree, of often a very significantly worse quality in terms of accuracy.

Swisher: Shayan, weve seen video games and TikToks from old concerts repurposed as misinformation online. Weve also seen rumors, as you just noted. Give us a rundown of what you think are the five most viral pieces of dis- and misinformation, and tell us what you know about them; obviously, a lot of attention was given to the unsubstantiated claims that 40 babies were beheaded, but Id like you to pick out your own.

Sardarizadeh: I would say that the most viral stuff that Ive seen, that Ive been logging in the last two weeks, has been basically video that is either unrelated to whats been going on in the last two weeks on the ground in either Israel or Gaza. It could be from the past conflicts. Obviously, Israel and Hamas have been involved in several conflicts just in the last 10 or 15 years. So either from those past conflicts or from the war in Syria or from the war in Ukraine or from military exercises. In the case of TikTok, actually, its become really, really fashionable now that when a conflict happens somewhere, you just say youre running live streams of that conflict and you either use video of past conflicts or you use a YouTube video of military exercises and you actually make money off of it.

Swisher: Or put on a helmet. Ive noticed some people  not there  putting on helmets, correct?

Sardarizadeh: Absolutely. And actually make money off of it. Thats the important bit. So most of the stuff that I have seen  and Ive seen stuff from both sides, by the way, its not been one-sided at all. Ive seen claims from both sides and from both directions, also supporters of both parts of this conflict, sharing all sorts of completely untrue material. And the most important thing for me personally is that this is not fringe stuff  and this is what people need to know.

Swisher: Meaning what?

Sardarizadeh: Were not talking about stuff that is being shared by 50 people, 100 people, and you know 100 retweets, 200 likes. Were talking about material thats been viewed tens of millions of times on platforms like X, formerly Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

Were not living in the 1950s and 1960s anymore. People these days dont necessarily sit in front of a TV and watch the sort of nightly bulletin to find out whats happening around the world. They go on the internet, they go on social media, they look at their feeds, they want to get updates constantly, particularly when theres an event of this magnitude.

So quite a lot of the visual evidence that theyve been getting, unfortunately, online in the last two weeks has been completely false. Theres also been quite a lot of video thats been shared thats actually genuine from the last two weeks and has been helping us journalists who want to investigate whats going on, for instance, with what happened at the hospital two nights ago.

Swisher: Right. Well get to that in a minute.

Sardarizadeh: Everything that weve done has been based on footage thats been shared online that is genuine. But the point is you have to verify first that that footage is genuine, and then while youre doing verification, quite a lot of stuff is actually untrue and you see a piece of video that is from the Arma 3 video game, which is a military simulation video game, has 4 million views on TikTok.

Swisher: So Katie, theres talk of this being a TikTok war  thats according to Bloomberg  showing a new role for the platform, which has more moderation than the other platforms now of course. You worked at Facebook, now Meta, for ten years. Explain the platform shift and if and why it matters.

Harbath: Well, I think first and foremost, its that for many, many, many years, platforms like Google, Facebook have built up their defenses in trying to be able to find some of this content. Theyre still having a lot of challenges, as well, in terms of doing that. And as Shayan was mentioning, and Renee too, verifying this content and working with fact-checkers to verify it, and then to decide whether youre going to de-amplify it? Are you going to take it down? Whos doing it? Whats their intent in sharing it is also a very hard thing to do. And so a lot of these newer platforms are having to grapple with a lot of the questions that some of these legacy platforms have already kind of worked through and spent the years refining their policies and their algorithms and everything to find.

Swisher: Shayan, I do want to ask you about how you identify what is disinformation  how do you account for that?

Sardarizadeh: Well, I think the first and most important thing is to clarify. Me and my colleagues, we only go for content that is viral. Then when we have a piece of video, or an image or basically just a post online, that is a claim that is either incendiary or has implications, what we want to know, first of all: When was this piece of video filmed? Where does it come from? Whos the original source? Can we actually source the video to the person who filmed it? The platform, that way it was first shared, because obviously you put something on Telegram or on WhatsApp then it travels across platforms, but just because you see it on TikTok or on Instagram doesnt mean thats where it came from. You have to source it. You have to find out who filmed this video, this piece of footage, who first posted it online, and then you have to contact them and talk to them because they probably have more context. Then the second thing is: Is this actually the entire footage? Is there a longer version? Have other people been at the scene where this video was filmed?

Swisher: Meaning trying to manipulate it to look like-

Sardarizadeh: Exactly. Has it been edited? And then the next thing is: Is this actually current footage or is it old? So we have to go online and look on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, you name it-

Swisher: You do reverse image search, correct?

Sardarizadeh: Yes. So we take screengrabs of pieces of video. With images, you dont need to do that  the image is there, you can just reverse-search it. But with video, we take 5, 10, 20 screengrabs of a piece of video, and then we go online on several reverse image search tools, including Google, Yandex, Bing, and then we try to find whether there are other examples of this video shared online in the past. Then if it is from these past two weeks, then you want to investigate it properly and find out what it actually shows, who actually filmed it, where it came from. Because sometimes you have genuine pieces of video that are either edited or deceptively manipulated, or taken out of context.

Swisher: So, talk about the sources of disinformation on both sides and where theyre coming from because a lot of other actors have also gotten involved. Theres a lot of anti-Palestinian disinformation and generally more Islamophobic content around this conflict coming from India. So where are the sources?

Sardarizadeh: I would say the vast majority of misinformation that Ive seen has come from people who seem to have nothing to do with the conflict directly. Its just people online who are farming engagement, farming followers, farming influence, and, in some cases, trying to put as much outrageous, shocking content as they can to make money off of it.

When it comes to two sides of the conflict, being the government of Israel and Hamas, we expect the two sides involved in a war to actually show  because wars these days are not just for on the ground, theres an information war as well that you need to win  so we expect the two sides to try to put whatever they can online regardless of whether its factual or not to win the information war. So thats expected. And also for people who live either in Gaza or in Israel, again because of all the atrocities that have happened in the last two weeks, you expect them to be emotional and obviously taking the side that is involved in the conflict.

Swisher: Yeah, having opinions, etcetera.

Sardarizadeh: You absolutely expect that and, obviously, people have seen horrific stuff. So, I dont pay too much attention to somebody who is emotionally affected by this conflict putting something out that is misinformation. What is important to me is people who are not directly related to it, say somebody sat in America or sat in Great Britain or in China, and theyre posting content that, in my view, is just for getting influence and engagement online.

Now, apart from that, theres also more sort of nefarious misinformation or disinformation that is put out for political gain. One good example of it: Last week there was a video that was posted online that quite a lot of people saw that had the branding, logo, and style of BBC News. This one was actually fake, 100 percent fake. We didnt produce it, but it looked genuine, and it said that we had reported that the weapons that Hamas militants used on the 7th of October had come from the government of Ukraine, or was weapons that had given to the government of Ukraine by western powers that had been smuggled out of Ukraine and ended up in the hands of Hamas.

Theres zero evidence for it. We have not reported it. And then Dmitry Medvedev, who is the former Russian president put out the same baseless claims online. So you have to think, why would someone go through that effort to produce a fake BBC video to say Hamas militants got their weapons from the government of Ukraine? That has nothing to do with this conflict.

Swisher: Yeah. Why would they do that? I wonder, Shayan, I wonder why they would do that. I dont know. Maybe I have some ideas.

I want to get into one specific attack: the blast at the al-Ahli Gaza City hospital. None of us are experts on airstrikes, but the blast and questions around it are metastasizing online. Katie, youve worked on elections where anyone can build whatever narrative suits their purposes. Is this common, whats happening here?

Harbath: It is, but I think one of the things that Im seeing thats different is also just the confusion amongst mainstream news organizations in terms of, you know, the New York Times had a headline that I saw that, you know, initial reporting, trying to be first at this. And that helps to add to the confusion of what Shayan was saying was, then when people are making fake videos of this, of using the branding and stuff of these news platforms, it continues to contribute to people just not trusting and not knowing what is true because were all trying to figure it out in real time. And so that makes it much harder to verify what is or is not true from a social-media company standpoint, but I think everybody, what you choose to amplify or not amplify, and trying to figure that out while its all happening in real time. To me right now, this just feels like its just coming faster, at higher volumes, and more things happening that its just a lot more facets to have to deal with than what Ive necessarily seen in a particular election situation  unless its something like January 6, but even then this feels like even a higher stakes because the amount of gruesome images. And that also has an impact on the people trying to moderate this, trying to cover this. Theres an emotional aspect to this as well and a burnout that continues to happen as people, as this continues to go on longer and longer.

Swisher: Yeah so Renee, how do you look at this? Is this common from your perspective? Youve seen hundreds of these over the years, I would assume.

DiResta: We have. I think what I would say is most different is the widespread democratization of generative AI. Thats whats really different here, right? That was what wasnt the case in February of 2022, during the initial Russia-Ukraine invasion. There was, you might recall, there was a lot of, there were rumors, there were stories  you might recall Snake Island.

Swisher: Right, Snake Island.

DiResta: Right, so everybody remembers Snake Island and the way that that was reported, and then [the Ukrainian service members there] hadnt died, but, you know, they had been taken hostage, but there was a whole narrative-

Swisher: Used for heroism.

DiResta: Right, the heroism narratives. So you do see the governments come into play, right? The Ukrainian government was quite good at war propaganda in the early days, really. Just kind of riling people up about that. I followed that story. I remember that. With something like this though, what is really distinctly different now is the liars dividend piece of this, where content that is real, you can say is faked because of the existence of the technology to fake it, right? And so its this question of  I see it as like the kind of collapse of consensus reality, right? You can pick which ones youre actually going to trust, you can pick which ones youre not going to trust, you can dismiss all the rest of it as, Oh, thats AI generated.

Swisher: Renee, once a conclusive answer is established, if possible, whats the responsibility social-media companies have to stop or at least de-amplify the reach of misinformation around such an event [as the hospital blast], given it has such real-world repercussions to upset and create, you know, real  theres protests all over the place. So whats their responsibility? Because this has so many echoes of incidents in Myanmar or elsewhere in the past. It reminds me, again, I feel like Im on constant loop.

DiResta: Well, I think the challenge is, you know, some people are going to see something go by once. Theyre going to form an opinion on it. Theyre not going to spend a whole lot of time thinking about it, and then theyll just move on. Other people are going to really follow this story. I think in the particular case of the bombing or missile misfire, whatever it turns out to be. A lot of people are following that, and a lot of very prominent accounts are following it, so I think it is going to stay kind of at the top of the feed as people debate what happened around it. I think with social media, one of the real challenges is in a conflict situation like this  people are looking for it, right? And so youre going to have to return something. And so I think the best thing that you can do is try to return authoritative sources, try to return people who are verified to be in the region, right? And thats hard to do. That really takes effort. Weve seen platforms do it in the past. You know, Twitter is particularly  thats the place that people would normally go for this sort of thing, but they dont have the staff to do any of the things that ordinarily would be done: To say, Okay, who are the credible sources? Who are the people who are in region? Who are the official accounts? You know, maybe we shouldnt surface paid blue checks for this one. Maybe the armchair opinion of some rando commentator who paid me eight bucks is not the person that we should be putting at the top of the feed. Thats a crazy idea.

But thats the sort of thing that Twitter would have done in prior environments.

Swisher: They would return to authoritative [sources] through badges, fact-checks.

DiResta: Right, and you know, I think Community Notes is a great concept, but its better when youre surfacing corrections for things that are established. Its not equipped, its  theyre not journalists, theyre researchers, maybe, or commentators who are clarifying a fact or a connotation, maybe something a politician says. Its great for slow-moving stuff like that. There is nobody sitting on their computer typing up a community note who is on the ground in Gaza or on the ground in Israel who has any idea of what the actual facts are. So youre winding up with Community Notes checks that have also been shown to be wrong several hours later. And that is not a dig on citizen journalism. Its that  thats not citizen journalism. Thats the whole point, right? You should be servicing citizen journalism, but then it requires the actual effort of going and figuring out who the citizen journalists are in this particular case. Who the channels are that are authoritative and should be returned first in search.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

On With Kara Swisher is produced by Nayeema Raza, Blakeney Schick, Cristian Castro Rossel, and Megan Burney, with mixing by Fernando Arruda, engineering by Christopher Shurtleff, and theme music by Trackademics. New episodes will drop every Monday and Thursday. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
I'm so fucking sick of hearing Paint the Town Red and Greedy in every single instagram reel (yes I'm an Old and don't have Tik Tok).

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i don't listen to radio often but i spent saturday with my mom so we kept the radio on and we heard paint the town red at least 15 times it was terrible

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lmao and wasnt doja trying to make ~~real~~ music that was too good for the radio

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Fucking remixes should not count.

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still would have been #1 without the remix apparently



doja and sza both have alternate versions/remixes as well tbf



snooze: explicit, clean, explicit remix with justin bieber, clean remix with bieber, sped up version, instrumental



PTTR: explicit, clean, sped up version, slowed down version, instrumental



cruel summer: original, dance remix, live



Edited at 2023-10-23 10:06 pm (UTC)

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snooze: explicit, clean, explicit remix with justin bieber, clean remix with bieber, sped up version, instrumental



insane

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Did that dreaded Summertime Sadness remix ever top the charts?

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everyone is saying it was going #1 regardless so i really don't understand why she released that unnecessary remix

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For real, it's practically a scam at this point

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I love Cruel Summer but I am annoyed by Taylor suddenly deciding it was always her favorite from Lover. I'm sure it is now because it's so popular but I don't believe it was 5 years ago.

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but when has taylor ever been genuine?

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when she thought Me! was a slay lol

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when she tried to touch the fire in that gif

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shes nothing if not a revisionist historian bb

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i think Lover was her fave at the time but now that song is awk so maybe Cruel Summer has replaced it as her fave lol

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That's because she doesn't have her own mind or taste (she released ME! and You Need to Calm Down as singles) and seeks validation from others.



Edited at 2023-10-23 10:03 pm (UTC)

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Yah. Why wait 5 years then sis?? What hits from lover did you prioritize?



Shes like kris jenner. Its her favorite because it makes her the money atm

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more than half of the album is her talking about how much she loves and wants to marry joe she's got slim pickings for which she can call her favorite now 

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It's not like she has many choices. The album sucks.

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Cornelia Street should be her favorite, but we all know she cant walk that anymore.

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the video and jack in particular pissed me off lol especially with the oh this is gonna be our secret best song bitch stfu yall paid the song DUST because both of you have terrible taste

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Yeah she heavily neglected it. She never even played it once during the lover era until this year when The Eras Tour started. And I know there was a pandemic in between but she had many performances during the lover era where she had the opportunity to perform it so this kinda reminds me of all too well where she only gave it attention once she realized fans were obsessed with it.



i do not understand how she didn't realize that was her hit off the album. she really seems to struggle with knowing what her best songs are on her albums for promo times.

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This and Daylight are the best songs on that album, but she never picks her best songs as singles.



Edited at 2023-10-23 10:02 pm (UTC)

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Your icon! It's literally so weird to see her actually affectionate with someone lol

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its so cute, even the haters secretly love it

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Is it?

Wasn't she saying I love you on stage to the racist rat a few months ago?

And I still remember her embarrassing pictures with Hiddleston.

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"false god" would like a word

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Ive been in an Afterglow mood a ton lately, underrated in my opinion

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Do yall think jack and taylor started off like lawnboy & cindy mancini?

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Not thanks to climate change it isnt 

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It's going be in the upper 70s here in Mass later this week. I'm not happy.

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She changed the whole climate so she can sell her song.

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morgan wallens racist white trash ass has me feeling like lucille bluth

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Who's listening to Morgan Wallen? I support more Morgan Wallen slander in the media.

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country fans have been purchasing songs, they're one of the few genres that has had consistent success on the charts this year

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someone just got stuck in traffic in the street outside my window and they were blaring some Morgan Wallen song. it went on for like 3 minutes, pure torture.

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i don't even know what he sounds like and I'd like to keep it that way.

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damn it actually did it



happy autumn i guess

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I blocked Taylor Swift on spotify a long time ago so the only songs I've heard for years are the ones I've been forcibly exposed to in public, and of those, this is maybe the one that annoys me the least. But it still annoys me a lot.

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Wrong thread



Edited at 2023-10-23 10:09 pm (UTC)

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Boring top 10

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Never heard it thankfully.

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I've heard none of these songs, and I love that for me.

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it's YoUUU blahblahblahblahblah it's Youuu blahblahblahblahblah OoOoOh it's a CrUuUEl SuMMAH with you





there now you heard it.

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What does cruel summer even mean

Does she have beef with a season idgi

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I just love this song!!it so much fun!

this really made me go and look at her albums and i made a fab playlist!

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This is such a sweet comment and I dont know how ontd hasnt broken you yet.

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If you believe that nuclear power should play a role in the energy mix, pay attention to the nuclear deal fashioned this October between Germany and France.

Here is the background, simplified. France depends heavily on nuclear power generated by state-owned EDF. Existing French nuclear plants will require major capital improvements and the plants under construction are enormously expensive. The French government wants to subsidize its nuclear program, but other European Union (EU) countries (especially Germany) objected, because state subsidies are not in the spirit of the EUs energy markets. The market should determine prices, and should determine the appropriate means to supply the demand, the opponents argue. (Perhaps we should note that depending on the free market to sort it all out is a principal reason why Europes energy sector is in such a mess. The market, which sets day ahead prices does not look too far ahead and seems not to take into account such trivial matters as national security or climate change. Sorry for the editorial.)

Well, both the Chinese and the Americans have launched huge subsidy programs designed to produce more carbon-free energy and more electrified products. Europeans woke up to the likelihood that their unsubsidized firms would have to compete with heavily subsidized Chinese and American competitors. Furthermore, European firms looking at those American subsidies started talking about moving their facilities to the US, to qualify for the subsidies. So, what do pro-market states do when faced with subsidized competition? Do they let their local firms lose out to subsidized competitors and complain of the injustice of it all or institute their own set of subsidies? Well, you guessed that answer right. They subsidize. Related: China Continues String Of Discoveries With Giant New Gas Field

But why do these Euro nuclear plants require special consideration? Three reasons. First, because most nuclear operating costs are fixed, investors wont put money into nukes unless they can collect a steady flow of income to cover these fixed capital costs. Investors do not want to depend on the variable income that a daily power market would produce. Second, nuclear plants may provide benefits to society beyond those paid for by the market, such as improved national security or reduced carbon emissions. Somebody has to pay for those benefits. But not in a way that makes the market look bad. Third, the risks of building a big nuclear plant are too great for any private enterprise to undertake. So the government has to step up to provide funds for the project.

The Germans and French seized on a solution used in the UK for a quarter century to give the appearance of a functioning market: the contract for differences. It works like this. The power producer sets a strike price with the buyer (who has signed a multiyear year agreement to buy the electricity). When the market price the generator can collect exceeds the strike price, the generator has to refund the surplus to the buyer. When the market price falls below the strike price, the buyer has to give the difference to the generator. Now here is the key to the deal. The strike price does not result from market forces but rather from the revenue needed to cover the cost of building or maintaining a nuclear unit, which the buyers cannot evade unless the nuke stops operating. The state, in the end, sets the price, and determines the terms of what really is a long term fixed contract made with a buyer that has no choice but to buy. In other words, this is not a commercial transaction, because in free markets, buyers have a choice: to buy or not buy.

To us, this deal, if it gets approval from the EU, signals that the EU fully acknowledges that choosing nuclear power is a political decision. And that expanding nuclear power requires government actions and explicit government financial support. That clears the air. Now let's see what the policymakers do.

By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Officials in Uzbekistan have said a government delegation will travel to Afghanistan in the coming months to conduct negotiations over an ambitious canal project that is sparking deep concern over water security in the region.

Tashkent-based outlet Gazeta.uz on October 19 cited Ulugbek Kosimov, the governor of the southern Surkhandaryo region, which borders Afghanistan, as saying the talks could take place before the end of the year.

This announcement comes on the heel of news that the Taliban-run government in Kabul is poised to start work on the second phase of the Qosh Tepa canal, which has been billed by Afghan officials as a way for Afghanistan to ensure its own farming needs.

Speaking last week at a ceremony marking the scheduled start to that second phase, the deputy foreign minister in the Taliban government, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, sought to reassure neighboring nations on the route of the Amu Darya River, from which water in Qosh Tepa will be drawn.

If our neighbors have worries in this regard, we are ready to contact them through diplomatic channels, he was quoted as saying by ToloNews.

That conciliatory tone was mixed with defiance, however. Acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid said the Talibans armed forces would forcefully resist any aggressive efforts to stymie the project.

All of us, especially the national and Islamic armies of the Defense Ministry are behind the implantation of such projects, and they will support it with all their power, he was quoted as saying by ToloNews.

Kabuls hope for Qosh Tepa is that once complete, the 285-kilometer canal will be used to provide irrigation to 550,000 hectares of now-arid farmland.

In perhaps the strongest high-level demonstration of concern over the canal to date, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in mid-September urged fellow Central Asian presidents to adopt a united front in addressing the issue.

The commissioning of [this canal] could radically change the water regime and balance in Central Asia, he said a meeting of leaders in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. We believe it is imperative to form a joint working group to study all aspects of the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal and its effect on the water regime of the Amu Darya.

The haste with which the Taliban government is forging ahead with work suggests they are inclined to disregard invitations to conduct further feasibility studies. Viability assessments on the project have been conducted before, albeit under the government unseated by the creators of Afghanistans self-styled Islamic Emirate.

The apparent lack of oversight is alarming experts.

In a detailed examination of ongoing work on Qosh Tepa written for the CABAR.asia analytical portal, researcher Kunduz Adylbekova noted that construction methods at the project appear rudimentary, which is significantly raising the likelihood of water losses.

Moreoever, the impact on the economies of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are likely to be substantial.

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The ramifications of water withdrawal in Afghanistan weigh heavily on Uzbekistan, primarily translating into a dearth of vital water resources to irrigate the critical cotton plantations sprawled across the Bukhara, Khorezm regions and Karakalpakstan, wrote Adylbekova. With cotton reigning as the nation's primary agricultural crop, accounting for approximately 17 percent of its [gross domestic product], Uzbekistan's agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of nearly 40 percent of its populace  directly and indirectly. Such reliance on irrigation is virtually all-encompassing for the cultivation of major crops.

By Eurasianet.org

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The energy transition in Australia is driving electricity prices higher due to increased volatility, Bloomberg has reported, citing a BHP executive.

Its a nervous time to be a major consumer of electricity on that particular grid, Huw McKay, chief economist of the mining giant, told Bloomberg.

Australia is trying to replace coal power generation with alternatives such as solar, but this process appears to have compromised the reliability of electricity supply, leading to the greatest daily price fluctuations in the world amid unplanned outages at coal plants and challenges in integrating rooftop solar installations into the grid.

Meanwhile, last week Australian media boasted a record booked in electricity generation from solar: on Friday, solar provided 71.3% of the electricity distributed on the countrys main grid, for half an hour during trading hours.

One media report specifically pointed out the fact that this recordand the one before it, also hit last weekwas booked on a weekday, when demand is higher. So far, low-carbon electricity output records had been recorded over the weekend, when demand was lower.

In the third quarter of the year, wind and solar accounted for 39% of electricity supply to the National Electricity Market, which was another record.

However, the fast expansion of wind and solar has turned into a challenge for the grid, Bloomberg said in an earlier report, citing data from Rystad Energy. The consultancy has estimated that in order to avoid a repeat of last years power market failure, Australia needs 46 GWh of pumped hydro and battery storage. Currently, the country has 2.8 GWh of these.

Transmission lines are also a challenge, as they are in every country witnessing a fast buildout in distributed electricity generation installations powered by the wind and the sun.

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Australia should prioritize the enhancement of transmission infrastructure and invest in storage solutions to mitigate the impact of volatility, senior Rystad analyst David Dixon said in the report.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The European Union Special Envoy Miroslav Lajcak has urged Serbia and Kosovo to return to dialogue on normalizing ties to avoid a repeat of last month's violence in northern Kosovo.

Tensions between Belgrade and Pristina have spiked since September 24, when some 30 armed Serbs stormed the village of Banjska in Kosovo's predominantly ethnic Serb north and barricaded themselves in a Serbian Orthodox monastery.

Police recaptured the monastery after a shootout in which three attackers and a Kosovar police officer were killed.

"The attacks in Banjska have changed many things and they need to be properly investigated.... At the same time the dialogue must continue," Lajcak said on October 21 in Pristina.

He made the comment after talks with Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti that were also attended by the U.S. envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar as well as top diplomats from Germany, France, and Italy.

Lajcak said they had strongly denounced "the terrorist attack against Kosovar police by armed individuals (that) constitutes a clear and unprecedented escalation."

He added that the attack also "very clearly underlined that both de-escalation and normalization are now more urgent than ever.

According to a statement from the Kosovar government, Kurti told the Western diplomats that the top priority of his government is "the security of the state and citizens, borders, and territory."

After discussions with Kurti, the group traveled to Belgrade for talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Both Serbia and Kosovo hope to join the EU, but Brussels wants them to normalize ties first.

Pristina and Belgrade are being urged to implement a 10-point plan put forward by the EU in February to end months of political crises.

Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gave their approval at the time. However, a major sticking point has been the establishment of the Association of the Serb-Majority Municipalities, or ASM.

Brussels and Washington have urged Kosovo to allow for the creation of the ASM, to coordinate work on education, health care, land planning, and economic development at the local level.

Pristina fears the new association is an effort by Belgrade to create a Serb-ruled entity similar to Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In Pristina, Lajcak urged Kosovo "to move on the establishment of the Association of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo without further delay."

"Without this, there will be no progress on Kosovo's European path," he added.

In July, the EU suspended funding of some projects and halted visits of top diplomats for Kosovo's refusal to move forward on the ASM plan.

Later in Belgrade, Lajcak said, "We have to be very clear that we strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Kosovo police on the 24th of September."

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"All perpetrators need to be brought to justice, and we expect Serbia's full cooperation and concrete action in this regard," he added.

Serbia denied any role in the attack, saying it was organized by ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. Milan Radoicic, an ally of Vucic, has admitted to organizing and taking part in the incident at the Banjska monastery. He was briefly detained in Serbia and later released pending further proceedings.

After the meeting with the Western diplomats, Vucic said on Instagram that he believed "we will find a way out of the crisis in the coming period." He said he expected "important meetings" in Brussels in the days ahead. He did not elaborate.

Following the failure of the September talks between Kurti and Vucic and the recent flare-up, it's unclear when another round of meetings might take place.

Kosovo has called on Europe to sanction Serbia, which it blames for the September 24 attack, saying no talks could be further held and demanding higher security measures from Western powers for fear of an increased presence of Serb military forces along its border.

Amid the heightened tensions, NATO has reinforced KFOR, which normally has a troop strength of 4,500, with an additional 200 troops from Britain and more than 100 from Romania.

By RFE/RL

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Most Canadians oppose the federal government writing down billions of dollars from the debt of Trans Mountain Corporation, the company building the expansion of the oil pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast in British Columbia, a new poll has shown.

A total of 68% of respondents in the survey by Nanos Research, cited by Reuters, are opposed or somewhat opposed to Justin Trudeaus Liberal government potentially writing down up to $14.6 billion (C$20 billion) of the debt the corporation has incurred so far.

Moreover, six in ten Canadians believe that oil companies need to be funding the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Almost half of respondents also believe that the federal government is going in the wrong direction with handling the project, according to the survey commissioned by West Coast Environmental Law, which opposes oil pipelines and tanker projects in British Columbia.

The expansion project of the Trans Mountain pipeline that carries crude from Albertas oil sands to British Columbia on the Pacific Coast will triple the capacity of the original pipeline to 890,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 300,000 bpd.

At the start of the project, fierce opposition in British Columbia forced Kinder Morgan to reconsider its commitment to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline.

So the Government of Canada reached an agreement with Kinder Morgan back in 2018 to buy the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and related pipeline and terminal assets. That cost the federal government $3.3 billion (C$4.5 billion) at the time. Since then, the costs for the expansion of the pipeline have quadrupled to nearly $22.6 billion (C$30.9 billion) and could continue to increase.

The government has never intended to keep its ownership of the project and plans to sell it before the 2025 election. An ongoing dispute over the proposed shipping tolls of the pipeline amid the huge construction cost overruns is also muddying the waters for potential buyers.

The hurdles suggest that the federal government of Canada may never fully recover the more than 12 billion U.S. dollars of costs to have the project up and running.

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Amid a cost-of-living crisis for many Canadians, writing down much of the debt of Trans Mountain Corp would be politically risky for the current government, Nanos Research founder Nik Nanos told Reuters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Aramco has sealed a deal with South Korean Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering for the construction of a $2.4-billion gas processing plant.

The investment will be focused on the second phase of the facility. The two South Korean companies are already working on the first phase after they won the contract for that in 2021.

The plant will be built at the Jafurah field, which, according to Reuters, is Saudi Arabias largest non-oil associated gas field. Its reserves are estimated at some 200 trillion cubic feet.

Saudi Arabia has recently been working on expanding its natural gas production to diversify its energy revenue sources away from the exclusivity of crude oil.

Last month, the Saudi state energy major bought a stake in MidOcean Energy, a liquefied natural gas company, property of EIG Partners. It also has an option to boost that stake.

"This is an important step in Aramco's strategy to become a leading global LNG player," the Saudi companys head of upstream said at the time.

Now, Aramco is looking for more acquisition opportunities in LNG, Reuters reported earlier this month.

Meanwhile, it is expanding local gas production as well. The company says it increased its daily gas processing capacity from 2 billion cu ft daily to 18 billion cu ft between 2000 and 2022 and has plans to boost this further.

At the meeting where the $2.4-billion deal for the Jafurah facility was signed, Riyadh also inked another deal with a South Korean company, this time for oil.

Under the deal, Aramco could store 5.3 million barrels of crude at a storage facility operated by Koreas state-owned KNOC.

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Both deals were signed during a visit by South Koreas president to Riyadh to expand bilateral business dealings. Saudi Arabia is the biggest supplier of oil to South Korea.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Thanks to steady inflows in recent weeks, United States Oil ETF (NYSEARCA: USO) is once again the biggest oil exchange-traded fund in the world in terms of total assets, topping WisdomTree Brent Crude Oil fund for the first time since the beginning of this year.

As of Monday, October 23, United States Oil ETF had total net assets of $1.876 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in assets under the management of the WisdomTree Brent Crude Oil fund, BRNT.

According to Bloomberg data, this is the first time since January this year that the assets of USO have surpassed the assets of BRNT.

United States Oil ETF has been the biggest and most closely watched oil-linked exchange-traded product on the market for years.

USO seeks to reflect the performance of the spot price of West Texas Intermediate light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma by investing in a mix of oil futures contracts and other oil interests.

The fund saw outflows earlier this year and lost the competition to be the worlds biggest oil ETF to the WisdomTree Brent Crude Oil fund.

However, the recent flare-up in the Middle East with the Hamas-Israel war has attracted fresh inflows into USO as investors priced in a war premium into their bets on crude oil prices.

United States Oil ETF has recently seen inflows topping $200 million amid bullish market sentiment that crude oil futures prices would continue to rise.

The recent inflows of $200 million are the highest inflows into the exchange-traded fund since August 2020, per Bloombergs calculations.

Per Bloombergs most recent estimates, the ETF has seen around $400 million in inflows in the past few days as international crude oil prices rose after the Hamas attack on Israel earlier this month.

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This week, oil prices have been down as weaker economic data from Europe offset fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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What student sitting in a classroom doesnt look outside on a nice day and wish they could be out in the Great Outdoors?

Sixth-graders from Papillion La Vista Community Schools  more than 600 in all  have had a chance to do that this fall.

Sixth-graders from each of the districts 16 elementary schools spent two days studying science topics outdoors at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland. Theyve completed modules on grassland, forest and aquatic environments and also experienced the excitement of ziplining and tackling challenging obstacle courses.

Schools rotate participating in the Outdoor Education program. On Wednesday, Oct. 4 and Thursday, Oct. 5, it was Portal Elementarys turn. The schools three sections of sixth grade  a total of about 70 students  were bused out to the Holling Center for the program.

Besides getting some fresh air, students completed some hands-on activities that will give more meaning to what they learn in the classroom, according to Portal Elementary Principal Mikaela Vobejda.

Anytime you can give them hands-on lessons, it really cements and deepens the learning that they have, she said. They keep it, they connect to it, and they continue coming back to it throughout the school year.

At a pond on the Holling Center grounds, students checked the temperature with a floating thermometer they could cast into the water and checked how far down the sunlight was reaching by dropping in a black and white disk on a rope, teacher Ann Danner said. When it became difficult to see the colors, they could check marks on the rope spaced 10 centimeters apart to see how deep the disks were in. They also took water samples and checked the oxygen content and pH of the water and recorded all of their findings. During the grassland module, students checked the pH of the soil.

The forest activity started with students hiking a trail blindfolded, while holding onto a rope held by everyone in group and listening to the footsteps and other sounds around them. When they arrived at a gathering place, they removed their blindfolds and discussed how animals and humans have adapted to their environments.

Next, a teacher scattered colored toothpicks on the ground to represent food favored by different kinds of birds, then had students compete to see how many of a certain color they could gather in 30 seconds. Once again, the students recorded their data.

Before or between lessons, groups did team-building activities. On a wooden, octagonal platform about the size of a merry-go-round with a center pivot point, students fanned out to try to distribute their weight evenly. Their goal was to make it balance on the pivot point without the edges of the octagon touching the ground. After some experimenting and collaboration, they achieved that goal  and then tried to maintain it while singing Happy Birthday to science.

Next, the students divided into two groups, with half lining up at each side of a series of seesaws with cables under each side. Stepping from seat to seat  although they werent used as seats  the groups tried to keep someone on each side and hold hands to keep their balance. These and other activities helped build trust and encourage teamwork.

The school districts Outdoor Education program was created back in the 1970s by Danner, then an elementary teacher in the district. It was initially held at a 4-H camp.

I was teaching in the classroom, and then I had to come out at night, she said.

Then she entered the CADRE program, an accelerated masters degree program for teachers, and was able to participate during the day.

Danner taught in the district for 45 years, leading fourth, fifth and sixth grades during different points in her career. After she retired in 2013, the school district contracted with her to lead the Outdoor Education program  and shes still at it.

No wonder Vobejda called her a lifelong teacher.

After the pandemic, a new site was needed, and the district landed on the Holling Center.

The Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center was developed after George and Irene Holling donated a half-section of land (320 acres) to the Nebraska Synod of the Lutheran Church in America in 1974 and named it in memory of their daughter, Carol Joy Holling. It became part of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries when that was formed the following year. The first camp was held in 1979. Since then, a resource center, retreat centers and lodges have been added. The New Western Town was built in 2014 to replace the old ranch bunkhouse.

Close Portal Elementary School sixth-grader Lucy Merkel, left, and her classmates work together to navigate an obstacle course at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland during a session of Papillion La Vista Community Schools Outdoor Education program on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Portal Elementary School sixth grade teacher Alex Reiners, center, gives students a forestry lesson at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland during a session of Papillion La Vista Community Schools Outdoor Education program on Thursday, Oct. 5. Portal Elementary School sixth-grader Greyson Schrock gestures to his classmates while ziplining at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland during a session of Papillion La Vista Community Schools' Outdoor Education program on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Portal Elementary Outdoor Education Portal Elementary School sixth-grader Lucy Merkel, left, and her classmates work together to navigate an obstacle course at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland during a session of Papillion La Vista Community Schools Outdoor Education program on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Portal Elementary School sixth grade teacher Alex Reiners, center, gives students a forestry lesson at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland during a session of Papillion La Vista Community Schools Outdoor Education program on Thursday, Oct. 5. Portal Elementary School sixth-grader Greyson Schrock gestures to his classmates while ziplining at the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center near Ashland during a session of Papillion La Vista Community Schools' Outdoor Education program on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.
Oak View Mall shopping center in southwest Omaha is up for sale, according to a listing on Crexi, a website for buyers and sellers of commercial real estate.

The mall, located at 144th Street and West Center Road, is anchored by Dillards, JCPenney and The Rush Market.

In 2021, New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group acquired the mall. Douglas County property records indicate separate owners for the JCPenney and Dillards buildings.

According to the real estate listing, the mall is tenanted by a mix of national, regional and local tenants with approximately 74% occupancy, offering investors a significant value add opportunity.

The mall contains retail stores ranging from JCPenney and Dillards department stores to narrow niche stores like Victorias Secret lingerie store and The Palace, which sells traditional gowns for Mexican quinceanera celebrations.

The current store lineup includes Build-a-Bear Workshop, Rue21, Champs, Torrid and Zumiez.

Among other stores are Claires, Lids, Buckle, Earthbound Trading Company, Spencers, Lane Bryant and LensCrafters.

The Rush Market sells home furnishings, everything from sofas to bar stools and decor. The store sources furniture and decor from manufacturer returns, overstocks and closeout sales.

The real estate listing indicates that the property for sale is 32 acres with a gross building area of 543,269 square feet.

The asking price is not listed.

The mall is complimented by the presence of strong medical users and national retailers in the immediate area, the listing says.

The mall, which opened in 1991, was the citys dominant mall into the 2000s.

Increased local competition, faltering national retail chains and changing shopper habits, underscored by online shopping, over time cut into Oak View sales.

When Village Pointe opened in 2004 at 168th Street and West Dodge Road, the open-air lifestyle mall brought new-to-the-market retailers to high-income households in parts of west Omaha.

West Omaha customers are also within a reasonable drive of the Nebraska Crossing shopping center in Gretna. The center similarly offers trendy shopping opportunities in an open-air setting.

Sherry Thomas, visiting Oak View Monday, said she hopes a new owner would keep the mall open.

Im tired of them closing all the malls up, Thomas said. And when you go shopping in the winter time, you got to go door to door and freeze, running from one store to another. Its ridiculous.

Thomas said she likes shopping Penneys. And she eats at the food court. The mall has a classic indoor food court covered by a high domed ceiling with windows that allow the sun to stream in.

Restaurant bays line the walls  among them Mr. Rice, Rellos Creamery, El Portal pizzeria, Daawat Indian cuisine  but about half the available bays are empty. On Monday afternoon the Sarku Japan restaurant saw steady business.

One Sarku customer, who declined to give his name, said he drove several miles to buy lunch for him and his son.

They have a very limited menu but that doesnt matter because it tastes great, he said.

Oak View just needs a refresh, he said.

If they do sell it, I hope the new owner will be able to turn things around, like they did with the Westroads Mall, he said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of October 2023
A Missouri woman was sentenced Tuesday to the maximum of three years in prison after she was found guilty of causing a deadly crash that killed an Omaha man earlier this year.

Lorena Lara-Diaz, 38, of Marshall, Missouri, appeared in front of a packed courtroom Tuesday afternoon for sentencing after she pleaded no contest and was found guilty of felony motor vehicle homicide. She was initially charged with manslaughter for causing the March crash that killed 45-year-old motorcyclist Gary Mangiameli, but that charge was reduced as part of a plea deal.

Lara-Diaz was sentenced to three years in jail, the statutory maximum, by Douglas County District Court Judge Peter Bataillon. Though the family was glad she received the maximum sentence, they still dont feel that justice was served.

She really deserves 20 years, Mangiamelis uncle, Richard Mangiameli, said in court Tuesday. I think this law has to change.

According to court documents, police were called to 26th and L Streets at about 2:20 a.m. on March 25 to reports of a crash between a motorcycle and pickup truck.

The investigation showed that Lara-Diaz, driving a Chevrolet Silverado, was eastbound on L Street before turning northbound onto the JFK Expressway on-ramp. Mangiameli was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on L Street when Lara-Diaz failed to yield and struck him in the intersection.

Mangiameli was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the crash.

Search warrant affidavits say that Lara-Diaz had an odor of alcoholic beverage on her person, but she refused field sobriety tests and later refused to take a breath test. Police did not request a warrant to test her blood to determine her blood alcohol content.

Prosecutors said in court Tuesday that Lara-Diaz admitted to drinking four margaritas at a nightclub near the scene of the crash before getting behind the wheel. Had she been charged with DUI motor vehicle homicide, she would have faced up to 20 years in prison.

In court Tuesday, Lara-Diaz apologized to Mangiamelis family through sobs.

Im very sorry for everything that happened, she said through a translator. I dont have the words.

Dozens of people submitted victim impact statements to the court about how the loss of Mangiameli has affected them. He was deeply family-oriented and was a father of seven children, the youngest ages 5 and 6.
An Omaha man pleaded no contest Monday to attempted sexual assault of a minor and failure to appear in court six years after fleeing from Douglas County while free on bail.

Gabino Vargas-Perez, 27, skipped town in 2017 after being charged with first-degree sexual assault of a minor. Vargas-Perez, a legal immigrant from Guatemala, fled from Nebraska after he was charged with raping a 14-year-old girl in Omaha.

He was taken into custody Feb. 16 by the U.S. Marshals Service in Houston, according to Montgomery County, Texas, jail records. He returned to Omaha in March and was ordered held on $500,000 bail.

When he was charged in 2017, his bail was set at $50,000. Someone paid 10%  $5,000  and Vargas-Perez failed to appear at a preliminary hearing.

At the time he was charged, Vargas-Perez was a 20-year-old former Central High School student. The girl told police that she met Vargas-Perez in fall 2016 and that he told her he was 16.

Vargas-Perez, who is listed in Douglas County Jail records as being 5 feet tall and 130 pounds, asked her to come home with him to meet his family. He took her upstairs and raped her, the girl told police.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said in 2017 that ICE officials told prosecutors that Vargas-Perez was legally in the country. Kleine said then that he didnt know the nature of that status  whether it was because he has a work visa or another form of documentation.

Court documents indicate that Vargas-Perez, then age 16 or 17, had suffered neglect and abandonment by his parents. So he left Guatemala for the United States, the court document said.
After weeks of infighting and turmoil that has left the U.S. House of Representatives without a speaker for 20 days, Republicans could elect the chambers next leader as soon as Tuesday  thanks in part to a Nebraska congressman.

Rep. Mike Flood, who represents the states 1st Congressional District, including part of Sarpy County, unveiled a unity pledge late Friday in an effort to rally the Houses GOP members to back the partys eventual speaker-designate, which the caucus will nominate through an internal election Tuesday.

All nine House Republicans who have launched campaigns for the speakership had signaled support for the pledge as of Monday evening, vowing to vote for the speaker-designate regardless of who that candidate is when they face an election on the House floor, which could come as soon as Tuesday.

In signing the pledge, the lawmakers also promised to vote for the partys agreed-upon candidate for as long as they remain the speaker designate.

We arent a majority unless we vote as a majority, Flood told the Lincoln Journal Star on Monday. Meaning there is no majority in Congress if we dont vote together.

I just felt like we need some unity.

Reps. Austin Scott of Georgia, Pete Sessions of Texas, Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Byron Donalds of Florida, Gary Palmer of Alabama and Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota signed Floods unity pledge. CNN reported that Meuser dropped out of the race Monday night.

In a perfect world, we wouldnt have to sign it, because this is the way its worked for 200 years  people accept the winner of the leadership election inside the conference, Flood said in a phone interview.

Floods attempt to unify House Republicans comes after weeks of standstill in the chamber that, last week, prompted the Norfolk native to wonder if Jesus Christ could get 217 votes in the Republican conference as the caucus tried and failed to find a successor to Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the embattled former House speaker who saw his tenure as the chambers leader end earlier this month after eight House Republicans joined with Democrats to oust him.

House Republicans have since elected two nominees for the job, including Reps. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio, but both were forced to withdraw their candidacies after it became clear that neither could secure the 217 votes needed to win the position.

Jordan peaked with 201 votes in his initial bid for the speakership early last week and lost support from within his own party in each of the next two votes.

Flood voted for both men when they faced votes on the House floor, including three times for Jordan, an ultraconservative hardliner who drew opposition from the partys moderates, including Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraskas competitive 2nd Congressional District, who said his 2024 reelection bid did not steer his controversial votes against Jordan.

Now, Flood is angling to manufacture unity in a House with very little party discipline  familiar territory for Flood, who previously served as the speaker of Nebraskas nonpartisan, single-body Legislature.

I feel like the Unicameral has followed me out to Washington, D.C., Flood said. Im a fan of the Unicameral, but it doesnt work when theres 435 people and weve got the issues that we have right now. Thats why we have a two-party system. I just want to see everybody work together.

The caucus will vote behind closed doors Tuesday to nominate its latest speaker-designate from the group of candidates, among whom Emmer, the No. 3 House Republican, is considered a front-runner. Donalds is the only nominee who is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, members of which helped engineer McCarthys ouster earlier this month.

Flood said he expects the conference to hold an internal roll call vote after settling on a speaker designate via a secret ballot, making House Republicans indicate one way or another whether they intend to support the nominee once on the floor.

I think thats where we keep the door the locked and we dont leave that room until we sort it out before we go to the floor, he said. Thats how I think this can get resolved.

Flood said Monday afternoon he hadnt yet decided who he would vote for as his partys nominee for speaker, indicating he would wait to hear where all of the nine candidates stand on unity and functioning as a majority.

His spearheading of the unity pledge  which made national headlines over the weekend  made Flood the states second congressman to become a key figure in the Houses ongoing hunt for its next leader after Bacon emerged as a vocal roadblock to Jordans path to the speakership last week, drawing ire from right-wing critics both in Nebraska and nationally.

Still, Flood is clear-eyed about the power the written pledges for unity will or wont have on the House floor, where his colleagues have been unable to find common ground  and unable to legislate  for the better part of a month.

I think this pledge only helps, he said. I think the problems that Ive seen inside the conference are that complex. I had a lot of hope that we would be able to unite last week and select a speaker. I dont know what the mood is. But I do know Id rather be talking about unity than a variety of other grievances that have been raised in the past.

And I think thats where the majority of the folks in the Republican conference are  they want to talk about unity, too, because this isnt working for anyone.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of October 2023
The eight Ohio police officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, following a traffic stop last summer are back on active duty after a grand jury declined to indict any of them.

Akron Police Capt. Michael Miller confirmed the news to CNN in an email on Tuesday.

Based on the independent investigation conducted by BCI and the Summit County grand jurys decision not to indict, all eight officers are back on full-time, active duty, Miller said, referring to Ohios Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

He added that the departments internal investigation was wrapping up and going through some final legal review, which they expect will be released by the end of November.

On June 27, 2022, Akron police said Walker was driving a 2005 Buick when they attempted to stop him for traffic and equipment violations.

During a news conference in July 2022 when police released bodycam footage of the incident, police said Walker fled the stop, and about 40 seconds into the police chase, a gunshot was fired from his vehicle.

Several minutes later, Walker got out of his car and fled on foot, according to police.

Officers deployed Tasers to try and stop Walker, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said, but they were unsuccessful.

Mylett said that moments later, Walker stopped and quickly turned towards the pursuing officers, and the police opened fire, killing him.

According to an autopsy by a Summit County medical examiner Dr. Lisa Kohler, Walker suffered 46 gunshot entrance wounds or graze injuries.

Walkers family released a statement on Tuesday through their attorney, Bobby DiCello, questioning the citys handling of the incident.

The Walker family is saddened by the way in which they continue to be ignored by the City of Akron, the statement reads. City leadership has never once reached out to discuss the employment of the eight officers or explain why the officers are being reinstated. While this decision reopens painful wounds for them, the family remains strong in their commitment to seeking Justice and Dignity for Jayland.

In April, a grand jury decided against indicting the officers, concluding that they were legally justified in their use of force against Walker, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Walkers family is suing the city.

The civil complaint, which was filed in June, alleges officers used excessive force and claims there is a culture of violence and racism at the City of Akrons Police Department.

The family is seeking at least $45 million in damages  $1 million for each bullet that struck Jayland Walker, according to the suit.

In addition to the city, the list of defendants includes several members of the Akron Police Department.

___

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WASHINGTON (AP)  On Day 20 without a House speaker, Republicans found themselves starting over Monday  bumbling ahead with few ideas about who will lead, what they are fighting over and when they will get Congress working again.

Republicans gathered late in the evening to hear quick speeches from the congressmen seeking the job, though none has a clear shot at the gavel. Eight candidates are in the running for one speaker after one dropped out. Behind closed doors, they made their elevator pitches to colleagues ahead of internal party voting.

Senior-most among the hopefuls is Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, who is disliked by Donald Trump, but who reached out to the former president  as did others.

"They all called asking for support," said Trump, the Republican front-runner in the 2024 presidential race, who was in New Hampshire registering for the state's primary ballot.

Of Emmer, Trump said: "I think he's my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday and told me I'm your biggest fan."

Trump downplayed, even derided, Emmer, the third-ranking House Republican, while portraying himself as a kingmaker who talks to a lot of congressmen seeking his stamp of approval.

Late Monday, House Republicans retreated behind closed doors, as they have most days since Kevin McCarthys ouster, to hear from the candidates ahead of internal party voting. The candidates will have two minutes to make opening remarks, then take questions, then sum it up. The Republicans plan to meet Tuesday to choose the nominee.

Were going have to figure out how to get our act together  I mean, big boys and big girls have got to quit making excuses and we just got to get it done, said Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., a conservative caucus leader.

McCarthy called the whole spectacle embarrassing for the House Republicans, whose majority is being wasted, and for the U.S. government that cannot fully function.

What started as swaggering bravado when a contingent of hard-line Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida ousted McCarthy at the start of the month morphed into a full-blown crisis of governing as dysfunction and bitter infighting preventing the normal operations of Congress.

The federal government again risks a shutdown in a matter of weeks if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by a Nov. 17 deadline to keep services and offices running. More immediately, President Joe Biden asked Congress to provide $105 billion in aid  to Israel and Ukraine amid the overseas wars and to shore up the U.S. border with Mexico. Federal aviation and farming programs face expiration without action.

As he exited the meeting, Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, urged his colleagues to act quickly, saying voters want them to wrap it up. Enough is enough. Andale! Andale! he told reporters.

Yet factional power plays are running stronger on Capitol Hill than any sense of urgency to resolve the standoff as the House Republicans are essentially eating their own  first by ousting McCarthy just nine months on the job, then rejecting the next nominees to take his place, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and hard-right Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.

Launched over right-flank complaints over McCarthy's leadership in budget battles, the speakership fight is now a string of political and personal grievances over various leaders, factions and personalities.

"Is there anybody that can get there? I don't think there is," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, who has repeatedly suggested Trump should be elected House speaker.

Trump also spoke over the weekend to long-shot candidate Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, according to a person who insisted on anonymity. Early on Trump helped sink Scalise's nomination by backing Jordan instead.

But when more centrist GOP conservatives in the House refused to back Jordan, worried about elevating a far-right Freedom Caucus founder as speaker, Trump was unable to salvage the Ohioan's nomination. The House Republicans dropped Jordan as their nominee late Friday.

The House has never been here before, having ousted its own speaker for the first time in history, and now led by a nominal interim speaker pro tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the bow-tie wearing chairman of the Financial Services Committee whose main job is now to elect a more permanent speaker.

Some Republicans  and Democrats  would like to simply give McHenry more power to reconvene the House and get on with the routine business of governing. But McHenry, the first person to be in the position that was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as an emergency measure, brushed back those overtures.

For now, Emmer and the others will try their hand at uniting the broken Republican majority around each of their candidacies. No singular figure stands out as an obvious choice.

Along with Emmer seeking the nomination are Rep. Mike Johnson, a lawyer from Louisiana, and Rep. Kevin Hern, a former McDonald's restaurant franchise owner who now leads the conservative Republican Study Committee, the largest bloc of House conservatives.

Also running are Reps. Byron Donalds, a Florida newcomer aligned with Trump, Austin Scott of Georgia, who briefly challenged Jordan with a protest bid, and Sessions.

Others include Reps. Jack Bergman of Michigan and Gary Palmer of Alabama.

Internal party elections are set for Tuesday, but with nine candidates it could take multiple rounds to choose a nominee ahead of floor voting by the full House, possibly later this week.

Desperate to end the infighting, some GOP lawmakers demanded the candidates sign a pledge to back whoever is eventually nominated, as the Republican majority's rules state.
ATLANTA  Attorney and prominent conservative media figure Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a felony charge over efforts to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia, tearfully telling the judge she looks back on that time with deep remorse.

Ellis, the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal with prosecutors, was a vocal part of Trump's reelection campaign in the last presidential cycle and was charged alongside the Republican former president and 17 others with violating the states anti-racketeering law.

Ellis pleaded guilty to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She had been facing charges of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO, and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer, both felonies.

She rose to speak after pleading guilty, fighting back tears as she said she would have not have represented Trump after the 2020 election if she knew then what she knows now, claiming that she relied on lawyers with much more experience than her and failed to verify the things they told her.

What I did not do but should have done, Your Honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, the 38-year-old Ellis said.

The guilty plea from Ellis comes just days after two other defendants, fellow attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, entered guilty pleas. That means three high-profile people responsible for pushing baseless legal challenges to Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 election victory have agreed to accept responsibility for their roles rather than take their chances before a jury. A lower-profile defendant pleaded guilty last month.

Steve Sadow, Trump's lead attorney in the Georgia case, used Ellis' plea to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the racketeering charges Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis brought against all 19 defendants.

For the fourth time, Fani Willis and her prosecution team have dismissed the RICO charge in return for a plea to probation, he said. What that shows is this so-called RICO case is nothing more than a bargaining chip for DA Willis.

He also noted that Ellis pleaded guilty to a charge that wasn't in the original indictment and doesn't include Trump.

She was sentenced to five years of probation along with $5,000 in restitution, 100 hours of community service, writing an apology letter to the people of Georgia and testifying truthfully in trials related to this case.

The early pleas and the favorable punishment  probation rather than prison  could foreshadow similar outcomes for additional defendants who may see an admission of guilt and cooperation as their best hope for leniency. Even so, their value as witnesses against Trump is unclear given that their direct participation in unfounded schemes will no doubt expose them to attacks on their credibility and bruising cross-examinations should they testify.

The indictment in the sweeping case details a number of accusations against Ellis, including that she helped author plans on how to disrupt and delay congressional certification of the 2020 elections results on Jan. 6, 2021, the day a mob of Trump supporters eventually overran the U.S. Capitol.

Ellis is also accused of urging state legislators to unlawfully appoint a set of presidential electors loyal to Trump at a hearing in Pennsylvania, and she later appeared with some of those lawmakers and Trump at a meeting on the topic at the White House. The indictment further says she similarly pushed state lawmakers to back false, pro-Trump electors in Georgia as well as Arizona and Michigan.

Prosecutor Daysha Young said in court Tuesday that Ellis attended a December 2020 meeting of Georgia state senators with Trump attorney and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and with Georgia-based attorney Ray Smith. Ellis intentionally aided and abetted the other two as they made false statements to the lawmakers, including that more than 2,500 people convicted of felonies, more than 66,000 people who were under 18 and more than 10,000 dead people voted in the 2020 election in Georgia, Young said.

Before her plea, Ellis, who lives in Florida, was defiant, posting in August on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law. I am resolved to trust the Lord.

But she has been more critical of Trump since then, saying on conservative radio in September that she wouldn't vote for him again, citing his malignant, narcissistic tendency to simply say that he's never done anything wrong."

Along with Giuliani, Ellis was a leading voice in the Trump campaign's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, appearing frequently on television and conservative media to tell lies about widespread fraud that did not occur and spread misinformation and conspiracy theories.

She was censured in Colorado in March after admitting she made repeated false statements about the 2020 election.

That punishment was due in part to a Nov. 20, 2020, appearance on Newsmax, during which she said, "With all those states (Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia) combined we know that the election was stolen from President Trump, and we can prove that.

Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors and was sentenced to serve six years of probation and was ordered to pay a fine of $6,000. Chesebro pleaded guilty to one felony and was ordered to serve five years of probation, pay $5,000 in restitution and do 100 hours of community service. Bail bondsman Scott Graham Hall pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges and got five years of probation. All of them were ordered to write apology letters to the people of Georgia and to testify truthfully in any other trial in the case.

Ellis and the other three pleaded guilty under Georgias first offender law. That means that if they complete their probation without violating the terms or committing another crime, their records will be wiped clean.

Trump and the other defendants, including his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, have pleaded not guilty.

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Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

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A look at the 19 people charged in the Georgia indictment connected to Trump's election scheme Key people in the Georgia election fraud case Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani John Eastman Mark Meadows Sidney Powell Kenneth Chesebro Prosecutors have said Chesebro, an attorney, worked with Republicans in numerous swing states Trump lost, including Georgia, in the weeks after the November 2020 election at the direction of Trumps campaign. Chesebro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Jeffrey Clark Jenna Ellis Ray Smith A Georgia-based lawyer, Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He also gathered witnesses to provide testimony before Georgia legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020 on alleged issues with the states election. Robert Cheeley A Georgia lawyer, Cheeley presented video clips to legislators of election workers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and alleged the workers were counting votes twice or sometimes three times. He spoke to the lawmakers after Giuliani. Michael Roman A former White House aide who served as the director of Trumps election day operations, Roman was involved in efforts to put forth a set of fake electors after the 2020 election. David Shafer Shawn Still He was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Still was the finance chairman for the state GOP in 2020 and served as a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention that year. He was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs. Stephen Cliffgard Lee Prosecutors say Cliffgard Lee, a pastor, worked with others to try to pressure Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman and her daughter after Trump and his allies falsely accused them of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during the vote count. Lee allegedly knocked on Freemans door, frightening her and causing her to call 911 three times, prosecutors said in a court filing last year. Harrison William Prescott Floyd Also known as Willie Lewis Floyd III, he served as director of Black Voices for Trump, and is accused of recruiting Lee to arrange a meeting with Freeman and Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti. Trevian C. Kutti Prosecutors allege Kutti, a publicist, claimed to have high-level law enforcement connections. They say Freeman met with Kutti at a police precinct, where she brought Floyd into the conversation on a speakerphone. Prosecutors say Kutti presented herself as someone who could help Freeman but then pressured her to falsely confess to election fraud. Cathy Latham Scott Graham Hall An Atlanta-area bail bondsman, Hall was allegedly involved in commandeering voting information that was the property of Dominion Voting Systems from Coffee County, a small south Georgia jurisdiction. Also charged in the scheme were Powell, Latham and former county elections supervisor Misty Hampton. Misty Hampton She was the elections director in Coffee County. Hampton was present in the county elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, when a computer forensics team copied software and data from the countys election equipment. She also allowed two other men who had been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results to access the elections office later that month and to spend hours inside with the equipment. Read the Trump indictment in Georgia Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.
Maui County's mayor says all of West Maui except for burned-out sections of historic Lahaina will reopen to tourism on Nov. 1. Maui has had impassioned discussions about when to welcome travelers back to the disaster-stricken region. Some residents drafted a petition opposing the return of tourists, saying the community wasnt ready. Mayor Richard Bissen says workers are ready to return to their jobs while acknowledging that's not true for everyone. He says those who arent prepared to go back to work should talk to their employers and continue to seek the help and attention that they need. He says residents who have been staying in hotels after losing their homes wont lose their lodging because of the reopening.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  With Election Day closing in, anti-abortion groups seeking to build opposition to a reproductive rights measure in Ohio are messaging heavily around a term for an abortion procedure that was once used later in pregnancy but that hasn't been legal in the U.S. for over 15 years.

In ads, debates and public statements, the opposition campaign and top Republicans have increasingly been referencing "partial-birth abortions" as an imminent threat if voters approve the constitutional amendment on Nov. 7. "Partial-birth abortion" is a non-medical term for a procedure known as dilation and extraction, or D&X, which is already federally prohibited.

"It would allow a partial-birth abortion," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine told reporters recently as he explained his opposition to the constitutional amendment, known as Issue 1.

"For many years, in Ohio and in this country, we've had a law that said a partial-birth abortion  where the child is partially delivered and then killed and then finally delivered  was illegal in Ohio," the governor continued. "This constitutional amendment would override that."

Constitutional scholars say that is not true and that the amendment would not override the existing federal ban if Ohio voters approve it.

"So changing our constitution will not affect in the slightest way the applicability of the federal partial-birth abortion ban," said Dan Kobil, a law professor at Capital University in Columbus, who supports abortion rights. "It would be a federal crime for a doctor to violate that ban."

That's because the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution calls for federal laws to trump state laws, said Jonathan Entin, professor emeritus of law at Case Western Reserve University.

"If the federal law prohibits a particular technique, then that's going to prevail over a state law that might be inconsistent," he said.

Ohio is the only state this November where voters will decide whether abortion should be legal. But the debate isn't happening in isolation. The state has been used as a campaign testing ground by anti-abortion groups after a string of defeats since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to the procedure. And next year, abortion rights supporters are planning to put the question before voters in several more states, ensuring the issue will be central to races up and down the ballot.

A D&X procedure involved dilating the woman's cervix, then pulling the fetus through the cervix, feet-first to the neck. The head was then punctured and the skull emptied and compressed to allow the fetus to fit through the dilated cervix. Before the federal ban, it was used for both abortions and miscarriages in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

DeWine was serving in the U.S. Senate when the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act was passed in 2003. He voted for the prohibition, which declared a "moral, medical, and ethical consensus" that the procedure was "gruesome and inhumane." President George W. Bush signed the measure into law with DeWine at his side.

The ban was largely on hold while a constitutional challenge played out. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2007 rejected arguments against the law, upholding its application across all 50 states.

Asked why the governor suggested a federal law he supported would not apply if Ohio changes its constitution, spokesman Dan Tierney said DeWine bases his position on provisions of the U.S. Constitution that prevent the federal government from regulating conduct that has no effect on interstate commerce. Kobil acknowledged that argument, but said it's "almost certain to fail" if tested, given that the Supreme Court already declared the ban constitutional.

DeWine isn't the only top elected Republican in the state to warn that the procedure would be revived if the amendment passes on Nov. 7.

In a memo earlier this month, Republican Attorney General Dave Yost said the state's laws outlawing abortions through D&X and another procedure, non-intact dilation and evacuation, or D&E, the most common second trimester method, "would both be invalidated and these abortions would be permitted" if the amendment passes. The Ohio Senate's Republican supermajority passed a resolution saying something similar.

Entin, of Case Western, said "to the extent that the Ohio laws he's discussed are also covered by the federal law, it doesn't matter," because federally banned procedures would remain illegal.

Kelsey Pritchard, director of state public affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, whose political arm is a major funder of the campaign opposing the amendment, said the federal ban "lacks enforcement" under a Biden Administration she described as "extreme pro-abortion."

"If it's not being enforced, if there's no teeth to it, then the protections need to happen at the state level," argued spokesperson Amy Natoce of Protect Women Ohio, the Issue 1 opposition campaign. "Of course, if Issue 1 passed, we won't have those protections."

Mae Winchester, a Cleveland-based maternal fetal medicine specialist, said use of the term in the campaign messaging over the amendment is misleading.

"'Partial-birth abortion' is a made-up term that only serves to create confusion and stigmatize abortion later in pregnancy," she said. "It's not a procedure that's described anywhere in medical literature, and so it's not considered a medical term or even an actual medical procedure."

Ohio passed the nation's first ban on what its lawmakers then dubbed "partial birth feticide" in 1995, just three years after Ohio physician Martin Haskell debuted the D&X procedure during an abortion practitioners conference. He touted it as a way to avoid an overnight hospital stay and as safer and less painful for women than other methods.

Protect Women Ohio has invoked Haskell's legacy in one of its ads. It shows an image of Haskell and describes the procedure he pioneered as "painful for the mother and the baby." The voiceover then calls for a no vote on the amendment "so people like Dr. Haskell can't perform painful 'late-term' abortions."

The spot doesn't note the distinction between "partial-birth" and "late-term" abortions  both non-medical terms coined by anti-abortion advocates  nor reference the federal ban.

Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, said because of protections provided to individuals and abortion providers in the amendment, "The ad withstands any scrutiny."

Haskell retired from active practice two years ago. He declined comment. But he has donated to the main group supporting the constitutional amendment, Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights.

Pro-Choice Ohio Executive Director Kellie Copeland called talk of "late-term" and "partial-birth" abortions a scare tactic.

"Issue 1 allows for clear restrictions on abortion after viability that protect patients' health and safety," she said. "These situations, when a woman needs an abortion later in pregnancy, are incredibly rare and heartbreaking for families."

Ohio hasn't had an abortion of any type performed after 25 weeks' gestation since 2018 and only four have been recorded since 2013, according to statistics compiled by the state Health Department. Abortions between 21 and 24 weeks' gestation, a span that encompasses the outside limit of Ohio's current law, totaled 576, or 0.6% of the total, over that time.

Pritchard, of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, attributed the low numbers to the state's existing abortion restrictions.

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This story has been corrected to show the name of the university is Case Western Reserve University, not Case Western State University.

Associated Press reporter Christine Fernando in Chicago contributed to this report.

___

Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries 1970s: Roe v. Wade protects women's right to abortion; politics shift
A person accused of leading Seward County sheriffs deputies on a high-speed chase died in a shooting with the deputies Monday.

According to a press release from the Seward County Sheriffs Office, the incident began shortly after 3:10 p.m. when deputies tried to stop a vehicle going west on Interstate 80.

The release said the vehicle then turned around and crossed over into the eastbound lanes near mile marker 383 and then went in that direction. A high-speed pursuit occurred for about seven miles until it ended in Lancaster County. The incident also involved the Nebraska State Patrol.

Once the vehicle came to a stop, deputies told the two occupants to exit the vehicle. A passenger exited, but the driver refused to do so, the Sheriffs Office said. While attempting to make contact with the driver, deputies saw a weapon in the drivers hand. Thats when the shooting occurred.

Despite being given first aid by deputies and state troopers, the person who was shot died at the scene.

The Sheriffs Office said the State Patrol Special Investigations Team is handling the ongoing investigation. Following protocol, a Lancaster County grand jury will hear about the incident at a future date.
An assignment given to students at Waverly Middle School in August that dealt with diversity spurred complaints from a handful of parents and led to one of the topics being dropped.

Waverly Superintendent Cory Worrell said the controversy started when students in an eighth grade social studies class were given an assignment intended to teach them about different cultures.

Students were asked to choose and research four of seven provided topics: Celebrating Pride, Celebrating Womens History, Celebrating Black History, Celebrating Hispanic Heritage, Celebrating Asian Pacific Americans, Celebrating Mens Health, and Learn and Love Diversity.

Worrell said administrators were made aware of parent concerns regarding the assignments in August shortly after they were given, specifically about the Celebrating Pride topic.

The middle school principal heard from four parents who expressed concerns about the assignment, while a couple of others expressed support for it, Worrell said.

The assignment was pulled from the course, and no student received a grade for it, he said.

While most assignments undergo an extensive curriculum review to be approved for the classroom, this one had not been fully vetted, Worrell said. Typically, teachers and administrators are required to review all content using state standards to approve all texts, written materials and assignments.

Worrell said he feels the issues raised regarding the assignment were resolved after communicating with parents and answering questions.

But one parent disagreed.

Shanna Allison, one of the parents to file a complaint about the assignment, said eighth grade students, including her own child, were asked to research topics like the history of the LGBTQ+ community, the Black Lives Matter movement and gender dysphoria for a graded social studies assignment.

She also claimed that students were taught about hatred toward law enforcement and that certain races are oppressed while White people are privileged  an allegation that was denied by the school.

She said these are all things that she considers activism, which she feels has no place in a classroom.

Its not about one teacher or 20 teachers doing it, Allison said in an email. All public school educators need to be neutral when it comes to political topics or views being taught in the classroom.

Allison said that she requested to sit in on one of her three childrens classes at Waverly after the incident but was denied access by Worrell.

In an email she provided to the Lincoln Journal Star between her and Worrell, the superintendent highlighted school board policies that outline the districts right to protect the learning environment from distractions and its policy on visitors and loitering.

Additionally, the parent handbook states that visitors are allowed to observe classes for only up to 30 minutes and must be approved by administration. If they feel it would be disruptive to the classroom, administrators reserve the right to say no to requests.

Allison said she is now planning a protest before school Nov. 1 in an area thats visible from both the middle and high schools.

Waverly administration is aware of the planned protest and will work to ensure student safety throughout that morning, Worrell said.

Our students safety and security will be our top priority this day as they travel on these sidewalks and streets outside of our buildings, he said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of October 2023
NEW YORK (AP)  After turns as a real estate magnate, a New York tabloid mainstay, a reality TV star and president of the United States, Donald Trump is settling into a new role: defendant.

The front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination spent two days this week in a Manhattan courtroom where a civil fraud trial is unfolding. Trump is accused of grossly inflating his net worth and the value of marquee assets on paperwork used to secure financing and make deals.

In the courtroom, Trump is often subdued, sitting between his lawyers and staring straight ahead with a scowl as he studiously ignores his adversary, New York Attorney General Letitia James. But when he steps into the hallway where a phalanx of TV cameras awaits, Trump transforms into his familiar political persona, eager to spin the proceedings in his favor.

"If I wasnt here, probably  maybe  people wouldnt see the facts the way they are, Trump said during one of his swings before the cameras on Wednesday.

Trump, who also attended portions of the civil trial earlier this month, is under no legal obligation to attend the proceedings. But in a preview of how he'll likely approach the more serious criminal trials that will begin in the coming months, Trump uses the appearances as an extension of his presidential campaign, betting he can shape perceptions and portray himself as a political leader under attack.

The strategy has helped energize his supporters  and fill his campaign coffers  by casting his legal troubles as part of a broad conspiracy to deny him the presidency and rob him of the real estate empire he spent decades building. But it's also testing the limits of Trump's ability to harness his showmanship in a way that bends political and legal realities.

Trump was fined $5,000 on Friday after a copy of a social media post in which he disparaged a key court staffer was discovered on his campaign website long after he was ordered to delete it.

And during the same week that Trump was largely focused on New York, his legal vulnerabilities intensified elsewhere. In Washington, a federal judge imposed a limited gag order barring Trump from making statements targeting prosecutors, possible witnesses and court staff. For someone who sees few limits in attacking his perceived enemies, that order may be tested soon.

And in Georgia, lawyer Sidney Powell pleaded guilty Thursday to reduced charges over efforts to overturn Trumps 2020 loss in the state. Kenneth Chesebro, a lawyer accused of coordinating a slate of false electors to vote for the former president, pleaded guilty Friday.

The deals with Atlanta prosecutors could heighten Trump's legal exposure there if Powell agrees to testify against the former president.

On top of that, Trump was overshadowed by the escalating war between Israel and Hamas as well as the failure of Republicans to elect a new speaker of the House. While Trumps initial appearances drew a media maelstrom, with cable news networks airing live footage of his motorcade journey, this weeks have drawn far less attention.

There have been fewer reporters and more empty seats in the courtroom gallery as news outlets have pulled back on covering his courthouse sojourns because the novelty has worn off. Unaccustomed to losing the spotlight, Trump acknowledged the challenge Tuesday.

Despite my being here, the talk is all about Biden getting ready to fly to the Middle East to see Abbas, meeting arranged, and Abbas just cancelled, he wrote on his social media platform. No respect for the United States of America!

His public mood shifted throughout his time at the trial. He emerged from the courtroom elated on some days, predicting at one point that 80% of the $250 million fraud case would be thrown out because the judge had been receptive to an argument by his lawyers.

Other times he has come out fuming, like on Wednesday when he accused the government of lying after one of his lawyers alleged a witness had perjured himself. Again and again, he casts the proceedings as rigged," a disgrace" and part of a broader plot by Democrats to hobble his chances.

I should be in Iowa now. I should be in New Hampshire now. I should be in South Carolina now or someplace else, campaigning, Trump complained Tuesday.

In the courtroom, he'll lean in occasionally to confer with counsel and follow along with a live transcript of the proceedings on a screen in front of him. Sometimes hell flip through a pile of papers or react to testimony with a grimace or other expression.

On Wednesday, Judge Arthur Engoron warned Trump and others involved in the case to keep their voices down after he conferred animatedly with his lawyers at the defense table while a witness was testifying against him.

Trump threw up his hands in frustration and grumbled to his lawyers, prompting state lawyer Kevin Wallace to ask Engoron to ask the defense to stop commenting during the witness testimony, adding that the exhortations were audible on the witness side of the room. The judge then asked everyone to keep their voices down, particularly if its meant to influence the testimony.

Otherwise, Trump has shown unusual restraint for a man whos used to being the center of attention, able to say and do as he pleases.

Aside from the historic nature of having a former president and current candidate at the defense table, Trump is something of a non-factor in the courtroom itself  typically seen, but not heard. The most unusual aspect of his attendance is often the moment when a small pool of photographers and video cameras parades into the room for a few minutes to capture the scene for posterity before testimony begins. Its a spectacle, with photographers jostling for position between the defense table and the judges bench  with all eyes on the commotion.

While Trump's appearances in New York over the last few weeks have been purely voluntary, that will change as the civil case continues and his four criminal cases move toward trial. The former president will be required to return to New York to testify in his civil trial, likely in a few weeks. His lawyers have already told the judge he'll be unavailable for several days around the Nov. 7 off-year election.

Trump isn't required to be in court for writer E. Jean Carroll's second defamation trial against him  he teased an appearance at the first one before passing  but the case could still steal some headlines because its scheduled to start on Jan. 15, 2024, the same day as the Iowa caucuses that kick off the GOP nomination process.

On Feb. 15, Trump will have to appear in person in New York ahead of a criminal trial on charges that he misclassified reimbursements for hush-money payments made to women during his 2016 campaign. His federal trial in Washington on charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election is tentatively set to begin March 4  the day before Super Tuesday contests  while his New York trial is set to begin weeks later on March 25.

His trial in Florida over his refusal to return classified documents stashed at his Mar-a-Lago club is set to begin May 20, while his trial in Georgia over his efforts to subvert the results of the states 2020 election hasnt yet been scheduled.

Defendants in criminal trials generally must be present for large parts of their trials.

The judge in the hush-money case, Juan Manuel Merchan, has acknowledged the huge undertaking in getting Trump to court. But he warned that once the trial starts, he's obligated to be there and can't, for instance, "agree to any appearances, commitments, speaking engagements, anything of that kind.

Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed to this report.
NORMAL  Eastern Illinois Foodbank will distribute food to area families facing food insecurity from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Normal West High School, 501 N. Parkside Road.

The distribution is open to residents of McLean County.

A distribution is also planned for 9-10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at the Trinity Community Fellowship in Farmer City. It will be open to residents of DeWitt, Piatt and McLean counties.

Those attending the distributions are asked to bring boxes or bags to transport food, and they are asked to pre-register at EIFclient.com. Pre-registration does not guarantee a place in line as income guidelines will apply.

The foodmobile will also be traveling throughout southern and western McLean County from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, with distribution sites and times for each town listed at eifoodbank.org/help/mobile.html.

Midwest Food Bank Gala Dinner and Auction Jenn Steidinger, David Keiser, Brad Steidinger Trace Brim, Rocky OShea, Eric and Gina Hodel, Tara Ingham Enjoying the hors d oeuvres Rebekah Hoffman Hors doeuvres Paulette and Kent Zimmerman Kevin and Lindsay Wiegand, Lori and Larry Wiegand Elizabeth, Andrew and Alison Hoffman Nancy and Steve Smith Ready for guests Duane Kieser, Mark Streitmatter, Trace Brim Keiser grandchildren Sara and Shauna Streitmatter , Denise Brim Mary and Roger Stoller Francesca Erb, Denise Hodges Pat and Dean Messinger Monica and Steve Scheuer Registering guests for the gala Approximately 400 were in attendance Guests dined in the warehouse Karen, Travis and Paul Kieser Elaine Young, Dorothy Walder, Judy and Ron Knapp Steve Baner, Rich and Karen Stoller, Bethany and Karl Edelman Gina and Eric Hodel, Delayne and Lori Stickling Jackie and Richard Martin Share the Light Enjoying the evening
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.

100 years ago

Oct. 24, 1923: Flames destroyed the business homes of three firms in Fairbury and razed a large brick building 75 by 150 feet in dimension on the west side of Main Street. Business houses burned out were the Barber meat market, J. Claudon, auto storage, and John L. Purdum, used autos. Edward Regal, C.I.P.S. workman, suffered a broken leg when he fell over a fallen sign on his way to cut electric wires.

75 years ago

Oct. 24, 1948: Illinois Wesleyan Universitys new mens dormitory, 208 E. Beecher St., will be dedicated Oct. 31. It will be named Magill Hall in honor of the Magill family from Auburn, which has helped support Wesleyan for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh S. Magill with their nine children on a farm near Auburn in 1856 after coming from New York state. Three children  Hugh S., S. Lincoln and Ella  have extended much aid to Wesleyans welfare.

50 years ago

Oct. 24, 1973: In a long meeting highlighted with several heated, though friendly, discussions, Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System trustees developed planning for the future. Trustees voted 5-2 in favor of recommending smaller 28-foot buses.

25 years ago

Oct. 24, 1998: Professors at Illinois State University have long complained they are underpaid. On Friday (Oct. 23), ISU President David Strand reiterated his pledge to do something about it. And the universitys Board of Trustees backed him up, approving a $1.2 million increase to faculty salaries for fiscal year 2000 as part of Strands three-year salary review program.

Vintage Pantagraph newspaper ads for medicine, 'magic' remedies St. Jacobs Oil - July 14, 1887 Castoria - July 26, 1892 Rheumatic Ring - May 29, 1894 Beefmalt - May 29, 1894 Wakefield's Cough Syrup - Feb. 13, 1908 S.S.S. - April 23, 1908 Olive Tablets - Nov. 20, 1911 Allcock Plasters - March 2, 1917 Olive Tablets - Feb. 23, 1918 Laxative Bromo Quinine - Oct. 16, 1918 Bayer Tablets of Aspirin - April 24, 1919 Bayer Tablets of Aspirin - April 29, 1919 Snake Oil - Nov. 22, 1919 Beecham's Pills - Nov. 22, 1919 Snake Oil - Nov. 29, 1919 Doan's Kidney Pills - March 8, 1920 Bayer Tablets of Aspirin - Sept. 21, 1920 J.C. Hutzell's Eczema Treatment - Nov. 11, 1922 O-Joy Corn Wafers - March 4, 1930 Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription - March 19, 1930 666 Tablets - March 25, 1930 Cuticura - March 25, 1930 Geo-Mineral - Dec. 8, 1948 Anacin - Jan. 16, 1963 Liquiprin - Aug. 27, 1970 Icy Hot - Nov. 20, 1977
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch's proposal that would clear the way for state legislative staff to unionize received its first hearing Tuesday as lawmakers returned to the Capitol for their annual fall veto session.

Welch, a Democrat from Hillside, filed the legislation last month, nearly one year after members of his own staff declared their intent to form a union.

The proposal cleared the House Executive Committee after nearly two hours of testimony from Welch himself, labor law experts and members of the group pushing the unionization effort.

If it becomes law, the Illinois Labor Relations Board would be authorized to oversee an election on the formation of a collective bargaining unit within the legislative branch. Current state law exempts legislative employees.

A new legislative agency would also be created to represent the interests of the General Assembly in the collective bargaining process.

Welch said that the proposal gives legislative employees "equal opportunity" to join a union, including staff of the other legislative caucus and non-political staff such as doorkeepers and janitors should also be included.

"I think every single employee who wants to be in a union should have that opportunity to join one," Welch told the committee. "This legislation creates that legal pathway."

Though Illinois voters approved an amendment to the state constitution last year enshrining the right to unionize as "fundamental," labor experts who testified Tuesday said a change in state law was likely still needed to clear up the difference between the amendment and existing state law.

Welch said an amendment would be filed incorporating changes requested by the other legislative caucuses.

The Illinois Legislative Staff Association, the group of employees seeking union recognition, have taken a neutral position on the legislation.

Representatives of the group said they have concerns about the proposal, such as a provision that would bar their ability to strike during months the legislature is scheduled to be in session. But they said they will reserve judgement until after the changes are filed.

"We are foundational to the (General Assembly). We love our jobs and want to continue to be here to serve the people of Illinois," said Kelly Kupris, a House staffer and an organizer of the unionization effort. "However, we cannot do so without being given the tools for a healthy and safe workplace. Help us help you."

The proposal received support from all Democrats on the committee while all Republicans voted "present," with some wanting to see an updated proposal before passing judgment and others wishing to stay out of what they view as matter that mostly concerns House Democrats.

State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, in a press conference Tuesday afternoon, said he wished legislators used their time better on the first day of veto session.

"It's a bill on a very important topic, but its impact in terms of the number of people in the state of Illinois is very small," Spain said. "That's the only action that we have seen with a legislative committee so far leading up to an important veto session."

Spain said he wanted to remind Democratic leaders that there is "a lot of work left to be done in this veto session in front of the legislature."

Not much else moved in the statehouse Tuesday as lawmakers caucused behind closed doors to figure out the rest of their agenda. They are scheduled to be in through Thursday this week and will be back Nov. 7-9.

Lawmakers need to decide whether to override Gov. J.B. Pritzker's veto of legislation lifting the moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants. There is also a push to override the governor's amendatory veto of a bill granting Ameren first dibs on the construction of new transmission lines.

Then there's Invest in Kids, an income tax credit program that provides scholarships to low-income students attending private schools, which sunsets Jan. 1 with no action from legislators. Advocates are expected to rally in the Capitol later this week.

Legislative leaders have already ruled out new legislation this fall that would provide additional state funds to Chicago to deal with the influx of asylum-seeking migrants from Venezuela. And the leaders of the Chicago Bears, who have been seeking state help with their expected stadium project in Arlington Heights, have said they will not be pursuing legislation this fall.

Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term
A three-day Ghana Investment and Trade Week Summit under the auspices of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in partnership with MIE Group has opened in Accra with a call on businesses to take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the continent to become the world's saviour in times of crisis.



Delivering a welcome address on the theme: Accelerating Economic Growth: Amplifying Ghanas Global Market Footprint Through AfCFTA, the CEO of GIPC, Mr Yofi Grant stated that he described the gathering as a landmark summit which has brought together investors, traders, policymakers, exhibitors for economic and political prosperity of the continent of Africa.



According to him intra-trade among African countries has only achieved not more than 15 percent annually whiles intra-Africa investments which are mostly from North and Southern African countries is less than five percent.



Mr Yofi Grant stated that AfCFTA provides a golden opportunity to change the narrative for the better where small businesses on the continent can trade among themselves across borders.



"..But the AfCFTA without a doubt creates a very important but enormous opportunity to change those dynamics, but not just to change those dynamics but an opportunity for the African economies especially most of whom are dominated by SMEs and SMIs" Mr. Grant emphasised.





The free trade area he said is expected to increase intra-Africa trade by some 33 percent and reduce its trade deficit by 51 percent.



The GIPC Boss revealed that, Afreximbank and other Banks in Ghana have created a pan-African payment platform to enhance trade among businesses.



He explained that the payment system allows businesses to effect payment using the local currencies in their countries of location.



This he said will enhance job creation, especially among young people on the continent.



Mr. Yofi Grant said Africa is referred to as a wealthy nation but its people are not wealthy and predicted with great optimism that the continent which is a repository of not less than 40 percent of the world's remaining mineral resources, especially the transition minerals, will become the world's engine place and saviour in the next decade and charged all to help make this a reality.



"I have no doubt in my mind that Africa would save the world in the next decade'' he stated.



Ghana he said motivated by two factors namely goals one and seventeen of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which emphasizes poverty alleviation and global partnership for linkages in trade Most importantly for Ghana.





Hosting the Secretariat of AFCFTA he said provides an opportunity for Ghana to be the change it wants to see by ceasing the moment with all its advantages.



The country, he said, is pursuing notable policies such as the One District One Factory Ghana and working to improve its infrastructure including road and rail to enhance its competitiveness.



The summit is on the theme: Accelerating Economic Growth: Amplifying Ghana's Global Market Footprint Through AfCFTA.



Vice President of MIE Group, a key collaborator for the summit, Zahoor Ahmed assured of his outfit's commitment to help build bridges with key stakeholders for to bring global focus and enhance greater participation in future Ghana Investment Trade summits.



A representative of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries, Emmanuel T. Martey in an address proposed the need for the adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for the delivery if the needed infrastructure for the country since the central government cannot do it alone.



He urged the need for extraordinary efforts to achieve excellence at the end of the summit with the development of a blueprint with actionable timelines to inform policy decisions.





Activities marking the three-day summit include Fireside discussion sessions with CEO of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), Ambassador Edward Boateng and panel discussions on the Role of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in becoming economic superhighways, exhibitions among others.



The event was graced by the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Free Zones Authority, the Chief Executive Officer of SIGA, Ambassador Edward Boateng and the Pakistani Ambassador to Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, has donated items worth over GHc500,000 to support victims of the Akosombo dam spillage.



The items include waste bins, plastic buckets, brooms and other sanitary items to aid in maintaining a clean environment.



The company also donated food items such as rice and cooking oil, canned fish and water. The rest were safety jackets, mosquito nets and aqua tabs to keep them safe and protect them from harm and diseases.



The Managing Director of Zoomlion, Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti presenting the items at the National Emergency Centre at North Tongu District Assembly in the Volta region to the victims of the Akosombo dam spillage on Monday, October 23, 2023, noted that good sanitary environment, clean water, safety and sustenance are essential for survival and well-being, hence the company's decision to support the victims in that regard.



The company will from next week also provide disinfection service free of charge to affected communities in the Akosombo dam spillage disaster.



The disinfection will start from the safe havens where victims are taking refuge after the dam spillage and later move to the flood areas after the water recedes.



"We are also providing vector control and disinfection services at the Safe Havens and their environs. These are intended to reduce the spread and incidence of sanitation-related diseases that are normally associated with episodes of flooding."



These diseases include malaria, typhoid, cholera and dysentery.



She acknowledged that it is a difficult time, and her company understood the urgency of the situation. She therefore called for all hands on deck to help address the situation.



"It is in moments like these that we must come together as a community, as a region and as a nation, to support those who are suffering the most," she prayed.



She noted that it is the collective efforts of every Ghanaian to ensure that the affected communities bounce back.



"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these communities recover, rebuild, and restore hope and dignity to the lives of those affected and Zoomlion Ghana Limited is proud to be a part of that effort," she noted



The deputy Director General Mr. Seji Saji Amedonu welcomed the donation and thanked Zoomlion for the gesture.



He announced that the number of affected victims has increased to

35,000 from 31, 000 just four days ago.



He therefore urged others to come and support. The committee is trying to reach everyone affected.



In a related event, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd. also donated similar items to its staff who were directly impacted by the flood waters.







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The Nigerian government has won a case in a British Court that has overturned an $11bn (9bn) arbitration award made to a firm following a dispute over a failed gas deal.



The award, first made in 2017 then increased in 2019 to include interest, amounted to a huge chunk of Nigeria's foreign reserves.



Monday's ruling is part of a protracted legal battle between British Virgin Islands-based firm Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) and the Nigerian government.



Nigeria's lawyers argued that P&ID had paid bribes to obtain the contract and corrupted lawyers to obtain confidential documents. P&ID denied Nigeria's allegations, blaming the failure of the gas deal on institutional incompetence.



Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the decision by the Business and Property Court in London.



In a statement, he described it as a victory for Africa and the developing world, which he said had long been on the receiving end of overt exploitation.



Campaign group Spotlight on Corruption said Nigerias economic prospects had been held hostage by what it said was an arbitration award built on bribes and lies.



In his ruling released on Monday, the judge found that P&ID had paid bribes to a Nigerian oil ministry official in connection with a 2010 gas contract, and had failed to disclose this when it took Nigeria to court after the deal fell through.

Source: BBC









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The government of Rwanda says its sent humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.



In a brief written statement sent to BBC Great Lakes, the governments deputy spokesman, Alain Mukuralinda, said the donation was sent to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) and has arrived in the Jordanian capital, Amman.



It was made "in support to the ongoing international rescue effort", Mr Mukuralinda wrote.



The donation comprises 16 tonnes of food items, medicines and medical supplies, he said, adding "Rwanda reiterates the need for a de-escalation to protect the lives of innocent civilians".



Rwanda is one of the countries on the continent that has close ties with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Rwanda in 2016.



Both countries share "haunting similarities to the genocide of our own people", Mr Netanyahu wrote in the visitors book after touring a memorial for the victims of Rwanda's 1994 genocide.



Over 800,000 people, mostly ethnic Tutsis, were massacred in 1994. Six million Jewish people were killed in the Holocaust during the Second World War.

Source: BBC









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South Africas third biggest political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, has held a protest outside the Israeli embassy in the capital, Pretoria.



Party leader Julius Malema once again called for the closure of the embassy after saying Israel's government had no respect for humanity".



Mr Malema also urged retailers in the country to remove Israeli-produced goods from their shelves by the end of October.



"If they don't remove products from Israel, we'll remove them ourselves. We don't want Israeli products sold in South Africa, we don't want food from people who have the blood of innocent people on their hands," said Mr Malema.



The governing African National Congress (ANC) held a similar picket outside Israel's embassy on Friday.



ANC Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane called on South Africans to boycott imports from Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians.



Ms Mokonyane also reiterated South Africa's calls for an immediate ceasefire to hostilities in the Middle East.



Last week, a spokeswoman for the ANC Womens League resigned, accusing the party of failing to see the "Jewish side of the story" in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Source: BBC









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A project has been launched to collect DNA samples from 500,000 Africans or people of African heritage in order to redress an imbalance in current research.



Genetic research is becoming increasingly significant in finding cures for certain illnesses - but very few of the DNA samples used as the basis for the studies come from those whose origins are in Africa.



The Meharry Medical College in Nashville in the US now wants to address this.



Anil Shanker, senior vice-president of research and innovation at the college, told the BBC's Newsday programme that in the past African-Americans in the US were sometimes not included in DNA studies or were reluctant to come forward because of a mistrust of medical research.



Researchers will initially be collecting samples at colleges in the US as well as the University of Zambia, but they want to widen the net in Africa, the AFP news agency reports.



He said the project to collect the samples would take five years and the information would be stored with a non-profit organisation, the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute.

Source: BBC









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The European Union has begun steps to impose sanctions on members of Niger's military junta, three months after they took power in a coup.



The EU Council announced on Monday that it had "adopted a framework" that will allow it to impose sanctions on "individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger".



The council also said that the sanctions will apply to individuals who undermine Niger's constitutional order, democracy or rule of law, as well as individuals who commit human rights violations or abuses.



The sanctions will include travel bans, asset freezes and bans on the provision of funds to sanctioned individuals.



"With todays decision, the EU strengthens its support to [West African bloc] Ecowas efforts and sends a clear message: military coups bear costs," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.



The EU, however, said that it would allow humanitarian exemptions to asset freeze measures.



The European move follows the imposition of sanctions on Niger by Ecowas and the suspension of aid by the US government.

Source: BBC









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Member of Parliament for Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has highlighted how legislators are burdened by their constituents with almost every problem, including ones that fall outside their duties.



Speaking on Kumasi-based Hello FM in an interview, the MP who also doubles as a Deputy Minister for Defence recounted how he was once asked to ensure that weeds around a public toilet were cleared.



I remember I went on rounds conducting community engagement The people sent me, so whether good or bad I will go to them. I went to one community and do you know what they told me? They said their toilet is bushy so I should come and weed it for them.



"Yes, it was question time; they had the floor to ask questions and that was the question someone asked, he narrated.



According to the MP, while he had to be patient to explain that the request fell outside his duties, he was perplexed to find out that the said toilet was a public toilet which was being used to generate money.



He thus expressed concern about what the money realised from the use of the toilet was being put to by members of the community.



I had to be patient and explain to the person that it is not the work of the MP to come and weed their toilet for them, we have the assemblyman; that is his work.



"I even asked if they take money from users of the toilet and it was even the person collecting the money who asked me that question. I dont know what they were using the money they make from the toilet for. Everything in the constituency is placed on the MP, he noted.



Several MPs in Ghana and some political critics have serially raised concerns about the lack of understanding of the exact duties of Members of Parliament who have been turned into development agents.



Some have noted that MPs tend to get overburdened with issues outside of their core mandate, a situation which sometimes leads to corruption and lack of productivity on the part of the lawmakers.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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Former President John Dramani Mahama has explained why Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, the founder of the Great Kosa Company, did not receive the needed support for his automobile company from successive governments.



The former president, while answering a question on why the automobile company did not get the needed capital investment, said that governments including that of the late Jerry John Rawlings had difficulties in determining the exact work Apostle Kantanka was doing.



He said that even though the government approached to help, Apostle Kantanka did not adequately prove that his work was science-based which made it difficult to get investors for him.



When you say God gave you a vision and you took an ant hill and built an engine, I mean no bank would give you money, you get my point. To build a car, you must build the car. You need metals, (sic), you must make the engine if it is an electric car, you must do the circuiting and all that.



It is all science-based. I was in the first government of Rawlings and that was when a delegation was sent to see how he can be helped but he told us it is divine If it is divine then God would give that capital to do it  you get my point, he said.



Mahama, who is also the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 election, noted that Apostle Kantankas son, Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Jnr, who has now taken over the company, has been able to clearly defined what it does which has made it for easier for them to get the needed support.



So, we could not get proof of what really to help him with but his son has taken over the business and his son says it is an assembling plant - we are importing the components and we are building the vehicle. And so now the government has started to buy Kantanka cars, I have seen the police using some of them and so on, he said.



He indicated that the usage of Kanatanka vehicles by state agencies is a good starting point to help the company grow.



















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Nigeria has begun a mass vaccination campaign against human papillomavirus (HPV) in a bid to drastically reduce cervical cancer rates.



HPV, a common virus usually spread through intimate sexual contact, can in a minority of cases lead to cervical cancer.



In 2021, a major study found the HPV vaccine was cutting cases of cervical cancer by nearly 90%.



Nigeria's Health Minister Muhammad Pate told the BBC the programme was vital as at least 12,000 women every year have advanced stages of cervical cancer [in Nigeria]".



"About 90% of them lose their lives because of that," he added.



The nationwide campaign began on Tuesday and the health ministry aims to vaccinate 16.6 million girls aged between nine and 14 by the end of 2025.



It has been integrated into Nigerias national immunization schedule. Outreach includes co-operation with schools and leaders from religious and civil society circles.

Source: BBC









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The founder of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has said that the Nana Addo Dabnkwa Akufo-Addo-led government is the worst ever compared to other regimes.



He noted that the dwindling fortunes of the Ghanaian economy coupled with the bad governance of the Akufo-Addo administration has inflicted hardship on Ghanaians to the extent that people cant sleep anymore.



The prophet indicated that the governments failure to fight against illegal mining has led to the destruction of water bodies in the country is part of the reason why he deems Akufo-Addos tenure as the worst ever.



Nigel Gaisie noted that even though the government is struggling to ameliorate the plights of Ghanaians, he will continue to pray for them for divine intervention because it is a command from God.



I pray for the government because I am part of the country. And in Romans 12:13 it says we should pray for those who are in leadership and authority so whether we like it or not we will continue to pray for the government.



"Just that unfortunately this is the worst government so far since I grew up but we still pray for them. The worst government is better than a coup detat or dictatorial authority so we pray for them, Nigel Gaisie said in an interview with Abeiku Sanatana during the Atuu show on UTV and monitored by GhanaWeb.



Prophet Nigel Gaisie also stated that church attendance has reduced drastically because of the hardship and chided the government for sitting aloof for water bodies to be destroyed.



I attended Abusco SHS and the water that we used to wash our clothes has turned into Choco Milo. Its the same situation at Pra River. There is absolutely nothing happening in this country. People dont come to church like they used to, if you call them theyd say they dont have lorry fare.



Right now the night is busier than the day and national security should pick it up because its a concern. People can't sleep because the governance is not going well, said prophet Nigel Gaisie fumed.



The Akufo-Addo-led government has faced numerous criticisms for failing to live up to expectations and turn around the dwindling fortunes of the Ghanaian economy leading to the plights citizens are grappling with.



Watch the video below



Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company, Ing. Dr. Clifford A. Braimah, has encouraged religious leaders to preach to members to refrain from stealing water or engaging in illicit connections.



He claimed that such a call could persuade their members to stop engaging in unlawful activities.



He stated that commercial losses accounted for 47% of total water loss, totalling 35,830,732.39 m3.



He stated that commercial losses are linked to issues such as water theft and billing inaccuracies.



He said while these statistics may pose challenges, they also represent opportunities for improvement and as a diligent and dedicated utility provider, we fully understand the significance of tackling these losses and refining our water management strategies.



He said by implementing effective measures to tackle physical and commercial losses, we aim to ensure a more efficient and sustainable water supply system for all.



As we move forward, we are determined to reduce these losses, improve our distribution network, and enhance our revenue generation efforts.



Illegal water connections from customers have been a persistent challenge. These connections lead to substantial water losses and also jeopardize the integrity of our distribution network. They result in unauthorized access to our water supply, affecting the financial sustainability of our operation.



Non-payment of water bills from customers who consume our water has been an ongoing concern. This act hampers our revenue generation and affects our ability to maintain and expand our infrastructure and services effectively. Consumers must meet their payment obligations for the sustainability of our operations.



To address the issue of non-payment, we have significantly upgraded our billing and collection systems. We are acutely aware of the importance of timely bill payments and are committed to making the process more convenient for our customers.



Therefore, we have introduced flexible payment options that include our Customer App, Mobile Money services, and partnering with various banks for a hassle-free payment experience. These initiatives aim to facilitate compliance and ensure that our customers can easily meet their financial obligations.



While highlighting these challenges, he stressed the need for religious leaders to call on their members to stop.



Our Osofos and our Imams who are Gods pillars should help us appeal to our customers that if you take water you are not paying for, it has been stolen. When you are preaching, let them know that water theft is a sin, he said.













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The Deputy Chief Physician Assistant at Richard Novati Catholic Hospital, popularly called Comboni Hospital, located in Sogakope within the South Tongu District of the Volta Region, Emmanuel Akpene Donkor, has bemoaned the effect of the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams on the hospitals employment condition.



Some 54 workers at the hospital are on the verge of losing their jobs, as the facility remains shuttered due to the spillage, rendering the hospital unable to generate income to pay its staff.



M Donkor disclosed this in an interview with Class News Volta Regional Correspondent, Kingsley Attitsogbui.



He elaborated that the 54 employees, who are on the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) of the hospital, face imminent layoffs, as the hospital currently generates no revenue to meet their salaries.



The situation was brought to light during a tour of the impacted communities by Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, on Saturday, 21 October, 2023.



Earlier, the District Director of Health Services in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region, Mavis Agumeh, revealed that approximately 51 health workers had been displaced at the Comboni Hospital.



She explained that these nurses and other health workers were forced to spend the night at the hospital, which was a highly challenging situation.



Ms Agumeh emphasised, For the staff, we have about 51 health workers who are now displaced. So, yesterday, most of them spent the night at the hospitals consulting rooms and administration offices. Some of them are also with their families, making it an extremely concerning situation at Richard Novati Catholic Hospital.



As a result of the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage, Comboni Hospital has been forced to halt its operations.



The bungalows designated for doctors, nurses, and other staff members have been submerged by the rising waters.



The ongoing spillage of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams, which began on September 15, 2023, has caused widespread displacement, affecting approximately 31,000 people across the Volta Region.



Ten administrative districts in the region have been profoundly affected by this crisis.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity and compassion, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a leading player in waste management and environmental services, extended a helping hand to their dedicated workers who were affected by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage in the Volta Region.



Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti, the Executive Director and Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, delivered a heartfelt speech before presenting a variety of essential relief items to the affected communities.



Amid a gathering of esteemed officials, including Honorable Members of Parliament, Municipal/District Chief Executives, and revered Traditional Rulers, Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti expressed her deep concern for the devastating impact the natural disaster has had on the lives and livelihoods of the people in the Volta Region.



She acknowledged the challenges faced by the victims, especially the dedicated core and casual workers of Zoomlion.



Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti conveyed her pride in standing not only as the Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited but as a compassionate member of the community.



She highlighted the tragic consequences of the Akosombo Dam spillage that submerged entire communities and the suffering of many citizens, particularly Zoomlion's dedicated employees.



Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a company firmly rooted in the values of service and community, mobilized significant resources to alleviate the plight of their fellow Ghanaians. Recognizing the strength of unity and collective action, the company, true to its core business of waste management and environmental protection, provided substantial relief to the affected communities and their employees.



In her role as the Managing Director, Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti presented a diverse range of relief items, including 100 bags of 25kg rice, 25 gallons of sunflower cooking oil, 1000 bottled water, 200 mattresses, 200 mosquito nets, 100 boxes of canned fish, and more, amounting to approximately 174,000 Cedis.



This donation represents not just a charitable contribution but a manifestation of the company's genuine concern for the well-being of their people.



The generous assistance from Zoomlion Ghana Limited is expected to provide relief and comfort to those facing the harsh realities of this disaster.



Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti expressed the company's unwavering commitment to stand by the side of the affected communities throughout the challenging process of rebuilding lives and infrastructure.



She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Corporate Ghana for their instrumental support in aiding the larger affected population, emphasizing the resilience and compassion that unite the nation during times of crisis.



Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti also thanked the media, including the esteemed Citi Team, for their crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing support for those in need.



In her closing remarks, Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti reminded all Ghanaians that unity and empathy are their greatest assets in times of crisis.



She called upon everyone to stand together, support one another, and collectively rebuild not only the physical infrastructure but also the indomitable human spirit that defines the nation.



Zoomlion Ghana Limited's profound act of support serves as a shining example of corporate social responsibility and the spirit of togetherness that binds communities in their times of need.



Receiving the donation, Head of National Emergency Operation Center based in Bator and Deputy Director in Charge of Operations and Deputy Director of Operations of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Mr. Seji Saji Amedonu assured Zoomlion that the items will be used for the purpose for which they were delivered and expressed gratitude to the company for the kind gesture.



Answering queries of the media on the sidelines, the Communications and Corporate Affairs Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Ms Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah said, Zoomlion was founded in 2006 with a core ethos of humanitarianism, aiming to alleviate the challenges of waste management and associated public health issues for the people of Ghana and the wider sub-region.



Throughout our journey, we have consistently prioritized social corporate responsibility because we firmly believe that business success isn't solely measured by profitability. It equally hinges on our capacity to be socially accountable to the communities we serve.



She said it was against this backdrop that the recent Akosombo Dam spillage and the resulting devastation to property and livelihoods have deeply concerned us. We stand here in solidarity with our fellow citizens who have been adversely affected, staying true to our mission of enhancing the lives of individuals and the environment they live in.



Ms Osei- Duah said, at this pivotal moment, we extend an earnest appeal to both the Government of Ghana, our esteemed partners in corporate Ghana, and generous individual philanthropists. We implore you to rally together, providing any form of assistance that can swiftly enhance the quality of life for the affected populace in the Volta Region. Your collective support will play a pivotal role in expediting their recovery and rebuilding efforts.



She encouraged the affected individuals to maintain their composure and steadfastness, holding onto the belief that normalcy will be restored.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Fidelity Bank Ghana, the nation's largest privately-owned financial institution, has once again demonstrated its unyielding commitment to social responsibility and community support.



The bank has generously contributed GHS 100,000 worth of essential relief items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to assist victims affected by the recent water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.



The heartfelt initiative took place on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the NADMO emergency relief site in Adidome, Volta Region. Fidelity Bank's dedicated delegation, led by the Banks Health, Safety, and Environment specialist, Mr. Ebenezer Gbolonyo, included the Branch Sales and Services Manager, along with dedicated staff from the Ho Branch, as well as members of Fidelity Bank's Partnerships, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team.



The relief items presented to NADMO encompass a wide range of essential provisions designed to alleviate the distress experienced by thousands of residents in the lower Volta basin.



These items include high-density mattresses, blankets, bottled water, sachet water, mosquito nets, canned foods, sanitary pads, and other vital essentials. The recent water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams resulted in devastating flooding, displacing over 9,000 individuals and causing extensive damage to their homes, crops, and livestock. The resultant floodwaters also disrupted critical services such as power supply, transportation, communication, and healthcare in the affected areas.



Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Ebenezer Gbolonyo, the Bank's Health, Safety, and Environment Specialist, conveyed the deep empathy of Fidelity Bank for the affected communities and emphasized the bank's commitment to providing support during times of need.



He commended NADMO for its swift response and coordination of relief efforts, underscoring that Fidelity Bank was profoundly moved by the plight of the flood victims, hence the decision to contribute to their relief efforts.



"We are deeply saddened by the plight of our fellow Ghanaians who have been affected by this unfortunate incident. As a responsible corporate entity, we felt obliged to support them in this difficult time," said Mr. Gbolonyo. "We hope that our donation will help alleviate some of their suffering and bring comfort and relief to the affected families, assisting them in rebuilding their lives."



Mr. Sedem Bright Amuzu, the North Tongu District Director of NADMO, expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank for its generous gesture, assuring that the donated items would be distributed to the most vulnerable and needy individuals in the affected districts.



He also called upon other corporate entities and individuals to follow the commendable example set by Fidelity Bank and support NADMO's humanitarian work. Joining him in receiving the items was Mr. Thomas Moore Zonyrah, District Chief Executive of North Tongu, who also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Fidelity Bank for its generous and timely support.



Fidelity Bank's magnanimous donation is a testament to its longstanding commitment to social responsibility and community support, particularly in times of crisis. The bank remains dedicated to assisting the victims of the Akosombo and Kpong dams' spillage in their journey to rebuild their lives.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Ministry of Roads and Highways has reacted to an allegation by the former chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof Stephen Adei, that government officials demand the payment of 1 million before awarding road contracts.



In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb, the ministry indicated that the allegations by Prof Adei are serious and concerning.



It stated that the allegation is serious because the award of road contracts in Ghana is transparent as required by law.



The ministry added that because of the seriousness of the claims, the sector minister, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has called on EOCO to investigate it.



The allegation was made by Prof Stephen Adei, a former Rector of GIMPA in an interview with TV3 a private television station in Ghana. In the said interview first aired on Friday 20th October 2023, Prof Adei alleges that he has information to the effect that persons seeking road contracts are told: 'Road contracts will be given to you, provided you pay 1 million upfront....



These allegations are surprising at the least because the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive and in accordance with the law, parts of the statement, which was issued on October 23, 2023, reads.



The ministry added, Given that the alleged conduct borders on the commission of crime against the Republic, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has today, 23rd October 2023, requested the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to fully investigate the allegations.



What Prof Adei said:



Prof Adei, a former Director-General and Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, in a recent interview with TV3, bemoaned the issue of corruption in the awarding of contracts for projects including roads in the Akufo-Addo government.



He said that the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, should be ashamed of himself if he is aware of the shady deals going on in his government.



This road contract would be given to you, provided you put one million upfront, not after you have gotten the money. This is what Akufo-Addo must be thinking about and if he knows about it, he must be ashamed.



That now his people demand from you a certain amount before you would be considered for a job. Why? Because when they get it, whether the government pays you or not they have gotten their money. It is as if people are in a hurry to loot the country before the end of Akufo-Addos term, he added.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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The trial of Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, a policeman charged with murder of his girlfriend, Victoria Dapaah commonly known as Maa Adwoa at Adum is set to begin at the High Court in Kumasi on November 13.



The court has already called for case management conference in the incident which occurred somewhere in April this year.



It's expected to call its first prosecution witness at the next sitting.



Already, Inspector Twumasi, who has been charged for allegedly murdering the supposed girlfriend has pleaded not guilty.



The court in what state prosecutors describe as attempts to have an expeditious trial in the interest of justice.



This comes after the prosecution had earlier expressed its readiness to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt that the accused person caused the death of the late Dapaah by shooting her multiple times at close range on 20 April, this year.



An autopsy report released by the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has identified six bullet entry wounds and seven exit wounds on the body of the deceased.



The deceased died of hemorrhagic shock due to multiple gunshot injuries, according to the Pathologists who described the manner of death as unnatural.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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Vice President, of Markets, at MTN Group, Eben Asante has said that for Africa to be able to bridge the yawning digital gap and also leapfrog the risks that digitalization presents, stakeholders must move away from the rhetoric and start taking decisive and purposeful actions to get the job done.



He was delivering a keynote address at the just-ended Mobile World Congress Africa (MWCAfrica) 2023 at the iconic Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda

.

The theme for the three-day conference was Velocity: Unleashing Tomorrows Technology Today, and it focused on four key sub-themes Accelerate Africa, Fintech, Healthtech and Powering Digital.



What emerged prominently in all the keynote addresses and sessions over the three days was that there is a huge connectivity gap in Africa, and even among the few who are connected, just about 25% use data, which leaves a yawning usage gap due to several factors, mainly affordability, lack of digital skills, relevance (language barrier), and safety/security concerns.



The significance of Rwanda hosting the industry gathering, was however the silver lining, in that Rwanda is largely revered for being a good example of what practical and decisive actions as well as real public-private sector collaboration is doing to bridge the digital gap in Africa.



Indeed, Eben Asante, like other speakers noted that Rwanda presents a living and seminal example to the continent and the world on what African countries must do to bridge the digital gap.



The Digital Gap



He noted that per recent GSMA reports, more than 75% of people in Africa are not connected, which is almost a billion people including half of the adult population and several children.



Eben Asante also stated that per MTNs readings, about 90% of connected people use their phones for mainly voice calls, while a combined usage of phones for voice, data and digital finance (mobile money) is below 20%.



So the digital divide is real and it is clear and there is much work to be done by us all, he said. The future looks very challenging but also presents opportunities in health, agriculture, education, financial services, government and governance, industry and everyday life for African citizens, he said.



He said it is time for African countries to stop describing the challenge they face as a digital gap because it is more about bridging the gap of inhumanity: rural-urban gap, male-female gap, the north and south gap, the haves and have nots gap  that is the real gap of inhumanity we must bridge with digitalization as a tool.



MTN is Doing



Eben Asante said MTN is already committed to closing the coverage and usage gaps, adding that just last year MTN brought some 45 million people under coverage in 3G and 4G, with nine million of them being under 4G alone.

We covered 88% of the population last year and by 2025 we have a target to cover 95% of the population with advanced technology, he said.



MTN, according to him, has also reduced its effective data prices by 22% acrossthe board and is working towards a digitalizing everything economy by collaborating with Mastercard to reach at least 100 million Africans with mobile finance services bythe year 2025.



Enabling Environment



He however noted that all the great plans operators like MTN have would require an enabling environment by governments, as well as the right partnerships and collaborations.



In terms of creating an enabling environment, Eben Asante said MTN has several proposals:



Spectrum



First, government spectrum roadmaps should ensure sufficient spectrum to meet the sharp rise in demand for mobile and data services, and that should include speedy access to mid-band spectrum, particularly 3.5MHz, given its importance to the future of 5G low latency to support the digitalization of everything work.

There is also a need to prioritize the acceleration of access to sub-1GHz spectrum to provide widespread rural mobile broadband service, he said.



Taxes



Secondly, there is a need to applythe best pro-digital-growth tax, tariff and fiscal principles to facilitate rapid digitalization, adding that we should not strain the goose thatlaysy the golden eggs.



Regulation



Eben Asante also emphasized the need for a fair and transparent regulatory regime, which he said requires a continuous dialogue even as technologies such as those in non-terrestrial gain interest.



Speaking of non-terrestrial technology gaining interest, Elon Musks Starlink is gradually rolling out its satellite-enabled internet services in Africa, and there have been hints of him turning his X (Twitter) platform into a payments platform, which will then make it difficult for regulators to keep him in check. Some experts have earlier said that this requires dialogue,ase Eben Asante said, and not a high-handed regulatory stance.



Power supply



Lastly, Eben Asante thinks African governments need to facilitate the provision of reliable and efficient grid power and energy mixes to power the digitalization drive.



With these policy changes in place, we will be able to work side by side with you all as the continent leapfrogs previous generations in adopting digital solutions faster and, more importantly, out of necessity, he said.







Rwandan Example



In his keynote address, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame related how his government created the enabling environment for Airtel Rwanda and MTN Rwanda to provide very affordable data packages that is within the reach of every Rwandan.



Based on the enabling environment, including the removal of nuisance taxes and other pragmatic policy frameworks by the Rwandan government, MTN Rwanda has rolled out a scheme called Macye Macye, which enables ordinary Rwandans to buy 4G enabled smartphones on credit and also receive very affordable data packages.



The Rwandan government also facilitated a $20 million grant from the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Netflix, Wilmot Reed Hastings Jr, that has enabled Airtel Rwanda to provide 4G LTE smartphone at an affordable price of $16.7, plus 1G data per day at only $1.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A flagbearer aspirant of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ken Ohene Agyapong, has set forth an ambitious vision for the transformation of the country's five northern regions, addressing the pressing issue of unemployment and underdevelopment.



Speaking during a tour of the Northern region, Mr Agyapong expressed his dismay at the continued high levels of unemployment in these regions despite the presence of vast, fertile lands.



He passionately advocated for utilizing these fertile lands through mechanized farming and agro-processing initiatives, which he believed could invigorate economic activities and create numerous job opportunities.



He called upon the politicians in the northern regions to tap into these vast resources for regional development.



Pledge



In a promising turn of events, the NPP flagbearer aspirant revealed that Yaa-Naa, the king of the Dagbon traditional area, had pledged to provide him with land in Savelugu.

He assured the audience that if he were to acquire these lands, he would harness them to bring about significant improvements and advancements within the area.



Drawing attention to the geographical consistency of the terrain across various locations in the northern regions, including Bulga and Pusiga, the flagbearer hopeful emphasized the potential for large-scale farming and agro-processing in these regions. He lamented the absence of industrial facilities, stressing the untapped potential for development.



Mr Agyapong urged the delegates to support his candidacy in the upcoming elections on November 4, emphasizing his commitment to the development of the five northern regions. He asserted that, if given the opportunity to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and, subsequently, the country as President, he would spearhead the transformation of these regions.



He went on to question the insufficient marketing of the northern regions and emphasized the importance of patriotic values, honesty, and discipline in managing the country's resources.



Amid his speech, Agyapong also shared a personal anecdote about his fondness for Tuozafi, a traditional Ghanaian dish that he enjoys every Sunday when in Kumasi. This served to create a personal connection with the audience.



Assurance



Mr Agyapong assured the audience that he would manage the country's affairs just as efficiently as he manages his businesses, without requiring additional funds. He stressed the need for prudent resource management, advocated for more women in leadership roles, and called for an end to corruption.



Ken Agyapong's vision for the northern regions of Ghana is poised to generate significant attention and support as he positions himself as a catalyst for regional development and economic growth. His promise to employ innovative agricultural practices and his commitment to honest and patriotic leadership suggest a bold and transformative agenda for the future.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The director of elections of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has reacted to the allegations by Kennedy Agyapong that the camp of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia gave some of the partys chairmen GH100,000 and news cars to win their support.



Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV on October 23, 2023, Evans Nimako indicated that no such issue has been brought to the attention of the leadership of the party and its elections committee.



He added that he voted in the partys special delegate congress, which was held in August 2023, and he did not receive the amount of money being put out there by Ken Agyapong.



I was part of the nearly 1000 people who voted in the special delegate conference on August 26, 2023, and I did not receive anything like that when I was going to vote.



What you are saying has not been brought before the committee, so I dont want to comment on it, he told the journalist questioning him.



The election director urged all the candidates who would be contesting the November 4, 2023, primaries and their supporters to be guided in the actions they take in the interest of the NPP.



I plead that people do not make their decision on who to vote for based on this issue. Also, the party wants those who have been given the opportunity to contest in the primaries to take actions that would unite the party and not those that would break it up, he added.



Background:



Ken Agyapong, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, told the NPP delegates from Tamale North and Sagnarigu constituencies in the Northern Region that some of the partys chairmen were given GHC100,000 and some even more to throw their weight behind the vice president.



He added that some of the chairpersons even received brand-new cars, in addition to the monies they were given, so that they would support Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.



Ken was forced to show the delegates visuals of some chairpersons of the party apparently being offered money and vehicles after the NPP chairman for the Sagnarigu challenged his claim.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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Former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho has cautioned former President John Dramani Mahama against picking National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah as his running mate for the 2024 election.



Describing Asiedu Nketiah as a dangerous person whose lobbying for the position will never materialise, Koku noted that such a decision will end in guaranteed defeat of the NDC in the upcoming election.



Asiedu-Nketiah has obviously become a heavy albatross around the neck of the NDC & lobbying for running mate shall NEVER materialize. There is NO WAY John Mahama will make a mistake and allow dangerous Mosquito to become running mate because that will lead to a guaranteed loss, he posted in a tweet on X.



In a series of tweets, Koku further dismissed Asiedu Nketiahs running mate ambition emphasising how politically wrong such a decision would be.



Let John Mahama make a HUGE political miscalculation again as he is wont to do and dare allow Mosquito to mislead him; and he will make ignoble history as the first one-term President to have lost 2 other elections in a disastrous manner, he stated in one of the tweets.



Former President Mahama is yet to select a running mate after he was elected flagbearer of the opposition party in May this year.



While some critics believe Madam Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang with whom he run in 2020 should be maintained, some say it will be better for Mahama to appoint a new running mate.



Meanwhile, Asiedu Nketiah has emphasised that he will welcome an opportunity to pair with Mahama if he is chosen by the former president.





Asiedu-Nketiah has obviously become a heavy albatross around the neck of the NDC & lobbying for running mate shall NEVER materialize. There is NO WAY John Mahama will make a mistake and allow dangerous Mosquito to become running mate because that will lead to a guaranteed loss. pic.twitter.com/0xjEzx69z4  Samuel Koku Anyidoho (@KokuAnyidoho) October 22, 2023





























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Nana Akomea has made a solemn appeal to the delegates of the New Patriotic Party to elect Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer in order to give former President John Mahama a showdown in the 2024 election.



He noted that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by Mr. Mahama has been accusing the New Patriotic Party of being a party which is against choosing a Northerner to lead them but asked the delegates to prove them wrong.



"Dr. Bawumia will make that propaganda useless," he stated while soliciting votes during Peace FM's morning show.



Nana Akomea strongly believed a Bawumia vs Mahama contest will be the real showdown.



"Bawumia against John Mahama, one on one, a real showdown...showdown number 2!", he exclaimed.



The STC Chief Executive Officer added that a vote for Bawumia "will change branding of the party. It will give the party a new face".



"He will also make the party more inclusive," he also stressed.



The New Patriotic Party will hold its presidential election on Saturday, November 4 with four candidates vying for the flagbearer spot.



The four consists of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, former Agriculture Minister and a leading member of the New Patriotic Party, Thomas Addai Nimoh.



The contest has been dubbed the 'showdown' as it is thought to be a fierce battle among the candidates, particularly between the Vice President and Kennedy Agyapong who are the favorites in the race.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Catching bats is a difficult taskthey're small, they fly and they blend into the night when they're out after dark. That can make studying these mammals challenging, despite their ubiquity: bats are found on nearly every part of the planet except the most extreme hot and cold, and they're all over Arizona.

Scientists, including Faith Walker, an associate research professor in the School of Forestry, are looking for other ways to locate which bats live where, how they migrate and where they've been. Recent efforts in this work have led them to pulling DNA directly from the air and tracking bats through environmental, or eDNA.

"Capturing eDNA is often preferable to other methods of DNA collection because bats are notoriously difficult to study," she said. "We can collect DNA when we use mist-nets to catch bats, but the nice thing about eDNA is that it's less stressful for the bats and is less expensive since you don't have to support a large field team. Further, it can also give exciting results by capturing DNA of surprising, rare or endangered species."

In theory, the idea is simple. Scientists capture eDNA using air filters. Those are active filters placed over a battery-powered fan pushing air through the filters. They're also experimenting with passive filters, which don't have a fan and rely on regular air movement to move air through the filter.

To test the filters, Walker's collaborators at York University in Canada deployed these passive filters in a rainforest in Belize. The first part of the test worked; the captured material sent to Walker for analysis showed eDNA from five bat species. It also picked up DNA for birds, geckos and domestic animals, which was unsurprising on its face; the nature of this collection method means a variety of DNA will get into the filters.

Separating out the different animal DNA isn't challenging, but the variety of DNA available did raise questions. For example, Walker said, they found DNA of an African bat, thousands of miles from where the animal would be. There's actually an easy explanation for thatone of the researchers studied bats in Africa before studying them in Belize. Future testing will have to take into account the sensitivity of the tests and how scientists can avoid contamination.

It also doesn't answer every question. The team knows certain species of bats were in the region tested. They don't know how many bats were there, how long they stayed, whether they were afflicted with white-nose syndrome or how many bats were in the region. And it's impossible to generalize among batsdifferent species do wildly different things. eDNA offers only hints as to where bats are, or at least where they have been. But it's a good start not only in understanding bats but in protecting them and their ecosystems.

"Taking advantage of airborne DNA will allow us to determine biodiversity, including that of bats, in different habitats," Walker said. "Since biodiversity is being negatively affected by things like habitat loss and fragmentation, it's essential to know what is present so we know which areas to try to protect."
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:

Derivation of a unipartite network of skills (C) from the bipartite network connecting freelancer projects and skills (B), where two skills are connected if a worker applies both in a particular freelance project (A). Credit: Research Policy (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2023.104898

Workers with artificial intelligence skills are "particularly valuable," and command salaries 21% higher than average, but potentially up to 40% higherin part because these skills can be combined with other valuable skillsaccording to a study from researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute, and the Center for Social Data Science, University of Copenhagen.

The highly 'complementary' nature of AI skills (they can be combined with a wide range of other, often valuable, skills) proved a key factor in enhancing the value placed on workers' AI skills, the international team found. The research focused on 962 skills and 25,000 workers, found the economic value of a skill is determined by complementarity, or how well it can be combined with other worker competencies.

The expansion of novel technologies, in particular AI, was found to be strongly influencing the value of skills. Programming languages and data science, were among the most valuable. Of the frequently in demand AI skills, the top five in terms of economic value (as a percentage increase of hourly wages) to the worker were found to be:

Machine Learning (+40%) Tensor Flow (+38%) Deep Learning (+27%) Natural Language Processing (+19%) Data Science (+17%)

Oii's Dr. Fabian Stephany, a co-author of the findings, says, "We know we never apply skills in isolation. Using this data, we saw which proficiencies were most sought after and which sets were in demand together, this allowed us to give skills and complementary skills a financial value based on the demands of the labor market."

Ole Teutloff says, "Conceptualizing the relationship between skills as a network enabled us to show the context dependency of human capital."

Dr. Stephany adds, "Our findings have profound implications for individuals, businesses, and policymakers. By recognizing the value of complementarity, we can better guide workers on their individual reskilling journeys in times of technological change."

The findings suggest the higher the potential of a skill to be combined with others, the higher its own value. Skills such as data analytics are valuable partly because they can be combined with other skills of high value. By contrast, skills such as photo retouching can only be combined with a specific set of other skills and, therefore, were found to have a lower value.

Published in the journal Research Policy, the study, "What is the Price of a Skill? The Value of Complementarity," used data from nearly 50,000 freelance projects posted on online labor platforms in the US between 2014 and 2022. The skills were mapped from completed projects to create a network showing their value in US dollars as well as their relation to one another.

Ole Teutloff is a Ph.D. fellow in Social Data Science at SODAS and the University of Edinburgh. He holds an MSc in Social Data Science from Oxford University and a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin. In his research, he investigates the impact of digital technologies on labor markets.

More information: Fabian Stephany et al, What is the price of a skill? The value of complementarity, Research Policy (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2023.104898
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An Aitoff projection of the sky in Galactic coordinates depicts the distribution of survey pointings, with the Galactic disk shaded in gray. Gaia sources are omitted from the plot due to their extremely high source density. Gray dots represent TESS Targets of Interest (ToIs). Those targets observed during our survey are marked with red dots at boresight, with green showing the half-power beamwidth (259). Credit: The Astronomical Journal (2023). DOI: 10.3847/1538-3881/acf9f5

The astrophysicists, from Trinity and the Breakthrough Listen team and Onsala Space Observatory in Sweden, are scanning the universe for "technosignatures" emanating from distant planets that would provide support for the existence of intelligent, alien life.

Using the Irish LOFAR telescope and its counterpart in Onsala, Sweden, the teamled by Professor Evan Keane, Associate Professor of Radio Astronomy in Trinity's School of Physics, and Head of the Irish LOFAR Telescopeplans to monitor millions of star systems.

Scientists have been searching for extraterrestrial radio signals for well over 60 years. Many of these have been carried out using single observatories which limits the ability to identify signals from the haze of terrestrial interference on Earth. Much of the effort has focused on frequencies above 1 GHz because the single-dish telescopes employed operate at these frequencies.

Now, a new collaboration led by Trinity College Dublin, with the Breakthrough Listen team and Onsala Space Observatory in Sweden, is perfecting a multi-site, multi-telescope technique that allows them to search at much lower frequencies of 110190 MHz.

The Breakthrough Listen program is the most comprehensive search for technologically advanced extraterrestrial life, developing dedicated instruments at the Irish and Swedish LOFAR stations. Using multiple sites has the major benefit that it is much less likely to provide a "false positive" signal; such signals arise due to interference from many human sources on Earth.

The team has just published details of their method and their ongoing search in The Astronomical Journal. They have already scanned 1.6 million star systems flagged as interesting targets by the Gaia and TESS space missions, run by ESA and NASA respectively. So far these searches have drawn a blank.

But the search has only just begun. Prof. Keane said, "In the last 50 years evidence has steadily mounted that the constituents and conditions necessary for life are relatively common in the universe, which begs one of life's greatest unanswered questions: are we really alone?"

"To some people the 'Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence, or SETI' might seem like something from a movie, but it has been a scientific pursuit for decades, and for a host of very good reasons."

"With this project we are basing our search on the common assumption that civilizations elsewhere in the universe may employ similar technologies to those developed on Earth. As a result radio frequencies are a logical domain for conducting SETI surveys due to the widespread use of telecommunications and radar and our access to next-gen radio telescopes offers a great chance for a deep dive into the universe."

Owen Johnson, Ph.D. Candidate in Trinity's School of Physics, is the first author of the journal article, and the first Irish person to ever undertake a Ph.D. on the topic of SETI. He added, "What makes surveys like this one truly captivating is the fact that we're pushing these telescopes to their absolute limits, directing them towards substantial portions of the sky. As a result, we have the exciting possibility of discovering all sorts of wild and wondrous phenomena during this process and if we're very fortunate, even encountering our cosmic neighbors."

"LOFAR is soon to undergo a staged series of upgrades across all stations in the array across Europe, which will allow an even broader SETI at ranges of 15240 MHz. We have billions of star systems to explore and will be relying on some machine learning techniques to sift through the immense volume of data."

More information: Owen A. Johnson et al, A Simultaneous Dual-site Technosignature Search Using International LOFAR Stations, The Astronomical Journal (2023). DOI: 10.3847/1538-3881/acf9f5 Journal information: Astronomical Journal
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Coral reefs support approximately 25% of marine species, and are essential to coastal economies, such as the fishing and tourism industries, to name a few. But coral reefs worldwide are at risk due to climate change and are on the brink of collapse.

The global decline of coral reefs has encouraged extensive research. Now, scientists from UNSW Sydney have assessed the current landscape of coral health research to reveal biases in the field.

The team discovered that most papers on coral reef research are published from within the U.S. and Australia, while researchers from countries with large coral reefs, such as The Maldives and Papua New Guinea, are underrepresented. As these reefs are also on the brink of collapse, the UNSW research team emphasizes the importance of including local experts.

They also identified key topic areas that are underrepresented within the existing literature, including coral bioerosion and the microbiome, both of which are important for painting a more complete picture of the state of our reefs.

The team hope the findings published Oct. 23 in Ecological Solutions and Evidence will help inform marine ecologists on the understudied areas of coral research, increase funding in underrepresented countries and raise public trust in science.

"The idea behind this research was to take stock of what information we have, like a bird's eye view of the research," says Samantha Burke, a Ph.D. candidate and lead author on the study from the UNSW School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES).

"We wanted to provide clear data on the topic areas that we've looked at, as well as the areas that require further research, and also to provide some ideas and evidence-backed directions for where we can improve coral health research as a whole."

Taking a holistic view of the research

For the study, the team synthesized 335 literature papers on coral health and documented a number of key characteristics, such as details of the authorsincluding affiliated countrythe key themes explored in the papers, the methods used in each publication and the research integrity of the study. They also used systematic maps to report the state of knowledge within the field, identifying research gaps, most studied themes, and timelines of when topics gained popularity.

"By weaving together these different techniques, we can get a more holistic view of what's missing, and perhaps some explanations as to why there are certain biases within the field," says Burke.

The final part of the methodology is a critical appraisal using a set of predetermined criteria for transparency and rigor within research. For example, whether these studies openly share the data and type of analysis they used.

"I think it's important for people to be held accountable," says Burke. "We want to push this research area into a better place, not just within the field itself, but also in terms of public trust in science as a whole."

Highlighting biases in the field

Key study topics identified were climate change and coral resilience, at 50% and 42%, respectively. Bioerosion of coralsthe removal of coral material by other living reef organismswas the least studied.

"Through this analysis, we have revealed key gaps in coral health topics for further review, particularly when considering conservation policy," says Burke. "Bio-erosion and the coral microbiomethe bacteria that lives in its tissuesare not fully understood yet. These two facets, particularly the coral microbiome, could drastically change our understanding of how coral health is affected by climate change and human activities."

While their analysis found that the authors of these papers are highly interconnected, they discovered that authors from countries such as Maldives and Papua New Guinea, are not as represented within the literature as they should be for the amount of coral reefs within those ocean territories.

This bias, referred to as academic colonialism, omits the knowledge base of the researchers who live and breathe the threats to and benefits of these major coral reef systems. The team warn that this could leave certain threats unaddressed and certain reefs unprotected from the stressors that lead to reef decline.

"So, for example, as we had seen that most of the researchers are coming from America, it might explain why we have so much research on coral bleaching, because there have been lots of coral bleaching events that have been well documented in the Caribbean and Hawaii, compared to events that are happening in other coral reefs, for example, disease outbreaks in the Coral Sea, right off the coast of Indonesia."

Additionally, using citation information and alternative metrics of impact, the data also provide a sense of the reach of the research within and outside of academia, for example, whether work has been used in policymaking or conservation practices.

The team found that more than 80% of papers stated that the review's primary purpose was to inform coral conservation. However, data the team collected from a citation repository also revealed that the reviews were only cited in policy 0.565 times, on average.

"We were surprised to find that very little of the research was actually reaching outside of academia. Incorporating research in policy could be improved through greater research accessibility and continuing to gather public interest in coral reefs."

Increasing public trust in science

The researchers hope that in being transparent about the current research landscape, they can encourage higher standards of research integrity. "Identifying areas where we can make science more accessible to the public is definitely going to improve how we can engage with our intended audiences as researchers."

By highlighting countries with large coral reef ecosystems, such as The Maldives and Indonesia, which are underrepresented in the literature, Burke hopes that these biases can be addressed with changes in funding.

"These local researchers provide a wealth of knowledge and are intimately familiar with the community's relationship with coral reefs. When we include these researchers in studies of coral health, we tap into a great source of information and encourage a passion for coral reef conservation in the public."

Importantly, the methods used in the study are very reproducible, systematic processes that scientists in other areas of research can use to conduct similar assessments in their field of interest.

"These methods are relatively new to ecology, and especially new in terms of marine ecology," says Burke. "So, seeing these techniques get picked up in other topics could provide a better picture of what's going on in our reefs and what's going on in our oceans."

Ultimately, the team hope that this research will push coral health research in a new directionone that produces research of higher quality, collaboration, and efficiency.

"As coral reefs decline, we should also aim to rebuild public trust in research and strengthen the evidence base for the imperative conservation of our reefs."

More information: Samantha Burke et al, Mapping literature reviews on coral health: A review map, critical appraisal and bibliometric analysis, Ecological Solutions and Evidence (2023). DOI: 10.1002/2688-8319.12287
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This map gives you a snapshot of the changes to the Koppen zones over the past century and the remainder of this one. Credit: Albert van Dijk, CC BY-ND

You probably saw a multi-colored climate map at least once in school. You might have pored over it, fascinated. Was Antarctica really a cold desert? And why was so much of Russia listed as tundra?

Almost always, those maps were based on the climate classification system proposed by Wladimir Koppen. The colors are chosen to suit our imagination: Australia with its red desert center, surrounded by a yellow or orange semi-arid fringe and more lush green climates along many coastlines and hinterland.

But these maps were made for a climate that doesn't exist any more. Our new research shows just how fast climate change has altered these mapsand how they will continue to change.

Our web app lets you see for yourself for any country in the world and for different emission scenarios. For Australia, you can watch the hot desert area expand and the temperate areas shrink.

The climate map of the future below assumes nations meet their climate goals. It could be far worse. Or it could be better, if we finally treat climate change with the urgency it needs.

How do you classify a climate?

Koppen was a 19th century Russian botanist who later retrained in meteorology. Over his career, he combined both interests, becoming fascinated by the relationship between climate and types of vegetation.

Around 1900, he proposed the influential climate classification system which now bears his name alongside his collaborator, Rudolf Geiger. It remains by far the most used classification system, as it combines different aspects of climate data into types of landscapes and vegetation types we can actually picture, from rainforests, savannahs and deserts to temperate and boreal forests, tundras, glaciers and ice sheets.

The Koppen-Geiger classification has five major climate classes: tropical, dry, temperate, cold and polar. These are divided into 30 subclasses based on the amount of rain and temperatures in summer and winter.

You might think it would be relatively straightforward to figure out if climate change has pushed a region into a new classification. Add the recorded global warming of 1.2C so far and see if that changes anything.

Alas, it's not that simple. This is because climate change can have weird regional effects. We're getting much more rain in some areas, and much less in others. Some regions are warming faster than the global average and others are warming slower.

Climate models predict there will continue to be such differences. Plus, a degree of warming will have a greater impact at the edge of a glacier than in the Sahara.

To find out what will happen, we analyzed vast databases of past weather observations and future climate projections under different socio-economic and emission pathways to redraw the Koppen map. We did so at a very fine scale, dividing the world up into square kilometers so we could observe localized changes in mountainous regions and on small islands.

Change has already happenedand there's much more to come

The results were surprising. In some parts of the world, climate zones have already shifted considerably since Koppen drew his first climate map more than a century ago. The fastest change has been in the last few decades. The largest changes have been in cold and polar climates, which have become less cold and sometimes drier.

Eastern Europe has been a climate change hotspot over the last century. Its continental climate of cold winters and warm summers has given way to a temperate climate with hot summers.

Several countries have already changed climate zones across more than half of their area. Hungary, for instance, has changed the most of any nation. A whopping 81% of the country has already moved into a different, more temperate climate zone. Other global hot spots include central Europe, the Middle East and South Korea.

Our projections show these regions are among those to undergo the biggest climatic shifts through to 2100. Some areas will shift climate zones more than once.

Countries at higher latitudes will see some of the largest changes. Almost a quarter (24%) of both Canada and Russia have already moved into another climate zone since Koppen's first map. Another 39-40% of their immense landmasses will follow suit before the end of the century.

A similar story applies to Europe, where climate zones will change in between one-third and two-thirds of the area in most countries.

South Africa and neighboring countries Eswatini and Lesotho are the fastest changing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Their climate zones have shifted across 28% of their combined area. By 2100, an additional 44% will change.

In Australia, climate zones have already shifted across 14% of the country, with another 13% predicted during the remainder of this century.

You might wonder how it can be that climate zones don't move in some areas. That is because each Koppen climate zone represents a specific range of temperature and rainfall conditions, and a region can move within that range.

But Koppen didn't foresee what's happening now. In his classification, deserts and tropical climates are at the high end of the temperature scale and cannot changethey just get hotter.

What will this mean on the ground?

Changes as dramatic and rapid as this are already upending natural ecosystems. As climate change progresses, it will force significant change to our farms and infrastructure. Humanity gets half its calories from just three plantsrice, maize and wheatand each of these has a preferred climate.

Warmer and drier climates bring more drought as well as crop loss, water shortages, ecosystem degradation, bushfires and desertification. Warmer winters, extreme heat, drought and fire have been pummeled forests the world overfrom the cold high latitudes in Canada and Russia to the dry forests in the Mediterranean region, California and Australia. Even the Amazon rainforest is affected.

Of course, some changes may be beneficial for people, such as better agricultural conditions or lower heating costs in cold regions. But the overall picture is one of calamitous change.

Over the next decades, it will take all of humanity's commitment and ingenuity to avoid a major climate catastrophe.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two sets of laws on Tuesday, September 26, to tighten the state's already stringent firearms guidelines. The rules impose steep increases in the price of weapons and ammunition and ban their open carry in most public areas.

New Sets of Gun Laws

Current federal gun and ammo sales taxes are 10% or 11%. The new legislation mandates an additional 11% sales tax. An advocacy group for gun control, Brady, claims that this makes California the only state to impose a tax on firearms and ammunition separately.

Revenue from the sale of firearms and ammunition will be used to support a wide range of initiatives across the state. California's Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program will get the first $75 million.

The government plans to use the $50 million collected in taxes to improve safety at public institutions. The funds will be used to increase the school's physical safety, expand the availability of after-school activities, and expand access to counseling and therapy for students, faculty, and staff.

One of the new rules enacted on Tuesday prohibits individuals from carrying weapons in most public settings.

Public parks, public rallies and meetings, amusement parks, churches, banks, zoos, and any other privately held business institution accessible to the public are among the 26 locations where firearms are prohibited under the new rule.

Following this, AP News reported that the California Rifle and Pistol Association has filed a lawsuit.

Also Read: Runaway KS Girl, 14, Shoots Herself Dead After Years of Bullying, Abuse

Gun Violence in the US

According to USA Today, the Safer Communities Act was enacted by a large majority of Congress and the Senate last year under the administration of President Joe Biden. This bill established a $750 million fund to entice states to pass "red flag laws."

As a result, the "boyfriend loophole" was closed by including domestic violence offenders in romantic relationships in the national criminal background check system. It made it illegal to trade weapons over state lines and established a clear definition of a "federally licensed firearm dealer."

It also increased the consequences for "straw purchases" done on behalf of those who are prohibited from owning firearms. The age at which purchasers must pass a background check was raised to 21.

For the second year in a row, 2021 had the greatest number of gun deaths ever recorded in the United States, with approximately 49,000 fatalities. More than half of all deaths among Black teens were the result of gun violence, making it the top cause of mortality among kids and teenagers.

The most recent data reveals a possible decline in shootings. According to preliminary statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of homicides committed with firearms decreased in 2022. Gun Violence Archive executive director Mark Bryant reported a 5% drop in fatalities and injuries caused by firearms this year.

Also Read: Georgia Police Investigating Murder-Suicide at Walmart That Left 2 Dead

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

College students who identify as part of minoritized groups have more negative perceptions about how their peers might react if they were to disclose experiences of sexual violence, a recent Oregon State University study found.

Researchers say the results indicate a need for colleges and universities to take a more intersectional approachconsidering the ways students' racial, gender and sexual identities may overlap and affect their experiencein their efforts to provide safe environments for victims of sexual violence.

The study, published in the journal Violence Against Women, used campus climate survey responses to gauge how students anticipated their community reacting to a disclosure of unwanted sexual contact. The survey asked students to rank the likelihood of outcomes including "Students would label the person making the report a troublemaker" and "The alleged offender(s) or their friends would try to get back at the person making the report."

While the questions gauged students' perceptions rather than specifically asking about lived experiences, those perceptions carry a lot of weight, said study co-author Jill Hoxmeier, an instructor in OSU's College of Health.

"The implication is that perception could impact disclosure behavior, and in a public health context, we know that people who have negative disclosure experiences are more at risk for poor health outcomes," Hoxmeier said.

Victims of unwanted sexual contact are already at higher risk for health issues including substance use and abuse, disordered eating and risky sexual behaviors, she said.

Previous research in the field has established that 20%25% of women are sexually victimized during college, but the impact is not evenly distributed.

Studies show students with minoritized gender and sexual identities are at higher risk for victimization, and women of color are less likely to report or seek help after a sexual assault. Other studies have found that victims' experience of disclosing their assault and the reactions they receive upon disclosing can either help or hurt their overall recovery.

However, much of the body of research on this topic has relied on data from white women students, Hoxmeier said.

"In this work, my colleagues and I are trying to disaggregate people from broader racial and ethnic categories," she said. "We can't just lump everyone together. We can't use these homogeneous samples and assume that the findings speak for people of different identities, particularly with identities that are historically and currently minoritized and oppressed."

The study used survey data from 2,727 students at a large public university. About 33% of respondents identified as Asian American, 13% as Hispanic, 7% as African American and 5% in another racial or ethnic group. About 6% identified as having a disability and nearly 17% said they had a minoritized sexual identity. Overall, 17% were survivors of sexual violence.

Researchers found that students with any single minoritized identityracial, gender or sexualperceived anticipated peer support less favorably than their non-minoritized peers, and those perceptions became even less favorable among students with more than one minoritized identity.

For example, African American, Asian and Hispanic students perceived anticipated peer support less favorably than white students overall. But looking more specifically within subgroups, researchers found that while white women, African American women and Asian women reported roughly the same perception, African American men and Asian men reported significantly worse perceptions than their white male peers.

Among students with minoritized sexual identities, those with a disability had significantly worse perceptions of anticipated peer support than their non-disabled peers.

"I think that institutions can play a really big role in generating more accurate, more positive, more inclusive conversations about sexual violence, which helps create space for more positive disclosure experiences," Hoxmeier said. "Institutions really need to be invested in this work because of the impact it has on so many of their students."

More information: Julia O'Connor et al, Perceptions of Anticipated Peer Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence Among Students with Minoritized Identities, Violence Against Women (2023). DOI: 10.1177/10778012231200478
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Three-quarters of Colorado prisons are likely to experience a natural disaster in the coming years, but due to aging infrastructure and outdated policies, many are ill-equipped to keep residents safe, suggests new University of Colorado Boulder research.

The study, published in the journal Natural Hazards Review, comes on the heels of one of the hottest summers on record and as U.S. lawmakers are calling for an investigation into a rash of what are believed to be heat-related deaths in the nation's prisons.

In other research, including interviews and focus groups with 35 formerly incarcerated Coloradans, the researchers found that most had already suffered from climate-related hazards, experiencing everything from "brutally hot" or "ice cold" cells to respiratory problems related to wildfire smoke and lack of toilet facilities during floods.

"We showed that the incarceration infrastructure in Colorado is highly vulnerable to climate- related hazards and that incarcerated people who are Black and Hispanic are at even greater risk," said Shideh Dashti, associate professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, and co-author on both studies. "This is a serious racial justice and environmental justice issue that needs to be addressed."

Prisoners among the most vulnerable

Researchers have long known that marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income families and people with disabilities, are more vulnerable to climate change. But those behind bars face added risk, as they can't leave or adapt their space to escape threats.

Facilities tend to be old, with poor insulation and outdated heat, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Colorado's oldest prison opened in 1871. About 40% of incarcerated individuals have a mental health diagnosis, and many take medication that impairs their ability to regulate body temperature.

"When coupled with the extreme temperatures, wildfire smoke and floods that climate change brings, these conditions and lack of agency render incarcerated people extremely vulnerable," said co-author Ben Barron, a Ph.D. candidate and research assistant in the CU Boulder Department of Geography.

Until recently, little research had been done in this area.

To address the gap, the interdisciplinary research team gathered census data on 110 Colorado facilities, including prisons, jails and juvenile detention and immigration detention centers. They used GIS mapping software and climate modeling data to calculate whether each facility was at low, medium or high risk of wildfire, heatwaves, floods and landslides.

They found that 74.5% of facilities housing 83% of Colorado's incarcerated population have either moderate or high exposure to at least one hazard, and 17% percent are at risk of two.

One third of facilities, housing about 12,700 people, are at medium to high risk of wildfire.

Fifteen are at risk of flooding while, notably, 26 had no FEMA flood risk data available at all.

About half of facilities are at risk of extreme heat.

The study also found that incarceration facilities are more than twice as vulnerable to flooding than Colorado schools are. That's relevant, the authors said, because unlike prisoners, students are free to leave when flood risk arises.

Black people are significantly more likely than whites to be jailed in a facility at risk of extreme heat, while Hispanic or Latino people are at greater risk of experiencing a flood while incarcerated, the study found.

'We're dying in here'

Dashti said the team had trouble getting information from many facilities about their engineering or architectural elements, but interviews with the formerly incarcerated painted a disturbing picture.

"It's truly horrifying to listen to," said Barron, who conducted nine interviews and four focus groups for a separate paper that has not yet been published.

Some interviewees recalled temperatures soaring into the upper-90s inside their cells.

"We just want the doors open because we're dying in here,'" one told researchers.

When air-conditioning was turned on, it was often left on full blast into the cooler months, making it so frigid that ice formed inside cell windows.

Other formerly incarcerated people described being awakened in the night by wildfire smoke and stuffing clothing over vents and windows to keep ash out of their cell. Some had to wait outside in long lines in triple-digit temperatures to get their medications.

"I remember people just burning," recalled one 46-year-old man, describing his cell mate. "He was out there all day. And he was so purple, and he had edema on his head so bad you could put your thumb in his forehead, and it would just stay."

'Cruel and unusual punishment'

Due to lack of emergency planning, prisoners in other states have been infamously left behind when natural disasters hit.

In 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, thousands were locked inside the Orleans Parish Prison for days, submerged in deep, sewage-tainted water and without power. In 2020, during wildfires in California, a wildfire came within a few miles of two state prisons. While neighbors were evacuated, prisoners were left in place.

Colorado prisons have been evacuated at least two times: In 2013, a fire forced evacuation of 900 people from Territorial Correctional Facility in Canon City. In Barron's interviews, a person evacuated that day described it as "chaos." In May 2023, hundreds at the Delta Correctional Center were evacuated due to the threat of flooding.

Dashti said that, as an engineer, she has been horrified to learn of what she equates to "cruel and unusual punishment" in U.S. prisons. She hopes the findings will encourage governments to update building codes and policies to ensure that facilities are more resilient and humane in the face of more frequent and severe natural hazards expected as a result of climate change.

"But we can't simply engineer out way out of the problem," she said.

The U.S. has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, imprisoning 700 out of every 100,000 people, compared to 115 out of 100,000 for its peer nations. In Colorado alone, about 31,000 people are currently behind bars.

Dashti, Barron and their interdisciplinary research team believe more support should also be provided for education, mental health care, public housing and other means to keep people from committing crimes or help rehabilitate them when they do.

Some prisons should be closed, they argue.

"It's not enough to say we'll just retrofit and add air conditioning," said Barron. "We need to stop putting so many people in jail."

More information: Sara Glade et al, Hazards and Incarceration Facilities: Evaluating Facility-Level Exposure to Floods, Wildfires, Extreme Heat, and Landslides in Colorado, Natural Hazards Review (2023). DOI: 10.1061/NHREFO.NHENG-1556
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Schematic diagram of the effect of Bering Sea ice decline on wildfire occurrence in northeast China. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL105931

China has been making strides in recent years to reduce air pollution, including fitting filters in coal-fired power stations to remove sulfur dioxide from emissions, a molecule that reacts with other compounds in the atmosphere to form polluting particulates. The country's Air Pollution Control Act also aims to tackle pollution from manufacturing, vehicles and agriculture, alongside intending to become carbon neutral by 2060.

However, in contrast to this, the northeast of China (120E135E and 40N50N) has experienced an upsurge in polluting emissions from natural and anthropogenic-induced wildfires and the resulting biomass burning over the last decade, accounting for approximately 60% of total burned area in the country. This region possesses some of the greatest and most diverse tree coverage in China, meaning it is a critical natural ecosystem and resource under threat.

The cause of these wildfires is the focus of new research published in Geophysical Research Letters, which links a decline in sea ice moving from the Arctic to the Bering Sea, north Pacific Ocean (160E158W, 53N66N), to increased occurrence of fires during boreal spring (March, April and May).

Guanyu Liu and colleagues from Peking University, China, used climate model simulations alongside real observational data to understand this link and identify fire hazard intensification as this pattern amplifies with continued global warming. The research team used meteorological data from the past 40 years to understand weather changes conducive to wildfire events, alongside data of smoke concentrations and fire radiative power.

Modeling identified a one-month lag between disruption to Bering Sea ice and the presence of wildfires, which the scientists suggest may be impacted by ice albedo feedbacks. This occurs when radiative forcing from the sun is either reflected by "white" ice, or absorbed by the surrounding comparatively "dark" sea water. In the latter case, this causes the ambient environment to warm, resulting in further melting of sea ice and absorption of solar radiation, generating a feedback loop that continuously progresses the decline of sea ice.

Predictions of Bering Sea ice concentration decline (a) and northeast China wildfire increase (b) under different radiative forcing climate scenarios up to 2100. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL105931

A weakened temperature gradient between the Arctic and lower latitudes encourages a reduced polar and subtropical jet stream and consequently weakened wind shear (the change in horizontal wind direction/speed with height). Thus, this reduces vertical atmospheric convection above northeast China, making the formation of clouds less likely, and therefore the possibility of precipitation.

In the computed experiments, Liu and colleagues found that sea ice decline during winter leads to decreased precipitation and warmer temperatures in northeast China, affected by unusual higher-speed northwesterly wind patterns and the formation of high-pressure centers with downward-directed airflow. As such, they suggest this creates a tinderbox of hot, dry conditions ready to ignite at any moment and spread rapidly via strong wind regimes.

Such conditions are further exacerbated by global-scale climate patterns, such as the El-Nino Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation, atmosphere-ocean interactions impacted by sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean. Both of these climate oscillations encourage drought during their warm positive phases and therefore heighten the potential for wildfire occurrence.

Translating this knowledge to future predictions under the most extreme climate scenario of Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 8.5 (SSP585), where radiative forcing increases by 8.5W/m2 by 2100, the research team identified a clear pattern of continued Bering Sea ice decline and the occurrence of more wildfires in northeast China. For the lower radiative forcing of 7W/m2 (SSP370), wildfire occurrence was still higher than what has occurred over historical measurements, but the pattern is less distinct for the lowest radiative forcings of 2.67W/m2 (SSP126) and 4.57W/m2 (SSP245).

With Arctic sea ice concentration predicted to disappear entirely during summer months by the 2050s, the likelihood of more frequent and damaging wildfires is an ever-pressing issue that requires management strategies to be implemented as soon as possible, no matter the level of climate change forcing.

More information: Guanyu Liu et al, Increasing Fire Weather Potential Over Northeast China Linked to Declining Bering Sea Ice, Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL105931 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters

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EU legislators on Tuesday voted to slash use of pesticides by half across the bloc, despite opposition from some conservative groups.

But green politicians were left to regret the rejection of a proposed symbolic declaration calling for a complete ban on controversial weedkiller glyphosate.

A parliamentary commission rejected making a declaration a month before the 27 member states are due to decide on appeal whether to extend the use of glyphosate, something the WHO fears could be carcinogenic.

Earlier this month the bloc failed to agree to do so as divisions emerged and the matter will now go to an appeals committee in early November.

Tuesday saw the EU's environment committee vote by a narrow majority47 votes to 37to set binding targets on reduced pesticide use that targets a 50-percent reduction by 2030.

The pesticides judged the most hazardous will see use pared back by two-thirds compared with 2013-2017.

The committee has also banned use of pesticides in designated sensitive areas, including public parks, around schools and at Natura 2000 protection sites.

Among those voting against were the rightwing European People's Party and the far right, while farmers and agri-cooperatives are opposed to seeing the EU impose too tight a set of regulations in the sector.

"Given the impact of the war in Ukraine (on cereal markets) this proposal seriously places in danger (European) independence in terms of food security," said conservative Austrian lawmaker Alexander Bernhuber.

He warned of a risk of reduced yields that could lead to higher agriculture imports.

Austrian Green MEP Sarah Wiener, leading the campaign on the issue, said she was pleased at an outcome bringing agreement "on feasible compromises in an ideologically-charged and industry-dominated discussion."

Belgian Socialist lawmaker Marie Arena said the outcome would benefit farmworkers and the environment alike as "abusive use of pesticides makes people sick," as well as decimating bee numbers.

 2023 AFP
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Lifting the lid image. To Demonstrate where the study site is beneath the ice. Credit: Stewart Jamieson

Scientists revealed Tuesday that they had discovered a vast, hidden landscape of hills and valleys carved by ancient rivers that has been "frozen in time" under the Antarctic ice for millions of years.

This landscape, which is bigger than Belgium, has remained untouched for potentially more than 34 million years, but human-driven global warming could threaten to expose it, the British and American researchers warned.

"It is an undiscovered landscapeno one's laid eyes on it," Stewart Jamieson, a glaciologist at the UK's Durham University and the lead author of the study, told AFP.

"What is exciting is that it's been hiding there in plain sight," Jamieson added, emphasizing that the researchers had not used new data, only a new approach.

The land underneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet is less well known than the surface of Mars, Jamieson said.

The main way to "see" beneath it is for a plane overhead to send radio waves into the ice and analyze the echoes, a technique called radio-echo sounding.

But doing this across the continentAntarctica is bigger than Europewould pose a huge challenge.

So the researchers used existing satellite images of the surface to "trace out the valleys and ridges" more than two kilometers (1.6 miles) below, Jamieson said.

The undulating ice surface is a "ghost image" that drapes gently over these spikier features, he added.

When combined with radio-echo sounding data, an image emerged of a river-carved landscape of plunging valleys and sharply peaked hills similar to some currently on the Earth's surface.

It was like looking out the window of a long-haul flight and seeing a mountainous region below, Jamieson said, comparing the landscape to the Snowdonia area of northern Wales.

The area, stretching across 32,000 square kilometers (12,000 square miles), was once home to trees, forests and probably animals.

But then the ice came along and it was "frozen in time", Jamieson said.

Exactly when sunshine last touched this hidden world is difficult to determine, but the researchers are confident it has been at least 14 million years.

Jamieson said his "hunch" is that it was last exposed more than 34 million years ago, when Antarctica first froze over.

Some of the researchers had previously found a city-size lake under the Antarctic ice, and the team believes there are other ancient landscapes down there yet to be discovered.

Climate threat

The authors of the study said global warming could pose a threat to their newly discovered landscape.

"We are now on course to develop atmospheric conditions similar to those that prevailed" between 14 to 34 million years ago, when it was three to seven degrees Celsius warmer (roughly seven to 13 degrees Fahrenheit) than currently, they wrote in the journal Nature Communications.

Jamieson emphasized that the landscape is hundreds of kilometers inland from the edge of the ice, so any possible exposure would be "a long way off".

The fact that retreating ice over past warming eventssuch as the Pliocene period, three to 4.5 million years agodid not expose the landscape, was cause for hope, he added.

But it remains unclear what the tipping point would be for a "runaway reaction" of melting, he said.

The study was released a day after scientists warned that the melting of the neighboring West Antarctic Ice Sheet is likely to substantially accelerate in the coming decades, even if the world meets its ambitions to limit global warming.

More information: Stewart Jamieson, An ancient river landscape preserved beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42152-2. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42152-2 Journal information: Nature Communications

 2023 AFP
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With access to a mammoth set of global-scale climate data and a novel strategy, a team from Utah State University identified several factors to help answer a fundamental ecological question: what an animal eats (and how that interacts with climate) shapes Earths diversity. Credit: Wikimedia

Since the HMS Beagle arrived in the Galapagos with Charles Darwin to meet a fateful family of finches, ecologists have struggled to understand a particularly perplexing question: Why is there a ridiculous abundance of species some places on Earth and a scarcity in others? What factors, exactly, drive animal diversity?

With access to a mammoth set of global-scale climate data and a novel strategy, a team from the Department of Watershed Sciences in Quinney College of Natural Resources and the Ecology Center identified several factors to help answer this fundamental ecological question. They discovered that what an animal eats (and how that interacts with climate) shapes Earth's diversity.

The work was recently published in the journal Ecology Letters.

"Historically studies looking at the distribution of species across Earth's latitudinal gradient have overlooked the role of trophic ecologyhow what animals eat impacts where they are found," said Trisha Atwood, author on the study from the Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center. "This new work shows that predators, omnivores and herbivores are not randomly scattered across the globe. There are patterns to where we find these groups of animals."

Certain locations have an unexpected abundance of meat-eating predatorsparts of Africa, Europe and Greenland. Herbivores are common in cooler areas, and omnivores tend to be more dominant in warm places. Two key factors emerged as crucial in shaping these patterns: precipitation and plant growth.

Precipitation patterns across time play a big role in determining where different groups of mammals thrive, Atwood said. Geographical areas where precipitation varies by season, without being too extreme, had the highest levels of mammal diversity.

"Keep in mind that we aren't talking about the total amount of rain," said Jaron Adkins, lead author on the research. "If you imagine ecosystems around the world on a scale of precipitation and season, certain places in Utah and the Amazon rainforest fall on one end with low variabilitythey have steady levels of precipitation throughout the year. Other regions, like southern California, have really high variability, getting about 75 percent of the annual precipitation between December and March."

But the sweet spot for predators and herbivores fell in a middle zone between the two extremes, he said. Places like Madagascar, where precipitation patterns had an equal split between a wet season and a dry one (six months each), had the ideal ecological cocktail for promoting conditions for these two groups. Omnivore diversity tends to thrive in places with very stable climates.

The second important factor connected with mammal diversity the work uncovered was a measure of the amount of plant growth in an area, measured as "gross primary productivity."

"It makes intuitive sense for plant-eating animals to benefit from plant growth," Adkins said.

But this measure actually impacted carnivores most, according to the research. The strong relationship between predators and plant growth highlights the importance of an abundance of plants on an entire food chain's structural integrity.

"It was surprising that this factor was more important for predators than omnivores and herbivores," Atwood said. "Why this is remains a mystery."

Although evolutionary processes are ultimately responsible for spurring differences in species, climate conditions can impact related factorsrates of evolutionary change, extinction and animal dispersalinfluencing species and trait-based richness, according to the research.

Animal diversity is rapidly declining in many ecosystems around the world through habitat loss and climate change. This has negative consequences for ecosystems. Forecasting how climate change will disrupt animal systems going forward is extremely important, Atwood said, and this research is a first step in better managing future conditions for animals around the world.

"Animal diversity can act as an alarm system for the stability of ecosystems," Atwood said. "Identifying the ecological mechanisms that help drive richness patterns provides insight for better managing and predicting how diversity could change under future climates."

In addition to Adkins and Atwood, the research included seven authors currently or previously associated with the Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center: Edd Hammill, Umarfarooq Abdulwahab, John Draper, Marshall Wolf, Catherine McClure, Adrian Gonzalez Ortiz and Emily Chavez.

More information: Jaron Adkins et al, Environmental variables drive spatial patterns of trophic diversity in mammals, Ecology Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1111/ele.14306 Journal information: Ecology Letters
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Amid her calls for governments to act on climate change, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has spoken openly about her Asperger's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She is not the only environmental campaigner to speak about being neurodivergent (having a neurological condition or disability)something Thunberg describes as her "superpower."

In the UK, naturalists Chris Packham and Dara McAnulty have both discussed their autism. Packham has said that it has been "enormously beneficial" to his career.

In my doctoral research, I interviewed 23 youth activists, conservation workers and environmentalists to examine the link between nature experiences and mental health in an era of climate breakdown. My findings shed light on the motivations and intentions of neurodivergent people who work in the environmental and conservation sector, as well as those who are drawn to climate activism.

Many of my participants had been diagnosed with mental health, psychiatric and neurological conditions including autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder. They reported finding community and a sense of purpose in the environmental activism movement and through a connection with nature.

Autistic traits and activism

In a recent BBC documentary about his life with autism, Packham said that some of the campaigners he works with "either are [autistic] or they have traits of autism, with an aggravated sense of injustice and a deep-rooted desire to tell the absolute truth."

This, he said, can be an asset during turbulent times: "Autistic people have an enormous amount to offer in times of crisissometimes clear thinking, clear speaking, can be enormously beneficial."

Links between autistic traits and environmentalism are still being studied. Some research has suggested that mental health conditions may present barriers to pro-environmental action, for example because of high costs or difficulty in sustaining lifestyle changes.

But for many neurodivergent people, their condition can encourage their activism. As a neurodivergent therapist and researcher, I have found that many of the people I work with are sensitive to external events and situations. People with autism or ADHD often report experiencing the world more intensely than those who are considered neurotypical. Some say this heightened sensitivity applies to pain, suffering and injusticesmaking them likely to take action to manage the discomfort they experience. As one of the young activists I interviewed said, "I suffer from depression and have mental health issues, and some of that is caused by the climate  I just really want to get this solved  as the days go on I feel more and more, I don't know, hopeless at times. But I still want to go on strike."

Certain types of autism involve hyperfixationsspecialized areas of knowledge and interest that border on obsession. Many neurodivergent people have a thirst for knowledge and desire to learn everything on a subject. When this is applied to science and climate, it can drive a passion for activism.

Challenging the status quo

Autistic people often struggle to adhere to or understand social and cultural norms. This can put them at greater risk of social ridicule, or being described as rude or antisocial. Along with this is often an inability to comprehend or respect hierarchy and authority. These traits may also be a strength in activism, where directly criticizing and challenging powerful people and political systems can be a daunting prospect.

Many neurodivergent people believe strongly in equality and fairness, and reject systems where people are not all treated equally.

People on the spectrum may experience extreme psychological and emotional distress when demands are placed upon them that they do not understand or agree with. In schools, neurodivergent children need special assistance to adhere to the requirements of the education system.

Many people on the autism spectrum have heightened levels of empathy and compassion for those who are suffering or in danger. Similarly, many environmentalists have an unshakeable belief and desire to live a good life and believe in equality and fairness. For both of these groups, a strong sense of justice can be a motivator for how they live and behave.

Combating climate anxiety

As awareness of neurodivergence increases, more people, and notably children, are being diagnosed with conditions such as autism and ADHD. In Northern Ireland, where I conducted my research, the rates of autism diagnoses among school-aged children increased from 1.2% in 2009 to 4.5 % in 2021.

Neurodivergent people are often more vulnerable and susceptible to experiencing mental illnesses. This can include social anxiety, depression as well as climate anxiety.

The people I spoke to in my research indicated that activism can be an antidote to feelings of distress, discomfort and hopelessness. Activism and pro-environmental actions were essential coping techniques for those who cared for the environment and non-human world. It helped people feel less helpless, giving them a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

As Thunberg has said of herself, activism is a way to stay well in a time of climate and ecological breakdown.

Thunberg has achieved international recognition and acclaim for her work. Like her, many other neurodivergent climate activists are acting not out of desire for fame, but because they have a strong sense of justice and they believe it is the right thing to do. We can all learn from the many young neurodivergent people who, in spite of their conditions (or perhaps because of them), are striving to make the world a better place.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Biden administration has submitted a funding proposal to Congress, requesting more than $105 billion to support the security needs of Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the US southern border.

This comprehensive request reflects the administration's commitment to addressing various national security concerns in an ever-evolving global landscape, as per CNBC.

Biden's $105 Billion Boost for Ukraine and Israel Amid Security Challenges

President Joe Biden's largest allocation within the package is over $61 billion for Ukraine. This significant support comes from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has already seen the US provide substantial security assistance amounting to $44 billion.

The aid to Ukraine is aimed at helping the nation defend itself against external threats and regain stability. Another prominent aspect of the funding proposal is the $14.3 billion allocated for Israel, which is currently in conflict with Hamas following a terrorist attack in October.

This funding is intended to enhance Israel's air and missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome, and provide humanitarian assistance to the region. The request also includes $2 billion for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific security, recognizing the growing regional tensions, especially as China asserts its territorial claims over Taiwan.

Humanitarian assistance, totaling a little over $9 billion, is part of the package, demonstrating the US's commitment to providing support in global conflict zones and addressing humanitarian crises. In addition to international assistance, the White House's proposal invests approximately $50 billion in the US defense industry.

This investment is expected to expand production lines, stimulate the American economy, bolster national security, and create new jobs, according to Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The funding request is significant and multifaceted, reflecting the administration's response to various global security challenges. It comes at a time when the business in Congress has faced interruptions, partly due to divisions among House GOP members over the selection of a speaker.

Moreover, the proposal includes $6.4 billion for border operations, aimed at addressing concerns raised by Republicans regarding the US southern border, according to The New York Times.

Read Also: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Government Loses 2 Parliamentary Seats Against Labour Party

Biden's Budget Opioid Crisis, Border Security, Global Challenges

The request also earmarks approximately $1.2 billion to combat the opioid crisis, particularly efforts to counter fentanyl. This dangerous drug has contributed to a wave of deadly overdoses in the United States.

Young emphasized that the blame for insufficient resources at the US southern border lies with Congress, which still needs action on previous funding requests. This request is a response to the ongoing border security challenges.

National security advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted the significance of this budget request in shaping US leadership on the global stage. He described it as critical for advancing America's national security interests and ensuring the safety of the American people.

President Biden, in a rare prime-time speech from the Oval Office, previewed the funding request and framed it as a "smart investment" that will yield dividends for American security in the long term. He stressed that the additional funds allocated for Israel and Ukraine will help protect American troops and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous world for future generations.

The funding proposal addresses global security challenges, from ongoing conflicts to border security and humanitarian crises. Its fate in Congress will depend on bipartisan support and resolving internal divisions among lawmakers.

As President Biden aims to rally support for the package, it underscores American politics' complex and polarized nature and the critical role the United States plays in addressing global security concerns, The Guardian reported.

Related Article: Sunak Fails To Provide WhatsApp Messages to COVID Inquiry, Prompting Criticism from Opposition

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to delay a ban on "conversion therapy" following unprecedented losses for Conservatives during last week's by-elections.

Sunak tried to downplay the losses in Mid-Bedfordshire and Tamworth by saying that the disappointing results were only because of normal mid-term blues and "local factors." However, senior figures are urging the prime minister to bring forward a planned reshuffle to inject more vigor into his team.

Britain's Conversion Therapy

The situation also comes after Sunak and several other lawmakers have faced mounting pressure to issue a ban on the controversial issue. A few days ago, the prime minister was expected to bring in a long-promised ban after backlash from Conservative MPs.

Sunak was previously set to include a draft bill in the King's Speech to prohibit attempts to change an individual's sexuality amid growing anger over delays and uncertainty, as per the Independent.

The development follows intense lobbying made by anti-trans Tory MP Miriam Cates, who is an evangelical Christian famous for pushing against trans rights. The idea of banning the practice was first brought by former Prime Minister Theresa May five years ago.

However, such a ban that includes trans people has not yet materialized since then and Tory inaction has sparked condemnation from MPs, charities, and LGBTQ+ activists. Conversion therapy is making efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity in an attempt to "cure" them.

Chief whip Simon Hart also warned the prime minister that the Tory government would face backlash if it failed to introduce the Conversion Therapy Bill. But efforts were stomped after more than 40 MPs signed Cates' letter that demanded Sunak to ditch the draft bill in the King's Speech.

Read Also: Russian Lawmakers Initiate Revocation of Nuke Test Ban Treaty

By-Election Results

Cates allegedly said the bill would have "terrible unintended consequences, potentially criminalizing parents and doctors who counsel children against "changing gender." A government source said that there was no way that conversion therapy was becoming law before the election, according to The Pink News.

The controversy surrounding conversion therapy is just another problem that Sunak's government is facing. The Conservative losses in Mid-Bedfordshire and Tamworth threaten to make the prime minister's colleagues lose their nerve moving forward.

While a Downing Street source initially said that the prime minister was not planning a reshuffle "this week," another insider said that officials were preparing "welcome packs." These were supposedly made to brief and reshuffle ministers on their new responsibilities.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, and Transport Secretary Mark Harper were among the individuals tipped for the sack in a reshuffle. This was something that government sources previously indicated would not come until the end of the year.

Several reports suggested that even Home Secretary Suella Braverman could be moved to a different position. Furthermore, some Tories are pushing for the removal of party chairman Greg Hands following the defeats in the by-elections last week.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick also acknowledged that ministers were disappointed with the results of the by-elections. However, he insisted that the prime minister was making "good progress" on delivering on the public's priorities, said the Daily Mail.

Related Article: Finland Ex-President, Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari, Dead at 86

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By Saio Marrah

Former Presidential Candidate of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party, Kandeh Kolleh Yumkell (PHD) has told crowds of supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party during his formal declaration in rejoining the party that he has come home.

The event took place at the SLPP headquarters in Freetown on Saturday 14 October 2023.

He said he decided to join President Julius Maada Bio for the June 24 General elections campaign because he wanted to help the president in developing and unifying the country, and that his return to the party is a continuation of that process.

Assuring the party members he said, When I say yes, I mean yes.

Dr.Yumkell reassured that he had no regret over his return to the party as he described his action as with my body and soul.

He also pointed out that his decision was not persuaded by anyone, but by the Grace of God.

As the SLPP party has won the election, he called everyone to help change the hardship of the country by serving as a watchdog for the government.

He also encouraged the party members to talk to everyone including the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) in developing Sierra Leone.

First Lady, Fatima Bio, spoke of how Yumkella before the just concluded election said he will not join the SLPP, but will support President Bio in helping to fix the problems facing the country.

She also narrated how President Bio and Dr.Yumkella share a common background as sons of Paramount Chiefs. The first lady also expressed her delight over Yumkellas return to the party.

The Chairman of SLPP, Prince Harding (PHD) told party members that nobody persuaded Dr. Yumkella to return to the party, and genuinely took the decision himself.

He therefore encouraged the party members to warmly welcome Dr.Yumkella and encourage other people to join the party so that they will continue winning elections.

The programme was climaxed by the handing over ceremony of the SLPP party membership card to Yumkella.

Yumkella left the SLPP in 2017 and formed his own political party NGC, after failing to win the 2018 flagbearer race in the SLPP.

Copyright  2023 Politico (16/10/23)
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss developments in Gaza and in the surrounding region.



The President welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas's October 7 terrorist attack, which crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need.

READ ALSO: Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt

The leaders affirmed that there will now be continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza.

The President expressed appreciation for Israel's support in helping to accommodate the release of two American hostages.

The leaders discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas - including U.S. citizens -and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart.



The President and the Prime Minister agreed to stay in close touch.

READ MORE: Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani of Iraq

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By Alpha Abu

The town of Pujehun south of Sierra Leone will be abuzz with excitement this Monday 16th October, as thousands of farmers from across the country throng to witness the Launch of Feed Salone- an initiative by President Julius Maada Bio to achieve food self-sufficiency.

President Bio is pursuing the ambitious agricultural project to achieve what he calls food sovereignty for Sierra Leone, and has been drumming up support for the venture not only within the country but also abroad, as seen at this Years United Nations General Assembly in New York where he spoke passionately about Feed Salone.

He has stressed that the country has all the encouraging conditions- vast arable land, sufficient rainfall and sunlight to have successful farming.

He recently ensured the setting up of a Presidential Council for Feed Salone that will monitor and advice on the agricultural project.

The President of the National Federation of Farmers, Yatta Samah recently told Journalists in Freetown that they have so far registered seventy-two thousand farmers in the country. Presently Sierra Leone spends some 280 Million US Dollars yearly on the importation of rice- the countrys staple food.

Copyright  2023 Politico (16/10/23)
WARREN COUNTY, NY  Volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers in Warren County will be eligible for a 10% exemption on their Warren County property taxes under a new law enacted by the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

Volunteer first responders are integral to the safety and well-being of their communities, and we are glad that we can put in place this deduction to thank them for the tireless work they do. They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it has become increasingly difficult to recruit new members because of the time and training commitments. We hope this new benefit will help stabilize and increase our volunteer ranks, said Kevin Geraghty, Warrensburg Supervisors and Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the property tax exemption local law on October 20, 2023. It creates the exemption on assessed value of a primary residence for volunteer first responders with at least two (2) years of service for the community where they reside while they are an active member.

In addition, those who have served 20 or more volunteer years with their community fire department or rescue squad can be eligible for a lifetime property tax exemption. The spouse of a volunteer who is killed in the line of duty will be eligible for the exemption as well, with certain qualifications.

This change to county tax procedures was made possible after NY State Legislature passed a law in late 2022 that amended NY State Law to enable the exemption.

Warren County Office of Emergency Services is part of the first responder community, and our staff sees the sacrifice our volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers make day and night. We thank the Warren County Board of Supervisors for putting this exemption in place to show gratitude and help keep our volunteer agencies staffed, said Ann Marie Mason, Warren County Director of Emergency Services.
During an initiative to crack down on sales of alcohol to underage purchasers, six businesses were checked for compliance, and two people were charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First degree, a class A misdemeanor, after selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21, a New York State Police press release says. The check was run in Saratoga County.

USA Gasoline, 4 Fire Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065

Speedway, 1583 State Route 9, NY 12065

The following businesses were not n compliance under the New York Beverage Control Law Section 65, Prohibited Sale to Person Under the Age of 21:

The following establishments are recognized for their compliance:

Speedway, 1698 State Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065

XtraMart, 1588 State Route 9, Halfmoon, NY 12065

Valero, 1493 State Route 9, Halfmoon, NY 12065

Stewarts Shop, 214 Guideboard Rd., NY 12065

During these investigations, Businesses are checked utilizing a Trooper in plainclothes, and one or several underage operatives who cannot lie about their age or provide a false date of birth.
Future plans for Glens Falls Farmers Market are up in the air after board members say their concerns about the new Market Square building were ignored over the past 18 months, or so. The group was supposed to be the anchor tenant of the new, pavilion-style, Market Center building that broke ground at 57 South St. on Friday Oct. 20.

Since the City of Glens Falls failed to give the Farmers Market logistical input regarding the $5 million pavilion, the board may choose to leave Glens Falls and not use the Market Center after years of planning, the group says.

President of the nonprofit Farmers Market Association Tom Wells says that the space is smaller than its original design which would reduce the markets current size and offer little to no room for future growth.

There is definitely hesitancy, Wells told The Post-Star. Its not big enough for us to grow into.

Logistical hurdles such as loading and unloading produce, traffic and parking, absence of heating within the facility while being advertised as year-round, and scheduled blackout dates that prevent vendors from operating due to concurrent city events are all concerns for the Market Association and its board, Wells said in a press release and later confirmed.

A lot of our farmers have 25 to 30 crates in the summertime. Logistically, it would be very difficult to try to move 25 to 30 crates in and out of the building, especially when you have to park three to four blocks away, Wells said.

Any attempt by the Farmers Market to reach out to the City of Glens Falls to provide logistical input always fell on deaf ears, Wells added.

It is disheartening to note that despite multiple interactions with Mayor Collins and the planning teams over the years, the concerns and aspirations of the Farmers Market community appear to have have been ignored and/or dismissed, all while the city is using the market itself as the sales pitch for the project, the Market Association said in a released statement.

Not so, said city Mayor Bill Collins. He said he hopes the board votes to use the new facility.

I told them I wanted them to be the anchor tenant if they wanted to be, the mayor said, adding that he feels there is still time to work out issues. He added also that the Farmers Market is guaranteed a place next summer under the agreements reached with Bonacio Construction, the company that is redeveloping the pavilion and parking lot on South Street where the farmers market currently operates, about a block from the new location.

Glens Falls Farmers Market also felt snubbed by the City of Glens Falls when an invitation to the pavilions groundbreaking ceremony was not extended to its board members, a surprise, they said in their statement, given the Farmers Market would be the buildings primary occupant.

The citys economic development director took issue with that saying that the city reached out to Wells, though not the full board, since Wells was the primary person the city has worked with. Also, Flagg said, the footprint of the new building is larger than the current space.

In 2016, the Farmers Market was initially thrilled at the prospect of the citys construction of a venue for them. However, design changes and delays to the new venue in the years since have prompted considerable reservations among the farmers markets board.

Jeff Flagg, the economic development director, and the mayor have both said that the plans for the original Market Center building have changed over the years since the plans were first drafted.

However, the new building was never intended to be the farmers market building alone, and they are looking to use the building much more than just the three or so hours the farmers market is active on Saturdays.

Therein lies the rub.

The finances come into play, Flagg said. Although the buildings construction is almost completely covered by DRI funds and Restore NY state grants, the city needs to maintain the building and make sure it gets regular use.

Were going to have to market this building, Flagg said, in order to get the return on the investment the state and city have made. No one wants it to be an empty facility except for three hours a week on Saturdays.

The Farmers Market pays about $1,000 per year for rent, not nearly enough to cover all of the maintenance and marketing costs for year-round use Flagg said. Therefore, at times, especially if the city books a weekend-long event in the building, the farmers market would either be forced to close that weekend, or would be offered another location, both Flagg and Collins have said.

This has not sat well with farmers market leadership.

The DRI project has direct implications on the market itself as well as over the livelihoods of 60+ local small businesses and farms, they wrote in the statement.

The Glens Falls Farmers Market Board will convene on Wednesday with its members to democratically decide the markets future course of action and the possibility of relocating our market to a new venue, in, or outside of Glens Falls, according to Wells.

Thus far, the Farmers Market has not reached out to other nearby municipalities for re-location. The board will likely wait to see the completed Event and Market Center before making a more permanent decision, Wells said.

A community staple since 1973, The Glens Falls Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced products including produce, dairy, meat, eggs, flowers, fish and unique crafts, all produced by local small businesses.

If youve ever visited us on a Saturday morning, youd understand what this is all about; our community, and we think we embody everything Hometown USA is supposed to be.

We deeply hope that a solution can be found that respects the markets heritage and its potential to continue to flourish in Glens Falls for years to come, the Farmers Market Association said in a statement.
SUNY Adirondack Foundation proudly welcomes three new members to its board of directors this academic year: James Burkett, Desma Sheerer and Robert Bullock.

Our board is excited to welcome Desma, Jim and Bob, said Bill Hart, board president. As we continue our important work with SUNY Adirondack, their expertise and connections in our community will help us achieve our goals for access, completion and post-graduation success.

Burkett is a member of the Warren County and New York State bar associations. A graduate of SUNY Binghamton and Albany Law School, Burkett is a principal at Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart, & Rhodes, P.C.

He was an Appellate Court attorney for New York State Supreme Court, and prior director of The Estate Planning Council of Eastern New York. He is on the boards of directors of Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, serving as vice president; The Hyde Collection, where he is on the executive committee and is chair of the Governance Committee; and Greater Adirondack Home Aides, for which is serves as vice president.

I feel it is always critical to have convenient, affordable educational opportunities available to traditional and nontraditional students in our backyard, Burkett said. It provides each student the flexibility to enhance their knowledge and experience.

Sheerer is a practice leader at Hudson Headwaters Womens Health. She is an alumna of SUNY Adirondack who earned masters degrees in Health Care Management and Teaching and Literature.

She served as project manager for Hunt Companies, practice manager at New York Oncology Hematology, practice administrator at Arizona Oncology, and practice manager at Arizona Oncology and Pinnacle Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

I have a great appreciation for the access to higher education this institution provides to students in the area, Sheerer said. SUNY Adirondack provided me with an education that opened doors to opportunities I otherwise would not have known existed.

Bullock is an adjunct professor in SUNY Adirondacks Business division and oversees the colleges StartUp ADK program. He was chief operating officer of Make-A-Wish of Northeastern New York and former deputy director for Operations at Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. He served as president of New York State Archives Partnership Trust and director of Institutional Advancement at Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute.

He is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, serving 20 years as a public affairs officer for the New York Air National Guard. He earned a bachelors degree from SUNY Potsdam and a masters in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Bullock was recognized by the state Legislature four times for his service to nonprofit organizations. He wrote and produced three award-winning television documentaries; was a lecturer on development, marketing and communications nationwide; served as a consultant; and was honored by Saratoga Springs for lifesaving actions after helping evacuate a burning building.

The SUNY Adirondack Foundation is a 5013 organization founded in 1983. Guided by SUNY Adirondacks strategic plan, the SUNY Adirondack Foundation actively and collaboratively raises and manages the necessary funds to help the College meet the evolving needs of its students and community.
ALBANY  If not for a phone conversation nearly a decade ago, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown  not Kathy Hochul  might currently be the governor of New York State.

In a new book, a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo writes that in 2014, Brown was Cuomos top choice to be the governors running mate atop the Democratic Party ticket.

But according to the book, Cuomos vetting process turned up information that federal investigators were eyeing Brown. Instead, Cuomo endorsed Hochul to be his lieutenant governor. Upon Cuomos resignation in 2021, Hochul ascended to the governorship.

The account about Brown comes from a new book by Melissa DeRosa, former secretary to the governor, entitled: Whats Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis.

The book, available Tuesday, is DeRosas unvarnished view of her time as a top aide to Cuomo, amid the rise and fall of one of the Democratic Partys most prominent figures. DeRosa provided an excerpt to The Buffalo News concerning Brown.

The book also focuses attention on those DeRosa considers culpable for forcing Cuomos resignation. Other portions DeRosa has shared with various media  concerning alleged interactions with Attorney General Letitia James, and separately, a New York Times reporter  have already drawn headlines. DeRosa is also a longtime critic of Hochul, and the book contains unflattering characterizations of Cuomos successor.

Cuomo was first elected governor in 2010. After one term, Cuomos lieutenant governor, Robert Duffy of Rochester, decided to take a job in the private sector. And as Cuomo sought re-election in 2014, he wanted his new lieutenant governor to be from Western New York.

Being from Queens, Cuomo believed strongly that governing the entire state meant having regional balance represented in its statewide elected officials and was single-mindedly focused on Buffalo, DeRosa writes. His sights were set on Byron Brown, a working-class, African American mayor of the Queen City, known for his pragmatism and operational fortitude, whom Cuomo got along with very well personally.

Mutually advantageous relationship

Cuomo and Brown have long been friends, and have had a mutually advantageous political relationship.

When Cuomo announced he was running for governor in 2002, Brown attended the Manhattan event  even through Brown, who is African American, was formally supporting Cuomos opponent, Comptroller Carl McCall, who was running to become the states first Black governor.

When Brown was running for Buffalo mayor in 2005, Cuomos father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, made his first public appearance in Buffalo in 11 years to campaign for Brown.

When Andrew Cuomo sought to resuscitate his political career in 2006, running for state attorney general, Brown endorsed Cuomo over another candidate in the Democratic primary, former U.S. Attorney Denise ODonnell, despite ODonnell being a Buffalonian. Cuomo won that 2006 campaign, and when Cuomo successfully ran for governor in 2010, Brown was again a key supporter.

FBI investigations of Byron Brown linger with no charges in sight Two former U.S. attorneys, witnesses interviewed by the FBI and a veteran defense lawyer familiar with the probes told The Buffalo News they don't expect any charges to be filed against Brown before the Nov. 2 mayoral election.

In 2014, The Buffalo News reported that Brown was quite interested in the lieutenant governor post. But according to DeRosa, as well as a former senior adviser to Cuomo who spoke to The News on the condition of anonymity, an issue emerged during the vetting process.

According to the former Cuomo senior adviser, Cuomos camp had heard rumors Brown might be of interest in a federal criminal investigation.

The senior Cuomo adviser  not DeRosa  called an official from a federal law enforcement investigative agency, asking if putting Brown on the ticket could be potentially problematic.

According to the former senior Cuomo adviser, while both the questions and answers were oblique, the conversation more or less confirmed that Brown was of interest in a federal criminal investigation.

Cuomos camp, according to DeRosas book, found out that Browns name had come up in a wide-ranging US Attorneys Office investigation into some of western New Yorks most influential power players.

While we didnt believe Brown was involved or that he would do anything unethical (he was ultimately cleared), the unknowns around the nascent case were fraught, and, wanting to avoid even the hint of a scandal, Cuomo was forced to move on from his first choice, DeRosa writes.

Notably, the vetting information about Brown did not emanate from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of New York  which, at that time, was run by William Hochul, Kathys husband.

In 2015, state and federal law enforcement officers executed search warrants at several homes of Buffalo political figures, including Browns former First Deputy Mayor Steve Casey. In subsequent years, the federal government searched the home of another Brown confidant, subpoenaed City Hall records, and hauled away dozens of boxes of records in 2019, while executing a search warrant at the City Hall office of the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, which Brown chairs.

But Brown has never been charged with any crime.

This week, Browns office declined to address whether Cuomo had in fact passed on appointing Brown.

In a few months it will be 2024, an entire decade later, said Brown spokesman Michael DeGeorge. Mayor Brown doesnt go backward, he goes forward.

DeRosas account in her book  that Cuomo passed on selecting Brown as his running mate  conflicts with accounts anonymously given to The News in 2014, accounts published just hours before Cuomo endorsed a different candidate for lieutenant governor. One anonymous source told the newspaper that on the evening of May 20, 2014, Brown called Cuomo and withdrew his name from consideration. A second told the newspaper that Brown had become less enamored with the idea of being lieutenant governor and was being urged to remain in Buffalo and preside over progress in the city and serve out the remainder of his third term.

By the time Brown was said to have withdrawn his name, the governors announcement of a running mate was imminent. Less than a day after the reported phone call from Brown, at the State Democratic Party convention, Cuomo named Hochul. The decision did not seem especially rushed: Cuomo and Hochul announced the decision in a pre-produced, three-minute video.

He settled for Hochul, a one-term white Congresswoman from Buffalos suburbs who sounded Canadian when she spoke, DeRosa writes. She would supposedly help shore up the moderates and solidify the western New York vote for Cuomo. Back then, I vehemently believed the state was, in fact, moving more and more left, and selecting Hochul would anger our downstate progressive base.

Never a Hochul fan

DeRosa, who in 2014 was serving as Cuomos communications director, writes that she never favored Hochuls selection.

It was no secret within the administration that I was never a Hochul fan, DeRosa writes. She was an A-rated member of the NRA who was best known for pandering to white Republican voters by threatening to arrest undocumented New Yorkers attempting to obtain drivers licenses, and I felt she lacked policy chops and hurt the ticket more than she helped.

In response to DeRosas criticisms, Hochul spokesman Anthony Hogrebe said that the governor is busy leading the State of New York and will not be engaging with tired and petty personal attacks.

Cuomo and Hochul did not have a close relationship, a distance that remained during Hochuls more than six years serving as lieutenant governor.

Cuomo  facing impeachment amid a sexual harassment scandal  resigned in 2021. Hochul became governor and was left with her own decision about whom to appoint as lieutenant governor.

Hochul quickly chose Brian Benjamin, a Black state senator from Manhattan, who could help shore up downstate, minority voters in the 2022 Democratic primary for governor.

DeRosa argues that Hochul did not rigorously vet Benjamin in the same way Cuomo had vetted Brown. If Hochuls office had sufficiently checked with law enforcement entities, DeRosa argues, Hochul might have discovered that Benjamin was under investigation at the time of his appointment.

Buffalo State presidential search to keep finalists secret The university said it won't disclose the names of the semifinalists who are competing for the job, and it won't hold any forums to allow students, faculty and community members to interact with them.

At the time of that appointment, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office had already served a subpoena to a Benjamin political campaign from 2021, inquiring about the suspicious donations to bid for New York City comptroller.

The New York Times reported that, as part of a customary background investigation, state police had asked the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys Office if it had anything to share about Benjamin  and was told it did not. But it was not clear whether Hochuls office reached out through unofficial channels to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office or federal prosecutors, the Times reported, noting Cuomos office did make such informal calls.

Hochul didnt use the vetting process Cuomo established years earlier for reviewing potential running mates, DeRosa writes. Her lieutenant governor was under investigation at the time that she selected him. Seven months into her tenure, he was indicted.

In April 2022, Benjamin was charged by the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys Office with allegedly accepting fraudulent campaign donations in exchange for providing a taxpayer-funded grant to a donor. The donor pled guilty, and Benjamin resigned from office.

But Benjamin has maintained his innocence. Several of the most serious charges were thrown out by a federal judge, a dismissal now being appealed by prosecutors, ahead of a Benjamin trial.
ATLANTIC CITY  A city police detective was suspended after being accused of driving recklessly to the point that he nearly crashed into a patrol car before fleeing an attempted traffic stop.

Detective Fariyd Holmes is suspended without pay while the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office investigates, police said in a statement Tuesday.

Holmes was charged with eluding, according to a criminal complaint. He is due in Atlantic County Superior Court on Nov. 9.

A city police officer watched Holmes run a red light at Tennessee and Arctic avenues in his Lexus on Sept. 21, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The vehicle weaved through traffic as the officer followed it south on Atlantic Avenue, the affidavit states. At one point, the vehicle nearly collided head on with another police car.

The officer tried pulling the vehicle over, but it fled, continuing through a red light at Arkansas and Baltic avenues and onto the Atlantic City Expressway, the affidavit states.

Atlantic City police charge 3 in citywide string of burglaries ATLANTIC CITY  Police have charged three city residents in a string of burglaries dating to

Police stopped pursuing Holmes car after obtaining its registration.

A detective contacted Holmes, who said his niece was driving the vehicle, adding he was a little sauced at the time, the affidavit states.

The evidence contradicts his claims of his niece driving the vehicle.

Videos from the citys streets and the expressways Pleasantville Toll Plaza showed a Black man wearing white clothing and a black watch driving during and after the pursuit, the affidavit states. Cellphone records corroborate Holmes presence inside the vehicle.

Holmes has been a police officer since 2015, according to state pension records. His salary is listed at about $87,000.

He has been active in Police Department activities, such as its Unity in the Community parade in 2021, an event to promote civic awareness.

As a Black officer, Holmes was recognized two years ago by the city during Black History Month.
ATLANTIC CITY  In 2013, #BlackLivesMatter started in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

In 2021, DJ, photographer and writer Raymond Tyler, along with Sarah Lacy and Michael Cagno of Stockton University, began the Black Art Matters series at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton in Atlantic City, which continues and received grant funding this past summer.

A resort resident, Tyler, who is also an artist, had one of his paintings on display for three months at the citys bus terminal on Atlantic Avenue. A reception was held for Tyler at the Arts Garage during the one-year anniversary of the week that George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020.

Tyler, 55, approached Cagno at the reception.

Bringing Black-inspired art to the Arts Garage on a monthly basis is what I wanted to do, Tyler said. For the next three years, I put together Black Art Matters programs at the Arts Garage. My vision was to do it for a year and to pass it on to someone (else).

Black Art Matters is both a platform and a celebration of Black artforms whether they are visual, literary or performance, Lacy said.

Tyler, who had a seat on the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and contacts with both the South Jersey Cultural Alliance and the Atlantic City Arts Commission, did all of the programming for most of the programs existence, but it was hard to motivate people to come out for the programs earliest offerings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sarah and Michael have been a great support, Tyler said. Normally, I feel like I have to fight for something like Black Art Matters.

$100,000 grant to benefit Stockton's Noyes Arts Garage, Stories of Atlantic City A $100,000 grant by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation will help two Stockton-affiliated organizations work toward amplifying the voices of underrepresented Atlantic City residents, the university said Monday.

Tyler also gave credit to Ralph E. Hunter Sr., founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, and City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz for helping him during the early days of the program.

He would not let me fail on his watch, Tyler said of Shabazz.

A Black Art Matters session July 30 centered on a discussion with Hunter of Black representation and identity in media that included a conversation about whether there was a place for brand mascots like Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima, both of whom were phased out as ripple effects of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

I asked Ralph to come. At 12 noon, I came to set up. He had statues and all kinds of things for people to look at, Tyler said. I wanted the community to have access to these kinds of events, which you normally have to travel to Philadelphia, North Jersey and New York City to attend.

Once it is decided what the programming will be for that month, Lacy spreads the word through social media and the Stockton and Arts Garage websites.

Raymond comes to us with ideas and artists. We try to find a way to make it happen, Lacy said. I love working with Ray. Hes very talented at bringing people together.

Black Art Matters programs will continue because the program will receive some of the money from a new $100,000 grant by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation that has been slated for the Arts Garage and Stories of Atlantic City, both Stockton-affiliated organizations.

Next year, Tyler said he may only do the programming for a quarter of the Black Art Matters events. Lacy said she and Cagno have people who make suggestions to them, and they find appropriate guest artists for the series outside the university environment.

Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City to host gun violence exhibit ATLANTIC CITY  A new art exhibit that hopes to address the issues with gun violence will be

Among the events that have taken place  some of which will be held next year also  include an Atlantic City Black Music Month Festival, a poetry festival and recognition of local women arts community trailblazers.

The Black Art Matters event for this month has already been held and was the first one designed as an after-school workshop for children 11 and older.

The session was held for the young people to learn how to identify and structure their own original haikus. Haiku is a Japanese poetic form that consists of three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second and five in the third.

Performance poet Joel Dias-Porter, a resort resident, taught the attendees. He is a two-time National Haiku Slam Champion. The program was organized by Murphy Writing, Mighty Writers and the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University.

I was grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Arts Garage, Mighty Writers and Murphy Writing, said Dias-Porter. I was able to share my love for writing, poetry and haiku with local kids.
GT Voice: China-GCC synergy crucial for Middle East development

08:38, October 24, 2023 By Global Times ( Global Times

Photo: Screenshot from Wechat account of China's Ministry of Commerce

With the China-GCC Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum held in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province on Sunday, cooperation between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has entered a new era.

During the meeting, the two sides reached a broad consensus on topics such as jointly safeguarding the multilateral trading system, promoting two-way investment, deepening cooperation in the industry and supply chains, upgrading the level of connectivity and promoting energy transformation. They adopted a joint statement on deepening economic and trade cooperation.

This development is of great significance in the context of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, both in terms of cooperation between China and the GCC countries and peaceful development in the region.

The fact that the increasingly close cooperative relationship between China and the GCC countries has not been affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict shows the broad consensus between the two sides in political, economic and cultural exchanges. This situation is conducive to the steady development of the China-GCC relationship. Moreover, external pressure from the US and the West on the GCC countries and China has also indirectly driven the two sides closer.

After decades of geopolitical instability, countries in the Middle East have come to realize that the cost of conflicts weighs heavily on their military power, economic strength and social development, which has already undermined the region's external influence and economic development.

Also, with the global energy transition on the horizon, it has become urgent for the GCC countries to seek a peaceful environment for their own economic transition.

China happens to be an excellent partner for the GCC countries. Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said that Chinese modernization will bring new opportunities for China-GCC cooperation. The GCC member states are actively promoting industrial diversification, and the prospects for China-GCC economic and trade cooperation are vast.

Increasingly close strategic ties between China and the GCC countries are based not just on political mutual trust, but also on economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, among other factors. When it comes to anti-China topics hyped by the US or the West, the GCC countries have expressed support to China in recent years, representing high levels of political mutual trust.

In terms of economic and trade cooperation, China and the GCC countries enjoy broad mutual benefits. In 2013, China became the largest trading partner with the GCC countries for the first time. In 2021, trade between China and the GCC countries exceeded $200 billion.

In particular, energy cooperation is a highlight and has achieved win-win results. Oil and natural gas cooperation between China and the GCC countries has been extended to the whole industry chain of exploration, exploitation, transportation, processing and refining.

In addition to energy trade, the Belt and Road Initiative has aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Kuwait's Vision 2035, Oman's Vision 2040 and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation. Bilateral cooperation has already been extended to artificial intelligence, e-commerce, life sciences and other digital infrastructure, which will be conducive to the region's energy structure adjustment and the transformation of its economic development models.

A main reason for geopolitical instability in the Middle East is the lack of common development. That's why an important goal of the GCC is to seek common development to reduce poverty, inequality and social unrest. This is considered the most crucial task in changing the underlying conditions that nurture conflict.

In this sense, the cooperation between China and the GCC countries, which has strong impetus to grow, especially under pressure from other destructive forces, will certainly witness further steady development.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot caused a disturbance after he tried shutting off an airplane's engines during mid-flight.

Because of his actions, the passenger aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Here are other things that happened before and after the off-duty pilot tried to turn off the airplane's engines.

Off-Duty Alaska Airlines Tries Turning Off-Engines Mid-Flight!

According to NPR's latest report, an off-duty pilot disrupted a flight that was operated by Horizon Airlines. Before the incident, the airplane took off from Everett, Washington, and was supposed to land in San Francisco.

The Embraer 175 jet peacefully took off at around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. However, little did the airlines know that the flight was carrying an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who would commit a very dangerous act.

ABC News reported that the pilot tried shutting off engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles on the airplane. Airlines officials said that the suspect has been identified as David Emerson.

They added that the airplane captain was traveling to San Francisco because he was scheduled to be on a flight crew of a 737 flight.

Before the incident, Emerson was sitting in the flight deck jump seat, meaning he was located in the cockpit. To their surprise, David decided to disrupt the operation of the engines by trying to pull the fire extinguisher handles.

Luckily, his attempt failed. After noticing the issue, the flight crew subdued the man and handcuffed him to a seat.

"I'll just give you a heads-up. We've got the guy who tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. It doesn't seem like he's causing any issues at the back. I think he's subdued," said one of the Embraer 175 jet pilots.

Read Also: Hamas Attack Update: AA, Other Major Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel-Here's What FAA Says In Updated NOTAM

Suspect Pilot Now Faces Over 80 Counts of Attempted Murder

The affected flight, which was carrying 80 passengers and four crew members, changed its landing location to Portland because of the incident.

Alaska Airlines officials clarified that no one was injured or hurt by the off-duty pilot's actions. The flight company added that all the passengers were able to travel to San Francisco on another flight.

"We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests' calm and patience throughout this event," said Alaska Airlines.

But, because David's actions were life-threatening, authorities decided to charge him with 83 counts of attempted murder. Aside from this, he is also facing 83 counts of reckless endangerment, one felony count of endangering an aircraft, and a misdemeanor.

Related Article: British Airways Plane Makes U-Turn Before Reaching Tel Aviv; Suspends Flights to Israel

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
ATLANTIC CITY  The former executive director of the Atlantic City Housing Authority filed a lawsuit Monday, alleging his Sept. 7 firing was unlawful retaliation for being a whistleblower about illegal procurement practices.

Matt Doherty also said in the lawsuit that a board member prohibited him from cooperating with a State Police investigation into procurement practices there.

You dont answer questions from the State Police, Board Treasurer Geoff Dorsey said to him during a conference call, according to the lawsuit filed Monday by Matthew Doherty.

Dorsey said Monday that Doherty left out key words from what he said.

I said, You dont speak to anyone without our attorneys present, Dorsey said in a phone interview. He can make up whatever he wants. Hes already made up other things.

Doherty, previously the executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, was appointed to the position April 27 and started work May 8. The board fired him about two weeks after he publicly criticized procurement practices at the authority.

We have invoices getting paid that I dont approve of, we have invoices without purchase orders, we have purchase orders without contracts, we have contracts without competitive bidding, Doherty said at the Aug. 24 meeting.

Obviously he has a bone to pick with me. I moved to make a motion to remove him, and I publicly fought him not to have full control over hiring and firing, Dorsey said Monday. The man is a politician and knows I have a political race to run. He thinks he can raise garbage and try to slander and defame me.

Firm gets $2.6M from Atlantic City Housing Authority, but agency says some work bad A contractor received almost $2.6 million for repairs it made earlier this year at multiple public housing communities in the city, only for its service on underground gas lines at Stanley Holmes Village to be deemed "bad work" with "massive leaks and potential system failures" by the Atlantic City Housing Authority.

Dorsey is a Democratic candidate for City Council in Novembers election.

Doherty is suing the authority as well as individual board members Dorsey, Board Chair Stephanie Marshall  who is also a city councilwoman  and members Natalie Devonish and Rosetta Johnson, who all voted to fire him without cause.

Marshall did not respond to requests for comment.

Authority general counsel Rick DeLucry said he had yet to see the lawsuit and could not comment on it.

Another former executive director is also suing the authority, alleging she was harassed into resigning for being a whistleblower.

Denise Gordy, interim executive director from October 2021 to December 2022, filed suit in August alleging she was demoted and harassed after bringing up concerns about fraudulent practices. The Housing Authority did not respond to the lawsuit and was considered in default.

On Monday, the law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith of Newark filed paperwork showing Gordys attorney had agreed to vacate the default order and asking the judge to give the authority until Oct. 30 to respond.

Procurement is handled by consultant Jerry Volpe of Governance & Fiscal Affairs LLC, even though when Doherty was executive director the authority hired Purchasing Director Bob Campbell, who is qualified to act as the purchasing agent.

Status of Atlantic City Housing Authority board member taken up by council Does an angry verbal outburst constitute an official resignation from the Atlantic City Housing Authority, or is public housing tenant Charmaine Hall still a member of the authority's Board of Commissioners? That is the question City Council instructed its attorney, Robert Tarver, to research and answer after discussing the matter in executive session at its meeting Wednesday night.

The board recently voted to pay Volpe an additional $51,000 for his work as a qualified purchasing agent, bringing the total the board will pay him for work from August 2022 to February 2024 to $511,000.

At the same time, the failure to go out to bid for an auditor prevented the agency from getting its 2022 audit done and submitted by this years deadline, and as a result the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has deemed the authority troubled.

Volpes decision to keep awarding emergency contracts on an ongoing basis, which do not require competitive bidding, also resulted in HUD stopping much work to repair gas lines and fix other problems at Stanley Holmes Village and in other properties this summer.

One contractor, EJustice Mechanical of New Jersey, was paid at least $2.6 million for work it did under the emergency declaration, and the board recently said in court papers it believes some of that work done on gas lines was substandard and needed to be redone.

Volpe also did not respond to a request for comment.

Gordy alleged in her lawsuit that the board did not follow proper procedures when paying invoices for Volpe, or when hiring part-time interim Executive Director John Clarke to replace her. She also had concerns about high legal bills.

Volpe was recently hired as the interim executive director at the Linden Housing Authority.

Doherty was hired to manage the day-to-day activities of the Housing Authority and ensure sound and legal financial operations, the lawsuit said, while caring for the needs of the residents.

Atlantic City Housing Authority consultant to lead Linden public housing Jerry Volpe, the consultant who handles all purchasing and bidding for the Atlantic City Housing Authority and has been criticized for a lack of materials needed to make repairs, is now the interim executive director of the Linden Housing Authority in Union County.

According to the suit, Doherty brought his concerns about violations of various laws, rules and regulations to a May 25 Executive Committee meeting of the board.

Marshall and Dorsey were at that meeting, along with the authoritys comptroller and legal counsel, according to Doherty.

In particular, Doherty told the committee he had serious concerns on how procurement is being managed at the Authority by Jerry Volpe, the qualified Purchasing Agent, and its negative impact on the residents.

Later he told the board and legal counsel he had been contacted by an investigator of the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and that the New Jersey State Police were actively investigating potential criminal conduct regarding the Housing Authoritys procurement process, according to the lawsuit.

And in a conference call Doherty said in the complaint Dorsey told him not to speak to State Police.

In June, Doherty said he raised concerns that the authoritys failure to follow proper bidding procedures would prevent it from contracting to replace the heat and hot water system at Stanley Holmes Village, leaving residents without consistent heat again this winter.

Residents had only sporadic heat last fall and into the winter, and about 100 are suing the authority over poor living conditions there as a result.

After reporting his concerns and being told not to interfere with procurement, Doherty said he met Aug. 15 with Marshall and showed her documentation and advised her of a two-hundred-thousand-dollar purchase order for a construction contract that had not gone out to public bid and where there was no contract.

Atlantic City Housing Authority delivers Stanley Holmes Village plan to court The Atlantic City Housing Authority delivered a large packet of material on the future of Stanley Holmes Village to Superior Court by its deadline late Wednesday, a court spokesperson said.

Then, on Aug. 24 at a public Housing Authority commissioners meeting, Doherty spoke publicly about his concerns.

Soon after, he was fired for convenience rather than cause. Under his contract the board can fire him for convenience but must pay his salary for a period of 120 days.

Doherty is seeking his reinstatement as executive director with full back pay and benefits, compensatory damages, punitive damages and reimbursement of legal expenses.
ATLANTIC CITY  Tenants are asking a Superior Court judge to take more forceful action to require the Atlantic City Housing Authority to protect their health and safety, almost a year after they filed suit over conditions at Stanley Holmes Village.

Rather than waiting for ACHA to propose a detailed plan, which it appears incapable of doing, residents ask the court to require the authority to install a replacement heating system by a specific date, and to start the process immediately, Olga Pomar of South Jersey Legal Services wrote in a brief filed Monday.

Authority general counsel Rick DeLucry did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment, nor did board President Stephanie Marshall.

In the year since the city declared an emergency at the 420-unit public housing complex, the authority has spent millions of dollars repairing ancient boilers and gas lines, but still there is no consistent heat and hot water, and some gas lines  even those supposedly repaired  are leaking.

Pomar also asked Judge John C. Porto to require the authority to provide immediate help, such as space heaters, so residents can get through this winter.

Given the dire situation they currently face with continued lack of heat and hot water and potentially life-threatening conditions resulting from massive gas leaks, residents request the Court to take more forceful action, Pomar wrote.

The next hearing before Porto will be at 2 p.m. Friday, when Pomar expects consultant Michael Brown of The 360 Group in Philadelphia to provide sworn testimony on the authoritys plans.

Pomar had an agreement with the authority that she would be able to depose Brown before the hearing, she said Tuesday, but DeLucry told her Brown was unavailable this week because he was meeting with officials from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Tenants ask judge to consider special master in suit vs. Atlantic City Housing Authority The Atlantic City Housing Authority has not complied with an Aug. 18 Superior Court judge's order to provide a detailed plan for safe, adequate, reliable heat, hot water and gas service to Stanley Holmes Village this winter, an attorney representing 87 tenants said in a brief filed Monday.

HUD is in town to interview authority officials about ongoing problems there, which include the authoritys failure to hire an auditor and submit a 2022 audit. That failure led to HUD declaring the authority troubled.

In its latest filing in late September, the authority said it was considering moving people out of one-third to one-half of the units in Stanley Holmes Village and demolishing them, then installing a new heat and hot water system in the remaining units.

But Pomar said the latest filing remains inadequate, with no definite dates or plans.

ACHA again ... provides little meaningful information, few firm deadlines, and no justification for its decisions, while its track record clearly demonstrates that a much greater level of accountability is needed, Pomar wrote in her brief.

The residents are also asking the judge to require continued daily testing of all gas lines and replacement of all deteriorated gas lines that can cause hazardous gas leaks within 30 days.

Residents also want the judge to order the authority to provide, within 45 days, a status report on repairs and renovations needed by all residents represented in the lawsuit, and to prohibit the authority from forcibly relocating any of the residents until further order of the court.

The judge ordered the authority in December to present a plan for providing heat and hot water to residents by early this year, but the authority didnt do so until September.

The judge determined the first plan was inadequate, and the authority then provided a more detailed one, which Pomar still considers inadequate.

Atlantic City Housing Authority delivers Stanley Holmes Village plan to court The Atlantic City Housing Authority delivered a large packet of material on the future of Stanley Holmes Village to Superior Court by its deadline late Wednesday, a court spokesperson said.

Long outages of heat and hot water last fall, along with the inability of the authority to provide basic services such as trash pickup, resulted in Mayor Marty Small Sr. declaring an emergency there and the city for a time providing some services.

A city inspection found hundreds of violations of health and safety, including infestations of rodents and insects, water leaks, mold, and broken smoke detectors and appliances.

Pomars brief also asks the judge to require the authority to provide bi-weekly updates on its progress or to request an extension, with detailed verification of the need for the extension, and face sanctions for failure to comply with the judges order.

In September, Pomar asked Porto to appoint a special master to oversee the authoritys inspection, maintenance, repairs and renovations at Stanley Holmes Village, but he has not done so.

In a hearing Sept. 29, Porto said mid-November will be the one-year anniversary of his starting the case, and he needs to see more from the authority.

I want to see habitable, suitable, appropriate accommodations for these residents, and I want to have some deadlines, Porto told DeLucry. Im a patient person, but ... enough is enough.
The first section of todays column is about one fine sight and one truly thrilling sight that will be visible in South Jerseys skies this week.

But the second section is about a sight, an experience, so staggeringly beautiful that tens of millions of Americans are expected to travel to witness it. Im talking about next Aprils total eclipse of the sun.

Tuesday night, you can see a fairly bright point of light well to the right of a big moon. That point of light is Saturn.

This Saturday night you can, weather permitting, see the almost exactly full moon rising and, as darkness falls, an amazingly bright and intense point of light turning brighter quite close to the lower left of the moon. The sight will be dramatic enough to give most anyone a thrill, even before they learn that sight is Jupiter, a world so big it could contain more than 1,000 Earths inside it.

I urge you readers to try to catch these views of the moon and planets. But right now, let me turn to the main topic of todays column: next Aprils total eclipse of the sun.

The great eclipse of April 8, 2024, will be the last total solar eclipse visible from any of the lower 48 states for 20 years. Such an eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth and is not in the far part of its orbit. On April 8, the shadow of the moon will be similar in size to Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and Massachusetts as it races from Mexico and Texas to Maine and the Canadian maritime provinces. It is to this zone of totality  at least as far from New Jersey as say Erie, Pennsylvania, or Lake Placid, New York that you must travel to see any of the truly staggering wonders of the eclipse.

Tips for viewing an eclipse, plus other fine sights: Sky Watch Six months from now, the most awesome of all predictable natural events, a total eclipse of the sun, will bring sudden daytime darkness more than a hundred miles wide to a band thousands of miles long stretching from parts of Mexico and Texas to Maine and Canada.

Motel and hotel reservations are already filling up along and near the path of totality. So now is the time to start making your preparations. The best I can do right now, however, is motivate you with a taste of what you might experience.

Some eclipse phenomena vary from eclipse to eclipse and place to place, but if you can get just modestly clear skies, youre guaranteed to see the central glory: midday darkness, the coming of the sudden shadow, and in its midst what has been called the Eye of God: the black silhouette of the moon surrounded by the millions-of-miles long delicate petals and streamers of the suns pearly white corona.

When the corona (Latin for crown  the crown of the sun) appears, total eclipse has begun and it is safe to look without any eye protection. The real dropping of light will occur so rapidly its like the dimming of light in a theater  but a theater 100 miles wide.

You may see blood red solar prominences, often vastly larger than Earth, near the hidden surface of the sun. The central shadow called the umbra looks, under good conditions, like a thunderstorm approaching. But this thunderstorm is traveling typically at speeds of approximately 2,000 mph or more. Under good conditions you can also see well the 360-degree sunset as a deeply reddened band of light along the horizon from lands beyond the shadow.

But the most staggering sight of all often occurs at the end of the mere few minutes of a total eclipse. The first speck of solar surface peaks through the deepest valley on the moons edge. It looks like a diamond glittering on the still visible band of the inner corona. But this is a diamond brighter than all of Earths combined.
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Dozens of US states, including California and New York, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young peoples mental health and contributing the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.

A lawsuit filed by 33 states in federal court in California, claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of federal law. In addition, nine attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 and Washington, D.C.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms, the complaint says. It has concealed the ways in which these platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.

The suits seek financial damages and restitution and an end to Meta's practices that are in violation of the law.

As New Jerseys chief law enforcement officer and as a parent, I feel strongly that there is nothing more important than ensuring the well-being of our children. And we know that in the era of social media, their mental health has never been more at risk, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. That is why today, I join dozens of other Attorneys General to once and for all hold Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, accountable for deceptive, manipulative practices on Instagram and Facebook that they knew were harmful. Profits  not people, not its most vulnerable users, children and teens  drive the decision making at Meta. That stops today.

Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame, said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. Meta has profited from childrens pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem."

In a statement, Meta said it shares the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.

Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path, the company added.

The broad-ranging federal suit is the result of an investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It follows damning newspaper reports, first by The Wall Street Journal in the fall of 2021, based on the Meta's own research that found that the company knew about the harms Instagram can cause teenagers  especially teen girls  when it comes to mental health and body image issues. One internal study cited 13.5% of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse.

Following the first reports, a consortium of news organizations, including The Associated Press, published their own findings based on leaked documents from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has testified before Congress and a British parliamentary committee about what she found.

Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits, said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. With todays lawsuit, we are drawing the line.

The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Almost all teens ages 13 to 17 in the U.S. report using a social media platform, with about a third saying they use social media almost constantly, according to the Pew Research Center.

To comply with federal regulation, social media companies ban kids under 13 from signing up to their platforms  but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents consent, and many younger kids have social media accounts. The states' complaint says Meta knowingly violated this law, the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, by collecting data on children without informing and getting permission from their parents.

Other measures social platforms have taken to address concerns about childrens mental health are also easily circumvented. For instance, TikTok recently introduced a default 60-minute time limit for users under 18. But once the limit is reached, minors can simply enter a passcode to keep watching. TikTok, Snapchat and other social platforms that have also been blamed for contributing to the youth mental health crisis are not part of Tuesday's lawsuit.

Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wouldnt comment on whether theyre also looking at TikTok or Snapchat. For now theyre focusing on the Meta empire of Facebook and Instagram, he said.

Theyre the worst of the worst when it comes to using technology to addict teenagers to social media, all in the furtherance of putting profits over people.

Ventnor couple recounts escape from Israel following attack One Atlantic County couple left Israel after bombs were first dropped into the country. Another is still praying for family and friends sheltering in place during the war.

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take immediate action to protect kids now" from the harms of social media.
sahir shaikh

A retired colonel and a businessman in Pune were the victims of online heists in two different incidents that are being looked into by Pune's cybercrime police station. The victims lost sizable sums of money to cyber criminals who gained unauthorised access to their bank accounts. The offenders made several withdrawals totalling Rs 95 lakh and Rs 6.5 lakh, respectively.

Over the course of the previous week, the cybercrime police station received two separate First Information Reports (FIRs). The 45-year-old businessman, who sold electrical and household appliances, lost an incredible Rs 95 lakh as a result of 157 unlawful transactions. A 72-year-old retired Army colonel filed a second FIR after experiencing deception in 23 transactions.

According to the businessman's complaint, he started having trouble using his bank accounts to conduct online transactions on September 17. When he checked one of his accounts on October 1, he found that the balance was just Rs 500, not the Rs 17 or 18 lakh that he had anticipated. Afterwards, upon reaching out to the two banks linked to his three accounts, it was discovered that fraudulent transactions totalling Rs 95.8 lakh had occurred between September 17 and October 1.

In the case of the retired colonel, he lost Rs 6.5 lakh from July 3 to July 17. One of the cybercrime unit's senior officers opened an investigation into the two incidents, which appeared to have something to do with bank account hacking. Remarkably, the retired officer's phone number associated with his joint bank account had not been receiving transaction alerts.

As per the police, the hackers obtain unauthorised access to accounts and change the account holder's contact information, including registered phone numbers and email addresses, victims of bank account hacking frequently stop receiving notifications of fraudulent transactions. Cybercriminals occasionally use complex techniques to manipulate or intercept bank-sent messages in order to avoid detection by bypassing or delaying notifications.
A Clinton man is facing charges after he allegedly arranged to meet for sexual purposes a person purported to be a 14-year-old girl but who was really an undercover police officer working a sting operation.

Michael James McArdle, 25, of Clinton, is charged in Clinton County District Court with one count of enticing a minor under the age of 16 for sexual purpose. The charge is a Class D felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of five years.

McArdle also is charged with four counts of dissemination of obscene materials to a minor. Each is a serious misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of one year.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Clinton Police Officer Audrey Griffin, on Sept. 2, McArdle befriended a person on Facebook Messenger purported to be a 14-year-old girl named Abby but who instead was an undercover police officer working an operation to find men attempting to sexually exploit minors.

During the Facebook Messenger exchanges with the officer, McArdle asked how old the undercover officer was, and the undercover officer said 14, charging documents say.

On October 12, 15 and 17, McArdle sent allegedly obscene photos, allegedly of himself, to the undercover officer, while on Oct. 16 he sent two 30-second allegedly obscene videos, also alleged to be of himself.

McArdle messaged the undercover officer and directed the officer to meet up in Clinton for a sex act.

A meet was planned for Sunday, Oct. 22, between McArdle and the undercover officers.

McArdle was detained and in a post-Miranda interview admitted to sending the pictures and video and had the intent to meet up with a minor for sex.

During a first appearance on the charges Monday in District Court, District Associate Judge Kimberly Shepherd scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Oct. 31.

McArdle was being held Tuesday morning in the Clinton County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.

Federal authorities could elect to pursue the case under the Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

At the federal level, a conviction of enticing a minor carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.

Additionally, transferring obscene materials to a minor carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years on each count.

There is no parole at the federal level.
CAMBRIDGE, Ill.  The jury trial for Daylon Richardson, the Granite City man charged with murder for the traffic death of Knox County deputy Nicholas Weist in April of 2022, has been pushed back to the week of January 8.

The delay will give additional time to address motions filed by both sides.

Attorneys were in judge's chambers Monday as the jury pool was assembled in the courtroom when it was decided to continue the trial at the state's delay. Prospective jurors were then dismissed.

State's Attorney Catherine Runty said she filed motions in limine to exclude certain facts or evidence, and defense attorney Bruce Carmen filed motions as well.

We continued at the state's delay in order to resolve motion issues, she said. These are not things that should be decided the morning of trial. We need to have more time to make sure everything is given its proper time and research.

The court set a Nov. 13 hearing on the motions.

Richardson will be tried on two counts of murder, however he waived jury trial and entered an open plea to three other counts: Class 2 felony of being a felon in possession of a firearm; Class 4 felony of aggravated fleeing and Class P improper traffic lane usage.

The aggravated fleeing and eluding charge states that Richardson fled or attempted to elude Galesburg police officer Jared Tapscott and in doing so caused bodily injury to Nicholas Weist.

The incident happened April 29, 2022, on Rt. 150 near the intersection of 150 North near Alpha. Weist had been setting up spike strips in an effort to slow Richardson's vehicle down when he was struck. Richardson was arrested after his vehicle crashed in a field near where Weist was struck.

Photos: Peace Officer Memorial Service 2022 051722jr-officer-memorial-7 051722jr-officer-memorial-8 051722jr-officer-memorial-5 051722jr-officer-memorial-6 051722jr-officer-memorial-4 051722jr-officer-memorial-3 051722jr-officer-memorial-1 051722jr-officer-memorial-2
North Scott's "Farm Squad" was met with a $100,000 donation from River Valley Cooperative Monday, just before harvesting their soybean field.

This donation will go toward the Regional Innovation Center, which will house an array of career and technical education (CTE) programming to all area students  not just North Scott  in partnership with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC).

River Valley's $100,000 contribution marks the largest donation toward the facility to date. It is also the largest the cooperative has made to a single recipient.

The Farm Squad, a committee of high schoolers in North Scott's agriculture program, manage nearly 70 acres of farm land in rural Scott County each year. The group plans which crops to plant and what kind of farming practices will be used to maintain the land until harvest.

Aside from North Scott students, the Farm Squad also includes students from Davenport and Pleasant Valley.

Close Davenport Assumption's Dru Dorsey (2) bumps the ball on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. North Scott at Davenport Assumption Volleyball Davenport Assumption's Dru Dorsey (2) bumps the ball on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport. Davenport Assumption volleyball takes on North Scott on Thursday, October 12, in Davenport.
The super PACs backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley have released dueling ads in Iowa and New Hampshire in a growing foreign policy feud between the 2024 Republic presidential rivals as the race for a distant second place behind GOP primary front-runner and former President Donald Trump intensifies.

Never Back Down, the super PAC backing DeSantis' presidential run, began airing a TV ad over the weekend running on broadcast statewide in Iowa and in New Hampshire slamming Haley for bringing Chinese businesses into South Carolina when she served as governor of the Palmetto State.

The ad references China Jushi, a global manufacturer and promoter of fiberglass products, which invested $300 million in 2016 to build its first U.S. plant on 200 acres in Columbia, S.C., and brought in at least 400 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The ad refers to China Jushi as a "Communist Party-owned high tech company" and notes the proximity of its plant to a U.S. Army training center.

China Jushi is partially owned by a Chinese government enterprise whose leadership has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinese capital investment in South Carolina more than doubled from $308 million in 2011 when Haley took over as governor to nearly $669 million in 2015, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The ad features a clip of Haley touting that Chinese firms "wanna do business in South Carolina." It also shows a clip of Haley from a 2017 CBS News interview about China signing on to U.S. sanctions on North Korea, saying China is "really in good faith doing quite a bit. They are a really great friend of ours.

As a presidential candidate, Haley has called China the "number one biggest national security threat." On the campaign trail, she has said she would take back U.S. soil China had already purchased, and would revoke normal trade relations with China until it halts the flow of fentanyl that has contributed to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths in the United States.

China is a major producer of the chemicals that are required to create fentanyl, which is frequently smuggled over the U.S.-Mexico border.

The super PAC supporting Haleys bid for the White House, Stand For America, Inc., has made her hawkish stance on China a centerpiece in multiple ads.

In May, DeSantis signed a ban in Florida on Chinese nationals from purchasing farmland and land near U.S. military bases and a ban of TikTok and WeChat, Chinese-owned social media apps, on government devices. In September, he directed the state's department of education to revoke school choice scholarships from four schools, claiming they had "direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party."

Asked about the Chinese land acquisitions during a town hall Friday in Cedar Rapids, Haley defended her record and noted that its not uncommon for governors to seek and tout foreign investments that create new jobs and bolster the state's workforce.

There is not another governor in this race that hasnt worked to recruit Chinese companies, Ron DeSantis included, Haley said.

Aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft Ltd. added two training centers in central Florida in 2022. The company is owned by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a company sanctioned by the United States.

Yes, we recruited fiberglass companies. Yes, we recruited other companies. And thats what we did to bring jobs, Haley said in Cedar Rapids. Every governor in this country has done the same thing, just as everyone of you has Chinese products in your home. The difference is now we know exactly what theyre doing, how theyre doing it and what we need to do to stop it.  What Im talking about now is how we deal with (China) today, because thats what matters.

Haley PAC slams DeSantis over Gaza refugee remarks

SFA Fund, the super PAC supporting Haleys campaign, released its own ad slamming DeSantis for throwing mud at Haley and mischaracterizing her stance on admitting Gaza refugees into the United States.

Haley repeatedly has refuted DeSantis' claim of her support for accepting Gaza refugees, noting numerous media outlets (CNN, National Review, Semafor, Newsmax and others) have fact checked the claim and found it inaccurately depicts a comment Haley made during a recent interview with CNN host Jake Tapper.

Nikki Haley opposes the U.S. taking in Gazans. She thinks Hamas-supporting countries like Iran, Qatar, and Turkey should take any refugees, Haley campaign spokesperson Ken Farnaso said.

As governor, Haley fought against efforts to settle Syrian refugees in South Carolina in the wake of 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. As UN. Ambassador, Haley defended the Trump administrations ban on allowing Syrian refugees displaced due to the countrys civil war into the United States, and clashed with State Department officials over her push to slash funding for the U.N.s Palestinian refugee agency.

Haley told more than 100 potential caucusgoers at The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids on Friday that she previously warned world leaders about Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, and its plans to cross over into Israel and "kill as many Jews as they possible could in the shortest amount of time.

Haley delivered a speech to the U.N. five years ago about Hamas' maps that listed the first Israeli communities they could go and hit once the group got past Israel's Gaza border fence  a warning, she added, that has now come to fruition.

Haleys campaign on Friday released a video labeling DeSantis desperate for attacking her. When asked about her stance on accepting Palestinian refugees during a town hall in Pella on Saturday, Haley used the opportunity to take a dig at DeSantis, The Des Moines Register reported.

God bless Ron DeSantis, because he continues to try and bring up this refugee situation, Haley said.   He can keep doing it, but thats what happens when a campaign starts to spiral out.

DeSantis picks up endorsement from Iowa lawmaker

Never Back Down announced Iowa state Rep. Tom Jeneary, a Republican from Le Mars, has become the 41st Iowa legislator to endorse DeSantis for president.

Governor DeSantis has led with conviction and strength on every issue from Israel to fighting COVID lockdowns and beyond, Jeneary said in a statement released by the pro-DeSantis super PAC. Here in Iowa, hes been able to meet Iowans in 80 counties, including a visit to Le Mars, and hes earned my support.

Iowa City teachers endorse school board candidates

The Iowa City Education Association, which represents more than 700 teachers and paraeducators working in the Iowa City Community School District, recently announced its endorsement of Molly Abraham, Charlie Eastham, Mitch Lingo and Lisa Williams in the Nov. 7 school board election.

Our endorsed candidates are talented community members who have demonstrated their rock-solid support for students and staff as well as an unwavering commitment to public schools, association President Brady Shutt said in a statement. At a time when public schools are facing considerable challenges, ICEA is confident that our endorsed candidates are the best leaders for our district because of their commitment to the strong, collaborative partnerships that are the foundation for our collective success.

The endorsed candidates completed questionnaires and interviews with the ICEA Executive Board and Building Representative Council.

Candidate responses to the ICEA questionnaire can be found at the Iowa City Education Associations website in the News, Calendars, Updates section.

Photos from the first 2024 Republican presidential debate
A massive pileup in Louisiana's I-55 involved dozens of cars and killed at least two people following what was known as a "super fog" that lowered visibility to zero.

Both directions of the interstate northwest of New Orleans were closed due to the vehicular accident. The super fog that caused the zero visibility in the area was from marsh wildfires that have been smoking since July flaring up.

Louisiana Car Pileup

The mix of smoke and fog has choked out greater New Orleans for two days and the National Weather Service (NWS) was forced to issue Dense Fog Advisories. This affected the majority of southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Meteorologists also called this a super fog as moisture released from the damp smoldering marshes and knocked visibility below 10 feet.

Shortly before 9:00 a.m. on northbound lanes, roughly 19 tractor-trailers crashed on the interstate and three were later fully engulfed in flames that spread to other cars. Then, another multi-car chain reaction accident caused the blockage on southbound lanes, as per Fox Weather.

There were also reports of a third pileup in the area as the remainder of the accidents occurred near the major three. Authorities also noted that a dozen agencies were calling into the area to help with efforts and crews had been called even if it was their day off.

There was one eyewitness who said that there may have been anywhere from 75 to 150 cars that were involved in the massive pileup. He was taking his daughter to the airport when he was forced to stop short to avoid the crash. On the other hand, authorities estimate 30 injuries in the 25 crashes so far.

The eyewitness added that he could not see the cars ahead of him due to the super fog and that he noticed the cars that were stopped on GPS before he hit the brakes. He said he was inside a little pocket of about 15 cars with no damage and noted that they could hear collisions behind them after a few seconds.

Read Also: Maryland Police Discover Vehicle Linked to Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Judge Andrew Wilkinson

Threats of the Super Fog

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre said that all first responders were forced to go on foot because the crashes had left the area "completely gridlocked." According to CNN, he added that rescue efforts could probably take some time to complete.

Louisiana has been battling unprecedented wildfires, extreme heat, and relentless drought since the summer. Exceptional drought is the highest category tracked by the United States Drought Monitor and was found to be in place across 62% of the region.

Officials also noted that residents should expect to see repeated instances of super fog through at least mid-week. Meteorologists from the NWS said that this is due to a dome of high pressure that is sitting over southern Louisiana.

In a statement, the director of the weather services' Slidell office, Ben Schott, said that the dense fog happened through a pretty normal setup for this time of year. The factors include clear skies, light winds, and the overnight temperature dropping to the dew point temperature, said NOLA.

Related Article: Pennsylvania: Horrifying Tanker Fire Kills 3 People, Shuts Down Major Highway

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WARNING: This story contains disturbing details about residential and boarding schools. If you are feeling triggered, here is a resource list for trauma responses from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition in the U.S. In Canada, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

LAKE TRAVERSE RESERVATION, S.D.  The moccasins sat for decades in the corner of a glass-enclosed bookcase in Pennsylvania, nestled on a shelf with a Davy Crockett trading card and Canadian Mountie knick-knack.

They had long been separated from the unknown Native boy who had worn them into the notorious Carlisle Indian Industrial School more than 100 years ago, where they were taken from him along with his Native connections to family, language and traditions.

By the time they returned quietly home to Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate lands in late September, however, their anonymity had made them universal, a reminder of the forced assimilation that had formed the mission of the Pennsylvania school.

It's all about those moccasins, said Tamara St. John, a Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate historian and South Dakota state representative. They are the symbol of everything that happened there.

Their journey home  accompanying the remains of two Sisseton and Spirit Lake boys repatriated to their tribes and families  brought not only another step toward reconciliation and healing for those involved but also inner peace and a sense of purpose to others along the way.

Moccasin tracks

The skilled craftsmanship of the moccasins quill and beadwork apparently caught the attention of seamstress Susan Zeamer, who worked at the Carlisle school from 1895 to 1908.

At some point, she took them home for herself. Whether she slipped the moccasins into her pockets or was given permission to keep them is lost to history.

The moccasins were then passed down through generations until a great-nephew by marriage, John Baker, 72, now of Buckingham Township, Pennsylvania, became their owner in 2011.

Baker remembers being fascinated by the moccasins in the bookcase in his parents home as a boy in the 1950s, when Westerns were popular on television and movie screens. He visualized a young Indigenous boy wearing them on adventures.

Over the past decade, however, despite the sentimental attachment, Baker became uneasy with possessing them. Like many who grew up in the Carlisle area, Bakers knowledge of the Carlisle school was limited, but being the owner of the moccasins had enlightened him to the reality of the harsh history of the school and the treatment of Indigenous children. He felt a new responsibility. He understood the moccasins were not his to keep, but his quest to find their home of origin was filled with frustrations.

Museums and tribes did not always reply to his queries, but his research convinced him the moccasins were Plains Indian in style.

He finally reached out to Arla Patch, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a founding member of the Coalition of Natives and Allies advocacy group which has led a fight against Native mascots. He showed her the moccasins on a Zoom call and told her of his desire to see them returned.

"I was getting pretty frustrated, Baker said. Whats going to happen to these?  They're more than just an artifact, they're actually part of a lineage that still is alive and well."

Patch introduced him to her close friend, Kelley Bova, a fellow member of the Coalition of Natives and Allies, who is Dakota.

Bova, too, had been removed from her culture and traditions. Born in Sisseton, South Dakota, she was adopted as a 3-month-old infant by a White family and grew up far from her Native relatives.

Independent research with tribal historians and museum experts confirmed the moccasins were Plains Indian in style, though a specific tribe could not be pinpointed. Officials with the Blackfeet, Dakota, and Rosebud Sioux tribes all felt they were characteristic of their style.

Bova believed her own tribe, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, should take the moccasins, and tribal officials agreed. Bova was tapped as the proper person to deliver them to their symbolic home.

I find it mystical that Kelley and my path would cross, and that John's and my path would cross, Patch recalled. It's just so amazing. You couldn't write a script like this.

Baker presented the moccasins to Bova in November 2022, at Peace Valley Park in Bucks County. He said he felt both a void and a peace to no longer have them in his home in the antique bookcase that he inherited along with the moccasins.

It was really strange to not have the moccasins in the bookcase anymore, he said recently. They've been there my whole life. I kind of lost this imaginary friend. But I can't tell you how much peace that brought me. There was a real sense of well-being about it. Something definitely was settled.

A different era

While Baker felt the absence, Bova quickly formed a close bond with the worn, leather shoes. They had been on similar journeys, more than a half-century apart, and Bova felt it was time to take them home.

I would actually talk to them, tell them that they were safe now, Bova said, as she waited to take the moccasins to Sisseton. I have prayed with them, and I treat them like a child. I take care of them and plan to be able to bring them home.

Finding your way home is something Bova knows about.

Her journey began as Rose Anne Owen, a Dakota infant taken from her family at birth and moved to Rosebud to await adoption. At age 3 months, she was placed into the hands of Salvatore and Andre Petrilli, a suburban Philadelphia dentist and his wife. The Glenside couple, of Italian and Irish descent, had struggled to have their own biological children and had arranged for the adoption through Catholic Charities.

Rose made her 1,900-mile journey to Glenside, Pennsylvania, and was renamed Kelley Elizabeth Petrilli. A new birth certificate was created to reflect that she was the child of two Caucasian parents. Her American Indian heritage was wiped away on paper. A Montgomery County Orphans Court clerk, ironically with the last name of Custer, gave the final stamp of approval to the adoption.

She had become a child of the Native adoption era, a decades-long forced assimilation of Native children established under the Indian Adoption Project, which started in 1958 and evolved to include 50 private and public placement agencies across the United States and Canada.

By then, boarding schools had proven to be expensive and unsuccessful. Adoption was the new attempt at assimilation, but the expenses would be the responsibility of the adopting parents and not that of the government. Raised in a White home, without the communal support of other students, adoption was viewed as a more successful tool for assimilation.

In the next 20 years, until the Indian Child Welfare Act ended the adoption project, almost 13,000 Native children were adopted. Native children are still four times more likely to be removed from their families and placed in foster care than non-Native children.

Love without identity

Unlike many other adoptees, Bova did not suffer a childhood of abuse. The Petrillis provided a loving, middle-class home and private schools, while never hiding her Native heritage.

Eventually, they would have five biological children on their own, but Bova always knew she was different, a Native island in an ocean of White suburbia.

Youre an Indian, youre an Indian, one of her cousins would taunt.

No, Im not, she would scream back, a denial that still embarrasses her and causes her pain today.

When I was younger, I wanted to be White; I still feel guilty about that, Bova told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2021. I just wanted to fit in and be like my sisters.  I did not like being tall and brown and different.

For Bova, that feeling of isolation led to what she calls her dark years after high school.

Deep down, when you are adopted, you have a wound inside yourself, she said. If your parents gave you up, how lovable can you be?

Sandy White Hawk, a Sicangu Lakota from Rosebud, knows the feeling. She was adopted at 18 months, and grew up to found the First Nations Repatriations Institute. She currently works at the Indian Child Welfare Act Law Center in Minneapolis.

Even in loving families, Native adoptees live without a sense of who they are, White Hawk told the Inquirer. Love doesnt provide identity.

Bova, now 60, did not find her way back to her biological mother, Lillian Owen, and siblings, or her Dakota tribe, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, until she was 50. Like students who attended Native boarding schools, she found herself split between two worlds and not fitting completely in either.

When any child was taken, they were also not able to continue their journey of being Native American. We were robbed of our identity, said Bova, who is now an enrolled member of the tribe. I think that's the hardest part for me to sometimes wrap around, that you're robbed of that. And people don't understand that, but I'm  grateful that I found my family and I try to learn as much as I can.

Patch said the journey continues.

Kelley does not have her Whiteness, and she does not have her Nativeness, Patch said of her friend. The healing power of Kelleys story is that she is now getting to be Dakota. Shes getting to connect with that Dakota heritage.

Roses story

On Memorial Day weekend in 2021, Kelley made her first visit to the former grounds of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, drawn by a group of Native women and others from the Circle Legacy group who clean and decorate the graves each year.

She stood in the Indian Cemetery on a raw, rainy day with the white gravestones laid out in front of her in perfect rows, like desks in a classroom.

They marked the remains of the students who had died while attending the school but had not been returned home to their families. Most were victims of diseases such as tuberculosis.

Her eyes became transfixed on one particular grave. The gravestone simply read Rose, Sioux. It was the name she had been given by her biological parents.

Just seeing that grave with her name, my name on it, Kelley later said, it just made me cry.

It was the grave of Rose Long Face, also known as Little Hawk, Rosebud Sioux, who was among the initial group of 84 students to arrive at the school on Oct. 6, 1879. She died 18 months later on April 29, 1881.

Their journeys had been separated by 84 years but were nonetheless similar. Both had made the journey from Rosebud to a Pennsylvania town, to have their Native identities removed and be renamed in the process. Both had been separated from their families and the land that should have been their home by a government assimilation program.

Bova moved a few rows over and found the graves of two other Dakota students, Amos LaFromboise and Edward Upright. She knelt, placing tobacco bundles on their graves, speaking softly to let them know they were not forgotten and one day they would be home again.

Rose Long Face made it home first, however. In the summer of 2021, she was among nine Rosebud students repatriated from the cemetery to their homeland in South Dakota. She had been away 140 years.

Amos and Edward

Amos and Edward began their journeys home in September 2023, when they were disinterred from the Carlisle cemetery in a private ceremony that included tribal members, ancestors and others.

Their homecoming provided a chance to return the moccasins, as well, to Sisseton.

Amos and Edward were among six Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate/Spirit Lake students, four boys and two girls, who arrived at the Carlisle school on Nov. 6, 1879, along with seven students from other tribes. They arrived exactly one month after the first group of students had walked through the gates.

In 20 days, Amos was dead  the first student to die at the school. There is no record of the case of death, though a newspaper report at the time suggested he was sick when he arrived at the school.

Edward, son of Chief Waanatan II, was 12 when he arrived at the school, a year younger than Amos. He died on May 5, 1881, of pneumonia, as he was recovering from measles.

Amos and Edward were among four students disinterred from Carlisle in September as part of the U.S. Armys disinterment project at the Carlisle Barracks. The others, Beau Neal, Northern Arapaho, and Launey Shorty, Blackfeet, were also returned to their tribes and families.

Amos and Edward were taken by a caravan of nine passenger vans and vehicles that left Carlisle on the afternoon of Sept. 19 for the 22-hour drive to Sisseton.

Along the way, the caravan stopped in Ohio to pick up two more remains being returned by Oberlin College. Two additional remains, believed to be about 500 years old, were already waiting for burial in South Dakota after being returned by a North Dakota coroners office.

Amos and Edward arrived on Sept. 20 at the site of the former Sisseton Agency, where they had last said goodbye to their parents. This time, however, they were greeted by about 100 people gathered in celebration.

They were then taken to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate repatriation grounds to complete the traditional four days of mourning before a private ceremony and burial at the repatriation cemetery. The other four remains were also buried at the repatriation cemetery.

Bova made the same journey with the moccasins tucked inside a shoebox, boarding the caravan at Carlisle for the trip to Sisseton.

For her, the trip was an opportunity to take part in a historic moment for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Spirit Lake people, but also an opportunity to continue her healing process. She had visited Sisseton more than 10 times in the past 10 years for Sundances, powwows and family events.

It's like there's this vessel and this wound and every time [I go to Sisseton] it gets filled a little more, then a little more and a little more, Bova said afterward. That's why it helped doing this. Because that was able to fill [the void] even more. Fill that wound up and heal it.

During the final three days of mourning at Sisseton, with ceremonies at sunrise and sunset, gatherings with food, and conversations with elders, Bova experienced events she had missed for 50 years. This was especially true of her time spent with the Buffalo Heart women.

Those Buffalo Heart women allowed me to help with the remains, she said. That was such a gift to me.

These are my people

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the day of burial for Amos and Edward, about 100 people of all ages stood on the hillside overlooking the open graves.

The remains were taken down from a wooden scaffold and eventually bundled in buffalo robes along with a star quilt, moccasins, and other traditional items brought by relatives. They were then placed in their graves with the love and respect that should have been afforded them as the sons of chiefs.

Whenever I am in the teepees, by the fire, and hearing the men drumming and singing, it takes me back to another time, Bova said. Its something that makes me feel so special. Thats my DNA; thats my heritage. Not knowing it for 50 years and finally seeing things like that, it has a healing power inside of me that helps a lot. Seeing all of this, I come to the realization that these are my people. This is who I am The biggest thing I have learned is to let go of how I was raised as opposed to who I really am.

Then it was Bovas turn to address the group. She spoke to a gathered group of elders at the front of the crowd where they could see the moccasins she held in her hands.

She told the story of the moccasins and their pathway to her, and then presented them to tribal chairpersons J. Garret Renville of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and Lonna Street of Spirit Lake, as well as historian St. John.

It's a privilege to be able to do this, she told ICT. And it's a very spiritual thing. Because I feel like it's my journey home, and now I can help these moccasins go home. I know they're just a thing. But to me, there are symbols of every child that was taken, whether it was through adoption or through the residential schools. I think it's just so important that these go home.

Upon hearing the news of the moccasins' return to the Dakota people, Baker responded from his Pennsylvania home that he felt relief, peace, and closure and a sense of gratification that comes with complete accomplishment. The endeavor had taken over a century but was finally achieved.

St. John has big plans for the moccasins.

I could build a museum around the moccasins to forever tell the stories of so many  past, present, and future, she said. I want them to be representative of our children and their journey home. I want them to represent how the federal assimilation tactics of places like Carlisle did not win.

The moccasins can tell that story, she said.

Our boys will be here and laid to rest on the homelands and protected ever on, but those moccasins will sit in their place in our collections with their story, St. John said.

To keep ones moccasins is said to mean that a Native person did not give up their traditional way, she said. Our children came home with moccasins.
A 79-year-old Hamilton man was arrested on Oct. 12 after allegedly making threats to show up at the VA clinic with a loaded shotgun.

James Hood Taylor was charged with one count of felony intimidation in Ravalli County Justice Court on Friday, Oct. 13.

According to court documents, an officer of the VA Police at Fort Harrison contacted the Hamilton Police Department after a call taker for the VA Hotline reported that Taylor had said something to the effect of, If I dont get my meds, Im going to the clinic with a loaded shotgun, during an attempt to obtain services. The call taker took this as a threat, and was concerned for the safety of the clinic. Both the Hamilton and Missoula VA clinics were placed on alert due to the threat. Taylor lives approximately 5 minutes away from the Hamilton VA Clinic.

Taylor was arrested at his Hamilton residence later that day. Upon speaking with law enforcement, Taylor allegedly said that he understood why his comments to the VA Hotline would be concerning, But by God I might do it one day. And Im telling you that I might do it, its no big deal.

He also made disparaging comments about Montana Senator Jon Tester, allegedly calling him a son-of-a-b*tch and a lying bastard.

The report stated that Taylor displayed no remorse for his threats toward the VA and continued making threatening statements about committing violence against employees of the agency, allegedly telling law enforcement, Goddamn them, theres been other people do it. Dont go in there and just wave your shotgun, go ahead and shoot some of those goofy bastards and this country would be a whole lot better off.

Ravalli County Justice of the Peace Scott Burlingham set bond at $1,000.
Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in the Bitterroot Valley and across Montana. Last week was White Ribbon Week and the Soroptimists of Hamilton Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls committee along with SAFE! In the Bitterroot held a law enforcement appreciation breakfast on Friday.

The community room of city hall had nearly 60 community members, Soroptimists, law enforcement officers and dignitaries enjoying a morning meal together.

Committee Chair and SAFE board member April Barnings thanked the Bitterroot Valley Law Enforcement for their ongoing efforts to address and prevent Domestic Violence.

White Ribbon Week is raising awareness of domestic violence, Barnings said. We are starting by recognizing the work of law enforcement deputies and officers who put aside their own safety and wellbeing to protect and serve.

She said domestic violence incidents can be volatile and life-changing for all involved, affecting women, men, children, families and neighbors.

It also impacts those answering the call to intervene, de-escalate and offer support, Barnings said. To put it plainly, these are tough calls and sometimes so tough they remain in the hearts and minds of those directly affected and those who address the aftermath.

Responding to domestic violence takes a big toll on law enforcement officers and their families, SAFE Executive Director Stacey Umhey said. You keep coming every day, you keep serving and keep people safe.

She said that since the mid-1990s there have been 10 domestic homicides in Ravalli County.

Since 2017 the Ravalli County Sheriffs office the Hamilton Police and SAFE began a new initiative and found the Ravalli Assessment Program, Umhey said. We worked with people from Maryland to develop a screening tool that you all administer on the scene of a domestic violence call that helps you understand if the victim is at a higher risk of lethality or serious injury. If the victim is at a higher risk you make a call from the scene to a SAFE advocate.

Since the initiative was started six years ago the local law enforcement has screened in 140 victims.

That is 140 times you have helped someone avoid lethality or serious injury, Umhey said. On behalf of all the people that we serve, Im grateful.

Umhey explained the Lethality Test: A 10-question screening tool that officers ask the victim at the scene. If the victim answers yes to the top three questions or a combination of any four, the officer makes an immediate call to SAFE.

The conversations are usually very brief, Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight? and Do you want to follow up tomorrow? Umhey said. The research shows that the sooner the person connects with services the more that risk goes down. We got this from the Maryland Network to End Domestic Violence and we all went through a joint training and were certified to implement it here.

At that moment of crisis, when youre feeling all alone, for law enforcement to create that connection for you is really powerful, Umhey said.

Hamilton Police Chief Steve Snavely said the Lethality Assessment has been one of the biggest positive changes in Ravalli County to help fight domestic violence.

Having someone to call in the moment of an incident is so important, Snavely said. Why no one thought of this earlier is the wonder. To have questions to ask immediately helps us help the victims. Having the [SAFE] resource to reach out to is wonderful.

Soroptimists of Hamilton and SAFE assembled treat bags and delivered them to law enforcement locations in the Bitterroot Valley.

These are for the boots on the ground as they come in and as they leave their shifts, Barnings said. It is a small token of gratitude for a large gift.

Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf said he works with Soroptimists on many events.

It always feels like our best and biggest project is SAFE, Farrenkopf said. I feel honored to speak today to thank the law enforcement. Im honored because Im proud to serve as the mayor. We have wonderful, collaborative relationships. We are not strangers.

Law enforcement does something I cannot do, which is intervene in domestic violence," he continued. "But what I can do is thank them and write a poem. White  Octobers blazing colors are vibrant and bright, lesser known to yellow and orange is simple, pure white. Youll see white in October worn on many a chest by crusaders putting domestic violence to rest.

The badge and its wearer serve as a mighty shield to victims of violence with unwavering yield. As for Octobers colors lets include brown and blue  white ribbons support victims and law enforcement too.

We start with SAFE, Soroptimists and the volunteers who step in to fill the dark void of night  our law enforcement officers, Ravalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcott said. They respond to calls with compassion and some force if necessary. The most dangerous calls are domestic calls. Lets not forget our County Attorneys Office. Bill Fulbright is recognized nationally as one of the best prosecutors of crimes against women and children. He goes around the nation and teaches prosecutors how to do that task.

Steve Snavely and Steve Holton care and make sure their officers are trained and ready for the job every day, he added. They send them out with prayer. They do a great job.

Umhey praised the Ravalli County law enforcement.

I have had the privilege of working at SAFE through four sheriffs and three chiefs of police, she said. I can tell you that over 26 years on thing has remained the same and that is the partnership between local law enforcement and the work we do at SAFE.

Sheriff Steve Holton thanked the mayor for his poetry and Barnings for coordinating the appreciation breakfast.

We are very fortunate to live in the place we live in, he said. This doesnt happen in other places. We are very aware and appreciative of how much our community supports us. Thank you Soroptimists, youve always supported us. As a board member of SAFE, thank you to all SAFE workers. Its about what we do as a community that drives the train and makes things better.

Snavely agreed.

We are blessed with our community and their support, year-round, Snavely said. There is not a day that goes by that our officers dont hear, Thank you for what you do. We appreciate this time of domestic violence awareness.

He said that he had an idyllic childhood and was introduced to domestic violence at the Police Academy.

It opened my eyes, he said. The biggest change that I have seen in my career has been [the assessment screening]. As long as I am chief we will continue that, I think it is an important tool. Thank you for this breakfast and appreciation efforts. Even with the growth that we have had, we are still the same small community. Our officers hear, thank you every day for what we do. We call SAFE and a lot of the guys know who they are talking to on the other end. It is about keeping our community safe.




BY SALEEM SAMAD





The two rival political parties, the governing Awami League and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are on a head-on collision course on 28 October.





In a major showdown of the BNP in mobilisation of supporters, members and sympathisers, the Awami League leaders and senior ministers are threatening that they will block roads and intersections in the capital Dhaka on 28 October and mobilise thousands of supporters.





Party general secretary Obaidul Quader and Minister for Roads and Highways warned the BNP that they would face a similar outcome in 10 December, last year.





After protracted negotiations, the BNP got permission for its last year's December 10 rally at the fringe of the capital  a ground which was not its first choice of BNP.





The permission came at the cost of a life, injuries to around 100 people, and the arrest of dozens of party stalwarts.





Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's commissioner, Habibur Rahman warned of tough actions if the BNP caused harm to the lives and properties of 2.24 crore (nearly 22 million) residents of the metropolitan city while holding the political programme.





However, BNP's general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir explained that their "loyalists won't 'occupy streets' during the Dhaka rally" and has no plans to stage any sit-in protests during the party's 'mass rally' in Dhaka. The party has taken adequate steps to ensure that the gathering ends peacefully, he added.





The threats against BNP were also made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, a family member of the Sunni cleric Shah Ahmed Shafi founder of the Islamist organisation Hefazat-e-Islam (Protector of Islam) that the governing Awami League members, supporters and henchmen will dominate the streets of Dhaka.





Literally, Dhaka will come to a standstill by warring parties, marching in the streets with bamboo sticks and batons to confront, one to obstruct holding the rally and another push through the Awami League and 'golden boys' barricades at all major intersections.





The ruling party would supplement the thousands of riot police and elite anti-crime police RAB, police detectives and security agencies mobilised to enforce the "law and order" situation.





Fearing police and 'golden boys' harassment, BNP leadership has called on their members and disciples to reach Dhaka two days early.





The government in the past on several occasions during BNP's rallies blocked public transport, like buses, trains and ferryboats (launch) services. Several hotels and informal accommodations were raided and hundreds were arrested accused of sabotage and conspiring against the government. In most cases, the hotel owners are asked to vacate the rooms of their customers and close for 24 to 48 hours in the name of security issues posed by the opposition's gathering.





BNP, the country's largest opposition group demands that the next parliamentary polls, expected in early January, be overseen by a caretaker government to ensure a free and fair election, writes the Daily Star.





The party boycotted the election in 2014 and alleged vote rigging and intimidation during the 2018 polls, which were held under an Awami League government.





Of course, Awami League repeated its refusal to step down before the election, arguing that such an 'unelected [caretaker] government' would be unconstitutional, and would create a crisis from a political vacuum which would hinder the country's politics and development.





Awami League launched a violent anti-government street protest demanding a caretaker government, which led to elections under a neutral government in 1996.





Sheikh Hasina, the current leader of the Awami League founded by her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an independence hero scraped the elections under a caretaker government when she swung to power in 2009 after the system was challenged in the higher court and declared unconstitutional.





Meanwhile, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group fears countrywide violence and conflicts in Bangladesh from October 2023 to March 2024. The assessment was recently published in the global conflict tracker, CrisisWatch, and qualitative assessments provided by Crisis Group's analysts based in conflict areas.





The assessment identified several parameters of conflicts during the six months and said a potentially high-stakes violent election in January 2024 is a prime reason for hostilities. Violence could surge in the lead-up to or after voting in January, as envisaged by the European think tank.





The ruling Awami League is expected to ignore calls for it to step down and hand power to a neutral regime that would ensure holding a free, fair, inclusive and credible election, and instead continue crackdown on opposition BNP members, says the report.





Not very unfamiliar with political protests in the country, the rival supporters could clash in street battles or attack party offices or candidates, especially rebel candidates.





Amid the political tensions, the Islamist groups will also bake extra bread when the oven is still warm. The Islamists become more active in opposing the government, the report said.





The potential consequences would be a rigged or disputed election could trigger fierce anti-government protests. Facing the prospect of a rigged poll, the opposition will probably boycott the election and could become radicalised, adopting more violent tactics.





In the worst-case scenario, the military might intervene should the election's aftermath become chaotic, says the Crisis Group report.





The International Crisis Group understands that conflicts, violence and political reprisals could also cause the government to increase its dependence on India and China, as the United States and its potential Western countries would probably respond with sanctions, such as collective visa bans on top officials by the West, especially the United States.





First published in the Northeast News, 23 October 2023





Saleem Samad is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. A media rights defender with the Reporters Without Borders (@RSF_inter). Recipient of Ashoka Fellowship and Hellman-Hammett Award. He could be reached at saleemsamad@hotmail.com; Twitter: @saleemsamad








Kathmandu, Nepal, October 24, 2023: Bijaya Dashami festival, the 10th day of the Bada Dashain, is being celebrated all over the world today by the Hindus with great enthusiasm by receiving 'tika' and Jamara with blessings from elders.





The auspicious hour of receiving tika is 11.03 am in Nepal, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee. Although the auspicious hour for receiving Prasad of Devi has been fixed 11.03 am today as per the requirement of the calendar, the entire day after the immersion of the Goddess is auspicious for that purpose.




Ukraine's spy service orchestrated the assassination of the daughter of a leading Kremlin hardliner last year using bomb parts smuggled inside a cat carrier, The Washington Post reported on Monday.





Darya Dugina, the 29-year-old daughter of Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin, an outspoken advocate for the invasion of Ukraine, was killed in a shock car bombing in the outskirts of Moscow in August 2022.





Weeks earlier, a mother and her 12-year-old daughter drove into Russia from Estonia in a "cluttered" car containing a cat carrier with a hidden compartment for containing parts of the bomb that killed Dugina, the Post reported, citing unnamed security officials familiar with the operation.





The woman took an apartment in the same complex as Dugina and surveilled her before the operation, Russian officials have said. The bomb was intended to kill Dugin, but he got into a different car.





Within days, Russia had accused Ukrainian spies of being behind the brazen attack. Kyiv has denied the claim.





US intelligence drew the same conclusion, however, and officials told The New York Times last year that they had admonished Ukraine over it.





The Post reported Monday that Ukraine's domestic security service, the SBU, was behind the attack, citing unnamed current and former US and Ukrainian officials.





"The August 2022 attack is part of a raging shadow war in which Ukraine's spy services have also twice bombed the bridge connecting Russia to occupied Crimea, piloted drones into the roof of the Kremlin and blown holes in the hulls of Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea," the report said.





The missions involved Ukrainian teams "formed, trained and equipped in close partnership with the CIA," the Post reported, adding that the extent of the CIA's partnership with Ukraine's security services -- which dates back to 2015, after Russia annexed Crimea -- has not been previously disclosed.





But the Post also said there was growing unease over the "dozens" of assassinations carried out by the SBU and its military arm, the GUR, in recent months.





They include a Russian submarine commander killed while out jogging in a park, a militant blogger who died in a bomb blast at a cafe, and a rebel commander killed when a woman who had accused him of rape planted a bomb at his side.





US officials told the Post that the Central Intelligence Agency had no involvement in assassinations carried out by Ukrainian agencies.





The run of killings has caused disquiet among officials in Washington and Kyiv who question the CIA's complicity, the Post said.





One US official told the Post that the "emphasis was 'more on secure communications and tradecraft,' and pursuing new streams of intelligence inside Russia rather than 'here's how you blow up a mayor.'"





Ukrainian officials told the Post that security services have been forced to use the tactics as they hold off a more powerful adversary, and cited Russia's own record of assassinations.




WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden is trying to sweeten his pitch for more money for Ukraine by mixing in billions of dollars for securing the U.S.-Mexico border in the hope that it will bring more Republicans on board.

The idea came up late last month, after Ukraine assistance was stripped out of a stopgap measure to keep the government running due to growing Republican resistance to financing the war effort. A lot changed since Sept. 30: Republicans ousted the House speaker and are in disarray over selecting a new one, and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel prompted a much bigger funding request by the White House.

It's not clear that the roughly $14 billion in border funds in the $106 billion spending package will placate those in Congress who are resisting.

"The border has never been a money issue," said Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas. "It has always been a policy issue. So we need to get in a room, go to the White House and sort that out."

The conflict in the Mideast may have pulled some of the spotlight away from the U.S.-Mexico border for now, but the migration challenges facing the U.S. are growing increasingly intractable. Democratic leaders at both the state and local levels are begging for federal assistance to help care for migrant families living in squalid shelters and sleeping in police stations. Republicans are critical of Biden's border policies as too lax.

There are rising numbers of migrants at the border and Biden repeatedly said Congress, which has not passed an immigration overhaul in decades, should act to fix outdated immigration laws.

In the meantime, his administration developed policies that aim to deter migrants from making a dangerous and often deadly journey while also opening up new legal immigration pathways.

The funding request is an attempt not only to manage people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, but also to deal with the growing numbers of migrants who are already here waiting for their cases to play out.

The White House proposal includes $1.6 billion to hire 1,600 new asylum officers and processing personnel, which could double the number of people working on asylum cases. It also suggests $1.4 billion to add 375 immigration judges and their teams in addition to money for 1,300 new border patrol agents. There is $4.4 billion for Homeland Security efforts, including increased funding for holding facilities as the administration works to quickly deport those who do not qualify for asylum.

"That's a real effort and acknowledgement of the backlog that exists," said Colleen Putzel, an associate policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration think tank.

There's also $1.3 billion requested for regional migration centers outside the U.S., a new effort brokered by the Biden administration to encourage would-be migrants to stay where they are and apply for asylum before crossing the deadly Darien gap between South and Central America.

The request also includes $1.4 billion to help state and local governments provide shelter and services for migrants, following pleas from Democratic mayors and governors who want more assistance in caring for newly arriving migrants.

But New York City alone is expecting to spend more than $5 billion on the issue by the end of the budget year. More than 130,600 asylum seekers have come through the city's intake system since 2022 and there's been criticism over the conditions under which they are living. Mayor Eric Adams went to Mexico to implore would-be migrants not to come. He accused the Biden administration of not providing enough money or resources for the city to process migrants.

In Chicago, O'Hare International Airport is now housing hundreds of migrants from babies to the elderly at a shuttle bus center. They sleep on cardboard pads on the floor and share airport bathrooms.

"The governor has been clear about the state's urgent need for additional federal resources to address this crisis," said Alex Gough, speaking for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat. "While we are hopeful the Biden administration will be able to take further action soon, allocating any new funding would require the GOP members in the House to get their act together and do their jobs."

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the money was "urgently needed for states like Massachusetts that are experiencing historic surges in migrant arrivals, and we appreciate the Biden administration's acknowledgement that these funds need to be distributed more equitably."
After a cold start in the morning, Tuesday afternoon will recover to around 70 degrees in Richmond. After that, a long series of afternoons from the upper 70s to lower 80s lasts from Wednesday through at least Monday of next week.

And no rain is expected during that time.

The weather pattern is effectively flipping from the past couple of weeks, when a couple of surges of chilly air moved into Virginia from the north. Starting Tuesday, a strong cell of high pressure will anchor over the Southeast. Not only will this keep temperatures 10 to 15 degrees warmer than normal, it will deflect any significant storm systems in the middle of the country to our north.

With autumn colors peaking in Virginias mountains and the relatively warmer weather this weekend, do not be surprised to see some larger crowds taking in the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

That same strong cell of high pressure will break down just before Halloween, bringing an end to the warm spell. But exactly how that impacts the weather on Halloween  whether that is during the day or evening  is still uncertain.

For the moment, most of the weather simulations suggest the cooler air pooling to the northwest of Virginia will begin to race across the mountains and into Richmond during the daylight hours of Halloween, but the precision of such a forecast 10 days away is questionable at best. Having said that, these same simulations tend to be too quick in sending cold air into central Virginia from the northwest. So we are cautiously optimistic that Halloween evening will be mild and dry for trick-or-treaters.

Once the cold air does come in toward the end of next week, Richmond may have its first high temperature shy of 60 degrees so far this season. Even with the sun out, early data suggests a high temperature holding in the upper 50s on Thursday or Friday of next week (Nov. 2 or 3).

The start of November also leads to one of the states marquee outdoor events  the Urbanna Oyster Festival on Nov. 3 and 4. Early November is infamous for big temperature swings and, while it is too early to say with any certainty whether there will be rain for the festival on Friday or Saturday, it does look like the warm weather of the next week will be long gone.

The festival is also a reminder of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to Virginia, and it partners with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for Oyster Festival Education Day on Thursday, Nov. 2. The day provides on-site education about the Chesapeake Bay and its importance to Virginias ecology, heritage and economy  and it is a reminder that much still needs to be done to improve the health of the bay.

Find out more about the festival at urbannaoysterfestival.com.
Virginia child care providers are bracing for a major drop-off in federal funding that could cause tens of thousands of kids in the state to lose child care.

Funds disbursed by the federal government to child care providers as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as the COVID-19 stimulus package, were used to expand access and affordability for low- and moderate-income Virginians. This investment has contributed to the highest workforce participation rate in a decade and record low unemployment rates.

Expansions to a federal child care subsidy program expired Sept. 30, and an additional $15 billion in child care grants that target low-income families are set to end Sept. 30, 2024.

With the funding cliff on the horizon, child care providers and business leaders worry about how the loss of child care services for thousands of Virginians could affect families ability to afford child care and therefore be able to work.

Sprout School RVA, a child care provider with three locations in Richmond, used the ARPA funding to retain its staff and to add and expand classrooms.

If those dollars start to dwindle, what I worry about most is being able to make sure our teachers are paid their living wage ... and that our families that need us most, low- to moderate-income earners, have an opportunity for full day care so they can see economic mobility as they continue to grow in their own careers, said Rupa Murthy, the CEO of YWCA Richmond.

The philanthropic service runs the Sprout Schools and has provided child care in Richmond for more than 135 years.

Even with the recent expansions, the Sprout Schools have a wait list of about 750 children.

We know the need is there and the demand is there, Murthy said.

What keeps me up at night, she said, is that when the financial cliff comes, it will largely affect families who cannot afford the $15,000 to $20,000 a year for high-quality child care.

Specifically Black and brown women, who have traditionally been disadvantaged by the systems in place, will not have the ability to access affordable or free child care for their families as they go off to work, Murthy said.

The ongoing crisis

Even before the looming funding drop-off, affordability of child care in Virginia has been an issue for most families.

A report published this month by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, a state watchdog agency, found that child care is unaffordable for 85% of Virginia families with infants, 82% of families with toddlers and 74% of families with preschoolers.

The inaccessibility is greater for low-income Virginians, with child care being unaffordable for 97% of families with preschoolers and 98% of families with infants or toddlers.

The federal government defines affordable child care as costing 7% or less of household income. Infants generally are categorized as children ages 0 to 15 months, while toddlers are 16 to 23 months and preschoolers are 2 to 4 years old.

Across the state, families spend $100 to $440 per week, per child, on care, with the most expensive prices found in Northern Virginia, the study found.

Virginias difficult choice

If the federal funds are not maintained, anywhere from 24,000 to 28,000 kids in Virginia will lose access to subsidized child care next year, according to the JLARC study.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said recently that number could be closer to 80,000, and an analysis from the Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, estimated that about 88,000 Virginia kids could lose access to child care.

The temporary funding and policies that supported the system are expiring and Virginia will very soon have a difficult choice, said Kathy Glazer, president of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, a statewide nonprofit that administers several public-private early childhood programs.

The panel found it would cost the state almost $320 million annually to extend all of the pandemic-era expansions.

A recent cost-benefit analysis conducted by Vanderbilt University estimated that the additional $309 million invested in Virginias early childhood education system in fiscal year 2023 supported more than 11,000 additional children under the age of 9 who participated in high-quality early education services and helped nearly 11,000 more mothers enter the workforce, which in turn has led to more than 5,500 children being lifted out of poverty.

The Virginia success story will continue, or we can see a significant reversal in economic gains for Virginias families, Glazer said at a JLARC meeting last week.

Within one year, the investment of $309 million in federal COVID relief funding is generating a return of $364 million in increased family earnings and disposable income, with more than $30 million going back to the state in tax revenue, according to the analysis.

Inaccessibility could worsen

Jennifer Parish, the CEO of Peake Childhood Center in Hampton, said her child care center used the ARPA funds to shore up throughout the worst of the pandemic and raise pay for staff in an industry that is notoriously underpaid. Now, the minimum starting rate for teachers is $17 an hour, and her teacher aides earn $14 an hour.

As a nonprofit, the center is able to offer a sliding scale of tuition for families who do not qualify for subsidies or other publicly funded programs.

But I cant fundraise to make up for what (the expanded subsidies) cover for our families, Parish said. If that funding disappears, I will likely have to reduce my staff and well have fewer classrooms available for families.

The waitlist is already more than 400 families.

An often cited report from the Century Foundation, the progressive think tank, estimates that nearly 1,400 child care programs in Virginia will close, and about 2,900 child care jobs will be lost.

Its not only about parents needing a safe place for their children to be when they go to work, Parish said. But while theyre in these places, theyre getting the start of their education, and what a difference it makes.

Research shows that children who are ready for school at age 5 are more likely to be academically successful through adolescence, to graduate from high school, to receive a college degree and have higher lifetime earnings.

As the funding cliff encroaches, pressure is on for state governments and Congress to find a solution to the looming crisis.

On a press call Thursday, Kaine expressed his support for the Child Care for Working Families Act, which would cap child care costs for working families. Under the proposal, no working family would pay more than 7% of their income on child care, regardless of the number of children they have. Families earning below 85% of a states median income would have free child care.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, D-3rd, have introduced the measure each year since 2017.

We need to work very, very hard to make that happen, Kaine said. And as we are engaged in the hearing budget discussions, Im going to do that.

Study: Infants, toddlers in high-quality child care retain positive benefits According to a new study, infants and toddlers in high-quality child care retain positive benefits longer, provided they are enrolled early enough
A former National Security Agency (NSA) employee pleads guilty to trying to sell top secret information to Russia.

The individual, 31-year-old Jareh Dalke, pleaded guilty to the charges on Monday that accuse him of attempting to sell classified information to a person who he believed was a Russian agent. However, the foreign agent was an undercover employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Selling Top Secret Information

The defendant pleaded guilty to six counts of attempting to transmit national defense information to a foreign government. He admitted that in August and September last year, he tried to sell copies of three classified documents that contained information marked top secret-SCI (sensitive compartmented information).

Dalke is an Army veteran living in Colorado who started working as a civilian employee at the NSA in 2022. The defendant first shared excerpts of three classified documents with the undercover agency in August 2022 as a "small sample [of] what is possible" and later received large sums of cryptocurrency as payment, as per ABC News.

At one point, Dalke wrote that there was an opportunity to help balance the scales of the world while also tending to his needs. The defendant later requested $85,000 for all his information, which he said would be valuable to Russia.

Dalke agreed to transfer more classified material at a meeting at Union Station in downtown Denver and later sent five files that contained top-secret information. In a letter accompanying the documents, the defendant said he was very happy to provide the information to the supposed Russian agent.

Federal prosecutors in the case also agreed not to ask for more than 22 years of imprisonment for Dalke when he is sentenced in April. However, the judge will ultimately be the one who decides the punishment for the former NSA employee.

Read Also: Maryland Police Discover Vehicle Linked to Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Judge Andrew Wilkinson

Undercover FBI Agent

The army veteran faced a potential life sentence for giving the undercover FBI agent classified information. During his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Raymond Moore, he only spoke in answer to questions about whether or not he understood the terms of the deal, according to PBS.

Dalke acknowledged that he has been taking medications for mental illness while he was under custody for roughly a year. The indictment against the defendant noted that the information he sought to give to Russia included a threat assessment of the military offensive capabilities of a third, unnamed country.

The information also included a description of sensitive U.S. defense capabilities, some related to that unnamed foreign country. Dalke allegedly told the undercover FBI agent that he decided to work with Russia because his heritage "ties back to your country."

The defendant said his other reason for the crime was to "cause change" after questioning the United States' role in causing damage to the world. However, court documents showed that Dalke also revealed that he was $237,000 in debt at the time, said the Associated Press.

Related Article: Nashville Police Chief's Son at Large for Shooting 2 Tennessee Suburban Cops

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Hold the House, flip the Senate was a recurring chant Monday night in a Glen Allen parking lot, where Gov. Glenn Youngkin energized a crowd of about 100.

Though all 140 seats in Virginias General Assembly are up for election this fall, only a handful are competitive and give Republicans and Democrats the chance at majorities in both chambers. Three of those are in Henrico.

As part of a multipronged effort to boost GOP candidates and encourage people to vote early in-person or by mail, Youngkin and his Spirit of Virginia political action committee hosted a rally to support the Republican candidates in the closely contested Henrico contests: Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, along with first-time candidates David Owen and Riley Shaia.

Owen is seeking an open seat against Democrat Susanna Gibson to represent the 57th House District, while Shaia is challenging Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, in the 58th House District. Dunnavant is facing Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, to represent the 16th Senate District.

The candidates each discussed the policy platforms most Republicans have been campaigning on this year: giving parents more authority in public education, taxes, and support for law enforcement.

If you want common sense commonly practiced in the commonwealth of Virginia, we need to flip the Senate and hold the House! Owen excitedly told the crowd.

He, Dunnavant and Shaia each spoke to pump up the crowd along with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Rich Anderson, chair of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Then Youngkin made a literal and figurative victory lap as he crossed the stage high-fiving the front row. Youngkin followed with a speech touting GOP accomplishments in the past two years, including flipping the House and gaining the governors seat.

He noted how the latest state budget included a funding boost for public education and mental health resources along with $1 billion in tax relief. He also urged people to vote as soon as they can.

During this years General Assembly session, Democrats had a four-seat edge in the Senate, and Republicans held a four-seat edge in the House. For the governors party to accomplish more of its goals, it will need to flip the Senate.

Youngkin said about 500,000 people who had voted for him in 2021 did not vote in 2022 congressional midterms. This year is what political pundits call an off, off year with no gubernatorial or presidential race at the top of the ticket. But with majorities at stake, both parties are pushing for people to take advantage of all of their voting options  by mail, early in-person or at the polls on Election Day.

Democrats, who had first enacted expanded voting options in Virginia, had promoted it by word of mouth in recent elections. This year, they launched The Majority Project to boost their efforts. Portions of the Republican Party had resisted or sought to shorten the expanded early voting period until this summer, when Youngkin urged the GOP to compete under the current rules.

Youngkin, who had supported voting options during his 2021 campaign, has been at the forefront of promoting early and mail-in voting this year. After launching the Secure Your Vote initiative over the summer, digital ads and a bus tour have bolstered the efforts. The governor has also made appearances on national conservative media outlets like Fox News.

The reason why everybodys attention is on Virginia again is because we have a chance to do something that nobody thought was possible, he said Monday night as he recalled the GOP gains made two years ago after Democrats held both chambers and the governors seat.

Aside from drumming up enthusiasm for Republican voters, Youngkin took jabs at the Democratic Party and its candidates by saying that Republicans are running on hope while Democrats are running on fear.

Some of the fear Youngkin alluded to, but did not mention overtly, was the subject of a recent $1.4 million ad campaign  abortion.

A large part of Democratic campaign messaging has been a vow to protect abortion access, as Virginia is the least restrictive Southern state, and to attack Republicans for supporting restrictions. Some Republicans have shied away from discussing where they fall on the spectrum of access or restrictions. But many support Youngkins proposal to bar most abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, with exceptions for instances of rape, incest or when the pregnant persons life is at risk.

Several members of the media asked Youngkin after the event why he and the candidates had not discussed it during this rally. He called it the toughest topic in America and called the 15-week proposal a reasonable limit and one that I think we can all come together on.

More than 340,000 people have already voted early, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Early voting runs through Nov. 4. Then Election Day is Nov. 7.

Today in history: Oct. 23 1915: Women's Right To Vote 1944: Battle of Leyte Gulf 1956: Hungary 1983: Beirut 1987: Robert Bork 1989: Philips Petroleum 2001: Anthrax 2009: Barack Obama 2011: Turkey 2016: Bus Crash 2017: Eric Schneiderman
The 988 phone number that started as a suicide hotline is evolving in Virginia into a place to take a first step to getting help before mental troubles reach a desperate crisis.

With 8,000 calls a month, some of the fastest pickup times and fewest dropped calls that any state has seen with the 988 service, its become a central tool in Virginias effort to transform an overwhelmed behavioral health system, Gov. Glenn Youngkin told a forum of faith leaders he hopes will join that effort.

Getting to 988 is such a direct path to a counterparty who can have a conversation and direct resources immediately, Youngkin said Tuesday to an audience from 70 congregations and 50 nonprofit groups, gathered at UTurn in Henrico County.

Reaching people before they fall into a mental crisis is a central thrust of Virginias push to transform behavioral health, Youngkin said.

Some 50% to 70% of Virginians 988 calls dont require dispatch of police or other first responders. Callers can be helped in other ways, so that 988 becomes a kind of gateway to the help that can prevent mental health crises, Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel said.

One aim of the forum was to encourage volunteers to get training so they can help with callers to 988 who are directed their way.

Other key goals, Youngkin said, were to suggest there are ways faith groups and nonprofits can help, and to stress how important it is to try to take the stigma out of asking for help.

One idea for ways to help came from Corey Widmer, lead pastor of Third Church in Henrico County. He told the forum how, after three members of the congregation committed suicide, the church launched a mental health team to offer help to those who are troubled mentally.

What we all just heard it was first of all, creating a space to enable people to reach out to not feel like theyre alone, Youngkin replied.

And that message is one we hear everywhere. Youre not alone.  This isnt something that you need to hide. What a big step that is, particularly in the faith community where everyone sitting in a house of worship might feel inhibited, he added.

Youngkin touched on the counseling center launched by the Northern Virginia church he and his wife Suzanne founded in the basement of their Fairfax County home.

I believe this will be a theme over the course of this time together, which is creating a safe environment for people to ask for help, Youngkin said. In my own faith, we call to ask for help and yet its one of the hardest things for people to do.

Grant program

To help faith-based groups and other community organizations pitch in to transform behavioral health, Youngkin said the state is launching a grant program, to provide up to $15,000 for groups that want to help people struggling with behavioral health issues.

The state is setting aside $800,000 for the grant program.

The grants can be used to fund non-religious activities and training to help faith-based and 5013 organizations better support people with mental illness and address substance use issues. Grantees will collect and report data on the effectiveness of their programs.

Virginias behavioral health crisis is far too big a problem for government to tackle on our own, Youngkin said.

Virginias Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services also offers free training on Mental Health First Aid and a suicide prevention program.

A request for proposals for grants will be posted on eVA, the commonwealths electronic marketplace, under the business opportunities tab at eva.virginia.gov.

The money comes through the federal State Opioid Response grant and the federal Mental Health Block Grant.

What Ive heard today are reaffirmations and also great lights of hope, Youngkin said.

In our houses of worship, you meet people at a moment where they are going to trust you. They are at a moment where they are seeking, he said. And so were asking folks to equip yourself, understand whats available.

5 things to know about what's in Virginia's state budget NATURAL RESOURCES PAY RAISES TAX RELIEF
Foreigners making connecting international flights in Mexican airports now require visa

Mexico City, Mexico  Air passengers on connecting international flights in Mexican airports must now have an approved visa. The visa is a new requirement for foreigners whose nationalities require a visa to travel to Mexico.

As of October 22, 2023, this requirement must be met to board any flight to Mexico, the Government of Mexico reported in a statement.

The Government of Mexico reiterates that in accordance with Article 37 of the Immigration Law, foreigners whose nationalities require a visa to travel to Mexico must carry the corresponding visa.

This provision is also applicable to foreigners who intend to transit through Mexican international airports, who must have a visitor without permission to carry out remunerated activities visa, they added.

In a joint statemetnt between Mexican Foreign Relations and the INM, as of October 22, 2023, foreigners who intend to transit and make connections through Mexican airports must carry the corresponding visa before departure in their country of origin to be able to board any flight to Mexico.

The following will not require a Mexican visa: foreigners who travel to Mexican territory under the protection of the immigration facilitation measures provided for in Article 26 of the Guidelines for current immigration procedures and procedures, namely:

a) Persons carrying a document that proves their permanent residence in Canada, the United States of America, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, any of the countries that make up the Schengen Area, as well as the member countries of the Pacific alliance.

b) Persons holding a valid and current visa for Canada, the United States of America, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or any of the countries that make up the Schengen Area.
Suspect wanted for Playa del Carmen murder captured on city streets

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A suspect wanted for an October murder in Playa del Carmen was captured on city streets.

The State Attorney Generals Office announced that elements of the Investigative Police completed an arrest warrant against a male for his probable participation in the crime of qualified homicide.

Raymundo N was arrested walking along Jacinto Pat Street and Petempich Avenue in the Mision Villamar 1 subdivision of Playa del Carmen.

He was wanted for events that occurred on October 15 of the current year in a home located in the Ejido neighborhood, where he allegedly fought with the victim, injuring him with a knife, which caused his death.

The victim has not been identified.

After carrying out the legal procedure, agents transferred the detainee to the FGE facilities from where he was admitted to the Municipal Detention Center.
Tren Maya General Director reports operations for mid-December

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Mexicos Tren Maya will be ready to begin operations as of December 15, 2023, confirmed General Director, Oscar David Lozano Aguila.

We are 53 days away and everyone in the Tren Maya team is excited about the possibility of opening on that date, he stated Monday during a progress report on sections 5, 6 and 7.

On Monday, he reported that section 5 will have three stations, one at Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, in addition to two maintenance bases, one at Puerto Morelos and the other in Chemuyil.

Puerto Morelos Tren Maya station. Render: Fonatur

Section 6 will have five stations that will include the Tulum Airport, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Limones-Chacchoben, Bacalar and Chetumal Airport. The section will also include a shelter and maintenance depot in Tulum and another in Chetumal, as well as a maintenance base in Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

He specified that in Chetumal the construction of a multimodal cargo transportation terminal is also planned that will boost the economy of the south of the state along with other strategic works being built in the area.

He reported that in section 7, four stations are being built in Kohunlich, Xpujil, Calakmul and Centenario in addition to a maintenance base in Xpujil, where they are also considering the construciton of a cargo operations yard.

Across sections 5, 6 and 7 there will be 840 complementary projects that include railway bridges, pedestrian, vehicular and wildlife crossings, as well as drainage and electrical projects.

Together, sections 5, 6 and 7 will cover 621 kilometers of 11 municipalities of Quintana Roo and Campeche. Sections 5 and 6 consist of 366 kilometers of electrified double track from the Cancun Aeropuerto station to the Chetumal station.

Overpass Maya Train track construction continues in the south of Quintana Roo. Photo: Sedena October 23, 2023.

Meanwhile, section 7 runs on a single track for 254 kilometers that connects the Chetumal station with the Escarcega station.

He specified that the construction of the new Tulum Airport and the rehabilitation and modernization of the Cancun and Chetumal airports will allow automatic connectivity from the air terminals to the Maya Train stations and will increase the capacities for passenger transportation.

Along sections 5, 6 and 7 are 12 archaeological zones that include:

Section 5: El Meco, Tulum Coba, Muyil, Xel-Ha and Paamul II.

Section 6: Chacchoben, Ichkabal and Oxtankah.

Section 7: Dzibanche-Kinichna, Kohunlich and Calakmul.

Two Tren Maya hotels are also being built, one in Tulum and another in Calakmul where a Visitor Service Center (Catvi) is also being developed.

The commander of the Felipe Angeles Group of Engineers assigned to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), Gustavo Ricardo Vallejo Suarez, reported all sections are being constructed without setbacks.

He says section 5 north, which includes 43 kilometes from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is 47 percent complete with a double electrified track. Section 6 is at 53 percent, which includes 255 kilometers of double eletrified track from Tulum to Chetumal.

In section 7 the progress is 51 percent and connsists of 254 kilometers of single track between Chetumal and Escarcega. The new Tulum airport is around 80 percent complete.

The head of the Tren Maya Operations Coordinating Center of Sedena, Blas Andres Nunez Jordan, reported a 29 percent progress in the Hotel Tren Maya Tulum, which will have 352 rooms and will be the largest of the six hotels being built along Maya Train route.
West Pharmacy on Electric Road in Roanoke County has closed.

We basically just retired, owner Mitch West said.

The independent pharmacy at Southwest Plaza shopping center was in business 20 years, according to online licensing records. It received complimentary online reviews dotted with remarks such as always puts their patients first.

A door sign directed customers to the Walgreens at Brambleton Avenue and Electric Road saying prescription records were transferred there.

Fuel prices less than a year ago

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stood at $3.44 in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford area and $3.35 in the Roanoke area Tuesday, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. That compares to a year-ago price of $3.57 in the NRV communities and $3.52 in the Roanoke region.

The auto club said it detected uncertainty rippling through the oil market in the days since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. However, oil prices remained relatively steady through Tuesday, when this article was prepared, while AAA pointed out that prices spiked after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The critical difference is that Russia is a significant oil producer, while Israel and the Palestinian territories are not, AAA said.

Home sales report out for September

The Roanoke region generated 432 home sales at an average price of $341,189 during September, according to the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors. That compared to 512 sales at an average price of $312,744 during the same month of 2022.

Two trends are apparent: higher prices, fewer units sold.

The average sales price has exceeded $300,000 for 18 consecutive months. Back in 2020, the average stood at $265,544 at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the September homes-sold number  432  was lower this year than in 2022 (512), 2021 (582) and 2020 (615).
Remember the story of Doris Layne, the great-grandmother and retired city employee? In September, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles was threatening to suspend the Roanoke womans drivers license because of a paperwork issue involving Layne and State Farm Insurance.

The DMV believed Layne had no insurance on an SUV she bought in July, despite a temporary insurance card her State Farm agent, Don Bishop, issued for the new vehicle on its day of purchase. After I wrote the DMV on her behalf, the agency and State Farm got the mess straightened out.

Layne isnt the only State Farm customer whos recently lost sleep over a drivers-license threat from Richmond. Another is Mark Gillenwater, a machinist from the New River Valley who works in Salem. Hes been dealing with a similar issue since June.

Early that month, Gillenwater sold his gray 1995 Nissan pickup and bought a red 1995 Nissan pickup. He called his State Farm Insurance agent, Chance Miller in Cave Spring, to ensure Gillenwaters auto insurance would reflect the change. At the time, he spoke to Millers assistant.

Without question, something went wrong in the transaction, but its still unclear how or why. But the unique Vehicle Identification Numbers, or VINs, of the two 1995 Nissan trucks got mixed up in the process.

By the phone calls end, Gillenwater thought he had insurance on the red 95 Nissan truck, which he had registered and titled through the DMV. But the VIN that Millers assistant jotted down in her notes as his new vehicle was instead the gray 95 Nissan truck Gillenwater had sold. And Gillenwater didnt realize that.

As a result, on July 24 the DMV sent Gillenwater a letter requesting insurance documentation for the red 95 Nissan truck. At the time, Gillenwater called Chance Millers State Farm insurance agency. The agency, Gillenwater said, assured him his 1995 Nissan truck was insured and not to worry.

On Aug. 30, Gillenwater got another letter from the DMV. As with the July letter, it listed the VIN of the red truck and noted it was uninsured. The August letter threatened to suspend Gillenwaters drivers license unless he could document insurance for the vehicle.

On Sept. 6, Gillenwaters fiance, Devin Dausin, called State Farms toll-free customer assistance line about the issue. Thats when Dausin realized the VIN listed as the truck on Gillenwaters policy and the VIN on the red Nissan were different numbers.

The insurance policy instead listed the VIN of the gray truck Gillenwater had sold, rather than the red truck Gillenwater had purchased. As a result of Dausins discovery, his policy was updated with correct VINs beginning Sept. 7.

But that didnt get Gillenwater off the hook with the DMV. On Sept. 21, the agency sent him an Order of Suspension.

This notice is to inform you that your privilege to operate motor vehicles, register vehicles and obtain license plates and decals in Virginia will be suspended 10/21/23 because [State Farm] has denied the information you provided for [the red Nissan], the letter read.

The Order of Suspension further demanded that Gillenwater document the red truck was insured as of Aug. 7, 2023  or that he pay the DMV a $600 noncompliance fee.

On Sept. 29, Gillenwater got the insurance verification letter he thought he needed from Chance Millers assistant. Gillenwater took it to the DMV in Christiansburg on Saturday, Sept. 30. But DMV officials flagged two problems with it.

The first was the letters date  Oct. 2, 2023. That was two days into the future, which seemed fishy. Worse, the VIN listed in the letter didnt belong to the red 95 Nissan truck either. Instead, it was the VIN of a 1986 Nissan that Gillenwater had sold in 2021.

Later, Dausin recounted the above narrative to her mother, who had read my column about Doris Laynes DMV travails. Her mom suggested Dausin contact me. Dausins first email came Oct. 10. Many more, along with a lot of documentation, followed.

The last [and incorrect] letter [Chance Millers agency] wrote took 1 day, but we have now been waiting more than 7 for the updated letter and Marks license is due to be suspended on 10/21/23. Were writing you because we do not know what to do next, Dausin wrote.

Mark commutes to work every day, hes a machinist and works in Salem. We are getting married in May and thinking about starting a family, every dollar we have counts. The repercussions of a suspended license are a strain on us.

In the meantime, Gillenwater requested a DMV hearing on the suspension, but didnt hear back from the agency with a date. And he also complained to the Better Business Bureau.

On Oct. 12, I emailed Justin Tomczak, State Farms spokesman in the Southeast, and asked about the problems Gillenwater was having. Tomczak said company policy prevented him from discussing specifics.

In this situation, once we were made aware of an issue, we have been working to resolve the customers concern, Tomczak wrote Oct. 16.

I also called Chance Miller, and emailed him Oct. 15, but didnt get an immediate reply. But a day later, Oct. 16, Miller called Gillenwater six times and assured him the correct paperwork had been sent to the DMV, Dausin told me.

Still, we have not received the proof of insurance yet and were not sure what he means when Miller says it was sent over to the DMV, Dausin wrote.

At that point, the threatened suspension would happen in five days, and the couple had heard nothing from the DMV indicating they were in the clear with the agency.

On Oct. 17 I contacted the DMVs spokeswoman, Jillian Cowherd. I told her of the issue and asked her to refer Gillenwaters insurance snafu to the same DMV troubleshooter who had helped Doris Layne.

On Oct. 18, someone at the DMV called Gillenwaters cell phone twice while he was at work. Gillenwater didnt hear the phone ringing in the noisy machine ship. But the caller left a message that Gillenwaters license was not in danger of suspension, because the paperwork had been straightened out.

Oct. 19 was the day that Chance Miller got back to me.

The DMV mails letters like this all the time, he wrote in an email. We found the problem and we fixed it for our customer.

Miller suggested that part of the delay was caused by Dausin. Legally, State Farm could not speak to her about Gillenwaters insurance problems because he hadnt granted formal permission. (Dausin made some calls for him trying to get the policy corrected because thats difficult for Gillenwater to do during work hours.)

Gillenwater didnt grant State Farm formal permission to speak about his insurance matters with Dausin until Oct. 12, Miller said.

Miller added that it was his opinion that Gillenwater mistakenly initiated the entire snafu by giving Millers assistant the wrong VIN on June 2. Miller sent me an image of his assistants handwritten notes reflecting the incorrect VIN, written on lined paper in a spiral-bound notebook.

Gillenwater and Dausin insist he gave the agency the correct VIN from the beginning. Anyway, now they feel relieved knowing Gillenwaters driving privileges are in the clear.

Thank you very much for your help, we really appreciate you, they wrote in an email.
A Blacksburg man was arrested last week and charged with assaulting and stealing a bicycle from Huckleberry Trail users.

Benjamin P. Fields was arrested Oct. 18 and charged with five offenses, including one felony count of grand larceny and our misdemeanor counts of assault and battery, according to Virginias online court case information system.

Virginia Tech Police Department and Blacksburg Police Department officers responded that day to a male victims report that another man had assaulted him and then attempted to steal his bike and flee the area, according to Virginia Techs communications and marketing department. Police went to the area and found a man, Fields, matching the victims description.

While investigating the assault, several other victims came forward to report they had been assaulted by Fields in different locations along the trail. All injuries were minor in nature, university Associate Vice President of Communications and Marketing Mark Owczarski said in an email Tuesday afternoon. There was no known connection between Fields and the victims and no motive for the assaults has been established.

Fields had a Montgomery County General District Court hearing Monday morning on a motion for bond. His attorney, Brad McConnell, confirmed Tuesday that the request was denied.

McConnell added that he made a motion requesting an evaluation of Fields competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the offense. That motion was granted.

The allegations against Fields include that he attempted to shove riders off of their bikes and struck one man in the face, McConnell said. One bike was taken but was later recovered by police.

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office confirmed Tuesday that Fields was being held in its custody. According to the online case information system, he is also facing two misdemeanor destruction of property charges connected to an Oct. 16 incident. His next General District Court date on all seven criminal charges is scheduled for Jan. 22.

The statewide case information system indicates Fields is also facing two charges in Montgomery Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Those charges, one misdemeanor count of assault and battery of a family member and one felony count of larceny of certain animals, also stem from an Oct. 16 incident. His preliminary hearing on those charges is set for Dec. 15.

The Huckleberry Trail incident is the second confirmed assault to occur on a public trail in the region this year. In July, an elderly woman was attacked and injured while walking one morning on the Lick Run Greenway in northwest Roanoke.
Joining a mob that stormed the U.S Capitol over claims of a stolen election meets the legal definition of corruption, a federal appeals court found Friday in upholding the conviction of a former Rocky Mount police sergeant.

Thomas T.J. Robertson had argued there was insufficient evidence for a jury to find that that he corruptly obstructed the certification of President Joe Bidens 2020 election.

In his appeal, Robertson asserted that his actions  fueled by a sincere belief in former President Donald Trumps false claims that his loss was the result of election fraud  did not rise to the level of a charge used against him in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots.

In rejecting that argument, a three judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia noted that Robertson was armed with a heavy stick when he confronted fellow police officers who were trying to hold the mob at bay.

Using force to obstruct, influence or impede a congressional proceeding is plainly wrong and therefore corrupt, two of the three judges wrote in an opinion. Thus, this case does not present a close question of culpability.

But in a sharp dissent, a third judge said the majoritys broad interpretation of the law gives it an eye-popping sweep that has been used to wrongly convict Robertson and others.

The 45-page opinion by Judge Florence Pan, followed by a 34-page dissent from Judge Karen Henderson, delved deeply into the meaning of corruption when applied to the felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding, in this case the certification of a presidential election.

Pan and Judge Cornelia Pillard held that the jury needed to look no further than Robertsons unlawful actions to find that he acted corruptly.

The Army veteran and long-time police officer had argued that the term should be defined more narrowly: as a dishonest act done with the expectation of a benefit to the defendant or another person.

Because the law is unconstitutionally vague as to what corruption means, Robertson argued that his conviction should be overturned.

Henderson agreed. Acquittal is thus required if, as I view the evidence, Robertson merely intended to protest the outcome of the election or his (perceived) disenfranchisement or to make some other political point, she wrote.

The appeal did not challenge the jurys decision to convict Robertson of five other charges. Following a week-long trial last spring, U.S. District Judge Christoper Cooper sentenced the then 49-year-old to seven years and three months in prison.

Robertson and another member of the Rocky Mount Police Department who participated in the riot were fired shortly after their arrests in early 2021. Robertson and Jacob Fracker, who pleaded guilty, were off-duty at the time of the riots.

About 300 people from across the country have been charged with corruptly obstructing an official proceeding. In all, more than 1,185 men and women have been arrested  including nine others from Western Virginia  as the investigation continues.

In arguing that Robertson acted corruptly, government attorneys recounted how he was wearing a gas mask and holding a large walking stick in a defensive posture across his chest as an angry mob approached police officers who were trying to defend the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol. At least one officer was struck.

They also pointed to the defendants many inflammatory comments on social media, before and after the riots.

We were stomping on the roof of their safe house chanting WHOSE HOUSE? OUR HOUSE! one of the posts read. Ive seen for the first time in my life...a government scared of its people. The pictures of them huddled in the floor crying is the most American thing I have ever seen.

Judges Pan and Pillard disagreed with Robertsons assertion that a conviction required proof of how he or others benefited from his actions. But they noted that had in fact been shown by evidence that the defendant was ready to start an open, armed rebellion against what he called a rigged election.

That evidence, they wrote, was plainly sufficient to support a finding that Robertson intended to secure the unlawful benefit of installing the loser of the presidential election, Donald J. Trump, as its winner.
The second of three teenagers charged in connection with a July fatal shooting was granted bond in Roanoke Circuit Court Tuesday morning.

Nathaneal I. Keith, 19, of Roanoke was indicted earlier this month on one count of acting as a principal in the second degree or an accessory before the fact to the first-degree murder.

Keith and 22-year-old James R. Griffin III got into a fight near the northwest intersection of Sigmon Road and Showalter Road at about 11:20 p.m. on July 10, according to whats been discussed in court. Chief Assistant Commonwealths Attorney John McNeil has said that a video captured by 19-year-old Cydney B. Williams shows Keith throwing the first punch, and then Griffin trying to flee.

As he was running back to his vehicle, Griffin turned and fired a handgun, striking Keith, McNeil said. Then, JaZion Z. Robertson, 19, who was standing by with an assault-style rifle, fired four rounds, McNeil said. One of them killed Griffin.

McNeil said Tuesday that throughout the day of the shooting, Keith had been urging Williams to send messages to Griffin. The prosecutor said Williams and Griffin used to date, but the day of the incident, Williams was in a relationship with Keith.

McNeil said the messages from Williams, which Griffin tried to block, alleged Griffin was a pedophile. The prosecutor argued that Keith elevated the situation from online trash talking to a challenge.

Keiths attorney, Aaron Houchens, said Tuesday that his client was subpoenaed to testify at Robertsons bond hearing in August. Keith did so, knowing that it could lead to his own arrest, Houchens said.

He doesnt shirk that responsibility, Houchens said Tuesday. He is not a flight risk at all.

The defense attorney also argued that the fight Keith sought with Williams, which stemmed from high school drama, was meant to be a fist fight. Houchens said Griffin was the first to present a firearm and argued Keith was the least culpable party involved.

But McNeil said Keith armed Robertson with the rifle, which the prosecutor said he believes belongs to Keiths step-father. He said Keith is responsible for setting all of this into motion.

Houchens asked Clemens Tuesday to set a $30,000 bond for his client, a recent William Fleming High School graduate whose employer at a trucking company has said that Keith will still have a job if let out of jail.

Clemens granted a $50,000 bond with surety and ordered Keith not to have any contact with Robertson or Williams.

That video is troubling, and I hope that its troubling for you, Mr. Keith, the judge said, referring to the footage of the incident captured by Williams.

Griffins mother, Mechelle Walker, said she doesnt feel that justice was served Tuesday.

I do understand that all involved are entitled to bond, but so low amount with very little restrictions is absurd, she said after Keiths hearing. Maybe the trials will bring justice as well as closure. The pain is unbearable when you see and hear your innocent child killed...

Keiths and Williams trial dates are expected to be set by Nov. 6. Robertsons jury trial is already set for four days in February, according to Virginias online court case information system.
The Screenwriters Guild of Israel called out the Writers Guild of America for remaining silent to disclose a consensus statement condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.

WGA has faced criticisms for failing to collaborate with SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America to denounce the Hamas attacks.

Screenwriters Guild of Israel Criticizes WGA

SGI released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, of their disappointment with WGA for not taking a stand on the recent Hamas attacks on Sunday.

"It is a damn shame that a professional writers' guild decides to withhold words. To keep utterly silent. To not take a stand. Well, your silence is considered a stand, picking a side. A shame," the Israeli Screenwriters Guild wrote on X.

SGI said that WGA's silence is loud and clear, completely contrasted by the blasting support their guild and members requested.

Some guild members gathered over Zoom on Friday afternoon to voice their frustrations about WGA's silence. David Kohan, co-creator of "Will and Grace," said in an interview with TheWrap that the WGA"s silence is either cowardice or something worse.

According to TheWrap, WGA will not release a statement about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. WGA West Coast president Meredith Stiehm said in a memo, "we found consensus out of reach."

Stiehm explained that emails were sent to the guild members, asking the guild to take a public stand on events in the Middle East. However, many members have asked the guild to refrain from releasing statements about the attacks.

She added that the guild members clarified to the WGA board and leadership that any feedback recognized as a statement of support for Israel would be interpreted as support for Israel's airstrikes in Gaza.

Read Also: Animal Cruelty Task Force Releases Maltreated Shiba Inus From Missouri Breeder

Hollywood Screenwriters Support SGI

Hollywood screenwriters such as Jeni Kohan, Jerry Seinfeld, Eli Roth, and Amy Sherman-Palladino sent an open letter to the WGA board, calling them out for not voicing their support of Israel on October 15.

Furthermore, a previous open letter was also signed by Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Pine, Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber, Amy Schumer, and Michael Douglas from the nonprofit organization Creative Community for Peace. The letter supported Israel and condemned the Hamas' attack on Israel, as reported in TheWrap.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles also issued a statement condemning WGA's silence, highlighting that the guild has spoken up about other politically sensitive issues but stayed silent about the terrorist attacks.

"But when terrorists invaded Israel to murder, rape, and kidnap Jews, the Guild stayed silent," the center stated in The NY Times.

Related Article: Ron DeSantis Vows To Ban Visas for Students Supporting Hamas Forces





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A Roanoke attorney who received a big payment from the state for court-appointed work on a murder sentencing returned more than half of the money this month after The Roanoke Times questioned him about discrepancies in his billing.

Patrick Kenney is a former prosecutor and now one of the regions more well-known criminal defense lawyers.

The sentencing in question was for Timothy Mwandi Church, who had been convicted in 2019 of killing a Roanoke motel owner and attacking his wife and daughter in what a judge called one of the most horrific killings in city history. He is now serving a 40-year sentence.

The Roanoke Times reported last month about developments in the case.

In an Aug. 30 court filing, Timothy Church alleged that his mother had sex with a Roanoke judge while Church was awaiting trial. Another judge convicted him on six charges. His court filing included a statement from his mother in which she said Judge Onzlee Ware promised to help her with her sons case in exchange for sex.

She began having sex with him, according to court records, and Ware told her he knew the judge who would sentence her son, said he could ensure a light sentence and helped her write a statement she read at the sentencing.

Grace Church said in the August court filing by her son that Ware also told her to switch out her sons lawyer for Kenney.

Grace Church has said she couldnt afford a new attorney. So she told her sons lawyer, who handled his bench trial, that she wanted to replace him with Kenney. The lawyer conveyed that to Circuit Judge Christopher Clemens, who was overseeing the case, and Clemens appointed Kenney.

In reviewing case documents, The Roanoke Times found that Kenney had received $11,475 from the state for his work on Churchs case.

The newspaper asked for his billing records from the state judiciarys administrative office, the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Those records are public because Kenney was appointed by a court to handle Timothy Churchs sentencing, and he submitted paperwork to local judges and ultimately the state government so that he could be paid for the work.

Two judges  Clemens and David Carson of Roanoke Circuit Court  signed off on Kenneys paperwork and an $11,475 payment. Records show it was among his biggest payloads for court-appointed work between 2019 and 2021.

But the numbers in Kenneys billing records didnt add up.

The records showed Kenney reported spending 130.5 hours working on Churchs sentencing. But an addendum in his records on how he spent his time accounted for only 53.5 hours of work.

The Roanoke Times emailed, called and delivered a letter to Kenney requesting to talk about the billing discrepancy. He emailed back Oct. 6 to say hed made an inadvertent error in part of his form and had written a check that day to the state to reimburse $3,510 of the $11,475 he had been paid.

Thank you for bringing the matter of my billing to my attention, he wrote to the newspaper.

To the Supreme Court of Virginia, he wrote, I wanted to immediately correct this inadvertent oversight.

He had written on his July 2020 form that he worked 92.5 hours on the murder charge, one of six his client had been convicted of. But he told the Supreme Court this month the number should have been 53.5 hours.

He declined to answer further questions from the newspaper about it.

Some numbers still didnt make sense.

In his addendum where he detailed the time he spent on the case, the hours totaled 53.5. But Kenney also reported that he worked an additional 29 hours on the five other charges  two counts of aggravated malicious wounding and three counts of attempted robbery. And he billed for nine hours of in court time  90 minutes on each of the six charges  even though he reported he was only in court for 90 minutes total.

The newspaper reached out to Kenney again Thursday.

He responded by email to say that he had just sent a second reimbursement, in the amount of $3,015, to the Supreme Court of Virginia.

There appears to be confusion in the legal community regarding payments and billings across multiple charges, Kenney wrote to the newspaper Thursday. He would not comment further.

He attached a letter he sent to the Supreme Court on Thursday, telling the court he was enclosing a check for $3,015 as repayment for an overage amount that I was paid as court-appointed counsel.

It has come to my attention that time was billed across multiple charges on the same voucher, his letter to the Supreme Court said.

Was Kenney allowed to bill for 90 minutes of in court time on each of the six charges when he only spent 90 minutes in court?

A spokeswoman for the state judiciarys administrative office said the issue of whether an attorney can multiply in court time by the number of charges is not clearly addressed in our resources or materials.

One Virginia attorney familiar with the process said billing time in court for each charge isnt the norm.

The usual practice that I am familiar with is that you would divide the time by the number of charges or assess the time on one charge only, said Eugene Oliver, a Harrisonburg attorney who is past president of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. It would be unusual to multiply the time spent by the number of charges.

Of his original 2020 payment of $11,475, Kenny has refunded $6,525  nearly 57% of his original payment.

Of the 53.5 hours Kenney broke down in his paperwork, he reported spending 12 hours on discovery, four hours to read the trial transcripts because he had not handled the trial, nine hours to read through the files of two previous attorneys, 10 hours of meeting with Timothy Church, four hours of meetings with the commonwealths attorneys office, 90 minutes of legal writing, 4.5 hours of conferences with Timothy Churchs family, an hour to review a court report prior to sentencing, and six hours to prepare for the sentencing hearing.

When The Roanoke Times posed questions to Kenney about some of that work, he declined to answer them, citing attorney-client privilege.

Timothy Churchs July 2020 sentencing hearing lasted just under an hour, according to court records. A transcript shows that during the hearing, Kenney called Churchs mother as his only witness.

Kenney then presented about seven minutes of argument, according to court records. He included in his argument that Church had been hospitalized and medicated for mental health challenges. He asked Clemens to sentence Church within state sentencing guidelines, but to show some grace, to allow some redemption.

Carson, the chief judge in 2020 who approved Kenneys billing after approval by Clemens, declined to comment on the attorneys paperwork.

Because he hasnt commented on the case, its unclear if Kenney had any knowledge during the 2020 sentencing that Ware, according to the new allegations, was engaged in a relationship with Grace Church and assisting her with her sons defense.

But Timothy Church wants to find out.

He has a pending legal case, updated by the Aug. 30 filing that first publicly revealed his mothers allegations against Ware, in which hes asking for his freedom. Church is asking a court for release of any communications between Ware, Clemens or Kenney.

Patrick Wilson is a reporter for the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team.
Salem City Council chose a new school board member Monday, naming Rachel Thompson to replace David Preston, who is stepping down.

Councils 5-0 vote came after a process in which six candidates were considered  a very large group of very excellent people, Mayor Renee Turk said. Turk said that she hoped the other five candidates would express interest in other city positions in the future.

Thompson is an attorney who specializes in immigration and adoption matters. She was the only candidate to speak last month at councils public hearing on the school board appointment. At the public hearing, Thompson noted that three of her four children presently attend Salem schools and that it was her second time applying for the board.

Thompson also said that as a Black woman, she would help the school board reflect the citys growing diversity.

Vice Mayor Jim Wallace said Monday that he was supporting Thompson but wanted to clarify statements that others made at the public hearing that indicated she would be the only person on the school board who was a member of a minority group. This was also true of councils most recent previous appointment to the five-member board, Wallace said.

Wallace was referring to Stacey Danstrom, city spokesman Mike Stevens said after the meeting.

Salem, like Roanoke, is among the few Virginia localities with appointed rather than elected school boards. Salem School Board members serve three-year terms. Preston was in his fifth term on the Salem board and had served as its chairman for nearly a decade.

In another appointment vote Monday, council unanimously voted that Assistant City Manager Rob Light serve as interim city manager beginning Nov. 1 when City Manager Jay Taliaferro retires. Lights appointment is to last until a new permanent city manager is hired, council said.
James Robert Allen faces a growing array of evidence as investigators build a criminal case against the 40-year-old Suffolk resident accused of abducting a young female University of Virginia student earlier this month.

The night of Oct. 4, Allen appears to have left behind a trail of evidence after wrecking a pickup truck against a tree trunk in a fraternity house yard at the corner of Grady and Cabell avenues in Charlottesville and fleeing the scene to Louisa County  where he was ultimately apprehended.

"This is what the police dream of," veteran criminal defense attorney Scott Goodman told The Daily Progress. "It sounds like good police work and good citizen involvement."

The evidence includes GPS data from the work truck that Allen is accused of using to kidnap the young woman as she was walking along a residential street, according to a document filed in the case. That data led police to determine that the truck and Allen had been at the Ruckersville Sheetz convenience store two hours before the incident.

In a 6:42 a.m. Facebook post on Oct. 5, Charlottesville police released the name of their suspect along with a surveillance image of a man wearing an American flag hat as he walked near a Sheetz "Beer Cave" cooling unit.

Along with a navy blue hoodie, an American flag hat was seized during the search of the truck Allen wrecked. Prior to that search, police also said they found Allen's cellular phone with his identification card tucked into the case beside the abandoned truck.

"Those things tie him directly to that truck at the time of the crime," said Goodman. "That takes care of the identity defense, the idea that they got the wrong guy."

Items identified as the victim's personal belongings, car keys and a pink backpack, were also found inside the cab of the wrecked truck.

A search warrant filed on Oct. 5 by a Charlottesville police detective and signed that afternoon by Judge Claude Worrell gave police access to the white Ford F450, which belonged to Curtis Construction Inc., a contractor for several Virginia Department of Transportation highway-expansion projects in the Charlottesville area. The affidavit supporting that warrant by detective Justin Bowers reveals additional allegations made by the victim, who is described by her initials: E.S.

"E.S. does not remember getting into the vehicle but does vaguely remember being inside of one," Bowers wrote. "This leads [me] to believe that she may have lost consciousness during the incident."

Bowers noted that E.S. was found injured.

"Her face was swollen, her cheeks appeared blue, and she had areas of road rash on her forehead, cheeks, and shoulders," Bowers wrote.

Such injuries are consistent with the previously reported account of the UVa professor who heard screaming from his bedroom window and who followed his adult daughter and her boyfriend as they chased the truck down the street before the victim was allegedly thrown from the vehicle shortly before it crashed.

"E.S. also had duct tape around her wrists when she was found," wrote Bowers, "but she could not recall how that had gotten there."

To Goodman, the legal analyst, the injuries and the eyewitness accounts will likely prevent the second option a defense lawyer might attempt: claiming a consensual encounter.

"There are only so many defenses," said Goodman, "and two of the main ones appear to be closed off."

The search warrant includes other allegations unlikely to win Allen any sympathy from potential jurors. For instance, the woman recalled that she was on a routine walk home when she suddenly choked.

"She had not seen him coming and was taken by complete surprise," Bowers wrote. "She began kicking and screaming, but the suspect told her to stop it and told her he was going to kill her."

When he made his last courtroom appearance on Oct 12 it was unknown whether Allen knew of the evidence lined up against him.

The hearing was solely to change lawyers.

"The public defender has a conflict," said attorney Nicholas Reppucci. "There's no objection to the motion to substitute."

Allen stood in Charlottesville General District Court wearing orange plastic slippers, a waist chain and an unhappy expression.

Judge Andrew Sneathern agreed and appointed Michael Hallahan as Allen's new counsel. Allen was not asked to speak or answer any questions at the hearing, and a bailiff led him away to the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, where he has been held without bail since his Oct. 5 arrest.

Goodman guesses that Allen's lawyer may try some sort of psychological defense or attempt to strike a plea deal.

"The defense is really out of options," said Goodman. "Unless there's some sort of mental incapacity or psychiatric problem, I don't see any defense."

Even Allen's own history is working against him, according to Goodman.

Allen has a prior abduction and malicious wounding arrest in Fauquier County. And while that case was resolved in 2009 with a misdemeanor assault and battery conviction, Allen has felony convictions for property crimes in Fauquier. Court records also show that in 2012, when Allen was still listing a Fauquier address, he was convicted of felony shoplifting in Albemarle County Circuit Court and given a three-year sentence with all time suspended.

Convictions on crimes of dishonesty, Goodman contended, will undercut any effort to testify in his own defense.

In this case, Allen stands accused of two felonies: strangulation and abduction. A strangulation conviction can bring a maximum five-year sentence while a conviction for abduction can bring 10 years.

Allen's next appearance will likely be Dec. 14, the date Sneathern set for a preliminary hearing.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Hamas frees two Israeli women as US advises delaying ground war to allow talks on captives

The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas militants have released two hostages they had been holding captive in the Gaza Strip
Off-duty pilot said 'I'm not OK' before trying to cut engines midflight, charging documents say

New court documents say an off-duty airline pilot who tried to cut the engines on a flight in midair told police he had been struggling with depression
'Superfog' in Louisiana blamed for highway crashes that killed at least 7 people, officials say

Authorities say at least seven people have been killed after a superfog of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense fog caused multiple massive car crashes involving 158 vehicles
Fortunately for those of us who scare easily, the math says that the chances of you having your own doppelganger who shares your same facial appearance is just about impossible. So you don't have to worry about a case of mistaken identity.

"If we are talking about measurements of the face, there is a 1 in a trillion chance that two or more people will match one another on eight measurements of the face," emails Dr. Teghan Lucas, forensic anthropologist at The University of New South Wales and Flinders University, both in Australia.

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She published a study on the subject of doppelgangers in 2015 where she compared people for eight facial and eight body measurements to see how alike they really were. Some of the fastidiously precise facial and head measurements she refers to include ear length, head circumference and the distance between the centers of the right and left pupils.

Hopefully, such an explanation gives you peace of mind, but if it doesn't, just know that when Lucas looked at the rest of the human body, she found that the odds of having a twin stranger were even bleaker.

"If we look at measurements of the body, the chance is even lower at 1 in a quintillion, based on eight measurements," she says. "This is because these measurements are larger and thus have a larger range which means there is less chance for people to match each other."

So the more measurements you consider, the less likely it is that anyone's going to 100 percent stack up against another person in true doppelganger fashion. "Two people may look very similar to the naked eye, but when you start measuring they will not match each other," Lucas says.
China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, is set to visit Washington to pave the way for a meeting between the two nations' leaders.

Wang will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan this week. The diplomatic trip is expected to pave the way for a meeting between United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping amid rising tensions.

Wang Yi's Visit to Washington

The Chinese diplomat's trip to the United States will last from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28 and is expected to focus more on discussions of a potential Biden-Xi meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The event will be held next month in San Francisco and comes as the two world leaders last met on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 economies in Bali, Indonesia, last November.

The Biden administration has not yet announced a meeting between the president and the Chinese foreign minister. However, senior administration officials described Wang's visit as "reciprocal" to Blinken's visit to Beijing in June when the latter met with Xi, as per NBC News.

Additionally, Wang's visit to Washington comes as the Biden administration focuses on the Middle East and the threat of escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict through Iranian proxies. China's relationship with Tehran prompted Blinken to call the foreign minister earlier this month.

The Secretary of State asked China to use its influence to prevent the conflict from widening even further. A State Department readout of the call noted that Blinken discussed "maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict."

Relations between the two largest economies in the world have fallen to what Beijing described as their lowest point since diplomatic relations were established in 1979. The situation was caused by a range of issues, including trade, technology, human rights, the status of Taiwan, and China's stance on the war in Ukraine.

Read Also: Philippines to China: Stop 'Dangerous,' 'Offensive' Actions in South China Sea

US-China Relations

According to Reuters, One administration official said that direct face-to-face diplomacy is still the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where interests intersect.

The diplomatic talks would also include discussions about territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. US officials said Washington was deeply concerned by China's "destabilizing and dangerous actions" in the South China Sea.

On Monday, the Philippines accused Chinese coast guard vessels of "intentionally" colliding with its vessels on a resupply mission. The incident is the most serious yet in the waters around the disputed Second Thomas shoal.

One official also said that keeping relations open is crucial to managing the two nations' relationship and their competition responsibly. He added that it would also help minimize the risk of miscalculation that could veer the two sides into conflict.

He said there have been some sporadic engagements between the United States and China's defense establishments in the last few months. However, he stressed the need for a sustained mil-mil dialogue and the communication channels, said CNN.

Related Article: Xi Jinping Kicks Off New Plan for Belt and Road Initiative To Address Chip Restrictions

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Zacarie Isayah Johnson, 24, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in Georgia on Oct. 10, according to officials. Johnson was transported to Marion County Monday and charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of carjacking, two counts of kidnapping, one count of armed robbery and one count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Natural gas Photographer: Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg (Bloomberg)

By Yongchang Chin, Stephen Stapczynski and Elizabeth Low

(Bloomberg)  Singapore will centralize natural gas purchases in a bid to improve the stability and security of its power sector.

The nation will aggregate demand from generating companies, which will create economies of scale and allow Singapore to negotiate more favorable gas contracting terms and procure fuel from diverse sources, Minister for Trade & Industry Gan Kim Yong said at the Singapore International Energy Week conference.

This is a fundamental shift in our approach toward gas procurement, he said. We believe that this is necessary to create a more stable and secure power system that will ultimately benefit the consumers and also the gencos themselves.

Singapore uses natural gas for 95% of its power generation, and has previously given LNG procurement to firms including Pavilion Energy Pte and Shell Plc. The Energy Market Authority will consult on the details of the plans in the coming months, Gan said.

LNG spot market news:

KUFPEC Australia, a unit of Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Co., offers an LNG cargo for Dec. 20-23 loading from Australias Wheatstone project

Algerias Sonatrach plans to offer to sell an LNG cargo for Oct. 29-30 loading

Eni SpA signed a 27-year liquefied natural gas deal with QatarEnergy, marking the Gulf nations third major contract with a European firm this month

Eesti Gaas, a private energy company serving the Baltic region and Finland, will bring an additional LNG cargo from the US in the second half of November to meet Finlands gas demand

Japanese power producer Jera Co. and Kyushu Electric Power Co. signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on development of renewable energy, hydrogen and ammonia supply chain and fuel supply cooperation

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Tents for Palestinians seeking refuge are set up on the grounds of a UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees centre in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 19, 2023 (MAHMUD HAMS)

The sight of tent cities for Palestinians displaced within war-torn Gaza evokes dark historical memories for Israel's Arab neighbours, especially Egypt and Jordan.

"That's how the Nakba started," says the Gaza-based rights group Al Mezan, reflecting regional suspicions that Israel is planning to empty the coastal territory.

The Nakba, or "catastrophe", is how the Arab world refers to the exodus or forced displacement of 760,000 Palestinians in the war that led to the creation of Israel 75 years ago.

The fear of history repeating itself has been stoked as Israel has waged war on Hamas since the Islamist group killed 1,400 people in the October 7 attack on southern Israel.

The Gaza Strip is mostly populated by Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who have now endured over two weeks of withering bombardment that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed over 5,000 people.

So Israeli warnings to evacuate the north of the territory ahead of a looming ground invasion have raised deeper historical fears, with one million Gazans already forced out of their homes.

The only possible way out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Egypt has allowed aid convoys into Gaza through Rafah after Israel stopped bombing the Palestinian side under a US-brokered deal -- but there has been no mass flight of refugees heading the other way.

Egypt fears that throwing open the gates could facilitate Israeli plans for a forced mass eviction of Palestinians, many of whom are now homeless, sleeping in the open or sheltered in UN tents.

The Gaza-based Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said: "When we see the tents at the border today, it should give the chills to anyone who know Palestinian history -- the tents, that's how the Nakba started.

"Most of the people would rather die in Gaza than being made a refugee again."

- Security implications -

Israel has stressed its eviction order for northern Gaza aims to get Palestinian civilians out of harm's way as it goes after Hamas and hopes to rescue more than 220 hostages.

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But the suspicion Israel is planning a mass eviction has been reinforced by former Israeli officials who have suggested in TV interviews that Egypt could build vast tent cities in its Sinai desert, with international funding.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stressed that Israel as an occupying force has responsibility for Palestinian civilians under international law.

"If the idea is forced displacement, there is the Negev," he said, referring to the desert lands of southern Israel.

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas have warned that if Israel managed to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, it may want to do the same in the occupied West Bank in future.

Egypt -- which has long suppressed the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas's Islamist ally -- also has reason to fear the security implications of hosting displaced Gazans on its territory.

The presence of Palestinians refugees and militant groups has previously pulled their host countries into conflict -- Jordan in the 1970s and Lebanon in the 1980s.

In Jordan, home to many Palestinians, the late King Hussein in the 1970s accused Palestinian fedayeen fighters of building a "state within a state" and seeking to take over the country.

- Sinai a 'red line' -

To prevent this, Jordan's Black September offensive drove Yasser Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization to leave Jordan for Lebanon.

Lebanon's Christian parties had the same suspicion and fought the PLO during the civil war. Arafat and his fighters were forced to leave in the wake of Israel's full-scale invasion of Lebanon in 1982.

The PLO leadership dispersed to Tunisia and Yemen, while the occupied Palestinian territories were gripped by the first intifada or uprising from 1987.

The 1993 Oslo Accords were meant to usher in a Palestinian state, but that dream fizzled and serious talks have stalled for the past decade.

The idea of a substitute Palestinian homeland resurfaced under former US president Donald Trump, whose peace plan, rejected as biased by Palestinians, proposed an industrial zone in the Sinai to create jobs for Gazans.

Cairo too would dismiss it out of hand, analysts say.

"The Sinai is a red line for the Egyptians," said political scientist Sarah Daoud, who stressed that "this was already the case under Hosni Mubarak", the former president deposed in 2011.

"For Egypt, its territorial integrity is non-negotiable," she said.

The Sinai Peninsula, which Israel occupied from 1967, was the site of battles in which many Egyptian soldiers died, before Cairo regained it under its 1979 peace deal with Israel.

Sisi has warned that, if at some future stage Palestinian armed groups based on its lands were to attack Israel, that historic peace "will melt in our hands".

burs-sbh/fz/kir
From Vegas impersonators to Oscar-nominated performances, Elvis Presley has more than received his due in pop culture. Now, after decades in his shadow, Priscilla Beaulieu Presley gets the Hollywood treatment herself.

Sofia Coppola writes and directs off Priscilla's own memoir Elvis and Me, turning her auteurial discernment for the isolation and loneliness of girlhood to the complicated romance of Priscilla and Elvis. When we first meet Priscilla, she's only 14 years old, sporting a spunky ponytail and doing her homework at a soda fountain. Living on a military base with her family in Germany, she scores an invite to a party at Presley's residence, setting in motion the relationship that would come to define her life.

Coppola charts the insidious ways in which Presley grooms and isolates the teenage Priscilla until she has no agency over her own life. At first, he's the perfect gentleman, delivering her home by curfew nightly, restricting intimacy to hugs and chaste kisses, and striving to win over her parents. But once Elvis gets Priscilla to Graceland, he begins to dictate everything from the clothes she wears to the color of her hair. Priscilla can't help falling in love with Elvis, but as he grows increasingly distant and she finds her own voice as a woman, she begins to see the limits of the life he's built for her.

Priscilla

A24 Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley and Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley in 'Priscilla'

Priscilla is by no means a perfect film, but it's refreshing for its mere existence  and few could have tackled the subject matter with as much nuance as Coppola. In last year's Elvis, the character of Priscilla was reduced to a simpering bouffant, and here, she is a fully realized human being (a notion furthered by the fact that Presley herself is a producer).

Working with production designer Tamara Deverell, Coppola crafts a precise, pink prison for Priscilla from the film's opening shots that hyper-focus on a plush flamingo-colored carpet and Priscilla's matching toenails to the careful application of her signature winged eyeliner that is the embodiment of Taylor Swift lyric, "Cat eye sharp enough to kill a man." A fitting parallel given both women's business acumen and ability to commodify and interrogate the expectations of femininity.

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That's precisely what Coppola is seeking to do here. As she has done with everything from The Virgin Suicides to Marie Antoinette, Coppola is a filmmaker who portrays girlhood on the Venus razor's edge. In her hands, girls are feral, capricious creatures, isolated by the porcelain perfection of their beauty and societal expectations that stand at odds with the raging desires and imaginings inside their heads. That is exactly who Priscilla is when we meet her here  a child fumbling toward her idea of what is to be a grown-up.

Priscilla

Sabrina Lantos/A24 Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in 'Priscilla'

We follow her life with Elvis from their first meeting when she was 14 to their split when she was 28. That's a wide age range to assign to one actor, but Cailee Spaeny is preternatural in her ability to believably move from naive teen to self-possessed woman. Spaeny transforms from the portrait of teenage innocence into Elvis' Pygmalion, before finally arriving at a place of maturation and authenticity. She sells that gradual arc  represented so precisely through Priscilla's physical trappings of hair, fashion, and make-up  with graceful subtlety.

She's matched by Jacob Elordi's Elvis, a portrait of the "king" that feels antithetical to nearly every other representation of him that Hollywood has devised. Elordi, who is having a hell of a year with the one-two punch of this and Saltburn, never gives us Elvis the icon. Coppola doesn't let him. Yes, he's got the distinctive Memphis drawl and the shoe-polish black hair, but our only glimpse of him as a performer is one shot of him from behind in his Vegas-era white jumpsuit. Instead, Elordi creates an Elvis who is more petulant and immature than the actual teenager he's dating. People will surely be eager to compare his performance to Austin Butler's Oscar-nominated turn in Elvis, but it's a futile exercise given how utterly different their assignments are.

There's a soulfulness to Elordi's portrayal, too; it's not difficult to see why Priscilla would be enamored with an older, famous man doting on her and claiming she was the only girl who could understand him. This rendering of Elvis makes it clear that it was his loneliness and lost boy energy that drew him to Priscilla in the first place. In his more tender scenes, he is equally a child, a boy who has lost his mother and who surrounds himself with rough-housing good old boys. But Elordi's towering 6'5" frame (overshadowing Elvis' reported six-foot height) helps him turn on a jukebox dime, the lost little boy lashing out with a menace laced with the brutality of 1950s notions of manhood.

Priscilla

Ken Woroner/A24 Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in 'Priscilla'

At its heart, Priscilla is a story of loneliness  the peculiar, bottomless brand of it that comes only with the experience of being more image than individual. Overseas in Germany, it is their homesickness that first unites Priscilla and Elvis, but it is that same gnawing sense of abandonment that ultimately drives them apart. Once she relocates to Memphis, Priscilla is not permitted to form bonds with her peers because of her ties to Elvis. But her schoolwork also isolates her from the adults who surround her. Slowly but surely, Elvis seeks to eliminate any original thought she might have  dictating what she wears, how she styles her hair, teaching her to shoot, and worst of all, indoctrinating her into his pharmaceutical routine of uppers and downers. He builds her a gilded cage constructed out of hairspray, eyeliner, and amphetamines.

She becomes his doll, dressing in lacy, satin nighties and taking boudoir photos that replicate a cliched idea of sexuality rather than a moment of connection that is in any way sexy. With heartbreaking clarity, Spaeny showcases the ways in which Priscilla becomes an image of love and marriage for Elvis to project to the world, particularly in a moment when she applies her eyeliner with a chilling serenity while actively in labor.

Priscilla

Sabrina Lantos/A24 Cailee Spaeny in 'Priscilla'

But while Priscilla nails its first two acts and the sparks of rebellion that will ultimately enable Priscilla to set herself free, it doesn't dig deep enough in its third act. It sidesteps well-documented affairs Priscilla had, which is neither here nor there. But most crucially, it gives us no clear sense of how or why Priscilla finds herself. "You're losing me to a life of my own," she tells Elvis when she asks to be released from their marriage. But we scarcely get a sense of that, outside of some brief scenes of karate lessons and dinners with friends.

Priscilla, as she is now, is a force to be reckoned with  immediately following their divorce, she opened her own clothing boutique. It is Priscilla who has kept the flame of Elvis' legacy burning, as the founder and president of Elvis Presley Enterprises, following his death. While that version of her was undoubtedly unearthed via gradual awakening, it's disappointing to see Priscilla's journey toward agency given short shrift in her own story.

Coppola wants us to understand the ways in which Priscilla became as much a creative project as one of Elvis' songs or films, and she does so ingeniously. Elvis, likely via Colonel Parker (who is nothing more than an offscreen presence here), grooms Priscilla to sell a particular brand of domesticity and womanhood. But Coppola glosses over what makes Priscilla most interesting: the ways in which the woman found ways to maintain her association with Elvis while also fully becoming her own person.

Priscilla

Sabrina Lantos/A24 Cailee Spaeny in 'Priscilla'

The final scene of the film, brilliantly accompanied by Dolly Parton's original rendition of "I Will Always Love You"  a song Elvis sang to Priscilla the day they divorced  captures the never-ending bond between Elvis and Priscilla and the complexities of their relationship. It is true that in so many ways the love between them never died. But it's clear that Priscilla also learned to love herself, and Coppola's film is missing the spark of that journey in its third act.

Priscilla took the lessons she learned from Elvis' manipulation and control and subverted them to her own ends (she is the one, after all, who had the strength to sever their more toxic ties in spite of that enduring love); that is the stuff of a hero's journey, yet it is not part of Coppola's tale. Priscilla is incisive in its portrayal of its central relationship, but it needs a little less conversation, a little more action when it comes to its heroine's path to self-determination. Grade: B

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SAC CITY, Iowa -- A Lytton, Iowa, man has pleaded guilty of having sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl.

Antonio Pharms, 38, entered his plea Monday in Sac County District Court to four counts of lascivious acts with a child. Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 6.

According to terms of a plea agreement filed Monday, will receive a 40-year prison sentence. Four counts of second-degree sexual abuse will be dismissed.

Pharms is charged with performing sex acts with the girl on four occasions in April and May inside and outside her home.

The Sac County Sheriff's Office began an investigation on June 30, when the girl's father learned of messages between Pharms and his daughter.

Pharms was arrested later that day on a charge of violating a no contact order in an unrelated case.

During a subsequent interview at the Child Advocacy Center in Waterloo, Iowa, the girl said he had had sexual contact with Pharms.
DAKOTA CITY  Having another person fire a gun at you is something no one should have to deal with, Mitchell Conklin said.

Yet, because Richard Germek fired a shot at him and threatened other first responders, the South Sioux City police officer said, July 22, 2022, is a day he and others who were with him will never forget.

"Although I don't lose sleep at night, I'd be lying if I said I don't think about it every day," Conklin said Tuesday at Germek's sentencing hearing in Dakota County District Court.

Germek, 62, who pleaded no contest in September to attempted use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, criminal attempt and terroristic threats, was sentenced to 10-25 years in prison for the incident, in which police and emergency personnel had responded to a call about a possible overdose in an apartment at 320 E. 12th St. in South Sioux City.

Paramedics who arrived prior to police evacuated the apartment once Germek brandished a gun. Police officers made contact with Germek inside his apartment and ordered him to drop the weapon before he fired at one of the officers. An officer returned fire and struck Germek, who was then taken to a Sioux City hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

No officers were injured.

Germek declined the chance to speak before he was sentenced. His attorney, Louvontree Hunter, had asked for a prison sentence of no longer than three years, saying Germek is a military veteran who has post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues, along with health problems. Germek uses a wheelchair and was breathing with the assistance of what appeared to be an oxygen tank. Germek tends to self-medicate with alcohol rather than seek professional help for his mental health issues, Hunter said.

"It's a perfect example of why guns and alcohol don't mix," District Judge Bryan Meismer said.

Meismer said he empathized with Germek, who may have been failed by a system set up to help veterans. But the judge also said Germek put the lives of police officers and first responders in danger that night.

"It's just a sad situation. I'm thankful no one died," Meismer said.

According to terms of a plea agreement, Assistant Dakota County Attorney Sarah Hammond did not make a sentencing recommendation. Charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of a short rifle or short shotgun, obstructing a peace officer and disturbing the peace were dismissed as part of the agreement.
LE MARS, Iowa  Never Back Down, the super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential run, announced Iowa state Rep. Tom Jeneary, a Republican from Le Mars, has become the 41st Iowa legislator to endorse DeSantis for president.

Florida Gov. and GOP Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis discussed Israel and other hot topic issues during a campaign stop at the Blue Bunny Ic

Governor DeSantis has led with conviction and strength on every issue from Israel to fighting COVID lockdowns and beyond, Jeneary said in a statement released by the pro-DeSantis super PAC. Here in Iowa, hes been able to meet Iowans in 80 counties, including a visit to Le Mars, and hes earned my support.
SIOUX CITY  When Bob Scott falls ill and can't lead a City Council meeting, or a prior commitment prevents Sioux City's longest-serving mayor from attending a community event, Dan Moore steps up to the plate and assumes Scott's duties.

As mayor pro tempore (pro tem), Moore acts as a vice mayor or a second in command. He's happy to deliver remarks at an event, or wield the mayor's gavel when needed.

Moore, a Sioux City attorney, was elected to his third four-year term on the City Council in 2021.

He chatted with the Journal for our latest installment of "Five Questions."

How long have you served as mayor pro tem?

"I happen to know exactly how long, because I've enjoyed every minute of it. I was appointed by Mayor Bob Scott in January of 2016 -- Jan. 4, to be exact. And I've served as mayor pro tem, as the mayor's appointment, finishing up on eight years. We'll see what the next two years bring. I'm in the middle of my third term on the City Council. And so, we'll decide if I continue on for two more years for 2024 and 2025. I'd very much like to, but that's the mayor's choice."

How did you become mayor pro tem?

"I think I'm a very good council member. I try to give council members and the mayor the pros and cons of any matter that we have before us. And I like to think I do my homework and read the materials and come to the meetings very prepared. So, I think the mayor must have seen that in me. And, even though he and I do not agree on all the issues, I think the mayor thought I would make a good mayor pro tem and asked me if I would be willing to serve. I said, 'Yes,' right away."

What would you say was the most significant event or time you had to fill in for Mayor Scott?

"A lot of people will ask me, 'What is the mayor pro tem? What's the mayor pro tem do?' How I respond is that I fill in whenever the mayor is unable to come to an event, speak at an event, run a council meeting and anything that comes along the way. When the mayor is unavailable, I fill in. I've made that commitment to him and to the council that any time that would arise, I will fill in. Everybody knows this about Mayor Bob Scott -- he doesn't miss anything. I don't know how he does it, but he attends very many activities, a lot of meetings. He just covers a lot, so there's some months when I really don't need to do anything as a mayor pro tem. I'm very busy as a council member, but as mayor pro tem, I don't need to do a lot. A lot of my duties and my service involve if the mayor is suddenly unable to make a meeting, and we've had that a couple times. But, luckily, I prepare for our council meetings. And so, it's never shaken me, or I've never been unnerved, because, at the last minute, I might get a call from the City Manager at two o'clock in the afternoon with a message that the mayor had something come up that he needs to attend to and he won't be able to be at our meeting today. That seldom happens, but when it does, I need to step in and do a good job."

Did you fill in for Mayor Scott during the commissioning of the USS Sioux City?

"That's a very significant event. During the course of the night, the mayor took ill and was unable to attend the USS Sioux City ceremonies. So, I was able to step in. Now, there was a situation where I was a little bit nervous, because we were limited on the time for remarks. I did not have any kind of a speech prepared. Everything I said during that ceremony was how everything came together. Luckily, I had met with a lot of the Navy personnel. I had been very active in the functions that they had prior to that ceremony on Saturday morning. So, I was prepared with my thoughts, but nothing in writing. I stepped in. People told me I did a good job. I'm really proud to represent the City of Sioux City, and I'm really proud to represent the mayor and the City Council."

What are the perks of being mayor pro tem?

"When I think of perks, it's like what do I get that other council members may not receive, or even going broader than that, what do citizens not receive. And, really, I think it's having the recognition that I'm doing a good job representing the city, and people tell me that. When it comes to being a council member on my votes, I'll get some constructive criticism of why I should have voted the other way. But as far as serving as mayor pro tem, for the most part, I get very good compliments, and that's important to me because I want to do a professional job for our citizens and for our city."

2022 City Council oath of office ceremony (copy) Dan Moore, named Sioux City mayor pro tem, holds a gavel given to him by former city councilman Dr. David Paulsrud, while speaking following a
SIOUX CITY  A distributor of construction and mining equipment is a step closer to relocating its Sioux City operations to Expedition Business Park by Sioux Gateway Airport.

The City Council voted 4 to 0 Monday to approve a resolution to set a public hearing concerning the proposed amending of the Donner Park Urban Renewal Plan. Councilman Matthew O'Kane was absent from the meeting.

Amending the plan will allow the council to consider a development and minimum assessment agreement with Road Machinery & Supplies Co.

This past summer, Road Machinery & Supplies Co. expressed interest in purchasing land in the Expedition Business Park at the intersection of Al Haynes Drive and Discovery Boulevard for a new location for their Sioux City operation. The Minnesota-based company currently has a location at 1400 Lewis Blvd.

As part of the project, the company proposes to purchase the 11.47-acre parcel from the city and construct a 10,080-square-foot facility. The facility will include offices, high bay space for servicing equipment, a wash bay and space for outdoor storage of equipment and machinery.

The proposed purchase price is $37,897 per acre for a total price of $434,679.

The project will retain six existing jobs. The company will likely add new employees as Road Machinery & Supplies Co. expands its presence in the region, according to city documents.

The council's passage of the resolution initiates a required 30-day hearing period. During that period, other proposals could submitted to the city. A public hearing will be held on Nov. 27 to evaluate all proposals received.

If no other proposals are received, a development agreement between the city and Road Machinery & Supplies Co. will be presented to the council for consideration immediately following the public hearing.

A potential development agreement would include the sale of land along Al Haynes Drive and property tax rebates to assist with the project. The city's assistance would not exceed $800,000, according to the documents.

The documents stated that the city will see immediate revenue through the proceeds of the land sale and will also see increased tax revenue through new development on the site.

In other action

Sioux City wastewater treatment plant The Sioux City wastewater treatment plant is shown in this 2022 file photo.

The City Council also voted to authorize adjustments to the sewer rates for outside municipalities and outside improvement districts.

The rate increases are needed to provide revenue for the wastewater treatment plant facility improvements plan project. The improvements are intended to be implemented across two phases, with a potential third future growth-driven phase. The cost of all three phases is estimated at $470 million.

Before the vote, Mayor Pro Tem Dan Moore asked Tom Pingel, the city's utility director in charge of the plant, to confirm that the other four municipalities -- Dakota Dunes, North Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff and South Sioux City -- are aware of the adjustments and that the City of Sioux City has been working with and listening to those municipalities. Pingel noted that the sister cities are well aware.

Rates will increase from $3.077 per 1,000 gallons to $4.062, effective July 1, 2024. Then, rates will increase to $4.183 on July 1, 2025 and to $4.309 on July 1, 2026.

In May, in spite of objections from the business community, the council approved the final reading of a residential, commercial and industrial sewer rate hike to help fund a rebuild of the plant, which has a history of compliance issues with the state. In January of 2022, the Iowa DNR filed suit against the city over alleged repeated environmental violations, which dated back to March 2012.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan finally sends Sweden's NATO application to parliament for ratification after a months-long stalemate over the process.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the presidency said that Erdogan signed the protocol on Sweden's NATO Accession on Oct. 23, 2023. It was then referred to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Turkey Moves To Ratify Sweden's NATO Application

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerrson hailed Erdogan's move, adding that parliamentary procedures can now begin. He said that they are looking forward to becoming an official member of the global military alliance.

The latest development comes after Turkey has blocked Sweden's bid to join NATO since last year. Ankara criticized Stockholm for allegedly harboring Turkish opposition groups that Erdogan's government considers "terrorists."

In July, the Turkish president agreed to send Sweden's bid to the parliament following a deal that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg brokered. However, according to Politico, Turkish parliamentarians have revived calls for "anti-terrorism" measures in Sweden in the last few weeks, which complicates the situation.

A Western diplomat said it remains unclear how long it would take for the Turkish lawmakers to ratify Sweden's NATO application. Stockholm submitted its application to join the global military alliance alongside Finland in May 2022. This broke a longstanding tradition of non-alignment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

While Finland has since joined the alliance, Sweden's application has been held up by Ankara and Hungary. While the bill's passage should be a formality, Erdogan is known for holding out on Sweden's application to extract concessions from the United States. These include the sale of F-16s to Ankara, a deal held up in the US Senate.

Read Also: US Stands With Philippines in Worsening South China Sea Conflict With China

Erdogan has also demanded that Sweden tighten up on the extradition of Kurdish asylum seekers who are living in the region. Turkish officials have insisted that the steps Stockholm had taken to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party militia were insufficient.

The Hungarian leadership is closely aligned with Ankara and maintains a relationship with Msocow. According to The Guardian, it has sent mixed signals about why it has continued to hold up Sweden's application to join NATO.

Ending a Months-Long Stalemate

There were times when the Hungarian government argued that it was only a "technical" issue but at other times brought up complaints about Stockholm unfairly criticizing the state of Hungarian democracy.

Many observers of the developments assumed that Hungary was hiding behind Turkey and did not want itself to be exposed as the only NATO member that blocked Sweden's accession to the global military alliance.

In a statement, Stoltenberg said he was looking forward to a speedy vote to ratify Sweden's application to join NATO. He also revealed that when he talked with Erdogan over the weekend, he told the Turkish president that Stockholm becoming a member would only make the whole alliance even stronger and more secure.

Sweden has assured that it would help revive Turkey's quest to join the European Union. Under the deal, NATO agrees to address Ankara's concerns about terrorism. According to Yahoo News, Stoltenberg also noted that he had appointed an assistant secretary general to serve as his special coordinator for counter-terrorism.

Related Article: Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi To Visit Washington To Pave Way for Biden-Xi Meeting

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
SIOUX CITY  Jim McKenzie didn't expect it.

When the 77-year-old Sioux City resident decided he'd rid his house of costumes he spent more than 40 years collecting, by selling them online, he didn't anticipate becoming some sort of locally viral hit. McKenzie, who did union boilermaker work for 32 years, simply hoped he'd free up some space for himself and his wife, Nancy. If he made a few bucks in the process that would be all right.

The "for sale" posts McKenzie has made to Facebook groups such as "Sioux City Swap" have done more than help him clear out his wardrobe and make some dough though. His posts, which tend to feature the white-haired and mustachioed McKenzie modeling costumes that are decades old, have garnered dozens upon dozens of comments, hundreds of shares and thousands of views. It's been endearing enough to members of the online community in Sioux City that there are even appreciation posts about his seasonal project.

"Everybody has been super nice and its been a little bit overwhelming because I did not start to create any kind of attention or anything," Jim McKenzie said.

Jim McKenzie - Pirate Jim McKenzie said he's been collecting costumes, such as this pirate outfit, for more than 40 years.

Going back a long ways

McKenzie's had an affinity for costumes and Halloween for as long as he can recall. He said years ago he'd make routine trips to the now-defunct Globe Theatrical Supply to rent various getups from the store. Because he was such a frequent patron of Globe Theatrical, McKenzie said he became good friends with the owners and then would often be the first to snatch up ensembles when they were put out for clearance.

"And I collected them over a 40 year span. Some people collect stamps. I collect costumes," Jim McKenzie said.

Well before he was showcasing ninja, pirate and riverboat gambler outfits for sale online, McKenzie would appear at various Sioux City-area functions in character. In 1976, he said he walked in the Sioux City River Cade Parade as Uncle Sam. And he continued doing it for years after. Once McKenzie's son Casey was old enough, he'd join his dad on the stilts the uniform required.

For St. Patrick's Day, McKenzie said he'd put on "leprechaun catcher" garb and appear at Bryant Elementary where his wife, Nancy, who's retired, taught kindergarten. In years when the Irish celebration has fallen on a Sunday, Jim and Nancy make sure to stand at the front door of their church and dole out goodies.

When it came time for Halloween, the most-vaunted of all costumed holidays, the McKenzies would dress as a wizard and a witch, stand around a foggy steel cauldron and jokingly tell trick-or-treating youths to watch out lest they be used as ingredients for some sort of nefarious stew.

"Basically, hes the entertainer and Im the sidekick. I never was real outgoing and hes made me more outgoing," Nancy McKenzie said.

Nancy, who's been married to Jim for 36 years, said the costume collection was already quite extensive when the couple first met. Sizable enough she couldn't put a number on how many pieces her husband had.

"I just know it was a lot," Nancy McKenzie said.

She's actually something of a collector herself. Nancy said she has a prominent collection of wooden giraffes from Kenya in her home and 12 or so scarecrows she proudly displays for autumn.

"I went to the zoo and was watching the giraffes and one was real close to me and he put his tongue out to get a leaf and I fell in love with them," Nancy McKenzie said about her stock.

Within Jim's supply of outfits, Nancy's quick to mention the wizard and witch as favorites. As well as the Uncle Sam duds which she had a matching Betsy Ross for. And a vintage poodle skirt she'd put on to complement her husband's Central High School sweater and jeans.

As for Jim? He has a special fondness for a yellow rabbit costume he built for Casey. It had a head with floppy ears and a vest.

Jim McKenzie - Ninja Jim McKenzie, dressed her as a ninja, said he's sold about 20 outfits from his decades-old collection since he first started to post about it 

Parting ways

"I just parted with that one yesterday," Jim McKenzie said about the rabbit attire.

It's one of about 20 he's managed to sell since he started posting pieces of his costume collection on Facebook. A substantial amount of them, Jim McKenzie said, have never been warn either because they weren't his size or he just couldn't find a use for them.

Jim only started seriously trying to move the units in the past month or so once Nancy suggested it would be smart to make a push before Halloween.

The first raiment Jim posted had a devil's hood with horns and a belt.

"I didnt ask for much for it," Jim McKenzie said. "It sat there all this time and people have commented on it like crazy and Im mailing the package out to Sioux Falls today. That costume's has had 6,555 clicks on it," he noted.

It also was one of several getups to appear in a Facebook post that ratcheted up awareness of Jim's venture.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Sioux City resident Kolby Nibbelink said in a Facebook post to the group "What in the Sioux City is that!?: "No matter how hard things have been for you lately, lets all just take a moment to appreciate the great Jim McKenzie, the man whos been showcasing Halloween costumes hes selling on Sioux City swap pages. I dont know you personally Jim but you are a treasure to our city. If you know this man, please tell him hes made my day and hes made the days of many in Sioux City."

Since it went up, Nibbelink's post has netted nearly 700 reactions, more than 40 comments and 30-plus shares.

He said he first came across Jim McKenzie's Dracula post.

"I immediately showed my cousin the post as I enjoyed that he actually put the cape on to show it off instead of just laying it on the ground and taking a picture like most people do," Nibbelink said.

Over the next days, Nibbelink said he began spotting more and more of Jim McKenzie's work. Each time he saw one, he'd share it with his family. It got to a point where Nibbelink decided he should celebrate the efforts with a post.

"I didn't expect to wake up with over 200 likes on the post the next morning," Nibbelink said.

As the comments kept rolling in, Nibbelink eventually got a friend request and message from Jim McKenzie. It said, in part, "I am deeply humbled by your message, I put these costumes up for sale not expecting anyone to get any enjoyment from the post. Not only did I not expect it, but I didn't even know people were enjoying it till you put up that post. I just wanted to thank you for that moment of discovery, you are the true treasure in my eyes."

Some of those comments have come from former students of Nancy McKenzie's.

"It has gone way over what he (Jim) expected and I never expected that either," she said.

Nancy can't quite explain it.

And neither can Jim. Though he has an idea.

"I think it's just the fact that it's not just dressing up to me. It's what you do after you dress up."
"If Rufus is, indeed, a good dog, then this case should be settled out of court."

 Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard, in remarks granting a Randolph, Nebraska woman an injunction prohibiting the city from enforcing its dangerous dog ordinance against her and her emotional support dog

"The park, three years ago, broke even, and that was kind of always our goal. Two years ago, we recovered 93% of our expense. This year, we recovered 78% of our expense."

 Sioux City Recreation Supervisor John Byrnes, on the possible first-ever admission fee increase at Cone Park

"I don't know. I'm shocked. I mean, I've been around a long time. You would've thought somebody would have made the move."

 Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott, on his surprise that no one is challenging him for re-election

The barbaric terrorist attack carried out by Hamas has shocked and grieved the entire world. But theyve also strengthened the resolve of Iowans to stand unapologetically with Israel against its enemy.

 Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, speaking at a rededication of the Iowa Holocaust Memorial on the Iowa State Capitol grounds

"We can all make a difference. Had more people spoken up in the 1930s and '40s, and protested what was happening, I think we wouldn't be standing here in an exhibit about six million Jews who have been murdered."

 Historian Rebecca Erbelding, during a visit to the Holocaust Rails Exhibit at the Sioux City Railroad Museum

People pull them up and take them. Kind of like pink flamingos in your yard, theyll litter somebodys yard with yard signs."

 Sioux City Community School Board President Dan Greenwell, on the theft of his and several other local candidates' yard signs

Drugs are flowing into our communities, women and children are being trafficked, and mass numbers of illegal aliens are being released into our country with court dates more than a decade into the future."

 Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, in a written statement after she joined a multi-state letter of Republican attorneys general asking President Joe Biden to change his administration's immigration policies
The super PACs backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley have released dueling ads in Iowa and New Hampshire in a growing foreign policy feud between the 2024 Republic presidential rivals as the race for a distant second place behind GOP primary front-runner and former President Donald Trump intensifies.

Never Back Down, the super PAC backing DeSantis' presidential run, began airing a TV ad over the weekend running on broadcast statewide in Iowa and in New Hampshire slamming Haley for bringing Chinese businesses into South Carolina when she served as governor of the Palmetto State.

The ad references China Jushi, a global manufacturer and promoter of fiberglass products, which invested $300 million in 2016 to build its first U.S. plant on 200 acres in Columbia, S.C., and brought in at least 400 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The ad refers to China Jushi as a "Communist Party-owned high tech company" and notes the proximity of its plant to a U.S. Army training center.

China Jushi is partially owned by a Chinese government enterprise whose leadership has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinese capital investment in South Carolina more than doubled from $308 million in 2011 when Haley took over as governor to nearly $669 million in 2015, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The ad features a clip of Haley touting that Chinese firms "wanna do business in South Carolina." It also shows a clip of Haley from a 2017 CBS News interview about China signing on to U.S. sanctions on North Korea, saying China is "really in good faith doing quite a bit. They are a really great friend of ours.

As a presidential candidate, Haley has called China the "number one biggest national security threat." On the campaign trail, she has said she would take back U.S. soil China had already purchased, and would revoke normal trade relations with China until it halts the flow of fentanyl that has contributed to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths in the United States.

China is a major producer of the chemicals that are required to create fentanyl, which is frequently smuggled over the U.S.-Mexico border.

The super PAC supporting Haleys bid for the White House, Stand For America, Inc., has made her hawkish stance on China a centerpiece in multiple ads.

In May, DeSantis signed a ban in Florida on Chinese nationals from purchasing farmland and land near U.S. military bases and a ban of TikTok and WeChat, Chinese-owned social media apps, on government devices. In September, he directed the state's department of education to revoke school choice scholarships from four schools, claiming they had "direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party."

Asked about the Chinese land acquisitions during a town hall Friday in Cedar Rapids, Haley defended her record and noted that its not uncommon for governors to seek and tout foreign investments that create new jobs and bolster the state's workforce.

There is not another governor in this race that hasnt worked to recruit Chinese companies, Ron DeSantis included, Haley said.

Aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft Ltd. added two training centers in central Florida in 2022. The company is owned by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, a company sanctioned by the United States.

Yes, we recruited fiberglass companies. Yes, we recruited other companies. And thats what we did to bring jobs, Haley said in Cedar Rapids. Every governor in this country has done the same thing, just as everyone of you has Chinese products in your home. The difference is now we know exactly what theyre doing, how theyre doing it and what we need to do to stop it.  What Im talking about now is how we deal with (China) today, because thats what matters.

Haley PAC slams DeSantis over Gaza refugee remarks

SFA Fund, the super PAC supporting Haleys campaign, released its own ad slamming DeSantis for throwing mud at Haley and mischaracterizing her stance on admitting Gaza refugees into the United States.

Haley repeatedly has refuted DeSantis' claim of her support for accepting Gaza refugees, noting numerous media outlets (CNN, National Review, Semafor, Newsmax and others) have fact checked the claim and found it inaccurately depicts a comment Haley made during a recent interview with CNN host Jake Tapper.

Nikki Haley opposes the U.S. taking in Gazans. She thinks Hamas-supporting countries like Iran, Qatar, and Turkey should take any refugees, Haley campaign spokesperson Ken Farnaso said.

As governor, Haley fought against efforts to settle Syrian refugees in South Carolina in the wake of 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. As UN. Ambassador, Haley defended the Trump administrations ban on allowing Syrian refugees displaced due to the countrys civil war into the United States, and clashed with State Department officials over her push to slash funding for the U.N.s Palestinian refugee agency.

Haley told more than 100 potential caucusgoers at The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids on Friday that she previously warned world leaders about Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, and its plans to cross over into Israel and "kill as many Jews as they possible could in the shortest amount of time.

Haley delivered a speech to the U.N. five years ago about Hamas' maps that listed the first Israeli communities they could go and hit once the group got past Israel's Gaza border fence  a warning, she added, that has now come to fruition.

Haleys campaign on Friday released a video labeling DeSantis desperate for attacking her. When asked about her stance on accepting Palestinian refugees during a town hall in Pella on Saturday, Haley used the opportunity to take a dig at DeSantis, The Des Moines Register reported.

God bless Ron DeSantis, because he continues to try and bring up this refugee situation, Haley said.   He can keep doing it, but thats what happens when a campaign starts to spiral out.

DeSantis picks up endorsement from Iowa lawmaker

Never Back Down announced Iowa state Rep. Tom Jeneary, a Republican from Le Mars, has become the 41st Iowa legislator to endorse DeSantis for president.

Governor DeSantis has led with conviction and strength on every issue from Israel to fighting COVID lockdowns and beyond, Jeneary said in a statement released by the pro-DeSantis super PAC. Here in Iowa, hes been able to meet Iowans in 80 counties, including a visit to Le Mars, and hes earned my support.

Iowa City teachers endorse school board candidates

The Iowa City Education Association, which represents more than 700 teachers and paraeducators working in the Iowa City Community School District, recently announced its endorsement of Molly Abraham, Charlie Eastham, Mitch Lingo and Lisa Williams in the Nov. 7 school board election.

Our endorsed candidates are talented community members who have demonstrated their rock-solid support for students and staff as well as an unwavering commitment to public schools, association President Brady Shutt said in a statement. At a time when public schools are facing considerable challenges, ICEA is confident that our endorsed candidates are the best leaders for our district because of their commitment to the strong, collaborative partnerships that are the foundation for our collective success.

The endorsed candidates completed questionnaires and interviews with the ICEA Executive Board and Building Representative Council.

Candidate responses to the ICEA questionnaire can be found at the Iowa City Education Associations website in the News, Calendars, Updates section.
After the states first case of bird flu this fall was recorded late last week in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County in Northwest Iowa, two additional cases were reported Monday.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture said the new cases are in a commercial turkey flock in Pocahontas County and a mixed-species backyard flock in Guthrie County.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday immediately issued a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County, her office announced. The proclamation makes available resources from the state Agriculture and Homeland Security departments, plus other agencies, to assist with managing the disease and preventing its spread.

Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Monday for Pocahantas County, making available the same state resources to assist with tracking and monitoring, containment, disposal and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.

Before Friday, the only other bird flu cases confirmed this year were in January  also in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County  and in March in a backyard flock in Chickasaw County.

There were 30 confirmed cases of bird flu in Iowa in 2022, according to state records.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent cases of bird flu do not present an immediate public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products with proper handling and cooking.

Producers who suspect signs of bird flu in their flocks should contact their veterinarian immediately, along with state officials at 515-281-5305.

$470,000 awarded to advance rural development

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority recently announced that more than $470,000 in grants have been awarded to communities across the state to support rural initiatives, including child care, housing and leadership development.

The grants were awarded through the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, which Reynolds created in 2018 to drive investment and growth and expand high-speed broadband internet service in rural Iowa.

A list of the grant recipients is available at https://bit.ly/45D56ak.

Buchanan and Story counties plan to use the grant money to launch local leadership programs. Seven cities, including Independence, were awarded Rural Housing Assessment Grants of $10,000 each to help understand and improve local housing conditions. Three organizations  the city of Cascade, Decatur County Hospital and Jackson County Economic Alliance  were awarded rural child care planning grants of $10,000 each.

Reynolds also signed an executive order shifting the focus of the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative as a startup incubator for innovative rural policy. Other changes are designed to streamline operations for efficiency, including a transition from three task forces to one. The initiative will continue to be co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and a representative from the Iowa Rural Development Council appointed by Reynolds.

I'm excited to work with the restructured committee, with a clear focus on innovative and impactful rural policy, Gregg said in a news release. We look forward to building on programs like Iowa United First Aid (a pilot program aimed at decreasing emergency response times in rural Iowa) as we address some of the tough challenges and amazing opportunities in rural Iowa.

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors move to IowaWORKS

Eighteen Vocational Rehabilitation counselors who work with job candidates in offices across from the Iowa Capitol complex will be moving to the IowaWORKS job center in south Des Moines.

The state agency helps Iowans with disabilities find and keep a job, explore college and vocational training, access economic support via Social Security disability benefits, and live independently in their homes.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services was recently moved from the Iowa Department of Education to Iowa Workforce Development as part of Gov. Kim Reynolds state government reorganization plan. The move, according to IWD, is designed to improve efficiency and expand access to workforce services for Iowans with disabilities.

Starting Friday, counselors will begin working from the IowaWORKS office at 200 Army Post Road in Des Moines.

By putting agency staff together who do the same or similar work, we hope to learn from each other and find new ways to improve the service we deliver to Iowans, Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development, said in a statement.

Finance and administration members of the Vocational Rehabilitation team moved earlier this month to the IWD offices at 1000 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Information technology staffers are expected to follow in early November. Plans call for the Vocational Rehabilitation division to fully vacate its portion of the Jessie Parker Building by the end of November.

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors will see job candidates at the Jessie Parker Building through Wednesday. The division will close to the public Thursday to facilitate the move, then reopen at IowaWORKS on Friday.

For more information on Vocational Rehabilitation Services, visit ivrs.iowa.gov.

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What is the net feedback from clouds?

What the science says...

Select a level... Basic Intermediate Evidence is building that net cloud feedback is likely positive and unlikely to be strongly negative.

At a glance

What part do clouds play in your life? You might not think about that consciously, but without clouds, Earth's land masses would all be lifeless deserts. Fortunately, the laws of physics prevent such things from being the case. Clouds play that vital role of transporting water from the oceans to land. And there's plenty of them: NASA estimates that around two-thirds of the planet has cloud cover.

Clouds form when water vapour condenses and coalesces around tiny particles called aerosols. Aerosols come in many forms: common examples include dust, smoke and sulphuric acid. At low altitudes, clouds consist of minute water droplets, but high clouds form from ice crystals. Low and high clouds have different roles in regulating Earth's climate. How?

If you've ever been in the position to look down upon low cloud-tops, perhaps from a plane or a mountain-top, you'll have noticed they are a brilliant white. That whiteness is sunlight being reflected off them. In being reflected, that sunlight cannot reach Earth's surface - which is why the temperature falls when clouds roll in to replace blue skies. Under a continuous low cloud-deck, only around 30-60% of the sunlight is getting through. Low clouds literally provide a sunshade.

Not all clouds are such good sunshades. Wispy high clouds are poor reflectors of sunlight but they are very effective traps for heat coming up from below, so their net effect is to aid and abet global warming.

Cloud formation processes often take place on a localised scale. That means their detailed study involves much higher-resolution modelling than the larger-scale global climate models. Fourteen years on, since Ken Gregory of the dubiously-named Big Oil part-funded Canadian group, 'Friends of Science', opined on the matter (see myth box), big advances have been made in such modelling. Today, we far better understand the net effects of clouds in Earth's changing climate system. Confidence is now growing that changes to clouds are likely to amplify, rather than offset, human-caused global warming in the future.

Two important processes have been detected through observation and simulation of cloud behaviour in a warming world. Firstly, just like wildlife, low clouds are migrating polewards as the planet heats up. Why is that bad news? Because the subtropical and tropical regions receive the lion's share of sunshine on Earth. So less cloud in these areas means a lot more energy getting through to the surface. Secondly, we are detecting an increase in the height of the highest cloud-tops at all latitudes. That maintains their efficiency at trapping the heat coming up from below.

There's another effect we need to consider too. Our aerosol emissions have gone up massively since pre-Industrial times. This has caused cloud droplets to become both smaller and more numerous, making them even better reflectors of sunlight. Aerosols released by human activities have therefore had a cooling effect, acting as a counter-balance to a significant portion of the warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

But industrial aerosols are also pollutants that adversely affect human health. Having realised this, we are reducing such emissions. That in turn is lowering the reflectivity of low cloud-tops, reducing their cooling effect and therefore amplifying global warming due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

It sometimes feels as if we are between a rock and a hard place. We'd have been better off not treating our atmosphere as a dustbin to begin with. But there's still a way to fix this and that is by reducing all emissions.

Please use this form to provide feedback about this new "At a glance" section. Read a more technical version below or dig deeper via the tabs above!

Further details

The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report eloquently sums up where we are in our understanding of how clouds will affect us in a changing climate:

"One of the biggest challenges in climate science has been to predict how clouds will change in a warming world and whether those changes will amplify or partially offset the warming caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and other human activities. Scientists have made significant progress over the past decade and are now more confident that changes in clouds will amplify, rather than offset, global warming in the future."

The mistake made by our myth-provider, writing in 2009, was to leap to a conclusion without the information needed in order to do so. He is suggesting that clouds are inadequately represented in climate models, so they must have a negative effect on temperatures. Instead of making such leaps of faith, however, the specialists in cloud behaviour have recognised the challenges and met them square-on. We now know a lot more about clouds as a result.

In the at-a-glance section, we explain the important difference between high clouds and low clouds, agents of warming and cooling respectively. Careful examination of older satellite records has detected large-scale patterns of cloud change between the 1980s and 2000s (Norris et al. 2016). Observed and simulated cloud change patterns are consistent with the poleward retreat of midlatitude storm tracks, the expansion of subtropical dry zones and increasing height of the highest cloud tops at all latitudes. The main drivers of these cloud changes appear to be twofold: increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and recovery from volcanic radiative cooling. As a result, the cloud changes most consistently predicted by global climate models have indeed been occurring in nature.

With respect to the cooling low clouds, one particularly important area of study has involved marine stratocumulus cloud-decks. These are extensive, low-lying clouds with tops mostly below 2 km (7,000 ft) altitude and they are the most common cloud type on Earth. Over the oceans, stratocumulus often forms nearly unbroken decks, extending over thousands of square kilometres. Such clouds cover about 20% of the tropical oceans between 30S and 30N and they are especially common off the western coasts of North and South America and Africa (fig.1). That's because the surface waters of the oceans are pushed away from the western margins of continents due to the eastwards direction of Earth's spin on its axis. Taking the place of these displaced surface waters are upwelling, relatively cool waters from the ocean depths. The cool waters serve to chill the moist air above, making its water vapour content condense out into cloud-forming droplets.

Fig. 1: visible satellite image of part of an extensive marine stratocumulus deck off the western seaboard of North America, with Baja California easily recognisable on the right. Image: NASA.



With their highly reflective tops that block a lot of the incoming sunlight, the marine stratocumulus clouds have a very important role as climate regulators. It has long been known that increasing the area of the oceans covered by such clouds, even by just a few percent, can lead to substantial global cooling. Conversely, decreasing the area they cover can lead to substantial global warming.

Although many cloud-types are produced by convection, driven by the heated land or ocean surface, marine stratocumulus clouds are different. They are formed and maintained by turbulent overturning circulations, driven by radiative cooling at the cloud tops. It works as follows: cold air sinks, so that radiatively-cooled air makes its way down to the sea surface, picks up moisture and then brings that moisture back up, nourishing and sustaining the clouds.

Stratocumulus decks can and do break up, though. This happens when that radiative cooling at the cloud tops becomes too weak to send colder air sinking down to the surface. It can also occur when the turbulence that can entrain dry and warm air, from above the clouds into the cloud layer, becomes too strong.

The importance of such processes has been further investigated recently, using an ultra-high resolution model with a 50-metre grid size. (Schneider et al. 2019). Global climate models typically have grid sizes of tens of kilometres. At that resolution, they cannot detail such fine-scale processes. This model, by contrast, is able to resolve the individual stratocumulus updraughts and downdraughts.

Fig. 2: results of modelling of marine stratocumulus behaviour in a high-CO 2 world. This one compares conditions at 400 ppm (present) and 1600 ppm (hopefully never, but relevant to the Palaeocene and Eocene when a super-Hothouse climate prevailed). Redrawn from Schneider et al. 2019.

The modelling shows how oceanic stratocumulus decks become unstable and break up into scattered cumulus clouds. That occurs at greenhouse gas levels of around 1,200 ppm (fig. 2). When that happens, the ocean surface below the clouds warms abruptly because the cloud shading is so diminished. In the model, the extra solar energy absorbed as stratocumulus decks break up, over an area estimated to cover about 6.5% of the globe, is enough to cause a further ~8oC of global warming. After the stratocumulus decks have broken up, they only re-form once CO 2 levels have dropped substantially below the level at which the instability first occurred.

These results point to the possibility that there is a previously undiscovered, potentially strong and nonlinear feedback, lurking within the climate system. These findings may well help to solve certain palaeoclimatic problems, such as the super-Hothouse climate of the Palaeocene-Eocene, some 50 million years ago. It's been hard to fully explain that event, given that estimates of CO 2 levels at the time do not exceed 2,000 ppm. Present climate models do not reach that level of warmth with that amount of CO 2 . But the fossil record presents hard evidence for near-tropical conditions in which crocodilians thrived - in the Arctic. Something brought about that climate shift!

The quantitative aspects of stratocumulus cloud-deck instability remain under investigation. However the phenomenon appears to be robust for the physical reasons described by Schneider and co-authors. Closer to the present, the recent acceleration of global warming may be partly due to a decrease in aerosols. Aerosols produce smaller and more numerous cloud droplets. These have the effect of increasing the reflectivity and hence albedo of low cloud-tops (fig. 3). It follows that if aerosol levels decrease, the reverse will be the case. Of considerable relevance here are the limits on the sulphur content of ship fuels, imposed by the International Maritime Organization in early 2015. These regulations were further tightened in 2020. An ongoing fall in aerosol pollution, right under the marine stratocumulus decks, would be expected to occur. As a consequence, the size and amount of cloud droplets would change, cloud top albedo would decrease and there would be increased absorption of solar energy by Earth. That would be on top of the existing greenhouse gas-caused global warming. James Hansen discussed this in a recent communication (PDF) here.

Fig. 3: NASA graphic depicting the relationship between clouds, incoming Solar radiation and long-wave Infrared (IR) radiation. High clouds composed of ice crystals reflect little sunlight but absorb and emit a significant amount of IR. Conversely low clouds, composed of water droplets, reflect a great deal of sunlight and also absorb and emit IR. Any mechanism that reduces low cloud-top albedo will therefore increase the sunlight reaching the surface, causing additional warming.

In their Sixth Assessment Report, the IPCC also points out that the concentration of aerosols in the atmosphere has markedly increased since the pre-industrial era. As a consequence, clouds now reflect more incoming Solar energy than before industrial times. In other words, aerosols released by human activities have had a cooling effect. That cooling effect has countered a lot of the warming caused by increases in greenhouse gas emissions over the last century. Nevertheless, they also state that this counter-effect is expected to diminish in the future. As air pollution controls are adopted worldwide, there will be a reduction in the amount of aerosols released into the atmosphere. Therefore, cloud-top albedo is expected to diminish. Hansen merely suggests this albedo-reduction may already be underway.

Last updated on 15 October 2023 by John Mason. View Archives
At first he was interested primarily in talking about the weather. Then, just about midroute from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco International Airport, Joseph David Emerson, an off-duty pilot sitting in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines plane, threw his headset.

Im not OK, he said, according to the FBI and other authorities. He then reached for the red handles on the fire suppression system and nearly shut off the engines. On Monday, federal prosecutors charged the individual with endangering an aircraft and attempted murder and reckless endangerment of all 83 people on board.

As the terrifying incident spread across social media Monday and Tuesday morning, thats pretty much all the public knew. This led to lots of speculation about what was going on with the father of two, who was described as nice by neighbors. Was it an act of terrorism, connected to global events? Some kind of professional retribution? Was he severely depressed, like the pilot who took down a flight in 2015 from Barcelona to Dusseldorf, Germany, killing 150 passengers on board?

On Tuesday afternoon, shortly before Emerson was arraigned in Portland, Oregon, we got a hint of an answer  and many more questions: Soon after authorities led Emerson off the plane, his wrists bound in zip ties, he told police that had gone without sleeping for 40 hours and had recently tried psychedelic mushrooms for the first time.

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He said that in the cockpit, he was having a nervous breakdown, during which he felt like he was dreaming and just wanted to wake up, according to charging documents. How does an off-duty pilot, tripping on shrooms, end up in the cockpit? How could he possibly have thought this was a good idea?

We do not know at this point. Here is what we do know.

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Cockpits on commercial airlines in the United States have a seat for the captain (aka the pilot) on the left and the first officer (aka the co-pilot) on the right. Cockpits also have one, or sometimes several, highly compact fold-out jump seats that can accommodate additional people. Typically, these jump seats remain unoccupied, Shanes Rogers-Mauro, the chairman of the Health, Safety and Security Committee for the Transport Workers AFL-CIO, explained to me.

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A chipper pilot for Norwegian airlines shows off what one looks like here:

The rules are quite strict about who can use them. As a flight attendant, Rogers-Mauro can sit in one of the jump seats located in the cabinbut not in the cockpitif hes commuting somewhere. Official inspectors who work for the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Defense, or the National Transportation Safety Board are permitted to take a jump seat, according to detailed federal regulations that the FAA shared with me.

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Related From Slate Everyone Seems to Agree a Major Plane Crash Is Coming. Why? Read More

Pilotsincluding those from other airlinesmay also be able to. (This particular Alaska Airlines flight, it seems, was being operated by a partner airline, Horizon. Emerson worked for Alaska.)

Getting access to a jump seat isnt quite as easy as saying, Hey, Im a pilot too, give me a ride!as Leonard DiCaprios character Frank Abagnale did in Catch Me If You Can. In that movie and the real-life tale it was based on, by pretending to be a pilot, Abagnale hitched his way across the world on jump seat after jump seat.

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Nowadays, airlines have a secure way to check pilots credentials. In this case, Emerson, 44, was not an imposter. He was a pilot licensed by the FAA whod worked in aviation for two decades.

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And, according to court documents, when he first showed up for the flight, there were no signs of anything unusual. Ultimately, the decision to let someone into the cockpit falls on the pilot in command of an aircraft, according to the FAA. That person has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight. In theory, they have additional checks backing them up along the way. The Air Line Pilots Association, International, the union representing airline pilots, told me that U.S. pilots are continuously evaluated throughout their careers through training, medical exams, crew resource management, and other programs and audits. The Seattle Times reported that Alaska said that throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications  and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.

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Emerson told a police officer that around six months ago he became depressed and that his best friend recently died, but that certainly does not explain his decision to trip on mushrooms and then go get himself a seat in the cockpit. According to the Seattle Times reading of the court documents, hed consumed the mushrooms 48 hours earlier. We dont know where he got them from or who, if anyone, advised him how long the experience would last. Emerson lives in Pleasant Hill, California, a 20-minute or so drive from Oakland, where magic mushrooms are sold over the counter. In Washington State, where he boarded the flight, psilocybin is becoming increasingly legal as a means of treating depression and other mental woes.

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As a pilot, Emerson is prohibited from taking a number of medications, including most antidepressants. He is also prohibited from using federally banned substancesregardless of whether they are legal in a specific state. This includes marijuana and psilocybin, the primary hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms. (His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.)

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Emerson nearly killed a lot of peoplesomething he seemed to realize by the time he was restrained and seated in the back of the plane. A flight attendant told investigators that Emerson said he messed everything up and that he tried to kill everybody, according to an FBI agents statement obtained by the Seattle Times.

Fortunately, the crew responded quickly. After he reached for the fire suppression systems handles, one pilot promptly grabbed Emersons wrist while the other declared an inflight emergency. Court documents state that within 30 seconds of the pilot attempting to stop him, Emerson had settled downand he followed the pilots orders to leave the cockpit. Interviews with passengers, aired on local news, suggest that the crew subdued him so quickly and calmly that few passengers ever suspected their life had just been in danger.

Had Emerson succeeded in pulling the levers on the fire suppression system, he would have turned off the engines. The reason for this is simple. If theres a blaze on board, you dont want fuel continuing to flow, industry analyst Seth Miller of PaxEx.aero told me.

If both engines no longer have fuel, you have a glider, he said. Thats not impossible to land, but its a very dangerous situation.
President Joe Biden has a serious age problem, and its not that hes 80: Its his dreadful standing with youth voters. If he loses reelection next Novembereven at this early stage, there are many indications that this is a real possibilityits likely that his remarkably low marks from voters under 40 will be seen as a major culprit.

A recent Quinnipiac poll underscores Bidens disastrous standing with the youth vote. The presidents favorability rating has cratered out at an almost-unbelievable 25 percent among registered voters under 35 years old. A few weeks prior, a Washington PostABC poll had Trump winning voters under 35 by 20 points. (The Posts story notes that the poll differs from others taken recently, and that it may be an outlier. Its not the only recent presidential poll thats made publishers raise an eyebrow.)

Liberal commentators have been quick to dismiss these data points, even as they continue to pile up. Its wise not to overreact to individual polls, especially more than a year from Election Day.

And yet, something is clearly awry between Biden and the kids, who are, arguably, the most critical demographic constituency for Democrats. In 2020, 60 percent of 18-to-29-year-old voters, by far the most Democratic-voting group by age, threw in for Joe Biden. Its likely there are many explanations for the slide since then: Biden, hesitant to even grant interviews to the Sunday shows, has done basically zero communications outreach to any outlets or platforms that millennials and zoomers actually consume. Turning student loan payments back on before actually implementing the promised loan debt cancellationwhich never would have happened without an archconservative Supreme Courts dubious intervention against his initial proposal, of courseprobably didnt help.

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Now Bidens Israel policy threatens to deepen that divide even further. Again: Its wise not to overreact to polls, but the data is not terribly ambiguous on this. On this issue, young voters are far from the president, who publicly remains hawkish and unstinting in a way that has not kept pace with their political attitudes (or even those, to a lesser degree, of the Democratic Party). Biden has continued to pledge unquestioning and total support for Israel, even as human rights groups sound the alarm about the threat of the Israeli military committing ethnic cleansing against Palestinians, humanitarian groups inability to deliver anything resembling sufficient aid to Gaza, and comments from Israeli military leaders that indicate a willingness to target civilians. Bidens Thursday night public address on the matter, which broadcast right around the same time that Israel was bombing one of the worlds oldest churches, killing 16 people, was cheered by Fox Newswhich is not, incidentally, a youth outlet.

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But none of the ways that Biden has responded to the conflict have been received favorably by young Americans. That same Quinnipiac poll found that 51 percent of voters under 35 say they disapprove of the United States sending weapons and military support to Israela much higher figure than the 28 percent of Americans who oppose such a policy. Only 21 percent of voters under 35 say they approve of Bidens Israel policy; 42 percent of voters across all age brackets approve.

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A CBS News poll conducted last week came to an even starker conclusion. When asked if the U.S. should send weapons and supplies to Israel, 59 percent of respondents under 30 said it should not. An even more resounding 64 percent of those between age 30 and 44a bracket more likely to vote that carries the whole millennial generation and part of Gen Xsaid the U.S. should not.

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Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians and taking of more than 200 hostages were terrible acts of terror that justifiably horrified much of the world; the president received plaudits for his forceful moral condemnation of those acts. But since then, the death toll in Gaza has continued to climb through an indiscriminate bombing campaign, while Israel prepares its ground invasion. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 5,000 Palestinians, roughly 2,000 of whom are children, have already been killed. That total includes medical workers, over a dozen journalists, and 29 United Nations employees. Forty-two percent of all housing units have been destroyed in Gaza, while Israel also escalates its attacks elsewhere. According to the New York Times, more Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in the past few weeks than in any similar period in at least the past 15 years. What is currently happening in Israel and Gaza is, obviously, a humanitarian crisis more than it is one of American political brinkmanship and electioneering.

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But that doesnt mean its not affecting American politics. Some of the trends regarding Bidens response, though most explicit among the youth vote, are reflected elsewhere in the American electorate. Earlier this year, Gallup polling found that among Democrats, net sympathy for Palestinians outweighs net sympathy for Israelis, a change that has occurred during Bidens time in office. The aforementioned CBS News poll shows that a slim majority of both Democrats and independents feel that the U.S. should not send weapons and supplies to Israel. Data for Progress found that 80 percent of Democrats currently believe that the US should call for a ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza. To put things charitably, the president has been slow to adapt.

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Although the data seems overwhelming on this point, the anecdotal evidence in Washington appears to mirror it. An open letter, signed by 411 congressional staffers, took the rare move of calling publicly for a cease-fire. Meanwhile, HuffPost has reported that the State Department is in turmoil over Bidens unequivocal support for Israel. Theres basically a mutiny brewing within State at all levels, one department official told the outlet.

Anyone whos spent time in Washington will tell you its a young persons town, and thats relevant here as well. From my conversations with Hill sources about that letter, I can affirm that those 400-odd staffers are overwhelmingly not senior-level or senior age. Theyre young people expressing a widespread conviction of their generation.

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Related From Slate Bidens Speech Told Us a Lot About How He Sees Americas Role In the World Read More

Look, too, at the slowly growing list of representatives sponsoring the Houses cease-fire resolution. Theyre not all young, but the list includes the Houses most prominent left-wing millennial in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the chambers only Gen Z member, Maxwell Frost.

If Biden hopes to win reelection, he desperately needs to run up the score with the youth vote as he did in 2020; we can comfortably say, even 13 months from Election Day, that there are only narrow, unlikely paths back to the White House for any Democrat without that.

But hes running out of opportunities to reverse the trend. There almost certainly will be no more significant legislation between now and Nov. 5, 2024; Congress will remain divided between a Democratic Senate and Republican House, and there is still no House speaker in sight. For now, in a rare moment of crisis, in his rare spate of public appearances, Biden is alienating young voters even further, in a manner out of step with both Democratic and independent voters.

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Its possibleappears likely, eventhat Bidens policy comes from a place of personal conviction as much as domestic political expediency. Meanwhile, joining the congressional calls for cease-fire is hardly a safe bet. Certainly, significant percentages of the electorate would welcome that, but the same polling indicates that nontrivial percentages would also be enraged. Its a divisive issue, and domestically, theres no safe option for a U.S. president.

Still, if Biden does lose in 2024, and young people dont turn out, many Democrats will be quick to blame the listless youth for not taking seriously the stakes of the election. But that critique would also be directly applicable to Biden, who, staring down a close and critical reelection campaign that could decide the fate of American democracy, seems content to endanger votes that he needs in pursuit of an unpopular policy.
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a new feature where we pull a particularly wild statement from the news as a reminder of just how extremely normal everything has become.

There can be no question that he will unravel the institutions of our democracy. Former Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, on the possibility of a second Trump presidency

Given that Donald Trump faces 91 felony charges, including several related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election, Liz Cheneys observation does actually seem like a pretty normal thing to saybut it speaks volumes about our abnormal times.

Cheney appeared on CNN Sunday to discuss the chaos in the House after Jim Jordans failed bid for the job. She said she wasnt surprised things are such a mess, given that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy looked the other way in the face of the kind of assault on our democracy that weve seen from Donald Trump and his allies in the House.

Those alliesmostly members of the far-right Freedom Caucuswent on to dictate the terms of McCarthys short-lived speakership. In exchange for supporting him, they demanded that McCarthy allow any single member to trigger a vote to oust the speaker. And lo and behold, with McCarthy nine months into the job, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz used that very rule to trigger his ouster.

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Cheney went on to talk about how concerned she is for U.S. democracy if Trump gets reelected. When asked if shes ruling out running against Trump for president, she replied: No, Im not.

Cheney was one of only two Republicans to join the House Jan. 6 committee, which investigated and brought to light the former presidents elaborate scheme to overthrow the 2020 election. She was also one of only nine Republicans who voted to impeach Trump.

If Cheney enters the fray, she will be joining 10 Republicans vying for the GOP nomination, three Democrats gunning for the Democratic nomination, and two independents. But hey, the more the merrier, right?
In a speech during President Bidens visit to Israel last week, he urged the nations military to do all it can to minimize civilian casualties in its war with Hamas. The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas, he said. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people.

How did Hamas come to power in Gaza in the first place? That history is worth revisiting now, two and a half weeks into the war, as it tests whether Bidens point is true.

It was in January 2006 that the Palestinian territories held what turned out to be their last parliamentary elections. Hamas won a bare plurality of votes (44 percent to the more moderate Fatah partys 41 percent) but, given the electoral system, a strong majority of seats (74 to 45). Neither party was keen on sharing power. Fighting broke out between the two. When a unity government was finally formed in June 2007, Hamas broke the deal, started murdering Fatah members, and, in the end, took total control of the Gaza Strip. Those who werent killed fled to the West Bank, and the territories have remained split ever since.

In other words, Hamas absolute rule of Gaza is not what the Palestinians voted for back in 2006. In fact, since the median age of Gazans is 18, half of Hamas subjects werent even born when the election took place. Since they have known no alternative, have absorbed little information but Hamas propaganda, and have witnessed periodic outbursts of violent conflict with Israel throughout their lives, it is impossible to know what they really think about their rulers.

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But we need to ask another question: Why did the 2006 elections take place? The explanation lies in the political idealsor, more correctly, the naiveteof President George W. Bush. (Much of this comes from the reporting for my 2008 book, Daydream Believers: How a Few Grand Ideas Wrecked American Power.)

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Bush entered his second term, in January 2005, convinced that his mission was to spread democracy around the world. He assumed that democracy was the natural state of humanity: Once a dictator was toppled and the people could vote for leaders in elections, freedom and liberty would bloom forth. For a moment, it looked like he might be right: The world was witnessing the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, the Cedar Revolution in Lebanon, the first parliamentary elections in post-Saddam Iraq. More pertinent, the Palestinian National Authority held its first election, and Mahmoud Abbas Fatah partywhich had recognized Israels right to exist and supported negotiations for a two-state solutionwon handily.

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Around this time, Israel was withdrawing from the Gaza Stripnot just pulling out troops, but evicting some 8,000 Jewish settlers (most of whom were paid to resettle in the West Bank). Suddenly there was a vacuum of local authority. Bush thought democracy would fill a vacuum, so he urged the Palestinian Authority to hold parliamentary elections.

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One problem, though: Radical partiesnotably Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which had boycotted the 2005 presidential electiondecided to compete in the 2006 parliamentary contests.

Six weeks before these elections, Dennis Ross was on one of his frequent trips to the Middle East. As the Middle East envoy for Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, Ross had more experience negotiating with Israelis and Palestinians than any American. He was no longer in the U.S. government, but he knew all the relevant players.

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Ross was leery about holding elections. He thought that if there were elections, militias such as Hamas should be banned from participating; they should have to choose between joining the system and waging violence against itthey shouldnt be allowed to have it both ways.

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Members of Fatah, fearful that Hamas might win, approached Ross and asked if he could quietly urge the Israelis to block the election. An odd alignment was taking shape. Whats wrong with this picture? Ross asked himself. Fatah and Israel were against holding the elections; Hamas and President Bush were in favor.

Ross communicated all this to Robert Zoellick, a former colleague from Bush Sr.s days who was now deputy secretary of state. Like Ross, Zoellick worried the election could be disastrous. He urged his boss, Bush Jr.s secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, to urge Israelis to do some things to improve Fatahs prospectsfor instance, to ease up on border crossings in the Palestinian territories and let Abbas take credit for the gesture.

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Rice refused, saying that the U.S. shouldnt put its thumb on the scales. A former hardheaded adherent of realpolitik, Rice had recently adopted Bushs view of the world: She thought, or at least acted as if, elections were a magic potion for curing political ills and that the U.S., having delivered or blessed them, should sit back and let the historical forces flow naturally.

To her (and most American observers) surprise, Hamas won. It proved to be only the first yank in the unraveling of the Bush-Rice dogma. Civil war broke out between Hamas and Fatah, leading eventually to Fatahs expulsion from Gaza, Hamas total dictatorship there, and a resumption of rocket fire from the enclave into Israelprompting the Israeli blockade on Gazas northern border (which Egypt, whose leaders hated and feared Hamas as well, reinforced with a blockade on the southern border). At the same time, Hezbollah rained missiles down on Israel from southern Lebanon, prompting a warwhich could reignite soon.

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Bush had been influenced in his optimism about democracy by Natan Sharansky, a charismatic human-rights activist and former Soviet dissident who spent nine years as a political prisoner in the gulag. He was released in 1986, during the heyday of Mikhail Gorbachevs reforms, and emigrated to Israel, where he became a parliamentarian and a hero to the neoconservative movement in the U.S.

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Related From Slate How the Horrible Hospital Explosion in Gaza Changed the Trajectory of Bidens Emergency Israel Trip Read More

In a speech at the American Enterprise Institutes World Forum in June 2002, Sharansky said that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was not a tribal war between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East, but rather a key battle in the first world war of the 21st century, waged between the world of terror and the world of democracy. The Wests key task, he said, was to expand the world our enemies try to destroyi.e., to export democracy.

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Among the avid listeners to the speech was Vice President Dick Cheney. He brought Sharansky into the White House and introduced him to Bush, who came gradually to adopt his views.

Leaving aside the merits of Sharanskys perspective (at the very least, it oversimplified matters), Bush ignored one of his main points. Elections, as Sharansky wrote in his 2004 book The Case for Democracy, are not a true test of a democracy. They are never the beginning of the democratic process. Only when the basic institutions that protect a free society are firmly in placesuch as a free press, the rule of law, independent courts, political partiescan free elections be held. Until then, elections are just as likely to weaken efforts to build democracy as they are to strengthen them.

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Sharansky made this point to Bush in person in May 2005 after resigning from the Israeli government in protest of its withdrawal from Gaza. Sharansky wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon denouncing the disengagement as a tragic mistake and arguing that any concessions in the peace process must be linked to democratic reforms within Palestinian society.

Sharon disagreed (he just wanted to be done with Gaza), and so did Bush, whod been so persuaded by the first part of Sharanskys democratic sermon that he ignored this crucial second part.

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Relations with Hamas were bound to break down in any case. Israels occupation of Gaza, which had begun in 1967, could not have been sustained indefinitely. Hamas hostility to Israel was a key article of its ideology, its reason for being. There was no space to negotiate any softening.

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But the election that put Hamas in power was not inevitable; it was premature. Israel and the leaders of the neighboring Sunni Arab nations, who inveighed lavish rhetorical support for the Palestinians but did very little to back it up, could have done more to help build the elements of a civil society and negotiate a peace. But ultimately, they didnt want to. Elections only tightened the bonds of conflict and lent it a veneer of legitimacy. Hamas murderous assault on Oct. 7, the subsequent escalation of violence, and the possibility of a widening warthese are the latest and most bitter fruits of the elections legacy.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke over the phone today with Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Ano. Mr. Sullivan reiterated U.S. support for our Philippine allies following the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia's dangerous and unlawful actions on October 22 obstructing a routine Philippine resupply to Second Thomas Shoal.

READ ALSO: Readout of President Biden's Call with His Holiness Pope Francis

Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Ano reaffirmed the enduring alliance and friendship between our nations and discussed upcoming U.S.-Philippine engagements and ways to further strengthen our close partnership.

Mr. Sullivan emphasized the ironclad U.S. alliance commitments to the Philippines under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces-to include those of its Coast Guard-in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.

READ MORE: Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Borrell discusses the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza with foreign ministers. Photo: AP



I think a humanitarian cessation of hostilities is necessary to allow the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, said Borrell before the meeting in Luxembourg.

In Egypt, a long line of trucks is waiting for Rafa in front of the border crossing, which, he says, must enter Gaza and deliver urgently needed goods. In doing so, he cited the fuel needed to provide electricity and water desalination.

Without water and electricity, hospitals can hardly function, Borrell said. This was also pointed out by the European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic, who announced before the meeting that he would call for unimpeded and safe access of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He added that the amount of humanitarian aid should be determined based on the needs of the area, and not on the basis arbitrary decisions.

According to Borrell, around 20 trucks a day, which entered Gaza on Saturday and Sunday when the Rafah crossing was temporarily opened, are not enough, as aid usually delivers 100 every day. the blockade by Israeli forces, which carry out daily rocket attacks in the area.

The humanitarian ceasefire is also needed to allow the release of hostages taken by the Palestinian movement Hamas during an attack on Israel about two weeks ago. The kidnapped people must be released. This is a step towards calming the situation, said the EUs top foreign policy representative.

At the same time, he did not want to predict whether the foreign ministers would reach a consensus on the call for a humanitarian ceasefire. He assured, however, that this will be discussed by the ministers, and at the summit at the end of the week, also by the leaders of the member states.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is also participating in the meeting. Photo: AP



Fajon among those who supported Borrells proposal

Ministers expressed different views when they arrived at the session. The call for a humanitarian ceasefire was clearly supported by the Luxembourg foreign minister Jean AsselbornIrish Foreign Minister Michael Martin as well as the Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. We are watching with great concern the closure of hospitals, the lack of water and the lack of food. We call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors and the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians, said Fajon.

According to her, a humanitarian ceasefire can also reduce the risk of the conflict spreading across the region.

We must act in accordance with international law, humanitarian law and do everything to prevent the conflict from spreading. Therefore, we call on everyone to refrain from further violence and the killing of innocent civilians, said the Slovenian Foreign Minister. At the same time, she emphasized that Slovenia supports Israels right to self-defense, but it must act proportionately. A determined military attack can have serious consequences and cause many civilian casualties, said Fajon. Slovenia also supports all efforts for peace in the Middle East, which would be based on a two-state solution, she added.

The fight against terrorism is crucial for Germany

Most of the rest were more skeptical about it. Head of Czech diplomacy Jan Lipavsky thus expressed doubt that an agreement on a temporary ceasefire could be reached with Hamas. The Italian foreign minister was of the same opinion Antonio Tajani.

Among the countries opposing the EUs efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East on a humanitarian basis is Germany. According to the head of German diplomacy Annalene Baerbock the fight against terrorism is crucial, pointing out that rockets are still falling on Israel.

The foreign ministers of the EU member states, who already discussed the events in the Middle East at an extraordinary informal meeting a few days after the Hamas attack on Israel, also devoted themselves to the discussion on preventing the spread of the conflict in the region.

Also about Zelenskys peace plan

With increasingly frequent hints that the war between Hamas and Israel is pushing Russian aggression in Ukraine into the background and that Western aid to Ukraine may be reduced, the ministers intend to send a clear message from the meeting that military and other aid to Ukraine remains vital for the Union . The aid that the Union will allocate to Israel and Ukraine will be separate from the other, unlike President Bidens proposal in the United States. However, the talks with Ukraine are now also focused on the future, namely on medium- and long-term security guarantees and on President Zelenskys peace plan.

In addition, the ministers will look for solutions to the strained relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and between Serbia and Kosovo, RTV Slovenias Brussels correspondent Igor Juric reported.
Even in this digital age, retail remains still primarily a people business. No matter the size of your business, learn from these examples. Good customer service in retail focuses on your customers and builds customer loyalty.

Total Wine & More: Total Expert Customer Service

Founded in 1991 as a small store in Delaware, Total Wine & More now runs 205 stores across 24 states. And it ranks as the largest independent alcoholic beverage retailer in the U.S. The company sells beer, wine, spirits, cigars and accessories.

The retail giant boasts its success comes from a team of more than 4,000 employees. It focuses on creating the Total Wine shopping experience special.

What makes the brand one of the best examples of good customer service in retail? Invest in their employees.

How This Brand Improved Through Better Training

Total Wine & More puts their staff through extensive training programs. It holds weekly team wine tastings and monthly wine-producer seminars.

Many employees even travel to winemaking regions. They meet with producers. And they learn about the wines first hand. Training covers education on wineries.

This includes wine regions, production techniques and varietals.

It also includes breweries and the spirit business. The retail chain transforms each sales associate into an expert. That makes Total Wine & More a retail customer service standout.

The company makes sure every point of the customer experience is covered whether its simply directing a patron to the correct aisle or suggesting a certain vintage for a special occasion. Employees are personable, never condescending (no Wine Snobs here) and truly seem to enjoy their jobs. In fact, Indeed employment reviews show employees like focusing on customer service, interacting to help with beverage selections and the cooperative work atmosphere. The result is a happy work environment that customers want to return again and again.

Barnes & Noble: A Community Experience

Once upon a time there was a large retail bookseller called Barnes & Noble. And then along came Amazon.

Its true that the proliferation of Amazon sales has put the mega bookstore chain in a precarious position in the retail industry, but its saving grace is what made the store so different and popular when it first came on the scene.

The company encouraged customers to hang out and relax in the store. No matter how convenient it is to get your books in the mail, many consumers still want to be able to interact with an actual retail employee.

At least thats what the new CEO, British bookseller James Daunt is hoping distinguishes the chain from its e-tail competitors. Seen as a community gathering spot, the bookstores comfortable chairs, in-store coffee availability and yes, clean bathrooms, have been around for a while, but Daunt wants to make the experience even more inviting by taking a cue from independent bookstores.

How to Build Great Personality and Character

Daunt, who opened his first bookstore at age 26, believes a good independent bookshop has personality and character, and thats primarily driven by the people working in it, the booksellers. He believes in investing time and energy in employees, to keep them around long-term, help them build a career and teach them the book trade.

Daunts examples of good customer service in retail include making the customers feel a part of the reading community. Staff members personalize the customer experience by getting to know the customers likes and dislikes before recommending a book.

Something is obviously keeping Barnes & Noble top-rated for customer service. For the second year in a row, the retail chain was named the # 1 Most Reputable Retailer in America by the Reputation Institute.

According to the Reputation Institute, Barnes & Noble possesses a strong emotional connection with the public. The booksellers high scores were based on Barnes & Nobles core values of excellent customer service, integrity, and teamwork.

Target: Its All About Convenience

Three-quarters of Americans live within 10 miles of a Target store, so you have probably noticed the special parking and signage for Targets relatively new curbside pickup program.

Understanding their customers need for convenience, CEO Brian Cornell has made it Targets mission to make the retail giant Americas easiest to shop store. When it comes to great retail customer service, Target is leading the way by combining the ease of ordering online with the efficiency and convenience of same day pickupall without making customers leave their cars. Sales are up at Target, by more than 30%, and one-third of these sales derived from same-day services, in-store pickup, and Drive-Up pickup.

How to Invest in Big Change

Inside the store, you can see changes happening too. Across the country, Target remodeled its stores with a $7 billion investment to create a more inviting atmosphere. This increases the quality of its customer service.

Not all Target stores look exactly alike anymore. So stores keep a local feel. Offering personalized experiences becomes one of the great examples of good customer service in retail. Employees train to specialize in the departments where they work. So customers receive better expert advice and information.

While you dont have the resources these big chains do, you can emulate them by investing in your employees, so they can best serve your customers.

Summary of Examples of Good Customer Service in Retail

Company Key Strategies for Customer Service Employee Engagement Unique Selling Proposition Outcome/Impact Total Wine & More Extensive training programs for staff including regular team wine tastings and seminars. Employees travel to winemaking regions for firsthand learning and are encouraged to become experts in their departments. Expert knowledge in wines and spirits. Enhanced customer trust and loyalty with employees providing informed recommendations and a positive work environment. Barnes & Noble Focus on creating a community gathering spot and investment in creating an inviting store atmosphere. Emphasis on building employee career paths and knowledge in the book trade. Personalized customer interaction and recommendations. Recognition as #1 Most Reputable Retailer, strong emotional connection with customers, and high customer loyalty. Target Emphasis on customer convenience through services like curbside pickup, and store remodeling and personalization. Employees are trained to specialize in their departments and adapt to local store needs. Ease of shopping and efficiency. Significant increase in sales (30% up) with one-third of sales from same-day services and an improved in-store experience.

Examples of Good Customer Service in Retail: Key Takeaways

Employee Expertise and Investment : The success of Total Wine & More highlights the importance of investing in employees through comprehensive training programs, turning them into experts in their fields. This investment enhances the customer shopping experience, as they receive knowledgeable advice and recommendations, fostering a deeper trust in the company.

: The success of Total Wine & More highlights the importance of investing in employees through comprehensive training programs, turning them into experts in their fields. This investment enhances the customer shopping experience, as they receive knowledgeable advice and recommendations, fostering a deeper trust in the company. Creating a Positive Work Environment : Companies like Total Wine ensure a cooperative work atmosphere, where employees enjoy their jobs and are focused on customer service. This positive environment radiates to customers, encouraging them to return due to enjoyable and reliable interactions with staff.

: Companies like Total Wine ensure a cooperative work atmosphere, where employees enjoy their jobs and are focused on customer service. This positive environment radiates to customers, encouraging them to return due to enjoyable and reliable interactions with staff. Building a Community-Centric Experience : Barnes & Noble emphasizes creating a community experience in their stores, distinguishing themselves from online competitors. By investing in employees career growth and knowledge, they can personalize customer interactions, making recommendations based on customers preferences, and fostering a community around reading.

: Barnes & Noble emphasizes creating a community experience in their stores, distinguishing themselves from online competitors. By investing in employees career growth and knowledge, they can personalize customer interactions, making recommendations based on customers preferences, and fostering a community around reading. Convenience and Adaptation to Consumer Needs : Target demonstrates good customer service by understanding and adapting to modern consumer needs for convenience. Initiatives like curbside pickup and efficient, same-day services respond to these needs, significantly boosting their sales. Their remodeling investment also shows a commitment to improving the in-store experience for customers.

: Target demonstrates good customer service by understanding and adapting to modern consumer needs for convenience. Initiatives like curbside pickup and efficient, same-day services respond to these needs, significantly boosting their sales. Their remodeling investment also shows a commitment to improving the in-store experience for customers. Personalization and Localized Service: Retailers are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, Targets strategy involves varying store designs to maintain a local feel, and employees are trained to specialize in their respective departments. This level of personalization and attention to detail in customer service encourages a more engaged and loyal customer base.
Wondering how to improve customer relationships? Anytime were dealing with people, life is going to be messy. This truth is clear to anyone who has worked in customer service. People can be downright nasty sometimes.

But most of us have also experienced terrible customer service reps who have made us never want to return to a particular business again. Fiascos such as the one United Airlines dealt with a few months ago are still fresh on the public mind.

Any company that hopes to succeed must learn how to truly value its customers. Doing so includes turning potentially explosive situations into victories.

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But it also means that companies already doing a pretty good job of building customer relationships can get better. While succeeding in some areas, they might be blind to ways they are falling short.

8 Tips on How to Improve Customer Relationships

Here are few tips for small businesses that want to improve how they are serving their clients.

Dont Let Touchpoints Distract You from the Big Picture

Are you aware of your average clients journey with your brand beyond the touchpoints? Your customers interact with your product when you are not around.

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They could be frustrated during certain parts of their journey without you being aware of it. This frustration might be causing customer churn without you knowing why or even that its happening.

Harvard Business Review notes that A company that manages complete journeys would not only do its best with the individual transaction but also seek to understand the broader reasons for the call, address the root causes, and create feedback loops to continuously improve interactions upstream and downstream from the call.

It is essential that companies apply tailored metrics for each part of the overall customer journey. Be sure to gather information about both employees and customers to determine where customers are most dissatisfied.

One example of this type of problem is a company making a successful sale of a TV installation, but then the customer experiencing difficulty with the installation.

Even though the client can call to resolve the issue, the company could have explained the installation process better in advance. The salesperson could have eliminated the reason for the call, as well as the time and energy the customer spent resolving the problem.

An extremely important point to note here is that the source of customer service issues is internal. Because the problems arise from employees (even if unintentionally), employees must play a key role in coming up with the solutions. If they do not, the solutions will not last.

Reduce Unnecessary Pain Points

Another example of what it could look like to take steps to make your clients lives easier is implementing a tool such as a client portal.

An all-too-common frustration in the business world is following up on payments owed. Beyond that, there is the challenge of keeping documents organized and keeping sensitive information, such as W-2s and NDAs, secure.

Its probable both you and your customers spend quite a bit of time on the phone or email trying to keep track of this type of data. Dealing with information in this way leaves room for miscommunication. Issues with payment and invoices are often a major point of dissatisfaction.

Using a client portal puts all of your pertinent documents in one place. This makes it easy for your clients to access them on their own time. They wont have to wait to get hold of you if they have questions. If either of you needs to look up whether or not an invoice has been paid, it will be extremely easy to do so, and you can avoid confusion and embarrassment.

Client portals are also useful because you can see what actions your clients take on the portal. Software such as this can go a long toward eliminating customer frustrations that simply do not need to exist.

Be Personal

Being personal is somewhat easier for small businesses, but is nevertheless an important priority for any company, whatever its size. After all, what would be the point of an article on bettering customer relationships that neglected to mention the qualities that are key to relationships?

Any healthy relationship has certain characteristics, such as clear communication. The people in the relationship are not so focused on making money or getting ahead that they neglect each other. Instead, they support each other in their goals and do what they can to improve each others lives.

While the parallels between personal relationships and customer-business relationships do break down at some point, there are basic principles that apply to each situation:

Show your clients that you value them

Listen to their praise or complaints and respond accordingly

Offer rewards or discounts

Make sure you are not only meeting your customers needs but are also going above and beyond their expectations.

You can also offer free education on some topic pertaining to your business. You might do so through your blog, through white papers, or through webinars.

Take the Long View

You should implement all of the above strategies with a view to keeping your customers around for life. It is much more profitable to retain existing customers than to acquire new ones.

Retention will more quickly grow your customer base. With this in mind, you need to have someone on staff who is accountable for keeping track of customer retention.

If you dont measure how and when people are leaving you, how will you know if your tactics for keeping them are working? If youre not getting feedback from your customers, how will you know if they are unhappy with something youre doing?

Be aware that it might initially be worth spending more on marketing to first-time buyers than they are going to spend on their first purchases. This might feel like a loss at the time, but if there is a high likelihood that they will stay with you for life, this strategy is worthwhile.

Focus on Lifetime Value

The overall lifetime value of your customers is more important than each individual sale. Calculate how much money they spend over time minus how much you spend on marketing to and acquiring them.

When deciding how to market to your audience, choose one or two scalable marketing channels. Focus your energy exclusively on those channels before expanding to others.

Instead of just cross-selling a related item, try selling people more of the same item by using incentives. Creating an entirely new sale, even if the product is related, is more difficult that selling more of the same item.

You should also consider putting a phone number on your website. Some potential buyers are interested in your product but are unwilling to buy from or contact you online. Providing this opportunity for people to call you allows you to acquire customers you might have lost otherwise and whom you might find to be a significant part of your audience.

Dont Assume You Have No Room to Grow

While building relationships in any arena of life is hard, the benefits of doing so in business are undeniably worthwhile, and not just for the purposes of making money. There is inherent value in helping someone else.

Even if you are already taking steps to build strong customer relationships, consider ways you could bring even more value to your clients and get them to stick around long-term.

Heres how to ensure continual growth:

Key Area Strategy Outcome Self-Assessment Regularly evaluate current strategies and customer feedback. Identify areas for improvement and potential innovation. Keeps your business adaptable and responsive to changing customer needs, ensuring you're always providing value. Customer Communication Increase the frequency and quality of your interactions with customers, ensuring they are meaningful and constructive. Seek direct feedback through surveys or direct dialogue. Builds stronger bonds with customers, showing you value their input and are willing to make changes based on their needs. Employee Training Invest in continuous training for your team, focusing on customer service, empathy, and product knowledge. Ensures every customer interaction is positive and informative, reinforcing customer loyalty. Adding Value Introduce loyalty programs, exclusive content, or access to premium services. Regularly update and refresh these offerings. Enhances customer perception that they're getting more than just a product or service, encouraging long-term commitment. Community Building Foster an active community around your brand or products. Engage in community events, online forums, or social media discussions. Creates emotional attachment and brand advocacy among customers, making them more likely to stay engaged.

Embrace Proactive Customer Service

Dont wait for a problem to arise before you reach out to your customers. Proactive customer service means anticipating client needs and potential issues and addressing them before they negatively impact the customer. This approach could involve:

Regularly updating customers with useful information related to their interests or potential problems, even when they are not directly related to your products or services.

Implementing a system for routine check-ins with customers to gather feedback, understand their evolving needs, and offer solutions in real-time.

Monitoring social media and other platforms not only for customer complaints but also for any opportunities to engage with customers, provide unsolicited assistance, or offer advice and insights.

This strategy not only prevents issues but also demonstrates to customers that youre invested in their success and satisfaction beyond the point of sale.

Create Community Around Your Brand

People crave connection and community, and businesses that can foster this among their customers will see a significant impact on loyalty and satisfaction. Building a community involves:

Establishing spaces for your customers to connect, share, and learn from each other. This could be through social media groups, online forums, or in-person events.

Sharing customer success stories or testimonials, which not only provides you with content but also makes your customers feel seen and appreciated.

Creating opportunities for customers to participate in the life of your company, perhaps by contributing to a blog, participating in case studies, or playing a role in product development feedback sessions.

A sense of community can lead to stronger emotional engagement with your brand, and customers who feel like theyre part of something are more likely to stay loyal.

By implementing these strategies, along with those previously listed, businesses can go a long way in ensuring that their customer relationships are strong. This, in turn, creates a stable foundation for growth, resilience in the marketplace, and overall success.
A growing trend in the food industry that is garnering major interest from new entrepreneurs and small businesses is shared kitchens. Often referred to as kitchen incubators or community kitchens, these spaces allow chefs, bakers, caterers, and other food-related professionals to share the cost of a professional kitchen space, offering substantial practical and cost benefits.

If youre thinking about starting a food business or may be interested in utilizing this concept for your existing business, heres what you need to know.

Relatedly, heres news from News 19 WLTX, about how shared kitchens are a benefit for both sides:

Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here

What Is a Shared Kitchen?

A shared kitchen is a commercial space that has been licensed, certified, and equipped for professional food production. The space is available for entrepreneurs to rent, usually through flexible plans. Basically, theyre like membership organizations for food businesses. You pay a monthly rate based on how much time you need to use the space. Some require you to sign up for a specific amount of time that stays fairly steady each month. Others allow you to be more flexible and just rent space by the hour as you need it. Regardless of the specific model you go with, you get access to the space and all of the equipment and regulatory compliance it provides. Some shared kitchens also provide complementary services for food businesses, like access to packaging resources or business training courses.

These spaces are really meant for food businesses that dont need to deal with consumers directly at their food production location. Event caterers, wholesale bakers, packaged food sellers and even food truck vendors can all make use of this type of space. Theyre not ideal for actual restaurants, since they mainly just provide the kitchen space and dont offer extra space of accommodations for consumers to visit. However, many do offer food storage space so you dont necessarily need to take everything with you when you leave after each visit.

Small Business Deals

Benefits of a Shared Kitchen

Shared kitchens offer a multitude of advantages for budding entrepreneurs and established food businesses alike. They are a boon for those who wish to economize, innovate, and collaborate without the overheads of owning a full-scale facility. Lets delve deeper into the key benefits:

Cost-Effective : One of the most prominent advantages of shared kitchens is the cost savings. With the ability to divide the monthly rent among several food businesses, it becomes economically viable. This model is especially beneficial for those who dont need constant kitchen access, such as caterers who primarily operate over the weekends. Instead of bearing the weight of a full months rent for infrequent use, these entrepreneurs can pay only for the time they utilize.

: One of the most prominent advantages of shared kitchens is the cost savings. With the ability to divide the monthly rent among several food businesses, it becomes economically viable. This model is especially beneficial for those who dont need constant kitchen access, such as caterers who primarily operate over the weekends. Instead of bearing the weight of a full months rent for infrequent use, these entrepreneurs can pay only for the time they utilize. Fully Equipped : Shared kitchens typically come with the added benefit of being fully stocked with the necessary equipment. While theres usually a membership fee associated with accessing these tools, it saves businesses the substantial upfront cost and hassle of purchasing and maintaining these appliances on their own.

: Shared kitchens typically come with the added benefit of being fully stocked with the necessary equipment. While theres usually a membership fee associated with accessing these tools, it saves businesses the substantial upfront cost and hassle of purchasing and maintaining these appliances on their own. Regulation-Compliant : Compliance with local food safety and cleanliness regulations can be intricate and challenging, particularly for newcomers to the food industry. Shared kitchens are often designed to meet these stringent standards, offering businesses a hassle-free way to operate within legal confines. This is invaluable for ensuring safety, streamlining the licensing process, and building consumer trust.

: Compliance with local food safety and cleanliness regulations can be intricate and challenging, particularly for newcomers to the food industry. Shared kitchens are often designed to meet these stringent standards, offering businesses a hassle-free way to operate within legal confines. This is invaluable for ensuring safety, streamlining the licensing process, and building consumer trust. A Solution for Home Cooks: In regions where regulatory standards demand commercial-grade facilities for food sale, shared kitchens are a lifeline. Even in states where entrepreneurs can use home kitchens for commercial purposes, the home setup must meet specific standards. For places like New Jersey, where home kitchens cannot operate commercially, shared kitchens offer a viable and compliant alternative.

Where to Find a Shared Kitchen

Shared kitchens tend to be especially popular in busy metropolitan areas. Of course, there needs to be enough independent food businesses in the area to make running such a facility worthwhile. But its worth looking into even if youre in a less populous community as well.

Most of these businesses operate regionally. So youll likely need to find an independent kitchen thats located nearby. And the exact services and rates can vary widely. For example, 24-7 Shared Kitchen in Lawrenceville, Georgia offers monthly rates as low as $200. Some even offer straight hourly rates, like The City Kitch in Charlotte, North Carolina for $30 an hour. Moreover, some offer shifts, like Hana Kitchens in New York, which has rates as low as $150 for the midnight shift.

There are also networks and services like The Food Corridor that can help you find a shared kitchen in your area that meets your needs. The NICK is the companys network of kitchens. You can simply visit the site and enter your location to find options in your area. Then, you can compare rates and features to find the option that works best for your specific business model.

The Food Corridor currently has more than 80 shared kitchens included in its network across the U.S. and Canada. And the concept appears to be growing by the year. If youre interested in taking advantage of one of these kitchens for your business, you should be able to find something thats at least relatively close to your area. If you cant find something suitable online, try connecting with your local chamber of commerce or other local business organizations to see if there are opportunities that might work for you.

Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture can be a great starting point for finding shared kitchen opportunities.

Choosing the Right Shared Kitchen: Key Considerations

When considering the best-suited shared kitchen for your needs, its essential to have a clear checklist of what to look for. The following table highlights the critical features and considerations to keep in mind to ensure the space meets your business needs:

Feature/Consideration Why It's Important Location Proximity to suppliers, your home, or events can save on transport and time. Rate Structure Flexibility in hourly, monthly, or shift rates can match variable needs. Equipment Availability Ensures you have the tools needed without additional investment. Regulatory Compliance Avoids fines and ensures the safety of products. Storage Space Ability to leave ingredients or products can be crucial for logistics. Additional Services Business training or packaging resources can add value and support growth.
Lawrence Nimrod Wilson, Jr. passed away peacefully in Mechanicsville, MD on October 20, 2023, surrounded by his family and his faithful dog.



Born on January 31, 1947, to Lawrence and Grace Wilson in Washington, DC.



After graduation, Larry went into the Army and served his country during war, developing a deep sense of loyalty and discipline. Although his time in the Army came to an end, Larry remained proud of his service and commitment to his country. His honorable discharge on May 11, 1972, marked the end of one chapter in his life, but it was also the beginning of new opportunities and adventures. Before, and after service, Larry was a Volunteer Firefighter in Hillside, Maryland and he was a paid Firefighter at Naval Surface Warfare Center at White Oak. He went on to work in construction on many different disciplines and levels for over 50 years.



In 1993, he met his future wife, Joy Lynn Wilson, in Accokeek, Maryland. They were married on June 30, 2000, in Leesburg, Virginia. Larry and Joy both brought children into their marriage, Steven Wilson of St. Leonard, MD, and Cheyenne Childress of Colorado Springs, CO.



Larry retired in 2020 after becoming severely ill. He bounced back after fighting for over a year to only become diagnosed with cancer in mid-2023.



Larry had many passions in his life from hunting, fishing, and boating to spending time with family at the drag strip watching his son and brother racing. He was extremely mechanically inclined and loved fixing or building things. He loved traveling, especially anywhere tropical. He was a devoted husband to his wife and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His dog was his constant companion, and he was rarely without her.



Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife Joy Lynn, his son Steven Wilson (Tori Wilson), his daughter Cheyenne Childress (Asher Childress), his grandchildren, Ryan Wilson and Ashley Wilson, and his brothers John Wilson (Rose Wilson) of Hubert, NC, and Richard Wilson of Port Republic, MD and many nieces and nephews.



The family will receive friends for the visitation on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will be held at a later date at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Hwy, Cheltenham, MD 20623.



In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations on Larry's behalf: Hospice of St. Mary's or Gary Sinise Foundation.
Claire Ann DeLozier, age 70, passed away on October 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family in Leonardtown, Maryland.



Born September 28, 1953 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Ernest Bowles and Mary Josephine Neade Bowles.



Claire spent her life in service to her family, church, and community. She was a pool shark and an even fiercer card player. She had an amazing belly laugh and never drove anywhere without calling to talk with a friend or family member from the car. She loved a cool beach breeze and a good book. She signed every card, "Luv, as always," and we know she meant it. She was a giver, a provider, and a woman of God.



Over a long career, spanning the financial and legal sectors, Claire became well-known and respected in the local community. Her intelligence, way with numbers, and kind heart ensured that all her customers received the best possible outcomes - whether when filing their taxes or financing a place to call home. She was a steadfast advocate and source of support for her clients. Claire made and kept many dear friendships throughout her career and was always a linchpin employee.



She was a dedicated member of St. Francis Xavier Church, serving actively as a Eucharistic Minister, lector, and bookkeeper for many years. She greatly loved her church community, especially the relationships made in supporting the Knights of Columbus and attending events with her brother Bob. Claire even found Catholic churches when traveling or away on vacation so that she could faithfully attend mass. Her faith was a source of strength and peace.



Claire loved taking trips with her girlfriends to gamble, go shopping at the outlets, or to celebrate birthdays and other milestones. Over the years she traveled to many places with friends and family. Annual beach vacations, family cruises, Disney for the grandkids, trips overseas to the Emerald Isle, Scotland, England, and Italy, will always be cherished memories for her loved ones.



Above all else, Claire was a dedicated wife, sister, mother, and MumMums. She prioritized her children and grandchildren, never missing a game, ceremony, or special event. She showed up ready to cheer, often with candy or a treat in her purse for afterward. She would move mountains for her daughters and always had a solution to every problem. Her grandchildren were an unparalleled source of pride and joy.



She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Francis "Stumpy" DeLozier, her two daughters, Heather Mattingly (Arthur) and Jenna Guzman (Michael), her grandchildren, Lauren, Cole, Julia, Reese, Tyler, and Aaron, and her brothers, Robert Bowles, and Ian Paul Briscoe (Linda), and best friend, Debbie Jager.



Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Shirley, and best friend, Margie Cheseldine.



The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, October 30, 2023 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 21370 Newtowne Neck Rd Leonardtown, MD 20650, with a Mass of Christian burial beginning at 11:30 a.m.. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, where Claire will be laid to rest in peace with her mother, father, and sister-in-law.



Pallbearers will be Cole Jackson Mattingly- grandson, Reese Patrick Mulliken- grandson, Greg Bowles-nephew, Daniel DeLozier- nephew, Sean Lumpkins- nephew, and Justin Cheseldine-Gass- nephew.



Honorary pallbearers will be Robbie Bowles- nephew, Brian Bowles- nephew, David DeLozier- nephew, and Matthew Jager- nephew.
Remembering with Smiles, Love & Lots of Laughter

PHILIP LARRY WOOD 6/14/1950  10/21/2023

"Bunky" "Dad" "Pop" "Pop Pop" "Uncle Bunk" "Uncle"



The world became brighter on June 14th, 1950, the day that Philip "Bunky" Larry Wood was born. Bunky passed away comfortably on Saturday morning, 10/21/2023, at the age of 73 in his daughter's home, with family after a battle with Leukemia. He is predeceased by his grandson Darwin Alexander Carranza, his siblings Page Wood, June Fowler and her husband William, Barry Wood and his wife Linda, Carolyn Smith, and his parents Eunice Carolyn Wood and Merle Clinton Wood. He is survived by his daughters Lisa Dianne Corn and her husband Matthew, Kelly Elizabeth Dillon and her husband Chris, Bonnie Marie Carranza and her husband Darwin, and their mother Linda Dianne Burns. He is survived by his grandchildren Elias Mason Corn (17), Robert Cash Bingham (16), Jacoby Malin Corn (15), Timerie Lyrin Corn (12), Noveah Lydan Corn (10), Charleigh Elizabeth Dillon (7), McKinley Grace Dillon (7), and Aracely Marie Carranza (3).



Bunky was a steadfast employee of Chalk Point Power Plant, working shift work in the control room his entire career. He was also a dedicated school bus driver in Calvert County, MD. Despite his very hectic work schedule, his daughters remember him always being there, from reading bedtime stories, to attending special events, to endless hours of playing outside together. Perhaps most importantly, though, was his role as "Pop" or "Pop Pop" to his nine (9) grandchildren, along with any other child who crossed his path. He had a knack for telling stories and making people laugh. He loved animals, which include all the many cats he fed daily, along with his beloved Furbie and Bear Wood. He made many donations to causes to help animals.



His most notable accomplishment includes being present for the birth of all of his grandchildren and being ever-present in their lives. From the Eastern Shore to Annapolis, MD, Florida to Oregon, and of course Happy Valley, he literally traveled the country to be with them. He is one of the few people we know who lived life completely in the moment, savoring and enjoying all the simple things. He was not a proud man, but those who knew him knew he was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He lived every day for them. When you reflect on his life, he would not want you to have sadness. He would want you to hug someone you love. He would want you to be kind to animals. He would want you to be kind to children. He would want you to tell stories. He would want you to sing and dance and live in the moment. He would want you to laugh.



Instead of flowers, Bunky requested that donations toward helping children and adults with Autism be sent to this Maryland based organization. You can donate directly on their website in his name. https://csaac.org/



He was a simple man with a huge heart. He was a genuine original, living life on his own terms. Pop, you are irreplaceable, but you will live on forever in our hearts and stories. As you always used to say, we will catch you on the flip side..Your Loving Daughters (Lisa, Kelly & Bonnie)





Visitation

Saturday, October 28, 2023

2-3 PM



Rausch Funeral Home-Port Republic



4405 Broomes Island Road

Port Republic, MD 20676





Services



Saturday, October 28, 2023

3 PM



Rausch Funeral Home-Port Republic



4405 Broomes Island Road

Port Republic, MD 20676





Interment

private



Contributions



Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children



Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children

8615 East Village Ave.

Montgomery Village, Maryland 20886

240-912-2220



Link:

https://csaac.org


You may have learned Slovak, but it may not help you much when trying to understand its dialects.

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The Slovak language has hundreds of dialects, so many that Jan Sabol, head of the Slovak Language Department at Presov University, won't wager a guess as to an approximate number.

"There is modern Slovak, plus all the old dialects, so many differences..." he says, his voice trailing off.

Centuries of contact with Hungarians, Germans, Czechs, Poles, Russians, Rusyns and others left their mark on the way Slovaks speak. And the remoteness of many of the country's regions, cities and villages created closed pockets where countless dialects formed and developed. Even today, more than 150 years after Slovak was codified, wide variations in vocabulary and expressions linger.

One of Slovakia's strange tongues is the Spis dialect, which I recently discovered after moving to Spisska Nova Ves (population 40,000). The Spis region lies to the east and south of the High Tatras mountain range and includes the cities (from north to south) Stara Lubovna, Kezmarok, Poprad, Levoca, Spisska Nova Ves and Gelnica.

If you have been out east, be sure not to confuse the Spis dialect with the Saris dialect to the east, or the Rusyn language further east, or the Zemplinsky dialect spoken in Humenne, or the... you see how complicated it can be.

The Spis dialect is subtle in urban areas. Take the verb 'to go' (standard Slovak: ist). When conjugating the verb in the Spis dialect, a 'Z' follows the 'D'. Idem (I go) is instead idzem. The 'train goes' (vlak ide) is vlak idze.
What does this mean for their customers?

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Mobile operators Slovak Telekom and Orange Slovensko are gearing up to switch off their 3G networks. The main reason is to free up the frequency bandwidth to improve the quality of newer, faster generations of mobile networks. In addition, 3G is less energy efficient than 4G and 5G.

Slovak Telekom switched off its 3G network in the districts of Zlate Moravce and Zarnovica at the beginning of October. It plans to gradually switch off its 3G network throughout Slovakia in two phases in the second half of November. In 38 districts in central and eastern Slovakia, the 3G network will be switched off on November 21. In and around Bratislava and the rest of western and central Slovakia, the operator will switch off the older network on November 23.

The plan for switching off the 3G operated by Slovak Telekom. (Source: Courtesy of Slovak Telekom)

The most affected will be the clients who only have a mobile phone with support for this network and use data on the mobile phone. After the end of the 3G network, they will only be able to surf over the 2G network, which delivers very low speeds. The solution is device replacement.

Slovak Telekom claims that traffic on the 3G network has been gradually reduced to a minimum and that customers have already switched to 4G or 5G. For clients who use only voice and SMS services, they will continue to be able to use the 2G network.

Slovak Telekom has made a verifier, in Slovak, to see if they need to swap their SIM card to connect to a 4G or 5G network. In the same way, clients will also find out if they have a device that supports newer networks. If they have an unsupported card, they can apply online for the free delivery of a new one.

If a customer has an old SIM card, it will need to be replaced in a shop or they can order a replacement online at www.telekom.sk/3G, said Michal Korec, spokesperson of Slovak Telekom, as cited by the TASR. On this dedicated page, they can also check what phone and SIM card they are currently using.

Orange will keep the 3G network by the end of the year

Orange Slovensko plans to switch off its 3G network in early 2024. Until then the 3G network will be in full operation.

The 3G network will be operated until December 31, 2023, said Orange spokesperson Alexandra Piskunova as cited by zive.sk. The actual switch-off of the 3G network will take place gradually on a location-by-location basis at the beginning of 2024.

O2 and 4ka

O2 has not yet announced when it will say goodbye to its 3G network. It says it will make such a decision when it makes sense for the company, the zive.sk website informed.

Currently, clients of the youngest mobile operator 4ka can use Oranges 2G and 3G network. In July, 4ka agreed with Orange that it will enable its clients to use its 4G network, i.e. a much faster network. However, Orange has not yet included frequencies in the 800 MHz band in the contract. 4ka customers will not be able to access it for the time being. In practice, this will mean a slightly lower coverage for 4ka clients than Orange clients.
How old is the moon? Although numerous scientists provided their estimations regarding the age of Earth's natural satellite, none of them was able to offer a more precise number.

Because of this, many people across the globe have been riddled by the moon's real age. Now, thanks to the crystallization of the Apollo 17 mission's rock samples, space experts were able to get a more precise number for the natural satellite's age.

Apollo 17 Rock Sample's Crystallization Offers More Precise Age of Moon

According to Reuters' latest report, Apollo 17 is one of the missions of NASA's Apollo program. It was a big deal for the aerospace union because this space mission was the last one that brought people to the moon's surface.

NASA astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt were able to collect over 240 lbs (around 110 kg) of rock and soil samples, which were later brought back to Earth.

After half a century, these rock and soil samples crystallized. Specifically, the mineral zircon's crystals formed inside a coarse-grained igneous rock fragment.

Thanks to this, scientists were able to have a deeper understanding of the moon's age and how it formed.

On Monday, Oct. 23, space experts who analyzed the rock sample's crystallization said that the moon is actually 40 million years older than previously expected.

This means that it formed around 4.46 billion years ago, within 110 million years after the formation of the solar system. Before their analyses, Earth's natural satellite was estimated to be around 4.53 billion years old.

"I love the fact that this study was done on a sample that was collected and brought to Earth 51 years ago," said Field Museum Senior Director Philipp Heck, who is also a cosmochemist.

"At that time, atom probe tomography wasn't developed yet and scientists wouldn't have imagined the types of analyses we do today," he added.

Read Also: Astronomers Detect Mysterious Radio Signal That Traveled 8 Million Light-Years to Earth

Fun Facts About the Moon

The latest estimation for the moon's age is just among the fun facts you need to know about Earth's celestial partner.

If you are a space fan and want to learn more about the natural satellite of the planet, Royal Museums Greenwich provided more interesting facts about it:

Earth's moon is considered to be the second densest satellite in the solar system.

Despite spinning and rotating around the Earth, the moon is able to show the same face to Earth all year round.

Unlike in movies, the moon's surface is not white or gray. Instead, it is pretty dark.

Many studies revealed that the moon is actually drifting away from Earth.

These are just some of the things you need to know about the moon. You can click here to see more.

Related Article: NASA's Hubble Witnessed Mysterious Intergalactic Explosion Between Two Galaxies

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Income of Slovaks is poor.

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The purchasing power of Slovaks can be compared with the average of the European Union through the lens of the so-called GDP at purchasing power parity per capita metric. It allows to discover how and whether Slovaks are catching up with the standard of living of more developed Western countries. On the other hand, it is a metric that sometimes has errors and imperfections.

Between 1995 and 2022 Slovakia was approaching the EU average, but much more slowly than its neighbouring countries. In 1995, the GDP at purchasing power parity in Slovakia was 49 percent. Among post-Soviet countries, it was the third highest after Slovenia and the Czech Republic.

During the debt crisis ten years ago, Slovakia even outpaced the Western countries being saved by the European bailout fund such as Portugal and Greece.

But then Slovakia lost steam. According to Eurostat, last year the GDP per capita fell from 71 percent of the EU average to 68 percent. Together with Greece, Slovakia thus ranked 25th and 26th among the 27 EU member states, just one place ahead of poorer Bulgaria.

In recent years, Slovakia has also been last among the V4 countries. Eurostat is not the only organisation reporting bad numbers, but also the World Bank, OECD and International Monetary Fund.

Institute of Social Policy analyst, Marek Hlavac, points out that the data are not completely accurate in the case of Slovakia. In an analysis, he looked at the reasons why Slovakia, especially between 2015 and 2016, experienced a suspiciously significant drop in GDP per capita, followed by further lagging behind the richer EU countries.

Smer and co. doing nothing

The Slovak economy is lagging behind and the gap between it and Europe is growing because the effect of the reforms made 20 years ago has worn off.
The SNS party has replaced its ministerial candidate with a less controversial politician.

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The Slovak National Party (SNS) has withdrawn elected ultranationalist lawmaker and hunter Rudolf Huliak (NK/SNS) as its candidate for the environment minister following the presidents reservations from last week.

On Tuesday, the party announced that it nominated the ultranationalist elected lawmaker Tomas Taraba (Zivot/SNS) instead.

After Smer chair Robert Fico, the future prime minister, presented his complete list of future ministers to President Zuzana Caputova, she announced that she would appoint the new government, and Ficos fourth cabinet, during the first parliamentary session in the new term on Wednesday afternoon.

Tarabas goal

President Zuzana Caputova did not consider Huliak the right person for the ministerial job as he questions Slovakias environmental policy, denies climate change and threatens conservationists.

We managed to put our egos aside, Huliak said on Tuesday.

Had the SNS insisted on Huliak, Ficos new cabinet would probably not have been appointed this week. Fico made it public after the election that he would like to attend the European summit in Brussels at the end of October as Slovakias prime minister. Migration and Ukraine are expected to be two of the main topics, topics on which Fico will hold opposite views to most European leaders. Following the SNSs concession, SNS leader Andrej Danko expects favours from Fico in return - more money for the ministries in the SNS portfolio.

Taraba, who joined the parliament for the first time in 2020 on the slate of the far-right party LSNS, is regarded as a politician who aims to weaken nature protection.

If there will be a problem with my nomination, then we are talking about a pure effort to prevent the formation of a pro-national government in Slovakia, Taraba said prior to the presidents decision.

The future environment minister added that he studied at a prestigious school in Germany and speaks three foreign languages. But he also mocked the presidents daughter online in 2021, intended to ban rainbow flags from public buildings, and did business with people who face or faced criminal charges.

Danko attacks president

On Tuesday, Huliak claimed again that the Environment Ministry is under the control of non-governmental organisations. Taraba is not a friend of NGOs, either. He is hoping to ban NGOs that deal with LGBT+ rights from schools.

The Slovak National Party also attacked the president on Tuesday.

According to Danko, Caputova is a lawyer from a dump.

If non-governmental organisations had not poured millions of euros into her, she would never have been Slovak president, Danko added.

Danko also said that Huliak would become the minister one day. He did not provide more detail, though.
From Tuesday, people can fly from Bratislava airport to Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam.

The first ever landing of the Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner at Bratislava airport in 2017. (Source: Facebook/Bratislava airport)

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Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport in Bratislava has received permission from the Transport Office to operate wide-body aircraft for long-haul flights.

It is thus possible to fly to far-flung destinations directly from Bratislava, writes the TASR news agency.

Bratislava airport considers the launch of long-haul flights an historic milestone. With this permit, the airport can operate aircraft such as Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330 and Boeing B787.

"This opens the door to other intercontinental destinations," said Dusan Keketi, general director of Bratislava airport.

Off to Vietnam

From Tuesday, the Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft started flying from Bratislava airport to Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam.

These charter flights will fly three times a week, on Tuesdays to the Cuban destination of Santa Clara, on Wednesdays to the Dominican destination of Punta Cana and on Thursdays to the Vietnamese peninsula of Phu Quoc.

Tour operators Fischer and Kartago Tours offer these holidays.

The Airbus A350-900 has a capacity of 432 passengers. From Vienna, it is often older Boeing 767-300 planes that take passengers to far-flung countries.
International organisations' wrong numbers about Slovakia, trip to Bulgarian tsar's summer residence and a talented female conductor to see.

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Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, October 24 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Technocrats' mission is over

Acting PM Ludovit Odor shakes hands with President Zuzana Caputova on October 24, 2023. (Source: TASR)

President Zuzana Caputova thanked the outgoing interim technocratic government led by former banker Ludovit Odor for the work that all the ministers have done for Slovakia after this cabinet replaced the Eduard Heger caretaker government in May of this year.

The cabinet's task was to calm down the situation in Slovakia after three years of chaos caused by the OLaNO-led governments and to improve the lives of people as much as possible. The president spoke highly of the ministers' professionalism and courage.

"I have never met such a special combination of expertise and humour," she said about acting PM Odor.

Odor thanked the president for cooperation in the five months in return. He ended his press conference on Tuesday by saying that people in Slovakia should treat others well, even if they may feel frustrated or disappointed. He wished for decency to prevail in society.

His government, which was co-created by the president, leaves behind recommendations on how to make Slovakia successful. But they may remain untouched in the end. Odor said that he is now going to take some time off before diving into new challenges.

Quote: "I wish that the experience gained by these ministers in Slovak politics would not be a deterrent for their further work in public service. Our Slovakia needs such people." (President Zuzana Caputova)

Related: The president will appoint Robert Fico's fourth government at 14:00 on Wednesday after she accepted a new candidate for the environment minister.

New era: The ultranationalist Slovak National Party denied selected journalists access to the party's press conference on October 24. The party's leader Andrej Danko claims that the dailies Sme and Dennik N, as well as the news website Aktuality.sk, praise the opposition leader Michal Simecka from the liberal party Progresivne Slovensko. Martina Simkovicova, the future culture minister (SNS nom.), agrees with Danko.

More stories from The Slovak Spectator website

Transport: Bratislava airport obtained a permit to launch long-haul flights.

Bratislava airport obtained a permit to launch long-haul flights. Travel: A Bulgarian tsar's summer residence near Banska Stiavnica offers a camera obscura experience.

A Bulgarian tsar's summer residence near Banska Stiavnica offers a camera obscura experience. Business: Two mobile operators are switching off their 3G network in Slovakia. What does it mean for you?

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY FOR TUESDAY

International organisations have got bad numbers

Eurostat is not the only organisation reporting bad numbers on Slovakia, but also the World Bank, OECD and International Monetary Fund. (Source: Pixabay)

According to official Eurostat statistics, in 2022 Slovak households had the absolute lowest net incomes in the EU - even lower than Bulgaria, which usually places last. But a Slovak expert used a more suitable methodology in his calculation. In his estimates, Slovaks did not place last in the EU when it comes to net income of households, but their level was the third lowest among the member states.



Learn more about why international organisations report wrong numbers about Slovakia.

EVENT FOR THURSDAY

Female conductor at the State Philharmonic in Kosice

video //www.youtube.com/embed/8s4-EFEzQCI

After a long time, a female conductor will stand in front of the orchestra of the Kosice State Philharmonic. Kosice will welcome the debutante of the Prague Spring festival, Alena Hron.

Czech pianist Ivan Klansky accepted the soloist role in Beethoven's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra no. 3. In the second half of the evening, listeners will listen to Cherubini's Symphony in D major. Hron will conduct the concert.

The concert will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 19:00 in the House of Arts (Dom Umenia) in Kosice. Tickets are available here.

In other news

Slovakia accepted the Mantis air defence systems, which it received as a gift from Germany. Slovakia will use them to strengthen border protection with Ukraine. Germany originally developed this system to protect military bases in Afghanistan. Germany has also protected Slovak airspace from September.

Slovakia will use them to strengthen border protection with Ukraine. Germany originally developed this system to protect military bases in Afghanistan. Germany has also protected Slovak airspace from September. In recent years, the biggest supporter of political parties who was not directly involved in politics has been co-owner of the chain of electronics department stores Nay Peter Zalesak. In the form of donations and loans, he provided more than 1 million to the parties Za Ludi, Progresivne Slovensko and the local political party Team Bratislava, Transparency International Slovakia's analysis of political party funders shows.

In the form of donations and loans, he provided more than 1 million to the parties Za Ludi, Progresivne Slovensko and the local political party Team Bratislava, Transparency International Slovakia's analysis of political party funders shows. In June, Slovak MEP Milan Uhrik (Republika) attended a reception in Brussels organised by Russia's charge d'affaires to the EU, Kirill Logvinov. The Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Jan Kuciak Investigative Journalism Centre discovered that Logvinov is an agent with connections to the Russian foreign intelligence SVR.

The Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Jan Kuciak Investigative Journalism Centre discovered that Logvinov is an agent with connections to the Russian foreign intelligence SVR. Greater inclusion of LGBT+ people could significantly benefit the Slovak economy, says a study by the organisation Open for Business. The introduction of registered partnerships may increase the GDP per capita by about 3,000, the study reads.

WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: The night will be cloudy, rainy and windy. The highest daytime temperature will rise to 19C. Expect cloudy skies, showers in northern and eastern Slovakia. (SHMU)

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P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

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NKG Pace is back! Now in its third year, NKG Pace is a joint venture between Neumann Gruppe USA and the Coffee Coalition to Advance Racial Equity (CCRE) seeking to advance racial equity in the specialty coffee industry. The paid, year-long program provides hands-on experience to help train Black coffee professionals on the inner workings of the supply chain, and applications are currently open for the class of 2024-25.

For the program, participants will undertake a global experience learning the coffee trade, for which they will receive a salary along with healthcare and other benefits. The workload includes time in the lab assisting QC manager, independent study, building a QC foundation, and working with trade, logistics, and customer service teams. While much of the in-person, hands-on training will come at one of the Neumann Kaffee Gruppes US outpostsInterAmerican, Atlas Coffee Importers, and Rothfos Corporationparticipants will also have access to a bi-monthly speakers series featuring global NKG colleagues from Brazil, Kenya, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and England. Additionally, there will be a week-long trip to a partner expert company abroad, like Ceca in Costa Rica, to learn more about the inner working of exporting, processing, and farming.

Stateside, the program includes an orientation in Hoboken, New Jersey, to meet fellow participants, program coordinators, and various other industry professionals. There will be regular visits to warehouses, events, and clients as well as week-long visits to various NKG US offices to learn from different teams and change areas of focus. And, the program offers travel to a testing site for participants looking to take the Q exam, which comes at no fee thanks to the Coffee Quality Institute.

For this year, NKG Pace will admit up to three Black coffee professionals for the year-long program. Applications can be made here, and must be submitted by November 30th at 5:00pm ET. Semi-Finalists will be notified by December 15th, with final selections announced on February 26th. Then in early May, participants will begin their stay in the program.

For more information or to submit an application, visit the NKG Pace official website.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231023/manufactured-chaos-in-israel-ukraine-useful-to-americas-oligarchy-1114438465.html

'Manufactured Chaos' in Israel, Ukraine Useful to America's Oligarchy

'Manufactured Chaos' in Israel, Ukraine Useful to America's Oligarchy

The Biden administration created crises in Israel and Ukraine helped line the pockets of US contractors, however, the world has recognized the destructive power of such policies which is why US global leadership is in decline.

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analysis

biden administration

joe biden

phil giraldi

chuck spinney

pentagon

congress

white house

israel

ukraine

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President Joe Biden during a national address last week outlined his rationale for asking Congress for over $100 billion in security aid to support Israels operation in Gaza, Ukraines military, and Indo-Pacific security. Biden said defending two democracies, those of Israel and Ukraine, is vital for Americas national security, and likened the struggle to the US role in WWII. On Friday, the White House unveiled the funding proposal requesting $60 billion for Ukraine, about 75% of which was for military aid, and $14.3 billion for Israel, including $10 billion in security assistance. Former Pentagon analyst Chuck Spinney said the massive funding to Israel and Ukraine is yet another illustration as to how the military industrial complex shapes White House strategy. CIA Station Chief Phil Giraldi took aim at Biden's argument that American leadership is needed to keep freedom alive in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe. "Opinion polls suggest that the world overwhelmingly sees the United States as the most disruptive and dangerous nation on the planet," Giraldi said. "So Bidens inability to recognize that he is, in reality, presiding over the death throes of Americas global leadership is especially striking." Giraldi said Biden's attempt to justify the spending on Ukraine and Israel was built on false premises - including that the US interests were at risk and America was defending democracy. "The speech could have been written by any neocon scribbler in its efforts to claim that the United States is actually threatened by developments in those two countries," Giraldi said, adding that the president cannot even recognize that Russia is more democratic by most measures than Ukraine."And how many Arab inhabitants of Israel would agree it is a democracy? No Palestinians for sure," Giraldi said.American University in Moscow President Edward Lozansky found Bidens claim that the US is building the "arsenal of democracy" laughable, as well as his attempt to compare it to the US role in World War II. Former hedge fund manager and political commentator Charles Ortel argued that Biden's handling of the crises in Israel and Ukraine on top of the botched exit from Afghanistan have delivered a severe blow to America's reputation. "In less than three years, President Joe Biden has done more to damage America's standing on the world stage than any elected leader since Jimmy Carter," Ortel said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231020/biden-excuses-push-for-israel-ukraine-aid-as-matter-of-national-security-in-rare-address--1114341191.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231020/bidens-speech-awkwardly-militaristic--threatening-1114344327.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/developing-asian-economies-may-import-up-to-60-of-global-crude-oil-by-2050---iea-1114451581.html

Developing Asian Economies May Import Up to 60% of Global Crude Oil by 2050 - IEA

Developing Asian Economies May Import Up to 60% of Global Crude Oil by 2050 - IEA

Developing Asian countries may account for up to 60% of global crude oil imports by 2050, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

2023-10-24T12:36+0000

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2023-10-24T12:43+0000

economy

international energy agency (iea)

china

crude oil

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"Emerging market and developing economies in Asia currently account for just over 40% of global crude oil imports. More robust demand and limited domestic production potential cause this share to rise to 4560% in 2050 in all scenarios," the IEA said in a fresh World Energy Outlook report. The Middle East will remain the largest supplier of crude oil to Asian countries. The share of exports from North America, Latin America and the Caribbean will increase from 23% to 30% in 2050. There is a possibility that oil refining capacity will increase within the next few years, primarily in developing economies of Asia and the Middle East; however, this may become the last wave of capacity boost, as the IEA expects only moderate increase of oil refining capacity from 2030 onward. Transport fuels will most likely cease to be a key driver of demand growth in oil refining, with the share of gasoline in total demand expected to fall to 17% from 25% in 2050, the report said.Decline in EU Gas Consumption Natural gas demand in the European Union may drop to 305 billion cubic meters (bcm) by 2030, that is by 15% compared to the 2022 consumption, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday."The European Union reduced its natural gas demand by an historic 55 bcm in 2022, equivalent to 13% of total demand in 2021. In the STEPS [Stated Policies Scenario], continued efforts to decrease demand yield a further 50 bcm reduction by 2030," the IEA said in its fresh World Energy Outlook report.Natural gas demand in the EU was 413 bcm in 2021, decreased to 358 bcm in 2022 and could amount to 305 bcm in 2030. World gas demand may increase by 140 bcm from 4.159 trillion cubic meters (tcm) in 2022 to 4.299 tcm in 2030, according to a table."In the STEPS, natural gas demand growth between 2022 and 2030 is much lower than the 2.2% average rate of growth seen between 2010 and 2021. It reaches a peak by 2030, maintaining a long plateau before gradually declining by around 100 bcm by 2050," the report said.A retreat from record high natural gas prices in Europe did not lead to an increase in gas consumption in industry, according to the report.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231018/burgeoning-russia-china-trade-shiny-spot-amid-gloom-in-global-economy-1114295637.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231011/eu-economy-stagnating-as-bloc-tries-to-abandon-russian-energy---putin-1114095156.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/find-out-how-akhmat-aerial-reconnaissance-school-celebrates-special-forces-day-1114443883.html

Find Out How Akhmat Aerial Reconnaissance School Celebrates Special Forces Day

Find Out How Akhmat Aerial Reconnaissance School Celebrates Special Forces Day

Every year on October 24, Russia celebrates Spetsnaz Day, honoring its Special Forces Units. The origins of the Spetsnaz can be traced back to a directive from the Minister of Defense of the Soviet Union of October 24, 1950, which called for the establishment of 46 separate special purpose companies.

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multimedia

military & intelligence

russian forces

reconnaissance aircraft

reconnaisance

drone warfare

drone

drones

photo

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Russia's Spetsnaz is an elite group of soldiers known for their exceptional training, discipline, and capabilities. They are often tasked with the most challenging missions, which can range from reconnaissance to counter-terrorism operations. Their importance lies in their ability to carry out specialized operations that regular troops might not be equipped or trained for. Their expertise in guerrilla warfare, deep reconnaissance, and sabotage makes them invaluable assets to the Russian military. The Akhmat special unit, named in honor of Akhmat Kadyrov, is a highly esteemed and elite force within the Russian military. Known for its exceptional training, unwavering dedication, and valor, this special unit has a reputation for accomplishing extraordinary missions. The Akhmat unit has displayed remarkable bravery fighting Ukrainian troops, in addition to undertaking bold missions to protect innocent civilians, secure critical infrastructure, and neutralize threats posed by the enemy. This unit established the Akhmat Special Forces reconnaissance school in the special operation zone, teaching fighters from different units how to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/finnish-police-say-hong-kong-flagged-ship-likely-damaged-balticconnector-pipeline-1114457421.html

Finnish Police Say Hong Kong-Flagged Ship Likely Damaged Balticconnector Pipeline

Finnish Police Say Hong Kong-Flagged Ship Likely Damaged Balticconnector Pipeline

The investigation into the incident at the Balticconnector gas pipeline has established that vessel Newnew Polar Bear under the flag of Hong Kong was likely to have caused the damage, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation said on Tuesday.

2023-10-24T18:46+0000

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balticconnector

finnish national bureau of investigation

hong kong

finland

estonia

chinese ships

gas pipeline

gas leak

mikko simola

world

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"The sequence of events has been established on the basis of evidence and data, and the vessel Newnew Polar Bear, flying the flag of Hong Kong, is believed to have caused the damage," the statement said. The bureau added that the technical issues of the cause of the damage have been established  an anchor found at the scene with a wide dragging trail caused the damage to the pipeline. There are traces which indicate that the anchor has been in contact with the gas pipeline, the official added. Lohi said that the investigators were not able to confirm visually that both of the front anchors of Newnew Polar Bear were in place, which helped them to focus suspicions on one particular ship. Balticconnector, a gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia, was shut down early on October 8 after a sudden drop in pressure raised concerns that gas was leaking from the subsea section. Pipeline operator Gasgrid Finland said the pipeline was damaged. On October 11, Finnish police spokesman Mikko Simola said that some external traces had been detected on the seabed near the site where Balticconnector was damaged, adding that the Central Finland Police Department was investigating the matter together with colleagues from Estonia. On October 17, Estonian media reported that the Chinese Newnew Polar Bear ship was seen close to the gas pipeline when the gas leak was recorded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231011/nato-chief-vows-united-response-if-balticconnector-pipeline-leak-proves-to-be-sabotage-1114095390.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231012/blinken-says-us-supports-finland-estonias-probe-into-balticconnector-gas-pipeline-damage-1114131398.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/her-role-is-to-shout-loudly-lithuanian-attack-on-orban-due-to-vilnius-being-little-poland-1114458550.html

Her Role is to Shout Loudly: Lithuanian Attack on Orban Due to Vilnius Being Little Poland

Her Role is to Shout Loudly: Lithuanian Attack on Orban Due to Vilnius Being Little Poland

According to reports, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has used a recent handshake between Hungarian premier Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin to suggest that Hungary is under Russias control.

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analysis

lithuania

poland

hungary

viktor orban

european union (eu)

gabrielius landsbergis

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"How do we know Budapest's positions are not dictated by Moscow?" Landsbergis asked in Luxembourg amid the meetings of EU Foreign and General Affairs Councils.Orban has been criticized by EU members for refusing to march in lock-step with the blocs attempts to isolate Russia for launching its special operation in Ukraine. Budapest has refused to support either Moscow or Kiev, instead calling for negotiations to end the conflict. Recently, Orban criticized the EU, accusing it of similar behavior toward Hungary as that which it experienced as a Soviet ally in 1956, when the Soviet Red Army invaded and crushed an anti-communist uprising.Gabor Stier, a foreign policy senior analyst at Hungarian conservative daily Magyar Nemzet and member of the Valdai Discussion Club, told Sputnik on Tuesday that with his comments, Landsbergis was trying to show Lithuania is a good student of the Atlantic circle and trying to show itself as a bigger player than it really is.Lithuanians have a good sense lately of what the big players like and dont like, for example, the USA and the European Union. Two points are important here. On the one hand, this is a Baltic moment - if something positive or pragmatic happens, then the Baltic states historically always scream.At this moment, one can criticize Hungary, because they know 100% that they will get a gold star for this from Brussels and Washington. I think it's very simple. Historically they don't like it, but in fact now they use it to show what good students they are, good Atlanticists, good students of the Atlantic mainstream, just to show that we are that good, we know what is right and what is wrong.Stier said what was really important was that Lithuanias comments were ultimately the voice of America, the voice of Poland, and did not even represent the Baltic states specific interest.Behind the voice of Lithuania I feel is America and Poland, he said. Lithuania and Poland play in tandem, and Lithuania plays the role of the younger brother in this tandem. Following Polands example, Lithuania is trying to show itself as more influential than it really is. They felt that Poland liked it, America liked it, he said of the comments by Landsbergis, and basically, as I understand it, this is not even a pro-European, but a pro-Atlantic direction.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230929/slovak-orban-how-ficos-election-win-may-bolster-eu-divisions-on-ukraine-1113802810.html

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United States Sen. Bob Menendez pleads not guilty to foreign agent charges that accuse him of conspiring to act on behalf of the Egyptian government.

On Oct. 12, federal prosecutors accused the New Jersey Democrat of taking actions from 2018 to 2022 in support of Egyptian military and intelligence officials. The lawmaker entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan.

Senator Pleads Not Guilty to Foreign Agent Charge

In a statement at the time, the senator said that piling new charges upon new charges does not make the allegations against him any more true. Menendez and his wife, Nadine, were previously charged with accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash and gold bars from three New Jersey businessmen.

The money was allegedly in exchange for using the lawmaker's influence to benefit Egypt's government and interfere with law enforcement investigations into the businessmen. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges on Sept. 27. Nadine and one of the businessmen, Wael Hana, pleaded not guilty to the foreign agent charge on Oct. 18, as per Reuters.

Individuals must register with the Department of Justice if they act as "an agent of a foreign principle" as required under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Prosecutors in the case argued that Hana arranged meetings between Menendez and Egyptian officials.

They believe that the latter pressed the lawmaker to sign off on military aid and in return, the businessman put his wife on the payroll of a company under his control. The new indictment in the case argued that both Hana and Nadine communicated requests and directives from Egyptian officials to the senator.

Amid the controversy, Menendez's Democratic colleagues urged him to resign from his position, to which he refused. After the lawmaker's arraignment, he released a statement through his office that dismissed the charge against him as "outrageous as it is absurd."

Read Also: Maryland Police Discover Vehicle Linked to Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Judge Andrew Wilkinson

Loyal to Only One Country

Menendez said that throughout his life, he had been loyal to only one country, the United States, the land his family chose to live in democracy and freedom. According to CNN, he argued that he would not prosecute the case through the press and repeatedly claimed that he had done nothing wrong.

The latest charge that accuses Menendez and his wife of conspiring to act as foreign agents was unveiled early this month in a superseding indictment. It adds a new dimension to the case against the former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman by alleging that a U.S. senator was working on behalf of another country.

Judge Sidney H. Stein said that the plea Menendez entered was the sole purpose of the latest hearing and decided to adjourn the proceeding after less than five minutes. A few minutes later, the lawmaker left the courthouse without speaking to reporters waiting outside.

The New Jersey Democrat then released a statement, repeating his claim that the new charge against him "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," said the Associated Press.

Related Article: Former NSA Employee Pleads Guilty To Charges of Attempting To Sell Top Secret Info to Russia

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/kremlin-on-ukrainian-complaints-about-lack-of-ammo-wests-production-potential-limited-1114447623.html

Kremlin on Ukrainian Complaints About Lack of Ammo: West's Production Potential Limited

Kremlin on Ukrainian Complaints About Lack of Ammo: West's Production Potential Limited

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov shared Moscows stance on current global and regional political issues during a press briefing.

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2023-10-24T10:03+0000

world

russia

ukrainian crisis

us arms for ukraine

vladimir putin

israeli-palestinian conflict

palestine-israel conflict

hamas

russian economy under sanctions

hypersonic missiles

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The potential of ammunition production the collective West is limited and it takes a lot of time to mobilize resources in this regard, so there are "points of tension," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.Earlier in the day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in an interview with the British newspaper, that Ukraine, like the whole world, is experiencing a serious shortage of ammunition."In practical terms, of course, we need an assessment of our specialists, mainly from the defense ministry, so I would not say anything here. But in general, of course, the potential of the collective West for the production of ammunition is limited. It takes a lot of time to mobilize resources in order to increase this potential. Therefore, of course, there are certain points of tension, " Peskov told a briefing.On Rumors About Putins HealthRumors about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health problems is just another fake news, the leader is fine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday."Everything is fine with him, this is just another fake news, absolutely, Peskov told reporters, commenting on foreign media reports claiming that Putin had heart problems.When asked about allegations that Putin has doubles, the official said that there are none."This falls into the category of absurd fake news discussed with enviable persistence by a number of media outlets. This, of course, brings nothing but a smile," he added.On Gaza Strip CrisisMoscow calls on the Palestinian movement Hamas to urgently release all hostages, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday."We believe that all hostages should be urgently, immediately released. This is our firm position. Of course, we call on Hamas to ensure that all hostages are released. We sincerely wish all the relatives and friends of these hostages that they return unharmed," Peskov told a briefing.The Kremlin is very concerned with the situation with Russian citizens in captivity, but cannot say the exact number of how many Russian there are, the spokesman added.On New Sanction PackageRussia is not afraid of new packages of sanctions, as it has been living under the sanctions regime for a long time, so it has adapted to it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.Ambassador David OSullivan, international special envoy for the implementation of EU sanctions, said at an Atlantic Council event on Monday that the bloc does not see any imminent lifting of sanctions against Moscow in any significant way, even if there were to be a cessation of the hostilities in Ukraine at some point."Russia has been living under a sanctions regime for quite a long time, in fact, for decades, and therefore we have sufficiently adapted to it. Therefore, such time horizons as five years and so on, of course, do not scare us at all. And it is quite easy to predict that attempts to contain our economy will continue," Peskov told reporters.On Hypersonic Missiles Technology EspionageRussia has its own rockets that have no analogues in the world, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.Earlier in the day, former US President Donald Trump claimed that Russia stole "Super Duper" hypersonic missile technology from the United States during the Obama administration and used it to develop its own missiles."We have our own rocket, a great rocket. I find it difficult to say whether our rocket fits into the understanding of Mr. Trump as a 'super-duper' one. But a good rocket, which has no analogues in the world so far, and not a single one," Peskov told a briefing, commenting statements of the former US president.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231009/russia-warned-about-us-weapons-for-ukraine-ending-on-black-market-months-before-bloodbath-in-israel-1114040821.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/eu-to-rely-on-us-lng-for-decades-amid-backfiring-anti-russia-sanctions-1113650822.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/let-the-abrams-hunt-begin-how-russian-forces-prepare-for-latest-wonder-weapon-1114427073.html

Let the Abrams Hunt Begin: How Russian Forces Prepare for Latest 'Wonder Weapon'

Let the Abrams Hunt Begin: How Russian Forces Prepare for Latest 'Wonder Weapon'

Having finally received the 'promised gifts' from the White House in late September, the Kiev regime is banking on M1 Abrams tanks - yet another 'wonder weapon' from the West to fight against Russia.

2023-10-24T07:07+0000

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2023-10-24T07:07+0000

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US Abrams tanks have made their way to Ukraine, nearly four months into Ukraine's "grand counteroffensive," with media sources confirming the delivery of 31 tanks. The exact timeline for their deployment to the front lines remains uncertain. Sputnik examines the role these tanks will play in combat and the views of Russian soldiers.Priority TargetsThe promise of Abrams tanks to the Ukrainians was made earlier this year when NATO announced the creation of a "tank coalition." Using this strategy, the US pressured Germany to agree to export its own Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 heavy tanks to Ukraine and to allow allies to make similar deliveries. At the same time, the UK agreed to donate 14 Challenger 2 tanks, and France provided several dozen AMX-10RC wheeled tanks. When all the agreements were signed, the Americans announced that they would deliver the Abrams tanks last.During the summer counteroffensive, Western armored vehicles did nothing special. Modern Leopards and Challengers fell victim to minefields, were targeted by army aviation, and FPV drones pierced their thin rooftop armor. Artillery fire finished off stationary vehicles. Thanks to the widespread use of drones by the Russian army, all movements were detected in time.It turned out that the rapid advance of armored groups according to NATO standards did not work against deeply entrenched defenses built according to the principles of Soviet fortification science. The Ukrainian forces lost dozens of Western tanks and hundreds of other armored units, but failed to break through the first line of trenches.Realizing that foreign gifts would not help, the Ukrainians changed their tactics, opting for small infantry groups. Western supplies are now used for long-range shooting from concealed positions or direct fire at maximum range. Neither approach is particularly accurate, nor do they seem willing to lose expensive armored vehicles.Reduced CapabilitiesThirty-one Abrams tanks may look impressive on paper. It's almost an American tank battalion. If they were to stack their 60-ton vehicles in a single sector, Russian defenses might struggle.In practice, however, the Ukrainian General Staff abandoned the idea of using large groups of tanks when it became clear that they couldn't cross minefields. It's unlikely that Washington wants its tanks to become "advertising" by burning somewhere in the fields of Zaporozhye.In addition, Kiev will receive the M1A1 modification, which was relevant during the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm. The current technical condition of these tanks is a big question.The armor of the early Abrams models is resistant to the anti-tank weapons of the late 1980s. Over time, the Russian Army has developed means to engage more advanced targets. These include the Kornet anti-tank guided missile, new sub-caliber armor-piercing rounds, and advanced ammunition for anti-tank grenade launchers.Furthermore, some critical technologies are missing from the donated equipment. The Pentagon doesn't want military secrets falling into the wrong hands. So they removed the "hallmark" - enhanced uranium armor components that made the armor almost impenetrable from the front. They also did the same with the terminals responsible for building a battle network.In essence, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive three platoons of tanks comparable in characteristics and combat capabilities to the 1989 Soviet T-72B tanks. The M1A1 has little chance against more modern Russian tanks such as the T-72B3, T-80BVM and T-90M. It is also quite vulnerable to outdated Soviet anti-tank missile systems, as experience in Iraq and Yemen has shown.In addition, the M1A1 Abrams is challenging to use with other types of tanks. Because of its gas turbine engine, it requires special logistics and maintenance. First, it consumes a considerable amount of fuel  230 liters per hour of cross-country driving, which is quite significant. Second, only the Americans have experience in maintaining such engines. Other NATO vehicles are equipped with diesel engines.Threat From the AirThe M1A1 Abrams is a classic tank of Western design, with accurate long-range artillery, modern observation equipment, thick front armor, and very weak side and rear armor. Even a sub-caliber armor-piercing round from a 30-millimeter BMP-2 gun can penetrate the side armor of an American tank. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will use Abrams in frontal attacks.More likely, they will distribute them throughout the front line and use them as snipers. However, such tactics will not protect them from drones, which have become one of the most effective means of countering armored vehicles.According to him, the tactical and technical characteristics of this tank are well known, and the vulnerable areas have been studied on diagrams. Therefore, such equipment will not be something unexpected, claims Shket.Drones are not the only threat. The Ukrainian armed forces' biggest losses of Western armored vehicles come from Russian mines. Tanks or IFVs are blown up, losing mobility, and later they are finished off by artillery.Many vehicles have been hit by Ka-52 and Mi-28N attack helicopters armed with heavy anti-tank guided missiles such as Vikhr (lit. Whirlwind), Ataka (lit. Attack) and the latest LMUR (Light Multipurpose Guided Rocket). Their power is enough to destroy an M1A1 with a single hit to almost any part.To use Abrams effectively, Ukraine needs air superiority. The earliest they can try to achieve this is in the spring of 2024, when they will receive F-16 fighter jets. There is a possibility that they will keep the battalion of American tanks until then. Nevertheless, these tanks have not become a "wonder weapon" one way or another.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230930/scott-ritter-abrams-tanks-will-become-mobile-steel-coffins-for-ukrainian-crews-1113821460.html

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West Spoiling Its Reputation in Arab World With Blatant Backing of Israel - Ex-Egyptian FM

Western countries are spoiling their reputation in the Arab world with their flagrant support for Israel amid its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy told Sputnik.

"Well, I think the West is doing its best to spoil its reputation in the Arab world by having a double standard that is flagrant and blatant... the West is doing a huge disservice for itself," Fahmy said.

The West should support a ceasefire that will stop hostilities on both sides, provide humanitarian access to Palestinians, and support a conflict resolution that would deal with the issues of hostages and most importantly Israel's occupation, Fahmy added.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/mask-off-for-us-as-it-opposes-chinese-peace-mission-in-the-middle-east-1114449193.html

'Mask Off' for US as it Opposes Chinese Peace Mission in the Middle East

'Mask Off' for US as it Opposes Chinese Peace Mission in the Middle East

China has dispatched its special envoy to the Middle East in a bid to bring the latest escalation between Israel and Hamas to an end. Peace activist, writer and teacher KJ Noh said the US response exposed its warmongering nature.

2023-10-24T14:34+0000

2023-10-24T14:34+0000

2023-10-24T16:04+0000

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The US has unmasked its true nature by blocking efforts by China and other nations to bring peace to the Middle East, says a peace activist.Chinese special envoy to the Middle East Zhai Jun said on Monday he had already visited Qatar and Egypt and would now travel to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other countries in the region "to further strengthen coordination with relevant parties to promote ceasefire, end violence and mitigate the situation."More than 5,700 civilians have been killed and some 18,000 injured in the besieged Gaza Strip by Israeli Defence Forces bombing since the armed wing of the Hamas movement launched a surprise attack into southern Israel on October 7. The victims include 2,360 children, almost 1,300 women and 300 elderly people.Last week the US blocked UN Security Council motions moved by Russia and Brazil calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian territories and for civilians to be protected. Washington has also sent two US Navy aircraft carrier strike groups and a seaborne assault flotilla to the region to back up Israel.Peace campaigner KJ Noh told Sputnik that Washington was directly opposed to Beijing's attempts to broker a peace deal between Israel, Hamas and other states and movements in the region."It only wants to make sure that whatever Israel does, it does it with a minimum of PR blowback," he added. "And so it's trying to mitigate the PR damage rather than prevent the horrific war crimes and atrocities that are sure to happen and that are already happening."The writer said this was a "mask-off moment" when the West's true nature was exposed to the nations of the global south."Even the quisling leaders of US allies have had to make a conscientious statement because the outrage on the street, the outrage globally is so extraordinary that they cannot but speak up against what the US and Israel are doing," he stressed.Western media has tried to dismiss China's peace initiatives as an attempt to position itself as a geopolitical rival to the US  a narrative which Noh called "extraordinary"."Everybody benefits from peace. It just is because China's model is win-win cooperation," Noh said. "On the other hand, the empire benefits from war. The US is built on more genocide, primitive accumulation and geopolitical oppression and bullying."For more in-depth analysis of current affairs, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show The Critical Hour.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231023/manufactured-chaos-in-israel-ukraine-useful-to-americas-oligarchy-1114438465.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/rfk-jr-says-biden-administration-more-focused-on-securing-ukraines-border-than-its-own-1114456335.html

RFK Jr. Says Biden Administration More Focused on Securing Ukraine's Border Than Its Own

RFK Jr. Says Biden Administration More Focused on Securing Ukraine's Border Than Its Own

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Tuesday that the Biden administration cares more about Ukraine's borders than those of the United States.

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2023-10-24T17:32+0000

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"We have an administration more focused on securing Ukraine's border than our own, and a House that couldn't pass a border package right now anyway!" Kennedy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He further stated that illegal border crossings in the US set a new record in September, making it the third record-setting year in a row. Border patrol agents also arrested 18 people on the FBI terror watchlist in September, the politician added. Kennedy has promised, if elected president, to secure the US border and eliminate the cartels' drug trafficking economy. Last week, the Biden administration requested $106 billion in extra funding. The supplemental package includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, half of which is to provide Kiev with weapons and replenish US military stocks. It also seeks $14.3 billion in assistance for Israel. There is also a request of $6.4 billion to fund operations on the US southern border. The US House of Representatives is limited in its ability to pass legislation after ousting Congressman Kevin McCarthy as speaker and remaining leaderless. The US Congress must also pass government funding measures before November 17 or face a shutdown.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231022/rfk-jr-says-us-defense-firms-gain-the-most-from-biden-aid-package-request-1114413967.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/russian-su-27-jet-escorts-2-us-strategic-bombers-over-baltic-sea-1114452720.html

Russian Su-27 Jet Escorts 2 US Strategic Bombers Over Baltic Sea

Russian Su-27 Jet Escorts 2 US Strategic Bombers Over Baltic Sea

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet escorted two US B-1B strategic bombers over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry stated on Tuesday.

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A Russian radar detected two air targets over the Baltic Sea approaching the state border of Russia, the ministry said. When the Russian fighter jet approached, the US strategic bombers performed a U-turn from the state border of the Russia, and no violations of the state border were allowed, the ministry stated.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231015/russian-su-27-takes-to-air-after-us-drone-approaches-border-1114212491.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/scott-ritter-israel-failing-in-global-pr-campaign-to-demonize-hamas-1114455922.html

Scott Ritter: Israel Failing in Global PR Campaign to Demonize Hamas

Scott Ritter: Israel Failing in Global PR Campaign to Demonize Hamas

The Israeli government has reached for comparisons to some of the most notorious international antagonists of recent years in its effort to demonize Hamas so as to avoid a substantive conversation about the cause of the violence.

2023-10-24T17:27+0000

2023-10-24T17:27+0000

2023-10-24T19:30+0000

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The latest claim to emerge about Hamas deadly border raid on October 7, which killed more than 1,300 Israeli civilians in several towns near the Gaza Strip, is that the Hamas militants were carrying plans for chemical weapons during the attack.In a broadcast on Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog held up a document he claimed had been found in one of the settlements, across the front of which it says Al-Qaeda in bold white lettering. However, social media users quickly dissected Herzogs claim, pointing out that the document he is holding is a biography of Ramzi Youssef, an Al-Qaeda member who carried out the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people, which was published by Al-Qaeda.A former Al-Qaeda operative who turned coat and became a spy for MI6 told British media that one of the documents Herzog held up was a diagram of a simple bomb that was posted online by Al-Qaeda in 2009 and widely downloaded, but wasnt instructions on how to make such a weapon. However, the Youssef biography doesnt contain the image in question.Herzogs claims follow rhetorical attempts by Israeli officials to link Hamas with terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda* and Daesh**, calling the October 7 attacks Israels 9/11 and saying that if the US was justified in pursuing its War on Terror, then so is Israel justified in launching its all-out war on Gaza, which has killed more than 5,000 Palestinians as of Tuesday.Former UN weapons inspector and weapons of mass destruction whistleblower Scott Ritter told Radio Sputniks The Backstory that in attempting to destroy Hamas, Israel has asked a question it is still unwilling to answer: what is the ultimate cause of the violence on October 7?Losing the PR CampaignIsrael's trying to undermine any claim to legitimacy that Hamas might have regarding why they carried out these attacks,' Ritter said. "You know, Israel is not winning the PR campaign globally, primarily because of the heavy-handed manner in which they've responded to the attacks. And people, when they dig into the attacks, are trying to make the claim that you can't cite self-defense when you're the occupier. The occupier cannot ever claim a right of self-defense from the occupied. And there's a larger debate going on right now about the history of Gaza, the history of the Israeli occupation, the history of abuse thats transpired, etc.Then, of course, the chemical weapons, lets just be straight up on this here: anybody who knows anything about chemical weapons will tell you that somebody carrying a piece of paper from a handbook written by another agency in their pocket does not a chemical weapon make.Avoiding an Israeli Civil WarRemember, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, was teetering on the brink of political collapse prior to the Hamas action of October 7," Ritter recalled. "He is a man who is under the shadow of some very serious corruption charges, charges which, again, you're innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but if there was a court of law of relevant jurisdiction who heard the case, he probably be found guilty - and he knows it, which is why he is collaborating with his party in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, to change the Israeli Basic Law so that there is no longer a separate-but-equal branch of government called the judiciary, but rather a judiciary that is subordinated to the Israeli parliament. And the Israeli parliament can basically veto any judge that they disagree with. They can impeach at will. So any judge who heard a corruption case against Ben Netanyahu, who allowed it to go forward would be subjected to impeachment, removal. It makes Benjamin Netanyahu literally above the law.I Alone Can Secure YouYou know, he's also in addition to being the most corrupt prime minister in the history of Israel, he's the guy who has defined himself more than any other prime minister as Mr. Security. He's the guy who said, trust me, I will protect you from Hamas, even though he empowered Hamas; I will protect you from Iran by manufacturing the case about nuclear weapons; I will protect you from Iraq by lying about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. All these have come back to haunt him, but he continues to tell the Israeli people I, Benjamin Netanyahu alone, can secure you. And now October 7 comes and it turns out he can't protect them," Ritter told Sputnik.The last thing he needs or wants or desires is [for] people to honestly reflect on it. Because something horrible happened on October 7, I think we are all in agreement about that. Whether you believe that Hamas had a right to rise up and attack Israeli military targets, that's a separate debate. I happen to believe they should be able to do that. But there's no carte blanche ever for anybody to kill innocent civilians, and a lot of innocent Israeli civilians were killed. And I think it's imperative that Israel, like the United States after 9/11, instead of saying we must exact our revenge, to sit there and say, how did this happen? Why did this happen and how can we prevent it from happening again? But in order to answer that question, you have to define the problem. Israel doesn't want to have that discussion, Netanyahu doesn't want to have that discussion, because the answer is: he is the problem. The right-wing policies of Israel is the problem. Zionism might be the problem.*Al-Qaeda and al-Nusra Front (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) are terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other countries.**Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia and many other states.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/israels-total-siege-of-gaza-clearly-prohibited-under-international-humanitarian-law-1114453332.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231016/netanyahu-evokes-nazism-to-justify-israels-colossal-response-to-hamas-attack-1114239142.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/two-us-military-bases-in-syria-targeted-in-attempted-drone-attacks-1114442436.html

Two US Military Bases in Syria Targeted in Attempted Drone Attacks

Two US Military Bases in Syria Targeted in Attempted Drone Attacks

The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, made up of Shia armed units, targeted two US military bases in Syria using drones, a US news agency reports.

2023-10-24T09:49+0000

2023-10-24T09:49+0000

2023-10-25T09:33+0000

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deir ez-zor

bashar al-assad

middle east

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The Islamic Resistance of Iraq is an umbrella term that refers to various militias operating in Iraq. The group was responsible for carrying out attacks on American forces in two different locations: the Al-Omar oil field in the Deir el-Zour province, and in al-Shaddadi, located further north.According to reports from the American media, the attack occurred just a few hours after the organization had claimed responsibility for the attempted strikes on the Al-Tanf military outpost. The Iraqi-based Shafaq News agency earlier reported that US air defenses had managed to intercept the drones. Two military bases, the Al-Asad Airbase (formerly known as Qadisiyah) in the al-Anbar Governorate of western Iraq, and the Al-Harir Airbase (formerly known as Bashur) in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, were targeted in UAV attacks last week. Al-Tanf, located on the Iraqi-Syrian and Jordanian-Syrian borders in Syria's Homs Governorate, is a military site operated by the US-led international coalition. Its primary objective is to spearhead anti-Islamic State* efforts in both countries.*Terrorist organization banned in Russia.

syria

iraq

deir ez-zor

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231024/ukraine-loses-over-235-soldiers-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-day-1114450439.html

Ukraine Loses Over 235 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Day

Ukraine Loses Over 235 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Day

Ukraine has lost more than 235 soldiers in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry stated on Tuesday.

2023-10-24T11:33+0000

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russia's special operation in ukraine

ukraine

donetsk

russia

russian defense ministry

russian forces

ukrainian crisis

ukrainian conflict

ukraine crisis

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt

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Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled 11 attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Krasny Liman direction and eight attacks in the Kupyansk direction.

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The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association (OHHA) is hosting a photo contest for the cover of the 2024 Ohio Standardbred Stallion Directory & OHHA Membership Directory.

The OHHA is looking for pictures of foals by a registered Ohio stallion.

Please submit all photos to [email protected]. The deadline to submit pictures is Nov. 15, 2023. There is a limit of three pictures per photographer.

Please include the following information when submitting your photographs: name of photographer, foal's name, and sire and dam information.

Photos should have a portrait orientation and high resolution. All photographs will be considered.

The photographer of the winning picture will receive a $250 gift card.

The staff of the Ohio Harness Horsemens Association will select the photograph to be used on the cover.

Any photographs submitted that are selected as a winner may be used throughout the stallion directory.

For information about placing a pedigree page for your stallion in the 2024 directory or for information about advertising your farm, product or service, contact Frank Fraas at [email protected].

(Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)
The Justice Department is expanding its investigation into Tesla and has issued subpoenas for more information from the electric vehicle manufacturer.

Federal prosecutors are going beyond the company's partially automated driving systems amid the ongoing probe. Tesla said in a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into "personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range, and personnel decisions" without giving any details.

Justice Department Expands Tesla Investigation

The additional investigation topics and the subpoenas suggest that prosecutors have decided to broaden the inquiry. Legal experts argued that it also seems that they have found the need to force the electric vehicle manufacturer to disclose information.

The new filing indicates that prosecutors may be investigating Tesla CEO Elon Musk and whether or not his company has been candid in describing the features of its vehicles. In January, the company disclosed that the DOJ requested documents related to its Autopilot and "Full Self-Driving" features, as per the Independent.

The two features are classified as driver-assist systems and the company later went on to say that the vehicles it manufactures cannot drive themselves. But Tesla is now disclosing a probe that is "a lot wider than just looking at Autopilot and FSD features."

A University of Michigan business and law professor, Erik Gordon, said that the DOJ frequently starts with a formal written request and escalates to administration subpoenas if it believes that it is not getting full cooperation from the other party.

Gordon added that specifying additional items that prosecutors are looking at suggests that Tesla lawyers found them serious enough to change the company's public disclosures. The electric vehicle manufacturer did not respond to requests for comment following the latest development.

A report in October 2022 noted that Tesla was placed under a DOJ criminal investigation over claims that the company's electric vehicles can drive themselves. Earlier this year, another report noted that federal prosecutors were also looking into Tesla vehicle performance claims as well as the company's use of funds on a secret project that was described internally as a house for Musk, according to Reuters.

Read Also: Ohio Poultry Plant Violates US Labor Law; Federal Agents Discovered Minor Workers

Failure To Achieve Advertised Ranges

There were reports that Tesla cars frequently failed to achieve their advertised range estimates and projections that were shown by the vehicles' own equipment. For more than two years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the performance of Autopilot.

This came after identifying more than a dozen crashes in which Tesla cars hit stationary emergency vehicles and whether or not they adequately ensure drivers are paying attention when using the driver assistance system.

Tesla vehicles allegedly fell short of the range indicated by the Environmental Protection Agency based on road testing. While the range of all battery-powered cars suffers during cold weather, a Tesla Model Y sport utility vehicle that was tested fell at least 50 miles short of the claimed range even in warm weather conditions.

On the other hand, the Ford Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 SUVs exceeded their claimed warm-weather ranges after testing despite performing under identical conditions as the Tesla model, said the New York Times.

Related Article: Capitol Hill Facing Surge in Robberies, Carjackings; Senate Offers Tips to Reduce Crime Risk

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A 13-year-old Standardbred mare in Salem County has been identified as the second case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious mosquito-borne illness in horses, in New Jersey for 2023.

The horses vaccination status is uncertain. The mare was humanely euthanized on Oct. 13, 2023.

There had been one other reported horse case of EEE in New Jersey in Gloucester County in September.

EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. West Nile Virus is a viral disease that affects a horses neurological system. The diseases are transmitted by a mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are "dead-end" hosts for the virus.

In general, most regions in New Jersey have a reported mosquito population near the five-year average. The first EEE positive mosquito pool was detected in Gloucester County this year. Livestock owners are strongly encouraged to vaccinate against WNV, EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases. Effective equine vaccines for EEE and WNV are available commercially. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians if their horses are not up to date on their vaccinations against both EEE and WNV.

We continue to encourage horse owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against these diseases spread by mosquitoes, said Joseph Atchison III, New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.

For more information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website by clicking here.

EEE and West Nile Virus, like other viral diseases affecting a horses neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email  [email protected]. Learn more about the NJ Animal Health Diagnostic lab at jerseyvetlab.nj.gov.

(New Jersey Department of Agriculture)
A school psychologist is running against a retired school administrator to represent the Salem District on the Culpeper County School Board. Kelley Pearson and Terese Matricardi discussed mental health and school safety during the Oct. 5 Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum at Germanna Community College. In her introduction, Pearson said she is running for school board as a continuation of her 31 years in public education, including 18 years as an assistant principal at Culpeper County High School and nine at Eastern View.

I have extensive experience dealing in all aspects of academics and instruction, including career and technical education and special education. I also have extensive experience in all aspects of school safety and security and student support services for mental health, truancy, homelessness, domestic violence, suicide, substance abuse as well as behavior interventions and supports and all school disciplinary procedures, she said.

Matricardi, a licensed teacher and school psychologist for 28 years, homeschooled her children who then graduated from Eastern View High School and graduated from, or are attending, the University of Virginia.

Ive gained expertise into the legal foundations of education, she said in her introduction. My last name means mothers heart, and it is my mothers heart which compels me now to stand up for our children, our school and our nation. As a third generation teacher  I respect and revere teachers and want to do everything to ensure that this noble profession is supported and protected.

Matricardi, endorsed by the local Republican Committee, said she has specific solutions about school safety, mental health, academics and parental rights.

Pearson said she does not believe politics belong in public education.

Schools are a people business and throughout my career I always have been an effective listener, problem solver and consensus builder. As a school board member, I would continue to do the same thing  my agenda has always been our students here in Culpeper.

Matricardi said with her background she understands professionally and personally the issues students, parents and families contend with in society. She said she has worked with students from diverse backgrounds including LGBTQ, students with disabilities such as autism, learning disabilities, ADHD and emotional disabilities.

I have spent my professional life evaluating and advocating for the well-being of students. I have seen the ways in which regulations protect students and the ways in which they dont. Teachers and administrators share with me that they are desperate for school board members who will have the intelligence and courage to stand up against the regulatory burdens which prevent them from better serving Culpeper families.

Matricardi proposed CCPS offer a more extensive baseline of mental health services to students without a three-month wait for a psychological evaluation.

I would work with the Virginia Department of Education, Gov. Youngkins administration, and private partnerships here in our community to ensure that we have increased access to alternative educational settings for students in need of this, she stated.

Matricardi added the school board should fully adopt model policy for transgender students and ensure that social-emotional learning proceeds only with absolute transparency for parents. I will look forward to carefully recalibrating policy to enable administrators and teachers to better meet the needs of our students and families of today, she said.

Pearson noted a clear link between health and wellness and learning. Mental health is a major component of that, she said, that often manifests itself as disciplinary academic or attendance issues.

Mental health support that could be expanded include an employee assistance program for adults so they can best serve students, Pearson said. School nurses, counselors, behavior interventionists and social workers all currently assist CCPS students and families, she continued.

The schools also connect with community agencies such as private therapists, family assessment planning team and JDR court services, she stated.

As a school board member, its important for us to help our schools reduce the stigma regarding mental health, Pearson said. We need to listen to our school practitioners with respect to their ideas and the ideas of students.

The school board should direct resources in response to the 2022 youth risk assessment survey that found higher rates of thoughts of suicide and absenteeism due to increased anxiety, she said.

As a mom, Matricardi said her No. 1 priority is school safety. She described an incident when her son was in high school where another student threw an explosive into her sons occupied bathroom stall. She said was never notified by the school about the incident.

If elected to the school board, she said she would request every school reports online each week every violent event and disciplinary action that occurs without listing names, only events  disciplinary codes are already downloaded to the state, Matricardi stated.

Its parents, not the state, who need to know about the violence occurring in their childrens school. We already report on COVID, lice and SOL scores without ever compromising confidentiality. This is no different, but far more important. Matricardi also said she supports having sufficient armed SROs at every school and new drug safety courses on fentanyl.

Pearson said school safety could easily be a two-hour conversation.

Everyone views schools through the lens of safety and we cannot learn if we are not safe, she said. Pearson told Matricarid she is appalled at the situation that happened with her son and that she is sorry.

If your student, under my watch, was involved in a disciplinary incident then you and I had a conversation every single time. Accountability and transparency are key, Pearson said.

CCPS has a number of safety and security measures already in place visible and behind the scenes, said the former school assistant principal, including armed SROs and armed-when-qualified school security officers.

Locked doors, entry vestibules, swipe ID badges, check in for all visitors, cameras and radios in all of our schools and buses and drills, Pearson said. Crisis management plans, threat assessment teams, school safety teams, school disciplinary guidelines and consequences, technology and cybersecurity and coordination with law enforcement, first responders and community agencies.

Equally important is having a positive school climate and culture, she said.

Creating and maintaining it is major and one of the best strategies in preventing disciplinary incidents and school violence.

Matricardi, in closing, said the school boards of today are contending with some of the most significant cultural issues of the time.

We here in Culpeper County stand on the horizon with the hope of a new day, she said. Like the rising sun, our beliefs enlighten and direct our paths. Our beliefs become the policies which will direct the future of public education, the county and our nation in profound ways.

Matricardi said she has knocked on over 1,000 doors for her school board campaign. Constituents shared they are concerned about safety, mental health, boys in the girls bathroom and information being kept from parents, she said.

These are the people I am beholden to. We have the opportunity today to bring the light back to public education in Culpeper  I will represent the beliefs of Culpeper County and Salem District voters, she said.

In closing, Pearson said that though she doesnt believe politics belong in education, she is having to engage in a campaign to get back to what she knows and loves  helping students and teachers and parents.

I have worked with a lot of you on the stage, many of you in the audience and many of your children. I have a well documented history of responsiveness in solving problems and addressing concerns, she said. I have always involved parents and partnered with them in all aspects.

Pearson said she would bring a front-line credibility to the school board in building policy focused on student academic achievement and school safety.

I will solicit input and consider all points of view  I bring a unique skill set as former administrator, am reasonable, and I dont swing to any extreme other than going the extra mile for the success of our students and being a strong advocate for public education.
After being damaged by fire on July 25, the Marion McDonalds has been shuttered. However, its owners expect the fast food eatery to reopen in December.

Ken Heath, Marions community and economic development director, informed the Marion Town Council that the delay in reopening is due to backordered equipment. Heath had communicated with Steven Greene, a CPA for Farris Properties of Virginia, owners of the Marion McDonalds. According to an email from Heath to councilmembers and other town officials, Greene assured me that they are working diligently on reopening.

While the restaurant was practically gutted, Heath wrote, the companys goal is to have everything in place and installed for a reopening in December.

No one was injured when fire broke out at the restaurant during breakfast service on the Tuesday morning. Marion firefighters responded to the popular eatery around 6:45 and brought the fire under control in about 45 minutes.

Police Lt. Rusty Hamm said then that the restaurant suffered moderate fire damage and extensive smoke damage.

Town councilmembers had inquired about the reopening with concerns about the loss of meals tax revenue.

Thursday, Marion Town Manager Bill Rush said he didnt expect the loss to require budget adjustments if the restaurant is able to reopen by the years end. He said the town had been running ahead of budget predictions for meals tax revenue when McDonalds had to close. With that cushion, he said, the town remains on budget for those collections.

Rush noted that many McDonalds customers shifted to other restaurants in its absence, keeping the meals tax revenue steady.

The meals tax collection is an integral revenue producer for the town. For the 2023-24 budget year, Marion projects collecting $1.730 million to be produced through the tax.
Floyd Initiative for Safe Housing works in Floyd County to assist families with limited income to maintain safe, warm and dry housing.

FISH is celebrating the completion of another critical renovation at the end of August.

Citizens Telephone Cooperative employees, Rocky Huff, Jeff Belshan and Jay Conner volunteered on the project through Citizens Volunteer Time Off Program.

We are so grateful for these volunteers who spent their day reconstructing a rotting floor helping a local resident make their home safe. This is what makes Floyd so vibrant, people willing to help each other and a local company that supports their employees giving back to their community, said Susan Icove of FISH.

Citizens Executive Vice President of Human Resources Kerri Williams said that Citizens offers employees 40 hours a year of paid time off to volunteer in charitable or civic organizations.

Williams said, The intention is to participate in giving back and supporting the community and to allow our employees to share in that effort. At the same time, we recognize that participating in these types of activities enriches the lives of employees.

She sees the program as immensely valuable to the company, the community and the employees, she said.

FISH has more critical repair projects planned for this fall and they are looking for skilled volunteers, as well as business, faith and civic organizations to assist with upcoming renovations.

A volunteer meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the NRCA Community Action Building (120 Epperly Mill Rd.), across from Crenshaw Lighting.

With questions or for more information contact FISH at safehousingfloyd@gmail.com.
Confidential sources have informed Sowt al-Asima that Damascus International Airport is set to resume operations by the end of this week.

Confidential sources have informed Sowt al-Asima that Damascus International Airport is set to resume operations by the end of this week, following extensive runway rehabilitation and restoration efforts in the wake of Israeli airstrikes.

The Israeli airstrikes specifically targeted the airports runways, aiming to hinder the landing of Iranian aircraft ferrying weapons, and military equipment, as well as military experts and generals affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards to Iran-linked militias and Hezbollah.

According to insiders at Sowt al-Asima, Syrian air defence systems were unable to intercept the recent Israeli assault on Damascus and Aleppo international airports. Vadim Kulet, the deputy head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, revealed that seven Israeli warplanes launched an attack on Damascus and Aleppo international airports from the highest territorial waters in the Mediterranean. He confirmed that this attack involved three F-15 and four F-16 aircraft, which bombarded the runways of both airports with multiple missiles, causing extensive material damage and rendering both airports inoperative.

Its worth noting that Aleppo and Damascus international airports had previously been rendered inoperative on October 22nd due to a simultaneous Israeli airstrike, which had a similar objective. The Israeli actions were in response to an Iranian transport plane carrying high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah leaders, and advanced military equipment, all destined for Damascus International Airport and, ultimately, southern Lebanon.

Interestingly, despite Aleppo International Airports brief return to service on October 15th, it was once again subjected to Israeli bombardment, forcing a renewed suspension of operations for maintenance.

On October 19, the Ministry of Transport announced the successful completion of maintenance work at Damascus International Airport, and it will soon recommence services, including two daily flights, along with three test flights, to ensure the airports navigation safety.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The number of registered Syrian refugees in Turkey stands at 3,288,755, marking a significant drop from previous years, according to al-Modon.

The number of Syrian refugees registered in Turkey under temporary protection (Kimlik) has reached its lowest level in seven years, declining since the beginning of 2023, according to recent statistics released by the Turkish Immigration Presidency.

Data from the Immigration Presidency reveals that the number of Syrian refugees under temporary protection in Turkey has decreased by 247,143 people since the start of 2023, with a further reduction of 19,127 individuals in October compared to September.

As per the latest statistics, the current count of registered Syrian refugees in Turkey stands at 3,288,755, marking a significant drop from previous years.

The age distribution data provided by the Presidency of Immigration indicates that men constitute 52.4% of the registered Syrian refugees, with women comprising the remaining 47.6%. Disparities in gender ratios become more pronounced in the 25 to 29 age groups, while the number of women surpasses that of men in the over-45 age groups.

Furthermore, the statistics highlight that 97.7% of Syrians reside in urban areas, their distribution varying in line with population density and residential preferences.

Among Turkish governorates hosting Syrian refugees, Istanbul ranks first with 532,235 refugees, followed by Gaziantep and Sanlurfa. Kilis leads in terms of the density of Syrians compared to the local Turkish population, with a proportion of 39.9%. This is demonstrated by the presence of 147,919 Turkish citizens in Kilis alongside 75,972 registered Syrians.

The decline in the number of Syrians registered in Turkey can be attributed to a combination of factors, including forced deportations to northern Syria and the departure of many Syrians to European Union countries. As a result, Turkey has become a less favoured destination for Syrians seeking work, protection, or residence.

In recent developments, Turkish authorities forcibly deported 455 Syrian refugees, including women and children, through the Bab al-Salama, Tal Abyad, and Bab al-Hawa border crossings that separate the opposition-controlled areas in northern Syria, as reported by local news networks two days ago.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The ongoing Israeli aggressions against Syria underline a sense of desperation and anxiety on Israel's part, according to al-Baath.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has asserted that Israels continuous engagement in criminal attacks serves as compelling evidence of its defeat and mounting anxiety. This is a direct consequence of Syrias unwavering determination to withstand all efforts to weaken it and divert its attention from supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle to reclaim their homeland.

In a recent statement, the ministry highlighted that, for the third time within a single week, at 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, October 22, the Israeli occupation entity launched an aerial assault using missiles from the Mediterranean Sea and the occupied Syrian Golan. The targets of this assault were the Damascus and Aleppo International Airports, tragically resulting in the loss of a civilians life, injuries to another individual, and extensive damage to the runways of both airports. Consequently, these vital transport hubs were rendered inoperative once again, despite previous repairs following recent aggression that had enabled the resumption of civilian air traffic.

The ministry further underscored that Israels persistence in these criminal attacks underscores its sense of defeat. This heightened aggression can be attributed to Syrias steadfastness in the face of all attempts made by Israel and terrorist forces to undermine its position. These efforts aim to divert Syria from its commitment to supporting the Palestinians in their quest to regain their land. Additionally, Syria remains determined to reclaim the occupied Syrian Golan and withstand the unilateral coercive measures imposed by Western countries on the Syrian people. Furthermore, the ministry denounced Israels actions as constituting war crimes against humanity, especially during its devastating conflict with the people of Gaza.

The ministry asserted that Israels backers have once again demonstrated their willingness to exploit international law and its conventions to advance their colonial ambitions, often under false pretexts. In response to these developments, the Syrian Arab Republic has issued a stern warning about the potential consequences of continued attacks and practices that violate international humanitarian law. Such actions could escalate tensions in the region and lead to a broader cycle of violence.

In summary, the ongoing Israeli aggressions against Syria underline a sense of desperation and anxiety on Israels part. Syria remains resolute in its commitment to support the Palestinian cause and reclaim its own territory, despite facing external pressures and hostilities. The international community is urged to take notice of these developments and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation in the region.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

On Monday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister, had a phone conversation with Dr. Faisal Mekdad, Syrias Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. They delved into the pressing need to prevent any further escalation in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Ahmad Jarba, the leader of Syrias Tomorrow Movement, met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on the same day.

Saudi, Syrian FMs discuss importance of preventing escalation in Gaza

Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Monday from Syrias Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Faisal Mekdad, during which the two sides discussed the importance of stopping further escalation in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Saudi and Syrian foreign ministers also discussed the latest developments in the ongoing military escalation on Gaza and its surroundings, in addition to the importance of finding ways to defuse the tension.

It is important to find a just and fair solution that meets the needs of the Palestinians, and alleviate the repercussions of this crisis in a way that contributes to the protection of civilians, Prince Faisal and Dr. Mekdad said.

The two sides also reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria, and ways to enhance them in a way that serves the two countries aspirations, in addition to discussing other topics of common interest.

PM Barzani, Syrian opposition leader addresses latest developments in Syria

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday received Ahmad Jarba, the leader of Syrias Tomorrow Movement.

During the meeting, the latest developments in Syria and the region were discussed.

Both sides emphasized the need to resolve Syrian issues through dialogue and peaceful means, to protect the rights of Syrian Kurds, as well as the importance of coexistence and peace between all peoples, particularly Kurds and Arabs.

Jarba was formerly the president of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces from 2013-2014.

In March 2016, Jarba founded Syrias Tomorrow Movement in Cairo. It is a pro-democracy, secular opposition group in Syria. It is supported by several exiled Syrian opposition groups.

Why did Israel bomb Syrian airports in the thick of its ongoing war with Hamas?

The ongoing war between the Hamas and Israel is deeply entrenched in regional rivalries and long-standing divides that shape the responses of various West Asian countries and actors. The recent airstrikes on Syrias airports can be better understood within the context of the intricate relationships between Israel, Hezbollah, and Syria.

The persistent war in Gaza, pitting Israel against the militant group Hamas, continues to escalate, with Israeli warplanes striking parts of Gaza and even extending their operations on Sunday (Oct 22) to two airports in Syria.

This marked a significant development just two weeks after Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, one of the most significant since the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.

The ongoing turmoil is deeply entangled in regional rivalries and long-standing divides that shape the responses of various West Asian countries and actors.

The recent airstrikes on Syria can be better understood within the context of the intricate relationships between Israel, Hezbollah, and Syria.

Israels concerns

The Israeli government has yet to provide explicit reasons for the recent attack on Syria. However, it is widely believed that these strikes are preemptive actions aimed at countering Hezbollahs threats to open a new front of attacks in the north, reported Reuters.

Israels apprehensions are fuelled by the fact that Lebanon and Syria both share borders with Israel in the north. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant organization based in Lebanon, has been engaged in sporadic exchanges of fire with Israel in recent weeks, although it has not formally entered the war.

US troops in Syria targeted by drones: Officials

American and allied forces in Syria were targeted Monday in an attack that did not cause casualties, a US official said, after a militant group claimed to have launched drones at Washingtons troops, according to Al-Arabiya.

Armed factions close to Iran have threatened to attack US interests over Washingtons support for Israel since Hamas militants killed more than 1,400 people in a shock cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7.

Israels retaliatory bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 5,000 people, according to the Gaza health ministry.

An attack against US and coalition forces occurred early this morning in Syria. There were no injuries or damage, a US defense official said, referring to the international coalition against ISIS.

The US official did not provide specifics on the attack, but a group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said earlier in the day that it had launched drones against American forces at Al-Tanf and Al-Malikiyah in Syria.

The same group also claimed to have targeted US troops in Iraq on Saturday  an attack the United States said it could not confirm  while American forces shot down two drones in the country last week.

The United States has some 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of efforts to combat ISIS, which once held significant territory in both countries but was pushed back by local forces supported by international air strikes.

Forgotten Front: Why Syria Is Becoming a Headache for Russia

The Moscow Times published a long report which discusses how Russias involvement in Syria has become a growing challenge and headache for the country, particularly in light of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and increasing alignment with Iran.

Russia initially aimed to push the United States out of Syria and the Middle East in collaboration with Iran. However, the unintended consequence of Russias actions in Ukraine and closer ties with Iran is that the U.S. presence in the region is growing, and Washington now has a clearer justification for its involvement in Syria.

The report highlights that the situation within Syria itself is escalating. Russia is facing challenges in integrating Wagner mercenary troops into its armed forces following the dismantling of the Wagner group and the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. These challenges are making Syria a complicated issue for Moscow and detracting attention from the Ukrainian conflict.

Russia has increased its activities in the skies over Syria, targeting not only militants but also U.S. forces in the region. This aerial activity has led to incidents between Russian and U.S. warplanes. Russias naval capabilities have been reduced due to the closure of the Bosporus Strait to military vessels, further emphasizing the shift to aviation.

Russia and Iran have reportedly coordinated their actions to pressure the United States out of the Middle East. While Russian aviation challenges the U.S. in the air, Iranian proxies carry out missile strikes against American targets in Syria and Iraq, although these strikes are often intended to intimidate rather than cause significant damage.

The reports adds that contrary to the intended effect, the article points out that these efforts by Russia and Iran are increasing the U.S. military presence in the region. The U.S. has deployed additional forces and sought to unite pro-American groups in Syria.

Russias goal of maintaining a low-key presence in Syria has become increasingly unrealistic. The country faces instability, economic challenges, protests, and the resurgence of the Islamic State group. Additionally, the integration of Wagner mercenaries into Russian forces has proved difficult.

Wagner played a crucial role in Syria, including developing oil deposits and conducting civilian reconnaissance, tasks that the Russian military has struggled with. The article notes that the Russian military cannot easily replace Wagner due to its complexity.

While Russias position in Syria is not yet critical, the article suggests that certain challenges are becoming inevitable. Syria has not become the secure base for Russian troops that was initially envisioned, and it is generating its own localized crises.

The report underscores how Russias actions in Syria have unintended consequences, including increasing U.S. presence in the region and diverting attention from the conflict in Ukraine. It also highlights the challenges Russia faces in managing its involvement in Syria, particularly in light of the changing dynamics on the ground.
A correspondent from Syria TV reported that Russian warplanes conducted multiple missile raids near the village of al-Hamama in the western countryside of Idleb.

Five civilians were tragically killed and several others, including children and women, were wounded on Tuesday during Russian airstrikes that targeted a camp for displaced people in the Jisr al-Shughour area, located in the western region of Idleb.

A correspondent from Syria TV reported that Russian warplanes conducted multiple missile raids, specifically targeting the Ahl Saraqeb camp situated on the outskirts of the village of al-Hamama in the western countryside of Idleb.

According to the White Helmets, also known as the White Helmets, the devastating outcome of this Russian attack resulted in the loss of five innocent lives, including two infants and three women, one of whom was pregnant. Additionally, five civilians were injured, including an infant and two children, with the majority of them belonging to the same family.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the White Helmets expressed their distress over the fact that regime forces and Russia had committed two horrific massacres in northwestern Syria in less than 72 hours, claiming the lives of 10 civilians, the majority of whom were children.

Furthermore, the statement noted that a child sustained injuries in the form of bruises and abrasions, and a fire broke out in the hay material due to Russian airstrikes targeting the Ain Sheeb water station, which is currently out of service and inhabited by families of displaced people, many of whom are engaged in herding and livestock farming. This attack marked the second time the station had been targeted in recent times, as similar Russian airstrikes struck it on August 22, resulting in the death of two civilians and injuries to five others, including two children and a woman.

Throughout this month, there has been a distressing increase in attacks and raids conducted by regime forces and Russia. Up to October 22, the White Helmets teams have responded to 238 attacks on 68 cities and towns in northwestern Syria, leading to the loss of 65 civilian lives, including 20 children and 10 women, as well as the injury of 251 civilians, including 73 children and 43 women. This ongoing violence has inflicted immense suffering on innocent civilians in the region.

Shelling of residential neighbourhoods in rural Idleb and Aleppo

On Monday, Syrian government forces once again initiated a barrage of rocket and artillery fire on residential areas in the outskirts of Idleb and Aleppo, resulting in civilian casualties and forced displacement.

The government forces launched heavy artillery shells at residential districts in Jisr al-Shughour and the surrounding areas of Mahmbel in the western countryside of Idleb. Similarly, the vicinity of the town of Ehsim in the southern countryside experienced a similar shelling, with damage mostly confined to property and material possessions.

Civilians wounded and displaced by regime shelling on Aleppo and Idleb countryside

The White Helmets reported that numerous families from the city of Jisr al-Shughur have been forced to flee due to recurrent attacks on the city. This tragic scenario is a distressing repetition of civilians being targeted, as they are compelled to seek safety that has eluded them for over 12 years.

Notably, the Syrian government forces were responsible for a heartbreaking incident last Sunday, wherein they carried out an artillery shelling on the village of al-Qarqour in the western countryside of Hama, resulting in the tragic loss of five childrens lives.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The Philippines is acting recklessly in the South China Sea, as if intoxicated: Global Times editorial

08:41, October 24, 2023 By Global Times ( Global Times

A Philippine vessel approaches a China Coast Guard vessel in a dangerous manner and leads to a bump in waters off China's Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea on October 22, 2023. Photo: Screenshot from a video released by China Coast Guard

The Chinese and Philippine vessels had two bumps in the waters near China's Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea on October 22, and the situation is still escalating. The Philippine side has raised its voice and condemned China with the "strongest words." Meanwhile, some Western countries, led by the US, have quickly shown support for Manila, attempting to portray China as the "bully," while portraying themselves as "champions of justice." In comparison, China's response has been timely, objective, and composed, showing restraint to the greatest extent possible while trying to uncover the truth of the matter. It is clear who wants to control the escalation of friction, and who is deliberately stoking the flames.

The nature of the incident is crystal clear. Based on the videos released by the Chinese side, it is evident that the Philippine vessels were intentionally responsible for the incidents, especially in the second case, where the Chinese vessel was in a "stationary drifting" state, while the Philippine vessel reversed intentionally, leading to the new incident. Moreover, in the videos, it's apparent that the bumps were very light, but Manila and some Western countries were using words like "collision" and "hit" to exaggerate the situation. This is akin to if a car deliberately scratches another car while the latter is legally parked in its spot. But instead of owning up to the mistake, the first car's owner gets off the vehicle and cries "bully," while a group of people immediately gathers to demand money from the driver of the second car. Isn't this a classic case of malicious blackmail?

Bluntly speaking, the Philippines today seems to be behaving like someone who has consumed a lot of cheap alcohol and is now "drunk driving" in the South China Sea or attempting to provoke incidents under the influence. There's a saying that even when you're drunk, your mind remains sober. The Philippines should be aware that it will never be able to gain an advantage over China through any means. On the contrary, this approach is very dangerous. According to international norms, whether it collides with others or is involved in a collision, it is entirely responsible for the consequences.

Since this year, the behavior of the Philippines in the South China Sea has become increasingly radical, and it could even be said, more audacious. This includes inciting Filipino fishing vessels to intrude upon Huangyan Island, and repeatedly attempting to smuggle construction materials to the "grounded" Filipino warship at Ren'ai Reef. If this continues, it's only a matter of time before it leads to friction or even conflicts with China's resolute maritime law enforcement forces, who are committed to defending our national sovereignty, security and maritime interests.

Perhaps, certain political forces within the Philippines, along with external interference, might want to see things escalate to this point. However, if the Philippines truly provokes a confrontation with China in the South China Sea, what does it mean for the Philippines? What does it mean for China-Philippines relations? What does it mean for the overall peace and stability of the South China Sea region and the framework of mutual benefit and cooperation? Who stands to lose, and who stands to gain? The answers to these questions are obvious. The more countries outside the region rush to support and encourage the Philippines, the more cautious the Philippines should be.

China does not want to see this scenario unfold. Therefore, on the issue of the Ren'ai Reef, China has exercised great restraint and patience, maintaining intensive communication with the Philippines through various levels and channels in recent times. However, this restraint requires a positive response from the Philippines. If the Philippines tries to take advantage, China will not indulge it, and China has no room for compromise or concession on territorial sovereignty issues. The Philippines should not entertain any illusions.

After this incident, there are some analyses within the Philippines suggesting that Beijing is testing Washington's commitment to protecting its allies. To be honest, China has never been interested in testing Washington's resolve, and China's determination to uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity is not influenced by anyone's preferences. It's likely that Manila is the one attempting to test Washington's resolve. Regardless of what unrealistic expectations some individuals in Manila may have about Washington, gambling in this manner will lead to consequences that Manila cannot bear.

The actions of the Philippines in the South China Sea often involve bringing Filipino and Western media reporters along to stage and create a spectacle, concocting impressions of being bullied by China. The planners and the actors, including the media and the Philippine Coast Guard, are well aware of what's happening, but the Philippine public normally may not have a clear understanding of the facts. After a few rounds of such sensationalism, it has left the Philippine domestic discourse on the South China Sea issue very agitated. The Philippine side should not assume that this kind of sensationalism is effective; it is not a good thing and can lead to an irrational outpouring of emotions, potentially pushing the Philippines into an uncontrollable situation. Both China and the Philippines have emphasized that the South China Sea is not the entirety of China-Philippines relations. The implication here is not to let the South China Sea issue escalate and get out of control to disrupt the overall China-Philippines relationship. However, the actions of the Philippine side are contrary to this consensus.

The sovereignty over Ren'ai Reef is not disputed, and it is the Philippines that has artificially created the so-called "dispute" using provocative tactics. The military vessel "grounded" at Ren'ai Reef is already in a dilapidated state; it should have been put to an end long time ago. China will never allow the Philippines to use this derelict warship as a basis for reinforcing and building in order to achieve its goal of occupying the Ren'ai Reef. This is not even a consideration. Proactively removing the warship or allowing it to naturally decompose would be the most rational choice for the Philippines, which will be thoroughly proved by subsequent developments.

The above is a sincere piece of advice for the Philippines, and it can also be seen as a strong warning.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Panera Bread is now facing a lawsuit after its popular energy drink "Charged Lemonade" allegedly killed a 21-year-old student in Philadelphia.

The victim's family claimed their daughter didn't know that the Charged Lemonade she ordered was a heavily caffeinated energy drink. Here's what the plaintiffs argued and want from American bakery-cafe fast food restaurant.

Panera Bread's Energy Drink Allegedly Kills Student

According to CNN Business' latest report, Sara Katz, a 21-year-old student of the Ivy League, died after drinking Panera Bread's Charged Lemonade.

Authorities said Sarah suffered cardiac arrest while at a Panera Bread restaurant. Medical responders tried to transport her to the nearest hospital.

Unfortunately, she experienced a second cardiac arrest, leading to her death. Because of this, Sarah's family filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia on Monday, Oct. 23.

The Daily Beast reported that the incident happened on Sept. 10, 2022. One of her friends who was with her before she died said that the 21-year-old student, who had a heart condition, was very vigilant about what she needed to do to keep herself safe.

"I guarantee if Sarah had known how much caffeine this was, she never would have touched it with a 10-foot pole," said Sarah's friend.

Based on the lawsuit filed by the Katz family, Panera Bread's Charged Lemonade contains a dangerous amount of caffeine, around 390 milligrams per drink.

The plaintiffs argued that this caffeine exceeds the standard content in combined Monster and Red Bull energy drink cans.

With this argument, the Katz family accused the American bakery-cafe fast food chain of wrongful death. Sarah's parents are currently seeking punitive damages and compensatory.

Read Also: Off-Duty Alaska Airlines Pilot Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Trying To Shut Off Engines Mid-Flight

Was Panera Bread's Energy Drink the Main Cause?

Based on the victim's autopsy report, Sara Katz died because of cardiac arrhythmia caused by long QT syndrome (LQTS). Medical examiners explained that LQTS is a disorder that can lead to irregular and fast heartbeats.

They added that this heart condition can be life-threatening. Numerous health studies already proved that energy drinks can trigger high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and other heart disease risk factors.

This is what the Katz family's lawsuit claims. The plaintiffs' attorney, Elizabeth Crawford, said the Charged Lemonade is mixed in-house by store employees.

This means that there's a chance that the caffeine content in some Charged Lemonade drinks was not controlled properly.

Crawford added that the American bakery-cafe restaurant also offers a Panera Sip Club membership, which allows customers to have free in-store refills.

The attorney said this fact makes it impossible to determine how much Sarah Katz drank.

"We want to make sure that the drink includes a warning, or is taken off the shelf. It's a dangerous energy drink and it's not advertised that way. We want to make sure this does not happen to someone else," argued the lawyer.

Related Article: Colorado 'Green' Funeral Home Accused of Providing Families With Fake Ashes After Discovery of Nearly 200 Decaying Bodies

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The Turkish Bar Association has called for an immediate halt to deportation procedures, al-Modon writes.

The Turkish Bar Association has confirmed allegations of human rights violations against Syrian refugees within its borders. It has been reported that Turkeys Immigration Presidency illegally deported hundreds of refugees to northern Syria.

In its report, the association has documented instances of unlawful conduct by the Turkish Immigration Presidency toward Syrians. This included arbitrary arrests and coercion, where refugees were forced to sign documents for voluntary return to northern Syria.

The report highlights that, in recent weeks, a number of foreigners and refugees were deported despite not having exhausted the legal recourse available to challenge their deportation decisions through administrative channels. Some deportations even took place despite pending annulment lawsuits against deportation orders.

What was once considered isolated incidents have evolved into a systematic administrative practice. Deportations are now carried out within seven days, a timeframe that precedes the legal deadline for filing annulment lawsuits against deportation decisions.

An investigation by the association revealed that over half of those deported through these means were Syrians, with the remainder comprising citizens from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and other nations. The methods of illegal deportation varied depending on the nationality of the individuals involved.

The Turkish Bar Association has called for an immediate halt to deportation procedures that contravene international legal principles and laws protecting the legal profession. It also expressed concerns about the state of the judiciary, which it believes is facing inherent flaws.

Lawyer Serhat Hikri, the head of the Immigration and Asylum Center at the Urfa Bar Association, has announced that the association intends to file a criminal complaint related to suspicions of document forgery and signature manipulation at regional immigration departments.

International and human rights organizations have previously criticized Turkish authorities for their treatment of Syrian refugees, including illegal deportations to northern Syria, where the lives of those deported may be at risk. However, the authorities have refuted these allegations, stating that deportations are limited to individuals who have violated property ownership laws, regardless of their possession of temporary protection cards or short-term residence permits.

Recent statistics from the Immigration Presidency reveal that the number of Syrian refugees under temporary protection (kamlik) in Turkey has reached its lowest level in seven years, coinciding with President Recep Tayyip Erdogans announcement of plans to voluntarily deport one million Syrian refugees. This move is to occur following the completion of a housing project funded by the State of Qatar, aimed at providing permanent housing for Syrian refugees in northern Syria.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
SANA reported that the attack was done by Iraqi groups, according to Enab Baladi.

Ground-based anti-aircraft systems at the al-Tanf base in southeastern Syria, where U.S.-led coalition forces are stationed alongside a local Free Syrian Army faction they support, successfully intercepted two drones. One of these drones crashed near the Rukban camp for displaced people, located close to the base.

According to the media office of the Free Syrian Army, the coalitions ground forces intercepted two drones on Monday. They managed to shoot down one before it reached its intended target, causing it to fall near the Rukban camp. It was emphasized that these drones were deemed inaccurate and posed a significant threat to the lives of civilians within the Rukban camp. The Syrian army expressed its commitment to protecting the area from such threats.

On the other hand, the official Syrian news agency (SANA) reported that Iraqi resistance factions targeted the Tanf and Rukban bases, which are part of the US occupation in Syria, using two drones, successfully achieving direct hits on these locations.

As of the time of writing, the international coalition had not issued an official statement or comment regarding the incident.

The Tanf base is situated in eastern Homs governorate, near the border triangle connecting Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, often referred to as the 55-kilometer area, which includes the Rukban camp for displaced Syrians.

This attack occurred two days after the Pentagon announced that its military bases in Syria and Iraq had experienced multiple drone attacks in recent days. General Pat Ryder, the official spokesperson for the Pentagon, confirmed on Thursday, October 19th, that a drone targeted the Tanf base in Syria early Wednesday morning, Syrian time. US and coalition forces engaged and destroyed one of the drones, while the other crashed into the base, causing minor injuries to coalition personnel.

Earlier, on October 19th, the US Conoco field base in eastern Deir ez-Zor governorate witnessed explosions resulting from similar targeting. At that time, the Enab Baladi correspondent in Deir ez-Zor reported five explosions in or near the Conoco field base, without providing detailed information on the extent of the damage or the responsible party behind the attack.

On October 9th, Hadi al-Amiri, a prominent Iraqi politician and leader of the Badr political and military organization, which has close ties to Iran, issued a threat to the United States. He warned, If they intervene in the escalation in Palestine, we will intervene, and we will consider all American targets as legitimate. Its worth noting that the Badr Organization is part of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, a paramilitary paragovernmental organization encompassing various Iran-backed factions.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
PeaceHealth workers in Longview joined a regional five-day strike as part of an effort to bring more awareness to what union leaders say is a national understaffing crisis in hospitals.

The 18 St. John Medical Center lab professionals, and hundreds of health care works at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, went to the picket lines Monday to protest what they said has been an unfair and one-sided bargaining process with PeaceHealth executives.

They have made little movement to address these issues, and more than that, they have consistently violated labor laws, said Jonathon Baker, president of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals regional union chapter, which represents 1,300 workers across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

In Vancouver, The Columbian reports hundreds of unionized health care workers  including respiratory therapists, radiology techs and maintenance workers  lined the sidewalk from Northeast 92nd Avenue stretching for blocks.

The union gave administration a 10-day notice on Oct. 13 for a strike that does not include doctors or nurses.

Michelle James, senior vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer for PeaceHealth, said the two hospitals will continue operations during the strike and prioritize safe patient care.

However, Baker also claimed PeaceHealth threatened to nullify workers health insurance if the strike went past Nov. 1.

Patient care has taken a hit, and the COVID-19 crisis exacerbated problems that were present before the pandemic, Baker said. Wages remain low, and Baker said many PeaceHealth executives have refused to bargain or even meet in the middle.

Our members stepped up, Baker said. Thats where a lot of the frustration is  they felt their sacrifice would be recognized. And it wasnt.

Jason Scott, a clinical lab scientist at PeaceHealth, said the amount of support pouring in from the Longview community has been inspiring and much-needed for the 18 scientists striking.

Ever since COVID, things have really deteriorated, Scott said.

The conditions and understaffing has affected and made it harder to get patients the care they need, Baker said.

Editor's note: The Columbian's Chrissy Booker and Amy Libby contributed to this story.
Washington State Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, was arrested Saturday in Hong Kong for carrying a firearm in his luggage during a trip to Southeast Asia.

Wilson, 63, who is also a Longview port commissioner, was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport. He is accused of possessing an unlicensed firearm as his gun is licensed to carry in Washington state, but not Hong Kong.

Wilson, who is traveling with his wife, said in a statement, It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly.

Erik Smith, a spokesperson for Wilsons Senate office, said Wilson told custom officials once finding the unloaded revolver inadvertently packed in his carry-on luggage. A Hong Kong publication called The Standard reports the weapon was detected by a baggage screener.

According to Smith, Wilson flew from Portland International Airport to San Francisco for a connecting flight before discovering the gun in his briefcase while in flight. Smith said Wilsons gun cleared both airports.

Wilson had to surrender his travel documents to authorities, Smith said.

The Standard reports Wilson is out on $20,000 bail in Hong Kong dollars, or about $2,556 in US dollars, and his next hearing is on Oct. 30.

Smith said Wilson was on the first leg of a five-week vacation across Southeast Asia, which also included some research as he intended to visit Port of Shanghai.

The Standard reports Wilson verbally abused reporters and asked them to delete photos when leaving the courthouse, and police had to mediate the dispute. Smith said the altercation occurred because in Hong Kong the media must identify themselves, but they did not.

Smith said Wilson plans to continue his trip through Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia after the legal matter is resolved.
In the 12 years since Mike Wallin was elected to Longview City Council, he has grown a lot as a leader. Longviews current mayor pro tem started as a citizen suing the city over traffic cameras, and has grown into a cornerstone of cooperation in city government.

We applaud his ability to enact change, agree with his work on HOPE Village, and therefore endorse Wallin for Longview City Council Position 1.

Both Wallin and challenger Kalei LaFave have drastically different views on the citys pallet homes site for the homeless. LaFave believes the community asked for the unmanaged homeless camp on Alabama Street to be closed, while Wallin believes the community asked for a solution for those struggling to find homes. We agree with the latter.

Wallin has spent the last few years heavily involved in the citys work to fight homelessness. He understands the role the city needs to play, partnering with other groups to provide outreach as well as facilitating this work through legal frameworks.

Wallin worked with the council to select a site for the camp, but he was just as ready to help when he joined the team of volunteers who physically assembled the pallet homes.

At the beginning of the year, Wallin also helped provide the spark needed for Longview to split with the countys homelessness task force and go its own way. This was a bold move, but one that was badly needed following the county commissioners commitment to inaction on homelessness. Wallin demonstrated his willingness to look towards a solution and then locate a path towards it, rather than hitting a roadblock and declaring it impossible.

LaFave herself has experienced homelessness in her youth and continues to help people through her nonprofit work. She is an advocate for those in need, but we do not agree with her tough approach.

LaFave said she wouldnt close HOPE Village, but advocates there should be drug testing, similar to Community House on Broadway. She wants to see background checks on HOPE Village residents and limits on felons. In the editorial boards interview, she suggested most homeless people who are not sober will go back to where they came from if left without a local shelter option.

Around the 25:28 mark in the interview, LaFave said, It is not all of our responsibility to help everyone if they are not willing to help themselves.

We, on the other hand, want everyone to have a chance to seek housing, and therefore disagree on placing requirements on sobriety and background checks. We view the assumption of homeless people being from outside the area as naive; homeless people are often stuck in the communities where they already lived. We also believe HOPE Village residents are helping themselves; residents are in constant contact with people who can help with addiction, mental health, job placement and more, they just arent required to be off drugs or felony-free to stay on site.

LaFave does, however, bring up a good point about a line on page 9 of the Salvation Armys contract with the city, which she says allows people to use alcohol and drugs in private. The line  which says ... there shall be no alcohol or substance use in public spaces, is confusing and easy to see why people would believe the privacy of an individuals pallet home is an approved place to do drugs or alcohol. We would like to see the line cleared up if the contract is extended.

Salvation Army Major Phil Smith said, despite the wording of the contract, HOPE Village rules bar drugs and alcohol on the property. He said residents are asked to empty pockets when they enter HOPE Village and their bags are searched. People who are found with class 1 drugs are immediately kicked out, while those found with alcohol or weed are put on a last-chance improvement plan, he added.

LaFave seems to look at shelter policy as a binary: either you are a high-barrier shelter or a low-barrier shelter. But there is a wide variety of different policies involved, and her haste to characterize HOPE Village as a low-barrier shelter in our candidate interview was an unhelpful generalization. While HOPE Village has less stringent rules than other programs, writing it off as a low-barrier shelter ignores policies that are in place and doesnt recognize the delicate balance people who write policy must walk.

Wallin is not perfect. Does he still have room to improve? Certainly. Hes got an in-your-face style of speaking and doesnt hold back from telling someone when he thinks theyre wrong. It was fully on display during our interview with the candidates. We urge him to be more respectful when talking to people with different views, especially as a representative of Longview.

Now running for his fourth term, Wallin is currently the most experienced member of the Longview City Council. In that time, hes become a much wiser person, tempering (while not eliminating) his fiery style with experience. We believe the best move for Longview is to retain him on the City Council.
The challenge for the latest episode of Hello World was this: Could I go to Zurich, sit in a newfangled flight simulator for an hour or so and then fly a helicopter the next day through the Swiss Alps? Mind you, I've never flown one before. Also, doesn't this seem like a bad idea?

On This Episode

Since I'm here writing this, the spoiler alert is obvious. You'll see that, yes, a total novice can cruise by the Matterhorn in a helicopter and survive if given the right tools ... and some help.

I was trained by the people at Loft Dynamics AG. They've advanced the flight training field in a major way. Instead of surrounding a pilot with curved screens, Loft provides a virtual reality headset paired with the company's own mechanical simulator that mimics the motions of an aircraft. I've tried out the screen approach both at NASA and with the Israel Defense Forces, and the VR system felt like a major leap forward. It's far more immersive and gives you all the peripheral vision that the old simulators lack.

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After a not terribly successful run on the simulator, I traveled to the Alps and tried out my skills. A real, very awesome pilot did the hardest part of taking off and flying to some open space, but then she turned the controls over, and there I was flying for 10 or so minutes with my camera crew white-knuckling the whole time. The pilot helped avert some near disasters, and I had the time of my life.

Loft, of course, is not built for tourist TV hosts but rather real pilots. The idea being that its systems are cheaper, easier to install and better than previous technology and will be used to train new pilots and help existing ones keep up their hours. It's already been approved by regulators in Europe and is going through the approval process now with the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Things You Will Learn

In terms of hard-tech startups, Switzerland has a lot going on. The government has deep pockets and has funneled much of that money into specific, high-end areas of tech where the country thinks it can carve out a unique path.

Drones have been of particular interest, and Zurich even has a Drone Valley. (Everyone has a valley of some sort these days, don't they?) And the highest flier of the bunch is Verity AG, which makes drones for tracking inventory in warehouses and, oddly, artsy drones used by performers like Justin Bieber and Drake at massive concerts and other events. Much of this technology is the brainchild of Verity co-founder Raffaello D'Andrea, who is a one-of-a-kind mathematician, artist and entrepreneur.

Switzerland also has cutting-edge medical technology and a prime example of this is Cutiss AG, which is manufacturing skin. Grown in a lab, the skin is meant to help burn victims and other people suffering from illnesses.

Things to Do After Watching the Episode

You're going to want to go to Zermatt. It's an idyllic village located in the Swiss Alps where people go to ski and hike and soak up amazing views.

The folks at Air Zermatt will take you on a helicopter sightseeing flight. Like just about everything in Switzerland, it's expensive, and like many things in Switzerland it's awesome.

And you should consider staying at Hotel Zermama because it's a lovely place with some wonderfully eccentric touches thought up by its wonderfully eccentric founder Mario Julen, who made fondue for me once.

One more thing! HT Tech is now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us by clicking the link so you never miss any update from the world of technology. Click here to join now!
Google announces IP Protection feature in Chrome to enhance user security and privacy

October 24, 2023 12:26

Google has unveiled plans to implement an "IP Protection" feature in its Chrome browser, designed to significantly enhance user security and privacy. This novel tool will route internet traffic through Google's proxy servers, making it much harder to track users' online activities. Furthermore, Google is considering the possibility of sequentially using two proxy servers, further bolstering user privacy.

An IP address serves as a unique identifier, often used to track user activity on the internet. Marketing companies and advertising brokers leverage this data to create user profiles for targeted advertising campaigns. Google's IP Protection feature is being developed specifically to combat this form of tracking.

The company intends to deploy IP Protection incrementally for a limited number of websites to assess the effectiveness of this safeguard. However, exact testing commencement dates have not been disclosed as of now.

Google also cautions that IP Protection does not provide an absolute guarantee of privacy in all scenarios. For instance, if one of Google's proxy servers were to be compromised, malicious actors might gain access to the transmitted traffic and use it for their purposes. Routing through two proxy servers can increase security since neither would simultaneously possess both the user's IP address and the destination URL. Nonetheless, the reliability of such a system remains a subject of doubt.

It's worth noting that malicious actors could employ Google's proxy servers to obscure Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or other fraudulent activities. In such cases, Google may require full user authentication, potentially compromising user privacy.

It should be remembered that a significant portion of Google's business model relies on user tracking and targeted advertising. The new IP Protection feature could complicate the operations of third-party companies, giving Google a competitive advantage. Undoubtedly, many users may be skeptical about these plans, but the hope remains that the new tool will deliver on its promises as announced.
On Monday, Ex-Maryland Governor Larry Hogan canceled his two arranged fellowships at Harvard to protest the university's failure to denounce anti-semitism.

The tension in Harvard started due to student organizations that issued a statement declaring the Israeli regime was entirely responsible for the terror attacks.

Hogan Withdraws from Harvard Fellowship

Hogan posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he could no longer accept an offer to speak at the university due to anti-semitic students and organizations.

He was supposed to visit the university but withdrew from the university's public Q&A, private meetings, and roundtable discussions, as reported in the Daily Mail.

"I cannot condone the dangerous anti-semitism that has taken root on your campus, especially by more than 30 Harvard student organizations attempting to justify and celebrate Hamas' terrorism against innocent Israeli and American civilians," Hogan wrote on X in response to Harvard President Claudine Gay.

Hogan said that the students may have a right to speech, but they do not have a right to have hate speech go undisputed by their institution.

He said that Harvard's failure to denounce anti-semitism had already damaged the moral of the university. He also added that the university should have known better about the history and has a responsibility to withstand genocidal acts against the Jewish people or groups.

"There is no 'both sides' when it comes to the murder, rape, and kidnapping of innocent men, women and children," he said.

He hopes that he can help to combat anti-semitism. Furthermore, he wishes Harvard to restore their values that can be presented to the world.

A former Harvard president, Larry Summers, also stated that he was disappointed by Harvard's initial silence after more than 30 student groups issued a statement blaming the attack on Israel.

Read Also: Writers Guild of America Called Out for Remaining Silent on Hamas Attacks in Israel

Gay's Statement to Condemnation of Anti-Semitism

Gay issued a statement following the wave of backlash criticizing the actions of Hamas and said that no student group speaks for Harvard University or its leadership. Multiple donors and contributors have withdrawn their support, and student job offers were canceled after the incident.

She cleared on a Harvard alum reunion that the Hamas terrorist attacks were vicious and appalling, extending her concern for the impact of the attacks on the Jewish community. She added she does not condone anti-semitism in all ways and confirmed that it is not allowed in Harvard.

Her continuous effort to compromise with the Jewish communities at Harvard was ongoing, and she ensured that they would make the community feel that they belonged at the university. On Thursday, around 500 protesters supporting Palestinians skipped their classes and marched through multiple Harvard schools.

Related Article: Trump Federal Judge Unwilling to Employ Pro-Hamas Attack Harvard Law Students





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WACO  Dianne Hensley felt guilty.

Sitting behind her desk at the county courthouse in Waco, she could hear someone crying outside her office door. The young woman wanted to get married, Hensley recalled, but she couldnt find anyone to do the ceremony.

It was 2016, the year after the U.S. Supreme Court toppled bans on same-sex marriage in Texas and other states across the country. Justices of the peace in Texas are allowed to conduct weddings. Told they now must marry all couples or none, the justices of the peace at the courthouse in McLennan County, including Hensley, chose the latter.

The crying woman helped Hensley make a decision. She called a lawyer to see if she could start performing marriages again  but only for opposite-sex couples. As a Christian, she thought she had a case supported by the states religious freedom law.

Seven years later, Hensleys lawsuit is set to be heard this week by the Texas Supreme Court.

She lost at the appeals court level. The justices are giving her one last shot to revive her case. While its aim is narrow, her lawsuit is one of several in Texas and across the country that could whittle away at the rights gay people have won in recent years.

Hensley, 72, sat down with The Dallas Morning News on Oct. 17 for her first extensive interview in years. Shes speaking now because her case, she said, is coming to crescendo.

I would prefer not to be caricatured, she said. I figure I have to talk to you to keep that from happening.

Hensleys lawyers include Jonathan Mitchell, the former state solicitor general who wrote the Texas law that allows citizens to file a lawsuit against anyone who knowingly aids or abets an abortion. Her lawyers argue the judge should be able to cite her faith to refuse to wed gay couples if an alternative officiant is offered.

Playing defense is the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which Hensley sued after it disciplined her for turning away gay couples. The agencys lawyers havent approached the lawsuit as a gay rights case. To them, its a fight for fairness and impartiality, for the rules that allow the public to trust that judges will treat everyone equally.

In the few years Hensley was performing marriages for straight people only, she estimated she turned away about a dozen same-sex couples. She said she never received a complaint.

We cant be responsible for what everybody feels, she said. Youre only responsible for your conduct. There have been many situations in my life when I didnt feel overly welcomed or endorsed or whatever. Im an adult. Thats just how life is. Everybodys not going to love you.

Inside the courthouse

The McLennan County Courthouse has a distinct mid-century feel. The justice of the peace courtroom is flanked by wooden chairs from decades ago, and the rotundas murals date to 1969.

In one, a hanging tree is depicted. A display with a county resolution condemning lynching was added in 2011.

Hensleys office has been at least partially renovated after repeated flooding from the first-floor bathrooms. A small cross adorns one wall. The opposite wall features pictures of her children and 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The small rooms most imposing feature is a bookcase that holds dozens of inquest books. With no county medical examiner, Hensley said much of her time is spent chronicling local deaths. She has averaged 200 deaths a year, 70% of which occur at night.

Its been years since Hensley performed a wedding ceremony. She said shes left the details of her lawsuit to her attorneys.

Ive been trying to pretend it wasnt there and just engaging periodically when it was necessary, she said. I would love to win, because I think its right. My lifes not gonna change one way or the other.

After the Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage, justices of the peace in Texas were told if they chose to officiate weddings they could not turn away couples due to their sexuality.

For the first year, Hensley stopped performing weddings altogether. In 2016, she instituted a new policy: Gay couples seeking marriages were told the judge could not marry them due to her faith and were offered a list of alternative referrals. One officiant was a few blocks down the street, another was the justice of the peace in West, 25 miles away.

In less than a year, Hensley conducted about 70 courthouse marriages for straight couples, according to the Waco Herald-Tribune. Her fee was $100.

After she spoke with the local paper about her weddings policy in 2017, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct launched an inquiry. In November 2019, after a hearing, it issued a public warning that said Hensleys conduct cast doubt on her capacity to act impartially when it came to someones sexuality.

Hensley stopped performing weddings and sued the commission. She cited the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a state law that says a government agency cant substantially burden a persons free exercise of religion unless it is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest.

After her case was moved from McLennan to Travis County, it was dismissed for multiple reasons that included sovereign immunity (the concept that the government is protected from lawsuits) and that she did not properly challenge the state commissions warning at the agency level. An appeals court upheld the decision last year.

Oral arguments at the Texas Supreme Court are set for Wednesday. Hensley said shell be there.

After so many years waiting, she said, it almost feels anticlimactic.

Hensley is represented by First Liberty Institute, a Plano-based Christian nonprofit that handles religious liberty cases, and Mitchell, whose anti-abortion legal advocacy has made him the target of ire and praise. He is handling several cases that involve LGBTQ rights.

Hiram Sasser, one of Hensleys First Liberty lawyers, said the organization was approached by a hundred people who wanted to sue after the gay marriage ruling. They chose Hensley because they believed she found a way to balance two things: the law and humanity.

How do you treat your neighbor as yourself and follow your faith simultaneously? said Sasser, who was present for Hensleys interview with The News. The thing that hit me was that if you were a same-sex couple and you arrived at her office, you ultimately received the same level of service in terms of timeliness and costs.

A relationship with the Lord

Growing up in North Dallas, Hensley wasnt religious. She said she didnt form a relationship with God until well into adulthood.

Her husband, Clayton, had two children from another marriage when they wed. The oldest was a handful, she said. After the boy spent a summer at a Christian camp his aunt chose, however, she said he was changed. That shifted Hensleys approach to her children and her life.

OK, we need religion. Im going to go get some religion, she recalled thinking. The family started going to a nondenominational Christian church in Kingwood. Thats when I really developed a relationship with the Lord, and I found things that had troubled me for years suddenly made sense.

Since then, her beliefs have shaped her political leanings. As a representative for Concerned Women for America as far back as the mid-1990s, she opposed federal education funding she said was part of an effort to subvert local control and undermine abstinence-only education.

She ran for Texas House in 1996 and again in 2000, challenging fellow Republican Dennis Bonnen from the right. She failed both times, and Bonnen went on to serve as House speaker before announcing his retirement amid scandal in 2019.

In 2005, Hensley came to the Capitol to testify in favor of changing the Texas Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. She said she still agrees with a statement she made at the time that children reared in families with a mother and a father are significantly better off than children reared in any other family configuration.

I think the proportion of people who have later problems in life coming out of there is probably still higher. My father was a psychiatrist and a lot of what I would have referenced there will be things that he talked about in his experience with patients, Hensley told The News.

A recent analysis of years of studies published in BMJ Global Health shows children raised by LGBTQ parents fare as well as those raised by opposite sex parents.

Hensley, who is not a lawyer, has worked as a land manager for an oil company, a political campaign manager and a Curves fitness owner. She and her family moved to Waco when she took a job with an abstinence group.

When asked about how her faith informs her opposition to same-sex marriage, she said: My experience is, the closer I follow the Scriptures, the better my life goes. And this is pretty foundational. And Im not going to get into it, but as an abstinence speaker, I dealt a whole lot with the sequelae of same-sex relationships.

She described sequelae as, The medical aftereffects of what youve done. So, you have wide  much greater issues, medically. Asked to clarify once more, she said she believes gay people experience a higher incidence of STDs.

In 2014, the local Republican Party passed over two incumbents to choose Hensley as their nominee for justice of the peace after redistricting eliminated one seat. She was unopposed in her reelection last year.

Hensley said she has never asked anyone their belief system in deciding whether to marry them. But if a justice of the peace has a sincere religious conviction that they cannot wed a couple of a different faith, they should be able to refer them elsewhere, she said.

If you are a person of faith, I would think you would want to be married by somebody who supported that, because to me, marriage is an institution ordained by God so you would want it to be blessed by your faith tradition, she said.

Hensley said her older brother, who died of ALS, was gay.

After he had a falling out with their parents over what she described as economics, Hensley said she hired a detective to track him down once a year and take a photograph as a gift for their mother. One year, he was in Paris. Another year in Japan. Then Dubai.

When he came back home to Dallas, where they grew up, Hensley said she facilitated his reconnection with their parents.

The siblings never discussed his sexuality, but she knew he was gay from the company he kept, Hensley said. She became close with some of her brothers friends, including a man named Michael, before her brothers death.

When Michael got married, he did not call me to [perform the marriage] because he respected my faith, Hensley said. I think thats how most people are. Most people just want to live and let live.

After the interview, Hensleys lawyer sent a statement on behalf of the judge that added the following: I loved my brother deeply and I still care about his friends and the entire community. I really just want the best possible life for everyone and the best possible outcomes.

The judges conduct

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, has sided with Hensley and declined to defend the commission.

Douglas Lang, one of the private lawyers hired to represent the state in Paxtons stead, said the judges conduct  not her faith  is the problem.

The public warning [the commission gave Hensley] is not about her religious beliefs, nor does it require her to conduct ceremonies to marry anyone, Lang said in a statement. It is about her conduct that demonstrates her bias against certain citizens of the State of Texas.

At the core of the commissions argument is that members of the public must be able to believe they have equal access to justice. Inherent in the governments argument is the idea of the slippery slope: If the assurance of impartiality is waived in this instance, what comes next?

The Commission will stand up and argue for the preservation of the compelling interest to assure judges impartiality and support Texas citizens trust in the impartiality of the judiciary, Lang said.

In their brief to the state Supreme Court, the commissions lawyers argued nothing is keeping Hensley from doing exactly what she was doing  performing marriages for straight couples only  if she got ordained and performed those ceremonies privately and not as a government official.

Hensley told The News she did not consider that a solution. I didnt set out in life to do weddings, she said, adding that performing them became more overwhelming than it got to be joyful for me. I cant say that I have missed it in any sense.

In her pleadings, the judge argued not being able to perform weddings, for a small fee, hurt her financially. She is asking for $10,000 in damages and an assurance she will not be investigated or penalized if she performs marriages for opposite-sex couples only.

In a brief submitted earlier this year, her lawyers pointed to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision siding with a website creator who wanted to turn away gay clients. The lawyers argued that the decision lends credence to Hensleys case.

Dale Carpenter, the constitutional law chair at the SMU Dedman School of Law, said the website case does not add anything substantive to Hensleys arguments.

But if the Texas Supreme Court revives her case, he said it might be a significant win for religious exemption claimants, depending on what the decision says. It could encourage other carveouts into LGBTQ rights at the local level in Texas.

It would be unprecedented for the court to declare that judges marrying people in courthouses have the power to shut the courthouse doors to same-sex couples wanting the official duties of judges that is allowed only by Texas state law, Carpenter said. That endangers the appearance of impartiality that legal ethics principles have long required.







Dead silence

LGBTQ organizations have not joined the fray.

Thats because they are in triage mode, said Equality Texas CEO Ricardo Martinez. This year, the state Legislature passed several major laws that target LGBTQ, especially transgender rights. State and national organizations like his, the ACLU and Lambda Legal are battling new restrictions on drag shows and a ban on gender-related care for minors.

Were fighting to talk about our families in schools, for parents to lead family medical decisions, and to end [state] harassment of loving families, Martinez told The News. When small teams like ours, who are on the forefront of this fight, make decisions about where to put our resources  we go to the most immediate threat.

The Hensley case feels remote even locally, said Alexandra Brock, a board member of Waco Pride.

I havent heard a single thing, Brock told The News. Dead silence.

Advocates in Waco are focused on looking for health care providers for transgender youth and ensuring LGBTQ pride events go on safely amid protests and threats of violence, she said.

Hensley doesnt have a monopoly on faith, Brock added, saying the judges beliefs dont represent the Waco she knows. She said that cases like this add to a false perception that places like Waco are too small, too rural, too conservative to have happy, openly queer people.

And that is very not true, Brock said.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, is running for House speaker, bringing with him decades of experience in the chamber and a record of winning seats for his party.

Sessions, 68, is still far from the favored candidate within the conference. Nine Republicans are running for the seat left vacant by the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. While there is no immediately obvious candidate who can secure the 217 votes needed, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota is the highest-ranking candidate and has McCarthys endorsement.

Sessions, whose district formerly represented Brazos County prior to redistricting, is the only Texan in the mix. House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington of Lubbock and House Small Business Chair Roger Williams of Willow Park expressed interest in running last week but ended up deciding against it.

All of the candidates made their cases to the rest of their fellow Republicans in a forum Monday evening. The outcome of that meeting was not known prior to The Eagles press time. The Republican conference will vote Tuesday morning on its nominee, who will go before the full House at an unscheduled date.

Who is Sessions?

Of all the speaker candidates, Sessions has been in Congress the longest. He was first elected in 1996 to represent eastern Dallas and its suburbs but lost that seat in a competitive race against Rep. Colin Allred in 2018. He ran again the next cycle to represent the Waco-based 17th District and returned to Congress in January 2021.

Representing Waco was a homecoming for Sessions. He was born and raised in the city. His father, William Sessions, was FBI director during the 1993 Branch Davidian siege.

Sessions 2018 loss to Allred was a major upset during a wave of Democratic victories in swing districts that were largely a response to then-President Donald Trump. Allreds supporters still highlight his victory that year as he runs against Sen. Ted Cruz this year.

But Sessions also has a record of winning. Sessions led the National Republican Congressional Committee, the partys House campaign apparatus, when the party won control of the House in 2010. Republicans won a net increase of 63 seats that year, a record. That election helped usher in a new era of Tea Party-aligned Republicans dead-set on stopping then-President Barack Obamas agenda. Obama lamented the election at the time as a shellacking.

Emmer is also a former NRCC chair but he failed to deliver the same kind of red wave during last years midterm elections. The House speaker plays a major role in delivering resources for their partys candidates.

Sessions also chaired the House Rules Committee from 2013 to 2019. Often dubbed the speakers committee, the body controls how and what legislation gets moved to the full House.

How has he voted on Texas priorities?

Sessions voting record is in line with most House conservatives. He voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, gun safety legislation led by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in the wake of the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde. He is also ardently against abortion and voted against legislation to codify same-sex marriage last year.

Sessions is a fiscal hawk and voted against lifting the debt ceiling last spring, even though doing so was necessary to stave off a default on the nations debt. Still, he voted for the temporary spending measure to keep the government funded and prevent a government shutdown in September. That bill allows Congress to have an extra month to pass its appropriations bills without having to cut pay for critical government services.

Sessions also joined the majority of House Republicans in voting against certifying the 2020 presidential election. Only two candidates for speaker, Emmer and Georgias Rep. Austin Scott, voted to certify the election.

Sessions voted in line with his party on many of their marquee bills this year, including the Secure the Border Act, which would harden the border and impose stricter penalties on irregular border crossings. The bill evolved from a border plan concocted by the Texas Republican delegation and passed with their blessing.

Texas Democrats pounced Friday on Sessions voting record to blast him as a far-right extremist who wont be able to work across the aisle.

Sessions allegiance to the MAGA agenda has only hurt his constituents here in Texas, the Texas Democratic Party said in a statement shortly after Sessions announced his speaker bid. Over and over again  from the local to national level  MAGA Republicans in leadership have proven they are unwilling to meet the needs of the moment.

A spokesperson for Sessions responded in a statement that electing a Texas Republican will emphasize the different visions each party holds for America.

While Texas Democrats support an open southern border, Republicans advocate for border security and strengthened national security, the statement said. Congressman Sessions will address this vital issue and uphold our Rule of Law.

Whats his pitch?

Sessions is campaigning heavily on his record at the NRCC and the House Rules Committee. In a letter making his pitch to his fellow Republicans over the weekend, Sessions said his time atop those committees demonstrated the unifying leadership required to bring together a fractured and ideologically diverse Republican conference.

Unifying the conference is a top priority for many Republicans, who view the extended speaker fight as a national embarrassment. Several Texas Republicans said they would back whoever could win and let the House get on with its business.

Sessions also emphasized that he had a strong conservative record, voting with the party on many of its key issues, including the Second Amendment, the border and federal spending. And he pointed to the 2010 red wave as a testament to his ability to win electorally  a major concern within the conference after last years lackluster gains for the party and with a competitive presidential election next year.

We must select a candidate who can win on the House floor, lead conservative solutions to the problems facing our nation, and win an expanded majority in 2024, Sessions said in his letter. Proven accomplishment is important.

Who is backing him?

No one has publicly endorsed Sessions yet. The overwhelming majority of Republicans were withholding endorsements until Monday nights candidates forum.

If Sessions can get the entire Texas delegation to back him, he would rise considerably in the rankings. Texas has more Republican members than any state, and Texans have traditionally liked to band together.

But that may not happen this round. The delegation reflects the wide ideological spectrum within the party and has seen its share of centrist-ultraconservative feuding. When the party was split between House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Freedom Caucus Rep. Jim Jordan for its speaker nominee, Texans were divided between the two candidates as well. U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo, announced Monday he was backing Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida.
Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) is scheduled to be releasing its earnings data after the market closes on Wednesday, October 25th. Analysts expect Nabors Industries to post earnings of ($0.18) per share for the quarter. Individual that are interested in participating in the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported ($2.26) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by ($3.76). The business had revenue of $778.81 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $777.59 million. Nabors Industries had a negative net margin of 0.96% and a negative return on equity of 17.98%. On average, analysts expect Nabors Industries to post $-4 EPS for the current fiscal year and $10 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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Nabors Industries Trading Down 2.8 %

NBR opened at $115.52 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.23, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 1.52. Nabors Industries has a 12-month low of $83.05 and a 12-month high of $190.90. The firms fifty day moving average price is $118.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $109.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.10 billion, a PE ratio of -19.68 and a beta of 2.74.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

NBR has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Benchmark raised shares of Nabors Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Susquehanna increased their price target on Nabors Industries from $112.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Nabors Industries in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Nabors Industries from $124.00 to $140.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised Nabors Industries from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $160.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Nabors Industries currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $152.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on NBR

Insider Activity at Nabors Industries

In other Nabors Industries news, Director John P. Kotts sold 4,975 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.13, for a total value of $622,521.75. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 4,787 shares in the company, valued at $598,997.31. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 7.09% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nabors Industries

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 8.8% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,696,916 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $172,152,000 after acquiring an additional 136,874 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Nabors Industries by 8.6% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 750,842 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $76,173,000 after acquiring an additional 59,309 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its position in Nabors Industries by 15.2% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 479,970 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $58,512,000 after acquiring an additional 63,266 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 5.3% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 292,061 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $35,604,000 after buying an additional 14,612 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Nabors Industries by 158.1% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 234,826 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $35,863,000 after acquiring an additional 143,840 shares in the last quarter. 80.39% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Nabors Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software.

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A mass car recall affected Tesla, Ford, and Kia vehicles. It is estimated that the cars recollected due to numerous issues reached over 120,000 units.

If you own one of these car brands, here are the affected models, main problems, and what you need to do as a vehicle owner.

New Mass Car Recall Affects Tesla, Ford, Kia Vehicles

According to USA Today's latest report, Tesla, Ford, and Kia cars faced mass recalls from Oct. 15 until Oct. 21. This information was confirmed by the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Kia

Kia is recollecting over 22,700 Borrego SUVs, specifically those manufactured in 2009-2014. The main issue for this recall is unsecured headliner plates (interior trim panels). The automaker explained that this component problem could endanger the lives of drivers during a car crash since the headliner plate could hit the occupant.

Tesla

The giant EV maker is recalling 54,676 Tesla Model X SUVs, which were produced between 2021 and 2023. Tesla said that it found that these EVs' controllers might fail to detect low brake fluid. This issue can also put the lives of drivers at risk since there's a chance that the low brake fluid warning light may not appear.

Ford

The American automaker said that it is recalling 34,762 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs due to overheating issues in these vehicles' high voltage, extended range battery main contactors. Ford explained that if the high voltage battery contactor overheats, it could lead to loss of drive power, which increases the chance of a car crash.

Aside from Ford, Tesla, and Kia, other automakers in the U.S. also recalled thousands of their vehicles. These include General Motors, Toyota, and Chrysler. You can click this link to learn more about their car recalls.

Read Also: Tesla Cybertruck Colored Wraps Could Arrive-Here's Why Other Color Options are a Big Deal for EV Buyers

What Tesla, Ford, Kia Owners Should Do

If you own one of the mentioned car brands and models, then the best thing you can do is check it via the NHTSA recalls website. To do this, you must enter your car's VIN (vehicle identification number).

This 17-digit number is usually located on the lower left part of the windshield. You can also see it on your car's registration card, as well as on your vehicle insurance card.

Once you enter your VIN, NHTSA's search tool will let you know if your car (if it's an unrepaired vehicle) has been included in a recall in the past 15 calendar years.

Aside from this, NHTSA will also let you know the latest automakers that are conducting mass recalls.

Related Article: Hyundai, Kia Recall Over 3.3 Million Cars Due to Fire Risk; Owners Advised to Park Outside

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The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report)  Investment analysts at Wedbush cut their Q4 2023 earnings per share estimates for Coca-Cola in a research note issued on Friday, October 20th. Wedbush analyst G. Pascarelli now anticipates that the company will post earnings per share of $0.46 for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $0.48. Wedbush has a Outperform rating and a $71.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for Coca-Colas current full-year earnings is $2.63 per share. Wedbush also issued estimates for Coca-Colas Q1 2024 earnings at $0.72 EPS and Q3 2024 earnings at $0.74 EPS.

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Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.06. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 43.06% and a net margin of 23.81%. The company had revenue of $12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.74 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.70 earnings per share. Coca-Colas quarterly revenue was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis.

Other analysts have also issued reports about the company. StockNews.com lowered Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Coca-Cola from $71.00 to $59.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $59.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price target on Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Coca-Cola presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $66.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on KO

Coca-Cola Stock Down 0.9 %

Shares of KO opened at $54.08 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. Coca-Cola has a 12 month low of $51.55 and a 12 month high of $64.99. The stocks 50 day moving average is $57.26 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.22. The firm has a market cap of $233.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.26, a PEG ratio of 3.36 and a beta of 0.56.

Coca-Cola Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.40%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is 75.72%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of Coca-Cola 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 in the company, valued at $25,707,497.14. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 92,029 shares of Coca-Cola 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 in the company, valued at $25,707,497.14. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 50,000 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total value of $3,133,000.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now 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 90 days, insiders have sold 411,422 shares of company stock worth $24,424,662. 1.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Coca-Cola

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Pacific Wealth Strategies Group Inc. raised its position in Coca-Cola by 12.8% in the first quarter. Pacific Wealth Strategies Group Inc. now owns 15,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $980,000 after purchasing an additional 1,788 shares during the period. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 10.6% in the 2nd quarter. KMG Fiduciary Partners LLC now owns 160,172 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,646,000 after buying an additional 15,389 shares during the period. Avion Wealth raised its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 73.9% in the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 781 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 332 shares during the period. Level Four Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 72,842 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,387,000 after buying an additional 523 shares during the period. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Coca-Cola in the 1st quarter valued at $49,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.96% of the companys stock.

Coca-Cola Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Webster Financial Co. (NYSE:WBS  Free Report)  Investment analysts at Wedbush cut their Q4 2023 earnings estimates for Webster Financial in a research report issued on Thursday, October 19th. Wedbush analyst D. Chiaverini now expects that the financial services provider will earn $1.47 per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $1.53. Wedbush currently has a Neutral rating and a $50.00 target price on the stock. The consensus estimate for Webster Financials current full-year earnings is $5.97 per share. Wedbush also issued estimates for Webster Financials Q3 2024 earnings at $1.53 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $1.57 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $6.05 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $6.35 EPS.

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WBS has been the topic of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Webster Financial from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Webster Financial from $50.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on shares of Webster Financial from $50.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Raymond James decreased their price target on shares of Webster Financial from $51.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn reiterated a buy rating on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Webster Financial currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.00.

Webster Financial Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of Webster Financial stock opened at $37.81 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $6.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.24 and a beta of 1.27. The companys 50 day moving average is $40.83 and its 200 day moving average is $39.73. Webster Financial has a twelve month low of $31.03 and a twelve month high of $56.46. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36.

Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $677.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $686.11 million. Webster Financial had a net margin of 24.45% and a return on equity of 13.65%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.46 earnings per share.

Institutional Trading of Webster Financial

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in shares of Webster Financial by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 50,589 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,994,000 after purchasing an additional 818 shares during the period. Ethic Inc. raised its position in shares of Webster Financial by 137.4% during the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 12,983 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $512,000 after purchasing an additional 7,515 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its position in shares of Webster Financial by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 19,661 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $746,000 after purchasing an additional 1,644 shares during the period. Wasatch Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Webster Financial by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 1,995,700 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $78,670,000 after purchasing an additional 9,881 shares during the period. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Webster Financial by 38.3% during the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,861 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $297,000 after purchasing an additional 2,177 shares during the period. 86.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Webster Financial

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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.

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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (OTCMKTS:MSLOY  Get Free Report) is one of 48 publicly-traded companies in the Marine Shipping industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Mitsui O.S.K. Lines to related businesses based on the strength of its earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and profitability.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

28.0% of shares of all Marine Shipping companies are held by institutional investors. 45.5% of shares of all Marine Shipping companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mitsui O.S.K. Lines N/A N/A N/A Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Competitors 0.19% 13.52% 5.89%

Dividends

Analyst Ratings

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines pays an annual dividend of $17.30 per share and has a dividend yield of 128.8%. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines pays out 14.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Marine Shipping companies pay a dividend yield of 6.2% and pay out 102.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mitsui O.S.K. Lines 0 0 0 0 N/A Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Competitors 110 351 448 1 2.37

As a group, Marine Shipping companies have a potential upside of 62.15%. Given Mitsui O.S.K. Lines rivals higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Mitsui O.S.K. Lines N/A N/A 0.11 Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Competitors $2.76 billion $984.79 million 428.81

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Summary

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines rivals beat Mitsui O.S.K. Lines on 8 of the 10 factors compared.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. engages in the marine transportation business in Japan and internationally. The company operates through Dry Bulk Business, Energy and Offshore Business, Product Transport Business, and Associated Businesses segments. The Dry Bulk Business segment owns and operates specialized vessels for various cargo types; and bulk carriers for cargo, such as iron ore, coal, grains, wood, wood chips, cement, fertilizers, salt, and steel products. The Energy and Offshore Business segment owns and operates crude oil and chemical tankers; tankers for naphtha, gasoline, and other refined petroleum products; and liquified natural gas and steaming coal carriers. This segment also develops offshore business, including floating production, storage, and offloading systems; and floating storage and regasification units, as well as develops and promotes wind power generation related business. The Product Transport Business segment owns and operates containerships and operates container terminals; offers logistics solutions, such as air and sea forwarding, land transport, warehousing, and heavy goods transport, etc. This segment also owns and operates specialized car carriers for the transport of completed cars and construction machinery; and develops car transport services, such as land transport and terminal operation, as well as operates ferries and coastal RoRo ships for transporting passengers and cargos. The Associated Businesses segment engages in real estate, cruise ship, tugboat, and trading businesses. The company operates dry bulkers, tankers, LNG carriers, and steaming coal carriers; and containerships, cruise ships, and transport vessels. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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A former employee of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) has pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of attempting to transmit classified defense information to Russia.

Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31, served as an Information Systems Security Designer for the NSA from June 6, 2022, to July 1, 2022, where he had Top Secret clearance to access sensitive documents. The latest development comes more than a year after his arrest.

"Dalke admitted that between August and September 2022, in order to demonstrate both his 'legitimate access and willingness to share,' he used an encrypted email account to transmit excerpts of three classified documents to an individual he believed to be a Russian agent," the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) said in a Monday press release.

In reality, the purported agent was an online covert employee working for the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Dalke, a former U.S. Army soldier, is also alleged to have requested $85,000 in exchange for sharing the information in his possession, which he claimed would be valuable to Russia, with the promise of sharing more documents in the future.

The document transmission, which took place at Union Station in downtown Denver, Colorado, via a laptop, included five files, four of which contained Top Secret National Defense Information (NDI).

Some of the excerpts offered relate to the NSA's plans to update an unspecified cryptographic program as well as threat assessments related to sensitive U.S. defense capabilities and Russia's offensive capabilities.

The fifth file was a letter in which Dalke stated, "My friends! I am very happy to finally provide this information to you. . . . I look forward to our friendship and shared benefit [sic]. Please let me know if there are desired documents to find and I will try when I return to my main office."

Dalke was arrested by authorities on September 28, 2022, moments after the file transfer.

Now having pleaded guilty, Dalke awaits his sentencing on April 26, 2024, and could face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.
The Nebraska State Patrol arrested a motorcyclist whom troopers say was traveling close to 120 mph near Shelton Sunday night.

Kade Coble, a 38-year-old Alda man, was arrested following the pursuit, which ended with Coble hiding under a porch. Hall County deputies and Grand Island police officers took part in the search.

At about 10:15 p.m., a trooper observed a motorcycle traveling in excess of 100 mph on Interstate 80 near Shelton. As the vehicle exited I-80 at the Shelton interchange, at mile marker 291, the trooper attempted a traffic stop. The rider refused to yield and accelerated to approximately 120 mph. The trooper then initiated a pursuit.

The motorcycle turned eastbound onto Highway 30 and continued fleeing at a high rate of speed. As the motorcycle reached the western side of Grand Island, the rider laid the motorcycle down in a ditch near West Park Plaza and fled on foot. Additional troopers, Hall County deputies and Grand Island police officers responded to the scene to assist in the search. A short time later, a trooper located the suspect hiding under a porch.

Coble was arrested for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under revocation, obstructing a peace officer, numerous traffic violations, and multiple outstanding warrants. On Monday afternoon, he was lodged in Hall County Jail.
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HERRIN  A distinct lack of space has led to an expansion project at the Herrin Junior High School  located on the south end of town  that will feature the construction of a new multi-purpose gym, as well as a new kitchen and cafeteria.

The cafeteria that we are currently in is too small for our student body, said Herrin Unit 4 School Superintendent Nathaniel Wilson. The kitchens also a little bit outdated. We dont have enough freezer space or cooler space. We needed to do something different.

Total cost of the project is $6.5 million. About two-thirds of the funding ($4.2 million) is COVID-19 funding provided by the federal government.

The remaining $2.3 million was raised through Williamson County sales tax monies accumulated over the last couple of years.

There was no need for a bond issue with this project, Wilson said. We have the funding.

Wilson said the $6.5 million would have also included a refurbishing of the existing cafeteria and kitchen, but post-pandemic construction rates have skyrocketed, meaning that project is now part of Phase 2 as funds become available.

Wilson explained that the idea is to convert the current cafeteria into the new library and then convert the existing library (which is smaller in space) into the new school office. The current office would then be converted to space for small groups of students.

There is a great need for small-group settings, Wilson said. Five kids or so. We want to make good use of that smaller space.

There is even a Phase 3, Wilson said. We want to have classrooms built onto the southeast corner of the main building.

Wilson said overcrowding at the present facility is also a safety issue with students and one that can be remedied with a larger space.

The construction of an auxiliary gym, he said, will prove beneficial to the student body.

A new gym with locker rooms will allow us more space for physical education classes and we will be able to run two practices at a time or even two games, which is something that has been needed for some time, Wilson said.

Wilson emphasized that the Mike Sortal Gymnasium would remain the main gymnasium.

Project construction is already underway with a target completion date of August 2024.

Wilson also noted that the school district accepted a $300,000 bid from Novacom of Herrin for new security cameras at each of the schools.

Its about 300 cameras altogether spread out throughout the district with the high school and elementary school being larger campuses, Wilson said. Novacom has done a fantastic job with the installation. Its very user-friendly with a clear picture. This new system allows us to better protect our students and staff in the event of an emergency.

We can see things from different angles and pass the information along to police and fire departments more quickly if need be," he said. "Its a little more safety and peace of mind.

Wilson added that Herrin would also benefit from a $684,000 Early Childhood Pre-K grant administered through the Illinois State Board of Education.

Herrins Pre-K program had been maintained previously by the Williamson County Special Education cooperative.

This grant should provide more services for the community, Wilson said. Were hoping that more parents will be able to take advantage of this program.
The suspect in the jail escape of the four Georgia inmates last week, Christian Williams, was hospitalized and found in critical condition.

US Marshals conducted an operation to enter the closed apartment door of Williams.

Georgia Jail Break

According to Fox News, the Bibb County Sheriff's Office entered an apartment on Monday evening. Williams was found at the apartment and was revealed to have suffered from gunshot wounds.

He was hospitalized after helping the jail escapees named Joey Fournier, 52, Chavis Stokes, 29, Marc K. Anderson, 24, and Johnifer Barnwell, 37, break out of Bibbs County.

This is the first time anyone has seen Williams since he was reportedly abducted on March 6, just hours before he was due in court for 2021 murder charges. The girlfriend of Williams was found in the house and was arrested and charged with felony assisting another to escape lawful custody or confinement.

The investigators reported that the four inmates climbed out of an impaired window in the jail's oldest, most deteriorated section, cut through a fence, and escaped in a blue Dodge Challenger. In the second week of the investigation, no fugitives were still arrested.

However, the investigators found the suspected runaway car in the parking lot of Biomat USA in the city of Macon, about two miles north of the jail. The Bibb County confirmed that the fugitives remain on the run.

The Bibb County Sheriff said, "They could be anywhere."

He added that they are clueless about how long they stay together or even if they are together.

Read Also: Britney Spears' New Instagram Alias' Maria River Red' Leaves Fans Draw Theories

Williams' Reported Abduction

The investigators said that Williams was wearing an ankle monitor when he was abducted, but the battery reportedly died as he was a murder suspect before. He was out of jail on a $100,000 bond when he came out to be assaulted and dragged off by two men.

Sheriff Davis said that he was suspicious of the sudden disappearance of Williams in an interview with 13WMAZ.

"There have been no phone calls from anyone about this situation. There have been phone calls from people saying, you know, where he might be or third party, fourth party conversations," he said.

The law enforcement has put a $73,000 reward on the heads of the four escaped inmates. Davis said the Bibb Sheriff's Office and their law enforcement partners focused on recapturing the four fugitives.

The sheriff's office asks for the public's help locating the four men and has set up a tip line at 478-751-7500. Furthermore, Davis advised that those with information can call the Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 877-682-7463.

Related Article: Central Georgia Jail Inmates Escape Facility, Including Murder Suspect





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THE Public Services Association (PSA) has no regrets about rejecting the four per cent salary increase offer made by the Government, as according to PSA president Leroy Baptiste, that offer is unfair to public servants.
The report on the investigation into the death of WASA employee Kern Ettienne will be made public.
I am happy to report that Trinidad and Tobago has recorded its first conviction for offence
(Photo : ALEXEY MAISHEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023.

Experts have warned that China, Russia, and North Korea might exploit the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel as a diversion to carry out destructive actions and potentially prepare for a global battle, commonly called World War 3.

The deadly conflict between Israel and Palestine has again brought the Middle East into global focus in recent weeks, as per Mirror.

Russia, China, and North Korea's Advantage in Israel Conflct

The crisis, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and widespread destruction, has garnered the attention of international observers, including prominent leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un.

In the opinion of experts, the Western world's response to this ongoing crisis is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the Middle East but also for the global balance of power. Keir Giles, a Russia expert from Chatham House, has expressed concern about the potential exploitation of multiple crises by China, Russia, and North Korea.

He warns that if these countries perceive the West as overwhelmed, they may take advantage of the situation to further their agendas. Giles warns that these countries may take advantage of the situation to pursue their strategic interests, especially while the West is still grappling with its response to the turmoil in the Middle East.

According to Ashok Swain, a peace and conflict research professor at Uppsala University, the ongoing situation in Israel and Palestine has gained significant attention. It has the potential to involve other Middle Eastern nations in the conflict.

In a recent statement, Professor Swain revealed that China and Russia diligently observe the diffusion of the tension, viewing it as an opportunity to assess and strengthen their positions on the global stage. This strategic positioning could allow them to exert influence and expand their control areas.

Given the intricacies of the current geopolitical situation, it is crucial to analyze the far-reaching consequences of this ongoing crisis carefully. The Middle East has long been known for its ongoing conflicts. Still, tensions have escalated even further due to a recent attack by the Palestinian militant Hamas on Israel.

Unfortunately, this conflict has already resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. Israel has carried out airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in disproportionate casualties among Palestinians, including many children and women, according to Newsbreak.

Read Also: US Stands With Philippines in Worsening South China Sea Conflict With China

Russian Interests

The consequences of this crisis extend beyond the borders of Israel and Palestine. Recent clashes have occurred between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters along the Lebanon-Israel border. These developments can potentially escalate the crisis to neighboring nations, causing concerns about the potential for a larger, full-scale war.

Moreover, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East allows global powers, especially Russia, to pursue their objectives with reduced scrutiny. Under Putin's leadership, Russia has been heavily criticized and faced sanctions due to its actions in Ukraine.

However, the recent shift in focus towards the Middle East has diverted attention away from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Keir Giles has pointed out that this diversion aligns with Russia's interests, providing the country with greater freedom to act.

With the global spotlight shifting, there is growing concern that countries like Ukraine could bear the brunt of these repercussions. It is essential to acknowledge that Russia's interests extend beyond Ukraine.

Giles suggests that Russia's actions in Ukraine are part of a broader strategy that includes cooperating with countries such as Iran and North Korea. These countries, often associated with exporting chaos and conflict, also share Russia's goal of disrupting the international order, Daily Beast reported.

Related Article: Foreign Officials Condemn China's Dangerous Behavior in South China Sea





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Resting at the heart of our actions are the implications which can result from them. We have all, at some juncture, had to pause to consider possible consequences.
The Borderland Film Festival returns to Ambos Nogales this weekend, featuring an award-winning animated documentary to be screened bi-nationally on Friday, on back-to-back screens straddling the U.S.-Mexico border.

The festival's main feature, "Home Is Somewhere Else," is a 2022 film by Mexican co-directors Carlos Hagerman and Jorge Villalobos. It tells the stories of three families of mixed immigration statuses facing the pain of family separation, while grappling with their dreams, joys and fears.

Each storyline is depicted in a different animation style and is based on interviews with real families. The film is narrated by spoken-word poet Jose Eduardo "Lalo" Aguilar, whose poetic Spanglish unites the three storylines, Hagerman said.

"You get a spectrum of three very different stories with three very different styles of animation. We thought we needed a narrator to hold these three stories together and also to be kind of the emcee of the film," said Hagerman, who was born and raised in Mexico City. He attended New York Universitys graduate film program after receiving a Fulbright scholarship.

In a separate event on Wednesday, Oct. 25, Tucson's Loft theater will host a free screening of "Home Is Somewhere Else," followed by a question-and-answer session with Hagerman, who also produced the film.

The Borderland Film Festival, which is free to attend, launched in 2010 and is returning after a four-year hiatus, said festival director Samuel Saunders.

Saunders said organizers worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure there would be no problems with audiences gathered on both sides of the border to share in Friday's simultaneous screening, which will be held on International Street in Nogales, Ariz., and just across the fence at Calle Internacional in Nogales, Sonora.

On Saturday, Hagerman will host also two animation and film-direction workshops for high school students, in Nogales, Arizona, at 10:30 a.m. and in Nogales, Sonora, at 2 p.m.

For 15 years Hagerman worked on documentaries centered on migration and families before, in 2012, he helped launch an animation studio called Brinca  Spanish for "jump"  harnessing the power of animation to tell true stories, he said.

Home Is Somewhere Else is the studio's first feature-length film. Hagerman said its animated style both protects the identities of the film's vulnerable undocumented subjects and draws viewers back to the mindset they may have had as a child watching cartoons, he said.

When you see an animated feature, you kind of take away the shield that you put on when you're watching a documentary, he said. When the documentary is of a different context than you live in, often you very quickly detach yourself from whats happening to the protagonist, because its not your reality.

But with animated films, viewers open themselves to a graphic world of metaphor, and that opening can also allow for a direct, empathetic connection with the characters, he said.

I think thats a very beautiful thing, because you kind of accept the reality of an animation in a very different way than you could accept the reality of a (standard) documentary, he said.

Animation also afforded the directors the ability do use poetic imagery to represent the internal experiences of its subjects, Hagerman said.

"From the start, we wanted to make a film with a subjective point of view, not an objective point of view, which is normally what documentarians try to do," he said. "We wanted to experience the lives of these protagonists through their point of view."

The first story centers on Jasmine, who came in for a pre-production interview when she was 11 years old. Co-director Villalobos interviewed Jasmine about her experience as a young activist, fighting to keep her family together. To break the ice, he offered her some crayons and paper as they talked, Hagerman said.

When Jasmine shared her drawings afterwards  sketches of her family, her cat and things she liked  the directors decided to use her sketches as the manual for her story's animation style, bringing viewers even closer to the little girl's struggle.

"This was a very unique, very organic way that it happened. It was very beautiful that it happened that way," Hagerman said. "You cannot have something more subjective than listening to the real conversation we had with this girl, and watching  through her drawings  her telling her own story."

The film's second storyline focuses on two sisters, Evelyn and Elizabeth, who are deeply bonded, but separated by their differing immigration statuses. The third story is about a young man brought to the U.S. at 8 years old, whose family built a life in Utah before he was deported after a random arrest at age 23.

"Home Is Somewhere Else" was co-produced by Shine Global, a New York nonprofit that produces documentaries about children's resilience. The documentary's creators have also developed curriculum guides for high school teachers who want to share the film in their classrooms.

Hagerman hopes the film's intimate portraits of real families will elevate discussions of the immigration crisis from depersonalized and divisive, to empathetic and human.

We believe that if young students, teenagers that are in the most important moment to create their social identity, are exposed to this kind of experience, they might have a different way of looking at their reality when they are adults and they can do something about it," Hagerman said.
Shares in RTX Inc., parent of defense contractor Raytheon in Tucson, rose Tuesday after the companys adjusted third-quarter results beat Wall Street forecasts.

The company also announced a $10 billion stock buyback and an agreement to sell off Raytheons cybersecurity, intelligence and services business for $1.3 billion.

The company posted a third-quarter net loss of $964 million, or 68 cents per share, after taking a $5.4 billion charge related to defective powder metal used in engines made by its Pratt & Whitney unit that led to a recall of engines used in many airliners.

Third-quarter unadjusted revenue was $13.5 billion, down 21%.

But after adjustment for the special charges, RTX posted sales of $18.95 billion, up 12% versus prior year, and earnings per share up 3% at $1.25, both beating average estimates of analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research.

Shares in RTX, which have fallen since the company revealed the engine problem in July, rose on Tuesday to $78.35, up $5.22 or more than 7%, in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

RTX also said it had entered into an agreement with an undisclosed buyer to sell its Virginia-based Raytheon cybersecurity business, which employs about 2,200 people.

RTX Chairman and CEO Greg Hayes said the company has made significant progress on its assessment of the Pratt & Whitney metal issue and expects the financial impact to be in line with the previously disclosed charge.

Raytheon has said its planned repairs to Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines will ground an average of 350 Airbus A320 series planes per year from next year through 2026 and cost the company some $7 billion.

Hayes said historic demand across the companys commercial aerospace and defense businesses drove 12% organic sales growth during the third quarter and led to another record backlog of $190 billion.

Raytheon, whose defense businesses are all managed in Tucson, had third-quarter sales of $6.47 billion, up 3% versus prior year, mainly driven by increased sales in naval weapon systems, including the AIM-9X Sidewinder air-combat missile and advanced technology classified programs.

Raytheon recorded an operating profit of $560 million, down 18% from third-quarter 2022, amid higher sales volume on lower-margin programs and lower net program efficiencies, the company said.

Collins Aerospace posted revenue of $6.63 billion, up 16% from the prior year, with operating profit of $903 million, up 22%.

Collins unadjusted results included $1.4 billion in one-time special charges related to litigation and restructuring costs.

Pratt & Whitney had third-quarter sales of $926 million, down 83% from third-quarter 2022 after the $5.4 billion charge related to the powder-metal issue and recorded an operating loss of $2.48 billion, compared with a profit of $316 million in the prior year, after a $2.89 billion charge for the powder-metal matter.

Without the charge, Pratt earned an adjusted operating profit of $413 million in the third quarter, up 30% from the same period a year ago.
A woman was killed and a companion was injured when they were struck by a pickup truck while running across West Valencia, Tucson police say.

The crash happened about 6:45 p.m. Sunday in the 1600 block of West Valencia, near South Midvale Road, Tucson police said Monday in a news release.

The unidentified woman was pronounced dead at the crash scene. A man who was with her was taken to the hospital with injuries deemed not life threatening.

The driver of the silver 2011 GMC Canyon who struck the pair stayed at the crash scene and cooperated with police.

The driver was not impaired, but officers said they found drugs and paraphernalia on the woman.

The investigation continues.
PHOENIX  Supreme Court Justice William Montgomery wont disqualify himself from hearing a pending case brought by Planned Parenthood over whether abortion remains legal in Arizona even though as a prosecutor he said the organization is responsible for the greatest generational genocide known to man.

Montgomery, who was Maricopa County attorney in 2017 when he posted on Facebook, has not disputed the statement which was first disclosed in 2019 by Phoenix New Times when then-Gov. Doug Ducey tapped him for the states high court. The newspaper has a screen shot of the posting.

Planned Parenthoods business model requires abortions, Montgomery wrote in the post.

Montgomery, in a statement Monday to Capitol Media Services, said that all parties in the case are entitled to a fair and impartial adjudication of the legal issues presented. And he said the underlying subject matter  in this case, abortion  is not relevant.

Also not relevant, he said, is what he has said in the past.

As with any other case involving an issue I may have previously taken a position on while serving as an executive branch official, I will consider the facts and the law to determine the merits of any legal argument presented without regard for any prior position and without passion or prejudice, Montgomery told Capitol Media Services in a statement. My oath of office requires no less.

But Montgomerys statements appear to go far beyond his position on whether women should have a legal right to terminate a pregnancy. Here, he is expressing specific viewpoints about Planned Parenthood, which is one of the litigants in the case.

The Code of Judicial Conduct says a judge shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which impartiality might reasonably be questioned. And it specifically mentions any case in which the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party.

Montgomery said he is mindful of his role as a judicial officer and the requirements of the code. But he declined to answer additional questions, saying that could call into question whether anything he is doing undermines rules that require a judge to act in a way that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and says a judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.

Concerns about my ability to be independent, act with integrity, and decide cases impartially have been addressed in matters I have participated in over the last four years, he said.

Montgomerys 2017 post about Planned Parenthood isnt his only public comment about the organization.

PP encourages the very behavior that leads to STDs (sexually transmitted disease) and abortions, he wrote. Their business model relies on it.

What makes all this critical is that the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in December about whether abortion remains legal in Arizona.

All this is in the wake of a decision last year by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the historic 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade which said women have a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy, at least prior to fetal viability. That 2022 decision returned the issue to each state.

Mark Brnovich, who was the state attorney general at the time, convinced Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson to rule the Supreme Court decision automatically reinstated a territorial-era law which outlaws all abortions except to save the life of the mother.

But Planned Parenthood got the state Court of Appeals to decide the old law was superseded by a 2022 statute that allow doctors to terminate pregnancies through the 15th week of pregnancy. It is that issue which is before the states high court.

The organization is now taking a closer look at Montgomery.

Planned Parenthood Arizona believes that all litigants are entitled to have their cases heard by judges who are not biased against them, said Kelley Dupps, the organizations senior director of public policy and government relations. We are evaluating the recent reporting that may impact our case in front of the Arizona Supreme Court.

But Pima County Attorney Laura Conover, who also is arguing the 15-week law takes precedence, said she is not concerned about Montgomerys decision.

We have faith in the strength of our arguments and that the court will view them based on the law, not ideology, she said.

And Kris Mayes, the current attorney general who has weighed in on the side of Planned Parenthood, took a more nuanced approach.

I believe that Justice Montgomery can decide for himself whether it is appropriate to recuse himself, she said.

In the end, the views of the lawyers in the case  or even the other six justices on the court  do not matter. There is no procedure to force a Supreme Court justice to step aside.

Montgomerys views on abortion are not new.

In 2012 he argued in a court case that Arizona has a legal right to ban abortions, even with the 1973 Supreme Court ruling about a womans constitutional rights. He said lawmakers are entitled to due deference in making decisions in this area.

I would recognize the inherent human dignity in a life at the moment of conception, he told a federal judge, saying the procedure should be outlawed unless it impacted the health and welfare of the mother.

The court disagreed. That left Arizona with its laws at the time which allowed abortions through fetal viability, generally considered between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

While his position on abortion aligned with Ducey, Montgomery was a controversial pick from the start.

Both the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal fought to keep him from even being nominated for the court amid claims that Montgomery, in his official position as Maricopa County attorney, discriminated against same-sex couples.

One key incident both groups cited dated back to 2015 when Montgomery, whose office was required to provide legal assistance to couples who are adopting, refused to do so for a same-sex couple even after a federal judge ruled that Arizonas law banning such marriages is unconstitutional. Montgomery contended that decision still did not provide the same rights of gays to adopt.

When that argument faltered, Montgomery pushed the Legislature to repeal the entire requirement for his office to provide free legal help for anyone. It was only a veto by Ducey that blocked the maneuver.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

I have spent nearly a decade holding various elected positions in Arizona at the State and local level. These experiences lead me to conclude that a yes vote on Tucsons Proposition 413 is the right thing to do.

The last time voters increased the salaries for Tucson Mayor and Council was in 1999 when you could buy a dozen eggs for $1 and you could still find a comfortable, midtown house to rent for $500 a month. Our City Council Members represent nearly 90,000 Tucsonans each, yet today our City Council Members make $2.13 less than the state minimum wage. This means that the only people who can run for office are those who do not depend on their salary to get by. How many potential community leaders does this below-poverty wage leave on the sidelines because they know they simply could not make ends meet if they wanted to run for office? This barrier blocks many from the opportunity to serve and makes our representative form of government less robust than it could be.

Current salary structures limit young people, working class Tucsonans, and more diverse constituencies from stepping into public service. Proposition 413s passage will open the doors for more diverse candidates to run for office. Paying public servants more, including elected representatives, leads to better outcomes and policies that center the needs of constituents over special interests.

Each of our current Council Members and our Mayor supplements their salaries with either retirement savings or outside work. Holding down another job while in office limits the amount of time our leaders have to hear from and meet directly with constituents.

If approved, this initiative will tie the wages of Tucsons Mayor and Council to those of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. As a sitting Supervisor representing District 2, I support this change. I want to ensure that anyone with strong ideas and the support of voters can work alongside me in public service. Voting YES on Proposition 413 can help us get there.

A diverse cross-section of our community supports this good governance initiative. Business organizations, unions and labor, womens groups, first responders, and leaders across the political spectrum have endorsed Proposition 413 because we all agree  its time for us to fix this problem and invest in our community. Join a broad community coalition in supporting this fix to this issue and lets incentivize public service for everyday Tucsonans.

Fair pay is not about politics. It is about good public policy that allows anyone the chance to lead our community. This will make us stronger and more reflective of the diverse voices in our region.
Empathy, one

for the other

The experience of a visit to the doctors was a rewarding experience. First attended to by a young resident doctor, the introduction was a surprise, disclosing the doctors Arabic surname. Asking where the doctor was from out of curiosity the reply was Palestine. Next came the query  Gaza or the West Bank? Being informed as to the doctor being born in Haifa came the realization that Arabs living in Israel refer to their homeland as Palestine. The handshake was between a Moslem and a Jew. It was a thing of pride that we were cordial to each other. Then the apologies came. Fear for the future of the region. Apologies, one to the other, about the dreadful destruction and loss of life. Happy to have met the bond was established. A friendship was created. Why cant we all just get along?

David ben Avram

Marana

Need for speed

Just drove down from Flagstaff to Tucson. Seems that 90 is the new 75. Even in areas marked at 65 due to construction  some drivers are demonstrating just how fast their car/vans can go and just how reckless they can be. There is currently 31 miles of serious road construction going on as you drive down from Flagstaff and before you make it to Phoenix. That does not defer many of the drivers from pushing their limits. I was constantly hoping that one of the speed demons would not bounce off a construction barrier and cause a disaster. Wasnt just fast cars, but vans full of children and families. Ninety should not be the new 75 or 65. Lets be sane out there and be careful when behind the wheel.

Robert Diedrich

Northeast side

Humane Society of Tucson

Re: the Oct. 20 article Statistics show an inhumane Humane Society.

The article broke my heart! What has happened to the HSSA? Is their only objective money. As other Tucsonans, I was devastated that we dont know the fate of those pocket pets. Were they given to a Reptile Rescue to be used as food? Is this trail going to lead to money that went in Steve Farleys pocket. I would like to hear from other readers about how we can protect homeless animals and start to keep the Humane Society of Southern Arizona accountable.

Amy Barnard

East side

Mayor, Council need a union

Before the citizens of Tucson vote on Proposition 413 they need to do some serious thinking. On face value, the raise in salary seems extreme, but one needs to consider that these positions have not had a raise in 20 years. Think of it this way: The City of Tucson is a very large corporation, the mayor is the CEO. City Council, the Board of Directors. This corporation delivers service to over 543,000 people. In order to function efficiently, it needs a lot of dedicated and tireless work. This definitely is not a part time job. I would wager that if the mayor and council were paid by the hour they would be compensated below minimum wage. This is not fair to present members and does not bode well to attract future qualified candidates. Working for a wage set in 2003 is really unacceptable.

Fred DiNoto

Northwest side

Trump Gag Order is Constitutional

Re: the Oct. 22 article Trump gag order isnt constitutional.

Erwin Chemerinsky is a respected legal scholar, but his opinion is wrong. The First Amendment right to freedom of speech is not absolute. Restrictions on speech are permitted in certain limited circumstances when there is a compelling interest that overrides the interest in unfettered speech. Alleged domestic violence perpetrators can be ordered not to have contact with their victims during trial to protect the victims safety and to ensure victims are not intimidated from testifying truthfully as witnesses at trial. A gag order during a trial is constitutional and appropriate to the extent there is a compelling need to protect court staff or witnesses and to ensure a fair trial, so long as the restriction on speech it is the minimal amount necessary. Judge Chutkans limited gag order, disallowing threatening public statements by Trump that are likely to incite violence against court staff during the pendency of Trumps trial is both constitutional and appropriate under the circumstances.

Amelia Craig Cramer

Downtown

Ciscomanis voting

I recently sent an inquiry to 6th Congressional District Rep. Juan Ciscomani via his website. I received a four paragraph boilerplate response that said, basically, nothing.

In light of his sycophantic support for Jim Jordan, I am more convinced than ever that he doesnt represent me.

I recently sent a donation to Kristen Engels campaign and would like to urge AZ voters not incapacitated by Maga-madness to do the same.

John Rademaker

Foothills

Traffic observations

We need an increased presence of police officers on Tucsons streets. Speed limits are often being exceeded; drivers obeying posted speed limits are being tailgated and honked at. The presence of traffic officers would increase traffic law compliance by operators of motor vehicles and bicycles.

Interstate 10 access roads need signing requiring traffic to STOP AND YIELD TO INTERSTATE RAMP TRAFFIC. Car and truck drivers are blowing through the required yields ignoring the off-ramp traffic.

Drivers in the outside lane of west-bound St. Marys east of Interstate 10 on occasion proceed thru a red light when eastbound traffic on St. Marys has a green light to proceed to turn left onto the access road. West-bound drivers may be watching the traffic light on the underside of the Interstate 10 overpass. Occasionally that light will turn green when the left-turn signal light turns green allowing for traffic to proceed into the intersection.

Bill Kendall

Downtown

Prop 413

There are a few things to think about when deciding whether one will mark yes or no on the proposed 413 Proposition.

The exact salary increases in dollars are not stated in Prop 413 Official Ballot Information nor is the wording or where that amendment wording will appear in the City Charter. This is based on salaries of the Arizona Counties Board of Supervisors, not on the salaries of other Mayor and Council earnings in Arizona cities.

Population: Phoenix 4.17 million; Tucson 1.02 million.

Area: Phoenix is 517 square miles; Tucson is 226 square miles

Mayor and Council Salaries in Phoenix Mayor $88,000 and Council $61,600

If Prop 413 proposed salary increase is passed: Tucson Mayor $96,000 and Council $76,000

This Prop should have been about compensation and equity, not what the maximum salary amount the Mayor and Council can get under Arizona Law, ARS11-419(A), in perpetuity without citizen oversight.

Abreeza Zegeer

West side

Families at Risk

The current chaos and division in the House puts millions of families in danger of slipping into deeper poverty. Federal assistance that provides food, education, and housing to millions each year is being used as a political weapon.

But it doesnt have to be this way.

We have the power to mitigate the harm caused by these annual funding battles by supporting families through our tax code. In 2021, we witnessed how expanding the Child Tax Credit and including low-income families cut child poverty by almost half. Yet, recent Census data reveals that when Congress allowed the expansion to expire, child poverty more than doubled.

Stop the tug-of-war over government funding that leaves families in limbo. Make the Child Tax Credit expansion a permanent solution, ensuring consistent support for families. Its time for our representatives and senators to take action by funding the government and extending the Child Tax Credit. Dont wait any longer  secure the support your family deserves now.

Chloe Harris, AZ RESULTS Volunteer
Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq have claimed responsibility for a targeted attack on United States forces stationed at the al-Tanf military base in southern Syria.

Militia groups have already launched drone attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, as per Express.

US Warns of Potential Escalation by Iran-Backed Militias

However, the United States now possesses specific intelligence, indicating that these groups may intensify their actions as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists. According to a US regional official, numerous red lights are flashing everywhere.

Based on officials, it seems that Iran is currently encouraging the groups rather than explicitly directing them. Iran is offering guidance to militia groups, assuring them that they will not face consequences such as being denied weapon resupplies if they persist in attacking US or Israeli targets.

On Monday, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, expressed concern over the potential escalation of attacks in the coming days. He also highlighted the direct connection between these groups and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

A senior defense official expressed the same concern. The official stated that there is a possibility of a significant increase in attacks against US forces and personnel soon. And let's clarify this.

The road leads back to Iran. Iran provides funding, weaponry, equipment, and training to various militias and proxy forces throughout the region. Iran supports various proxy militia groups in countries throughout the region through the IRGC-Quds Force.

However, Tehran only sometimes has complete control over these groups. One source has pointed out a persistent intelligence gap regarding the extent to which those groups are willing to act independently.

Kirby stated, "We are aware that Iran is closely observing these events and, in certain instances, actively aiding attacks and encouraging others who may seek to take advantage of the conflict for their benefit."

Iran aims to maintain plausible deniability, but we will not permit them to do so, according to CNN.

Read Also: Readout of President Biden's Call with His Holiness Pope Francis

Biden's Gaza Ceasefire Condition

US President Joe Biden has expressed his willingness to support a ceasefire in Gaza on the condition that Hamas releases the hostages. When asked about the possibility of the US supporting a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, Mr. Biden responded by stating that it is vital to first secure the release of the hostages before engaging in any discussions.

Biden is facing pressure from confident Democrats and a group of influential Hollywood A-listers, including Mark Ruffalo, urging him to support a ceasefire in the region. US officials have confirmed that the Pentagon will support the Israeli military. However, they have clarified that the IDF will make operational decisions exclusively.

During a news conference in Tehran on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed his views on the situation in the Middle East. He compared the region to a "powder keg."

Amir-Abdollahian made these remarks alongside his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor. Abdollahian cautioned that any miscalculation in perpetuating genocide and forced displacement could result in significant and negative consequences within the region and for the parties involved, namely the US and Israel.

The Iranian foreign minister issued a warning to both the US and Israel, expressing concern that if immediate action is not taken to halt crimes against humanity, there is a risk of the situation in the region spiraling out of contro, The Telegraph via MSN reported.

Related Article: Gaza Hospital Blast: US Intelligence Clears Israel's Involvement in Attack

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Nine of South Carolina's 16 elected prosecutors are asking to remove all legislators who are lawyers from a committee that decides which judicial candidates are put before the General Assembly for election.

All six of the lawmakers on the Judicial Merit Screening Commission are attorneys. Only one was mentioned by name in Monday's letter: House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford. He responded with a news conference saying the prosecutors were making a power grab.

The prosecutors' three-page letter cites several instances in which they said Rutherford influenced cases. It asks House and Senate leaders to replace attorneys on the commission with legislators who do not practice law.

Quite frankly, it is shocking that Rep. Rutherford remains in such an important position, and that lawyer-legislators on JMSC have such influence over our judiciary," the prosecutors wrote. "Trust us when we say that Rep. Rutherfords tactics are not unique. Lawyer-legislators have undue influence over our judiciary.

Five Republicans and four Democrats signed the letter.

Within hours, Rutherford, a Democrat, called a news conference to respond. He said the commission's sole responsibility is to determine if lawyers are qualified to be judges. Members only limit which candidates are sent to the Legislature for consideration if more than three meet the requirements.

Rutherford challenged the prosecutors, who go by the title of solicitor in South Carolina, to make a formal ethics complaint against him specifying how he improperly influenced a judge.

If they would like for the speaker of the House to take me off the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, they should at least show where Ive done something wrong," Rutherford said.

The dispute over how the state selects judges has grown contentious since the Legislature's 2023 session ended in the spring. The complaints have been broad, ranging from concern about judges allowing violent, repeat offenders out on bail to complaints that not enough people of color have been elected.

The General Assembly elects judges after the Judicial Merit Selection Commission screens them. The commission conducts background checks, sends out questionnaires to determine temperament and judicial knowledge, and holds public hearings. If more than three candidates are qualified, the panel sends three names to the General Assembly.

Six of the 10 members of the commission are legislators. Some critics have suggested excluding lawmakers from the commission since they ultimately vote for judges.

Proposals have also been floated to have the governor nominate judicial candidates for the Legislature to vote on or to hold public elections for the judiciary branch.

Last week, Gov, Henry McMaster required magistrates, the lowest level of judges, to fill out a more detailed application for their jobs.

Republican House Speaker Murrell has created a special committee to review the entire judicial election system, and has ask for recommendations next year.

About three dozen legislative judicial elections are set for 2024, from chief justice of the state Supreme Court all the way to the Family Court system.

Rutherford said the complaining solicitors want to diminish the influence of defense attorneys and simply want more judges who are likely to side with prosecutors.

This is about power,  he said.

The letter was written by 16th Circuit Solicitor Kevin Brackett and signed by 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, 10th Circuit Solicitor David Wagner and 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, all Republicans. The Democratic signatories were 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, 3rd Circuit Solicitor Ernest Chip Finney, 4th Circuit Solicitor Will Rogers and 12th Circuit Solicitor Ed Clements.

Pollard 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.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Lawmakers are expected to revise an eff ort next session to make it easier for felons who have served their time to get jobs.

Last session, Sen. Jack Stewart, R-Yukon, filed Senate Bill 1077, called the Ban the Box legislation. It would bar employers from asking on a job application or during the hiring process whether a candidate has felony conviction.

But the bill would allow employers to request a background report if a conditional employment offer has been made.

The measure also would require employers with a policy of not hiring ex-felons to disclose it on the job application.

The bill made it through the Senate Business and Commerce Committee but failed to get a hearing on the floor.

Stewart said he will push the measure again this session but that it likely will be amended.

Second chances

More than three decades ago, parolee Doug C. Shaffer broke into a home. The occupant, Tulsa hairdresser Ralph Paul Nelson, was strangled.

Shaffer got 60 years for second-degree murder.

In 2011, he got out on parole after serving almost 21 years.

"I can't change the things I did 33 years ago," he said. "But I haven't repeated those things in the last 33 years."

Shaffer holds three bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees and is working on a doctorate. He helped build two waste companies while in management posts and earned a six-figure salary. After the companies sold, he was out of a job and couldn't find another one.

He said his criminal record cost him hundreds of job opportunities and housing and contributed to a bankruptcy filing.

In 2019, Shaffer got a conditional employment offer, but it was pulled back after a criminal background check.

He said he was homeless at one point.

An apartment company told him he couldn't even be on the property let alone rent an apartment due to his background, he said.

"What happened 33 years ago should not continue to be a barrier to me," Shaffer said.

He questioned the fairness of not being able to rent or get a good paying job when society says "we want you to succeed" and to reduce recidivism.

He also said prior arrests for which there was no conviction should not be included in background checks.

With a letter of recommendation from Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn, Shaffer landed a job with the Department of Human Services as an administrative assistant. He will soon take a second job, he said.

"He is very passionate about making the world better for people," Osborn said. "I believe in second chances."

She also thinks employers aren't hiring enough people who have prior convictions.

Shaffer recently told his story to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which held an interim study on protection against hiring discrimination.

Ban the Box

Anne S. Teigen is associate director of the Criminal and Civil Justice program of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

An estimated 70 million U.S. adults have arrests or conviction records, Teigen said.

Nationwide, some 35 states and more than 150 cities and counties have adopted Ban the Box policies, she said.

Some bans were accomplished through executive order, she said.

Former Gov. Mary Fallin signed an executive order in 2016 that directed state agencies to remove job application questions about convictions and criminal histories, with some exceptions.

The order didn't prevent questions about felonies during the interview process or bar background checks.

"Fifteen states have adopted Ban the Box for the private sector," Teigen said.

Several private-sector employers, such as American Airlines, Facebook and Uber, have adopted Ban the Box polices before they were mandated, Teigen said.

Stewart said his bill would increase the workforce and eliminate discrimination against criminals who have served their time.

Other options

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler disagrees. He said there are a lot of ways to address the issue, but making it harder for employers to learn vital information about a prospective employee is not one.

"Any doctor's office which has access to controlled substances certainly needs to know if a prospective employee is a drug dealer," he said.

He said the state could establish an in-depth vetting process and a process to certify a person's good standing for employment upon application.

"There is a way to do it," he said.

The State Chamber had some initial concerns about the measure but is willing to work with Stewart on the bill, said Brent Skarky, a spokesman.

Meanwhile, Shaffer plans to pursue a pardon.
James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. 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

Construction has begun on the long-promised Hatch Early Mood Food on Tulsas Cherry Street, which will occupy the ground floor of a new building that will rise up from what had been a Subway sandwich shop at 1503 E. 15th St.

The new three-story building will also be the home to a new-to-Tulsa concept, Riserva Bar + Tapas, which will occupy the top floor of the new building.

Both Hatch Early Mood Food and Riserva Bar + Tapas are projects of the Oklahoma City-based Provision Concepts. The company made its first forays into the Tulsa market last year, opening a Hatch Early Mood Food in Jenks, along with two locations of its Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar, one in Jenks and one in the 1515 Lofts building at 1515 E. 15th St., just next door to where the new restaurants are being built.

The two new restaurants are scheduled to open in early 2025.

Hatch Early Mood Food specializes in elevated brunch fare, with a large menu that lists no fewer than 12 varieties of pancakes, half a dozen improvisations upon the theme of eggs Benedict and 10 dishes that offer unique spins on traditional breakfast creations.

The Tulsa World gave the Jenks Hatch Early Mood Food a four-star review for its food, which earned it a place on the Worlds Best New Restaurants of 2022.

Riserva Bar + Tapas, which has one other location, at 1332 W. Memorial Ave. in Oklahoma City, is a family-style concept focusing on Mediterranean flavors, with a wine list featuring more than 100 labels.

The menu at the Oklahoma City location includes such dishes as kebabs made with swordfish, shrimp and chicken, tajine-braised short ribs with a pomegranate molasses, a salad Nicoise with seared tuna, a flatbread topped with lamb Kofta, and desserts such as a cardamom date cake.

Provision Concepts founder Jeff Dixon said in a statement, Both Hatch Early Mood Food and Riserva Bar + Tapas bring something unique to the table, and we cant wait to share our passion for exceptional food and hospitality further with the Tulsa community.

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Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti 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

Several dozen people gathered Monday evening on Route 66 in Tulsa to show their support for Palestine and the people of Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

It was the second such event in Tulsa. A rally for Palestinians also was held Oct. 15 near Woodland Hills Mall.

M.J. Anderson said he organized another event out of concern that the United States is funding brutality as Palestinian people have suffered oppression for decades.

When you look at Gaza, theyve demolished it  theyve razed it. There are no buildings left, he said.

Anderson was among several who brought their children to the rally, on the corner of 11th Street and Sheridan Road. Many were excited to make signs and talk about showing support for Palestine.

Abdul Raqib, a native of Yemen who has called Tulsa home for 30 years, brought his 13-year-old son to the event. They have been sending emails to President Joe Biden in opposition to funding being proposed to support Israel. Biden has proposed $14.3 billion for Israeli air and missile defense, military financing and embassy support.

The public has to see what this administration is doing, Raqib said. We could wake up tomorrow to the third world war.

Raqib said the Muslim community in the Tulsa area could do more to raise awareness, though theres always the worry that activism could invite violence from opponents. At a prayer event in Oklahoma City on Friday, the senior imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City said he had received five death threats for speaking out against the inhumane treatment of Palestinians.

Many of those at the rally didnt know one another and stood quietly with signs and Palestinian flags, waving when several drivers honked while passing by. They stayed silent when one person driving by shouted obscenities and voiced support for Israel.

Thats a part of the problem. Most Americans dont pay attention. We dont know whats going on there, Anderson said. For weeks before the (Oct. 7 attack), settlers in Israel were going to a very special place in Gaza, the Al Aqsa Mosque. They were breaking into it; they were damaging it with (Israeli Defense Forces) police guards.  This didnt come out of nowhere, and I think to most Americans, to them this came out of nowhere.

Jannah Deen said that as a Native American, she feels she understands the plight of the Palestinian people. She worries that many other Oklahomans lump everyone in Gaza together as the enemy.

Deen compared it to the height of Islamophobia after Sept. 11, when she decided to become a Muslim. She said her mother went through the roof.

She said, Why would you join a religion of terrorists?

I said, Mom, is all white people Christians, Ku Klux Klan? No.  Theres a billion Muslims worldwide. You cant say a billion people are terrorists.

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OKLAHOMA CITY  The leaders of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes approved a resolution supporting the nomination of Sara Hill for the federal bench in the Northern District of Oklahoma when they met Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate Hill, a Cherokee Nation citizen and the tribes former attorney general, for the position.

Hill successfully led the tribes defense of the Indian Child Welfare Act in the U.S. Supreme Court case Brackeen v. Haaland. She also helped the tribe navigate the evolving legal landscape following the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court McGirt v. Oklahoma decision.

If confirmed, Hill will be Oklahoma's first female Native federal judge.

The Five Tribes unanimously passed the resolution of support for Hill.

The nomination of Cherokee Nation citizen Sara Hill for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma is a win for Indian Country and across the nation, the leaders of the Five Tribes said in a joint statement.

Hill adds diversity to the bench and is deeply knowledgeable about federal Indian law and is extremely qualified for this role. The Five Tribes urge the United States Senate to give speedy consideration and approval of this nomination.

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday criticized the nomination.

Stitt said Hill lacked the experience for the post and worked to strip the state of its authority to enforce state laws.

Correction: This story originally misstated a precedent for Native female judges. The story has been corrected.

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The partnership between restaurants and food delivery platforms in Ho Chi Minh City is falling apart as it appears to yield no benefit for either party.

Believing that the food delivery apps take a significant portion of their earnings while offering minimal benefits, numerous eateries and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City are opting to sever ties or reduce their involvement with these platforms.

Nguyen Dinh, who operates over 20 food restaurants in the citys Tan Binh District, initially anticipated a surge in sales by selling online through various apps such as Baemin, GrabFood, GoFood, and ShopeeFood, in addition to in-house dining.

In the beginning, he registered each of his restaurants on almost all of these food delivery apps.

The commissions incurred on orders via these apps vary depending on location, the restaurants agreement, and the duration of cooperation, typically ranging from 25 percent to 27.5 percent of each orders value.

This commission rate was lower, around 15 percent to 20 percent, in previous years before gradually increasing.

Initially, many customers placed orders when the apps ran extensive promotions, but over time, this led to a situation where restaurant owners had to provide even more generous discounts to attract customers, said Dinh.

I had to invest in advertising and offer discounts of 20-30 percent to secure a prominent position in the apps online listings.

The more we relied on the app and spent heavily on promotions, the higher the revenue, but the profit margins decreased.

Consequently, Dinh decided to remove his restaurants from some of the apps.

Tran Van Truong, director of Hoang Gia Seafood International Trading Company Limited, said that their long-standing company, due to dealing with high-value orders, previously negotiated with food delivery platforms for commissions ranging from five percent to 10 percent.

However, recently, many delivery apps have requested an increase in fees, ranging from 15 percent to even 25 percent, forcing the company to reduce its reliance on these apps for deliveries as the business is facing a decrease of up to 30 percent in order numbers compared to previous prosperous periods.

Continuing our business on apps demanding significant commissions is incredibly challenging, Truong stated.

Alternative paths

Discussing the cost structure, Tran Quoc Thinh, founder of the 109 chicken hotpot chain located in Phu Nhuan District, said about 15 percent goes for premises, 12 percent for staff, 40-45 percent for raw materials, and 10 percent for other expenses.

Consequently, if the restaurant has to pay a 20-25 percent commission for delivery apps, it leaves them with a profit margin of only two to five percent, or potentially even results in losses, as Thinh pointed out.

Additionally, he mentioned that delivery apps retain customer information and do not share it, making it nearly impossible to engage with customers directly.

Thinh said that the company is striving to limit the percentage of orders delivered through the apps to around 10-15 percent.

In exchange, the hotpot chain is concentrating on establishing a customer care department, developing a Facebook page, website, hotline, and other means of direct customer interaction.

They are lowering sales prices and offering free shipping.

Many eateries and restaurants are exploring similar strategies to break free from their reliance on apps by redirecting their funds toward on-site advertising and promotions rather than paying a 25-percent commission.

Im actively establishing our own sales channel and offering customer discounts, such as free shipping, for direct orders, Truong from Hoang Gia Seafood said.

Ha Binh Kha, proprietor of Hai Chau restaurant in Go Vap District, shared that he is attempting to wean customers off apps by raising prices by 10 percent for app orders while slashing prices for in-store purchases and offering free delivery.

Operating in the red

Apart from taking a share of the revenue from restaurant orders, tech-based delivery services are charging additional fees on deliveries made by drivers.

In a similar fashion to restaurants, delivery drivers are also experiencing reductions in earnings due to high commission rates of up to 25 percent imposed by the app companies.

For instance, with a delivery order valued at VND16,000 (US$0.65), the driver relinquishes a quarter of that amount to the firm, retaining only VND12,000 ($0.49).

Despite that, food delivery operators stated that they are grappling with competition and a challenging economic situation.

For instance, German-owned South Korean app Baemin has streamlined its operations and even contemplated exiting the Vietnamese market.

Similarly, homegrown Loship has faced a backlash from several restaurant and eatery owners for withholding payments and issuing delayed refunds.

The apps attribute the considerable strain on the food delivery investors to customers habituation to discounts and promotions.

Heavily investing to gain market share and compete with rivals has placed delivery apps in a challenging situation.

As consumers tighten their budgets, these apps are forced to reduce promotional activities due to financial constraints.

The apps themselves are grappling with financial losses, as explained by a representative from a delivery service.

The representative noted that in well-developed markets such as the United States and South Korea, many leading apps are also experiencing financial losses.

Another representative from a different food delivery app stated that they continually have to infuse funds into technology investments and system operations.

However, following a period of robust growth, purchasing power has declined significantly, resulting in a sharp drop in revenue since the beginning of this year.

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Vietnamese carrier Vietravel Airlines on Monday announced that Vietnamese-born Philipp Rosler, former vice-chancellor of Germany, is now its advisor and an independent member of its director board until 2027.

He will support the airline in expanding international cooperation, especially with investors and partners in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Born in 1973 in Soc Trang Province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, he was adopted when he was nine months old and grew up in Germany.

In 2009, he became German Minister of Health, and two years later, he was elected as German Minister of Economics and Technology, and then vice-chancellor.

Rosler has more than 30 years of experience in economics, and held several key posts at some major companies such as Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, and Lufthansa.

Doan Hai Dang, general director at World Trans, was selected as another member of the airlines board.

Vietravel Airlines also announced that Vu Duc Bien, a member of its director board and its CEO, stepped down, starting from Monday, while naming Nguyen Minh Hai, with over 25 years of experience in aviation, the new CEO, starting from Tuesday, reported Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper.

Hai has held many senior positions such as deputy general director at Vietnam Airlines, CEO at Cambodia Angkor Air, and CEO at Bamboo Airways.

Its shareholders passed a plan at a recent shareholder meeting to issue shares via private placement to raise its charter capital, which is currently VND1.3 trillion (US$52.8 million).

The proceeds will be used to expand the air carriers business activities.

Three years after its launch in 2020, the airline is operating three aircraft on various air routes, including international links to Macau and Sanya in China as well as Daegu and Muan in South Korea.

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An off-duty pilot riding in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines jet tried to disable the aircraft's engines on a flight from the Seattle area to San Francisco, but crew members subdued him, and the plane landed in Portland, Oregon, officials said on Monday.

Joseph David Emerson was arrested on Sunday in Portland and was booked into jail on 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the local prosecutor's office.

Formal charges against Emerson, 44, were expected to be filed on Tuesday in Multnomah County court in Portland, where he was due to appear for an afternoon arraignment and enter a plea, a spokesperson for the county district attorney said.

Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by Alaska Air Group's regional subsidiary Horizon Air, departed Everett, Washington, on Sunday bound for San Francisco but was re-routed to Portland after reporting a security threat, the airline said.

Emerson joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon first officer in August 2001 and in 2012, left Horizon to join Virgin America as a pilot, Alaska said.

Emerson became an Alaska Airlines first officer after Alaskas acquisition of Virgin America in 2016 and became an Alaska Airlines captain in 2019. Alaska said "at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told U.S. airlines in a notice seen by Reuters that the off-duty pilot, flying as a "validated jump seat passenger," sought to disable the engines of the twin-jet Embraer 175 by attempting to activate the engine fire-suppression system while the plane was at cruise altitude.

"The crew was able to subdue the suspect and [he] was removed from the flight deck," the FAA notice said. The engines were never disabled, Alaska said.

Radio chatter from the flight deck moments later was captured on audio posted by LiveATC.net, an online service that streams communications between air traffic control and commercial jets.

"Ill just give you a heads-up. Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit," the Horizon pilot told air traffic control, according to the audio. "It doesnt sound like hes causing any issue at the back. I think hes subdued. ... We want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked."

Alaska Airlines said Emerson grabbed the engine fire handle, also known as the fire suppression system, which consists of a T-shaped handle for each engine. "If the T-handle is fully deployed, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine. In this case, the quick reaction of our crew to reset the T-handles ensured engine power was not lost," Alaska said.

Port of Portland police officers met the flight and took the suspect into custody without incident.

An FAA pilot database showed Emerson listed as a certified pilot who received a medical clearance last month. Aviators are expected to self-report any mental health conditions, two U.S. pilots told Reuters.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the world's largest pilots union, which represents aviators at Alaska, said in a statement that the airline "profession in North America is one of the most highly vetted and scrutinized careers."

Adam Silverthorne, president of California-based NRI Flying Club, said the incident was incongruous with the kindhearted, methodical family man he knew Emerson as several years ago when Emerson was a club member and flight instructor. A club newsletter mentioned Emerson was at NRI in 2016.

"To say that it was out of character would be a huge understatement," Silverthorne said by phone. "It's bonkers."

The FBI in Portland said it "is investigating and can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident."

The FAA told airlines in a separate notice on Monday the incident "is not connected in any way, shape or form to current world events" but said it is "always good practice to maintain vigilance."

It is standard practice for off-duty pilots to sit in jump seats for flights home or en route a future flight assignment.

Alaska Airlines said all passengers on board traveled on a later flight.
MEXICO CITY -- Assailants gunned down at least 13 local police officers in southern Mexico's Guerrero state on Monday, a state government source told Reuters, in the latest brazen attack in a region where gangs have been vying for control over drug trading.

Among the dead is the local security chief for the town of Coyuca de Benitez, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The town is located to the west of the popular beach resort of Acapulco.

In a statement later on Monday, state officials said security in the area would be reinforced, including by the navy and National Guard agents, but did not say how many police had been killed.

The Coyuca de Benitez area is known for the presence of organized crime.

Prior to the ambush, the agents were sent to respond to a report of alleged firearm detonations in the area, the source said.

Violence has spiked in Guerrero over the past decade as a growing number of criminal gangs battle for control of the lucrative opium poppy trade, as well as for other smuggling routes.

During the first nine months of this year, nearly 1,100 people have been murdered in the state, up by nearly a quarter compared to the previous year, according to official data.
During the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 - the last time people walked on the moon - U.S. astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan collected about 243 pounds (110.4 kg) of soil and rock samples that were returned to Earth for further study.

A half century later, crystals of the mineral zircon inside a coarse-grained igneous rock fragment collected by Schmitt are giving scientists a deeper understanding about the moon's formation and the precise age of Earth's celestial partner.

The moon is about 40 million years older than previously thought - forming more than 4.46 billion years ago, within 110 million years after the solar system's birth, scientists said on Monday, based on analyses of the crystals.

Scientist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt is photographed seated in the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) at Station 9 (Van Serg Crater) during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site during the Apollo 17 mission in this December 13, 1972 NASA handout photo. Photo: Reuters

The leading hypothesis for lunar formation is that during the solar system's chaotic early history a Mars-sized object called Theia slammed into primordial Earth. This blasted magma - molten rock - into space, forming a debris disk that orbited Earth and coalesced into the moon. But the exact timing of the moon's formation has been hard to nail down.

Mineral crystals were able to form after the magma cooled and solidified. The researchers used a method called atom probe tomography to confirm the age of the oldest-known solids that formed after the giant impact, the zircon crystals inside the fragment of a type of rock called norite collected by Schmitt.

"I love the fact that this study was done on a sample that was collected and brought to Earth 51 years ago. At that time, atom probe tomography wasn't developed yet and scientists wouldn't have imagined the types of analyses we do today," said cosmochemist Philipp Heck, senior director of research at the Field Museum in Chicago, a University of Chicago professor and senior author of the study published in the journal Geochemical Perspectives Letters.

"Interestingly, all the oldest minerals found on Earth, Mars and the moon are zircon crystals. Zircon, not diamond, lasts forever," UCLA planetary scientist and study co-author Bidong Zhang added.

Scientist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt is photographed standing next to a huge, split boulder during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission in this December 13, 1972 NASA handout photo. Photo: Reuters

The rock containing the zircon was collected in the Taurus-Littrow valley at the southeastern edge of the lunar Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity) and stored at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

"Zircons are very hard and tough and survive the breakdown of rocks during weathering," Heck said.

A study led by Zhang published in 2021 used a technique called ion microprobe analysis to measure how many atoms of uranium and lead were in the crystals, calculating the age of the zircon based on the decay of radioactive uranium to lead over time. That age needed to be confirmed through another method because of a potential complication involving lead atoms if defects existed in the zircon crystal structure.

The new study used atom probe tomography to determine there were no complications involving the lead atoms, confirming the age of the crystals.

"I see this as a great example of what the nanoscale, or even atomic scale, can tell us about big-picture questions," said study lead author Jennika Greer, a cosmochemist at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

The moon, which orbits Earth at an average distance of about 239,000 miles (385,000 km), has a diameter of about 2,160 miles (3,475 km), a bit more than a quarter of our planet's diameter.

Scientist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 lunar module pilot, uses an adjustable sampling scoop to retrieve lunar samples during the second Apollo 17 extravehicular activity in this December 12, 1972 NASA handout photo. Photo: Reuters

"The giant impact that formed the moon was a cataclysmic event for Earth and changed Earth's rotational speed. After that, the moon had an effect on stabilizing Earth's rotational axis and slowing down Earth's rotational speed," Heck said. "The formation date of the moon is important as only after that Earth became a habitable planet."

"The moon helps stabilize Earth's axis for a stable climate," Zhang added. "The moon's gravitational pulls help shape the ocean's ecosystem. The moon is inspirational to human cultures and explorations. And NASA and other space agencies see the moon as a steppingstone for future deep-space explorations."
The Biden administration has designated 31 technology hubs spanning 32 states and Puerto Rico.

These hubs are poised to stimulate job creation and innovation in industries traditionally concentrated in specific areas, as per ABC News.

Biden's Vision for Technology Advancement

With a vision of expanding technological advancements across the nation, this initiative aims to bridge the innovation gap that has often left large swaths of America on the sidelines.

President Joe Biden expressed his unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in America: "We're going to invest in critical technologies like biotechnology, critical materials, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing so that the US will lead the world again in innovation across the board."

He conveyed his belief in a brighter technological future for the nation, emphasizing the need for innovation to drive economic growth. The genesis of these tech hubs lies in a process initiated by the Commerce Department in May, aimed at distributing $500 million in grants to cities.

This financial injection is part of a broader $10 billion authorization provided by last year's CHIPS and Science Act. This legislative move was designed to catalyze investments in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

The intent is clear: to diversify tech investments, which have traditionally been concentrated in a few major US cities, including Austin, Texas; Boston; New York; San Francisco; and Seattle. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed her astonishment at the unprecedented interest in the program.

During a conference call previewing the announcement, she shared that her department had received a staggering 400 applications from various stakeholders, including CEOs, governors, senators, congresspeople, and university presidents. It's a testament to the immense excitement and optimism surrounding the potential for technological revitalization in communities nationwide, according to Yahoo News.

Read Also: Writers Guild of America Called Out for Remaining Silent on Hamas Attacks in Israel

Inclusive Innovation and Economic Prosperity

Officially known as the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, this initiative aligns with President Biden's economic vision of ensuring that individuals can access quality job opportunities within their communities.

The White House has made it a central point to stress that opportunity and prosperity should be more evenly dispersed across the country rather than concentrated in a handful of urban centers.

This initiative also aligns with President Biden's political goals as he gears up for his 2024 reelection campaign. The 31 designated tech hubs span various states, ensuring that innovation and economic growth are not limited to a few regions.

These hubs will reach states like Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, New Hampshire, Missouri, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Minnesota, Louisiana, Idaho, Wyoming, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York, Nevada, Missouri, Oregon, Vermont, Ohio, Maine, Washington, and Puerto Rico.

These tech hubs signify a turning point in the drive towards a more inclusive and vibrant American innovation landscape. They showcase a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of innovation and economic growth are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.

This initiative represents a crucial step in the Biden administration's journey towards economic transformation, job creation, and technological progress, marking a significant stride towards a brighter, more innovative future for the nation, South China Morning Post reported

Related Article: US Stands With Philippines in Worsening South China Sea Conflict With China

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Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, chaired a welcome ceremony on Tuesday morning at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense for Roberto Legra Sotolongo, Chief of General Staff and Deputy Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, who is in Vietnam for an official visit between October 19 and 28.

The two sides held talks shortly after the welcome ceremony in Hanoi.

During the talks, Deputy Minister Cuong welcomed Sotolongo to visit Vietnam, saying his trip proves the close relations between the army forces of Vietnam and Cuba and the two countries as a whole.

The visit takes place at a time when the two nations are celebrating major milestones, including the 60th anniversary of Cuba's establishment of the Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, now known as the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, the 50th anniversary of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro Ruz's first visit to Vietnam and to the liberated zone in South Vietnam in wartime.

Deputy Minister Cuong said Sotolongos visit would contribute to ramping up the Vietnam-Cuba defense cooperation in a practical, long-term, and effective manner in line with the common perception of the two countries senior leaders.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong (L), Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, speaks at the talks with his Cuban counterpart in Hanoi, October 24, 2023. Photo: Ha Thanh / Tuoi Tre

For his part, Sotolongo thanked Vietnam for always accompanying and supporting Cuba and emphasized the strong relationship between the two countries and armies.

He vowed to do his utmost to deepen the relationship between Cuba and Vietnam.

The two sides also agreed that the two countries leaders attach much importance to their defense cooperation, which is one of the important pillars of their relations, contributing to preserving their revolutionary achievements in accordance with their demands and strengths.

They reached a consensus on enhancing the exchange of delegations, especially high-ranking ones, maintaining the sharing of professional experience, and increasing the cooperation in Party building and political issues based on their signed memorandum of understanding.

They agreed to effectively deploy defense collaboration in line with the needs, capabilities, and conditions of each country, while boosting cooperation in military medicine, training, and military and defense-related legislation.

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The steering committee for citizen protection measures under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs chaired a meeting on Monday to discuss ways to safeguard Vietnamese citizens amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by two deputy ministers of foreign affairs and the ministrys representative bodies in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Palestine.

The Vietnamese representative agencies in these Middle Eastern nations reviewed the developments linked to the conflict in their respective areas, paving the way for the ministry to work out and adopt citizen protection measures in the upcoming time.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, head of the steering committee, affirmed that ensuring the safety and assets of Vietnamese citizens in conflict-hit areas is the Vietnamese governments top priority.

The ministry underlined the need to assess, forecast possible developments of the conflict, and prepare citizen protection measures in order to adopt the measures in a timely and effective manner.

The ministry asked its representative bodies in these Middle Eastern nations to closely monitor the developments of the conflict and information about Vietnamese citizens in their areas; closely work with authorities and relevant agencies in the host countries to take citizen protection measures, if necessary.

The ministry also called on Vietnamese citizens in conflict-hit areas to register their information via the link http://bit.ly/dangkycongdanVNtaiIsrael to stay updated on citizen protection and support.

The steering committee for citizen protection measures under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs chaired a hybrid meeting on October 23, 2023 to discuss ways to safeguard Vietnamese citizens amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. Photo: Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnamese citizens in need of assistance can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel via phone numbers 972-50-818-6116, +972-52-727-4248, and +972-50-994-0889, or the embassys citizen protection hotline at +84 981 84 84 84 and +84 965 41 11 18, or via baohocongdan@gmail.com.

The ministry on October 15 advised Vietnamese citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Israel due to the conflict.

Vietnamese citizens in Israel should return to Vietnam or travel to a third country soon, the ministry added.

According to official data, the Vietnamese community in Israel numbers around 500, with most of them living in major cities.

The ministrys Monday meeting took place at a time when the Israel-Hamas conflict was showing no signs of de-escalating since it began on October 7.

Tens of thousands of soldiers, tanks, heavy armour, and artillery from Israel's armed forces have been massed along the Gaza border, provoking concerns that Israel could enter this area and clash with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- A flight carried 210 tourists from Kazakhstan to Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam on Monday, said director of the provincial Department of Tourism Bui Quoc Thai.

-- The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Vietnamese citizens in areas affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Middle East to register their information at the address: http://bit.ly/dangkycongdanVNtaiIsrael to receive information about citizen protection and support.

-- A landslide occurred in an alley in Da Lat, a tourist city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, following a heavy rain on Monday. The incident caused no casualties but damaged a car.

-- The traffic police unit under the Department of Public Security in Binh Duong Province, neighboring Ho Chi Minh City, said on Monday that they were verifying videos in which three youngsters were shown wearing no helmets and doing a wheelie while riding a motorbike in both Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City.

-- Thousands of vehicles were stuck in traffic for several kilometers along a National Highway 1 section in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City on Monday evening.

Business

-- Vietnamese airline Bamboo Airways has appointed Luong Hoai Nam, former CEO of Pacific Airlines, another domestic air carrier, as its new CEO. Nam is the third CEO of the airline within the past six months.

-- Vietnamese carrier Vietravel Airlines on Monday announced that Vietnamese-born Philipp Rosler, former vice-chancellor of Germany, is now its advisor and an independent member of its director board for a term until 2027. He will support the airline in expanding international cooperation, especially with investors and partners in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

World News

-- Governments should open a new front in the international clampdown on tax evasion with a global minimum tax on billionaires, which could raise $250 billion annually, Reuters reported, citing the EU Tax Observatory.

-- The moon is about 40 million years older than previously thought - forming more than 4.46 billion years ago, within 110 million years after the solar system's birth, Reuters cited scientists who made the conclusion on Monday, based on analyses of the crystals collected by U.S. astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 - the last time people walked on the moon.

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Authorities in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam on Tuesday morning welcomed experts to inspect the status of Cau Pagoda, a bridge more than 400 years old in Hoi An City, after nearly a year of closure for restoration.

Cau Pagoda has been covered with corrugated iron for renovation work since late December last year, wtih an estimated cost exceeding VND20 billion (US$814,332) and a scheduled completion date by the end of 2023.

To enable visitors to glimpse a part of the famous pagoda, an access point for tours has been established.

However, the view is restricted due to various sections being concealed to facilitate the restoration and preservation of the bridge elements.

Cau Pagoda is covered with corrugated iron for renovation work in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

For a comprehensive evaluation of the restoration work conducted over nearly a year, Hoi An authorities welcomed an expert group to the pagoda on Tuesday morning to observe every aspect of the historic structure following the removal of its frame and roof.

This marks the first time when the entire pagoda, its original form, structure, and spatial layout, has been fully unveiled.

Tourists stand outside a fence to observe the renovation of Cau Pagoda in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

The pagoda was originally built on a bridge over a small creek by Japanese tradesmen in the 17th century.

The whole pagoda and bridge are made of painted wood and sculpted with sophisticated patterns and have a bit of Japanese style.

Inside the restoration of Cau Pagoda in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

In 1653, a tile-roofed extension was added, connecting to the northern railings and extending between the bridge supports, hence the local nickname for the covered bridge as Chua Cau, or Bridge Pagoda.

Despite its classification as a pagoda, it does not venerate the Buddha as customary in Vietnamese pagodas; instead, it honors a guardian spirit that bestows happiness and protection upon the local community.

Inside the restoration of Cau Pagoda in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

Throughout its history, the pagoda has undergone multiple renovations.

However, the ancient structure has suffered serious deterioration in recent years.

So far, the ongoing renovation work has achieved several significant milestones, including the 3D digitization of the site, the erection of a surrounding protective structure, the installation of the yin-yang tile roof system and wooden framework, and the reinforcement of the foundation pillars.

The main load-bearing wooden beam is made of ironwood and supports the entire upper block of Cau Pagoda in Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

Throughout the restoration process, staff have dealt with significant challenges in preserving the structural integrity due to the serious state of deterioration, which necessitated entirely manual intervention.

Each single tile, section of mortar, wooden peg, and so forth have been delicately removed by hand, then meticulously positioned within a designated wooden frame, with each piece marked with a serial number to prevent disturbances and fissures.

Every tile and section of mortar, upon removal, is assigned a unique number and diligently preserved for subsequent reattachment. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

Inside the restoration of Cau Pagoda in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

The ornamental section of Cau Pagodas roof is meticulously protected to prevent any damage or cracking following its disassembly. Photo: Thai Ba Dung / Tuoi Tre

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New six-part musical comedy documentary series Australian Epic, will premiere on ABC in November.

The series, previously titled Stories from Oz, based on a Norwegian format, was due to screen in 2022.

Writer and executive producer Chris Taylor says: Writing comedy songs with Andrew Hansen has always been one of my favourite things in the world to do. So it was really great to reunite with him on this bonkers project, which features some of the best songs weve ever written, I think.

Written by The Chasers Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen, with 36 original songs performed by an ensemble cast of dazzling triple-threats, including Phoenix Jackson Mendoza (Six The Musical), Michelle Brasier (Aunty Donnas Coffee Cafe), Fiona Choi (The Family Law), Sami Afuni (Hamilton), Nicholas Kong (Miss Saigon) and Amy Lehpamer (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), this 6-part extravaganza breathes new life into some of the countrys most colourful stories, by giving them the full musical treatment theyve always deserved.

Australian Epic swings between interviews with the real-life players and musical numbers that give Taylor and Hansen full rein to put their trademark satirical spin on the material. The stories receiving the complete razzle-dazzle makeover include the unlikely triumph of ice-skater Steven Bradbury, the fairy-tale of the young Tasmanian woman Mary Donaldson, the international meltdown caused by Johnny Depps pet dogs, Pistol and Boo, the comedy of errors that befell Melbournes cursed Ferris wheel, the saga of Schapelle Corby and the political showdown of the Tampa affair.

Writer, composer, executive producer and ensemble cast member Andrew Hansen says: At the same time, its also the only show weve done that has a heart. We actually wanted some of the songs to be quite moving, especially in the Tampa episode. So, theres some emotional stuff in there that we finally allowed ourselves to have in our middle age.

Production Credit: A Princess Pictures production for the ABC in association with VicScreen. Executive Producers Laura Waters and Emma Fitzsimons, Executive Producers and Writers Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen, Producer Julie Eckersley, Director Max Miller, ABC Executive Producers Rachel Millar and Nicholas Hayden.

Wednesday, 8 November at 9pm on ABC.
This week The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity is in Cambodia.

Wednesday:

The race continues in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, where our celebrities will get a taste for Cambodian life. A spiritual journey will lead the teams into one of the largest religious structures in the world as they search for enlightenment with a real-life Monk.

The fighting spirit of some teams will be tested when learning local martial arts, while others will build a traditional spirit house hoping for luck and prosperity.

The celebs will then confront their fears and come face to face with some local delicacies. It will all be too much for one team to stomach, leading to a dramatic race against the clock to the Pit Stop. Whose journey towards $100,000 for their chosen charity will come to an end?

Thursday:

In Cambodia, the final five celebrity teams will leave behind the majesty of Angkor Wat to navigate the waters of a local floating village on the mighty lake of Tonle Sap. They will face hard work, plus test their skills and team dynamics as they live like locals for a day.

Then its back to school for our celebrity teams as they learn some tough lessons. After shopping for school supplies, they will travel by boat to a floating classroom. At the Chong Kneas School they will learn and perform a song in the Khmer language taught by the local school children. Next, they will choose a detour where they will either farm or fish for local food staples.

When our racers battle the scorching temperatures and hard labour of hulling rice, exhaustion and the reality of the race to survive sets in, finishing in a desperate sprint to the pitstop.

7:30pm Wednesday and Thursday on 10.
Claire Gallagher and family. Picture: supplied by Diabetes UK

Funded by Diabetes UK and JDRF, ELSA (EarLy Surveillance for Autoimmune diabetes) aims to recruit 20,000 children, aged between three and 13 years, to assess their risk of developing type 1 diabetes through at-home finger-prick blood tests.

Home testing kits are now available to families throughout Northern Ireland. Around 1 in 100 children will require follow-up venous blood testing, available at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

Launched in England, Scotland and Wales in November 2022, the trial is the first of its kind for the UK which will lay the groundwork for the development of a potential future UK-wide screening programme, transforming how type 1 diabetes is identified and managed in its earliest stages.

Claire Gallagher, from Derrytrasna, whose two sons are taking part in ELSA, said: Through ELSA, parents or carers just like me can remove the what ifs and possibly even put their mind at ease.

"Having determined results as to whether your child is at risk of developing type 1 diabetes in their lifetime, means that you can equip you and your family with the knowledge to identify signs and symptoms and lean on resources and support when it presents. Education really is empowering in helping manage long-term conditions, like diabetes.

"My advice to any parents or carers out there is to absolutely take part in the ELSA study and know that, should they have a positive result, it will not hold their child(ren) back.

"I think one of the most important takeaways is to understand that with diabetes, not every day or week will be the same. We cant make things perfect all the time and we do face some challenges now and in the future, but involvement in studies like ELSA shows me that we really can strive to make things better and will help so many families across Northern Ireland.

Type 1 diabetes is a serious and lifelong autoimmune condition affecting nearly 9,000 people in Northern Ireland. It is caused by an immune system attack on the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, meaning they can no longer make insulin, which results in high blood sugar levels.

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The ELSA research team are able to identify people at high risk of type 1 diabetes by testing for markers in the blood, called autoantibodies  tools used by the immune system to earmark insulin- producing cells for destruction. Autoantibodies are associated with the development of type 1 diabetes, and can appear in the blood years, or sometimes decades, before people begin to experience any symptoms.

Children at risk and their families will be offered support and education  including information on symptoms and management  to help prepare them for the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Families will also be offered the opportunity to be followed up in the long-term to enable closer monitoring and potentially to start insulin treatment sooner. Research in Europe and the US has found that the extra support and monitoring screening programmes can offer dramatically reduces the risk of being diagnosed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)  a life-threatening condition.
This news release constitutes a "designated news release" for the purposes of Cybins prospectus supplements each dated August 23, 2023, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated August 17, 2023.

- Combined portfolios create the industrys largest, most advanced, well-protected deuterated DMT program -

- Combination creates the largest intellectual property portfolio in the psychedelic drug development sector with over 30 patents granted and 160 patents pending -

- Two proprietary, advanced clinical programs in development for depression and anxiety disorders with demonstrated safety and efficacy -

TORONTO & LONDON, October 23, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cybin Inc. (NYSE American:CYBN) (NEO:CYBN) ("Cybin", or the "Company") and Small Pharma Inc. (TSXV:DMT) (OTCQB:DMTTF) ("Small Pharma") are pleased to announce the completion of the previously-announced acquisition by Cybin of Small Pharma by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), and pursuant to the terms of an arrangement agreement dated August 28, 2023 between Cybin and Small Pharma (the "Arrangement"). As a result of the Arrangement, Small Pharma is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cybin.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231022071953/en/

"The closing of this transaction marks a significant milestone in Cybins growth trajectory, firmly establishing us as a leader in the psychedelics sector," said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. "With the industrys largest, most advanced and well-protected deuterated N,N-dimethyltryptamine ("dDMT") pipeline program and topline efficacy data for CYB003, our deuterated psilocybin analog program expected this quarter, Cybin is well positioned with two advanced clinical programs for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders with demonstrated safety and efficacy. Our efforts are also supported by the largest intellectual property portfolio in the psychedelic drug development space, with over 30 patents granted and more than 160 patents pending. We welcome the Small Pharma scientists and leaders who are joining the Cybin team, as we look to leverage the many synergies and drive value for shareholders."

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George Tziras, Chief Executive Officer of Small Pharma, commented, "For the past 8 years, Small Pharma has worked to develop transformative medicines for patients struggling with depression. I am incredibly proud of what we as a team have achieved. This transaction marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Small Pharma as we bring to Cybin a complementary portfolio and a talented team. We firmly believe the combined company will be well positioned to accelerate innovation in the industry and deliver enhanced value for our shareholders and better outcomes for patients."

With a common goal to create novel, optimized psychedelic-based therapeutics, the combination of Cybin and Small Pharma creates an international, clinical-stage leader with the potential to transform the treatment paradigm for mental health conditions. Cybins and Small Pharmas combined N,N-dimethyltryptamine ("DMT") and dDMT programs creates the largest dataset of systematic research on these short-duration psychedelic molecules. The companies combined development portfolios are highly complementary and provide multiple opportunities to create operational and cost synergies.

Data readouts from the combined companys Phase 1 deuterated programs, CYB004 and SPL028 are anticipated by late 2023. This will enable a robust evaluation of formulations and administration routes, and an informed, data-driven approach to launching a Phase 2 efficacy study of dDMT in the United States early in 2024.

Cybin expects to report Phase 2 safety and efficacy data from its proprietary CYB003 deuterated psilocybin analog program in participants with major depressive disorder in late 2023. Plans are underway to scale the program for Phase 3 in early 2024.

"As a stronger combined organization, there is a lot to look forward to in the remaining months of 2023 and 2024, as Cybin will have four studies running in 2024, CYB003, as it moves to Phase 3, CYB004, as it moves to Phase 2, and two formulation studies focused on evaluating more convenient dosing regimens," concluded Drysdale.

George Tziras said, "To date, we have demonstrated strong proof of concept for our DMT program, with data to support its rapid and durable antidepressant effects to at least six months. Importantly, we have further shown that a DMT-based treatment can be administered safely in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, and has the potential to enhance treatment efficacy. As a combined company, the upcoming year offers the opportunity to make significant advances in our combined proprietary psychedelic portfolio as we continue to further validate the treatment potential of these therapies."

Information for former Small Pharma Shareholders

Under the terms of the Arrangement, each former Small Pharma shareholder is now entitled to receive 0.2409 common shares of Cybin ("Cybin Shares") for each Small Pharma common share ("Small Pharma Share") held prior to the Arrangement (the "Consideration"). Cybin has issued an aggregate of 80,945,300 Cybin Shares to Odyssey Trust Company, as depositary (the "Depositary") pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement. Small Pharma Shares are expected to be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and removed from the OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB") in the coming days, and Small Pharma will apply to cease to be a reporting issuer in each of the provinces and territories in Canada.

In order to receive the Consideration to which they are entitled, registered holders of Small Pharma Shares who hold physical share certificates or DRS statements must submit a letter of transmittal to the Depositary. A letter of transmittal has previously been mailed to Small Pharma shareholders in connection with the annual and special meeting of Small Pharma shareholders held on October 12, 2023, and is available on Small Pharmas profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Small Pharma shareholders who hold their Small Pharma Shares through a broker or other intermediary should follow the instructions provided by such broker or intermediary.

Cybin Board and Management

The combined company will be led by Cybins Chief Executive Officer, Doug Drysdale, who brings over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector. George Tziras, the former Chief Executive Officer of Small Pharma, has joined the board of directors of Cybin and will serve as Cybins Chief Business Officer, and certain Small Pharma senior management and staff will be integrated with the existing Cybin team to create a highly experienced and skilled team that is well positioned to deliver on the development and clinical execution of the combined pipeline.

Early Warning Disclosure

For purposes of National Instrument 62-103  The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues ("NI 62-103"), prior to the Arrangement, Cybin held no securities of Small Pharma. On completion of the Arrangement, Cybin holds 100% of the issued and outstanding Small Pharma Shares. The Small Pharma Shares were acquired by Cybin in exchange for the issuance of 0.2409 Cybin Shares for each Small Pharma Share held. An early warning report will be filed by Cybin pursuant to NI 62-103 and will be available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information or to obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact Gabriel Fahel, Cybins Chief Legal Officer at 1-866-292-4601 ext. 714 or at Cybins head office located at 100 King St. West, Suite 5600, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada.

Legal and Financial Advisors

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP acted as legal counsel to Cybin.

Aird & Berlis LLP acted as legal counsel to Small Pharma and the special committee to the Board of Directors of Small Pharma. Jefferies International Limited acted as exclusive financial advisor to Small Pharma.

About Cybin

Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

Cybins goal of revolutionizing mental healthcare is supported by a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists aimed at progressing proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, and novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens. Cybin is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog for the treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary dDMT molecule for generalized anxiety disorder and has a research pipeline of investigational psychedelic-based compounds.

Headquartered in Canada and founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland. For company updates and to learn more about Cybin, visit www.cybin.com or follow the team on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release relating to the Cybin and Small Pharma are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the combined company, Cybins plans to report Phase 2 safety and efficacy data from its CYB003 deuterated psilocybin analog program in late 2023; progression to Phase 3 development of CYB003 in early 2024; data readouts from the Companys Phase 1 deuterated programs, CYB004 and SPL028 in late 2023; the Companys plan to launch a Phase 2 efficacy study of dDMT in the United States early in 2024; and the anticipated benefits of the acquisition to shareholders and the combined company, including corporate operational and other synergies; Small Pharma management and staff joining Cybin; the delisting of Small Pharma Shares from the TSXV; removing Small Pharma from the OTCQB; Small Pharmas application to cease to be a reporting issuer in all of the provinces and territories in Canada; and the filing of Cybins early warning report.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company or Small Pharma, as applicable, at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: implications of the spread of COVID-19 on the Companys operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; and the risk factors set out in each of the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2023, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2023, which are available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company or Small Pharma, as applicable, believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company and Small Pharma cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company and Small Pharma assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybins proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Cybin has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that Cybin verified such in clinical trials or that Cybin will complete such trials. If Cybin cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Cybins performance and operations.

Small Pharma makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about its proposed products. The MHRA or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding DMT-assisted therapies and other next generation psychoactive compounds. The efficacy of such therapies has not been confirmed by MHRA-approved research. There is no assurance that such DMT-assisted therapies and other psychoactive compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential therapies do not imply that Small Pharma verified such in clinical trials or that Small Pharma will complete such trials. If Small Pharma cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Small Pharmas performance and operations.

Neither the Neo Exchange Inc. nor the NYSE American LLC stock exchange have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein.

Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231022071953/en/

Contacts

Cybin Investor & Media:

Gabriel Fahel

Chief Legal Officer

Cybin Inc.

1-866-292-4601

irteam@cybin.com  or  media@cybin.com
Outgoing chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) Mike Johnston was the toast of the evening as he handed over the reins to Ian Stevenson, former CEO of the Livestock and Meat Commission. Pictured are Dairy Council vice-chair Dermot Farrell and outgoing CEO Mike Johnston

Chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) Mike Johnston has handed over the reins to Ian Stevenson, former chief executive officer of the Livestock and Meat Commission.

During the celebratory event at Larnes Magheramorne House Estate, guests from across the industry and beyond, including colleagues from Ulster University, looked back on over three decades of service.

From doorstop delivery to an international supplier of high quality produce, the Northern Irelands dairy sector reflected on the progress made over the last 34 years which Ian described as a hallmark of the industrys shared progress since 1989.

Outgoing chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) Mike Johnston was the toast of the evening as he handed over the reins to Ian Stevenson, former CEO of the Livestock and Meat Commission. Pictured are Dairy Council vice-Chair Dermot Farrell, outgoing CEO Mike Johnston with his successor Ian Stevenson, and DCNI chair Norma Thomspon

The new chief executive, Ian Stevenson, said: In the 34 years since Mike first took the helm, production of milk has increased from 1.3 billion litres to 2.5 billion litres in 2022, all with greater efficiency. We have seen the industry become more specialised as it continues its significant contribution to the local economy and beyond.

Through the recently completed export programmes, the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) has showcased our wares to the world, inviting potential customers to see first-hand the professionalism and efficiency of Northern Irelands dairy industry.

"Funded by the EU and DCNI, together the programmes drove 55.6 million in new sales of dairy products to markets in south-east Asia and the Middle East, helping to put the best in local dairy produce on the world stage.

In closing, Ian added: In my new role as Dairy Council CEO I am looking forward to working closely with dairy sector partners, farmers and processors as we collectively work towards greater social, environmental, nutritional and economic sustainability for our world class industry.
A Sikh man, Jasmer Singh, died after an altercation with another driver following a vehicular collision.

This heartbreaking incident has drawn attention to the need for increased vigilance against hate crimes and the importance of fostering unity in the diverse communities of New York City, as per NDTV.

Sikh Man's Death Sparks Unity, Outcry in New York City

Jasmer Singh, aged 66, was involved in a car collision with Gilbert Augustin, and both vehicles sustained damage. As Singh attempted to call 911 for assistance, the situation was disturbing when an individual allegedly confiscated his phone and uttered, "No police, no police."

A heated argument ensued, and as Mr. Singh retrieved his phone from Augustin, and the situation escalated. Augustin reportedly punched Mr. Singh three times in the head and face, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain a fatal head injury.

Tragically, Jasmer Singh was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries, leaving the Sikh community and the broader New York City community in shock and mourning.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams swiftly condemned the incident, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of Jasmer Singh and offering his condolences to the Sikh community. He vowed to stand against hatred and protect the city's diverse population.

Mayor Adams stated, "Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved much more than his tragic death. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life, and we will protect you."

Furthermore, Mayor Adams' administration plans to meet with Sikh leaders to address the community's needs during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of unity and support in the face of such a tragic incident, according to Daily News.

Read Also: Nashville Police Chief's Son at Large for Shooting 2 Tennessee Suburban Cops

New York City Hate Crimes

The alleged assailant, 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, assault, aggravated unlicensed operation, and leaving the scene of an accident. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his lawyer has not provided any immediate comments.

This incident is not an isolated one. A week prior, another Sikh individual was subjected to a hate-motivated assault in New York. A man assaulted a Sikh teenager on a bus, attempting to remove his turban and making derogatory remarks about the Sikh community.

The assailant, in this case, has been charged with assault in the third degree as a hate crime and aggravated harassment in the second degree. The Sikh community and advocates for tolerance and diversity are calling for increased awareness of hate crimes and the importance of respecting and embracing cultural and religious differences.

These incidents underscore the need for continued efforts to combat hatred and promote understanding among all New York City community members. While the investigation into Jasmer Singh's tragic death is ongoing, a growing call exists to examine this incident as a potential hate crime.

The incident has left a significant impact on the Sikh community. It has led to broader discussions about the need for unity and the rejection of hatred in a diverse and vibrant city like New York, NBC New York reported.

Related Article: New York Sen. Bob Menendez Pleads Not Guilty to Foreign Agent Charge

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Shutterstock / Arsirya)

Custodians of a quarter of the land on Earth, Indigenous peoples play a vital a but underappreciated a role in protecting ecosystems, conserving wildlife and tackling problems such as deforestation. Travellers can support these unsung eco-heroes by visiting the growing range of Indigenous-owned and run hotels, tour operators and nature reserves and, in the process, have richer, more authentic experiences. We selected 15 of the best for you, so all you have to do is choose whether you fancy going piranha fishing, learning tribal drumming or seeing the northern lights as well as doing your bit to save the world.

Madidi National Park is home to Indigenous-run experiences (Shutterstock / Emiliano Barbieri)

Glide over the pink dolphins of the Amazon

Spanning a Wales-sized swathe of the Amazon, Madidi National Park (see above) is part of one of the worlds largest and most biodiverse protected areas, home to many rare species including anacondas, pumas and pink dolphins. In its heart lies Chalalan Ecolodge, founded by a Quechua-Tacana community to provide much-needed jobs and funding for education, health and infrastructure projects, and to help stave off illegal loggers, miners and ranchers. Guests are immersed in the rainforest through guided hikes, canoe trips and piranha fishing, while the revenue they bring in for Chalalan trickles throughout the local community. Book here: Chalalans four-day Pecari tour, including full-board accommodation, activities and local transfers, costs from 390 per person.

Explore the ancient forest

The worlds oldest tropical rainforest, dating back some 180 million years, Daintree was returned to its traditional custodians, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, in 2021, following a long-running campaign. They now co-manage the mesmerising national park  a UNESCO World Heritage Site bordering the Great Barrier Reef  with the Queensland state government. Exploring this ancient forest with a local guide provides a deeper understanding of its wealth of animal, bird and plant species and rich cultural associations, as well as the traditional conservation techniques of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji, a people who help protect the abundant biodiversity. Book here: Walkabout Cultural Adventures offers full-day tours for around 132 per person.

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Queenslands Daintree: the worlds oldest tropical rainforest (Shutterstock / Navigator-tour)

Take a Conservancy Safari

The 54 African countries are collectively responsible for less than 4 percent of global CO 2 emissions but are particularly vulnerable to the impact of global heating. Namibias communal conservancies  in which local and often Indigenous people manage, conserve and benefit from their natural resources  provide a way for communities at the sharp end of the climate crisis to boost their resilience. Conservancy Safaris Namibia, which is owned by more than 3,000 Himba and Herero people, offers flexible, custom-designed expeditions in five conservancies spanning 13,500 sq km in the remote, north-west Kunene region. These trips include tracking endangered black rhinos, wild camping in river valleys, driving through the majestic Namib desert and visiting farming and herding communities. Book here: Expeditions with Conservancy Safaris cost from 319 per person per day.

See black rhinos on a conservancy safari around Namibia (Shutterstock / 2630ben)

Experience the Land of Giants

Developed by two Raramuri communities with backing from international NGOs, Experiencias Raramuri offers authentic experiences for travellers in the spectacular Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre Occidental range of Chihuahua state. These range from cookery and basket-weaving classes to hikes along precipitous, centuries-old trails to sacred tombs, rock art sites and birds-eye viewpoints. Visitors learn about the distinct culture of the Raramuri, one of the largest Indigenous groups in North America renowned for their long-distance running, while experiencing one of the largest and deepest canyon systems on Earth. Book here: Experiencias Raramuris three-hour guided Bacajipare Trail hike costs around 10 per person.

No surprise Copper Canyon's nickname is Land of Giants (Shutterstock / David Colin)

Live like a local in Equador

A Caranqui community in the Andean highlands, Angochagua was named one of the World Tourism Organisations Best Tourism Villages in 2022 for its work developing travel projects aligned with the sustainable development goals. Visitors take part in rural activities such as feeding and milking livestock, sampling the local grain- and cereal-based cuisine and learning about the use of medicinal plants, textile and pottery traditions and cultural practices. This provides vital support for conservation, reforestation and heritage-preservation schemes. Book here: Homestays in Angochagua start from 20-25 per person per night.

Feed the livestock at Equador's Caranqui community experience (Angochagua/Shafik Meghji)

Hit the Garifuna Trail

This trail is a recently launched, community-based tourism initiative on the south-east coast of Belize, a region of rainforests and reefs, which aims to provide an economic and cultural boost for the 11,000-strong Garinagu community with African and Carib-Arawak heritage. It links 500-plus businesses in a series of fishing villages and towns, including agriturismo homestays, drumming and cookery schools, and locally owned galleries, museums and tour companies that showcase the communitys oral traditions, satirical art and dances, and seafood-focused food. Book here: Journey Latin Americas 11-day Active Belize tour, which visits areas covered by the Garifuna Trail, costs from 3,000 per person excluding flights.

Members of the Garinagu community of Garifuna, Belize (Journey Latin America)

Immerse yourself in Canadian culture

A vast and award-winning cultural centre in Alberta, Metis Crossing represents and shares the story of the Metis Nation through immersive and educational experiences. These include art workshops, Voyageur canoe trips, and tours that examine the nations historical relationship with species such as bison, which were reintroduced to the area in 2021 after a 160-year absence. Accommodation possibilities include geodesic domes with transparent ceilings designed for stargazing, with a strong focus on sustainability throughout, most notably a major solar energy generation project. Book here: Metis Crossings two-hour Through the Eyes of the Hunter tour costs around 36 per person.

Metis Crossing features immersive experiences like spear-tossing (Metis Crossing)

Canoe native California

Hordes of tourists flock to California each year from around the globe, but relatively little of the income this brings reaches the Golden States Native American population. Launched in March by the states tourism board, Visit Native California aims to help correct this by providing travellers (and California residents) with an online database of around 500 Indigenous businesses, sites, experiences and attractions including tour operators, galleries, museums, hotels, restaurants and wineries, many of which have strong environmental and conservation credentials. Book here: Two- to four-hour Redwood Yurok Canoe Tours, which explore the Indigenous culture as well as river and forest ecosystems of Yurok County, cost from 118 per person.

Traditional canoe tours of Yurok County (Yurok County/Laney Mayo Photography)

Enjoy the lifestyle of the Sami people

From its camp in the far north of Norway, Troms Arctic Reindeers tours give tourists a fascinating insight into the culture of the Sami people, who have lived in the Arctic regions of Europe for millennia. During winter (November-April), the Sami-owned-and-run outfit offers reindeer sledding and feeding plus snowshoeing excursions, as well as the chance to spot the aurora borealis (aka the northern lights) and experience traditional dishes, storytelling sessions and joiking (songs) around the campfire. Book here: The Long Reindeer Sledding, Feeding and Sami Culture tour costs around 133 per person.

Experience the life of the Sami people in Troms (Linda Nordvag @lindanordvag)

Take a sustainable safari and give back

Extreme weather linked to global heating is fragmenting rural communities across East Africa, plunging many people  disproportionately women and girls  into extreme poverty in areas where sustainable, well-paid employment is often in short supply. But there are flickers of hope. With a prime hilltop location overlooking a salt lick near the Mara River, Tangulia Mara tented camp was the first locally owned and run lodge in the Maasai Mara, co-founded by the experienced safari guide and BBC Big Cat Live presenter Jackson Looseyia. As well as an array of game drives and guided walks across the neighbouring escarpment in search of the areas renowned wildlife, it offers responsible, sensitive visits to local Maasai villages. Book here: Full-board accommodation at Tangulia Mara, including local transfers and game drives, costs from 485 per person per night.

Stay with Maasai at Kenyas Tangulia Mara camp (Shutterstock / Arsirya)

Trek the paddy in northern Vietnam

Based in a hilltop town surrounded by rice terraces in northern Vietnam, Sapa OChau is a pioneering social enterprise founded by Shu Tan, a young single mother from the Black Hmong tribe. It runs a hotel, cafe, Hmong crafts shop and full-service tour operator, which offers adventures that take in trekking, homestays plus bus and train bookings. This work generates funds for local development projects, including a boarding school where young people can learn English and study for their official guiding licenses, a vital service in a region with low literacy rates, limited education provision and a lack of sustainable employment options. Book here: Sapa OChaus two-day Bac Ha Trekking & Homestay tour costs from 80 per person.

Trekking with the Black Hmong of Sa Pa (Shutterstock / Bruno Almela)

Avoid overtourism in Nepal

Tracing a route through an under-visited area east of the Kathmandu Valley, the Indigenous Peoples Trail highlights Nepals remarkable ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity. A world away from overtouristed routes such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, it snakes through the emerald hills of Ramechhap District, home to Tamang, Sherpa, Newar, Yolmo, Majhi and Thami communities, among others. The few tourists who trek this route provide vital funds by employing local guides and porters and spending money in the simple guesthouses, homestays and teahouses dotted along the way. Book here: Nepal Wilderness Trekking offer guided treks along the Indigenous Peoples Trail from 390 per person.

Nepal Wilderness Trekking leads trips on the Indigenous Peoples Trail (Nepal Wilderness Trekking)

See ancient Australian treasures

Owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association, which represents the traditional owners of northern Kakadu National Park and parts of western Arnhem Land, Kakadu Cultural Tours reveals the rich Aboriginal heritage and rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory. Its Guluyambi Cultural Cruise voyages along the East Alligator River, illuminating the areas cultural significance and offering the chance to spot giant saltwater crocodiles. Meanwhile, the Arnhemlander 4WD tour features extraordinary ancient rock art, eye-catching sandstone escarpments and billabongs with a profusion of birdlife. Book here: The one-day Arnhemlander Cultural and Heritage 4WD tour costs around 145 per person.

Aboriginal pictograph at Kakadu National Park (Shutterstock / MintImages)

Sign up for monkey business in Cambodia

A community-owned ecotourism organisation in eastern Cambodia, Jahoo guides take visitors into the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the worlds largest populations of two endangered species of primates: the southern yellow-cheeked gibbon and the black-shanked douc langur. This provides wildlife-friendly jobs and project funding for local Bunong communities, helping them to preserve their heritage and protect the reserve from threats such as deforestation and poaching. Alongside wildlife-watching, travellers can hike through rainforests and sample traditional Bunong cuisine. Book here: Jahoos three-day Discover Jahoo tour costs from around 423 per person.

Spot rare douc monkeys at the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (Shutterstock / bee-eater)

Support ancient woodlands

One of the last surviving tracts of kauri forest in New Zealand, Waipoua in Northland is a realm of ancient, towering trees, including Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), estimated to be 2,500-3,000 years old. This old-growth woodland is biologically rich  home to endangered birds such as the North Island kAkako  and important in sequestering carbon. Footprints Waipoua provides evocative walking tours through Waipoua during the day and at night that explore the local MAori communities deep connection with the majestic kauri trees through a tapestry of songs and storytelling. Book here: The four-hour Waipoua Forest, Twilight Encounter Maori Cultural Eco Night Tour costs 51 per person.

Waipoua is a biologically rich woodland in New Zealand (Shutterstock / NataliaCatalina.com)

'For me, it's about ensuring I have a positive impact'

For our new campaign, award-winning journalist Shafik Mehji told us what sustainable travel means to him

'Socially, economically and environmentally  I want to make sure I have a positive impact on the places and peoples I visit, as well as the planet as a whole. I try to support community-based and nature-enhancing travel organisations and businesses, while minimising carbon-intensive activities such as flying.'
EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y., October 23, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--INFICON one of the worlds leading manufacturers of leak testing devices and instruments, is pleased to announce that David Cuma, Ph.D., application engineer, is speaking on a panel at The Battery & Electrification Virtual Summit, October 24 -25, 2023, sponsored by SAE International and Battery and Electrification magazine.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023618767/en/

David Cuma, PhD., application engineer, INFICON (Photo: Business Wire)

The two-day online Summit brings eMobility industry experts together to present and discuss the latest advancements and trends in battery and electrification technology. As the race to vehicle electrification continues to pick up speed, new technology advancements combined with consumer demands and governmental policies are shaping the ways in which renewable power and energy storage business segments move forward.

Dr. Cumas presentation will open the Summit on Tuesday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. He will address the topic of reducing battery production costs through optimized inline leak detection of metal-ion batteries. Also, Dr. Cuma will show how electrolyte leak testing of battery cells during production will reduce production costs, avoid safety risks and high warranty costs, as well as improve battery cell production using statistical process control.

The Battery & Electrification Virtual Summit is free of charge. To register, please click here.

For more information, contact INFICON, Two Technology Place, East Syracuse, NY 13057-9714, +1.315.434.1100, email: reachus@inficon.com, https://www.inficon.com.

About INFICON

INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 software solutions that enhance productivity and quality of tools, processes, and complete factories. These analysis, measurement and control products are also essential for gas leak detection in air conditioning/refrigeration, and automotive manufacturing.

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They are vital to equipment manufacturers and end-users in the complex fabrication of semiconductors and thin film coatings for optics, flat panel displays, solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of vacuum-based processes include the life sciences, research, aerospace, packaging, heat treatment, laser cutting and many other industrial processes. We also leverage our expertise in vacuum technology to provide unique, toxic chemical analysis products for emergency response, security, and environmental monitoring. INFICON is headquartered in Switzerland and has world-class manufacturing facilities in Europe, the United States and China, as well as subsidiaries in China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. INFICON registered shares (IFCN) are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange. For more information about INFICON and its products, please visit www.inficon.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023618767/en/

Contacts

INFICON

reachus@inficon.com
The Yorkgate branch of Home Bargains in Belfast has been a target of activists in the past; the upcoming protest this Saturday will be at the Londonderry branch (Photo: /)

The gathering at the Pennyburn branch on Strand Road in Londonderry has been organised by the local branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

It is due to take place at 2pm on Saturday.

The organisers say it is to mark "National Boycott Israeli Goods Day," adding: "Join us with flags, placards and banners to send a message that Derry boycotts Israeli goods."

It comes after protestors in west Belfast recently entered a branch of Sainsbury's, shouting and chanting and parading around the store with flags, in a similar call for a boycott of Israeli goods (see here):

The Home Bargains chain has been targeted by protestors before in Northern Ireland going back to at least 2020, apparently over a brand of beauty products it sells which is made in Israel.

Activists have previously gone into the Yorkgate branch in north Belfast to plaster the products with pro-Palestinian messages.

Asked about the upcoming protest, Home Bargains has told the News Letter today: "There is nobody available for comment."

Meanwhile another large-scale pro-Palestine rally is planned for Belfast city centre this Saturday, and that Saturday after that.

There have already been two such demonstrations on two previous Saturdays in the same location (as well as smaller rallies in Londonderry, Portadown, Newry, and elsewhere).

Organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the upcoming Belfast city centre one will begin at noon in Donegall Street, then proceed to Royal Avenue and the City Hall.

The 11/1 form lodged with the Parades Commission says it will involve up to 3,000 participants and 1,000 supporters.

The one on November 4 will be of a similar nature.
Cargo ship Verity crash - latest: P&O passenger cruise diverted to help in North Sea search after fatal crash

Rescue divers are searching for signs of life on a British cargo boat that crashed and sank this morning as four sailors remain missing.

One sailor has died and two have been rescued, reveal German authorities.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Verity was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham. The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie, remained afloat with 22 people on board.

A P&O cruise called the Iona which was travelling from Hamburg is helping with the urgent rescue mission, confirmed officals.

According to reports, passengers were panicked when there was an onboard Captain announcement at 6am this morning.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Missing cargo ship updates

One dead in North Sea cargo ship collision

A map of marine traffic

P&O liner joins rescue mission

A map to show where the ship sunk

What we know so far

The rescue mission so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:45 , Lydia Patrick

A search and rescue operation began after the British-flagged Verity hit a larger cargo ship, Polesie, about 14 miles (22.5km) south-west of the German island of Heligoland at around 5am on Tuesday.

While the larger, Bahamas-flagged Polesie stayed afloat, the Verity, which had departed from Bremen, Germany, and was destined for the port of Immingham on the east coast of England carrying steel coils, became submerged.

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Shortly afterwards a signal from the ship was lost, German authorities said, and wreckage was found.

Searches are continuing involving several ships, aircraft, and a P&O cruise ship, with rescuers preparing to dive 98ft (30m) to the wreckage.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises told the PA news agency: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

Handout photo showing search lights scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank following a collision with the Bahamas-flagged vessel Polesie in the North Sea (PA)

Where did the Verity go missing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:11 , Lydia Patrick

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Where did the Verity go missing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:02 , Lydia Patrick

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Watch - Rescuers search sunken British ship for signs of life after fatal North Sea collision

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:31 , Lydia Patrick

Remaining missing sailors could survive for 20 hours'

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:00 , Lydia Patrick

The remaining missing sailors could survive for 20 hours in 12C waters say the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

We are now doing everything humanly possible to rescue more people alive, the head of the emergency command, Robby Renner, said at a news conference in Cuxhaven.

Several rescue ships and aircraft taking part in the search had not located the missing crew members by mid-afternoon.

Rescuers were considering the possibility that they were still inside the Verity, and planned to send divers down to the wreck to check whether there are any signs of life, Mr Renner said.

The Verity cargo ship had departed from Bremen, Germany (Alamy/PA)

A graphic to show where the Verity went missing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

British ship crash in North Sea - crew missing



The British inland bulk carrier Verity sank near the German coast after colliding with the bulk carrier Polesie earlier today. #AIS data shows 14 tugs in the area as rescue operations are underway.#marinetraffic #NorthSea pic.twitter.com/uDGbSx4wlM  MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) October 24, 2023

Mapped - Where the Verity sank

Tuesday 24 October 2023 15:00 , Lydia Patrick

Missing sailors may be alive say German Maritime Search and Rescue service.

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:30 , Lydia Patrick

Divers are looking for signs of life on a freighter that sank in the North Sea after colliding with another vessel, a spokesperson for the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said on Tuesday.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The Verity was carrying steel and had 1,300 cubic metres of diesel on board, the spokesperson added.

In Photos - P&O ship the Iona scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:00 , Lydia Patrick

The P&O cruise the Iona is involved with the help and rescue mission (PA Wire)

Cruise goers were awoken to a Captains alert telling them about the collision this morning, reveal reports (PA Wire)

Four of the seven sailors who were on board the Verity remain missing (PA Wire)

What we know so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 13:37 , Lydia Patrick

One sailor has died and several others remain missing after a British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, with a search currently ongoing for survivors.

One body has been recovered and another two people have been rescued, while four crew members remain missing.

Read the full report by Holly Evans here

One dead and several still missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

How many sailors were on the Verity?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:42 , Lydia Patrick

Seven people had been on board the Verity, the central command said, adding that a search was ongoing for the four missing.The Polesie had 22 people on board, none of whom were injured, the central command said.

One rescued man was taken to a hospital on land and the other was on his way to hospital on board the German maritime rescue cruiser Hermann Marwede, it added.

The Verity cargo ship had departed from Bremen, Germany ((Alamy/PA))

One dead in North Sea cargo ship collision

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:03 , Lydia Patrick

One dead body has been recovered and two people have been rescued in a search and rescue mission after two freighters collided in the North Sea off the coast of Germany, the maritime emergency authority said today.

Seven people were on board the ship Verity, the Central Command for Maritime Services said in a statement, adding that the search was ongoing for the remaining four missing persons.

Number of people missing confirmed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:31 , Lydia Patrick

Six people have been confirmed missing after one vessel sank in the early hours this morning say German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.One of the ships, the British-flagged Verity, is believed to have sunk.

The emergency command said one person was rescued from the water and was being given medical treatment, and rescuers were searching for more. It later said seven people had been on board the ship and six were missing, German news agency dpa reported.

Wind turbines in Helgoland in the German North Sea (Christian Charisius/Reuters)

P&O share update after their cruise joins rescue mission

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:59 , Lydia Patrick

The cruise liner Iona which was returning from Hamburg and headed towards Rotterdam is helping with the rescue mission.

According to reports, people on board were panicked when there was an announcement at 6am this morning alerting customers to what had happened.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Another P&O cruise ship (Getty Images)

German transport minister shares his support

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:36 , Lydia Patrick

Volker Wissing shared his gratitude to the rescue mission who have been searching the area since the early hours of this morning.

Nach der Kollision zweier Schiffe vor Helgoland sind meine Gedanken bei den Besatzungsmitgliedern und ihren Angehorigen. Ich danke den Rettungsteams, die seit dem fruhen Morgen im Einsatz sind. Sie unternehmen alles, um die Vermissten zu retten.  Volker Wissing (@Wissing) October 24, 2023

How big is the boat?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:34 , Lydia Patrick

The sunken Verity ship is a substantial 91 meters (299 feet) long and 14 meters (46 feet) wide.

The Verity and Polesie collided in the early hours of Tuesday roughly 14 miles off the coast of Heligoland. (Darren B Hillman/CC BY-ND 2.0)

What we know so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:24 , Lydia Patrick

A British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision, with several people missing as rescuers search for survivors.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, according to German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 nautical miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The British-flagged Verity, apparently sank, while the Polesie remains waterborne with its 22 passengers.

One person was rescued from the water and is being given medical treatment, while rescue parties are searching for several more people who remain unaccounted for.

Read the full report by Holly Evans here

Crew members missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

A map to show where the ship sunk

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:20 , Lydia Patrick

P&O liner joins rescue mission

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:05 , Lydia Patrick

A P&O spokesperson told The Sun their cruise ship Iona has joined the search mission as they try to find missing people.

They are also providing medical help for anyone in need on board the cruiser.

Rhys Johnson, 24, a passenger on the Iona, told The Sun that those onboard were woken just before 6am with an announcement that the crew were helping with the search and rescue operation.

Mr Johnson told The Sun: There are helicopters, search vessels and two of our RHIBs helping.

People are saying...the British ship has sunk. Its incredibly distressing.

We set off for Rotterdam from Hamburg yesterday, and we were about 200 metres away from the ships.

Everyone on here is sad and concerned and in a state of panic.

Map of marine traffic

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:47 , Lydia Patrick

A map to show when the British ship Verity was last seen.

The green arrow on the right is the Verity, its last position was received five hours and 40 mins ago.

The green arrow to the left is the Bahamas-flagged Polesie which remained afloat after the collision.

Map to show the last position of the Verity (Marine Traffic)

Welcome to our live blog

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:42 , Lydia Patrick

We will be live reporting the sinking of a British cargo ship off the coast of Germany after it collided with another shop.

So far, one person has been saved from the water and has received medical treatment whilst rescuers scramble to save other crew members.

Follow for live updates
Qatar's ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, is a US ally whose country also hosts the political bureau of Palestinian militant group Hamas (TIMOTHY A. CLARY)

The Qatari ruler hit out at Israel's backers Tuesday, charging they had given it "free licence to kill" in its war with Hamas and questioning what the conflict would achieve.

Major powers, including the United States, Britain and France, have rallied to support Israel and affirmed its right to defend itself after this month's deadly attack by the Palestinian Islamist group.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking 222 hostages, according to Israeli officials.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attack, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

"We are saying enough is enough," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani told a meeting of the Shura Council, Qatar's legislative body, according to a translation released by the royal court.

"It is untenable for Israel to be given an unconditional green light and free licence to kill, nor is it tenable to continue ignoring the reality of occupation, siege and settlement."

Qatar, a US ally which hosts a large US military base, also hosts an office of Hamas which doubles as the main residence of its self-exiled leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The wealthy Gulf monarchy has acted as a communications channel with Hamas and is playing a key role in negotiations to release the hostages, with four freed so far.

"It should not be allowed in our time to use cutting off water and preventing medicine and food as weapons against an entire population," the emir said, referring to Israel's siege of Gaza.

"We call for an earnest regional and international stance vis-a-vis this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, and which threatens the security of the region and the world."

He added: "We would like to ask those who have aligned with the war, and those acting to gag any dissenting opinion: what would come in the aftermath of this war?

"Would it bring security and stability to Israelis and Palestinians? Where would the Palestinians head for afterwards?"

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the United States have all visited Israel since the October 7 attack.
Brighton defender Joel Veltman is set to face his old club Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday night (Photo: Eddie Keogh)

A year before Ben White left Brighton for Arsenal in 2021 for 50m, the Seagulls negotiated one of their best signings since their promotion to the Premier League in 2018.

Joel Veltman was 28 at the time and in the prime of his career. He was a full Netherlands international defender and just reached the semi-final final of the Champions League with Erik ten Hags Ajax.

Veltman is equally comfortable at full-back and at centre back and operates in a similar position to White. Players of that calibre and experience can often fetch upwards of 25m but somehow Albion prised him from Amsterdam for just 900,000.

Along with Pascal Gross, Veltman, now 31, remains one of the greatest and best value signings Brighton have made in the top flight. The reliable defender has now made 116 appearances in total for the Seagulls and this Thursday is set to face his old club Ajax in the Europa League Group B clash at the American Express Stadium.

I was happy in Amsterdam, explained Veltman to Official Brighton & Hove Albion Podcast. The last few years there I did have some chances to leave but it just didnt feel right. I had been there since I was 10-years-old. I had my family and friends there, I felt at home.

"At the age of 28 I had the chance to leave Ajax, they were changing things and were looking to play younger players and I felt it was time to move on.

Graham Potter was the manager of Albion at the time and the club was in the process of changing their playing style and had aspirations to compete at the top end, rather than battling relegation. It was a challenge that appealed to Veltman.

The conversation I had with Graham Potter was really inspiring, Veltman added. We were fighting relegation when I came, and I also had a conversation with Tony Bloom as well. He didn't say we were going to be fighting for the top four, he was realistic. It just felt right.

I knew [former Albion midfielder] Davy Propper and he told me that the club was evolving and did not want to stay near the bottom of the table.

Veltman has been a huge part of that rise and helped Brighton to a top six finish last term and set up this Europa League date with his old club.
Two elderly Hamas hostages were airlifted to an Israeli hospital to be reunited with family Tuesday, as the United States demanded Palestinian militants release more than 200 other captives before Gaza ceasefire talks are considered.

Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and their octogenarian husbands were among the hostages seized on 7 October.

Hamas released Cooper and Lifshitz on Monday evening citing "compelling humanitarian" reasons, after mediation by Qatar and Egypt.

Their release comes days after a US mother and daughter were freed.

A military helicopter brought Cooper and Lifshitz to a medical centre in Tel Aviv early on Tuesday.

The women were wheeled into the facility on a stretcher and wheelchair, as relatives gathered nearby.

Lifshitz recounted being bundled onto the back of a motorbike and stolen away to Gaza.

"They loaded me on a motorcycle sideways so I wouldn't fall, with one terrorist holding me from the front and the other from behind," she told Israeli media.

"They crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip, and at first they held me in the town of Abesan, which is near Be'eri. After that, I don't know where I was taken."

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities' latest count. The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners.

"They put my son's shattered body in a blue bag," he said, sobbing.



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Western leaders hold video conference amid fears Israel-Hamas conflict will engulf Middle East

EU staff criticise bloc chief's 'double standard' on Israel-Hamas conflict

EU leaders try to find united stance over Israel-Hamas war after 'confused messaging'
(Bloomberg) -- House Republicans plan to try on Tuesday to choose a nominee for speaker after the partys two previous candidates failed to secure enough support to win the job.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The House has been paralyzed without a speaker since Kevin McCarthy was ousted on Oct. 3, unable to act on any legislation, including emergency aid for Israel and Ukraine or an agreement to avert an impending US government shutdown on Nov. 17.

GOP members emerged from a question-and-answer forum of eight new candidates late Monday night with Tom Emmer of Minnesota seen as the frontrunner for the nomination. Yet no contender was viewed as having a firm hold of the partys majority to win.

Multiple rounds of voting is expected Tuesday behind closed doors before the partys official designee for speaker will emerge.

Even then, lawmakers said, that person will have more work to shore-up the almost unanimous support in disunified party at least 217 votes  needed to win the gavel in a floor election that includes Democrats.

Representative Byron Donalds of Florida was among those making a strong late push, exiting the meeting saying he was heading to a late night of more calls and discussions with colleagues on why he should be chosen. But like several of the other hopefuls, Donalds said, Whoever it is, I will support.

Another strong bid was being made by Representative Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, who said after the meeting he expected to win. I didnt get in this to come in second or to lose.

Winning the nomination is no guarantee of ultimate success, as both hardline conservative Jim Jordan and Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana have been forced to abandon their candidacies for speaker after winning the nomination. Neither could lock up enough unified party backing to win on the floor. Jordan failed in three floor votes. Scalise did not even try.

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Read More: Republicans Abandon Jordan as Speaker Nominee, Adding to Turmoil

The succession battle that began when eight GOP rebels ousted McCarthy has heightened ideological tensions and personal grudges in a party already riven by divisions among an emerging populist wing linked to Trump, traditionalist conservatives and more moderate lawmakers elected from areas that voted for President Joe Biden in 2020.

The candidates made their cases at a closed-door session on Capitol Hill Monday night.

Weve got a black box and we dont know whats inside it, Representative Mike Garcia of California said afterward. Well find out when we open it tomorrow.

Party rules call for nomination of the first Republican to win a majority of GOP lawmakers. Election as speaker, however, requires a majority of the entire House, which means the nominee can only lose four House Republicans against whats assumed to be a unified Democratic opposition.

Also in the running are No. 5 Republican Mike Johnson of Louisiana and former campaign chairman Pete Sessions of Texas.

This group is complemented by a group of lesser-known men who could become the consensus candidate if agreement cannot be reached on the others. These include Jack Bergman of Michigan, Austin Scott of Georgia and Gary Palmer of Alabama.

Representative Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania dropped out of the race on Monday night.

--With assistance from Jonathan Tamari and Maeve Sheehey.

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Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has responded to the national backlash he received after calling Chinese investigative reporter Yanqi Xu a communist while dismissing her critical report about his hog farming operation.

Pillens response: On Friday, Pillen told reporters that he stands by his comments following a press conference in Lincoln, Nebraska.

My comments were my comments, Pillen said. Thats what I have to say about it.

When confronted by reporters, Pillen said that he did not want to talk about any sideshows.

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Im 100% focused on the state of Nebraska and the people in Nebraska defending agriculture, growing agriculture and selling it all over the country Im not going to talk about any reporter. Im not going to talk about any sideshows. Im focused on my job, he said.

About the report: Xus report with the Flatwater Free Press (FFP) raised concerns about the environmental impact of Pillens hog farms on drinking water. Xu found data for 16 of his hog farms that showed high nitrate levels.

Xu, who works for FFP, grew up in China and has lived in the U.S. since 2017. She pursued American journalism and earned her masters degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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Pillens comments: When radio station KFAB asked Pillen to comment on the report, the governor did not respond directly to the article but instead criticized Xus background.

Number one, I didnt read it. And I wont, Pillen previously said. Number two, all you got to do is look at the author. The author is from communist China. What more do you need to know?

The backlash: The FFP, the Asian American Journalists Association and many journalists and officials across the nation have since stood up for Xus work, calling Pillens remarks racist and demanding an apology.

Story continues

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I hope that he takes the time to reflect on his response and understand why it may make many thousands of Nebraskans feel less welcome here, Matt Wynn, FFPs executive director, previously wrote in a letter. As an employer, that infuriates me. As a believer in democracy and a free press, it saddens me. As a Nebraskan, it embarrasses me.

After hearing Pillen's recent remarks about the issue, he told the Nebraska Examiner on Friday, The opportunity is still there for an apology. I think it is the right and decent thing to do.

Responding to the water problem: When a reporter raised concerns about the nitrate levels and unsafe drinking water in Nebraska, Pillen said he is in the process of formulating policies and intends to establish a comprehensive master plan for water quality improvement.

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What we have in the plan to talk about how were going to make sure that the water levels continue to rise. We have the most sustainable aquifer in the world. And I wanted to make sure that Nebraskans understand how we had some nitrates and what we can do to improve it. We'll have a master plan thatll have a great impact, Pillen said.

More on NextShark:

Woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Georgia in 1988 identified
An image of the type of equipment stolen during a break-in at Ballyclare Fire Station. Photo submitted by PSNI (Photo: Submitted)

A Holmatro cutter, a Holmatro spreader and batteries for both were taken during a burglary at the Ballynure Road premises on Sunday, October 15, around 10.30pm.

The vital pieces of operational equipment are used by firefighters to help rescue casualties from serious road traffic collisions.

A PSNI spokesperson said: The equipment stolen resulted in one of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service vehicles being put out of action. I think everyone can agree that this is disgraceful behaviour.

"If you believe you can help the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the police and your community you should contact police by phoning 101 and quoting police reference number 1895 of 15/10/23.

Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non emergency reporting form or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Washington state senator Jeff Wilson was detained in Hong Kong for bringing a pistol into the city, in what he has termed an "honest mistake."

He was taken into custody on Saturday, October 21, at Hong Kong International Airport and charged with possession of a firearm without a license, as per the document obtained by CNN. This is a serious crime that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and a fine of more than $12,000.

Washington State Senator Currently in Hong Kong Custody

According to RTHK, a public broadcasting organization in Hong Kong, Wilson made an appearance in the Sha Tin Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 23, and was granted bail.

In the statement that was published on his website, the Republican state senator claimed he was unaware that he had packed a gun in his briefcase. Wilson and his wife are off to Southeast Asia for their five-week vacation.

"It was an honest mistake. And I expect the situation to be resolved shortly," he stated.

Wilson said he found the firearm when they were on the flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong. According to the statement, he went through airport security in Portland without realizing his weapon was in his briefcase. Even the baggage screeners missed it.

Wilson added in the statement that as soon as the aircraft arrived in Hong Kong, he went straight to the customs officers and brought the matter to their notice.

RTHK reported that Wilson is scheduled to appear in court in Hong Kong on October 30 for his next scheduled hearing.

Also Read: California's New Gun Control Legislation Restricts Firearms in Public, Boosts Gun Sales Taxes

Differences Between US and Hong Kong Firearms Laws

Without a license issued by the Commissioner of Police, it is illegal for anybody in Hong Kong to be in possession of any kind of firearm or ammunition. The gun control rules in Hong Kong are quite stringent. Licenses are exclusively issued to members of the military forces, armed security guard services, and exclusive shooting range club owners.

In contrast to the United States, where weapons are currently the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults, gun violence is very uncommon in Hong Kong.

Open carry is permitted in the state of Washington for both long guns and pistols and does not need a license. This means that people are permitted to carry a weapon in many public spaces despite the fact that private property owners have the right to ban firearms on their land. However, in order to carry concealed guns in the state, one must first get the appropriate license.

Wilson said in his statement that he has a concealed pistol license and that the weapon in question was registered in the state of Washington.

Also Read: New Mexico Sheriff Defies 'Unconstitutional' Gun Ban Despite Governor's Emergency Order

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The United Nations on Monday expressed concern over the "atmosphere of mutual suspicion" in Kosovo, calling for "critical" de-escalatory measures between it and Serbia.

Tensions between Pristina and Belgrade have been heightened since a police officer was killed last month in an ambush in Kosovo's restive north, allegedly by a paramilitary unit made up of Kosovo Serbs.

"The major events on 24th of September exacerbated an already deteriorating security environment characterized by an atmosphere of mutual suspicion... touching much of the population, especially in northern Kosovo and among Kosovo-Serb communities," Caroline Ziadeh, head of the UN's mission Kosovo, told the UN Security Council.

Animosity between Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since a war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s that drew NATO intervention against Belgrade.

Kosovo, which counts 120,000 Serbs among its 1.8 million people, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, in a move Belgrade has never recognized.

But existing tensions have been heightened in Kosovo's north for months.

Protests flared earlier this year among Kosovo's ethnic Serbs in April after the authorities installed Pristina-allied mayors following widely boycotted local elections in four predominantly Serb northern municipalities.

"The current political impasse, with its impact on the security and well-being of the population, can only be overcome through compromise," Ziadeh said.

Serbia is making "every possible effort to take our region back to the 90s," she said.

(AFP)



Read more on FRANCE 24 English



Read also:

Serbia arrests main suspect in Kosovo police killing

Kosovo demands Serbia withdraw troops from border after deadly scuffle

Serbia observes national day of mourning after clashes in Kosovo
[Source]

NORC at the University of Chicago has agreed to pay $95,000 to 107 Asian adults who applied as COVID-19 contact tracers in the early months of the pandemic as part of a settlement agreement, the Department of Labor announced on Oct. 2.

What happened: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) alleged that NORC discriminated against 107 Asian adults applying for a job as COVID-19 contact tracers in Maryland and Delaware. DOL noted in a press release that the alleged hiring discrimination claim occurred between May 2020 and August 2021.

The organization, which is affiliated with the University of Chicago and was previously known as the National Opinion Research Center, partnered with the government of Maryland and Delaware to provide contact tracing services in April 2020 and May 2020, respectively.

What they found: In the settlement agreement dated Sept. 29, the OFCCP noted that it had found statistically significant differences in the hiring rates of Asian and Hispanic applicants for the Contact Tracing position during the period of Aug. 10, 2019, to Aug. 9, 2021. The OFCCP said that only 12 Asians were hired during that period.

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The discovery was reportedly made following a routine compliance check conducted by the OFCCP.

A violation: The OFCCP stated that NORC had violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

What they are saying: In a statement reported by The Chicago Maroon, NORC explained that it hired a wide range of candidates with a need for a significant number of Spanish-speaking interviewers." The decision purportedly resulted in the organization hiring more Hispanic applicants than Asian applicants.

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The Chicago-based organization added that while denying all allegations of discrimination, NORC decided to settle the discrimination claim rather than continuing to contest the matter as it has been in deliberation for over two years.

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NORC has additionally evaluated and further enhanced its auditing systems and documentation practices to strengthen our ability to execute and monitor non-discriminatory hiring, the statement continued, according to the Maroon.

Conclusion: As per the agreement, NORC will reportedly pay a total of $95,000 in back pay and interest to 107 Asian applicants who did not get the job at the time.

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This conciliation agreement holds the National Opinion Research Center to the terms of their federal contract where they agreed to provide all applicants with equal employment opportunities, and closely examine and audit their employment processes to ensure no barriers to equal employment exist, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Midwest Regional Director Carmen Navarro said in a statement.

Those of Asian descent who applied to work at NORC from May 1, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2021, and who were not part of the settlement can make a claim by contacting the Department of Labor at OFCCP-MWR@dol.gov or 312-596-7010.

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The defendant pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of staff and being disorderly at Belfast International Airport. Photo by Google

John Payne (51), of Nuthatch Close in Colchester, called the employee a "monkey", Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, heard. He also carried out assaults.

The defendant pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of staff and being disorderly at Belfast International Airport. He also admitted assaulting a police officer; resisting another police officer; and entering a 'restricted zone' at the airport without permission.

A prosecutor said on March 30 this year the defendant was at the central search area at the airport where the defendant assaulted a female member of security staff by grabbing her arm and then was racially abusive to another staff member, whom he called a "monkey".

The prosecutor said as a result of the defendant's actions and demeanour he was not searched by security staff "which resulted in an unauthorised presence in a security-restricted area". The defendant was verbally abusive to police and shouted and swore and grabbed an officer by the arm.

When interviewed he said he had no memory of the incidents "due to a medical condition" but that if his behaviour was bad he apologised. The prosecutor said the case was "aggravated by hostility".

A defence barrister said the defendant had been to the Republic of Ireland to get a "fast track passport" for a family member as it was quickest to get a passport from "the UK passport office in Dublin". He was travelling home via Belfast and had taken alcohol on top of medication.

The lawyer said his client had a "brain injury" as a result of previously being the "victim of a violent assault".

District Judge Nigel Broderick said the case was aggravated by the "racial slur". The judge said the sentencing options were limited because Probation said there was no need to intervene and the defendant was unfit for Community Service.

Judge Broderick said he took into account the health of the defendant and it was a "very fine balancing exercise" in not jailing him as he handed down a five months prison term, suspended for two years, and a 200 fine.
Society Street in Derry. (File picture)

Police have confirmed they are investigating an assault on a woman on Society Street in Derry city centre that occurred at approximately 1am on Sunday, 22 October.

The woman, aged in her 60s, was assaulted by two males, and was spat on and hit in the face.



Police Service of Northern Ireland Inspector Farren said: "This was a disgusting and nasty assault, which caused great upset and distress to the victim. This is being treated as a sectarian hate crime, and our enquiries into this despicable assault are ongoing.



"We appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened, or has information, to get in touch. We're also asking for anyone with CCTV/doorbell cameras or dashcam to check their footage."



The number to call with information is 101, quoting reference number 129 of 22/10/23. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org



Police Service of Northern Ireland Inspector Farren added: All hate crime is wrong. It is unacceptable. We all have a responsibility, individually and collectively, to work to challenge and eradicate hate in our society. There is no place for hate and we take reports of this nature incredibly seriously. The Police Service appeals to anyone who has experienced a hate crime or incident to report it.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that the Hamas attack had been traumatic for Israel but that it also was a disaster for the Palestinian people. "Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people," Macron

told reporters alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, in the West Bank, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The French leader proposed a regional and international coalition to fight against terrorist groups, as well as a decisive relaunch of the Palestinian peace process. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).

The latest news in brief:
One sailor has died and four others are missing after a British cargo ship sank following a collision with a vessel in the North Sea.

Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said two sailors have been rescued but the body of one man has been recovered following the incident.

A search and rescue operation began after the British-flagged Verity hit a larger cargo ship, Polesie, about 14 miles (22.5km) south-west of the German island of Heligoland at around 5am on Tuesday.

While the larger, Bahamas-flagged Polesie stayed afloat, the Verity, which had departed from Bremen, Germany, and was destined for the port of Immingham on the east coast of England carrying steel coils, became submerged.

Shortly afterwards a signal from the ship was lost, German authorities said, and wreckage was found.

Searches are continuing involving several ships, aircraft, and a P&O cruise ship, with rescuers preparing to dive 98ft (30m) to the wreckage.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

P&Os cruise ship Iona is helping with the search and rescue operation in the North Sea (Andrew Matthews/PA)

A spokesman for P&O Cruises told the PA news agency: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas co-operation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

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Faversham Ships Ltd, which owns the Verity, described the incident as ongoing and said it is working with local authorities.

A spokesman for Associated British Ports, which owns the port of Immingham, confirmed the vessel had been due to arrive there.

A source at the Foreign Office said they were not aware of any British nationals on board.
The ship reportedly sank off the German island of Helgoland (Photo: PATRIK STOLLARZ)

The Verity was heading to Immingham when it collided with a larger ship, called Polesie, in the early hours of the morning around 12 miles south-west of the German island of Helgoland.

The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service said one person was rescued from the water and they are now receiving medical care, but several other people are currently missing.

In a statement, the rescue service said The Verity is assumed to have sank as a result of the collision.

The search for the shipwrecked is underway. Numerous ships are in use for this purpose, it added.

The Bahamas-flagged Polesie, which remained afloat with 22 people on board, was travelling from Hamburg to La Coruna in Spain.

The Verity had set sail from the German city of Bremen and was heading to Immingham.
The baby Barbary macaque plays at Wild Ireland. (Photo: dj)

The wildlife sanctuary, set in Dundrain, Burnfoot on the Derry/Donegal border, was thrilled to announce the birth of the baby Barbary macaque  an endangered species of monkey native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa and the Rock of Gibraltar.

The Barbary macaque is the only primate species found wild in Europe and is known for its distinctive appearance, characterised by a robust body, a vey short tail, and golden fur. Their apparent lack of a tail has earned them the nickname of the Barbary ape.

Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and the cruel practices of poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.

The Barbary macaque and its family at Wild Ireland. (Photo: Derry Journal)

The Macaque Family at Wild Ireland also includes mum, Sandy, dad Azon, big sister: Ellie and grandma Judith

The newest addition to this remarkable family is a yet-to-be-named baby.

Wild Ireland still doesnt know if its a boy or a girl as mum is keeping the baby very close to her chest. They are welcoming suggestions for this precious addition to their Barbary macaque family.

The Journal visited Wild Ireland this week to see if we could get a peek at the new baby. While mammy Sandy was keeping the new addition very close, she let it go for a little while to enjoy some play and learning time.

The baby monkey clings on as its family keep it close. (Photo: dj)

The animated and happy little monkey jumped and swung from branches with its big sister.

Big sister Ellie is excited to play with the new baby, but Mum and Dad are understandably protective. Thankfully, Grandma Judy is more than happy to keep Ellie entertained. when Mum needs a break, she cares for the baby as well, ensuring Sandy gets some well-deserved rest.

Dad Azzie is a shining example of modern dad. Barbary macaques exhibit a behaviour known as "alloparenting" where all the males in the tripe look after the young, whether they are related to them or not.

Azon can often be seen carrying both babies, showcasing the strong family bonds these primates form.

The Barbary macaque family spend their days on a large, natural island, and they eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors over the upcoming midterm break.

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Killian McLaughlin of Wild Ireland told the Journal how the new addition is proving a real hit with visitors, who are all eager to get a glimpse of the family.

The birth of this Barbary macaque at Wild Ireland is not just a local event; it also holds much international significance in the fight to protect this endangered species.

You can visit the new baby and the rest of the family over the Halloween mid term holidays.

Wild Ireland is open everyday from 10am and will also be open throughout Autumn and winter. Additionally, tickets are already selling fast for the Christmas Wild Artic Experience and everyone is encouraged to book these well in advance.

For more information, please visit www.wildireland.org or see Wild Ireland on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wild%20ireland
Jane Buckley (Photo: Submitted)

At first, Jane penned her debut novel, Turmoil, to attract young adults through a fictional tale that incorporates all the ingredients of a fictional but fact-based thriller based in Derry in the early years of The Troubles. Nevertheless, the book has proved remarkably successful with men and women who lived and experienced the conflict from an early age.

The hard-hitting series commences in late 1972 and now ends in volume 4 in Derry around the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998. Emotional pointers range from supportive neighbours running in and out of each other's homes borrowing sugar or money to top up the electric meter to the lives of the strong-minded women and mothers of Derry's shirt factories who would link arms and walk to work. We see the British Army raiding homes during internment and, finally, the core of all this chaos, a forbidden love affair.

Volume 4, Stones Corner, Hope. (Photo: Submitted)

"My novels are a challenging read and not for the light-hearted, Jane said. Sadly, once again, they address the social issue merry-go-round we ride on due to the financial crisis and the political air in the North today. These familiar topics include poverty, unemployment, addiction, prejudice, broken communities and narcissistic opportunists.

"Each Stones Corner book is a lengthy 400 pages, longer than most fictional paperbacks with around 135,000 words. I love a physical book, and I find it incredible when I pick up one of my own to see how heavy, meaty and solid it is, especially since I wrote it. It's still so hard to believe."

The sales of her paperback books have been fantastic, and the popularity of Kindle e-books is on par. You can find both versions of the books available for purchase on Jane's website. www.janebuckleywrites.com

Reviews for Jane's books have been riveting, and her first novel, Turmoil, won her an award at the 5* Indie Reader Awards, Best Fiction Writer in the States. A Writers Digest judge also awarded her a 5* review and Reedsy.com. A great believer in libraries, Jane also works closely with libraries throughout the island of Ireland and plans a book tour in the spring of 2024.

For further information or to purchase Turmoil, Darkness, Light or pre-order Hope, please visit online www.janebuckleywrites.com



Also available at The Little Acorns Bookstore, Derry.
Llamas and alpacas who broke free from a farm and blocked traffic on a major road have been safely brought back home.

On Monday night, some 30 of the animals escaped from the farm store Basecamp North Lakes, which is close to Troutbeck in Cumbria. They ran toward the A66, according to BBC.

After a client who was purchasing sausages "casually told him" about the escape, owner Terry Barlow claimed he "ran out the door." While leading the animals to safety, his squad blocked the route.

Alpacaly Ever After, the parent firm, said that a car had driven into a 7-foot (2-meter) fence at their location and left a "gaping hole" before evading detection.

When the traffic stopped, Rebecca Remmer and her husband were en route to Appleby and captured the camelid procession on camera.

She said that her husband came out and assisted in corralling the runaway llamas and alpacas.

Before authorities arrived, according to Cumbria police, the shop personnel had returned the animals to their field.

It stated that it was not aware of any instances of agricultural fence damage.

Read also: Shocking Alligator Attacks: Terrible Incidents of Ripped Arms, Legs and Horrendous Head Bites

Several Cases of Animals on the Loose in Cumbria

In June, a Tegu lizard was found on the loose in Cumbria. According to reports, the lizard can run like a T.rex. The reptile, known as Echo, broke out of her cage on Sunday in the Workington region.

Siobhan Harkness, the owner of Pet Encounter Cumbria, claimed that Echo is liable to run away and, if startled, may lash at visitors with her tail.

According to Ms. Harkness, the black and white Tegu is said to be one of the most intelligent lizard species and may be "hiding in plain sight."

Tegu lizards are indigenous to Central and South America, but because of their laid-back nature, people frequently keep them as pets.

Also in 2022, people wee rafraid about a gang of wild pigs that have been spotted wandering around in the dark.

According to locals in Cumbria's Silloth, a trio of invasive pigs had been grazing there for weeks. Some respondents claimed that being "confronted" in the dark made them feel afraid.

According to Adam Pearson, the strays 'weren't hostile, they were simply going on with what they were doing'. The pigs are said to have escaped from recently sold farms close to Solway Holiday Park.

The acreage, according to the new park owners, still belonged to Sam Hagen, who had transferred the inhabitants' worries.

Local law enforcement agencies, along with wildlife experts, are working diligently to address the situation and safely capture or guide these animals back to their appropriate habitats. Residents are urged to exercise caution and report any unusual animal sightings promptly. The ongoing efforts to contain this unexpected surge of wildlife within urban and suburban areas underscore the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between human communities and the natural world in rural regions like Cumbria.

Related article: Aliens killing thousands of cattle to create human-alien hybrids?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
LONDON  Building HCM City into an international financial centre is one of the key projects of the city, with a strong emphasis on international cooperation with organisations and businesses from the UK.

Speaking at a seminar sharing experiences in developing international financial centres with the UK's financial and investment institutions, banks, and major businesses in London on October 23, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK, Nguyen Hoang Long, said that the construction of an international financial centre in HCM City would be one of the key projects in the Viet Nam-UK strategic partnership.

As one of the world's leading financial centres with extensive experience in supporting the development of international financial centres such as Hong Kong (China), Singapore, and Dubai, London would be the most suitable partner for Viet Nam to collaborate in constructing a new international financial centre in HCM City, Long said.

Viet Nam is targeting to build an international financial centre to leverage international capital flows, enhance its position in the global market, and promote the plan to become a high-income country by 2045, as well as support the sustainable development of Viet Nam and the goal of becoming a zero-emission country by 2050.

Being Viet Nam's largest economic hub, accounting for about 23 per cent of the country's GDP, HCM City has been chosen by the Government to build a financial centre. Vice Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, Vo Van Hoan, said the city had completed the draft plan for the construction of the financial centre and submitted it to the Government.

At the seminar, Andrew Oldland, President of TheCityUK, said Viet Nam was a highly competitive market in Southeast Asia, and the establishment of an international financial centre in HCM City would hold great promise.

Oldland noted that, besides developing the capital market, fintech, green finance, and other important areas, there were two crucial issues that determine the success of a financial centre  an independent regulatory framework and clear legal rules would be necessary to reassure investors.

He believed that an attractive international financial centre relied not only on tax incentives but also on economic motivation and business opportunities. The Chairman of TheCityUK also emphasised that the purpose of a financial centre's operations was not only to attract foreign direct investment but also to stimulate the local economy, emphasising that these were two interconnected and supportive factors.

The proposal to build Viet Nam's international financial centre in HCM City is outlined in the 10-year socio-economic development strategy report (2021-30) and was approved during the 13th National Party Congress. The plan has identified four main policy groups and determined a roadmap consisting of three stages. Accordingly, the period from 2021 to 2025 focuses on consolidating HCM City's position as a national financial centre, followed by the period from 2026 to 2030 aiming to develop the city into a regional financial centre. From 2031 onwards, the goal is to develop the city into a global financial centre.

Viet Nam and the UK signed a free trade agreement (UKVFTA) which came into force on May 1, 2021. The UKVFTA is broad, covering market liberalisation for goods, services, and investment. Viet Nam has committed to higher standards of treatment for UK service suppliers and investors under the UKVFTA than those currently applied to other foreign service providers and investors under its WTO commitments.

For financial services, Viet Nam officially committed to larger access in the financial services sector for UK investors, including securities, insurance, banking, and new financial services. Commitments on financial services and investment provide a stable, predictable, and liberal framework for cooperation between the two countries.  VNS
HA NOI  Artworks by nearly 160 international and Vietnamese artists will be shown at Gallery Art, Ha Noi Architectural University, from October 24.

This is the fruit of a one-week event held by the university, Asia Art Link (AAL) and Viet Nam Fine Arts Association.

The 6th Ha Noi Art Connecting (HAC) event is taking place at the university with participation of international artists from 27 countries, including Thai Kamol Tassananchalee, Indonesian Edi Sunaryo, American Carolyn Munskat and Don McKinney, and popular Vietnamese artists such as Le Huy Tiep, Phan Cam Thuong, Cong Kim Hoa and Trinh Minh Tien.

"The artists are energetic about taking part in the event," said Vietnamese popular artist and AAL founder Trinh Tuan. "I see their desire to work and exchange their professional experiences, and overall they want to bring their artworks to the public."

This year marks the return of HAC, with its international workshop and exhibition, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It is held at the university with a large number of students and a focus on research and training closely related to painting, design and sculpture.

HAC was born out of a collaboration between the University of Fine Arts and Design and AAL. True to its name, HAC aims to connect talented artists, creating a proactive community to promote the strengths, and cultural and artistic uniqueness of each country to international colleagues and friends.

It is also a bridge to connect artists, especially Vietnamese artists. Through HAC's activities, artists assess their positions and aesthetic perspectives, understanding their strengths and limitations in creating artworks as they work and co-create with international artists.

The international artists also express appreciation and enthusiasm for the event; they get to visit Viet Nam and participate in a prestigious art activity, delving into local cultural life. After each trip, Viet Nam always leaves a distinctive impression on them.

"Many thanks to the wonderful, talented and well-organised Tuan Trinh - AAL founder. Thank you so much for the invitation and this wonderful time, said artist Ewelina Kolakowska.

The Northern Irish artist Tommy Barr expressed his pleasure at attending the event.

"I am once again feeling very honoured and grateful. I was looking forward to seeing many old friends at this fabulous event in Ha Noi. It has been riding high on my bucket list for quite some time," Barr said.

For a week, the artists in the fields of painting, graphics and sculpture create directly on-site at the university, where many students, teachers and the art-loving public can come and watch the artists' work process in person.

The workshops help students to orient their next steps regarding their careers after graduation. The visitors have the chance to gain a greater understanding about a variety of different kinds of art and get a first-hand look at how artists produce their works through workshops on painting, graphics, sculpture and pottery.

The programme includes seminars on art from folk to contemporary, as well as exploring other artistic fields. The artists visited the exhibition A Tide of Emotions at Vincom Centre for Contemporary Art, and Cuc Phuong National Park.

A science seminar was also held in the framework of HAC aiming at promoting international integration and developing applied fine arts training.

At the seminar, international and Vietnamese experts and artists evaluate and make orientation for art creation and applied fine arts training adapted to social practice in the context of integration.

Design training in the digital era; traditional culture preservation in applied fine arts training; and applying technology, techniques and materials in the practice of artistic creation and industrial arts training were discussed at the seminar.

HAC has grown rapidly over recent years, featuring an increasing number of artists and countries participating. In 2016, there were only five countries and 20 international artists joining.  VNS
HA NOI  A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) attended the 23rd International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties, which took place in Turkeys Izmir City on October 20-22.

The event, hosted by the Communist Party of Turkey, brought together 120 delegates from 68 communist and worker parties of 54 countries worldwide.

Under the moniker, "The Political and Ideological Battles to Confront Capitalism and Imperialism, the task was to inform and mobilise the working class, youth, women, and intellectuals in the struggle against exploitation, oppression, imperialist lies and historical revisionism. The aim is to create awareness for the social and democratic rights of workers and peoples, against militarism and war, for peace and socialism."

The participants exchanged views on the current international situation, especially the complicated developments and tensions emerging in Europe and the Middle East, and called for an end to the use of force, thus ensuring the lives, security and safety of people in conflicts.

They also emphasised the need to strengthen solidarity and further promote the role of international communists and workers, for the sake of peace, national independence, progress and socialism.

The Vietnamese representatives briefed the meeting on Viet Nams achievements after nearly 40 years of reform, affirming that Viet Nam consistently pursued the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, development, multilateralism and diversification of foreign relations, and international integration.

The country advocated expanding and strengthening relations with communists, workers, and other political parties around the world, they said.

On the sidelines of plenary sessions, the Vietnamese delegation met with party representatives, and participated in a display of documents and publications on the CPV. VNA/VNS
QUANG NINH  From a locality with a slow growth pace, over the last 60 years, the coastal province of Quang Ninh has now become one of the most dynamic industrial and service provinces, leading the country in various sectors and becoming the innovation centre of the northern delta region.

On October 30, 1963, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam approved the merger of Hai Ninh Province and Hong Quang area into a new administrative unit, named Quang Ninh Province.

Late President Ho Chi Minh suggested calling it Quang Ninh, from combining the word Quang (from Hong Quang) and the word Ninh (from Hai Ninh). He said "Quang Ninh means a large peaceful land."

On January 1, 1964, Quang Ninh Province was born, forming an integrated political, economic and military entity.

In 1964, Quang Ninh exceeded the target of one million tonnes of coal exploitation, making the it the leading province in Viet Nams coal mining industry.

On February 2, 1965, Quang Ninh was honoured to welcome late President Ho Chi Minh - the first and only time Quang Ninh has welcomed President Ho Chi Minh since its new name.

He held intimate talks with local people at Hon Gai high school yard. He also stopped at Pham Hong Thai Primary School and Yen Lap pine hill to chat with people and foreign experts working here.

During the wars, people and local authorities not only fought against foreign invaders, but also focused on production, maintaining political security and socio-cultural activities.

The provinces industrial production value in 1975 reached nearly VN2.2 trillion, an increase of VN594 billion compared to 1965.

The total agricultural output in 1975 was 1.21 times higher than that in 1965.

After 1975, the province established an ocean-going fleet to trade with foreign countries and export goods to earn foreign currency.

Big strides following renewal period

During the oi moi (renewal) period following the guidelines of the 6th Party Congress in December 1986, Quang Ninh Province focused on developing coal mining, food production, consumer goods and export industries.

The implementation of renewal policies gave the province a new look and rapid development.

During 1986-95 period, the provinces average GDP was 9.6 per cent per year.

This increased to 12.65 per cent during the 1996  2005 period.

The average export turnover during this period also increased 18 to 20 per cent annually.

From a province receiving 70  80 per cent of State budget assistance, by 1995, Quang Ninh Province was able to balance the budget, contribute to the central Government, and address its own major difficulties in consumer goods and food.

The year 2005 marked a milestone when then Prime Minister Phan Van Khai decided to establish the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin).

The Quang Ninhs coal mining output increased significantly.

In 1964, coal output only reached over one million tonnes. More than 30 years later, in 1995, this increased to 7.6 million tonnes.

In 2011, the group exploited 48.2 million tonnes, with revenue reaching over VN93 trillion.

Maintaining stable development during 2010-16 period

During this period, the province built a new development model for the dynamic region and specific mechanisms and policies to create resources and premises for long-term development.

The total social investment capital, especially foreign investment, increased sharply.

The local authorities worked with strategic investors to implement many important projects, showing that the province's business investment environment improved and become more attractive.

Total investment capital for the transportation sector in the first half term reached VN4.6 trillion, accounting for 29 per cent of total resources.

A new outlook in the 2016-23 period

From a humble province, mainly relying on the governments support, Quang Ninh has now become the comprehensive growth pillar of the north.

Its GRDP (Gross Regional Domestic Product) growth rate recorded over double digits for seven consecutive years from 2016 to 2022.

Sticking to the viewpoint that every citizen of Quang Ninh Province should enjoy the fruits of growth, leaving no one behind, in the past five years, local authorities have issued 19 separate policies on social security and social welfare.

They also prioritise huge resources to disadvantaged areas, ethnic minority areas, policy beneficiaries and disadvantaged people.

Quang Ninh Province has completed bringing electricity from the national grid to 100 per cent of villages, highlands, border areas and islands.

In three years 2020, 2021 and 2022, despite the unprecedented negative and serious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Quang Ninh Province still remained self-reliant thanks to bold, practical and efficient policies.

Its GRDP growth rates in 2020 reached 10.05 per cent while the numbers in 2021, 2022, were the same - 10.28 per cent.

State budget revenue reached 56.5 trillion in 2022, becoming a province with high domestic revenue collection.  VNS
HA NOI  Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, on Tuesday presided over the welcome ceremony for Senior Lieutenant General Roberto Legra Sotolongo, Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, along with his delegation during his official visit to Viet Nam from October 19 to 28.

The two sides held talks shortly after the ceremony.

In welcoming Senior Lieutenant General Sotolongo to Viet Nam, Senior Lieutenant General Cuong emphasised that this visit further exemplified the strong, enduring and sincere bonds between the two countries and their armed forces.

This visit had special significance as both countries were commemorating several milestones, including the 60th anniversary of Cuba's establishment of the Committee for Solidarity with South Viet Nam (September 1963), and 50 years after Cuban leader Fidel Castro's first visit to Viet Nam and to the liberated zone in South Viet Nam (September 1973).

Senior Lieutenant General Cuong expressed confidence that Senior Lieutenant General Sotolongo's visit would further deepen and enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of bilateral defence cooperation, in line with the shared vision of the leadership of both countries.

Senior Lieutenant General Sotolongo thanked Viet Nam for its support, emphasised the strong relationship between the two countries and armies, and vowed to work hard to cement their relationship.

The two officials underscored that the Vietnam Peoples Army and the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces were the core and reliable forces for their respective parties and people. Bilateral defence cooperation had always been a crucial pillar of the overall relationship between the two countries, contributing to preserving revolutionary achievements, aligned with the needs and strengths of each country.

Both sides said they had actively collaborated in various areas, such as delegation exchanges, training, defence industry, Party work, and military medicine following the agreements made during the official visit of the Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces in June 2023.

The two officials agreed to focus on intensifying exchanges and delegations at all levels, maintaining specialised experience exchanges, and enhancing Party work and political activities based on the signed Memorandum of Understanding.

They also agreed to ensure effective cooperation in the defence industry, tailored to the needs, capabilities and conditions of each side and actively pursued cooperation in other fields, such as military medicine, training and military legislation.

The two officials exchanged views on the international and regional issues of mutual concern.  VNS
China's warships in Middle East on routine escort missions, not involved in Israel-Palestine conflict

08:45, October 24, 2023 By GT staff reporters ( Global Times

The 44th and 45th Chinese naval escort taskforces hold a farewell ceremony in the Gulf of Aden. Photo: China Military Online

China's deployment of warships in the Middle East is part of the country's routine escort mission and friendly visits to the region, not an interference in the current Israel-Palestine conflict, Chinese analysts said after some Western media outlets started hyping China's navy deployment in the region.

Spokesperson from Chinese Embassy in the US Liu Pengyu in a statement to Sputnik on Sunday called for an end to the groundless hyping over the deployment of Chinese warships to the Middle East amid the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Liu's comment came after some Western media's hyping of China sending six warships to the Middle East last week, saying the arrangement was due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Chinese Military online, the 44th Chinese naval escort task force including the guided missile destroyer Zibo, the guided missile frigate Jingzhouand the comprehensive replenishment ship Qiandaohuarrived at Shuwaikh Port, Kuwait as planned on the morning of October 18 for a five-day goodwill visit. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy had previously revealed that the 45th Chinese naval escort task force, including the guided missile destroyer Urumqi, the guided missile frigate Linyi, and the comprehensive replenishment vessel Dongpinghu, was scheduled to take over an escort mission from the 44th naval fleet in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia.

It is a routine practice to send three military ships at one time to the region for escort missions, so six ships will be present simultaneously in the region during a handover, Chinese military experts explained, noting that this has nothing to do with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

The PLA Navy's escort missions in the region also allow China to react quickly to any emergencies that could arise, for example, the evacuation of Chinese nationals in Sudan earlier this year, said experts. They opined that those military ships may get involved in evacuation tasks if any situation emerges.

The Global Times learned from the Chinese embassy in Israel last Friday that China has no immediate plans to evacuate its citizens from Israel, as China's Hainan Airlines is still operating two flights per week from Tel Aviv to Shenzhen currently. But it also said the embassy is closely monitoring the situation and will make decisions accordingly.

Foreign media linked China's routine military operations in the Middle East with the US ramping up its military presence in the region.

The Pentagon said on Saturday that the US will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and an additional Patriot air defense missile system battalion to the Middle East.

The US has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 marines.

Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times that unlike the US, China will never opt for military interference when it comes to solving international disputes. "At first, those foreign media and Western politicians accused China of not condemning Hamas, now they are distorting China's routine military operations in the region. These are all tactics they use to embroil China deeper into the conflict and smear Beijing's role in negotiations on the crisis," said Ding.

Israel's military said that its ground forces had conducted limited operations into the Gaza Strip during the night, media reported.

Speaking at a press conference during the Palestine summit in Egypt on Sunday, Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, said the current situation in Palestine is critical, with tens of thousands of casualties and hundreds of thousands of people displaced due to the conflict. China is deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties and the deteriorating humanitarian situation caused by the conflict and is deeply concerned about the prospects of its further escalation.

Zhai met Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Saturday, during which he called for an "immediate ceasefire and humanitarian rescue to be conducted."

Ding said that China's push for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip has resonated among the international community, while the US' fueling the conflict and failure to curb Israel's instinct for revenge is frustrating international efforts to de-escalate the war.

Regional military forces such as Lebanon's Hezbollah will use Israel's ground operation as an excuse to get involved in the conflict, thus triggering a spillover into the wider region if such a scenario occurs, Ding explained.

He noted that the heavy US presence in the region is adding to the already heightened tensions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday that the US expects the Israel-Hamas war to escalate if regional military forces become involved, and asserted that the Biden administration is prepared to respond if American personnel or armed forces become the target of any such hostilities.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A fleeting appearance of a seldom observed cloud iridescence over a tiny Wheatbelt town has delighted locals who were fortunate enough to view the vibrant optical phenomena.

A staff member at Jenni Shaw's family-run business in Goomalling, 130 kilometers northeast of Perth, got a text message telling them to look at the sky while she was there, as reported by ABC News.

(Photo: by ALEX OGLE/AFP via Getty Images)

Cloud iridescence, an optical phenomenon where light is diffracted through water droplets, is pictured at the edge of clouds before a summer thunderstorm over Bangkok on May 28, 2020.

According to Jessica Lingard from the Bureau of Meteorology, rainbow cloudsalso known as cloud iridescenceappear when sunlight reflects off water or ice crystals in the sky, just like rainbows do. Iridescence in clouds, according to Ms. Lingard, is probably "as common" as rainbows.

However, the fact that rainbow clouds may vanish just as fast as they form is what makes viewing them so uncommon.

The rainbow-colored cloud, according to Ms. Shaw, was only visible for a brief while.

In July, people were delighted to see a stunning rainbow cloud in Colombia's sky, which was quite unusual.

Rainbows in the sky are usually beautiful to watch, but a few fortunate residents of Medellin, Colombia, were treated to a rare cloud rainbow, which was also seen on camera.

On TikTok, a video of the mesmerizing pileus cloudalso known as a rainbow cloudwas posted and has now received over 174 million views.

Even though the TikTok hashtag said "China," the video was really shot in Colombia on July 6 when the unusual cloud appeared.

The meteorological occurrence known as cloud iridescence occurs when individual water droplets or ice crystals scatter the sun's light. They frequently follow thunderstorms and may produce both pastel and brilliant, vibrant tones.

At the end of January, unusual "rainbow clouds" adorned the skies over the Arctic Circle in Finland, Iceland, and Norway.

Icelandic amateur photographer Jonna Gurn Skarsdottir recorded the event, which is brought on by extremely cold temperatures in the stratosphere.

At high latitudes, during the winter, or polar night, there is little to no solar radiation, which results in severe temperature reductions. These 'rainbow clouds' can form in these circumstances.

Because it depends on a mixture of thin clouds, chilly stratospheric temperatures, and numerous water droplets or ice crystals of comparable sizes, this event is exceedingly uncommon.

Read also: How To Watch Orionid Meteor Shower: Peak Time, Equipment To Use, Tips To Follow

Bad for the Climate?

Despite their beauty, rainbow clouds are hazardous to the environment.

They cause the ozone layer, which protects Earth from the sun's damaging UV radiation, to degrade because of the chemical interactions they promote.

Ozone and the chemical components in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are emitted into the atmosphere by aerosols and refrigerators, react when tiny ice crystals are present.

These reactions result in the ozone hole above the South Pole, where PSCs are more frequent than in the Arctic due to lower stratospheric temperatures.

Related article: Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse: What is it and How do you Watch it?

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HA NOI  President Vo Van Thuong on Tuesday expressed his appreciation for the robust bilateral defence cooperation with Cuba, reaffirming that Viet Nam always strived to create the best conditions for both countries to enhance their defence cooperation, particularly in the context of the world's ongoing complexities.

He made these remarks during the reception for Senior Lieutenant General Roberto Legra Sotolongo, Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, during his official visit to Viet Nam from October 19 to 28.

President Thuong emphasised that this visit continued to vividly demonstrate the strong, enduring, and loyal bonds between Viet Nam and Cuba, as well as their respective armed forces.

He expressed his confidence that Senior Lieutenant General Sotolongo's visit would contribute to strengthening the firm relationship and excellent cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba.

Senior Lieutenant General Sotolongo shared his joy, affirming that the solidarity between Viet Nam and Cuba was a unique bond, laid by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro, and has been nurtured, preserved, and developed by generations of leaders and people from both nations.

The Cuban official briefed about the positive results of the talks between the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Defence. He revealed that both sides reached agreements on various areas of cooperation, which would further deepen the special tradition of friendship and unity between Viet Nam and Cuba.

President Thuong emphasised that the defence of both nations maintained a close and mutually supportive relationship across multiple areas, resulting in practical and effective collaboration.

To further leverage these achievements, President Thuong proposed increasing high-level exchanges and strengthening interactions and cooperation between the Ministry of National Defence and the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.

He also suggested enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries, thus creating an important foundation to serve the national development and protection missions of each nation. The two armed forces should also share experiences in labour and increased production to train and develop personnel, which has been a central task successfully carried out by the Vietnam People's Army.

President Vo Van Thuong extended congratulations to Cuba for successfully hosting the G77 and China Summit. He emphasised that Viet Nam consistently supported Cuba's just struggle and opposed the blockade policy against Cuba.  VNS
BRUSSELS  The European Union (EU) always sees Viet Nam as an important partner in the region, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union (EU) Nguyen Van Thao told Vietnam News Agency in a recent interview.

The interview took place ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Has trip to Brussels to attend the Global Gateway Forum from October 25-26 at the invitation of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Thao said it would be the first time the EU holds the forum with topics covering sustainable development, energy transition, health care, education and connecting the EU with countries in the region, that match Viet Nam's priorities and interests.

He believes the forum will attract considerable interest from countries, especially those in Central Asia, Europe, and Africa, during which Ha will deliver a keynote speech on green transformation and energy transition, a topic to which Viet Nam is strongly committed on the global stage.

Viet Nam's attendance and Deputy PM Ha's speech will reaffirm that Viet Nam is a responsible member joining in addressing critical issues alongside the world. It also reiterates the Government's determination and specific actions in fulfilling commitments made at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in Glasgow, the UK, in 2021.

The ambassador expressed his belief that via the event, cooperation between the EU and Viet Nam would grow remarkably, especially in areas of Viet Nam's interest.

The event would afford the Vietnamese side a chance to share experiences and discuss joint work with countries to deal with common issues, he said.

As part of the event, a cooperation agreement will be signed between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, a concrete step taken by Viet Nam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership established in 2022 with G7 countries and the EU.

Thao revealed that the EU highly valued the agreement signing between EIB and Viet Nam, adding that other sessions on digital infrastructure, education, and health care would also create opportunities to enhance cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU and other countries around the world.

He added that EU leaders and officials would hold meetings with Deputy PM Ha and his entourage, demonstrating the EU's high regard for its relationship with Viet Nam.

The diplomat expressed his belief that with the promotion of cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU in new areas such as green development, sustainability, digital economy and blue economy, their collaboration would yield even better outcomes.  VNS
HA NOI  Alongside support policies from the Party and State, education, especially vocational education, is considered one of the systematic and sustainable solutions to poverty.

A national survey released in January 2023 showed that the rate of households living under or near the poverty line in 2022 was 7.52 per cent, numbering over 1.97 million, based on the multidimensional poverty standards for 2022-25.

This year, the countrys poverty rate is estimated to decline to 2.93 per cent, down 1.1 per cent, while the rate of poor households in poor districts is expected to stand at about 33 per cent, a reduction of 5.62 per cent, and the rate in ethnic minority groups is hoped to drop to 17.8 per cent, completing the targets set by the National Assembly and Government.

However, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), poor people in Viet Nam easily fall back into poverty, especially those in mountainous and ethnic minority-inhabited areas.

A report released by the ministry in the second half of 2022 indicated that poverty reduction in Viet Nam has yet to be sustainable, as the risk of falling back into poverty is high.

It clarified that 20 per cent of households from ethnic minority groups who escaped poverty in 2016 fell back into poverty by 2018, while the rate among Kinh and Hoa groups was 7.6 per cent.

In the 2021-25 period, total capital poured into the National Target Programme on Poverty Reduction is VN28 trillion (US$1.14 billion).

However, efforts towards sustainable poverty reduction have run into many difficulties as the majority of households living under or near the poverty line have difficulty finding sustainable livelihoods, especially those who lack professional skills.

MoLISA Deputy Minister Le Van Thanh said that in order to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner, it is necessary to promote the internal strengths of the people and the community, with special focus on developing socio-economic infrastructure, vocational training, creating jobs and improving income for the poor.

MoLISAs data showed that in the 2016-20 period, 38 per cent of target households escaped poverty and 53 per cent of families became well-off households after receiving short-term vocational training support, while 90 per cent of people, after vocational training at intermediate and college levels, found stable jobs and enjoyed good income, and sustainably escaped poverty.

In the National Target Programme for Sustainable Poverty Reduction in 2021-25, vocational training and job creation have been included into a particular project with specific targets, roadmap and criteria.

The project aims to boost vocational training development in terms of scale and quality, providing vocational training support to the poor and people in poor areas, associating vocational training and job creation and sustainable livelihood development, increasing incomes and improving living conditions for labourers from poor and near-poor households as well as households newly escaped from poverty.

ao Trong o, head of the Continuing Training Department under MoLISAs Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET), said that vocational training is an effective approach to sustainable poverty reduction which will solve the shortage in income and access to fundamental social services.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Dung, Principal of the Thai Binh Medical College and National Assembly deputy, believes that poverty reduction policies need to be redesigned to focus on investing in human resources, particularly emphasising vocational training, which is a crucial "fishing rod".

Dung said the current State-sponsored provision of vocational training for the poor mainly consists of short-term training courses, skills transmission, and providing hands-on assistance in simple, rudimentary occupations and trades. However, this approach has not proven to be truly effective and sustainable due to rapid changes in production technology and the dynamics of the current world.

The very first group that are affected by these changes are the poor as they lack accumulated assets and the skills to adapt to these changes.

Many studies on economic growth and poverty reduction argue that enhancing productive capacity for the poor is the root to ensure sustainable poverty reduction. Therefore, it is necessary to deeply embrace the spirit of "teaching a man to fish rather than giving him fish".

In addition to investing in infrastructure, connecting with developed regions, providing financial support, production techniques and product consumption, it is important to focus on improving the professional and technical skills of the poor, giving them opportunities to find employment and participate in the economic growth process, and directly benefit from it.

The World Bank and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) recommended that Viet Nam should improve labour productivity and skills, which is the key pillar for sustainable poverty reduction and growth. Instead of providing short-term vocational training support, the country should focus on formal vocational training at vocational schools, they advised.

Lessons learned in some countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea affirmed the success of linking vocational education with sustainable poverty reduction. For Viet Nam, many research reports also indicated that vocational education has a direct impact on employment and income, affecting the poverty status of households.

Multidimensional poverty in the group of household heads who have graduated from college or university is less than 1 per cent, while the poverty status of the group whose household heads have not completed primary school is up to 26.6 per cent. The poverty rate decreased in households whose heads had higher levels of education, and the pace of poverty reduction in households whose heads worked without vocational skills was lower than in other household groups.

On May 28, 2020, the Prime Minister issued a directive promoting the development of skilled human resources, contributing to improving labour productivity and increasing national competitiveness.

Accordingly, Viet Nam strives to have vocational education approaching the level of ASEAN-4 countries (namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines) by 2030, and by 2045 to be approaching the level of G20 countries. This is an effective way for people to get rid of poverty without falling back again.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam has the world's second-largest reserves of rare earths, an estimated 22 million tonnes, yet the resources have remained untapped, scientists have said.

Development directions for the industry were discussed by scientists at a recent symposium held in Ha Noi by the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

They suggested developing the processing of special high-value elements such as Pr and Nd, and building research and transfer centres to master core technology in extractive metallurgy.

VAST President Prof. Chau Van Minh pointed out that with the current technology, Viet Nam is unable to mine and process rare earths, and so far countries do not transfer technology in the field.

According to research studies, Viet Nams rare earth mines are mainly concentrated in its northwestern provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Lai Chau.

The Prime Minister on July 18 issued a decision approving a master plan on the exploration, exploitation, processing and use of minerals for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2050, which targets harmony, efficiency and sustainability in the rare earth industry.

Professor Nguyen Quang Liem, former Director of the Institute of Materials Science under VAST, said it is necessary to launch projects and build laboratories to improve research capacity, as well as exploitation and processing technology, focusing on intensive processing and utilisation of rare earths for industrial products with high economic value.

Rare earths are being used to produce wind turbines and magnets, and serve renewable energy and green transportation sectors, he said, stressing that the global demand for rare earths is expected to double by 2030 and quadruple by 2050.

He also pointed to environmental impacts from rare earth exploitation and suggested more research on this issue.

The conference looked into research cooperation between businesses and scientists in order to raise the efficiency of rare earth exploitation and processing, fostering the industry in Viet Nam. VNS
In Ontario, Canada (Photo source: Xinhua)

Ottawa  Canada recently a pilot programme called CAN Work Philippines to issue work permits to people from the Philippines to work in the country.

It is expected to help the Canadian companies hire workers they need to effectively fill jobs and grow the economy via the visa office in Manila.

Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said the pilot will streamline work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers. It is open to Canadian employers hiring approximately 50 or more workers, or engaging in critical occupations in sectors such as health care, construction and agri-food.

The Philippines is an important partner of Canadas Indo-Pacific Strategy and a major source of newcomers to Canada.

In the first half of this year, 1 in 10 Temporary Foreign Worker Programme work permits were issued to Philippine nationals.

In June, Canada announced expanded access to its Electronic Travel Authorisation Programme to include the Philippines, giving more Philippine people access to visa-free travel by air.

Super typhoon Saola triggers evacuations in Philippines The Philippines rescue force on August 27 said that hundreds of people were forced to leave their homes as floods unleashed by super typhoon Saola swept through mainly rural villages in the northwestern region of the country.

Philippines sets ceiling on rice prices The Philippines has imposed ceilings on rice prices across the country amid an alarming increase in retail costs of the staple grain and reports of hoarding by traders.
Luong Thi Le Thuy, CEO of Cisco Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

You graduated with a degree in education, but then changed direction to the technology field. What fate brought you to this industry?

After graduation, I had the opportunity to work at a multinational company and was fortunate to be one of the first people in Vietnam to experience the Internet and the miracles it brings to our world that previously seemed limited to fairy tales. From being fascinated, I became passionate about discovering this magical thing. I was so lucky when my love for technology met with Cisco, a tech giant.

I feel even a greater pride knowing that Cisco was the company that brought the first router to Vietnam, helping our country build the backbone of its Internet system. This made a vital contribution to the development of the nation's IT industry, and improved the lives of nearly 100 million Vietnamese people.

Would you mind telling us about your personal success and Cisco's achievements so far?

Cisco really helped me develop and become the most beautiful and successful version of myself.

In 2015, I was assigned to run Cisco Vietnam. At that time, not many people believed that Cisco Vietnam would have a female CEO because this was unprecedented in the region, and especially here. I was honoured to become the first female CEO in Vietnam.

I always share my profound gratitude and happiness with everyone, thanks to the extraordinary opportunities extended to me by Cisco's leadership. Above all, it is the wholehearted support of our team that has helped Cisco Vietnam grow as strong and resilient as it is today.

We are proud to have won the Great Place to Work First Prize for two consecutive years from the international organisation GPTW.

Recently, we also successfully brought Ciscos Country Digital Acceleration to Vietnam  a global investment fund with the goal of providing the most advanced technological inventions and experience from the world's leading experts to help the Vietnamese government and the country's businesses accelerate the digital transformation quickly.

What led to Cisco's success in creating great working environments?

At the recent Cisco Impact, a prominent global event held in Las Vegas, we felt an immense sense of pride when Cisco Vietnam was announced as the two-time consecutive winner of the Best Place to Work award in the Vietnamese market. The ceremony was held in front of an audience representing hundreds of countries around the world.

I received a similar question from numerous people, Is it because Cisco is a tech giant that has supportive policies for its employees?

While this holds much truth, it's not the sole key to our success. The true secret recipe lies in the environment and Conscious Culture that we've collectively cultivated over the years, which has transformed Cisco into a dream workplace with distinct attributes.

Cisco is people-centric. We promote the value of all employees, accept the diversity among them, and create an inclusive environment. Every staff member feels respected, cared for, free to be creative, and is provided with the opportunity to develop into the best version of themselves.

How do you see the development of the country's tech industry?

Vietnams digital economy has experienced significant growth over the past decade, and this will continue into the future. As businesses realise that what can be delivered digitally must be delivered digitally, they will continue to focus on five key transformation themes, including their move to cloud strategy, the transformation of their infrastructure, the delivery of seamless AI-driven user experiences, the tech to power the future of work, and security against cyber threats.

Over the course of nearly 25 years of operation and growth in the Vietnamese market, Cisco has been honoured to receive many awards and certificates of merit from the government for the important contributions it has made to the development of the IT industry here.

We are delighted and proud to see the rapid development of Vietnam's IT industry. The nation has been named on the world IT map, being one of the strongest countries in terms of IT in the region.

Cisco remains unwavering in its commitment to being a steadfast partner on this digital transformation journey, propelling Vietnam to new heights and contributing to the realisation of the government's visionary objectives.

What is the unique value that Cisco brings to its customers and partners in this highly competitive market?

Our differentiation is built on a record of proven innovation, the trust of our customers, and unmatched global reach. Over the last four decades, the Cisco brand has become synonymous with delivering customer and partner outcomes on a massive scale. We are a global leader in networking and a top-three security vendor by revenue. We continue to deliver integrated capabilities across our portfolio, including leveraging AI to provide business and data-driven insights.

Our reliability, transparency, and accountability have made us a trusted partner. For example, we design, build, operate, and act with security, data protection, and privacy at our foundation. We are also working to minimise our impact on the environment, with our goal of meeting net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2040.

Our global reach is unparalleled thanks to our broad customer base and network of partners. We are not just a vendor; we are a strategic partner to our customers. Our global ecosystem helps us bring a diverse set of capabilities and differentiated offerings to Cisco customers.

Could you shed some light on Cisco's upcoming plans?

Our biggest ambition is to continue harnessing public-private partnerships to bring our innovations and expertise to Vietnamese organisations, helping them accelerate their digital transformation journeys. We do this in several ways.

As a company, we continue to accelerate our transformation to a software-as-a-service model. We are radically simplifying how our technology is delivered, managed, and optimised with our platform approach that focuses on delivering key business outcomes for our customers.

AI isnt new to us. We have used it extensively across our portfolio to analyse and classify data, enabling many customer outcomes including automation, noise reduction with our collaboration platform Webex, and security vulnerability assessments. We continue to innovate with AI and ML, as we believe that it will allow businesses to reap great advantages.

Having built the core infrastructure of the internet, our legacy in networking puts us in the best position to become one of the most trusted security providers. We continue to double down on our ambitions to be among the dominant platform players in terms of security.

Cisco released the report Employees Are Ready for Hybrid Work, Are You? Hybrid working has improved total employee well-being, work-life balance, and performance in Vietnam, according to a new global Cisco study.

Cisco Vietnam promotes diversity and inclusion in tech field On the occasion of International Womens Day, managing director of Cisco Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Luong Thi Le Thuy shared her thoughts with VIR's Thanh Van about the role of women in the tech industry.
After securing a strong retail footprint, Pandora looks to build a jewellery crafting facility in Vietnam

The information was revealed at a recent working session between Pandora Group and Deputy minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung.

The jewellery crafting facility in Binh Duong is Pandora's first manufacturing project in Vietnam. Located in Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park 3 (VSIP), the factory has an investment capital of $163 million. Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2024, and production is due to start in 2026.

The new facility will be built according to the LEED Gold standard, a leading green building certification, and be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. It will create jobs for more than 7,0009,000 people.

"However, the project is facing difficulties in construction licensing procedures, so production may be delayed until 2026 compared with its initial plan of 2025. Therefore, Pandora hopes the Ministry of Construction will ease procedures as well as provide licensing documents for the group to quickly deploy the project as soon as possible," said Michael Zinck Jensen, project manager of Pandora Production Holding Company in Binh Duong.

According to a report by the Ministry of Construction's (MoC) Department of Construction, Pandora submitted the application in September 2023, but did not initially meet requirements. The department requested that the group quickly complete the dossier for further appraisal before submitting it for approval.

Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung stated that the MoC was consistently creating favourable conditions for businesses to implement projects in line with the regulations. He assigned the Department of Construction Management as a focal point to receive the application and support Pandora in accelerating the progress of the project on schedule.

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora designs, manufactures, and markets hand-finished jewellery made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries through more than 6,800 points of sale. The company generated revenue of $3.76 billion. In Vietnam, Pandora has 15 stores in large shopping malls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Pandora announces plans to build $100 million facility in Vietnam Pandora  a Danish jewellery brand  signed an MoU on May 12 to build a new jewellery crafting facility in the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park III (VSIP) in the southern province of Binh Duong, 40km north of Ho Chi Minh City.

36 Danish groups seek investment opportunities in Vietnam A delegation of 36 Danish investors will visit Vietnam to look for partners and investment opportunities in renewable energy, especially offshore power early next month.
FPT IS, part of the larger tech giant FPT Corporation, focuses on developing capacity and technology in IT-managed services to meet the needs of multinational corporations.

The Global Managed Services Park, based in Hanoi, aims to provide services for 100 international customers, host more than 1,000 employees, and reach a revenue of $30 million by 2026.

This new facility helps FPT IS move closer to its goal of global integration and becoming a provider of cross-border information security and system administration services for multinational corporations.

With a current area of 600 square metres, the modern, international-standard centre can be expanded up to 1,800sq.m as needed.

Tran Dang Hoa, chairman of FPT said, The Global Managed Services Park opens up opportunities for FPT IS in IT-managed services. We are committed to building an international-standard system in Vietnam, establishing the first system-management network for businesses in all time zones around the world.

This park will be a stepping stone for FPT IS to continue to build and protect IT systems of businesses sustainably, sequentially, and securely, Hoa added.

Tran Dang Hoa, chairman of FPT IS

According to a Gartner forecast from last September, global spending on IT services is set to grow by about 7.5-10 per cent annually and reach about $1.5 trillion next year. Particularly, with information security, the spending growth rate is about 11.3 per cent per year, and it could reach $90 billion by 2024.

At present, FPT IS provides a range of safety and information security services, which fully meet the network security monitoring and supervision needs of its clients.

According to Le Hoang Duong, director of the Cybersecurity Centre at FPT IS, "The IT-managed services market has huge potential for development. With support from FPT Corporations other subsidiaries, our key markets over the next three years are Japan, South Korea, and Singapore."

Over the last 30 years, FPT IS has successfully deployed and operated many essential national systems featuring specific characteristics, providing them for ministries and departments dealing with customs, taxes, and securities, as well as diverse sectors such as real estate, finance, and manufacturing.

FPT IS' capacity and experience are ready to expand beyond Vietnam as it seeks to build and operate systems for large-scale businesses and multinational corporations. The Global Managed Services Park is a stepping stone on the company's journey to global expansion.

At present, FPT IS provides a range of safety and information security services, which fully meet the network security monitoring and supervision needs of its clients. The systems and services on offer include 24/7 information security monitoring and troubleshooting, security vulnerability assessments, and PCI DSS and ISO 27001 compliance consulting.

The Global Managed Services Park demonstrates FPT IS's great ambition and the trust it is putting in its globalisation strategy.

FPT honoured at Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2023 On August 29, during the 15th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit held in Danang, FPT was honoured in two major categories: the "CSR & ESG Leadership Award" with a platinum rank, and the "Best Community Programme Award" with a bronze rank.

FPT Corporation focuses on AI and chip expansion FPT Corporation has reported orders nearing 70 million chips by 2025 and is setting its sights firmly on the expansion of AI, according to Reuters.
The government has submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee a scheme for borrowing and paying public debt for 2024, based on expectations that the economy will grow 6-6.5 per cent next year, with state budget revenues of about $69.62 billion and a state budget deficit of as much as 3.6 per cent of GDP.

Government looks ahead to financial security via debt plan, Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Many international organisations have set a positive economic growth target for Vietnam including the International Monetary Fund (5.8 per cent), the World Bank (5.5 per cent), the Asian Development Bank (5.8 per cent), Moodys (5.6 per cent), and Fitch Solutions (5 per cent).

These projections have inspired the government to devise the public debt scheme for next year. Under the scheme, in 2024, the governments total loans will be $28.52 billion, including $15.73 billion for borrowing to offset the central budget deficit, $12.1 billion for borrowing to pay the principal debt of the state budget, and $680.3 million for on-lending.

These loans will come from many sources, including issuance of government bonds, official development assistance (ODA) and foreign concessional loans, and other legal financial sources, said Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc.

When it comes to the governments debt payment obligations for next year, based on the governments existing debt portfolio, it is estimated that the governments direct debt payment is $16.7 billion and the payment of on-lending projects is $2.45 billion.

It is estimated that by late 2024, the governments direct debt payment will be ensured at a cap of 25 per cent of the state budget revenues as stipulated by the National Assembly (NA).

When it comes to the loan and payment plan of localities, their total borrowing for the whole of 2024 will be about $1.3 billion, largely coming from ODA, the governments concessional loans, and other domestic sources. Localities total debt payment will be about $173.8 million, and total debts by late 2024 will be as much as $4 billion.

With the estimated borrowing and payment of government debt, government-guaranteed debt, debt of authorities, and self-borrowed and self-paid foreign debt of enterprises and credit institutions, if positive GDP growth meet targets assigned by the NA, it is forecast that by the end of 2024, Vietnams total public debt will be about 39-40 per cent of GDP. Meanwhile, the government debt will be about 37-38 per cent of GDP and the nations foreign debt will be as much as 38-39 per cent of GDP.

The governments direct debt payment obligation compared to the estate budget revenue will stand at about 24-25 per cent, guaranteed to stay within the cap and threshold allowed by the NA, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

The government also reported that this year, the NA approved a total loan amount of $26.2 billion for the central budget, of which borrowing to offset central budget overspending sat at $18.16 billion, equal to 4.18 per cent of GDP, and borrowing to pay principal of the central budget stood at more than $8 billion.

In addition, the government also approved its own on-lending plan of ODA loans and foreign concessional loans worth $987 million.

In order to secure capital, the government has mobilised from domestic sources, ODA loans, and preferential loans from foreign donors. Based on the implementation of the first nine months of this year, the government expects the mobilised sum for the whole of 2023 to reach $25.5 billion, tantamount to 93.8 per cent of the plan.

Of which, domestic loans will likely be more than $23 billion, largely via government bond issuances, and ODA and foreign donors concessional loans will likely be over $2.4 billion.

According to the MoF, to continue to create capital for development investment in 2023 and beyond, the government expects that in 2023 it will complete the negotiation and signing of 17 ODA loan agreements, and foreign preferential loans with a total value of about $1.87 billion.

This includes one loan worth 50 billion ($335 million) from the Japanese government, and one International Development Association loan from unused projects of the World Bank worth $264 million in the form of budget support to supplement capital to carry out the tasks of the Programme on Socioeconomic Recovery and Development, expected to withdraw all capital this year.

New loans negotiated and signed from 2022 now have higher lending rates, closer to the market, reflecting the change in lending policies of donors given the countrys lower middle-income status, Minister Phoc said.

Also this year, the governments total debt payment is estimated to reach $13.14 billion, including $11.8 billion for direct debt payment and $1.34 billion for on-lending.

The sixth session of the 15th National Assembly is scheduled to take place from October 23 to November 29 in Hanoi. The NA schedules to discuss and adopt many laws, including: - Law on Land (amended) - Law on Real Estate Business (amended) - Law on Housing (amended) - Law on Water Resources (amended) - Law on Telecommunications (amended) - Law on Management and Protection of Defence Works and Military Zones The NA will also provide comment for many other laws, including: - Law on Social Insurance (amended) - Law on Archives (amended) - Law on Defence Industry and Security and Industrial Mobilisation - Law on Roads - Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety - Law on Capital (amended) - Law on the Organisation of Peoples Courts - Law amending and supplementing articles of the Law on Property. In addition, the NA may also debate and decide on other key issues. They include the pilot application of incentives for high-tech investments; the global minimum tax; policies to remove obstacles for road ventures; collection of toll fees at state-funded expressways; and a law revising many laws to remove difficulties in order to mobilise resources for boosting business and production activities. The NA is also expected to approve the UKs membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The legislature will also review and decide important matters related to socioeconomic issues and the state budget, such as reports on the implementation of the socioeconomic development plan and state budget for 2023, and related matters in preparation for 2024.

Public debt management picture clears towards 2025 Vietnams plan for borrowing and paying public debt has been revealed, and the budget landscape finalised for this year, with public debt set to stay within the permissible limit.
The National Innovation Centre (NIC) currently has two headquarters in Hanoi, in Cau Giay district and in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, so is set not just be a large facility in Vietnam but for the entire region.

Do Tien Thinh, Deputy director National Innovation Centre

The NIC Hoa Lac aims to gather talent and connect startup centres, universities, and research institutes to become an innovation network, with large resources for the process of changing Vietnams economic growth model. After four years, the centre has carried out numerous programmes to support and promote innovative businesses, especially in the industries that Vietnam has comparative advantages.

NIC businesses will operate in the local market and easily reach out to the global market. The centre has some programmes to support startups for this goal, from small assistance like offices, consultants, and incubation to larger general advice and major connections.

Different from local incubation programmes, the NIC has to implement the major directions of the Party and state. For example, the centre is proposing solutions to change the economic growth model to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and other senior leaders.

Of this, the NIC is participating in connection and research into the very new field of semiconductors. The cooperation in the semiconductor industry that took place during the recent visit to Vietnam by US President Joe Biden, and the visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of numerous ministries to the United States a few weeks ago are the results of previous working and negotiation processes.

Vietnamese authorities are teaming up with American businesses and universities to create a leap forward in semiconductor manufacturing in Vietnam. Of these, Synopsys, a Californian semiconductor design software and security group, will provide training licences which include curriculum, educational resources, and other initiatives to help the NIC set up its chip design incubation centre.

The National Innovation Centre (NIC)

Electronic systems design group Cadence will offer access to its tools to academic institutes selected by the NIC, providing students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience creating integrated circuit (IC) designs.

Cadence will also introduce internship and job opportunities to Vietnamese engineers trained at the NIC and introduce the NIC to governments, organisations, businesses, and corporations in the semiconductor industry in the US and around the world.

Arizona State University and the NIC will work with public and private Vietnamese academic institutions and others to develop training programmes, research exchanges related to semiconductors and related fields to develop the Vietnamese semiconductor ecosystem and deeply participate in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The NIC is now establishing the infrastructure for the IC design incubation centre at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, where academic institutes selected by the NIC can leverage Cadences portfolio of industry-leading technology to create a wide variety of designs, including in 5G, AI, and 3D-IC packaging.

All this reflects the determination of the NIC, and Vietnam in general. Without mastering semiconductors, we will always be on the sidelines of core technology. This is the mission and opportunity of NIC because the trend of the semiconductor value chain is shifting to Southeast Asian countries, in which Vietnam has great advantages.

Foreign investors are hugely interested in Vietnams human resources. In semiconductors, the most important issue is human resources, not equipment. In the semiconductor value chain, Vietnam is especially advantageous in design, which generates the largest profit in the semiconductor industry, while the profit of the manufacturing segment accounts for about 7 per cent only.

Additionally, hydrogen energy will also be a focus of the NIC. We are considering, connecting, and introducing some technologies at the exhibition at the NIC Hoa Lac this month.

We will also organise numerous international conferences, and one of the first to be held is a forum on hydrogen energy. The NIC has already invited many large corporations worldwide. Local businesses can see and seize opportunities to access this field.

We are confident in operating the NIC because Vietnam is ranked in the top 50 countries with the best innovation environment. This is good because normally other indexes of the country are often at the average threshold, around the top 70. This also reflects the performance of the NIC at the national level, so it can advance faster than other private centres in the region. If the NIC receives more support from the state in terms of resources, especially for issues that Vietnamese businesses need such as laboratories and high-end equipment, research and trade will be more effectively promoted.

Vietnams own innovation centre a defining concept The importance of innovation has never been more obvious. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung told VIRs Nguyen Huong about the development of the National Innovation Centre and support for innovation startups.

Time for Vietnam to grow faster and higher with digital transformation Any country in the world which wants to prosper must prosper in cyberspace. If Vietnam wishes to become a developed country with a high income, it must carry out digital transformation.
The declining birth rates in the United States will have a catastrophic impact on the economy in the near future if it has not already, analysts claim.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the birth rate in the US dropped by nearly 23% between 2007 and 2022, according to Axios. Although some states had a slower drop in birth rates than others, no state recorded an uptick.

Detrimental Economic Impact

"The US birth rate is steeply declining, mimicking the patterns of other developed nations worldwide, causing the global population to stop growing sometime this century," said Bradley Schurman, an expert on demographic change, in an interview with Fox News.

Schurman added that the birthrate in the US and other industrialized countries has fallen below the replacement rate in recent years. This means that we are not even having enough babies to keep our current numbers up, much alone adding to them. He said deaths now exceed births in 75% of American counties and 50% of the states.

Brad Wilcox, a senior scholar at the Institute for Family Studies, has speculated that we may already be experiencing repercussions.

He explained that when birth rates fall below replacement levels, society suffers from a lack of tax revenue to fund social programs. This also means the closure of schools and a decline in college enrollments.

"We're already seeing low fertility fallout hitting schools and colleges," Wilcox told the outlet. "But it will have big consequences for the economy as well, given that there will be relatively fewer workers and consumers, and less entrepreneurial activity, as the population of young adults in America falls across much of the nation."

See Also: Colorado's Anti-Abortion Pill Reversal Law Rejected by US Judge

Result of Postponed Weddings

Lyman Stone, the chief information officer of Demographic Intelligence, said that even though the drop in marital fertility rates has not been as severe, these wedded couples are waiting longer to have children. He claimed that postponed or delayed marriages were the simplest compositional element contributing to declining birthrates.

The onset of earning potential is increasingly delayed, so the married couples' goals are postponed. They get married, settle down, and build up some funds later in life. The capacity to have a kid is a type of biological limitation, but all these other things and issues come later.

Stone pointed out that when individuals finally decide they are emotionally and financially stable enough to have a family, it is often too late.

Stone suggested several easy measures that legislators should take note of to support marriage and childbearing, recognizing the rising preference for bigger families.

When an individual loses a lot of benefits, it is highly impracticable for you to marry another working person. Stone thinks this issue must be resolved. He said that reducing barriers to marriage and lowering housing prices via rapid construction of new homes would significantly impact enabling individuals to have families.

See Also: China's $500-Billion Wedding Industry Suffers as Fewer Couples Tie the Knot

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Protos Labs co-founders

The seed round saw participation from several prominent investors, reflecting the growing importance of holistic risk prevention and transference solutions. The investors include VinaCapital Ventures, BEENEXT, Artem Ventures (in partnership with FWD Insurance), Plug and Play Silicon Valley, Investible, Gan Konsulindo, 1337 Ventures, and Gobi Partners.

Protos Labs plans to use the funds to accelerate its global expansion and product development as it works to revolutionise the cyber insurance and risk management landscape. The company has found that Vietnam-based companies are more vulnerable to cyberattacks, so it is looking to penetrate the Vietnamese market and offer customised cybercrime insurance to businesses.

VinaCapital Ventures, one of the biggest investors in Protos Labs' latest fundraising round, will support the company's expansion in Vietnam.

Trung Hoang, partner at VinaCapital Ventures added, "Vietnam is an increasingly digital economy with a growing emphasis on cyber. Protos Labs' mission is to be the innovative hub of the region's cyber insurance sector. With the Vietnamese government promoting digital transformation, Protos Labs can play a part in not just improving cybersecurity infrastructure but also the lives of Vietnam's consumers."

The cyber risk landscape is fraught with constant volatility, making it challenging for enterprises and insurers to stay ahead of emerging threats. Protos Labs tackles this issue by fusing AI, statistical modelling, threat intelligence, and cyber risk management, allowing organisations to make informed and agile risk decisions. This approach enables them to adapt to the dynamic cyber threat environment, providing next-generation solutions to both cyber underwriters and enterprise risk managers.

Protos Labs' innovative solutions have already garnered the attention of leading organisations such as Lloyd's of London and the Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore.

Singapore's GIC eyes potential M&A deal in Vietnam's retail sector The Singapore-based sovereign wealth fund GIC and other investors are vying to scoop up a 20 per cent stake in Bach Hoa Xanh, Mobile Worlds grocery store chain.

CICC Singapore gains approval for representative office in Vietnam China International Capital Corporation (CICC Singapore) has received formal approval from the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) to establish a representative office in Vietnam.
Such a transformation is rapid development because it creates a digital economy with a growth rate higher than GDP growth by 3-4 times. It is sustainable development because it consumes fewer resources and generates a new resource  data.

Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Information and Communications

Digital transformation increases the resilience of the economy because the digital environment is distanceless and contactless. It is an inclusive development because anyone, if they have a mobile signal and a smartphone, can access all digital services, and no-one is left behind.

We now enter the fourth official year of carrying out digital transformation. We launched it, we spread awareness, we took action, and now this year we declare it as a new method of development, bringing all peoples activities to the digital environment using Vietnamese platforms.

This year we have been creating new value from data, creating practical results, and using modern and high technology, especially AI, to solve Vietnams specific problems.

When an economy develops, it consumes and depletes resources. The digital economy is based on data. This resource is created by humans and is not depleted. So, for the first time in the human history, instead of depleting resources, people create resources for development.

In cyberspace, whoever holds digital platforms holds the data, and makes the decisions. Therefore, if Vietnams transformation is not based on domestic platforms, the main beneficiary will not be Vietnam.

The nations digital transformation has truly become universal and comprehensive. We have nearly 100,000 community digital tech groups in each locality to guide people in this overhaul.

If we want fast and sustainable transformation, we must walk with both feet. Firstly, quickly popularising the basics through shared digital platforms nationwide; and secondly, moving quickly through experimentation. From something that has been successfully tested and deployed by pioneers and leaders, it rapidly turns into a basic entity that can be popularised.

Leading the way without leading to universalisation does not create change and transformation, and there will be no digital transformation.

This has also been a year of boom for AI applications. The dream of each citizen having some kind of reliable personal assistant is becoming a reality.

With that, the ICT industry is now deploying four important types of virtual assistants. One is a virtual assistant that supports the legislative field, through detecting conflicts and overlaps among legal documents, which are currently too numerous for humans to detect.

The second is supporting law enforcement. This supports civil staff in performing their work according to regulations. They ask questions about their work, and the assistant can find answers from relevant legal regulations. They will be like the knowledge base of civil staff, and working with them is like standing on a knowledge system. Therefore, the quality of civil staff is therefore significantly improved.

Third is a virtual assistant in the judiciary. It is something that can support judges, specifically supporting legal searches such as looking up case laws, related judgments, answering legal situations, and supporting the work of judges. This virtual assistant has been launched and has helped reduce judges processing times by up to 30 per cent.

Fourth is a virtual assistant providing legal support to people. This will answer peoples questions related to laws and state regulations, thus improving the intellectual level of the population. This is also a strong way to promote the quality of civil staff.

These are just some examples of what the future may look like. But if the country wants to grow faster and higher, it needs new space, production resources and factors, and motivation. Now, all these factors are ready for Vietnam to take action and to make success in its digital transformation.

Wholesale solutions to digital development The digital economy has been playing an increasingly important role, becoming a main driving force to promote sustainable and resilient development.

Vietnam Digital Awards 2023 honours 38 winners As many as 38 winners of Vietnam Digital Awards 2023 were honoured on October 7 ahead of National Digital Transformation Day (October 10).

Unlocking the potential of digital data across Vietnam Vietnam has been developing e-government since 2000. After 20 years, we began to move into the digital transformation phase marked by the National Digital Transformation Programme, building digital government, digital economy, and digital society.
Ng Boon Teck, Representative, Singapore Business Association in Vietnam Vietnam should strengthen connectivity with regional countries, become a central partner in transport between China and ASEAN member states, and facilitate transport in border areas. Thereby, two initiatives have been accelerated. The ASEAN Smart Logistics Network is a collaborative platform that aims to promote smart and sustainable logistics interconnectivity and integration within the bloc in line with ASEANs Connectivity Master Plan 2025, where member states have a shared goal of developing smart logistics infrastructure. Smart Growth Connect is ASEAN-BACs fifth legacy project launched in 2018 and aims to help create smart growth centres in each member state with advanced and smart supply chain tech, human capital talent development, and thought leadership to optimise resource productivity and efficiency. Additionally, we have Vietnam SuperPort, a strategic location in the northern province of Vinh Phuc over a huge area and connecting to Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport, Haiphong Port, and border provinces. We would like to combine the developed logistics infrastructure system to turn this place into a transit area to reduce costs as much as possible. Singaporean businesses have many ambitions to build a logistics system as simple and modern as possible, connecting roads, information, and the economy. We will deliver new smart technologies and share how to optimise and further strengthen the industry. There are specific things that Vietnam can deploy, including promoting more trade flows with neighbouring countries, and reaffirming its central role and promotion of traffic among border provinces and between China and ASEAN. So we should look more closely at the process of implementing the single-window mechanism, so that the customs clearance process becomes simpler. Tadahiro Kinoshita, Chairman Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam Japanese companies have attracted many supporting industries from overseas. However, local suppliers have yet to fully take part in the Japanese supply chain. A Japan External Trade Organization report notes that the local content ratio of Japanese companies expanded to 37 per cent last year, but this figure is far behind from other neighbouring countries. Only 16 per cent of goods and materials are procured from local firms, while 84 per cent are covered by FIEs or imported from overseas. The survey shows the top three challenges for local businesses in Vietnam are insufficient quality and technical capabilities of suppliers; lack of raw materials; and insufficient parts being available. So almost all Japanese manufacturers are eager to expand procurement from local companies. We offer three suggestions for supporting industries: identify strong local companies and connect them to foreign-led manufacturers; expand the pool of competent local companies; and make small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) take support measures to be more accessible to local companies. Through business interaction with foreign companies, we believe local companies can achieve foreign-led manufacturers standards. The more the government supports SMEs in developing sales channels, the more promising that local companies can take part in the foreign investment supply chain, improving their capabilities. Secondly, we value industrial policies to encourage entrepreneurs and foster startups. As with Vietnam, Japan has developed its economy from a processing trade model. One of the successful factors is that numerous companies, like Panasonic and Honda, have started up business and improved their quality and technology through tough competition. The more local manufacturers become diversified and sophisticated, the more companies will be able to supply products that meet foreign investment quality standards. The number of suppliers of materials and parts will diversify and, eventually, lead to an increase in the local production ratio. Gaur Dattatreya, Managing director Bosch Global Software Technologies In April, we celebrated 15 years of our high-tech factory in the southern province of Dong Nai and 10 years of our vocational training initiative. There have now been 10 classes with nearly 250 students enrolled and over 130 graduates, of which 97 per cent continue to work at Bosch. Regarding engineering and IT, in 2022, we initiated the Bosch Embedded Academy that offers 90 training hours at partner universities, focusing on building students competence with practical industry knowledge and increasing their readiness for the job market. We plan to keep investing in talents for high-tech areas such as semiconductors and chip design. People are a critical agent of change that facilitate spillovers in technology, innovation, and knowledge from foreign investors to local economic actors. Hence, people are a decisive factor in differentiating countries economic prospects. We would recommend the Vietnamese government to proactively take the lead as a system orchestrator between industry, academia, and other stakeholders, to collect and promote best practices and guidelines as well as support initial funding. The relentless government effort in building an ecosystem for innovation with the National Innovation Centre is a great example. Vu Thi Huong Giang, Government and public affairs director Nike Vietnam Vietnam is Nikes largest supplier country, and we are proud of our contribution to Vietnams employment and export turnover. We are also extremely excited about the Vietnam-US relationship elevation. The United States is the largest export market for Vietnams footwear and garment industry, so we hope the bilateral relationship will create a premise to enhance export opportunities to the US if the two sides have bilateral agreements on tariffs. We hope Vietnam will continue to utilise its negotiation experience in the process of opening its market to the US and other countries to promote important export markets for Vietnamese goods. To push ahead with growth in Vietnam, we hope it highlights sustainability as a top priority, which is no longer a beautiful slogan but has become the business foundation of all businesses. We are pleased to see that the government is actively discussing a direct power purchase programme and the factories in our supply chain will soon have access to more electricity from renewable energy. This will create a new competitive advantage for goods produced in Vietnam. As Vietnams economy hopes to grow rapidly ahead, the way we produce changes every day. Footwear and garment factories are constantly innovating technology and investing in human resources to match those changes. So we also look forward to the government as it seeks to invest much more in education and training, especially the skills the workforce needs to be competitive in the economy.
Innovation as a concept has been included in Party Congress documents for the first time. How does this assert the importance of innovation?

Nguyen Chi Dung,

Minister of Planning and Investment

When we study the countrys development strategy for the next 10 years, we see that we have to utilise the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is the only way for Vietnam to develop quickly and catch up.

At the 13th Party Congress, the concept of innovation was added to the three strategic breakthroughs for development in the 2021-2025 period. Moreover, innovation has been clarified in the countrys socioeconomic development directions and goals across the board.

The entire political system is making efforts to implement this goal, and authorities at all levels have issued specific strategies and action programmes, so numerous new models and new production and business forms have been emerging.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is one of the key tasks of the government to boost socioeconomic development and improve national competitiveness. The consistent viewpoint of the government and the prime minister is to build an innovation ecosystem converging intelligence around the world to create wealth, resources and spread it.

Among them, human resources are the most important, followed by the formation of an ecosystem and cooperative development.

What policies does the government provide to create conditions for innovative enterprises to raise capital and operate?

The 2020 Law on Investment for the first time provides the definition of innovative startup projects, which has created a new premise for regulations related to the concept. For foreign projects related to this, investors will not need to carry out registration procedures.

Even for innovative startup investment funds, investment registration is not required, and only business registration procedures are needed. This is useful for creating a dynamic and creative startup investment environment. In addition, the scope of investment incentives has been expanded to include innovation centres as well as research and development centres. Similarly, the Law on Enterprises, and the Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises Support Fund also provide incentives for businesses.

However, this is not enough. The government has assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to continue to research and propose new policy mechanisms. While the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) was established, including specific policies that are much better and more competitive than others in Vietnam. We are also proposing the government approve amending this decision to create more outstanding policies to promote and support innovation in Vietnam.

The NIC started construction in early 2021 in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park and will be inaugurated at the end of October. After more than three years of operation, the NIC has formed an innovation ecosystem covering the government, institutes, and businesses.

The purpose of digitalisation and innovation is to make processes smoother and connections easier, Photo: Shutterstock

Going from a resolution to a reality is tough. With the NIC, were there any difficulties or doubts?

When the MPI proposed establishing the NIC, there were many concerns about the possibility of success or operational efficiency of the centre. We worked and discussed carefully with top consulting groups to build a very specific and professional project after researching both international and domestic studies, along with analysis of Vietnam and the region.

The NIC was established as a public service unit with financial autonomy, focusing on promoting innovation, cooperation, and forming supply chains in eight major areas like smart factories, smart cities, digital content, cybersecurity, environmental technology, medical technology, semiconductor industry, and hydrogen technology.

Now the NIC has two headquarters in Hanois Cau Giay district and Hoa Lac High-Tech Park. They have already cooperated with hundreds of large domestic and international technology corporations, more than 200 investment funds, and nearly 2,000 Vietnamese experts and intellectuals worldwide. With that, the NIC has become a pioneer in researching and proposing cooperation mechanisms to support startups and innovation.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  A Montana man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges that he threatened to assault and murder former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Richard Lee Rogers of Billings entered the plea during an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan in federal court.

Rogers is charged with threats to injure and murder a member of Congress, which carries a 10-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine. He faces a second charge of making harassing telephone calls.

The threats allegedly happened Feb. 3, several weeks after Republicans elected McCarthy to his short-lived tenure as speaker  which was characterized by frequent clashes with hard-right members of his own party.

If Ive ever made anyone feel that I was dangerous, or a threat, Im sorry, he wrote.

A grand jury indictment filed last month said the threats were intended as retaliation for McCarthy's actions as House speaker but did not provide details. The indictment said Rogers made repeated interstate phone calls solely to harass a person but did not name the person.

Rogers and attorney Vann Arvanetes from the Federal Defenders of Montana declined comment as they left the courtroom.

In his social media posts Rogers expressed strong support for former President Donald Trump and said he was in Washington D.C. during the Jan. 6 siege of the Capitol by Trump supporters.

His wife, Laurie Rogers, said in a brief interview that her husband never threatened anyone except to say during his calls to officials that he would use his Second Amendment rights to defend himself, referring to the right to keep and bear arms.

Why would he threaten the people he was talking to? That would absolutely get him nowhere," she added.

Rogers has no prior criminal history, according to the judge, who allowed the defendant to remain free under conditions including no drugs or alcohol and no access to firearms. Rogers told the judge that he owns firearms but moved them to his mother's house where they are in a locked safe he can not access.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  LGBTQ+ and civil rights advocates on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee's aggravated prostitution statute, arguing that the law stems from the decades-old AIDS scare and discriminates against HIV-positive people.

The sweeping complaint details how Tennessee is the only state in the United States that imposes a lifetime registration as a violent sex offender if convicted of engaging in sex work while living with HIV, regardless of whether or not the person knew they could transmit the disease.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Transgender Law Center filed the challenge in the U.S. District Court in Memphis on behalf of four plaintiffs and OUTMemphis, a nonprofit that serves LGBTQ+ people. The groups contend that HIV is a protected disability and that singling out people with HIV with harsher penalties violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as other constitutional protections.

This statute solely targets people because of their HIV status and keeps them in cycles of poverty while posing absolutely zero benefit to public health and safety, said Molly Quinn, executive director of OUTMemphis, in a statement. HIV stigma is becoming a thing of the past, and its time for state law to catch up.

Gov. Bill Lee, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch and Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada are all named as defendants in the case. A spokesperson for the attorney general's office, who represents the state, did not immediately return an emailed request for comment on Tuesday.

Prostitution has long been criminalized as a misdemeanor in Tennessee. However, in 1991  as the AIDS epidemic provoked panic and misinformation over prevention was prevalent  Tennessee lawmakers enacted an aggravated prostitution statute, which was a felony and applied only to sex workers living with HIV. The law was later reclassified in 2010 as a violent sexual offense," requiring those convicted to face lifetime sex offender registration.

In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 35 states have laws that criminalize HIV exposure initially designed to discourage HIV transmission but declared that many of these laws were outdated and do not reflect our current understanding of HIV. The CDC also pointed out that Black and Latino communities  particularly gay and bisexual men within those groups  continue to be disproportionately affected. Meanwhile, the same standards do not apply to other infectious diseases.

Over the years, some states have taken steps to repeal their HIV criminal laws, such as Illinois, which repealed all of its HIV-specific criminal laws in 2021. That same year, New Jersey and Virginia repealed all their felony HIV-specific laws.

Yet, Tuesday's lawsuit alleges that the many remaining laws throughout the country have contributed to lingering HIV-related stigma that has discouraged testing and voluntary disclosure.

In states with HIV-specific criminal laws, the number of at-risk individuals who report they have been tested for HIV in the past 12 months negatively correlates with the number of media reports on the criminalization of HIV-exposing behavior, the complaint states.

The four plaintiffs in the complaint, all named Jane Doe, were all convicted of aggravated prostitution at least once and have since faced challenges from having to register as a violent sex offender. One plaintiff reported being harassed after her neighbor discovered her HIV status on the registry list. Another plaintiff has struggled for years to find housing that complies with Tennessee's sex offender registry requirements.

The registration requirements and restrictions are so difficult to comply with that that at times Jane Doe 1 has felt she had no option but to continue to engage in sex work to survive, since it was too difficult to find stable employment, particularly as a transgender woman, the complaint states.

A separate plaintiff is currently incarcerated for violating a sex offender registry requirement and has chosen not to seek parole despite being eligible because complying with registry requirements has become so onerous.

According to the complaint, 83 people are currently registered for aggravated prostitution in Tennessee. The majority of those convictions took place in Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis. The complaint then alleges that the convictions were largely initiated by the Memphis Police Departments Organized Crime Unit in undercover sting operations on street-level sex workers.
A new study says no matter how much the world cuts back on carbon emissions, a key and sizable chunk of Antarctica is essentially doomed to an unavoidable melt. The study's lead author says the full melt will take hundreds of years, but its slow addition of nearly 6 feet to sea levels will reshape where and how people live in the future. Researchers used computer simulations to calculate future melting of protective ice shelves jutting over Antarcticas Amundsen Sea in western Antarctica. Mondays journal Nature Climate Change says even if future warming is limited to just a few tenths of a degree more, it wouldn't be enough to prevent collapse of part of the ice sheet.
While Gov. Greg Abbott is having issues with the Texas Legislature (including many from his own party) in getting his school voucher program underway, his counterpart up here in Arkansas is having a new problem. She had no problem with getting her LEARNS education bill passed with a supplicant state assembly that will transfer state education funds to private schools, predominantly church-related private academies like the ones her three adorable children attend in Little Rock.

Based on that similarity to the Texas school voucher initiative, I would suggest that Abbott ring the Arkansas governors mansion for some advice from our Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Except that she might be delayed in coming to the phone as she has her own new problems to handle.

In what has become known in such a short time as Lecterngate, the term most befitting the furniture piece involved versus Podiumgate, another Arkansas governor is in a tight spot because of a possible cover-up. Nothing to see here, they say: Through her press agent, Gov. Sanders is repeating the mantra that a $19,000 lectern is a valid purchase, and the folderol is merely the work of a left-wing conspiracy.

These desperate radical left keyboard warriors want to manufacture a controversy where one does not exist, communications director Alexa Henning said in a written statement. Note the histrionic, plural exaggeration. This sprung from just one guy with a keyboard.

It causes one to wonder if Gov. Sanders is schooling her press representative in the same falsehood delivery methods she honed so well in her service to President Donald Trump. In any event, that radical left keyboard warrior term appeared early in her governorship, without the keyboard, when Sanders lectured the nation in her Republican response to President Bidens State of the Union address. She purported that Bidens administration is completely hijacked by the radical left ... The dividing line in America is no longer right or left, she said. The choice is between normal or crazy.

Given a choice between icons of shouting Marjorie Taylor Greene wrapped in white fur in the House and Jan. 6 rioter QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley appearing as a hirsute horned Brunhilde in drag, I know which choices are normal. And they arent anything our governor was speaking about that night in February.

So, expect the radical left conspiracy theme to be repeated often in rebuttal from Sanders and her band of Trumpians as Lecterngate evolves. Very soon it will be repeated as often as former Arkansas First Lady Hilary Clinton used vast right-wing conspiracy in defense of her philandering husband. The difference was that the purported or verified sexual dalliances of our wayward son from Hot Springs were not in themselves illegal. What got him in hot water was lying about them under oath.

In the case of the current governor, if all falls into place as truth (or even portions therein), then lying, i.e., tampering with public records, is illegal, a criminal offense in Arkansas, a Class D felony at least.

The problem with that in theory or reality is who will you get to prosecute this when the Arkansas attorney general has exhibited past support for all things Sanders. Since a state credit card was used to buy the sketchy lectern from a consultant (not known for furniture sales of any kind) and former D.C. beltway buddy of the governor  wait a sec, I thought her old boss Trump had drained that swamp. A newspaper columnist in the small city of Siloam Springs proffered that any number of 4-H or Future Farmers clubs across Arkansas would have gladly convened at the high school vocational arts shop and built any number of fine lecterns for free.

Sanders reiterated two weeks ago that the purchase of the expensive lectern is something that wasnt paid for by taxpayers. That is actually an untruth. Charged to the state credit card in June, it belonged to us, the taxpayers of Arkansas, for about three months before a refund check from a state Republican Party account made its way to state coffers Sept. 14. Funny how that refund just happened to be three days after the left wing warrior exposed the credit card charge in the first place. One wonders if this accounting error, as the governor described it, would still be in place, leaving us footing the bill literally, if not for the uncovering.

In a state dominated by poultry farming, it appears the governor thinks well fall for this like an egg from a tall hen. My take: Where theres smokescreen, there almost always fire. Especially since such discoveries coincided with her calling an expensive special legislative term to cover up embarrassment, like her 11-minute state-plane flight from Fayetteville to Rogers (a drive of 30 minutes or less). I doubt if even a Tyson or a Walton billionaire, with private aircraft always on the ready, would have thought to take such a short, expensive-per-mile trip. Appearances matter, especially in a smallish state like Arkansas. Gov. Sanders in this case appeared very elitist. Without journalists and bloggers asking questions and lawfully acquiring state records, we may have never known about the expensive lectern.

On the subject of flights, Ive booked a trip to Hawaii, the Big Island. Ill be in the air much longer than 11 minutes and at a $198 round trip, probably cheaper than Sanders hop over Northwest Arkansas cost taxpayers. I will visit the famous Kilauea volcano, which erupted most recently in mid-September.

Kilauea, meaning much spreading in Hawaiian, is named so for its elongated dome built of successive eruptions. Experiencing just a tad of danger, I expect fumes and hissing from a safe distance rumbling from deep within the volcanic dome.

Back in Arkansas, the fuming and rumbling beneath the Arkansas State Capitol dome will surely spread as more Lecterngate bubbles to the surface. Im fortunate to leave that hot political mess behind, even temporarily. Aloha Oe!
In Portland, Oregon, where he was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, an off-duty pilot suspected of attempting to turn off an Alaska Airlines jet's engines during a weekend trip over the Pacific Northwest was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday.

After being diverted due to what the airline described as a "credible security threat" on a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, Joseph David Emerson, 44, was apprehended on Sunday in Portland. The twin-engine aircraft had safely landed there.

(Photo : by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: The control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport stands over an Alaska Airlines plane as it taxis on September 25, 2023 in Burbank, California. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is warning that vital training for new air traffic controllers would be paused if the government shuts down later this week.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Emerson was traveling as an approved "jump seat" passenger in the aircraft's cockpit while not on duty. This is a common way for commercial airline pilots to get home or to their next assignment.

According to a representative for the Portland district attorney, he was arrested on 83 charges of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangering another person, and one count of endangering an aircraft, as reported by Reuters.

Formal Charges

The spokesman noted that formal charges were anticipated to be brought on Tuesday in Portland's Multnomah County court, where the suspect was scheduled to show up for an afternoon appearance and submit a plea.

According to the airline, Horizon Air, a regional affiliate of Alaska Air Group, operated Alaska Airlines Flight 2059.

The FAA informed U.S. airlines that the off-duty pilot had attempted to shut down the Embraer 175's engines by turning on the engines' fire-suppression system while the aircraft was at cruising altitude.

Emerson was identified as a qualified pilot with a medical clearance last month in an FAA pilot database. According to two American pilots who spoke to Reuters, pilots are expected to self-report any mental health concerns.

Alaska's pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the biggest pilots organization in the world.

In a statement, ALPA noted that the airline industry in North America is "one of the most highly vetted and scrutinized careers."

The episode, according to Adam Silverthorne, president of the NRI Flying Club in California, was inconsistent with the gentle, meticulous family guy that Adam Silverthorne knew Emerson to be some years ago when Emerson was a club member and gave flight training. Emerson attended NRI in 2016, according to a club newsletter.

Read also: JetBlue Plane's Nose Tips Backwards in Air at JFK Airport Due to 'Shift in Weight'

No Ongoing Threat for Passengers

There was "no ongoing threat related to this incident," according to the FBI's Portland office, to travelers.

The incident "is not connected in any way, shape, or form to current world events," the FAA informed airlines in a second notification on Monday, adding that it is "always good practice to maintain vigilance."

Related article: Off-Duty Alaska Airlines Pilot Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Trying To Shut Off Engines Mid-Flight

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WATERLOO  Those wanting to celebrate Halloween with rock music can do so this weekend, all while helping local families.

Kodie Krypt, the bassist for the local horror rock band Gravecorps, is ready for this years Chaos For A Cause event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Electric Park Ballroom.

Krypt has worked alongside the Rock 108 radio station for the past three years to put on the benefit concert. All the money raised goes toward The Iowa Giving Crew, based in Cedar Rapids. The nonprofit provides families with uncooked Thanksgiving meals in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Dubuque through their Operation Give Birds project.

The concert has provided more than 1,000 meals to the community. The meal includes turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans and rolls and typically feeds a family of four.

(Iowa Giving Crew) keeps everything local, Krypt said. You can see the direct result of the labor you put into it.

He hopes to raise at least $10,000 this year.

Six Iowa-based bands will take the stage Saturday night. The Rumours, a female-fronted 1970s punk rock band, will headline, as well as Krypts Gravecorps.

He described Gravecorps as music similar to The Misfits, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and KISS. Gravecorps also wears costumes and face makeup, as well as having fake blood, confetti, lights and fog machines. Krypt said their performance will be recorded for a future live album.

Other bands include NonGrata, an alternative metal band; 8 Foundead, a grunge rock band; Amuck, an alternative rock band; and Dark Agenda, a thrash metal band.

Krypt said he enjoys the juxtaposition of being a horror-themed, theatrical band but ultimately donating all of their earnings to charity.

We like giving back, he said. Weve all been in hard places in our lives and know how much something can mean to somebody.

Tickets can be bought in advance for $10 at nationalcattlecongress.com. Tickets at the door will be $15. Electric Park Ballroom has a service fee and that money does not go toward the charity.

The event is for all ages. An 18+ costume contest will also go on, presented by The CORE Comics and Games, where the winner will receive a $1,000 grand prize.

Celebrate Halloween with these free coloring pages, activities, and printables 1. Crayola Witchs Hat Printable Halloween Coloring Page 2. Cute Ghosts Printable Halloween Coloring Pages 3. Haunted House Coloring Pages 4. Halloween Printable Maze Worksheets for Young Children 5. Halloween Word Search Printable 6. Pin the Nose on the Jack-o-Lantern 7. Printable Halloween Bingo Cards 8. Halloween Mask Printables for Coloring 9. Halloween Mandala Print Pumpkin Coloring Page 10. Halloween A to Z Printable Activity Page
CRESCO  Attorneys for an Elma man accused of killing a friend whose remains were allegedly found in his burn pit are asking the court to gauge potential jurors as his trial approaches.

Sayvonne Lealbert Jordan, 26, is charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in the October 2022 slaying of 30-year-old Jonathan Esparza of New Hampton, and trial is scheduled to begin in November in Howard County District Court.

During a pretrial conference Monday, defense attorney Nichole Watt requested a questionnaire to determine how much potential jurors have heard about the case and know of the people involved.

Assistant Iowa Attorney General Monty Platz, who is prosecuting the case with Howard County Attorney Kevin Schoeber, resisted the request.

Judge Laura Parrish directed the defense to prepare suggested questions in order to determine the matter at a later date.

Jordan, who remains in jail, and the defense appeared for Mondays hearing remotely through video. His attorneys have filed notice they may argue Jordan acted in self-defense or defense of others at trial.

Court officials plan to call 65 people for jury selection, which authorities say would fill all available seating in the courtroom.

Esparza disappeared in October 2022. During the investigation, authorities searched Jordans home and a burn pit and burn barrel in his back yard where they allegedly found Esparzas remains, according to court records.

The defense had asked the court to throw out statements Jordan made to investigators because he wasnt read his Miranda rights.

Judge Parrish ruled Jordan wasnt in custody at the time of the police interview, so Miranda rights didnt apply.

The defense voluntarily withdrew an argument that evidence seized from the burn pit and burn barrel overstepped a search warrant.

Photos: 2023 UNI Homecoming Parade UNI Homecoming Parade 5 UNI Homecoming Parade 1 UNI Homecoming Parade 2 UNI Homecoming Parade 3 UNI Homecoming Parade 4 UNI Homecoming Parade 6 UNI Homecoming Parade 7 UNI Homecoming Parade 8 UNI Homecoming Parade 9 UNI Homecoming Parade 10 UNI Homecoming Parade 11 UNI Homecoming Parade 12 UNI Homecoming Parade 13 UNI Homecoming Parade 14 UNI Homecoming Parade 15 UNI Homecoming Parade 16 UNI Homecoming Parade 17 UNI Homecoming Parade 18 UNI Homecoming Parade 19 UNI Homecoming Parade 20 UNI Homecoming Parade 21 UNI Homecoming Parade 22 UNI Homecoming Parade 23 VIDEO: UNI Marching Band performs at homecoming parade
WATERLOO  Jurors have acquitted a Waterloo man accused of being the driver in an August robbery that erupted into a gunfight.

When the shooting stopped, one of the alleged robbers was left with a gunshot wound to the head and three of his alleged accomplices were arrested for robbery.

Jurors deliberated Tuesday afternoon and Monday morning before finding 30-year-old Larry Earl Lorondez Phillips not guilty of first-degree robbery.

Prosecutors claimed Phillips aided and abetted Eric Darnail Hayes Jr., Deondre Jermaine Seals, both 17, and Aundaris Reed, 28, in a plan to rob two people when they arrived on Mohawk Street to sell two handguns (the transaction had originally been described as a marijuana deal in court records).

Police alleged Phillips drove the robbers to the scene and waited about a block away behind One City United Church on Independence Avenue.

He knows whats going on. He knows whats going to happen, Prosecutor Brad Walz told jurors during closing arguments on Monday. This was a planned robbery. The defendant knows about it. The defendant actively participated.

Seals was also about a block away, acting as a lookout in case police pulled up.

Things didnt go according to plan.

As Hayes and Reed approached the victims vehicle with guns, gunfire broke out and the vehicle took off. Seals also squeezed off about five 9 mm rounds from his position.

Bullets hit the fleeing vehicle and when officers arrived they found Reed on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head. When authorities moved him, they discovered a gun underneath him.

Phillips was on GPS monitoring for probation at the time of the shooting and Walz said investigators tracked his location near the scene.

Phillips took the stand in his own defense and said he wasnt involved in the incident.

He wasnt there, he didnt pull any guns, said defense attorney James Metcalf.

Metcalf said Seals, who testified and implicated Phillips as part of a plea deal with the state for a possible 15-year sentence, was merely looking out for his own interests.

Hayes was also charged and his trial is tentatively set for November.

Reed, who had allegedly skipped bail on an unrelated charge before the incident, survived the shooting. He was treated for his injuries but disappeared while in the hospital and is now at large, according to statements in court.

How to stay secure during a hotel stay TOSS THE KEY ENVELOPE IMMEDIATELY WHAT ABOUT MANUAL KEYS? MUM'S THE WORD TAKE MENTAL NOTES ON ARRIVAL IF YOU FEEL FOLLOWED A WORD ABOUT HOTEL SAFES GET THE HOTEL'S BUSINESS CARDS WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL THE FRONT DESK THE TAKEAWAY
WATERLOO  Four teens have been arrested for allegedly mugging a high school student in a park Friday morning.

Waterloo police charged two 16 year olds and two 15 year olds with second-degree robbery.

According to court records, the four youths surrounded the victim in Lafayette Park as he was walking from East High School to Newtons Cafe around 11:45 a.m. Friday.

The assailants assaulted the victim, knocked him to the ground and took $5 in cash. He got to his feet and began to flee and nearby construction workers in the area helped him back to school where he reported the attack.

Police detained the suspects at Hardees. One of the youths videotaped the attack, according to court records.

Small cities and towns are getting safer, while violent crime in large cities is on the rise Small cities and towns are getting safer, while violent crime in large cities is on the rise 7 of the 10 safest small cities are in the Northeast Are small cities and towns safer than big cities?
WATERLOO  Veridian Credit Union is preparing to serve its 42nd annual Mike and Leona Adams Thanksgiving Dinner at the UAW Local 838 Union Hall, 2615 Washington St.

In order to have greater impact, the Cedar Valleys largest free Thanksgiving meal only will be offered via curbside pickup and delivery on Nov. 20. Metropolitan Transit Authority will deliver the meals to anyone living in Cedar Falls, Evansdale or Waterloo whos without transportation.

A delivery or pick-up time slot reservation is required to receive a free meal and can be requested at www.veridiancu.org/Thanksgiving until Nov. 1. Time slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The credit union now prepares 1,300 to 1,400 meals each year with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, corn and pumpkin pie.

The meals had been part of an in-person dining event until the pandemic prompted a now-permanent shift to curbside pick-up in 2020. The meal is named after Mike Adams, the late board member for what is now Veridian Credit Union and member of the UAW Local 838, and his wife Leona. The couple brought both organizations together to serve the inaugural free community meal in November 1982.

We originally intended to shift from curbside pick-up back to in-person dining after the pandemic, said Julie Gage, public relations strategist and Thanksgiving dinner coordinator, in a statement. Instead, we learned that the efficiency of serving the meals exclusively through delivery and curbside pick-up allow us to prepare and distribute more meals than we were ever able to in-person.

Event partners include College Square Hy-Vee, Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., Metropolitan Transit Authority of Black Hawk County, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging and the UAW Local 838.

Photos through the years of the Mike and Leona Thanksgiving dinner 112017bp-thanksgiving-dinner-2 112017bp-thanksgiving-dinner-3 112017bp-thanksgiving-dinner-4 112017bp-thanksgiving-dinner-1 112017bp-thanksgiving-dinner-5 112116tsr-mike-leona-adams-thanksgiving-02 112116tsr-mike-leona-adams-thanksgiving-01 112116tsr-mike-leona-adams-thanksgiving-03 Mike and Leona Adams 112315tsr-adams-thanksgiving-03 112315tsr-adams-thanksgiving-02 112315tsr-adams-thanksgiving-04 112414mp-uaw-Thanksgiving-Dinner-3 112414mp-uaw-Thanksgiving-Dinner-2 112414mp-uaw-Thanksgiving-Dinner-1 111214file-UAW-dinner-4 111214file-UAW-dinner-3 111214file-UAW-dinner-2 111214file-UAW-dinner-1 112513cc-thanksgiving-dinner-04 112513cc-thanksgiving-dinner-03 112513cc-thanksgiving-dinner-06 112513cc-thanksgiving-dinner-01 112513cc-thanksgiving-dinner-02 112513cc-thanksgiving-dinner-05 111912mp-UAW-dinner-1
A Cotter High School sophomore is one of 34 students across the country to take part in a unique, free opportunity to learn about civics this school year.

Erica Beckman was chosen out of nearly 350 applicants to participate in this years iCivics' Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship.

iCivics was founded in 2009 by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor.

As part of the fellowship, Beckman had the chance to travel to Washington, D.C., from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 to visit memorials and other historic sites and discover how they can relate to current events.

The learning didnt stop when Beckman returned home, though, as now she participates in online meetings every other Sunday as part of the fellowship.

Through the fellowship and its meetings, Beckman said she is learning how to participate in government locally, statewide and federally.

I think so far I learned that engaging in local government and engaging in history is extremely important to become wiser in your future and to educate yourself and to always know what's going on even if it doesn't directly apply to you because maybe someday it might, Beckman said. And you can always learn from those experiences even if you aren't necessarily involved.

Beckman first learned about the opportunity last year, when history teacher Sydney Bockelman proposed the idea of applying.

Bockelman said she specifically brought the idea up to Beckman, because, I could just tell how engaged in a lot of aspects of social studies generally Erica was.

I've always really enjoyed history as a kid and social studies is like learning about history, but also applying it to today and learning lessons from that, Beckman explained why she agreed to apply. I think I was really interested in (the fellowship) because I could learn more about how to actually engage with my community and actually be a part of something rather than just sitting in a class learning about it.

After applying last school year, Beckman received her acceptance email over the summer.

It felt really, really good to get in and know that I was actually going to be a part of something and really better my education in social studies and civics, Beckman said, sharing that she was excited when she received the email.

Bockelman had just started teaching last year, so she said she was also thrilled to have the chance to get one of her students involved an opportunity outside of the walls of the classroom.

In the future, Beckman said she hopes to be able to share with her peers about her experiences in the fellowship and what she has learned from it.

By one person being in this fellowship, everyone can gain from it, she said.
HORICON  Dozens of veterans traveled to Horicon last weekend for the 15th annual Horicon Veterans Hunt, with many coming to the event for camaraderie as much or more than for the hunting on Horicon Marsh.

About 85 veterans and active-duty military personnel joined for duck hunting and a chance to enjoy their time together.

It is a chance for all these veterans to get together and enjoy a weekend of camaraderie and fellowship, organizer Andy Johnson said. We take them out duck hunting and pheasant hunting, but really the event is all about the veterans. They love getting together and being around their own.

The veterans love the event, and Johnson said the organizers love putting the event on as well.

We want to give back to these guys who gave to us, Johnson said.

The event has been able to survive because of the community and those in the surrounding area, Johnson said.

The people get so involved with this, the city of Horicon, John Deere, the city of Beaver Dam, Johnson said. Everyone comes together and just donates food and helps out with everything, and that is another thing the veterans are in awe about. They were veterans and learned to take care of the person next to them. When they get out of the military, they do not really have that in civilian life. This is an event where they see small town America coming together and giving to them unselfishly, and it touches them and we love doing that.

The event is only able to house 85 people, Johnson said. On Friday they had a meet and greet with pizza, with the veterans going out on hunts on Saturday morning and afternoon. Texas Roadhouse was there on Saturday for a steak fry. On Sunday, there were some hunts, and the veterans returned home.

About 60 percent of participants return each year, and 40 percent are new to the event, Johnson said.

We have veterans who will give up their spot for other veterans who havent been able to get in, Johnson said.

This year there was one veteran from Alaska who attended, but there have been veterans from Canada, Arkansas and Guam.

We have veterans who are still on active duty and plan their leave around this event, Johnson said. We have had guys come from Okinawa.

Bryan Bessa has been going to the event for 14 years and makes a point to come every year.

If you know anything about waterfowl hunting, people who do it religiously follow the weather patterns, and when you plan an event a year in advance, you get what you get, Bessa said. I dont think the hunting is the major event, I think it is about getting brothers and sisters in arms together and hanging out and camaraderie and spending time together and telling stories. Obviously, the hunt is a bonus, and we have amazing guides and volunteers who put it together and give people the experience to see the Horicon Marsh, but it is really about the friendships.

Ryan Thomas said he had been trying to get in for a few years after finding out about the event from a friend.

I get a chance to see some guys I was in with who get here every year and meet new people, Thomas said.

Photos: A tour of Horicon Marsh via pontoon boat
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities honored state Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, in his hometown on Monday for his work as co-chair of the Joint Financial Committee for the shared revenue and housing funding packages that will help local municipalities with their budgets.

Events are happening throughout the state to thank representatives who worked on the legislation that helps local governments work together to better serve their communities, said Beaver Dam Mayor Becky Glewen, who attended the meeting along with other area leaders including some Beaver Dam City Council members.

Shared revenue provides municipalities with unrestricted aid through the state and became Wisconsin Act 12 earlier this year.

We want to thank Mark for his work this year with the budget and listening to our concerns and really putting that conversation forward through his work and making sure we saw some results with shared revenue, Glewen said.

Toni Herkert, government affairs director for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, said it was the second year of her organizations regional meetings and it did a kickoff for shared revenue last year, but this fall there is an effort to thank the legislative leaders in the state for the shared revenue package. There was a joint effort to work together for cities, towns and counties in order to take shared revenue from an idea to a reality.

Keep in mind being together for the whole thing meant nobody got 100 percent what they want, Herkert said. We all had to compromise and if we could do it in a vacuum just representing cities and villages the package could look a little bit differently than it did today.

Herkert said it is fortunate to have someone with Borns understanding of municipal government in the state Legislature. Born is former Beaver Dam City Council member.

This year I have seen so much compromise both in the Legislature and the governors office that I think there is still possibility to get some good things accomplished, Herkert said.

As we started our budget discussions in our finance committee, we created buckets of things that we can fund, Born said. Education has this bucket. Tax cut has this bucket. The (Department of Natural Resources) has this bucket. We created a bucket for shared revenue for the first time.

To accomplish big things like that, Born said people have to be willing to work together and be patient.

This thing died as many times as complex legislation should, Born said.

There are some other big initiatives in the states budget this year, including K-12 funding and housing, Born said.

The more that the county, town and municipal levels can work together, the more that they will be able to accomplish, Born said.

I dont go down there and think of ways I can mess with Beaver Dam, Born said. It is my hometown. I want to help them. Its not easy because there is a lot of folks who need help or think they need help, so the more you can build those coalitions, Born said, you will accomplish a lot more.

GALLERY: Beaver Dam Pepper Festival held
There have been at least 2,000 children murdered in Gaza in recent weeks amid the conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group, according to a humanitarian organization. Doctors in Gaza have warned that many more infants and injured adults may die soon due to the Israeli embargo on fuel, prompting aid organizations to appeal for a ceasefire.

After 1,400 people, primarily civilians, were murdered and over 200 were held captive in terror assaults and kidnappings on October 7, the Israeli government promised to completely destroy Hamas.

Appeal for Children's Safety

Israeli bombings have ruined whole neighborhoods in Gaza, destroying hospitals, houses, schools, and mosques. Whole streets in the al-Rimal district of Gaza City were torn down, and a stretch of buildings known as the al-Zahra towers in central Gaza were also completely demolished, as shown in a CNN drone video from Monday, October 23.

Save the Children released a statement on Monday declaring that over a million kids are "trapped" in Gaza with nowhere to flee. It added the lack of access to medicine and electricity for health facilities in the enclave would have terrible effects.

The aid group said that at least 2,000 children had been murdered in Gaza over the course of the previous 17 days, with another 27 having been slain in the West Bank.

"We call on all parties to take immediate steps to protect the lives of children, and on the international community to support those efforts," Save the Children said.

At least 5,087 people, including 2,055 children, have been killed as a direct consequence of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas.

Ashraf Al-Qudra, a spokesperson for the health ministry, said in a separate statement, "The health system [in Gaza] has reached the worst stage in its history."

Also Read: [VIDEO] Unseen Actual Hamas Attack in Israel Showing Harrowing Killings, Revealed To Counter Denials

Fuel Required for Survival

In Gaza, fuel is essential to survival. No water can be pumped or desalinated without fuel, and hospitals cannot keep incubators, ventilators, dialysis machines, and sterilization equipment working without fueling their generators. Israeli airstrikes and a lack of fuel have rendered 12 hospitals and 32 clinics in Gaza inoperable, according to CNN.

Despite the urgency, no gasoline trucks have entered Gaza as part of a humanitarian relief convoy from Egypt's Rafah border crossing over the weekend. Israel has consistently claimed that Hamas would only steal gasoline for its own military purposes, including rocket launches.

Israel would not let gasoline into Gaza even if all captives are freed, Mark Regev, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said on Monday, as reported by CNN.

"At the moment we have no interest in more fuel going to the Hamas military machine and we have not authorized fuel, we have authorized medicine, we have authorized water. We've authorized foodstuffs, we've not authorized anything else," Regev explained.

Also Read: Hamas Frees 2 More Hostages from Israel

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Todd Nelson is continuing to expand his brand throughout the country.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, which is owned by the Wisconsin Dells native, broke ground on its fifth location in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on Friday. The new resort, near Fredericksburg between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, will be roughly 1.38 million square feet and is expected to open to the public in November 2026.

Kalaharis original location in Lake Delton opened in May of 2000. The chain has since opened three other locations: in Sandusky, Ohio, in 2005; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, in 2015; and Round Rock, Texas, in 2020.

The upcoming Virginia location is a really big deal for our family, Nelson said in an interview. We have wanted to open a Kalahari here since 2007, he added, saying the resort will add 1,200 to 1,400 new jobs in the area.

The upcoming location will have 907 guest rooms, large indoor and outdoor waterparks and an indoor theme park, four restaurants, and a convention center, Nelson said, referring to Kalahari as a one-stop shop. Spotsylvania County board supervisor Kevin Marshall said the resort is a $900 million investment.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a welcome addition to Virginias ever-growing travel and tourism industry, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said in a statement. Tourism development is essential to building our economy and positioning the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination. The opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will attract more visitors and businesses to Virginia, which will generate hospitality jobs and create a significant economic impact for the region.

Jobs at the resort range from entry to executive level, and the resort will bring in increased tax revenue, according to Nelson and Marshall.

The Nelson family has a proven track record of being an excellent community partner, and we look forward to working with them through the construction and execution phases of the project, and for many years to come, Marshall said in a statement.

Officials in Spotsylvania County and the commonwealth have been incredibly welcoming and supportive to the upcoming Kalahari, Nelson said in a statement. He added that he and his family have always loved Virginia and expressed excitement with bringing his venture there.

Additional information on Kalaharis upcoming location in Spotsylvania County can be found on the resorts and the countys websites.
A small wooden boat is towed into a port in Yangyang, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Four suspected North Korean defectors were found in the small wooden boat near the two Koreas' sea border Tuesday, South Korean officials said. (Park Young-seo/Yonhap via AP)
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FILEHouse Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., center, is flanked by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the temporary leader of the House of Representatives, left, and Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, right, as lawmakers convene to hold a third ballot to elect a speaker of the House, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. After the rejection of former speaker Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan by the GOP caucus, Emmer is emerging as the newest probable candidate to hold the gavel.
Artificial intelligence (AI) could make the rampant growth of robocall scams and fraudulent texts metastasize even further.



The technology allows the bad guys to create deep fakes all too easily. They can clone the voices of famous celebrities or your loved ones, convincing unsuspecting folks to part with their Social Security numbers, other sensitive personal information and often lifelong savings.

AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now

Last year the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received 120,000 written complaints about robocalls, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told Nancy LeaMond, AARPs chief advocacy and engagement officer, during a Monday chat that included AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. Call-protection app YouMail estimated more than 50.3 billion illegal robocalls were made last year.

Its the issue that more consumers complain about than anything else, Rosenworcel says. She added that the Federal Trade Commission, a sister federal agency, reported that 20 percent of fraud cases begin with a phone call.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel hopes to use artificial intelligence to stop robocalls before they reach your phone. AARP

Now, along with other tools the FCC has in place to address the issues, Rosenworcel wants to fight AI fraud with artificial intelligence itself.

The one thing I know about any battle is youve got to go in with optimism, the FCC chairwoman told AARP. And so at this point while everyone is talking about AI and the scary prospects associated with its use in the long term, I want to in the short term explore how we can look at it on communications networks. It is better than any human being at identifying fraud and junk on networks. So lets put it to use for good.

She is proposing a so-called notice of inquiry that would seek public comment on the following if the full commission adopts it during its Nov. 15 meeting:

How AI technologies fit into the FCCs statutory responsibilities under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

If and when future AI technologies fall under TCPA.

How AI affects existing regulation and creating future policy.

If the commission should consider ways to verify the authenticity of legitimately generated AI voice or text content from trusted sources.

And what any next steps might be.

Will these moves result in an AI arms race of good vs. evil?
In Austria, many individuals were hospitalized after taking what authorities suspect to be fake Ozempic. This highlights concerns about the possible circulation of counterfeit versions of this diabetic medicine across Europe.

This year, Ozempic sprang to fame as several high-profile individuals praised its effectiveness in helping them shed pounds rapidly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the medication approval in 2017 for use against diabetes. In 2021, a medicine named Wegovy was authorized that was very similar to Ozempic, except that it included a much greater concentration of the active component semaglutide.

Scarcity Leads to Counterfeit Production

European regulators have recently issued a warning that the increased demand for Ozempic has led to scarcity for diabetic patients, prompting criminal groups to capitalize on the shortage by releasing counterfeit injectable pens into the market.

According to the New York Times, some of the patients in Austria who were given what is believed to be fake Ozempic had severe adverse effects, including hypoglycemia and seizures. Authorities attributed it to the medication containing insulin instead of semaglutide. They said the counterfeit pens, which were one milligram in strength, likely originated from a source other than a pharmacy.

There is a possibility that stocks of the affected batch are still in circulation or that other physicians have obtained this illegal channel, according to the officials' statement. "Patients who have obtained Ozempic pre-filled pens directly from physicians not in charge of in-house pharmacies should contact them immediately."

Two unnamed wholesalers in Britain have been found to be selling Ozempic pens with incorrect labels, according to the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the country. It was confirmed that the pens had been imported to the United Kingdom from reputable sources in Austria and Germany and that all of them had been retrieved before distribution to patients.

In a similar announcement last week, the European Medicines Agency said that it was cooperating with national authorities. The European Union's drug distributors have been made aware of the situation.

Also Read: Diabetes Drug Shows Promise as Weight Loss Treatment

Downsides Despite Weight Loss Efficacy

Although Ozempic has been quite successful in helping people lose pounds, it does have some drawbacks. Some patients, doctors say, use Ozempic and similar medicines to achieve rapid weight loss and then feel depressed when they have to stop using them. Other people hit a plateau and stop taking the medicines, at which point they usually start gaining weight again.

There are other risks associated with the medicine despite its ability to help people lose weight. These include premature aging of the face, extreme loss of appetite that may lead to malnutrition, and muscle loss.

Concerns about the drugs may be amplified in elderly people. Experts warn that the elderly are in increased danger of becoming fragile and experiencing fractures and falls the more muscle they lose beyond 65. For continued mobility and autonomy, keeping muscle mass at a steady level is essential.

Also Read: Walmart: Weight-Loss Drugs Impact Food Sales; Exec Claims GLP-1 Agonist Users Purchase Less Food Products

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.


Harnessing Earth data with Descartes Labs

Sydney, Oct 24, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Join Descartes Labs on Tuesday, October 31, for a special speaking engagement titled, "Harnessing Earth Observation Data to Revolutionize the Mining Lifecycle" at the Hatch Mining Innovation Theatre from 14:45 -15:05. Steve Davis, our resident Mining Accounts Executive, with 18 years of mining industry experience, is joined by guest speaker, Dr. Anthony Harris, Chief Geoscientist at Newcrest, to share their experience using Earth observation (EO) data to derive analytics that benefit the entire mining value chain.



Visit the Descartes Labs team at Booth C47 from Tuesday, Oct 31 to Thursday, Nov 2, 2023 to discover the Descartes Labs advantage through actionable solutions that are data-driven and geology-led. We'll help accelerate your goals with technology spanning from mineral exploration to infrastructure monitoring to sustainable mining.



Mineral Exploration



With Marigold, the world's most advanced geological exploration system, geologists have access to a complete suite of exploration tools, boosting the number of AOIs they can investigate and accelerating mineral targeting timelines. Build regional to camp-scale processing workflows and quickly develop insights into the presence and composition of buried ore deposits in days instead of months. With the addition of hyperspectral data processing capabilities, Marigold is now more powerful than ever before!



Infrastructure Monitoring



Improve operational safety and reduce costs with our Global Deformation System (GDS), the world's first fully automated, global subsidence and ground deformation monitoring solution. Built using innovative Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology, this globally scalable solution transcends geographic boundaries to monitor assets, consistently and comprehensively.



Sustainable Mining



Empowering mining companies to monitor key sustainability measurements across global assets, from baselining to meeting rehabilitation objectives. Gain the ability to remotely track the restoration performance of mine sites, reduce costs associated with the recovery of the ecological environment, and drive progress towards sustainability goals.



Learn more about our solutions and schedule a meeting with our team. While at our booth for groundbreaking analytics, take a break by cracking a geode (while supplies last).



About Descartes Labs



Descartes Labs solves the world's most complex problems through advanced science. We offer customers an accelerated ability to address operational needs by transforming the world's data into actionable and predictive insights that impact climate change, sustainability, food security, and safeguard natural resources at the speed of relevance. Our solutions offer unique advantages to our customers that are grounded in an ever-expanding portfolio of advanced analytics, products, and capabilities which are enabled by our core technology stack.





About International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC)





The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is where global mining leaders collaborate on trends in mining, investment and innovation towards a sustainable future. As Australia's largest mining event, it brings together over 8,500 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators, and educators from more than 100 countries for three days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking. IMARC is developed in collaboration with its founding partners the Victorian State Government, Austmine, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Mines and Money, and held with the support of its Host Partner, the NSW Government.

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Global Energy Transition with Exclusive Roundtable

Sydney, Oct 25, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The World Economic Forum (WEF) will bring together political and business leaders at a special forum focusing on the global energy transition, and Australia's role in it, as part of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) being held in Sydney from 31 October - 2 November.



The event, consisting of an exclusive roundtable and a panel discussion, will explore the challenge of transitioning to renewable energy whilst managing the need for low-cost and reliable power generation.



The "Australia Energy Transition Community" roundtable will take place on 1 November for WEF's mining, energy, finance and public sector members.



It will bring together major players from both the public and private sectors to discuss the opportunities, complexities and realities of the energy transition for Australia. Its aim is to set a clearer pathway forward between the government and the private sector on Australia's energy transition and critical minerals strategy.



The WEF initiative comes as wholesale power prices in Australia have risen by more than 140 per cent in the past year, focusing attention on the cost of energy for households and businesses and the alternatives facing policy makers as Australia strives to meet its emissions reduction goals.



IMARC Conference Director Sherene Asnasyous says the WEF initiative highlights IMARC's role as a key forum to enable the industry to address the issues facing not only Australia, but the global energy sector.



She says IMARC, unlike other industry forums, can bring together stakeholders from across the entire value chain to share their insights, perspectives and solutions on how to achieve a sustainable and prosperous energy future for Australia and the world.



"We are proud that the World Economic Forum has chosen IMARC to host this important initiative on the energy transition in Australia. Over its 10 years, IMARC has become the leading forum in Australia to connect industry leaders, politicians, and the broader business community to facilitate conversations to address existential issues facing society."



Jorgen Sandstrom, Head, Transforming Industrial Ecosystems at the WEF, will lead the exclusive discussion with the hope of better aligning the resource and energy sector across public and private sectors.



Mr Sandstrom said, "The current paradigm, which we hope to change, is that the energy sector and resource sector particularly from a government level operate independently from one another, which results in less effective policy. The transition to renewable energy is a complex challenge that requires a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors and we believe that Australia can lead the world given it's resource wealth, strong governance systems and highly trained workforce."



The keynote panel discussion to follow, titled "Unlocking Australia's Energy Transition: From a Global to a Country Perspective" will feature Mr Sandstrom and executives from leading mining, energy and finance companies:



- Gillian Cagney: President, Australia and New Zealand (incl. PNG & Mongolia), Worley



- Andrew Hinchcliff: Group Executive Institutional Banking and Markets, Commonwealth Bank of Australia



- Sam Crafter: Chief Executive Officer, Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia



- Mark Cutifani: Non-Executive Director, TotalEnergies. Senior Independent Director, Laing O'Rourke and Chair, Base Metals, Vale



The panel will explore the global trends and challenges of the energy transition, and how Australia can leverage its natural resources, innovation and collaboration to achieve its net-zero emissions target and become a global leader in the green economy.





About International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC)





The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is where global mining leaders collaborate on trends in mining, investment and innovation towards a sustainable future. As Australia's largest mining event, it brings together over 8,500 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators, and educators from more than 100 countries for three days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking. IMARC is developed in collaboration with its founding partners the Victorian State Government, Austmine, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Mines and Money, and held with the support of its Host Partner, the NSW Government.

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Instagram Celebrity

The 'Bloodsport' actor insists he no longer has 'problem' with the 'Under Siege' star after the two action movie stars were involved in public spat for decades.

Oct 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Jean-Claude Van Damme's long-running feud with Steven Seagal has finally ended more than 30 years after they first fell out. The 63-year-old actor - famous as the Muscles from Brussels - was involved in a lengthy spat with the "Under Siege" star for years after Seagal questioned his martial arts ability in a 1991 interview and Van Damme later challenged him to a fight at a party thrown by Sylvester Stallone.

Van Damme, however, is adamant there's no longer any bad blood between them. "I have no problem with Steven. When you're young you want to be the macho man. If I saw him today, I'd have no problem," he told DailyMail.com.

Van Damme recently admitted the actors were offered $20 million each to take part in a huge fight in Las Vegas, but he claimed his rival backed out. He told the Daily Telegraph newspaper, "They were having an idea to have a fight between me and Steven at The Mirage [in Las Vegas]. Twenty million each. He didn't take the fight."

Stallone previously told the story of Van Damme challenging Seagal to a fight at the party he threw at his Miami mansion back in 1997 and the "Timecop" star later insisted he waited outside the bash for hours, but his rival never showed up.

The "Rocky" star claimed Van Damme then tracked Seagal down to a nightclub and tried to fight him, but he vanished again. Stallone told Aintitcool.com, "At my home in Miami, I believe it was in '96 or '97, Van Damme was there with Seagal, Willis, Schwarzenegger, Shaquille O'Neal, Don Johnson and Madonna  it was a heck of a party."

"Van Damme was tired of Seagal saying he could kick his ass and went right up to him and offered him the chance to step outside so he could wipe the floor with him ... Seagal made some excuse and left ... Van Damme, who was completely berserk, tracked him down and again offered him a fight, and again Seagal pulled a Houdini. Who would win? I have to say I believe Van Damme was just too strong and Seagal wanted no part of it."

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The 'Silver Linings Playbook' actor and the 'Marriage Story' actress are caught on camera grabbing lunch in Manhattan after he was spotted at a luxury hotel with the model.

Oct 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Bradley Cooper has stepped out with Laura Dern in New York City. The "Silver Linings Playbook" actor was spotted out and about with the "Marriage Story" actress around Manhattan shortly after it was reported that he went to Pennsylvania with Gigi Hadid.

On Monday, October 23, the 48-year-old actor and the 56-year-old actress were caught on camera grabbing lunch at Cafe Cluny in the West Village neighborhood. In pictures making their rounds online, the two could be seen having a seemingly serious conversation while they were walking next to each other.

Bradley and Laura later parted ways and were seen walking alone in some of the photos. One picture in particular saw her carrying a bouquet of colorful flowers. In the meantime, he was photographed talking on the phone.

The new sighting of Bradley and Laura came only hours after PEOPLE revealed that he and Gigi enjoyed a getaway in Bucks County, Pennsylvania together. Bradley and Gigi were seen at a luxury hotel named River House at Odette's a few weeks ago.

"They were both here at the same time," a source spilled to the outlet. The source went on to share that Bradley and Gigi were spending an evening "at the hotel's exclusive roof bar." The source added, "The roof bar is for members and hotel guests only."

According to the eyewitness, Gigi and her siblings, Bella Hadid as well as Anwar Hadid, are members and often visit the place. In addition, the eyewitness stated, "Their family farm is only about a mile down the road," while making a reference to the three stars' mother Yolanda Hadid's Bucks County horse farm in New Hope.

Bradley and Gigi sparked romance rumors after their dinner date at Via Carota in New York City on October 5. Three days later, the two were pictured arriving at her apartment in the Big Apple following a seemingly overnight getaway together.

On October 16, a source claimed that the "American Sniper" actor and the Victoria's Secret model enjoyed trips somewhere outside of New York City during the weekends. Speaking to PEOPLE, the source said, "Gigi is great. She is getting to know Bradley outside of the city. They take weekend trips together. She has fun. She likes that he is a dad, too."

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The 'All the Way Up' rapper, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, vehemently denies rumors suggesting that he found success in his music career because he was a part of the Illuminati.

Oct 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Fat Joe has had enough of hearing rumors about him being a part of the Illuminati. The "All the Way Up" rapper angrily responded to the chatters during an Instagram Live over the weekend.

"Some people start makin' excuses and sayin, 'Yoo, they livin' like that 'cause they did this, they Illuminati, they signed with a cult, they did this,' " the 53-year-old began his rant. "Hello, he had to work for this s**t."

Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, went on to emphasize, "I've met everybody; I've never met the Illuminati." He then added, "So now what my theory is is you got people who're frustrated with seeing other people being successful, and they make up this thing called Illuminati."

" 'Cause you gotta be part of some s**t because you rich, you gotta be part of some s**t 'cause you got famous, you gotta be part of some s**t because 'there's no way, I've tried everything,' " the emcee concluded.

Fat Joe is not the only hip-hop artist who was hit with Illuminati rumors. Cardi B is facing the same allegation after Kanye West bashed her in a segment from an unreleased documentary that leaked online earlier this month.

"Cardi B is a plant by the Illuminati... She doesn't write her raps," the Yeezy designer continued to claim. "She's just there to sound as ignorant as possible. She's literally replaced Nicki Minaj purposely she thinks it's a blessing from the universe, it ain't no f**king blessing."

Cardi, however, seemingly didn't care about Ye's Illuminati diss or she didn't get it. She reacted to Ye's statement by posting a clip of an interview Ye took part in last year with Hollywood Unlocked. During the interview, the "Gold Digger" spitter spoke about their collaboration with Lil Durk.

"My cousins were saying 'come by here' yesterday but I was finishing that verse for your girl, you know what I mean. Like I always believed in her, since she was on the show, period," the "Donda" artist said.

Cardi captioned the clip with a red heart emoji on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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General Motors' earnings were diminished by strikes during an otherwise successful quarter. Further losses are possible if picketing escalates.

The automaker's chief financial officer, Paul Jacobson, indicated that the company's pretax profits will be reduced by $800 million this year due to a strike by auto workers and an additional $200 million every week after that.

Those numbers just account for the facilities that are now on strike, which employ less than a third of the company's staff. So, if the United Auto Workers (UAW) union adds other sites, the losses would mount much higher, CFO Jacobson told reporters.

Strike Having Its Impact

The UAW showed this week that risks to such money-making operations might mount as the strike continues.

On Tuesday, October 24, GM reported net income of almost $3 billion for the period of July through September, down 7% year over year owing to production losses from the strike and higher warranty expenses, as reported by AP News. Since it was unclear how long the strike would go and how many plants would be closed, the business also retracted its earlier pretax profit predictions for the whole year.

Despite this, GM reported earnings of $2.28 per share, much above the $1.87 expected by Wall Street. FactSet reports that the company's revenue of $44.13 billion is 5.4% higher than the projections of $42.48 billion.

The UAW has been on strike against GM and other Detroit-based rivals, Ford and Stellantis, for about six weeks now. The union has avoided striking at plants that produce pickup trucks and big SUVs, which are GM's most lucrative cars.

Stellantis' massive Sterling Heights, Michigan facility, where they produce Ram pickup trucks, was closed by the union on Monday, October 23. Ford's biggest and most profitable facility, which produces trucks and large SUVs, is located in Louisville, Kentucky, and its employees went on strike two weeks ago. There are now only 28% on strike out of a total union membership of 146,000 at the Detroit Three.

Jacobson estimated a $200 million loss due to walkouts in the last two weeks of the third quarter. From October through December, he anticipated more losses of $600 million.

Also Read: UAW Expands Strike to Stellantis, But Avoids General Dynamics

'Record Offer' to Union Workers

GM CEO Mary Barra said in a letter to shareholders that the company has made a "record offer" to the union, which would increase top factory pay to $40.39 per hour, or nearly $84,000 per year, within four years. She said that the offer was getting close to the maximum amount the corporation would pay.

"It's an offer that rewards our team members but does not put our company and their jobs at risk. Accepting unsustainably high costs would put our future and GM team member jobs at risk, and jeopardizing our future is something I will not do," Barra stated.

Also Read: UAW Members at Mack Trucks Go On Strike After Turning Down Tentative Deal

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Cover Images/Nils Jorgensen/Koi Sojer Celebrity

Legal correspondent Dennis Byron reignites the marriage speculation with his tweet congratulating the couple, a month after the 'Lovecraft Country' actor called the 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' star his 'missus.'

Oct 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good may have taken their relationship to the next level, if a new swirling rumor on the Internet is to be trusted. The couple is believed to have been married, a month after the actor referred to his girlfriend as "the missus."

The marriage speculation was reignited by popular Internet legal correspondent Dennis Byron's tweet. On Monday, October 23, he simply posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Meagan Good-Majors, congrats!"

Dennis Byron sparked a speculation that Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are married with his tweet.

Dennis didn't mention the occasion that spurred his congratulatory message, but that's enough to start the talks about Jonathan and Meagan's relationship status. Many were left in disbelief upon catching wind of the tweet that appeared to hint at the couple's happy news.

"I know you lying," one person responded to the tweet. Another asked, "This is a typo - right?" A third demanded an explanation as writing, "Excuse me?" Someone remarked, "I really hope this is [cap]," while another reacted with a gif of Steve Carell's Michael Scott on "The Office" shouting, "No! God please! No! No!"

A supportive fan did not hold back in congratulating the couple as writing, "Congratulations to Jonathan and Meagan." Another speculated, "I bet she's pregnant; I called it when they first got together," while another said, "I'm happy for them both if this is true."

Jonathan previously sparked marriage rumors after calling Meagan his "missus" at a public event. On September 23, they attended the Black and White Gala in Washington D.C., which the actress co-hosted with Larenz Tate.

Taking the mic, the "Think Like a Man" star shared her excitement to be at the event by saying that she loves how they "support each other," noting that there were "so many beautiful black faces." She then handed over the mic to her boyfriend who was standing next to her and said, "Babe, you want to say anything?"

Seemingly not prepared to deliver a speech, Jonathan took the mic as the crowd applauded only to say, "Y'all heard the missus, so that's what it is." Larenz, who stood next to Meagan on the other side, chuckled with the crowd as Meagan let out a sheepish smile.

Despite the choice of word the "Creed III" star used to refer to his girlfriend, a source close to the couple told PEOPLE that they were not married just yet. The informant said that the pair were still in the dating phase of their relationship at the time.

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The Goop founder is reportedly looking to purchase a property in a town close to the house owned by Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin in his home country of U.K.

Oct 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Gwyneth Paltrow is said to be searching for a house in Cornwall. Worth millions thanks to her acting career and Goop wellness company, the 51-year-old Hollywood star is now said to be keen to invest some of her money in the seaside town in the village of Polzeath.

"Gwyneth has been in the area recently and has been looking at a couple of potential places for a holiday home. She isn't a stranger and has spent a bit of time in Cornwall over the years. But it seems the quiet and sedate pace of life in Polzeath has caught her eye. Gwyneth has become the talk of the village and there are apparently two places she has her eye on," a local told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column.

The "Shallow Hall" actress has Apple, 19, and 17-year-old Moses with Coldplay rocker Chris Martin and the local went on to point out that spending time in Cornwall would put her much closer to her ex-husband.

The local added, "Her ex-husband Chris Martin has a place that's only 45 minutes away from here. Polzeath is a beautiful place and given how quiet it is, Gwyneth would be able to come and go without much fanfare."

"Some locals can get annoyed at the number of rich out of towners who come and buy up houses around our area but everyone seems pretty excited about the idea of having Gwyneth moving in."

Cornwall has garnered the interest of several famous faces in recent years, and Gwyneth's potential move comes just months after it was reported that "Dune" actor Jason Momoa was also eyeing up property there.

At the time, one local said, "There is a place on the cliffs that he has apparently fallen in love with and now wants to buy. These kinds of homes are being transformed into the luxury places you see on 'Grand Designs', so he would be able to make it very special. Its the talk of Mawgan that Jason is going to be the next big star moving in."

Last year, a source revealed that Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, had snapped up a property in the town - thought to be worth more than 2m - and her agent later confirmed that the news was true. A source told the MailOnline, "The talk of Mawgan Porth is that Cate has bought a home here!"

Just months later, a fan couldn't believe it when they spotted Hollywood star Jamie Dornan - who is known for starring as Christian Grey in the "Fifty Shades" film series - at a petrol station after he moved into the area. Alongside a selfie of herself and Jamie, she wrote on Instagram, "I went to get fuel and thought no way it can't be but it was Mr grey himself! (sic)"

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StudioCanal Movie

The latest installment of the 'Paddington' movie franchise is set to hit theaters in U.K., where the stuffed animal originated from, two months ahead of the U.S. release.

Oct 25, 2023

AceShowbiz - "Paddington in Peru" is coming to UK cinemas on November 8, 2024. The third movie of the film franchise will hit the UK more than two months ahead of the US when the motion picture will be in theatres from January 17, 2025.

"How marvellous! We can finally reveal that @PaddingtonBear's latest feature film, Paddington in Peru, will be coming to the big screen on November 8th 2024. #PaddingtonInPeru (sic)," StudioCanal confirmed the exciting news on X.

The post was accompanied by a 14-second clip of Paddington wiping marmalade off the screen to reveal the UK release date of the movie. It read, "In cinemas November 8 2024."

Ben Whishaw, 42, will return as the titular bear's voice, and Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin will also reprise their roles in the third movie. But Sally Hawkins won't be back as Mrs. Brown, with Emily Mortimer taking her place.

Rachel Zegler was due to be a new member of the cast in the part of Gina Cabot, but she left filming in London to join the strike that recently brought Hollywood to a standstill, partly over fears AI will be used by studios instead of humans. She joined fellow actors on a New York SAG-AFTRA picket line. Zegler has since been replaced in the movie by newcomer Carla Tous.

Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas are also joining "Paddington in Peru". The film will be directed by Dougal Wilson in his feature directorial debut. The movie will once again be produced by Studiocanal with Heyday Films following their work on the first two instalments of the "Paddington" franchise.

Studiocanal's Anna Marsh and Ron Halpern said, "We have long been huge admirers of Dougal's work, his stunning visual creativity, his storytelling, heart, emotion and humour. We are so thrilled that Dougal will be directing the third 'Paddington' film. We look forward to bringing 'Paddington' back to Peru for his next big screen adventure."

The new film will be shot on location in London and Peru.

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Swiss Federal Office of Energy

Bern, 24.10.2023 - The annual conference of the Confederation's Exemplary Energy and Climate (EEC) initiative is taking place today at Basel University Hospital. The highlight of the day's agenda is the accession of the transport company BLS and the university hospitals of Basel, Bern, Geneva and Lausanne to the initiative. In the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rosti and Kaspar Sutter, State Councillor of the Canton of Basel-Stadt, the participants will celebrate the signature of a declaration of intent, in which they set themselves energy and climate targets and commit to implementing specific measures. The EEC initiative's Energy and Climate Report for the reporting year 2022 has also been published today.

After intensive preparations, BLS has today announced its accession to the EEC initiative. Over the last few months, it has drawn up a sustainable development strategy, including climate and energy targets, and carried out a complete assessment of its greenhouse gas emissions, including the upstream and downstream value chain. On this basis, specific measures have been defined to improve energy efficiency, implement the first stages of the circular economy, adapt business to climate change and improve transparency in supply chains.

The accession of the university hospitals of Basel, Bern, Geneva and Lausanne to the initiative was already announced in February and will also officially take place at today's event. In recent months, the hospitals have defined their 2030 targets and how they will be monitored. Over the coming years, they will implement individual measures in the areas of medical equipment, procurement, and food and waste, including reducing the electricity consumption of large radiological equipment and promoting climate-friendly catering.

Today also sees the publication of the EEC's Energy and Climate Report 2022, in which EEC participants report on their progress. As the report shows, developments in the last year were marked as much by the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as by fears of an energy shortage and a warm winter. In the year under review, the participants carried out energy retrofits on 91,000m2 of energy reference area, which is the equivalent of around 130 small apartment buildings each with ten one to three-bedroom flats. In 2022, they consumed around 6,450 GWh of final energy, of which 4,200 GWh (around 65%) came from renewable sources.

Quotes

"The heterogeneity of the BLS, with mobility by rail, bus and ship, offers numerous opportunities to improve energy and resource efficiency. As part of the new and comprehensive sustainability strategy, and by joining the EEC initiative, we want to tap into this potential to the full over the long term."

Daniel Schafer, CEO, BLS

"In hospitals, large medical equipment - such as MRI machines - consume an enormous amount of energy. Medical products and catering also cause many indirect emissions, which is why we've decided to tackle these issues at all four teaching hospitals."

Dr Werner Kubler, Director, Basel University Hospital

"Protecting the climate also means protecting health. As one of Switzerland's largest healthcare systems, we have a duty to live up to our responsibilities. That's why the Insel Group is part of the Energy and Climate Exemplary initiative."

Dr (h.c.) Uwe E. Jocham, Chief Executive Officer, Insel Group, Bern

"Healthcare establishments have a social and environmental responsibility to the public that they now must fully face up to. Today, our commitment to reducing our ecological footprint goes hand in hand with our commitment to health."

Prof. Nicolas Demartines, CEO, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne

"The University Hospitals of Geneva have committed to moving towards climate neutrality in their hospital activities and to adopting a climate plan with targets for 2030 and 2050 in order to reduce their direct and indirect emissions. They were also the initiators of the Geneva Sustainability Centre, which is supported by the International Hospital Federation (IHF). We are delighted to be working with the other hospitals towards this common shared goal."

Bertrand Levrat, Director-General, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva

About the initiative

As part of the Exemplary Energy and Climate (EEC) initiative, providers of publicly relevant services and institutional investors are contributing to the Energy Strategy 2050 and the 2015 Paris Agreement. The focus of the EEC is on energy efficiency, renewable energies and, as a new field of action, climate-friendly financial flows.

The providers of publicly relevant services are pursuing individual targets up to 2026 and 2030 for energy efficiency, ecological electricity production, renewable heating and cooling, and renewable fuels. In principle, the goal is for the share of electricity from renewable sources to be 100 per cent for all these providers by 2026. In order to reach these targets, these participants are implementing 15 joint measures and a number of individual measures.

The institutional investors are setting themselves targets to make investments compatible with the Paris Agreement. To achieve this, the participating pension funds and insurance companies are calling on companies in which they invest to adopt climate-friendly behaviour. They are also continuously reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the directly held real estate in their portfolio.

All participants communicate transparently on the achievement of their targets and share their experiences so that other companies and organisations can use this information as a guide.

The following are participants in the EEC initiative: BLS, the Canton of Geneva, the Civil Federal Administration, the ETH Domain, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Geneve Aeroport, PostBus, PostFinance, PUBLICA, RUAG MRO Holding Ltd, SBB, the SBB Pension Fund, SIG, Skyguide, SRG SSR, Suva, Swisscom, Swiss Post, University hospitals and Zurich Airport Ltd.

Information for media professionals

You can find further information at https://www.vorbild-energie-klima.admin.ch/vbe/en/home.html. We will be happy to provide you with high-resolution image material, where necessary, and arrange interviews with the participants involved.

Address for enquiries

SFOE Media Office, 058 460 81 52, media@bfe.admin.ch

Stefanie Reding, Head of Exemplary Energy and Climate Secretariat, 058 467 88 54,

stefanie.reding@bfe.admin.ch

Publisher

Swiss Federal Office of Energy

http://www.bfe.admin.ch



General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC

https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html




Last night at approximately 1 AM, two females vandalize the globe fountain at the newly dedicated Pocket Park next to Oxford Oxford City Hall. They were with a larger group of individuals damages are going to be inexcess of $5000, which is a felony. pic.twitter.com/zssOivvUd4  Oxford Police Dept (@OxfordPolice) October 24, 2023

Police in Oxford, Miss., say they have identified two women who are seen in a surveillance video vandalizing a brand-new park.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, Oxford police had not announced the arrests, but earlier in the day announced they had identified the suspects, thanks in no small part to tips from the public who had seen the surveillance footage and screenshots of the two females.

Police say the two females were part of a larger group walking near the park about 1 a.m. Tuesday. In the video, the two women can be seen going over to the parks water feature, which includes a spherical sculpture in the center. They push the sphere off its pedestal and roll it down a concrete walking path. Two males are also seen standing nearby as the women scurry away.

Oxford police say the sphere was a custom-made piece of artwork and is now cracked, and the plumbing attached to it was destroyed, with the total damages expected to exceed $5,000. Mississippi law states that if the value of property destroyed, disfigured or injured exceeds $1,000, its considered a felony.

The park had just been dedicated by Oxford officials last Thursday. The park was built at a cost of $600,000, funded in part by a $250,000 grant from the state, and $50,000 from T-Mobile. The City of Oxford covered the remainder of the cost.
The White House announced that it will endorse 31 technology hubs as part of the government's effort to raise American competitiveness in the technology sector.

Read Also: FTC to Hire Child Psychologist to Guide Internet Regulation

White House to Supercharge its Tech Industry

The Tech Hubs Program has a goal of strengthening U.S. economic and national security by investing in regions that have the potential to become globally competitive in terms of technology. The U.S. President Joe Biden announced the designation of the inaugural 31 tech hubs.

According to the U.S. Economic Development Administration, a tech hub designation is "a strong endorsement of a region's plan to supercharge a critical technology ecosystem and become a global leader over the next decade." The hubs will be competing for $40 million to $75 million each in grants as per the White House.

Moreover, the hubs are intended to focus on a wide range of technological areas. These include quantum computing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy, and medicine. Commerce secretary Gina Raimondo also stated that the designations will reflect the diversity of the country.

White House Plans for Economic Growth

Aside from technological competitiveness, the hubs will serve a purpose for economic growth by providing national security and creating jobs within the communities. The hubs are situated in 32 states and Puerto Rico. These areas include tribal governments, coal communities, and states with smaller populations.

Raimondo proudly shared that the designations "will be a widely recognized indicator of each region's potential for rapid economic growth on the basis of their technological strength, and we believe will make it even more attractive to private investment and job creation."

For years, only a few cities were able to show competitiveness in the tech industry. The White House sees the hubs as an opportunity to present the "full diversity of America" citing that it is time to extend the economic growth and opportunity to other areas.

Related Article: Energy Department Invests $20M in Solar Panel Recycling
Get the Ed Chat newsletter: Enter your email for weekly updates about Alabama schools:

When the bell rang for fourth period on Friday, and then again on Monday, students at Jones Valley Middle School were ready to walk out of the school.

They wanted to bring attention to discipline issues, including fights and a recent stabbing, that they felt werent being addressed by new leadership. They said they wanted the newly hired principal, Misha Randle, to resign. But both days, teachers stopped them before they could exit the doors, halting the walkout, said eighth grader Victorya Sager.

As students, we need opportunities to talk and to be heard, Sager told AL.com Monday. If we want to make our environment better, they should let the kids talk and actually sit down and listen to us.

Jones Valley Middle School, located in southwest Birmingham, reported 247 disciplinary infractions last year  83 of which were for fighting. The school, which enrolls just over 500 students, recorded the second-highest number of fights per student among all schools in the district, according to the latest available state data.

Sager said discipline issues have gotten worse with new leadership, who she said have ignored concerns from her and others about bullying and violent behavior. Sager said shes complained about bullying and threatening behavior from some of her peers, but officials didnt take them seriously. She also said shes warned staff about potential fights, but no one took steps to prevent altercations from happening.

I feel like every time I walk into Jones Valley, Im not safe, she said.

Randle, who previously was an assistant principal at Wenonah High School, did not respond to a request for comment. Sherrel Stewart, a spokeswoman for Birmingham City Schools, said the district was aware of the attempted walkout but said students did not leave the building or campus.

We want all of our students to be safe, Stewart said. Were concerned about safety throughout the district, not just Jones Valley, but we want all of our students to be safe.

After the first attempted walkout on Friday, the school suspended Sager for five days, according to a school form provided by her grandmother, Anna Baker, and reviewed by AL.com. Baker said another student was also suspended for 10 days.

The goal of our educators each day is to provide structured teaching and learning in an orderly fashion in every school. Disruptions to the order of school operations are discouraged, Stewart told AL.com.

Read more: See data about discipline, safety at your Alabama schools.

Stewart confirmed that an assistant vice principal was placed on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation.

Sagers infraction was labeled as a class II offense, which covers intermediate offenses such as disruptive conduct, according to the districts code of conduct. Victorya incited and participated in a major student disruption/unauthorized student protest, the notice read.

Baker said officials originally threatened to give a harsher punishment but walked it back after Sagers mother asked them to put it in writing. She also questioned why officials would say her granddaughter incited a protest without conducting an investigation.

To me, theyre trying to stop the students from having freedom of speech, she said.

On Monday afternoon, Sager stood across the street from the school to support her peers who had planned another walkout that day.

Friends told her over the phone that teachers shut the demonstration down again and locked them inside. She posted thoughts to Facebook.

Something needs to be done immediately, she said in a Facebook video that afternoon.
Fair warning: If you are a recovering barbecue junkie then under absolutely no circumstances should you watch the newest episode of the SEC Network show TrueSouth, in which host John T. Edge explores Alabamas Black Belt.

It wont just knock you off the wagon. As you fall, youll be wondering if the wood of the wagon is properly seasoned for use in a smoke pit.

The premise is that each episode lets host John T. Edge riff on the food and culture of a particular location, using two restaurants and as many cultural touchstones as he cares to visit. In the very first episode, in 2018, Edge came to the Birmingham region to visit Johnnys Restaurant and the Bright Star. When he came to the Mobile Bay area, he tasted burgers at Pirates Cove and soul food at Cozy Browns Kitchen. But for this trip into the Black Belt, he settled in at two barbecue joints: T-N-T BBQ in York and the Alabama Rib Shack in Gainesville.

TrueSouth heads to the Alabama Black Belt on Tuesday, October 24 on @SECNetwork @johntedge pic.twitter.com/NNMPhuseym  TrueSouth TV (@TrueSouthTV) October 13, 2023

The food looks fantastic, and youll learn a lot about pigtails as pitmasters Jamie Lee Mitchell and Thomas Taylor talk about their motivations and influences. And Edge waxes rapturous, as always. One riff: Fueled by sweat and charcoal, wood becomes fire and flesh becomes food. Through an alchemy of smoke and genius unique to this land and this family, Thomas turns pork ribs and pigtails into lollipops of sweet meat and sweeter fat. The menu is an encyclopedia of Alabama barbecue. Pork shoulder, pulled for sandwiches. Ribs, shellacked with sauce. And pigtails, the defining dish of the Black Belt. Squint through the smoke rolling out back, and youll understand how cooking can bridge the gap between cooking and art.

Edge touches considerably on art, with a long look at the Gees Bend Quilters and the work of the Coleman Center for the Arts in York. (Of the famed Gees Bend Ferry he says, to ride this ferry is not just to go back in time, but to begin a conversation between what the past demanded and what a brighter future might promise on the other side.

The Black Belt episode of TrueSouth premieres at 6 p.m. Central on Tuesday, Oct. 24, on the SEC Network. New episodes also become available on demand on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ as they premiere.
A Blount County jury has returned a multi-million-dollar civil verdict against a former educator who was previously convicted of videoing a teen girl while she was there visiting his daughter.

Tim Odus Clevenger, the former assistant principal at Locust Fork High School, was convicted in 2018 of production of child pornography and possession of obscene matter after filming a 14-year-old girl undressing to take a shower.

He later pleaded guilty to charges regarding a second child.

Both girls were students at Locust Fork High School where Clevenger worked at the time the videos were made.

Clevenger transferred the videos from his cell phone to the laptop issued to him by the school. The images were later discovered on Clevengers laptop by Blount County Board of Education IT specialists.

Attorney Scott Gilliland represented the victim in the civil case.

Gilliland on Tuesday announced the $4.060 million civil verdict against Clevenger for invasion of privacy and negligence.

There is no amount of money that can fully compensate a child who has been exploited by a predator, Gilliland said. But we hope this verdict will send a message to those who prey upon children. You will be punished.

Clevenger, now 57, was sentenced to 18 years on the child pornography production charge, and seven years on the child pornography possession charge. The sentences are concurrent.

Clevenger had been an assistant principal at Locust Fork since 2004. He was previously principal at Susan Moore High School, but his contract wasnt renewed. In all, hed been with the school system for 18 years.

He is currently incarcerated at Ventress Correctional Center.
Athens police say a woman is behind bars after she broke into a home and shot a person after demanding money.

Det. Lt. Jonathan Caldwell said the incident happened Monday at about 5:42 a.m. in the 700 block of Brownsferry Street.

Athens police investigators say Mary Natasa Lashinta Noble, 25, entered the residence with a firearm, awakened the victim and began demanding money. After an altercation, Noble shot the victim, Caldwell said.

Noble is being held without bond in the Limestone County Jail on charges of first degree burglary and first degree assault.

The victim is currently in ICU at Huntsville Hospital.

Caldwell said the shooting was an isolated event and not a incident of random violence.
Piles of dirt dot the backyard of an Ybor, Florida home where law enforcement officials have spent the past few days searching for a body they believe may have been buried there.

Detectives with the Tampa Police Departments Unsolved Crimes Unit partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after receiving information that a body may be buried at the home located at 1707 E 5th Ave. The homeowner, Kurt Schleicher, told the Tampa Bay Times that officials began searching on Friday and had paused on Monday.

The investigation is another addition to the homes macabre history.

Nearly a century ago, the home was the site of one of Tampas most gruesome and well-known mass murders when Victor Licata, 21, killed his parents and three siblings with an axe.

As of Monday, police had not found any signs of human remains in the homes backyard, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Officers did not identify whose body they were looking for, or what led them to search there.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed agents were assisting in the investigation, though a spokesperson said it was not the lead agency in the case and could not provide further information.

Schleicher, who police say is not a suspect in the investigation, said he first received a knock on his door in June when agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sought permission to dig through his backyard in search of a body.

Schleicher said officials told him they wanted to search the home after a man who lived in the home in the late 1980s and early 90s  when rooms in the house were rented out  admitted before his death to killing a woman and burying her in the backyard.

For weeks over the summer, a small red x was marked under a tree in Schleichers backyard by law enforcement. Officials told Schleicher that was the area where they thought the body they were searching for may be buried.

In 1933, law enforcement flocked to the pastel home after it became the site of a grizzly mass murder. Licata, the son of the homeowners, Michael and Rosalia Licata, slaughtered his parents and three siblings with an axe inside the home. News archives report Licata told police he didnt kill anyone.

He said that while he slept his parents pulled him from his bed, sawed off his arms with a knife and jabbed wooden arms with iron claws into his stumps while his siblings laughed. Licata then said he grabbed a funny axe that he thought was made of rubber, and knocked each of the family members unconscious.

The Tampa Times said the following day it was a dream of course.

Investigators initially believed Licata killed his family under the influence of marijuana, a theory that served as fuel for the federal criminalization of the drug but has since been disproven.

Licata was known to be dangerous and mentally unstable, and the state attorney chose not to indict him. Instead, Licata was sentenced to life at a mental institution.

The homes history was unknown to Schleicher at the time he bought it, but he has since embraced it. He keeps memorabilia from the movie Reefer Madness, which was allegedly inspired by the murders throughout the home.

Times staff writer Paul Guzzo contributed to this report.

2023 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) today re-issued a Fire Alert for all of Alabamas 67 counties.

In 32 northern counties roughly north of Interstate 20, no burn permits will be issued. In 35 counties south of Interstate 20, certified prescribed burn managers may obtain a one-day burn permit. There will be no exceptions to this rule, according to the AFC.

Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be prosecuted for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

According to the AFC, wildland firefighters have responded to 111 wildfires over the last week that left more than 1,881 acres of Alabama forestland scorched. In addition, no rain is forecast for the next week, worsening the states ongoing drought conditions.

To report a wildfire, call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679. For more information, visit the AFC website.
She was the one. Or so many thought. So many whispered.

State Sen. Vivian Figures has served the public in some capacity for almost four decades. In 1997 she became only the second Black woman to be elected to the Alabama state Senate when Mobile County voters overwhelmingly chose her to fill the seat vacated by the sudden death of her husband Sen. Michael Figures.

It only figured Figures would be among the plethora of names speculated when a federal court last month chose a reconfigured U.S. Congressional District 2 map with African Americans representing 47.6 percent of eligible voters and 45% white. The new district stretches from the states western to eastern borders and includes parts of Mobile and Montgomery, and offers an opportunity, the court ruled, for Black voters, who overwhelmingly vote Democratic, to elect a representative of their choice and flip a traditionally Republican seat.

The speculators were correct, yet not.

The Figures most likely to enter what is all but certain to be a crowded field of hopefuls isnt the matriarch, but Vivian and Michaels middle child: Shomari Figures. A former Barack Obama campaign and White House aide, Figures, 38, has stepped down from his role at the U.S. Department of Justice as deputy chief of staff and counselor to Attorney General Merrick Garland and confirmed he is contemplating a run for the seat after being encouraged to do so by numerous local figures.

I have spent the bulk of my career in federal government service applying the lessons and experiences engrained in me as a proud product of Mobile, Alabama, Figures shared. It has been one of the great honors of my life to have heard from so many people in Mobile and across what is now District 2 who think enough of me to ask me to consider seeking the opportunity to represent them in Congress.

To not listen and consider this possibility would be to ignore the people and places at the root of everything Ive done in my career - those who made me who I am today. And that, I cannot do.

Adds Sen. Figures: There are a lot of people - including myself - who are excited by the possibility of him seeking public office. I think he would be an outstanding candidate and representative.

Federal law and DOJ policy significantly limit employees from engaging in specific exploratory political activities for a partisan election, which precipitated Figures resignation. It is absolutely necessary and proper for me to separate from the Department to be able to make an informed decision about this possibility, he said.

No one has officially signed on for the racequalifying ends November 10th. Amid the growing list of those whove either said theyre running for the seat or are considering doing so, Figures, who is married with three children, is the only one who is not an elected official.

Like several others whose interest in the seat is piqued, he does not reside within the district, which is not required under the U.S. Constitution. To qualify for a House or Senate seat, a candidate must only live somewhere in the state for at least one day and meet age and U.S. citizenship requirements. The law is different for state and local elections.

In Alabama, the residency requirement must be established at least 24 hours prior to he qualifying deadline.

Figures grew up in Mobile, attending Council Elementary, Phillips Middle, and LeFlore High School before heading to the University of Alabama, and its law school. From there, he embarked on a political and public service career that played out beyond Alabamabeginning as a clerk in St. Louis for Tuscaloosa-born Judge Nannette A. Baker in the Eastern District of Missouri.

Michael Figures, also an attorney, represented clients in the Black Belt and Mobile. One case eliminated Mobiles at-large electionswhich had long blocked Black representation in city government. Michael also served as co-counsel with the Southern Poverty Law Center in a case that won a $7 million verdict against the United Klans of America.

Shomari Figures paternal uncle, Thomas Figures, was Mobiles first Black assistant district attorney and assistant U.S. attorney. The work of Thomas and Michael against the KKK in the 1981 killing of Black teen Michael Donald led to the execution of one Klan member and life sentences for two others and inspired a CNN special.

I have heard from many people, Shomari Figures said, who all ultimately desire effective representation that will focus on elevating the district to the top of places where people want to live, businesses want to grow, and our schools and communities are prioritized with the resources necessary to enhance life opportunities and outcomes for everyone - especially our working class Alabamians and young people.

We will continue to listen to the voices and concerns of voters across this District as we decide on next steps.
A Mississippi coast couple is facing multiple charges after police say they physically and sexually abused two young boys who had been placed in their care as foster parents, the Sun Herald is reporting.

Oliver Cole and Sara Marie Cole, both 28, were arrested by Gulfport police in late September. Oliver Cole is charged with two counts of sexual battery, while Sara Cole is charged with one count of sexual battery and one count of molestation.

According to the report, the investigation began when one of the two foster children in the Coles care told a counselor about the alleged abuse. The boys, ages 6 and 7, had been placed in the Coles home after their mother was arrested on a felony drug charge.

The two boys had been in the Coles home for about a year.

During a preliminary hearing, a Gulfport police officer testified the Coles sexually assaulted the boys in front of each other. The Coles are also accused of forcing the boys to perform oral sex and urinating on them.

Other charges are likely, prosecutors told the newspaper, after a forensic examination of the Coles electronic devices is complete. One of the children told investigators the Coles used their phones to take pictures of them during the alleged abuse.

Bond for Oliver Cole was set at $900,000, while Sara Coles bond was set at $575,000, according to the Harrison County (Miss.) Jail Docket. The Sun Herald reported the couples attorney requested a bond reduction, but Judge Damon Reese denied the request.

Nevertheless, both Oliver and Sara Cole posted bond and were released last Friday.
Nearly four months after Jawan Jay Dallas died in police custody in Mobile, his mother still has not seen the body camera footage of what happened, nor does she know the name of the officer who tased her son.

All of the officers who interacted with 36-year-old Dallas on the night of July 2 are back to work, Mobile police Chief Paul Prine announced at the city council meeting today.

In the case with Mr. Dallas, those officers are not a threat to the community based on the facts and irrespective to emotion, Prine said. They are back in the field, and they are working, and they are being productive.

Mobile Chief of Staff James Barber said that the autopsy shows police may not have been responsible for Dallas death. The autopsy report has not been made public.

Even though I cant get into detail with it because of the emotion here, Im gonna say that the cause of death was not attributed directly to the actions of the police officer, Barber said at the council meeting, capping off nearly two hours of discussion about the case.

The city continues to deny requests from the Dallas family and the press to release the bodycam, saying the case is in the hands of the Mobile County District Attorney. The city also denied a public records request from AL.com seeking the personnel files, disciplinary histories and current employment status of the officers who interacted with Dallas on the night of his death.

The documents that you have requested are not public records, the city said in denying AL.coms request. They are considered investigatory and exempt from the Alabama Open Records Act as well as civil and administrative requests.

Police said they encountered Dallas and another man while investigating a burglary call at a mobile home park on the night of July 2. Police said Dallas tried to run and an officer Tased him. Dallas began experiencing a medical emergency and later died at a hospital, according to the police account.

But Dallas family continues to call for more transparency and accountability. Christine Dallas has attended nearly every council meeting since her son died on July 2, pleading with city officials to release body camera footage of what happened.

Rev. Trevor Eugene Woolridge speaks to a gathering of Jawan Dallas' family and friends at Bethel AME Church on Oct. 23, 2023.

Were not gonna let this die. Im not gonna let my son have been killed in vain. Were gonna get justice for him, she told the council on Sept. 26. If we have to come here every week for the next 10 years, 15 years, I dont care how long it takes. Im not going to stop because someone is going to pay for what yall done to my son.

Harry M. Daniels, lawyer for the Dallas family, said that police tend to release video footage when it shows their officers in a favorable light, when the footage shows their actions are justified and clear cut.

Its not just our perspective as the lawyers here, Daniels told AL.com. Yall see it, the public sees it, the media sees it. They are keeping everyone in the dark on it. But thats gonna change soon enough. Were prepared to file a federal lawsuit.

J. Evans Bailey, an attorney for the Alabama Press Association, said that personnel records, including disciplinary actions taken against police officers and other public employees, are generally considered public records. He cited a 1995 Alabama Attorney General opinion that says the records are subject to public disclosure.

Personnel records have long been recognized to be public records under the Alabama open records act, and that includes disciplinary records in some instances, said Bailey, who specializes in media and public records law.

While some sensitive materials in personnel files, such as medical and family information, are protected from disclosure, Bailey said thats no reason to withhold the entire file.

He also noted that police investigative materials are not subject to disclosure, but said personnel files should not be considered investigatory under Alabamas Open Records Act.

But I dont think having a valid reason to keep some information away from the public or to say that its exempt from disclosure is a valid reason to keep it all away, Bailey told AL.com. Its also the law, at least regular practice, to redact and release public materials when they are mixed in with non-public materials.

Calkeisha Dallas, the oldest sister of Jawan Dallas, and her daughter wear "Justice for Jay" shirts at a gathering at Bethel AME Church on Oct. 23, 2023.

C.J. Small, president of the city council, said today that the council plans to write a letter urging Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwoods office to expedite the process of setting a date for a grand jury to review the case. A spokesperson for the DAs office said last month that they would release the footage to Christine Dallas at an appropriate time, after a grand jury reviewed the case.

At the council meeting today, Small told the Dallas family that it isnt within the councils power to do much for their case.

Understand that this is a sounding board, and Im not stopping you all coming down here, Small said. But also use all your resources, go to the DAs office, because again, thats whats holding up things, and also to the state legislators.
A Montgomery man has been sentenced to federal prison on child sex trafficking charges.

Karnival McGhee, 37, pleaded guilty to the crime earlier this year.

On Tuesday, Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced McGhee to more than 10 years in prison. He also must serve five years of supervised released once his prison term is completed.

According to his plea agreement and other court records, in December 2021, McGhee was in contact with a child under the age of 16 for several days.

During this time, McGhee  both in person and via social media  assisted and enabled the minor to engage in sexual acts with others for money. McGhee facilitated the commercial sex by arranging for hotel rooms and using his own financial accounts for payment.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Montgomery Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case, which Assistant U.S. attorneys Patrick Lamb and Tara S. Ratz prosecuted.
Things are supposed to look up for Tesla as it finally announced a delivery date for Cybertrucks, but it seems that's overshadowed by several issues that emerged from its vehicles. First, its vehicles are being recalled for their faulty brake fluid detection, and now it's for potentially lying about its EVs' range.

Lower Range Than Advertised

Tesla might be in trouble for exaggerating the range of its vehicles as the US Department of Justice probes into the matter. Several customers have been requesting information to clarify the issue, but the company has not been as forthcoming.

The Securities and Exchange Commission says that the EV giant has "received requests for information, including subpoenas from the DOJ, regarding certain matters associated with personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range, and personnel decisions."

To the customers' dismay, Tesla has been canceling service appointments. The company even created a "diversion team" to do so, as reported by The Verge. It's said that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle at all and that the vehicle simply reached its actual limit.

Some of the Tesla owners only managed to get half of the range that was promised even though the battery was fully charged. Given that the company did not find anything wrong with the cars of thousands of customers, their service appointments were simply canceled.

This is what led others to believe that Tesla had just created software that made it seem like it could travel a lot farther. By canceling the appointment, Tesla is likely trying to avoid the issue as it could reveal that the vehicles can't actually reach the advertised miles.

It has already been tested and found to be true. It's the opposite of what other automakers tend to do, which is providing lower numbers to estimate the range of their vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porche.

With lower numbers than what it could achieve, the vehicles produced by the German automakers are painted in a better light, as opposed to Tesla which is accused of overselling its vehicles and ending up disappointing its customers.

Read Also: Tesla Recalls 40,000 Cars Due to Potential Power Steering Problem

Tesla Had a Lot to Worry About

The EV maker is also facing a problem with Model X vehicles as it was found that the vehicles between 2021 to 2023 may have broken brake fluid indicators. This can be dangerous since undetected, reduced braking performance can lead to an accident.

The issue has affected almost 55,000 vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Tesla released a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to fix it, as reported by Gizmodo.

Luckily, there have been no reports of crashes, injuries, or deaths. The software update is already available to all affected Tesla owners. However, they will have to install the 2023.32.7 software or later before getting the update.

55,000 is a lower number compared to 280,000 reportedly having steering wheel issues, wherein it would be stuck and limit the vehicle to only drive forward. The affected models were the Model 3 and Model Y cars, one of which suffered an accident.

Related: Tesla Issues a Recall For Almost 55,000 Due to Low Brake Fluid Detection Issues
Capitol Police and Mississippi law enforcement agencies are investigating a shooting Sunday near the Mississippi home of Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

A person was firing rounds from the road in the direction of the house, Hyde-Smith spokesperson Chris Gallegos told CQ Roll Call.

The Mississippi Republican and her family, who were home at the time, were unharmed, according to her office.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said the shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. local time but provided few other details in a statement Monday.

The Capitol Police said it is working with the MBI and the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office to figure out exactly what happened, while we coordinate with the Senators Office to ensure her safety.

A statement from Hyde-Smiths office said that the senator is grateful for the concern show by many and the good work of federal, state, and local law enforcement.

Hyde-Smith was appointed to the Senate in 2018 by then-Gov. Phil Bryant to replace Thad Cochran. Before coming to Washington, Hyde-Smith was Mississippis commissioner of agriculture and commerce. She holds seats on the Appropriations Committee and the Agriculture Committee, among others.

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2023 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Republican Tom Emmer abruptly abandoned his bid to become House speaker Tuesday, withdrawing hours after winning the internal party nomination once it became clear he would not have enough support from GOP colleagues for the gavel.

The House GOP whip, Emmer reversed course after Donald Trump objected to his nomination and hardliners in the House denied the party leader the votes he would need for the gavel. Thats according to Republican sources familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

He is the third Republican to fall short, leaving the Republicans no closer to resolving the chaos they have created since ousting Kevin McCarthy at the start of the month.

Emmer briskly left the building where he had been meeting privately with Republicans, and hopped into a waiting SUV. He said nothing in response to shouted questions as they drove off from the Capitol complex.

Dejected Republicans retreated behind closed doors, desperately searching for a way out of the chaos they have created.

Three weeks after Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy, throwing the House into turmoil, they appear no closer to ending the bitter infighting and choosing a new speaker who can credibly unite the GOP majority, lead the party and get the U.S. Congress working again.

Were in the same cul-de-sac, said Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., the chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus.

Emmer of Minnesota, who is the partys third-ranking Republican as the GOP whip, had jumped out in front during private morning balloting among a hodgepodge list of mostly lesser-known congressmen aspiring to be speaker, a powerful position second in line to the presidency.

But no sooner did Emmer win the majority vote of his colleagues than his nomination was shot down by a powerful detractor he had tried to win over  Trump, the Republican front-runner for the 2024 presidential election, who has long criticized the partys former campaign chief as disloyal.

While Emmer won a simple majority in a roll call behind closed doors  117 votes  he lost more than two dozen Republicans, leaving him far short of what will be needed during a House floor tally ahead.

Trump, who has played an influential role tipping the tally in the speakers race, wrote on social media Tuesday that he has many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House. But Emmer, he said, is not one of them and it would be a mistake to give him the gavel.

Others piled on in what was, in some ways, a do-over of the Trump-Emmer feud that has simmered since January, when the former presidents allies tried to stop Emmers rise to the GOP whips job.

He doesnt have the support in the room right now, said Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who had challenged Emmer at the start of the year. Well see where we go from here.

The House has been in turmoil since a contingent of hard-line Republicans ousted McCarthy, creating whats now a governing crisis thats preventing the normal operations of Congress. There appears to be no resolution within reach.

Coming in a steady second in the balloting was constitutional law expert Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who directly battled Emmer in the fifth round, picking up 97 votes. He ultimately announced his full support for his colleague.

What we have to do in this room is unite and begin to govern again, said Johnson.

Others were eliminated during multiple rounds of voting, including Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, a top Trump ally, and McDonalds franchise owner Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, a conservative leader who plied his colleagues with hamburgers seeking their support. Reps. Austin Scott of Georgia, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Pete Sessions of Texas, Gary Palmer of Alabama and Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania also dropped out.

Having rejected the top replacements, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and the Trump-backed Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, there is no longer any obvious choice for the job.

With Republicans controlling the House 221-212 over Democrats, any GOP nominee can afford just a few detractors to win the gavel.

Its going to be another close race by the time we get to one, said Rep, Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D. I think it would behoove whoever wins this to stay in the room and figure where they are at and whether they can get there.

Republicans have been flailing all month, unable to conduct routine business as they fight amongst themselves with daunting challenges ahead.

The federal government risks a shutdown in a matter of weeks if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by a Nov. 17 deadline to keep services and offices running. More immediately, President Joe Biden has asked Congress to provide $105 billion in aid  to help Israel and Ukraine amid their wars and to shore up the U.S. border with Mexico. Federal aviation and farming programs face expiration without action.

Those running for speaker were mostly conservatives and election deniers, who either voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results, when Biden defeated Trump, in the runup to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, or joined a subsequent lawsuit challenging the results.

Some Democrats had eyed Emmer, who had voted to certify the 2020 election results, as a potential partner in governing the House.

But Trump allies, including the influential hard-right instigator Steve Bannon, have been critical of Emmer. Some point to his support of a same-sex marriage initiative and perceived criticisms of the former president. Among the far-right groups pressuring lawmakers over the speakers vote, some quickly attacked Emmer.

Thats a very divisive issue, said Republican Rep. Rick Allen of Georgia, saying he could never vote for Emmer because of his voting record on marriage.

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, the hard-right leader who engineered McCarthys ouster, has said several of those who were running  Hern, Donalds or Johnson  would make a phenomenal choice for speaker.

Nevertheless, Gaetz voted for Emmer, though others who joined in ousting McCarthy did not.

Many Emmer opponents were resisting a leader who voted for the budget deal that McCarthy struck with Biden earlier this year, which set federal spending levels that far-right Republicans dont agree with and now want to undo. They are pursuing steeper cuts to federal programs and services with next months funding deadline.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she wanted assurances the candidates would pursue impeachment inquiries into Biden and other top Cabinet officials.

During the turmoil, the House is now led by a nominal interim speaker pro tempore, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the bow tie-wearing chairman of the Financial Services Committee. His main job is to elect a more permanent speaker.

Some Republicans  and Democrats  would like to simply give McHenry more power to get on with the routine business of governing. But McHenry, the first person to be in the position that was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as an emergency measure, has declined to back those overtures.
A 56-year-old South Carolina man is in custody in Florida, charged with attempted murder after investigators in Pensacola say he attacked another man with a hatchet over a spilled beer.

According to the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriffs Office, the victim had gone to meet the suspect, later identified as Danny Paul Dino Tharp, at Tharps tent in the 7700 block of North Davis Highway.

Although Tharps jail profile lists a South Carolina address, investigators believe he was living in the tent in a homeless encampment off North Davis Highway.

Tharp accused the other man of spilling a beer, prompting an argument between the two. At some point, Tharp grabbed a hatchet and began swinging it wildly at the victim, according to the sheriffs office, striking him multiple times.

Despite his injuries, the victim was able to flee the scene and locate deputies, who noted blood coming from the victims eye and around his mouth.

Once the victim provided a description of Tharp, deputies located him a short time later walking along a street, accompanied by another man. Tharp was taken into custody without incident.

The hatchet believed to have been used in the attack was found near the scene and deputies also found blood on both the inside and outside of the tent.

Tharp is being held without bond at the Escambia County Jail awaiting a Nov. 17 court appearance.
State Treasurer Young Boozer on Monday asked Montgomery County Circuit Judge James Anderson to dismiss Birmingham-Southern Colleges lawsuit seeking a court order for a $30 million loan from the state.

Birmingham-Southern applied for the loan from the Alabama Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program, which the Legislature created this year in response to a request for funds from Birmingham-Southern. The legislation put the state treasurer in charge of the loan program.

Boozer denied Birmingham-Southerns loan application on Oct. 13. Birmingham-Southern officials have said the college will likely close without the loan and filed the lawsuit asking the court to order Boozer to approve it.

In Mondays motion, written by lawyers with Attorney General Steve Marshalls office, Boozer disputed Birmingham-Southerns claims that it met the requirements to qualify for the loan and that he had acted in bad faith, arbitrarily, and capriciously, in denying the loan request.

Aside from those points, Boozer said the court has no authority to order him to grant the loan. Boozer noted that the Legislature gave the state treasurer the discretion to award or deny a loan based on the treasurers analysis of an applicants qualifications and ability to repay it.

Plaintiff seeks to have this Court restrain an elected constitutional officer from exercising discretion explicitly granted him by law, the state attorneys wrote in Boozers motion. It cannot. Though the Legislature heard Plaintiffs pleas for help, it did not respond by writing a check, or by directing anyone else to do so. Instead, it created a program to be set up and administered by the State Treasurer.

The states lawyers touched on a point raised by Judge Anderson during a hearing last week. Anderson noted that the legislation appeared to leave it to the discretion of the state treasurer to approve a loan for a college that met the requirements, noting the use of the word may instead of shall.

The law does not say that the Treasurer shall provide a loan to an applicant that meets the requirements, the states lawyers wrote. Rather, it says that [t]he State Treasurer may, in his or her judgment, award a loan to any eligible institution that meets the requirements provided in this section.

Anderson has scheduled a hearing in the case for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

In its lawsuit, lawyers for Birmingham-Southern accused Boozer of undermining the intent of the Legislature. The college maintains that it provided more than adequate collateral to qualify for the loan.

Birmingham-Southern President Daniel B. Coleman, in a statement issued last week, said the college engaged in good faith negotiations over several months.

Unfortunately, our good faith has been betrayed, Coleman said. After several additional attempts over the last two weeks and up through (Oct. 19) to get Treasurer Boozer to execute the will of the Alabama Legislature, we have no other choice but to seek remedy from the court.

Coleman said the college was moving forward with normal operations, including recruitment efforts for fall 2024.

As the passage of the enabling legislation  and the overwhelming and heroic support that helped get it passed -- proved, BSC has done and continue to do too many good things for our community and state to fold our tent.

In its lawsuit, Birmingham-Southern asked the court to order Boozer to disburse $16 million from its loan request this academic year, including $8.8 million in November and $7.2 million in February.

The college has said it needs the public funds as a bridge while it raises money from private sources.

Boozer, in his Oct. 13 letter to Birmingham-Southern denying the loan request, wrote:

After a thorough review of the application and all supporting documents, it has been determined that Birmingham-Southern College cannot provide the State a first security interest in its collateral assets. Additionally, the institutions financial restructuring plan does not adequately provide for repayment of the loan.
Whats in your wallet? Pictures? Money? Credit cards? Drivers license?

If your list includes a Social Security card, federal officials want you to think twice.

The Social Security Administration advises people not to carry their Social Security identification card with them in their wallet. All a scammer needs is your name and Social Security number and they can apply for credit, open new accounts  even steal tax refunds.

The best way to Guard Your Card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough, the agency said.

If you are asked to share your number, you should ask why it is needed, how it will be used and what happens if you refuse. You should also check to make sure you arent carrying any other documents that might contain your number.

READ MORE: What is phishing? U.S. Postal Service says theres a new scam going around

Social Security cards are not identification documents, the agency said, and, in almost all cases, other things will work in their place. For example, for workplaces, a birth certificate, permanent resident card or alien registration receipt or I-94 or Form I-94 A should be acceptable. For those applying for REAL ID, only one state  Pennsylvania  requires you to show a physical Social Security card. All others can accept things like W-2 forms or pay stubs, according to social security officials.

You should not have to show your physical Social Security card to apply for housing, health insurance or food assistance benefits. For tax purposes, you do not need your actual card but do need to know your Social Security number.

And of course, never give out your Social Security number to someone contacting you by telephone, e-mail, or at your door, even if they claim to represent Medicare, your bank, or a credit bureau.

On the rare occasion you do need your physical Social Security card, experts advise returning it to your home afterward and storing it in a secure location.
An Irvington woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Mobile County Monday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

Mary M. Wescovich, 45, was driving a 2000 Toyota Avalon on Murray Hill Road, about four miles west of the Mobile city limits, when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a culvert and burst into flames.

First responders rendered aid and Wescovich was transported to University Hospital in Mobile, where she died of her injuries.

No additional details were released. ALEA says the accident remains under investigation.
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Mobile County Public Schools is considering bringing back corporal punishment and shifting to a year-round class schedule.

During a Board of Education meeting Monday night, Doug Harwell, a board member representing District 1, said members of his community have been asking him to implement both proposals.

People have been asking me questions about [year round school]. Weve been doing it at one of our schools and its been successful and I tell them that Ill bring it to the board, said Harwell. Also corporal punishment is a big topic, people have been talking about that and I shared that with [Board Member Sherry Dillihay-McDade] and shes been hearing the same thing.

Harwell said the district plans to send a survey to parents to get their thoughts on year-round school and corporal punishment, as well as on changing the time of board meetings from the mornings to the evening, when more parents can attend.

Fonde Elementary School in Mobile has been operating on a year-round calendar for six years, using a 180-day regular calendar and offering multiple week-long intercessions for students to catch up.

Students love it and teachers love it, Mobile County spokesperson Rena Philips told AL.com in April when lawmakers considered adding more instructional days to the school calendar.

Superintendent Chresal Threadgill confirmed he would send out a survey with the proposed questions, but did not elaborate on how the district would weigh the responses, or whether these measures were being seriously considered.

When asked for more details on the proposed measures as well as a timeline for the survey and potential implementation, Philips said this just came up yesterday, so we do not have a timeline or the specifics you are asking for.

Board member Johnny Hatcher weighed in on the corporal punishment measure, saying that if its brought back to schools, it should be done with parental consent and in front of a camera and a witness. Alabama state law and some school districts allow paddling.

But not everyone agreed with bringing back paddling.

Let me just go on record and say that I would not support that. No kind of way, said board member Reginald Crenshaw. Youre talking about putting your hands on peoples children. I think its gets real pushy. I think we can come up with some other means of punishment other than corporal punishment, for the record.
This is an opinion column

I am deeply disappointed by the failure of State Treasurer Young Boozer III to execute the Distressed Institutions of Higher Learning Revolving Loan Fund Act, which I co-sponsored with my colleague Sen. Rodger Smitherman. The Act passed unanimously by the Alabama Senate, passed by a bipartisan supermajority in the House, and was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on June 16.

As a co-sponsor of the Act, I can say unequivocally that this enabling legislation was conceived, written, and designed to make it possible for Birmingham-Southern College to obtain a bridge loan that will allow it to operate while the College rebuilds its endowment.

For a year now, BSC has been in discussions with Treasurer Boozer and, since June, the College has provided the treasurer with information that amply demonstrates the fact that it qualifies for a loan under the terms of the Act.

BSC is responsible for the payment of more than $13 million in taxes each year and has an economic impact on the State of Alabama of $97.2 million. It has offered collateral for the loan that exceeds several times over the amount of the proposed loan, including its 192-acre campus in west Birmingham and U.S. Treasury securitiesregarded worldwide as the soundest possible collateral that can be offered.

The College also provided a thoughtful, detailed plan under which it can achieve financial stability and repay the loan in full in a timely manner.

In short, Birmingham-Southern has met each and every requirement set forth in the law.

When one considers the economics of the situation, there is simply no way the State can fail to benefit from the approval of this loan. I call upon Treasurer Boozer to approve it without further delay so that BSC can continue its storied 167-year history of improving our states economy and preparing Alabamians for lives of meaning and purpose.

Without the loan, it is a near certainty that BSC would not survive for the long term. Such a tragedy would come with a very real human, as well as economic, cost. Students academic careers would be disrupted in the middle of the academic year. The livelihood of nearly 1,500 Alabamians would be impacted. A billion dollars in economic impact would be lost over the next decade. And two vital and historic neighborhoods in our states largest market would be decimated.

The intent of the Legislature, as expressed in the Act, was to save BSC from closure. There is absolutely no compelling reason, either from a financial or policy standpoint, why a loan should not be extended. I hope and trust the situation can be resolved in a manner that protects this immensely valuable educational and economic asset.

Alabama State Sen. Jabo Waggoner is a Republican representing Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Indian Springs Village
Alabamas candidate for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives suggested earlier this year that God gave him clarity to break a campaign promise and run for a sixth term in office.

Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, who was first elected in 2014, broke the promise when he announced he would seek a sixth term in office.

The announcement was the rationale given by businessman Gerrick Wilkins for Wilkins primary campaign against Palmer.

Palmer signed a pledge by U.S. Term Limits, a national group advocating for citizen legislators, in 2014 to back legislation barring House members from serving more than three terms, or six years, and U.S. senators from serving no more than two terms, or 12 years, in office.

The pledge did not state that signers would have to abide by those terms themselves, as pointed out by Palmers spokesman, but the congressman made a personal pledge to serve no more than five terms in office when he first ran.

I own that. I said I would serve only five terms, Palmer told Alabama Today in March.

Palmer said another candidate at a forum made the pledge and he followed suit without consulting God.

I didnt pray about it, Palmer said, according to Alabama Today. Sometimes you get ahead of God.

The Alabama congressman contended he planned on abiding by the pledge until early March, when he prayed to God for clarity on his decision.

I need to change my mind, so I am going to run again, Palmer told Alabama Today. God still has a plan for me. I need to change my mind, so I am going to run again. I know I am going to have detractors. I know people are going to question. I would rather not have it.

Wilkins cited the pledge as part of the reason he is running against Palmer in the Republican primary this year.

Gary broke his promise. He said he was only going to run five terms, and hes gone back on his word there, Wilkins said on the Jeff Poor Show Thursday on FM Talk1065.

Instead of sitting idly by, we need citizen lawmakers to step up to work on making a difference in Washington, Wilkins said. Its disappointing to see the dysfunction, and we need business leaders to step up and say, these career politicians, youre not getting the job done. Its time for a change.
Fans of "Stranger Things" have been patiently waiting for the fifth season, but due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the show's production has been delayed way longer than anticipated. This is an issue since the stars of the series are already growing up.

From Teens to Adults in a Season

The second volume of the fourth season was released back in June 2022, which means that it has already been more than a year since the latest season aired. It's not that strange since there's also a three-year gap between the fourth and third seasons.

However, the problem is that the show has halted filming due to the strikes, and the actors can't exactly stop themselves from aging. The cast's age in the fourth season also serves as an issue since it's where most people start to mature appearance-wise.

"Stranger Things" Executive Producer Shawn Levy admitted that the passing of time during the strikes is definitely not helping. But, they are confident that they have a way of making it appear like the cast has not aged at all.

Levy expressed that their "hair and makeup and wardrobe department are pretty exceptional, using costumes and wigs and makeup." Since the gap is not that far, it is possible that the hair and makeup department could make a few adjustments.

"The '80s are also our friends in returning these young adult actors to their iconic Hawkins characters. So we're going to use all the tools available to us. And I know our cast is as eager to get back to work as the rest of us," the executive producer stated, as per Gizmodo.

Even if that doesn't work, it bodes well for the showrunners that the show revolves around mystery and fiction, which allows them to take creative liberties in creating a scenario that explains the cast's aging. For instance, maybe the Mind Flayer put them all in a trance for years.

Read Also: Writers Guild of America Proposes Using AI as a Tool To Write Scripts

Update on the Strike

While the protest is still ongoing, the recent updates bear good news for people who just want everyone to finally get what they deserve. SAG-AFTRA has already surpassed its 100th day of striking and has confirmed that company executives asked them to return to the table.

With that, official negotiations have resumed today, October 24th, according to SAG-AFTRA. Hopefully, a fair deal can be reached so that actors can return to doing what they love without having to settle for smaller pay than they deserve.

Luckily for WGA, an agreement has already been reached. The strike ended after 146 days of protests. It was regarded as the second-longest strike in Hollywood history, and it has led to great results for all the writers involved.

In the Memorandum of Agreement, several aspects were tackled and resolved such as the increase of minimums, increased health and pension contribution rate, increased health and pension contributions for writing teams, terms on artificial intelligence usage, and more.

"We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional," says the guild, adding that the deal has "meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership." Hopefully, SAG-AFTRA will come to the same conclusion.

Related: 'One Piece' Season 2 Production Will Depend on Resolution of Writers Strike










English News China sees fruitful outcomes in international space cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par pd - 24 Octobre 2023



China always follows the principles of "peaceful use, equality, mutual benefit and common development." It is committed to transforming the Chinese space station into an open platform for international scientific and technological cooperation and exchanges.

By Liu Yao Through in-depth space cooperation, China and many countries in the world have jointly built a broad and magnificent "space silk road," contributing to the development and utilization of space resources and the progress of human civilization.



The constellation of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is working around the clock in the space. Since the system's commissioning more than three years ago, the application models of the BDS has been enriched, with its fields of application getting wider and wider.



According to statistics, the BDS-3 has provided accelerated positioning and high-precision service to more than 1.5 billion users in more than 230 countries and regions, winning more and more recognition from the international community.



In Xai-Xai, Gaza Province of Mozambique, there is a 20,000-hectare rice farm, the largest rice planting cooperation project in Africa. To plough the fields, and plant, manage and harvest crops on such a huge farmland was once a big challenge for local rice growers.



It was the innovation in agricultural technologies utilizing the BDS that benefited local rice growers. They can now control sprayer drones via mobile applications, thanks to the geographical positioning enabled by the Chinese positioning system.



Obtaining real-time geographical information through the BDS, sprayer drones are able to apply pesticides according to preset flight paths. Compared with traditional spraying methods, which rely on manual effort and can only cover a couple mu (667 square meters) each hour, BDS-enabled sprayer drones can treat over 100 mu of land every hour. Moreover, the drones can operate at night, dramatically improving efficiency.



The Sarez Lake in eastern Tajikistan is the world's highest quake lake. It houses the highest and biggest natural dam in the world. Monitoring the deformation of the dam situated in a seismically active zone and thus protecting the safety of local residents remains an important issue.



A Chinese research team developed a deformation monitoring service platform for the dam based on the BDS, with a millimeter-level precision. With this platform, researchers can remotely monitor the deformation of the dam and send science-based warnings. The system has also been employed to monitor expressway side slopes in Kyrgyzstan and snow slides in Tajikistan.



According to Chen Gucang, deputy director of the China Satellite Navigation Office, the BDS is applied in a wide range of fields, and has played a significant role in the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway as well as the operation of China-Kazakhstan crude oil pipeline and the China-Europe freight trains.



Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side in June this year, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites.



In December 2014, China and Egypt signed an agreement to carry out cooperation on the development of remote-sensing satellites. According to the agreement, China would build Egypt's first satellite assembly, integration and test center.



The two countries signed an agreement for the MisrSat II satellite project in January 2019, based on which China would provide the Egyptian side with a small remote-sensing satellite, a ground measurement and control station and a ground application system. Besides, China would also train Egyptian aerospace experts.



Prior to that, Egypt did not have its own satellite assembly, integration and test center, nor satellite development capabilities. It could only import complete foreign satellites. The completion of the China-funded center has provided Egypt with world-leading aerospace infrastructure.



Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat noted that these advanced technologies and equipment are important to not only Egypt, but also entire Africa.



China has established cooperation with many countries and regions in jointly developing and launching communication or remote-sensing satellites, as well as constructing satellite ground receiving stations and other space infrastructure. These efforts have played a positive role in the development of local sectors such as communication, agriculture, culture, environmental protection, and meteorology.



The China National Space Administration said that China is committed to promoting global technological progress and the sharing of innovative achievements, with an aim to enhance the capabilities of people around the world to explore and utilize space.



China always follows the principles of "peaceful use, equality, mutual benefit and common development." It is committed to transforming the Chinese space station into an open platform for international scientific and technological cooperation and exchanges.



Lin Xiqiang, a spokesperson and deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, stated that the first batch of China's international cooperation projects in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs will soon conduct experiments on the space station. Additionally, the implementation of 10 space application projects in collaboration with the European Space Agency is also progressing in an orderly manner.



China's lunar exploration program has opened up opportunities for international cooperation on Chang'e-8 to the international society. It welcomes countries and international organizations to join and carry out multilevel collaboration together to achieve more major original scientific discoveries.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Belt and Road countries to make sustainable achievements that benefit their posterity Finance Ministers' Meeting Seeks $30 Billion Boost for Water and Sanitation AI Beauty Ranking: The Most Attractive U.S. Presidential Candidates for 2024 Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Albert Einstein said purportedly that "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results," and this applies squarely to restrictions on firearm ownership.

United Kingdom, June 1940

There was a time in the United Kingdom when there were few restrictions on firearm ownership. In 1920, however, the UK required people to get a certificate for permission to own firearms. "Applicants for certificates also had to convince the police that they had a good reason for needing a certificate." In 1937, "the Home Secretary ruled that self-defense was no longer a suitable reason for applying for a firearm certificate and directed police to refuse such applications on the grounds that "firearms cannot be regarded as a suitable means of protection and may be a source of danger." ("Crime and justice since 1750" elaborates on this.)

Then Germany overran France and drove the British Expeditionary Force back across the English Channel minus most of its heavy weapons. Now Britain faced the possibility of invasion by Nazis who would have done to its population what they had already done to Poland and France. The British Lion accordingly got on its collective knees to beg American firearm owners to "Send a gun to defend a British home." Luckily for the UK, the United States did not have "common sense gun laws" so we had extra firearms to share with them.

Did anybody learn from this debacle? Apparently not, as shown in 2022.

Ukraine, February 2022

As I wrote here when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022,

"Ukrainians are being urged to arm themselves to resist the unprovoked Russian invasion of their country. The immediate question is, 'with what?' noting that Ukraine has exactly the kind of gun laws the Democratic Left wants to inflict on the United States. Handguns are illegal unless licensed, and licensing is "may-issue" the same way it is in New York. It is also necessary to have a license to purchase a long gun (as is the case in Illinois with its firearm owner ID card), and authorities can exercise discretion as to who can have a license. There are at most thirteen firearms for every hundred Ukrainians"

Ukraine should have seen this coming in light of previous Russian aggression in 2014 as well as Britain's example, but it's obvious that those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

Israel, October 2023

When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, they went from house to house to slaughter unarmed families in their own homes. Hadar and Itay Berdychivsky, who had served in the IDF, apparently did have government-issued permission to own handguns and fifty rounds of ammunition, and they fought back. Both were killed, at a cost of seven terrorists, while defending their children. There are two obvious lessons here.

As stated by Colonel Jeff Cooper, "A handgun is merely a weapon used to fight your way back to your rifle -- which you shouldn't have left behind." It is quite likely that two Israelis with Army experience could have handled all the goblins (Cooper's term for violent criminals) with AR-15s, 30-round magazines, and spare magazines. The fact that it took eight or more Hamas terrorists with automatic rifles to kill two Israelis who had only sidearms, and lost seven KIA to do it, underscores the inferiority of the Hamas invaders to the Israelis.

In contrast, this is what happens when terrorist rabble attack Israelis who have access to long arms and no ammunition limits: "The Hamas was no match for an intrepid 25-year-old Israeli woman -- who saved an entire kibbutz from harm by leading a group of residents to kill more than two dozen advancing terrorists, including five she slaughtered herself."

The BBC adds, "Israeli gun ownership is low at about 2% of the population. Usually citizens are allowed to hold a pistol and a limit of 50 bullets" which underscores the gross incompetence of the Israeli legislators who were responsible for the laws in question. Ongoing attacks and infiltration by Hamas made the events of last week easily foreseeable but the government left this law in place. Israel's "commonsense gun laws" resulted in hundreds of preventable fatalities which brings to mind phrases like "dereliction of duty." Israeli voters need to hold those responsible for this disaster accountable in the next election.

Three Strikes and You're Out

"Commonsense gun laws" have three strikes against them, two with massive preventable fatalities in Ukraine and Israel; the UK got lucky because Operation Sea Lion never went forward. Anybody who still supports "commonsense gun laws" is a dishonest or incompetent quack like Joe Biden, who depicts knife-wielding assailants as "unarmed" and suggests that defenders shoot to wound. If your life is really in danger, you must shoot to center of mass to stop and, if your life is not in danger, you must not shoot at all. Advocates of magazine size limits are clearly incompetent quacks as proven by events in Israel and also Massad Ayoob's expert testimony in Fyock v. Sunnyvale.

Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history, and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. He or she is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to "cancel culture" for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter.

Image: Backbone Campaign
The murderous demonic sneak attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7 must be fully understood in the context of Islamic history, warfare and tactics. All of the major and most of the minor media are utterly without comprehension and have as usual defaulted to their prejudices and to repeating and amplifying the tsunami of propaganda generated by the murderers, their handlers, and the Israel- and Jew-haters of the fascist right and left.

Yes, this was an obscene, unspeakable sneak attack by barbarous hate-filled sub-humans, shouting prayers to their deity and displaying their murderous rampage via the 21st century internet. Raping and slaying their way through throngs of young innocents, the weak and aged, and even infants and angelic toddlers. Forcing parents to watch the murder of their children before killing them, too; binding whole families together and burning them alive in their homes. Bloody incongruity and savage insanity? Perhaps not.

The weak minds and ignorance of most modern folk are stunned by the horror and cruelty that was perpetrated and fall into easy explanations based on rational emotional responses. This must be the result of decades of anger because of cruel treatment by the Israelis. Its perfectly understandable that people deprived of their land and dignity and under military occupation by jackbooted military thugs would explode this way, isnt it?

Leave aside, for a moment, civilized peoples responsibility to behave with a degree of control and balance, even when very angry, and to direct vengeance only at the authors of their pain and suffering, and not at every opportune innocent bystander in their reach. There is a much darker and more sinister purpose to turning insane murderers loose to gain your victory.

Even the Hamas death squads and their masters know the warning of Admiral Yamamoto when he received word of the success of Japans sneak attack on Pearl Harbor: I fear we may have awakened a sleeping giant. A military man cannot be proud of smiting a sleeping enemy.

In the long history of warfare between Islam and Christendom (and nearly everyone else), savagery and murderous cruelty were often tools and not simply the result of hard-fought battles. We live in a soft and relatively pampered age, and most know nothing of the wonton murder of tens of thousands which regularly occurred with the sack of cities and towns all across the ancient world. When a citys walls were breached, all possessions, including wives and children who survived, were taken as booty by the winners. Sometimes, all remaining inhabitants were murdered, and carcasses left to rot on the ground.

Tattoed fist reading "jihad" in Arabic



The Great Khan often achieved his ends by murdering everyone in a city, making a mountain of the corpses and warning adjacent cities that this would be their fate if they failed to surrender forthwith. This was very effective.

The purpose of wanton, bloodlust killing, breaking any and all civilized taboos, was done to challenge and intimidate your adversary, to break his will and resolve, to frighten his soldiers. During World War 2, in our island-hopping battles with the dug-in Japanese across the Pacific, if an American fighter was captured he might very well be strung out and tortured on the battlefield so his suffering and cries of pain could be heard by and demoralize his fellow soldiers.

Hamas has delivered a carefully crafted message to the Israelis and to the world. The people of the Middle East know it very well. Most recently, ISIS was the Muslim messenger, murdering, raping, torturing the non-Muslims or non-cooperating Muslims within their reach. Kurds, Christians, Yazidis, and dozens of other ethnic groups were told that they must submit to the rule of this restored Islamic Caliphate or they would be tortured and killed.

Today, what we quaintly refer to as antisemitism or hatred of Jews, plays a part in the violence, but as the great scholar of Islam, Bernard Lewis, instructed us, we are living through a Clash of civilizations. There are many positive values in Islamic history and civilization and many thorny negatives throughout Western history. Resolution here cannot come from a zero sum game.

Whats to be done? In the context of the Middle East, Israel has had an almost magical luster, defeating much larger enemies, continuing against great odds to develop a vibrant and creative society, and a robust economy. Over seven decades, Israel has shown an almost biblical success streak. This has made Israel the major insult to Muslim extremists and revanchists. Add to this that Mohammed himself had an angry run-in with the Jews of his time on his rise to power, and one that he never forgave.

Israel has been given a bloody nose. Its appearance as a champion has been badly damaged. Lowly Hamas has been able to ridicule and insult the great Zionist enterprise and may now lure it into a deadly confrontation which Hamas can use to inflame the Muslim world. Hezballah sits across the border, armed with enough rockets to kill and destroy many Israelis and much of its infrastructure. And the Syrians (the remnant still there) may be tempted to open another front in this war.

The United States under Biden is of only marginal utility, if that, in this moment. The two aircraft carrier battle groups that have been dispatched are not needed by Israel. Their only purpose seems to be to help Biden quiet the Jewish fundraising and support backbone of his party and to try to keep the Israelis from a long overdue elimination of Irans nuclear program and decapitation of the regime of Mullahs.

I believe that Israel must now eliminate Hamas, and they must do this without the loss of many soldiers made to engage in house-to-house battle. They know where the tunnels lie, where the outside air comes from, and where entrance and egress are hidden. Israel must close the tunnel city Hamas has created, killing virtually all the benighted souls therein. They should begin this process, by holding a prayer service for the dead, all of those, including the hostages (God bless them, this is the most difficult element) and the Hamas lunatics who will be entombed beneath the sands of Gaza.

Hezballah, has already been warned that Hell awaits them if they intervene. I believe that the Israelis should deploy several low yield nuclear weapons on a hair trigger, to be used the moment that any rocket volley from Lebanon is initiated. Terrible, but it must be done, or a major portion of Israel will be laid waste and there will be a dreadful civilian death toll.

Lastly, Israel must, if it has not already planned this to the last detail, be ready, on its own schedule to destroy Irans nuclear program and leadership. This may also require unconventional weapons.

Israel must remember that Never Again means, recognizing that you are living amongst primitive savages who play by the rules of the Old Testament. You must answer the insult and prevent the ridicule. Bin Laden said, The people want to follow the strong horse. You must be the strong horse to shock the world into attention and remind all of us that the Lord will smile upon those who treat His people with love and respect, but Woe to those who forget His Covenant.

Patricia Henry is the pen name of a veteran California political activist.

Photo credit: Jaehad Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.
After our educated lords and rulers rose to power through the revolutions of the 17th and 18th centuries the great question was: how should they rule?

The answer, that crystallized in the century between 1850 and 1950, was that our rulers would fight for the victims. And what a parade of victims: workers, women, Blacks, LGBT. And also the Palestinians.

The fate of the Palestinians is instructive. After the defeat of the Arab attack on the Jews in Palestine and the creation of the State of Israel by the victorious Jews in 1948, the Arab Palestinians went on welfare, supported as helpless victims by the UN, the U.S., and other interested parties. And there they have lingered ever since.

My question is: what good has all the tender care by our victim-adjacent rulers done for the Palestinians? I would say that our beloved rulers have Made Things Worse. Meanwhile the Palestinians have chosen leaders that promised to fight the Israelis and return them to the lands that they know belong to them.

There is a sophisticated word for this kind of politics: Irredentism. I first encountered the word decades ago from reading the Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises. He told me that Eastern Europe was a morass of irredentism, with the people of every province or country fervently believing that some borderland presently ruled by the other guys really belonged to them. I only got to learn the details in The Other Europe by E. Garrison Walters. Transylvania, Moldova, Silesia, Moravia, Wallachia, Galicia: the list goes on and on. The Jewish Mises himself came from Lemberg in Galicia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which is now Lvov in Ukraine. He ended up in the United States, via Austria and Switzerland.

I rredentism is great for sauntering politicians: it keeps the people riled up, bellowing for revenge, and it keeps the politicians in power. But whatabout the ordinary people? What do they get out of it? Not so much.

Here at home in the USA, victim politics works great for our ruling class, but not so much for the victims, as you may have noticed. Life is good for the educated class, but not so great for the rest of us.

Our ruling class promises to fight. It promised to fight for the workers against the employers. It promised to fight for the women against the patriarchy. It promised to fight for blacks against the racists. It promised to fight for the gays against the homophobes.

But let's think this through. Does it really help the workers to fight the employers? Or is it true to say that workers and employers need each other and would benefit from working together rather than fighting? Does it really help to fight the patriarchy? Or is it true to say that men and women need each other, because children need a mother and a father: their mother and their father? Does it really help to point out racists behind every tree? Or would it help for the cops to subdue the gangbangers and the shoplifters and for the activists to get a job and let ordinary Blacks build lives for themselves in safety?

More and more, I am convinced, politics does nothing except conjure up enemies where none exist, and loot the economy to pay off the supporters.

These days the rulers are fighting for the transgenders against women. Because? Because transgenders are victims! Yes, I know: somewhere on Earth, the evil patriarchs are cheering.

Right now, I am reading Nazi jurist Carl Schmitt's Political Theology. If I understand any of it, I understand that the way that academics construct political doctrines in our time is more or less identical to the process by which theologians constructed systems of religious belief in the olden time. In the olden time theologians convinced us that the king was God's anointed. Today, we are told, political activists are next to godliness because they fight for justice for the oppressed. And just as God wrought miracles in the olden time, our political activists are all just about to demonstrate the miracle of social justice in our time.

The problem with politics is that it cannot get beyond its obsession with the enemy, whether kings attacking the king next door or activists fighting the White oppressors. And, of course, every ruling class demands a princely ransom for its fight against the enemy, a ransom that comes out of the lives and earnings of ordinary citizens. That is why the West has seen populist uprisings against the educated ruling class in recent decades. While the ruling class pays professors and DEI administrators to come up with new ways to advertise its compassion for the victims, ordinary people worry abo how to pay for the next fill-up at the gas pump.

Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class.

Image: PickPik
America once proudly honored the rule of law, but nowadays, it looks more and more like the rule of lies would be a more appropriate definition. I am speaking here not necessarily about lying Joe, but about lies generated by the whole government system.

Australian journalist Caitlin Johnstone puts it bluntly: When you live under an empire thats held together by lies, youll be asked to believe a lot of intensely stupid b-------. She mentions the top ten, from her point of view, dumbest things the propagandists of the U.S.-centralized empire try to get us to swallow.

I believe she misses a few, including crucial ones that are directly related to the U.S.s 21st-century wars and the current proxy war in Ukraine that has a high potential to escalate into nuclear WW3.

NATO is not moving one inch eastward. This lie, according to George Kennan, the eminent architect of the Soviet containment strategy and a former ambassador to the Soviet Union, would inflame the nationalistic, anti-Western and militaristic tendencies in Russia and therefore was a fateful foreign policy error. New York Democrat Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan added that it would open the door to the nuclear war.

Weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. This whopper led to endless Middle East wars, resulting in huge human and material losses, as well as the rise of ISIS. According to the Brown and American University research document The Costs of War, it led to over 940,000 deaths due to direct war violence and an estimated 3.63.8 million people who have died indirectly in post-9/11 war zones, plus 38 million war refugees and displaced persons. The U.S. federal price tag for the post-9/11 wars is over $8 trillion.

Trump-Putin Collusion. This is the so-called Russiagate fake story, which was actually collusion among lying politicians, intelligence officials, and media who tried to get Hillary Clinton into the White House. This lie succeeded in destroying Trumps presidency along with its declared goal of improving U.S.-Russia relations.

Hunter Bidens laptop has all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation. This lie was promoted by Bidens 2020 presidential campaign manager Antony Blinken, 51 top U.S. intelligence servicemen, and the media, which helped the Big Guy get elected.

Military and financial backing of Ukraine for as long as it takes is meant to support that countrys democracy, when in reality, the goal was to weaken Russia, who dared to reject the U.S. claims to global hegemony.

However, the most outrageous and endlessly repeated lie is that if Putin wins in Ukraine, he will then move farther West, and eventually to the U.S.

There is no intelligence, no proof, no desire, and no means on the Russian side to do that  only accusations by Ukraines Zelensky, who is using this scare tactic to get more money and weapons, and by his backers in Washington and Brussels.

In reality, all Russian leaders, starting with Mikhail Gorbachev and on to Vladimir Putin, were ready for full economic and even military integration with the West, including joint U.S.-Russia missile defense and joining NATO, only to be rebuffed.

After the collapse of the USSR, the overwhelming majority of the Russian people desired rapprochement with the West, and particular with the U.S., but Washington squandered this historic opportunity.

As we see now, the claims to global hegemony were a pipe dream, as the multipolar world order is rising before our eyes. Many Americans feel that the country is going in the wrong direction. Even the New York Times, which usually follows the Democrat party line, in a recent poll admits that the majority of Americans with or without political affiliations agree that we are failing as a nation and share a sense of doom.

The obvious question is, what to do?

For us who are not in the government, and especially the younger generation, here is a helpful quote from the late William Polk, who helped to steer a wise and just foreign policy for the United States, including serving on JFKs three-man crisis management team during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This is how he concluded his speech to graduating students at Bennington College in 2008:

Refuse to be marginalized. ... You are national assets. And you owe the country the best you have. Do your jobs as citizens. Demand that your candidates tell you the truth and act with intelligence. ... Participate. You cannot afford to sit back and do nothing. If you do, you are almost certain to pay for your laziness. A democracy is not a holding company to be run by a board of directors. You are stockholders. Your life and your well-being are at stake. If you care about them, protect them. After you inform yourself, make your voice heard and put your actions where your mouth is. Be a leader. Get your generation into action. Together you are strong. Our future is in your hands. This is your country, your world, and your time.

Image: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
Looks like it's crow time for the big media, which had fallen over itself to publish claims that Israel bombed a hospital in Gaza. That never happened, but Hamas told them it did, so that got reported as news. That's some source to take one's news from.

The New York Times has now run this:

On Oct. 17, The New York Times published news of an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City, leading its coverage with claims by Hamas government officials that an Israeli airstrike was the cause and that hundreds of people were dead or injured. The report included a large headline at the top of The Timess website. Israel subsequently denied being at fault and blamed an errant rocket launch by the Palestinian faction group Islamic Jihad, which has in turn denied responsibility. American and other international officials have said their evidence indicates that the rocket came from Palestinian fighter positions. The Timess initial accounts attributed the claim of Israeli responsibility to Palestinian officials, and noted that the Israeli military said it was investigating the blast. However, the early versions of the coverage  and the prominence it received in a headline, news alert and social media channels  relied too heavily on claims by Hamas, and did not make clear that those claims could not immediately be verified. The report left readers with an incorrect impression about what was known and how credible the account was.

Not much of an apology to readers, actually. More like a pleading note to the professional blacklisters at NewsGuard, though I doubt they have much to worry about.

NPR, in couched language made excuses for more of the mainstream media miscreants, and noted that there were a lot of them who had some explaining to do:

The initial coverage of a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital last week offers a fresh reminder of how hard it can be to get the news right  and what happens when it goes awry. The list of those news organizations that fell short is long and illustrious, including The New York Times, the BBC, Reuters, The Associated Press and more.

NPR did point out at least one reason why:

The news coverage was said to help inspire furious protests across the Middle East that scuttled some of President Biden's efforts at easing tensions through diplomacy. The Israeli government accused the BBC of a "modern blood libel," invoking centuries-old slanders against Jews as killers. That came after the BBC's Jon Donnison told viewers just hours after the incident, "The Israeli military has been contacted for comment and they say they are investigating. But it is hard to see what else this could be, really, given the size of the explosion, other than an Israeli airstrike or several airstrikes." The BBC later issued a statement citing the full breadth of its coverage but saying that the degree of speculation in his report was, in retrospect, wrong.

In other words, their "news," courtesy of Hamas as their source, set the world's crazies off to rioting and ripping down 'missing' posters of those kidnapped and held hostage by Hamas, screaming in the streets, beating up people, vandalizing cities, and making other messes, showing us who they are and inspiring other crazies to do likewise. It also upended Joe Biden's trip to the Middle East. Responsible reporting? You decide.

But everyone at these outlets bought it lock stock and barrel because Hamas said it. Which tells us a lot about the problem here: Unlike, say, the stone-age freaks of ISIS, Hamas has a lot of fans in the West -- and they want to believe whatever claptrap the terrorist group, fresh with Jeiwsh blood on its hands and hostages in its dungeons, can spew through its propaganda machine. Their bias is showing.

It certainly shows here in this example:

Read how journalists can cut through climate misinformation as it evolves from outright denial to one of delay. @GerhardMaier_ for our 'How to fix climate journalism' essay serieshttps://t.co/erv4kBfODV  Reuters Institute (@risj_oxford) October 20, 2023

Not a drop of skepticism about the repeatedly bad claims of the global warmers of the establishment, just faith and belief in the theology. The reporter making the claim about AI doesn't seem to understand much about AI, that it's only as good as its input. Garbage in, garbage out, and Reuters right there to dine on the scraps.

Meanwhile, while on the topic of confirmation bias, the Times even hires people who share Hamas's worldview. NPR noted that the Times has guys like him on its staff:

An Israeli diplomat chastised the paper for employing Soliman Hijjy as a freelance videographer in Gaza to document the conflict. On numerous occasions over the past 11 years, Hijjy has praised Adolf Hitler or invoked the Nazi leader in social media postings. A spokesperson for the Times says the paper reviewed those "problematic" postings last year, when the issue was first raised, and took actions "to ensure he understood our concerns and could adhere to our standards." The statement says Hijjy has done so and "has delivered important and impartial work at great personal risk during this conflict."

They couldn't get anyone better than a guy who praises Hitler to their prestigious outlet? Maybe it's not surprising that they take statements from the Hamas "health ministry" as reportable truth.

Facts are less important, or at least, less important to press until they get caught and have to paddle back.

Is it any coincidence that public confidence in the press has fallen?

Terry Jones at Issues & Insights has a piece on that, citing a TIPP poll:

Americans trust in the U.S. media has plunged to its lowest levels ever, the latest I&I/TIPP Poll data show. Both big, mainstream traditional media outlets and mid-sized alternative media outlets continue to suffer from declining revenues as their audience and readership numbers shrink. The October I&I/TIPP Poll shows that a loss in underlying trust is a key cause of media industry decline. The poll was taken Sept. 27-29 from among 1,378 adults around the country and has a margin of error of 2.7 percentage points.

Yet there they go again, taking the Hamas press release and reporting it as straight news. They weren't skeptical at all. Any questions as to why the public no longer trusts them?

Image: Twitter screen shot
Last week, after the all the news thats fit to print (sic) New York Times and the Associated Press (AP) and most of the other oh so (un)reliable media sources definitively announced on all their media platforms that the evil Israelis bombed a hospital in Gaza, killing an estimated 500 or so patients and hospital personnel, they definitively, gradually stepped back from their definitive assertions. Sort of.

Two days ago, on Sunday, the media organizations did it again, taking another teeny step backwards, as the N.Y. Times definitively, kind of, sort of stated:

Hamas Fails to Make Case That Israel Struck Hospital A senior Hamas official says nothing is left of the munition that hit the Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City last week, killing hundreds. Israel says the explosion was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket.

Oh.

By the way, the hospital  slightly damaged  is still standing, the adjacent parking lot and area  highly damaged  are still there, but there is no trace  none! not even a fragment  of the munition. Hmmm...whom are you going to believe  the ever lying Hamas and their press agents at the N.Y. Times, plus other media known for twisting the truth to benefit themselves, such as the BBC, Associated Press (AP), CNN? Or your lying eyes?

Apparently, the N.Y. Times doesnt even believe itself, definitively admitting  only after it was caught  on Instagram yesterday:

Given the sensitive nature of the news during a widening conflict, and the prominent promotion it received, Times editors should have taken more care with the initial presentation, and been more explicit about what information could be verified. Newsroom leaders continue to examine procedures around the biggest breaking news events  including for the use of the largest headlines in the digital report  to determine what additional safeguards may be warranted.

Oh. After well over a century in the news business and supposedly hiring some of the best, highly trained correspondents, they still have to determine what additional safeguards may be warranted for verification before opening their mouths? For starters, expanding their vocabulary to learn such new words as maybe, perhaps, not verified, and then use them accordingly.

And here is another definitive new word for the N.Y. Times, the AP, the BBC, and others need to learn how to use properly: terrorist. Both the AP and the BBC absolutely refuse to use this highly definitive, highly precise word to define Hamas, whose raison detre is to slaughter Jewish and other infidels elderly, children, and handicapped and continue to act evilly accordingly.

And not so by the way, in Gaza, the AP and the Arab news agency Al Jazeera  not known for truth-telling to infidels  are housed in the same small office building! Certainly a coincidence!

Perhaps chatting with a high school news editor in, say, a small Iowa town might enlighten the editors of the N.Y. Times  and the other definitively lying, distorted, complicit news media such as CNN, the BBC, the AP, etc.  about truth. Even in conflict.

Image via Pxfuel.
As Republicans futz around to elect a House Speaker, what's with all these tweets from Democrats?

Check out what the deep state activists among them with say-so are saying, such as left-wing Hillary Clinton lawyer Marc Elias:

NEW: "In 2020, all nine supported efforts to disenfranchise millions of Americans and inhibit the peaceful transfer of power."



Please read and share. https://t.co/bWZVIKnyc1  Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) October 23, 2023

Get this: 7 out of 9 Republican House Speaker candidates voted to overturn the 2020 election results. Our democracy can't afford to have election deniers controlling the People's House. https://t.co/GAGFC5l34h  End Citizens United (@StopBigMoney) October 23, 2023

Here's a paranoid one:

The election of Rep. Jim Jordan as speaker is almost a guarantee that the votes of the majority of the US electorate will be dismissed. Theres every likelihood Jordan will try to steal the election for Trump. The @HouseGOP voting for Speaker Jordan are trying to steal your vote.  Alexander S. Vindman  (@AVindman) October 17, 2023

Old, fat, and paranoid is no way to go through life, Al.

Worse still, elected Democrats, presumably on the sidelines, but obviously looking for advantage have obviously adopted the same talking points:

So, Republicans just elected Tom Emmer to be the next Speaker. Dont forget Tom Emmer also urged the Supreme Court to overturn the 2020 election result, voted against the January 6th Committee, & was hand-picked by Kevin McCarthy. Dont be fooled: Tom Emmer is just as dangerous.  Victor Shi (@Victorshi2020) October 24, 2023

Democrats are open to a bipartisan way forward. But Members who tried to overturn a free and fair election have no business leading the Peoples House. pic.twitter.com/ShNAJnAhvE  Sara Jacobs (@SaraJacobsCA) October 23, 2023

Today, Republicans may make Jim Jordan the Speaker.



Jordan would preside over the counting of electoral votes in the next election.



After he was deeply involved in trying to overturn the last one.



Just when you think they cant be more irresponsible, they prove you wrong.  Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) October 17, 2023

Jack Bergman (MI) election denier

Byron Donalds (FL) election denier

Tom Emmer (MN)

Kevin Hern (OK) election denier

Mike Johnson (LA) election denier

Dan Meuser (PA) election denier

Gary Palmer (AL) election denier

Austin Scott (GA)

Pete Sessions (TX) election denier https://t.co/ld5CBuajDp  Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) October 22, 2023

7 out of 9 of the candidates for Speaker voted against certification of the 2020 election.



Hear me out: election deniers HAVE NO PLACE IN LEADERSHIP.



Share if you agree.  Alex Padilla (@AlexPadilla4CA) October 23, 2023

It's amazing how alike they sound, isn't it? Almost like Elias sent them their marching orders.

What's creepy here is that even as they wax pious about "democracy," something they've never cared about before, given their propensity to burn the flag, what they're doing is calling for cancelling elected officials, saying that the House can't vote for them, because, democracy. The House can vote for anyone it likes for House Speaker. To bellow on about January 6 as a disqualifier is profoundly undemocratic. Apparently, no one is allowed to question election results when Democrats win.

It's not like Democrats don't do this sort of thing...

This is you, isn't it?



when will you resign then? hahaha. hypocrisy & gaslighting are now standard Padilla features.https://t.co/w9mRuqvua3  Sawyer (@flippersrevenge) October 23, 2023

That would take out a lot of Congress on both sides. pic.twitter.com/jAB8DmTD2d  Dawn J (@dawnCJ100) October 24, 2023

But unlike Democrats, Republicans never said any of those Democrats weren't "allowed" to run for House leadership positions. Cripes, they've got Rep. Ilhan Omar, an anti-Semite straight from the pages of a V.S. Naipaul book about third-world confusion and resentment, in leadership positions -- and based on the information out there, it looks like she married her brother, too. But Republicans can't run for any such leadership position if they've ever questioned a skeevy election.

Padilla, who ironically, isn't elected at all, prattling on about the sacredness of elections and democracy is particularly loathesome, and not surprisingly, his hypocrisy drew a lot of good retorts from the locals. Here's a sample:

Election integrity is the issue, not election denial.

Fix the system so we can all agree.  Malachai Zamere (@ZamereMalachai) October 23, 2023

What do you care how the House picks its next leader? Dont you have any work to do?  Maggie Melo  (@MaggieMelo93292) October 23, 2023

Bottom line here is that Democrats are telling Republicans who they can run for leadership positions, and voters who they are allowed to elect. If that isn't their inner totalitarian screaming to get out, as David Horowitz might put it, what is?

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Founding members step down; 6 vice chairmen in their 50s appointed

By Lee Yeon-woo

Mirae Asset Financial Group has undergone a significant management reshuffle, aiming to bolster its competitiveness in the global market. Key founding members, including Mirae Asset Securities Chairman Choi Hyun-man, have stepped back, while six individuals in their 50s have ascended to vice chairman roles.

Following the announcement on Monday, Mirae Asset Securities President Kim Mi-seob, Heo Sun-ho and Rhee Jung-ho were promoted to vice chairman positions. Kim is set to lead the overall securities business. Heo will oversee the wealth management division, while Rhee is expected to play a key role in global operations based on his experience in Hong Kong.

Mirae Asset Global Investments President Lee Jun-yong, Mirae Asset Life Insurance President Kim Jae-sik and Swarup Mohanty, head of the investment firm's Indian branch, have also been elevated to vice chairman roles within their respective subsidiaries.

Consequently, founding members, including Choi Hyun-man, Mirae Asset Securities Vice Chairman Cho Woong-gi and Mirae Asset Global Investments Vice Chairman Choi Kyeong-joo will step down from their positions.

The impetus for Mirae Asset's restructuring stems from an acute sense of impending challenges. Its once-thriving overseas real estate ventures now face heightened risks due to global economic turbulence. The group believes navigating the future without embracing change and innovation would be a tough endeavor.

"These personnel shifts are a proactive response to the rapidly changing global economic landscape and are designed to lay the groundwork for the group's century-long legacy," the group explained. "From our cultivated talent pool, we've selected leaders endowed with vision and competence."

For Park Hyeon-joo, the group's founder and chairman, making the decision was far from simple. He expressed "personal agony and regret" over the decision to elevate vice chairmen in their 50s to frontline leadership roles while asking the group's foundational figures to step back.

Among these foundational figures is Choi Hyun-man, who co-founded the group in 1997. He is credited with playing an instrumental role in the group's rise, propelling it to become the leading financial investment company in Korea with 11 trillion won worth of equity capital.

"I cherish the moments when I shared a profound bond of trust with the founding members. As they step back, I extend my deepest respect for their unwavering commitment to the group," Park remarked.

The first-generation leadership is slated to serve as the group's advisers, continuing to shape its trajectory.

What's notable is that many of the executives who participated in the Global Advanced Management Program, introduced by Park last June to nurture the next generation of leaders, have been included in this round of promotions. Out of the eight initial trainees, three, including Kim Mi-seob, have been promoted.

The group noted that this round of promotions not only represents a decisive generational shift, emphasizing performance and expertise, but also marks the initiation of the second generation of professional management.
October 7th was a crushing reminder of what happens to unarmed and peaceable civilians (even children) when blood-thirsty animals are on the prowl; it was a sobering moment in which many of us realized that ultimately, the responsibility for our safety and that of our families falls squarely on our shoulders; and it was an unwanted vindication for the American conservatives denigrated as unsophisticated and uneducated rubes who cling to firearms, all because we are unrelenting in our defense of a citizens right to self-defense.

In the days since October 7th, the same rabid sentiments driving Hamas have erupted from under the surface across Americaone professor declared Jews pigs and irredeemable excrement wishing they would rot in hell while another issued cryptic threats against Jewish childrenand in response, American Jews are flocking to gun stores to buy firearms and procure the appropriate training.

From an article by Joseph Mackinnon at Blaze Media:

Firearm instructors and gun sellers have reported seeing a major influx of Jewish clients. David Prince, the owner of Eagle Gun Range in Farmers Branch and Lewisville, Texas, told WFAA-TV that he saw a 300% increase in gun sales in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks. Its been a really big change this last three or four days. ... The people coming in and saying they are scared for their lives, because of their religion they are expecting to be attacked, said Prince. As long as they want to protect themselves and their families, that's all we care about, continued Prince. We dont care about anything else. We sell them for defensive purposes, and thats what were here for.

The same trend held true at an establishment in Hollywood, Florida, owned by a Mr. David Kowalsky:

These are mothers, teachers, the majority of them are mostly people who have never interacted with firearms or thought about owning them, said the gun seller. Theres a safety concern. I think people are nervous about what's going on and what can happen.

Endi Tennenhaus, a Florida resident, preschool director, and one of those mothers of whom Kowalsky spoke (she has seven children), organized a gun safety training event for more than two dozen women last week at her synagogue; Tennenhaus said this:

If all of our husbands are buying guns, we want to make sure we also know how to use them and also to be able to protect our children and be able to keep guns safe in our homes[.]

Restoring and fostering a Judeo-Christian firearms culture is the way.

The world is, and always has been, a dangerous and brutal place, but because of the bloody sacrifices of our forefathers and providential grace, America has been largely (and artificially) sheltered from the reality that has plagued all of humanityviolence and death are the most guaranteed aspects of the human condition. And, when peaceable and law-abiding citizens take ownership over their own physical security, theres this beautiful ripple effect that reaches me and my children, making us safer.

Below, a famous image of a Jew without a gun:

Public domain, The Last Jew in Vinnitsa.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
In order to really understand and gain control of the present border crisis, one can paraphrase James Carvilles famous dictum during the 1992 presidential election: Its the ROI, stupid.

The term ROI stands for return on investment. If invested capital generates income, then the ROI is positive. If the capital invested generates a loss, then the ROI is negative. Rational investors always seek positive ROI. Whether they receive it or not is a different matter, but they initially expect to get it. There are winners and losers.

Migrants coming to the USA right now have to make a significant investment. There is a monetary investment in the form of payment given to the Mexican drug cartels to shepherd them to and across the border. Many migrants take flights from their home countries to Central or South America and then trek north. Flights costs money, which increases their investment after payments to the cartels. Often this also involves future payments earned as the result of working in this country, legally or not. These payments may be monetary or in the form of indentured labor.

There are other forms of investment as well. Primary among them is human capital. Hiking from Central or South America to the U.S. border is not easy. It involves many weeks of time; many miles of walking; and risk of physical danger from snakes, terrain, and weather along the way. You have to sleep outside a lot, access to food is uncertain, and one has to negotiate the Rio Grande and the desert. We know that many are lost in transit. On top of that, there is the real risk of mistreatment by the cartels. Many, many adult and adolescent female migrants are sexually abused on their journey here. Children of both sexes are often abused as well. Once in the USA, they are often trafficked. Men and women are forced into indentured servitude by the cartels in different forms, some involving drug-dealing. The women are placed in brothels, displaying their wares on the streets of American cities. Think of the psychological and physical scars accrued by these people. That is a real cost that represents a very significant personal investment.

So why do it? The reason is that there is a net positive ROI. Once in the USA, they are provided with free housing, food, clothing, and cell phones. On top of that, they receive some cash payments from state and local governments as well as publicly funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They work illegally ASAP, so they get cash that is used to repay any cartel debt and also some to remit home. They are eligible for free health care. Their children receive a free education at all levels  including college and graduate school. There are actually state-funded programs that assist illegals in achieving homeownership.

All of this generates a positive ROI. All investors seek a positive ROI, and these migrants are not at all different. It makes sense for them to be here; it is perfectly rational from their point of view.

Of course, the positive ROI that they receive does not mean a positive ROI for the rest of us. The cost of housing a family of migrants in NYC is almost twice the median family income for legal residents and American citizens. On top of that add the costs of health care, education for non-English-speakers, etc., and the sum quickly balloons.

It will be pointed out that illegals do pay taxes. That is true. However, the costs are far in excess of the taxes paid, so they are a net burden financially. There are also social non-monetary costs associated with lawlessness and the failure of these populations to assimilate.

Citizens and legal residents are now objecting to the size of the burden. But the question is what to do about it. As long as the ROI is positive, it is rational for more migrants to come. It is that simple.

The only way you will really solve the problem is to make the ROI a negative number. Building a wall is a help in doing so, but that is not the real solution. Getting around it requires a somewhat larger investment of effort, but the ROI is still positive. As long as ROI is positive, it will encourage people to try to get over or around it.

The only way to turn the positive ROI to a negative is to eliminate the advantages of coming here. That means strict enforcement of hiring practices so only those here legally are eligible. Remittances for those not legally here must be highly taxed. Housing benefits, etc. must be gone for migrants. There should be fair and quick processing of asylum claims followed by immediate return to their home country if denied. Any country refusing acceptance of its citizens will be ineligible for any foreign aid from the USA or any NGO funded by the USA. Illegals should be ineligible for any government social service programs. Birthright citizenship must be restricted only to citizens and legal residents. Health care should be given only on an emergency basis, and once the patient is stabilized, he must be handed over to ICE for processing. Schools must notify the federal government on the identity of any illegally resident students or risk the loss of federal funds to their district.

It is these and other steps that will convert a positive ROI to a negative. Migrants will not pay large sums to cartels and risk physical and psychological harm if the outcome is a bad one. There will be outcry over these steps, but only by changing the ROI calculation will the problem be solved. After all, these people are rational investors and therefore will not seek a negative ROI.

Image: pasja1000 via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Moms for Liberty believes that children should be children. Their education should be about reading, writing, arithmetic, civics, and acquiring basic social skills. The moms are opposed to graphic sex in the classrooms and to race-baiting education. For that, the left despises them, and its using race-based tactics and the threat of violent intimidation to make its case. Whats happening in Charleston, South Carolina, is a microcosm of whats happening across America.

In Charleston County, as is true in so many American schools, the schools have books that focus on explicit sex, often gay pedophilia. For example, 13 Charleston school libraries, including middle schools, have George M. Johnsons All Boys Arent Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto (also available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, of course), which recounts in graphic detail the authors sexual experiencesand I mean graphic. Its indistinguishable from pornography in content but, to the left, its acceptable because it describes a gay mans sexual experiences, along with his emotional responses. (Porn, of course, is sexual only.)

Then theres the infamous Gender Queer, which is also in Charleston schools. As this link shows, it describes homosexual sex and transgenderism in exquisite detail. Moreover, when we use the word graphic in connection with Gender Queer, thats the right word because its an illustrated novel, complete with uncensored pictures.

Those are only some of the books being forced on Americas children, whether in Charleston or elsewhere. Thats what Moms for Liberty is pushing back against. Theyre not trying to censor books that stores can carry, or parents can buy for their children. Theyre saying that children should not be exposed to this kind of stuff in school.

We all know that if schools offered online subscriptions to Playboy, the teachers and librarians trying to put that in front of kids would immediately be arrested for contributing to the delinquency of minors. However, because these books involve the LGBTQ+ spectrum, the left argues that theyre educational and are intended to protect LGBTQ+ kids from mental illness as they discover their sexuality. Therefore, say leftists, they must be made available to children.

This argument is a complete inversion of the norm. Its also the same argument used in California to push through a bill (which Governor Gavin Newsom feared to sign) that would have held that a parent could lose custody for denying a childs gender identity.

In sum, Moms for Liberty stands for keeping pornography away from children. The left, in turn, claims children must see gay pornography to develop normally. This is the current fight in Charleston.

Yesterday, the President of the Charleston Moms for Liberty chapter, Tara Wood,* attended a Charleston school board meeting to speak out against explicit sexual material of any kind (heterosexual or other) in schools. What the cameras did not catch was the physical intimidation some of the attendees used against her. One person pushed her face within an inch of Taras face and began to yell at her. Threats of serious vandalism have plagued other events. Violence is also just below the surface.

However, you can see what happens when Tara tries to speak. The mob chants over her to silence her:

I have constituents who wish to address the Trustees with concerns but will not attend school board meetings because they are unsafe and disorderly. https://t.co/3XGrpNbu6U  Rep Matt Leber (@voteleber) October 24, 2023

Read the whole book, they chant as she reads an excerpt, pretending that theyre for free speech. However, their actions put the lie to their words. Because they are hollering so loudly, Tara cannot speak at all.

Even more interesting to me is the push for intersectionality in the chants. In this video, beginning at 1:42, you hear them start another chant to silence her: No justice; no peace.

Watch the clip below with her entire public comment pic.twitter.com/UgUeyZXBgz  Emily Johnson | Live 5 News (@EmilyJohnsonTV) October 24, 2023

You may recognize that phrase. It came from the Black Lives Matter protests and was about the claim that the American criminal justice system is so racially broken that it must be met with violence. Why is the assembled mob using that chant to justify putting explicit sexual material in front of children?

I can tell you why (and this is my personal opinion and does not represent either Moms for Liberty or Tara Wood). Charleston is over 20% black. Those blacks have been a reliable Democrat voting bloc since the Civil Rights Movement. The problem for the Democrat party is that blacks as a whole are less fond of the LGBTQ+ movement than the rest of Americans. If you want to win on an LGBTQ+ issue in a black community, you must convince them that its the same issue as race: No justice; no peace. Whether a chant will hold the fragile leftist coalition together is questionable, but theyre trying.

As for Tara, she is a typical Southern woman, no matter the color: Gracious, highly intelligent, very feminine, incredibly courageous, and passionately devoted to childrens true well-being.

This well-being isnt the psycho-sexual, race-obsessed well-being the left advances. Instead, its the type that most Americans still recognize: Children who are raised in a wholesome environment that allows them to develop as individuals rather than as members of racial blocks and that respects their sexual innocence as they learn to deal with their constantly and rapidly changing bodies. And boy, does the left hate that.

Image: Tara Wood. X screen grab.

___________________________

*Full disclosure: Tara is a personal friend of mine, and I belong to Moms for Liberty.
Experts are warning about a declining birth rate in the U.S.

As with many things, they spot the problem but fail to identify the main causes of the problem.

According to Fox News:

Population rate decline in the US triggers economic alarms from experts: 'Calamitous effect' CDC data shows birth rates fell by 22% since 2007

For decades the media, so-called experts, scientists, educators, and other Democrats have been told there are too many humans and we are destroying the planet.

Young women have been told that humans and CO2 are destroying the Earth and we only have a few years left.

Why would impressionable women, who are the only people capable of giving birth, want to bring children into an environment where they would only have a few years left and when more children will further destroy the planet?

And the media and other Democrats promote abortion and seek to destroy crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life entities, too.

Debate is not allowed for the party that claims it is for freedom of choice. Planned Parenthood can't stand when someone reduces abortions with adoptions or by giving birth and Democrats bend over for whatever PP wants. Compassion? Dem Gov. Pulls Funding for Abortion Alternatives For 30 years, a program in Pennsylvania that helped women with unexpected pregnancies provided everything from food and clothing to shelter and counseling. Real Alternatives, started during the administration of anti-abortion Governor Bob Casey, in 2004 was one of four non-profits in the state to earn the "Seal of Excellence" from the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit organizations. It became a template for similar initiatives in Missouri, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana. According to State Sen. Judy Ward, R-Dist. 30, the program directly helped more than 349,000 Pennsylvania women by distributing funds to pregnancy help centers. At the Pennsylvania March for Life, in which I participated earlier this month, a pregnancy center staffer I spoke to said the center received more than $100,000 annually from the statewide program. What became of Real Alternatives nine months after the states new governor, Democrat Josh Shapiro, was sworn in? It ceased to exist.

Isn't that a major cause of the decline in births?

Is it any wonder that so many young people are depressed and contemplate suicide when journalists work so hard every day to indoctrinate them on how dangerous humans and our use of natural resources is to the planet?

Kamala Harris spews fear about the climate every day and then seems clueless as to why the young have climate anxiety.

Harris claims climate anxiety has young people doubting the sense of having children, buying homes.

It goes on and on. And none of these so-called 'experts' seems to be able to make a connection.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
To demonstrate the hypocrisy of partisan double standards, Americans have already seen the revealing comparison of the treatment of Hillary Clinton with her 33,000 emails and Joe Biden with his five separate caches containing confidential records, versus the attacks on Donald Trump. That contemporaneous comparison demonstrates the two-facedness of Democrat pecksniffery.

As to history, does anyone believe that there are no confidential records to be found in the presidential papers in the libraries of, say, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Clinton, the Bushes, or Obama? Or, to put it another way, can anyone recall even the slightest whisper of partisan concern expressed on that score, compared to the hyperventilation directed at Donald Trump?

Better yet, consider the policy implications of how Winston Churchill was treated. After leading Great Britain through the traumas of World War II, Churchill was ousted as prime minister. He then retired to his beloved private home, Chertwell, in Kent. He took with him "a vast quantity of wartime official papers" There was no raid on Chertwell. There were no criminal indictments. On the contrary, the British Government not only allowed, but encouraged, him "to remove them to his personal archive at Chertwell." The British government in fact kept feeding him all the archival material he wanted. Dozens of his research assistants and special consultants were given free access to the records as well.

That virtuous policy came full circle when Churchill wrote an acknowledgement of thanks in each of the volumes he wrote about the war. He said he had been under only one constraint: For the most sensitive materials he was asked not to quote them word-for-word, but to paraphrase them. Yet, Churchill assured readers, "[t]hese changes have not altered in any way the sense or the substance." What does this expression of gratitude tell us implicitly? It means that Churchill was indeed given full access at his home to sensitive materials, and the freedom to peruse and use them as he saw fit.

Given these external comparisons across time and space, it behooves every American to ask: which policy reflects the temperate, tolerant, measured, mature, and reasonable approach of a civilized nation, and which the intemperate, partisan, unbridled, juvenile, and unreasonable policy of a banana republic? For that matter, which one invites political abuse and the unseemly spectacle of early morning raids and indictments?

Image: Public Domain
After President Trump all but eradicated the Islamic State terrorist group, many of the caliphates brides returned to the countries from whence they came, and apparently went right for the education sector and children, finding gainful employment.

At least thats the story told by a shocking new report out of Sweden; from an article published at Remix News discussing the findings of the investigation:

More than a quarter of all ISIS brides returned to Sweden from the Al-Hol camp in Syria are now working with young children in the Swedish education sector, an investigation by the Expressen newspaper has revealed. Of the 81 women confirmed to have fled Sweden to join the Islamic State at the peak of its power and subsequently repatriated, 21 were found to now be employed in Swedish schools, kindergartens, and asylum centers for kids.

Naturally with the revelations, certain politicians were upset, as least ostensibly:

This shouldnt have been allowed to happen, said Education Minister Lotta Edholm in response to the news. It is completely unacceptable that people who are IS terrorists work in the Swedish school system, leisure centers, and the like, she added.

This is a kind of giving we premier intelligence agencies didnt know low-brow Hamas terrorists were planning to butcher civilians vibesa western European government, whose citizens have dealt with numerous instances of jihadism and no-go zones (problem areas according to leftists) because of migrant criminality, couldnt conceive that those who went off to join ISIS might come home harboring the same views, and head right for where the children were?

By no means am I any sort of austere religious scholar (the esteemed label given to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by WaPo), nor am I expert on Islam, but it doesnt take a rocket scientist or a trained academic to recognize that children are nothing more than a means to a jihadi end. Cultural customs and celebrations like bacha bazi take precedence over childhood innocence; children are the preferred human shields, because what kind of Judeo-Christian heathen would shoot a man if theres a baby in the way; and, children are naturally inclined to trust the adults over them, meaning they make for good pupils, and for a movement that relies on indoctrination, the younger the better.

Of course these women would go right for the children.

As I mentioned at the beginning, the Islamic State as a caliphate was dismantled, its men sent to their Maker or scattered to winds, but with Joe Biden in charge, things are on the up and up for terrorist regimes around the world, and in recent weeks, there have been a number of black-and-white jihad flags flying at pro-Hamas protests and demonstrations around the worldbut dont get it confused! These are shahada flags, not ISIS flags. Yes I know, the declaration of faith text from both flags reads exactly the same, and the ISIS flag includes the second part of the shahada, but again, these are not ISIS flags, theyre just generic killer Islamic jihad flags.

Image: Public domain.
Many prominent landmarks in London, such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Monument to the Great Fire of London, the Tower of London, The Palace of Westminster, and others are visible from key locations around the city. St Paul's Cathedral, for instance, is visible from across the South Bank of the Thames as far away as Richmond Park. Although topography certainly plays a part here (St Paul's Cathedral being located at the highest point of the city), the unobstructed views that some of Londons greatest buildings enjoy is certainly no accident.

St Pauls Cathedral. Photo: Chait Goli/Pexels

The London View Management Framework identifies more than two dozen important views across the capital, from parks and other public spaces that take in important buildings and urban landscapes that define London. These views are protected so that Londoners can enjoy this architectural history as they go about their everyday lives, such as crossing one of Londons bridges, or walking along the South Bank, or visiting one of the viewpoints above the city, such as Parliament hill, Primrose hill or Greenwich. These series of visual corridors that crisscross the English capital have been safeguarded since the 1930s.

The development of strategic view management in London began with the capability of erecting tall buildingsstructures significantly taller than their neighbourswhich were able to obstruct previously open views. In 1861, following a fire in Tooley Street in which the Chief of the Fire Brigade was killed, there was a call to limit the height of buildings to a level which could be reached by ladders and the limitations of water hoses.

Queen Annes Mansions. Photo: alchetron.com

In 1873, work began on a tall load-bearing brick residential building, Queen Annes Mansions, close to Buckingham Palace. At twelve stories, later increased to fourteen, it was the loftiest residential building in Britain, and the first to threaten Londons skyline of chimneys and spires. Even Queen Victoria objected to the obstruction of her view of the Houses of Parliament from Buckingham Palace. A direct result of Queen Annes Mansions, which the Court Circular for January 1897 described as a stupendous pile which, for solidity, comfort and general convenience, sets all rivals at defiance, was the passing of the London Building Act in 1894 which limited all new constructions to a maximum height of 80 feet.

However, the law included an exception for ornamental tower turrets, attics, and other architectural features, which architects began to exploit to breach 100 feet. The Senate House, for instance, reached an unprecedented 210 feet when it was completed in 1937.

A slash through the trees allow St Pauls Cathedral to be seen from Richmond Park. Photo: Jean-Francois Paris/Flickr

In 1932, W. Godfrey Allen, the Surveyor to St Pauls Cathedral, drew attention to the fact that quite recently the view from Blackfriars Bridge has been spoilt by the hideous new Telephone Exchange building in Queen Victoria Street. Following this observation, Allen prepared a series of montages showing the effect that building to the limits allowed by the London Building Act of 1930 would have on views of the Cathedral. Allen showed, that even when erected according to law, developments along certain streets would gravely interfere with the distant views of the cathedral, such as from the Surrey side of the river, which according to him are amongst the finest in London.

W. Godfrey Allens photomontage showing the effect that building to the maximum building height limit allowed by the London Building Act 1930 would have on views of St Pauls Cathedral. Photo: The Chapter of St Pauls Cathedral

Allens proposal found support from the City of London Corporation, and in 1938 a gentlemen's agreement was made to protect important vistas of the Cathedral. Allen outlined eight viewing corridors centering on the 17th century church that was to be protected. Later, similar rules protecting views of the Monument to the Great Fire of London, The Tower of London and Thames river vistas were implemented. These agreements were not enshrined into a formal policy until 1989, but has been effective in deterring tall buildings very close to historic landmarks, with one exceptionthe Shard.

The 1,000-feet skyscraper that conservationists described as a "spike through the heart of London stands on the Kenwood House viewing corridor. The building doesn't obstruct the view of St Pauls Cathedral, but greatly maligns it by standing behind the historic landmark.

St Pauls Cathedral and The Shard. Photo: stephengg/Flickr

In 1956, London's building height restriction was removed. Instead, every application to build a high-rise was reviewed on its own merits. The Leadenhall Building, completed in 2013, is one example of how a building can be tall and at the same time respect Londons protected views. Nicknamed the Cheesegrater because of its distinctive wedge shape similar to the kitchen tool, the Leadenhall Building leans back from the road as it increases in height to minimize its impact on the protected view of St Pauls Cathedral from Fleet Street. The Shard, on the other hand, is vulgar and unwanted. It is like putting a wind-turbine in front of the Taj Mahal, or hanging florescent tubes from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, writes Will Gompertz on BBC.

Developers claim that these protected views act as a constraint on development, and are preventing more than half a million homes from being built in the city. According to a 2018 news report, the Office for National Statistics said that London needs 844,000 more homes to meet the demands of its rising population.

Peter Wynne Rees, the former City of London City Planning Officer believes that protected views are helpful in providing a constraint that aids development, but you can't protect every view of everywhere, he said.

Map of Londons Protected Views. Photo: The Times

Today, there are the 13 views that are protected under the system:

From Alexandra Palace to St Pauls Cathedral

From the summit of Parliament Hill to St Pauls Cathedral

From the summit of Parliament Hill to the Palace of Westminster

From Parliament Hill, at the prominent oak tree east of the summit, to Palace of Westminster

From the viewing gazebo at Kenwood House to St Pauls Cathedral

From the summit of Primrose Hill to St Pauls Cathedral

From the summit of Primrose Hill to the Palace of Westminster

From Greenwich Park, north east of the General Wolfe statue, to St Pauls Cathedral

From Blackheath Point, near the orientation board, to St Pauls Cathedral

From Westminster Pier to St Pauls Cathedral

From King Henry VIIIs Mound in Richmond Park to St Pauls Cathedral

From the centre of the bridge over the Serpentine to the Palace of Westminster

From The Queens Walk at City Hall to the White Tower

References:

# Francesca Street, Are London's protected view corridors still relevant today?, CNN

# London's Image and Identity, Historic England

# London view management framework, London.gov.uk

# Will Gompertz, Imagine the meeting that led to The Shard, BBC

# Wikipedia
Some radio transmitters are built to great heights in order to reach audiences far and wide. In fact, nine out of ten structures taller than 500 meters are radio transmitters. The Warsaw Radio Mast in Konstantynow, Poland, was the tallest among them, standing at an impressive 646.38 meters. This would have made it the third-tallest structure globally, following the Burj Khalifa tower in the United Arab Emirates and the Merdeka 118 tower in Malaysia, had it not collapsed in 1991.

The Warsaw radio mast was completed in 1974 and was built to replace the radio transmitter at Raszyn, which had previously served as Poland's central longwave broadcasting station. However, the Raszyn transmitter, standing at a modest 335 meters, fell short in providing nationwide coverage, despite attempts to boost its transmitting power. In the late 1960s, the decision was made to build a new central transmitter at the geographical heart of Poland. Konstantynow was selected not only for its central location but also for its high soil conductivity, which facilitated the efficient propagation of low-frequency radio waves.



Photo credit: R. Kreyser/Wikimedia Commons

The Warsaw radio mast possessed such formidable power that its signal reached every corner of the globe, including the most remote regions like Antarctica. This monumental mast became a source of national pride primarily due to its towering stature, which rendered it the tallest structure in the world. Ironically, it was precisely this remarkable height that ultimately led to its collapse.

A mere decade after its inauguration, the mast began exhibiting structural weaknesses resulting from wind oscillations. Poland's worsening economic situation meant there was not enough funds to conduct repair work.By the late 1980s, the mast's condition degraded further due to lack of equipment and training of maintenance teams.

On 8 August 1991, while replacing frayed guy wires, a strong gust of wind caused the temporarily unmoored tower to buckle and snapped in half. The construction coordinator and the division chief of the company responsible for maintaining the mast were found liable for the collapse, and both were sent to prison.



The collapsed tower.

Since the radio mast was the sole means for Polish expatriates to tune into their homeland's broadcasts, the Polish government initially sought to reconstruct the mast in Konstantynow. However, plans were abandoned due to objections from the locals regarding the high-energy radiation. After extensive search and negotiations with the community, a new transmitter was eventually erected in Solec Kujawski, featuring two mastsone reaching 330 meters, the other 289 meters.

Meanwhile, the disheveled wreckage in Konstantynow remained in place, succumbing to rust and decay, until it was finally cleared in 2021. Only the concrete foundation and the former helix building stand as silent remnants of the once-mighty structure.



The foundation of the tower, now in ruins. Photo credit: Zonk43/Wikimedia Commons
Social media platforms are increasingly leaning towards a subscription model that guarantees an ad-free experience to users. Meta and TikTok are testing subscriptions in some markets, while X is readying new paid plans. YouTube, Snapchat, Telegram, and many other social platforms offer a paid, ad-free version too. Industry experts fear that this shift could severely affect startups and small businesses heavily dependent on targeted ads.

The shift to ad-free social media is real

Meta is beginning its subscription model in Europe. Reports say it plans to charge up to $14 a month from users for removing ads from Facebook and Instagram. This comes amid tightening data privacy regulations in the region. The company is giving users an option to block access to their personal information that it uses for targeted ads. With a paid plan, Meta wont collect data from users to serve ads.

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Its unclear if Meta plans to expand this test to other markets such as the US. TikTok, on the other hand, has confirmed that its paid version isnt coming to the US anytime soon. It is charging $4.99 a month to remove ads from the platform. This only applies to ads served by TikTok on your feed, though. A paid subscription doesnt block ads published by influencers in collaboration with brands. Those ad campaigns work differently.

Likewise, Xs $11-a-month Premium subscription reduces ads by 50 percent. The company is now working on a pricier tier that completely removes ads from the social media service. Snapchats Snap+, YouTube Premium, and Telegram Premium work similarly. The current trend suggests this shift will grow in the coming years, with more firms jumping on the bandwagon, covering users in more markets.

The biggest reason is if they go subscription model, then thats guaranteed revenue, said Jen Kohl, chief media officer at ad agency VMLY&R, in an emailed statement to Digiday. They arent so reliant on chasing the advertising money which as we know can be variable and volatile. Its also good news for users willing to pay for an ad-free social media experience, but bad news for small businesses.
In the current economic climate, technology companies are predominantly based in states like California, which are nearing a saturation point due to hosting a high concentration of these firms. Now, in an effort to solve this issue, the Biden Administration, along with the Commerce Department, has announced a plan to designate 31 areas spanning 32 states and Puerto Rico as tech hubs, with the primary goal to drive private sector investment and job creation within these regions.

This initiative, a part of the CHIPS and Science Act, will allocate a portion of the $500 million in funding to these tech hubs to lure companies into establishing their operations in these designated areas, thus reducing the reliance on traditional tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Austin.

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Over the past few decades, these communities have lost more than jobs. They lost their sense of dignity, of opportunity, their sense of pride. Were going to change all that. Tech hubs are going to bring this work to where people live in communities all across America, said President Biden.

What businesses will these tech hubs foster?

As the name suggests, the primary aim of these tech hubs is to nurture businesses in the technology sector, spanning from artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy to semiconductors and quantum computing. However, it is important to note that specific areas will cater to different types of businesses and research. For example, a hub in Washington state will focus on developing new materials for next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, while another in New York will concentrate on research in the latest battery technologies.

Although the formation of tech hubs represents a significant step forward since nearly 75% of them are located in small communities and rural areas, securing the designation does not guarantee immediate federal funding. This is because the Commerce Department will closely monitor each program over the next year before disbursing funds. Additionally, it is important to note that not all hubs will receive grants, as there is only a total of $500 million available for the entire program, with each hub eligible for up to $75 million in funding.

These tech hubs will be transformational, and theyre part of a long line of transformational investments weve made since I took office, said President Biden.
Xi sends message to int'l symposium on China's neighborhood diplomacy

Xinhua) 11:20, October 24, 2023

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to an international symposium on China's neighborhood diplomacy, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday.

The symposium was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of China's principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Korea's agriculture ministry said Tuesday it will continue consulting with related ministries to extend the tariff-rate quota system currently applied to raw sugar, amid global price volatility.

Kwon Jae-han, the deputy minister for agricultural innovation policy, made the remark during his visit to a production line of the country's top foodstuff maker CJ Cheiljedang in Incheon, west of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"CJ Cheiljedang holds enough sugar and raw sugar reserves for around four months, and the local industries plan to refrain from raising prices through early next year," Kwon said, noting the recent increase in global sugar prices is expected to have a limited impact on the cost of bread and confectionery.

The global price of sugar moved up 35 percent from a year earlier as of mid-October, amid concerns over India's cut in export volumes, along with the anticipated decrease in the production of raw sugar from Thailand, the ministry said.

Kwon added the agriculture ministry will continue talks with related ministries to extend the tariff-rate quota system on raw sugar, which will expire at the end of this year.

Korea currently exempts the 3-percent tariff applied on raw sugar imports.

The tariff-rate quota is a system under which products are imported with favorable duty conditions within a designated volume. (Yonhap)
The honeymoon phase for AI is over; were all done being wowed by what it can do. Now, its time for lawmakers to tell it what it cant do. Several governmental bodies all over the world are scrambling to develop laws and regulations to keep AI in check and keep it from disrupting the workforce (and, ya know, wiping out humanity or something). At the moment, the EU is struggling to agree on laws to govern AI.

Right now, AI companies are still enjoying the free reign they have, so theyre able to scrape data at will and develop their AI without limitations. Were all wondering if we can trust profit-driven companies like Google and Microsoft to truly develop safe AI. This is why so many governmental entities are trying to draw a line in the sand that these companies cant cross.

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The EU is doing this, and its already had three trilogues (basically large meetings between the EU parliament and the states to finalize laws) on the subject.

However, the EU is having trouble getting laws together for AI

According to four people close to the matter (via Reuters), its possible that these meetings could continue into next year. Three trilogues have already been held, and a fourth one is happening on Tuesday. Its unlikely that there will be some sort of agreement during this meeting, so a fifth one is scheduled to happen in early December.

The issue with this is that governmental processes take time, and this whole situation is no different. With the fifth trilogue planned to happen in December, this whole process could spill into early 2024. Not only that but the June elections could delay the legislation even further. Were looking at several months before we have anything written in ink.

Spain currently holds the presidency in the EU, and it has proposed some ideas to expedite this process. One thing proposed was a tiered approach which might target AI models with more than 45 million users.

Right now, the main chatbots under the EUs radar are ChatGPT and Google Bard. These are two bots with massive userbases and a massive amount of data powering them. Lets just hope that the EU can reach an agreement sooner rather than later. Theres no telling what could happen in the next couple of months.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission has launched an antitrust probe into Googles search business, following similar investigations by other countries. The agency is investigating allegations that the tech giant sets its search app and Chrome browser default on Android smartphones.

Since Android is a Google product, many Google apps come as default on all smartphones produced by different companies. While it didnt seem like a problem for many years, the EU, US, and Asian watchdogs are now prompted to investigate the tech giant over monopoly. Google currently holds over 90% of the worlds search market, and establishing itself as the default search engine on billions of Android devices has made its reign unshakable. Google also pays over $20 billion a year to Apple to stay as the default search option on Safari.

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The Japan Fair Trade Commission confirmed on Monday that no illegal activity by Google is found at this point, but the investigation continues. The agency also said its gathering inputs from outside parties like smartphone users.

Google faces an antitrust probe in Japan over its default apps on Android devices

According to the antitrust watchdog, Google has forced Android manufacturers to make the search app and Chrome browser the default apps on devices. Also, Google allegedly specified where those apps should appear on the device screens. Companies that dont agree to these conditions could have their access to the Play Store cut off by Google.

The antitrust documents also revealed Google signed an agreement with Android manufacturers to prevent them from installing rival firms apps (like Bing) on their devices. In exchange, Google gives them a portion of revenues generated through search-linked advertisements.

In response, Google said it lets users customize devices in accordance with their needs. The company also noted it would collaborate with the Japan watchdog.

Japans antitrust probe comes on the heels of similar investigations by the European Union, the United States, and South Korea. The EU has tightened its grip on Google and other tech giants with the Digital Markets Act. Likewise, the US Justice Department is investigating Google over its monopoly in the search and app market. The South Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has also launched a probe into Google over Play Store payment methods.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has already said Googles dominance in the search market is crushing Bing as a business and a product.
MediaTek has announced the launch date for the Dimensity 9300. The Taiwanese firms next-gen flagship smartphone chipset will go official on November 6, 2023. The launch event will take place in China at 19:00 local time.

Dimensity 9300 is coming to challenge the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Dimensity 9300 is MediaTeks answer to Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which launches later today. These two chips will compete to power flagship Android smartphones for the next year. Like in previous years, we are expecting a close battle. Early benchmark runs have suggested the same.

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However, that doesnt mean the two chipsets have similar specs or CPU configurations. The new Dimensity chip comes with a rather unusual CPU core setup. An illustration published by MediaTek as part of its date announcement confirms rumors that the Dimensity 9300 doesnt have efficiency cores. It only features prime cores and mid-cores.

Based on leaks, we are expecting one ARM Cortex-X4 prime core operating at a maximum frequency of 3.25GHz and three more Cortex-X4 cores at 2.85GHz. The four Cortex-A720 cores are reportedly clocked at 2.0GHz. MediaTek has paired the CPU with ARMs Immortalis G720 MC12 GPU. There arent any Cortex-A520 efficiency cores here.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, on the other hand, has only one Cortex-X4 prime CPU core. Leaks suggest its clocked at 3.3GHz. Qualcomm is also offering five Cortex-A720 mid-cores clocked at 3.2GHz and two Cortex-A520 efficiency cores operating at a frequency of 2.3GHz. Samsungs Exynos 2400 also has one prime core and five mid-cores. However, its a deca-core (ten CPU cores) chipset, so we are getting four efficiency cores as well.

The new MediaTek chip has set an AnTuTu benchmark record

Theoretically, the Dimensity 9300 should decimate the competition. Its AnTuTu benchmark run certainly hints at a groundbreaking performance. The chip has set a new record by becoming the first-ever mobile SoC to score more than two million points on the benchmarking platform.

However, the lack of efficiency cores is a major limitation. With four Cortex-X4 CPU cores under its hood, the chip could overheat easily. MediaTek may rely heavily on performance throttling to keep it cool. So in real-world scenarios, it might perform similarly to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the Exynos 2400.

The new Qualcomm chip is expected to debut inside the Xiaomi 14 series later this month. The Dimensity 9300 may ship inside the Vivo X100, which launches in China on November 17. Finally, the Exynos 2400 will power Samsungs Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ early next year. Time will tell which of the three comes out as the best performer.
NVIDIA reportedly plans to build and sell its own in-house CPUs to take on Intel and AMD. While NVIDIA itself is a household name in the computing market, the company is known far and wide for GPUs. Not CPUs. NVIDIA currently dominates the GPU segment for personal computing. And its gained a strong foothold in AI chips. But now the company aims to make a push for CPUs. Meaning one day your desktop PC could be powered by both a CPU and a GPU coming from NVIDIA.

According to people familiar with NVIDIAs plans the company will be using technology from Arm Holdings to build these chips. Its also been said that NVIDIA has been designing these chips in-house for a while now. Albeit doing so without making any noise about it so as to not tip people off. Its unclear exactly how long NVIDIA has been designing its own central processing units. But it doesnt appear the company plans to launch them anytime soon.

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NVIDIA might launch in-house CPUs by 2025

Even though NVIDIA may have been working on these chips for some time, a release doesnt seem to be just around the corner. According to the report from Reuters, NVIDIA may look to launch its in-house CPUs by sometime in 2025. Which puts them at least another year and a half out. NVIDIA will potentially be joined by AMD in using Arm-based tech to create CPUs for PCs. And both companies will be joining Qualcomm in a market that its been working in for the last 6-7 years.

NVIDIA entering into this market is said to be part of Microsofts initiative to compete with Apple. Apple already uses Arm-based tech to design and use in-house CPUs for its Mac laptops and desktops. Which have gained increased battery life and power efficiency with each iteration. Microsoft is working towards a similar goal but plans to put its own spin on things by encouraging chip makers to weave AI into the hardware so its offered at a core level. This should make NVIDIA a prime candidate for building CPUs as it already develops tons of AI-based computing solutions.

And Qualcomm is set to reveal its new Snapdragon X Elite CPUs for PCs at its upcoming Snapdragon Summit 2023. A platform that has deep integration with AI.
Samsung has announced a global launch of the Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+. The new budget-friendly tablets debuted in India a couple of weeks back. The company is now bringing them to more countries. They are available in a few additional markets today, with more to follow in the coming weeks.

Galaxy Tab A9 series tablets arrive in more countries

Samsungs A-series tablets have always been low-cost offerings with basic features. Its no different with the Galaxy Tab A9 lineup. You dont get anything special, but the new devices can do the job if all you need is a bigger screen with optimized software, decent battery life, quality stereo speakers, and 5G connectivity.

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The base model features an 8.7-inch LCD screen with a 1,340 x 800 pixels resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. Samsung ships it with MediaTeks Helio G99 processor and a 5,100mAh battery that supports 15W fast charging via a USB Type-C port. It has a 2MP selfie camera and an 8MP rear camera with no LED flash.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ gets an 11-inch LCD screen with a 1,920 x 1,200 pixels resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Samsung has equipped it with a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 695 processor. It features a 7,040mAh battery but with the same USB-C charging speed. Its rear camera remains unchanged but the selfie shooter is a 5MP unit.

Both tablets are available with 4GB/8GB of RAM, and 64GB/128GB of storage. They support microSD cards up to 1TB capacity. You can purchase these tablets with Wi-Fi+Bluetooth connectivity or add 5G on top at a cost. While Samsung is offering Wi-Fi 5 on both models, the base Galaxy Tab A9 has Bluetooth 5.3 and the Plus has Bluetooth 5.1.

Other highlights of the Galaxy Tab A9 series include a Dolby Atmos-powered dual-speaker setup, Samsung Knox security, and support for Book Cover accessories. The tablets run Android 13-based One UI 5.1.1 out of the box. Samsung should offer at least two major Android OS updates to the devices. They come in Graphite, Silver, and Navy colors.

Price and availability

Samsungs press release states that the Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+ will be available in select markets starting today. The company hasnt named any country nor did it reveal regional pricing details. In India, the tablets are priced at 12,999 (approx. $156) and up. You can expect a similar pricing structure in other markets too. If you are interested in the tablets, go to Samsung.com to check for their availability in your country.
In recent reports, netizens learned that traffic data on Google Maps and Waze have been shut down in Israel. This shutdown is to ensure the safety of those living in territories that might be under attack. The data those living in these areas cant receive are relating to traffic alerts on both navigation platforms.

Ever since the start of this war, Google has put out efforts to ensure the safety of its Israeli employees. This new move, blocking traffic data on its navigation apps, will help to ensure the safety of its staff. Not only will this protect Googles own, but itll also help protect citizens in various areas.

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On Waze, these changes seem to be available to only areas around Gaza where the conflict is at its peak. However, on Google Maps, this restriction of access to traffic data is nationwide. You might be wondering how blocking access to traffic data in Israel will help keep citizens safe from the Hamas attacks in various regions.

Google and Waze are blocking access to traffic data on their platforms

Why is Google blocking access to traffic data in Israel during the Hamas conflict? Well, the aim is to keep users safe from possible attacks by Hamas on innocent civilians. With access to traffic data from Google Maps and Waze, Hamas can learn where there are many people at a given time and then launch an attack.

Without access to traffic data from these navigation apps, Hamas wont be able to use it to cause harm. This isnt the first time that Google is blocking access to traffic data in a crisis. During the start of the Russian-Ukraine conflict last year, Google didnt permit access to traffic data in certain regions.

By doing this, Google was able to play its role in helping to keep innocent civilians safe. Now with the Israel-Hamas conflict, Google is again playing its part to keep innocent civilians safe. Users of the Google Maps and Waze apps in Israel will be able to access navigation features, but not live traffic updates.

On Waze, users get a prompt that reads Due to the security situation other drivers, traffic jams, traffic reports, and other alerts will not be displayed. However, users of Waze in other parts of the country are still able to access the full function of this app, including live traffic data. On the Google Maps app, however, regardless of the users location in the country, they wont be able to access live traffic data.

Other reports also point out that Israel is blocking off or disrupting GPS in war zones. This action can affect the usage of apps that rely on GPS data to function properly. While netizens hope that this conflict comes to a peaceful end soon, Google and other big tech firms try to play their part to keep innocent civilians safe.
The number of North Korean defectors coming to South Korea more than tripled in the first nine months of this year from a year earlier amid North Korea's border reopening after years of COVID-19 restrictions, government data showed Tuesday.

After escaping the North, 139 North Koreans reached the South in the January-September period, sharply up from 42 from the same period of last year, according to Seoul's unification ministry. In the third quarter, 40 defectors  three men and 37 women  came to the South.

The tally is the latest reminder that a steady stream of North Koreans continues to defect to South Korea to avoid chronic food shortages and harsh political oppression.

The number of incoming North Korean defectors began rising this year after it sharply dwindled in recent years due largely to China's strict COVID-19 restrictions and North Korea's tight border shutdowns.

"In 2021 and 2022, the number of the North's defectors coming to South Korea was exceptionally low due to the North's border closure and China's COVID-19 restriction on people's movement," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

He remained cautious about whether the figure could recover to pre-pandemic levels this year.

The yearly number of incoming North Koreans, which hovered above 1,000 in the years before 2019, plummeted to 229 in 2020, followed by 63 in 2021 and 67 in 2022, the data showed.

The number of such escapees could reach around 170 this year, rising 2.5 times from a year ago, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho said in a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency. (Yonhap)
(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 24 - A Rome court has rejected a petition from Alfredo Cospito's lawyers for the revocation of the order for the jailed anarchist to be held under the tough 41 bis prison regime, his defence team said.

As a result Cospito is set to continue to he held under the 41 bis, which mandates almost complete isolation, at Sassari prison in Sardinia.

Italy's National Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Mafia Directorate had come out in favour of an end to the tough jail regime for Cospito.

Cospito staged a six-month hunger strike against the 41 bis, which is normally reserved for Mafia bosses, that spurred anarchists in Italy and abroad to stage violent protests and arson attacks in his support.

He ended the hunger strike in April following a Constitutional Court ruling on one of the cases he is in prison for.

He is serving time for the bombing a Carabinieri school in the Piedmontese city of Fossano on June 2, 2006, in which nobody was harmed, and the kneecapping a nuclear company executive in 2012.

Cospito's battle against the 41 bis regime was not only for himself but for all other prisoners being held under it. (ANSA).


Britain has said the number of aid trucks being allowed into Gaza is wholly inadequate, amid warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe.

International development minister Andrew Mitchell said he is talking to the United Nations nearly every day about its operations and how it can beef up the number of trucks entering from Egypt through the Rafah crossing.

UN agency for Palestinian refugees spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai told the BBC the 54 trucks that entered Gaza over the last several days was nowhere near enough in quantity and in content.

Gazas 2.2 million people have been running out of food, water, medicine and fuel since Israel sealed off the territory following Hamass deadly attacks on October 7.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour MP Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) warned that the aid reaching Gaza is nowhere near enough to avert a humanitarian catastrophe as she pressed for fuel to be allowed in.

Mr Mitchell replied: The number of trucks that are going through every day is far too small and we will continue to press all the relevant authorities to allow humanitarian support and aid of the type she has described through the Rafah crossing to help those whose circumstances are precisely as she described.

Conservative MP Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) said: We know the UN has stated it needs at least 100 trucks a day to take the aid to those who desperately need it.

Mr Mitchell responded: The key thing is to increase the number of lorries that are getting through Rafah  the current number is wholly inadequate  and I talk to (UN emergency relief co-ordinator) Martin Griffiths virtually every day about the operations the UN are conducting to try and beef up that number.

Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham Deptford) said earlier: Children in Gaza have begun writing their names on their hands so they can be identified and buried with their families when they are killed.

What action is the Government taking to prevent more children being harmed in Israels military action and to ensure a rapid end to this conflict?

Mr Mitchell replied: Were doing everything we can to protect children and British aid is already making a difference by supporting the international relief effort, which is going in through Rafah.

Elsewhere at Foreign Office questions on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said no British aid money goes directly to the Palestinian Authority.

Conservative MP Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Middleton) said: Its been reported that the Palestinian Authority is to pay up to three million dollars a month in so-called martyr salaries to the families of dead and captured Hamas terrorists.

Will (the Foreign Secretary) join me in condemning these payments to rapists, torturers, murderers, some of whom have killed Brits? And will he also use his good offices to ensure that no British aid money has gone towards this filthy practice?

Mr Cleverly said: I can reassure him that we always ensure that UK aid money is protected from misappropriation, and I can confirm to him and the House that no British aid money goes directly to the Palestinian Authority.

We have raised this very issue with the Palestinian Authority and highlighted our belief that this is not conducive to good relations and a future two-state solution.

The Palestinian Authoritys payment of stipends to thousands of families that have had relatives killed, wounded or imprisoned in the Israel-Palestinian conflict has been a source of contention.

Israel has said the payments incentivise terrorism, while the Palestinians said they provide crucial support to needy families.
A Great British Bake Off contestant has said they had to hold back the tears during a double elimination on the fifth episode of the shows 14th series.

The episode started with the bakers being told their signature dish would be savoury picnic pies.

Pastry Week also saw the contestants make a classic French rough puff pastry for their technical challenge, and a decorative sweet pie for their showstopper, judged by Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith.

Nicky has left The Great British Bake Off (Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions/Channel 4/PA)

At the end of the episode presenter Alison Hammond announced that Cristy was this weeks star baker, while co-presenter Noel Fielding revealed that Nicky and Rowan had become the fourth and fifth contestants to leave the tent.

Nicky, 52, who is based in the West Midlands, said: I knew my time had come to an end after such a disastrous few days but even still my heart sank and I had to hold back the tears.

I had such a wonderfully happy time during my time in the tent.

What made it slightly easier when leaving was I didnt leave alone and my lovely bakers gave me the biggest hugs which meant more than anything to me.

I got to halfway through and thats good enough for me, without a doubt.

Roll up! Pastry Week is heading your way and we're sadly going to have to bid farewell to TWO bakers at the end of the show. Join us to find out who from 8pm on @Channel4 tonight. #GBBO pic.twitter.com/V3GOs5JqYZ  British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) October 24, 2023

I have had so many people stop me and recognise me. I even got recognised in France where I have just been for a few days.

Rowan, 21, from West Yorkshire, said leaving with Nicky made it so much easier for him to say farewell.

The student said: We were great friends in the tent and we are really looking forward to doing An Extra Slice together, it will be lovely to see her again.

After being on the series Ive learnt to be more confident in myself and my talents, and that you will find friends wherever you go.

Rowan was kicked out of the Bake Off tent in a double elimination (Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions/Channel 4)

He added: When it was announced I was leaving I was raging! Only joking, it was my time to go.

I mean, my pies were abhorrent so I expected nothing less. Everyone rallied around Nicky and me and gave us all the love.

And then Tash, Dana and I hit the bar, but I should probably keep that one to myself.

Nicky and Rowan will join presenters Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice at 8pm on Thursday on Channel 4, with guest appearances from comedian Ross Noble, reality star Jamie Laing and dancer Oti Mabuse.

The Great British Bake Off airs on Tuesdays on Channel 4.
Seriously ill or disabled children have told of growing in confidence and changing as people on a holiday of a lifetime in Florida.

The 191 young people from around the UK, many of whom had never been abroad or been away from their families, were flown on a free trip to Orlando by charity Dreamflight.

They have visited Disneys Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios and waterpark Typhoon Lagoon to ride rollercoasters and water slides and meet Disney characters.

The children got to swim with dolphins (James Manning/PA)

On their penultimate trip at SeaWorlds Discovery Cove on Sunday, they got the chance to swim with dolphins.

Some youngsters were lifted from their wheelchairs and into the water to get close to the dolphins before watching them do tricks.

Holly Hall, 11, from Woodbridge in East Suffolk, told the PA news agency: This has been my favourite day, ever since I found out I was going on this trip Ive been really excited for it.

Its all been so surreal, weve done so many things that people wouldnt normally get to do.

Holly Hall described the trip as surreal and amazing (James Manning/PA)

Because everybody here has been in hospital it always felt like we were always having less and now its like we get so much more, its really amazing.

Grace Pinches, 14, from Bridgend, Wales, said: At first I found the dolphins scary because it felt really weird, but afterwards it was fun.

This trip has brought a lot of confidence out of people, its really helped everyone grow and make new friends, not just judge people by their looks.

Weve got to know people for who they are and that has been really nice.

The dolphins wowed the children with tricks (James Manning/PA)

Leo Jewell, 13, from Poole in Dorset, said: Swimming with the dolphins was an amazing first experience, I wish I could do it again, if I could I would do it every day.

It was awesome watching them do tricks, Id love to be a dolphin trainer.

I think its an amazing experience, its the best place you can go, it really is a dream flight.

I think its changed me as a person, Im so much more social, I wouldnt really speak much before, Ill go back home to my parents as a new person, completely different.

The children have been living with living with serious illness, disability or trauma (James Manning/PA)

The children were picked to join the holiday after living with serious illness, disability or trauma.

Dreamflight has taken more than 6,000 children on the annual trip since 1987.

This is the 35th holiday put on by the charity, costing more than 1 million.

They were waved off on the trip by celebrity couple Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan at Heathrow Airport last weekend.
An Earthshot Prize winners products are being used to serve match-day food at Aston Villa Football Club  thanks to fan the Prince of Wales.

William founded the prize to recognise and scale-up ideas to help repair the planet and was instrumental in helping sustainable packaging company Notpla trial its cartons at the West Midlands club he supports.

Singapore will host the 2023 Earthshot Prize ceremony next month, attended by the prince, and a United for Wildlife summit, Williams umbrella body tackling the illegal trade in animal parts.

Since the start of Aston Villas season, pie and mash, burgers and hotdogs have been served up in cardboard containers featuring a seaweed-derived coating  not a plastic film  that means cartons can be recycled, and trials have also taken place at fellow Premier League club Tottenham.

Pierre Paslier, co-founder and chief executive of Notpla, which in 2022 won the Build a Waste-Free World Earthshot category, said about Williams role in the trial at Villa: He connected us, he made that connection happen.

He said about Villa and Tottenham: Two very first, significant trials that brought us to the attention of the catering companies that we could actually do something about reducing the production of their plastic waste.

Thats been really exciting, to have a chance of being around the table and present for what we do, and now whats really exciting is how do we turn those three, four stadiums into 40, 50 and this is what were hopefully announcing in the coming quarter.

William held his first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony at Londons Alexandra Palace in 2021, with Boston hosting the event last year  an ambitious project which each year presents five category winners with 1 million each to scale up their environmental ideas.

The Prince of Wales with staff members from ENSO, a 2023 Finalist of The Earthshot Prize (Kate Green/PA)

Among the 2023 finalists are ENSO, a British-based company that has created a more efficient electric vehicle tyre that sheds fewer particles, while Sea Forest from Australia has developed a seaweed-based livestock feed to reduce the planet-warming methane emissions from cattle and sheep.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: The prince is very much looking forward to being in Singapore and that his ambition with the Earthshot Prize and United for Wildlife while we are out there is huge.

The prince wants to really seize the opportunity of being in South East Asia to build more momentum around the Earthshot Prize winners and finalists and to put their solutions to some of the biggest environmental challenges we face firmly on the global map.

Hes also committed to shining a light on the abhorrent illegal wildlife trade that United for Wildlife works so hard to tackle and bring in more partners than ever to help us do this.

As a big Aston Villa fan, the Prince of Wales was able to connect Notpla with the club (Rui Vieira/PA)

William, along with celebrity supporters of Earthshot, is expected to fly to Singapore by a commercial not private flight, and other measures will be in place, say organisers, to make the event as sustainable as possible.

During his four-day trip, which begins on November 5, the prince will take part in Earthshot Week, a series of events bringing together businesses and investors with past winners and current finalists to accelerate their solutions.

William will take part in dragon boating, meet Singaporeans to learn how they are working locally to protect the planet and the 15 finalists will take part in a fellowship retreat that will give them networking opportunities.

Hannah Jones, Earthshot Prizes chief executive officer, said: Singapore is at the heart of climate action movement in South East Asia and the country exemplifies how to leverage technology, capital and human ingenuity to work collaboratively to solve the toughest of environmental challenges.

In the face of worsening climate impacts, Singaporeans are researching solutions to protect coastal cities from rising seas, theyre pursuing novel ways to cool down its citizens on a warming planet and positioning themselves as a global carbon market hub.
The Foreign Office has said it will continue to work tirelessly on securing the release of more hostages after a British citizen confirmed her mother had been freed by Hamas.

Sharone Lifschitz spoke of her relief that her mother Yocheved Lifshitz was handed over by the Palestinian militants, along with fellow Israeli citizen Nurit Cooper, on Monday evening.

Ms Lifshitzs London-based daughter said she would continue to campaign for the release of her father and other captives who were snatched by Hamas during its bloody raids on October 7.

She told the BBC on Tuesday that her mother seems okay.

She is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the department welcomed the release of two further hostages, three days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were let go.

A spokeswoman said: Our thoughts remain with the families of loved ones still being held captive, as they endure unimaginable anguish and worry at this time.

We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.

Qatar is seen as a key mediator in the Middle East conflict, with Doha using its ties to Hamas  a number of figures from the Gaza-ruling groups political wing are said to live in the country  to negotiate for the release of about 220 hostages taken during the deadly assault on Israel more than two weeks ago.

Further pleas for Hamas to give up its hostages are expected to be made on Tuesday during a press conference with affected families at the Israeli Embassy in London.

It comes after Mrs Lifshitz, 85, and Ms Cooper, 79, were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing on Monday evening. They were expected to be transferred to Israel.

The two women and their husbands were taken from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamass rampage into southern Israeli communities.

The womens husbands have not been released.

The United States has advised Tel Aviv to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more captives.

Sharone Lifschitz, in a statement, said: I can confirm that my mother Yochi Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those, some 200 innocent people, who remain hostages in Gaza.

Hamas said it had released the two women for humanitarian reasons.

Sharon Lifschitz, a London-based British Israeli, has vowed to continue fighting for the release of her father after Hamas freed her mother (Lucy North/PA)

Ms Lifschitz had spoken to the media earlier on Monday about how she had not heard from either of her parents since Hamass ambush left 1,400 people dead and ignited fresh violence in the region, with more than 5,000 Palestinians killed in retaliatory strikes.

She described her parents as having complex health needs, telling Times Radio her father had recorded high blood pressure the night before he was captured.

The release comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said British intelligence had concluded Israel was unlikely to have been responsible for a hospital blast that is thought to have killed hundreds of people in Gaza City.

Experts had been assessing the cause of the al Ahli atrocity since it happened on October 17, with Mr Sunak saying during his trip to the Middle East last week that the available evidence was still being reviewed.

But, in an update to MPs on Monday, he said the UK Government had judged it was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.

The explosion provoked condemnation around the world as well as rival claims about who was to blame.

Israel and Hamas both issued competing versions of events regarding the cause of the blast, with the Palestinian group blaming an Israeli airstrike.

This weekend we saw hate on our streets. Calls for Jihad are not only a threat to the Jewish community, but to our democratic values. We will never tolerate antisemitism in our country. And we expect the police to take all necessary action to tackle extremism head on. pic.twitter.com/ET3ZouqwUj  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 23, 2023

The Israeli military blamed a misfiring rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group and released imagery and communications intercepts it said supported its case.

US President Joe Biden, during his visit to Tel Aviv, had sided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governments assessment of the tragedy.

The impact of the conflict has been felt in Britain with protests and vigils held in support of both Israel and those Palestinians trapped in Gaza.

Mr Sunak told MPs that chants of jihad by pro-Palestinian demonstrators over the weekend were a threat to Jewish communities and our democratic values.

The Prime Minister appeared to signal that new powers for police to address chants deemed to be extremist were unlikely, although he pledged to address where there were gaps in the law.

His comments came after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, following a meeting with Home Secretary Suella Braverman, suggested anti-extremism legislation may need to be tightened, saying that it was possible some of the lines arent quite in the right place.
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gives a speech during a dinner meeting with a group of business executives accompanying him on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, at a hotel in Riyadh, Oct. 23. Yonhap

Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Hyundai Engineering and Saudi Arabia's state-run oil giant, Saudi Aramco, signed a $2.4 billion deal Monday to construct a gas processing plant in the Jafurah gas field, Korea's presidential office said.

The contract was signed during a ceremony marking 50 years of construction cooperation between Korea and Saudi Arabia, with President Yoon Suk Yeol in attendance. Yoon is currently on a four-day state visit to the Arab kingdom.

The Jafurah gas field is the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East and contains an estimated 200 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas, according to Aramco.

The latest contract brings to $8.6 billion the total value of construction projects won by Korean firms in Saudi Arabia this year, the presidential office said.

Monday's ceremony, held at a Neom exhibition center in Riyadh, marked the anniversary of Korea's first construction deal in Saudi Arabia, which was won by what is now SM Samwhan Corporation to build a highway connecting the cities of AlUla and Khaybar.

In a speech, Yoon said the two countries must open a new future in their infrastructure and economic cooperation in line with technological changes and the demands of the times.

He also said the two countries will be able to present a new model for future cities if they combine South Korea's capabilities to build cutting-edge cities with the Neom smart city project pushed by Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Korean Internet portal operator Naver signed a $100 million contract with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing to establish "Digital Twin" virtual reality spaces in five cities, including Riyadh and Mecca, to provide services in urban planning and management, and flood forecasting.

The ceremony also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Korea's Samsung C&T and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund on forming a joint venture on modular construction, which will contribute to the Neom project, as well as the signing of an MOU between Korean mobile carrier KT, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and Saudi Telecom on the establishment of data centers and other digital infrastructure. (Yonhap)
Foie gras should be banned from the Houses of Parliaments dinner menus as an act of symbolism aimed at discouraging animal cruelty, ministers have been told.

Conservative MP Giles Watling (Clacton) said he would be writing to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to raise the gesture with him, even though he did not think the delicacy was on any of Westminsters menus.

Producing foie gras, a pate made from goose or duck liver, is banned in the UK because it relies on force feeding birds.

Mr Watling raised the prospect of banning its import to the UK in a Westminster Hall debate, warning that some restaurants and retailers which still sold it had a business advantage over others who chose not to for ethical reasons.

Boris Johnson had championed plans to ban its import while prime minister, but ministers have since suggested they would shelve this proposal.

Mr Watling claimed there was clearly an appetite in the Government to go down the route of banning cruel imports, drawing attention to past bans on whale meat and ivory imports.

He told MPs: We have the situation that foie gras has been banned in royal residences since last year. I will not break any protocol by speaking here but I think it prudent to mention that this place is a royal residence and still belongs to the Crown as a royal palace.

Like all colleagues I am a humble and obedient servant to the Crown and I have sworn an oath of allegiance.

Whilst to my understanding foie gras is not on any of the menus of the estate, a strong act of symbolism would be to ban the product here too and that is something I will be raising with Mr Speaker.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment when reports of the Kings ban on foie gras first emerged, though it was understood to have been in place for a number of years.

The King previously removed the controversial pate from his royal residences while still the Prince of Wales.

The King during a reception to thank those involved in the planning and arrangements following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation at Buckingham Palace, London (Nicky J Sims/PA)

Bob Stewart, the Tory MP for Beckenham, joined calls for ministers to reconsider the ban, telling the debate: Ducks, geese, are sentient animals. They have feelings. Imagine all of us stuck in a cage, someone opening our mouths and stuffing stuff down our throats.

God how awful that would be. We have got to get rid of this stuff.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow told MPs that animal welfare laws had already banned the production of foie gras in the UK, and suggested retailers were taking steps to restrict its sale, while members of the public were choosing not to buy it due to ethical concerns.

She said: He will also know that some supermarkets have already banned foie gras, and as he says King Charles will not have it served.

So actually, already, we as customers have a choice not to buy it and certainly not to eat it.

I certainly would never buy it or eat it.

But Mr Watling urged ministers to go further, responding: Many businesses in the private sector are indeed banning the product, refusing to sell it. Fortnum & Mason a short walk from here have banned it from their shelves in 2021. But by allowing restaurants and retailers to sell foie gras, the United Kingdom is putting animal torture and suffering in place.

It is time to take an ethical stance on that because it gives a business advantage to those who still sell foie gras, because it is still legal and available to do.
A fresh deluge of rain is expected in parts of the UK already hit by flooding as a result of Storm Babet.

A yellow warning for heavy rain is in place for the East Midlands and parts of Yorkshire until 4pm on Tuesday.

The Met Office said there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, that fast-flowing or deep floodwater could cause a danger to life and that some communities will be cut off by flooded roads.

It comes as the flood risk in England and Wales remained at medium on Monday and the death toll from Storm Babet rose to at least seven people.

Rachel Ayers, Met Office meteorologist, said a few places, most likely Lincolnshire and Humberside, could see 30-50mm of rain while southern England and Wales could experience 10-20mm.

She said there will be some respite across Scotland on Tuesday after its battering by the storm.

The weather we are seeing on Tuesday is no longer associated with Storm Babet, Ms Ayers told the PA news agency.

We will see some heavy rain in areas affected by flooding during Storm Babet though the worst impacted areas in Scotland will remain mostly dry on Tuesday.

She continued: Within the warning area we could see some travel disruption due to spray and flooding on roads.

There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life, or that some communities could be cut off due to flooded roads.

(PA Graphics)

Reports of floods to the Environment Agency (EA) reached the highest level since 2015/16 at the peak of the storm, environment minister Rebecca Pow told the Commons on Monday.

The EA issued more than 300 flood warnings and received more than 1,800 calls to its flood line, she said.

Hundreds of people have been left homeless in the wake of Storm Babet, with about 1,250 properties in England flooded, according to the EA.

Ms Pow said investigations are expected.

Tapton Terrace in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, where Maureen Gilbert, 83, was found dead on Saturday (Matthew Cooper/PA)

A total of 13 areas broke their daily rainfall records for October last week, including sites in Suffolk, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, Kincardineshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Northumberland, Derbyshire and Humberside, the Met Office said.

Waterside Perth saw a provisional total of 203.6mm of rain fall between midnight on Thursday and 6pm on Saturday, while Invermark saw a provisional 178.2mm and Charr in Kincardineshire had 183.6mm, the Met Office said.

The average October rainfall in Angus is 124.79mm and it is 115.57mm in Kincardineshire.

The death toll rose on Monday as police recovered the body of a man after reports that a person was trapped in a vehicle in floodwater near Marykirk, Aberdeenshire, on Friday.

Police Scotland said that formal identification is still to take place, however next of kin have been informed.

On Saturday, 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert was found dead in her flooded home in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Mrs Gilberts neighbours said five feet of water had engulfed the inside of their properties within minutes of the River Rother bursting its banks.

Wendy Taylor, 57, died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.

Mrs Taylor, who was described as the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally and Susanna and Granny to India and George, was said to be a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her in a tribute issued through Police Scotland.

(PA Graphics)

Two women died after a five-vehicle crash on the M4 on Friday which is believed to have been weather-related.

Four cars and an HGV were involved in the crash on the eastbound carriageway between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath.

A 56-year-old driver, John Gillan, died when a tree fell on his van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday and a man in his 60s died after getting caught in fast-flowing floodwater in the town of Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, on Friday.

Mr Gillans family said he was a loving husband, dad, grandad and son.
A grandmother released as a hostage by Hamas militants is very sharp and is very keen to share information, her daughter has said, as efforts continue to free the other captives and supply aid to Palestinians.

Sharone Lifschitz, who is based in London, said her 85-year-old mother, Yocheved Lifshitz, seems OK after being freed from her weeks-long ordeal in Gaza.

Speaking from Tel Aviv, Mrs Lifshitz said she was beaten with sticks after being snatched from her home before being held in a spider web of tunnels under Gaza.

But in comments that will provide some reassurance to the families of other hostages, she said they had been treated well and given medicine by their captors.

She was released alongside fellow Israeli citizen Nurit Cooper, 79, on Monday evening, but their husbands, 83 and 84, remain captive with more than 200 other civilians.

Downing Street said that at least 12 British nationals were killed in Hamass attack on Israel and a further five are still missing, with some of them believed to have been kidnapped.

As she was released to Red Cross officials, Mrs Lifshitz was seen reaching back to shake the hand of one of the Palestinian militants as she said Shalom, a greeting in Hebrew meaning peace.

Ms Lifschitz, an artist and academic who spells her name differently from her mother, said it was incredible to be reunited with her  to hold her hand and to kiss her cheek.

She is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with, she told the BBC.

She said she will continue to campaign for the release of her father, Oded Lifshitz, and the other captives.

He speaks good Arabic, so he can communicate very well with the people there, Ms Lifschitz said.

Yocheved Lifshitz, one of two women released from Hamas captivity late, at a hospital in Tel Aviv (Jenny Yerushalmy/Ichilov hospital/AP)

He knows many people in Gaza and the West Bank. I want to think that hes going to be OK.

My mum said they had been looked after and there was a doctor there, so this gives a lot of comfort to everybody.

We have so many people that weve lost  it is a little ray of light but there is a huge darkness as well.

Ms Lifschitz said she and her mother still dream of peace with the Palestinians, even as an expected ground invasion of Gaza by Israel threatens sparking a wider war in the region.

We have to find ways because there is no alternative. If anything, it makes me even more resolved, she said.

The way has got longer  we are dealing with grief and loss on a level we can never get over, but as nations we will have to find a way forward.

Mrs Lifshitz was able to describe her ordeal for herself as she appeared at a press conference in Tel Aviv while sitting in a wheelchair and being supported by her daughter.

Translating for her mother, Ms Lifschitz said she had been beaten with sticks after militants snatched her away on a motorbike before leading her into Gazas tunnels.

There is a huge network of tunnels underneath  it looks like a spider web, the daughter said.

But, giving a glimmer of hope to other families, she said the militants provided the hostages with medical care.

They were very friendly towards them and they took care of them, they were given medicine and they were treated, Ms Lifschitz said.

The release of the two women took the total number of people freed to four, with an American woman and her teenage daughter having been released three days earlier.

Fewer than five Britons are believed to be among the hostages as officials fear that some of those missing have been killed.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks official spokesman said: We can confirm at least 12 British nationals were tragically killed in last weeks terrorist attacks.

A further five British nationals are missing.

Meanwhile, international development minister Andrew Mitchell told MPs the number of aid trucks being allowed to enter Gaza is wholly inadequate.

London-based British Israeli Sharon Lifschitz has vowed to continue fighting for the release of her father after Hamas freed her mother (Lucy North/PA)

He said that the UK will continue to press all the relevant authorities to allow essentials such as water, food, medicine and fuel into the territory during Israels siege.

The World Health Organisation said that nearly two-thirds of Gazas health facilities have stopped functioning.

Charities have been urging the Government to prepare to provide refuge to thousands of Palestinians who want to flee Gaza, home to more than two million people.

But Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins said it is not the right time to consider providing sanctuary.

She told LBC: At this point in time, I dont think thats the right response, because we need to keep the pressure on this terrorist organisation to stop their hostilities, to release hostages and to come back to the diplomatic negotiating table.

We want Palestinians to be able to live freely in their own area. We do not want these hostilities to continue by this terrorist organisation.

(PA Graphics)

Mrs Lifshitz and Ms Cooper were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Hamas said it had released the two women for humanitarian reasons.

Along with their husbands, they were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamass rampage into southern Israeli communities.

More than 1,400 people in Israel, mostly civilians, were killed during the initial Hamas attack.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 5,000 Palestinians, including around 2,000 minors and 1,100 women, have been killed since.
The parents of a critically ill baby are set to ask European judges to consider their case after losing the latest stage of a life-support treatment fight in London.

A High Court judge recently ruled that doctors could lawfully limit the treatment they provide to eight-month-old Indi Gregory and her parents, Dean Gregory and Claire Staniforth, have failed to persuade appeal judges to overturn that decision.

Two Court of Appeal judges on Monday concluded that Indis parents, who are both in their 30s and from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, did not have an arguable case and no real prospect of winning an appeal.

Lawyers representing the couple say now aim to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

Dean Gregory, the father of Indi Gregory, at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London (Victoria Jones/PA)

Mr Justice Peel initially heard heard evidence about Indis condition at a private trial in the Family Division of the High Court.

He heard that Indi, who was born on February 24 2023, had mitochondrial disease, a genetic condition that saps energy, and is being treated at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Specialists say she is dying and bosses at the hospitals governing trust asked Mr Justice Peel to rule that doctors could lawfully limit treatment provided to her.

Barrister Emma Sutton KC, who led Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts legal team, told Mr Justice Peel that Indi was critically ill and had an exceptionally rare and devastating neurometabolic disorder.

She said the treatment Indi received caused pain and was futile.

The youngster is being treated at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham (Family handout/GoFundMe/PA)

Mr Justice Peel had considered evidence behind closed doors, but he allowed journalists to attend the hearing and ruled that Indi, her parents and the hospital could be named in reports.

He ruled that medics treating Indi and a guardian appointed to represent her interests could not be named.

Indis parents are being supported by campaign group the Christian Legal Centre.

It has been a devastating journey through the court system, which no parent should have to face, said Mr Gregory, said, after Mondays appeal court ruling, in a statement issued through the Christian Legal Centre.

Indi is fighting to live, the system has given up on her, but we refuse to allow her to be brushed under the carpet and we will continue to fight for Indi for as long as it takes.

She deserves that chance.
A waxwork of Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has been altered, after the actor commented on the need to improve his skin colour.

The Grevin Museum in Paris told the PA news agency that Johnson was right in his comments on Instagram, and the wax figure was fixed during the night and is a better representation of the US star.

We have remedied the skin tone, a spokesman for the museum told PA.

Johnson posted a picture of the figure on Instagram, writing: For the record, Im going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum in Paris France so we can work at updating my wax figure here with some important details and improvements  starting with my skin colour.

The museums website said sculptor Stephane Barret relied on photographs and videos to create a statue as close to reality as possible without the presence of the international star.

Dwayne Johnson waxwork (Grevin Museum/PA)

It also said the team went to gyms in the hope of finding a man who matched The Rocks extraordinary measurements, while the actors tattoos took 10 days to create and his eyes had to be re-painted three times to avoid too dark a tint making the stars face too hard and erasing its warm aspect.

Mr Barret said: When I was told I was going to work on Dwayne Johnson I was really excited to be able to create this celebrity.

Its true that its always impressive to make people of this size. We were lucky enough to find someone who physically matched Dwayne Johnsons build and height.

What was a little harder for me was the sample photo that was chosen, where he just had a very slight smile on his face, an expression thats quite difficult to achieve. It was very subtle.

We worked on his face and eyes several times, because the most complicated thing about realism is getting the statue to come alive from the visitors perspective.

The waxwork stands alongside 250 famous faces, including film stars Penelope Cruz and Leonardo DiCaprio at the museum, modelled on Londons Madame Tussauds.
Roads are beginning to reopen after Storm Babet hit Scotland, as more than 32,000 was raised by wellwishers to help residents of flood-hit Brechin.

The A90, between Forfar and Brechin, Angus, has been reopened in both directions from Dundee to Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, under a contraflow, after engineers were able to examine two high-risk structures hit by the storm.

Wild weather caused considerable erosion of the bridge at Finavon, carrying the A90 over the River South Esk, and a contraflow traffic management system was introduced to enable safe crossing until repairs are completed.

The storm has claimed at least seven lives across the UK, including three in Scotland.

Aberlemno Primary School in Brechin has yet to reopen after Angus Council said the B9134 was no longer judged to be safe, and a skip was provided for people to dispose of items from flood-damaged homes.

A GoFundMe page set up by Brechin Flood Relief has so far raised 32,369 to help families who were not covered by insurance, and one person even offered an empty flat for people left homeless.

An anonymous donor gave 2,500.

A flood-damaged home in River Street, Brechin (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The gym at Brechin Community Campus was half full of items donated to help families in need.

Two roads in Brechin remain completely shut, including River Street which was devastated by flooding, and several unclassified roads in rural Angus are closed.

The A937 to Marykirk remains shut after being at the epicentre of the severe flood warning, and the A92 bridge north of Montrose, Angus, is also closed.

In Brechin, East Mill Road is shut, along with the A933 at Brechin Bridge while the B9134 Forfar to Brechin road has yet to reopen, and several rural roads are completely shut.

Donors, many with personal links to Brechin, have raised tens of thousands of pounds to help families who may not be covered by insurance following the floods.

The GofundMe page said: When we factor in the cost-of-living rises and the costs of insurance, we are faced with the tragic fact that many simply cannot afford insurance.

Brechin is the most fabulous community and we know people want to help those in need who due to reasons not of their making, have had their lives devastated.

A fence panel washed away by floodwater rests against a car in Brechin during Storm Babet (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Angus Council posted on Facebook: On the advice of the roads service and partner agencies, access to Aberlemno Primary School via the B9134 Aberlemno to Brechin is no longer judged to be safe.

To ensure the safety of staff, parents and carers and pupils, the school will be closed on Tuesday 24 October. An online learning offering will be made while we attempt to secure access.

A free school meal payment will be made to any family eligible on financial criteria.

Repair work will begin tomorrow but it is not known how long these repairs will take. If required, alternative arrangements will be made for children to attend school and will be communicated directly to families.

The storm claimed three lives in Scotland including that of Wendy Taylor, 57, who died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.

John Gillan, 56, also died on Thursday after a tree struck his van as he was driving on the B9127 at Whigstreet near Forfar.

And on Monday a body was recovered by police searching for a man who was trapped in a vehicle in floodwater during Storm Babet.

A search was launched after the man was reported missing in Marykirk, Aberdeenshire, on Friday.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/brechin-flood-relief
Sex Education and Loki director Kate Herron will team up with screenwriter Briony Redman for an episode of the upcoming series of Doctor Who, it has been announced.

The episode will air once Ncuti Gatwa has taken over as the fifteenth Doctor, over the festive period.

Herron and Redman have previously collaborated on a number of projects including their comic The Storkening as well as sci-fi show Miss Universe and short film Smear.

 NEW WRITERS  Writing duo Kate Herron and Briony Redman have joined forces to pen an episode of the upcoming series of #DoctorWho. Find out more  https://t.co/m89MPYlbvc pic.twitter.com/S1mhgBsm65  Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) October 24, 2023

Herron, who directed on Netflix hit Sex Education and executive produced and directed Marvel series Loki, said: Clearly I cant get enough of time travel.

It is an absolute honour to write for Russell and Ncuti. We had so much fun and cant wait for you all to see it.

Redman has also worked as an actor and has written Welsh crime-comedy Pont Brec and short film Forget-Me-Not.

She added: As a big fan of Doctor Who and Russell T Davies, its been a dream to write on this show.

The series revamp sees Its A Sin writer Russell T Davies return as showrunner, the man behind the 2005 revival of the long-running BBC show, succeeding Chris Chibnall who introduced Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor.

Davies said: This is when I absolutely love my job. Working with the stellar talents of Kate and Briony makes my whole world bigger and brighter, and a lot more fun.

I was a huge fan of Loki and reached out to Kate to say so  she then introduced me to Briony, and it was all systems go.

Theyve written a wonderful script which created unique challenges for cast and crew alike. The end result is gorgeous and thrilling and scary, and not like any other episode of Doctor Who.

Russell T Davies returns as showrunner (Ian West/PA)

Sex Education star Gatwa will take over as the Time Lord after three specials air in November which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the sci-fi series.

The episodes will see David Tennant and Catherine Tate reunited but as the fourteenth Doctor and his sidekick.

Tennant originally starred as the 10th Doctor from 2005 until his final episode aired on New Years Day in 2010, with Tate playing one of his companions, Donna Noble, in the beloved BBC series.

They will return to their roles for three special episodes which will air on the BBC in the UK and Ireland in November, while streaming platform Disney+ will show episodes to audiences elsewhere.
The decision to deprive Shamima Begum of her British citizenship was unlawful, the Court of Appeal has heard.

Ms Begum travelled to Syria in 2015  at the age of 15  before her British citizenship was revoked on national security grounds shortly after she was found in a Syrian refugee camp in February 2019.

Earlier this year, the now-24-year-old lost a challenge against the decision at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).

Giving the commissions ruling in February, Mr Justice Jay said that while there was a credible suspicion that Ms Begum was recruited, transferred and then harboured for the purpose of sexual exploitation, this did not prevent then-home secretary Sajid Javid from removing her citizenship.

At the Court of Appeal in London on Tuesday, Ms Begums lawyers began a bid to overturn this decision, with the Home Office opposing the challenge.

Three senior judges were told the Home Office failed to consider the legal duties owed to Ms Begum as a potential victim of trafficking or as a result of state failures in her case.

Samantha Knights KC said in written submissions: The appellants trafficking was a mandatory, relevant consideration in determining whether it was conducive to the public good and proportionate to deprive her of citizenship, but it was not considered by the Home Office.

As a consequence, the deprivation decision was unlawful.

Ms Knights and Dan Squires KC later said the UK has failed to have a full and effective investigation into how Ms Begum was trafficked.

In its ruling earlier this year, SIAC concluded there were arguable breaches of duty by state bodies  including the Metropolitan Police, Tower Hamlets council and Ms Begums school  in not preventing her from travelling to Syria.

Ms Knights told the Court of Appeal at the start of the three-day hearing that these failures could have also been unlawful and contributed to Ms Begums trafficking.

She continued: The state failures in the present case were highly pertinent bearing in mind what steps could readily have been taken by state bodies to protect the appellant and prevent her leaving the UK, and how swiftly the appellants family acted when they were alerted to her having gone missing and the sort of action which could have been taken by the family in conjunction with state bodies had they been made aware of the risk of the appellant leaving the UK.

Lawyers for the Home Office, which is set to begin oral arguments on Wednesday, have told the court that SIACs conclusion was correct.

Sir James Eadie KC, for the department, said in written submissions: The fact that someone is radicalised, and may have been manipulated, is not inconsistent with the assessment that they pose a national security risk.

Ms Begum contends that national security should not be a trump card. But the public should not be exposed to risks to national security because events and circumstances have conspired to give rise to that risk.

A three-day hearing is under way at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Aaron Chown/PA)

Sir James also said the specialist commission correctly recognised the difficulty at the heart of Ms Begums case.

He continued: An individual could have been manipulated, radicalised, and have her travel to ISIL-controlled territory facilitated by someone else.

However, that would not touch the assessment that the individual also posed a real risk to national security, whether or not as a result of those same circumstances.

The barrister later said SIAC was right to find there was no direct connection between any potential failures, by other public authorities, in 2015 and Mr Javids decision to deprive Ms Begum of her citizenship.

The hearing before the Lady Chief Justice Lady Carr, Lord Justice Bean and Lady Justice Whipple is set to conclude on Thursday with a decision expected at a later date.
Shamima Begums legal fight over the decision to deprive her of her British citizenship is set to reach the Court of Appeal.

The 24-year-old previously lost a challenge against the decision to strip her of her citizenship on national security grounds at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission.

In a ruling in February, Mr Justice Jay said that while there was a credible suspicion that Ms Begum was recruited, transferred and then harboured for the purpose of sexual exploitation, this did not prevent then-home secretary Sajid Javid from removing her citizenship.

Following the decision, Ms Begums lawyers said they would be challenging the ruling and that the legal battle was nowhere near over.

A three-day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London is expected to begin on Tuesday.

Ms Begum was 15 when she travelled from Bethnal Green, east London, through Turkey and into territory controlled by the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in 2015, before her citizenship was revoked in February 2019.

During the five-day hearing in November 2022, Ms Begums lawyers argued she should have been viewed as a victim of child trafficking and that she was persuaded, influenced and affected with her friends by a determined and effective Isis propaganda machine.

In the ruling, Mr Justice Jay said the case had been of great concern and difficulty.

He continued: This Secretary of State maintains that national security is a weighty factor and that it would take a very strong countervailing case to outweigh it.

Reasonable people will profoundly disagree with the Secretary of State, but that raises wider societal and political questions which it is not the role of this commission to address.

The hearing before the Lady Chief Justice Lady Carr, Lord Justice Bean and Lady Justice Whipple is due to begin at 10.30am.
Torrential rain set to batter parts of the country overnight on Tuesday could bring more flooding as communities recover from Storm Babet, forecasters say.

At least seven people are now thought to have died in the unprecedented weather event, while hundreds were forced to flee their homes in Scotland and north-east England.

There was little respite on Tuesday as the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for rain in areas hit by flooding, including the East Midlands and Yorkshire, until 4pm.

In the south and south-east of England, an overnight yellow weather warning will be in place until 10am on Wednesday, with the Met Office warning that flooding and disruption is likely.

A total of 13 areas broke their daily rainfall records for October last week, including sites in Suffolk, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, Kincardineshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Northumberland, Derbyshire and Humberside, the Met Office said

Reports of floods to the Environment Agency (EA) reached the highest level since 2015/16 at the peak of Storm Babet, environment minister Rebecca Pow told the Commons on Monday.

(PA Graphics)

The EA issued more than 300 flood warnings and received more than 1,800 calls to its flood line, she said.

Hundreds of people have been left homeless in the wake of Storm Babet, with about 1,250 properties in England flooded, according to the EA.

Some of those affected in Retford, Nottinghamshire, were angered by a lack of action to protect their homes, with one resident describing a visit by the Environment Secretary Therese Coffey on Monday as an attempt to polish her halo.

The death toll rose on Monday as police recovered the body of a man after reports that a person was trapped in a vehicle in floodwater near Marykirk, Aberdeenshire, on Friday.

He was named by Police Scotland on Tuesday as Peter Pelling, from Arbroath. His family described him as a very kind, loyal and hardworking man.

Flooded Carlton Ferry Lane in the village of Collingham in Nottinghamshire (Jacob King/PA)

On Saturday, 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert was found dead in her flooded home in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Mrs Gilberts neighbours said 5ft of water had engulfed the inside of their properties within minutes of the River Rother bursting its banks.

Wendy Taylor, 57, died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.

Mrs Taylor, who was described as the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally and Susanna and Granny to India and George, was said to be a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her in a tribute issued through Police Scotland.

Cheryl Woods, 61, and her daughter Sarha Smith, 40, from Caerphilly, South Wales, died after a five-vehicle crash on the M4 on Friday which is believed to have been weather-related.

Cheryl Woods, left, and her daughter Sarha Smith, who died following a collision on the M4 on Friday during Storm Babet (Wiltshire Police/PA)

Four cars and an HGV were involved in the crash on the eastbound carriageway between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath.

A 56-year-old driver, John Gillan, died when a tree fell on his van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday and a man in his 60s died after getting caught in fast-flowing floodwater in the town of Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, on Friday.

Mr Gillans family said he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and son.
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met Monday with a group of business executives accompanying him on his state visit to Saudi Arabia and renewed his pledge to be a "salesperson" for Korean companies on the global stage.

During a dinner meeting at a Riyadh hotel, Yoon met with some 180 Korean businesspeople, including Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, GS Group Chairman Huh Tae-soo and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.

Yoon noted that South Korean and Saudi companies and agencies signed deals and memorandums of understanding worth a total US$15.6 billion on the occasion of his trip, which he said will serve as "precious priming water" for the South Korean economy.

"Meeting all of you, who are working hard to develop new markets even under difficult circumstances, I renew my resolve to run harder as a salesperson," he said, referring to his portrayal of himself as Korea's "No. 1 salesperson."

"From now on, the government will put all of its effort into making sure our businesses achieve greater results, develop markets and widen the field where they can run freely," he added.

Yoon recalled that the past success of South Korean businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East helped Korea overcome the 1970s energy crisis.

"I believe we can find a breakthrough for the polycrisis our economy is facing through a new Middle East boom," he said, citing key initiatives under way in Saudi Arabia, namely Vision 2030 and the Neom smart city project.

"Our companies' extensive participation is needed and wanted, and we, too, believe it should be done in such a manner," he said, adding the government will provide its active support. (Yonhap)
A major injection of cash, equipment and personnel are needed if the UK is to play any significant role in the Indo-Pacific, MPs have said, with a warning that conflict in the region may only be years away.

Ministers have been warned by the cross-party Commons Defence Committee that the British presence in the region, which has emerged as a potential geopolitical flashpoint amid simmering tensions between the West and China, remains underwhelming.

The MPs warned that a conflict between China and Taiwan could be a matter of years away, with the Government urged to prepare for any such eventuality.

Rishi Sunaks Government has officially labelled China an epoch-defining and systematic challenge, but MPs said that officials should now consider whether under the Chinese Communist Party it should be labelled as a threat to national and international security.

The report criticises the current limited military presence in the Indo-Pacific despite a so-called tilt by the Government to the region.

The foreign policy pivot to the region has been among the public priorities of Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in recent months. The Cabinet minister also visited Beijing in August, amid efforts to stabilise ties with the global power.

MPs said: With only a modest presence compared to allies, little to no fighting force in the region, and little by way of regular activity, UK Defences tilt to the Indo-Pacific is far from being achieved.

If we aspire to play any significant role in the Indo-Pacific this would need a major commitment of cash, equipment and personnel, or potentially rebalancing existing resources.

The parliamentarians urged the Government to prepare for any confrontation between Taiwan and China, with plans ready in case of any escalation.

The foreign policy pivot to the region has been among the public priorities of Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in recent months (PA)

Defence Committee vice-chair John Spellar said: Maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific will prove vital for long-term international security, and the security and prosperity of the UK.

Despite the Governments insistence that the Indo-Pacific tilt has been delivered, our report found that the reality falls short of the rhetoric.

We currently have no real military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and are unlikely to be able to contribute significantly in the event of hostilities in the region.

If we are serious about building up our presence  and if we are able to do so without disrupting our commitments elsewhere  we must allocate resources to efforts in the region, alongside our allies and partners.

China has become increasingly aggressive in its pursuit of dominance, both regionally and internationally.

It appears that China is preparing to confront Taiwan. In response to this, the UK Government and armed forces must ensure that we are prepared to respond to a variety of potential hostilities, from grey zone activities to outright conflict. This needs to be more than just words, and must be treated with focus and urgency.

A Government spokeswoman said: We are delivering on our commitment to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is a whole-of-Government effort, as set out in the Integrated Review.

We have Royal Navy ships permanently deployed in the region, a permanent army garrison in Brunei, UK armed forces regularly participating in major exercises in the Indo-Pacific and our UK Carrier Strike Group will return to the region in 2025.

In addition, our landmark Aukus partnership with the US and Australia and our Hiroshima Accord with Japan, announced in May this year, are all clear demonstrations of our long-term commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Premier Leo Varadkar has said he would advise an Irish woman fired from an Israeli company to seek legal advice if her dismissal was over her political views.

Speaking in the Dail, Solidarity TD Mick Barry raised the dismissal of Courtney Carey from her role as a customer care team lead at Israeli tech company Wix, which employs 500 people in Dublin.

Mr Barry said: She commented online about what she described correctly as the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. She was fired from her job for doing so. I am calling on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to speak out on this case.

It could have a chilling effect on thousands of workers in this country who wish to speak out against a brutal war. It also creates a terrible precedent whereby workers can be fired for expressing a political point of view.

Ms Carey posted on LinkedIn Free Palestine and Israel is a terrorist state prior to her dismissal.

Solidarity TD Mick Barry (Brian Lawless/PA)

She separately wrote that human rights groups had concluded that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid and that it had cut off food, water and electricity to more than two million people in the Gaza strip.

She later said she condemns all forms of terrorism regardless of the perpetrator or victim.

The president of the Israeli software company said it had decided to part ways with Ms Carey.

    ,    : pic.twitter.com/r2F0kTWlwS  Nir Zohar (@nirzo) October 23, 2023

Nir Zohar said: Wix is a global company, it is an open and a liberal company. We would never try to limit anyones political views, we do however also hold a strong set of internal values about our team spirit, partnership and friendship.

These accusations in such troubling times not only harm our Israeli teams spirit, they also threaten the great connection between our Dublin offices with our 500 team members and their Israeli colleagues.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett (Brian Lawless/PA)

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett told the Dail that the case was particularly disturbing.

He said: They sacked her because she had put posts online that according to her are quite mild posts, where she essentially laid the responsibility for the current violence in Gaza on the shoulders of the Israeli government for its apartheid policies, its occupation and its siege of Gaza.

In response, Mr Varadkar said he did not know the details or facts of the case and therefore could not pass judgment.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Brian Lawless/PA)

However, he added: Under Irish employment law, it is not okay to dismiss somebody because of their political views.

I believe that to be wrong and would encourage the woman concerned to seek advice, whether from the WRC, a trade union or a solicitor, because it may well constitute wrongful dismissal and there are remedies that would then apply.

Of course, all the facts would need to be known before we know what the outcome will be.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)

Elsewhere, deputy premier Micheal Martin told reporters he had not seen the posts, but said it would be unacceptable for someone to be fired for sharing a viewpoint if it did not call for violence.

Speaking at the Global Ireland Summit in Dublin, Mr Martin said: Employees generally should be allowed their individual viewpoints. We live in a democracy here, we tolerate debate, freedom of speech and freedom of opinion.

People are entitled to different perspectives once they dont advocate for violence in pursuit of those objectives.

He added: We uphold the right of people for freedom of expression.
A vigil to mourn the children killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict has been held in London.

Around 60 people gathered in Parliament Square for the event on Tuesday, which was organised by the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 5,000 Palestinians, including around 2,000 children and 1,100 women, have been killed in the conflict so far.

Each person attending the vigil had the name of a Palestinian child killed in the conflict written on the palm of their hand.

This mirrors the actions of children in Gaza who have started to write their own names on their hands as a means of identifying their bodies, should they be killed in the attacks.

A minutes silence was held during the vigil (Aaron Chown/PA)

A message written by nine-year-old Zeina Abu Libdeh, who was displaced from her home in the Al Remal area of Gaza, was read out to mourners.

Part of the message said: I can barely go to the toilet. I used to like watching videos on the phone but now I am scared as all of it is footage of childrens bodies shattered into pieces. I miss my neighbours and I miss my friends. I no longer play. Our life is a nightmare Please let the war end.

A minutes silence was also held to pay respect to the victims.

Melanie Ward, chief executive of MAP, told the PA news agency after the vigil: What is happening is unacceptable, it is very clearly not being conducted in line with international law and the world, British Government and the Israelis have a responsibility to protect the children of Gaza, and it is clear the only way to do that is to have a ceasefire now.

Ms Ward said the charity has 20 staff on the ground in Gaza trying to provide support, but they are struggling to survive and cannot deliver a humanitarian response under constant bombardment.

She added: They are drinking contaminated water, they have candles and not electricity, theyre eating one meal a day, they dont know if a bomb is going to fall on their house next.

In fact, two of them have already had their homes bombed.

Melanie Ward had the name of her colleagues niece who died in Gaza on her hand (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said she attended the vigil because she is heartbroken like everyone else, and she echoed the calls for a ceasefire.

She said: I think telling the stories on the ground is incredibly important.

For a lot of the British public this will be the first time many of them have engaged with this issue, and it is a complex one.

Ms Moran, who has extended family in Gaza, said innocent civilians should not suffer as a consequence of what is clearly a barbarous act by Hamas, but stressed the answer to that violence is not what is happening now.
A man whose family home was destroyed by flooding during Storm Babet said he thought he was going to die when he awoke in the early hours of Friday to find water pouring in.

Jake Seath, 27, a former graphic designer, woke up at 5am on Friday in his home on Heron Rise, Claverhouse, Dundee, to people outside shouting and screaming.

His home, which had been his grandmothers and in which he had lived since he was 16, was taking in water.

After escaping with his partner and dog, two suitcases and a rucksack, Mr Seath said his whole life was gone.

Jake Seath (left) and his partner, Matt Kajetaniak, have lost all of their belongings (Jake Seath/PA)

He told the PA news agency: I woke up at 5am to people outside shouting and screaming  I looked and where my French windows are, the water began pouring in.

It was maybe a foot, two feet high, and it was right up to the windows. I thought dear god, I dont know what Im meant to do.

The carpet was soaked and the water started getting higher and faster, and the water poured into the plug sockets and the fuse blew, so we were in the pitch black and its five in the morning and I just started shaking.

I thought this is it, Im going to die, because the waters getting higher and higher and I cant move.

Forced to swim through the hallway, Mr Seath and his partner managed to leave their home with their dog, but lost one suitcase in the water and found themselves facing rain and bitterly cold wind.

Id been asleep like an hour prior, and now Ive lost everything in the blink of an eye, Mr Seath said.

Im thinking I cant believe this is happening. Im watching this mass exodus of people in the surrounding area evacuate.

Jake Seaths home was flooded (Jake Seath/PA)

The former graphic designer did not have home insurance and said that his whole life is gone, with memories of his grandmother and his grandfathers paintings all victims of the flood.

He also described the response from local and national government as shocking.

He said: Where are the people who should be doing things? Theres been no council members in the area all weekend, no-ones been there.

I contacted my local MPs office today, Stewart Hosie, I got told that hes too busy in Parliament to do anything.

Theres going to be an emergency meeting from the Labour councillor whos going to organise some kind of way forward.

Mr Hosie told PA: Im more than happy to offer any help and assistance I possibly can to any of my constituents.

Mr Seath has been forced to sleep on the sofa at his mothers house and said his partner has had trouble sleeping.

He has launched an appeal on GoFundMe, hoping to raise 5,000 to get his familys life back on track.

For me it hurts because its the last remnant I had of my grandmother, he said.

Jake Seaths home in Heron Rise (Jake Seath/PA)

A spokesman for Dundee City Council said the council worked tirelessly to help residents, and safety wardens visited the worst affected areas, including Heron Rise, to offer advice and support.

They said: Our community safety wardens were among the many responders who were at Heron Rise to assist residents during the storm. The area was a key focus for all agencies involved in the response.

Storm Babet was one of the most significant weather events to have hit this area in recent years, bringing massive disruption to communities across Dundee.

We of course understand how distressing it is for any resident who has had to leave their home and has suffered significant loss of property due to flood waters.

During the recovery phase, we and our partners will continue to provide support and review any additional actions that can be taken to mitigate the impact of large-scale weather events of this kind in future.
People and their pets take part in the pet parade Saturday morning during the 2023 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival in Uptown Shelby.

Uptown Shelby drew in record crowds Saturday for the 2023 Mush, Music & Mutts Livermush Festival.

People enjoyed the North Carolina treat on sandwiches, created recipes in a contest, competed to see who could eat the most in the shortest span of time and celebrated all things mush.

The unique festival, which has been a long running Shelby attraction for more than 30 years, drew in crowds of people for its live music, pet costume contest, parade and the popular livermush eating competition.

Karyn Owens, Cleveland County spokeswoman, said between Macks, Frank Corrihers prepared by Shelby Rotary and other food trucks and vendors, more than 8,000 livermush sandwiches were prepared and sold this year, and the Rotary Club said they used more than 550 pounds of mush Saturday.

Although numbers have not been officially tallied just yet, Owens estimated attendance tipped more than 15,000 with people traveling from outside the county to attend and many first time festival goers. Owens said vendors reported they served people from South Carolina, Georgia, Michigan and beyond.

It was packed from 9:30 to 4, but we are still waiting on final numbers, she said.

Several other vendors sold out of their products, including We Bark in Style, Whimsical Wiffs and Shelby Spice.

Thousands turn out Saturday morning for the 2023 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival in Uptown Shelby.

Michael Ellis, who has been competing in the livermush eating contest for years, is once again the 2023 champion for the sixth time, beating his record from last year along with 16 other competitors.

In addition to food, music and the ribbon cutting for the first phase of the Carolina Harmony Trail, plenty of pets were uptown with 60 entered in the costume contest.

Owens said organizers made a strong effort to feature all North Carolina based musicians, including local groups, JAVA, The Dancing Fleas and Dirty Grass Soul. She said Dirty Grass Soul had an outstanding turnout.

Im proud that we can support local businesses and vendors here in our community through this festival, Owens said. And also be a place where the community and visitors can celebrate our local heritage and bring their families and pets out.

Mark your calendars for next years Livermush Festival scheduled for Sat., Oct. 19, 2024.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Annual Livermush Festival celebrates all things mush, music and mutts
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a Security Council meeting.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Tuesday that 33 Americans were killed during Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Speaking before the United Nations, Blinken said the Americans were among the 1,400 people killed during the attack, which also included victims from more than 30 U.N. member states. Hamas also took approximately 200 hostages. A State Department official said on Tuesday that 10 Americans were unaccounted for, who may be held hostage.

During his speech, Blinken said Israel has the right to defend itself, noting that other members of the U.N. would do the same if they were attacked.

Israel responded to the surprise attack by going after Hamas targets in Gaza. However, there have been numerous civilian casualties. The Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas, claims more than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel retaliated. Hundreds of women and children are among the casualties, the Ministry of Health reports.

Blinken stated that Hamas must stop using civilians as "human shields."

The secretary of state also addressed the potential of the war becoming a wider conflict in the region.

The U.S. does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen," Blinken said. "But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: We will defend our people."

On the topic of humanitarian assistance, Blinken called on the U.N. to build a mechanism for sustained aid for the Palestinian people.

SEE MORE: Israel ramps up bombings as Hamas releases 2 more hostages
(Getty)

An Australian billionaire was secretly recorded boasting of his special relationship with King Charles, revealing he made large donations to the Royal hoping to be useful to him.

Covert recordings of Anthony Pratt, a manufacturing magnate worth $10bn, reveal he viewed his vast wealth as his superpower which he used to charm powerful global figures, including the then Prince of Wales and former US president Donald Trump.

A trove of secret recordings of the executive chairman of Visy Industries was obtained by the Australian 60 Minutes show in a joint investigation with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

According to the report, documents listed a final payment to HRH [His Royal Highness] of $182,000 in 2021. While Pratt is said to have been recorded explaining: My superpower is that I am rich. So I am useful to him [Prince Charles], right?

King Charles addresses assembled guests at a reception and dinner in honour of the Coronation (Getty Images)

In another recording, made in mid-2022, Pratt says an assistant to Charles contacted him to ask if he would limit payments to donations to the senior royals charities.

Theyre just so close to becoming the king that he doesnt want me to bring down the monarchy, Pratt said. He just doesnt want the appearance of anything. Its legal, but he doesnt want to look like [anything improper].

On the tape, Pratt says how he believed the then Prince of Wales was undervalued political stock.

I just like having a cup of tea with him every year, Pratt is heard in the recording.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told The Independent: Mr Pratt and his charitable foundation have been supporting the former Prince of Wales charities for many years and, as is well-documented, he is the Founding Patron of Princes Trust Australia.

It is also a matter of record that Mr Pratt is one of Australias foremost philanthropists, who has donated to a wide variety of charitable organisations. Any donations from Mr Pratt were therefore to support the work of the former Prince of Wales charitable organisations.

The revelations come following a series of newspaper articles accusing former close confidant to the King, Michael Fawcett, of promising to help a Saudi billionaire donor achieve British citizenship and a knighthood.

Mr Fawcett resigned as chief executive of The Princes Foundation in the wake of the allegations. But police said having interviewed several witnesses and examined more than 200 documents no further action would be taken against him or the charity.

Mr Pratts relationship with Mr Trump was also exposed in the tapes after the Australian paid $200,000 to become a Mar-a-Lago member to get closer to the president.

In one of the recordings, Mr Pratt is heard recounting one incident at the former presidents Palm Beach club where Mr Trump urged Melania to don a bikini to make his friends jealous.

He said, I asked Melania to walk around the pool in a bikini so all the other guys could get a look at what they were missing, says Mr Pratt.

The former first lady reportedly fired back at her husband.

Then Melania said back to him, Ill do that when you walk around with me in your bikini, Mr Pratt says.

Former president Trump with his wife Melania (Getty Images)

Mr Trump responded to the revelations by lashing out at Mr Pratt in a Truth Social post, branding him a red haired weirdo from Australia and denying speaking to him about American submarines.

The Failing New York Times story, leaked by Deranged Jack Smith and the Biden Political Opponent Abuser DOJ, about a red haired weirdo from Australia, named Anthony Pratt, is Fake News, he wrote.

Maggie Hagerman and the Misfits never called me for a comment. Why would they, they just write anything they want. Whether its correct or not is of ZERO importance to them. All the News Thats Unfit To Print. Thats why we call it the Fake News!

In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Mr Trump also denied the claims in the reports saying the information came from sources which totally lack proper context and relevant information.

The Independent has approached Buckingham Palace and Pratt for comment.
Darwin is the site of the country's first - and deadliest - war-time attack

When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets US President Joe Biden in Washington this week, deterring an assertive China will be on the agenda. At home, Darwin - a city key to the US-led defence alliance in the Pacific - will be watching.

War first came to Australia's shores on a Thursday morning in 1942, when 188 Japanese aircraft appeared over the centre of Darwin.

Bombs rained down on the coast, spraying red dirt and shrouding the turquoise harbour in smoke and fire. The two air raids nearly flattened the town, killing at least 230 people.

That day - 19 February - was a precursor to some 200 raids across northern Australia, but it remains the deadliest attack on the country.

Eighty years on, Darwin is a laid-back holiday spot that bears few visible scars of war. But there are simmering fears that this city may find itself in the crosshairs of a global conflict again.

Home to several key military bases which could prove crucial in any clash with China, Darwin is at the heart of deepening ties between Canberra and Washington, and the focus of massive investment from both governments.

But while American interest is reassuring for those who are wary of Beijing's power, there is alarm for some who worry it makes their home a target.

"You're inviting conflict," says local Billee McGinley, part of the Top End Peace Alliance, a local activist group. On a recent October afternoon, the group took turns sharing their concerns in the shadow of the city's war memorial Cenotaph.

"We feel like a sacrifice," she says.

Face of the north

Darwin has long been a military town. You can drive across the sparsely populated city in about 15 minutes, but it is home to two military bases. Another one sits on its fringe.

It is more common to see someone in military fatigues than a suit. And the roar of aircraft overhead is just another soundtrack to life here.

An aerial view of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct

Defence families are a large chunk of the population - and that doesn't include the thousands of international troops that arrive each year for war games and training. The industry is an even larger proportion of the economy.

And it's clear the military footprint in the so-called "Top End" is only going to grow.

Australia had maintained it didn't have to choose between the US and China. But that calculation has changed. Ties have soured between Washington and Beijing, and the latter's claims over the South China Sea and Taiwan have become more expansive and threatening.

So Canberra says it has woken up to its vital role in ensuring security and stability in the region, with fresh commitments to allies and a massive overhaul of its defence spend.

Enter, Darwin - "the face of the north".

"Looking at a map, the strategic importance of Darwin is obvious," says defence analyst Michael Shoebridge.

Map

The Australian government has announced it's moving hundreds more troops to Darwin and other northern cities, and it has also promised a large chunk of its new defence budget will go towards fortifying the region.

While the US has historically focused on Guam, Hawaii or Okinawa, it too is now pouring money into Australia.

It already operates year-round at the Pine Gap spy base outside Alice Springs in central Australia, and has since 2011 been sending annual rotations of US Marines - this year some 2,500 of them - to the Northern Territory (NT), where Darwin is located.

But in recent years it has promised about $2bn for base upgrades and new facilities. In Darwin, that includes a mission planning and operations centre and 11 jet fuel storage tanks. A couple of hours south - at the Tindal air base - storage hangers for nuclear-capable bomber planes and a huge ammunition bunker will be built.

Australia and the US have also signed bilateral defence agreements and further military cooperation is expected to be high on the agenda during Mr Albanese's trip to Washington.

US Marines conduct military drills in the Top End

Experts say the military build-up in the Top End - by both Australia and the US - is aimed at dispersing resources, and risk, around the region to "complicate" any war strategy by Beijing. But it is primarily about preventing war.

"It's obvious that diplomacy and all of the fora and meetings that exist in the region are not preventing China's aggression and intimidation," Mr Shoebridge says.

"So, to deter conflict, there needs to be enough hard power, not in China's hands, so that Beijing understands the cost of conflict would be too great... [and] no collective defence strategy makes any sense in our region without the Americans being part of it."

Target on Darwin

But that's making some Darwin locals uneasy.

Though there's differing opinions on the likelihood of a conflict with China, they're worried the build-up won't deter Beijing, but rather escalate tensions. They fear the US presence in Darwin could pressure Australia into a war it simply shouldn't be involved in, and make their city a target.

"If you position yourself as neutral and peaceful, it would be a war crime to come here," Ms McGinley says.

She's so terrified about Darwin's future she's considering her family's place in it: "It's definitely a consideration, with a young daughter, whether I stay here or not."

There are more immediate concerns too. In recent months, a US marine has been charged with rape and an American Osprey helicopter crashed and exploded near a school. And there's the impact these expanding bases - and any potential attack - could have on the Aboriginal cultural heritage and natural beauty the NT is known for.

Because so few people live in the NT, it is treated as "expendable", says Diana Rickard, who runs the Top End Peace Alliance.

"This has always been considered the wasteland it still is," she adds.

"The risks and impacts and threats are externalised onto people that live here. But any kind of perceived benefit... is for people elsewhere," Naish Gawen, another local, says.

Billee McGinley says she is reconsidering her future in Darwin

But the Peace Alliance says their concerns don't seem to be resonating with the community or being heard by people in power.

They certainly don't appear to be widespread. Walking around Darwin, it can feel like there is a general mood of nonchalance about the military presence.

"It's not something that I've heard much about," one local, 30-year-old Brianna, says.

The local business chamber and politicians from across the aisle sell the economic benefits of the defence investments.

The NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and national Defence Minister Richard Marles did not respond to the BBC's request for comment. But Mr Marles has previously said Darwin is a "significant" national "asset", something that is "good news for the Territory's economy".

"It is fundamentally important that we have the footprint here," he said in April.

Experts, though, don't rule out the possibility that Darwin will become a target.

Defence strategist Becca Wasser has spent years wargaming what might happen in the event of a conflict in the region. In most of the scenarios she's run, China does attempt missile attacks on Australia.

But they have limited success given the technology Beijing possesses and the more than 4,000km (2485 miles) between mainland China and Australia.

"In fact, most of them usually don't reach even the most northern bases," she says. But it's not the existence of the bases that makes Darwin a target, she stressed - whether Australia uses them to send troops is the key factor.

Australia has joined almost every single coalition operation that the United States has fought in recent years, she adds, but that is no guarantee Australia will choose to join any future wars.

"The decision to contribute forces to any conflict, it's a political decision, and it's one that Australia makes on its own. It's not something that the United States can just determine," she says.

Richard Fejo says he considers himself a realist

Even those whose families lived through the 1942 bombing of Darwin seem to accept the city's new military reality.

Richard Fejo recounts stories that have been passed down from his grandfather, Juma Fejo, and his great uncle Samuel Fejo. The Larrikia elder says the pair never recovered from the loss of human life they witnessed, and the impact on their ancestral home.

"In Aboriginal culture, we say the land is our mother and so something as terrible as the bombing of Darwin, as a Larrakia person, would have been like putting a knife through their heart," he says.

While he's daunted by the prospect of war returning to his home, "I consider myself to be a realist," he says.

"These people who would stand up and argue about Americans being on Larrakia land, what option are you offering us? We must remember our past, but we also must be prepared for the future."
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Arab and Muslim Americans and their allies are criticizing President Joe Biden's response to the Israel-Hamas war, asking him to do more to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza or risk losing their support in the 2024 election.

Many Arab Americans are upset Biden has not pushed for any humanitarian ceasefire even as Palestinians are killed fleeing Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip, more than a dozen academics, activists, community members and administration officials said.

Their growing frustration could impact Democrat Biden's reelection bid, which opinion polls show is likely to be a rematch with the Republican frontrunner, former President Donald Trump.

In hotly contested Michigan, Arab Americans account for 5% of the vote. In other battleground states Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are between 1.7% to 2%, said Jim Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute.

Biden won Michigan with 50.6% of the vote in 2020, compared to 47.8% for Trump, and Pennsylvania with 50.01% to Trump's 48.84%, a difference of less than 81,000 votes.

Arab and Muslim Americans are unlikely to back Trump but could sit out the election and not vote for Biden, some activists said.

"I do think it will cost him Michigan," said Laila El-Haddad, a Maryland-based author and social activist from Gaza.

While condemning the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on civilians in Israel that killed 1,400 people, Arab Americans said the Israeli response was disproportionate and Biden's failure to condemn the bombardment has many questioning his promise of a "human rights centered" foreign policy.

On Tuesday, U.S. officials joined the United Nations and Canada in pushing for a pause in Israel's attacks on Gaza so food, water and medicine could be delivered to Palestinian civilians.

DEMANDS FOR POLICY CHANGE

Abdullah Hammoud, the first Arab American mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, home to the largest Muslim per capita population in the U.S., decried Biden's failure to condemn Israeli threats to cut off water, electricity and food for over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

"Nothing could have prepared us for the complete erasure of our voices and radio silence from those whom we elected to protect and represent us," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our family members trapped in Gaza have been ignored, our calls for a ceasefire drowned out by the drums of war."

The White House said Biden and other U.S. officials have repeatedly pushed to get Americans in Gaza released, and Biden on Tuesday said aid arriving there was "not fast enough."

Linda Sarsour, a former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, told hundreds of attendees at a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event on Saturday that Muslim Americans should make any political donations contingent on a change in policies.

Many are pressuring Biden to push Israel to temporarily halt its attacks on the Gaza Strip that have killed thousands of Palestinians.

Israels bombing of Gaza is "now in the realm of genocide targeting the entire Palestinian population," said CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the U.S., adding that government officials will be "complicit in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza" unless they intervene.

Biden's push for more than $14 billion in new U.S. aid to Israel is also drawing fire.

"If you look at his rhetoric, it's unbelievable, and now they are trying to pump billions and billions of dollars militarily into Israel, with some $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinians," said Sa'ed Atshan, a Quaker Palestinian American who teaches peace and conflict studies at Pennsylvania's Swarthmore College.

Even Biden's former boss, President Barack Obama, usually a staunch backer of Biden's policies, offered some pointed public advice on Monday, calling on the U.S. to continue leading the world "in accelerating critical aid and supplies to an increasingly desperate Gaza population."

WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO CRITICS

Biden has appointed more Arab Americans and Muslims to political posts than any predecessor, as well as the first two Muslim federal judges, but that diversity has not impacted policy for the self-described "Zionist" President.

Some Arab American and Muslim appointees are scared of backlash and reprisals and worried about family members in the region, said one White House official, who is Arab American.

"There are very vocal people in the administration who have concerns," the official said. U.S. officials with family in the region are doubly stressed by the "ambassadorial" role they play as they field agitated messages from relatives and others angry at Biden's Israel strategy.

The White House said it was aware of and responding to criticism of its policies by meeting with administration officials and community members, and underscored Biden's efforts in public and behind the scenes to ensure aid reached Gaza. Biden has also made forceful speeches since taking office on the need to confront Islamophobia and hate of all kinds, it said.

Biden's chief of staff Jeff Zients and adviser Anita Dunn are meeting staffers and community members and urging cabinet secretaries to do the same, White House officials said.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan and his principal deputy Jon Finer met with Arab and Muslim American community leaders on Oct. 13, and the White House officials hosted 30 Palestinian American youth on Friday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the personal difficulties some staff are facing in a Thursday letter, and met Monday with Palestinian and Arab American community leaders and Jewish American groups.

One 11-year State department veteran, the director of congressional and public affairs for its Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Josh Paul, quit his job last week. Top officials refused to respond to his concerns about "blindly rushing lethal arms to Israel while the people of Gaza face obliteration," he said in a posting on LinkedIn.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; additional reporting by Kanishka Singh and Simon Lewis; Editing by Heather Timmons and Grant McCool)
Kelvin Mwithi (right) was a renowned guide in Kenya and leaves behind a wife and young toddler following the incident (Robert Kamaru)

A British climber and her guide have fallen to their deaths after slipping on ice while descending Mount Kenya.

The woman, named as Shilpa Shah by members of Kenya's climbing community, died after falling a rock face on Thursday.

Her Kenyan guide, Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi, was trying to help her on a slippery slope when he also fell from the sharp drop on Africa's second-largest mountain.

Robert Kamaru (left) wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend Kelvin Mwithi (right) (Robert Kamaru)

Ms Shah, 60, was part of a group of eight female climbers who had made the journey to ascend Point Lanana, the mountains third-highest summit.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Mwithi, who leaves behind a wife and toddler, have paid tribute to the climber who "always wore a smile".

His friend Robert Kamaru wrote online: "My friend has rested. Our hearts are broken. May his soul transition to the afterlife peacefully. May his selflessness inspire us to live fully, dedicating our lives to the service of humanity.

Mount Kenya is the second-largest mountain in Africa at over 17,000 feet, Mr Mwithis colleagues cite slippery conditions on the day (Getty Images)

Kevin, a renowned Mount Kenya guide, passed away on [Friday] while assisting a hiker on a slippery slope. Both slid down the ridge and perished.

The hiker is identified as Shilpa Shah, a UK national. Our prayers go out to both families during this difficult time of mourning and beyond.

He added: Go well, Kevin. Continue smiling gracefully in the afterlife.

Over 15,000 visitors attend Mount Kenya national park every year with intentions to climb the peak (Getty Images)

Rescue teams had to make several attempts to recover the bodies on Friday afternoon due to poor weather conditions.

Ms Shahs remains were flown to Nairobi while Mr Mwithis were taken to a hospital in central Kenya, according to reports.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office spokesperson said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Kenya and are in contact with local authorities.
Korea's industry ministry said Tuesday the government has formally accepted an agreement by the World Trade Organization (WTO) aimed at banning subsidies for illegal fishing.

The agreement centers on prohibiting subsidies that contribute to overfishing and other illegal, unregulated fishing so as to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and the industry.

Following Korea's approval, the total number of WTO members that have formally endorsed the rule reached 51, taking up 46 percent of the necessary support for the agreement to take effect, according to the Geneva-based organization.

"Once implemented, the multilateral rule will curb harmful subsidies that may lead to the depletion of global fisheries resources and contribute to the sustainable use of maritime resources," the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a statement.

"It will especially help to address the issue of illegal and overfishing by foreign vessels in our nearby waters," it added. (Yonhap)
File photo of Canadas prime minister Justin Trudeau (AP)

Canadas government has said that a Spamouflage campaign with ties to China has targeted the social media profiles of its prime minister Justin Trudeau and several other members of parliament.

The Spamouflage campaign involved a network of either new or compromised social media accounts for spreading propaganda messages on several platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Reddit, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Diplomatic ties between Canada and China have remained strained since 2018 and Ottawa has often accused Beijing of meddling in its internal affairs, often through the use of secret overseas police stations. China has rejected all the allegations.

The Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) established by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to oversee foreign state-sponsored disinformation activities attributed the campaign to the Peoples Republic of China and said the campaign was meant to suppress criticism of the communist regime.

As per a report unveiled on Monday morning, the propaganda campaign had commenced in August this year and specifically targeted numerous lawmakers representing various political ideologies, the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement.

GAC said the bot network gained significant momentum over the September long weekend, inundating social media accounts with thousands of comments in both English and French.

This campaign could discourage and make it difficult for MPs to carry out their duties and may dissuade MPs and diaspora communities in Canada from speaking out on issues which concern them, a foreign ministry report about the incident said.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Canada said Beijing has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries. It said the accusations were a blatant smear campaign and that Canada was a downright liar and disseminator of false information.

Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the campaign was connected to Beijing and described it as a bot network that left thousands of comments in English and French on the Facebook and X/Twitter accounts of Canadian Members of Parliaments (MPs). https://t.co/encXWchjdS  Joanna Chiu (@joannachiu) October 23, 2023

For some time now, the Canadian side has been falsely accusing China of spreading false information against Canadian politicians, a move that is in itself a dissemination of false information, in the absence of any direct and substantive evidence, the embassy statement said.

GAC said posts from the campaign alleged a prominent critic of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada had accused the involved MPs of engaging in criminal and ethical transgressions.

The Chinese campaign employed what appeared to be deepfake manipulated videos, according to the department.

An email from GAC officials to the affected MPs said 47 of them from across Canada were targeted, CBC News reported. The email advised MPs on how to protect themselves from foreign interference and assured them the campaign did not present a threat to their safety.

It is our assessment that the information operation was intended to negatively impact your reputation, not to cause you physical harm or endanger your family, the email said.

First, it likely seeks to discredit and denigrate the targeted MPs through seemingly organic posts, alleging impropriety, by posting waves of social media posts and videos that call into question the political and ethical standards of the MPs, using a popular Chinese-speaking figure in Canada, the report said.

Second, it likely seeks to silence criticism of the CCP by getting MPs to distance themselves from the critic and discouraging wider online communities from engaging with them.
Rescue divers are searching for signs of life on a British cargo boat that crashed and sank this morning as four sailors remain missing.

One sailor has died and two have been rescued, reveal German authorities.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Verity was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham. The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie, remained afloat with 22 people on board.

A P&O cruise called the Iona which was travelling from Hamburg is helping with the urgent rescue mission, confirmed officals.

According to reports, passengers were panicked when there was an onboard Captain announcement at 6am this morning.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Missing cargo ship updates

One dead in North Sea cargo ship collision

A map of marine traffic

P&O liner joins rescue mission

A map to show where the ship sunk

What we know so far

The rescue mission so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:45 , Lydia Patrick

A search and rescue operation began after the British-flagged Verity hit a larger cargo ship, Polesie, about 14 miles (22.5km) south-west of the German island of Heligoland at around 5am on Tuesday.

While the larger, Bahamas-flagged Polesie stayed afloat, the Verity, which had departed from Bremen, Germany, and was destined for the port of Immingham on the east coast of England carrying steel coils, became submerged.

Shortly afterwards a signal from the ship was lost, German authorities said, and wreckage was found.

Searches are continuing involving several ships, aircraft, and a P&O cruise ship, with rescuers preparing to dive 98ft (30m) to the wreckage.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises told the PA news agency: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

Handout photo showing search lights scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank following a collision with the Bahamas-flagged vessel Polesie in the North Sea (PA)

Where did the Verity go missing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:11 , Lydia Patrick

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Where did the Verity go missing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 17:02 , Lydia Patrick

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Watch - Rescuers search sunken British ship for signs of life after fatal North Sea collision

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:31 , Lydia Patrick

Remaining missing sailors could survive for 20 hours'

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:00 , Lydia Patrick

The remaining missing sailors could survive for 20 hours in 12C waters say the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

We are now doing everything humanly possible to rescue more people alive, the head of the emergency command, Robby Renner, said at a news conference in Cuxhaven.

Several rescue ships and aircraft taking part in the search had not located the missing crew members by mid-afternoon.

Rescuers were considering the possibility that they were still inside the Verity, and planned to send divers down to the wreck to check whether there are any signs of life, Mr Renner said.

The Verity cargo ship had departed from Bremen, Germany (Alamy/PA)

A graphic to show where the Verity went missing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 15:30 , Lydia Patrick

British ship crash in North Sea - crew missing



The British inland bulk carrier Verity sank near the German coast after colliding with the bulk carrier Polesie earlier today. #AIS data shows 14 tugs in the area as rescue operations are underway.#marinetraffic #NorthSea pic.twitter.com/uDGbSx4wlM  MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) October 24, 2023

Mapped - Where the Verity sank

Tuesday 24 October 2023 15:00 , Lydia Patrick

Missing sailors may be alive say German Maritime Search and Rescue service.

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:30 , Lydia Patrick

Divers are looking for signs of life on a freighter that sank in the North Sea after colliding with another vessel, a spokesperson for the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said on Tuesday.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The Verity was carrying steel and had 1,300 cubic metres of diesel on board, the spokesperson added.

In Photos - P&O ship the Iona scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:00 , Lydia Patrick

The P&O cruise the Iona is involved with the help and rescue mission (PA Wire)

Cruise goers were awoken to a Captains alert telling them about the collision this morning, reveal reports (PA Wire)

Four of the seven sailors who were on board the Verity remain missing (PA Wire)

What we know so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 13:37 , Lydia Patrick

One sailor has died and several others remain missing after a British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, with a search currently ongoing for survivors.

One body has been recovered and another two people have been rescued, while four crew members remain missing.

Read the full report by Holly Evans here

One dead and several still missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

How many sailors were on the Verity?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:42 , Lydia Patrick

Seven people had been on board the Verity, the central command said, adding that a search was ongoing for the four missing.The Polesie had 22 people on board, none of whom were injured, the central command said.

One rescued man was taken to a hospital on land and the other was on his way to hospital on board the German maritime rescue cruiser Hermann Marwede, it added.

The Verity cargo ship had departed from Bremen, Germany ((Alamy/PA))

One dead in North Sea cargo ship collision

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:03 , Lydia Patrick

One dead body has been recovered and two people have been rescued in a search and rescue mission after two freighters collided in the North Sea off the coast of Germany, the maritime emergency authority said today.

Seven people were on board the ship Verity, the Central Command for Maritime Services said in a statement, adding that the search was ongoing for the remaining four missing persons.

Number of people missing confirmed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:31 , Lydia Patrick

Six people have been confirmed missing after one vessel sank in the early hours this morning say German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.One of the ships, the British-flagged Verity, is believed to have sunk.

The emergency command said one person was rescued from the water and was being given medical treatment, and rescuers were searching for more. It later said seven people had been on board the ship and six were missing, German news agency dpa reported.

Wind turbines in Helgoland in the German North Sea (Christian Charisius/Reuters)

P&O share update after their cruise joins rescue mission

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:59 , Lydia Patrick

The cruise liner Iona which was returning from Hamburg and headed towards Rotterdam is helping with the rescue mission.

According to reports, people on board were panicked when there was an announcement at 6am this morning alerting customers to what had happened.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Another P&O cruise ship (Getty Images)

German transport minister shares his support

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:36 , Lydia Patrick

Volker Wissing shared his gratitude to the rescue mission who have been searching the area since the early hours of this morning.

Nach der Kollision zweier Schiffe vor Helgoland sind meine Gedanken bei den Besatzungsmitgliedern und ihren Angehorigen. Ich danke den Rettungsteams, die seit dem fruhen Morgen im Einsatz sind. Sie unternehmen alles, um die Vermissten zu retten.  Volker Wissing (@Wissing) October 24, 2023

How big is the boat?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:34 , Lydia Patrick

The sunken Verity ship is a substantial 91 meters (299 feet) long and 14 meters (46 feet) wide.

The Verity and Polesie collided in the early hours of Tuesday roughly 14 miles off the coast of Heligoland. (Darren B Hillman/CC BY-ND 2.0)

What we know so far

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:24 , Lydia Patrick

A British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision, with several people missing as rescuers search for survivors.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, according to German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 nautical miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The British-flagged Verity, apparently sank, while the Polesie remains waterborne with its 22 passengers.

One person was rescued from the water and is being given medical treatment, while rescue parties are searching for several more people who remain unaccounted for.

Read the full report by Holly Evans here

Crew members missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

A map to show where the ship sunk

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:20 , Lydia Patrick

P&O liner joins rescue mission

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:05 , Lydia Patrick

A P&O spokesperson told The Sun their cruise ship Iona has joined the search mission as they try to find missing people.

They are also providing medical help for anyone in need on board the cruiser.

Rhys Johnson, 24, a passenger on the Iona, told The Sun that those onboard were woken just before 6am with an announcement that the crew were helping with the search and rescue operation.

Mr Johnson told The Sun: There are helicopters, search vessels and two of our RHIBs helping.

People are saying...the British ship has sunk. Its incredibly distressing.

We set off for Rotterdam from Hamburg yesterday, and we were about 200 metres away from the ships.

Everyone on here is sad and concerned and in a state of panic.

Map of marine traffic

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:47 , Lydia Patrick

A map to show when the British ship Verity was last seen.

The green arrow on the right is the Verity, its last position was received five hours and 40 mins ago.

The green arrow to the left is the Bahamas-flagged Polesie which remained afloat after the collision.

Map to show the last position of the Verity (Marine Traffic)

Welcome to our live blog

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:42 , Lydia Patrick

We will be live reporting the sinking of a British cargo ship off the coast of Germany after it collided with another shop.

So far, one person has been saved from the water and has received medical treatment whilst rescuers scramble to save other crew members.

Follow for live updates
By Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China's top diplomat Wang Yi will travel to the United States later this week, senior Biden administration officials said on Monday, in a long-anticipated visit that comes amid soaring tensions in the Middle East, which U.S. officials hope Beijing can help contain.

Wang will visit Washington from Oct. 26-28 and meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan, officials said, declining to say if he will meet with Biden as well.

The trip will be the highest-level in-person engagement ahead of an expected meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November. It is also the long-awaited reciprocal visit after several top U.S. officials including Blinken visited Beijing this summer.

Washington's top priority has been to ensure the intense competition between the world's two largest economies and their disagreements over a host of issues from trade to Taiwan and the South China Sea does not veer into conflict.

"We continue to believe that direct face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where our interests intersect," said one official, who briefed reporters on the trip on condition of anonymity.

The visit also comes as Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks and Israel's response dominate global headlines, even as Russia's war in Ukraine grinds on.

Washington is sending military aid to Israel and Ukraine, while Beijing has grown closer to Russia since the Ukraine war began and has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Israel-Hamas war and Russia's war in Ukraine would both be discussed, a second official said, adding that the U.S. would "push the Chinese to take a more constructive approach on both.

Washington has placed importance on China's ability to influence Iran. Blinken, during his whirlwind trip last week to the Middle East, held a phone call with Wang asking him to use Beijing's clout in the region to ensure the conflict does not widen.

China has consistently called for restraint and a ceasefire in response to Israel's bombardment of Gaza following the Hamas attacks that killed 1,400 Israelis but has also sharpened its criticism of Israel.

Territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas would also be on the agenda during Wang's visit, the U.S. officials said, adding that Washington was deeply concerned by China's "destabilizing and dangerous actions" in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, a U.S. ally, on Monday accused Chinese coastguard vessels of "intentionally" colliding with its vessels on a resupply mission, in the most serious incident yet in the waters around the disputed Second Thomas shoal.

Re-establishing military-to-military ties with China remains a top U.S. priority, the officials said, adding that meant sustained communications down the ranks and that China's apparent lack of a defense minister would not be an obstacle.

Defense Minister Li Shangfu has not been seen in public for nearly two months amid a corruption probe.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis, editing by Deepa Babington)
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie has met the criteria for the third GOP primary debate, his campaign has reportedly said.

Christies campaign told Politico that hes met the polling and donor thresholds to get on the partys third debate stage in Miami next month. Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, shared the Politico piece on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) increased the requirements for candidates to qualify after the first debate in Milwaukee and the second in Simi Valley, Calif.

This time around, the candidates need to be polling at 4 percent or higher in two authorized national polls, or in one national poll and one poll from two separate carve out states. These states include Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Theyll also need to boast at least 70,000 unique donors, including at least 200 from 20 or more states and/or territories each.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy appear to have met the criteria to qualify  as has former President Trump, the front-runner of the party, though he skipped the first two events.

The former president is also expected to skip the third debate, holding a rally in Florida instead.

Christie has been an outspoken critic of the former president and called out his absence on the prior debate stage. He recently blasted Trump for pushing the RNC to nix the remaining primary debates.

He wants to end these things for purely selfish reasons, because he doesnt want to give exposure to the candidates who are challenging him out there, Christie said in an interview last month.

FiveThirtyEights tracker of 2024 Republican candidates has Christie at an average of 3 percent in polls, while Trump sits at 57 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW YORK  Michael Cohens long-awaited testimony in the New York attorney generals sprawling civil fraud case against former President Trump began Tuesday afternoon, when he described ballooning Trumps assets at the request of his former employer.

But the ex-Trump fixers proclivity to untruths came under harsh scrutiny by the former presidents legal team, who sought to undermine his credibility in objections and cross-examination.

Cohen is a star witness in New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess (D) case, testifying to its core allegation: The former presidents company engaged in decades of fraud by falsely inflating and deflating the value of its assets to receive lower taxes and better insurance coverage. Cohens past disclosures about Trumps net worth helped spur her investigation.

On Tuesday, the former personal lawyer came publicly face to face with his ex-boss for the first time since their relationship soured. When he first entered the courtroom shortly after noon, Trump did not spare him a glance, keeping his gaze fixed on the computer screen in front of him. Cohen strode past Trump and his legal team without looking their way but peeked over before taking a seat at the witness stand.

Top Stories from The Hill

However, as Cohens testimony progressed, Trumps annoyance became more apparent. The former president forcefully shook his head and conferred actively  though quietly  with his attorneys throughout the questioning, at one point throwing both his hands above his head. Trumps legal team frequently objected to Cohens answers, asserting he was testifying as an expert on issues in which he has no expertise.

Cohen testified he and Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg were directed by Trump to increase the former presidents total assets based on a number he arbitrarily elected.

My responsibility, along with Allen Weisselberg, predominantly, was to reverse engineer the various different asset classes  increase those assets  in order to achieve the number that Trump had tasked us with, Cohen said, after which Trump shook his head and appeared to mouth no to one of his attorneys.

When you say number, what number are you talking about? prosecutor Colleen Faherty asked Cohen.

Whichever Mr. Trump told us, Cohen replied.

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The comment echoed a clip from Cohens deposition played in the governments opening remarks, where he said he and Weisselberg were told to inflate Trumps net worth so he could be higher up on the Forbes list. Trump fell off that list earlier this month.

Cohen listed several assets he said he inflated at Trumps behest, including Trump Park Avenue, The Trump World Tower at United Nations Plaza, 100 Central Park South, Seven Springs and Miss Universe pageants. He also said he possibly inflated the former presidents iconic Trump Towers worth and the worth of other assets.

There was only one person who could accept those updated asset amounts, Cohen said: Trump.

In the weeks ahead of Cohens appearance in court, Trump and his legal team attempted to show Judge Arthur Engoron that the proven liar and felons testimony cant be trusted.

Hes a liar trying to get a better deal for himself, but its not going to work, Trump said as he entered the Manhattan courthouse Tuesday. This case, by any other judge, this case would have been over a long time ago. We did nothing wrong.

Trump attorney Alina Habba sharply questioned Cohen over his truthfulness in past and current testimony during her cross-examination. She pointed to his testimony at the start of the day, when he denied being guilty of the crimes of which he has been convicted, and accused him of violating his oath to testify truthfully either then  when he took the plea before a judge  or now.

You committed perjury in that proceeding, didnt you? Habba asked. Did you lie to Judge [William] Pauley when you said that youre guilty?

Yes, Cohen replied.

Cohens much-anticipated testimony brought swarms of media to the New York Supreme Court, plus many more members of the public than at the start of the sweeping fraud trial. Once vowing he would take a bullet for Trump, Cohen flipped on him amid investigations into a hush money deal made ahead of the 2016 election.

That payment is central to Trumps criminal indictment in New York, which is separate from the civil fraud trial. Cohen pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the deal, though he earned early release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since he turned on Trump, Cohen has become one of the former presidents most vocal critics, hurling insults online or in the news media while also testifying against his former client in numerous venues. His cross-examination is expected to continue Wednesday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Haitian gang leader was charged with ordering gang members to kidnap an American couple from their home in Haiti, with kidnappers killing one of the victims in the process.

The DOJ indictment, which was filed under seal at a D.C. federal court in September, comes amid an escalation in homicides, kidnappings, and efforts to migrate away from Haiti.

Students from the El Roi academy carry signs during a demonstration to demand the freedom of New Hampshire nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter, who have been reported kidnapped, in the Cite Soleil neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, July 31, 2023.

The gang leader, who remains at large, has been charged with a death penalty-eligible offense, although the department wouldn't actually decide whether to seek the death penalty until a later stage in the litigation process.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in July that Haiti needs foreign troops to help with its gang-related crisis. Later that month, American nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter were kidnapped at the health clinic where Dorsainvil worked in the country. The two were later released.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Haiti gang leader charged with US kidnap plot could face death penalty
OPINION: The Republicans inability to elect a speaker of the House, leaving the seat vacant for three weeks, is a national disgrace and an international embarrassment.

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) arrives to a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Emmer has emerged as the latest GOP nominee for speaker of the House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Editors note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the authors own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect that Tom Emmers candidacy for speaker of the House ended shortly after it began.

The divided and dysfunctional Republican majority in the House of Representatives failed again Tuesday in its quest to elect a new speaker. While a majority of House Republicans voted to nominate Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota to become speaker, he withdrew from the race four hours later after he was unable to nail down the 217 votes needed to be elected by the full House.

Former President Donald Trump, who commands the loyalty of many House Republicans, helped torpedo Emmers speaker candidacy when Trump blasted him in a social media post soon after Emmer was nominated by House Republicans.

I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House and some are truly Great Warriors, Trump wrote on the social media platform he owns. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them. RINO stands for Republican in Name Only and is a term Republicans use to criticize members of the party for being too moderate.

Trump wrote that Emmer never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement  He fought me all the way  He is totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters.

The Republican civil war that has left the House without a speaker for three weeks is a national disgrace and an international embarrassment. House Republicans have shown themselves to be more interested in fighting with each other than fighting to build better lives for the American people. They were elected to govern  not to attack each other in a circular firing squad.

Emmer, 62, is the House majority whip  the third-ranking Republican in the chamber. First elected to the House in 2014, he is the former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, which works to elect Republicans to the House. He was endorsed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was ousted Oct. 3.

Trump supporters circulated a 216-page document criticizing Emmer for a long list of his past actions, including his refusal to vote to overturn President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory, his failure to endorse Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and his support for same-sex marriage. Trump supporters also criticized Emmer for recently voting to prevent a default on the national debt and voting to avert a government shutdown.

The Republican internal feud has left the House unable to vote on anything except the selection of a new speaker. This includes passing a federal budget to avert a partial government shutdown on Nov. 18, as well as approving badly needed assistance to Israel and Ukraine to defend themselves in their wars.

Seven men sought the nomination for speaker in a closed-door meeting of House Republicans. Two additional candidates dropped out before voting began Tuesday morning.

Five rounds of voting were held, with the lowest vote-getter eliminated in each round. Emmer finally captured a majority of 117 votes. His last challenger standing  Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana  received 97 votes, according to Republican House members. Johnson endorsed the more moderate Emmer after the vote.

One of the unsuccessful speaker candidates was far-right Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, a strong Trump supporter. Donalds would have been the first Black speaker of the House in American history if elected to the powerful position.

What happens now? No one really knows. But America cant continue indefinitely without a functioning House.

House Democrats have repeatedly voted unanimously to elect their minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, as speaker. In the extremely unlikely event Jeffries can pick up five Republican votes he would become the chambers first Black speaker.

Republicans could nominate a moderate who would seek Democratic votes to become speaker, but that is also a longshot prospect.

Republicans have been unable to line up behind a single candidate for speaker since eight of their members voted Oct. 3 to remove McCarthy from the position in a remarkable act of self-sabotage.

Republicans subsequently nominated Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and next voted to nominate Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio for the post, but a small number voted for other candidates when the entire House voted. That forced Scalise and Jordan out of the race, leading to the Tuesday meeting that nominated Emmer.

Voters need to remember the Republican inability to govern when elections are held in November 2024.

Putting Republicans in charge of the House for yet another two years would be like putting arsonists in charge of the fire department, or putting criminals in charge of the police force. Many Republicans wrongly see government as an evil deep state, rather than a positive force for good. They are incompetent, irresponsible and unable carry out the most basic duties of governing they were elected to perform.

Donna Brazile Headshot thegrio.com

Donna Brazile is a veteran political strategist, Senior Advisor at Purple Strategies, New York Times bestselling author, Chair of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and sought-after Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning media contributor to such outlets as ABC News, USA Today and TheGrio. She previously served as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee and of the DNCs Voting Rights Institute. Donna was the first Black American to serve as the manager of a major-party presidential campaign, running the campaign of Vice President Al Gore in 2000. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Women and Gender Studies Department at Georgetown University and served as the King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University and as a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. She has lectured at nearly 250 colleges and universities on diversity, equity and inclusion; women in leadership; and restoring civility in American politics.

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The post Four hours. Thats how long Tom Emmers candidacy for speaker lasted. Remember that in November 2024 appeared first on TheGrio.
Five months into his presidential bid and with the Middle East in crisis, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is leaning into the very thing that put him on the national political map to begin with: his executive authority.

In the weeks since Hamas militants launched a surprise incursion into Israel, DeSantis has shifted back into governor mode. He signed an executive order pouring millions of state taxpayer dollars into an effort to evacuate U.S. citizens stuck in Israel and cajoled state lawmakers into calling a special session to pass new state sanctions on Iran.

The recent actions mark something of a return to form for DeSantis, whose rise to national prominence was built in large part on his reputation as a hard-charging conservative governor who could insert himself and his state into the biggest news of the day.

Its something hes been good at  figuring out ways to take action on issues that conservatives care about, or setting the tone for what conservatives should be doing, said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida. This is one more opportunity for him to be looked at as a decisive leader; someone who takes action and does things and doesnt just talk about them.

DeSantis and his allies have cast his administrations efforts as necessary to fill what he has described as a void left by a slow-moving federal government. But his cash-strapped campaign has left little doubt that it sees his official response to the war between Israel and Hamas as an asset.

Last week, just a few days after the first flights carrying Americans stranded in Israel landed in Tampa  a trip the states emergency management director priced at $4 million  the governors presidential campaign began selling T-shirts emblazoned with DeSantis Airways. In a statement, DeSantis political team boasted that, thanks to the governor, over 670 Americans have been brought safely home from Israel so far, adding that more safe returns are expected this week.

The governor knows how to use the levers of executive authority to deliver results and has always stepped up to the plate when people are most in need, said Bryan Griffin, the press secretary for DeSantis campaign.

Ground to make up

Some of DeSantis critics, however, see a politician using state resources to boost his struggling campaign. On X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani referred Friday to the upcoming special legislative session as DeSantis wasting Floridian taxpayer money for his failing Presidential bid.

Despite entering the 2024 presidential race in May as Republicans far-and-away favorite alternative to Donald Trump, DeSantis has struggled to make any sort of dent in the former presidents stubbornly high polling numbers in the Republican primary. Even more recently, he has found himself competing more and more with other GOP hopefuls.

A USA Today/Suffolk University poll released on Monday showed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley surging to 11% support nationally among Republican voters, putting her just 1 percentage point below DeSantis. Trump, meanwhile, took 58% support  a 10-point increase since June.

Trump is so far ahead that hes called for the Republican National Committee to stop holding debates among primary candidates.

But Kevin Madden, a Republican strategist and former senior adviser to Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign, said that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas marks a new phase of the presidential race that will ultimately test the candidates readiness to respond to events outside of their control.

DeSantis, he added, is among the candidates seizing on this moment the best.

Its a big platform for the campaign, Madden said. As a candidate, you have to localize things and do retail politicking. But ultimately, events take over. It happens on every single campaign, where events start to drive the lens by which voters judge candidates. And what happened in Israel is a perfect example of that. You have to look where you can drive a commander-in-chief theme for your campaign.

Its unclear whether DeSantis can recreate the kind of political lightning that helped propel him into the presidential race in the first place. Madden cautioned that the fighting in the Middle East may not prove to be all that decisive in the Republican primary, and there are other problems for DeSantis to address in his presidential campaign.

But through the governors office, DeSantis can do things that other candidates  or even his own campaign  cant.

Official events, like a speech at a Surfside, Fla. synagogue earlier this month, often make news that is later echoed by his political team. Calls to action on the campaign trail can be translated into tangible executive orders that carry the force of law.

All elected officials who are running, either for reelection or for a new office  they have a kind of baked-in advantage, Jewett said. Hes in a position to take a stand on these issues as an actual executive and direct resources one way or the other. Hes able to turn the screws on the Legislature. Most candidates can only say what they would do if they were in a position of power.

Florida legislators are set to meet in Tallahassee the week of Nov. 4 for a special session where theyre expected to take up several of DeSantis recent proposals, including new sanctions on Iran, a resolution expressing support for Israel and a measure intended to ramp up protections against anti-Semitic violence and hate crimes. That session will come the same week that DeSantis will be in Miami, hundreds of miles from the Capital, participating in the third Republican presidential debate.

Justin Sayfie, a Florida-based Republican lobbyist and DeSantis fundraiser, said that the recent focus on the war in Israel had put the governor back on more comfortable political footing.

Hes action orientated in terms of his leadership style, Sayfie said. Here is a governor and presidential candidate who doesnt just talk but takes action and who gets things done. Thats the big takeaway.
Federal authorities unsealed charges against four men accused of stealing over two million dimes from a U.S. Mint tractor-trailer truck in April.

Four Philadelphia men face conspiracy, robbery, theft of government money and other charges. According to court documents, the men Rakiem Savage, 25; Ronald Byrd, 31; Haneef Palmer, 30; and Malik Palmer, 32, stole over $234,500 worth of dimes on April 13.

Prosecutors allege that the four men used bolt cutters to rob the unmarked tractor-trailer that had 75 million dimes, worth $750,000 on it, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The driver was on the way to Miami, but parked the trailer in a Walmart parking lot so he could get some sleep.

The four men had been on a robbery spree when they came across the truck. It doesn't appear that they knew what was inside it, prosecutors say.

Prosecutors also allege that the men were responsible for other robberies of freight trains passing through the region. Some of the stolen goods include alcoholic beverages, frozen crab legs, shrimp and meat.

More: Thieves steal $2,000 in used cooking oil from Chick-fil-A over the past few months

The United States Mint is seen, March 1, 2002, in Philadelphia. Federal authorities, in an indictment unsealed on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, released more information and detailed charges in the theft of more than 2 million dimes earlier this year from a tractor-trailer that had picked up the coins from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

Dime heist details

When the driver returned to the truck in the morning, he found a trail of dimes. Officials told ABC6 at the time that the men appeared to try to load the dimes which were on pallets into smaller containers.

Philadelphia Police Capt. John Ryan, commanding officer of the Northeast Detectives told the Inquirer at the time that surveillance footage showed men in gray hoodies approaching the trailer in the middle of the night. After breaking in with box cutters, the men loaded the dimes into smaller bags and put them into another truck.

Videos show the parking lot covered in dimes.

If for some reason you have a lot of dimes at home, Philadelphia police spokesperson Miguel Torres told the New York Times at the time, this is probably not the time to cash them in.

More: More than $1 million in stolen dinosaur bones shipped to China, Justice officials say

On a dime: Documents reveal that thieves attempted to cash in

According to court filings, the men deposited and exchanged several thousand dollars worth of the stolen dimes.

The day after the robbery, Malik Palmer allegedly sent a link to an online calculator that uses the weight of coins to estimate the cash value to Byrd, who then sent it to the other two alleged robbers.

In the weeks that followed, the men then exchanged the dimes for cash at various Coinstar machines in Maryland, or deposited them into bank accounts before withdrawing them as cash, the court filings said.

The court filings only indicate that a small fraction of the stolen money was deposited or exchanged. It's unclear what happened to the rest of the over $200,000 stolen.

The Philadelphia Police Department did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

More: Family behind $600 million nationwide catalytic converter theft ring pleads guilty

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Millions of dimes worth $234,500 stolen from truck, 4 men face charges
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa  Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said Donald Trump doesnt have what it takes to win a general election, the sharpest jab he has thrown at the former president and a clear rebuke of the electability of Trump, who continues to lead the 2024 Republican primary field.

Scott made the remark Monday night in response to a question from a voter who asked why she should no longer support Trump.

I dont think he can win, Scott said. You have to be able to win in Georgia. I dont think he can win in Georgia. I think youll have to be able to win in Pennsylvania.

Scott also appeared to blame Trump for losses in Georgias 2021 runoff elections that cost the GOP control of the Senate when Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock won.

Everybody remembers Jan. 6, 2020. But what we forget sometimes is Jan. 5, Scott said. We had two Republican seats on the ballot in Georgia. And the party told northern Georgians to stay home.

After the Georgia results, many GOP strategists blamed Trump because he kept raising doubts about the integrity of the electoral system  sowing confusion about whether Republicans should even turn out to vote.

Scott has also suggested in recent weeks that its time for the Republican Party to move on from Trump and has propped himself up as a more persuasive, and optimistic, alternative.

Weve lost three of the last national elections because negativity hasnt worked, Scott said Thursday on ABCs Good Morning America.

We need a candidate who brings optimism, he added, stopping short of naming Trump.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung took a shot at Scotts standing in the race when he was asked for comment about his remarks.

We dont respond to people polling at 1%, Cheung said.

Scott is hitting 2% in FiveThirtyEights national polling average, 55 points behind Trump. In the critical early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Scott jumps up to 5.6% and 4.1%, respectively, still leagues away from Trump.

Scotts campaign announced Monday that its shifting the bulk of its resources to Iowa, moving staffers and money away from New Hampshire to the caucuses. A super PAC supporting his presidential bid recently announced it was pulling the TV ad reservations it had made for the fall. A co-chair of the group said it wasnt going to waste our money when the electorate isnt focused or ready for a Trump alternative.

Scott isnt the only GOP candidate to say Trump wont be able to bring home the bacon for the Republican Party next year. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson have all made a similar argument.
South Korea and Saudi Arabia reject the targeting of civilians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and will work for the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilian victims, a joint summit statement adopted by the two countries' leaders said Tuesday.

The statement was adopted on the occasion of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia and released after his summit with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday.

It was the first such document between the two countries since 1980 and contained 44 clauses on a wide range of themes, including deepening the future-oriented strategic partnership, enhancing trade and investment in future-oriented industries and strengthening cooperation in the fields of construction and infrastructure.

Yoon and Crown Prince Mohammed also agreed on a series of steps to expand the scope of the two countries' partnership for international and regional peace and security.

"Regarding the currently escalating situation between Israel and Palestine, the two sides rejected targeting civilians in any way," the statement said, noting the leaders emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.

The leaders "agreed to work with the international community for the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to suffering civilians," it said, adding: "The two sides stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading and the need for political solution and durable peace based on the two-state solution."

The joint statement noted the potential for greater cooperation in various sectors, including construction and infrastructure, energy and climate change, and defense and the defense industry.

"The two sides agreed to actively explore the expansion of mutual investments in areas of common interest including the hydrogen economy, smart cities, future mobility means and startups," it said.

The statement also outlined a number of contracts and memorandums of understanding signed on the occasion of Yoon's state visit, including a $2.4 billion gas plant deal and a $400 million car assembly plant project.

North Korea's nuclear and missile programs were another topic of discussion.

"The two sides condemned all forms of violations of Security Council resolutions related to combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including the pursuit of nuclear and ballistic programs as well as arms transfer that could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and the international community," the statement said.

"The two sides stressed the importance of supporting international efforts aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction as they represent a threat and undermine international peace and security," it added.

Saudi Arabia commended South Korea's "relentless efforts and determined endeavors," including the Yoon administration's "Audacious Initiative," which offers massive economic assistance in exchange for a denuclearization commitment from North Korea.

"The Korean side expressed its support for Saudi Arabia's efforts toward stability in the Middle East, recognizing that the stability in the region directly affects peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the international community at large," the statement said. (Yonhap)
Three pictures side-by-side show ancient engravings found under the Negro river in Manaus, Brazil. Michael Dantas/AFP via Getty Images/Insider

A drought in an Amazon river has revealed prehistoric carvings reminiscent of modern emojis.

The carvings represent faces smiling or scowling.

It's not clear who made the carvings, but they are thought to be 2,000 years old.

A drought in the Amazon has revealed prehistoric carvings of faces that show a variety of expressions, from smiling to scowling, just like today's emojis.

The faces, seen on several rocks in Manaus, Brazil, are thought to have been submerged by a river for up to 2,000 years.

A picture shows a rock uncovered by the Amazon drought in the Lajes archaeological site on October 21, 2023. MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP via Getty Images.

It's not clear who would have made these engravings, but scientists think they are linked to indigenous cultures who lived in the area in pre-Columbian times.

"The engravings are prehistoric, or precolonial. We cannot date them exactly, but based on evidence of human occupation of the area, we believe they are about 1,000 to 2,000 years old," archaeologist Jaime Oliveira of the Brazilian Institute of Historical Heritage, told Reuters Monday.

"The site expresses emotions, feelings, it is an engraved rock record, but it has something in common with current works of art," said Oliveira, per Agence France Presse (AFP).

An engraving on the rock found at Lajes archaeological site is show pictured here on October 21, 2023. MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP/Getty Images.

Rock carvings had been spotted before at the site, notably during another drought in 2010. One area at the site appeared to show grooves in the rock used by indigenous populations to sharpen their spear, per Reuters.

But archaeologists had never before spotted the mysterious faces, Oliveira told Reuters Monday.

Archaeologist Jaime de Oliveira points at an engraving of a face at the Lajes archaeological site on October 21. MICHAEL DANTAS/AFP via Getty Images

The engravings are an "inestimable" find when it comes to understanding these prehistoric populations, Beatriz Carneiro, historian and member of Iphan, Praia das Lajes, told AFP.

"Unhappily it is now reappearing with the worsening of the drought," Carneiro said.

The drought could also threaten the conservation of the Lajes site, per Carneiro, AFP reported.

The river Negro dropped by about 49.2 feet since July, according to Reuters. The river recorded its lowest flow in 121 years last week, AFP reported. Amazon rivers are crucial waterways in the area, and the drought has caused issues with supplies and transportation, the report added.

"We come, we look at (the engravings) and we think they are beautiful. But at the same time, it is worrying... I also think about whether this river will exist in 50 or 100 years," Ribeiro said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FC Copenhagen fans paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton by chanting his name ahead of kick-off against Manchester United.

Hundreds of supporters made the trip from Denmarks capital to Old Trafford, to watch their team in Champions League action.

Before kick-off, tributes were paid to the late Charlton - one of Uniteds most famous players - who passed away over the weekend.

Theres only one Bobby Charlton, travelling fans were heard singing, before the stadium observed a minutes silence.

United manager, Erik ten Hag, also laid flowers in the centre circle.
In all the thousands of pages of legal documents written in the sprawling Murdaugh saga in recent years, a zinger in a footnote written last week by a federal judge about disgraced lawyer and convicted killer-thief Alex Murdaugh might be among the most memorable:

There is certainly rich irony in the Defendant (Murdaugh), who engaged in the methodical theft of millions of dollars in client funds and then expended the great majority of those funds for his personal use, to accuse two honorable members of the Bar serving as state receivers of wasting assets, wrote federal Judge Richard Gergel.

Gergel wrote the footnote Tuesday in a three-page order denying a request by four of Murdaughs criminal lawyers, including Phil Barber, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, to have the federal government seize Murdaughs assets over which state court-appointed receivers had exercised stewardship for nearly two years.

Murdaughs lawyers wrote in a Sept. 25 motion that the federal government can be good stewards of Murdaughs assets and do the work for free, while the current state stewards  called receivers  are charging hefty lawyers fees and will further dissipate the assets. The motion also asked for an accounting of the assets.

In his order, Gergel shot down the Murdaugh lawyers motion on three grounds, including that Murdaugh has no recognizable interest in any assets now under the control of the state receivers  an amount said to be nearly $2 million.

A criminal defendant has no authority to demand that the Attorney General or any other officer of the United States Government do his bidding regarding the seizure of his stolen funds, wrote Gergel in the body of his three-page order.

Moreover, in a matter where a state has already assumed control over a defendants assets, the federal government has no jurisdiction because the state already has dominion, Gergel wrote.

Gergel also noted that the Murdaugh lawyers motion suggested that the current lawyer-receivers, John T. Lay and Peter McCoy, have engaged in some kind of misconduct and are wasting assets. But the Murdaugh lawyers provided no specific evidence as to misconduct, the judge wrote.

Lay had this reaction to Gergels order: We are glad this distraction is over and we look forward to moving ahead with the process established by Judge (Daniel) Hall so there can be a speedy and equitable distribution of the funds to Alex Murdaughs victims and creditors.

Murdaugh pleaded guilty before Gergel in Charleston federal court on Sept. 21 to 22 counts of federal financial crimes involving some $9 million in embezzlements and thefts over more than 10 years. He had been indicted on May 23.

Although a state grand jury under the S.C. Attorney Generals office had begun indicting Murdaugh for state versions of roughly the same set of crimes, state prosecutors have not yet tried Murdaugh or persuaded him to plead guilty. An initial state trial addressing Murdaughs thefts has been set for Nov. 27.

Nearly two years ago, state Judge Hall put Murdaughs assets under the control of two receivers  attorneys McCoy and Lay  and gave them the authority to identify, collect and administer all the assets.

Hall acted on the request of Mark Tinsley, who represented the estate of Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old woman killed in a boat crash involving Murdaughs boat and youngest son, Paul.

At that time, in early November 2021, Murdaugh was just beginning to be charged with an ever-expanding succession of financial crimes by the state, and Tinsley was concerned that Murdaugh was going to liquidate and hide his assets.

Tinsley said he believed Gergels order was the only right decision.

Barber, a Murdaugh lawyer, said, We respect the judges order and indicated an appeal was not likely.

A state jury in March convicted Murdaugh of two counts of murder in the 2021 shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at their 1,770-acre estate in rural Colleton County. Murdaugh is now serving two consecutive life sentences in state prison.

Gergels order only concerned Murdaughs financial crimes and not any aspect of his murder convictions.
Meharry Medical College has joined a novel program that encourages more Black and other minority doctors-to-be to get involved in the transplant field.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Its long after midnight when the bustling operating room suddenly falls quiet  a moment of silence to honor the man lying on the table.

This is no ordinary surgery. Detrick Witherspoon died before ever being wheeled in, and now two wide-eyed medical students are about to get a hands-on introduction to organ donation.

Theyre part of a novel program to encourage more Black and other minority doctors-to-be to get involved in the transplant field, increasing the trust of patients of color.

Meharry Medical College students Emmanuel Kotey (center) and Teresa Belledent (right) watch as the liver and kidneys are removed from an organ donor in June in Jackson, Tennessee. Theyre part of a novel pilot program to encourage more Black and other minority doctors-to-be to get involved in the transplant field, increasing the trust of patients of color. (Photo: Mark Humphrey/AP)

There are very few transplant surgeons who look like me, said Dr. James Hildreth, president of Meharry Medical College, which teamed with Tennessee Donor Services for the project  one of several by historically Black colleges and universities to tackle transplant inequity.

Fresh off their first year at Meharry, six students spent the summer shadowing the donor agency to learn the complex steps that make transplants possible: finding eligible donors, broaching donation with grieving families, recovering organs and matching them to recipients sometimes hundreds of miles away.

In the operating room, student Teresa Belledent worried shed get emotional seeing a donors face  especially this one, a Black father of six, just 44, who reminded her a bit of her own dad. Instead, calm descended as Dr. Marty Sellers, the organ agencys surgeon, began retrieving the kidneys and liver while teaching Belledent and classmate Emmanuel Kotey.

Im able to feel sad and honor this person  and be able to focus on the act of helping other people, said Belledent as the tired team began the two-hour drive back to Nashville from the Jackson, Tennessee, hospital.

The nights tougher lesson: Hours into the surgery the room falls quiet again. The donor had died of a brain hemorrhage but now Sellers has found undiagnosed cancer in his lungs. The kidneys and liver, already carefully placed on ice, cant be used. Still, the corneas can be donated  and for the two students, the surgery offered a powerful teaching moment.

I got to see so much and do so much  and trying is better than not, Belledent said.

MISTRUST AND THE TRANSPLANT GAP

Despite record numbers of transplants in recent years, thousands die waiting because there arent enough donated organs  and some dont get a fair chance. Black Americans are over three times more likely than white people to experience kidney failure. But they face delays in even being put on the transplant list and are far less likely than their white counterparts to get an organ from a living donor  the best kind.

Overall, Black patients make up 28% of the waiting list for all organs but account for just about 16% of deceased donors. Increasing donor diversity also helps improve the odds of finding a good match.

How do we close that gap? was the question Jill Grandas, Tennessee Donor Services executive director, took to Hildreth.

The Meharry students know mistrust of the medical system  a legacy of abuses such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment that left Black men untreated for syphilis  is a barrier both to organ donation and seeking care, such as transplants, that people may not be familiar with.

Austin Brown of Memphis said his grandfather absolutely despised medicine, and died of a heart attack after refusing an artery-clearing stent.

Belledent, of Miami, recalled her mother saying not to check the organ donor box when she got her drivers license  because of a widespread myth that doctors wont work as hard to save the life of a registered donor.

Now that Ive seen the process, its crazy to even think about, Belledent said. In the ICU, no ones looking through stuff and trying to find your license, look for the (organ donor) heart on there.

Stacey Scotton of Cleveland, Tennessee, said a cook in Meharrys cafeteria listed the reasons hes heard that its not a good idea to be an organ donor. And Im able to now go in and comfort him and correct, you know, some of those disbeliefs.

AWE IN THE OPERATING ROOM

Back at the Jackson, Tennessee, hospital, Kotey and Belledent are getting a very different anatomy lesson than medical students introductory lab with cadavers.

Machines keep oxygen and blood flowing to Witherspoons organs  and Kotey lets out a quiet wow upon touching a pulsating artery while assisting Sellers, the surgeon.

It was the first time Ive ever done anything like that. I didnt want to mess up, he said later.

Sellers gives precise instructions: Place your right hand here, pinch this spot, clamp that one. The students learn to trim fat from a kidney, stitch a biopsy wound and feel the lung nodule that proved cancerous  opportunities they normally wouldnt get until far later in training.

Im a firm believer that students cant get really excited about something theyre not exposed to, said Hildreth, who thinks early experiences like this could help diversify the transplant field.

Only 5.5% of transplant surgeons and less than 7% of kidney specialists are Black.

The Meharry students were stunned to learn how rare donation opportunities are. Only about 1% of deaths occur in a way that qualifies someone to even be considered, and hospitals must alert agencies like Grandas fast enough to evaluate candidates and approach families.

Its not like you go to the hospital, you die and you automatically become a donor. Theres a lot more moving parts, said Sam Ademisoye of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

MATCHING ORGANS TO RECIPIENTS

In a Nashville ICU, Brown is learning bedside care for a deceased donor  an 18-year-old motorcycle crash victim  and how to match the organs on the national waiting list.

The heart is immediately claimed. But theres a hitch with the lungs: Hospitals have said no for 16 patients, primarily because a week-old scan in the donors records suggested bruising.

Brown knows young donors organs usually are in high demand, and these lungs are working well.

The denial, that blows my mind, he said, helping nurses take the risky step of moving the body for another CT scan to prove the lungs really are fine.

The gamble pays off and the next transplant center in line grabs them.

The many steps to successful donation are like gears in a machine and the entire machine breaks down if one gear fails. Thats my biggest takeaway, said student Mikhail Thanawalla of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE FOR FAMILIES

What the students may remember most were grieving families who shared their donation experience.

Daphne Myers, struggling with her sons death at 26, initially was ready to refuse.

I remember my reaction: I dont want to talk about that, Myers said. I wasnt educated on it. My generation wasnt raised to be organ donors.

But the donor representative didnt make that request, instead asking Myers all about her son  how Haston Stafford Myers Jr. always helped others and loved to sing. Only then did Myers learn her son was a registered organ donor and realized she supported his choice.

She was caring, Myers recalled. That changed my opinion, changed my mind.  The impact you guys can have on families, the caring that comes along with doing your job, it makes all the difference.

Its far too soon to know if the program pointed students to new career paths. But next year, Grandas plans to also invite students from a historically Black nursing school.

Kotey thinks hell become a general practitioner and pledges his patients young to old, will know about organ donation.

Belledent, though, has long wanted to become a surgeon. She spent her childhood in Haiti and recalls family friends with kidney disease and no access to transplants. Specializing in transplant surgery is definitely on the list because I like the idea of being able to give someone a second chance.

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The post Few transplant surgeons are Black. Giving medical students a rare peek at organ donation may help appeared first on TheGrio.
At the end of September, the New York Department of Financial Services, one of the premier crypto regulatory bodies in the nation, announced that Peter Marton, head of its virtual currency regulatory unit, was stepping down to move to the private sector.

On Tuesday, crypto heavyweight Fireblocks, valued at $8 billion as of its last fundraising round, announced that Marton had started as its director of digital identity. "Peters exceptional experience developing regulatory frameworks at one the worlds preeminent virtual currency units should prove invaluable," Jason Allegrante, chief legal and compliance officer at the company, said in a statement.

Along with recently hired cryptographer Chaitanya Reddy Konda, Morton will lend his regulatory expertise to help build out automated financial compliance checks for the exchange of assets, like cryptocurrencies or other tokens, across blockchains.

"If you think about some of the challenges around digital assets, a lot of them revolve around anti-money laundering, compliance, and consumer protection," Marton told Fortune. But if we can create automated checks that occur as assets travel the blockchain, "then it makes for a much better user experience," he added.

Akin to the Automated Clearing House, or ACH, the system that lets banks electronically wire funds between each other, Fireblocks' tech lets institutions transfer crypto between each other. Marton's arrival at one of largest crypto infrastructure companies is further evidence of DFS's continuing and growing influence in the industry as other regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the House of Representatives, remain stymied on comprehensive crypto regulation.

Marton started his career in digital assets as a consultant at Promontory Financial Group, which IBM acquired in 2016. At Promontory, digital assets were not part of his initial mandate, but, beginning in 2020, he was enlisted to help Wyoming develop regulatory framework for crypto.

In 2021, Marton capitalized on his knowledge of crypto regulation to land a job as a deputy superintendent of virtual currency at DFS, where he oversaw and reviewed applications for BitLicenses, one of the few state-sanctioned licenses available in the U.S. for crypto companies. Under his watch, in addition to building out DFS's crypto team and hashing out guidance on stablecoins, he also oversaw the approval of BitLicenses for some big names, including PayPal and stock-trading app eToro.

In 2023, as Fireblocks was hashing out its new digital identity division, Allegrante, the chief legal and compliance officer, reached out to Marton to gauge his interest in hopping from the public sector to the private. He was intrigued, and officially began his new role last week.

"I mean, at the end of the day," Marton said, "there are very few Fireblocks in the world."

(This story has been updated with Fireblocks' most recent valuation.)

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A Georgia man convicted of murder in the death of a 9-month-old infant he babysat at his home has been sentenced to life in prison, prosecutors said.

Dehaven Johnson, 30, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, first degree cruelty to children and aggravated battery on Wednesday in the March 31, 2021 death of baby Jelani Williams, Fulton County court records show.

On Monday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis announced it took a jury just 40 minutes to reach the verdict.

Court records obtained by USA TODAY show a grand jury indicted Johnson on the felony charges Aug. 23, 2021 after the infant suffered "brutal" and fatal injuries while being watched by Johnson in his apartment in Sandy Springs, a north Atlanta suburb.

Jelani Williams, age 9 months, was killed in Sandy Springs, Georgia on March 31, 2021.

Gruesome discovery: Housekeeper's body found dismembered in Colorado murder-suicide, police investigating

'Severe pain in his final moments'

On the day of his death, Jelani's mother, Diasia Williams, dropped her son off at Johnson's home, WANF-TV reported, and said Johnson contacted her and said Jelani was unresponsive and that he had called police.

According to the Sandy Springs Police Department, officers responded to Johnson's apartment and first responders "rushed the child" to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy revealed Jelani suffered blunt force trauma injuries, a broken femur and bleeding on the brain that resulted in his death during care by Johnson, according to police, who later arrested Johnson in connection to the baby's death.

The child was severely abused and wouldve suffered severe pain in his final moments, Robert Shapiro, a senior district attorney who prosecuted the case, told WANF-TV about the tragedy. This was an especially difficult case, given the age of this victim."

Jelani Williams, age 9 months, died from blunt force trauma in Sandy Springs, Georgia on March 31, 2021.

Remembering Jelani

On Tuesday, Jelani's mother provided a letter to USA TODAY she said she wrote to her son after his killing.

In it, she called Jelani a happy baby boy and recalled "some of the best times, including going to Chuck E Cheeses, the park, and even our favorite coffee shop, Starbucks."

"My life has been disturbed for quite a while, and didnt gain strength up until I started to believe that God has a purpose in my life, and I will pursue my purpose through him," Williams wrote in the letter. "Jelani, mama is so sorry and I wish that I couldve stayed home with you, because my life wouldve been so much more peaceful with you in it. Keep dancing and shining your bright light on me and your little brother. We miss and love you. Love, Mom."

Olythina Holt, who created an online fundraiser to help pay for the baby's memorial service, called Jelani "a happy little one and the center of his family.

Jelani made an impact on so many "in just the little time he was here with us," Holt posted on the fundraising page. She also went on to say, "He was able to brighten your day with his bright eyes and contagious smile. "

Dehaven Johnson, 30, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, first degree cruelty to children and aggravated battery in October 2023 in the March 31, 2021 death of 9-month-old Jelani Williams in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The boy suffered fatal injuries in Johnson's Willow Heights Drive apartment.

Death investigation: Window washer falls to death in Boston from 32-story downtown building

Sentencing and conviction

According to his sentencing disposition, Johnson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus an additional 40 years behind bars.

Johnson is appealing his conviction, court papers in the case filed Monday show.

According to the one-page document, Johnson is asking for a new trial for reasons including the state allegedly failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

Senator arrested for possessing gun: Washington state senator arrested after landing at Hong Kong airport with unregistered gun

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia babysitter convicted, sentenced to life in 9-month-old's death
Every October, for the past 59 years, gas giant Hess has rolled out a new toy truck. But news that the company was being acquired by Chevron in a $53 billion mega-merger on Monday sent a chill up the collective spine of collectors. Did this mean the end of the Hess Toy Truck?

Rest easy, toy truck fans. The merger will have no impact on the tradition.

Hess, in a statement, said: We want to reassure all of you, our loyal fans, that the Hess Toy Truck, a long-standing and cherished tradition, will continue for future years. The company added that it had exciting things planned to celebrate the Hess Toy Trucks 60th anniversary next year.

Hess has updated its toy truck line annually since 1964, and, incredibly, the truck become one of the hottest holiday items each year. The design process for the trucks (and other vehicles that have come out alongside them) starts two or three years in advance, generally, with some designs taking as long as six years to make the journey from concept to physical product.

The idea behind the toy truck came from Leon Hess, the founder of the company (and longtime owner of the New York Jets, who branded them in his toy trucks colors). That 1964 Hess Tanker Trailer, based on the real ones that delivered gas to Hess stations, has become a collectors item, and now sells for approximately $1,500quite an increase from its original price of $1.39.

The 2023 models were announced in the days prior to the merger announcement. This year, Hess is offering a Police Truck and Cruiser (one of which comes with a slide-out battering ram, and the other promises wheelie poppin action). The duo will cost fans $42.99.

Chevron announced plans to buy Hess on Monday, creating a new industry giant alongside Exxon Mobil, which moved to buy Pioneer Natural Resources for $59.5 billion earlier in October.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
By Bereket Alemayehu

Thousands of Africans, Koreans and people of other foreign nationalities gathered for the Seoul Africa Festival last Saturday at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul to celebrate the diverse charms of the African continent. The festival was organized by Africa Insight in partnership with the African Group of Ambassadors, Seoul Metropolitan Government and Kia.

According to the organizers' press statement, the festival was an opportunity for visitors to see and experience different African cultures, through booth sharing, family-friendly activities and cultural exhibitions arranged by various embassies, educational institutions and businesses.

The main stage, with the Han River serving as its backdrop, was a focal space adorned with various performances and a fashion show represented the African premium brands Katush and Lohije from Kenya and Nigeria. Numerous cultural groups in Korea, such as African dance company TAGG, Djembecola and AfroKorea, delivered their best choreography.

Founded in 2016, the Seoul Africa Festival is the first and the largest festival in the history of Korea that celebrates Africa and promotes the various African communities in Korea. The festival has consistently drawn an astonishing average of over 50,000 attendees over the past five years.

It was hosted by Africa Insight, a Korean NGO registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is a voice for the advocacy of the African continent, specializes in Africa and related topics, with a focus on international cooperation and advocacy. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, it provides content, education and cultural initiatives to offer authentic perspectives on Africa.

The Seoul Africa Festival aims to fulfill the goals of raising awareness of Africa, advocating for rights, strengthening capacity in Africa and promoting exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Africa," Choi Dong-hwan, chairman of Africa Insight, said in an opening speech. "Africa is a young continent, with 70 percent of its 1.3 billion population under the age of 30. I believe we can strive for a better world through interaction and cooperation with the promising African youth. Today, when news of war and division is rampant, we can feel a strong sense of responsibility as our brothers and sisters from Africa and Korea are blessed with the opportunity to share and exchange on the Han River."

Gabonese Ambassador Carlos Victor Boungou, dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, said that the festival has been a useful way to observe the growing interest of the Korean public in African culture, as well as the business communitys eagerness to know more about the opportunities African countries offer. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Seoul Metropolitan Government in its important role as a major promoter of cultural diversity in the beautiful city of Seoul, he said.

Yun Bona and Lee Yu-jeong, Korean students at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies' African studies program, were at the festival representing their university. HUFS is the only university offering an African studies program in Korea.

For both of them, the festival was an additional opportunity to meet Africans in Korea to enrich their studies. Yun is a third-year student who is studying the southern part of Africa in terms of policies, economies and cultural aspects.

Lee's focus is on East Africa, particularly Mozambican literature, with the goal to translate books from Mozambique Portuguese language into Korean. She said learning African literature leads to understanding the cultures, societies and traditions of Africa.

Kia was the major partner supporter of the festival through its Green Light Project Support System, which functions in eight African countries providing infrastructure, mobility programs and other support.

Lee Sun-kyung, a member of Kia's Sustainability Management Team, told The Korea Times that she was there to promote the carmaker's projects and active engagement with local communities in Africa. She said visiting some countries in Africa, including Ghana, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, increased her understanding and love of the continent's diverse cultures, traditions and landscape.

Kia employees around the world travel to Africa to volunteer and put their hands to work for the betterment of local communities," she said. "Over the past 10 years, many Kia employees and seven partner NGOs have joined the Green Light program to help communities become self-reliant.

She mentioned that, as a result, a total of 925,654 individuals have gained opportunities for growth and self-reliance and $29.72 million of social value was created.

African dancer Ahifon Soundea Daniel, a full-time dancer who has lived in Korea for more than five years as part of a multicultural family, said he represents Benin and Cote dIvoire. His team, African dance company TAGG, a group of dancers who dream of liberating their bodies and minds through various African dances, was one of the charms of the festival.

This festival is important for Africans and Koreans coming together and sharing a glimpse of our cultures to celebrate and understand each other," he said. "As its known many Koreans dont have that much understanding of Africa, it helps to bridge the awareness of the 54 countries in Africa."

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.
House Republicans are set to meet Tuesday morning as they aim to select a Speaker nominee  but eight declared candidates are still in the running, which means the decision-making process could take a while.

The conference gathers at 9 a.m. for its closed-door internal election.

House GOP conference rules dictate that all contested elections are decided by a secret ballot, and that no proxy voting is allowed.

A candidate must win a majority of all votes cast in the internal election  and if no member receives a majority, the lowest vote-getter is dropped from consideration.

This procedure repeats until a member receives a majority of all votes cast, reads an October 2023 leadership candidate election guide shared with The Hill.

That means if the Speaker election goes multiple rounds without a clear leader, it could take hours for the conference to reach a majority winner.

It will be the House GOPs third attempt to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was ousted three weeks ago.

The House GOPs first nominee, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), withdrew his candidacy a day after being nominated due to internal GOP holdouts; and the conference rescinded its nomination of House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) after he lost three ballots on the House floor.

Both had won their nominations in votes that were far from unanimous.

Earlier this month, some Republicans had pushed to change House GOP conference rules in order to ensure that the nominee had enough support to win on the House floor  217 votes, which would be nearly unanimous in the House GOP conference  in hopes of avoiding a messy public fight.

But no rules changes are expected to be brought up for Tuesdays balloting procedures, according to multiple sources.

There are currently 224 members of the House Republican Conference, which includes delegates to American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Though the delegates cannot vote on the House floor, they can vote in the House GOP conference  meaning a majority number to win the House GOP nomination is 112 votes if all members of the conference cast a ballot.

The House GOP conference typically does not publish the ballot totals from its internal elections and only reveals the winner, and The Hill and other news outlets learn of those totals from sources and from lawmakers who leave the meeting.

After Jordans nomination last month, Republicans took another secret-ballot validation vote on his nomination, asking members if they would support Jordan on the House floor as the nominee. That came in at 152-55.

It is possible that Republicans take a similar vote after a nominee is selected Tuesday.

Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) was encouraging his colleagues to sign a pledge to back whomever the conference picks in its internal election Tuesday to avoid a repeat of the first two nominees fates.

Candidates would pledge to support the Speaker Designate duly elected by the House Republican Conferenceregardless of who that candidate iswhen their election proceeds to the House Floor and pledge to vote for the Speaker Designate on the House Floor for as long as they remain the Speaker Designate.

Every candidate has signed the pledge.

Candidates in the running range from members of GOP leadership to hard-line conservatives and lesser-known members. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) is the highest-ranking Republican seeking the nomination, but his candidacy has not scared off eight of his colleagues from also throwing their hats into the ring.

Other candidates include Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House; House GOP Vice Chair Mike Johnson (R-La.); second-term Freedom Caucus member Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); and Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), a former Marine Corps lieutenant general and the highest-ranking military officer elected to serve in Congress.

Republicans first narrowly nominated Scalise as its Speaker nominee, but he withdrew a day later as many members  mostly supporters of Jordan  withheld support for the majority leader.

Republicans then nominated Jordan for the position  but he lost three votes on the House floor as Scalise allies, bitter about how he was treated, withheld support for the Ohio Republican on the House floor.

If every House member is present and voting for a candidate, the GOP Speaker nominee can afford to lose just four Republican votes on the House floor and still win the gavel.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israel continued to pound Gaza on Wednesday, launching more airstrikes ahead of a possible ground invasion as the conflict with Hamas entered its 19th day.

Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, President Biden emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza while reiterating his support for Israel, saying: "Israel has the right, and I would add, responsibility to respond to the slaughter of their people.

Israel has reportedly agreed to a request by the United States to delay its ground offensive to allow more time for hostage negotiations, humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza and for the U.S. to move air defense systems into the region.

Our live coverage has ended for today.
After 13 years serving on the Jefferson County Board of Education, Chairwoman and District 1 Representative Diane Porter announced her resignation Tuesday due to a "chronic illness."

So what happens next?

The board has 60 days to fill Porter's seat, according to Kentucky state statute. The board will solicit applications for two weeks and then vote on which applicant to select.

Applicants must be at least 24 years old, have been a resident of Kentucky for three years and be registered to vote in the district.

The new board member will hold the District 1 seat until 2026, which is when Porter would have been up for reelection. Vice chair Corrie Shull will act as board president for the next two meetings. The board will need to select a new president within that time.

Prior to joining the board, Porter worked within the system for nearly 40 years as a teacher, counselor and school administrator. She retired in 2009, but by the following year she was back to work.

In June 2010, former state Education Commissioner Terry Holliday appointed Porter to serve out the term of former District 1 member Ann Elmore, who had resigned. State law required the commissioner to appoint new board members back then.

Porter was first elected chair of the school board in 2012. District 1 represents the following schools:

Elementary

Atkinson Academy

Brandeis Elementary

Breckinridge-Franklin Elementary

Brown School

Byck Elementary

Carter Traditional Elementary

Cochran Elementary

Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary

Engelhard Elementary

Foster Traditional Academy

Kennedy Montessori Elementary

King Elementary

Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts

Maupin Elementary

McFerran Preparatory Academy

Portland Elementary

Shelby Traditional Academy

Wheatley Elementary

Young Elementary

Middle

The Academy @ Shawnee

Brown School

Grace M James Academy

Johnson Traditional Middle

Meyzeek Middle

Noe Middle

Western Middle School for the Arts

High

The Academy @ Shawnee

Brown School

Central High School Magnet Career Academy (MCA)

DuPont Manual High

Special

Ackerly

Ahrens Educational Resource Center

Dawson Orman Education Center

DuValle Education Center

Heuser Hearing and Language Academy

Home of the Innocents Discovery

Home of the Innocents Weinberg Academy

Jefferson Regional Judicial Detention Center

Pathfinder School of Innovation

UofL PACT Program

Western Day Treatment

Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS)

More: Longtime educator and Jefferson County School Board Chairwoman Diane Porter resigns

Contact reporter Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCPS' board president has resigned. What happens next?
NEW YORK -- A weight shift caused a JetBlue plane to abruptly tilt back while passengers were getting off at a gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Many passengers had already left the plane when the tail took an abrupt dip.

"It felt like the plane was about to do a backflip," said Sinead Bovell, a futurist and the founder of a tech education company called Waye.

The plane arrived at JFK from Bridgetown, Barbados shortly before 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Bovell said it dipped when some on board were standing up to get their luggage.

"Everybody kind of screamed and was grabbing for seats. Anybody who was standing up was grabbing for seats," said Bovell.

A weight shift caused a JetBlue plane to abruptly tilt back while passengers were getting off at John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 22, 2023. / Credit: Citizen

According to Bovell, the plane and jet bridge were damaged.

"It was a really good thing there was nobody specifically stepping out at that point in time," said Bovell.

JetBlue said no one was hurt and that the airline is reviewing what happened.

A JetBlue spokesperson told CBS New York the plane was removed from service for inspection.

"On Sunday, October 22, JetBlue flight 662 landed as scheduled at New York's JFK Airport from Bridgetown, Barbados. Once at the gate, due to a shift in weight and balance during deplaning, the tail of the aircraft tipped backward causing the nose of the aircraft to lift up and eventually return back down. No injuries were reported," the statement read. "Safety is JetBlue's first priority; we are reviewing this incident, and the aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection."

Laura Einsetler, a commercial airline pilot, said crews typically unload cargo from the rear of the plane as passengers from the front get off.

That's likely not what happened Sunday night, she said.

"In this case, what happened, everything came off the front half of the airline and so it was a tail tip like that," said Einsetler.

Bovell was returning from speaking with students and tech enthusiasts in Barbados. She left feeling inspired and motivated, but anxiety temporarily replaced those feelings when she said the crew directed passengers to spread out to try to rebalance the plane.

Eventually, it worked.

"The flight attendants, they did a really great job in keeping everybody calm," said Bovell.

Crews sometimes use a device called a tail stand to try to prevent planes from tilting. We asked JetBlue if one was being used on this plane and are waiting to hear back.

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Oct. 7 was not just a day of mass carnage committed against the people of Israel. In the United States, it has come to now represent an historic betrayal of the Jewish people.

The modern civil rights movement has largely looked away from the suffering of the Jews and turned their attention to the Palestinians and what Arabs may face in an Israeli counterattack.

They made their pivot before any of us understood the depraved acts inflicted on the Israeli people  a trauma seen in the faces of their workers who had to recover the bodies.

Children and young adults in southern Israel had been burned alive. Parents and children had been tortured in front of one another before they were executed.

This week, the Israeli Defense Forces brought the world media to see for themselves the explicit footage Hamas took of their own butchery. For some reporters it was too much. They couldnt stomach it and left early.

BLM offers its support for Palestine

The added tragedy of this event has been the hostility coming from various corners of Americas Civil Rights vanguard.

With nary a word of sympathy for the victims, various chapters of Black Lives Matter inflicted new degradations on American Jews.

Woke abandons its humanity: In supporting Hamas' attack

They blamed the Israelis for the atrocities committed against their own people by Palestinian-Hamas.

Some even celebrated those atrocities.

Black Lives Matter Global Network pushed back against these BLM affiliates, calling them fakes.

They misunderstand the Israeli conflict

But BLM has always been a ill-defined coalition, and other arms of the movement began declaring their allegiance to Palestinian terrorists who had just murdered 1,400 mostly Jews.

Black Lives Matter at School, a program that facilitates social-justice discussions in classrooms across America and enjoys the endorsement and insignia of the National Education Association, put out this message:

... this unfolding loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives is the direct result of decades of Israeli settler colonialism, land dispossession, occupation, blockade, apartheid, and attempted genocide of millions of Palestinians.

Thats one way to put it.

In fact, thats the Hamas way to put it.

Not only does it reveal ignorance of the Arab-Israeli conflict, its an apologia for mass murder.

Jews were early supporters of civil rights

To understand the enormity of this sell-out, you have to know the history of the American Civil Rights Movement and the essential role that Jewish America played.

If the greatness of a culture can be measured by its moral acuity  its ability to discern good from evil  then the Jewish people are the best among us.

Among white Americans, they saw early the day-to-day abuse of Black America and mobilized to try to stop it.

In the 1800s South, Jewish shopkeepers were first to see the humanity in their Black customers when their Christian counterparts would not. They were the first to address them as Mr. and Mrs. and to allow them to try on clothes, wrote historian Howard M. Sachar in his book A History of the Jews in America (Knopf, 1992).

Further north, Julius Rosenwald, a child of German-Jewish immigrants, bought the struggling Sears Roebuck Co. and built it into a retailing behemoth.

After meeting with Black educator and orator Booker T. Washington, he chose to spend part of his fortune building schools for Black children in the South. When he was done, he had contributed more money than anyone in history to help Southern Black people.

They were integral to this movement

Virtually everything youve read about civil rights before and after Martin Luther King, Jr. was backed by brave and committed Jewish people contributing their time and talents to help Black people gain acceptance and equal rights in their own country.

American Jews played large roles in helping found the NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), as recounted by ReformJudaism.org.

In 1910, Jews were important early allies of the Urban League that was created to fight racial discrimination in the industrial north.

In the early 1950s, the American Jewish Committee commissioned the research of Black sociologist Kenneth Clark that showed how segregation was harming Black children. The research helped inform the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education on desegregation, Sachar wrote.

During the critical voter registration drives of the 1960s, Jewish people were spread out across the South. One Black leader of that time estimated as many as 90 percent of the civil rights lawyers in Mississippi were Jewish, recounted Sachar.

Large numbers of them were recent graduates of Ivy League law schools. They worked around the clock analyzing welfare standards, the bail system, arrest procedures, justice-of-the-peace rulings."

Jewish activists paid a heavy price

The Freedom Riders' bus was firebombed by an angry mob in Alabama.

In 1964, Jewish college students, activists and rabbis road the buses of Freedom Summer with their young Black cohorts and together faced the mob. One of those Jewish activists was Arthur Lelyveld, who was attacked by white segregationists with a tire iron and nearly killed.

Two Jewish students, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman, along with their Black colleague James Chaney, were murdered in Mississippi.

What had been a common crime against Black people in the South shocked the nation when it involved two young white men  a damning statement about 1960s America. Discovery of their corpses accelerated passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, wrote Sachar.

Martin Luther King, Jr. trusted the Jewish people and brought them into his inner circle to help organize and use their connections to otherwise power the movement.

One of them, New York attorney Harry Wachtel, helped King plan the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and played a large role in setting up a meeting with President Lyndon B. Johnson.

MLK was close friends with Jews

So prized was Wachtel, that he and his wife accompanied Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta to Oslo, Norway, in 1964 when King accepted the Nobel Peace Prize.

Another New York Jewish attorney, Stanley Levison, was even more important to King. He helped him write speeches and raise funds and advised him on strategy. Levison co-wrote one of the drafts for Kings 1963 I Have a Dream speech.

Stan Levison was one of the closest friends Martin King and I ever had, said activist Andrew Young. Of all the unknown supporters of the civil rights movement, he was perhaps the most important."

If the Jewish contribution to the Civil Rights Movement was largely unknown to the general public, there was one group of Americans paying attention.

The Ku Klux Klan saw them and began to plot against them, wrote Sachar.

In one year, from November 1957 through October 1958, temples and other Jewish communal edifices were bombed in Atlanta, Nashville, Jacksonville, and Miami, and undetonated dynamite was found under synagogues in Birmingham, Charlotte, and Gastonia, North Carolina.

Jews are considered 'white oppressors'?

Last week, Tabia Lee, an African American administrator and educator who understands what is happening with Black activists, reprised a column she had written for Compact magazine in March.

She told how she had been hired by Silicon Valleys De Anza College in 2021 to head the schools department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

DEI is the empire-building arm of the critical social justice movement, of which BLM is the beating heart. There are DEI offices now in virtually all of Americas universities and a wide swath of our public schools.

At De Anza College, Lee discovered that DEI ideology deliberately stokes hatred toward Israel and the Jewish people" she wrote in the New York Post.

As a black woman, I was the perfect person for the job  on paper. Yet I made the mistake of trying to create an authentically inclusive learning environment for everyone, including Jewish students.

Her critics called her a dirty Zionist. The school refused to promote her events, she wrote. I was told in no uncertain terms that Jews are white oppressors and our job as faculty and staff members was to decenter whiteness. 

Eventually she was fired, and she wrote this:

I have never encountered a more hostile environment toward the members of any racial, ethnic or religious group.

Message sent: Jewish lives don't matter

It wasnt hard for American Jews to see the evil that was Jim Crow and lynching. They had seen such evil unsheathed in Czarist Russia and stoking the ovens at Auschwitz.

Then came Oct. 7, and they saw it once more.

And when they looked around, their friends from the Civil Rights Movement were largely gone and the message was sent:

Jewish Lives Dont Matter.

Phil Boas is an editorial columnist with The Arizona Republic. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Black Lives Matter forgets how hard Jews fought for civil rights
Jack Fisk had an audacious request.

The production designer behind The Revenant and There Will Be Blood, whose collaborations with Terrence Malick, Paul Thomas Anderson and David Lynch have made him the stuff of industry legend, was about to recreate a crime scene.

Fisk was on location in Oklahoma preparing for Killers of the Flower Moon, the latest film by Martin Scorsese, a retelling of the Osage murders in which an Indigenous nation in the 1920s was targeted for its oil wealth. Two victims of what became known as the Reign of Terror were Bill and Rita Smith, the latter Osage, who on March 10, 1923, were killed by a bomb in their home in the town of Fairfax. Fisk had found a house that looked almost identical for earlier scenes. The explosion would happen off screen; the audience would only see a wreckage. But, he asked, would the owners mind if he blew up their house anyway?

The two women said yes. Then they explained why.

Their father, who was Osage, had lived in that home, Fisk told CNN. He had a White wife; she was his guardian. (Historically, the Osage were forced to hand over control of their financial assets to White family or associates.) She took all his money, made his life miserable and now he had died. They were glad to see it all disappear. It was a cathartic moment.

Fisk is known for resurrecting the ghosts of America past. Killers of the Flower Moon also called on him to exorcise its demons.

The family of Mollie Burkhart (second left, played by Lily Gladstone) are targeted for their wealth in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon." - Courtesy Apple Original Films

The adaption of David Granns 2017 book of the same title recounts one of Americas most heinous crimes. For a time, the Osage were the richest community in the world. They had a unique arrangement among Indigenous nations, as they owned the mineral rights to their land.

When vast reserves of oil were discovered beneath their pastures in the late 19th Century, prospectors paid handsomely for the chance to tap the land, and the Osage made fortunes in return. But though the Osage were wealthy, they were deprived of their financial autonomy through guardianships. White opportunists circled like vultures; guardianships were ripe for graft and corruption, and the Osage had little recourse. Events turned murderous, as a conspiracy sought to transfer land headrights  effectively deeds of ownership  into White hands through marriage and inheritance. Dozens of Osage were killed during the Reign of Terror, though the exact number remains unknown, Grann writes.

Scorseses movie focuses on Mollie Burkhart, whose feckless husband Ernest and his uncle William Hale conspired to funnel her familys headrights into their back pocket. (Rita Smith was Mollies sister.) The film, starring Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, debuted to ecstatic praise at the Cannes Film Festival in May ahead of a theatrical release on October 20.

"Days of Heaven" (1978), where Jack Fisk designed a house on location in Alberta, Canada, standing in for Texas in the film. - Photo 12/Alamy Stock Photo

This painful chapter of history was told with the blessing and cooperation of the Osage Nation and shot among many of the places where events happened. To realize his vision Scorsese turned to Fisk, one of the great on-location production designers, for what would be their first collaboration.

Fisk says he entered the business kind of by accident more than half a century ago. He didnt know what his responsibilities were, so he did everything: building, painting and dressing. Just shy of 80 today, he still likes to get his hands dirty. Among his first big gigs was Terrence Malicks Days of Heaven (1978), where his guileless approach resulted in one of cinemas most famous houses, designed to be shot from any angle, from inside or out. Fisk says he has only worked on a soundstage once, with his old friend David Lynch for Mulholland Drive (2001). Residing on a farm in Virginia when hes not working, he prefers the outdoors life.

Malick would later enlist Fisks services on The New World (2005) where he built Jamestown circa 1607 and collaborated with the Algonquin and Powhatan peoples, historically from Virginia, to build structures in their vernacular. Fisk says his process was a lot of research, some common sense and some conjecture. Historians were taken aback with the veracity of his Jamestown, which contained touches and techniques archaeologists would only later unearth at the site of the real fort, which was discovered in 1994.

In Terence Malick's "The New World" (2005), Fisk recreated both Jamestown, Virginia as well as Indigenous architecture. - Merie W. Wallace/New Line/Kobal/Shutterstock

Im married to an actor (Sissy Spacek, the two met on Malicks Badlands) and production design to me is supporting the actors and telling you more about them than the dialogue, Fisk said.

I try to build the sets as completely as possible. Theyre good in 360 degrees  Its unlike how a lot of films are done, said Fisk. Its harder for the carpenters, because usually the time that were building is either freezing cold or blistering hot or raining or something, but its worth it.

That rigor and flexibility was what Scorsese needed. Fisk entered Killers four years into pre-production and began poring over research belonging to Grann and executive producer Marianne Bowers (also Scorseses archivist). He conducted his own, reading anything he could find, from the US governments treaties with the Osage in 1808 to 1920s periodicals. Osage artist Addie Roanhorse came on board to assist with production design. Then Fisk began reaching out to the Osage in Oklahoma, leaving notes on their doors asking them to give him a call.

I started meeting Osage people that lived in Gray Horse, where Mollie and her family lived, and they were so generous. They would show me Osage artefacts, pictures of their family, talked about the gatherings and how many people would come and stay, he recalled.

Scorsese and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto setting up a shot for "Killers of the Flower Moon." The town of Fairfax, Oklahoma was recreated in nearby Pawhuska by redressing and refitting period buildings back to their former self. - Courtesy Apple Original Films

Fisk tracked down the house where he believed Mollie Burkhart had lived with Ernest, which had belonged to her mother, Lizzie Q Kyle, and which was passed down through generations to Maggie Burkhart, Mollies granddaughter and a key voice in Granns book. The home was small, he said, far from the splendour he expected. Weaving together what he saw and what hed learned from the Osage and their social routines, Fisk designed a replica built on a ranch outside Pawhuska.

These houses had to be built strong because of tornadoes. They couldnt leak because we had set dressing in there and wallpaper, he said of his sets. They had to last for several months, because of the way Marty was shooting. Lilly would have to lose weight or gain weight, so we would come back, then we go away, then come back.

Many of the 50 or so locations utilized buildings still standing in the town of Pawhuska (Fairfax had lost most of its period buildings and so Pawhuskas stood in). Period windows were installed, old signage fitted, and the road covered over until Fairfaxs former thoroughfare Kihekah Avenue emerged.

Fisk's recreation of Fairfax in the completed film. - Courtesy Apple Original Films

One important location for Scorsese was a pool hall habituated by Ernest and Bill. Another was a barbershop. I had grown up in a little town in Illinois and when I was a kid, I used to get my hair cut at the pool hall, because the barbershop was in there, said Fisk. I suggested to (Scorsese) that we mixed the two and he loved the idea  (it) made the scenes more interesting I think, because there was already something going on in the background.

Theres a cohesion to most of Killers production design, typifying the Osage and White cultures uneasy co-assimilation in Oklahoma. Theres also one notable exception: the Masonic Lodge in Fairfax, where some conspirators including Hale are members. The de facto seat of White supremacism looks unlike anywhere else in the film, with tall dark walls, ornate dressing and a threatening aura. Fisk says the production used the real 1924 Masonic lodge, painted the interior dark blue, added a black and white chequered floor and prized opened old skylights. Its here that the films most unexpected scene takes place: Robert De Niros Bill dealing out corporal punishment on Ernest with a wooden paddle. Its such a bizarre scene anyway, for Leo to be spanked. The room need some kind of gravity to it, and ritual, said Fisk.

Lily Gladstone talks with Martin Scorsese inside a church on location for "Killers of the Flower Moon." - Courtesy Apple Original Films

Part of the tragedy of the Osage murders was how little punishment was eventually meted out. Many crimes were never solved; many murders never even investigated. No film can right those wrongs, but the care and sensitivity taken by Scorsese and his team has not gone unnoticed by the Osage. The director has described the movie as an offering that acknowledges the extent of the terror they experienced, and one that might also give some kind of solace.

The house that stood in for Bill and Rita Smiths home was razed to the ground by the production. The destruction needed to be absolute: a result of the overzealous use of nitro-glycerine. But simulating this act of terror gave it an unexpected new life. It became something cleansing, helping an Osage family move beyond trauma caused by the same exploitation at the rotten heart of Scorseses movie.

After filming, Fisks crew cleared the land of the wreckage and returned it to its owners. They laid grass over the earth before they left.

Killers of the Flower Moon is released in cinemas on October 20.

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Last Thursday the State Department advised travelers from the U.S. to exercise increased caution worldwide because of the Israel-Hamas war, citing the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.

The warning means what it says, said Jeffrey Price, an aviation security expert and professor of aviation and aerospace science at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Dont go to areas where they are actively capturing or killing U.S. citizens, and be careful when going to countries where you could be put in harms way simply by being there.

But what about trips to Barcelona or Singapore or even just Baton Rouge? Heres what to consider if youve got travel plans on the books or are making them now, given the conflict in the Middle East.

All-purpose safety precautions

In addition to telling U.S. travelers to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid any travel to Gaza, federal officials also recommend staying especially alert in popular locations anywhere tourists gather globally.

They suggest following State Department accounts on social media for updates and joining the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to make it easier for the agency get in touch with American travelers abroad in case of emergencies.

The State Department has alerts of various levels in effect for many countries because of conflict and other risk factors, but worldwide caution advisories are less common. The last one was issued in August 2022 after a U.S. drone strike killed a high-level Al Qaeda leader.

Some national security experts regard last weeks global alert as one of the most urgent issued in light of the extremely high tensions throughout the Middle East, said Howard Stoffer, a professor of international affairs at the University of New Haven and a former senior official in the State Departments Foreign Service.

This type of alert usually lasts a relatively short time, he said, but the current one may last for some period of time.

If youre planning upcoming travel, you can monitor the State Departments travel advisories for any destinations on your itinerary both before and during your trip. The Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank, also maintains an interactive Global Conflict Tracker that provides additional information for specific areas around the world.

Experts warn against slipping so deeply into vacation mode that you risk losing sight of potential shifts in the political or security situation on the ground. Be aware of your surroundings and be sure to cooperate with any increased security measures, Price said.

Stoffer said, Stay alert and listen to the news carefully when out there. Otherwise, exercise the same good judgment you would under any other circumstances, like steering clear of major protests and making sure friends and family back home know where you are.

Air travel

Israeli flag carrier El Al Airlines is the only airline that continues to fly between the U.S. and Israel, although its website notes that there may be a change in the departure times of some flights.

Major U.S.-based airlines that previously offered regular service to Tel Aviv, including American, Delta and United, have issued travel alerts for the Middle East and suspended all flights to Israel. United has also issued a travel alert for its flights to Amman, Jordan, but service there is continuing.

The suspensions include direct flights out of major hubs such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., as well as connecting flights on partner airlines, said Scott Keyes of the flight deal website Going.

departure board airline (Aaron M. Sprecher / AP)

In general, travelers who booked to Israel on U.S. carriers on or before Oct. 6, the day before Hamas attacked Israel, are typically being offered the option to either cancel their trips and request refunds or to rebook in the same cabin and between the same cities on different dates with no change fees or fare differences. (United is also offering to waive change fees on flights to Amman.)

These waivers apply regardless of what fare class youve booked, Keyes said. Even otherwise restrictive basic economy tickets may be rescheduled or canceled for a full cash refund.

Right now, the rebooking options are available through Dec. 31 on United, from Dec. 5 through Jan. 31 on American and through Sept. 6, 2024, on Delta.

With Delta having already extended the dates of its rebooking provisions, Keyes said, its all but certain other U.S. airlines will extend their travel waivers for at least as long as the escalated hostilities continue.

At airports and other transportation hubs, travelers can expect to see a larger law enforcement and canine presence, said Robert Langston, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.

The TSA is operating at a heightened level of security as a result of world events and the current threat environment, he said. Officials there and at its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, will continue to monitor the situation and adjust their security measures as needed.

Security checkpoints lines at airports could get longer because of the increased measures, Price said, but if things are getting out of hand, TSA can also speed up lines by reducing random checks.

Cruises

A handful of cruise lines have made changes to scheduled sailings in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, said Aaron Saunders, a senior editor at Cruise Critic.

The changes range from the cancellation of full sailing seasons to adjustments to itineraries that remove select ports, he said.

Windstar Cruises, Royal Caribbean and MSC are among the cruise lines that have pulled all their ships out of the region because of the conflict, Cruise Critic has reported, while Norwegian Cruise Line has informed passengers on a coming Rome-to-Athens cruise that stops in Israel will be skipped.

Cruise lines have teams dedicated to monitoring the latest news and updates and reserve the right to adjust their plans as they see most fit, Saunders said.

He encourages anyone with a cruise reservation to watch for emails from the operator for updates on specific sailings, as well as any compensation being offered for significantly affected ones. For those considering a cruise to the region, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, Saunders added.

Travel insurance

Many travel insurance policies already provide cancellation and interruption benefits in the event a terrorist attack affects a trip, according to published guidelines from the travel insurance comparison platform SquareMouth.

But in most cases, those benefits kick in only for policies purchased before the date of the attack, meaning such coverage would apply for the current conflict only on insurance taken out on or before Oct. 6.

Travelers with coming trips to Israel who have cancellation and interruption benefits may be reimbursed for 100% of their trip expenses if they need to cancel, SquareMouth noted. Travelers planning to visit Israel as part of trips may also be covered if they need to cut their itineraries short.
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Spread the love by gifting this limited-edition 2023 Bonne Maman Advent Calendar  while supplies last. (Bonne Maman)

We are big fans of advent calendars around here. In fact, it's no surprise we think they are a really great gift to kick off the holiday fun, especially for the little kiddos in your life. We picked out quite a few advent calendars perfect for kids, but in our search, we found one popular advent calendar too perfect to ignore. The Bonne Maman limited-edition advent calendar is so fun and irresistible we think it might be the perfect one to gift yourself (annually).

If you've never heard of this fan-favorite, be prepared to have your taste buds perk right up. It will give you a tasty little mini jar daily, 23 fruit spreads, and one jar of honey  for the entire month of December. This is definitely a top-seller and has a very devoted following every year, so if this is something you think you might enjoy, we suggest you scoop it up today.

The jars of spreads feature special, exclusive flavors that will sweeten up the mornings and add interest to your cheese plates, level up your PB&Js and even upgrade that thumbprint cookie recipe to two thumbs-up. The jars are little  there are a couple of tablespoons in each  but 3,000-plus fans say the taste is big enough that this holiday-time sampler merits a perfect five-star rating.

The natural ingredients in Bonne Maman's spreads pop on their own without the need for all that extra garbage (high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, faux color, etc.). And, if you want to savor the flavors, there's no need to bust through a jar a day: The contents will stay safe and fresh through June 2024.

It's time to jam! (Amazon)

Behind the doors await brilliant blends such as ... strawberry rhubarb, apricot lavender, apple caramel with cinnamon, fig with cardamon, raspberry chocolate and so many others. Mmm. The jar of honey is a welcome addition. The 2023 Bonne Maman Advent Calendar will make an incredible gift for anyone on your list, including yourself. Note: On the company's own website, a maximum of two limited-edition advent calendars are allowed per order, but there appears to be no limit on Amazon.

An overall 4.8-star rating is rare at Amazon, but fans can't seem to praise this advent calendar enough.

"Fantastic every time!" raved one of the 3,000+ five-star fans. "I love everything about this company. From their long history and strong values to their amazing, high-quality jam and fruit products. Whats not to love? I purchase only one advent calendar every year and its this one. I eat Bonne Mamans creative jam flavors on homemade sourdough crumpets. One small jar is enough servings for two crumpets. Its a fun journey to try the new and different flavors they create. Ive never had a flavor I didnt like."

Another loyal customer wrote, "In addition to being cute, and incredibly giftable, the spreads are always on point. I don't buy any other advent calendar for myself, this one is so good. It's nice to wake up to a piece of toast and jam during the month of December when everything is so busy."

"Love, love, love," shared one user/gifter: "Every morning, we pop a new one out and plot how we are going to use it  on toast, a glaze for pork, in yogurt. The presentation box is beautiful and substantial, making a great gift. The box is engineered cleverly so that there is no real chance of breakage or shifting in the tiny jars."

"Absolutely stunning," crowed this craftswoman. "Delightfully yummy and tasty preserves ... made with the freshest quality of ingredients and consistently good. The red and white checked lid sets them off into a class unto their own. Not only do I enjoy the contents, the jars and their distinctive lids become a storage spot for my buttons, straight pins and other craft items along with storing other items around the house. Such a grand bonus after enjoying these tasty spreads and honey."

More offerings from Bonne Maman

Craving more Bonne Maman goodies? Here are some other great giftable (or keep-for-yourself-able) options:

Bonne Maman Fruit Preserves, 13-Ounce Jars, 3-Pack $22 at Amazon

Bonne Maman Preserves Sampler, 1.76 Ounce Jars, 5-Pack $12 at Amazon
The outcomes of these cases will test the durability of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the constitutional rights of Black Americans.

Several court battles in states throughout the South accused of racial gerrymandering will determine the voting power of Black Americans in next years elections and future control of Congress.

The outcomes of these redistricting cases, one of which is currently being weighed by the U.S. Supreme Court, will test the durability of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and constitutional rights for Black Americans.

They will be crucial determinants as to whether Democrats or Republicans will hold the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025.

Several states are in court battles over accusations of racial gerrymandering. Voting districts were the subject of a March 2019 demonstration outside the Supreme Court, above, where protesters held signs urging an end to gerrymandering. (Photo by Aurora Samperio/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

There are about 12 congressional maps currently in litigation that could impact the 2024 elections, which will see contests in all 435 congressional districts across the 50 states.

Of those dozen cases, half are in states where state legislatures controlled by Republicans are accused of redrawing maps to dilute the concentration of Black Americans in certain districts, also known as racial gerrymandering.

Racial gerrymandering is an illegal practice of drawing electoral district lines to deliberately suppress the voting power of Black and other racial minority groups. These maps, which stay in place for 10 years until the next time the U.S. Census is conducted, will hold significant weight in the balance of political power in Washington.

For your tracking, heres what you should know:

South Carolina

South Carolina congressional candidate Michael B. Moore speaks at a rally Oct. 11 outside of the Supreme Court. Voters and civil rights groups are calling on the top court to protect Black voters as justices weigh a case from South Carolina. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images for Rooted Logistics)

In Alexander v. South Carolina NAACP, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund accuses Republican legislators of drawing a congressional map that limits the voting strength of Black residents in the states 1st Congressional District.

The plaintiff argues that South Carolina Republicans violated the 14th and 15th Amendments, which guarantee equal protection under the law and prohibit race-based voting discrimination.

Despite a lower court decision in January that blocked the congressional map in agreement that it violates the civil rights of Black voters, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court appeared poised to reinstate the map during oral arguments this month.

Chief Justice John Roberts claimed that Black voters challenging the map presented circumstantial evidence and appeared to suggest that the redistricting gave Republicans a political advantage, which is legal, but failed to prove it was racial gerrymandering.

A decision in the case has not been determined. However, the court has until the end of its term next summer to issue a ruling.

There is only one Democratic and Black member of South Carolinas congressional delegation, longtime Rep. Jim Clyburn. The 1st Congressional District, considered competitive for the GOP and Democrats, is currently represented by Rep. Nancy Mace.

Alabama

Alabama must undergo redistricting after court challenges. Above, Deuel Ross of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund addresses the states voting rights case outside the Supreme Court in October 2022. Ross, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, was joined by LDF president and director-counsel Janai Nelson (right), plaintiff Evan Milligan (second from right), Rep. Terri Sewell (third from right) and others. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

In Allen v. Milligan, civil rights activist Evan Milligan is challenging Alabamas congressional map. Milligan, represented by the NAACP LDF and American Civil Liberties Union, argues that Alabamas number of majority-Black districts does not accurately reflect the Black population in the state.

According to 2020 census data, Black voters make up 27% of the states population but control only one of the states seven congressional districts (14%). In June, the Supreme Court upheld a previous and unanimous federal district courts ruling that the Alabama map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by discriminating against Black voters.

State legislators were ordered to redraw Alabamas congressional map with a second majority-Black district. After Republicans submitted a map that fell short of that threshold, a three-judge panel rejected it. The Supreme Court upheld the lower court decision weeks later.

Now, Alabama will undergo a court-ordered redistricting process to ensure that Black voters get the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice  creating what is known as opportunity districts.

Currently, the 7th Congressional District is the only majority-Black district in Alabama. It is represented by Rep. Terri Sewell, a Democrat.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Black Republican, vowed that the state would continue to appeal the federal district courts ruling.

Texas

Lawsuits accuse Texas Republican-controlled legislature of discriminating against Black and Latino voters, a violation of the Voting Rights Act. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Despite 2020 census data showing an explosion of population growth in Texas  largely driven by an increase of Black and brown voters  the second-largest state is accused of drawing a congressional map that solidifies the power of white voters.



A consolidation of lawsuits brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and several organizations, including the Texas NAACP, claim that the Republican-controlled state legislature discriminated against Black and Latino voters. Similar to the Alabama case, the plaintiffs accuse lawmakers of violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Attorneys for the plaintiffs say they are hopeful for the outcome of the Texas case after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in a similar litigation in Alabama.

The Texas case remains in the discovery stage as both sides dispute the process. A trial date will be scheduled after the disputes are resolved.

Florida

Two lawsuits accuse Gov. Ron DeSantis (pictured) and other Republicans of violating Black Floridians voting rights. Above, DeSantis is seen in June 2021 holding bills he signed unrelated to voting, targeting foreign influence and corporate espionage. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Two lawsuits in Florida challenge the states congressional map, accusing state Republicans and Gov. Ron DeSantis of violating the constitutional rights of Black voters and the state constitution.

In Common Cause Florida v. Byrd, a coalition of groups, including Common Cause and the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, joined individual voters in accusing DeSantis and Republicans of intentional racial discrimination in violation of the 14th and 15th Amendments.

The plaintiffs argue that the Florida map adopted by the state legislature denied Black voters their right to elect candidates of their choice. A trial was held in the case last month.

The other case filed in state court, Black Voters Matter v. Byrd, argues that the existing congressional map violates multiple provisions of the Florida Constitution by diminishing the ability of Black voters to elect their candidates of choice.

The lawsuit cites northern Florida and the 5th Congressional District, where former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat who served three terms, was voted out of office in 2022 and replaced by a white Republican.

The plaintiffs in Black Voters Matter v. Byrd take issue with Republicans dividing the 5th District into four districts with smaller populations of Black voters. In September, a Florida judge struck down the congressional map and deemed it unconstitutional. The Sunshine State is now barred from using the map in the 2024 elections.

State legislators will now have to draw a new map that does not diminish the power of Black voters. However, the lower-court ruling will likely be appealed and end up before the Florida Supreme Court, which is controlled by justices appointed by DeSantis.

Georgia

In Georgia, lawsuits seek to determine whether the legislature intentionally diluted Black voting power. Above, an audience member wears a Black Voters Still Matter T-shirt from the Georgia NAACP during a Get Out the Vote rally in December 2022 in Hephzibah, Georgia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Three lawsuits in Georgia seek to strike down the Peach States congressional map, claiming that it violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

At question in these cases is whether the map drawn by the Georgia state legislature purposely diluted the power of Black voters by packing them into multiple majority-white districts. Two of the three lawsuits argue that the map should include an additional majority-Black district in the western Atlanta metropolitan area.

One lawsuit, Common Cause v. Raffensperger, challenges the 6th, 13th and 14th Congressional Districts for being unconstitutionally gerrymandered based on race. The case goes to trial in November. Another case, Georgia State Conference of the NAACP v. Georgia, was consolidated with Common Cause v. Raffensperger.

Another case, Pendergrass v. Raffensperger, brought by groups including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., went to trial in September and is awaiting a decision.

Louisiana

It is unclear whether a court-ordered new voting map in Louisiana, whose Capitol in Baton Rouge is seen, will be in place by the 2024 election. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Similar to cases in Alabama and Georgia, two consolidated lawsuits filed in Louisiana accuse Republicans of violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and argue a second majority-Black district should be drawn.

In June 2022, a district court judge ordered Louisianas congressional map to be redrawn with a second majority-Black district. Black voters in Louisiana represent 33% of the states population.

Rep. Troy Davis, who is Black, is the sole Democrat in Louisianas congressional delegation.

Despite preliminary injunctions last year against Louisianas map and the ordering of a second majority-Black district, a lower court decision has delayed the process and was upheld by the Supreme Court.

It is unclear whether a redrawn map will be completed in time for the 2024 elections; however, in her concurrent opinion after the Supreme Court declined to intervene in lifting the lower court order that delayed the adoption of a new map, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed confidence that it would be resolved by Nov. 5, 2024.

Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, originally vetoed the map because it failed to include a second Black-majority district. However, the super-majority Republican-controlled legislature overrode the veto, leading to the current court battle before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Gerren Keith Gaynor

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C.

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The post These states are in court battles over racial gerrymandering claims appeared first on TheGrio.
WASHINGTON  The House is in its 21st day without a speaker  officially entering its third week without a formal leader as chaos continues to roil the lower chamber.

House Republicans on Tuesday night nominated Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. as their latest speaker pick, coming just hours after House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., withdrew from the leadership battle.

All it takes for a candidate to win the GOP nomination is a simple majority of the conference, but the real question for any speaker nominee is whether they can get the near-unanimous support they need from House Republicans to be elected speaker.

So far, the first two speaker nominees, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. and House Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, dropped out of the race due to the splinters that run through the House Republican conference.

Follow along for live updates from USA TODAY on the speaker fight.

No GOP lawmakers voted against Johnson: Rutherford

Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., said no one voted against Johnson in the internal roll call vote.

Three members votes present and 19 members were absent by his count. Otherwise, no lawmaker voted for an alternative candidate.

 Ken Tran

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), at microphone, is selected as Speaker Designate by the House GOP Conference as House lawmakers seek to elect a new speaker in Washington on Oct 24, 2023. Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 in a move led by a group of hardline House conservatives.

Johnson 'very confident' on path to 217

Johnson, flanked by an overwhelming majority of an exuberant GOP conference, said he was "very confident" he can be elected speaker to cheers of "Mike!" from lawmakers.

The plan, Johnson said, is to hold a speaker election at noon on Wednesday.

 Ken Tran

What would Mike Johnson do as speaker? 7 priorities

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., in a letter to colleagues over the weekend detailed what hed focus on if elected House speaker.

He targeted seven priorities:

Restore trust

Advance a comprehensive policy agenda

Promote individual members

Engage members

Effectively message

Build and utilize external coalitions

Develop and grow the GOP majority

The complex role of Speaker at this time requires a team player and a bridge-builder with endless energy and a unique mix of skills and experiences, he said in the letter. My extensive background in law, policy, strategic analysis, messaging, managing, networking, and building coalitions happens to have served as uncommon preparation for the extraordinary demands of this day.

 Candy Woodall

Who is Mike Johnson?

Louisiana Republican Rep. Mike Johnson, a deputy whip and constitutional lawyer known for his fiery exchanges on the House Judiciary Committee, is the fourth nominee chosen by his GOP peers to serve as speaker.

The vice chair of the House Republican Conference faces steep odds to get the 217 votes needed to win the gavel, especially considering he already has more than 40 votes against him. Those holdouts mostly favor ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Johnson, 51, was a state representative for two years before being elected to Congress in 2016 and quickly rising in the ranks. In addition to the Judiciary committee, Johnson serves on the House Armed Services Committee and previously served a term as chairman of the Republican Study Committee.

Johnson earned a bachelors degree and law degree from Louisiana State University, and he and his wife of 24 years, Kelly Johnson, have four children.

As speaker he would chart a new path, he told colleagues in a letter last weekend.

Johnson said the country is facing one of the most fateful moments in its history, citing the attack on Israel, emboldened foreign adversaries, high national debt, a southern border that is overrun and more.

I have a clear vision and plan for how to lead us through these unprecedented challenges, he said.

 Candy Woodall

House GOP holding roll call vote to test Johnson's support

House Republicans are now holding an internal roll call vote to determine how much support Johnson has before heading to a speaker election on the House floor, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, said.

The vote was originally scheduled for Wednesday morning.

 Ken Tran

43 members vote for McCarthy in final ballot

Johnson won the Republican nomination with 128 votes, according to a tally from Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas.

The votes were:

Johnson earned 128 votes

'Other' earned 44 votes

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., earned 29 votes

One member voted 'Present'

43 of the "other" votes were for ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, while the remaining vote was for Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

 Ken Tran

Johnson wins nomination

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., has secured the Republican nomination for speaker.

Securing the nomination is just the first step however. Johnson, the vice chair of the House Republican conference, will now have to shore up support ahead of a floor vote with the entire House, where Democrats aren't expected to lend him any votes.

It is unclear whether Johnson can successfully rally the near-unanimous GOP support he needs to be elected speaker. Ken Tran

'Women are too smart' to run for speaker, GOP lawmaker says

As House Republicans are voting on a third ballot to select another speaker nominee, Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., noted the candidate field is entirely comprised of men.

"Women are too smart" to run for speaker, Cammack quipped.

 Ken Tran

Williams and Green out after second ballot

The second ballot has concluded and Reps. Roger Williams, R-Texas and Mark Green, R-Tenn., are out of the speaker's race.

Williams was eliminated as the last vote-getter and Green dropped out voluntarily according to Weber.

But in a signal of growing discontent among GOP lawmakers, 34 votes were also cast for "other," with 33 of those cast for Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

 Ken Tran

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks with members of the press as he arrives for a House GOP Conference meeting as House lawmakers seek to elect a new speaker in Washington on Oct. 24, 2023. Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 in a move led by a group of hardline House conservatives.

Will Republicans nominate another speaker tonight? Lawmakers cast 31 'other' votes in first ballot

In a sign of possible discontent within the House Republican conference over the speaker candidates, 31 votes were cast for an alternative 'other' option, rejecting the multiple members seeking the speakership as of Tuesday night. That's according to a tally from Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas.

 Ken Tran

Fleischmann eliminated from first ballot

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., was the first candidate eliminated in the first ballot, according to multiple Republican lawmakers on Tuesday

Johnson was the highest vote-getter. The Republican conference is now starting on a second ballot.

 Ken Tran

First round of voting underway

House Republicans have begun voting on the first ballot to select a nominee.

If no candidate earns a majority of the votes, the lowest vote-getter is eliminated from the ballot and a second vote is held. The process repeats until a candidate wins with a majority.

 Ken Tran

Massie gives gloomier odds of electing a speaker this week

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who has been regularly offering odds of electing a new speaker, said he had a gloomier forecast for the House after Emmer's withdrawal from the race.

By the end of the week, the House has a 22% chance of electing a new speaker, Massie said.

 Ken Tran

Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) is surrounded by a gaggle of reporters in the Longworth House Office Building as House lawmakers seek to elect a new speaker in Washington on Oct. 24, 2023.

'A number of us' will vote for McCarthy: GOP lawmaker

Rep. John Duarte, R-Calif., told reporters that 'a number of us' will vote for McCarthy in the nomination vote.

McCarthy, Duarte said, is the only candidate who has proven he can unite the conference.

 Ken Tran

House to hold roll call test vote Wednesday morning

House Republicans will hold another roll call vote to test the next nominee's support Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., according to Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn.

GOP lawmakers will head home after choosing a nominee tonight. The roll call vote tomorrow will allow the nominee, whoever they are, to gauge the support they have from the conference before heading to the floor.

 Ken Tran

House Freedom Caucus members pass on McCarthy and Jordan partnership

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a member of the ultraconservative freedom caucus confirmed reports to USA TODAY that there were ongoing talks of McCarthy potentially returning to the speakership with Jordan as an assistant speaker.

Norman balked at the prospect, however, and noted it was a longshot proposal.

The proposal was first reported by NBC News.

 Ken Tran

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) speaks to members of the press as House lawmakers seek to elect a new speaker in Washington on Oct. 24, 2023.

5 House speaker candidates remain after Hern drops out

After Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., dropped out of the race, 5 speaker candidates remain. House Republicans are currently holding another candidate forum behind closed-doors to hear from the speaker prospects.

The candidates are:

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.

Rep Mark Green, R-Tenn.

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas

 Ken Tran

No speaker election with entire House tonight

The House will not hold a speaker election tonight, according to a notice from House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass.

That means the soonest a speaker election could happen is Wednesday. At that point, the House will have gone 22 days without a speaker.

 Ken Tran

House Republicans will hold another nomination vote today

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., after dropping out of the race, told reporters House Republicans will hold another nomination vote tonight at 8:00 p.m.

 Ken Tran

Oklahoma Rep. Hern drops out, backs Louisiana Rep. Johnson

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., shortly after the candidate forum started, announced he would be dropping out if the race and backing Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. speaker bid.

"We've got to get to 217," Hern said, adding he thinks Johnson can rally the conference behind him. "We need someone that's bigger than an individual and he's the guy."

 Ken Tran

Six candidates in for House speaker race

Six GOP lawmakers will be running for speaker, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. announced in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. They are:

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.

Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla.

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas Ken Tran

How did the House speaker race get here?

The chaotic search for a new House speaker began after a handful of hardline Republican lawmakers ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier this month.

House Democrats refused to vote to save McCarthy and have since refused to lend their support to Republican speaker candidates, including Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Steve Scalise of Louisiana.

Jordan faced multiple rounds of voting on the House floor before withdrawing from the race.

Republican lawmakers briefly considered empowering Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who is already serving as an interim speaker, but they ultimately rejected the plan.

Now, with Emmer dropping out of the race after just hours of serving as the Republican nominee, GOP lawmakers will have to select another path to crown a new speaker of the House.

 Marina Pitofsky

House GOP to hold another candidate forum

House Republicans will hold another candidate forum at 6:00 p.m. to hear from prospective speakers again, according to Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio.

 Ken Tran

Who's running for speaker? Hern, Johnson and Donalds back in the race

Following Emmer's sudden exit both from the building and the speaker's race, Reps. Kevin Hern, R-Okla, Mike Johnson, R-La and Byron Donalds, R-Fla. are throwing their hats back in the ring, per a source familiar.

Whether House Republicans proceed with another nomination process and the timing of the process is unclear.

 Ken Tran

Emmer withdraws from speaker race

Just hours after securing the nomination, Emmer withdrew from the speaker's race as the GOP's third nominee, Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas confirmed to reporters.

The move reflects the bitter intraparty infighting that has plagued House Republicans. Moments after becoming the nominee, Emmer faced fierce opposition from conservatives and even former President Donald Trump.House Republicans will have to try for the fourth time to elect a new nominee. Ken Tran

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks with members of the press as house lawmakers seek to elect a new speaker in Washington on Oct. 24, 2023. Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 in a move led by a group of hardline House conservatives.

Will there be a House speaker vote soon? Republicans return to huddle behind closed-doors

House Republicans will reconvene shortly in a closed-door conference meeting to discuss next steps on electing a new speaker.

Emmer's speakership is in peril just hours after the Minnesota Republican was nominated due to a handful of conservative holdouts that say Emmer is too moderate.

 Ken Tran

Did Tom Emmer vote to certify the 2020 election?

Yes, Emmer voted to certify the 2020 election after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

At the time, Emmer said Congress "does not have the authority" to disregard state electoral results.

Doing so sets a precedent that I believe undermines the state-based system of elections that defines our Republic, he said.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Why was Kevin McCarthy removed as speaker?

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was removed as leader last month after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., led a group of eight Republicans who voted to remove the speaker, joined by 208 Democrats.

The move to oust McCarthy  known as a motion to vacate  had the support of the handful of hard-right lawmakers who expressed anger at McCarthy for working with Democrats to avert a government shutdown last month.

After his removal, McCarthy said he was leaving "the speakership with a sense of pride."

 Ken Tran and Marina Pitofsky

House Republicans, unable to unite behind a speaker, to break for now

House Republicans, following Emmer's nomination and the resulting stiff opposition to the Minnesota Republican, will break until 4:00 p.m. before meeting behind closed doors again, Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., said.

 Ken Tran

Trump comes out more forcefully against Emmer

Emmer might have won the endorsement of the House Republican caucus, but it sounds like former President Donald Trump will keep working to prevent him from becoming speaker of the House.

Claiming Emmer is "totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters," the former Republican president said on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon that the GOP whip cannot be believed when he says he is "Pro-Trump all the way."

Trump allies have been working against Emmer for days, while the former president himself has been more low-key, publicly. Not anymore

 David Jackson

Is there a speaker of the House yet?

Rep Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., is currently serving as the speaker pro tempore after a handful of Republicans ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif earlier this month.

But McHenry's interim role doesn't carry the powers that an official speaker of the House holds. That means the House can't consider legislation until they elect another speaker, and they can't work on crucial priorities such as funding packages to avoid a government shutdown.

 Marina Pitofsky

Tom Emmer's speaker fight: Is Trump's influence on House Republicans waning?

Republicans who oppose former President Donald Trump say the impasse over selecting a House speaker has had one benefit: It suggests that Trump's influence within the party may be waning.

First, Trump tried to install ally Jim Jordan as House speaker, and that effort failed.

Then Trump and allies tried to block Emmer, but he racked up a majority of House Republicans, though not enough to win the job.

"Trump can't deliver a Speaker either," Republican consultant Mike Madrid, shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

 David Jackson

Marjorie Taylor Greene didn't back Tom Emmer, voted for Jim Jordan

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., told USA TODAY she voted for Jordan in the internal secret vote.

Greene is currently one of the holdouts against Emmer.

 Ken Tran

Emmer courts Republican holdouts with a public approach

Mike Johnson, R-La, Emmer's top rival who ultimately lost in the final ballot, said Emmer vowed to not "break up into smaller rooms" and hold separate private meetings with the Republican holdouts who have refused to support him.

Instead, Johnson said Emmer is staying in the room with all of the holdouts to consolidate their differences. One of the main concerns he said, is that they want "new blood" as they consider the next speaker

Johnson himself said he would supporting Emmer on the floor.

 Ken Tran

Will the House vote on a speaker?

It's not clear.

Emmer currently does not have the votes needed to become speaker, and while he could decide to move forward with a speaker election that includes the entire House, it's not certain he will do that today.

Emmer is currently taking questions to alleviate concerns from GOP holdouts behind closed doors. Ken Tran

What happens now in the House speaker fight? Emmer currently fielding questions

Emmer, already facing opposition just minutes after being nominated, is currently fielding questions from lawmakers skeptical of the Minnesota Republican, according to Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif.

 Ken Tran

GOP lawmaker says at least 20 holdouts against Emmer

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., leaving the House Republicans' closed-door meeting, told reporters there were at least 20 GOP holdouts against Emmer.

It is unclear if Emmer will decide to go the floor today even if he does not have the votes needed to be elected speaker.

 Ken Tran

Emmer's support to be tested in internal vote

Following Emmer's victory securing the nomination, House Republicans will now hold an internal roll call voice vote on whether members will support Emmer on the floor.

The vote will give Emmer and his allies critical information on potential holdouts before a speaker election.

But Emmer clinched the nomination by a narrow vote of 117-97, according to Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif. So depending on how the internal roll call vote pans out, Emmer could have an steep uphill climb to the votes he needs for the speakership.

 Ken Tran

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., has secured the nomination

Emmer won the Republican nomination in an internal vote on Tuesday.

Securing the nomination is just the first step however. Emmer will now have to shore up support ahead of a floor vote that could happen as early as today.

It is unclear whether Emmer can successfully rally the near-unanimous support he needs to be elected speaker.

 Ken Tran

Who is Congressman Tom Emmer?

Emmer was considered the strongest candidate heading into today's nomination vote.

The Minnesota Republican is currently the No. 3 ranking House Republican serving as House Majority Whip.

Emmer also served as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans, from 2019 to 2023.

 Ken Tran

Hern and Donalds out of speaker's race

Following the fourth ballot, Reps. Kevin Hern, R-Okla and Byron Donalds, R-Fla., are out of the race, according to Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind.

The conference will head to a fifth ballot with Reps. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and Mike Johnson, R-La., remaining.

 Ken Tran

GOP lawmaker: House Republicans to blame for speaker chaos

Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., admitted the past three weeks without a speaker have been "chaotic" and added there is no one to blame but the House Republican conference.

"We need to get a speaker in. And that's not anybody else's fault but the Republican conference in the U.S. House of Representatives."

 Ken Tran

4 candidates left in speaker nomination

Just four candidates are left as the House GOP heads to a fourth ballot: Reps. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.; Mike Johnson, R-La.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; and Kevin Hern, R-Okla.

A nominee will be selected after a candidate wins a majority. Ken Tran

Third ballot is over, Scott eliminated

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., was the third candidate eliminated in the nomination vote, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.

 Ken Tran

Crenshaw suggests electing a speaker by plurality

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, suggested the House should elect a speaker by a plurality vote, meaning instead of a majority vote, only the candidate with the most votes is elected speaker instead.

This would effectively threaten any potential holdouts against a nominee. If any GOP holdouts vote against a Republican speaker, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., could become speaker.

"Let's see if they want to vote for a Democrat, see if they hate their own party that much," he told reporters.

 Ken Tran

Bergman second candidate eliminated from ballot

Bergman was the second candidate to be eliminated following the second ballot, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, told reporters.

 Ken Tran

House GOP to hold vote to test nominee's support

Once House Republicans select a nominee, the conference will hold an internal voice roll call vote to test the nominee's support, according to Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C.

That means each member will have to make clear to the conference whether they will support the nominee.

When Jordan was the nominee earlier, the conference held a similar vote, but it was done by secret ballot so members did not know who was against a Jordan speakership.

 Ken Tran

Emmer wins most votes in first ballot

Following the first ballot, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told reporters that Emmer was the top vote-getter.

 Ken Tran

Sessions eliminated out of speaker's race

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas was the first candidate to be eliminated from the conference's nomination vote.

Stefanik announced the conference was moving to a second ballot following Sessions' elimination.

 Ken Tran

Who are the candidates for speaker?

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) speaks to reporters as he leaves a House Republican candidates forum where congressmen who are running for Speaker of the House presented their platforms in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 23, 2023 in Washington, DC.

The field of GOP lawmakers gunning for the top job is a crowded one  there are eight candidates vying for the nomination. They are:

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.

Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich.

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas

 Ken Tran

And then there were seven: Gary Palmer drops out of House speaker race

Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., dropped out of the speaker's race before the nomination vote began behind closed-doors.

"Congress and the American people needed a Republican speaker three weeks ago," Palmer said in a statement. "If withdrawing my name can help expedite that process even a little, then I will gladly step aside." Ken Tran

Scalise: 'It's about unifying our conference'

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., who was the conference's first nominee but withdrew due to a lack of support, told reporters all the candidates have strong visions to lead Republicans.

"Everybody's talking about the same things. It's about unifying our conference," Scalise said, noting that the immediate problem the House must address is aid to Israel.

 Ken Tran

Trump won't endorse Emmer (or anyone else) for House speaker

Donald Trump says he is staying out of this race for House Speaker, but he has made it clear he's not crazy about one of the leading candidates: Tom Emmer.

The former president and current 2024 candidate pointedly refused to endorse Emmer even as he confirmed that the House Majority Whip had called him over the weekend about the speaker's job.

Well, I think hes my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday and he told me, Im your biggest fan' - so I dont know about that," Trump told reporters in New Hampshire on Monday as he filed to run in the state's primary.

Trump, who backed Jim Jordan for speaker the last time around, said of the current Speaker's race: "We're looking at a lot of people ... Im sort of trying to stay out of that as much as possible."

Trump clashed with Emmer over strategy for the 2022 congressional elections. The rift has apparently not healed, and Trump associates are all over social media and talk radio opposing Emmer as well.

David Jackson

Dan Meuser drops out of House speaker race

Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., dropped out of the speaker's race at the House GOP candidate forum Monday evening.

Meuser gave opening remarks in the forum but then announced he would exit the race. The Pennsylvania Republican received a standing ovation after he made his announcement according to Reps. Thomas Massie R-Ky. and Troy Nehls, R-Texas. Ken Tran

Third time's the charm? GOP lawmakers feeling optimistic

Leaving the candidate forum Monday evening where the eight prospective speakers made their pitch to House Republicans, GOP lawmakers felt optimistic about electing a speaker by the end of the week.

Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., gave the House slightly better than 50/50 odds, a relatively sanguine prediction given the gridlock that has prevented House Republicans from electing a new speaker for three weeks now.

Other lawmakers gave even better odds  they think they can get this done tonight.

I think were gonna solve this tomorrow night, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said Monday. People know we gotta come together and get this done.

 Ken Tran

Some House Republicans pass on unity pledge to support nominee

In a bid to avoid another failed speaker election, Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., has been circulating a unity pledge in the House GOP conference asking lawmakers to sign the pledge promising to support the conferences nominee regardless of who they turn out to be.

But ahead of an internal nomination vote, some GOP lawmakers arent too keen on pledging their vote until they know who the nominee is.

I think we need to focus on making sure somebodys gonna lead this party in the right direction, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus told reporters Monday, declining to commit to signing Floods pledge.

 Ken Tran

How soon could a speaker election be held?

A speaker election could happen as soon as House Republicans select a nominee but its unclear if GOP lawmakers would want to do that.

Depending on the nomination process and how much support the nominee earns, the conference could give time for the speaker-designee to shore up support before a vote on the floor.

 Ken Tran

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House Republicans nominate Mike Johnson for speaker: What you missed
South Korea's Marine chief said Tuesday live-fire drills on border islands in the Yellow Sea need to be resumed to enhance military vigilance against North Korean provocations, as they have been suspended following the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement.

In a parliamentary audit session, Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Gye-hwan said military readiness has weakened on five front-line islands as live-fire exercises involving major military assets, including K-9 self-propelled howitzers, have not been held since the military tension reduction accord took effect.

The Comprehensive Military Agreement, signed under the previous liberal President Moon Jae-in, who sought inter-Korean reconciliation, calls for setting up maritime buffer zones that ban artillery firing and naval drills.

"(Marines) have been conducting live-fire exercises on land following the agreement. Inland drills pose several problems due to the relatively short range, which in turn affects our readiness posture," Kim said during the session held at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, 142 kilometers south of Seoul.

Kim said the Marines have been consulting with the defense ministry and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to come up with effective ways to bolster vigilance near the maritime border against North Korean provocations.

"Live-fire drills on the islands can cut costs and help us maintain a readiness posture to be able to immediately respond," Kim said.

On Monday, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik visited a Marine Corps unit on the northwestern island of Yeonpyeong in the Yellow Sea, which was attacked by North Korea with artillery shells in 2010, and reiterated his call to suspend the military accord to better fend off North Korean threats. (Yonhap)
A manhunt is underway for an Air Force veteran suspected of fatally shooting his wife at their home in Massachusetts, police announced this week.

Aaron Pennington  33-years-old, 62", 175 lbs., white with blond hair and blue eyes  is believed to be "armed and dangerous," Massachusetts State Police said in an online statement.

Police were called to Penningtons home on 42 Cherry Street in Gardner, about 70 miles west of Boston, shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday for a disturbance. They found Breanne Pennington, 30, dead in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to the face.

Penningtons four young children had left the house and gone to a neighbor's home, Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said at a press briefing on Sunday. The children are currently in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Authorities said Tuesday they found Penningtons white BMW on Monday night in a wooded area at Camp Collier, a scout camp in Gardner. They conducted a search of the surrounding wooded area, but Pennington was not found.

"The vehicle was located by a hunter so we're asking anyone with trail cams, any hunters, any people with video cameras at their houses to give it to the police," Early Jr. said in a press briefing.

Police believe Pennington went into the woods on Sunday morning is armed with a handgun.

Aaron Pennington. (Massachusetts State Police )

A shelter-in-place order for residents in the area near Penningtons house was initiated on Monday afternoon, but was lifted later that evening, the office of Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson said.

Police reports obtained by NBC Boston said the neighbor dialed 911 because Pennington's children had come to her house scared, "because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying."

Surveillance video and interviews revealed that the couple had been dealing with marital issues, according to a statement of facts from the Gardner District Court. Breanne Pennington was planning to move to Texas with the children to be away from her husband. He had threatened suicide and suffered from mental health issues.

"I know (Aaron) has some mental health issues that (Breanne) tried to get him to get help for, but he just wouldnt," Breanne Pennington's sister, Brooke Pertile, told NBC Boston. "He just robbed my nieces and nephews of a fantastic mom and robbed me of a sister and everybody else of their friend.

Neither of the Penningtons had a Massachusetts firearms license, but Breanne was known to have a gun in the residence for her protection, the court statement of facts said.

Investigators did not locate a firearm in the residence during a search, but they did locate three spent shell casings in the bedroom.

According to Penningtons LinkedIn, he was a senior supervisor at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. A spokesperson for Raytheon told NBC News that Pennington has not been employed at the company for some time.

Prior to Raytheon, Pennington's LinkedIn says he was employed by the U.S. Air Force for more than 8 years as an airlift and special missions aircraft maintainer. On his Facebook page, he identifies himself as a "Father, and Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

Police are directing anyone who sees Pennington not to approach him and call 911. To provide information regarding his whereabouts to the Massachusetts State Police, dial 508-829-8236.
When Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law one of the nations largest school choice programs in March, he said the move would enable every single student in the state of Florida to get a taxpayer-funded education voucher or savings account.

But data from Miami-Dade County Public Schools show that while the number of students who obtained a voucher did increase this school year, the majority of students who obtained a voucher were already enrolled in private schools.

Last school year, 43,301 students in Miami-Dade County used a tax credit or scholarship to attend a private school, according to Step Up For Students, an organization that manages the majority of vouchers in Florida. This school year, the number rose to 56,970, an increase of nearly 13,700, the organization said.

The natural assumption would be that Miami-Dade County (public schools) might have lost close to 14,000 students. But at least in the short term (and) in the school year were in, there appears to be minimal impact on public school enrollment, said Ron Steiger, Miami-Dade County Public Schools chief financial officer.

Instead, he said, the increase in vouchers is coming from students already attending private schools, or (students) in kindergarten who were already planning to attend a private school.

Miami-Dade County Schools is the third-largest district in the nation with nearly 336,000 students. In the last five years, however, theres been an overall decrease in enrollment  with the largest dip occurring during the pandemic  because of charter and private school growth, and families leaving Miami altogether. Nevertheless, a recent influx of immigration to South Florida boosted enrollment from last year to this school year.

READ MORE: Immigration spike has created an unexpected wave of enrollment at Miami-Dade schools

Broward County Public Schools also saw an increase in the number of students who obtained a voucher for the school year. District officials told the Herald that they were unable to determine whether the increase can be attributed to traditional public school students leaving for private schools, or students who were already enrolled in a private school obtaining a voucher.

Florida Department of Education officials told the Miami Herald in an email that Florida families have been excited to take part in this growing program, which has led to a record number of scholarship recipients this year.

State officials did not respond to Herald questions about how the majority of voucher users were already private school students.

Local vouchers mirror statewide trend

The trend in Miami-Dade County mirrors one seen across the state when accounting for the two main programs available to families, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

At the start of September, nearly 243,000 students had enrolled in more than 2,000 private schools statewide  a roughly 73,000 student increase from the 2022-23 school year, according to a report by Step Up for Students.

Of the nearly 243,000 students, about 123,000 are new to the program and 84,505  or 69%  were already in private schools, the report states. About 16,000 students who are new to the voucher program  or 13%  came from public schools, while 22,294 students were entering kindergarten, according to the report.

READ MORE: The number of new school-voucher recipients in Florida shows expansion, not explosion

For Karla Hernandez-Mats, president of United Teachers of Dade, the numbers validate concerns she and others expressed throughout the 2023 legislative session when HB1, the bill behind the voucher expansion, was debated. (Following DeSantis signing the bill in March, she said the law amounted to welfare for many wealthy parents who already send their children to private school.)

The numbers coming out certainly show that this did not create more access or seats for students, Hernandez-Mats told the Herald. This is a misuse of public funds where the people who have the means are now getting (about $8,000) they can use for other purposes.

The teachers union president cited a Tampa Bay Times story that detailed an approved list of items voucher recipients can buy should any voucher money remain after paying tuition and fees. Among the items: theme park passes, 55-inch TVs and stand-up paddleboards, the Times reported.

State lawmakers should be investing in traditional public schools, which is where the majority of children in the state attend, she said. Instead, she argued, private schools are now free to use taxpayer dollars how they see fit.

About 445,000 students, or about 13% of the states K-12 students, attended private school in the 2022-23 school year, while more than 2,870,500, or about 87%, were public school students, according to the Florida Department of Educations annual private schools report.

Supporters of the bill, including DeSantis and conservatives who made the bill a top priority, have rejected those claims, arguing funding for public schools has increased since DeSantis became governor. Moreover, they said the expansion encapsulated a years-long push to give families more choice and the Republican-led Legislatures effort to expand parents rights in the state.

During this years session, lawmakers expanded the Parental Rights in Education law, commonly referred to as Dont Say Gay, to bar instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation in kindergarten through eighth grade. The initial measure, signed in 2022, prohibited such instruction through third grade.

READ MORE: DeSantis signs school voucher expansion into law  what it will mean to families, schools

Issues with voucher rollout

Since the start of the school year, the voucher programs rollout has faced a series of hurdles, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

About one month into the school year  and after the deadline required by law, which is within 10 days of Sept. 1  some families of students living with a disability and private schools across Florida said theyd yet to receive the first-quarter installment from the state for the vouchers. In some cases, the delayed funds resulted in some services being canceled.

The complaints led Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz to ensure the money would be distributed as quickly as possible. He said the expansion placed pressure on the system, but added that his department would work with scholarship funding organizations, including Step Up, to ensure payments were distributed on time.

About a week after parents began complaining publicly about the delay at the end of September, families began seeing the funding, the Times reported.

This story has been updated to accurately reflect the increase in the number of students enrolled in a private school from the 2022-23 school year, according to Step Up For Students.
MOUNT LAUREL  A planning board meeting here ended with approval for a self-storage facility  and an angry expletive from a resident in a virtual audience.

Thank you all, a mans voice said sarcastically after the board voted in favor of a proposed three-story, 110,000-square foot building on Beaver Avenue, a largely residential street between Route 73 and Church Road.

You dont f---ing live here, the audience member snapped.

Development plan has high-flying goals Atlantic City International Airport advances industrial development plan

Unhappy residents of Beaver and nearby Oregon avenues blasted the proposal during a public-comment session that continued for almost 90 minutes at the Oct. 12 meeting.

Beaver Avenue project faces residents' fury

But the self-storage facility is an expressly permitted use for the almost two-acre site, an overgrown and trash-strewn lot across from a Route 73 Walmart, said Sara Werner, the developers attorney.

An overgrown field next to a home on Beaver Avenue is the planned site of a 100,000-square-foot storage facility in Mount Laurel.

And traffic issues  although a big concern for residents  were largely beyond the planning boards jurisdiction, said solicitor Ron Cacciore.

"The municipal land use law limits the (board's) jurisdiction to the safety of ingress and egress (for permitted uses)," he said, although that point appeared to have little impact on the residents' discontent.

Werner noted the building would rise in the Fellowship redevelopment area approved by township council more than decade ago.

"The area is still in need of redevelopment," she said.

Restrictions will bar living in storage units

An adjacent parcel, also covered by trees and brush, is the proposed site of a car wash at Beaver and Route 73.

The board is to consider that plan at its Nov. 9 meeting.

Construction of the storage facility could begin this year, with completion expected within 18 months.

Among other restrictions, customers of the highly secured building will not be allowed to live in their storage units or to keep hazardous materials there, noted Richard Cardamone, an executive for Florida-based Nuvo Development.

Residents complained the areas redevelopment was coming at their expense.

Were going to be stuck with lower property values, a lot more traffic and with the riffraff that comes with a building like this, claimed Christopher Murray of Oregon Avenue.

We've gone through Walmart and Life Time Fitness, Oregon Avenue resident Patricia Speas said of two earlier redevelopment projects. Neither one of them were wanted.

Its just constantly adding this, adding that, she said. Its basically ruining our neighborhood.

One common complaint: Neighbors said motorists frequently turn onto Beaver or Oregon, mistakenly expecting to reach the Walmart.

But there is no access to the store, and the drivers make U turns on the narrow streets, often with the help of residents' driveways.

An overgrown lot on Beaver Avenue is the site of a planned self-storage facility in Mount Laurel. The sign banning U turns is directed at motorists who turn onto the street and then realize it has no entrance to a Walmart store on the other side of Beaver.

One neighbor suggested traffic issues could be solved by making the neighborhood a gated community.

Michael Angelastro, the townships traffic engineer, said that would not be feasible.

He also noted the township previously asked the state Department of Transportation to restrict turns onto Beaver from Route 73, a state highway

We did pursue it and the DOT did say, We wont permit that.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Mount Laurel planning board acts on proposal for self-storage facility
An MP was stopped from boarding a flight to Canada because his name was Mohammad, Parliament has heard.

Labour MP for Bedford Mohammad Yasin was due to fly to Canada with a group of other MPs from the Commons Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee when he was delayed for extra questioning.

Mr Yasin was asked if he was carrying a knife or any other weapon and where he was born when he was taken aside by officials from Air Canada.

Labour MP Mohammad Yasin was delayed for extra questioning when travelling to and from Canada (Chris Radburn/PA)

He underwent similar questioning from officials on his return trip to the UK, MPs were told.

Clive Betts, the Labour chairman of the committee, raised the incident in the Commons and said he would write to the Canadian high commissioner in the UK to make clear the racist and Islamophobic nature of what happened was unacceptable.

Mr Yasin watched from the Labour backbenches as Mr Betts raised a point of order about the serious incident, which he said occurred last week.

The committee chairman said: When the committee checked in for their flights at Heathrow, all Members got through with the exception of the Member for Bedford, who was delayed for questioning for a considerable period.

He was told it was because his name was Mohammad.

Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East (David Woolfall/UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Betts added: He was also asked whether he was carrying a knife, or other offensive weapon, he was also asked where he was born. The questioning was undertaken by officials from Air Canada and we believe the Canadian government, and despite him already having been given a visa to enter Canada.

After proving he was an MP with the help of my committee clerk, he was eventually allowed through.

At Montreal airport, the same issues were raised by Canadian immigration.

On return at Toronto airport on the way back, he was again challenged and got on his flight with the assistance of my consul general, who was very helpful.

Mr Betts went on: He has received apologies from the parliamentary secretary to the Canadian minister for immigration and Air Canada, however, given the racist and Islamophobic nature of these challenges, I believe that it is worth writing to the Canadian high commissioner, which I will do.

I believe it is important to put these concerns on the parliamentary record. It was completely unacceptable for a Member of this House to be treated in this way.

But because he was an MP he was allowed on his flight. If, however, he had been one of our constituents who had been so challenged, he might have been refused.

We raised the issue with our high commissioner in Ottawa, who was very supportive, and amazed at what happened given the multicultural nature of Canada as an open and welcoming country.

She has raised it with the Canadian government, and I would also raise it in Parliament to try and ensure that no-one in the future is treated in this way.

Deputy speaker Sir Roger Gale said the situation was wholly unacceptable under any circumstances (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament/PA)

Deputy Speaker Sir Roger Gale replied: I am sure that the whole House will share the dismay at the treatment of the Member for Bedford.

It is wholly unacceptable under any circumstances.

But it is particularly concerning, occurring as it did, in the course of official travel on parliamentary business.

Speaking outside the chamber, Mr Yasin said: It was stressful and humiliating to be singled out in such an aggressive way by immigration control, especially when travelling in a group as a representative of the British Parliament on long-arranged Committee business.

While I dont expect special treatment as a Member of Parliament, it does concern me that had I not been an MP, how much worse the experience might have been.

A spokesman for Air Canada said: Unfortunately Mr Yasin was designated for additional screening prior to his flight after a security check, but he was still able to travel as planned as he was quickly cleared.

We are following up internally the handling of this particular matter to ensure procedures were properly followed and we have also been in touch with UK and Canadian authorities.

We regret any inconvenience or upset this situation may have created for Mr Yasin and have reached out to apologise.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the states investigation found in June 2022 Walker jumped out of his still-moving car, ran from police and ignored commands to stop and show his hands. Some of the officers first used Tasers to try and stop Walker, but he reached toward his waistband and raised a hand as officers were chasing, Yost said.

AKRON, Ohio (AP)  The eight Ohio police officers who fired scores of shots that killed Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, after a car and foot chase last year are back on active duty, officials said.

Akron Capt. Michael Miller, in a statement, cited a state investigation and an Ohio grand jurys decision against indicting any officers in the June 2022 shooting death of Walker. As a result, he said, all eight officers are back on full-time, active duty.

Miller also said the departments internal probe of the shooting is going through a final legal review and is expected to be released at the end of November.

8 officers involved in Jayland Walkers shooting death are back on active duty, officials say (Photo: Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal via AP)

Walker family attorney Bobby DiCello told WKYC-TV that the family is saddened by the way in which they continue to be ignored by the city of Akron, whose leaders, he said, have never once reached out to discuss the employment of the eight officers or explain why the officers are being reinstated.

Police said officers tried to pull over Walkers car for minor equipment violations and that he failed to stop and then fired a shot from the vehicle 40 seconds into the pursuit.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the states investigation found that Walker then jumped out of his still-moving car, ran from police and ignored commands to stop and show his hands. Some of the officers first used Tasers to try and stop Walker, but he reached toward his waistband and raised a hand as officers were chasing, Yost said.

The officers, not knowing that Walker had left his gun in the car, believed he was going to fire again, Yost said.

In April, a Summit County grand jury declined to indict the eight officers, who fired a total of 94 shots in just under seven seconds, hitting Walker 46 times. The officers, whose identities havent been released, were put on leave following the shooting and then reinstated to desk duty in October 2022.

Months of protests followed the shooting, and the family has filed a $45 million lawsuit against the city and the department. Akrons police chief, Steve Mylett, announced last month that he will retire at the end of the year.

At the time of the shooting, Walker was grieving his fiancees recent death, and his family and Anthony Pierson, an assistant state attorney general, said his actions that night were out of character.

By all accounts he was a good person, a good man, Pierson said.

Attorneys for the eight officers released a statement earlier calling the shooting a tragedy for the entire community, including Walkers family and all of the officers who were involved.

A split-second decision to use lethal force is one that every police officer hopes he or she will never be forced to make, the statement said.

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By Michelle Nichols and Simon Lewis

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that he will work with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from spreading when they meet later this week.

Blinken called on the 15-member council to help contain the conflict, amid soaring tensions after Palestinian militant group Hamas' attacks on Israel on Oct. 7.

"Members of this council, and permanent members in particular, have a special responsibility to prevent this conflict from spreading," Blinken said, warning Iran and its proxies in the region not to open up more fronts in the war.

"I look forward to continuing to work with my counterpart from the People's Republic of China to do precisely that, when he visits Washington later this week," he said.

Washington does not seek conflict with Iran, Blinken said, but warned that it would act swiftly and decisively if Tehran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere.

Wang is set to arrive in the United States on Thursday for talks with Blinken and President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, as Washington seeks to ensure the intense competition between the world's two largest economies and their disagreements over a host of issues from trade to Taiwan and the South China Sea do not veer into conflict.

Blinken is expected to meet with Wang on Thursday afternoon. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said the Chinese minister would also meet with Sullivan and Blinken on Friday. She said they would address challenging issues, including misperceptions and miscommunications, and ways they can work together.

U.S. officials are keen for Beijing to use its influence with Iran and other countries in the Middle East to help prevent the conflict there from spreading.

Analysts said that while China had expressed concern about the U.S. approach to the conflict, the two sides share a common interest in avoiding a wider regional war.

"That might be a basis for some common ground, even if China likely sees some benefits to the hit the United States is taking in the region among its Arab partners," said Dalia Dassa Kaye, a senior fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations.

However, she said Beijing's actual leverage could be limited, while others questioned Beijing's willingness to use it.

Jon Alterman, head of the Middle East program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China, as a major oil consumer, certainly has an interest in preventing a direct U.S.-Iranian confrontation as it would spike oil prices.

"Still, the Chinese are unlikely to do any heavy lifting here," he said. "I expect they'll want a seat at the table when the Israel-Gaza struggle gets resolved, but they dont feel much need or ability to hasten resolution."

Israel's bombing and siege of Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks has stirred anger in Muslim-majority countries, and Washington fears an imminent ground offensive could spark a wider conflict.

China has consistently called for restraint and a ceasefire in response to Israel's bombardment of Gaza, but has also sharpened its criticism of Israel.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom; editing by Deepa Babington and Leslie Adler)
For many Americans, tax season brings headaches. A pilot program from the IRS hopes to change that.

The IRS is launching the Direct File pilot in 2024 (for 2023 taxes.) Its a free service that allows taxpayers initially in 13 states to file electronically directly with the IRS.

Four states  California, Arizona, Massachusetts and New York  will work with the IRS to integrate state taxes. The nine states without an income tax  Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming  may also be eligible. Washington is also joining for the states application of the Working Families Tax Credit. It will be limited to certain types of income and claiming limited credits and adjustments.

Direct File will be available in English and Spanish.

The IRS Direct File pilot program will launch in 2024 and certain California taxpayers will be among the first to use it.

Igor Volsky  executive director of Groundwork Action, an economic advancement organization  sat through a demonstration of the tool this week.

I didnt think I would enjoy watching someone else do their taxes, actually, Volsky said. And it became very clear, even in this early iteration, that this is the kind of simple and clear user experience that I think so many taxpayers have really been clamoring for.

Volsky said it underscored why the $14 billion tax preparation industry has spent so much lobbying on the topic. The Associated Press reported tax preparation companies such as Intuit and H&R Block spent $39.3 million since 2006 lobbying on free file and other matters.

A congressional report released in July found the personal information of millions of people who used H&R Block, TaxSlayer or TaxAct to do their taxes may have been shared with Google and Facebook.

Direct File is not free tax preparation, but rather a thinly veiled scheme where billions of dollars of taxpayer money will be unnecessarily used to pay for something already completely free of charge today  free to the taxpayer and actually free for the government, Tania Mercado, a spokesperson for Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, said in a statement.

Mercado said the IRS is asking taxpayers to trust it after it openly acknowledged systemic inequities that may have targeted low-income and Black taxpayers at a higher rate for audits.

The Direct File scheme is a solution in search of a problem, and that half-baked solution now has the potential to become a financial nightmare for tens of millions of taxpayers, Mercado said.

However, as part of a multi-state agreement, TurboTax paid out settlement checks to low-income Americans tricked into paying for free tax services, according to the Office of the New York Attorney General.

The IRS Direct File pilot program will launch in 2024 as a free service that allows taxpayers in some states to file directly with the IRS.

Volsky said the tool is being thoughtfully tested to ensure people who could benefit the most know about and understand Direct File.

By taking part in this pilot, Volsky said, theyre really helping the government help them in building out a system that is responsive, building out a system that is safe, secure, accurate, and  I think importantly for many taxpayers  free.

Four states  California, Arizona, Massachusetts and New York  will work with the IRS to integrate state taxes in the new Direct File pilot program.

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Authorities are investigating a Saturday night police chase that left two Nampa teens dead.

Just after 9 p.m. Saturday, the Ontario Police Department asked the Payette County Sheriffs Office for help pursuing a black Volkswagen Jetta that was headed toward Fruitland, Idaho, according to a news release from the Payette County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office said the Jetta, which didnt have license plates, was driving fast with no headlights.

Deputies found the vehicle heading southbound on Elmore Road and began pursuing it, the Sheriffs Office said. When the Jetta approached U.S. 30, it left the road, entered a canal and hit the side of a concrete bridge, according to the news release.

Both a 16-year-old teenage girl and the 19-year-old male driver died inside the car, the release said. The Payette County Coroners Office is expected to identify the occupants and release the cause and manner of death. Idaho State Police is helping to investigate the crash.

The New Plymouth Rural Fire Department along with several tow companies removed the vehicle from the canal, and police later determined that the Jetta was stolen from Ontario, the release said.
The city of Mansfield has partnered with a private developer to build a transformational mixed-use development in the heart of downtown.

The 4-acre project called Water Mill Square, on the southwest corner of Main and Broad streets, was made official this month when the city approved an agreement with Frisco-based Nack Development.

Water Mill Square will feature a combination of multi-family housing, retail, entertainment, office space and restaurants, the company said.

The developer said it will be taking specific cues from a mixed-use development in downtown Denver called The Dairy Block.

On the hunt for local art, inspiring design, and somewhere new to eat/drink/shop? Our block checks all the boxes, and then some. pic.twitter.com/PCV4PfRBXd  Dairy Block (@dairyblock) June 12, 2019

The Denver self-proclaimed micro-district features restaurants, bars, retailers, live music and art shows. It also includes several boutiques, a co-working space and a hotel.

Similar to The Dairy Block, buildings in Mansfield will back one another to establish a pedestrian promenade for people to walk the development and sit outdoors, Nack Development said.

The key thing from The Dairy Block will be activating alley and pedestrian space, Donny Churchman, founder of Nack Development, told the Star-Telegram. Were building pedestrian plazas, if you will, and well be activating those with patio space and bring art to the space to make it really vibrant.

HERE at @dairyblock, you'll find a distinctive experience at every turnsomething delightful worth returning for. pic.twitter.com/Bq2qkxy2W5  Dairy Block (@dairyblock) August 13, 2019

Construction on the first phase of Water Mill Square will begin next summer and will mainly focus on bringing in retail, restaurant and event space on the first floor. A second floor component above the event space could be used for co-working or as an entrepreneur incubator, Churchman said. Construction on the first phase  in the north portion of Broad and Main  will take about 18 months.

Construction on Phase 2 will begin once the city of Mansfield relocates an existing fire station that sits in the middle of the property. Phase 2 construction will involve more retail and restaurant space on the ground floor with four stories of multi-family development above.

The project will bring more than 100 apartment units and about 20 town homes modeled after brownstones found in Washington D.C. and Arlington, Virginia, Churchman said. Phase 2 is expected to begin in about 18 to 24 months  shortly after the city relocates its fire station.

Both phases combined will span 80,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space.

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The developer said it plans to target boutique businesses and local talent when leasing up the property.

What first drew us to Mansfield was their commitment to the old and the embracing of the new to produce something truly unique, Churchman said in a news release. Inviting modern ideas that will both keep the past alive, while creating something new and vibrant, to stir curiosities that will only inspire deeper connections to this place we create.

Downtown Mansfield, shown in this May 2019 photo, has some historic buildings that are more than a century old.

A historic home and two existing buildings will be relocated under existing plans.

Our goals are in direct alignment with the city, Churchman said. By inviting collaboration to the table, and the sharing of ideas to maintain its original spirit, makes all the possibilities shine a little more brightly.

Jason Moore, director of economic development for Mansfield, says the city recruited Nack Development after identifying target locations in Mansfield that could be the biggest catalyst for future development. The city agreed on incentives to include grants up to $3.38 million over five years based on performance measures.

Anytime you can get a catalytic project like this to kickoff, it showcases to brokers and the commercial real estate world that Mansfield is the place to go, Moore told the Star-Telegram. Weve tried very hard to work with the right developers in the right locations.

Customers eat lunch outside the Twisted Root shortly after it opened in downtown Mansfield in early 2018.

About 20% to 25% of land within Mansfield city limits is vacant, and 93% of Mansfield residents commute outside of the city limits for work, Moore said. Mansfield currently doesnt have any high-end retail or Class A office space  considered the highest quality  which Moore thinks the citys demographics could support.

The City Council wants to be intentional on how we support residents and businesses here, how we have sustainable and resilient growth moving forward, Moore said.

Moore said he hopes developments like Water Mill Square with the right mix of workspace, retail, hospitality and housing will create a more walkable community for Mansfield.

Were looking at how you create this walkable site, where you can live, work, play and shop, Moore said. Councils vision is how do we create remarkable world-class experiences with Mansfields remaining land while enhancing what we have today. Forty years from now, we want people to look back and say the city thought about this appropriately and from a sustainable mindset.

The Frisco Chamber of Commerce named Churchman entrepreneur of the year in 2022. Churchmans firm also has a mixed-use development in Old Town Lewisville slated to open in the spring.

Nack Development has a project in Old Town Lewisville that is expected to open this spring, bringing new businesses to the downtown.

Churchman came up with the name Water Mill Square in reference to an old water pump and mill that were once in downtown.

Nack Development has been in real estate in North Texas since 2016. It previously revitalized the downtown historic Frisco area with The Rail District mixed-use development.

Nack Developments recent mixed-use project, The Patios at The Rail in Frisco, gives a glimpse of what an upcoming Mansfield development could look like.

We are marrying old with new, Churchman said. Thats what we love to do. We dont want to forget the history of downtown but also show progress. Were really good at combining those two to jumpstart a downtown.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg on Tuesday for talks on regional security and joint efforts to deter North Korea's military threats, Seoul's defense ministry said.

During the meeting, the two sides shared the view that only a solid combined defense posture can deter North Korea's provocations as they discussed the implications of the recent conflict in Israel on South Korea's security, according to the ministry.

They noted the solidarity of the bilateral alliance is "more firm than ever" and that the credibility of the U.S. extended deterrence commitment has been strengthened through the recent deployment of its strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula, it said.

The U.S. military sent a B-52H nuclear-capable bomber to South Korea last week, and the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier to a naval base in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, earlier this month.

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities to defend its ally.

The two sides also shared the view that North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs pose threats not only to the peninsula but also to the international community, stressing the need for international coordination to curb such threats, the ministry said. (Yonhap)
The Biden administration Monday rolled out a series of proposals to change how work visas are granted and what rights they convey to foreign nationals.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the changes to modernize and improve the efficiency of the H-1B program, add benefits and flexibilities, and improve integrity measures in the Federal Register.

But the proposals are hit-and-miss for many advocates and researchers.

The regulation is a very modest attempt to make the H-1B program work a little bit better than it does now, said David Bier, associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute.

In balance, the proposal liberalizes certain aspects of the H-1B, while tightening regulations that lawyers worry could make the application process more difficult.

The H-1B is directed toward specialty occupations: engineers, doctors and journalists, for instance, who are foreign nationals with U.S.-based jobs.

The visa is often granted to graduates of U.S. universities, and for many it serves as a bridge between college or graduate school in the United States and permanent residency or naturalization.

But for many others, the H-1B is a trap.

The H-1B in principle is granted for three years and renewable for another three, after which beneficiaries can either move to another status, such as a green card, or leave the country.

Green cards, however, are subject to a per-country cap, where no one country can receive more than 7 percent of the annual allocation. That leaves nationals of countries such as India, which is a heavy user of H-1Bs, stuck in decades-long backlogs, renewing their H-1Bs yearly after the two three-year periods end.

The fact going forward is that there arent enough green cards, that the cap is going to be filled very quickly for green cards this year, and its not going to be just Indians anymore. Everybodys going to be starting to face increasing wait times, said Bier.

Because current regulations make it risky and difficult to switch employers, workers on green card backlogs are at heightened risk for labor abuses.

The new regulation does not address that issue, said Bier, and it adds language that could make it more difficult to obtain the visa in the first place.

Immigration lawyer Cyrus Mehta wrote that the new regulations tightening of rules to match college and graduate school degrees with occupations will make the H-1B program more restrictive and will negate all the good features.

The proposed regulation seeking to amend the definition of specialty occupation is of great concern as it would incentivize [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] examiners to issue requests for evidence, which in turn would be burdensome on employers, wrote Mehta.

The administrations new proposal would adopt language similar to a Trump administration proposal saying an applicants job needs to be directly related to their studies, and to the needs of any given job.

Because people often study one thing and end up working in a different field, immigration law experts are worried this measure could create unnecessary red tape.

But the administrations proposal also makes it less risky to apply for an H-1B.

The visa is granted to a set number of people, regardless of how many apply; the winners are chosen at random from the pool of eligible applicants.

Thats made many would-be applicants reconsider the expenses and effort of an application, while other applicants enter the system on repeated occasions sponsored by different companies, getting more tickets for the lottery.

Under the new system, each individual applicant would count once for the lottery system, regardless of how many applications they filed.

The new proposal would also codify a way for entrepreneurs to self-sponsor, whereas only U.S.-based companies can sponsor applicants now.

That whole thing was thrown out by a court, so the rule should be right now that any entrepreneur who wants to sponsor themselves for an H-1B should be able to do so, but in practice, Ive been told that that is not what is happening. They are still making it difficult to do that, said Bier.

The proposal would also extend the time recent graduates of U.S. universities can work before requiring an H-1B to continue working, a process known as Optional Practical Training, making it easier to time applications to avoid interruptions in work eligibility.

And it would require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that grants work permits, to defer to its prior decisions, meaning that renewals for people with unchanged underlying circumstances would be virtually guaranteed.

In parallel, the State Department is mulling a proposal to allow H-1B applicants to receive their visa stamps without leaving the United States. Currently, applicants must leave the country to get stamps at a U.S. consulate abroad.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Two months after a 32-year-old Minnesota womans sudden and unexpected death, her husband is accused of killing her, police said.

Betty Bowman, of Rochester, was checked into an emergency room at the Mayo Clinic on Aug. 16, suffering from symptoms of severe dehydration, according to an Oct. 23 news release from the Rochester Police Department. Despite receiving care at one of the most renowned hospitals in the country, Bowmans symptoms only worsened and she died four days later, according to police.

Bowmans obituary blamed a sudden onset autoimmune and infectious illness for her death.

The Wichita, Kansas, native earned her pharmaceutical doctorate from the University of Kansas, completed her residency in Topeka, and in May 2021, she married her husband, Connor Bowman, the obituary said.

Two years and five months after their wedding, Bowman was dead.

Her kindness and intelligence was noticed and valued by friends and strangers alike, it read. She is survived by her fur-baby Sir Crumpet II of Mulberry (corgi), her husband Connor, and so many special friends and loved ones.

But investigators harbored suspicions about Bowmans death, according to police. The department received a call on Aug. 21 from a medical examiner who believed she had been poisoned, and an investigation was launched, police said.

During the investigation, police learned that Connor worked for Poison Control before becoming a doctor and found evidence suggesting that he poisoned his wife by giving her a drug for an ailment she did not have, the release said.

Connor told people Betty died of a rare disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH, court documents said, KAAL reported. Hes also responsible for the similar explanation that appeared in her obituary, documents said.

Police arrested Connor, 30, on Oct. 20 on a charge of second-degree murder, according to the release.

He was booked into the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center and is awaiting arraignment, records show.

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The family of a former Kansas City police detective, whose manslaughter conviction in the shooting death of a Black man was upheld last week by the Missouri Court of Appeals, has filed a clemency request with Gov. Mike Parson.

Eric J. DeValkenaere, who is white, had been found guilty at trial in Jackson County in 2021 on charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Sentenced to six years in prison, he remained free on bond while he appealed his conviction.

Johnathan Shiflett, a spokesperson for Parson, a Republican, said in an email to The Star that DeValkenaeres family attorneys submitted a request for clemency to Parsons office. The office has also received hundreds of additional calls and requests from private citizens on his behalf.

Governor Parson has made no decision regarding clemency for Mr. DeValkenaere at this time, the email said. Shiflett said the clemency request was a closed record and he could not provide The Star with a copy.

The Missouri Constitution gives Parson the power to delay, reduce or eliminate the punishment of state-level crimes. The clemency process ranges from a full pardon of a criminal conviction to a reprieve  the temporary suspension or delay of a criminal sentence.

DeValkenaere remained in protective custody in the Platte County jail Tuesday after he surrendered to authorities last week when the Missouri Court of Appeals decided to uphold his conviction in the killing of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. DeValkenaere shot and killed Lamb as he was backing his pickup truck into his garage in November 2019.

Sarah DeValkenaere appeared Tuesday morning on the Pete Mundo radio talk show and said she has filed a clemency petition with Parsons office.

We have submitted a clemency packet directly to the governors office and I just hope that, I know hes a former law enforcement officer himself. I know he has firsthand knowledge of how hard these men and women work each day and how sometimes theyre put into life-and-death situations where they have to make quick decisions, Sarah DeValkenaere said in the radio interview.

She could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker on Tuesday issued a statement in opposition to the clemency request.

We strongly oppose, the statement said. The rule of law has spoken clearly on this matter through a Jackson County Grand Jury, three separate Circuit Court judges, three separate appeals court judges and the presiding judge of the Western District Court of Appeals, who signed the arrest warrant last week.

A fundraising letter for Eric DeValkenaere on behalf of his wife Sarah contains false claims about the death of Cameron Lamb at the former Kansas City police officers hands.

Really sick and tired

In June, Baker sent a letter to Parson urging him not to pardon DeValkenaere.

Parson, a former sheriff of Polk County, told reporters at the time that he has the power to pardon DeValkenaere even if he did not apply for clemency.

Last week, after the court upheld DeValkenaeres conviction, Parsons office issued a statement saying Parson was aware of the courts decision and was assessing the situation.

Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaeres case that he gives to all others that come across his desk. No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time, Shiflett said.

Lambs family and community activists have pleaded with Parson not to issue a pardon or grant clemency to DeValkenaere.

Laurie Bey, Lambs mother said she was upset with the clemency petition.

Theyre still not accepting responsibility for the killing of my son, Bey told The Star. Im not happy about it. Im really sick and tired. I hope that Gov. Parson does not consider it.

In a rare decision by a Jackson County judge, DeValkenaere had been allowed to remain free on bond nearly two years while he appealed the November 2021 criminal conviction. DeValkenaere is the first Kansas City police officer to be convicted in the shooting death of a Black man.

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said Parson should recognize that to grant clemency or a pardon because DeValkenaere is a former police officer is blatantly disrespectful to the victim and his family.

This request for clemency is yet another attempt to skirt justice. DeValkenaere needs to do the time for his crime. Period, Grant said in a written statement emailed to The Star.

I believe six years was a lenient sentence for this former cop who killed an unarmed Black man while violating his 4th Amendment rights and tampering with evidence at the crime scene.

Grant continued: Cameron was killed for nothing more than a traffic violation. His life should mean something to the Governor, the FOP, the Police Chief, and all DeValkenaere supporters who believe Cameron does not deserve justice.

The Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2 invoked Parsons history in law enforcement, calling on him to uphold the integrity of the badge as well as the court decision.

Pushing for another release

On Wednesday, after being in jail for one day, DeValkenaere sought through a new court filing to be released on bond again.

In a court filing seeking to have DeValkenaere released a second time, attorney Jonathan Laurans wrote that the former police officer had not violated any conditions of previous bond set down by the Jackson County court in February 2022.

DeValkenaere was not a flight risk, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baileys office has not objected to the motion.

Bailey, a Republican whose office is responsible for arguing on behalf of the state, instead agreed that the involuntary manslaughter conviction should have been overturned.

It will likely take a week before the Court of Appeals rules on the bond request.

DeValkenaere is expected to be taken to prison while he waits for the courts decision. He could be assigned to one of the Missouri Department of Corrections three reception and diagnostic facilities for men in St. Joseph, Bonne Terre or Fulton, according to state officials.
After a federal salary review, Florida International University has been accused of gender pay discrimination against 163 women. While the Miami-based public university said it disagreed with the findings, it will pay $575,000 in back pay and interest to settle the allegation.

That works out to $3,527.61 for each woman that the U.S. Department of Labor said was shorted on pay.

Each woman worked in what the federal department called mid-level executive positions at FIU. The review found they were paid less than men in similar jobs at the university.

The alleged discrimination happened from Aug. 1, 2017, through Aug. 1, 2018. The Department of Labor released details of the case this month.

The Department of Labor said FIU would also allot $125,000 for future pay equity adjustments and other pay equity-related activities and to take steps to make sure its compensation practices and policies are free from discrimination.

FIU paid 163 female employees less than men in similar positions, according to a U.S. Department of Labor investigation. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com

While the university said that statement was accurate, it didnt agree with the accusations made by Labors Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) review.

At FIU, we take our commitment to equal employment opportunity seriously and strive to treat our employees fairly, the school statement said. While we disagree with the OFCCPs allegations, we decided to enter into a conciliation agreement after an extensive review. This allows us to continue to focus our resources on our mission of excellence in higher education and research.

In keeping with the normal course of university business, the statement continued, we will continue to monitor our processes to ensure equal employment opportunities for every employee at FIU.

As a federal contractor, FIU provides services for the federal government and contract work for five federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and NASA. That also means its subject to the rules of being a federal contractor, one of which is that all personnel practices must be free from discrimination based on color of skin, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or natonal origin.

Employers that hold federal contracts must provide all employees with equal employment opportunities and audit their employment processes to make certain no barriers to equal employment exist, OFCCP Southeast Regional Director Aida Collins said. We appreciate that Florida International University worked cooperatively with the Department of Labor to resolve our concerns.

READ MORE: Ride Miami-Dade buses for free as new routes roll out. What to know
By Jack Queen and Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Donald Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen testified on Tuesday that he manipulated the values of the former U.S. president's real estate properties to match "whatever number Mr. Trump told us."

Testifying as a key witness in New York Attorney General Letitia James' civil fraud case against Trump, Cohen said Trump tasked him and other former Trump Organization executives with doctoring financial statements to boost the value of the company's holdings and secure better real estate premiums.

"He would say, 'I'm actually not worth $4.5 billion, I'm really worth more like 6 (billion)," Cohen said, adding that Trump arrived at the valuations of his assets "arbitrarily."

Tuesday's testimony marked a highly anticipated reunion of the allies-turned-bitter-foes.

Trump initially leaned back in his chair with his arms folded and stared intently at Cohen as he testified, but spent most of the day hunched over the defendant's table, occasionally watching Cohen and speaking to his lawyers.

Cohen is expected to return to the witness stand on Wednesday for cross-examination by Trump's lawyers. Trump told reporters after exiting the courtroom that he would return on Wednesday as well.

Cohen testified that he and onetime Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg would mark up line items by hand using red ink in Trump's financial statements after the former president told them the numbers were too low.

The testimony came during the fourth week of a trial in New York state court in Manhattan stemming from a lawsuit that James, a Democrat, brought against Trump and his family company last September. The suit, which could break up Trump's business empire, alleges Trump inflated the value of his properties.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has denied wrongdoing and defended the valuations of his properties, saying the case is a "fraud" and a political witch hunt.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom when the trial ended for the day, Trump called Cohen a "disgraceful fellow."

"The witness is totally discredited already," Trump said.

James' civil suit is one of many legal woes Trump faces as he campaigns for the presidency. He has pleaded not guilty to four criminal indictments, including federal cases tied to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and the removal of government documents from the White House.

COHEN SAYS HE LIED AT TRUMP'S DIRECTION

Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump, turned on his onetime boss in 2018, when he pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia.

In an apparent effort to head off expected attacks by Trump's lawyers on Cohen's credibility, Colleen Faherty, a lawyer for the attorney general's office, began her questioning of Cohen by reviewing his criminal history. Cohen said he lied at Trump's direction.

Cohen began a three-year prison sentence in 2019 but was released to home confinement the following year during the coronavirus pandemic.

Prosecutors never accused Trump of criminal wrongdoing stemming from his business dealings with Russia.

During about a half hour of cross-examination on Tuesday, Cohen - a disbarred lawyer - rattled off case law to support an objection by the attorney general to a question by Trump lawyer Alina Habba.

"We can also go on to your favorite, United States vs. Nixon," Cohen said, referencing a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering former President Richard Nixon to hand over records related to the Watergate scandal.

Trump's appearance in court on Tuesday was his first after being fined $5,000 by Justice Arthur Engoron, the judge overseeing the case, for violating a gag order.

In September, before the trial began, Engoron found that Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth and ordered the dissolution of companies that control crown jewels of his real estate portfolio, including Trump Tower in Manhattan. That ruling is on hold while Trump appeals.

The trial largely concerns damages. James is seeking at least $250 million in fines, a permanent ban against Trump and his sons Donald Jr and Eric from running businesses in New York and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Trump and the Trump Organization.

(Reporting by Jack Queen; Writing by Jack Queen and Luc Cohen; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Nick Zieminski, Lisa Shumaker and Rod Nickel)
Georgias Supreme Court ruled that the states six-week abortion ban was constitutional on Thursday, upholding a ban that severely limits access to the form of reproductive healthcare.

In a 6-1 decision, Georgias Supreme Court upheld the ban, which prohibits abortions at six weeks of pregnancy  before most women know they are pregnant.

The highly anticipated ruling comes after nearly a year of back and forth between lower courts in the case of Georgia v SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective.

Plaintiffs argued that the states law violated Georgias constitutional requirement that statutes cannot violate the law. When the law was passed in 2019, abortion was legal in the state.

It wasnt until the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022 that the law went into effect.

In response, the state argued that it didnt matter when the law was passed but that it is now aligned with the current law.

Last November, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney initially decided the law was unconstitutional and blocked it temporarily. However, eight days later the Georgia Supreme Court reinstated the law while awaiting a decision.

In their decision, the Georgia Supreme Court argued that the lower court erred in the decision saying it cannot render a law void from the beginning or ab initio

The holdings of United States Supreme Court cases interpreting the United States Constitution that have since been overruled cannot establish that a law was unconstitutional when enacted, the Georgia Supreme Court said in its ruling.

Protestors march and chant in Downtown Atlanta, in opposition to Georgia's new abortion law on July 23, 2022 (Getty Images)

In the majority opinion, written by Justice Verda Colvin, the court argued that they were addressing challenges to the law under a post-Dobbs world since Roe is no longer the precedent.

Georgia is now among 12 states that have passed and upheld so-called fetal heartbeat bills which claim the six-week point in gestation is the point at which fetal heartbeat is detectable  though this fact is disputed among the American Medical Association and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The law, nicknamed the LIFE Act, mandates a penalty for doctors who perform the procedure. It does make exceptions for abortion in the case of rape or incest, so long a woman is less than 20 weeks gestation, but requires a police report.

The implications of restrictive access to abortion care can lead to medical, emotional and physical trauma, something several women in Texas have testified to when they were denied abortion care.

Todays decision will cause irreparable harm to the people of Georgia, the majority of whom want abortion to be legal, Carol McDonald, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates said in a press release.

Ms McDonald said Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates intends to hold lawmakers accountable for the public health crisis theyve created across Georgia.

Monica Simpson, the executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective said the ruling was devastating.

This abortion ban has forced Georgians to travel across state lines at great expense or continue the life-altering consequences of pregnancy and childbirth against their wills. In a state that already has OB/GYN deserts, one of the highest maternal mortality rates, especially for us as Black women, and cruel anti-trans legislation, this decision only further disregards us, our bodily autonomy, and our lives, Ms Simpson said.

Ms Simpson, like Ms McDonald, vowed to continue fighting for reproductive justice.

Now, the case will return to Fulton County Superior Court where Judge McBurney will consider the plaintiffs other arguments as to why the six-week ban should be lifted.
Majority Whip Tom Emmers speaker bid lasted only four hours before he dropped out in the face of steadfast opposition from a number of right-wing members of the House Republican conference.

Mr Emmer won the nomination on Tuesday for speaker after five rounds of internal voting, but it quickly became clear that he wouldnt reach the 217 votes needed on the floor of the House.

Mr Emmer and Rep Mike Johnson were the final two in the internal ballot after Rep Kevin Hern was booted in the fourth round and Rep Byron Donalds dropped out voluntarily.

Shortly after Mr Emmer received the backing of fellow Republican congressmen, former President Donald Trump  who had spent the day sitting in a New York courtroom where he is accused of fraud  launched a furious attack on him.

Mr Trump wrote on his social media platform: I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them. He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

He added: I believe he has now learned his lesson, because he is saying that he is Pro-Trump all the way, but who can ever be sure? Has he only changed because thats what it takes to win? The Republican Party cannot take that chance, because thats not where the America First Voters are. Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!

Mr Emmer, who joined the House after winning his seat in 2014 after spending six years in the state legislature and losing a tight race for Minnesota governor in 2010, won the first round of voting for the speaker nomination after receiving 78 votes, with Mr Johnson coming in second with 34 votes.

Mr Emmers lead grew in the second round, gaining 12 votes. Mr Johnson remained in second, gaining three votes. In the third ballot, Mr Emmer got 100 votes, 107 on the fourth, and finally 117 on the fifth.

The GOP spent hours behind closed doors in a candidate forum on Monday night.

Nine candidates put themselves forward as possible options  Mr Donalds, Mr Johnson, Jack Bergman, Mr Hern, Dan Meuser, Gary Palmer, Pete Sessions, Austin Scott, and Mr Emmer.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rep Jim Banks told The Independent that Mr Emmer was a long way away from the speakership as of Tuesday afternoon. Hes got a lot of work to do.

Asked what his concerns were about Mr Emmer, he said: I could have voted for any of the others who put themselves up today on the floor, but I cant vote for someone who doesnt have a conservative track record.

Tom Emmer ended hs bid for speaker after four hours (REUTERS)

Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the first nominee following the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, chose not to go to the floor after private conversations revealed he didnt have the required support  Mr Emmer chose the same route.

With only 221 members in a body of 433--the House has two vacancies--Mr Emmer could only lose four.

Republicans are hoping to appoint a new speaker this week in the face of government funding running out on 17 November and President Joe Biden asking Congress for more than $100bn to help both Ukraine and Israel.

People are locked in, hes explaining his position, Rep Tim Burchett of Tennessee told The Independent before Mr Emmer ended his bid. I would hope that he can get in the room with just those people that are holding out and that would be the way to go.

Mr Burchett was one of eight Republicans who joined every Democrat to remove Mr McCarthy, but he voted for Mr Emmer.

He's the overwhelming vote-getter, Mr Burchett said of Mr Emmer.

Mr Emmer worked hard in the last few days to overcome the notion that he hasnt been sufficiently supportive of Mr Trump. However, his efforts appear to have been in vain.

Those close to Mr Trump began sniping at the Minnesota lawmaker in the media on Friday, with far-right outlet Real Americas Voice declaring that Mr Emmer is Nancy Pelosi in a suit.

A former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee in the 2020 and 2022 cycle, Mr Emmer worked to recruit many of the Republicans who helped Republicans flip the House. But Republicans still chronically underperformed despite winning back the majority in 2022.

Mr Emmer and his staff worked overtime over the weekend making calls, including one to Mr Trump. The call between Mr Trump and Mr Emmer has been described as cordial, even as Mr Trump has been telling associates that he doesnt want Mr Emmer as speaker, bothered by his vote to certify the 2020 election and believing that he hasnt been sufficiently defending him in public amidst his broadening legal woes.

The former president is also reported to be annoyed at Mr Emmer for giving the advice ahead of the 2022 midterms that GOP candidates should avoid focusing on Mr Trump during their campaigns.

Will you endorse Emmer? He hasnt always been your biggest fan a reporter asked Mr Trump in New Hampshire on Monday.

Hes my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday and told me hes my biggest fan so Im trying to stay out of that as much as possible, Mr Trump said. He is reported to have spoken to several candidates for speaker over the weekend.

Mr Emmer shared a clip on X of Mr Trump mentioning their phone call at the weekend in an attempt to assuage his caucus that he has a good working relationship with Mr Trump.

If my colleagues elect me Speaker of the House, I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship, Mr Emmer wrote on X on Monday.

A spokesperson for Mr Emmer told Politico that Whip Emmer worked hand in hand with President Trump to help House Republicans fire Nancy Pelosi and retake the majority.

If he becomes Speaker, Whip Emmer looks forward to continuing that productive relationship, the spokesperson added.

Previously, pundits supportive of Mr Trump, such as his former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, had been pushing the notion that Mr Emmer is a Washington insider with no real connection to the MAGA movement.

Tom Emmer, the biggest never-Trumper in the House, a guy who hates Donald Trump, Mr Bannon said on his War Room podcast on Friday.

Heres the probability Tom Emmer is going to be speaker  zero, he said.

Islamophobic hard-right influencer Laura Loomer posted that Mr Emmer is one of the worst members of Congress and essentially a Democrat.
Representational image: A Hong Kong court on 24 October 2023 upheld a ruling that favoured the granting of equal inheritance rights to same-sex couples in a victory for the citys LGBT+ community (Associated Press)

A Hong Kong court upheld a ruling that supported the extension of equal inheritance rights to same-sex married couples in a significant triumph for the LGBT+ community in the bustling global financial centre.

Hong Kong law does not allow same-sex marriage so some couples get married in places abroad where it is legal.

Activists now hope the ruling could influence Asian countries like Singapore and Japan to reevaluate their own stances on inclusivity of those belonging to the LGBT+ community.

The Hong Kong Court of Appeal on Tuesday said denial of equal inheritance rights to same-sex couples was unreasonably burdensome.

The courts ruling was a response to the city governments appeal filed in December last year that challenged a 2020 court verdict endorsing equal rights for same-sex married couples under the citys inheritance laws.

In a written judgment, Judges Peter Cheung, Maria Yuen and Thomas Au said the citys secretary of justice, who led the governments appeal, failed on all grounds of appeal.

Theres no reason why foreign same-sex marriages cannot be similarly admitted as a matter of principle of equality of treatment, the judges wrote.

The ruling involved a years-long battle fought by Henry Li and his late partner Edgar Ng.

After they married in London in 2017, Ng bought a subsidised flat as his matrimonial home with Li. He was concerned that if he died intestate, his proprieties would not be passed on to Li.

Ng died in 2020 after suffering years of depression.

While some activists welcomed this ruling, they also called for more comprehensive reforms.

We have been saying the best option for the government is to implement a comprehensive system to recognise same-sex partnerships. It is our view that same-sex marriage is the only proven and permanent solution for Hong Kong, said Jerome Yau, representing the group Hong Kong Marriage Equality.

In September, Hong Kongs highest court ruled against same-sex marriage but granted the government a two-year window to create a legal framework for recognising unions between same-sex couples.

Last week, the Hong Kong Court of Appeal also rejected the governments attempt to deny same-sex married couples the right to rent and own public housing, citing it as discriminatory in nature and a complete denial of these couples rights.

Additional reporting by agencies
The House GOP picked Rep. Mike Johnson as their latest speaker nominee Tuesday evening, though the Louisiana Republican so far lacks the 217 votes needed to win the gavel  the latest sign that Republicans are still no closer to electing a new speaker three weeks after Kevin McCarthys historic ouster.

The vote for Johnson came at the end of a tumultuous day that began when Republicans voted to elect Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer as speaker nominee only for Emmer drop out just hours later amid stiff resistance from the right flank of the conference and a major rebuke from former President Donald Trump.

In the final round of secret-ballot voting, Johnson was elected speaker nominee with 128 votes. McCarthy received 43 votes, the next highest tally, and some House Republicans are blaming the California Republican for undercutting Johnsons ascent. Ahead of Tuesday nights votes, some members raised the idea of a McCarthy tag team with Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan to solve the speakership stalemate  with McCarthy returning as speaker and then making Jordan his assistant speaker, sources told CNN.

But in a positive development for his bid, Johnson survived a key follow-up vote late Tuesday evening, and he announced that the full House would vote on a speaker noon ET on Wednesday.

Republicans are under intensifying pressure to find a new leader as the House remains in a state of paralysis, and the GOP remains unable to govern without a speaker. The conference has repeatedly failed to coalesce around a successor to McCarthy amid deep division within its ranks  including for Jordan who was ousted as the partys nominee on Friday after three unsuccessful rounds on the House floor.

The politically precarious situation has plunged the House into uncharted territory as it looks increasingly unclear whether any Republican can get the 217 votes needed to win the gavel.

Emmer is now the third Republican to win the nomination of the GOP conference only to then exit the race after failing to lock up the necessary votes to win the gavel.

After winning the party nomination in a secret ballot election on Tuesday, Emmer faced swift opposition from the right flank of his conference as well as a significant rebuke from former President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Emmer a Globalist RINO, and said that voting for him would be a tragic mistake. Trump later said he had a big impact after Emmer dropped out.

Emmer voted to certify the 2020 election, voted to keep the government open for 47 days, voted for the bipartisan law to avoid a debt default and voted to codify same-sex marriage  all issues that members of the hard-right had cited as issues for his candidacy.

Members of Trumps team also called GOP members and urged them to oppose Emmer for speaker, two sources told CNN.

Despite a cordial phone call with the former president over the weekend, Trump reposted attacks against the House GOP whip on Truth Social Monday night and then followed up with his own attack after Emmer was nominated.

Leaving a GOP conference meeting Monday night, Emmer told CNN, We have a good relationship, when asked about Trump.

Following Emmers withdrawal from the race, Republican Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas warned that the GOP is at an impasse and said he doesnt know if theyll be able to resolve their internal differences and find a speaker.

Right now, I think it is apparent to the American people that the GOP conference is hopelessly divided. Can it be overcome? Never say never, he said. But the signs are right now that this conference is at some kind of an impasse.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Sam Fossum, Morgan Rimmer and Laura Dolan contributed to this report.

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RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israel escalated airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, crushing families in the rubble of residential buildings, as health officials said hundreds of Palestinians were killed in the past day and medical facilities were shut down because of bomb damage and a lack of power.

The soaring death toll from Israels bombardment is unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It augurs an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas militants.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on towns in southern Israel.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 704 people over the past day, mostly women and children. The AP could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

Israel said Tuesday it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. Israel reported 320 strikes the day before.

A group of Hamas divers that tried to infiltrate Israel on a beach just north of Gaza on Tuesday were confronted by naval forces, the Israeli military said.

Across central and south Gaza, where Israel had told civilians to take shelter, there were multiple scenes of rescuers pulling the dead and wounded out of large piles of rubble from collapsed buildings. Graphic photos and video shot by The Associated Press showed rescuers unearthing bodies of children from multiple ruins.

A father knelt on the floor of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah next to the bodies of three dead children cocooned in bloodied sheets. Later at the nearby morgue, workers prayed over 24 dead wrapped in body bags, several of them the size of small children.

Buildings that collapsed on residents killed dozens at a time in several cases, witnesses said. Two families lost a total 47 members in a leveled home in Rafah, the Health Ministry said.

A strike on a four-story building in Khan Younis killed at least 32 people, including 13 members of the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people sheltering in the building, including many who had evacuated from Gaza City.

We thought that our area would be safe, he said.

Another strike destroyed a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, witnesses said. AP photos showed the floor of a vegetable shop covered with blood.

In Gaza City, at least 19 people were killed when an airstrike hit the house of the Bahloul family, according to survivors, who said dozens more people remained buried. The legs of a dead woman and another person, both still half buried, dangled out of the wreckage where workers dug through the dirt, concrete and rebar.

The Health Ministry says more than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government.

As the death toll in Gaza spirals, and fuel supplies dwindle, the number of facilities able to deal with casualties is shrinking. More than half of primary health-care facilities, and roughly one of every three hospitals, have stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said.

Overwhelmed hospital staff struggled to triage cases as constant waves of wounded were brought in. The Health Ministry said many wounded are laid on the ground without even simple medical intervention and others wait for days for surgeries because there are so many critical cases.

While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza, saying it wants to keep it out of Hamas' hands. The U.N. said its operation distributing aid will halt Wednesday evening if it does not receive fuel.

To make room for the dead, cemeteries have been forced to excavate and reuse old plots. Families have dug trenches to bury multiple bodies at a time.

Bodies pour in by the hundreds every day. We use every empty inch in the cemeteries, said Abdel Rahman Mohamed, a volunteer who helps transfer bodies to Khan Younis main cemetery.

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, according to Israel, and Hamas said it fired a fresh barrage on Tuesday.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken to Gaza during the attack.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several kilometers (miles) on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spider web, she said.

Once there, she said she was treated well, fed and given medical care.

Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informants home.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the hospitals forced to close were in addition to the primary health facilities that closed.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
The amount of drugs smuggled into Korea through the country's main gateway has increased since international travel resumed after the pandemic, an opposition lawmaker said Tuesday.

The amount of narcotics smuggled into South Korea through Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, rose from 129,362 grams in 2020 to 538,241 grams in 2022, Rep. Maeng Sung-kyu of the main opposition Democratic Party said, citing data from the Korea Customs Service.

From January to July this year, 311,187 grams of narcotics worth 24 billion won ($17.8 million) came in through the country's main gateway, he said.

Korea lifted its mandatory PCR testing on inbound travelers on Oct. 1, 2022, effectively lifting all pandemic restrictions against international travelers to the country.

The total amount of drugs smuggled in by tourists has also bounced back.

The figure decreased from 49,755 grams in 2020 to 12,944 grams in 2021, due to strict pandemic border controls, but surged to 35,804 grams last year as global travel resumed.

From 2018 to July this year, 1.7 million grams of narcotics worth around 810 billion won was seized at Incheon International Airport, according to the data.

Maeng called for the government to crack down on international travelers trying to smuggle drugs into the country. (Yonhap)
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Emily Rose

GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The United Nations, United States and Canada appealed on Tuesday for a humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas war to allow safe deliveries of aid to civilians short of food, water, medicine and electricity in the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip.

International pressure for unimpeded aid to Gaza rose as the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled coastal territory said Israeli air strikes had killed more than 700 Palestinians overnight. Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said this was the highest 24-hour death toll in Israel's two-week-old siege.

U.N. agencies were pleading "on our knees" for emergency aid to be let into Gaza unimpeded, saying more than 20 times current deliveries were needed to support the narrow strip's 2.3 million people amid widespread devastation from Israel's aerial blitz.

Eight trucks containing water, food and medicine entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt late on Tuesday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

The United States is negotiating with Israel, neighbouring Egypt and the U.N. to smooth emergency deliveries into Gaza, but have wrangled over procedures for inspecting the aid and over bombardments on the Gaza side of the border.

"While we remain opposed to a ceasefire, we think humanitarian pauses linked to the delivery of aid that still allow Israel to conduct military operations to defend itself are worth consideration," a senior U.S. official said.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said after a United Nations Security Council meeting that Israel appeared to be above international law and urged an end to what he termed "double standards" in dealing with the Gaza conflict.

In a statement released on social media, the Palestinian health ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli bombardments since Oct. 7, including 2,360 children. Some 704 were killed in the previous 24 hours alone, it said.

Reuters could not independently verify the ministry figures.

ISRAEL HITS HAMAS TARGETS

The Israeli military said that it killed dozens of Hamas fighters overnight while hitting over 400 Hamas targets, but that it would take time to destroy the Islamist militant group whose deadly cross-border attack on Oct. 7 stunned Israel.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pleaded on Tuesday for civilians to be protected, voicing concern about "clear violations of international humanitarian law" in Gaza.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Security Council: "Palestinian civilians are not to blame for the carnage committed by Hamas," referring to the militants' killing of 1,400 people, mainly civilians, and capture of over 200 in a one-day rampage through Israeli communities near Gaza.

"Palestinian civilians must be protected. That means Hamas must cease using them as human shields ... It means Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians," Blinken said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed Blinken.

"There are a lot of conversations going on now about the need for humanitarian pauses and I think that's something Canada supports," he told reporters in Ottawa. "We must remain anchored on the priorities of protecting innocent (people) and freeing the hostages."

The World Health Organization, in the latest of increasingly desperate U.N. appeals, called for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" to prevent food, medicines and fuel supplies from running out in Gaza.

HOSPITALS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

Doctors in Gaza say patients arriving at hospitals are showing signs of disease caused by overcrowding and poor sanitation after more than 1.4 million people fled their homes for temporary shelters under Israel's heaviest-ever bombardment.

All hospitals say they are running out of fuel to power their electricity generators, leaving them increasingly unable to treat the injured and ill. More than 40 medical centres have halted operations, a health ministry spokesman said.

UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, warned in a post on messaging platform X that it would halt operations in Gaza on Wednesday night because of the lack of fuel.

However, the Israeli military reaffirmed it would bar the entry of fuel to prevent Hamas from seizing it.

DON'T FIGHT WAR 'WITHOUT RULES', MACRON URGES ISRAEL

French President Emmanuel Macron, visiting Israel on Tuesday, told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that France stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel in its war with Hamas but that it must not fight "without rules".

Netanyahu said Israel would try to protect civilians as it worked to ensure they "will no longer live under Hamas tyranny".

There appeared to be little prospect of a ceasefire any time soon in the bloodiest chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades, with civilian suffering spreading.

After an air strike in Khan Younis in south Gaza, Abdallah Tabash held his dead daughter Sidra, refusing to let go as he held her bloodstained face and hair. "I want to look at her as much as I can," he said.

Israeli tanks and troops are massed on the border between Israel and Gaza awaiting orders for an expected ground invasion. It is an operation that may be complicated by fears for the hostages' welfare and by militants heavily armed by Iran dug into a crowded urban setting using a vast network of tunnels.

'I'VE BEEN THROUGH HELL'

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli women who were among the more than 200 hostages taken by gunmen during their mass infiltration on Oct. 7 - the third and fourth to be released.

One of those freed, Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, said she was beaten by militants as she was abducted and had difficulty breathing. "They stormed into our homes. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young without distinction," she said, seated in a wheelchair and speaking in barely a whisper to reporters outside a Tel Aviv hospital.

"I've been through hell," Lifshitz said.

Inside Gaza, a group of hostages were led into what Lifshitz called a "spider's web" of damp tunnels and eventually reached a large hall where, under 24-hour guard, a doctor visited every other day and brought them medicines they needed.

DIPLOMACY TO STOP CONFLICT SPREADING

As part of the diplomacy to prevent the conflict from spreading, U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone on Tuesday.

They agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts "to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding," the White House said, adding the two leaders would coordinate closely.

Deadly clashes have intensified between the Israeli military and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and resurged between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed, heavily armed Hezbollah group along the two countries' tinderbox border.

Fears of regional conflict focus on Iran's network of proxies in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Any wider conflagration would jeopardise security in a region key to global energy supplies.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza and Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Steve Holland, Rami Ayyub, Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Dan Williams and Emily Rose in Jerusalem; Moaz Abd-Alaziz in Cairo; Writing by Michael Perry, Angus MacSwan, Mark Heinrich and Grant McCool; Editing by Philippa Fletcher and Howard Goller)
Alarmed by a plummeting birthrate, Taiwanese officials are helping to organize singles events to try to get young people to meet, marry and have children. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

Hsu Yu-hsin wasnt sure what to expect when she attended her first singles mixer this summer at a temple to Taiwans god of marriage. But even in the blistering heat, the 37-year-old makeup artist enjoyed mingling with the other attendees, except for one peculiar group: the local officials and dignitaries enthusiastically encouraging everyone to find love  and fast.

You should pair up as quickly as possible and have kids as quickly as possible, temple chairman Wang Tseng-rong told the crowd, after thanking different government departments in the city of Tainan for their assistance in organizing the matchmaking event. We hope that the mayor will support us in our next event, and we can solve Taiwans national crisis together.

The crisis in question  a birthrate falling to record lows  is one facing countries across East Asia. As social values have shifted and young people have grown more pessimistic about their economic prospects, fertility rates from South Korea to China to Singapore have sunk, raising concerns over the consequences of a rapidly shrinking  and aging  population.

Even at the city-sponsored mixer in Tainan, which took place in August the weekend before Chinese Valentines Day, some participants remained ambivalent about marriage and starting a family, a sign of the challenges officials face in convincing younger generations to help reverse depopulation.

Makeup artist Hsu Yu-hsin, 37, at a singles mixer in Tainan, Taiwan. She says she does not feel any internal pressure to get married and have children. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

Hsu, who had traveled two hours by train from Taipei, bonded with another participant over their appreciation of Tainan street food, and joined him for a late-night snack. However, she decided afterward they were better off as friends. Since turning 30, she had stopped feeling any pressing need to wed and have children, particularly after seeing others around her struggle with multiple kids.

Having children is easy. Raising them is really hard, said Hsu, citing the costs of buying a car, a home and everyday goods. Todays economic pressures are too much. No one is willing to have them because it will impact their quality of life.

Read more:Inside Japans miracle town, where the birth rate is soaring amid a demographic crisis

Fewer Taiwanese even want to get hitched these days. In a 2019 survey by Taiwans Ministry of Health and Welfare, 38.6% of women said they were not interested in marriage, compared with 12.4% in a similar survey from 2011. For every 1,000 people, there were 4.88 marriages in 2021  a record low in government data going back more than a quarter-century.

Taiwans government has acted as an intermediary in helping singles find partners for nearly three decades. But playing Cupid has taken on a greater sense of urgency as Taiwans fertility rate, or the number of children the average woman will bear in her lifetime, has fallen to 0.87 in 2022.

That rate, a record low in data dating to 1951, is far below the 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. Birthrates below that level mean that a growing subset of elderly people must rely on the dwindling support of younger workers, with the problem compounding as the overall number of women able to bear children shrinks as well.

To reverse depopulation trends, Taiwanese officials are actively encouraging young people to meet and marry, as at this singles event in the city of Tainan. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

Only in South Korea was the birthrate lower last year, at 0.78. In Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has warned that the low birthrate of 1.26 must be addressed immediately and risks rendering society unable to function. In April, the country launched an agency dedicated to new measures supporting families with young children.

Taiwan's presidential candidates, ahead of an election in January, are raising the issue in their campaigns. Vice President William Lai has said the declining birthrate should be a top priority, and touted the current administration's population policies. Opposition candidate Hou Yu-ih has proposed more subsidies for egg-freezing and for families with three children. Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, who is making a long-shot bid, suggested gifting cats and dogs to new parents to incentivize births, since raising pets is an increasingly popular pastime in Taiwan  often in lieu of raising kids.

But the proposals come long after the ideal time for action, said Lin Wan-i, the government minister in charge of Taiwan's population policy. In 2008, Lin published a white paper to try to draw attention to the issue of declining birthrates. But it took another decade for the government to start implementing broader policies to encourage child-rearing, he said.

Read more:Iran is urging people to have babies  and making life hard for those who don't want to

Its like sending someone to the ICU too late. The timing is too slow, but you still need to think of a plan to rescue them, he said.

Now, Lin is working to counter several economic and social trends that have dampened the desire for children in Taiwan. The easiest to address has been the high cost of child care, Lin said, which the government aims to mitigate through measures such as expanding public child-care facilities, providing tuition subsidies and capping preschool fees.

Stagnant wage growth and high housing prices pose tougher challenges. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the ratio of Taiwans median national house price to the median household annual disposable income reached a record high last year of nearly 10 to 1, doubling over the last two decades.

Efforts to raise the minimum wage, tax owners of multiple homes and construct more affordable housing have done little to bridge the gap for a society where buying a house before starting a family is the traditional expectation.

Government-sponsored matchmaking events in Taiwan are usually more popular with men than women, organizers and experts say. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

For Shen Pin-yu, 39, watching her younger brother and his wife spend nearly all their monthly income raising their 3-year-old daughter exemplifies why people have become more reluctant to have children. She said she would rather stay single and childless than start a family with someone who is financially worse off than she is.

Housing is getting more expensive, goods are getting more expensive, said Shen, who works in marketing at a real estate firm in Taichung, a city in central Taiwan. Before, they also worried about financial troubles, but now that they have a kid, they have this responsibility.

In 2021, Taiwan increased the amount of pay that new parents can receive during maternity or paternity leave to 80% of their salaries, up from 60%. Lin said that officials are now considering boosting that further, or lengthening the duration of paid leave beyond six months, but that the government isnt sure it can afford to do so, having spent more than $3 billion already on child-rearing initiatives.

Read more:Pope joins in urging Italians to have more kids, not just pets

We have to do this step by step, he said. If we can get the birthrate up to or above 1.1 this year, then we can continue working hard to stabilize this trend.

Pai Yi-che, a 28-year-old subway maintenance worker in Taichung, said he can't even consider getting married right now with his current salary of $1,100 a month. Still, he signed up for a local government-sponsored dating event in July, since he has had trouble meeting potential partners in male-dominated work and school settings.

"I want to find and try out a steady relationship, since I haven't had that before," he said. "If there is the opportunity, I would like to have children."

Participants at a singles event help each other with name tags. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

To help young people date, Lin said universities in Taiwan have added courses on relationships and meeting new people. The government is also studying matchmaking initiatives in Japan and Singapore, to assess how it might expand singles events or take advantage of artificial intelligence and online platforms, he said.

There are some people who think: Why is the government so intrusive? Lin said. I dont think it can hurt. Whether it will have any impact, no one knows.

Chen Yu-hua, an associate professor at National Taiwan University and the former president of the Population Assn. of Taiwan, said even though local governments started dedicating more time and resources to matchmaking activities back in 2010, there have been few success stories.

A lot of surveys and analyses say people do not really marry or have babies because they cannot find Mr. or Ms. Right, she said. I dont think its so easy to increase the marriage or fertility rate.

Another issue, she said, is that the matchmaking events are often much more popular among men than women, who are less inclined these days to prioritize family life, which is still largely patriarchal, over their careers, as gender roles in the workplace have become more progressive.

Now a lot of people are chasing their own goals, so they will prefer to have their own time to pursue what they want, said Chen Chian-yi, a 26-year-old graphic designer who attended the Tainan matchmaking event in August. Having kids and getting married is not the first choice anymore.

Chen Chian-yi, 26, attended a singles event but left early after losing interest. "Having kids and getting married is not the first choice anymore" for young Taiwanese, she says. (Annabelle Chi / For The Times)

In high school, Chen imagined that she would be married by now and on her way to having three kids. But over the last few years, she's come to the conclusion that she has no interest in either marriage or children. She ended up leaving the singles mixer early with her two friends, driven away by the heat, the flies and the realization that some other participants, armed with pens and notepads, took finding a partner much more seriously than the three of them did.

When I was younger, I was more idealistic. I didnt think about the reality of things," Chen said. "Hearing stories from friends around me about what it's like being married and having kids rattled that perspective."

Participants get acquainted at a singles event in Tainan, Taiwan. (Annabelle Chih / For The Times)

The Tainan government held its first singles event in 2019 in an attempt to facilitate more relationships  and, hopefully, more births down the line. It has hosted three mixers in all, resuming this year after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

While the events have led to dozens of initial matches, the government has yet to send its first congratulatory wedding gift, said Chiang Lin-huang, the citys director of civil affairs. However, he hopes it can at least prompt young people to start thinking about pairing up and settling down.

We want to remind people that theyve already reached marrying age and should start seriously looking for their future life partner, Chiang said. It lets the people know the government really cares about this, and that they also need to be worried about these major life matters.

Yang is a Times staff writer and Shen a special correspondent.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
After a detective re-opened the 1998 cold-case murder of Andrea Cincotta in Virginia, she accused Cincottas former fiancee of hiring someone to kill her, a new federal lawsuit says.

Cincotta was 52 when her body was found inside the apartment she shared with James Christopher Johnson on Aug. 21, 1998 in Arlington, according to police.

In November 2021, Johnson and another man, Bobby Joe Leonard, were arrested and charged in connection with Cincottas death, the Arlington County Police Department announced in a news release that month.

About a year ago, Johnson was acquitted in the case after a four-week jury trial began in September 2022, according to the lawsuit filed Oct. 19 on his behalf against the Arlington Police Department detective.

Within one hour of deliberations, jurors returned a not-guilty verdict, the complaint says.

Johnson is now accusing detective Rosa Ortiz of causing Leonard to say Johnson hired him to kill his fiancee, the complaint says. Leonard confessed in 2018 to killing Cincotta by strangling her to death as part of the murder-for-hire plot.

Leonard was ultimately sentenced to life in prison in November 2022 for killing Cincotta after Johnsons acquittal, the Washington Post reported.

At sentencing, Leonard described himself as a very evil, sadistic person, according to the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Johnson further accuses Ortiz of lying before the grand jury in 2021 to incriminate him in the cold case and initiate his prosecution.

He is suing her for malicious prosecution and seeks $15 million in damages, the complaint shows.

McClatchy News contacted the Arlington Police Department for comment on Oct. 23 and didnt receive an immediate response. Information regarding Ortizs legal representation wasnt available as of Oct. 23.

Cincottas son, Kevin Cincotta, used to believe Johnson was innocent in his mothers death until his views changed in 2018, the Washington Post reported.

In response to Johnsons lawsuit, Kevin Cincotta told the newspaper that theres lots of information in the public domain that suggests it was right and proper for the grand jury to indict both Bobby Leonard and Chris Johnson in my mothers murder.

I applaud the grand jury for getting it right, and I applaud Detective Ortiz for promptly executing the arrest warrants that flowed as a result of those indictments.

Cincottas death and the investigation

Johnson and Andrea Cincotta became engaged in July 1991, according to the lawsuit.

By August 1998, the month Cincotta was killed, the couple was building their dream house together in the Chesapeake Bay on a property owned by Johnson, the complaint says.

According to the complaint, Johnson last saw Cincotta the morning of Aug. 21, 1998 before he went to work.

Upon Johnsons return home, Cincotta appeared to be missing from their apartment and her car was gone, the complaint says.

Johnson went to sleep that evening and after 1 a.m., he awoke and discovered Cincottas body inside the closet of their bedroom, according to the complaint, which says he then called 911 around 1:24 a.m.

Arlington County police officers interrogated Johnson for the next three days  spanning 28 hours in total  and attempted to build a case that (he) had murdered Ms. Cincotta, the complaint says.

Johnson accuses officers of lying to him during the interrogation and pressuring him into describing a vision he had where he might have hit Cincotta, resulting in her hitting her head, and that he must have put Ms. Cincotta in the closet and shut the door afterward, according to the complaint.

Two experts hired by the police department to evaluate Johnsons vision concluded in 1998 and in 2022 that this was a coerced-internalized false confession, the complaint says.

According to the complaint, the vision was inconsistent with Cincottas cause of death: strangulation.

Her other injuries included an abrasion on her forehead, contusions on her body, pressure marks on her chest and more, the complaint notes.

The computer guy

During the initial investigation, Johnson and Kevin Cincotta told police about a computer guy  Leonard  who was a stranger Ms. Cincotta had recently invited into the home to give him a computer, the complaint says.

However, the case ultimately went cold and neither Johnson or Leonard were charged at the time, according to the complaint.

In an unrelated case, a judge sentenced Leonard in 2000 to life in prison in connection with the abduction, rape, and attempted murder of a 13-year-old girl in Virginia, according to a summary of the criminal case online.

The cold-case investigation and prosecution of Johnson

Cincottas cold case was revisited in 2013 by Ortiz, the complaint says.

According to the complaint, in 2018, Ortiz directed Kevin Cincotta to wear a recording device and meet with Johnson at a restaurant, where he would try to get him to admit he killed his mother, according to the complaint.

Ortiz is accused of meeting with Leonard in prison that year when he confessed to killing Cincotta and said he was offered $5,000 to do so from a man he didnt identify, the complaint says.

During the meeting, Ortiz is accused of telling Leonard that defendants in a separate case were able to avoid capital charges in a murder for hire situation  resulting in Leonard coming up with a fantastically implausible story about being hired to kill Cincotta, the complaint says.

Ahead of Johnsons trial, Ortiz is accused of presenting false and misleading testimony in an attempt to incriminate Johnson before a grand jury in October 2021, resulting in Johnsons indictment, according to the complaint.

After Johnsons acquittal, the jury foreman, Chen Ling, told the Washington Post the jury was unable to get beyond a reasonable doubt, as the prosecution mainly relied on Leonards testimony.

There were too many other possibilities, Ling said, according to the newspaper.

Woman gives birth alone in jail shower after staff ignore pleas for help, lawsuit says

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After a single day of testimony and an hours deliberation Tuesday, a Columbus jury acquitted one of two men accused of robbing and beating a mentally challenged busboy outside the Countrys On Broad restaurant in 2018.

Javon Green, 25, was tried on charges of robbery and two counts of aggravated battery in the 3:50 a.m. attack on Lamar Johnson outside the 1329 Broadway business, where Johnson told officers he had been waiting to go to work that morning when two men asked him for money.

Prosecutor Jason Knowles told jurors that when Johnson tried to get away, Green grabbed him from behind by the backpack he wore and snatched him backward. Both men started punching Johnson, breaking his nose, and then pushed him down, kicking and kneeing him, fracturing his wrist, Knowles said.

The second suspect in the case was Brian Kitchens, who confessed to joining Green in the assault. He pleaded guilty before Greens trial, and testified to his version of events Tuesday.

His testimony did not go over well with the jurors, said Greens defense attorney, Anthony Johnson.

They didnt believe Mr. Kitchens, said Johnson, who spoke with the jury afterward. He made it seem like only Javon was involved.

The trial began about 10 a.m., and the jury announced its verdict shortly after 4 p.m., finding Green not guilty on all charges. Johnson said Green had no other pending cases and was free to go.

The testimony

Kitchens testified that he and Green that night got some beer and liquor from a bootleg house in Phenix City before they went to downtown Columbus, where Green saw Johnson and started talking to the victim.

Kitchens said Green and Johnson argued before Green started jumping on him and kicked him, adding, I did too.

Kitchens said he hit Johnson once or twice and kicked him two or three times. He fell and I started kicking him myself, the witness said. He was bleeding.

Green rifled through Johnsons backpack, finding no cash, but taking a cell phone and a pack of cigarettes, authorities said.

Kitchens said he and Green afterward walked to a Circle K on Veterans Parkway to get some food, and were on their way back to Phenix City when police saw them passing by the restaurant.

Among the first police officers to arrive was Kertaivous Coppins, who said Johnsons injuries were obvious: He had bleeding all over his face, Coppins testified. Johnson was distraught and clearly in pain from his broken wrist: He winced in pain while he was holding it.

Johnson had some trouble communicating, the officer said. He has a hard time speaking to you, to have a clear and concise conversation, Coppins testified, but that gets easier for him once he relaxes and feels more comfortable.

He said he was talking to Johnson when they noticed Green and Kitchens walking by, and Johnson pointed them out, saying thats who robbed him.

Coppins said he followed them to the bridge, as they tried to walk quickly away. Kitchens stopped when Coppins ordered him to, but Green ran to Phenix City, hiding Johnsons cell phone in a flower bed as he fled. He was arrested in Alabama, and had to be extradited back to Columbus, the officer said.

When Green took the witness stand in his own defense, he shifted the blame to Kitchens, telling jurors one of their stops that night was a trap house, a home used for selling drugs, where Kitchens bought methamphetamine.

He said they were walking by the restaurant when Kitchens saw Johnson smoking and wanted to ask him for a cigarette. Green said he was on his phone, texting, when Kitchens abruptly started beating Johnson. Green tried to intervene, to break up the struggle, he testified.

Kitchens pleaded guilty in 2019 to felony charges of robbery and aggravated battery, and to giving police false information, a misdemeanor. Coppins said Kitchens lied about his name and his date of birth.

Judge Bobby Peters has sentenced Kitchens, 49, to 15 years in prison with eight to serve and the rest on probation.

Brian Kitchens testifies that he helped Javon Green attack Lamar Johnson outside a downtown Columbus restaurant in 2018.

Missing evidence

Johnson today is 44, and said he still has pain from the wrist injury that required surgery.

He testified to what happened, confirming the account Knowles had given in his opening. But the jury did not see video of what he told police that morning, nor any photographs of his injuries.

Knowles told the jury all that evidence has been lost. Coppins testified that in the five years since Johnsons assault, the police department upgraded its body camera system, and had retained no evidence from Johnsons case.

No copy of the recordings were made because police typically would not retrieve that footage until a case was ready for trial, he said.

Besides the COVID epidemic that delayed court proceedings, the case required an outside prosecutor, as District Attorney Stacey Jackson briefly was involved in Greens defense before he was appointed the chief prosecutor here in May 2020.

Because Jackson had a conflict of interest, Knowles was assigned the case from the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia.

Victim lost mother

Johnsons mother, Nancy, was the citys first homicide victim of 2018, according to an interview that year with his boss, Grif Morpeth.

The 63-year-old woman was killed and her 44-year-old daughter was injured Jan. 1 during a shooting at a New Years party in the 2900 block of Colorado Street. Johnson had been living with an aunt, Morpeth said.

Morpeth said he hired Johnson, who has a stutter, through the New Horizons healthcare agency about 20 years ago.

Hes a great employee, Morpeth said. Customers know him, they like him. And, of course, all the employees at Countrys love him. Theyve known him for years.... We try to look after him if hes on any medicines or anything.

Morpeth said Johnson usually arrives at work at about 3 a.m. in the morning to watch TV and drink coffee while the dessert chef bakes pies. He said Johnson was in front of the restaurant when the attack occurred. The dessert chef found him at the door beaten and upset.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is seeking to reassure Republicans about his health as the House GOP struggles to elect a Speaker, saying he has completely recovered after a pair of freezing incidents.

McConnell appeared on two Sunday talk shows to spearhead the push for a supplemental package that pairs funding for Israel to help root out Hamas with funding for Ukraine as part of its war against Russia. He also said his medical issues are in the rearview mirror.

Im fine. Im completely recovered, and Im just fine, McConnell told CBS Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan. Im in good shape, completely recovered and back on the job.

McConnell froze twice in front of the media, most recently during an appearance in Covington, Ky., in late August when he stopped mid-sentence while answering questions from reporters. The prior freeze happened a month earlier in front of a horde of reporters in the Capitol.

The leaders team chalked up both incidents to him being lightheaded. Brian Monahan, the Capitols attending physician, ruled out that McConnell, 81, suffered a stroke or a seizure, or that he has Parkinsons disease, according to a letter released following his examination of McConnell.

McConnell is the most powerful Republican lawmaker right now, with the House GOP stuck for three weeks without a Speaker at a crucial time. Government funding  set to expire in less than a month  and wars in Israel and Ukraine are at center stage.

Republicans said McConnells words match what they are seeing behind the scenes.

It is certainly a positive, one Senate GOP aide told The Hill. Its reflecting what a lot of members are seeing privately in these meetings.

The White House last week requested $106 billion for a number of items, including aid to Israel and Ukraine and money to boost security at the border.

A number of conservatives have criticized the White House approach, particularly for combining Ukraine and Israel aid into one package. But McConnell, a firm supporter of aid to Ukraine, appeared on both Face the Nation and Fox News Sunday to voice support for the joint effort.

I just think thats a mistake, McConnell said when asked by Brennan if its possible to pass additional Ukraine aid on its own. I know there are some Republicans in the Senate, and maybe more in the House, saying Ukraine is somehow different. I view it as all interconnected.

McConnell and other leaders were unable to attach funding to boost Ukraines efforts against Russian aggression in the 45-day stopgap spending deal that only included disaster aid. Some Senate Republicans argued in its aftermath that they only had one chance to pass Ukraine aid, and that this coming opportunity is their best chance to get it done, especially given the troubles in the House.

Republicans also view attaching a robust border item to the supplemental as a key to getting it across the finish line. A group of Senate GOP members huddled in Sen. John Thunes (R-S.D.) leadership office Thursday to figure out the way forward for that border component before some departed on a congressional delegation trip to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

No border item was attached to the stopgap package last month because negotiators determined that nothing that could win bipartisan consensus would be good enough for enough House Republicans.

Its got to be something meaningful, Thune told reporters late last week. Its going to have to be something that actually addresses the core issues, which isnt just  more money for sanctuary cities.

The Biden administration has requested $14 billion to address national security concerns at the border, on top of $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel and $10 billion for humanitarian relief. The effort to pass a version of that is what McConnell is trying to keep on the center stage as members hit a key stretch in the coming weeks.

I think we ought to be talking about what we were talking about earlier rather than my health, he told Brennan.

McConnell is widely known for carefully picking his times to make a point, and Sundays media blitz was no exception. The leaders last appearances on the Sunday show circuit came in the spring of 2022  just weeks into Russias invasion of Ukraine.

I dont think its a coincidence that McConnell was out there talking about the issues hes talking about, the Senate GOP aide said. Hes very intentional about what he does and what he says.

Obviously, its a good thing, the aide added about the medical comments.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A man evaded murder charges for nearly 40 years after he assumed the identity of a dead Welshman and travelled to Portugal, a court has heard.

Roman Szalajko, 62, was fatally stabbed after answering the door to his south London flat in February 1984.

The identity of his killer remained a mystery until a cold case review in 2013 when a fingerprint was linked to Paul Bryan, the Old Bailey heard.

However, the suspect appeared to have "disappeared", jurors were told.

An officer eventually tracked him down after discovering Bryan had stolen the identity of a dead man with the same name, the court heard.

Following his arrest at Stansted Airport last year Bryan, now 62, admitted having a false identity document but denied the murder of Mr Szalajko.

Opening his trial on Tuesday, prosecutor Louis Mably KC said the Polish victim was a longstanding UK resident and divorced father-of-two.

He had a number of "lady friends" but lived alone in a flat in Kennington.

A known gambler, he was "secretive" and kept large amounts of cash at home, sometimes going out with thousands of pounds in his wallet, jurors were told.

On the morning of 7 February 1984, Mr Szalajko was on the phone to a builder friend, Michael Peddubriwny, when he broke off, saying in Polish: "Excuse me a moment, there's someone at the door."

As the line was left open, Mr Peddubriwny heard the victim say loudly in English: "What do you want? Help! Help!"

Mr Peddubriwny shouted down the phone: "Roman, what's going on?" but the line went dead, having been cut, the court heard.

Paul Bryan's trial is being heard at the Old Bailey

He called 999 in a "panic" and two police officers went to the flat, where they found Mr Szalajko slumped in a chair in the living room with a fatal stab wound to his stomach.

His body was still warm to the touch, there was evidence of a search, and the constables noticed lengths of hair on the floor, Mr Mably said.

An investigation was begun and evidence was collected from the scene, including fingerprints, clothes, the telephone, the clumps of hair pulled from the victim's head and 1,000 in Spanish pesetas.

But, as lines of inquiry were exhausted, the case was closed later in 1984 and the exhibits stored.

'Completely disappeared'

In 2013, previously unidentified fingerprints on a "Polish mead" bottle from a wardrobe in the victim's bedroom matched the defendant's on the police database.

Efforts to find Bryan, who is originally from Hammersmith, west London, were frustrated because there appeared to be no record of his existence after 1989, jurors were told.

Mr Mably said: "It was as if he had completely disappeared. A complete blank.

"One police officer was able to pull the scraps of evidence together and began to unwind the steps the defendant had taken from the late 1980s to disappear from public view."

Records showed that, three days after the murder, Bryan had applied for an emergency passport, his old one having expired in 1977, jurors heard.

That was the last passport issued in his name and it ran out in May 1984.

The only post-1989 record was an arrest in 1997 when he had given police his name and was noted as being with a woman called Sylvia Bryan, Mr Mably said.

There was no record of a female relative called Sylvia so police searched for all Paul Bryans and found a Welsh Paul Bryan born in 1955.

Mr Mably told jurors that police examined the 1998 marriage record of the Welsh Paul Bryan to Sylvia, a widow and tour operator.

"But there was a problem," he said. "By 1989 the Welsh Paul Bryan was already dead - he had died in 1987.

"The alarm bells went off and the suspicion was this defendant had assumed the identity of the Welsh Paul Bryan and further investigation found that to be the case."

'Perfect match'

In 1989, a passport was also issued under the identity of the Welsh Paul Bryan, which was later renewed.

Meanwhile, forensic tests which were unavailable in 1984 resulted in a DNA breakthrough, jurors were told.

In Bryan's absence, cells from his late mother's hairbrush were compared with traces on the victim's vest and clump of hair and found to be a close DNA match, Mr Mably said.

Bryan was arrested at Stansted Airport last year coming off a flight from Lisbon and initially pretended to be a different Paul Bryan.

But swabs were compared with the DNA at the murder scene and found to be a "perfect match", the court was told.

In a police interview, he admitted his true identity but told officers he had lost his memory after a serious car crash in Lisbon.

He claimed he had assumed the false identity because he had married an older woman.

Mr Mably said: "When questioned about the presence of his fingerprint at the scene, he said it was 'bullshit'."

When told about the presence of his DNA on the vest and hair, Mr Malby said Bryan responded: "This is like a bad nightmare'."

The trial, before Judge Nigel Lickley KC, continues.

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Editors Note: This story contains graphic descriptions

The bodies of three children lie on a steel tray inside what appears to be a Gaza hospital morgue, one leg of their trousers pushed up to reveal writing in black ink on their skin.

We received some cases where the parents wrote the names of their children on the legs and abdomen, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Masri, the head of the emergency department Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, told CNN.

He said parents were worried that anything could happen, and no one would be able to identify their children.

This means that they feel they are targeted at any moment and can be injured or martyred, Al Masri added.

The black ink is a small sign of the fear and desperation felt by parents in the densely populated enclave as Israel continues to pound it with relentless airstrikes in retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attacks.

The supervisor of the room at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital where dead bodies are washed described Sunday as an exceptional day.

Declining to be named, he told CNN that the number of dead overnight from Saturday into Sunday had exceeded 200, and echoed what Dr. Al Masri had said.

What we noticed today is that many parents writing the names of their children on their legs so they can get identified after airstrikes and if they get lost. This is a new phenomenon that just started in Gaza.

Many of the children are missing, many get here with their skulls broken  and its impossible to identify them, only though that writing do they get identified.

Over the last two weeks hundreds of children have been pulled from the wreckage of pancaked buildings hit by airstrikes in what is one of the most densely populated places in the world, many of them made unrecognizable by their injuries.

With Israel continuing its complete siege of the impoverished territory and crucial supplies running dangerously low, doctors in Gaza hospitals have been forced to operate without painkillers, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Leo Cans, who is head of mission in Jerusalem for the group also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, told CNN on Monday dwindling supplies meant surgical operations were proceeding without the correct dose of narcotics, without the correct dose of morphine.

In terms of pain management, its not happening. We currently have people being operated on without having morphine. It just happened to two kids, Cans said. We have a lot of kids that are unfortunately among the wounded, and I was discussing with one of our surgeons, who received a 10-year-old yesterday, burnt on 60% of the body surface, and he didnt end up having painkillers.

There is no justification at all to block these essential medicines to reach the population, Cans continued.

He also acknowledged terrible reports that Gazan parents have resorted to writing their childrens names on their limbs in the event that either they or the children are killed. He added that colleagues had told him families were sleeping in the same room as they want to live together or die together.

A Palestinian doctor treats a prematurely born baby at Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, on October 22, 2023. - Adel Hana/AP

Health workers have also started seeing the impact of fuel shortages. Fuel is essential for the water plants in order to desalinate to water  If you dont have fuel, you dont have quality water, Cans said, adding many were now drinking untreated water, leading to outbreaks of diarrhea.

In a video released by Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health on Sunday. Dr. Fuad al-Bulbul, head of the neonatal department unit at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, warned that most of the infants under his care would perish if fuel runs out.

If the electricity is stopped, there will be catastrophic events inside this unit. Most of the babies depending on ventilators will die because we can save only one, two babies, but we cannot save all babies, Al-Bulbul said in the video.

His department houses 45 incubators and predominantly cares for preterm babies resulting from high-risk pregnancies.

By Sunday, his hospital had run out of surfactant and caffeine citrate Al-Bulbul said, both commonly used to relieve breathing issues in preterm babies.

Most infants are critically ill and his exhausted medical team has worked 18 straight days, he added.

A neonatal doctor working in a hospital in southern Gaza told CNN Monday that premature babies relying on oxygen supplies will die if fuel is not urgently delivered into the enclave.

At Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza, 11 babies in the neonatal intensive care unit are also at risk of dying if fuel is not delivered to the enclave to help power vital machinery like ventilators and monitors, said Dr. Hatem Edhair, the hospitals head of neonatal ICU.

Most of them are premature babies, he said. Half of them are on non-invasive ventilation that needs oxygen. That means half of them urgently need oxygen and monitors.

One baby was conceived through in vitro fertilization and his family has wanted to have him for about eleven years, according to Dr. Edhair.

How can I [tell] the family of this baby that their child will die because there is no oxygen? he said, explaining

Hospitals in crisis

Meanwhile, hospital are also running out of medicine, water and electricity, while hundreds of injured Palestinians continue to seek treatment, doctors and health workers in Gaza told CNN.

More than 300 people sought help at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, Gaza after Israel dropped bombs nearby Saturday night into Sunday, said Dr. Iyad Issa Abu Zaher, the hospitals director general.

The situation has become catastrophic, he added.

Its impossible for any hospital in the world to admit this number of injured. There is no room or hospital beds for these injuries. The injured are at the door of operation theater rooms and on top of each other, each waiting their turn for an operation, he lamented.

Israel declared a complete siege of Gaza two weeks ago in response to Hamas attack, bombarding the enclave with airstrikes and shutting off the entire populations access to food, water and power.

At least 1,400 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the Hamas assault, the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and more than 200 were taken hostage.

The death toll in Gaza since October 7 has risen to more than 5,000 with more than 15,000 wounded, according to Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health in the occupied West Bank.

Hospitals have since faced tremendous challenges, from caring from the overwhelming number of injured, to accessing life-saving medical supplies as bombs rain down and generators run perilously low on fuel.

Wounded Palestinians sit in al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on Oct. 17, 2023. - Abed Khaled/AP

The first convoys of aid trucks were allowed into Gaza from Egypt over the weekend, but none of the 34 vehicles that passed through the Rafah crossing were carrying fuel supplies.

Gaza is more than 7,200 truckloads of aid short of what would normally have been delivered between October 7 and October 22, CNN calculations suggest.

The territory normally receives 455 aid trucks per day, the United Nations said, which means 7,280 trucks should have arrived in those 16 days. In other words, Gaza has received half of 1%  one two-hundredth  of the amount of aid it normally gets.

Humanitarian groups have also stressed that what was delivered over the weekend was nothing close to whats needed.

It is only a small beginning and far from enough, the World Health Organization said in a statement Saturday.

On Sunday, the UN agency aiding Palestine refugees cautioned that its fuel reserves would run out in three days.

Impossible to evacuate

Israel has repeatedly warned residents to evacuate the northern part of Gaza ahead of an expected ground incursion by the Israeli military.

The Palestinian Red Crescent says that the Israeli military issued three evacuation orders on Friday for the Al-Quds hospital, which is treating more than 400 patients and providing shelter for around 12,000 displaced civilians.

We do not have the means to evacuate them safely. Most of the patients are with critical injuries, spokesperson Nebal Farsakh told CNN Sunday.

Farsakh said that 24 hospitals, including the Al-Quds, are under the threat of being bombed at any second due to Israeli evacuation orders.

CNN has not independently verified this number.

The Al-Quds Hospitals administration also said the Israeli army had repeatedly contacted them demanding the immediate evacuation of the hospital in preparation for a nighttime airstrike.

Asked for comment, the IDF responded by saying that it requested residents in the northern area of the Gaza Strip to evacuate in order to mitigate civilian harm.

Hamas intentionally embeds its assets in civilian areas and uses the residents of the Gaza Strip as human shields, the IDF statement added.

CNNs Manveena Suri, Clarissa Ward and Kareem Khadder contributed to this report.

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A JetBlue aircraft lost its balance and tipped so far back that its nose lifted up in the air during disembarking at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport Sunday night.

Once at the gate, due to a shift in weight and balance during deplaning, the tail of the aircraft tipped backward causing the nose of the aircraft to lift up and eventually return back down, JetBlue told CNN in a statement.

JetBlue did not respond immediately to USA TODAYs request for comment.

The plane was an Airbus A321, inbound from Barbados, according to FlightAware.

More: Ask the Captain: Is more seats on one side of the aisle a balance issue?

Soguessing weight balance on a jetliner is important after all? #JetBlue#JFK Being told it happened while passengers were still deplaning, no word yet on possible injuries. pic.twitter.com/66OoPJZF3k  Brian Thompson (@BrianForNJ) October 23, 2023

Sinead Bovell was allegedly a passenger on the flight and shared the scary experience on TikTok.

In the video, Bovell said she was seated toward the back of the aircraft. About half of the passengers deplaned when the aircraft abruptly tipped backward so quickly and intensely that the tail of the plane hit the pavement and that the jet bridge and part of the plane door broke.

Bovell was told by staff that the nose of the plane was about 10 feet in the air and the remaining passengers had to reposition themselves to rebalance the aircraft. Once the aircraft tipped back down, the passengers slowly deboarded two rows at a time.

There were no injuries reported and no disruptions to airport operations, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, told USA TODAY in a statement.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: JetBlue plane loses balance, tilts backward during deplaning at JFK
An Alaska Airlines plane in the air.

An off-duty Alaska Airlines believes a nervous breakdown caused him to pull red fire handles in the cockpit, which could have shut off the plane's engines, according to an affidavit filed with the District Court of Oregon.

Joseph Emerson is facing numerous charges, state and federal, including 83 counts of attempted murder, which he pleaded not guilty to, according to The Associated Press.

Emerson was sitting in the cockpit jumpseat during Sunday's Horizon flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, on Sunday. Horizon Air is a regional airline in the Alaska Air group.

According to the affidavit, one of the pilots told a police officer that he had engaged in casual conversation with Emerson at the beginning of the flight, but then suddenly noticed the 41-year-old throw his headset across the cockpit and say, "I am not okay."

It was at that point the pilots said Emerson reached for the "red engine shut-off handles," which would have shut off the fuel supply to the engines.

One of the pilots reportedly grabbed Emerson's wrist while the other declared an in-flight emergency.

After initially resisting, one of the pilot's told police that Emerson "settled down" and exited the cockpit.

SEE MORE: Off-duty pilot tried to disrupt plane's engines, Alaska Airlines says

He reportedly began walking toward the back of the plane and told one of the flight attendants that he just got kicked out of the flight deck and he needed to be handcuffed or "its going to be bad.

The affidavit says that one of the crew members sat Emerson in a seat for flight attendants and placed handcuffs around his wrists. The flight attendant said that didn't deter Emerson from trying to open the emergency exit door.

A flight attendant told police that they engaged Emerson in conversation to try to distract him. At one point, Emerson reportedly said "I messed everything up."

When the plane safely landed in Portland, Emerson was arrested.

He was interviewed by police, stating he didn't feel OK, adding he thought he was dreaming when he attempted to shut off the plane's engines.

Emerson also told the officer that he became depressed about six months ago and took psychedelic mushrooms for the very first time.

Im admitting to what I did. Im not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys," Emerson said, according to the affidavit.

Emerson is currently in custody at the Multnomah County jail.
Oregon State University urged students and staff members to steer clear of an automated food delivery service Tuesday, fearing the robots could contain explosives.

The bomb threat later proved to be a bad joke, hatched by a student on social media, that forced OSU to err on the side of caution, the tech company Starship, which operates the robots, said in a statement.

"A student at Oregon State University sent a bomb threat, via social media, that involved Starships robots on the campus," the statement said.

"While the student has subsequently stated this is a joke and a prank, Starship suspended the service. Safety is of the utmost importance to Starship and we are cooperating with law enforcement and the university during this investigation," it said.

The OSU warning was issued at 12:20 p.m. local time, and by 12:59 p.m., the potentially dangerous bots had been isolated at safe locations, the school said.

food delivery service threat (Smith Collection / Gado/Sipa USA via AP file)

The robots were being investigated by a technician, OSU said in a statement posted at 1:23 p.m.

Remain vigilant for suspicious activity, it added.

Finally, at around 1:45 p.m., the school issued an all clear alert.

Emergency is over, the message said. You may now resume normal activities. Robot inspection continues in a safe location.

Starship calls itself a global leader in autonomous delivery with agreements at a host of universities across the U.S.
China-Laos Railway is cutting journey times and raising living standards

11:24, October 24, 2023 By Luo Wangshu ( China Daily

Passengers who took the China-Laos high-speed train arrive at the Vientiane station in Vientiane, capital of Laos. YANG YONGQUAN/XINHUA

The line is carrying a growing number of cross-border tourists. Luo Wangshu reports from Vientiane.

The high-profile China-Laos Railway is benefiting tourists from all over the world and also bringing more opportunities for people in the tourism sector.

The 1,035-kilometer electrified line links Kunming, capital of Southwestern China's Yunnan province, with Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. It began operations in December 2021, and launched a cross-border passenger service in April, with bullet trains running in both directions between Kunming and Vientiane.

The railway has cut the journey time between Kunming and Vientiane to 10 1/2 hours, including inspections at customs clearance stations at the respective borders.

By the end of August, the railway had recorded 20.79 million passenger trips, according to a newly released white paper by the State Council Information Office of China.

"It was fast, efficient and pleasant," said Stuart Hart, a tourist from the United Kingdom who was visiting Laos, sharing his firsthand experience as a passenger on the railway. He has taken the service twice.

Hart, who lived in Shanghai for two years, said the service was as good as the trains he had experienced in China.

Tourists Juliet and Dean O'Reilly, also from the UK, said the Vientiane Railway Station is big and beautiful. They took a ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, a popular tourism destination in Laos.

Before the railway opened, the only public transportation between Vientiane and Luang Prabang was by bus.

"The bus took an entire day  It was not a pleasant experience to sit on a crowded bus from morning to dawn. The winding mountain road made the trip even worse," said Vongthong Somphavath, a Luang Prabang native who currently works in Vientiane.

She added that the trip only takes about two hours by train now.

"Besides the speed, the scenery along the railway is much better than that from the bus," she said. "There are some complaints about ticket prices, but the fact is that the tickets always sell out very quickly."

Luang Prabang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Laos, is a popular tourist site, with beautiful natural views along the Mekong River and abundant cultural relics, such as the former royal residence and famous temples.

A visitor is assisted by railway staff members at the station on April 15. XING GUANGLI/XINHUA

Economic boost

The railway brings more tourists to Luang Prabang, said Soudaphone Khomthavong, head of the media, culture and tourism bureau of Luang Prabang province, adding that it has already boosted transportation, investment, logistics and tourism in Laos, and will continue to do so.

Data from the bureau show that since the railway opened, about 85 percent of tourists have opted to take the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.

"Laotian people and tourists from other countries find it easier to visit Luang Prabang by train," Khomthavong said, adding that she hoped the cross-border railway link would bring more Chinese tourists back to Luang Prabang.

"Before the (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Luang Prabang ranked number one or two, but it has fallen to number nine," she said in April.

Travelers chat as they gather outside the station on April 13. XING GUANGLI/XINHUA

She noted that the tourism industry in the province was preparing to receive more Chinese tourists after the train's international passenger service opened.

Chen Ruifen, a 66-year-old from East China's Zhejiang province, took the cross-border passenger service from Kunming to Vientiane in April. It was her first trip overseas since the pandemic ended. "The journey by rail is more comfortable, and Laos is not far from China," she said, adding that train tickets and hotel accommodations are less costly in Laos compared with other international destinations.

She joined a group tour and was happy with the journey.

The railway is extremely good news for local people in the tourism business. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, paintings and photos of bullet trains and the railway hang in prominent places on the street, highlighting the convenient and comfortable journeys.

Bouncier Tangsinsomyong, a 50-year-old tour guide in Vientiane, said that he and his peers were excited to see more Chinese tourists visiting Laos following the end of the pandemic and the reopening of the border.

Local dancers perform in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on April 13 to welcome international passengers who rode the China-Laos Railway. XING GUANGLI/XINHUA

Landmark project

As a landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the railway showcases the infrastructure link that boosts the shared benefits of people from China, Laos and other countries.

It is the first transnational railway built under the BRI, funded mainly by Chinese investment, operated jointly by the two sides and connected directly to China's national railway network.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI, and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing from Oct 17 to 18.

"The China-Laos Railway has been completed and is providing a sound service, and its role as a golden transport channel is becoming increasingly prominent," according to the white paper of the State Council Information Office, which introduced and summarized the BRI's work and influence in recent years.

Before the China-Laos Railway, Laos only had a 3.5-km railway along its border with Thailand, so the new railway has helped Laos realize a long-held dream of becoming a land-linked country rather than a landlocked one.

It has promoted transportation, investment, logistics and tourism, and injected new impetus into the economic development of Laos and other places along the line.

According to a World Bank study  "From Landlocked to Land-Linked: Unlocking the Potential of Lao-China Rail Connectivity"  the railway could raise the aggregate income in Laos by up to 21 percent over the long term.

Meanwhile, the transit trade along the line through Laos is estimated to reach 3.9 million metric tons per year by 2030, which would include shifting an estimated 1.5 million tons of trade from maritime transport onto the railway, it said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A group of four unidentified individuals from North Korea crossed the eastern maritime inter-Korean border on a wooden boat early Tuesday, officials said, in an apparent attempt to defect to South Korea.

The Coast Guard and military officials secured the 7.5-meter-long boat carrying the North Koreans in waters east of Sokcho, 151 kilometers northeast of Seoul, a military official said, after South Korean fishermen at the scene reported seeing an "unusual" boat at around 7:10 a.m.

The group consists of one man and three women, according to Coast Guard officials. Details of their identities have not been made known.

Military, government and intelligence officials are expected to conduct a joint probe soon into their exact motive for crossing into South Korea.

A unification ministry official declined to confirm whether they have a "genuine" intent to defect to the South, noting an investigation is under way.

The latest incident raised questions over possible lapses in the South Korean military's maritime surveillance, as it did not initially detect the boat crossing the Northern Limit Line (NLL), a de facto maritime border, in the East Sea.

The military claimed it detected North Korean military activity above the eastern NLL early in the morning and dispatched naval assets, including maritime patrol aircraft, nearby.

Troops then spotted an "unusual" target in the waters using radar and thermal observation devices, and the military later confirmed it to be the boat reported by the fishermen, the military official said on condition of anonymity.

It marked the first time since November 2019 that a group of North Koreans has made an attempt to defect to South Korea on a vessel through the East Sea. At that time, South Korea repatriated the two North Koreans, who confessed to killing fellow crew members, back to their home country.

In May, the South Korean military intercepted a North Korean fishing boat carrying a group of defectors that crossed the western NLL in the Yellow Sea. (Yonhap)
A person holds a dinosaur fossil.

Four people were indicted by a federal grand jury this week for allegedly purchasing and selling over $1 million worth of fossilized remains and dinosaur bones that were illegally removed from federal and state lands in Utah.

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice, 65-year-old Vint Wade and 67-year-old Donna Wade from Moab, Utah, paid cash and checks for paleontological resources that were illegally removed by other individuals from protected federal land.

The Paleontological Resources Preservation Act defines paleontological resources as any fossilized remains, traces or imprints of organisms, preserved in or on the Earths crust, that have paleontological interest and provide information about the history of life on Earth.

The Wades stockpiled the paleontological goods to sell to national vendors at gem and minerals shows, including the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. The DOJ said they also sold items to 67-year-old Steven Willing of Los Angeles and 40-year-old Jordan Willing of Ashland, Oregon.

Steven and Jordan Willing used their company, JMW Sales, to export dinosaur bones to China by mislabeling them and deflating their value to avoid detection by federal agents, the DOJ said.

SEE MORE: 'Extremely' rare mammal-like fossils from Jurassic discovered in Utah

In total, the group is accused of dealing 150,000 pounds of paleontological resources stolen from the protected land between March 2018 and until at least March 2023, according to the DOJ.

All four defendants have been charged with conspiring against the U.S., violating the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act, theft of U.S. property and other charges.

The DOJ said the defendants caused over $3 million in damages through the scheme, which includes the commercial and scientific values and the cost of restoration and repair of all the fossilized remains and dinosaur bones.

By removing and processing these dinosaur bones to make consumer products for profit, tens of thousands of pounds of dinosaur bones have lost virtually all scientific value, leaving future generations unable to experience the science and wonder of these bones on federal land, said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Land Managements Monticello Field Office, the FBIs Salt Lake City field office, the Grand County Sheriff and the San Juan County Sheriffs Office are all investigating the case. The District of Utah is prosecuting the case as an environmental crime.
Rachel Goldberg shows the two texts she got for her son during Hamas' attack.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin is believed to be one of the 10 American Israelis missing and possibly held hostage by Hamas.

Goldberg-Polin spent part of his childhood in Richmond, Virginia, but moved to Israel with his family.

An Instagram page called Bring Hersh Home documents the chaos and carnage the 23-year-old faced at a music festival on Oct. 7. The page includes the last text he sent to his mother, Rachel Goldberg, who was in Jerusalem during the countrywide red alert.

"I turned on my phone, and immediately, what had come in at 8:11 were two text messages from Hersh. One said, 'I love you,' and one said, 'I'm sorry,'" Goldberg told Scripps News' Jason Bellini. "As a mother, I knew immediately something horrible was happening."

SEE MORE: California man's mother among 2 hostages freed by Hamas amid war

Hersh Goldberg-Polin and other young people ran to a bomb shelter. A photo showed Goldberg-Polin crowded into the shelter where the group thought they were safe.

"What we ended up finding out from survivors inside that bomb shelter is that Hamas came to the doorway," Rachel Goldberg said. "They threw in a lot of hand grenades and bullets around the room, and most of them died. Most of the kids inside died. There were a few people trapped underneath the dead bodies."

Goldberg-Polin managed to survive but is believed to have had his arm blown off during the attack.

"It's gruesome. It's not a video that any parent ever wants to see, but he is walking out of a bomb shelter on his own feet, under his own strength, with chaos around him," his father Jon Polin said.

The family plans to travel to New York to meet with members of the United Nations. They are hopeful that he will safely return, but they're concerned that without medical treatment, time is running out.

"When we found out that our son is officially listed as a hostage by the Israeli government, there were two options here," Polin said. "There's only two. He's dead, or his arm is blown off and he's been kidnapped," Goldberg added.
The neighbour of an off-duty pilot hit with 83 counts of attempted murder after he allegedly tried to turn off a planes engines mid-flight has described his shock over the horror incident.

The suspect, identified as Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson, 44, allegedly attempted to cut off fuel to the engines during a flight from Seattle to San Francisco on Sunday  before being subdued by the flight crew.

The flight was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon after the captain and first officer intervened to keep the engines running.

Mr Emerson was taken into custody and hit with 167 charges, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to authorities.

The incident has left his community horrified, with the pilots neighbour Ed Yee describing what happened as very shocking.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, he told CNN.

Mr Emerson first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon before becoming a captain with the airline in 2019.

The airline said that Mr Emerson did not have a history of medical issues.

Joseph Emerson is charged with attempted murder (Joseph Emerson/Facebook)

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

The airline added that Mr Emerson was traveling in the flight deck jump seat on board the flight when he suddenly tried to shut down both of the planes engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically-motivated violence, according to CNN.

Incident unfolded on an Alaska Airlines flight (Getty Images)

The Seattle Times reported that there were 80 passengers on board the plane at the time. No injuries were reported on the flight, the FBI said.

Alaska Airlines confirmed that all passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight.

The FBI and the Port of Portland police are investigating the incident with the motive still unknown.

Records from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is supporting the law enforcement investigation, show the 44-year-old did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175  the type of plane involved in Sundays incident.
An 85-year-old Israeli hostage released by Hamas has said she went through hell during her kidnap, describing how she was beaten with sticks during her abduction, driven off on a motorbike and forced to walk for a number of hours through a huge spiders web of wet tunnels in Gaza.

However, Yocheved Lifshitz  the first to offer a picture of the ordeal faced by those taken hostage by Hamas  also spoke of the care she received from some of her captors once she was in the tunnels and saying was told she was not going to be hurt, something that may have led to an extraordinary gesture at the moment of her release after two weeks in captivity.

A pause and then turning to shake the hand of a masked Hamas militant. Shalom, she said, the Hebrew word for peace.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, speaking from a hospital in Tel Aviv, her British daughter Sharone Lifschitz beside her (REUTERS)

Appearing in a wheelchair, Ms Lifshitz spoke from a hospital in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, with the assistance of her daughter Sharone Lifschitz, who is British and lives in London.

Ive been through hell, we didnt think or know we would get to this situation, Yocheved told reporters. Speaking softly, she said that everything had erupted with a barrage of rockets on a quiet Saturday morning.

The strikes began and then things blew up at the border, she added.

We didnt think it could have been possible, but they managed to break through and enter the kibbutz. That was very unpleasant and very difficult. I can still see the images, she said.

They stormed into our homes, Ms Lifshitz continued. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young without distinction.

Ms Lifshitz was put on a motorbike and driven into Gaza.

When I was on the bike, my head was on one side and the rest of my body on the other side. The young men hit me on the way. They didnt break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing, she said, adding that her watch and jewellery were stolen during the ride.

While she was being taken, she was hit by sticks until they reached the tunnels. There they walked for a few kilometres on the wet ground. There is a huge network of tunnels underneath  it looks like a spider web, Sharone translated, her mother looking overwhelmed.

Ms Lifshitz is among just four hostages who have been freed since Hamas militants abducted at least 220 people, including children, the elderly and foreign citizens, during a rampage through towns and villages in southern Israel earlier this month in which 1,400 people were killed.

Sharone Lifschitz speaking about her mother Yocheved (Bel Trew/The Independent)

Footage purportedly taken on Go-Pro cameras and mobile phones by the militants, and home security cameras, show gunmen tossing grenades in bomb shelters, gunning down children, and taking hundreds into Gaza.

Sharone explained that her mother was taken from her home alongside her husband Oded Lifshitz, 83, who is still in captivity.

Ms Lifshitz, who was brought back to Israel on Monday night alongside another woman, Nurit Cooper, 79, said after the initial capture she was well looked after. She was held with around 25 other hostages, and after several hours, five people from her kibbutz, including herself, were taken into a separate room. There, they each had a guard and access to a paramedic and doctor.

My mum said she was treated well and that the people were kind to her, we do not know what the story of the 175 or so other prisoners we cannot deduct that they too are in a good condition, Sharone said.

One of the hostages was badly injured from a motorbike accident, and they gave me antibiotics and other medicine, Ms Lifshitz said.

We are heartened to hear they were well looked after [in Gaza] but the family do not know if that is the case for the rest of the hostages, Sharone continued. [Her captors] told them they were Muslims and they are not going to hurt them and they ate the same food that the Hamas was eating.

Yocheved Lifshitz with her husband Oded, who is still being held captive (Israel in Osterreich/Facebook)

We delighted to have her home safe  but our hearts are with the other 200 still there, the daughter added.

Ms Lifshitzs husband Oded, a peace activist and retired journalist, is among them. He would drive Palestinians who needed medical treatment from Gaza to hospitals in East Jerusalem, according to the family. He was separated from his wife, who is also a veteran human rights activist and retired photographer, during the initial moment of capture.

My mum and my dad were separated at the very beginning and we do not know from my mums story what happened to my dad, we do not know that he was injured, Sharone said.

Our hope for our father and for all the hostages is that they will come home safely.

In a separate interview, Sharone told the BBC that her mother is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with. Such insight may be previous to Israel as it works to free other hostages.

Nurit Cooper was freed by Hamas in a deal The Independent understands was brokered by Qatar and Egypt (Reuters)

Ms Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were freed by Hamas in a deal The Independent understands was brokered by Qatar and Egypt. It was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, who escorted the elderly women to the border crossing with Egypt. This followed the release of two American-Israel citizens  Judith Raanan, 59, and Natalie Raanan, 17, a mother and daughter, on Friday.

Speaking about her mothers gesture in taking the hand of the Hamas militant as she was released, Sharone told the BBC: The way she walked off and then came back and then said thank you was quite incredible to me. Its so her. At the press conference, she added: My mother is a human being who loves humanity, she added.

In retaliation for the Hamas attack, the Israeli military has launched the heaviest-ever bombardment of Gaza, and imposed a total siege, which the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, including 2,000 children.

The United Nations has repeatedly pleaded for a humanitarian ceasefire, as food, water, fuel and medical supplies in the besieged enclave run out. The families of hostages are also concerned the bombing and siege of Gaza will affect their loved ones.

Damage from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City (AP)

Sharone said she will continue to campaign for the release of her father and the other captives.

He speaks good Arabic, so he can communicate very well with the people there, she said. He knows many people in Gaza and the West Bank. I want to think that he's going to be OK.

Of the release of her mother, she said: We have so many people that weve lost  it is a little ray of light but there is a huge darkness as well.

Sharone said that she and her mother still dream of peace with the Palestinians, even given the expected ground invasion of Gaza by Israel threatens to spark a wider war in the region.

We have to find ways because there is no alternative. If anything, it makes me even more resolved, she said. The way has got longer  we are dealing with grief and loss on a level we can never get over, but as nations, we will have to find a way forward.

There are reports of another possible Qatar-brokered deal to release a further 50 dual-national citizens that is under discussion.

Israeli officials have refused to comment on the hostage deals, telling The Independent they will not negotiate with Hamas.

Anyone candidly and genuinely concerned with human life should demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We can not comment further, one Israeli government official said.
Priest with hands folded

A Roman Catholic diocese in California is warning members about imposters pretending to be bishops and priests and performing illegitimate baptisms, communions and other sacraments.

The Diocese of Stockton sent out a warning over the weekend to other churches in Central California to be on the lookout for individuals purporting Spanish-speaking Catholic bishops and priests" who charge "exorbitant fees for celebrating the sacraments, teaching classes and issuing certificates."

The phony priests have also been demanding birth certificates from people to participate in the requested ceremonies, which the diocese said concerns them about potential cases of identity theft and human trafficking.

In the press release, the diocese said the imposters have been using the names of real priests in Mexico, and theyve confirmed two of those exploited identities as Father Jose Adan Gonzalez Estrada and Bishop Raul Gomez Gonzalez.

The Diocese of Stockton said theyve been in touch with the Archdiocese of Toluca in Mexico to warn them about the scam involving the priests identities.

When the imposters have been challenged, the diocese said they "resort to intimidation tactics against anyone questioning their identity or authority, often threatening legal action for defamation, although these threats lack substance.

The diocese said it alerted law enforcement in Modesto about this issue, but there is no active investigation at this time because only individuals who have personally fallen victim to the imposters can file complaints.

The press release encouraged parishioners to contact police if they think theyve been victim to this scam and also offered advice about standard practices.

With few exceptions, Catholic sacraments are typically administered within Catholic churches. Celebrations of baptism, confirmation, and First Communion in outdoor locations like parks are not aligned with established Catholic practices, the diocese release said.
Authorities investigating the fatal stabbing of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said they dont believe her murder was motivated by anti-Semitism.

At around 6.30am on Saturday, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Authorities believe she was attacked inside her home and then stumbled out before collapsing on the sidewalk.

On Monday, Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

Chief White also said there was no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Woll once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Key Points

Politicians mourn Samantha Wolls death

Tuesday 24 October 2023 20:47 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Woll.

My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, she said in a statement.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness.

Nessel said that she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

WATCH: Detroit police say it is close to arresting the suspect in Jewish leader's killing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 20:06 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Wolls neighbour reveals disturbing incident around time of murder

Tuesday 24 October 2023 19:02 , Andrea Blanco

A couple who lives near the home where a Detroit synagogue leader was killed over the weekend has revealed a disturbing incident that occurred around the time of the murder.

Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette neighbourhood in the early morning hours of Saturday. Police officials said that it is believed she was attacked inside the home and walked to the street before collapsing on the sidewalk.

Authorities have yet to name a suspect in the investigation, but Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday that several persons of interest are being interviewed. Neighbours of Woll have since come forward with reports that the two driver-side tires on their white Mercedes were slashed when they returned home on Sunday after leaving town for the weekend.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told Fox News that her car was parked just 200 feet away from Wolls home  and she and her husband have since notified law enforcement. When asked about the incident as he delivered updates on Monday, Chief White said that his office would be investigating the reports and whether it is connected to Wolls murder.

A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department told The Independent on Tuesday that there are no updates in that regard.

Synagogue leader Samantha Wolls final text before stabbing death revealed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 18:10 , Andrea Blanco

The grieving sister of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has revealed her final text before she was stabbed to death over the weekend.

Authorities in Detroit continue investigating 40-year-old Wolls murder on 21 October as it emerged on Monday that several persons of interest are being interviewed by law enforcement.

Detroit Police Chief James White said Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood and then stumbled out of her residence before collapsing on the sidewalk, leaving behind a trail of blood that led investigators to the disturbing scene.

Woll, the president at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was laid to rest on Sunday during a service with more than 1,000 in attendance, including city and state politicians whom she had worked with. The slain community leaders sister Monica Woll Rosen delivered a eulogy, sharing with mourners that Wolls final text was a heart emoji sent to a friend.

You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them  because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, also revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

Samantha Wolls final text message revealed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 16:10 , Andrea Blanco

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:58 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Wolls sister delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral

Tuesday 24 October 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them  because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy  and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Tuesday 24 October 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Read more:

Detroit synagogue leaders murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Samantha Woll was instrumental in building bridges between communities

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read.

Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

DETROIT-SINAGOGA-PRESIDENTA (AP)

Detroit mayor issues heartfelt statement following death of Samantha Woll

Tuesday 24 October 2023 22:50 , Andrea Blanco

Mayor Mike Duggan issued a statement saying he was devastated to learn of Wolls death.

Sams loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community, the mayor said. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.

Politicians mourn Samantha Wolls death

Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Woll.

My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, she said in a statement.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness.

Nessel said that she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Final text message of slain synagogue leader revealed

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:29 , Rachel Sharp

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest

Tuesday 24 October 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Everything we know about Samantha Wolls stabbing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of Saturday. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue has shocked the local community and city officials, who have remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Few details about the murder will be released in order to protect the investigation, Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday, but the evidence suggests that the killing was not motivated by antisemitic sentiments.

Read more:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Samanths Woll attended wedding hours before being killed, police say

Tuesday 24 October 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12:30 a.m.

By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self, Chief White told reporters.

Detroit synagogue president laid to rest

Tuesday 24 October 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Nick Ferris reports:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Police warn the public not to jump to conclusions

Tuesday 24 October 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco

The FBI is aware of the incident, and will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Detroit Police Department Chief James E White urged the public not to draw any conclusions until more facts were gathered.

Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence, he said in a statement.

WATCH: Detroit Police Chief James White provides update on Samantha Woll murder

Tuesday 24 October 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Woll remembered for her interfaith work

Tuesday 24 October 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

Detroit police say they've identified several people of interest in synagogue president's killing

Tuesday 24 October 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president but would not talk about their connections to the woman during a press conference Monday.

Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Wolls body outside her home early Saturday after a caller told police about a person lying on the ground.

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

He said there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home and investigators believe Woll was stabbed inside before stumbling into the yard.

We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect, he said, adding that investigators believe a suspect acted alone.

What do we know about the stabbing?

Tuesday 24 October 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Slain synagogue president Samantha Woll fought for everyone

Tuesday 24 October 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco

More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the ceremony.

Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

Authorities believe that Samantha Wolls killer acted alone

Tuesday 24 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Chief James White said on Monday that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he doesnt think there is a threat to the community at large.

He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

We are not in the position to discuss [details,] Chief White said. There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.

Police ask for publics help in Samantha Wolls stabbing investigation

Monday 23 October 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Police have encouraged neighbours to reach out to investigators with any details they recall from the early morning hours of Saturday, no matter how small it may seem.

If they saw anything ... if they saw someone who is not known to the neighbourhood, someone who was there earlier in the week, or someone who was lurking around, certainly let us know, the chief said. Check your video cameras at home, share anything you know with us.

WATCH: Investigation ongoing into killing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll

Monday 23 October 2023 21:47 , Andrea Blanco

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death in her home. Police have no idea why

Monday 23 October 2023 20:41 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities in Detroit believe that 40-year-old Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Woll, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue, left a trail of blood as she stumbled outside of her home and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

Andrea Blanco reports:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Police say there are persons of interest in Samantha Wolls murder

Monday 23 October 2023 19:55 , Andrea Blanco

The chief said that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:51 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:50 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

What was the motive in Samantha Wolls murder?

Monday 23 October 2023 19:25 , Andrea Blanco

A motive in Wolls murder has yet to be established.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

I again ask the community to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work, Chief White said in a statement. Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at her home

Monday 23 October 2023 16:45 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Woll, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was remembered as a driving force behind the establishment of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, and an organizer of events to welcome Syrian refugees.

A motive has not been identified in the killing and the incident is under investigation, a spokesperson for Detroit Police Department told The Independent.

Read more:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Samantha Woll praised her interfaith work

Monday 23 October 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco

The Michigan chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations called her death a tragic loss, noting interfaith work with Wolls congregation. That included a prayer vigil for the victims of the deadly 2018 attack on a Pennsylvania synagogue.

We are troubled by the horrific murder of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, said Dawud Walid, the Muslim advocacy groups executive director, in a Saturday statement.

Synagogue leaders death was not hate crime, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 15:45 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said the killing has left many unanswered questions, and he asked the public to be patient as investigators examine all available evidence.

In a statement late Saturday, he said the department had mobilized many of its resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation.

Detroit police, Michigan State Police and the FBI are investigating Wolls death as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime, police said.

Authorities said that they found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Officials mourn Samantha Wolls death

Monday 23 October 2023 15:15 , Andrea Blanco

In a statement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wolls death was heartbreaking.

She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, the governor said.

Michigan State Police were assigned to support the Detroit Police Department in the investigation, Whitmer said.

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Woll once worked as a staffer for Ms Nessel.

Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known, Nessel said. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.

Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin, who Woll worked for as an aide, also commented on X, saying she was heartbroken at this news.

Duggan issued a statement saying he was devastated to learn of Wolls death.

Sams loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community, the mayor said. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.

Samantha Wolls body was found outside her home in Detroit, police said

Monday 23 October 2023 14:45 , Andrea Blanco

Welcome to The Independents live blog on the killing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll.

Authorities in Detroit said Wolls body was found at her home Saturday morning after someone called officers to alert them of a person lying on the ground unresponsive.

While at the scene, police officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victims residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred, Cpl Dan Donakowski said.

Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.
The attempt by an off-duty pilot to shut down the engines of a U.S. airliner in midflight highlights the threat that insiders pose to aviation safety with their ability to go where passengers are prohibited.

Events like the one Sunday on a Horizon Air jetliner are very rare, but they are potentially devastating.

The captain and co-pilot prevented disaster by subduing the off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who  from his perfect vantage point in the cockpit jump seat  tried to cut fuel to the engines.

Were just lucky he wasnt flying the plane when he decided to do this. Whats going to stop that? said Jon Loffi, a longtime law enforcement officer who teaches aviation security at Oklahoma State University and wrote a paper on identifying insider threats.

There is something of a see-something, say-something mindset in aviation, where employees are encouraged to voluntarily report anything that raises a safety concern, including suspicious behavior of colleagues. It's not clear how often that happens, however  if ever.

The pilot who was arrested after Sunday's flight didn't appear to raise alarms. Neighbors and fellow members of a flying club where he was an instructor described him as a great guy who was obsessed with safety. The pilots who let him in the cockpit Sunday said they didn't see anything out of the ordinary before takeoff.

Pilots are required to undergo psychological screening as part of their regularly scheduled medical exams. The pilot involved in Sunday's incident got his most recent exam in September, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

However, the pilot, Joseph David Emerson, told police that he had been depressed for about six months  starting long before his last medical exam  and was having a nervous breakdown," according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

During FAA-required exams, pilots are supposed to go through an interview and report whether they have received psychiatric treatment and what medicines they take. The FBI agent's affidavit didn't indicate whether Emerson was being treated for depression.

The FAA says its approved medical examiners are trained to gauge a pilot's mental health.

Airlines frequently conduct their own interviews that include a psychological evaluation, but most of those are to determine whether the pilot is a good fit for the company, not whether they are mentally unstable, said Jeffrey Price, an aviation-security expert at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

The Horizon close call could result in the re-examination of the practice of letting off-duty pilots or other airline employees sit in the cockpit jump seat.

Air travel changed after the 9/11 terror attacks. The Transportation Security Administration was created to screen passengers. Cockpit doors were hardened. For a time, jump-seat riders were banned.

Pilots fought to restore their ability to hitch a ride in the cockpit. Many of them commute to their jobs, and letting them use the jump seat means the airline doesn't have to bump a passenger off a full flight to make room for a pilot.

Im afraid this will put that privilege in jeopardy now, said Ross Aimer, a retired airline pilot who is now CEO of an aviation-consulting firm. He said air travel won't function  it will come to a grinding halt  if off-duty pilots can't use the jump seat to commute to work.

Airlines must approve people to sit in the jump seat, and pilots wishing to do it must present their credentials to the crew. The captain can deny access.

Our flight crew vetting system is just that  its based on trust, Price said. We have to trust personnel to a certain extent, or the system doesnt work.

Loffi, the Oklahoma State professor, said banning pilots from the jump seat would be silly because a pilot intent on crashing the plane could simply wait until their turn to operate a flight.

Investigators concluded that is what happened on board a Germanwings plane in 2015. They determined that the co-pilot deliberately crashed the plane in the French Alps. The man had been treated for suicidal tendences but did not tell the airline.

A FedEx pilot riding on a cargo plane tried to kill the crew and crash the plane in 1994 but was stopped by the on-duty pilots. In 1987, a fired employee who still had his security badge hijacked a Pacific Southwest Airlines jet, which crashed in California, killing everyone on board.

On rare occasions, other employees including a mechanic have been accused of sabotaging planes.

Loffi said pilots could be subjected to more rigorous psychological examinations, as is often done with police officers, but thats not foolproof either.

I think we're doing a pretty good job of managing the insider threat," he said. "How often does this happen? Darn seldom. And it's just so hard to predict this kind of behavior.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the FAA will look into any safety considerations" that come out of investigations of the Horizon Air incident.

Security experts say it would be difficult if not impossible to stop every determined criminal or terrorist who targets aviation. They say there are steps that could make such an attack more difficult, but they would come at a cost of time and money.

One possibility is to make airline and airport employees go through the same type of security checkpoints as passengers. Currently many of those insiders can go behind security perimeters with the right credentials.

Federal law requires that people seeking to work in secure areas of an airport must pass a criminal-records check and a "security threat assessment that includes checking their names against a terrorism watch list. The vetting is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration.

The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was arrested Sunday joined Horizon as a first officer or co-pilot in 2001. In 2012, he went to work at Virgin America, which was bought by Alaska in 2016. Emerson was promoted to captain in 2019.

Alaska Airlines said Emerson met all requirements for medical exams and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.

Alaska said Tuesday that Emerson was relieved from all duties" on Sunday, the day of the flight. His next flight had been planned for Thursday. The airline indicated it was talking to the pilots' union regarding his employment status.

On Tuesday, Emerson was being held in the Multnomah County, Oregon, jail on one federal count of interfering with a flight crew and 83 state counts of attempted murder, a felony, 83 counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft, a felony. He was due to be arraigned Tuesday in Portland.

Emerson's neighbors in Pleasant Hill, California, a suburb about 30 miles east of San Francisco, describe him as friendly, and officials of a local flying club say he is meticulous about safety.

No sign he was off. Nothing, Karen Yee, a neighbor whose grandchildren play with Emerson's two elementary-school kids, told The (San Jose) Mercury News. He is everything you would want to have in a good neighbor. We see him over the fence and on walks. Great guy. Great family.

Allen Scott, former president of a flying club where Emerson served as a flight instructor several years ago, told the San Francisco Chronicle he has flown with Emerson and he was fanatical about safety.

___

Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  Just hours after beating out a crowded field to win the GOP nomination for speaker, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., on Tuesday dropped his bid after it became clear he could not win the 217 votes needed on the floor.

Emmer, the No. 3 Republican in leadership and the GOPs chief vote counter, told GOP colleagues in a closed-door meeting Tuesday afternoon that he couldn't continue his bid for speaker, sources in the room said.

His decision came after he huddled with several of his detractors, who made clear to him they would not, under any circumstance, support him in a floor vote.

Emmer is the third straight GOP nominee to drop his bid for speaker, underscoring the chaos and dysfunction roiling the Republican party. Republicans will hold another candidates forum Tuesday night.

Just four hours earlier, Emmer and his allies were celebrating winning the nomination in a hard-fought race. He defeated GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, R-La., in the fifth and final round of internal voting. The vote was 117 to 97, with five Republicans voting for other candidates, lawmakers said.

But Emmer's victory was met with swift and vocal opposition from former President Donald Trump and his conservative allies in Congress.

Follow live updates on the speaker race

More than two dozen Republicans indicated in a private roll-call vote that they would not back Emmer's nomination on the House floor. And Trump, who had stayed on the sidelines during this round of selecting a new nominee, issued a scathing statement on Truth Social bashing Emmer as a Republican in name only.

"I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them," Trump said. "He never respected the power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGA  MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Emmers nomination and rapid exit comes exactly three weeks after California Republican Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the speakers office  the first time in history a sitting speaker had been removed. The majority whip told colleagues he wanted to secure the needed 217 GOP votes first before rushing to the floor, lawmakers said, and he stayed for hours after the vote addressing concerns from his staunchest critics.

But like the partys previous two nominees  Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio  Emmer appeared nowhere close to having the votes needed to win the gavel.

Its either third times a charm or three strikes youre out! Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., said before Emmer dropped out.

Photo Illustration: The U.S. Capitol (NBC News / Getty Images)

Immediately after Emmer's victory, House Republicans took a separate roll call to see if 217 members were willing to back him on the floor. More than two dozen voted "present" or for someone else, multiple lawmakers said; many of the anti-Emmer votes were cast for either Jordan or Johnson, said lawmakers who kept a list of the detractors.

"It should not be surprising to anyone that there is nobody in that room that is going to be able to get 217 votes as we speak," Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., told reporters.

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who voted for Jordan in the roll call, said there was no path for Emmer to win the speakership on the floor.

"I can't go along with putting one of the most moderate members of the entire Republican Conference in the speaker's chair," said Banks, who lost to Emmer in the race for majority whip last year. "That betrays the conservative values that I came here to fight for. So I hope there's a change along the way."

Another "Never Emmer" vote, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., tweeted that Emmer "voted for Democrat gay marriage bill, voted with Democrats to overturn President Trump's transgender military ban, voted for every penny of Ukraine funding, at one time supported the Soros national popular vote scheme, and voted to certify Biden's 2020 election."

After Emmer ended his bid, Greene, a Trump loyalist, explained the dynamic of House Republicans: "The GOP Conference is changing, and it's changing to reflect America First. And Republican voters overwhelmingly support President Trump, and the GOP Conference and the speaker of the House should do the same."

Moderate Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said the "bad blood" between the warring factions of the GOP  the Reagan conservatives and the populist wing  continues to get worse with each speaker nominee.

"What happened to Kevin McCarthy started it. It was very raw for eight people to do that. They opened up a Pandora's box," Bacon said. "And then what happened to Steve Scalise, which angered me, because I thought supporters of Jim Jordan didn't handle themselves. And we're seeing a continuation of this."

After Jordan bowed out on Friday, nine speaker hopefuls threw their hat in the ring for the third round. But during Monday nights candidate forum, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., abruptly dropped out, and moments before any votes were cast Tuesday, Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., followed suit, leaving seven candidates.

Tuesdays nominating process took place by secret ballot and behind closed doors in the cavernous Ways and Means hearing room in the building named for the late former Speaker Nicholas Longworth.

To winnow the list of seven, the lowest vote-getter was eliminated. In the first round of voting Tuesday, that person was Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, the former Rules Committee chairman.

Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., was voted out next, followed by Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., in the third round. Both Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Kevin Hern, R-Okla., tied for last in the fourth round; Donalds dropped out of the race, lawmakers said, and Hern was therefore eliminated.

Emmer had dominated earlier rounds of voting by wide margins, and secured support from a majority of the lawmakers in the room on the fifth ballot.

A GOP civil war has prevented Republicans from agreeing on a McCarthy successor. The GOPs two previous picks bowed out after they failed to secure the votes needed to win on the floor, leaving the House in a state of unprecedented chaos with a possible government shutdown less than a month away and wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Emmer's "got a little bit of work to do but I sure hope we can get there," House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said in a brief interview. "We can't afford 40 more days without governing. We're running out of time."

In an appearance earlier on NBCs Meet the Press NOW, Womack said, The world is burning around us, and American leadership is necessary. And you cant have the full complement of American leadership if the House of Representatives is not functioning, emphasizing the need for his colleagues to move on and coalesce around a new leader.

The world is watching; our adversaries are paying attention. And it does not, you know, cast a good light on the democratic institutions that we all have sworn to defend, Womack added. So again, lets hope and pray that this week is it.
District plans to develop market complex, establish GTX lines

By Jung Da-hyun

Dongdaemun District in eastern Seoul unveiled a redevelopment plan for Cheongnyangni-dong on Oct. 19, with the goal of transforming the area from an underdeveloped city center into a bustling hub for commerce, transportation and residential living.

The extensive plan comprises the development of a traditional market complex and the establishment of new railroads.

In a bid to rejuvenate the traditional market scene, Dongdaemun District intends to merge nine existing markets into a single, competitive traditional market complex.

This initiative is closely aligned with two other projects. Jegi-dong was selected as the target site for the new hanok  a Korean traditional house  village project and Cheongnyangni Market was designated as a site for an innovative design concept for traditional markets. Both projects were decided in September.

To unify the appearance of these markets, the district plans to apply a cohesive design to the roofs, outer walls and information boards throughout the market area.

Additionally, the district aims to create a rooftop market road by connecting different sections, creating a trendy, inviting atmosphere like Ssamzi-gil, a marketplace in Jongno District, Seoul. This approach is geared towards attracting young people to the market complex.

Further enhancing the convenience for visitors, it intends to name the markets with various colors by zone. For instance, the wholesale market will be named Red Market, the traditional market area will be named Blue Market and the section for agricultural and marine products will be named Pink Market.

This will enhance convenience for foreign visitors navigating the large market, according to the district office.

Lee Pil-hyeong, the head of the Dongdaemun District Office, described this concept as the "Rainbow Market."

This idea was designed to create a vibrant and enjoyable space for young people and tourists to explore, Lee said.

In addition to drawing a larger crowd, the district plans to construct a parking tower, addressing the limitations of the previous market, which was accessible only on foot due to a lack of parking spaces. This parking tower aims to make the market more accessible to a greater number of visitors.

Breaking ground for the Cheongnyangni traditional market complex is scheduled for next year, with a projected public opening date set for 2030.

Cheongnyangni-dong is also gaining attention as a burgeoning transportation hub in northeastern Seoul. Two new railway lines are set to be established, with the Great Train eXpress (GTX) B and C.

As for the GTX B line, it will connect Incheon National University Station to Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province, passing through Cheongnyangni station. This line is slated for completion and operation by 2030.

The GTX C line, connecting Deokjeong-dong in Yangju City, Gyeonggi Province to Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province, also passing through Cheongnyangni station, will commence construction at the end of this year.

With an anticipated surge in the floating population due to the new railway routes connecting Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, the district is planning to create a transfer center to enhance transportation convenience for residents and visitors.
WASHINGTON  As Republicans remain stalled on picking the next House speaker, nearly a dozen men have looked in the mirror and  despite little to no name recognition or the possibility of getting the job  imagined themselves as the most powerful person in the House.

Zero women within the GOPs ranks have moved to do the same.

Thats not because there arent options. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York serves as the No. 4 Republican in leadership. Reps. Lisa McClain of Michigan and Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma also serve in leadership roles. And three Republican women serve as committee chairs.

Asked about the lack of women tossing their hats in the ring for his old job, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy told NBC News, I dont know.

Follow live updates on the speaker race

McCarthy noted that there were more Republican women (33) elected to the House in 2022 than in any previous election. I think a number of them would make great speakers, and I believe in the future they will, he said.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi was the first woman to wield the speakers gavel. No Republican woman has ever advanced beyond the role of conference chair  the position currently held by Stefanik and filled by former Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and before her.

There is still, I hate to say it, a glass ceiling that the conference chair is the girl job, one Republican strategist who previously worked in the House told NBC News, speaking on anonymously to be more candid about the state of their party.

Still, there are others who wonder if its not something else  call it, womens intuition  keeping them away from the most thankless job in Congress.

We have one woman in leadership, three women with powerful gavels, and at least another dozen who would be most capable of being an effective Speaker, Julie Conway, who runs VIEW PAC  a conservative group that works to elect more women to Congress  told NBC News, noting its disappointing that not a single female candidate has been publicly suggested by anyone to lead.

The upside, of course, Conway quipped, is that all of these women are too smart to want the job! No offense to the eventual speaker.

Another GOP operative who works on congressional races echoed that.

Women are smart enough to realize that this position is going to be a chopping block for whoever gets it, they said, pointing out that the issues any speaker would have to deal with next  avoiding a government shutdown next month and providing aid for foreign wars, to name a few  are thankless jobs that will be thorny for Republicans.

But the GOP operative also pointed out that even as Republicans add women to their ranks at a historic clip, you also have a built-in boys' club" in the House GOP.

The women of the conference, for their part, were muted about tossing their female colleagues  or themselves  to the wolves.

You know, I dont know, I thought of that, freshman Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia said, adding that she "certainly would appreciate if we could, hopefully," have a Republican woman as speaker "someday soon.

We need to have, maybe, a woman to get us out of this mess, Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana told NBC News. The men screw it up so much.
Former President Donald Trump is distancing himself from attorney Sidney Powell in the wake of her guilty plea in the Georgia election interference case.

Sidney Powell was one of millions and millions of people who thought, and in ever increasing numbers still think, correctly, that the 2020 Presidential Election was RIGGED & STOLLEN," Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday.

"Despite the Fake News reports to the contrary, and without even reaching out to ask the Trump Campaign, MS. POWELL WAS NOT MY ATTORNEY, AND NEVER WAS," he wrote.

Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to commit election interference in Fulton County Superior Court last week, a day before she was set to stand trial on felony racketeering charges.

Eric Segall, a law professor at Georgia State University, told NBC News that Trumps assertion about Powell is another example of Trump re-writing history and changing facts for his own purposes.

Segall also said on the social media platform X that the assertion wasn't helpful to Trump's cause. "So much for any claims of attorney/client privilege. Not smart," he wrote.

That's a reference to a privilege that protects private communications between attorneys and their clients. The privilege is not absolute  it can be circumvented by what is known as the crime-fraud exception if the communications are shown to be in furtherance of a crime.

Special counsel Jack Smith, who's prosecuting the federal election interference and classified documents cases against Trump, had to engage in extensive, time-consuming litigation on the issue when he sought and won testimony from Trump attorney Evan Corcoran.

Asked by an NBC News reporter at a campaign event in New Hampshire on Monday whether he was concerned that he won't be covered by attorney-client privilege with Powell, Trump said: No, not at all. We did nothing wrong."

Trump once touted Powell's involvement in his legal team's efforts to challenge the 2020 election results in the days after his loss.

"I look forward to Mayor Giuliani spearheading the legal effort to defend OUR RIGHT to FREE and FAIR ELECTIONS! Rudy Giuliani, Joseph diGenova, Victoria Toensing, Sidney Powell, and Jenna Ellis, a truly great team, added to our other wonderful lawyers and representatives!" he tweeted on Nov. 14, 2020.

Five days later, Giuliani held a news conference with those attorneys, including Powell, at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington. "We're representing President Trump and the Trump campaign," Giuliani said at the time.

At the news conference, Powell made sweeping and bogus claims of a multinational conspiracy to change the results of the presidential election. The campaign appeared to cut ties with her days later, after she suggested Republican officials in Georgia had taken payoffs to fix the election.

Image: RNC Trump Presser with Giuliani (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images file)

Sidney Powell is practicing law on her own, Giuliani and Ellis said in a statement. She is not a member of the Trump Legal Team. She is also not a lawyer for the President in his personal capacity.

Despite the apparent split, Powell kept challenging the election results in court and was part of a Dec. 18 Oval Office meeting at which Trump discussed naming her a special counsel to investigate voter fraud.

Powell distanced herself from Trump and his campaign after she, the former president and 17 other people were hit with racketeering and other charges related to efforts to overturn the presidential election results in Georgia by the Fulton County district attorney's office.

Contrary to widely publicized false statements in the media, Sidney Powell did not represent President Trump or the Trump campaign. She had no engagement agreement with either, her defense attorney wrote in a court filing in August.

A spokesperson for Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday on his conflicting statements about Powell's involvement.

In a statement after Powell's guilty plea, Trump attorney Steve Sadow said, Assuming truthful testimony in the Fulton County case, it will be favorable to my overall defense strategy.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in the Georgia case, which he maintains is part of a politically motivated "witch hunt" against him.
An Afghan refugee who fled Kabul under the promise of being given safe haven in Britain faces being sent back to the Taliban after the government admitted it had housed him for 19 months in error.

Mohammad Zaker Nasery has spent over a year living in a UK-funded hotel in Pakistan awaiting approval to come to Britain, and even had a UK visa approved. But he has now been given 14 days notice to leave the accommodation after being told he is not eligible for the Ministry of Defences flagship resettlement scheme.

The father of four, who worked as a contractor on a Foreign Office (FCDO) project between 2019 and 2021, faces destitution in Pakistan or deportation back to Afghanistan after officials told him they were cutting support because it had been given in error. More than 30 Afghan families, who are also living in the hotel, have written a letter of support calling on the British High Commission to stop his eviction.

It is the latest in a series of revelations about the governments beleaguered Afghan resettlement policy, which is facing mounting legal challenges from abandoned claimants. Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy said it was indicative of the shameful saga of government failures in supporting Afghans who helped British forces.

Juliette Seibold, who worked as a programme manager at IPE Global, the company contracted by the FCDO in Afghanistan, said the government had cocked it up. They invited him to Pakistan, then they invited his family to Pakistan. They led him down this road of believing that he had a chance and they put him up for months in Islamabad at an eye-watering cost of money. At the end of all this process theyre booting him out. Its just not fair.

Mr Nasery had worked as a contractor on an FCDO project to end violence against women and girls in Afghanistan between 2019 and 2021 and other members of his family have been relocated to the UK because of their work with the British.

Mohammad Zaker Nasery with his wife and four children aged 9, 6, 5 and 3. (Mohammad Nasery)

He messaged his family members British High Commission (BHC) caseworker in March 2022, seven months after the fall of Kabul, asking for updates on whether he was eligible to come to the UK as well. He had already applied to come to Britain under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme, which is for Afghans who worked with the British forces.

In messages seen by The Independent, the case worker responded by asking if he had a visa to travel from Afghanistan and, when he said he did, said: Let me know when you planned to travel. Mr Nasery organised a time to cross the border with Pakistan, informed the case worker and was picked up by a BHC car and driven to a UK-funded hotel in Islamabad.

Mr Nasery stayed in the hotel for 19 months, with his wife and four children joining him some months later. He was even given a UK visa by the Home Office in May 2022, which has now been crossed out, with a big red cross. Afghan families are only meant to travel to the Pakistan hotels and have visas approved after they have had their eligibility for resettlement schemes approved.

His Arap application was turned down in January this year, but he was allowed to stay living in the hotel with his family while the decision was reviewed. In May this year, he was told his resettlement plea had been rejected because he had not worked alongside a UK government department or made a substantive contribution to the UKs military objectives in Afghanistan.

He then made an application to the UNs refugee scheme, with the hope of being referred to the UK Home Office for relocation, but has not yet had his second stage interview.

But, in an eviction letter sent earlier this month confirming the withdrawal of support, officials at the British High Commission wrote: While in third countries, the UK government may provide discretional support including accommodation to applicants who have been assessed as eligible for relocation to the UK under Arap. In error, this support was provided for you.

Ms Foy, Labour MP for Durham, who had been supporting the case, said: Mr Naserys story is the latest in a shameful saga of government failures to stand with those Afghans who supported British efforts in Afghanistan.

Since Mr Naserys case was brought to my attention by a constituent over a year ago, the governments responses to his case have been slow, uncoordinated and contradictory, all the while he and his family have been abandoned to an uncertain future.

Mr Nasery said: I have been given 14 days to leave the hotel, find my own funds, accommodation and update my visa. Currently I dont have money to rent a house or feed my family. I am in a stressed and frustrated situation.

In the letter of support from families, they said Mr Nasery, who speaks English, has been supporting many people in the hotel with translation, adding: We are aware he has sold all his possessions to fund his wife and kids passports and Pakistan visas. Currently he is homeless, destitute and without Pakistan visas.

If he is put out in 14 days with his family from the hotel he is at immediate risk of deportation by the Pakistani authorities, because his visas expired a year ago.

The Home Office and the Foreign Office have been contacted for comment.
A priest from Ukraines Orthodox Church has been arrested along with four others for stealing 52m of illegally obtained ancient jewellery.

The items consisted of 11 gold artefacts, including a belt, earrings and necklaces. They were smuggled out of Ukraine in 2016 and had allegedly been put up for sale in Madrid.

The gold is believed to be from the eighth and fourth centuries BC and to be a part of Ukraines national heritage.

Spanish police on Monday said they had made the arrests in connection with the case and had confiscated all the items.

According to authorities, the valuable items went missing from public display between 2009 and 2013 at an undisclosed museum in Kyiv.

The pieces were then transported out of Ukraine with the aid of forged documents falsely claiming affiliation with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Spanish law enforcement officers managed to seize an ornate gold belt in 2021, while the remaining artefacts were confiscated in recent weeks after attempts to sell them in the Spanish capital.

The police operation involved cooperation from various countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, North Macedonia and Ukraine.

Police said the arrests were made in recent weeks after attempts were allegedly made to sell the valuable items in Madrid.

The arrested individuals include two Ukrainians, one of whom is a member of the clergy and three Spaniards.

The artefacts are currently undergoing examination by Spains National Archaeological Museum and the countrys Cultural Heritage Institute.

The Scythians who dominated eastern Europe, including what is present-day Ukraine, were known for their metal work and artefacts and jewellery from the era are among Ukraines best-known historical heritage.

In a separate incident, Ukrainian authorities recovered 14 archaeological items allegedly stolen from areas occupied by Russia. A Russian man was arrested after attempting to smuggle them into the US.
Joe Kennedy III focuses on Northern Ireland's economic and investment opportunities in his role

The United States Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III is leading a delegation of senior business people on a four-day trip to Northern Ireland.

The delegation is a blend of US companies already present in Northern Ireland and potential investors.

US President Joe Biden promised the delegation when he visited Northern Ireland earlier this year.

He said "scores" of US firms wanted to come to Northern Ireland; some already employing over 30,000 people.

It is not clear if any of the delegate companies will announce any jobs or investments during the visit.

It typically takes years for large-scale foreign direct investments to be finalised.

Who will be attending?

The delegates include Tim Sweeney, the chief executive of Liberty Mutual Insurance, which has a major IT operation in Northern Ireland, as well as a local insurance business.

Also present will be John Murphy, the president and chief financial officer of Coca-Cola.

On Tuesday, the company is launching a new canning line which has created 35 jobs as part of a 17m expansion of its site near Lisburn.

Mr Kennedy suggested the trip would be a learning experience for some delegates who had not previously considered Northern Ireland.

"They will learn about Northern Ireland's highly skilled and motivated talent pool, driven by its world-class universities and colleges," he added.

In the absence of devolved ministers the delegation will be hosted by the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady.

She said there had been a "collaborative effort between business, academia and government" to showcase key elements of the region as an investment proposition.

"We will be providing curated sessions across Northern Ireland to highlight sectors, where we already compete globally, including advanced manufacturing and net zero, software and fintech, life and health sciences and the creative industries," Ms Brady added.

Analysis: Investment at the acorn stage

Whenever foreign direct investment projects are being put together they generally take years to reach fruition.

This might be more the acorns rather than the oak trees stage of the process.

Given that Joe Kennedy has only been in this role for about a year, it is hard to see that we would get a blockbuster announcement while he is here.

That is not to say there could be some promising developments announced as part of this trip.

Meanwhile, new figures show the unemployment rate in Northern Ireland has returned to its record low but other measures suggest the job market may be weakening.

The unemployment rate of 2.3% in June-August equalled the low point recorded in the autumn of 2019.

However, the monthly measurement of how many people are claiming unemployment benefits rose in September.

There were just under 38,000 claimants, the highest number since February 2022.

The NI unemployment rate in June-August equalled the low point recorded in the autumn of 2019

Official data also show the total number of weekly hours worked in Northern Ireland between June and August was estimated at 27.7m, a decrease of 3.1% on the previous quarter.

A falling number of hours worked can suggest employers are taking measures such as cutting back on overtime.

The publication of these labour market figures had been delayed because the Office of National Statistics had been concerned about the falling response rate to its Labour Force Survey (LFS) in Great Britain.

It has published what amounts to an adjusted version of the LFS for Great Britain.

Response rates to the survey in Northern Ireland have been much better so the NI Statistics and Research Agency has published unadjusted figures.
An American politician has been arrested in Hong Kong for carrying a gun into the city, according to a charge sheet seen by CNN, in what he has called an honest mistake.

Washington state senator Jeff Wilson was arrested on Saturday at Hong Kong International Airport and charged with possession of a firearm without a license, the charge sheet states, an offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of more than $12,000.

Wilson appeared in the Sha Tin Magistrates Court on Monday and was granted bail, according to public broadcaster RTHK.

The Republican state senator, whose full name is Stephen J. Wilson, said he did not realize he had packed his pistol in his briefcase while he and his wife were traveling for a five-week vacation to Southeast Asia, according to a statement posted on his website.

It was an honest mistake. And I expect the situation to be resolved shortly, Wilson said in the statement.

Wilson said he discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong.

He did not realize his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners failed to note it, the statement added.

Wilson said in the statement that when the plane landed in Hong Kong, he immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue.

In an emailed reply to CNN, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration said the TSA is aware that a passenger on a flight departing from Portland International Airport Saturday passed through security and traveled with an unloaded firearm in his carry-on bag.

The individual was arrested upon arrival in Hong Kong. TSA takes this situation very seriously and is currently investigating the circumstances, it said.

The penalty for bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint may be as high as $15,000, and those stopped are ineligible for TSA PreCheck for up to five years, it added.

CNN has reached out to Portland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport for comment.

A US Consulate General spokesperson said they are aware of the reports and have no further comment due to privacy considerations.

Hong Kongs Customs and Excise Department told CNN via email that it had no comment to make given legal proceedings are underway.

Wilson faces his next court hearing in Hong Kong on October 30, RTHK reported.

Under Hong Kongs strict gun control laws, no one is allowed to possess any arms or ammunition unless they have a license from the Commissioner of Police. Licenses are only given to police officers, armed security guard services and operators of exclusive shooting range clubs.

Gun violence is very rare in Hong Kong, unlike in the United States where firearms are now the No. 1 killer of children and teens.

In Washington state, open carry is allowed for both long guns and handguns without a license, which means individuals can carry a firearm in many public areas, although private property owners may prohibit firearms on their property. However, a license is needed to carry concealed firearms in the state.

Wilson noted in his statement that his pistol was registered in Washington state and that he holds a concealed pistol license.

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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakotas Republican-controlled Legislature began a special session Monday to redo a key budget bill the state Supreme Court voided last month, leaving a giant hole in government operations.

Lawmakers quickly began hearings on 14 bills for restoring the provisions of the major budget bill voided by the high court, which invalidated the bill as unconstitutional because it violated a single-subject requirement for bills. The bill has traditionally been used as a catch-all or cleanup bill, passed at the end of the biennial session.

Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who is running for president,urged the Legislature to take up other items using higher-than-forecasted excess state tax revenue. Those include $91 million for expanding a previous income tax cut, $50 million for infrastructure projects and $20 million to expand a tourism attraction grant program the governor said has drawn great interest.

The state House voted later in the day to introduce a bill for the tax proposal. Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor said the time is now, and the time is right due to the state's glowing financial picture, with nearly $300 million more on hand than what the Legislature had forecasted at the end of its session in April.

Burgum told reporters that his proposals are just adding appropriations to existing programs," with a fantastic opportunity for this Legislature to do something more than just procedural fixes.

He also advocated for low-hanging fruit items such as fixing language of a military income tax exemption and allowing the University of North Dakota and Bismarck State College to receive non-state funds for improvements on campus.

Were here. Lets be nimble, efficient and wise, Burgum told the Legislature.

A top legislative panel last week turned down more than two dozen bills from lawmakers who sought to add other issues to the special session, including ones Burgum has pressed. The committee advanced just one proposal: a resolution in support of Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

Republican Senate Majority David Hogue said the Legislature appears able to complete its work in three days.
The off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut down the engines of an Alaska Airlines plane midflight on Sunday said he was having a nervous breakdown and told the flight crew he needed to be subdued, according to a federal complaint.

Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph D. Emerson, 44, has been charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew, the US Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon announced Tuesday. That charge comes on the heels of dozens of state charges in Oregon, including 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, booking records show. He pleaded not guilty to all state charges Tuesday.

Emerson attempted to cut fuel to the planes engines while the flight was en route from Washington state to San Francisco on Sunday, according to authorities. But it was the quick action of the aircrafts captain and first officer that kept the engines from failing completely, the airline said.

Joseph Emerson is facing 83 felony counts of attempted murder, among other charges. - Joseph Emerson/Facebook

Emerson was subdued by members of the flight crew but then attempted to grab the handle of an emergency exit during the flights descent, according to a release from the US attorneys office.

The flight was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon, where the suspect was taken into custody by Port of Portland police, the agency said in a statement.

While in custody, Emerson told a police officer he became depressed about six months ago, according to an affidavit authored by an FBI agent and included alongside the federal complaint. Emerson denied taking any medications, the affidavit says, but he did discuss psychedelic mushrooms with the responding officer.

The officer and Emerson talked about the use of psychedelic mushrooms and Emerson said it was his first-time taking mushrooms, the affidavit says.

Asked specifically if Emerson told officers he had been under the influence of mushrooms at the time of the incident, a spokesperson for the US Attorneys Office in Oregon told CNN that remains part of their ongoing investigation.

While in custody, Emerson said he was admitting to what I did, per the affidavit. Im not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys, he said.

Emerson is being held without bail at the Multnomah County Jail and appeared in court on Tuesday wearing a blue jail uniform with his hands restrained behind his back. His release was not addressed at Tuesdays hearing, said Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Jenna Plank, noting his case requires a more robust release hearing within five days. Online records do not list an attorney for Emerson, and CNN has been working to determine if he has legal representation in both state and federal court.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN. Investigators believe it may have been the result of a mental health episode, and authorities are preparing for court officials to order an assessment of the defendants psychological state as part of court proceedings, the source said.

Heres what we know.

Suspect tried to cut the engine fuel, airline says

After taking off from Everett, Washington, on Sunday, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059  operated by regional carrier Horizon Air  reported a security threat related to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, identified as Captain Joseph Emerson, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat, the airline said in a statement.

Pilots will sometimes ride in a cockpit jump seat when traveling in their official capacity or commuting between airports.

While in the cockpit, Emerson had tried to shut down both of the Embraer 175s engines by pulling its fire extinguisher handles, the airline said.

The fire suppression system consists of a T-handle for each engine; when pulled, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine, Alaska Airlines said in a statement to CNN. After they are pulled, some residual fuel remains in the line.

The airline said the quick reaction of the crew to reset both handles helped restore the flow of fuel and prevented the engines from cutting out.

Our crew responded without hesitation to a difficult and highly unusual situation, and we are incredibly proud and grateful for their skillful actions, the airline said in a statement.

Emerson initially engaged the pilots in small talk about the weather and the aircraft, the affidavit says. He then said, Im not OK, and one of the pilots turned around to see him reaching up and grabbing the red fire handles, the affidavit says.

One of the pilots grabbed Emersons wrist while the other declared an inflight emergency, the affidavit says. One pilot said Emerson initially resisted, and the two wrestled for about half a minute before Emerson agreed to leave the cockpit.

I think hes subdued, one of the planes pilots can be heard saying in air traffic control audio recorded by LiveATC.net. Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and are parked.

After peacefully walking to the back of the plane, the affidavit says Emerson told a flight attendant, You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad.

The crew cuffed his wrists, but during the descent, Emerson turned towards an emergency exit door and tried to grab the handle, and was stopped by a flight attendant, the affidavit says.

Another flight attendant observed Emerson make statements such as, I messed everything up and that he tried to kill everybody, the affidavit says. Emerson was heard saying he had just put 84 peoples lives at risk tonight including his own.

When the flight landed at Portland International Airport around 6:30 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody by Port of Portland police officers, the port said.

No injuries were reported on the flight, the FBI said.

All passengers were later able to fly to San Francisco with a new crew and aircraft, the airline said, noting it is reaching out to each of them individually to discuss their experience and check-in on their well-being.

The FBI is investigating the incident

The FBI and the Port of Portland police are investigating the incident, authorities said.

The FBIs Portland field office confirmed its investigation in a statement Monday and assured travelers there is no continuing threat related to this incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration also said it is supporting local law enforcement in the investigation.

The FAA said it has briefed other airlines on preliminary details of the incident and informed carriers the incident is not related to current world events  apparently referring to the war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.

Passengers describe their emergency landing

Two passengers on the flight told CNN that the airline crew maintained a calm environment on the plane as the incident played out.

Aubrey Gavello, one of the passengers, said she didnt realize something was wrong until a flight attendant announced over the loudspeaker that the plane needed to land immediately.

We didnt know where we were landing, and we didnt know what was wrong. But (the flight attendant) assured us we were safe, Gavello said on CNNs Laura Coates Live on Monday night.

Later, the pilot informed passengers through the loudspeaker that there had been a disturbance in the cockpit, said Alex Wood, who was seated at the front of the plane. Wood said he was wearing headphones and slept through the incident.

I was right by the cockpit, but nothing woke me up. Nothing was loud enough, nothing was rambunctious enough to wake me up, Wood said.

About five police officers boarded the plane after it landed and escorted the suspect off the aircraft, Gavello recalled. She noted he was calm and cooperative and had his hands secured by zip ties.

After Emerson was taken off the plane, a flight attendant announced on the loudspeaker that he had a mental breakdown, Gavello told CNN affiliate KGO.

A photo taken by passenger Aubrey Gavello shows police on Flight 2059 after it made an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday. - Aubrey Gavello/LOCAL NEWS X/TMX

Props to the Alaska crew for keeping everyone calm, Gavello told CNN.

It was all handled super well, said Wood.

The pair said they didnt realize the gravity of the situation Monday, when they woke to news headlines about the suspect trying to shut down the plane engines.

Im honestly grateful that we didnt know anything when they rebooked us and got us on a second plane, Gavello said. I dont know if I would have felt comfortable doing that if we had all the information.

It was very shocking, suspects neighbor says

Emersons neighbor, Ed Yee, told CNN it was very shocking to hear of the suspects alleged actions.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, Yee said.

Emerson had his most recent FAA medical examination last month, records show. He has a first-class medical certificate, the highest level of medical certificate awarded by the agency, which requires examinations every six months for pilots 40 and over.

Emerson has worked in aviation for at least two decades, according to information shared by Alaska Airlines.

He first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon. In 2012, Emerson left Horizon and joined Virgin America as a pilot.

After Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America in 2016, Emerson became a first officer with Alaska and worked about three more years to become a pilot for the airline, according to the airline statement.

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

FAA records show Emerson held an Airline Transport Pilot certification with ratings to fly the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Canadair Regional Jet, and De Havilland Dash 8. He did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175, those records indicate, the type of airplane in use during Sundays incident.

CNNs Lauren Mascarenhas, Dakin Andone, Taylor Romine, Holmes Lybrand, Sarah Moon, Jeffrey Kopp and Veronica Miracle contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Jung Da-hyun

Busan is gaining global recognition for its historical heritage and tourist attractions making the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and taking second place in a list of popular global travel destinations.

The Sites of the Busan Wartime Capital entry was added to UNESCO's Tentative List in the modern heritage category in May, and was shown on the official website on Oct. 17.

These wartime capital sites are a testament to their crucial role during the 1950-53 Korean War, when the city served as the nation's capital for 1,023 days following the evacuation of Seoul.

The property comprises nine distinct sites each showcasing diverse functions during the war. For instance, Bumin-dong in Busan's Seo District served as a temporary presidential residence, functioning as the seat of government maintenance. The Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum played a unique role, serving as the U.S. Embassy and National Information Center.

One of the nine sites, the Ami-dong Tombstone Culture Village, was a refuge for evacuees during this tumultuous period.

Still, there are several procedural steps that the city must navigate before achieving official recognition from UNESCO.

Busan Metropolitan City plans to engage in these necessary preparations and seek consensus among its citizens following the publication of the Sites of the Busan Wartime Capital on the UNESCO World Heritage website.

In another achievement, the city clinched the second position in an award organized by Trip.com, one of the globally leading online travel agencies, according to Busan Metropolitan City, Tuesday. Vienna, the capital of Austria, secured the top spot.

The city attributes this recognition as one of the most popular tourist destinations to its targeted marketing strategies aimed at Chinese tourists.

The city's efforts included the mayor participating in Chinese broadcasts and promoting Busan in various travel magazines. After tour groups from China resumed in Aug. 10, the city witnessed a surge in tourist numbers and received positive feedback as a travel destination.

In particular, increased awareness of Busan played a pivotal role in the city's success. Busan's tourism products gained considerable attention through live commerce broadcasts conducted by Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency.

Cross-national activities to host the World Expo 2030 last year and this year are greatly boosting the city brand, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said.

The metropolitan government also sees the city's growing global reputation as a positive factor in its bid to host the World Expo in 2030, according to a city official.
(L-R) Jackie Payne and his wife, Miriam, celebrate his Athens Music Walk of Fame plaque in downtown Athens, Ga. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Miriam was the inspiration for Jackie's 1965 song "I'll Be Home."

Call it long overdue recognition, respect paid or proper attention given. Just don't call Jackie Payne's plaque on the Athens Music Walk of Fame a mic drop. Payne detests the term, which is often used to denote a statement or achievement made in extravagant confidence.

"I hate it when they drop the mic like that," Payne told the Banner-Herald. "In the clubs and theaters I came up in, if you broke anything, you bought it."

More: The 2023 Athens Music Walk of Fame inductees were announced at AthFest. Here's the list.

Contribute a verse: Will you be the next Poet Laureate of Athens? Applications are open now.

The Grammy Award-nominated R&B artist was among the 2023 honorees for the Athens Music Walk of Fame, and his plaque was installed on Oct. 3 in the section of West Clayton Street sidewalk just a few steps away from the plaque honoring his uncle, Neal Pattman, who was one of the inaugural 10 Music Walk honorees in 2020.

Born in Athens in 1945, Payne grew up singing in his father's gospel choir and learned how to play the blues from Pattman, who rose to fame late in life as a star harmonica player and recording artist. Payne began singing professionally in his early teens, and opened for R&B legend Sam Cooke as part of a group called The Serenaders before moving to Texas and making his solo debut single "Go Go Train" for Jetstream Records.

R&B artist Jackie Payne's Athens Music Walk of Fame plaque in downtown Athens, Ga. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023.

"Sam was my hero, and in all these years since that show, I've never heard anyone that could compare with him," Payne said. "He had an aura about him, and the girls just lost it when he would perform. They went nuts. He was a remarkable entertainer."

The success of "Go Go Train" and its B-side "I'll Be Home," which was written for his wife Miriam, landed Payne a slot on the 1967 Stax/Volt Revue, a 45-city tour that featured R&B royalty such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Rufus and Carla Thomas and more. After a stint in the U.S. Army, Payne settled in California and spent decades in radio, recording and performing. Payne was featured on the Johnny Otis Orchestra album "Spirit of the Black Territory Bands," which was nominated for a Grammy in 1993.

Now semi-retired, Jackie and Miriam live in Athens and are regular visitors at Wuxtry Records, where an original 45 vinyl copy of "Go Go Train" hangs on the wall and the song is part of the regular rotation in manager Nate Mitchell's DJ sets. Mitchell told the Banner-Herald that local music archivist Kurt Wood was the person who first pointed out that Payne was from Athens.

A copy of R&B artist Jackie Payne's 1965 debut single "Go Go Train" is on the wall at Wuxttry Records in Athens, Ga. on Oct. 13, 2023. The spelling of Payne's last name was changed after his early 45 single releases.

"My favorite Jackie Payne song is 'No Puppy Love,' the follow-up to 'Go Go Train' on the same Texas-based label," said Mitchell, who described "No Puppy Love" as "an upbeat soul scorcher" that is appreciated in the collecting community of rare soul music recordings.

When asked if he'd ever consider hitting the stage in Athens in the near future, Payne's response was an emphatic and enthusiastic "yes," with a couple of modest caveats.

"I'd like to find a nice intimate club where I could work every week," Payne said. "I would absolutely love that because I could go home every night. I'm through with getting in a van or a bus for the next gig."

R&B artist Jackie Payne (center) and family celebrate his Athens Music Walk of Fame plaque in downtown Athens, Ga. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: R&B artist Jackie Payne honored with Athens Music Walk of Fame plaque
The Palestinian American woman whose 6-year-old son was fatally stabbed in what authorities have described as a hate crime in a Chicago suburb said she harbors no hatred, but believes in the pursuit of justice.

The statement, issued through the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, was Hanaan Shahin's first public comments since she was stabbed more than a dozen times and her son, Wadea Al-Fayoume, was stabbed 26 times on Oct. 14 in an attack investigators have said was carried out by their landlord.

Authorities have tied the stabbings to the violence in Israel and Gaza. Investigators said Joseph Czuba, 71, singled out the mother and son at their home in Plainfield Township because of their faith.

Ahmed Rehab, the CAIR chapter's executive director, said Tuesday that he met with Shahin for a couple of hours on Monday.

We spent most of our time together listening to her recounting stories of how smart and funny her boy was, and how he cared for the planet and always liked to join her in prayer, he said in a statement, adding that she said: He was my best friend.

He said he asked her whether she had a direct public statement she wanted him to convey, and, she only had this to say, with sad eyes that betrayed that polite, weary smile that hardly parted her stitched face: 'Just pray for peace.'"

6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume. (Courtesy of Hela Yousef)

Rehab said that Shahin is recuperating  "fully functional but tired"  and that her doctors were stunned by the speed of her recovery despite the brutality of the attack. He said Shahin credits that to God hearing the prayers of people out there.

Rehab said he was astonished by the mental strength and composure of Shahin, who worked as a caregiver to seniors.

She exudes a giving personality and a calm demeanor, he said. In the hospital while delirious, she was asking doctors to check on the elderly landlords wife.

Shahin thanked her doctors, nurses, the Will County Sheriffs Office, the Muslim community, the media and the general public for their care and support.

Despite the painful loss and the trauma she experienced that morning, her spirit is strong and she is finding peace and answers in her faith in God, Rehab said in the statement. She said that she accepts that God chose them for this test  and that she finds solace in remembering Wadea as an angel on earth, and knowing that he is now an angel in heaven.

Czuba is alleged to have stabbed the mother and son repeatedly with a serrated knife that had a seven-inch blade. The sheriffs office said Shahin ran into a bathroom and fought off her attacker as she dialed 911. Wadea was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Plainfield Township is about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. The sheriffs office arrested and charged Czuba. His wife told investigators that he had become obsessed with the war between Hamas and Israel, authorities said.

A close friend of the family previously told NBC News that Czuba had treated Wadea as a grandson, buying him a swing, a trampoline, toys and gifts.

Czuba was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of hate crimes and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to the sheriffs office.
With the swipe of a pen, New Jersey now has a one-stop shop for reproductive health care information. At the Glen Rock Municipal Building on Tuesday morning, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill to create a website full of information about access to and availability of health care resources.

The governor called Glen Rock, the only municipality in New Jersey with a governing body of all women, a living testament to the power of female leadership and said the world would be in a lot better shape if we could say the same about the United States Supreme Court.

New Jersey is and always will be a safe haven for reproductive health care, period, Murphy said. At a moment when far-right extremists are waging war on reproductive health care freedoms, it has never been more important for our citizens to be armed with the facts they need to make informed decisions about their health and their future.

Governor Phil Murphy is shown in Glen Rock seconds before signing bill (S-3275 A-4829) to provide reproductive rights information for residents of the Garden State. Surrounding Murphy is Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way (hands folded), ACLU Policy Director Sarah Fajardo, First Lady Tammy Murphy, Glen Rock Mayor Mayor Kristine Morieko, State Senator Nellie Pou, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter and others, Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The fact that Election Day is just two weeks away was not forgotten, either. State Sen. Joseph Lagana and Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, both of the battleground District 38, were on hand to talk about the importance of protecting reproductive health care access.

Lagana noted that the site will be pivotal to helping our residents weed out misleading and sometimes dangerous information, and Swain said she is incredibly thankful to live in a state that not only values womens privacy but takes critical steps like we are taking today to ensure full access to accurate health care information.

Gov. Phil Murphy sits for a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) innovation, equity and growth program briefing on Sept. 26, 2023, in Trenton.

Murphy also criticized a plan to cut spending that was released by state Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco this week. The plan, which Bucco said was a road map to what a Republican-led chamber would prioritize, included cuts to funding for reproductive health care.

Sarah Fajardo, the policy director for ACLU-NJ, thanked the governor and legislative sponsors for making this possible.

As these devastating attacks on our rights continue to unfold, ensuring all New Jerseyans have access to accurate information and resources related to reproductive rights and health is paramount, she said.

Previous: This is why reproductive rights are an issue in NJ's legislative election

What will the new website do?

Governor Phil Murphy is shown in Glen Rock where he signed bill (S-3275 A-4829) to provide reproductive rights information for residents of the Garden State. The signing of the bill, which came at approximately 11:40AM, launched the website, nj.gov/reproductivehealth which will help answer residents questions on the subject. Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The site includes information on what reproductive rights are legally protected and about health benefits coverage for reproductive health care services. That includes medical, surgical, counseling or referral services relating to pregnancy, contraception or termination of a pregnancy.

The site provides information about rights afforded under state law, including:

to access and receive emergency reproductive health care services.

to access and use contraception, including, but not limited to, condoms, diaphragms, spermicides, contraceptive vaginal rings, transdermal contraceptive patches, contraceptive hormonal injections, hormonal contraceptive pills, uterine implants, intrauterine devices and surgical and non-surgical sterilization.

to self-determination concerning the use of contraception, and the right under state law to refuse sterilization.

to access and use prescription and non-prescription medications for reproductive health care.

to carry a pregnancy to term and the right to terminate a pregnancy, as well as to access services related to childbirth and abortion care.

to access preventive reproductive health care services.

to receive reproductive health care services regardless of insurance status, along with links to appropriate internet websites and other resources that can provide assistance in enrolling individuals without insurance or who are underinsured in a health benefits plan or to apply for medical assistance under the Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs.

a resource page, or a link to a resource website, where patients can find current, verified reproductive health care providers, including abortion care providers.

information on where and how to file a complaint in the event that an individuals reproductive rights are violated.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way is shown in Glen Rock where Governor Murphy later signed a reproductive rights bill, Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Murphy also noted that there was a Medicaid rate increase as of Oct. 1 that will reimburse reproductive health care providers for their services, as well as a $5 million state-funded training program for abortion providers and to integrate abortion care into training curricula for health professionals at Rutgers.

He also pointed out that there is $5 million in grants for security upgrades for reproductive health care facilities in New Jersey. The application deadline for that program is Oct. 31.

The Murphy administration has taken several preemptive steps to ensure reproductive care access in the wake of the federal Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and removed federal reproductive health protections that had been in place for generations.

Measures have been taken throughout the country to codify protections, but New Jersey legislators have taken it even further by prohibiting people who receive or perform an abortion in New Jersey from being extradited to a state that restricts or criminalizes the procedure and even barring public agencies in New Jersey from providing information to help in investigations by states that criminalize abortion.

The state has also expanded access by requiring companies regulated by the states Department of Banking and Insurance to provide comprehensive abortion coverage as a part of all health benefit plans and making birth control available over the counter.

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ reproductive rights laws: Murphy bill creates resource portal
The former Led Zeppelin bandleader played the track during a benefit concert spearheaded by Duran Duran's Andy Taylor

Samir Hussein/WireImage Robert Plant performs in Glastonbury in June 2023

Robert Plant made history this past weekend.

On Saturday, the former Led Zeppelin bandleader, 75, brushed off one of the band's most famous songs live for the first time in 16 years  "Stairway to Heaven."

In fan-captured footage, Plant performed a slow-burning rendition of the 1971 power ballad during a charity concert for The Cancer Platform at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, organized by Duran Duran's Andy Taylor. (Taylor, 62, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2018.)

Related: Led Zeppelin Wins 'Stairway to Heaven' Copyright Infringement Case: Reports

The "Burning Down One Side" performer hadn't performed the track since Dec. 10, 2007 when the surviving Led Zeppelin band members  Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones  teamed up for a one-off reunion show in London.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Charlie Jones, John Paul Jones (seated), Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin in July 1985

Over the years, the rocker has included Led Zeppelin classics like "Black Dog," "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" Ramble On" and "Whole Lotta Love" in his live gigs, however he hasn't resurfaced "Stairway to Heaven."



In fact, Plant has shared somewhat conflicting feelings about the track during interviews throughout the years.

Related: Led Zeppelin Announce First Authorized Documentary in Honor of the Band's 50th Anniversary

In 1988, he told The Los Angeles Times he would "definitely not" sing "Stairway to Heaven" on tour.

"Id break out in hives if I had to sing that song in every show. I wrote those lyrics and found that song to be of some importance and consequence in 1971, but 17 years later, I dont know. Its just not for me," he told the outlet.

Last year, the musician once again addressed how he felt about the song in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Taylor Hill/Getty Robert Plant in New York City in October 2017

"When I hear it in isolation, I feel overwhelmed for every single reason you could imagine. There was a mood and an air of trying to make it through. The world is a different place. Everybody was reeling from Vietnam and the usual extra helping of corruption with politics," he told the publication.

Plant continued: "There were people who were really eloquent who brought it home far less pictorially and did a much better job of reaching that point. But I am what I am, and as my grandfather said, 'I cant be more am-erer.'

Related: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on Why They Never Dated: 'We'd Be in Trouble Now'

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.

Robert Plant toured with Alison Krauss for their Raise the Roof tour once again this year.

The classic rocker revealed they would be heading back out on the road during 2024 via X (formerly Twitter), though those dates have not yet been revealed.



Plant is set to perform with Saving Grace on Nov. 1 in Brighton, England and Guildford, UK on Nov. 2. He'll also play at an 80th birthday concert for Bert Jansch in London, England on Nov. 4.

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Read the original article on People.
The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

On Monday, authorities in Michigan revealed they have persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Chief White said there was no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Woll once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Key Points

Samantha Wolls final text message revealed

16:10 , Andrea Blanco

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

What do we know about the stabbing?

14:58 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Wolls sister delivers heartfelt eulogy at funeral

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

You sent hearts to cheer people up and let them know youre thinking of them  because you cared, Ms Woll Rosen said, revealing that a friend of her late sister had received flowers from her on the day of her death, according to The New York Post.

That was you, Sam, Ms Woll Rosen added. You didnt even ask. You just sent flowers and signed 10 other peoples names because you knew it would make the receiver happy  and the others would have wanted to say happy birthday if they knew it was your birthday.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Read more:

Detroit synagogue leaders murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Samantha Woll was instrumental in building bridges between communities

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

According to a 2017 article by The Detroit Jewish News, Woll was instrumental in the founding of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, an alliance that helps build bonds between Jewish and Muslim youth.

By extending her hand and creating space for connection between Muslims and Jews, she has exemplified the values of healing the world, the article read.

Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

DETROIT-SINAGOGA-PRESIDENTA (AP)

Politicians mourn Samantha Wolls death

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was a well-known figure in Michigan politics, working for Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and on the re-election campaign of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, also a Democrat.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Woll.

My heart breaks for her family, her friends, her synagogue, and all those who were lucky enough to know her. She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, she said in a statement.

Rep Slotkin also paid tribute in a statement on X: She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness.

Nessel said that she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Final text message of slain synagogue leader revealed

10:29 , Rachel Sharp

The final text message sent by Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll has been revealed before she was found murdered outside her home on Saturday.

Speaking at her funeral service on Sunday, Wolls family said that she had sent a heart emoji to a friend just because.

Not long later, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home.

WATCH: Jewish leader Samantha Woll laid to rest

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Everything we know about Samantha Wolls stabbing

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Just a mile from the Michigan synagogue that she had led since last year, Samantha Wolls lifeless body was found in the early morning hours of Saturday. Outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood, Detroit police officers followed a trail of blood to the disturbing scene.

The brutal stabbing of the beloved president at Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue has shocked the local community and city officials, who have remembered her as a beacon of light in the community who sought to build bridges between Jews and Muslims.

Few details about the murder will be released in order to protect the investigation, Chief James White said during a press conference on Monday, but the evidence suggests that the killing was not motivated by antisemitic sentiments.

Read more:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Samanths Woll attended wedding hours before being killed, police say

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12:30 a.m.

By all accounts, she was not in any discomfort, she was her normal pleasant self, Chief White told reporters.

Detroit synagogue president laid to rest

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Nick Ferris reports:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Police warn the public not to jump to conclusions

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

The FBI is aware of the incident, and will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Detroit Police Department Chief James E White urged the public not to draw any conclusions until more facts were gathered.

Understandably, this crime leaves many unanswered questions. This matter is under investigation, and I am asking that everyone remain patient while investigators carefully examine every aspect of the available evidence, he said in a statement.

WATCH: Detroit Police Chief James White provides update on Samantha Woll murder

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Samantha Woll remembered for her interfaith work

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

She has been remembered by loved ones as a leader who worked to unite people through her interfaith work. Dawud Walid, president of the Council on American Islamic Relationss Michigan chapter, called Wolls death a tragic loss and praised her efforts to unite the Jewish and Muslim communities in Detroit.

We are troubled by the apparent homicide of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, Mr Walid said in a statement. We also send our sincere condolences to her family and friends and to the Detroit Jewish community as a whole for the tragic loss.

Detroit police say they've identified several people of interest in synagogue president's killing

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president but would not talk about their connections to the woman during a press conference Monday.

Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Wolls body outside her home early Saturday after a caller told police about a person lying on the ground.

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said police know Woll  who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue  attended a wedding Friday night and that she left the celebration around 12.30am.

He said there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home and investigators believe Woll was stabbed inside before stumbling into the yard.

We have a number of people that give us interest. We are just short of calling one of the people a suspect, he said, adding that investigators believe a suspect acted alone.

What do we know about the stabbing?

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Law enforcement said that police received a 911 call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am on Saturday.

When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief James White said on Monday.

It is believed she then stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

He added that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Slain synagogue president Samantha Woll fought for everyone

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

More than 1,000 people attended Wolls funeral on Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reports. Senator Stephanie Chang and AG Nessell were among the attendees who delivered heartfelt eulogies during the ceremony.

Sam did more for our community, our state, our world, our lives in her short time here on Earth than most will ever accomplish in 1,000 lifetimes, Ms Nessel said in her eulogy, according to The New York Times.

Sen Chang also said that Woll had devoted her time to listening to Muslim and Jewish members of her community following the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, Wolls sister Monica Woll Rosen shared with mourners how the slain synagogue president fought for everyone.

Authorities believe that Samantha Wolls killer acted alone

Tuesday 24 October 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Chief James White said on Monday that his department is seeking a suspect believed to have acted alone, and noted he doesnt think there is a threat to the community at large.

He also asked the public to be patient and not jump to conclusions as evidence is reviewed and processed.

We are not in the position to discuss [details,] Chief White said. There are certain factors that are only shared by the suspect and our investigators.

Police ask for publics help in Samantha Wolls stabbing investigation

Monday 23 October 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Police have encouraged neighbours to reach out to investigators with any details they recall from the early morning hours of Saturday, no matter how small it may seem.

If they saw anything ... if they saw someone who is not known to the neighbourhood, someone who was there earlier in the week, or someone who was lurking around, certainly let us know, the chief said. Check your video cameras at home, share anything you know with us.

WATCH: Investigation ongoing into killing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll

Monday 23 October 2023 21:47 , Andrea Blanco

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death in her home. Police have no idea why

Monday 23 October 2023 20:41 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities in Detroit believe that 40-year-old Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Woll, the president of Isaac Agree Downtown synagogue, left a trail of blood as she stumbled outside of her home and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

Andrea Blanco reports:

Synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death at home. Police have no idea why

Police say there are persons of interest in Samantha Wolls murder

Monday 23 October 2023 19:55 , Andrea Blanco

The chief said that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Surveillance footage in the neighbourhood does not point directly at residences, making it difficult for investigators to determine who was in the vicinity of Wolls home around the time she was killed. However, the video could be used to determine travel routes, Chief White said.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:51 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

Samantha Woll was attacked inside her home, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 19:50 , Andrea Blanco

Woll was stabbed multiple times inside her home, Chief Jaems White said during a press conference on Monday.

She is then believed to have stumbled outside the house and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

He also said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself.

The chief said that investigators are trying to establish a timeline of the days and hours leading to Wolls death.

What was the motive in Samantha Wolls murder?

Monday 23 October 2023 19:25 , Andrea Blanco

A motive in Wolls murder has yet to be established.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

I again ask the community to remain patient while our investigators and law enforcement partners continue their work, Chief White said in a statement. Everything that can be done to bring this matter to closure is being called into service.

Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Wolls murder not motivated by antisemitism, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities probing the stabbing death of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll have said there is no evidence suggesting her murder was motivated by antisemitism.

The Detroit Police Department, Michigan Police and the FBI continue investigating the brutal stabbing of Woll, 40, who was found dead outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood on Saturday morning.

Woll, a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.

Law enforcement said that police received a call reporting a person lying on the ground unresponsive around 6.30am. When officers arrived at the scene, they followed a trail of blood that led them to Wolls residence.

Detroit police corporal Dan Donakowski said during an update on Sunday that Wolls death is being investigated as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime. Cpl Donakowski said in a statement that investigators had found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at her home

Monday 23 October 2023 16:45 , Andrea Blanco

A funeral has been held for the synagogue president who was found stabbed to death at her home in Detroit.

Samantha Woll, 40, was discovered at 6.30am on Saturday by emergency personnel who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Woll, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was remembered as a driving force behind the establishment of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, and an organizer of events to welcome Syrian refugees.

A motive has not been identified in the killing and the incident is under investigation, a spokesperson for Detroit Police Department told The Independent.

Read more:

Funeral held for Detroit synagogue president stabbed to death at home

Samantha Woll praised her interfaith work

Monday 23 October 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco

The Michigan chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations called her death a tragic loss, noting interfaith work with Wolls congregation. That included a prayer vigil for the victims of the deadly 2018 attack on a Pennsylvania synagogue.

We are troubled by the horrific murder of Samantha Woll, a beloved leader within her faith community in Metro Detroit, said Dawud Walid, the Muslim advocacy groups executive director, in a Saturday statement.

Synagogue leaders death was not hate crime, police say

Monday 23 October 2023 15:45 , Andrea Blanco

Detroit Police Chief James E. White said the killing has left many unanswered questions, and he asked the public to be patient as investigators examine all available evidence.

In a statement late Saturday, he said the department had mobilized many of its resources and has been leveraging every law enforcement and community resource it has to help further the investigation.

Detroit police, Michigan State Police and the FBI are investigating Wolls death as a homicide but there is no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime, police said.

Authorities said that they found a large Israeli flag in Wolls home that was left untouched.

Officials mourn Samantha Wolls death

Monday 23 October 2023 15:15 , Andrea Blanco

In a statement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wolls death was heartbreaking.

She was a source of light, a beacon in her community who worked hard to make Michigan a better place, the governor said.

Michigan State Police were assigned to support the Detroit Police Department in the investigation, Whitmer said.

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying she was shocked, saddened and horrified.

Woll once worked as a staffer for Ms Nessel.

Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known, Nessel said. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.

Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin, who Woll worked for as an aide, also commented on X, saying she was heartbroken at this news.

Duggan issued a statement saying he was devastated to learn of Wolls death.

Sams loss has left a huge hole in the Detroit community, the mayor said. This entire city joins with her family and friends in mourning her tragic death.

Samantha Wolls body was found outside her home in Detroit, police said

Monday 23 October 2023 14:45 , Andrea Blanco

Welcome to The Independents live blog on the killing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll.

Authorities in Detroit said Wolls body was found at her home Saturday morning after someone called officers to alert them of a person lying on the ground unresponsive.

While at the scene, police officers observed a trail of blood leading officers to the victims residence, which is where the crime is believed to have occurred, Cpl Dan Donakowski said.

Woll, 40, had led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue since 2022.
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asked the opposition leader Friedrich Merz in a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday to support government measures to curb irregular migration to Germany.

"It is important to me that the federal government, the states and the opposition come to joint agreements to noticeably reduce irregular migration to Germany," the Chancellor said in the letter.

Scholz was responding to a letter from the opposition leader, in which Merz offered to cooperate but also demanded a response to the proposals of his parliamentary group.

The Chancellor did not respond to Merz's proposal to form a working group with equal representation. Instead, the letter emphasized necessary coordination with the federal states, with which the federal government wants to come to concrete agreements on Nov. 6.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser plans on Wednesday to present a legislative package on faster repatriations.

"The citizens of our country rightly expect the number of those who come to us without the right to stay to fall quickly and significantly," Scholz said.

Germany also wants a reform of the Common European Asylum System and the Chancellor asked for unity among the German political parties, to push for a speed agreement of the European parliament, the European Council and the European Commission.

The number of people requesting asylum in the 27-nation EU has risen 38% since 2019 to nearly one million last year, close to the record 2015 and 2016 levels, according to data from the EU's Agency for Asylum.

A quarter of all those requests were made in Germany, making it one of the states with the highest rates of applications per capita. This year, it has seen requests soar around 80%.

(Reporting by Maria Martinez and Andreas Rinke; Editing by David Gregorio)
By Ludwig Burger and Miranda Murray

BERLIN (Reuters) - Several people were hospitalised in Austria after using suspected fake versions of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, the country's health safety body said, the first report of harm to users as a European hunt for counterfeiters widened.

The patients were reported to have suffered hypoglycaemia and seizures, serious side effects that indicate the product contained insulin instead of Ozempic's active ingredient semaglutide, the health safety regulator BASG said on Monday.

Austria's criminal investigation service warned on Monday that fake injection pens may still be in circulation.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) last week warned about the existence of such pens falsely labelled as Ozempic.

The Danish maker of the drug, Novo Nordisk, had flagged a surge in online offers of counterfeit Ozempic as well as its weight-loss drug Wegovy, both based on semaglutide.

The company has been scrambling to boost output to catch up with overwhelming demand.

"It appears that this shortage is being exploited by criminal organisations to bring counterfeits of Ozempic to market," said BASG.

When asked to comment on the Austrian cases, Novo said in a statement it was investigating and reporting every counterfeit case that comes to its attention.

It reiterated that it had boosted efforts to monitor and take down illegal online offers.

"We recognize the limitations of this exercise and are conducting physical investigations where warranted," Novo said, adding this at times involved specialised firms "on the ground" to help authorities track down counterfeiters.

Austria's BASG did not provide an exact number of people harmed by the fake Ozempic, or say how long-lasting the adverse effects would be on their health.

The organisation running the European Union's Medicines Verification System, which conducts digital surveillance of drugs dispensed by pharmacists, on Tuesday confirmed the EMA's finding that no fakes had emerged in retail pharmacies.

The EMA and authorities in Germany and Britain, including prosecutors in southwestern Germany, have been investigating a case where bogus injection pens with German labels in genuine Ozempic packaging were sold from a wholesaler in Austria to Germany, and from there, on to two British wholesalers.

BASG said it would not comment further on the case, to protect the investigation.

(Reporting by Miranda Murray in Berlin, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt and Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich in Vienna; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Mark Potter)
The most harrowing part of the gunfight that nearly cost former Brevard County Deputy Brian Potters his life was the part that wasn't caught on video.

He still has the scar where Paris Wilder, the gunman in the deadly August 2021 shooting during a traffic stop near West Melbourne, jammed the barrel of his AR-style rifle into Potters' forehead, in a scuffle just outside the frame of the dash-cam video that made national news.

An investigation showed Wilder charged Potters and another responding deputy, using his rifle like a club after it was damaged in the shootout and unable to fire. Potters said that probably saved his life.

"He hits me on the left side, we fall down, and he puts the rifle to my forehead. I pushed it away, which caused this laceration up here," Potters said, brushing the pockmark above his right eye. "There was (a round) still in the chamber when he hit me in the head."

The incident left Wilder dead and Potters with a self-inflicted bullet in his ankle  the result of an accidental discharge during the fog of battle, Potters said  a fractured skull, memory loss and post-traumatic stress, he said, wounds he still grapples with more than two years later.

The shooting and its aftermath also opened his eyes to the problems facing the county's largest law enforcement agency, he said  and changed his mind about his former boss, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

Now medically retired as a result of his injuries, Potters is challenging Ivey in the 2024 race for Brevard sheriff.

More: Ex-Brevard deputy who was shot in line of duty to challenge Sheriff Ivey in GOP primary

Potters  a Republican, like Ivey  is staking what some experts see as a longshot bid on dissatisfaction with the polarizing but popular sheriff among their own party, and on rumors of low morale in the sheriff's office ranks, which he attributes to what he described as Ivey's out-of-touch leadership style.

It's only Ivey's second challenge and his first in a primary election since he was first elected in 2012. Ivey defeated Democrat Alton Edmond in 2020 with 66% of the vote.

Brian Potters, Brevard County Sheriff Candidate.

Potters said his decision was motivated in part by what he felt was poor treatment by the sheriff after the shooting.

While he spoke to Ivey several times by phone from the hospital, the sheriff never came to visit him, he said. Nor did he receive any help from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Charity for wounded first responders, Potters said, even after he was named a 2021 Deputy of the Year.

He also said he didn't see any money from t-shirts that were marketed and sold by the charity with the sheriff's blessing, capitalizing on the shooting and Ivey's viral slogan, "Evil can't be dead enough"  a twist Potters said later left him feeling used and demeaned.

"Is that how a charity should be acting? Parading around the shooting death of a citizen by its deputies during an attack? During the attempted murder of me?" he said. "It's pretty messed up."

In an email to FLORIDA TODAY, Ivey called Potters' criticisms "ridiculous and out of touch." Ivey said he was out of town during and after the shooting, and was in constant contact with Potters as he closely monitored the situation by telephone and video call, he said.

He has no direct involvement with the charity, Ivey said, which was entirely separate from the sheriff's office. Lindsey Deaton, executive director of the charity, said Potters failed to provide additional information the board needed to approve the funds, a claim Potters disputes.

"I find it ironic that Potters routinely and constantly sang my praises as the leader of this agency right up until the time he decided he was going to run for the office of Sheriff," Ivey said.

Potters was upfront about his previous support for Ivey, but said deputies under the sheriff are underequipped and undermotivated  a lesson he said he learned the hard way. He'd fix that, he said.

"For the longest time, I was absolutely on Ivey's bus. No doubt," Potters said. "I know that the next deputy attacked with a rifle will not be prepared."

Potters running on bottom-up changes

Potters is running on a platform that includes providing better body armor rated for rifle fire and addressing understaffing and working condition concerns at the county jail.

He plans to expand access to mental health programs and work opportunities for jail inmates. Potters said he will also implement a number of major and minor policy changes that he said rank-and-file deputies have long called for.

Those include: the creation of a BCSO family services office; support for child care; streamlining the chain of command by reducing command staff positions by 50%; allowing deputies to take off-duty details in other counties; and allowing deputies to wear hats and facial hair.

"If you listen to the guys at the very bottom and bring those ideas to the top, that will increase morale," Potters said. "Morale is more deadly than a bad guy, is it not? Cops shoot themselves at the house after shifts all the time. We've seen it."

He also said he would be transparent with the sheriff's office budget, something for which Ivey has faced criticism in the past. He pledged to post the agency's annual line-item budget on the sheriff's office website so the public can track how each tax dollar is spent.

Brian Potters, Brevard County Sheriff candidate, with his family: wife Christina, and children Isabella and Josh.

Who is Brian Potters?

Potters said he retired from the sheriff's office in September last year after his ankle injury left him unable to run. He had been with the agency just over two years, after jumping over from the Titusville Police Department in early 2020.

His off-and-on career as a beat cop began in 2003 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps just out of high school outside Richmond, Indiana, going to work as a military police officer, he said.

After an honorable discharge in 2009, Potters briefly went to work as a federal corrections officer in Lexington, Kentucky, before attending the University of Kentucky on the G.I. Bill, where he met his wife, Christina.

He dropped out before finishing his associate's degree and tried his hand at a couple of small businesses, which included his own limousine business with a limo he bought off eBay, he said, before joining the Fayette County Constable's office in late 2014.

Potters ran for sheriff once before, unsuccessfully challenging a longtime Democratic incumbent for Fayette County Sheriff in 2014. Potters said the decision was very close to his choice to run for sheriff in Brevard, with the odds similarly stacked against him.

More: 'Evil can never be dead enough.' Sheriff's charity sells T-shirts linked to fatal deputy-involved shooting

"I could have easily gone away and left it alone, and never brought up these issues I'm constantly hearing from my friends," he said. "It seemed like nobody had ever challenged the status quo."

Potters went to work for Titusville police after moving his family to Florida in 2016, he said.

FLORIDA TODAY spoke with two people who previously worked with Potters. Both described him as a good cop who is willing to listen and talk to anybody.

"He's the kind of the guy that if something's not right, he's going to figure out why it's not right," said Danny Selph, now an Orlando police officer who worked alongside Potters for about two years at the Titusville Police Department. "If there's an issue with a policy or something we had, he'd be the guy to go to and ask the question."

Kevin Hand, who served with Potters as a military police officer in Quantico, Virginia, said as a cop Potters was "professional" and "thorough."

"When I was in the Marine Corps, Brian always cared about the guys underneath him," he said. "A lot of times with these higher-up positions (like sheriff) it's usually about good press or money, but that's not him."

Ivey disputes criticisms

Potters was pointed in his criticism of Ivey, who he said spent more time making "gameshow videos" than listening to his deputies.

"They will not tell you anything, but any concern that's ever brought up usually is not addressed. Point is, he does not know what's going on day to day. He has no clue," Potters said.

Ivey called into question the attacks in an email to FLORIDA TODAY, pointing out a string of effusive Facebook posts from Potters that thanked Ivey for his support in the months after the shooting.

"How is it, that suddenly, overnight I go from being a leader that he thanks in posts all over his personal Facebook page, the leader of the finest law enforcement agency in the nation according to his own letter of separation ... yet all of a sudden once he announces his candidacy for Sheriff, his views about me suddenly change," Ivey wrote.

A sheriff's office contract with five local police unions, recently ratified by a margin of 622 to 4, disproved the idea that deputies were unhappy with his leadership, he said.

"I challenge you to find a Sheriff in this country that is more involved in the day to day operations of their agency and more engaged with their troops than I am," Ivey said.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey at the Patriot Day Remembrance ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island on the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America.

Ivey also disputed the suggestion that he didn't care about Potters' injuries, including what he said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to Potters' ankle.

He gave a detailed timeline of his response to the shooting from his cabin in Tennessee, including frequent calls with Potters and posting a 24-hour guard detail to his hospital room. Ivey also said he helped arrange a special visit for Potters from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"I am sorry that I wasn't injured enough for the Sheriff to make arrangements to fly back to be with your 'team' as you call them," Potter said, in a follow-up email responding to Ivey's comments.

"Regardless of how the gunshot occurred, I never gave up in my fight to live during the attempted murder by a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm, who was out on two bonds," Potters said. "Maybe that is a problem we can address."

Ivey denied ever promising Potters support from the BCSO charity, which he said makes funding decisions independently of the sheriff's office.

Lindsey Deaton, executive director of the charity and Ivey's campaign manager, called Potters' claim that he never got assistance from them "misleading."

She sent FLORIDA TODAY emails showing the charity had been working with Potters, but that his application stalled after she said he failed to provide additional documentation requested by the board.

More: Overreach? Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey tries to influence public policy beyond policing

Potters withdrew his request after he said he didn't hear back from the charity on the status of his application for over two months, the emails show. A further request for help in September 2022 as he was preparing to retire went unanswered.

"The lack of assistance for families during times like this was difficult to understand," Potters said in the follow-up email. "There is no compassion or empathy for the families of cops hurt in the Line-of-Duty by the Sheriff or the charity he claims he does not run."

"I challenge the Sheriff and Ms. Deaton to release all the applications for assistance, contributions, and expenditures since 2020 and see where the money is really going," he said.

Deaton defended the organization in an email, saying: "Each request, as it is received is meticulously evaluated based on need and the charity's capacity to make a meaningful impact."

"For many years, the community has placed its trust in the charity to be responsible stewards for the funds entrusted to it. This trust is evident through the sustained and robust support for our first responders by the community," Deaton wrote.

Path to election difficult, but not impossible

Potters doesn't hide the fact he used to be a booster for the sheriff. That changed, he said, after Ivey appeared alongside DeSantis at a press conference in August, announcing the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell.

DeSantis removed the Orlando-area prosecutor citing neglect of duty after the shooting of two Orlando police officers by an offender who was out on bond  just as Wilder had been during the shooting that wounded Potters.

"I knew both of those officers personally," Potters said. "I looked at (Ivey) like, you're saying the exact same thing you told me two years ago. ... This is the complete same scenario that I had, and nothing changed. That's why I don't trust him."

Ivey has made higher bonds and more stringent release conditions a major part of his endorsements for judges in past elections.

Ivey's popularity has weathered a past challenge for office in 2020 and endured recent scandals, including allegations from three candidates for other positions in 2022 that he tried to use promises of jobs and appointments to lure them out of the race.

While the sheriff's staying power, especially among Republicans, makes Potters' bid a longshot, it's not impossible, according to Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida.

"I haven't seen much evidence that the average Brevard Republican is dissatisfied with the sheriff, but of course, that's why we have elections," Jewett said.

"He has a compelling personal story that might resonate with some voters, and the fact that he has experience as a sheriff's deputy, so he's quite familiar with the work of the office."

Potters said he knows toppling Ivey would be a tall order, but he's up to the challenge.

"I believe anyone has a shot," he said. "I don't think anyone is so powerful and all-being that change can't occur."

Eric Rogers is a watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or esrogers@floridatoday.com. Follow him on X: @EricRogersFT.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard sheriff candidate says he got no help from Ivey after shooting
The number of casualties from a multi-car pileup on Monday caused by a "super fog" on Interstate 55 near New Orleans has risen to eight dead and 63 injured, according to Louisiana State Police.

While the death toll initially stood at seven, one of the injured died in the hospital overnight, state police said.

The crash, involving at least 168 vehicles, occurred on Monday morning as heavy fog conditions severely lowered visibility, according to Louisiana State Police. A long stretch of Interstate 55, a 24-mile-long highway over Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans, is expected to be closed "for the foreseeable future," police said.

Interstate 10 and Interstate 310 were also closed as a result of the crash, police said. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards confirmed the accident in a statement Monday.

MORE: Heavy fog in Europe causes major delays and epic pictures

For hours after the crash, emergency crews worked to clear debris from both northbound and southbound lanes, according to state police. A portion of the crash scene on I-55 caught on fire shortly after the initial incident, authorities said.

A comprehensive structural inspection will take place once the bridge surface is completely clear of debris, diesel and other chemicals, police said.

PHOTO: Multi-car crash on I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish in La., Oct. 23, 2023. (Casey Tusa)

The super fog was caused by smoke from marsh fires burning in the region combined with dense fog developing in the area early Monday morning bringing extremely low visibility. In some spots, visibility was near zero, creating dangerous driving conditions.

Super fogs typically form when condensed water vapor mixes with the smoke and moisture released from damp organic material smoldering from a nearby fire, such as brush, leaves and trees, according to the National Weather Service. Visibility can be lowered to less than 10 feet as a result, according to the NWS.

This has been occurring in the region over the past several mornings, with the location of the densest fog and most dangerous conditions varying day to day, forecasts show.

MORE: Spatial disorientation in fog cited in Black Hawk crash that killed 11

Super fogs can be especially dangerous when they develop near and over highways. The localized nature of the weather phenomenon means that visibility conditions can worsen rapidly within a very short distance, which can lead to a hazardous combination of sudden low to near-zero visibility and vehicles traveling at a high speed on a highway.

The very limited visibility then hinders a driver's ability to react to changing conditions on a roadway.

PHOTO: Multi-car crash on I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish in La., Oct. 23, 2023. (Casey Tusa)

The National Weather Service issued a dense fog advisory for much of southeastern Louisiana on Monday morning, including from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

Over the past several days, the National Weather Service has been warning of the threat of dense fog during the early mornings in the region that would be worsened in some areas by nearby marsh fires. State police advised drivers to use their low-beam headlights if they can't see at least 500 feet in front of them.

The fog dissipated by mid Monday morning, and all fog alerts have since been canceled.

MORE: See the dense fog that brought Dallas to a standstill

Morning fog is not uncommon this time of the year for the region, but more than 86% of the state is currently battling extreme drought conditions, which is elevating fire danger. This could mean more instances of super fog in the coming days and weeks as cooler temperatures settle in, but the drought and wildfire risk persist.

In addition, devastating drought and wildfire conditions continue to impact Louisiana. More than 60% of the state is now categorized at exceptional drought, the highest category of concern, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Just three months ago, 0% of the state was listed under exceptional drought.

PHOTO: Multi-car crash on I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish in La., Oct. 23, 2023. (Casey Tusa)

"The combination of wildfire smoke and dense fog is dangerous, and I want to encourage all Louisianans in affected areas to take extreme caution when traveling," Edwards said in a statement.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office, which initially responded to the crash, directed media requests to Louisiana State Police.

8 dead, 63 injured in 'super fog' multi-car pileup on Louisiana highway: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
PPP innovation committee chief Ihn Yo-han draws both high hopes and lingering doubts

By Lee Hyo-jin

A fresh face has emerged in Korean politics. Ihn Yo-han, a naturalized Korean physician, has come to the rescue for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) as the conservative bloc gears up for a momentous change in preparation for the general elections slated for April next year.

Ihn, also known as John Linton, was appointed as chairman of the PPP's innovation committee, Monday. He is tasked with leading the reform of the ruling party as it strives to regain voters trust ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Political commentators viewed that the PPP's appointment of Ihn shows its commitment to drastic change, but said it remains to be seen how big a role the physician will play.

"By appointing Ihn as the innovation committee chief, the PPP has succeeded in grabbing public attention and delivering a message that things are going to change, said Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University.

"It also sends a positive message that people of diverse backgrounds are playing a major role in Korean politics.

Ihn is the first special naturalized Korean citizen, earning the status in 2012 thanks to his contributions to the country, such as the development of an ambulance customized for Korea in 1992.

He is currently the director at the International Health Care Center of Yonsei University Severance Hospital.

The 64-year-old doctor comes from a family with a long history of contributions to Korea.

He is the great-grandson of American Southern Presbyterian missionary Eugene Bell who was dispatched to Korea in 1895. The missionary established several churches and schools in southwestern Korea. After Bells passing, his descendants carried on the work, teaching in schools and establishing medical centers.

In 1995, Ihn established the Eugene Bell Foundation in the United States with his brother Stephen Linton and other descendants of Bell. The foundation aims to give humanitarian aid to North Korea.

Ihn himself has visited North Korea 29 times so far to help build hospitals and supply medical aid including the donation of ambulances.

The doctor also worked as an interpreter during the Gwangju Democratization Movement, a pro-democracy uprising that occured in the southwestern city of Gwangju in 1980.

Shin spoke highly of Ihns family background, but said it is too early to comment on whether the naturalized Korean will succeed in his role to shake up the party, as not much is known about his influence within the party.

Political commentator Rhee Jong-hun, on the other hand, described Ihn as a "not-so-new" figure.

"He does give the impression that the PPP is trying to reform itself. However, considering that Ihn has long been trying to find his place in the conservative party, he isn't a fresh face, he said.

Ihn was a key member of the presidential transition committee for the Park Geun-hye administration in 2013. In August this year, he gave a lecture at a forum organized by PPP lawmakers who are close to President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Recently, he has been mentioned as a potential recruit of the PPP for next years parliamentary elections, with rumors that he may run for a constituency in western Seoul's Seodaemun District, where the hospital where he works is located.

Rhee described Ihn as a conservative figure from the country's southwestern region encompassing Gwangju, South Jeolla Province and North Jeolla Province  a traditional stonghold of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.

Ihn has been stressing his strong connection to the region. He was born in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, and raised in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. In 2006, he published a biography called "My hometown is Jeolla Province, My Soul is Korean," and often introduces himself as "a country boy from Jeolla in media interviews.

The ruling party's unusual pick of its innovation committee leader shows its desperation to regain voters trust, Rhee said.

Upon being appointed as chairman of the innovation committee, Ihn said everything should change under his leadership. He is set to announce the list of members of the innovation committee later this week.

Ihn expressed hopes for more women to be included in his team. He also hinted at the possibility to recruit PPP lawmakers who have been critical of Yoon, in what is viewed as a move to embrace diverse voices within the party.
Only a handful of candidates in the 2024 Republican presidential field currently hold elected office. And both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott have leaned on the power they have in those offices following the deadly terrorist attack in Israel and the subsequent war with Hamas.

DeSantis administration chartered flights out of Israel for Florida residents trying to get out of the country, while Scott has used his Senate perch to publicize new legislative proposals.

Using elected office to amplify a campaign message is nothing new in presidential politics. But what is unusual this year is how few of the GOPs current contenders have an office to wield  partly due to a number of current officials deciding not to leave or risk their positions to join a race against former President Donald Trump. Thats the background against which DeSantis and Scott have responded to events with governmental actions, many of which theyve now incorporated into their campaigning.

DeSantis returned to Florida from the campaign trail just days after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to announce a slate of state sanctions against Iran. Unveiling the sanctions proposal in South Florida alongside state legislative and Jewish leaders, DeSantis reiterated the states commitment to not enter business agreements with Iranian entities and expanded Floridas ban on state investments in Iranian businesses.

A special session of Floridas Legislature is set to meet the week of the upcoming third GOP primary debate to take up the governors updated sanctions legislation.

But DeSantis most notable action has been his administrations move to charter flights to evacuate Floridians from Israel, using the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

The first high-profile flight arrived in Florida on the evening of Oct. 15, landing in Tampa with 270 evacuees on board. Three days later, the DeSantis announced the arrival of a second flight in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, but it was not immediately clear how many Americans were on the flight.

DeSantis has put those evacuation flights front and center on the campaign trail as he expresses his support for Israel, often brandishing the flights as an attack on the Biden administration.

Most of these people are just stranded in Israel in the middle of this conflict and the State Department wasnt helping them, the embassy there in Israel wasnt helping them. And so I said, you know what, theres a void of leadership, Ill do it, DeSantis told a crowd to applause at a campaign stop in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

The governor knows how to use the levers of executive authority to deliver results and has always stepped up to the plate when people are most in need, DeSantis campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin said in a statement to NBC News.

The Biden administration has also coordinated evacuation flights out of Israel for stranded Americans. Secretary of State Antony Blinken first told NBC Nightly News Lester Holt in an interview in Israel on Oct. 12 that the State Department was planning charter flights for American citizens who sought to leave the country.

The following day, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the first State Department charter had left Israel for Europe, with flights planned as long as there is a demand from U.S. citizens for departure assistance.

Some of the DeSantis administration operations details remain unclear. Officials at the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Governors Office did not reply to a request seeking details on how many flights have landed, how many Americans have been evacuated as a part of the operation, and how many more flights they anticipate as the war rages in the Middle East. At that same campaign stop in Murrells Inlet on Oct. 20, DeSantis estimated his administration had brought home between 500 and 700 people.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., in Blufton, S.C., on Oct. 6, 2023. (Meg Kinnard / AP file)

Scott, meanwhile, has introduced two new pieces of legislation in response to the war, both centered around topics that have emerged as Republican lines of attack against the Biden administration: Bidens previous decision to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian oil money this year as part of an exchange for American prisoners, and his hesitancy to outright condemn pro-Palestinian protests that have taken place in schools and major cities nationwide.

The Revoke Iranian Funding Act, the first of two bills introduced by Scott following the war, would have refrozen the $6 billion in Iranian assets and directed the Treasury to target high-value Iranian assets globally. Scott touted the legislation even as news emerged that the Biden administration and Qatari government agreed to deny Iran access to the funds in light of the attack.

Scott told attendees at a campaign event in Newton, Iowa, that his bill would go beyond simply freezing the $6 billion and look at every account we can find where Iran has more than $5 million and also work to freeze as many of their assets as humanly possible.

Scotts second bill, The Stop Anti Semitism on College Campuses Act, would block Pell grants from going to colleges and universities that peddle antisemitism or authorize, fund or facilitate events that promote violent antisemitism.

He introduced the bill in response to pro-Palestinan protests in major cities and college campuses nationwide.

We should not create an environment where you are actually able to advocate for murder, or worse, genocide, on college campuses where federal dollars are the primary investment, Scott said at a campaign event in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Holding elected office and campaigning dont always go hand in hand. Despite Scotts staunch pro-Israel rhetoric, he recently missed a vote on the chambers bipartisan resolution affirming support for Israel and condemning Hamas, instead traveling to New York for media appearances and fundraising events.

Democrats seized on the missed vote.

While the Senate voted unanimously to express support for our ally in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks, Tim Scott was busy trying to save his floundering campaign at a high-dollar fundraising lunch with Wall Street executives. For all his talk about standing with Israel, Scotts absence speaks louder than his words, DNC spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said in a statement.

But this isnt the only time that having the power of political office has proved useful in the campaign.

Scott often touts on the trail legislation he co-sponsored aimed at combating the countrys fentanyl crisis by sanctioning chemical suppliers in China and drug traffickers along the border. The bill was included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

And DeSantis, in May, just before officially announcing his presidential bid, sent 800 members of the Florida National Guard to the southern border along with hundreds of other Florida law enforcement officials to assist Texas officials, reinforcing what became his campaign message on immigration.

The following month, DeSantis announced in a post on X that he was sending Florida officials to help with the aftermath of a partial building collapse in Davenport, Iowa  the site of the first-in-the-nation caucuses on Jan. 15.
Former President Trump joked Monday that only Jesus Christ could secure enough support from House Republicans to win the speakership.

Speaking to a group of reporters in New Hampshire, Trump stressed the difficulty of the four-vote threshold  the maximum number of House Republicans candidates can afford to lose in a floor vote while still winning the Speakers gavel.

That four threshold is very tough. Its a very tough thing, no matter who it is, Trump said. Theres only one person that can do it all the way. Do you know who that is? Jesus Christ.

If Jesus came down and said, I want to be Speaker, he would do it. Other than that, I havent seen, I havent seen anybody that can guarantee it, Trump continued.

Trump, who is the 2024 GOP front-runner, refrained from endorsing any Speaker candidate, instead praising all of them as terrific people and saying he has spoken to nearly all of them.

Somethings going to happen. Itll be positive. Itll end up working well. Im staying above it, Trump said. I have to, right now.

But Ive spoken to just about all the candidates, quite a few of them, and theyre terrific people, he added.

Trumps approach marks a shift from his strategy last week, when he backed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for Speaker. On Friday, however, House Republicans voted to abandon Jordans nomination.

Republicans plan to meet Monday evening to narrow down the lengthy list of candidates to become the next GOP Speaker nominee. As House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) has floated to the top of the likely candidate list, questions have arisen about his past occasional criticism of Trump and his vote to certify the 2020 election results.

Trump was asked about his relationship with Emmer in New Hampshire on Monday.

Well, I think hes my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday and he told me, Im your biggest fan, so I dont know about that, Trump said.

Were looking at a lot of people you know, sort of trying to stay out of that as much as possible. But theyll get it straightened out, he added. But no, Ive always gotten along with him, and I get along with all of them really. A lot of good people. We have a lot of great people.

Emmer welcomed Trumps remarks Monday.

Thank you, Mr. President, Emmer said in response to the clip in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

If my colleagues elect me Speaker of the House, I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship, Emmer wrote.

Monday marks the end of the third week that the House of Representatives has not had a Speaker. On Oct. 3, eight Republicans joined with Democrats to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and, since then, Republicans have failed to put forward a candidate that could get 217 votes in the House.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo Illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images, Samuel Corum/Getty Images, Drew Angerer/Getty Images, Getty Images (3).

Ivanka Trump must testify in the $250 million civil fraud case against her father, brothers and family business, Judge Arthur Engoron rules. In Colorado, meanwhile, a district court judge rules that a case seeking to block Trumps name from appearing on state ballots can move forward.

New York financial fraud

Judge: Ivanka Trump must testify in civil fraud case against family father

Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, former Trump Organization EVP Ivanka Trump, New York state prosecutor Kevin Wallace, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Ivanka Trump's lawyer, Bennet Moskowitz

On Friday, Engoron ruled that Donald Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanaka, must testify in the $250 million civil case brought by James against the former president, his adult sons and their family business, the Associated Press reported.

Ivanka Trump served as executive vice president of the Trump Organization through 2017, when she left that role and became an unpaid presidential adviser.

On Friday, Moskowitz told Engoron that New York prosecutors just dont have jurisdiction over her.

Wallace countered that argument, saying, She is 100% someone who can come in and testify.

In June, a New York state appeals court ruled that the claims James brought against Ivanka Trump exceeded the state statute of limitations, and dismissed the charges against her.

Her lawyers were given time to appeal his ruling.

Why it matters: Trump, his sons Eric and Don Jr., and his daughter Ivanka will now all be compelled to testify under oath in the case about whether they inflated the value of their assets to obtain favorable bank and loan terms.

Jan. 6 election interference

Judge rejects Trump bid to dismiss lawsuit that aims to keep him off Colorado ballot

Key players: Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace, Chief U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer

Wallace ruled Wednesday that a lawsuit brought to keep Trumps name from appearing on Colorado ballots could continue, NBC News reported.

Trumps lawyers argued that Wallace should dismiss the lawsuit brought by six voters. It seeks to block Trumps inclusion on ballots because he allegedly violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by engaging in insurrection or rebellion in the wake of the 2020 election.

Lawyers for Trump argued Congress, not courts, are the sole arbiters on the question of eligibility.

In her 24-page ruling, Wallace disagreed, writing that the Constitution says nothing regarding what government body would adjudicate or determine such disability in the first instance.

Why it matters: The Colorado case, which has survived multiple legal challenges, is just one of several seeking to keep Trump off the ballot due to his apparent violation of the 14th Amendment. Those seem destined to land at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Recommended reading:

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Thursday, Oct. 26

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Robert Alexander/Getty Images, Spencer Platt/Getty Images, Getty Images (2)

In Washington, prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smiths team ask Judge Tanya Chutkan to issue a permanent gag order on former President Donald Trump, in part over a message posted on social media they say included a threat to his former chief of staff. In New York, Judge Arthur Engoron stands by his decision to fine Trump $10,000 for violating a gag order in his New York financial fraud trial.

Jan. 6 election interference

Citing 'threatening' message to Meadows, Smith asks judge to impose permanent gag order on Trump

Key players: Special counsel Jack Smith, JudgeTanya Chutkan, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows

Citing a social media post by Trump that prosecutors said included a "threatening" message for Meadows, prosecutors asked Chutkan in a Wednesday court filing to impose a permanent and more restrictive gag order on the former president, ABC News reported.

Trump posted his message in response to media reports that Meadows had reached an immunity deal with Smith's office, agreeing to testify in exchange for avoiding criminal charges.

I dont think Mark Meadows would lie about the Rigged and Stollen 2020 Presidential Election merely for getting IMMUNITY against Prosecution (PERSECUTION!) by Deranged Prosecutor, Jack Smith, Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social. The post continued that those who would accept such deals were "weaklings and cowards."

The post, prosecutors wrote in their filing, was meant to "send an unmistakable and threatening message to a foreseeable witness in this case."

In their filing, prosecutors asked Chutkan for a more stringent gag order than the one she established earlier this month.

The Court should modify the defendant's conditions of release by making compliance with the [gag] Order a condition or by clarifying that the existing condition barring communication with witnesses about the facts of the case includes indirect messages to witnesses made publicly on social media or in speeches, Wednesday's filing stated.

There has never been a criminal case in which a court has granted a defendant an unfettered right to try his case in the media, malign the presiding judge as a fraud and a hack, attack the prosecutor as deranged and a thug, the filing continued.

Chutkan paused an a partial gag order on Trump designed to prevent him from attacking prosecutors, court staff and potential witnesses after Trump's lawyers appealed her ruling last week to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Why it matters: As the Associated Pressnoted Thursday, while the use of gag orders for defendants in civil and criminal cases is not uncommon in American courtrooms, restricting the speech of those who are also running for political office is a novel test for the judicial system. If Trump is hit with more gag orders, more violations of them seem likely. Testimony provided by Meadows is certain to be a part of the prosecution's case against Trump.

New York financial fraud

Engoron refuses to revoke Trumps $10K fine

Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, Trump lawyer Christopher Kise, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen

In court Thursday, Engoron stood by his decision to impose a $10,000 fine on Trump Wednesday for violating a limited gag order designed to prevent him from verbally attacking members of the judges staff, Reuters reported.

Kise asked Engoron to reconsider the fine, reiterating his clients position that he had been speaking about Cohen rather than the judges clerk when he told reporters, "This judge is a very partisan judge, with a person who's very partisan sitting alongside of him."

Engoron reviewed videotape of Trumps remarks and concluded that it was clear Trump was referring to the clerk who sits next to the judge in the courtroom.

This is the second fine Engoron has imposed on Trump. The first, for $5,000, came after the former president attacked his clerk on social media.

Why it matters: While Trump routinely goes after Engoron in social media posts and in statements made to the media, the judge has the power to fine and jail him for violating court orders.

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Wednesday, Oct. 25

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Former President Donald Trump. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Drew Angerer/Getty Images, Getty Images)

Judge Arthur Engoron fined former President Donald Trump another $10,000 Wednesday for violating a gag order he put in place to prevent Trump from disparaging members of his staff. Following reports Tuesday that former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows struck an immunity deal with special counsel Jack Smith in exchange for providing testimony about Trump, Meadows casts doubt on that claim and Trump wonders aloud if it is true.

New York financial fraud

Judge questions Trump on witness stand, fines him $10,000 for violating gag order again

Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, Trump lawyer Christopher Kise, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen

Engoron questioned Trump on the witness stand Wednesday about comments he made outside the courtroom that appeared in violation of a gag order imposed to keep him from disparaging the judges staff, Reuters reported.

During a break earlier on Wednesday, Trump told reporters, This judge is a very partisan judge with a person who is very partisan sitting alongside of him, perhaps even much more partisan than he is.

In court, Engorons clerk, who Trump attacked in a social media post that later resulted in a $5,000 fine, sits next to him.

Engoron asked who he was referring to with his latest comments. You and Cohen, Trump responded.

Engoron was not impressed. "As the trier of fact, I find the witness is not credible," he said, and issued a $10,000 fine.

After that, Trump angrily stormed out of the courtroom and the trial then continued.

Engoron, earlier on Wednesday, admonished Trumps lawyers over remarks the former president made outside the courtroom, the Associated Press reported.

Kise responded that Trump was referring to Cohen, who delivered testimony from the witness stand a short distance from where the judge sits.

Why it matters: Engoron, who has now twice fined Trump for violating the gag order, has also threatened to jail him if the attacks continue. Wednesdays altercation was yet another test of his patience.

Jan. 6 election interference

Meadows denies reports he accepted an immunity deal with federal prosecutors

Key players: Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, special counsel Jack Smith, Meadowss lawyer George Terwilliger, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis

On Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter, ABC News published a story that claimed that Smith had granted Meadows immunity to testify under oath about his interactions with Trump in the weeks after the 2020 presidential election.

Bloomberg , citing their own source, confirmed that reporting, and both outlets noted that Meadows testified that he told Trump repeatedly that claims of widespread election fraud were not true.

But a lawyer for Meadows denied late Tuesday that his client had flipped on Trump, the Daily Beast reported.

I told ABC that their story was largely inaccurate. People will have to judge for themselves the decision to run it anyway. Terwilliger told CBS News .

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed a measure of confidence that Meadows had not joined the ranks of those who have cut deals with prosecutors to testify against him, but seemed to acknowledge it was a possibility.

I dont think that Mark Meadows is one of them, but who really knows? Trump wrote.

Meadows has not been charged in Smiths federal election interference case, but he has been charged by Willis with multiple felonies in Georgia.

Why it matters: Perhaps more than any other person involved in the events leading up to and following the 2020 presidential election, Meadows witnessed Trumps efforts to challenge the election results. His testimony could prove decisive in the federal and Georgia cases.

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Tuesday, Oct. 24

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Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis becomes the fourth defendant to plead guilty in Georgia over her role in the effort to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election and promises to testify in the trials of the others charged. In New York, meanwhile, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen takes the stand to testify against his former boss in the financial fraud trial of Trump, his adult sons and their family business.

Georgia election interference

Jenna Ellis becomes the latest Trump lawyer to plead guilty

Key players: Former Trump-aligned lawyers Jenna Ellis, Rudy Giuliani, Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell and John Eastman. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Judge Scott McAfee

Days after pro-Trump lawyers Chesebro and Powell pleaded guilty to election interference charges in Georgia and agreed to testify against other defendants, former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis became the fourth defendant of 19 to cut a plea deal with Willis, Politico reported.

"If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges," an emotional Ellis said Tuesday morning as she pleaded guilty.

Ellis admitted to McAfee that she had spread lies about election fraud in 2020 in multiple states to help Trump remain in power.

What I did not do, but should have done, Your Honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, she said.

As with Chesebro and Powell, the terms of the plea deal will spare her from going to prison in the event she was found guilty at trial. Instead, she must pay a $5,000 fine, serve five years probation, write a letter of apology to Georgia residents and, most importantly, cooperate with Willis in the prosecution of others in the case.

In March, Ellis was censured by a judge in Colorado for promoting false election claims. Giulianis law license was suspended in New York over those same claims, and Eastman is in the midst of disbarment proceedings in New York for his role in the election subversion plot.

Why it matters: Ellis has firsthand knowledge of the actions of defendants like Giuliani and Trump and she will be compelled to testify against them.

New York financial fraud

Michael Cohen takes the stand as Trump looks on

Key players: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Judge Arthur Engoron

Cohen took the witness stand Tuesday in the New York civil trial that will decide the penalties Trump, his adult sons and family business must pay after being found liable for years of financial fraud, Insider reported.

Just feet away from Cohen, Trump sat at the defense table, watching his former longtime employee-turned-antagonist testify against him about claims that he inflated the value of his business assets in order to obtain more favorable loan and insurance rates.

"I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets based upon a number that he arbitrarily elected, and my responsibility, along with [former Trump Org. CFO] Allen Weisselberg, primarily, was to reverse engineer" the value of the companys assets, in order to achieve the number that Mr. Trump tasked us, Cohen testified.

Cohen was sentenced to serve three years in prison for tax evasion and other crimes committed while working for Trump. In his 2019 testimony to the House Oversight Committee, he detailed allegations that Trump had routinely inflated the value of his assets, statements that James cited as the basis for her investigation.

Hes a proven liar," Trump told reporters about Cohen as he headed into court.

Why it matters: While Trump and his lawyers will continue to attack Cohens credibility, he is a central witness in two cases brought against the former president: the New York financial fraud civil trial and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs criminal hush money payment case.

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Monday, Oct. 23

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Scott Olson/Getty Images, Stephanie Keith/Getty Images, Getty Images (7).

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump tell a federal appeals court Monday that he was not liable for defamatory comments made about writer E. Jean Carroll because he was president when he first said them. Following last weeks guilty plea in Georgia by lawyer Sidney Powell, Trump seeks to clarify their relationship. He is also preparing to confront his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen in a New York courtroom.

E. Jean Carroll defamation

Trump lawyers say presidential immunity shields him from having to pay Carroll for defamation

Key players: writer E. Jean Carroll, Judge Lewis Kaplan, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Lawyers for Trump on Monday presented their arguments that Trump should not be held liable for defamatory comments made about writer E. Jean Carroll because he was president at the time, ABC News reported.

Defendant-Appellee's conduct is not properly the subject of a civil damages claim since his conduct is shielded by presidential immunity. The District Court's rejection of this defense was clearly made in error, Trumps attorneys wrote prior to oral arguments Monday.

Trump is appealing a June ruling by Kaplan that rejected the presidential immunity claims, Reuters reported. In May, a Manhattan jury found Trump had sexually abused Carroll in a New York department store changing room and later defamed her.

The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, but Trump then continued to make more defamatory remarks about her during a CNN Town Hall following the verdict. The second part of her lawsuit seeks an additional $10 million in damages, partly stemming from Trumps subsequent comments.

In July 2020, Carrolls lawyers argued, Trump waived his presidential immunity defense when his lawyers said Carroll was entitled to pursue her defamation lawsuit when the President is no longer in office.

On Monday, two of the appeals court justices questioned Trumps lawyers about why the former president had waited so long to raise presidential immunity claims, Reuters reported, given that the case had proceeded for so long.

Why it matters: Trumps second defamation trial is scheduled to begin in January. If allowed to go forward, it will decide how much more money Trump will have to pay Carroll.

Georgia election interference

Following Sidney Powell plea deal, Trump says she was not my attorney

Key players: Pro-Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, District Attorney Fani Willis, special counsel Jack Smith

Just days after Powell pleaded guilty to charges stemming from her role in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, Trump sought to put distance between her and himself, NBC News reported.

"Despite the Fake News reports to the contrary, and without even reaching out to ask the Trump Campaign, MS. POWELL WAS NOT MY ATTORNEY, AND NEVER WAS," Trump wrote in a post on Sunday on Truth Social, his social media network.

As part of her plea deal, which will spare her from serving prison time in the Georgia case, Powell has agreed to testify in the trials of the other 17 people charged, including Trump.

Chesebro, who is credited with helping devise the alternate elector strategy to challenge the election results, has also accepted a plea deal and agreed to testify against other defendants.

Why it matters: Whether Trump hired Powell to represent him may ultimately be beside the point. She attended a White House meeting with the president and sued Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, claiming massive election fraud. Trump saw fit to promote a story about the lawsuit on his Twitter feed, Smith noted in his federal indictment of the former president.

New York financial fraud

Michael Cohen to testify Tuesday

Key players: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Judge Arthur Engoron, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg

Cohen, Trumps former lawyer and fixer, is expected to take the witness stand Tuesday and come face-to-face with his former boss, The Hill reported.

Cohen is one of Jamess star witnesses in the $250 million civil trial to determine the penalties Trump, his adult sons and their family business must pay after being found liable by Engoron for years of financial fraud.

In an interview this month with CNN, Cohen said everything that happened at the Trump Organization happened with the direct knowledge and at the direction of, and ultimately signed off by, Donald J. Trump.

Trump, who has attended much of the trial, told reporters last week that Cohen didnt have the guts to appear.

Cohen cited a preexisting medical condition as the reason he did not testify last week, adding that he was not afraid to testify as his former boss looked on.

Why it matters: Since serving jail time for tax evasion related to his duties when working for Trump, Cohen has become one of the former presidents fiercest critics. His testimony will be central in both the financial fraud trial as well as Braggs criminal case stemming from Trumps alleged $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.
By David Shepardson and Joseph White

(Reuters) -The United Auto Workers (UAW) union on Tuesday struck a General Motors assembly plant in Texas that builds the U.S. automaker's profitable full-size sport utility vehicles in another significant expansion of the strike.

By striking GM's Arlington assembly plant, home to GM's profitable Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade large SUVs, the UAW has now shut down three of the most profitable auto factories in the world. Workers at Ford's Kentucky Truck heavy-duty pickup factory and Chrysler-owner Stellantis' Ram pickup plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, are already on picket lines.

"We are disappointed by the escalation of this unnecessary and irresponsible strike," GM said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, bargaining continues at all three automakers. The UAW has given Stellantis a new contract proposal and is expected to deliver a counteroffer to GM soon, a person familiar with the process said. Union bargainers are waiting for a new offer from Ford and are in discussions with company negotiators. Ford has said its most recent offer was "at the limit" of what it could afford and remain competitive.

The union's strategy of targeted strikes unfolded over 40 days has throttled billions in revenue for the Detroit Three automakers while requiring fewer than half the 150,000 UAW members at the companies to forgo pay and walk picket lines. It also has rippled out, causing businesses ranging from airlines to auto parts makers to start feeling the heat.

GM earlier on Tuesday reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit but withdrew its full-year financial forecast due to the uncertainty of the strike.

"Another record quarter, another record year. As we've said for months: record profits equal record contracts," UAW President Shawn Fain said. "It's time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share."

On Friday, Fain indicated that a settlement could be near but that negotiations could get tougher, calling talks before a deal "the hardest part of a strike."

It is not clear how far apart the union and the automakers are. Fain on Friday said the Detroit Three had converged on a 23% wage hike offer and made progress on other issues.

But Fain told UAW members "there is more to be won." GM and Ford had said additional cost-of-living increases already take their total compensation offers to over 30%.

Fain's decision to push the Detroit Three for even more than the record wage and benefit packages they have offered is a gamble that the automakers will dig deeper into future dividends, share buybacks or capital spending budgets to improve UAW wages and benefits. So far, none of the automakers has declared a formal impasse. But the companies have not ruled it out.

The hit to Detroit Three profits also could mean smaller profit sharing checks for UAW workers at the end of the year.

GM said before the Arlington walkout that it was losing $200 million a week. In fiscal 2019, GM's fourth-quarter profit took a $3.6 billion hit from a 40-day UAW strike.

GM CEO Mary Barra told investors on Tuesday that the company "will not agree to a contract that isn't responsible to our employees and our shareholders."

Company executives have said they are increasingly concerned about small and medium-sized suppliers that could run into financial distress if the UAW walkouts slash their cash flow. Even larger suppliers, including Corning and Illinois Tool Works, are warning that Detroit's labor clash will hurt their finances.

Thousands of UAW workers at supplier operations within the automakers are being affected. Stellantis on Tuesday laid off 525 workers at a factory that supplies the Ram truck plant that is now on strike.

After five week of strikes, the economic losses for the auto industry had crossed $9.3 billion, Anderson Economic Group LLC estimated on Monday.

Wells Fargo estimated the UAW strike fund will still be $750 million by the end of this week. UAW officials declined to identify the fund's size.

The UAW and the automakers are also bargaining over future wages and unionization policies for electric vehicle battery plants planned by joint ventures of the automakers and their South Korean battery partners.

Those talks are complicated, because the ventures are separate companies and the automakers do not have to cover them under their master UAW contracts under U.S. labor law.

Shares in GM, Ford and Stellantis were little changed on Tuesday, reflecting Wall Street's view that the UAW talks may be entering the end game.

"The union is playing its cards with the goal of a settlement sooner rather than later," University of California, Berkeley labor professor Harley Shaiken said. "Pulling out the profitable plants is meant to hasten the settlement."

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Joe White; Additional reporting bys Ben Klayman in Detroit; Writing by Sayantani Ghosh; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Peter Henderson, Will Dunham and Jonathan Oatis)
The Kremlin has dismissed the claim Vladimir Putin is unwell as an absurd hoax and said everything is fine with the dictator.

This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

On Sunday, posts emerged on the Telegram messaging app claiming Putin had suffered a cardiac arrest. The channel said Putin was very ill and unlikely to live until the end of autumn, with all official meetings conducted by a body double.

It comes after Ukraine launched an underwater sabotage attack on Russias Black Sea fleet near Sevastopol, Crimea, according to Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of the region.

Soon after, Russias defence ministry said it had destroyed three unmanned Ukrainian boats in the Black Sea off the Crimean peninsula.

Anti-sabotage missiles and bombs hit the area where the unmanned boats were detected, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has pushed more troops to the frontline in Avdiivka, Ukraine, despite a failing offensive which has incurred heavy losses.

Key Points

Kremlin rejects claims about Putins ill health

Putin pushes more soldiers to frontline despite failing offensive

Putin forced to increase number of soldiers on ground as UK estimates death toll

Six killed in Russias missile attack on Kharkiv postal centre, says Ukraine

Ukraine destroys all Russia-launched drones and cruise missile in overnight attacks

Kremlin rejects claims about Putins ill health

10:55 , Alexander Butler

The Kremlin has dismissed the claim Vladimir Putin is unwell as an absurd hoax and said everything is fine with the dictator.

This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

On Sunday, posts emerged on the Telegram messaging app claiming Putin had suffered a cardiac arrest. The channel said Putin was very ill and unlikely to live until the end of autumn, with all official meetings conducted by a body double.

In a 2020 interview, Putin denied longstanding rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the claim Putin is unwell is an absurd hoax (RIA NOVOSTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraines frontline troops say theyre surrounded by Putins forces  and ammos running out

19:51 , Askold Krushelnycky

While the eyes of the world have turned towards the dreadful scenes in Israel and Gaza, the fighting is fierce across multiple points on the hundreds of miles of front line between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

Troops say they are facing Russias troops in multiple directions in some areas, while others have said they facing a shortage of ammunition.

The clashes stretch from Ukraines northern borders with Russia to southern battlefields in the Zaporizhzhia region, where Kyivs forces are trying to punch their way through to the Azov Sea in an effort to break Russias land bridge with Moscow-occupied Crimea.

Russia has redeployed significant forces from the south  where the two armies appear to be locked in a bloody, attritional stalemate  further north to threaten towns including Kupyansk, Svatove, Kreminna, Lyman, Siversk and Avdiivka.

These towns straddle three regions: in the east, Donetsk and Luhansk, and Kharkiv in the northeast.

Click here for the full story.

There have been up to 90 skirmishes between Ukrainian and Russian forces in one day (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ukraine launches joint venture with German arms maker to repair western weapons

18:34 , Sam Rkaina

Ukraine has set up a joint defence venture with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG to service and repair western weapons sent to help Kyiv against Russias full-scale invasion.

Announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a German-Ukrainian Business Forum in Berlin, the venture will also help with the local production of some key equipment made by Rheinmetall AG, he said.

It will bring cooperation between our countries to a qualitatively new level and will allow us to build together the arsenal of the free world, Shmyhal told the forum.

Ukraine relies heavily on financial and military support from the West which has poured in tens of billions of dollars of weapons since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Oleksander Kamyshyn, minister for strategic industries, said Ukraine was committed to launching the production of Western weapons locally to keep up with growing Ukrainian demand with the war now at the 20-month mark with no end in sight. He said he met 25 major German defence producers in Berlin.

Russia sends fighter jet as two U.S. bombers approach its border

17:52 , Sam Rkaina

Russia scrambled an Su-27 fighter jet after two U.S. B-1B strategic bombers approached its border over the Baltic Sea, Russian state news agency RIA has reported.

As the fighter jet approached, the U.S. bombers performed a U-turn away from the Russian border, the Defence Ministry said.

It is the latest in a series of mid-air incidents involving Russia in recent weeks.

Tanaiste says accommodation limit for new Ukrainian arrivals under discussion

17:50 , Sam Rkaina

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said no decision has been made on a measure to restrict the amount of time new arrivals from Ukraine can stay in State-provided accommodation, but added that the matter was still under discussion.

The latest data from the Central Statistics Office looking at the allocation of PPS numbers shows there were 96,338 arrivals from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive.

Of these, the CSO could identify that 82% had activity in administrative data after July 31.

Women and men, aged 20 and over, made up 46% and 22% respectively of arrivals to date, while 32% were people aged under 20.

Of all arrivals to date aged 18 and over, 63% of males and 50% of females were married or cohabiting.

Speaking to reporters at the Global Ireland Summit, Mr Martin said other countries have commented on the strength of Irelands response in respect of the war in Ukraine.

He added: Ours has been predominantly on the political and humanitarian fronts, in terms of supporting Ukraines accession to the European Union and accepting refugees.

However, the foreign affairs minister said the Government is examining evidence of secondary transfers from across Europe rather than directly from Ukraine.

Ukraine expects new 1.4bn 'winter aid package' from Germany, says PM

14:14 , Alexander Butler

Ukraine expects Germany to provide it with an additional 1.4bn to enhance its air defences and help it get through a second winter at war with Russia, Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said.

Germany is preparing a 1.4bn winter aid package for Ukraine, including air defence equipment, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Germany is preparing a 1.4 billion euro winter aid package for Ukraine, including air defence equipment. Grateful to @OlafScholz and the entire  people for their support.

__________________

       1,4 ,    pic.twitter.com/dS4EyitCLA  Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) October 24, 2023

Moldova blocks over 20 Russian media websites

13:20 , Alexander Butler

Moldova has blocked more than 20 Russian media websites which it claims have been used as part of an information war against the country.

An Intelligence and Security Service decree published online listed 22 Russian news resources to be blocked, including prominent outlets like Russia Today, NTV, Ren TV, state media holding VGTRK and others.

The decree, which is likely to anger Moscow, said internet providers had been ordered to block the sites immediately.

EU set to end reliance on Russian fossil fuels

12:30 , Alexander Butler

The European Union is on track to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, the EU commission said.

In a report published on Tuesday, Brussels said the EU expected imports of Russian gas to drop to 40-45 billion cubic metres this year, compared with 155 bcm in 2021, the year before the Ukraine war.

The 27-country EU has sanctioned Russian coal and seaborne oil imports.

The worst effects of the crisis may now be behind us, but there is no room for complacency, the Commission said.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Ukraine's EU membership bid to be assessed in November report

11:45 , Alexander Butler

In November, the European Union will present an assessment of Ukraines bid to join the bloc and whether to start accession talks with Kyiv.

Ukraine will be judged on whether it has met the necessary economic, legal and other criteria.

If everything is in order, a decision will then be expected during a summit of EU leaders on whether to launch formal membership negotiations with Ukraine in mid-December.

Ukrainian president Zelensky (EPA)

Ukraines GDP could grow by 4 per cent next year, prime minister claims

11:28 , Alexander Butler

Ukraines gross domestic product could grow over 4 per cent in 2023 and reach 5 per cent next year, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a business forum in Berlin.

Ukraines economy shrank by about one third last year due to the war with Russia.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he wanted the EU to have the means to guarantee sustained support for Ukraine by the end of 2023.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said GDP could grow by 4 per cent (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Ukraine empowered to go after oligarchs

09:37 , Alexander Butler

Ukraine feels empowered to go after some of the countrys most corrupt and powerful oligarchs, its justice minister has said.

Ukrainian justice minister Denys Maliuska said: Everyone was afraid of the consequences of indicting oligarchs but this is no longer the case.

The country saw a growth in oligarchs after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, when state assets were transferred to private owners, concentrating wealth into the hands of a few owners.

Ukrainan Justice Minister Denys Maliuska (REUTERS)

Russia has lost almost 300,000 personnel during war, Ukraine claims

10:01 , Alexander Butler

Russia has lost almost 300,000 personnel since the start of the war, Ukraine has claimed.

The Defence Ministry of Ukraine this morning said that Russia has lost 295,510 personnel, an increase of 810 since Monday.

It claimed the losses included 5,105 tanks, 7,081 artillery, 320 aircraft and 9,447 vehicles and fuel tanks.

"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day."

Dalai Lama



The combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to October 24, 2023. pic.twitter.com/5jUgdjaHoR  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 24, 2023

Two die in Russian shelling of Ukraine, governor says

08:49 , Alexander Butler

Two people have died and a further 14 were injured, including one child, in Russian shelling of Kherson, the local governor claimed.

The Russian military targeted the residential quarters of the populated areas of the region; a critical infrastructure facility and plant in Beryslav; the territory of the park in Kherson.As a result of the Russian aggression, 2 people died, another 14 were injured, including 1 child, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin posted on Telegram.

He said Russia has launched 101 attacks, firing 597 shells over the past day.

A destroyed vehicle in Kherson, Ukraine, where two people have died in Russian shelling (Kherson Oblast Prosecutors Office)

Ukraine orders evacuation of 802 children

08:28 , Alexander Butler

Ukrainian authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation of 802 children from 23 settlements in Kherson, according to the Reintegration Ministry.

The children with their parents or legal guardians will leave the Beryslav, Kakhovka, and Kherson districts for safer regions, the ministry said on Telegram.

Over 500 Ukrainian children have been killed and 1,138 wounded since the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, according to the Children of War database.

A building destroyed by Russian strikes in Kherson, Ukraine (https://t.me/olexandrprokudin/1665)

Russia dependent on penal battalions

08:02 , Alexander Butler

The Russian Army is dependent on penal battalions manned with convicts and regular troops for offensive operations in Ukraine, the UK Ministry of Defence said.

Russia largely continues to rely on specially designated Shtorm-Z units for local offensive operations in Ukraine, it said on X, formerly Twitter.

There is a realistic possibility that Russia originally envisioned them as relatively elite organisations which could seize the tactical initiative.

However, since at least spring 2023, Shtorm-Z have effectively become penal battalions, manned with convicts and regular troops.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  24 October 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/79CDk9T6Ek



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/SbVZv1JTOD  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) October 24, 2023

Russia destroys three Ukrainian uncrewed boats off Crimea

07:35 , Alexander Butler

Russian naval forces have destroyed three unmanned Ukrainian boats in the Black Sea, Russias defence ministry claimed.

Anti-sabotage missiles and bombs hit the area where the unmanned boats were detected, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.

It added that an anti-mining and an anti-sabotage operation was being carried out off Sevastopol port, which is home to Russias Black Sea Fleet.

The Ukrainian ministry of defence has been contacted for comment.

Russian-American journalist has pre-trial detention extended

07:03 , Maira Butt

A Russian-American journalist who is accused of breaking Russias law on foreign agents has had her pre-trial detention extended until Monday 5 December according to Reuters.

Alsu Kurmasheva is a Prague-based journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) funded by the US Congress and designated as a foregn agent due to foreign funding for activity deemed to be political.

A Russian-American journalist who stands accused of breaking Russias law on foreign agents had her pre-trial detention extended on Monday until Dec. 5.

RFE/RL said Kurmasheva entered Russia on May 20 for a family emergency when she was detained and her passports confiscated. She was charged last week with failure to register as a foreign agent, an offence that carries up to five years in prison.

Alsu Kurmasheva is accused of failing to register as a foreign agent (AP)

A 61-year-old volunteer who helped hundreds of Ukrainians flee has been arrested by Russia

06:09 , Maira Butt

A 61 year old Russian man, Alexander Demidenko, has been arrested in Russias Belgorod region according to local media reported by Meduza. Demidenko is said to have been abducted on the Russia-Ukraine border on 17 October.

He is reported to be a volunteer who has helped hudnreds of Ukrainian citizens in Russia return to Ukraine. His wife Natalia says he was brought to their home briefly on 20 October and that she noticed bruises all over his body. He had reportedly been helping an elderly woman with cancer cross the border when he was arrested.

According to Meduza, a Telegram channel Astra, suggests he has been arrested for drinking alcohol in public and has been charged with a felony for arms trafficking.

Ukrainian priest among those arrested for theft of 52million jewels

05:05 , Maira Butt

A Ukrainian priest is among five arrested for the trafficking of ancient archaeological finds from Ukraine according to Sky News. Spanish police arrested three Spaniards and two Ukrainians in their operation which they say they had been working on for months.

The elevel artefacts made of Scythian gold were said to date from between the eighth and fourth centuries BC and are estimated to be worth 52 million.

The stolen jewellery is said to be worth 52 million and is an important piece of Ukrainian heritage (AP)

Zelensky prepares for Second Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform

04:09 , Maira Butt

President Volodmyr Zelensky has said in a recorded message to the nation: It is important to keep Ukraine and the defense of freedom and international law in the global spotlight.

He praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the said he was especially grateful to those fighting at the front in Avdiyivka. He cited a number of international events of importance to Ukraine in the future including the Second Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform.

This time, almost 70 parliaments and parliamentary assemblies representing five continents are taking part in the Summit, said Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk on the air of the national telethon United News. He said: Everyone who comes, comes for the sake of Ukraine.

Almost 70 parliaments and parliamentary assemblies representing five continents are taking part in the Summit.

President Zelensky said it was important to keep Ukraine and the defence of freedom and international law in the global spotlight as he prepares for tomorrows Summit (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia handing out more jail sentences under war censorship laws

03:09 , Maira Butt

The Moscow Times has reported that Russia is now handing out more jail sentences under war censorship laws. The Kommersant business daily reported the increase citing official Supreme Court figures.

Russia outlawed the spreading of deliberately false information about its military action following its invasion of Ukraine last year. Eight out of 21 convictions for war fakes resulted in real jail time according to the report.

Kommersant also reported that 15 people were jailed for treason in 2023, compared to three jail terms from the first half of 2022.

Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich attends an appeal hearing at Moscow City Court (EPA)

Private Russian military company hires female snipers

02:09 , Maira Butt

An investigation by the IStories outlet has revealed that the Borz Batallion of the Russian Defense Ministry-controlled Private Military Company Redut has been active in recruiting women into its sniper division.

Initially, we did not have women, only men. Now, we have decided to try out a female sniper squad and a female drone operator squad because women can do it too, the battalions recruiter with the call sign Vesta told an IStories journalist, who was posing as a potential recruit.

My task as a detachment commander is to prove that women are created not only for soups and children.

An advertisement for the job offered $2,300 as salary. According to the Russian defence minister, Sergei Shogu, there are 59,000 women in the Russian military.

A female Ukrainian soldier prays during an orthodox Easter service (AFP via Getty Images)

President Zelensky speaks with Saudi prince to further develop ties" in the region

01:04 , Maira Butt

Ukraines President Volodmyr Zelensky tweeted about a call with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on Monday. He reported that the two discussed developing ties between the two nations as well as the rest of the Gulf region.

President Zelensky reported that he has invited a Saudi representative to the next round of peace talks in Malta and vowed to make the Peace Formula meeting in Jeddah a success.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Zelensky said: I highlighted the need of preventing further escalation of the conflict and civilian casualties.

Zelensky had a call with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on Monday (EPA)

Energy giants invest in fossil fuels after hike in oil prices

Tuesday 24 October 2023 00:09 , Maira Butt

Chevron has bought Hess for $53 billion in the second oil merger this month which The Washington Post attributes to a hike in oil prices following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Major energy players are now flush with cash following the run-up in oil prices following the onset of the conflict which has caused fuel and oil prices to skyrocket worldwide. Fuel prices spiked more than 40 percent following the February attack before steadying through the following months.

However they have been rising more recently due to fears of a broader Middle East war following the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Energy companies have recorded record rises in prices and profit as the Russia-Ukraine war causes fuel prices to rise (AP)

Hungary blocks $500 million aid to Ukraine - again

Monday 23 October 2023 23:00 , Maira Butt

Hungary has been refusing to allow $500 million in aid to Ukraine due to its listing of OTP bank in its international sponsors of war list. While negotiations have lasted for months, it appears that the discussions have led nowhere. The European blocs chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, confirmed, that the ministerial negotiations in Luxembourg did not bring an agreement.

Ukraines National Agency on Corruption Prevention provisionally removed OTP and five Greek shipping companies from the list in the hope that this would lead to Hungarys unblocking of 500 million euros of vital EU military aid for the Ukrainian people, and will also eliminate the possibility of Greece blocking the future EU sanctions package against Russia.

While Hungarys foreign minister said this was a step in the right direction, Hungary are seeking reassurances that the institutions will not be returned to the list once aid is secured.

Hungary has once again blocked aid to Ukraine (AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine orders evacuation of 250 children from settlements for safety

Monday 23 October 2023 22:00 , Maira Butt

Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of over 250 children from across eight settlement in Donestk Oblask over a critical security situation the Reintegration Ministry has announced.

Authorities say 41 children have been evacuated and all evacuees will be taken to a humanitarian hub before the onset of cold weather. All persons affected, including parents and legal guardians, will be offered shelter and aid. Settlements affected include: Toretsk, Shcherbynivka, Petrivka, Nelipivka, and Pivnichne in the Bakhmut district and Ocheretyne, Katerynivka, and Yelizavetivka in the Pokrovsk district.

According to the Children of War database, over 500 Ukrainian children have been killed and over 1,200 have been wounded since hostilities broke out.

The Reintegration Ministry has order 250 children to be evacuated due to a critical security situation

Investigators suspect deliberate sabotage of undersea cables

Monday 23 October 2023 21:15 , Maira Butt

Estonia believes damage to a telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Estonia is related to damage to a cable and pipeline between Estonia and Finland, according to a statement by Swedens government on Monday.

Finnish investigators believe there may have been deliberate sabotage to subsea gas pipelines and telecommunications cables connecting Finland and Estonia which were damaged on 8 October. Helsinki and Tallinn are looking into the pipeline and cable incident.

Last week, Sweden said a third link had been damaged at roughly the same time as the other two.

Estonian navy officers conduct an undersea communications cable survey (via REUTERS)

Putin critic refuses to leave cell and misses court hearing in protest

Monday 23 October 2023 20:32 , Maira Butt

Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned Russian opposition leader, refused to leave his cell on Monday and missed a court hearing in protest as officials took away all of his writing supplies.

An ally, Ivan Zhadnov, said security in helmets rushed in at his refusal to cooperate. He was arrested in Moscow in 2021, after returning from Germany where he had recuperated from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. He is due to be moved to a special security penal colony, a facility with the highest security level in the Russian prison system.

Navalny is considered Putins fiercest foe campaigning against corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests. He has been handed three prison sentences and is currently awaiting trial for charges relating to extremism.

Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny appears via video link from a penal colony in the Vladimir region (REUTERS)

Russian forces are heavily shelling a vital road connection to Avdiivka

Monday 23 October 2023 20:00 , Maira Butt

Russian forces are focusing their attacks on the eastern front including towns such as Avdiivka and Kupiansk. There has been an escalation in skirmishes between the Ukrainian and Russian forces with up to 90 confronations over the course of the day on 22 October according to Kyiv officials.

According to Vitalii Barabash, the head of the Avdiivka military administration, Russian forces are heavily shelling a vital road connection to the town. This complicates both the evacuation of civilians and the import of humanitarian aid, he told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

A spokesperson of Ukraines Ground Forces, Volodymyr Fitio, said Russia had failed to achieve any strategic success on the eastern front as Ukrainian forces are holding their defenses.

There have been up to 90 skirmishes between Ukrainian and Russian forces in one day (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Switzerland shifts right as populists demanding neutral stance in Ukraine win election

Monday 23 October 2023 19:16 , Maira Butt

The right-wing Swiss Peoples Party (SVP) won 28.6% of the vote in the countrys parliamentary elections on Oct 22. It gives them 62 seats out of 200 in the Swiss National Council, an increase of nine seats from the last election.

Members of the SVP have previously boycotted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskys speech to the Swiss parliament back in June, claiming it violated the countrys tradition of neutrality.

The Swiss parliament has repeatedly voted against proposals to amend rules regarding the export of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.

The SVP boycotted a speech by President Zelensky earlier this year in a bid to encourage Switzerland to maintain its tradition of neutrality in conflicts (AFP via Getty Images)

$63 million of stolen Ukrainian artefacts discovered in Spain

Monday 23 October 2023 19:00 , Maira Butt

Approximately $63 million of stolen archaeological treasure from Ukraine has been discovered in Spain. Spanish police have been investigating the illicit trafficking of stolen artefacts since the conflict broke out between Russia and Ukraine and authorities announced the find today.

In a joint operation with the the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Spanish police seized 11 pieces of Scythian gold that had been stolen and illicitly exported from Ukraine in the first few months of 2016.

Spanish police have arrested three Spaniards and two Ukrainians in connection with the case.

The Scythian gold is worth $63 million and is considered an archaeological treasure (EPA)

Iran intervenes in talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan as Russia engaged in Ukraine

Monday 23 October 2023 17:56 , Maira Butt

Russia considers itself the security guarantor between Azerbaijan and Armenia which are both former Soviet republics. However, the demands and distractions of its war in Ukraine has led to a weakening of its influence in the South Caucasus.

In their absence Iran hosted talks between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan on Monday, saying they offered an opportunity to bring peace to the South Caucasus after Bakus forces last month recaptured the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The talks in Tehran were also attended by the foreign ministers of Russia and of Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan.

US wants forfeiture of billionaire Russian oligarchs $300million superyacht

Monday 23 October 2023 17:26 , Maira Butt

A Russian billionaire under US sanctions finds himself under threat of permanently losing a $300million superyacht after the US sought forfeiture of the vessel on Monday.

Authorities in Fiji seized the 348-foot (106-meter) Amadea yacht pursuant to a U.S. warrant in May 2022 as Washington ramped up sanctions enforcement against people close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, to pressure Moscow to halt its war against Ukraine. The US seeks forfeiture of the yacht with the proceeds of sales being sent to Ukraine.

Suleiman Karimov is a Russian oligarch worth $10.7 billion according to Forbes magazine. He was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2014 and 2018 in response to Russias activities in Syria and Ukraine. He amassed much of his wealth through a stake in Russian gold producer Polyus which was sanctioned in May 2023.

The legal fight over the superyacht is expected to be protracted and lengthy.

The 348 foot superyacht is currently part of a lengthy and ongoing judicial process (FIJI SUN/AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine conducts high value assassinations within Russia

Monday 23 October 2023 17:14 , Maira Butt

The Washington Post has reported that Ukrainian spies with deep ties to the CIA are waging a shadow war against Russia using strategic assassinations of high value targets.

Over the past 20 months, the SBU - the Ukrainian security service - and its military counterpart, the GUR, have carried out dozens of assassinations against Russian officials in occupied territories, alleged Ukrainian collaborators, military officers behind the front lines and prominent war supporters deep inside Russia.

One high-ranking Ukraine security official told The Washington Post: We have too many enemies who are more important to neutralize. People who launch missiles. People who committed atrocities in Bucha.

Turkish President Erdogan submits Swedens NATO bid to Parliament

Monday 23 October 2023 17:05 , Maira Butt

Turkeys President Tayyib Erdogan has submitted Swedens NATO bid to Parliament for ratification. He had previously raised objections over the countrys alleged harbouring of terrorists.

Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO last year following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Finlands membership was sealed in April, in a historic expansion of the alliance, but Swedens bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary.

Turkey has NATOs second largest army and has been seeking US congressional approval for a $20 billion sale of F-16 jets. Erdogan has previously linked Swedens NATO bid as US support for its request.

Erdogan promised his NATO allies he would bring legislation for Swedens application for membership to parliament (REUTERS)

Hungary PM blasts EU on anniversary of countrys Anti Soviet uprising

Monday 23 October 2023 16:51 , Maira Butt

Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban compared EU membership with Soviet occupation on the anniversary of the countrys Anti-Soviet uprising.

The holiday is commemorated as a freedom fight against Russian repression and Prime Minister Orbans speech comes as war rages in neighbouring Ukraine where Moscow has occupied large parts of the country and illegally annexed four regions.

Mr Orban, widely considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putins only allies in the EU, has vigorously lobbied against the bloc imposing sanctions on Moscow, though he has ultimately voted for all sanctions packages.

Last week Mr Orban met Mr Putin before an international forum in Beijing, a meeting that focused on Hungarys access to Russian energy.

European leaders, as well as other members of the Nato military alliance such as the United States, expressed concern that he had met Mr Putin even as an international arrest warrant has been issued against him for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

(Associated Press)

Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban is widely considered one of President Putins few allies in the region (EPA)

Ukraine destroys all Russia-launched drones and cruise missile in overnight attacks

Monday 23 October 2023 16:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukrainian defence systems successfully destroyed all Russian air weapons fired in the east and south directions, including a cruise missile fired overnight, its air force said on Monday.

A total of 14 attack drones, including 13 Iran-made Shahed drones and one unspecified drone as well as one cruise missile, were destroyed, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on its official Telegram channel, lauding Western-supplied air defence systems.

Western weapons have proven and continue to prove their effectiveness on the battlefield, Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the air force, wrote in a statement on Telegram.

Ukraine destroys all Russia-launched drones and cruise missile in overnight attacks

Has the Israel-Gaza conflict just exposed Putin as the Tsar with no clothes?

Monday 23 October 2023 15:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

From the recent war between Azerbaijan and Armenia to this conflict in Gaza, the Russian leaders attempts to cosplay a serious global power player continue to look threadbare and unconvincing when actually put to the test, writes Dr Mark Galeotti:

The inevitable concern is that Vladimir Putin will leverage the Israel-Gaza conflict to distract the West from Ukraine and weaken its commitment to supporting Kyiv. Yet while Moscow is certainly doing what it can to exploit this crisis, it is also highlighting the fundamental weakness of Russias position.

Read more here:

Has the Gaza conflict just exposed Putin as the Tsar with no clothes? | Mark Galeotti

Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed 82 times in a single day

Monday 23 October 2023 14:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed more than 80 times on Sunday as fierce fighting was witnessed in three major fronts that saw the use of guided air missiles, drones, rockets, artillery and mortar shells, military officials in Kyiv said.

The announcement by Kyivs officials comes amid reports that Russia rushed more troops to Avdiivka to replace their heavy losses. Officials have said fighting on three fronts has remained particularly hot.

Fighting in the direction of Avdiivka, Marinka and Kupiansk has intensified in the past few months but aggravated assaults have been particularly strong this month as Russian forces are eyeing the capture of Avdiivka.

Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed 82 times in a single day as fighting intensifies

Spanish police say they have confiscated ancient gold jewelry worth millions taken from Ukraine

Monday 23 October 2023 14:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Spanish police said Monday they have confiscated 11 pieces of ancient gold jewelry that were taken out of Ukraine illegally in 2016.

A police statement said five people who were attempting to sell the pieces in Spain have been arrested in recent weeks. Those arrested included two Ukrainians, one of them an Orthodox Church priest, and three Spaniards.

The jewelry was said to be worth 60 million euros ($64 million) and dated from between the eighth and fourth centuries B.C.

Spanish police say they have confiscated ancient gold jewelry worth millions taken from Ukraine

Putin pushes more soldiers to frontline despite failing offensive

Monday 23 October 2023 13:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russian forces have pushed more troops to Avdiivka despite a failing offensive which has incurred heavy losses, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has said.

The Ukrainian ministry of defence also claimed the recent Russian assaults in Avdiivka have contributed to a 90 per cent increase in Russian casualties.

Avdiivka has become a watchword for resistance, viewed as the gateway to recapturing the Russian-held city of Donetsk and the rest of Donbas.

Ukrainian Tavriisk Group of Forces spokesperson Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun stated that the Russian military is deploying personnel from Russian territory directly to the Avdiivka direction to replace personnel losses, according to the ISW.

Putins Russia the most heinous evil since WWII, Ukrainian minister says

Monday 23 October 2023 13:44 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukraines minister of foreign affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, has said Vladimir Putins Russia is the most heinous evil the world has witnessed since WWII in a post on X.

He added: Putin and other Russian perpetrators must face justice for their crimes. They must get out of Ukraine and focus on solving the problems of their own people instead of bringing death and destruction to other nations.

Mr Kuleba also said Russia had spent around $167 billion on war against Ukraine between February 2022 and August 2023, according to Forbes Ukraine.

Read the full post here:

Russia has spent around $167 billion on its full-scale war against Ukraine between February 2022 and August 2023, according to Forbes Ukraine. This includes direct war expenses and lost equipment. Thousands of Russians are slain every week, but their lives are worthless to the  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) October 23, 2023

In pictures: Destroyed Russian military vehicles on display in Kyiv

Monday 23 October 2023 13:03 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

People look at destroyed Russian military vehicles on display in front of Saint Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery on a foggy day in Kyiv.

(AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

Nato may have to deal with more assertive China in far north  report

Monday 23 October 2023 12:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

Nato and the UK may have to contend with a more assertive presence from China in the Arctic and High North as sea lanes open up, a report has said.

Meanwhile, a US defence adviser to Nato said Russia still has significant defence capabilities in the region, which are increasingly engaging in risky behaviours like air incursions.

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank launched a report on the UKs contribution to security in northern Europe on Tuesday.

Nato may have to deal with more assertive China in far north  report

Kremlin says U.S. can't build 'new world order' that Biden spoke of

Monday 23 October 2023 11:54 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Kremlin said on Monday that it agreed with U.S. President Joe Biden on the need to build a new world order, but that it disagreed that the United States was capable of building it.

In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the U.S. was talking about an American-centric world order that would not exist in future.

The exchange was emblematic of a contest, playing out against the background of the Ukraine and Gaza wars, in which Russia is trying to persuade developing countries to join it in building a new world free of U.S. hegemony.

In a speech on Friday, Biden said the order that had worked well for 50 years after World War Two had sort of run out of steam and a new one was needed. He said Americans had an opportunity to do things, if were bold enough and have enough confidence in ourselves, to unite the world in ways that it never has been.

Peskov said Moscow was in rare agreement with Biden about the need for a new order that, in his words, would be free from the concentration of all mechanisms of world governance in the hands of one state.

But he said Russia disagreed with Biden about the capacity of the United States to build such a system.

In this part we disagree because the United States... no matter what world order they talk about, they mean an American-centric world order, that is, a world that revolves around the United States. It wont be that way any more.

Six killed and 16 injured in Russian missile strike on Kharkiv mail depot

Monday 23 October 2023 11:24 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A missile strike on a mail depot in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has killed six people and injured 16 others, officials said on Sunday.

The blast was caused by a Russian S-300 rocket, Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

All of the victims were employees of private Ukrainian postal and courier service Nova Poshta.

Six killed and 16 injured in Russian missile strike on Kharkiv mail depot

Ireland considering time limit on state housing for Ukrainians

Monday 23 October 2023 11:06 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ireland is considering limiting the length of time Ukrainian refugees arriving in the country can stay in state housing to three months before they must find their own accommodation, the Irish Examiner reported on Monday, citing a government source.

Nearly 100,000 Ukrainians have fled to Ireland since Russias invasion began in February 2022, which the government says equates to 1.6% of Ukrainian refugees in Europe. By September, there were around 72,000 in state-provided accommodation.

There are currently no limits on how long Ukrainian refugees can stay there, but the system has been stretched for months amid a wider housing shortage, with arrivals at times having to stay in makeshift facilities such as sports halls or even in tents.

The change being considered would apply to new arrivals who would have to find private rental accommodation or move into a property pledged for use by homeowners after three months, the Irish Examiner reported.

A spokesperson for the department of integration said the government was keeping its approach under review, taking account of the need to shift towards a more sustainable medium-term approach similar to that adopted elsewhere around the European Union.

No decision has been taken on a change to the current policy, the spokesperson said.

The US quietly delivered new long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. Why the sudden secrecy over aid?

Monday 23 October 2023 10:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

Ukrainian special forces reported last week that they had struck two Russian military airfields, following the first-time deployment of long-range ballistic missiles supplied by the US.

The details of the weapons delivery has been shrouded in secrecy  unlike previous aid provided to Ukraine from the Biden Administration.

The missiles  which Ukraine has reportedly been petitioning the US to deliver for months  may prove key to helping Ukrainian forces in the months of conflict ahead.

Heres what we know:

The US quietly delivered long-range missiles to Ukraine. Why the sudden secrecy?

Ukraine destroys all Russia-launched drones and cruise missile in overnight attacks

Monday 23 October 2023 10:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukrainian defence systems successfully destroyed all Russian air weapons fired in the east and south directions, including a cruise missile fired overnight, its air force said on Monday.

A total of 14 attack drones, including 13 Iran-made Shahed drones and one unspecified drone as well as one cruise missile, were destroyed, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on its official Telegram channel, lauding Western-supplied air defence systems.

Western weapons have proven and continue to prove their effectiveness on the battlefield, Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the air force, wrote in a statement on Telegram.

However, debris from a downed drone struck a warehouse and damaged it at the Black Sea port of Odesa, officials said.

Ukraine destroys all Russia-launched drones and cruise missile in overnight attacks

Russian court extends detention of US journalist

Monday 23 October 2023 10:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A Russian-American journalist who stands accused of breaking Russias law on foreign agents had her pre-trial detention extended on Monday until 5 December.

Alsu Kurmasheva is a Prague-based journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which is funded by the U.S. Congress and designated by Russia as a foreign agent, meaning it gets foreign funding for activity deemed to be political.

She is the second U.S. journalist to be arrested and charged in Russia since the start of its war in Ukraine, which has plunged relations between Moscow and Washington to their lowest level in more than 60 years.

After Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in March on spying charges, which he denies, almost all other U.S. journalists left Russia. Washington has repeatedly urged other Americans to leave.

The U.S. State Department said last week that the proceedings against Kurmasheva appeared to be another case of the Russian government harassing U.S. citizens. The Kremlin denied that and called the comment inappropriate.

Kurmasheva, who holds U.S. and Russian passports, entered Russia on May 20 to deal with a family emergency, RFE/RL said. As she awaited her return flight on June 2, she was detained and her passports were confiscated.

She was fined for failing to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities, and charged last week with failure to register as a foreign agent, an offence that carries up to five years in prison.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Ukrainians prepare firewood and candles to brace for a winter of Russian strikes on the energy grid

Monday 23 October 2023 10:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In the humble backyard of a destroyed house, a 13-year-old chops firewood to get ready for winter. His mother, Tetiana Yarema, has been preparing for months as she remembers last winters Russian strikes on the energy infrastructure that plunged Ukraine into darkness.

Those were dark days. I didnt want anything. I just wanted to pack my things and go abroad, said Yarema, 48, who says she ended up staying because of her sons insistence.

For the Yarema family, like millions of other Ukrainians touched by Russias war on Ukraine, winter is an especially challenging time.

Read more here:

Ukrainians prepare firewood and candles to brace for a winter of Russian strikes on the energy grid

Russia to return four Ukrainian children to their families as part of Qatari-brokered deal

Monday 23 October 2023 09:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In case you missed it...

Four children from Ukraine are to be to be returned to their families from Russia in a deal brokered by Qatar.

The youngest is two years old, while the oldest is 17.

A seven-year-old boy returned to Ukraine on Monday via Estonia after he was reunited with his grandmother in Qatars Moscow embassy last week, the official said. The two-year-old boy was handed over to Qatari diplomats in Moscow on Monday, and a nine-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl are due to be handed over this week, the official said.

The Ukrainian Presidential Office said the children would all be home soon.

Russia to return four Ukrainian children to their families as part of Qatari deal

Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six in Kharkiv

Monday 23 October 2023 09:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Six people died in a missile strike late on Saturday night (21 October) on a mail depot in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Another 14 people were injured in the blast, which is believed to have been caused by a Russian S-300 rocket, Kharkiv governor Oleh Syniehubov said on social media.

All of the victims were employees of private Ukrainian postal and courier Nova Poshta.

In a statement, the company said that the air raid siren had sounded just moments before the attack, leaving those inside the depot with no time to reach shelter.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as an attack on an ordinary civilian object.

Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six

Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed 82 times in a single day

Monday 23 October 2023 09:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed more than 80 times on Sunday as fierce fighting was witnessed in three major fronts that saw the use of guided air missiles, drones, rockets, artillery and mortar shells, military officials in Kyiv said.

The announcement by Kyivs officials comes amid reports that Russia rushed more troops to Avdiivka to replace their heavy losses. Officials have said fighting on three fronts has remained particularly hot.

Fighting in the direction of Avdiivka, Marinka and Kupiansk has intensified in the past few months but aggravated assaults have been particularly strong this month as Russian forces are eyeing the capture of Avdiivka.

Ukrainian and Russian forces clashed 82 times in a single day as fighting intensifies

Teenager schools government on Russian poisoning risk as Lords warned UK is unprepared

Monday 23 October 2023 08:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The British government has been accused of failing to address the rising threat of political poisonings in the UK after an A-Level student presented a report to the House of Lords highlighting its inaction.

Labour peer Baroness Kennedy KC, who chaired the panel in the Palace of Westminster on Thursday, highlighted Sophia Browders revelatory research but added it was embarrassing for the government that a 17 year-old was having to point out its shortcomings.

Sophia is the daughter of financier Bill Browder, formerly the largest portfolio investor in Russia before being declared a national security threat by Vladimir Putin in 2005.

Teenager schools government on Russian poisoning risk as Lords warned UK unprepared

The leaders of Ukraine and Russia assess their resources as their war heads into winter

Monday 23 October 2023 08:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke by phone with U.S. President Joe Biden about Washingtons future support for Kyiv, and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military base near the Ukrainian border, as the warring countries laid plans for the winter and next years combat operations.

Almost 20 months of war have sapped both sides military resources. The fighting is likely to settle into positional and attritional warfare during the approaching wintry weather, analysts say, with little change along the more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line.

Zelenskyy said late Thursday he spoke to Biden about a significant support package for Ukraine. Western help has been crucial for Ukraines war effort.

The leaders of Ukraine and Russia assess their resources as their war heads into winter

A price cap on Russian oil aims to starve Putin of cash. But it's largely been untested. Until now

Monday 23 October 2023 08:02 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

For months after Ukraines Western allies limited sales of Russian oil to $60 per barrel, the price cap was still largely symbolic. Most of Moscows crude  its main moneymaker  cost less than that.

But the cap was there in case oil prices rose  and would keep the Kremlin from pocketing extra profits to fund its war in Ukraine. That time has now come, putting the price cap to its most serious test so far and underlining its weaknesses.

Russias benchmark oil  often exported with Western ships required to obey sanctions  has traded above the price cap since mid-July, pumping hundreds of millions of dollars a day into the Kremlins war chest.

A price cap on Russian oil aims to starve Putin of cash. But it's largely been untested. Until now

Putin forced to increase number of soldiers on ground as UK estimates death toll

Monday 23 October 2023 07:37 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Vladimir Putin has been forced to increase the number of soldiers on the ground as Russia has amassed 150,000-190,000 permanent casualties in the war with Ukraine, the UK ministry of defence has estimated.

The Ukrainian ministry of defence also claimed the recent Russian assaults in Avdiivka have contributed to a 90 per cent increase in Russian casualties.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  22 October 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/weRQDP6Fwr



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/9eCmqEJw8k  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) October 22, 2023

What happened on Sunday?

Monday 23 October 2023 07:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russian forces aiming to contain a four-month-old Ukrainian counteroffensive maintained unrelenting pressure on Sunday on the shattered town of Avdiivka in the east and intensified shelling in the southern area of Kherson.

Russia has focused on the industrial east since pulling back from a failed advance on Kyiv at the start of the February 2022 invasion and its forces have tried to maintain positions in Kherson since abandoning the regions main town late last year.

The General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, in its evening report, said Ukrainian forces repelled nearly 20 Russian attacks around Avdiivka, its buildings now largely reduced to shells. Russian air strikes hit nearby villages, it said.

Avdiivka has become a watchword for resistance, viewed as the gateway to recapturing the Russian-held city of Donetsk and the rest of Donbas -- made up of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

It was briefly seized in 2014 when Russian-backed separatists captured swathes of eastern Ukraine, but was later retaken by Ukrainian forces who, in the ensuing nine years, have built solid fortifications.
BHOFACK2 - Getty Images

Turkey is the most crucial dish on any Thanksgiving table, but it's not exactly everybody's favorite. And honestly? We don't blame them. Too often the supposed star of the meal is dry and flavorless. Not even a lake's worth of gravy is enough to salvage some birds.

But if you think freshly roasted turkey can get dry, then reheated leftover turkey is like the Sahara Desert. When not warmed properly, any semblance of succulence goes out the window. It can truly ruin the whole leftovers experience.

But that doesn't mean all forms of reheating turkey have to destroy the textural integrity of your bird. In fact, there are simple ways to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. And there are even ways to add moisture back into otherwise dry meat.

Depending on the way your turkey is stored and what type of meat you're working with, you'll want to approach the reheating process differently. So we're breaking down the best ways to warm up leftover turkey in all of its forms.

We're sorry to break the news, but you should avoid your microwave at all costs. The harsh, intense, and uneven heating mechanism will leave your turkey tough, rubbery, and unappetizing. It may save you a few minutes, but the quality of your leftovers will pay the ultimate price.

With our Delish-approved techniques, you can enjoy turkey at its very best: moist, juicy, and packed with savory flavor. While you can certainly repeat your original Thanksgiving spread, why not transform your turkey into an exciting and entirely new recipe? Check out some of our favorites (Thanksgiving Crunchwrap, anyone?) here.



Oven Method



Tetra Images - Getty Images

If you plan to reheat meat that's still attached to the bone or if you're heating several servings at once, the oven is the most effective method for you. The way ovens work is by circulating hot, dry airso you definitely don't want to just throw your turkey on a baking sheet and call it a day. Instead, you want to take some precautionary measures to trap as much moisture as possible.

The best way to reheat turkey in the oven is by placing your meat in a roasting pan or baking dish with high sides. Then you'll add liquid in the form of water or stock to the bottom of your baking vessel. Even a shallow bath of liquid is enough to rehydrate your bird. But if you're feeling decadent, adding a tablespoon or two of butter to the pan also helps to add richness and moisture.

There's no point in adding all of this moisture if you're not going to take the steps to trap it. You need to tightly cover the top of your baking disheither with foil or a tight fitting lidbefore popping your leftovers in the oven. This creates an airtight environment where the water or broth in the base of your baking dish eventually turns into the steam that will heat your turkey.

Low and slow heat is the key here. You should preheat your oven to no higher than 325F when using this method. It's not the fastest way to reach your warm turkey destination, but it is the gentlest. Depending on the size of your turkey pieces, this can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.

Stovetop Method

LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Not everybody has the patience to preheat the oven and wait for their turkey to gradually warm through. And that's okay! If you're only heating up enough turkey for one or two people, you can have leftover-ready turkey in just a few minutes on the stovetop. And the methodology is strikingly similar to the oven technique.

First, you need to arrange your (preferably pre-sliced) turkey on a cold skillet. Then, just like with the oven, you should add broth or water for moisture. You'll only need a few tablespoons in this instance since you're working with a smaller amount of meat. And of course, butter is an optional but highly recommended addition.

To reheat your turkey over the stove, place a tight-fitting lid on your prepared skillet and heat the entire thing over medium low heat until the meat is warmed through. This process can take anywhere from 3-6 minutes.

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Long before "Twilight" put Jacob on the map, werewolves have been the subject of countless movies, books and monster tales.

In fact, much like ghosts, witches and vampires, the werewolf has been woven throughout mythology for centuries.

Dating as far back as the ancient Greeks, werewolves and other shapeshifters have been used in storytelling to not only help explain the unexplainable, but also to serve as a warning about what can happen when humans allow their dark side to take over.

"Monsters allow us to explore those categories that we're afraid to mix and match, or those fears that we're afraid to face directly," Josh Woods, author, English professor and host of the podcast The Monster Professor," tells TODAY.com.

Like other monster-inspired legends, werewolves have appeared in folklore for thousands of years and, according to Woods, there are some people who believe that the supernatural beasts really exist.

It begs the question: Are werewolves real?

Even if by some small chance they were, Woods says they'd likely be quite a bit different than what we get from the movies like "An American Werewolf in London" and certainly nothing like the yellow-eyed beast that Michael Jackson memorably turns into during the "Thriller" video.

To better understand the origin of these mythological creatures and why they continue to flourish in mainstream pop culture, TODAY asked a trio of experts to break down the history, facts, folklore and fiction surrounding the werewolf  and what we learned might surprise you.

Are Werewolves Real (Alamy Stock Photo)

The history of werewolves

Although the concept of werewolves has been around for thousands of years, nearly all our modern-day ideas of the creature come from the 1941 movie "The Wolf Man," according to Scott Poole, Ph.D, history professor at the College of Charleston in South Carolina.

Its from this film that we know that werewolves must be killed with silver, that one becomes a werewolf by being bitten by another werewolf or that they transform by the light of the full moon, Poole tells TODAY.com.

According to Poole, nearly every werewolf film since "The Wolf Man" has used those basic concepts in one form or another. He says: "It's 1941 and Universal Studios that gives us the werewolf with which we are most familiar."

The classic horror film is also responsible for many of our other common werewolf notions, including the image of a hairy half-man, half-beast howling at the moon and hunting prey before turning back into a human at dawn.

"In truth, myth and folklore does not put the emphasis on transformation into the wolf thats so common in American pop cultures fascination with the werewolf, says Poole.

Across American and global cultures, one finds tales of shapeshifting into bears, hyenas, jaguars, foxes and even racoons. In India, the Rakshasa has the power to transform into any animal. So, in hunting down the werewolf, we have to look to Hollywood and to a small little rivulet of folklore that pop culture transformed into a tsunami," explains Poole.

Are Werewolves Real (Alamy Stock Photo)

Beyond the landmark monster movie, societies the world over have told tales of shapeshifters throughout much of history.

"If you go into ancient literature, werewolves have been with us since the beginning," says Woods.

In fact, Greek mythology tells the story of a confrontation between Lycaon, a cruel king, and the Greek god, Zeus, in which Zeus ultimately punishes Lycaon by turning him into a wolf.

If it sounds familiar, it's where the term "lycanthropy" comes from, which stands for the supernatural transformation from human to werewolf.

History aside, Woods says that our fascination with the werewolf might just be innate. "I think there's just a real ancient connection somewhere in the back of our brains. We feel connected with these things."

Are Werewolves Real (Alamy Stock Photo)

The werewolf trials

While most people know of the witch trials that took place in Europe and in the American colonies (including Salem, Massachusetts) during the 1500's and 1600's, few are aware that presumed werewolves faced a similar fate in Europe.

"(In) the era of the witch hunts, French authorities, seeing witches everywhere, believed their satanic powers included the ability to transform into a wolf," says Poole.

As a result, he says countless people were burned at the stake for the crime of being a 'loup-garou' or man-wolf.

In fact, according to Woods, the practice of burning and executing werewolves lasted well into the 1700's. "There were a lot of places and times where that was way more popular than witch trials," Woods says. "They were convicting, torturing and executing people on charges of being werewolves."

In one of the most notorious werewolf trials in history, Peter Stumpp, a German farmer widely known as the "Werewolf of Bedburg," was accused of sadistically murdering and eating the flesh of dozens of children and adults back in the 1500's.

According to the 2016 book "Supernatural Serial Killers," Stumpp was convicted of being a werewolf, among many other heinous crimes. After reportedly confessing to the gruesome acts, Stumpp was tortured, then executed, in a horrific public display on Halloween, 1589.

Why do people believe in werewolves?

It's easy to see how, hundreds of years ago, people might have attributed unexplained acts of violence and murder to mythical monsters.

In the absence of technology or the internet, it was easier to blame the supernatural than entertain the idea that your fellow parishioner was capable of dismembering your neighbor.

"Vampires and werewolves are very much paired together when we look at legends," Meg Hafdahl, co-author of the book The Science of Monsters, tells TODAY.com.

"Oftentimes, the things that made people believe that vampires were real, back in the day, they also attributed to werewolves. And that was often before they understood science," Hafdahl tells TODAY.com.

For example, someone with a skin condition triggered by sunlight might easily be categorized as a "vampire." And a person suffering from hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth, a werewolf.

"It's hard to believe now, but back in Europe thousands of years ago, people believed that they themselves were monsters, which is awful to think about. But they didn't know how to square it up with what they understood of the world," Hafdahl says.

"That is what pervades all of these different cultures. The human nature to try to make sense of something that is not sensible, that we cant grasp," she says.

Are Werewolves Real (Alamy Stock Photo)

So, are werewolves real?

As far as werewolves actually being real and living among us, Hafdahl says that while it's a intriguing idea, it's pretty unlikely.

"I'd love the answer to be, 'Maybe there's a werewolf, or maybe they were real at one point.' That would be really cool," she says. "But I don't think we're going to find that's true."

Even if it was, Woods wonders how we'd even know.

"If our regular notion of a werewolf is it's a normal person during the day, and then at certain nights of the year they turn into a complete wolf, how would you know if you've ever seen one or not?"

Perhaps like accused murderer, Peter Stumpp, the real monsters might just be the ones lurking inside of us.

"(Serial killers) have always been with us. And were they possessed? Were they werewolves?" Woods asks. "I don't know how much of a difference there is between some of these human monsters and some of the real ones, other than the way they look."

According to Hafdahl, that's probably why the werewolf myth endures.

"It's sort of that Jekyll and Hyde story," she explains. "This idea that you become a werewolf, then go back to being a human again, that says a lot about humanity and the fear of not having control over ourselves or getting into that part of us that goes eating and running in the wild, that part of us that is not proper."

Real or imaginary, one thing's for sure, werewolves are likely here to stay.

"Were never gonna stop telling werewolf tales," Wood says. "Its just a part of us. And, so, we all have a little bit of werewolf in us, I guess."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Civic groups called Tuesday for the release of Bella from Lotte World Aquarium in Seoul, in the latest appeal to send back the only surviving female beluga whale to her natural habitat.

Hot Pink Dolphins, a marine environmental group, along with four civic groups denounced Lotte World for not keeping its word to free the white whale, claiming it has "neglected its corporate social responsibility."

Lotte World imported Bella with her two male peers from Russia in 2014 for education and research when it opened the aquarium. But activists claimed that the import was for profit.

The two male whales died in 2016 and 2019, respectively, at the age of 5 and 12, far below the 40-year average span of beluga whales.

Lotte World has since vowed to send Bella to a wildlife sanctuary in a move for her eventual release into her natural habitat.

"No living creature exists for the pleasure of others and their lucrative business," said activist Na-yeong, an activist at Hot Pink Dolphins.

The civic groups also urged Lotte to come up with plans to build a sanctuary for the beluga abroad, or transfer Bella to sanctuaries in Iceland or Norway, where they have expressed interest in accommodating more white whales.

In 2021, the theme park business unit of Hotel Lotte said it was in contact with a whale sanctuary in Iceland, and planned to talk with sanctuaries in Russia and Canada.

Lotte World Aquarium chief Koh Jeong-rack said during a parliamentary audit on Oct. 12 that they plan to discharge the endangered oceanic creature by 2026 into a foreign sanctuary. (Yonhap)
Ballot envelopes sent to Pueblo County voters for the 2023 coordinated election have a hole in the middle  and do not include a secrecy sleeve.

Some of the candidates on the ballot are publicly taking issue with the hole in the envelope, which they say could compromise the results of the election.

Heres what we know about why theres a hole in the ballots and what voters can do if they are concerned.

The ballot return envelope for the November 2023 election includes a hole in the middle that could reveal how someone voted.

Why is there a hole in Pueblo County ballot envelopes?

Pueblo County stated in a press release, shared with several television news outlets on Friday and sent to the Chieftain on Monday upon request, that the hole will not reveal the choices citizens make on the ballot.

But depending on how voters put their ballots back into the envelope, bubbles corresponding to candidates are visible in the envelope hole, potentially revealing their vote.

The other side of the envelope includes voters signature line, as well as their name and mailing address.

The county's press release says that the envelope hole is for elections staff to see if a ballot is in the envelope or not and to fulfill mailing purposes with the United States Postal Service.

The hole in the envelope is a tool that is commonly used across the state, and is not a problem, the release states.

The release also states that the envelope design was approved by the Colorado Secretary of States office.

Jack Todd, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State, confirmed in an email that Pueblos election plan  which includes ballot design and voting center locations  was approved. He said that a number of counties include holes in ballot return envelopes.

Some counties choose to use a hole in the ballot return envelope as a tool to verify that all ballot cards have been removed from a voters return envelope, Todd said. In a statewide primary election, a hole is also used to efficiently sort ballots returned by unaffiliated voters based on which party ballot they chose to return.

Nine candidates are running for Pueblo mayor in the November 2023 election.

What happened to the secrecy sleeve?

It is unclear why a secrecy sleeve, which has previously been included in ballots mailed by Pueblo County in the past, was not included this year. The reason for the change was not addressed in the countys press release and Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder Candace Rivera did not respond Monday to a request for additional information.

However, secrecy sleeves are not required under Colorado law, according to the national conference of state legislatures.

What can voters do if they're concerned?

Voters can include the extra page containing voter instructions and/or fold the ballot in another way to allow for extra security, the county stated in its release.

The voter instructions state that the official return envelope may only contain your ballot in the context of including other peoples ballots in a single envelope.

What some candidates are saying

Mayoral candidate Chris Nicoll held a press conference in front of the Pueblo city clerks office Monday afternoon to share his concerns about the hole in the ballot envelope.

Nicoll said that the hole in the envelope leaves room for voters information to be vulnerable and easily exploited, which could affect the outcome of the election. He said that people turning in ballots for others  Colorado law allows one person to turn in up to 10 ballots on behalf of other people  could compromise election results if they choose to omit ballots from people who didnt vote for the candidate they support.

Pueblo mayoral candidate Chris Nicoll shows his concerns about the ballot envelope for the Pueblo municipal election at a press conference held in front of the city clerk's office on October 23, 2023.

Nicoll also took issue with how the clerks office has been communicating with the public: he said that the press release from the county with advice about what voters can do has not been published online and was not sent to all local media outlets.

Mayoral candidates Heather Graham and Randy Thurston also spoke with local TV station KRDO Friday about their concerns.

Nicoll said that he has trusted the election process as a local candidate before but questioned why the secrecy sleeve was not included for this years election.

It doesnt make sense, Nicoll said.

However, Nicoll said that he wasnt concerned about how the order of candidates was determined in a random drawing in early September, coordinated by City Clerk Marisa Stoller.

Nicoll said that Stollers method for picking the ballot order was creative  mayoral candidates randomly selected flags and city council candidates picked up cookies corresponding to their position on the ballot.

Pueblo elections 2023: Who's running for mayor, councilor? Begin to get answers here

Anna Lynn Winfrey covers politics for the Pueblo Chieftain. She can be reached at awinfrey@gannett.com or on Twitter, @annalynnfrey.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Why do Pueblo County ballots envelopes have a hole? Here's what we know
The sculpture "Boundless" by Durham artist Stephen Hayes at Wilmington's Cameron Art Museum.

Marion Evans of Bolivia, in Brunswick County, was watching the television news one night in 2021 when she saw a story about "Boundless." The sculpture honoring soldiers who fought with the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War was being installed at Wilmington's Cameron Art Museum.

Evans had been researching her family history, and specifically her great-great-grandfather, Ceasar Evens, who she knew had fought with the USCT and who she refers to as her grandfather, for about 20 years. So she went out to see the sculpture, which is engraved with the names of hundreds of USCT soldiers, "to see if my grandfather's name was actually included. I just wanted to see if he was there."

After attending a gallery talk at CAM by "Boundless" artist Stephen Hayes, Evans went out to see the sculpture on the CAM grounds with the museum's cultural curator, Daniel Jones.

"And I see her scanning left and right" looking for the name, Jones said. When she found it, Evans got emotional, "And we ended up talking out here for literally like two hours" as she told him the story of her family.

Inset of Ceasar Evens' name on the "Boundless" sculpture on the grounds of the Cameron Art Museum. Evens settled his family in Brunswick County after the Civil War and many of his descendants are still in the area.

"It was quite emotional," Evans said. "I was very proud that he was included there on the very ground where he fought."

The CAM is located on the grounds of the Civil War Battle of Forks Road, which came after Union troops took Fort Fisher and were marching toward Wilmington, breaking the back of the Confederacy. Many USCT soldiers, like Evans' great-great-grandfather, participated in the battle, essentially fighting for their own freedom. Hayes used the likenesses of seven USCT descendants to create the soldiers depicted in "Boundless."

On Nov. 11, the CAM will celebrate the second anniversary of the "Boundless" installation with an event it's calling USCT Descendants Homecoming Day. USCT descendants from around the country are coming to Wilmington for the celebration, which will include Civil War re-enactments, lectures, live music, family activities and the premiere of a new documentary on the USCT descendants of which Evans and others are a part.

On Nov. 10, the museum will open a new exhibit, "Monument," inspired by the spirit of "Boundless." It will include work by multiple artists, including new work from "Boundless" sculptor Hayes.

As part of an ongoing project to connect stories from history with the present, Jones said, "We started looking for descendants" of USCT soldiers whose names are engraved on the statue. He got some help from Wilmington geneology expert Tim Pinnick.

"It sounds kind of corny to say it: Statues can't talk, but people can," Jones said, and that led to the idea of interviewing descendants for a documentary, which is being made by Wilmington filmmaker Adam Alphin. The story of Evans' family is just one to come to light since the sculpture has been installed, Jones said, but to him, it's one of the most moving.

"The stories were out there. We just didn't know them," Jones said. "The biggest story we found was right in our own backyard. That's special."

Cameron Art Museum's cultural curator, Daniel Jones, with Stephen Hayes' "Boundless" sculpture on the museum grounds. Some of the faces in the sculpture are of descendants of soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War with the U.S. Colored Troops.

Marion Evans said her interest in her family's history began with her late grandmother, Goldie Evans, who died in 2018 a few days shy of her 102nd birthday.

"She loved to talk," Evans said, and would regale her with stories. Many of the stories were about Ceasar Evens, Goldie's grandfather, who died in 1928, when young Goldie was 11.

Goldie married Ceasar's grandson, so they weren't blood related, but "she lived in his house. And she thought so much of him, and remembered him. He was the big community man, the man who everybody went to for help," Evans said. "She told me he fought in the war, but at first I didn't know what war."

About 20 years ago, when doing family research via the internet became easier, Evans started looking for, and finding, the documentation behind her grandmother's stories.

"She would tell me things and I'd go on the internet and research it," Evans said. "It was a project of love between the two of us."

It was tricky at times, Evans said, because she found Ceasar Evens' first and last names spelled differently in different records. The spelling on "Boundless" is taken from the U.S. Army's enlistment rolls.

Eventually, Evans said, she was able to determine that her great-great grandfather was from Pitt County, where he was born into slavery. She believes that he and other family members were "hired out," or perhaps sold, to work on sites in the Brunswick County woods where turpentine was produced from pine trees. After the Civil War broke out Evens escaped from the turpentine camp where he was working, eventually making his way to New Bern, where he joined the Union Army.

Later, he wound up in Wilmington fighting in the Battle of Forks Road.

Records show he mustered out of the Army in 1867, Evans said, and returned to Brunswick County, where some of his family remained, living on the property of their former owner.

"His master had a son that was killed fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg," Evans said. "So we had sons fighting on different sides from the same plantation."

Evens helped his former owner run the family turpentine business, brought family members from Pitt County to Brunswick, employed many former slaves and eventually bought 228 acres of land from his former owner's family. That land, located near Bolivia off U.S. 17 in an area known as Piney Grove, is still in Evans' family, and the family graveyard and the Friendship Church her ancestors founded is still there.

A photo of Ceasar Evens, a Brunswick County resident who fought for the Union with the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. His name is one of hundreds inscribed on the sculpture "Boundless" at Wilmington's Cameron Art Museum memorializing the USCT.

"It's an honor and it's a blessing to have the land, and to know that he was able to do that for his family," Evans said.

Knowing the history, "It's very encouraging. It gives me strength. It lets me know I come from people who had a hard drive to live and to be successful. It makes me proud. Some people are embarrassed to know they came from slaves," she said, but knowing more about her family's history helps her make peace with that. "A lot of people don't know where they came from, so I feel so blessed."

Jones of the Cameron Museum said that Evans' story shows the power of Black community and resilience and has helped ground, localize and inform the "Boundless" sculpture, which has become a focal point for CAM and literally changed the space there. Regular performances of music and readings in the park adjacent to "Boundless" help keep the space fresh, contemporary and alive, and connect the past with the present.

"It shows what this is all about," he said.

As for Marion Evans, she said that when she visits the "Boundless" site, "I wonder, 'Did (her great-great grandfather) touch this tree? Did he sit in this shade?'"

Having Ceasar Evens' name out there in perpetuity "kind of feels like, finally, somebody else acknowledged his contribution and his role," Evans said. "I get excited and emotional about it, to see him honored in the way that he should be."

Want to go?

What: Opening of new exhibition "Monument" and USCT Descendants Homecoming Day

When: Nov. 10-11

Where: Cameron Art Musem, 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington

Info: Admission to Descendants Homecoming Day Nov. 11 is free.

Details: CameronArtMuseum.org

SCHEDULE

Nov. 10: New exhibition "Monument" opens to the public

Nov. 11: Living history with USCT re-enactors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nov. 11: Reenactor Clark Morgan speaks at "Boundless," 11 a.m.

Nov. 11: Gospel performance by USCT descendant Andrena Evans, reception hall, noon

Nov. 11: Premiere of short film on the USCT descendants, 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 11: Lecture by Dr. Sherwin Bryant, Director of the Center for African American History at Northwestern University, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 11: "Boundless" tour by Cultural Curator Daniel Jones at USCT Park, 3 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: US Colored Troops sculpture in Wilmington honors Black Civil War vets
It has been said various times over several years that when employees work at the York County Courthouse in Alfred, Maine, at night or even during a weekend day when no one else is around, odd things happen. There can be strange, unnerving happenstances that send a shiver up the spine.

It is more than doors slamming, willy-nilly, though that happens, too.

Sometimes, there are footsteps. Sometimes, there is a presence. Sometimes, a shadow.

Unnerving, unsettling and unexplained, by all accounts.

York County Register of Probate Carol Lovejoy points to the door behind the judges bench in the large courtroom on the second floor of York County Court House in Alfred, where, some employees say, a presence has made itself known.

The stately York County Courthouse was built in 1806, according to historical accounts. It was remodeled in 1852 and fireproof wings were added in 1854. In February 1933, the center structure of the building was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1934 and enlarged in 1963.

Like other old buildings, there are creaks and drafts - but in this case, folks say there is more.

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Old ghost stories come to life

Register of probate Carol Lovejoy, who has worked for York County, Maine government for 43 years, remembers hearing tales of a presence  the ghost, perhaps, of a long-deceased judge said to have taken his own life in the building in years gone by.

We were told that if you come into the courthouse at night and sit in the big courtroom upstairs, the door behind the (judges) bench will open, Lovejoy said. The light that is always on in the room behind the bench would pour into the courtroom as the door opened, and as it closed again, you could hear papers rattling on the bench, she related.

One night some years ago, a group of friends attending a regular square dance event in the basement of the building decided to see for themselves what, if anything, might happen.

We sat in the back row; it was pitch dark, said Lovejoy. She said the group never saw the door open or a light shining, like in the tale she was told, but all of a sudden a shadow passed around the room, right to left, she said. And even though she was dressed in three layers that night, I felt a bad chill.

York County government manager Greg Zinser told of his experience a few years ago: I responded to a trouble alarm at the courthouse at around 1 a.m., said Zinser. I parked in the back and went in through the employee entrance. The building itself was pitch black except for the very muted spillover from the exterior lights as well as the very small red lights that were blinking on the alarm panel. Zinser said he turned the lights on inside and proceeded to walk down the long marble-floored hallway on the first floor.

As I walked, I stopped to check on one of the rooms and that is when I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps coming from behind, said Zinser. The footsteps had the familiar echo that one experiences when walking through the halls of the courthouse. The footsteps themselves didnt last for a long time, just long enough for me to hear them and let the hair rise on the back of my neck. I did finish the building walkthrough, though I did move faster.

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Unexplained presence dubbed George by court employees

Debra Ham, a 35-year employee of the Registry of Deeds, was working overtime, along with others, one Saturday several years ago, and was alone in one of the offices.

I thought I saw Lois Muse walk through, she said, speaking of the register of deeds at the time. I recognized her with her sweater and her hair. I called out her name, but she didn't answer, so I jumped up to catch her - and she wasn't around; she wasn't even here.

Court security officer Dennis Chagnon is stationed in the lobby of the main entrance. He said occasionally, the metal detector will sound off of its own accord when no one is around, or doors will open on their own.

Employees refer to the presence somewhat affectionately, and at times with exasperation, as George.

We always say it's George, said Chagnon.

York County Court House is said by those who have experienced the phenomenon, that there is a presence in the building, often seen  or heard, when no one is around. They call the presence George.

Richard Gaudette of the maintenance department used to work nights in the courthouse. I saw Georges shadow everywhere, he said over his 31 years in the countys employ.

He recalled a former co-worker saying he saw a figure in a black robe pass by when the two were working in the building one night and thought it was Gaudette playing a trick on him  but Gaudette was working in another part of the building on a different floor. The co-worker then refused to work alone in the building and six months later, quit, saying, Gaudette recalled, hed had enough of that.

Lovejoy, the register of probate, recalls another incident that happened one day after she carried a stack of case files from her office to the probate courtroom nearby, and left them on the corner of the judge's desk.

I left the room. I heard a loud bang and went back in. The files were neat in the pile, on the floor, she said, not scattered as they would be if they had merely slid from the desk. I said George, leave my files alone, and they were fine after that. He likes to play tricks.

These days, fewer folks are working in the building now that the state courts have been consolidated and have moved to a new facility in Biddeford, Maine. Still, the county-owned courthouse remains open, and is the home of some county departments and affiliates  and, folks say, George.

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York County Courthouse haunted? Staff believe they are not alone
MUNCIE, Ind.  Two young Muncie men have been arrested on allegations they robbed a woman at gunpoint in her southside home, taking her own firearm and $500 in cash.

Calic Arnez Copley, 21, and Zavier Lamar Buchanan, 19, were arrested Saturday on preliminary counts of armed robbery.

A Muncie woman told police that Copley, Buchanan and a third Muncie man  Justin Michael Young, 30  came to her home along South Pershing Drive on the late morning of Oct. 7.

The victim said she let the men in her home because she knew Copley. Once inside, she said, Copley asked to see her handgun.

Once she had given him her gun, the woman said, Young produced his own firearm  described as a "baby rifle" from his pants and pointed it at her.

More: Police: Muncie man held after attempted robbery leads to shooting

The woman said Copley told her, "You know what this is," and punched her in the face. The men left her home with her money and her gun, she told investigators.

In a later phone conversation, she said, Copley threatened to kill her for reporting the robbery to police.

In addition to robbery, Copley is also preliminarily charged with battery, intimidation and two counts of theft in connection with the events of Oct. 7.

He continued to be held in the Delaware County jail on Monday under a $70,000 bond.

At the time of his latest arrest, Copley also faced 11 charges filed in Delaware Circuit Court 5 in February  attempted murder, armed robbery, battery with a deadly weapon, theft, pointing a firearm, unlawful carrying of a handgun, intimidation, possession of a narcotic drug and three counts of intimidation.

Buchanan was also preliminarily charged with resisting law enforcement, based on allegations he tried to flee from officers before being apprehended near the Ball State University campus on Saturday.

He was released from the jail early Sunday after posting a $22,500 bond.

The Muncie teen already faced two counts of criminal recklessness filed in Delaware Circuit Court 2 in March.

Young  arrested on Oct. 13  was charged Monday in Circuit Court 5 with an armed robbery count as a result of the Oct. 7 incident. He faces three other charges  unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, residential entry and resisting law enforcement, stemming from events the day of his arrest.

He was being held under a bond of $82,500.

Young's record includes convictions for armed robbery, robbery and receiving stolen property.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Young Muncie men arrested in armed robbery investigation


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By Kim Ae-ran

Appreciation is a good habit for a healthy, happy, joyful and fulfilling life. Hans Selye (1907-1982), a Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist, said that appreciation is the secret of purifying and releasing stress. Through this stress theory, he became the first scientist to identify stress as the root cause of illness.

Appreciation is the root of laughter as well. When we appreciate even a little thing, we begin to smile. In our lives, there are so many things and so many moments that we can appreciate: our breath and the air, our legs that move anywhere we want to go, our arms that we can do so many activities with, our eyes that can see all the beauty of the world, a nose, the sky, trees, the wind, clouds, parents, siblings, teachers, editors, kindness and sharing.

Appreciating every moment, we cant but be happy and cheerful. Naturally, we are willing to give thanks for all things and share joy with others. Appreciating all kinds of creatures around us, there is nothing that we can neglect and take for granted. However, we often forget to appreciate the various things in our surroundings.

One day, when I went to an American Catholic church to attend daily Mass, a beautiful old lady approached me with a cheerful smile and greeted me, saying Thank you for your sacrifice! She was wholeheartedly appreciating our religious presence in the world. Like this lady, many people appreciate our presence and recognize our willing and devoted offerings to God.

Some people think that religious sisters focus on our sacrifices because we give up so many comforts in choosing a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. But, as far as the religious sisters or brothers are concerned, our radical choices are made by the decision of spontaneous love and willing dedication to God.

Nowadays in Western countries, the number of religious sisters wearing the religious habit is decreasing more and more. Some of the religious orders (congregations) already decided not to wear the religious uniform anymore. So, it is not easy to recognize them walking on the street in their secular clothes. Furthermore, many religious buildings have become empty, and some historical buildings are used for other purposes.

We go to the Korean parishes on the weekends as paart of our mission trips. After the mission, especially on Sunday, we visit various American Catholic churches to attend daily Mass. Praising God together, we appreciate the sincere presence of local parishioners who attend Mass every day.

Despite the decreasing number of parishioners, many Catholic churches are still crowded with people thanks to their sincere faith. Those who attend Mass are willing to kneel on the kneelers in the Church, and receive the Sacrament of Confession. It is clear that the devoted attendees do appreciate every sign of living faith in their daily lives. They appreciate every moment of their lives and give thanks to God.

Amid ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, what the world needs most is a true appreciation and respect for life. Why dont we appreciate individual uniqueness and differences as they are?

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)





The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. Please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said Israeli ground forces are very well prepared to launch a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to the Times of Israel.



Referring to the delays in launching the ground offensive, Halevi stated: There are tactical, operative, strategic considerations that have provided additional time, and troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now.''



The IDF is ready for a ground maneuver, and together with the political echelon, we will decide the form and timeframe of the next phase," Halevi added.



The IDF has told the Israeli government that it is fully prepared for a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip after 16 days of airstrikes.
By J Yoon Noh

On the 4th of this month, the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was officially announced. Unfortunately, a substantial leak of the laureates' list before the official announcement has diverted attention from the specific research behind this year's award. As a dedicated student of chemistry, I cannot help but feel a sense of disappointment.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023 to Moungi G. Bawendi of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Louis E. Brus of Columbia University and Alexei I. Ekimov of Nanocrystals Technology for their discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

Quantum dots are nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. This principle is closely related to what we commonly see in QLED TVs and LED lamps.

However, I must confess that what genuinely piqued my interest in their work wasn't just its scientific significance but the captivating and picturesque images that accompanied the related materials.

When different-sized nano-semiconductors of the same molecule were placed in small test tubes and exposed to ultraviolet light, each test tube emitted fluorescent light in a spectrum of colors, similar to that of a rainbow. I couldn't help but notice that these captivating images bore a unique resemblance to the vibrant ensemble of neon highlighters inside my pencil case.

As my thoughts reached this point, memories of a recent bismuth project I had undertaken came to mind. Perhaps my fascination with such things dates back to my early childhood when I used to pester my parents to buy me all sorts of oddly shaped and colored rocks and crystals from souvenir stores in the U.S. national parks we visited.

Bismuth is a chemical element  atomic number 83  and its crystallization is influenced by an array of delicate external factors such as temperature and vibrational frequencies. Sparked by a burning curiosity, I ventured into the crystallization mechanisms behind bismuth, conducting a hands-on project on how my favorite songs from various musical genres and sonic wavelengths affected the crystallization process of bismuth.

While this years Nobel Prize research focused on the influence of light on molecular observation, my bismuth crystallization project aimed to explore the effects of sound waves (vibrations) on the crystallization process.

My Bismuth Symphony project can be seen as a symphony composed of the intersection between science and art. In the twinkling facets of bismuth, you can witness the harmony of light, sound and matter. This exploration is meaningful not only in understanding the science behind crystallization but also in appreciating the inherent beauty and melody within the process.

Many people dont have a fondness for chemistry. They often perceive it as a dull process filled with tedious memorization. Its as if you have to commit the periodic table to memory and squint through a microscope until your eyes are tired or stuck in the lab doing research endlessly. Yes, perhaps thats what chemistry may seem like.

However, an interest in chemistry can sprout from something as simple and close to home as my childhood passion for collecting rocks of various shapes and colors from national parks.

To cultivate more students with an interest in chemistry in South Korea, it is necessary to expose them to environments where they can engage in various experiences from a young age. During my time in the United States, my mother used to take me to the children's museum every Saturday, where I enjoyed hands-on experiences that helped me understand the laws of physics and chemistry.

However, upon moving to South Korea, I found it disappointing that there were very few neighborhood museums for children, leaving me longing for the joyful Saturdays of my childhood.

To address this gap, it's essential to establish more spaces where young students can engage in hands-on science experiences.





J Yoon Noh is a 12th-grade student at Seoul International School.
The tech enterprise Rheinmetall and Ukraines state-owned Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC (UDI, the former Ukroboronprom) have set up a joint venture company in Kyiv. Denys Shmyhal, Ukraines Prime Minister, made the announcement on the occasion of the German-Ukrainian Business Forum in Berlin, which was also attended by the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC has already been operating since 18 October 2023. It is jointly owned by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, with a 51% stake, and UDI, which holds the remaining 49%.

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The cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian defence sector will soon extend to the joint production in Ukraine of selected Rheinmetall products, among which maybe the KF41 Lynx (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Strategic cooperation in the defence realm between the two organizations began back in May 2023. On 28 September 2023, Germanys Federal Cartel Office gave the new joint venture the green light, followed by approval from the relevant agencies in Poland and Ukraine in early October. A few days later Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry was officially registered and commenced operations.

The joint venture will be active in the fields of service and maintenance as well as assembly, production and development of military vehicles, and will initially operate solely on Ukrainian sovereign territory. In Germany, there are no competition overlaps and no indications of competition-related concerns, stated the Federal Cartel Office in a press release dated 28 September 2023.

First announced in May 2023, cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian defence sector is intended to strengthen Ukraines domestic defence industry and, ultimately, its national security. The plan calls for creating joint defence industry capabilities in Ukraine.

Ukraine stands to benefit from this cooperation in multiple ways, including the creation and expansion of defence technology capacities in-country, additional local added value as well as the swift delivery of military equipment from Germany, service and maintenance of military vehicles supplied to Ukraine either directly or via the German governments Ringtausch multilateral equipment exchange projects form the first step in cooperation between Rheinmetall and UDI. The cooperation will soon extend to the joint production in Ukraine of selected Rheinmetall products.
One reason is that the Supreme Court has been slow to determine whether the moves made by this government are constitutional

Gay rights campaigners have shown themselves to be extremely effective globally and there is little doubt that they will win on this issue in the course of time. (Photo: Pixabay)

India has rejected marriage equality between the sexes after the Union government opposed gay marriage and the Supreme Court agreed with it. The countries in the G-20 grouping that have allowed marriage equality are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. India stands with nations like China, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Gay rights campaigners have shown themselves to be extremely effective globally and there is little doubt that they will win on this issue in the course of time. The question is why India is dragging its feet over something that is inevitable.

The answer is not very easy to find. India has a new Parliament building but the problem with the old laws remain. One reason is that the Supreme Court has been slow to determine whether the moves made by this government are constitutional. This is or should be the apex court's primary role, along with securing individual liberty (another area where it could be argued conclusively that it has been remiss).

This reluctance especially shows in instances where the government is heavily invested, especially the Prime Minister. For years, groups and individuals have been pleading with the Supreme Court to decide the constitutionality of some laws and actions of the Narendra Modi government, but this has been in vain.

Of late, the court has taken up some of these issues, but none of them has been decided. It is important they be kept in the realm of the public domain. Three of them are about the gutting of Article 370 which conferred a special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (where a challenge was filed in August 2019), on electoral bonds (filed in September 2017) and on the Citizenship Amendment Act (filed in December 2019).

It is not necessary to repeat why these are among the things the Prime Minister is most heavily invested in, but it is necessary to go through what these issues are about.

The electoral bonds issues essentially undermines Indias democracy. In one line, that is why it should be struck down. What it allows and has allowed for the last half dozen years is anonymous and unlimited funding of political parties. The bonds were opposed by the Reserve Bank of India and by Election Commission. Both bodies were overruled by the Modi government.

The bonds are bearer instruments, meaning that they are cash. A person can purchase a bond, sell it to a third party -- a foreign government, a criminal gang -- which can then donate it to the political party of its choice. The most popular denomination of the bonds is the most valuable one: Rs 1 crore. I will leave it to readers to consider which one of us has or is willing to give Rs 1 crore to donate to the political party we vote for. The vast majority of this money has gone to the BJP.

Despite the RBIs objection and the seriously problematic questions thrown up on democratic integrity, the Supreme Court has not decided on this matter in six years.

Jammu and Kashmir is the only part of South Asia to not have an elected government and hasnt had it since June 2018. That was more than five years ago, and in a few months after that Article 370 was read down by sleight of hand. Was this constitutional? Much if not most of the legal commentary tells us the answer is no. Again, a matter of national importance and a matter concerning our democracy and also a matter in which the Prime Minister had a stake. The court did not prioritise it.

The Citizenship Amendment Act set a cut-off for refugees from three neighbouring states (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan) who had come to India before December 31, 2014. Of these, Muslims would be filtered out and the rest given citizenship. Why only three neighbours and why not Sri Lanka, China and Burma? That the law does not explain. Why only Muslims and why not other marginalised groups? That the law does not explain.

The home minister told us we have to read the CAA in conjunction with the National Register of Citizens. The first law would isolate Muslims and the second law would incarcerate them. The brave protests of 2019 and 2020 pushed the government back, though at great cost, and the BJP has not yet implemented CAA, though almost four years have gone since it was passed. The Supreme Court has not determined its constitutionality though it was challenged immediately.

This, then, has been the record. There are other instances where the court has not done what many think it should have. When the government was accused of spying on citizens illegally, it got a free pass. It is unclear what the court has done with the Pegasus matter. One headline from last year tells us the story: No evidence, Govt didnt cooperate: SC panel on Pegasus. The apex court could and should have forced the government to file an affidavit to say whether or not it was using this spyware on Indians. It chose not to do so.

For the longest time, the court did not even hear important matters that the government did not want it to. Of late, it has begun to form benches. Meanwhile, a lot of the damage has been done and continues to be done, particularly on matters like the electoral bonds.
Israels employment situation might help to explain these unlikely Jews

If poverty is the biggest caste in India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said engagingly the other day, its worst global manifestation must be in a place like the Gaza Strip, where 2.3 million Palestinians are victims not only of exclusion, isolation, domination and extraction (all caste characteristics according to the eminent London-based economist Parthasarathi Shome) but also of a harsh form of racism.

Many parallels can be drawn between the Hindu caste system, that has been called the worlds oldest form of apartheid, and the plight of some 15 million Palestinians dispossessed by the nine million mainly European Jews who have made Palestine -- now called Israel -- their home. Paradoxically, the very fact that those Jewish settlers from the Balkans to the Baltics have made the desert bloom and created a vigorous modern state with a formidable military out of virtually nothing accentuates caste and class distinctions and perpetuates a cruelly exploitative hierarchy.

Yet, those who dismiss caste as an anachronism whose abolition is long overdue must be reminded that in the words of H.H. Risley of the Indian Civil Service, who is regarded as Indias first anthropologist, caste forms the cement that holds together the myriad units of Indian society. He argued in The People of India, published in 1868, that with the disappearance of caste order would vanish and chaos would supervene.

We cannot understand its cohesive force without the evidence of numbers. That is why a nationwide replication of the census which chief minister Nitish Kumar carried out in Bihar is absolutely essential if governance is to come to grips with the multiple challenges of diversity. Londons Economist lamented that the Bihar findings have put caste back at the forefront of Indian politics. It was never anywhere else; but ignorance encouraged mischief by allowing politicians to assume caste positions which they then exploited. With their detailed information about castes, sub-castes, occupations, habits and cultural practices, Indias British rulers thoroughly understood the land and its people and were able to exercise full demographic control.

Prime Minister Modis reluctance all these years to acknowledge his own caste affiliation may have indicated a tactical unwillingness to be identified with any group, especially since Brahmins and other upper castes are believed to be among the Bharatiya Janata Partys principal supporters. Being vague about the precise label also enabled the Prime Minister to attack the Congresss dwija Kashmiri leadership for supposedly attacking him for his less exalted birth. Thats politics. By claiming the Other Backward Class mantle, Mr Modi has astutely claimed the votes of 63 per cent of Indians (OBC plus EBC, or Extremely Backward Class) at a time when everyone is agog over the coming elections.

The Israeli-Palestinian equation also hinges on identity. But identity can be a movable feast. Israeli leaders like Golda Meir and Shimon Peres maintained, for instance, that there is no such thing as a Palestinian: it was only another term for an Arab making fictitious claims under a fancy name. But, then, Israelis have their own logic for distributing labels. Beershevas Cochin Jew flower workers, for instance, are obvious Malayalees who speak only their native Malayalam and some Hebrew picked up in Israel. Even more suspicious is Israels decision that certain Tibeto-Burman tribes in Northeast India (Kuki, Mizo and others) are the Bnei Menashe lost tribe of Jews entitled to aliyah, or settlement in the Promised Land.

Israels employment situation might help to explain these unlikely Jews.

Flexibility allows identity to be both used and abused in an Indian situation that is bristling with contradictions. Although special rights were originally intended for only a decade, more and more groups, even including certain Brahmin sects in Karnataka, clamour for reservations every year. Successive Commissioners for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have warned of the Brahmanisation of the leaders of supposedly underprivileged categories, the emergence among them of what is called a creamy layer and of targeted groups developing a vested interest in poverty.

No doubt Mr Nitish Kumar hopes that Bihar will help to restore the original purpose of quotas. Even his decision to break the news on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, was pregnant with political symbolism.

The 26-party Opposition alliance called INDIA is visualised as a grand all-India force to restore the faith that inspired Independence but has withered somewhat in the years since. But there is no concealing the INDIA groups underlying strategy of mobilising caste groups that are not sympathetic to the BJP.

If so, what should be a question of welfare and a search for means to deliver the greatest good for the greatest number of people can become an explosive political question. Anticipating this, Morarji Desai chose to ignore the Mandal Commissions report. Not burdened by such scruples, V.P. Singh, whose ministry lasted only 343 days, tried to prolong his political life by promising preferential treatment for nearly 75 per cent of the population. That this promise of reckless affirmative action could also provoke spirited resistance and create national turmoil didnt seem to bother him.

Not all initiatives need be as disastrous. As the report of the Sachar Committee, set up by Dr Manmohan Singh when he was Prime Minister, showed, an exploration of caste can yield positive results. Far from being destructive, Justice Rajindar Sachars report exposed what is called the development deficit among Indian Muslims and indicated remedial measures. Sadly, there was little follow-up action to enable roughly 207 million Indian Muslims (more than 14 per cent of the population) to benefit from social and economic development. But that is another story.

A real-life story from erstwhile Bihar (now Jharkhand) highlights what India really needs. A Bihar state minister who was visiting Telcos office in Jamshedpur asked Gen. Shiv Verma, who held a post-retirement job there, how many Biharis he employed. Shooting his immaculate cuffs and with a flick of the snowy handkerchief tucked into his sleeve, the suave general retorted that he didnt have a clue. I always make a point of employing only Indians! he added.

Caste statistics are an invaluable aid to planning if used to strengthen  and not weaken -- this overall identity. Similarly in West Asia, an immediate ceasefire leading to talks for a sovereign Palestine is essential for regional stability, Arab-Israeli peace, and also to restrain Islamic extremism. In both, exploitation of caste differences remains a vicious form of colonialism.
Today's news: Gaza and Israel conflict displaces at least 20,000 in Lebanon; South Korea rescues four North Korean defectors; Japan's nominal GDP rises from third to fourth place globally; Pakistan announces that it will not expel Afghans awaiting visas from the West; Tombstones of Stalinist victims disappear in Russia.

BANGLADESH

At least 17 people died in a collision between two trains in Bhairab, 80 km north-east of Dhaka. According to a railway official who asked to remain anonymous, the accident was caused by a signal error. Due to poor infrastructure, accidents of this kind are not uncommon in Bangladesh.

LEBANON

Nearly 20,000 people in southern Lebanon have been displaced since the war between Gaza and Israel began earlier this month, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. Many of those who fled have moved north to the coastal city of Tyre, which is 18 km from the border with Israel. Inaya Ezzeddine, MP from Tire, said that the displacement is putting a strain on the families hosting the displaced and the government of a country already struggling with an economic crisis.

NORTH KOREA  SOUTH KOREA

A group of four unidentified individuals from North Korea crossed the maritime border dividing the Korean Peninsula on a wooden boat this morning in an apparent attempt to defect to South Korea, Seoul officials said. The South Korean coast guard and military officials secured the small boat, while the Ministry of Unification announced that an investigation was underway. It is the first time since November 2019 that a group of North Koreans has attempted to defect via the East Sea.

JAPAN

According to the most recent projections of the International Monetary Fund, by the end of the year the nominal gross domestic product (when goods and services are considered based on their current prices) of Japan is expected to go from third to fourth place in the world behind Germany due to the depreciation of the yen. Regardless of exchange rates, which significantly affect GDP, Japan has experienced a long period of low growth.

AFGHANISTAN  PAKISTAN

After some Western countries asked Pakistan not to expel Afghan refugees, Islamabad's Interior Minister announced that those waiting for a visa from the West will not be forcibly transferred, urging the nations concerned to speed up the process of issuing documents. In less than a month, around 60,000 Afghan refugees have been expelled from Pakistan after the government asked "illegal migrants" to leave the country by the end of October.

INDIA

Manipur police have arrested the former youth wing chief of the ruling BJP in connection with a shooting in western Imphal district earlier this month. On October 14, a group of 20 armed men attempted to kidnap a man named Khaidem Bobo from his house, but locals gathered around the house. One of the men in the group, Manoharmayum Barish Sharma, then fired shots, wounding at least five people, including a woman. In recent days the Kuki community has launched a protest against the further deployment of Meitei security forces to calm the ethnic conflict in the north-eastern Indian state.

RUSSIA

The memorial stones dedicated to the victims of Stalin's repressions have disappeared from the cemetery of the Russian city of Vladimir, starting with that of the Ukrainian priest and intellectual Father Klimentyj Septickyj, exarch of the Russian Greek Catholics from 1938 until his death in prison in 1950, recognized in 1995 by Yad Vashem as "righteous of the nations" for having saved over one hundred Jews during the Second World War, blessed since 2001.

FRANCE - ARMENIA

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that France and Armenia have signed an agreement for military supplies, in a meeting with his Yerevan counterpart Suren Pakinyan, in particular to "allow the Armenians to defend their airspace , guaranteeing the safety of the population and the integrity of its borders".
by John Ai

The Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant is under investigation by Beijing for tax issues and land consumption. The real reason, however, would be the company founder Terry Gou's candidature for the presidential elections in Taipei in January next year.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) - In several Chinese cities the authorities are inspecting the factories of Foxconn - a Taiwanese multinational which assembles iPhones in its factories in China and is essential for the production of the products of the American giant Apple - to verify compliance with the payment of taxes and Chinese land use, according to a report by the Chinese newspaper Global Times.

The move by the Beijing authorities, however, would be linked to the founder of Foxconn, Terry Gou who is running in Taiwan's presidential elections in January next year. Shares of Foxconn affiliate Foxconn Industrial Internet, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, fell 10% on Monday, the lowest in five months.

The tax inspection began with factories in Guangdong and Jiangsu province, while China's natural resources regulator launched an investigation into improper land use at the company's factories in Henan and Hubei province.

According to Reuters newsagency, two sources close to Foxconn reported that there was a political motivation behind the inspection by the authorities: Terry Gou in fact ran for president as an independent, collecting over 300 thousand signatures in support in less than a month which gave him exceeded the threshold of requirements to be able to present themselves.

Although Gou is a pro-China figure, his campaign does not have Beijing's approval. Analysts believe his presence could split the pro-China camp and dilute votes, so the pro-independent Democratic Progressive Party could benefit.

The Hong Kong-based pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao has hinted that Gou will have no chance of being elected, rather, he will become an "helper" of the Democratic Progressive Party and Beijing will not remain indifferent.

Terry Gou's flirtation with politics has been going on for at least four years. His resignation from the position of president of Foxconn dates back to then.

Subsequently he participated in the presidential primary elections of the pro-Chinese Kuomintang, but was not nominated, but his company has remained a sponsor of the Kuomintang for many years.

As an influential businessman with colossal investments in China, Gou met several times with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who called him an "old friend."

During the election campaign, the tycoon said that in the event of election, the first thing he would like to do would be to sign a peace agreement between Taiwan and Beijing.

In 2023, Gou left the company's board of directors before announcing the start of the campaign, although he continues to have great influence on the company.

Polls currently favor the candidate of the pro-independent Democratic Progressive Party in power, Lai Ching-te, who has opened up dialogue with Beijing.

Yet the Chinese government considers him a "stubborn Taiwan independence element" and Xi refuses to speak to him.

Last Sunday Lai spoke on the "Foxconn case": according to him, Taiwanese companies have made a great contribution to the Chinese economy in the last 30 years and it is not desirable that China forces Taiwanese businessmen to take a stand during the elections.

In fact, there are precedents for Beijing authorities to take measures against Taiwanese companies at sensitive times. For example, some companies had been fined or sanctioned for allegedly supporting the Democratic Progressive Party or other pro-independence organizations before the elections.

Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government continues to believe that Beijing is using military force to put pressure on specific social groups as a measure to change voters' political ideas and elect candidates "favored" by Beijing.

Finally, with the intensification of tensions between the United States and China, many foreign capitals, including those investing in Foxconn, are transferring their liquidity to other Southeast Asian countries and to India to reduce risks.
by Dario Salvi

The jubilee year opens today in the Church of Arabia 15 centuries (it was 15 October 523) after the massacre of the saint of Najran and his companions. Msgr Berardi: discover the "rich Christian past of the Arabian Peninsula". Vicar of the South: Promote awareness of the "most precious witness" of the Missionaries of Charity.

Milan (AsiaNews) - That of Christians in the Middle East, from the first centuries to the present day, is a story of blood and martyrdom, it is a testimony of fidelity to the Gospel amid wars, persecution and sectarian violence, of which they are often "collateral victims" : the latest example is of the Christian refugees in the vicinity of the Greek Orthodox church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza, killed by an Israeli rocket in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Strip and which risks inflaming the entire region.

Even before that, there is the example of the Iraqi Christians, who paid with their lives as happened during the massacre at the Syro-Catholic church of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad on 31 October 2010, with a death toll of 58 (among including two priests) and over 70 injured.

The story of Saint Aretas and companions, known as the "martyrs of Arabia" of Najran, dates back to the first millennium, remembered by the Catholics of the Arabian Peninsula with an extraordinary jubilee year that begins today and will end on 23 October 2024. Once upon a time ideal for rediscovering the value of their presence in a region with a large Muslim majority, in which however there are traces of Christian communities well before the rise of Islam and Muhammad.

Saint Aretas and companions: faith, beyond life

This is the legacy of the "martyrs of Arabia" of Najran, who sacrificed their lives to bear witness to the Gospel led by their leader and charismatic leader, Saint Aretas, for a very current affair.

On 24 October 523 one of the bloodiest events of the first centuries of the history of the church in the Arabian Peninsula took place, with the martyrdom of the saint and his companions which today, 1500 years later, becomes an occasion of celebration for the Catholics of Arabia .

An extensive reality, in which they are a minority composed mostly of economic migrants coming from other Asian nations, especially the Philippines or from the Indian subcontinent: the northern vicariate, which includes the territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia (where however, no other cult other than the Muslim religion is allowed, at least officially) and the southern vicariate which embraces the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen and Oman.

On 30 September 2011 the then apostolic vicar of the North, Msgr. Camillo Ballin, indicated Saint Aretas and the martyrs of Najran to the Christians of the Gulf as examples of life and faithfulness.

The prelate then drew an analogy between the ancient presence of Christianity in the region - well before the majority Islam today - and the modern testimony of Christian communities in the Arab world. In this way the vicar wanted to emphasize their contribution to the realization of the ideals of peace and dialogue between the different communities.

At the same time he urged today's Christians to explore local history, its traditions and cultures in depth, to "love this land better and respect it".

Saint Aretas and his companions were originally from the ancient city of Najran, in southern Arabia (now Saudi Arabia), martyred in the year 523 for their faith.

Their leader, Areta, was born in Al-Harith bin Ka'b in 427 and governed the city, which was predominantly Christian at the time, until his martyrdom at the age of 95 when the area was attacked by the Himyarite king Dhu Nuwas .

He is a convert to Judaism and a rebellious vassal of the king of Ethiopia and manages to deceively overcome the city's defenses and penetrate inside, massacring those who refused to renounce the Christian faith and burning the churches.

After conquering Najran, Dhu Nuwas orders that priests, deacons, nuns and lay people be thrown into a trench which is set on fire, originating a practice that later becomes known in Arab tradition as al-ukhdud. Subsequently, men, women and children were massacred, including one only five years old who threw himself into the flames to be with his mother.

Saint Aretas, together with a hundred of his followers, was finally beheaded. The number of martyrs would range from 340 to more than 4 thousand, but there is no certainty about the numbers.

From Gaza to Aden, today's martyrs

To rediscover their history and the value of the Christian presence, the vicar of northern Arabia Msgr. Aldo Berardi and the vicar of southern Arabia Msgr. Paolo Martinelli asked Pope Francis to call a jubilee year.

The heart of the celebrations to obtain plenary indulgence are the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Bahrain and the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Abu Dhabi, in the Emirates. A relic of the saint, a gift from the ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, is expected to arrive in Bahrain in November.

To rediscover their history and the value of the Christian presence, the vicar of northern Arabia Msgr. Aldo Berardi and the vicar of southern Arabia Msgr. Paolo Martinelli asked Pope Francis to call a jubilee year.

The heart of the celebrations to obtain plenary indulgence are the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Bahrain and the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Abu Dhabi, in the Emirates. A relic of the saint, a gift from the ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, is expected to arrive in Bahrain in November.

Learn more about the history of the martyrs of Arabia in this jubilee year, underlines Mgr. to AsiaNews. Berardi, is an opportunity to "discover a rich Christian past in the Arabian Peninsula" which is also a way to "live the faith" and be "daily martyrs", giving meaning "to our presence".

They look to them and take inspiration - continues the prelate - as an example of loyalty and perseverance, but also as a community response in the face of danger, or an external threat.

"The martyrs - he recalls - did not live in an easy reality, like us today, but they remained firm in their faith, in the defense of the Cross" and are helpful in "deepening our faith". It's us - says Msgr. Berardi, priest of the Order of the Holy Trinity - the witnesses of Christ in this region" and from here "we unite with all the Christians in difficulty in the world" starting from Gaza, from the Christians killed in the cross bombs of Israel and Hamas, new martyrs of modern times.

"Let our prayers and our sacrifices - concludes the prelate - come together to promote peace" in a region where, even today, being witnesses of Christ "means living the Gospel in a coherent and profound way" , even to the extreme sacrifice of self.

The story of the martyrdom of Saint Aretas and companions, adds Msgr. Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of southern Arabia, originates from Najran, a locality "now belonging to Saudi Arabia but which, originally, was part of Yemen. This is one more reason - he continues - why the Southern Vicariate also feels this jubilee is so significant", in addition to the fact that "the memory of their testimony is precious for all of us" Christians of Arabia.

Their example, states the prelate, "reminds us of the fact that martyrdom, as testimony, is a daily dimension of Christian life" and makes the "precious testimony of Mother Teresa's missionaries of Charity" even more important.

The reference is to the martyrdom of the nuns of Aden, four nuns killed by a jihadist commando belonging to the Islamic State (IS, ex Isis) who attacked their compound in the southern city of Yemen on 4 March 2016.

Their sacrifice, like that of Saint Aretas and his companions, concludes the prelate, is "remembered by the entire vicariate as an enormous testimony of faith, love and charity, which makes us full of gratitude and responsibility".

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by Vladimir Rozanskij

The killing of two villagers in the Fergana region has brought back to the forefront the tensions with the people of Soviet-era borders that were arbitrarily drawn to better control the different ethnic groups.

Tashkent (AsiaNews) - A serious incident, which adds to many other previous cases, has sent the population of the Fergana region in Uzbekistan into turmoil, after border guards killed two inhabitants of the area in the makhalla (village) of Buston , a cluster of houses in the town of Vuadil, on the border with neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

The official statement from the Border Police states that "the subjects had violated border rules and used violence against guards while trying to cross", but the relatives of the victims provide a very different version of what happened.

The fathers of the two killed thirty-year-olds, Abdulkhaj Mukaddasov and Otabek Juldasev, are calling for those responsible for their sons' deaths to be brought to justice.

According to witnesses, on the evening of October 16 the border guards had stopped the two men together with a third, Sardorbek Sabirov, as they were returning by car from a birthday party in a Tchaikhan, a tea room in Uzbek territory, and they did not want allow them to return to the makhalla, resulting in a fight. Otabek's father, Bakhodir Juldasev, says that his son found himself among the others by chance, ending up with a smashed head.

Otabek had worked with his father all day on the farm with the horses, then accompanied his father to his parents' house, and then gave a friend a lift to his house, arriving at the moment of the fight with the police.

Being also a friend of Abdulkhaj, he tried to stop the guard who was beating him to the ground with the handle of the rifle, pulling him and brawling, which attracted a group of policemen further away, who opened fire, killing the young man with one shot to the head.

Sardorbek filmed the scene with his phone, and then went to show it to the guards' office, where he was told that "they were right to shoot him". The customs officers also claimed that there was contraband in the car of the detainees, but the videos of the search of the car deny this version.

Other testimonies state that the guards also shot other unarmed people, and that this practice is unfortunately frequent; despite the official agreements between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which have regulated the border issue, tension on the borders always remains very high, and this seems to be a constant in all Central Asian countries.

The uncertainty of the borders is a Soviet legacy, when territories were divided to better control the different ethnic groups, and the Fergana region is one of the hottest in this regard, being an area disputed by different groups since the times of the empire of tsar.

The inhabitants of Vuadil are an example of these latent conflicts, which often manifest themselves in skirmishes with border guards, especially in recent years. Police often raid houses in villages for unjustified checks and searches, using violence.

The accusation of smuggling is one of the most used to justify these repressive actions, especially when people are stopped in a state of intoxication or in any case a little excited by parties and various meetings, as in the last case, when it is easier to make accusations even without any foundation, causing exaggerated reactions.

The police statement in fact reports the altered state of the people, which forced the guards to open fire, as "they had not drawn the necessary conclusions from the order to stop, and after warning shots in the air, it was necessary to prevent the degeneration of the conflict, other people having gathered.

The result is that now the whole village of Vuadil is in strong agitation, also due to the emotion reserved for Abdulkhaj's three children who were orphaned, while his wife is waiting for the fourth, and for Otabek's little daughter, who was also left without a father.
Korea needs to create drug enforcement agency

Actor Lee Sun-kyun, who played a wealthy professional in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite, was booked Monday for an investigation into his alleged use of illegal drugs.

The indictment of Lee, who often appeared as a police officer or lawyer in films, was rather unexpected.

He is not alone, however.

In March, 21 people were caught doing drugs in a Seoul apartment. An off-duty police officer fell to his death there while on drugs. More recently, a mother in Busan reported her 15-year-old daughter to the police. The ninth-grader was found to have purchased 0.05 grams of methamphetamine for 400,000 won ($300) via Telegram and injected it.

TV celebs and entertainers are not the nation's only drug users. Public officials, students and physicians also use and circulate narcotics. Many families will have a drug user in their midst, said ex-Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil, who reported his son for the same reason.

According to the prosecution, the number of drug offenders hit a record high of 18,395 last year, up nearly 50 percent from 2018. The number of offenders under age 30 jumped more than 100 percent to 10,988 during the period. And that of teens went up more than 200 percent to 481. The growth rate doubled as more young people began using drugs. Police reported that they had seized enough drugs for 12 million people to use at once. The amount of unseized drugs would be far larger.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Korea served as a base to make and supply meth to Japan. Busan, the nations largest port, was notorious as a drug city. Now, Korea imports drugs rather than making them, as Japan did decades ago. As peoples income levels rose, the nation became an emerging market for global drug traffickers. Korea is now seen as a country with ineffective drug control so traffickers use it as a transit point or even a hub.

Against this backdrop, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a war on drugs in April. It was the right move, if not belated. However, the government will likely lose that battle as things stand now. The drug administration is dispersed among too many agencies, and their budgets aretoo tight.

In contrast, a more diverse and cheaper range of drugs are appearing. For instance, students can get a fentanyl patch for around 15,000 won ($11). One Seoul hospital prescribed thousands of such patches as painkillers. Reports show more than 1,000 new types of narcotics have landed in Korea.

Currently, the nations spy agency and customs service are attempting to block the inflow of drugs; the police and prosecution ferret out and punish offenders; the national tax office and financial regulators retrieve ill-gotten gains; and the health ministry "cures" and rehabilitates addicts. For more efficient handling of these jobs, the government should integrate as much work as possible into a single agency. The time has long passed for Korea to have an organization like the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The Ministry of Justice is pushing to establish a Korean DEA. The National Assembly should transcend partisan politics and approve it.

Examples from other countries show treatment and rehabilitation is a far better, and less costly, means of fighting drugs than cracking down on and punishing offenders. But that requires money and the finance ministry has slashed 85 percent of the budget requested by the health ministry.

The nations largest public hospital dealing exclusively with patients suffering from drug addiction said recently it would cease operations due to a lack of financial support. Even now, patients must wait months for vacancies at the hospital. Hundreds of patients have yet to be cured. Where should they go?

All this shows this governments problem: it says one thing and does another. Its like telling soldiers to fight while taking away their bullets.

The U.S. declared a war on drugs in the 1970s but has since wavered between rehabilitation and punishment. The government must match its words with actions.
by Stefano Vecchia

About 188,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure security in local (barangay) elections next Monday. The vote will be held on October 30 and promises to be a major event.

Manila (AsiaNews)  In the Philippines, local (barangay) elections[*] are usually an important event, but they come with great risks. Some 188,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed nationwide to protect voting, next Monday (30 October).

These elections are crucial in a country with thousands of islands, where many places are difficult to access, and where accusations of corruption and mismanagement are commonplace.

The authorities have especially enhanced security in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in the southern Philippines, with extra military and paramilitary units.

The aim is to better police the region and prevent any actions by remaining Islamist guerrillas who attract people linked to the Islamic State.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said that an additional 800 police officers would be deployed in the BARMM to beef up local security measures ahead of the vote.

Another 4,400 unarmed police officers were trained to serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) in the elections. More than half of them will be deployed in the BARMM.

Many fear that, like in the past, political violence will break out in particularly hot areas in the region.

The latter includes the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Cotabato City, and the city of Marawi on the big island of Mindanao, the island of Basilan (except the city of Isabela), the Sulu Islands, and Tawi-Tawi Island.

The BARMM is home to some five million people, mostly Muslim, who will vote in 2,590 barangays out of 42,000 nationwide.

[*] Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The Barangay is the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines, usually a village, district or ward in rural areas or a neighbourhood in metropolitan areas. The Sangguniang Kabataan is a youth council in each barangay,
AMG

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Photo: Mercedes

Named the Mercedes-GLE 53 Hybrid, it is a 2026 model set to arrive at dealers nationwide in 2025, offered in both crossover and crossover coupe body styles.Powering it is an improved 3.0-liter straight-six with forced induction. Mercedes-AMG hasn't gone into specifics yet, stating that it features updated software and an additional heat exchanger. The result is a 14 hp (14 ps/10) increase to 443 hp (449 ps/330 kW) over the normal GLE 53.Proving an additional 134 hp (136 ps/100 kW) is an electric motor that is juiced up by a 31.2battery pack. The total output is 536 hp (544 ps/400 kW), and the assembly produces a combined 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. The new GLE 53 Hybrid takes an estimated 4.6 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph (97 kph) and tops out at 155 mph (250 kph).By comparison, the normal GLE 53 uses a turbo'd 3.0-liter straight-six with mild-hybrid tech that develops 429 hp (435 ps/320 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm). It is three-tenths slower compared to the plug-in hybrid variant and returns 18 mpg (13.1 l/100 km) in the city and 22 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) on the highway.According to Mercedes-AMG, the GLE 53 Hybrid uses the brand's 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, comes with the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping that was specially developed for this model, has a specific chassis tune, recalibrated drive programs, and 15.7-inch front and 14.6-inch rear brake discs with six- and single-piston calipers, respectively.To tell it apart from the regular variant, you will have to look for the opening up front that directs the airflow to the extra heat exchanger and the exclusive badges on the front fenders and tailgate. On the inside, it has hybrid-specific functions and displays, including the charging menu, status, temperature of the battery, and electric range.Speaking of the autonomy, it will be revealed in due course, and Mercedes-AMG states that the GLE 53 Hybrid can reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 kph) in the all-electric mode and that an 11 kW AC and a 60 kW DC on-board chargers are provided.As we already told you, the German automaker will launch it in the United States later in 2025, and it will arrive at dealers nationwide as a 2026 model. The pricing details haven't been announced either, but it will obviously be costlier than the regular GLE 53. For the 2024 GLE 53 Coupe , you are looking at a minimum of $89,800 before destination and dealer fees.
A short while ago, we told the story of the Boeing 757, pound-for-pound the most overpowered twin-jet passenger airliner of the jet age of aviation. It was and still is the kind of jet that can legitimately impress fighter jets with its climb-to-altitude capabilities thanks to two colossal engines. If all that's true, think of the Airbus A340 as the complete opposite. Despite sporting four engines instead of two, the A340 is notorious worldwide for being an absolute pig. For better or worse, the A340 is like a Geo Metro in the sky.



Photo: Airbus

Photo: Gab01 - Own work

Photo: Iberia Airlines



The last of the 377 A340s delivered to airline customers was completed in 2012. With the completion of Airbus' A380 jumbo jet program in 2021, it's doubtful whether Airbus will ever again field another wide-body, quad-jet airliner again. With the industry shifting ever more towards more efficient twin-jets, t The last of the 377 A340s delivered to airline customers was completed in 2012. With the completion of Airbus' A380 jumbo jet program in 2021, it's doubtful whether Airbus will ever again field another wide-body, quad-jet airliner again. With the industry shifting ever more towards more efficient twin-jets, t he A340 will forever remain a curious footnote in aviation history. One which yielded surprising insights into the finer details of civil aviation than people might give it credit for. It'd be wrong to say the A430 is a bad plane per se, it's yet to see a fatal accident in three decades of commercial service. But time is money and money's on the line, an extra hour in the air means everything to the folks who might be aboard.

The story of the A340 is one rooted in the larger history of Airbus itself. One rooted in the idea that a consortium of European aerospace contractors could one day join forces and bring the fight to the established American aristocracy in the civil airliner space. The agreement between members of the British, West German, and French aerospace sectors to found a novel multi-national civil airliner manufacturer was first proposed all national parties met at the 1965 Paris Air Show. The deal was formally ratified in 1967.The firm's first commercial product, the A300 wide-body twin-jet, laid the foundation for what would become one of Europe's most important manufacturing hubs. The A300 first flew a mere five years after the agreement of 1967 and entered service with Air France in 1974. But even before the A300's first flight with paying passengers, Airbus personnel envisioned a day when a whole fleet of aircraft under their name would bring the fight to Boeing and McDonnell Douglas across the spectrum of civil airliners from the smallest puddle jumpers to the biggest, most outrageous jumbo jets.Before the minutia of Airbus' grand scheme for market dominance was finalized, plans called for a fleet of airliners rooted in the original A300 platform, which could be extensively modified to host a slew of niches and specialized operating environments running from twin-jets to quad-jets and both narrow and wide-body aircraft. As many as nine different A300 offshoots were proposed in the early-to-mid 1970s, labeled the A300B1 up to the B9.Similar to practices done in the automotive space, as with Chrysler's K platform in the 1980s, on which dozens of vehicles shared a common platform to save on development costs, Airbus aimed to expedite the often-grueling airliner design process by making its entire fleet share a common platform. The first of these A300 offshoot designs to see production was the A310, marketed as a competitor to Boeing's iconic 767 and essentially an A300's airframe with the fuselage shortened by roughly 6.95 m (22.8 ft).In turn, Airbus' current bread and butter aircraft, the narrow-body, twin-jet A320 family, complete with new-fangled, fly-by-wire controls, entered service with Air France in 1988 after a lengthy development period under the project name SA (Single Aisle). The new jet competed against two American titans, the Boeing 737 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, and did so with grace and distinction. Right off the bat, Airbus had a winning combination in the A300, A310, and A320. The fearsome tag team helped Airbus proliferate its business globally from the mid-80s to the early 1990s.It was the first time a European aerospace manufacturer had come close to challenging American hegemony in the airliner space since the de Havilland Comet beat the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 to commercial service in the 1950s. But Airbus wasn't done innovating yet, as more gaps in the civil airliner market were rife for the taking to whoever wanted to capitalize. As early as 1973, another addition to the nine A300 family aircraft already proposed was conceptualized and aimed at the big fish in the airliner pond. However, it was how to go about designing this new airframe that made the situation particularly tense for some within Airbus.A handful within the company, particularly on the German side of the operation, called for an A300-derived, wide-body airframe with two engines and explicitly targeted at the North American market. All the while, others within Airbus aiming to capitalize on gaps in airline coverage in East Asia favored a quad-engine, wide-body airframe marketed as an alternative to the larger Boeing 747, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and, for a time, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar.For a time in the early 1980s, Airbus was in talks with McDonnell Douglas themselves to jointly manufacture an airplane to the combined specifications of Airbus's twin and quad jet proposal. But these efforts stalled when Airbus refused to cooperate with McDonnell Douglas's wishes to keep the tri-jet architecture native to their DC-10. In time, Airbus's two factions advocating for either a twin or quad-jet arrangement for its new airframe conceded four engines were more marketable internationally than two. The only question remaining was what on Earth would power the new jet. Therein lay the future A340's true weakness, its engines.The engine in question was the Franco-American CFM International CFM56 high-bypass turbofan engine. With well north of 30,000 examples produced since 1974, the CFM56 is one of the most prolific engines of the jet age. Everything from the DC-8 to multiple Boeing 737 iterations and all of the associated military variants therein have made use of the CFM 56 over the last 50 years. In itself, there was nothing wrong at all with the CFM 56. In some configurations, the engine jetted as much as 27,300 lbs (121 kN) of thrust when fitted to the Boeing 737-800 and 737-900. But all these applications had one common binding thread; they were all narrow-body, twin-jet aircraft.When applied to a large, quad-engined airliner like the early A340-200s and A340-300s that first flew in October 1991, such narrow-body-optimized engines as the CFM 56 turned out less-than-stellar results. Though its engines burned relatively little fuel compared to similarly-sized jets from Boeing, performance metrics like takeoff distances and climb time to altitude figures all sorely lagged behind the A340's competitors from the moment it entered service with Lufthansa in March 1993. On long-haul flights, early A340s flew considerably farther away from supersonic than its rivals, equaling longer flights with increased stress on flight crews as a result.Considering all four engines have at least 275 metric tons (303.1 US tons) to carry aboard a fully loaded A340-200 and even more for the stretched A340-300, is it any surprise that early examples routinely performed equal-to or worse than the equivalent Boeing offering, the twin-jet 777, even with two more engines? Compared to the narrow-body 757, the jet routinely pegged as the most overpowered airliner of the modern era, the early A340s were equally underwhelming to the point of nearly being unnoticeable. So then, it makes all the sense in the world why Airbus went back to the drawing board for the later A340-500 and 600 in the early 2000s.With the benefit of new British Rolls-Royce Trent 500 turbofans designed from the get-go to operate on wide-body jets, this new breed of A340 set its sights on replacing older DC-10s and 747s in service with airlines across the globe. With as much as 61,900 lbs (275 kN) of thrust to work with per engine, the longer, heavier airframes of these novel Airbus jets were able to bridge some of the gaps in performance that plagued the platform since its inception. In its ultimate form, the A340-600HGW (High Gross Weight), the aircraft can operate fully loaded at 380 tonnes (840,000 lbs) across a ferry range of 14,630 km (7,900 nmi; 9,090 mi).
The U.S. Army is on the lookout for a new attack helicopter. It wants one as it plans to replace the aging Bell OH-58 Kiowa with something more modern and more capable. To do that, it kicked off back in 2018 the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program.

FARA is currently in its closing stages, with just two helicopter designs left to compete for the win. One is the Sikorsky Raider , and the second the Bell 360 Invictus. It's the latter that made the headlines this week, as it reached a major milestone in its development.You see, both helicopters will be powered by the same General Electric (GE) turboshaft engine, selected by the Army specifically for this purpose. It's in fact the same powerplant that is being fitted in the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache.The engine is called T901, a unit that is supposed to be 50 percent more powerful than the T700 currently being deployed in Black Hawks and Apaches. Depending on variant, the T700 was capable of developing anywhere between 1,768 and 1,915 shaft horsepower.In the FARA helicopters the power output is said to sit at 3,000 shaft horsepower, making both of them monsters not to be messed with. The engine will also need a lot less fuel to operate  consumption levels should drop by as much as 25 percent compared to the T700.It was this week when Bell announced it received from the U.S. Army the T901 engine that will go into the Invictus. The company will now install it into the helicopter, and proceed with ground test operations.The GE engine will not be the only one supplying power to the Invictus. It will be backed by a smaller Pratt & Whitney unit for extra power. With the blades up top spinning at their fastest, the Invictus should be capable of reaching speeds of 210 mph (330 kph).As per the requirements of the FARA program, there are few mechanical restrictions to what Bell engineers can do. The main requirement of the Army, aside from the helos using the T901 engine, was for the rotor diameter and fuselage width not to exceed 40 feet (12 meters).It will of course have to be able to carry the full complement of airborne weapons in the Army's arsenal, as the winner of the FARA program is meant to be something the Army calls a knife fighter.Bell does not say how long it will take before the Invictus takes to the sky for the first time. The American military plans to pick the winning design and send it into production in 2028. At least that was the initial goal, as FARA already seems to be running behind schedule  test flight evaluations should have already been performed this year.
The tech giants offering these solutions claim that disabling traffic data prevents it from being misused, and users will continue to have access to navigation.Beginning this week, Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps won't show traffic jams, traffic reports , and alerts in specific parts of Israel. However, if you use navigation to navigate to a destination, the apps will still take traffic data into account, providing you with the fastest route to the defined address. The only difference is that you won't see the traffic data it uses.Waze also displays a warning when launching the app, telling users that traffic jams, the other Wazers (which typically show on the map using the configured mood), reports, and other alerts will no longer show up on the map. The application will still use the data to determine the fastest route, but otherwise, the Waze experience will be quiet.Turning off features has become a common practice during military conflicts, with the parent companies announcing similar restrictions when the Ukraine invasion started.Navigation apps have become very popular worldwide, providing users with faster ways to reach their destinations. They can accurately indicate traffic incidents and jams, and the Israeli military believes the data could be used for other nefarious purposes. A traffic jam is typically a place where multiple cars are stuck for various reasons, so indicating the location could expose civilians and the military.Waze also includes a chat feature that allows users to exchange messages by flagging certain locations on the map. It's unclear if this option has also been removed, but the Google-owned company will probably turn it off, too, in order to prevent sensitive data from being shared on the map.Google says it has also disabled busysiness information in Google Maps. With this feature, Google Maps allows users to see how crowded a specific region is expected to be. The option was launched three years ago when the health crisis hit, helping users avoid crowded stores and locations. Since then, the busysiness indicators have become an essential Google Maps feature, but they can also be misused horribly during war times.All these restrictions are only temporary, so the navigation applications should get all their features backs when the military conflict ends. While navigation capabilities are still available, and you can use Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps to drive to a destination in Israel, the military is known to be disrupting GPS, so you could lose the signal or experience connection problems depending on where you launch the apps.
With a beautifully sculptured body and a potent three-rotor engine, the Furai seemed destined to succeed the LeMans-winning 787B on the track, but an unfortunate incident sealed its faith just a few months after its official debut.

The last and arguably most beautiful Nagare concept

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

A thoroughbred race car

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Powered by a custom three-rotor engine

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Extensively tested on the track

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

A hot concept that burnt to a crisp

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

With a few exceptions, like the FD RX-7 , Mazda's production models of the 1990s were by no means design icons.Aiming to improve the looks of its vehicles, the Japanese carmaker hired famed stylists Franz von Holzhausen and Laurens van den Acker during the second part of the 2000s.With the two new hires heading the company's revamped styling department, Mazda debuted a new design language called Nagare ("flow" in Japanese) that would eventually shape its production models.But, before those models were launched, the manufacturer introduced a series of futuristic concepts designed around the new Nagare philosophy.The series started with a 2006 concept named after the design language . Then, in 2007, it continued with the Ryuga and Hakaze.Finally, at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mazda unveiled the last and arguably most beautiful Nagare concept.Dubbed Furai, the concept was designed by Mazda's styling department in collaboration with American spacecraft engineering firm Swift Engineering.Its breathtaking body featured Nagare cues combined with shapes conceived to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible.Unlike the previous Nagare show cars, the Furai was a fully functional race car built around the Courage C65 LMP2 chassis used by Mazda in the American Le Mans Series during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.Fabricated from a mix of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, the monocoque at the heart of the Furai featured an independent suspension system with double wishbones, pushrods, and horizontally mounted dynamic shock absorbers.But, while it was built around a tried-and-true motorsport chassis, the concept's body was sculptured to bridge the gap between a road-legal supercar and a LeMans prototype.Therefore, the Furai looked more like a road car than a closed-cockpit endurance racing machine, which made the potential development of a street-legal version plausible.However, this was a thoroughbred race car, so the interior was designed accordingly.Stylists focused on weight-saving and ergonomics, so the cockpit featured two slim carbon-fiber bucket seats with harnesses and a motorsport steering wheel designed for this car by Sparco.Honoring the legendary 787B that helped Mazda win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1991, the Furai also featured a mid-mounted rotary engine.But, unlike the 787's fire-spitting R26B four-rotor engine, the concept's unit only featured three rotors.Displacing 2.0 liters, the R20B Renesis was developed by renowned rotary tuners Racing Beat, who based their design on the Eunos Cosmo's 20B-REW - the only three-rotor ever fitted into a production car.Naturally aspirated and linked to an X-trac six-speed sequential gearbox, the race engine was tuned to run on pure ethanol (E100) biofuel developed by BP.According to Mazda, the engine could develop 450 hp, which wasn't a mind-blowing figure, but since the whole car weighed just 1,488 pounds (675 kg), it was more than enough to help it hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.2 seconds.Apart from the unique engine, Racing Beat also built a custom rotary-shaped muffler for the car, one of its most awesome visual features.Sitting on BBS center-lock wheels wrapped with slicks specifically developed for the project by Khumo, the Furai hit the track soon after it was unveiled.It was tested extensively on various tracks, including Laguna Seca and Buttonwillow.Thanks to its futuristic, yer aerodynamic body bolstered with a front splitter, a prominent rear spoiler, and a diffuser, the concept produced massive amounts of downforce. Despite that, it maintained a low drag coefficient, which made it surprisingly fast through tight corners.According to a Top Gear magazine interview with head designer Laurens van den Acker, Mazda considered adapting the concept for official endurance racing, presumably eyeing an entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as an experimental entry.Moreover, the designer hoped a road-legal version would make it into production.Unfortunately, the Furai project never made it past the testing stages.In August 2008, the beautiful concept was flown to England, where it was scheduled to perform additional tests and take part in a photo session organized by Top Gear at the former Royal Air Force Bentwaters airfield.With experienced British race driver Mark Ticehurst behind the wheel, the Furai's three-rotor suddenly caught fire. Ticehurst managed to get out in time, but the car continued to burn.Since the incident occurred on an isolated part of the makeshift track, firefighters didn't arrive in time to save the concept, which was essentially burnt to a crisp.Mazda kept the incident under wraps as it conducted a thorough investigation. The company finally allowed Top Gear to write a story about the race car's unfortunate demise in 2013, but it never released details about the cause to the public.While I am no expert, it's safe to assume that the engine's novel fuel system and the high flammability of the fuel itself were at the heart of the incident.But cause aside, the Furai was one of Mazda's most stunning concept cars , and, unfortunately, it never got a chance to showcase its potential in an official race.If you want to see the breathtaking race car in action on the track, we recommend watching the YouTube video below by Tim Brown.
The 1972 model year featured minor and subtle changes compared to the previous version, so the strong sales took many by surprise.An original Corvette that made its way to eBay is one of the easiest ways to understand what the 1972 model year was about, especially because it comes in great shape thanks to proper maintenance throughout all these years.The Corvette looks great, still wearing the original paint. Seller bluebbvette explains that you must get closer to see all the problems, so a collector might want a full respray to bring the car back to a tip-top shape. However, the rust won't be a concern on this Vette, though you should inspect the undersides thoroughly.The owner says the car was originally sold by the Chevrolet dealer that received it to another dealership "just down the street." Miracle Mile Motors purchased it on February 18, 1972, before selling it three weeks later to Barry and Annette Bayer from South Dakota.The seller says they purchased the Corvette from Annette Bayer earlier this year, putting back the original parts replaced by the couple and fixing the few problems they found. The Corvette sold with an aftermarket radio, but the original unit was in a box. The air conditioning system didn't work but now blows cold. Everything is nearly in perfect shape, so the Corvette is ready to become a daily driver unless it makes its way to a collector's garage where it'd require a series of extra fixes.The mileage certainly sets this Corvette apart from the rest of the crowd. The odometer indicates just 38,000 miles (61,150 km), and the seller says they are original. The vehicle has likely been sitting for a long time, which explains the low mileage and the great overall shapeThe engine runs and drives without any problems, and the gauges on the dashboard work like they should. The weather is not in perfect shape but is still good, and the soft top has already been replaced by the previous owner at some point during the '90s.Everything on this Corvette makes it an excellent survivor whose place shouldn't be under the clear sky, so fingers crossed for someone to take it home and take proper care of it. The owner wants to let it go for $32,500, but they also enabled the Make Offer button. You can see it in person in West Des Moines, Iowa.
SUV

Toyota has had a tidal wave of novelties this year for America and is also ready to steal the spotlight at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show next month when it will probably unleash the XV80 ninth generation Camry mid-size sedan to better fight the eleventh iteration of the Honda Accord. We are still determining what the latter has in store for the traditional fall season, but the imaginative realm of digital car content creators already has some opinions about what should arrive next.Some outlets muse about the fourth-gen 2025 Honda Passport mid-size crossoverdebuting with an equally boxy yet a lot more stylish design to mirror the new Pilot better and help the Japanese automaker properly fight the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander. Others believe the 2025 Civic Hybrid is coming to catch the Corolla series off-guard. A few also think that Honda would be better off preparing a quick refresh of the 2025 CR-V compact crossover SUV to make it even better and ready for a new Toyota RAV4.In Honda's American roster, the best-selling CR-V occupies the middle slot between the all-new 2024 HR-V (starting at a little over $24k) and the Pilot plus Passport mid-size siblings. It kicks off at less than $30k for the 2024MY and offers no less than six trims  of which three are for the Hybrid powertrain. Now, the good folks over at the AutomagzTV channel on YouTube have already dreamt of the sixth generation CR-V's redesign, even though the iteration only appeared last summer. The latest CR-V is in production for North America in Canada at HCM in Alliston, Ontario, and the United States at two manufacturing facilities - East Liberty, Ohio (ELAP) and Greensburg, Indiana (HMIN). But it only started production since the 2023 model year, so it really doesn't make too much sense to have a facelift too soon, let alone an entirely new generation.However, the ways of the parallel universes of CGI are always mysterious, so let us check out this unofficial design project with critical thinking. Most likely created via AI software design tools, the traditional front-three quarters POV is quite interesting as it proposes subtle modifications that would make the CR-V a bit more practical yet also even more stylish. Where the pixel master derails the virtual design entirely is at the rear, and that styling is too preposterous even to consider it for wishful thinking second.Instead, if you want to see a veritable CGI show of AI-assisted force, check out the second video embedded below from PoloTo , where the resident CGI expert shows the potential future of the next Audi Q5 compact luxury crossover SUV, and nothing makes you think it's just a virtual joke. Cool, right?
By Jeon Su-mi

President Yoon Seok Yeol's seemingly "unmindful" behavior continues. The promises of creating a better government are not being kept, and despite being in power for over a year, there is a constant evasion of responsibility by blaming "the previous administration." On "reliance on foreign powers- dependency on others," the fate of the nation seem entrusted to Japan and the United States, and their leaders. After gaining power, Korea's independence fighters were insulted as communists, and there were even discussions raised about removing the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The administration seems to turn a blind eye to the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima, which directly impacts the lives of the public, create a risk of war on the Korean Peninsula, and looks on as national debt increases. All in all, the people's anger grows day by day amid the suffering.

Watching the process of conducting document collection on JTBC and Newstapa, the sad history of "press oppression" is being revived. With the emergence of the "Broadcasting and Communications Commission," various retaliatory measures against the press are put into practice. The ruling party has even referred to a certain media outlet as "traitorous to the nation" and "deserving of the death penalty." This presents a dramatic example of how the current government simultaneously suppresses "freedom" while proclaiming "freedom." The factions aligning with the current government are portrayed as "proponents of freedom and democracy," while those composing the opposition are labeled as "communist totalitarian" forces that are suppressed and oppressed critically. In discordance with North Korea, a communist dictatorship that mobilizes and exploits its people as slaves and tools, in South Korea at least we have the confidence that we can fully enjoy the fundamental rights guaranteed by democracy.

Starting from this point, today, all we have is the instinctual will to support ourselves amidst the exhaustion of despair, in our desensitized and chaotic circumstances. Couples are without children, and youth lack jobs and South Korea as a nation sees safety is lacking and a bleak looking future. Tragedies such as the Oct. 29 Itaewon crowd crush disaster, the Osong underpass flood and the tragic death of Marine Corporal Chae Su-geun while following unsound orders, the nation not only fails to protect its citizens but intimidates them, leaving each person to fend for themselves. The distrust in one's own people created people without any hope for future and thus so-called "don't ask"crimes have snowballed. Even when one shouts, nobody in the current government seems to know how to sympathize or when a citizen appeals with endless tears nobody from government seems willing to respond or take action.

This is the state of our homeland and our people that has been created during the past one year and four months by an infinitely irresponsible authority. This is the reality produced by the so-called Yoon Seok Yeol government. Despite surpassing North Korea and its regime a long time ago, and while the world is enthusiastic about K-culture, why is it that as time goes on, our society seems to be regressing and falling into a pit? Despite our diligent and highly capable citizens striving each day on this beautiful land, what are the dreams of ruling authorities that prevent them from leading our nation forward in a different way?

Today is the day when the ones who maintain power and position by plunging into corruption to push the citizens into poverty, promoting distrust, enforcing oppression and division will be eliminated. Tolerance to the authority is not a virtue but the assassination of democracy. If we do not stand up and fight against the irrationality of the current government, to whom will lay blame while walking to the gallows. Only the exercise of wise authority can revive the nation in its current lifeless state. As citizens, now we need to not "compromise with injustice."

Furthermore, is the current government truly embodying democracy in which the people can participate? Isn't it bullying the public, coercing and pushing them in sacrifice? We question whether they have sought and obtained sufficient and necessary understanding from the sovereign, and whether they are conducting governance that has gained national consensus. The "tyranny over the people" that the citizens cannot accept is due to a rebellion against the real sovereign, the people. We are about to leave behind the historically gloomy year of 2023, so please stop the unreasonable investigations by the prosecution into the opposition parties and their leaders for the sake of dividing the citizenry and give us back some hope for the upcoming year of 2024.

Jeon Su-mi (sumijeon@ssu.ac.kr), an attorney, is an invited professor at the Soongsil Institute for Peace and Unification. She was a member of the Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation.
In a time when the global automotive industry is actively transitioning from internal combustion engines toward cleaner alternatives like EVs and, to a lesser extent, FCVs (Fuel Cell Vehicles), the state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) from China is taking a distinct approach.

ICE

HP

What on Earth Is Ammonia?

The Pros and Cons of Using Ammonia as Fuel

N2O

The Ugly Truth

EV

BEV

At its annual technology showcase earlier this summer, the long-standing Chinese partner of Toyota unveiled an innovative internal combustion engine powered by ammonia, of all things.For those not in the know, which is probably most people, ammonia has been previously harnessed as a combustible fuel, particularly in the shipping and trucking sectors.That said, GAC's pioneering use of this as a fuel in automotive applications managed to raise some eyebrows. At first glance, this signifies a unique attempt to explore alternative propulsion technologies beyond the conventionalsystems without switching completely to BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), something that GAC is also known for In other words, it's trying to do precisely what hydrogen and CO2-neutral gasoline proponents are trying, but is an ammonia engine really an alternative?According to the press release, GAC's prototype ammonia engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 161(163 PS) that doesn't seem to use any forced induction. Obviously, the high(ish) output per liter isn't the biggest story with this powerplant, but its 90 percent carbon emissions reduction rate compared to a fossil-fueled engine with similar capacity and power.GAC hasn't mentioned anything about fuel economy, but we can assume it's nothing horrendously bad or particularly good.Either way, that is beside the point because we're here to talk about ammonia and how it could potentially become a death stroke for the proliferation of EVs, or can it?Ammonia is a highly versatile chemical compound comprising nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3) and is renowned for its widespread applications. While primarily used as a fertilizer in agriculture, with over two-thirds of the world's annual production of ammonia being used for fertilizing crops, the substance's significance extends into a multitude of areas.Ammonia doesn't grow on trees, nor can it be pumped from the ground; it is a foundational chemical synthesis element and a key molecule in numerous processes across different industries. People much smarter than me say that ammonia is an intermediary in synthesizing sodium bicarbonate, nylon, synthetic fibers, plastics, polymers, and even explosives.It also finds its place as an ingredient in products like paints, hair dyes, and household cleaners. Beyond this, ammonia serves as a refrigerant, a solvent, and a whitening agent in paper manufacturing. Its contributions extend into rubber manufacturing as a stabilizer and metallurgy as a valuable reducing agent.Moreover, the substance acts as a reagent for controlling nitrogen oxides (NOx) in aqueous solutions, particularly in the exhaust systems of diesel engines. Due to its extensive utility, ammonia ranks among the most produced and utilized high-volume chemicals globally.Now, with great power comes great responsibility, as Uncle Ben used to tell Spider-Man, and ammonia, in general, needs a lot of responsibility in its handling.Ammonia holds the promise of being a zero-emission fuel due to its almost total lack of CO2 emissions during combustion. Nevertheless, engines currently running on ammonia do produce exhaust gases, and these include unburned ammonia, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and nitrous oxide (), neither of which is particularly good for your health. Quite the contrary.Since the substance has no carbon atoms, CO2 production levels from burning ammonia are negligible. That's great and all, but then you need to start thinking about the energy and equipment required to transform it into fuel for a combustion engine, and that's when all those pesky variables begin to pop their ugly heads.There are a few ways, some less viable than others, to make ammonia the new gasoline, and none of them seem to offer the true benefits expected from an alternative fuel.First of all, not unlike Porsche's synthetic e-fuel project, ammonia requires an insane amount of energy to be converted into a fuel that can be used in cars. You can minimize the energy requirements by using part of the ammonia created to synthesize hydrogen since the substance is three parts hydrogen anyway. Then, you can use said hydrogen to create a fuel cell that produces electricity. But, then again, that would be like scratching a wooden leg, a suit of problems you don't need.It's also similar to the way Porsche is creating synthetic gasoline. They capture carbon dioxide directly from the air and combine it with hydrogen to synthesize methanol. The resulting methanol is then used in a methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) process, resulting in a fuel that acts the same way as modern gasoline.A more viable way to transform ammonia into a usable automotive fuel would be to create a so-called cocktail of various ingredients, including diesel, gasoline, or even hydrogen, to make a liquid fuel that can be used in internal combustion engines like any other fuel type.Apparently, GAC's prototype engine, developed in partnership with Toyota, can be powered by liquidized ammonia (NH3) together with... something else. This used to be a technology used only on ships or farming equipment, so let's see why it's a bad idea for cars.Toyota has garnered attention over the years for its innovative alternative energy approaches and ambitious fueling objectives, especially compared to its somewhat slow jump on thebandwagon.In other words, it's no surprise that GAC's prototype engine is said to have been developed with some of Toyota's know-how in searching foralternatives. Unfortunately, there are so many red flags and negative variables surrounding liquid ammonia that even Porsche's e-fuels, which currently cost around $45 a gallon (or 10 euros per liter), make more sense financially.Firstly, liquid ammonia is highly toxic and extremely corrosive, and on top of it, after combustion, it releases a lot of nitrogen into the atmosphere. These three reasons alone would make it non-viable as an e-fuel replacement or an EV-killer. Still, GAC and Toyota firmly believe they have solved the nitrogen-emitting part by making the prototype engine with a very high compression ratio, among other things.Secondly, the two remaining downsides are pretty much unsolvable, at least in a viable way. Can you even imagine the horror of dealing with the fuel system maintenance of an ammonia-running engine? What if that high compression isn't maintained because of some unforeseen problems with the rest of the car?It would just pollute a thousand times more than any gas-guzzling vehicle. And by pollution, I mean more nitrogen in the atmosphere, which usually results in more ozone, respiratory illnesses, acid rain, the works.The corrosive nature of the substance also makes it tricky to handle before it even gets in your fuel tank (and after). In the minds of many, an ammonia engine is another cure that somehow seems worse than the purported disease it is trying to cure. We're probably better off with dealing with the infrastructure needed for charging all the million of BEVs that are coming.
One of them calls for the South Caucasus nations purchase of three sophisticated radar systems from the French defense group Thales. Lecornu and his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikian also signed a letter of intent on the future delivery of French-manufactured surface-to-air missiles. No financial details of these agreements or delivery dates were made public.

Armenia must be able to defend itself and protect its population, Lecornu said in a series of tweets posted on the X social media platform in French and Armenian.

Happy to progress, with you dear Suren, on the three pillars of our defense relationship, he wrote, listing the planned arms supplies, training of Armenian military personnel and technical assistance to the ongoing transformation of Armenias armed forces.

Lecornu reaffirmed that a senior French officer will be sent to Armenia to advise its military on those reforms and that teams of French instructors will teach Armenian troops new combat techniques. The training courses will focus on mountain combat and precision shooting, he said.

The French minister also pointed to the upcoming audit and reinforcement of Armenias air defenses that suffered serious losses during the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh and last years border clashes with Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani armys heavy use of Turkish and Israeli-made combat drones and the Armenian sides failure to neutralize them determined, in large measure, the outcome of the six-week war.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Papikian on Monday, Lecornu said Armenian officers will be trained to operate the GM200 radars and short-range Mistral missiles that are also due to be sold to Yerevan.

GM200 can simultaneously detect and track multiple warplanes, drones and even rockets within a 250-kilometer radius, allowing air-defense units to hit such targets. France supplied two such systems to Ukraine earlier this year.

France, which is home to an influential Armenian community, is the first Western country to have pledged to provide major weaponry to Armenia. Papikian again thanked Paris for its military support when he met with senior French lawmakers on Tuesday.
24 October 2023 10:41 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The next session of the court on the criminal case of Vagif Khachatryan Cherkezovich has started today, Azernews reports.

He is accused of committing genocide in Meshali village of Khojaly district as part of illegal Armenian armed groups.

According to the received information, Zeynal Agayev, Chairman of the Baku Military Court, will preside over the court session.

It should be noted that the rapporteur on the criminal case is Judge Jamal Ramazanov.

In the last proceedings, the court investigation has started, and the prosecutor has announced the indictment. Later, the accused person and the victims of the case were interrogated in court.

It should be noted that Armenian citizen Vagif Khachatryan Cherkezovich, who had been wanted internationally in connection with the Meshali genocide, was detained at the Lachin border checkpoint in July 2023. The criminal group, of which he was a member, killed 25 Azerbaijanis, injured 14 people, and displaced 358 Azerbaijanis from their legal residence in Meshali village of Khojaly district in December 1991.

The 103rd paragraph of the Criminal Code against him (Genocide: killing members of a group with the aim of destroying any national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, as a group in whole or in part, seriously harming the health of the members of the group or seriously harming their mental capacity) and the 107th paragraph (Deportation or forced relocation of the population: expelling the population to a country other than their legal location or displacing them with other forced actions) were announced, and a pretrial detention measure was chosen.

A total of 59 people were recognized as victims in the criminal case.

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24 October 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

There was some kind of businesslike meeting between France and Armenia in the field of defense industry, where France was determined to arm Armenia; rather it could be called a deal to blow up the Armenian budget.

Thus Armenia missed another chance to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, which could promise a more fruitful future for Armenia. Following its unfathomable policymaking, Armenia has also worsened relations with former ally Russia, although, the latter has control over Armenian airspace. Europe and the West, which ignore a giant like Russia, support France's initiative to arm Armenia.

In a word, amidst the raging wars and ongoing economic and social-immigration collapse of the Western countries, the European Union seems more interested in destabilizing the situation in the Caucasus. But they act not according to the logic of things, but to please the ruling class to serve more to their dirty ambitions, and to eradicate the middle and "lower" classes, in a nutshell, opening the gates for the arrival of migrants from the "Gray" points of the Earth. Despite all the existing problems of the Western countries, in protest to their peoples, they pursue their ambitions to meddle in the Caucasus, in support of Armenia - the only country that is being used as an instrument to stir up the situation in the region.

What is France's interest in rearming Armenia, which has recently been defeated by war and newly freed from the clutches of separatism?

This question was answered by military analyst Alexander Artamonov in a comment for AZERNEWS, where he especially touched on France's Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu's communique on the provision of Armenia with defensive weapons of air defense systems. A malicious document, at the same time known as France's waste paper served extensively for arming a country for a new disaster.

"According to some reports, the delivery of weapons is already underway, and it is quite possible that it is not only defensive weapons systems, but also some other weapons systems, this cannot be ruled out. France may definitely feel remorse for the events of 101 years ago, when it guaranteed the Armenians in Kilke that they would not be touched, and then did what France and some of its other allies have always done. They quietly left the Armenians by reneging the agreement, without interfering in any way in the course of events.

If we look at France's behavior in Algeria, where General De Gaulle first promised to leave all his troops and then withdrew them, actually betraying his own army in the 60s of the last century, we can say that France is more untrusting," the expert said.

According to Artamonov, France's arming of Armenians comes not from the interest of protecting Armenians, but in order to keep a part of arms supplies, and arms market, and thus to get a piece of the Western bloc.

"We know that the arms market is a very rich market, so I do not exclude the supply of French light tanks, howitzers, self-propelled artillery units of Caesar class, and rolling guns, which are also in France's armed forces," the expert pointed out.

It is important to recall that the international conference "Neocolonialism: violation of human rights and injustice" organized by the Baku Initiative Group started its work in Baku. The conference was attended by representatives of 14 countries, as well as French overseas territories (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Guiana, Martinique, and Guadeloupe) and Corsica. All these countries have suffered for many years from France's colonialist policies, and until today the issue of a solution has not been adequately publicized and dealt with.

According to the military expert, firstly, France's main objective is to continue the conflict, where France's actions will push Armenia to take certain steps related to the Russian Army's proposal to leave Armenia, and secondly, to actually continue the conflict with Azerbaijan.

"As a result of such behavior, there are two possibilities  first, France will be able to occupy all these bases, which are now occupied by the Russian army; it is Arkashi, Armavir, and Gumri. Actually, if these bases are taken by France, it will try to guarantee Armenia the inviolability of its borders, which is not interesting for Azerbaijan, given that we remember that 7 border villages remain disputed territory from the point of view of Azerbaijan.

I think that in the extreme case, it will cause a continuation of the conflict and France will quietly observe it. What to expect from a country that leads such practices?" Artamonov added.

Furthermore, according to the expert, the Western countries, which are against Azerbaijan, are in favor of continuing the conflict, and today Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of not wanting any agreement, knowing that there are no proposals from Armenia.

"Response to a proposal is when people sit down at the table and say "here is our text, let's discuss it". However, there is no such thing, and we don't see that. So I think that Pashinyan continues his game, the final game will be the advancement of NATO to the territory of Armenia through France, and this is not pleasant, because we remember that Azerbaijan has a neutral status, it is at the head of the non-aligned states that remain neutral, at the same time the line of behavior that Armenia is taking now is a direct attempt to get Russia out of the South Caucasus, I think that in the future it will lead Armenia to the loss of position, and this loss of position will be associated with an attempt to continue the war," the military expert added.

In conclusion, A. Artamonov added that there is a common air defense system in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye, as Azerbaijan and Turkiye have a joint agreement on the production of certain weapons, where the Turkish army is a brother army to the Azerbaijani one.

"France as a NATO country will simply expand the import of air defense at the expense of its interests on the territory of Armenia, it is a common umbrella, and it will not be a problem, because the NATO satellite constellation is a single, for all countries of the north of the Atlantic alliance, the problem will be with the Russian Army," he added.

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Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter:

@Noend33

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24 October 2023 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Unable to come to terms with its defeat in the 44-day war, Armenia insists on arming itself. It is worth noting that prior to the war back in 2020, Russia was the main weapon supplier for the country. Following the war, Armenia's seeking ways towards diversifying its arms foreshadows Armenia's unsoothed rancour and revanchism. Previously, information about the arms deal between Armenia and India was circulated in some media outlets. The arms deal included Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), anti-tank missiles, rockets, and ammunition worth US $250 million to Armenia.

However, France has started to compete with India in arming Hayastan for several months.

It is inevitable that France defends Armenia through an active network formed by the diaspora and lobbyists and supports it in various fields. However, this support has never ended in arming the latter. Obviously, France, crossing the red line, went straight to the table to ink a contract that would change the fate of Armenia and even the region, as many experts think so. Many explain the attitude of France as trying to compensate for losses in Africa. In any case, on October 23, in Paris, the Minister of Defense of Armenia signed an agreement with France regarding the supply of three Ground Master GM200 air detection radars and Mistral surface-to-air missiles.

As regards the technical parameters of these weapons, the military expert Adalat Verdiyev noted that the GM 200 radar station belongs to the tactical class and is used in the air defense forces as a multi-functional rotating radar system in 3D mode. The equipment stationed on the base of a 4-axle truck is placed in a large container and aimed at detecting flying objects at an altitude of 24km at a 70-degree azimuth angle.

This radar station allows for the detection of targets flying at an altitude of 24km at a 70-degree azimuth angle. The GM 200 radar station is equipped with an antenna that rotates 20 times per minute in reconnaissance mode. In battle mode, it is possible to increase the rotation speed if necessary. The Armenian armed forces had similar radar stations during the civil war and used them widely. However, the use of this type of radar station did not allow the air defense troops of Armenia to fully perform their duties, the military expert said.

As for the Mistral rockets, A.Verdiyev told that they belong to the class of portable anti-aircraft rocket complexes. Their firing range varies from 500m to 6 km. He pointed out that these rockets, made in France in the 80s, were later modified several times.

These rockets, which were produced in a fairly large number - about 160 thousand units - were used by many countries in various military operations. But in no case were mistral rockets considered the main weapons against aircraft in military operations. A rocket that fires at least 6 km belongs to the class of short-range weapons. Air targets usually fly at altitudes of about 8 to 10 km. This limits their capabilities against air targets, he said.

The expert underscored that, in any case, the fact that Armenia made such high-level public announcements about the weapons system that Armenia is trying to acquire suggests that Armenia is addressing this issue to its domestic audience. He emphasized that usually, the purchase or sale of weapons is carried out in a somewhat closed and confidential manner.

Normally, when states purchase weapons, they provide such secret information first to the UN arms registry, and when the time comes, they deploy these weapons on the ground. This time, we see the complete opposite. Even after the war, we have repeatedly heard information about Armenia's purchase of weapons from India and France, but today we are observing the first signed document on the real implementation of this information. Armenia's purchase of defensive weapons with such bold statements will, in any case, deal a great blow to ensuring peace and stability in the Caucasus. Against these weapons, Azerbaijan will give a sufficiently coherent and effective response to the hostile steps of France. Of course, if those weapons approach the Azerbaijani border or if they try to use these weapons against Azerbaijani air vehicles, Azerbaijan will take all necessary steps, Adalat Verdiyev concluded.

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Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

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24 October 2023 10:10 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"The end of the conflict in the South Caucasus has given the countries of the region a historic opportunity to work on promoting peace and cooperation," Iranian Foreign Minister Hosein Amir Abdullahi said at the first ministerial meeting of the 3+3 format in Tehran, Azernews reports.

"We believe that today is a historic opportunity for all our countries. The war in the South Caucasus is over, and it is time for peace, cooperation, and development in the Caucasus," the Iranian minister emphasized.

The minister said that the main goal of the meeting in the "3+3" format is to solve the existing problems with the direct participation of the countries of the region without the interference of players from outside the region.

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24 October 2023 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"The issue of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations will be discussed at the next meeting of EU foreign ministers on November 13."

According to Azernews, this was announced by the European Commission.

It was noted that, due to a lack of time, it was not possible to discuss the Armenian-Azerbaijani issue at yesterday's meeting of the EU foreign ministers, and it was postponed. Therefore, this issue should be put on the agenda of the next ministerial meeting.

The European Union welcomed the latest meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan as a positive step towards a durable peace agreement between the two neighboring states, which have fought two major wars in 30 years.

It is also important to recall that earlier this year, the European Parliament condemned Azerbaijan and wanted to impose sanctions.

The Parliament called the current situation with the flight of Armenians from "Nagorno-Karabakh" tantamount to "ethnic cleansing", which is voluntary in reality

"The EU should adopt targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani government officials responsible for violating the ceasefire and human rights in "Nagorno-Karabakh"."

"The EU should suspend any negotiations on the renewed partnership and the current energy memorandum with Baku."

"MEPs call on Turkey to rein in its ally Azerbaijan," said the latest session, where a majority spoke out and condemned Azerbaijan's just struggle.

The Parliament also calls on the EU to reduce its dependence on Azerbaijani gas imports and, in cases of military aggression or serious hybrid attacks against Armenia, to completely stop importing Azerbaijani oil and gas. At the same time, MEPs want to suspend the current Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Energy Partnership between the EU and Azerbaijan.

The resolution was adopted with 491 votes in favour, 9 against, and 36 abstentions.

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24 October 2023 10:59 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The next meeting of foreign ministers in the "3+3" format will be held in Turkiye, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters, adding that the meeting is scheduled for the first half of 2024, Azernews reports.

"The first meeting in this format, though at the level of our deputies, was held in December 2021 in Moscow. During it, the Russian side, as an organizer of the event, presented a document describing our vision of the prospects of practical cooperation projects in this format. This includes both the economy, energy, trade, transport, information and communications technologies, natural resources, and, of course, the humanitarian field, including education, culture, and tourism," the minister said following the "3+3" format ministerial meeting on the South Caucasus.

"Consent was expressed in all those areas. The parties agreed that each of the participating sides should appoint a special representative who would formulate national ideas within the framework of each field that I mentioned. Later, all this will be coordinated by our Turkish colleagues, who will host the second ministerial meeting scheduled roughly for the first half of next year," Lavrov added.

The minister also added that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia has largely been resolved.

"Both sides have agreed that Garabagh belongs to Azerbaijan, and this was the main unresolved problem.

"There are now, of course, practical steps remaining to be made for the full normalization of relations, first of all, the preparation of a peace treaty, the delimitation of borders, and the establishment of transport and economic ties without any obstacles, as was agreed at the meetings of the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia," the minister added.

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24 October 2023 11:15 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has accepted credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Skuja.

The ambassador presented his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state then had a conversation with the ambassador.

Noting that the bilateral relations have a rich history, President Ilham Aliyev praised the contribution of mutual contacts, especially the visits of the heads of state to the expansion of the bilateral cooperation.

Touching upon the economic ties, the head of state stressed the importance of defining wider opportunities in trade, investment and other areas.

The President of Azerbaijan noted the significance of supporting each other in the period after the restoration of the two countries` independence. President Ilham Aliyev also touched upon the role of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations, and emphasized the importance of contacts between the nations.

The head of state expressed hope that the bilateral ties will develop successfully in the future.

Hailing the high level of hospitality in the country, the ambassador said that he was deeply impressed by the beauty of Azerbaijan and the ongoing development processes here.

Edgars Skuja extended the Latvian President`s invitation to the head of state to pay an official visit to his country.

President Ilham Aliyev gratefully accepted the invitation.

Praising successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia within international organizations, the sides lauded the fact that the Embassy of Latvia acts as a NATO coordinator in Azerbaijan and contributes to the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO. The support provided by Latvia as a member state for the development of Azerbaijan`s relations with both NATO and the European Union was also highly appreciated.

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24 October 2023 11:33 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation Thomas Stahli.

The ambassador presented his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state then had a conversation with the ambassador.

Noting that the bilateral relations are developing successfully both in the political and economic spheres, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of regular meetings with the Swiss heads of state during his visits to the World Economic Forum in terms of discussing cooperation.

Hailing the level of cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, and energy, President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the successful activity of the Swiss companies in Azerbaijan, emphasized their active work on reconstruction projects in the country`s liberated territories, and pointed out good cooperation in this area.

The head of state said that modern technology, green energy, and smart village concepts are being implemented for the comfortable living of people in the liberated territories, emphasizing that they create new areas in the bilateral cooperation.

The President of Azerbaijan described the activity of SOCAR in Switzerland and the investment of Swiss companies in the economy of Azerbaijan as a good sign of the bilateral relations in the field of business.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his hope that the cooperation will expand and strong partnership relations will be carried out in the coming years.

Touching upon his visit to Karabakh, the ambassador noted that he got familiarized with the ongoing reconstruction works there, saying that he wants to invite Swiss companies here.

Noting Swiss companies' active involvement in the development of Azerbaijan's economy, Thomas Stahli underscored that there is a good potential for expanding cooperation in this area.

Stressing that the cooperation program has been implemented with Azerbaijan for almost 20 years, the ambassador praised the activities of Swiss companies in the macroeconomics field, as well as the development of financial and private sectors in Azerbaijan.

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Unionized workers of Asiana Airlines on Tuesday protested the company's merger deal with its larger rival Korean Air, as the company is expected to soon decide whether to sell its cargo division to win antitrust approval from European Union (EU) regulators for the two carriers' merger.

At a press conference held in front of the government complex in central Seoul, the company's labor union argued the merger of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air "is not in the interest of the nation, the convenience of the people nor the development of the aviation industry."

The union said the ultimate goal of the deal was "the dismantling of Asiana Airlines." It also raised questions over Korean Air's reported decision to retain Asiana workers following the completion of the takeover.

According to industry sources, Korean Air has decided to retain Asiana Airlines workers on the condition that Asiana agrees to sell its cargo business to win antitrust approval from EU regulators.

Korean Air, the larger of Korea's two full-service airlines, plans to seek approval for the decision to retain Asiana Airlines' workers at a company board meeting scheduled for next Monday, according to the sources.

Asiana Airlines, the smaller of the duo, is also expected to hold its own board meeting on the same day to decide whether to sell its cargo business.

The two companies' board meetings are expected to be watched closely by stakeholders and EU regulators, as they could potentially make or break the acquisition deal that has been pursued over the past three years. (Yonhap)
24 October 2023 13:18 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

On October 24, within the framework of the joint tactical exercise "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - 2023" with the participation of servicemen of the Azerbaijani Army and the Turkish Armed Forces, the "High-Level Observer Day" continues, Azernews reports.

It should be noted that during the exercise, the subversive units of Azerbaijan and Turkiye carried out joint subversive activities to liberate the positions located on the line of contact from the conditional enemy and advance the units. Besides, flights of airplanes and helicopters of the Air Force conduct operations to obstruct the action of conventional air defense means of the enemy.

Organized advancement of our units is also ensured, the achieved fire advantage is preserved, and the movement of tactical and special purpose groups consisting of Azerbaijani and Turkish servicemen is ensured.

During the exercise, after engineering units opened passages through mined areas, joint tactical and special purpose groups raided the positions of the conditional enemy, destroying them in their positions and capturing the front line using "Bayraktar TB-2" and "Bayraktar TB-2."

Furthermore, capturing of the "Iskander" and "Tochka-U" of the conditional enemy, destroying tactical missile systems, as well as capturing the positions of the conditional enemy by infantry forces through fire and maneuvering, the activity of landing from infantry fighting vehicles (BMP), and capturing of the official Airborne Special Forces of both countries have been performed in the joint exercises.

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24 October 2023 15:41 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"The problems of the South Caucasus should first of all be solved by the countries of the region themselves," representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov stated today in a live broadcast on BBC Radio, Azernews reports.

The official explained that the idea to establish a consultative regional platform called "3+3" was put forward by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev immediately after the end of the 44-day war. The aim of this initiative is to tap into the existing serious potential for active regional cooperation and practical interaction between the three South Caucasus states and their closest neighbors Turkiye, Russia, and Iran, in such promising areas as trade, transport communications, energy security, culture, science, etc.

"The participants of the format during their second meeting in Tehran on October 23 agreed that the countries of the region should play a leading role in solving regional issues and intend, in this sense, to strengthen their sense of ownership and involvement in shaping the future of this strategically important region. In this sense, it is natural for countries to oppose harmful external interference in the affairs of the region by extra-regional actors.

At the same time, the latter, often based on their self-serving domestic political considerations and interests, try to impose their own dissected recipes on the countries of the South Caucasus, which, unfortunately, only exacerbate tensions in the region and thus undermine the prospects for achieving long-term peace there.

As for Azerbaijan, this phenomenon is most clearly observed in the example of France, which abuses its leading role in such international institutions as the UN Security Council, the European Union, the European Parliament, and even the International Organization of La Francophonie," E. Amirbayov said.

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24 October 2023 20:16 (UTC+04:00)

A new group was created in the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan in order to support the struggle of the Corsican people in the direction of restoring their national identity and ensuring their fundamental rights and freedom, Azernews reports

It was stated that the purpose of the support group is to bring the legitimate demands of the Corsican people to the attention of the international community, and to unite international efforts to fight against the destructive effects of French colonialism.

The group includes ,Tural Ganjaliyev, Javanshir Feyziyev, Shahin Ismayilov and Azer Karimli

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24 October 2023 21:32 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Two Azerbaijani scientists have once again been included in the list of the world's most influential scientists in the field of artificial intelligence prepared by Stanford University in the United States, Azernews reports.

They are Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (ANAS), General Director of the Institute of Information Technologies Academician Rasim Aliguliyev, and Corresponding Member of ANAS Ramiz Aliguliyev.

The named scientists made it to the list for the fourth time since 2020. Thus, over the past 20 years, the Institute of Information Technology of the US Department of Science and Education has been developing artificial intelligence, natural language processing, cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, deep learning, big data analytics, and intelligent electronic technology. public education, the Internet of Things, cloud technologies, etc. praised the research conducted in these directions.

Starting in 2019, Stanford University annually prepares a ranking table of the world's most influential scientists based on data from the Scopus database. This list includes the number of articles and citations, the Hirsch index of scientists, etc. It is compiled on the basis of a composite index that includes many electric criteria. On the basis of this composite index, a rating list of scientists in each field of science is compiled, and then the scientists in the first 2% of this list are selected.

Rasim Aliguliev and Ramiz Aliguliev were selected from among 356,955 scientists who conduct research in the field of artificial intelligence and whose articles are indexed in the Scopus database. Another interesting fact is that only the names of Azerbaijani scientists from South Caucasus countries on artificial intelligence were included in the Stanford University ranking list in these years.

In addition to Zadeh, the list includes other notable Azerbaijani scientists and philosophers, such as Rahim Aleskerzade, Fanya Korenman, Faina Zadeh, and Alborz High School. These scientists have made significant contributions to global progress and innovation, and are recognized for their scholarly connections and research topics.

Overall, the inclusion of Azerbaijani scientists in Stanford University's list of the world's most influential scientists is a testament to the country's commitment to scientific progress and innovation. It is a great honor for the Azerbaijani scientific community and a source of pride for the nation.

This rating list in various fields of science from our country included the names of 2 scientists in 2020, 8 in 2021, 14 in 2022, and 13 in 2023.

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24 October 2023 16:38 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Eurasian Regional Center of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF-ERC), in collaboration with the National Youth Council Indonesia, OIC Youth Indonesia, the Santri Diplomacy Academy and other Indonesian partner institutions, organized the "Model OIC Diplomatic SimulationConference -2023" within the framework of the National Santri Day, one of the most important youth days of this country, for two days in Bogor, Indonesia, Azernews reports.

At the opening ceremony of the event, after a recitation from the holy Quran, Ani Nigeriavati, the Director of the Public Diplomacy Department of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tantan Taufiq Lubis, the Vice President of ICYF, Vusal Gurbanov, the Acting Director of the ICYF-ERC, Astrid Nadya Rizqita, the President of OIC Youth Indonesia, Sururoh Uthman, the Director of the Santri Diplomacy Academy, Mr. Kiai M. Yazid Dimyati, the Leader of the Lido Islamic Center, Arsul Sani and Mr.Jazilul Fawaid, the Vice Presidents of the People's Consultative Assembly, Zuhair Al-Shun, the Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia, Dr. Yassir Mohamed Ali Mohammed, the Ambassador of Sudan to Indonesia and Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, the representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Human Development and Culture made congratulatory remarks, underlining the importance of Muslim unity and the growing interest in Model OIC IR Academy among Southeast Asian Muslim youth organizations.

In his remarks, Vusal Gurbanov stated, "In difficult times, especially during the struggle for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, we would like to highlight the support of our Indonesian friends. Today, Azerbaijan has successfully restored its territorial integrity in accordance with international legal norms, and we hope that other nations can achieve similar results through peaceful means."Gurbanov also appreciated Indonesian youth for their active engagement in recent solidarity activities for Palestine, organized in the country.

On the first day of the event, panel discussions were held on the topics of "Promoting Peaceful Coexistence through Santri Engagement" and "Santris commitment to Global Sustainability through Spiritual Ecology", moderated by experts from Indonesia.

The event's second day continued with a simulation conference of OIC Foreign Ministers on the agenda of "Reviewing the OIC Foreign Ministers Priority Agenda on the Regional Issues and Solidarity."

It should be highlighted that almost 2000 young people have taken part in activities conducted in Indonesia as part of the "Model OIC" initiative.

The "OIC Model" program was implemented in Azerbaijan for the first time in 2011 at the initiative of the ICYF-ERC. Since then, this program has been successfully implemented annually in more than 40 OIC member countries, both at the national and international levels, based on the experience of Azerbaijan. The main goal of the program is to contribute to the leadership abilities of young people operating in the OIC countries, communication and representation skills in the international arena.

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24 October 2023 19:18 (UTC+04:00)

On October 24, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation, citing the Turkish Presidency, Azernews reports.

The heads of state discussed issues of mutual interest.

In March, Turkiye hosted a round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators, who discussed a possible deal to end the hostilities. The talks fell apart after the meeting in Istanbul, with Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for the lack of progress.

Last month, Turkiye and the United Nations helped broker agreements between Russia and Ukraine to clear the way for Ukraine to export 22 million tons of agricultural products stuck in its Black Sea ports since Moscow sent troops into the country more than five months ago. The deals also allow Russia to export grain and fertilizer. Three more ships carrying thousands of tons of corn left Ukrainian ports on October 24.

Erdogan and Putin have a complex relationship. While the two countries support opposing sides in Syria and Libya, they cooperate closely on defense, energy, and trade deals. Their relationship has frustrated Turkiye's Western allies, who were particularly annoyed by Ankara's purchase of a sophisticated Russian air defense system.

In a statement issued after the talks that lasted four hours, Putin and Erdogan emphasized the necessity of a complete fulfillment of the package deal reached in Istanbul ... including unhindered export of Russian grain and fertilizers. They also noted the key importance of sincere, frank and trusting ties between Russia and Turkiye for regional and global stability.

The Russian leader noted the agreement's importance for many countries around the world that depend on Russian and Ukrainian exports to feed their people and to grow their own crops. It's an acute issue for many developing countries, which face major problems with food and fertilizers, he said.

Erdogan's visit to Sochi underlined the importance of close ties with Russia for Turkiye. Putin hailed the energy cooperation between Russia and Turkiye, noting the importance of the TurkStream pipeline that delivers Russian gas to Turkiye and southern Europe via the Black Sea.

Erdogan and Putin also talked about the situation in the Middle East.

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24 October 2023 20:55 (UTC+04:00)

Turkmenistan will host the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in 2024. This initiative was supported by the participating countries of the format during the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg, Azernews reports.

Furthermore, at the end of this ministerial meeting, the parties adopted a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, as well as a Joint Communique.

At the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, identified four main areas of cooperation with the EU.

Meredov stressed the importance of maintaining international peace and security, developing economic cooperation with the EU, creating new transport routes between Central Asia and Europe, including the Caspian Sea-Black Sea corridor, and also focused on energy cooperation, including expanding gas exports to Europe.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg hosted the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting on October 23, which was attended by delegates from all Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The major goal of this gathering was to explore cooperative concerns and find answers to present challenges.

The nineteenth EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting was held in Luxembourg on October 23 and was attended by delegates from all Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The main objective of this gathering was to discuss cooperative considerations and find solutions to current challenges. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, as well as a Joint Communique.

The twentieth EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Turkmenistan in 2024 will be an opportunity for the countries to further strengthen their ties and cooperation. It will also provide a platform to discuss new initiatives and strategies to address common security challenges, connectivity, economic and trade, environment, water and climate, education, science and innovation issues, and people-to-people contacts.

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25 October 2023 01:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamran A. Behbudov

The history of the Kashmir struggle untouched by Indian biasedness unfolds the sufferings of Kashmiris and their utmost toil to liberate the beautiful land of Kashmir as well as innocent Muslims from the brutality and barbarism of Indian troops. This biography of the Kashmir struggle which is written with the blood of harmless and upstanding Muslims fighting for the right cause marked the 27th of October as black day, a day of grief that is observed worldwide as on this day the Indian troops entered into the territory of Jammu and Kashmir without any legal order. In this way, the Machiavellian ideology of India took control over Kashmir and so the days of Indias limitless tyranny started back on this day in 1947.

The cruelty towards Kashmiris at the hands of the Indian government didnt cease there as the New Delhi act revoked the special legal status of Indian Occupied Kashmir in the year 2019 dated August 5th under Articles 370 and 35A, which were part of the Indian Constitution. This revocation of articles was solely disobedience to not only International law charted under the United Nations but also to the Simla peace treaty that stated that no state has the power to make amendments to the legal status of Kashmir.

In this way, the far-rightest Hindutva-dominated ideology of Hindus not only politicized the Kashmir dispute, but also sowed the seed to bring about demographic changes to Kashmir. Under article 35A, only Kashmiris are granted citizenship and this legal article ruled out citizenship to non-Kashmiri. However, in the post-revocation of this article, now the non-Kashmiris are permitted to buy and sell land in Kashmir. Thus large numbers of domiciles issued to non-Kashmiris depict the same demographic changes which changed Palestine from Muslim dominated state to Jews dominated territory.

The story of how Kashmir became a region of confrontation dates back to the Independence of the Subcontinent from the British Raj and the division of the Subcontinent into Muslim and Hindu-dominated countries. Religion played a pertinent role in this reshaping of the map as this demarcation was done under one rule applied for all that where the Muslims are in majority they are free to form a government with the land of Muslims, Pakistan and Hindu-dominated areas can become part of greater Hindustan India. However, the Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir with a predominantly Muslim population turned a deaf ear to this rule of division. Hence, on this darkest day of the history of justice, Kashmir became part of India against the will of Kashmiris through an illegal agreement, and side by side India landed its first brutal troop of forces in the valley of Kashmir as a symbol of its dominance and power display. It was the very day when the brutal killing of Kashmiri started.

To this day, Indian forces illegally control the grounds of Indian Occupied Kashmir, and all the World and International organizations have turned blind eye to all the barbarism and cruelty done by Indian forces on Kashmiris. These Indian forces have orphaned millions of children, ripped apart the dignity of many helpless Kashmiri women, and brainwashed a large number of youth against their people through torture and persecution. These innocent souls have not watched a single beautiful sunset full of freedom since the Indians set foot in the land of Kashmir. Therefore, Kashmiris and all Muslims as well as those people who stand united against the Indian aggression on the Kashmiris celebrate 27th October as Black Day globally.

Understanding the role of the International community in this regard, the Security Council of the United Nations provided a resolution to the Kashmir problem, that the Kashmir issue can be resolved through a fair plebiscite carried out under the monitoring and supervision of the United Nations. The plebiscite will facilitate and empower the Kashmiris to utilize their right of self-determination and to join either of two countries, India or Pakistan. The United Nations Military Observer Group also took the responsibility to maintain a truce along the line separating the Liberated Azad Kashmir from Indian Held Kashmir. All of these points were agreed upon between both India and Pakistan but corresponding to this, India showed resilient behavior in the face of this treaty and blocked all the plans of the United Nations to set up a plebiscite in Jammu And Kashmir State.

Eventually, Indias defiance towards the United Nations resolution for the Kashmir dispute resulted in not Indias occupation of Kashmir but Indias invasion of Indian-occupied Kashmir. Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistans national interest and always has been an important lens within Pakistans top foreign policy agenda. Now is the right time to realize that resolution of the Kashmir dispute is an important impediment concerning regional stability and peace. If such territorial disputes are solved under the framework of the United Nations Security Council plan then the region of South Asia as a whole can prosper together to new heights and can become like the region of the Northern hemisphere. All of India is required to remove its troops from Kashmiri land and to facilitate Pakistan and the UN in organizing a fair plebiscite. Without the removal of Indian troops from Kashmiri grounds and a cease to Indians using Kashmiri as human shields, neither fair elections can be conducted nor can Pakistan work with Indians on the same page.

Pakistan along with many other freedom-loving countries has upheld its support towards Kashmiri's right to self-determination diplomatically, politically, and morally.

Azerbaijan is one of the strong supporter of Pakistan on Kashmir conflict. Azerbaijan is member of OIC contact group along with Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Government and people of Azerbaijan reaffirms their support for the cause many times and demanded the solution of the conflict as per Security Council resolutions. Azerbaijan supports the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue according to the norms and principles of international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,

Moreover, Pakistan is also open to accepting proposals from mediators or third parties to resolve the dispute through back-channel diplomacy of track three diplomacy or multi-channel diplomacy. In order to put an end to the sufferings of Kashmiris, Pakistan is ready to join India for bilateral table talks and to conclude to agreed solution between the two as per wishes of Kashmiris, but India is still reluctant to accept these offers as it is engulfed in its far-rightest Hindutva extremist ideology, which is turning India into secular state and Kashmir main target to exert their influence of power.

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Belt and Road cooperation on right side of history

13:26, October 24, 2023 By He Yin ( People's Daily

A China-Europe freight train runs on the LanzhouXinjiang railway in Wuwei, northwest China's Gansu province. (People's Daily Online/Song Jialong)

"Belt and Road cooperation is based on the principle of 'planning together, building together, and benefiting together.' It transcends differences between civilizations, cultures, social systems, and stages of development. It has opened up a new path for exchanges among countries, and established a new framework for international cooperation. Indeed, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents humanity's joint pursuit of development for all."

The remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) summarized the successful experience of the BRI in the past decade. He announced eight major steps China will take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, providing a new direction, vision, and impetus for deepening international cooperation under the BRI.

Belt and Road cooperation has extended from the Eurasian continent to Africa and Latin America, progressed from "sketching the outline" to "filling in the details," and expanded from physical connectivity to institutional connectivity.

Over these 10 years, China and other Belt and Road countries have stayed committed to the founding mission. Thanks to their joint efforts, Belt and Road international cooperation has gotten off the ground, grown rapidly and produced fruitful outcomes, providing an important platform and gaining valuable experiences for building an open, inclusive and interconnected world for common development.

Belt and Road international cooperation fully proves that humankind is a community with a shared future.

As an Indonesian media outlet recently pointed out, since the proposal of the BRI, the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind has evolved from a concept into concrete actions, and from a visionary ideal into real achievements.

Photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a decoration for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation near the China National Convention Center in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Guo Junfeng)

Through Belt and Road cooperation, China is opening its door even wider to the world, and China's market has become even more closely integrated with the global market.

China has become a main trading partner of more than 140 countries and territories and a primary source of investment for more countries. Both Chinese investment overseas and foreign investment in China have boosted friendship, cooperation, confidence and hope.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who led a large delegation to China to attend the third BRF, noted that China's assistance and cooperation have helped Serbia maintain sound economic development and delivered huge benefits to the Serbian people.

Belt and Road international cooperation fully proves that win-win cooperation is the sure way to success in launching major initiatives that benefit all.

Xi pointed out that "When countries embrace cooperation and act in concert, a deep chasm can be turned into a thoroughfare, land-locked countries can become land-linked, and a place of underdevelopment can be transformed into a land of prosperity."

Over these 10 years, China and other Belt and Road countries have endeavored to build a global network of connectivity consisting of economic corridors, international transportation routes and information highway as well as railways, roads, airports, ports, pipelines and power grids. Covering the land, the ocean, the sky and the Internet, this network has boosted the flow of goods, capital, technologies and human resources among countries involved and injected fresh vitality into the millennia-old Silk Road in the new era.

Tractors to be exported to other Belt and Road countries are assembled in a company in Luoyang, central China's Henan province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Yixi)

Foreign dignitaries spoke highly of the fruitful achievements of the BRI, saying the initiative provides a very important and effective way to help developing countries achieve sustainable development, sets an example for South-South cooperation, and has become an important platform for international mutually beneficial cooperation and an important opportunity for common development.

Belt and Road international cooperation fully proves that the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit is the most important source of strength for Belt and Road cooperation.

Belt and Road cooperation is based on the belief that flame runs high when everyone adds wood to the fire and that mutual support can get us far. Such cooperation seeks to deliver a good life not only to people of just one country, but to people in other countries as well. It promotes connectivity, mutual benefit, common development, cooperation and win-win outcomes.

International observers pointed out that the reason why the BRI is attracting more and more countries to participate is that in the face of the fierce geopolitical competition and risks of local conflicts in today's world, the Silk Road spirit upheld by the initiative has been widely recognized by the international community.

What has been achieved in the past 10 years demonstrates that Belt and Road cooperation is on the right side of history. It represents the advancing of our times, and it is the right path forward. Belt and Road cooperation will always bring stability and positive energy to the world.

Belt and Road countries need to remain clear-eyed and undisturbed in a volatile world, and they need to be keenly aware of their responsibility for history, for the people and for the world. China and other Belt and Road countries will jointly address various global risks and challenges, and deliver a bright future of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit for future generations.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Police on Tuesday raided former Taekwang Group Chairman Lee Ho-jin's residence and company properties over allegations against him of embezzlement and breach of trust.

Investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency searched Lee's home, a Taekwang-owned office in downtown Seoul and Taekwang Country Club in Yongin, south of Seoul, in the morning to secure possible evidence related to his suspected wrongdoing.

Lee is reportedly suspected of having created slush funds worth over 2 billion won ($1.5 million) through affiliates of the textile-to-media conglomerate.

Lee had formerly served a three-year prison term for embezzlement, breach of trust and tax evasion before being released in October 2021.

The police probe came only about two months after he was granted a special presidential pardon and a reinstatement of his right to conduct business activities on the occasion of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day anniversary that commemorates the end of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap)
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Hyundai, Naver, Samsung, KT to join megaprojects in Saudi Arabia

By Park Jae-hyuk

President Yoon Suk Yeols state visit to Saudi Arabia this week paved the way for Korea to achieve its ambitious plan to win $50 billion in overseas construction orders every year until 2027, via a second construction boom in the Middle East, according to the land ministry, Tuesday.

Mondays ceremony in Riyadh marked 50 years of construction cooperation between Korea and Saudi Arabia. The president emphasized that Koreas capabilities in smart city construction will enable the Middle Eastern country, which is conducting a $500 billion project to build the NEOM smart city near the Red Sea, to realize this new example of future cities.

Korean businesspeople and workers devoted themselves to over 1,900 construction projects across Saudi Arabia, Yoon told around 200 participants at the ceremony. Korea and Saudi Arabia should now open a new future in their infrastructure and economic cooperation in line with technological changes and demands of the times.

On the sidelines of the event, Hyundai Engineering and its parent company, Hyundai E&C, received a $2.4 billion order from Saudi Arabias state-run oil giant Aramco, regarding the construction of a mega-sized gas processing plant in the Jafurah gas field. In June, the two Korean firms signed a $5 billion deal with Aramco for the Amiral project to build a petrochemical complex.

After a competition with top-tier builders, we succeeded in winning the orders for both phase-1 and phase-2 construction of the Jafurah gas processing plant, Hyundai Engineering said in a press release. Aramco recognized our leading technologies and abilities in construction projects.

Naver also signed a $100 million contract with the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing to establish digital twin virtual reality spaces in five cities. The deal came after the Korean firm and the Saudi ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in March.

Saudi Arabia plans to use the technology in urban planning and management, as well as flood forecasting. Naver seeks to take advantage of the latest deal to establish a Saudi subsidiary and expand into the Middle East's cloud computing market.

Based on our world-class IT technologies, we will lead the second export boom in the Middle East, Naver ESG and External Policy President Chae Seon-ju said. Naver will serve as a bridge for the export of Korean IT startups to the Middle East.

Samsung C&T signed an MOU with the Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund that manages the NEOM project, for their cooperation in Oxagon, a floating port city on the Red Sea.

KT and Hyundai E&C also signed an MOU with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to build digital infrastructure including data centers. Before the MOU signing ceremony, KT CEO Kim Young-shub visited the STC headquarters in Riyadh to talk with STC CEO Olayan M. Alwetaid about their cooperation for the Middle Eastern countrys digital infrastructure.

Based on our experience in Korea and overseas, we will fulfill our responsibilities as a partner for Saudi Arabias digital innovation, the KT CEO said.

For Korean firms to win additional mega-sized orders from Saudi Arabia, the Korean land ministry opened an infrastructure cooperation center in Riyadh, which will serve as a liaison office for Korean companies to communicate more easily with NEOM leaders.
26 days after the October 7th Terror attacks on Israel, where over 1400 Jewish men, women and children were gruesomely murdered, and hundreds more made hostage: Should the Biden /Harris administration finally state that the administration's primary Middle East negotiating partner, Iran, is behind the funding and strategy of the aggressors, the Hamas Terrorists, or continue to take the more moderate position of "Don't," which is clearly not working?

100% Yes, name Iran as the funding /strategy culprit, and begin to enforce the President Trump era sanctions to END Iran's ability to prosecute this war against Israel and the United States.0% No, Iran is a valuable partner in the motives of the Biden / Harris administration, and must not be named as the culprit and our enemy.0% I have larger concerns just to survive in this economy.
A missing 9-year-old girl who was abducted from an upstate New York park has been found safe inside the cabinet of a camper belonging to the suspect.The young girl, Charlotte Sena, was rescued from the camper belonging to 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr., who was caught after he left a ransom note at Sena's home, the New York Post reported. Ross has been charged with first-degree kidnapping.Sena was abducted on Saturday from Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, New York, and a massive search began to find her, with an Amber Alert saying she wasOn Monday evening, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, announced Sena's safe return.Hochul said, according to the Post.Earlier Monday, Ross allegedly placed a ransom note containing his fingerprints in the Sena family's mailbox. The fingerprints were entered into a database and came back as a match for Ross, who had a previous arrest in 1999 for DWI.Hochul said Monday evening.Two law enforcement teams then took helicopters to land at the address where Ross lived in a camper behind his mother's house.Hochul said, Ross was arrested.Hochul said.Sena appeared unharmed but was taken to a hospital per policy.It is unclear whether this was random or if Ross targeted Sena specifically. He does live just two miles away from her family.Hochul said.Sena was camping with her family over the weekend when she rode her bike around Loop A of the park, at first with family friends and then once by herself. When she didn't return after 15 minutes, her parents and others began searching for her, finding only her bike. Her parents then called 911.The search for Sena included more than 400 personnel and 75 law enforcement officials on the ground, including NY State Police K-9s and bloodhounds.
Cancer physician David Hetzel, MD, is suing his former employer, Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Hospital, alleging the hospital incorrectly reported him to the National Practitioner's Databank, Citizen Times reported Oct. 24.

Dr. Hetzel initially sued the hospital and its corporate owner HCA Healthcare on June 9, alleging the hospital did not correct the report it filed following a surgery he performed that had complications, even though he was allegedly cleared by the hospital's staff and the North Carolina Medical Board. According to the report, Dr. Hetzel was denied an Arizona medical license and rejected from 15 jobs, which he attributes to the National Practitioner's Databank report.

Dr. Hetzel had submitted his letter of resignation to HCA in February 2019, which did not become effective until July 2020. According to the report, Mission "effectively blackballed," Dr. Hetzel by filing the report.

He is suing HCA for libel, dealing in bad faith, interfering with his future career opportunities and inflicting emotional distress.

HCA has until Oct. 27 to respond to the filing, according to the Times.
Advances in minimally invasive surgery have enabled patients to visit outpatient gastrointestinal facilities for procedures rather than hospital operating rooms. Infection prevention is a top priority for ASC leaders, and that focus extends to reprocessing the endoscopes used in many GI procedures.

Becker's Hospital Review recently spoke with three experts from Olympus about endoscope reprocessing and how Olympus technology and training is focused on improving patient safety:

Melinda Benedict, Director of Infection Prevention and Control

Jeff Daniels, Director, Marketing of Infection Prevention Solutions

Carolyn Klimas, Executive Director, Marketing of Infection Prevention Solutions and Strategic Marketing

Endoscope reprocessing should eliminate cross-contamination  if each step is performed correctly.

Endoscope reprocessing requires multiple steps. From an infection prevention perspective, every step is important for different reasons. For patient safety, the steps of each reprocessing stage must be performed consistently and correctly every time.

The pre-cleaning step occurs immediately after a procedure. This removes any significant bioburden, which could dry on the instrument and make subsequent steps less efficient.

To detect endoscope damage, which can affect patient safety and scope reprocessing, leak testing must be performed as a next step. Traditionally, leak testing is conducted by pressurizing the scope, placing it in water and looking for bubbles that emerge from the endoscope. The presence of bubbles indicates a breach in the watertightness of the scope, which is often caused by physical damage to the scope itself. "Sometimes, small punctures can be very hard to see," Ms. Benedict said. "Proper leak testing requires sufficient time and a careful eye, and there's room for human error."

After leak testing comes manual cleaning, during which technicians use friction to brush the scope's channels. "A lot of the literature suggests that this is one of the most important parts of endoscope reprocessing," Ms. Klimas said.

Once manual cleaning of a scope is complete, it can be moved into the high-level disinfection or sterilization step. This process inactivates remaining microorganisms and renders reusable devices safe for use with the next patient.

The value of drying and storage can't be overlooked. Literature and peer-reviewed articles published in recent years have underscored the importance of drying flexible endoscopes inside and out before putting them into storage. "A lot of evidence suggests the best practice is to use drying cabinets for storage," Ms. Benedict said. "If an organization doesn't have those, it's a good idea to use a cabinet that circulates HEPA-filtered air around the scopes to maintain their cleanliness."

Automated endoscope reprocessing reduces the risk of human error.

A common complaint we hear from ASCs and Hospitals is regarding staff turnover. Endoscope reprocessing is often considered an entry-level job and turnover among technicians tends to be high. In addition, endoscope reprocessing has multiple steps, and many people may be involved in the cleaning and disinfection process.

"When you combine a high-turnover entry-level job with a process that includes manual steps, you need to remove as many human factors from the process as possible," Ms. Klimas said. "Olympus is focused on automating the maximum amount of scope reprocessing steps and training technicians, so each step is repeatable."

Healthcare organizations strive to follow scope reprocessing steps consistently. They also recognize this work demands a lot from employees, as the various processes require them to remember many things.

"At larger sites, there are new technicians in training most of the time," Ms. Benedict said. "Organizations are looking for anything they can do to make the new hires' learning experience easier and faster, while still being robust in order to reduce the chance of error."

At the core of Olympus' design philosophy is removing human factors and introducing automation that enables machines to do the work. "This allows for better repeatability and consistency in endoscope reprocessing, while allowing technicians to focus more on patient care," Ms. Klimas said.

Olympus incorporates smart technology to improve patient safety + operational efficiencies.

Olympus is continually listening to customer feedback, while staying abreast of industry trends and best practices identified by professional societies. This information influences the company's approach to designing scope reprocessing equipment.

The OER-Elite endoscope reprocessor, for example, mitigates risk by automating seven of the 11 manual cleaning steps. Smart navigation technology has been integrated into the user interface for technicians. The color-coded screen provides a step-by-step guide that shows how to set up and use the machine properly. It also detects if incorrect connections are made and demonstrates how to recover from those errors.1

"The system automatically identifies the scope and its serial number," Ms. Klimas said. "Scopes have several different channels, and technicians must ensure the appropriate connector is attached to the right area on the scope. Rather than trying to remember those details, the graphical user interface displays the information automatically for technicians."

The OER-Elite endoscope reprocessor also includes ergonomic improvements to the disinfectant testing location based on customer needs. "Technicians no longer have to crouch down in front of the machine to test the disinfectant," Mr. Daniels said. "Customers told us that this process was hard on users' knees. With the OER-Elite endoscope reprocessor, it's possible to conduct the test from the top of the machine before the processing cycle begins."1

One of Olympus' key differentiators is that it is currently the only major endoscope manufacturer with reprocessors created specifically for Olympus scopes. "When scope designs change in response to new technologies and expanding clinical applications, we consider reprocessing right from the beginning of the product development process," Ms. Benedict said. "When Olympus launches new scopes with new features, customers know that we will have a robust reprocessor that is designed to clean those specific products efficiently."

When performed properly, leak testing identifies damage to scopes, which can lead to fluid invasion and cross-contamination. Olympus' new dry leak tester, the ALT-Pro leak tester, automates this process. The ALT-Pro leak tester pressurizes dry scopes and measures pressure differentials, which are caused by even small leaks. The ALT-Pro  leak tester also conducts a self-check when powered on, potentially eliminating the need for daily pressure testing recommended by some societies. 2

"The ALT-Pro leak tester reduces human error in leak testing," Ms. Benedict said. "Technicians simply 'set it and forget it.' They connect the scope, press a button and then return in a few minutes to review the results. The ALT-Pro leak tester can save time, as well, since it is designed to test two scopes simultaneously." 4

Once scopes have been reprocessed, maintaining their cleanliness is key to infection control. Olympus' PROTECH flexible endoscope tip protector offers a protective barrier around the distal tip of instruments. This minimizes contact with other objects, protects the scope from distal tip damage and enables airflow and channel drying due to its open design. In addition, PROTECH tip protectors have removable clean and dirty tabs that indicate scope reprocessing status. 3

Single-use accessories can also reduce the need for scope reprocessing. Olympus provides a portfolio of single-use sterile accessories that support the reprocessing cycle, such as single-use air, water and suction valves. Cleaning brushes are another important single-use accessory.

"Basic brushes are essential to scope reprocessing, considering how effective they are in removing bioburden from instruments," Mr. Daniels said. "Our brushes are specifically designed and sized to clean the channels and curves of Olympus endoscopes."

User education: an integral part of Olympus' multi-faceted approach

Olympus provides a robust team of field-based service professionals dedicated to visiting customers and educating them about scope reprocessing.

"Field Service Engineers install and conduct basic training on our reprocessors," Mr. Daniels said. "We also have our Endoscopy Support Specialists who are experts in scope reprocessing and repair reduction. They understand the aspects of reprocessing and caring for endoscopes. They are knowledgeable about society guidelines, new guidance, best practices and emerging innovations."

Olympus also offers on-site education for credit, as well as the Olympus Continuum educational platform, which provides online education for technicians, supervisors and nurses. "Through the Olympus Continuum educational platform, we deliver continuing education on-demand," Ms. Benedict said. "We conduct regular webinars on hot topics in infection control and endoscopy, such as drying of endoscopes, proper endoscope storage and maintaining the cleanliness of scopes as they move through the reprocessing steps."

Additionally, as an industry thought leader, Olympus often presents at yearly conferences and events held by various professional societies.

As more GI procedures move to ASCs, streamlined scope reprocessing will become the norm.

Looking ahead, the number of procedures moving from ORs to GI facilities is expected to grow. This will drive advances in patient care, but it will also require advances in the technologies used to support those procedures. Over time, scope reprocessing will become even more automated and streamlined.

"We look at scope reprocessing as a complete cycle," Mr. Daniels said. "At every stage, we focus on instrument care and protection. Olympus is committed to working with customers to ensure patient care is as safe as possible."

1 Data on file with Olympus September 1, 2020.

Improper use of the OER-Elite endoscope reprocessor may pose an infection control risk to patients and/or operators.

2 Data on file as of 2/04/2013

The ALT-Pro Automated Endoscope Leak Tester is intended to be used to perform and record leakage testing on Olympus flexible endoscopes. Failure to comply with the IFU could result in damage or malfunction to the equipment or electric shock to the user.

3 Data on file with Meditech Endoscopy

Always utilize PROTECH according to the Instructions for Use, otherwise it may lead to improper use and lack of protection for the endoscope. PROTECH is not intended for use on a patient.

The PROTECH flexible endoscope tip protector is not intended for use during sterilization. Always remove PROTECH before reprocessing an endoscope.
By Lee Min-hyung

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun is following in the footsteps of the automakers legendary late founder, Chung Ju-yung, in the Middle East, demonstrating the groups strong willingness to widen its partnership with Saudi Arabia in key industrial areas encompassing auto manufacturing, eco-friendly energy and power line construction, the company said Tuesday.

The Middle East has served as an important region to Hyundai after the late Hyundai chairman clinched a mega construction order to establish an industrial port in Saudi Arabias eastern city of Jubail back in the 1970s. The achievement enabled Hyundai and a group of other Korean construction firms to raise their global profile, contributing greatly to boosting the once-poor Korean economy.

The incumbent Hyundai chief is moving to diversify the areas of partnerships with Saudi Arabia by accompanying President Yoon Suk Yeol during his state visit to the country. Hyundai Motor Group is placing its strategic focus on winning more orders from the Middle East in the area of construction for auto manufacturing facilities and state-of-the-art plants.

According to Hyundai, Chung visited Monday a construction site for an underground tunnel for THE LINE smart city project in the countrys northwestern mega-city of NEOM. Earlier, Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) clinched a surprise $145 million (194.8 billion won) contract to build transmission lines there.

Chung pledged to provide all-out support for the safe completion of the project.

Hyundai Motor Group will fully support the project with a sense of strong responsibility, Chung said. Hyundai E&C has set a history with credibility and the group will also play a part in elevating the global footing of the construction arm. The top priority for the ongoing project should be quality and safety.

Chung also underscored the strategic importance of the region for further growth of its cash-cow automobile business.

Combined sales of Hyundai Motor and its smaller affiliate Kia account for 21 percent in Saudi Arabia in the first half of this year. This is the second-largest after Toyota Motor. The Korean automaker recently clinched a contract with Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund (PIF) to build an auto assembly plant in the countrys western King Abdullah Economic City.

The factory is expected to manufacture more than 50,000 vehicles including EVs annually, according to Hyundai.

Both sides plan to finish construction of the plant and attract more demand by providing quality EVs and diversifying lineups of its vehicles there.

Hyundai also shared its plan to strengthen its commitment for environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) management there. Against the backdrop, the automaker will partner with the country to build a hydrogen mobility ecosystem there.

Saudi Arabia has been a symbolic region and a longtime partner for Hyundai, a spokesman at the company said. Hyundai Motor Group will continue diversifying its business portfolio, and seek fresh opportunities in the market there.
Walmart is set to extend its healthcare coverage across the nation in November by offering employees the option to access the support of a doula.

The program, which covers $1,000 for doula services during pregnancy, is launching Nov. 1 and is a part of the benefits offered through Walmart's Life with Baby program, according to an Oct. 24 news release from the company.

The program aims to combat healthcare disparities based on race and enhance the well-being of its employees and their infants during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly in regions where healthcare access may be constrained.

According to Walmart, the doulas participating in the program hold certifications from either the National Black Doulas Association or DONA International.

Walmart introduced the program to employees in Georgia in 2021 before extending it to employees in Louisiana, Indiana and Illinois in the past year.
Arkansas lawmakers have given the green light to disburse more than $16 million in federal funding to four rural hospitals, the Arkansas Advocate reported Oct. 23.

The four hospitals set to receive American Rescue Plan Act funds are:

Mountain Home-based Baxter Health: $4.5 million

Salem-based Fulton County Hospital: $5 million

Paragould-based Arkansas Methodist Medical Center: $3.3 million

Nashville-based Howard Memorial Hospital: $3.4 million

The approval brings the total number of Arkansas hospitals to receive ARPA funds to seven, according to the report. Camden-based Ouachita County Medical Center received $6 million in September 2022, De Queen-based Sevier County Medical Center received $6.5 million in December and Monticello-based Drew Memorial Health System received $5 million in June.
From the Washington Hospital Association suing the state over a charity care law, to Mayo Clinic and Lifepoint Health suing Bristol Myers Squibb for allegedly inflating the price of a cancer drug, here are 11 hospital lawsuits and settlements Becker's has reported since Oct. 3:

1. A former medical director of one of Seattle Children's clinics is suing the hospital, alleging racial discrimination.

2. The Washington Hospital Association sued the state's health department over a change in interpretation of a long-standing charity care law. According to the lawsuit, hospitals statewide are required to provide charity care for any service to any patient seeking it regardless of their ability to pay or an indigent person's residency.

3. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic and Brentwood, Tenn.-based Lifepoint Health are suing Bristol Myers Squibb and its subsidiary, Celgene, alleging the companies inflated the price of the cancer drug Revlimid by paying other drugmakers to keep their generic versions off the market.

4. Rockville Centre, N.Y.-based Catholic Health of Long Island will not have to defend allegations it fraudulently diverted a nursing home's service payments to another facility while certifying compliance.

5. New Haven, Conn.-based Yale University is facing mounting lawsuits from former patients who claim they underwent fertility procedures without receiving painkillers under the assumption that they would.

6. A Cook County, Ill., jury awarded $55.5 million to Shamond Butler, 20, a man who suffered brain injuries during his birth at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago.

7. Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente reached a $200 million settlement with the California Department of Managed Health Care to resolve deficiencies in its delivery and management of behavioral healthcare.

8. Three physicians at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center filed suit against owner Los Angeles County, alleging that the misconduct of one orthopedic surgeon was overlooked by management for years.

9. Munster, Ind.-based Community Hospital and its operator, Munster Medical Research Foundation, will pay $158,000 to settle a lawsuit that accused the hospital of not accommodating a nurse after a work injury.

10. Another 301 patients have sued Robert Hadden, MD, and Columbia University, alleging the gynecologist sexually abused them during examinations.

11. Children's Hospital Colorado filed a legal challenge to the Defense Health Agency's planned reimbursement changes to Tricare that the Aurora-based system said would significantly lower the amount it is paid for outpatient services.
A Wyoming nurse pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud in a $6.1 million healthcare scheme in Idaho.

Kristen Bolling, RN, 40, is a licensed nurse practitioner in Wyoming, Colorado and Washington. She was also licensed in Idaho at the time of the scheme. From April 2017 through October 2019, she conspired to commit healthcare fraud by accepting pre-filled medical orders from companies and signing without evaluating patients, according to an Oct. 23 Justice Department news release.

Ms. Bolling was recruited by multiple companies to sign fraudulent medical orders for durable medical equipment, including braces, and cancer genomic testing. She received roughly $15 to $30 per "consult" in kickbacks.

During the conspiracy, she received at least $204,000 for the fraudulent orders. The orders she signed amounted to over $6.1 million in fraudulent Medicare bills for medically unnecessary products.

Ms. Bolling is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 9 and faces up to 10 years in prison.
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Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, Vt., created an employee-to-nurse pipeline to ease its nurse shortage, ABC affiliate WCAX reported Oct. 24.

The program allows staff members to work while taking courses at a local school. The first cohort had six students who work as medical assistants, ER techs or food service providers.

Northwestern Medical Center is one of three hospitals in the state receiving part of a $9 million to fund the program.
Since launching in 2018, hospital-owned Civica Rx works with about a third of the nation's hospitals and manufactures 80 drugs facing shortages, NBC affiliate KSL-TV reported Oct. 22.

Seven health systems formed the pharmaceutical company after struggling for years with recurring drug shortages. The first goal was to make 14 generics constantly in short supply for hospitals, and 19 systems were founding members.

Now, some governments and hundreds of hospitals are buying from Civica Rx.

Dan Liljenquist, the chief strategy officer for Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, volunteer board chair of Civica Rx and a former Utah senator, told KSL-TV Civica Rx plans to scale up operations at its Petersburg, Va.-based manufacturing plant.

Pediatric cancer therapies, penicillin and low-cost insulins are next on the docket, Mr. Liljenquist said.
The CDC is urging clinicians to prioritize 100 milligram doses of a new respiratory syncytial virus drug for infants at highest risk of severe disease amid limited supply.

The agency issued a health advisory Oct. 23, recommending clinicians prioritize 100 milligram doses of nirsevimab for infants younger than 6 months and those with underlying conditions. The monoclonal antibody, which goes by the brand name Beyfortus, was approved by the FDA in July, making it the first RSV drug for children.

Sanofi, one of the makers of the drug, previously said demand is surpassing what they had anticipated.

In its alert to clinicians, the CDC said recommendations for using 50 milligram doses remain unchanged. To preserve supply of such doses for infants weighing less than 11 pounds, providers should avoid the use of two 50 mg doses on children weighing more than 11 pounds, the agency said.

Pediatrician offices and hospitals have reported arthat cloudy reimbursement models are another challenge ultimately affecting access. Orders are mostly placed before knowing how much they will be reimbursed for each dose, which cost about $500.

Experts have expressed concerns about persisting access issues as RSV activity ticks up across the nation.

"RSV season is here," Buddy Creech, MD, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told NBC News. "We're seeing a substantial increase in the amount of RSV such that in many areas, it has become the most commonly identified respiratory virus causing disease in children."
Amid violence against healthcare workers, hospitals, health systems and states across the U.S. are making efforts to address the issue. These efforts range from a new code of conduct policy to legislation that increases penalties for people convicted of battery of a healthcare provider.

Here are six updates from 2023:

1. After a nurse of its own was attacked, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence launched an anti-violence campaign. The Lifespan Health-owned facility launch its #ScottStrong campaign Oct. 19 to promote safety.

2. The Connecticut Hospital Association announced Oct. 20 that it has adopted a code of conduct policy for patients and families. The policy prohibits aggressive or violent behavior against healthcare workers, including physical assaults, threats or abusive language; discriminatory language; "language or actions that may be perceived as sexual harassment"; and possession of weapons.

3. Hospital leaders in Central New York joined together to launch a new workplace violence prevention initiative called Respect and Heal. The campaign aims to ensure healthcare workers are treated in a safe and respectful manner.

4. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signed a bill June 8 to increase the criminal penalties for people convicted of battery of a healthcare provider. The law amends the crime of battery to define battery against a healthcare provider as "a battery committed against a healthcare provider while such provider is engaged in the performance of such provider's duty."

5. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill May 24 to enhance criminal penalties for people who knowingly commit assault or battery upon workers at a hospital. Under the law, those who assault a worker at a hospital will face a first-degree misdemeanor charge rather than a second-degree misdemeanor charge.

6. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation May 2 that increases penalties for people who commit violence against healthcare workers and allows hospitals to establish campus police forces. The bill provides for enhanced penalties for aggravated assault and aggravated battery committed upon emergency health workers and healthcare workers while they are on a hospital campus.
Dr. Russ P. Nockels, a board-certified neurological surgeon with expertise in spine surgery, joined NorthShore Neurological Institute at Northwest Community Healthcare in Arlington Heights, Ill. in July 2023.

He is vice chairman of the NCH Department of Neurosciences and is charged with leading its Spine and Pain Center. In addition, he is chief of spine surgery for NNI at NCH and serves as surgeon-in-chief for Intent Medical Group, also in Arlington Heights.

Dr. Nockels brings 30 years of experience in spinal disorders to his role and has performed over 10,000 surgeries. His research on spinal cord regeneration has resulted in 70 publications and over 150 presentations. He joins NNI at NCH from the neurosurgery department at Maywood, Ill.-based Loyola University Medical Center, where he also held an appointment in the orthopedic surgery department. There, he served as a professor as well as vice chair and complex spinal surgery fellowship director.
By Lee Min-hyung

LG Innotek has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis system to detect defects in package substrates used for semiconductors, the company said Tuesday.

According to the LG affiliate, the company applied AI technology to analyze designs for semiconductor package substrates such as radio frequency systems and antennae in packaging. This will help the company identify vulnerable areas in substrate designs in the early phase of their development and improve product yield.

The AI-powered pre-inspection will help shorten the timeline for mass-production of upcoming substrate products, Son Kil-dong, head of LG Innoteks substrate & material business unit, said. This will also contribute to boosting our overall sales from clients.

Given that even minor errors can affect the circuits quality, multiple phases of review and modification have long been required until the final design is completed. So far, most design flaws in circuits have been identified only after product testing and production. This has led to increased test costs and delays in mass production. This was also cited as a major cause behind low product yields.

The introduction of the AI pre-analysis system will also pave the way for the company to automatically inspect minor details of designs, the company said. LG Innotek meticulously analyzed the characteristics of substrate designs for the development of the system. The company trained the AI system with more than 16,000 datasets on defect patterns and weaknesses in circuits.

LG Innotek plans to keep improving its AI analysis capabilities by adding more datasets. The company also plans to offer a service that recommends the optimal substrate designs required by customers.

Kang Min-seok, the firms chief technology officer, spoke highly of its latest development, calling it a successful case of digital transformation that revolutionizes the existing process paradigm by actively using datasets.
US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy III toured Harland & Wolff alongside chief executive John Wood last month during a visit to Belfast.

A new $50m (41m) commitment to invest in Northern Ireland companies was made by the New York State Common Retirement Fund on Tuesday.

A US trade delegation has been visiting NI this week, led by US Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy III.

New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, joined Mr Kennedy in Belfast alongside Bernard McGuire, managing director of 57 Stars, an international private equity investor based in Washington DC.

Mr DiNapoli has managed New York State's pension fund - he is responsible for the pensions of one million employees and retired people - since 2007.

The fund is thought to have already boosted many company investments here.

Northern Irelands dynamic economy has proven a good investment for our state pension fund and I am gratified that we have the opportunity to expand on our long-standing economic relationship, Mr DiNapoli said.

Our commitments in Northern Ireland have provided a solid return and thats good news for the 1.1 million working and retired members of our pension system. But I am equally pleased that we can continue to participate in Northern Irelands economic growth, to help foster employment for all communities under the MacBride principles, and support the peace process.

Mr Kennedy added: For years, Comptroller DiNapoli and the members of the New York Pension system have bet on the people of Northern Ireland and invested their pension dollars in Northern Irelands future. Their faith in the people and the business opportunities have been rewarded, and Im thrilled that the Comptroller and the people of New York are set to renew their investment given the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Northern Ireland is a smaller market that possesses numerous hidden gem businesses, Bernard McGuire said.

Companies there are globally competitive and boosted by a highly educated workforce. Having a foot in both the UK and European customs zone further enhances Northern Irelands competitiveness and its significant advanced manufacturing industry is poised to benefit.

"In this landscape, 57 Stars has found compelling investment opportunities. This investment addresses the historical challenge of accessing capital and it validates the markets potential returns. We are excited to continue our relationship with the Fund and create partnerships with more companies in Northern Ireland to help them realise their growth ambitions.

57 Stars will seek out investment opportunities in companies in Northern Ireland across an array of sectors. The $50m earmarked for Northern Ireland is part of a larger $175m commitment to 57 Stars for international markets in Europe and elsewhere.

Read more US envoy Joe Kennedy III visits Belfast factories as part of official NI trip

Including Tuesdays announcement, the states pension fund has committed almost $110m to private equity investments in Northern Ireland since 2005.

To date, approximately $48m (39 million) has been allocated to investments in Northern Irelands manufacturing, tech and healthcare sectors.

Including Mr DiNapolis newest commitment, approximately $58m is available for investment.

The senior business delegation arrived to Northern Ireland on Tuesday and will stay for a number of days to hear about the regions homegrown talent, research and development (R&D) and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The delegates are due to meet established US investors and politicians.

Around 30,000 people in Northern Ireland are employed by US businesses, which have generated nearly $2bn in investment here in the last decade.

A large number of potential investors from the US visited Northern Ireland last month for the NI Investment Summit. The event was led by the UKs Department for Business and Trade.
The number of proposed redundancies in Northern Ireland has tripled over the last 12 months to 4,390, the NI Statistics & Research Agency has said

The number of proposed redundancies in Northern Ireland has tripled in the last year compared to the previous 12 months, according to new data.

But for those still on company payrolls, there was an increase in wages of 132 over the year in median monthly pay to 2,097.

In its latest employment data, the NI Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) said it had been informed of 170 proposed redundancies last month.

That took the annual total to 4,390  over three times the 1,410 recorded in the previous 12 months.

And 420 confirmed redundancies had occurred during the month, which resulted in a 64% year on year increase to 1,810 redundancies. That was the highest for 18 months.

But with companies only required to inform the Department for the Economy if theyre making more than 20 redundancies, the true number may be higher.

Nisra said: This is the seventh consecutive month that this [yearly confirmed redundancies] total has been over 1,000, and equals the highest total recorded since March 2022, although this figure is still well below the long term trend.

"There were also 170 proposed redundancies notified to the department in September 2023, bringing the annual total covering October 2022 to September 2023 to 4,390.

"This is the second-highest rolling twelve-month total since August 2021 and is similar to pre-pandemic levels.

Nisra also said that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland rose by 3% in September compared to August. The claimant count was 37,800, which is 3.9% of the workforce.

The separate unemployment rate, contained in the labour force survey, was estimated at 2.3%, a slight fall over the quarter.

Unlike the UKs Office for National Statistics, Nisra is continuing to publish results of its Labour Force Survey.

And Nisra said there had been little change over the year in employment, unemployment and economic inactivity rates.

The unemployment rate for June to August remained at 2.3%, which was down 0.2 percentage points over the year and down 0.7pps over the year.

And the employment rate was unchanged over the quarter but had risen by 2.1 percentage points over the year to 72%.

At 27.7 million, the number of weekly hours worked in NI was down 3.1% over the quarter but up by 3.9% over the year.

The economic inactivity rate, those aged 16 to 64 who were not working and not seeking or available to work, increased by 0.3pps over the quarter and decreased by 1.4pps over the year to 26.4%.

And the claimant count of 37,800 was 26.5% higher than the pre-pandemic count.

The number of employees receiving pay through HMRC PAYE in NI in September 2023 was 793,700, a 0.3% increase over the month and a 1.7% increase over the year.

According to HMRC, payrolled earnings remained unchanged over the month and were 6.7% higher than September 2022, a rise of 132.
Tech giants Meta, Google and Microsoft to join Joe Kennedys Northern Ireland investment tour

US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy III says event may just be first step towards possible investment

US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Congressman Joe Kennedy III

Margaret Canning Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 08:20

Meta, Google and Microsoft representatives arrive in Belfast from the US today for an investment visit led by US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy III.
Josef Puska (inset) has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ashling Murphy

Murder accused Jozef Puska called to the home of a family friend on the night that Ashling Murphy died and said that he had "been in a fight in town", a court heard.

Bus driver Rostislaw Pokuta said that Mr Puska appeared "very scared", was wet and he "looked like a different person".

Mr Pokuta told a jury at the Central Criminal Court that Mr Puska asked him for a lift to his home in Mucklagh, Tullamore.

Mr Puska (33), has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ashling Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12, 2022.

Mr Pokuta said he was originally from Slovakia but had lived in Tullamore for some years with his wife and children.

He agreed with prosecutor Anne-Marie Lawlor SC that he was a friend of the Puska family and he knew Jozef and his brothers.

Mr Pokuta said he was eating his dinner around 9pm on January 12, 2022, when his son said to him that Mr Puska was at the front door and wanted to speak to him.

Mr Pokuta said he went to the front door and spoke to Mr Puska, who asked him if there was any chance he would drop him home.

Mr Pokuta said Mr Puska told him "he had been in a fight or something in town".

The witness said Mr Puska did not really want to talk too much.

Mr Pokuta was asked by Ms Lawlor about Mr Puska's appearance. He said Mr Puska seemed very scared, he wasn't like himself, he was wet and his face appeared scratched

Mr Puska asked for a bottle of water and he drank it, the court heard.

Mr Pokuta was asked by Ms Lawlor about Mr Puska's appearance. He said Mr Puska seemed "very scared", he "wasn't like himself", he was wet and his face appeared scratched.

Mr Pokuta also said Mr Puska was "not his colour" and he looked "like a different person".

Mr Pokuta said he asked Mr Puska numerous times what had happened to him, and Mr Puska told him he had been in a fight.

He asked Mr Puska why he had not contacted the gardai, and there was no answer, he said.

Mr Pokuta said he dropped Mr Puska to his house. Mr Puska asked him to slow down in case there was someone outside the house, the jury heard.

Mr Pokuta said he asked Mr Puska why was he worried if he did not do something wrong.

He was told to "leave it", he said.

Cross-examined by Michael Bowman SC, Mr Pokuta accepted he initially did not tell the truth, as he told gardai he had not seen any of the Puska brothers after January 11.

He made a later statement saying Jozef Puska called to his house around 9pm on January 12.

Mr Pokuta told Mr Bowman he was afraid for his family, accepting that the atmosphere was ugly around Tullamore at the time.

More than that, Mr Pokuta said, adding that there was a lot of comment on social media and he was worried about his job.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women.
Although Essex man John Payne (51) was handed a five-month prison sentence, District Judge Nigel Broderick suspended it for two years.

However, he told Payne that the fact he was walking out of court had been a fine balancing exercise because, to his mind, the racial slur towards the security guard was a serious aggravating factor to the offences he admitted.

Read more Drunk air rage social worker jailed for assaulting cabin crew on flight from Belfast

Payne, from Nuthatch Chase in Colchester, had earlier admitted five offences arising from an incident at Belfast International Airport on March 30 this year, including assault and disorderly behaviour.

He also admitted assaulting and resisting police and being in an area of an aerodrome without permission.

A prosecutor told Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, how police were called to the security search areas at Aldergrove to reports that Payne had assaulted a security officer by grabbing her by the arm.

The defendant also racially abused the staff member by calling her a monkey, said the lawyer.

When police spoke to Payne, he became abusive and refused to moderate his behaviour, continuing instead to shout and swear.

Payne grabbed a police officer by the arm and refused to co-operate as officers tried to handcuff him, the lawyer added.

During police interviews, he claimed to have no memory of the incident as, in addition to his medication, he had been drinking alcohol.

Sentencing Payne, District Judge Broderick said his options were limited, as Payne was not suitable for community service and probation had not recommended any statutory intervention.

Imposing the suspended jail sentence along with a 200 fine, District Judge Broderick warned Payne not to reoffend.
A man accused of stalking a former journalist tweeted about her being part of a serial killer gang, a court heard today.

Daniel Devlin allegedly subjected the woman to a five-month campaign which left her in a constant state of fear.

Police claimed the 41-year-old defendant has developed a fixation with her.

Devlin, of Stewartstown Road in Dunmurry, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court today on charges of stalking, harassment and improper use of a public communications network.

The allegations relate to press articles attributed to the woman.

In May this year she informed police about receiving unwanted contact from a Twitter account believed to be linked to Devlin.

A PSNI officer told the court: There was reference to her being part of a serial killer gang and calling her a number of obscenities.

Attempts to block the account were unsuccessful as contact continued in the following months, it was claimed.

Police arrested Devlin earlier this month, seizing a phone and iPad, before releasing him on bail.

But he allegedly breached those terms by referring to the complainant again in further postings.

He has shown a somewhat obsessive behaviour towards the injured party, making her feel pestered by the fixation, the officer contended.

This was a long course of conduct, he (may) know where she works, but she doesnt know who to look out for and is in constant fear.

Devlin denies harassing or stalking the woman.

A defence barrister rejected suggestions that his client seemed to be medically unwell.

Referring to the alleged tweets about the injured party, counsel argued: She wasnt referred to directly, he didnt threaten her.

Devlin was refused bail, however, and remanded in custody until next month.

District Judge Steven Keown said: Its clear as day that he is not willing or able to leave this woman alone.
A Co Down woman was today (Tues) ordered to stand trial accused of a 4,000 extortion plot.

At Newtownards Magistrates Court, 35-year-old Clare Carruthers was charged with two counts of blackmail alleging that on 24 June and 8 November last year, she made unwarranted demands of 2,000 from a male complainant with menaces.

None of the alleged facts surrounding the charges were opened in court, but a prosecuting lawyer submitted there was a Prima Facie case against the alleged extortionist which was conceded by her defence solicitor.

Carruthers, 35, from Moss Road in Ballygowan, declined to comment on the charges.

Returning her case to Downpatrick Crown Court for trial, District Judge Peter Magill freed her on continuing bail.
A social worker has been handed a four-month jail sentence today for her outrageous drunken antics on a flight from Belfast to Turkey.

Heather McCarroll kicked and punched cabin crew members, screamed into the flight intercom, called the Jet2 crew manager a sl*t and a big lesbian b*****d, and shouted sexual obscenities from a toilet which had to be closed after she vacated it.
A local business manager who was duped into abusing his position with Santander to input false banking figures was handed fines totalling 1,500 today.

Sentencing Dunmurry man Ciaran Brendan Barr, Judge Fiona Bagnall said the case against the 41-year-old was one of those exceptional fraud cases where a jail sentence was not necessarily inevitable.

Imposing fines of 500 for each of the three charges to which Barr had pleaded guilty at Craigavon Crown Court, Judge Bagnall said she accepted the father-of-three had been taken advantage of by others.

She added: There was no loss, nor any intended loss, to the bank.

Indeed, the defendant said that, in some instances, he thought that the business would flourish and that would be to the banks benefit, said Judge Bagnall.

At an earlier hearing, Barr, from Mount Eagles Close in Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast, entered guilty pleas to two counts of fraud by false representation and to one count of fraud by abuse of position, all committed on dates between January 2016 and April 2017.

Barr had faced a further 68 counts of fraud, but those were left on the books by the prosecution after he admitted his guilt to the three offences.

During her sentencing remarks today, Judge Bagnall outlined how Barr had been a local business manager for Santander.

She said that part of his role was to obtain verified details for new customers, such as limited companies or sole traders, and to then input those details, turnover amounts and when companies were incorporated into Santanders computerised banking system.

Those details were used as the bank calculated what facilities would be open to the various customers.

She outlined how Barrs offences arose because, in relation to two incorporated companies, he input inflated turnover rates, increasing purported turnover by around 200,000.

He was initially arrested in August 2017 and, over the course of the next few months, was interviewed by detectives more than a dozen times, where he accepted that he knew his one-time co-accused but claimed it was purely a business relationship.

Barr told police the details he had put into the system were figures he had discussed with the customer, said Judge Bagnall.

The judge said there were aggravating factors to the offending, including the abuse of the position of trust and that the offending went on for 15 months, but in mitigation, she continued, Barr had entered guilty pleas and had a clear record.

Other factors for sentencing was that Barr held a relatively low-level position, so his culpability was low, and there was no loss or impact on the bank, so harm was low too.

Judge Bagnall revealed that, in the intervening period since he lost his job, Barr had improved himself and had retrained as a chartered accountant, although he accepts that that business will have to be dissolved after the case concludes.

Judge Bagnall said it was not possible to calculate whether there was any real loss to Santander but that, in any event, it was accepted that Barr had not gained financially, nor was there any financial motivation on his part.
Two men accused of hijacking a Tesco delivery van in north Down, driving through red lights and colliding with cars as they headed towards west Belfast have today denied the charges.

Ciaran Barker (40) and Caoimhin Corr (24) entered not-guilty pleas to all of the charges against them, all alleged to have been committed on August 5 last year, but Downpatrick Crown Court heard that a trial will probably not be required.

Barker, from Whitewell Road in Newtownabbey, and Corr, from Norglen Parade in west Belfast, are jointly accused of 11 charges including hijacking a Tesco delivery van, two counts of dangerous driving and three counts of aggravated vehicle theft causing damage.

They are also accused of driving while banned and theft of 80 of alcohol from Winemark.

Barker faces three further charges  stealing 10 of chocolate bars from the Maxol service station on Frances Street in Newtownards, resisting police, and assaulting police  all of which were allegedly committed on the aforementioned date.

When the pair were initially charged, the court heard how the catalogue of offences began at a Winemark off-licence in Millisle when Barker took 80 of alcohol to the counter and, with Corr holding the door open, the pair walked out without paying and got into a car driven by a third male.

A detective claimed the offences then moved to Ards, where a female member of staff at the Maxol garage spotted the defendants allegedly tampering with a motorcycle and Corr offered her a bar of chocolate.

However, when she checked CCTV from the shop that day, she realised the pair had been in the service station earlier and that the chocolate treat being offered had actually been stolen.

A short distance away, on Georges Street, a Tesco delivery van driver was sitting with his arm out of the window when Barker grabbed it and told him to give him the keys.

When Barker nodded towards the passenger side, the driver looked up to find Corr climbing into the vehicle and, fearing what might happen, the driver got out. Barker then got in and the van sped off through the busy town centre.

The officer claimed the van was spotted driving on the wrong side of the road, going through red lights and narrowly missing a pedestrian who was pushing a buggy, before it left the town, heading for Dundonald, where it collided with other cars and went through more red lights.

At some stage, said the officer, Corr and Barker swapped driving duties, because by the time police stopped the hijacked van on the Sydenham Bypass using a stinger device to blow the tyres out, it was Corr who got out of the drivers side.

In court today, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC freed the pair on bail until November 14, with a warning that in terms of credit, I will extend to then, but after that date you can face the consequences.

The three-week adjournment gives plenty of time to consider your respective positions, said Judge Miller, adding that, having read the paper, I would be very surprised if the case went to trial.
The United States warned Iran Monday that it is not "blind" to the Islamic republic's continued support for the Hamas militant group that launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel this month.

John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, made the remarks amid lingering concerns that renewed friction between Washington and Tehran could reduce room for Seoul, a key ally of the U.S., to engage with Iran for economic cooperation.

Washington has been seeking to verify if there was any Iranian role in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, though it has said that it does not have clear evidence of Iranian culpability.

"I would just say that we have never been blind to Iran's destabilizing behaviors and the threats they pose in the region," he said in an online press briefing.

He underlined Washington's efforts to reinforce a military posture in the Middle East, pointing to security concerns stemming from Iran.

"We had bolstered naval and air capabilities in the Gulf region. And it's why we are working so much closer in a more integrated way with our allies and partners in the region trying to pursue. for instance, a regional integrated air and missile defense," he said. "What do you think that's about? It's all about Iran."

The official also stressed that the U.S. has been "very focused" on what Iran is doing.

"We are not blind to the fact that they continue to support groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and these militia groups in Iraq and Syria that have been recently, over the course of the last weekend, attacking some of our facilities and our troops as well as our diplomats," he said.

"We are certainly mindful of the impact that they have and the encouragement that they give to these groups," he added. (Yonhap)
A young west Belfast man who today admitted travelling to Crawfordsburn in north Down to commit a burglary spree has been warned he faces a jail sentence.

Standing in the dock of Downpatrick Crown Court, Jordan Hamill (20) admitted five of the seven charges against him, all committed on March 26 last year.

Hamill, from Leeson Street, admitted five charges of burglary  three at neighbouring properties at The Courtyard in Crawfordsburn and two at properties of two neighbours on the nearby Old Windmill Road in the prosperous village.

In four of the burglaries Hamill broke into the properties with intent to steal; in the other, he stole car keys and a hammer.

Following the admissions, prosecuting counsel Briege Gilmore asked for two further charges  stealing a JBL speaker and a power adapter from inside a car, and attempting to steal a Honda Jazz  to be left on the books.

The request was granted by Judge Geoffrey Miller KC.

Previously, the court heard how Hamill was identified by CCTV and a doorbell camera, being found in a part of the country [with which] he has no association while high on drugs.

In his possession were items are identified as coming from one of the burglaries and he made no comment during police interviews.

Today, Judge Miller heard that, despite being just 20 years old, Hamill has amassed 104 previous convictions.

Defence counsel Kelly Doherty asked for sentencing to be adjourned to allow time for various reports to be completed.

Adjourning the case to December 13, Judge Miller told Hamill that, given his previous offending, you will obviously expect a custodial sentence. That will not take you by surprise.
Tribunal found Ms McCloskey had used her position as a doctor to promote her opinion.

Dr Anne McCloskey at an earlier GMC hearing in the High Court

Dr Anne McCloskey has had her registration suspended for six months

A Londonderry doctor who used vitriolic language in her Covid-19 messaging has been suspended for another six months after a tribunal found she had used her position as a doctor to promote her own opinion.

Dr Anne McCloskey (66) had previously been suspended in 2021, and that has now been extended.

Yesterday, a Medical Practitioners Tribunal ruled on her fitness to practice in the wake of her sceptical public messaging around the Covid-19 virus during the pandemic.

Read more Derry GP suspended over Covid-19 vaccine comments is charged with breaching pandemic rules

The tribunal found the medic and former Aontu councillor for Derry City and Strabane District Council had displayed serious misconduct during a number of publications made during the pandemic.

These included a Facebook video, an appearance on BBC Radio Ulsters Talkback programme and a Twitter broadcast video entitled The Healthy Debate, during which the tribunal found she had used her position as a doctor to promote her opinion.

Though Dr McCloskey was not present to provide submissions, the tribunal considered a bundle of documents presented to them by her.

A solicitor for the General Medical Council (GMC), Mr Kitching KC, described Dr McCloskeys words within the publications as ominous, inflammatory, vitriolic and alarmist, adding that the medic had no insight into her misconduct and that no efforts had been made to remediate the misconduct.

He added that the likelihood of her repeating her misconduct remained very high.

The tribunal found Dr McCloskeys actions had the potential to undermine public health information, undermine public confidence in the medical profession and discourage the public from having a Covid-19 vaccination.

It was noted that the doctor may have felt she was acting in respect of patient safety when raising concerns about the vaccine, but that her actions went beyond what was expected.

The tribunal found Dr McCloskey had shown poor judgment, shown no awareness of how her behaviour could adversely impact the public, and that she was forcing her own opinion on the general public.

They said her actions could have had serious repercussions and said members of the medical profession would find her conduct serious and deplorable.

Finding her actions amounted to misconduct, the tribunal further ruled Dr McCloskeys fitness to practice was currently impaired.

Taking into account her lengthy career of approximately 40 years without misconduct issues and that there had been no further allegations of similar behaviour over the last two years, the tribunal imposed a six-month suspension on her registration.

They added that the onus would be on Dr McCloskey to demonstrate how she has remediated and developed insight into her actions at the review hearing.

It comes as Dr McCloskey continues to face court proceedings relating to alleged breaches of Covid-19 regulations.

She appeared at Coleraine Magistrates Court on September 14, charged alongside Liam Henry Back (60), of Islandmagee Road, Whitehead; Alanna Lavery (43), of Battery Road, Cookstown; and John William Stewart (62), of Ringsend Road, Limavady of breaching Covid regulations on March 20 2021.

The Derry doctor told the judge that, during another hearing, witnesses had been excluded from the court, and said that justice must be seen to be done, that exclusion was unconscionable.

You will get a fair trial. That is a guarantee, Judge King assured the defendants.

Mr King adjourned the case until November 10.
The controversial funeral of a senior IRA figure cost Belfast City Council almost 100,000 in legal bills.

Bobby Storey's funeral in June 2020 was attended by large numbers of people, including members of Sinn Fein, when strict Covid-19 restrictions were in place.

Senior members of Sinn Fein, including Michelle ONeill and Mary Lou McDonald, faced backlash for attending the west Belfast funeral.

The council was also criticised over Mr Storeys cremation as eight grieving families were not granted the same access to Roselawn Cemetery as those mourning the former IRA man.

In a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by BBC NI, Belfast City Council said a total of 94,171.99 was spent on legal fees to deal with the dispute.

The figure does not include compensation paid to any of the eight families, but does include a 50,000 report the council commissioned as part of the investigation into the incident.

The council did not confirm or deny whether any payments had been made, saying that it would be a breach of confidence for the families involved.

The report, which was barrister-led and completed in 2021, found that there was no political pressure applied to the cemetery to treat Mr Storeys funeral differently to the others.

TUV councillor Ron McDowell said the council should be upfront about having treated Mr Storeys funeral differently.

Without a sincere effort to atone for an abhorrent lack of judgement one must only assume that the council are sorry for having being caught and not sorry for their actions around this issue, he said.

This is not council money. It is ratepayer money and transparency about how it is spent is key.

"Just a few months ago all councillors went before the electorate seeking endorsement and not a single one of them received a mandate to not be upfront about what money is spent on.

A spokesperson for the council said it recognises the hurt which has been caused by its actions in respect of the events at Roselawn Cemetery on the day of Mr Storeys funeral..

"We also recognise that the public are entitled to information about how the council has dealt with these events and have made information publicly available, where possible, the spokesperson continued.

"The council must however also respect the privacy of those affected and cannot release information which could be considered a breach of confidence.

"We again offer our unreserved and wholehearted apology to all those families impacted by these events."
A replacement social club for Casement Park to be used while the new stadium is being built has been approved at City Hall.

At the recent meeting of the Belfast City Council Planning Committee, elected members unanimously approved the change of use from Parish Hall to licensed social club at 146 Andersonstown Road in west Belfast.

The applicant is George Browne, Heron Property Ltd, of St Patrick Street, Draperstown.

The application sought the renewal of full planning permission for a change of use of St Agnes Parish Hall to a social club.

Previous temporary permission for three years was granted by the Planning Appeals Commission at appeal in March 2020. This permission was not acted upon, and ran out before the parish hall was converted.

St Agnes Parish Hall is set back from the road behind a commercial frontage. To the west and south are the rear of residential properties on Riverdale Park East, while Andersonstown Leisure Centre is situated to the east.

The hours of operation for the new social club will be between 11am to 11pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 12.30am to 10pm on Sundays, except on those occasions when the premises has been granted an extension to their liquor licence to allow opening beyond these hours.

The council planning report states: It is considered that there have been no substantive changes in circumstance or issues since the previous appeal decision which would lead the council to a different outcome.

Officers recommended full planning approval.

The report adds: As per the previous application, the proposal is to temporarily accommodate the Casement Park Social Club relocation whilst the existing Casement Park stadium is redeveloped and completed.

It is understood that redevelopment of the Casement Park stadium is set to begin shortly and it is important that arrangements are in place for the temporary relocation of the social club.

The previous temporary permission has not been acted upon and the current application seeks to renew the previous permission.

On this latest application, the council received 15 representations against the proposal and a resubmitted Statement of Case objection, submitted in relation to the previous application, signed by 29 objectors.

Locals mentioned issues of overlooking and loss of privacy, potential anti-social behaviour, lack of provision of parking, noise, odour, air pollution and reduced air quality. They also raised concerns about deliveries disturbance and bin storage.

Council officers said in the planning report: The proposed social club is proposed to be on the ground floor of the building with offices and a kitchen and therefore it is considered that no unacceptable overlooking would result.

One objector has also raised concern that their boundary treatment had changed from the previous application and that the plans did not reflect this.

The replacement being a wall and panel fence above (approximately two metres in height) would provide sufficient privacy and eliminate any overlooking concerns from the application site.

The report added: Prior to the commencement of the use, a noise and anti-social behaviour management plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the council.

The plan must clearly demonstrate the proposed arrangements for the supervision of behaviour on site including on arrival and egress from the premises and when patrons access the external smoking area. The premises shall not operate unless in accordance with the approved noise and anti-social behaviour management plan.

No deliveries shall be taken or collections made by commercial vehicles outside the hours of 07:00 and 23:00 hours on Mondays to Fridays; or at any time on Saturdays, Sundays, bank holidays or public holidays.

A representative for the application told the Planning Committee: We feel this will provide a much needed community use in the area. Significant care and consideration has been given to the concerns raised in terms of potential impacts and there are a number of amendments and conditions proposed which we are more than happy to agree to. That will result in a very robust and deliverable planning application.
Youth with a stone during a riot at the top of Leeson Street, west Belfast, 1978. Photo credit: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum Photos

Pop-punk trio Green Day have confirmed they will be releasing their 14th album early next year, but what global fans may not realise is that the artwork for the new release was snapped in west Belfast during the Troubles.

The rock bands upcoming studio LP Saviors was announced on Tuesday, and its feature image is of a young boy holding a stone during a riot at the top of Leeson Street in 1978.

However, the youths face appears to have been altered or photoshopped in Green Days new version.

Youth with a stone during a riot at the top of Leeson Street, west Belfast, 1978. Photo credit: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum Photos

The original picture was taken by currently London-based photographer Chris Steele-Perkins, who visited Northern Ireland in the late 70s as part of the Exit Group  three photographers who were documenting the current state of poverty in the UKs crumbling inner cities.

In 2008, Chris returned to photograph and interview some of the people he had captured 30 years before.

His writings and images have since been collated into a book named The Troubles, and he previously told The Guardian that he went to NI with the intention of capturing the lives of Catholic communities from the inside during the conflict.

I was not there to illustrate a thesis but to enter the unknown, interacting and responding, and attempting to remain honest, he had said.

The Leeson Street image was posted two years ago on the discussion site Reddit, with one user commenting: This would be a siiick punk album cover.

While it cant be confirmed whether Green Day saw this post or not, the global superstars have since discovered Chris work regardless, and despite editing the boys face, the rest of the picture seems to remain the same.

The album Saviors is set for release on January 19, 2024.

On Tuesday, the group  comprising Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool  also shared a brand new single from the LP, a fiery, punk-inspired track titled The American Dream Is Killing Me.

"Saviors is an invitation into Green Days brain, their collective spirit as a band, and an understanding of friendship, culture and legacy of the last 30 plus years," say the band in a statement.

"It's raw and emotional. Funny and disturbing. Its a laugh at the pain, weep in the happiness kind of record. Honesty and vulnerability. What is Saviors about, you ask? Power pop, punk, rock, indie triumph. disease, war, inequality, influencers, yoga retreats, alt right, dating apps, masks, MENTAL HEALTH, climate change, oligarchs, social media division, free weed, fentanyl, fragility,,.. What would Andy Warhol do? What would John Waters do? What would Quentin Tarantino do? What would GREEN DAY do?

Chris Steele-Perkins is now aged 76 and remains a member of the renowned Magnum Photos agency.

He is best known for his depictions of Africa, Afghanistan, England, Northern Ireland, and Japan.

Chris moved from Myanmar to the UK with his family in 1949.

His reportages have received high public acclaim and he has won several photojournalism awards.

Earlier this year, his work  including the Leeson Street boy  featured in an exhibition organised by Magnum Photos at the Magnum Gallery in London.

Are you the boy in this photo or do you know who he is? If so, contact The Belfast Telegraph by emailing digital.editorial@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Far right loon Jayda Fransens latest shameless bid to extract her followers hard-earned cash literally does not compute, the Sunday World has revealed.

A year after the former Britain First leader hounded members of the British Freedom Party for donations to her sick dog, shes now looking for them to dig deep so she can fix her computer  or else buy her a new one.

If the racist leader is to be believed, her own computer got fed-up spewing out hate speech aimed at anyone not white, Christian and heterosexual.

The convicted hate preacher, who moved to Northern Ireland a decade ago to spread her racial hatred and homophobia, has sent beg-for-cash circulars to all her members after claiming her computer blew up.

She wrote: The computer that I use to power my live streams blew up!

At the end of last week, a couple of us were moving things in the studio, including my big computer tower that powers all of my live stream videos, and it literally went bang and let out a huge spark!

And apparently if she doesnt get enough people crazy enough to donate cash to get it fixed or buy a replacement, she may not be able to continue spreading her vile hate speech.

She whines: This is a major set-back for something that I had been planning on launching... So, I am going to try and get it fixed this week, but need to raise the funds to get it to a computer specialist.

If it cannot be fixed, I will need to find the money to buy another machine  but that is my absolute last resort as it really wasnt cheap!

Jayda Fransen and her dog (Pic: Sunday World)

One former member of Britain First contacted the Sunday World to complain about her begging bowl antics.

Jayda really has no shame whatsoever when it comes to begging for money from her followers, he said.

I thought the sick dog was bad enough but at least people love dogs, now she thinks its up to her supporters to fix her computer.

Is she aware theres a cost-of-living crisis at the moment? Its incredible she thinks she can pick our pockets every single time she needs a few quid.

People must be gullible enough though or she wouldnt keep doing it I suppose. I used to support her when she first came over here because I thought she was genuine, but shes as false as all the rest of them  only in it for herself.

Just get a proper job, Jayda, and leave everyone else alone.

It was August 2022 when she started sending several circulars about her beloved dog Buster, who needed an operation.

She posted several begging letters and requests from her supporters with a number of updates  all with a big button urging to donate.

Posting pictures of Buster in a bandage and with a needle attached, she explained how he needed lots of tests, CT scans and surgery, none of which were covered by her pet insurance.

During her pleas Jayda demonstrated how shes able to show more compassion to her sick dog than she affords to human refugees who she has campaigned should be banned from entering the UK.
Comments were allegedly made by worker during a Halloween event at Crumlin Road Gaol

A leading Belfast visitor attraction has said it will take robust action against a worker who allegedly made inappropriate comments about Hamas, Jimmy Savile and Jeffrey Epstein during a Halloween Jail of Horror event.

Each Halloween, Crumlin Road Gaol in the north of the city hosts events and tours for all ages. The jail was where executions were carried out in Belfast until 1961, and was where many paramilitary prisoners facing trial across the Crumlin Road in the former courthouse were held.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has written to North Antrim MLA Jim Allister to apologise for how it dealt with his personal complaint

A council slammed by the local government watchdog for using human rights legislation to end an investigation into the conduct of senior officials has been urged to act on the investigations findings, rather than just consider them.

A report published earlier this month by the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (Nipso) found Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council had displayed a particularly egregious example of poor administration in how they dealt with an independent report into the complaint.

The findings related to the handling of a complaint brought by North Antrim MLA Jim Allister  acting as a private citizen  around a planning application for a hotel and spa complex, which was granted and quashed by the High Court on two occasions.

As the complaint concerned the actions of the chief executive, the council appointed an independent investigation firm  understood to be Happy Raspberry  to investigate the concerns.

The report upheld 15 of 18 allegations made against David Jackson and all of the allegations made against council solicitor David Hunter.

When the report was presented to the councils Corporate Policy and Resources Committee (CPRC), councillors decided that, as it had been leaked to the public, no further action should be taken.

Read more NI council slammed for using human rights legislation to close investigation into CEOs conduct

One of the arguments presented to council was that a frenzied trial on social media constituted a breach of Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights: the right to a fair trial.

The complaints process was then terminated.

Among recommendations made by the report was that the council write a letter to Mr Allister apologising for how his complaint was dealt with.

That letter  sent by Mayor Steven Callaghan and seen by the Belfast Telegraph  was received on October 17 and said the council would revisit the course of action taken following the completion of the Happy Raspberry report.

David Jackson

In his response to the mayors letter  received on October 17  Mr Allister said the council needed to act, not merely consider the reports findings.

"I welcome the undertaking that the integrity of future processes within the Council will be restored, he said.

"I note you offer a sincere apology. Can I assume then you were not one of the 15 councillors (4 voting against and 11 abstaining as appears in the Minutes for 21 August 2023) who did not vote to accept the Nipso report and its recommendations, which included this apology?

"I suggest the Nipso report expects more than consideration of these matters, but rather action thereon, bearing in mind the findings of egregious behaviour.

"Accordingly, Id be obliged to be kept informed of the relevant actions taken by Council going forward.

Mr Allister added: "I do indeed hope the Council has learned necessary lessons from its appalling conduct and that, as promised, integrity of future processes will be restored.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said it had sought legal advice in relation to their previous decision.

"Following the recommendation contained within the NIPSO report, Council has sought legal advice specifically on the veracity and validity of the resolution passed at the full Council meeting on 6 October 2020 and reconsidered on 1 December 2020, said a spokesperson.
Flowers and messages left near to the scene in Tullamore, Co Offaly after Ashling Murphy was killed. (PA)

A Co Offaly school bus driver has told a court that he drove the man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy home on the same day she was killed.

Rostislav Peter Pokuta, a Slovak national who has been living in Ireland since 2006, said he knew Jozef Puska and his brothers because of his job as a school bus driver.

He told the court Puska arrived at his home at around 9pm on January 12 last year asking to be driven home, after saying he had been in some fight in town.

Mr Pokuta also told the court that he did not make a statement to gardai about the whole story until January 24 because he was afraid of what would happen to his family.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed while out exercising along a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly, at about 3.30pm on January 12 last year.

Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the schoolteachers murder.

Jozef Puska denies murdering the 23-year-old schoolteacher (Niall Carson/PA)

At the sixth day of evidence at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, Mr Pokuta said he was eating his dinner on January 12 when he was told by his son that Puska was at the door and wanted to speak to him.

So I came down to the door and said: Whats the story?' he told the court, adding that Puska asked him for a lift home.

Mr Pokuta said Puska looked very scared, wet, and that his face was scratched or something.

He told the court Puska did not look like himself and appeared really scared.

The witness agreed that his face almost looked a different colour.

Mr Pokuta said that Puska told him that he had some fight or something in town, and that Puska did not want to talk about it.

The witness said he would bring Puska home in his sons car, a grey Volkswagen which has a sunroof.

He told the court that he took the key, started the car up, and asked Puska several times what had happened.

I said: Why did you not ring the guards? No answer to that, he told the court.

Mr Pokuta confirmed to the court that he can be seen driving his sons car on CCTV footage shown to the jury last week and again on Tuesday morning.

Vigils were held in Ireland and beyond after Ms Murphys death (Brian Lawless/PA)

He told the court that Puska was wearing a black tracksuit with some line on the side, which he thought was white.

The court heard that when they arrived at his home, Puska said: Ill sort you out tomorrow, and went inside.

The court heard that Mr Pokuta did not tell gardai the whole story in a statement on January 21, but did on January 24.

He said that this was because he was worried about his family, as there was a lot going on about the murder of Ms Murphy in Tullamore at the time.

Mr Pokuta said he was worried someone might come down to my house and do something.

Under questioning from defence barrister Michael Bowman SC, Mr Pokuta said that Puska did look injured at the time.

Mr Pokuta told the court Puska could have been holding his stomach or head, and that he did look hurt.

The court also heard members of An Garda Siochana give evidence in relation to a FitBit smartwatch and an account liked to an email address that included the words ashling murphy.

Gardai beside the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly. (PA)

Garda Ciaran Byrne explained to the court what data a FitBit can gather, including distances and heartrate.

Mr Byrne said that he examined the data from the FitBit watch, shown in court, and cross-checked the data it collected on elevation and direction against a test he carried out along the canal route.

He said the Fitbit data indicates the user travelled 1km along the canal walk by 3.01pm, 2km by 3.10pm and 3km by 3.20pm.

Mr Byrne told the court that from 3.21pm, there was no longer any consistent data recorded by the smartwatch.

He said that there was a 90 degree angle recorded for most of the exercise session, indicating the user travelled in an easterly direction.

At 3.16pm, he said there was a change from 90 up to 270 degrees, as the user appears to do a u-turn and walk in a westerly direction.

He said that at 3.21pm, the user of the watch is no longer travelling in a westerly direction, and the data indicates an erratic or violent movement where the orientation being tracked by the smartwatch is moving quite quickly from 0 to 360 degrees in a constant manner.

Mr Byrne said that it seemed to be going from 0 to 360 repeatedly in a very short space of time.

The witness told the court he could not see that happening in any of the previous exercises logged by the user.

He also said that having walked the route myself, the erratic activity takes place at the spot where the memorial now stands.

A bunch of red rose placed on the bridge across the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly (PA)

In heartrate data tracked by the Fitbit watch, recorded in beats per minute (bpm), the start of the exercise session tracks a rate of around 100bpm, the court heard.

At 3.21pm, the heartrate decreases rapidly, Mr Byrne told the court, and falls to a point below 60bpm at 3.27pm.

At 3.27pm the heartrate increases rapidly until 3.31pm, when the Fitbit no longer picks up a heartrate, Mr Byrne said.

He said the watch no longer records any values for a heartrate after 3.31pm.

Under questioning from Mr Bowman, Mr Byrne confirmed that the time on the Huawei smartphone linked to the FitBit watch and account was correct, and confirmed to the court that he did check.

Mr Bowman suggested to Mr Byrne that there was a need to be careful with the accuracy of the data.
Israel's military said it was preparing for "unrelenting attacks" to dismantle Hamas while former U.S. President Barack Obama warned that "any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire."

The Palestinian health ministry said the Gaza death toll in two weeks of air strikes had topped 5,000.

Israel pounded hundreds of targets in Gaza from the air on Monday as its soldiers fought Hamas militants during raids into the besieged Palestinian strip where civilians are trapped in harrowing conditions.

Hamas on Monday said it had freed two Israeli women among the more than 200 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel in which the Islamist group killed 1,400 people. They were the third and fourth hostages to be released.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi issued a statement suggesting that Israel had no intention of curbing its strikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip and hinting that it was well prepared for a ground assault.

"We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling," Halevi said. "The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way.

"We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south," he added, referring to southern Israel, which abuts Gaza. "There are tactical, operative, strategic considerations that have provided additional time, and troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now."

In public, the United States has stressed Israel's right to defend itself but two sources familiar with the matter said the White House, Pentagon and State Department have stepped up private appeals for caution in conversations with the Israelis.

A U.S. priority is to gain time for negotiations to free other hostages, said the sources, who spoke before the hostage releases were announced on Monday.

Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, U.S. President Joe Biden said: ""We should have those hostages released and then we can talk."

Obama warns Israel against civilan casualties

Obama, in a rare comment by a former U.S. president on a foreign policy crisis, issued a written statement warning Israel not to cause so many civilian casualties in retaliating against Hamas that it would alienate generations of Palestinians.

"Any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire. Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes," Obama said in a statement posted on social media.

It was not immediately clear whether Obama coordinated his statement with Biden, who was his vice president. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"The Israeli government's decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis," he added.

"It could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel's enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region," he wrote in the statement published in Medium that also condemned Hamas' attack and reiterated his support for Israel's right to defend itself.

On Monday, Gaza's health ministry said 436 people had been killed in bombardments over the last 24 hours, most in the south of the coastal enclave next to which Israeli troops and tanks have massed for a possible ground invasion.

The Israeli military said it had struck more than 320 targets in Gaza over 24 hours, including a tunnel housing Hamas fighters, dozens of command and lookout posts, and mortar and anti-tank missile launcher positions.

At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed in two weeks of strikes, including 2,055 children, the health ministry said.

The Israeli bombardment was triggered by the Oct. 7 assault, the bloodiest episode in a single day since the state of Israel was founded 75 years ago.

With Gaza's 2.3 million people running short of basics, European leaders looked set to follow the United Nations and Arab nations in calling for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities so aid could reach them.

A convoy of humanitarian aid trucks delivered water, food and medicine to the Gaza Strip on Monday  the third since aid began flowing on Saturday  but the United Nations said fuel was not included and reserves will run out within two days.

The U.N. said desperate Gazans also lacked places to shelter from the unrelenting pounding that has flattened swathes of the Hamas-ruled enclave.

The conflict meanwhile was escalating beyond Gaza.

Israeli aircraft hit positions in south Lebanon held by Hezbollah which, like Hamas, is a group allied to Israel's long-time foe Iran. The Israeli army and Palestinians clashed in the occupied West Bank and Hamas fired more rockets into Israel.

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, said its fighters engaged with an Israeli force that infiltrated southern Gaza, destroying two bulldozers and a tank and forcing the raiders to withdraw. Israel made no comment on the incident. (Reuters)
A school bus driver has told a court that the man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy arrived at his home looking scared and wet on the same day she was killed.

The court heard from the man that Jozef Puska arrived at his home in Tullamore and said he had been in a fight in town.

Giving evidence at Central Criminal Court in Dublin, he told the court that he did not tell the whole story to gardai until January 24 because he was afraid of what it would mean for his family.

A garda also told the court about speaking to Puska in hospital as part of an investigation into a stabbing incident in Blanchardstown, Dublin on the day after Ms Murphys death.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed while out exercising along a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly, at about 3.30pm on January 12 last year.

Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the schoolteachers murder.

Jozef Puska denies murdering the 23-year-old schoolteacher (Niall Carson/PA)

Rostislav Peter Pokuta told the court on Tuesday he knew Puska and his brothers because of his job as a school bus driver.

Mr Pokuta, a Slovak national who has been living in Ireland since 2006, said he was eating his dinner at about 9pm on January 12 when he was told by his son that Puska was at the door.

So I came down to the door and said Whats the story?' he told the court, adding that Puska asked him for a lift home.

Mr Pokuta said Puska looked very scared, wet, and that his face was scratched or something.

He told the court Puska did not look like himself and appeared really scared.

The witness agreed that his face almost looked a different colour.

Mr Pokuta said that Puska told him that he had some fight or something in town, and that Puska did not want to talk about it.

The witness said he would take Puska home in his sons car, a grey Volkswagen which has a sunroof.

He told the court that he took the key, started the car, and asked Puska several times what had happened.

I said Why did you not ring the guards? No answer to that, he told the court.

Mr Pokuta confirmed to the court that he can be seen driving his sons car on CCTV footage shown to the jury last week and again on Tuesday.

Vigils were held in Ireland and beyond after Ms Murphys death (Brian Lawless/PA)

He told the court that Puska was wearing a black tracksuit with some line on the side, which he thought was white.

The court heard that when they arrived at his home, Puska said: Ill sort you out tomorrow, and went inside.

The court heard that Mr Pokuta did not tell gardai the whole story in a statement on January 21, but did on January 24.

He said that this was because he was worried about his family, as there was a lot going on about the murder of Ms Murphy in Tullamore at the time.

Mr Pokuta said he was worried someone might come down to my house and do something.

Under questioning from defence barrister Michael Bowman SC, Mr Pokuta said that Puska did look injured at the time.

Mr Pokuta told the court Puska could have been holding his stomach or head, and that he did look hurt.

Gardai beside the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly (PA)

Garda Sergeant Paul McDonnell, who had been stationed at Blanchardstown Garda Station, said his colleagues were investigating a stabbing in Blanchardstown in January last year.

He said he and another garda were tasked with speaking to a man who had been identified as the victim of a stabbing.

Mr McDonnell said that he attended the accident and emergency department of St James Hospital on January 13 at about 14.35pm.

Mr McDonnell said that in one room he saw Puska in bed with his eyes closed and with a series of monitors attached to his chest and arms.

He said the bottom area of his torso was covered in a dressing, and both his left and right hands and his forehead had distinctive, raw marks on them.

He said Puska was in good humour.

Mr McDonnell said they told Puska that they were there to assist him and wished to get information to help with their inquiries in relation to a stabbing in Blanchardstown on the evening of January 12.

Mr McDonnell told the court that Puska said he travelled to Dublin with a friend and arrived in the area of Heuston station, then travelled on to Blanchardstown via a taxi.

Red roses on the bridge across the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly (PA)

Mr McDonnell said Puska told him that when he was getting out of the taxi, he was immediately set upon and assaulted by two males.

He said Puska described one as dark-skinned and wearing a tracksuit, but could not give a description of the second.

When asked to describe his injuries, Mr McDonnell said Puska could not elaborate further.

Mr McDonnell said Puska had said he went to Blanchardstown to meet a woman, but could not tell him the womans identity.

The garda confirmed to the court that all this information was given to him through a translator.

Mr McDonnell said he took a photograph of Puskas hand to assist him with his inquiries, and Puska gave him permission to do so by giving him a thumbs up.

Mr McDonnell said the photo of Puskas left hand had distinct markings that were identical to marks on his right hand and forehead.

He said that the interview came to an end when an alarm went off on the machine and he sought the attention of a nurse.

The court also heard members of An Garda Siochana give evidence in relation to a FitBit smartwatch and an account linked to an email address that included the words ashling murphy.

Garda Ciaran Byrne said that he examined the data from the Fitbit watch, shown in court, and cross-checked the data it collected on elevation and direction against a test he carried out along the canal route.

He said the watch no longer recorded any values for a heartrate after 3.31pm.

Under questioning from Mr Bowman, Mr Byrne confirmed that the time on the Huawei smartphone linked to the Fitbit watch and account was correct, and confirmed to the court that he did check.

Mr Bowman suggested to Mr Byrne that there was a need to be careful with the accuracy of the data.
Terror links ruled out as 23-year-old jailed for hate-fuelled targeting of gay men

Sligo Superintendent Barry Doyle said Michael Snee and Aidan Moffit were "innocent men who did no wrong"

Mystery surrounds the origin of 357,000 in cash found hidden in the home of double murderer Yousef Palani.

The money was discovered by gardai during a five-day search of the killers Sligo home after his arrest for the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in April of last year, as well as a brutal assault on Anthony Burke.

It can be revealed that most of the money was in denominations of 500 and 200 banknotes and found hidden in bags in the cluttered bedrooms of 23-year-old Palanis home.

The Irish Independent previously revealed the cash seizure is the focus of an ongoing Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) investigation.

One line of inquiry is that the money came into Ireland when Palanis family first arrived here from Iraq.

As part of their investigation, officers were at the time searching for a mobile phone  which was later found in an attic of the property  and had no idea there was so much cash in the house.

It was established that this phone had been present in the homes of the targeted men and important evidence was discovered on it.

Gardai do not accept an explanation that the money was saved over a number of years.

Officers also do not think that the money is linked to Islamist extremism or jihadism.

In relation to theories that the money is linked to any form of terrorism or organised criminality, this has been ruled out, a senior source said last night.

Detailed investigations have been carried out, including by specialist units, and gardai are satisfied that neither he nor his associates have any links to Islamist terrorism and he was not radicalised at the time of the murders.

The 23-year-old was sentenced yesterday to the mandatory term for the murders of Mr Moffitt and Mr Snee, who were killed in their own homes two days apart.

Palani was also handed a concurrent sentence of 20 years for causing serious harm to Mr Burke by stabbing him in his left eye with a kitchen knife.

Gardai believe that Palani, who had plans to murder other gay men that included a kill list of around a dozen other potential victims, is himself homosexual.

The Central Criminal Court yesterday was told how Palani had been motivated by his hatred of homosexual men.

The sentencing hearing heard that while Palani told gardai that his religion forbade homosexuality, investigators were satisfied that he was not radicalised.

Palani told gardai in interviews that Muslims could not be homosexual and vehemently denied being gay, despite using homosexual dating apps.

A number of other gay men with whom Palani interacted were warned by gardai of the potential threats against them and given security advice.

Many investigators involved in this case are of the view that this individual should never be released from prison when the potential for that comes up in less than 20 years time. There are significant fears that he would kill again if given the opportunity, a source said.

Palani  whose murderous spree, according to sources, displayed serial killer tendencies  was totally unknown to gardai before April of last year.

He had moved to Ireland from the Middle East with his family when he was aged six and had grown up in Sligo without ever coming to the attention of gardai.

Detective Garda Conor Jordan, of Sligo garda station, agreed with Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, yesterday, that Palanis motivation to carry out the murders was as a result of his hostility and prejudice towards homosexual men.

He said the garda view was that Palani had also certainly exaggerated and/or made up claims about his mental health and that a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was not warranted.

The first murder victim, Mr Moffitt, had been decapitated in his home. He had also suffered 42 stab wounds. Gardai noted his two hands had been tied behind his back.

Mr Snee was also found tied up on the floor of his bedroom.

A hunting knife and a black coloured knife had been laid on the bed to make the shape of a cross, the court was told.

There were 38 sharp-force injuries to Mr Snees body and he had been stabbed 25 times.

A third man, Anthony Burke, survived the attack but lost sight in one eye.

Palani had met his victims on two dating apps targeted at gay, bisexual and transgender people.

CCTV played a huge part in the arrest of the double killer, but gardai also received great support from the Muslim community in Sligo as part of their investigation as well as help from survivor Anthony Burke.

Speaking after the hearing, Sligo superintendent Barry Doyle said the murders of Mr Snee and Mr Moffitt did not just impact the heart of the community in Sligo, they also repulsed the nation.
Rapidly expanding Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip killed more than 700 people in the past day as medical facilities across the territory were forced to close because of bombing damage and a lack of power, according to health officials.

The soaring death toll from Israels escalating bombardment was unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It could signal an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli ground forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected offensive into the territory aimed at crushing Hamas.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been under increasing bombardment and running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating attack by Hamas militants on towns in southern Israel on October 7.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 air strikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centres and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes.

Witnesses and health officials said many of the air strikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

An overnight strike hit a four-storey residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron (Christophe Ena/AP)

The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the air strike. He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate.

They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently there is no safe place in Gaza, he said.

Another air strike hit a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing several shoppers and wounding dozens, witnesses said.

Men used sledgehammers to break up concrete and dug with their bare hands through the jagged wreckage to save anyone they could.

Fifteen members of another family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried on Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli air strikes.

Gazas Hamas-run Health Ministry said the attacks killed at least 704 people over the past day, including 305 children and 173 women.

More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors, the ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

Emmanuel Macron also met Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem (Christophe Ena/AP)

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians killed during the initial Hamas attack.

As the death toll in Gaza spiralled, facilities to deal with the casualties were dwindling.

A total of 46 out of 72 primary healthcare facilities, and 12 out of 35 hospitals, stopped functioning, the World Health Organisation said.

Palestinian health officials said the lack of electricity and fuel to power generators from the Israeli blockade, as well as damage from air strikes, has forced many of the facilities to close.

Gazas five main hospitals were all filled beyond capacity, it said.

Palestinian health officials said the lack of electricity and fuel to power generators from the Israeli blockade, as well as damage from air strikes, has forced many of the facilities to close.

While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza.

(PA Graphics)

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired more than 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage on Tuesday morning.

We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south for your personal safety.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing to 35 the death toll of its workers since the war started.

Amid fears the fighting could spiral into a wider regional war, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and told top Israeli officials that he came to express our support and solidarity and share your pain as well as to assure Israel it is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

In a joint news conference with Mr Macron, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would make every effort to fight the war quickly, but it could be a long war.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken to Gaza during the attack.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters on Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her.

Yocheved Lifshitz was held hostage in Gaza (Ariel Schalit/AP)

They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several miles on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spiders web, she said.

Once there, though, her treatment improved, she said. Ms Lifshitz, whose husband remains a hostage, said conditions were kept clean, she received medical care, including medication, and was given the same one meal a day of cheese and cucumber that her captors had.

Ms Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Ms Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody T-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the October 7 attack.

The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that they had been promised financial rewards.

Israels Iron Dome missile defence system fires interceptors at rockets launched from the Gaza Strip (AP)

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

The Israeli military later dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informants home.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Middle East, if a ground offensive is launched.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an increase in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

Palestinians unload boxes of medicine from a truck (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a US official.
Lawyer and prominent conservative media figure Jenna Ellis has pleaded guilty to a felony charge over efforts to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia, tearfully telling the judge she looks back on that time with deep remorse.

Ellis, the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal with prosecutors, was a vocal part of Trumps re-election campaign in the last presidential cycle and was charged alongside the Republican former president and 17 others with violating the states anti-racketeering law.

She pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She had been facing charges of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, known as Rico, and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer, both felonies.

She rose to speak after pleading guilty, fighting back tears as she said she would have not have represented Trump after the 2020 election if she had known then what she knows now, claiming she relied on lawyers with more experience than her and failed to verify the things they told her.

Jenna Ellis reads a statement to the court (John Bazemore/AP)

What I did not do but should have done, your honour, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, the 38-year-old Ellis said.

The guilty plea comes just days after fellow lawyers Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro entered guilty pleas. That means three high-profile people responsible for pushing baseless legal challenges to Democrat Joe Bidens 2020 election victory have agreed to accept responsibility for their roles rather than take their chances before a jury.

Trump said he did not know anything about Elliss plea deal but called it too bad and said he was not worried by it.

Responding to a question in the hallway of a New York City courthouse, where he faces a civil fraud case, he added: Dont know anything, were totally innocent of everything, thats political persecution is all it is.

Steve Sadow, Trumps lead lawyer in the Georgia case, used Elliss plea to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the racketeering charges brought by Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis against all 19 defendants.

For the fourth time, Fani Willis and her prosecution team have dismissed the Rico charge in return for a plea to probation, he said. What that shows is this so-called Rico case is nothing more than a bargaining chip for DA Willis.

He also noted that Ellis pleaded guilty to a charge that was not in the original indictment and does not include Trump.

She was sentenced to five years of probation along with 5,000 dollars (4,100) in restitution, 100 hours of community service, writing an apology letter to the people of Georgia and testifying truthfully in trials related to this case.

The early pleas and the favourable punishment  probation rather than prison  could foreshadow similar outcomes for additional defendants who may see an admission of guilt and co-operation as their best hope for leniency.

Ellis is the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal (John Bazemore/AP)

Even so, their value as witnesses against Trump is unclear given that their direct participation in unfounded schemes will no doubt expose them to attacks on their credibility and bruising cross-examinations if they give evidence.

The indictment in the sweeping case details a number of accusations against Ellis, including that she helped author plans on how to disrupt and delay congressional certification of the 2020 elections results on January 6 2021, the day a mob of Trump supporters eventually overran the US Capitol.

She is also accused of urging state legislators to unlawfully appoint a set of presidential electors loyal to Trump at a hearing in Pennsylvania, and she later appeared with some of those legislators and Trump at a meeting on the topic at the White House.

The indictment further says she similarly pushed state legislators to back false, pro-Trump electors in Georgia as well as Arizona and Michigan.

Prosecutor Daysha Young said in court on Tuesday that Ellis attended a December 2020 meeting of Georgia state senators with Trump lawyer and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and with Georgia-based lawyer Ray Smith.

Ellis intentionally aided and abetted the other two as they made false statements to the legislators, including that more than 2,500 people convicted of felonies, more than 66,000 people who were under 18 and more than 10,000 dead people voted in the 2020 election in Georgia, Ms Young said.

Ellis wrote in August on X, formerly known as Twitter: The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law. I am resolved to trust the Lord.

But she has been more critical of Trump since then, saying on conservative radio in September that she would not vote for him again, citing his malignant, narcissistic tendency to simply say that hes never done anything wrong.

Ellis was a leading voice in the Trump campaigns efforts to overturn the 2020 election, appearing frequently on television and conservative media to tell lies about widespread fraud that did not occur and spread misinformation and conspiracy theories.
James Smyth (57) denies murders of two Catholic menCrown Court told that the alleged killer raised his gun in the air, shouting Up the UVF as he fled the sceneSupergrass Gary Haggarty, who last seen in public in 2009, is giving evidence

Scene of the shooting in North Queen Street, Belfast, in 1994. Pic: Belfast Telegraph

A group of men enter Belfast Crown Court where a large group of men sat masked in court to watch as loyalist supergrass and former UVF commander Gary Haggarty gave evidence against James Smyth. Pic: Alan Lewis/Photopress Belfast

Two men were killed in a gun attack while eating lunch in their car on 17 May 1994.

A 57-year-old man is currently on trial in Belfasts Crown Court accused of murdering two Catholic men.

James Smyth  known as Jimmy Shades  from Forthriver Link, north Belfast, has denied murdering Gary Convie (24) and Eamonn Fox (41).

The two men were killed in a gun attack while eating lunch in their car on 17 May 1994. A third man escaped the attack unharmed.

UVF supergrass Gary Haggarty, who was last seen in public in 2009, is giving evidence at the trial.

A group of masked men watched the proceedings from the public gallery on Monday.

Ciaran Dunbar joins Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris, who has been following the trial, to discuss the case.

Supergrass trial: Allison Morris breaks down UVF murder case
Lightstock

There are many Christians who love going to church but there are also many Christians who dont. It has become increasingly popular for Christians to stay at home and find alternative methods to practice their faith including prayer, meditation and personal Bible study. Many people who dont attend church regularly or at all wonder what the point of going to church is if they have a personal relationship with God. While not attending church will not send you to hell or make God love you any less, it is not what God hoped for His people and can hinder spiritual growth.

First, to understand why God cares if we go to church, its important to understand the definition of church. Church is commonly understood to be a building used for public Christian worship but the biblical definition characterizes the church as people. We see the word church used in the Bible multiple ways. First, it is described as the body of Christ. The church is often defined as a local assembly or group of believers. Paul, who was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, says in his greeting To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be His holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ  their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2). This is just one example of the church being defined as company or assembly.

Next, the church is defined as the body of living, individual believers. When Paul preaches the Gospel after receiving it by revelation from Jesus Christ, he says, For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it (Galatians 1:13). Paul also said For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God (1 Corinthians 15:9). Both of these verses signal that the church is a body of living people.

Finally, it is defined as the universal group of all people who have trusted Christ through the ages. When Peter makes his confession of Christ, Jesus replies, And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it (Matthew 16:18). From these examples, we see that church is not something we do individually. It is something we do collectively. A very important aspect of Christian life is not just what you do by yourself but also what you do together with other people. Biblically, the church is considered to be the family of God. We understand family to be a group that is mutually dependent on each other. The same goes for the church. If we dont attend church, we are negating what God intends for His people: community.

One reason we know that God valued church is because church it is what Jesus did. The Bible tells us, [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was His custom (Luke 4:16). This was in line with the obeying of the Ten Commandments, the forth being, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. As followers of Christ, we are called to do what Jesus has done. Just as Jesus would go to church, we as followers should do the same. We are called by God to do so.

God wants us to go to church is because its a good habit. The Bible says, Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship. But we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lords coming is getting closer (Hebrews 10:25). Scripture tells us that it is a good habit to regularly attend church and worship. Church is important for fellowship. It is also a place where we come together to not only hear Gods Word, but also encourage each other. We do this not only through prayer, but also by being involved in classes, groups and serving where we get to know, pray, help and encourage others on an intimate level. Church is a good habit and when it is a regular part of our practice, we benefit and those who we are in community with benefit as well.

When we become Christians, we attend church not simply because its a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. We join a church because its what Christ called us to do and who Christ made us to be  members of His body. When we are in are union with believers, we are in union with Christ.

There are many reasons Christians make for not liking or going to church. Some of the reasons are warranted. If your local church is not directed in Scripture and not centered in Christ, this is cause for alarm. If money consumes the church and is used recklessly or the church teaches false doctrine, this is not in line with the New Testament outlines for the church.

If youve experience any of these things, these are good reasons to leave your church and find another. If you are rejecting the church, its time to examine where your heart is and why you are closing yourself off. There are many who reject worship because they are uncomfortable with the style of worship or reject mission because its uncomfortable. However, being a part of a community of believers is what we are called to be as Christians. If you are rejecting parts of the body of Christ, it will hinder your own spiritual growth.

Church is a place where we go to be inspired to model our lives after Jesus, to live more Godly lives, and to discover our sense of purpose. The church helps us see that we are here to serve and to love. Instead of occasionally going to church or shutting it off all together, make church attendance a priority. It is a part of who we are as believers. Yes, there are a million other things we could be doing on a Sunday but none of these reasons outweigh being in fellowship and mission. This is what God wants for you.

Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council.
China's top diplomat will come to Washington Thursday for a three-day visit, the latest move by Washington and Beijing to keep high-level talks open amid tense bilateral relations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan over a range of issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict , the Ukraine war and a recent vessel collision in the South China Sea , according to senior administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the trip.

Wang's trip will come just about three weeks ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, where it's possible that President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet . The officials did not confirm the leaders' meeting, nor did they say if Wang's visit would prepare for such a meeting. Instead, Wang's trip was described as reciprocal to Blinken's visit to Beijing in June.

Beijing has yet to confirm if Xi will travel to San Francisco for the annual APEC summit.

U.S.-China relations have deteriorated rapidly since 2018 over issues such as trade imbalance, human rights in the northwestern region of Xinjiang, the militarization of the South China Sea, the rising pressure on the self-governed island of Taiwan and the pandemic. Last November, Biden and Xi met in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting of leading rich and developing nations. The two sides agreed to resume talks, set up work groups on specific issues and expand person-to-person exchanges.

The relationship had barely warmed up when Washington accused Beijing of flying a spy balloon over the U.S. territory in February, drawing stern protests from Beijing and plunging bilateral relations to another low.

Blinken traveled to Beijing in June, when bilateral relations began to improve. Earlier this month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer led a delegation of six senators to China , in the first visit by U.S. lawmakers since 2019. This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom is in China to discuss climate change.

When Wang arrives in Washington, American officials will push China to be more constructive in the Middle East, the senior administration officials said. Earlier this month, Blinken discussed with Wang the the importance of maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict, according to the State Department.

The weekend collisions between Philippine and Chinese vessels off Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea also will be brought up in meetings with Wang, the U.S. officials said. Washington has responded by affirming its support for Manila and criticizing Beijing for its dangerous and unlawful actions.

China, however, claimed the shoal to be part of its territory and accused the Philippines of severely violating China's territorial sovereignty by marooning a navy ship there. It vowed to take necessary measures to defend China's sovereignty and maritime interests.

As America contends with China's rise as a global power, Biden has called for guardrails to manage bilateral relations, but China has rejected them. Instead, it has demanded a different kind of great power relationship by which the U.S. must respect China's core interests.

While Wang's visit won't solve any differences, it's part of the U.S. diplomatic effort toward open communications to minimize risks, the American officials said. (AP)
Anwar Usman, chief justice of Indonesias Constitutional Court and the brother-in-law of the countrys president, leads a group of nine judges in Jakarta who reduced the minimum age for presidential and vice presidential candidates, Oct.16, 2023.

Indonesian activists and legal experts are raising questions about an ethics panel set up by the countrys Constitutional Court this week to investigate accusations of bias and nepotism against itself over allowing the outgoing presidents son to run for vice president.

The questions about the panels credibility surfaced after activists alleged that Jimly Asshiddiqie, a retired Constitutional Court judge and member of the ethics panel formed on Monday, had endorsed Prabowo Subianto, the frontrunner presidential candidate who picked Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his running mate.

Jimly met with Prabowo in early May 2023, after which he expressed his support for Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election, Yansen Dinata, the executive director of Public Virtue Research Institute, a prominent think-tank on democracy and civil rights, told BenarNews.

He also said that Jimlys son, Robby Ferliansyah, was running for a legislative seat under Prabowos Gerindra Party.

Jimly, a constitutional law scholar who served as the inaugural head of the Constitutional Court from 2003 to 2008, said he was unfazed by the criticism and would soon look into all reports of alleged ethical violations.

Independence is not something you only talk about, he said. Ethics is not about words, but also actions.

The panel was established after lawyers and good governance groups accused the Constitutional Court, whose chief judge is married to the sister of term-limited President Joko Jokowi Widodo, of issuing a politically motivated ruling that favored the presidents son.

Critics allege that last weeks ruling, which carved out an exception to the existing bar for candidates younger than 40 from running in presidential elections, paved the way for Gibran, 36, to run as vice president.

He serves as mayor of Solo, the Central Java city where his father, Jokowi, was born and started his political career.

The Constitutional Court, one of the countrys apex courts separate from the Supreme Court, can settle election disputes, review laws and address constitutional questions.

Anwar Usman, the chief of the nine-member court, had previously recused himself from similar cases over personal and family interest concerns, but participated in the latest one.

He has defended the contentious ruling as based on legal arguments and constitutional principles, but nonetheless agreed to institute the three-member ethics board of former judges to review the allegations.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo (center), accompanied by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (to his rear), attends the commemoration of National Santri Day in Surabaya, East Java, Oct. 22, 2023. [Juni Kriswanto/AFP]

Critics, including Muhammad Isnur, executive director of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, a civil society pressure group, said they questioned the boards credibility.

Of course, the ethics board is controversial, and its difficult to restore the dignity of the Constitutional Court because we have lost trust in it, he told BenarNews.

This is a challenge for the Constitutional Court and the board. Can they be ethical? Can they be independent in investigating the judges who are alleged to have violated ethics?

Feri Amsari, who teaches constitutional law at Andalas University in West Sumatra, said previous ethics boards decisions almost always sided with judges accused of breaches.

The reason why the decisions tend to favor constitutional judges is that the board members are mostly former judges themselves. They have emotional ties with their fellow judges, he told BenarNews.

Jokowi has directly avoided addressing the controversy and has not formally endorsed candidates in the current race.

On Tuesday, however, he approved his sons nomination for vice president in a letter as part of a legal requirement, said Ari Dwipayana, an aide to the president.

As parents, we can only support and give [our] blessing, Jokowi told reporters on Sunday, referring to his sons nomination. Its his decision because hes an adult, and we should not interfere in our childrens decisions.

Jokowi is the first Indonesian president outside the countrys military or political elite. The former furniture businessman and mayor of Solo was elected president in 2014 after a campaign that painted him as a man of the people.

He has been widely praised for revamping Indonesias dilapidated infrastructure during his nine years in office.

But he has also been criticized for his administrations crackdown on dissent, his weakening of anti-corruption efforts and his compromise on human rights.

In his second term, Jokowi appointed Prabowo, an ex-special forces commander accused of being tied to human rights abuses during his career as a soldier, as his defense chief. Prabowo has been the frontrunner for much of the campaign season this time around and holds a narrow lead over other candidates, according to recent opinion polls.

Gibrans elevation to Prabowos running mate appeared to signal the outgoing presidents unspoken endorsement of their candidacy and the potential transformation of his legacy into a dynasty.
Chang Lih Kang, Malaysias minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (left), speaks to reporters in Kuala Lumpur about allowing rare earths processor Lynas to continue operations at Malaysia plant, Oct. 24, 2023.

Malaysia announced Tuesday that it had updated the operational license for Australian rare-earth miner Lynas to allow the firm to import raw radioactive materials for processing until March 2026, provided that Lynas makes the waste safe from radioactivity.

The Atomic Energy Licensing Board had determined that Lynas could process the rare earths in Malaysia to ensure that radioactive waste was neutralized, said Chang Lih Kang, the minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. He called it a win-win situation for the company and Malaysia.

Before this our concern was we did not want continuous accumulation of radioactive waste in Malaysia. So, we did not allow them to import and process it, because that would produce radioactive waste, he said during a news conference.

The Malaysian government had been concerned that thorium would not be extracted properly from the rare earths mined in Australia and shipped here.

Lynas is the worlds largest rare-earth producer outside of China  Beijing maintains a near-monopoly of 80% on rare earth production. Rare-earth ores are key ingredients for wind turbines, electronics and military technologies.

Last week, Lynas announced it would halt its operations in Malaysia starting Jan. 1 over radiation concerns. The company had been preparing its Kalgoorlie facility in Australia to operate as a backup measure.

The Lynas plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, 264 km. (164 miles) from Kuala Lumpur, had faced scrutiny over a lack of a safe disposal solution for its radioactive and toxic wastes.

Chang said Lynass permanent disposal facility, which has a capacity of 1.6 million metric tons, holds 1.2 million metric tons of waste.

Chang said the decision aligns with the governments effort to prevent radioactive waste, noting that thorium can end up generating income for Malaysia.

The thorium can be upgraded into fuel-grade and can be sold as a commodity, he said.

While Malaysia does not have a nuclear power plant, thorium can be sold to other countries that have plants or it can be used in other sectors, he said.



In February, Malaysian officials rejected Lynas bid to continue operating parts of its facility after July 1 and ordered the company to move radioactive waste-producing processes out of the country. Despite that, Lynas received a three-year license renewal for its other processing operations.

In May, the government granted Lynas a six-month extension to manage its radiation issues, recognizing the minerals vital role in global high-tech industries.

A laborer operates a bulldozer during construction of the Lynas processing plant in Gebeng, Malaysia, April 19, 2012. [Saeed Khan/AFP]

Research, development

Lynass license is conditional on an annual investment of 1% of its gross sales in Malaysia for research collaboration with nuclear authorities to reduce radioactive waste.

The companys research and development investment in Malaysia amounts to 0.5% of its gross sales, Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze said in a statement, adding that the company has invested more than 3 billion ringgit (U.S. $627 million) in Malaysia.

The R&D program will be overseen by the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board and will be directed towards developing methods for removal of naturally occurring radioactive material from residues.

As the leading producer of rare earths outside of China, Malaysia plays an important role in the global rare earths supply chain. This decision provides a strong foundation for further development of the Malaysian rare earths industry, the statement said.

Environmental concerns

Two environmentalists questioned the feasibility of whether the extraction method would ensure that residue waste from the rare earth process is free from radiation.

This government must prove to the people that what Lynas promised is both feasible and trustworthy. The governments regulatory authorities will play their roles to ensure strict adherence to the terms upon which this extension is granted, Tan Bun Teet, chairman of Save Malaysia Stop Lynas, told BenarNews.

According to the ministers statement, Lynas claims it will produce less waste with its new proposal. However, the lingering question is how they will manage over 1 million tons of radioactive waste, waiting to be 2 million tons per day.

There is a lack of explanation and detailed documentation to demonstrate the feasibility of this. Has the minister exercised due diligence to ensure the viability and practicality of what he mentioned in his official statement, he asked.

Environmentalist Mageswari Sangaralingam of the NGO Friends of the Earth Malaysia urged the government to be transparent.

She said current residues are above safe levels, adding the method to extract radioactive materials from the residue is unclear and questionable.

No explanation has been given on how the radioactive level is going to be brought down, she said in a statement.
Surrounded by supporters, Philippine Rep. France Castro (center) holds a copy of the complaint she filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office, Oct. 24, 2023.

An opposition congresswoman filed a criminal complaint Tuesday against ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for making a death threat against her during a television program this month.

Rep. France Castro called Dutertes statement both baseless and malicious. The former president specifically named the congresswoman during a show he hosted on Oct. 11 and that was broadcast from southern Davao city, his political power base.

He must be held accountable for the serious threats to my life, Castro told reporters.

During the program, Duterte defended his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who was being questioned during a congressional inquiry over her use of state funds that she had sought to keep confidential.

Castro had questioned the allocation of 650 million pesos (U.S. $11.4 million) in funds for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Educations offices, both of which Sara Duterte oversees.

While on air the former president urged his daughter to be straightforward with lawmakers, particularly with Castro, about the necessity of confidential funds to combat the communist insurgency.

But your first target there, using your intelligence funds, is you, France, you communists who I want to kill, Duterte said, according to transcripts made public. I asked her (Sara Duterte) to tell them that, but she refused, saying, You know Pa, if I did that, they might harass the PMTs (Philippine Military Training institutions).

House members, including those allied with the Dutertes, eventually removed the confidential funds and realigned them to agencies protecting Philippine-claimed waters in the South China Sea.

The video has since been deleted from Sonshine Media Network International, the broadcast arm of televangelist Apollo C. Quiboloys Kingdom of Jesus Christ, but Castro and other Duterte critics have managed to save it.

Quiboloy, a Filipino identified as Dutertes pastor, has been sanctioned in the United States over allegations that he raped women and girls at the sect that he founded.

Castro, who advocates for social issues including transparency in how politicians use public funds, said she feared that Dutertes threats were genuine and posed a risk to her life, liberty and security.

Her complaint seeks redress for these grave threats. If Duterte is found guilty, he could face imprisonment for up to six months and a fine that would be set by the court.

She said she lived in constant fear that I will be a victim of such extrajudicial killing, forced disappearance, illegal arrest or detention that he repeatedly admitted having perpetrated in the past.

Though factually baseless and clearly malicious, I cannot merely dismiss respondent Dutertes red-tagging and accompanying grave threats as either figurative, joking or otherwise benign, Castro said.

Red-tagging refers to baselessly accusing someone of being a communist sympathizer.

The threat was not made to any condition and it was committed using information and communication technologies, she said.

Critics have said Dutertes threats should not be taken lightly, considering that more than 8,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers were killed during his term as president from 2016-2022 according to government figures.

International charges

Duterte also has two complaints before the International Criminal Court.

One was filed by a former police officer and a self-styled assassin who accused Duterte of ordering the deaths of opponents and criminals when he was mayor of of Davao. The second was filed by relatives of people killed during the presidential counter-narcotics campaign.

Duterte once told police that he would protect them from prosecution if they were charged, as long as the deaths occurred while they were performing their mandate as law enforcement officers.

The former presidents lawyer, Salvador Panelo, said Dutertes statement was not a threat, adding he was only expressing his intent to kill.

It does not even refer to her, so what is the basis for the complaint? Are you the offended person, Panelo said.

But the alleged offender does not refer to you. It refers to the general class of people who wanted to destroy the state, he said.

Last week, House members called out Duterte for the threat, saying they took utmost exception to his remarks.

Our institution, the House of Representatives, has been unwavering in its dedication to the Filipino people. It is deeply unfortunate that the former president chose to malign the very institution that for years supported many of his own legislative priorities, they said in a statement.

Tony La Vina, a lawyer and founding president of local group Movement Against Disinformation, said that while freedom of speech must be acknowledged in a democratic country, Duterte should not be allowed to blatantly flout the law.

He threatened the life of a person  on national TV, on social media, he said, stressing that Duterte was no longer immune from lawsuits because he is no longer president.

This is the first time were holding President Duterte accountable for his actions in a Philippine court, he said.

Jeoffrey Maitem and Dennis Jay Santos in Davao City, Philippines, contributed to this report.
A soldier stands guard in front of election campaign posters in Cotabato city, southern Philippines Oct. 24, 2023.

Three people were killed and a dozen arrested after violence erupted between rival political camps in the southern Philippines, police said Tuesday, just days ahead of local elections in more than 42,000 villages across the country.

Gunmen suspected to be supporters of a rival politician opened fire on Nur-Moqtadin Butucan, Alfar Singh Ayunan Pasawiran and Mawie Kaunutan late Monday as they were hanging election posters for a candidate near the village of Rosary Heights 12 in Cotabato city, police said.

The three men returned fire but were killed in the shootout, while two others in their group were wounded, Cotabato city police chief Col. Querubin Manalang Jr. told reporters.

We conducted a pursuit and clearing operations and captured 12 suspects, he said, without naming the rival candidate.

Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao said he was deeply saddened by the violence, which comes less than a week before voters across the country cast ballots for hundreds of thousands of village officials and youth representatives.

The loss of three lives in this incident is not only tragic but a direct affront to the peaceful democratic progress in the city, Matabalao said Tuesday. To those responsible, know that your actions will not go unpunished.

The deadly shooting was one of 35 incidents of violence since the start of August that police suspect to be related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Troops, backed by an armored personnel carrier, are deployed in downtown Cotabato, southern Philippines Oct. 24, 2023. [Mark Navales/BenarNews]

Village elections, set on Oct. 30, are crucial because whoever wins can influence votes for national posts. Former President Rodrigo Duterte postponed the village elections last year, citing the possibility that drug traffickers could be funding the election campaign of some candidates.

Crisis24, a New York-based security risk and management agency, reported just hours before the shooting that about 18 incidents of election-related violence had been recorded since Oct. 20.

The firm advised foreigners residing in the Philippines to avoid rallies, party offices, polling stations and counting centers.

Election-related violence between rival political parties is also possible; the government may deploy the military should significant violence occur, it said in a statement on Monday.

Election violence is nothing new in the Philippines, where bitter rivalries between feuding clans and rival political dynasties often end up in shootings and even death.

In March, gunmen with military-training killed Roel Degamo, the governor of Negros Oriential province, and nine others. Police have named a member of the House of Representatives who is a known political rival of Degamo as a suspect, but he remains on the run.

A soldier stands in front of a campaign poster in Cotabato, southern Philippines, Oct. 24, 2023. [Mark Navales/BenarNews]

At the weekend, 500 military personnel arrived in the southern province of Maguindanao to help maintain peace and security ahead of the polls.

This proactive stance is aimed at safeguarding the electoral process, demonstrating the commitment of the government to upholding democracy and maintaining law and order, said Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, the Maguindanao military commander.

Authorities are on alert after a number of deadly attacks on politicians in the past two months.

On Aug. 28, a village chief in Albay province, Alex Repato was shot and killed by unknown assailants after filing his candidacy at the local election commission.

Eight days earlier, Haron Dimalanis, an aspiring village chairman, was shot dead in front of the town hall in Midsayap, North Cotabato province.

It is not uncommon for politicians in the Philippines to keep private armed groups on the payroll.

Most of these groups are from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where some have known links to Islamic militants.

The Philippines bloodiest incidence of election-related violence occurred in November 2009 when members of the powerful Muslim Ampatuan clan were accused of killing 58 members of their rival clan, the Mangudadatu, their supporters and local journalists.

The head of the Ampatuan clan as well as dozens of others were convicted in that case. He subsequently died of natural causes in prison.
Chinese mainland tax authorities have conducted tax inspections on key enterprises of Foxconn in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, among other places, in accordance with the law. The natural resources department has also conducted on-site investigations into the land use of key enterprises of Foxconn in Henan and Hubei provinces, the Global Times has learned exclusively from sources on Sunday.



Foxconn is a Taiwan-headquartered company known globally for making Apple products including iPhones. The company's founder, Terry Gou, announced in August that he would be running as a candidate in the 2024 elections of Taiwan's regional leader. He then resigned from his seat on the board of Foxconn.



Analysts from both sides of the Taiwan Straits said that although Gou shows similar political stance with Kuomintang (KMT), the main opposition party in the island, his act of running for the elections is likely to further divide the island's opposition camp, and this will in the end favor secessionist ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate Lai Ching-te.



Many within the island suspect that the reason why Foxconn is being investigated is because Gou's running for the elections, but Chinese mainland experts said the investigation is normal and legitimate, as any company goes through tax inspections.



The investigation is normal, but it may impact the elections, said experts, noting that if the secessionists who seek "Taiwan independence" win the elections, that would be a huge disaster to the peace and stability of the region, and the Chinese people of both sides of the Taiwan Straits, including the ones in the business circle, should work together to prevent disaster from happening.



According to media reports, a spokesperson from the Hon Hai Technology Group told the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation that compliance with the law and regulations is the fundamental principle for the group operating worldwide, and it will actively cooperate with relevant departments in their inspections.

A normal act



Conducting tax inspections and investigating land use situations of domestic enterprises in China are normal market supervision activities, which are reasonable and legal. Enterprises of Foxconn have the obligation to cooperate and jointly maintain market order, and should be ready to correct their mistakes if any violations are found, Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, told the Global Times.



Zhang noted that the mainland has always welcomed Taiwan-funded enterprises to invest in the mainland and protected their legal interests. In recent years, relevant departments have provided preferential measures to Taiwan-funded enterprises, encouraging them to share the mainland's development opportunities. Enterprises from the island that have come to invest and establish factories in the mainland have indeed enjoyed the dividends of peaceful development.



As a leading company from Taiwan, Foxconn has achieved significant profits and expanded its presence in the mainland. Its subsidiary, Foxconn Industrial Internet Co Ltd, has been listed on the A-share market, contributing to its parent company, Hon Hai Technology Group, said Zhang.



Experts said the share prices of Hon Hai and Foxconn on the stock markets will likely to be impacted, and this proves that the cross-Straits cooperation is close and Taiwan companies should pay serious attention to the relevant laws and regulations of the mainland.



The expert noted that companies from the island, including Foxconn, should not only benefit from the development opportunities and dividends in the mainland but also shoulder corresponding social responsibilities. They should actively contribute to promoting peaceful cross-Straits relations and play a positive role in their continuous development.

Say no to secessionism



The concern toward Taiwan secessionism around the world is rising, including among major Western powers like the U.S. and the EU. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), on Thursday told the media during her recent trip in Taiwan that the U.S. does not support "Taiwan independence," prompting the media and observers within the island to say Washington is being suspicious over the DPP's candidate Lai.



High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell published a piece on the European External Action Service (EEAS) website Friday, stating that the EU's "One China Policy" remains unchanged and that "Taiwan should not embark on any unilateral declaration of independence."



The U.S. and the EU are now facing rising pressures from both the Middle East and Europe, due to the worsening situation in Gaza caused by the Palestine-Israel conflict, as well as the ongoing Ukraine crisis. So the major Western powers really don't want to see any uncertainty and troublemaker that would cause a new conflict in the Asian-Pacific region, especially in the Taiwan Straits, but the U.S. will keep using the island of Taiwan as a pawn to contain the mainland, said analysts.



Hou Yu-ih, candidate of the KMT for the Taiwan regional leader election in 2024, said on Saturday during a campaign activity at Taoyuan, Taiwan, that "we cannot allow the worker of 'Taiwan independence' gets elected!" He was referring to Lai, the DPP's candidate, who's also the deputy leader of the Taiwan region, and who once called himself a "pragmatic worker of 'Taiwan independence.'"



Han Kuo-yu, former candidate of the KMT during the 2020 election of Taiwan regional leader, said at the event that the election in 2024 will be a campaign of "war vs peace."

This article was originally published on Global Times.
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Israel's military intensified its assault on Hamas militants in Gaza, as the United States and other global powers called for aid to continue flowing into the besieged strip to prevent an already grave humanitarian crisis from worsening.

Israel's military said it had hit more than 400 militant targets in Gaza overnight and killed dozens of Hamas fighters, including three deputy battalion commanders.

In a statement, the military said that among the targets hit was a tunnel which allowed Hamas to infiltrate Israel from the sea and Hamas command centres in mosques. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that more than 120 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes that targeted inhabited homes in different areas of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi suggested Israel had no intention of curbing its strikes.

"We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling," Halevi said in a statement late on Monday.

"We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south," he added, referring to southern Israel, which abuts Gaza. "Troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now."

The Palestinian health ministry said the Gaza death toll had topped 5,000 in two weeks of Israeli air strikes in response to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel in which the Islamist militant group killed more than 1,400 people.

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli women among the more than 200 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 assault. They were the third and fourth hostages to be released.

U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the release of the hostages and underscored the need to sustain "a continuous flow" of humanitarian assistance into Gaza in a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.

China, which along with Russia has found itself in a separate camp to the United States, called for a "more authoritative, wide-ranging and effective international peace conference" soon, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in a telephone call.

A Cairo peace summit last Saturday saw Arab leaders condemn Israel's bombardment of Gaza, but fail to agree on a joint statement. Absent were Israel and the United States.

In public, the United States has stressed Israel's right to defend itself but two sources familiar with the matter said the White House, Pentagon and State Department have stepped up private appeals for caution in conversations with the Israelis.

A U.S. priority is to gain time for negotiations to free other hostages, said the sources, who spoke before the hostage releases were announced on Monday.

Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, Biden said: "We should have those hostages released and then we can talk."

Qatar's ruling emir on Tuesday urged the international community not to grant Israel "unrestricted authorisation to kill" Palestinians in its fight against Hamas.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in his annual speech to open the Gulf Arab state's advisory Shura council, called the conflict a dangerous escalation that threatens global security.

At least 10 British nationals have been killed in the conflict and a further six remain missing, junior British finance minister Victoria Atkins told Times Radio on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Tel Aviv on Tuesday where he will meet Israel's prime minister and other members of Israel's war cabinet.

"We are linked to Israel through mourning," Macron said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Thirty of our compatriots were murdered on October 7. Nine others are still missing or held hostage. In Tel Aviv, with their families, I expressed the solidarity of the Nation."

Barack Obama, in a rare comment by a former U.S. president on a foreign policy crisis, warned Israel's military strategy could backfire it if continued to ignore the human cost.

In a written statement, he urged Israel to limit civilian casualties, adding that it would alienate generations of Palestinians, erode global support and undermine long-term peace efforts.

"Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes," Obama said.

"The Israeli government's decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis," he added.

He also condemned Hamas' attack and reiterated his support for Israel's right to defend itself.

It was not immediately clear whether Obama coordinated his statement with Biden, who was his vice president. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned on Tuesday to attend a U.N. Security Council meeting on the Middle East, though it was unclear what action, if any, might be taken by the council, whose five veto-wielding powers appear divided.

Israel's bombardment of Gaza has allowed China and Russia to burnish their credentials as the champions of the developing world, in contrast with the United States, which has squarely supported Israel. All three big powers hold Council vetoes.

With Gaza's 2.3 million people running short of basics, European leaders looked set to follow the United Nations and Arab nations in calling for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities so aid could reach them.

The U.N. said desperate Gazans also lacked places to shelter from the unrelenting pounding that has flattened swathes of the Hamas-ruled enclave. (Reuters)
This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle.
GREAT BARRINGTON  Voters have soundly rejected a proposed eight-town merger between the Berkshire Hills and Southern Berkshire regional school districts.

Seven towns held simultaneous special town meetings on the question on Monday, with three towns voting against the plan. A fourth town, Egremont, shot the plan down on Saturday.

In an overflowing meeting, Sheffield residents overwhelmingly rejected the merger by a 503-99 vote. Monterey voters were narrowly opposed, 87-73. In New Marlborough, the vote count was 165-112 against the merger. Egremont's vote was 143-78 against the plan.

Alford was the only town in the Southern Berkshire district to support the plan; residents voted 106-23 in favor of the merger.

All three Berkshire Hills district towns voted yes. Great Barrington's 374-88 vote followed that of West Stockbridge  at 86-14  and Stockbridge at 107-14.

Every town would have had to approve of the merger for the new district to be formed.

"That split brings the work of our eight-town planning board to an end," said Lucy Prashker, chair of the 8 Town Regional School District Planning Board that studied and recommended the merger.

Prashker said in a statement after the vote tallies came in that "the challenges remain unsolved  the challenges of low and declining enrollment, the increasing burdens those declines place on our taxpayers, and, most importantly, the limiting of choices and opportunities for our children."

Prashker called on town and district leaders who opposed the merger to "step forward with a plan that addresses those problems. We need more than just 'no'; we need positive action that looks to our children's and community's future."

That declining enrollment, flat state aid and rising school costs that will continue to press rural taxpayers across South County sparked the creation of the 24-member planning board in 2019. The panel spent three years studying projections and consultants' reports that detailed everything from transportation to yearly education savings of at least $1.2 million.

The proposal would have left the elementary and middle schools as they are, while a new high school would combine students from all eight towns in grades nine through 12. With a merger, the new school would have a capacity of 620 students on what is currently the Monument Mountain Regional High School campus in Great Barrington.

The new building will still be built, but for fewer students.

Some of the selling points of the new high school, which the state would pay roughly half to build, are the fact that it would would be state of the art and feature ample space for six vocational programs, including automotive and culinary  something missing in South County.

Great Barrington Finance Committee member Philip Orenstein has recommended the merger for the financial benefit to taxpayers, though he warned that taxes won't decline.

But many in the Southern Berkshire community have said they don't want to lose the uniqueness of Mount Everett Regional School, and worry about unknowns that could change what is special in that school district.

Fate of W.E.B. Du Bois sculpture project

The merger question was one of three on the warrant for voters at Monument Mountain High's auditorium  465 voters attended. They shot down an attempt by resident Karen Johnson to foil the placement of benches and a long-planned sculpture of W.E.B. Du Bois in front of Mason Library.

Voters also said yes to Community Preservation Act money for projects that include emergency housing, a conservation restriction for a farming parcel and a study of Ramsdell Public Library for an intended renovation.

Some Great Barrington residents were against the merger. Lindsey Berkowitz Brown said she was voting no due to concerns about job losses among teachers in the event of a merger  something School Committee Chair Stephen Bannon said would not happen immediately, but could happen later due to attrition. Stephanie Bosco said "ambiguities" in the proposed regional agreement made her wary of a merger.

But those in favor say that the ability to provide healthy programs suffers without a robust student headcount that a merger will help ensure into a future of population declines.

"You need kids," said Richard Dohoney, a Berkshire Hills School Committee member and parent, speaking to critical vocational expansion a merger would provide, as well as holding on to more than a dozen Advanced Placement classes currently at Monument.

For financial and other reasons, Dohoney added, the need to merge districts is a "no-brainer" and "clear as day."
Nicholas Kristof is a New York Times columnist. Contact Kristof at Facebook.com/Kristof, Twitter.com/NickKristof or by mail at The New York Times, 620 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018.
China has replaced Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, who has been out of public view for almost two months with little explanation, state media reported Tuesday.

Li is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from office in July with no explanation offered.

Li, who became defense minister during a Cabinet reshuffle in March, hasnt been seen since giving a speech on Aug. 29. There is no indication that the disappearances of Qin and Li signal a change in Chinas foreign or defense policies, although they have raised questions about the resilience of president and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinpings circle of power.

Xi has a reputation for valuing loyalty above all and has relentlessly attacked corruption in public and private, sometimes in what has been seen as a method of eliminating political rivals and shoring up his political position amid a deteriorating economy and rising tensions with U.S. over trade, technology and Taiwan.

Li is under U.S. sanctions related to his overseeing weapon purchases from Russia that bar him from entering the country. China has since cut off contacts with the U.S. military, mainly in protest over U.S. arm sales to Taiwan, but also strongly implying that Washington must lift the measures against Li, which Beijing refuses to publicly recognize.

The announcement from state broadcaster CCTV said that both Li and Qin had been removed from the State Council, China's Cabinet and the center of government power. That virtually assures the end of their political careers, although it remains unclear whether they will face prosecution or other legal sanctions.

China's political and legal systems remain highly opaque, fueling lively discussion of possible corruption, personal foibles or fallings-out with other powerful figures leading to the downfall of top officials. (AP)
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China-ASEAN FTA provides enormous benefits to enterprises, peoples in both regions

Xinhua) 13:55, October 24, 2023

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (CAFTA) agreement has provided tremendous advantages to enterprises and peoples in both regions, a Cambodian official and experts said on Monday.

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State Tat Puthsodary said the CAFTA has greatly boosted trade and investment volumes between the two sides.

"The potential benefits (from the CAFTA) are enormous," he said in a speech during a seminar on capacity building for implementing the rules of origin of the upgraded CAFTA.

The CAFTA came into effect on Jan. 1, 2010, leading to the liberalization and facilitation of trade among the 11 countries.

Currently, China and the 10-member ASEAN are actively pushing forward the version 3.0 CAFTA negotiations, which will provide new opportunities for trade and investment cooperation between both sides.

Official data shows the bilateral trade volume between China and ASEAN had increased from about 100 billion U.S. dollars in 2004 to 975.3 billion dollars in 2022.

For Cambodia, Puthsodary said within 13 years of CAFTA implementation, bilateral trade between Cambodia and China has increased more than 10 times from 1.25 billion dollars in 2010 to 11.69 billion dollars last year.

"Cambodia's export to China grew at 32 percent on an annual average, while import grew at 20.7 percent between 2010 and 2022," he said.

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said China has been the ASEAN bloc's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for three consecutive years.

"The CAFTA has provided great benefits to enterprises and peoples in all member countries," he told Xinhua. "This mega-trade pact has injected strong momentum into the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future."

He added the CAFTA has defended multilateralism and a free trade system, laying a solid foundation for building a prosperous region for all.

"Closer China-ASEAN ties are essential to ensuring long-lasting peace, security, stability, sustainable development and common prosperity in the region," he said.

Joseph Matthews, senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said the CAFTA has boosted cooperation between China and ASEAN in the areas of trade in goods, investment, digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity.

"The CAFTA has become a driving force for sustainable and long-term trade and investment growth between China and ASEAN," he told Xinhua. "It has enhanced close economic and trade relations between both sides, and also promoted the economic development in Asia and in the world at large."

Matthews said the upgrade of version 3.0 CAFTA will further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, and bring greater prosperity for both economies and peoples.

"It will build an inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement for the two sides," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
An 85-year-old Israeli freed after more than two weeks of captivity by Hamas militants in war-torn Gaza said on Tuesday "I went through hell" during her abduction.

International pressure has built for the release of the more than 200 other Israeli and foreign nationals still trapped inside Gaza amid withering Israeli bombardment sparked by the deadly Hamas attacks of October 7.

Israel was left stunned and furious by the bloody attack on southern communities in which it says Hamas killed more than 1,400 people and took the hostages, whose families have endured an agonising wait since.

Israel has responded with heavy air and artillery strikes that have killed 5,791 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-ruled health ministry, and plunged the Palestinian territory into a dire humanitarian crisis.

U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking earlier in Washington, allowed for the possibility of a ceasefire if the other captives are freed, saying: "We should have those hostages released and then we can talk."

French President Emmanuel Macron, on a solidarity visit to Israel, also stressed that getting the hostages out alive is "the first objective".

He condemned as an "awful crime" the militants' hostage operation and willingness "to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers".

One of two elderly hostages freed late Monday, Yocheved Lifshitz recounted how the militants "went on a rampage in our kibbutz, kidnapped me, lay me over a motorcycle... and sped off with me through the ploughed fields".

They "beat me on the way -- they didn't break my ribs but hurt me very much," said Lifshitz, seated in a wheelchair and surrounded by media at a Tel Aviv hospital.

She was freed with Nurit Cooper, 79, by Hamas, which cited "compelling humanitarian" reasons, after mediation by Qatar and Egypt, days after a US mother and her teenage daughter were also released.

During her weeks of captivity, Lifshitz said, "they treated us well," describing her captors as courteous and saying a doctor visited every two to three days.

Lifshitz, whose husband remains in Hamas captivity, said the militants appeared to have "prepared for a long time" to take large numbers of hostages.

"They had everything that men and women needed including shampoo," she told journalists. "We ate the same food they did -- pitas with cream cheese, melted cheese, cucumbers."

Dire need in Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and warned of a looming ground invasion of Gaza, raising the spectre of heavy urban combat and heightening the risk for the hostages.

Macron, speaking after talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, proposed that the international coalition still fighting the Islamic State group "should also fight against Hamas."

The coalition set up in 2014 says it has 86 members including nation states, the European Union and the Arab League. It has focused on countering IS remnants in Iraq and Syria but aims to cut funding and support for them in many countries.

Macron also stressed the need for a "decisive relaunch" of the Palestinian peace process, ahead of a planned visit to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

The Hamas surprise attack, which left Israel reeling and enraged, led it to launch operation "Swords of Iron" in which it has fired a near-continuous barrage of strikes on Gaza, where Hamas said 140 people were killed overnight.

Thousands of buildings have been destroyed in the densely populated enclave, with entire city blocks reduced to rubble and many victims still feared buried beneath.

Gaza City resident Ayman Abu Shamalah was among the tens of thousands who heeded an Israeli warning to flee the north of the territory but this did not spare his family from tragedy.

An Israeli air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza killed his pregnant wife as well as their three-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter, he told AFP tearfully.

"They put my son's shattered body in a blue bag," he said.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Monday urged an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" for Gaza where about half of the population of 2.4 million has been driven from their homes.

Israel has cut off water, food, fuel and energy supplies to Gaza, and only a trickle of aid has been allowed in from Egypt in recent days under a US-brokered deal.

The UN World Health Organization warned that more than one third of Gaza's hospitals were "not functioning" and limited fuel supplies were impacting ambulances in the territory, where thousands have been wounded.

Tunnel labyrinth

Israel has shown little sign of slowing its looming offensive, although the timing of an anticipated full-scale ground invasion remains unclear.

Hamas has built a labyrinth of tunnels which the Israeli military has darkly dubbed the "Gaza Metro" and its fighters would be expected to meet invading forces with booby traps, assault rifles and grenade launchers, spelling costly house-to-house fighting.

Macron also stressed that the campaign must be fought without "enlarging this conflict" as concern has grown about more of Israel's enemies across the Middle East entering the war.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War has reported a rise in attacks on Israeli and US targets from Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

There have been daily exchanges of cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

At least 41 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally -- mostly combatants but also at least four civilians, including a Reuters journalist. And four people have been killed in Israel -- three soldiers and a civilian. (AFP)
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) segment has been the backbone of the pharma industry and has been an active topic of discussion in the last couple of years. There has been a lot of deliberation on how the Indian API segment is preparing for China + 1 strategy. In line with this, Mumbai-based API player Supriya Lifescience foresees that India has the potential to have the largest market share for API globally. The company has successfully crossed global borders to 120 countries, harnessing over 2000 customers and building an assorted portfolio of over 40 APIs. In a detailed conversation with BioSpectrum, Dr Satish Wagh, Chairman & Managing Director, Supriya Lifescience; and Chairman of CHEMEXCIL (Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council) talks about the growth of pharmaceutical landscape in India and how Supriya Lifescience can contribute to this growth.

What are the major highlights at Supriya Life Sciences for FY 23-24? How much is the revenue projection this year?

We aim to improve the market presence of our current product portfolio in regulated markets, such as China, the USA, Europe, and Latin America (LATAM). To achieve this, we have already secured two significant contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) agreements, which are set to bolster our revenue starting in the fiscal year 2024-25. Furthermore, we are actively expanding our manufacturing capabilities by introducing a new production block. This strategic move will effectively double our capacity to 900KL by the end of the third quarter in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Our company has a strong historical track record, with a consistent annual growth rate exceeding 20 per cent. We are committed to sustaining this growth trajectory while upholding a robust and sustainable profit margin.

What major plans are in store for FY 24-25?

We have developed a pipeline of new products to enhance our portfolio, particularly in the field of new therapies such as anti-diabetics and anti-anxiety medications. In addition to this, our company is committed to increasing our production capacity to meet the rising demand for our current offerings and to capitalise on new opportunities in the market. Our primary focus will be on strengthening and expanding our CMO business.

How is Supriya Lifescience contributing to the growth of the pharma sector in India?

As a prominent supplier based in India, we specialise in providing a wide range of API products, including those used in antihistamine, anti-allergic, and anaesthetic applications.

You are also serving as the Chairman of Chemexcil. What are the key agendas being worked upon by Chemexcil?

Chemexcil is responsible for overseeing the chemical industry, while there exists a separate council dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector known as Pharmexcil. Chemexcil primarily focuses on a range of sectors, including Organic & Inorganic Chemicals, Dyes & Intermediates, Fertilisers, Petro Chemicals, Menthol, Castor Oil & its derivatives, Detergents, Cosmetics, and Herbal products.

Chemexcil is actively engaged in promoting these industries through various initiatives. These efforts encompass participation in both international and domestic exhibitions, organizing international Buyer-Seller Meetings, advocating for the development of Bilateral Trade Policies, and providing financial support to the industry for international registrations. These activities constitute the core objectives of Chemexcil, benefiting not only the chemical industry but also its allied branches.

How is Chemexcil promoting the make-in-India initiative? What are the challenges that need to be addressed?

Our primary objective is to facilitate communication between manufacturers and the central government concerning the PLI scheme and the expansion of capacity for various industrial products. We aim to bridge the gap and address the challenges encountered during this interaction. These challenges include Pre-Import regulations; Anti-Dumping measures; Quantity-Based Controls; Environmental Compliance; Power Tariffs and Rates; Compliance with the National Green Tribunal (NGT); Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure; Implementation of an Efficient Online System; Dealing with Water Shortages; Claims under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme; Meeting REACH registration requirements

Our goal is to overcome these hurdles and foster a productive dialogue between manufacturers and the government to promote the growth of industrial products and achieve the objectives of the PLI scheme.

What are your views on the recent quality concerns being raised on the pharma industry?

My view is that India has a great opportunity against China in the pharmaceutical industry. In recent years, this sector has witnessed a growing emphasis on regulatory compliance. Global health authorities are increasingly demanding stricter adherence to minimum impurity levels, as evidenced by the evolving pharmacopeia standards. The pharmaceutical industry is now tasked with the responsibility of upholding these stringent norms, which, in turn, can pave the way for a substantial reduction in quality-related issues.

The pharmaceutical landscape in India is poised to leverage this shift towards regulatory compliance as a means to bolster its position on the global stage. By demonstrating a commitment to meeting these rigorous quality standards, Indian pharmaceutical companies can not only enhance their reputation but also create a competitive edge that positions them favourably against China. This industry's future success hinges on its ability to adapt to evolving regulations and proactively address quality concerns, ultimately establishing itself as a formidable contender in the international pharmaceutical market.

What is the current scenario of pharma exports and what is the way forward?

The current state of pharmaceutical exports is quite positive, having experienced consistent growth over the past year. Despite facing challenges due to geopolitical factors like the conflict in Russia, the industry has managed to maintain a steady 2-3 per cent growth rate. This resilience in the face of external pressures demonstrates the robustness of the pharmaceutical export sector and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances while still achieving modest yet noteworthy growth.

What are your expectations from the government to enhance the growth of the pharma sector?

The industry is looking to the government for assistance in addressing several key challenges. This includes swift environmental clearances; streamlined logistic clearances from customs; support from the state government in meeting daily requirements for power and water while minimising interference. Addressing these issues will undoubtedly contribute to substantial growth, and I am confident that with these concerns addressed, the industry can thrive.

Dr Manbeena Chawla

(manbeena.chawla@mmactiv.com)
Next generation type I borosilicate glass tubing to meet future needs of the pharma industry

With its borosilicate glass being the gold standard for storing lifesaving medications for more than a century, German firm Schott is now taking the next step by introducing improved glass tubing to the global pharma market. FIOLAX Pro is a new type I borosilicate glass, designed to meet three major trends in the industry: increasingly complex pharmaceuticals, sustainable products and circular economy, and digitalisation.

FIOLAX Pro has superior chemical quality, such as an improved Extractables & Leachables (E&L) profile and hydrolytic resistance and is completely free of heavy metals. In China, Schott has been piloting and successfully established the new glass tubing for the last two years together with its customers.

The company plans to produce the new FIOLAX Pro with green energy and significantly reduce the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). Schott just recently received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to build the first climate-friendly glass melting tank. The pilot tank will be constructed at the companys site in Bavaria, Germany, and produce the pharmaceutical glass largely without causing greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, the company strives to become a digital accelerator in the specialty glass industry and is constantly enhancing its digital service portfolio. With the new online pharmaceutical type I glass tubing configurator, packaging converters are now able to configure products based on their individual requirements  and save valuable time and costs.
In a constantly evolving retail landscape, understanding consumer behaviour is paramount for home brands seeking to stay ahead. As consumers demand seamless experiences across online and in-store channels, the interplay between the two has never been more vital. Discover the insights that shape the future of home retail from consumer insights agency, KLA's latest study.

South African consumers expect frictionless experiences from brands, with seamless transitions between offline and online experiences. 1

Online insights

According to the KLAs YouGov Profiles tool, a staggering 74% of South Africans begin their shopping journey online to explore product options, but only 40% ultimately make the purchase through the same medium. Surprisingly, 42% discover products online but prefer to make the purchase in-store, underscoring the value of in-person experiences. With 56% of consumers favouring in-store exploration, this translates into nearly 3 in 10 consumers making their final purchase decision in physical stores.

The rise of click and collect

Over the years, the click and collect model has gained significant traction, with 37% of South Africans opting to order items online and pick them up from a physical store or designated location. This convenient option bridges the gap between online and offline shopping, offering a smoother, more convenient shopping experience for a wider audience. A larger range of consumers can now shop online effortlessly and affordably, and instead of waiting for delivery, they can pick up their purchases in-person from large businesses 2 .

The power of communication methods

When influencing purchase decisions, social media takes the lead, with 41% of consumers swayed by offers via platforms like Facebook and Instagram. According to Business Line (2023): Many consumers are planning to shop on their smartphones, therefore mobile is the most crucial channel for brands this festive season 3 . Television commercials follow closely at 32%, while branded emails secure a spot in the top three at 30%.

Top-performing home retail brands

KLAs YouGov BrandIndex tool provides valuable insights into the top-performing home retail brands in South Africa:

Consumer preferences

In the next 12 months, 41% of South Africans intend to purchase bed and bath items (sheets, pillows, towels, etc.), 38% plan to buy homeware or soft furnishings (curtains, cushions, plates, etc.), 37% are in the market for kitchen and home appliances (fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.), and 35% are looking to invest in furniture (chairs, bed frames, couches, etc.).

As South Africa's home retail market continues to evolve, brands must closely monitor consumer preferences and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics between online and offline shopping channels. Armed with the right strategies and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, home brands can continue to thrive in this dynamic market.

Methodology

Profiles: Segmentation and media planning YouGov tool. Data is collected daily. YouGov Profiles makes it simple to find and understand the audience that matters most to you. It gives you the power to build and customise a portrait of your consumers entire world with unrivalled granularity. More than 12,500 variables are available in South Africa.

BrandIndex: The real-time and continuous monitoring tool for brands and all the speeches dedicated to them. In South Africa, more than 200 brands are assessed on a daily basis via our panel of approximately 123,034 respondents.

We track 23 general home retail brands.

Dataset: 2023-09-10

Population: South African adults with access to the internet aged from 18 years and older.

N ~ 2388

For more information, visit www.kla.co.za.
There's a widely quoted statistic that many are familiar with - that Africa has the youngest population in the world , with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30.

The United Nations rightly comments that such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continents growth  but only if these new generations are fully empowered to realise their best potential.

However, across the continent, there are many young people who fall into the category of Neets  not in education, employment or training  and yet they are desperate to improve their lives and the lives of their families by finding ongoing employment opportunities.

So often, their circumstances are not of their own making. The high rate of youth unemployment often stems from limited access to education. Many young people are forced to abandon their education due to factors such as financial constraints, lack of education infrastructure, and insufficient resources.

This is a persistent problem  in its Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), Statistics SA data shows that over the last decade, Neet young people between the ages of 15  24 consistently exceeded 30%, representing a staggering number of more than three million young people. At the start of 2023, approximately 3,7 million (36,1%) out of 10,2 million young people aged 15-24 years were Neet.

The QLFS data reveals that the youth unemployment rate stands at 62.1% for those aged 15  24, and 40,7% for those 25-34 years. An ailing economy only compounds the factors making it harder for our youth to find employment, and those with a weak educational background face even bigger barriers to entry to meaningful employment.

Worryingly, girls are far more likely to discontinue their education, often due to reasons like early marriage, adolescent pregnancy, the expectation that girl children will shoulder the burden of domestic responsibilities, and cultural reluctance to invest in education for girls.

Of further concern are statistics showing that globally, and in South Africa, the discrimination of women in the labour market persists, with the unemployment rate for women remaining above the national average in 2022.

It is harder for women to find work compared to men. Women that find employment are often employed in low-paying jobs, where improvement prospects are limited.

How can the BPO sector contribute towards creating opportunities for our youth?

One of the great advantages of the business process outsourcing industry is that this is a sector where individuals with varied educational backgrounds and qualifications all have an opportunity to enter the workforce. Youth with minimal to no experience or tertiary training can succeed and thrive in an industry where the right attitude, good communication skills and an aptitude for working with people are highly valued.

The industry also lends itself to supporting gender equity.

Ensuring equality in opportunities and potential to participate in the economy can be a strong driver of growth for more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economies. Industry body BPESA notes that female contact centre agents and knowledge workers make up about two thirds of the South African global business services sector.

This is particularly noteworthy when you consider that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports that the gender gap in South Africa between male and female labour force participation is 13.7%.

We must help develop digital skills at an early age

Demand-led training and fast-tracked employment opportunities are an important step towards achieving sustainable economic growth. Introducing opportunities within the school environment to acquire digital skills is crucial to building the skills that young people can use to access the digital economy.

The harsh reality is that in many instances, governments face many competing needs for resources and providing the tools school children need to develop digital skills are not necessarily at the top of the list of priorities.

Looking at the challenges that face public education institutions in South Africa, it can feel overwhelming. How can one company hope to make a difference? Well, every great journey starts with a single step. Every great journey starts with a single step  and perhaps that one single step is donating a computer lab to a local school.

By harnessing their corporate social investment programmes to contribute technology devices and facilities within their sphere of influence, companies can change the trajectory for their local youth. Companies have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support us, and supporting education in our communities shows our commitment to working with local youth to ensure that they join the digital economy.

African companies must bear the responsibility of contributing positively to our youth to provide them with avenues to sustainable employment and careers. By working to establish long-term career paths, we can positively impact our youth while contributing to the growth of the digital economy across Africa.
The winners of the ninth annual Santam Women of the Future Awards in association with Fairlady and Truelove were announced on Friday, 13 October at an exclusive event held at Shepstone Gardens and emceed by Jo-Ann Strauss.

Guests in attendance at the luncheon included businesswomen and media personalities such as Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Joubert, Wendy Luhabe, Johanna Makgalemele, Uyanda Mbuli, Miss South Africa 2022 Ndavi Nokeri, Jena Dover, Catherine Constantinides, Sonia Booth, Miss Earth South Africa 2023 first runner up Belinde Schreuder and Constance Sibiya.

The three winners were selected from a shortlist of nine finalists by a distinguished panel of judges: Professor Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch Universitys Faculty of Law; Nonkululeko Gobodo, CEO of Awakened Global; Dawn Nathan-Jones, entrepreneur and CEO of Over the Rainbow; Norah Sehunoe, executive head of Human Resources at Santam; Suzy Brokensha, Fairlady editor-in-chief; and Truelove editor-in-chief Mbali Soga.

Santams many years of supporting women in business in South Africa have given the company valuable insight into the potential pitfalls of the entrepreneurial journey. Santam understands that the first 1,000 days of running a business are the hardest  if youre still in business by day 1,001, they believe youre in it for the long haul! These incredibly dynamic women have either surpassed that critical point or are well on their way to doing so.

Gugu Mtetwa, the Santam Group COO, said an impressive calibre of highly talented and impressive women entrepreneurs had entered the 2023 Women of the Future Awards. These awards showcase the incredible role played by women entrepreneurs in helping solve societal problems whilst also driving sustainable economic growth in South Africa. We believe its our responsibility to help promote local enterprises to survive and thrive, she said.

We are proud to announce the winners:

Keri Rudolph of The IV Bar was named the 2023 Santam Woman of the Future.

With 23 branches and counting in South Africa, The IV Bar offers a range of customised intravenous vitamin drips in a tranquil lounge setting, helping clients look, feel and perform their best. Winning the Woman of the Future Award fuels Keris dreams. "The credibility that comes with this award is remarkable," says Keri. "It comforts me to know that my idea is being recognised, and the impact will be tremendous."

Thembiso Magajana of Social Coding SA was named the 2023 Santam Social Entrepreneur.

Social Coding SA, a non-profit digital skills training organisation, recruits, trains and employs young people from rural areas to teach digital literacy and coding at high schools. Thembiso says that winning the Social Entrepreneur Award will provide Social Coding SA with a platform to attract more partners and funders, raise awareness about the urgent need for digital inclusion, and kick-start the for-profit arm of Social Coding SA.

Amanda Sibiya of Branding Africa was named the 2023 Santam Rising Star.

Branding Africa is an agency that envisions a prosperous Africa driven by African brands. Its mission is to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs to build robust brands through comprehensive brand development programmes, workshops and strategy consulting services. Winning this award serves as validation and recognition of the agencys hard work, dedication and expertise, and further strengthens our reputation and credibility within the industry, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations, Amanda says.

The Santam Readers Choice Award, voted for by the public, went to Marcia Monareng of Millennial Mindset Media.

This agency aims to uplift young people through an avant-garde approach to digital marketing. It is a 100% black-owned and female-led business that focuses on personalised solutions and close client collaboration. Marcia wins a Golden Circle Mentorship programme from Over the Rainbow worth over R9,500.

"The judging was as difficult as I expected," says Brokensha. "Its really hard to choose an overall winner when the finalists are all outstanding! But I am very pleased with the results: I think they reflect our intention to reward excellence both in concept and execution, with a strong trajectory towards creating a strong, resilient network of business excellence in South Africa."

"The winners are living proof of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit in South Africa  not only are we resourceful, but we're resilient too," says Soga. "They are investing in the future of South Africa and harnessing the transformative force of entrepreneurship to pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all."

The prizes: valued at over R600,000!

R100,000 in cash to the Woman of the Future and R60,000 in cash each to the Rising Star and the Social Entrepreneur from Santam



A luxury beauty hamper worth R10,000 from our beauty partner, Lancome



A full-page advertisement in Fairlady or Truelove to promote the business, social enterprise or NPO



or to promote the business, social enterprise or NPO Invaluable mentorship with one of the judges



A Strategies for Making and Taking New Markets course (worth R11,000) or a Strategic Marketing course (worth R18,000), both from the Gordon Institute of Business Science



A Frederique Constant Vitality womens watch worth R15,495



Business printing worth R5,000 from Lithotech



A Stackd cabin case worth R4,899 from Samsonite



Three pairs of Baker sunglasses worth R5,397 in total from Execuspecs

Read more about the winners and their businesses in the latest issue of Fairlady magazine, on sale from Friday, 20 October 2023.

For award updates, follow #SantamWOTF on social media:

Santam: www.facebook.com/SantamInsurance on Facebook; @SantamForBiz on LinkedIn; and @SantamInsurance on Instagram

Fairlady: www.facebook.com/Fairladymag on Facebook; @FairladyMag on Twitter; and @Fairlady_Magazine on Instagram

Truelove: www.facebook.com/TrueloveMag on Facebook; @TrueloveMag on Twitter; and @Truelovemagazine on Instagram

Lancome: https://www.facebook.com/LancomeSouthAfrica on Facebook; @lancomeofficial on Instagram or follow #LancomeAfrica

Beauty partner

Distributed on behalf of Santam, Fairlady and Truelove magazines.

Contact details:

For interviews and campaign-related queries, please contact Roxanne Kreutle at moc.42aidem@eltuerK.ennaxoR or on WhatsApp at 084 852 1447.




At least 40,000 youth in Gauteng are expected to benefit from the Gauteng Provincial Government's "Wrong Side of the Road" campaign aimed at providing an opportunity for disadvantaged youth to get free learner's licences.

The Gauteng Provincial Government, in partnership with Diageo South Africa, presents an exciting opportunity for young people. Empowering Gautengs youth with free learners licences serves as a dual-purpose endeavour.

It is the first phase towards obtaining a drivers licence, which enhances employability. Additionally, this initiative actively promotes responsible driving during the learning stage, hopefully improving road safety, particularly against drinking and driving, said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

The provincial government explained that the initiative is in line with efforts to bridge the unemployment gap and foster responsible attitudes towards alcohol use.

This initiative is a step further to create a prosperous and safer Gauteng. According to recent statistics from Stats SA, the youth unemployment rate in South Africa remains alarmingly high, at 46.5% in the first quarter of 2023.

Additionally, alcohol misuse continues to be a significant contributor to road accidents through drinking and driving/walking.

In response to these pressing challenges, Diageo South Africa has joined forces with the Office of the Premier of Gauteng, the Department of Roads and Transport, and the Department of Economic Development to address these issues holistically and bring about positive change.

Themed Wrong Side of the Road, the campaign aims to assist youth with administrative fees for securing learners licences. To be considered, the participants need to be between the ages of 17 and 34 years and should reside in Tish (townships, informal settlements and hostels) in Gauteng, the province said.

The province had targeted some 40,000 youth when the initiative was announced in August. However, more than 130,000 responses were received.

The recruitment phase has concluded, with an overwhelming response from applicants. Those who have successfully progressed will receive the next steps of their journey via SMS and WhatsApp, which include watching a video and completing a short quiz related to understanding the effects of alcohol, and the shame and stigma associated with drunk driving.

All steps must be completed to be eligible to receive your free learners licence booking. This includes your readiness to take the test and achieving an 80% pass rate using the K53 app. All entries will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Recognising that some applicants may face data limitations, the initiative encourages individuals to visit their local libraries, where free Wi-Fi access is available for the application process. Please note that only those names on the current recruitment list can continue the journey, and no further registrations will be accepted, the province said.

Some 10,000 of the 40,000 learners licence opportunities will be reserved for motorbike licences, in support of the provinces Project Last-Mile.

The Last-Mile project aims to license, train, mentor and connect young people to job opportunities. Those interested will receive training and assistance, including access to motorbikes (options include rent-to-own, rental or outright purchase) and contracts with industry-leading partners, the provincial government said.
Renowned end-to-end supply chain solutions service provider Unitrans has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by securing two prestigious awards in the annual MasterDrive Fleet Safety Awards. The company landed first place in the categories Best Employer and Best Company - Medium Commercial Vehicles.

From left to right: MasterDrives Eugene Herbert, Carli Venter (Unitrans), Nishani Chetty (MasterDrive) and Michelins Gomolemo Kutlwana

These accolades underscore Unitrans' unwavering dedication to safety, adherence to policies and procedures, and innovative approach to enhancing driver safety and performance.

"Unitrans is steadfastly focused on fostering a culture of safe driving practices and on-road experiences. We believe that the well-being of our drivers is paramount to the success of our operations," says Tracy van Helsdingen, Unitrans head: centralised SHERQ services. "We are truly honoured to receive these awards in recognition of our relentless pursuit of excellence in logistics. At Unitrans, safety and innovation are at the core of everything. These awards are a testament to our team's hard work and dedication and our commitment to providing the best possible service to our clients."

The Fleet Safety Awards were introduced last year to recognise the efforts of fleet managers and companies dedicated to promoting road safety in South Africa. In addition to the top two categories, Best Fleet Manager and Best Company, three new categories were added in 2023 to honour individuals and companies contributing to road safety: Road Warrior, Best Employer, and Best Truck Stop.

In the Best Employer category, companies had to participate in one of the other competition categories and demonstrate their commitment to enhancing road safety through their investments and efforts. Unitrans stood out as a company that prioritises the well-being of its employees, providing a supportive and nurturing work environment. Their dedication to driver training, ongoing education, and overall safety culture has satisfied employees and led to improved efficiency and better service to clients.

The Best Company award contained three categories for light, medium, and heavy vehicle operators. Organisations had to exhibit their commitment to road safety through fleet policies and strategies and showcase how they foster a company culture that values road safety.

Proudly on display! Unitrans Awards at this years MasterDrive Fleet Safety Awards

Unitrans emerged as the Medium Commercial Vehicle category winner, highlighting its ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology and adherence to strict safety protocols. Through innovative solutions, the company has further enhanced its operational excellence, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods for its customers.

According to Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, Unitrans stood out amidst the more than 100 entries received this year. "It is one of the most far-reaching organisations in the country when it comes to transportation and has a reputation for going the extra mile," he said. "Lowering the alarmingly high number of road fatalities is a shared responsibility among all South Africans, and one effective way to initiate this change is through businesses."

A critical factor in Unitrans' success is its commitment to driver safety. The company's dedication to ensuring the safety of both its drivers and the public is evident in its strict safety protocols, continuous monitoring, and education programmes.

"At Unitrans, we take pride in fostering a safety-first culture. This resonates throughout the organisation. We have always held core values, with safety integral to our identity. Over the past few years, our commitment to progress and continuous improvement has remained unwavering," explains van Helsdingen. "Safety isn't confined to a single department; instead, it embodies the pursuit of excellence throughout our entire organisation. It encompasses the entirety of our value chain, encouraging us to think differently. We understand that achieving excellence in one department while neglecting others, or vice versa, is insufficient. Ultimately, it's a mindset that drives our pursuit of excellence."

With over 4,000 drivers in the organisation, the Unitrans' commitment is not just about doing what's right; it's about doing it correctly and constantly improving.

"We are committed to upholding the highest standards and regulations, while continuously striving for improvement. Following policies and procedures is a fundamental part of Unitrans. Our team operates with great discipline, following meticulously designed protocols that ensure compliance with industry rules and operational standards. As a result, we have a strong record of delivering excellent service and satisfying our customers," concludes Tracy.




African communities have historically found innovative ways of collaborating and combining individual financial resources for the good of the many.

Source: Supplied. Paul Carter-Brown, Ukheshes co-founder and chief technology officer.

Stokvels and funeral savings are just two examples of community initiatives to which everyone contributes and from which everyone benefits. These and other savings and community wealth creation mechanisms are often entered into without proper banking and financial services resources, and many individual members who contribute have no bank account.

Now, Komuniti, an app that facilitates stokvels, funeral donations, stokvel borrowings, and a wide range of other financial products and services, is set to change all that.

Komuniti in collaboration with banking as a service (BaaS) and embedded finance enabler, Ukheshe is bringing digital banking to more people in South Africa.

But what is Komuniti?

Komuniti is part of the new generation of neobanks, providing a revolutionary digital-banking alternative to traditional banks. Designed to empower customers through comprehensive financial solutions, Komuniti enables users to gain control over their finances, support community causes, and achieve their financial goals, all through a single app.

Neobanks are disruptors in the financial-services sector - start-ups that have not had to pivot or effect a drastic digital transformation. These new financial apps and services have been built from scratch using the latest innovative technology to drive them.

They offer easy, affordable, secure online financial- and banking services, transforming the way people manage their money  opening up the digital global economy to those who were previously excluded.

Komuniti is filling a gap in the banking market by providing online virtual accounts, virtual payments, stokvel savings, burial books for charitable donations, instant borrowing, and convenient deposit- and withdrawal options.

Komuniti has created a digital financial ecosystem where those currently underserved by traditional banking can be exposed to alternative saving and income streams.

The business challenge

In todays digitally driven world, traditional banking methods often fall short of meeting the diverse financial needs of individuals and communities. A large proportion of the African population has remained unbanked, and despite a high penetration of smartphones on the continent, many people have remained underserved by any formal financial service.

Komuniti set out to offer a solution to this challenge but faced challenges of their own early on in the development stages.

Without investors, we struggled to raise finance but through sheer will and determination, we have raised funds ourselves from our own pockets to make Komuniti a reality, says Nick Dutuma, one of the co-founders and chief executive officer at Komuniti.

In addition, the process of implementation was difficult as some of the processing of payments had to be done outside the app. Its difficult to build trust as a new money platform and it takes time to gain the confidence of potential new clients, so it was critical to ensure the integrity of our services from the beginning, explains Dutuma.

Despite these challenges, Komuniti knew that it had the opportunity to take advantage of a market ripe for change. Those living in townships are looking for alternatives beyond banks where they can save and derive an income, he adds.

Finding a solution

Komunitis founders were introduced to Ukheshe through Mastercard when they were looking for an aggregator to enable them to conduct business as a neobank. Finding alignment in their vision of providing inclusion in the digital global economy for the underserved population, the two companies are now collaborating to further democratise the financial market.

Ukheshe plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth and cost-effective transitions by providing Komuniti with the necessary framework on which to base their banking services.

"Ukheshe has been an invaluable partner in our journey to democratise financial services. Their innovative framework has enabled us to bring accessible and seamless digital banking services to underserved communities, aligning perfectly with our mission to empower individuals and communities through financial inclusion," says Dutuma.

Ukheshes Eclipse platform serves as the infrastructure for fintechs and banks such as Komuniti to drive and realise their own innovative aspirations. Our platform handles everything from issuing, acquiring, payment processing and digital onboarding which then facilitates know your client (KYC), ledgering, financial transactions, integrations, backend, payment systems, and local identity systems.

In addition, we are able to help Komuniti meet all the regulatory and compliance requirements for their financial services offerings, says Ukheshes co-founder and chief technology officer, Paul Carter-Brown.

Ukheshes Eclipse platform provides a user-friendly and universal solution that is fully customisable and scalable, enabling Komuniti to use it to build and develop its innovations.

By building on our platform, innovators can fully realise their great ideas while also complying with the relevant regulatory and compliance requirements, says Carter-Brown.

Reaping rewards

Since launching Komuniti in July 2023 and leveraging Ukheshes technology platform, the company is now offering four different products to 136 clients across the country. The partnership allows Komuniti to process clients contributions and withdrawals seamlessly, safely and securely with transparency for all members.

Additionally, clients can now conveniently lend money from their stokvels and make peer-to-peer payments.

The future

Looking ahead, Komuniti will explore the possibility of leveraging Ukheshes suite of offerings which would enable Komuniti to scale into the wider African market including the informal trade sector, providing the ability to accept digital payments.

Our solution aims to preserve the foundation that money in itself is not a measure of success, but that success is measured by the prosperity of the community as a whole, laid by past generations, and bringing it into the modern digital age. By democratising financial services, we enable this growth of communal prosperity, says Dutuma.

Our focus on financial inclusivity guides all our partnership decisions, says Ukheshes Carter-Brown. When both parties share a common goal, in this case making banking and associated services accessible to more people, both parties, the industry as a whole and customers all benefit.

These symbiotic collaborations generate a positive ripple effect within organisations, paving the way for more partnerships and exponential business growth, concludes Carter-Brown.
The pandemic years brought issues of mental health in the workplace to the forefront. For many South African employees, the pressures associated with making an unexpected but seamless transition to remote working proved taxing, with many employees struggling to regulate their schedules and maintain a work-life balance.

Ben Bierman

Years later the dust created by Covid-19 is finally beginning to settle. However, many employees still find themselves battling high levels of stress, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. In a small business, these feelings can be compounded by the fast pace of work and the demands of being part of a team that is responsible for keeping a business afloat.

To counteract this, small business owners need to hone their listening skills, be attentive to the needs of their team members and find ways to keep their teams motivated. This is definitely no small feat, but by practicing a few simple steps, small business owners can make the difference needed to build healthy, happy workforces that will ultimately become the bedrock of their business, enabling its long-term sustainability.

Mental health in focus

In the most recent Mental State of the World report, published by Sapien Labs, South Africa scored the lowest amongst 34 countries in terms of its Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) score  an aggregate metric of mental wellbeing. In this study, the MHQ score took into account several factors including the mood and outlook of South Africans, their drive and motivation, their ability to perform basic cognitive functions, their social self and the mind-body connection. South Africa scored a low 46 out of 100.

Focusing on the South African workplace reveals similar findings. According to the Employee Assistance Professionals Association of South Africa (EAPA-SA), conservative estimates conclude that as much as one quarter of South African employees will be diagnosed with depression during the course of their employment. A staggering 75% to 85% of these workers will not seek out or receive health or treatment for their condition.

The impact of this on business operations can be devastating. Some of the consequences include absenteeism, presenteeism (being at work but being unwell and unable to function efficiently), losses in productivity and the decline of staff morale. Ultimately, not only do these effects play out in harmful ways within the lives of employees, but they can also erode a business bottom-line and compromise its ability to grow and scale and more importantly  keep its doors open. This is even more true of employees in a small business, which relies heavily on human capital to maintain optimal output and produce products or services that are of a consistent high quality.

Time to take the lead

For small businesses across the country, the deterioration of mental health in the workplace is an urgent call to action. A significant part of being a capable leader is giving staff the time and resources they need to feel more fulfilled and satisfied in their jobs. To do this, small business leaders need to go beyond the realm of compensation. They need to dig deeper and put in the time and effort to restore human connections and foster healthier, more uplifting workplace cultures.

In the same way in which that mental health challenges can have widespread detrimental effects on a business, investing in the wellbeing of staff members can have the opposite effect. Workers who are mentally fit and nurtured in their personal and professional development journeys, are more likely to engage better with their peers, go the extra mile, deliver better quality work and feel part of the business progress.

While small businesses may not have the funds or resources that their large counterparts have in terms of investing in employee wellness programmes and initiatives, these are three cost-effective strategies that leaders can take towards promoting better workplace cultures:

Start an anonymous feedback forum As a small business owner, you can encourage a culture of transparency where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns by allowing employees to offer their feedback through an anonymous forum. Employees need to feel comfortable enough to share their opinions and feelings without fear of reproach or negative consequences. As part of your regular check-ins or staff meetings, you could share some of this feedback with the team and offer solutions and suggestions as a demonstration that your employees feedback is being acknowledged and put to use. Make regular breaks mandatory Employees need to take regular breaks throughout the workday in order to maintain optimal productivity. As their leader, you could encourage employees to step away from their desks, take walks, or engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief. These kinds of activities could be included as mandatory tasks on each employees calendar, which will encourage each individual to take time out, and ultimately avoid becoming overly stressed and burnt out. Celebrate the wins Acknowledge and appreciate employees for their hard work and contributions. Recognition can boost morale, increase job satisfaction and staff retention, and positively impact mental well-being. The rewards for a job well done do not have to be exorbitant. Vouchers for online shopping, free coffee vouchers or even extra time-off are all examples of cost-effective incentives that can be used to motivate staff and make them feel appreciated. Other incentives that wont cost a cent include flexible work days, casual dress days, mentions in company newsletters or on social media and schemes such as employee of the month.






The Defence Forces have been forced to spend thousands of euros on flights and hotels because the government jet has broken down so often and Air Corps personnel were needed to keep an eye on repair and maintenance bills.

The military made multiple formal requests to the Department of Defence seeking permission for technical staff to fly to England where the creaking Learjet has undergone significant work over the past couple of years.

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The Defence Forces declined to say how much had been spent in total on airfares and accommodation saying the information was restricted but some individual trips cost up to 2,600 per person, according to department records.

Copies of submissions, business cases, and travel request forms sent to Minister for Defence Micheal Martin detail how some of the trips involved up to 10 staff having to travel to the U.K.

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In one submission from February, an official said 10 technicians would need to travel to help with ongoing oversight of scheduled maintenance for the governments ailing 8 million Learjet and another utility transport Defender aircraft.

It said: The purpose of attendance on site is to ensure cost control and address any technical issues arising which require quick decision making to ensure the maintenance is completed in the scheduled timeslot.

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Foreign travel request forms

Copies of foreign travel request forms detail how one trip cost 2,600, made up of 400 in air travel costs and 2,200 for accommodation and subsistence for a visiting technician.

The request form said the nature of the maintenance for the Learjet as well as unforeseen expenditure meant it was critical to have somebody on site to monitor what was happening.

The form: The technical representative must be present to authorise any additional work carried out and this oversight provides the basis for final invoice negotiations.

Another business case from January said the Defence Forces would need to have two technical representatives on site at Biggin Hill Airport near London.

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It added: The financial cost will involve the daily subsistence rate for London for two personnel per day, accommodation for two personnel per day.

One submission from March said that delays in obtaining parts and completion of works on the government jet meant that a technician would have to fly over and back to England for a number of further weeks.

To ensure the return of the Learjet and Defender to operational capability in the shortest time period, I would recommend approval in this instance, wrote a civil servant at the Department of Defence.

Mission approval

Yet another mission was approved in May for final completion of maintenance and checks on the government jet with six personnel travelling, but able to fly back on the Learjet itself.

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The jet has been dogged by reliability issues in recent years with the Department of the Taoiseach having to hire charter aircraft on multiple occasions for overseas trip.

Asked how much had been spent on travel associated with maintenance of the government jet over the past two years, the Defence Forces declined to provide any figures saying the data was restricted.

A statement: If the information [required] cannot be gleaned from the documents provided from [this] FOI request, a new FOI request should be submitted through the Defence Forces or Department of Defence.
A Dublin woman extradited from South Africa will go on trial next year charged with the double murder of two "inseparable" friends whose bodies were found wrapped in plastic on a lake island nearly 10 years ago.

Ruth Lawrence (42), who is originally from Clontarf, is accused of the murder of Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32), who were found in plastic sheeting on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin, which straddles the Meath-Cavan border, on May 26th, 2014.

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On Tuesday at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice David Keane scheduled a trial date of October 7th, 2024, after hearing the matter is expected to last three weeks.

Mr Justice Keane then adjourned the matter to January 12th, 2024, for a case-management update.

On May 25th, Ms Lawrence appeared before Trim District Court after her extradition from Bloemfontein where she was being held.

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Detective Garda Raymond Flynn told the court that he arrested Ms Lawrence at Dublin Airport earlier that day. Ms Lawrence was taken to Trim Garda Station where she was charged by Det Garda Flynn with two counts of murder on an unknown date between April 22nd and May 26th, 2014, when gardai were alerted to the discovery of the men's bodies.

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The bodies were found after a fisherman on the lake identified a smell coming from the tiny island.

Mr OConnor and Mr Keegan went missing after Eoin borrowed his mothers car to travel to Ballyjamesduff in Co Cavan.

When he failed to return home from the trip, his family raised the alarm, leading to appeals for information and searches of areas in Co Cavan by the families and friends of both men.

At their June 2014 funeral, mourners were told that the two men had been "inseparable" friends.

The alleged former partner of Ms Lawrence, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen (41), is also facing extradition to Ireland over the murders. However, he is currently serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for a separate offence.

Last month, van der Westhuizen told his extradition hearing in Durban that he feared he would be executed if he were to be surrendered and imprisoned in Ireland.
Neighbours and friends will be able to say their last goodbyes to Tina Satchwell as her funeral cortege is set to pass her former home in Fermoy, Co Cork at lunchtime on Wednesday.

In a funeral notice on Rip.ie, the Dingivan family said that it was with great sadness that they announced the death of their beloved Tina, daughter of Mary and dear sister of Lorraine, Shane, and the late Tom".

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Ms Satchwell (45), whose body was found buried at her home in Grattan Street in Youghal earlier this month, is also survived by her aunts and uncles Stephen, Margaret, Teresa, Florence and Frank. She was pre-deceased by her grandparents, Florence and Patrick.

Her family said she was sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and neighbours.

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Her funeral cortege will pass through St Bernards Place, Fermoy on Wednesday at 12.30pm. Ms Satchwell grew up in the town and lived there for many years.

Her family add that her funeral will take place privately and quietly, as she lived".

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The body of Ms Satchwell was found at her home in Youghal, Co Cork by gardai searching the property on October 11th last. She had been reported missing on March 24th, 2017. The case was upgraded to a murder probe that week, having previously been treated as a missing persons case. Her husband Richard Satchwell has been charged with her murder.

Meanwhile, two vigils have been held in her memory since her body was found. Over 500 people lit candles at an emotional vigil for Ms Satchwell in the town park in her native Fermoy, Co Cork on October 16th.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of Ms Satchwell, whose body was found six years after she was reported missing by her husband Richard. She had been buried underneath a stairwell in her home.

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Photo: PA Images

Ms Satchwell had four older sisters and three brothers. She was described as having been a warm, friendly person who had a great love for animals.

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A statement was read out at both vigils on behalf of the Dingivan family. The family said that they would "cherish the moments and all the great memories they had of the youngest girl in the family.

"There are no words to describe the pain in our hearts right now Tina. If we knew the last time we met was going to be our last time we would have hugged you extra tight.

"Tina would put a smile on anyone's face - she had a very bubbly personality and was a very sociable person.

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"She was always out and about with her babies (dogs) Ruby and Heidi. Tina loved her fashion. She was always dressed so well.

"We will cherish the moments and all the great memories we spent with you.

"Fly high our angel - you will be in our hearts forever. We love you Tina...you are at peace now. Until we meet again, give Nana a big hug."

Members of the Dingivan family were in attendance at the vigil. Songs such as I hope you Dance and Jealous of the Angels were played at the gathering. A large portrait of Tina was on display and candles and cards were placed around it. A poem was also recited.

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Organiser of the vigil Grainne OConnor told Corks RedFM that locals decided to turn out in large numbers as a show of solidarity to the bereaved family.

A vigil for Ms Satchwell was also held in Youghal, Co Cork the previous Saturday. Around 200 people attended the gathering.

Parish priest Canon Bill Bermingham offered prayers for Tina and her loved ones. He also asked attendees at the Youghal vigil to spare a thought for householders in Grattan Street in the town.

Because it is a very distressing time for them to have known that such an occurrence could have happened in their midst.

Tina lived in the UK and in Fermoy, moving to Youghal in the last two years of her life with her husband.

Mr Satchwell (57), who is originally from Leicester in the UK, was charged with her murder at a special sitting of Cashel District Court in Tipperary last Saturday morning.
The British Home Office has rejected a call to introduce a temporary exemption to its new travel scheme for tourists visiting Northern Ireland.

An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will soon be a requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK.

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The ETA will not apply to Irish citizens as they have a right to travel to any part of the UK under the Common Travel Area (CTA).

The ETA provides permission to travel to the UK, and it will be electronically linked to individuals passports.

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However, a cross-party group of lawmakers from the UK and Ireland have called the scheme unworkable on the island as it could provide a barrier to entry for Northern Irelands one million tourists coming from abroad each year, 70 per cent of whom arrive in Ireland first  around half of whom are day-trippers.

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A report from the Sovereign Affairs Committee of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) has called on the UK government to pause progress on the ETAs introduction for Northern Ireland visitors coming through Ireland, and if a full exemption is not possible, to extend an exemption for short-stay holidaymakers for up to a week.

The issue has come into further focus following the UK and Irelands successful joint bid to host Uefa Euro 2028, which would see games being played north and south of the border.

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Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker is understood to have acknowledged the proposal for a seven-day exemption at the BIPA on Monday.

However, the UK Home Office said such an exemption would undermine attempts to strengthen the security of the UK border.

In a statement, a spokesman said: We are introducing an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme to enhance our ability to prevent the travel of those who present a threat to the UK. An exemption of this kind would undermine our efforts to strengthen the security of the UK border and keep people safe.

Individuals arriving in the UK, including Northern Ireland, will need to continue to enter in line with the UKs immigration framework, including obtaining an ETA if required.

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The committee said differences between the UK and Irish visa regimes are already causing problems for visa nationals, for professionals operating both sides of the border, and for shared health services.

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The committee heard during its inquiry of one incident where some ambulances from Northern Ireland had been unable to respond to the 2022 Creeslough explosion because some paramedics did not have the necessary visas to enter Ireland.

Lawmakers called on the Irish and UK governments to consider joint work visas that would allow professionals, such as health sector workers, to operate freely on both sides of the border.

Their report also called for an exemption for migrants who are permanently resident in either Ireland or the UK from the requirement to obtain a visa for short visits to either jurisdiction.

Committee chairwoman and senator in the Irish Seanad Emer Currie said: The electronic travel authorisation scheme in its current form undermines the Common Travel Area and will damage tourism primarily in Northern Ireland and the North West of Ireland.

Senator Emer Currie, chairwoman of the Sovereign Affairs Committee of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (PA)

Today our BIPA committee, which consists of UK and Irish lawmakers, have launched a report calling for the UK Government to pause its progress and if a full exemption isnt possible, to extend an exemption for short-stay holidaymakers for up to a week.

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Im aware of the UK Home Offices views, but I hope through my engagement with Minister Baker yesterday and our joint report today, that common sense will prevail.

The ETA is unworkable on the island of Ireland. Weve offered practical recommendations for the Home Office and British Government to consider which respects their objectives.

I sincerely hope they will take on board the views of our joint committee of MPs, TDs, Senators and Lords as well as the reality of those who will be affected the most.
The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael Doyle, has told of the fear and excitement experienced by children at a primary school in Inistioge which was surrounded by water yesterday with some of them rescued by being carried out by piggyback.

Cllr Doyle told RTE radios Morning Ireland that residents of the village were nervous today as water levels in the River Nore continued to rise even though it had stopped raining.

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Unfortunately, the village was prone to flooding and, because it was previously flooded many did not have insurance and were today calculating the cost of flooding damage caused yesterday, he said.

The high water levels on Monday were the highest he had ever seen. That's a worrying trend.

Firefighters from Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh Fire Brigades assisting with the orderly evacuation of St. Colmcille's National School, Inistioge during flooding in the Village this morning. pic.twitter.com/KMCFK7HcPw Advertisement  Kilkenny County Council (@KilkennyNotices) October 23, 2023 Advertisement

Cllr Doyle pointed out that flood relief funding of 1.2 million had been awarded to Inistioge for flood defences, but works had not yet commenced.

Nearby Thomastown was also awarded 10 million in flood defence funding, but work there had not commenced either.

There were five or six schemes awarded money after the last floods, he said, but only two had been completed.

It's currently dry here this morning and the school is reopened as well, which is great for all. Road conditions are poor, but the river level is very high and the gauges along the river will lead to a nervous time, as always, for the residents especially with the possibility of flooding.

And all these property owners have no insurance. They have been previously flooded and can't get insurance so that the costs, if it does flood, are going to be huge.
A man who sexually abused a girl when she was a child and at her most vulnerable and most unprotected has been jailed for four years.

Sean Cole (52), of Clanranald Road, Donnycarney, Dublin, pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexually assaulting the girl at the same address on dates between January 1987 and December 1991.

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He was aged between 16 and 20 at the time of the offending, and she was a child who was seven years younger than him.

The complainant waived her right to anonymity so Cole could be named, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Tuesday.

Cole entered guilty pleas to six of the 48 counts against him on the first day of his trial last May, on the basis that these were sample counts and the case against him would be heard on a full facts basis.

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The court heard that the girl spent a lot of time in a house where Cole was living at the time of the offending, as she had siblings who suffered with a serious illness and her parents spent a lot of time in hospital.

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Cole abused her by digitally penetrating her and forcing her to masturbate him, the court heard.

Sentencing him on Tuesday, Judge Orla Crowe said Cole violated a small girl's bodily integrity at a time when she was at her most vulnerable and possibly most unprotected.

The judge said the complainant had a very difficult childhood and her family situation was fraught at the time. The judge said her victim impact statement was a harrowing account of the abuse she received at the hands of Cole and that she had shown great dignity during the process.

Since this offending, Cole has amassed another previous conviction for sexual assault, the court heard.

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He left school with no exams and worked as a courier and delivery driver. He is married with no children.

Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of 10 years, which she reduced to five years, taking into account mitigating factors, including Cole's guilty pleas. She suspended the final year on a number of conditions.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
Hospital campaigner Marie McMahon has warned that people in the mid west are terrified if they have to go to the emergency department in University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

It was a horrifying situation, she told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

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The situation at the hospitals emergency department had not changed in years. Everyone  from the Minister to the HSE, to hospital staff  was aware of the capacity issues, but nothing had been done.

Ms McMahon, who is involved with the Mid West Hospital campaign group said that her husband had died on a trolley in UHL in 2018. The situation remained appalling and had not improved.

They've only steadily got worse over the last few years. And to be honest, I would rather, if I was in that position, die at home than on a trolley, because it's possibly the most horrifying experience.

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Anybody you speak to from this area, from across the region, is terrified of the thought of going into the UHL emergency department. The hospital itself is fine, but it's the lack of staff, the overcrowding, trolley after trolley after trolley. And it's nothing new. It's something we've been campaigning for years and it seems like nobody is listening.

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We have one emergency department for over 400,000 people.

Ms McMahon said politicians, clinicians, hospital management, the Minister for Health, the HSE were all aware of what the issues are in UHL. 

They make promises and they tell us things are going to get better, but they're not getting any better.

Sinn Fein spokesperson David Cullinane described the situation at the emergency department in UHL as Groundhog Day.
A Stardust survivor who lost two siblings in the fatal blaze has told how she and her sisters were all holding one anothers hands and were within six feet of an exit before they were trampled to the ground and she passed out.

My last words I ever remember saying in there before I lost consciousness was: Oh god help us, Antoinette Keegan told the jury at Dublin District Coroners Court on Tuesday.

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Ms Keegan also told how she had to put her arms up to shield herself from a fireball which fell from the ceiling.

She said a man managed to drag her out the door to safety a short time later and said she was still clutching on to her sister Martina as he pulled her outside.

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Ms Keegan, who also lost a number of close friends in the fire, described the panic which set in amongst the patrons in the club when she said those trying to escape discovered that one of the exits, exit 5, was locked.

Before her evidence began, coroner Dr Myra Cullinane told Ms Keegan: Of course we know its going to be very difficult for you in particular because you have such close connection to your two siblings who lost their lives and said if she needed a break at any stage to let her know.

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Small fire

Ms Keegan told Gemma McLoughlin Burke, a member of the coroners legal team, she first became aware of the blaze when her friend said: look over there, theres a fire. She said she looked over and at that stage it was only a small fire about 18 inches high.

She said a partition was still down, but you could see the fire through the curtain. Ms Keegan said two bouncers came and made an attempt to put the fire out, but to no avail.

She said by this stage the fire was getting really bad and the ceiling in that area was starting to drop.

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She said the nearest exit to her group was exit 5 but when they got there: The door was locked with a chain and lock on it.

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Ms Keegan said they then made their way to the next closest exit which was exit 4.

She said there was a group of people at exit 5 who were panicking because the doors were locked and they couldnt get them open.

She described how the fire was racing across the ceiling, and parts of the ceiling were falling down.

It was just like a fireball that came down and it was coming towards us. I remember putting my hands over my head, Ms Keegan said, adding one of her hands was very badly burned as a result.

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I was on the ground, couldnt get up, with my sisters. We were all holding one anothers hands.

Asked what direction the fireball came from, Ms Keegan said: I was lying on the floor with people trampling over me so it would have came from behind because it just shot in front of me.

The witness added: We were only about six foot away from the exit, exit 4 when we were pushed to the floor and people trampled on top of us to get out.

'Knocked out'

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She said the ceiling started coming down near them and the last thing she remembered was being knocked out.

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I went unconscious, the last thing I remember then was being out in a different atmosphere. The fella that pulled me out was Thomas Larkin. She said this man later came to her family home and told her father and her sister that he had saved her life and pulled her out. She told how he had seen her with her sister Martinas white blouse. He camepulled me out and my hand was still clutched onto my sister the witness said, adding that he had to kick her hand away to get her out.

Asked why they went towards exit 4, Ms Keegan said: We actually never knew about any exits because they were always locked any time we went there, she said. There was a practice, whatever way we came in we always had to go out that way, even with the management, that was the practice. You came in the main door you went out the main door.

Questioned as to which exits she had seen locked in the past, Ms Keegan said she always saw exit 4 and exit 5 locked.

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Describing the material which fell from the ceiling, Ms Keegan said: It was like if you have a candle at an angle and the drips fall, it was like that hitting your face and your body.

She added: It was like it was raining acid thats the only way I can describe it.

Des Fahy KC, who represents Ms Keegans family and the family of her sisters friend, Mary Kenny, among others, acknowledged that the witness had lost at least seven people who were related to her or were close friends of hers in the blaze.

He asked if any of the others who lost their lives were beside her group on the night of the fire. Ms Keegan said David Morton, her sisters boyfriend, was in their company and they also spoke to Michael French, Sandra Lawless and Paula Lewis during the evening. However, she said they were not with the group who made their way to exit 5 when the fire was noticed.

Survivor's guilt

Ms Keegan broke down as she read harrowing details from her own garda statements given in 1981 and 2019, to the jury.

In her supplemental statement given in 2019, Ms Keegan spoke of the guilt she felt because she survived the fire while her sisters perished.

She said their father had begged them not to go because it was taking place on Friday the 13th.

Ms Keegan said thankfully her brother John, 17 at the time, had been refused entry that night.

The inquest continues on Tuesday afternoon.
Social media platform TikTok has hit the milestone of two million monthly users in Ireland.

The company praised Irish creators in different fields for helping it to reach the figure.

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Cormac Keenan, head of trust and safety at TikTok, said: "Our vibrant community of 2million people across Ireland is made up of book lovers, foodies, families, musicians, comedians, artists and so much more, who come to TikTok to discover, share their stories, inspire creativity and spread joy.

"It has been a privilege to see how TikTok has embedded itself into Irish culture over the past five years, and I want to say a big thank you to the incredible community of creators in Ireland who have helped us reach this incredible milestone by bringing their warmth, talents and authenticity to TikTok every day."

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The company has been accused of sharing users' personal data with Chinese government agencies.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned Government departments not to use the app on work devices.

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On Monday, TikTok was granted permission by the High Court to challenge the Data Protection Commission (DPC) decision to fine it 345 million for failing to protect childrens privacy on its social media site.

TikTok's action is against the decision to impose the fine following an investigation into the social media platform over how some of its privacy settings and features complied with obligations under the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The platform was fined after the DPC initiated an investigation in September 2021 into certain processing of personal data of persons under the age of 18 years carried out by TikTok.

The DPC also looked into the technical and organisational measures in the form of age verification steps for people under 13 years of age in relation to the processing of personal data on the platform, and if such measures complied with Ireland's obligations under GDPR.
A woman has suffered burns and swelling to her face after being struck by a firework in Belfast city centre.

The PSNI said the woman in her 30s was injured by the firework that was aimed at police.

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One person has been arrested in relation to the attack.

Superintendent Finola Dornan said officers from the South Belfast Local Policing Team narrowly avoided serious injury when a firework was thrown at them on Monday night.

The firework missed the officers and instead hit a woman in her 30s, who was in the area at the time, and resulted in burns and swelling to her face, she said.

Officers provided first aid at the scene, before the woman received medical treatment at hospital.

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Due to the swift action of local police, one person was arrested nearby on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault on police, possession of fireworks without a licence and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

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The investigation remains ongoing.

A woman, aged in her 30s, required hospital treatment for facial injuries after she was struck by a firework that was aimed at police in south Belfast yesterday evening, Monday 23rd October. Full details here: https://t.co/fGd68bxhxG pic.twitter.com/chPxWY7QTR Advertisement  Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) October 24, 2023

Ms Dornan expressed her support to the victim of the attack, saying that: Fireworks are dangerous.

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Their misuse can have a devastating and even fatal consequences, she said.

My thoughts go out to the victim who was injured last night, in what was a very traumatic experience.

I am pleased that by the effective actions of local police, an individual will be held to account, having been interviewed and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Assaults on police who are working hard to keep communities safe are totally unacceptable, yet all too common.

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Police patrols will be out and about to deter anti-social behaviour across this Halloween period, as well as engage with and support local communities.

Most people are responsible, but we need to be considerate and mindful of others when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

Remember, what might seem like harmless fun to some, may actually feel like anti-social behaviour to others.

Police have urged anyone who witnessed the attack to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1552 23/10/23.
US president Joe Biden underscored the need to sustain "a continuous flow" of humanitarian assistance into Gaza in call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, the White House said.

Mr Biden also "welcomed the release of two additional hostages from Gaza earlier today, and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas," the White House added.

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He also updated the prime minister on "US support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, to include new US military deployments," according to the White House.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight.

Israel has frequently traded fire with Hezbollah and Israeli warplanes have hit targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

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The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on securing the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its deadly incursion, according to a US official.

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Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant told troops near Gaza to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come.

He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea but did not give a timeframe.

Tanks and troops have been massed at the Gaza border, and Israel says it has stepped up airstrikes to reduce the risk to troops in the next stages.

A ground excursion is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militants seized power in Gaza in 2007.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians during the initial Hamas attack.

At least 222 people were captured and taken back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said on Monday, updating a previous figure. - Additional reporting from Associated Press
Hamas released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza on Monday, as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes, flattening residential buildings in what it says was preparation for an eventual ground assault.

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The US advised Israel to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels two-week seal.

Nurit Cooper was held hostage by Hamas (Hostages and Missing Families Forum/AP)

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With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the UN said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its lorries.

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Gaza hospitals are struggling to keep generators running to power life-saving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The two freed hostages, Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

The two women and their husbands were taken from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas October 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands were not released.

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Hamas said it had released them for humanitarian reasons, days after freeing an American woman and her teenage daughter.

Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual nationals.

 We facilitated the release of 2 more hostages, transporting them out of #Gaza this evening.



Our role as a neutral intermediary makes this work possible & we are ready to facilitate any future release.



We hope that they will soon be back with their loved ones. Advertisement  ICRC (@ICRC) October 23, 2023

Israel is widely expected to launch a ground offensive in Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas after its brutal October 7th rampage into southern Israeli communities.

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That is raising fears of the war spreading beyond Gaza and Israel, as Iranian-backed fighters in the region are warning of possible escalation, including targeting US forces deployed in the Middle East.

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The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight.

Israel has frequently traded fire with Hezbollah and Israeli warplanes have hit targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on securing the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its deadly incursion, according to a US official.

#Gaza "The situation is frankly catastrophic"



Tamer details how our medical teams are doing absolutely everything they can to provide care to over 400,000 displaced people in @UNRWA shelters - including providing 3,000 pregnant women with medical support #HearTheirVoices pic.twitter.com/wIAmpl0VWA  UNRWA (@UNRWA) October 23, 2023

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant told troops near Gaza to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come.

He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea but did not give a timeframe.

Tanks and troops have been massed at the Gaza border, and Israel says it has stepped up airstrikes to reduce the risk to troops in the next stages.

A ground excursion is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militants seized power in Gaza in 2007.

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More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians during the initial Hamas attack.

At least 222 people were captured and taken back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said on Monday, updating a previous figure.

Part of the damage on al Rashid Street in Gaza City (Abed Khaled/AP)

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and about 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Monday.

That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said it had hit 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired more than 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war.

The Israeli military released footage showing what it said were attacks on Hamas infrastructure, with explosions as multi-storey buildings collapsed or toppled over.

Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armoured bulldozers inside Gaza.

The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

The military said the raid was part of efforts to rescue hostages. Hamas hopes to trade the captives for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

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Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP)

On Monday the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 lorries entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies, through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel.

It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

The UN has said 20 lorries amounts to 4 per cent of an average days imports before the war and that hundreds of lorries a day are needed.

Mr White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its lorries.

The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded on to UNRWA and the Red Crescent lorries to take to hospitals and UN schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water.

An airstrike hit a residential building some 200 metres from the UN headquarters in Rafah on Monday, killing and wounding several people, according to an Associated Press reporter at the scene, underscoring the perils of humanitarian operations.

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In #Gaza the damage to essential infrastructure is devastating.



People desperately need drinking water.



Water can't be pumped or desalinated. Wastewater systems are likely to flood.



Water treatment plants cant run without fuel.



Hospitals cant run without fuel.  ICRC (@ICRC) October 23, 2023

After a day of intense strikes, Rafahs Abou Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital registered 61 deaths since Monday morning, its spokesman said. With no room in the morgue, more half the bodies were lying in the hospital grounds, spokesman Talaat Barghout said.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in UN-run schools and shelters, the UN said on Monday.

No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain.

Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and about 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the UN said.

The north didnt receive anything from incoming aid, said Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group based in the northern town of Beit Lahia.

Its like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza.
A British psychotherapist whose elderly mother is being held hostage by Hamas has said the recent release of another Britons mother gives him some hope for the future.

Noam Sagis 75-year-old mother Ada was taken hostage after the militant group entered Kibbutz Nir Oz near the border with Gaza on October 7th.

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Speaking after a press conference at the Israeli embassy on Tuesday, he described the release of London-based Sharon Lifschitzs mother Yocheved as the best bit of news he has had since the invasion.

He told the PA news agency: She is a very, very dear friend and a close member of the community where I grew up.

Ayelet Svatitzkys mother and brother were taken hostage (Belinda Jiao/PA)

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I am intensely happy. It is the best bit of news that I have had since all this started.

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I am very, very happy that she is back in safe hands. It gives me hope of course.

It is a paradoxical situation; we are speaking about crimes against humanity but we are expecting humanity to prevail.

Ofri Bibas Levy, whose brother Jordan, his wife Shiri, their four-year-old old son Ariel and nine-month-old baby boy Kfir were taken hostage, told reporters the releases are like torture.

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She said: We cant forget what happened. Those releases are like torture for us. It is really torture.

Ayelet Svatitzky, whose mother and brother were taken from their homes and whose older brother was murdered, said: On a personal level, someones mother came home, maybe not my mother.

Ofri Bibas Levy, whose brother Jordan was taken hostage from his home in Nir Oz with his wife Shiri and their children Ariel, four, and four-month-old Kfir (Belinda Jiao/PA)

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Someones mother came home yesterday, it is the beginning, it is far from the end.

David Barr, whose sister-in-law Naomi was murdered on her morning run, told reporters: They are releasing two people as if to show they are showing the world how compassionate they are?

Ms Lifschitz told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme her mother is keen to pass on information about any hostages she was with.

She told the broadcaster: To see my mum again is an incredible thing  to hold her hand and to kiss her cheek.

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I am so proud of her, she is amazing. Just the way she walked off and came back and said thank you was quite incredible to me. Its so her.

She is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with.

Mr Sagi told the programme: I really want to hope that (my mother) is sitting somewhere and doing something that no politician can do, (that) she is using Arabic skills to talk to people and potentially do something.

The other option is to follow negative, worrying thoughts about what could happen, and I dont want to go there.

The UK Foreign Office has said it will continue to work tirelessly to secure the release of more hostages.
The armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas militant group said on Monday it had released two more female civilian captives on health grounds in response to Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts, and a source told Reuters they were elderly Israelis.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the armed wing, said in a statement on Telegram: "We decided to release them for humanitarian and poor health grounds." It named the two as Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz.

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The armed wing released an American mother and daughter, Judith and Natalie Raanan, on Friday, nearly two weeks after Hamas gunmen carried out an October 7th cross-border assault, killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

Israel's Channel 12 said on Monday that the third and fourth hostages had been released and that families had been informed. Egypt's state news agency said the two had arrived at the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt.

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There was no immediate comment from Israeli officials.

Israel pounded hundreds of targets in Gaza from the air on Monday as its soldiers fought Hamas militants during raids into the besieged Palestinian strip. Deaths are soaring and civilians are trapped in harrowing conditions.

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Gaza's health ministry said 436 people had been killed in bombardments over the past 24 hours, most in the south of the narrow, densely populated territory, next to which Israeli troops and tanks have massed for a possible ground invasion.

The Israeli military said it had struck more than 320 targets in Gaza over 24 hours, including a tunnel housing Hamas fighters, dozens of command and lookout posts, and mortar and anti-tank missile launcher positions.

The Israeli bombardment was triggered by the October 7th assault, the bloodiest episode in a single day since the state of Israel was founded 75 years ago.

With Gaza's 2.3 million people running short of basics, European leaders looked set to follow the United Nations and Arab nations in calling for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities so aid could reach them.

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A US special envoy is negotiating with Israel, Egypt and the United Nations to create a "sustained delivery mechanism" to get aid into Gaza after aid convoys began crossing into the strip from Egypt, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday.

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The UN said desperate Gazans also lacked places to shelter from the unrelenting pounding that has flattened swathes of the Hamas-ruled enclave.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov stressed the need for a multilateral approach to resolve the conflict and said the United States had not offered any new ideas.

"The more we have such 'initiatives" from any one state, the greater in general will be the risks, the danger of the conflict growing," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted him as saying after a regional meeting in Tehran.

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The conflict meanwhile was escalating beyond Gaza.

Israeli aircraft hit positions in south Lebanon held by Hezbollah which, like Hamas, is a group allied to Israel's long-time foe Iran. The Israeli army and Palestinians also clashed in the occupied West Bank. And Hamas fired more rockets into Israel.

At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed in two weeks of strikes, including 2,055 children, the health ministry said.

Israel's police and the Shin Bet intelligence agency released footage from their interrogations of captured Hamas gunmen who took part in the October 7th rampage of Israeli communities.

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In the video clips, one handcuffed Hamas man sitting beside a desk is heard describing the orders they received regarding Israeli civilians - to kill the men and bring the women, children and elderly as hostages.

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Another, with an injury on his face, said they were told their prize for bringing captives would be a new home and $10,000.

Fighting inside Gaza

Israel said its armed forces' incursions overnight were partly intended to gather intelligence, with the whereabouts of the hostages unknown, and had helped improve its military readiness.

"These raids are raids that kill squads of terrorists who are preparing for our next stage in the war. These are raids that go deep," military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said.

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, said its fighters engaged with an Israeli force that infiltrated southern Gaza, destroying two bulldozers and a tank and forcing the raiders to withdraw.

Israel made no comment on the incident.

The Al-Qassam Brigades also said they were firing missiles at the southern Israeli towns of Ashkelon and Mavki'im. Warning sirens sounded on the Israeli side.

The Israeli military, the Middle East's most powerful, faces a group that has built up a large arsenal with Iran's help, fighting in a crowded urban setting and using a vast tunnel network.

The UN humanitarian office (OCHA) said about 1.4 million of Gaza's population - more than half - were now internally displaced, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded U.N. emergency shelters.

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Israel has ordered Gaza residents to evacuate the north. But many who had fled appeared to be returning north due to increased bombardments in the south and lack of shelter.

"They told us to evacuate your place and go to Khan Younis because it is safe... They betrayed us and bombed us," said 18-year-old Dima Al-Lamdani who lost her parents, seven siblings and four members of her uncle's family in an air strike after the family moved south.

Spreading violence

Early on Monday, Israeli warplanes also struck two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon that were planning to launch missiles and rockets towards Israel, the Israeli military said. Israel also hit a Hezbollah compound and an observation post.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, two Palestinians were killed at the Jalazone refugee camp near Ramallah, the Palestinian Authority health ministry said.

Residents told Reuters that Israeli forces raided the camp and made many arrests as they clashed with gunmen and some youths who threw stones. The Israeli military said 15 suspects were captured, 10 of them Hamas operatives.

A third convoy of 20 aid trucks entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday. The UN said aid arriving so far was just 4% of the daily average before the hostilities.

In Brussels, European Union leaders meeting later this week will call for a ceasefire to allow aid to flow safely, according to draft conclusions seen by Reuters. They said they backed a similar call from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who visited Rafah last week. Arab nations also want a truce.
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former lawyer and fixer, is expected to take the stand on Tuesday as a key witness against the former president in a civil fraud case that threatens to break up Mr Trump's business empire.

Mr Trump is expected to be in the courtroom Tuesday, according to a person familiar with his plans. That could set up a tense face-to-face encounter with Mr Cohen, who has become one of Mr Trump's fiercest critics since cutting ties with him five years ago.

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Mr Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is arriving fresh off a Monday campaign stop in New Hampshire and just days after being fined $5,000 by the judge overseeing the case for violating a gag order.

The lawsuit by Democratic New York attorney general Letitia James alleges Mr Trump inflated the value of his properties by billions of dollars in statements to banks to secure better loan terms.

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Mr Cohen served as Mr Trumps personal lawyer and fixer for years before cutting ties amid his own legal troubles. His testimony during a 2019 Congressional probe of Mr Trumps finances was the impetus for Ms James lawsuit.

Mr Trump has denied wrongdoing and defended the valuations of his properties, saying the case is a fraud" and a political witch hunt.

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He has occasionally appeared in court over the past month, complaining in inflammatory remarks to reporters that it is a distraction from his campaign.

During opening statements, Mr Trumps lawyers called Mr Cohen a serial liar, citing his two guilty pleas in 2018 on felony charges including tax evasion and lying to Congress during a probe of Mr Trump's Russia ties.

Mr Cohen began a three-year prison sentence in 2019 but was released to home confinement the following year.

Mr Cohen told Reuters on Monday that Mr Trump calling him a liar was the "perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black".

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Trump Indictment.  Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

"Interesting that they would question my veracity when my lying to Congress was done at the direction of, in connection with and for the benefit of Donald," he said.

In September, before the trial began, Justice Arthur Engoron found that Mr Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth and ordered the dissolution of companies that control crown jewels of his real estate portfolio, including Trump Tower in Manhattan. That ruling is on hold while Mr Trump appeals.

The trial largely concerns damages. Ms James is seeking at least $250 million (236 million) in fines, a permanent ban against Mr Trump and his sons Donald Jr and Eric from running businesses in New York and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Mr Trump and the Trump Organisation.

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Early in the trial, Judge Engoron barred the parties from speaking publicly about court staff after Mr Trump shared a social media post attacking Judge Engorons clerk and identifying her by name.

Mr Trump deleted the post, but last week Judge Engoron revealed that a screenshot had remained live on his campaign site for weeks.

Judge Engoron, who said the lapse appeared to be "inadvertent," fined Mr Trump $5,000 and warned that future violations would bring "far more severe" sanctions, including imprisonment.
US prosecutors on Tuesday charged an off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut off the engines of an Alaska Airlines flight on Sunday over the Pacific Northwest.

Joseph David Emerson (44), of Pleasant Hill, California, an Alaska Airlines pilot, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

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He told an officer that he had taken psychedelic mushrooms for the first time and been depressed for the past six months and believed he was having a nervous breakdown.

"I messed everything up," Emerson said, according to the criminal complaint, adding that he "tried to kill everybody.

Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 was operated by Alaska Air Group's regional subsidiary Horizon Air, the carrier said.

Prosecutors said that after the cockpit incident Emerson, in wrist restraints, tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit during the flight's descent but was stopped by a flight attendant.

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Emerson was off-duty at the time and riding as a validated "jump seat" passenger in the cockpit of the plane  a routine mode of transport for commercial airline pilots hitching flights back home or to their next assignment, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Emerson is set to make his first appearance at 2.05pm local time (10.05pm Irish time) in Multnomah County court, according to a spokesperson for the local prosecutor in Portland, Oregon, where formal charges were expected to be filed.

He was booked into jail on 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft.

The FAA told US airlines in a notice seen by Reuters that the off-duty pilot had sought to disable the engines of the Embraer 175 by attempting to activate the engines' fire-suppression system while the plane was at cruise altitude.

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The action occurred shortly after Emerson said, Im not okay." A pilot grabbed Emerson's wrist while the other declared an inflight emergency and then one pilot physically engaged Emerson before he left the cockpit.

Emerson joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon first officer in August 2001 and later a pilot, Alaska Airlines said, adding that "at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked." Aviators are expected to self-report any mental health conditions.

Adam Silverthorne, president of California-based NRI Flying Club, said the incident was incongruous with the kindhearted, methodical family man he knew Emerson to be several years ago when Emerson was a club member and provided flight instruction. A club newsletter mentioned that Emerson was at NRI in 2016.

The FAA told airlines in a separate notice on Monday that the incident "is not connected in any way, shape or form to current world events" but said it is "always good practice to maintain vigilance."
An off-duty pilot riding in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines jet tried to disable the aircraft's engines on a flight from the Seattle area to San Francisco, but crew members subdued him, and the plane landed in Portland, Oregon, officials said on Monday.

Joseph David Emerson was arrested on Sunday in Portland and was booked into jail on 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the local prosecutor's office.

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Formal charges against Emerson, 44, were expected to be filed on Tuesday in Multnomah County court in Portland, where he was due to appear for an afternoon arraignment and enter a plea, a spokesperson for the county district attorney said.

Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by Alaska Air Group's regional subsidiary Horizon Air, departed Everett, Washington, on Sunday bound for San Francisco but was re-routed to Portland after reporting a security threat, the airline said.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told US airlines in a notice seen by Reuters that the off-duty pilot, flying as a "validated jump seat passenger," sought to disable the engines of the twin-jet Embraer 175 by attempting to activate the engine fire-suppression system while the plane was at cruise altitude.

"The crew was able to subdue the suspect and he was removed from the flight deck," the FAA notice said. The engines were never disabled, Alaska said.

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Radio chatter from the flight deck moments later was captured on audio posted by LiveATC.net, an online service that streams communications between air traffic control and commercial jets.

"Ill just give you a heads-up. Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit," the Horizon pilot told air traffic control, according to the audio. "It doesnt sound like hes causing any issue at the back. I think hes subdued. ... We want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked." Port of Portland police officers met the flight and took the suspect into custody without incident.

An FAA pilot database showed Emerson listed as a certified pilot who received a medical clearance last month. Aviators are expected to self-report any mental health conditions, two US pilots told Reuters.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the world's largest pilots union, which represents aviators at Alaska, said in a statement that the airline "profession in North America is one of the most highly vetted and scrutinised careers."

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Adam Silverthorne, president of California-based NRI Flying Club, said the incident was incongruous with the kindhearted, methodical family man he knew Emerson as several years ago when Emerson was a club member and flight instructor. A club newsletter mentioned Emerson was at NRI in 2016.

"To say that it was out of character would be a huge understatement," Mr Silverthorne said by phone. "It's bonkers."

The FBI in Portland said it "is investigating and can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident".

The FAA told airlines in a separate notice on Monday the incident "is not connected in any way, shape or form to current world events" but said it is "always good practice to maintain vigilance."

It is standard practice for off-duty pilots to sit in jump seats for flights home or en route a future flight assignment.

Alaska Airlines said all passengers on board travelled on a later flight.
Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday will try again to fill a leadership vacuum that has paralysed the chamber for three weeks and left Congress unable to tackle urgent funding requests for Israel and Ukraine.

The 221-member Republican majority in the House is due to gather at 9am ET (1300 GMT) for a series of closed-door votes to choose a nominee from eight candidates for speaker, a position that has been vacant since October 3rd.

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It is unclear whether any of them can unite the party. But after three weeks of infighting, some Republicans predicted that a new speaker could be elected on the House floor quickly.

"People are so discouraged by what's happened the last three weeks that they want to come together," representative Don Bacon said after a 2-1/2-hour candidate forum on Monday evening.

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Mr Bacon told reporters that the House could have a new speaker by Tuesday night, adding: "I'm hopeful for it."

Candidates include representative Tom Emmer, who as the No. 3 House Republican can point to leadership and campaign fundraising experience that normally would make him a strong candidate for the post.

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But Republicans have already rejected two leaders with those skills. Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker by a small group of Republican insurgents on October 3rd, and his No 2, Steve Scalise, dropped his own bid the following week when he was unable to line up enough votes to win the job.

Mr Emmer faces seven other rivals from his party's right flank, including Representatives Byron Donalds and Kevin Hern.

Republicans have already rejected the most prominent member of that faction, representative Jim Jordan, who was dropped as their nominee after losing three floor votes last week.

Other candidates, like representative Mike Johnson, are running as bridge builders who promise to unite the party after weeks of arguing and death threats.

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Divided Republican Party

Some Republicans question whether that is possible. On Monday, however, several said party unity could be more easily achieved after lawmakers spent the weekend hearing from constituents angered by the stalemate.

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"Americans are looking at us right now, and they're not thrilled," representative Anthony D'Esposito said. "There's a feeling that people want to get back to work. We want to move this country forward."

The infighting has left the House unable to respond to president Joe Biden's $106 billion request for aid to Israel, Ukraine and US border security. Congress will also have to act before a November 17th deadline to fund the US government and avert a partial shutdown.

Republicans control the House by a narrow 221-212 margin, which means they can afford no more than four defections on partisan votes. Some 25 Republicans voted against Mr Jordan's speaker bid last Friday.

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With Democrats united in opposition, Republicans will have to ensure they have 217 votes of their own.

Republicans are expected to hold several rounds of closed-door ballots to settle on a nominee before a floor vote that would install a speaker. A nominee is chosen by a simple majority.

But Republicans might keep voting and negotiating in private until their next nominee has locked in 217 Republican votes.

People want to avoid another floor fiasco.

"We'll have a candidate by noon. The question is whether it will then go to the floor," said representative Mike Gallagher.

World Who's in the race to become US House speaker? Read More

"People want to avoid another floor fiasco," he added.

Democrats have said they are open to a compromise candidate that would allow the chamber to function. Many Republicans have said on principle that they would not back somebody who had support from the opposition party.

But things could change if Republicans prove unable to choose a speaker in coming days.

"Every hour that this goes by, members get closer and closer to wanting to try unconventional approaches," said representative Dusty Johnson.
Around the world, workers and youth have been mobilising in solidarity with the Palestinian masses, who are facing a brutal onslaught from the Israeli military. Comrades of the International Marxist Tendency (IMT) have joined these demonstrations, advancing communist slogans in support of the struggle of the oppressed people of Palestine.

We publish below some images and videos of comrades of the IMT attending demonstrations in a few of the countries where we are active. Everywhere, we have been raising the same revolutionary slogans: for an Intifada to kick out capitalism and establish a socialist federation of the Middle East!

From Washington to Sydney, from Berlin to Cape Town, millions have taken to the streets in defiance of the disgraceful imperialist propaganda of the ruling classes internationally.

In London on Saturday, up to 300,000 people marched through the city in solidarity with Palestine, following a mobilisation of at least 150,000 the week before. This was a smack in the face of the ruling class, who mobilised over 1,000 police officers and have encouraged legal repression against demonstrators who fly the Palestinian flag or chant certain pro-Palestine slogans. These attacks have not quelled support for the Palestinian cause, however, which is backed by 39 percent of people under 34, compared to just 11 percent support for Israel among the same age group.

In the United States  the main imperialist backer of the Israeli ruling class  mass pro-Palestine demonstrations have taken place in a number of cities. Thousands of predominantly young people took to the streets in New York, and protests have taken place at a number of universities across the country, often involving hundreds of students.

Tens of thousands continue to fill the streets of various cities across the world to support the Palestinian people. Massive protests took place in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.



Weeks of protests in France defying a nationwide ban have led to the successful lifting of pic.twitter.com/3bKkp0A3y4  red. (@redstreamnet) October 23, 2023

In the belly of the imperialist beast, support for Palestine among young Americans reached a new peak earlier this year. 31 percent of US adults now sympathise more with Palestine than Israel, compared to just 12 percent a decade ago. This is yet another sign of the radical, anti-imperialist conclusions being drawn by a growing layer of workers and youth, even in the powerful imperialist countries.

In France, the state initially resorted to extensive repressive measures, with Macron banning all demonstrations in support of Palestine. Despite this disgusting clampdown on free speech and democratic rights, on 14 October hundreds took to the streets to attend an illegal rally in Paris, braving water cannons and tear gas attacks from the police in order to express their solidarity with the Palestinian masses.

Now, sensing the anger among workers and youth, the French state has backtracked and allowed some pro-Palestine demonstrations to take place. 15,000 people mobilised in the streets of Paris at the weekend, calling for an end to Israels war on Gaza.

Various local governments in Germany likewise banned pro-Palestine demonstrations, with police forcibly dispersing a protest of 1,000 people in Berlin. Politicians have attempted to demonise protestors, with Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck disgustingly accusing pro-Palestinian demonstrators of celebrating terror, rejoicing in the murder of Jews.

Yet despite the numerous and widespread attacks by the ruling class, the movement in support of the Palestinian struggle is growing and gaining momentum. Workers and youth internationally are mobilising in solidarity, bravely facing the repression head on and giving a clear signal that the crimes of the Israeli ruling class will not be ignored.

Below we include a selection of photos and videos from comrades of the IMT around the world.

Britain

In Britain, the comrades of Socialist Appeal took part in a number of huge demonstrations across the country. In London, over 100 comrades mobilised for two consecutive weeks, joining hundreds of thousands in the capital to show their solidarity with the Palestinian masses. Our comrades have also been mobilising across other towns and cities, including across university campuses, where our comrades have also been subject to censorship by university and student union authorities (click here to read more).

Communists on the Palestine demo in London today pic.twitter.com/KF5GZphran  Ben Gliniecki (@BenGliniecki) October 14, 2023

Loads of reports from the weekend just posted on the live reports. Link in bio. @socialist_app members calling demonstrations, attending rallies, starting branches, getting stuck in all over the country. #FreePalestine #jointhecommunists pic.twitter.com/LSg7bHEV0p  Ben Gliniecki (@BenGliniecki) October 16, 2023

As horror plays out in Gaza, workers and youth across Britain are mobilising en masse. An explosive mood of anger is building  aimed not only at Netanyahus murderous regime, but at our own criminal ruling class. We say: Intifada until victory!



 https://t.co/WOb3WI3PEI pic.twitter.com/TFKjEA3pAH  Socialist Appeal (IMT) (@socialist_app) October 23, 2023

The escalating aggression of Israeli imperialism, with the imminent threat of invasion in Gaza, has provoked a massive outburst of anger in Britain. IMT comrades have been connecting with this mood, putting forward clear revolutionary slogans.



 https://t.co/qJKBIK3eyy pic.twitter.com/hS5IDGObn4  Socialist Appeal (IMT) (@socialist_app) October 16, 2023

USA

In the United States, comrades of Socialist Revolution marched side-by-side with the thousands that came out onto the streets to show their solidarity with Palestine. Comrades joined rallies in many cities, notably including the massive mobilisation in New York, with slogans calling for an end to US imperialism and denouncing its complicity with Israels war on the people of Gaza.

In the past two weeks, tens of thousands of people across the United States have rallied in support of #Palestine. The communists organized in the IMT participated in over 40 demonstrations in 21 cities across the country. Here are photos from just a few of them! #DefendGaza pic.twitter.com/3GL10M4jUf  Socialist Revolution (@usimt) October 20, 2023

Capitalism and the Oslo Accords have failed the Palestinians! Our AZ comrades were proud to join the #AllOutForPalestine rally over the weekend and stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation against Israeli & US Imperialism! #EndTheOccupation #DefendGaza! pic.twitter.com/J9TiUlLyDn  Socialist Revolution (@usimt) October 16, 2023

Comrades of the IMT in New York City joined thousands of others on Friday to protest Israels brutality and aggression against the people of Palestine. Defend #Gaza! Free #Palestine! Intifada until victory! pic.twitter.com/NW5KPgoOzw  Socialist Revolution (@usimt) October 15, 2023

NYC communists at the massive protest in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn last weekend in solidarity with Palestine! #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/Jyh13jEFOH  Socialist Revolution (@usimt) October 25, 2023

Sweden

In Sweden, IMT comrades came out in force, with communist banners and placards being seen in Stockholm, Karlstad, Gothenburg and elsewhere. Comrades speeches demanded an end to the brutal war on Gaza and expressed no confidence in the hypocritical ruling class in Sweden and the West.
Afterpays new product that allows shoppers to use the buy now, pay later (BNPL) operator for a wider range of purchases has reignited debate over how tightly the fast-growing sector should be regulated, as the industry awaits further details on the governments policy.

On Tuesday, consumer advocates warned the BNPL giants recently launched Afterpay Plus product  which charges a $10 monthly subscription to give customers access to an Afterpay loan at the tap of a card  could lure Australians into more debt, with limited checks on their ability to repay it.

But Afterpay, owned by US fintech giant Block, hit back at criticisms, saying the vast majority of its customers repaid on time and its product offered consumers a safer, interest-free alternative to credit cards.

An Afterpay spokesperson said the company offered a safer alternative to credit cards. Credit: Lauren Vadnjal

A spokesperson for the company said the new service, which allows customers to take out loans at a wider range of locations using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, would be subject to rigorous protections.
Qantas has scrapped its plan to renew its long-running partnership with China Eastern less than a week before its flights to Shanghai resume  its second concession to the competition watchdog in a month.

The two airline businesses began coordinating prices, schedules and marketing on the Shanghai route in 2015, in an extension of their code share agreement. But the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently flagged it was likely to deny any application from Qantas to renew the partnership on the basis it may breach competition laws.

Qantas has withdrawn its application to continue partnering with China Eastern, in its second competition-based concession since Vanessa Hudson took over. Credit: Bloomberg

When the ACCC released its draft determination in September, commissioner Anna Brakey said the watchdog was concerned the pairing would allow Qantas and China Eastern to increase prices by limiting or delaying the introduction of additional capacity on the Sydney-Shanghai route despite growing demand. They are currently the only two carriers that fly the route.

Qantas stopped servicing Sydney-Shanghai during COVID-19 but is due to resume daily flights on Sunday. A Qantas spokesperson said on Tuesday that Qantas and China Eastern would no longer seek authorisation to coordinate.
The Reserve Bank of Australia will not only raise rates on Melbourne Cup day but is more likely to do so again in February and will keep them higher for longer, a leading economist has said.

UBS Australias chief economist George Tharenou is one of the most accurate economists in the nation when it comes to predicting RBA rate rises. He correctly predicted every single Reserve Bank move between July 2022 and July 2023.

UBS Chief Economist George Tharenou Credit: Nick Moir

In a note to investors on Wednesday following the release of higher than expected inflation data, Tharenou said he expected the cash rate to be hiked another 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent when the board meets on Melbourne Cup day.

RBA Governor Bullocks speech last night effectively specified they will not hesitate to raise the cash rate further  implying a hike of 25 [basis points] at their November meeting  if there is a material upward revision to the outlook for inflation, his note said.

He also noted that the RBA board appeared mindful there are long lags in the transmission of monetary policy but predicted that a rate hike loomed.

UBS has for several months highlighted the material risk the RBA could hike rates in Nov- 23, particularly if CPI was higher than expected. Well, thats the case now.Once hiked, Tharenou believed RBA would keep rates higher for longer albeit now from a higher starting point.
There was a chance the mice were ferried to those heights by the ancient Incas, who once performed ceremonial sacrifices on the peaks. But radiocarbon dating revealed the oldest mouse mummy was 350 years old, and many had died only in the past few decades. Researchers set traps and captured live specimens, proving populations of Punta de Vacas leaf-eared mice roam more than 6700 metres above sea level. Previously, anything higher than 5200 metres was considered a mammalian no-go zone. Well-trained mountain climbers can tolerate such extreme elevations during a one-day summit attempt, but the fact that mice are actually living at such elevations demonstrates that we have underestimated the physiological tolerances of small mammals, Storz said.

A mummified mouse, retrieved from the summit of a South American volcano. Credit: MARCIAL QUIROGA-CARMONA The most surprising thing about our discovery is that mammals could be living on the summits of volcanoes in such an inhospitable, Mars-like environment. Extremophiles and the search for alien life Creatures that thrive in toxic, acidic, radioactive, anaerobic, searing hot or deadly cold habitats  called extremophiles  rewrite biologists understanding of life on earth and the sheer force of evolution. But another group of researchers pay attention, too: astrobiologists. These scientists scrutinise how life may have sprung up on Earth and where it could be lurking elsewhere in the universe.

You might classify these mice as a type of extremophile, says Dr Albert Fahrenbach. Hes the director of UNSWs Australian Centre for Astrobiology, the only centre of its kind in the country. Fahrenbachs colleagues have scoured the globe for the most alien environments to help them deduce what we might find on seemingly barren exoplanets. Extremophiles are usually bacteria, but you could say the leaf-eared mouse  found far above the normal mammalian altitude threshold  has joined the ranks of microbes that live in permafrost and radioactive waste. Credit: Marcial Quiroga-Carmona For example, the centres Professor Belinda Ferrari discovered bacteria in the soil of hyper-arid deserts in Antarctica, where theres little available water or organic carbon, and the sun can vanish for months, precluding photosynthesis. The bacteria were consuming hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, generating energy and water to stay alive  essentially, living off thin air. Their discovery provided a new model for how bacteria might thrive on harsh alien planets, nourished only by the atmosphere.

Each time scientists discover an extremophile  from the high-altitude mice to air-eating bacteria  our limited ideas about what life might look like beyond Earth expands, boosting our chances of recognising habitats on other planets that may sustain alien organisms. The Australian mission to find Martians In June, another of the centres astrobiologists, Professor Martin Van Kranendonk, led NASA personnel through the red dust of the Pilbara in the north of Western Australia to show them stromatolite fossils. These swirls of dark silica, produced by prehistoric cyanobacteria, date back 2.7 billion to 3.5 billion years  the oldest confirmed evidence of life on Earth. Astrobiologists surveyed structures in WA, including these egg carton stromatolites, to refine their search for evidence of microbes on Mars. Credit: NASA/Mike Toillionu

In 2007, the Spirit rover stumbled across similar silica structures in the Columbia Hills of Gusev crater on Mars, Fahrenbach says. In particular, the structures resembled microbe-produced silica deposits found at the edge of the Atacama Desert in Chile  another landscape used as a proxy for Mars that isnt far from Storzs mummified mice. To the untrained eye, they just look like some unusual rock, says Fahrenbach. They have these really crazy textures, but from a geologists point of view, theyre pretty easy to identify as arising from life. Silica deposits found on Mars in 2007 compared with silica deposits in Chile, which were shaped by microbes. Credit: LifeSprings Mars The Martian structures, too, could yield biosignatures  evidence of creatures once alive on the dusty red planet.

Theres only one way to be sure  to bring a sample back and study it on Earth, to see if we can provide evidence that these structures were generated biologically,  says Fahrenbach. The LifeSprings Mars mission, led by Van Kranendonk, aims to retrieve that all-important Martian sample for testing. According to the researchers behind the mission, its humanitys best chance to search for extraterrestrial life. Biologist Jay Storz on Chiles Volcan Pular where mouse mummies were excavated. Credit: Mario Perez Mamani But even as our knowledge of earthbound biology expands, theres always the chance alien life is so beyond our current imagination were looking in the entirely wrong places, Fahrenbach says. There could be life out there thats not based on any chemistry that we recognise.
Not many examples of urban renewal in Brisbane have been as widely pilloried as King George Square, which officially reopened 14 years ago this Wednesday.

The $28 million revamp (closer to $40 million in todays money) was a byproduct of the Northern Busway and related subterranean station work, which also claimed a fair chunk of Brisbane City Councils public car park.

Brisbane Times once tried to fry an egg in King George Square on a 40-degree day. Credit: Michelle Smith

You cant make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and so it was that Brisbanes inner-city oasis was torn up and consigned to history.

Gone were the manicured lawns and fountains, in their place a granite wasteland that seemed to amplify the heat, much to the horror of those who attended the opening.
A man charged with murdering notorious crime figure Gavin Capable Preston is set to be extradited to Victoria from NSW on Thursday.

Jaeden Tito, a 22-year-old roofer with no known criminal history, appeared in the Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday afternoon after being arrested in an early morning police raid in Sydneys outer south-western suburb of Bradbury. No plea was recorded during the proceeding.

Tito is accused of gunning down Preston in broad daylight at a crowded Keilor cafe in Melbournes west on September 9.

Outside the hearing, Titos lawyer told Nine News his client understood the seriousness of the charges. Of course his family supports him, he said.
A man was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a child in Melbourne, as well as multiple children procured through a paedophile network operating overseas.

Michael Corbett, 61, pleaded guilty to historical offences relating to grooming and abusing a child under 16 in Melton South and recent offences relating to raping three children in the Philippines, during a case heard in the County Court of Victoria on Tuesday.

Police arrested Corbett after investigations into an overseas paedophile network found the Australian citizen had paid a facilitator to procure children who were brought to his house in the Philippines for him to abuse on multiple occasions.

A man has been charged following a joint investigation between the AFP and Victoria Police. Credit: Paul Rovere

Corbett paid the three boys, who were all aged between 9 and 13, the equivalent of between $7 and $14 after abusing them in his home.
MICHAEL HICKIE: 1922- 2023

Michael Hickie was one of the last surviving submarine commanders who served in World War II. The Narrabeen resident has dived under ice floes at the North Pole, torpedoed and sunk German ships and survived a collision with an Italian vessel.

Michael Hickie with his son Tim and daughter Tessa at the RSL Anzac Village in Narrabeen. Credit: Nick Moir

At the age of 99, the retired lieutenant commander, who was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross, was able to read without glasses a letter of congratulations from then Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mike Noonan.

You made your extensive operational experience in Royal Navy submarines available to our Navy in 1969 when you joined our newly re-established Submarine Service. You have made a remarkable contribution to our Navy and I thank you for it, the letter said.
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 WAtoday charts Perths spread, and the companies behind the master-planned communities pushing our urban boundary further afield. See all 5 stories . There are few West Australian business titans more formidable than veteran property developer Nigel Satterley, the architect who shaped our sprawling city. He appears most comfortable at the head of the boardroom table in his West Perth headquarters, adjacent to sweeping views of the city hes helped build and surrounded by four decades worth of industry awards. While the relationship he enjoys with key figures in government has drawn the ire of some, Satterley rejects any insinuation that the tie is problematic. Credit: Nine. Its a fitting view for the man at the helm of the nations largest residential land development company, considering there are few corners of Perths sprawling metropolitan area not coated in his fingerprints. The Satterley Property Group boss is much less polished than one would expect for a property doyen tipped to be worth more than half a billion dollars. The rich-lister is cheeky, disarming and uninhibited  refreshingly so  but theres a marked change in tone when discussing the empire hes built and the industry he knows inside out. And in a rare sit-down interview as part of WAtodays Big Perth series, he reveals the one thing he doesnt know, or hasnt obsessed over, is the size of the mark hes left on this city.

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No, no Ive never crunched the numbers, but weve done 160 residential estates, about 70,000 lots in WA  hold on, he says, before asking his trusted advisor to send for a calculator. Since the 1980s, the empire bearing his name has delivered carefully curated, low-density communities spanning 7000 hectares from Yanchep in the north to Mandurah in the south, with estates dotted throughout the South West, and housed more than a quarter of a million people. He has also expanded into Victoria and Queensland. And its a responsibility that isnt lost on Satterley, who at 70 years of age still regularly works seven days a week. Loading Hell often tour the estates on a Sunday, return to the office on Monday and tell us where we need to organise more mulch, his advisor tells me. From the street verges, to showing concern about leadership at the local school and the speed of the NBN connection, its clear Satterley is meticulous when it comes to his estates, which he says are like children to him.

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People talk to me, all the money theyve got is in the house and land, and so theyre honest, and we have to be very respectful about that, he says. Theyve worked hard, paid their taxes, and they want to live somewhere nice, somewhere with good parks, somewhere the kids are happy. The country boy from Cunderdin left high school in year 10 bound for a job in retail before helming the states first Levi Jeans distributorship at the age of 19. It was there he crossed paths with prominent banker Sir James McCusker, the founder of Town and Country Bank and the man Satterley credits with altering the trajectory of his life. On McCuskers advice, and with his backing, Satterley founded Statesman Homes, a residential building company he would sell to BGC magnate Len Buckeridge in the late 1970s to partially bankroll what would become a lifelong venture  Satterley Property Group. The character of the master-planned communities he has become synonymous with mimic that of the small country town in which he was raised. But in the past 40 years they have changed radically, with the parks now doubling as a backyard, the blocks halving in size, and the estates stretching further from the central business district.

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Perths ever-growing urban footprint brimming with four-by-twos and limited greenscape has divided planning experts, many of whom fear it has put the city on a path to becoming less sustainable and less livable. In the throes of a housing crisis and the escalating cost of living, however, others are adamant that housing needs to be built affordably and wherever possible. Satterley vehemently defends his estates and their growing proximity from the city and existing infrastructure, insisting 80 per cent of Australians want to live on house and land and only a small portion of those living in the outer suburbs work in the CBD. And he said he always strove to keep commute times sensible, despite new data showing they are anticipated to balloon to intolerable levels. When challenged, Satterley credits Perths expanded rail network, which the state government has spent billions of dollars extending to far-flung estates on the edges of the swollen metropolitan area under the flagship Metronet program WA Labor took to the 2017 election, with having improved that. He said many of them, including Ellenbrook, Brighton Beach, Beaumaris and Secret Harbour, set the scene for masterplan living and succeeded because people wanted to live there, and they catered to everyone, including blended families.

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Australia can only hope to build 600,000-650,000 homes over the next five years: developer Nigel Satterley with (from left) the Financial Reviews Michael Bleby, Master Builders Australias Denita Wawn and Cedar Woods Nathan Blackburne. Credit: Michael Quelch If dad has left mum for the secretary, the secretarys got a place there, too, he says. Critics believe the gaping disparity between the WA governments infill-promoting policies and bush-rezoning actions has fostered Perths sprawl, and that is exacerbated by the proximity of the states biggest developers to those in higher office. Satterley insists the sprawl hes often criticised for is done, that the urban boundary is set  at least for the next 50 years. In fact, hes willing to put money on it. Straight-faced, the business titan, whose expertise has also landed him industry leadership roles and included helping found the West Coast Eagles, declines to be drawn when probed about the scope of the influence he wields. We just get on with it. We dont talk about it, he insists.

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Detectives from the sexual crimes squad executed a warrant at a Ringwood address on 12 October as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident in the Melbourne CBD, a police spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Victoria Police confirmed a 45-year-old Ringwood man was arrested on October 12 and released without charge as part of their ongoing investigation.

Ousted Labor MP Will Fowles has been arrested and interviewed by the Victoria Police sexual crimes squad after a government employee made a serious allegation against him in August.

A 45-year-old Ringwood man was arrested at the property and interviewed by police. He was released without charge pending further enquiries.

As the investigation is ongoing and given the sensitive nature of the matter, we will not be commenting further at this time.

Fowles, the member for Ringwood in Melbournes outer eastern suburbs, was forced to resign from the parliamentary Labor Party in early August at then-premier Daniel Andrews request after his office was informed of the allegation.

The premiers office referred the matter to police on August 5  when Andrews made the shock late-night announcement that Fowles had resigned from the parliamentary party  three days after the alleged incident in Melbournes CBD during a parliamentary sitting week.

My office made further inquiries over Friday 4 and Saturday 5 August and has now received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault by the Member for Ringwood, Andrews said in a statement at the time.
When it comes to building ships, you could say Cunard has had a bit of practice.

Its 183 years since Canadian-born timber merchant Sir Samuel Cunard established the line, which is still famed for its White Star service and a level of grandeur not found on the big resort ships of its competitors.

Seawater floods the drydock at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy during Queen Annes float out in May. Credit: Christopher Iver

Over the years, Hollywood stars, famous writers and even Ed Sheeran have travelled on its ocean liners, now reduced to just one, Queen Mary 2, which plies the Atlantic between Southampton and New York. The other members of the current fleet  Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth  are cruise ships that have shallower hulls in order to be able to enter ports around the world.

So, unsurprisingly, there was a level of expectation about the lines new entrant (the first in over a decade), Queen Anne, as I joined the first group to see her being built at the Fincantieri yard at Marghera, Venice  ironically, a city that has banned large ships.
A call for a global coalition to fight Hamas terrorists in Gaza has triggered Australian concerns about the risk of a spillover into wider conflict in the Middle East, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging humanitarian help instead.

Albanese said his priority was to work with allies including the United States to help innocent civilians following the Hamas terror attack on Israeli civilians earlier this month, as the Israel Defence Force prepares to invade Gaza.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Resources Madeleine King during a press conference in Washington DC on Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

His comments came after French President Emmanuel Macron raised the idea of extending an international coalition that is fighting Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and turning it against the Palestinian terrorist group in Gaza.

Macron made the remarks while standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem but gave no details of the way the coalition might work.
Sunak also warned on Monday that the misreporting of an explosion at a Gaza hospital last week had negatively affected US diplomatic efforts to dial down tensions in the wider Middle East. He said British intelligence believed the rocket came from Gaza, following similar conclusions by US spies and independent analysis. On Tuesday (AEDT), Hamas said it had released two elderly Israeli hostages for humanitarian reasons, in a concession that is likely to increase calls for a delay in invading Gaza. Yocheved Lifshitz (left) and Nurit Cooper were held hostage by Hamas. Credit: AP Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, is the mother of British academic Sharone Lifschitz, who said she was heading to the airport to meet her mother. Yocheved Lifschitz, along with Nurit Cooper, 79, was handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Meanwhile, Washington was said to be working with Qatar on a deal to release as many as 50 of the 222 hostages held by Hamas, according to a report by The New York Times. Loading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was delaying a full invasion because of concerns with securing the northern border with Lebanon, Israeli media reported on Monday. He was said to have clashed with Israel Defence Forces chiefs who are eager to start the incursion into Gaza. The international community is increasingly split over launching a full-scale war. There is mounting concern in Europe over the humanitarian conditions inside the Gaza Strip after 17 days of bombardment by Israel in retaliation for Hamass October 7 massacre of 1400 people.

The reprisal strikes have killed more than 5000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the enclaves Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Although some aid convoys have been allowed to enter the Hamas-controlled territory through Egypt since the weekend, the United Nations has called for a ceasefire to allow for more humanitarian assistance. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Monday. Credit: AP Borne joined the UN calls for a ceasefire to allow more aid to pass through the Rafah crossing, Gazas only non-Israeli frontier. The opening at the Rafah crossing point is still very limited. We call for the Rafah door to be opened to allow new passages, she told the French assembly. The distribution of aid requires a humanitarian truce that can lead to a ceasefire, she added.

French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to visit Israel on Tuesday, and was also expected to visit Cairo in a bid to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. One French citizen is known to be among those abducted and six other French nationals have been missing since the terror groups surprise attack. The French leader held talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi last week, and called for Tehran not to escalate the conflict given its close ties with Hamas. Macron attempted to secure a similar diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine when he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after his invasion.

After his Russian talks, the French leader was widely accused of having played into Moscows efforts to freeze the conflict. With concerns growing over a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, EU leaders are set to back calls for a halt to the war at a European Council summit on Thursday. A confidential draft of their statement says they will back a humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas. The European Council supports the call of [UN secretary-general] Guterres for a humanitarian pause in order to allow for safe humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need, the text, seen by the London Telegraph, says.

The draft text also called for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition and insists the Palestinian Authority, which rules parts of the West bank, should be involved in peace talks. The motion was supported by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, at a meeting of the blocs foreign ministers in Luxembourg. Buildings destroyed during Israeli air raids in Khan Yuni, in southern Gaza. Credit: Getty Borrell said: I think a humanitarian pause is needed in order to allow humanitarian support to come in and be distributed. Micheal Martin, Irelands foreign minister, said: The suffering of innocent civilians, particularly children, is on a scale that requires an immediate cessation in our view.

However, the planned statement has triggered a row as Israels most ardent European allies have refused to back a ceasefire publicly. Loading We cannot contain the humanitarian catastrophe if Gazas terrorism continues. There will be no security and no peace for either Israel or the Palestinians if this terrorism continues, said Germanys Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Her Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, said: Of course everyone would wish that the violence comes to an end. But Israel has the right to self-defence. Jan Lipavsky, the Czech foreign minister, questioned how a ceasefire would be enforced when the Hamas terrorist organisation now is controlling the situation in Gaza.

Sunak also put himself at odds with European calls for a truce between Israel and the terrorist group, suggesting a push for a ceasefire would be difficult. But as I have said it is important that that is done in accordance with international law and its important that Israel takes every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians, he added. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives at Ben Gurion airport in Israel last week. Credit: AP The US last week vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a humanitarian pause to open up aid corridors into Gaza. On Monday, Bidens top national security official said that the United States would send more forces to the Middle East in the days and weeks ahead.

Jake Sullivan, the White Houses national security adviser, said Biden had added additional military forces to the region and more forces will be coming in days and weeks ahead, to try to deter any actor from widening or deepening this conflict. He said the US was conducting an hour by hour operation to secure the release of as many Hamas hostages as possible. In an earlier briefing, he told reporters that security assistance was reaching Israel almost on a near-daily basis. Every day is a little bit different, obviously, based on the needs of the Israelis, he said. Were being careful not to quantify or get into too much detail about what theyre getting  for their own operational security purposes, of course. But that security assistance continues to flow. Google is disabling live traffic conditions in Israel and the Gaza Strip for its Maps and Waze apps at the request of the Israeli military, ahead of a potential ground invasion into Gaza.
Israel is escalating its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants. The war is rapidly raising the death toll in Gaza, and the US fears the fighting could spark a wider conflict in the region.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the Hamas attack on Israeli towns on October 7. The aid convoys allowed into Gaza so far have carried a fraction of whats needed, and the UN said distribution will have to stop if theres no fuel for the trucks.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. Credit: AP

Twenty trucks were unable to transport aid to Palestinian civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the United Nations said as US President Joe Biden dubbed humanitarian efforts to deliver help via a crossing from Egypt as not fast enough.

We hope the materials can enter Gaza tomorrow, said UN aid spokesperson Eri Kaneko. She did not say why the trucks had not been able to cross into Gaza from Egypt on Tuesday.
I promised earlier that we would try to fact-check the Israeli ambassadors claims that Israel is not responsible for water and electricity in Gaza.

Amir Maimon, Israels ambassador to Australia, told the National Press Club this afternoon that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was fair and not wholly Israels fault.

Maimon claimed Israel provided less than 10 per cent of Gazas water via a pipe, and supply was resumed last week. He said the remaining water came from two desalination plants that he believed were still operating.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in its daily briefing from yesterday (its most recent update) paints a different picture.

Humanitarian aid arrives through the Rafah land crossing into the Gaza Strip. Credit: Getty

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), by far the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza, warned that unless fuel is allowed into Gaza immediately, the agency will be forced to halt all operations as of tonight, October 25.

The UN said Gaza has been under a full electricity blackout since October 11, rendering hospitals and water facilities dependent on backup generators run by fuel. The UN also said bakeries could not operate without fuel.

The briefing says one of the three seawater desalination plants in Khan Younis resumed operations at less than 7 per cent of capacity on October 21. This was made possible after a UN aid agency retrieved fuel from a storage facility in Gaza, and the other two plants remain non-operational.

This plant is now producing about 450 cubic metres per day and the water was being trucked south of Wadi Gaza to serve 40,000 displaced people a day. Israel has told Gazan civilians to evacuate to this zone.

The UN says Gazans are drinking water with over 3,000 milligrams per litre of salt content from agricultural wells.

This poses an immediate health risk, raising hypertension levels, especially in babies under six months, pregnant women, and people with kidney disease, the UN says.

The use of saline groundwater also increases the risk of diarrhoea and cholera.

Maimon said 30 aid trucks had entered Gaza via Rafah, on the Egyptian border, while the UN said it was 54 since Saturday. Some of the aid trucks have carried bottled water and food.

But UN officials say about 100 aid trucks would be needed daily to meet essential needs in Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million people. Some 1.4 million of those are now homeless.

Maimon also claimed nine of the 10 electricity lines in Gaza were damaged by misfired Hamas rockets. We have not been able to fact-check this claim.

With Reuters
Ramallah: The prospect of Hamas setting more hostages free after the release of two elderly Israelis has paralysed Israel's long expected ground invasion of Gaza, with top European officials splitting with the United States by calling for a ceasefire to buy time for hostage release negotiations.

Amid reports that the Biden administration had advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault, the Israeli military vowed that it was well prepared for ground operations in the countrys south and that it was committed to fully dismantling Hamass military branch and political wing through unrelenting attacks.

Members of the Israel Defence Force look out towards Gaza, as seen from the border area near Sderot, Israel. Credit: Getty

The Tel Aviv news channel I24 reported sources within Gaza saying the finalisation of a potential deal brokered by Qatar was under way for the speedy release of about 50 abductees who hold dual citizenship.

Former US president Barack Obama intervened by criticising Israels blockade of essential supplies into Gaza, warning that Israel could play into its enemies hands if it does not exercise restraint in its response to the October 7 attacks.
The asset finance sector is alive and well despite a challenging economic environment, according to a broker who has recently financed a variety of interesting assets.

From a Robinson helicopter to a McLaren 765LT Spyder (pictured below), Sam Robys asset portfolio is diverse.

However, with lenders becoming more stringent and the government reducing tax incentives for asset finance, the market is rife with challenges.

Still, Roby (pictured above) said while some segments were slightly stagnating, others were performing strongly.

It is important as a broker to understand which areas of the market are likely to boom based on where we are in the economic cycle, said Roby, partner at asset finance brokerage Pure Capital.

McLaren 765LT Spyder - one of only 765 ever built worldwide

The opportunities in asset finance

In a tough mortgage and commercial property environment, investing resources in asset and equipment finance is now a matter of when, not if, for many brokers and lenders.

Major banks have cashed in on the trend, with Commonwealth Bank (CBA) posting significant growth particularly in its electric vehicle (EV) market, up 235% over the financial year.

Non-banks have grown their asset offerings, with Pepper Money posting more asset finance originations ($1.8 billion) than mortgage originations ($1.7 billion) for the first time in 1H 2023.

Leading aggregators are also onboard, with Finsure partnering with ODIN Asset Finance to diversify its loan options to its broker network.

For Roby, this has meant more lending options and more competition as mortgage and commercial brokers diversify.

However, it hasnt been all smooth sailing. Roby said there had been a slight drop off in in PAYG clients upgrading or changing their family vehicles, showing more caution within the current rate rising cycle.

Especially in the current economic environment, where securing credit is challenging due to banks and lenders overarching appetite to lend, orchestrating a transaction correctly is crucial for businesses.

Instead, Roby and the team at Pure Capital had financed other segments such as sustainability. For example, Roby had recently financed $350,000 worth of solar panels to start a solar farm.

We are seeing a lot more civil infrastructure companies funding assets to meet the increased demands they are facing with governments spending more to stimulate the economy, Roby said.

Applicants buying 'tools of the trade' assets such as excavators and concrete pumps, are still transacting as strongly as ever, as they just increase their prices to cover the increase in funding costs.

The impact of lower instant asset write-off

Another challenge in the asset finance market has been the lowering of the governments instant asset write-off scheme.

Designed to boost cash flow for eligible small businesses in Australia, the tax write-off was significantly reduced from the $150,000 limit ending in July to the new $20,000 limit introduced in September.

Some brokers had expressed concerns that this would kill asset finances momentum, but Roby said it hadnt affected things at Pure Capital.

In the current economic climate, applicants are reaching out to us when they have a need to fill, as opposed to just looking to 'purchase' a tax deduction, Roby said.

The primary impact we've observed, albeit minor and influenced significantly by timing, is that stock levels for most vehicles and assets have returned to pre-COVID levels.

This shift has resulted in quicker lead times and more reasonable prices. Customers no longer need to overpay to acquire the assets they require.

Where does the future lie for asset finance?

Technology has influenced the broking industry in several ways, with many brokerages now using technology-based platforms and AI to make decisions.

Roby said while this was a good thing for some consumers, such as those with simple income structures who receive payslips, it was less effective for businesses with complex structures.

Complex businesses require a deep understanding of the business and the moving parts which simply cannot be done by a computer.

The true art of broking is in your ability to understand, structure and articulate complex businesses and their transaction requirements to a bank or third party in order to receive the desired result in a way that does not negatively impact the long-term purchasing power of the business, or their ability to be financeable, Roby said.

A misstep during a crucial financial deal could potentially lead to the downfall of a company.

Roby said it was therefore absolutely essential to engage a broker who comprehensively understood the financial terrain and had cultivated vital relationships with the banks.

These relationships are pivotal in ensuring the successful closure of deals and getting the more precarious deals over the line.

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While the Australian Mortgage Awards has been and gone for another year, the afterglow still remains for all 713 guests who attended the 2023 event.

The AMAs are the leading independent awards event in the mortgage industry and showcase the best and brightest in the business.

The winners for the highly anticipated event were selected by a panel of 24 esteemed industry experts.

One of the judges, Chris Paterson, general manager distribution at Resimac, said there was a real buzz about the AMAs this year.

People were having a great time and were enjoying themselves from start to finish, said Paterson (pictured above centre). All the finalists and winners have a clear passion and drive for success. Theyre all hard-working individuals and businesses who are continuously striving to be better.

Sharon Yardley (pictured above left), who judged the submissions for the LBH Best Industry Marketing Campaign award, also was impressed with the performance of the individual awardees and their dedication to their clients and ongoing innovation.

The candidates all had excellent, integrated campaigns which showed a real focus on creativity and real investment in their community of brokers and customers which are supported, said Yardley, head of operations, risk, and compliance at Heartland Finance.

Louisa Sanghera (pictured above right), managing director of brokerage Zippy Financial Group, said it was a real privilege to judge some of the categories.

People need to realise the clout these awards give their businesses. Potential clients are always impressed when they see youve won awards, Sanghera said.

It's great for the industry to come together and celebrate our work, our methods, and our successes. Even if you don't enter the awards this year, you should look at what the winners are doing to be successful. We can all learn from them, even if we don't win an award.

Its also a great chance to relax and let our hair down. We all need this as we are in a stressful industry so we need to get our dancing shoes on once in a blue moon.

2023 Australian Mortgage Awards judges

Australian Broker would like to thank all the 2023 AMAs judges for generously contributing their time and expertise to study all the nominations and choose the winners

Matthew Atkin, president, Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia (CAFBA)

Cory Bannister, senior vice president, chief lending officer, La Trobe Financial

Renee Blethyn, head of broker partnerships, NextGen

Tim Brown, head of wholesale distribution, BC Invest

Blake Buchanan, general manager, Specialist Finance Group

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research, Finder

Ryan Gair, CEO, Rate Money

Ali Khan, managing director APAC, Q2

Frank Knez, CEO, National Property Group

Domenic Lo Surdo, group executive chairman, Stamford Capital

Anja Pannek, CEO, Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA)

Chris Paterson, general manager distribution, Resimac

Ian Rakhit, general manager third party personal and third party banking, Bankwest

Lee Rudwick, performance lead - home loans, ANZ

Tanya Sale, CEO, outsource Financial

Steve Sampson, chief commercial officer, Prime Capital

Louisa Sanghera, managing director, Zippy Financial Group

Barry Saoud, general manager mortgages and commercial lending, Pepper Money

Joseph Trimarchi, solicitor, Joseph Trimarchi & Associates

Alf Vasta, business development manager, Liberty

Peter White, managing director, Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA)

Sharon Yardley, head of operations, risk and compliance, Heartland Finance

Angel Zhong, deputy head of department - finance|associate professor of finance, RMIT University

Jeff Zulman, managing director, TrailBlazers Finance

Thanking the sponsors

While the judges made the awards happen, the Australian Mortgage Awards 2023 also would not have been possible without the support of sponsors.

Key Media organised the awards, with support from Australian Broker and Mortgage Professional Australia. Westpac was once again the event partner.

NAB and PRPTY 360 were premium partners, FINSTREET was the VIP post-awards event sponsor, and Fifo Capital was the photo booth sponsor. Maxiron Capital was the social media sponsor.

Other sponsors included Adelaide Bank, ANZ, Bankwest, Bluestone Home Loans, Commonwealth Bank, Equity-One, FBAA, Firstmac, Gateway Bank, Hays, La Trobe Financial, LBH, Liberty, MFAA, Mortgage Choice, Mortgage Street, OnDeck, Pepper Money, PropTrack, Q2, Rate Money, Resimac, and ubank.

The full list of Australian Mortgage Awards winners can be seen here.
By Neha Arora

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India's JSW Steel Ltd's discussions with Canada's Teck Resources over buying a possible stake in its coking coal unit have yielded "nothing concrete", JSW Steel Chief Executive Jayant Acharya told Reuters on Monday.

Last month, Reuters reported that JSW Steel, India's largest steelmaker by capacity, had slowed down the process to buy a stake in Teck Resources because of a diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Canada.

"There is nothing concrete on Teck. We are in discussion with strategic possibilities among which Teck is one," Acharya said in an interview.

Teck did not comment on this specific statement, and said it is engaging with various counterparties regarding the steelmaking coal business.

Ties between India and Canada deteriorated after New Delhi and Ottawa expelled each other's diplomats following the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in the Canadian province of British Columbia in June.

Acharya said the diplomatic row should not impact business decisions, adding "let us see how those situations evolve".

Acharya said the company was exploring overseas coal assets in different countries, including Australia, without elaborating.

He further said an increase in prices of coking coal, used in steelmaking, in the last one and a half months would affect costs during October-December unless they moderated.

The steelmaker reported a second-quarter profit last week, helped by robust domestic demand and lower input costs.

It imports coking coal from Australia, Canada, the U.S. and some grades from Russia, he said.

Acharya said the company would continue to focus on sales in the local market because of strong demand.

"We are not pursuing exports since domestic demand is very strong," he said, adding that exports were likely to be in the range of 10-15% of overall sales.

The company's presence in the Middle East was also "very minimal", he said, sheltering the company from any impact from the conflict in the region.

(Reporting by Neha Arora; Additional reporting by Divya Rajagopal in Toronto; Editing by Mayank Bhardwaj, Barbara Lewis and Jonathan Oatis)

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Beverage major Coca-Cola on Tuesday said it witnessed double-digit volume and top line growth in India in the third quarter ended September 29.

It reported an 8 per cent Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) jump in net revenue to $12 million, while the operating income grew 6 per cent to touch $3,270 million in the same period.

"In India, we delivered double-digit volume and top line growth, which resulted in value share gains in the past three years," James Quincy, chief executive officer (CEO), Coca-Cola Company told investors after announcing its third-quarter results.

"We are winning in the (India) market by creating 2.6 billion transactions at affordable price points and driving availability across rural regions," he added.

Unit-based volumes for the Atlanta-based company grew by 2 per cent in the quarter, it said in its earnings release.

"Developed markets grew 2 per cent driven by growth in Mexico and Japan. Developing and emerging markets also grew 2 per cent driven by growth in India and the Philippines," it added.

However, "in Asia Pacific, growth in India and the Philippines was offset by declines in China and Indonesia," the release said.

The company gained value share in total Non-Alcoholic Ready to Drink (NARTD) beverages, led by share gains in India, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan.

Its unit case volume in bottling investments grew 2 per cent, primarily driven by growth in India and the Philippines, partially offset by the impact of refranchising bottling operations.

Rival cola major PepsiCo also announced a double-digit volume growth in the beverages category in India in the third quarter ended September 9.

However, the company reported a mid-single-digit volume decline for its convenient food category.
Asking people to vote for the MNF, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday said he was committed to the cause of Mizo nationalism, and his government was providing shelter to Zo ethnic immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh defying the Centre's directive to deport them.

Addressing a function to mark the 62nd anniversary of MNF, he said that he had "threatened" to resign when he was asked to pull back personnel of the Mizoram Police from the state's border with Assam during the 2021 clashes.

"Young people will continue to champion Mizo nationalism amid the crisis faced by our brothers and sisters from neighbouring states and countries," he said.

"Defying the Centre's directive to deport them, my government has been protecting the Zo ethnic people from Myanmar and Bangladesh. We will continue to protect our brothers and sisters from Myanmar and Bangladesh, ignoring the Centre's directions," he added.

Over 31,000 people from Myanmar and Bangladesh have taken shelter in different parts of Mizoram, according to state officials.

The Myanmar nationals, mostly from Chin state, fled to Mizoram following a military coup in the neighbouring country in February 2021, while the asylum seekers from Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) came to the state after a military offensive against an ethnic insurgent group, they said.

Mizoram shares a 510-km long porous border with Myanmar and a 318-km boundary with Bangladesh.

Zoramthanga said that the wind of Mizo nationalism is blowing in different parts of the state, and more people are coming out in support of his party.

"The MNF's prospect is improving steadily. Our God will not forsake us midway. He will provide us the required number of MLAs to form the next government," he claimed.

Without sharing the details, Zoramthanga said he had threatened to resign as the chief minister when he was asked to pull back the state police forces from the border with Assam.

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"After that, they relented," he said, referring to the 2021 clash at the inter-state border.

A violent clash between the police forces of Assam and Mizoram in July 2021 claimed the lives of six people.

The border dispute between the two states is a long-standing issue, which stemmed from two colonial demarcations in 1875 and 1933.

There is no proper ground demarcation between the two neighbouring states after Mizoram was carved out as a Union Territory from Assam in 1972.

Mizoram will vote for its 40-member assembly on November 7, and the votes will be counted on December 3.
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PM Modi, Amit Shah hail 'indomitable spirit' of ITBP on its raising day

Were extremists across the border involved in Manipur violence: Bhagwat

Owaisi appeals PM Modi to get humanitarian corridor opened in Gaza amid war
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted the personnel of the Indo Tibetan Border Police, which guards India's border with China, on its raising day and hailed their "indomitable spirit and valour" while protecting the nation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also wished the ITBP personnel on the force's foundation day and said it has evolved into the epitome of human strength and resilience.

"On the occasion of ITBP Raising Day, I salute the indomitable spirit and valour of our ITBP personnel. They play a vital role in protecting our nation. At the same time, their commendable humanitarian efforts during natural disasters are a testament to their unwavering commitment to the nation. May they continue to serve with the same dedication and fervour, Modi wrote on X.

In his message, the home minister wrote: "Heartfelt greetings to the ITBP personnel on their Raising Day. Over the years, the @ITBP_official has evolved into the epitome of human strength and resilience, guarding the nation's borders and vital interests in harsh climatic conditions and unforgiving terrains."



"Their sacrifices serve as the ideals of patriotism for the generations to come. Salutations to the Himveers of our nation," Shah said.

The ITBP was raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression. The 90,000 personnel strong force is primarily deployed to guard the 3,488 km line of actual control (LAC) with China apart from rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain and disaster management.
Nissim Reuben, Program Director of Indian-Jewish Relations at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), said at a Congressional briefing in support of Israel that India is the only country with no history of antisemitism.

He also expressed solidarity with Israel in its fight against the terrorist group Hamas.

HinduACTion and Namaste Shalom Multi-faith Alliance organised a timely Congressional briefing on Tuesday in support of Israel and against rising anti-Hindu bigotry and antisemitism in the US and Canada.

"India is the only country in the world with no history of antisemitism. Never ever were Jews persecuted in India until the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which were perpetrated by terrorists that came from across the border. That's why even today in Israel, Indian Jews say that Israel is our fatherland. India is our motherland. Israel is in our hearts. India is in our blood," he said.

He further expressed gratitude that the Indian American diaspora, the global Indian diaspora, the people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian government have solidly supported Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas.

"It was a brutal terror attack... Israel has gone through a tremendous tragedy, but it will overcome and rebound. And we as Indian Americans and Indians will never forget that Israel came to India's help, assistance with defence, much-needed defence equipment in the wars of 1965 and 1971, and of course, Kargil 1999, when Israel rushed much-needed defence supplies," he added.

Reuben added that this support shown to Israel will be repaid multiple times.

Astra Nomani, an Indian-American, said she was a proud follower of Islam, which preaches a peaceful coexistence, respect and humanity.

"I am a daughter of India. I am a Muslim daughter of India. And I have known freedom and joy in India. What I have seen over my lifetime in America is that a new extreme has emerged. And that is from within my own Muslim community. And that is an extremism that denies women rights and makes a Jew an enemy simply for being a Jew, and that has now done something very unfortunate and demonised and vilified Hindus," she said.

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"So, I came here as a Muslim because I stand for an Islam in which everybody can live with coexistence, respect, and a sense of humanity," she added.

Stressing that this was a fight of our generation, she added, "We must win, I want to encourage everyone to stand up with moral courage and to transcend any fear that they may feel in their heart of being shamed or demonised because if you stand for goodness and humanity, you will always be on the correct side of history, and that's why I'm standing here today."

Meanwhile, Rajshree Keisham, who belongs to the Meitei community of Manipur, said she was at the briefing to correct the misinformation that the recent conflict in Manipur was not a fallout of religious differences.

"I'm here to correct the misinformation or the disinformation that the conflict we have been seeing for the last 6 months in Manipur is not a religious conflict. It has been represented, in a very wrong way, that it is a fight between the Hindus and the Christians, where the Hindu majorities are prosecuting the Christians. I'm just here today to explain that it is not at all," she said.

Richard Harowitz, a former Israeli military officer who is currently living in the US, highlighted the two core issues he talked about at the briefing.

"The first is the explosion that took place at the hospital in Gaza. Secondly, I spoke about an aspect of international law. On the disproportionality of the use of military power," he said.

Another Indian-American from Manipur said, "I am from the Meitei community."

He claimed that a section of the international media is portraying the Manipur clashes as "the Hindus prosecuting the Christians, but the violence is a result of clashes between the Meiteis and the Kukis."

Condemned the killing of civilians in Manipur and elsewhere across the globe, she added, "Hamas slaughtered civilians in Israel, in much the same way as innocent lives were lost in Manipur.
Israel ramped up its airstrikes on Monday in Gaza, where the death toll was rising rapidly, and the United States advised Israel to delay an expected ground invasion to allow more time to negotiate the release of hostages taken by Hamas militants.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israel's two-week seal. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the UN said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its trucks.

Gaza hospitals are struggling to keep generators running to power life-saving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

Heavy airstrikes demolished buildings across Gaza, including in areas where Palestinians were told to seek refuge, killing hundreds and sending new waves of wounded into already packed hospitals, according to Palestinian officials and witnesses.

After a strike in Gaza City, a woman with blood on her face wept as she clasped the hand of a dead relative. At least three bodies were sprawled on the street, one lying in a gray stream of water.

Late Monday, Hamas announced that it had freed an additional two hostages on humanitarian grounds. Israeli media, citing an anonymous official, confirmed the release, but there was no formal announcement from the Israeli side. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the release.

Hamas released an American woman and her teenage daughter last week in what it said was a humanitarian gesture mediated by Qatar.

Israel is widely expected to launch a ground offensive in Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas after its brutal October 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. That is raising fears of the war spreading beyond Gaza and Israel, as Iranian-backed fighters in the region are warning of possible escalation, including targeting US forces deployed in the Mideast.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel has frequently traded fire with Hezbollah, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

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The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on securing the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its deadly incursion, according to a US official.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told troops near Gaza to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea but did not give a timeframe.

Tanks and troops have been massed at the Gaza border, and Israel says it has stepped up airstrikes to reduce the risk to troops in the next stages. A ground excursion is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant seized power in Gaza in 2007.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday.

That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said it had struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war.

The Israeli military released footage showing what it said were attacks on Hamas infrastructure, with explosions as multi-story buildings collapsed or toppled over.

Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armoured bulldozers inside Gaza.

The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

The military said the raid was part of efforts to rescue hostages. Hamas hopes to trade the captives for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

On Monday the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies, through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared to the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The UN has said 20 trucks amounts to 4 per cent of an average day's imports before the war and that hundreds of trucks a day are needed.

White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its trucks. The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded onto UNRWA and the Red Crescent trucks to take to hospitals and UN schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water.

An airstrike hit a residential building some 200 metres (yards) from the UN headquarters in Rafah on Monday, killing and wounding several people, according to an Associated Press reporter at the scene, underscoring the perils of humanitarian operations.

After a day of intense strikes, Rafah's Abou Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital registered 61 deaths since Monday morning, its spokesperson said. With no room in the morgue, more half the bodies were lying in the hospital grounds, spokesperson Talaat Barghout said.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in UN-run schools and shelters, the UN said on Monday.

No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza City's main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the UN said.

The north didn't receive anything from incoming aid, said Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group based in the northern town of Beit Lahia. It's like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday said Hamas terrorists care more about their paymasters in Iran than the children they hide behind, adding that Hamas was "not only a threat to Israel but to many others across the region".

Taking to his official handle on X, Sunak shared a personalised video message saying, "We will work together with the international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort."

"We must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is. So we'll work together with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort," the UK PM said.

Further, he said that Britain would work with other world powers to establish more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank.

"It would also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood," PM Sunak added.

"Let me be clear, there is no scenario where Hamas can be allowed to control Gaza or any part of the Palestinian territories. Hamas is not only a threat to Israel but to many others across the region," the UK PM added.

Moreover, he stressed that the leaders he met agreed that this was a watershed moment.

"It's time to set the region on a better path," he added.

The British Prime Minister arrived in Riyadh Last Thursday and held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the Israel-Hamas war.

He said the UK supports Israel's right to defend itself, as it is in line with international law to fight against Hamas after the terror group launched unprecedented attacks on southern Israel on October 7.

"I want to share the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas...We also recognise that the Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too," the British PM said while delivering a joint statement alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu post their private meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.

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Welcoming Israel's decision to ensure that routes into Gaza are opened for humanitarian aid to enter, the UK PM added, "I am glad that you made that decision. We will support it...We also want you to win.
The Pentagon has sent military advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to aid in its war planning and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza.

One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, according to a US official who was not authorised to discuss Glynn's role and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, the official said.

Israel is preparing a large-scale ground operation in an environment in which Hamas militants have had years to prepare tunnel networks and set traps throughout northern Gaza's dense urban blocks.

Glynn and the other military officers who are advising Israel have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The advisers will not be engaged in the fighting, the unidentified US official said.

The military team is one of many fast-moving pieces the Pentagon is getting in place to try and prevent the already intense conflict between Israel and Hamas from becoming a wider war. It also is trying to protect US personnel, who in the last few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran.

Kirby said Iran was "in some cases actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good, or for that of Iran. We know that Iran's goal is to maintain some level of deniability here. But were not going to allow them to do that.

On Monday, the US military garrison at an-Tanf, Syria, came under attack again, this time by two drones. The drones were shot down and no injuries were reported. It was the latest episode of more than a half-dozen times in the last week that US military locations in the Middle East had come under rocket or drone attack since a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital.

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Last Thursday the destroyer USS Carney shot down four land-attack cruise missiles launched from Yemen that the Pentagon has said were potentially headed toward Israel.

In response, over the weekend the Pentagon announced it was sending multiple Patriot missile defence system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system to the Middle East, as well as repositioning the Eisenhower strike group to the US Central Command area of responsibility. The ship had previously been en route to the Eastern Mediterranean.

The shift means that the Navy will have a carrier strike group off the shore of Israel the Ford carrier strike group and another, the Eisenhower, potentially maneuvered to defend US forces and Israel from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Oman.

We're going to continue to do what we need to do to protect and safeguard our forces and take all necessary measures, Ryder said. No one wants to see a wider regional conflict. But we will not hesitate to protect our forces.

The US has also advised Israeli officials to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the US to work with its regional partners to release more hostages, according to a US official familiar with Biden administration thinking on the matter. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the private discussions, said it was unclear how much the argument will move the needle on Israeli thinking.

The official noted that with the help of Qatar mediating with Hamas, the US was able to win the release of two captives, Judith and Natalie Raanan. The process that led to their release just two of more than 200 people in Israel who were taken hostage in the October 7 attacks started soon after the Hamas operation. The official noted arranging for the release of the Raanans took longer to come together than many people realized.

Glynn's assignment to Israel was first reported by Axios.
The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the policy to issue free tourist visas to travellers from India and six other countries, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said on Tuesday, amidst efforts to rebuild the debt-trapped island nation's tourism sector.

Foreign Minister Sabry in a statement said that this would be carried out as a pilot project effective until March 31, 2024.

The Cabinet approved free entry to travellers from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand with immediate effect.

Tourists from these countries will be able to obtain visas when visiting Sri Lanka, without a fee.

India is traditionally Sri Lanka's top inbound tourism market.

In the September arrival figures, India topped with over 30,000 arrivals or 26 per cent with Chinese tourists trailing at over 8,000 arrivals as the second largest group. Tourist arrivals to the island had slumped since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that left 270 persons, including 11 Indians, dead and over 500 injured.

Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948, is also facing political unrest with protesters demanding President Rajapaksa's resignation.

The economic crisis has prompted an acute shortage of essential items like food, medicine, cooking gas and other fuel, toilet paper and even matches, with Sri Lankans for months being forced to wait in lines lasting hours outside stores to buy fuel and cooking gas.

Also Read SL to investigate claims of intelligence complicity in 2019 Easter bombing Ex-prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa accused of destroying records of mass graves Indian travel association to help in boosting tourist flow to Sri Lanka China assures Lanka of 'steadfast support' on its road to economic recovery Asia Cup 2023 Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Playing 11, toss result, live streaming 'More purposeful' UN will deliver on Global South's expectations: EAM UNGA to convene Emergency session on Oct 26 as requested by Jordan & others Donald Trump compares himself to Nelson Mandela, rails against Joe Biden Five Eyes' leaders accuse China of stealing 'intellectual property' India only nation with no history of antisemitism: Diaspora supports Israel
Communities play greater role in China's elderly home care

Xinhua) 14:32, October 24, 2023

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Li Yuqing, a 54-year-old villager in suburban Beijing, is a mutual help assistant for elderly care in the neighborhood. Her job is to visit elderly people living alone in the village and help them with health data measuring, home cleaning, medicine purchasing, and other issues on demand.

The local government engages Li and a number of other villagers in their 40s and 50s in a pilot mutual help elderly care project. The project aims to ensure the home safety of elderly villagers living alone, which has become a rising issue against the backdrop of China's aging population in both urban and rural areas.

By the end of 2022, China's population aged 60 and above reached 280 million. Official data predicted that more than 37 percent of its rural population will be aged 60 and above, about 14 percentage points higher than the figure for 2020.

In response, the country has been promoting community-based at-home elderly care services to complement inadequate nursing homes and cater to many Chinese elderly's traditional ideas of spending the rest of their lives in their own homes.

China's Chongyang Festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, falls on Monday this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for older people, which is also the spirit of community-based elderly home care.

In urban areas, elderly care has been incorporated into community services. In Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, community care homes help family members of elderly people to take care of them.

Pu Yanghua, a 77-year-old senior suffering from memory decline, spends her daytime at the care home in her community at a cost of 80 yuan (11.1 U.S. dollars) per day. Every day, care home staff accompany Pu to the care home in the morning, and her family members take her home in the evening.

In Beijing, the civil affairs authority is piloting a project that divides communities into groups to provide elderly care services. Each group has two elderly care experts and a number of service workers and volunteers.

Local governments nationwide also provide various public assistance to improve the life quality of seniors living alone. In central China's Hunan Province, the government of Changsha County has purchased at-home care services for disabled elderly people, including haircuts, meal cooking, and health guidance.

Seniors with disabilities and dementia should be a focus of elderly care in rural areas, said Xu Jiazeng, an expert on elderly services based in Zhejiang. Xu suggested encouraging rural medical facilities and doctors to participate in elderly care, including providing regular health check and home visit services to people of advanced age or with serious diseases or disabilities.

Elderly-orientated reconstruction is another key field of elderly care public services. In Zhejiang Province, the capital city of Hangzhou is installing monitoring devices such as smoke alarms and emergency callers for seniors. At the same time, the government of Lishui has provided night lights, shower chairs, and other equipment that facilitate the elderly's lives to over 2,300 families with elderly members in rural areas since 2021.

According to China's Ministry of Civil Affairs, in the next two years, the country will continue to equip communities nationwide with elderly care facilities and enable citizens to enjoy more convenient and high-quality elderly care services.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
TOKYO, Oct 23 ( Japan by Food ) - Just west of Tokyo lies an oasis ripe with greenery, delicious food, and unique experiences. Okutama is a popular destination for Tokyoites (and beyond) seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

Todays journey sees Shizuka exploring the best of Okutama, first stop: a wasabi farm by a pristine river! Shizuka meets the owner of the qasabi farm, David Hulme, a former journalist from Australia who moved to Okutama in 2014 after chasing a story about a wasabi patch he stumbled upon deep in the woods. Okutama was appointed a wasabi-producing region by the shogun, with wasabi grown in the area referred to as Shogun wasabi or Okutama wasabi.

David reveals some interesting information about the farming process then proceeds to grate some fresh wasabi for our host to try! Shizuka tries the fresh wasabi on its own and with some roast beef before moving onto the next stop of this Okutama adventure

Dorapo Blue is a quaint cafe owned and run by Hashizume Sadayasu. This beloved local business offers a cafe-style menu including items like coffee, homemade cakes, and desserts, along with hearty Japanese mealsall of which are made by Hashizume-san himself. Shizuka takes a seat at the counter and orders some Dorapo Blue specialties: coffee with freshly whipped cream, a keema curry set, and homemade pumpkin cheesecake. With one more stop to go, our host finishes her meal as the journey continues.

Located right by Okutama Station is Tamado, a restaurant serving tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet). She receives a warm welcome from Kawamura Shuhei, the owner, before moving into a tatami dining room to choose her final meal for the day. After perusing the menu, Shizuka settles on a supersized rolled omelet set, fine sake, and rice topped with bonito flakes and pickled plum.
TOKYO, Oct 25 ( East Asia Forum ) - On 24 August 2023, immediately after Japanese authorities released treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, China suspended all seafood imports from Japan.

While the publics concerns over contamination might justify the decision, Chinas track record of employing plausible deniability, coupled with Japans compliance with international safety standards and Chinas similar nuclear waste management practices, raise questions about Chinas motivations.

International Atomic Energy Agency officials check marine products collected for inspection in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture on 19 October 2023 (Photo: Kentaro Tominaga/The Yomiuri Shimbun via Reuters).

The restriction was issued by the General Administration of Customs and followed a protracted disinformation campaign aimed at stoking public fears, suggesting that political motivations lie behind the decision. The episode offered a pretext for Beijing to punish Tokyos push to increase security cooperation with Seoul and Washington.

It also allowed China to send signals to both domestic and international audiences. Domestically, Beijing stoked anti-Japanese sentiments to divert attention from a troubled economy. Internationally, China echoed concerns aired by Pacific Island nations to reiterate its image as champion of the Global South.

China has become adept at using trade as a tool of statecraft. Japan suffered export bans for critical minerals in 2010 amid heightened territorial tensions in the East China Sea. In 2017, Beijing embargoed South Korean goods and services after Seoul deployed US anti-missile batteries. China also imposed informal sanctions over a range of Australian products following Canberras call for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. China leverages its huge market and dominance over critical supply chains to punish unwanted behaviour.

China justified the seafood ban by invoking the World Trade Organizations rules on phytosanitary measures. Yet reports in China exposed a government-coordinated disinformation campaign on the issue. State-owned media discredited scientific advice endorsing the release of nuclear wastewaters with paid social media campaigns and misleading reporting. Japanese schools, businesses and diplomatic missions in China were harassed. The ban being issued by the General Administration of Customs suggests that the order came from the top down, rather than being the result of lower-level technical bodies decisions snowballing into a national policy.

But if Beijings intention was to alter Tokyos behaviour, seafood is not an effective economic stick, since it makes up only a marginal component of bilateral trade. The ban mainly risks affecting Chinese companies, as consumers have already stopped buying seafood altogether.

The ban is largely symbolic, and the rationale may be twofold. The week prior to the ban, leaders from Japan, South Korea and the United States gathered in Washington to elevate trilateral cooperation. The parties agreed to deepen trilateral defence cooperation, endeavour to tackle instability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific and condemned Chinas conduct in the South China Sea. Unsurprisingly, the summit prompted Chinas condemnation but excluded explicit countermeasures. The Fukushima case provided Beijing with an opportunity to chastise Tokyo while maintaining plausible deniability about its political intentions and not stirring up further tensions.

Beijing may have another reason for banning Japanese seafood  virtue signalling. At home, China is grappling with unprecedented youth unemployment, a stumbling property sector and decreasing growth rates. Appeals to endure hardship can only do so much to mobilise support from a disillusioned population. Stirring nationalistic sentiments against the old enemy Japan through disinformation and the trade ban provided the Chinese government with a useful decoy to temporarily distract the domestic audience from economic troubles.

Internationally, the ban is aimed at signalling support for the South Pacifics concerns. Chinas concerns over the discharge of the Fukushima waters echo Pacific Island nations reservations, as they more strongly perceive the dangers of contamination. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare strongly condemned Japans actions and protests took place in Fiji. Beijing acted as the bellwether of the South Pacific nations, throwing weight behind their claims to curry favour with states in the increasingly contested region.

As the USChina rivalry intensifies, adversaries will use every opportunity to accuse the other of playing geopolitics. The strengthening of the USJapanSouth Korea trilateral cooperation is only one recent example of US President Joe Bidens goal of strengthening the latticework of alliances to shape Chinas behaviour. As the United States doubles down on its allies, Beijing has looked to intensify its outreach to the Global South, labelling Washingtons alliances forms of containment.

Chinas move is a signal against the United States and its allies  most of whom supported the waters discharge  that Beijing has no qualms about questioning scientific evidence to accuse them of misconduct. It also sends a message to the whole region that, should tensions intensify, China will not hesitate to dial up the pressure. The Fukushima case shows that trade and economic linkages will be exploited as tools of statecraft more and more frequently.

Walter Brenno Colnaghi is a Research Assistant at the ANU National Security College. He completed a Master of Science at the London School of Economics (LSE) and has experience working for the Italian Foreign Ministry and the European External Action Service in the IndoPacific.
The President of India is paid the highest income in the nation, a base salary of Rs. 500,000 plus additional benefits set aside for the President of India. The Vice-President of India is the second-highest paid official in the nation, earning Rs. 400,000 in addition to additional allowances that are set aside for the Vice-President of India.

The Indian Constitution provides for a number of significant positions to oversee the various government departments. Officers in charge of various tasks are compensated for their efforts. In this article, we have discussed many salaries, including those of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Governor of a State, and the President of India.

What is the 7th Pay Commission?

The Pay Commission was established by the Indian government to decide on government employees' salaries, including their basic pay. Seventh pay commissions were established after India gained its independence to review and make recommendations about the pay for all military and civil divisions. P Chidambaram, who was the finance minister at the time, announced the creation of the 7th Pay Commission on September 25, 2013. Dr. Manmohan Singh served as India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014. Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur served as the Commission's founding chairman. The Commission's recommendations were supposed to go into effect on January 1st, 2016, but delays caused by a few problems hampered their execution. The 7th Pay Commission report, which suggested a 23.55 percent rise in allowances, salary, and pensions for more than 1 million government employees, was accepted by the Cabinet on June 16, 2016.

Recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission

Government employees' minimum wage: The assembly session increased the minimum wage (recommended) for an entry-level government employee from 7,000 to 18,000 rupees per month. Class I entry-level officer basic pay is increased to Rs 56,100 per month.

Government employees' maximum salary: Increasing the maximum compensation for government employees from the current wage of Rs. 90,000 per month to Rs 2.25 lakhs per month for Apex Scale, and an extra Rs 2.5 lakhs per month for Cabinet Secretaries and others at similar grade.

Pay matrix: In place of grade pay, the position of a government employee will be decided by the pay level in the new Pay Matrix. To ensure transparency, the Commission has recommended replacing the grade pay system with a new pay matrix.

Working-Related Illness and Injury Time (WRIIL): A new leave will be created by combining the sick or hospital leave and the special disability leave. The Work-Related illness and injury leave will be its official name. Hospitalization for work-related illnesses or injuries entitles employees to full salary and benefits.

Fitment A: Fit: The Commission suggests using a 2.57 standard fitting ratio.

Government employees who are paid at levels 1 to 5 of the pay matrix are likely to see an increase in their fitness factor of up to three times their base salary.

The salaries of Indian government officials are as follows
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Armenias Reanimania International Animation Film & Comics Art Festival of Yerevan. The regions leading animation industry get-together, Reanimania, kicked off last night and runs through October 28.

The festival was launched in 2009 by Vrej Kassouny, who has served as its director ever since. In addition to screening major animated titles from around the world across several competition sections, the event also hosts Marani, an animation marketplace for regional and, increasingly, global artists and producers to meet and match up. Marani includes pitching sessions, one-on-one presentations, a group training workshop, and an open pitching session.

As director of the regions flagship animation event, Kassouny is an authority on the state of Armenian animation. He says hes recently noticed a grassroots phenomenon from young creators that is fueling significant growth in the sector. According to Kassouny:

Thanks to the new generation, Armenian animation has a unique signature. Momentum is growing, driven by the distinct perspectives of the younger generation, who think differently and are crazier, braver, and more creative. Animation production in Armenia has taken significant strides and evolved substantially. We now have numerous animation studios specializing in the production of animated short films. I am confident that in a few years, we will witness significant awards and notable achievements.

Supporting Kassounys claims, Armenia selected the animated feature Auroras Sunrise as its submission to the international feature Oscars race last year.

According to Kassouny, in the decade-and-a-half since he launched Reanimania, he has witnessed tremendous diversification across the sector, particularly in series and video game production. He told us:

A new field has emerged, with growing interest in tv series. Additionally, there are numerous studios dedicated to game development, with animation playing a crucial role in this realm Passion and interest in the art of animation have surged, and the younger generation has become deeply immersed in this industry.

Reanimania has been a boon for the Armenian industry, but Kassouny says its impact and importance stretch far beyond the countrys borders:

This festival serves as a bridge connecting the East and West in the South Caucasus, establishing a network and a platform for regional professionals. In the realm of industry development, Marani plays a huge role. It represents an animation market that is still taking its first steps but has ambitious plans.

Highlights from this years program include a regionally focused Women in Animation panel and a discussion with former Disney vfx artist and executive Dave Bossert (The Lion King, Aladdin). Other key attending the event include Oscar-winning director Joan Gratz (Mona Lisa Descending a Staircase), They Shot the Piano Player animation director Carlos Leon Sancha, and The Peasants producer Sean Bobbitt.

Reanimania 2023 Feature Competition
In 2019, the city of Annecy, which hosts the worlds biggest animation festival, revealed plans to construct the Cite Internationale du Cinema dAnimation, an international hub dedicated to the world of animation. The 26 million euro ($27.5M) project will begin construction soon, with the venue set to open in the second half of 2025.

The Cite Internationale du Cinema dAnimation, which is steps away from the festivals main Bonlieu, will include a screening room with 330 seats, a space to host artists residencies, areas for training, a temporary exhibition space, a permanent exhibition space for showcasing the Musee-Chateau dAnnecys animation film collection, a bookshop, and a gift store.

Speaking with Variety, Annecy Festival and MIFA Market director and Citia CEO Mickael Marin said the intention is to:

[C]reate a cultural hub like the French Cinematheque in Paris or the Lumiere Institute in Lyon, which will bring together animation lovers and artists from all around the world. We want to attract all kinds of audiences and host screenings, masterclasses, and some programs aimed at youth, starting from kindergarten to high school.

The Annecy Festival is arguably the most important week on the global animation calendar, but many of the people involved with the festival live in the city and work year-round to ensure the event maintains its status. According to Marin:

We needed to have a hub that would embody our festival and our commitment and a place for our team to work from because we all live here in Annecy. We couldnt envision a better place than a historical monument like Haras.

The institute will be part of a more extensive development of the citys historic Haras compound, a 6.4-acre plot that was formerly a horse stable. Renovation of the area began 10 years ago, and 42 million euros ($44.5M) has been committed to the project.
Photo: The Canadian Press Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc speaks with Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Mark Flynn in Ottawa, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.

The federal public safety minister says the Liberal government is pushing ahead with efforts to keep assault-style firearms out of the hands of Canadians.

Dominic LeBlanc, who assumed the portfolio over the summer, told a Senate committee today the government will enact regulations to complement gun-control legislation being studied by the upper chamber.

The government bill includes a ban on assault-style firearms that would apply once the legislation comes into force.

LeBlanc says regulatory changes will be made to ensure a mandatory physical inspection by the RCMP of all new firearm models before they enter the Canadian market.

However, advocates of stricter laws say people can still buy many assault-style firearms currently on the market.

LeBlanc reaffirmed plans to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee to independently review the classification of existing models that fall under the planned new prohibited weapon definition in the bill.
Photo: The Canadian Press Palestinians check the area of the explosion at al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Israel is "pleased" that Canada has joined the United States and France in believing that an explosion at a Gaza City hospital last week was fired by an errant rocket from within the Gaza Strip, the Israeli ambassador in Ottawa said Sunday.

But intelligence and foreign affairs experts say the latest assertions will do little to calm tensions in the region or among supporters of Israel and Palestinians abroad.

On Saturday Canada became the third western ally to back Israel's assertion that it was not responsible for the rocket blast at the al-Ahli Arab hospital on Oct. 17.

Analysis conducted independently by the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command indicates with a high degree of confidence that Israel did not strike the hospital on October 17, 2023," Defence Minister Bill Blair said in a statement published late Saturday.

"The more likely scenario is that the strike was caused by an errant rocket fired from Gaza. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

That followed similar conclusions reached by the United States on Oct. 18 and France on Oct. 20.

Israel's Canadian ambassador, Iddo Moed, said Sunday he welcomed Canada's conclusion.

The loss of life at the al-Ahli Arab hospital was a tragedy that should horrify any human being and it is a reminder of the double war crimes against Palestinians and Israelis that are committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza, Moed said.

But the National Council of Canadian Muslims said Sunday they had reached out to Blair to get more information about what led Canada to draw the conclusion it did.

A statement issued by the council Sunday evening said there are many outstanding questions and also called on Canada to recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to do an independent ground assessment.

The council also said this is just one hospital that has been hit since the "siege on Gaza" began, along with churches and schools.

"Thus, we are focused around the need for immediate ceasefire," the council said.

The blast became a new flashpoint in the latest conflict that began more than two weeks ago when hundreds of Hamas militants launched a multi-pronged attack on Israel. Hamas, a group which Canada has labelled a terrorist organization since 2002, launched rocket fire and a ground assault on several sites including at a music festival and at several agricultural collective communities known as kibbutzim.

At least 1,400 Israelis were killed, several thousand injured and more than 200 people  including children  were taken hostage by Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip for 16 years. Six Canadians died in the attack, and it's believed two remain missing.

Israel responded to the attack with force, cutting off power and supplies to the Gaza Strip and launching its own rocket attacks into the area. It is preparing for a ground assault as well.

As of Sunday, estimates suggest about 4,600 Palestinians have lost their lives in the latest conflict, and the humanitarian impact of Israel's response is having harsh consequences on the nearly two million people who call Gaza home.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been unequivocal that Canada supports Israel's right to defend itself but that all sides must follow the law and civilians must be protected.

Canada has called for Hamas to release all hostages and for Israel and Egypt to facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza.

Trudeau repeated those positions Sunday in a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Small amounts of food, fuel and medical supplies were delivered over the weekend, though the suffering in the Gaza Strip remains immense. Residents have reported surviving off dirty water and witnessing fights break out over scarce supplies, while packed hospitals have warned of critical fuel shortages.

The hospital blast upended an already tense situation and furthered the distance between western and Arab countries.

Trudeau faced pressure shortly after the hospital blast to assign blame for it. When asked by a reporter in French about the "Israeli strike" on the hospital, before Israel denied responsibility, Trudeau called the attack "horrific" and "unacceptable."

A few hours later, after Israel said the rocket wasn't theirs, Trudeau called for international law to be upheld, but did not point fingers.

"Together, we must determine what happened," he said. "There must be accountability."

That same day he tasked Blair with having the military undertake a review and analysis of available evidence so Canada could draw its own conclusions.

On Thursday, a day after U.S. President Joe Biden laid the blame on a rocket from inside Gaza, Trudeau said Canada had seen some preliminary evidence but needed more time to reach "a firm and final conclusion."

The initial Canadian analysis was completed on Oct. 21, and after Blair was brought up to speed he briefed Trudeau and then released the general finding publicly just before 10 p.m. Canada has not specified what evidence led to its conclusion.

Peter Jones, a professor of public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa, said its "fairly normal" for Canada to independently analyze incidents of interest overseas, but that it is less common to put out a statement on its findings.

Given the enormous media attention and public interest, I guess the government of Canada just felt it couldn't remain silent," Jones said in an interview.

The government was under a certain amount of pressure to declare one way or the other  other allied governments are doing the same thing.

Jones spent seven years working in intelligence analysis and has himself analyzed incidents of interest to Canada to determine if it agreed with its allies on a particular issue.

In most events of significance around the world where the Canadian government wants to have its own perspective on what happened and not rely on the analysis of others, Canadas intelligence community will produce its own analysis," Jones said.

But Jones said the findings are unlikely to change the minds of those who already believed Israel was at fault.

"In many countries in the Middle East, in many Arab countries, people have already formed their opinion and its based upon what Hamas has said and their own anger at whats been going on and all the rest of it," said Jones.

Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and senior fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said the facts may support Canada's conclusion but in the current world, facts don't always matter.

"Alas, we live in a world where feelings trump facts so it won't change much," he said.

He also noted we live in a world where people do not always know whose facts to believe.

Evidence from Israel includes satellite images and intercepted conversations between militants. French authorities said an Israeli explosive is much bigger and would have caused a bigger crater. They said this explosive was about five kilograms, which is closer to the type used by Palestinian militants.

It's also not yet clear how many people were killed when the rocket hit. The Palestinian Health Authority said nearly 500 people died, while U.S. intelligence sources have been cited saying the number is somewhere between 100 and 300.

Israel has pointed the finger at the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for being the source of the rocket. The PIJ is the second-largest armed group in Gaza, whose sole objective is a military victory over Israel to establish an Islamic State across all of Israel, along with the West Bank and Gaza.

American officials told the New York Times their preliminary evidence also pointed to the PIJ. But Canada has not yet specified who it thinks fired the rocket.

As Canada provides further updates, Israel is assured that other findings uncovered by the Israeli Defense Forces, including the culpability of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, will be identified by Canada as the source of this war crime," Moed said.
Photo: . The Only is opening a new vintage clothing store in Vancouver's Davie Village.

Next month a new store specializing in old stuff will be launching in Davie Village.

The Only is expanding its brand with a second brick-and-mortar shop at 1283 Davie St. Specializing in vintage women's clothing, they carry everything from 1940s coveralls to 1990s t-shirts.

"We sort through thousands of pounds of clothing per week to find the most precious pieces to bring to you IRL and online," states The Only's site.

Originally an Etsy-based business, the Vancouver-based business moved into wholesale, sending bundles of curated clothes to shops across Canada.

The second-hand and vintage store opened its first physical location in early 2022 on Commercial Drive. The new store will be opening Nov. 24, according to its Instagram account.

On The Only's site, the owners note they hope to expand across North America.




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Global aggregates: recovering, resilient and sustainable

ICR Research By

Published 24 October 2023

Increasingly resilient, the global aggregates market is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, as shown in a recent meeting of the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAINTM), the industry is poised to address future challenges and opportunities. By Jim OBrien, GAIN, Ireland.

As many readers will already know, the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN) is a voluntary liaison network of regional and national aggregates associations from around the world. Its mission is to share industry best practices, making for an ever-more sustainable aggregates industry globally. Founded in 2010 with just five members, GAIN now has 20 members spread across six continents, representing some 77 per cent of global aggregates production of over 41bnt. GAIN is uniquely successful in its highly-interactive global membership, thanks to the very positive cooperation of its members.

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Alternative fuel plant achieves 75,000t of valorised waste in first-year

24 October 2023

Cementos Molins celebrates the first year of operation of its alternative raw materials plant, located within its facilities in Barcelona, Spain, with a significant milestone. The company has announced that the plant has successfully valorised more than 75,000t of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, as well as other non-hazardous industrial waste, in its first anniversary.

Cementos Molins' alternative raw materials plant, which covers an area of over 3250m2, was inaugurated in September 2022 following an investment of nearly EUR2m. With the operation of the plant, Cementos Molins can manage waste comprehensively, from suitable storage services to collection and transportation to the valorisation plant, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout the waste management cycle.

The alternative raw materials facility, with a potential capacity of over 200,000t receives waste in coarse, granular, powder, and sludge formats. Two types of treatment are carried out at the plant: crushing and screening, in which waste from concrete plants is processed to manufacture recycled aggregates with a CE mark. The second treatment involves the dosing and homogenisation of industrial and construction waste to produce new alternative materials to produce Cementos Molins' cements.

This plant prevents the direct emission of more than 2000t of CO 2 per year. Additionally, the plant's proximity to the cement factory significantly reduces transportation costs for raw materials. "It allows us to valorise our own resources while saving CO 2 emissions in the processes of raw material transport and product manufacturing. This procedure enables us to avoid the extraction of 75,000t of material from quarries, extending the lifespan of our quarries and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources," Carlos Martinez, Director of Corporate Development and Sustainability at Cementos Molins explains.

Cementos Molins' commitment to the circular economy aligns with the goals outlined in its Sustainability Roadmap 2030, a roadmap that will lead the company to reduce its CO 2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2030.

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Yamama Cement saw growth in revenue and profit in 9M23

24 October 2023

Yamama Cement Co of Saudi Arabia recently announced its interim financial results for nine months, ending on 30 September 2023, at the Saudi stock exchange. The company earned a net profit after tax of SAR251.49m (US$67m) against SAR221.64m during this period, depicting a 13.46 per cent YoY growth.

The sales/revenue also saw an upsurge to SAR710.64m from SAR673.6m with a note of 5.49 per cent growth. The company reports that the main reason for the increase in net profit for the current period compared to the similar period of the previous year is due to:

 Increase in sales value for the current period compared to the similar period of the previous year.

 Increase in other revenues and refund of zakat provision for the current period compared to the similar period of the previous year.

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Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority President and CEO April Cameron and the board of commissioners were all smiles at the board meeting Monday as they debriefed on winning a U.S. Department of Transportation grant, hosting a successful airline carrier summit, and cleaning up a "picture perfect crash landing, all the first week of October.

Also, the terminal expansion project is ahead of schedule and could open as early as February, Ms. Cameron said.

All this good news supports one goal: to bring nonstop air service to Denver.

The Chattanooga Airport announced Oct. 2 that it had won a $750,000 Small Community Air Service Development Program grant to recruit air service. The community, businesses and local government have raised another $375,000, totaling $1.1 million for the purpose.

Ms. Cameron said a letter of support from United Airlines, which operates in Chattanooga and has a Denver hub, clinched the grant deal.

We would love to see United fly that, Ms. Cameron said. United would definitely be the target.

Grants make cities look like sound investments to airlines, she said. After Denver is won she said she will pursue Houston, and Board Chairman Jim Hall said he would go after New York Citys LaGuardia Airport again.

We have traffic for LaGuardia, he said.

The airport hosted a summit Oct. 4-6 to re-market and re-sell itself to its current air carriers: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Air.

My mama was always saying, Dont be reaching across the table until you take care of whats on your plate, said Mr. Hall.

If we could just get the airlines to come here, the city would sell itself, and it did, Ms. Cameron said.

Ms. Cameron has said she is prioritizing more destinations and more seat capacity in her first few months as president and CEO.

She said as airlines recover from pandemic setbacks and switch to fewer, larger planes, midsize markets like Chattanooga can attract those smaller, 175-seat aircraft left behind.

Were very hopeful that well be able to see some of the results of that, she said.

Subsequent airport summits will entertain new carriers, she said.

The next summit could coincide with a tentative February grand opening of the terminal expansion project, which was originally set to be complete in June 2024.

The airline representatives were absolutely amazed, Ms. Cameron said of the summit. She said they repeatedly commented on local leaders community engagement.

Board member Santosh Sankar told the board his dinner partner, a United representative, had said the same.

He was just shocked that everybody was willing to show up and push in the same direction, he said.

The delegation attended an outdoor evening meal at Rock City and toured the Volkswagen plant, where Chattanooga Operations CEO Chris Glover spoke regarding the companys plans and needs.

City of Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly spent a whole day with the delegation. Featured speakers included Chattanooga Tourism Co. President and CEO Barry White, Urban Story Ventures President and CEO Jimmy White, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Charles Wood, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and others.

The Westin hotel provided venue space and overnight accommodation. Other businesses donated welcome billboards and welcome gift baskets.

The summit included a forum that allowed airline representatives and local CEOs to exchange questions and needs.

This, you know, is a first step, said Mr. Hall. He said the airport will be a keystone in the citys economic development.
A man told police his 2121 GMC Canyon was parked in the parking garage at 215 Chestnut St. and that sometime overnight, someone broke the window and stole one left shoe. Other vehicles were broken in to at this location overnight and a picture of the suspect was disseminated through CPD.



* * *

A man told police he was leaving the fenced-in parking lot at 1101 Chestnut St. and the automatic gate was opened. As he was driving through the gate, the gate closed on his vehicle causing damage to both the vehicle and the gate. Security of the property responded and took note of the damage, which was disabling for the gate.

* * *

A woman on Carrington Way told police her vehicle was stolen from her driveway sometime overnight. She said she left the keys in the vehicle. Her car had black rims and tinted windows but no other identifying features. Police were able to later find her vehicle and recovered all property that didnt belong to the owners. An officer fingerprinted the car and multiple fingerprints were recovered and will be submitted for processing.

* * *

A woman told police that while she was at a stop sign on Broad Street that morning, a work truck backed into the front bumper of her 2021 Nissan Altima. The truck backed up to allow room for a turning semi-truck. Both vehicles left and none of this information could be verified due to the delay in reporting and vehicles no longer on scene.

* * *

The owner of Aqua Tots at 125 Cherokee Blvd. told police that sometime overnight, someone used a piece of drywall to write messages on the sidewalk in front of her business. She wanted a report on file and the business was placed on the Watch List.

* * *

A woman told police she was driving on E. Brainerd Road when the vehicle in front of her suddenly braked, causing her to run into the back of the other vehicle. The information couldnt be verified due to the delayed report and vehicles no longer on scene.

* * *

A man told police his trailer was parked in the parking lot at 5813 Lee Hwy. and a black male in a gray jacket approached his trailer and stole the backpack blower off of the trailer. The man said that after the man stole the blower, he got into a gray car and went north on Lee Highway towards Highway 153. The man said the blower was a Stihl 800 backpack blower worth approximately $900.

* * *

A woman told police her companys Toyota Camry was parked on Boriss Drive and sometime overnight it appeared that someone may have messed with the unlocked vehicle. She said nothing was damaged or stolen.

* * *

A woman on Heritage Park Drive told police she is constantly being harassed by another woman. She said she's receiving numerous text messages from an unknown person stating her exact whereabouts and exactly what she's doing. She is confident that it is the other woman, but doesnt have physical proof. An officer provided the woman with the steps needed to obtain a TPO.

* * *

An employee at Pro X Powersports at 6101 Mountain View Road showed police video footage of an 18-wheeler turning around in the parking lot and striking a concrete column. Police saw the name of the company on the truck and a truck number. Due to the camera footage, the officer was unable to make out a tag number on the truck.

* * *

A man on Cowart Street told police his vehicle had been broken into. Upon seeing the damages, he contacted police because this was not the first time his car had been broken into. The vehicle had a broken rear passenger window as well as a broken steering column. The steering column appeared to have damage suggesting an attempt to steal the car. The man said nothing had been taken from the vehicle. He said the damage would cost around $1,200 to repair.

* * *

A man on Broad Street told police an acquaintance had been messaging him on Facebook. He said the man said he had photos of him and how he would "die alone". The man told police he had recently moved to Chattanooga. He has filed reports regarding similar activity. He blocked the acquaintance on social media. He was told to not respond to the man in the future and to contact the police if he continues to message him.

* * *

A man on Foust Street called police and reported there was trash in his front yard. He said he saw a tall black male standing on the street in front of the residence, but didnt see him throw the trash. He requested a report for the incident.

* * *

The desk clerk at TownSuites by Marriot at 5248 Hwy. 153 told police a white male was bothering a guest outside. Police checked with the guest, and found no type of disturbance.

* * *

A woman on Phoenix Avenue told police her vehicle had been stolen. She said she came out to take the trash and noticed her car was gone. Later, police were made aware of an abandoned vehicle. A caller said the vehicle was dumped. The red Hyundai Sonata was left in front of an abandoned residence. The officer had dispatch run the tag and it came back as stolen. Police were able to lift some prints on the driver side door which were turned into AFIS for processing. The vehicle was towed by Whites Auto and the owner was notified about her vehicle being recovered.
Bobbie J. Hendrix, 94, of Chattanooga, joined her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at her residence.

The oldest of nine children, Bobbie was born Tuesday, April 30, 1929, in Rome, Georgia, to the late Willie and Varnar (Haynes) Jones. She accepted Jesus Christ, as her personal Savior, at an early age and continued in that faith until death. Bobbie was a blessed woman of God who shared her blessings generously. Bobbies family, friends, students, church, and community all benefitted from her loving, common-sense wisdom and guidance.

Her faith-fueled resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. Bobbie was a member of Warren Chapel AME Church for many years. In 1996, she joined the fellowship of Orchard Knob Baptist Church where she faithfully served until her departure. During her time at Orchard Knob, she served the following ministries: Sunday School, Bible Study, Womens Ministry, Usher Ministry, Christian Education, Trustee Wives and Widows, and the Mothers Board.

Bobbie graduated with the class of 1946 from Rome Main Colored High School in Rome, Georgia. Eighteen years later she matriculated at Tennessee State University in Nashville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She began her career in the Chattanooga Public School System as a classroom teacher and guidance counselor. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she earned a Master of Science degree in Education in 1979. She was an educator at heart and a lifelong learner. Bobbie retired from Chattanooga Public Schools after 29 years of service.

After her retirement, she and her husband Clifford spent several years traveling the country in their RV. Bobbie served on various boards in the Chattanooga community. She especially enjoyed her work with the Siskin Hospital. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2004, she was honored as a Woman of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga. This award is bestowed upon women who set themselves apart through their civic, cultural, philanthropic, human service, environmental and professional contributions to the Chattanooga community. Bobbie loved studying and reading the Bible. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles, cooking, reading, talking with family and friends and in her younger years riding and training horses.

Bobbie was blessed with a loving family. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Clifford L. Hendrix, Jr. To that union, two children, Anthony and Ellen, were born. The family of four enjoyed many years of shared adventures, creating memories that continue to sustain them. Bobbie was a caring and devoted wife, mother, and friend. Her inviting demeanor, compassionate manner, and welcoming spirit were received genuinely by all who knew her. Her loving, joyful spirit touched many lives.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Clifford L. Hendrix, Jr.; parents, Willie and Varnar (Haynes) Jones; sisters, Betty Taylor, Mary Nell Johnson, Doris Maynard, and Eleanor Poteete; brothers, Charles (Sonny) Jones and Warren Jones.

Precious memories linger with her children, Anthony and Ellen; brother, George Jones of San Diego, CA; sister, Janice Jones of Atlanta, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Bobbie will lie in state on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 12:30-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Thursday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m. at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church, 1734 E. Third Street.

Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery alongside her husband, Dr. Clifford L. Hendrix, Jr.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the churchs website: orchardknob.weebly.com or on Facebook.
The community is invited to a free Elder Care Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Humanities Building on the Cleveland State Community College campus. Topics will include care options, safety and physical activity, fall prevention, technology assistance for elder safety, communication strategies, advanced directives information and more.Our goal is to provide as many resources as possible to help members of our community better understand how to assist elders, provide protective measures for elders, share helpful caregiver support tips and prepare ourselves for the next life stage as we age, stated Melodee Alexander, Cleveland State associate professor of psychology.Prof.Alexander continued, I first began attending Elder Care educational programs because my heart has always been drawn to the stages of life from the midpoint onward. When we were young, we couldn't wait to be older. When we became adults, we looked forward to the next stage of life. When we realized we were middle-aged, we chose to stop looking ahead and planning because our attention was drawn toward being part of the lives around us. Then, we began to realize that we age, whether we planned or not, we age. This is not a bad thing, but we do need to prepare in every way possible: psychologically, emotionally, physically and financially. Let's embrace this later stage with joy and preparedness. If we learn now, we can better prepare younger generations for successful aging.Organizers said, "Middle-age is an ideal time to prepare for elder care. If you are now beyond 'middle-age,' there's no better time than today to prepare for the future. This workshop is also for those who have a passion for helping elders."Keynote speakers are Wendy Stewart, Southeast Area Agency on Aging and Disability Information and Assistance Specialist/SNAP Benefits coordinator, and Alexis Hughes, Death Doula and Alzheimers Association Walk manager. Breakout sessions will be led by Cleveland State faculty.Cleveland State nursing students will offer biometric and preventative services.On behalf of Cleveland State, we are excited to offer what we think will be some very useful information for members of our community again this year, stated Dr. Ryan Thompson, dean of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Cleveland State. As my father-in-law's health deteriorated several years ago, watching my wife's family work together to meet his needs was inspiring. But it also gave me plenty to reflect on as I thought about what my parents and grandparents might need as well. The workshops over the last several years have been extremely helpful in providing me with a lot of answers to those questions, and I am looking forward to getting more answers this year.For more information or to RSVP for the event, go to https://forms.gle/YqQ344ZrsnW7bx7i7
The Photographic Society of Chattanoogas Holiday Show will go on display on Dec. 8.PSC members currently have their works displayed at the Gallery at Blackwell. Prints are on display for viewing and purchasing.The Gallery is located at Blackwell Automotive at 71 Eastgate Loop in Chattanooga. The hours of operations for the Gallery are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The show will end on Jan. 26, 2024.For more information, call 423-344-5643 or e-mail Milton McLain atexhibitions@chattanoogaphoto.org.
In January 1966, former Chattanoogan Diane Siskin was on a plane flying from New York to Washington, D.C.

The then-college student was distraught over the declining health of her grandmother with whom she was very close, but then she ended up meeting someone who at least temporarily gave her some fatherly like support by trying to console her. The person was Robert Kennedy  then a U.S. senator and future presidential candidate.

He was so kind to me, she recalled of the happenstance meeting on the plane where, by luck, they were sitting next to each other.

As a result of that encounter, what she thought at the time was a very somber moment for her turned out to be an uplifting one in hindsight and a happening that she still cherishes greatly nearly 60 years later.

The incident has come back to current Florida Panhandle resident Ms. Siskin more vividly in recent weeks because the late senators son, Robert Kennedy Jr., is running for president. And in recent weeks, he switched from running as a Democrat to an independent who could take votes away from the presidential nominees in both major parties and possibly affect what is expected to be a close general election in 2024.

A longtime Democrat, Ms. Siskin wanted to emphasize that, despite her great admiration for the late Sen. Kennedy, she does not care for the politics of his son and is definitely not supporting him.

The son doesnt hold the same values as his father, she said in a recent phone interview. The father was very compassionate and understanding. That is my feeling and I felt like I had to speak up.

She also points to the fact that many other members of the Kennedy family have also denounced his candidacy.

Robert Kennedy Jr., who as recently as Oct. 15 was a few miles up the road from Chattanooga in Knoxville campaigning at the Relix event center there, has drawn the support of a small number of others, though. That is in part due to his anti-vaccine advocacy work, including coming out against the COVID-19 vaccine.

Only 14 when his father died and a man who struggled with substance abuse issues in his younger years, the younger Kennedy also became known in later years primarily for his work as an attorney fighting to protect the environment. In his 40s, he developed Spasmodic Dysphonia, which has caused his voice to have a quivering sound.

An independent candidacy by him in the general election is expected to draw at least a few votes away from each major party nominee due to his diversity of views, political observers say.

Regarding Ms. Siskins more favorable memories of the candidates father, she said that she felt she needed to see her grandmother, who was then in her 70s, while her health was failing. So, she came back home to New York for a brief visit from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

She had transferred there from what is now known as SUNY at New Paltz in New York, where she had a scholarship, to be closer to someone she was dating at the time. Her parents had not overly endorsed the idea of transferring to UT, she recalled, but her grandmother had been supportive.

Ms. Siskin  who was also a longtime lifestyle and travel writer for the Chattanooga Free Press and was profiled in August regarding her memories of writing some pre-inauguration stories in Plains before Jimmy Carters 1977 presidential inauguration  remembers the visit as somber.

My grandmother was dying in New York, and I was very, very close to her, she recalled. My parents didnt want me to see her in that state. But I came up, saw her, and my father wanted to hustle me out of town because he did not want me to be there.

Amid all the short planning, her ticket that was bought for her return trip back to Knoxville via Washington, D.C., ended up being a first-class one on the left front row on the aisle, due to a nearly full plane. To help her feel better, her father had also bought her a stack of magazines to read going back. He did this without greatly thinking of which ones might be of interest to a college student. One of them ended up being Cosmopolitan.

While the magazines were simply designed to take her mind away from her troubles, they would soon help draw her back to the world in a positive way. In fact, the page turning she was doing would turn into a real-life page turner regarding what happened next.

I was very upset and in tears, knowing it would be the last time I would see my grandmother, she said. Ive got my magazines and Im looking down and hope nobody sees that Im crying.

She had not bothered to see the person who was sitting next to her in the window seat while looking down, but she soon noticed a briefcase and some official Congressional cuff links he was wearing and realized it might indeed be U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy.

Suddenly, she was starting to put things together, adding with a chuckle, I think Im seeing things.

As Ms. Siskin recalled, As I faced him, I asked if he was .... And before I could finish the question, he answered yes and could he do anything to help me. I probably said that my grandmother is dying. That started the conversation.

The words also continued in a positive manner, she said.

He talked to me the rest of the way trying to get me consoled, and that he knew death firsthand, she said, referring to the death of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy, following his assassination in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. He was so good about bringing me around.

He also during the conversation noticed that she had an article on him opened in Cosmopolitan magazine, so he took it and signed it, writing, Thoughtfully with best wishes to Diane. Dont believe everything you read -- only the good parts. RFK.

I think he was aware of the article about him that was open on my lap, shortly after the plane took off, Ms. Siskin added. I was not trying to read it, but rather used it to just keep my head down, since I was so upset.

And he didn't sign the magazine until we were also through talking and asked my permission to see the article. I gave the magazine to him, and he quickly read the page that was open and asked me if I minded if he wrote something on it. I, of course, said he could.

The year 1966 would end up being a positive one for her in many ways, despite her grandmothers death. After she returned to Knoxville, she came to Chattanooga to student teach. No longer dating her previous acquaintance, she was living on Missionary Ridge and met Charles Siskin.

I went back to Knoxville for the summer quarter and graduated in August of 1966, she said. Charles and I married on Oct. 9, 1966. 1966 was a big year for me!

Unfortunately, two years later she heard the devastating news that Sen. Kennedy, who was by then a front-running Democratic candidate for president, was shot and soon died that June of 1968 while in Los Angeles for the California Primary that he won.

While Ms. Siskin was seven months pregnant with her first child, who was named after her grandmother, and she was busy at work, she was still stunned after hearing the news.

I kept thinking that it had only been a little over two years since my encounter with Robert Kennedy on that special flight, she said. He had consoled me on the loss of my grandmother, yet he only lived for a little over two years more, dying at the age of 42.

Referencing the title of the article about Robert F. Kennedy at 40, she added, There would be no Robert Kennedy at 45, 50 ...

As the years passed, she kept up with the Kennedy family from a distance, and once went to Boston and Cape Cod and saw the Kennedy Compound. Unfortunately, it had a high fence around it, so all she could do was get a picture of the fence, she recalled with a laugh.

But her views and positive memories of Robert Kennedy have not been blocked by that or her opposition to his sons candidacy, despite remembering the sons good work with River Keepers alongside an acquaintance of Ms. Siskins niece in the 1990s.

Nor have nearly 60 years erased such positive memories of encountering Sen. Kennedy on a plane.

He didnt have to do that and talk to me, but he did, she said.

* * *

Jcshearer2@comcast.net
The Hamilton County Health Department will participate in the statewide Fight Flu TN initiative by offering free flu shots to anyone six months and older. This event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at multiple locations throughout Hamilton County.Details: No appointment is needed. Pop-up events & clinic options are available. *These are all park & walk-up sites. * Adults 18+ and children ages six months and older may participate. Childrens vaccines are only available at Health Department clinics - not at the walk-up sites. ONLY FREE THIS DAY  while supplies last. Bilingual staff will be on site(s).Locations- Adults Only: La Paz:10 a.m.-noon809 S.Willow St., Chattanooga, TN 37404 Super Carniceria Loa #6:3-5 p.m.400 Chickamauga Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 Boynton Terrace Apartments:3-5 p.m.955 Boynton Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37402Locations- Adults and Children- All Health Department sites are open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Health Department at Sequoyah9527 W. Ridge Trail Road, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 Health Department at Birchwood5625 Highway 60, Birchwood, TN, 37308 Health Department at Ooltewah5520 High St., Ooltewah, TN 37363 Health Department at 3rd StreetEast 3rd St., Chattanooga, TN 37403*If a minor is being vaccinated, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment and bring a current, valid photo ID. If you are a legal guardian, bring guardianship proof. *Getting a flu shot is the easiest way to help prevent the flu and keep ourselves and those around us healthy. Flu vaccines are safe, effective and protect against the most common types of flu circulating, so I urge everyone eligible to receive a flu shot before the winter months, says Hamilton County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Stephen C. Miller. We also want to thank our community partners La Paz, Partnership for Families, Super Carniceria Loa and Boynton Terrace for hosting this year and helping support this health initiative."Per the CDC, those at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu include children under five years, adults 65 years and over, pregnant women and those with preexisting medical conditions or a compromised immune system," officials said. "In addition to the Fight Flu TN event, flu shots are widely available at primary care offices, local pharmacies, and with participating community partners."To find a flu shot near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.
The 28th storefront for Apotheca dispensary has opened, this one in Chattanooga, and the addition marks the growing chains first Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony (and secret 60-minute sale) in the city.

We have been expanding so fast that we havent had time to join local Chambers (of Commerce), until now, said Lee VanTine, owner and CEO of Apotheca. But, its an important step for us because we become partners in great communities, like Chattanooga.

The big scissors come out at noon on Thursday at 1906 Gunbarrel Road. After a few short comments from Chamber and Apotheca reps, a 1-hour Grand Opening sale, just at this location, sees the deepest discounts the store will ever see.

VanTine creates ribbon cutting grand opening sales as an appreciation for the location and its customers. Joining different chambers in three different states really gives you an appreciation for positive business environments. And we like to be part of that.

Apotheca was created in 2019 to provide sustainable and reliable source of tested and trusted cannabis products, in a welcoming environment. Shelves are stocked with other natural supplements including microdosing magic mushroom edibles and kratom goods. The chains brand stands apart with its home-spun feel, custom-built display cases with premium products of all kinds, even sustainably sourced farm-fresh goods. Most importantly, educated employees help people make informed choices on self-care options, said officials.

"This has been an industry full of uncomfortable uncertainties, Mr. VanTine says. Apotheca is designed to stand apart from iffy smoke shops and vape stores, especially for older customers who want to feel comfortable when trying something new.

The Cornelius, N.C., based chain has made its mark across the state with 21 storefronts. Apotheca also has dispensaries in Tennessee and Georgia, more than 30 to date and several more in the works. But, Mr. VanTine hasnt stopped there.

We see possibilities in multiple states, he said, because the need is real. Were called, the good one, as reputable resource for whole communities, like Chattanooga. The Apotheca mission includes focusing on the wellness of both customers and communities. So, joining the Chattanooga Area Chamber reflects the companys commitment to Tennessee customers, especially in the changing tides of legislation.

Were happy to celebrate our first ribbon cutting in Chattanooga. We consider ourselves community partners, hiring and serving locals, so everyones invited to this event. We want you to experience a positive, comfortable experience.
Pinnacle Financial Partners and LaunchTN are partnering on a series of meetups, called Capital Conversations, with two remaining events to take place in 2023.

After successful events in Memphis and Knoxville, Capital Conversations will travel to Chattanooga on Nov. 9.

Pinnacle remains diligent in enhancing how the firm serves our community, said Kevin Roddey, Financial Advisor for Pinnacle Financial Partners. Pinnacle would not be where we are now without the relationships weve built, especially our partnership with Launch Tennessee to support their invaluable efforts to make a significant positive impact on the community and provide financial services to the companies served by Launch Tennessee and its partners.

Capital Conversations highlight our complementary partnership and the ways we hope to continue to serve the entrepreneurs of Tennessee.

The third event in the series of four will take place at Society of Work, who is on board as a venue sponsor for the Chattanooga event, along with LaunchTNs Network Partner The Company Lab, Nov. 9 from 5-7 p.m. (EST).

The events are opportunities for entrepreneurs, startup companies, investors, and others in the states entrepreneurial community to network and connect.

The Capital Conversation event in Chattanooga will feature members of LaunchTNs Capital team and financial sector experts from Pinnacle Financial Partners. The event will be kicked off by a representative from LaunchTNs Regional Entrepreneur Center Network Partner: The Company Lab.

The Launch Tennessee team will be on hand to discuss InvestTN, a new $70-million fund for investments in startups and venture funds throughout the state. Pinnacle Financial Partners will offer up expert advice on financial services and support specific to startups.
The prosecution told a Criminal Court jury on Tuesday that former EMT and county reserve deputy Justin Whaley "killed James Brumlow," while the defense termed it "a tragic accident."

Whaley is standing trial in the courtroom of Judge Boyd Patterson on seven counts, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, in the July 3, 2018, fatal traffic crash.

Prosecutor Parker Garrett told the jury that Whaley had gone the previous night around 9 p.m. to the home of David Taylor on Bakewell Mountain for a bourbon testing. He said Mr. Taylor had been on a trip to Kentucky and bought the varieties of bourbon there.

He said the tasting lasted until 1 or 1:30 in the morning, and they had six glasses each. He said Whaley then slept for three and a half to four hours before driving off in his F150 truck.

The prosecutor said Whaley drove down the mountain to Highway 27 and went south. He said just after the intersection with Highway 111 that goes to Dunlap that Whaley did a u turn and wound up driving north on 111 in the southbound lane.

His truck then crashed head-on with the Brumlow SUV. He said the victim, a father of four, had to be extricated from his vehicle and was airlifted, but died from his injuries.

Prosecutor Garrett said there was a blood draw taken from Whaley four hours after the crash, and he tested .020. That is below the drunk level in Tennessee of .08. Both sides plan to call experts on what Whaley's blood alcohol level might have been at the time of the wreck.

Attorney Lee Davis told jurors that the incident was "100 percent" the fault of Whaley and said he takes full responsibility, but he said he was not intoxicated.

He said Whaley went to high school in Missouri, then was in the Marine Corps from 1999-2003, including duty in Iraq. He said he became friends with David Taylor, also a Marine Corps veteran and a pilot.

The attorney said Whaley was an EMT in California and in New York City before coming to Chattanooga. He said his wife is an emergency room physician.

He said Whaley was working on opening a shooting range in Van Buren County at the time.

The attorney said he had been friends with David Taylor for a couple of years, and they were sampling bourbon together that night before the wreck. He said the evening was "to socialize and not to get drunk." He said Whaley planned to spend the night at the Taylor house. He said Mrs. Taylor was not feeling well and stayed in a back room.

Attorney Davis said Whaley was able to safely negotiate the steep Taylor driveway and 12 turns down Bakewell Mountain as he headed for the shooting range that morning. He said at the time he got to Highway 27 south that it was still dark and the "confusing" intersection with Highway 111 was not lighted.

He said, in the dark, Whaley missed the turn off to the right to go up Highway 111 northbound. He said he then did a u turn thinking he was getting onto Highway 27 north prior to getting onto Highway 111 north. However, he actually was going north in the southbound lane of Highway 111.

After a short distance taking 39 seconds, he collided with the Brumlow vehicle in a grinding crash that spun around the truck and sent the Brumlow SUV on its side and sliding down into a shallow ravine. The victim had to be cut from the SUV by taking the roof off.

Attorney Davis said Whaley called 911 and "clearly" told what had happened and that emergency help was needed.

He said Soddy Daisy Police could have given a Breathalyzer test while he was at their police station, but he said a blood draw was finally taken after he was driven to the jail downtown.

The attorney said Whaley was initially allowed to go free.

He told the jury, "Alcohol had nothing to do with this accident."

Greg Green said he was driving south on Highway 27 around 5:35 a.m. to go to the gym for a workout when he saw a vehicle going the wrong way. He said he only saw the vehicle for a few seconds and did not have his phone in the front seat to call police.

Jerry Workman, who was in charge of the wreck for the Soddy Daisy Police, said he walked by Whaley at the wreck scene. He said Whaley said, "Jerry, how are you?" He said Whaley also told him, "I screwed up."

He said he knew Whaley due to him being an EMT and first thought he had stopped by to help at the wreck.

Investigator Workman then was told that Justin Whaley was the driver of the truck. He said a Soddy Daisy Police captain told him, "Did you know it was Whaley who was driving the truck? Did you know that he was drunk?"

He said he did not do field sobriety tests because Whaley had just been involved in a crash and might have a head injury that would cause the tests to be invalid.

He said the collision happen at the edge of the fast lane for the southbound traffic. He said both vehicles appeared to be traveling pretty fast at the 60 mph zone.

David Taylor said he and Whaley had six glasses each of bourbon of various varieties. He said the glasses were 1-2 ounces. He said neither he nor his visitor became intoxicated.

He said they chose that night because Whaley did not have to be at the shooting range at a certain time the next morning. He said Whaley was sleeping on his couch when he went to bed, but was not there when he got up at 7 the next morning.

The jury is sequestered in the case that is expected to last into Saturday. It is planned to take the jury on a field trip to the intersection where the wreck happened and to the Taylor home on Bakewell Mountain.

The Brumlows have started a Facebook page and have carried signs by the highway seeking "Justice for James Brumlow."

The case was initially assigned to Judge Barry Steelman, but he recused himself.


Oct. 7 was a beautiful day to gather at The Brainerd Mission Cemetery. A historic program was hosted by the Chief John Ross Chapter and led by Patty Parks, Brainerd Mission Chapter chair for Chief John Ross. She presented a program on the Mission's history, DAR and SAR involvement in saving the cemetery, as well as who is buried or not buried there. Those in attendance included the SAR, Moccasin Bend and Chickamauga Chapters who were also Brainerd Mission Committee chairs. Members also brought their spouses and children to enjoy the discussion.Brainerd Mission is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by the five local DAR and SAR chapters.The Mission operated for about 22 years in the early 1800s and covered about 25 acres. Much of the property at that time was purchased from John McDonald, John Ross grandfather. Today, Our Sacred Acre is all that remains. It is hardly noticeable in the East Gate loop, and a pleasant surprise for all who find it. Brainerd Mission is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is cared for by many volunteers throughout the year.Chief John Ross Chapter in Chattanooga has grown steadily in membership since its founding almost 100 years ago, and is proud now to be the third largest chapter in the state of Tennessee, with 188 members. Any female 18 years or older who can prove that a Revolutionary War patriot is in her direct line is eligible and welcome to join the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR.The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a womens service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Todays DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities nationwide and worldwide. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
Matt Daniel was named chief of the Dalton Fire Department at Tuesday morning's meeting of the Public Safety Commission. Mr. Daniel had previously been named as the sole finalist for the position on October 5th after the commission interviewed four applicants for the position from within the ranks of the fire department. The commission voted unanimously 4-0 in favor of his appointment Tuesday.

"I appreciate everything that youve done in the past and everything you'll do going forward," PSC chairman Truman Whitfield told Chief Daniel after his appointment. "We dont expect anything more than what weve expected in the past which is an elite, leading agency in northwest Georgia and the state of Georgia and to keep doing the great things that the Dalton Fire Department does every day."

Im humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Dalton Fire Department. Its an exciting adventure and Im ready and willing to accept the challenge and move the department forward and serve the community, Daniel said earlier this month after being selected for the position.

Chief Daniel is a 20-year veteran of the Dalton Fire Department, having joined the agency in January 2003. Before joining the DFD, Daniel completed his NPQ fire qualification with the Jefferson (Ga.) Fire Department. Daniel served in the departments Suppression Division for nearly 15 years, rising through the ranks and serving as a member of the Special Operations Team, HazMat Team, and on the Georgia Search and Rescue team. In 2017, he became Daltons fire marshal and coordinator for the departments Preventions Division. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of captain and in 2021, he was named the chief of the division. Hes a graduate of Dalton High School and studied at the University of North Georgia and Truett McConnell University.

Chief Daniel is filling the vacancy left by the departure of Todd Pangle from the Dalton Fire Department to become Daltons assistant city administrator.




Paul McCartney once wrote a song with the memorable title "Lavatory Lil." Paul also said he felt like a mad scientist when he created the tune's parent album.

Paul McCartney once wrote a song with the memorable title Lavatory Lil. He explained why the song was a form of revenge against someone he disliked. Paul also said he felt like a mad scientist when he created the tunes parent album.

Paul McCartney left the inspiration behind Lavatory Lil in the dark

During a 2020 interview with Uncut, Paul revealed the origin of his tune Lavatory Lil from his album McCartney III. To tell you the truth, she was someone we rubbed up against, he said. You get a few of em in life, these people who screw you over. I thought, Ill have you. Ill write a song. Youll never know its about you, because I wont tell anyone. But Ill know. And people who know who Im talking about will know.

So I drew on my dislike of this individual and made her into a song character, he added. Its a simple little song, and I love playing it. The vocal was the first take. Its like I say, if you think youre doing a posh, important album, you might go over the vocal and think you can improve it. But this was: Itll do. My missus gave me this beautiful little 1954 Telecaster which I havent played too much until this album, so it gave me a great chance on the lead part of Lil.'

Paul McCartney revealed what he was thinking when he recorded his album McCartney III

In the same interview, Paul discussed his mindset while recording McCartney III. He said he felt like a mad scientist doing experiments when he crafted his albums McCartney, McCartney II, and McCartney III. He didnt feel like he was making commercial albums when he recorded that trilogy, which took some of the pressure off of him.

Notably, McCartney came out in 1970, McCartney II came out in 1980, and McCartney III came out in 2020. Each of those albums was experimental in its own way. Each time Paul released a self-titled record, it felt like he was telling the world he was a fiercely independent artist who was not interested in conforming to expectations  even the expectations of his own audience. While Pauls independent streak definitely yielded numerous duds, its also part of the reason he has a loyal following to this day. Love or hate his solo career, its not quite like anything else before or since.

How Lavatory Lil performed on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom

Lavatory Lil was not a single, so it did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The tracks parent album McCartney III, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for four weeks.

According to The Official Charts Company, Lavatory Lil did not chart in the United Kingdom either. There, McCartney III topped the chart for a single week and lasted on the chart for three weeks altogether.

Lavatory Lil wasnt a single or a hit but it has an interesting backstory.
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Saunas are a cherished part of the Finnish lifestyle. People in Finland view the sauna as a relaxing place they can visit to cleanse their minds and bodies and embrace inner peace. But in America, the culture surrounding saunas is a completely different story.

A Finnish TikTok creator named Aurora (@rorayoga) is discussing her initial shock regarding American sauna culture when she moved to the United States. She has been living in Los Angeles for six years now, and ever since her first experience in an American sauna, she refuses to step foot in one again.

So, at the time, she had gone to a sauna in her gym. Upon entering the sauna, she saw a sign warning people not to throw water on the rocks for risk of electrocution. She noted that the sign had confused her since, in Finland, it was customary to splash water on the rocks.

We most definitely throw water because thats what makes the sauna hot, and thats what makes it amazing for you. Otherwise, its just a dry, hot room thats, like, pulling all the moisture from your skin and just feels terrible, said Aurora.

As she continued with her account of the experience, she described the attire that Americans opted for when going into saunas. She entered the sauna with a towel wrapped around her body and was stunned to see everyone else wearing clothes.

She explained that in Finland, you were not allowed to go in saunas wearing any clothes or swimwear. The saunas are usually separated by gender, but in the ones that arent, it is appropriate to have swimwear.

Now, when I say wearing clothes, theyre wearing full-on workout gear and shoes. Theres literally one girl working out. Another girl is sitting with her AirPods on, listening to music with her phone in the sauna, said Aurora.

She also mentioned that the sauna was dirty and had weightlifting chalk scattered everywhere, which she declared was unacceptable.

The sauna is considered a sacred place in Finland. You are required to speak in low, hushed tones and leave behind all unnecessary things, like technology. People even used to give birth in saunas, so they were always kept clean.

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Update (October 26, 2023): A few hours before Will Speers scheduled execution on Thursday, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed his death pending further review of his case. Speer has presented several legal claims, including that his counsel did not provide mitigating evidence.

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The first death row prisoner to help lead a death row ministry in Texass Allan B. Polunsky Unit, a state prison with maximum security units, is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, October 26. On Tuesday, Texas denied Will Speers application for clemency.

Every morning, Speer leads prayer and worshipsometimes delivering a sermon through prison radioon death row. Though the men are in solitary confinement for 22 hours of the day, they can still sing together through the walls, said pastor Dana Moore, who has spent years ministering to those on death row in the Polunsky Unit.

In 2021 the Texas Department of Criminal Justice started an 18-month faith-based program for 28 death row inmates who passed an application process. The program became known as the God Pod, consisting of classes, worship, and rare fellowship for those normally in solitary confinement.

Speer graduated from the program this year and became the first inmate coordinator for the God Pod program, which meant he could teach classes and mentor others in prison despite being on death row.

Speer was convicted of murdering Jerry Collins when he was 16 and was sentenced to life in prison as an adult. Then, a decade later in 2001, he was convicted of murdering a fellow prisoner, Gary Dickersonhe says the murder was to get gang protection in prisonand was sentenced to death.

He argues that mitigating information was not shared with juries. He testifies to a horrific childhood of repeated abuse and violence, and to being sent to a hospital as an adult after a severe beating in prison. His highest level of education was eighth grade. Speer has expressed remorse for his crimes and was baptized behind bars in 2022.

The only surviving immediate family member of Dickerson, whose murder resulted in Speer receiving a death sentence, said she did not want Speer to be executed. Sammie Gail Martin submitted a letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles asking that Speers sentence be commuted to life in prison.

I have spent much time reflecting on what justice my brother and family deserve, she wrote. She said she believed Speer was remorseful and has something left to offer the world. If he received a life sentence, hopefully he can continue to help others and make amends for his past crimes.

J. C. Collins, the son of victim Jerry Collins, told the Baptist Standard that he would attend the execution, but in order to pray for Speer. I dont want to see him die, he said.

I know what I robbed from them and their families, Speer told the Baptist Standard. I understand, because Ive been there. The stepfather who abused me killed my mother. I know what it feels like. I cant restore what I took away from them. But maybe I can give back some other way.

Speers attorney Amy Fly stated that if Speer was allowed to spend the rest of his natural life in prison, he would join the Texas field ministry program, which involves more seminary training than the God Pod program and makes the incarcerated graduates de facto prison chaplains.

Ministry programs available on death row vary state by state. Official prison chaplains have the most access, ministry leaders say. Evelyn Lemly, the CEO of Kairos Prison Ministry, said their death row ministry programs generally depend on whether the facility allows them in.

But more peer ministry is happening at prisons now. When those behind bars are leading ministry, it allows the incarcerated population to have more access to ministry, since chaplains are stretched to cover an entire prison population and outside visitors are limited.

Its increasingly common, said Michael Hallett, a researcher who has studied the religious lives of long-term prisoners at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. He has followed prisoner-led ministry programs in Texas and Louisiana.

Critics of prisoner-led ministry say its just a way for Texas to spend less money on prisons by putting inmates in as de facto chaplains, Hallett told CT, adding that chaplains have more training and certification in things like crisis intervention and grief counseling.

But these peer ministries do bring great comfort to prisoners, he added.

Many times, prisoners are better able to relate to one another than to outside volunteers, he said. It eliminates the shame factor and allows for very genuine and open conversations.

Those behind bars need visits from the outside, too, reminding those in prison that theyre not forgotten, Southern Baptist pastor Dana Moore told CT.

Moore, who leads Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, has ministered to others on the same death row with Speer. He was part of a US Supreme Court case a few years ago, where prisoner John Henry Ramirez had asked prison officials to allow Moore to lay hands on him at his execution. The Supreme Court ruled in Ramirezs favor.

Moore laid hands on the chest of Ramirez when he was executed in October 2022. Hes now ministered on death row for six years and finds the biggest difference from his regular ministry is that, apart from the execution, he can never shake hands with or hug the men hes talked to for years. They speak through a phone with plexiglass between them. He mostly listens to them and hears how they are doing, and they often talk about God or a sermon.

Ministering to men who are eventually executed is a toll, he said, especially with the flurry of last-minute court decisions. Moore also visited with Jedidiah Murphy, who was executed in Texas earlier this month. He says he is pro-life, and therefore against the death penalty and abortion. People in his church might not agree with him, but theyre supportive of his approach, and some volunteer in a Kairos prison ministry program. In his sermon this past Sunday, he told his church that each of them know a condemned prisoner: Jesus.

Hallett said the Texas faith-based programs are valuable, but they need to be more ecumenical so they are not coercive. Becoming a field minister in Texas prisons, for examplea program where long-term prisoners receive training to be de facto prison chaplainshappens through the Heart of Texas Foundation, a Christian organization. (Texas Monthly reported that the God Pod included Buddhists, Muslims, and an Odinist.)

The Christians there, theyre vocal but theyre not overbearing with it, said Moore, the Baptist pastor.

States other than Texas and Louisiana have unofficial ministries led by prisoners themselves. In Tennessee, Kevin KB Burns became an ordained pastor while on death row and wrote materials on incarceration for the Christian Community Development Association. He does not currently have an execution date, and Tennessee executions are currently paused while the state resolves issues with its lethal injection protocol. Burns has worked as a chaplains assistant, according to one pastor who has regularly visited him, and goes cell to cell praying with men on death row.

Burns maintains his innocence but was convicted in 1995 of the two felony murders of Damond Dawson, 17, and Tracey Johnson, 23.

Pastor Kevin Riggs of the nondenominational Franklin Community Church has visited Burns for years and said his church elders agreed to ordain him after observing how he was already ministering to others on death row. That ordination process took place over two years of training, and now Burns is listed on the churchs staff webpage as its minister on death row.

But outside ministers are the ones present for execution. Stacy Rector, a Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor in Tennessee, visited a man on death row, Steve Henley, for ten years. Visitation rules for death row are complicated in Tennessee and require a lot of paperwork and patience, Rector said.

For anybody thinking about doing this work, this ministry, there has to be a commitment level to it, because there needs to be consistency for the men and women, she said. Its life for them. But you also have to have boundaries.

Henley, convicted of killing a couple in 1985, was executed in 2009, with Rector present for his death as his spiritual advisor. Rector is now the head of Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

In the time she has ministered on death row, she has seen how unconditional love from God and other people can profoundly change those who are incarcerated, people who maybe didnt have that love or time to reflect on the outside. But she also now appreciates more deeply, from more exposure to victims families, the absolute devastation that homicides cause.

Its a scale were trying to balance that is not balance-able, she said. The family of Henley, the executed man she knew, is also struggling. The ripple effects of this thing are everywhere.

Whatever happens in Speers case, on Tuesday elsewhere in Texas, Moore, the Baptist pastor, was setting up his visits for the month to the men on death row.

Were remembering them, he said.

This article has been updated with the current administrator of the field ministry program, Heart of Texas Foundation, and to reflect that Texas denied Speers clemency application on Tuesday afternoon.
Getting pregnant at 15 hadnt been part of Anongs plans. The young Thai teenager ran away from home to live with her boyfriends family, and though they helped a little, the young couple still felt at a loss about how to navigate their situation.

What hospital should she go to? How would she get insurance? How would she take care of a child? Questions like these piled up and threatened to overwhelm Anong.

Should she just abort? That would be easier, she confided in a friend.

Months before Anongs dilemma, IMB missionary Beth Hipps began building a network of believers and healthcare professionals in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who desired to walk alongside those experiencing unexpected pregnancies.

One of those believers heard Anongs story and called Hipps.

Can you come help her? Hipps remembers the phone. All she could think was that Anong was the same age as her own daughter.

That day, Hipps and a friend were able to take Anong to a clinic for an ultrasound. Over the next few weeks, they talked through her questions and problems and helped her see she wouldnt be alone if she decided to give birth.

Four months later, Anong gave birth to a healthy baby girl. As she settled into motherhood, she continued to have support from Hipps and other believers. She heard the gospel and knew her family was prayed for.

This was a life-changing experience, not only for Anong and her family but also for Hipps. Shed been praying and hoping to establish Chiang Mais first crisis pregnancy center but had no idea how to start outside of building a network of connections.

Working with Anong clarified for Hipps that helping didnt have to be complicated. More than anything, those in crisis needed prayer, support, and encouragement.

Now, several years later, Hipps has helped found a crisis pregnancy center called the ELM Pregnancy Center that has seven care teams throughout Thailand.

These teams show pregnant women and teens what their options are while walking alongside them, step by step, so that they have support at each stage of the pregnancy and for up to two years after the child is born.

Care teams help women get ultrasounds and prenatal checkups. They teach them using a booklet that explains what theyll face during each trimester and how their babies are developing. This information gives women knowledge on how to prepare and what to expect in that phase of pregnancy.

Care teams, made up only of believers, also seek opportunities to share their testimonies and the gospel. We want to equip and empower women to choose life, Hipps said.

In recent years, Thailand decriminalized abortion, and in 2022 the country expanded abortion access up to the 20th week of pregnancy. ELMs ministry meets a need for a specific and overlooked community and provides another alternative to pro-choice organizations with strong influence in the country.

Additionally, in a culture where shame is the driving force behind peoples decisions, abortion tends to be the go-to option for women who see their pregnancy as a mistake. Their only goal is to get rid of the shame before anyone knows about it, and as a result, many women, Christians included, are ignorant to the realities of abortion.

ELM seeks to not only care for pregnant women but also to educate Thais about the growth and development of babies in the womb. Though the challenges are great, Hipps is hopeful they are slowly making progress.

We are, I believe, on the cusp of writing the pro-life narrative in Thailand, Hipps said.

She said her favorite part over the years has been to see how lives, including hers, have been changed by Gods incredible provision every step of the way.

I think that part is the best, Hipps said, to see how God transforms lives, not only of unplanned pregnant women but women who are just willing to answer the call.

Some names may have been changed for security purposes.
171 religious leaders urge Ohioans to vote against 'wicked' Issue 1: It would lead to a rise in child abuse

Nearly 200 religious leaders are urging residents of Ohio to reject an upcoming ballot referendum that would establish a right to abortion in the state Constitution.

In a statement released last week and shared with The Christian Post, clergy representing 171 congregations in Ohio expressed their opposition to Issue 1, a ballot measure that will appear before voters in the Nov. 7 general election. As outlined in the letter, Issue 1 would amend the Ohio Constitution to declare that Every individual has a right to make and carry out ones own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing ones own pregnancy, miscarriage care, and abortion.

An approved constitutional amendment becomes the highest law of the land and may bring sweeping changes with it, the signatories warned. If Issue 1 passes with a majority vote, existing laws on the books involving abortion, parental consent, and protection of minors will be considered legally invalid based on the ambiguous right of reproductive decisions.

The clergy members described the language of Issue 1 as deceptively vague and detrimental to the basic, inalienable, and GOD-given rights of parents and children, warning that Issue 1 would normalize child abuse and strip parents of their God-given roles to raise their own children. They urged the people of Ohio to protect life and VOTE NO on Issue 1.

If this wicked Issue 1 passes, the Ohio Legislature will not be able to modify or regulate this language, the letter added. Further, this diabolical language cannot be challenged in Ohios Supreme Court since the court is obligated by law to abide by the State Constitution as approved by the voters of the state.

While the religious leaders acknowledged that the language of Issue 1 also says Abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability, they expressed concern that fetal viability would be determined by the subjective opinion of an abortionist doctor treating the pregnant woman.

According to the signatories, Abortion-providers like Planned Parenthood, who make a killing off the murder of children in the womb, will be protected because they can claim exclusive authority by defining viability and avoid any form of liability for terminating the lives of babies.

The signatories elaborated on what they viewed as additional reasons to reject Issue 1. Because of the indistinct language describing reproductive decisions, Issue 1 will impose a blank check of abuses to occur on Ohio children including but not limited to: gender-selective abortions, trans-surgeries on minors, castration of childrens sexual organs, harvesting of body parts, and even cloning. In other words, Issue 1 will allow child abuse to exponentially increase without parents even knowing, they wrote.

Issue 1 is one of several abortion-related referendums that have gone before voters since the U.S. Supreme Court determined in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization last year that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion.

Last year, voters in California, Michigan and Vermont approved constitutional amendments establishing a right to abortion, while voters in Kentucky and Montana rejected ballot measures that would have established pro-life protections.

An attempt to raise the threshold required to pass a state constitutional amendment from a simple majority to 60% appeared before Ohio voters over the summer and failed. This means that it will only take the support of a bare majority of Ohioans to pass Issue 1.

Public opinion polling indicates majority support for Issue 1, with a survey conducted by Baldwin Wallace University from Oct. 911 finding that 58.2% of Ohioans would vote in favor of Issue 1, while 33.5% would reject it. The poll was based on responses collected from 569 registered voters with a margin of error of +/-4.5 percentage points.

A poll from Fallon Research & Communications conducted between Aug. 2225 measured support for Issue 1 at 55% while pegging opposition to the ballot measure at 35%. The survey, based on responses from 501 registered voters, had a margin of error of +/- 4.37 percentage points.

Ohio is one of 25 states identified by the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America that have passed laws prohibiting or restricting legal abortion following the Dobbs decision. Ohio has passed a six-week abortion ban that is currently tied up in court.

A legal analysis released by the office of Ohios Republican Attorney General Dave Yost suggests that the passage of Issue 1 would nullify the existing 20-week abortion ban in Ohio and lead to challenges to additional pro-life protections in the state. Such protections include a 24-hour waiting period to obtain an abortion as well as regulations on the abortion pill and taxpayer funding of abortions.
3 Episcopal Church dioceses in Wisconsin one step closer to merger

Three dioceses of The Episcopal Church in Wisconsin are one step closer to merging into one regional body, which could be finalized at the denominational level next year.

The Episcopal dioceses of Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire each voted separately last Saturday to approve a resolution to make a final vote to merge during the 2024 Easter season.

The measure is sometimes called a reunification, as the three regional bodies were descended from one diocese created for Wisconsin in 1847.

According to an announcement from the Episcopal Wisconsin Trialogue, the resolution passed the Eau Claire annual convention with 91.5% of the vote and the Milwaukee annual convention with 92% in favor.

For the Fond du Lac annual convention, the regional body leadership held a roll call vote for the resolution, with 61.2% of the dioceses lay delegates and 76% of its clergy voting yes.

Each diocesan convention met on the same day in different locations. The Diocese of Eau Claire voted first, followed several hours later by the Diocese of Fond du Lac and, shortly thereafter, the Diocese of Milwaukee, explains the EWT.

The final vote on reunion will take place next year at a special joint convention in late April or early May. If the reunion is approved, the dioceses will ask for the consent of both houses of General Convention in June.

The resolution allows for the Trialogue Steering Committee to continue its work in pursuing the unification of the three dioceses, with a final reunification plan expected to be completed next February.

According to the EWT website, talks for a reunion of the three dioceses began in 2021, with a steering committee convening task forces to better explore the issue last year.

Fond du Lac Bishop Matt Gunter said in an April 2022 video that the world is changing and the Church, as we are right now, is not ready to engage with the realities and the people shaped by them.

We need to adapt, Gunter said. With two of the bishops of the dioceses in Wisconsin retiring at the end of 2020, we have an opportunity to take a fresh look at how we are organized.

To become one diocese, not just to create a bigger version of what we have been, but to look at what it might mean to reconfigure ourselves and organize ourselves as a diocese, so that we can be about mission.

Last year, the mainline denomination approved the reunion of the Episcopal Church in North Texas, formerly known as the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

That merger came after the Anglican Church in North America secured control of The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth after many years of litigation, resulting in ECNTX losing much of its financial assets and historic buildings.

These reunifications are coming as the Episcopal Church has been experiencing a yearslong decline in baptized members, regular worship attendance and member congregations.

According to a report released last month, the Episcopal Church had approximately 1.58 million baptized members and 6,789 member congregations in 2022, both smaller than the 1.678 million baptized members and 6,806 member congregations reported in 2021.
8 candidates vie for speaker of the House after Jordan drops out

Eight Republican candidates are in the running for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives as the lower chamber remains without a permanent leader nearly three weeks after the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Following three unsuccessful votes on the House floor, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, abandoned his bid for Speaker on Friday. Jordan steadily saw his support among House Republicans decline from 200 in the initial vote held Tuesday to 199 in the second vote Wednesday to 194 in the third vote Friday.

Over the past few days, nine House Republicans have indicated their intent to seek the position, although one has since dropped out.

Roll Call reports that the speaker hopefuls met with their Republican colleagues behind closed doors Monday night. On Tuesday, the House Republican Conference will select which of the nine candidates will head to the floor for a vote from the full House.

Whichever candidate emerges as the nominee from Tuesdays meeting will need the support of nearly all House Republicans in the floor vote to reach the 217-vote threshold required to secure the speakership. Republicans currently hold 221 of the 435 seats in the chamber, meaning that the nominee can only afford to lose four votes. The number of required votes will drop if members are either absent or opt to vote present rather than support a specific candidate.

All 212 Democrats currently serving in Congress are expected to remain united behind House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as their choice for speaker as they have throughout the entire process that began on Oct. 3 when the House voted 216-210 to remove McCarthy. Eight Republicans joined with Democrats in voting to oust McCarthy, while seven members of Congress were absent. The House currently has two vacancies.

Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., who has been in office since 2017, released a statement Friday declaring my hat is in the ring and expressed confidence that he can win the votes where others could not.

According to a spreadsheet compiled by FiveThirtyEight, Bergman has received endorsements from four of his five fellow Republicans from the Michigan congressional delegation: Reps. John James, Lisa McClain, John Moolenaar and Tim Walberg.

The Conservative Review has given Bergman a Liberty Score of 57%, meaning that he has voted in line with the conservative advocacy groups preferred position 57% of the time on the top 50 most important pieces of legislation since serving in Congress while voting against it 43% of the time.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who has served in the House since 2021, declared his candidacy for speaker in a post on X Friday. Donalds has the highest possible Liberty Score of 100%.

Tonight, Im announcing my candidacy for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. https://t.co/9DDna5cAC9  Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 20, 2023

Donalds has received endorsements from seven fellow Republicans from the Florida congressional delegation: Reps. Kat Cammack, Mario Diaz-Balart, Scott Franklin, Carlos Gimenez, Cory Mills, John Rutherford and Michael Waltz. He has also picked up support from Reps. Ronny Jackson and Chip Roy, both of Texas.

Gimenezs support is significant because the Florida lawmaker is one of the Republicans who has consistently supported former Speaker McCarthy and repeatedly voted for him over Jordan on the House floor even though he was not a candidate to regain his former position.

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the House Majority Whip and former chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, declared his candidacy for the speakership on Saturday.

Emmer, who has served in the House since 2015, has already secured the support of seven of his colleagues: McCarthy and Reps. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., Brad Finstad, R-Minn., Mike Garcia, R-Calif., Jake LaTurner, R-Kan. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., and Pete Stauber, R-Minn. Emmer has a Liberty Score of 69%.

The American people elected us to deliver on a conservative agenda that secures our border, stops reckless spending, and holds Joe Biden accountable.



We cannot afford to fail them.



I'm running for Speaker of the House to bring our conference together and get back to work. pic.twitter.com/kVFmlQ70PS  Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) October 21, 2023

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., the chair of the Republican Study Committee who has served in the House since 2018, took to X to declare his candidacy for the speakership on Friday. He has a Liberty Score of 82%. Two of his fellow Republicans in the Oklahoma congressional delegation, Reps. Tom Cole and Frank Lucas, have stepped forward to support Hern as has Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo.

We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why Im running for Speaker of the House. pic.twitter.com/updVLkDCGh  Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) October 20, 2023

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., vice chair of the House Republican Conference, also announced his intention to pursue the office of Speaker on Saturday. His Liberty Score is 74%. The declared supporters of Johnson are Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, and Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J.

Throwing his hat into the ring on Sunday, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., has a Liberty Score of 68%. However, he announced Monday that he is dropping out of the race.

Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., chair of the House Republican Policy Committee who has served in the House since 2015, is another House Speaker hopeful. He has achieved a Liberty Score of 80%.

As a candidate for Speaker, I am happy to sign the Unity Pledge. I pledge to support the Speaker Designate duly elected by the House Republican Conference  regardless of who that candidate is  when their election proceeds to the House Floor. Its time to put politics and pic.twitter.com/sDACUYLO6M  Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) October 22, 2023

The American people are desperate for authentic leadership. Leadership that is steady and conservative.



This is why I decided to step forward in the race for Speaker of the House.



Read more below ?? pic.twitter.com/mio2qJfeh0  Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) October 22, 2023

Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., is another candidate hoping to emerge as the GOP Speaker nominee. He has a Liberty Score of 65% and has served in the House since 2011.

If we are going to be the majority we need to act like the majority, and that means we have to do the right things the right way. I supported and voted for Rep. Jim Jordan to be the Speaker of the House. Now that he has withdrawn I am running again to be the Speaker of the House.  Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) October 20, 2023

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, whose Liberty Score is 63%, is also seeking the speakership. He has served in office since 2021.

The spreadsheet does not currently list any members of Congress as publicly supporting Palmer, Scott or Sessions ahead of the meeting.

I am running for Speaker of the House because I know what it will take to move the Republican Party forward.



I was Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee when we won 63 seats in the House & had our largest victory since the Republican Revolution of 1994. pic.twitter.com/1GUBBbwhKE  Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) October 21, 2023

Since McCarthys removal, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, a position that comes with limited powers. With no speaker, no legislation has been brought to the floor of the House in three weeks, and the only votes that have taken place are the efforts to elect a new speaker.
Fake priests charging hundreds of dollars for sacraments, Diocese of Stockton warns

A number of Spanish-speaking conmen posing as Catholic priests from Mexico, have been charging unsuspecting believers in Modesto, California, hundreds of dollars to celebrate sacraments, teach classes and issue certificates and the Diocese of Stockton is warning members of the community to call 911 should they encounter these "wolves in sheep's clothing."

They resort to intimidation tactics against anyone questioning their identity or authority, often threatening legal action for defamation, although these threats lack substance, a release from the Diocese of Stockton last Friday said.

The conmen have already exploited the identities of Father Jose Adan Gonzalez Estrada and Bishop Raul Gomez Gonzalez who are both legitimate priests from Mexico with the Archdiocese of Toluca.

Lourdes Arvizu, a spokesperson for the diocese of Stockton, told Telemundo 33 that they discovered the scam after individuals called about the visiting priests.

"They called to find out if these priests had permission to give the sacraments here and since everything has to happen through here, if a priest comes from another place, they have to inform the diocese that they are here, that they are going to do certain sacraments," Arvizu said.

Father Jorge Rosas, who is in charge of social communication for the archbishop of Toluca, assured the news outlet that both Adan and Gonzalez have remained busy with ministry in Mexico.

"Monsignor Raul attended his office in the morning and Father Adan is in his parish, it cannot be them, furthermore, if they are celebrating sacraments, they need the authorization of the local bishop and these people are deceiving people," Rosas said.

The conmen are reportedly charging $600 per home visit plus $70 for each child they bless.

They require a birth certificate from people who are performing their sacraments, so it can be used for human trafficking or identity theft, Arvizu added.

The Diocese of Stockton notes that with few exceptions, Catholic sacraments are typically administered within Catholic churches. Celebrations of baptism, confirmation, and First Communion in outdoor locations like parks are not aligned with established Catholic practices.

Local police have already been made aware of the ongoing swindle, but they need victims to come forward in order to begin an investigation.

The Diocese of Stockton has alerted Modesto law enforcement authorities about this issue. However, it has been communicated that only individuals who have personally fallen victim to these imposters can file complaints and initiate investigations, the diocese said.

Anyone victimized by these imposters is urged to dial 911 without hesitation and report the crime. It's imperative to note that the police do not inquire about the caller's immigration status; their primary concern is combatting criminal activities.
Hamas releases 2 more hostages from Gaza amid ongoing conflict

Two more hostages  elderly Israeli women abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7  have been freed following mediation efforts by Egyptian and Qatari officials. Reports indicate that diplomatic initiatives are underway to secure the release of about 50 additional hostages.

The women, Yokheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Yitzhak, 79, who also goes by Nurit Cooper, were released for humanitarian reasons and flown to a Tel Aviv hospital, The Guardian reported, saying Qatar and Egypt mediated the release.

Their husbands are still being held hostage, however, The Daily Wire noted.

Joe Truzman, a research analyst for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, doesnt believe Hamas released the two hostages for humanitarian reasons. Its simply a tactic to create international pressure on Israel to delay a ground incursion into Gaza, he was quoted as saying.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, to his knowledge, Hamas received nothing in exchange for freeing the hostages. We have not released any prisoners, the government of Israel has not released any prisoners, he was quoted as saying.

Last Friday, an Israeli-American mother and her daughter were freed, leaving about 220 hostages still captive in Gaza.

Israel has cut off food and fuel supplies to Gaza to pressure Hamas, which has reportedly outlined demands, including the release of Palestinian prisoners and cessation of Israeli airstrikes, for the hostages release.

Various countries, including Turkey, have engaged in talks to secure the release of hostages, who include not only Israelis but also nationals from the U.S., Germany, Thailand, the U.K. and France.

Timor Israeli, an Israeli special forces veteran, said there is no precedent for rescuing hostages from Gaza, according to the Guardian, which noted that some hostages might be held by other extremist terrorist groups or criminal gangs, and not with Hamas.

Meanwhile, a senior diplomatic official told The Times of Israel on Monday that Israel and Hamas were in late-stage talks, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, to secure the release of 50 more hostages.

The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Hamas was linking the release of 50 dual nationals to the resumption of fuel supplies into Gaza. Israel has countered this condition, stating it will permit fuel entry only if all the 220 hostages are released.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the hostage crisis on Monday.

Biden pledged support for the ongoing efforts to free all remaining hostages, including 10 Americans, highlighting the necessity for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza, the White House said, adding that Biden briefed Netanyahu on U.S. regional strategies, including military deployments.

Israel has had mixed outcomes in past hostage situations. In 2011, Netanyahu consented to free more than 1,000 prisoners in exchange for the release of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit.

At least 1,400 Israelis and over 30 Americans were brutally tortured and killed by Hamas, including babies and children, with more than 3,000 injured, during Hamas' unexpected attacks on Oct. 7. In response, Israeli actions have reportedly resulted in over 5,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas.
Palestinian Christians accuse Western church leaders of complicity in Gaza airstrikes

Palestinian Christian organizations accused Western Christian leaders who voiced their support for Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack of being "complicit" in "Israel's violence and oppression" in the days following the deadly blast at a church in Gaza.

In response, an American Christian leader accused the organizations of ignoring Hamas' atrocities in southern Israel.

An open letter published on Change.org criticizes what it calls Western Christian leaders' "unwavering support to Israel's war against the people of Palestine" as Israel has conducted airstrikes in Gaza following the attack in southern Israel by Hamas, a terror group that has governed Gaza since 2007.

The Oct. 7 attack on Israeli border communities near the border with Gaza killed at least 1,400 civilians and over 30 Americans.

Israel maintains that it's targeting Hamas infrastructure in its airstrikes. However, Hamas-run Palestinian health authorities said Sunday that the airstrikes have killed more than 5,000 people and injured over 14,000. Israel admitted last week that an airstrike intended for a Hamas command center caused damage to the compound of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios, the oldest church in Gaza. The compound was said to be sheltering hundreds of people. The blast killed at least 18 people and led the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem to accuse Israel of a "war crime."

"We, at the undersigned Palestinian Christian institutions and grassroots movements, grieve and lament the renewed cycle of violence in our land. As we were about to publish this open letter, some of us lost dear friends and family members in the atrocious Israeli bombardment of innocent civilians on October 19, 2023, Christians included, who were taking refuge in the historical Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza," the letter reads.

"Words fail to express our shock and horror with regard to the on-going war in our land. We deeply mourn the death and suffering of all people because it is our firm conviction that all humans are made in God's image. We are also profoundly troubled when the name of God is invoked to promote violence and religious national ideologies."

The signatories seek to "challenge Western theologians and church leaders who have voiced uncritical support for Israel and to call them to repent and change."

"Sadly, the actions and double standards of some Christian leaders have gravely hurt their Christian witness and have severely distorted their moral judgment regarding the situation in our land," the letter states.

The signatories include Kairos Palestine, Christ at the Checkpoint, Bethlehem Bible College, the East Jerusalem YMCA, the Arab Orthodox Society of Jerusalem, the YWCA of Palestine, the Sabeel Ecumenical Center for Liberation Theology and the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees of the Middle East Council of Churches among others.

"We come alongside fellow Christians in condemning all attacks on civilians, especially defenseless families and children. Yet, we are disturbed by the silence of many church leaders and theologians when it is Palestinian civilians who are killed," the letter states. "We are also horrified by the refusal of some western Christians to condemn the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine, and, in some instances, their justification of and support for the occupation. Further, we are appalled by how some Christians have legitimized Israel's ongoing indiscriminate attacks on Gaza."

The letter also accused some Christian theologians and leaders of ignoring the broader context and "root causes" of the conflict, citing Israel's "systemic oppression" of Palestinians over the past 75 years and the "ongoing ethnic cleansing" and "military occupation."

Referring to the "Western Christian legacy of Just War Theory" and "Zionist theologies," the letter suggested that this "double standard" might reflect a colonial discourse that has historically justified atrocities in various parts of the world.

The letter from the Palestinian Christian organizations comes days after dozens of American Christian and Jewish leaders signed a letter published in The Jerusalem Post last Wednesday urging President Joe Biden not to pressure Israel into a "premature ceasefire." Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman headed the letter.

"Israel must do all that is necessary to destroy Hamas," the Christian and Jewish leaders contend. "It is not sufficient for Israel to degrade or even defeat this brutal terrorist regime, which oppresses its own people. Israel must completely destroy every Hamas terrorist, so that this evil is erased from human history. If America pressures Israel into a ceasefire, Israel's enemies will be emboldened, and Israel imperiled, long into the future."

Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, a signatory of the letter to Biden, accused the Palestinian Christian organizations responsible for the Change.org letter of spreading disinformation and omitting key facts about Hamas.

In a statement to The Christian Post, Moore noted that the letter doesn't call for Hamas to stop using Palestinians as human shields and spreads "disinformation" about the hospital blast last week that Hamas initially blamed on Israel.

Although the U.S. government states that the hospital blast wasn't caused by Israel and the Israel Defense Forces say the blast was caused by an "errant rocket fired by a terrorist group in Gaza," the Palestinians' letter accused Israel of the "heinous massacre at Al-Ahli Anglican-Baptist Hospital."

According to Moore, the comment about the hospital "sort of says everything that needs to be said about their letter."

"Also, the church wasn't targeted and the ancient church is there, but I do wonder why the church leaders didn't facilitate the transfer of those sheltering in the Gaza City church when for more than a week the Israelis pleaded with Gazans to move to a safe zone, further south," Moore told CP.

"Regardless, I invite these brothers, and my critics, to join me in demanding the immediate AND UNCONDITIONAL release of all 200 hostages who are citizens of over 40 countries and range in age from 9 months old to 95 years old. Hamas needs to set them free."

Moore, a former commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, outlined horrific acts attributed to Hamas against Jewish civilians on Oct. 7 and pointed out that Hamas has been hiding weapons in hospitals and schools.

Rev. Dr. Fares Abraham, the founder & CEO of Levant Ministries in Lake Mary, Florida, a Palestinian-American Christian, also issued a statement urging a balanced response from Christians.

He said he ponders what Jesus would do in the current circumstances. He believes Jesus would comfort Israelis affected by attacks from Hamas and extend the same compassion to Palestinians in Gaza, helping them find safety.

Abraham condemned violence from all sides, including actions by Hamas and Israeli military responses. He argued that neither side's actions bring peace or represent the interests of their people. He called on Christians to serve as agents of healing and peace rooted in biblical teachings.

"There is no doubt that Hamas does not represent the legitimate grievances of the people of Gaza, and they do not represent the genuine aspirations of Palestinians who desire to live in peace, dignity, and freedom. In the same way, the aggressive response of Israel's military against innocent Gazans will never bring peace and stability," he wrote. "As followers of Jesus, we cannot allow pain, fear, terror  or even legitimate anger  to justify an untenable retaliation and collective punishment against both Palestinians and Israelis."
2024 presidential election: 8 candidates running third-party campaigns

With the 2024 United States presidential election slightly more than a year away, major candidates seeking the nominations of the two major political parties in addition to well-known independent candidates are absorbing much of the media's attention. Several minor candidates have also announced their intentions to seek the Democrat or Republican presidential nominations or pursue independent runs for the presidency.

However, these candidates will likely not be the only ones appearing on the ballot next year. While polls don't currently measure whether voters support candidates from minor political parties, most if not all U.S. states are expected to have at least one minor political party on the ballot in addition to the Democrats and Republicans. In 2020, the Libertarian Party had ballot access in all 50 states.

While minor political parties have not won any electoral votes in presidential elections in decades, let alone reach the 270 electoral vote threshold required to clinch the White House, third-party candidates can provide alternatives for voters dissatisfied with the major political parties nominees.

The following pages list eight candidates pursuing third-party presidential bids.

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Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk condemn Israeli airstrike that killed Christians sheltering in Gaza church

Conservative political commentator Candace Owens urged Christians to speak up against the recent bombing of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza, which killed 18 people taking shelter inside when it was hit by an Israeli airstrike last week.

"I have been disgusted by the propagandists pretending a Christian church was not bombed," Owens wrote Monday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "Christians were killed. No Christian should stay silent."

Well said, Charlie. I have been disgusted by the propagandists pretending a Christian church was not bombed.



Christians were killed.

No Christian should stay silent. https://t.co/KoB9HYKxsK  Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 23, 2023

Later posting in response to a user who suggested her comment about the Gaza church was anti-Semitic, Owens wrote, "Respectfully, if you think its antisemitism to notice that innocent Christians were killed in an IDF bombing then you need to log off of the internet and have your brain examined. Respectfully."

Respectfully, if you think its antisemitism to notice that innocent Christians were killed in an IDF bombing then you need to log off of the internet and have your brain examined.



Respectfully. https://t.co/Q4GVhVnjcL  Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 23, 2023

Owens' tweet was in response to a lengthy statement posted to X by Turning Point USA President Charlie Kirk, who said he was "disappointed by Israel's response" and called for answers regarding the church bombing.

"What intelligence was Israel responding to; what target were they going after that justified putting a historic church in danger?" Kirk wrote in part.

"Israel says the church blast is 'under investigation.' But contrition and a full accounting should be the top of Israel's priority list. Israel quickly apologized recently when it mistakenly targeted an Egyptian position. Christians around the world are Israel's number 1 ally, and if a Christian church was targeted, we need to know exactly why and how."

Until now I've refrained from tweeting about the damage done to the 12th-century Greek Orthodox church of St Porphyrius in Gaza. After last weeks hospital fiasco, I wanted to wait for more facts to be established. But it now seems confirmed that Israel did actually bomb a  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 23, 2023

The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrios was reportedly sheltering approximately 500 Palestinian Christians and Muslims when it was damaged during an overnight Israeli airstrike last Friday, according to a statement from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which accused Israel of a "war crime."

The Hamas-run health ministry claimed that at least 16 Palestinian Christians were among the 18 people killed in the blast, according to The Washington Post. At least 20 others were injured. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) noted that a portion of the church complex had been hit during an airstrike targeting Hamas military compounds but maintained that the church was not the intended target.

"As a result of the IDF strike, a wall of a church in the area was damaged. We are aware of reports on casualties. The incident is under review," the IDF told Agence France-Presse, adding that they "can unequivocally state that the Church was not the target of the strike."

Justin Amash, a Palestinian-American who formerly represented Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced on social media that several of his relatives had been seeking refuge in the church when they were killed in the blast.

Israel has carried out retaliatory airstrikes since Hamas tortured and murdered more than 1,400 civilians, including at least 32 Americans, in southern Israel on Oct. 7. The terrorist group wounded thousands of civilians and took some 222 people hostage.

More than 4,100 Palestinians have been killed since airstrikes began, and more than 13,000 injured, according to Hamas.
Greg Lockes expansion plan stalled ahead of mass deliverance service for children on Halloween

Pastor Greg Locke, leader of the Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, is facing another hurdle to the continued expansion of his church as he is set to host a massive deliverance service for children and burning of items related to witchcraft and the occult on his churchs campus Halloween night.

A building plan for the church was recently postponed for a second straight month because of a lawsuit filed by Wilson County alleging that the church did construction work at its campus located at 2060 Old Lebanon Dirt Road without site plan approval, building permits or land disturbance permits, according to The Tennessean.

Wilson County Planning Director Tom Brashear said the church tried to resolve the lawsuit by submitting a site plan, but 28 comments related to stormwater issues need to be addressed, The Tennessean reports.

Ive stated were willing to work with the applicant to try and come to a resolution of these issues that led to the lawsuit being filed and we feel the site plan filed is a step in that direction, said Brashear, who told the outlet that the county recommended postponing the approval of the churchs building plan until at least December. But we still have issues we would like to get hashed out more clearly for everyones protection.

Locke, who has pivoted in the last year away from political rhetoric and blasting other ministers from his pulpit to focus more on his deliverance ministry, announced earlier this month that he will be focused on helping children and burning devilish things on Halloween night.

On Halloween night, we will be doing two very important things. ... 1. We will be conducting a mass deliverance service for children. Parents, dont miss this opportunity to pray for the freedom and healing of your children. 95% of the adults we deal with in deliverance ministry have been under attack since they were kids. This will be a powerful move of the Lord, Locke announced on Oct. 12 on Facebook which has drawn more than 3,000 comments and nearly 10,000 reactions. 2. We will once again be burning all things related to witchcraft and the occult. Ask the Lord to show you whats in your home that needs to be removed. I can assure you, there are some items that must go.

In February 2022, about two months after he began preaching his deliverance message, Locke, who exposed the presence of suspected witches at his church, revealed that he was threatened with death, hexes, sex toys and glitter bombs for preaching about deliverance from evil.

The most dangerous message Ive ever preached is the message of deliverance in the name of Jesus Christ. Its caused more anger; its caused more pushback, its caused more threats, more evil, it stirred up more problems, he said. Its done more to hurt people in our church  meaning that friends and family have forsaken them.

In a video message to his more than 2 million followers on Facebook, Locke called the opposition to his deliverance message unbelievable.

Its really been unbelievable. I havent even checked the mail yet today, but you can ask anybody on our staff or people that volunteer here with us in deliverance ministry at the office. It is non-stop, he explained.

We get hundreds and hundreds, many times thousands, of phone calls every week. The voicemail will only hold 40 voicemails at a time. We can be on the phone and the voicemails will fill up about every two hours, and so many of them are like non-callback numbers, private numbers, people calling us and fussing.

Earlier this year, Locke released the film "Come Out in Jesus Name," which shows his and other pastors deliverance ministries.
Israeli ambassador calls for UN secretary-general to resign after 'shocking speech' on Hamas

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations called for the resignation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday for what he described as a "shocking speech" suggesting the Hamas attack against Israel "did not happen in a vacuum."

"The shocking speech by the UN Secretary-General at the Security Council meeting, while rockets are being fired at all of Israel, proved conclusively, beyond any doubt, that the Secretary-General is completely disconnected from the reality in our region and that he views the massacre committed by Nazi Hamas terrorists in a distorted and immoral manner," Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan wrote on X.

"His statement that, 'the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum,' expressed an understanding for terrorism and murder," Erdan continued. "It's really unfathomable. It's truly sad that the head of an organization that arose after the Holocaust holds such horrible views. A tragedy!"

The shocking speech by the @UN Secretary-General at the Security Council meeting, while rockets are being fired at all of Israel, proved conclusively, beyond any doubt, that the Secretary-General is completely disconnected from the reality in our region and that he views the  Ambassador Gilad Erdan ???? ???? (@giladerdan1) October 24, 2023

Erdan asserted in another post that Guterres "shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly," and, therefore, "is not fit to lead the UN."

"I call on him to resign immediately," he added. "There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people. There are simply no words."

Guterres' remarks came during Tuesday's meeting of the UN Security Council, where he condemned the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas targeting communities in southern Israel near the border with Gaza. At least 1,400 people, including 32 Americans, were killed, and over 200 were taken hostage.

The attack drew retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which the Hamas-run Palestinian health authorities claim has taken the lives of 5,700 people.

"Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians or the launching of rockets against civilian targets," Guterres, a Portuguese politician and diplomat who has served as UN secretary-general since 2017, said.

"It is important to also recognize that the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their lands devoured by settlements and plagued by violence, their economy stifled, their people displaced and their homes demolished."

"Their hopes for a political solution to their fight have been vanishing but the [grievances] of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas," he continued. "And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Excellencies, even war has rules. We must demand that all parties uphold and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law."

The @UN Secretary-General, who shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly, is not fit to lead the UN.



I call on him to resign immediately.



There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most  Ambassador Gilad Erdan ???? ???? (@giladerdan1) October 24, 2023

An Israeli official told Fox News Digital that Erdan's call for Guterres to step down was the first time an Israeli ambassador has demanded the UN secretary-general's resignation.

Other Israeli officials expressed outrage in response to Guterres' comments.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen canceled a planned meeting with him, saying that the Oct. 7 attack shows "there is no place for a balanced approach" and "Hamas must be erased off the face of the planet."

Knesset member Benny Gantz claimed Guterres is a "terror apologist."

Dark are the days when the United Nations Secretary General condones terror.



Absolutely nothing can justify the slaughter of innocent civilians.

Now is the time to stand on the right side of history, or be judged by it.



Terror apologists cannot speak on behalf of the world.  ??? ??? - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) October 24, 2023

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), a global coalition, echoed Erdan's sentiments and called on Guterres to resign.

"It is unbelievable and unconscionable how out of touch with reality the UN secretary-general is," CAM CEO Sacha Roytman Dratwa said in a statement. "Over the last couple of weeks, our generation has had a chance to reflect and better understand how the Holocaust was allowed to happen by the silence and complicity of global decision-makers and opinion-shapers in the face of Nazi-style atrocities."

Dratwa went on to accuse Guterres of "victim-blaming" and exhibiting "different rules for Jews among all the other peoples of the world."

"He sees the blood of masses of Jews spilled and can only think of the political ramifications," Dratwa said. "Would he have said that the Holocaust didn't happen in a vacuum, which is a repugnant but sadly increasing global sentiment? These comments are just a thin whisper away and hold the Jewish people uniquely responsible for their own massacres, rapes, beheadings, and kidnappings."

The Christian Post has reached out to Guterres' office for comment.
Family grieves as pastors son is murdered in cold blood by gang member, police say

A Florida pastors son, whom local police called a solid, good young man with no criminal record, was found murdered in cold blood in the parking lot of his fathers church where he worked after a confrontation with a known gang member with 11 felony arrests and six misdemeanor arrests early Sunday morning.

At a press conference Monday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd identified the victim as 20-year-old Roderick Wilson Jr., whose father, Roderick Wilson Sr., is a pastor at the Pentecostal Church of God in Winter Haven.

The man who police suspect of murdering Wilson Jr. in cold blood is 22-year-old Taquion "Quan" Cotton, who is in police custody on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and other crimes, Judd said.

Judd said the first 911 call about Wilson Jr.s murder came in at 1:47 a.m. local time on Sunday, but investigators believe that pastors son was murdered at about at around 12:51 a.m.

We know that Taquion Cotton, who's 22, who's our murderer, drove up to the church and they had an initial confrontation out in the street where there was some pushing and talking, and Roderick pulled his jacket off. And then Quan drove away. Then we have video that shows that Quan drove back. And in the parking lot of the church, he and Wilson had further words, and he shot and killed Roderick, Judd said.

The sheriff said the body of the pastors son lay in the parking lot for about one hour before a good Samaritan drove by and noticed he was lying in a pool of blood.

Let me tell you about Roderick for a minute. He's a good kid, no criminal history at all. He works at the church, working for his dad in the church. And he's solid. He's just a solid young man. And I think this picture of him, and this picture of Quan compares and contrasts, Judd said before highlighting Cottons list of 17 criminal charges.

He shoots and kills this young man. This solid, good young man, Judd lamented.

He said detectives have already identified the vehicle Cotton drove to carry out the attack on the pastors son and noted how Cottons mother helped police find him and even helped them physically restrain him after discovering her son had fatally shot someone.

I want to compliment Quan's mother. She was totally cooperative with us. She gave us leads on where we might find Quan, Judd said.

Judd said when they first located Cotton not far from the murder scene he tried to escape and kidnapped a woman at her house in a bid to escape arrest. They were eventually able to arrest him, but he bit his mother as officers wrestled to take him into custody.

He made admissions to us. That's right. Quon did not give us a full confession, but he made incriminating statements to us. We still need to talk to witnesses. We know there were several cars that drove by while Quan and Roderick were having their original disagreement and shoving match. And then others drove by later, we want to talk to those witnesses, Judd stated.

The sheriff said his investigators are still trying to locate the gun used in the shooting which has a street value of about $300. He offered to pay $5,000 for the gun if investigators are able to successfully match it to the crime.

Once we confirm that you've given us the actual firearm that Quan used to shoot this good young man to death in his daddy's church parking lot in the middle of the night, you'll get your money. And we'll have the gun, Judd said.

It's important to understand, as it was explained to us that Roderick was a Christian boy. And he loved the Lord. Now, unfortunately, he got to see the Lord face to face a lot sooner than I'm sure he wanted to or should have. But we have to bring justice throughout our system, to the Roderick Wilson Jr. family, he added.

Judd further noted that there is no evidence showing the pastors son knew Cotton prior to the fatal encounter on Sunday.

Reacting to her sons murder on Monday, Wilson Jr.s mother, Emily Pringle, noted in a post on Facebook that she was heartbroken.

I never imagined that I would have to make a post like this, I am so heartbroken after receiving a call early Sunday morning that someone had taken your life.  Son I will never ever be ok, this is so unfair!!! she said. You were the sweetest child, you loved us all unconditionally, I just dont understand at all.
Rep. Tom Emmer drops out of House speaker's race amid opposition from Trump

Just hours after House Republicans rallied around a new candidate to nominate as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, he dropped out of the race among opposition to his candidacy from within the party and former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., emerged as the House Republican Conferences preferred candidate to go to the House floor for a speaker vote after several rounds of voting Tuesday. Emmer, who serves as the House majority whip, was one of several candidates who made their case for why House Republicans should support their bid to become the next speaker.

According to a spreadsheet compiled by FiveThirtyEight, it took five rounds of voting for Emmer to receive majority support from the fractured House Republican Conference. Reps. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., and Dan Meuser, R-Pa., took themselves out of the running before voting began.

Each round of voting saw the candidate with the fewest number of votes eliminated until one candidate received a majority. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, was eliminated in the first round of voting, while Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., was eliminated after the second ballot. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., received the fewest votes on the third ballot and Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., secured the lowest support on the fourth ballot.

After Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., withdrew from the race after the fourth ballot, the fifth round of voting featured a contest between Emmer and Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Emmer won the final round and looked like he would be the Republicans nominee for House speaker.

However, The Hill reported Tuesday afternoon that Emmer dropped out of the race amid opposition from within his own caucus. Specifically, 26 Republicans indicated that they opposed Emmer after he won the endorsement of the House GOP Conference.

Emmer is the latest Republican to withdraw from the speakers race due to the difficult task of uniting a fractured GOP caucus enough to win the votes required to win the speakership following the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., three weeks ago.

While only eight Republicans joined 208 Democrats in the vote to remove McCarthy, the narrow Republican majority meant that it only took a small number of defections for McCarthy to lose the speakership.

The House GOP Conference previously selected Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as its preferred candidate, but he withdrew after losing support following three rounds of voting by the full House.

As all congressional Democrats remained united behind Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., throughout the entire process, Jordan saw his support drop from 200 in the first round of voting to 199 in the second round and 194 in the third round.

Assuming all 212 Democrats continued to support Jeffries as expected, Emmer would have needed at least 213 votes to become speaker depending on how many members either voted present or were absent from the vote. If all 433 members of the House supported a specific person for speaker, Emmer would have needed the support of at least 217.

Since Republicans currently hold 221 seats in the House, Emmer could not have afforded to have more than four Republicans vote against him. The 26 objections to his candidacy were far too much to overcome.

Emmer was one of the more moderate members seeking the speakership. The Conservative Review assigned Emmer a Liberty Score of 69% based on votes he has taken on 50 legislative matters throughout his tenure in Congress. A higher Liberty Score indicates a stronger adherence to conservative principles, as defined by the Conservative Review.

Compared to the other candidates, Emmers Liberty Score fell into the middle of the pack. Bergman has a Liberty Score of 57%, slightly behind Sessions at 63%, Scott at 65% and Emmer at 69%.

The other three candidates had higher Liberty Scores than Emmer: Johnson has a 74% Liberty Score, Herns Liberty Score is 82% and Donalds has the highest possible Liberty Score of 100%.

Unlike all other candidates seeking the speakership, Emmer voted for the Respect for Marriage Act last year. The Respect for Marriage Act codified a right to same-sex marriage into federal law and repealed the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman at the federal level.

Emmer was one of 39 Republicans to support the measure, condemned by religious liberty advocates as an attempt to put faith-based institutions in court because of their religious beliefs about marriage.

Additional votes taken by Emmer that likely received scrutiny from the more conservative members of the House Republican conference include multiple votes in favor of so-called omnibus bills that include funding packages for multiple government agencies. Emmer has also come under fire from former President Donald Trump, the current frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors, Trump said in a Truth Social post Tuesday. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them.

Describing Emmer as totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters, Trump insisted that he never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Has he only changed because thats what it takes to win? Trump wondered. The Republican Party cannot take that chance, because thats not where the America First voters are. Voting for a Globalist [Republican in Name Only] like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!

Until the full House elects a new speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., will continue to serve as speaker pro tempore, a position with limited powers.
A reprehensible statement from Palestinian Christians

Before Israel launched its attack on Hamas terrorists in response to their barbaric, murderous acts, I put out a call to pray for the people of Gaza, knowing that many innocent civilians would lose their lives. Since then, I have been in meetings with other Christians where we prayed for the protection of Gazan civilians and for the IDF to use wisdom and restraint in their rightful attempts to eradicate Hamas.

Many other Christian leaders I know, all of them pro-Israel, have expressed similar sentiments, and when I preached on October 8th on sharing Gods pain, I mentioned His pain for the suffering Palestinians as well.

As followers of Jesus, we should care about all those who are suffering right now, regardless of whether they are Muslim or Jewish or Christian, Palestinian or Israeli or other.

At the same time, we must categorically rebuke those who make false accusations against Israel, repeating standard antisemitic tropes and peddling libelous media reports, especially when they do so in the name of Jesus.

Im speaking here of, A Call to Repentance: An Open Letter from Palestinian Christians to Western Church Leaders and Theologians, published by Palestinian Christian leaders and calling for Christian leaders in the west to repent of their one-sided support of Israel. Some of the contents of the letter are truly revolting.

First, in the midst of constant references to Palestinian suffering, there is not a single word about the butchering of more than 1,300 Israelis by Hamas, other than statements like, We come alongside fellow Christians in condemning all attacks on civilians, especially defenseless families and children.

So, despite 17 references to Israel in their letter, they do not say one word about the butchered Israeli children. Not one.

Not one word about the families burned alive. Not one.

Not one word about the women raped and tortured. Not one.

Not one word about the babies slaughtered in their cribs  or worse still, decapitated. Not one.

Not one word about the Holocaust survivors executed in cold blood. Not one.

Not one word about the taking of more than 200 hostages, including babies and the elderly. Not one.

This is reprehensible and immoral. It is spitting in the face of the One they profess as Lord. And it is inexcusable.

Second, there is not a single reference to Hamas. Not one.

There is not a single reference to terrorists or terrorism. Not one.

But there is a reason for the silence. They know full well that to say anything publicly against Hamas is not only to express disloyalty to the larger Palestinian cause. It is to put themselves in danger.

Where is the Christian courage and conviction? Where is the prophetic rebuke of terrorism? How can these brothers and sisters, in the name of morality and justice, fail to rebuke barbaric acts that put ISIS to shame?

This was a challenge I gave them directly when I spoke at their Christ at the Checkpoint conference in 2018. Sadly, rather than do the right thing, they have been silent in the face of evil. (And note carefully in my address that I began my comments with tears, expressing my pain for the suffering of my Palestinian brothers and sisters.)

Third, this open letter repeats the libelous claims that Israel bombed a hospital and a church, referencing, the heinous massacre at Al-Ahli Anglican-Baptist Hospital and the bombardment of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius which wiped out entire Palestinian Christian families.

Again, it is deeply grievous that lives were lost, especially the friends and family members of some of the writers of the letter. We should all mourn with them.

But repeating lies will not bring those loved ones back.

Israel did not bomb the hospital. The casualties are 100% the result of a failed Palestinian Islamic Jihad missile, and even at that, the numbers have been cruelly exaggerated.

As for the Church, as verified by aerial footage provided by the IDF, the truth is that Israel was bombing a nearby building and was slightly off target, hitting a building near to the church, which then caused structural damage to part of the church building. What a contrast between this and the letters claim that this was an atrocious Israeli bombardment of innocent civilians on October 19, 2023.

As noted by the Open Source Intelligence Monitor, Once again the Mainstream Media caused a Total Meltdown of People around the World last night who thought that Israel had Purposefully Bombed a 1,000-Year-Old Church which was being used as a Shelter by Palestinian-Christians; how quickly everyone seems to forget that Hamas is known to place their Launch Sites and Arms Stockpiles near or inside Churches, School, Hospitals, and Residential Buildings so when they get Damaged by the Cross-Fire or Debris, like what happened here, they can make the IDF seem like the Villain.

For this open Christian letter to repeat these libels is to partner with falsehood and to further demonize Israel. That is wicked in Gods sight.

Fourth, the letter repeats standard anti-Israel, even antisemitic tropes, including references to the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestine, and the oppressive and racist military occupation that constitutes the crime of apartheid.

The letter even provides a tacit justification of the Hamas atrocities when speaking of the root causes of this war: Israels systemic oppression of the Palestinians over the last 75 years since the Nakba. Do these writers even believe Israel has a right to exist?

More specifically, the letter speaks of Israels cruel blockade of Gaza for the last 17 years has turned the 365-square-kilometer Strip into an open-air prison for more than two million Palestinians  70% of whom belong to families displaced during the Nakba  who are denied their basic human rights. The brutal and hopeless living conditions in Gaza under Israels iron fist have regrettably emboldened extreme voices of some Palestinian groups to resort to militancy and violence as a response to oppression and despair.

So, the butchers, the barbarians, the cold-blooded, demented Hamas executioners were simply extreme voices who were regrettably emboldened by Israels evil actions. Such words are a stench in the nostrils of our Lord and a defilement of the names of the dead.

And why is there no mention of the reason for the blockade, namely, that the people of Gaza elected Hamas, which is sworn to the destruction of the Jewish people in the Land, as their leaders in 2006? Hamas is a cousin to ISIS and Al-Qaeda, a radical Islamic death cult bent on murdering Jews. Yet Israel is guilty of protecting its borders against these terrorists? And concerned Christians are rebuking Israel for doing this?

And where is there even a passing reference to the fact that Israel has been in an existential battle for survival since the UN Partition Plan was announced in 1947, living under constant threat from surrounding, hostile, Muslim nations? There is none.

But the letter doesnt stop here. It repeats other, inaccurate, but now standard leftwing tropes, comparing the return of the Jewish people to their ancient homeland with entrenched colonial discourse that has weaponized the Bible to justify the ethnic cleansing of indigenous peoples in the Americas, Oceania, and elsewhere, the slavery of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade, and decades of apartheid in South Africa.

As a colleague of mine commented after reading the letter, Sounds like decolonization and liberation theology.

To be sure, I have said and will continue to say that: 1. We should pray for and work towards a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for the good of all those involved.

2. Where Israel acts wrongly, as friends of Israel, we should call the leadership to account. As I stated in my 2018 message, I am not here to defend all the actions of the Israeli government or to defend the behavior of all Israelis or to whitewash Jewish failings. As a Jewish follower of Jesus, I am more than aware of my peoples shortcomings.

3. The shedding of innocent Palestinian blood is just as grievous as the shedding of innocent Israeli blood, and as followers of Jesus, we should mourn with those who mourn. Right now, that includes the Palestinian people too.

As I posted on October 9, 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 ... So, yes, the suffering of Palestinians is as grievous as the suffering of Israelis.

Right now, I grieve for the pain of the people of Gaza, along with their brothers and sisters in the West Bank (ancient Judea and Samaria). Their suffering is deep, and their losses are massive. And, tragically, this is only the beginning of the story, as Israel has no moral choice but to remove Hamas from power and cripple its genocidal goals. Yet, ironically, Christians living in Israel under the supposedly monstrous Jewish leadership have far more liberty and rights than do the Christians living in Gaza.

Finally, while the letter says that Christian siding with Israel has hurt our Christian witness, the other side of the coin is that the Jewish people in Israel and worldwide have been deeply moved by this Christian support, which is going a long way to helping undo the terrible history of Christian antisemitism. (For an Orthodox rabbi in Israel saying this very thing, go here.)

I appeal, then, to the writers and signers of this open letter: please reconsider your words, please speak up on behalf of the Israeli victims, please rebuke the murderous terrorists by name, and please present a truthful picture to the world.

We want to stand with you. We want to stand for justice. We want to show solidarity as brothers and sisters in Jesus.

But we cannot partner with falsehoods or double standards or libels.

In the name of our Lord, I appeal to you to repent of this deeply flawed call to repentance so that together, we can pursue righteousness, goodness, equity, and mercy.
Israel and Gaza: This isn't just political but spiritual

This year, on September 26th, I joined a group of about 30 Rock Church leaders on a prayer tour to Israel. We visited biblical sites and engaged in typical tourist activities. Then, in the early hours of October 7th at 1:30am, we left our hotel, beginning our 27-hour journey back home.

As we prepared for takeoff in Tel Aviv, people on the plane started to get text messages that Israel was under attack. Some reported seeing smoke in the air from the windows of the airplane. We were shaken up but were allowed to take off on time (30 minutes after the bombing began).

By now, you've probably seen the tragedies of what is happening in the Middle East unfold. Youve probably seen that Hamas attacked Israeli citizens and took hostages, that Israel has declared war on Gaza, and that hundreds upon hundreds of people have been killed in the horror of it all.

We cannot turn away from this. The current events in the Middle East carry a global and spiritual significance, and we have to pay attention. Its vital for us to be aware of whats happening, seek understanding about the issues, and above all, to pray.

If you scroll on social media or read online forums, you have likely seen the intense political and ideological division that surrounds this war. But I want to remind you  this isnt just a conversation about politics and the military. This is a spiritual conversation.

Jesus was not a Christian. Jesus was a Jew  a rabbi! And the Jews and Palestinians are, in essence, cousins. Their relationship and conflict are ancient and deeply complicated. Having just been to Israel and the Palestinian territory of Bethlehem, I can tell you firsthand: this is the most confusing and complex place Ive been in my life.

But in the midst of the chaos and complexity, we serve a God who deeply cares about everyone involved. He cares about people, and He cares about peace. Psalm 26:6 tells us, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you be secure.

When we pray for peace in Jerusalem, were asking God to intervene in the most complicated region on the planet to bring peace. This isn't about picking political sides. Only God has the power to step into chaos and bring true peace. So that's our main role: to pray for peace.

And that is one of the reasons that my team and I went to Israel in the first place! During our trip, we were part of an event called Pray for Peace for Jerusalem. It was one of the most eye-opening events I have ever been part of, and it reminded me that we as Christians have a responsibility. Not to pick sides. Not to point fingers. But remember that we serve the Prince of Peace. And He is the only one who has the power to bring true peace in the midst of chaos. So thats our main role: to pray for peace.

I share this because its crucial that we avoid getting entangled in a political divide. When you hear about this war on the news or from friends and they ask which side you're on, remember that division is what the enemy wants.

But peace is what God wants.

As Christians, we're not simply called to be activists; we're called to be prophetic. When you are an activist, you're professing in man's power. Can you be a Christian activist? Sure! But being prophetic means trusting in God's superior power. Our aim as Christians is to be prophetic.

So today, I invite you to pause and pray. If you dont know where to start, pray Scripture! Psalm 122:6, Psalm 25:22, and Psalm 121:1-8 are good places to start.

Pray for the Prince of Peace to encounter the entire region.

And if you are looking for encouragement as you pray for Israel, check out my churchs most recent series on prayer.
Archbishop Welby, patriarchs of Jerusalem urge ceasefire, condemn church bombing

Church leaders in Jerusalem have joined with the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and condemn the bombing of the Orthodox church there. The leaders also urged greater security for hospitals and places of worship.

The Oct. 21 statement, signed by the patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem, came after Archbishop Welby spent several days in Jerusalem following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the ensuing assaults on Gaza by Israeli forces.

"We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, having gathered in prayer with Jerusalem's honorable guest, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, join with him in expressing, in the strongest possible terms, our condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes that exploded without warning at the Orthodox Church compound of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza," the statement said.

The Oct.19 bombing of St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church, which killed at least 18 people who were sheltering inside, came just two days after a rocket attack on the Anglican-run al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which left hundreds dead. Who was responsible for the attack on the hospital is disputed, with evidence indicating it was a misfired Hamas rocket.

Both the church and hospital highlight the presence of Christian organizations working in Gaza and the plight of Palestinian Christians, whose numbers have fallen to less than 1,000. Two of the three centers for Christians in Gaza have been devastated by attack, with only the Catholic church, to date, left unscathed.

Welby, who is spiritual head of the Anglican Communion and primate of the Church of England, said his visit was to express solidarity with Christians, especially the Anglican archbishop of Jerusalem.

"I join with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem calling for a humanitarian ceasefire so that aid can safely reach the innocent civilians of Gaza," Welby said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that included the full text of the statement.

The statement from the patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem, including the Latin patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Theophilos III, patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, urged "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire so that food, water and vital medical supplies can safely be delivered to the relief agencies ministering to the hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians in Gaza, including those operated by our own churches."

The international community, they said, should "immediately enforce protections in Gaza for sanctuaries of refuge such as hospitals, schools and houses of worship."

"We call upon all warring parties to de-escalate the violence, cease from indiscriminately targeting civilians on all sides, and operate within the international rules of warfare," they continued.

The attack on St. Porphyrios, the church leaders said, caused two church halls to collapse around scores of refugees, including women and children, sleeping there. Dozens were crushed. Of the 18 so far confirmed dead, nine were children, according to the statement.

While the three Christian institutions in Gaza  the Greek Orthodox church, the hospital and the Catholic church  focused on Christians, they also helped the rest of the community. "Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to minister to the most vulnerable," wrote the church leaders. "And we must do so not only in times of peace. The church must especially act as the church in times of war, for that is when suffering is at its greatest."

There had been speculation that Welby might issue a plea for a ceasefire with Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, but there may well have been diplomatic sensitivities if it had been issued with Bartholomew, rather than Theophilos III, the Orthodox patriarch in Jerusalem.

On Sunday, Pope Francis spoke to U.S. President Joe Biden by telephone, the Vatican confirmed, to discuss various conflicts and paths to peace. At the regular Angelus prayer at St Peter's in Rome earlier in the day, the Pope also spoke of his concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the attacks on the al-Ahli hospital and the Greek Orthodox church.

"I renew my appeal for spaces to be opened, for humanitarian aid to continue to arrive and for hostages to be freed," said the pope.

During his visit to Jerusalem, Welby held talks with church leaders, renewed his call for hostages taken during the Hamas attack to be freed and expressed his sympathy for the victims of that attack in Israel.

Welby preached Sunday at a service in St. George's Cathedral. He spoke to reporters afterward, warning them of the danger in assuming Israel was responsible for the rocket attack on the al-Ahli hospital. "Do not start propagating another blood libel," he warned, a reference to false accusations of atrocities by Jews against Christians that have inflamed antisemitism in the past and led to pogroms.

But on Monday, Welby issued a statement to clarify his remarks, saying he regretted use of the phrase "blood libel," explaining that he had met relatives of victims and hostages of the Hamas attack before he was interviewed.

"I was attempting to articulate that many Jewish people are deeply conscious of a long history of accusations that trace back to the darkest times of their history. That must be borne in mind when we respond to events in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Especially here in Europe, the vast increase of the profound wickedness of antisemitism must be resisted, and that must involve being aware of that history," Welby said in his statement.

The archbishop went on to acknowledge that Palestinians must be able to express their own distress at what "is being endured by innocent people living under Israeli bombardment and siege."

"There must be space for that trauma and grief to be expressed and heard. We must not silence it, dismiss it, or rush to judge it. As those who are not directly involved, we need to hold space for the suffering of all innocent people to be expressed, and to grieve with them," he said.

Welby reiterated the importance of concentrating "on those who suffer, seek peace and pursue it," and said he will continue to pray for "lasting justice, security and peace" for the people in the region.

 Religion News Service
The battle for God's land

Commenting on the first verse of Genesis, Rashi (1040-1105), the most prominent Jewish biblical commentator, asked why the Torah did not start in Exodus 12, where the commandments concerning Passover are given. After all, this is the beginning of the legislative portion of the Torah, and the Torah is all about God's instructions to the people of Israel.

This is the answer Rashi gave more than 1,000 years ago: "Now for what reason did He commence with 'In the beginning?' Because of [the verse] 'The strength of His works He related to His people, to give them the inheritance of the nations' (Ps. 111:6). For if the nations of the world should say to Israel, 'You are robbers, for you conquered by force the lands of the seven nations [of Canaan],' they will reply, 'The entire earth belongs to the Holy One, blessed be He; He created it (this we learn from the story of the Creation) and gave it to whomever He deemed proper When He wished, He gave it to them, and when He wished, He took it away from them and gave it to us.'"

How striking it is to read those words today, as millions of voices around the world claim that the Jewish people have no right to be in the Land. That is for God to decide.

The fact is, from a biblical perspective, the whole earth belongs to the Lord, and He apportions it to nations and peoples as He desires and sees fit (see Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 32:8; Acts 17:26). As for the land of Israel, in the Scriptures, it is uniquely "His land" and "His inheritance." As He said when admonishing His disobedient people in the days of Jeremiah, "I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable" (Jeremiah 2:7, my emphasis).

The Lord actually took this personally.

It was this land and this land alone  "His land"  that He promised to Israel, and He did so in the most emphatic and clear terms imaginable.

Look closely at the different ways that the same point is made in these verses: "He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: 'To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit'" (Psalm 105:711).

Some claim that this promise was "fulfilled" in the days of Joshua (even though this psalm was written centuries after Joshua), pointing to these verses: "So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the LORD'S good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled" (Joshua 21:4345).

The problem is that: 1. The same book of Joshua tells us that this was a general statement and that much land still remained to be taken (see Joshua 23:1-5 and read Judges chapters 1-3). 2. God did not fulfill His promises by giving the Land to His people, only to uproot them and drive them out forever. That would be like me promising to give you a car, then the day after I gave it to you, taking it back.

Remember that the psalmist said in Psalm 105 that the land promise was based on God's oath, not on Israel's performance. As Paul stated, "The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise" (Galatians 3:17). In other words, the conditions of the Sinai covenant do not undo God's unconditional promises to the patriarchs.

As God spoke through the prophet Ezekiel when He brought the exiles back from Babylon 2,500 years ago (and with reference to the current return to the Land), "Therefore say to the Israelites, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone" (Ezekiel 36:22).

Not only so, but Psalm 105 states that the divine oath and covenant was forever, it was everlasting, it was for a thousand generations. And nowhere in Scripture does God say that He rescinded this covenant. Not once.

As for Jesus coming into the world and making salvation available to all peoples, through whom both Jew and Gentile become spiritual children of Abraham (see Galatians 3:28-29), this does not nullify the literal, physical promises He made to the literal, physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As Paul wrote, "For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews [literally, "the circumcision"] on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed" (Romans 15:8).

Yes, Jesus confirms the promises to the patriarchs, not cancels them.

To quote Paul again, writing to Gentile Christians with reference to Jewish people who did not believe in Jesus, "As far as the Gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" (Romans 11:2829).

This applies to the Land promises as well, which is why the prophet Joel said this, on behalf of the Lord: "For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it." (Joel 3:1-3, my emphasis).

Notice again the reference to "My land." To say it again, when people divide up His land, He takes it personally.

In short, the battle today is over God's land, which is why the whole world is so agitated over this little plot of real estate.

It is the Lord who scattered His Jewish people around the world, preserving us in the midst of divine discipline and through centuries of satanic attempts to wipe us out. And it is He who brought us back to the Land in His sovereign purpose and plan. (For an instructional, 5-minute animated video, see here.)

To be sure, that same God calls on the people of Israel to treat their neighbors justly and with compassion, and these requirements stand to this day. (Among many relevant verses, see Exodus 23:9: "Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.")

But make no mistake about it: This is a battle about God's own land, and He will have the final say.

Dr. Michael Brown(www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Why So Many Christians Have Left the Faith. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.
China to deepen Belt and Road partnership with Cuba

Xinhua) 14:42, October 24, 2023

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held talks with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba, in Beijing on Monday.

China is ready to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen high-quality cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road, promote the sound and sustainable development of bilateral trade, actively create a sound business environment for enterprises to invest, and jointly build a community with a shared future, He said.

Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz said Cuba is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in the economic and trade field and push for continuous new development of the special friendly relations between the two countries in the new era.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Its been almost one year since a new breed of artificial intelligence took the world by storm. The capabilities of these new generative AI tools, most of which are powered by large language models (LLM), forced every company and employee to rethink how they work. Was this new technology a threat to their job or a tool that would amplify their productivity? If you dont figure out how to make the most of GenAI, are you going to get outclassed by your peers?

This paradigm shift placed a dual burden on engineering and technical leaders. First, theres the internal demand to understand how your organization is going to adopt these new tools and what you need to do to avoid falling behind your competitors. Second, if youre selling software and services to other companies, youre going to find that many have paused spending on new tools while they sort out exactly what their approach should be to the GenAI era.

There is a ton of hype, and it can be exhausting trying to figure out where to direct your resources. Before you can dive into the details of what to do with the answers or art your GenAI is creating, you need a robust foundation to ensure its operating well. To help, weve come up with four key areas youll need to understand to make the most of the time and resources you invest.

Vector Databases

Embedding Models

Retrieval Augmented Generation

Knowledge Bases

These are almost certain to be fundamental pieces of your AI stack, so read on below to learn more about the four pillars needed for effectively adding GenAI to your organization.

Vector Databases

To make use of a Large Language Model, youre going to need to vectorize your data. That means the text you feed into the model is going to be reduced to arrays of numbers, and those numbers are going to be as a vector on a map, albeit one with thousands of dimensions. Finding similar text is reduced to finding the distance between two vectors. This allows you to move from the old-fashioned approach of lexical keyword searchtyping a few terms and getting back results that share those keywordsto semantic search, typing a query in natural language and getting back a response that understands a coding question about Python is probably referring to the programming language and not the large snake.

Traditional data structures, typically organized in structured tables, often fall short of capturing the complexity of the real world, says Weaviates Philip Vollet. Enter vector embeddings. These embeddings capture features and representations of data, enabling machines to understand, abstract, and compute on that data in sophisticated ways.

How do you choose the right vector database? In some cases, it may depend on the tech stack your team is already using. Stack Overflow went with Weaviate in part because it allowed us to continue using PySpark, which was the initial choice for our OverflowAI efforts. On the other hand, you may have a database provider, like MongoDB, which has been serving you well. Mongo now includes vectors as part of their OLTP DB, making it easy to integrate with your existing deployments. Expect this to be standard for database providers in the future. As Louis Brady, VP of Engineering at Rockset explained, most companies will find that a hybrid approach combining a vector database with your existing system offers you the most flexibility and the best results.

Embedding Models

How do you get your data into the vector database in a way that accurately organizes it by the content? For that, youll need an embedding model. This is the software system which will take your text and convert it to the array of numbers you store in the vector database. There are a lot to choose from, and they vary greatly in cost and complexity. For this article, well focus on embedding models that work with text, although embedding models can also be used to organize information about other types of media, like images or songs.

As Dale Markowitz wrote on the Google Cloud blog, If youd like to embed texti.e. to do text search or similarity search on textyoure in luck. There are tons and tons of pre-trained text embeddings free and easily available. One example is the Universal Sentence Decoder, which encodes text into high-dimensional vectors that can be used for text classification, semantic similarity, clustering, and other natural language tasks. With just a few lines of Python code, you can prepare your data for a GenAI chatbot-style interface. If you want to take things a step further, Dale also has a great tutorial on how to prototype a language-powered app using nothing more than Google Sheets and a plugin called Semantic Reactor.

Youll need to evaluate the tradeoffs between the time and cost of putting huge amounts of text into your embedding model and how thinly you slice the text, which is usually chunked into sections like chapters, pages, paragraphs, sentences, or even individual words. The other tradeoff is the precision of the embedding model  how many decimal places to use on vectors, as each decimal place increases in size. Over thousands of vectors for millions of tokens, this adds up. You can use techniques like quantization to shrink the model down, but its best to consider the amount of data and degree of detail youre looking for before you choose which embedding method is right for you.

Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)

Big AI models read the internet to gain knowledge. That means they know the earth is roundand they also know that its flat.

One of the main problems with large language models like ChatGPT is that they were trained on a massive set of text from across the internet. That means theyve read a lot about how the earth is round, and also a lot about how the earth is flat. The model isnt trained to understand which of these assertions is correct, only the probability that a certain response to a question will be a good match for the query the user enters. It also mixes those inputs into a statistically probable new one, which is where hallucinations can occur. It may be responding with neither response, which is why checking sources is good.

With RAG, you can limit the dataset the model searches, meaning the model hopefully wont be drawing on inaccurate data. Secondly, you can ask the model to cite its sources, allowing you to verify its answer against the ground truth. At Stack Overflow, that might mean containing queries to just the questions on our site with an accepted answer. When a user asks a question, the system first searches for Q&A posts that are a good match. Thats the retrieval part of this equation. A hidden prompt then instructs the model to do the following: synthesize a short answer for the user based on the answers you found that were validated by our community, then provide the short summary along with links to the three posts that were the best match for the users search.

A third benefit of RAG is that it allows you to keep the data the model is using fresh. Training a large model is costly. Many of the popular models available today are based on training data that ended months, or even years ago. Ask it a question about something after that, and it will happily hallucinate a convincing response, but it doesnt have actual information to work with. RAG allows you to point the model at a specific dataset, one that you can keep up to date without having to retrain the entire model.

RAG means the user still gets the benefit of working with an LLM. They can ask questions using natural language and get back a summary that synthesizes the most relevant information from a vast data store. At the same time, drawing on a predefined data set helps to reduce hallucinations and gives the user links to the ground truth, so they can easily check the models output against something generated by humans.

Knowledge Base

As mentioned in the previous section, RAG can constrain the text your model is drawing on when generating its response. Ideally, that means youre giving it accurate data, not just a random sampling of things its read on the internet. One of the most important laws of training an AI model is that data quality matters. Garbage in, garbage out, as the old saying goes, holds very true for your LLM. Feed it low-quality or poorly organized text, and the results will be equally uninspiring.

At Stack Overflow, we kind of lucked out on the data quality issue. Question and answer is the format being adopted by most LLMs used inside organizations, and our dataset was already built that way. Our Q&A couplets can show us which information is accurate and which is still lacking a sufficient confidence score by analyzing the number of votes or which question has an accepted answer. Votes can also be used to determine which of three similar answers might be the most widely utilized and thus the most valuable. Last but not least, tags allow the system to better understand how different information in your dataset is related.

Learn more about how Stack Overflow for Teams helps the worlds top companies share knowledge and build their foundation for an AI future.
Generative AI is an innovation that is transforming everything. How much and in what ways is the subject of much discussion and controversy. But like many new technologies, the anxieties it creates may have more to do with fear for the future rather than how that future will be.

ChatGPT and the emergence of generative AI

The unease is understandable. Indeed, ten years ago, some experts warned that artificial intelligence would lead to us losing nearly 50% of our present jobs by 2033. But we are now nearly halfway there, and we dont even have full self-driving, autonomous automobiles.

The reason for this conversation is the seemingly overnight emergence of generative AI and its most well-known application, Open AIs ChatGPT. The reality is very similar to the early days of many paradigm-changing technologies. That is where we are today with generative AI. In just six months, we are already seeing it reach a technology inflection point as enterprises rush to implement widespread use of generative AI apps.

The implications for enterprise security

For most enterprises, the present moment is an educational process. Enterprises see generative AI as a way of accelerating their efficiency. But in the rush to adopt, they are putting themselves at risk.

Some of these risks are accidental. They involve copying or putting sensitive corporate data, files, or images into public generative AI apps. ChatGPTs pool of knowledge is essentially the whole of the Internet. Information loaded into it becomes data that any other subscriber has access. That data leakage is the principal security concern regarding generative AI of enterprises today.

Another major concern is copyright infringement and intellectual property (IP). Who owns what when the output is something thats an enterprises own IP is combined with anothers in this third party publicly accessible service? Generative AI does not vet for bias, attribution, or copyright protection.

A third major concern is its use as a tool by cyber attackers. Its important to note here that generative AI today is a content development engine. ChatGPT can tell you the ways attackers have broken into a particular operating system; it cant independently develop a new way thats never been done before. At least, not yet. And probably not for a good five years or more.

So, how do we keep the train rolling with generative AI while securing the enterprise?

The importance of policy

Protecting the enterprise from potential generative AI cybersecurity risks doesnt start with technology. It starts with the business policies of the organization  with education and setting a foundation to understand and recognize the risks that generative AI entails. The importance of policy extends to the regulatory sphere. Indeed, just recently, several leaders in the AI field called for a pause on aspects of AI development while such an official regulatory environment is developed to put guardrails in place.

The final element is for enterprises to put controls in place that will allow them to enforce and automate policies to help monitor generative AI use and minimize the risks to the enterprise.

Symantec and generative AI

Symantec has a long history with AI. Key to our focus is protecting user and enterprise IP. Organizations should feel especially confident when it comes to the threat posed by generative AI systems if they already have a data protection like Symantec Data Loss Prevention Cloud. A solution like this helps enterprises adopt generative AI tools by ensuring compliant sending of either images or data to generative tools.

We are still in the early days of generative AI. Thats why we have a large engineering team dedicated to keeping Symantec at the forefront of this technology. Indeed, we are using many of the same sorts of machine learning and even generative AI tools to help identify malicious behavior as they are used to create it.

When it comes to generative AI, its not a question of whether its a win for the enterprise or not. Enterprises that dont embrace it will be at a severe disadvantage. Enterprises need to invest in security to safely take full advantage of the technology that is transforming everything.

To learn more about Generative AI and cybersecurity: download the whitepaper.

About Alex Au Yeung

Broadcom

Alex Au Yeung is the Chief Product Officer of the Symantec Enterprise Division at Broadcom. A 25+ year software veteran, Alex is responsible for product strategy, product management and marketing for all of Symantec.
MANZINI- In a horrifying and deeply tragic incident, a couple is believed to have drowned their one-day-old baby girl before placing the corpse in a plastic bag and then in a bucket.

The young couple in Philiswa Patience Msibi (20) of Mankayane and Masiko Luncedo Dludlu (32) of Two Sticks purportedly did the unthinkable when they reportedly drowned their one-day-old baby in a bucket at Two Sticks in the late evening of Friday. According to impeccable sources, the couple allegedly ended their baby girls life because they did not want to have it.

Neighbours

Narrating the incident, the sources shared that neighbours heard the cries of a baby on the Friday night in the couples flat, after months of seeing the mother of the deceased baby pregnant. On Saturday morning, it was revealed that the neighbours saw the mother walking out of the flat to get water and they congratulated her. The neighbours also asked if she needed an ambulance, but she was quick to tell them off by saying they should mind their own business. It was then that they suspected foul play as the baby was not heard crying, and the neighbours called the police, disclosed the source. It was further revealed that police responded promptly in attending to the matter, wherein they found the baby in a plastic bag inside a bucket at their rented flat. The couple was arrested and appeared before Acting Manzini Magistrate Mongezi Mciza for the offence of murder.

The charge sheet states that the couple (allegedly) intentionally killed a newborn baby girl at Two Sticks on October 19. They were remanded in custody until November 1, pending committal to the High Court. In another matter, a 31-year-old man was sentenced to five years imprisonment or a fine of E10 000 for being found in possession of 130.08kg of dagga.

Bongumusa Msibi of Ngwempisana appeared before Acting Judge David Khumalo for contravening Section 12(1)(a) as read with Section 12(1)(i) of the Pharmacy Act 38 of 1929. According to the charge sheet, the accused, not being a holder of a valid licence, wrongfully possessed dagga weighing the aforementioned quantity at Lushikishikini in the Manzini Region, on October 18, and thus contravened the said Act.

Guilty

He pleaded guilty to the charge. In mitigation, the accused said he was 31 years old and unmarried. He added that he had two children and parents who depended on him for survival.

He pleaded for the courts leniency as he explained that he was unemployed. Also, a man was arrested for reportedly breaking into motor vehicles and allegedly stealing car parts worth over E150 000. Sunday Kelvin Quinton (23) of Dvokolwako appeared before Acting Manzini Magistrate Mciza, facing three counts of contravening Section 12(1) of the theft of Motor Vehicle Act and three counts of theft. According to the charge sheet, in count one, the accused unlawfully broke into a black Toyota Lexus sedan registered DSD 083 CH, belonging to James Quinton. This is said to have happened at Dvokolwako in the month of June. In count two, the accused stole car parts from the same vehicle amounting to E159 600. They included; a radiator valued at E2 800, ran electric worth E14 000, as well as four tyres valued at E16 000.

Broke

The accused further allegedly broke into Jamess blue Mazda Demio registered ESD 145 CM, in the same month at Dvokolwako, according to the charge sheet in count three. In count four, he further purportedly stole car parts such as a front bumper, Mazda motor engine, computer box and rear doors, among other items. The value of the car parts was E36 300. In count five, the accused reportedly broke into Jamess Toyota sedan at Dvokolwako in the month of June. In count six, he is said to have intentionally stole a motor engine worth E15 000.

The accused was remanded in custody until October 31, pending setting of trial date. He was further advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
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The government is retrospectively reviewing a 9m donation to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity after auditors raised concerns that the grant had not been approved.

An external auditor of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust called the decision to donate 9m to its linked charity without the Treasurys approval a significant weakness in the trusts governance arrangements.

According to the NHS trusts recently filed accounts , the donation was granted in March alongside 200,000 in gift aid from its wholly-owned subsidiary, RM Medicines Limited.

The auditor raised an issue with the donation due to the Treasurys guidance on managing public money which recommends the department approve all significant spending of public sector funds.

Following the concerns raised, the NHS trust has retrospectively requested the approval of the Treasury for the donation.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care said NHS trusts are required to seek approval ahead of time and that the government is considering whether it will retrospectively grant approval.

Donation made in good faith

The London-based hospital trusts accounts state that it made the 9m donation to its linked charity after seeking legal advice.

The trust entered into the transaction in good faith without seeking approval from HM Treasury, following legal advice and an understanding that other trusts had entered similar transactions, it reads.

The NHS trust said it had discussed the donation with NHS England after the auditors concerns were raised. NHS England did not respond to a request for comment.

RMC Charity, which raises money to support Royal Marsden Hospital, has yet to publish its accounts for the year ending March 2023.

Its latest financial accounts for the year ending March 2022 show the charity had a total income of 31.2m, including no donation from the NHS trust.

A spokesperson for RMC Charity said: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust made a 9m donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, following legal advice and an understanding that other trusts had entered similar transactions. The donation was reviewed by the Trusts auditors who suggested that retrospective approval be applied for from HM Treasury, which the Trust has subsequently completed.



The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity received an unqualified assessment of their 2022/23 annual report and accounts from their auditors.

Editor's note 26.10.23: This article has been edited to include a comment from the RMC Charity.

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MBABANE  Seven of the people who were allegedly shot during the unrest in 2021 and wanted to sue, but filed letters of demand late, were granted permission to do so on Friday.

The applicants told the court that they were not aware of the stipulated period within which to serve the letters of demand. Some of them told the court that they were still receiving treatment and were unable to serve the letters of demand timeously. The granting of their applications to be pardoned for late filing of their letters of demand with government, in terms of Section 2(1) of the Limitation of Legal Proceedings Against Government Act, 1972, means that they can go on and sue government.

letters

On Friday, 10 applications to be allowed to proceed to sue despite the late filing of the letters of demand were heard by Judge Zonke Magagula. Seven of them were granted by consent. Each applicant filed his or her application separately. The applicants were all represented by Human Rights Lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi. The applicants, whose applications were granted were Vusi Mamba, Mzwandile Dlamini, Sanele Mkhabela, Lungelo Sihlongonyane, Sandile Simelane, Sam Sithole and Zwelithini Vilakati. One of the 10 applications, filed by Mncedisi Gumedze, was removed from the roll and it is to take its normal course while two others, by Nombuyiselo Sukati and Ciniso Nkambule, remain opposed.

In her particulars of claim, Sukati alleged in her papers that on June 29, 2021, in Matsapha, she was allegedly shot in the back and her right leg by the police. She said she was rushed to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital in Manzini where she was treated and discharged days later as they stated that they could not remove the bullet from her body. Sukati, who intends to sue government for E1 million, told the court that the bullet was still lodged in her body. The shooting of the plaintiff (Sukati) by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service was unlawful and it was a threat to her right to life as guaranteed in Section 15 of the Constitution and her right to dignity as guaranteed under Section 18 of the Constitution was undermined. The conduct of the first respondent (Government of Eswatini) was in breach not only of the Police Act, but fundamentally, a breach of Section 14(2) of the Constitution in that they behaved in a manner that failed to respect their obligations under the Bill of Rights, submitted Sukati. She argued that the police were acting within the course and scope of their duty as police officers.

In governments answering papers, Lydia Dlamini, who is a Senior Deputy National Commissioner of Police said the application was time barred as the period that had lapsed was more than 24 months from the day on which the cause of action arose. Sukati, according to the deputy national commissioner, had allegedly failed/neglected to read Section 2(1) (c) of the Limitation of Legal Proceedings Against Government Act 21 of 1972. She said Section 4(1) only speaks to Section 2(1) (a) and not Section 2(1) (c). Dlamini denied that the court should condone the late filing of the claim against government. She said Sukati had admitted that the cause of action had been overtaken by the time limits.

Factory

I deny that the plaintiff was shot twice for no reason. The applicant was among a mob that attempted to loot Yama Hashua Factory in Matsapha. The applicant tried to flee upon realising that Eswatini Umbutfo Defence Force members had entered the factory. In her possession were a blanket and a bed mattress. The applicant sustained injuries during the skirmish, and she was taken to hospital, where she was treated and discharged. She was subsequently charged for housebreaking with other suspects. The applicant is currently out on bail, said Dlamini.

I deny that the application has any basis at all. This application is time barred as stated in our points of law. I deny that the right guaranteed under Section 18 of the Kingdom of Eswatini Constitution only applies to the applicant, but it also extends to the shop owner who experienced degrading treatment during the raid. Section 15 (4) of the Constitution states that the use of force can be used when it is reasonably justifiable and proportionate. I submit that it was justified in casu. I deny that our conduct was in breach of the Police Act and Section 14 (2) of the Constitution.

If the numerous other claims against government will see the light of day, the State would contend with combined lawsuits in the region of E50 million. At the end of 2022, there were about 12 claimants who were demanding a total of E26 million and their matters are still pending at the High Court. This year, the High Court initially received more than 20 claims and more others were filed. Most of the applicants were seeking condonation for not filing letters of demand timeously. Among the claimant was the chairperson of the Swaziland Victim and Survivors Association (SWAVISA), Bongani Madzabudzabu Kunene, who is demanding E1 million from government. The claimants are demanding varying amounts, which ranges from E1 million to E4 million. In the litany of applications they each alleged that they were unlawfully shot by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and those from Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) during the unrest.

A number of the claimants were represented by lawyers from the late Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Masekos law firm, T.R. Maseko Attorneys. Most of those who are now seeking condonation for late filing, alleged that they were still nursing injuries, hence the delay in filing their letters of demand. They have now jointly approached the High Court for condonation and if the court grants them leave to file their demands, the amount claimed could be even higher. In their application, they are among other prayers, seeking an order condoning the non-service of a letter of demand upon the attorney general (AG), within the period of 90 days. It is further their plea to the court that they should be granted leave to institute legal proceedings notwithstanding the provisions of the Limitation of Legal Proceedings Against the Government Act No.2 of 1972.
NAVCA is monitoring the impact of local authorities ongoing financial crisis on the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector as more are finding themselves in financial distress.

The umbrella body told Civil Society that it is aware of some councils who have issued a section 114 notice and the potential risk for others to follow suit and is looking at how this could affect voluntary organisations.

In September, Birmingham City Council, Europes largest local authority, issued such notice stating that it had insufficient resources to meet its expenditure commitments from its income and must stop all new spending except vital and statutory services.

In response, Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (VSC) advised voluntary organisations to review future income streams and any council-funded work thats in the pipeline, in order to model and plan for different eventualities.

NAVCA: Were monitoring the situation

NAVCA said that it is aware of the small number of section 114 notices issued to date and the potential risk for other councils of needing to issue a section 114 notice.

Were monitoring the situation and working with members in affected areas to gauge the impact on the wider VCSE sector, a spokesperson said.

We agree with the advice from NAVCA member Birmingham VSC for VCSE organisations to review future funding streams, including from council-funded work, in order to plan for the future, and to talk to their council commissioner if they have any concerns.

CCVS: Local groups need to diversify their income

Speaking at a Lib Dems party conference fringe event in September, councillor Lucy Nethsingha told attendees that Cambridgeshire County Council will have a deficit of 24m for the coming year, the equivalent of about 2.3% of its budget.

Mark Freeman, chief executive officer of Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS), told Civil Society that as a local support organisation in Cambridgeshire, CCVS recognises the stress that has been put on the budgets of all our local councils including Cambridgeshire County Council.

He said: The rising costs and diminishing central government grants have had an impact everywhere. Despite this, were seeing continued support from our local councils for the work that local charities and community groups do in our communities.

Whenever we work with local groups, we stress the need for them to diversify their income so that theyre less susceptible to any loss of funding. Whilst we would love our councils to be in a position to increase the money they have to fund the sector, we recognise this isnt a statutory part of their work and that cuts are always possible.

Freeman said that at the moment, there is no reason to be concerned about funding cuts from Cambridgeshire County Council.

Its time the work that councils do to support the invaluable contribution made by local community groups is recognised at the highest levels of government. We would call for increased funding for local councils so that they could provide more long-term core funding to the groups working in their local communities.

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In the days after Hamas attacked Israel earlier this month, Shlomo Karhi, the countrys communications minister, did something that was guaranteed to catch the attention of the American press: he called out Donald Trump, who had just criticized various Israeli officials and described Hezbollah as very smart. It is shameful that a man like that, a former US president, abets propaganda and disseminates things that wound the spirit of Israels fighters and its citizens, Karhi said. We dont have to bother with him and the nonsense he spouts.

A few days later, Karhi was in the news in Israel linked to similar language. But this time he and Trump would likely have agreed in principle: Haaretz, a liberal daily, reported that he was in the process of pushing through an aggressive clampdown on the news media. According to the story, Karhi wanted to be granted sweeping powers to arrest or confiscate the property of any civilians, including journalists, who spread information that in his view undermines the morale of Israels soldiers and residents in the face of the enemy or serves as a basis for enemy propagandaincluding in cases where the information is true.

Karhi denied that he had proposed this. But he did say, in an interview the same day, that he wanted to push through regulations with the explicit aim of shutting down the Israeli operations of Al Jazeera, which is funded by Qatar, where senior political leaders of Hamas are based. Last week, those regulations started to take shape. According to news reports, Karhi wanted the power to shutter Al Jazeera himself, but Gali Baharav-Miara, Israels attorney general, disagreed. Karhi accused her, in a social media post, of having a warped worldview. But eventually the pair reached an agreement, and on Friday, according to the Times of Israel, the government signed off on the regulations. They will allow Karhi to shut down foreign broadcastersincluding by ordering TV providers to take them off the air and by closing their physical officesthough he will need the approval of the defense minister and other top officials, and, in a concession to civil-society groups, a court will have to review such orders. Wasting no time, Karhi pledged to propose a ban on Al Jazeera at the next meeting of Israels security cabinet, and accused the channel of inciting violence and abetting terrorist propaganda. (Al Jazeera has denied this. The channel did not respond to my request for comment.)

Its not new for the Israeli government to clash with Al Jazeera; as the Washington Posts Laura Wagner reported last week, officials last threatened to shutter the broadcasters Jerusalem bureau back in 2017. The latest push is more narrowly tailored than it might have been, and contains layers of oversight. In the wake of the attacks earlier this month, Israelis watched pictures of Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader of Hamas, sitting in a hotel room in Doha rejoicing over footage of Hamas terrorists carrying out atrocities, Amy Spiro, a news editor at the Times of Israel, told me. Theres not going to be a widespread outcry if Al Jazeera is banned.

Still, Spiro said, there will be some outcry. International press-freedom groups have already urged the Israeli government not to shutter the channel, as have some observers inside Israel; they have warned, variously, that doing so would harm media pluralism at a critical moment, dent Israels preferred image as a self-assured democracy on the world stage, and make the censorship of other outlets more likely. The Committee to Protect Journalists noted that since the recent conflict began, Israeli officials have already banned J-Media, a news agency in the West Bank, citing national security. In a scathing editorial over the weekend, Haaretz characterized the new regulations as an undemocratic and unnecessary executive power grab, and accused Karhi of leading a campaign to abolish freedom of expression.

As I noted in last weeks newsletter, Karhis push to ban Al Jazeera follows his pursuit, prior to the Hamas attack, of a sweeping overhaul of Israels broadcast media (which I also wrote about recently) that many observers saw as a dire threat to press freedom and as part of a broader war on critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government. That prior package was already far from certain to become law amid political chaos in Israel; now that the country is at war, opposition politicians have joined a unity government, one condition of which is that divisive domestic legislation be put to the side for now. It already seems clear that the Hamas attack will mark a profound rupture in Israeli politics. Karhis previous plans could be all but dead.

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Still, threats to the press inside Israelincluding the push to ban Al Jazeeracannot be entirely separated from the countrys preexisting political climate. Other trends that I noted in my piece about Karhis initial proposed overhaulrhetorical hostility toward the press, for example, and stonewalling on the part of Netanyahuhave now spilled over into a wartime environment that is already posing its own challenges to free expression and other civil liberties. And it all comes in the context of a much longer history of military restrictions on the Israeli press that are in some ways universal, but in others peculiarly Israels own.



The emergency authority on which Karhi has based his push to ban Al Jazeera is, at root, older than the state of Israel itself: Amit Schejter, a professor of communication studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, told me that the idea carried over from the British colonial administrators whose rule preceded Israels founding in 1948, and has remained in situ ever since. So, too, has a regime of military censorship that still requires journalists to seek approval before publishing stories that touch on national security matters that pose a present danger to the state (in theory, things like the precise movements of soldiers or officials).

Over the years, the courts have nipped and tucked at the scope of the censors remit; today, Spiro says, it tends to be narrow. (Its will can also be hard to rigidly enforce: while Israel-based reporters for foreign outlets have been bound by the censor, for example, their outlets have not beenand domestic outlets can run with stories that the international press has reported.) Still, a previous occupant of the censors office described herself as having extraordinary power, at least on paper, and over the years, the offices rulings have frequently proved contentious, with news outlets sometimes claiming that it has abused its power to conceal facts that bear tangentially or not at all on national security. The office is, at a minimum, busy: +972 Magazine recently reported, citing freedom of information requests, that the censor blocked 159 articles and parts of a further 990 in 2022and those were the lowest such figures in at least a decade.

And, as +972 Magazine pointed out, these figures dont reflect instances in which Israeli publications decide not to go ahead with a sensitive story in the first place. In general, Israeli media is very patriotic, very serving of the government, Schejter told me. Its what Israelis call social responsibility, basically acquiescing to the security concept that the government leads. At times of pressing national crisis, Schejter said, this is especially true. While the institution of the military censor is unusual in a modern democracy, such dynamics are not so different elsewherenot least in the US, where, despite the broad protections of the First Amendment, major outlets have often liaised with security officials before publishing information that could compromise troops or intelligence sources, or is otherwise considered sensitive.

Since the Hamas attack, another parallel between Israel and the US has often been proposed: various observersup to and including President Bidenhave likened the attack to 9/11, and urged Israel not to repeat the errors that the US made in anger in the aftermath. Those observers have been referring, primarily, to rushed military intervention. But warnings could also be appended both to the broad post-9/11 curtailment of civil liberties and the way in which much, if by no means all, of the US media respondedwith excessive credulity of official claims and the development, among the pundit class, of a hawkish consensus that contributed to a broader chilling effect on critical speech.



Against this background, Israel has a robust, adversarial media culture, and since Hamas attacked, there has been evidence that it is still alive and well. The day after the attack, Haaretz published an editorial pinning responsibility on Netanyahu, and the paper has subsequently published a string of spiky editorials slamming him and his administrationaccusing officials of risking an eastern front by failing to crack down on settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, for example, and accusing Karhi of having a fascist worldview. Indeed, criticism of government failures around the attack has been relatively widespreadeven if, Spiro told me, much of the Israeli press feels a call to arms to stand more united in a time like this.

Still, the overall climate for critical speech in Israel is hardly in top health. As I noted last week, far-right protesters besieged the home of Israel Frey, an ultra-Orthodox journalist who is on the political left, after he prayed for victims in both Israel and Gaza, which Israel has battered with air strikes since Hamas attacked; since then, similar episodes have been logged. Anat Saragusti, who oversees press-freedom issues for Israels Union of Journalists, told me that one far-right activist has taken to chasing around foreign reporters; the atmosphere within Israel, Saragusti told me, is very divisive and polarized. Schejter told me that he worries about a rise in self-censorship and a rise in the persecution of the Arab minority in Israel, especially at universities. Already, numerous Arab and Jewish Israeli demonstrators have been arrested, protests have been broken up, and a top police chief told anyone wanting to identify with Gaza that he would happily put them on a bus there. In a recent editorial about these trends, Haaretz warned that a McCarthyite persecution of Israels own citizens has begun.

And, while top defense officials have accepted some responsibility for the Hamas attack, Netanyahu so far has notand has refused to even take journalists questions about it. One person close to him says such a thing is not in his emotional make-up. As I wrote last month, a lack of access has been one facet of a broader war on the press that Netanyahu has waged since he returned as prime minister last year; he has granted numerous (mostly smooth-talking) interviews to US anchors but only a handful to the domestic press, and then mostly to friendly outlets. Since the Hamas attack, Netanyahu has not made himself available for a sit-down at all, communicating instead through video messages posted to social media.

The level of domestic anger at Netanyahu and his allies is such that they will surely not be able to avoid scrutiny. But if past is prologue, they will try. Karhis push to shutter Al Jazeera is not best understood as an outgrowth of this survival instinctbut he owes his position to Netanyahu, and his prior efforts to radically overhaul the media landscape must at least be kept in mind going forward. They have always deserved more international attention.

In the days after the invasion, Karhi did another interview that did not garner as much US media interest as his comments on Trump. I keep hearing apologize, take responsibility, ask for forgiveness, Karhi said. For what? The backlash was swift, and an hour later, Karhi backpedaled, claiming his words had been taken out of context. Of course there is responsibility for leadership, he said. My intention was to say that we should not be dealing with that during a time of war.



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: The fog of war

Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
A former Allstate claims adjuster will spend one year and a day in prison and forfeit his beach house and pickup truck to the federal government after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.

Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Paul Richard Massey, of Shady Spring, West Virginia, issued 68 fraudulent checks from Allstate accounts totaling $862,871.29 while he worked as a claims adjuster in 2018 and 2019. Massey had authorization to issue settlement checks for up to $100,000 in his position with Allstate, according to documents filed with the court.

Federal prosecutors say Massey issued checks to American Mitigation Services, also known as AMS Cleaning, for mitigation work that was never done. Massey told an Allstate fraud investigator that he had no financial interest in AMS Cleaning but later admitted that he was an authorized signer for checks written on the business bank accounts.

Massey tried to cover up his crimes by creating fraudulent receipts and documents that appeared to justify the payments. He also created a fictitious $1 million contract purporting to show that AMS had been sold to a non-existent company before he issued any of the checks.

According to prosecutors, Massey used the money he stole from Allstate to pay employees and buy inventory for a business he operated, Massey Powersports LLC. The company sells all-terrain vehicles, tractors and motorcycles at two locations, one in Cross Lanes and the other in Beckley, West Virginia, according to the companys website.

Massey pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in an agreement with prosecutors. Federal sentencing guidelines called for a prison sentence of 51 to 63 months.

The US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of West Virginia seized a two-bedroom house he owned in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, which has a current value of $496,000, according to Zillow.com. He also agreed to hand over the title to his 2019 Ford pickup. Federal prosecutors agreed to allow him to retain ownership of his business as long as he pays restitution.

US District Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Massey on Thursday.

Top photo: Prosecutors say Massey used part of the proceeds of his insurance fraud scheme to buy inventory for his business, Massey Power Sports. All-terrain vehicles sold at the companys showroom in Beckley, West Virginia are shown.
 Damage to a Baltic Sea gas pipeline earlier this month is believed to have been caused by a ship dragging a large anchor along the seabed, but it was too early to tell if this was an accident or a deliberate act, Finnish police said on Tuesday.

Investigators said they had now retrieved a lost anchor from the seabed location where the pipeline ruptured on Oct. 8, and were investigating whether it belonged to a Chinese container vessel.

Police have previously said damage to the Balticconnector subsea gas pipeline and two Baltic Sea telecoms cables was cause by external mechanical force and were investigating whether this was a case of sabotage or caused by accident.

Broad drag marks were seen on the seabed leading up to where the pipeline was broken, and the anchor was lying immediately after the damage spot. A narrower path was seen on the seabed stretching onwards for dozens of miles, police said.

A piece of the anchor, one of its two spikes, had broken off, they added.

The next questions are about whether it was intentional, negligence, poor seamanship, and thats where we get into whether there could be a motive for whats going on, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Robin Lardot told a press conference.

But its too early to answer that at this stage, he added.

The NBI on Friday said they were focusing their probe on the Chinese NewNew Polar Bear container vessel that had traveled above the pipeline and the cables at the time of the damage.

The NBI on Tuesday said they had established that the NewNew Polar Bear was in fact missing one of its front anchors, and said they had tried unsuccessfully to contact the ship to ask whether this was the one retrieved in the Gulf of Finland.

China called on Monday for an objective, fair and professional investigation into the pipeline damage.

The incident cut pipeline gas supplies to Finland, although the country expects to manage with imports of liquefied natural gas via ship deliveries to its Inkoo port.

As a result of the damage, NATO has stepped up patrols in the Baltic Sea.

In September 2022, the larger Nord Stream pipelines connecting Germany and Russia were damaged by explosions that authorities have said were deliberate acts of sabotage, although it is still unclear who was behind the attack.

Top photo: A compression station of the Baltic Connector marine gas pipeline is pictured in Inkoo, Finland, Nov. 5, 2019. Finnish government is to hold a press conference later on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, to inform about the Baltic Connector marine gas pipeline leak in the Gulf of Finland. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva via AP)
Deane to Replace Nasenberry at the Hartford

The Hartford has appointed Stephen Deane as head of claims and operations to replace Mary Nasenberry, who will retire at the end of the year.

Deane is returning to The Hartford after three years with Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he served as executive vice president and chief claims officer for Global Risk Solutions, North America, the carrier said in a press release. Before joining Liberty Mutual, he worked for more than 16. Years at the Hartford in variouls leadership roles, including senior vice president of group benefits and workers compensation claims.

Deane was also an attorney at Robinson & Cole LLP and managed a claims team at Travelers, the Hartford said. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Notre Dam and juris doctor from the University of Connecticut.

Nasenberry joined the Hartford in 1999 as legal counsel and was named chief claims officer in 2021, the company said. She holds a patent on the Hartfords customer loyalty index process and was a founding leader of the companys health services organization.

Tokio Marine Appoints Cyber Claims Leader

Tokio Marine HCC, an international specialty insurer, has appointed as senior vice president and head of cyber claims and incident response.

She reports to Group President Michael Palotay. Her appointment was effective Sept. 25.

Lyle oversees the Tokio groups cyber claims department and incident response team.

Catherine is an extraordinary talent whose mastery of cyber claims and coverage across multiple carriers will be critical to our success in the next growth phase, Palotay said in a press release.

Lyle previously served as head of claims at cyber insurer Coalition, where she was the first woman to join the organization and grew its claims team from one to 18 people in just a few years, Tokio Marine said. She focused on cyberattack resolution and worked closely with underwriting to ensure proper policy wording for insureds.

Lyle was also a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is a published author and a privacy attorney who speaks globally on cyber trends, law and claims, Tokio Marine said. She has worked on legislation that became cyber privacy laws and recently spoke at the internationally known cybersecurity event, Black Hat USA 2023, the carrier said.

ABL Consultants Hires Marine Claims Specialist

ABL, a London-based marine casualty management consulting company, has hired Paul Johnston as client relationship director for its European maritime team.

Johnston will work closely with protection and indemnity carriers and marine law firms, ABL said in a press release.

Johnston was previously a senior claims executive with NorthStandard Limited for 11 years. He is also a master mariner with 18 seafaring years working for major shipping companies.

Pauls wealth of knowledge from his P&I club background, enables us to bring significant added value to clients across the insurance and legal industries, stated Paul Martin, managing director maritime (Europe and W. Africa) at ABL.

WTW Hires Claims Chief

Insurance brokerage WTW has appointed Rob Powell as global chief claims officer. He will join the firm in 2024 and report to Adam Garrard, global head of risk and broking.

Powell was previously global chief claims officer at Marsh McLennan, where he oversaw claims operations, advocacy and forensic advisory services. Before that, he was global chief claims officer for Torus Insurance and head of first party for Xchanging, according to his LinkedIn page.

Powell will align claims teams working with WTWs specialist industry practices and use data and analytics to deliver claims services to clients, the London-based brokerage said in a press release.
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A resident of Fox Hollow Court reported Oct. 13 that she was the victim of a scam after receiving a call from someone claiming to her grandson and stating that he had been arrested in South Carolina after causing a car accident.

The caller had her speak to another man, whom she was led to believe was the father of her grandsons friend and also an attorney. That man instructed her to obtain $12,000 cash for bond and he would send a courier to retrieve it.

The woman, 87, said she withdrew $7,000 from her bank account and borrowed $5,000 from her son-in-law. She subsequently gave it to a man who drove to her home in a black sedan.

She did not tell her son-in-law why she needed the money.

As the investigation began, it was learned that similar incidents had occurred that week in Parma, Wickliffe, Garfield Heights, Brecksville and North Ridgeville. There was also evidence to suggest that the same suspects were involved.

Read more news from the Sun Messenger.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The 2023 Ohio deer gun hunting season is about a month away, the most popular game animal hunted in Ohio, according to The Ohio Wildlife Council. With this considered to be peak hunting season in the state, how many people have a license to partake this year?

Stacker compiled data on the number of registered hunters in Ohio using U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service data. State rankings from Stacker are determined by per capita hunting license holders based on 2023 data and 2022 population estimates.

Ohio has the 14th lowest number of paid hunting license holders in the country, at about 3.1 licenses for every 100 people. This equals to 360,421 licenses in total. With tags, permits and stamps, this number increases to 878,865 people.

The total cost of hunting licenses, tags, permits and stamps in Ohio is $13,507,998.

Ohio is the second lowest state in the Midwest regarding paid hunting licenses, only ahead of Illinois, which has the lowest amount of paid hunting licenses, with 2.3 for every 100 people, or 289,992 total.

Neighboring Indiana (4 paid licenses for every 100 people) comes in at the third lowest regionally.

At the top nationally is Wyoming, which has 23.4 paid license holders for every 100 people, followed by South Dakota with 22.7 for every 100 people.

Ohios deer gun season this year will be from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3. The Ohio Wildlife Council approved bag limit increases to three deer in Belmont, Gallia, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson and Monroe counties. Butler County received a decrease to two bags. Only one antlered deer may be harvested, regardless of where or how it is taken.

While there are 15.9 million hunting license holders in the United States, the number of people with hunting licenses in the United States has been on a sharp decline from a peak of roughly 17 million in the 1980s.

Game commissions attribute this decline to a few factors, including the rise in urbanization, farmland development, a lack of free time among hunters, and limited access to hunting land.

Zachary Smith is the data reporter for cleveland.com. You can reach him at zsmith@cleveland.com. See previous data stories at this link.
GRANTSVILLE, Utah  City officials cant argue this pole dancer was showing too much skin ... it actually had no skin.

But a Halloween display that featured a skeleton appearing to pole dance on a city sign while two other skeletons looked on, one holding a fistful of dollar bills, drew a rebuke from Grantsville officials, who used a post on social media to issue an ultimatum demanding the person take the display down.

Displays like this are not acceptable as it is against city code to attach anything to a street sign, the post says.

The person who put up the display complied ... by moving it to the front yard of a residence, adding a new pole decorated with lights and also a tip jar, Fox 13 Now reports.

It may be a little risque for some people but its all in the name of fun, the man responsible for the display tells Fox 13 Now.
PORTLAND, Oregon  An off-duty pilot is facing dozens of criminal charges after he was accused of trying to shut down the engines of a commercial airliner in midflight, reports say.

The captain and first officer on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 were able to subdue Joseph David Emerson, 44, before he could disrupt the operation of the engines during Sundays flight, the airline said in a statement. The airline says Emerson, who was in the flight decks jump seat, tried to shut down the engines by pulling a T-handle that engages the fire suppression system, causing a valve in the wing to shut off fuel to the engine.

In this case, the quick reaction of our crew to reset the T-handles ensured engine power was not lost, the statement says. Our crew responded without hesitation to a difficult and highly unusual situation and we are incredibly proud and grateful for their skillful actions.

The plane was diverted to Portland International Airport and Emerson was taken into custody, the statement says. The FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department are investigating. The flight had taken off from Everett, Washington, and was traveling to San Francisco. Passengers changed planes in Portland to complete their trip.

ABC News reports Emerson is charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one felony count of endangering an aircraft.

According to the airline, Emerson joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon first officer in August 2001. In June 2012, he left Horizon to join Virgin America as a pilot. Alaska Air Group acquired Virgin America in 2016, at which time Emerson became an Alaska Airlines first officer. He became a captain in 2019.

CNN reports that investigators do not believe there are any links to terrorism or ideologically motivated violence in connection with the incident.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Dutch merchants sailing back and forth to Indonesia in the 17th century to monopolize European trade in nutmeg, mace and cloves, were also delighted to bring home large, flawless nautilus shells, valued as scientific and aesthetic curiosities by wealthy collectors.

Metalsmiths in Amsterdam, Delft and other cities turned the shells into elaborate cups, mounted with sculptural depictions of sea monsters, birds and other creatures.

The Cleveland Museum of Art just acquired an outstanding 17th-century Dutch nautilus cup for $1.5 million from an auction of Rothschild family items offered at Christies in New York earlier this month.

The sale was one of three that brought a total of $62.6 million. They were reported to be the first dedicated to items from the French branch of the famous European Jewish banking family.

Many of the works on sale, including the Cleveland nautilus cup, were first acquired in the 19th century by Baron James Mayer de Rothschild. The museum doesnt report prices in private sales, but auction prices are public record.

I was really thrilled, said Ada de Wit, the museums recently appointed curator of decorative art. When a piece like this appears at auction you really have to act fast, so you dont miss the opportunity, she said in an interview with cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. In this case, we had to mobilize quickly.

A sea monster growls at the top of the Cleveland Museum of Art's newly acquired nautilus cup.Cleveland Museum of Art

The cup was among the Rothschild items confiscated by the Nazis during World War II as part of a campaign to deprive Jewish collectors of their property and to raise cash for the Third Reich, or to fill the Fuhrer-Museum, planned by Adolf Hitler in Linz, Austria.

The French Rothschild collections were returned to the family after the war and have been owned by its members ever since.

We know exactly what happened, de Wit said. We have a known provenance without gaps.

In Cleveland, the nautilus cup joins other works taken from the Rothschilds by the Nazis and later returned before they were sold by the family, as cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reported in 2014.

Those works include Diana and Her Nymphs Departing for the Hunt, circa 1615, by Peter Paul Rubens and assistants; and Frans Hals 1634 Portrait of Tieleman Roosterman.

"Diana and Her Nymphs Departing for the Hunt,'' c. 1615, by Peter Paul Rubens.Cleveland Museum of Art

The Rubens was confiscated from the collection of Edouard Rothschild and Baroness de Rothschild and returned to the family after the war before museum bought it in 1959.

The Roosterman portrait was taken by the Nazis from Baron Nathaniel von Rothschild in Vienna in 1938 and was later held by the Austrian state museums until 1999, when the country returned the work to the heirs of Barons Alphonse and Louis von Rothschild. The heirs then sold the work at auction at Christies in London on July 8, 1999, where the Cleveland museum paid $12.8 million, then a record price for a Hals.

"Portrait of Tieleman Roosterman,'' 1634, by Frans Hals.Cleveland Museum of Art

De Wit said the museum would display the nautilus cup in its Dutch Gallery, No. 213, as soon as possible, but perhaps not before the end of the year.

Dutch collectors in the 17th century valued nautilus shells because of their unusual spiraling shapes, but also because the shells embodied the mathematics of the Fibonacci Sequence, in which each new number is the sum of the two preceding ones.

A gilt silver sculpture of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune and luck, adorns the top of the Cleveland Museum of Art's newly acquired nautilus cup.Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland cup, which bears the 1607 mark of the Delft goldsmith Cornelis Jansz van der Burch, is mounted on an elaborate stand and held snugly in silver gilt ribs, or straps. The open end of the shell is rimmed with a crescent-shaped pouring spout and topped with a growling sea monster topped by a sculpture of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune and luck.

In this case, she appears to have smiled not just on Dutch spice traders, but on the Cleveland museum.

The mounts are very good quality and very elegant, de Wit said. This cup ticked all our boxes.
LUDZIDZINI  Once again, His Majesty King Mswati III has sought the advice of emaSwati on who to choose as the captain of the 12th Parliament, as well as Cabinet ministers.

The King, when addressing throngs of emaSwati who were gathered at Sibaya, said following the completion of the elections at constituency level, the next phase was to know who the captain of the ship would be. The monarch said for such an assignment, he had prayed to choose the right candidate to present to the nation as the next prime minister (PM).

committees

However, the King said as he was thinking of the name to present to the nation as the new PM, he recalled that Sibaya was a national council, just like other standing committees, which advised the King. He said Sibaya could advise the King on who the next PM should be and in acknowledgement of Sibaya as per the Constitution, he thought it would be fair that the nation advised him. Inkhosi naseyelulekwe Sibaya, konkhe kuyobese kuhamba kahle nine bekunene, the King said. This drew loud shouts of Bayethe from the throngs of people gathered at Sibaya. The monarch proceeded to say that before appointing the PM, he would give the nation an opportunity to engage and discuss on a number of issues that bother them at Sibaya.

His Majesty King Mswati III said the engagement should not only be limited to who the next premier should be, but could also include advice on Cabinet as well. He said all advice was welcome and he might consider it if he bought into it. We should also recall that when we reflect on the Constitution, it is clear that the King shall get advice on Cabinet from the PM and I say this so that we are aware that whatever we say should also be aligned to it (Constitution), the monarch said. His Majesty also made emphasis on traditions and respect. The King said the nation should not neglect respect and also the traditions which had made emaSwati distinct from other nations.

The monarch said respect and observing cultural traditions had become the trademark of emaSwati world over. He said the nation should also devise a way to pass these traits to the next generations so that they could follow same. He also thanked the nation for supporting traditions and culture. He further thanked emaSwati who resided in South Africa for partaking in Sibaya and other national events that had been held. On the other hand, the King said the choosing of the premier and Cabinet would be the last lap of the elections. It is worth noting that the nation will be advising the King on choosing the next PM for the second time as this happened in 2018, following the election of the 11th Parliament. This was when deceased premier, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, was then appointed as the PM. At the time when it happened, it was novel as it was a deviation from what had become the norm wherein the King, using the powers vested in him by the Constitution of Eswatini, Act 1 of 2005, appointed a PM. For the 12th Parliament PM, the nation shall converge at Sibaya for a number of days to engage, discuss and deliberate on a number of issues affecting them. However, the King said most of the things should be done within a time frame that would be cognisant of Incwala as well, which is anticipated to start before the lapse of next month.
Heres a look at some of the top stories trending online today, October 24. They include the latest news on Donald Trump, todays House speaker nominations vote, a major accident caused by superfog in New Orleans and much more.

For the third time, Republicans will nominate a speaker candidate Tuesday (NBC)

Trump declines to endorse GOP speaker candidate for now, says hes trying to stay out of it (CBS)

Donald Trump expected back at civil fraud trial with fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen set to testify (AP)

Hamas frees 2 Israeli women as U.S. advises delaying ground war to allow talks on captives (Politico)

Hamas militants may potentially try crossing southern border, US officials warn (ABC)

7 killed in 158-vehicle pileup as super fog clouds New Orleans (Washington Post)

UAW expands strike to Stellantis pickup truck plant in Michigan (CNBC)

Other trending headlines

An off-duty pilot tried to disrupt an Alaska Airlines flights engines before being subdued, airline says (CNN)

Bobi, the Worlds Oldest Dog Ever, Dead at 31 (People)

Bird flu spreads to commercial turkey, backyard flocks in Iowa (UPI)

Kremlin says Putin is healthy, laughs off body double rumours (Reuters)

Mary Lou Retton Is Released From Hospital, Daughter Says (NY Times)
NEOM, a futuristic city being built in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, and DSV, a global supply chain solutions leader, have announced a $10 billion exclusive logistics joint venture to provide a full suite of ground, sea and air logistics services to support the development of the ambitious projects taking shape in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

The partnership will focus on providing logistics services for NEOM in the coming years, said a statement.

Under the agreement, the joint venture will provide end-to-end supply chain management, development and investments in transport and logistics assets and infrastructure as well as transport and delivery of goods and materials within NEOM.

NEOM will hold 51% of the joint venture with DSV holding the remaining 49%.

NEOM envisions unparalleled demand for construction logistics through to December 31, 2031, with sustained growth in non-construction logistics thereafter. In addition to its impact on the logistics landscape, the venture is expected to boost the Saudi economy, through infrastructure development and creating more than 20,000 job opportunities, it said.

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: This partnership not only shows the reality of NEOM and its vision, but also the private sectors level of confidence to join us on this journey. The projected demand in both construction and non-construction logistics will make NEOM one of the largest customers in the world, and this partnership allows NEOM to create value from its demand.

Working alongside one of the worlds leading logistics companies, the joint venture with DSV will build on expertise and know-how to drive innovation and sustainability throughout the logistics value chain. The economic benefit to this partnership will not only provide tens of thousands of jobs, but it will also enable growth to capture local and regional market share. Its a living example of Saudi Vision 2030 in action, fostering job creation and building a future-leaning economy.

Jens Bjrn Andersen, Group CEO, DSV, said: NEOM is one of the largest and most complex projects in the world. It provides a unique opportunity for DSV to support a development that is at the forefront of innovation, technology and digital transformation. DSV already has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, and this is a significant growth opportunity for us in the region and we look forward to working with NEOM Company and bringing our logistics capabilities to the table.

NEOM and DSV are committed to driving innovation and will allocate a portion of the JVs revenues to foster the development of groundbreaking technologies and commercialise new sustainable next-generation logistics solutions. The vision extends further by establishing a dedicated innovation centre at NEOM, the statement said.

The new joint venture is a significant milestone demonstrating NEOM's commitment to revolutionizing Saudi Arabia's logistics sector, and paves the way for pioneering sustainable logistics solutions, marking a new chapter in its journey towards realizing Vision 2030, it added. -TradeArbia News Service
Alok Gupta, CEO of YKA (centre), with Chen Yu, ZEEKRVice President (third from left), along with senior officials from ZEEKRat the signing

Y K Almoayyed & Sons (YKA), a leading automotive conglomerate in Bahrain, has announced its partnership with ZEEKR, a global electric mobility technology brand from Geely Holding Group.

As part of the partnership, YKAs subsidiary company, Asia Motors, has been appointed as the authorised distributor of ZEEKR for Bahrain. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the YKAs commitment to spearheading sustainable transportation solutions and driving the future of electric mobility in the region, the company said.

ZEEKR is renowned for its premium electric vehicles that combine stunning aesthetics, advanced technology, and exceptional performance. The brand represents a new era of automotive innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and eco-consciousness, it said.

ZEEKR was founded in 2021 and specialises in electric mobility based on its revolutionary Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Partnering with tech leaders like Mobileye and Waymo, the brand is valued at $13 billion as of February 2023. Their state-of-the-art electric vehicles are equipped with CATL's long-range Qilin batteries, offering a range of over 1,032 km on a single charge.

ZEEKR will offer ZEEKR 001 shooting-brake and ZEEKR X sport-utility vehicle models in Bahrain. The two models are engaging in localisation, with a range of features such as the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), local navigation, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI). Considering the high-temperature scenarios, both models are calibrated and tested in Saudi Arabia with heat management and high-pressure systems to ensure the air conditioning system's reliability. It shows they can meet regulatory requirements and performance in steady conditions.

YKAs partnership with ZEEKR reinforces its dedication to providing customers with top-of-the-line electric vehicles that are both luxurious and environmentally friendly.

"We are excited to introduce ZEEKR EV to the Kingdom of Bahrain," said Farouk Almoayyed, Chairman of Y K Almoayyed & Sons Group. "With this new brand, we are not only offering customers a range of high-quality electric vehicles but also contributing to Bahrain's sustainable development goals. ZEEKR products perfectly reflect our commitment to innovation, luxury, and environmental responsibility."

The introduction of the ZEEKR brand in the Bahrain market perfectly aligns with the kingdoms vision for a greener and more sustainable future. As the world transitions towards electric mobility, YKA is at the forefront, offering a comprehensive line-up of ZEEKR EV models that cater to various customer preferences and needs, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service
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An Alaska Airlines jet departs John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, CA on Monday, August 8, 2022. Medianews Group/orange County Register Via Getty Images | Medianews Group | Getty Images

"I am not okay," an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot traveling in a cockpit jump seat said before allegedly grabbing handles that could have disabled the aircraft's engines, according to a federal complaint filed on Tuesday. Joseph David Emerson, 44, has been in custody since Sunday when a San Francisco-bound Horizon Air plane, which was operating Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, diverted to Portland International Airport after his alleged attempt to shut down the engines by engaging the fire suppression system, the airline said. State and federal court documents filed Tuesday described a brief struggle between Emerson and one of the flight's pilots before Emerson was restrained at the back of the plane. Emerson told investigators that he had been depressed, not sleeping and had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days before the incident, the documents said. Emerson, based in Pleasant Hill, California, was charged in federal court with interfering with flight crew members, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the Justice Department said. He was previously charged in Oregon with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and a count of endangering an aircraft, according to booking records from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. He pleaded not guilty to those charges on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.

Emerson was sitting in the jump seat of the aircraft and engaging in "casual conversation" with the plane's pilots at the beginning of the flight. Pilots regularly pick up jump seats in commercial cockpits to commute. The pilots told investigators that there was no indication of anything wrong early in the flight, according to court records. But then, both pilots reported to investigators, Emerson shouted he was not OK and attempted to pull engine fire handles that would have cut off fuel to the engines. One pilot said Emerson "had to be wrestled with" while the other pilot declared an inflight emergency and diverted to Portland, the court filing said. One of the flight's pilots told investigators that Emerson settled down after about 20 to 30 seconds and exited the cockpit. After leaving the cockpit, Emerson told a flight attendant, "You need to cuff me right now or it's going to be bad." During the descent he tried to grab a handle of the emergency exit door, and was stopped by a cabin crew member, the document said.

'I thought I was dreaming'

Emerson told investigators that he thought he was having a "nervous breakdown," was dehydrated and tired, the federal complaint said. "I pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up," Emerson said according to the complaint, which cites police officers who interviewed him upon returning to the ground. Emerson denied taking medication, according to the charging documents. He talked with an officer "about the use of psychedelic mushrooms" and "said it was his first-time taking mushrooms," the federal court filing said. A spokesman for the local Justice Department's office declined to comment further. Emerson told a police officer and medical personnel that he took "magic mushrooms" 48 hours before the incident on the plane, according to a separate set of state court documents. Those documents said Emerson told police that a friend of his recently passed away.

No signs of intoxication
Alphabet reported 11% revenue growth in the third quarter, as a rebound in advertising pushed expansion into double digits for the first time in over a year. The shares dropped almost 7% in extended trading as the cloud business missed analysts' estimates.

Here are the results.

Earnings per share: $1.55 per share vs. $1.45 per share expected by LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv

$1.55 per share vs. $1.45 per share expected by LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv Revenue: $76.69 billion vs. $75.97 billion expected by LSEG

The company also reported the following numbers:

YouTube advertising revenue : $7.95 billion vs. $7.81 billion expected, according to StreetAccount

: $7.95 billion vs. $7.81 billion expected, according to StreetAccount Google Cloud revenue: $8.41 billion vs. $8.64 billion, according to StreetAccount

$8.41 billion vs. $8.64 billion, according to StreetAccount Traffic acquisition costs: $12.64 billion vs. $12.63 billion, according to StreetAccount

The double-digit increase in revenue comes after four quarters of single-digit expansion. Google's core advertising weakened due to economic softening last year and increased competition from TikTok.

Net income rose to $19.7 billion, or $1.55 per share, from $13.9 billion, or $1.06 per share.

For the third quarter, the company reported advertising revenue of $59.65 billion, up from $54.48 billion a year ago. YouTube advertising revenue beat analyst expectations, reporting $7.95 billion. In a call with investors, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said Shorts, YouTube's TikTok competitor, now has 70 billion daily views, up from the more than 50 billion daily views at the beginning of the year.

Cloud revenue came in below estimates at $8.41 billion, missing the mark by more than $20 million.

Alphabet's cloud unit has been a key area of investment as the company tries to catch Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. The business is becoming even more important with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, because more companies are turning to the public cloud to run hefty workloads.
A bipartisan group of 42 attorneys general is suing Meta , alleging that features on its Facebook and Instagram social media platforms are addictive and are aimed at kids and teens, the group announced Tuesday. The support from so many state attorneys general of different political backgrounds indicates a significant legal challenge to Meta's business.

Meta is now facing multiple lawsuits on this issue in several districts. Attorneys general from 33 states filed a federal suit against Meta in the Northern District of California, while nine additional attorneys general are filing in their own states, according to a press release from New York Attorney General Letitia James' office. Besides New York, the states that filed the federal suit include California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin.

The lawsuits are another demonstration of the bipartisan priority state law enforcers have placed on protecting kids and teens from online harm.

"This is a tough time in America," Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said at a press conference after the lawsuit was filed. "We have polarization the likes of which we have not seen since the Civil War. And so for all of the attorneys general from both parties, people who frequently disagree very vocally and very publicly, to all come together and to move in the same direction, I think that says something."

"This is not an action we take lightly," Colorado AG Phil Weiser said at the press conference. "This is not a case that we know is going to be decided very quickly. But it's of the utmost importance. That's why we dedicated level resources of the state agencies brought together here addressing issues that are top of our national agenda."

It's not the first time a broad coalition of state attorneys general have teamed up to go after Meta. In 2020, 48 states and territories sued the company on antitrust grounds, alongside a separate complaint from the Federal Trade Commission.

Meta designed its Facebook and Instagram products to keep young users on them for longer and repeatedly coming back, the attorneys general allege. According to the federal complaint, Meta did this via the design of its algorithms, copious alerts, notifications and so-called infinite scroll through platform feeds. The company also includes features that the AGs allege negatively impact teens' mental health through social comparison or promoting body dysmorphia, such as "likes" or photo filters.

The federal suit also accuses Meta of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, by collecting personal data on users under 13 without parental consent.

The states are seeking an end to what they see as Meta's harmful practices, as well as penalties and restitution.

Meta was well aware of the negative effects its design could have on its young users, the attorneys general allege.

"While Meta has publicly denied and downplayed these harmful effects, it cannot credibly plead ignorance," James' office wrote in a press release. "Meta's own internal research documents show its awareness that its products harm young users. Indeed, internal studies that Meta commissioned  and kept private until they were leaked by a whistleblower and publicly reported  reveal that Meta has known for years about these serious harms associated with young users' time spent on its platforms."

Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen caused an uproar among lawmakers and parents in 2021 after leaking internal documents from the company that revealed internal research on its products. One set of documents about Instagram's impact on teens found that "thirty-two percent of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse," The Wall Street Journal reported before Haugen made her identity known. Following the report, Instagram said it was working on ways to pull users away from dwelling on negative topics.

"It should have been the practice of Meta to alert people that they were dealing with a dangerous, potentially addictive product before they started using it," District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb told CNBC in a phone interview. Schwalb is among the attorneys general who filed an individual suit against Meta alleging it violated the district's consumer protection law.
The Chinese government removed Gen. Li Shangfu from the post of defense minister and state councilor without appointing a replacement, state media CCTV reported Tuesday.

His dismissal was announced through an order of China's legislative body, the National People's Congress. No explanation was given for his removal.

Li, who was appointed to lead China's Defense Ministry during a broader Cabinet reshuffle in March, has not been seen in public for the past two months, according to Reuters.

Reuters also reported that Li, 65, faced a corruption probe over the procurement of military equipment  which CNBC could not independently confirm. Renown for valuing loyalty, Chinese President Xi Jinping has unleashed a drove of anti-corruption campaigns against all levels of the Chinese Communist Party, targeting both "tigers and flies"  referring to officials both petty and grand.

An aerospace engineer who began his career at China's Rocket Launch Center, Li had smoothly risen through the ranks, with promotions that included membership of the Central Military Commission  the country's highest national defense organization  since 2022.

Li is the second high-profile minister from Xi's administration to be removed amid a storm of speculation. In July, Qin Gang  who was also stripped of his authority as state councilor on Tuesday  was dismissed from his role as foreign minister after a one-month absence.
China's Xiamen Airlines has launched its new Beijing to Doha (Qatar) route with the inaugural flight arriving in the Hamad International Airport in Doha on Friday, October 20.

With this, Xiamen Airlines has become the first and only Chinese carrier to offer direct flights from China to Qatar. Xiamen Airlines has also become the very first and the only Chinese carrier to fly between China and Qatar, the airline said.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The opening of this air route will build a broader Air Silk Road to promote economic and trade cooperation and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries, a statement said.

The Xiamen Airlines on Beijing Daxing- Doha route will operate daily. The flight MF845 departs from Daxing, Beijing at 18:30 and arrives in Doha at 22:45 local time, MF846 in return leaves Doha at 02:00 local time and arrives in Daxing, Beijing at 15:20.

A regular flight from Xiamen to Doha will start on October 31. This service will operate twice a week, building a bridge between China's Fujian Province and the Gulf.
Coca-Cola on Tuesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations as consumers shook off higher prices for its namesake soda, Simply juice and other drinks.

The company also hiked its full-year outlook.

Coca-Cola shares closed Tuesday up 2.88%.

Here's what the company reported compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv:

Earnings per share: 74 cents adjusted vs. 69 cents expected

Revenue: $11.91 billion adjusted vs. $11.44 billion expected

Coke reported third-quarter net income attributable to shareholders of $3.09 billion, or 71 cents per share, up from $2.83 billion, or 65 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding transactions gains, restructuring costs and other items, the beverage giant earned 74 cents per share.

Adjusted sales rose 8% to $11.91 billion. Organic revenue, which strips out the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, climbed 11%.

Like many companies, Coke has raised prices on its products over the last two years, citing rising commodity costs. But in July, the company said it was done hiking prices in the U.S. and Europe this year. This quarter, its prices were up 9% compared with the year-ago period.

Coke's unit case volume, which unlike its net revenue excludes pricing and currency, grew 2% in the quarter despite its higher prices. While Coke has seen demand weaken somewhat, rival PepsiCo has had steeper declines in demand.

In North America, the company's volume was flat, but shoppers bought more Coke Zero Sugar and Fairlife dairy drinks. For comparison, Pepsi reported that its North American beverage volume shrank 6% in its third quarter.

Coke's away-from-home drinks business is growing faster than its at-home division, executives said. CEO James Quincey said that it's easier for consumers to trade down to private-label options when shopping at grocery stores compared with dining out at restaurants, amusement parks or sports stadiums.

"That's what is really driving the strength of the U.S. business overall and the revenue side. We see a kind of divergence of the consumer behavior at home and away from home," Quincey said.

European consumers have been cutting back their spending more than U.S. shoppers, executives said. Sales in Europe were also hurt by this summer's hot temperatures.

Coke's sales in China also struggled. The country's pandemic recovery has been uneven, despite the Chinese government rolling back its Zero Covid policy late last year. But Coke is looking to have a strong Lunar New Year in 2024, Quincey said.

All of Coke's drink divisions reported volume growth. Both its sparkling soft drinks and juice, dairy and plant-based beverage divisions reported 2% increases in volume. Coke's water, sports, coffee and tea business saw 1% volume growth.

For the full year, Coke now expects comparable earnings per share growth of 7% to 8%, up from its prior range of 5% to 6%. The company also adjusted its outlook for organic revenue, forecasting an increase of 10% to 11%, up from the prior range of 8% to 9%.

Looking ahead to 2024, Coke is projecting a mid single-digit headwind from currency. The company said it will share the rest of its 2024 outlook when it reports fourth-quarter earnings early next year.
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, slammed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He also said the cryptocurrency exchange is looking to invest more outside of the U.S.

Shares of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase rose about 6% Tuesday as optimism about a long-awaited bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund approval buoyed the stock. It could be a turning point for the company, which has been sparring with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Manhattan federal court.

Shares of Grayscale's Bitcoin Trust also surged in Tuesday morning trading by nearly 5%. Grayscale saw a victory formalized in federal appeals court Monday, when a judge's mandate that the SEC review the company's Bitcoin ETF proposal took effect.

Coinbase's stock price, which was also lifted by that finalized decision, often closely mirrors broader cryptocurrency markets in performance. The company is one of the largest crypto custodians and has been tapped by a host of prospective ETFs, including BlackRock's proposed Bitcoin ETF, in that capacity.

The SEC has been the subject of both industry and Congressional criticism over its perceived "regulation-by-enforcement" approach. Critics argue that the regulator is punitively targeting cryptocurrency exchanges in the wake of the collapse of FTX, while advocates say many cryptocurrencies are indeed securities and further regulation is not required to establish the SEC's jurisdiction.

The tussle over jurisdiction has dampened the share prices of crypto-exposed companies. Coinbase is up nearly 119% year to date but remains well off its pre-crypto-winter levels. MicroStrategy , another crypto-exposed firm, saw its shares rise 12% during Tuesday morning trading but remains similarly down compared to 2022 levels.

Coinbase is also due to make one last filing in its motion to appeal. The company moved to dismiss the SEC's claims in August, arguing in part that the SEC's lawsuit was both beyond the scope of the SEC's authority and that the assets in question did not constitute securities under the Howey Test. The SEC responded in turn by continuing to argue that Coinbase "did" intermediate "transactions involving investment contracts."

Coinbase's response is due in federal court by the end of Tuesday.



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Investors will look to the upcoming earnings season to see whether stocks can recover from recent losses or if more declines are ahead. Bond yields have risen over the past three months, bringing down the value of stocks  but the more imminent and real risk is on the earnings front as we enter the third-quarter reporting season, according to Gerry Fowler, head of European equity strategy at UBS. "All year, we've seen the steady weakening in European soft data and, more recently, hard data. This is the earning season when we start to worry about margins into 2024," Fowler told CNBC's " Squawk Box Europe " last week. While Fowler doesn't expect an immediate sharp decline in earnings, he expects there will be an extended duration of "pain" into 2024. "Margins are still very elevated post-Covid, and our model actually expects a near full reversion of margins back to the average of the last 10 years," he said. "So, if you take a little bit of sales growth but a lot of margin contraction, you actually get to a number of -17% for earnings next year, and at the moment, the market expects +7%." Fowler also thinks there will likely be more net misses for earnings for the first time this year after a solid first quarter and a mixed second quarter. He said economic data has not improved since the second quarter, pointing to weak survey and retail sales data. Fears of a euro zone recession have been compounded after HCOB's flash composite purchasing managers' index for September came in at 47.1, up from August's 33-month low of 46.7 but below the 50-mark separating expansion from contraction. Fowler isn't alone with those concerns. In a note titled "Q3 Earnings - Make or break," Barclays analysts echoed that sentiment, suggesting that despite resilient earnings thus far, more mixed third-quarter economic indicators hint at equally varied results. "Numbers (particularly for Europe) have been lowered, so the bar is not set high. But expectations from our sector analysts feel more mixed this time, and we doubt earnings season can do much more than help stabilize, with risk skewed to the downside on misses rather than much upside from beats," said Barclays European equity strategists led by Emmanuel Cau in a note to clients on Oct 11. "Earnings are the last shoe to drop, so if they disappoint, it is hard to see what will be a backstop to the stock market." How will stocks react to earnings? UBS analysts have identified stocks that could surprise, both positively and negatively, when their earnings results are released in the coming weeks. For upside, Fowler named European lender Santander , industrial giant Atlas Copco and pan-European airline Ryanair . He named Siemens Energy , semiconductor company Nordic Semi and Swedish miner Boliden for downside surprises. Fowler said UBS analysts have historically been pretty accurate at predicting surprises, especially when combined with a value investing bias, which has tended to outperform. Fowler also looked at how institutional investors, such as hedge funds, have positioned themselves in each stock based on prime brokerage data across the industry. Stocks primed for a positive surprise due to overly negative sentiment include Vonovia and Universal Music Group . On the downside, he said crowded names like AstraZeneca could be vulnerable.
General Motors surprised investors  and electric vehicle fans  when it said in July that the little Chevrolet Bolt EV will be revamped, rather than killed off entirely at the end of 2023 as originally planned.

During GM's earnings call Tuesday, CEO Mary Barra shared more details on the thinking behind the decision to keep the Bolt around while giving some hints as to what Bolt fans can expect when the revamped EV goes on sale.

Barra said GM had originally planned to launch a series of newly designed EVs in entry-level segments at a total cost of around $5 billion. But given the popularity of the current Bolt  2023 is already the model's best year ever for sales  it made sense to revamp the existing car instead.

Read more: UAW expands strike to crucial GM SUV plant

"By leveraging the best attributes of today's Bolt EV as well as Ultium, our latest software, and NACS, we will deliver an even better driving charging and ownership experience with a vehicle we know customers love," Barra said. "In the process, we are saving billions in capital and engineering expense, delivering a significantly cost improved battery pack using purchased LFP cells."

Launched in late 2016 and originally aimed at the ride-sharing market, the Bolt had never sold as well as GM had originally hoped. But a series of price cuts, the addition of a roomier crossover-like "EUV" variant in 2021 and American consumers' steadily growing interest in EVs combined to give the Bolt a sales surge in what was supposed to be its final years.

That sales surge is a big part of why GM decided to keep the Bolt around. Sales were up more than 50% in 2022, to just over 38,000 Bolts. This year's sales have already topped that number, with almost 50,000 Bolts sold through the end of September.
DETROIT  General Motors beat Wall Street's third-quarter expectations on Tuesday, as it battles through ongoing labor strikes by the United Auto Workers union that's costing the automaker roughly $200 million a week in lost vehicle production.

The labor strikes, which started Sept. 15, have cost the automaker roughly $800 million in pretax earnings due to lost vehicle production, including $200 million during the third quarter, CFO Paul Jacobson told reporters during a briefing,

The UAW dealt another blow to GM just hours after its quarterly reporting, expanding its strikes to a highly profitable GM plant.

Due to the ongoing volatility caused by the strikes, GM said Tuesday it is pulling its previously announced earnings guidance for the year that called for $12 billion to $14 billion in adjusted earnings and net income attributable to stockholders of between $9.3 billion and $10.7 billion.

Before the UAW strikes, Jacobson said the company was on track to achieve "toward the upper half" of its earnings forecast.

Here's how the company performed in the third quarter, compared with average estimates compiled by LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv:

Adjusted earnings per share: $2.28 versus $1.88, estimated

$2.28 versus $1.88, estimated Revenue: $44.13 billion versus $43.68 billion, estimated

GM's stock bounced around following the report, at one point hitting a new 52-week low of $28.01 per share. The stock closed Tuesday at $28.56, down by 2.3%.

For the third quarter, GM reported net income attributable to stockholders of $3.06 billion, or $2.20 per share, down 7.3% from a year earlier when the company earned $3.31 billion, or $2.25 per share.

Revenue during the period increased 5.4% from $41.89 billion a year earlier, while adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) declined 16.9% from the third quarter of 2022 to $3.56 billion.

GM's North American adjusted earnings were off 9.5% during the third quarter from a year earlier to $3.53 billion. Its international operations increased earnings by roughly 7% to $357 million, while its equity income from operations in China were down year over year by about 42% to $192 million.

GM said Tuesday that from January to September of this year it lost roughly $1.9 billion on Cruise, the company's majority-owned autonomous vehicle subsidiary. Those losses include $732 million during the third quarter, as the company geographically expands operations.
The Google Maps app is seen on a mobile phone.

Google is disabling live traffic conditions in Israel and Gaza on its Maps and Waze apps, a spokesperson said Tuesday. The move comes as Israel is widely anticipated to embark on a ground invasion into Gaza.

"As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities," a Google spokesperson said in a statement. "Anyone navigating to a specific place will still get routes and ETAs that take current traffic conditions into account."

The spokesperson said Google is working with local authorities as part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.

The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately respond to comment about whether it requested the restriction.

Google similarly disabled Maps live traffic data in Ukraine last year at the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, according to Reuters.

The Israel-based website Geektime first reported the news Monday.



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Wall Street is optimistic ahead of Google 's quarterly earnings announcement Tuesday as the tech giant's advertising revenue growth shows signs of recovery. Google has remained more under-the-radar compared with some of the other FAANG names. Nonetheless, it is a top name in the AI arms race. It has invested heavily in generative artificial intelligence throughout the year, such as through its Bard AI platform , its competitor to ChatGPT. The company also unveiled its AI-powered platform Search Generative Experience , which marks one of the largest changes to its search engine. The rollout of the new search experience has raised concerns from website publishers, however, who worry that it could hurt traffic to their websites. The outlook of its search business also has been pressured by concerns that the digital ad market will be hurt by weakness in the economy. Even so, shares have rallied about 12% since it reported its second-quarter earnings in late July. That has outpaced the S & P 500's decline of about 7.5% over the same period. It is one of the best-performing large-cap tech names of 2023, up 55.2%. The company will post its third-quarter results Tuesday after the bell. Analysts are forecasting earnings of $1.45 per share on revenue of $75.97 billion, according to LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv . Google has managed to beat earnings and revenue consensus estimates for 13 of the past 20 quarters, according to StreetAccount. Investors will be keeping a close eye on Google's search revenue growth, progress with the rollout of its generative AI tools and advertising revenue from YouTube. Ahead of Google's quarterly announcement, several Wall Street analysts are staying optimistic, with some also notching up their forecasts. GOOGL YTD mountain Google shares have outperformed in 2023 Deutsche Bank ticks up price target Deutsche maintained its buy rating on shares, while raising its price target by $5 to $145. The new price target implies nearly 7% upside potential from Monday's close. According to the firm, ad checks indicate that Google's Search segment "remains resilient." "We believe the setup for the stock is constructive despite having rallied ~7% since the 2Q print, given a resilient ad market and opex discipline could provide upside to 3Q results." JPMorgan remains overweight Analyst Doug Anmuth said he's staying positive on Google, and reiterated his overweight rating and $150 price target on shares. "We believe the online ad market was solid in 3Q, which combined w/easier comps should drive acceleration in Search revenue growth to +10% Y/Y reported (from +5% in 2Q) & in YouTube ads revenue growth to +9% Y/Y reported (from +4% in 2Q)." Citi maintains buy rating Citi said Google's generative AI innovation strategy is now in place, allowing the company to focus on growth initiatives on these investments. Analyst Ronald Josey estimates search revenue growth gained 11.3% year-over-year, versus the consensus projection of 9.6%. The firm kept its buy rating and price target of $153, which, if reached, would send shares nearly 13% higher. "We do believe Google's core Search business strengthened in 3Q as the online advertising environment improved (based on our checks) and we look for modest GenAI tailwinds to GCP growth each quarter going forward as expense controls should lead to expanding margins." Bank of America sees search growth accelerating Bank of America also maintained its buy rating and $146 price target. To be sure, the bank remains constructive on the benefits from its AI products, citing a modest overhang that remains on potential search revenue disruption during the integration process. "We think, with increasing advertiser adoption of Performance Max, and the ramp of AI driven products like dynamic keyword campaigns, AI will be incrementally positive to Google's ad sales in 2H'23. We expect, with search growth accelerating, Google's core business will show strong margin leverage in 2H'23, and cost efficiencies in 2024 could drive upside to Street estimates. Next big event could be launch of Gemini, which is projected to have superior LLM performance and could help with the AI narrative." Jefferies expects a slight beat Jefferies has one of the higher price targets among the big banks of $165  which implies shares will jump nearly 22% from Monday's close. Despite the stock's outperformance in 2023, its valuation still remains reasonable, according to analyst Brent Thill. The firm has a buy rating on shares. "We believe GOOGL can grind higher even after a 58% YTD gain, thanks to: slowly accelerating ad rev growth on easing comps, supported by positive checks and notable strength in search; Cloud rev benefiting from putting peak cost optimization behind and AI tailwinds contributing in '24-'25; and valuation still reasonable at 12.2x CY24 EV/EBITDA, or roughly on par with 12.1x 10-yr avg and S & P 500's 12.3x." Wells Fargo forecasts a rocky 2024 Wells Fargo is more bearish on Google compared to other names on Wall Street. The firm reiterated its equal weight rating. While it ticked up its price target by $5 to $126, that implies shares pulling back 7% from where they closed on Monday. "We believe that the upcoming format transition to conversation search brings significant uncertainty to the search market. We expect disruption with the format change, which will likely drive headwinds to medium-term search growth. Competitors are likely to bid aggressively for Google's search distribution partnerships, driving profitability lower. Even if Google maintains search leadership, we do not expect the company to replicate its prior prosperity in the next decade." CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, speaks to members of the media following a House Republican caucus meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 23, 2023.

Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota dropped his bid for speaker of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, just hours after he secured the nomination, with former President Donald Trump and dozens of Republican lawmakers expressing opposition to his candidacy.

Emmer, the Republican majority whip, is the third GOP nominee for speaker whose candidacy has failed in recent weeks. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana previously dropped out after failing to secure enough Republican support.

The House leadership crisis has now entered its third week with no clear way to end the impasse as the Republican party remains deeply divided.

The lower chamber is paralyzed without a speaker, unable to pass spending legislation as the clock ticks toward a Nov. 17 government shutdown. Congress is also unable to respond to President Joe Biden's call for emergency security assistance to Israel and Ukraine.

Emmer prevailed over a crowded field of eight GOP candidates to secure the nomination after several rounds of voting Tuesday morning.

But the Minnesota Republican's candidacy quickly ran into trouble with 26 GOP lawmakers still opposed to his nomination. Emmer could only afford to lose four Republican votes, as Democrats have lined up in lockstep behind their nominee, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

Emmer's nomination suffered a serious blow Tuesday afternoon when Trump derided him as a "globalist" and not a true Republican.

"Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake," Trump said Tuesday in a post on Truth Social.

Trump took credit after Emmer dropped out. "I absolutely must have had an impact," he told reporters outside of the New York courtroom where he's facing a $250 million civil fraud trial. "I was never treated particularly well by him as you probably have heard, and he wasn't MAGA, most people are MAGA in the Republican Party."

Emmer was relatively moderate compared to many other Republican lawmakers. He voted to certify Biden's 2020 election victory and also voted for spending legislation in September that averted a government shutdown.

The House leadership crisis was triggered when a faction of eight Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, ousted then Speaker Kevin McCarthy in an unprecedented no-confidence vote. Democrats refused to save McCarthy's speakership, leading to the California Republican's downfall.

Jeffries has said Democrats are willing to work with Republicans to end the House leadership vacuum, but there does not appear to be any bipartisan plan that has enough GOP support.

 CNBC's Emily Wilkins, Brian Schwartz and Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report.



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General view of buildings which were destroyed during Israeli air raids in the southern Gaza Strip on October 23, 2023 in Khan Yunis, Gaza.

China urged Israel to abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of Palestinian civilians in its war against the Hamas militant group, and called for peace talks between the two sides.

"Every country has the right to self-defense, but every country should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians," China Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly said in a call with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen on Monday.

"As long as [any resolution] is conducive to peace, China will firmly support it; as long as [any resolution] is conducive to Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation, China will do its best," according to a readout of Wang's call with Cohen.

Israel's war on Hamas has entered its third week and comes after the Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. In response, Israel has been bombarding the Gaza Strip which is under Hamas control.

The conflict has so far killed at least 1,400 people in Israel, and retaliatory air strikes have killed more than 5,000 people in the Gaza Strip. CNBC could not independently verify these numbers.
The second convoy of aid trucks cross the Rafah border from the Egyptian side on October 22, 2023 in North Sinai, Egypt.

Some humanitarian aid started coming through the Rafah crossing in Egypt on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing the Palestinian Red Crescent. Some eight trucks arrived in Gaza late in the day carrying water, food and medicine, Reuters noted.

Hospitals in Gaza have been warning that they would have to shut down if they don't receive more fuel. Other supplies, such as water, medicine and food continue to run low.

U.S. President Joe Biden told NBC News earlier Tuesday that humanitarian aid has not been arriving quickly enough.

Meanwhile, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, one of two Israeli hostages released by Hamas on Monday, spoke out about her abduction during the Oct. 7 multi-pronged terror attacks carried out by the Palestinian group.

"I went through hell," she said of the experience of being taken hostage in a Tuesday press briefing. Hamas released her and one other elderly hostage late Monday, bringing the total to four.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that Israel does not want a war with militant group Hezbollah, but Lebanon will "pay the price" if the two countries come into conflict.

"I think Hezbollah is playing with fire ... And I want to make clear, we are not looking for a confrontation in our northern border with anyone else, we are focused on destroying Hamas infrastructure and bringing our citizens back home, but if Hezbollah will drag us into war, it should be clear that Lebanon will pay the price," Herzog said at a press briefing with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron.

His words come after recent hostilities between Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the Israeli armed forces in northern Israel which has signaled that the conflict in Gaza could spread regionally.
Gibraltar Day in London 2023 - Financial Services Lunch

The Hon Nigel Feetham KC, Gibraltar's Minister with responsibility for Financial Services, hosted a distinguished gathering at the historic Guildhall on 23rd October for over 300 guests.

This inaugural event marked the first in a series of five financial services events in the heart of London over the coming days. Minister Feetham expressed his gratitude for the private sector and regulators, recognising their indispensable roles in making the financial services industry a resounding success.

The Guildhall, with its rich history, drew industry professionals specialising in financial services. As in previous years, those attending the Financial Services Lunch now pay for their participation and the event is no longer subsidised by Government. Having been introduced by former Minister, the Hon Albert Isola, Minister Feetham delivered a captivating address that underscored the importance of the financial services sector to Gibraltar and the strong relationship with the UK. He also emphasised the need for diversification and innovation in the financial services industry, and the creation of a Digital Economic Council to foster technological advancements and harness local talent.

Minister Feetham introduced Sir Bob Neill MP, the current Chair of the UK Parliament's Justice Select Committee, the Chair of the Gibraltar Parliamentary Group and a longstanding friend of Gibraltar, who gave an impassioned speech for all things Gibraltar.
Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co speaks on September 25,2019 in New York, US.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is asked routinely where he sees the greatest threats to the global economy  and to mankind in general. Speaking on a panel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the veteran financier stressed the gravity of the spread of nuclear weapons, which he placed ahead of climate change and other widely-referenced threats.

"I hear people talking about ESG all the time," Dimon said Tuesday, referring to the environmental, social and governance concerns and mandates for governments and companies.

"I just would put on your table the most serious thing facing mankind is nuclear proliferation. If we're not sitting here 100 years from now, it will be nuclear proliferation. It's not our climate."

International bodies and proliferation experts warn that the danger of nuclear weapons use is higher than it's been in decades, amid wars involving nuclear powers like Russia and the weakening of adherence to international nuclear treaties.

"The risk of a nuclear weapon being used is currently higher than at any time since the depths of the Cold War," the United Nations wrote in a statement in March 2023.

It said that the Russia-Ukraine war represents "the most acute example of that risk," and that "the absence of dialogue and the erosion of the disarmament and arms control architecture, combined with dangerous rhetoric and veiled threats, are key drivers of this potentially existential risk."

Russia meanwhile is revoking its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace calls "one of the most consequential international agreements for global security."
Facebook co-founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg sits in his seat inside a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Insight Forum for all U.S. senators hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13, 2023.

While Republican and Democratic lawmakers appear more incapable than ever of working together to pass legislation, they largely agree on one thing: Meta's negative impact on children and teens.

A bipartisan coalition of 33 attorneys general filed a joint federal lawsuit on Tuesday, accusing Faceboook's parent of knowingly implementing addictive features across its family of apps that have detrimental effects on children's mental health and contribute to problems like teenage eating disorders.

Another nine attorneys general are also filing lawsuits in their respective states.

"Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame," Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said in a statement. "Meta has profited from children's pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem.

Meanwhile, Tennessee's Republican Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti noted that polarization in politics is unlike anything this country has seen "since the Civil War." Yet Skrmetti is firmly in James's camp when it comes to Meta.

"For all of the attorneys general from both parties, people who frequently disagree very vocally and very publicly, to all come together and to move in the same direction, I think that says something," Skrmetti said at a press conference after the lawsuit was filed.

The political dysfunction is most acute right now in the House of Representatives, which has been without a Speaker for three weeks after a small band of eight hardline conservative Republicans joined all Democrats to approve a "motion to vacate" introduced by GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.

California's Kevin McCarthy, who was booted as speaker, angered some members of his party by working with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown, even though he bowed down to many of those same lawmakers in September in instructing Republican-led committees to open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
Nikola's founder and former CEO, Trevor Milton, was found guilty on three counts of fraud in October 2022.

Shares of electric truck maker Nikola traded higher Tuesday after the company said in a regulatory filing that its disgraced founder, Trevor Milton, has been ordered to pay the company about $165 million in damages.

Shares closed up about 9%, trading at a little more than $1. The company's market value was about $375 million as of Tuesday's close.

Nikola said an arbitration panel in New York determined last week that Nikola was due the funds for "costs and damages arising from actions that were the subject of government and regulatory investigations, including the December 2021 Securities and Exchange Commission settlement and associated civil penalty."

Nikola agreed in December 2021 to pay the SEC $125 million to settle charges that it defrauded investors by misleading them about its products, technical capacity and business prospects.

Nikola said in a statement that it intends to seek reimbursement for its attorneys' fees as well.

Milton, who founded Nikola in 2014 and served as its CEO and executive chair, resigned in September 2020 after short seller Hindenburg Research accused Nikola of making false statements about its technologies to boost its stock and secure partnerships with major automakers.

Milton was found guilty in federal court last year on three counts of fraud related to statements he made while leading the company. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 28.

Nikola will report its third-quarter results before the U.S. markets open Nov. 2.



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Policymakers in Washington are now engaged in a wide range of discussions regarding how to prevent AI technology from spinning out of control. But for all the focus on various dangers, we're losing sight of how the AI economy should be structured  how humanity can be best poised to take best advantage of this new frontier. Put another way, we're not paying enough attention to the question of which companies should be allowed to harness AI's potential.

While AI will surely become less expensive as specific industries find ways to harness these new tools in their own particular ways, the present costs of building the large language models that power today's generative AI are so prohibitive that most of the innovation is being driven not from the bottom up by small startups, but instead by Big Tech. That marks a departure from the ordinary patterns of creative discovery, if only because innovation is driven typically by disruptive new companies challenging the incumbents. Rather than upending the old order, there's a real possibility in this case that disruption will help the big get bigger, with challengers struggling to gain any real traction.

Perhaps more worrisome, the overwhelming focus on public fears of AI may spur policymakers to undermine what many of us call "open source" AI altogether  upending the collaborative model that has enabled a global community of innovators to work both iteratively and rapidly to build and improve the underlying technology. That should be a concern for everyone because, while we should not minimize the grave risks that come with the possibility that AI could get into the wrong hands, we must realize that failing to explore this frontier expeditiously will undermine its potential to improve health, education, and many other aspects of our lives in the near- and medium-term.

With the downside risks primarily in mind, many have predictably called for more government-managed innovation, with bureaucrats doling out AI licenses to a select group of companies  in most cases, our existing tech giants. Doing that would be abandoning the formula that has led to America's rise in favor of the top-down approach to industrial policy that China prefers. On this side of the Pacific, we've adhered to the notion that the best ideas can't be orchestrated  that they are born from the almost random collision of ideas. At its most effective, Washington works not to control any rapidly evolving industry, but to level the playing field so that the best innovations are able to scale.

If that were happening in the realm of AI, new startups would already be sprouting across the county. But a recent Brookings Institution study found that nearly 60 percent of AI jobs are currently based in Silicon Valley. That's worrisome. Policymakers need to ensure that entrepreneurs across the country have the opportunity to participate in the race to put this new technology to good use. That means ensuring that those with unique expertise who live outside Silicon Valley have a way to join the AI ecosystem. In short, AI shouldn't be a vehicle used to ensure that Silicon Valley-based Big Tech can extend its dominance.

America has not always remained true to its embrace of bottom-up innovation  and the innovation economy has suffered as a result. The iterative experimentation that eventually birthed the commercial Internet was delayed until the 1990s not because the technology wasn't ready  the underlying infrastructure had been invented in the 1960s. Rather, the problem was that AT&T convinced policymakers that it was too dangerous to give outside players access to their closed access system. The power of the Internet was unleashed only in the 1980s, when the government used antitrust policy to break up Ma Bell, and then erected a regulatory structure that forced telephone companies to open up their networks to competitors  enabling companies like mine, America Online, to start.

These lessons of the Internet should be applied to this new frontier. To maximize the benefits of AI while reducing the risks, the government should look to put guardrails in place, but not in the form of licenses that only enable only a handful of players to compete. Rather, congressional legislation should have a bias towards unleashing innovation all across the country. This includes ensuring the continued development of open-source AI platforms, and also taking steps to ensure that the big tech AI platforms adopt the same open access provisions that were applied to the phone companies nearly a half-century ago, when the Internet was being birthed.

It's important now that Washington find a way to establish ground rules that allow entrepreneurs to participate in the development of AI, and ensure that the current generation of tech leaders aren't able to pull up the ladder behind them. At a minimum, Washington must be committed to ensuring that medical researchers in the Carolinas, and burgeoning ag-tech firms in Arkansas, and clean energy startups in the Mountain West are able to harness the power of AI and then, if their ideas win in the marketplace of ideas, that their creators are able to harvest the benefits. This new technology should not be a wedge that further separates the tech world from the rest of America. It should be a bridge that connects the two.

Steve Case, a co-founder of America Online, is chairman and chief executive of Revolution, a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm, and author of "The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the New American Dream." He will participate in Sen. Schumer's Forum on AI on Oct. 25.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 smart-home device is unveiled during the Amazon Devices and Services event at the HQ2 campus in Arlington, Virginia, US, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. Amazon.com Inc. previewed a push into generative artificial intelligence with new features for its Alexa voice assistant. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

If AI is taking over the workplace, exactly how it's doing that is still a mystery to the majority of workers.

Over half of employees (54%) say they have no idea how their company is using AI, according to a new survey conducted by UKG, a human resources and workforce technology company.

That's despite the fact that the majority of C-suite leaders (78%) say that their company is using artificial intelligence today, according to UKG.

UKG surveyed over 4,000 employees, managers and C-suite executives in 10 countries.

Employees should be worried: 68% of C-suite respondents said their company has made AI decisions that are not in employees' best interests. But according to UKG, this does not mean it's time to panic. Employees should start by looking at AI as a tool that can be used to their advantage, not as a threat to job security.

"People jump to 'all or nothing.' The reality is that it's going to automate tasks, not automate a full job in most cases," said UKG chief product and technology officer Hugo Sarrazin.

In fact, executives that responded to the survey estimated that 56% of their workforce is directly using AI to automate or augment job tasks. Meanwhile, among workers already transparently using AI, 75% say it makes them more efficient, productive, and accurate. That result matched a majority of workers surveyed (75%) who said they would be more excited about AI if their company was more transparent about how they were using it.

"Organizations must be more upfront about how they're using AI in the workplace if they want a competitive advantage and want to earn, and keep, the trust of their employees," according to Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, which partnered with UKG for the study.
WASHINGTON  Senators took a bipartisan stance against abusive robocalling on Tuesday, appealing to experts for enforcement measures as more scammers employ deceptive artificial intelligence.

Witnesses told the Senate Commerce's Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband that generative AI can also work in regulators' favor.

Mike Rudolph, chief technology officer for robocall-blocking firm YouMail, Inc., said the AI could flag insufficient mitigation controls in the Federal Communications Commission's Robocall Mitigation Database.

Senators noted phone providers that have not implemented caller ID authentication avoid accountability for robocalls by submitting incomplete or blank documentation  and even restaurant menus  to the database. "That's a great place where you could apply that [AI] technology and probably discard half the entries in the database in an afternoon or a week of work," Rudolph said.

Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., chair of the subcommittee, said robocalls have eroded the public's trust in the nation's communications networks.

"Many have become subject to those phishing attacks from those robo-texts as well, which are costing the American people billions of dollars," he later added.

The subcommittee hearing came as the Senate, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., held its second AI Insights Forum on Capitol Hill to address AI regulation, including combating advanced scamming tools such as digital voice generation.
Ron Shaich, founder and then-CEO of Panera Bread, in December 2017. Scott Mlyn | CNBC

Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich uses his new book, "Know What Matters," to impart lessons learned from his decades in the restaurant business  and reveals some juicy details in the process. Shaich's book charts his entrepreneurial journey, starting with the general store at Clark University he founded as a student and ending with his decision to sell Panera for $7.5 billion in 2017. Along the way, Shaich turned Au Bon Pain from a nearly bankrupt bakery into a chain of bakery cafes, transformed the St. Louis Bread Company into fast-casual giant Panera, sold off Au Bon Pain and then turned Panera into a digital powerhouse that introduced free Wi-Fi, mobile and kiosk ordering and delivery years ahead of its rivals. But that's not all. Here are six of the most interesting reveals from Shaich's book, which hits shelves Tuesday:

1. McDonald's tried to buy Panera

McDonald's expressed interest in buying Panera in the early 2000s, Shaich writes. He and his then-chief financial officer, Bill Moreton, met with McDonald's executives to hear about their proposal. The Panera team wasn't particularly interested in selling Panera at the time, as they had just divested Au Bon Pain to focus on the growing fast-casual chain. The meeting didn't change Shaich's mind, either. He writes that he wasn't impressed when one of the executives compared Panera with Donatos  a pizza chain that McDonald's ultimately ended up buying, along with Chipotle Mexican Grill and Boston Market. (McDonald's sold off those other chains several years later to focus on its core business.)

2. Shaich thinks of Howard Schultz as his 'frenemy'

Howard Schultz, then-CEO of Starbucks, in 2015. David Ryder | Reuters

Starbucks and Howard Schultz, the man who turned the small coffee chain into a global giant, are recurring characters in Shaich's book. While their menus overlap little, Shaich views Starbucks as Panera's closest competitor. He recounts some of Panera's strategic wins over Starbucks, such as offering free Wi-Fi while Starbucks still made its customers pay for access. "I thought of Schultz as my oldest 'frenemy'  the guy whose proverbial rear end I'd been chasing for three decades, ever since we met when Au Bon Pain was a handful of cafes in Boston and he had seven coffee shops in Seattle," Shaich wrote. Shaich also names Chipotle founder Steve Ells as another restaurant entrepreneur who saw the future of the industry and helped create the fast-casual segment. Ells, however, is spared the "frenemy" label.

3. Panera and Starbucks almost merged

The McDonald's agreement never came together. But another deal for Panera almost made it to the finish line. Shaich and Schultz began working on a merger between Panera and Starbucks in 2016, he said. More than a decade after meeting with McDonald's, Shaich started seriously considering selling Panera as he prepared to step down from the business. He had previously retired, in 2010, but the decision didn't stick. Shaich writes in the book that he never really left, staying active as executive chair of the company, before he rejoined as a co-CEO in 2012. (Schultz has also had difficulty leaving Starbucks behind, twice returning to take the reins as chief executive again.)

A Starbucks employee organizes salads and sandwiches. Jerry Cleveland | The Denver Post | Getty Images

Schultz first proposed a partnership between Panera and Starbucks. Panera would make soup, salad and sandwiches for Starbucks cafes, while the coffee giant would supply Panera's bakery-cafes with coffee. But Shaich found the idea too complicated and instead proposed a merger. Ultimately, though, the deal fell through. Panera's stock was rising at the time, making the agreement too expensive, Shaich writes. He also says he thinks that Schultz's decision to step down as CEO in early 2017 probably played a big role in the decision.

4. The Obama administration offered Shaich a job

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Shaich thought his career would be in politics. His political ambitions fell by the wayside as he turned Au Bon Pain and then Panera Bread into national chains. But those aspirations didn't disappear entirely. In 2009, the Obama White House called Shaich about a job in the administration. Coincidentally, Shaich received the call when he was getting ready to make his final speech at Panera's companywide meeting, known as the Family Reunion. Shaich writes that he knew at the time that he would retire, but he hadn't yet announced it. However, Shaich ultimately didn't end up in the Obama administration. "The White House job hadn't panned out  they needed to press forward before I was free " he wrote. Instead, Shaich helped create No Labels, a political organization meant to support centrism and bipartisanship. The group has floated mounting a third-party challenge for the presidential election next year.

5. Panera's patent to review order accuracy by video

Panera's yearslong transformation to prepare for the digital age didn't just include installing self-order kiosks and creating a mobile app. The strategy envisioned by Shaich also involved reconstructing its kitchen operations so employees could handle the swell of new orders quickly and accurately. Panera redesigned its kitchen layouts and processes multiple times to make sure that it worked. One change that came to kitchens was cameras. Shaich writes that Panera received a patent to use video to review the accuracy of sandwich orders. "At one point, I used to joke that Panera's production lines were among the most-watched TV, midnight to 8 a.m., in India," Shaich wrote. Today, cameras in kitchens aren't as novel. For example, startup Agot AI installs overhead cameras in restaurant kitchens and uses computer vision to scrutinize whether workers are preparing orders correctly.

6. Panera's enemy turned into Shaich's partner
U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN) arrives for a House Republican conference meeting to choose a nominee in the race for House Speaker at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, October 24, 2023.

Rep. Tom Emmer is the latest Republican nominee for speaker of the House, and that could mean a fresh headache for the nation's largest business lobbying group.

Emmer, like former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's biggest critics among House Republicans. If Emmer were to become speaker, his dislike of the Chamber could mean that the group could be boxed out from either meeting with him or other members of Republican House leadership.

A lack of engagement with House Republican leadership, particularly the speaker, could mean that the Chamber will have little impact on future legislation.

Yet Emmer, as of Tuesday afternoon, was far from a lock to become speaker. He still needs dozens of votes to get to the necessary 217 supporters in a House floor vote. Emmer also has a big antagonist in former President Donald Trump. "Voting for a globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake," Trump posted on his Truth Social account, using the acronym for the insult "Republican in name only."

Much of the animosity among Republicans toward the typically GOP-friendly Chamber stems from the group's support of some Democrats in recent congressional races. When McCarthy was speaker, he was known to not meet with the Chamber of Commerce on key issues, including a recent debate over the debt ceiling.

"The U.S. Chamber has lost its way. They're more focused on pandering to Democrats than supporting the pro-job and pro-growth principles they once purported to uphold," Emmer posted on Twitter, now known as X, in July

Emmer was in charge of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm for House Republicans, when the Chamber endorsed Democrats during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. Asked how Emmer will engage with the Chamber if he becomes speaker, a person close to the Republican nominee for the speakership said: "Emmer's feelings on the U.S. Chamber have been very clear."

Out of the nine Republicans who initially raised their hands to be speaker-designate this time around, Emmer was the worst possible result for the Chamber, given his intense criticism of the group, according to two other people familiar with the matter. These people declined to be named in order to speak freely about private discussions.

A spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce did not return a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Emmer's office did not return a request for comment.

For years, the Chamber was considered a go-to lobbying group for the Republican Party. It supported Republican-led tax reform legislation, including large tax cuts for businesses and wealthy Americans, which then-President Trump signed in 2017.

But the relationship between the Chamber and some Republican officials soured since then. The group opposed Trump's tariffs on goods coming in from China, which prompted anger among Trump's core supporters. Previously, many Republican lawmakers had long opposed starting a trade war with China.

The Chamber has continued to support Republicans despite the criticism the group has received from House Republican leadership. Its political action committee has already donated toward the reelection campaigns of Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who's the interim speaker; Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis.; and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., according to the Federal Election Commission records.

The Chamber gave more to Republicans than Democrats during the 2022 election cycle, according to data from OpenSecrets. Emmer's campaign received $1,000 from the Chamber of Commerce in 2015, according to an FEC record.
Jenna Ellis, the right-wing attorney who worked on the Trump 2020 presidential campaign, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a criminal charge in the Georgia election interference case.

Ellis is the latest co-defendant of former President Donald Trump to take a deal with prosecutors, joining Sidney Powell and two others.

The slew of recent plea deals in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' racketeering case signals a growing threat to Trump, who is fighting criminal charges in four separate cases as he runs for president in 2024.

Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty in Fulton County Superior Court to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. The charge related to false claims of voter fraud that were made to members of the Georgia Senate at a hearing in early December 2020.

In a tearful statement before Judge Scott McAfee, Ellis expressed regret for her actions in the wake of Trump's loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
Former President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen arrives for former attorney Michael Avenatti's criminal trial at the United States Courthouse in the Manhattan borough of New York City, Jan. 24, 2022.

Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, testified Tuesday that the former president directed him to falsely inflate the values of his assets to give him the appearance of a higher net worth.

Trump would look at the total assets in his financial statements and say, "I'm actually not worth $4.5 billion. I am really worth more like $6 billion," Cohen alleged in the $250 million fraud trial of Trump and his company.

Cohen testified that he and another Trump Organization executive would then work to "reverse engineer" higher values for assets listed in those financial documents in order to reach "whatever number he told us."

He delivered the testimony just feet from Trump, who was listening in the courtroom in Manhattan Supreme Court. Cohen, who once said he would "take a bullet" for Trump, is now a star witness in multiple civil and criminal cases against his former boss.

Cohen told CNBC prior to his court appearance that Trump's presence "will not affect me either way."

Trump may hope otherwise. Before entering the courtroom, he ripped Cohen as a "proven liar" who is "trying to get a better deal for himself."

Trump continued to attack Cohen after the trial adjourned for the day, calling his once-close aide a "felon" and a "disgrace" who is "totally discredited already."

Trump said he will be in court again Wednesday, as Cohen's testimony continues.

Cohen told reporters outside the courtroom Tuesday morning that his participation in the trial was not about his rivalry with Trump. "This is about accountability, plain and simple," he said.

Indeed, Cohen's court appearance offers more than just the chance of a clash between the two men, whose bitter falling-out took place largely in public view during Trump's presidency. Cohen's testimony to Congress in 2019 about his former boss's business practices is what spurred New York Attorney General Letitia James to open an investigation in the first place.

The lawsuit that emerged from that probe accuses Trump, his two adult sons, the Trump Organization and top executives of fraudulently inflating the values of real estate properties and other assets over a decade in order to get tax benefits and better loan terms.

James seeks around $250 million in damages, and she wants to bar Trump and his co-defendants from running a business in New York.

Judge Arthur Engoron, who will deliver verdicts in the no-jury trial, has already found Trump liable for fraud and ordered the cancellation of the defendants' New York business certificates. The trial, which is expected to stretch into late December, will resolve James' six remaining claims.
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Nvidia 's (NVDA) new disclosure on artificial intelligence chip sales to China is only moderately comforting, as questions about the world's second-largest economy as a viable marketplace have yet to be resolved. In a securities filing Tuesday, Silicon Valley-based Nvidia said the U.S. government's new restrictions on AI chip exports are "effective immediately," instead of mid-November as first expected. Nvidia did not say what prompted the U.S. to move up the date of implementation. The Department of Commerce declined to comment. Still, the world's most valuable semiconductor company assured investors that the sooner-than-expected implementation will not meaningfully impact its near-term financial results because demand for its AI chips is so strong in the rest of the world. That's essentially the same assessment Nvidia offered when the tighter regulations were announced on Oct. 17 . "This is a problem. China is important for [Nvidia's] long-term prospects," Jim Cramer said Tuesday, suggesting the U.S. government and the company need to "have real talks" to search for a policy solution that enables Nvidia to sell its AI chips to consumer-focused Chinese tech giants, such as Alibaba . Jim acknowledged the Biden administration's concerns about cutting-edge AI technology falling into the hands of the Chinese military. That is Washington's stated reason for the export controls. "I would love it if they made a deal with China, and the [U.S.] government endorsed it, but not if it's going to hurt" the U.S. militarily, he added. China questions The latest round of export controls limits Nvidia's ability to sell multiple data-center chips to Chinese customers, including two products  the A800 and H800  designed to comply with the Biden administration's initial restrictions in 2022. The A800 and H800 are modified versions of Nvidia's most cutting-edge AI chips  the A100 and H100  which can be used in data centers to train large language models like the one powering OpenAI's ChatGPT. Sales of another Nvidia chip known as the L40  specialized for graphics rendering during the day-to-day use of AI models  are also impacted by the latest U.S. restrictions. Chinese customers have historically accounted for 20% to 25% of Nvidia's data center segment, which makes up the majority of the company's overall revenue. In its most recent quarter, Nvidia said China was within the historical range. Therefore, it could be another quarter or so before we see how the new China export rules impact that part of the business and whether the company will make up for it elsewhere. Nvidia is set to report its fiscal 2024 third quarter (three months ended in October) on Nov. 21. NVDA YTD mountain Nvidia's year-to-date stock performance. Nvidia's companywide growth has taken off in recent quarters, amid a surge in interest and investment in AI. The company commands a dominant position in the market for chips used in AI model training. The release of ChatGPT less than a year ago helped spark this current boom in Nvidia's business, and analysts widely believe it's still in the early innings globally. In other words, Nvidia is likely to see meaningful growth ahead, even with a diminished China business. But the question that still lingers in our minds is whether that growth can be substantial enough to meet the lofty, multiyear expectations that became baked into Nvidia's stock price in recent months. At least three Wall Street analysts lowered their price targets on Nvidia last week , though their new outlooks still imply robust gains ahead for the stock. New processor market? Nvidia, meanwhile, has been exploring a new market that could contribute revenue: central processing units (CPUs) for personal computers, according to Reuters . While we see this as unlikely to be a financial needle-mover for Nvidia in the short run, it's an intriguing development for the tech industry more broadly. Nvidia made its name designing graphics processing units (GPUs) to render images and videos in PCs, and those chips remain popular today, especially among the gaming community. At a high level, the CPU is the primary brain of a computer, while the GPU handles more specialized tasks. Now, Nvidia is making a foray into developing CPUs to run Microsoft 's (MSFT) Windows operating system, Reuters reported Monday. Microsoft has encouraged Nvidia's effort to develop the CPUs, which would utilize technology from Arm Holdings (ARM), according to the news organization, with the chips available as early as 2025. Nvidia already uses Arm's architecture in the data-center CPU portion of its Grace Hopper superchip . Historically, however, the PC market has been dominated by CPUs that run on a different instruction set, which was developed and used by Intel (INTC) decades ago. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) uses it too. Notably, in the same report, Reuters said AMD also is working on Arm-based CPUs, which are seen as more power-efficient than the current chips. AMD is in the Club's Bullpen, our watchlist of stocks under consideration to join the portfolio. The idea that Nvidia would chase the personal computer CPU market isn't a shock  and in our minds, it's not a reason to buy the stock here. Based on the Reuters report, the potential boost to revenue wouldn't arrive for more than a year, and it's unclear what Nvidia's market share would look like then. Bank of America estimated the total addressable market for PC CPUs to be $35 billion in 2025, with the architecture Intel and AMD currently use holding 88% share and Arm-based silicon holding 12%. Club holding Apple (AAPL) is responsible for most Arm-based CPUs in PCs today. Qualcomm (QCOM) has been developing a PC CPU using Arm technology, as well. Another reason for tempered enthusiasm: The gross margins on PC CPUs are typically smaller than Nvidia's data-center chips, a market in which the company has pricing power. In the three months ended July 30 (fiscal 2024 second quarter), Nvidia's companywide adjusted gross margin stood at 71.2%, up from 66.8% in the quarter prior driven by higher sales of data-center chips. Bottom line Nvidia's potential foray in PC CPUs is a development that we'll continue to monitor, but it doesn't put to rest longer-term questions around China. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA, MSFT, AAPL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

The logo of Nvidia Corporation is seen during the annual Computex computer exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, May 30, 2017. Tyrone Siu | Reuters
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23)  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expects the findings of its maritime investigation on the Chinese-Filipino vessels collision in Ayungin Shoal in five days, a high-ranking official said Monday.

According to PCG Admiral Ronnie Gavan, directives to examine the extent of damages incurred by the Filipino vessels involved in the collision have already been given to the Palawan District.

The PCG will now focus on the conduct of a marine incident investigationbut at this point, it is very, very clear that the two incidents are violations of collision regulations, Gavan said in a media briefing.

We are looking at five days to complete the investigation. We will submit it to the President through the Department of Transportation, he added.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported Sunday morning that Chinese ships collided with Filipino vessels on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

Authorities in Palawan said a PCG vessel in the mission suffered a "dent" while the AFP-contracted resupply boat had a broken back post due to the collision.

In a senate hearing, the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones expressed its support in approving the establishment of the countrys maritime zones under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

The special committee emphasized the need to pass the law to strengthen the domestic law of the Philippines against other countries aggression in its waters.

"This will be our domestic version of an international agreement and these are the laws of the coastal state. Therefore, all flag states with vessels plying, for example our maritime waters, would also have a duty to comply with the laws enacted with the coastal state like the Philippines," Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra told the hearing.

The proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, or House Bill 7819, provides for a general declaration of the maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, including internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.

READ: Expedite bill on Maritime Zones to establish legal bases in West PH Sea  expert

Guevarra also said it is clear that China should be asked to comply with its obligations under international law.

Based on our initial determination mukhang intentional yung incident at hindi naman siya accidental only. And besides, it seems na habitual ito, hindi naman ito isolated incident lang," he added.

[Translation: Based on our initial determination, it looks like the incident was intentional and not an accident. It seems to be habitual too, not just an isolated incident]

We will definitely recommend to the DFA to call on China to respect or to rather comply with its obligations in international law to settle disputes peacefully and to cease and desist from committing such further acts, he said.

PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela also said that the collision did not escalate tensions in the WPS.

No escalation but there is a collision because of dangerous maneuvers of Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia, he said.

Unified stand vs China

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. urged Filipinos to refrain from believing false information on what transpired during the vessels' collision and called for a unified stand to condemn Chinas harassment in the WPS.

Wag po itong maging ugat ng pagtatanim ng fake news ng Tsina o ng iba pa upang tayoy magkawatak-watak at magdebate ng malalaki sa mga isyu na ganito dahil sa oras po na ito ay kailangan po ng pagkakaisa ng ating bansa, the defense chief said in a Monday briefing.

[Translation: Let this not be the root of fake news planted by China or others to divide us and engage us in big debates on issues like this. At this time we need unity in our country.]

Teodoro said the pattern in statements released by China on incidents in the WPS as well as their take on the 9- and 10-dash line showed that they are spinning a narrative.

RELATED: PH should initiate joint resolution with other countries to condemn Chinas aggression in WPS  lawmaker

In August, PCG warned Filipinos against falling for fake news and misinformation on the situation in the contested waters, something the agency said may have swayed Filipinos towards China.

This call came a week after the CCG used a water cannon on Philippine vessels on a previous resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos, digital producers Kristelle Anne Razon and Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23)  Solicitor General Menardo Gueverra on Monday said foreign countries will be obliged to comply with Philippine laws governing its territorial waters once the proposed maritime zones bill becomes law.

"This will be our domestic version of an international agreement and these are the laws of the coastal state. Therefore, all flag states with vessel plying, for example, our maritime waters, would also have a duty to comply with the laws enacted by the coastal state like the Philippines," Gueverra told the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones.

In the Senate hearing, Guevarra explained that a maritime zones law would reflect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which more than 100 countries have ratified.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act, or House Bill 7819, was proposed amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing due to the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

The measure provides a general declaration of the maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, including internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf.

Over the weekend, authorities reported that Chinese ships collided with Philippine military-contracted civilian boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

China again claimed that the Filipino vessels were "illegally carrying construction materials" and that the action of the China Coast Guard was "reasonable, lawful, and professional."

READ: PCG: 13 Chinese vessels interfered with WPS resupply mission that led to collision

The solicitor general said initial findings revealed that the latest blocking incident in the West Philippines Sea was not accidental but intentional, adding that his office ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to urge China to "cease and desist from committing such further acts.

"We will definitely recommend to the DFA to call on China to respect or to rather comply with its obligations in international law to settle disputes peacefully, Guevarra said.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the special committee, echoed Guevarra's call, saying that the DFA should apply diplomatic countermeasures.

He also suggested that an investigation be conducted according to the Safety of Life at Sea and Casualty Investigation Code.

READ: 'China, tama na': Lawmakers condemn China's latest blocking actions off Ayungin shoal, call for int'l probe

With reports from CNN Philippines' digital producer Kristelle Razon and correspondent Eimor Santos.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  The recent collision of Chinese and Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will not trigger Manila and Washingtons Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the National Security Council (NSC) said Tuesday.

As stated in the MDT, an armed attack on a public vessel of the Philippines will be enough to trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told CNN Philippine The Source. However, there was no armed attack so there would be no basis to trigger the MDT.

The Philippines and the United States entered into the MDT on Aug. 30, 1951. The treaty states that both countries must come to each other's defense in the event of an external party attack on one or the other.

Under the MDT, an armed attack on either of the parties includes an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the Parties, or on the Island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.

Last Sunday, China Coast Guard vessel 5203 conducted dangerous maneuvers, causing it to collide with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted indigenous resupply boat Unaiza May 2. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel MRRV 4409s port side was also bumped by Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a briefing on Monday that implementing the MDT following the collision incident over the weekend will need further study.

The incident that happened is aggressive and dangerous, it is a provocation on the side of China," Daza said. "But at this point, whether it will constitute an armed attack that would allow the invoking of Mutual Defense Treaty is something that needs to be studied.

The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing regarding the incident, while the United States has reaffirmed its defense treaty obligation with Manila.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also directed the PCG to investigate the incident. Results are expected by the end of the week.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed "serious concern" over China's actions which increase regional tensions in the South China Sea.

In a statement on Monday, Japan asserted that peace and stability of the region is a legitimate concern of the international community.

It came after Chinese ships collided with Filipino vessels on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal on Sunday morning.

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday announced that it has filed a new diplomatic protest against China following the recent collisions.

READ: PCG: Ayungin collision probe results expected in 5 days

Japan added that it opposes "any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea."

It also reiterated that it stands with the Philippines over unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities and threat or use of force in the disputed waters.

READ: Japan reaffirms support for PH stand in West PH Sea

"Japan will continue to cooperate with the international community such as ASEAN member states and the United States to protect free, open, and peaceful seas," the statement said.

The United States earlier expressed support to the Philippines and condemned the Chinese vessels' "disruptive" move.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  Japanese investors met with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual to flag what they said was the less-than-desirable quality of Philippine pineapples and bananas amid climate change, coupled with Manilas traffic congestion that added to supply chain woes.

The dialogues were held on Monday as a delegation from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry descended on Manila to sign a memorandum of understanding with their counterpart, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

That pact allows the two business chambers to exchange information on how to increase trade and expand investments.

PCCI President George Barcelon said the cooperation in the near term would be on big-ticket infrastructure and renewable projects, agriculture, and industrial estate.

But there are kinks that need ironing out.

Hiroshi Oshima, president of Japanese conglomerate Sembikiya Fruit Co., said company officials met with Pascual on Monday to flag climate changes impact on the supply of Philippine bananas and pineapple.

Due to climate change, Philippine bananas and pineapples quality is not desirable, he said in Japanese as translated by an interpreter during the event on Tuesday at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

Sembikiya buys Philippine pineapples from Del Monte and Dole, Oshima said, as well as cavendish bananas.

Approximately 30% of the menu using pineapple at Sembikiyas fruit parlors are produced in the Philippines, according to Oshimas PowerPoint presentation.

The Japanese company buys Ecuadorian bananas to plug the gap.

It says it wants a stable supply throughout the year of pineapples and bananas from the Philippines, and expects the Philippine government to address both the climate change and logistics issues.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the Board of Investments is finalizing a policy for the modernization of agricultural plantations including the introduction of new varieties resilient to climate change to boost local output and meet global standards.

The policy will be out as early as November, the trade official said.

Very important yung modernization of our plantations for these crops, in particular, for bananas," Rodolfo said. "Also in preparation for the entry into force of the Philippine-South Korea FTA."

Currently, most of the registrations that we are processing in the BOI are with respect to mere plantations," he added. "Specifically if you have a plot of land, you will register that for plantation. But we recognize the need that even for existing plantations, you need to modernize.

The new policy primes the agriculture sector for the implementation of the free trade agreement with South Korea.

South Korea has already committed to eliminate tariffs for bananas to zero percent duty within a period of five years, Rodolfo said, adding it was crucial to consider supply development.

We have this policy but very important are also projects to promote the supply-side development. Aanhin mo yung policy, aanhin mo yung market access kung wala kang isu-supply, he said.

[Translation:We have this policy but very important are also projects to promote supply-side development. What use is the policy and market access if there is no supply?]

Separately, the visiting Japanese businessmen raised concerns over Manilas clogged roads.

PCCIs Barcelon echoes their plea.

As PCCI we are encouraging government agencies that are tasked to do the overall planning like NEDA, its about time we do moving out of key sectors outside Metro Manila," he said.

"Other countries are doing it," Barcelon explained. "If you think of Indonesia, they are moving the central government outside of Jakarta. We cannot solve this congestion in any way no matter how innovative we are. The more Skyway we build, they are still landing on the same place. It doesnt help."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  President Ferdinand Marcos has ordered a faster release of fuel subsidies to beneficiaries by shortening the trigger period for the aid from three months to one month, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said on Tuesday.

He said the president earlier gave instructions during a sectoral meeting "on changing the language of the 2024 GAA provision on fuel subsidies for the transport sector in order to shorten the trigger period from three months to one month and simplify... requirements, referring to the annual budget or the General Appropriations Act.

"Whenever the Dubai price per barrel exceeds $80 for three months, then that will be the trigger for the provision of subsidies to the transport sector drivers  public utilities including tricycle and other public utilities," Lotilla said during a briefing in Malacanang.

With the simplification, the trigger period will be down to one month.

Congress earlier increased the proposed budget for fuel subsidy next year to 3 billion from the initial 2.5 billion to provide relief to drivers amid soaring fuel prices.

The program grants 10,000 to modernized public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers; 6,500 for drivers of traditional four-wheel PUV; 1,200 for delivery riders; and 1,000 for tricycle drivers.

For this year, more than 120,000 beneficiaries have so far received the cash aid since the distribution in September.

Lotilla also said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will soon no longer have to consolidate the list of all eligible beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy program from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG ) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

"So this time as proposed by the Department of Budget and Management to Congress, the guidelines will need only to be agreed upon by the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy," he said.

With the new policy, Lotilla said that the DOTr will be responsible for the list of those with franchises from LTFRB, the DILG for tricycle drivers from various localities, and the DTI for delivery service riders.

The Energy chief said the fuel subsidy can be immediately released once the list of beneficiaries from the DOTr, the DILG, and DTI are finalized.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  The Philippine Catholic Church has set Oct. 27 as a day of prayer, fasting and penance for peace amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

"We encourage our communities to organize prayer initiatives for this intention like the Mass for Peace, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament/Holy Hour, the praying of the holy rosary, or any other celebrations of the Word of God," the Archdiocese of Manila said in a circular.

It called on dioceses to dedicate the day to pray for the people affected by the war, after Pope Francis expressed his concern during his general audience on Oct. 18.

"Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children," Pope Francis told the faithful.

"I urged believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace. But not with words  with prayer, with total dedication," he added.

As of Oct. 17, more than 1,400 deaths were logged in Israel and more than 3,000 casualties were recorded in Gaza.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that four overseas Filipino workers were killed in the war.

RELATED: One of four Filipino fatalities in Israel-Hamas war repatriated
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24)  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said it will heighten its operating units from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5 for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and observance of All Souls Day.

"This is to ensure the orderly operations of sea transport facilities, convenient travel of the seafaring public, peaceful elections, and security of tourists in beach and private resorts nationwide amid the anticipated increased volume of maritime traffic," PCG Commandant CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan said in a statement.

Gavan said the PCG will inspect luggage, deploy K-9 units, patrol and augment life guards in tourist destinations, and perform vessel and on-board inspections.

He said they will also conduct a 24/7 monitoring of nautical highway routes especially in the Visayas area, where he said most tourist destinations are located.

"Rest assured, we will ensure maritime security and safety in our western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes. Our deployable response groups and the PCG Auxiliary will be ready for these operations," Gavan added.

The Western seaboard monitoring includes Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Aklan, Iloilo, and the Zamboanga region, while Eastern seaboard monitoring covers Metro Manila, Bicol region, Samar, Leyte, and Surigao provinces.

In a separate statement, the PCG announced it will deploy over 500 personnel in the Bicol region to assist and safeguard the elections on Oct. 30.

This comes after the Oct. 22 shooting in Barangay Maingaran, Masbate City where a barangay kagawad candidate was killed and a barangay chairman aspirant was wounded.

READ: Comelec, PNP Bicol say Masbate shooting incident 'election-related'

RELATED:

Albay town placed under Comelec control for BSKE due to political unrest

12 arrested in Cotabato City shooting that killed 3 BSKE campaigners
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) Some 335,000 security personnel will be deployed to different regions across the country for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) led the send-off and turnover ceremony of government forces and resources of different security agencies in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying 187,600 personnel, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is sending 30,300, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is assigning 117,585, according to officials present in the ceremony.

READ: PCG intensifies security alert for BSKE, Undas

"Please protect the lives of our teachers, our electoral board members, our election officials in the field, and practically all the stakeholders participating in the 2023 Barangay and SK elections," Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia told all security forces assigned for the polls..

"Utang po ng Commission on Elections sa kanilang lahat, sa inyong lahat ang pagko-conduct ng isang malinis, maayos, at karespe-respetong halalan," he added.

[Translation: The Commission on Elections is in debt to all of you for conducting clean, well, and respected elections.]

Meanwhile, over 10,000 police personnel were already deployed throughout Region 3, the PNP Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said on Tuesday.

A send-off and handover ceremony were also held on Monday at the PRO3 parade grounds.

It was attended by representatives from the AFP, PCG, the Bureau of Fire Protection and other force multipliers.

RELATED: 12 arrested in Cotabato City shooting that killed 3 BSKE campaigners

CNN Philippines correspondent Paige Javier contributed to this story.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri led the Philippine senators parliamentary mission in Spain to strengthen trade, economic and defense cooperation between the two countries.

The Filipino senator asked his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Rollan, for assistance in developing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union and which Rollan acknowledged, according to a statement from the Philippine Senate on Tuesday.

"Let us build on 500 years of friendship and history," Zubiri told Rollan. "The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture and our shared Catholic faith."

"Though we are proud to be our own independent Republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad," he added during their meeting on Monday.

Rollan was quoted as saying that Spain's doors are always open to the Philippines, and that he sees the delegation's visit as an opportunity to reinforce the already excellent ties between the two countries.

The Spanish leader also stressed the need for the governments of the two countries to work together for continued efforts to rise from the ill effects of the pandemic, the Senate statement said.

Spain, said Rollan, is especially well positioned to offer support in this post-pandemic period, being the head of the EU, it added.

Also part of the delegation were Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar.

The Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray also attended the meeting.

Also on Monday, Spain's King Felipe VI received Zubiri at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid as head of the Philippine Senate delegation.

The Filipino lawmakers' visit to Spain comes as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
(CNN)  An off-duty pilot who was riding in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight en route to San Francisco on Sunday is facing dozens of attempted murder charges after he tried to shut down the planes engines mid-flight, authorities say.

The suspect, identified as Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph D. Emerson, 44, attempted to cut off fuel to the engines but the quick action of the aircrafts captain and first officer kept the engines from failing completely, the airline said, adding Emerson was subdued by the flight crew.

The flight was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon, where the suspect was taken into custody by the Port of Portland police, the port said in a statement.

Emerson has been charged in Oregon with 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, booking records show.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNNs Josh Campbell. The source noted the suspect may face additional federal charges.

Heres what we know.

Suspect tried to cut the engine fuel, airline says

After taking off from Everett, Washington, on Sunday, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059  operated by regional carrier Horizon Air  reported a security threat related to an off-duty Alaskan Airlines pilot, identified as Captain Joseph Emerson, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat, the airline said in a statement.

Pilots will sometimes ride in a cockpit jump seat when traveling in their official capacity or commuting between airports.

While in the cockpit, Emerson had tried to shut down both of the Embraer 175s engines by pulling its fire extinguisher handles, the airline said.

The fire suppression system consists of a T-handle for each engine; when pulled, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine, Alaska Airlines said in a statement to CNN. After they are pulled, some residual fuel remains in the line.

The airline said the quick reaction of the crew to reset both handles helped restore the flow of fuel and prevent the engines from cutting out.

Our crew responded without hesitation to a difficult and highly unusual situation, and we are incredibly proud and grateful for their skillful actions, the airline said in a statement.

The plane was at cruise altitude when the incident occurred, Capt. Mike Karn, senior manager of flight security for American Airlines, said in a memo circulated at his airline.

The flight crew detained the suspect and the plane was diverted to Portland International Airport, the Port of Portland said in a statement.

I think hes subdued, one of the planes pilots can be heard saying in air traffic control audio recorded by LiveATC.net. Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and are parked.

Once the flight landed in Portland around 6:30 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody by Port of Portland police officers, the port said.

No injuries were reported on the flight, the FBI said.

All passengers were later able to fly to San Francisco with a new crew and aircraft, the airline said, noting it is reaching out to each of them individually to discuss their experience and check-in on their well-being.

The FBI is investigating the incident

Emerson has been detained at the Multnomah County Detention Center as both the FBI and the Port of Portland police investigate the incident, authorities said.

The FBIs Portland field office confirmed its investigation in a statement Monday and assured travelers there is no continuing threat related to this incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration also said it is supporting local law enforcement in the investigation.

The FAA said it has briefed other airlines on preliminary details of the incident and informed carriers the incident is not related to current world events  apparently referring to the war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.

Passengers describe their emergency landing

Two passengers on the flight told CNN that the airline crew maintained a calm environment on the plane as the incident played out.

Aubrey Gavello, one of the passengers, said she didnt realize something was wrong until a flight attendant announced over the loudspeaker that the plane needed to land immediately.

We didnt know where we were landing and we didnt know what was wrong. But (the flight attendant) assured us we were safe, Gavello said on Laura Coates Live Monday night.

Later, the pilot informed passengers through the loudspeaker that there had been a disturbance in the cockpit, said Alex Wood, who was seated at the front of the plane. Wood said he was wearing headphones and slept through the incident.

I was right by the cockpit, but nothing woke me up. Nothing was loud enough, nothing was rambunctious enough to wake me up, Wood said.

After the plane landed, about five police officers boarded the plane and escorted the suspect off the aircraft, Gavello recalled. She noted the suspect was calm and cooperative and had his hands secured by zip ties.

Props to the Alaska crew for keeping everyone calm, Gavello said.

It was all handled super well, said Wood.

The pair said they didnt realize the gravity of the situation Monday, when they woke to news headlines about the suspect trying to shut down the plane engines.

Im honestly grateful that we didnt know anything when they rebooked us and got us on a second plane, Gavello said. I dont know if I would have felt comfortable doing that if we had all the information.

It was very shocking, suspects neighbor says

Emersons neighbor, Ed Yee, told CNN it was very shocking to hear of the suspects alleged actions.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, Yee said.

Emerson has worked in aviation for at least two decades, according to information shared by Alaskan Airlines.

He first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon. In 2012, Emerson left Horizon and joined Virgin America as a pilot.

After Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America in 2016, Emerson became a first officer with Alaska and worked about three more years to become a pilot for the airline, according to the airline statement.

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

FAA records show Emerson held an Airline Transport Pilot certification with ratings to fly the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Canadair Regional Jet, and De Havilland Dash 8. He did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175, those records indicate, the type of airplane in use during Sundays incident.
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Int'l conference in China's Wudang Mountains promotes Tai Chi

Xinhua) 14:44, October 24, 2023

WUHAN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The World Conference on Wudang Tai Chi opened on Monday at the foot of Wudang Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in central China's Hubei Province.

Over 2,000 participants from 33 countries and regions gathered in the Wudang Mountain Tourist and Economic Special Zone, Shiyan City for the conference, which aims to promote Chinese traditional culture and exchanges between civilizations.

The conference runs through Wednesday and major events include an international Tai Chi competition, a forum on Tai Chi culture, a youth arts festival, a cultural heritage exploration, and health consultations by traditional Chinese medicine experts.

An opening ceremony, featuring traditional Taoist music, international video connections, and a mass Tai Chi demonstration, was held at the Yuxu Palace, one of the largest monasteries among the Wudang architectural complex. This showcased the historical significance and profound influence of Wudang Tai Chi culture to on-site and online audiences.

For centuries, the Wudang Mountains have been known as an important center of Taoism, especially famous for its Taoist versions of martial arts or Tai Chi. The ancient palaces and temples here represent the highest standards of Chinese art and architecture over a period of nearly 1,000 years.

"Over 500 million people from 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, and about 30,000 foreigners visit Wudang annually for Tai Chi studies," said Wang Zhonglin, Governor of Hubei Province, in his opening speech. He mentioned that the Tai Chi culture, originating in Wudang, advocates the philosophical concept of harmony between nature and man, conveying the ideas of benevolence and inclusivity. He expressed the commitment to build Wudang Mountains into a global center for Tai Chi culture and a world-class tourist destination.

The Wudang Tai Chi International Fellowship Competition kicked off on Sunday, divided into five age groups: children, youth, young adults, middle-aged adults, and seniors. A total of 1,503 athletes registered, including 128 from overseas.

"I'm where I'm meant to be. I feel more at home in China than in England," said Benjamin Lucas, who would take part in the competition after a five-month training in a local martial arts school. The 32-year-old mentioned that he had practiced Tai Chi for five years and that Taoism, traditional Chinese music, and tea were also his interests.

Eli Roovers of the Netherlands visited Wudang Mountains twice to learn Tai Chi, Taoist philosophy, and guqin, a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument. He found the most appealing thing about Chinese culture to be "the fact that the older elements of the culture are still very much kept alive today and honored, and it is not just something you read about, but something that I see being put into practice."

Having spent nine months in total in Wudang, the 45-year-old Dutch believed that Tai Chi and the philosophy behind it have changed his life.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Editorial in Nature:

Early in 1993, a manuscript landed in the Nature offices announcing the results of an unusual  even audacious  experiment. The investigators, led by planetary scientist and broadcaster Carl Sagan, had searched for evidence of life on Earth that could be detected from space. The results, published 30 years ago this week, were strongly suggestive that the planet did indeed host life. These observations constitute a control experiment for the search for extraterrestrial life by modern interplanetary spacecraft, the team wrote.

The experiment was a master stroke. In 1989, NASAs Galileo spacecraft had launched on a mission to orbit Jupiter, where it was scheduled to arrive in 1995. Sagan and his colleagues wondered whether Galileo would find definitive evidence of life back home if its instruments could be trained on Earth. They persuaded NASA to do just that as the craft flew past the home planet in 1990.

More here.
While young people today may primarily know Steve Martin as Selena Gomezs senior citizen buddy, of course, the legendary comedian has a long and illustrious film career, appearing in classic movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels  plus less-than-classic movies like Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and Sgt. Bilko. Yeah, hes 0 for 2 when it comes to movies with Sgt. in the title.

One of Martins most famous films, of course, is The Jerk, directed by the great Carl Reiner and featuring Martin as titular dumbass Navin R. Johnson. After its success, Martin went on to collaborate with Reiner several more times, including in the paranormal romantic comedy All of Me, with Lily Tomlin, and Dead Men Dont Wear Plaid, the film noir parody that went to painstaking pre-digital (and Oujia board-less) lengths to make it seem as though Martin were interacting with old Hollywood stars like Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart.

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Less celebrated, though, is 1983s The Man With Two Brains, co-written by Martin, director Reiner, and George Gipe  who also, incidentally, wrote the surprisingly horrifying novelization of Back to the Future. The aggressively goofy film concerns a brilliant brain surgeon named Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr, who marries a beautiful, yet cruel, patient played by Kathleen Turner. Things take a 50s pulp sci-fi left turn halfway through the movie when Martins character falls in love with a disembodied brain being kept in a jar by a mad scientist, voiced by an uncredited Sissy Spacek.

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Theres a lot to love about The Man With Two Brains; the scene where Martin barks orders at a four-year-old girl at the site of a car accident, for instance, is arguably an all-timer 

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 but theres also a lot about the movie that  doesnt hold up so well. One could argue that the climax, in which Dr. Hfuhruhurr very nearly resorts to murder in order to obtain a sexy host body for his lovers brain, was intended as a criticism of misogyny and male superficiality  but considering that the entire movie ends on a dumb fatphobic joke, its hard to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Regardless, The Man With Two Brains has  and we refuse to budge on this  the best damn celebrity cameo in movie history.

At the risk of spoiling the film (seriously, stop reading now if you havent seen this 39-year-old movie and wish to enjoy it completely untarnished), much of the action takes place in Vienna during a medical conference. A random (although ultimately pivotal) B-story involves a mysterious stranger who murders women in elevators, which the locals have dubbed, somewhat unimaginatively, the Elevator Killer.

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When we witness the Elevator Killer take down his first victim, we pointedly never see his face  just that hes wearing a trenchcoat and ominously carrying a syringe.

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When the killer corners his victim, she seems to know him and is seemingly pleasantly surprised to see him. In true whodunnit form, before she is able to further reveal the identity of the mystery man to the audience, he strikes!

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Towards the end of the film, Kathleen Turners character also ends up in an elevator with the murderer, and she too seems to know him  who could it be?? Well, when Martin appears on the scene, its revealed that the Elevator Killer is none other than  talk show host Merv Griffin, playing  Merv Griffin. Yup, the long-time TV personality bashfully admits that hes the culprit, revealing that: Ive always just loved to kill. I really enjoy it. He goes on to say that his predilection for homicide has been difficult due to his fame. He cant even lurk anymore without someone saying: Whos that lurking over there? Isnt that Merv Griffin? (Hence why hes now operating in Vienna).

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While Griffin promises to turn himself in, we learn at the end of the film that he didnt, thanks to a title card indicating that he is, in fact, still at large.

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This zany gag is expertly executed; while seemingly random, it doesnt totally come out of nowhere and was subtly foreshadowed more than an hour prior to the reveal when Dr. Hfuhruhurr and his new bride are briefly seen watching The Merv Griffin Show.

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While Merv Griffin is less well-known today, at the time, he was a major TV star. This would be like if a comedy today included a twist where Jimmy Fallon was quietly moonlighting as a modern-day Jack the Ripper in order to quench his raging bloodlust.

Of course, this basic premise has perhaps become more commonplace today; celebrities routinely play themselves in cameos, often in an unflattering light, like Neil Patrick Harris in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle or the laundry list of stars who show up as petty jerks in Extras or how Carl Weathers plays a cheap grifter named Carl Weathers on Arrested Development (which, itself, felt like an homage to a plotline from the classic sitcom Newhart, involving actor Tim Conway).

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But The Man With Two Brains took this idea to perhaps its furthest possible extreme  which is what makes it so funny. Merv Griffin isnt just acting slightly rude or revealing that hes surprisingly thrifty, hes confessing to slaughtering innocent people in an Austrian hotel for the sheer giddy thrill of it. And is weirdly bemused about the whole thing.

Shades of this joke are also present in Martins most recent project, Only Murders in the Building, in which our heroes briefly suspect Sting might be a cold-blooded killer.

But that one seems less hilariously far-fetched, to be honest. Sorry Sting.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).

Top Image: Warner Bros.
South Park isnt a show thats known for its sincere apologies  something tells us that the press release where they said sorry to China while mentioning that (President) Xi doesnt look just like Winnie the Pooh at all wasnt meant to be taken seriously. But saying youre sorry and admitting you were wrong arent exactly the same thing. Every once in a while, South Park does say We #$%@ed up without actually saying We #$%@ed up or, you know, apologetically laying naked on a bear rug like that guy from BP. For instance...

Retconning Token/Tolkien  s Name Naming the only Black kid in the boys class Token was a pretty funny gag  for about two episodes in 1998. The more the show started treating him like a real character instead of a background joke, the more his dumbass name stuck out  itd be like if Cartman was named Phat Kidd, and they had to call him that with a straight face 20 times per episode. In last years episode The Big Fix, just before a storyline in which Stan and Token actually become good friends, the show addressed the issue by having Stan awkwardly discover that Tokens name was Tolkien (after J.R.R.) all along, and every single kid at school knew that except him. Yes, even Cartman. The show went as far as to change Tokens name to Tolkien in all the subtitles and descriptions for older episodes in their website, and the time Cartman wore a T-shirt with the words Token Lives Matter was explained away as him being a f---ing moron (which was already evident). Other instances of Tolkien himself supposedly writing his name as Token were caused by, lets say, gnomes or hidden aliens. Stan feels like a terrible person for assuming a Black kid could seriously be called Token, as if they lived in some edgy 1990s cartoon or something. As for those who think South Park sold out to the woke mob with this episode, I regret to inform you that they sold out 23 years ago when they recast Token/Tolkien so he was voiced by a Black person, although there was no whining about the show going PC at the time. Advertisement

Admitting Al Gore Was Right Over the years, South Parks creators have dropped subtle hints that they didnt take the concept of climate change very seriously. Theres the time the town stupidly falls for a fake global warming panic represented as a giant dick drawn on a map, the time when some environmentalists try to use Jedi Mind Tricks to brainwash the kids into believing in global warming and the time a character gets called a "f---ing r----d" for suggesting global warming could take less than millions of years to change the climate. The most notable of these instances is the 2006 episode in which Al Gore (having recently starred in An Inconvenient Truth in the real world) stops by South Park to warn everyone that a half-man, half-bear and half-pig monster is coming to kill everyone and its super cereal. Advertisement Advertisement In the episode, ManBearPig is obviously fake and just a pathetic way for Gore to get attention. Cut to 12 years later, when ManBearPig does show up in South Park and starts killing everyone. Advertisement The boys are forced to look up Al Gore and say sorry for making fun of him  while still making fun of him and depicting him as a self-obsessed loon, but at least hes a self-obsessed loon who is right and helps save lives. The real Gore said he was impressed by the episode and appreciated the gesture, even if his character still cant pronounce the word serious correctly.

Acknowledging Randy  s  Flanderization  In recent years, South Park has slowly morphed from a show about some fourth-grade kids into a show about a guy running a weed farm with a sentient towel, co-starring some fourth-grade kids. This wouldnt be so bad if the guy in question, Randy Marsh, hadnt slowly devolved from a capable adult into a completely ridiculous being who mostly repeats the same gag over and over  a process known among adult animation fans as Flanderization. Advertisement Advertisement For a long time it looked like Matt Stone and Trey Parker had actually forgotten that Randy was supposed to be a knowledgeable geologist with a college degree and all. That is, until last years South Park: The Streaming Wars Part 2, in which Randy realizes how annoying and useless hes become and reverts to his original self during a musical number called We Missed You, Randy. Advertisement Once again a geologist, Randy designs a desalinization plant in order to help solve a drought and make it so South Park doesnt have to rely on recycled pee for water anymore. Unfortunately, by the end of the episode hes forced to go back to his annoying "Male Karen" persona to save the day. Its unclear if hell be Geologist Randy, Karen Randy or enter some new phase in upcoming episodes, but just knowing that Stone and Parker are aware of the Randy problem is reassuring. Advertisement
Monty Python has never been more controversial than they are today  after all, one of the groups most famous members wasnt even allowed to speak at a scheduled university event, and the BBC is outright refusing to re-air their work. On the other hand, both of those scandals only exist inside John Cleeses head; he self-canceled his own gig in 2021 and somehow forgot that the Pythons sold their entire catalog to Netflix in 2018 in a highly-publicized and presumably lucrative deal, which obviously prevents it from appearing on the BBC.

While the comedy legend has repeatedly complained that joke-telling is more difficult in the 21st century because people are too uptight and woke, that's an especially odd position to take considering that Monty Python has sparked a number of controversies  but unless our calculations are off, they mostly occurred literal decades ago. Like how

The BBC Forced the Pythons to Add Boos to the Undertaker Sketch Although not as beloved as, say, the Dead Parrot sketch, or, well, most of their other sketches, the undertaker routine from the second season of Monty Python's Flying Circus found Graham Chapman as an uncouth mortician who suggests cannibalizing Cleeses mother  not raw of course. Advertisement In the original broadcast version, the sketch is interrupted by the sounds of the audience revolting, booing the performers for the tasteless jokes, before eventually rushing the stage in a mad frenzy. Clearly, Cleese and Chapman (who wrote the sketch together) were trying to be provocative; when they first brought the material to the rest of the Pythons, only Terry Gilliam found it funny, while the others were "shocked." The BBCs Head of Comedy allowed it to be filmed on the condition that the audience was shown to register its disapproval by taking over the set. The day after the episode aired, the BBC held a meeting, and, shockingly, they werent big fans of the corpse-eating content. The BBC brass discussed how the show was continually going over the edge of what was acceptable and that the team seemed to wallow in the sadism of their humor, citing the appalling undertaker sketch as evidence of how the series had become nihilistic and cruel. Advertisement

The Pythons Weren  t Allowed to Advertise Their Album (Which Also Pissed Off a Music Legend) Monty Pythons recording career was no less fraught with annoying complaints; when they released Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album, the Independent Television Companies Association prevented their label, Charisma, from advertising it on TV  not because of the content of the commercials, but because the Pythons were "crude in the extreme." Of course, the label ended up using this specific criticism as a slogan in the print ads. They also jokingly added a tag reading: Now a Major Lawsuit, which soon became less funny for the company when the album was nearly the subject of an actual major lawsuit. One of the tracks, Farewell to John Denver, featured a brief clip from the John Denver tune Annies Song, followed by the sounds of him being violently strangled. Denvers reps threatened to sue the Pythons for breach of copyright and defamation, so the track was pulled and replaced with an announcement from Terry Jones describing how a sketch had been removed due to legal advice.
Before Chris Farley hit it out of the park in feature comedies like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep, he was a quick shot of pure comic adrenaline in other big-screen laughers, many of which starred old friends from Saturday Night Live. Here are seven times Farley found a way to steal audiences hearts despite a minimum of screen time

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7 Roseanne Fine, this Farley bit on Roseanne Barrs sitcom doesnt belong on a list of movie cameos, but he generates so many laughs in less than 30 seconds that we couldnt help but include it. Its another variation on a bit he called Fat Guy in a Little Coat, a classic that he called back in Tommy Boy. Advertisement

6 Waynes World Advertisement Advertisement No big screen part gave Farley less to do, but he still nails his cameo as Security Guy Who Knows Too Much.

5 Waynes World 2 Advertisement Whoever said, There are no small parts, just small actors never met Chris Farley. He kills it as broken roadie Milton in this parody of An Officer and a Gentleman. Advertisement Advertisement

4 Dirty Work Play Advertisement Farley appeared uncredited as Jimmy, the guy who gets his nose bitten off by a Saigon sex worker. This is Farleys biggest part on the list so far, yet he doesnt get much to do other than get his nose gnawed off a second time. Advertisement

3 Coneheads Play Advertisement Can we really call Farleys role as Ronnie the Mechanic a cameo? It feels like more than that despite only eight minutes of screen time. However you want to qualify it, Ronnie is our favorite kind of Farley role  an out-of-control maniac on the one hand, a bashful sweetheart on the other. Coneheads aliens-out-of-water storyline doesnt really work but the awkward Connie/Ronnie romance is the best part of the movie. Advertisement

2 Airheads Advertisement Wilson the neophyte cop might not even qualify as a funny part in lesser hands, but Farleys earnest ambition to prove himself worthy as a law enforcer makes this a winner. The guy is clearly in over his head, but just when you think Wilson is too much of a dim bulb to succeed, he improvises with an errant nipple ring to come out on top. Advertisement
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Microsoft's $5 billion investment in Australia for the next two years, with one of the areas of investment being a collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on the Microsoft-Australian Signals Directorate Cyber Shield (MACS). MACS's goal is to improve protection from cyber threats for Australian residents, businesses and government entities.

As part of this partnership, Microsoft will work with ASD to build fit-for-purpose, next-generation cybersecurity solutions.

In mid-September, the Australian federal government announced its first plans for what the 2023-30 national cybersecurity strategy will look like, and these plans included the creation of six cyber shields which will focus on educating citizens and businesses, investing in cyber skills and collaborating with national and international partners to protect the country from evolving cyber threats.

Microsoft MD for Australia and New Zealand Steven Worrall said in a press conference in Washington, D.C., the partnership will enable the sharing of the 65 trillion signals that Microsoft manages across its network in an appropriate way to help bolster and complement what Australia is doing.

During the press conference, the PM was quick to assure ASD will be completely in charge of all the sensitive material in terms of intelligence.

With details on the cyber shields still to be revealed, "the joint Microsoft-ASD Cyber Shield (MACS) initiative appears to herald a significant boost to the government's capabilities to protect the nation from foreign-state actors," Gartner senior research director Richard Addiscott tells CSO. "The key outcome will be to ensure that these investments and the associated capability uplift are distributed appropriately between the preventative capabilities needed to deter, and defend us from, even the most sophisticated attacks; and the ability to detect a successful attack and then respond in a way that minimizes the impact of those attacks that get behind the 'shield'."
Great Rooms A visual diary by Design Editor Wendy Goodman. His studio: John Alexander at work. You get your cup of coffee and come in here and start staring. Photo: Annie Schlechter

Even after 44 years of living in New York City  43 of them in this Soho loft artist John Alexander still sounds, to this New Yorker anyway, as Texas as can be. His wife, British-born ceramicist Fiona Waterstreet, has similarly retained her accent, and sitting with the two of them discussing their life together is like listening to music.

Alexander was born in Texas and started teaching at the University of Houston shortly after earning his M.F.A. from Southern Methodist University. But by his early 30s, he was getting restless and, wanting to expand the playing field, as he puts it, decided to move to Manhattan. Within a year, he found this 3,500-square-foot loft in an 1874 cast-iron building.

People thought down there that I had lost my mind, says Alexander. I knew so many artists there and the barbecues and all that lovely atmosphere, but thats not productive. Here, its work all the time, and you have a real conscious and subconscious understanding that if you dont work hard, you just will be left behind. His art has often depicted the natural world. My work in Houston was all landscape oriented, nature, and then for the first time in my career in the 80s, I was doing figurative, manic, crazy works. Its easy to make the association of the shock value of living two different lifestyles. Moving was a big adjustment, he adds. I left this rich flora and fauna of the Gulf Coast, and I was living for the first time in a big city. The most shocking thing to me was the noise because I didnt have insulated windows.

His work is now in the permanent collections of the Met, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. (Hes showing with Berggruen Gallery at the Art Show at the Park Avenue Armory this November.)

Waterstreet had been living in Colorado and was running her own business representing Australian fashion and accessory designers before she met Alexander and moved to New York with her son, Harrison, in the early 90s. In 1994, they became a family living in the loft. Fiona and Harrison coming into my life changed everything, says Alexander. Because you think you are this wild man about town, then all of a sudden you have this little boy in your life.

He had been living as many artists do close by his work. John was literally sleeping on the floor, Waterstreet says of when they met. No, I wasnt, Alexander interjects. You were so, Waterstreet says. When I moved in, you had a mattress on the floor. Alexander thinks about that and then agrees. I could live very comfortably right here, he says of the studio.

To help create a more residential feel, they worked with Richard Mishaan, who created intimacy with bookcases and large screens, rather than dividing up the luxurious expanse of space in the front part of the loft. Im English, she says. I want square rooms, little rooms with light.

There is also enough space for two artist studios. Twelve years ago, Waterstreet found ceramics, she says. It happened very slowly, very organically, she says of taking classes at Greenwich House Pottery. And I felt like I had a capacity for it and then I started sculpting one summer getting off the wheel, but still my practice is both; I do the wheel and sculpting. Her porcelain birds and larger pots and abstract pieces have been exhibited at the Drawing Room in East Hampton and Tayloe Piggott in Jackson, Wyoming.

People say we should have a show together, Waterstreet says  pairing her pieces with Alexanders art  and I say, Absolutely not.

Oh no, were going to do it! says Alexander.

No, we are not, Waterstreet says with affectionate finality.

The Living Area: The family side has been divided into more intimate spaces using large custom screens. Photo: Annie Schlechter

Her Studio: Waterstreets work area is separated from Alexanders. Once she starts, Alexander says, were not allowed to open that door. Photo: Annie Schlechter

The Kitchen: The open living/dining room with a table from Aero and one of Alexanders paintings above the counter. Photo: Annie Schlechter

The Hallway: A view from the kitchen towards the long hallway that connects the residential side of the loft to the studios. The ceramic jars to the right of the ceramic tea pots are by Fiona Waterstreet. Photo: Annie Schlechter

The wall of art: One wall of Alexanders studio features his own art and that of artists Red Grooms, Jim Hatchett, Terry McDonell and Edward Kienholz. Photo: Annie Schlechter

Alexanders working studio wall with art in progress and his painting table. Photo: Annie Schlechter

Alexanders paint-encrusted cans and a painting of a monkey. Photo: Annie Schlechter

The west-facing windows in the living area of the loft and Waterstreets porcelain ceramics on top of the table. Photo: Annie Schlechter
From Oct. 5 through Oct. 24, University of Oregon Student Workers have been holding an election to officially establish an undergraduate union to support improved working conditions across campus.

All student employees who have worked hours from April to September, were hired between Aug. 15 and Sept. 19 or are currently an RA are eligible to confidentially vote in the election through an online ballot sent to their student email. Graduate students are also eligible to vote as long as they are not in a position affiliated with another union such as the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF).

The university officially states that their stance on unionization is neutral and that they support a fair union election process where student workers are encouraged to exercise their right to vote.

This election is to form our union. Right now we dont have a certified union  this is the next step to getting us legally certified and to get UO to the bargaining table, union organizer and RA Carolyn Roderique said.

If 50% or more of the ballots are yes votes, the union will be certified. If 50% are no votes, it will not be certified. Certification ensures that the bargaining process can move forward, meaning the university must sit down with UOSW leadership to negotiate working conditions like pay, pay periods, harassment in the workplace and more.

The push for a union began in winter term of 2022 through the formation of the UOSW advocacy group and a workers survey. At that time, a student worker bill of rights was proposed through ASUO in an attempt to advocate for better working conditions, but it was struck down by their constitutional board.

From whispers to demonstrations: UO student workers work toward unionizing After its second meeting, the UOSW continues to prepare for certification and drafts goals and demands for the university upon recognizing the union as a certified one.

It was never going to work going through all the bureaucratic hoops, Roderique said. So we ended up just saying, Okay, let's have a union and have our own sense of power rather than just hoping the right people care enough to advocate for us.

If established, the union will cover a unit of around 4,000 workers in a variety of student jobs across campus such as dining, RAs, EMU workers, research assistants and more, meaning it would be one of the largest wall-to-wall unions at a public university in the United States.

It's the first of its kind, and this is a really big deal, Roderique said.

Last year, UOSW went public with a card check campaign and collected 2,200 cards from student workers over a six month period. Those cards were submitted to the Employment Relations Board in order to begin the election process.

Since there isnt a vote no campaign for the election, those involved with UOSW believe that a win for the union is very likely. We are really confident that we are going to win the election, UOSW Logistics and Outreach Chair Mae Bracelin said. The question is, What is our turnout going to be? The higher the turnout we get, the better that looks, so were really just trying to push people in every workplace to vote.

Over the course of the voting period, the campaign has consisted of members of the UOSW union stopping by workplaces to remind workers about the election and giving pitches to certain classes about the union.

Students are currently advocating for a union for several reasons. Really the most widely felt [grievance] across campus is the pay period, Bracelin said. A four week pay period at the wages were making is not enough to sustain yourself and live off. One of the biggest hopes is that through a contract, we would be able to secure a two week pay period for student workers.

UO Student Workers files its petition for certification UOSW is pushing to change policy and become the largest undergraduate union in the U.S.

This sentiment about pay is shared by other students, like sophomore Shawn Jackson who currently works in dining and wishes for more flexibility with payment and work hours. While he wasnt eligible to vote since his contract is designated short-term, he is informed about the current union movement.

I think the union is a good thing for students, especially for those who work here full time, he said. I know some students need it for their source of income.

Another motivation for the current election has been the news that UOSWs sister student workers union at Dartmouth College was able to increase pay from the federal minimum wage to $16.25 an hour for students.

Thats a huge increase, which shows really how powerful undergraduate unionism is, Bracelin said.

After GTFF declared an impasse with the university on Oct. 19, they hosted a rally in front of Johnson Hall the following afternoon. Since both groups are at critical points in their push for bargains with the university, UOSW joined GTFF in solidarity, with members bringing homemade signs in support of the union effort.

Even though we have a different academic level, undergraduates and graduates, as workers, we have so much in common, Bracelin said.

The UOSW election ballots will be tallied on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
The University District Hospital sits on Hilyard St. in Eugene, Ore. PeaceHealth announced, on Aug. 22, 2023, that the University District hospital has begun the process of shutting down. The emergency department, inpatient rehabilitation, and other medical services plan to be transferred to the RiverBend Hospital in Springfield, Ore. (Molly McPherson/Emerald)
The Spinning Top candlestick pattern forms part of the vast Japanese candlestick repertoire with its own distinct features. Often associated with indecision in the market, Spinning Top candles can provide valuable supporting information to a trading strategy. The main talking points of this article are:

What is the Spinning Top candlestick pattern?

How is the Spinning candlestick formed?

How to trade the Spinning Top candle

Learn more about trading with candlesticks

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What is the Spinning Top candlestick pattern?

A Spinning Top pattern involves a single candle indicating uncertainty in the market. The candlestick itself is defined by a short body surrounded by long wicks (approximately the same length) on either side. The Spinning Top can be either bullish or bearish at the candle close. This candlestick pattern is often located within an uptrend, downtrend and/or consolidation (sideways movement) signifying possible reversals.

How is the spinning candlestick formed?

The price movement within the Spinning Top candle represents buyers and sellers rescinding each other resulting in a similar open and close price level. The advantage of incorporating the Spinning Top candlestick pattern within a trading strategy is that it is easy to identify with minimal implied time investment.

The logic behind the indecision shown in the market during the formation of a Spinning Top is simple - while the candle was forming, traders moved prices both higher and lower throughout the chart period. This resulted in the closing price reverting back/very close to the opening price.

The Spinning Top pattern follows the same basic structure and logic as the Doji however, the Spinning Top displays a wider candle body which shows a more substantial movement in price during the candle period.

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How to Trade the Spinning Top Candle

Trading with the Spinning Top candle involves understanding how it is formed and where it sits in relation to the overall market trend. The example below goes through identification, confirmation and execution of a practical forex trade using the Spinning Top.

In the EUR/NZD chart above, the Spinning Top candle (bearish) appears at the top of an uptrend  highlighted by the gold trend line. The indecision from buyers and sellers is apparent and leads to a reversal in trend direction.

Live traders should not look to enter a trade immediately after the Spinning Top has formed, but rather delay the trade to wait for confirmation. Confirmation can come from technical indicators, fundamental factors or oscillators as seen using a stochastic oscillator. The stochastic re-confirms a short entry as indicated by the blue circle.

The most common method used by technical traders to confirm a trend reversal is waiting for the formation of the succeeding candle. Using the example above, the succeeding candle should close lower than the wick of the Spinning Top. Without this confirmation, the signal of trend reversal may not be established, and uncertainty remains in the market.

Key takeaways for trading the Spinning Top candlestick pattern:

Locate candle with a short body and long wicks on both sides Identify market trend by using trend lines or technical indicators Wait for confirmation prior to entering trade If confirmed, place trade in desired direction

In conclusion, the Spinning Top candle depicts market indecision between buyers and sellers which could indicate price reversals. It is important to recognise the positioning of the Spinning Top within the market  within a trend or at key price levels of support and resistance. The Spinning Top candlestick pattern is most effective at these particular points.

Learn more about trading with candlesticks
No ice cream for the Seabees on USS Amsterdam  Focus on History
The Jayhawks are set to perform at The Egg this weekend.
Marlene Kennedy is a freelance columnist. Opinions expressed in her column are her own and not necessarily the newspapers. Reach her at marlenejkennedy@gmail.com.
Here are your representatives addresses and office phone numbers. Click on the supplied links to E-mail.

Letters to members of the state Assembly and Senate may be addressed to their offices in the Legislative Office Building (LOB), Albany, NY. The ZIP code for the Assembly is 12248 and for the Senate is 12247.

STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

PETER D. LOPEZ, R-SCHOHARIE, Room 429, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 455-5363. District office: 45 Five Mile Woods Road, Suite 2, Catskill, NY 12414, phone 943-1371. E-mail: lopezP@assembly.state.ny.us.

PHIL STECK, D-COLONIE, Room 820, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 518-455-5931. E-mail: SteckP@assembly.state.ny.us

ANGELO SANTABARBARA, D-ROTTERDAM, Room 829-A, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 518-455-5197. District office: 1170 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY 12010. E-mail: SantabarbaraA@assembly.state.us

MARC W. BUTLER, R-NEWPORT, Room 318, Legislative Office Building. Phone:455-5393. District offices: 41 E. Main St., Johnstown, NY 12095, phone 762-6486;Suite 101, 235 N. Prospect St., Herkimer, NY 13350, phone 315-866-1632. E-mail:butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us.

STEVE MCLAUGHLIN, R-MELROSE, Room 533, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 518-455-5777. District office: 1654 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033 E-mail: McLaughlinS@assembly.state.us

STATE SENATORS

JAMES TEDISCO, R-GLENVILLE Room 803, Legislative Office Building. Phone 455-2181. Fax: 426-6821. Email: tedisco@nysenate.gov

KATHLEEN MARCHIONE, R-SARATOGA Room 306, Legislative Office Building. Phone 455-2381. Fax: 426-6985. E-mail: marchione@senate.state.ny.us.

NEIL BRESLIN, D-ALBANY, Room 606, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 455-2225. No district office. E-mail: breslin@senate.state.ny.us.

ELIZABETH OC. LITTLE, R-QUEENSBURY, Room 903, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 455-2811. District office: 21 Bay St., Glens Falls, NY 12801, phone 743-0968. E-mail: little@senate.state.ny.us.

JAMES L. SEWARD, R/C-MILFORD, Room 307, Legislative Office Building. Phone: 455-3131. District office: 41 S. Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820, phone 607-432-5524. E-mail: seward@senate.state.ny.us.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

PAUL TONKO, D-AMSTERDAM, 128 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-5076. District offices: Leo OBrien Federal Building, Room 827, Albany, NY 12207, phone 465-0700; 61 Church St., Room 309, Amsterdam, NY 12010, phone 843-3400. Web site: www.tonko.house.gov.

U.S. SENATORS

CHUCK SCHUMER, D, 313 Hart Building, Washington, DC 20510. Phone: 202-224- 6542. District office: Leo OBrien Federal Building, Suite 420, Albany, NY 12207, phone 431-4070. E-mail: senator@schumer.senate.gov.

KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, D, 531 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. Phone: (202) 224-4451. E-mail: Kirsten_Gillibrand@gillibrand.senate.gov.
At quarter to four on an autumn Monday, when thoughts might usually turn to tea, Rishi Sunak wrenched the Commons to the dust and murk of the Middle East.

Referring to last week's explosion at a Gaza hospital, the Prime Minister said this: 'On the basis of the deep knowledge and analysis of our intelligence and weapons experts, the British Government judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.'

MI6's boffins  'Q' and his mates, if you like  had crawled all over the data. That hospital blast was a jihadi group's damn fault.

A low groan of disgust rose from the Conservative benches behind Mr Sunak; from Labour MPs opposite him, stiff silence. This was not what they wished to hear. On the evening of the explosion, the Left hurriedly blamed Israel. Now that was evidently fake news.

Imagine if it had been the other way round and killings initially attributed to Hamas were found to have been caused by Benjamin Netanyahu's forces.

Mr Sunak's arrival was greeted with more warmth than would normally be the case after thumping by-election losses. The Israel emergency has changed Westminster's currency, writes QUENTIN LETTS

Sir Keir again tried to tread the tightrope of acknowledging Israel's right to defend herself while also sounding pro-Palestinian, but it becomes trickier for him by the day

Imagine the parliamentary shouts of 'apologise!'

This crisis is ageing our once-youthful premier. His cheekbones are more evident. The hair is becoming speckled by grey.

'Must be those by-election results,' you retort. They can't have helped. But looking at Rishi, one senses a man becoming dented by intractables, specifically here the unbending, ancient enmities of the Holy Land.

At departmental questions immediately before Mr Sunak's statement, education minister Robert Halfon twice spoke of Hamas's 'useful idiots' and 'fifth columnists' in our universities. Oh well, a former news editor of mine did always say columnists were a menace. But Mr Halfon's point should make us gulp at the way today's so-called respectable classes flirt with extremists.

Mr Sunak's arrival was greeted with more warmth than would normally be the case after thumping by-election losses. The Israel emergency has changed Westminster's currency. It won't last but at present the dangers are sufficiently awesome to secure approbation for the PM's travels to Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Several MPs, not all Tory, praised him.

Beside him sat James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, who has also been zooming around the region. Mr Cleverly was in red socks. Clean-laundry shelves running a little low, perhaps.

For Sir Keir Starmer, the Israel-Hamas war is a particular nightmare. An opposition leader this far ahead in the opinion polls never welcomes upheavals, especially when plenty of members of his own party are soft on the terrorists involved. Sir Keir again tried to tread the tightrope of acknowledging Israel's right to defend herself while also sounding pro-Palestinian, but it becomes trickier for him by the day.

He was obliged to sit there for the rest of the session. His left toecap kept swivelling as a succession of Labour MPs made coded anti-Israel noises.

Sir Keir is some distance from his party on this issue. When a water-skier overtakes the motorboat, it seldom ends well.

Labour MPs went rigid during Sir Keir's speech. Vicky Foxcroft (Lab, Lewisham Deptford) was nodding but apart from her there was little evident support for his efforts to sound pro-Israeli. Afzal Khan (Manchester Gorton), one of Sir Keir's own frontbenchers, studied his mobile phone.

In response to a question from Jeremy Corbyn, the Prime Minister reminded the former Labour leader that he had once hailed Hamas as 'friends'

A line of anti-Zionists at the back of the chamber had their arms crossed.

Yvette Cooper's right eyebrow was hooked like a bishop's crook, alive to the drama. It was striking how many backbenchers had suddenly become tremendous experts in international law.

During contributions from the likes of Zarah Sultana (Lab, Coventry South), Mohammad Yasin (Lab, Bedford) and Kim Johnson (Lab, Liverpool Riverside), the Starmer toecap whizzed at high speed.

Jeremy Corbyn (Ind, Islington North) had a go. Mr Sunak dealt with him crisply by recalling that Mr Corbyn had once hailed Hamas as 'friends'. No one enjoyed that putdown more than Sir Keir's neighbour David Lammy, who laughed and nodded.

Things are bad in Israel-Gaza but there's not much peace and love in the Labour Party, either.
I've always refused to sign petitions in which public figures take a stance on some great issue of the day. What need I of round robins when, as a journalist, I have the privilege of being able to report and comment on whatever matters I choose?

My rule was always to plough my own furrow, avoid lobbies, stay out of collective expressions of opinion and remain robustly independent.

This week I broke that rule. The widespread resurgence of anti-Semitism in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, even in our own dear land, and the concerted efforts by many to deny the unspeakable barbarism of Hamas  which bore all the hallmarks of a modern-day Holocaust  is more than enough to indicate that we have entered a new dark age in which the old rules don't apply.

So I signed the October Declaration, co-compiled by my Spectator colleague and friend, Toby Young, which pledges solidarity with British Jews in these anxious times and condemns anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head, but especially in Britain.

I checked the text to make sure it was strong but considered (it is), that it recognised the disregard Hamas had for the lives of the people of Gaza as well as of Israel (it does) and that I would be in good company (I am  playwright Tom Stoppard, former Labour foreign secretary Lord (David) Owen, actor Maureen Lipman and many, many others far more distinguished than me have signed). The Declaration finishes with these words: 'No one thought this would be necessary in the 21st century.' True. But it is necessary  more so than ever since World War II.

A group of Islamic extremist protesters, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, gather on the street outside the Egyptian embassy waving placards, flags, and chanting slogans on October 21 in London

A man wearing all black waves a Shahada flag in Whitehall during huge pro-Palestine protests

Another male in a grey hoodie held up a megaphone and appeared to continually bellow 'Hamas' in the 35-second clip which has had more than three million views on X

ANDREW NEIL: Those who seek to deny the horror of Hamas's modern-day Holocaust are dragging the world into a new dark age

It's not just that our streets resonate again to repugnant anti-Semitic tropes and calls for 'jihad' to wipe out Israel, and that British Jewish kids worry about whether it is safe to go to school while their parents wonder aloud if it's even safe to remain within these shores.

All of this is horrendous and shames Britain in 2023, but even worse is the fact that we are now living through a new era of Holocaust denial, not of the Nazi concentration camps (though there are still some evil people around denying them), but of the atrocities Hamas committed on October 7 against Jews  simply because they were Jews.

Big chunks of the mainstream media have been content to report whatever propaganda line Hamas spews out, almost without caveat or question, while everything the Israeli forces claim is subject to fierce scrutiny, scepticism and relentless quibbles.

Of course, Israeli claims should be toughly scrutinised. Israel has its own case to promote and it has not always been reliable in the past. Truth is a certain casualty of war.

But Hamas is a murderous death cult which runs Gaza with a totalitarian grip and is committed to the destruction of Israel and the Jews. You might think that alone would be grounds enough for treating cautiously what they say, that the bar for believing Hamas should be that bit higher than it is for Israel. But the reverse is the norm.

The BBC, sadly, has been in the forefront of this abnegation of journalistic standards.

In the immediate aftermath of a blast in a Gaza hospital, the BBC reported it had been hit by an Israeli missile 'according to Palestinian officials'. It thinks that attribution gets it off the hook. But it doesn't.

The 'Palestinian officials' are, of course, Hamas enforcers. And liars. The blast was almost certainly caused by a malfunctioning missile fired from Gaza at Israel.

The terrorists make many of their own missiles, so hitting their own people by mistake is not uncommon.

By the time the BBC made a reluctant acknowledgement that perhaps events were not quite as it had reported, its broadcasts, much watched and respected throughout the Middle East, had helped inflame Arab opinion and even did their bit to undermine President Biden's visit to the region. Meetings with the rulers of Jordan and Egypt were cancelled. Careless reporting has consequences in war.

A workman cleans attempts to clean off pro-Palestine graffiti on the base of Nelson's column in Trafalgar Square on October 22

There were chants of 'Jihad! Jihad! Jihad!' at the rally outside the Egyptian embassy in London

At an Islamist protest held in London on Saturday, one speaker was seen called for a 'jihad' to 'liberate people form the concentration camp called Palestine

Understandably, this infuriated Israel. It is even more angry about attempts to dismiss the barbarism of the Hamas invasion. This week it took unprecedented action. It invited international journalists to watch footage from the body cameras of the (now dead) Hamas terrorists as they carried out their slaughter.

That it should come to this is depressing. But if it helps counter those who would deny the Hamas Holocaust, then so be it.

It made for harrowing viewing. Hard-bitten war correspondents were moved to tears. It is uncomfortable to relate what they saw. But it must be reported if truth is to triumph.

It shows civilians and soldiers being shot, stabbed, tortured and burned. Merely because they were Jewish. Their corpses were bound, gagged and riddled with bullet holes and knife wounds. Because they were Jewish.

One Hamas terrorist throws a grenade at a father and his son running away in their underwear. The blast kills the father, while the young boy is covered in his blood. The child is dragged inside and forced to sit next to his brother, whose eye is a bloody mess after being subjected to horrific torture. Because they were Jewish.

There is footage of IDF soldiers beheaded, with their headless corpses left splayed in the streets. A contingent of female soldiers are badly injured by a grenade then shot at point-blank range. Because they were Jewish.

One Hamas gunman brags on the phone to his parents back in Gaza about 'killing ten Jews'. He is using the phone of a Jewish woman he has just murdered. He boasts that he 'is a hero' after killing Israelis with his 'own hands'. Because they were Jewish.

This newspaper has seen a video which the IDF claim shows one captured terrorist testifying that, prior to their attack on Israel, Hamas leaders had ordered them to behead women, children, the elderly  and then (it is hard to write this) to sexually abuse the corpses of young women. The 'mission' was 'to kill. Women. Children. Everyone'. Because they were Jewish.

In other testimony, rescue workers have spoken of finding headless bodies, sometimes of the very young.

Protesters during a pro-Palestine march organised by Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidarity Campaign in central London on Saturday

Thousands took to the streets in London on Saturday to take part in peaceful protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people in London on Saturday

Israel's most senior pathologist, tasked with identifying mutilated, unrecognisable bodies to bring some closure for their loved ones, has confirmed that some of the bodies were headless.

The evidence is overwhelming: October 7 was the day of the Hamas Holocaust. Those who are still trying to deny that should be seen for what they are  scum of evil intent.

Of course, bad as it was, it was not on anything like the scale of the Nazi Holocaust. But it was the worst day for Jews since the concentration camps were liberated in 1945.

And, given what we now know, can anybody doubt that Hamas would rival the Nazis in scale and the industrialisation of genocide if they had the opportunity and the resources?

So I'm glad I signed the October Declaration. It is, of course, pathetically inadequate  close to meaningless in the grand scheme of things. For me it has merely meant more online abuse and threats from the usual deranged numpties.

Not even a pinprick compared to the atrocities endured on October 7. But if it adds to a growing awareness that the world is once again contaminated by those who want to kill Jews because they are Jews, then it will be worthwhile. And in combating this poison there can be no surrender.

To sign the October Declaration, see britishfriendsofisrael.org
Save our sausages. Tom Hunt (Ipswich) was one of the horde of Conservative MPs cheering the Home Office's announcement that it will start reducing the number of regional hotels housing asylum seekers.

At last, said Mr Hunt, the Novotel in Ipswich will be able to return to public use. 'This is about fairness. When a number of my constituents who are struggling to pay their energy bills, struggling to put food on the table, can see migrants at a four star hotel  and they're all men  going to their buffet every day and not paying a penny, it strikes at the heart of that fairness.'

For years I have listened to parliamentarians discussing immigration concerns and the language has been boringly procedural and euphemistic.

No one has ever mentioned hot buffet-breakfast envy. Maybe they should have done. Nothing so pricks the British voter's indignation as the thought that someone might be getting his snorkers.

We keep being told the Tories are tanking and Sir Keir Starmer will be the next prime minister. Maybe. Yet for the hour of this hotels statement by Robert Jenrick, immigration minister, positions were reversed.

Conservatives' tails were high as they pressed Mr Jenrick to keep going. There were just eight Labour backbenchers in attendance. The rest did not wish to hear Mr Jenrick claim that efforts to stop the small boats were finally working.

Robert Jenrick told MPs that the first 50 contracts for accommodation would be 'exited' by the end of January with a focus on putting them up in cheaper locations like motels, former military bases and floating barges

The Novotel in Ipswich (pictured) will be able to return to public use much to the delight of the area's Tory MP Tom Hunt

Stephen Kinnock, Labour's spokesman, spoke for as short a time as he reasonably could. What little he had to say for himself was greeted with honks of derision from the Tory side.

Mr Kinnock's chief claim was that the small boat numbers had reduced because it had been the wettest summer since 1912.

Natalie Elphicke (Con, Dover) protested that this was rubbish. Why, the sun had actually been seen in Dover this summer, she insisted. Cue widespread disbelief around the house.

Mr Jenrick dismissed Mr Kinnock as 'the Michael Fish of British politics'. Does that make Mr Fish the Stephen Kinnock of British weather-forecasting? If so, is it actionable?

'A day for celebration,' was the reaction of even the moderate Damian Green (Con, Ashford) to Mr Jenrick's announcement. 'Real progress,' said Philip Hollobone (Con, Kettering), normally miserly with his praise. 'Immense progress,' thought Matt Warman, the voice of Skegness. You might expect the MP for such a bracing seaside resort to be strappingly bronze but Mr Warman is an unashamedly nerdy specimen.

He and other MPs from all parties have, however, been through the mincer on this issue.

Sir George Howarth (Lab, Knowsley) begged the minister to stop sending migrants to a hotel in his constituency where there was violent unrest. Mr Jenrick agreed. Siobhan Baillie (Con, Stroud) urged Labour to stop playing political games on immigration because in some constituencies the police and local MP had 'worked really hard to keep incidents out of the newspapers so as not to escalate situations'.

A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat traveling from the coast of France and heading in the direction of Dover, Kent on August 29

The Stoke contingent were in fine voice as they celebrated Mr Jenrick's announcement that the North Stafford hotel will no longer be filled with asylum seekers. 'Labour wants us to be dumping ground,' bellowed Jonathan Gullis (Con, Stoke North). 'Stoke has done its fair share!'

Some years ago, when reviewing a play nearby, I spent a night at the North Stafford hotel. One can only conclude that the asylum seekers are made of strong stuff.

Not everyone on the Conservative side was happy, though. Maggie Throup (Con, Erewash) demanded to know from Mr Jenrick if a hotel in her patch was going to become migrant-free, 'and if he can't give me that good news, why not?'.

Mr Jenrick was indeed unable to oblige and looked a little chastened. Ms Throup is the one who looks and sounds like Brian the snail from television's Magic Roundabout. Savaged by a snail!

In France they eat snails. We Brits prefer sausages.
It was a wondrous sign of hope after days of blood-soaked war. A frail old woman, freed after more than a fortnight being held hostage in dank underground tunnels, turning to shake hands with one of the terrorists who kidnapped her and saying 'shalom' [peace].

Yocheved Lifshitz is 85. She endured unimaginable horrors after being seized with her husband from a kibbutz that suffered terrible carnage at the hands of Hamas.

Yet after 16 days that she later described as hell, this grandmother being handed to Red Cross workers turned to a menacing black-clad gunman whose face was hidden by a balaclava, and surprised him with that simple gesture of shared humanity.

It was a powerful image of defiance: a dazed woman, in the twilight of a life dedicated to peace, showing extraordinary courage and nobility to the cowards who think their cause is boosted by atrocities and bloodshed.

Her daughter Sharone, an academic and artist in London, told the BBC her parents had worked hard to build bridges with their Palestinian neighbours.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, freed after more than a fortnight being held hostage in dank underground tunnels, turning to shake hands with one of the terrorists who kidnapped her

The couple helped found Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border a decade after the Holocaust  where about one quarter of the 400 residents were either killed or kidnapped earlier this month in the Hamas rampage.

Like many victims, they were committed to the ideal of peaceful co-existence. 'It's a twist of history that these communities that were so peace loving sustained a horrendous massacre,' said Sharone.

She explained how her father Oded, 83, a retired journalist, spoke Arabic and spent time going to the border to drive sick Palestinians to hospitals in Israel. I met one of the beneficiaries of such activities in Gaza  a pro-democracy activist who had defied the Hamas fanatics to lead protests against their abusive misrule despite being imprisoned seven times in two years.

He hated the brutally oppressive group that has inflamed the misery of two million people trapped in that tiny enclave by the Mediterranean, telling me how he had witnessed Hamas execute rivals near his home. 'I can't endure to see another drop of blood spilled.'

Like most Palestinians, this man wanted the right to return to his historic terrain  but he did not seek the removal of Israelis from their homes and was grateful to their medics for his stomach surgery in Tel Aviv.

Yocheved endured unimaginable horrors after being seized with her husband from a kibbutz that suffered terrible carnage at the hands of Hamas

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, center, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were escorted by Hamas as they were released to the Red Cross in an unknown location

The two women were held hostage by Hamas militants before being released to the Red Cross

The dazed woman, in the twilight of a life dedicated to peace, showed extraordinary courage and nobility to the cowards who think their cause is boosted by atrocities and bloodshed

He was a testament to decent people such as the Lifshitzes, fighting like him to build a better future for everyone in this fiercely contested patch of the Middle East.

Rage is growing on both sides as death tolls mount, but Sharone rightly argues that the awful recent events should strengthen the determination to tackle toxic hatreds. 'We have come out of the Holocaust,' said Sharone. 'I have many German friends.'

It is easy to despair in times of darkness. Yet as Israel's first prime minister David Ben-Gurion once said, 'in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles'  a faith in the future writ large in the resolve of a remarkable grandmother escaping from hell.
A couple, from Texas, who met in high school have traveled to 56 countries

A couple has opted not to have children because they don't want to miss out on the benefits of being kid-free, admitting they didn't 'feel a calling' to be parents.

Helene and Michael Sula, both 36, grew up Catholic in Dallas, Texas, and considered having children as the next step after getting married.

However, when the duo had a fun time attending Belgium's Tomorrowland festival, they had an epiphany about not wanting to 'miss out' on future travels.

Moving forward Helene and Michael began to consider themselves as DINKS, which stands for 'dual income no kids.'

A couple has opted not to have children because they don't want to miss out on the benefits of being kid-free, admitting they didn't 'feel a calling' to be parents

Helene, 36 and Michael Sula, 36, grew up Catholic in Dallas, Texas, and considered having children as the next step after getting married

However, when the duo had a fun time attending Belgium's Tomorrowland festival (pictured), they had an epiphany about not wanting to 'miss out' on future travels

Helene and Michael, who run a travel blog together, said they didn't have a 'calling' to have children and said it didn't feel 'right' to have them for the sake of it.

Instead their child-free lifestyle has enabled them to live in Germany, the US and the UK, and visit 56 countries and counting.

Helene, who currently lives in Oxford, said: 'We're in an incredible time where we can do what we want in life.

'We're living the dream. We prioritize experiences over everything else.'

Helene and Michael met in high school and got married aged 24 in 2011, and had always thought having kids would be the next step.

But after going to Tomorrowland festival in July 2012 they realized they didn't necessarily see children in their future.

'We thought "there is so much more that we're missing out on,"' Helene said.

Helene started a travel blog and grew it after a climbing injury stopped her from working her job in marketing and PR.

The couple's child-free lifestyle has enabled them to live in Germany, the US and the UK, and visit 56 countries and counting

Helene, a travel blogger, currently living in Oxford, said: 'We're in an incredible time where we can do what we want in life. We're living the dream. We prioritize experiences'

'We were missing out on kids but there is so much to explore. There is no wrong or right way. I had thought I wanted to have kids at a younger age but reset my framework,' Helene said

The couple then decided to move to Germany in 2016  and traveled around Europe.

'We were missing out on kids but there is so much to explore,' Helene said.

'There is no wrong or right way. I had thought I wanted to have kids at a younger age but reset my framework and realized that's not for me.'

The couple loves the 'spontaneity' they have to go on date nights or go away last minute.

'We met up with our friends in Croatia with a four-month-old and they hadn't been on a date night in a year,' Michael said.

'I feel raising children is one of the most important things you can do in life.

'It's such a selfless thing to do. You have to be certain you want one.

'I never felt strongly that way. I don't feel a calling to be a parent and it didn't feel right to do it as it's the "done thing."'

Helena and Michael moved back to Dallas, Texas, in 2019 and travelled around the US, but moved to Oxford, in the UK, in October 2023.

They are able to work online while they travel and have visited 56 countries including Iceland, Croatia and Morocco.

Helene and Michael met in high school (pictured) and got married aged 24 in 2011, and had always thought having kids would be the next step

But after going to Tomorrowland festival in July 2012, they realized they didn't necessarily see children in their future. Pictured together in high school

'I want to experience as many places as I can. It's never ending,' Michael said.

'Helene's favorite places to visit have been New England and the Christmas markets in Germany and France.'

The couple said their family had been supportive, but strangers were constantly asking when they were having kids.

For now it is something Helene and Michael don't see in their future, but they haven't completely ruled it out.

'Some people say not having kids is selfish,' Michael said.

'We're more comfortable with the idea of not having children than we have been.

'The life we're living for me is so much more rewarding.'
She was the party Prime Minister before enjoying a single girl summer that saw her make headlines around the world - but it seems Sanna Marin is now reinventing herself yet again and ditching the politics and the partying for the starry heights of Hollywood.

The former world leader, who was just 34 when she took office in 2019, recently took a very glamorous trip to Los Angeles, where she met list A-lister Sharon Stone among others in the Beverley Hills set.

Now 37, Sanna is working as a strategic counsellor for Tony Blair's institute and is regularly rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty.

While in Los Angeles she joined the Basic Instinct actress, 65, for a lunch at the Finnish Consulate. Sharon invited for her was activism work.

It appears the pair became fast friends after discussing democracy, human rights, and equal opportunities over lunch.

Sanna shared a snap of the unlikely pair, Sharon gushed: 'You are so cool so smart and so beautiful. That must be too tough for the men to cope with,'.

The former world leader, who was just 34 when she took office in 2019, recently took a very glamorous trip to Los Angeles, where she met list A-lister Sharon Stone among others in the Beverley Hills set

While in Los Angeles she joined the Basic Instinct actress, 65, for a lunch at the Finnish Consulate. Sharon invited for her was activism work

While in Southern California, Sanna also shared snaps from the Beverly Hills Hotel - an exclusive A-list hangout.

Sharon may be referencing Sanna's recent divorce. She split amicably with husband of three years, Markus Raikkonen in May.

While in Southern California, Sanna also shared snaps from the Beverly Hills Hotel - an exclusive A-list hangout. She also chatted to students at UCLA.

The trip may be the latest hint the former party girl is ditching dancing and diplomacy for directing.

Hints she has aspirations on the silver screen were first seen in September, when Variety reported hat the ex-politician had signed with talent management firm Range Media Partners, who have worked with the likes of Keira Knightley, Tom Hardy and Bradley Cooper.

The outlet also revealed that in June, HBO had released a docuseries about Sanna's challenges as a woman in the political space.

'Thank you LA and see you next time!' she wrote in a caption of an Instagram post hinting at her return stateside.

Sanna - who lost the Finnish general election and divorced her husband - had been enjoying a fun-filled single girl summer where she ditched blazers and suits for chunky heels and mini skirts.

But it now seems the raver outfits have been switched again for cocktail dresses and casual luxury.

Sanna has also been showing off her casual luxury style in oversized shirts in Los Angeles hotels

The former politician has been enjoying lunches at the Beverley Hills hotel

She shared some very LA meals, including avocado toast and granola bowls

The former world leader also shared shots of the California sunset

Last month, she headed to Paris Fashion Week, where she took a prime seat at Victoria Beckham's show - in one of VB's dresses of course.

She shared a series of glamorous selfies from behind-the-scenes of the A-list event attended by Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Pamela Anderson, David Beckham, and Eva Longoria.

With a bright red lipstick and trendy 1024 Victoria Beckham draped mini sleeve dress, Sanna appeared more like an influencer than a politician.

She also shared pictures and videos behind the scenes at the show (to her one million followers), including various details of sleek black outfits - including one suit that she paired with trainers because she 'loves walking'.

The new fray into glamorous living comes at the end of a long year for Sanna, who was at one point the youngest leader of a nation, having taken high office at just 34 years old in 2019.

She stepped down from her role as chair of the centre-left Social Democrats party earlier this year, after her party narrowly lost an election in April.

Last month she headed to Paris Fashion Week, where she took a prime seat at Victoria Beckham 's show

She shared a series of glamorous selfies from behind-the-scenes of the A-list event attended by Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Pamela Anderson, David Beckham, and Eva Longoria. Pictured with Anna Wintour

She also shared pictures and videos behind the scenes at the show, including various details of sleek black outfits - including one suit that she paired with trainers because she 'loves walking'

The new fray into glamorous living comes at the end of a long year for Sanna, who was at one point the youngest leader of a nation, having taken high office at just 34 years old in 2019. Pictured posting from Paris Fashion Week

She has since joined Tony Blair's Institute for Global Change, a London-based policy think-tank, as a 'Strategic Counsellor'.

The pair, who have a five-year-old daughter together, said in a statement at the time: 'We are grateful for the 19 years together and our beloved daughter. We will remain best friends.'

After her tumultuous spring, she took some time to enjoy herself, and was spotted at Flow, a music festival in Helsinki, in August. She was joined by a group of friends, including fellow MP Nasima Razmyar.

In another post, she explained how it's her first holiday 'in a while'. 'This summer I've had a proper summer vacation for the first time in a while,' she wrote.

'It has included, among other things, being busy with [her five-year-old daughter] Emma, sports, friends, good food and unforgettable trips.

'Have a lovely summer everyone. And thank you to those who are working in the summer and taking care of us!'.

Sanna - who lost the Finnish general election and divorced her husband - had also been enjoying a fun-filled single girl summer and ditched blazers and suits for chunky heels and mini skirts

After her tumultuous spring, she took some time to enjoy herself, and was spotted at Flow, a music festival in Helsinki, in August

Sanna became the youngest world leader and the Scandinavian country's third female prime minister

After leading her country through COVID-19 lockdowns and the ensuing economic turmoil, Marin became a vocal supporter of Ukraine after Russia's invasion last year and successfully pushed to end Finland's military non-alignment in favour of NATO membership.

While many called her a millennial inspiration who encouraged younger people to be less apathetic towards politics, she was still a controversial figure in Finland.

Finnish voters concerned with issues like immigration and a growing public deficit in April handed Marin a narrow defeat to the right wing National Coalition and the far-right Finns party, triggering the government's fall.

She weathered several publicity storms while in office, including over her nightclubbing during the pandemic, hosting private parties at her official residence and voluntarily taking a drug test - which returned negative - after a party video was leaked to the media.

Scores of complaints were filed to Finland's chancellor of justice, Tuomas Poysti, after Sanna was shown dancing and partying with friends and celebrities, which made headlines around the world.

She weathered several publicity storms while in office, including over her nightclubbing during the pandemic, hosting private parties at her official residence and voluntarily taking a drug test

At the time of the scandal, Marin said she spent 'an evening with friends' and that the videos were 'filmed in private premises'

But the chancellor, an independent office responsible for overseeing the legality of government activities and to which any citizen can lodge complaints, concluded that Sanna had not neglected her duties as prime minister.

Poysti said that there was 'no reason to suspect the prime minister of unlawful conduct in the performance of her duties or of neglect of her official duties'.

At the time of the scandal, Marin said she spent 'an evening with friends' and that the videos were 'filmed in private premises'. 'I am human. And I too sometimes long for joy, light and fun amidst these dark clouds,' she said.

Complaints to the chancellor alleged that Marin was unfit to work 'due to alcohol consumption', claimed her behaviour was inappropriate for a prime minister and that she undermined Finland's 'reputation and security'.

But the chancellor said the complaints failed to establish that Marin had omitted or jeopardised a 'specific official duty'.

Assessing the 'moral and social' dimension of a prime minister's leisure activities is 'a matter for parliament,' the chancellor said, adding that: 'Political accountability is also weighed periodically in democratic elections'.

In August, Marin took a drug test, which was negative, to clear up any suspicion voiced by some that comments heard on the video referred to narcotics - something heavily debated on social media and strongly denied by the prime minister.

Complaints to the chancellor alleged that Marin was unfit to work 'due to alcohol consumption', claimed her behaviour was inappropriate for a prime minister

The backlash over the incident led to several prominent female political figures around the world showing their support for her.

In August former secretary of state Hillary Clinton tweeted: 'As Ann Richards said, "Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels." Here's me in Cartagena while I was there for a meeting as Secretary of State. Keep dancing, @marinsanna'.

Sanna was also heavily criticised after she was spotted at a nightclub in the small hours of the morning, shortly after she had made contact with her health minister who had just tested positive for COVID-19.

In August last year, the politician was once again thrown into controversy after influencer Sabina Sarkka had to apologise for a taking a topless kissing photo with another model at the bathroom of the premier's official residence, Helsinki Times reports.

That same month, according to the outlet, she and Sabina were also filmed dancing seductively with one another in a night club.
A mother has been mercilessly mocked over the name she gave her newborn son, but she loves his unusual moniker.

Claire Edwards, a 30-year-old lifestyle influencer from Arkansas, has more than 249,000 followers on TikTok, where she is known as @theclairenecessities.

When she and her husband, Gray Edwards, welcomed their baby boy this month, they named him Oak Wilson. They also have a two-year-old daughter, Goldie May.

In a recent video, Claire shared some of the baby names she and Gray considered but didn't use, including what they would have named a baby girl.

Claire Edwards, a 30-year-old lifestyle influencer from Arkansas, went viral on TikTok after sharing that she named her newborn son Oak Wilson

In the video, Claire shared some of the baby names she and her husband, Gray Edwards, considered but didn't use, including what they would have named a baby girl

'If Oak had been born a girl, his name would probably be Sunday,' she explained.

'I know some other influencers have used it recently, but that's not a good enough reason to not use a name.'

Claire noted that she was also a fan of Arbor and would have considered naming her second child Sunday Arbor if he had been a baby girl.

'Pepper. Oh, Pepper was up there,' she continued. 'Think of the nickname Pepperoncini when they're a baby.

'I love Kit solely for the nickname Kit Kat. About Time is our favorite movie and it's the sister's name and we just love it.'

Claire said there were only two other boy names they considered, Fox and Penn.

The mother of two recalled how Fox was 'neck and neck' with Oak because she liked that the name wouldn't get confused for a more common moniker.

She shared that people often think her husband was saying Craig on the phone, and he had to explain that his name was 'Gray, like the color.'

@theclairenecessities you can learn so much about the way someone percieves their own vibe based on their baby name list. i LOVE discussing names!!! #babynames #namesweloved  original sound - Claire Edwards

'If Oak had been born a girl, his name would probably be Sunday,' she explained, saying she loved Arbor as a middle name

'Pepper. Oh, Pepper was up there,' she continued. 'Think of the nickname Pepperoncini when they're a baby'

Claire said there were only two other boy names they considered, Fox and Penn

'He might have to repeat his name some, but I just loved Oak so much,' she said.

'The other boy contender was Penn. I just think it's cool  Penn Edwards.'

Claire admitted that she let her husband 'believe Fern was on the shortlist for a girl,' and she also gushed about how much she loved the names Ruby and Margot.

'Oh my God, I wish everyone wasn't naming their baby Margot because I love it so much. I honestly might still use it,' she said.

She also likes 'Becks for a boy or Beck for a girl.'

'But in the end, we got our little Oakus Pocus,' she concluded. 'Good luck to everybody naming babies. I know it's hard out here, but you're gonna find something that's going to be your perfect vibe.'

'And give it a couple days,' she advised. 'We had to introduce him a few times before it was like, "Okay, yeah, that's the one."'

'You can learn so much about the way someone [perceives] their own vibe based on their baby name list,' she added in the caption. 'I LOVE discussing names!!!'

Claire's video has been viewed more than 500,000 times and has received nearly 1,000 comments, but despite her enthusiasm, many people criticized her choices.

Claire and Gray are also parents to a two-year-old daughter, Goldie May

Many commenters criticized the mom's unusual name choices, but there were also plenty of fans of her 'whimsical' and 'creative' monikers

'Imagine meeting a fully grown man called Oak,' one person responded.

'Why dont parents ever consider what it will be like for that child as an adult? A full-grown adult named Fox?!' another asked.

'Sunday Arbor is a retirement home,' someone else added.

Others said they were 'lost for words' and asked if the video was 'satire.'

However, there were also plenty of fans who praised Claire for her 'whimsical' and 'creative' name choices.

'Your names are my vibe  GIVE US MORE!!!' one user commented.

'Oakus Pocus is the cutest nickname I've ever heard omg,' another gushed.

'Obsessed with your baby name list,' someone else shared.

Claire opened up about the special meaning behind her newborn son's name on Instagram earlier this month.

'We were stressed about naming my whole pregnancy. We really wanted a name that felt unique and meaningful and most of all, like US,' she wrote. 'Gray had recently been doing some woodworking with beautiful oak pieces and once it hit the top of our name list, I couldn't stop seeing it everywhere.

'The deep meaning here is  we like oak trees. I think it's strong and sweet and I think our boy will be too,' she continued.

'Wilson is paying homage to the place we had our first date, got engaged & rented our first apartment  Wilson Park!

'I am still working on finding a link to a Taylor lyric but trust I will. For now though you can find us celebrating the rest of Oaktober with a pumpkin beer and baby snuggles.'
The rise of dating apps which place an endless stream of potential partners at our fingertips has all but extinguished the quaint hope of happening upon a perfect match when we're least expecting it.

But, for Katherine Johnstone, from Highland Falls, New York City, that's exactly what happened - only it couldn't have been further from love at first sight.

Katherine first met her husband, Michael Johnstone, after reporting him to police when she found him - a complete stranger at that time - asleep on her sofa early one morning in 2016.

The horrified 22-year-old who'd 'partied too hard' and ended up only rolling home at 8am, crept up to the snoring intruder and, using her phone's torch, tried to work out who he was.

After establishing he wasn't her sister's friend, the nervous pair fled their family home and called the police who raced over within minutes.

Katherine Johnstone, 29, and Michael Johnstone, 35, on their wedding day in May 2022. The couple married eight years after Katherine discovered Michael - a complete stranger at the time - on her couch after a night out

Michael Johnstone's mugshot appeared in the local newspaper after he was charged with second-degree trespassing

Police woke a bemused Michael up and escorted him from the building to the sisters' relief.

Katherine was asked to check for any missing or broken items and despite not seeing any obvious signs of damage, the sisters agreed to still press charges 'just to be safe'.

The stranger, Michael Johnstone, was charged with second-degree trespassing and a mugshot of him was printed in the local newspaper for the whole town to see.

Red-faced Michael, now 35, believed he'd slept on a work colleague's couch after a night out and once Katherine realised it was an innocent mistake, she dropped the charges.

A sheepish Michael later turned up to her house with a letter and flowers to apologise to the entire family for the stress he caused, unknowingly meeting his in-laws for the first time.

The pair soon became friends and after a year of getting to know each other they started dating.

In 2020 Michael popped the question before they wed in May 2022, welcoming their baby Mila Johnstone in February 2023.

Katherine, now 29, said: 'We laugh and can't believe that this is how we met and now have got married and have a family. People bring it up all the time.

The happy couple welcomed their daughter, Mila Johnstone, now eight months, in February 2023

Katherine and Michael pictured last year announcing they were expecting their first daughter

'It's a beautiful story and silly because it's so unique. I wouldn't change a thing and I think it makes our love even stronger.

'My husband is a great man and I'm very lucky to have him. We're very lucky to have each other.'

The elementary school councillor had asked her sister to leave the door unlocked so she could get in after a night out on May 8th 2016 when she unknowingly first met her husband.

Katherine said: 'I asked my sister not to lock the door when I went out as I was coming home late, but I partied too hard and ended up coming home at 8am the next morning.

'I opened my front door and I found this guy sleeping on our couch with a blanket over him. He was snoring and had taken his shoes off.

'At first I thought he was my sister's friend. I got my flashlight up on my phone and was putting it to his face to try and work out who he was.

'I woke up my sister but she said she didn't have anyone over and there shouldn't be anyone on the couch.

'When we realised neither of us knew him, we both ran outside our house and called the cops and told them there was a random man on our couch.

Katherine describes her husband as 'a great man' and has shared that she feels 'very lucky to have him'

Katherine and Michael spent a year getting to know each other as friends before starting to date

'I was nervous as I didn't know who he was and what his intentions were but he was just peacefully sleeping.

'My biggest concern was just to get me and my sister out of the house and make sure we were safe.

'The cops showed up right away and brought him outside and just to be safe, I pressed charges against him and he got arrested and taken to the police station.'

Katherine, who lives near a military academy, said she initially thought Michael was a cadet who had drunkenly wandered into her house after going to a nearby bar recruits like to party in.

But after telling friends about the odd encounter, Katherine soon realised she had mutual friends with Michael and, after being asked by one of his co-workers, dropped the charges against him.

Katherine said: 'The following day I was telling my friends what happened and everyone thought it was very funny.

'One of my friends said they knew him and then other people started to tell me that they were friends with him and he was a good guy and asked us to drop the charges against him.

'After this I called the county court and spoke to the prosecutor and they had the charges dropped but he still had to do 50 hours of community service.'

The couple's happy family includes their eight-month-old daughter Mila and their dog. The pair believe what started out as a 'scary situation' for both of them has ended up well

Katherine and Michael love travelling together and enjoy outdoor activities including hiking

After she dropped the charges, Katherine said Michael turned up to her house with flowers and a handwritten note to apologise to her family for the stress he had caused.

It was then Katherine says she realised Michael's trespassing was an innocent mistake and he wasn't a bad person.

Katherine said: 'He wanted to apologise to my family about what he had done.

'He wrote a letter to my family and brought us flowers and really wanted to show that he had made an honest mistake and this wasn't who he was.'

After his heartfelt apology, the pair added each other on social media and began liking each other's posts but because she had a boyfriend at the time their communication went no further.

It was only when she broke up with her partner and Michael invited her to a Fourth of July party that the pair began dating a year later.

On December 30th 2020 Michael popped the question in Central Park, before they tied the knot on May 14th, 2022 and then welcomed their first child Mila Johnstone in February 2023.

Michael said what started out as a 'scary' situation worked out well in the end.

Michael described meeting his future in-laws for the first time while apologising for accidental trespassing as a 'wild icebreaker'

Michael and Katherine, pictured in Greece while travelling the world together, became a couple a year after they first met

Michael, originally from Washington in New Hampshire, said: 'I was very scared of what had happened. I heard walkie talkies over me before waking up and I quickly realised this wasn't a good situation.

'Being woken by police and being unsure of where you are is never a good sign. I had gone out with my co-workers and I don't usually drink like I did that night.

'I'd reached out to one of my co-workers to sleep in his house, which was odd because his house wasn't far from mine.

'What I think happened was I thought I was going to his house but the reality is I ended up at Katherine's and fell asleep on her sofa.

'This is the only time I have ever been arrested. At the time I was in a mass paranoid state and didn't want it to affect my job.

'A lot of people know the story and we're married with a kid now so it's now looked at without any negative connotations but at the time it could have been.'

Meeting his future in-laws for the first time while apologising for accidental trespassing is something Michael describes as a 'wild icebreaker'.

Michael said: 'After what had happened, I got Katherine's number off a friend as I wanted to talk to her family to tell them it was a big misunderstanding and I didn't mean anything about it.

Katherine's parents were fortunately very forgiving about Michael's trespassing with her father saying 'it could have happened to anyone'

Pictured in front of the Eiffel Tower, the couple have visited a number of destinations together both at home in the US and abroad

'I met with her whole family and apologised and gave them a handwritten note and flowers.

'I think they appreciated the apology. Her dad said it could have happened to anyone. They just wanted to make sure I was sincere about it.

'This was the first time I met her parents so it's a pretty wild icebreaker..'

'Our wedding was a great day. A lot of the people that came had been there from the start of our story - it was a full-circle moment.

'As a life partner, Katherine always brings out the best in me and she's a great mum.'
An unearthed letter handwritten by Queen Elizabeth II to her midwife in 1964 reveals the monarch as a doting mother following the birth of Prince Edward.

The two-page correspondence is addressed to the late monarch's midwife and friend, Sister Helen 'Rowie' Rowe, on 5 August 1964 - five months after welcoming Prince Edward into the world.

The royal mother-of-four, then 38, described the newborn Prince as 'good as gold' and said he 'makes everyone happy'.

The letter will be sold at the Eppli auction house in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, on 28 October.

Sister Helen was on hand to deliver all of the Queen's children, with Charles, Andrew and Edward born at Buckingham Palace, and Anne at Clarence House.

An unearthed letter handwritten by Queen Elizabeth II to her midwife in 1964 reveals the monarch as a doting mother

The midwife passed away two years after the birth of Edward.

Writing to her friend, the Queen said: 'Dear Rowie, I am terribly sorry we never got in touch with you before you left London.

'Mabel was ill in bed when you wrote, and I confess I misread your letter in a great hurry and remembered the wrong day you put down, and when I was away at Arundel last week, I suddenly was reminded of your letter and of course it was too late by then!

'The baby is wonderful - good as gold, trying to sit up and weighing 15 lbs 12! He smiles and gurgles at everyone, and makes everyone happy!

'Charles, I'm thankful to say, is better but very frail as yet. I hope we see you when we return in October. Yours sincerely Elizabeth R.'

In her note, Queen Elizabeth was referring to her eldest son Charles' recovery from pneumonia that same summer.

The future King, then aged 15, fell ill while camping with classmates from Gordonstoun School at the Balmoral estate.

In the letter, Queen Elizabeth described newborn Prince Edward as 'good as gold' (pictured 13 June 1964)

Queen Elizabeth pictured with Prince Andrew, then 4, and Prince Edward on 13 June 1964

Sister Helen Rowe pictured with Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace after his christening on 21 December 1948

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip welcomed their firstborn son, Prince Charles, in 1948, followed by Princess Anne, two years later.

Prince Andrew was born in 1960 and Prince Edward arrived in March 1964 - twelve years after Elizabeth ascended to the throne.

Earlier this year, on his 59th birthday, Edward became the Duke of Edinburgh, a title that previously belonged to his late father Philip.

He has two children with wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh: Lady Louise Windsor, 19, and James, Earl of Wessex, 15.

The family resides at Bagshot Park in Surrey, although Lady Louise is currently away studying at the University of St Andrews.
A previously unseen drawing by a young Princess Elizabeth for Peter Pan author JM Barrie is coming back to the UK.

The child's crayon picture of a house with lots of windows was sent to Barrie along with an apologetic letter from Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in the 1930s.

In it she harshly called the drawing 'very poor' and said 'Elizabeth insisted on putting in a roof with lots of little windows for the nurserymaid'.

The unique item had been owned by an American Anglophile for some years before it was put up for auction at Everard Auctions in Savannah, Georgia.

It was bought by a British online bidder for 3,350.

Queen Elizabeth (when she was Princess Elizabeth) riding her pony in Windsor Great Park, in the 1930s

The image drawn by the young Elizabeth, which is thought to be what she believed 'Great Ormond Street Hospital's Southwood Building should look like'

Princess Elizabeth's drawing was accompanied by a letter written by her mother, who was somewhat harsh about the image

The drawing is thought to possibly be the late queen's childhood vision of what Great Ormond Street Hospital's Southwood Building should look like.

Barrie is known to have had a strong bond with the royal family in the 1930s and had also gifted the copyright for Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital, who were hoping to build a new wing.

The Southwood Building was officially opened by King George VI and the Queen Mother in 1938.

There is no date on the letter but it is thought it was written in the early 1930s when Princess Elizabeth would have been aged between four and six.

The letterhead says it was sent from 145 Piccadilly, which was the family's London townhouse home before Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 and they moved to Buckingham Palace when Elizabeth's father became king.

Sir James Barrie attended Princess Margaret's third birthday party in 1933 and used a couple of lines she had said to him in a play he wrote called The Boy David (1936).

It has also been reported he read stories to the two young princesses.

The letter mentions a charity dinner Barrie was attending, possibly for the hospital, and the Queen Mother asks Barrie not to appeal in Princess Elizabeth's name.

The Queen Mother wrote: 'I expect that you only wish to say that she drew a picture for you of what the hospital should look like.'

In her letter, the Queen Mother refers to a dinner which is thought to be a fundraising banquet for Great Ormond Street Hospital in December 1930

The Queen Mother mentioned a 'Cynthia' in the letter - believed to be Lady Cynthia Asquith, Barrie's private secretary

The item, which belonged to an American owner, was bought by a British online bidder for 3,350

The dinner she is thought to have referred to could be a fundraising banquet for Great Ormond Street Hospital in December 1930 which was held in the author's honour.

In the letter the Queen Mother mentions having met Cynthia, believed to refer to Lady Cynthia Asquith, Barrie's private secretary.

Apart from the Peter Pan works, he left most of his estate to her after he died.

Amanda Everard, from the auction house, said: 'This is a super interesting document linking a mother and daughter, albeit a princess and Queen at the time, with James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan.

'But it's so sweet, the drawing could have been done by any of our children and shows the human side to royalty.'
A British family were forced to spend a year in Belgium after a mother suffered complications following 3,000 tummy tuck surgery.

Valencia Cy, 42, from Ashford, Surrey, had travelled with her husband and two of her children to Europe for the procedure, but she had issues post-op, she claims - leading to blood loss.

The mother-of-eight, then went for emergency surgery where doctors tried to treat the wound.

But they decided it was best if she was left to heal naturally, she said - meaning she had to spend a year in Belgium for treatment.

Her husband and two of her children stayed over there to be with her and Valencia, a cosmetics business owner, is now fully recovered.

Cosmetics business owner Valencia Cy, 42, flew to Belgium with her husband and two of her children for the 3,000 procedure which would have set her back up to 10,000 in the UK

The surgery went well at first - and Valencia was just one step closer to her dream body - until complications arose, according to The Sun

She said: 'I wanted the surgery as I had eight kids. I was feeling quite anxious about my body and the way I looked.

'I appeared on TV in 2021 and when I watched myself back I had a breakdown as I was really unhappy with how I looked.

'I approached a Belgian hospital and the process was really quick.

'I saw a doctor for consultation who referred me to the hospital where they examined me and took me in for surgery.

'The surgery went well and everything was ok and I was taken to the recovery area.'

In the course of a year, the entrepreneur lost her job, and was separated from six of her eight children, all while stranded abroad in a foreign country

There was so much blood in her bandages that a nurse alerted her seniors immediately. It turned out that severe blood loss was the result of an incision that hadn't been closed properly

The mother-of-eight had a third operation to repair the incision, back in April 2022

While waiting in recovery from the August 2021 surgery, a nurse then realised Valencia's bangades were covered in blood - and immediately called for help.

She was then rushed in for a second surgery and slipped into a coma, she claims.

She said: 'From that moment and after the surgery I didn't know what happened. I woke up at 11pm and they told me I was in a coma.'

After spending a few days in the hospital, Valencia was released and spent the next few months in rented accommodation.

In April 2022, Valencia had a third operation to repair the incision that was left by doctors.

Valencia said: 'I had to settle in Belgium so medical staff could look after me and check up on me.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK? Known medically as an abdominoplasty, tummy tucks improve the appearance of the stomach. Surgeons remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and tighten connective tissues. The end result is a more toned look. Many women, and men, have the operation to boost their body image. A tummy tuck is also the go-to option for women who have given birth and have a prolonged 'mummy tummy'. The surgery repairs the rectus diastasis - two abdominal muscles than can separate during pregnancy. Figures show nearly 130,000 tummy tucks were performed in the US last year. There are nearly 3,000 performed privately in the UK each year. The Mayo Clinic states: 'Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.' It can also cause fluid to build-up beneath the skin, known as a seroma. They can become infected. Advertisement

'I lost my mind. I wasn't in a good way. I lost a lot of weight because I couldn't eat.'

Valencia says she spent a year in Belgium alongside her husband Jino, 43, and their two children aged five and seven as she recovered.

The family rented a two-bedroom apartment for three months and then moved in with friends.

She said: 'A nurse would come every day. It was hard for my children. They didn't understand what was going on.'

Valencia returned to the UK in August 2022 after a year away from her six older children, aged 13, 14 16, 18, 19, and 21, who she shares with her ex-partner.

She said she will regret the operation for the rest of her life.

Valencia said: 'I lost my business because I was away for so long. I couldn't see my kids for a year.

'They didn't understand what happened to me. I just told them that I moved to Belgium for a bit for a new job.

'I will regret this for the rest of my life and I would advise anyone not to rush into decisions like this.

'I should have stayed in England and done the surgery [there].'

Talking about his wife's surgery, Jino said: 'I didn't want her to do the original surgery. I thought she was fantastic as she was.

'I told her that if she wanted to go through with it I would support her.

'After she had the operation, I was scared and confused - it was difficult.'
Peter Phillips' plans to install a festive ice rink next to Kensington Palace this Christmas have been scrapped over security fears.

The tourist attraction, planned by the company co-founded by the late Queen's grandson, will now no longer go ahead in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.

The site of Perks Field had initially been earmarked to host the festive fair, ICE at Kensington Palace, from 30 November until 7 January - however the proximity of the area to the Israeli Embassy in London has raised concerns.

Peter Phillips and Robert Derry's event company Tamarisk has promised to refund tickets that had already been purchased, and insisted the fair will return next year.

A joint statement from the co-founders said they have made the decision in light of 'heightened tension and uncertainty' in the area.

The ICE at Kensington Palace ice rink and festive fair, which was set to host thousands of visitors, has been cancelled just a month before it was set to open over security fears

The statement, as reported by the Evening Standard, read: 'In developing the plans for ICE at Kensington Palace, our primary concern has always been the safety and enjoyment of our visitors.

'In light of recent events, and during a period of heightened tension and uncertainty in the area, we have taken the decision to postpone the planned event for this year as the safety and security of the public continues to be our priority.'

Tamarisk, which was founded this year by the business partners, first unveiled the plans for the ice rink last month, and claimed it was focused on sustainability.

The ice rink and festive fair had been organised by the late Queen's grandson Peter Phillips (pictured at Ascot with girlfriend Lindsay Wallace) and his business partner Rob Derry

The area has seen unrest in recent weeks with demonstrations organised outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington

At the time, Peter said: 'A key point of difference is where this event is located and because of that we have had to commit to various sustainability goals and targets.

'Sustainability is a big focus. We will be working with suppliers and our partners, looking at CO2 reduction and at our energy use.'

The ice rink was planned to be 2,800 square metres with a VIP area also available. The food and drink options were planned to be sustainable.

With sustainability in mind, Peter had revealed that much of the event's energy would be powered by biofuels, and Tamarisk Events took advice from sustainability consultants during the planning.

Speaking to Standout Magazine, the business partners said the event was expected to be a 'spectacular magical winter experience'.

However, recent events have caused the events company to change tack in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has led to unrest on the streets of London.

Days after Hamas launched a violent attack on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking hundreds of hostages, police arrested three people during a mass protest outside the Israeli Embassy.

While one person was arrested for an assault on an emergency worker, another was taken into custody for racially-motivated criminal damage and the third for possessing an offensive weapon, the Metropolitan Police said.

Palestinian and Israeli supporters clashed at a London Underground station as police desperately tried to keep the peace on a night where thousands of pro-Palestine protesters descended on the Israeli embassy.

Video showed dozens of police officers attempting to separate demonstrators at High Street Kensington Tube station in west London as more than 1,000 pro-Palestine activists gathered on the streets outside.

Fireworks were seen being launched by protesters on Kensington High Street - some towards the boarded up Israeli embassy - as those supporting Palestine told MailOnline that there is 'no way to change the Middle East peacefully'.
Queen Letizia looked pensive as she visited Tenerife with her husband King Felipe.to learn about how the area has been impacted by forest fires.

The Spanish Queen, 51, looked stylish in a pair of fitted dogtooth trousers, which she paired with a dark top, and light jacket.

Her long dark locks, which she has been praised for leaving natural, rather than dying over all her greys, were worn loose and straight over her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Letizia opted for a chick make-up look, pairing her fresh base with a natural lip, and light brown smokey eyeshadow.

She kept her jewellery simple, with small hoop earrings, and a gold ring on her index finger. Finally, she finished the outfit with a simple pair of patent black loafers.

Queen Letizia of Spain (pictured) visited Tenerife with her husband King Felipe to find out about a recent forest fire

The royal couple were both typically stylish as they visited the area, which has been badly affected by the blaze

The Spanish royal was dressed in a casual, but still typically chic style, wearing grey trousers and a light coloured jacket

Letizia and Felipe (both pictured) appeared deep in thought during the engagement, as they learnt about the forest fire

And King Felipe, 55, was dapper as usual, in a pair of khaki trousers, with a blue shirt, and dark blue checked blazer. His hand was wrapped in a wrist support.

Letizia and Felipe were visiting the areas affected by a forest fire at the Chipeque Viewpoint, Santa Asrsula.

The aim of their trip was to learn about the impact of the forest fire that has been ravaging the island since mid-August.

It has affected more than 14,000 hectares in a perimeter of 90 kilometers across 12 municipalities.

Photographs of the couple show them looking deep in thought as they speak with people about the impact of the fire.

Their latest appearance follows a spate of engagements for the Spanish royals.

Last week, the couple attended the Princesa de Asturias Awards concert in Oviedo, with their two daughters.

The couple appeared engaged as they learnt about the area, and how it has been impacted badly by the fire

BLAZE: the flames have 'affected more than 14,000 hectares in a perimeter of 90 kilometers across 12 municipalities'

King Felipe appears to discuss his injury - the royal wore a support garment on one of his wrists during the engagement

The family were picture perfect upon arrival at the concert, which is held to celebrate individuals and groups in Spanish society who have made efforts to promote universal education, public health, and environmental defence.

Their outing came as Princess Leonor, who currently holds the title of Princesa de Asturias and is the heir to the Spanish throne, is undergoing three years of training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.

Although the Princess appears to be growing up fast, and indeed her life does not mirror that of the average teenager in Spain, royal fans were delighted with some candid, light hearted photos of the royal earlier this week.

During a royal gala in Madrid, Leonor took selfies with guests at a reception at the palace following her debut at the National Day parade.

The Princess of Asturias chatted about how her training at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, according to Hola!. She also snapped a picture with the winners of the Princess of Girona Foundation, as well as Madrid-based model Pamela Montoya Pellicer.
Pair had wed just days before the inflammatory tweets resurfaced last month

The Southern lesbian couple apologized, but returned to TikTok on Tuesday

Influencers Lunden and Olivia came under fire after 'racist' tweets resurfaced

Southern influencers Lunden and Olivia Stallings have made a return to social media after taking time to 'educate ourselves and our community' following a series of resurfaced racist tweets circulating online.

Lunden, 26, and her 27-year-old wife, Olivia (nee Bennet), posted a 'weekend recap' video to TikTok on Tuesday.

It was the couple's first return to social media after their hiatus, but no mention was made of the controversy surrounding them since they tied the knot in the latest clip.

Three days before their most recent video, the popular lesbian couple had posted another apology to the Black community.

Popular Southern influencers Lunden (L) and Olivia (R) made their return to TikTok, after taking a break to 'reflect and learn' following racist tweets from 2012 resurfacing

The couple posted a heartfelt apology on TikTok three days before their most recent video, apologizing to the Black community

'We want to ensure that anyone who may not have seen our initial apology knows where we stand,' the statement from the couple, who have more than 685,000 followers on TikTok, read.

'To the Black community, from the deepest parts of us we are so incredibly sorry,' the apology continued, adding using 'harmful, racist and discriminatory' language was 'unacceptable.'

'We hear you, we see you and we recognize that using the N-word in old tweets or in any way, is deeply hurtful and harmful.

'Unlearning internalized racism is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuing to educate ourselves and our community who want to become better allies.'

The couple added they had sought to educate themselves on how to become better allies to the Black community.

'We have used this time to seek out resources to deepen our understanding of the impact our actions have had on the Black community,' the apology concluded.

Thousands of TikTok users commented on the post - some pointing out this time the apology had a permanent place on their profile.

Previously, Lunden posted a video apology to a TikTok story, which meant it disappeared after 24 hours.

Lunden Stallings, 26, (left) addressed the 'embarrassing' situation on camera with her new wife Olivia Bennett present - just days after the lesbian couple wed at their picturesque nuptials

The pair, who were heralded online for representing the lesbian community in the US south wed just days before the old tweets resurfaced

Many of the couple's followers celebrated their return, commenting on their latest videos

'Here to support yall!' one user wrote.

'We love you. Everybody makes mistakes,' another wrote. 'Please come back.'

'Pleaseeee start posting regularly again  we miss yall!!!' someone else commented.

In the most recent video posted by the pair, they showed their morning routines before hanging up wedding portraits, and visiting family members.

The lead up to the lesbian couple's high-profile wedding was much anticipated by their followers, with the pair celebrated online for representing the lesbian community in the US south.

However, just days after their much-anticipated Georgia wedding, tweets of Lunden's were posted to Reddit.

In posts from 2012 to 2014, Lunden allegedly used the N-word dozens of times in reference to song lyrics and also in her normal day-to-day posts.

One of the tweets read: 'N****s all about my business,' while another said: 'I'm about to clown n****s that snap chat me.'

In another, she wrote: 'N****s go behind ya back like nun chucks.'

The tweets from 2012 to 2014 resurfaced just days after the couple tied the knot in Georgia

Lunden, who hails from Georgia, posted an apology to TikTok, saying: 'There's been some tweets of mine that I learned about yesterday, back 10 to 12 years ago, that had resurfaced.

'That's not who I am, who I was as a teenager.

'I just want to acknowledge and recognize that I am completely and utterly disgusted and ashamed and honestly embarrassed at how normal it was for me to speak that way on Twitter and for my friends and I to address each other that way or for me to sing along in rap songs.

'That's nobody else's fault but mine.'

The nine-minute apology continued: 'I wholeheartedly take responsibly for this. I am sorry.'

Wife Olivia, who was sitting pensive in the background, said: 'You were a kid and you were ignorant, it was shameful and wrong.

'It's not a reflection of your character.'
King Charles has been seen sweetly reminiscing over a photograph of Treetops - where the then-Princess Elizabeth was when King George VI died in his sleep in the early hours of February 6, 1952.

It was here, in this Kenyan location, that she began her historic 70-year reign.

The King, 74, was accompanied by Queen Camilla, 76, as they viewed part of the Royal Collection at a reception for the Kenyan diaspora in the UK today, as was filmed looking at the photograph and appearing to say it was 'extraordinary'.

Hosted at Buckingham Palace, the event highlighted the Royal Family's long standing connection to the Kenyan nation.

The event was held to celebrate the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge ahead of their Majesties state visit to Kenya.

King Charles reminisces over a photo of Treetops - the Kenyan location where the late Queen Elizabeth II started her reign

The late monarch pictured in Kenya, where she became Queen after her father King George VI died

Treetops - Kenya's oldest safari lodge - was an elaborate treehouse on the edge of a watering hole in Aberdare National Park.

The property was rebuilt after being burned down by guerillas a few years later, but when the Queen and Prince Philip stayed, their accommodation was a comfortable three-bedroom shack, with a small servants quarter, built in the upper branches of a giant fig tree.

However, in 2021, it was forced to close after nearly 90 years of welcoming royalty.

Elizabeth was not originally destined to become Queen. However, she became heir presumptive after her father, King George VI, ascended to the throne following the abdication of his older brother, King Edward VIII.

Edward had given up the throne to wed American divorcee Wallis Simpson, as marrying a woman who had separated from her husband was deemed incompatible with his role as head of the Church of England.

During the afternoon before hearing the news of King George VI's death, Princess Elizabeth spent the day with her camera snapping charging rhinos and a waterbuck goring a rival to death from her elevated vantage point.

Jim Corbett - her armed escort and after whom the Corbett National Park in India is named - later told that when she was invited to come for tea, the princess requested taking it on the balcony, saying: 'I don't want to miss one moment of this.'

In the Treetops logbook, Corbett penned: 'For the first time in the history of the world, a young girl climbed into the tree as a princess and climbed down as a queen.'

The royal couple appeared engaged as they viewed artefacts from the Royal Collection during the London reception

Today's reception 'celebrated the warm relationship between' the UK and Kenya, ahead of their Majesties state visit to Kenya

The king appeared to reminisce sweetly over the image of Treetops - which became the world's most famous treehouse after the late Queen's stay in 1952

ROYAL COLLECTION: The pieces on show at the reception 'relate to the Royal family's long standing connection' to Kenya

Following the royal visit to Treetops, the lodge quickly became the world's most famous treehouse - and it wasn't long before the couple returned in 1959 and 1983.

It was made further appealing to royalty - including Princess Anne - thanks to the strict rules Walker had laid down, such as no journalists because too many guests would scare the wildlife, or cameras to ensure the princess was given privacy.

Treetops, which has not had a visitor in a year, was also used by British colonial soldiers as the base for their snipers, but it was burnt down by Mau Mau guerrillas in 1954.

A new Treetops then took shape on the other side of the watering hole where it has remained, with guests even able to retrace (as long as they have an armed guide) the jungle walk which Princess Elizabeth made in 1952.

However, it has since become one of three historical hotels in Kenya's Nyeri county being forced to close due to the Covid pandemic.
Sasha Obama was spotted buying a stack of moving boxes in Los Angeles on Monday  more than a year after she moved to the West Coast.

The youngest daughter of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama transferred from the University of Michigan to the University of Southern California to finish college last year.

Sasha, 22, has been sharing an apartment with her screenwriter sister, Malia Obama, 25, but she hasn't gone public with her future plans since she graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology last May.

She hinted at an upcoming move when she was seen lugging a handful of boxes out of a local UPS store by herself this week.

Sasha Obama, 22, was photographed buying moving boxes in Los Angeles on Monday

The recent college grad was seen carrying a handful of boxes out of a UPS store

It's unclear if Sasha is moving to a new location after living in LA for over a year

Sasha was dressed casually in a black sleeveless shirt and baggy jeans. She topped off her look with black sandals and a metallic brown bag that was slung over her shoulder.

The former first daughter's micro braids flowed down her back, and she had on a pair of oversized black-frame glasses.

Her signature long nails appeared to be painted a light pink after being blue the week before.

There are a myriad of reasons why she bought moving boxes; she could be relocating to another city, getting her own place, or heading to a new apartment with her sister.

Sasha had followed in Malia's footsteps when she moved to LA last year.

Her older sister had relocated to the West Coast to pursue a career as a screenwriter after graduating from Harvard University in 2021.

Malia scored a lucrative position writing for Donald Glover's Amazon show, Swarm, after previously working as an intern on Lena Dunham's HBO series Girls in 2015 and at The Weinstein Company in 2017.

Last year, their mother opened up about how her daughters are 'best friends' during an appearance on the Today show.

Sasha has been sharing an apartment with her 25-year-old sister, Malia Obama (pictured together in March 2022)

There are a myriad of reasons why she bought moving boxes; she could be relocating to another city, getting her own place, or heading to a new apartment with her sister

Sasha topped off her look with black sandals and oversized black-frame glasses

Her signature long nails appeared to be painted a light pink after being blue the week before

The former first daughter had a metallic brown bag that was slung over her shoulder

Michelle recalled how they invited her and her husband to their apartment for drinks during a recent visit while reflecting on what it has been like to watch them navigate adulthood.

'We were going to take them to dinner, and they said, "Why don't you come over to our spot for cocktails?"' she said. 'And we were like, "OK let's see what this is going to be like."

'The martinis were a little weak,' she admitted. 'I dont think they really knew what it was.'

Michelle also shared her amusement over her daughters' uncharacteristic insistence that they use coasters in their apartment.

'When we got the glasses they were like, "Use a coaster," and I'm like, "You never used a coaster in my house,"' she said. 'So now when it's your stuff, you want to take care of it?'

The Obama sisters are often seen out and about in LA  both together and apart.

Last week, Sasha was photographed making a pitstop at a 7-Eleven before meeting her parents and sister for dinner.

Sasha transferred from the University of Michigan to the University of Southern California to finish college last year

Sasha had followed in her older sister's footsteps when she moved to LA last year

Malia had relocated to the West Coast to pursue a career as a screenwriter after graduating from Harvard University in 2021

Malia scored a lucrative position writing for Donald Glover's Amazon show, Swarm, after previously working as an intern

She was dressed casually in a black hooded sweatshirt that had 'DC is my Park' written in white on the front.

Sasha paired the hoodie with baggy olive green cargo pants that covered her black sandals as she walked out of the convenience store.

The recent college grad had her keys, wallet, and cell phone in her hand before she hopped into the driver's seat of her black SUV and headed to meet her family.

Sasha and Malia arrived for dinner separately, just two minutes apart.

Their parents came right after them with their security team, including Secret Service agents and police to ensure their safety.

The Obamas have traveled to Los Angeles numerous times over the past few years to visit their daughters.

It's unclear how long Michelle and Barack spent in LA together.

The Obama sisters are often seen out and about in LA - both together and apart

Their mother, Michelle Obama, opened up about how they are 'best friends' during an appearance on the Today show last year

Sasha graduated from USC in May with a bachelor's degree in sociology, but her post-graduation plans remain unknown

Sasha was spotted meeting her parent and sister for dinner last week

The former president was spotted leaving the Beverly Hills restaurant Funke earlier this month.

Paparazzi who caught him leaving the hotspot asked him whether his wife, Michelle, would be making a bid for the White House amid swirling rumors.

Barack said something inaudible to waiting photographers, but he did not clearly respond to the question.

It comes after prominent Texas politician and former Republican candidate Ted Cruz speculated that Michelle could replace Joe Biden before the 2024 election.

The Texas Senator said Democrats may be looking to avoid nominating 80-year-old Biden over concerns about his advanced age.

'Here's the scenario that I think is perhaps most likely, and most dangerous,' he said on his 'Verdict with Ted Cruz' podcast. 'In August of 2024, the Democrat kingmakers jettison Joe Biden and parachute in Michelle Obama.'

At the time, Michelle was vacationing aboard Steven Spielberg's yacht on the Italian Riviera with the acclaimed director and his wife, Kate Capshaw, as well as Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.

A few days after he was seen in Los Angeles, they celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on October 3 with gushing tributes, despite spending the day apart.
Queen Letizia of Spain proved her style prowess once again this evening as she stepped out in Tenerife with her husband King Felipe.

The mother-of-two looked effortlessly elegant as she re-wore a matching navy top and skirt from Spanish brand Galcon at an event held to honour those who have helped battle the ongoing forest fires in the area.

Arriving at the Arafo Cultural and Recreation Centre, Letizia, 51, showcased her slender frame in the stylish ensemble, which featured a daring slit along the skirt and a cinched waist.

She teamed the outfit with eye-catching metallic heels and a blue clutch, as well as dainty golden hoop earrings.

Her 55-year-old husband, meanwhile, looked typically dapper in a navy pinstriped suit. His hand was wrapped in a wrist support.

Queen Letizia of Spain proved her style prowess once again this evening as she stepped out in Tenerife with her husband King Felipe

The royal couple were attending an institutional act of recognition to professionals and volunteers who participated in the different fire extinguishing work in Tenerife.

The aim of their trip is to learn about the impact of the forest fires that have been ravaging the island since mid-August and that affected more than 14,000 hectares in a perimeter of 90 kilometers across 12 municipalities.

Earlier today, Letizia looked pensive as she visited Tenerife with her husband King Felipe to learn about how the area has been impacted by the forest fires.

The Spanish Queen looked stylish in a pair of fitted dogtooth trousers, which she paired with a dark top, and light jacket.

Her long dark locks, which she has been praised for leaving natural, rather than dying over all her greys, were worn loose and straight over her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Letizia opted for a chick make-up look, pairing her fresh base with a natural lip, and light brown smokey eyeshadow.

She kept her jewellery simple, with small hoop earrings, and a gold ring on her index finger. Finally, she finished the outfit with a simple pair of patent black loafers.

Letizia and Felipe were visiting the areas affected by a forest fire at the Chipeque Viewpoint, Santa Asrsula.

The mother-of-two looked effortlessly elegant as she re-wore a matching navy top and skirt from Spanish brand Galcon at an event held to honour those who have helped battle the ongoing forest fires in the area

Arriving at the Arafo Cultural and Recreation Centre, Letizia, 51, showcased her slender frame in the stylish ensemble, which featured a daring slit along the skirt and a cinched waist

Letizia teamed the outfit with eye-catching metallic heels and a blue clutch, as well as dainty golden hoop earrings

The royal couple were attending an institutional act of recognition to professionals and volunteers who participated in the different fire extinguishing work in Tenerife

The aim of their trip is to learn about the impact of the forest fires that have been ravaging the island since mid-August and that affected more than 14,000 hectares in a perimeter of 90 kilometers across 12 municipalities

Letizia looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out at the event in the glamorous ensemble

Photographs of the couple show them looking deep in thought as they speak with people about the impact of the fire.

Their latest appearance follows a spate of engagements for the Spanish royals. Last week, the couple attended the Princesa de Asturias Awards concert in Oviedo, with their two daughters.

The family were picture perfect upon arrival at the concert, which is held to celebrate individuals and groups in Spanish society who have made efforts to promote universal education, public health, and environmental defence.

Their outing came as Princess Leonor, who currently holds the title of Princesa de Asturias and is the heir to the Spanish throne, is undergoing three years of training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.

Letizia's 55-year-old husband (pictured right), meanwhile, looked typically dapper in a navy pinstriped suit. His hand was wrapped in a wrist support

Beaming: Queen Letizia was all smiles upon her arrival at the outing today

The royal couple posed for photographs following their arrival at the event this evening

Although the Princess appears to be growing up fast, and indeed her life does not mirror that of the average teenager in Spain, royal fans were delighted with some candid, light hearted photos of the royal earlier this week.

During a royal gala in Madrid, Leonor took selfies with guests at a reception at the palace following her debut at the National Day parade.

The Princess of Asturias chatted about how her training at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, according to Hola!.

She also snapped a picture with the winners of the Princess of Girona Foundation, as well as Madrid-based model Pamela Montoya Pellicer.
Bunchems are being 'banned' by parents this Christmas

Bunchems have been described as the 'gift from hell' by parents and children alike - with thousands of mums declaring war on the popular toy.

At first glance the gooey, brightly coloured balls look like a great gift idea - but in reality they are a nightmare - especially for kids with hair.

A recently unearthed video shows one girl surrounded by concerned older women all working to get the coloured mass of goop out of her hair,

The women looked to be applying soap and other liquids to the girl's tangled locks with little success.

Bunchems have been described as the 'gift from hell' by parents and children alike - with thousands of mums declaring war on the popular toy

The viral video would be enough to detour most parents from trying out the toy.

Anyone still on the fence about the popular toy should read the comments.

'This happened to me so my mom threw all of my Bunchems away,' one woman wrote.

And she wasn't alone others had gone through the traumatising experience as well.

'I had to have chinks of my hair cut out,' one girl said.

While another confessed the only way to fix the Bunchem mess in her hair was to shave it all off.

Others revealed how they got it out of their hair - making some of the victims feel their parents did the right thing by giving them a buzz cut.

Some people revealed they had the toy stuck in their hair as children - and had to have a dramatic hair cut

The toys are typically sold online and can be just $25 for a 400 piece pack

'We poured gasoline all over my head,' one woman said.

Other peoples joked 'you know it is bad when the aunties are called to help'.

And that it 'takes a village' to get the toy out of hair.

'This girl has straight hair - what would it do to curly hair,' one asked.

And others banned the toy from their place.

'I am going to throw these out before my kid has the chance to play with them,' one mum said.

'I would throw the friends out too,' laughed another.

Bunchems are available online in Australia but are no longer found in popular toy stores. They cost about $25 for a 400 piece pack.

Bunchems are available online in Australia but are no longer found in popular toy stores. They cost about $25 for a 400 piece pack

This isn't the first time Bunchems have caught global attention.

One little girl admits she was 'traumatised' after getting more than fifty Bunchems toys tangled in her hair - forcing her 'scared' mother to chop her long locks off.

Cierra-Jane Darling, 34 from Kannapolis, North Carolina, said that her daughters Lileigh and Emma Strider were playing with the colourful balls when a mountain of them accidentally got stuck in 11-year-old Lileigh's hair.

The youngsters were supposed to be in bed so, worried about angering their parents, they opted to wait until the morning to raise the alarm - getting the Bunchems even more ensnared.

Cierra-Jane desperately battled to prise the velcro-like toys from Lileigh's frazzled hair, but only managed to untangle two in three and a half hours.

A mother desperately battled to prise the velcro-like toys from Lileigh's frazzled hair, but only managed to untangle two in three and a half hours

The mother-of-three claims she was worried that husband Stacey Strider, 35, would be forced to shave off Lileigh's long locks, but luckily managed to salvage some into a short bob.

However she was still forced to lop off more than 22 inches of hair that was too entangled in the Bunchems.

After a 'traumatizing' experience, the stay-at-home-mother is urging fellow parents to bin the toys - given that the risk of getting them stuck in any form of hair is simply 'not worth the headache'.

This isn't the first time the discontinued toy has caused issues- last year a child from Louisville got 150 Bunchems stuck in her hair - forcing her mother to spend 20 hours detangling them.

11-year-old Lileigh Strider (right) had long hair before the incident, which has left her with a short bob and 22 inches of hair lopped off

The aftermath of the struggle - Bunchems are notorious for getting caught in children's hair - and this isn't the first incident of this kind

The bob cut Lileigh now has. Her mother said: 'She's a very girly girl and had to chop all of her hair off and she had been working so hard on growing it out'

The toy came under fire after several parents had to rush their children to the hairdresser, after finding it impossible to remove them at home.

A spokesperson for the toy manufacturer Spin Master, who launched Bunchems in 2015, said that they're no longer in production and they encourage those that still have them in their homes to read the directions carefully.

Cierra-Jane, said: 'There were at least 50 of them at the very minimum, but they were so tangled in her hair.

'It was very traumatizing for my daughter, I will say that. She was also very upset because she loves her hair.

Lileigh with her older sister before her haircut. The 11-year-old was meant to be in bed, so waited until morning to tell her mother what had happened

Lileigh with both of her sisters. She was playing with the Bunchems with sister Emma (pictured right)

Lileigh and Emma, pictured before the Bunchems blunder. Their mother Ceirra has warned against the toys - and a spokesperson said they are now discontinued

Lileigh with her mother, the youngster was said to be 'traumatised' after the toys got caught in her hair

Cierra,34, said she was 'scared' when she couldn't get the little plastic toys out of her daughter's hair

Girly Lileigh pictured with her father and older sister, she spent a long time growing out her hair before it was lopped off

'She's a very girly girl and had to chop all of her hair off and she had been working so hard on growing it out.

'I worried I'd have to shave her head. I called her dad at work and he said that if we didn't have it figured out by the time he got home, then he would get the clippers out.

'It was pretty scary for me, it was crazy.'

Cierra-Jane said that before the incident Lileigh's brunette hair reached just above her behind and was at least 26 inches long.

But she was forced to cut it down to around three and a half inches.

Around 50 Bunchems were tangled up in Lileigh's 26-inch long hair, she didn't want to wake her parents up to tell them and they became even more tangled overnight

Hair 'mare! The clump of hair, full of fifty Bunchems, had to be chopped right off in order to help the 11-year-old after she became distressed

Cierra had no idea what Bunchems were, and they appeared in the home after her daughters were playing with them at a cousin's

The Bunchems design means they stick together very easily when put together, causing the hair to tangle

Cierra-Jane said: 'My two youngest daughters were playing with them and were just tossing them back and forth, and my eldest daughter threw them at my youngest, she turned her head and they got stuck in her hair.

'This was late at night and they didn't want to wake me and dad up because they were scared they were going to get in trouble because they were supposed to be in bed and they tried getting them out themselves, which ended up tangling them up more.

'And they also fell asleep while trying to take them out of her hair.

'I had no idea what Buchems were. We were house sitting at my cousin's while they were on vacation and they were my niece or nephew's toys and the girls had found them.

'I didn't even know that they were playing with them or anything and then the next morning we got up and bang, it was just craziness.

'It was terrible. We had to chop all of her hair off because there was just no getting them out.'

The Bunchems became lodged on the top right side of Lileigh's head near the crown of her head.

Lileigh now, with her new shorter style, her mother was worried she might miss Summer camp if she didn't get the toys out of her hair

The fresh cut - even after the Bunchems were removed the mother couldn't untangle the mess

The mother said she used her hands, water, a rat tail comb and detangler to try and remove them.

Cierra-Jane said: 'I called my best friend who's a hair stylist and we tried for three and a half hours and only got two of them out of her hair.

'The very next day my daughter was leaving for summer camp and was going to be gone for a week so all I was thinking was oh my gosh, if we don't get these out she can't go and we've already paid almost $1,000 and now she might miss it.

'I was just thinking wow, we're going to have to chop it all off and when I finally did she went from long hair down to the middle of her back close to her butt to her hair maybe being three inches long.

'It was so tangled. Even after they were cut out there was no untangling it. I never would have got them out without cutting her hair.'

Lileigh now, with her new short hairstyle ready for school, Cierra said that parents who have Bunchems in their home should chuck them straight in the bin

After the whirlwind experience, the mother posted online to warn other parents to keep the tiny toys away from their children.

Cierra-Jane said: 'She pulled short hair off very well, that's definitely a blessing.

'I'd tell other parents to just don't buy them because in my personal opinion it's not worth the headache.

'Because if they get stuck in people's hair like that, who's to say if your cat or dog rolls on top of them that they won't get stuck on them? I would not buy them.

'Parents who have them should think about putting them in the bin.

'And if you absolutely have to buy them, make sure that you as the parents put them up somewhere when the kids aren't messing with them, and only let them have them under supervision.'

A spokesperson from Spin Master said: 'Children's product safety is paramount at Spin Master. All of our toys undergo rigorous testing for safety and product integrity.

'We encourage any customers who have concerns with the product to contact our customer care team directly.

'Bunchems are no longer in production.'
A Canadian who frequently travels to Australia had a 'meltdown' in anticipation of his upcoming trip because of how 'unexpected' Australians can be - and the one animal he's 'terrified' of.

Chris Zou said he was 90 per cent scared because Australians have a history of lying to tourists about poisonous bears and the way toilets flush.

Foreigners like Chris also cannot keep up with Aussie drinking culture - but the two aspects of the country deemed the most scary were bin chickens and not being able to predict how an Australian person might react to anything.

'When you think about the scariest things in Australia, you think about the animals, insects, and bogans. But the scariest animal I saw when I was there were bin chickens,' he revealed.

'I'm also scared of how unpredictable Australia is. I have no clue what I'm supposed to be expecting from this trip. Every time I think I know something, I'm immediately humbled.'

Chris shared more of his thoughts on bin chickens and the 'surprising' aspects of life Down Under.

'For those of you who don't know, bin chickens are our version of pigeons in North America and there's just something about them I don't trust,' he said.

'Every time I come on social media and think I know something about Australia, the country will humble me and tell me to sit the f**k down because I have no f**king clue what I'm talking about.'

The Canadian provided two examples of such 'unpredictable' situations.

'I was shocked a luxury brand like Aesop came out of Australia and expected to be slammed for that - but everyone else was surprised too.

'And then, I was being helpful when I said I thought Aussies would like pumpkin spice - but you told me not to bring my nasty a** American shit Down Under.'

He added, 'I've come to terms with the fact that I shouldn't even try anymore. I should just go with the flow.'

Hundreds of Australians laughed at his plight.

'He's worried about bin chickens and yet he's visiting in swooping season with the magpies,' one said.

'Bin chickens aren't that bad - wait until you're at the beach eating hot chips with seagulls about,' a man wrote.

'You just had an epiphany - going with the flow is what Australia is about,' another said.
Chinese scientists have discovered never-before-seen viruses lurking on a tropical island  and warned they could infect humans.

Researchers tasked with preparing the world for future pandemic took almost 700 samples from rodents living in Hainan, just off China's southern coast.

Eight novel viruses  including one belonging to the same family as Covid  were uncovered in the project, funded by the Chinese Government.

Experts said the discovered pathogens had a 'high probability' of infecting humans should they ever cross the species barrier.

As a result, they called for further experiments on the viruses to determine exactly what their effects on humans could be.

Researchers took almost 700 samples from rodents living in Hainan, just off China 's southern coast

They found eight novel viruses, including one belonging to the same family as Covid

Shi Zhengli - dubbed the 'Bat Lady' or 'Bat Woman' for her work on bat coronaviruses - investigated the possibility Covid could have emerged from her lab back in 2020 according to colleagues, she is also the editor Virologica Sinica

The findings were shared in the journal Virologica Sinica, the publishing arm of the Chinese Society for Microbiology (CSM).

CSM is linked to the state-affiliated China Association of Science and Technology, which 'accepts administrative supervision' from the Chinese Government's 'Ministry of Civil Affairs'.

Virologica Sinica is also edited by Dr Shi Zhengli, an influential scientist described as China's 'bat woman' who works inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology  considered to be the source of the Covid pandemic in some corners.

The journal's editorial board also features over a dozen other academics linked to the WIV.

MailOnline reported earlier this year how the same journal controversially claimed that new virus samples from bats in Hainan proved Covid wasn't engineered in a lab.

READ MORE: Anthony Fauci warns he has nightmares about the 'next inevitable pandemic' Dr Anthony Fauci (speaking to DailyMail.com in July 2023) said he still believed Covid emerged naturally despite mounting indirect evidence of a lab accident Advertisement

The claim was, however, dismissed by independent experts.

The new study analysed 682 anal and throat swabs collected from various rodents captured on Hainan between 2017 and 2021.

These samples, which were categorised by specific rodent species and location on the island, were then sent for labs to be examined.

Analysis revealed a host of new 'novel' viruses, including one new coronavirus that the experts dubbed CoV-HMU-1.

CoV-HMU-1 was found to be a betacoronavirus, a sub-genre of coronaviruses which includes Covid.

The scientists also found several new pathogens in other groups of viruses.

These included two new pestiviruses, which are related to yellow fever and dengue, a new astrovirus, a family of viruses that cause infections like stomach bugs, two new parvoviruses, which can cause flu-like symptoms, and two new papillomaviruses, a family of pathogens that can cause genital warts and cancer in people.

They highlighted the discovery of the new pestiviruses and parvoviruses as being particularly significant as they were found in the Edwards's long-tailed giant rat and the Sikkim rat species.

Neither were known to previously harbour such types of pathogens.

Hainan, home to about 9million people, is isolated from mainland China.

Other such unknown viruses likely exist in similar parts of the world, the scientists added.

'The results expand our knowledge of viral classification and host range and suggest there are highly diverse, undiscovered viruses that have evolved independently in their unique wildlife hosts in inaccessible areas,' they said.

'If these viruses cross the host barrier, they are highly possible to cause zoonosis.

'The pathogenicity and associated impact of these novel viruses on humans and animals should be evaluated in further studies.'

Rodents carrying potential pathogens pose a huge threat in terms of zoonosis, the researchers said.

This is because they are 'widely distributed', 'diverse in species', and 'have a strong reproductive ability'.

As well as that, they migrate in groups and are concentrated in densely populated, humid, and warm places such as central and southern China.

Some experts now say Covid may have emerged from within the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Here security personnel are pictured keeping watch during a visit by the WHO in 2021

This provides 'them with many opportunities to interact with humans', they wrote.

Scientists have repeatedly warned the next pandemic could spring from animals with climate change, habitat destruction and selling of live wild animals in so-called 'wet-markets' all factors increasing the risk.

Covid is originally thought to have come from an animal, most likely a bat.

Although, an ever-growing number of experts suspect experiments conducted in Wuhan may have sparked its spread among people.

Dr Zhengli herself was once concerned Covid may have leaked from inside her lab, according to colleagues.

The so-called 'lab leak theory' poses that scientists in Wuhan were experimenting with Covid samples collected from the wild when the virus accidently leaked containment, infecting citizens of the city and then the world.

While the theory has gained traction in years since the initial wave of cases, many scientists maintain that Covid most likely emerged naturally, being transmitted from animals to humans.

Such theories have largely pointed to Wuhan's Huanan seafood wholesale market, where numerous species of live animals were kept and sold, as the potential site where such an infection could have taken place.

Regardless, some experts have warned experiments on high-risk pathogens, which are often conducted in labs located in high-population areas, could spark new pandemics.

No concrete proof to support either Covid origin argument has been found, leaving experts fearing the truth behind the viruses origins will never be uncovered.

Beyond just establishing a historical fact, experts also want to find how Covid emerged to help stop other similar pathogens becoming pandemics in the future.
While many Brits will be looking forward to an extra hour of sleep, there are potentially serious health consequences when the clocks go back this weekend.

This Sunday (October 29), clocks will go back in the UK by one hour at 2am, meaning the 60 minutes between 1am to 2am will happen twice.

Although it will be a welcome rewind for many people partying into the early hours of Sunday morning, the change in time is not without risk.

So, how exactly could the clocks going back affect your health? Can you do anything to lower these risks?

Read on below as MailOnline takes a look at how the return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) could impact your health.

While many Brits will be looking forward to an extra hour of sleep when clocks go back this weekend, experts warn of potentially serious health consequences. This Sunday (October 29), clocks will go back in the UK by one hour at 2am, meaning the 60 minutes between 1am to 2am will happen twice (File image)

What are circadian rhythms? Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles linked to your bodies internal clock. These rhythms are found in many different organisms including flowers to help them open and close. Nocturnal animals also use their circadian rhythm to keep them from leaving their shelter during the day. In people, circadian rhythms coordinate the digestive system, regulate hormones and it controls your sleep-wake cycles. How does it work? All the 24-hour cycles throughout the body are connected to a master clock in your brain and at different times of the day it signals to regulate activity in your body. During the day sunlight causes the brain to send awake signals to keep us alert and active. At night, the master clock in the brain sparks the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, and then keeps transmitting signals that help us stay asleep through the night. When the body's circadian rhythm is disrupted, from jet lag or shift work, the internal clock can struggle to make the body fall asleep, stay asleep and have a lie in. Advertisement

Strokes

Professor Russell Foster, from the University of Oxford, is one of the world's leading experts on the circadian rhythm, also known as your body clock.

It sets the rhythms of our lives, affecting everything from how clearly we think and when our digestive systems are ready for food, to when our muscles are at their strongest.

During the day, sunlight causes the brain to send awake signals that keep us alert and active.

At night, the system - likened to that of the intricate mechanism inside a grandfather clock - sparks the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

The rhythm itself is also central to our metabolism, body temperature and hormone levels.

The clocks going back plays havoc with these processes, resulting in disruption to our sleeping pattern.

According to Professor Foster, a combination of sleep deprivation and a disruption of the circadian rhythm can trigger a stroke.

The increased risk is all down to the collateral effect of high blood pressure, in theory.

High blood pressure can cause blood clots to form and block blood flow in the arteries leading to the brain.

This causes brain cells to start dying, which triggers the tell-tale signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech and weakness down one side of the body.

Professor Foster said: 'We have this clock, and it is fine tuning every aspect of our physiology and behavior to the 24-hour light and dark cycle.

'We see increased blood pressure ranking up. For example, between 6am and 12 noon there is a 50 per cent greater chance of having a stroke anyway.

'If you are being forced to get out of bed even earlier you are putting more stress on the system, which means you are less adapted to cope.'

According to Professor Russell Foster, from the University of Oxford, a combination of sleep deprivation and a disruption of the circadian rhythm can trigger a stroke (File image)

He added: 'For most of us it is fine because we have got a healthy and robust metabolism, but where you are at an increased risk the transition to daylight savings time can essentially put extra stresses on our biology and makes us more prone to illnesses.'

In 2016, researchers investigating the link found an eight per cent increase in stroke hospital admissions in the two-day window after the clocks went forward or back.

Results from the study, which looked at more than 15,000 people, also showed the risk was higher for over-65s.

Heart attacks

Dr John O'Neill is another leading expert in the complicated field of circadian rhythms.

Based at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, he studies the 24-hour cycle in everything from cells in a petri dish, to humans.

Dr John O'Neill, another leading expert in the complicated field of circadian rhythms, said 'you can see a slight increase in the frequency of heart attacks' when the clocks change (File image)

How to adjust your routine when the clocks change There are ways to prepare yourself for clocks falling back an hour at the end of October. Gradually going to bed later can help you to shift your body clock. Eating an hour later than you usually would, will also help you adjust your bedtime schedule. Professor Foster said: 'You need to be aware of potential consequences, if you have a danger of high blood pressure and heart issues you need to take it carefully and make sure you are not leaping out of bed and making it worse.' He added: 'You may want to go into work a bit later. If you are going in half an hour later and you change that over the week to 15 minutes, then it is going to be easier on the system.' Dr O'Neil believes it is always important to keep good sleep hygiene and a regular routine. He said: 'The most important signals for your biological clock are the times when you see light verses darkness and the times when you eat verses fasting. 'I always have the same advice for the clocks changing as for any other time of year, that it is good to try and keep a constant routine, so you see light at around about the same time each morning, you have breakfast at about the same time and at night-time you fast and ensure you do not see any bright lights.' Advertisement

His findings have suggested the stress caused by changing the clocks may increase the risk of heart attacks.

However, he insists that changing the clocks only impacts your health on a minor scale, in a similar fashion as jet lag.

He said: 'If circadian rhythms are disrupted chronically, for example in shift work, we know that is really bad for your health in the long term.

'It is very rare that anyone drops dead from it, but the risk associated with doing shift work is the equivalent to smoking cigarettes.'

He added: 'If you fly to the states, you have a few days of jet lag where you are more vulnerable to more adverse health events, but not that much more at risk.

'That is what we see when you shift the clocks by an hour, it is just like getting an hour's jet lag.

'It is really such a modest challenge to your circadian system that the vast majority of people deal with it absolutely fine.

'But because it is happening at the level of the population you can see a slight increase in the frequency of heart attacks.'

A University of Colorado study focusing on whether daylight savings increases the risk of heart attacks found that there is tangible link between the two.

There was a 24 per cent rise in the number of heart attacks observed after the clocks went forward, compared to other Mondays throughout the year.

In contrast, the figure decreased when the clocks went back an hour, according to the research published in 2013.

A 2015 University of Michigan study found that there is a 24 per cent increase in heart attacks on the Monday following the Daylight Savings Time shift.

The researchers found that the spring change, when an hour of sleep is lost, is the more dangerous one.

Depression

Just as it can impact your physical health, changing the clocks and disrupting your sleeping pattern can knock your mental health, too.

In the same your physical health could be disrupted by the clocks going back, your mental health could be too (File image)

One 2018 study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, found a disrupted body clock was linked with depression, bipolar disorder and other problems.

A separate study, released in the Journal of Sleep Research in 2020, also found that a lack of sleep can put us in a bad mood.

Researchers showed participants images of laughing or crying children after five nights of normal sleep and after five nights of restricted sleep.

They found those who had less sleep were more likely to have negative responses to the images.

Alzheimer's

The symptoms of Alzheimer's can become worse when the clocks spring forward and fall back, some experts believe.

Professor Foster explained the phenomenon in his book 'Life Time', which explores the impacts of changing the clocks.

He writes that clinical staff have noticed the 'sundowning' symptoms, which refers to a state of confusion, anxiety, aggression, pacing or wandering which occurs in the evening and early night, are worse when the clocks change.

The reasons why sundowning happens is not well understood.

But the Alzheimer's Society says it may be down to tiredness, hunger, pain, a lack of sunlight during the day and disturbance to a person's body clock from damage to the brain over time.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

When the clocks fall back an hour, we start to see darker evenings as we enter the colder winter months.

Fewer daylight hours in the northern hemisphere can lead to 'winter depression', or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The extra hour in bed after the clocks fall back has been linked to an increase in car crashes as drivers adapt to the darker evenings, according to research by Zurich (File image)

The Cleveland Clinic reports that around five per cent of people will experience clinical SAD, while around 10 to 20 per cent of US adults will experience some form of the winter blues.

It is most common in women, younger people and those that are already suffering from other mood-related illnesses.

Car accidents

The extra hour in bed after the clocks fall back has been linked to an increase in car crashes as drivers adapt to the darker evenings, according to research by Zurich.

It analysed thousands of claims between 2018 and 2020 and found that prior to the autumn clock change, a quarter of car accidents occurred between 4pm and 7pm.

This increased to almost a third of all crashes in November after the clocks have changed, leading them to blame the change in clocks.
Massive Attack star Angelo Bruschini has died following a battle with a rare type of lung cancer, the band confirmed today.

The Bristol-born guitarist revealed in July that he was diagnosed with pleomorphic carcinoma and that he had had 'a great life'.

The band, which Angelo joined in 1995, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was a 'singularly brilliant & eccentric talent'.

Lung cancer, which kills approximately 35,000 people in the UK and 120,000 in the US each year, is the second most common type worldwide. Around one per cent of cases are down to pleomorphic carcinoma, a poorly-understood disease.

Yet, despite being so common, many people are not aware of all the symptoms of lung cancer. Here, MailOnline reveals the warning signs to look out for.

Guitarist Angelo Bruschini has passed away following a battle with lung cancer, then band announced on Tuesday, (pictured in June 2014)

A persistent cough, breathlessness and passing out can all be symptoms of lung cancer, according to Cancer Research

Getting out of breath

There are often no symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.

But many will become breathless and develop a persistent cough that won't go away, the NHS says.

Feeling out of puff while doing the things that usually wouldn't be a problem is a sign to visit the GP, it recommends.

This symptom may also be coupled with coughing up blood and a pain in the shoulder or chest when coughing.

Lung cancer is rare in people under the age of 40 and more than four in ten people diagnosed in the UK are 75 and older, according to the NHS.

It adds that smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer.

READ MORE: Cancer's grim chokehold on Britain: Sobering charts show how disease is robbing sufferers of up to 25 YEARS - with cases of melanoma, breast and prostate having soared since the 90s A new analysis has shown the years of life an average cancer patient in the UK is expected to lose, the amount of life lost in terms of all cancers has increased to 14.1 from 13.4 in the 1980s Advertisement

Changes to nail shape

Nails that appear wider or swollen could be a signal of lung cancer.

This symptom is called clubbing.

The nails can appear to 'float' instead of being attached to the nailbed and form a sharper angle with the cuticle.

Clubbing can also cause the end of the finger to appear large and red and the nail to curve downwards, so it looks like the round part of an upside-down spoon.

The symptoms are caused by hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA)  a condition that causes inflammation in the bones and joints and affects some people with cancer.

However, not everyone who has lung cancer will develop this symptom and it is more common among those with non-small cell lung cancer, says Cancer Research.

Seizures or passing out

Dizziness and fainting can be signs of lung cancer.

Although rare, some lung cancer patients develop a condition alongside their cancer called paraneoplastic syndrome.

It is triggered by tumours releasing hormones into the bloodstream that cause the body's organs and systems to behave abnormally.

This can lead to symptoms that don't seem related to lung cancer.

These include headaches, vomiting, confusion, feeling tired, muscle weakness, seizures, passing out, dizziness and constipation.

Paraneoplastic syndrome is rare but more common among those with small cell lung cancer.

Massive Attack shared a tribute to him on social media on Tuesday

Lung cancer, while not the most common form of the disease, is one of the biggest cancer killers in the UK with a survival rate of just 10 per cent

Drooping of one eyelid

A rare type of lung cancer that grows at the top of the organ can cause one eyelid to droop, experts say.

Pancoast tumours, which account for less than five per cent of lung cancer cases, can also cause one pupil to shrink.

It may also stop sweating on one side of the face, according to Cancer Research.

Shoulder pain or pain that travels up and down the arm, neck and head are more common symptoms of this form of cancer, according to the charity.

Losing weight

About 60 per cent of people with lung cancer have significant weight loss at the time of their diagnosis, Cancer Research says.

This can be because lung cancer causes a loss of appetite.

However, some people lose weight even when they are eating normally.

This is called cachexia, where your body doesn't absorb all the fat, protein and carbohydrate from your food and burns calories faster than normal.

Scientists say cancer releases chemicals into the blood that contribute to the fat and muscle loss.
In England, first year junior doctors earn 32,398 which is 15.58 an hour

Figures show 729 doctors left the Welsh NHS in the last five years

Newly-qualified Jack Tagg, 27, said 'morale in the NHS is at an all-time low'

A newly-qualified doctor is leaving the NHS to move to Australia for 'better pay and support'.

Jack Tagg, 27, worked as a junior doctor in two Welsh hospitals and said 'morale in the NHS is at an all-time low'. He is aiming to join his friends down under, where he says 'pressures don't feel as smothering as in the NHS'.

Dr Tagg said pay, support and working hours were all better in other parts of the world and that the NHS was only kept running by 'goodwill'.

Speaking to Welsh Language current affairs programme Y Byd ar Bedwar, he said: 'It's never an easy decision to up-sticks completely and move to the other side of the world, but I think that just shows how drastic the situation in the NHS has gotten.

'When I'm the only junior for 40 patients, I physically can't do all the jobs in the set amount of time I'm contracted.'

Dr Jack Tagg, 27, worked as a junior doctor in two Welsh hospitals but says he is heading Down Under for 'better pay and support'

He added: 'There's just simply not enough staff, the NHS is literally running on goodwill at the minute.

'If you didn't get staff staying half an hour, an hour extra each day on top of their contracted hours, so for free, I mean you'd be making even less of an impact.

'Getting less than 14 as someone who's ultimately got lives on their hands and has to do all of these complex, stressful and demanding tasks, those levels of pay are simply derogatory, and they are really off-putting to prospective students.'

First year junior doctors in Wales earn a basic annual salary of around 29,895.

A freedom of information request to the General Medical Council revealed that 729 doctors left the Welsh NHS in the last five years.

In England, first year junior doctors earn 32,398 - around 15.58 an hour - following the pay rise which was granted this year.

An analysis from FullFact last year found that junior doctors in England earn closer to 20-30-an-hour when opting to work overtime and take night or weekend shifts.

After around a decade as a junior doctor - during which their pay rises up to 63,000 - medics can become consultants, who earn up to 126,000 basic pay for a 40-hour week.

At this point, they can also opt to work extra hours and take on management or education responsibilities to further boost their pay.

Dr Jack Tagg is aiming to join his friends down under, where he says 'pressures don't feel as smothering as in the NHS'

Dr Lloyd Evans, who now lives in Perth, Western Australia, said: 'Out here I'm paid almost three times as much as I would be as a salaried GP in the UK.

'I feel out here that I'm just able to provide the service that I trained so hard to give.'

He added: 'I feel my patients here value me, I feel I'm valued within the system I work for.

'That's something the Welsh Government and the NHS really have to think about, is making doctors feel valued and making them feel as if they're really getting just reward for the sacrifices they make.'

Next month, junior doctors will vote on strike action after the Welsh Government offered a 5 per cent pay increase - the lowest offer of all governments in the UK.

If a walkout goes ahead it will be the first strike of its kind in Wales.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'We greatly value the work all doctors - and all healthcare staff - do every day.

'Retaining staff is equally as important as recruiting new staff. Our National Workforce Implementation Plan sets out actions to improve retention, including improving staff wellbeing, and continued investment in education and training.

Australian figures suggest roughly half of UK medics who apply for a job in Australia are successful, with nearly 950 getting in 2021-22 compared to the 1,800 who applied in the 2022 calendar year

'The number of doctors, including consultants, directly employed by the NHS in Wales has increased every year for the last eight years, and we now have a record high number of doctors. In March this year, there was a 21 % increase in junior doctors compared with March 2020.

'The number of GPs in Wales has remained stable in recent years, while the number of trainee GPs has been increasing substantially.

'Whilst we acknowledge NHS Wales doctors may be disappointed in the pay award this year, this is the toughest financial situation we have faced since devolution.

'We will work with employers and unions to deliver the working environment and conditions our NHS staff deserve and need to continue providing high-quality care for the people of Wales.'

You can watch Y Byd ar Bedwar on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer - available with English Subtitles.
Certain 'forever chemicals' may raise the risk of one of the fastest growing cancers in America, a study suggests.

Doctors from Mount Sinai hospital in New York tested blood samples from people with and without thyroid cancer and found patients with the disease were 56 percent more likely to have levels of PFAS chemicals in their system.

PFAS are dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they are virtually impossible for the body to break down and have been used to make thousands of everyday products since the 1940s - from nonstick cookware to raincoats.

Thyroid cancers have become increasingly common since then, spiking 240 percent between 1973 and 2002. But the leading explanation for this has been improved diagnostic abilities that allow doctors to catch diseases early.

The chemical studied here is called n-PFOS, which is most commonly used as a stain repellant in clothing and carpeting, as well as a grease-resistant coating for food packaging.

Researchers found that with every time PFAS levels in blood samples doubled, the risk of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer increased 56 percent

PFAS is a common contaminant in many household items from cookware to hamburger wrappers. It can remain in the environment as well as human tissue for years, even decades, before being cleared out

The Mount Sinai study adds valuable evidence to support suspected links between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer.

Dr Lauren Petrick, a public health professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-author of the study, said: 'To our knowledge, this is the first human study to look at associations between PFAS exposure and risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis.'

PFAS chemicals disrupt the function of the endocrine system, of which the thyroid gland is a part. The researchers noted that PFAS in water is a major source of exposure, but did not detail how each person's blood levels got so high.

When PFAS enter the body either through food and water that people eat and drink or by inhaling contaminated air, they can distribute throughout the body in tissues and organs.

Some PFAS compounds can bind to thyroid hormone receptors in order to mimic or block the body's natural hormones, knocking the system out of balance. PFAS can also disrupt the release of thyroid hormones which are crucial for regulating the body's metabolism.

When the system for managing and producing hormones is disrupted, the result can be unfettered cell growth and replication, a hallmark of cancer growth.

PFAS also cause inflammation in the body, leading to DNA damage in thyroid cells. This can result in genetic mutations that drive the creation of cancer cells.

The latest finding expands on previous research into links between thyroid problems and PFAS, specifically into the effects on pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The latest research uses blood samples from 88 adults with thyroid cancer and 88 healthy people that had been collected from 2008 to 2021 as part of the medical school's expansive collection of patient health information and blood and serum samples.

All of the study subjects, whose average age was 46, came from the New York metropolitian area, which researchers considered a major benefit because it gave them 'a diverse ethnic population'.

Thyroid cancer affects the gland in the front part of the neck that makes hormones to regulate the body's metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

This is part of the body's endocrine system, which PFAS chemicals have been shown to disrupt due to their ability to mimic thyroid hormones and prevent the production or transport of hormones.

An estimated 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year and roughly 2,100 will die. The survival rate for most types of thyroid cancer when detected early is high - around 98 percent.

Once the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, that survival rate dips to around 70 percent.

More than 80 percent of the people with thyroid cancer had papillary thyroid cancer, which is the most common variety with the best survival rate. Five percent had follicular thyroid cancer, which is still survivable but typically more aggressive.

And 10 percent had a type of thyroid cancer of unknown origin, though some may have had the most adganced and agressive variety, anaplastic thyroid cancer.

They tested the blood plasma samples for eight different types of PFAS chemicals. When levels of n-PFOS in blood plasma were doubled due to exposure, the risk of receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis ballooned 56 percent.

Dr Petrick said: 'The results of this study provide further confirmation for the PFAS health crisis and underline the need to reduce, and hopefully one day eliminate, PFAS exposure.'

While the researchers found the strongest association between cancer and a specific sub-type of PFOS chemicals known as n-PFOS, they also found links between cancer and other types of forever chemicals.

Their research was published in the journal eBioMedicine.

PFAS chemicals have been in use since the early 20th century in manufacturing make raincoats water-repellant, and cookware non-stick.

They also line help make up firefighting foam, food packaging and coat carpeting to repel stains. They have even been used in children's toys.

There ever-presence in daily life means the chemicals leech into the environment, such as when you scrub a frying pan clean in the sink.

PFAS have been found in drinking water supplies all over the US as a result of tainted run-off from chemical producing plants and widespread use of pesticides.

Certain parts of the country, such as Brunswick County, North Carolina and nearby Fayetteville, have seen disturbing clusters of cancers in their communities that are believed to be linked to a nearby plant formerly run by PFAS manufacturer DuPont.

And there is evidence to show that bad actors including DuPont and 3M knew about the deleterious effects of exposure to the very chemicals they were producing as far back as the 1960s.

Concerns were raised repeatedly for decades. In the 1970s, DuPont-funded Haskell Laboratorie found that PFAS was 'highly toxic when inhaled and moderately toxic when ingested'.

Tests in dogs in the same decade showed that animals that ingested a single dose of PFAS died up to two days later.

In 1980, DuPont also learned that two of eight employees who had been pregnant while working in their factories gave birth to babies with deformities.

But the company did not reveal the findings, instead saying the following year that: 'We know of no evidence of birth defects caused by [PFAS] at DuPont.'

They also went on to assure employees that PFAS was no more toxic than 'table salt'.

But rather than remove the chemicals from their manufacturing processes, the companies sat on that information, allowing risky products to enter people's homes.

The cover-up has been likened to the action of big tobacco companies to downplay the risks of smoking for decades in order to protect their profits.

DuPont asserts that it does not make or produce PFOS or another forever chemical called PFOA, and its use of PFAS more broadly 'is limited'.

DuPont had, however, been producing chemical called C8 since at least the 1980s. C8 is the same chemical compound as PFOA.

For its part, 3M has previously said last year that it would discontinue the use of forever chemicals.

But the damage has already been done. It takes PFOS specifically nearly five years to reduce by half in the bloodstream and PFOA about three and a half years.

They can take hundreds of years to degrade naturally.

PFOS and PFOA do not break down in the environment and can easily move through soil to contaminate drinking water.

The chemicals are so well entrenched in the environment that an estimated 97 percent of Americans have PFAS chemicals circulating in their blood.

Dr Petrick said: 'Today, its nearly impossible to avoid PFAS in our daily activities. We hope these findings bring awareness of the severity of these forever chemicals.

'Everyone should discuss their PFAS exposure with their treating physician to determine their risk and get screened if appropriate. In addition, we need continued industry changes to eliminate PFAS altogether.'
READ MORE: Six little-known signs you are suffering from anxiety

Researchers looked at five studies and found only one showed actual positives

It's known to be addictive, harsh on the body and risky for overdoses - and now scientists say Xanax might not even be that effective.

Researchers from Harvard University and Oregon Health & Science University re-reviewed trials and studies that looked at Xanax's efficacy in treating panic disorder.

They found several examples of 'publication bias' that exaggerated how positive results were.

The researchers - including a former reviewer for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - concluded while the drug was still more effective than a placebo, publications inflated the drug's efficacy by approximately 40 percent.

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, was approved by the FDA in 1981 and is in the class of benzodiazepines, a group of depressant drugs used to relieve anxiety

Of the five studies reviewed by researchers, three were presented as positive. However, when the FDA reviewed the studies, only one was deemed positive

Publication bias is the failure to publish the results of a study on the basis of the direction or strength of the study findings.

It happens when the outcome of research influences the decision to publish findings. However, only publishing results that show a significant finding upsets the balance of findings in favor of positive results.

Senior author Dr Erick Turner, professor of psychiatry and former FDA reviewer said: 'Our study throws some cold water on the efficacy of this drug. It shows it may be less effective than people have assumed.'

The study analyzed published and unpublished data from five clinical trials reviewed by the FDA for Xanax for the treatment of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.

Of the five trials reviewed, only three of them had been published and researchers deemed only one had positive findings.

Similarly, when the FDA reviewed the trials, only one of them was deemed positive and the other four were classified as 'failed on face.'

Of the four not-positive trials, researchers found two were published conveying a positive outcome and the other two were not published at all.

The studies were conducted between 1986 and 1989 (not positive), 1988 and 1990 (positive), 1994 and 1995 (not positive) and two took place between 1990 and 1991 (each not positive).

Anti-anxiety drugs can interfere with a person's neurons and increase their risk of cognitive decline later in life, study finds Using anti-anxiety drugs may put someone at significant risk of developing cognitive decline later in life and scientists may have finally discovered why. Advertisement

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, was approved by the FDA in 1981 and is in the class of benzodiazepines, a group of depressant drugs used to relieve anxiety, the most prevalent mental health condition in the US - affecting approximately 40million adults.

Other common drugs in this class include Valium, Klonopin and Ativan.

Despite Xanax's wide use, there are potentially serious side effects.

People taking the drug may experience changes in appetite, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, changes in sex drive and irritability.

They may also experience out of control actions, loss of leg control, numbness in hands or feet, decreased awareness and an unsteady walk.

Additionally, a study from 2022 found anti-anxiety medications may impact a person's brain cells and neurons, putting them at a higher risk of developing cognitive decline later in life.

Dr Turner, also a professor of psychiatry at the Oregon Health & Science University, told SciTech Daily: 'Clinicians are well aware of these safety issues, but theres been essentially no questioning of their effectiveness.'

A report from Express Scripts found about 5 percent of Americans were on an anti-anxiety medication in 2019.

However, the use of benzodiazepines for anxiety declined by 12 percent between 2015 and 2019, though prescriptions once again rose during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic when people were feeling a heightened sense of anxiety.
Incels - involuntary celibates - are men who form their identity around their perceived inability to have romantic relationships with women.

They make up a dark and depraved online community of young heterosexual men who blame society and women for their lack of success with intimacy.

Some commentators have suggested that one reason why incels fail in the dating world is because they judge women too highly, and are unrealistic about the caliber of potential partner they will attract.

However, the first official study into incel mating psychology has suggested this is not the case.

Researchers at the University of Texas found that self-confessed incels actually make fewer demands of potential female suitors than men who are not in the group.

Another interesting finding was that incels were more likely to be of shorter height. Studies show that women are more likely to be attracted to taller-than-average men, which could contribute to the feeling of rejection that incels are known to harbor.

Being depressed, paranoid, anxious all make men more likely to become an incel, previous research from the University of Rome found. Attachment styles causing clingy behavior and a fear of rejection are also predictors of a hatred towards women, they discovered

Participants declared their 'standards' required for dating - as measured by scores out of ten across 15 categories. Incels reported lower standards for a partner than non-incels

Incels  many of whom advocate violence and rape against women  have been responsible for a growing number of terror attacks in recent years.

In May this year, self-described incel Mauricio Garcia, 33, shot dead eight people outside a shopping mall in Allen, Texas.

Garcia posted incel content to a Russian website which included multiple references to encouraging violence against women - including rape and murder. One post opened with the line: 'I hate women.'

Elliot Rodger, who killed six people in a 2014 California gun and knife attack, posted a video shortly before the atrocity in which he complained about being a virgin at the age of 22 and how he had never kissed a girl.

He also published a 141-page document detailing his deep-rooted hatred of women, in which he said he could not understand why they did not want to have sex with him.

In the latest study, 319 men were recruited via social media.

Out of the men, aged 29 on average, 139 told researchers they identified as incels.

Most surprising were the incels' relatively low standards.

On average, the incels were willing to settle for below average ratings on 12 out of 15 characteristics - from facial attractiveness, to sexual skill, to intelligence.

In the study, published in The Journal of Sex Research last month, participants had to choose a minimum score between one and ten which a person would have to meet across 15 traits for them to consider the person as a 'potential long-term romantic partner.'

Elliot Rodger (pictured left) was 22 when he shot and killed six people in a sorority house mass shooting in 2014. In May this year, Mauricio Garcia, 33, shot dead eight people outside a shopping mall in Allen, Texas

The researchers did not make suggestions as to why the incels may have lower-than-average demands for romantic interests.

However, commentators have previously remarked that, despite the bravado, incels are characteristically insecure.

This may result in a belief that they are not worthy of the most successful and beautiful women.

Researchers also asked the men why they thought they'd been so unlucky in love.

Results showed that the incel group was more likely than the other to attribute their singlehood to external reasons, such as the competition posed by other men.

Incels' responses suggested that they were more likely than others to assume they are inferior.

The findings also revealed striking differences in what incels assume to be attractive to women, compared to other men.

The disturbed group placed more importance on physical attractiveness and financial prospects, and underestimated women's desire for intelligence, kindness and humor.
More than half also believe they are more likely to get better treatment options

Doctors are less likely to feel the impact of their strikes as one in three abuse their position to jump waiting lists, a study reveals.

Medics have forced patients to wait longer for care by walking out of hospitals in a row over pay - while brazenly skipping the queues themselves.

Industrial action has led to the cancellation of over 1million appointments over the past year and seen NHS waiting lists soar to a record 7.75 million.

However, many doctors appear to be immune from the consequences of their actions as they admit to calling in favours from colleagues to help them avoid delays.

A survey of 826 UK doctors by medical website Medscape found a third (34 per cent) can access treatment faster than the general public.

Medics have forced patients to wait longer for care by walking out of hospitals in a row over pay - while brazenly skipping the queues themselves. Industrial action has led to the cancellation of over 1million appointments over the past year and seen NHS waiting lists soar to a record 7.75 million. However, many doctors appear to be immune from the consequences of their actions as they admit to calling in favours from colleagues to help them avoid delays

Official data released earlier this month shows 118,026 hospital appointments in England were rescheduled due to a three-day walkout by British Medical Association (BMA) consultants and junior doctors in October. Radiographers also joined the picket lines. A further 4,415 appointments in mental health, learning disability and community settings were estimated to have been also cancelled

England's ever-growing backlog hit 7.75million in August  the equivalent of one in seven people. This includes nearly 400,000 stuck in the system for over a year, often in pain

And more than half (51 per cent) believe they are more likely to get better treatment options, such as not having to wait as long to be moved to the next drug or procedure.

A fifth (22 per cent) said they can refer themselves directly to a specialist, avoiding the need to persuade a gatekeeping GP to grant access to tests, scans and a more expert opinion.

The poll also found 33 per cent of doctors believe they receive better care and 56 per cent have questioned their own doctor's choices.

Furthermore, 33 per cent of doctors surveyed said they would 'often or sometimes' seek treatment from friends who were also doctors.

A junior doctor boasted that doctors had 'more investigations and faster referral' to specialists.

And one GP revealed that she waited three weeks for an MRI for a ruptured ligament and 'only got this because I personally spoke to orthopaedics to plead my case.'

Patient groups tonight hit out at the findings, saying doctors should not be allowed to abuse their position and should be made to wait like everyone else.

Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: 'Being well-informed is often an advantage and this survey shows how understanding the healthcare system is of benefit.

'But knowledge and connections shouldn't be used to gain unfair advantage.

'We'd like all patients to be just as well informed as doctors are about their options and to work in partnership with their doctors to exercise patient choice.'

Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, which campaigns for elderly Britons, said: 'Members of clubs can always pull strings but doctors should avoid queue jumping when waiting lists are so long.

'As part of their professional development they should be required periodically to sample the real patient experience of delays, cancellations and stress.'

Dr John Whyte, from Medscape, said: 'Doctors have a reputation for making the worst patients.

'What this often means in reality is that doctors have a high health literacy; meaning they understand diagnosis and treatment pathways.

'Healthcare professionals are able to speak in shorthand, which can inherently press the fast-forward button on treatment decisions.'

A BMA spokesperson said: 'Doctors share the frustration of patients about how difficult it can be to navigate between different parts of the NHS, but we must caution against making any broad assumptions from a survey of a comparatively small number of doctors.

'The majority of respondents to this survey did not say they were able to get care quicker because they were doctors, but it is not surprising that some doctors may say they find it easier to navigate often complex and overly bureaucratic NHS pathways than the general public, while also being able to articulate their own health concerns in such a way that can potentially streamline this process.

'We also know, given huge workforce shortages, doctors feel under pressure not to take time off work when they are ill, and therefore are likely to want to do all they can to ensure any health issue is dealt with quickly so they are able to continue caring for patients.

'Waiting lists were at record high before any industrial action by doctors took place, and are the result of persistent understaffing and under-resourcing of the health service.'
She lives with a device called a LVAD to keep her alive until a heart transplant

A Massachusetts woman with a rare genetic heart condition has no pulse and says she 'runs on batteries.'

Sofia Hart, 30, has irreversible dilated cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle when one of the ventricles does not work as well, which can lead to heart failure.

Ms Hart uses a life-saving medical device to keep her heart pumping while she waits for a heart transplant.

As many as one in 500 American adults have cardiomyopathy - a more general term for conditions relating to the heart muscle, but irreversible dilated cardiomyopathy is more rare.

Sofia Hart on her 30th birthday in May 2023 (pictured left). She lives with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) while she waits for a heart transplant. She is pictured right in hospital getting the device fitted aged 29

An LVAD helps keep blood flowing around the body by mechanically pumping the left side of the heart

Ms Hart discovered she had the condition in the summer of 2022 while working at a horse farm.

She told PEOPLE: 'I started getting really achy and so fatigued. It's like a fatigue that you can't really describe. I wasn't tired in my brain, but my body was so tired.'

Her twin sister, Olivia, was born with the same rare genetic mutation, but no one realized Ms Hart had it too until she fell ill.

Ms Hart's fatigue originally led her to believe she had Lyme's disease, as she had been working outside and could have easily been bitten by a tick. She took a Lyme test at a walk-in clinic.

Olivia, who was working at the hospital at the time, delivered the news to her sister.

'My sister said, "You don't have Lyme disease  and we really wish you did."'

Olivia had suffered heart failure seven years prior and had to get an LVAD device to tide her over until she had a heart transplant in 2016.

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps keep blood flowing around the body by mechanically pumping the left side of the heart.

Ms Hart received the same course of treatment aged 29 that her sister had at 22: living with an LVAD until a transplant was available.

When at home in Boston, Ms Hart is connected to a wall outlet to power the device.

She told PEOPLE: 'That cord is pretty long, and I have mastered living in places where I can get around on that cord.'

When she goes out and about, the LVAD can be powered by two batteries, and Ms Hart always makes sure to carry spares.
In an article headlined 'EXCLUSIVE Martin Clunes says it would be a "terrible shame" if view from his hilltop Dorset manor house is "spoilt" by traveller site - after his new-age hippie neighbours won latest stage of planning war against actor', published on 12 April 2023 and an article headlined 'Doc Martin star Martin Clunes launches last-ditch bid to stop new-age hippie neighbours building traveller site next to his hilltop Dorset manor house... by claiming the couple are NOT nomads', published on 18 April, we reported that Martin Clunes said it would be a 'terrible shame' if the view from his home was 'spoilt' by a neighbour's planning application. Mr Clunes denies that he ever said this, and says that he cannot see the proposed development from his home  therefore, he would not have said that his view would be 'spoilt' by it. A note of the conversation between the journalist and Mr Clunes was not taken until ten minutes after the pair had spoken and IPSO found, on the balance of probabilities, that the quote attributed to Mr Clunes was inaccurate and did not reflect the position which he had expressed during the conversation. This correction has been published following an upheld ruling by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

To report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@mailonline.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules please go to www.mailonline.co.uk/readerseditor where you will find an easy-to-use complaints form. You can also write to Readers' Editor, MailOnline, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or contact IPSO directly at ipso.co.uk.
AG Barr has acquired tropical fruit drink brand Rio for 12.3million, marking the latest takeover in the Irn-Bru maker's ongoing expansion efforts.

Rio, which AG Barrs newly-acquired Boost Drinks division has exclusively marketed, sold and distributed since 2021, was purchased from Dorset-based Hall and Woodhouse.

'Inspired by the fruits of the Brazilian rainforest, Rio is a refreshing, delicious blend of tropical flavours made to help you bring the sunny side to all of lifes adventures', or so it claims

AG Barr told investors the acquisition was made using its strong net cash position, which stood at 47.3million at the end of July, and is not expected to have a material impact on full-year profits.

It added: 'With a brand building business model, and following the Boost acquisition, we have moved quickly to secure the long-term position of the Rio brand within our wider portfolio.'

The groups first-half profits, which came in 12.6 per cent higher at 27.8million before tax, were buoyed by AG Barr's acquisitions of energy drinks maker Boost and oat milk producer MOMA Foods.

AG Barrs takeover spree is part of a strategy to rebuild its operating profit margin, supported by brand and portfolio development, group manufacturing optimisation and disciplined cost control, it told investors in September.

Roger White, chief executive of AG Barr, said: As brand builders we are delighted to acquire the Rio brand and secure its long-term position in our wider portfolio.

This allows us to realise the benefits of full brand ownership and support Rio's continued growth. This acquisition is a further positive indication of our strategic ambitions.

In August, AG Barr boss White declared his intention to stand down within the coming 12 months, having spent about two decades at the helm, making him one of the longest-serving CEOs of a publicly-listed UK firm.

He was the first chief executive to come from outside the Barr family when he took the top job in 2004.

Since that time, AG Barr shares have soared more than fourfold on the back of acquisitions and the sustained popularity of Irn-Bru.

His departure comes after former chairman Robin Barr, reportedly one of only three people who know the recipe for Irn-Bru, left the company in May following 58 years on its board.

AG Barr shares were up 0.8 per cent to 510p in early trading, bringing one-year gains to 16.4 per cent.
Delivery workers could soon be axed in favour of robots bringing shopping to our front doors at the click of a button - with drones also set to drop off Amazon packages for Britons.

Starship Technologies are sending robots out in the place of humans to deliver groceries around the world - with the app available in UK locations such as Cambridge, Greater Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Leeds, Bedford and Cambourne.

In the UK, Starship currently delivers for Co-op and select independent restaurants and takeaways.

Bags of shopping can be received in minutes with the robots using a combination of sophisticated machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors to travel on pavements and navigate around obstacles.

Impressively, they can cross streets, climb curbs, travel at night, work in both rain and snow and carry about three shopping bags each using the same amount of energy as boiling a cup of tea.

But it doesn't go according to plan 100 per cent of the time. This summer a dog walker claimed he was attacked by a Co-op delivery robot with a 'mind of its own' after it rammed into his German Shepherd. The Tesco delivery driver said it went on to ram him in the leg, causing him to kick the droid to remove it 'out of harm's way'.

In another incident a man claimed he was 'rammed' by one of the bots in Rushden.

And in another encounter, a bot got stuck on an icy pavement in Cambridge and thanked a passerby for helping it.

It comes as Amazon also announced it will start delivering packages by drone in just under an hour around the UK next year.

Starship Technologies are sending robots in the place of humans to deliver groceries around the world

The robots are operating in UK locations such as Cambridge , Greater Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Leeds, Bedford and Cambourne

Guests at Amazon's Delivering the Future explore the MK30, as the company announced it will start delivering packages by drone in just under an hour around the UK next year

Amazon has announced it will start delivering packages by drone in just under an hour around the UK next year.

The technology giant said the service would begin from one of its UK same-day delivery sites, but is keeping the location secret for now. It is set to be revealed at the end of 2024.

The rollout is part of an expansion of drone deliveries, which will also see it be introduced in Italy and expanded to a third state in the US, with drone deliveries already operating in California and Texas.

Meanwhile, Starship's zero-emission robots have already made more than 5 million solo deliveries, travelled millions of miles and made more than 150,000 road crossings every day.

The robots are battery powered, lightweight and travel at the speed of a pedestrian (no faster than 4mph).

They are powered by renewable electricity, with an average delivery for a robot consuming the same amount of energy as boiling a kettle to make a cup of tea.

They use a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to travel on pavements and navigate around any obstacles, while computer vision-based navigation helps them map their environment.

The delivery can take a matter of minutes, depending on the items ordered and the distance the robot must travel.

A team of humans can also monitor their progress remotely and can take control at a moment's notice.

The robots are battery powered, lightweight and travel at the speed of a pedestrian (no faster than 4mph)

They are powered by renewable electricity, with an average delivery for a robot consuming the same amount of energy as boiling a kettle to make a cup of tea

Students Hellie Jenkins, right, Johan Restrepo and Sydney Makarovich with one of the robots at the Daytona Beach campus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida

Impressively, they can cross streets, climb curbs, travel at night, work in both rain and snow and carry about three shopping bags each

All users have to do is open the Starship deliveries app, choose their food or drink items, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent.

They can then watch as the robot makes its journey to them via an interactive map.

Once the robot arrives, they receive an alert, and can then meet and unlock it through the app.

In June Brian Dawson, 56, said a shopping bot rammed into his dog Pippa while they were walking on the pavement near a Co-Op branch in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

The robots are meant to be programmed to avoid collision. But footage from Mr Dawson's neighbour's doorbell camera, shows the bot travelling at pace down the pavement before coming to an abrupt stop after colliding with the animal.

Infuriated by the crash, Mr Dawson shoved it onto its side which 'triggered its alarm' and made a 'terrible racket'.

Before the crash, the bot can be seen pootling along the pavement as it approaches Mr Dawson

The bots are operated by Starship Technologies

The 'furious' man told The Sun: 'It came towards me at considerable speed and hit Pippa, who's 12 and a bit doddery.

'I thought, 'I'm not having that!' and admit I gave it a bit of a kicking before taking my dog home out of harm's way.

'I was furious and went back out to make a note of its serial number or QR code. But it came straight for me again and hit my left leg.'

A spokesperson from Starship Technologies said: 'Our robots make thousands of deliveries around the world every single day and the safety of these deliveries is taken very seriously. We are looking into the incident and are in contact with Mr Dawson.

'The robots don't travel at any great speed, 4mph or less, and the service has been operational in Milton Keynes for over 5 years now, where the robots have been widely welcomed by members of the community.'

Darryl Lane and a robot collided on the evening of November 26 outside Rushden's High Street South Sainsbury's.

He told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: 'I was about to cross the road, therefore looking right for any traffic, and the robot wiped me out coming from the left at high speed on the pavement.'

At the time Starship said it was looking into what happened.

On the safety of their robots, a spokesperson told MailOnline: Safety is a top priority at Starship. We work closely with local and national governments wherever we operate to ensure we are providing a safe and effective service.

'Additionally, we regularly engage with charities and other organisations to ensure our robots are working cohesively with different members of the community.

'For example, we have collaborated with disability groups, accessibility coordinators, and horse riding societies among many others to make sure our technology is implemented safely and responsibly.'

In December a tiny delivery robot took a passerby by surprise by 'politely thanking' him for his help after it got stuck on an icy pavement.

A passerby spotted a Starship food-delivery robot struggling to find a way up the large and icy curb in Cambridge.

Graham Smith from Cherry Hinton in Cambridge, immediately came to the bot's aid.

He said: 'I saw this poor little mite trying to negotiate a high, slippery kerb in Chequers Close earlier today, wheels spinning like crazy.'

Mr Smith and his partner Sybil Crisford then gave it an encouraging push up the curb.

It then took them both aback by saying 'thank you, have a good day' before rolling away.

Mr Smith added: 'Should it have been let out on its own in these weather conditions? It didn't even have a scarf!'

His post about the bot on a local Facebook group attracted hundreds of likes and dozens of people sharing their concern for the bot's wellbeing.

All users have to do is open the Starship deliveries app, choose their food or drink items, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent

Bags of shopping can be received in minutes with the robots using a combination of sophisticated machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors to travel on pavements and navigate around obstacles

Once the robot arrives, customers receive an alert, and can then meet and unlock it through the app.

Amazon said the service would begin from one of its UK same-day delivery sites, but is keeping the location secret for now

Amazon previously ran a short trial of an earlier version of the Prime Air drone delivery system in Cambridgeshire in 2016.

'As part of our continued efforts to innovate for customers, we are excited to announce the expansion of Prime Air delivery internationally, for the first time outside the US,' the company said in a statement.

'We have been delivering packages by drone for almost a year in California and in Texas.

'We have built a safe, reliable delivery service and have partnered very closely with regulators and communities.

'We will continue with that collaboration into the future to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers and the communities we serve.'

Amazon will start delivering packages in the UK by drone next year

Amazon drone deliveries are already in action in Lockeford, California.

Customer Jeff Rhodes uses Prime Air nearly every week to order products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and bike locks.

'It's fun. I never thought I'd see a parcel delivered in my back yard,' he told the BBC.

'When you order we see it within 20 or 30 minutes so obviously quicker than having to run to the store and get this stuff.'

The US tech giant said it had been working with the UK Government and aviation authorities on the introduction of the technology to UK airspace.

The announcement came alongside the unveiling the company's latest drone for deliveries - the MK30 - which Amazon says can fly twice as far as previous Prime Air models, is quieter, and able to fly in more diverse weather conditions.

Aviation minister Baroness Vere said: 'Amazon's announcement is a fantastic example of Government and industry coming together to achieve our shared vision for commercial drones to be commonplace in the UK by 2030.

'Not only will this help boost the economy, offering consumers even more choice while helping keep the environment clean with zero emission technology, but it will also build our understanding how to best use the new technology safely and securely.'

Frederic Laugere, head of innovation advisory services at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said: 'Exploring the options of how drones can be safely and successfully incorporated into more of the UK's airspace is key.

'It is vital that projects such as this take place to feed into the overall knowledge and experiences that will soon enable drones to be operating beyond the line of sight of their pilot on a day-to-day basis, while also still allowing safe and equitable use of the air by other users.'
She may have spent much of her acting career enjoying the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

But Scotlands very own Ashley Jensen said her return to star in BBC Ones Shetland felt like a homecoming.

The Emmy-nominated actress plays the new lead, DI Ruth Calder, in season eight of the crime drama.

The character is a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after 20 years working for the Metropolitan Police.

Ms Jensen has drawn parallels between DI Calders story and her own  with her career also taking her away from Scotland.

Ashley Jensen in LA glam, but the star is happy to be home

Leading ladies Ashley Jensen with Alison ODonnell in the new season of Shetland

Crime drama stars, DI 'Tosh' McIntosh played by Alison ODonnell, left and DI Ruth Calder played by Ashley Jensen, centre

Ashley Jensen's interview is in the latest Radio Times

She told the Radio Times: I came from a small town, Annan, which is reminiscent of Ruth.

She definitely wanted to escape from Shetland  and escape from who she was when she was there.

It wasnt quite like that for me, but I always knew that I was a creative person and it was difficult to be creative in a small town in Scotland.

Ms Jensens acting career has taken her around the globe and she has lived and worked as far away as Los Angeles.

She returned to Scotland last year for a role in the BBC One adaptation of Andrew OHagans novel Mayflies.

The 54-year-old added: For a while, I was conflicted about it, about where I was from. But I think I needed to see more before I could really appreciate Scotland.

Then, when I was back, I ran around buying plain loaves, Scotch pies and Tunnocks teacakes.

Now I feel as if Im settled back with it. I was very happy to be there, with a renewed appreciation for the square sausage. Ms Jensen said yes to the part in Shetland after reading just one script and has described her decision to join the programme as a no-brainer.

This will be her first lead role on a drama series.

The actress got her big break when she starred alongside Ricky Gervais in Extras in 2005. She received two British Comedy Awards and a Bafta nomination for her role in the show.

Ms Jensen then moved to Los Angeles when she was offered a part in the hit US television series Ugly Betty.

The Scot returned to UK screens with roles in shows such as Catastrophe and Agatha Raisin.

She delighted viewers when she reunited with Gervais in 2019 for his Netflix comedy series After Life.

Ms Jensen has taken on the lead role in Shetland following the departure of Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez.

She will star alongside Alison ODonnell, who plays DI Alison Tosh McIntosh.

The new series will premiere next Wednesday.
A former police chief in Greenwich received a $650,000 settlement from the city after he was terminated from his post for printing fake signs claiming the town's Republican mayor backs Donald Trump.

Democrat supporter and ex-top cop Mark Kordick spent around $250 on 50 red-and-white campaign placards from a website called Signs On The Cheap which tied Mayor Fred Camillo to the controversial former president.

Along with the Republican elephant logo, they were branded with MAGA-eqsue slogans including 'Local Elections Matter', 'Make Greenwich Great Again', and 'Vote Republican  Vote Team'.

Kordick's prank capitalized on Camillo's position firmly on the fence over whether he supports the current leading GOP candidate, as a representative for the affluent Connecticut city which has historically been a bastion for Republican moderates.

'Signgate' began in October 2019, making political waves in a town of 63,000 and sparking outrage among local Republicans - before swelling into a four-year saga which culminated in a colossal payout to the former cop just last month.

Democrat supporter and ex-top cop Mark Kordick (pictured) spent around $250 on 50 red-and-white campaign placards from a website called Signs On The Cheap which tied Mayor Fred Camillo to the controversial former president

Along with the Republican elephant logo, they were branded with MAGA-eqsue slogans including ' Local Elections Matter', 'Make Greenwich Great Again', and 'Vote Republican  Vote Team'

Kordick's prank capitalized on Camillo's position firmly on the fence over whether he supports the current leading GOP candidate, as a representative for the affluent Connecticut city which has historically been a bastion for Republican moderates. (Pictured: Fred Camillo)

Camillo's campaign chairman Jack Kriskey told the New York Times that the morning after Kordick's signs sprouted across the city, he received a flood of complaints from locals who demanded to know where the placards had come from.

The Republican mayor - known as a First Selectman in New England towns - disliked Kordick, and a recent text to a town lawyer showed he described him as 'fat' and 'the biggest scum bag of all' - but he had no idea he was behind his latest headache.

Camillo filed a complaint against the signs with police, which was initially rejected by captain Robert Berry who said the force would not be getting involved.

His allies also pressured the town hall, which was controlled by their party, to issue a removal of the placards. The Republican Town Committee acquiesced, urging supporters to 'make every effort' to help take them down.

The signs sprung up around Greenwich in October 2019 and enraged local Republicans

They then set out to expose the unidentified prankster.

A paid campaign worker found SignsOnTheCheap.com through a Google search, before paying someone in Texas $500 to go to the company's Austin shop and secure a copy of the invoice by pretending to represent the customer.

Kordick was called to the deputy chief's office - not far from his own - and he told the Times that they asked him whether he knew about the signs. 'I know quite a bit about them,' he replied.

The police officer of more than 30 years was placed on administrative leave over the signs - which are covered by protected speech under the First Amendment.

He retired with a full pension in April 2020 just as he was about to be fired, and he sued the city of Greenwich the following month, along with Camillo and three more Republicans.

Kordick claimed that they targeted him for exercising his First Amendment rights, and put his job in jeopardy.

His lawyer, Lewis Chimes, told the Times that his signs were 'totally off-duty and clearly protected speech'.

'If it interferes with the performance of one's duties, there's a balancing test,' Chimes said.

'But there wasn't any real argument that it interfered with his duties, because he'd gotten outstanding reviews.'

The Republican mayor (pictured) - known as a First Selectman in New England towns - disliked Kordick, and a recent text to a town lawyer showed he described him as 'fat' and 'the biggest scum bag of all' - but he had no idea he was behind his latest headache

The police officer of more than 30 years was placed on administrative leave over the signs - which are covered by protected speech under the First Amendment

Kordick's lawyer, Lewis Chimes, told the Times that his signs were 'totally off-duty and clearly protected speech'

However, town attorney Barbara Schellenberg disagreed, saying the case was about whether Kordick could 'effectively do this job after putting out what the town maintained was false speech' and 'not coming forward until he was put on the spot'.

She concluded that he could not effectively continue because 'the chief lost trust in him'.

After years of legal wrangling, Kordick reached settlements with Camillo and his campaign manager for undisclosed amounts - but his case continued with the Town of Greenwich, who continued to describe the signs as 'a dirty trick'.

But suddenly, after some behind-the-scenes work by lawyers and at a cost of $1.5 million to Greenwich taxpayers, the town reached a settlement with Kordick for a whopping $650,000.

Schellenberg said the town felt forced into the payout by insurance carriers who were pressuring them to end the case.

DailyMail.com has contacted Kordick for comment, along with Camillo, who is running for a third term. Neither responded in time for publication.
China takes multiple measures to conserve cave temples

14:53, October 24, 2023 By Zhao Xiaoxia ( People's Daily

Staff members clean statues of the Dazu Rock Carvings in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (People's Daily Online/Huang Shu)

Cave temples house various types of cultural relics, including grottoes, cliffside sculptures, cave shrines, and murals.

Chinese cave temples are grand in scale, widely distributed and well-organized, carrying profound connotations. They manifest the splendid culture of the Chinese nation and witness the mutual learning and exchanges between the Chinese civilization and other ancient civilizations.

UNESCO World Heritage sites of Chinese cave temples include the Mogao Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, Longmen Grottoes, and Yungang Grottoes.

According to a 2021 survey, China is home to 2,155 cave temples and 3,831 cliffside sculptures, totaling 5,986.

The conservation of cave temples has always been a focus of China's efforts to protect cultural heritage. Relevant experts noted that China carried out comprehensive protection of cave temples between the 1980s and the early 21st century, during which a large batch of important caves were rescued.

At the same time, comprehensive conservation was carried out with a focus on sand control, mural restoration, seepage fissure grouting, and mural digitization. The Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu province was a representative.

Tourists visit the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, central China's Henan province. (People's Daily Online/Huang Zhengwei)

In the recent decade, the research on the damage mechanisms of cave temples, survey technology, conservation and reinforcement technology, and technology for display have all advanced rapidly. China has gradually established a multi-disciplinary joint research model, while science and technology have become prominent to support and guide cave temple conservation.

According to Su Bomin, president of the Dunhuang Academy, over the years, a number of projects have been carried out in the Mogao Grottoes, including grotto preservation, cliff reinforcement, and environmental remediation. So far, about 7,000 square meters of murals have been restored, digital collections have been completed for 290 caves, and a comprehensive monitoring and early warning system has been established.

The implementation of these conservation projects has fundamentally improved cultural relics preservation in the Mogao Grottoes, Su said.

The technological development not only protects cave temples, but also provides new displaying methods.

For example, the Mogao Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes have both launched digital platforms to showcase the caves with advanced technologies and multimedia means, thus improving service quality and user experience, and making cultural relics "movable."

The conservation of cave temples has long been an important topic of concern and research in the international cultural heritage community. Over the years, China has had beneficial cooperation on archaeological excavation and conservation research of cave temples with professional institutions in countries including the UK, Australia, and Italy.

A tourist visits a 3D-printed recreation of Cave 57 of the Mogao Grottoes at the Zhejiang Art Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province. (People's Daily Online/Long Wei)

The Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings has actively pursued international cooperation on cultural heritage conservation. It has not only engaged in extensive exchanges with Italian cultural heritage conservation institutions, but also launched projects to protect the cliffside sculptures, laying a solid foundation for the long-term preservation and study of Dazu Rock Carvings.

Due to the uniqueness of cave temples in terms of their surrounding environment, composition, and construction materials, they are more sensitive to climate change than other types of cultural heritage.

The continuously intensifying climate change will not only increase the risk of damage or destruction to cultural relics, but also accelerate the degradation and loss of historical and cultural information preserved within them. This poses new tasks and challenges for conservation.

According to experts, since the 21st century, China's philosophy of cultural heritage conservation has integrated with international concepts, emphasizing scientific assessment of cultural heritage values, emergency protection and preventive protection. There is also a focus on safeguarding and managing the environment surrounding heritage sites, with particular attention given to the influence of meteorological factors on cave temples.

The preservation and utilization of cave temples involves humanities disciplines such as archaeology and history, as well as natural sciences including engineering geology, materials science, and biology. Therefore, in cave temple conservation and studies, various scientific and technological means shall be employed, with an emphasis on multi-disciplinary joint research and the research base construction.

The experience China has gained in cave temple conservation has been affirmed by many foreign experts. Abdul Samad, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, said that China's work on cultural relics conservation is extremely prudent and professional, and the country's efforts to advance digital archiving, adaptive use, and relic restoration are particularly impressive.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Former President Barack Obama issued a call for a strategy to 'incapacitate Hamas' even while guarding to protect civilians  with a stern warning that Israel's strategy to cut off water and power from Gaza could backfire for 'generations.'

Obama wrote in a post on Medium that he fully supports Biden's call to support Israel as it goes after Hamas following what he called the 'horrific attack against Israel' that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 including 'defenseless women, children and the elderly.'

But then the former president goes further than the current one in condemning some of Israel's actions, on moral and strategic grounds.

Biden has called for Israel to follow the rules of war, and said last week that he 'cautioned the government of Israel not to be blinded by rage' in its response to the attacks. There have also been reports that the administration has been urging Israel to think through a potential ground invasion of Gaza.

Obama explicitly criticizes Israel's decision to cut off water and energy from Gaza, a policy that drew a rebuke from UN agencies this weekend. The government has declared a 'siege' and the Israeli energy minister has said it won't open the tap until Hamas frees the hostages Hamas fighters took to Gaza following the brazen October 7 attack.

Former President Barack Obama penned an essay with his 'thoughts on Israel and Gaza'

'Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes,' Obama writes.

'The Israeli governments decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis; it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israels enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region,' said the former president.

He then calls for a strategy that 'can incapacitate Hamas while minimizing further civilian casualties.'

Israel has yet to launch a potential ground invasion of Gaza 17 days after the attack, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his unity government called for the destruction of Hamas following the attacks.

Obama criticized Israel for cutting off water and other resources to Gaza, while decrying the horrific attack inside Israel

Obama praised Israel's decision, to allow relief trucks into Gaza, calling it a 'shift' that was 'prompted in part' by Biden's behind the scenes diplomacy. Biden phoned the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi while returning from Israel.

But he called for 'accelerating' relief, while also calling to engage with Palestinian leaders in the peace process.

Obama called for opposing anti-semitism 'in all its forms, everywhere', following worldwide reports of incidents, although he also called for rejecting 'anti-Muslim, anti-Arab or anti-Palestinian sentiment,' and refusing to 'lump all Palestinians with Hamas or other terrorist groups.'

Obama, who struck the controversial Iran nuclear deal while in office but saw no real progress on Israel-Palestinian peace process, said Israel has 'every right to exist,' while calling out 'dehumanizing language' towards the people of Gaza.

He said Palestinians 'have also lived in disputed territories for generations; that many of them were not only displaced when Israel was formed but continue to be forcibly displaced by a settler movement that too often has received tacit or explicit support from the Israeli government; that Palestinian leaders whove been willing to make concessions for a two-state solution have too often had little to show for their efforts.'
The photographer who famously took a picture of a girl 'levitating' at an Enfield home supposedly being haunted by a poltergeist denies saying she 'just jumped' and believes she may have had telekinesis powers like Stephen King's Carrie.

The Hodgson family was at the centre of a media frenzy during the 1970s when its council home at 284 Green Street was supposedly being haunted by former tenant Bill Wilkins who had died there.

Single mother-of-four Peggy Hodgson's 11-year-old daughter Janet was at the epicentre of the unknown forces supposedly within the home with furniture flying around and Bill's rasping voice being channelled through the young girl.

The Enfield Poltergeist phenomenon was the inspiration for Hollywood horror movie The Conjuring 2, multiple documentaries, and next month will see The Enfield Haunting starring Catherine Tate open at the West End.

Photographer Graham Morris was in his 20s when in 1977, while working for the Daily Mirror, he was sent with a reporter to the semi-detached home at around midnight after their neighbours, Vic and Peggy Nottingham, called pleading for help when the terrified Hodgson family had sought refuge with them.

The children were brought back to their home but it was only when Janet walked in that eerie happenings began, the now 69-year-old told MailOnline.

Photographer Graham Morris captured Janet Hodgson appearing to 'levitate' in the bedroom of her council home in Green Street, Enfield, as her siblings cower in their beds

The children's bedroom plastered with Starsky and Hutch posters where many of the events happened

'Bang, things started flying all over the place,' he said. 'I'm in the corner looking through my lens. I can see everything. No one is throwing this stuff. No one is doing anything. They're not trying to do anything for fun or for laughs or whatever.

'They were all, particularly the kids, absolutely horrified.'

Terrified Janet, her 13-year-old sister Margaret, and Billy, 7, began screaming, crying, and biting their fingernails while a Lego brick flew and hit Mr Morris in the head leaving a nasty lump above his right eyebrow for four days.

Their brother Johnny, 10, was at boarding school at the time.

Fascinated by what happened, over the next 18 months the sceptical Mr Morris returned to the home - even when The Mirror dropped the story - for up to four nights a week and would sometimes help the children with their homework.

The family's problems meant 'bright' Janet was barely able to communicate with her siblings and mother, with her sister 'crying whenever she was spoken to'.

The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) full of 'very bright blokes' got involved to document what happened with experts from universities also trying to solve what was happening with the family 'desperate for it to end'.

A cast iron bed was tipped on its side, and a fireplace was torn from the wall  but the researchers' attention was drawn towards Janet when they say they discovered she was 'levitating'.

284 Green Street, in Enfield, was supposedly haunted by former tenant Bill Wilkins who was said to be channelling his voice through Janet

Paranormal Investigator Maurice Grosse (right) of The Society for Psychical Research was called in to try and find out what was happening at the home

Keen to prove their theory, a camera was set up on a tripod in the corner of the children's bedroom, which was triggered by a button on a long cable which ran down to the living room, with an audio recording also being taken.

'As soon as I hear there's anything, like a bed spring goes twang or somebody moans or screams, a bang or crash anything. I hit the button,' Mr Morris said.

It is through this that the famous picture seen across the world of Janet supposedly 'levitating' and 'flying through the air' was taken. Mr Morris recalled hearing a scream or a shout and then nothing for a second before a huge crash.

'There is no way she was doing this for fun,' he said. 'You have got to be mad to actually want to do something like that. It was a completely darkened room.

'If it were the case she were jumping she'd be launching herself at a brick wall or a door in pitch black.'

They ran upstairs to find Janet in a 'mess', crumpled on the floor on the other side of the bedroom.

He denies he ever said she was jumping and he left it to the experts at the SPR to decide whether she was levitating or not.

Mr Morris has his own theory behind it and openly admits he does not believe in ghosts.

'I think this girl has some sort of force,' he said.

He believes the house wasn't haunted as things would happen whenever Janet was there, whether it was at school, her neighbours' homes, or at the shops.

Instead, he likened it to Stephen King's character Carrie who can move things with her mind through harnessing her telekinesis powers.

'[I think] Janet has got this sort of kinetic energy, she's really bright,' he said. 'As I said, she can't talk to her dad  he's not here  mum's too busy, her sister cries, one brother has a speech impediment so bad I doubt she can even understand what he says, and the other brother is at a special school.

An iron bed was tipped on its side and a fireplace was torn from the wall  but the researchers' attention was drawn towards Janet when they say they discovered she was 'levitating'

'And she is desperate to get this whatever it is. This energy, this power, whatever she has, across and out to communicate with people. And it's coming out in different ways in a sort of force. Like a kinetic energy where things are shifting around.'

He doesn't think the mystery of the 'Enfield Poltergeist' will be solved in his lifetime but when it is 100 years from now it will be looked upon as something simple.

Mr Morris didn't talk to anyone about what was happening at Green Street, with his own family only discovering his involvement when they saw him in a documentary.

'The whole thing was too wacky, too weird... just too way out,' he said. 'Everybody who heard about it wanted to be there to see it for themselves. They wouldn't take anybody's word for it. You just had to witness it yourself.

'I have very good friends, relatives and all sorts. They believe everything you say, but they still had to go see and they wouldn't take my word for it or the pictures. It was turning, I'm afraid, into a Victorian freak show.'

The year-and-a-half snapping creepy photos at Green Street has stayed etched in Mr Morris's mind for the last four decades.

'Nothing like that has ever happened before or since,' he says before audibly puffing out a rapid breath.

'It was just the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me. And that's why I wanted to stay there and see it through and find out what it was - for me as much as anything else.'

Although initially spooked on the first day having witnessed things floating and flying around, he feels the period hardened him from being a kid scared of the dark to feeling fairly bulletproof to most things.

He chuckled: 'You see these strange programmes on TV saying go sleep in a haunted house and you think "hey, bring it on. It's got to be a piece of cake after Enfield".'

Instead he takes a scientific approach to things and laughs at Halloween movies. He even says he'd probably get thrown out of the latest West End production of the Enfield Haunting for giggling in the audience.

'This [Enfield] wasn't Hollywood,' he said. 'They didn't have CGI. They [the Hodgson family] weren't faking it.'

Catherine Tate will star alongside David Threlfall in the West End production of The Enfield Haunting later this year

The Enfield Poltergeist saga has been the subject of many documentaries and drama series. Timothy Spall starred in Sky's three-part mini-series of The Enfield Haunting in 2015 (pictured: Juliet Stevenson, Timothy Spall, and Matthew Macfadyen)

The series was based on Guy Lyon Playfairs book, This House Is Haunted

Mr Morris added: 'There is something going on in that house which we haven't discovered yet. We haven't worked out what it is or how it happened.

'When it does, it'll probably make us all look rather stupid and we will go "silly me, why didn't I think of that?" And that's the thing, we just don't know.

'In years to come we all will be doing it, teleporting or moving things with our fingers ten yards away. But we just don't understand it.

'I don't know how it works or how it happens, but I knew at the time that the kids were not making these things happen intentionally. There might be some power or some force or some brainwave that's coming from one of them - Janet.'
Those on more expensive plans to get a discount

Some will fork out an extra 10 per cent or more

Millions of Australians will cop a 10 per cent increase to their internet bills in the latest price hike amidst the nation's cost-of-living crisis.

The ACCC has approved the federal government's decision to lift NBN retail costs, which is due to a complete price restructure.

More than six million Aussies are set to get slugged with an extra 10 per cent to their bill, with some facing even higher costs.

However, those on more expensive internet plans who can afford to spend on the best Wif-Fi will actually receive a discount on their bills.

The Albanese government has argued that the increases provide 'certainty' to the industry and would have been far higher under the former Coalition government.

Australians are already struggling to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis with the cost of a doctor's appointment to rise in a matter of weeks.

More than six million Australians will cop a 10 per cent increase to their internet bills due to an NBN price restructure (stock image)

Aussie Broadband has revealed its hikes, with users on the retailer's cheapest plans set to fork out an extra $6 per month, totaling an extra $72 a year.

Those on Aussie Broadband's most expensive plan will get a $20 discount every month. This will save these users an extra $240 per year.

'This is good news for our customers on higher-speed...plans, who will enjoy a price reduction come 21 November,' Aussie Broadband managing director Phillip Britt said.

Telstra have revealed there will be price hikes on some of their plans starting from November 1.

The telecommunications giant did not say how much their plans will increase by, or whether there would be any discounts.

Coalition communications spokesman minister David Coleman slammed the hikes, saying they were coming when Aussies were struggling the most.

'Families will now be forced to pay much more for their internet. How can that be a 'positive outcome' in the middle of a cost of living crisis?,' he said, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.

'This is another blow to families who are already struggling under the Albanese government's cost of living crisis, we have seen it with petrol prices, with grocery prices and now we are seeing it with petrol prices.'

Mr Coleman is expected to question the government over the price restructure and the effect it will have on families.

Aussie Broadband has revealed its hikes, with users on the retailer's cheapest plans set to fork out an extra $6 per month. Telstra has not revealed their hikes but did admit some of their plans will rise from November 1 (stock image)

Coalition communications spokesman minister David Coleman (pictured) slammed the hikes, saying they were coming when Aussies were struggling the most

However, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the changes would provide 'certainty to industry and NBN co'.

She claimed the former Morrison government's pricing scheme was much more 'unaffordable' and would've seen Aussies pay significantly more for their internet compared to the changes introduced by Labor.

The cost-of-living changes come as petrol prices increased in the September quarter, and are expected to continue rising due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

GP visits are also set to rise by more than $100 from November 1.
A cold front will bring unseasonably chilly temperatures and heavy rainfall to several major cities.

The front will bring freezing conditions to most of southeast Australia while the north is set to swelter through temperatures over 40C.

South Australia was the first to feel the cool change on Tuesday morning with the minimum temperature forecast at just 9C.

Westerly winds reaching 35 to 45 km/h and turning southwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the afternoon will keep the city cold, with the temperature set to peak at 18C around midday.

The front will continue moving east across Victoria through the day.

A cold front will bring wintery temperatures to Hobart, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne this week

The cold front will start moving east from South Australia on Tuesday (pictured, a map of temperatures on Thursday)

'We expect cooler winds to reach Melbourne around mid-afternoon with the winds to change to a more southwesterly direction on Wednesday,' Weatherzone meteorologist Felix Levesque said.

Melbourne will enjoy a top of 26C on Tuesday before the cold front moves over the city.

On Wednesday the maximum temperature will fall to just 15C alongside a minimum of 9C.

Sky meteorologist Alison Osborne warned: 'It will feel like winter again.'

The cold snap will then creep north into New South Wales and reach the Sydney region by Wednesday morning.

Sydneysiders will enjoy a warm, sunny day with a maximum of 28C on Tuesday.

However, by Friday the city's minimum temperature will fall to 13C.

Canberra will also feel the cold with a low of 2C forecast on Thursday and Friday.

The system is set to reach Brisbane by Thursday but the Queensland capital won't feel icy temperatures like the southern capitals with a top of 31C forecast.

The cold front will also bring rain to several regions in southeast Australia, including NSW's North Coast where firefighters are battling several bushfires.

The cold front, combined with an inland trough, will bring much needed rain to bushfire affected areas in New South Wales (pictured, bushfire on the North Coast)

READ MORE: Heartbroken father of two girls killed in shed fire breaks his silence Advertisement

Tuesday will be a relatively dry day with Hobart set to face the majority of the southeast's rain.

The city is forecast to see showers from Tuesday with damaging winds possible in the evening.

That wet weather is expected to stay through to Friday.

Southwest Victoria will see some rain from Tuesday through to Thursday with totals around 10mm.

Melbourne could see possible showers on Wednesday and Thursday with two-day rainfall totals between 2 to 5mm.

As the front moves over NSW, an inland trough is expected to draw moisture and trigger rain.

'We could see heavier falls from the mid-North Coast to the Northern Tablelands on Thursday and Friday,' Mr Levesque said.

'Two-day totals could reach up to 50 to 80mm in some areas.

'However, more widespread totals will sit between 20 to 40 mm.'

Sydney is set to see some of that rain with showers forecast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The rain will be a relief to firefighters working to contain bushfires around the state.

On Wednesday Melbourne's maximum temperature will fall to just 15C alongside a minimum of 9C

NSW's North Coast has been badly hit by fires with several frightened locals sharing photos of flames just metres from their homes.

The Rural Fire Service shared an update on Monday night urging residents to go over their fire plans.

'As of 6pm, there are 62 fires burning across the state, with 24 not yet contained,' it said.

'One fire is listed at a Watch and Act level. There are currently over 900 firefighters and incident management specialists working to contain these fires.

'While there are no Total Fire Bans declared tomorrow, the majority of the state is forecast to experience high fire danger.

'It's important you and your family have a plan and know what you'll do if fire threatens.'

While the cold front brings chilly temperatures to the south, northern Australia is set to face scorching conditions that could rival monthly records.

Temperatures over 40C have been forecast in several towns with Mount Isa and Longreach facing their hottest October days on record.

Darwin is set to hit a top of 34C on Tuesday alongside cloudy conditions, which are set to hang around through to the weekend.

Conditions are also expected to be warm and sunny in Perth with a maximum of 28C and winds easing in the afternoon.

On Monday night the NSW Rural Fire Service warned '62 fires burning across the state, with 24 not yet contained' (pictured, fire on the North Coast)
House Republicans are slowly knocking out candidates for speaker during a series of secret ballot votes to determine their next speaker nominee after 21 days of dysfunction.

The lawmakers insisted Monday evening that there was a glimmer of hope they may have a speaker by Tuesday night three weeks after Kevin McCarthy's ousting caused chaos in the House GOP.

The speaker race has thrown the Republican Party into disarray and left Congress paralyzed and unable to do business with less than a month until the government runs out of money again.

After the fourth round of voting Tuesday morning behind closed-doors, the final candidates - Majority Whip Tom Emmer and GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson - remained.

The winner will need at least 110 votes to receive the majority and clinch the nomination for speaker.

Rep. Byron Donalds arrives at a GOP caucus meeting on Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning

Whip Tom Emmer emerged victorious in the House speaker's nomination race

Republicans held a candidate forum on Monday evening where all nine declared speaker candidates made their case.

Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., dropped out of the originally nine-way race at the start of the forum last night because he didn't have the support needed to contend.

Tuesday morning, Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., was the next to bow out before the vote series started, saying if his withdrawal will 'help expedite' the process, he would 'gladly' step aside.

During the first vote Tuesday, Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, was knocked out of the running after receiving only eight votes.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer - the frontrunner - received 78, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., got 34, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., got 29, and Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., got 28. Reps. Jack Bergman of Michigan and Austin Scott of Georgia trailed behind the pack.

Bergman was dropped after getting seven votes during the second vote, leaving five names left heading into the third round.

Emmer notably increased his support to 90 votes, while Johnson got 37 followed by Donalds at 33, Hern at 31, and Scott at 14 in the second round.

Bergman said after his loss that the 'House needs a speaker' and the GOP must get to work. He pledged to support the future speaker-designee and says the lawmakers shouldn't leave conference until they are 'confident' a candidate can get 217 votes on the floor.

The next Republican speaker nominee can only afford to lose four votes, which creates a nearly impossible task in a divided conference.

During the third round of voting Scott was booted off the ticket, leaving four candidates left.

Emmer got the most votes yet at 100 with Johnson trailing at 43, Donalds at 32 and Hern at 26.

On the fourth vote, Hern and Donalds tied - leading to Donalds dropping voluntarily and Hern's elimination. Emmer scored 107 votes to Johnson's 56.

Despite the farce of the last 21 days, some party members were optimistic that they could reach a resolution and get back to work.

'I think we're gonna solve this by tomorrow night,' Rep. Don Bacon, a moderate Nebraskan who voted against Jordan last week, told reporters Monday.

Asked if he agreed the process would be wrapped up by Tuesday night, speaker candidate Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., told DailyMail.com: 'I do.'

'I think it's possible,' said Rep. Byron Donalds, another speaker candidate.

'I don't know if anybody wants to go on longer than tomorrow,' said Rep. Pat Fallon R-Texas. 'We report and work for the American people, and they have said, 'Get your house in order.''

Republicans have burned through two speaker candidates since Kevin McCarthy's historic ouster. First, Majority Leader Steve Scalise won a conference vote before dropping out due to opposition. Then firebrand Republican Jim Jordan tried to for the job and lost three floor votes before being ousted as the GOP nominee Friday.

In a step towards a more unified direction, every candidate in the running pledged to back whoever wins a conference vote on the House floor.

However, not every voting member has signed that pledge. 'I didn't sign the pledge thing, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who supports Donalds. 'I think we need to focus on making sure someone's gonna lead this party in the right direction.'

Republicans are still far off from being united behind one candidate.

Whip Tom Emmer, the House's number three Republican, is the early favorite and already has a vote-whipping operation in place. Donalds, a Freedom Caucus member from Florida, has racked up support from the right wing of the conference.

'Donalds has got the most raw talent of anybody up there. I think he could be president by 2030,' said Fallon, who is endorsing GOP conference vice chair Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.

Asked if he agreed the process would be wrapped up by Tuesday night, speaker candidate Rep. Kevin Hern (right) told DailyMail.com: 'I do.' He is at the ongoing GOP conference meeting Tuesday morning

Rep. Steve Scalise speaks to reporters as he arrives at a GOP caucus meeting on Capitol Hill Tuesday

'I think the headwinds that [Donalds] faces is he's been here like three years and there may be a backlash because of the Freedom Caucus.'

Rep. Matt Gaetz said he was promised by every candidate in the room the 'full release' of the January 6 tapes but was 'most heartened' by the candidates that had plans for single subject spending bills and pledged not to link Israel and Ukraine aid.

Rep. Dusty Johnson, a pragmatist from South Dakota, had less optimism about finding a speaker by Tuesday.

'I like to be an optimist, but I would tell you the last four weeks have not provided me a lot of reason to be optimistic that Republicans are gonna have our act together. We continue to see these tight margins,' he said.

A handful of candidates have garnered endorsements: Whip Tom Emmer, the House's number three Republican, has the public support of a half dozen colleagues, including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

However, Trump allies have been attacking him as an 'anti-Trump' candidate.

Although the former president hasn't explicitly come out against Emmer, he amplified a Truth Social post by Laura Loomer who attacked the majority whip as a 'Trump hating congressman.'

Trump confirmed Monday during a New Hampshire campaign stop that the pair spoke, but wouldn't get into details saying he plans to stay above the fray.

'I think he's my biggest fan now because he called me yesterday. He told me, 'I'm your biggest fan.' So I don't know about that,' Trump said about Emmer.

'There's only one person that can do it all the way - that's Jesus Christ. If Jesus Christ came down and said I want to be speaker, he would do it. Other than that I haven't seen anyone that can guarantee it,' Trump added.

Emmer supporters say the push to label him as anti-Trump shows that the former president's allies have 'nothing left in the tank.'

It's the same playbook they tried to use during the whip race, and it didn't work, a source tells DailyMail.com.

Donalds has picked up support from key Freedom Caucus member, Texas Rep. Chip Roy, as well as two holdouts against Jordan: Florida Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez, and fellow Floridian Cory Mills.

GOP Rep. Jack Bergman has picked up endorsements from a handful of fellow Michiganders.

Hern a McDonalds franchisee, passed out hamburgers and campaign literature on Monday for his bid for the job. He is also reportedly handing out personalized gifts to members in courting their vote.

A few other lesser-known names have jumped into the fray: Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., vice chair of the GOP conference, who chairs the Republican Policy Committee, Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., who ran against Jordan for speaker last week, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas.
A former NSA worker has pleaded guilty to six federal counts of espionage after he was caught trying to share secrets to a fed posing as a foreign agent.

Jareh Sebastian Dalke, a 31-year-old Army vet from Colorado Springs, had faced a possible life sentence for giving out the information - but will serve only 22 years when he is sentenced in April, prosecutors said Monday.

Arrested in a raid three weeks ago at his home, Dalke worked at the agency for less than a month in 2022.

Afterward he sought to sell three documents still in his possession for some $85,000 in untraceable cryptocurrency.

Dalke believed the buyer to be a Russian agent - and used an encrypted email to transmit excerpts of the stolen files between August and September of that year to him to demonstrate both his 'legitimate access and willingness to share,' feds say.

Promising more, Dalke then arranged to transfer other files to the purported agent during a physical meeting at a Denver subway station.

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Former NSA worker Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31, has pleaded guilty to six federal counts of espionage after he was caught trying to share secrets to a fed posing as a foreign agent. Feds stormed his Colorado Springs home in September 2022. He's been in federal custody since

The guns-drawn raid on the unassuming residence left the army vet's neighbors stunned, with one resident of the suburb telling KKTV at the time: 'He seemed like a normal dude'

Using a laptop and instructions provided by the FBI covert, Dalke transferred five files, four of which contained top-secret info, his affidavit states.

The other file was a letter, which began, in Russian, 'My friends!' and states, 'I am very happy to finally provide this information to you. . . . I look forward to our friendship and shared benefit.'

It adds: 'Please let me know if there are desired documents to find and I will try when I return to my main office.'

The FBI arrested Dalke on September 28 of that year, moments after he transmitted the files. Shortly after, they engaged in a guns-drawn raid on his unassuming residence in Colorado Springs, startling his neighbors.

Speaking with local outlets at the time, they described the former NSA Information Systems Security Designer as an average guy.

'He seemed like a normal dude,' one resident of the suburb told KKTV of the man prosecutors said had student loan debt he was trying to pay off.

'I don't know,' he continued, visibly put off by the daytime raid. 'You never know your neighbors, I guess.'

Said to have degrees related to cybersecurity, Dalke worked at the NSA from just June 6 to July 1, but was still able to make off with multiple documents containing classified information pertaining to National Defense.

He's been kept in federal custody since, and told U.S. District Judge Raymond Moore Monday that he has been taking medications for mental illness since his arrest.

Dalke initially pleaded not guilty to all charges before him - before changing his plea to guilty this week. As of Monday, it's unknown what his sentence will be

Dalke only spoke in answer to questions from Moore about whether he understood the terms of the deal, which included pleading guilty all six counts of attempting to transmit national defense information to an office or agent of a foreign government

He only spoke in answer to questions from Moore about whether he understood the terms of the deal, which included pleading guilty all six counts of attempting to transmit national defense information to an office or agent of a foreign government.

According to prosecutors, Dalke's history includes time in the Army - where he served as a private and a volunteer police officer with the Colorado Reserves.

The Reserves, also known as the Rangers, help local police during events deemed a crisis.

He pursued an education in cyber security, and told feds he had both a bachelor's and master's degree.

His stint at the NSA was brief, and came to an end after an exit interview where he said he had to help and ill family member, but that the job did not offer enough time to do so.

According to the indictment, the information Dalke sought to give Russia included a threat assessment of the military offensive capabilities of a third, unnamed country.

It also includes a description of sensitive U.S. defense capabilities, some of which relates to that same foreign country.

He allegedly told the undercover agent that he had $237,000 in debts and that he decided to work with Russia because his heritage 'ties back to your country.'

He's been kept in federal custody since September of last year, and told U.S. District Judge Raymond Moore Monday he has been taking medications for mental illness since his arrest

Pictured: NSA headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland. Dalke worked for the NSA for just one month during summer 2022 before attempting to sell Top Secret US information to Russian adversaries

Before Dalke transferred the classified information, he sent a thank you letter that opened and closed in Russian and in which he said he looked 'forward to our friendship and shared benefit,' according to court filings.

Dalke worked as an information systems security designer for the NSA, the U.S. intelligence agency that collects and analyzes signals from foreign and domestic sources for the purpose of intelligence and counterintelligence.

After he left and gave the classified information to the undercover agent, prosecutors say he reapplied to work at the NSA.

During a hearing last year, Dalke's federal public defender downplayed Dalke's access to classified information since he only worked at the NSA for less than a month.

Dalke initially pleaded not guilty to all charges before him - before changing his plea to guilty this week. As of Monday, it's unknown what his sentence will be..
ACCC says that it is perfectly legal

A car dealership charging a handling fee for cash transactions has sparked outrage for drivers despite the fee being completely legal.

Peter visited Sydney City MG in inner-city Alexandria, when he saw a sign in the showroom laying out the surcharges for different forms of payment.

The sign indicated anyone paying with cash or cheque would be lumped with a $55 surcharge for the transaction.

Whereas surcharges for Visas and AMEX are percentages of the entire fee, the handling fee for any cash payment was locked at $55 regardless of the amount spent.

Although Peter did not buy a car in the dealership, he snapped an image before sharing it with 2GB's Chris O'Keefe.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), meanwhile, says the dealer's charge is perfectly legal.

Sydney City MG has sparked outrage for their unprecedented cash payment surcharge, which the ACCC says it perfectly legal since it is not misleading consumers

Historically, cash payments have been a way to avoid a surcharge on large transactions and Peter said that he had never seen one like this before.

'If you're going to go in there with cash, youre going to do a bargain and youre going to want a discount anyway for cash because its legal tender, theres no fees,' he told O'Keefe.

'And then they slug you with that? Its an insult in any transaction.'

A 0.5 per cent surcharge is listed for Mastercard debit cards, 1.25 per cent for Mastercard credit cards, 1.75 per cent for American Express and 2 per cent for Union Pay.

The maximum cash transaction allowed at the dealership is $5,000, which works out to be a 1.1 per cent surcharge and a worse deal than using a debit card.

The dealership offers services as well as selling cars, which means that a basic service could incur a 24.3 per cent surcharge if paid for with cash

Sydney City MG also services cars with the average basic service costing $226, according to car insurer Canstar.

READ MORE: New outrageous supermarket surcharge Aussies have been left divided over a convenience store's decision to slap a surcharge on all of its cold drinks as electricity prices continue to surge. Advertisement

This means a basic service would rack up a 24.3 per cent surcharge if paid for in cash.

Mr O'Keefe reached out to the ACCC who told him that there was no law that could prevent businesses from adding the surcharge.

'There is nothing in the (legislation), or the Australian consumer law, that stops a business from adding a surcharge to a cash payment,' the corporate watchdog said.

It added that there are extensive laws about misleading prices, but there was nothing misleading about the signage clearly stating the flat rate surcharge.

Peter said that he would never use cash to buy a car if he was charged for doing so.

'Theyre abusing what they can to make some extra money on the side,' Mr O'Keefe said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sydney City MG for comment.
A rock climber was threatened with a $346,000 fine under cultural heritage laws after visiting one of Australia's most iconic destinations.

The visitor was left stunned after receiving a letter following their visit to the Grampians National Park, in Victoria, on October 18.

Victoria's First Peoples-State Relations unit is reportedly monitoring climbers and other visitors after rock climbing in the area was banned in 2019.

The ban was introduced in a bid to protect Indigenous heritage - including rock art that is so worn down it can only be viewed through special X-ray glasses.

A rock climber's home was visited twice by a First Peoples unit investigator who claimed a vehicle registered in their name was connected with cultural heritage breaches.

An investigator, who works within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, left a letter at the climber's property after visiting twice.

A rock climber has been threatened with a $346,000 fine after his car was connected with alleged cultural heritage breaches in the Grampians (pictured, a climber at nearby Mt Arapiles)

The letter sent out by First Peoples - State Relations in Victoria is pictured

'I am requesting the name of the person in charge of the above vehicle on specific dates in relations to breaches of the [Aboriginal Heritage Act],' it reads.

'The current maximum penalty exceeds $346,000 for an individual found guilty under section 27 of the Act.'

The investigator warned the vehicle was connected to multiple alleged offences, all of which could potentially be dealt with under the Crimes Act.

The climber has sought the help of Australian Climbing Association Victoria in fighting the fine but there is little grounds for appeal if they're convicted, The Australian reported.

The sudden threat is the latest move by the Victorian Government to restrict activity in the Grampians, which is home to significant Indigenous heritage sites.

People caught interfering with heritage sites face huge fines under the state's Aboriginal Heritage Act, even if the protected site, artwork or item is not visible.

Parks Victoria accused climbers of vandalising Indigenous sites but showed no evidence other than chalk and bolts left in the area.

Rock climbers were banned from large parts of the Grampians National Park (above) in 2019

The 2019 ban saw climbing tourism in the Grampians largely stop but a few dedicated athletes continued to visit permitted areas.

READ MORE: Magnitude five earthquake rocks Victoria Advertisement

Now, the threat of a $346,000 fine could scare away the last of them.

ACAV president Mike Tomkins believes the public will soon be completely barred from visiting the park.

'It's pretty horrible it's happening,' he said.

The closures at the Grampians have also flown on nearby Mt Arapiles and were created in consultation with multiple local Indigenous groups.

The result has divided the climbing community with some seeing the restrictions as necessary while others argue climbers had little effect on the sites.

However, the majority agree the culture needs to be protected.

It is not known whether officials have used aerial searches across the Grampians to monitor climbers and other visitors.

In his letter to the climber threatened with a $346,000 fine, the investigator urged him to tell authorities who was driving his vehicle at the time of the alleged offences.

The recent closures combined with the threat of large fines could scare the public from visiting the Grampians (above)

ACAV president Mike Tomkins believes the public will soon be completely barred from visiting the Grampians (above)

'General enquiries are being undertaken to investigate potential breaches, and with this in mind I would like to take this opportunity to request a conversation or email address to communicate with you to determine who may be responsible for a vehicle registered to you on specific dates,' he wrote.

'This vehicle had been identified in multiple alleged offences and is now involved in our investigation.'

The investigator works for the First Peoples-State Relations section of DPC, which is controlled by Victoria's new premier, Jacinta Allan.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted First Peoples-State Relations for comment.
A left-wing Aboriginal activist has suggested Australians who voted No have denied the existence of Indigenous people.

Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, the chief executive of activist group GetUp!, said the resounding defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum had killed off reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the rest of Australia.

'Personally, I think reconciliation is over - it's time for a reckoning,' she told the ABC's Q+A program on Monday night.

Ms Baldwin-Roberts, whose Indigenous ancestors come from the NSW Northern Rivers area, suggested the strong No vote suggested most Australians had denied the existence of Aboriginal people.

'We cannot have reconciliation with people who do not say that we exist in this country, who are not talking about the truth of what has happened,' she said.

Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, the chief executive of activist group GetUp!, said the resounding defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum had killed off reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the rest of Australia

Ms Baldwin-Roberts said she had been inundated with calls from friends and family since the October 14 referendum was defeated in every state, with only the Australian Capital Territory voting in favour.

READ MORE: Waleed Aly and Steve Price clash over letter slamming the 8.8million Australians who voted No to the Voice A lengthy but unsigned letter was distributed by activists associated with the Uluru Dialogue group that steered the Voice proposal to its shattering referendum defeat on October 14. Waleed Aly and Steve Price have clashed over an open letter from Indigenous Voice to Parliament Yes campaigners that accused those who voted No of committing 'a shameful act' Advertisement

'It's devastating for our communities,' she said.

'Regardless of what the question was, the rejection that we feel from the Australian voters.'

Nationally, the No vote triumphed in a landslide with 60.6 per cent of voters, or 8.8million Australians, rejecting the Voice proposal, based on updated Australian Electoral Commission returns published on Tuesday morning.

But in Western Australia, the No vote was even more emphatic 63.8 per cent after the state's Labor Premier Roger Cook scrapped his predecessor Mark McGowan's cultural heritage laws, that required landowners and farmers to pay for cultural surveys if they wanted to do work on their property.

'Some of the lies that were perpetrated throughout the referendum, from things around cultural heritage and farmers not needing to know how to build a fence, and the idea this would mean more substantive rights,' Ms Baldwin Roberts said.

Just 32 out of 151 lower house seats backed the Voice, with that support confined to wealthy and inner-city electorates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle and Wollongong.

Aboriginal communities, however, voted strongly for the Voice with Palm Island in north Queensland returning a 75 per cent Yes vote, as the broader Townville-based Liberal electorate of Herbert delivered a 76.1 per cent No vote.

Ms Baldwin-Roberts' ancestral homeland also voted No, with 67.6 per cent of voters in the Nationals-held seat of Page, covering Lismore and Casino, rejecting the Voice in an area also known as Bundjalung Nation.

The neighbouring Labor seat of Richmond, covering Ballina and Byron Bay, delivered a 56.7 per cent No vote.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017 had called for a Voice referendum and a Makarrata Commission, involving a truth-telling inquiry into colonialism and treaty making.

But Ms Baldwin-Roberts was lukewarm even about implementing the other aspects of the Uluru Statement.

'Truth telling is important. I just don't know where we go from here,' she said.

'Truth telling is one way but it also feels like an olive branch is being extended from our communities to the broader Australian public.'

The Liberal and National parties campaigned against the Voice but support recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

Nationally, the No vote triumphed in a landslide with 60.6 per cent of voters, or 8.8million Australians, rejecting the Voice proposal (pictured are devastated Yes voters in Sydney)

The leading No advocates were Indigenous, with Northern Territory Country Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and former Liberal candidate Nyunggai Warren Mundine both the face of the campaign (they are pictured right on a Sydney corflute)

The leading No advocates were Indigenous, with Northern Territory Country Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and former Liberal candidate Nyunggai Warren Mundine both the face of the campaign.

The Voice to Parliament and the executive government proposal was designed to recognise Indigenous people with a constitutionally-enshrined advisory body.

Ms Baldwin-Roberts said a cousin of hers had predicted the Voice defeat would see state governments dump efforts to devise treaties.

'I had a call from one of my cousins and he said, "That I knew this would happen" - he's talking about that state governments were going to take treaty off the table,' she said.

While Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pushed the Voice, Queensland's Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has killed off the idea of formulating treaties with Indigenous traditional owners.

That occurred after the state's Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli withdrew support following the Voice defeat, which saw Queensland deliver a 68.9 per cent No vote.

While GetUp! supported the Voice, the No case was run by conservative advocacy group Advance Australia.
Australian Jewish leaders have called for a Sydney train worker to be sacked after a pro-Palestinian song was blasted through carriage speakers, as the Hamas-Israel conflict escalated.

Commuters were shocked to hear words of support for the pro-Palestine rally in Sydney from the train worker, with some passengers en route to the event at Hyde Park on Saturday.

The Sydney rally was one of several held across the country condemning Israel's strong response to Hamas terror attacks.

'We love you all. Here's a song for you guys,' the driver is heard saying, through the train's PA system.

The train driver then played Dammi Falastini, a song by Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf about his affection for Palestine.

The lyrics state: 'Keeping my oath, following my religion/ You will find me on my land. I belong to my people, I sacrifice my soul for them/ My blood is Palestinian.'

A group of women heading to a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney on Saturday got a huge surprise on the train

READ MORE: Pro-Palestine supporters flock to Aussie streets Advertisement

Footage of the incident was posted to social media by several commuters.

'When the train driver starts playing Dammi Falastini on the train going into the City for the Sydney protest,' one video was captioned.

In another video, a group of women were seen bopping in their seats to the music, giving a thumbs-up and clapping.

'The train driver made our day,' they said.

Australian Jewish community leaders have condemned the train worker, including Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich, whose police inspector cousin was recently killed in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv.

'This hijacking and weaponization of a public train to promote Palestinian propaganda is shameful and absolutely unacceptable,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Imagine the pain and fear a Jewish person or an Israeli-Australian, who may have lost family to the Hamas atrocities, would have felt hearing this music.

'It is no wonder that the Jewish community feels on edge and under siege, given the open displays of hatred that are spreading like wildfire throughout the country.

'Sydney Trains and the NSW government must take disciplinary action against this driver and assure all passengers that it is safe to use their trains.'

Australian Jewish Association also expressed its disappointment.

'If it is confirmed that a Sydney train worker engaged in political advocacy on the taxpayers dollar, they need to be sacked,' Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said.

'After the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust, some have taken to celebrating and calling for more violence.

'Every major Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Sydney, including the one last weekend, has included incitement to violence and antisemitism.

'Sydneys public transport is for everyone not for political activism, and we call on the NSW Government to take action immediately.'

A Sydney Trains spokesperson said in a statement: 'Sydney Trains is aware of the circulating videos on social media and we are looking into this matter.'

There were huge smiles when Dammi Falastini, a hit song by Palestinian pop star Mohammed Assaf began blaring through the carriage

More than 6,000 gathered at Sydney's Hyde Park to demand an end to the ' Israeli apartheid' and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Event organisers, who called for Australia to cut ties with Israel, asked attendees not to wear face coverings unless for medical or religious reasons to avoid troublemakers infiltrating the protest as happened on Monday.

They said they wanted to make it clear that the protest was 'absolutely against anti-Semitism' and preventing racism was 'exactly what we're fighting for'.

Despite that, police charged a protester after he was filmed repeatedly screaming 'Allahu Akbar... Get the f***ing Jews wiped out' until police intervened.

The protester was among the pro-Palestine supporters who defied NSW Premier Chris Minns calls to not attend the rally in central Sydney, while protests in Melbourne got more heated with flares set off and a blood-soaked baby doll held above the crowd.

Earlier this month Hamas terrorists killed about 1,200 Israeli civilians in what was described as the darkest day for Jews since the holocaust during World War II.

The Israel Defense Force in response launched a barrage of missile strikes on Gaza killing more than 2,500 Palestinians.

Meanwhile in London, a tube driver who recently led a chant of 'free, free Palestine' on a London Underground train was suspended by authorities.

The incident happened on Saturday as around 100,000 protesters took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration.

Several commuters shared footage after a Sydney train driver played a Palestinian song over the loudspeaker

Footage posted appeared to show the chant being led over the train's speaker system by the Tube driver.

The driver of the Central Line service said 'free, free' to which the passengers responded 'Palestine' - a popular chant at protests - leading to pressure to sack the driver.

'A driver has now been identified and suspended whilst we continue to fully investigate the incident in line with our policies and procedures,' Transport for London's chief operating officer Glynn Barton said.
The PM is set to release his official diary

Anthony Albanese has come under fire for not disclosing his taxpayer-funded booze bill for his office and guests.

The prime minister's department has yet to release the details months after the Australian Financial Review requested the information in July.

Mr Albanese went into the federal election campaigning for transparency, but his office has been criticised on several occasions for failing to uphold that vow since he rose to office in May 2022.

His government came under fire in July after blocking more Qatar flights into Australia with Labor's transport minister Catherine King refusing to front a senate inquiry into her decision to reject the airline's request.

Mr Albanese's deputy prime minister Richard Marles was grilled in August over the lack of transparency for his $3.6million VIP flight bill.

The prime minister refused to release his official diary with his legal adviser saying in November it would 'unreasonably' interfere with his job. Mr Albanese has since backflipped and agreed to share it.

Although the prime minister will release his diary, the tax-funded bill racked up for booze for his office and guests remains withheld from the public eye.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) has come under fire for not disclosing his taxpayer-funded booze bill despite agreeing to the release of his official diary

The matter has now been left in limbo following two legal extensions for the release of the details. The request is now months overdue.

The only way the matter could be solved is to settle it through the Information Commissioner without the release of documents.

But that process can take several years, meaning Mr Albanese's department may not have to release the bill before the next federal election.

Centre for Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson, SC, slammed the Prime Minister's department, stating his seeming reluctance to disclose the bill was 'unlawful activity'.

'In a country supposedly operating under a rule of law, the government which introduced the laws doesn't obey their own laws,' he said.

'If you're talking about two- or three-year delays, it's common that the issue that was being addressed is no longer an issue, or even that the people who need to be held accountable in decision-making are no longer in the role.

'Experience has shown any engagement with the Information Commissioner certainly means a delay of at least one year but in some instances three years. In other words, it defeats the purpose of FOI.'

Foreign Affairs Penny Wong had previously called for the release of details regarding the money spent on alcohol when Tony Abbott was Prime Minister back in 2015.

Mr Albanese's diary details his first 100 days of power including appointments with delegates and unions as well as his calls with world leaders.

He refused to release it following multiple FOI requests as his department claimed it would be an 'unreasonable' diversion of his resources and interfere with his job. His team have since backflipped and agreed to share it.

Mr Albanese conceded the initial decision was wrong. This came after 17 other ministers released 100 days or more of their diaries.

The request for his department's alcohol bill is the latest controversy to rock Mr Albanese.

His government controversially decided to block extra flights from Qatar Airways following a push from Qantas to reject the gulf carrier's application.

Centre for Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson, SC, slammed the Prime Minister's department, stating his seeming reluctance to disclose the bill was 'unlawful activity'

It comes after the government controversially decided to block extra flights from Qatar Airways following a push from Qantas to reject the gulf carrier's application.

A senate inquiry was launched into the decision by the Coalition last month.

The senate requested the government release documents relating to its decision, which has been knocked back.

Mr Marles claimed the government had 'nothing to hide' when he was asked about the matter.

'A decision was made by the transport minister in the ordinary course of her work, as transport ministers have made over an extensive period of time, around how to apply the national interest in respect of this,' he said at the time.

'And that's all that she's done.'

Before that, Mr Marles landed in hot water when it was revealed in August he had racked up $3.6million in tax-funded VIP flights.

This included $1million accrued since January of this year.

The costs were detailed in 'special purpose' logs following a freedom of information request by Greens Senator and Defence spokesperson David Shoebridge.

It sparked calls for more transparency from the government after the release of flight schedules was discontinued for 'security' reasons last year.

It comes following revelations Richard Marles (pictured) racked up more than $3.6million in VIP flight costs since taking office

Greens Senator David Shoebridge (pictured) has been highly critical of the government for charging taxpayers for its private flights

Senator Shoebridge, who put forward his FOI request back in June, has pushed the Albanese government to be open and honest about billing taxpayers for VIP flights.

'For a government that promised transparency they sure have needed their arms twisted to spill the beans on these VIP flights,' he said in a statement.

'This is an eye-watering bill to fly senior politicians around in VIP flights. Of course there's a need to fly the PM around for offical duties, but this PM is billing taxpayers harder and faster for VIP flights than any before him.

'The refusal, apparently for security reasons, to tell us where the flights went is a very convenient way to avoid serious scrutiny.'

Flight records of ministers within the Albanese government revealed that Mr Marles had racked up the highest costs - besides the Prime Minister.

'Special purpose' logs of taxpayer-funded RAAF flights taken by government ministers were previously released four times per year.

These records detailed where and when ministers had jetted off and who went on every flight.

But the release of flight schedules has been discontinued since last year because of 'security' reasons following a review carried out by the Australian Federal Police.

The AFP stated that the previous regulations regarding the release of VIP flight logs failed to protect 'pattern of life data for passengers'.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the prime minister's office for comment over the booze bill.
An MP was stopped from boarding a flight to Canada 'because his name was Mohammad', Parliament has heard.

Labour MP for Bedford Mohammad Yasin was set to fly to Canada with a group of other MPs from the Commons Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee when he was taken aside by airline officials for extra questioning.

Mr Yasin was quizzed by Air Canada officials on whether he was carrying a knife or any other weapon, before being asked where he was born.

He also underwent similar questioning from officials on arriving into Canada and on his return trip to the UK, MPs were told.

Clive Betts, the Labour chairman of the committee, raised the incident in the Commons and said he would write to the Canadian high commissioner in the UK to make clear the 'racist and Islamophobic nature' of what happened was unacceptable.

Labour MP for Bedford Mohammad Yasin was stopped from boarding a flight to Canada 'because his name was Mohammad', Parliament has heard

Mr Yasin was quizzed by Air Canada officials on whether he was carrying a knife or any other weapon, before being asked where he was born

Mr Yasin watched from the Labour backbenches as Mr Betts raised a point of order about the 'serious incident', which he said occurred last week.

The committee chairman said: 'When the committee checked in for their flights at Heathrow, all Members got through with the exception of the Member for Bedford, who was delayed for questioning for a considerable period.

'He was told it was because his name was Mohammad.'

Mr Betts added: 'He was also asked whether he was carrying a knife, or other offensive weapon, he was also asked where he was born.

'The questioning was undertaken by officials from Air Canada and we believe the Canadian government, and despite him already having been given a visa to enter Canada.

'After proving he was an MP with the help of my committee clerk, he was eventually allowed through.

'At Montreal airport, the same issues were raised by Canadian immigration.

'On return at Toronto airport on the way back, he was again challenged and got on his flight with the assistance of my consul general, who was very helpful.'

Mr Betts went on: 'He has received apologies from the parliamentary secretary to the Canadian minister for immigration and Air Canada, however, given the racist and Islamophobic nature of these challenges, I believe that it is worth writing to the Canadian high commissioner, which I will do.

'I believe it is important to put these concerns on the parliamentary record. It was completely unacceptable for a Member of this House to be treated in this way.

'But because he was an MP he was allowed on his flight. If, however, he had been one of our constituents who had been so challenged, he might have been refused.

'We raised the issue with our high commissioner in Ottawa, who was very supportive, and amazed at what happened given the multicultural nature of Canada as an open and welcoming country.

Mr Yasin watched from the Labour backbenches as Mr Betts raised a point of order about the 'serious incident', which he said occurred last week

'She has raised it with the Canadian government, and... I would also raise it in Parliament to try and ensure that no-one in the future is treated in this way.'

Deputy Speaker Sir Roger Gale replied: 'I am sure that the whole House will share the dismay at the treatment of the Member for Bedford.

'It is wholly unacceptable under any circumstances.

'But it is particularly concerning, occurring as it did, in the course of official travel on parliamentary business.'

Sir Roger said he was sure ministers 'will also have noticed his comments'.

A spokesman for Air Canada said: 'Unfortunately Mr Yasin was designated for additional screening prior to his flight after a security check, but he was still able to travel as planned as he was quickly cleared.

'We are following up internally the handling of this particular matter to ensure procedures were properly followed and we have also been in touch with UK and Canadian authorities.

'We regret any inconvenience or upset this situation may have created for Mr Yasin and have reached out to apologise.'
A university professor has been criticised for a graduation speech in which he referenced the likelihood of 'angry blackfellas' reacting to the defeat of the Voice referendum.

Professor Alan McKee, head of arts, communication and English at Sydney University, told graduating students to use their skills to help First Nations people who would be traumatised and angered by the referendum result.

'A whole generation of young black fellas has learned that being nice doesnt work.

'Theres gonna be a lot of angry young black fellas out there,' he told the students.

In doing so, Professor McKee was paraphrasing ABC Indigenous Affairs reporter Isabella Higgins, who is a Torres Strait Islands woman.

Professor Alan McKee (pictured centre) told graduating students that Indigenous people would be traumatised and angered by the referendum result and to use their skills to help

The university received no complaints about Professor McKee's remarks but the family member of one graduating student said it left 'a sour taste' in his mouth. Pictured: students listening to the speech

Isabella Higgins (pictured), the ABC's Indigenous Affairs reporter and a Torres Strait Island woman, said Aboriginal leaders who had spearheaded the Voice had been 'burned' by the experience

Ms Higgns believes more Indigenous Australians will now follow the tactics of firebrand Green-turned-Independent senator Lidia Thorpe (pictured)

Ms Higgins said the referendum result was likely to see more indigenous people reject an approach inviting debate because of a historical rejection of black anger.

Instead she believes young Indigenous people may look to voices like Lidia Thorpe, who is often confrontational in public and now leads a growing black sovereignty movement, as an example.

A man whose relative was graduating called into Ben Fordham's 2GB radio show to complain that the graduation ceremony had been 'hijacked'.

He said Professor McKee's speech left a 'sour taste' in his mouth, though his graduating relative was not upset by it.

'It was very cringey to sit through especially seeing as 60 per cent of the population made their mind up... it was a bit insensitive to bring it up during a time of celebration,' the caller said.

It is understood there have not been any complaints directed to Professor McKee or officially lodged to the faculty about the speech.

Professor McKee urged graduating students to respect the fact that Indigenous people would be hurting after the referendum.

READ MORE: Rapper says Indigenous Australians are 'Sharpening our spears' A Triple J radio host has shocked listeners by playing an iconic Australian protest song on repeat for an hour, one day after the Voice referendum was overwhelming rejected. A clearly upset Corey Webster delivered a powerful speech on the Blak Out show that he hosts on Triple J. Advertisement

'A First Nations colleague told me that she cried for 24 hours theres gonna be a lot of hurt and a lot of trauma.

'But first nations people in this country have survived a lot worse and [their] communities are proud and strong.

'So as non-indigenous people I think its our job to do everything we can to help first nations Australians (over) what comes next...'

Black anger has already been expressed since the Voice proposal was resoundingly defeated 10 days ago.

'October 14 was a moment in history that will forever cast a dark shadow,' said Aboriginal rapper Nooky on his Triple J radio show the day after the vote.

He said Indigenous people would now be 'sharpening our spears'.

'Last night was the most overt unconcealed manifestation of racism I have ever experienced in my whole life. Yesterday they said our pain and our suffering continues.

'We all knew what the outcome was gonna be, we all know the reality that we live in. It's just now more apparent.

'We ain't licking our wounds today, we're sharpening our spears.'

Ms Higgins says Aboriginal people may treat the rest of Australia differently and no longer hold in their 'black anger' after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum.

Isabella Higgins made her comments during an interview on the Insiders on Sunday - the day after Australia voted No to enshrining an Aboriginal Voice into the constitution.

Ms Higgins, the public broadcaster's Indigenous Affairs reporter, said Aboriginal leaders who had spearheaded the Voice had been 'burned' by the experience.

'When we're talking about reconciliation we use kind language, we're generous, we extend the hand of friendship, we invite people to share in our culture,' she said.

'So I think this failing, this being rejected so categorically by all Australians it will change the way indigenous Australians want to interact with the rest of the country.

'It will change whether kindness is the best approach.'

The University of Sydney 'strongly defended' Professor McKee's comments and said 'freedom of speech' was a key issue in doing so.

Indigenous actor Deb Mailman with Corey Webster, aka Nooky, from Triple J

'Graduations at universities around the world have a long tradition of featuring thought-provoking speeches designed to celebrate success, inspire reflection and motivate students to consider a better future,' Sydney University said in a statement.

'Thats what Professor McKee did with this part of his speech: following an acknowledgement of country, he shared with the audience the responses hed heard from First Nations friends and colleagues on the previous weekends Voice referendum results, and encouraged our graduates to use the skills theyd learned to support First Nations communities and aspirations.

'As a University, we serve as a platform for debate and discussion and are deeply committed to academic freedom and the safe and legal expression of free speech.

'We strongly defend the right of Professor McKee to express his opinions, and of the audience to express their own varied views.'
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to seize a $300million superyacht belonging to a oligarch known as the 'Russian Gatsby.'

Filed in federal court in New York, the civil forfeiture claim comes amid rising tensions between the US and Moscow, and a series of ramped-up sanctions against people close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The owner of the boat, 57-year-old energy mogul Suleiman Kerimov, fits that criteria, and is worth an estimated $14billion. He has close ties to the Kremlin.

His 348-foot superyacht, called the Amadea, was already seized in Fiji last year, but feds are now looking to secure full ownership of the vessel - likely to auction it and transfer the proceeds to Ukraine.

The complaint kicks off a potentially long legal battle over the boat, which, as of Monday, is still docked in San Diego. It also puts pressure on Russia to halt its ongoing war, as another conflict in the Middle East continues to rage.

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to seize a $300 million superyacht belonging to 57-year-year-olf energy oligarch Suleiman Kerimov

A close friend of Putin's, Kerimov (seen at left with the Russian president in 2019) is worth a reported $14billion, and is accused of laundering money eventually used to buy the boat

In a statement announcing the suit, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said the ship 'was improved and maintained in violation of applicable sanctions.'

Michael Khoo, co-director of the DOJ KleptoCapture task force that seized the boat, added that the action came after 'a careful and painstaking effort to develop the necessary evidence showing Suleiman Kerimov's clear interest in the Amadea.'

Also looked at before making the decision, Khoo said, was 'the repeated misuse of the U.S. financial system to support and maintain the yacht for his benefit.'

He said: 'Getting to this point required extensive cooperation across the U.S. government and with foreign partners... [and] underscores our resolve to undertake challenging, cross-border investigations and to send a message to Russian oligarchs and their enablers.'

That message, he wrote, is simply: 'If you flout the rule of law, you can expect to pay real and meaningful consequences.'

The boat - one of the most detailed vessels ever built - features a top deck dining area that seats up to 24, and an outdoor deck equipped with 20,000 Watts of built-in speakers.

It also boast a the cinema on the bridge deck below, and a private office on the owner's deck, which is more reminiscent of a gentlemen's club than a typical captain's quarters.

In a statement announcing the suit, US Attorney Damian Williams said the ship 'was improved and maintained in violation of applicable sanctions' leveled back in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine - which are now being enforced further as tensions with the US continue to rise

His 348-foot superyacht, called the Amadea, was already seized in Fiji last year, but feds are now looking to secure full ownership of the vessel - likely to auction it and transfer the proceeds to Ukraine. A photo taken on April 13, 2022 shows the boat moored in Lautoka

The boat - one of the most detailed vessels ever built - features a top deck dining area that seats up to 24, and an outdoor deck equipped with 20,000 Watts of built-in speakers

Renowned designer Espen ino, 61, told yacht publication Boat International in 2021 how no expense was spared in its construction, which took just 31 months

It also boast a the cinema on the bridge deck below, and a private office on the owner's deck, which is more reminiscent of a gentlemen's club than a typical captain's quarters

Complete with overstuffed armchairs and a hand-painted map of the world on the ceiling, the master suite also boasts a dressing room, a beauty salon and a gym

The biggest space, however, is devoted to the owner's own private saloon, a sprawling area that comes complete with a bar and dining area.

It also features a glide path indicator to help planes and helicopters land, a hand-painted Parisian piano decked out in 24kt gold, and of course, a 10-meter pool

Michael Khoo, co-director of the DOJ KleptoCapture task force that seized the boat, added that the action came after 'a careful and painstaking effort to develop the necessary evidence showing Suleiman Kerimov's clear interest in the Amadea'

Complete with overstuffed armchairs and a hand-painted map of the world on the ceiling, the master suite also boasts a dressing room, a beauty salon and a gym.

The biggest space, however, is devoted to the owner's own private saloon, a sprawling area that comes complete with a bar and dining area.

The entire boat, meanwhile, is rife with marble, rare woods, and exceptional stonework, and has its own helipad that can accommodate a craft of up to 3.5-tons.

It also features a glide path indicator to help planes and helicopters land, a hand-painted Parisian piano decked out in 24kt gold, and of course, a 10-meter pool.

Renowned designer Espen ino, 61, told yacht publication Boat International in 2021 how no expense was spared in its construction, which took just 31 months.

At that point, it was delivered from Spain to Russia straight to Kerimov - a friend of Putin's who has earned his literary nickname largely because he rarely does interviews and is known to indulge in the high life.

Back in 2022 - some 23 years after he won control of state-oil trader Nafta Moskva, he was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department over alleged money laundering said to have been carried out in 2018.

The biggest space, however, is devoted to the owner's own private saloon, a sprawling area that comes complete with a bar and dining area

The boat has its own helipad that can accommodate planes and helicopters of up to 3.5-tons

The $300 million Amadea was impounded on arrival in Fiji in April at Washington's request

The US initially moved to seize it due to US and European Union sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The vessel is seen anchored to Marmaris Yacht Marina in Mugla, Turkey, on October 23, 2014

As mentioned in Monday's complaint, feds claim to have evidence that much of the ill-gotten gains went into the boat - one of dozens of superyachts belonging to oligarchs seized in the past year-and-a-half

US Attorney Williams said: 'The filing of this complaint exemplifies that the United States takes sanction evasion seriously and will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that sanctioned individuals are held accountable for their crimes'

As mentioned in Monday's complaint, feds claim to have evidence that much of the ill-gotten gains went into the boat - one of dozens of superyachts belonging to oligarchs seized in the past year-and-a-half.

US Attorney Williams said: 'The filing of this complaint exemplifies that the United States takes sanction evasion seriously and will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that sanctioned individuals are held accountable for their crimes.

'I thank our partners with Task Force KleptoCapture as well as the dedicated prosecutors of this office for their important work holding Russian oligarchs responsible and aiding our allies in Ukraine.'
Her mother claims her daughter was acting to 'defend herself and her family'

Juliana Magalhaes is said to have shot Joseph Ryan dead after he knifed her boss

The mother of an au pair accused of shooting a man dead after he stabbed her boss to death has claimed her daughter is innocent.

Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 23, was arrested last week in connection with the death of 39-year-old Joseph Ryan.

Ryan is believed to have stabbed 37-year-old Christine Banfield, who was found in an upstairs bedroom at her $1million Virginia home.

'She told me the case had been closed, and the police had concluded it was Ryan who killed Christine, because they were ex-partners,' the au pair's mother, Marina Peres Souza, told Folha.

'And then we found out about two days before the arrest that they were investigating. They ambushed her on Thursday before work.'

Juliana Peres Magalhaes (pictured), 23, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 39-year-old Joseph Ryan

Ryan is believed to have stabbed 37-year-old Christine Banfield (pictured) to death at her home

Magalhaes's mother claims that Ryan (pictured) and Banfield were 'ex-partners' and her daughter acted in self-defense after getting into an argument with Ryan

Souza claimed Magalhaes was arriving for work when she saw a man entering the house and, feeling scared, called Banfield's husband.

The pair entered the home, only to discover that Christine Banfield had been stabbed.

It was then that Magalhaes, Brendan Banfield, and Ryan got into an argument, Souza said, and Magalhaes shot Ryan to 'defend herself and her family.'

Folha was unable to confirm with Fairfax police if they had considered the possibility that Magalhaes had shot Ryan in self-defense.

Souza said her daughter wanted to return to her native Brazil and recently applied for visa renewal.

'They are saying horrible things about my daughter, that she only did this to stay in the country, but it's not true,' she said.

'She wouldn't hurt a fly. I hope this story gets resolved.' Police believe that Magalhaes shot Ryan. She has not been charged in Banfield's death.

Banfield was discovered in an upstairs bedroom at her $1million Virginia home (pictured). She was taken to a hospital, where she died from her injuries

Banfield's husband, Brendan, initially told police that he was the one who shot Ryan after discovering that Ryan had stabbed his wife

Fairfax police roped off the quiet cul-de-sac (pictured) where Banfield lived with her husband

Officers later discovered the couple's four-year-old daughter, who had been inside the home when her mother was knifed

On the day of the killings in February, police received a call from Magalhaes's cellphone around 7.50am.

She immediately hung up. Ten minutes later, she called back to say that her 'friend' was hurt.

Brendan Banfield then came onto the line and told a dispatcher he had shot Ryan, who he said had broken into his home and stabbed his wife.

Police arrived at 8.13am to find Ryan dead and Banfield wounded. The 37-year-old mother was rushed to a local hospital, but she later died from her injuries.

Police have not confirmed if Ryan did stab Banfield, but they reportedly said there was no sign of forced entry to the house, a 5-bedroom colonial at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.

The property last sold in 2019 for $799,000 and is now valued at just over $1million. Police also found Banfield's four-year-old daughter, who was physically unharmed.

Fairfax Police Chief Kevin Davis said in February that the little girl was 'the truest victim of all this.'

He added: 'I think the person or persons responsible for this are already known to us.

'We just have to sort out who was responsible for what, we have to sort out the exact nature of Mr. Ryan's presence inside the house.'

Of Ryan, he said: 'We don't think he is necessarily a stranger but we're still working to determine more facts before we describe him.'

It is unclear why Banfield's husband initially said that he shot Ryan.

Magalhaes is being held at the Fairfax County jail. Records show she had not yet entered a plea to the second-degree murder charge.
A third convoy of aid trucks has entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt.

Humanitarian agencies welcomed supplies of food, water and medicines but have warned they are too limited to help the huge numbers of Palestinians needing assistance.

The development came as an Israel Defence Forces soldier was killed by Hamas during raids into Gaza.

Corporal Tamir Barak, 19, was on a night-time mission to kill terrorists and locate hostages.

It is now believed 222 Israelis and foreign nationals were snatched during the October 7 raid.

Killed: Corporal Tamir Barak, 19, was on a night-time mission to kill terrorists and locate hostages

Medical aid is delivered to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, after a third convoy of aid trucks entered the Rafah crossing from Egypt, on October 23

The UN said about 1.4million people had been internally displaced within Gaza  more than half the population  and that many had sought refuge in overcrowded emergency shelters.

Limited supplies of humanitarian aid have been getting through since the weekend, but fuel, which hospitals need for generators that power life support machines and incubators, has been blocked.

Israel released satellite imagery which it said showed Hamas had positioned its rocket launchers close to hospitals, schools and mosques. It claims it is evidence that Hamas is using Palestinians as human shields.

Describing details of its operation in Gaza, the IDF said tanks and infantry carried out attacks on 'squads of terrorists', while airstrikes hit 320 targets in 24 hours, which it said was its 'heaviest' round bombing since the latest conflict began.

Palestinian authorities said the latest airstrikes had killed 436 people, including 182 children. They also claimed most of the deaths were in southern Gaza, where civilians were told to evacuate by Israel.

Israel said more than 200,000 of its population have been internally displaced, following orders to evacuate areas close to its borders with Gaza and Lebanon.
A British woman has spoken of her relief after her 85-year-old mother was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza following a 16-day kidnap ordeal.

Chilling footage released on Monday evening showed Yochved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, 79, being handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing by black-clad masked Hamas gunmen.

The women have now been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces custody and are making their way to a hospital in Israel especially set up for them, where they will be reunited with their families, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Yochved's daughter, British citizen Sharone Lifshitz, 52, confirmed the news this evening, admitting she 'could not put into words' how 'relieved' she was.

She said: 'I can confirm that my mother Yochi (Yocheved) Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening.

'While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those - some 200 innocent people - who remain hostages in Gaza.'

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was released as hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants, is seen with her husband Oded, 83, who is still being held

Chilling footage released on Monday evening showed Yochved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, 79, being handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing by black-clad masked gunmen

Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz arrive at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center after being held captive by Hamas since October 7

Yochved's daughter, British citizen Sharone Lifshitz, 52, confirmed the news this evening, admitting she 'could not put into words' how 'relieved' she was

Nurit Cooper, 79, was also handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing 'a short time ago' and will 'shortly be transferred' to Israel, an official statement said

Both women were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre. Their husbands remain in Gaza.

Yochved known as Yochi, was kidnapped from her home alongside her husband, Oded, 83.

Hamas said it had released the two women for humanitarian reasons, days after freeing an American woman and her teenage daughter.

Ms Lifschitz, from London, had spoken to the media earlier on Monday about how she had not heard from either of her parents since Hamas's ambush more than two weeks' ago that left 1,400 people dead.

She described them as having complex health needs, telling Times Radio that her father had recorded high blood pressure the night before he was captured.

Ms Lifschitz shared her story with MailOnline earlier this month, in the hope to spread awareness and bring her parents home.

'My father is 83 and my mother is 85. She needs oxygen and he has a lung disease. They cannot survive on their own in this environment', she said at the time.

'What kind of person would do this? In my life I just cannot imagine a type of person that could do this.

'My father is not the enemy. He spent his retirement driving Palestinians from the border to and from the hospital. He is not the enemy. He believes in humanity in all people.'

She issued a chilling plea at the time, saying: 'This is our moment of reckoning. It's bigger than the Yom Kippur War, it's bigger than 9/11. This is what Israel was founded for, so we weren't running or hiding, or shot in our own homes and chased to our deaths. But it is happening.

'This whole place has been erased like a little Jewish village in wartime Russia. There is no difference. It does not exist anymore.

In a clip shared of their release, Yochved can be seen crawling out the back of a white truck, before walking towards an ambulance with the help of two officials

Yochved can be seen talking to one of the officials as she has medical tests

Yocheved's grandson Daniel said he was feeling 'very emotional and happy' of her return

'Now is not the time to do anything but fight for the safe return of our people. Once they have returned, we can rise from the ashes. But we need to get these people home.

'The time is short and it is running out - they will not survive. We cannot sit here and talk about who's done what. Not until we've brought them home.

'The British Government must do everything in their power to help the safe return of these people. We don't want to ignite, we want to save.'

In a video published by Hamas's Qassam Brigades on Monday, the hostages can be seen wearing identical purple robes as they walk unsteadily holding the hands of two black-clad masked gunmen.

The militants offer them snacks and drinks, while both appear terrified throughout much of the footage.

The pair are then seen walking to a vehicle where a person in a Red Cross vest waits.

As the propaganda video comes to a close, Lifshitz turns to shake the hand of one gunman as she walks away, telling him 'Shalom', meaning peace.

In another clip shared of their release, Yochved can be seen crawling out the back of a white truck, before walking towards an ambulance with the help of two officials.

Meanwhile Nurit is lying down and wheeled in an ambulance stretcher.

Both women appear to be without obvious physical injuries as they are checked and monitored by ICRC staff wearing vests bearing the red cross.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the department welcomed the release of two further hostages, three days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were let go.

A spokeswoman said: 'Our thoughts remain with the families of loved ones still being held captive, as they endure unimaginable anguish and worry at this time.

'We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.'

Qatar is seen as a key mediator in the Middle East conflict, with Doha using its ties to Hamas - a number of figures from the Gaza-ruling group's political wing are said to live in the country - to negotiate for the release of about 220 hostages taken during the deadly assault on Israel more than two weeks ago.

Further pleas for Hamas to give up its hostages are expected to be made on Tuesday during a press conference with affected families at the Israeli Embassy in London.

The helipad where Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz arrived is shown at Ichilov hospital

Officials gather to assist the two women

It comes as Hamas is reportedly planning to release 50 hostages with dual citizenship from the Gaza Strip, sources in Gaza told Israeli media on Monday.

The Red Cross has reportedly been dispatched to receive the captives who were kidnapped during the Islamist terror attack on Israel on October 7.

Qatar has taken a central role in mediating the handover which is set to take place in Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, according to Israel TV channel i24.

Israel has refrained from bombarding the area in order to facilitate the transfer, according to the sources in the Strip.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari did not deny the report, according to The Times of Israel. An earlier report by the New York Times said that the Israeli government believe Hamas may release about 50 hostages who are dual citizens - but that a ground invasion would hinder their release.

Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel have been in talks in recent days over a proposal to release a larger group in return for a steady flow of humanitarian aid, including fuel, three officials familiar with the talks said.

But Israeli officials have also reportedly said they want all hostages released before permitting the delivery of fuel. Israeli officials have also told negotiators they believe Hamas and other militant groups could divert fuel for military purposes.

The negotiations have reached an advanced stage, but Israel hasn't given approval for fuel to be delivered to Gaza via Egypt, according to the three officials.

Meanwhile, a senior Hamas leader claimed that the civilian hostages in Gaza will be freed if Israel meets the right conditions.

Khaled Meshaal, one of the key negotiators of the terrorist organisation, has said that over 200 hostages held by the group could be released if Israel reduces the intensity of the bombing in Gaza.

'Let them stop this aggression and you will find the mediators like Qatar and Egypt and some Arab countries and others will find a way to have them released and we'll send them to their homes,' he told Sky News.

He said hostage releases cannot happen while Israel's air offensive remains so intense.

Khaled Meshaal has claimed that the civilian hostages in Gaza will be freed if Israel meets the right conditions

Meshaal, one of the key negotiators of the terrorist organisation, has said that over 200 hostages held by the group could be released if Israel reduces the intensity of the bombing in Gaza

'We want to stop the random bombardments, the total destruction, the genocide so that the al Qassam soldiers can take them from their places and hand them to the Red Cross or whoever.

'We need the right conditions to allow them to be released.'

Meshaal repeated the claim that 22 hostages have died in Israeli airstrikes since being taken.

Hamas will not say which countries they are from but says many of the dead are Israelis.

He would also not be drawn on whether Hamas will stop hostage negotiations entirely if Israel presses ahead with a ground invasion of Gaza.

Khaled Meshaal is a powerful figure within Hamas, revered as a living martyr after surviving an Israeli attempt to assassinate him almost three decades ago.

It comes after an Illinois teenager released on Friday by Hamas after 13 days in captivity is 'doing very well,' her father said, with footage showing the dramatic moment she and her mother were handed over to the Red Cross.

Natalie Shoshana Raanan, 17, and her mother Judith Tai Raanan, 59, arrived back in Israel late on Friday, the Israeli government confirmed, having left Gaza via an Egyptian-controlled crossing.

The Raanans walked out of Gaza without obvious visible physical injuries, getting out of a car and then being surrounded by ICRC staff wearing vests bearing the red cross. The pair then got into a Red Cross vehicle and drove away.

They are receiving medical treatment, the governor of Illinois said, without providing details of their condition. The deal to free the pair was brokered by Qatar.

Her brother, Ben, joked that he was 'annoyed' because she still looked 'like a supermodel', despite her ordeal.

'She's doing good. She's doing very good,' said Uri Raanan, 71, who lives in the Chicago suburbs, adding that they did not discuss where she was held or her conditions in captivity.

'She did not tell me anything. But she told me they treat her nice, and she was doing very good.

'I'm going to hug her and kiss her, and it's going to be the best day of my life.'

Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan arrived back in Israel late on Friday, the Israeli government confirmed

Natalie Raanan and her mother Judith are seen speaking to Joe Biden, in a photo released on Friday night by the US embassy in Israel

Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels 'wonderful. The best news,' Uri Raanan said.

He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early this week.

'I spoke with my daughter earlier today - she sounds good, and she looks good,' he told a press conference outside his home.

'I spoke with President Biden. I thanked him for his concern, in releasing them. He was very nice.

'I spoke to Governor Pritzker and he was nice.

'And hopefully I will see them next week. Next week is Natalie's birthday, and we will celebrate it here.'

The father said he first learnt of the possible release through Israeli television, and then received a call from the IDF.

He described the last 13 days as 'the worst situation,' adding that he had been kept in the dark by their captors.

'I did not sleep at night and my head was always in Israel,' he said.

'Lots of phone calls, lots of TV. I've been glued to the tv for two weeks, hoping for good news - and finally it came.'

He added: 'I did not lose hope. Praying, and just waiting for this moment.'

Anthony Blinken, the Secretary of State, said Hamas is still feared to be holding 10 Americans hostage.

The Secretary of State revealed the number still missing during a press conference in which he announced the release of Judith and Natalie Raanan.

Blinken said he had no further information to offer on the 'status or condition' of the Americans still believed to be in Hamas custody following the October 7 terror attacks.

'I can't speak publicly about the details of these efforts, and I know you understand that, but the urgent work to free every single American, to free all other hostages continues  as does our work to secure the safe passage out of Gaza for the Americans who are trapped there,' he said.

'In this particular instance, I want to thank the Government of Qatar for their very important assistance.'

He also refused to comment further on how the Raanans are doing after being handed over.

Israeli soldiers carry the coffins of Sgt. Yam Goldstein and her father, Nadav, during their funeral in Kibbutz Shefayim

Israel have been holding funerals for those attacked in the Hamas massacre

Israel responded to the Hamas massacre and hostage crisis by pounding Gaza with air strikes, killing more than 4,000 people according to Hamas, and has said it will act to free the hostages while wiping out the terror group.

Israeli tanks and troops are massed near the perimeter of the enclave for an expected ground invasion, calling on Palestinians to evacuate the north of Gaza, where it says Hamas is dug in.

Israel has also said that there will be no end to its full blockade of the enclave unless Israeli hostages are freed.

Hamas says it has some 200 hostages and that 50 more are held by other armed groups in the enclave.

The group claimed more than 20 hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes, but has not given any further details.
Today the Mail publishes harrowing details of an interrogation by the Israeli military of a Hamas fighter said to have taken part in the terrorist atrocities of October 7.

It is chilling video testimony, centring on a raid on a kibbutz in which the 24-year-old says he was involved. With brutal clarity, he lays bare the sheer inhumanity of the mission  and its bloody execution.

Before the Hamas death squads left Gaza, he claims commanders instructed them not just to kill but to 'massacre them everywhere'. He added: 'Women and children, and so on. The commander will tell you, stomp on their heads, behead them, do whatever you want with them.'

Our decision to print this gruesome account was not an easy one and certainly not taken lightly. It still requires caveats.

The man is a prisoner in Israeli military custody. In the video he is dressed in a white forensic suit and being questioned in Arabic by unseen members of Israeli intelligence.

The Hamas captive (pictured) speaks calmly and clearly. His commanders, he says, ordered their fighters to 'behead' women, children and the elderly

Even after two weeks of unremittingly sickening stories that have emerged since the October 7 atrocity, these are gruesome and incendiary claims, and they come amid a huge backlash against allegations that Hamas beheaded victims (pictured: Israeli soldiers carrying a coffin)

We cannot know what duress he was under. Israel does not regard Hamas terrorists as prisoners of war, so does not feel obliged to observe the terms of the Geneva Convention. This is one of the reasons we have not released the video.

However, he appears calm and answers questions put to him in a coherent way. We know his identity but have not revealed it.

The video was passed to us by a known senior member of the Israeli Defence Forces, who want this information in the public domain.

They want people to know the full unspeakable savagery of what happened. We have heard about it from Israeli survivors. This is the first corroboration purporting to be from the perpetrators.

In the fog of war, fact is all too often obscured by claim and counter claim. Consider the explosion at the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza which killed hundreds and was initially blamed on an Israeli air strike.

As Rishi Sunak confirmed yesterday, British intelligence is the latest in a string of Western secret services to say it was 'likely caused' by a misfiring Islamist missile.

This interview may get us nearer the truth of exactly what happened on the day that began this cycle of rage and violence  and why. That must be in the public interest.

Even if broadly true, the young man's words should dispel any lingering claim that Hamas are legitimate freedom fighters  or indeed 'militants', as the BBC would have it. The footage Israel released yesterday from the bodycams of jihadis leant further weight to that argument.

This was a crime of medieval barbarism committed by psychopaths. It was the worst mass slaughter of Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust and carried out without mercy or conscience.

That needs to be borne constantly in mind by anyone who seeks to understand the depth of Israel's rage and its desire for retribution. Israelis believe they are in an existential struggle against an implacable enemy. Judging by the testimony we print today, they are right.

Despite our reservations, the Mail believes it should be in the public domain. If you can bear to read it, please do. Then make up your own mind.

Pictured: Hamas gunmen entering the Be'eri kibbutz where more than 100 people were killed

Changing rooms

It is entirely right that the Government is moving asylum seekers out of expensive country house hotels into cheaper accommodation  and not before time.

The mystifying question is what were they doing in these luxury properties in the first place? In France, they languished in makeshift migrant camps. In Britain, despite having entered the country illegally, they were immediately housed in some of the most pleasant accommodation the country has to offer. Is it any wonder so many want to come here?
The 77-year-old actress 'had a real surprise' finding out about the extra security

Corrie star Dame Maureen Lipman says that ITV has offered her security amid rising anti-Jewish hate, after she slammed 'liberals' who fail to condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas.

The 77-year old soap star has been left stunned after being told by ITV bosses that she was being offered security to protect her from anti-Semitic attacks, saying: 'this is where we are now'.

The actress, who is also known for 1983 comedy-drama Educating Rita and 2002 drama The Pianist, was offered protection by the broadcaster after she blasted 'bleeding heartless liberals' for accusing Israel of war crimes without condemning the attacks led by Hamas.

Dame Maureen joined 210 public figures to sign a letter - the October Declaration - condemning the BBC's refusal to call Hamas 'terrorists' amid a surge of anti-Semitism in the UK.

Speaking at an event at the London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, she said: 'I had a real surprise this week when I was offered security guards by the people at Coronation Street  this is where we are now.'

The 77-year old soap star has been left stunned after being told by ITV bosses that she was being offered security to protect her from anti-Semitic attacks, saying: 'his is where we are now'

Another Jewish actress, ex-Eastender star Tracy-Ann Oberman, was also at the event and revealed that she is in a 'dystopian nightmare' after being given extra security on her tour for a version of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.

She wrote: 'For the last week, the production has had to have security men around keeping an eye on things. It's like a dystopian nightmare.

'A Jewish actress putting on a play about anti-Semitism which needs to be made secure because of Jew-hating extremists.

'As one reviewer said, 'Written in 1600, set in 1936, as relevant today in 2023.' Ain't that the truth.'

Dame Maureen signed the October Declaration along with a vast range of figures, Jewish and non-Jewish including Sir Tom Stoppard, Lord Owen, Professor Richard Dawkins, Rachel Riley, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sir Richard Dearlove and Simon Sebag Montefiore, over the weekend.

Another Jewish actress, ex-Eastender star Tracy-Ann Oberman, was also at the event and revealed that she is in a 'dystopian nightmare' after being given extra security on her tour for a version of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

The details a 651 per cent rise in recorded anti-Semitic incidents since Hamas launched its murderous attack on October 7, and the sad spectacle of Jewish schools being forced to close.

They wrote: We are a group of concerned British citizens and residents from a wide range of backgrounds and professions who stand in solidarity with British Jews and condemn all forms of anti-Semitism, whether in Britain or elsewhere.'

In a criticism of the BBC, the signatories say: 'We ask the media, members of all political parties and everyone in public life to call out Hamas for what it is: a terrorist organisation.'

After a group calling itself Artists for Palestine UK, which included actors Steve Coogan and Tilda Swinton, published a letter accusing Israel of war crimes without condemning the attacks led by Hamas, Dame Maureen gave a scathing response.

She said: 'These bleeding heartless liberals care so deeply for the Palestinians that they espouse their cause at the expense of every other oppressed people of the world Shame. Shame. Shame on every one of you.'

ITV bosses have offered security to Corrie star Dame Maureen Lipman to protect her from anti-Semitic attacks

The declaration further adds: 'British Jews should not live in fear because of actions taken by the state of Israel to defend itself.

'The British state must do everything in its power to protect them.

'While we respect the right of all groups to engage in peaceful protest, we urge the police to enforce the law without fear or favour.'

This comes after a significant spike in hate crime across Britain, with 218 anti-Semitic offences reported in London between October 1 and 18, compared with 15 during the same period in 2022.

On Sunday Coogan released a statement, before Dame Maureen's comments came to light, in which he condemned 'the recent Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel; their deliberate murder of civilians and their taking of hostages'.

A group calling itself Artists for Palestine UK, which included including actors Steve Coogan (pictured) , published a letter accusing Israel of war crimes

He also said: 'The Jewish people have been uniquely the target of hate and prejudice for millennia and anyone who cares about human rights should be vigilant and call it out when they encounter it.

'It goes without saying that what Hamas did is evil beyond imagination. It was horrific and brutal.

'It is in no way inconsistent with condemnation of the Hamas atrocity, to express grave concern for the lives and welfare of innocent Palestinian civilians facing a humanitarian disaster, deprived of food, water, medicine fuel and shelter.'

In a Thursday statement to X, formerly Twitter, Outlander star Sam Heughan said he 'inadvertently' signed the Artists For Palestine UK letter and it does not reflect his 'beliefs'.

Heughan added: 'I believed it was a simple call for peace... It wasn't.

'I condemn violence in any form. I stand against terrorism and evil and am heartbroken and appalled by the recent horrific actions by Hamas. It's haunting to the core, my heart goes out to all affected.

'I don't know nearly enough and (I am) trying to educate myself on the conflicts in the Middle East.'

The Met revealed that the racially aggravated attacks on the Jewish community in the capital had risen by more than 1,353 per cent compared to last year.

And the Union of Jewish student's welfare hotline has had more than 150 calls since October 7, from people reporting offences including verbal abuse and intimidation.

On Saturday, a man was spotted in a video 'chanting pro-Hamas slogans' during the huge pro-Palestine protests in London

He was held in custody after being arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

Another male in a grey hoodie held up a megaphone and appeared to continually bellow 'Hamas' in the 35-second clip which has had more than three million views on X

A man wearing all black waves a Shahada flag in Whitehall during huge pro-Palestine protests on London's streets

The man wearing all black was seen waving a black and white Shahada flag in Whitehall at around 4.45pm on Saturday while another male in a grey hoodie held up a megaphone to his mouth and appeared to be bellowing 'Hamas'.

The 35-second viral clip has had more than three million views on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Telegraph reported the men chanted 'God's curse be upon the Jews' and 'God's curse upon Israel'.

On Sunday night, the Metropolitan Police posted a picture of the man and wrote on X: 'Yesterday this man was filmed shouting racist abuse in Whitehall. Tonight he is in custody having being arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.'

It comes after ministers said they would speak to police after Islamists on the streets of London made 'completely reprehensible' calls for jihad against Israel.

A solidarity rally was held in Trafalgar Square, central London on Sunday, demanding for the release of hostages who are believed to have been taken captive by Hamas.

A young woman can be seen breaking into tears at the emotional protest

Crowds carrying Israeli flags chanted 'bring them home' at the event held to highlight the suffering of the women, men and children who are believed to have been taken captive by Hamas

Michael Gove told a pro-Israel rally in Trafalgar Square that 'Britain stands with Israel', as the minster condemned the 'horrific slaughter of Jewish people' by Hamas

Attendees of the vigil were protected by both the police and the Community Security Trust, a charity that protects British Jews from anti-Semitism and related threats, with access to Trafalgar Square being limited to the North Terrace.

Hundreds attended solidarity rally, which was organised by a number of groups, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Many in the crowd chanted 'bring them home' and held signs that said 'release the hostages'.

While others carried Israeli flags, and placards showing the faces of those taken hostage.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove told the rally that 'Britain stands with Israel'.
While her husband was in the White House dealing with the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Jill Biden was boosting his credentials at an intimate fundraiser hosted by Anna Wintour.

The First Lady appeared at the former Vogue editor's $12million Greenwich Village townhouse and spoke to an A-list guestlist that included top fashion designers Michael Kors and Tory Burch.

Huma Abedin and Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg also listened as Biden said there was 'no one' she would rather have in the Situation Room than Joe during the war between Israel and Hamas.

DailyMail.com captured exclusive photos of Biden and guests - including former Hillary Clinton aide Abedin - arriving for the Manhattan fundraiser to boost Biden's 2024 campaign.

Jill Biden said on Monday there was no one she'd rather have in the White House Situation Room than her husband Joe Biden as she wooed fashion's A-list at an intimate fundraiser at Anna Wintour 's home

Former Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin at Anna Wintour's home for a Biden campaign fundraiser on Monday night

In her remarks to the small but exclusive audience, the first lady touched on the violence in Israel and said she was 'grateful' that Joe Biden was in charge.

'I wouldn't wish the tragic events of the last two weeks on any American president. But I'm so grateful that Joe is our president during these unpredictable times,' she said.

'In these moments, with these perils that the world is facing, there is nobody that I would rather have sitting in the Situation Room right now than my husband and he probably is actually there,' she said as the audience laughed.

Earlier Monday, after making remarks on the economy, President Biden noted he was headed to the Situation Room for a briefing on the violence in the Middle East.

Wintour, the longtime Vogue editor and taste-maker, hosted about 40 people at her four-story townhouse on Sullivan Street in New York's Greenwich Village to help the Biden presidential campaign.

She praised both Bidens in her opening remarks before taking a seat next to Abedin.

Jill Biden leaves Anna Wintour's home in Greenwich Village after the star-studded fundraiser for her husband's re-election campaign

Huma Abedin joined about 40 other guests at Wintour's home including designer Michael Kors (wearing sunglasses) for the event

Designer Tory Burch (center) embraces another guest after arriving in Greenwich Village for the intimate gathering

Guests for the fundraiser stand outside Anna Wintour's Greenwich Village home

Michael Kors, center, outside of Wintour's home

Wintour, wearing a black dress but ditching her signature sunglasses, called President Biden's recent trip to Israel as 'an act of moral courage.'

And she noted he has a strong partner in Jill Biden. Wintour has been a staunch supporter of Democratic candidates. She put Jill Biden on the August 2021 cover of Vogue magazine.

'First Lady Biden, who is here with us tonight, is a part of what makes President Biden such an important leader in times like this. She's part of his moral courage,' Wintour said.

'Dr. Biden has been called a First Lady for all of us. She has this incredible ability to connect with all Americans from all walks of life, and all political affiliations. She has that smile. She has that light. And she looks fantastic in everything,' she added.

Jill Biden, also wearing a black dress, thanked Wintour for her support of the Bidens over the past years.

'You've been such a generous friend to me and to Joe,' she said.

'And because of you, fashion has become something that's more than just the clothes we pull out to put on each morning. It's the vehicle of our own expression, a symbol of our values and our aspirations, a statement of our identity and it's colorful armor - although I have black on tonight,' she noted.

The audience laughed and applauded at several points during the two women's brief remarks.

Wintour put on a posh yet intimate spread in her home. The living room was cleared out and held five tables of eight chairs, all set closely together. Large urns of red flowers were in each corner of the room and on the fireplace. Small bouquets of flowers and three candles were the centerpiece of each table. With only three lights on in the room, most of the illumination came from candlelight.

Guests ate a dinner of chicken and grilled vegetables as Wintour and Biden spoke.

After her remarks, Jill Biden noted she'd walk around the room to speak to each table.

'Just remember you can tell me anything. I'm good at keeping a secret,' she said, adding to let her know if they had 'anything you want me to tell Joe.'

The first lady spoke to two fundraisers on Monday night. Before going to Wintour's home she addressed supporters at the Columbus Citizens Foundation. The foundation supports Italian language and culture. Jill Biden is the first first lady of Italian ancestry.

Both fundraisers are in support of the Biden Victory Fund, the Biden campaign said.

The campaign declined to provide the amount raised when asked by DailyMail.com.

Anna Wintour is a longtime Democrat supporter. She praised Biden at the fundraiser and ditched her sunglasses to call his trip to Israel an 'act of moral courage'

Anna Wintour's home in New York

Only several months after becoming first lady Jill Biden was on the cover of Vogue.

In a lengthy profile the magazine described her as a 'goddess' and 'a joy multiplier'.

The 6,000-word profile was accompanied by dazzling photos taken at the White House by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

The magazine also described Jill Biden as 'driven, tireless, effortlessly popular, but also someone who reminds us of ourselves.'

It said she was 'a very stylish person who even in jeans and a cashmere sweater over an untucked chambray looks totally pulled together.'
Netanyahu has drawn the ire of Israel's military chiefs by delaying the invasion of Gaza to eliminate Hamas, with western allies in the EU pushing for a ceasefire.

Israel's Prime Minister clashed with leading figures in the country's defence forces over his decision to delay the incursion, which his military chiefs are said to be eager to start, the Telegraph reports.

Meanwhile some members states within the European Union have pushed for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and terror group Hamas in order to deliver more humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, said he backed a call by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a 'humanitarian pause', and added that it would give leaders more time to negotiate the release of the more than 200 hostages held captive by Hamas.

EU officials also drafted a statement in support of the proposal for an EU summit this Thursday and Friday.

The EU's stance is at odds with the UK and the US, which have both ruled out calling for a ceasefire until all the hostages taken by Hamas are released.

Meanwhile, Israel's military said on Monday it was preparing for 'unrelenting attacks' to dismantle Hamas. Netanyahu - who is yet to announced a full ground invasion - is said to have clashed with his defense chiefs who are eager to launch the assault.

Israel's Prime Minister (right) clashed with leading figures in the country's defence forces over his decision to delay the incursion, which his military chiefs are said to be eager to start

Meanwhile the European Union has pushed for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and terror group Hamas in order to deliver more humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip (pictured after buildings were hit by the Israeli military)

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, said he backed a call by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a 'humanitarian pause', and added that it would give leaders more time to negotiate the release of the more than 200 hostages held captive by Hamas (pictured: Israeli soldiers preparing for ground maneuvers against Hamas)

After a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Borrell said there was 'basic consensus' on a pause. But diplomats from three EU countries, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that was not their impression of the meeting.

The divergence raised the prospect of diplomatic wrangling in the coming days to agree a text acceptable to all the bloc's 27 national leaders, to be signed off at the summit.

Diplomats said there was consensus on the need to ramp up humanitarian aid, reflecting widespread alarm about the fate of Palestinian civilians after two weeks of Israel bombarding and blockading Gaza in response to the October 7 Hamas assault that killed 1,400 people and took more than 200 hostage.

More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to the enclave's health ministry, and about 1.4 million of Gaza's 2.3 million population are now internally displaced, according to the United Nations.

But EU countries had yet to agree on the best way to increase the flow of aid and some were concerned a pause could curb Israel's right to defend itself, diplomats said.

Among the EU's political heavyweights, France has backed a pause while Germany has so far not done so.

Elizabeth Borne, the French prime minister, called for a 'humanitarian truce' to deliver more aid to civilians in Gaza.

Two aid convoys - one of 20 trucks, the other of 14 - entered Gaza over the weekend from Egypt at the Rafah crossing, according to officials. But Borrell said 100 such trucks would normally go into Gaza even before the war.

'Now the most important thing is for humanitarian support to go into Gaza,' Borrell told reporters in Luxembourg.

Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Luxembourg have also publicly backed the idea of a humanitarian pause.

General view of buildings which were destroyed during Israeli air raids in the southern Gaza Strip on October 23

Khaled Meshaal has claimed that the civilian hostages in Gaza will be freed if Israel meets the right conditions

EU members have called for a ceasefire to allow more humanitarian aid to be brought in to the Gaza Strip (pictured here after buildings were destroyed during Israeli air raids)

'There's a vital need to get water, to get food, to get medical supplies into Gaza,' said Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin. 'The degree of human suffering is immense. We have to distinguish between the civilians of Gaza and Hamas.'

But some ministers, such as Austria's Alexander Schallenberg and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipa, questioned the viability of the proposal, while others avoided taking a public stance.

The divergence in views broadly reflected longstanding differences within the EU over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with those seen as more sympathetic to Palestinians pushing for a pause while staunch allies of Israel were more reluctant.

Asked why Germany had not backed calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said recent days had shown the importance of getting aid into Gaza but had also made clear that Hamas was continuing to attack Israel.

'We've all seen that the terrorism continues non-stop, that massive rocket attacks against Israel are taking place,' she said. 'We can't end the humanitarian catastrophe when the terrorism from Gaza continues.'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed Baerbock's concerns by saying it would be 'difficult' to argue for a ceasefire since Israel had the right to defend itself.

Sunak told the House of Commons: 'It is difficult to tell Israel to have a ceasefire when it is still facing rocket fire on an almost daily basis, and when its citizens are still being held hostage and it has suffered an appalling terrorist attack where it has a right to defend itself.'

US President Joe Biden said that any discussions about a Gaza ceasefire could only take place if Hamas frees all hostages seized from Israel in its October 7 attack.

'We should have those hostages released and then we can talk,' Biden said at a White House event when asked if he would support a 'hostages-for-ceasefire' deal.

His comments came shortly after Hamas said they had freed two more women hostages abducted from Israel.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that 'we welcome today's today's release of two Israeli citizens held hostage by Hamas.'

Chilling footage released on Monday evening showed Yochved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, 79, being handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing by black-clad masked gunmen

Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan arrived back in Israel late on Friday, the Israeli government confirmed

'We continue to do everything possible to secure the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza,' Sullivan said on X, formerly Twitter.

Elderly Israeli hostages Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing with Egypt last night.

Yocheved's daughter, British academic Sharone Lifschitz, 52, said she could 'not put into words' how 'relieved' she felt.

American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan were also freed on Friday.

Israel on Monday increased the number of confirmed hostages to 222 people seized when Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked kibbutz communities, towns and military bases in southern Israel.

Israeli officials say the Hamas militants killed 1,400 people in the nation's worst-ever attack.

Israel hit back with a blistering bombing campaign which Gaza's Hamas-run health authority says has now killed more than 5,000 people.
Chanting 'jihad' is a threat to British democracy, Rishi Sunak says, as Met Police officers are understood to be 'frustrated' by their inability to make arrests at a pro-Palestinian protest.

The Prime Minister warned about the chants after thousands of people took to the streets in London at the weekend as his official spokesman stopped short of saying the law would be beefed up, instead saying Scotland Yard would be given 'clarity' about officers' powers.

Mr Sunak was addressing MPs in the Commons yesterday amid Metropolitan Police Sir Mark Rowley coming under fierce criticism for officers not arresting extremists at pro-Palestinian protests attended by 100,000 people on Saturday.

It comes after officers said they were left 'frustrated' at being unable to intervene as people called for jihad during rallies over the weekend.

Earlier, Tory MP Gareth Bacon said British Jews were increasingly feeling unsafe in their own country with the 'apparent refusal of the Metropolitan Police to do anything about it' making matters worse.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said chants of 'jihad' were a threat to British Jews and Britain's democracy after ugly scenes at pro-Palestine events in London

There were chants of 'jihad! jihad! jihad!' at the Hazib ut-Tahrir rally outside the Egyptian embassy in London on Saturday

Mr Sunak replied: 'Hateful extremism has no place in our society. Calls for jihad and Muslim armies to rise up are not only a threat to the Jewish community but also a threat to our democratic values.

'Of course the police are operationally independent, but the home secretary has raised this with them.'

Home Secretary Suella Braverman had a showdown meeting with Sir Mark to challenge him over the decision not to arrest.

The Met's commissioner hit back at criticism of his officers for failing to intervene to arrest extremists and blamed ministers for the soft policing of anti-Israel protests, insisting police were 'ruthless' about tackling demonstrators who stepped over the legal line.

Islamist fanatics from the extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir were seen calling for 'jihad' at a rally outside the Egyptian Embassy while police stood by. Later, the force tweeted that the term 'had a number of different meanings'.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is an Islamic fundamentalist group that has called for the re-establishment of an Islamic caliphate and for the global implementation of sharia law. It has been banned in almost all Arab countries, as well as Muslim-majority nations such as Turkey, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

A source told The Telegraph officers were told to have a 'zero tolerance' to hate crimes at the events, but became frustrated as they were unable to step in when some appeared to incite violence.

During a separate demonstration on Saturday, a man was filmed waving an Islamic flag while reportedly shouting: 'God's curse be upon the Jews' and 'God's curse upon Israel'

Protesters during a pro-Palestine march organised by Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidarity Campaign in central London on Saturday

The Met later tweeted that the word 'jihad' had 'multiple meanings'. Twitter users added a community note under the Met's post

The source said: 'You are very much part of the collective, rather than an individual at these protests and it has been quite frustrating for some officers.'

Sir Mark said troublemakers were able to 'steer round' current hate laws.

He said officers were unable to 'enforce taste or decency', and complained other countries have introduced 'more assertive' anti-extremism laws than those in the UK.

By contrast, Mr Sunak insisted in the Commons that police already have the powers they need to arrest those inciting violence or racial hatred.

Sir Mark said: 'I think the law around hate crime and terrorism hasn't taken full account of the ability of extremist groups to steer round those laws and propagate some pretty toxic messages through social media.

'There are countries around the world with different frameworks that have some advantages.

'For example Hizb ut-Tahrir, who were protesting over the weekend, with some of their protests causing deep concern, are banned in Germany and most of the Muslim world.

'There are frameworks which are more assertive than ours and lessons to be learned, but it is for politicians and Parliament to draw the line.'

After a meeting yesterday with Ms Braverman and the Community Security Trust, which deals with the safety of Jewish people, Sir Mark added: 'We are absolutely ruthless in tackling anybody who puts their foot over the legal line.

'We are accountable to the law we can't enforce taste or decency but we can enforce the law. It's our job to enforce that line, it's Parliament's job to draw that line. Maybe events of the moment are illustrating that some of the lines aren't in the right place.'

Asked if he agreed police need extra powers, Mr Sunak told MPs: 'Where there are gaps in the law, we're happy to address and look at those. But we do believe at the moment the police do have the powers to arrest those who are inciting violence or racial hatred.

'There is no place on our streets for that type of behaviour and we will work extensively to clarify the guidance to officers on the ground so they are aware fully about the powers and tools that are available to them to make sure these people feel the force of the law.'

Earlier, the Prime Minister's spokesman indicated there were no plans to change the law.

But sources said the Government will look at public order laws, with police and the Crown Prosecution Service, and ensure 'we are clear where the lines are drawn'. And the Foreign Secretary hinted the Government will still keep an open mind in the future.

Speaking to LBC's Andrew Marr yesterday, James Cleverly said: 'We have passed legislation which enables us to designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation and ban the glorification and promotion of Hamas. If we need to go further, of course, we will go further.'

On Sunday, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said chants at the demo had amounted to 'inciting terrorist violence' and should have resulted in arrests.

The Home Secretary's spokesman issued a placatory statement last night saying she 'recognised the complexities of the law in policing aspects of these protests'.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove's flagship rental reforms cleared another hurdle in Parliament with Labour's help last night, despite resistance from some of his own backbenchers.

The Tory MPs said the Renters' Reform Bill, which will put an end to no-fault evictions and strengthen tenants' rights, will prompt landlords to take properties off the market.

Between 30 and 80 Conservative backbenchers are thought to privately oppose the legislation, a 2019 manifesto promise.

Landlords can currently evict tenants who are not on fixed-term contracts without giving a reason, under legislation known as Section 21. Mr Gove last night reaffirmed the Government's commitment to abolishing this, despite the backlash from his own MPs.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove's flagship rental reforms cleared another hurdle in Parliament with Labour's help last night, despite resistance from some of his own backbenchers

The Tory MPs said the Renters' Reform Bill, which will put an end to no-fault evictions and strengthen tenants' rights, will prompt landlords to take properties off the market

MP Marcus Fysh said: 'This is a disastrous Bill for every renter in the country who wants to see a well-supplied housing market.'

Mr Gove said: 'There is no evidence at all that the abolition of Section 21 will lead to any reduction in the number of homes in the private rented sector. Getting rid of Section 21 means a weapon used by unscrupulous landlords can no longer be in their hands.'

The Bill passed its second reading yesterday but Labour accuse the Government of trying to appease wavering MPs by delaying the Section 21 ban by insisting on court reforms so they are ready for landlords who will need them to reclaim possession of their properties.

Mr Gove, pressed to commit to implementing the ban on 'no fault' evictions without delay, told the Commons last night: 'Absolutely. The sooner this Bill is on the statute book, the sooner we can proceed.'

But he acknowledged there could be a delay due to the required court reforms.
Nine suburbs in West Australia's capital city of Perth feature in a list of the 10 most in-demand areas for renters nationwide.

According to the data from real estate analysts PropTrack, those looking to rent a property in Perth's more affordable suburbs are likely to be in competition with up to 160 other applicants for each listing.

The suburb of Bentley, just south of Perth's CBD and located near Curtin University, saw the greatest demand in the nation with an average of 160 inquiries per listing.

The inner-city suburbs of Tuart Hill and Lathlain were the second and third most in demand suburbs with just over 150 inquiries.

Para Hills West in north Adelaide was the only non-Perth suburb to reach the top 10 with an average of 136 people competing for each listing.

Western Australia's capital Perth (pictured) has taken the cake as the most in-demand city for renters, with the inner-city suburb of Bentley drawing an average of 160 inquiries-per-listing

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PropTrack senior economist Eleanor Creagh said the shocking increase was partly due to a lack of housing construction leading to low vacancy rates.

'Demand is running well ahead of supply in suburbs in Perth and Adelaide - the most competitive in the country with the most enquiries per listing in the year to September 2023,' Ms Creagh told Daily Mail Australia.

'This isn't surprising given Perth and Adelaide have the tightest rental markets, with rental vacancies below 1%.'

Separate figures revealed Perth to have a vacancy rate of just 0.71 per cent, while Adelaide stood at 0.65 per cent.

'This is reflective of very tight conditions, and a shortage of available rentals, meaning it's difficult for many to find an available rental and market conditions are highly competitive,' Ms Creagh said.

She noted that without an increase in housing supply to help relieve skyrocketing demand, the competition for rentals will continue to be driven up.

'Unfortunately, meaningful reprieve for renters isn't in reach... tough conditions will remain,' she said.

In some rural areas, a 'shift in economic conditions' driving people into the city could also be driving up demand.

PropTrack economist Eleanor Creagh said the increase in tenants applying per listing was largely due to a shortage in new housing construction, with Perth having a vacancy rate of just 0.71 per cent (stock image of a rental queue)

Real Estate Institute of Australia boss Hayden Groves claimed a 'lack of affordable supply' in housing had driven renters into suburbs with cheaper rentals 'more than they would in the past'.

He noted a significant drop in investment properties in Perth as rental prices dropped from 2012 through to 2021 leading to a housing shortage.

While Perth renters might struggle to beat the hordes of other applicants, other suburbs in Australia saw inquiries drop significantly over the past 12 months.

Brisbane's Coal Falls, The ACT's Melba and Chain Valley Bay in Sydney all saw inquiries-per-listing plummet by 77 per cent.
A three-star Marine general has been sent to Israel ahead of an expected invasion of Gaza as the Biden administration grows worried the IDF does not have a clear mission plan.

Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed their aim of rooting out and destroying Hamas' leadership.

But they have not explained how they intend to do so, or what happens after the invasion - to the concern of Washington. American officials told The New York Times they have not yet seen an 'achievable plan of action'.

Biden himself, visiting Tel Aviv last week, warned the Israelis to learn from US mistakes after 9/11 - seen as a reference to the quagmire in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said Israel would need 'clarity about the objectives and an honest assessment about whether the path you're on will achieve those objectives.'

Behind closed doors US defense secretary Lloyd Austin was also pressing his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to detail their plans.

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. defense secretary, is seen on October 13 speaking to his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, in Tel Aviv

Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously headed the Marines' special operations and was involved in the operations against ISIS in Iraq, has been sent to Israel to help them prepare for the invasion of Gaza

Israeli troops are seen close to the Gaza border on Monday, with an invasion expected at any moment

Israeli forces have been told that they should expect to go in to Gaza to destroy Hamas' leadership

He warned that urban warfare was complicated, and could result in the deaths of many civilians.

Austin was the head of United States Central Command in 2016 and 2017, when U.S. forces were helping Iraqi and Kurdish troops to force ISIS out of Mosul.

Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously headed the Marines' special operations and was involved in the operations against ISIS in Iraq, has been dispatched to Israel to help plan for the challenges of urban warfare.

Glynn is not directing operations, but giving advice, according to Axios.

Michael Knights, a fellow with The Washington Institute, has pointed out that the Islamic State had only two years to prepare defenses in Mosul, but Hamas was likely to be far more entrenched.

'Hamas has had 15 years to prepare a dense 'defense in depth' that integrates subterranean, ground-level and aboveground fortifications, communication tunnels, emplacements and fighting positions as well as potential minefields, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrator anti-armor mines and buildings rigged as explosive booby traps,' wrote Knights earlier this month.

On Sunday, Austin told ABC News's This Week: 'The first thing that everyone should know, and I think everyone does know, is that urban combat is extremely difficult.'

He said that he had 'encouraged' Gallant to 'conduct their operations in accordance with the law of war.'

Gallant is seen speaking to top IDF officials on Friday

Gallant, in the black shirt, is seen in discussion with the military officials on Friday

Austin spoke to Gallant again on Monday, the Pentagon confirmed.

During their conversation, Austin stressed 'the importance of civilian protection', the Pentagon said, in addition to American security assistance to Israel.

Israel could attempt to follow the Mosul model, with surgical airstrikes combined with raids by special operations troops.

Or they could try to repeat the US, Iraqi and British invasion of Falluja in 2004, and roll into Gaza with tanks and infantry.

Both options are extremely complicated in a densely-populated area like Gaza, but the Falluja approach could be far more bloody. Pentagon officials believe the Mosul approach may be the best, the paper reported.

The exact figures for casualties from the effort to rid Mosul of ISIS are not known, but The Associated Press put the number of civilians killed at between 9,000 and 11,000.

'One of the things we've learned is how to account for civilians in the battle space - and they are a part of the battle space,' said Austin.

'And we, in accordance of the law of war, we've got to do what's necessary to protect those civilians.'

Hamas on Monday released two more of the 200 hostages they are holding, bringing the total freed to four.

A view of a street filled with debris after the Israeli airstrikes on a building at Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al-Balah on Monday

The southern Gazan city of Khan Yunis is pictured on Monday

U.S. officials are warning that a ground invasion of Gaza will likely cost many thousands of lives

Some have suggested that Israel should delay their invasion of Gaza to give the mediators more time to secure the release of more hostages.

An IDF spokesman on Friday insisted there could be no delay, accusing Hamas of releasing the hostages as a tactic to halt the invasion - a tactic he said would not work.

Major Doron Spielman told CNN there was 'going to be no break' in his country's effort to destroy Hamas.

Earlier John Kirby, the spokesman for the National Security Council, said they were not 'interfering' in Israel's military operations.

But he did say that the issue of hostages was 'front and center on the president's mind when he met with the Prime Minister (Netanyahu) and he had the chance to meet with some of the families.'

The release of the four was negotiated by Qatari mediators, with the involvement of the Red Cross.

After the release of Judith and Natalie Raanan on Friday, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. and some European governments were pressuring Israel to delay the invasion, and give the Qataris more time for negotiations to free the hostages.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it would 'continue our dialogue with both the Israelis and Hamas, and we hope these efforts will lead to the release of all civilian hostages from every nationality.'

The IDF said the majority of hostages are still alive. Among them are 20 children and between 10 and 20 people aged over 60, it said.

'As of today (Friday), there are 100-200 Israelis who are considered missing persons,' it added in a statement.

'In comparison, on the first day of the war, there were 3,000 people considered missing persons. This number has dramatically decreased as the IDF has confirmed their locations.'

The IDF also stressed the complexity of locating information about missing persons and said that it is in constant communication with the families of the hostages.

Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday celebrated the release of the Americans and said they would work to free the rest - but added that the fight against Hamas would continue 'simultaneously' with the negotiations.

'Two of our hostages are home. We will not ease the effort to bring back all abductees and those missing,' he said in a statement posted to social media.

'Simultaneously, we keep fighting until a victory is reached.'

Israel says it's entering Gaza to rescue the 203 hostages are being held captive by Hamas terrorists

Tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers and scores of tanks and armoured vehicles are now positioned on the border

A column of Israeli tanks now sits on the border with Gaza, ready to invade

Israel is preparing to bombard the small strip of land with missiles, before sending in ground troops

Israeli soldiers listen to Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant as he meets them in a field near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel on Thursday

Israel's military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, echoed the prime minister on Friday and emphasized that the war against Hamas was continuing apace.

'The top priority of the country is to return all the abductees and locating the missing, in all possible ways: civil, intelligence and military,' said Hagari, during a news conference in Tel Aviv.

'At the same time, we are continuing the war against the Hamas. And getting ready for the next stages of the war.'

Hamas has previously demanded Israel release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

The terror group has also threatened to kill the hostages live on television if Israel invades Gaza.

An IDF spokesman, Doron Spielman, said the release of the two Americans would not slow plans to invade Gaza

Spielman, the IDF spokesman, said Hamas' move was purely to buy time, insisting they had never shown humanitarian concerns.

'Hamas is trying to paint itself as a human rights organization now. They've given back two of the hostages but the real face of evil is still there. Rockets are raining down on Israel.

'You know, let's get back all the hostages and then we can begin to speak with them.'

He added: 'This is right out of the Hamas playbook. It's a very typical cycle. They attack and massacre and send rockets to Israel, then they run back to Gaza.

'In the past they hid under their own civilians waiting for us to kill them - and then they turn to America and the international community and claim human rights violations so we'll stop, so they can regroup.

'They want to have us pause on eliminating them [but] we're at war with them. There's going to be no break. We're going to eliminate them.

'This is just another tactic for them to try to get us to stop. But they're mistaken. Hamas is an evil that has to be stopped completely. And that's what we're going to do.'
In order to earn a diploma, graduating students were formerly required to earn standardized test scores indicating proficiency in reading, writing and math

The State Board of Education ruled that students will no longer have to fulfill an essential skills requirement in order to graduate

Oregon school chiefs have again suspended the need for high schoolers to prove their math, reading and writing skills in order to graduate.

The State Board of Education voted last week to continue the suspension for another five years amid claims they are unfair on minority students who don't test well.

In order to earn a diploma, graduating students were previously required to earn standardized test scores indicating proficiency in reading, writing and math.

But this was put on pause during the pandemic as standardized tests weren't happening amid school closures.

Following a unanimous vote by the Oregon State Board of Education last week, the requirement will not be in place for at least the next five years.

During a September meeting, State Board of Education Chair Guadalupe Martinez Zapata likened rhetoric about underperformance by marginalized students to 'racial superiority arguments'

Oregon students (pictured) will no longer have to prove proficiency in reading, writing and math in order to graduate - at least not until 2029

The skills requirement has been suspended once again under Governor Tina Kotek, who began her tenure this year

Opponents of the essential skills requirement argued it was harmful to students of color, students with disabilities and those learning English as a second language.

These groups were frequently required to take extra math and writing classes in their senior year to prove they deserved to graduate.

But board members underscored that state-mandated standardized tests will still be administered to most Oregon high school students - they just won't be used to determine whether a student has the skills necessary to graduate.

'The only thing we are suspending is the inappropriate use of how those assessments were being used,' state board member Vicky Lopez Sanchez, a dean at Portland Community College, said during Thursday's meeting.

'I think that really is in the best interest of Oregon students.'

Hundreds of people submitted public comments urging the board to reinstate the standards.

But Board Chair Guadalupe Martinez Zapata described the pushback as a 'campaign of misinformation.'

During a September meeting, she likened 'rhetoric about cultural and social norms being the underlying reason for underperformance on assessments by systemically marginalized students' to 'racial superiority arguments.'

'It is not bigoted, it is not racist to want your student to be able to actually learn,' former gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan told FOX News.

The skills requirement was originally suspended under Governor Kate Brown, who passed a bill freezing it during the pandemic

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan argues that wanting students to learn is 'not racist'

Drazan ran for governor last year, losing to Democrat Tina Kotek by less than 4% of the vote.

The overhaul of the skills requirement is part of a bigger issue, she said - as education officials are now considering 'equity grading' instead of the traditional A to F scale.

'They are now moving forward with an agenda that says if you cheat, you can't be flunked. If you don't show up, you don't get a zero,' she said.

'They're not going to have homework that they grade because having homework somehow they view as being inequitable.'
Fed-up renters have vented their fury online after spotting a strange requirement on one listing.

A 'designer micro apartment' is advertised for rent, but the listing says guests are not permitted overnight.

The one-bed unit is available for $370 a week in Yeerongpilly, a southern suburb of Brisbane.

'Each apartment is for single occupancy only due to council and fire restrictions,' the listing says.

'Guests are permitted to visit but are not able to stay overnight.'

The listing in a southern suburb of Brisbane came with an unusual requirement. Picture: Supplied

The strange requirement prompted a hysterical reaction on social media.

'Australian landlords are literally banning sex in their apartments,' TikTok user Beep Yen said in a video that has been viewed 85,000 times.

'Well, nice sex anyway.'

Other disbelieving commenters criticised the measure as seriously over the top, with many questioning whether the measure was legally enforceable.

'They've reverted to feudal landlord times..... no joy,' one person wrote.

'There is no way that's a legal condition,' another said.

However, because each pint-sized unit is classified as 'rooming accommodation', similar to student accommodation, Brisbane City Council regulations stipulate the entire building made up of five units is to be occupied by no more than five people.

'It's not an apartment. It's classed as shared living, it's not the landlord's rules (it's) the councils for occupancy in a dwelling,' one online commenter noted.

One furious TikToker claimed Australian landlords were trying to ban sex. Source: TikTok

With Australia in the midst of a rental crisis, there are fears increasing numbers of desperate renters will be forced to turn to similar 'micro apartments'.

'My son lived in one of these, they are becoming more common for greedy landlords. Buy a family home & convert to 4x1br rooms & call them apartments,' one person noted.

National vacancy rates reached a new grim depth in September, crashing to a record low of just 1.06 per cent.
15 minutes after she escaped, he killed himself

A bartender who was cornered by a deranged gunman during his seven-hour rampage has revealed what happened before he turned the gun on himself.

Becky, 36, was visiting Merredin in West Australia's Wheatbelt region when Nathan Sexton, 31, cut her off after he had stolen a car during his shooting spree at 11:45pm on Saturday.

Becky, from Kalgoorlie, was in town and had been working at the Northside Tavern when the gunman veered his car towards hers on Bates Street.

She was 'boxed' in between police - who were trying to deescalate the situation - and Sexton who was driving a stolen Volvo BZ station wagon which had come to a stop.

The gunman earlier brandished a shotgun at five people in a black Mitsubishi Triton ute at 5:15pm, triggering an emergency lockdown for people in the area.

Becky, 36, (pictured) came face-to-face with Nathan Sexton, 31, towards the end of his seven-hour rampage in Merredin in West Australia's Wheatbelt region at 11:45pm on Saturday

Sexton (pictured) had brandished a shotgun at five people in a car earlier in the day before waving it at a woman in a Volvo, stealing her car before continuing his getaway

Sexton was shirtless and angrily waving his gun from inside the Volvo while police were screaming at Becky to stay down as they worked to end the siege.

She then heard the police screaming at the female occupant of the Volvo.

'The police were driving with no headlights on so I didnt really see them come up, but when she got out of the car thats when I heard them screaming for her to get on the floor,' Becky told the West Australian.

'We were boxed in between the kerb and his car and then I saw him like pull out a big gun....

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'He just was just acting all erratic, trying to yell stuff out to the police... we just had to get out of there.'

Sexton directed the Volvo towards Becky and her friend Claire, who was driving with her son in the back seat, which left their cars 'practically touching'.

Another woman, 24, had jumped from Sexton's stolen car during this time. Becky said was wearing a surgical mask at the time.

The woman was arrested without struggle and has since been released without charge.

Becky and Claire fled the scene shortly before Sexton took off again in the damaged Volvo bearing significant dents from the earlier chase.

The pair said that they were confused during the ordeal because although a mass-text had been sent warning people to remain indoors, they had not received it.

Before Claire drove the pair away Becky said only a windshield separated them from Sexton, who they could see in the dark because he had his interior light on.

'We both just felt sick thinking about how lucky we are that he decided to put the gun on himself in that moment instead of us, because that was all that was between us... the windscreen,' she said.

Sexton escaped onto the Great Eastern Highway where police discovered him dead behind the wheel at 12:05am.

After Beck and Sexton had come within metres of each other, Sexton continued his getaway before police found him unresponsive on the Great Eastern Highway at 12:05am

Becky was in a car with her friend and neither one had any idea what was going on despite a mass-text being sent out to people in the region by police telling them to remain indoors

Sexton had earlier shot at five people in a black Mitsubishi Triton ute on the Albany Highway in North Bannister at 5.20pm.

The Triton, carrying a driver and four passengers, had pulled over to assist the occupants of a red Holden Commodore which appeared to have crashed.

One person got out of the ute and ran to the Commodore, only to have a gun pointed at them by a man who emerged from bushes at the roadside with a woman.

Sexton then shot at the Triton.

Police said the occupants of the red Commodore stopped another vehicle, a gold Volvo BZ station wagon, that also stopped by the roadside.

Again, the Volvo occupants had a gun pointed at them and this time, the occupants got out and surrendered their car.

WA Police confirmed in a statement to Daily Mail Australia that a stolen Volvo station wagon - which the gunman had hijacked at Bannister - 'came to a stop on Great Eastern Highway in Merredin' at 12.05am.

'Police approached the vehicle and found the male driver unconscious and unresponsive with an apparent self-inflicted injury to his head,' a police spokeswoman said.

Sexton had been due in court this week after he had previously been bailed out in May.

He was facing charges of having care or control of a child engaged in conduct that was reckless and may result in that child suffering, and urging or setting a dog to attack or chase any person or animal.

He had already been charged with being armed or pretending to be armed in a way that may cause fear, obstructing public officers, possessing a prohibited drug (cannabis) and possessed drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant.

Sexton had also faced a count of threatened to kill, being armed or pretending to be armed in a way that may cause fear, and unlawful assault.

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A woman has been accused of stealing $50,000 from her 'sugar daddy' after she ditched him while they were watching U2 at the Las Vegas Sphere.

Hailey McNally, 27, matched with the man in his 50s on 'Seeking Arrangement' and joined him for a weekend in the city.

He paid her $2,500 for her time and even took her to the popular band's show at the new arena on October 14.

But she allegedly ditched him midway through the night and raided his safe at Caesars Palace before being arrested.

Hailey McNally is accused of stealing $50,000 from a man who was paying her as a 'sugar daddy' for a weekend when she ditched him as he attended a show of U2's residency at the new Las Vegas Sphere

The weekend started as McNally helped the drunk man into bed at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino before leaving that night, returning the next morning where she found him gambling with his friends.

The victim gave her another $400, which she gambled and won $3,100 on that day, 8NewsNow reported.

McNally then asked the victim if she could put her purse inside of his security safe in his room.

He gave her a code to unlock the safe, where she put her pursed next to about $50,000 in cash and another $7,000 in poker chips, authorities stated.

That Saturday night, McNally joined the victim and his friends at the eighth performance of the Irish's band's Las Vegas residency at the billion-dollar, recently opened venue.

McNally told the victim she needed to hit the bathroom and left in the middle of the concert.

He noticed she had been gone for about 15 minutes and texted her asking if she was alright, only to receive no response.

Another 35 minutes went by before the victim decided to call security at Caesars Palace, asking them to lock down his room.

U2's residency at Sphere has been attracting fans from all over the world and has received critical acclaim. One of them, a man in his 50s attending the October 14 show, connected with Hailey McNally on a 'Seeking Arrangement' site about five weeks earlier

McNally and the victim met on October 13 at Caesars Palace, with him presenting her with the cash before they went to a pool and dinner, where the victim got drunk, according to a police report

Upon returning to the room, he discovered the safe was empty, with both the cash and chips taken.

McNally was caught on surveillance video entering the 24th floor of the hotel where the room was located at about 9:30 p.m., about a half hour after she said she'd gone to the bathroom.

Police say that shortly after, she is seen getting back on the elevator with several bags.

She was arrested on October 17. McNally claimed to police that the victim had been 'sexually aggressive and was touching her inappropriately,' making her uncomfortable.

McNally claimed that she only ever took her purse, other belongings and the casino chips and never stole the cash.

McNally joined the victim and his friends at the eighth performance of the Irish's band's Las Vegas residency at the billion-dollar, recently opened venue before ditching

Police conducted a search of McNally's apartment, discovering about $11,700 in cash and another $5,200 in chips.

She's been charged with grand larceny of over $25,000 and residential burglary. Both charges are felonies.

McNally, who was released on bail, faces a court date on November 22.

U2 have extended their 'Achtung Baby U2:UV' residency at Sphere through the end of February, Billboard reports.
Virgin Australia are offering domestic flights for as cheap as $86 as part of a huge three day sale.

The sale, separately, includes double status credits for eligible flights that will give regular travelers extra points under the Velocity Frequent Flyer Loyalty program.

The discounted fares are available for select destinations between January 2024 and 20 June 2024.

The three day sale ends on midnight AEST on 26 October 2023.

Discounted prices only encompass economy lite seats going one-way.

Virgin Australia are offering domestic flights for as cheap as $86 as part of a huge three day sale

The sale, separately, includes double status credits for eligible flights that will give regular travelers extra points under the Velocity Frequent Flyer Loyalty program (pictured, Hamilton Island)

Melbourne locals looking for warmth and a bit of sun can jet off to the Sunshine Coast for as little as $125.

Sydneysiders looking for a holiday next year can head to Hamilton Island for $126, while Brisbane residents can fly to the other side of the country in Perth for $239.

The cheapest destinations on the list are Sydney to Launceston, Tasmania, and Brisbane to Prosperine, Queensland, for $86.

Brisbane residents also get the next cheapest discounted price, where they can jet off to Newscastle for $95.

Adelaide locals can go to the nation's capital for $160 one-way.

Virgin Australia said the 72-hour sale would still give Aussies struggling through the cost-of-living crisis a chance to go away on a cheaper holiday.

Many of the flights for these destinations have been filling fast for the month of January, with most discounted prices featured in available bookings from February.

Sydneysiders looking for a holiday next year can head to Hamilton Island for $126, while Brisbane residents can fly to the other side of the country in Perth for $239 (pictured, Sydney)

Virgin Australia said the 72-hour sale would still give Aussies struggling through the cost-of-living crisis a chance to go away on a cheaper holiday (pictured, Melbourne)

If travelers aren't looking to book a cheaper flight next year, they can take advantage of the sale's double status credits as long as their eligible flight heads off before December 31.

READ MORE: Queensland doctor humiliated by Virgin after wheelchair incident at Brisbane Airport Advertisement

This helps loyal customers climb the membership ranks and gain Lounge access, priority boarding, seat selection and baggage allowances.

'The much-anticipated Velocity double Status Credits offer will help the loyalty program's almost 12-million members climb the status ranks faster,' a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

'Flying with Gold or Platinum Status comes with a range of perks, including Lounge access, priority boarding, seat selection and higher checked baggage allowances.'

It's the second sale for the airline after it lowered prices to international destinations last week. That sale ended on Tuesday.

The 72-hour sale for cheaper flights ends on October 26 while the double status credits offer ends October 30.

Travelers need to head to the Velocity frequent flyer website and enter their membership number in with their booking for the credits, which can be found here.

The 72-hour sale for cheaper flights ends on October 26 while the double status credits offer ends October 30 (pictured, Perth)
The ABC journalist who caused a media firestorm after dismissing reports of Jewish babies being beheaded by Hamas terrorists is now under investigation.

ABC director David Anderson, who appeared before the Communications Legislation estimates hearing on Tueday, confirmed the broadcaster had launched an internal investigation into Tom Joyner's conduct in the Middle-East.

The move comes after he sent a text to several hundred other journalists across the world that read: 'the story about the babies is bulls**t'.

The Israeli Defence Force later confirmed Hamas terrorists had mercilessly slaughtered and beheaded babies in their October 7 terror assault.

'I know that Mr Joyner is quite remorseful and apologetic for the words that he used,' Mr Anderson said under questioning from NSW Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes.

ABC Middle Eastern correspondent ABC director David Anderson, who appeared before the Communications Legislation estimates hearing on Tueday, confirmed the broadcaster had launched an internal investigation into Tom Joyner's (pictured) conduct in the Middle-East

The Israeli Defence Force later confirmed Hamas terrorists had mercilessly slaughtered and beheaded babies in their October 7 terror assault

'He was at the time trying to do what journalists were doing, he was trying to verify what sources could back up what claims were being made at the time,' he said.

Mr Anderson said the ABC had contacted the IDF to confirm the shocking report, but the Israeli military could not verify the report at the time of contact.

Mr Anderson said Mr Joyner's message had caused 'distress' but he would have a right to 'procedural fairness' in the investigation.

'My Joyner does have a right of reply here when we do look at it,' he said.

'I am sorry that it happened.'

Ms Hughes suggested in her questioning of Mr Anderson the ABC's coverage of Israel contained an anti-Semitic bias, something Mr Anderson roundly rejected.

'I do not think the ABC is anti-Semitic in any way,' he said.

'We are impartially reporting what info we have available at the time.'

ABC director David Anderson appears before the Communications Legislation Committee on October 24, 2023

Ms Hughes blasted a 7.30 interview with Hamas terrorist Dr Basem Naim from October 17, saying she had 'zero comprehension' why the ABC had platformed a prescribed terrorist and suggested the public broadcaster had 'legitimised' a terrorist.

'It is not legitimising terrorism,' Mr Anderson said.

'One of their lies was that they didn't harm Israelis.

'Through that interview, we challenged them and they admitted that they had done that.

'This is editorially justified to interview that representative given the heinous act that they did, to challenge them on the claims and the misinformation they spread.'
An upscale apartment complex in Southern California has been plagued by a mob of teenagers who have left tenants fearing for their safety.

The string of incidents at the Camden Harbor View Apartments in Long Beach have spurred residents paying as much as $2,700 for a one-bedroom to demand more security - especially after a string of arson fires in the complex's garage last month.

On Monday, speaking to several news outlets, residents cited a wave of break-ins, burglaries, and physical assaults believed to be the work of the same group of minors.

They said they have reached out to both management and the city in hopes of securing solution - showing security and cell phone videos of some of the incidents as proof, including a clip where the teens appear to attack a man within the area.

Another clip shows a teen kick one of the residents' apartment doors, before running away with a group of friends. In an interview with KTLA, one resident said she was attacked by one of the teens with a skateboard - which, for her, was the last straw.

The sting of incidents have spurred residents paying as much as $2,700 for a one-bedroom to demand heightened security - citing attacks like the one seen above, where a man walking through the complex was punched and followed by the group of instigators

The wave of break-ins, burglaries, and physical assaults believed to be the work of the same group of minors, several of whom are seen here after the above attack

An upscale apartment complex in California's Long Beach has been plagued by a series of alarming incidents - carried out by a mob of teens who have left tenants fearing for their safety

'These kids don't care. They are looking for trouble,' the woman, identified only as Kimberly, told the outlet.

Referencing the now circulating clip of the other attack, during which one of the group throws a leaping left hook at a bystander as he flees, she said: 'They were stalking him and he didn't want to fight back. He was just trying to get them to stop.

'He didn't want to hurt kids,' she added.

She and several others told the station - and national outlets like CBS News - that they are fed-up with the lack of action from building brass, despite the increasing amount evidence that the incidents are all the work of the same band.

The incidents led to some slight police intervention last month, when Long Beach police confirmed that a man was brutally assaulted by a group of more than a dozen teens on his way home from the gym near the complex.

Camden Living, which owns the property, sent a statement at the time touting how they had 'increased community security and requested additional patrols' as a result of the attack.

'We are continuing to work with the Long Beach Police Department closely.'

But residents say the attacks are still occurring - even with Long Beach officers responding to repeated distress calls reporting the incidents.

The incidents grew more serious in early September when several cars in the complex's shared garage were set ablaze by a serial arsonist, who is still at large more than a month later

said they will leave the complex for good if their concerns are not addressed - as residents remain afraid to use amenities like the complex's garage

In an interview with KTLA, one resident, who gave her name as Kimberly, said she was attacked by one of the teens with a skateboard - which, for her, was the last straw

Recalling some of the security concerns residents have been facing, resident Ty London told Fox 11 that the teens are engaging in instances of theft, assault, vandalism, and even arson.

'They jump over the fences, getting into our pools, our hallways, stealing our packages. And we are inundated with homeless,' he said, as several of his neighbors have reportedly moved out amid the rash of instances.

'My car was broken into three times,' he went on. 'None of our doors are locked. We don't have security whatsoever, so we are left with these bad skateboarders that are fighting tenants.'

Fellow resident Javier Diaz blamed the incidents on the complex's proximity to a nearby skate park, claiming it has attracted a younger crowd.

Speaking to the station, he claimed that he was attacked in one recent incident, after leaving a nearby subway station to find himself faced with nearly a dozen minors.

'There was probably ten of them from 6 to 12-years-old,' he recalled. 'They started jumping on me, touching me practically. One of them touched my watch and I got a little scared. Why don't they show respect?'

Another clip shows a teen kick one of the residents' apartment doors, before running away with a group of friends

One resident blamed the incidents on the complex's proximity to a nearby skate park, claiming it has attracted a younger crowd

'They have a courtesy patrol that's a joke,' said Susan Herman, telling KTLA how she attacked at the upscale pool. 'Cars stolen, cars vandalized, people beat up  what does it take? Those teenagers are just out of control'

The incidents grew more serious in early September when several cars in the complex's shared garage were set ablaze by a serial arsonist.

Speaking to KTLA Sunday, Kimberly aired the belief that armed guards are the only solution for the seemingly never-ending harassment.

'We need somebody who actually cares,' citing the ineffectiveness of courtesy patrols being deployed by the building. You have to take back your property.'

She and other residents said they plan to take their complaints to City Hall if the incidents are not addressed soon, as people continue to be attacked even with management aware.

Residents who gathered outside the complex Saturday afternoon told Fox 11 that the attacks have actually worsened since September, claiming the building is now a well-known target.

Many, including Kimberly, said they will leave the complex for good if their concerns are not addressed - as residents remain afraid to use amenities like the complex's pool out of fear of being accosted.

Vice President of Camden Marketing Julie Keep recently cited how management has 'increased community security and requested additional patrols by the Long Beach Police Department' to catch the teens in the act - efforts tenants say have fallen flat

Keep said staff are working ;closely with the Long Beach Police Department to address reports of harassment of any of our residents and have stepped up security coverage within the community during peak hours'

'They have a courtesy patrol that's a joke,' said Susan Herman, telling KTLA how she attacked at the upscale pool.

'Cars stolen, cars vandalized, people beat up  what does it take? Those teenagers are just out of control.'

Vice President of Camden Marketing Julie Keep recently cited how management has 'increased community security and requested additional patrols by the Long Beach Police Department' to catch the teens in the act - efforts tenants say have fallen flat.

Keep, meanwhile, said, 'We continue to work closely with the Long Beach Police Department to address reports of harassment of any of our residents and have stepped up security coverage within the community during peak hours.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Long Beach Police Department for comment.
The son of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been blasted for staying in Miami while reservists returned home to fight against Hamas.

Yair Netanyahu, 32, has been in Florida since at least April, after his father told him to stop making inflammatory posts on social media, which saw him sued for defamation multiple times.

Meanwhile an unprecedented 360,000 reservists have been called up - many of them dropping everything to fly back to Israel, even abandoning honeymoons.

But Yair has remained in Miami, to the irritation of some of the troops. 'Yair is enjoying his life at Miami Beach while I'm on the front lines,' one soldier, a volunteer serving on Israel's northern front, told The Times.

'It's us who are leaving our work, our families, our kids, to protect our families back home and the country, not the people who are responsible for this situation.

'Our brothers, our fathers, sons, are all going to the front line, but Yair is still not here. It does not help build trust in the leadership of the country.'

Netanyahu is pictured sorting donated supplies to IDF soldiers and Israeli families impacted by the Israel-Hamas war, with NGO Yedidim USA, in Fort Lauderdale on October 17

Yair Netanyahu, 32, is seen with his father in a photo earlier this year. Since at least April, Yair has been living in the United States

Another, deployed to the border with Gaza, said: 'I've flown back from the States where I have a job, a life, my family.

'There is no way I can stay there and abandon my country, my people, at this critical time. Where is the prime minister's son? Why isn't he in Israel?

'It is the most uniting moment for us as Israelis in our recent history and every single one of us should be here right now, including the prime minister's son.'

Yair, who studied theatre at high school, undertook compulsory military service and worked in the spokesman's unit of IDF, rather than as a combat soldier.

Military service is compulsory for the majority of Israelis when they turn 18. Men have to serve 32 months and women 24.

After this, most of them can be called up to reserve units until the age of 40, or even older, in case of national emergency, and they fight alongside the regular troops in times of war.

Reservists are also used in non-combat roles, meaning that Yair's lack of frontline experience would not automatically exempt him.

Israelis abroad are using WhatsApp chats to organize their return, sharing information on where to find available flights, said Yedidya Shalman, 26, who was in Thailand on his honeymoon when the violence exploded out of Gaza.

'(We) set up WhatsApp groups almost everywhere in the world, we called people to join them and we slowly worked to bring as many reservists as possible back to Israel,' he told Reuters, explaining he and his wife did not hesitate to curtail their holiday.

'Of course we didn't think twice and are currently on our way home on an El Al plane,' he said via WhatsApp.

Yair Netanyahu is pictured in New York City in a photo posted in October 2022

Yair strikes a pose in a July 4 post shared on Instagram

Yair is seen as a seven-year-old child with his father visiting the Wailing Wall

Yair and his brother Avner are pictured with their mother Sara and Bill Clinton in the White House

The Netanyahus are visited by Disney characters inside the prime minister's residence in Israel

Yair accompanies his parents to a meeting with Vladimir Putin in January 2020 in Jerusalem

Oren Saar, 37, runs a food delivery startup, WoodSpoon, in New York City, where he lives with his wife and three young boys.

A former captain in the Israeli army, he immediately acknowledged the call-up, but didn't tell his children what he was doing.

'The kids are very young and it's not really something that you want to explain. We told them I'm going on a business trip to Israel,' he said, adding that it was going to be 'tricky' to keep his new business going in his absence.

'But you know, there's just no question about what to do when my friends, my family and my country are at risk,' he said.

Nimrod Nedan, a 23-year-old studying medicine in Lithuania, said friends and relatives died or were missing as a result of the surprise Hamas attack, spurring him to action.

'I cannot sit here and study medicine while I know that my friends are fighting and my family needs protection. This is my time,' he said.

L.K. - a 37-year-old reservist who served as an air force pilot for 13 years, and asked to be identified just by his initials for security reasons - felt exactly the same.

He works for a tech company in New York, and left his home, wife and children to hurry back to his squadron.

'There is no other place in the world I would rather be. If I had to sit in my lovely apartment on the Upper West Side watching this I would never forgive myself,' he said. Yair Netanyahu has long affinity with the United States.

His father studied at MIT and Harvard before joining Boston Consulting Group, where he worked alongside Mitt Romney, and served as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations. Yair was born three years after his father left New York.

Yair's Instagram page shows him and his younger brother, Avner, with Bill Clinton in the White House: as an adult, Yair roamed the US, spending time in Manhattan, Seattle and Washington DC.

He is also seen with Vladimir Putin, and welcoming Donald and Melania Trump to Jerusalem - where he reportedly told Melania he sympathized with their son, Barron.

Yair is shown meeting Donald and Melania Trump with his parents and Jared Kushner - a family friend of the Netanyahus

Yair is seen celebrating his 32nd birthday earlier this year

On October 5 - two days before the Hamas terror attack - it emerged he was wanting to stay in the United States permanently.

Yair was overheard at a wedding in London over the summer worrying that he would be turned away by U.S. authorities because the Biden administration was frosty towards Netanyahu, Haaretz reported.

An American immigration law firm, Wildes & Weinberg, then announced on Facebook that 'with newly minted offices in Tel Aviv, Yair joins our list of distinguished clients from Israel.'

The post boasted that the firm 'is representing Yair Netanyahu in connection with his International Matters' and noted that 'Yair is an internationally renowned political speaker and journalist in Israel and abroad.'

He has been carving out a name for himself as a right-wing podcast host and media figure, and has regularly shared controversial memes and posts, resulting in several defamation cases over the years.

Yair sparked widespread anger by describing as 'terrorists' the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who took to the streets against the government's reform of the Supreme Court, and accusing the United States of being behind the protests.

In August, he was ordered by a court to pay over $34,000 in compensation and $6,000 in legal costs to a woman he implied was having an affair with his father's political rival.

Earlier this year, a judge ordered him to pay $18,000 to a former lawmaker in Israel's opposition Labor Party whom he called 'ugly.'

Yair also caused controversy when it emerged in 2014 that he was dating a Norwegian girl  who is not Jewish.

The then-23 year old was seen in Israel with blonde communications student Sandra Leikanger, then 25, and even visited her home country.

Their love affair emerged after Norway's prime minister Erna Solberg revealed that Benjamin Netanyahu had been 'boasting' of his son's relationship at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Yair, then aged 23, with his Norwegian girlfriend, communications student Sandra Leikanger, then 25

A year later, Yair had moved on with Danish-Israeli model and student Lee Levi. That same year, 2015, Yair was secretly recorded in a limo bragging about women and talking about a strip club.

Yair tells the son of an Israeli gas tycoon that his father approved a controversial gas deal in parliament that benefited his friend's father.

According to The Times of Israel, Yair was trying to get cash from the tycoon's son to pay strippers.

He apologized for the 'ridiculous' and 'foolish' things he said.

The row about the Netanyahu's son came as Israel readies for a ground offensive in Gaza, in retaliation for the October 7 terror attack launched from the enclave by Hamas, killing 1,400 Israelis.

Israel has shown little sign of slowing its offensive, despite fears about the civilian toll in Gaza, and despite U.S. concerns about a lack of clear military strategy.

Since October 7, Israel has been launching a relentless campaign of air strikes, which have killed 5,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas.

On Monday the Israeli military said it had hit 'over 320 military targets' overnight, some of the most intense bombing of the war to date.

A 19-year-old Israeli soldier was killed and three others wounded during a ground operation 'to dismantle terror infrastructure... and locate missing persons and bodies'.

But the timing of a promised full-scale ground offensive remains unclear.

'We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south,' Herzi Halevi, the chief of general staff of the Israel Defense Forces told troops.

'The Southern Command has quality operational plans. There are tactical, operative and strategic considerations that have provided additional time,' he said.

Chief among those considerations may be the labyrinth of tunnels and strong points that Hamas is believed to have developed to thwart any Israeli invasion.

But there are also fears about how Hamas's allies around the Middle East would respond to a ground war.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War has reported an uptick in attacks on Israeli and US targets from Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

There are daily cross-border clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

A three-star Marine general has been sent by the U.S. to Israel ahead of the expected invasion of Gaza, as the Biden administration grows worried the IDF does not have a clear mission plan.

Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed their aim of rooting out and destroying Hamas' leadership.

But they have not explained how they intend to do so, or what happens after the invasion - to the concern of Washington. American officials told The New York Times they have not yet seen an 'achievable plan of action'.

Biden himself, visiting Tel Aviv last week, warned the Israelis to learn from US mistakes after 9/11 - seen as a reference to the quagmire in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said Israel would need 'clarity about the objectives and an honest assessment about whether the path you're on will achieve those objectives.'

Behind closed doors US defense secretary Lloyd Austin was also pressing his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to detail their plans.

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. defense secretary, is seen on October 13 speaking to his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, in Tel Aviv

Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously headed the Marines' special operations and was involved in the operations against ISIS in Iraq, has been sent to Israel to help them prepare for the invasion of Gaza

Israeli troops are seen close to the Gaza border on Monday, with an invasion expected at any moment

Israeli forces have been told that they should expect to go in to Gaza to destroy Hamas' leadership

He warned that urban warfare was complicated, and could result in the deaths of many civilians.

Austin was the head of United States Central Command in 2016 and 2017, when U.S. forces were helping Iraqi and Kurdish troops to force ISIS out of Mosul.

Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously headed the Marines' special operations and was involved in the operations against ISIS in Iraq, has been dispatched to Israel to help plan for the challenges of urban warfare.

Glynn is not directing operations, but giving advice, according to Axios.

Michael Knights, a fellow with The Washington Institute, has pointed out that the Islamic State had only two years to prepare defenses in Mosul, but Hamas was likely to be far more entrenched.

He wrote earlier this month: 'Hamas has had 15 years to prepare a dense 'defense in depth' that integrates subterranean, ground-level and aboveground fortifications, communication tunnels, emplacements and fighting positions as well as potential minefields, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrator anti-armor mines and buildings rigged as explosive booby traps.'
READ MORE: Family of Breanne Pennington plead for 'coward' to turn himself in

The Massachusetts man fled in a car that was found abandoned in the woods

Massachusetts cops have launched a huge manhunt after a husband allegedly shot his wife in the face and killed her.

Police are searching for Air Force vet Aaron Pennington, 33, after his wife, Breanne 'Breezy' Pennington, 30, was found dead in their home.

Police found the mom-of-four in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to her face on Sunday morning, according to a criminal complaint.

The discovery was made after the couple's children  aged two, five, seven and nine - ran to a neighbor's house at around 9:14am.

Aaron Pennington, 33, is accused of fatally shooting his wife before fleeing their Massachusetts home

Breanne 'Breezy' Pennington, 30, was found with a gunshot wound to the face

The 33-year-old veteran's BMW was found abandoned in a wooded area near the city of Gardner

'Four children came over to her house scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying,' a trooper reported.

'The four children were known to reside with their parents at 42 Cherry Street in the city of Gardner. The children also stated that their father's vehicle was no longer in the residence's driveway.'

Responding officers found the mother-of-four in an upstairs bedroom, with a gunshot wound to the face.

Three shell casings were found in the bedroom, but no weapons were recovered in the home.

The complaint also accuses Pennington of illegally possessing a firearm without a license to carry.

Surveillance video showed the 33-year-old fleeing in a white BMW sedan at 8:50am on Sunday. The car was later found abandoned in a wooded area near Gardner.

Investigators said the couple was facing 'marital issues for quite some time,' with Breanne planning to move to Texas with the children to get away from her husband.

She was known to keep a gun at home for her protection, police said.

The couple have four young children, who fled to a neighbor's house after the attack, claiming their mother was 'in her bedroom crying'

Aaron Pennington is accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm without a license to carry

The couple's home in Gardner, Massachusetts, where police found Breanne Pennington, 30, dead in an upstairs bedroom

They also noted that Pennington dealt with 'mental issues and had threatened suicide.'

The four siblings were placed in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families.

In a 2016 Facebook post, the U.S. veteran thanked his wife for all that she did for the family.

'You have the most selfless outlook and are so dedicated to making us happy,' he wrote. We appreciate you as the hardest working mother and wife out there. You are truly amazing!'

He praised her for 'always being patient' and setting a great example for their children.

After news of her death broke, social media was flooded with posts commemorating Breanne's life.

Police report that the couple were grappling with 'marital issues for quite some time'

Aaron Pennington (left) is considered armed and dangerous

Several women mentioned that they knew her from an online group for expecting mothers.

'Imagine my shock when I was scrolling and said to myself "That looks like Breezy's husband, what happened?" just to find out he murdered her and ran away,' one woman wrote.

'I'm absolutely SICK over this and thinking of her four precious babies. Breezy Pennington was an amazing mom, hilarious friend, and a truly sweet soul.'

'I am hurt, sad, frustrated, angry, and most of all confused why someone has to take someone else's life because they are unhappy,' another friend wrote.

'We all want justice for you and want nothing but the best for your 4 beautiful children that we all know you loved sooooo much.'

Pennington is described as white and 6'2' tall, with blond hair and blue eyes. He is armed and dangerous, and police have directed people not to approach him.
Ruby Franke's eldest daughter Shari has said her life has been turned 'upside down' as she broke her silence after her mother's arrest.

Ruby ran parent counseling service ConneXions along with business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, 54. Both were arrested on August 30 after one of Franke's sons was found with open wounds and duct tape on his limbs.

In an Instagram post, Shari, 20 - who is estranged from her parents and who's father Kevin has wanted her arrested for burglary - spoke out about what she's been going through.

'There's literally not even words to describe how upside down my life has become,' she wrote.

'I've cried, had an infinite number of panic attacks, had way too much ice-cream, and yet life goes on.'

Shari also credited her faith and counseling with getting her through her mother's ordeal.

Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of disgraced parenting blogger Ruby Franke , confessed to panic attacks and he life being 'upside down' as she breaks her silence following her mother's arrest

'Therapy has literally saved me, but God has too,' Franke wrote. 'My life is somehow becoming more beautiful and fulfilling, despite all the terrible things going on.'

Despite a desire to 'hide away,' Shari said that she has spent the weeks since the arrest trying to live 'life to the fullest.'

'I'd appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my family and myself,' she added ahead of a court hearing. 'Words can't express the gratitude I feel for you all, and I feel your love.'

Shari claimed in September that relatives have been 'trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this', adding that she was 'so glad they finally decided to step up' and the kids were safe. She posted the message to Instagram with a photo of police outside the home captioned 'finally'.

It was revealed last week that Kevin called the police on their estranged eldest daughter two days after his wife was arrested.

Kevin told cops on September 1 Shari had broken into their home and stolen hard drives.

But Springville Police Department, in Utah, told the father that the door to the property was damaged when they broke down the door on August 30.

He told officers he wanted her arrested for burglary, with police 'responding by phone' to him, according to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital.

Shari Franke revealed in April that she was no longer in contact with her mother

Shari posted about her mother's arrest on Instagram, sharing an image of police officers outside the home captioned 'Finally'

Shari, her five siblings and parents were shot into stardom back in 2015, after she started sharing videos giving an inside look into her life as a Mormon mother-of-six on YouTube

It is now known that the four young children who were found are currently in custody of the state of Utah

Ruby's husband Kevin called the police on September 1, claiming their eldest daughter, Shari, 20, had broken into the home and taken several items after his wife's arrest

The police report said: 'Kevin stated that Shari is not allowed in the home, and that he believes she entered unlawfully and he wants her charged with burglary.'

He 'wanted to have his daughter charged with theft for taking some hard drives out of the house', with officers informing him that she 'wasn't aware' she couldn't have them.

Shari returned the items  three tablets, three cell phones, three cameras, journals and three passports  to Springville Police Department. Officers then returned them to her father.

Kevin was seen on bodycam footage asking cops to charge his daughter for robbery shortly after his wife was arrested for child abuse.

Police said Shari's intent was 'not to deprive him of any items, she had previously been allowed in the home, and he had not been in the home admittedly for 13 months.'

They refused to take action against Shari, who handed over passports, phones and tablets she took from the family property following the police raid.

Ruby's family previously told DailyMail.com she should be 'put away forever' if she's convicted of the abuse.

Her sisters-in-law Cynthia and Jennifer Franke say they believe the abuse allegations against the mother-of-six and say they are 'shocked' and 'sickened'.

It was revealed last week that Kevin Franke called the police on their estranged eldest daughter two days after his wife was arrested over child abuse claims

Ruby Franke's estranged husband asked cops to arrest his daughter for robbery shortly after the mommy blogger was arrested for child abuse

Kevin 'wanted to have his daughter charged with theft for taking some hard drives out of the house', with officers informing him that she 'wasn't aware' she couldn't have them

Ruby previously made astonishing claims during a court hearing that one of her minor children sexually abused one of their siblings and other children.

She also claimed her two children played a 'patting' game with each other, but did not go into further detail.

Her strict parenting style has faced a repeated backlash since she started the channel in 2015.

Viewers called child protective services in 2020 after their son Chad, 15, claimed he had slept on a bean bag for seven months.

Ruby's family previously told DailyMail.com that she should be 'put away forever' if she's convicted of the abuse

Ruby Franke, (left) who ran the now-defunct 8 Passengers channel, was arrested along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt (right) on August 30

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Ruby's sisters-in-law Cynthia (left) and Jennifer Franke (right) say she's lying and 'saying anything to save herself'

She also threatened to bin her children's items if they didn't pay her cash for them, claiming it was a lesson in understanding the value of their things.

Both Franke and Hildebrant have been previously criticized for their teachings on parenting  collaborating on Hildebrandt's life counseling service ConneXions.

Ruby first rose to fame for her strict parenting style which blew up online and made her 'millions' of dollars, she claimed.

She racked up more than 2.2million subscribers for documenting their day-to-day endeavors on social media, along with husband Kevin.

The pair stopped uploading videos in January 2022 and the 8 Passengers page was taken down completely from the website earlier this year.

When asked why she left YouTube behind months later, she said she opted to stop uploading videos because she wanted to 'save her kids.'

In July, she was called out online after video surfaced of her allowing her daughter to go hungry after the young girl had forgotten to make her own lunch before school.

In a video posted to in 2020, Ruby said her daughter's teacher had texted her, telling her that the youngster didn't have anything to eat for lunch.

She said all her kids are responsible for preparing their own lunches in the morning, so she would not be dropping off any food for her daughter to teach her a lesson.

Franke said: 'My hope [is that] she will be hungry and come home and be like 'that was really painful being hungry all day I'll make sure to always have a lunch with me.''

'The natural outcome is that she is just going to have to go hungry.'

It was this parenting style that helped the woman to gain a massive following on YouTube and shine a spotlight on herself and her family.
Relatives said 'they are sick to the stomach' at the though of the group's fate

A group of friends are missing after a deep sea fishing excursion off the coast of Georgia - sparking a frantic search by the US Coast Guard 80 miles offshore.

The trio - identified last week as Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson, and Tyler Barlow - have been lost since October 14, after their 31-foot vessel failed to moor in Brunswick this past Thursday as planned.

Nearly a week later, family and friends have still not heard a word - with the Coast Guard now calling the search 'complicated' because of the limited information it has received regarding the crew's prospective whereabouts.

As some relatives concede 'they are sick to the stomach' at the though of the group's prospective fate, searchers said in a statement that they remain 'hopeful' they will be found - despite already searching some 20,000 square nautical miles since Friday.

The search has since expanded more north of Brunswick - towards the Carolinas - leaving the missing's loved ones hoping for a miracle.

The trio - identified last week as Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson, and Tyler Barlow - have been lost since October 14, after their vessel failed to moor in Brunswick last Thursday as planned

Caleb - the only inexperienced fisherman on board - is seen in an undated photo on the still-missing vessel, after recently taking up deep-sea fishing and taking a job with the boat's captain

Dalton's sister, Stevie Conway - who is also Caleb's girlfriend - told Action News Jax over the weekend: 'It's absolutely terrifying. We are sick to our stomachs.

'Lots of tears and gatherings,' she added. 'Getting together to try to uplift each other and stay positive whenever we're all wanting to fall apart.'

The group - known to extend fishing trips to maximize their catch - have yet to be found, and their communication systems have been down since Saturday.

That said, a sensor made to go off in the event one of the emergency rafts on board hits the water has not been sounded - leaving relatives like Stevie some hope that they are still just lost at sea.

Coast Guard officials expressed similar optimism in their own statement, after beginning their search effort on Friday.

Searching all day over the weekend and again Monday, they have yet to declare the search a recovery mission, supposedly a good sign.

Speaking to the CBS affiliate, Conway said: 'We're just continuing to stay positive throughout all this and hoping that the Coast Guard calls us with some kind of good, positive news at some point.'

As of Monday night, such news has yet to come - despite both Dalton and Tyler being professional fishermen who regularly take these kind of trips, with the 31-foot Carol Anne reportedly well-equipped to do so.

The 31-foot Carol Ann set off with all three on board on October 14, and has yet to be found even after a 20,000 square nautical mile search in the area

Searching all day over the weekend and again Monday, officials have yet to declare the search a recovery mission - despite coming up emptyhanded after four days of searching

That said, it was the first such outing for Caleb, who is seen in an eerie photo snapped sometime before their excursion on the deck of the boat.

His brother, Cameron Wilkinson, spoke about his sibling's nautical inexperience, while describing how he recently decided to take up deep-sea fishing and by taking a job with the boat's captain, Dalton Conway.

'Caleb's always been very cautious about everything he's done, and if he wasn't comfortable with Dalton and going out there, then he wouldn't have done it in the first place,' Cameron explained to ABC News.

'We're all hoping they're just drifting off and trying to figure out what to do. We have no idea what's going on. Honestly, we're just hoping that they come home.'

He added: 'From me and him growing up, we never really had any experience on boats and going fishing and stuff like that. We always fished in ponds and stuff, but never anything on a boat.'

The Coast Guard, meanwhile, said 16 planes and US Coast Guard Stations stretching from Miami to North Carolina are aiding in the search, which for the fourth time in a row Monday, came up emptyhanded.

That said, a sensor made to go off in the event one of the emergency rafts on board hits the water has yet to sound, leaving relatives like Stevie Conway - Dalton's sister and Caleb's girlfriend - some hope that they are still just lost at sea

That day, Coast Guard Sector Charleston Lieutenant Commander Jason Erickson theorized that if the group came into trouble by a drift wrought by the infamous Gulf Stream, 'the drift would eventually take them into the Gulf Stream which would continue to the northeast at a faster rate.'

Speaking to ABC, he reiterated how the boat was well-equipped with life vests, a satellite, and distress beacons needed to stay in communication in case of an emergency, and that no such alerts have gone off.

'We know that the boat had an electronic beacon onboard, which we call an EPIRB, and we know that beacon has not activated,' Erickson explained as the search concluded its fourth day.

'It is supposed to self-activate once it gets submerged in the water, and then it should release and give a position and indicate that there is some kind of distress.

'We have not received any beacons that have gone off. That's a reason to be hopeful,' he explained.

The search is set to resume Tuesday at sunrise, officials said.
A young girl who lost her mother in the devastating NSW floods is set to be deported after her bid to stay in Australia was rejected.

Tran Kha Han, 10, and her mother Pham Huyen Trang, 36, were just a few months away from applying to become permanent residents in Australia when Trang died on October 23 2022.

Due to her mum's death, Han has now been deemed ineligible to remain in Australia and could be sent back to Vietnam in just days.

Trang was among three others who were travelling in a vehicle which was swept away by floodwaters in Mudgee, 270 kilometres north-west of Sydney.

The 36-year-old woman however was the only one who didn't survive after the others managed to escape.

Tran Kha Han (pictured left) could be deported after her application for permanent residency was rejected following the death of her mother Pham Huyen Trang (pictured right)

Trang died after car she was travelling in along with three others was swept away by floodwaters in Mudgee, in western NSW (NSW flood in 2022 is pictured)

Trang's body was found by emergency crews near Cooyal Creek, 26 kilometres north of Mudgee the next day.

The mother and daughter moved to Sydney from Vietnam less then two years before she died.

Trang married her partner Linh Hoang, an Australian, in 2018 after the couple began seeing each other in 2016 and the trio planned to start a new life Down Under.

A provisional visa was given to Trang and Han in 2020 enabling them to come to Australia however a year after her death, Han faces the likelihood of being sent back to Vietnam.

Mr Hoang told Nine News that Han's application has been 'suspended' by the Department of Home Affairs.

Han (pictured left) and Trang (pictured right) were granted a provisional visa to come to Australia in 2020 after Trang married her Australian partner Mr Hoang in 2018

Han's (pictured left) father Linh Hoang said the Department of Home Affairs have not indicated when his daughter could potentially be deported but the 10-year-old wants to stay in Australia

'They haven't given any more details about what is going to happen. She could be told tomorrow that she has to go back to Vietnam, or in six months time, no-one knows,' Mr Hoang said.

He said Han does not want to go back and has no one to care for her in Vietnam.

'Han's biological father was not involved in raising Han at all and her grandparents are old and not able to look after her,' he said.

'I've spoken to her grandparents and they want her to stay here. They think Australia will offer a better education for her and a better life.'

A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs for comment said they cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy.

'The Department is aware of Miss Trans case and will be in contact with Miss Trans representative/stepfather regarding options available to Miss Tran,' the spokesperson said.

Rescue volunteers patrol around the flooded houses next to the old Windsor Bridge along the overflowing Hawkesbury river in Windsor suburb of Sydney on March 9, 2022

Several communities across regional parts of NSW were ravaged by the floods hit NSW in 2022, with homes and properties (pictured) left badly damaged

Floodwaters impacted most inland areas in NSW (pictured) across 2022 as persistent bouts of heavy rain damaged land and infrastructure

The Minister can only intervene in the case if Han's family can arrange for her care however according to the family's migration agent, the issue of the girl's custody is not in dispute.

Mr Hoang started a petition on change.org appealing for support to keep Han in Australia which has so far received some 11,000 signatures.

The permanent Partner visa (under subclass 801) allows a partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to move to Australia without restrictions on their residency.

They can only be granted this visa if they have a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820).
This is the moment a police officer sprayed a crowd and yelled 'get back' during an altercation in Leeds.

The chaotic scenes took place on Third Avenue in Rothwell on Sunday, October 22, after a huge crowd amassed around police.

The video was posted on X, formerly Twitter, by YappApp, claiming 'three officers received minor injuries' during the incident while 'two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of offences including assaulting police officers'.

Shocking footage shows some police engaging in a physical altercation with one man next to a red car that is parked on the street.

One officer abruptly begins using what appears to be pepper spray at the riled up crowd as she yells 'get back now'. She then appears to spray one man in the face before letting off another burst on to another.

A police officer was caught on video spraying a crowd and yelling 'get back' during a huge altercation in Leeds

Another carrying a baton was seen on the street in Rothwell, West Yorkshire, telling people to get back

What appeared to be more senior officers, wearing all black uniforms at the scene

The same officer repeatedly keeps shouting 'get back' before another steps in to assist.

The man filming the ensuing chaos can be heard saying: 'The f*** you doing you little muppet?'. The camera then pans to another officer as the same person asks: 'What are you doing you?'.

More officers then step in to take control of the situation as they form a line blocking the crowd from moving further down the street.

The man filming asks one: 'You seen what she just done to her mate?'

Others can be heard asking 'who's been arrested?' and insisting 'that boy has not done no wrong' while a police dog can be heard barking in the background.

Later in the video, more police vans are seen arriving as the situation descends into further chaos.

A man then explains: 'F***ing just dragged him out his car and then started pepper spraying everyone.'

The same officer that was seen spraying the crowd then yells 'get out of the road now' before shoving a woman towards the pavement.

The police eventually gain control of the situation after the crowd has dispersed and several police cars can be seen on the side of the street.

Shocking footage shows police being swarmed by a crowd of people, with some officers seen engaging in a physical altercation with one man next to a red car that is parked on the street

One officer (pictured left) abruptly starts using what appears to be pepper spray of the riled up crowd

She aggressively yells 'get back now' at the crowd while holding the spray in her hand

Other officers carrying batons block the crowd from getting further up the street

Many of the officers in the three-minute-long video appear to very young as they stood among a group of what seem to be older colleagues.

It comes after two student recruits from West Yorkshire Police were mocked by online trolls about how young they looked.

Superintendent Helen Brear of West Yorkshire Police posted a photo on Twitter alongside the message: 'Welcome Alfie and Noah to Kirklees District. New student officers as part of our Police Uplift programme, #Policing family.'

All student officers must be over 18 to apply but keyboard bullies soon went into overdrive at the sight of the budding policemen standing with Supt Brear and another female officer.

But Supt Brear did not see the funny side and hit back, saying: 'I have been incredibly disappointed by some of the responses.

'Both of my colleagues passed the recruitment process and displayed they had the skills/abilities. Both will make great cops and I as their leader will ensure they reach their potential.'

West Yorkshire Police's website states that those applying to join the police 'must have reached 18' to become a student officer.

Their training combines a mixture of classroom learning and practical experience and if successful will gain a degree at the end of the three-year course.

Superintendent Helen Brear of West Yorkshire Police posted a photo on Twitter alongside the message: 'Welcome Alfie and Noah to Kirklees District. New student officers as part of our Police Uplift programme, #Policing family'

A profile of the student officer role states the 'key outputs' include 'arrest, detain or report individuals ensuring that they are dealt with appropriately in line with current guidance'.

Another is to 'interview, victims, witnesses and suspects' and officers must 'lead by example and behave in line with the Police Code of Ethics'.

'Essential' attributes for West Yorkshire officers is to 'communicate clearly', have a 'good command of English', basic computer skills, ability to pass a fitness test and ability to undertake biometric testing.

Last year the West Yorkshire force recruited 624 officers through its Uplift programme.

MailOnline has contacted West Yorkshire Police for comment.
A lord mayor has been accused of acting like a 'schoolgirl' who didn't get what she wanted after pushing to have a Voice to council in the wake of the crushing referendum defeat of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Independent Mayor Clover Moore wants the NSW Government to 'entrench' an already established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory panel into the Act that regulates Sydney City Council.

Undeterred by the 60 per cent of Australians who voted No in the referendum, the veteran mayor also wants council to 'progress' Voice manifesto The Uluru Statement from the Heart.

'Now is the time to demonstrate continued solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, leaders and communities by continuing to engage with them as our work continues,' Cllr Moore said on Monday.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is pushing for her council to have an Indigenous Voice enshrined

READ MORE: Waleed Aly and Steve Price clash over letter slamming the 8.8million Australians who voted No to the Voice Advertisement

Liberal Councillor Shaun Jarrett has accused Cllr Moore of acting like a 'school head girl who didn't get what she wanted'.

'She told us all we were morally reprehensible for voting not to support what she wanted us to do,' Cllr Jarrett told Sydney radio station 2GB.

'She said that she saw ugly Trumpian tactics and harmful misinformation that played to people's fears and gave rise to racism.'

Cllr Jarrett said the Sydney City's Indigenous advisory panel had already been operating for 15 years.

'In my time on council we have never actually had a report from them, so a lot of it is about ticking the box,' she said.

Talkback host Ben Fordham suggested that because the council area bucked the national trend and delivered around a 70 per cent Yes vote in favour of the Voice, Cllr Moore could claim to have a mandate.

However, Cllr Jarrett said that was unnecessary.

'She doesn't need that mandate. She already has an advisory panel in place, go ahead and use it properly, consult with them, enable what they would like to see done in our local communities in the city of Sydney,' she said.

'Don't go around virtue signally because she didn't get what she wanted.'

Sydney City Council spent an estimated $500,000 on promoting the Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Liberal Sydney City Council member Shauna Jarrett has slammed Lord Mayor Clover Moore for 'virtue signalling' with plans to establish an Indigenous Voice to Council

City of Sydney Council spent at least a half-a-million dollars of ratepayer money backing the Yes vote, but Cllr Jarrett said she couldn't sure of the total until an audit she requested was completed.

The package included $260,000 for a communications and engagement campaign, $160,000 for banners and up to $90,000 to support community events in landmark council venues such as Town Hall.

'It will be an awful lot of cash and donations in kind which could have been spent on Indigenous communities and other communities in the city of Sydney,' Cllr Jarrett said.

In August it was revealed the council had also gifted Yes supporters $25,000 of free office space in the city's CBD to help with their campaign.

The Yes23 team set up operations in prime CBD real estate in the form of Town Hall House on Kent Street for three months under the agreement with the council.
The Ministry of Justice is paying police 1million per week to hold prisoners in police cells after jails filled up.

In total the department has had to spend more than 30million housing 1,135 prisoners in police cells between February and July.

Known as Operation Safeguard, it has meant the taxpayer has, on average, funded 274 such cells per day.

It comes after crown court judges were ordered to delay sentencing hearings amid concerns that prisons in Britain have reached capacity.

Some prisoners may now be released early under new proposals from ministers to reduce prison occupancy.

The Ministry of Justice is paying police 1million per week to hold prisoners in police cells after jails filled up (pictured: file photo of HMP Wandsworth)

Graphic shows the most overpopulated prisons in the UK. The average annual prison population has quadrupled between 1900 and 2023, going from just over 17,400 to around 83,100 - according to official data

The average annual prison population has quadrupled between 1900 and 2023, going from just over 17,400 to around 83,100 - according to official data.

The busiest prison in the country is Leeds, which is currently operating at 173 per cent capacity.

This is followed by Durham (169%), Wandsworth (163%) and Lincoln (162%)  which all have a Category B security rating. Preston, Bradford, Leicester, and Doncaster are all at over 150% capacity.

New guidance in response to overcrowding means sex offenders and burglars could be let out on bail rather than handed an immediate custodial sentence.

The most dangerous criminals will reportedly have to be held in magistrates' court cells if they are remanded in custody.

Lord Edis, the senior presiding judge in England and Wales, has ordered the sentencing of convicted criminals currently on bail to be delayed from Monday, The Times reported.

The news has caused anger and disbelief among barristers, judges, and politicians across the country.

The busiest prison in the country is Leeds (pictured), which is currently operating at 173 per cent capacity

Graph shows the annual average prison population in England and Wales since 1900. The average annual prison population has quadrupled between 1900 and 2023, going from just over 17,400 to around 83,100 - according to official data

Leading criminal barrister Joanna Hardy-Susskind wrote on Twitter, it was dismal, while shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper labelled it 'truly, truly shocking'

The UK's prison population has increased substantially since the Covid pandemic in 2020 and, according to the latest figures, there are now 88,016 prisoners.

As of October 6, capacity across the whole prison estate stood at 88,667 - meaning there are only 651 spaces left.
A Palestinian man who moved from the UK back to Gaza just months before Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel has warned people 'will start killing each other for food' unless Israel's blockade of the bombarded strip is relaxed.

Emad Abuaassi, who is currently sheltering from Israeli bombs in a small flat stuffed full of 50 people in Khan Younis, told the BBC in a voice note: 'I reckon in the next two, three days people are going to start killing each other for a bit of food here.

'You go to buy a bit of bread, you'll see people stabbing each other just for the sake of a bag of bread.'

His stark warning encapsulates the horrific conditions facing the people of Gaza, who for more than two weeks have lived under constant threat of death from Israeli airstrikes while they watch food and water reserves dwindle after the IDF placed the isolated strip of land under siege.

It comes as The Times of Gaza - a social media account dedicated to documenting life in the strip, shared videos of Palestinian medical workers treating patients in total darkness with nothing but their phone screens and torches for illumination after hospitals ran out of power.

The desperate plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza led Human Rights Watch to accuse Israel of war crimes by 'deliberately deepening the suffering of civilians'.

But Israel has refused to let up on its brutal bombing campaign of Gaza even as Hamas released two elderly Israeli women snatched in the October 7 attacks with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi declaring: 'We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling.'

Palestinians recover the body of a young girl from the rubble of the destroyed Al Faseih family house following an airstrike in the Al Shatea refugee camp, Gaza, 24 October 2023

Relatives of the Al Faseih family mourn as relatives' bodies are carried at a hospital following an airstrike in the Al Shatea refugee camp, Gaza, 24 October 2023

Rescuers pull a child out of the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 24, 2023

An aerial view of destruction as the Israeli airstrikes continue on its 18th day in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on October 24, 2023

Palestinians look for survivors of Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Nusseirat refugee camp, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023

An aerial view of destruction as the Israeli airstrikes continue on its 18th day in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on October 24, 2023

Civil defense teams and residents conduct a search and rescue operation for Palestinians stuck under the debris of a destroyed building of Al Nwajha family after the Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, Gaza on October 24, 2023

An aerial view of destruction as the Israeli airstrikes continue on its 18th day in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on October 24, 2023

Referring to a much-anticipated ground invasion of Gaza by the Israeli Defence Forces, Halevi added: 'We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south. Troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now.'

Hamas has repeatedly offered to release hostages on the condition that Israel stops its bombing campaign of Gaza, which is believed to have killed more than 5,000 Palestinians since October 7.

But Israel has refused to negotiate, launching as yet unsuccessful raids across the border in an attempt to rescue hostages and declaring Gaza will continue to face the bombs until all hostages are released.

The IDF claimed it hit more than 400 militant targets in Gaza overnight and killed dozens of Hamas fighters, including three deputy battalion commanders.

The forces said one of the targets hit was a tunnel which allowed Hamas to infiltrate Israel from the sea and Hamas command centres in mosques.

But the Ramallah-based Palestinian Foreign Ministry said airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed more than 700 people in the past day as medical facilities across the territory were forced to close because of bombing damage and a lack of power.

Meanwhile, the two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover of the two elderly hostages, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials.

Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militant's hand.

A man carrying the body of a child mourns during a funeral of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 24, 2023

A mourner reacts amidst the bodies as people attend a funeral of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes

Palestinian civil defense workers search for victims and survivors among the rubble of a destroyed family house following an Israeli air strike in Gaza City

Relatives of Palestinians, stuck under the debris of a destroyed building of Abu Hasanain family, mourn as they conduct a search and rescue operation for after the Israeli airstrike has been going on for 18th days in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on October 24, 2023

People conduct a search and rescue operation for Palestinians stuck under the debris

Palestinians inspect a petrol station that was hit in an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 24, 2023

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has said Israel is pushing for a complete dismantling of Hamas

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak) who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released by the militants, in this video screengrab obtained by Reuters on October 23, 2023

Yocheved said she shook the hand of the Hamas terrorist because they 'treated us very nicely'

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were taken to a hospital shortly after they were released by Hamas

The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas' Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

'While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those - some 200 innocent people - who remain hostages in Gaza,' Lifshitz' daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who uses a different spelling for her name, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

'I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles' lives were saved because' of acts of kindness, she said.

'Do I want that to be the story here?' she asked. 'Yeah.'

Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were also freed.

Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak) who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released by the militants

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak, not pictured) who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are transported after being released by the militants to Israel

Yocheved Lifshitz, who was held hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants, is assisted after being released by the militants, in Rafah, Egypt, October 23, 2023, in this still image taken from video

Yocheved Lifshitz, who was held hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants, is embraced after being released by the militants, in Rafah, Egypt

Israel's escalation of its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion that the U.S. and other allies fear could spark a wider conflict in the region.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, meeting with the families of others held hostage in Gaza before heading to talks with top Israeli officials.

Gaza's 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack. A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Monday carrying only a tiny fraction of the cargo aid groups say is necessary.

With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza.

Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel - mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

Israel says it does not target civilians and says Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, but Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to reveal sensitive negotiations.

In response, Israel's Military Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday that the military was 'ready and determined' for the next stage in the war and was awaiting political instruction.

He said Israel was learning from U.S. experience in the Middle East but 'our war is on our borders, not thousands of miles from Israel,' adding that he was expecting weeks of fighting ahead.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.
An elderly woman who wished 'peace' on her Hamas captors has revealed the degrading abuse they inflicted on her while being held hostage for 16 days in Gaza.

Footage on Monday evening showed Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, saying 'shalom', which means peace in Hebrew, to a Hamas gunman, and shaking his hand, before leaving with a Red Cross worker after spending more than two weeks as a hostage.

Yocheved, wheelchair-bound and dressed head-to-toe in black, spoke to reporters from Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv with her daughter, British citizen Sharone Lifshitz, 52, on Tuesday.

She told reporters that the Hamas terrorists viciously attacked her community in their homes on October 7, and that she was beaten with a stick as she was being taken into Gaza.

'They stormed into our homes. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young without distinction,' she said.

She added: 'The young men hit me on the way. They didn't break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing.'

Yocheved's daughter added: 'My mum was saying she was taken on the back of a motorbike, with her legs on one side and her head on another. She was taken through ploughed fields, with men on one side and men behind her.

'While she was taken, she was hit with sticks until they reached tunnels. There, they walked for a few kilometres on the wet ground.'

Sharone said her elderly mother suffered from bruises and shortness of breath following the beating: 'When I was on the bike, my legs were on one side and the rest of my body on the other side. The young men hit me on the way. They didn't break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing.'

Yocheved (pictured, right) went back and shook a Hamas terrorist's hand

Yocheved said she shook the hand of the Hamas terrorist because they 'treated us very nicely'

Nurit Yitzhak and Yocheved Lifshitz arrive at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center after being held captive by Hamas since October 7

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was released as hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants, is seen with her husband Oded, 83, who is still being held

She was taken into Gaza via the notorious underground tunnels used by Hamas, after her jewelry and her watch was taken off her.

But despite this treatment, Yocheved's love of fellow man could not be diminished.

When asked why she shook the Hamas terrorist's hand, she said: 'Because they treated us very nicely.'

Though much of the press conference was in Hebrew, her daughter answered several questions in English on her mother's behalf.

Sharone said: 'They seemed really prepared, like they had concealed it for a long time. They took care of all the women's needs, shampoo, conditioner.'

She added that her mother said it wasn't only women who were well looked-after, but all prisoners taken by Hamas.

'One of the men was badly injured by a motorbike accident on the way, he was treated by paramedics. They kept the place clean, they were very concerned about them.'

She was taken into Gaza via the notorious underground tunnels used by Hamas.

'There are a huge network of tunnels underneath, it looked like a spiderweb.'

Sharone said that she was first taken to Abasan al-Kabira, near Kibbutz Beeri and Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip. After that, she did not know to where she was taken.

Yocheved spoke to dozens of reporters at the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv on Tuesday

She was returned by Hamas terrorists on Monday night

Her daughter Sharone (pictured, left) answered several questions on her behalf

She was seen in high spirits at the press conference

Yocheved was stuck in a wheelchair, following her 16-day ordeal in Hamas' hands

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were taken to a hospital shortly after they were released by Hamas

She added, on behalf of her mother: 'When they arrived they arrived to a large hall where about 25 hostages were gathered. After two or three hours five of them were taken into a separate room.

'She said they were very friendly towards them, they took care of them, they were given medicine.

'They took care of us. They made sure that we could be clean and eat, they gave us pita bread, cucumber, hard cheese and low fat cream cheese and that was our food for the entire day.'

She said that each guard was assigned a prisoner, and they would talk and eat with them every day.

On top of this, a doctor would examine the hostages every day, and provide them with any necessary medication.

Sharone added that the terrorists were surprisingly worried about cleanliness: 'They were very concerned with hygiene and were worried about an outbreak of something. We had toilets which they cleaned every day," she continued.'

'My mum is saying they told them they were Muslims and that they're not going to hurt them.

Despite her positive attitude to the horrific situation, she admitted: 'I went through hell.'

She said that her watch and jewelry were taken away from her

She said 'shalom' to the masked gunman, the Hebrew word for peace or harmony

She said that she was disappointed by the IDF's fence failing to prevent the attack on Israel

She said her mother was disappointed with Israel's lack of preparation for the Hamas attack on October 7.

'A swarm of people came through the fence, which cost 2.5 billion shekels (500 million), and it didn't help even a little bit.

'Three weeks ago, masses arrived at the fence. The IDF did not take it seriously. We were left to fend for ourselves. The lack of knowledge in the IDF and the Shin Bet severely affected us.

'We were the scapegoats, they had warned us three weeks before but the masses came to our roads and burnt our fields, they sent balloons with fire and they burnt our fields - the IDF didn't take that seriously.

'On Saturday morning, everything was quiet and then there was huge shelling on our community. it exploded the huge fence that was there, they opened the gates of the kibbutz and entered on masses, that was very very tough, I have all these images in my mind.'

Sharone said: 'My mum is very much hoping that all the people that were with her will come back. And the story is not over until everyone comes back.

Yocheved, along with fellow hostage Nurit Cooper, were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre, while their husbands remain in Gaza as hostages.

Yocheved, known by friends as Yochi, was kidnapped from her home alongside her husband, Oded, 83.

The elderly women have since been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces custody and are currently in Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Hamas said it released the pair for humanitarian reasons, days after freeing an American woman and her teenage daughter.

Sharone confirmed the news of her mother's rescue on Monday night, admitting she 'could not put into words' how 'relieved' she was.

She said: 'I can confirm that my mother Yochi (Yocheved) Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening.

'While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those - some 200 innocent people - who remain hostages in Gaza.'

Sharone told Radio 4 on Tuesday: 'I arrived, my mum is asleep, she was given a pill so I'm yet to have a real conversation with her.

Nurit Cooper, 79, was also handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing 'a short time ago' and will 'shortly be transferred' to Israel, an official statement said

'My brother's with her, my mum is okay, the nurses have been having a chat [with her], they said she's very sharp and she's very keen to share information to families of other hostages she was with.

'She seems okay. It's really hard to know what to hope for, so much is lost. To see my mum again is an incredible thing, to hold her hand, to kiss her face and her cheek.

'I'm so proud of her, she's amazing. Just the way she walked off and then came back and said "thank you" was quite incredible to me, I've been looking at [the video] and it's just... it's so her.

'I'm really waiting to have a bit of quality time with her.'

'She knows a lot about other [hostages]. There's still over 200 people there, and we must work towards the release of everybody.'

Sharone said that as happy as she is about her mother's safe release, she is still worried about her father.

'My mum doesn't know where [my father] is,' she told Radio 4.

'Both of them are very loving people, family people. The week before, they had over 20 people visiting. They really loved hosting family.

Yocheved was seen meeting people at the hospital she was taken to after her 16-day ordeal

Her daughter Sharone said that despite her difficulties, she is very willing to talk about the other hostages held by Hamas

Sharone said she hasn't yet been able to have a proper conversation with Yocheved yet

Yocheved's husband is still being held by Hamas terrorists

'My father was very involved in kibbutz politics. He was very involved in the rights of Palestinians, and working towards peace with our neighbours.

'His whole life was [dedicated to] the idea that we have to find a way to live together. He felt that it was very easy to find a way, and was very disappointed and fought very hard against this idea of occupation, of perpetual war.

'I hope that he's there and that he's being looked after. There was a doctor there, so this brings a lot of comfort to everybody.'

Ms Lifshitz, from London, had spoken to the media earlier on Monday about how she had not heard from either of her parents since Hamas's ambush more than two weeks' ago that left 1,400 people dead.

She described them as having complex health needs, telling Times Radio that her father had recorded high blood pressure the night before he was captured.

Ms Lifshitz shared her story with MailOnline earlier this month, in the hope to spread awareness and bring her parents home.

'My father is 83 and my mother is 85. She needs oxygen and he has a lung disease. They cannot survive on their own in this environment', she said at the time.

'What kind of person would do this? In my life I just cannot imagine a type of person that could do this.

'My father is not the enemy. He spent his retirement driving Palestinians from the border to and from the hospital. He is not the enemy. He believes in humanity in all people.'

She issued a chilling plea at the time, saying: 'This is our moment of reckoning. It's bigger than the Yom Kippur War, it's bigger than 9/11. This is what Israel was founded for, so we weren't running or hiding, or shot in our own homes and chased to our deaths. But it is happening.

'This whole place has been erased like a little Jewish village in wartime Russia. There is no difference. It does not exist anymore.

In a clip shared of their release, Yocheved can be seen crawling out the back of a white truck, before walking towards an ambulance with the help of two officials

Yocheved can be seen talking to one of the officials as she has medical tests

Yocheved's grandson Daniel said he was feeling 'very emotional and happy' of her return

'Now is not the time to do anything but fight for the safe return of our people. Once they have returned, we can rise from the ashes. But we need to get these people home.

'The time is short and it is running out - they will not survive. We cannot sit here and talk about who's done what. Not until we've brought them home.

'The British Government must do everything in their power to help the safe return of these people. We don't want to ignite, we want to save.'

In another clip shared of their release, Yocheved can be seen crawling out the back of a white truck, before walking towards an ambulance with the help of two officials.

Meanwhile Nurit is lying down and wheeled in an ambulance stretcher.

Both women appear to be without obvious physical injuries as they are checked and monitored by ICRC staff wearing vests bearing the red cross.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the department welcomed the release of two further hostages, three days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were let go.

A spokeswoman said: 'Our thoughts remain with the families of loved ones still being held captive, as they endure unimaginable anguish and worry at this time.

'We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.'

The FCDO's statement comes as the number of British people confirmed to have died in Hamas attacks has risen to 12.

Qatar is seen as a key mediator in the Middle East conflict, with Doha using its ties to Hamas - a number of figures from the Gaza-ruling group's political wing are said to live in the country - to negotiate for the release of about 220 hostages taken during the deadly assault on Israel more than two weeks ago.

Reuters reported on Monday that the US is keeping Doha in the loop of negotiations with Israel to delay its ground assault, as Washington tried to free more hostages and prepares for a wider conflict across the region to begin.

One US official said the Biden administration, staying mindful of Doha's role as an intermediary with Hamas, was keeping Qatari officials informed of its advice to Israel so that they are fully up-to-speed as hostage negotiations continue.

'For now, there's no clear roadmap or sequence of the steps towards complete de-escalation. The priority is on working to get the hostages out step-by-step,' said a source briefed on the hostage negotiations.

Further pleas for Hamas to give up its hostages are expected to be made on Tuesday during a press conference with affected families at the Israeli Embassy in London.

READ MORE: Obama criticizes Israel for cutting off water and food supply to Gaza Advertisement

It comes as Hamas is reportedly planning to release 50 hostages with dual citizenship from the Gaza Strip, sources in Gaza told Israel media on Monday.

The Red Cross has reportedly been dispatched to receive the captives who were kidnapped during the Islamist terror attack on Israel on October 7.

Qatar has taken a central role in mediating the handover which is set to take place in Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, according to Israel TV channel i24.

Israel has refrained from bombarding the area in order to facilitate the transfer, according to the sources in the Strip.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari did not deny the report, according to The Times of Israel. An earlier report by the New York Times said that the Israeli government believe Hamas may release about 50 hostages who are dual citizens - but that a ground invasion would hinder their release.

Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel have been in talks in recent days over a proposal to release a larger group in return for a steady flow of humanitarian aid, including fuel, three officials familiar with the talks said.

But Israeli officials have also reportedly said they want all hostages released before permitting the delivery of fuel. Israeli officials have also told negotiators they believe Hamas and other militant groups could divert fuel for military purposes.

The negotiations have reached an advanced stage, but Israel hasn't given approval for fuel to be delivered to Gaza via Egypt, according to the three officials.

Thomas White, the Gaza director of the UN agency for refugees, UNRWA, said on Monday that the humanitarian agency has only three days of fuel left for its trucks.

Distribution of aid will grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel its trucks, the UN said, meaning that hospitals in Gaza will struggle to keep working.

'The health system has reached the worst point in its history,' Gazan Health Minister Ashraf al-Qudra said on Tuesday via Telegram.

Eight of Gazas 24 publicly run hospitals have closed since the wars start, according to Palestinian officials. Eight of the health centers run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees have also shut.

Doctors at remaining hospitals work with limited electricity and medications.

Meanwhile, a senior Hamas leader claimed that the civilian hostages in Gaza will be freed if Israel meets the right conditions.

Khaled Meshaal, one of the key negotiators of the terrorist organisation, has said that over 200 hostages held by the group could be released if Israel reduces the intensity of the bombing in Gaza.

'Let them stop this aggression and you will find the mediators like Qatar and Egypt and some Arab countries and others will find a way to have them released and we'll send them to their homes,' he told Sky News.

He said hostage releases cannot happen while Israel's air offensive remains so intense.

Khaled Meshaal has claimed that the civilian hostages in Gaza will be freed if Israel meets the right conditions

Meshaal, one of the key negotiators of the terrorist organisation, has said that over 200 hostages held by the group could be released if Israel reduces the intensity of the bombing in Gaza

'We want to stop the random bombardments, the total destruction, the genocide so that the al Qassam soldiers can take them from their places and hand them to the Red Cross or whoever.

'We need the right conditions to allow them to be released.'

Meshaal repeated the claim that 22 hostages have died in Israeli airstrikes since being taken.

Hamas will not say which countries they are from but says many of the dead are Israelis.

He would also not be drawn on whether Hamas will stop hostage negotiations entirely if Israel presses ahead with a ground invasion of Gaza.

Khaled Meshaal is a powerful figure within Hamas, revered as a living martyr after surviving an Israeli attempt to assassinate him almost three decades ago.

It comes after an Illinois teenager released on Friday by Hamas after 13 days in captivity is 'doing very well,' her father said, with footage showing the dramatic moment she and her mother were handed over to the Red Cross.

Natalie Shoshana Raanan, 17, and her mother Judith Tai Raanan, 59, arrived back in Israel late on Friday, the Israeli government confirmed, having left Gaza via an Egyptian-controlled crossing.

The Raanans walked out of Gaza without obvious visible physical injuries, getting out of a car and then being surrounded by ICRC staff wearing vests bearing the red cross. The pair then got into a Red Cross vehicle and drove away.

They are receiving medical treatment, the governor of Illinois said, without providing details of their condition. The deal to free the pair was brokered by Qatar.

Her brother, Ben, joked that he was 'annoyed' because she still looked 'like a supermodel', despite her ordeal.

'She's doing good. She's doing very good,' said Uri Raanan, 71, who lives in the Chicago suburbs, adding that they did not discuss where she was held or her conditions in captivity.

'She did not tell me anything. But she told me they treat her nice, and she was doing very good.

'I'm going to hug her and kiss her, and it's going to be the best day of my life.'

Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan arrived back in Israel late on Friday, the Israeli government confirmed

Natalie Raanan and her mother Judith are seen speaking to Joe Biden, in a photo released on Friday night by the US embassy in Israel

Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels 'wonderful. The best news,' Uri Raanan said.

He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early this week.

'I spoke with my daughter earlier today - she sounds good, and she looks good,' he told a press conference outside his home.

'I spoke with President Biden. I thanked him for his concern, in releasing them. He was very nice.

'I spoke to Governor Pritzker and he was nice.

'And hopefully I will see them next week. Next week is Natalie's birthday, and we will celebrate it here.'

The father said he first learnt of the possible release through Israeli television, and then received a call from the IDF.

He described the last 13 days as 'the worst situation,' adding that he had been kept in the dark by their captors.

'I did not sleep at night and my head was always in Israel,' he said.

'Lots of phone calls, lots of TV. I've been glued to the tv for two weeks, hoping for good news - and finally it came.'

He added: 'I did not lose hope. Praying, and just waiting for this moment.'

Anthony Blinken, the Secretary of State, said Hamas is still feared to be holding 10 Americans hostage.

The Secretary of State revealed the number still missing during a press conference in which he announced the release of Judith and Natalie Raanan.

Blinken said he had no further information to offer on the 'status or condition' of the Americans still believed to be in Hamas custody following the October 7 terror attacks.

Israeli soldiers carry the coffins of Sgt. Yam Goldstein and her father, Nadav, during their funeral in Kibbutz Shefayim

Israel have been holding funerals for those attacked in the Hamas massacre

Several memorial sites have been set up across Israel in the wake of the deadly Hamas attack on October 7

'I can't speak publicly about the details of these efforts, and I know you understand that, but the urgent work to free every single American, to free all other hostages continues  as does our work to secure the safe passage out of Gaza for the Americans who are trapped there,' he said.

'In this particular instance, I want to thank the Government of Qatar for their very important assistance.'

He also refused to comment further on how the Raanans are doing after being handed over.

Israel responded to the Hamas massacre and hostage crisis by pounding Gaza with air strikes, killing more than 4,000 people according to Hamas, and has said it will act to free the hostages while wiping out the terror group.

Israeli tanks and troops are massed near the perimeter of the enclave for an expected ground invasion, calling on Palestinians to evacuate the north of Gaza, where it says Hamas is dug in.

Israel has also said that there will be no end to its full blockade of the enclave unless Israeli hostages are freed.

Hamas says it has some 200 hostages and that 50 more are held by other armed groups in the enclave.

The group claimed more than 20 hostages have been killed by Israeli air strikes, but has not given any further details.
Two mosques have been targeted by suspected firebombings, as many Muslim Australians say they are being subjected to Islamophobic abuse in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas.

A gas cylinder was set on fire outside the Al-Khalil Mosque in north-west Adelaide about 2am on Monday and a fire was deliberately lit outside the Marion Mosque in the city's south four days earlier.

Fire crews were forced to put out the gas cylinder inferno, while a member of the public extinguished the first blaze.

'Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we are aware that the wider community strongly condemns these cowardly acts,' the Islamic Society of SA posted on Facebook.

A gas cylinder was set on fire outside the Al-Khalil Mosque in north-west Adelaide around 2am on Monday (pictured) and a fire was deliberately lit outside the Marion Mosque in the city's south four days earlier (below)

The organisation said members of the community are fearing for their safety, with calls for the media and politicians to stop presenting a 'one-sided' view of the conflict that is inflaming the situation at home.

But a spokesperson for SA Police said they do not believe the fires are linked or that they were racially motivated.

Ahmed Zreika, Islamic Society of SA President, told The Advertiser he believed the incidents were 'hate crimes.'

'This is a hate crime because the perpetrator committed the offence due to their hatred towards Muslims,' Mr Zreika said.

'There is no doubt that what is happening in Palestine and Israel, and the support of western media and politicians for Israel has fuelled this mindset among a certain segment of people, causing fear of Islam and Muslims to increase.'

Nobody was injured as a result of the incidents but Islamophobic comments directed at the mosques and a school with a large proportion of Muslim students have increased significantly, according to an Islamic Society spokeswoman.

She said that embers of the community had been told to 'Go back to where you came from' and 'we don't want you here'.

South Australian senator and opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham denounced the abuse against Islamic Australians.

The Islamic Society of SA condemned the incidents - but police said they believe the two fires are not linked and that they were not radically motivated

Fire crews were forced to extinguish the gas cylinder blaze outside the Al-Khalil Mosque in north-west Adelaide (pictured)

'Islamophobia is to be condemned, just as is antisemitism and all hateful acts motivated by faith, race or other attributes,' he posted on X.

'Australians of any faith or none should feel safe and welcome.'

The Australian Islamophobia Register has received a tenfold increase in reports of Islamophobic incidents via their online form.

Despite the abuse felt by the Islamic community in Australia, their concerns are primarily with those in the conflict zone who face the threat of death daily.

'What we are experiencing is nothing compared to what the Palestinians are experiencing and our prayers are with them,' the SA Islamic Society spokeswoman said.
Do you know where Katherine's flute is? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk

A top musician who launched an urgent appeal to find her 'beloved' 10,000 flute revealed she felt 'physically sick' after it was stolen on a train.

Heartbroken flautist Katherine Bryan, who is the principal flute for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, had her treasured instrument snatched on Monday morning on a train to Brighton.

The valuable Brannen silver Millennium 5320 was in a beige rucksack when it was taken between Farringdon and East Croydon railway stations.

Discussing the loss of her treasured instrument, which she has owned for 12 years, Ms Bryan told The Daily Mail: 'When I realised it wasnt there I felt physically sick. Its worth about 15,000.'

She added: Flutes are very personal to the player. Thats why its so devastating when you lose one.

The British Transport Police has launched an investigation into the theft and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Do you know where Katherine's flute is? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk

Katherine Bryan's valuable Brannen silver Millennium 5320 was in a beige rucksack when it was stolen between Farringdon and East Croydon railway stations

The flute is believed to have been stashed in this beige bag when it was stolen

Ms Bryan, 41, lives near Glasgow with her husband Kennedy, a musician, and their five-year-old son Torben.

She was appointed to the prestigious position of principal flute with the RSNO when she was just 21.

She is due to play concerts in Edinburgh on Friday and Glasgow on Saturday and has had to borrow a replacement flute in the meantime.

Discussing the stop-gap instrument, Ms Bryan said: 'Its nice but Im not used to it. Im hoping I still sound like me.'

The devastated musician revealed her flute had been stolen on Monday evening in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

She wrote: 'Today my beloved flute was taken. It was in a beige rucksack, stolen between Platform 3 at Farringdon and East Croydon Station, on the 9.34 train to Brighton. Flute is a Brannen silver Millennium 5320 with a silver Lafin headjoint w/gold lip plate. Please share!'

Several other musicians responded to her post, with some giving advice.

Fellow flautist Jack William Reddick even said he would monitor pawn broker sites as he had spotted one belonging to Royal Philharmonic Orchestra member Helen Keen after it went missing.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman told MailOnline in a statement yesterday that the force had 'received a report of a suspected bag theft yesterday morning (23 October) on a train between Farringdon and East Croydon. The bag contained a high value flute.

'Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 198 of 23/10/23.'

Ms Bryan regularly appears as a concerto soloist with leading orchestras worldwide, and has performed with the likes of the the New York Philharmonic, Halle, Nurnberger Symphoniker, Helsinki Philharmonic orchestras.

The talented musician has also worked with the acclaimed London Philharmonic, BBC Scottish, Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony orchestras.

Speaking of the theft, a spokesman for Govia Thameslink Railway said: 'We'll do everything we can to support the police in their investigation and reunite Katherine with her precious flute.'

Heartbroken flautist Katherine Bryan, who is the principal flute for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, has launched an urgent appeal to try and find her flute

Ms Bryan has become the latest musician to fall foul of thieves prowling Britain's railways in recent years.

In November 2021, police launched a manhunt to find a man who stole a 40,000 bassoon accidentally left on the train by musician Stuart Russell.

Mr Russell left the rare woodwind instrument in the carriage on the Lewes to Brighton service in East Sussex, on October 19.

Mr Russell had placed the classical instrument in the overhead luggage compartment but he forgot to retrieve it when he left the train at Brighton just after 2pm.

As he walked away, he realised his mistake and rushed back to the platform but the train had already departed back to Lewes, police said.

Another passenger, who noticed it had been left behind, lifted the bassoon and got off at Southwick, West Sussex.

Mr Russell posted on Instagram: 'The bassoon is an unusual instrument. It is a custom-made professional gentleman model bassoon made by Ben Bell (Canada) in 2013.

'[It has] serial number 116 and is stamped "made In Canada" on the joints.

'It was in a gentleman's model black Bonna backpack case containing Vonk leg rest attachment, 2 crooks and two reed cases and other bassoon accessories.

'This is a precious and personal instrument to me. Any knowledge of its whereabouts please contact me.'

In a previous theft in 2021, musician Stuart Russell (pictured) mistakenly left the carriage without taking his bassoon with him - which was then stolen

Following the theft, he shared images of the 40,000 classical instrument on Instagram in an effort to track it down

Two years earlier, in October 2019, musician Stephen Morris was left heartbroken after he forgot his 310-year-old antique violin on the train.

The 'piece of history' - worth 250,000 - was one of only a few made by master craftsman David Tecchler in 1709 and the distraught violist likened losing it to having a limb lopped off.

Mr Morris left the instrument, which he bought in 2003, on the London to Orpington service, and was forced to use his wife's violin to lead the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in concert.

The musician, who has also played on film scores including Lord of the Rings and James Bond and recorded with David Bowie and Stevie Wonder, launched a desperate appeal for his prized possession to be returned.

'It's devastating to lose it and quite apart from its value, it's my livelihood,' he told the BBC at the time.

'I was really only its custodian - one of many people who have played it - and I had hoped to pass it on to another violinist eventually.'

Mr Morris, from Sydenham, London, added losing the rare instrument was 'like having my arm cut off'.

'The way my instrument responds is like having a limb - your hand and brain know exactly where to go when playing,' he said.

Stephen Morris, who left the 250,000 instrument on the London to Orpington service in October 2019

The 'piece of history' was one of only a few made by master craftsman David Tecchler in 1709 and the distraught violist likened losing it to having a limb lopped off

In 2015, a drunk commuter who stole a 300,000 viola which had been left on train by a leading member of the London Symphony Orchestra, was spared jail.

Stephen Tillyer grabbed the antique instrument, along with two bows worth 35,000 each, after getting drunk on the way home to Hawkinge in Kent.

Edward Vanderspar, the LSO's joint principal viola player, accidentally abandoned his viola on the train when he got off in a rush in January, 2015.

Tillyer was then caught on CCTV taking it, as well as a schoolboy's rucksack which had also been left, and getting off the train at Folkestone West station.

After Mr Vanderspar reported the loss of his viola, police identified Tillyer from the footage and confronted him when he returned to the station two days later.

He told PC Jack Tomlin: 'This is a mistake. I haven't stolen anything. I picked something up on the train.'

He was sentenced to a six-month jail sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Recorder John Haines told Tillyer: 'You had ample opportunity to hand those items to a member of staff and ample opportunity to report the fact you found them.'

Do you know where Katherine's flute is? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk
A British woman has died after she slipped on a patch of ice while descending Mount Kenya and fell hundreds of feet off the edge of a rock face.

Shilpa Shah, 60, from London, lost her footing while climbing back down from a successful hike to the mountain's third highest summit, Point Lenana, on Thursday.

Her guide, a Kenyan man named Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi, valiantly lunged to grab her - only to be pulled along with her over the edge.

The rest of the climbing group, seven women and their guides, could only watch on in horror as their friend and colleague disappeared down the side of Africa's second-highest mountain.

Their bodies were recovered on Friday afternoon after rescue teams were forced to make several attempts due to bad weather conditions.

Shilpa Shah, 60, from London, lost her footing while scrambling back down Mount Kenya (pictured) last week

Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, standing at 5,199m (17,057ft). October falls within the short rainy season in East Africa, and stretches of the Naro Moru route can be rendered increasingly difficult when rainfall makes part of the trails muddy, or slippery when the water frosts over

Kelvin's colleagues have set up a fund to provide support to his wife and their young child.

Robert Kamura, who was close to Kelvin and helped organise the fund, shared his grief on Facebook, saying: 'My friend has rested. Our hearts are broken.'

'May his soul transition to the afterlife peacefully,' he wrote, before adding: '[Kelvin] always wore a smile and was an incredibly kind and positive human.'

'Kelvin, a renowned Mount Kenya guide, passed away on [Friday, October 20] while assisting a hiker on a slippery slope,' a tribute to the guide read.

'Both slid down the ridge and perished. The hiker is identified as Shilpa Shah, a UK national.

'Our prayers go out to both families during this difficult time of mourning and beyond.

'Kevin leaves behind a young family (wife and toddler). We are joining hands to support the family in various ways.

'Go well, Kevin. Continue smiling gracefully in the afterlife.'

Kelvin's body was returned to a hospital in central Kenya to be collected by his family, while Shilpa's remains were flown to Nairobi.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Kenya and are in contact with local authorities.'

Peaks Lenana (left) and Batian (right) are seen in Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya

Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, standing an impressive 5,200m (17,050ft).

The route on which Shilpa and Kelvin lost their lives, the Naro Moru, is not considered a particularly challenging path and does not require technical climbing experience to complete.

But October falls within the short rainy season in East Africa, and stretches of the Naro Moru route can be rendered increasingly difficult when rainfall makes part of the trails muddy, or slippery when the water frosts over.

The fatal descent on Thursday saw the climbing group tackle large patches of ice and considerable snowfall.

Despite being located just a few miles from the equator, Mount Kenya is home to some 11 glaciers, providing rock and ice climbing that offers a different challenge to the much-loved Mount Kilimanjaro.
The girlfriend of a Russian tycoon who died in mysterious circumstances is locked in a legal battle with his ex-wife and his children over his 'missing' 100million will - which includes the rights to a 12million mansion in Surrey.

Businessman Vladimir Alekseyevich Scherbakov, 56, died in June 2017 while he was being investigated by the Kremlin on charges of fraud - despite reportedly being confident that he was about to be absolved at the time of his death.

An elite member of London's private clubs, his assets include the home in England he shared with partner Brigita Morina.

His last will, made in the country two years before he died, left most of his wealth to her and their children - but it has gone missing, and Ms Morina is in a court fight against Scherbakov's adult children, Olga Scherbakova and Alexander Scherbakov, along with their mother Elena Scherbakova.

They say their father 'must have torn up' the allegedly missing will naming Ms Morina as his beneficiary because he wanted his eldest offspring to share in his fortune.

However, Ms Morina, 42, claims the will was 'misappropriated' by someone connected to the siblings in an attempt to extort 30million from her in exchange for its return.

Russian billionaire Vladimir Alekseyevich Scherbakov died in 2017 as he was being investigated by the Kremlin

Scherbakov had been living with girlfriend Brigita Morina (pictured left) at 12million Granville House in Surrey, which is among the assets contested in his 100m will

She insists the siblings must have been involved in the 'suppression' of the will, but the pair - representing themselves in court - both deny all knowledge of such a plot.

Court documents detail that Scherbakov had Olga and Alexander with Elena, but the pair split and he went on to form a relationship with Ms Morina - the former creative director of luxury Swiss watchmaker DeLaneau - in 2010.

He spent his time with her in England, where he owned 12million Granville House, his mansion in Weybridge, Surrey, as well as a multi-million-pound townhouse in Belgravia, central London, and a 400,000 wine collection.

He was a member of prestigious London clubs including the Arts Club, in Dover Street, and Mayfair's 5 Hertford Street, and proposed to Ms Morina at a Knightsbridge restaurant in 2015.

However, he left the UK for Belgium in 2016 to avoid extradition to Russia amid an investigation into an alleged banking fraud, which was ultimately dropped - and died the next year.

At the High Court in London, Ms Morina and the adult children are now fighting over his final will, which left Ms Morina and her family almost all his non-Russian assets, said to be worth 'in excess of 100million'.

But the will is unaccounted for, and Olga and Alexander insist their dad must have destroyed it because he no longer wanted Ms Morina to benefit from so much of his fortune.

Opening the case, Ms Morina's barrister Hodge Malek KC said the will could not have been destroyed, because it was examined by an expert in the course of an alleged extortion attempt against her.

He said an offer had been made to hand over the document in exchange for 35million (30million) and it was analysed forensically during a meeting in Paris.

'[Ms Morina's] case is that the original English will existed after Vladimir's death,' he told the court.

'It was inspected...for the purposes of verifying that it is the original. As such, as a matter of English law, Vladimir did not revoke the English will.'

He said the will 'was - at an unknown point in time - misappropriated and has since been suppressed by certain persons who have refused to deliver it up unless Ms Morina pays a substantial ransom sum'.

Vladimir Scherbakov's adult children from his marriage, Alexander and Olga, both pictured outside the High Court in London, are staking their claim to their father's fortune

Brigita Morina, girlfriend of Vladimir Scherbakov at the time of his death, pictured outside the High Court

Although they firmly deny involvement and say the extortion claim was a 'set-up', Mr Malek says the 'irresistible inference' from the evidence is that the siblings were involved in the 'suppression' of the will.

He said they and their mother - who has stopped actively participating in the case despite being a party - had 'attacked [Ms Morina] on multiple fronts, at great human and emotional cost'.

It included denigrating the quality of her relationship with Vladimir, which they characterised as an 'affair' or 'romantic relationship,' when in fact it was a 'lasting and deep-rooted relationship'.

The Times reports that Elena is serving a jail sentence in Russia after allegedly falsifying a marriage contract.

'[Ms Morina's] case is that Vladimir consistently intended to provide for her and their children upon his death pursuant to the provisions of the English will,' the barrister told Mrs Justice Bacon.

'In response, the adult children complain that because Vladimir made substantial provision for Ms Morina during his lifetime, it cannot have been Vladimir's intention to make generous provision on his death.

'However, she submits such provision is consistent with Vladimir's continued love for Ms Morina and their children and the fact that his family with Ms Morina was the centre of his life.'

Mr Malek said the relationship between the adult children and Vladimir had 'remained strained and distant' up to the time he died, but he had already looked after them financially.

'Despite their strained relationship, Vladimir had provided generously for them, to the point where he considered he had fulfilled his sense of obligation to support them,' he told the judge.

'As such, it is unsurprising that the English will does not provide for Olga and reduces Alexander's inheritance.'

He said the adult children claim that it should be 'inferred' that Vladimir destroyed the will with the intention to revoke it because their relationship had improved between 2015 and the time of his death.

But he continued: 'Vladimir enjoyed a loving relationship with Ms Morina and their children, which endured until his death.

'The execution of the English will was consistent with Vladimir's intention to provide for those he loved.

'Given his consistent use of lawyers, it is unlikely that Vladimir would have destroyed the English will and relied on an undetermined intestacy regime to carry out the monumental task of disposing of his assets on his death.

'His relationship with the adult children did not improve after the execution of the English will such that he would have intended to benefit them more than he had already done so.'

'Vladimir did not know that the original English will had fallen into the hands of a third party.

'He would not have intended to die intestate. If he had known that the original English will was lost into the hands of a third party, he would have made a new will.'

Ms Morina is also asking the court to declare that Mr Scherbakov was 'domiciled' in Russia at the time of his death, but resident in England, and that his English will is valid.

Olga and Alexander are fighting her application for a grant of probate and want a declaration that he was domiciled in Belgium at his death and died intestate.

They have not yet formally opened their case in the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

A preliminary hearing for the case, in 2021, heard that Scherbakov had fled to Belgium from Britain to avoid being extradited to Russia after authorities there opened a fraud investigation.

The court was told he had been 'excited' to be able to return to London after learning that the Kremlin investigation was going to be dropped in April 2017.

However, he was said to be waiting for the prosecution to formally drop the case when he was found dead in Belgium two months later, reportedly hanged.

The High Court battle is the latest in a line of legal battles between Scherbakov's two families.

Following his death, the families fought in a Belgian court over his remains, which resulted in a judge handing the right to dispose of their father's body to his adult children.

In another struggle, involving his offshore business interests in the British Virgin Isles, his companies were said by a judge to have 'at least a nine-figure dollar value'.
He was arrested over alleged incident

A Victorian MP who was kicked out of the parliamentary Labor Party after allegations he assaulted a woman has been arrested by police over the alleged incident.

Former Ringwood MP Will Fowles was stood down in August after the office of the then Premier Daniel Andrews had received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault by the politician.

Victoria Police spokesman confirmed on Tuesday Sexual Crimes Squad detectives had executed a warrant at a Ringwood address on October 12 as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident in the Melbourne CBD.

Mr Fowles, 45, was arrested at the property and interviewed by police.

Former Ringwood MP Will Fowles (right) was stood down in August after the office of the then Premier Daniel Andrews (left) had received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault by the politician

"He was released without charge pending further inquiries," the spokesman said.

"As the investigation is ongoing and given the sensitive nature of the matter, we will not be commenting further at this time."

It's understood the allegations against Mr Fowles relate to an incident alleged to have occurred at Melbourne CBD hotel.

Mr Fowles had been drinking at the bar in parliament before going to the hotel.

In August, after the alleged incident, Mr Andrews said he had "sought and received the Member's resignation from the parliamentary Labor Party."

"The wellbeing of staff and their right to a safe workplace isn't negotiable."

The incident was referred to police by the premier's office following an internal investigation about the allegations.

Mr Fowles, who is a father-of-four, is pictured with his wife Jessica following a press conference in 2019

Previously, Mr Fowles has denied the allegations.

In September he announced he would not attend parliamentary sittings until the conclusion of a police investigation.

Mr Fowles' office has been contacted on Tuesday for comment.

Mr Fowles was elected to the seat of Ringwood, in eastern Melbourne, in 2018.
Taxpayers have been landed with a bill of more than 75,000 for a series of independence white papers as SNP ministers pursue their 'warped priorities', figures have revealed.

The Scottish Government spent 77,282 on five papers in the Building A New Scotland series in just over a year from June 2022.

The papers were written by 24 civil servants working on independence policy.

Over the same period, no strategies were published on policy areas the SNP already controls, including housing and rural affairs.

News of the spending comes at a time when ministers are trying to fill a 1billion black hole in the Budget for next year, which is due to be published in December.

The Scottish Government spent 77,282 on five papers in the Building A New Scotland series in just over a year from June 2022 (pictured, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon)

Labour's Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'Our NHS is in crisis, Scots are struggling with the worst cost of living crisis in decades and public finances are at breaking point  but the SNP is frittering away taxpayer money on their own warped priorities.

'They are busy talking to themselves and trying to stoke division at a time when our country needs leadership. The SNP is out of touch with Scotland's priorities and cannot be trusted with the public purse.'

The Scottish Government has confirmed that just under 32,000 was spent on the two most recent Building A New Scotland papers launched by Humza Yousaf.

This takes the cost of the full series of five papers published so far to 77,282.

The cost only covers the design, production, formatting and printing of the papers and does not take into consideration the substantial costs of the time civil servants spent writing them. It was revealed in August that 24 civil servants are working within the Scottish Government's constitutional futures division, which is co-ordinating work on the prospectus for independence.

Nicola Sturgeon had previously claimed she would hold an independence referendum on October 19, 2023. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the Scottish Government could not do so without the consent of the UK Government, as issues around the constitution are reserved.

Ms Sturgeon instead proposed that the next general election should be turned into a 'de facto referendum' where she would attempt to begin independence negotiations if the SNP won more than half of the Scottish votes.

But this strategy was scrapped by Mr Yousaf, who instead agreed last week at the SNP conference that winning a majority of seats in the next general election should be a mandate to demand an independence referendum  or for the power to hold such a vote to be devolved.

Taxpayers have been landed with a bill of more than 75,000 for a series of independence white papers (pictured, first minister Humza Yousef at a SNP conference last week)

Scottish Conservative constitution spokesman Donald Cameron said: 'It is outrageous that taxpayers are picking up this tab for the Nationalists' pet project.'

He said the 'partisan papers' were a 'blatant misuse of public money and resources'.

New figures published by the Scottish Government in response to a written parliamentary question show that 13,616 was spent on the production and publication of one paper, Citizenship in an Independent Scotland, which proposed a burgundy red Scottish passport after independence.

Costs of the paper included 5,838 on translations of a summary in Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Cantonese, French, Gaelic, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Urdu.

Independence Minister Jamie Hepburn refused to give a total production cost for the papers because 'details of individual tasks carried out by civil servants, including the number of hours spent on them, are not routinely recorded because there is no business need to do this'.

The Scottish Government said: 'There is a democratic mandate for this work, with the 2021 Scottish parliament election returning a clear majority in favour of an independence referendum.'
Now ten, his victim will need care for the rest of her life, police said

A lorry driver who crashed into the back of a family's car leaving an eight-year-old schoolgirl unable to think, talk or walk has been sentenced to two and a half years in jail.

Dominic Nicholls, 53, smashed into a stationary Nissan X-Trail which was on the hard shoulder of the M42 with the family still inside. The car had broken down on the motorway in Warwickshire on April 28, 2022.

Nicholls' lorry drifted on to the hard shoulder 'for reasons unknown' and collided with the rear of the X-Trail before the family had time to get out, Warwick Crown Court heard.

The family were returning to Staffordshire from Heathrow Airport after a holiday in Sri Lanka when the crash took place on the northbound carriageway just before midnight.

The little girl from Stafford, who is now ten years old, was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries and will need care for the rest of her life.

Her mother and father were also seriously hurt while their son received minor injuries.

Dominic Nicholls, 53, smashed into a stationary Nissan X-Trail which was on the hard shoulder with a family still inside. Emergency services found the car on the embankment

Nicholls, from Ipswich, had pleaded guilty to three counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury at a previous hearing.

At a hearing on October 19, he was sentenced to 30 months in jail, disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for seven years and will have to pass an extended test to drive again. He was also ordered to pay a 190 victim surcharge.

Police said dashcam footage from the HGV showed that Nicholls made no attempt to brake or take avoiding action prior to the collision.

PC Craig Pearson, of Warwickshire Police's serious collision investigation unit, described the incident as a 'very sad and tragic case'.

He said: 'Mr Nicholls has never provided an explanation for why he allowed his HGV to travel directly on to the hard shoulder towards the familys X-Trail car.

'The overall responsibility for the speed and control of the vehicle must lay entirely within the hands of its driver - Dominic Nicholls.

'The standard of driving falls far below that expected of a careful and competent driver. We hope this sentence brings some comfort to the family whose lives have been devastated by what happened that day.'
Was YOUR car damaged in the fire? And have YOU not received an insurance payout?

Was YOUR car damaged in the fire? And have YOU not received an insurance payout? Email eirian.prosser@dailymail.co.uk

Shocking new drone footage has revealed the wreckage of the Luton Airport car park after a blazing inferno ripped through the 20million multi-storey building two weeks ago.

Aerial video shows how mangled cars with melted frames, charred roofs and missing windows are dotted around the ruin of the Terminal 2 Car Park that saw 1,400 go up in flames on October 10.

The partially-collapsed structure is filled with debris and broken metal beams, with vehicles lying on their side, appearing as if they could fall through the floor at any moment.

Around 100 cars still trapped on the top level of the car park are being removed in a bid to 'stabilise' the burnt structure. Photos showed maintenance workers assessing cars that could be salvaged before placing them on trucks.

It comes as police said a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage for the fire.

Drone footage has revealed the damage at Luton Airport following a car park fire earlier this month.



Collapsed floors, mangled steel and charred wreckage - as well as some cars that appear undamaged.



Read more here: https://t.co/Mg6ty0K3wn pic.twitter.com/cWK8KdRRNL  ITV News Anglia (@itvanglia) October 23, 2023

Shocking new drone footage has revealed the wreckage of the Luton Airport car park after a blazing inferno ripped through the four storey building two weeks ago

Mangled cars with melted frames, charred roofs and missing windows are dotted around the ruin of the Terminal 2 Car Park that saw 1,400 go up in flames on October 10

Police confirmed a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage for the October 10 fire that destroyed more than 1,400 vehicles at the airport's Terminal Car Park 2

The man, who was arrested the following day, was released on bail as Bedfordshire Police continue its probe into the devastating inferno.

READ MORE: Our new 48,000 Mercedes was destroyed in the Luton airport car park fire Advertisement

Flames that rapidly spread through the car park caused a partial collapse of the structure.

Initial reports suggested that the fire start accidentally due to a fault with a vehicle. Bedfordshire Police said the investigation is ongoing.

'A force spokesman told MailOnline: 'Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of criminal damage in connection to their investigation into a significant fire in a car park at London Luton Airport on Tuesday (10 October).

'We are carrying out a thorough and diligent investigation into all potential lines of enquiry, as should be expected after such a major event. The man has been released on bail while our enquiries continue.'

It comes as a grandmother whose 20,000 car was damaged in the fire claims her insurance company told her she was 'at fault' and only offered her a 7,000 payout.

Cath Glaze, who had been on holiday in Portugal when the fire broke out, had been left without a car to get to work or pick her grandchildren up.

Around 100 cars trapped on the top level of Luton Airport car park have been removed in a bid to stabilise the burnt structure

Photos show maintenance workers assessing cars that could be salvaged and placing them on a truck

She claimed the insurance company would not supply her with her a courtesy car either as they considered the vehicle 'written off', adding that the experience had been 'very traumatic and upsetting'.

READ MORE: Luton Airport's car park graveyard Advertisement

'We bought our car new, have had it serviced regularly, and weren't planning to change it for the foreseeable future, as it's been a very reliable car and has low mileage. We now don't have access to a vehicle,' Ms Glaze told the Mirror.

The unimpressed grandmother is among a number of other holidaymakers trying to scrape their money back.

Sarah Scott was told her 'priceless' motor gifted from her late father as covered in rubble after the carpark collapsed.

She told MailOnline: 'The car was the only one I felt really connected to. We'd been on holidays more than with any other car we've owned. We went to France with it, just a couple of months ago, the first ever trip in my own car abroad. It's the only car I've remembered the registration number to.

'The fact that we had a car that my dad loved so much and liked to come out in, especially being the last car he went in, means it holds precious memories. My mum shunned a funeral car for my dad's funeral, as she wanted to go in the car that he loved.'

Samantha Woodward parked her 'little baby' in one of the car park's disabled car parking spots on October 6. Watching the footage from her holiday in Portugal, she spotted the Yellow Nissan in a video showing the remnants of the burnt car park but said her car remained in tact.

Cranes were seen lifting cars out of the the four-storey building

Cars lying in the car park as work continues to make the structure safe

Cranes are removing cars from the top floor of the multi-storey car park

Another devastated holidaymaker is Samantha Woodward (pictured), who has been left without a car, said she had parked her 'little baby' in one of the car park's disabled spots on October 6

In videos showing the torched remains of other cars, Samantha spotted her yellow Nissan (pictured here), which seems to be completely intact

Sarah Scott (pictured with her husband Darren) was told her vehicle was covered in rubble after the car park collapsed

She said she bought her car for 9,500 and her insurance offered her 8,500, minus the 300 excess, but she would also lose her no claims bonus and would see her premium increase.

In a statement about the current condition of the car park, a London Luton Airport spokesman said: 'Having worked with our engineers, experts and insurers, we are getting closer every day to making a final decision on what is going to happen to the car park and the vehicles contained within it.

'Working with our structural engineers, we now plan to remove around 100 cars from the top deck of the car park for the purposes of stabilising the structure.

'Once removed, these cars will be stored in a safe compound and we will contact customers and work with insurers to inform them of the process of recovery for those cars. Only then will it be possible to assess the condition of those cars.'
A London-bound British Airways flight from Japan was forced to divert to Alaska after a business class passenger's phone caught fire after getting crushed in their reclining seat.

Cabin crew reported smoke in the Club World cabin from the smouldering phone and the captain of the packed passenger jet decided to divert the flight.

The Boeing 787 with over 200 passengers on board had taken off from Tokyo and was three hours into its flight to a stop in Toronto, Canada when the incident took place.

Despite crew making a pre-take off announcement that passengers should not attempt to retrieve any dropped phone in the reclining seats the warning was ignored.

When the seat was moved forward by the passenger it crushed the phone's lithium battery causing it to overheat and catch fire.

Crew reported smoke in the Club World cabin (pictured) from the smouldering phone and the captain of the packed passenger jet decided to divert the flight to Alaska

The Boeing 787 with over 200 passengers on board had taken off from Tokyo and was three hours into its flight. Pictured: Stock image of Club World cabin

Cabin crew dealt with the situation and vented the business class section.

But as they were unable to retrieve the phone as a precaution the Captain of the flight on October 1 issued a Pan Pan call to air traffic controllers and requested permission to divert.

READ MORE: Delta flight from Atlanta to Barcelona is forced to turn back after passenger suffered horrific bout of diarrhea Advertisement

A Pan Pan call in aviation speak is an emergency but not life-threatening situation and stands for 'Possible Assistance Needed'.

The flight landed safely in Anchorage, Alaska, two hours later before continuing its journey to Toronto in Canada.It finally landed in London 30 hours late.

A report by the Canadian Transportation Safety Board said the aircraft experienced smoke in the cabin due to a portable device being stuck down the side of a passenger seat.

A British Airways spokesman confirmed that the flight diverted to Alaska before continuing its scheduled journey to Canada and on to London's Heathrow Airport. The spokesman added that crew dealt with the incident and passengers were not at risk.

It is not the first time a BA flight has been forced to divert due to a mobile phone catching fire.

The Boeing 787 with over 200 passengers on board had taken off from Tokyo and was three hours into its flight. Pictured: Stock image of Club World cabin

After the incident aircraft safety regulators called for new designs for seats - or for improved practices to reduce the risk of phone fires. Pictured: Stock image of Club World cabin

This is not the first time a BA flight has been forced to divert due to a mobile phone catching fire. Pictured: Stock image of Club World cabin

Two years ago cabin crew on a flight to Miami, Florida, had to extinguish a fire caused by a charging mobile phone that had fallen down the side of a business class seat.

The Boeing 787 with over 200 passengers on board had taken off from Tokyo and was three hours into its flight.

An Air Investigation Report found that the female passenger had moved her seat upright from its flat-bed position without realising her red iPhone had slipped down the side while being charged.

After the incident aircraft safety regulators called for new designs for seats - or for improved practices to reduce the risk of phone fires following the report.
A killer grandfather who shot dead his daughter's ex-boyfriend and his father amid a bitter child custody battle told police arresting him 'sometimes you have to do what you have to do'.

Stephen Alderton, 67, shot Joshua Dunmore  his daughter's ex-partner with whom she had the boy at the centre of the case. He then murdered Joshua's father, 57-year-old Gary Dunmore.

The shotgun killings came two days after a family court turned down his daughter's application to take the seven-year-old boy abroad with her new husband.

He was arrested shortly after shooting the defenceless men as they opened the front doors of their homes.

Cambridgeshire Crown Court heard that Alderton's daughter Samantha Stephen and Joshua Dunmore split up shortly after the birth of their son, who cannot be named for legal reasons

Stephen Alderton was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years

Gary Dunmore (left) and Joshua Dunmore (right) were shot dead six miles apart

Judge Mark Bishop described the killings as 'executions' as he jailed Alderton, 67, for life yesterday with a minimum of a quarter of a century behind bars. He will probably die behind bars, given his age.

He told the defendant, who wore a prominent silver crucifix: 'You took the decision to take the law into your own hands and end the lives of two innocent men.'

Relatives of his victims wept, swore, applauded and shouted 'rot in prison' as he was led to the cells. Joshua Dunmore's mother, Mandy Seamark, branded the defendant a 'vicious murderer and coward' in a statement read by a police officer afterwards.

Alderton had sold his house and moved into a motorhome after his wife's death in 2019.

The court was told at a previous hearing that the boy at the heart of the dispute is now in care.

Cambridgeshire Crown Court heard that Alderton's daughter Samantha Stephen and the younger Mr Dunmore split up shortly after the birth of their son, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

She married US Air Force serviceman Paul Stephen, who was then recalled to America.

This is the moment Alderton was caught by armed police after the murders

Former quantity surveyor Alderton went on a ruthless killing spree on March 29, repeatedly blasting the Dunmore's with his Beretta shotgun

Police revealed a bag full of shotgun cartridges that Alderton had in his possession

Forensics entering an address in Sutton, Cambridgeshire on March 30, 2023

Mr Dunmore, a builder who had maintained regular contact with his son, opposed his former partner's application to take the boy with her to the US.

Text messages on Alderton's phone showed he had taken an 'active interest' in the family court proceedings and that he would 'override' any court decision if necessary.

On March 29 this year, he drove his white Peugeot motorhome to Joshua Dunmore's home in Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire, and shot him in the chest and head with a legally owned Beretta shotgun.

Alderton  who admitted both murder charges  then drove six miles to Gary Dunmore's home in Sutton, Cambridgeshire, shooting him three times.

He was arrested a few hours later in his motorhome on the M5 near Worcester. At a previous hearing, his barrister, Adrian Langdale KC, said he had transferred much of his love to his grandson after his wife's death.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, of Cambridgeshire Police, said after the hearing: 'Alderton turned a family dispute playing itself out through the courts into a double tragedy by his rash and brutal actions.'

A man and a woman from Mildenhall, Suffolk, who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, are on bail until December 7.
A photograph showing the last moments of Rolls Royce pioneer Charles Rolls' before he was killed in Britain's first fatal plane crash have been uncovered after 113 years.

The previously unseen image, captioned 'Rolls plane 1910 fatal flight', shows Rolls' final few seconds before his Wright Flyer plane snapped in two 80ft above the ground, causing him to plummet to his death.

The 32-year-old British inventor was piloting the aircraft at the Bournemouth Air Races in front of a large crowd before the tail of the plane broke off during a sharp manoeuvre.

The haunting image was found among an Edwardian photo album containing other snapshots of the innovative event, which took place at Hengistbury Airfield in Southbourne.

It is believed that after the harrowing crash cameras were confiscated and even broken so it is probable this sobering snap was one of the last ones taken from that fateful day.

A photograph showing Rolls Royce pioneer Charles Rolls' last moments before he was killed in Britain's first plane crash has been uncovered after 90 years

The photo was found among an Edwardian photo album containing other snapshots of the innovative event including a snap of aviator Claude Grahame-White's plane

Rolls became the first British powered aviation fatality, despite having experience of over 200 flights in the Wright Flyer, which was later recorded as only the 11th aeronautical fatality worldwide.

Months before his death, he was the first man ever to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel via aircraft, taking 95 minutes.

The Bournemouth International Aviation Meeting involved trailblazing British and French pilots competing for large cash prizes.

A French rival who flew before Mr Rolls escaped injury after crashing in treacherous, gusty weather and later warned the pioneer not to fly, advice that was horrifyingly ignored.

The week-long event was one of Britain's earliest aviation meetings with 19 licenced pilots on display.

The picture, likely to have been taken by a box brownie camera, is part of an Edwardian photo album containing other snapshots of the innovative event.

Measuring 3.5ins x 2.5ins, 16 of the black and white images show early planes in the air with the other unique photos of the aircraft hangars as well as crowds that descended on the coastal ground to watch the innovative occasion.

Charles Rolls' (pictured) Wright Flyer plane snapped in two 80ft in the air, causing him to plummet to his death during the Bournemouth Air Races in 1910

The album was found during a routine house clearance by Robert French of Richard Winterton Auctioneers, of Lichfield, Staffs. He described his amazement at the find.

He said: 'When you look at the flimsy nature of many of these flying machines, it's amazing to think of the courage and faith demonstrated by the pilots.

'By 1910, flying had captured the hearts of many people in England as a wonder of the modern day and the Bournemouth aviation meeting must have been an incredible spectacle.

'Photography was still in its relative infancy, with ownership of a camera and taking pictures far from routine for most people.

'It's also believed that officials confiscated cameras following Charles Rolls' crash.

'With remarkably clear images of aircraft up in the sky and of crowds watching down on the ground, these historical photographs are an evocative tribute to those magnificent men in their flying machines.'

Alex Keller, of Richard Winterton Auctioneers, added: 'These photos are a layman's insight into what it was like from the ground during this display.

'It must have been a really good experience seeing these flimsy aircrafts take flight. It's amazing the courage these guys showed to get up in them'.

The lot is up for auction on November 6 at the Lichfield Auction Centre.
Focus of attention was 11-year-old Janet, who channelled voice of a dead man

To the average passer-by, the property in the north London borough of Enfield looked like just any other house.

But to the Hodgson family, it literally became the stuff of nightmares  even if sceptics believe their ordeal was faked.

Between 1977 and 1979, single mother Peggy and three of her four children  in particular 11-year-old Janet  appeared to have been beset by what they and many others believed to be a poltergeist.

Much of the activity, which included objects flying around the room and furniture moving on its own, was witnessed by an array of independent visitors to the home, including police and investigators.

On one occasion, a terrified Janet  who was frequently heard channeling the disembodied voice of a dead old man  was photographed apparently levitating above her bed one night.

This week, the photographer who took that image with a remote camera told MailOnline he believes she may have had telekinesis powers like Stephen King's Carrie.

Graham Morris, 69, who had been sent by a national newspaper to cover the story, said he believes Janet had 'some sort of force'.

Others have said the events were simply made up, or entirely misinterpreted.

The ordeal of the Hodgson family is soon to be the subject of both an Apple TV series and a new West End play starring Catherine Tate as Peggy Hodgson.

Janet Hodgson is seen apparently levitating in her bedroom at her family's home in Enfield, North London. The incident was one of many recorded by investigators looking into the presence of an alleged poltergeist between 1977 and 1979

To the average passer-by, the property in the north London borough of Enfield looked like just any other house. Above: The home in 2011

The Hodgson family were relatively unusual at the time because of the fact that Peggy was a single mother looking after four children.

As well as Janet and Margaret, she had Johnny and Billy  who were aged 10 and seven respectively when the poltergeist activity started in August 1977.

Johnny did not live with the family but instead went to a boarding school for children with behavioural problems.

On the evening of August 30, Mrs Hodgson heard Janet complain from upstairs that her and her brothers' beds were wobbling.

Irritated, she told her to stop messing around. But, the following evening, Mrs Hodgson heard a crash from upstairs.

She went into her children's bedroom and saw the chest of drawers moving on its own. When she pushed it back, she found it was being propelled towards the door by an invisible force.

It appeared as though some kind of unseen presence was trying to trap the family in the room.

Between 1977 and 1979, single mother Peggy and her four children  in particular 11-year-old Janet  were beset by what they and many others believed to be a poltergeist. Above: Janet and her mother in the children's bedroom during one of the incidents

In 1979, BBC Scotland made a documentary about the Hodgson family's experience. At one point in the film, Janet was filmed as she channelled the voice of the old man while it sang the nursery rhyme Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Above: The BBC documentary

Years later, Janet told a Channel 4 documentary: 'It started in a back bedroom, the chest of drawers moved, and you could hear shuffling. Mum said, "I want you to pack it in".

'We told her what was going on, and she came to see it for herself. She saw the chest of drawers moving. When she tried to push it back, she couldn't.'

Janet's sister Margaret explained how the activity increased.

'There were strange little noises in the house, you couldn't make out what was going on. None of us got sleep

'We put on our dressing gowns and slippers and went next door.'

Mrs Hodgson appealed to her neighbours for help, builder Vic Nottingham and his wife Peggy.

Mr Nottingham said years later: 'I went in there and I couldn't make out these noises  there was a knocking on the wall, in the bedroom, on the ceiling. I was beginning to get a bit frightened.'

His wife added: 'He said, "I don't know what to do". I'd never seen a big man like that looking scared.'

The police were similarly mystified after being called by Mrs Hodgson. WPC Carolyn Heeps saw a chair move.

She said at the time: 'A large armchair moved, unassisted, 4 ft across the floor.'

The policewoman was not able to find any hidden wires that might have given a natural explanation for what she had seen.

After the police had left, the Hodgsons invited journalists from a national newspaper to investigate.

Speaking of one frantic occasion of apparent poltergeist activity, photographer Graham Morris told MailOnline yesterday: 'Bang, things started flying all over the place.

'I'm in the corner looking through my lens. I can see everything. No one is throwing this stuff.

'No one is doing anything. They're not trying to do anything for fun or for laughs or whatever. They were all, particularly the kids, absolutely horrified.'

Terrified Janet and Margaret began screaming, crying, and biting their fingernails while a Lego brick flew and hit Mr Morris in the head leaving a nasty lump above his right eyebrow for four days.

Mr Morris had been reported by The Times this week as having said that Janet 'just jumped' when he took his famous image of her.

But he said to MailOnline: 'There is no way she was doing this for fun,' he said. 'You have got to be mad to actually want to do something like that. It was a completely darkened room.

'If it were the case she were jumping she'd be launching herself at a brick wall or a door in pitch black.'

He had set up a camera on a tripod in the corner of the children's bedroom. It was triggered by a button on a long cable which ran down to the living room.

Audio was also being taken.

'As soon as I hear there's anything, like a bed spring goes twang or somebody moans or screams, a bang or crash anything. I hit the button,' Mr Morris said.

After the famous image was taken, he and the investigators ran upstairs to find Janet in a 'mess', crumpled on the floor on the other side of the bedroom.

When the BBC went to the house, the crew found the metal components in their tape equipment had been twisted and their recordings erased.

However, a 1979 documentary was released by BBC Scotland.

At one point in the film, Janet was seen as channelling the voice of the old man while it sang the nursery rhyme Row, Row, Row Your Boat.

Janet flies through the air as her sister Margaret screams in one of the incidents at their home in Enfield

Mrs Hodgson then turned to the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) for help. It sent investigators Maurice Grosse and Guy Lyon Playfair.

Playfair was a poltergeist expert who went on to write a book about the affair called This House Is Haunted.

Grosse, who died in 2006, was spoken to by author Will Storr for his book Will Storr Vs. The Supernatural: One man's search for the truth about ghosts.

The investigator told him: 'As soon as I got there, I realised that the case was real because the family was in a bad state. Everybody was in chaos.

'When I first got there, nothing happened for a while. Then I experienced Lego pieces flying across the room, and marbles, and the extraordinary thing was, when you picked them up they were hot.

'I was standing in the kitchen and a T-shirt leapt off the table and flew into the other side of the room while I was standing by it.'

Several of their recordings captured the eerie voice of the old man coming out of Janet's mouth.

At one point, he said: 'Just before I died, I went blind and then I had a haemorrhage and I fell asleep and died in the chair in the corner downstairs.'

Asked why Janet could not feel him, the voice said. 'I'm invisible because I'm a G.H.O.S.T.'

Next month, a new play depicting the terrifying unexplained case - starring Catherine Tate as Peggy Hodgson  will debut in the West End

The new Apple TV+ docudrama stars Olivia Booth-Ford as Janet, and also features real interviews with both her and her sister

The family's basic kitchen is seen in this image from February 1978, when it was visited by journalists

When the tape of his voice was played on the radio, a man got in touch to say it was that of his father.

The individual said his father's name was Bill Wilkins and that he had lived at the Hodgsons' house many years earlier.

He had died exactly as described - a fact which investigators said Janet could not possibly have known about.

The investigators also witnessed sofas levitating and furniture spinning around and being flung across the room.

On another, even more disturbing occasion, Grosse and a neighbour found one of the children shouting: 'I can't move! It's holding my leg!'

The pair had to wrestle the child from what they insisted was the grip of invisible hands.

The family were also beset by frequent knocking sounds which would run down the walls and fade in and out.

Janet  who was the main 'victim' of the alleged poltergeist  would often go in to violent trances that would see her swear and hurl insults.

Mr Morris, who does not believe in ghosts, does not believe the strange activity was the work of a poltergeist.

On that front, he is aligned with critics who believe the incidents were faked or can be explained by something else.

Mr Morris instead believes that everything was somehow emanating from Janet herself.

He likened it to the horror character Carrie, who can move things with her mind.

'[I think] Janet has got this sort of kinetic energy, she's really bright,' he said. 'As I said, she can't talk to her dad  he's not here  mum's too busy, her sister cries, one brother has a speech impediment so bad I doubt she can even understand what he says, and the other brother is at a special school.

'And she is desperate to get this whatever it is. This energy, this power, whatever she has, across and out to communicate with people.

'And it's coming out in different ways in a sort of force. Like a kinetic energy where things are shifting around.'

He insisted that the family were not 'faking' the events.

The photographer added: 'There is something going on in that house which we haven't discovered yet. We haven't worked out what it is or how it happened.

'When it does, it'll probably make us all look rather stupid and we will go "silly me, why didn't I think of that?" And that's the thing, we just don't know.

'In years to come we all will be doing it, teleporting or moving things with our fingers ten yards away. But we just don't understand it.

'I don't know how it works or how it happens, but I knew at the time that the kids were not making these things happen intentionally.

'There might be some power or some force or some brainwave that's coming from one of them - Janet.'

Janet herself later told Channel 4: 'I felt used by a force that nobody understands. I really don't like to think about it too much.

'I'm not sure the poltergeist was truly "evil". It was almost as if it wanted to be part of our family.

'It didn't want to hurt us. It had died there and wanted to be at rest. The only way it could communicate was through me and my sister.'

But some doubt was cast on the family's story. At one point, the children were caught bending spoons themselves.

Critics also questioned why no one was allowed in the same room as Janet when the apparent voice of Bill Wilkins was talking through her.

In 1980, Janet even admitted that some of the occurrences had been fabricated.

Investigators Guy Playfair (left) and Maurice Grosse (right) came to the home to investigate the strange goings-on

Speaking to ITV News, she said: 'Oh yeah, once or twice [we faked phenomena], just to see if Mr Grosse and Mr Playfair would catch us. They always did.'

Janet herself spoke to the Daily Mail in 2015, ahead of the release of horror film The Conjuring 2, which was loosely based on her family's ordeal.

Then living in Essex with her husband, a retired milkman, she said: 'It was an extraordinary case.

Guy Playfair on This Morning in 2012. He died in 2018

'It's one of the most recognised cases of paranormal activity in the world. But, for me, it was quite daunting.

'I think it really left its mark, the activities, the newspaper attention, the different people in and out of the house. It wasn't a normal childhood.'

Asked how much of the activity was faked, she said: 'I'd say just 2 per cent'.

She added: 'I recall being very distressed by the photos when I was a child, I was very upset.

'I knew when the voices were happening, of course, it felt like something was behind me all of the time. They did all sorts of tests, filling my mouth with water and so on, but the voices still came out.'

She says: 'It was hard, I had a short spell in the Maudsley Psychiatric Hospital in London, where they stuck electrodes on my head, but the tests proved normal.

'The levitation was scary, because you didn't know where you were going to land. I remember a curtain being wound around my neck, I was screaming, I thought I was going to die.

'My mum had to use all her strength to rip it away. The man who spoke through me, Bill, seemed angry, because we were in his house.'

Janet also told how she was bullied at school.

'They called me Ghost Girl and put crane flies down my back,' she said.

'I'd dread going home. The front door would be open, there'd be people in and out, you didn't know what to expect and I used to worry a lot about Mum.

'She had a nervous breakdown, in the end. I'm not one for living in the past. I want to move on. But it does come to me now and again.

'I dream about it, and then it affects me. I think why did it happen to us?'

Janet (left) and her sister Margaret are seen at the premiere of The Conjuring 2 in Los Angeles in June 2016

She also admitted playing with an Ouija board with her sister. The activity began a short time later.

Janet left home at 16 and married young. Her younger brother Johnny died of cancer aged just 14.

Her mother developed breast cancer and died in 2003, whilst Janet's son died aged just 18, passing away in his sleep.

After the death of Mrs Hodgson, Clare Bennett and her four sons moved into the house. They too told of strange activity.

Ms Bennett told the Mail: 'I didn't see anything, but I felt uncomfortable. There was definitely some kind of presence in the house, I always felt like someone was looking at me.'

Her sons would wake up in the night and hear people talking downstairs, even though there was no one there. The family moved out after just two months.

The Enfield Haunting is written by Paul Unwin and stars David Threlfall as Maurice Grosse, while young actresses Ella Schrey-Yeats and Grace Molony portray Janet and her sister Margaret.

The new Apple TV+ docudrama stars Olivia Booth-Ford as Janet, and also features real interviews with both her and her sister.

The Enfield Haunting opens at the Ambassadors Theatre on November 30 and runs until March 2, 2024.
ITV News aired an interview with a British Palestinian woman on Islamophobia in the UK just days after she described the the murder of Jews as a 'homecoming' on Iranian state TV and called Hamas terror attacks a 'moment of triumph'.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews slammed ITV for its 'staggering failures of due diligence' for giving a platform to Latifa Abouchakra, who has been accused of being a propagandist for Tehran.

Ms Abouchakra, a reporter for Iranian state news channel Press TV, was interviewed about her experiences of Islamophobia in England.

During the broadcast Ms Abouchakra, who was described as a 'British Palestinian woman living in London', said that she had been 'called a terrorist' by strangers in the street.

But critics are urging ITV's chief executive Dame Carolyn Julia McCall to issue a 'public apology' for giving 'airtime to a literal propagandist for the Iranian regime'.

Latifa Abouchakra, a reporter for Iranian state news channel Press TV, was interviewed on ITV News about her experiences of Islamophobia in England

Last week, in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Israel that left 1,400 people dead and hundreds taken hostage, Ms Abouchakra produced a report describing the assault as a 'homecoming' of 'Palestinian resistance factions'.

She also described the hostages, around 20 of whom are children, as 'prisoners of war'.

In a video shared on her Instagram shortly after the terror attacks on October 7, a smiling Ms Abouchakra said: 'Nothing will ever be able to take back this moment.

'This moment of triumph, this moment of resistance, this moment of surprise. This moment of humiliation on behalf of the Zionist entity. Nothing, ever.'

A letter signed by Marie van der Zyl, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: 'ITV's decision to invite on Ms Abouchakra [...] out of millions of British Muslims, was an astonishingly bad one.

'As a 20-second internet search could have informed your channel's researchers, Ms Abouchakra is a reporter for Palestine Declassified, a show produced by Press TV, the state channel of the Iranian regime.'

'This was a catastrophic breach of your channel's journalistic standards.

'I sincerely hope that your channel will be issuing a public apology for this egregiously incompetent decision.'

A spokesman for ITV said: 'ITV News London broadcast a report on the rise in hate crime following recent events in the Middle East.

'We are investigating concerns that were raised about one contributor following the broadcast.'

The row comes after Channel 4 was criticised for giving a platform to a smirking Hamas official who said reports of beheadings and the burning of children were Israeli lies and denied it had taken any hostages.

During the broadcast Ms Abouchakra, who was described as a 'British Palestinian woman living in London ', said that she had been 'called a terrorist' by strangers in the street

Critics accused the broadcaster of 'irresponsible journalism' by letting a spokesman for the terrorist group 'peddle lies' and deny the massacre of civilians on October 7.

Hamas Politburo member Osama Hamdan was seen smirking as Channel 4 News presenter Matt Frei challenged him about the 'appalling slaughter' of Israelis including reports of 'beheading' and 'the burning of children' by the group's fighters.

The terror group spokesman replied that Israel was 'lying', adding: 'This is a big lie created by them. They built this country on the blood of the Palestinians.'

Later in the interview when brought to ask over the kidnapping of 'innocent civilians' and taking them to Gaza, the Lebanon-based spokesman denied there were any hostages, despite the huge weight of evidence to the contrary.

Hamdan said: 'There is no hostages. There is war prisoners and there is foreigners.'

In the interview the spokesperson also insisted that Israel was responsible for an explosion at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital which Palestinian health officials claim has killed 500 people.

'They [Israel] are lying and they have to admit that they have done this crime and they have to be turned to the war crime court,' he said.

During the broadcast Mr Frei, who has been based in Israel since the outbreak of the conflict, questioned Hamdan over the horrific actions of Hamas's militants as they massacred their way through southern parts of Israel.

Challenging the Hamas spokesperson, Mr Frei said: 'Do you regret the slaughter of Israeli civilians? Because many people I've spoken to here believe that what you did on October 7 has set your cause the Palestinian cause back by decades.'

Channel 4 has been hit with criticism after presenter Matt Frei (left) quizzed Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan (right) about the October 7 attacks

A Channel 4 News spokesman said: 'Since the start of this conflict, Channel 4 News has reported on the unfolding crisis by relying on the principles of independence, due impartiality and accuracy.

'Last night, in light of the differing narratives emerging around the attack on the Al-Ahli Arab hospital, a senior spokesperson for the political wing of Hamas was interviewed and robustly challenged as part of the programme's independent and impartial reporting.'

Meanwhile, the BBC continues to face criticism for refusing to describe Hamas as terrorists.

The BBC refers to Hamas as a 'militant' group, despite it being proscribed a terrorist organisation in the UK, and described its slaughter of hundreds of innocent civilians as a 'militant' attack.

On Saturday, Danny Cohen, former television executive at the broadcaster, warned that the BBC's 'failures' over reporting had 'dangerous, real-world consequences'.

This is the shocking moment a vandal walks up to a Jewish girls school and hurls paint over the property, in what is being investigated as an anti-Semitic attack

His comments came days after a BBC correspondent in the Middle East speculated that a bombing of Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City speculated it was most likely caused by an Israeli airstrike, explaining 'it's hard to see what else this could be, really'.

Israel has stringently denied responsibility for the explosion, as has Hamas, with officials from across the globe trying to find the cause of the blast that killed hundreds of people.

While the BBC said at 'no point' their reported said 'it was an Israeli air strike' he was 'wrong to speculate'.

Mr Cohen said the reporting of the horrific explosion that shocked the world, revealed a 'bias and deep-rooted prejudice' at the corporation.
A teenage influencer and OnlyFans model has been charged with drink driving after she allegedly smashed her black Mercedes sedan into a parked van on an exclusive Sydney street.

Paris Ow-Yang, 18, was allegedly over four times the legal blood alcohol limit on Wednesday night when she hit a red Mercedes people mover on Wolseley Road in Point Piper - one of Australia's richest suburbs.

The OnlyFans model, who describes herself as a 'content creator', allegedly blew 0.213 - over four times the legal limit of 0.05, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Paris Ow-Yang (pictured), 18, was allegedly over four times the legal blood alcohol limit on Wednesday night when she hit a red Mercedes people mover on Wolseley Road in Point Piper - one of Australia's richest suburbs

A witness to the crash (pictured) said: 'Half the street came out for a look... it was a hell of a noise'

'About 9pm on Wednesday 18 October, police were called to Point Piper, following reports of a crash,' a spokesperson for NSW Police said

'The driver of the Mercedes, an 18-year-old woman, underwent a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result.'

Ow-Wang, who attended $33,000-a-year Frensham School in the Southern Highlands of NSW, was taken to Waverley Police Station where she was charged with drink driving.

She will front Downing Centre local Court on 10 November.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ow-Wang for comment.

A witness to the crash's aftermath claimed the airbags in Ow-Wang's Mercedes had deployed.

'Half the street came out for a look... it was a hell of a noise,' the witness told the paper.

The OnlyFans model will front Downing Centre local Court on 10 November

Ow-Wang has a significant presence on OnlyFans, attracting 40,000 views per post on the subscription adults-only content site.

Ow-Wang made headlines earlier this year when she started dating 44-year-old Sydney nightclub king Julian Tobias (left) - only to be dumped by the playboy two months later

Ow-Wang made headlines earlier this year when she started dating 44-year-old Sydney nightclub king Julian Tobias - only to be dumped by the playboy two months later.

Paris, a TikToker-turned-OnlyFans creator who goes by the name Ppwang, revealed on the Pnclads podcast, her neurosurgeon father is just two years older than her ex.

She has a significant presence on OnlyFans, attracting 40,000 views per post on the subscription adults-only content site.

Ow-Wang has claimed her account was so lucrative that after just two months she was able to quit university and buy a house.
NatWest staff revelled at Nigel Farage's debanking in a series of gloating messages, one of which said: 'The money I'd have paid to have been the agent ringing to tell him'.

A document has revealed a series of internal messages exchanged by employees after the former UKIP leader was dropped in June by Coutts, which the bank owns.

On July 4, one employee responded to a BBC report about his account being closed for falling below the wealth limit by saying: 'Hope that knocked him down a peg or 2'.

Mr Farage was described as 'an awful human being' in messages sent on July 5. They read: 'He's so politically relevant right now/ Like who even are you anymore/ So good that an 'everyman' banked at Coutts. Thanks for the publicity Nige!'

That same day, an employee called him a 'crackpot' and sent five 'crying with laughter' emojis responding to news he had been offered a standard NatWest account. They added: 'Mr nobody now he has completed Brexit Awww the money I'd have paid to have been the agent ringing him telling him that.'

Nigel Farage (seen at the Reform UK conference earlier this month) was described as an 'awful human being' by staff at NatWest

A document has revealed a series of internal messages exchanged by employees after the former UKIP leader was dropped in June by Coutts, which the bank owns

Messages sent by employees of NatWest about Mr Farage on July 5

The internal conversations were reported by GB News last night after Mr Farage, a presenter on the channel, submitted a subject access request to NatWest for all the information the bank holds on him.

In one conversation, according to GB News, a bank staffer said: 'I'd throw a milkshake at him if I was approached to open an account for him [sic].'

Another referred to a BBC article about Mr Farage having his bank account closed and said: 'Hope that knocked him down a peg or 2 [sic].'

Another, which appears to be part of a WhatsApp group, said: 'Have you all seen Nigel Farage's twitter? No one will bank him now. Have we single handedly drive NF out of the country?![sic]'

And one staff member suggested Mr Farage had 'dodgy Russian connections', which he has vehemently denied.

Mr Farage claims he was turned down by ten other banks for an account amid the scandal.

Mr Farage lost his account at Coutts, whose clients include members of the Royal Family, after an internal report said his views did not align with the bank's values and he was 'transphobic'.

The row led to the resignation of NatWest boss Dame Alison Rose after she was accused of telling a journalist that Mr Farage's views had not been a factor in the loss of his account.

This week the board of the bank, which is 38.6 per cent owned by the taxpayer, will meet to discuss her exit package.

But last night Mr Farage told the Mail that it was the 'woke' culture under Dame Alison's leadership which contributed to the 'vile' comments by staff.

In one message the politician was described as an 'awful human being'

He was also described by staff as a 'fool' and a 'liar'

He called for her to be stripped of any bonuses, adding: 'This is NatWest head office, this isn't just a local branch. These were the people working directly under Dame Alison Rose.

READ MORE - Reform UK cost the Tories victory in BOTH by-election contests seats Advertisement

'I think that people working within an organisation that is heavily state-owned, should just not be behaving in this highly politicised, prejudicial manner.

'And yes, I think there should be staff suspensions and there must be another inquiry about how on earth people at NatWest are allowed to behave like this.

'I can't imagine people anywhere else being allowed to talk about their customers in this way. After the Coutts stuff it was difficult to believe that anything could be worse, but this is.'

Mr Farage has since switched to Lloyds Bank. A NatWest Group spokesman said: 'We have written to Mr Farage to apologise sincerely for the deeply inappropriate comments and the poor behaviours. Neither are consistent with the standards of service our clients should expect.'

He added that an independent review has been commissioned into recent events and the findings will be published as soon as possible.

The former Ukip and Brexit Party leader was dropped in June by Coutts, a private bank owned by NatWest, over his views
A major rescue operation was launched today after a terrified man was seen 'shouting and screaming for help' in a city centre river.

Emergency services poured into Cardiff city centre this morning amid reports the male had been swept into the 'fast-flowing' River Taff.

Police, fire and ambulance services gathered need the Wood Street Bridge, with RNLI specialists using boats to check the water by Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

The rescue operation was launched shortly after 7.40am after the male was seen in the water near Castle Street.

College student Kaiden Campisi, who saw the man and dialled 999, told the BBC: 'He was shouting and screaming for help. I chased him to try and keep up with him

Emergency services poured into Cardiff city centre this morning amid reports a man had been swept into the 'fast-flowing' River Taff

The rescue operation was launched shortly after 7.40am following reports of a man spotted in the water near Castle Street. It involved rescue teams from the RNLI

Police, fire and ambulance services gathered need the Wood Street Bridge, with river rescue specialists used boats to check water by Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

'I lost sight of him in the river,' he added. 'The water was fast-flowing.'

Police closed nearby Wood Street in both directions, while diversions were put in place, as they dealt with the emergency.

The Coastguard was also involved in the operation.

A statement from South Wales Fire and Rescue said they were called just before 8am to reports of a 'water rescue' near the bridge.

A spokeswoman said: 'Multiple crews are in attendance, alongside other emergency services colleagues.'

In a statement, South Wales Police said: 'At 7.53am today police were called to a report of a person seen swimming in the River Taff near Wood Street bridge.

'Road closures were in place while emergency services responded to the incident.

'The road reopened at around 10am however searches and other enquiries are on-going.'

Police closed nearby Wood Street in both directions, while diversions were put in place, as they dealt with the emergency

A large number of ambulance and other emergency services were scrambled to the scene

Ambulances, police and fire engines were pictured near the Wood Street Bridge, Cardiff

The bridge re-opened shortly after 10am.

A fire service spokeswoman added four crews scrambled to the incident were stood down at 10.22am.

South Wales Police urged those with information about the incident to contact them by phone, email or on its website quoting incident '199'.
Mr Davidai's post in full reads: 'I am an assistant professor at Columbia Business School. I am a father, a husband, an uncle, and a son. I am a forty-year-old man, and last week I found myself crying in front of a group of complete strangers.

'In a video that has since gone viral, I stood on Columbia Universitys main campus and pleaded with my employer to protect me and help me protect the thousands of Jewish students whose lives and safety have been entrusted to us by worried parents all across the United States.

'I pleaded with my employer to help me protect the lives of thousands of Jewish students from pro-terror student organizations who openly laud Hamasan internationally recognized terrorist organization.

'I pleaded with the presidents of colleges and universities all around the country to take a clear moral stance against rape and torture and the kidnapping of helpless civilians.

'I pleaded with colleges and universities to live up to their stated mission of humanism and enlightenment. I pleaded - and still plead - because the silence of college presidents all across the country is deafening.

'I am not tenured. I could be fired for this.

'But if my research into behavioral psychology has taught me anything, its that looking back on my life, I am more likely to regret not taking a stance.

'I cant afford not to take a stance. Not when students lives are on the line. Not when my childrens lives are on the line.

'My children may be American citizens, but, through their mother and me, they are Israelis, too. And because they are Israelis, because they are Jews, I fear for them.

'I fear for my two-year-old daughter, whos funny and brave and thinks everyone in the world is her friend.

'I fear for my seven-year-old son, who still asks me to sit next to his bed for a few minutes every night when I tuck him into bed.

'I fear, because there are student organizations on my own campus who see my beautiful children as legitimate targets.

'I fear, because the president of my university - my very own employer - refuses to speak up against such senseless violence and hatred.

'Lets call this what it is. This is cowardice.

'I see my sons and daughters faces in the faces of the hundreds of innocent children and teenagers who were murdered, tortured, raped, brutalized, and kidnapped on October 7th.

'For Hamas and its supporters, those children are acceptable targets.

'And right now, in colleges and universities all across the country, there are hundreds of pro-terror student organizations that are celebrating these vile crimes against humanity.

'This is what the President of Columbia is refusing to condemn. This is what the President of Harvard is refusing to condemn. This is what the Presidents of Yale and NYU and UC Berkeley and many other "enlightened" institutions throughout the country are refusing to condemn.

'They would never allow student organizations to celebrate the senseless loss of life in the horrific attacks of 9/11.

'They would never allow student organizations to celebrate the horrific murder of George Floyd.

'They would never allow student organizations to celebrate the mass shooting of more than 100 LGBTQ+ people in an Orlando nightclub on June 12, 2016.

'And yet, when it comes to Jewish lives - when it comes to my own childrens lives - they could care less.

'Let me be as clear as I can: This is not about being pro-Israel or pro-Palestine.

'This is about making a clear distinction between legitimate resistance and unspeakable crimes against humanity.

'This is about human decency.

'You can support the rights of millions of innocent Palestinians and still take a moral stance against heinous violence and brutality. I know, because I do.

'You can spend your adult life advocating for the establishment of a prosperous Palestinian state next to a prosperous Israeli state and still be willing to draw the line at rape. I know, because I do.

'You can be a lefty and a softy who cant fathom why we can't just end this senseless cycle of violence yet still shout at the top of your lungs that shooting babies in their cribs and burning their corpses is just plain evil. Plain, plain evil. I know, because I am and I do.

'You can be pro-Israel and pro-Palestine and anti-terror. I know, because I am.

'Parents from all across the country have reached out to me in the past week asking if their kids are safe.

'Thousands of worried parents who have been losing sleep as they see their childrens campuses rampaged by extremist organizations that openly celebrate and encourage terrorism.

'Thousands of moms and dads who only want to make sure that their children are protected from harm.

'To all those parents, I reply: No. Your children are not safe.

'Because, as a professor, I can tell you that universities across the country would rather appease pro-terror campus coalitions than care for their Jewish students.

'Because, as a professor, I can tell you that the presidents of universities all across the U.S. are more concerned with getting bad press than with getting your children home safely.

'What sort of education is your child getting at a place that refuses to condemn terror-sympathizing organizations and allows them to roam freely on campus?

'What sort of education is your child getting at a place that gives a platform and a mix to organizations that celebrate the execution of infants in their cribs? The raping of teenagers? The kidnapping of toddlers?

'The moral and intellectual bankruptcy of universities throughout the country is now undeniable. But I know that if we all work together we can make a real difference.

'This is not about me. I'm not some leader. I'm just a dad.

'I'm just a dad who is scared and who is willing to put EVERYTHING on the line to protect his children.

'Many of you have reached out in the past days, and your messages have brought me immense light into a very dark time. I am so extremely inspired by the stories people have been sending me.

'People are telling me about the committees they've formed and the PTAs they've joined and the politicians they've called and TV and radio shows to which they have called-in, demanding that their voice be heard.

'People have written to me about stopping their annual donations to their alma mater until it takes a clear stance against pure evil. Until it takes a clear stance against those who celebrate pure evil.

'If you want to get in touch and let me know about all that you have, are, and will be doing at your job, school, alma mater, neighborhood, and so forth, please email me at: shaidavidai2023@gmail.com.

'Please help me spread this message. PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN.

'One more thing  If you have read thus far, I imagine that it must be because you are someone who cares deeply about this. So I have a small request:

'If every person who read thus far personally sent this to at least 10 of their friends RIGHT NOW and asked those friends to send this to 10 of their friends, I know that we will be able to make a big difference in the world. I truly do.

'And if Im wrong well, hey at least we will all know that in this time of crisis we did everything that we could.

'I know its weird, but can I please ask you to email this to all your friends and post it on all your social media profiles? I really just want the message to get through.

'Thanks you!'
A severed foot that washed up on a popular tourist beach was thrown into the sea by a diabetic patient who had part of his leg amputated.

The human remains appeared on the shore of Penimbangan Beach, near Singaraja in Bali's north on Friday at 4pm.

The horrifying discovery was made by a local student who found the right foot wrapped up in a yellow plastic bag.

A several foot (pictured) was found on a beach in Bali on Friday after it was discovered by a local student

A spokesperson from the local Buleleng police confirmed on Tuesday that the body part that had mysteriously turned up at the site was indeed a human foot.

Authorities took the body part away for examination following their investigations at the scene.

'To ensure accuracy, the right foot was temporarily secured and handed over to Buleleng Regional Hospital for identification,' Mr Darma told Coconuts Bali.

After the foot was handed over to medical staff, it has since been revealed the body part was amputated from a diabetic patient who had the surgery at the hospital.

The foot belonged to a 76-year-old man who lives in Tajun Village, about 30km east of Penimbangan Beach.

The family members of the man who was identified only by his initials MG are believed to have discarded the severed limb into the waters.

Police confirmed the origins of the foot after it was traced back to the man.

The foot (pictured) belonged to an elderly man who had the body part amputated

The foot which washed up on the shores of Penimbangan Beach (pictured) around 60km north of Bali, was taken for medical examination with staff at a local hospital confirming the body part had been amputated

He has not been issued a fine for discarding the foot at the beach.

In Australia, Amputated body parts are incinerated with other medical waste.

There are several medical reasons as to why patients may need to have a part of their body mainly arms and legs removed which includes complications from diabetes.

The disease occurs due to an imbalance in the levels of sugar in persons blood.

Over a million Australians living with the medical condition as of 2021.

Penimbangan beach is a popular tourist destination in the Buleleng Regency of Bali but is frequented more by locals.

The area is known for it's picturesque sunsets and water activities such as canoeing while there are several food stalls that line the coastlines of the beach.
Two serving Metropolitan Police officers are still in their jobs despite being investigated for using prostitutes.

The two officers, who the force is refusing to identify because misconduct complaints have not led to a formal public hearing, are receiving 'reflective practice and management action' instead of being fired.

A total of six Met officers have been investigated for using sex workers over the last five years, LBC revealed today.

The four other officers resigned before misconduct proceedings were concluded, but the Met admitted they would have been dismissed had they still been serving.

This is despite Commander James Harman, head of the Met's Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, warning about the dangers of police officers using prostitutes.

A total of six Met officers have been investigated for using sex workers over the last five years

'A police officer who uses sex workers is highly likely to be exploiting a vulnerable person, or funding organised crime, or both,' he said.

'The public trust that police officers  on and off duty  do everything they can to protect and defend vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, and to have no part in supporting the violent criminal networks that we know often lie behind sex work.'

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He quoted the Met's new policy, which states: 'Any alleged or actual instance of an officer or staff member using sex workers will be referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) for assessment.

'Each case will be considered and dealt with on its own particular facts, but in most cases will be treated as a serious breach of misconduct which if proven could lead to dismissal.'

MailOnline has contacted the Met to ask why the two officers accused of using prostitutes have not been made subject to formal misconduct proceedings.

Phill Matthews, former chair of the Police Federation's Conduct and Performance Committee, warned that police officers using prostitutes could be vulnerable to 'coercion, extortion, corruption [or] influence from organised criminal groups'.

In May, the Mail revealed how a high-ranking Scotland Yard officer was allowed to keep his job despite being found to be a regular user of prostitutes.

Sir Mark Rowley - seen in Croydon last month - has called for more power to sack hundreds of officers who are not fit to serve

The middle-aged man, who commands a salary package of more than 100,000 a year, was given a minor rebuke when colleagues in the Met's Professional Standards unit discovered his secret.

The softly-softly handling of the case was in sharp contrast to the treatment of junior officers, who are frequently sacked for gross misconduct if they are found to be paying for sex.

It came weeks after a withering report revealed the Met to be 'broken' and its 'rotten' ranks riven with racism, misogyny and homophobia.

The review by Baroness Louise Casey prompted Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley to call for more power to sack hundreds of officers who are not fit to serve.

He said it was 'nonsensical' that he was unable to remove staff who conducted themselves inappropriately at work and repeated his plea to Home Secretary Suella Braverman to amend this.

Last month it emerged that 1,000 Met Police officers are currently suspended or on restricted duties.

About 60 officers could face the sack each month over at least the next two years, with about 30 facing misconduct proceedings and 30 gross incompetence hearings, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy told journalists.

A series of reviews have been carried out including of officers who have faced previous allegations of domestic or sexual violence, as well as sweeps of the police national computer and database for concerning information.
A former medical resident at the famed Mayo Ckinic is accused of 'fatally poisoning' his wife in August with a drug commonly used to treat gout as the pair were experiencing difficulties in their marriage.

Dr. Connor Bowman - who was a poison expert - was arrested last week in Rochester, Minnesota, and charged with the murder of his wife Betty. According to documents in the arrest, Bowman had attempted to have his wife's body cremated immediately after claiming that her death was 'natural.'

A source told authorities the pair were going through a rough patch in their marriage and that Bowman, 30, had said he was due to collect $500,000 in life insurance upon his wife's passing.

Court filings reveal that his Mayo Clinic pharmacist wife, Betty, 32, was hospitalized with apparent food poisoning on August 16, the Post Bulletin reports.

While in the hospital, she failed to respond to typical treatments for food poisoning and suffered cardiac arrest, lung issues and had to have part of her colon removed. She eventually succumbed to organ failure.

Poison expert Dr. Connor Bowman has been accused of fatally poisoning his wife, Betty, in August with a lethal dose of a drug commonly used to treat gout in order to collect a $500,000 life insurance payout

Bowman used a tool to search for fatal doses of colchicine for his wife's weight before purchasing online, according to prosecutors

Bowman told medics at the Mayo Clinic where she was being treated that he believed his wife was suffering from a rare disease called hematophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

An obituary he penned still states she passed away 'following a sudden onset of autoimmune and infectious illness.'

He then tried to persuade the medical examiner not to perform an autopsy before attempting to rush through a cremation.

However, his efforts were halted after the Rochester Police Department received a call flagging the couple's marital issues that prompted authorities to consider it a suspicious death.

A friend of Betty's told investigators there were issues of infidelity and the couple had separate bank accounts due to Bowman's debts. They also revealed Bowman had discussed the life insurance payout.

Betty's death was ruled a homicide on October 20 after toxicology reports revealed the presence of colchicine in her system, a drug typically used to treat gout and which she did not require for any illness.

After police obtained Bowman's University of Kansas-issued laptop, they found he had purchased colchicine and sodium nitrate, a drug which restricts oxygen movement in blood.

Bowman attended the university and worked as a pharmacist at the university's hospital before joining Mayo as an internal medicine resident.

Bowman had used a tool to calculate lethal doses of colchicine for his wife's weight and whether browser history could be used by police in court.

Betty Bowman, 32, died on August 20 four days after being admitted to hospital with suspected food poisoning

Betty's death was ruled as suspicious after a friend contacted police to tell them the couple had been having marital problems over infidelity and Bowman's alleged debts

Investigators spoke to a man who had been texting Betty prior to her death. She told him she was drinking in her home with Bowman but was struggling to sleep and felt sick, which she blamed on a smoothie.

She was admitted to the hospital on August 16, during which time Bowman used his hospital credential to access his wife's medical records, prosecutors allege. Just four days later, she was dead.

When they searched the couple's home, police found a bank receipt for a $450,000 deposit in Bowman's name

Sarah Leeser, who has set up a GoFundMe for Betty's family said, 'she was a light to so many people and words cannot express how much she will be missed.'

Leeser said she had set up the fundraiser after realizing, 'Betty might have been taken from us not by natural causes'.

She said: 'Betty adored her mom and I know she would want her and her family to be taken care of during this difficult time.

The couple were married on May 30, 2021, in Independence, Missouri. They owned a dog, Sir Crumpet II of Mulberry who Betty loved to spoil, according to her obituary. Prior to her death, she enjoyed extensive travel and socializing with friends.

Bowman penned an obituary after his wife's death which stated she died from 'sudden onset autoimmune and infectious illness'. Prosecutors claim he tried to rush through her cremation and dissuade medical officers from carrying out an autopsy

In lieu of flowers, Bowman asked people to donate to LGBTQ suicide prevention charity The Trevor Project, raising more than $4,000 for the organization.

Bowman made his first appearance in court on Monday with bail set at $2 million if he used a bonds service and without at $5 million. He is due to reappear on November 1.

If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Mayo Clinic spokesperson Amanda Dyslin told the Post Bulletin: 'We are aware of the recent arrest of a former Mayo Clinic resident on charges unrelated to his Mayo Clinic responsibilities. The resident's training at Mayo Clinic ended earlier this month.'
A Briton whose 78-year-old mother was kidnapped by Hamas urged journalists to 'use the T word' as the row over the BBC's refusal to describe the group as 'terrorists' deepens.

Noam Sagi, whose mother was kidnapped from a retirement home in southern Israel, told media at a press conference with family members of British-Israeli kidnap victims 'you can use the T word - because this is what it is'.

His comment comes after the BBC has 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 the Jewish community.

The broadcaster has 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'.

Sagi's remark came at the end of the conference, which heard from a British-Israeli woman whose brother was murdered by Hamas as her mother and another brother were kidnapped.

Ayelet Svatitzky, 46, said her 'life has stopped'. 'If I start thinking about that it will hurt too much and it will break me, and I don't have the privilege of breaking because I have a mission and I need to be productive,' she added.

Ofri Bibas Levi, whose brother Yarden Bibas was taken by Hamas with his wife Shiri and their two children, also revealed how her brother had text her saying 'I love you' before they went missing.

And teacher David Barr, who moved to kibbutz Alumim from Leeds in 1991, described living through Hamas's attack on his area and losing loved ones.

Noam Sagi, (left on the panel) whose mother was kidnapped from a retirement home in southern Israel, told a press conference with family members of British-Israeli kidnap victims 'and can you use the T word - because that is what it is'.

Sagi's remark came at the end of the conference, which heard from family members of British-Israeli kidnap victims

Noam Sagi (L), 53, pictured with his mother, Ada Sagi (R)

'I didn't know what was better, being killed or being kidnapped by Hamas,' Ayelet said

Ayelet Svatitzky told how she heard 'male voices' as she spoke to her family on the phone earlier this month and 'immediately realised what was happening'.

Then she received two photographs showing her mother - in her dressing gown - and barefoot younger brother, sent with the caption 'Hamas'.

That was the last she has seen or heard from the pair of them and to add to her trauma, she received the devastating news that her older brother's body was found.

'My life stopped on the 7th October. I try not to deal with my loss of my brother at the moment because I find it too painful,' she told the press conference.

'If I start thinking about that it will hurt too much and it will break me, and I don't have the privilege of breaking because I have a mission and I need to be productive.'

Ayelet has not had any information on her family's whereabouts.

Showing a picture of her mother and brother at the conference, she said: 'She was supposed to be in London now for a holiday, for shows, a hotel, I had to cancel everything because she is still in Gaza.

'They're just simple people, living in a small community. It's a quiet, simple, peaceful life that's been shattered to pieces on October 7th.

'Now my brother is dead. And my family is being held in Gaza.

'This is a humanitarian crisis, this is a war crime, the hostages have to be released and returned. We demand the return of our loved ones home so we can start healing from this trauma'.

The 46-year-old mother-of-three, who lives about two hours from the Gaza border and an hour north of Telaviv, said that on October 7 she woke up to her husband speaking on the phone, before he told her 'something bad is happening down south, call your mum now'.

As she grabbed her phone, she said she read in a group chat that there was a ground invasion by Hamas.

She says she frantically called her mother but heard men's voices. 'I immediately realised what was happening, I knew that they'd got to her.'

Ayelet Svatitzky showing photos of her kidnapped mother and brother at the press conference

Ayelet said she then called her brother who lives next to her mother but heard the same voices. 'I knew they had got him too,' she said.

She said she called a friend to try and send help but 'no one could get there'.

'Then I got two pictures sent to me from my mum's phone showing my mother sitting in the living room, still in her nightwear. My brother sitting on the sofa. He was dressed but barefoot. Underneath the two pictures it said "Hamas".'

She said Hamas then uploaded a photo to her 79-year-old mother's Facebook story.

'That was the last I heard of them,' she told. 'I later learned a neighbour saw them being walked out of the house and being taken - I only found that out a couple of days later.'

'The first few hours I thought they were gone, dead, both my mum and my brother. I thought they were probably murdered.'

But then she said news of kidnappings started circulating so wondered whether the pictures had been 'proof of life'.

'I didn't know what was better, being killed or being kidnapped by Hamas,' she continued.

Hours later she got a phone call telling her that her mother, brother, and older brother were missing. She went to a police station and filed a formal missing persons report.

But she received a call that her older brother's body had been found, at the age of 54.

He was shot dead behind his house. But he still hasn't been officially identified.

Ayelet says her life is now spent worrying for her diabetic mother and brother, being held by Hamas.

'My mother needs insulin shots, I don't know if she's getting them and how long she can survive without them.

'I am chasing dental records... so I can identify my other brother so we can bury him and bring him to rest.

'This has been my life for the last 18 days.'

A press conference with family members of British-Israeli kidnap victims

A woman whose family members were also taken by Hamas says she has also been 'living in a nightmare' since October 7.

Ofri Bibas Levi, whose brother Yarden Bibas and his wife Shiri were taken by Hamas with their two young sons spoke at the press conference and revealed her brother had text her saying 'I love you'.

'Ten minutes later he wrote "they're coming inside" and that was the last text I got from him.'

A few hours later she says she received a photo of Shiri and the children being kidnapped.

Video of Shiri and her two redheaded sons, Ariel, four, and Kfir, nine-months-old, being taken by the terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz have shocked the world.

'Seeing this video was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever had to witness,' Ofri said. 'I could see how terrified Shiri was.'

Ofri said this footage, along with pictures of her brother bleeding from his head and surrounded by Hamas fighters, were the last proof of life they had seen of her family, 18 days ago.

'Its been like living in a nightmare ever since.'

Knowing the suffering her young nephews have faced, Ofri said: 'I feel guilty for eating, sleeping, for playing with my children, covering them up at night.'

She added: 'Just days before the attack Ariel was telling his mom he wanted to leave the Kibbutz and come live next to us to play with my daughter.'

Ofri Bibas Levi, whose brother Yarden Bibas, his wife Shiri and their two sons were taken by Hamas

Teacher David Barr, who moved to kibbutz Alumim from Leeds in 1991, described living through Hamas's attack on his area and losing loved ones.

'It was easier to bury our loved ones than to go through the anguish they're going through,' he said.

His sister-in-law was out for a run when Hamas terrorists shot her at point-blank range in the head and the back. It took the family four days to identify her body.

He said life had been turned upside down 'by death, by hatred, by evil people'.

David's children and grandchildren live in nearby villages and told him and his wife to stay inside their safe house during the October 7 attack.

He said there were 'moments when you think your whole family is going to be wiped out, your whole life goes in front of you in seconds.'

He said his son, who stayed behind to help, told him Hamas 'could not be of this world'.

Teacher David Barr, who moved to kibbutz Alumim from Leeds in 1991, described living through Hamas's attack on his area and losing loved ones

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a growing revolt over his stance on the Middle East crisis with half of Labour backbenchers having now signalled their dissent amid a swathe of local councillor resignations.

A total of 37 Labour MPs have signed a parliamentary motion expressing their 'deep alarm' at Israel's military bombardment and siege of Gaza.

The motion, tabled by former shadow minister Richard Burgon, also attacks the 'collective punishment of the Palestinian people' and demands an immediate ceasefire.

Although it is nominally aimed at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Government, the motion also piles pressure on Sir Keir.

The Labour leader has consistently backed Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks earlier this month.

But Sir Keir's response has angered parts of his party, with more than 20 local councillors having quit in protest at their leader's stance.

Labour has suffered councillor resignations in Cambridge, Gedling, Gloucester, Haringey, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington, Manchester, Merthyr Tydfil, Milton Keynes, Newham, Nottingham, Oxford and Stroud.

The swathe of resignations will likely concern those Labour MPs whose constituencies are affected, including frontbenchers David Lammy, Lucy Powell, Anneliese Dodds, Lilian Greenwood, Emily Thornberry, Seema Malhotra, Catherine West, Afzal Khan, Ruth Cadbury, Daniel Zeichner, Alex Norris, Gerald Jones, Lyn Brown, Mike Kane and Jeff Smith.

A number of leading Labour MPs have suffered local councillor resignations in their constituencies over the party's stance on the Middle East crisis

Sir Keir Starmer has consistently backed Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks earlier this month

Half of Labour's backbenchers in the House of Commons are now calling for Israel to stop bombing Gaza as Sir Keir faces a growing Labour revolt

A total of 37 Labour MPs have signed a parliamentary motion expressing their 'deep alarm' at Israel's military bombardment and siege of Gaza. The motion, tabled by former shadow minister Richard Burgon, also attacks the 'collective punishment of the Palestinian people' and demands an immediate ceasefire

A number of local councillors cited Sir Keir's interview with LBC on October 11 for having prompted their resignations.

The Labour leader appeared to suggest during the radio phone-in show that he backed Israel's 'right' to besiege Gaza - by cutting off supplies of electricity, food, fuel and water - following the terror attacks.

But Sir Keir has since backtracked and stressed he only supported Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of the atrocities.

He said at the weekend: 'It is not and has never been my view that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines. International law must be followed.'

Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy recently struggled with a line of questioning from the BBC over why it took so long - nine days - for Sir Keir to clarify his comments.

'He's clarified this week that he was answering the previous question and then went on to talk about the importance of international law,' she said.

'I completely understand why people in the Muslim community are in extraordinary amounts of pain right now and heard those words and felt very concerned.

'I'm glad we've clarified that, I'm glad we've been consistent about that - Keir, David Lammy and myself - and continue to be consistent about that.'

Three other Labour frontbenchers - Shabana Mahmood, Louise Haigh and Wes Streeting - are reported to have warned Sir Keir at a shadow cabinet meeting that he risked a backlash over his LBC comments.

Most resignations are at heavily pro-Labour councils in areas such as Oxford and Manchester, but there have been warnings that the party could cede power on some local authorities if more councillors stand down.

A parliamentary source said: 'Over the past week, Starmer's team started the fire by ignoring prominent MPs sounding the sirens around the LBC interview.

'Privately, Muslim MPs were furious and vocal with the leadership. Council resignations are continuing and the traditional vote bank has, in just a fortnight, collapsed.'

As well as the pressure being piled on Sir Keir over his stance from outside Westminster, Labour backbenchers in the House of Commons are also signalling their dissent by supporting Mr Burgon's motion.

It calls for 'an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages, to end to the total siege of Gaza and allow for unfettered access of medical supplies, food, fuel electricity and water, to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws'.

Among the motion's 76 supporters are 37 Labour backbenchers - which is around half the party's MPs who are not on Sir Keir's front bench.

They include former shadow Cabinet ministers John McDonnell, Barry Gardiner, Rebecca Long Bailey and Dawn Butler.

Ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who both sit as independents in the House of Commons following their suspension as Labour MPs, have also signed the motion.

Twenty-four SNP MPs have backed the motion, along with Green MP Caroline Lucas and Tory backbenchers Sir Peter Bottomley and Crispin Blunt.

In a recent article for the LabourList website, Labour MP Zarah Sultana - one of the sponsors of the motion alongside Mr Burgon - suggested Sir Keir's stance on the Middle East conflict could damage the party's standing among Muslim voters in a similar way to the Iraq War in 2003.

She wrote: 'Just as the Iraq war did lasting damage to Labours relationship with Britains Arab and Muslim communities, there is a real risk that could happen again  unless the party starts to highlight the war crimes being committed against the Palestinian people and calls for an immediate ceasefire.'

Sir Keir yesterday risked further fuelling Labour tensions as he backed a police crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests.

The Labour leader - a former director of public prosecutions - said ministers had to look at 'gaps in the law' amid a row over weekend demonstrations in which people chanted 'jihad' while police officers looked on.

Asked about the chants on a visit to the Port Talbot steelworks, Sir Keir told broadcasters: 'There's been a huge increase in hate crime in the last couple of weeks, tragically.

'We've all got a duty to clamp down on hate crime whatever political party we're in. Obviously, the police are independent operationally, so these are decisions for them.

'I think there have already been identified some gaps in the law in a previous review under this Government and I think the Government needs to look at whether there are gaps in the law that need to be addressed as well.'

In the Commons yesterday, Mr Corbyn clashed with Mr Sunak as the PM criticised the ex-Labour leader for describing Hamas as 'friends' in the past.

The Islington North MP has previously said he regrets the comments from 2009, in which he described both Hezbollah and Hamas as friends.
The Kremlin was forced to deny growing rumours that President Vladimir Putin suffered a cardiac arrest just days ago, and laughed off claims that he uses body doubles to cover for him in public appearances.

'Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake [rumour],' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted today when asked about a report that Putin had suffered a serious health episode on Sunday evening.

Peskov laughed in response to a further question about body doubles, and denied that Putin had any.

'I can tell you there are no doubles when it comes to work and so on,' Peskov said.

He added: 'These [kinds of stories] belong to the category of fake news, discussed with enviable tenacity by a number of media outlets. This brings nothing but a smile [in the Kremlin].'

It is the second time this year Peskov has been forced to issue a denial about a swirl of reports on the use of doppelgangers, often seen as linked to Putin's supposedly serious health problems.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow today

But observers have pointed to the Kremlin strongman's changing appearance over the years as possible evidence that he uses someone else to stand in for him on engagements he either does not want to make or considers too dangerous. The speculation ran rife in June when he took selfies with young girls in Derbent

A recent picture of Putin with Chechen republic head Ramzan Kadyrov showed the Russian president appearing bloated with mottled skin

Peskov stressed the president - who has plunged Russia and Ukraine into a debilitating war - was fit and well. The rumours amounted to an 'absurd hoax', he said.

Putin, a judo enthusiast who has long cultivated an 'action man' image, turned 71 on October 7 and rumours of his ill health have been swirling for years.

Most recently, the General SVR Telegram channel, which regularly alleges Putin is terminally ill with cancer, alleged he suffered a 'cardiac arrest' on Sunday evening.

The channel said all recent appearances by the Russian dictator, including foreign visits, have been by a body double or doubles.

It claimed that doctors resuscitated Putin and he was taken to a special intensive care facility at his official residence.

'Doctors performed resuscitation, having previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest,' reported the channel. 'Help was provided on time, the heart was started and Putin regained consciousness.'

The channel is supposedly run by a former Kremlin lieutenant-general, known by the alias Viktor Mikhailovich. It claims Putin's top apparatchiks and security henchmen control the activities of the doppelgangers.

In a 2020 interview, Putin denied long-standing rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons.

But observers have pointed to the Kremlin strongman's changing appearance over the years as possible evidence that he uses someone else to stand in for him on engagements he either does not want to make or considers too dangerous.

The speculation ran rife in June when Putin made a surprise visit to the city of Derbent in southern Russia just days after the failed Wagner rebellion, with footage showing how the despot dived into a night-time crowd like a Hollywood actor on a red carpet.

Seemingly imbued with fresh energy after averting a small scale civil war the week earlier, the normally stoic and isolated Putin was uncharacteristically personable, shaking hands and planting kisses on the head of a young teenage girl who gushed over him and pleaded with her mother to snap a photo of her with the president.

In another bizarre moment he shakes hands with - and appears to adjust something on the uniform of - an officer carrying what may be his nuclear briefcase.

He has not greeted his security apparatchiks in such a way previously.

The scene was markedly different to the extreme measures of the last few years which have enforced strict quarantines for anyone outside of Putin's close circle before meeting him.

His transformative behaviour - described as 'astounding' by the Kremlin - has led many, including senior Russian figures, to fuel speculation that the Putin greeting adoring fans in Dagestan was in fact a body double.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow today

Putin has not been seen greeting crowds in such a way since before the pandemic

It comes as rumours continue to circulate about Putin's poor health.

Russian political analyst Dr Valery Solovey said last week: 'The fact is that the current President Vladimir Putin is living out the last days of his earthly life.'

Solovey is former professor at Moscow's prestigious Institute of International Relations [MGIMO], a training academy for spies and diplomats.

He has promised more claims about Putin's health on Thursday.

The head of Ukrainian military intelligence Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov has alleged the real Putin has not been seen since June 2022.

'The one, who everyone used to know, was last seen around 26 June 2022,' he said last month.

A recent Japanese TV report used AI to analyse Putin's face, walk and voice in multiple appearances, and concluded that he does use one and perhaps two body doubles.

Putin has made trips to Kyrgyzstan and China, and was unusually active in travelling inside Russia.

Last week he visited Perm, and held talks with his war commander General Valery Gerasimov in Rostov-on-Don after making a 'detour' to visit the military headquarters.

The channel says all these are by body doubles who underwent plastic surgery and years of training by Russian secret services to perform as Putin stand-ins.

This week he has been holding meetings with officials in Moscow. Today he was shown meeting deputy premier Denis Manturov, who is also trade and industry minister.

In April, Peskov admitted that reports were rife about Putin's doppelgangers but claimed the warmonger was 'mega-active'.

'Perhaps you had heard that Putin has multiple doubles, who work instead of him while he is sitting inside a bunker,' he said. 'This is yet more lies . This is one more lie.

'You see our president. He is just as he used to be - mega-active.'

Putin has admitted that his aides previously asked him if he wanted to use body doubles, which was routine for former Kremlin leaders Stalin and Brezhnev. Putin said he rejected the scheme.
Twelve British nationals are now believed to have been killed in the Hamas terror attacks, it was revealed today.

Another five are still missing - although some of those are feared dead rather than being held hostage.

Downing Street moved to clarify the situation after Treasury minister Victoria Atkins suggested slightly different figures in a round of interviews this morning.

The victims include two teenagers, a soldier and youngsters who were visiting Israel for a holiday or to attend a music festival that turned into a massacre.

Hamas on Monday said it had freed two Israeli women who were among the more than 200 hostages taken during its October 7 rampage in southern Israel.

Among those killed by Hamas is British teenager Noiya Sharabi, 16, her 13-year-old sister Yahel and her mother Lianne. The girls' father, Eli Sharabi, is still missing and is feared to have been abducted by Hamas gunmen and taken back to Gaza, like their uncle Yossi, 53.

Nathanel Young, 20, who was serving in the Israeli army, was the first Briton to be confirmed dead after Hamas terrorists launched their barbaric attack and killed 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

Among those killed by Hamas is British teenager Noiya Sharabi, 16, (right) her 13-year-old sister Yahel (left) and her mother Lianne (centre)

Corporal Nathanel Young, 20, from London, was a soldier in the 13th Battalion who lived in Tel Aviv and was killed by Hamas

Miryam Shafir, 55, with her son, Dor Shafir, and his fiancee, Savion Hen Kiper (centre, who has been confirmed dead), at a bowling alley

Glasgow man Bernard Cohen (aka Cowan) killed on Saturday in Israel by Hamas

And British-born woman Savion Kiper, 30, was also confirmed dead after the Palestinian terrorist group opened fire on crowds in the Negev desert on Saturday. Her fiance, Dor Shafir, is still missing.

Among the Britons killed by the terrorists is also Glaswegian Bernard Cowen, 57, who lived in Israel with his wife and two children. He was identified on Sunday by family members as having been 'murdered in cold blood in his home' by Hamas terrorists.

Though more than 1,000 Israelis were killed or taken hostage, a variety of foreign nationals were caught up in the savage attacks. Atkins said this morning that six Britons are among those being held hostage.

Many of the missing foreigners were at an electronic music festival in the southern Israeli desert, at which scores of revellers were killed.

Briton Jake Marlowe, 26, was amongst the 260 civilians massacred at the Nova festival. Marlowe, who went to the same London school as Young, left desperate messages to friends while providing security at the festival close to the Gaza border.

His mother told the Jewish News that the last message she got from her son was one saying he loved her.

She said: 'He was doing security at this rave yesterday and called me at 4.30am to say all these rockets were flying over.

'Then, at about 5.30am, he texted to say, ''signal very bad, everything OK, will keep you updated I promise you'', and that he loves me.'

Marlowe's devastated family said they have not heard from him since and later confirmed he had been killed.

The 26-year-old's parents, Lisa and Michael Marlowe, said at the time: 'We are heartbroken to have to inform you the crushing news that our son Jake has been confirmed dead in southern Israel.'

Jack Marlowe was last seen attempting to rescue revellers from the killers. His family confirmed he had been killed by the terrorists

Mr Marlowe, who went to the same London school as Mr Young, left desperate messages to friends while providing security at the Supernova music festival

Marlowe, 26, was amongst the 260 civilians massacred at the Nova festival

Marlowe had moved to Israel two years ago and lived in the city Ma'alot, which is in northern Israel.

He is believed to have been working as a security guard at a music festival in Kibbutz Re'im, a suburb in the city of Okafim, about three miles from the Gaza border.

Another British victim, photographer Dan Darlington, is also believed to be dead after a relative of his German girlfriend Carolin Bohl - also missing - received information from a man working in kibbutz that the bodies of the pair had been identified.

The couple were last heard from while hiding out in a bunker in Nir Or, a kibbutz in Southern Israel, according to Carolin Bohl's brother-in law Sam Pasquesi.

Heartbreaking photographs on Instagram show the couple laughing together shortly before they vanished during the deadly attack on Israel.

Darlington was meant to leave for Tel Aviv the night before the attack 'but decided to stay one more day to explore the kibbutz with his friend', his sister Shelley Darlington said.

It was 'a decision that has irrevocably changed all our lives forever, and one that cost him his life,' Shelley said.

Photographer Dan Darlington (left) is also believed to be dead by family and friends after the family of his German girlfriend - also missing - received information from a man working in kibbutz that the bodies of the pair had been identified

The first British victim to be identified was 20-year-old Corporal Nathanel Young, of London, who was killed on Saturday while serving in the 13th battalion of the Israeli Defence Forces.

The former pupil at JFS Jewish school in Kenton, north London, had been living in the Bayit Shel Benji lone-soldier house in Raanana, according to the Jewish News.

Mr Young's family said in a statement that he was 'full of life and the life of the party'.

They added: 'He loved his family and friends and was loved by everyone. He loved music and was a talented DJ.

'Always willing to go to any lengths for his loved ones - an amazing uncle and brother. He was so happy and thriving in Israel. He loved the country.'

Eliot Young, his brother, told Sky News: 'Nathanel always had strong Jewish pride. From a young age he always wanted to play an important role in defending his country - it's something he talked about a lot.'
The father of a rising teenage motocross star who was allegedly stabbed to death said he always feared his youngest son would meet a tragic end.

Seb O'Halloran, 19, was allegedly knifed by a teenage girl outside a home in Limpidi Drive, Mildura, around 540km north-west of Melbourne, on Saturday about 1.05am after intervening in a fight.

His devastated father, Mark O'Halloran, said his son's untimely death had not hit him yet.

'I always thought about this day. I thought he would die in a car accident or on a motorbike. I thought when he does, I'm just going to be shattered.

Seb O'Halloran (pictured), 19, was allegedly stabbed by a teenage girl outside a home in Limpidi Drive, Mildura, around 540km north-west of Melbourne , on Saturday about 1.05am after intervening in a fight

'Now that it has happened I'm doing OK under the circumstances,' Mr O'Halloran told the Herald Sun.

Seb, a third-year building apprentice, was known for his fearless dirt bike riding and loyal friendships within the Mildura community.

'He didn't have fear; if something scared him or hurt him, he would just keep doing it until the fear went away,' his father said.

'If there was a jump he couldn't do, he would keep on doing it until he mastered it.'

Victoria Police homicide squad detectives arrested a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man following Seb's death and later charged the girl with his murder.

Seb, a third-year building apprentice, was known for his fearless dirt bike riding and loyal friendships within the Mildura community

His devastated father, Mark O'Halloran, said he had always feared his son would meet a tragic end

'The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined but [the] parties involved are known to each other,' police said in a statement.

It remains unclear how Seb became involved in the deadly altercation.

Early reports indicated Seb may have intervened in an argument between the pair.

Paramedics had rushed to the scene, but were unable to save him.

Well-wishers have donated almost $24,000 to a GoFundMe page set up for Seb's family.

'Seb was a dearly loved son, brother, grandson & mate. Anyone who knew him loved his personality, cheeky ways, his passion for motocross, hard work ethic & love for his family & friends,' the fundraiser states.

'Seb's passing has shocked his loved ones and our community alike and is something we're still trying to process.'

The girl charged with murder, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody until her next court date on November 9.

CCTV footage and DNA samples will form part of the case against the teen, the Herald Sun reported.

Connor Byrnes, a friend of Seb's, told the newspaper he was one of the most selfless people he knew.

'He was the mate that would put everyone else before himself and did anything he could to help them,' he said.

'I can't thank him enough for the amount of times he had been there for me when I needed him. I would do anything to be able to see that massive grin on his face again.'

Seb O'Halloran had reportedly tried to step in to stop a fight when he was allegedly stabbed

Tributes flowed on Monday as the shocked Mildura community came to terms with another young life lost.

'My world, my brother, my best mate, my guardian angel. I love you more than anything the universe could have to offer,' mate Damon Burke posted online.

Des O'Halloran said Seb's family could not understand how the tragedy could happen.

'We are all shocked and saddened by his tragic passing. Only 18 years old and his whole life ahead of him, we will never understand why this has happened ... just horrendous,' he stated.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police immediately.
Hotels in Los Angeles have been hiring unhoused migrants including teenagers to replace striking workers, according to a new damning report.

The Unite Here Local 11 union, which represents striking LA hotel workers, claims newly arrived asylum seekers staying at a Skid Row shelter have been hired to work as cleaners in the city's hotels.

Over 15,000 LA hotel workers have been on intermittent strikes since July, affecting about 50 hotels in Southern California. The workers are demanding better wages, benefits and working conditions.

The District Attorney has opened an investigation into labor practices in LA hotels following the claims. DA George Gascon said on Monday that he is concerned about potential wage theft and child labor law violations.

Nearly a dozen asylum seekers - mostly from Venezuela and Colombia - told the LA Times they had been hired at hotels where workers were picketing outside.

The Unite Here Local 11 union claims newly arrived asylum seekers staying at a Skid Row shelter have been hired to work at the city's hotels

The hotels allegedly hiring migrants include Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica and the Holiday Inn LAX

DA George Gascon said at a press conference on Monday with the union and migrants that he is concerned about potential wage theft and child labor law violations

Some of the migrants hired by hotels are reportedly just teens - the LA Times spoke to a 17-year-old student at Belmont High School who said she missed two days of school to clean rooms at the Holiday Inn LAX, where his mom also works as a housekeeper.

The boy said they were paid through Zelle by an agency called Arya Staffing Services Inc.

Migrants who spoke to the LA Times claimed they were given heavy loads, long hours and were forced to work without breaks. The paper reported some were told they would be paid $19-an-hour, but others were given no information about how much they would earn.

The hotels allegedly hiring migrants include Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica and the Holiday Inn LAX.

Asylum seekers are not legally allowed to work for 150 days after submitting their claim, but Venezuelans were recently given Temporary Protected Status and work permits as the Biden administration looks for ways to mitigate the migrant crisis.

Once their claims are approved, refugees and asylees are allowed to work - and employers are allowed to hire replacement workers during labor strikes. However, unions condemn it as slave labor.

'If there are violations of the law, there will be severe consequences for this. We want to make sure that our community understands there will be no tolerance for the exploitation of refugees,' Gascon said on Monday.

Unite Here organizer Hannah Petersen told the LA Times some of the migrants hired at Le Meridien Delfin were sent to LA by Texas governor Greg Abbott, who has been busing asylum seekers to progressive cities to make a point about he deems open-border policies by Democrats.

Los Angeles' deputy mayor Zach Seidle said that a plan was put in place earlier this year for migrant arrivals in the city, which was activated as soon as they were made aware about the bus.

Abbott has claimed responsibility for sending over 45,000 to about half a dozen 'sanctuary' cities, including New York and Chicago.

In August, the LA City Council asked whether the city could sue Texas over the busing program. However, as reported by The New York Times, the city has a robust shelter system used to receiving a high number of migrants who come from the U.S.-Mexico border.

But other cities receiving the buses have become overwhelmed with the surge of asylum seekers, with state governments in New York, Massachusetts and Illinois saying they are out of room and begging the federal government for assistance.

Many of the migrants are staying at the Union Rescue mission on Skid Row

Skid Row in Los Angeles pictured above

Last week Massachusetts governor Maura Healy announced the state is 'on the verge of reaching capacity' and will not guarantee accommodation for migrants, as over 7,000 are currently living in shelters.

The Democrat warned the statewide emergency family shelter system will hit capacity by the end of the month, saying it has been expanding at an unsustainable rate to handle the demand from newly arriving migrant families.

Other states and cities have also struggled to find shelter for migrants.

New York City mayor Eric Adams first welcomed migrants sent north by Republican governor Greg Abbot, who argues progressive cities should share the cost of what he sees as open-border Democratic policies.

Speaking to reporters in August 2022, the mayor said: 'As the mayor of New York, I have to provide services families that are here, and that's what we're going to do - our responsibility as a city, and I'm proud that this is a Right to Shelter state, and we're going continue to do that.'

But the buses kept coming, and a year later, Adams is pleading for federal and state aid - asking a judge to suspend the Right to Shelter policy as the city struggles to find room for the 120,000 asylum seekers that have arrived since the Spring of 2022.

Adams also has limited the number of days adults and families can stay at city shelters.

In May he made major changes to the 40-year-old 'Right to Shelter' law that guarantees a bed for anyone who needs it in the city, as his government asked for federal and state help to deal with the surge of migrants that he now says could destroy New York as we know it.

'This issue will destroy New York City,' Adams has said of the influx of asylum seekers.

Migrants who spoke to the LA Times claimed they were given heavy loads, long hours and were forced to work without breaks

Over 15,000 LA hotel workers have been on intermittent strikes since July, affecting about 50 hotels in Southern California

Governor Kathy Hochul, who also first welcomed asylum seekers last year, is supporting the city's effort to suspend a unique legal agreement that requires it to provide emergency housing to homeless people.

'I don't know how the right to shelter  dedicated to help those people, which I believe in, help families  can or should be interpreted to be an open invitation to 8 billion people who live on this planet, that if you show up in the streets of New York, that the city of New York has an obligation to provide you with a hotel room or shelter,' said the Democrat.

In Chicago, Governor JB Pritzker and mayor Brandon Johnson wrote a letter to president Biden saying the situation has overwhelmed the city an its ability to help the asylum seekers. They are asking the federal government for financial aid and to waive fees for migrants' work authorization.

Chicago has received over 18,000 migrants in a year, and the city's leaders have warned of a humanitarian crisis unfolding, with officials saying daily arrivals in the Windy City have increased tenfold over the last weeks.

Asylum seekers have been sleeping in airports and police stations as the sanctuary city's shelters are out of room.

Like New Yorkers, Chicago residents have opposed turning landmarks into emergency shelters, with some even asking city officials to close the city's borders as mayor Johnson quietly signed a $29million contract with a security firm to build migrant base camps.

Meanwhile the Biden administration backtracked on its rejection of a border wall.

In a shock announcement, the Department of Homeland Security said it's waiving 26 federal laws to start constructing a new 'physical barrier' that was started under Donald Trump.
Mother of the teenager claims the officers in both incidents are the same person

It follows an incident in August which saw an autistic teenager arrested by cops

The mother of a girl arrested for saying a police officer looked like her 'lesbian nana' said she is the same cop in a viral video spraying a crowd in Leeds on Sunday.

Over the weekend extraordinary footage emerged of a group of West Yorkshire Police staff dealing with a crowd on an estate.

At the centre of the fracas was a short blonde-haired officer who was filmed erratically shouting and using pava spray on members of the public.

Eagle-eyed members of the public said they thought she looked familiar and claimed she was the same cop who went viral in an early video back in August.

That time a cop was seen on TikTok footage arresting an autistic girl, 15, who had said she looked 'like her lesbian nana'.

And earlier today that schoolgirl's mother confirmed she believed the same officer was in both of the videos.

The parent, who cannot be named, posted on TikTok: 'Well, well well if it isn't the original lesbian nana herself' accompanied by a video of a woman spraying a crowd and yelling 'get back' as she and other officers are surrounded by a crowd of people.

West Yorkshire Police and federation have refused request for comment on whether she is featured in both clips. The force did say the incident had now been referred to the force's Professional Standards Directorate.

A police officer was caught on video spraying a crowd and yelling 'get back' during a huge altercation in Leeds

A teenage girl was arrested in August after she called this police officer a 'lesbian like nana'

The mother of the has claimed that she is the same cop seen in a video spraying a crowd with pepper spray in an altercation in Leeds

The mother posted the video of the chaotic scenes, which took place on Third Avenue in Rothwell on Sunday, October 22, after a huge crowd amassed around police, with the caption: 'Well well well. If it isn't the original #lesbian #nanna herself'.

She claims in the post that 'I was told this officer had been suspended after she dragged my autistic daughter from our home.'

During the incident in August, the woman's 16-year-old daughter, who also suffers from spinal disability scoliosis, had been driven to her home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, by officers after attending the city's Gay Pride celebrations with her sister when she allegedly made a 'homophobic' remark.

She was later dragged away 'screaming' by West Yorkshire Police officers in the early hours of the morning having been arrested on suspicion of 'homophobic public order offence'.

Footage of the incident, filmed by the girl's mother went viral on TikTok prompting a furious backlash online, as the officers were accused of heavy-handedness and left the girl cowering under the stairs in her own home.

The teenager, who is not being named, was held in custody for 20 hours after the incident and then released. The force later confirmed it would take no further action against the teenager and released her from her bail.

Following the recent footage from Leeds, West Yorkshire Police said in a statement on X: 'West Yorkshire Police is aware of footage circulating on social media around some disorder on Third Avenue, Rothwell on Sunday (22/10) afternoon.

It added: 'The matter is being investigated and body worn footage currently being reviewed.'

The teenager was dragged screaming from her home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, by a group of officers after a 'homophobic public order offence'

The girl cowered in a corner of the hallway as her mother said she was autistic and had not meant to offend the officer

The girl, who also has scoliosis, tumbled down as she was dragged by officers outside into a police car

Footage from the incident shows police engaging in a physical altercation with one man next to a red car that is parked on the street.

One officer abruptly begins using what appears to be pepper spray at the riled up crowd as she yells 'get back now'. She then appears to spray one man in the face before letting off another burst on to another.

The same officer repeatedly keeps shouting 'get back' before another steps in to assist.

The man filming the ensuing chaos can be heard saying: 'The f*** you doing you little muppet?'. The camera then pans to another officer as the same person asks: 'What are you doing you?'.

More officers then step in to take control of the situation as they form a line blocking the crowd from moving further down the street.

The man filming asks one: 'You seen what she just done to her mate?'

Others can be heard asking 'who's been arrested?' and insisting 'that boy has not done no wrong' while a police dog can be heard barking in the background.

Later in the video, more police vans are seen arriving as the situation descends into further chaos.

A man then explains: 'F***ing just dragged him out his car and then started pepper spraying everyone.'

The same officer that was seen spraying the crowd then yells 'get out of the road now' before shoving a woman towards the pavement.

The police eventually gain control of the situation after the crowd has dispersed and several police cars can be seen on the side of the street.

Shocking footage shows police being swarmed by a crowd of people, with some officers seen engaging in a physical altercation with one man next to a red car that is parked on the street

One officer (pictured left) abruptly starts using what appears to be pepper spray of the riled up crowd

She aggressively yells 'get back now' at the crowd while holding the spray in her hand

Other officers carrying batons block the crowd from getting further up the street

Many of the officers in the three-minute-long video appear to very young as they stood among a group of what seem to be older colleagues.

It comes after two student recruits from West Yorkshire Police were mocked by online trolls about how young they looked.

Superintendent Helen Brear of West Yorkshire Police posted a photo on Twitter alongside the message: 'Welcome Alfie and Noah to Kirklees District. New student officers as part of our Police Uplift programme, #Policing family.'

All student officers must be over 18 to apply but keyboard bullies soon went into overdrive at the sight of the budding policemen standing with Supt Brear and another female officer.

But Supt Brear did not see the funny side and hit back, saying: 'I have been incredibly disappointed by some of the responses.

'Both of my colleagues passed the recruitment process and displayed they had the skills/abilities. Both will make great cops and I as their leader will ensure they reach their potential.'

West Yorkshire Police's website states that those applying to join the police 'must have reached 18' to become a student officer.

Their training combines a mixture of classroom learning and practical experience and if successful will gain a degree at the end of the three-year course.

Superintendent Helen Brear of West Yorkshire Police posted a photo on Twitter alongside the message: 'Welcome Alfie and Noah to Kirklees District. New student officers as part of our Police Uplift programme, #Policing family'

A profile of the student officer role states the 'key outputs' include 'arrest, detain or report individuals ensuring that they are dealt with appropriately in line with current guidance'.

Another is to 'interview, victims, witnesses and suspects' and officers must 'lead by example and behave in line with the Police Code of Ethics'.

'Essential' attributes for West Yorkshire officers is to 'communicate clearly', have a 'good command of English', basic computer skills, ability to pass a fitness test and ability to undertake biometric testing.

Last year the West Yorkshire force recruited 624 officers through its Uplift programme.

MailOnline has contacted West Yorkshire Police for comment.
Social media users have joked that they 'might go for a seaside walk' after a haul of drugs washed ashore on the South Coast for the fourth time this month.

Armed police and the coastguard sealed off a large section of the shore in Goring, West Sussex, yesterday after a member of the public found a black holdall containing as much as 30kg of the class-A drug, estimated to be worth more than 2million.

Sussex Police later confirmed that the beach was back open to the public - but social media users saw the funny side after yet another haul of drugs turned up on Britain's coast.

One person on X, formerly Twitter, wrote: 'Might go for a walk along Brighton beach, I mean that tide can be strong.'

Another quipped: 'I was there this morning at 5am to do some fishing... if only I walked [a] few more groins [sic] up my birthday would of been a different story.'

Armed police and coastguards sealed off a section of beach in Goring yesterday after a bag was discovered on the shore containing cocaine worth 2million

The vast haul of drugs is believed to be part of a consignment dumped by smugglers in the Solent earlier this month

Social media users joked that they should go for a seaside walk, while others quipped that they never find anything good on the beach

A third user joked: 'Someone's definitely got a bounty on their head after this little mishap.'

A fourth posted: 'It's not finders keepers then.'

Another said: 'Somebody's gonna be throwing toys out their prams.'

Others wondered what all the sirens were about as several armed police descended on the scene. One user suggested it was a bit extreme to send in armed cops, adding: 'We all know that drugs are dangerous but???'

It comes after a fisherman found hundreds of kilos of cocaine floating in the sea close to Durdle Door, Dorset, on October 2. A team of litter-pickers stumbled upon a second batch on a beach on the west coast of the Isle of Wight.

On October 12, armed police cordoned off the beach at Ferring, west of Worthing, when dozens of black-and-turquoise packages marked 'POPI' containing cocaine worth 1.2million washed up on the shore.

More of the sealed parcels were found scattered on nearby beaches in Felpham and Middleton the following day. A further batch was found in Selsey last Thursday.

The vast haul of drugs is believed to be part of a consignment dumped by smugglers in the Solent earlier this month.

A witness said the black bag found yesterday looked identical to the holdalls from the previous cocaine discoveries.

Officers investigate after cocaine washed up in West Sussex yet again. It was found by a member of public

The coastguard was also deployed to the beach in Goring, as police urged the public not to touch the drugs

Officers who were seen rushing to the scene take away a black holdall containing drugs yesterday

One user suggested it was a bit extreme to send in armed cops, adding: 'We all know that drugs are dangerous but???'

'The police quickly bagged it up and whipped it off the beach at about 11am,' they said.

'There were eight armed officers who helped seal the beach off.

'I'd heard it was about 30kg or so. It was definitely the same bag as the load found in Middleton and the Isle of Wight.'

Sussex Police warned members of the public not to touch or remove any other packages they discover on the beach.

Armed police cordoned off a beach in Ferring, West Sussex, after dozens of packages believed to contain cocaine worth up to 1.2million washed up on the shore

Writer David Jones with what is believed to be cocaine at Brightstone on the Isle of Wight

A spokesman said: 'Police were called to Goring on Monday morning following reports of suspected drugs washing up on the beach.'

He added the packages will be taken for forensic testing along with those found at the other locations while investigators work to find the source of the drugs.

Following the discoveries made earlier this month, the National Crime Agency confirmed that initial testing indicated the substance found was cocaine originating in South America.

Senior investigating officer Tracey Lake said: 'A loss of a consignment of this size would represent a significant hit to the criminal networks involved.'

Dogwalker Kayt Wolfe, who saw some of the packages washed up on the Isle of Wight, said people had asked her why she did not keep some of the narcotics.

'It never crossed my mind. I just wanted it safely removed from the beach,' she said.
The captain of the deadly scuba boat fire that left 34 dead is back on trial where the judge ruled that those killed could not be called 'victims'.

Jerry Boylan, 69, was the captain of the Conception dive boat that caught on fire off the coast of Southern California in 2019.

A federal trial for Boylan began on Tuesday to determine if the captain was to blame for the tragedy, as the National Transportation Safety Board claimed he was.

The judge for the trial - which has a jury selection in Los Angeles - determined before the newest court proceedings kicked off that the 34 people that died in the Labor Day tragedy could not be called 'victims'.

U.S. District Judge George Wu ruled that 'victims' is a prejudicial term that jeopardizes Boylan's right to a fair trial.

Jerry Boylan, 69, was the captain of the Conception dive boat that caught on fire off the coast of Southern California in 2019. A federal trial for Boylan began on Tuesday to determine if the captain was to blame for the tragedy

The judge for the trial - which has a jury selection in Los Angeles - determined before the court proceedings kicked off that the 34 people that died in the Labor Day tragedy could not be called 'victims'

The 2019 devastation was the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history - killing 34 on the last day of the boat's three-day scuba diving excursion.

It's been a long, frustrating wait for the families of those who perished. They say a judge's ruling that their loved ones should not be called 'victims' at trial has only added to their pain.

'The past four years have been like living in a nightmare that you dont wake up from,' said Kathleen McIlvain, whose 44-year-old son Charles died in the tragedy.

The 75-foot boat was anchored off the Channel Islands, about 25 miles south of Santa Barbara, when it caught fire before dawn, sinking less than 100 feet from shore.

What exactly started the fire remains unknown. Early official scrutiny appeared to focus on a spot where divers plugged in phones and other electronics.

A Los Angeles Times story, citing a confidential report by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the blaze began in a plastic trash can on the main deck.

Boylan and four crew members sleeping in the upper deck told investigators they tried to save the others but were ultimately forced to jump overboard to survive. Boylan made a mayday call at 3:14 a.m. just before abandoning ship.

Even though the fire happened in the middle of the night - some of the dead were wearing shoes, prompting investigators to believe they were awake and trying to escape.

Captain Jerry Boylan pleaded not guilty in 2022 in federal court for a second time to manslaughter in the fiery deaths of 34 people trapped below deck on his burning vessel three years ago

Senior Apple engineer Steve Salika (left) and Lisa Fiedler, a 52-year-old hairdresser (right) both died on board the dive boat

Michael Quitasol (center) was celebrating his birthday with daughters Nicole (far left), Evan (second from right), Angela (far right) and his partner Fernisa Sison (not pictured) during a dive boat fire off of Santa Barbara, California. All five are now presumed dead

Kristy Finstad, 41, of Santa Cruz (left) was among the divers helping to lead the expedition aboard the Conception, which caught fire in the early morning hours on Monday. the sole crew member who perished in the boat fire as 25-year-old Allie Kurtz (right)

Both exits from the below-deck bunkroom were blocked by flames.

Coroners reports listed smoke inhalation as the cause of death, though official autopsies were never conducted.

The National Transportation Safety Board blamed Boylan for the fire - saying his failure to post a roving night watchman allowed the fire to quickly spread undetected, trapping the 33 passengers and one crew member below.

A grand jury in 2020 initially indicted Boylan on 34 counts of a pre-Civil War statute colloquially known as 'seaman's manslaughter' that was designed to hold steamboat captains and crew responsible for maritime disasters.

Each count carries up to 10 years in prison in a conviction, for a total of 340 years.

Among the 34 killed by the deadly fire were Neal Gustav Baltz, Patricia Ann Beitzinger and Kristina 'Kristy' Finstad.

Also killed on the boat was family of five: Evan Michel Quitasol, Nicole Storm Quitasol, Angela Rose Quitasol, Fernisa Sison, and Michael Quitasol

Other passengers that died were Alexandra 'Allie' Kurtz, Raymond 'Scott' Chan, Kendra Chan, Steven Salika, Tia Salika-Adamic, Carol Diana Adamic, Berenice Felipe Alvarez, Charles McIlvain, Marybeth Guiney, Lisa Fiedler, Daniel Garcia, Yulia Krashennaya, Kristian Takvam and Caroline McLaughlin.

Married couple Adrian Dahood-Fritz and Andrew Fritz tragically died on the boat.

Lastly - Vaidehi Campbell, Kaustubh Nirmal, and Sanjeeri Deopujari, Justin Carroll Dignam, Ted Strom, Wei Tan, Sunil Singh Sandhu, Xiang Lin, Juha Pekka Ahopelto and Yuko Hatano.

Raymond 'Scott' Chan, 59 (left), a physics teacher at American High School in Fremont, also was aboard with his daughter, 26-year-old wildlife biologist Kendra Chan (right)

Charles McIlvain (left), 44, who is survived by wife Jasmine Lord who was not aboard the Conception. A friend posted that 'Chuck' was 'full of life,' had a 'contagious laugh' and was a 'warm soul'

An Arizona couple, Patricia Beitzinger and her partner of two years, Neal Baltz, were on the trip

Ocean enthusiast Marybeth Guiney (above) was among those aboard the ship. She was remembered for her work to help protect sharks and other sea life

The trial was prolonged with setbacks when Judge Wu ruled in 2022 that the superseding indictment failed to specify that Boylan , which is a required element to prove the crime of seamans manslaughter.

He dismissed that indictment, forcing prosecutors to go before a grand jury again.

The dive boat captain pleaded not guilty in federal court for the second time to manslaughter in the fiery deaths of 34 people trapped below deck on his burning vessel three years ago off the Southern California coast.

Boylan is now charged with one count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer. The single count means he faces only 10 years behind bars if convicted.

He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

The Labor Day tragedy spurred changes to maritime regulations, congressional reform and civil lawsuits.

Following the incident - the Coast Guard enacted new regulations for fire detection systems, extinguishers, escape routes and other safety measures, as mandated by Congress.
A council in Sydney's south-west has unanimously agreed to fly the Palestinian flag in a move that has been branded 'incomprehensible' by Jewish leaders.

Labor councillor Karl Saleh put forward a motion on Tuesday evening at Canterbury-Bankstown Council calling for the flag of Palestine to be flown from both the Paul Keating Park in Bankstown and the Campsie Administration building 'in support of the Palestinian people'.

Cllr Saleh said the flag would remain until 'a ceasefire is declared' in Gaza, reported the Daily Telegraph.

'The media often ask, do we condemn all acts of violence targeting civilians and of course we condemn terrorism and violence in any form, Cllr Saleh said.

Labor councillor Karl Saleh (pictured) put forward a motion on Tuesday evening at Canterbury-Bankstown Council calling for the flag of Palestine to be flown from both the Paul Keating Park in Bankstown and the Campsie Administration building 'in support of the Palestinian people'

Cllr Saleh said the move was a 'mark of respect for the city of Canterbury-Bankstown to convey our condolences for more than 5000 Palestinians, nearly half of them are children who have been killed' (pictured: protesters hold a giant Palestinian flag at a rally in Sydney)

'Of course we have no place for antisemitism or Islamophobia in our city but let's not pretend that the Palestinians have only been suffering since the 7th of October this year.'

He said the move was a 'mark of respect for the city of Canterbury-Bankstown to convey our condolences for more than 5000 Palestinians, nearly half of them are children who have been killed'.

The motion was unanimously moved but several councillors were absent.

Jewish leaders condemned the decision in the wake of the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas that killed at least 1400 Israelis.

Australian Jewish Association president Dr David Adler said it was 'incomprehensible that any civilised people could support a gesture at this time'.

'This would be akin to flying the German flag after Kristallnacht or the Japanese flag after Pearl Harbour,' he told the paper.

He accused the Bankstown-Canterbury Council of showing a 'complete lack of empathy for the Jewish community'.

Most pro-Palestinian protests across Australia have been peaceful

But two weeks ago, a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney's CBD descended into chaos when protesters were allowed to chant 'gas the Jews' and burn the Star of David in front of Sydney 's Opera House (pictured)

'The phrase of condemning all violence is a cover for trying to build a false moral equivalent there is no equivalence to what happened on the 7th of October,' he said.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip also condemned the move.

'An act of support for Palestinian civilians caught up in Hamas' war is understandable but without also condemning the Hamas terror regime, you're just giving comfort and support to Hamas who have proven to be worse than ISIS,' Ms Ossip said.

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek described the situation in Gaza as 'nothing short of a humanitarian crisis' as Israel continue to bombard the territory with missile strikes.

Mr El-Hayek questioned 'why the human rights of Palestinians are constantly being ignored' and said the community 'cannot be silenced or in fear'.

'It's about freedom of speech and letting the rest of the world know that there are two sides grieving,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia witnessed a large crowd of men attempting to set light to an Israeli flag with firecrackers before resorting to stamping on it and tearing it into shreds (pictured)

A large crowd gathered outside the Opera House before projectiles were thrown at the police and flares let off

'Let us be proud, we are a council with a heart and soul and we will show our true colours like the flag we fly.'

Mr El-Hayek proposed for council to write to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the opposition leader to make a 'definitive statement like they did with Israel and declare that they stand with the innocent people of Gaza' and for an immediate ceasefire.

It comes after the bloodshed in the Middle East has fanned the flames of division across the world, including in Australia.

Two weeks ago, a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney's CBD descended into chaos when protesters were allowed to chant anti-Semitic slogans and burn the Star of David in front of Sydney's Opera House.

The demonstration was hijacked by radical Muslims - some wearing black masks - who threw lit flares at police and chanted 'f*** Israel' and 'f*** the Jews' beneath the steps of the iconic harbouside venue.

At one point, there were even chants of 'gas the Jews' - a horrifying echo of the fate of millions of Jewish people under the Nazi regime.
Natalee Holloway's heinous killer Joran van der Sloot may still face murder charges in Aruba - where the investigation into her disappearance is still classed as open.

Van Der Sloot, 36, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Birmingham, Alabama, after pleading guilty to extortion and wire fraud in a plea deal.

During the deal, the Dutchman agreed to reveal what happened to Natalee - who was 18 when she disappeared - in a case that has captured the nation's attention for two decades.

He admitted to bludgeoning the 17-year-old on the beach after she spurned his sexual advances in 2005.

As of Monday, he remained at an Alabama jail - where he has been held during the proceedings in the United States.

Officials in Aruba have requested investigative documents from the US Department of Justice and have classed the investigation into the teenager's death as still 'open.'

Natalee Holloway's heinous killer Joran van der Sloot may still face murder charges in Aruba - where the investigation into her disappearance is still open. The two had met at a bar where Natalee had been celebrating her high school graduation, the night before she was due to return to the US on May 30, 2005

Dutch citizen Joran Van der Sloot is escorted by police officers outside a Peruvian police station, near the border with Chile in Tacna, Peru, Friday, June 4, 2010

Van Der Sloot may still have to face murder charges in the Caribbean country.

Ann Angela, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office in Aruba, said: 'We have requested the U.S. Department of Justice for the court documents, transcripts and all the documents related to the investigation.

They will be analyzing them before 'deciding on the procedural steps to be taken against Joran van der Sloot.'

Angela added: 'Up until now, even though we are indeed aware of the reports in the press, we have not yet been formally informed by US authorities.'

She stressed: 'The disappearance of Natalee Holloway, is still an open investigation in Aruba.'

As of Tuesday morning, the Aruba Prosecutors Office had not yet received the DOJ documents.

In Aruba, there is a 12-year statue of limitations on homicide cases - meaning that the time may have passed to formally charge Van Der Sloot with murder since the ordeal took place in 2005.

Angela told Fox News that whether this case is statue-barred or not 'cannot be answered with a straightforward yes or no.'

The prosecutor's office said 'it depends on various factors within the investigation.'

Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway's mother, said last week that van der Sloot's statement means he 'finally confessed' and provided answers about what happened.

'Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughter's murder. He is a killer,' she said.

Dave Holloway, Natalee Holloway's father, called van der Sloot 'evil personified.'

He said that after witnessing the admission, he believes van der Sloot alone killed his daughter but questioned if others helped conceal the crime.

'While I am satisfied that the defendant murdered Natalee alone, I have no doubt others provided him with aid and assistance in preventing us from being able to return Natalee home,' Dave Holloway said.

Van der Sloot only admitted he killed Natalee as part of a plea deal for wire fraud and extortion charges after he attempted to scam his victim's mother out of $250,000 for information on the location of her remains

Natalee, pictured left, had been celebrating her high school graduation in Aruba when she met Van der Sloot at a bar

Last week, the court released the terrifying 3 minute and 45 second clip where the killer Van Der Sloot calmly admitted to his heinous crime - as he took a cinderblock to Natalee's head causing her face to 'collapse in.'

For the first time, the public can hear Van Der Sloot's unemotional voice when he confesses: 'I start feeling her up again and she tells me no. She tells me doesn't want me to feel her up. I insist.

'I keep feeling her up either way. She ends up kneeing me in the crotch. When she knees me in the crotch, I get up and I kick her extremely hard in the face.

'She's lying down unconscious, possibly even dead, but definitely unconscious. And I see right next to her there's a huge cinderblock laying on the beach.'

The Dutch citizen admitted to beating Natalee to death at a beach after she refused his advances and placed her dead body in the Caribbean, before walking home.

Holloway said Anita Van der Sloot 'enabled' everything her son has done and said his parents had 'raised a killer'

Five years after the killing, an FBI sting recorded the extortion attempt in which van der Sloot asked for $250,000 from Beth Holloway to reveal the location of her daughters remains.

He agreed to accept $25,000 to disclose the location, and asked for the other $225,000 once the remains were recovered.

In an interview conducted by his attorney, the killer, who had always denied murdering Natalee, provided details of the final moments of the teen's life.

The Dutch national was extradited for sentencing in the US from Peru where he is currently serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of Stephany Flores, who he smothered to death in a hotel room in 2010.

He will be sent back to Lima, Peru, and his sentences will run concurrently.

The two had met at a bar where Natalee had been celebrating her high school graduation, the night before she was due to return to the US on May 30, 2005.

He described how the two were kissing on the beach when he tried to take things further and Natalee refused, kicking him in the crotch when he failed to stop.
The son of Hamas founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, who defected from the terrorist group and served as an Israeli spy for years, is warning Americans and the rest of the world how his father and his army wants to 'annihilate' Jewish people and establish sharia law around the world.

Mosab Hassan Yousef, referred to as the 'Green Prince', spied on Hamas for Israel between 1997 and 2007. His intelligence prevented suicide bomb attacks and other strikes.

In a series of interviews with American media outlets today, he warned that his father and Hamas will not be satisfied with taking territorial Palestine alone, and that they are fighting a religious war to which there is no end for them.

'They are a religious movement this is what everybody is afraid to say. If Hamas was a political movement, we could satisfy their political ambition.

'But Hamas is a religious movement that does not believe in political borders - they want to establish an Islamic state on the rubble of the state of Israel.

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Mosab Hassan Yousef is the son of Hamas spokesperson Sheikh Hassan Yousef. He served as an Israeli spy for 10 years, informing against the terror group

Yousef warned that Hamas is driven by religion not politics, and that fighters will not be satisfied if they take Palestine alone

They want to annihilate the Jewish people, and the Jewish state, they want to kill everybody who supports Israel then establish an Islamic State.

'But this is not the end because their ambition is global. They want to eventually establish an Islamic State, a global Islamic State,' he told Jake Tapper on CNN.

He also said the group initiates war with the Israelis every few years when they 'need money'.

'This war, Israel did not start. Hamas started this war. Hamas, blood for money, they start a war every few years when they want money they shed children's blood and this has to stop. This has to stop. It has to come to an end.

'Unfortunately the price is not going to be cheap.

'I feel very sorry for Israel that they have to go into Gaza where there are booby traps all over the place...I don't know how many Israeli soldiers have to die in order to destroy Hamas.'

Yousef then appeared on Fox News, where he said the group is 'more dangerous' than ISIS.

'Look at the division and the global confusion because of Hamas. They brought us to our knees somehow by their brutality and their barbarism. Brutality is even understating Hamas' acts.

'Hamas is a religious movement, and they are a raging religious movement against Israel. The mainstream media cannot say this because they are afraid to ignite a religious war.

Palestinians carry a small child out of rubble at the site of an Israeli airstrike on October 24. Since Hamas waged war on October 7, over 5,000 Palestinians have died

The damage from the latest airstrike in Gaza

'And what I say, it already is. They want to annihilate the Jewish people because they are Jewish people, because they are a Jewish state."

'We need to expose them for what they are - they are not a national movement. When they are religious movement, they don't believe in political borders, are driven by dark hatred toward a race, towards a nation.'

In addition to overthrowing Hamas in Gaza, he said Israel needs to also take out the terror group's leadership.

'They need to deal with the head of the snake in Doha, Beirut - wherever they are cut the head of the snake and let the tail die. We can overthrow them.'

Yousef's father is among 60 Hamas leaders who were detained last week after a raid on the West Bank.
A 'white supremacist' whose children are named Aryan and Nation has finally been arrested for homicide seven months after she allegedly hit a Native American woman in her Cadillac.

Sunny K. White, 28, is thought to have struck Mika Westwolf, 22, while driving along Highway 93 in Montana in the early hours of March 31.

The case became a lightning rod for the Indigenous community, sparking protests and allegations of a cover-up following a bungled police probe.

But after seven months of tireless campaigning from Westwolf's family, White was charged with five felonies over the weekend, including vehicular homicide while under the influence.

A search warrant on White's car returned methamphetamine, five syringes and two unopened packs of Narcan.

Mika Westwolf, 22, was struck and killed by a vehicle as she was walking on the shoulder of a highway in Montana in the early morning hours of March 31

The suspected driver in the fatal crash is Sunny White, 28, a Montana woman with two children named Aryan and Nation. She remains under investigation

Westwolf (left) with her mother, Carissa Heavy Runner, (right) who campaigned for justice

Her blood sample came back positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine.

After White's arrest, Westwolf's family said the news felt 'bittersweet'.

'I was glad to hear (the news), you know, but I'm still kind of in shock because it really seemed like this day was unreachable,' Carissa Heavy Runner, Westwolf's mother, told The Missoulian.

Westwolf and her brother had been driving home to Arlee from a bar in Ravalli County on the night she was killed.

The pair stopped when Westwolf believed she had left her phone at the bar, to which she began to return on foot.

Her body was discovered on the side of a road alongside vehicle debris by a tribal officer at 4.15am on March 31, according to an affidavit filed Monday.

Around an hour later, a Lake County deputy saw White beside a gold 2008 Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage and missing a passenger side rearview mirror, which matched the description provided by the tribal officer.

White told the deputy that she had hit a deer and not stopped, the affidavit states. Her two children, Aryan, 4, and Nation, 2, are suspected to have been in the car at the time of the crash.

The 28-year-old told the deputy she was passing a bottle to her baby and didn't see the deer, according to the affidavit.

In an official statement to a Montana Highway Patrol trooper, White denied using alcohol, and said she hadn't used fentanyl or methamphetamine in the last week.

White was originally arrested on two counts of child endangerment, but charges were dropped 'without prejudice' - meaning they can be brought back - on April 6.

Cellphone data puts White near the crash scene at around 3am, the affidavit states.

Westwolf's family described her as a 'philosopher,' 'writer,' and an 'old soul'

Westwolf pictured on an Indigenous Cultural Exchange program to Nepal

Lead investigator Wayne Bieber appeared to suggest to Mika's mother, Carissa (right) that White was not in jail because the results of a toxicology report on Mika were still pending. There is no law that states a driver cannot be charged if they kill an intoxicated pedestrian

White's two children are named Aryan, 4, and Nation, 2

Arlee, Montana, where the accident took place is on the Flathead Indian Reservation

White also faces charges for accidents involving another person or deceased person, two counts of criminal child endangerment and one charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, Lake County court documents show.

She was brought into custody on a warrant over the weekend, but bonded out on Monday. She is due in court on Wednesday.

The investigation into Westwolf's death sparked fury among her family and community after notes obtained by DailyMail.com appeared to show police had failed to collect vital evidence.

Lead investigator Wayne Bieber admitted during an April 21 meeting with Westwolf's mother and stepfather that their daughter's clothing wasn't tested - as is standard procedure - and that it had not been 'handled in a proper manner'.

He also conceded that, three weeks after the crash, he had not collected surveillance video from businesses or the railroad along the highway where Westwolf walked, explaining that there 'were always multiple things going on at once'.

Bizarrely, Bieber seemed to suggest that White was not in jail because it was not yet known whether Mika was intoxicated while walking home.

The investigator also appeared reluctant to entertain the possibility that the incident could have been a hate crime, or that White was a white supremacist.

The Indigenous community rallied around Westwolf's family, organizing a series of protests citing 'systemic racism', 'bias' and 'a lack of commitment from prosecutors and investigators'.

While Native Americans account for 6.7 percent of Montana's population, they account for 26 percent of the state's active missing persons cases on average.

Overall, Native women face a murder rate that is nearly 10 times the national average.
Former US Marine Paul Whelan has told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that failing to negotiate his release from Russian jail has 'basically signed a death warrant' for him.

The 53-year-old political prisoner has been held at the remote IK-17 camp in Mordovia, west Russia, for almost five years - while other US hostages have been freed.

Whelan's ordeal began when he traveled to Moscow for a friend's wedding in 2018. The veteran was arrested for espionage and sentenced to 16 years in jail following a closed trial - but he is recognized as 'wrongfully detained' by the US government.

He recently revealed that he expressed strong words to Blinken about the perils he faces as he grows older in the grueling labor camp.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan has told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that failing to negotiate his release from Russian jail has 'basically signed a death warrant' for him. (Pictured: Whelan in the prison camp earlier this year)

The 53-year-old political prisoner has been held at the remote IK-17 camp in Mordovia, west Russia , for almost five years - while other US hostages have been freed. (Pictured: Whelan when he served as a US Marine)

Whelan recently revealed that he expressed strong words to Secretary of State Antony Blinken (pictured) about the perils he faces as he grows older in the grueling labor camp

'I told him point blank that leaving me here the first time painted a target on my back and leaving me here the second time basically signed a death warrant,' Whelan told CNN over the phone.

He said he warned Blinken that 'unless they got me back, it could be quite challenging in the future, especially with my age and the sort of work we have to do from a health and safety point of view.'

Footage of Whelan was recently released by state-funded channel Russia Today, showing him interacting with other inmates at the maximum-security jail while wearing a prison-issue black cap and jumpsuit.

His family, who have not seen him since he was jailed in June 2020, said they were glad to see 'the fight remains in his eyes'.

In his call with CNN, Whelan said he was still hopeful that work was being done to secure his release - but added that he didn't want to be forgotten amid 'other geopolitical issues'.

Whelan said he wants to speak with President Joe Biden to 'find out if he will do what he's promised'. He recognized that the Kremlin considers him a 'high value' prisoner - so they 'want something high value in return'.

The former Marine - who is also an Irish, British and Canadian citizen - praised Blinken's efforts to negotiate his release, describing him as 'a person who obviously cares and cares deeply about the situation'.

The former US Marine pictured with his parents during a visit to Russia in 2009

Whelan's parents, who are in their 80s, wish to see their son freed from before they die

Whelan was arrested in December 2018 and held for 18 months in prison in Moscow. Then in June 2020 he was jailed for 16 years on spying charges

'I think everyone's trying to do the right thing, and I know that this will come to an end at some point. How long it will take I don't know. But I'm being promised that I won't be left behind here,' he said.

The US Department of State said Blinken 'remains committed to bringing Paul home', describing his detention as 'outrageous'.

'We offered Russia a serious proposal for Paul's release and will not stop working on his case until he is reunited with his family,' a spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

Whelan's frequent appeals to the government via the media have come amid the release of several other US prisoners from Russia within much shorter time-frames.

WBNA star Brittney Griner was released in December following a dramatic White House deal which saw the Saudi Crown Prince act as mediator just two days after a US lawsuit holding him responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder was dropped.

Biden's administration traded 'Merchant of Death' arms dealer Viktor Bout to Russia, who was jailed for selling weapons to US adversaries around the world, in exchange for Griner's return.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist had been facing nine years toiling in sweatshop conditions in Moscow after she was detained in February 2022 for allegedly entering Russia with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.

Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian penal colony after the Biden administration was able to reach a deal with the Kremlin on a prisoner swap

U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, 31, is also currently being held by Russian authorities

She had been at a detention center near Moscow until November 4, when she was moved to the IK-2 facility in Yavas.

Another former US Marine detained in Russia, Trevor Reed, was also released from captivity in April 2022 during a prisoner swap with Russian smuggler Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was sentenced to 20 years in Connecticut.

Reed was incarcerated for intoxication while he was on a trip to the country with his Russian girlfriend Alina Tsybulnik in August 2019.

Russian authorities took the former Marine to jail to sober up and he was later sentenced to nine years for assaulting and endangering two police officers' lives, officials claimed.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich also remains behind bars in Russia after he was detained in March 2023 while on a work trip to the city of Yekaterinburg, about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) east of Moscow.

He has been held in jail since on espionage charges, which can be punished by up to 20 years in prison.

Weeks ago, a Moscow court declined to hear his appeal for release, citing a procedural violation and returning the case to a lower court.
Police data shows there have been 225 murders this year, putting DC on track to overtake 2021 as the bloodiest year in two decades

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the proposal Monday as the city is experiencing soaring crime

After Washington, DC, leaders pushed to defund police at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, the city's mayor is now pushing a new law that would give police more tools to make arrests in the crime-riddled capital.

Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Addressing Crime Trends Now Act on Monday, which includes policies to clarify what qualifies as an illegal neck restraint and efforts to tackle drug crime and retail theft.

'This legislation reflects what our community is telling us: they want appropriate accountability for those who choose to commit crimes and inflict fear in our neighborhoods,' Bowser said in a statement.

'At a time when were dealing with historically low staffing levels at MPD, were making common-sense changes that recognize the day-to-day operational challenges our officers experience and that will better support safe and effective policing.'

Bowser has resisted calls to defund police, despite opposition from the DC City Council, which cut $32 million from her proposed police budget and redirected $9.6 million dollars from police to violence interruption. Bowser, instead has pushed for hiring more cops in the capital.

Washington, DC's, Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed new legislation that would make it easier for police to arrest criminals

The mayor has resisted calls to defund the police and has been an advocate for increasing the size of the force from 3,580 to 4,000.

Soaring crime in the nation's capital has left residents fearing for their lives and changing their routines to avoid falling victim to crime.

As of October 24, homicide is up 33 percent, robbery is up 70 percent, motor vehicle theft rose 102 percent and theft is up 22 percent, according to data from the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

This year there have been 225 murders, putting DC on track to overtake 2021 as the bloodiest year in two decades.

DC's annual Point-in-Time count, which took place on January 25, found that the total number of homeless people increased by 11.6 percent this year from 2022.

Bowser's proposal would reinstate the ability of the police chief to declare temporary drug-free zones to disrupt loitering around open-air drug markets.

'I am disappointed in the Mayors proposal and the hype shes created around it. Residents are concerned about gun violence, robberies, and carjackings. This proposal does not address gun violence, robberies, and carjackings,' said council Chairman Phil Mendelson.

'Instead, it trots out solutions like recreating drug free zones. And while I support the idea of drug free zones, they are unconstitutional.'

He added. 'The Mayor needs to focus on deterrence and the biggest deterrent of violent crime is closing cases, locking up repeat offenders and prosecuting aggressively.'

The legislation clarifies the distinction between an illegal use of force such as a chokehold and incidental contact with the neck like putting their hand on the back of a suspects neck while moving them into a squad card.

A homeless man sleeping outside a bank in Washington, DC. Data shows the total number of homeless people in the nation's capital increased by 11.6 percent this year from 2022

Police gather at the scene of a shooting in Washington, DC. Police department data shows there have been 225 murders this year, putting DC on track to overtake 2021 as the bloodiest year in two decades

An awakening around police excessive use of force swept the nation after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, when former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck during his neck while Floyd was saying he can't breathe.

Bowser's proposal allows officers to review their bodycam footage before writing a report, defines vehicular pursuit and explains what information will be made public in officer discipline.

'This legislation is critical for the public safety of the District of Columbia,' acting DC Metropolitan police Chief Pamela Smith said.

'The legislation is responsive to what we are hearing from community and takes important steps forward in clarifying existing legislative language to ensure our officers are able to fully perform their duties.'

Addressing Crime Trends Now Act establishes a new crime for directing organized retail theft and reinstates a law that makes it illegal to wear a mask while committing a crime.

In May, the US Senate overturned a law passed by the DC City Council that would have reduce the maximum sentences for carjacking, banned police from using chokeholds, make disciplinary records of law enforcement public and required body camera footage to be released.

Unique to the District of Columbia, once the city council passes a law, it must go to Congress for a period of 30 days, or 60 days if a criminal law.

During the time of congressional review, Congress can vote to overturn the measure or if the review period passes and no action is taken, it finally becomes a law in DC.

Bowser has resisted calls to defund the police and has been an advocate for increasing the size of the police force from 3,580 to 4,000.

Mayor Muriel Bowser (second from the left), testified before a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing in May

Her 2024 budget, approved in May by the city council, includes $5.4 million in bonuses for new hires.

Her 2023 budget earmarked $1.7 billion for public safety in DC out of the city's entire $19.5 billion - an increase from $1.5 billion the previous year.

'We must throw every resource at reducing crime,' she wrote.

Following the murder of George Floyd, some cities caved to calls to defund the police, but Bowser opted to increase dollars for police in her fiscal year 2021 budget - which took effect in October 2020.

However, the city council revised the mayor's proposal by cutting the Metropolitan Police Department budget by $32 million and redirecting $9.6 million dollars from police to violence interruption.

Bowser was criticized by some for spending $4.8 million on creating BLM Plaza in the heart of downtown DC which saw the slogan painted across the street from the White House, as Donald Trump was president.
Academic journal editor-in-chief and UC Berkeley geneticist, Michael Eisen, was terminated from his position after retweeting a satirical news headline from The Onion that calls out 'indifference to the lives of Palestinian civilians.'

Eisen, 56, announced his dismissal on X Monday after receiving substantial online backlash for endorsing The Onion's fictitious story.

'I have been informed that I am being replaced as the Editor in Chief of @eLife for retweeting a @TheOnion piece that calls out indifference to the lives of Palestinian civilians,' he wrote.

Eisen had retweeted an Onion article titled, 'Dying Gazans Criticized For Not Using Last Words To Condemn Hamas,' on October 13, just days after the slaughtering by Hamas terrorists, which led to the loss of 1,400 innocent lives.

Expressing his support for the article's message, he added, 'The Onion speaks with more courage, insight and moral clarity than the leaders of every academic institution put together. I wish there were an Onion university.'

Academic journal editor-in-chief and UC Berkeley geneticist, Michael Eisen, was terminated from his position after retweeting a satirical news headline from The Onion that criticized 'indifference to the lives of Palestinian civilians'

Eisen announced his dismissal on X Monday after receiving substantial online backlash for endorsing The Onion's fictitious story

Despite the backlash he faced, Eisen defended his tweet the following day, emphasizing that The Onion's satire was meant to highlight a serious issue

The board of eLife, which governs the organization, released a statement announcing the decision to replace Eisen as Editor-in-Chief.

'We thank Mike Eisen for his creativity and vision in building eLifes transformative new publishing model. Mike has been given clear feedback from the board that his approach to leadership, communication and social media has at key times been detrimental to the cohesion of the community we are trying to build and hence to eLifes mission. It is against this background that a further incidence of this behaviour has contributed to the boards decision,' the statement said.

'The board remains committed to eLifes 'Publish  Review  Curate' model and to the important role that early-career scientists play in making it a success.'

The board has planned to replace Eisen with two temporary staffers to serve as co-editors until the search is concluded to fill the position in the second half of 2024.

eLife did not provide additional comments regarding their stance on the issue or their policy regarding freedom of speech in the workplace.

Eisen's post sparked backlash online, with many claiming he made light of the tragic terror attack which involved torturing, raping and kidnapping children and the elderly.

'Hi Mike, for us, Israeli Jews, the onion piece is very hurtful. I don't think you fully realize what we experienced here. I'm all in favor of satire and sarcasm, until it touches on the most extreme human tragedies,' one wrote.

Others called him out for his ignorance and naivety over the subject matter.

'Seriously asking: how do you suggest Israel should react? None of us wants innocent civilians dying, on any side. Should Israel just not do anything? You know very well that HAMAS purposely hides, launches missiles and has armories among civilians,' one user added.

Despite the backlash he faced, Eisen defended his tweet the following day, emphasizing that The Onion's satire was meant to highlight a serious issue.

'The Onion is not making light of the situation. And nor am I. These articles are using satire to make a deadly serious point about this horrific tragedy,' he said.

'Every sane person on Earth is horrified and traumatized by what Hamas did and wants it to never happen again. All the more so as a Jew with Israeli family. But I am also horrified by the collective punishment already being meted out on Gazans, and the worse that is about to come,' Eisen wrote on X.

Eisen's post sparked backlash online, with many claiming he made light of the tragic terror attack which involved torturing, raping and kidnapping children and the elderly

Some called his explanation a false blanket statement - claiming it is simply untrue that all 'sane people' condemn Hamas - as world leaders back Hamas' deadly attacks, and antisemitism and pro-Hamas rallies spread across the country.

'It is not so clear Michael, you can see it clearly in university, media and personal statements. People don't seem to get it. And you are a public figure, a leader for us. Your statement should be clear,' one commented. 'Israelis are under collective punishment too, btw.'

Middle East leaders have come out in support of the terrorist organization, including the Iraqi Prime Minister's office that said 'the operations carried out by the Palestinian people today are a natural result of the systematic oppression.'

Quatar, Iran and Syria issued similar statement blaming Israel for the gruesome surprise attack.

Many US politicians have also failed to condemn Hamas, such as Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, while spreading misinformation, including the accusation that Israel was to blame for a hospital explosion that was the fault of Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Many found his sentiments disingenuous: 'Empty words. For 7 days you haven't tweeted a single time words of supports for Israeli researchers, some of which lost kids and friends. And now you dare to give us military advice from your privileged position of safety. What a moral bankruptcy.'

But some of his colleagues argued that his views should be considered a matter of freedom of speech in academia.

eLife, the journal he was editor-in-chief of, is a not-for-profit, peer-reviewed, open access, scientific journal for the biomedical and life sciences.

There was a petition urging eLife's publisher, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), not to penalize Eisen in response to his termination.

Some of his colleagues argued that his views should be considered a matter of freedom of speech in academia

There was a petition urging eLife's publisher, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), not to penalize Eisen in response to his termination

Eisen had retweeted an Onion article titled, 'Dying Gazans Criticized For Not Using Last Words To Condemn Hamas ,' on October 13, just days after the slaughtering by Hamas terrorists, which led to the loss of 1,400 innocent lives

'Every sane person on Earth is horrified and traumatized by what Hamas did and wants it to never happen again ... But I am also horrified by the collective punishment already being meted out on Gazans, and the worse that is about to come,' Eisen wrote on X

Petitioners stated, 'Our stance is not based on the merits of Eisen's views. Rather, we believe that penalizing Eisen would establish a discouraging precedent for freedom of expression in academia.'

Multiple colleagues at eLife have already resigned to protest his dismissal, including fellow editor Lara Urban.

The Israel-Hamas war has provoked strong sentiments across the country - with many posting anti-Israel comments online.

In recent weeks, several people who expressed anti-Semitic rhetoric online have been terminated from their positions.

Citi has fired one of its personal bankers after she defended Hitler and the holocaust in a vile anti-Semitic post following the Hamas terror attacks.

CUNY Brooklyn College graduate Nozima Husainova, 25, sparked outrage with the remark which she posted on her now-deleted Instagram page and she's since lost her job, the bank confirmed Thursday.

Responding to a post about the Gaza hospital bombing that Israel has denied, she wrote: 'No wonder why Hitler wanted to get rid of them all,' complete with a smiley face emoji.'
All but the very worst-hit sections of Maui will reopen to tourists on November 1 as 17,000 residents say they're not ready to move on after the deadly wildfires ravaged the island, despite a desperate need to jumpstart the economy.

Less than three months ago, the worst US wildfire in over a century raged through Lahaina in west Maui, killing 99 people and destroying more than 2,000 buildings.

Locals had to flee their houses while tourists were evacuated from hotels.

Around 6,800 people, many of whom have lost loved ones, jobs and homes, are still living in 35 hotels across the island.

But now, Maui County mayor Richard Bissen has said all but the most burned-out sections of Lahaina will reopen for tourism on November 1, as the community attempts to rebuild the local tourism industry brought to a screeching halt by the fires.

An aerial image taken on August 10 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina

Kapalua Ridge Villas in Lahaina, Hawaii reopened on October 8 (AP)

Since the fires, Maui has lost more than $13million a day in visitor spending, according to one analysis by the University of Hawaii.

Now, tourists will be allowed to return to the luxury hotels and rentals that dot the island.

Certain zones of the island - starting with the northern section from the Ritz-Carlton in Capalua to the Kahana Villa Resort, which escaped most of the damage - already reopened this month, prompting a furious backlash from locals.

Authorities were forced to roll back the re-opening into phases after over 17,000 people signed a petition to Mr Bissen and Hawaii Governor Josh Green in protest.

The petition said: 'The voices of our displaced residents, who have endured immeasurable hardships, have not been adequately heard.

'These working-class families, who are the backbone of our community, many of whom also work in the tourism industry, are struggling to find shelter, provide for their children's education, and cope with emotional trauma.'

Paula Martinez told the Washington Post: 'Everyone is so affected and traumatized by the fires that its going to be very difficult to show that aloha spirit to tourists.'

'I think a lot of people come here with the expectation that the people in Hawaii are so nice. Theyre so full of aloha. It wont be shown like it was before.'

Volunteers help a daughter search for family items in the rubble of her mother's wildfire destroyed home on October 09 2023

Despite this, Mr Bissen said on Monday that workers are ready to return to their jobs while acknowledging 'this isnt for everyone.'

He said those not ready to go back to work should talk to their employers and 'continue to seek the help and attention that they need'.

He added: 'Residents who have been staying in West Maui hotels and other short-term accommodations after losing their homes in the fire will not lose their lodging.

'Were assured by the Red Cross that their housing will not be in jeopardy.

The mayor said the reopening schedule was voluntary and said some properties have already reopened on their own.

Public infrastructure across the island remains stretched with several schools destroyed or still shut.

Teachers had to scramble to start all over again after the fires, with many losing classrooms and their own homes.

Last week, three schools in Lahaina reopened despite fears over air and water quality.
Ministers today pulled the first plug on use of eye-wateringly expensive hotels to house small boat migrants today.

Robert Jenrick told MPs that the first 50 contracts for accommodation would be 'exited' by the end of January with a focus on putting them up in cheaper locations like motels, former military bases and floating barges.

In a statement to the Commons, he said the plans are possible because of 'the progress we've made to stop the boats', with arrival numbers this year down by a fifth and a reduced backlog of asylum cases.

The scheme which saw thousands of arrivals housed in hotels was widely criticised over the exorbitant cost and perceived impacts on social cohesion and interaction with locals.

In August more than 50,000 Channel migrants were in 400 hotels at a cost of 8million a day.

In a statement to MPs Mr Jenrick, the Immigration Minister said it was important the hotels went back to being 'assets for the local community. It is understood that the most lavish hotels being used will be the first to go.

He said that officials had already cut the number of hotels required by 72, thanks to making arrivals share rooms.

The Government is trying to turn around public opinion in key election battlegrounds and it is hoped the move will save hundreds of millions of pounds a year. It hopes to end a further 50 contracts before April.

But Labour said the first 50 closures amounted to just 12 per cent of the total in use, with shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock branding the cut 'paltry'.

Robert Jenrick told MPs that the first 50 contracts for accommodation would be 'exited' by the end of January with a focus on putting them up in cheaper locations like motels, former military bases and floating barges.

Grand: The Grosvenor Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Imposing: Former hunting lodge Scalford Country House in Leicestershire

Stately: Former mansion Stoke Rochford Halln in Lincolnshire was said to charge hotel guests 400 a night

'The first 50 of these exits will begin in the coming days and will be complete by the end of January with more tranches to follow shortly but we will not stop there,' Mr Jenrick said.

'We will continue to deliver on our strategy to stop the boats and we will be able to exit more hotels. And as we exit these hotels, we are putting in place dedicated resource to facilitate the orderly and effective management of this process and limit the impact on local communities.'

'We are getting the most egregious examples of luxurious hotels off our books first,' a government source said. 'The country manor houses and the stately home-style properties will be the first to go.

'We've been very clear that we can't let this drag on any more. It's been a complete disgrace.'

Mr Kinnock labelled it 'Tory boats chaos' as he accused Mr Jenrick of having the 'brass neck' to announce a planned reduction in the use of hotels.

'Is that really it? Is that really the ambition? That there will still be 350 asylum hotels in use at the end of the winter despite promises last year they would end hotel use this year,' he said.

Conservative former minister Sir Conor Burns said there are 'multiple hotels' housing migrants in his Bournemouth West constituency, saying he welcomed the announcement that one would be 'taken back', but added: 'When can we have the rest of our hotels back?'

Mr Jenrick said: 'As we make more progress in stopping the boats, we will make more progress in closing the hotels.'

Among the first four-star properties affected will be the Dolphin Hotel, which boasts a picturesque riverside location at St Ives in Cambridgeshire.

Others will be the Novotel in Ipswich and the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, Merseyside, which was the scene of a violent anti-migrant demonstration in February.

The three-star North Stafford Hotel in Stoke, built in 1849, will also resume service to more traditional guests. Mr Jenrick said the Grade II landmark was familiar to anyone who passes through the area.

'I'm pleased to now be able to announce that it will return to its proper use very soon,' he added.

Other three-star venues no longer required by the Home Office include the Prince of Wales Hotel near Berkeley, Gloucestershire, the Best Western in Buckingham and the Broadfield Park Hotel in Rochdale.

Also to close to migrants are an unnamed hotel near Colchester, one in Bournemouth and two in Skegness. MPs were told the first properties will cease government use 'in the coming days'.

Last year the Mail reported how migrants were housed at 'Downton Abbey-style' four-star Stoke Rochford Hall, near Grantham in Lincolnshire. It has previously been advertised as a luxury Victorian country mansion.

During a parliamentary debate Sir Edward Leigh, a Conservative MP in the county, said the hotel normally charged 400 a night, and described its use by the Home Office as a 'farce'.

The picturesque Grosvenor Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, was also taken over for families of asylum seekers, along with Scalford Country House Hotel in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire  once the hunting lodge of the founder of the Colman's mustard firm.

Scores of couples have been left heartbroken as hotels cancelled their weddings to take small boat migrants instead.

One Afghan who was put up in a luxury four-star hotel in September said he felt 'like a king'. Amir Khan, 20, ended up at the Macdonald Kilhey Court set in ten acres of stunning grounds near Wigan, along with more than 100 other migrants.

Meanwhile, ministers are understood to believe they have finally turned a corner on the number of migrants crossing the Channel, nearly five years after the crisis began. So far this year 26,168 have reached the UK by small boat, down 30 per cent on the same point in 2022.

Home Office studies are providing growing evidence that the decline is not simply down to choppy conditions in the English Channel.

A source said: 'We are getting an increasingly clearer picture that it's down to reduced demand [for illegal crossings].'

A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat traveling from the coast of France and heading in the direction of Dover, Kent on August 29

Among the 100 hotels which will stop housing migrants include some in Wigan and Stoke-on-Trent in a bid to lure back voters in election battlegrounds, The Times reported. A requirement for migrants to share rooms has been a key factor in the Home Office being able to slash the number of properties it is block-booking.

In addition, the accommodation barge Bibby Stockholm has finally reopened after legionella bacteria was found in its water system during the summer.

Ministers are determined to make sure the barge, berthed at Portland in Dorset, receives its full complement of 506, it is understood, despite previous concerns from the local council and the fire brigade.

Dozens of migrants arrived at Dover yesterday, including women and children, after no crossings for six days due to windy conditions amid Storm Babet.
US border guards are out on high alert for Hamas and other anti-Israel militants trying to cross America's insecure southern border with Mexico, leaked government papers show.

A bulletin from the San Diego Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office urges guards to be on the lookout for members of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Hamas's deadly raids on southern Israel on October 7 have stoked fears that fighters from anti-Israel armed groups may try to attack the Jewish state's main global backer  the US.

'Individuals inspired by, or reacting to, the current Israel-Hamas conflict may attempt travel to or from the area of hostilities in the Middle East via circuitous transit across the Southwest border,' says the memo.

The memo, shared online by Fox News, shows the patches worn by members of Middle Eastern militant groups

The one-pager urges CBP guards to be on the lookout for 'fighters motivated by ideology' from the Middle East who are passing through Mexico into the US.

It features the logos sometimes worn by members of Hamas, which controls Gaza, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militia.

They should focus on single, military-age men and look out for the patches, weapons, or camouflage gear.

Guards should ask them about their plans to return to the Middle East, whether they have military training, or any associations they have with Israel or Palestinian areas.

The memo was released on Friday and has since been shared with Fox News and other media outlets.

CBP intelligence teams regularly generate reports on threats to border security.

Naming specific groups may indicate they have intelligence about a looming danger.

US border guards have been told to watch out for Hamas fighters trying to enter the US

US border guards are scouring for members of the Hamas militant group, which controls Gaza

The warning comes as America faces record flows of people trying to cross the US-Mexico border.

There were a total of 269,735 encounters at the southern border in September, CBP data show.

That brought the total number of encounters in 2023 to 2.47 million.

Among those seeking entry to the US were people on the FBI's terror watch list.

Guards arrested 18 people on that danger list in September.

In the financial year to September, CBP encountered 169 people on the terror watch list.

A US border guard apprehending two camouflaged Mexican migrants in Arizona

The warning comes as Israel continues to launch air strikes on Gaza in an effort to crush Hamas militants who stunned the country with a deadly October 7 attack.

Hamas is not known to have a substantial presence beyond Gaza.

But Hezbollah is known to have fundraising operations across South America and has had members spread across the continent for decades.

Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an anti-immigration campaign group, said the threat from Middle Eastern militants was at a two-decade high.

'This month's terrorist attacks against Israel, and threats of global jihad issued by Hamas and their overlords in Tehran, mean that the open-borders policies of the Biden administration have placed the American public at greater risk than at any time since 9/11,' said Stein.
Canada has said China was likely behind a 'spamouflage' campaign of spreading lies and propaganda on the social media accounts of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other politicians.

Canada's foreign ministry said Chinese-run bots used networks of new and hijacked social media accounts to post bulk messages on the pages of dozens of lawmakers in August and September.

The targets spanned Canada's political spectrum, including its left-leaning leader Trudeau and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

The posts included deepfake videos and accusations against the lawmakers of criminal and ethical violations.

The social media accounts of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian politicians were targeted in the disinformation blitz, it is claimed

China has a track record in using online commentators to spread the communist dictatorship's messages

They also included a claim that the wildfires that tore through Hawaii in August were down to a secret US military 'weather weapon.'

'Canada has detected a spamouflage campaign connected to the People's Republic of China,' the ministry said in a report on Monday.

'Beginning in early August 2023 and accelerating in scale over the September long-weekend, a bot network left thousands of comments in English and French on the Facebook and X/Twitter accounts of Canadian Members of Parliament.'

The posts claimed a critic of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Canada had accused the various MPs of criminal and ethical violations.

The campaign 'could discourage and make it difficult for MPs to carry out their duties' by calling into question their 'political and ethical standards,' the foreign ministry said.

It served to 'silence criticism of the CCP by getting MPs to distance themselves from the critic and discouraging wider online communities from engaging with them,' it added.

Canada has worked with the social media platforms to get the bot networks removed, it said.

China has rejected the claims.

The Chinese embassy in Canada said in a statement that Beijing has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries.

The disinformation campaign included the claim that Hawaii's wildfires were caused by a secret American 'weather weapon'

The comments were posted in English and French on the Facebook and X/Twitter accounts of Canadian politicians

The accusations were a 'blatant smear campaign' and Canada was a 'downright liar and disseminator of false information,' added the statement.

The term 'spamouflage' is a portmanteau of the words 'spam' and 'camouflage.'

It describes using social media accounts to spread and amplify propaganda messages across platforms.

The alleged bot campaign comes amid strained ties between Canada and China.

They turned icy in late 2018 when Canadian police detained a Chinese telecommunications executive.

Soon after, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges. All three have since been released.

Ottawa has also accused Beijing of trying to interfere in its affairs through various schemes, including the targeting of politicians and illegal police stations.

China has strongly denied all such allegations.

But Beijing has a track record of using bots and internet commentators to spread its influence overseas.

In September, the Trudeau government announced an independent public inquiry into allegations of attempted meddling by China, Russia and other authoritarian governments.

Agencies contributed to this report.
A Rwandan man has allegedly lived in isolation for 55 years because of an 'extreme fear of women'.

Callixte Nzamwita, who is reportedly 71 years old, has allegedly spent the last 55 years in self-imposed exile, barricading himself inside his home to avoid any contact with women.

Mr Nzamwita reportedly began isolating himself at the age of 16, meaning he does everything from sleeping and cooking, even urinating, in the space of his own confined abode.

A fear of women, called gynophobia, is not officially recognised as a genuine mental disorder, but is clinically classified as a specific phobia.

In a YouTube video published by Afrimax TV, Mr Nzamwitza said: 'The reason I locked myself inside here and have a fence on my house is because I want to make sure that women will not come closer to me'.

Callixte Nzamwita, who is reportedly 71 years old, has allegedly spent the last 55 years in self-imposed exile, barricading himself in order to avoid any contact with women. Pictured: Nzamwita in his own self-barricaded house

Mr Nzamwita reportedly began isolating himself at the age of 16, meaning he does everything from sleeping and cooking, even urinating, in the space of his own confined abode. Pictured: The Rwandan native rests on a bed inside his house

A neighbour who spoke to Afrimax for their video said: 'When we try to help him, he doesn't want us to come closer or talk to him. Instead we give him things by tossing them into his house'.

They continued: 'He doesn't let us get close to him, but he still takes what we offer from a distance'.

Living such a secluded and solitary existence may appear to be an impossible challenge for most people, but Nzamwita appears to be satisfied with the life he is claimed to live.

Despite cutting a pale, sickly figure in the video, he appeared intent on continuing to live the way he has seemingly done for over half a century.

'The way I live is enough for me. I didn't have any idea of having a woman and I'm okay with that.

'I do not want women around me because they make me really scared,' he added.

NHS advice on specific phobias says they centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity.

Specific phobias can often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

Common examples of specific phobias include a fear of certain animals, such as dogs, or a fear of certain activities, such as flying.
Jonathan Majors' ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari is set to be charged with assault - seven months after he was arrested for attacking the English dancer, according to reports.

The Creed III actor, 34, was arrested on March 25 on misdemeanor charges for allegedly attacking dancer Jabbari, his former partner.

London-based Jabbari initially told police Majors hit and strangled her, but the strangulation charges were dropped. Now, he is only charged with hurting her arm.

But Jabbari, 30, is now allegedly set to be charged with assault herself, reports the Messenger, who cited sources within the New York Police Department. The outlet said this comes after Majors filed a counter-complaint against her.

The outlet said Majors' accuser would be hit with a domestic violence charge and that she would report herself to the NYPD's 10th precinct, located in Chelsea.

On Tuesday, Variety reported that there may be an unreported incident involving London police that may be relevant to prosecutor's domestic violence allegations, but they did not report what the incident was.

The outlet also said that a filing, which has not been made public, allegedly stated that the DA does not have any plans to prosecute Jabbari if she is apprehended by the NYPD.

Jonathan Majors' ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari (pictured) is set to be charged with assault - seven months after he was arrested for attacking the English dancer, according to reports from the Messenger

The actor has always maintained his innocence and filed his own domestic violence claim against his accuser

Jonathan Majors and Grace Jabbari attend 'Devotion' Premiere at Cinesphere on September 12, 2022 in Toronto

The Messenger claimed that Jabbari would be 'issued a desk appearance ticket' that police issue to 'require a suspect to appear in court to answer charges.'

Priya Chaudhry, Jonathan Majors' attorney, could not comment on Tuesday.

But she has previously shown her steadfast belief that her client Majors is innocent, and that Jabbari ought to be apprehended.

Majors' next scheduled court appearance in Manhattan is October 25.

On August 4, Chaudhry said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'Jonathan Majors has been waiting for 132 days to clear his name of these false allegations while the NYPD waits to arrest his accuser upon her New York return.'

And on August 3, the attorney said: 'One hundred and thirty-one days ago, authorities unjustly cuffed Jonathan Majors in his own home, hauling him off to jail based on the word of a woman now hunted by the NYPD.

'Bravely, Jonathan Majors laid bare to the NYPD the relentless, alcohol-fueled abuse he suffered at the hands of Grace Jabbari, an enduring nightmare in their relationship.

'Now, as soon as Jabbari sets foot back in New York, the NYPD stands ready to arrest her.

'For an excruciating four months, Jonathan Majors, the real victim in this shameful ordeal, has had his life, career, and reputation torn apart.

'Yet he remains unwavering in his determination to be absolved from this harrowing ordeal.'

On June 27, she said that the NYPD had found probable cause to arrest Jabbari.

Chaudhry said: 'Last week, for the first time, Mr. Majors met with the NYPD to present them with evidence of what really happened on that night.

'Within hours of viewing the evidence, and conducting their own thorough investigation, the NYPD found probable cause to arrest Grace Jabbari for assaulting Jonathan Majors.'

On June 20, the attorney called on the District Attorney to 'initiate proceedings against Ms. Jabbari, holding her accountable for her crimes.'

And on May 9, Chaudhry claimed that the fact Majors was arrested and not Jabbari 'highlights the racial bias that permeates the criminal justice system.'

Brad Edwards, Jabbari's attorney, did not comment on Tuesday.

Jabbari admitted to Majors in text messages that she was the aggressor, screenshots of a conversation presented by the defense attorney claimed. After the alleged attack, she was seen at nightclubs drinking and partying with friends.

Majors has always maintained his innocence.

In June, Majors filed his own domestic violence claim against her, telling police he had been slapped and scratched by a violent and 'hysterical' Jabbari.

Majors, whose star was quickly rising, was dropped by his management firm and PR firm after the charges were dropped.

The actor was arrested on March 25 on misdemeanor charges for allegedly attacking Grace Jabbari, his former girlfriend

He has attended previous court appearances with his new girlfriend, actress Meagan Good.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Jabbari texted Majors to apologize, according to documents previously provided by his attorney.

'Please let me know when you got this. They assured me that you won't be charged. They said they had to arrest you as protocol when they saw the injuries on me and they knew we had a fight.

'I'm so angry that they did. And I'm sorry you're in this position. Will make sure nothing happens about this. I told them it was my fault for trying to grab your phone... I only just got out of hospital... just call me when you are out.'

The actor did not respond, according to the screenshot.

A few hours later, around 9:30pm, she sent another text message to Majors, telling him that she spoke to officials again.

In the text, she wrote, according to the screenshot: 'Reiterated how this was not an attack and they do not have my blessing on any charges being placed.'
With Israel preparing for a possible ground invasion of Gaza and exchanging fire with Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, the U.S. is making contingency plans for a possible massive evacuation to get Americans out of the region.

The U.S. Navy has dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region, along with additional aircraft and deployments intended to discourage the any parties from expanding the situation into a wider regional conflict.

But the administration is still engaged in 'prudent' planning for worst case scenarios that would involve evacuating potentially hundreds of thousands of Americans, with an administration shaped by the botched U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

'What were talking about here is just prudent planning and thinking,' said White House national security spokesman John Kirby Tuesday.

'I think it would be imprudent and irresponsible if we werent doing some kind of contingency' planning, he told reporters.

Being prepared to provide safe passage for an estimated 600,000 Americans living in Israel is among the top concerns. The White House has already been working at what it said is an hour-by-hour basis to try to secure the release of an estimated handful of Americans taken captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Americans living in Lebanon are also at risk, as Israeli Defense Forces exchange fire on a daily basis with Hezbollah positions. Israel has already begun evacuating some of its own citizens from border areas, amid the possibility of having to fight a two-front war. Hamas officials have threatened that if Israel launches its ground offensive, Hezbollah will joint the fight.

The administration is making contingency plans for the evacuation of Americans from Israel and around the region amid fears of a widening conflict. The flag burning above came during a protest outside the US consulate in Lahore, Pakistan

The administration already took action to organize an airlift to provide transportation for Americans who sought assistance getting out of Israel in the days immediately after the October 7 attacks, helping facilitate air transit to Europe and passage by sea to Cyprus.

A White House official declined to provide specifics on planning efforts.

'Of course we do prudent planning for a variety of contingency scenarios around the world, but thats not something we would go into detail about,' said the official.

'The State Department regularly puts out travel information for US citizens who may be abroad, and those in need should reach out to the State Department for assistance. In countries like Israel and Lebanon where commercial flights or U.S.-government contracted carriers are available and providing travel assistance, citizens should avail themselves of those options if they wish to leave.'

The Washington Post reported that the administration is preparing for the possibility that hundreds of thousands of Americans would need evacuation assistance.

Israeli army soldiers patrol an undisclosed area in northern Israel bordering Lebanon. Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly border fire. Israel has evacuated some of its own citizens from the area

Israeli airstrikes have pounded Gaza City since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack inside Israel

Destruction in Gaza has prompted angry protests in Arab capitals as well as in Europe

The Pentagon has dispatched the The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (pictured) to the region, and the USS Gerald R. Ford is operating in the Eastern Mediteranian

The numbers confronting the State Department and the Pentagon, who would each be involved, are daunting.

An estimated 600,000 Americans live in Israel. There were an estimated 86,000 Americans in Lebanon at the time of the attacks, although that number likely dropped.

There are still an estimated hundreds of Americans still trapped inside Gaza, in addition to the hostages seized from Israeli territory and taken there

State Department Matthew Miller confirmed Monday that Hamas was refusing to let the Americans leave.

'We do believe that Egypt is ready to process American citizens if they can make it to Egyptian authorities. Hamas just has to stop blocking their exit,' he said.

'We are working on trying to get American citizens, their family members, and other foreign nationals out. Thats a  it is an ongoing conversation and an ongoing process, but that is our goal.'

These Americans 'are able to move freely inside Gaza but have been unable to leave,' Miller said.

There have been angry pro-Palestinian protests in a number of Arab capitals, raising the possibility that U.S. embassies would have to step in to assist U.S. citizens there.

The Pentagon this week announced it was sending Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and Patriot air defense battalions to the region, following attacks on U.S. troops.

'I have placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required,' Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said this week.

That comes after the Pentagon dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups, along with about 2,000 marines. President Biden has repeatedly told adversaries thinking of exploiting the situation: 'Don't.'

The State Department last week issued a worldwide caution to Americans overseas.

'Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,' the agency warned.
Another top executive at Russia's second largest oil company has died mysteriously - the third tycoon at Lukoil to perish under suspicious circumstances within a year and a half.

Vladimir Nekrasov, 66, chairman of the Lukoil board of directors, died 'suddenly', with Russian state media reporting the 'preliminary' conclusion of doctors was that he suffered 'acute heart failure'.

His death follows that of Ravil Maganov, 67, at Central Clinical Hospital, also known as the Kremlin clinic, in September last year.

Officially, Maganov had been in hospital for a long-standing heart problem and fell from a sixth-floor window, dying on the spot.

On the same morning, Vladimir Putin - who had earlier decorated Maganov with a top honour - swept into the hospital to pay his final respects to Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, who had died the same week.

Billionaire Alexander Subbotin, 43, also linked to energy giant Lukoil where he was a top manager, was found dead in May after 'taking advice from shamans'.

One theory is that Subbotin - who also owned a shipping company - was poisoned by toad venom, triggering a heart attack.

Vladimir Nekrasov, chairman of the board of directors of Lukoil

Nekrasov is presented with an honour by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev

Lukoil vice-president Ravil Maganov with Vladimir Putin (left)

Lukoil manager Alexander Subbotin

Lukoil initially appeared less than loyal to Putin when the war started, demanding negotiations to end the fighting.

One week into the fighting, the company's board - including both Nekrasov and Maganov - issued a statement on Putin's invasion, expressing its 'concern over the ongoing tragic events in Ukraine and its deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy'.

It added: 'We are in favour of an early cessation of the armed conflict and fully support its resolution through the negotiation process and diplomatic means.'

There have been claims of 'creeping nationalisation' at Lukoil.

Nekrasov - who had been honoured by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev - took over from Maganov as chairman.

At the time he was Lukoil's vice president, and had previously been awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 4th degree.

Nekrasov, who held two separate EU passports, for Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as his Russian citizenship, avoided sanctions by the West over the war.

There has been a spate of deaths of prominent Russians linked to the energy and finance sectors since the start of Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

Among other cases, in April wealthy Vladislav Avayev, 51, a former Kremlin official, appeared to have taken his own life after killing his wife Yelena, 47, and daughter, 13.

He had high-level links to the Russian financial institution Gazprombank.

Friends have disputed reports that he was jealous after his wife admitted she was pregnant by their driver.

There are claims he had access to the financial secrets of the Kremlin elite.

Several days later multi-millionaire Sergey Protosenya, 55, was found hanged in Spain after allegedly killing his wife Natalia, 53, and their teenage daughter, Maria, with an axe in a grisly murder-suicide.

He was a former deputy chairman of Novatek, a company also closely linked to the Kremlin.

As with Avayev, it is suggested this may have been an assassination made to appear like a murder-suicide.

Yevgeny Palant, 47, a mobile phone multi-millionaire, and his wife Olga, 50, both Ukrainian-born, were found with multiple knife wounds by their daughter Polina, 20.

Former Kremlin official and Gazprombank vice-president Vladislav Avayev, 51, appeared to have taken his own life after killing his wife and daughter in April

Russian gas tycoon Sergey Protosenya, who was found dead at his Spanish mansion with his wife Natalya, 53, and their teenage daughter Maria

Ukrainian-born multi-millionaire Yevgeny Palant, 47, and his wife Olga Palant, 50, were found stabbed to death in their family house in the Moscow region

Other notable murky deaths of Russian elites include Dmitry Zelenov, who died on December 9 in the French Riviera town of Antibes.

The circumstances around the real estate tycoon's death are remarkably similar to those of Anatoly Gerashchenko, the former head of Moscow's Aviation Institute (MAI) who is said to have tumbled down a flight of stairs at the institute's headquarters in the Russian capital in September.

'On September 21, 2022, Anatoly Nikolaevich Gerashchenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences, professor, adviser to the rector of the Moscow Aviation Institute, passed away as a result of an accident,' the organisation's press service said.

'This is a colossal loss for the MAI and the scientific and pedagogical community.'

MAI is one of Russia's leading scientific research universities, responsible for the development of aerospace technology and closely linked to Putin's defence ministry.

Gerashchenko, 73, spent a lifetime working with the institute, attending the university as an engineer before working his way up to run the operation for eight years.

He had received Russia's Medal of the Order for Services to the Fatherland, First Class, and was a distinguished professor with more than 50 scientific publications who remained on as an influential advisor after retiring in 2015.

Zelenov, 50, was out to dinner with some friends when he began feeling unwell and tumbled down a flight of stairs, sustaining serious head injuries, according to Russian news outlet Baza and local French outlet Var Matin.

He was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to save him and his death was confirmed by the public prosecutor in the nearby municipality of Grasse the following day.

Russian oligarch Dmitry Zelenov died in France after allegedly falling down a flight of stairs

Anatoly Gerashchenko, the former head of Moscow's Aviation Institute (MAI) reportedly slipped and tumbled down a flight of stairs at the institute's headquarters in the Russian capital

Ivan Pechorin (L), point man for Vladimir Putin's development of the Arctic, died after 'falling overboard' into the sea from a boat near Vladivostok. Igor Nosov (R), CEO of the Corporation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, also died in his early 40s, reportedly from a 'stroke'



Gerashchenko's highly suspicious death came less than two weeks after Vladimir Putin's point man for developing Russia's vast Arctic resources 'fell overboard' while sailing off the country's Pacific coast.

Ivan Pechorin, 39, was managing director of Putin's Far East and Arctic Development Corporation and had recently attended a major conference hosted by the Kremlin warmonger in Vladivostok.

The pair are the latest in a long line of senior officials from Russia's energy, technology and finance sectors linked to the Kremlin to die in suspicious circumstances in recent months.

Pechorin fell off the side of a boat in the waters close to Russky Island near Cape Ignatiev, said the Russian daily news outlet Komsomolskaya Pravda.

His body was found after a search lasting more than a day.

'Ivan's death is an irreparable loss for friends and colleagues, a great loss,' an official statement from the corporation read.

'We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends.'

The corporation's former CEO Igor Nosov, 43, also died suddenly in February, reportedly from a stroke.
A farmer has been paid almost 1.5million of public money to stop rearing pigs to allow 5,000 new homes to be built.

The deal is part of a move to reduce the amount of harmful nutrients flowing into waterways in Norfolk and to get housebuilding moving again.

The pig farm is on either side of the A47 bypass south of Norwich. By closing it down, the reduction in pollution means that officials will be able to grant permission for 5,000 homes elsewhere in the county.

Under a directive issued last year, local authorities are obliged to find ways to 'offset' the impact of pollution on waterways caused by new developments.

So-called 'nutrient neutrality' was hailed by environmentalists who argued it would limit the amount of damaging substances in rivers and lakes, such as nitrogen and phosphorous.

Under a directive issued last year, local authorities are obliged to find ways to 'offset' the impact of pollution on waterways caused by new developments

The deal is part of a move to reduce the amount of harmful nutrients flowing into waterways in Norfolk

A covenant is to stop James Daniels pig farming on his land which sits by the A47 bypass south of Norwich

The government attempted to stop the 'reckless' plan, arguing it would hold up much needed housebuilding but it was forced through the House of Lords by Labour and Lib Dem peers.

The huge deal in Norfolk has now raised concerns that farmers elsewhere will be paid to effectively sit on their hands, while the UK's food security  the amount of homegrown produce available for our tables  will be further weakened.

Local authorities cannot approve new developments in some areas unless they offset the environmental impact caused by new homes, including increased sewage and detergents from washing machines. Councils have been looking for schemes that meet this requirement - and Norfolk's solution was to pay the farmer to stop rearing pigs.

The authorities will pay him through Norfolk Environmental Credits Ltd - but hope to claw back the money from developers, who will pay NEC Ltd for environmental 'credits' giving them the right to build their housing schemes.

Seen as an environmentally neutral scheme, the farmer will essentially be paid to stop polluting waterways - and balance out the pollution that comes from new homes.

Markshall Farm, which sits by the A47 bypass south of Norwich, rears up to 2,000 pigs every year, producing nutrients that run into two nearby rivers.

It remains unclear what will happen to the pigs - but they will likely be sent to abattoirs for their meat so the business will be run down accordingly.

Owner James Daniels told the Mail people thought he was receiving an 'obscene amount of money' for 'quitting' his job but he insisted he was 'doing everyone a favour' by helping the environment.

He said: 'It really makes me angry when people say I'm profiting from this. It's compensation for giving everything up.

'I'm the second generation of my family on this farm after my father got it in 1950. My son wanted to take it over.'

Covenants will limit Mr Daniels, 66, to using the land for arable crops, hay, or sowing it with grass seed or wildflowers.

He added it would become a haven for nature, saying: 'The money is only going to pay me for eight to ten years worth of putting pigs on there. That was my living.'

But independent South Norfolk councillor Clayton Hudson said: 'My concern is about openness and transparency, with this potential use of public money.

'And I'm not sure stopping a pig farmer from putting nutrients in the system only to replace that with more development solves the issue.'

Nutrient neutrality was brought in under EU planning rules. Natural England issued a directive last year which stated that housebuilding could not proceed in 27 catchment areas across England unless offsetting was put in place.

The Government's attempt to ditch the scheme was prevented by the Lords vote.

Prior to the vote in the House of Lords, Housing Secretary Michael Gove and Environment Secretary Therese Coffey had been pushing to end what they called 'defective' EU laws which require developers to offset any extra nutrient pollution they cause in sensitive areas.

Covenants will limit Mr Daniels, 66, to using the land for arable crops, hay, or sowing it with grass seed or wildflowers

Nutrient neutrality was brought in under EU planning rules

Markshall Farm rears up to 2,000 pigs every year, producing nutrients that run into two nearby rivers

Mr Daniels will be compensated by Norfolk Environmental Credits Ltd, a joint business venture between Norfolk councils and Anglian Water.

The local authorities are borrowing millions to lend to the company for the mitigation schemes. Developers will buy 'credits' from NEC to offset nutrients created by the house building schemes. Council chiefs claim this will cover their outlay.

Phil Courtier, director of place at Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils, said: 'We are on the cusp of finalising a deal that will be the first of its kind in the country to release a significant number of homes and improve the environmental quality of the [Norfolk] Broads and the river Wensum.'

South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller and Breckland District Council counterpart Sam Chapman-Allen previously criticised the offsetting scheme, claiming it was putting 41,000 homes on hold across the county.

Mr Fuller added it meant organisations like Defra, Natural England and water companies were able to avoid doing their job to clean up rivers and instead could 'pass the buck to councils, which lack the powers, responsibility and enforcement powers to do so'.

But Gareth Dalglish, Norfolk Wildlife Trust's director of nature recovery, said: 'Any weakening of environmental protections would have a devastating effect on our Norfolk rivers, streams and wildlife  already under huge pressure from sewage and farm pollution.'

And Green county councillor Jamie Osborn added: 'We need better regulation to prevent the dumping of toxic waste into our rivers, not a free pass for developers to pollute then even more.'

The fields will no longer be used for pig farming under the terms of the deal

The Government's plans to axe 'nutrient neutrality' rules in protected areas  which were set out in a directive from Natural England in March 2022  were announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a visit to Norfolk with local government secretary Michael Gove in August.

But the House of Lords voted 192 to 161 against scrapping them last month. Labour and Lib Dem peers were joined by three Tory peers to block the move.

The Government plans to revive its attempt to get rid of the rules but will not have time in this Parliament.

Official figures last year showed the UK imports 46 per cent of the food it consumes.

Liberal Democrat Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson, Helen Morgan said: 'The Conservatives have had since 2018 to fix the problems with nutrient neutrality. Instead of getting a plan in place they sat on their hands and then tried to water down our environment protections, which Liberal Democrats opposed.

'Liberal Democrats want to see more homes built and our rivers saved from pollution. Schemes like this have their part to play but they must be done to ensure that food security is not affected while unlocking the homes we desperately need.'

A Labour Party source said: 'We stand by our decision to vote against the [Government] proposal because it was a flawed proposal.'
The cap on bankers' bonuses is to be scrapped next week as part of a post-Brexit shake-up of City rules, it was announced today.

The measure, which limited bonuses to two times an employee's annual salary, was introduced by the European Union after the 2008 financial crisis.

City regulators have confirmed Britain will abolish the rule on October 31 following the UK's exit from the Brussels-based bloc.

It comes little more than a year after Kwasi Kwarteng first revealed plans to scrap the bonus cap as part of his disastrous 'mini-Budget' when he was briefly Chancellor.

Most of the measures in Mr Kwarteng and ex-prime minister Liz Truss's ill-fated 'Growth Plan' were subsequently scrapped amid economic turmoil.

But the move to abolish the cap survived after Rishi Sunak, a former Chancellor and investment banker, took over from Ms Truss in Downing Street exactly a year ago tomorrow.

Mr Kwarteng had argued at the time that lifting the limit will help London to compete with other global financial hubs such as New York, Paris and Frankfurt.

Labour criticised the move to loosen rules on bankers' pay amid the cost-of-living crisis hammering households.

The cap on bankers' bonuses is to be scrapped next week as part of a post-Brexit shake-up of City rules, it was announced today

It comes little more than a year after Kwasi Kwarteng first revealed plans to scrap the bonus cap as part of his disastrous 'mini-Budget' when he was briefly Chancellor

The move to abolish the cap on City bonuses survived after Rishi Sunak, a former Chancellor and investment banker, took over from Liz Truss in Downing Street

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Bank of England's Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) this afternoon confirmed the current cap will be lifted next week.

The PRA found the limit was making the UK a less competitive place when it comes to attracting top talent, as other leading financial centres outside the EU do not impose a cap.

The regulator also said that the cap was having the opposite effect of driving up staff salaries that are not linked to the long-term performance of a firm.

Higher wages therefore cannot be reduced or 'clawed back' if a failure or previous misconduct issue later comes to light, the PRA added.

In a policy statement on next week's changes, the FCA said: 'The bonus cap does not limit total remuneration but limits the variable remuneration a firm can pay relative to an individual's fixed pay.

'This has the effect of limiting the proportion of remuneration that can be adjusted by risk and performance measures.

'The removal of the bonus cap gives firms the freedom to restructure their pay over time, within the framework of the regulators' rules on variable remuneration which aim to better align remuneration with prudent risk-taking.'

During his mini-Budget speech last September, Mr Kwarteng announced the move to scrap the bonus cap and told MPs: 'We need global banks to create jobs here, invest here, and pay taxes here in London, not Paris, not Frankfurt, not New York.

'All the bonus cap did was to push up the basic salaries of bankers, or drive activity outside Europe.

'It never capped total remuneration, so let's not sit here and pretend otherwise. So we're going to get rid of it.'

Responding to today's confirmation of the bonus cap being lifted, Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, said: 'Rishi Sunak is marking his anniversary of becoming PM by pushing ahead with Liz Truss' plan to axe the cap on bankers' bonuses.

'When Truss says jump, Sunak says how high. At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living and mortgages are rising, this decision tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of this out-of-touch Conservative Government.'

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, criticised the 'obscene' decision to lift the bonus cap when 'City financiers are already enjoying bumper bonuses'.

'At a time when millions up and down the country are struggling to make ends meet  this is an insult to working people,' he said.

A spokesman for the Treasury said: 'Decisions on remuneration in the banking sector are for the PRA as the independent statutory regulator.'

Downing Street also attempted to distance Government ministers from the change.

'The Government's position is that regulatory independence is important and we don't intend to cut across that independence,' the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.
Russia's defense ministry scrambled an Su-27 fighter jet to intercept two US B-1B strategic bombers over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday afternoon in an aerial standoff as tensions continue to mount between the two nations in the wake of Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The report from the Russian state-run news agency RIA cited a government source in the defense ministry.

That source said that the American warplanes 'performed a U-turn' after the Su-27 jet arrived at the scene.

The defense ministry said that the B-1B bombers were spotted by Russian air traffic controllers who in turn notified the country's defense forces.

'As the Russian fighter approached them, the foreign strategic bombers made a U-turn from the state border of the Russian Federation. The Russian aircraft safely returned to its home airbase, preventing the violation of Russia's state border,' a defense ministry source told TASS.

Russia scrambled an Su-27 fighter jet, similar to the ones shown here, to intercept two American bombers as they approached the Russian border on Tuesday afternoon

A US Air Force B-1 strategic bomber is one of the most sophisticated aircraft in the US military's arsenal

This latest incident comes as Moscow and Washington DC continue to standoff over the US's consistent support of Ukraine following Russia's 2022 invasion. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the latest U.S. pledges to back Ukraine would bear no fruit in the war.

'Mr. Biden hasn't mentioned that all those efforts to deter Russia have proven inefficient,' Peskov said. 'They will remain inefficient in the future.'

This is the second time in less than six months that Russian jets have intercepted American B-1 strategic bombers.

US B-1B Strategic Bomber v Russian Su-27 fighter jet This is the second time in the last six months that US B-1B strategic bombers have been buzzed by Su-27 fighter jets. Here's how they stack up: Range: B-1B - 7456 miles Su-27 - 2174 miles Cost: B-1B - $317 million Su-27 - $300 million Maximum Speed: B-1B - 2174 miles per hour Su-27 - 1550 miles per hour Wingspan: B-1B - 120 feet Su-27 - 45 feet Weaponry: B1-B - Up to eight air-launched cruise missiles or 24 SRAMs. It can also carry up to 24 nuclear bombs or 84,500-pound conventional bombs.

Su-27 - 30mm GSh-301 gun with 150 rounds of ammunition and a range of missiles, rockets and cluster bombs Advertisement

At the time, a Russian defense ministry spokesperson said that an Su-27 jet escorted the bombers away from Russia's border.

A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the presence of the bombers in the area and said that it was part of a routine training operation.

'So we do have two B-1 bombers that are part of a bomber task force that we fly regularly around the world in various countries,' Brigadier General Pat Ryder said at the time.

'This is a long-planned exercise in Europe and my understanding is that it was a safe and professional interaction with Russian aircraft. So nothing significant to report on that front,' he added.

While just four days ago two Russian Su-27 fighter jets were scrambled in response to the approach by the RC-135 'electronic warfare aircraft' and its escorts, Moscow said.

'A pair of Su-27 fighters from the air defence duty force were flown to identify the air targets and prevent violation of the state border of the Russian Federation,' the country's defence ministry said.

'The Russian fighter crews identified the aerial targets as an RC-135 radio-technical reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft and two British Air Force Typhoon multirole fighters.'

Footage taken from an aircraft's cockpit shows the planes leaving trails across the sky.
A British suspected paedophile who had an international arrest warrant against him has been arrested on the Greek holiday island of Kos.

Local media reported that the unnamed 65-year-old Englishman was arrested on Kos on Saturday, and is wanted by British authorities for allegedly sexually abusing young girls and boys, and committing violence against them.

Greek media reported that he was taken to the Dodecanese Prosecutor's Office in Rhodes following his arrest, which is processing his extradition to the UK.

The man has not yet been identified. Interpol's Red Notice list does not show anyone matching the publicly available, though the international criminal agency points out:

'The majority of Red Notices are restricted to law enforcement use only.

The man reportedly sought refuge on the Greek island of Kos (file picture)

'Extracts of Red Notices are published at the request of the member country concerned and where the publics help may be needed to locate an individual or if the individual may pose a threat to public safety.'

The news comes just months after the half-naked body of a Polish hotel worker who was allegedly raped and killed was found in a bag on the island.

The strangled remains of Anastazja Rubinska were found by Greek police after a week-long investigation following the 27-year-old's disappearance in June.

Rubinska was found dead about half a mile from the home of a 32-year-old man from Bangladesh who was arrested, and 500 meters from where her mobile phone was found.

The story shocked Poland, with its prime minister Mateus Morawiecki saying at the time: 'I am shocked by Anastazja's brutal murder.

'The killer must bear the most severe consequences. This is why we will ask Greece to extradite the suspect so that he can be tried before a Polish court and receive the harshest penalty.'

MailOnline has contacted the UK's Crown Prosecution Service for comment.
A tiny brewery operating from a cellar beneath a historic pub has abandoned it's attempts to register its three-pointed star logo after being threatened by carmaker Mercedes-Benz, it claims.

Wear Beer was only launched last month by Spanish-born entrepreneur Julio Romero Johnson.

He created a logo based on mythical local creature, the Lambton Worm, slithering around a red star, inspired by the emblem of the international brigades as they fought fascism in his home country's civil war.

The legend of the worm dates back to medieval times when a rebellious character John Lambton was said to have caught a creature with a 'salamander-like head' in the River Wear.

The monster became extremely large and went on to terrorise local communities, devouring livestock and snatching small children, according to folklore.

When he tried to register the design, Mr Romero Johnson was 'surprised and bewildered' to hear of the German car giant's opposition.

Wear Beer was only launched last month by Spanish-born entrepreneur Julio Romero Johnson

Mr Romero Johnson was 'surprised and bewildered' about the German car giant's opposition

The Intellectual Property Office informed him it had been contacted by London solicitors acting on behalf of Mercedes-Benz.

The lawyers said the carmaker was unhappy Wear Beer's logo was too similar to theirs and was 'threatening to oppose' its registration. Mr Romero Johnson was also warned he could have to pay the car giant's costs.

Valencia-born Mr Romero Johnson, 33, who drives a Peugeot, has now said that he has decided to abandon his attempts to register the brewery logo  but plans to continue using it without registration unless Mercedes-Benz issues a 'cease and desist' notice.

The brewer, who produces a small range of four beers, a pale ale, bitter, stout and IPA, said: 'They're a massive company which, as far as I know, doesn't sell any kind of beer. Do they have to go to this extreme?

'It's very annoying but I haven't the money to cover the solicitor's bills if I was to continue with the application and lose.'

He added his uncle Juan Romero  based in Spain and who designed the logo - was 'quite surprised and shocked' at Mercedes-Benz's intervention.

The Intellectual Property Office said it received an application from Wear Beer which was published for any comments or objections on July 21.

A spokesman said it received a Notice of Threatened Opposition from Mercedes-Benz Group on September 21, with Mr Romero Johnson withdrawing his application on October 20.

A Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman said: 'Mr Romero Johnson withdrew his trade mark application before we had the opportunity to respond to him and at no stage did we threaten him with costs. As far as we are concerned the matter is now closed.'

Mr Johnson said: 'I was surprised to receive it (the IPO's letter). My heart sank when I saw 'Mercedes' and not some corner shop you can go and have a chat with.

'I don't know if they will change their mind. I intend to write to Mercedes through their solicitors.

'Stars are quite common on brewery logos. There is also a link between Spain and Sunderland, through people from here who fought for the Republicans.' Mr Romero Johnson added his company's star is thicker than the silver one used by Mercedes.

The Intellectual Property Office informed him it had been contacted by Mercedes-Benz

He launched Wear Beer in September, operating from a 25ft x 12ft cellar beneath the Ship Isis, a Victorian pub in Sunderland town centre.

Its turnover delivering a small range of cask ales to around 10 pubs in Sunderland pales in comparison to that of Mercedes-Benz.

The carmaker's accounts for last year showed it 'delivered' more than two million vehicles. The company's earnings before tax and interest in the first quarter of 2023 totalled 5.2bn Euros.

Mr Romero Johnson, who has lived on Wearside since 2013, has drafted a polite letter of to the car firm.

The brewer said he has 'expressed his doubts as to consumers confusing the two organisations due to the logos'.

He received the 'notice of threatened opposition' to his logo close to the end of a two-month period set by the Intellectual Property Office for objections to registrations.

Mr Romero Johnson yesterday said he has decided to abandon his attempts to register the brewery logo - but plans to continue using it without registration unless Mercedes-Benz issues a 'cease and desist' notice.

The brewer, who produces a small range of four beers, a pale ale, bitter, stout and IPA, said: 'They're a massive company which, as far as I know, doesn't sell any kind of beer. Do they have to go to this extreme?

'It's very annoying but I haven't the money to cover the solicitor's bills if I was to continue with the application and lose.'

He added his uncle Juan Romero - based in Spain and who designed the logo - was 'quite surprised and shocked' at Mercedes-Benz's intervention.

Mercedes-Benz have been contacted for comment.
Was YOUR car damaged in the fire? A nd have YOU not received an insurance payout?

A grandmother offered just 7,000 compensation after her 20,000 Hyundai was wrecked in the Luton airport car park fire will now get a full payout after insurers u-turned and said the blaze was 'not her fault'.

Cath Glaze's motor was one of more than 1,400 destroyed during the devastating October 10 inferno, which was so intense it caused part of the parking facility to collapse.

Initially, insurers judged the heartbroken grandmother to be 'at fault' for the destruction of her beloved seven-year-old car, with the firm offering her 7,000 in compensation, she said.

But after Cath pushed back against the 'unfair' decision, the company has flipped its stance, telling her in an email it will now be 'settling all claims in relation to the fire that was in Luton Airport car parks as 'non fault',' reports the Mirror.

'We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and to advise you that we are doing everything we can to settle your claim as soon as possible,' the company - which has not been named - added.

Was YOUR car damaged in the fire? And have YOU not received an insurance payout? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk

Cath Glaze (pictured) has been left without a car to pick up her grandchildren or get to work after blaze at the multi-storey car park on October 10

Police confirmed a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage for the October 10 fire that destroyed more than 1,400 vehicles at the airport's Terminal Car Park 2

Cath is not the only holidaymaker battling to get money back for their cars following the devastating fire in the 20million car park

The news comes as police announced a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage for the fire, which was declared a major incident and attended by more than 100 firefighters.

Speaking previously, Cath said the whole experience had been 'very traumatic and upsetting', adding the loss of her car meant she couldn't go shopping or help out with her grandchildren.

She added: 'We bought our car new, have had it serviced regularly, and weren't planning to change it for the foreseeable future, as it's been a very reliable car and has low mileage. We now don't have access to a vehicle.'

Cath said she had been 'upset' about the insurance firm's original decision and claimed the company refused to give her a courtesy car.

'They're putting it down as our fault as they're saying they can't claim on a third party. It doesn't seem fair, not at all,' she said.

The insurer's change of heart will come as good news for other holidaymakers battling to get money back following the inferno at the 20million car park.

Sarah Scott was told her vehicle was covered in rubble after it collapsed. To make matters worse, the motor was 'priceless' to her, since she got it from her late father.

Sarah told MailOnline: 'The car was the only one I felt really connected to. We'd been on holidays more than with any other car we've owned.

'We went to France with it, just a couple of months ago, the first ever trip in my own car abroad. It's the only car I've remembered the registration number to.

Sarah Scott (pictured with her husband Darren) was told her vehicle was covered in rubble after the car park collapsed

Sarah told MailOnline: 'The car (pictured) was the only one I felt really connected to. We'd been on holidays more than with any other car we've owned

'The fact that we had a car that my dad loved so much and liked to come out in, especially being the last car he went in, means it holds precious memories.

'My mum shunned a funeral car for my dad's funeral, as she wanted to go in the car that he loved.'

Efforts are still underway to remove 100 of the cars from the top level of the structure, which experts fear may be too fragile to stop collapsing.

The partially-collapsed structure is filled with debris and broken metal beams, with vehicles lying on their side, appearing as if they could fall through the floor at any moment.

It comes as aerial video today showed how mangled cars with melted frames, charred roofs and missing windows are dotted around the ruin of the Terminal 2 Car Park that saw 1,400 go up in flames.

Photos showed maintenance workers assessing cars that could be salvaged before placing them on trucks.

Meanwhile, owners of the vehicles still trapped now face an anxious wait to see if their cars can be saved.

Drone footage has revealed the damage at Luton Airport following a car park fire earlier this month.



Collapsed floors, mangled steel and charred wreckage - as well as some cars that appear undamaged.



Read more here: https://t.co/Mg6ty0K3wn pic.twitter.com/cWK8KdRRNL  ITV News Anglia (@itvanglia) October 23, 2023

Shocking new drone footage has revealed the wreckage of the Luton Airport car park after a blazing inferno ripped through the multi-storey building two weeks ago

Mangled cars with melted frames, charred roofs and missing windows are dotted around the ruin of the Terminal 2 Car Park that saw 1,400 go up in flames on October 10

On Saturday Neil Thompson, operations director the airport said: 'Having worked with our engineers, experts and insurers, we are getting closer every day to making a final decision on what is going to happen to the car park and the vehicles contained within it.

'Working with our structural engineers, we now plan to remove around a hundred cars from the top deck of the car park for the purposes of stabilising the structure. Once removed, these cars will be stored in a safe compound and we will contact customers and work with insurers to inform them of the process of recovery for those cars. Only then will it be possible to assess the condition of those cars.

'For all other vehicles in the car park, the assessment remains largely unchanged which is that no cars can currently be accessed or removed from the car park. The structure remains fundamentally unsafe and the adverse weather over the last few days hasnt helped.

'We would like to thank customers for their ongoing patience and understanding as we work our way through this complicated and challenging situation.'

The 12-hour emergency prompted the cancellation of 235 flights, blighting 40,000 passengers.

Airport bosses added they had passed on the details of 1,405 cars, understood to have been in the parking facility at the time, to the Motor Insurer's Bureau.

It comes as police said a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage for the fire.

Cranes are removing cars from the top floor of the multi-storey car park

Cranes were seen lifting cars out of the the four-storey building

Around 100 cars trapped on the top level of Luton Airport car park have been removed in a bid to stabilise the burnt structure

The man, who was arrested the following day, was released on bail as Bedfordshire Police continue its probe into the devastating inferno.

Flames that rapidly spread through the car park caused a partial collapse of the structure.

Initial reports suggested that the fire start accidentally due to a fault with a vehicle. Bedfordshire Police said the investigation is ongoing.

'A force spokesman told MailOnline: 'Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of criminal damage in connection to their investigation into a significant fire in a car park at London Luton Airport on Tuesday (10 October).

'We are carrying out a thorough and diligent investigation into all potential lines of enquiry, as should be expected after such a major event. The man has been released on bail while our enquiries continue.'
Republicans are blasting California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for traveling to China this week on a single-issue mission of discussing climate change - arguing that he should bring up human rights abuses and fentanyl production too.

Ahead of Newsom's trip, which kicked off in Hong Kong on Monday, eight California GOP House members signed onto a letter Friday telling Newsom to cancel it.

That effort was led by Rep. Young Kim, with Reps. Kevin McCarthy, Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Doug LaMalfa, David Valadao, Mike Garcia, Michelle Steel, Jay Obernolte, Kevin Kiley and John Duarte signing it.

'Gov. Newsom's effort to cozy up to the Chinese Communist Party is delusional,' Steel told Politico, adding that Newsom should 'be concerned about the [Chinese Communist Party's] control of the critical mineral supply as he prepares to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035.'

Newsom - who gave a shaky denial when questioned about 2024 presidential ambitions last month - went ahead with his travels, which started in Israel on Friday, before heading to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces.

Republicans are blasting California 's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for traveling to China this week on a single-issue mission of discussing climate change. He's pictured in Hong Kong Monday

'Gov. Newsom's effort to cozy up to the Chinese Communist Party is delusional,' Rep. Michelle Steel, a California Republican, told Politico. She and 10 other GOP California House members signed a letter demanding Newsom not go

In Hong Kong on Monday, Newsom told reporters he saw video that showed Hamas' beheaded Israeli victims in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attack.

As for the mainland China portion, Newsom has said he'll keep the trip climate change-centric because that's an area where California and China could collaborate, even if there's a party change in the White House.

The leading Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, has in the past referred to climate change as a 'hoax' invented by the Chinese - so that the U.S. would cut its emissions and be less of an economic threat to China.

During his four years in office he rolled back all sorts of climate and environmental regulations and pulled the United States out of the Paris climate agreement.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, argued that Newsom's trip's again gives China the upper hand.

She told Politico that Newsom's focus 'is not on addressing climate issues, but instead ceding America's energy and emissions reduction to the CCP.'

That, she argued, will give China 'more control over our energy future.'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (center) poses for a group photo with guests following a fireside chat at the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong Monday. He'll next travel to Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces

Newsom has said he won't go beyond climate change in his conversations with the Chinese because other issues are 'federal' in nature.

The group of California Republicans hammered Newsom for this excuse.

'Federalism should not serve as an excuse for you to avoid having difficult conversations about the Communist Chinese Party's gross violations of human rights and documented genocide of ethnic minorities,' their letter said. 'Furthermore, your trip should also serve as an opportunity to demand that CCP officials take action to prevent PRC-sourced fentanyl precursors from entering the U.S.'

So did Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on China, who told Politico Newsom should 're-iterate U.S. national security priorities, including deterring CCP military aggression against allies in the Indo-Pacific, stopping China from supplying U.S. fentanyl precursors, and getting them to play by the rules on trade and economic issues.'
He complied, moving the display to his front lawn and enhanced it with lights

Grantsville City ordered Fujishin to take it down in a scathing Facebook post

A Utah man has been ordered to take down his pole-dancing skeletons from a nearby street sign after furious neighbors labeled it a 'risque' Halloween decoration.

Christopher Fujishin was told his three skeletons needed to be removed from a curbside near his home, after the decorations were labeled 'not acceptable' by the Grantsville City Facebook page.

Fujishin followed the orders, but decided to give the skeletons new friends, lights, music and a tip jar on his own front lawn.

'Maybe a little risque for some people but it's all in the name of fun,' Fujishin told KSTU.

A Halloween decoration of a dancing skeleton which appears to be using a street sign to pole dance (pictured) has triggered a wave of complaints in a Utah neighborhood

Grantsville City ordered Fujishin to take it down in a Facebook post

Fujishin decided to respond by taking the skeletons off the street sign and moving them onto his lawn

The first display showed a skeleton with a purple wig hanging on a street sign pole while two others sat in lawn chairs holding up cash.

It attracted mixed reviews as some were appalled by it while others encouraged it, but regardless, it has been the talk of the town.

Soon after Fujishin first put out the controversial decorations, he caught a neighbor on surveillance footage trying to cut it down from the street sign.

The city then took to Facebook and sent a clear warning to him on Wednesday.

'You have until 9 pm tonight (October 18) to take down your decorations or they will be removed by the city and you will have to pick up your items at our Public Works building,' the post said.

He then moved the dancing skeletons to his property on Wednesday night.

Employees from The Outpost, a local restaurant in Grantsville, were pleased with Fujishin's decoration approach and even said they would stop by to put money in the tip jar labeled 'Dancer Fund'.

'We know what it's like to work for tips,' Carri Sly, a server at The Outpost told KTVU.

The other server, Brandee Harris said: 'I think it brings a lot of good humor that we need to a small town.'

Fujishin made sure to take down his original skeleton display from the street sign after the town warned him that they would take it down themselves if he didn't

Fujishin's cousin joined in on the fun as his controversial display quickly circulated on social media

Another comment praised Fujishin for his 'awesome imagination' for his creation

Others took to Facebook as posts of Fujishin's work started to quickly circulate online.

'Pole dancing skeleton in Utah!!! Bell laughing. What an awesome imagination,' one commenter said.

Another tagged the city's Facebook page and said: 'Oh pleeeease Grantsville Utah! How is this not funny????'

Fujishin's cousin even joined in on the fun and said: 'My cousin Christopher Fujishin is causing quite a ruckus over there in Utah.'

Someone else posted a screenshot of the town's original post, prior to them taking it down and said: 'Grantsville City posted this! Whoever did this, I Love it!'

Other's didn't react as nicely and instead sided with the town on the decorations.

'I guess teaching out children respect, decency and manners has gone by the side,' one used said.

Fujishin, who is a US Air Force Veteran and father said: 'If your kids understand what that is, maybe the problem's not the skeleton dancing on the pole. Maybe it's something else.'

Christopher Fujishin (pictured) is a US Air Force Veteran who created the pole dancing skeleton display in his Utah neighborhood

Local residents not only took to social media to share their support for the creative display, but also went as far as to drop of more decorations for Fujishin to add to his already intricate decorations

Despite all of the backlash, the Utah homeowner has no plans of taking the pole dancing skeletons down and has even added to it.

'We look forward to keeping this going and getting a little more elaborate as we go,' said Fujishin.

Supportive neighbors have even donated decorations to enhance his original display.

Grantsville City have not commented on the decorations since they posted on social media.
Dozens of teenagers were allowed to walk free from a wild party at a suburban Minnesota Airbnb after leaving behind an arsenal of high-powered firearms stuffed into cupboards, games boxes and couches.

The pretty house in Maple Grove was taken over for a 17th birthday party on Saturday by around 50 teens who posted online pictures of themselves waving their weapons at what police have dubbed MachinegunBnB.

The 17-year-old was being investigated by Ramsey County deputies probing a stolen wallet, but they were horrified when they found 11 handguns stashed around the rented home on 108th Avenue.

Seven of the lethal weapons had been modified with auto sears to become fully automatic, Undersheriff Mike Martin revealed.

When you pull the trigger, it basically dumps out all the rounds that are in the gun, he explained.

The pretty house in Maple Grove was taken over by gun-wielding teenagers on Saturday night

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said they always expect a couple, but we were shocked by the number

Cops revealed the group hid guns in cereal boxes, board games, in fast food wrappers and in unfinished walls at the rental home

And many of the guns had extended magazines, so for example, one of those guns could shoot 33 rounds in two seconds.

It not only makes it an illegal machine gun, but its highly dangerous because you cant aim.

A day earlier police began tracing the 17-year-old when a driver reported seeing a young man steal his wallet from his work truck in Shoreview, just north-east of Minneapolis, twincities.com reported

Moments later he was charged $577 on his bank credit card as the thief attempted to use it at the towns branch of Target.

Video surveillance footage from the store matched that of a suspect wanted for credit card theft in nearby Lino Lakes and he was recognized by officers from the sheriffs Carjacking and Auto Theft team.

Over the weekend, we learned that there was going to be a birthday party for the 17-year-old suspect  and that they had rented an Airbnb in the suburbs, Martin said.

Deputies managed to identify the Airbnb and saw the heavily armed guests posting pictures from the party online.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher (right) and his deputy Mike Martin were horrified at the stash of high-powered weaponry

Cops discovered one of the guns stashed inside a woman's purse at the Airbnb

Some were hidden in bags, including one that was left in a McDonalds bag in the kitchen

Seven had been modified with auto sears to become fully automatic, Undersheriff Mike Martin revealed

They were advised if they did have guns to keep them in the house and they did, Martin said.

They called the owner who said the home had a limit of 10 guests with rules against smoking, guns and parties, and frantically asked them to shut it down.

Police found around 50 guests aged between 15 and 21 and ordered them to leave the home, searching them for illegal weapons as they emerged.

They were advised if they did have guns to keep them in the house and they did, Martin said.

Heading inside the officers found the horrific haul dotted around the single-story house despite desultory attempts to hide them.

Some had been stuffed into backpacks or behind TVs, others had been hidden behind walls or in roof spaces.

One was inside a McDonald's bag on a kitchen counter, and another was inside an edition of the childrens board game Heads Up!.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said they always expect a couple, but we were shocked by the number.

His deputy said: They hid guns in cereal boxes, board games, in fast food wrappers, in unfinished walls,

We think if we hadnt shown up at that time there might actually have been a shooting or someone from a rival group might have come and shot up the house.

This is especially concerning to us because several of the party attendees are part of a group that has enemies.

The sheriffs office is trying to piece together where the guns came from, who brought them to the party on Saturday and whether they were used in past crimes.

Police found around 50 guests aged between 15 and 21 and ordered them to leave the home, searching them for illegal weapons as they emerged

Others were found stuffed into walls and roof spaces in a bid to avoid detection

But the only person arrested was the 17-year-old who went from five-star Airbnb accommodations to the county jail, the sheriffs office wrote on Facebook, and has been charged with financial transaction fraud over the credit card theft.

The best part is we got 11 guns off the street that wont shoot somebody, kill somebody, be used for robbery or anything else, Martin said.

A spokesman for Airbnb said its safety team had removed the 17-year-old from its platform.

We are supporting our host and we stand ready to assist the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office as they investigate, he added.
The New York Times has brought in an external legal firm to investigate allegations made against one of its star reporters, a report claims.

The newspaper's former Albany Bureau Chief Jesse McKinley was accused of acting inappropriately in a 2020 meeting with then Governor Andrew Cuomo's top aide.

Melissa DeRosa, 41, alleges in her new memoir that McKinley made unwanted advances towards her during a meeting in May 2020.

DeRosa, then the right hand to the governor, alleges the reporter - who broke the sexual harassment allegations that eventually sank Cuomo - downed a bottle of wine and grabbed her after asking about her eye color.

'When Nick informed [Managing Editor] to the extent that there was a situation with their Albany bureau chief, why did she do nothing at all? I think the entire situation underscores the hypocrisy of The New York Times' DeRosa told The Daily Beast.

The right hand to the then-governor, Melissa DeRosa, 41, is reportedly accusing a New York Time reporter of acting inappropriately to her during a May 2020 meeting and was subsequently pulled as the paper's main Albany correspondent

The alleged incident, said to have happened in May 2020, reportedly involves former Albany Bureau Chief Jesse McKinley, who DeRosa claims acted inappropriately toward her during an interview months roughly a year before Cuomo's 2021 ouster

A veteran reporter who has worked at the Times for more than 30 years, McKinley was suddenly reassigned before Cuomo's own ouster in August 2021 - an act that DeRosa, in a memoir set to release in days, claims came after an internal probe into the night in question

'What's Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis', was released on Tuesday and details the meeting in full.

DeRosa - who earned a reputation for her aggressive demeanor while defending Cuomo - recalled the meeting in McKinley's backyard in Albany - following a particularly heated exchange between Cuomo and the reporter during a May 20, 2020 press conference.

In the excerpt that hones in on the Times, DeRosa writes how she and McKinley met up for what was meant to be 'an air-clearing meeting' three months after he published an interview with a former Cuomo aide Bennet, fueling James' investigation into the then governor.

In it, she reportedly describes how McKinley had made sexual 'overtures' to her toward the end of the outdoor meeting, during which he allegedly drank heavily - with DeRosa claiming she only partook in two adult beverages herself.

When she got up to leave, she reportedly claims, the journalist got up to stop her - asking her about her eyes and whether they were blue or green.

'Blue,' McKinley reportedly responded.

'Are you sure? I think they look green,' MicKinley - who has worked for the Times since 1988 - reportedly said.

The report goes on to claim that the Albany reporter proceeded to grab her wrist, pulling her close while allegedly asking her to 'stay longer.'

The former aide claims McKinley, now 53 and the Time's 'roving' upstate correspondent, during the meeting downed a bottle of wine and grabbed her by the wrist, after asking her about her eye color

DeRosa reportedly insists she and McKinley met up for what was meant to be 'an air-clearing meeting' three months after he published an interview with a ex-Cuomo aide Charlotte Bennet (pictured), who accuses the ex-politician or harassing her and 10 other women

DeRosa was named in a suit filed by Bennet last year, which alleges she and two other aides 'aided and abetted' the former governor's lewd and discriminatory behavior before he was forced to resign over a probe that uncovered incidents of harassment by NY AG Letitia James

James (pictured in February) branded Cuomo a 'sick, pathetic man' after her office's probe claimed he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and that he and aides worked to retaliate against Bennett

Accuser Brittany Commisso's claim was the most serious of all of the allegations listed in an AG-led report into Cuomo's alleged behavior - which was unearthed after McKinley was reassigned

After a few seconds, DeRosa reportedly writes, she wrestled herself free and left - later telling four people about the alleged incident who were later interview by the Post for the report.

Three of them reportedly told The Post that the Times never reached out to them during their investigation - which came after DeRosa reportedly filed a legal complaint with the Times.

McKinley's reporting helped unmask the disgraced Democrat's alleged sexual misconduct - and his absence from the Albany scene when a Letitia James-led probe claimed he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women.

The probe further claimed that he and his aides, including DeRosa, worked to retaliate against an accuser - one Charlotte Bennett, 27 - who filed her suit in September of last year in Manhattan federal court, and in March amended the complaint to include the state of New York.

The case, which targets not only Cuomo but his righthand-woman and two other aides as well, alleges the group 'aided and abetted' the former governor's lewd and discriminatory behavior.

Bennett is seeking unspecified damages, according to the 60-page suit, and has asked for a jury trial.

The case is still making its way through the New York courts - and DeRosa, in her book, apparently takes shots at James, President Joe Biden, Cuomo replacement and Kathy Hochul, all while remaining fiercely loyal to her old boss.

The company said of the decision: 'The Times and McKinley agreed that reassignment to a new beat was advisable.'

This is part of Cuomo's 500 page deposition. He strongly denied ever cupping Commisso's breasts or touching her buttocks

Cuomo resigned a little over two years ago when James' reports accused him of sexual harassment and other transgressions

After the complaint, the publication made the decision to take McKinley off his long-held Albany beat, changing his title to 'roving upstate correspondent.' The move ended all of the reporter's coverage on the Cuomo administration and scandal.

Cuomo then resigned in August 2021, days after James' probe claimed he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and that he and aides worked to retaliate against Bennett.

The allegations were detailed in James' report on sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo.

The report chronicled accusations from 11 women and led to Cuomo's resignation from office, though he has attacked the findings as biased and inaccurate.

Ex-aide Brittany Commisso's allegations were also included in the report, after she alleged Cuomo pulled her for a hug during a meeting at the Executive Mansion in November 2020, reaching under her blouse and then fondling one of her breasts.

Her claim was the most serious of all of the allegations listed in the report, which Cuomo has always maintained was a hit-job by James to get him out of her way so she could make a run for the governorship.

A spokesperson for the New York Times told DailyMail.com: 'A complaint was made against Jesse McKinley, a New York Times journalist in 2021. An independent, external investigation did not substantiate Ms. DeRosa's characterization of the events, and McKinley denied the accusation that he grabbed her in any way.

'Following the investigation, The Times and McKinley agreed that reassignment to a new beat was advisable. We also supported his decision to enter a substance abuse program.

Adding: 'Ms. DeRosa told a friend, who works at The Times, about meeting with McKinley in 2020. In that initial conversation, there was no indication that she was making a complaint, and her characterization of the event was different than it was in 2021 when her lawyers reached out to The Times.

'Through media queries related to the book, we've been made aware of new allegations. We take all allegations very seriously and are reviewing the new accounts.'
Divers are being sent down to the depths of the North Sea as they desperately search for signs of life in a sunken British cargo ship that collided with another bulk carrier, leaving one dead and four missing.

British-flagged vessel Verity collided with another cargo ship Polesei at around 5am this morning about 14 miles south-west of the German island of Helgoland, Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The 300ft vessel, which was carrying steel from Bremen in Germany to the British port of Immingham with seven people on board, sank following the impact and rescuers have launched a desperate mission to find the missing crew members.

The body of a man was recovered earlier while four crew members are still missing, the German Sea Rescue Society said, adding that two more people had been pulled from the water alive and taken to hospital.

Robby Renner, the head of the emergency command, said his team are now 'doing everything humanly possible' to rescue more crew members alive.

Renner said it is possible crew members are trapped inside the ship's hull and in response, a diving operation has been launched into the waters where the Verity sank, which are around 98ft deep. Divers will try to locate the ship and establish whether there are 'any signs of life' inside, Renner said.

'We haven't found the missing people yet. Therefore we have to assume they can still be in the ship. Our rescue operation is in full swing. We are now doing everything humanely possible to rescue more people alive,' Renner said this afternoon.

The P&O Cruises ship Iona, which left Southampton three days ago for Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges in Belgium, had joined in the search this morning but has since moved on from the scene to carry on with its journey, a spokesperson said.

The 300ft vessel, which was carrying steel from Bremen in Germany to the British port of Immingham with seven people on board, sank following the impact and rescuers have launched a desperate mission to find the missing crew members. Pictured: A series of vessels at the scene searching for Verity

The 300ft vessel, which was on its way from Bremen in Germany to the British port of Immingham, sank following the impact and rescuers have launched a desperate mission to find four people who are missing. Pictured: Rescue vessels at the scene

The P&O cruise ship Iona, which left Southampton three days ago for Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges in Belgium, was among vessels that joined in the search for survivors. It has now lef the scene. Pictures show a spotlight aimed at the water as the search operation got underway before dawn

British-flagged vessel Verity (file image) collided with another cargo ship Polesie at around 5am this morning about 14 miles southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germany 's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said

Rescuers are still desperately searching for the four remaining crew members - but that search in the 15C North Sea is being hampered by 30mph winds, 10ft waves and poor visibility due to fog.

'The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult,' Renner said. 'Because of the weather and visibility under water, it's incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.'

The water temperature at the time of the accident was about 12C, said Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

If the missing crew members were in the water, it would be possible for them to survive for around 20 hours depending on their physical condition and what equipment they had, Ippich said.

'We will not stop the search and rescue operation as long as there is still a small chance of finding survivors,' German Sea Rescue Society spokesman Christian Stipeldey added.

Two rescue cruisers, an emergency tug, a pilot boat, a police patrol boat and helicopters were also helping with the search, according to the CCME.

'The emergency services are doing everything they can to rescue the missing people,' German Transport Minister Volker Wissing said in a statement.

The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie that had left Hamburg for La Coruna in Spain, remained afloat with 22 people on board after the collision. The Verity was the smaller vessel with a length of almost 300 feet, compared to the Polesie's 625 feet.

Krzysztof Gogol, a spokesman for Polsteam, said the 22 crew members were uninjured and in 'good physical condition'.

Shortly after the collision, the Polesie began participating in the rescue operation, and 'took on board one of the crew members of the Verity ship, a Filipino sailor', Gogol said.

The owner of Verity, Faversham Ships Ltd, is based on the Isle of Wight and said it had no comment on the situation.

In 2017, another cargo ship called The Islay Trade, which was owned and managed by Faversham Ships, ran aground near Margate Harbour.

The cargo ship's chief officer 'became uncertain of the vessel's position and overwhelmed', according to a Maritime Accident Investigation Branch report seen by The Times.

The P&O cruise ship Iona, which can hold 5,200 holidaymakers and 1,800 crew, earlier joined several vessels in the search for Verity, including sea rescue cruisers 'Hermann Marwede' and 'Bernhard Gruben'.

Passengers on board Iona told MailOnline they were awoken at 5.30am to an emergency announcement from the captain about the accident, with one saying everyone 'was in a state of panic'.

Video captured the dramatic moment P&O passengers are told that their cruiser is joining the desperate search for 'people in the water'

Two rescue cruisers, an emergency tug, a pilot boat, a police patrol boat and a helicopter are helping with the search

A view from the P&O cruise ship Iona shows the rescue operation underway with several vessels at the scene

Mr Johnson, who saw the cruise ship searching the waters with a spotlight, said: 'This is a very tragic situation'

Search lights scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank after colliding with another vessel

A helicopter (pictured) is also involved in the search as well as an emergency tug, a pilot boat and a police patrol boat

An image from Marine Traffic shows the two cargo ships getting perilously close to each other before colliding

In footage obtained from Iona this morning, passengers were told that their cruiser was involved in the search for 'people in the water'.

'We're looking for persons in the water from another vessel that has been involved in an incident earlier this morning,' they are told over a Tannoy. 'Our ship's company are fully prepared and are standing by to assist with this operation.'

One passenger, who wishes to be identified only as Mr Johnson, said he saw the P&O cruise ship searching the water with spotlights this morning after hearing the announcement.

'Everyone was very petrified and scared. Everyone was in a state of panic,' Mr Johnson told MailOnline.

'It was very dark, we had search beams from all angles of the cruise ship hunting. There were chilling noises and announcements as everyone was trying to find out what was happening.'

He added: 'We are on holiday but this is a very tragic situation. We cannot comprehend how the people involved in the collision must be feeling along with the family of the people who remain missing or have lost their lives.

'You never know what's going to happen in the world, we just all hope that the outcome does not become more tragic.'

The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie (file image), remained afloat with 22 people on board

The P&O cruise ship Iona (file image), which left Southampton three days ago for Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges in Belgium, has now joined in the search for the survivors. The emergency command said the victims can receive medical care on board Iona

Another passenger on board Iona, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was woken up by the cruise ship stopping.

'The crew were called to their muster stations, that's how I found out something was wrong. It wasn't until later that the captain announced we were helping in a search and rescue operation with the German government.

'I went outside and saw the search lights in the water, we all felt sad and anxious, hoping that they would find people.'

The passenger added: 'It's a horrible thing to happen and our thoughts go to those who are currently missing and their families. We are anxiously waiting for updates in the hope more people are found.'

'There's a very sombre feeling on board, we are all awaiting updates and are praying for good news.'

A P&O Cruises spokesperson later told MailOnline: 'Iona has now been released from the scene by the coastguard and is en route to Rotterdam as scheduled.'

Collisions were the second-biggest cause of incidents involving cargo ships on the world's oceans in 2022, according to insurer Allianz.

However, collisions rarely result in the loss of a boat. Around 38 cargo ships were critically damaged last year, of which only four were due to collisions.
Four issues since yesterday morning after problems every weekday last week

Sadiq Khan today apologised that major reliability issues were continuing to plague the 18.9billion Elizabeth line, admitted the service was 'not good enough'.

Passengers have been complaining for months about the poor Transport for London (TfL) service, with some stuck on trains in tunnels and others on packed platforms.

This week the line has already suffered four separate issues since yesterday morning, including faulty trains at Paddington and Whitechapel - the latter of which caused severe delays - a signal failure at Twyford and a customer incident at Stratford.

Matters have intensified in recent days with MailOnline revealing disruption was also reported every day between Monday and Friday last week. The Elizabeth line faced six separate issues in just over 24 hours between last Thursday and Friday morning.

These included three broken down trains at Paddington, a track fault in the central section, a signal failure at Tottenham Court Road and a track inspection in the west.

Now, amid mounting calls for an investigation, the London Mayor has revealed TfL commissioner Andrew Lord has 'taken personal charge' of improving the service.

Mr Khan also admitted that the line was 'not perfect', adding: 'The commissioner himself apologised for the service commuters received and I echo that apology.'

It comes after opposition politicians told the Mayor to 'dig down into the source of this disruption' and be 'pushing' TfL to urgently deliver infrastructure improvements.

The line was meant to provide a fast route between Heathrow and Reading in the west and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east through 26 miles of new tunnels.

But disruption is now an almost daily occurrence, with excuses for delays ranging from track faults to broken trains and signalling issues to overhead cable problems.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan embraces Transport for London Commissioner Andy Byford as they travel on the first eastbound train on the Elizabeth Line from Paddington on May 24, 2022

Mr Khan told MyLondon today: 'We raised this at the last TfL board meeting last week and the commissioner himself has taken personal charge of this.

'The good news is this is a train line that's the most popular train line in the country. More than 3.5 million journeys a week. But it's not perfect.'

He added that bosses were speaking to Network Rail about improvements to issues west of Paddington and east of Liverpool Street because 'those lines aren't TfL lines - they're Network Rail lines.'

Asked if the service will be improved, Mr Khan added: 'No complacency, but Londoners, and those across the country who use the Elizabeth line, are receiving the best service in the country when it comes to the quality of service.

'But it's not good enough - and that's one of the reasons why I'm really pleased the TfL commissioner himself is looking into this seeing what more that can be done to regularise the service.'

Elizabeth line director Howard Smith told MailOnline that bosses 'sincerely apologise for the disruption' and understood that delays have been 'frustrating' for customers.

He added that TfL has been 'urgently reviewing recent incidents' and is working with Network Rail and Alstom, which maintains the trains, to improve the service.

Mr Khan's apology comes after mounting fury about the state of the line, both from passengers and politicians.

Caroline Pidgeon, the London Assembly's Liberal Democrat group leader, told the Evening Standard: 'Services on the Elizabeth Line have clearly deteriorated over the course of the summer.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan poses for a selfie on the first Elizabeth line train on May 24, 2022

The line runs from Heathrow and Reading in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east

'As London's flagship piece of transport infrastructure, customers rightly demand more reliable levels of service.

From Cross London Rail Links to Crossrail: A 21-year timeline of the capital's Elizabeth line London's Crossrail project has suffered numerous setbacks over the past two decades, as follows: January 2002: Cross London Rail Links Ltd, a joint venture between the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London (TfL), is set up to develop plans for Crossrail. July 2004: The Government commits to introducing legislation to enable Crossrail to proceed. October 2007: Prime Minister Gordon Brown gives the green light for the project. It is expected to cost 15.9 billion and open in December 2017. May 2009: London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Lord Adonis break ground on the project at Canary Wharf. October 2010: Crossrail's budget is cut to 14.8 billion in the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government's comprehensive spending review. Its opening date is pushed back 12 months to December 2018. January 2014: The National Audit Office says the scheme is 'just behind schedule', adding that Crossrail Ltd 'remains confident' it will open on time. May 2015: Tunnel boring is completed as a tunnelling machine named Victoria arrives at Farringdon. Some 13 miles of new tunnels have been dug under London. February 2016: The Queen visits Bond Street station and announces the railway will be named the Elizabeth line in her honour. July 2018: Rail minister Jo Johnson announces that Crossrail's budget has risen to 15.4billion as 'cost pressures have increased across the project'. August 2018: Crossrail Ltd announces it will miss its December 2018 opening date but the central section 'will open in autumn 2019'. The project is suffering from construction delays and difficulties installing complex signalling systems. December 2018: TfL says Crossrail may be delayed further and could require a 2billion funding boost, taking the cost up to 17.6billion. The Government, TfL and London Mayor Sadiq Khan agree a financial package. December 2018: Sir Terry Morgan resigns as chairman of Crossrail Ltd and HS2, days after predicting he would be sacked. He is replaced at Crossrail by London Underground managing director Mark Wild. April 2019: A 'delivery window' between October 2020 and March 2021 is announced for the central section of Crossrail. November 2019: Crossrail Ltd announces that the railway will open 'as soon as practically possible in 2021'. The cost has increased by up to 650 million to 18.25billion. January 2020: The 'latest assessment' is that services will commence in summer 2021. July 2020: Crossrail Ltd says the railway will not open in summer 2021 because of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It does not give an updated schedule. August 2020: It is announced that the line will open in the first half of 2022. July 2021: The National Audit Office says the estimated total cost of Crossrail is 18.9billion. May 17, 2022: The Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson visit Paddington station to celebrate the completion of Crossrail. May 24, 2022 : Elizabeth line services are launched in three sections. The line has services on Monday to Saturday from Paddington to Abbey Wood. Services from Reading and Heathrow to Paddington, and from Shenfield to Liverpool Street, are rebranded from 'TfL Rail' to the 'Elizabeth line'. November 6, 2022: The three sections are integrated. Services from Reading and Heathrow now operate through to Abbey Wood. Services from Shenfield go through to Paddington. May 21, 2023: The full timetable of up to 24 trains per hour is introduced, with direct trains from Shenfield to Heathrow for the first time - but not from Shenfield to Reading. Advertisement

'Work to solve issues with overhead power lines and signalling equipment must be the absolute priority and I would expect to see the Mayor pushing Transport for London to deliver this as fast as possible.'

Green Assembly Member Sian Berry added: 'Passengers deserve the luxury service they were promised. The frequency of the trains through central London was genuinely transformative, but many people living on the ends of the lines absolutely depend on these trains running - so there is real harm being done with this sudden spike in problems.

'I want to know what the Mayor is doing to dig down into the source of this disruption, so that we don't see a repeat of the failures of leadership while the Elizabeth line was being built.'

There was also criticism from Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate due to face Mr Khan in next year's mayoral elections, who said on X: 'Once again Sadiq Khan is failing to keep London moving.

'Around four years late and four billion over budget, the Elizabeth line has faced constant disruptions since opening last May. It is simply not acceptable for a brand-new service to be this unreliable'.

Labour MP Rupa Huq said she still used the London Underground to commute from Ealing instead of the Elizabeth line because she has 'all too often been disappointed' by delays on the new line.

Ms Huq, who represents Ealing Central and Acton in West London, told MailOnline: 'When it works it's great, but I have to say I've stuck to good old London Underground for my daily commute as I've all too often been disappointed by Elizabeth line delays which constituents continually email me about.

'Most annoying is the fact that trains tend to skip Acton Main Line which seems to be a forgotten station despite its refit, and the other day my staffer was late to work in Ealing Broadway as all trains were terminating at Paddington. I'm not sure if this is teething troubles as when I've raised it with them, TfL have said to bear with them, improvements are on the way - but they can't come soon enough.'

Transport watchdog London TravelWatch has told MailOnline that it wants to meet senior TfL operations staff to discuss what can be done to improve services.

A spokesman said: 'Passengers quite rightly expect a punctual and reliable service but there have been some really challenging incidents recently.

'We're seeking assurances from TfL that there are robust plans in place to address the issues at hand  including faulty train doors, signalling and disruptive emergency engineering work.'

Last week some passengers claimed they were stuck for 40 minutes underground due to broken train doors, while others ended up being more than an hour late into the office due to emergency engineering works that had to be carried out due to the track problem.

That compounded the misery at the end of a week littered with delays - leaving some commuters calling for a major investigation into what is going wrong.

MailOnline understands that about 90 per cent of Elizabeth line trains were on time yesterday despite the disruption, with only the Whitechapel broken down train causing severe delays  and the other three incidents since the start of yesterday only resulting in minor delays.

Before it even launched in May last year, the Crossrail project suffered numerous issues including construction difficulties and complications installing signalling systems which delayed the opening multiple times.

This was much to the frustration of many homeowners buying properties along the route during the construction period in the hope of having an easier commute.

In 2007, the line was given an opening date of December 2017, and set a budget of 14.8billion in 2010.

But the estimated final cost was 18.9billion, including 5.1billion from the Government - making it more than 4billion over budget.

In 2010, the opening was pushed back by a year to take place in December 2018 - but just four months before this date, in August 2018, it was announced that the line would in fact not open on time.

Four years later the Elizabeth line did eventually open in May 2022 - but only in three sections, with services on the new part from Paddington to Abbey Wood.

Existing services from Reading and Heathrow to Paddington, and from Shenfield to Liverpool Street, were also rebranded from 'TfL Rail' to the 'Elizabeth line' at this point.

The grand opening was long awaited, and its first service from Paddington saw international rail enthusiasts travelling to the capital and queueing for more than six hours to get on board - with Mr Khan pictured hugging TfL officials in delight.

Commuters pack Bond Street station's platform during Elizabeth line disruption on October 9

Rail passengers wait for updates at Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station on October 12

However the first day was also blighted by a fire alarm being activated which saw Paddington evacuated. The disruption was clearly a sign of things to come.

Cancellation rate since Elizabeth line opened Figures below are for the four weeks ending on the given date: 25.06.2022 1.50%

23.07.2022 1.50%

20.08.2022 1.70%

17.09.2022 2.20%

15.10.2022 2.50%

12.11.2022 2.40%

10.12.2022 3.90%

07.01.2023 1.80%

04.02.2023 2.00%

04.03.2023 3.30%

31.03.2023 4.30%

29.04.2023 3.80%

27.05.2023 3.10%

24.06.2023 4.20%

22.07.2023 3.40%

19.08.2023 9.10%

16.09.2023 4.30% Advertisement

The line initially opened in three sections - from Reading/Heathrow to Paddington, Liverpool Street to Shenfield and the new Paddington to Abbey Wood part.

Then in November last year, the second stage began which saw through trains start running from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood; and Shenfield to Paddington.

The final stage from May this year saw services start running from Shenfield to Heathrow, as well as the existing Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood offering.

But MailOnline revealed in March that there would no direct trains from Shenfield to Reading, despite TfL previously heralding the line as a 'new east-west railway' - with trains from Shenfield instead forking off after Hayes and Harlington to terminate at Heathrow.

It also emerged that at Acton Main Line and Hanwell, there would be almost no direct services to Shenfield or Reading - with these West London stations only served by trains between Abbey Wood and Heathrow every 15 minutes, as they previously were before the change.

Days before the timetable change on May 21 this year, there was major disruption on May 16 that saw rush-hour passengers trapped on a service for 75 minutes.

The delay was so long that one passenger allegedly had to urinate on the carriage floor because there are no toilets on board the trains.

Since May 21, the line has been affected by further reliability issues and ongoing rail strikes, with one in six Elizabeth line trains either cancelled or delayed this summer.

Passengers on the Elizabeth line face disruption at Hayes and Harlington station on October 1

Huge queues at Woolwich station amid Elizabeth line disruption in London on September 11

Network Rail has recently apologised for the poor service, particularly out of Paddington, amid mounting fury.

Major issues occurred on July 25 when the western section of the route was hit by a major Network Rail signalling system outage.

This severely impacted services for two days and meant trains were not able to easily get to and from the Old Oak Common depot, located in Acton near the proposed HS2 station.

Another major problem occurred on August 16 when a maintenance train leaked hydraulic fluid within the central tunnel section of the line.

This fluid had to be cleaned from more than 1.2 miles (2km) of track before TfL could safely run again services.

The line was part suspended from Abbey Wood to Whitechapel for most of that day, which severely limited the number of trains that could run.

Just last month, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator revealed Elizabeth line cancellations had hit 9.1 per cent in the four weeks to August 19 - the worst figure for any UK rail service over that period.

MailOnline can reveal that this cancellation rate has dropped to 4.3 per cent in the four weeks to September 16, but that is still the joint second highest figure since the Mayor opened the line to great fanfare in May 2022.

It was also still the sixth highest proportion of cancellations out of 24 rail operators over that latest period.

The line was beaten only by Grand Central (9.4 per cent), CrossCountry (6.2 per cent), Northern Trains 95.5 per cent), Heathrow Express (5 per cent) and Great Western Railway (4.4 per cent).

Passengers are packed onto an Elizabeth line train through London at 8pm on September 25

Passengers wait outside the ticket gates at Woolwich Elizabeth line station on October 16

The ORR data shows Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express both had a similar rate of cancellations to the Elizabeth line.

READ MORE UK infrastructure has worsened in the last 10 years, manufacturers say Advertisement

This is notable because all three operators are often affected by the same issues on the Network Rail western route between Paddington and Reading or Heathrow.

Going back to May 2022 when it started running, the Elizabeth line performed relatively well in its opening months, with a cancellation rate of 2.5 per cent or below for the first five months.

But it then had a poor four weeks up to December 10 last year when the rate hit 3.9 per cent. The next few months were mixed, with cancellation rates of 1.8 per cent, 2 per cent and 3.3 per cent.

Then, for the four weeks ending March 31, the rate hit 4.3 per cent  which is the joint second highest figure, matched only in the most recent data period.

Since that point it has stayed above 3 per cent, peaking at 9.1 per cent in the four weeks to August 19  then falling to 4.3 per cent in the month to September 16.

The figures do not include P-coded cancellations, which means services that are axed up to 10pm before - such as those cancelled due to strike action.

These effectively vanish from the overnight timetable and therefore do not feature in on-the-day cancellation data.

The regular disruption has incensed commuters, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration at how the line seems to be disrupted almost every day.

Among those incensed by the delays last week was James Tybulewicz, who wrote on X: 'My week so far on the Elizabeth line: Monday - 20 minutes delayed because of a faulty train ahead.

'Tuesday - Three trains in a row cancelled without reason so 15 mins late. Today - my train has a fault - held for 30 minutes + outside Paddington. All for 3.70 each way. Absolute joke.'

Another, Anson Wong, tweeted: 'Fifth time commuting on the Elizabeth line this week, fifth time faced with severe delays/cancellations. That's 5/5. 100 per cent.'

A third, Paul Parsnip, said last Thursday: 'An investigation is needed into the Elizabeth line! Everyday there is severe disruption! Especially during the peak when we need to get to work or home! The incompetence of service recovery, it takes over six hours to recover to good service, unlike other lines!'

A fourth X user said on the same day: 'I actually cannot believe the Elizabeth Line has had four separate severe delays today. My God the worst line. TfL needs to answer for why this has happened and why the service on this line is so bad.'

Another asked Mr Khan: 'Can you have a conversation on how to make the Elizabeth line run? Yet another day of no service, never gets mentioned how bad it is. You absolute fraud.'

Earlier this month TfL warned that 'significant challenges' will continue on the line's 41-station network until new rail infrastructure is installed  with work on new overhead power lines not expected to start until next year at the earliest.

Network Rail has spoken to industry experts and component manufacturers to work out what is going wrong as it tries to improve signalling equipment and operations.

They are particularly concerned about issues in the western section of the line - part of which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and constructed in the 1830s.

Officials are hoping to modernise overhead power cables between Paddington and Heathrow Airport, with work set to take place between 2024 and 2029.

READ MORE Years of chaos on the Elizabeth line as Network Rail announces engineering works on TfL route until 2029 Advertisement

However, this still requires final funding approval from the ORR regulator.

And, if it goes ahead, it will likely result in major closures due to the engineering works required to upgrade the system.

Despite the poor reliability on the Elizabeth line, demand continues to surge, with the network carrying a record 738,000 passengers on Thursday, September 28 - and a total of 4.5million people using it across that week.

The line has been a big success for TfL in terms of usage, with it having carried more than 200 million passengers since launching in May 2022.

More than 150million passenger journeys were made in its first year, with 56 per cent of these at the peak times of 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.

TfL claimed in July that the Elizabeth line was responsible for 140,000 'new' journeys in London each day, and said more than a third of those who have switched from the Underground preferring it over the Central line.

Earlier this month, the Evening Standard reported on a TfL customer service and operational performance panel meeting at which it was discussed how 'significant challenges' are expected on the line until new rail infrastructure is installed.

People queue for the Elizabeth line at Paddington station before the first train on May 24, 2022

Elizabeth line director Mr Smith said at the time that renewing this 'won't be a quick fix' and that work will continue 'next year and the year beyond'.

READ MORE Revealed: TfL's Elizabeth Line had more cancellations than any other railway line in July and August Advertisement

Sophie Bancroft, operations director of Network Rail's western routes, added: 'It's not a quick fix [but] it's not going to be terrible for years.'

It comes as rail commuters across Britain have endured months of misery thanks to regular rail strikes - while those in London faced a 5.9 per cent average rise in transport fares in March.

Tube and bus fares are also expected to rise by around 4 per cent next year.

A TfL report earlier this month pointed out that the 'reliability of the trains has been below target', although it said this has improved in recent weeks following software upgrades, despite still being below target.

In addition, the report claimed the biggest ongoing issues are likely to be in the western section between Paddington and Reading and Heathrow.

It said: 'The most significant challenges are likely to remain with Network Rail's Western infrastructure, despite all the work undertaken by Network Rail colleagues as the underlying infrastructure is not in a satisfactory state and a programme of renewals is planned.'

But the report also said demand was surging, with some stations that existed before being connected to the Elizabeth line now seeing double the number of passengers compared to pre-pandemic levels after connectivity improved.

The first passengers for the Elizabeth line at Paddington go down an escalator on May 24, 2022

It cited entries and exits at West Ealing in West London which have increased from 22,000 in 2019 to 45,000 this month.

READ MORE Furious commuters demand investigation into Elizabeth Line as passengers are held for 40 minutes due to faulty doors Advertisement

Meanwhile, last month TfL named Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street as being the first Elizabeth line stations to get superfast 4G connectivity by the end of this year.

The operator said the line's seven other subterranean stations and tunnels are set to get signal by the end of April, as transport bosses also ramp up the 4G rollout across the Underground network over the coming months.

It was also revealed last month that more than two out of five UK train services during the first half of the year were delayed.

Some 41 per cent of trains between January and July were at least one minute late, according to BBC analysis of industry data collated by website On Time Trains.

Elizabeth line director Mr Smith told MailOnline: 'The Elizabeth line has become one of the most popular and reliable railways in the country since opening with around 4.2million passenger journeys now taking place each week.

'We sincerely apologise for the disruption that has affected some Elizabeth line services recently and we recognise that recent delays and cancellations have been frustrating for our customers.

Prince William and Kate travelled on the Elizabeth line from Acton Main Line on May 4

'The causes have included problems with the signalling and power supply on Network Rail tracks in the west; trespassers on the line, where we have to stop services for safety reasons, and some track and train faults.

READ MORE Chaos at King's Cross as police close station due to overcrowding and rail bosses blame Storm Babet and beg passengers to use different terminals Advertisement

'As well as urgently reviewing recent incidents, we are working hard with Network Rail and Alstom, who maintain the trains, to minimise the impact on our customers and provide a safe and reliable railway.'

Speaking earlier this month, a Network Rail spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'Recently the train line out of Paddington hasn't been as reliable as we expect and passengers deserve, and we're sorry to anyone who has been disrupted.

'We've brought in industry experts from the UK and the continent, as well as the manufacturers of some of our components, to understand precisely why some of our infrastructure isn't performing how it should, and this forms the basis of our improvement plans.

'Our current focus is on our signalling equipment and operations. We also have plans to modernise the overhead power cables between Paddington and Heathrow Airport between 2024 and 2029, subject to final funding approval from the Office of Rail and Road.'

While the Elizabeth line a TfL-branded service, the network is technically operated by a company called MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL), which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of a company based in Hong Kong called MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Corporation.

Despite the line's issues, the firm won rail operator of the year at the UK National Transport Awards in London on October 5. MailOnline contacted MTR for comment.

MailOnline has also contacted Mr Khan's office for comment.
Israel's government spokesman Eylon Levy has given a harrowing description of what he says he viewed in the Hamas bodycam footage that was shown to foreign journalists yesterday in an effort to prove the terror group's atrocities amid a swell of online debate and cynicism.

The footage will not be released in full to the public, says Israel, and reporters were not allowed to record any of it during the screening.

Many have since confirmed the horrors of it, but none have described the contents in full detail. It was taken on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,400.

In a three-minute video posted to his Twitter account, Levy talked of the 'burned, beheaded' bodies of women, men, children and babies that were shown.

Eylon Levy of the Israeli government described its contents in a Twitter video released this week as Hamas supporters continued to naysay claims they have killed and beheaded Israelis

'Seared in my mind are the bodies. Burned bodies, beheaded bodies mangled, bloodied remains of bodies. Bodies in open fields, bodies in blood covered bedrooms, bodies dragged out of cars, bodies lining the side of the road, bodies in body bags bodies in rows upon rows of body bags - so many that Zaka rescue teams went through four years of equipment in three days,' he said.

He went on to describe the bodies of infants burned 'to a crisp', so badly that he thought they were 'lumps of coal'.

'Babies' bodies. We see the body of a baby shot in the head. Burned bodies of babies. I mean burned to a crisp. Burned babies plural.

'I mean so badly burned that I had to ask the video to be stopped so that it could be explained to me that the piece of coal on the screen was the burnt corpse of an Israeli baby,' he says.

Hundreds of journalists and photographers from media companies all over the world yesterday attended the screening of a film of assorted footage showing the extent of the horrors committed by Hamas

The full unedited footage will not be shared with the public, Israel says, unless all of the families of those killed within view it and give permission

There were reports of journalists weeping, gasping and retching at the footage

Elsewhere in the video he says there were bodies 'in mangled pools of bodies', footage of militants 'straddling' a young Israeli woman in the back of a pick-up truck while holding RPGs on the way into Gaza and 'beheaded' solders' bodies.

'Inside Gaza, the lifeless, bloodied body of a soldier dragged out of a car, savages trample him as civilians crowd around him and shout "Allahu akbar" in jubilation with pure joy on their faces, taking turns to crush the corpse with their feet.

'We see the body of a Thai worker, barely alive, covered in blood as some depraved savage tries to hack at his neck with a hoe. We see one body of a woman, her face burned so badly her lips have burned off. And all we see is her teeth. Her legs wide open,' he says.

Levy said the corpses appeared 'frozen in terror' and 'burned to a cinder' like those discovered in Pompeii.

This clip showed how the gunman, brandishing his AK-47 assault rifle - ordered pair of Israelis driving slowly along the road to stop their car

'We see human ash that the world has not seen since Auschwitz. This was Hamas' October 7th massacre.

'This is the evil we are up against. This is the evil that Israel will eliminate with the total defeat and dismantling of Hamas for the sake of our people and for the sake of humanity.'

Hamas and supporters of Palestine have questioned the authenticity of Israel's claims since the start of the conflict.

Many demanded proof that babies had been executed or beheaded, unsatisfied with the anecdotes from Israeli soldiers, morgue workers or survivors.

One morgue worker previously told DailyMail.com that a pregnant Israeli woman was beheaded, along with her unborn baby.

She also described gang rape so brutal that the victims' pelvises had been shattered.
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey risked mockery today as she appeared to blame the wrong sort of rain for devastating floods following Storm Babet.

During a quizzing by MPs, the Cabinet minister suggested Britain was less prepared for recent downpours because the rain came from the East and not the West.

'This was rain coming from the other way and we don't have quite as much experience on that,' Ms Coffey told the House of Commons' Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee this afternoon.

At least seven people are now thought to have died amid the carnage brought by Storm Babet.

A total of 13 areas broke their daily rainfall records for October last week, while reports of floods to the Environment Agency reached the highest level since 2015/16.

More than 300 flood warnings were issued and hundreds of people have been left homeless, with about 1,250 properties in England flooded.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey risked mockery as she appeared to blame the wrong sort of rain for devastating floods following Storm Babet

A total of 13 areas broke their daily rainfall records for October last week, while r eports of floods to the Environment Agency reached the highest level since 2015/16

More than 300 flood warnings were issued and hundreds of people have been left homeless , with about 1,250 properties in England flooded

Ms Coffey, who was previously deputy prime minister, told MPs a 'rapid review' would be carried out to assess the handling of Storm Babet's impact.

She suggested it had been harder to predict where resources were needed due to direction from which the devastating rain arrived.

'One of the things that happened particularly with Storm Babet is that we are very good with the Met Office and the Environment Agency's flood forecasting at predicting weather normally because most of our rain tends to come in from the west,' Ms Coffey told the committee.

'We've got that pretty much down to a fine art. This was rain coming from the other way and we don't have quite as much experience on that.

'Therefore our accuracy of predicting where such heavy rain would fall was not to the same degree as if it had been.

'So the Environment Agency had moved assets from parts of the country more towards Yorkshire and the North East and that way.

'But I'm conscious that there were still some places that felt they could have done with some more pumps.'

Ms Coffey vowed to conduct a 'rapid review' alongside the Environment Agency to understand 'what could have done better'.

Responding to the Cabinet minister's comments this afternoon, Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: 'This is a new low for an Environment Secretary that cannot help but say or do the wrong thing.

'Therese Coffey blaming the wind for the Government's failure to protect homes from flooding would almost be comical if so many had not suffered so deeply at the hands of her incompetence.

'Coffey needs to get a grip, stop blaming everyone else for her failings and come forward with the plan to ensure that families across the country are not left defenceless against flooding.'

It came after the Environment Secretary yesterday faced the wrath of angry residents as she visited flood-hit areas in Nottinghamshire

Ms Coffey endured a rough reception from locals in Retford as they quizzed her over the Government's action on flood prevention

A resident with a suitcase walks through flood water in Retford after Storm Babet battered the UK

It came after Ms Coffey yesterday faced the wrath of angry residents as she visited flood-hit areas in Nottinghamshire.

The Environment Secretary endured a rough reception from locals in Retford as they quizzed her over the Government's action on flood prevention.

In one tense exchange, filmed by Sky News, Lucy Rose told Ms Coffey her property is 'not a home anymore, it's just a shell'.

'It's not a home anymore... I have to fork out and I have to do all the hard work,' she said.

Turning to her neighbours, she added: 'We have to do all the hard work. It's all on us, we want it all on you now. You've got to do it, you deal with it.'

A neighbour later cut in to point out it's not the first time Retford has suffered flooding woe, after it was previously hit by a deluge in the summer of 2007.

He told Ms Coffey: 'It's happened again and now everybody is down again. I'm sorry to say, you'll go away again... it'll be swept under the carpet and yet again we'll be left.'

During her visit to Retford, Ms Coffey acknowledged how residents were asking 'why stuff hasn't happened' since the last major floods in 2007.

She told Sky News: 'In that time, between 2015 and 2021 we've invested 2.6 billion in flood defences right across the country, that was over 300,000 homes.

'We're part way through a programme of spending a further 5.2billion over a six-year time period.'

Ms Coffey added that it may take 'several months' for some people to move back into their homes after the flooding.

She said: 'But let's see what we can do to try and speed some of that along and that's why our officials have already been in touch with insurers and similar.'
Premier museum in Southern California expects to strengthen cultural links with China

15:05, October 24, 2023 By Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan ( Xinhua

Sean O'Harrow, President and CEO of Bowers Museum, speaks during an interview at Bowers Museum in Orange County, Southern California, the United States, on Oct. 20, 2023. Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, the United States, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Located in the heart of Orange County, Bowers Museum has eight permanent collection exhibitions showcasing art and artifacts from cultures around the world, including a dedicated China gallery.

The Ancient Arts of China gallery presents a remarkable collection of nearly 200 objects created over more than 5,000 years, from Neolithic times to the Qing Dynasty.

Artifacts in the gallery represent all the major forms of artistic expression generally associated with Chinese history and culture, including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, bronzes, textiles, and sculpture.

"China has been one of the major cultures in the world. Also being on the West Coast and along the Pacific, we consider China our neighbor. So it's important to have a very important gallery here (about China), and continue the cultural connection with the Chinese people," O'Harrow told Xinhua.

Since its founding in 1936, Bowers Museum has cooperation and exchange programs with Chinese museums, including the Palace Museum, Nanjing Museum and Shanghai Museum.

It has hosted various exhibitions featuring cultural heritage in the Forbidden City, Tibet, Xinjiang, the Terra-Cotta Warriors in Shaanxi Province, and other parts of China.

The museum plans to extend partnerships with China in the future, according to O'Harrow.

"We are working with new museums that are opening in Fujian Province that specialize in the Pacific Rim and Pacific islands. We are going to be loaning art work to those museums," he told Xinhua.

Bowers Museum also plans to bring more contemporary artists from China, O'Harrow said, adding it is important to make a connection between the past, the present and the future.

Anne Shih, chairwoman of the Board of Governors of Bowers Museum, launched a "Junior Ambassadors Program" for the museum in 2001, with an aim to expose young participants to the rich history and culture of ancient China while helping them improve public service and presentation skills.

The museum has been a base for students in Orange County to experience the Chinese history and civilizations.

"We have a big responsibility to teach students, the youth people, world cultures. Having a Chinese gallery is extremely important, especially when you talk about the development of cultures throughout Asia, the origins of Chinese culture and religion, and the influence of countries that are surrounding China and the history," O'Harrow said.

Bowers Museum will continue to serve as a bridge for U.S.-China cultural exchanges and people-to-people friendship, he noted.

"We hope to bring the Chinese culture to American audiences through various exhibitions, so that they can learn more about China's profound history and splendid culture," Shih told Xinhua.

Some new exhibitions are currently held in Bowers Museum, including a photo exhibition named The Power of Photography, which features a selection of iconic images compiled by the pioneering collector and gallerist Peter Fetterman to celebrate the photograph's unique capacity for sensibility.

Among over 70 outstanding original prints on display is one portrait of a Chinese ambassador in the Qing Dynasty.

"What's remarkable (of the photo) is the power of his face, the emotion, dignity, intensity and the beauty of it," Fetterman explained to Xinhua.

The sheer quality of the print, the details, the light, the way the photographer captured the Chinese man's expression are very rare, he noted.

Visitors view artworks at Bowers Museum in Orange County, Southern California, the United States, on Oct. 20, 2023. Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit Bowers Museum in Orange County, Southern California, the United States, on Oct. 20, 2023. Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People come to visit Bowers Museum in Orange County, Southern California, the United States, on Oct. 20, 2023. Bowers Museum, a premier cultural art museum in Southern California, expects to further strengthen cultural links with China and serve as a bridge for boosting U.S.-China understanding, the museum's new President and CEO, Dr. Sean O'Harrow, told Xinhua in a recent interview. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The worst is still to come for energy debts, the boss of British Gas has warned, as the country gears up for another winter of high bills.

Despite global energy prices cooling in recent months, household bills are still nearly double the levels consumers paid before Russia's invasion of Ukraine when gases prices first rocketed.

And after a year of spiralling mortgage costs and rising everyday expenses hitting consumer's pockets, Centrica CEO Chris O'Shea said even bleaker times are ahead.

He told Bloomberg: 'My worry is that the worst is still to come.

'We are seeing direct debits being cancelled. We are seeing people struggling.'

Although the government stepped in to protect Britons who were struggling last winter, this support ended earlier this year.

Centrica CEO Chris O'Shea said even bleaker times are ahead

Centrica has previously called on the government to do more to help those struggling with their bills (stock image)

Figures obtained by energy regulator Ofgem reveal that energy debt has reached a record high of 2.6 billion - putting pressure on suppliers.

And consumers face further misery as Ofgem considers adding a one-time adjustment to the energy price cap next April to reduce the risk of suppliers going bust.

It warned that if it did not act, consumers could face even higher costs and poorer standards of service if suppliers collapse because of the debt piles.

Mr O'Shea, who heads up the country's biggest energy supplier that serves around 7.5 million customers, said: 'The regulator has a difficult situation, but they've created this market.

'If everybody is losing money in the market, the market will collapse.'

Earlier this month the price cap set by Ofgem was reduced to 1,834 a year, the first time it dropped below the 2,000 mark since April 2022.

Yet it is forecast to jump again to 1,976 in the first three months of next year, according to analysts at Investec.

This is a monthly bill of roughly 226 from the New Year.

It comes as a new survey shows that one in five workers (21 per cent) workers said that free heating had encouraged them to commute into the office more often, rising to 24 per cent for those aged 65 and over.

Centrica has previously called on the government to do more to help those struggling with their bills.

But in July, the company came under pressure as it revealed that earnings at its retail supplier business soared by nearly 900 per cent.

Angry politicians described the profits as 'actually sickening' and 'unearned', while campaigners said it was a 'further sign of Britain's broken energy system'.

Earlier this year Centrica chief executive Chris O'Shea was given a 4.49 million pay package, which included 790,000 in pay plus 3.7million in bonuses.
A man who died after his car was swept away in the floodwater during Storm Babet has been pictured.

The family of Peter Pelling, from Arbroath have paid tribute as they said they are 'absolutely devastated' over his tragic passing.

A search was launched at about 3am on Friday after police received a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater near Marykirk, Aberdeenshire.

A body and vehicle were recovered on Monday and police on Tuesday named the man as as Mr Pelling.

The storm has claimed at least seven lives across the UK, including three in Scotland.

Peter Pelling, from Arbroath who died after his car was swept away in water near Marykirk

In a statement issued through police, Mr Pelling's family said: 'Peter was a very kind, loyal and hardworking man. He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, partner and friend.

'Our family are absolutely devastated by this horrific and tragic accident.

'We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the first responders and all of the emergency services teams involved in what was a particularly challenging rescue, due to the weather and environmental factors surrounding the incident.

'Their continued efforts over the past few days have been so greatly appreciated.'

Police said there are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

The storm claimed three lives in Scotland including that of Wendy Taylor, 57, who died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.

John Gillan, 56, also died on Thursday after a tree hit his van as he was driving on the B9127 at Whigstreet near Forfar.

Roads are beginning to reopen after Storm Babet hit Scotland, as more than 32,000 was raised by wellwishers to help residents of flood-hit Brechin.

The A90, between Forfar and Brechin, Angus, has been reopened in both directions from Dundee to Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, under a contraflow, after engineers were able to examine two 'high-risk' structures hit by the storm.

Wild weather caused considerable erosion of the bridge at Finavon, carrying the A90 over the River South Esk, and a contraflow traffic management system was introduced to enable safe crossing until repairs are completed.

Emergency service workers assisting residents in Brechin after it was hit by severe flooding

In this aerial view gardens remain flooded as high water levels begin to recede after Storm Babet flooded homes, business and roads yesterday in Retford

Aberlemno Primary School in Brechin has yet to reopen after Angus Council said the B9134 was 'no longer judged to be safe', and a skip was provided for people to dispose of items from flood-damaged homes.

A GoFundMe page set up by Brechin Flood Relief has so far raised 32,369 to help families who were not covered by insurance, and one person even offered an empty flat for people left homeless.

An anonymous donor gave 2,500.

The gym at Brechin Community Campus was 'half full' of items donated to help families in need.

The GofundMe page said: 'When we factor in the cost-of-living rises and the costs of insurance, we are faced with the tragic fact that many simply cannot afford insurance.

'Brechin is the most fabulous community and we know people want to help those in need who due to reasons not of their making, have had their lives devastated.'

On Saturday, 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert was found dead in her flooded home in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Mrs Gilbert's neighbours said 5ft of water had engulfed the inside of their properties 'within minutes' of the River Rother bursting its banks.

Wendy Taylor, 57, died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.

Mrs Taylor, who was described as 'the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally and Susanna and Granny to India and George', was said to be 'a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her' in a tribute issued through Police Scotland.

A flood-damaged home in River Street, Brechin

Cheryl Woods, 61, and her daughter Sarha Smith, 40, from Caerphilly, South Wales, died after a five-vehicle crash on the M4 on Friday which is believed to have been weather-related.

Four cars and an HGV were involved in the crash on the eastbound carriageway between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath.

A 56-year-old driver, John Gillan, died when a tree fell on his van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday and a man in his 60s died after getting caught in fast-flowing floodwater in the town of Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, on Friday.

Mr Gillan's family said he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and son.
The British cargo ship which sank off the coast of Germany early on Tuesday was almost lost after its engine failed close to north Devon seven years ago, it has been revealed.

The ship Verity sank in the early hours of this morning after colliding with a larger cargo ship, the Polesie, the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) confirmed.

It had seven crew members onboard at the time of the tragedy, of which two have been found alive, one has tragically confirmed to have died and the remaining four remain missing.

Now footage has emerged from an incident in January 2016 showing the moment the ship had to be rescued by the RNLI and a Dutch warship after the 300ft vessel lost power and began veering dangerously close to the north Devon coastline.

It comes as the search for the remaining crew members is ongoing, with experts estimating they would be able to survive for up to 20 hours once they entered the water.

Video footage captured in 2016 shows RNLI volunteers working to secure the ship

Verity's engine failed just four miles away from a rocky outcrop off the coast of north Devon

In 2016 Verity's engine failed just four miles from Hartland Point, a dangerous 325ft rocky outcrop which protrudes into the ocean.

Two RNLI boats from Padstow and Appledore were scrambled to the site amid rough seas and force eight gale winds, with a Dutch warship soon joining to help keep the ship and crew safe.

At that time it was carrying 3,000 tons of scrap metal. Frigate HNLMS De Ruyter helped manage the tow line to the ship until a tug could arrive at the scene from Holyhead in the early hours of the next morning.

The effort lasted around 24 hours in total before the tug arrived and pulled the ship safely back to land.

At the time, the RNLI hailed the 'excellent team work from the RNLI lifeboats and skipper and crew from the Dutch Warship', adding all did 'an amazing job in difficult conditions.'

Meanwhile the search and rescue operation is ongoing after Verity collided with Polesie at around 3am, 14 miles south-west of the German island of Helgoland.

Two RNLI boats from Padstow and Appledore were scrambled to the 2016 incident amid rough seas and force eight gales

Today: The 300ft vessel, which was on its way from Bremen in Germany to the British port of Immingham, sank following the impact and rescuers have launched a desperate mission to find four people who are missing. Pictured: Rescue vessels at the scene

The P&O Cruises ship Iona, which left Southampton three days ago for Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges in Belgium, was among vessels that joined in the search.

READ MORE: Hoping for a miracle at the bottom of the North Sea: Divers are sent down to check for signs of life inside sunken British cargo ship after it collided with second vessel leaving one dead and four missing off Germany Advertisement

In footage obtained from the ship, passengers are given an update that 'Iona is involved in a search and rescue operation'.

'We're looking for persons in the water from another vessel that has been involved in an incident earlier this morning,' they are told over a Tannoy. 'Our ship's company are fully prepared and are standing by to assist with this operation.'

Rescuers are still desperately searching for the four remaining crew members - but that search in the 15c North Sea is being hampered by 30mph winds, 10ft waves and poor visibility due to fog.

The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie that had left Hamburg for La Coruna in Spain, remained afloat with 22 people on board after the collision. The Verity was the smaller vessel with a length of almost 300 feet, compared to the Polesie's 625 feet.

Two rescue cruisers, an emergency tug, a pilot boat, a police patrol boat and a helicopter are helping with the search.

Robby Renner, the head of the emergency command, said his team are now 'doing everything humanly possible' to rescue more crew members alive.

Renner said it is possible crew members are trapped inside the ship's hull and in response, a diving operation has been launched into the waters where the Verity sank, which are around 98ft deep. Divers will try to locate the ship and establish whether there are 'any signs of life' inside, Renner said.

'We haven't found the missing people yet. Therefore we have to assume they can still be in the ship. Our rescue operation is in full swing. We are now doing everything humanely possible to rescue more people alive,' Renner said this afternoon.
The tech giant is the latest to scale down their presence in the city with Meta and LinkedIn both subletting space in recent months

Tech giant Microsoft has joined the San Francisco 'tech-xodus' - advertising up to 49,000 square feet of their offices for sublet as the city spirals into a 'doom loop'.

Microsoft is just the latest company to scale down their presence in the city, with Meta and LinkedIn both subletting their spaces in recent months.

Office vacancy rates hit a record high of 34 per cent in September as shops are driven out of the downtown area by heightened crime and economists warn the city is spiraling into an 'urban doom loop'.

Microsoft's move follows continued cost-cutting across the sector, with mass lay-offs and more people working from home.

Now the tech giant is offering spaces in San Francisco's tallest tower - 555 California Street - from 4,500 to 49,000 square foot to rent until May 2029.

Outside the office of the San Francisco headquarters Microsoft, in the Financial District neighborhood of San Francisco

The Microsoft office at 555 California Street where offices of up to 49,000 square foot are up for rent

Sleeping people, discarded clothes and used needles are seen in San Francisco in a file photo

Homeless encampments are shown along a street in San Francisco in a file photo

The 779-foot tall building is owned by former President Donald Trump and Vornado Realty Trust and was 94.5 per cent leased as of July at a cost of $120 per square foot annually.

San Francisco - which has long been popular with tech companies - was hit hard by the pandemic, thanks to its high density of office space.

Chris Roeder, executive managing director at Jones Lang LeSalle in San Francisco told Al Jazeera: 'Nearly 80 percent of the space in downtown San Francisco is office space, unlike New York or most other cities, which have more homes.'

This means that as more people work from home and offices close, businesses lose their custom and swathes of the city are left empty and susceptible to crime.

A recent report showed 95 retailers in downtown San Francisco have closed since the start of the COVID pandemic, a decline of more than 50 percent from 2019.

Joe Eskenazi, managing editor of Mission Local, a San Francisco-based nonprofit news site, said in a CNN interview: 'The difference now is that with fewer people downtown, a higher percentage you see are visibly homeless.'

The city has also struggled with rampant fentanyl use and fatal overdoses - in the first five months of 2023, there were close to 346 overdose deaths in the city - an increase of more than 40 percent from the same period in 2022.

A map reveals the major businesses which have left, or plan to leave, San Francisco in recent months

An analysis of official figures and other research reveals San Francisco may lose hundreds of millions of dollars through an exodus of businesses and its failure to recover from Covid

The emptying of offices and shops has also led to the citys revenues falling, making it harder to fight the problem.

In March, the city announced that its budget shortfall for the year had increased to $290m, over $90m than expected.

The situation is so bad that one San Francisco official organized a 'Doom Loop Walking Tour' of the city, offering people the opportunity to 'get close and personal to the doom and squalor of downtown San Francisco' for $30.

He was then forced to resign.

Microsoft is following in the footsteps of other tech giants reducing their presence in the city.

Earlier this month, LinkedIn put up the top five floors of its 63,000 square feet, 26-story building for rental till December 2027 and laid off 668 employees.

A few months prior, Meta announced it was ready to abandon its 435,000 square feet San Francisco building once its lease expired in 2031.

Companies such as Airbnb, Paypal, Slack, Lyft and Salesforce have also left tens of thousands of square footage buildings in the city in the past year.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The woman accused of hiring a hitman to kill her Microsoft-exec husband offered a smirk in her first mugshot.

Police in Florida have released a picture of Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, the ex-wife of Jared Bridegan, who she plotted to murder.

The mother-of-two was booked in to Duvall County Jail on first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and child abuse charges on Friday.

She and her current husband, Mario Fernandez-Saldana, both 35, are accused of hiring a hitman to gun down Jared Bridegan, 33, who was slain in an execution-style killing in front of his small daughter in Jacksonville Beach last year.

Dramatic bodycam footage captured the moment Gardner-Fernandez was arrested at her $1 million West Richland, Washington, home in August.

Police in Florida have released the first mugshot of Shanna Gardner-Fernandez who is accused of hiring a hitman to gun down her ex-husband in front of his two-year-old daughter

Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan was shot on February 16 in what police described as a murder-for-hire killing

Gardner-Fernandez was taken to Benton County jail before being extradited to Florida to face the charges.

Lawyers for the accused mom tried to fight the extradition after Florida State Attorney Melissa Nelson stated she will be seeking the death penalty.

She was arrested a year and a half after the father-of-four was killed execution-style just minutes from his ex-wife's home in what police described as an 'ambush' and 'targeted' attack.

At the time, Bridegan was living in St. Augustine, Florida, in a $780,000 home with his new wife and children. He would regularly drive up to Jacksonville to visit the twins he shared with Gardner-Fernandez.

He had just dropped the children off at their mother's house on February 16 when he was lured from his car by a tire that had been placed in his path, police believe.

He was gunned down next to his Vauxhall Atlas while his two-year-old daughter Bexley was in the back seat, narrowly escaping with her life.

It is thought that Fernandez-Saldana's former tenant Henry Tenon, 62, acted as the gunman in the killing. He confessed to the plot after being arrested for an unrelated crime.

Just five weeks after the killing, the accused couple took an all-inclusive vacation at Port St Lucie. Snaps from the break show them laughing and pulling silly faces at the camera.

Gardner-Fernandez has been accused of orchestrating the murder along with her husband Mario Fernandez-Saldana, 35

The mom-of-two was arrested in August at her $1 million home in Washington. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Gardner-Fernandez was pictured joking around on holiday in Port St.Lucie just five weeks after he ex-husband was murdered

Suspected gunman Henry Tenon, 62, (left) has said he is willing to testify that Mario Fernandez-Saldana, 35, and his wife hired him to kill Bridegan

At the time of the murder the former spouses were locked in an acrimonious custody battle that had been raging since their divorce in 2015 and centered on their ten-year-old twins, Abby and Liam.

Gardner-Fernandez remarried in 2018 with sources reporting that she became 'wilder and wilder' as their relationship progressed.

One tattoo shop employee recalled their shock when she came in and asked for a genital piercing.

Both of the accused couple have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are due to stand trial.

Shanna's parents issued a statement after her arrest, which said: 'Words cannot accurately express the depth of our sadness. Family is our top priority.

'We love our daughter and are focused on supporting her and our entire family as we help our grandchildren navigate this difficult and very confusing time.

'For their sake and all involved, we caution against further speculation and request privacy as the legal process runs its course.'

Fernandez-Soldana's presence in his children's lives was also a worry to Bridegan, according to those who know the family.

Bridegan's widow said she would support the death penalty if Gardner-Fernandez (pictured prior to her arrest) is convicted

The father was described as a 'devout' Mormon who was working as a software developer for Microsoft. His widow Kristen has said she will support the death penalty if his ex-wife is convicted.

She previously said that the children had been 'ripped apart'. In an emotional interview, Kirsten, 36, told DailyMail.com of her satisfaction about Shanna's arrest.

There is satisfaction in knowing that the person I believe was the driving force behind this doesnt get the privileges that she allegedly took from Jared,' she said.

My personal thought is that I trust [the prosecutors] to make the best decision for the case and if that is the death penalty then we support that.
The Pentagon is setting up six new massive radar facilities in the northwestern US and Canada to detect hypersonic Russian low-flying cruise missiles that could be fired over the North Pole.

It comes as NORAD - the North American Aerospace Defense Command - seeks to plug detection gaps after radar failed to detect the arrival of a Chinese spy balloon that sailed across the U.S. earlier this year.

New northern radars would achieve early detection if Moscow decided to send missiles over the Arctic, Defense One reported.

Russia is already using such missiles to attack Ukraine.

Four large plots of land are being bought by the U.S. Air Force in the U.S. and two in Canada for radar systems.

A Canadian Ranger scans the horizon at one of Canada's Distant Early Warning Line radar stations

Existing radar and communication equipment

Earlier this year Gen. David VanHerck, commander of the NORAD, told Congress of the urgent need for 'over-the-horizon' radar to protect against emerging threats of cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons from Russia.

He said it would provide 'proven, affordable technology that will ensure our ability to detect threats from surface to space in the approaches to North America.'

He said: 'Rather than fielding the capabilities in eight to 10 years, maybe we can shorten that to four to five years. And by the way, I need Canada to do the same thing. A fielding of a capability a decade from now is not where we need to be.'

VenHerck said Alaska may be the 'most strategic location on the planet' partly because it is the 'shortest avenue approach for ballistic missiles from Russia, potentially China and (North Korea) to our homeland.

'The bottom line is if you cant detect something, you cant defeat it, and you certainly cant deter.'

Since 2005, Russia has reopened a series of Soviet-era military bases in the Arctic.

In 2018 Vladimir Putin announced six 'next generation' weapons he claimed could penetrate existing missile defense systems.

Insufficient visibility in the Arctic could limit the response time of the U.S. in a crisis.

In March Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to beef up detection systems in the Arctic.

Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau agreed to boost radar systems in March

Launch of Russian Sarmat ballistic missile in April 2022

That included backing for 'over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) for NORAD.

Biden said: 'We both recognize the critical importance of this region to our collective security.

'Soon, NORAD will have a new next-generation over-the-horizon radar to enhance our early warning capacity.'

Traditional radar is limited in the distance it can detect threats due to the curvature of the Earth.

Over-the-horizon radar works by bouncing signals off of the atmosphere to detect low-flying missiles that are still thousands of miles away.
The Air Force veteran allegedly fatally shot his wife Breanne in the face

Tactical crews and a heavy police presence has descended on an area near Camp Collier, a common MA woodland for Boy Scout troops

Massachusetts cops are expanding the manhunt for US Air Force veteran Aaron Pennington as they admit his military training is 'part of the equation' in the ongoing search.

Pennington, 33, has remained on the run for three days after allegedly fatally shooting his wife and mother of his four children Breanne, 30, in the face on Sunday morning.

The veteran's white BMW sedan was found abandoned in a woodland near his home in Gardner, Massachusetts, which became the focal point of the search.

In a Tuesday press conference, authorities said they were expanding the manhunt throughout a 500-plus acre forest after a number of law enforcement agencies and tactical teams descended on the area.

Aaron Pennington, 33, remains at large for a third day after allegedly fatally shooting his wife Breanne in the face on Sunday morning

Pennington allegedly gunned down his wife at a time when she was planning on leaving him and taking their children to Texas, court documents have revealed

A huge police presence and tactical teams descended on a wooded area near his home in Gardner, Massachusetts, on Tuesday as the manhunt was expanded

A line of law enforcement vehicles on the scene, which has seen several agencies including the state Special Tactical Operations team aid the manhunt

After Pennington's vehicle was discovered Monday, a code red warning was issued to residents in the region to stay inside their homes for several hours.

Officials said the warning was only instated out of 'an abundance of caution,' but added in an update on Tuesday they were resuming in the area near Camp Collier, a common woodland for Boy Scout troops.

Investigators added they are 'operating on the assumption he is still alive', and warned the public not to approach Pennington if they believe they see him as he is considered armed and highly dangerous.

When asked if his military experience could play into the manhunt, officials acknowledged that survivalist skills are 'part of the training' and it was 'part of the equation' in the search.

Pennington spent eight years in the US Air Force as a 'special missions aircraft maintainer' and now works at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, where he also holds an 'active secret clearance,' according to his LinkedIn profile.

He is described as white and 6-feet 2-inches tall, with blond hair and blue eyes.

Several agencies, including the state Special Tactical Operations team, descended on the area Tuesday morning after the car was found.

Crews were seen armed with tactical gear, including long guns, while helicopters circled overhead.

A helicopter seen deployed overhead as the search was expanded. On Tuesday, officials admitted Pennington's military background could help him in survivalist situations, and it is 'part of the equation' in the manhunt

NEW: The @MassStatePolice Airwing is flying low over the woods by Camp Collier off Kelton Road in Gardner, looking for any sign of murder suspect Aaron Pennington. This is near where his BMW was found yesterday. @NBC10Boston @NECN pic.twitter.com/QcCn0Rjz7K  Alysha Palumbo NBC10 Boston (@AlyshaNBCBoston) October 24, 2023

Pennington is described as 6-feet 2-inches with blonde hair and blue eyes, and is considered armed and extremely dangerous

The couple's home in Gardner, Massachusetts, where police found Breanne Pennington, 30, dead in an upstairs bedroom

The 33-year-old veteran's BMW was found abandoned in a wooded area near the city of Gardner

Pennington allegedly shot his wife in their home on Sunday morning at around 9am, leading the couple's four children - aged two, five, seven and nine - to run to a neighbor's home.

A trooper on the scene reported that the children ran to their neighbor as they were 'scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying.'

When cops entered the home, they found Breanne in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to the face, and Aaron's car was gone from the driveway.

The complaint alleges that Pennington owns an illegally possessed firearm without a license to carry, and although three shell casings were found in the bedroom, no firearms were found inside the home.

Breanne was also known to keep a gun in the home for protection, police said.

Surveillance video showed the 33-year-old fleeing in a white BMW sedan at 8.50am Sunday.

Breanne, 30, was found with a gunshot wound to the face in her home on Sunday morning

The couple have four young children, who fled to a neighbor's house after the attack, claiming their mother was 'in her bedroom crying'

As cops continue to hunt for Pennington for a third day, Breanne's heartbroken family shared their shock at losing the 'loving, caring, compassionate' mother-of-four.

'Were all in shock about this. Were all in shock. We had no idea something like this would ever happen,' Brooke Pertile, Breanne's sister, told Boston25.

'He better turn himself in. He needs to stand up for what he did, and turn himself in. And not be a coward. He needs to turn himself in. He needs to do it for the kids.'

Pertile said her sister lived for their children, and was a 'very loving, caring, compassionate woman' who 'always saw the best in everything and people.'

'She definitely lit up the room like no other, any room that she walked in,' she added.

A criminal complaint has revealed the Penningtons' marriage was troubled, as Breanne was planning to take their children to Texas and away from Aaron.

The complaint also alleges that Aaron had been suffering from mental illness and had threatened to take his own life.

'He, on the outside, he was a very nice person. But hes been struggling with some mental health issues. They just were getting worse,' said Breanne's sister, who said she had spoken to her just three days before the shooting.

The couple's children who ran for help are now reportedly in state care.

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson said although the city has received numerous requests to hold a vigil for Breanne, he asked for them to be delayed 'due to the fact that the investigation is still ongoing and since the suspect is still at large.'

Pennington spent eight years in the US Air Force as a 'special missions aircraft maintainer' and now works at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, where he also holds an 'active secret clearance,' according to his LinkedIn profile

Tributes have poured in for Breanne after her passing, with an old friend describing her as an amazing mom, hilarious friend, and a truly sweet soul'

After news of her death broke, social media was flooded with posts commemorating Breanne's life, with several women mentioning they knew her from an online group for expecting mothers.

'Imagine my shock when I was scrolling and said to myself 'That looks like Breezy's husband, what happened?' just to find out he murdered her and ran away,' one woman wrote.

'I'm absolutely SICK over this and thinking of her four precious babies. Breezy Pennington was an amazing mom, hilarious friend, and a truly sweet soul.'

'I am hurt, sad, frustrated, angry, and most of all confused why someone has to take someone else's life because they are unhappy,' another friend wrote.

'We all want justice for you and want nothing but the best for your 4 beautiful children that we all know you loved sooooo much.'
The Brooklyn 'magician' who was seen tearing down posters of Israeli child hostages this weekend has now been suspended from his job by his Jewish father.

Noah Schaffer, 41, was filmed laughing in the face of a distraught Jewish woman who confronted him and his wife, Kelly, at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The pair had been ripping down posters of Israel's missing and murdered children after the October 7 Hamas attack.

His father Dr. Eric Schaffer issued an email to staff at Human Factors, the UX company he founded on Sunday, to tell staff Noah had been placed on immediate, unpaid leave for four months.

Noah had been working as an Executive Strategist for HFI, after previously working as a magician at the dinner show, A Taste of Magic.

Noah previously worked as a 'magician' for A Taste of Magic, a dinner show in Manhattan. He had been working at Human Factors, a UX firm, but has been placed on leave by his father

'As has been noted, Noah is my son. He is not an antisemite nor a supporter of Hamas. I can attest that he has not acted this way at any time during his whole life.

'He now understands that his actions were reprehensible, he is deeply sorry and regretful,' Eric Schaffer told staff.

Noah's father, Dr. Eric Schaffer, told staff at Human Factors that he had been placed on a four-month, unpaid suspension

The time off will give him an opportunity to 'learn about his Jewish family history, reflect deeply and make amends,' he added.

It's unclear if Kelly, Noah's wife who previously worked for city school program, still holds her job.

The pair were named yesterday by DailyMail.com, along with Upper East Side financier Marc Louvet.

He was also filmed taking down hostages' photos this weekend, and defended himself when confronted.

'Where are the Palestinians? What about the Palestinians?' he fired back when asked why he was removing the signs of the Israeli children.

VanEck, the investment management fund he works for, has since announced that he has been placed on leave, and will likely be fired.

'We have just now been made aware of a video confronting an employee who had just town down posters of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

'In no way does VanEck endorse such actions or statements, nor do we support the actions of terrorists in any way. Such insinuations are hurtful and damaging to the company and our

'Israeli colleagues, family and friends. We are investigating the facts around the incident and our legal options concerning the employee whom we have placed on immediate leave and expect to terminate,' the company said in a statement.

Louvet did not respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries.

This statement was issued to Human Factors staff on Sunday informing them Noah was 'not an antisemite nor a supporter of Hamas'

Noah's wife Kelly is listed among protesters on the website 'antifa watch' after being arrested in New Jersey at a protest outside the Bergen County Jail where she and others demonstrated against ICE. It's unclear what the status of that case is

His now-deleted social media pages were clean of any political posts, filled mostly with photos from romantic, beach trips with his girlfriend.

Noah previously worked for A Taste of Magic, a magic and dinner show on the Upper West Side.

A producer for the show confirmed to DailyMail.com that it was Noah in the video. He added that Noah had not worked with the group for a year.

'A Taste of Magic has no association with him or his recent actions, he hasn't worked here for over a year,' the producer said, declining to comment further on his actions.

Kelly, his wife, previously worked as a social worker at Urban Dove, a city school program in New York.

Marc Louvet, 45, is a French financier who lives on the Upper East Side. He was filmed while being confronted for removing posters of Israeli child hostafes

Louvuet worked for the investment management firm Van Eck. He is now on leave and the company said it soon expects to fire him

Louvet with his girlfriend. The pair have now deleted their social media pages

She is listed among protesters on the website 'antifa watch' after being arrested in New Jersey at a protest outside the Bergen County Jail where she and others demonstrated against ICE.

It's unclear what Noah now does for work. Urban Dove, the school program Kelly worked for, did not respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries.

The pair have also deleted their social media and LinkedIn accounts.

They join a growing list of students and pro-Palestine protesters who have been filmed removing posters of Jewish hostages in the city.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams has been steadfast in his support of the Jewish community since the start of the conflict.

There have been a number of large, pro-Palestine protests in New York City since the violence broke out in the Middle East but none have become particularly violent or unruly.

Among demonstrations this weekend was one attended by non-binary And Just Like That Star Sara Ramirez, who waved a transgender flag at the protest despite the fact Palestine and Hamas follow sharia law that makes homosexuality illegal.
Shocking footage shows two customers aggressively trash the McDonald's drive-thru after spitting at the so-called 'rude' employee, over a dispute regarding a refund.

The video, shared by Chicago Critter on Instagram, shows a verbal altercation from behind the counter, before the raging tantrum began at the McDonald's on Central and Roosevelt.

At the start of the video, one customer is heard demanding a refund. The employee replied, 'We are gonna give you a refund but that's no reason to spit on anybody.'

'He spit on her because she was rude,' the woman yelled back.

The customer then began to threaten the restaurant worker, asking if she wanted to 'come outside,' insinuating an invitation to engage in a physical fight.

Shocking footage shows two customers aggressively trash the McDonald's drive-thru after spitting at the so-called 'rude' employee, over a dispute regarding a refund

The video, shared by Chicago Critter on Instagram , shows a verbal altercation from behind the counter, before the raging tantrum began at the McDonald's on Central and Roosevelt

The employee replied, 'No ma'am - I'm 30-years-old - I'm not about to fight.'

Once the customers received their refund, a man takes his drink, and violently throws it across the restaurant in the direction of the employee filming.

He then reaches behind the counter in a violent fury and begins throwing any object in reach.

The employee who is filming the incident tells the man she's recording as he continues to hurl items at her.

The two then walked off, leaving the McDonalds in a shambles.

The caption reads, ''Just moments after a customer spat at a female employee because she was 'rude' this person proceeded to trash the drive-through area at McDonald's, even though the restaurant's staff had agreed to provide a refund and gave back their money as seen on the video.'

Once the customers received their refund, a man takes his drink, and violently throws it across the restaurant in the direction of the employee filming

While dozens of viewers expressed outrage with the abhorrent behavior captured on camera, many said they were not surprised by it.

'Just another day in Chicago,' one user commented.

'This is how you should behave at the workers? Jail time,' another user wrote.

'Once upon a time an outburst like this, so out of proportion, dangerous, and fraught with consequences, would give a mindful person pause. Now it's regarded as "righteous" and "reasonable" retribution for all the slights, actual and perceived. Until it happens to them,' a third user said.

It's unclear if the police have identified or charged the two perpetrators.

Just last month, a massive brawl broke out inside a Toppers Pizza joint, which involved four employees trying to restrain one man by hitting him repeatedly and grabbing him.

In the video, a man can be seen tussling with one of the employees of the unknown store.

As the two distance themselves, the employee swings a punch at the man who dodges it and immediately returns with a volley of wild punches.

The man moves forward and knocks the employee to the ground as two other employees, including a female grab the man.

As the two distance themselves, the employee swings a punch at the man who dodges it and immediately returns with a volley of wild punches

The employee who was originally knocked over manages to get back to his feet as the female employee grabs him.

As he starts to fight back, the female employee can be heard saying: 'Don't f***ing touch me.'

She then starts clawing at the man's hair and face, before the man again rushes at the employee who initially threw the punch.

He again throws punches at the employee, before three workers then clambering onto the man and crowd him - ripping his t-shirt in the process.

After several workers back off of the man, he continues to grapple with just one of the employees.

In an attempt to get the man to stop, the employee holds the rear of his shirt and rips it further.

Police said the fight was eventually broken up and only minor injuries were reported.
President Joe Biden on Tuesday spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about getting humanitarian aid to get to Gaza faster as Israel intensified its bombing campaign, launching 400 air strikes against Hamas.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have had a tense relationship but the two leaders spoke about how 'much more is needed' for civilians in Gaza 'to have sustained access to food, water, and medical assistance,' according to a White House readout of the call.

Biden also spoke with MBS, who is the defacto ruler of Saudi Arabia, about keeping the war from expanding.

The two discussed the 'ongoing diplomatic and military efforts to deter state and non-state actors from widening the conflict between Israel and Hamas,' the White House said. The U.S. is concerned that groups tied to Iran and Iraq could use the Israeli-Hamas conflict to start strikes in the region.

President Joe Biden has expressed concern that aid is not getting to Gaza fast enough

The president, meanwhile, expressed concern about Gaza's 2.3 million people who have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the October 7th attack by Hamas on towns in southern Israel.

Biden, asked at a White House event if aid was getting into Gaza fast enough, replied: 'Not fast enough.'

His remark came as Israel hit the Gaza strip with a barrage of airstrikes that crushed multiple residential buildings and buried families under rubble.

Israel is also pressuring Palestinians to help with the release of the more than 200 hostages. The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza asking for information on the hostages' whereabouts, promising a reward and protection for the informant's home in exchange.

'If you want a better future for you and your children, do good and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area. And the Israeli military promises you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality. The Israel Defense Forces,' it said per a translation from CNN.

The White House has pushed for the immediate release of all hostages but also conceded they don't know the location of all of them.

'We are not completely sure about the location of each and every hostage. And we are working to get more granularity on that, and we have seen yesterday another two got out, obviously that's just a tiny fraction of the pool that we think Hamas is holding. But we think the effort to continue to negotiate for the release of additional hostages is worth the effort,' White House spokesman John Kirby said.

Kirby also noted no humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Tuesday.

'We hope the materials can enter Gaza tomorrow,' U.N. aid spokesperson Eri Kaneko said.

The first convoy of 20 trucks crossed from Egypt into Gaza on Saturday, and the second convoy arrived the day after.

In total 54 trucks have crossed into Gaza carrying food, medicine and water, which U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described as 'a drop of aid in an ocean of need.'

More than 200 trucks containing 3,000 tonnes of aid are waiting on the Egyptian border for Israeli approval to enter Gaza.

The trucks are carrying medical supplies from the World Health Organization (WHO), food and bottled water.

President Joe Biden spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (above right) about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip wait to pass through the Rafah border crossing at Egypt

The United States also has expressed concern that fuel is running out, noting its needed for hospital facilities and to covert salt water to fresh water.

Israel, however, said that it's worried any fuel deliveries may end up with Hamas.

Kirby on Tuesday described Israel's concerns as legitimate but noted it's still needed by civilians.

'We still believe, just in general, that fuel needs to be able to get in to the people of Gaza,' he said.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees said on Tuesday it will be forced to halt its operations in Gaza by Wednesday night if no fuel is delivered to area.

More than 4,600 Palestinians, more than a third of them children, have been killed in the relentless bombardments. Israel says it's targeting Hamas fighters who killed more than 1,400 people in the October 7 attack in southern Israel.

And facilities in Gaza are struggling to deal with the causalities A total of 46 out of 72 primary health-care facilities, and 12 out of 35 hospitals, stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said.

Gazas five main hospitals were all filled beyond capacity, the territory's health ministry said.

The Biden administration is pressuring Israel to delay its ground invasion into Gaza in order to buy time to secure the release of more hostages and for more aid to enter the war-torn region.

And Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday called on UN Security Council member states to use their leverage to stop the Israel-Hamas war from expanding,

He particularly focused on concerns about Iran and its proxies.

'To all the members of this council, if you, like the United States, want to prevent this conflict from spreading, tell Iran, tell its proxies in public, in private, through every means: Do not open another front against Israel in this conflict. Do not attack Israel's partners,' Blinken said.
A family endured a 'holiday from hell' after being bitten 'all week' by bed bugs at a caravan resort.

Lea Tyler, 38, went on a seven day break at Parkdean Naze Marine Resort, in Walton, Essex, with her partner and children when they noticed bites starting to appear on their bodies.

They initially thought they were gnat bites, but Ms Tyler woke in the middle of the night on their penultimate evening having spent a restless sleep and screamed when she discovered what she believeed were bed bugs on the sheets.

The panicked mother took the children, including her baby, out of their rooms and Parkdean offered the family another caravan to spend their final night but they refused.

The resort has apologised and insists it has strict cleaning protocols in place.

Lea Tyler, 38, went on a seven-day break at Parkdean Naze Marine Resort, in Walton, Essex, with her partner and children but claim they were 'bitten all week' by bed bugs

A picture Ms Tyler took of one of the insects she find beneath the duvet of a bed in their caravan. Parkdean has apologised and insisted it has strict protocols in place

The bed bugs feasted on Ms Tyler's partner with red marks appearing on his arms and torso

The insects had feasted on her partner's body with pictures showing red bite marks on his arms and torso.

Ms Tyler, who has been on caravan holidays for 22 years, claims on October 14 in the early hours of the morning she discovered what she believed to be bed bugs after struggling to sleep.

She said: 'We have been bitten all week, we thought it was gnats as we've been outside.

'I couldn't sleep on Saturday, I went into the bedroom, my baby was asleep and there were bed bugs.

'I screamed, it was 2.30am in the morning and I had to bring the children out of the rooms.'

After snapping some images and photos, in the morning Ms Tyler went to speak with the park's management.

The family were given the option to move to another caravan for their final night but decided not to as they claim they would have had to leave their belongings to be cleaned.

The family were given the option to move to another caravan for their final night but decided not to as they claim they would have had to leave their belongings to be cleaned

Ms Tyler said her partner had been bitten 'very badly' (pictured), while it the upsetting ordeal had 'triggered bad mental health' for her

Parkdean says the family was offered other forms of compensation.

Ms Tyler added: 'I've had to do a hot wash to clean all the kids clothing in case there are eggs.

'It was an upsetting and bad experience; it has triggered bad mental health for me. My partner has been bitten very badly across his body.'

A spokesman for Naze Marine Holiday Park said: 'We're sorry for Lea's experience on this occasion.

'We have strict cleaning protocols in place and once notified, we immediately offered the customer new accommodation, support and arranged for our specialist contractors to treat the issue.'
An American Airlines passenger is suing the company after a flight attendant accidentally spilled hot coffee on his arm during a New York-bound flight from Vietnam.

George Latorre filed the suit against the Dallas-based carrier alleging that the attendant spilled piping hot coffee on his left arm, resulting in 'second degree [burns] to his upper left arm; blistering; peeling, bleeding; possible permanent cosmetic deformity and scarring,' according to the complaint filed in Manhattan state court last Thursday.

The Pennsylvania resident was sitting in seat 33J next to his son on the flight home when the coffee was being served.

The passenger's complaint alleges that the serving attendant was 'careless, reckless, and negligent in serving scalding coffee to the plaintiff in an unsafe manner.'

George Latorre filed the suit against the Dallas-based carrier alleging that the attendant spilled piping hot coffee on his left arm

The passenger claims he has 'second degree [burns] to his upper left arm; blistering; peeling, bleeding; possible permanent cosmetic deformity and scarring,'

The lawsuit also argues that the airline allegedly failed 'to hire and retain competent personnel and employees.'

As well as 'extreme pain and suffering,' Latorre claims he has endured 'emotional harm, mental anguish and distress.'

Latorre claims he tried to buy a business seat for the remainder of the flight after the spill but was denied by the crew.

Upon landing he saw a doctor who told him the injury was 'serious enough' to consult with a surgeon.

He also claims to have experienced 'loss of sleep' as a result of the pain, which will necessitate further medical treatment, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also argues that the airline allegedly failed 'to hire and retain competent personnel and employees'

The incident is reminiscent of the famous 1994 multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by a 79-year-old woman, Stella Liebeck, who suffered third-degree burns after accidentally spilling coffee in her lap after buying it from a local McDonalds restaurant.

A jury awarded Liebeck around $3 million in damages, but a judge later reduced the amount.

The two sides eventually came to agreement on an undisclosed settlement.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told DailyMail.com the company does not comment on pending legal matters.
He was found living with Navarro in July nearly four years after the 14-year-old disappeared from her Arizona home

He has now been charged with two counts of child sex abuse following a search of his devices

The boyfriend of 14-year-old runaway Alicia Navarro has been charged with child sexual abuse after police examined his cell phone.

Edmund Davis, 36, had his phone seized in July after Alicia walked into a Montana police station and asked to be taken off the missing person's list so she could apply for a driving license.

The autistic girl had disappeared from her Arizona home shortly before her 15th birthday in 2019, sparking a nationwide hunt but appeared happy to be living with Davis when she reappeared, telling police 'nobody hurt me'.

When police raided their home later that day Navarro answered the door as Davis tried to discreetly hide his cellphone in a bin.

The phone was passed to the Glendale Police Department in Arizona who found 'dozens of images of suspected child sex abuse material were located on the device, confirmed to belong to Davis.'

Edmund Davis, 36, is being held on a $1 million bond at Hill County Detention Center charged with two counts of child sex abuse

Alicia Navaro was just 14 when she disappeared in the night from her home in Arizona in 2019

Navarro left her mother a note saying would return but it was four years before she reappeared

'Following their protocols, Glendale Police selected ten images from those found and brought them to medical experts,' according to charging documents.

'The review determined the individuals depicted to be under the age of 13, with two images of children under the age of 5.'

Alicia's devastated mother Jessica Nunez led the public search for the teenager after she disappeared from her Glendale, Arizona home on September 15, 2019.

She went while her parents were sleeping and left a note apologizing for running away and swearing to come back.

But there was no sign of her for nearly four years despite thousands of tips and a huge multi-agency search that included the FBI.

After hearing the news that an 18-year-old identified herself as the missing teenager over 1,000 miles from where she went missing, Glendale police said they immediately reached out to Montana police to speak with Nunez.

Officers said they were able to verify Navarro's identity, and that she has been extremely cooperative with authorities.

Glendale police officer Jose Miguel Santiago said she appeared to be in good spirits' and 'really just wants to move on with her life.

'She is very apologetic to what she has put her mother through. And she understands that she has caused a lot of pain to her mother, and it was not intentional on her behalf, and she is hopeful that they can have a relationship.'

Davis, 36, a night stocker at Walmart was found living with Navarro in Havre, Montana

Navarro, who has been described as having high-functioning autism sparked a nationwide search when she slipped out of her Glendale home in September 2019

Alicia Navarro, right, pictured with her mother, Jessica Nunez who led the four-year hunt for her daughter and believed she had met an abductor online

Over the years, Nunez partnered with various private investigative services, put up billboards, appeared on television programs and used social media in her efforts to find her daughter

Police had previously stated how Navarro had willingly left her home just before her 15th birthday

Nunez had long suspected that her daughter was abducted by someone she met online gaming, though police were never able to find any proof of that

Havre, Montana is located some 1,400 miles from where Navarro disappeared in Glendale, Arizona

A few days before she disappeared had asked her mother if she could stay home from school.

Nunez agreed, figuring her daughter was nervous about starting classes at Bourgade Catholic School in Phoenix.

The mother-daughter duo then spent the next day visiting a chocolate factory, and Nunez said her daughter seemed happy.

But that night, Navarro asked her mother what time she was going to bed, and slipped out of the house when she was asleep.

Nunez suspected Alicia may have been abducted by someone she met online gaming.

'I'm more than 90 percent sure that my daughter met this person online,' she claimed at the time.

Over the years, Nunez partnered with various private investigative services, put up billboards, appeared on television programs and used social media in her efforts to find her daughter.

The mother said her daughter was a pretty cautious person, so it would have been unusual for her to be easily lured.

'Knowing the way my daughter's personality is, I don't think that she would have fallen for that,' Nunez said. 'This person probably took a while to be able to gain [her] trust.'

Days after Alicia's reappearance the pair fled first to a trailer owned by Davis's mother and then to Montana's Fort Belknap Reservation.

'Alicia is an adult, so it will be her decision as to whether or not she remains in Montana, returns to Arizona, or goes elsewhere, regardless of the investigation,' said Gina Winn, a spokesman for Havre police.

Davis has been charged with possession of images of a child under 12 engaged in sexual conduct, which carries a prison sentence of between 25 and 100 years.

He also faces a second count of child abuse which can result in a sentence between four years and life imprisonment.

He is being held in the Hill County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.
A 25-year-old toyboy has been charged with stabbing his 44-year-old lover and her husband during a blazing argument in a restaurant parking lot in Houston.

Micah Christian Eckert has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the attack just before 11am last Friday.

Houston Police Department were called to a restaurant parking lot at 3201 North Shepherd Drive in Houston, Texas.

Eckert was dating the woman and had been confronted by her husband, getting into a huge fight him before stabbing both of them.

Micah Christian Eckert, 25, has been charged with stabbing his lover and her husband after a fight in a carpark

The carpark at 3201 North Shepherd Drive in Houston, Texas

After the stabbings, a security guard from a neighboring business rushed over and detained Eckert until police arrived.

The 42-year-old man and 44-year-old woman were taken to a hospital and are in a stable condition, according to the police.

Charges were filed against Eckert and he was booked into the Harris County Jail.

Houston Police shared a photo of Eckert on X, formerly Twitter and captioned it: 'ARRESTED: Booking photo of Micah Christian Eckert, 25, charged with aggravated assault in the stabbing of a male and female at 3201 North Shepherd Drive last Friday (Oct. 20)'

HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division Detective J. Ali said:

'Officers responded to a stabbing call at a restaurant parking lot at the above address.

'They were advised two persons had been stabbed after the male victim got into a physical altercation with Eckert that escalated when Eckert stabbed the male and his wife.

'A security guard in an adjacent property detained Eckert until officers arrived.

'It was learned that Eckert was dating the female victim and was confronted by the womans husband.'
The bed bug panic gripping Paris has been stoked by Russian trolls, French intelligence suspects.

Experts told French RMC radio that Russian trolls used fake 'doppelganger' articles looking like they were written by reputable French newspaper to fire on the bed bug panic on social media.

French news agency AFP identified two such fake articles, the Telegraph reports.

One of them resembling articles from regional paper La Montagne, claimed that effective insecticides used to kill bed bugs were breaking the embargo on Russian chemicals.

But La Montage told AFP it had never published this article and called the doppelganger a 'forgery', with AFP adding that bed bugs have been present in France for longer than the sanctions against Russia have been in place.

Intelligence experts have told French RMC radio that Russian trolls used fake 'doppelganger' articles looking like they were written by reputable French newspaper to fire on the bed bug panic on social media

The bed bug panic gripping Paris (pictured) has been stoked by Russian trolls, French intelligence suspects

The second fake article was supposedly written by Left-leaning French newspaper Liberation and was shared by a Telegram accounts with links to Russia Today, which is owned by the Russian government.

It claimed that the surge in bed bugs was due to Ukrainian refugees. The fake news were also published by a page pretending to be conservative daily Le Figaro.

However, intelligence experts told RMC they don't think Russia has initiated the bed bugs panic in Paris - it rather 'rode the wave' of the upcoming bed bug terror shared by people on social media.

Doppelganger articles are nothing new and a popular method with Russian trolls to spread fake news.

Catherine Colonna, France's foreign minister, said earlier this year that these doppelganger articles written by Russian troll farms 'unworthy of a country with a UN security council seat'.

About 355 outlets as well as the French foreign ministry's website were targeted by these trolls.

Mathilde Panot, a French MP, said she had warned authorities about 200,000 infestations in 2017. In 2022, this rose to 1.2million locations infested with bed bugs.

Nevertheless, handlers of bed bug sniffer dogs told the Telegraph they had not seen an exponential increase in cases in Paris.

Aldo Massaglia from the Doggybug pest control company said his firm had been called out to deal with infestations in hotels, schools and cinemas for over a decade - but he saw a 50 per cent increase in business for Doggybug since the bed bug panic gribbed France.
The Federal Trade Commission has filed an enforcement suit to stop the makers of the '1 Virus Buster Invisible Mask' from falsely claiming that wearing the badge-like device protects against COVID-19 and other viruses.

The FTC suit names KW Technologies and founders Gary Kong and Timothy Wetzel, seeking to ban them from making unsupported health claims about their so-called Invisible Mask.

Marketing materials show that the gizmo is not a mask at all, but rather card or badge that can be clipped to a pocket or worn on a lanyard.

'Kills most all viruses up 3 feet (sic)' says a label on the card, which the makers claim 'uses quantum theory technology' and 'ion exchange science' to eradicate germs.

'The defendants' claims that their products can stand in for approved COVID-19 vaccines are bogus,' said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a statement on Tuesday.

The FTC has filed an enforcement suit to stop the makers of the '1 Virus Buster Invisible Mask' from falsely claiming that wearing the badge-like device protects against COVID-19

The FTC suit names KW Technologies and founders Gary Kong (left) and Timothy Wetzel (right), seeking to ban them from making unsupported health claims

'The FTC will use every tool it has at its disposal to stop false and unsubstantiated health claims that endanger consumers,' he added.

The complaint alleges Kong, Wetzel, and the two companies they operate, KW Technology Inc. and KW Technology NV Inc., violated the FTC Act and the COVID Consumer Protection Act through their marketing and sale of the Invisible Mask.

An email to the companies seeking comment was not immediately returned on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the KW Technology website, the founder Kong is a knight in the principality of Monaco and president of the 'Global Hero Foundation.'

His bio also claims that presidents Obama and Trump both awarded him in recognition of his community service efforts.

Wetzel is described on the company site as the CTO and co-founder of KW, as well as a 'former nuclear physics, NASA scientist, nevy (sic) scientist officer'.

The company claimed the Invisible Mask product 'uses quantum theory technology, combines known virus and bacteria killing compounds.'

'It is safe, simple, and effective. All you need to do is hang it around your neck or attach it to your collar, close to your mouth and nose. . . it kills 99.9% of most harmful bacterial and viruses . . . within a three-foot radius,' according to marketing material.

According to the KW Technology website, the founder Kong (above) is a knight in the principality of Monaco and president of the 'Global Hero Foundation'

KW's website lists the founders' supposed accolades and achievements

The FTC contends the defendants have no reliable scientific evidence to support the claim that the Invisible Mask can prevent any human disease.

They also falsely claimed the Invisible Mask had 'FDA Approval' and that that the materials used to make it are 'EPA-approved,' according to the FTC.

Regulators say the FDA 'Certificate of Registration' posted on the KW website is 'phony' and that in fact that no such agency certificate exists.

According to the FTC, Kong and the two corporate defendants have agreed to settle the charges by paying a $150,000 fine and accepting a ban on selling products intended to treat COVID-19, unless they can be scientifically supported.

The order also will bar Kong from making any health-related product claims unless they have scientific evidence that the claim is true, and from making misrepresentations about products health benefits, performance, efficacy, safety, or side effects.

Wetzel has not agreed to the proposed settlement, and is the target of ongoing FTC litigation.
Building two CalMac ferries has been more difficult than constructing a 1billion Royal Navy warship, the boss of a nationalised shipyard has claimed.

Ferguson Marine chief executive David Tydeman yesterday told MSPs that 35million had been wasted on redesigns because of major flaws in the original blueprints.

Some work on the beleaguered project at the Port Glasgow yard has been carried out up to three times.

The final cost of the project to build the two ferries, Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, is now estimated at 360million. The original price tag was 97million.

Mr Tydeman compared the ferries fiasco to building the Royal Navys Type 26 frigates, a fleet of which are being constructed on the Clyde in an 8billion project.

How the Type 26 frigate new warship will look

He said: The design challenges have been very substantial  more complex than the Type 26, according to senior industry visitors Ive had on site  and have been made far more difficult by the changes in designers and staff from the recovery twice from administration, nationalisation, and the pandemic.

It was clear soon after his February 2022 appointment that plans for the Glen Sannox were far from complete and much rework and redesign would be required, he said. He added: Weve encountered many more problems than I first imagined and the amount of work to solve design clashes and errors of the past has been significant.

The project to build the Glen Sannox is now estimated at 200million, with 160million for the Glen Rosa.

The Scottish Government also handed a 45million loan to the previous private operator of the Port Glasgow yard.

The Glen Rosa ferry still under construction, due to be delivered at the end of May 2025

Speaking at a meeting of Holyroods net zero, energy and transport committee, Mr Tydeman said: I estimate that 50 per cent  about 35 million  of the increases over the last 18 months on Glen Sannox have come directly from re-working the design, sometimes regrettably involving two or three iterations.

He said he was now more confident costs wont rise further because design changes have been completed, but admitted further delays were possible.

The Glen Sannox is due to be delivered in March, while the Glen Rosa has been slated for handover at the end of May 2025.

Under questioning from SNP MSP Ash Regan, Mr Tydeman said: I am more confident in the pricing that I am in the delivery dates, because theres an uncertainty in the trials process.

David Tydeman, chief executive of Ferguson Marine, who was giving evidence at Parliament on Tuesday

Once we start to run the engines, test the ship, over the coming months in January, February particularly, thats when well know whether the design works, whether any vibration issues cause things to come loose.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said: This devastating evidence highlights the sheer scale of incompetence that has underpinned the SNPs ferries scandal from day one.

Most people will find it bewildering that a passenger ferry should prove to be more complicated than a Royal Navy Type 26 frigate. The buck for this scandal stops with SNP ministers who have presided over this mess.
Two parents accused of murdering their newborn baby daughter left her with brain injuries, a skull fracture and 'possible bite marks' on her body, a court heard.

Hazel Prajapati was admitted to Northwick Park Hospital on 16 September 2022 as she was suffering from a cardiac arrest and was unable to breathe on her own.

She died aged just 11 weeks four days later at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Labourer Krunal Prajapati, 27, and his wife Rinkalben Prajapati, 24, of Colindale, northwest London, deny murder and causing or allowing her death.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Ehmed Jadou noted Hazel had 'many bruises of different colours on various parts of the body'.

Jurors heard Hazel suffered a catalogue of injuries including 'intercranial hemorrhage, a skull fracture, a hypoxic brain injury, rib fractures, pulmonary contusion (bruises on the lungs) and multiple bruises on skin and possible bite marks'.

Hazel Prajapati died aged just 11 weeks old at Great Ormond Street Hospital on September 20 2022. She was admitted with bleeding in her brain, fractures to her skull and bruising over her body

Consultant paediatrician Dr Ehmed Jadou (pictured) noted Hazel had 'many bruises of different colours on various parts of the body'

She had sustained head swelling compatible with trauma caused by an injury prior to her arrival at the emergency department.

There was also signs of brain damage identified by her pupils which were fixed, dilated and non-responsive, jurors heard.

A CT scan showed there were fractures on both side of the little girl's head, the court heard, as well as rib fractures.

Hazel was transferred to the paediatric intensive care at Great Ormond Street hospital in the early hours of 17 September under the care of paediatric consultant Dr Elise Randall.

Hazel had been intubated and was on a ventilator to help with her breathing.

She also required medication to keep her blood pressure up including a hydrocortisone shock.

Dr Randall told the court: 'In Hazel's case we were worried she wasn't able to support her own blood pressure without two other medications also administered to stabilise it.

'We were worried with that injury, the brain would swell as a CT scan showed increasing swelling.

'There were signs of intercranial pressure from the injury cause by lack of oxygen to the brain.

'We were likely seeing brain swelling and this would continue to increase cardiovascular instability, her blood pressure was fluctuating up and down a lot, likely to be a sign of cerebral edema.'

Hazel's parents were arrested and taken into police custody for questioning while their daughter was still in hospital.

Labourer Krunal Prajapati, 27, and wife Rinkalben Prajapati, 24, of Colindale, northwest London, are standing trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court (pictured) and both deny murder and causing or allowing Hazel's death

Sally O'Neill KC, prosecuting, asked the consultant: 'You asked if the parents could be brought in on request of police officers because you were extremely worried about the pre-existing injuries and the concern her brain could easily swell and she could die from that?'

'The parents were quiet, mum was tearful, and mum asked about the fractures, she said "are there any more fractures, are there any more details on that?"'

Dr Randall said: 'I asked them to be brought in so they could see Hazel as I was worried she could potentially have a cardiac arrest in the very near future.

'I said there were skull fractures and many marks that could be from trauma...'

Jurors heard a CT scan of Hazel's brain showed 'irreversible global hypoxic injury, subdural and arachnoid bleed, and skull fractures'.

Dr Randall told the court there were 'no areas of Hazel's brain that had been spared injury'.

Both parents were arrested at the hospital in the early hours of 17 September 2022 on suspicion of child neglect and actual bodily harm.

They were taken to Wembley police station for questioning.

In interview Mrs Prajapati, aided by a Gujarati interpreter, told officers prior to her daughter becoming unwell it was a 'totally normal day' and that evening Hazel was crying after her husband had changed her nappy.

'I was in the kitchen at the time, and I told my husband to eat, to come into the kitchen, and then we both went into the kitchen. Then I showed her face, and it looked a bit abnormal, I thought it was due to the light,' she told officers.

Mrs Prajapati said: 'She then started gasping, then closed her eyes and [lost] control of her body, then we called a cab and went to hospital. At that time there was nothing on her cheek or on her body.'

The trial continues.
More than 18,000 people have now died in Scotland as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, an inquiry has heard.

The revelation came during the opening day of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry into the decisions taken by Nicola Sturgeons government as the virus spread.

Geoffrey Mitchell, KC, representing the Scottish Government, admitted yesterday there were few, if any, harm-free decisions available to ministers as the situation escalated.

He said the administration was faced with an unprecedented systemic threat from the virus.

Mr Mitchell said the Holyrood government understands that legitimate questions arise as to whether the suffering needs to have been so great.

Medical staff had concerns over protective equipment they used during the pandemic

Lord Brailsford, who is heading the inquiry in Edinburgh, also heard harrowing testimony from victims of the pandemic, including a child who tried to take his own life five times because of the impact of lockdown.

Lord Brailsford was told care home residents suffered an unnecessarily disproportionate impact on their lives and were compared to exhibits in a reptile museum due to restrictions on family visits.

He was also warned that the pandemic had taken a terrible toll on healthcare workers and that the NHS would not be able to cope with another similar ordeal.

The first phase of hearings will look at the health and social care impacts of the pandemic. Later phases will look at education and young people, business and financial and welfare support.

The inquiry, which has so far cost almost 9million, has been subject to delays, including the resignation of former chair Lady Poole.

Mr Mitchell told the inquiry: The complexity of the systemic challenge posed by the rapid spread and evolution of the Covid-19 virus meant that there was no single or individual correct response.

The Scottish Government had to address an alarming situation that posed a threat to the whole of society. It had to calibrate its decision making to address multiple issues, often under great time pressure. It quickly became apparent, given the nature of the challenges posed by the virus, that there were few, if any, harm-free decisions open to governments.

Measures designed to curtail the spread of the virus reduce the direct health harm, but on the downside risk causing isolation and loneliness, economic upheaval and disruption to education.

On the other hand a decision not to impose or to lift restrictions might be said to lessen wider harms, but only at the risk of possibly increasing harm to health.

The impact of the crisis was laid bare in the opening statement of Kirsty Solman, the lay representative of Families of Children with Additional Support Needs.

Their solicitor Rachel Holt said: One of the individual members told us it was her opinion that the Scottish Governments strategic response to the pandemic caused her previously happy child to attempt to take his own life five times. The child is 12 years of age. He first attempted to take his own life in November 2021 when he was ten years old.

Lord Brailsford, chairman of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry

Ms Holt spoke about the childs anxiety during Covid, and revealed that it was only after the third attempt on his life that he was referred to a psychiatrist.

She said: The member considers that prior to the pandemic CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services] was an underfunded and under-resourced organisation, but believes that it used the pandemic as a means of not seeing children face to face.

This member feels that had her son been seen face to face by CAMHS when his anxiety levels first increased, it would have allowed a more proactive approach to his treatment, as the full extent of his presentation was not fully assessed during the remote therapy sessions.

Amber Galbraith, KC, representing Care Home Relatives Scotland, said residents suffered an unnecessarily disproportionate impact on their lives which left them feeling isolated, unheard and discriminated against.

Ms Galbraith said: A carer was able to sit beside her and hold her hand, but not her daughter. What is that, if not discrimination?

Why were carers considered less of a risk to health than parents or children? Their [residents] mental state may have been such that all they knew was being suddenly left with no visits, no touch, not even allowed to see others in the home.

She compared care home residents experience of restrictions where they may have seen relatives only through a window to being an exhibit. She said: Perhaps they would be paraded out behind glass like an exhibit at a reptile museum or a prisoner.

David Blair, representing the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, highlighted issues faced by the profession during the crisis, including concerns about personal protective equipment.

Mr Blair warned: RCN Scotland is clear that unless something is done  about the funding and resourcing issues, taking account now also the effect of long Covid on the workforce  public acknowledgement alone will not be anywhere near enough to see the NHS through another pandemic.

Lord Brailsford has promised a robust and thorough investigation without fear or favour.

The inquiry chairman said: By delivering a robust independent inquiry with a clear set of recommendations, we hope to reduce suffering and deaths in the event of any future pandemic, and prevent others from having to experience the distress Covid-19 caused.

The pandemic took a terrible toll on healthcare workers

Inquiry co-lead counsel Stuart Gale, KC, said the strategic decisions taken during the pandemic affected everybody in this country and placed restrictions on our lives that had not been previously experienced during peacetime.

He told the hearing: The harsh reality of bereavement is conveyed by the number of deaths. As of October 15, the most recent date for which figures are available, the number of deaths in Scotland in which Covid-19 was mentioned was 18,037.

As at the same date, the number of deaths where Covid-19 was the underlying cause was 14,272.

The inquiry continues.
Campbell's body was found the next morning in shallow water by a rescue boat and investigators soon declared Campbell's death an accidental drowning

A Secret Service agent at Barack Obama's Martha's Vineyard estate called 911 for help rescuing chef Tafari Campbell after he'd fallen off a paddle board, dramatic audio of the calls obtained by DailyMail.com reveal.

'We have a male drowning in the back of the property right now,' the agent named Dave tells a dispatcher at the 911 call center the night of July 23. 'We have our rescue swimmers. They're attempting to go out there right now.'

The agent reported that that there were already swimmers in the water trying to find the 'house guest' who'd fallen.

Audio from two initial calls, shared Tuesday by the Dukes County Sheriff's Office, were heavily redacted, bleeping out names and other specifics about those involved and the property.

But the calls show early chaos as Secret Service, staff and others on site scrambled to get help after the Obamas' personal chef Campbell, 45, fell into the water.

The former president would arrive minutes later, but there was no mention of him on the calls, nor was there any word of another paddle boarder who was with Campbell at the time, who sources tell DailyMail.com was a 26-year-old female Obama staff member.

Campbell's body was found the next morning in shallow water by a rescue boat with sonar. Investigators declared it an accidental drowning early on, but have continued to cover up even basic information after declaring the case closed.

DailyMail.com has obtained the 911 call made by Barack Obama's secret service agents after chef Tafari Campbell fell off a paddle board on Martha's Vineyard

The Obama residence on Martha's Vineyard. Tafari Campbell, 45, visited the resort island in late July and was paddle boarding near the Obamas' summer home

Campbell had been paddle boarding with a woman, another Obama staff member, when he fell off his board and drowned in Edgartown Great Pond on July 23

The first call came at 7.46pm.

'911 call, this line's recorded, where is your emergency?' the male dispatcher asks, followed by a 10-second bleep covering up the initial reply.

It picks up with the Secret Service agent announcing the drowning and rescue in progress. A boat was already on site, he noted.

'A rescue swimmer and an agent driving down there right now to get on the boat,' the federal agent told the dispatcher.

'Someone came running up to our back post, saying a gentleman, it's just a guest of the house, is out there drowning,' Dave continued. 'So right now our rescue swimmer is going out there.'

There is another bleep in the audio and then the dispatcher asks about access to the property and what other resources are needed.

'Do you need an ambulance or water rescue as well?' the dispatcher asks.

The agent pauses to ask those who were with him at the estate, then replies to the dispatcher: 'They didn't advise right now. I would say at least an ambulance. I don't know what they're doing in the back of property right now. We have our rescue swimmer who's getting the boat right now. So, um, I would say at least an ambulance.'

The dispatcher tells him he'll dispatch an ambulance and contact the fire chief to see about an additional boat.

After another eight second bleep, the agent asks the dispatcher if there's an alternative number he can call for follow-up communications.

'I don't know if you have a better number for me to call you back if we get him out of the water,' the agent states. 'And I can give you another situational report. They're not passing information over the radio right now.'

'Yeah, I can give you that if you like,' the dispatcher replies, and gives him the office number.

The agent notes they'll have the gate open for an ambulance, then ends the call at the 3 minute 26 second mark with a basic description of the person who drowned  a male in his 40s.

The second phone call starts three minutes later, with the same agent giving an update noting that they still couldn't locate the paddle boarder.

'They're out in the water right now but as of now they don't know where he is,' he said.

The dispatcher asks for more information about the victim, and gets a more detailed description.

'He's wearing all black, he's on a paddle board, he's 40ish years old, black gentlemen, regular build,' the agent replied. 'And we have our rescue swimmers on a boat in the area now.'

The dispatcher asks if the paddle board had been found, and the agent stated 'they have the paddle board and his hat.'

The agent also confirmed that 'he was not wearing a life vest.'

The dispatcher ended the second call at the 3 minute 23 second mark, stating, 'So we have everybody on the way over there now to meet with you guys and gather their resources.'

Campbell's death was officially ruled an accidental drowning, but authorities are yet to address how an apparently capable swimmer, paddle boarding near the ex-president's summer home, could have drowned in shallow water

The chef was originally taken on by the George W. Bush White House and stayed when Obama won the presidency. He left to work for the Obamas in 2017. He is pictured here with his family

Campbell's death was officially ruled an accidental drowning, but authorities are yet to address how an apparently capable swimmer, paddle boarding near the ex-president's summer home, could have drowned in shallow water.

Details have trickled out from unofficial sources since then, with DailyMail.com exclusively revealing that Campbell's paddle boarding companion was a young woman who worked in the Obama household.

Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition said Massachusetts police are abusingFreedom of Information laws

Releasing the summary conclusion of a report from the chief medical examiner, officials refused to reveal even basic findings, such as whether Campbell suffered a medical episode or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

State police have also warned other law enforcement agencies to not to release information.

With the case now closed, Edgartown police released an incident report in late August confirming that it was a Secret Service officer who made the 911 call  as DailyMail.com first reported, but redacted his name, and left out information on the other paddle boarder, who was the sole witness to the drowning.

'Per the request of the Massachusetts State Police, the names of the witness and reporting USSS agent have been redacted,' Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee replied to DailyMail.com when asked for the additional details.

After 11 days of silence, the head of the region's First Amendment coalition told DailyMail.com that the state appeared to be violating the Public Records Law.

'The burden is on law enforcement to show how their investigation may be jeopardized by releasing certain information,' Justin Silverman, executor director of the New England First Amendment Coalition, said at the time.

Robert Bertsche, general counsel of the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA), sounded a new alarm in late August, before the redacted 911 call was released.

Former President Barack Obama shared a touching tribute to his personal chef weeks after he drowned in a pond near his Martha's Vineyard estate on July 25

Officials have refused to reveal even basic findings, such as whether Campbell suffered a medical episode or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol

'The 911 call absolutely should be released,' Bertsche told DailyMail.com.

'So should the other details about the now-completed investigation by state or local authorities. That's not merely the law  it's a sound public practice.

'When the government keeps secrets, the void inevitably gets filled with conspiracy theories, and that leads to suspicion and distrust of government,' Bertsche added.

Robert Bertsche, general counsel of the New England Newspaper and Press Association, sounded a new alarm in late August, before the redacted 911 call was released

'That doesn't serve the legitimate interests of law enforcement  and it certainly doesn't serve the public, which has a right to know how the police reached their conclusion.

'By refusing to disclose the investigation details, the police have spawned a cottage industry of rumor-making and malign speculation,' he said.

'It's natural for members of the public to ask: 'What do they have to hide?' '

Conspiracy theorists have questioned whether Obama himself has played a role in the alleged coverup.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, a conservative activist group that has also filed for information on the case, was quick to pounce on a DailyMail.com report that Campbell was out on the pond with a female Obama staffer.

'Who was that witness who was paddle boarding with him?' Fitton asked DailyMail.com.

'Obviously, it wasn't his wife. So who was it? As of today, we still don't have a sufficient reason for the withholding of any of this information.

'We'll be very interested to learn about communications between the Secret Service and the state and local police,' Fitton continued.

'It's simple information. What's the state secret about this other than to protect Obama, to protect him from embarrassment or having to answer questions on this.

'This is why people don't trust what they're told about cases such as these,' he said.

'What otherwise looks to be a simple tragic accident becomes something else because the government withholds information improperly to protect a politician.'

Bersche, however, noted that the Massachusetts state police are notoriously secretive when it comes to the media.

He cited a 2015 survey conducted by the Center for Public Integrity giving the state an 'F' for public access to information.

He pointed out that the Boston Globe had to sue the state police in 2020 for repeatedly violating Public Records Law, including its failure to respond to its request for information on state police officers who left the force during the department's controversial handling of the arrest of a judge's daughter.

Following the news of Campbell's untimely passing, his wife Sherise shared this photo on Instagram noting she was 'heartbroken'

The department later folded and produced the records, while the Globe won attorney fees, Bersche said.

'Sunlight is the best disinfectant, Supreme Court Justice Brandeis wrote more than a century ago,' he said.

'Those who are refusing to disclose details of what happened to Tafari Campbell, and how the supposed drowning death of this capable swimmer was investigated, are keeping the skies in Massachusetts cloudy indeed.'

And so, predictably, the conspiracists are having a field day. It's a dumb practice, and a disservice to the public.'

The Edgartown Police Department, which was involved in the initial response but not the follow-up investigation, shared some of its information in August with DailyMail.com.
A content creator has described the three worst places to live in your 20s after spending time in almost every major US city.

In a video on TikTok, Taylor Offer claimed Miami, San Francisco, and Nashville are the most difficult places to live as a young adult.

Offer says despite these locations being known to boast popular tourist attractions - including Miami's sun-filled beaches, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, and Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame Museum - he had unfortunate personal experiences.

Some of the reasons he uses to justify his choices include high prices, the weather and nightlife.

Content creator Taylor Offer listed the three worst cities in the US to live in while you're in your 20s, which he based on weather, expenses, nightlife, and personal experiences

Offer was not too fond of Miami for reasons that include hot and muggy weather for most of the year

According to Offer, the third worst town town is Miami, in south Florida.

He said: 'Miami is super fun for a weekend - you go there and you're like: "This is awesome."'

But he ultimately decided that if you live in Miami, 'you will hate it.'

He stated: 'Three or four months of the year, you cannot walk outside... You walk outside and you drip sweat within five minutes.

'It is miserable - you don't want to leave your house.'

Miami has year-round muggy weather that according to Offer leads people to, 'drip sweat within five minutes'

He listed San Francisco as the second worst city, stating he had a terrible experience in this California location.

Offer said: 'Every morning, you have fresh human feces on your doorstep. This is true, that actually happened to me.'

Housing and rent are other red flags in Offer's mind when thinking about San Francisco.

He said: 'It is extremely expensive for rent, the guy to girl ratio is just like 12 guys for one girl which sucks at every bar, you're paying thousands of dollars for rent no matter where you are.'

Other issues he talked about were the roads and transportation that contribute to the reason why San Francisco is, 'horrible.'

He stated: 'You can't have a car 'cause it'll get broken into, you can't walk anywhere cause it's so hilly, you have to Uber everywhere - it just sucks.'

The TikToker had several problems with San Francisco, one of them being the nightlife that may not work in favor for men He admitted to finding 'fresh human feces' outside his door while he lived in San Francisco

San Francisco is a popular California town that includes the Golden Gate Bridge - a tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year

Nashville is known as music city to some people due to its illustrious history and love of country music. Downtown Nashville is also known for its nightlife and live music

Offer concluded his three worst cities with Nashville - the capital of Tennessee that is also referred to as music city.

He said: 'It is fun for a weekend; if you live there, there is no healthy food. You'll gain 20 pounds instantly - they don't believe in salads there.'

Offer added: 'You'll drink so much beer everywhere that you'll be so gross... It's like disgustingly hot and humid half the year.'
Two conmen have been posing as Catholic priests from Mexico to scam unsuspecting believers out of hundreds of dollars for fake ceremonies.

Using the names of legitimate Latino priests, the robe-wearing duo have been conducting counterfeit celebrations of baptism, confirmation, First Communion and house blessings in the north California city of Modesto.

The area's Catholic authorities - the Diocese of Stockton - issued a warning at the weekend against what they described as 'the wolves in sheep's clothing' who have been targeting non-English speaking families.

They added that the unnamed 'imposters' have been exposed for charging 'exorbitant fees' for the scam ceremonies.

The con artists have also been taking birth certificates from believers, prompting concerns that their alleged crimes could even involve human trafficking and identity theft.

Two conmen have been posing as Catholic priests from Mexico to scam unsuspecting believers out of hundreds of dollars for fake ceremonies. (Pictured: one of the alleged fake priests)

Diocese of Stockton representative Erin Haight (pictured) described their tactics as 'really predatory type of behavior'

Using the names of legitimate Latino priests, the robe-wearing duo have been conducting counterfeit celebrations of baptism, confirmation, First Communion and house blessings in the north California city of Modesto

Stockton authorities said the men have been impersonating Father Jose Adan Gonzalez Estrada and Bishop Raul Gomez Gonzalez, who are legitimate priests in Toluca, close to Mexico City.

'They resort to intimidation tactics against anyone questioning their identity or authority, often threatening legal action for defamation, although these threats lack substance,' the Stockton Diocese warned.

'Anyone victimized by these imposters is urged to dial 911 without hesitation and report the crime. It's imperative to note that the police do not inquire about the caller's immigration status; their primary concern is combatting criminal activities.

'The Diocese of Stockton underscores that, with few exceptions, Catholic sacraments are typically administered within Catholic churches.

'Celebrations of baptism, confirmation, and First Communion in outdoor locations like parks are not aligned with established Catholic practices.'

Diocese of Stockton representative Erin Haight described their tactics as 'really predatory type of behavior'.

Speaking with CBS, she added that targeted families who became suspicious were 'threatened with defamation lawsuits or charged even more money because they were questioning it, which is disgusting'.

The Diocese said it has contacted police about the scammers, but officers told them complaints must come from victims.

This comes after owners of a Mexican restaurant in California used a different fake priest to trick its Catholic staff into 'confessing' their work place sins in a scheme to steal their wages.

A man introduced as a minister at the Taqueria Garibaldi chain encouraged staff to unburden their consciences about when they may have done anything to harm their employer.

One worker testified that the fake man of God had urged workers to 'get their sins out,' asking if they had ever stolen from the company, or done anything to harm it, in litigation brought by the Department of Labor.

The operator of the restaurants in Sacramento and nearby Roseville was ordered to pay 35 staff $140,000 in back wages and damages, the department said.

During litigation an employee of Che Garibaldi Inc., operator of Taqueria Garibaldi, testified that the restaurant offered workers a person identified as a priest to hear confessions during work hours.
House Republicans reached another new low on Tuesday as their latest nominee for speaker lasted just four hours - after Donald Trump called him a 'Globalist RINO.'

Majority Whip Tom Emmer became the latest victim of the Congressional GOP clown show as he withdrew from the running and upended the party's bid to install a speaker after 21 days.

The former hockey coach beat eight candidates to win the support of the majority of the conference in a closed-door ballot, but just hours later he was out.

There is still no end in sight to the farce that began three weeks ago when eight rebel Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy in a historic vote.

Congress remains paralyzed and can't pass any legislation until a speaker is elected.

Although he was elected the nominee, Emmer did not have enough support from fellow Republicans to get to the 217 votes needed for victory on the House floor. Twenty-six GOP lawmakers said they would not vote for him - well over the four he could afford to lose.

And his downfall was solidified after he was targeted by Donald Trump on Truth Social.

Emmer's downfall was solidified after he was targeted by Donald Trump on Truth Social

Trump has been in court Tuesday for his civil fraud trial at the New York State Supreme Court

'I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors. RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them,' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

'He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! He fought me all the way, and actually spent more time defending Ilhan Omar, than he did meHe is totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters.'

Emmer has called his fellow Minnesotan Omar 'the face of antisemitism in the Democrat Party.'

Trump went on: 'I believe he has now learned his lesson, because he is saying that he is Pro-Trump all the way, but who can ever be sure? Has he only changed because that's what it takes to win? The Republican Party cannot take that chance, because that's not where the America First Voters are. Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!

A Trump ally told DailyMail.com that Emmer's vote in favor of the Equality Act - supporting gay marriage - is considered a 'slippery slope' for social conservatives concerned about the rise of men competing in women's sports and other issues.

He also voted to certify the 2020 election - which contributed to some 'never-Emmer' votes.

Just one day ago Trump said at an event in New Hampshire he has 'always gotten along' with Emmer.

The 26 Republicans who voted against Emmer were largely from the Trump-aligned, far-right Freedom Caucus. But Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., the infamous McCarthy ouster and staunch Trump supporter, had been pushing Emmer's candidacy.

He appeared to change his tune after Trump's cry to tank Emmer's bid.

'It's really important that the Speaker of the House have a good relationship with the leader of our party, That's Donald Trump,' said Gaetz later Tuesday.

After Trump's post, another Republican, Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, came out against Emmer.

She suggested putting up Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., who leads the House Homeland Security Committee.

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who ran against Emmer for whip, also tore into the Minnesota Republican after the vote, calling him the 'single most liberal member of leadership.'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., slammed Emmer on X after Trump's post.

Former President Donald Trump came out against Emmer in a Truth Social post while he was in court in NYC

Emmer's nomination came after 21 days without a House speaker

Emmer's chances for victory were foiled by members of the far-right caucus

'Today I voted against Tom Emmer on all rounds of voting including the spoken roll call vote because he has a voting record I can't support,' she said.

'He voted for Democrat gay marriage bill, voted with Democrats to overturn President Trump's transgender military ban, voted for every penny of Ukraine funding, at one time supported the Soros national popular vote scheme, and voted to certify Biden's 2020 election.'

Emmer's decision to drop out comes after 21 days without a House speaker.

Reps. Kevin Hern, R-Ala., and Mike Johnson, R-La., have already stated their intention to be reconsidered for the speaker position. They ran and lost against Emmer earlier Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Gaetz launched a successful motion to vacate where eight Republicans voted with all Democrats to oust McCarthy.

On Monday Republicans started with nine declared candidates, but whittled the pack down until Emmer captured 117 votes - more than the 110 votes needed to secure the majority - beating out GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, R-La., who got 97, to become the speaker-designee. Five votes went to 'other' candidates and one lawmaker voted 'present.'
Almost 1,000 people have been murdered in Guerrero through the first nine months

Thirteen law enforcement agents were ambushed and shot at point-blank range in the southwestern Mexico state of Guerrero on Monday.

Police were responding to shots fired call when gunmen surrounded them on the side of the Acapulco-Zihuatanejo road in El Papayo, a neighborhood in the municipality of Coyuca de Benitez.

Images viewed by DailyMail.com that are too sensitive to be published showed five uniformed police officers lying next to each other, including two handcuffed after they had been shot dead.

Three other agents were found sitting together next to a fence.

No arrests had been reported as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gunmen ambushed and murdered 13 members of the police department in Coyuca de Benitez, Mexico, on Monday

Coyuca de Benitez municipal police director Honororio Salinas was among the 13 law enforcement agents who were executed Monday

Among those murdered were Coyuca de Benitez secretary for security Alfredo Lopez and municipal police director Honororio Salinas.

Lopez was promote to his post in January, a month after David Borja resigned from the after he was wounded in the same road by a criminal gang.

The National Guard deployed 300 guardsmen to support the Army and Marines and reinforce security in the city.

'It hurts a lot when a human being loses their life, be it a police officer who fulfills his responsibility or anyone,' Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters Tuesday.

Located west of the popular resort city of Acapulco, Cayuca de Benitez has been known for the presence of organized crime.

Mexican armed forces move a yellow cordon near a crime scene where 13 members of the Coyuca de Benitez police department were murdered in an ambush

The Mexican government deployed 300 members of the National Guard to provide support to the Army and Marines as part of plans to reinforce security in the southwestern city of Coyuca de Benitez following the execution of 13 law enforcement agents

In June 2022, assailants gunned down former police director Roman Soto. He was working as a personal security guard for Mayor Osiel Pacheco.

At least 20 criminal groups are known to have a presence across Guerrero's 81 cities.

Over the last 10 years, local, state and federal authorities have struggled with a wave of violence marked by criminal gangs battling for control of the lucrative opium poppy trade, as well as for other smuggling routes.

During the first nine months of this year, nearly 1,100 people have been murdered in the state, up by nearly a quarter compared to the previous year, according to official data.
A Cambridge University debate descended into farce after a motion calling for solidarity with Palestine was prematurely stopped amid concerns its proposer risked inciting violence.

The Students Union President, Fergus Kirman last night said he was astonished and appalled by the motion and has completely edited the wording, following a mammoth backlash from Jewish students.

The motion, which was heard at the Cambridge Student Union on Monday, blamed the war between Israel and Hamas on decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state.

It added: The Student Union resolves itself [...] to condemn the British governments support for the Israeli state and the distortions of the mainstream media in Britain in its coverage of this conflict.

The motion concluded: Only a mass uprising on both sides of the green line and across the Middle East can free the Palestinian people.

The President of Cambridge Student Union Fergus Kirman said he was 'shocked and astonished' at a motion tabled last night blaming the war between Israel and Hamas on decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state

The motion concluded that only a 'mass uprising' could free the Palestinian people, and was stopped following concerns that it risked 'inciting violence'

When asked to define a mass uprising by a student who attended the debate, proposer of the motion, Anais Austen Stanley said: think back to the First Intifada.

The First Intifada refers to a series of terror attacks in Israel which primarily targeted civilians and led to the murder of hundreds of Israelis.

Chair of the debate Benjamin Knight was forced to intervene and prevent Anais from answering the question further, over concerns that it would lead to the incitement of violence.

Interrupting Stanley he said: This is getting close to a discussion on the incitement of violence and we would like to not cross that line.

We would like to not put any student member into a position where to answer a question they are going to have to incite violence.

A statement published yesterday by the Union of Jewish students urged Cambridge Students Union to dismiss the motion and issue a public apology to Jewish students at Cambridge.

UJS has also called on the University of Cambridge to investigate Cambridge SU, the original motion and the speech given in favour of the motion.

Cambridge JSOC added: For the Cambridge SU to consider debating a motion calling for a mass uprising is an absolute disgrace.

Jewish students in Cambridge deserve to learn in a safe and inclusive environment, without the murders of their relatives and friends being debated.

Last night Israeli student Einav Grushk said: Cambridge Student Union once again has shown blatant disregard for all Israeli and Jewish students.

Students were unable to vote on the motion at the meeting on Monday as not enough people attended to pass the threshold to validate the vote.

It is believed the amended version of the motion will be heard at the Cambridge Student Union again, in around two weeks time.

It is thought that the Student Union will debate the amended version in around two weeks time. Members of the UCU at Oxford are also due to vote on a similar motion on Thursday calling for a 'mass uprising'

Oxford UCU members are also due to debate and vote on a version of the unamended motion at a general meeting on Thursday that similarly calls for a mass uprising of Palestinian people.

Last night UJS and Oxford JSOC published a joint statement ahead of the planned UCU branch meeting where academics are expected to debate a motion calling for a mass uprising and an intifada until victory.

It states: Since Hamas brutal attack on October 7, Jewish students at Oxford have been intimidated, harassed and faced anti semitic abuse.

To call for this form of mass-violence is at any time unconscionable. However, to call for this kind of violence at a time when Jewish students in our community are being harassed shows an utter disregard for antisemitism.

We call on UCU to dismiss this appalling motion rather than debating the murder of innocent civilians.

The Cambridge Student Union did not respond to a request for comment.
An Australian businessman who was alarmed to find he had been charged $45,000 on his credit card after a couple of big nights out at two bars in Vietnam, has successfully challenged the massive bill.

The businessman, identified only as 'Mr S' in a ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), had visited the bars Bottoms Up and Double Shots with a client in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr S admitted he had spent $3,300 but argued the other $41,700 - including charges for no less than 1,400 tequila shots and several more drinks - were fabricated by the bars.

In his complaint to AFCA, Mr S said he was given handwritten bills for much smaller charges and had handed over his card to make the payment.

Staff told him he did not need to enter his PIN or sign for the amounts and they could not provide him with receipts because of issues with their payment system.

An Australian businessman has successfully challenged a $45,000 Amex bill racked up at Ho Chi Minh city bars (pictured is the interior of Double Shots)

Mr S only became aware of the staggering charges when he returned from the trip in September 2022 and found his American Express card was maxed out, prompting him to look through his statement.

According to AFCA, he initially disputed the charges directly with Amex who contacted the bars and were provided with signed and itemised records for the full $45,000.

Amex wrote to Mr S informing him they had reviewed the charges and 'on the basis on information provided' and their own investigation, were satisfied the amounts were 'valid and correctly executed'.

But AFCA found each of the four invoices that made up the $45,000 in charges were simple Word files with the items listed in a table that was embedded in an email.

The businessman visited two bars Bottoms Up and Double Shots and the financial complaints authority found Amex should cover the amount as it was likely he didn't rack up the bill

AFCA found the files could have been made by 'anyone with basic computing skills' and that the bars should have known what documents would be needed to prove purchases, as bill disputes are not uncommon.

The AFCA adjudicator said: 'All four could have been (and I posit, were) created prior to the event, then a matching record of charge printed out for the exact total on each 'invoice' after bar staff had identified an unsuspecting card-holding 'mark'.

'A foreign tourist or businessman such as Mr S was the ideal target.'

Signatures provided with the documents were 'scrawl' and did not match each other or Mr S's actual signature, AFCA said.

AFCA found under the ePayments code American Express was liable for the $41,700 that Mr S claimed he did not spend.

'The available information supports a finding on the balance of probability that the disputed charges were made without Mr S's knowledge or consent and were therefore unauthorised,' the adjudicator said.
A married mother of three is suing Ritz-Carlton after a male worker at the luxury Half Moon Bay resort allegedly served her a bottle of water 'defiled with semen'.

'Jane Doe' and her husband had booked a four night stay at the oceanside hotel, near San Francisco, where rooms start at $800 a night, for a 'restful and indulgent' birthday weekend in November 2022.

But they claim they left with the 'horror and trauma of having been sexually assaulted and exploited' after a male worker 'ejaculated' into their water.

The lawsuit claims one of the hotel employees 'ejaculated his semen into a Ritz-Carlton labeled water bottle' and delivered it to their room, where Jane drank it before she realized it 'had been defiled by a criminal deviant'.

The couple, who have been married for 25 years and have three children, say they have stayed at the resort before and estimate they have spent over 600 nights at Marriott-branded hotels during their lifetime.

'Jane Doe' and her husband had booked a four night stay at the oceanside hotel, near San Francisco, where rooms start at $800 a night, for a 'restful and indulgent' birthday weekend in November 2022

The lawsuit says: 'As Jane Doe was addressing the issue with the hotel security and management representatives on duty, she began to realize that the chemical taste she had experienced was similar to semen'

Jane is a homemaker and her husband works in marketing - they were visiting their daughter from their home in Washington state.

Their holiday started with 'the kind of comfort and seduction one would expect from one of the most well-known and well-regarded luxury hotel brands in the world.'

A Ritz-Carlton branded water bottle similar to the one that was allegedly contaminated with semen

But it took a turn when, on the evening of November 18, 2022, the couple returned to their room after dinner and realized they had run out of water.

Jane says she rang reception to ask for more and five minutes later a male employee knocked on the door and handed her five bottles of water - she placed them on her nightstand and went to sleep.

Later that night, she woke up thirsty and grabbed one of the bottles. She took a drink and 'knew immediately that something was wrong'.

She woke her husband and the couple contacted the hotel management.

The lawsuit says: 'As Jane Doe was addressing the issue with the hotel security and management representatives on duty, she began to realize that the chemical taste she had experienced was similar to semen.'

She 'was mortified, terrified, embarrassed, and humiliated, but shared her suspicion with her husband, who then asked the hotel security and management representatives to call the police.'

Her husband asked the hotel to preserve the water bottle for testing, which they did, while a police officer arrived to take statements.

They left the hotel and as time went on, Jane claims she 'became more certain that the taste of the liquid... was indeed semen.'

They claim that the hotel 'sent the water bottle to a laboratory for analysis' and then, around January 12 this year, a claims adjustor from Marriott called to say that tests had 'revealed that the fluid in the water bottle had been defiled with semen.'

They left the hotel and as time went on, Jane claims she 'became more certain that the taste of the liquid... was indeed semen'

Their complaint for damages for sexual battery and negligence has been brought to the Oakland U.S. District Court in Northern California

But since then, they say the hotel has refused to take responsibility or engage with the police instead just offering the couple 'a few measly Marriott rewards points'.

The lawsuit alleges that 'the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International have refused to turn over the defiled water bottle' meaning the DNA cannot be examined and the employee has not been caught.

It adds the 'deviant whose sexual proclivity was forcing people to drink the semen of a man who was not their partner or spouse.. remains unidentified, uncaptured, and his ongoing sexual deviance unabated.'

Their complaint for damages for sexual battery and negligence has been brought to the Oakland U.S. District Court in Northern California.

Ritz-Carlton did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

San Mateo County Sheriffs Office Sgt. Javier Acosta told the Mercury News that the department conducted a 'welfare check' at the hotel regarding a woman who claimed she drank from a bottle with water that tasted like chlorine.

The woman refused medical attention and declined an offer to involve a poison control center, Acosta said.
Two women who were set up as pen pals for a fifth grade school project at age 10 have finally met in person, more than 40 years later.

Haley Briggs, from Douglassville, Pennsylvania and Krystel Alston, from Ontario, California, continued to write to each other throughout their lives.

After finally agreeing to meet to celebrate their 50th birthdays in 2020, the happy occasion was delayed due to the pandemic lockdowns.

However, earlier this month the pair, both now 53, met in Pennsylvania for the first time as Briggs does not fly.

The pair brought some of their decades-old letters to show each other and reminisced during the emotional meet-up.

Two women who were set up as pen pals for a fifth grade school project aged 10 have finally met in person, more than 40 years later

Haley Briggs (left), from Douglassville, Pennsylvania and Krystel Alston (right), from Ontario, California, continued to write to each other throughout their lives

The pair brought some of their decades-old letters to show each other and reminisced during the emotional meet-up

'Dear Haley, do you have a best friend?' one letter asked.

While another asked Krystel 'does it snow where you are?'

The pair went out for dinner and said they will continue to stay in contact and remain in each other's lives.

'We definitely gain something from it' Alston explained, 'to give something to this other person'

'That's hard to come by these days' Briggs added.

After many years of exchanged letters the pair moved from paper to social media, where they could send each other pictures and chat about their lives more frequently.

Although there were sometimes gaps in communication over the years the women never fell out of touch.

'We wrote by-hand letters for a long time,' Briggs told ABC News.

Although there were sometimes gaps in communication over the years the women never fell out of touch

The pair went out for dinner and said they will continue to stay in contact and remain in each other's lives

'I think we thought about each other, you know, whether we were in contact or not' she said.

Adding: 'I got married, had a son, my mom passed. She lost her father, then Facebook came to be and that's when it went digital.'

'We were from two different schools, two different states on different sides of the country and we're still friends 43 years later. The only difference is we've been in the same place at the same time' Alston said.

Adding: 'We always stayed in touch in some way.'
Australia is sending two additional Air Force aircraft to the Middle East as tensions escalate between Israel and Hamas.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles announced that the extra planes and a small detachment of army personnel would be deployed on Wednesday.

The Defence Minister explained that the ADF personnel were being sent as a precautionary measure.

'We are putting that in place, really, as a contingency to support Australian populations in the Middle East,' Mr Marles told Today.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles (pictured) announced additional military forces had been sent to the Middle East on Wednesday

'Bearing in mind that this is a very volatile situation and we just don't absolutely know which way it goes from here.'

Mr Marles said a 'significant number' of personnel had been deployed.

It comes just hours after more Australians were rescued after crossing the Palestinian border from the West Bank into Jordan.

Mr Marles implored Australians in areas like Lebanon wishing to leave to be 'taking all the options that are available to you now'.

'The people we're really concerned about are those in Gaza, where it's a much, much more difficult situation. We're urging those people to move south,' he said.

'We're working with the international community to try and establish that humanitarian corridor that we've seen operating in terms of getting humanitarian goods in to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt.'

Two additional Air Force aircraft and a small detachment of army personnel have been deployed to the region (pictured, a RAAF C-17 aircraft)

Mr Marles reaffirmed Australia's stance of supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

'We do respect and acknowledge that Israel has a right to defend itself and to move against Hamas. We've been making that clear from the very beginning,' he said.

'Obviously, in doing that, we urge Israel to adhere to the rules of war [..] and make the protection of civilian life front and centre in all that they do.'

More than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air raids on Gaza, after Hamas fighters killed at least 1,400 people in a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths has made a plea for additional aid to Gaza.

He claimed that the additional supplies being delivered were 'barely making a dent' in a post to social media.
Terrorists propped up by Iran have attacked US troops and their allies more than a 13 times in the last week, according to the Pentagon.

American forces stationed in Iraq and Syria have targeted by suicide drones and missiles for days, with the tally described as 'initial numbers.'

Many of the attacks have been claimed by a group calling itself the 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq' in Telegram channels affiliated with Shiite factions close to Iran.

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said the strikes were conducted with a 'mix of one-way attack drones and rockets'.

'What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against US forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces, and ultimately from Iran,' Ryder said.

He did not identify the specific organizations responsible, but said that 'the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC and the Iranian regime', a reference to Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran-backed terrorists have attacked US troops and their allies stationed in the Middle East more than a dozen times in the last week, according to the Pentagon

US forced have been hit at least ten times in Iraq and at least three times in Syria between October 17 - 24

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder (left) said that 'the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC and the Iranian regime.' Though he did not say they are being ordered by Iranian leaders including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right)

Officials said while the attacks have been linked to Iran there is no evidence they were ordered by the country's leaders.

Armed factions close to Iran have threatened to attack US interests over Washington's support for Israel since Hamas militants killed more than 1,400 people in a shock cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7.

Today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the number of Americans killed in the massacre rose to 33.

Israel's retaliatory bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 5,000 people, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The deaths have sparked widespread anger across the Middle East.

Between October 17 and 24, US and coalition forces were attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria.

On October 18, two drones were destroyed at at al-Asad base, west of Baghdad causing minor injuries to coalition forces and some damage to the base.

Prior to the strike, a US contractor suffered a heart attack while sheltering during an early warning system alert for a threat that never materialized.

On Friday, several rockets were launched toward a US military base outside Baghdad's international airport, just minutes before President Joe Biden spoke to the nation. The missile was intercepted by an anti-rocket system.

It's unclear if the USS Carney, the warship, was the intended target of the missiles fired from Yemen on October 19

Military vehicles of U.S. soldiers are seen at the al-Asad air base. On October 18, two drones were destroyed at at al-Asad base, west of Baghdad causing minor injuries to coalition forces and some damage to the base

A day earlier, a US Navy warship near Yemen intercepted missiles fired by Iranian-backed militants a day after troops in Syria and Iraq fended off drone attacks.

The USS Carney shot down two land missiles and three drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.

There were no injuries on board, and none reported on land among civilians.

The United States has some 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of efforts to combat ISIS, which once held significant territory in both countries but was pushed back by local forces supported by international air strikes.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unloaded on rival Donald Trump with some of his sharpest language yet, calling the former president someone who has 'lost the zip on his fastball.'

DaSantis, 45, grabbed the attack from Trump's wheelhouse. Trump, 77, regularly mocks Joe Biden, 80, as someone who has lost a step, ridiculing him for taking the 'baby stairs' on Air Force One and pointing out times the president has botched his stage directions.

He also aimed directly at one of the odd diversions from Trump's speech in Derry, New Hampshir, Monday, where he told a crowd it was more important to take part in poll-watching activities than to cast votes.

'And what Donald Trump does now, he is wedded to the teleprompter. He cant get off that teleprompter, any time he does, he says things like "Dont vote"', DaSantis said while campaigning in New Hampshire.

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tore into Donald Trump in New Hampshire, saying he 'cant get off that teleprompter'

'Hes telling people not to vote like we have all the votes we need. Really? Like, wait a minute, you lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton in 2016. You dont have all the votes you need.'

Trump told the crowd, 'We have to be careful. You've got to get out there. You've got to watch those voters. You don't have to vote, don't worry about voting. The voting. We've got plenty of votes.

DeSantis, who trails Trump by more than 40 points in the latest USA Today / Suffolk poll, then said his competitor was 'different' than he was during the 2016 election, when he beat Clinton in the electoral college after an angry contest.

'And so I think that its just shown this is a different Donald Trump than 2015 and 16. Lost the zip on his fastball, has a sense of entitlement  all this stuff. Doesnt think he has to go through and earn it like other candidates,' DeSantis said, with his wife Casey DeSantis standing nearby.

DeSantis, who avoided direct hits on Trump at the start of his campaign, said Tuesday that Trump had 'lost the zip on his fastball'

Food for thought: DeSantis said that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. would be a 'a vessel for anti-lockdown and anti-Fauci voters if Trump is the nominee'

DeSantis brought up Hillary Clinton winning the popular vote in 2016. Trump defeated her in the electoral college

Trump was back in a Manhattan courthouse Tuesday after campaigning in New Hampshire on Monday

Trump has said he plans to skip the third presidential debate, this one in Florida not far from his Mar-a-Lago residence.

'And thats just not going to fly in Iowa and New Hampshire. And thats why, you know, how this came to be with Iowa and New Hampshire along the way, I dont know. But Ill tell you, just having been here, Im glad that it works this way because I do think youve got to earn it. I think the voters expect that. Thats the first thing,' he said, Mediaite reported.

He appeared alongside New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who has called for Republicans to back a candidate besides Trump.

'Second thing is, I think Chris [Sununu] has said and Ive said, we need a candidate that can win the general election. Theres too many people that just are not going to vote for Trump at this point, is my view and I think Chris as well.'

He then said there was 'another wrinkle' with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. entering the race  and potentially drawing more votes from Trump than he would from Biden, after jumping the Democratic party and launching an independent run.

'RFK Jr. will be a vessel for anti-lockdown and anti-Fauci voters if Trump is the nominee,' he said.

'If Im the nominee, they all go to me because I stood up against Fauci,' he claimed. 'Im going to clean out CDC and all those. Its a big part of my platform. With Trump though, he created Fauci, he elevated Fauci, he never fired him. He said that he did everything right during COVID, claims he saved 100 million lives, you know, with the mRNA vaccine and all this stuff.

'So I think he will hurt Trump way more than he would hurt any other candidates. And that makes it even a tougher uphill battle,' he said.

At his own events, Trump mocked DeSantis' crowd size, claimed he saved his campaign for governor, and said the DeSantis campaign was crashing like a dead bird.
Seven people have been injured after a car fleeing the NYPD crashed into two buses in Brooklyn.

The crash happened just before 3pm near the intersection of Avenue N and McDonald Avenue in the Midwood neighborhood of the New York City borough.

According to a law enforcement source, the driver of the car was involved in a dispute involving a firearm at around 2pm, when he saw a marked NYPD vehicle and fled.

The car then crashed into an MTA bus near the intersection, causing multiple injuries, none of which are likely to be fatal, the person told DailyMail.com.

The crash happened just before 3pm near the intersection of Avenue N and McDonald Avenue in the Midwood neighborhood of the New York City borough

Images taken at the scene show the devastation caused by the collision, with debris strewn across the road.

The car appears to be a Fiat 500 and can be seen with a wheel that has completely buckled.

The trunk of the car is also open at the scene, with one of the doors of the vehicle also laying across the intersection.

ABC7 reported that surveillance video shows the car, which also appears to be speeding, hit off the two buses before coming to a halt.

The outlet also reported that a woman is seen in the video pushing a baby in a stroller while crossing the road as the crash happens.

Witness Ernesto Galindo told the outlet: 'She was in shock. She couldn't even talk.

Images taken at the scene show the devastation caused by the collision, with debris strewn across the road

According to a law enforcement source, the driver of the car was involved in a dispute involving a firearm, when he saw a marked NYPD vehicle and fled

The trunk of the car is also open at the scene, with one of the doors of the vehicle also laying across the intersection

'She was standing outside. She was shaking with the baby. It was crazy. Everybody was in shock after that happened.'

Firefighters had to be called to the scene to remove people trapped inside the wreckage of the vehicle.

ABC7 also said that the 7 victims had been the two bus drivers, the driver and passenger of the vehicle and three passengers on board the buses.

The suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing, the source said.
Steve Coogan has accused Sir Keir Starmer of waiting to see 'which way the wind blows' in a damning attack on the Labour leader.

The Alan Partridge star, 58, was a prominent backer of Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband but said his dissatisfaction meant he was now 'politically homeless'.

The actor said claimed there was now little choice between Labour and Rishi Sunak's Government, accusing Sir Keir of 'reinforcing the establishment'.

Coogan told the BBC: 'I've got a big problem with Keir Starmer.

Pointed attack: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been accused by Steve Coogan of waiting to see 'which way the wind blows' in a damning attack

Backer: Steve Coogan (left) with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (right)

'In the morning, he licks his finger, sticks it up in the air, sees which way the wind is blowing and that's his attitude. When Gary Lineker tweeted about refugees, Keir Starmer wheeled out Emily Thornberry to quietly admonish Gary for his unwise choice of words, while he was hiding in the background to see which way the wind blows.

'The next day, when a tsunami of public support for Gary's sentiments emerged, guess what  Keir was right behind Gary!

'What a surprise. I am completely politically homeless. You can have a choice between a Right-wing government that reinforces the establishment and protects vested interests or a government that does that, but slightly less with a slightly different emphasis.

'That's not much of a choice.'

Coogan has been a long-time Labour supporter. In 2015, he appealed to the electorate to vote for then-leader Ed Miliband and two years later he appeared at an election rally with Jeremy Corbyn.

He was among the signatories of a much-criticised letter by Artists for Palestine UK which accused the Government of 'aiding and abetting' war crimes.

He later condemned Hamas's 'terrorist attacks on Israel', which the letter failed to do.
The wife of Democratic Senator Bob Menendez kept a low profile as he pleaded not guilty to claims he accepted bribes and acted as a foreign agent for Egypt while a member of Congress.

Nadine Arslanian Menendez drove away from their home in New Jersey after a man arrived to drop a vehicle off on the drive.

She did so on Monday as her embattled 69-year-old husband was in a Manhattan court.

The wife of Senator Bob Menendez, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, leaves their New Jersey home on the day Menendez pleaded not guilty

Nadine Arslanian Menendez on Monday

Nadine Arslanian Menendez gets in her car

He appeared for less than five minutes as he denied the latest indictment and ignored questions from hoards of reporters as he left.

The New Jersey lawmaker showed up in a pinstripe suit and tie without his wife and co-defendant Nadine for the hearing.

He is accused of handing over sensitive U.S. Government information and 'secretly aiding' Egypt.

Democratic Senator Bob Menendez pleaded not guilty on Monday to a new indictment charging him with conspiring to act as an unregistered foreign agent for the Egyptian government

The couple became embroiled in scandal last month when they were hit with the first indictment.

They were accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash and gold bars from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for using the lawmaker's influence to benefit Egypt's government, and to interfere with law enforcement probes into the businessmen.

Menendez has denied the charges and claims he is being targeted in a witch hunt.

Some of his Democratic colleagues have demanded he resign, and he has been removed as chairman of the prominent Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Authorities said they found nearly $500,000 in cash, much of it hidden in clothing and closets, at his home.

There were also gold bars worth more than $100,000 at the house in New Jersey which Menendez shares with Nadine.

Federal prosecutors have accused Menendez of taking actions involving the Egyptian government from 2018 to 2022 on behalf of Egyptian military and intelligence officials.

Menendez entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan.

In an October 12 statement, Menendez had said 'piling new charge upon new charge does not make the allegations true.'

The senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez had previously been charged with

All defendants on September 27 pleaded not guilty to those charges. Nadine Menendez and one of the businessmen, Wael Hana, pleaded not guilty to the foreign agent charge on October 18.

Under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, individuals must register with the department if they act as 'an agent of a foreign principle.'

Prosecutors said Hana arranged meetings between the senator and Egyptian officials, who pressed him to sign off on military aid.

Federal prosecutors have accused the 69-year-old New Jersey Democrat of taking actions from 2018 to 2022 on behalf of Egyptian military and intelligence officials

Menendez ignored reporters surrounding him as he arrived for the very brief hearing on Monday

Menendez hands over his coat to a court member of staff as he is checked into the Manhattan Federal Court in New York City

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine have been charged with conspiring to utilize the senator as an agent of the Egyptian government in a revised indictment

Authorities said they found more than $100,000 worth of gold bars at the Menendez home. In March 2022, Nadine met with a jeweler to sell some gold bars she falsely claimed to have gotten from her mother

Nadine Menendez left federal court on Wednesday after pleading not guilty to additional conspiracy charges

In return, the businessman put Nadine on the payroll of a company he controlled, prosecutors said.

The new indictment said both Hana and Nadine Menendez communicated requests and directives from Egyptian officials to the senator.

In addition to the federal charges filed in the Southern District of New York, the New Jersey Attorney General is also investigating police handling of a 2018 crash involving Menendez's wife.

In that incident, she killed a man who she claimed had been jaywalking by plowing into him in her Mercedes.

She did not have to take a field sobriety test and was allowed to walk away from the scene after a retried New Jersey police chief from a different jurisdiction showed up to support her.

The family of the man who was killed have long called for the case to be reopened. Menendez and Nadine were not yet married at the time.

The AG is now looking into whether it was thoroughly-enough investigated.
Police have charged a 'key figure' in the execution of Melbourne gangland identity Gavin 'Capable' Preston with murder.

Preston, 50, was gunned down as he had breakfast at a cafe in Keilor, in Melbourne's north-west, on Saturday, September 9.

Heavily-armed officers arrested Jaeden Tito, 22, in Bradbury, in Sydney's southwest, at around 6am on Wednesday.

Tito has been charged with murder and will be extradited to Victoria where he is expected to face court on even more charges.

He was not previously known to police.

Police also simultaneously raided two further properties in Campbelltown and Yagoona, both in Sydney's southwest.

Police have arrested a 22-year-old man in Sydney in relation to the death of Melbourne gangland identity Gavin 'Capable' Preston (above)

Jaeden Tito (above), 22, was detained by heavily armed police officers in Sydney's southwest on Wednesday morning and later charged with Preston's murder

The Bradbury man was previously unknown to police (pictured, officers' arrest on Wednesday)

Detective Supt Janet Stevenson of Victoria Police crime command would not confirm if the Bradbury man was the suspected gunman but alleged he was a prime player in the brazen murder.

'He clearly was key in that shooting,' she said.

While the detective said Preston's murder was not linked to a spate of fire bombings linked to Melbourne's illegal tobacco business, she could not outline a clear motive for his murder.

Supt Stevenson described the investigation into Preston's death as 'challenging'.

'This is a significant arrest and a significant step forward, however this investigation remains live and is far from over,' she said.

'Since this shooting occurred a little over six weeks ago, there has been a significant effort from Victoria Police that has been led by the homicide squad.

'We have worked closely with the members from Keilor and drawn on specialist units from across Crime Command. We have received tremendous support from the community during the course of this investigation.

'Ultimately our inquiries led us to New South Wales, and there is no doubt that we would not be in the position we are in today without the substantial assistance provided by NSW Police over the last month.'

Supt Stevenson added the shooting was an act of 'extreme violence' which was carried out with no regard for the safety of the public.

Preston (above) was considered one of Melbourne's most unpredictable and dangerous crime figures before his death in September

Preston was shot at a cafe in the outskirts of Melbourne at about 10.20am on September 9 (pictured, the aftermath of the shooting, Preston is seen on the ground right)

'The fear that this type of offending generates along with the high risk of innocent parties being killed, seriously injured or traumatised is unacceptable and deeply concerns us,' she said.

'We will continue to utilise all our resources to find those responsible at any level and hold them to account.

'Today's arrest also sends a message back from Victoria Police to those involved and I hope that message is clear, we will keep going until we find those responsible for bringing this violence to our community.'

Preston was considered one of Melbourne's most unpredictable and dangerous figures before his death last month.

He was shot dead at Sweet Lulu's Cafe at about 10.20am while enjoying breakfast in the outside area with Abbas Junior Maghnie.

He was previously connected to Maghnie's father, Nabil Maghnie, who was killed in a shooting at Epping in January, 2020.

Maghnie managed to escape the September shooting with his life but is understood to still be in hospital after suffering severe upper body injuries.

The brutal attack was over just seconds after it started with forensics showing a number of shots missed the pair and landed in the wall of the cafe.

Preston was shot and killed in a hail of bullets while at Lulu's Sweet Cafe in Keilor (pictured, officers at the scene)

Detective Supt Janet Stevenson of Victoria Police crime command described the shooting was an act of 'extreme violence' (pictured, bullet casings at the scene)

Officers also discovered valuable evidence left behind in an Audi that the shooters had tried, and failed, to incinerate.

It's understood Preston had been the target of underworld tensions following his release from prison earlier this year.

He'd been jailed for killing drug dealer Adam Khoury in a North Melbourne shooting in 2012.

While he was behind bars in 2016, Preston was viciously attacked by members of the Prisoners of War gang at Barwon Prison near Geelong in Victoria.

Footage shared by the gang in 2020 showed Preston being stabbed nine times by five inmates armed with shivs, spikes and blades, and left bloodied on the ground.

It was a drastic turn for Preston who was once a member of the gang and mates with its 'general', Matthew Johnson - who murdered gangster Carl Williams inside jail in 2010.

Officer arrested Jaeden Tito (pictured in red shorts) while two raids were simultaneously executed in nearby suburbs

Preston (above) was released from jail earlier this year after killing drug dealer Adam Khoury in a North Melbourne shooting in 2012

Since his release this year, Preston is understood to have been involved in a significant standover activity and assaulted at least one major gangland figure.

His shooting is just one of three Melbourne underworld deaths police are investigating from the past three months.

Mohammed 'Afghan Ali' Keshtiar was shot before Preston in early August as he walked along Almeida Crescent, South Yarra, late on a Friday night.

Robert Issa, connected to the Comanchero bikie gang, was killed while sitting in his luxury Mercedes SUV in a busy Craigieburn carpark earlier this month.

The three deaths are not believed to be connected.
A married vet who was jailed after his wife found photos showing him sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room has lost a Court of Appeal bid for freedom.

Jamie Rushton, 45, filmed and photographed himself assaulting the woman after she passed out drunk in his bed following a boozy night at a Surrey hotel in 2017.

It was not until 2019 that the attack came to light when his wife discovered moving and still images showing Rushton's abuse of the victim on a memory stick.

The woman was tracked down and, although she could not remember what happened, he confessed to the sexual assault and was jailed for 18 months at Wood Green Crown Court in May.

Today, he launched a bid to have his sentence suspended at the Court of Appeal, but three top judges dismissed his appeal bid as 'unarguable' and condemned him to serve his time.

Jamie Rushton, 45, filmed and photographed himself assaulting the woman after she passed out drunk in his bed following a boozy night at a Surrey hotel in 2017

Rejecting the application, Mr Justice Holgate said there was 'no merit' in the appeal bid, despite 31 pages of exhaustive arguments written by Rushton

Giving judgment, Mr Justice Holgate said the crown court judge, who saw him give evidence before sentencing him, had been convinced that Rushton did not believe he had done anything wrong.

The court heard Rushton, of Rickmansworth, Herts, assaulted the woman in his hotel bed after she had drunk 'heavily' and did not remember the end of the night.

She woke to find herself still clothed in Rushton's room and assumed that he had given up his bed to her because she had been so drunk.

However, the truth emerged when Rushton's wife discovered the images, which showed him touching her private parts.

It took two years for police to track down the victim.

At the crown court, he admitted sexual assault, but claimed it occurred in the context of a 'consensual' intimate relationship.

But following a hearing in which the vet gave evidence, Judge Karim Ezzat rejected his account.

He said Rushton did not appear to show genuine remorse. Although he pleaded guilty because he knew he had broken the law, he did not consider he had done anything wrong, said the judge.

The court heard Rushton, of Rickmansworth, Herts, assaulted the woman in his hotel bed after she had drunk 'heavily' and did not remember the end of the night

Appealing against his 18-month sentence, Rushton argued that the sentence should have been suspended and complained that mitigating factors, including a lack of subsequent offending, had not been sufficiently taken into account.

Rejecting the application, Mr Justice Holgate said there was 'no merit' in the appeal bid, despite 31 pages of exhaustive arguments written by Rushton.

Referring to a previous judge's refusal of Rushton's case, he said: 'The applicant took gross advantage of the intoxicated complainant.

'The judge, who had seen the applicant give evidence, assessed no true remorse and no true acceptance he had done wrong.

'His motivation was selfish sexual gratification. The victim was completely helpless and unknowing.'

He said the decision to send Rushton immediately to prison was 'reasonable and properly open' to the judge.

'This renewed application for leave to appeal against sentence is refused,' he concluded.

Mr Justice Holgate was sitting at London's Court of Appeal with Lord Justice William Davis and Judge Sylvia de Bertodano.
The 'king' of Britain's migrant hotels has seen his profits soar to more than 60million a year  all from the taxpayer.

Graham King, a former caravan park and disco tycoon, made 25million in 2021 thanks to a Home Office contract to house asylum seekers in southern England and Wales.

But surging numbers of cross-Channel arrivals meant his profits more than doubled last year.

His firm was paid 1.3billion in 12 months  3.5million a day  for accommodating and transporting arrivals. Clearsprings Ready Homes had made 500million in 2021.

And in a sign of doubt about the Government's promises to clamp down on small-boat arrivals  and the resulting hotel costs  it confidently predicts business continuing 'for the foreseeable future'.

This is Graham King, a former caravan park and disco tycoon. He made 25million in 2021 thanks to a Home Office contract to house asylum seekers in southern England and Wales

This picture shows the interior of one of the rooms in Broadfield Park Hotel, Rochdale - one of the four-star luxury hotels which will be closing to migrants

Undated handout photo issued by the Home Office of Reda Hamoud Abdurabou (left in yellow hoodie) who posed for selfies as he piloted a small boat with fifty migrants on board while trying to cross the Channel

King won Home Office contracts to provide accommodation for ever-growing numbers of refugees

The accounts for Clearsprings say it 'is looking to expand its involvement in large non-hotel accommodation sites, such as ex-army camps'.

Thanks to a government accounting change, expenditure on housing migrants in Britain is now counted as part of the foreign aid budget.

The annual profits made by Mr King are on a par with the entire aid funding given to war-ravaged Syria. His 60million profit is also more than the 1 a head given to the 60million people of poverty-stricken Tanzania.

Mr King, 56, may become Britain's first immigration industry billionaire, with his Home Office contract lasting until September 2029.

At the turn of the century he was running a caravan park in Canvey Island, Essex, with his brother. He branched out after a disco he ran lost its licence and he suggested he could use the building  a former cinema  to house refugees instead.

His firm made the news when a council chose to house benefit claimants in its caravans. It was also in the firing line when inspectors found it was putting up asylum seekers in 'decrepit' and 'run-down' conditions at a former barracks in Kent and an Army camp in Pembrokeshire.

The then Home Secretary Priti Patel initially defended the living conditions but later instructed Clearsprings to make improvements.

Mr King's wealth has put his son and daughter through a 44,000-a-year boarding school and funded the family's globe-trotting holidays and Alpine ski trips. His daughter Catalina is studying to be an artist and her creations include 10 prints bearing the slogan 'Will trade racists for refugees'.

King poses for a photo in swimming trunks and a towel He may become Britain's first immigration industry billionaire, with his Home Office contract lasting until September 2029

Migrants are pictured arriving at Dover after being brought ashore by UK officials

Clearsprings did not respond to a request for comment last night.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper accused the Government of wasting public money on the asylum system and claimed that the Labour Party would stop migrant hotel use and save billions of pounds.

She said last night: 'The amount of money being wasted by the Conservatives on our broken asylum system is mind blowing  8million every day.

'Companies are profiting while the taxpayer suffers and, instead of tackling the problem, they just keep making the costs worse.

'Labour has pledged to end all asylum hotel use by clearing the asylum backlog, with more caseworkers and a new returns unit, to save the taxpayer 2billion.

'The British public wants to see strong border security and a properly controlled and fair asylum system.'
All the remaining hostages in Gaza will be released in exchange for greater aid and free passage for Hamas leaders and their families, a report has claimed.

Moti Kahana, an American-Israeli entrepreneur, is working on an 'extraordinary plan' to secure all hostages in the Gaza Strip, as well the bodies of fallen Israeli soldiers that have been held by the terrorist group since 2014, Jewish News reported.

The two-stage plan allegedly involves sending medical supplies, baby and hygiene provisions to Gaza for 'civilian use'. It would also allow 'Hamas leaders in Gaza, not those involved in the slaughter of Israelis' to leave the Strip.

In exchange, the plan - which Kahana is reportedly devising in partnership with the White House, a well-known seasoned American negotiator, France, and a Syrian adviser to Kahana's company - would require Hamas to release all foreign and dual nationality hostages.

The Israeli government has denied knowledge of the alleged plan, telling the newspaper that it 'sounds like Hamas propaganda stemming from the pressure they are under'.

Moti Kahana, (pictured) an American-Israeli entrepreneur, is working on an 'extraordinary plan' to secure all hostages in the Gaza Strip, as well the bodies of fallen Israeli soldiers that have been held by the terrorist group since 2014, Jewish News reported

Pictured: Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper - also known as Nurit Yitzhak - who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released on Monday

The Israeli government has denied knowledge of the alleged plan, claiming that it 'sounds like Hamas propaganda stemming from the pressure they are under'. Pictured: Palestinians search among the rubble of the destroyed Al Faseih family house following an airstrike in the Al Shatea refugee camp in Gaza on Tuesday

Kahana has claimed that there is currently 16million worth of supplies in an American warehouse (pictured) that will be shipped to Egypt when the plan moves forward

Kahana's plan will allegedly secure the release of all remaining hostages, the presumed bodies of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas since 2014, and two other Israelis who were taken prisoner in Gaza.

Specific details surrounding the plan are set to be 'hammered out' with Hamas leaders in Qatar, according to Jewish News. A timeframe for these discussions was not revealed.

But Kahana has claimed that there is currently 16million worth of supplies in an American warehouse that will be shipped to Egypt when the plan moves forward.

The entrepreneur has also said the phase of the plan that would allow Hamas leaders to leave the Strip does not apply to 'anyone who was involved on October 7, who crossed the border into Israel and took part in the massacre, and has blood on his hands'.

Kahana claims both Israel and the US have lists of those who would be eligible to leave Gaza and alleges 'strict control will be exercised' to ensure terrorists involved in the attack or holding of hostages cannot leave.

The plan, which has not been independently verified by MailOnline, reportedly envisages Hamas leaders leaving Gaza via Egypt or along the shoreline by boat.

The two-stage plan allegedly involves sending medical supplies, baby and hygiene provisions to Gaza for 'civilian use'. Pictured: A soldier from the Military Rabbinate unit puts on a medical mask and protective gear on Tuesday ahead of working with containers filled with bodies killed during at the Hamas attack on the Israeli southern border

It would also allow 'Hamas leaders in Gaza, not those involved in the slaughter of Israelis' to leave the Strip. Pictured: Soldiers of the Military Rabbinate unit open a container filled with bodies of people killed during the Hamas attack on the Israeli southern border as the process of identifying deceased individuals continues in the Shura army base on Thursday

A Palestinian girl clutches salvaged books on Tuesday as people look for survivors in the rubble of a destroyed building hit in an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip

Palestinians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis on the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday

News of the alleged plan comes as Israel has vowed again to destroy Hamas, rejecting calls from the United Nations chief, the Palestinians, and many countries at a high-level UN meeting for a ceasefire, and declaring that the war in Gaza is not only its war but 'the war of the free world'.

Israeli Foreign minister Eli Cohen also dismissed calls for 'proportionality' in the country's response to Hamas's surprise attacks on Israel on October 7 - which killed 1,400 people and has since led to more than 5,700 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip, according to its Health Ministry.

'Tell me, what is a proportionate response for killing of babies, for rape (of) women and burn them, for beheading a child?' he asked. 'How can you agree to a ceasefire with someone who swore to kill and destroy your own existence?'

He told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that the proportionate response to the October 7 massacre is 'a total destruction to the last one of the Hamas', calling the extremist group 'the new Nazis'.

He added: 'It is not only Israel's right to destroy Hamas. It's our duty.'

Mr Cohen called the Hamas attacks 'a wake-up call for the entire free world' against extremism, and he urged 'the civilised world to stand united behind Israel to defeat Hamas'.

He warned that today it is Israel, and tomorrow Hamas and the attackers 'will be at everyone's doorstep', starting with the West.

Mr Cohen accused Qatar of financing Hamas and said the fate of the more than 200 hostages taken from Israel, some of whose families came to the UN meeting, was in the hands of its emir.

Kahana's plan will allegedly secure the release of all remaining hostages, the presumed bodies of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas since 2014, and two other Israelis who were taken prisoner in Gaza. Pictured: Palestinians injured in Israeli air raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday

Specific details surrounding the plan are set to be 'hammered out' with Hamas leaders in Qatar, according to Jewish News. A timeframe for these discussions was not revealed. Pictured: Palestinians injured in Israeli air raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday

In exchange for aid and free passage for Hamas leaders, the plan would require the release of all foreign and dual nationality hostages. Pictured: Palestinians look for survivors in the rubble after Israeli strikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday

News of the alleged plan comes as Israel has vowed again to destroy Hamas, rejecting calls from the United Nations chief, the Palestinians, and many countries at a high-level UN meeting for a ceasefire. Pictured: A Palestinian girl clutches salvaged books as people look for survivors in the rubble of a destroyed building hit in an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki demanded an end to the Israeli attacks.

'We are here today to stop the killing, to stop... the ongoing massacres being deliberately and systematically and savagely perpetrated by Israel, the occupying power, against the Palestinian civilian population,' he said.

'Over two million Palestinians are on a survival mission every day, every night.'

Under international law, he said, 'it is our collective human duty to stop them'. Mr al-Maliki warned that more attacks and killings and weapons and alliances will not make Israel safer: 'Only peace will.'

'For those actively engaged to avoid an even greater humanitarian catastrophe and regional spillover, it must be clear that this can only be achieved by putting an immediate end to the Israeli war launched against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,' he said. 'Stop the bloodshed.'

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres had opened the monthly meeting on the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict - which has turned into a major event with ministers from the war's key parties and a dozen other countries flying to New York - warning that 'the situation in the Middle East is growing more dire by the hour'.

The UN chief said the risk of the war spreading through the region is increasing as societies splinter and tensions threaten to boil over.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki demanded an end to the Israeli attacks. Pictured: Palestinians injured in Israeli air raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday

The UN chief said the risk of the war spreading through the region is increasing as societies splinter and tensions threaten to boil over. Pictured: A young boy is carried by an emergency responder as he arrives at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday

The UN Chief called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to deliver desperately needed food, water, medicine and fuel. He also appealed 'to all to pull back from the brink before the violence claims even more lives and spreads even farther'. Pictured: A crying woman stands next to the rubble of a building following Israeli strikes on Rafah, Gaza on Tuesday

He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to deliver desperately needed food, water, medicine and fuel. He also appealed 'to all to pull back from the brink before the violence claims even more lives and spreads even farther'.

Mr Guterres stressed that the rules of war must be obeyed.

He said the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify 'the horrifying and unprecedented October 7 acts of terror' by Hamas in Israel and demanded the immediate release of all hostages.

But Mr Guterres also stressed that 'those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people'.

He expressed deep concern at 'the clear violations of international humanitarian law', calling Israel's constant bombardment of Gaza and the level of destruction and civilian casualties 'alarming'.

Protecting civilians 'is paramount in any armed conflict', he said. Without naming Hamas, the UN chief stressed that 'protecting civilians can never mean using them as human shields'.

Mr Guterres also criticised Israel without naming it, saying: 'Protecting civilians does not mean ordering more than one million people to evacuate to the south, where there is no shelter, no food, no water, no medicine and no fuel, and then continuing to bomb the south itself.'

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres stressed that the rules of war must be obeyed. Pictured: Palestinians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis on the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Mr Guterres said the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify 'the horrifying and unprecedented October 7 acts of terror' by Hamas in Israel and demanded the immediate release of all hostages. Pictured: Rescue workers and soldiers work among the rubble of a destroyed house in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel on Sunday

But Mr Guterres also stressed that 'those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people'. He expressed deep concern at 'the clear violations of international humanitarian law', calling Israel's constant bombardment of Gaza and the level of destruction and civilian casualties 'alarming'. Pictured: Rescue workers and soldiers work among the rubble of a destroyed house in Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel on Sunday

Mr Cohen criticised the secretary-general's remarks. After being told by a reporter that Mr Guterres stood by his statement, the Israeli minister said: 'There is no cause for this, and shame on him.'

Israel's UN ambassador Gilad Erdan went further, taking issue especially with Ms Guterres's statement that it is important to recognise that 'the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum'.

He accused the secretary-general of having lost 'all morality and impartiality' and called for his resignation.

The US is pushing for adoption of a resolution that would condemn the Hamas attacks in Israel and violence against civilians, and reaffirm Israel's right to self-defence. There were some expectations that it might go to a vote on Tuesday, but diplomats said it was still being negotiated.
A Cornell University professor who called the Hamas terror attacks 'exhilarating and energizing' has taken a leave of absence and will not return to class for the remainder of the year.

Russell Rickford told an October 15 rally at Ithaca Commons, the downtown shopping district in the upstate New York city, that he was thrilled by Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, in which 1,400 Israelis were killed.

His words were met by anger, and Rickford, a history professor, attempted to explain - and doubled down on his outrageous views.

He said he condemned the killing of any civilians, but said he was angered by 'the injustice and the hypocrisy of Western support in celebration of Israeli war crimes, and the equation of any form of Palestinian resistance with terrorism.'

Rickford later apologized, saying on October 18 that he was sorry 'for the horrible choice of words that I used', and calling his language 'reprehensible'.

On Tuesday it emerged Rickford had pulled out of teaching his history class for the rest of the semester.

A Cornell professor with a history of radical left-wing views called the Hamas terror attacks in Israel 'exhilarating' and 'energizing' at a pro-Palestine rally on October 15. He apologized on October 18, but on October 20 announced he was taking a leave of absence

Tamika Nunley, an associate professor of history, will fill in for him.

'Professor Rickford will be taking a leave of absence and I will assume teaching responsibilities for this course for the remainder of the semester,' she wrote on October 20, in an email obtained by The Cornell Review.

The university confirmed he would not be teaching for the remainder of the semester.

'Professor Russell Rickford has requested and received approval to take a leave of absence from the university,' the university's spokesperson said.

Claudia Tenney, a Republican congresswoman whose district borders that of Cornell, said Rickford's leave of absence was insufficient, and he needed to resign.

'Since I sent a letter to Cornell President Martha Pollack demanding that Professor Russell Rickford resign for his anti-Semitic comments, he has taken a leave of absence,' she wrote on X.

'Cornell must take this a step further and fire him for his pro-Hamas comments!'

Tamika Nunley, an associate professor of history, will fill in for Rickford during his absence

But others have rallied to Rickford's support.

Five members of the Cornell University chapter of the AAUP - American Association of University Professors - wrote a letter to The Cornell Daily Sun defending him.

'Professor Rickford's extramural speech at the Oct. 15 rally falls squarely within the protections of academic freedom to comment on political matters,' they wrote.

'That his speech offended or shocked does not lessen its protection, as academic freedom is most needed for speech that others find offensive.'

They pointed out that Rickford's words were spoken off campus, and he apologized.

On October 18, Rickford sent a letter to The Cornell Daily Sun and said he was deeply sorry for his words.

'I apologize for the horrible choice of words that I used in a portion of a speech that was intended to stress grassroots African American, Jewish and Palestinian traditions of resistance to oppression,' Rickford noted.

'I recognize that some of the language I used was reprehensible and did not reflect my values.'

He apologized for 'the pain that my reckless remarks have caused my family, my students, my colleagues and many others in this time of suffering.'

Rickford concluded: 'I... unequivocally oppose and denounce racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, militarism, fundamentalism and all systems that dehumanize, divide and oppress people.'

The five academics concluded: 'Academic freedom applies regardless of viewpoint. Faculty from across the political spectrum can express strong views in their teaching, research, extramural speech, and university governance activities.

'The University administration must fully carry out its obligation to respect and protect faculty academic freedom at all times, and perhaps especially when faculty face backlash and threats.'

Rickford is known for his pro-Palestine activism, and is described by the local newspaper as 'no stranger to controversial remarks'.

He told the Ithaca Commons rally: 'Hamas has challenged the monopoly of violence.

'And in those first few hours, even as horrific acts were being carried out, many of which we would not learn about until later, there are many Gazans of good will, many Palestinians of conscience, who abhor violence, as do you, as do I. Who abhor the targeting of civilians, as do you, as do I.

'Who were able to breathe, they were able to breathe for the first time in years.

'It was exhilarating. It was energizing. And if they weren't exhilarated by this challenge to the monopoly of violence, by this shifting of the balance of power, then they would not be human. I was exhilarated.'

Rickford is an associate professor of history and, according to his Twitter bio, a 'Historian of the Black radical tradition'

An aerial view shows the bodies of victims of the Hamas attack on the Kfar Aza kibbutz

Hamas left a trail of devastation at a series of kibbutzes near the border with Gaza, including children's beds soaked in blood

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

Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence on October 7

He added: 'What has Hamas done? Hamas has shifted the balance of power. Hamas has punctured the illusion of invincibility. That's what they have done. You don't have to be a Hamas supporter to recognize that.

'Hamas has changed the terms of the debate. Israeli officials are right  nothing will be the same again.'

University president Martha Pollack, asked about his comments the next day, said she was 'sickened by statements glorifying the evilness of Hamas terrorism.'

She added: 'Any members of our community who have made such statements do not speak for Cornell; in fact, they speak in direct opposition to all we stand for at Cornell.

'There is no justification for or moral equivalent to these violent and abhorrent acts.'

The following day, October 17, a second statement was sent out, condemning Rickford by name.

'We learned yesterday of comments that Professor Russell Rickford made over the weekend at an off-campus rally where he described the Hamas terrorist attacks as 'exhilarating',' wrote Pollack and the chair of the board of trustees, Kraig H. Kayser.

'This is a reprehensible comment that demonstrates no regard whatsoever for humanity.'

Pollack and Kayser added: 'The university is taking this incident seriously and is currently reviewing it consistent with our procedures.'

Universities and campuses across the country have become hotbeds of anger following the October 7 attack.

Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14

Supporters of Palestine gather in Harvard Yard to show their support on October 14

The letter caused a massive backlash after 34 student societies backed the statement written by the PSC at Harvard 'holding the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence'

Academics have waded in: a geneticist at Washington University in Missouri sparked outrage by claiming that Israel was carrying out a 'much needed cleansing' in Gaza, while a law professor at Berkeley called on law firms not to hire 'my anti-Semitic students'.

On Wednesday, a climate scientist teaching at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago issued a groveling apology after calling Israelis 'pigs', 'savages' and 'irredeemable excrement.'

Dr. Mika Tosca, who describes herself on social media as 'Chicago's radically optimistic transsexual climate scientist', published a screed on her Instagram Story on Tuesday.

'Israelis are pigs. Savages,' she wrote. 'Very bad people. Irredeemable excrement.'

She apologized on Wednesday, saying the rejected her own words, and wanted to retract them.

'Yesterday I wrote some things on my Instagram Story that I unequivocally reject and do not stand behind,' she wrote.

'I am deeply sorry for writing what I wrote, and for hurting many people with my words, and I am especially sorry to Israeli people that I broadly placed at fault for the war.

'You did not - and do not - deserve that, and I was wrong to post what I posted: I know that my words perpetuated harmful stereotypes.'

At Harvard University, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee has been condemned for issuing a letter on October 7, co-signed by 33 other Harvard student organizations, stating: 'We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.'

Some of the signatories have been named and shamed, and billionaire financier Bill Ackman is demanding that companies refuse to hire them.

Harvard's president has apologized for the statement, and said it does not represent the views of the university.

Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania are both scrambling to limit the fallout: The schools could lose $487 million in funding, based on current and prior donations by those now speaking out against the students for defending Hamas' attacks.
Police have launched a desperate land and air search for a missing woman who was last seen almost a week ago in a crocodile-infested national park.

Jessica Louise Stephens, 35, was last seen in Kakadu National Park, 150km south east of Darwin, on October 19.

Northern Territory Police believe Ms Stephens camped near Nourlangie Rock.

Her family has not heard from her but police have found her car.

Police are desperately searching for Jessica Louise Stephens, 35, who was last seen in Kakadu National Park on October 19

Ms Stephens is believed to have camped near Nourlangie Rock, but police have yet to find anything more than her car

Kakadu National Park Rangers are assisting police with their extensive search of the area.

Kakadu is one of Australia's largest national parks and covers almost 20,000 square kilometres of land.

Police are appealing for anyone with information on Ms Stephens' whereabouts to contact them immediately.

More than 10,000 crocodiles live in Kakadu which makes up roughly 10 per cent of the species population in the Northern Territory.

Most of the crocodiles live in the waterways and rivers of the park, which can also be susceptible to flash flooding and rapid currents.
Israel has called for the UN's Secretary General to resign for saying the Hamas attacks cannot justify the 'collective punishment of the Palestinian people'.

In a major diplomatic row, Israel's UN ambassador said Antonio Guterres was 'not fit' to lead the body after he claimed the 1,400 murders did not happen 'in a vacuum'.

The UN chief made the incendiary comments in a high-level meeting of the 15-member Security Council ahead of an expected ground invasion of Gaza.

'The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation,' said Mr Guterres.

'But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.'

Israel has called for the UN's Secretary General Antonio Guterres (pictured) to resign for saying the Hamas attacks cannot justify the 'collective punishment of the Palestinian people'

In a major diplomatic row, Israel's UN ambassador Gilad Erdan (pictured) said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was 'not fit' to lead the body after he claimed the 1,400 murders did not happen 'in a vacuum'

The Israeli ambassador, Gilad Erdan, said the speech was 'shocking' and Mr Guterres was 'completely disconnected from the reality in our region'.

He added: 'The UN Secretary General, who shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly, is not fit to lead the UN. I call on him to resign immediately. There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people.'

Earlier, Israel's foreign minister said he would no longer meet with Mr Guterres and criticised his call for a ceasefire at the UN security council in New York on Tuesday.

Eli Cohen said: 'Mr Secretary General, in what world do you live? Definitely this is not our world,' as he held up photos of children kidnapped by Hamas. 'How can you agree to a ceasefire when someone swore to kill and destroy your existence,' he added.

Mr Cohen then thanked President Joe Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for standing with Israel.

In yesterday's meeting, Israel defied calls for a ceasefire, saying its war on Hamas was a 'war of the free world'.

Mr Blinken and the Palestinian Authority's foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki both appealed for protection of civilians in Gaza.

It came after the Hamas-led ministry of health in Gaza reported more than 700 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours of Israeli air strikes, the highest daily death toll since the bombardment began.

More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the war began, it says, according to the New York Times. Mr Guterres, 74, succeeded Ban Ki-Moon as the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations in October 2016.

He had served as the prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 as head of the Portuguese Socialist Party.

His tenure has been noted for being considerably more friendly toward Israel than previous secretary generals, criticising anti-Israeli bias in the UN system and stating that denying Israel's right to exist is anti-Semitism.

But in July he was criticised by Israeli diplomats for condemning the 'excessive force' used by their military in a raid on the West Bank city of Jenin, which killed 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier.

Israeli soldiers inspect the site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Friday October 13

Aerial photo shows abandoned and torched vehicles at the site of the October 7 attack on the Supernova desert music Festival by Palestinian militants near Kibbutz Reim in the Negev desert in southern Israel on October 13

In response Mr Erdan said Mr Guterres's criticisms were 'shameful, far-fetched, and completely detached from reality'.

After the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 Mr Guterres issued a statement recognising the 'legitimate grievances' of the Palestinian people, but said that 'nothing can justify the acts of terror and the killing, maiming and abduction of civilians'.

He also urged Israel to conduct its military operations 'in strict accordance with international humanitarian law', although he said he recognised 'Israel's legitimate security concerns'.

He added: 'Civilians must be respected and protected at all times. Civilian infrastructure must never be a target.' He subsequently tweeted that he was 'horrified' by the strike a Gaza hospital, which was later reported to have been committed by Palestinian forces.

In a furious interview after the UN session ended, Mr Erdan said the secretary general's remarks were comparable to the anti-Semitic 'blood libel'. He told reporters: 'Mr Secretary General, the UN was established to prevent atrocities, to prevent such atrocities like the barbaric atrocities that Hamas committed. But the UN is failing. And you, Mr Secretary General have lost all morality and impartiality. Hamas... beheaded babies, burned families, raped women, abducted kids, babies, Holocaust survivors.'
A frail grandmother has become an overnight symbol of bravery after her release by Hamas.

Yocheved Lifshitz had shaken hands with one of her 6ft masked and gun-toting captors and looked him in the eye before saying 'shalom', the Hebrew word for peace.

The 85-year-old later said she had been 'treated very nicely' by the terrorists who held her for 16 days.

She and her fellow hostages were given shampoo and conditioner, pitta bread and cucumber and daily visits from a doctor to check on their health. The toilets in their Hamas jail were meticulously scrubbed by guards who were 'very concerned about hygiene'.

And so when she and another elderly Israeli were freed on Monday night, Mrs Lifshitz did what polite elderly ladies do and offered her thanks.

After being released, grandmother Yocheved Lifshitz shook hands with one of her captors and looked him in the eye before saying 'shalom'

The 84-year-old said that she had been 'treated very nicely' by terrorists who held her for 16 days and had daily visits from the doctor to check up on her health

Sixteen days after she was taken hostage, Mrs Lifshitz was taken by helicopter to the Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv

The world could only marvel at her magnanimity as Hamas handed her over to Red Cross medics. Sharone Lifshitz, her British daughter, said simply: 'It's just  so her.' Sharone, 52, from London, said: 'I'm so proud of her. She's amazing. Just the way she walked off, and then came back and said 'Thank you' was quite incredible to me.'

This is the first time since the massacres and mass kidnappings in Israel on October 7 that we have had any insight into what became of the 200 or so hostages, including up to five Britons. In the most appalling circumstances, they were snatched by marauding Hamas gunmen, and some were seen on video begging for their lives as they were taken to Gaza on motorbikes and pick-up trucks.

Since then, their fate has looked bleak as vengeful Israel began bombing the enclave to bits, vowing to annihilate 'every single' Hamas terrorist. Intense efforts by diplomats, spies and SAS-style military squads to free the abductees have been going on behind the scenes for over two weeks.

But anguished families have been given little idea if their loved ones are even alive.

That changed yesterday in a jaw-dropping press conference in Tel Aviv given by Mrs Lifshitz, who gave the world some answers at last. In front of over a hundred journalists hanging on her every word, Mrs Lifshitz, sitting in a wheelchair but speaking in a determined voice, described her ordeal.

I watched as her daughter, who flew in from London and was at her side throughout, held her hand and helped to interpret her mother's extraordinary account in Hebrew to the world's press.

At one point, in a revelation that will lift hearts among the families of other hostages, she said she had seen 25 other abductees in a hall.

Mrs Lifshitz is one of the 100 villagers taken from Nir Oz, one of the closest kibbutz communities to the Gaza border, and where one in four of the tight-knit population were kidnapped, including children and the elderly. She recalled: 'They stormed into our homes. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young, without distinction.'

The octogenarian said that as she was carted away to Gaza on a motorbike, 'the young men hit me on the way  they didn't break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing'

Speaking through her daughter Sharone (left), Mrs Lifshitz said she was told by her captors 'they were Muslims and that they are not going to hurt them'

The octogenarian said that as she was carted away to Gaza on a motorbike, 'the young men hit me on the way  they didn't break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing'.

Sharone said her elderly mother had suffered from bruises and shortness of breath following her beating. And her mother said: 'When I was on the bike, my legs were on one side and the rest of my body on the other side.'

She was driven over a patch of ploughed fields that stands between her village and the supposedly impregnable fence about a mile away that separates Israel from Gaza. She was 'hit with sticks' until they reached tunnels, and then they walked for 'a few kilometres on wet ground'.

Translating her mother's account, Sharone said: 'There are a huge network of tunnels underneath  it looked like a spider's web.'

Hamas boasted in 2011 it had constructed a tunnel network totalling more than 300 miles. Thirteen years ago, I was shown one of these tunnels during a trip to Gaza. It was an engineering marvel lined with strings of fairy lights.

The people of Gaza  blockaded from the world for years  use them to smuggle everything from food and everyday goods to weapons. They are also a military nightmare for the Israeli soldiers.

There have been fears that the 200 hostages are being held by Hamas as 'human shields' in the tunnel system. Mrs Lifshitz certainly appears to have seen the tunnels. On her account, which will be pored over by security officials for clues as to the whereabouts of the other hostages, she was first taken to Abasan al-Kabira and then Khan Yunis, in the south of the Gaza Strip.

After that, she does not know where she was kept. During her ordeal, her captors told hostages 'they were Muslims and that they are not going to hurt them', her daughter said.

But unsurprisingly for an 85-year-old woman beaten and dragged away by Israel's most savage enemies, she admitted: 'I went through hell.'

Which makes the remainder of her story all the more remarkable. For Mrs Lifshitz told yesterday how her Hamas captors, despite being number-one targets for Israeli assassination squads, treated her and others with something akin to compassion.

When asked at the press conference why she had shaken a Hamas terrorist's hand, she replied: 'Because they treated us very nicely.'

It is not obvious that everyone would agree with that, especially given the brutal beating she suffered. But through her daughter yesterday, she said that during her 16 days as a prisoner, her captors 'took care of all the women's needs  shampoo, conditioner.'

On Mrs Lifshitz's account, which will be pored over by security officials for clues as to the whereabouts of the other hostages, she was first taken to Abasan al-Kabira and then Khan Yunis, in the south of the Gaza Strip

Her daughter said: 'When they arrived, they arrived to a large hall where about 25 hostages were gathered. After two or three hours, five of them were taken into a separate room. She said they were very friendly towards them, they took care of them, they were given medicine.'

Her mother, who was freed with Nurit Cooper, 79, added: 'They took care of us. They made sure we could be clean, and eat, they gave us pitta bread, cucumber, hard cheese and low fat cream cheese, and that was our food for the entire day.'

She described how each prisoner was assigned their own guard, and they would talk and eat with them every day. On top of this, a doctor examined the hostages daily and gave them with any necessary medication.

Sharone, speaking for her mother, said the terrorists were particularly anxious about cleanliness, saying: 'They were very concerned with hygiene, and were worried about an outbreak of something. We had toilets which they cleaned every day.'

It is doubtful the general population of Gaza have enjoyed such attention. Indeed, according to Gaza officials, during Israeli's relentless air strikes, more than 5,700 residents have been killed, including 704 in the past day. And more than 2,300 children have died, they claim.

Mrs Lifshitz has been so gracious about her treatment by Hamas. For one thing, they are still holding her husband, Oded, 83, and dozens of her friends from Nir Oz.

Sharone also said her mother had been bitterly disappointed with Israel's woeful lack of preparedness for the October 7 atrocity, despite the vast cost of the fence supposedly protecting their village from the terror group.

IAN BIRRELL: A shaft of hope amid a bloody war fuelled by rage as an elderly woman freed after more than a fortnight turns to shake hands with one of the terrorists who kidnapped her

It was a wondrous sign of hope after days of blood-soaked war. A frail old woman, freed after more than a fortnight being held hostage in dank underground tunnels, turning to shake hands with one of the terrorists who kidnapped her and saying 'shalom' [peace].

Yocheved Lifshitz is 85. She endured unimaginable horrors after being seized with her husband from a kibbutz that suffered terrible carnage at the hands of Hamas.

Yet after 16 days that she later described as hell, this grandmother being handed to Red Cross workers turned to a menacing black-clad gunman whose face was hidden by a balaclava, and surprised him with that simple gesture of shared humanity.

It was a powerful image of defiance: a dazed woman, in the twilight of a life dedicated to peace, showing extraordinary courage and nobility to the cowards who think their cause is boosted by atrocities and bloodshed.

Her daughter Sharone, an academic and artist in London, told the BBC her parents had worked hard to build bridges with their Palestinian neighbours.

The couple helped found Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border a decade after the Holocaust  where about one quarter of the 400 residents were either killed or kidnapped earlier this month in the Hamas rampage.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, center, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were escorted by Hamas as they were released to the Red Cross in an unknown location

Like many victims, they were committed to the ideal of peaceful co-existence. 'It's a twist of history that these communities that were so peace loving sustained a horrendous massacre,' said Sharone.

She explained how her father Oded, 83, a retired journalist, spoke Arabic and spent time going to the border to drive sick Palestinians to hospitals in Israel. I met one of the beneficiaries of such activities in Gaza  a pro-democracy activist who had defied the Hamas fanatics to lead protests against their abusive misrule despite being imprisoned seven times in two years.

He hated the brutally oppressive group that has inflamed the misery of two million people trapped in that tiny enclave by the Mediterranean, telling me how he had witnessed Hamas execute rivals near his home. 'I can't endure to see another drop of blood spilled.'

Like most Palestinians, this man wanted the right to return to his historic terrain  but he did not seek the removal of Israelis from their homes and was grateful to their medics for his stomach surgery in Tel Aviv.

He was a testament to decent people such as the Lifshitzes, fighting like him to build a better future for everyone in this fiercely contested patch of the Middle East.

Rage is growing on both sides as death tolls mount, but Sharone rightly argues that the awful recent events should strengthen the determination to tackle toxic hatreds. 'We have come out of the Holocaust,' said Sharone. 'I have many German friends.'

It is easy to despair in times of darkness. Yet as Israel's first prime minister David Ben-Gurion once said, 'in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles'  a faith in the future writ large in the resolve of a remarkable grandmother escaping from hell.
Three teenagers are in custody after a pub-goer chased down a gang who allegedly tried to burn a Union Jack flag in Twickenham while shouting 'Free Palestine' and 'Allahu Akbar.'

A 17-year-old and two 18-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and inciting racial hatred after trying to set fire to a flag stolen from outside a pub.

It is understood two flags were ripped from outside the Fox pub, but no other businesses on the southwest London high street were targeted.

A bartender from a nearby pub told the Daily Telegraph that a drinker had chased the gang down the street and tackled one before the arrests were made.

The man had called the police when he saw the teenagers trying to burn the flag, he added.

It is understood two flags were ripped from outside the Fox pub (pictured, stock image), but no other businesses on the southwest London high street were targeted

'It was one of our regulars that was in the middle of it,' he said.

'He caught one of the guys.'

Pubs and restaurants in Twickenham, the home of English rugby, have a proud tradition of flying Union flags and those of England's international rugby opponents.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'At 6.09pm on Monday, October 23, police were called to Church Street, Twickenham, following reports of a group trying to remove and set fire to Union flags.

'Three men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and inciting racial hatred.'

Richmond Council leader Gareth Roberts thanked police for taking swift action.

'Hate has no place in our society,' he said.

'I'd also like to urge people to report hate crime when they witness it. Silence hides hate, so no matter how small or trivial you think an incident might be, it is important it is acknowledged and reported.

'Reporting also means that you will get access to support and advice to help you feel safe again.'
A frail grandmother has become an overnight symbol of bravery after her release by Hamas.

Yocheved Lifshitz had shaken hands with one of her 6ft masked and gun-toting captors and looked him in the eye before saying 'shalom', the Hebrew word for peace.

The 85-year-old later said she had been 'treated very nicely' by the terrorists who held her for 16 days.

She and her fellow hostages were given shampoo and conditioner, pitta bread and cucumber and daily visits from a doctor to check on their health. The toilets in their Hamas jail were meticulously scrubbed by guards who were 'very concerned about hygiene'.

And so when she and another elderly Israeli were freed on Monday night, Mrs Lifshitz did what polite elderly ladies do and offered her thanks.

The world could only marvel at her magnanimity as Hamas handed her over to Red Cross medics. Sharone Lifshitz, her British daughter, said simply: 'It's just  so her.' Sharone, 52, from London, said: 'I'm so proud of her. She's amazing. Just the way she walked off, and then came back and said 'Thank you' was quite incredible to me.'

This is the first time since the massacres and mass kidnappings in Israel on October 7 that we have had any insight into what became of the 200 or so hostages, including up to five Britons. In the most appalling circumstances, they were snatched by marauding Hamas gunmen, and some were seen on video begging for their lives as they were taken to Gaza on motorbikes and pick-up trucks.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, shaking hands with a member of Hamas as she is released to the Red Cross in an unknown location

Yocheved Lifschitz (R), 85, speaks with the media next to her daughter Sharone Lifschitz (L) at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Ichilov in Tel Aviv

Since then, their fate has looked bleak as vengeful Israel began bombing the enclave to bits, vowing to annihilate 'every single' Hamas terrorist. Intense efforts by diplomats, spies and SAS-style military squads to free the abductees have been going on behind the scenes for over two weeks.

But anguished families have been given little idea if their loved ones are even alive.

That changed yesterday in a jaw-dropping press conference in Tel Aviv given by Mrs Lifshitz, who gave the world some answers at last. In front of over a hundred journalists hanging on her every word, Mrs Lifshitz, sitting in a wheelchair but speaking in a determined voice, described her ordeal.

I watched as her daughter, who flew in from London and was at her side throughout, held her hand and helped to interpret her mother's extraordinary account in Hebrew to the world's press.

At one point, in a revelation that will lift hearts among the families of other hostages, she said she had seen 25 other abductees in a hall.

Mrs Lifshitz is one of the 100 villagers taken from Nir Oz, one of the closest kibbutz communities to the Gaza border, and where one in four of the tight-knit population were kidnapped, including children and the elderly. She recalled: 'They stormed into our homes. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young, without distinction.'

The octogenarian said that as she was carted away to Gaza on a motorbike, 'the young men hit me on the way  they didn't break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing'.

Sharone said her elderly mother had suffered from bruises and shortness of breath following her beating. And her mother said: 'When I was on the bike, my legs were on one side and the rest of my body on the other side.'

She was driven over a patch of ploughed fields that stands between her village and the supposedly impregnable fence about a mile away that separates Israel from Gaza. She was 'hit with sticks' until they reached tunnels, and then they walked for 'a few kilometres on wet ground'.

Yocheved was released by the militant group on Monday evening

Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, who were taken by Hamas on October 7 and released earlier this evening, arrive via helicopter at Ichilov hospital

Translating her mother's account, Sharone said: 'There are a huge network of tunnels underneath  it looked like a spider's web.'

Hamas boasted in 2011 it had constructed a tunnel network totalling more than 300 miles. Thirteen years ago, I was shown one of these tunnels during a trip to Gaza. It was an engineering marvel lined with strings of fairy lights.

The people of Gaza  blockaded from the world for years  use them to smuggle everything from food and everyday goods to weapons. They are also a military nightmare for the Israeli soldiers.

There have been fears that the 200 hostages are being held by Hamas as 'human shields' in the tunnel system. Mrs Lifshitz certainly appears to have seen the tunnels. On her account, which will be pored over by security officials for clues as to the whereabouts of the other hostages, she was first taken to Abasan al-Kabira and then Khan Yunis, in the south of the Gaza Strip.

After that, she does not know where she was kept. During her ordeal, her captors told hostages 'they were Muslims and that they are not going to hurt them', her daughter said.

But unsurprisingly for an 85-year-old woman beaten and dragged away by Israel's most savage enemies, she admitted: 'I went through hell.'

Which makes the remainder of her story all the more remarkable. For Mrs Lifshitz told yesterday how her Hamas captors, despite being number-one targets for Israeli assassination squads, treated her and others with something akin to compassion.

When asked at the press conference why she had shaken a Hamas terrorist's hand, she replied: 'Because they treated us very nicely.' It is not obvious that everyone would agree with that, especially given the brutal beating she suffered. But through her daughter yesterday, she said that during her 16 days as a prisoner, her captors 'took care of all the women's needs  shampoo, conditioner.'

Her daughter said: 'When they arrived, they arrived to a large hall where about 25 hostages were gathered. After two or three hours, five of them were taken into a separate room. She said they were very friendly towards them, they took care of them, they were given medicine.'

Her mother, who was freed with Nurit Cooper, 79, added: 'They took care of us. They made sure we could be clean, and eat, they gave us pitta bread, cucumber, hard cheese and low fat cream cheese, and that was our food for the entire day.'

She described how each prisoner was assigned their own guard, and they would talk and eat with them every day. On top of this, a doctor examined the hostages daily and gave them with any necessary medication. Sharone, speaking for her mother, said the terrorists were particularly anxious about cleanliness, saying: 'They were very concerned with hygiene, and were worried about an outbreak of something. We had toilets which they cleaned every day.' It is doubtful the general population of Gaza have enjoyed such attention. Indeed, according to Gaza officials, during Israeli's relentless air strikes, more than 5,700 residents have been killed, including 704 in the past day. And more than 2,300 children have died, they claim.

Mrs Lifshitz has been so gracious about her treatment by Hamas. For one thing, they are still holding her husband, Oded, 83, and dozens of her friends from Nir Oz.

Sharone also said her mother had been bitterly disappointed with Israel's woeful lack of preparedness for the October 7 atrocity, despite the vast cost of the fence supposedly protecting their village from the terror group.
Scientists have found evidence of a lost continent that drifted away from the land mass that became Australia 155million years ago.

Geologists long assumed that Argoland should exist due to a massive void in Western Australia, but until now the evidence was only circumstantial.

A team at Utrecht University in the Netherlands reconstructed the history of Argoland, finding the 3,100-mile piece of land had travelled to South Asia and now sits more than 18,000ft below the surface of the Indian Ocean.

Magnetic and structural geological evidence along the local seafloor suggested that the giant fragment separated through the shifting of tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust before drifting north and west toward Southeast Asia.

Scientists have found evidence of a lost continent that drifted away from the land mass that became Australia 155million years ago

By reconstructing the lost continent's history, the team determined it drifted up to South Asia

Eldert Advokaat, of the department of earth sciences at Utrecht University, said: 'The situation in Southeast Asia is very different from places like Africa and South America, where a continent broke neatly into two pieces. Argoland splintered into many different shards.

'That obstructed our view of the continent's journey.'

Researchers used a computer reconstruction based on existing geological evidence to paint a picture of how Argoland broke into multiple pieces, settling around modern-day Indonesia and Myanmar.

Rather than a single land mass, they found many smaller bits that pieced themselves together over millions of years.

By settling this mystery, geologists have filled in a significant knowledge gap, adding new context to the body of evidence on how mountains, islands and undersea geology took shape.

The continent of Argoland broke off of Australia millions of years ago and migrated northwest, but until now its final home was unknown.

Argoland's existence was implied by a void in Western Australia called the Argo Abyssal Plain. The fragments of Argoland were found in present-day Southeast Asia

By reviewing the architecture of known southeast Asian and northwest Australian tectonic 'mega-units,' the team pieced together scattered remnants of what once comprised Argoland and proposed how they drifted so far from their original site.

During the late Jurassic period 164million to 145million years ago, the massive landmass of Pangaea broke up into two supercontinents, Laurasia and Gondwana. The break was not a clean one, though.

At this time, it seems that Argoland was already split into multiple continental fragments and sections of the seafloor.

The islands of Argoland's apparent destination do not seem to sit atop anything resembling the theoretical continent. The only bits of ancient continental crust in the region were much older, with radiologic dating placing them at about 205million years old.

A team at Utrecht University reconstructed the history of Argoland, finding the 3,100-mile piece of land had travelled to South Asia and now sits more than 18,000ft below the surface of the Indian Ocean

READ MORE: Earth is due for its next supercontinent Fact-box text A new model predicts the Pacific Ocean will disappear 300million years from now, bringing the continents together to form a new supercontinent called Amasia located around the North Pole. Advertisement

One possibility was that the continent had slipped beneath a subduction zone - areas where one tectonic plate meets another and slips underneath its neighbour.

At these junctions, rocky seafloors will rejoin the mantle beneath the Earth's crust, where they are melted back into magma to become crust at some point in the future.

Given the age mismatch between the Argo Abyssal Plain and these possible fragments, researchers suspected the fragments might not have come from Argoland.

They could have migrated there long before Argoland slipped beneath a subduction zone.

Based on the team's reconstruction, over the millions of years between then and now, these fragments migrated across the Indian Ocean.

Although the geologists write that the fragments are 'intensely deformed,' they still exist.

They settled into areas now covered by jungle in Myanmar on mainland Asia and several islands in the Indonesian archipelago.

The researchers note some limitations of their reconstruction.

Many of the estimated geological ages of tectonic plate sections are based on old data, so they say modern measurements may prove more precise.

'The dense vegetation cover and seas in the area we reconstructed complicated our correlations, and they may not always be correct,' the researchers added.
It might not be Italy's most famous leaning tower, but the Garisenda Tower has now got the whole country's attention as scientists find it is at risk of collapsing.

Scientists from the University of Bologna have been using ultra-sensitive microphones to pick up any cracking sounds in the tower.

Now, the streets surrounding Bologna's 900-year-old tower have been closed after the sensors picked up unusual shifts in the stonework.

Standing at 157ft tall, the Garisenda Tower has a lean of four degrees - just shy of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa's five degree tilt.

Experts suggest that the tower's weak foundations may be subsiding, requiring an injection of filler material to add more stability.

The area surrounding Garisenda Tower was closed to traffic after abnormal oscillations and noises were detected coming from the stonework

Bologna's Garisenda Tower is dwarfed by its neighbour, the Asinelli Tower, and doesn't quite match the dramatic angle of the more famous Leaning Tower of Pisa

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A representative of Bologna's Tourist Board said that the scientists detected abnormal noise, oscillations, vibrations, and movements of a few millimetres within the tower.

They add that the traffic restrictions will allow the detection equipment to make more accurate recordings before sending specialists to climb the tower to make more accurate measurements.

'Given the cultural relevance of the Garisenda tower, its hypothetical loss would be tragic, not only tourism-wise but for Bologna and Italys history as well,' the spokesperson said.

'Fortunately the signals detected so far do not lead us to believe that the tower may collapse, the situation is under control and a team of experts are taking care of it properly.'

Italian Culture Undersecretary, Lucia Borgonzoni, said that the situation was concerning and appeared to blame the city council for allowing the danger to develop.

'Perhaps there has been an underestimation of the situation by the municipal scientific committee that is in charge of the tower's conservation,' Ms Borgonzoni said in an interview with Quotidiano Nazionale.

She added: 'The government has moved to save the iconic Bologna tower after the city council wasted time.'

One of Bologna's last remaining medieval towers, the tower was poorly constructed and was considered at risk of collapse as early as 1350

What is the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Known for its five degree lean, the medieval tower was originally constructed in 1173 as a bell tower. With eight stories and standing at 183ft, the marble and stone structure was so heavy that it began to sink into the soft earth. Architects tried to compensate by making the walls taller on the sinking side, but this only made the problem worse. The structure was reinforced in the 1990s with work that brought the leaning under control. Advertisement

Ms Borgonzoni also announced that the government would fund work to reinforce the tower using around 5 million (4.3m) from Italy's EU national recovery fund.

The Garisenda Tower was built between 1109 and 1119 by one of Bologna's rival families who built increasingly tall towers as a sign of their wealth and power.

At the height of the building craze, Bologna boasted up to 200 towers of various sizes which were used as defensive structures as well as for signalling in times of danger.

However, during major reconstruction works in the 1920s, many of the towers were levelled, leaving only a handful still standing today.

One of the city's famous 'two towers', it is dwarfed by the neighbouring Asinelli Tower which almost doubles its height at 318ft (97m).

Unlike its taller neighbour, the Garisenda Tower has been at risk of collapse almost from the moment construction was completed.

In the 13th century, the Italian poet Dante noted that the tower had subsided drastically and by 1350 the top 32ft (10m) had to be removed to prevent it from collapsing.

The City's board of tourism says the tower is not currently likely to collapse but that specialist teams have been brought in to make assessments of what conservation measures are needed

Similar to most of Bologna's medieval towers, the Garisenda Tower was built on a ring-shaped base of mortar terracotta bricks, and river stones.

It is this base material which is the likely cause of the tower's drastic lean as the foundation sinks into Bologna's soft ground.

Nunziante Squeglia, an expert at the University of Pisa says that both Pisa and Bologna share a similar problem with poor ground conditions for construction.

'Like Pisa, Bologna is built on a plain, and there is a problem with soft clay earth,' Mr Squeglia told the Times.

The properties of this soft clay, combined with the poor construction of the tower's foundation have caused Garisenda to simply sink into the earth and list to one side.

Others blame the city council's decision to allow traffic around the base of the tower, claiming that vibrations from passing vehicles may have further destabilized the foundations.

Raffaele Milani, the Bologna head of Italian heritage group Italia Nostra, told the Times: 'We have been saying the area should be pedestrianised for years.'

In 2019 the council placed iron bands around the tower's base, and in 2022 mortar was injected into the foundations.

However, it does not appear that these interventions have been successful as Garisendi Tower is now more at risk of toppling than ever.
A bizarre 'mermaid' that seems to be part fish, part monkey, and part reptile is being probed by scientists in a bid to unravel its mysteries.

The mummy was brought back from Japan by an American sailor and donated to the Clark County Historical Society in Springfield, Ohio, in 1906.

With a grimacing face, strange teeth, oversized claws, fish-like lower half, and downy layer of grey hair, it's been giving museum visitors the creeps for decades.

But now its secrets could be revealed, after the so-called mermaid was X-rayed and CT scanned for the first time in an effort to decipher its true nature.

Joseph Cress, a radiologist at Northern Kentucky University, said: 'It seems to be a hodgepodge of at least three different species externally.

A bizarre 'mermaid' that seems to be part fish, part monkey, and part reptile is being probed by scientists in a bid to unravel its mysteries

The mummy was brought back from Japan by an American sailor and donated to the Clark County Historical Society in Springfield, Ohio, in 1906

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'There's the head and torso of a monkey, the hands seem to be that of an amphibian almost like an alligator, crocodile or lizard of some sort.

'And then there's that tail of a fish  again, species unknown.'

He added: 'It is obviously fashioned, almost Frankensteined together  so I want to know what parts were pulled together.'

Natalie Fritz from the Clark County Historical Society said the oddity was a 'Fiji mermaid'  a hoax creature popularised by P.T. Barnum.

Barnum, whose life inspired the 2017 blockbuster The Greatest Showman, exhibited a similar specimen at his American Museum in New York before it burned down in 1865.

In Japan itself, some legends say mermaids grant immortality to whoever tastes their flesh.

At one temple in Asakuchi, a Fiji mermaid was actually worshipped  though it was subsequently found to be made of cloth, paper, and cotton, decorated with fish scales and animal hair.

In the US, however, such mermaids were curiosities.

'Fiji Mermaids were a part of collections and sideshows in the late 1800s,' said Fritz.

'We've heard some stories from people in the community.

'Some remember seeing it on display in Memorial Hall, the home of the historical society from 1926 to 1986.

The so-called mermaid was X-rayed and CT scanned for the first time in an effort to decipher its true nature

Joseph Cress, a radiologist at Northern Kentucky University, said: 'It seems to be a hodgepodge of at least three different species externally'

'There's the head and torso of a monkey, the hands seem to be that of an amphibian almost like an alligator, crocodile or lizard of some sort,' Cross said

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'One woman, whose father was the curator in the 1970s recalls that it 'scared her to death' when she would visit her dad at work.'

Fritz added that the mummy could date back to the 1870s, when records showed the original donor had served in the US Navy.

Dr Cress said the CT scanning would allow them to pick out 'slices' of the artifact and hopefully establish whether any part of it had once been a real animal.

'By doing that it gives us more data,' he said.

'Do those nostrils continue up into what we think is a legitimate nasal cavity, and how deep do they go?

'Because we can see it front to back and even side to side.

'Can you see the ear cavity continuing to where it would then connect to the brain?

'So we're doing that to all parts of this Fiji mermaid, not just the head and facial region, but also the thoracic region, and then that tail end.'

The data will be sent to experts at Cincinnati Zoo and the Newport Aquarium to hopefully identify what creatures  if any  were combined to form the mermaid.
If you grew up loving the Transformers franchise, you may have dreamed of the day technology would bring your favourite robots to life.

Now, a Japanese engineering company has turned that childhood fantasy into a reality, with its 3.5-ton robot that transforms into a car within moments.

The Archax, designed by Tsubame Industries, is a 15ft-tall piloted mech able to go from a standing 'robot mode' into a streamlined 'vehicle mode' with the press of a button.

Incredible footage shows a pilot climbing in through the cockpit hatch and manipulating the robot's arms and hands before switching modes and driving off.

Tsubame Industries has currently made five of the giant robots and plans to sell them for $3 million (2.46m) each.

The Archax robot, designed by Tsubame Industries, can transform from a robot into a car while the pilot remains safely inside

The new robot bears an uncanny resemblance to Bumblebee from the Transformers movie franchise

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Even though the pilot is sealed within the robot, they still have a 360-degree view of their surroundings through nine external cameras, which feed back to four screens which line the cockpit.

From within, the pilot uses two joysticks and pedals to control the robot's movements, manipulating its arms in robot mode or steering it in vehicle mode.

Once in vehicle mode, the battery-powered robot's four legs use real-wheel drive and front-wheel steering to reach not-quite blistering speeds of 10mph.

On social media, commenters were thrilled by the robot's capabilities and design, which bears a strong resemblance to robots from video games and anime.

'Getting closer to piloting Titanfall Mechs,' one commenter wrote in reference to the popular video game featuring piloted mech combat.

'Amazing work to all the engineers, designers, mechanics and everyone else involved in this beautiful piece of art and machine,' they added.

Another excited fan quipped: 'Awesome, pure awesomeness. This is what I live for, and I hope to experience this.'

The pilot climbs into the cockpit hatch via a ladder on the front of the robot. Once inside, the hatch will close behind them

Even though the pilot is sealed within the robot, they still have a 360-degree view of their surroundings through nine external cameras, which feed back to four screens which line the cockpit

What is a mech? A mech, or mecha, generally refers to a large piloted robot or machine. The term originates in Japan, and originally referred to any type of mechanical device. Mechs have become a common trope in both video games and film, inside and outside Japan. Popular examples include the Japanese anime 'Mobile Suit Gundam', or the 'Pacific Rim' films. Mobile Suit Gundam popularized the idea of the mech as a giant piloted robot Advertisement

Others referenced the Archax's Japanese design, with one commenter writing: 'Go Japan! Always knew you would create these magnificent machines!'

Another wrote: 'I always knew if there will ever be a real mech suit, it will come from a Japanese company. They know very well what is the coolest.'

Ryoda Yoshida, CEO of Tsubame Industries, said that the robot's development was directly motivated by a desire to combine Japan's stills in robotics and animation.

'The initial reason for creating it was that I wanted to make a new vehicle,' Mr Yoshida told Reuters.

'In addition, Japan is really strong in the animation, games, and robot industries, as well as in automobiles.

'So I thought it would be great if I could create a product that compressed all these elements into one that says, "This is Japan."'

The company adds: 'Through our robots, we hope to create an entry point for children into manufacturing and connect their skills to the next generation of engineers.

'We will pursue the dream of childhood into reality with our solid technical capabilities, and the passenger robot as a product.'

Archax is intended to form a completely new market for luxury vehicles, taking ultra-luxury care and private jets as the benchmark for the product.

The firm expects the main customers to be wealthy people, both domestically and overseas.

However, in the future the company hopes its robots will one day be used in the space industry and to help with disaster relief.

Archex transforms into vehicle mode with its four legs providing real-wheel drive and front-wheel steering
Social security numbers, driver's licenses and other personal information of thousands of Americans were stolen from a voter registration agency.

The District of Columbia Board of Elections (DCBOE) revealed that its full voter roll systems were accessed in a data breach this month, allowing hackers to identify specific individuals.

A hacking group known as RansomVC accessed 600,000 lines of data, including DC voter records, and is now selling the data on the dark web.

DCBOE stated it is working with federal government partners, like Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to resolve the issue - and has not revealed how significant the hack might be.

Social security numbers, driver's licenses and other personal information of thousands of Americans were stolen from a voter registration agency. The District of Columbia Board of Elections revealed that its full voter roll systems were accessed in a data breach this month

The data breach happened on October 5, which saw RansomVC access the web server of DataNet, the hosting provider, DCBOE shared in an October 6 press release.

DCBOE also shared that the stolen data came from voters participating in its canvas process from August 9, 2019 to January 25, 2022.

But, the agency claims fewer than 4,000 voters were impacted.

While a majority of the information is public record, such as address and political affiliation, partial social security numbers and driver's licenses were accessed - enough information for hackers to piece together individual identities.

'Once reviewed internally, DCBOE will share what exact voter information was accessed and will contact individuals that are impacted,' a statement from the board said.

Roger Grimes, data-driven defense evangelist at KnowBe4, commented on the potential for breaches of this kind to enable further criminal activity.

A hacking group known as RansomVC accessed 600,000 lines of data, including DC voter records, and is now selling the data on the dark web. The agency has shut down its website until further notice but shared that DC residents are safe to register to vote

'As always, these sorts of data breach incidents invite malicious actors to be able to create more specific spear phishing emails where potential victims are contacted by a sender who purports to be a legitimate contact,' Grimes said.

'The inclusion of stolen details allows the attacker to appear more legitimate than if they did not have the stolen data.

'And spear phishing emails are far more likely to compromise potential victims than a general phishing email with no private details about the victim.'

DCBOE said it plans to contact all registered voters shortly and work with cybersecurity consulting firm Mandiant for the next steps.

The agency has shut down its website until further notice but shared that DC residents are safe to register to vote.
Scientists shared the haunting sounds of Utah's 'Trembling Giant' - the Pando aspen forest made up of a tree with 47,000 'clones' growing from a single root system.

The eerie rumbling (here) is millions of leaves rustling in the wind during a thunderstorm, which vibrated the tree to the ground, where microphones captured the noise.

Pando is believed to be the largest, most dense organism ever found at nearly 13 million pounds, and its clones cover more than 106 acres.

The 80,000-year-old forest originated from a single seed and spread by sending up new shoots from the expanding root system, creating genetically identical stems.

Scientists shared the haunting sounds of Utah 's 'Trembling Giant' - the Pando aspen forest made up of a tree with 47,000 'clones' growing from a single root system.

Pando is located in Utah's Fishlake National Forest, and research has suggested that it has been regenerating for 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest organisms on Earth.

The sounds of this living thing were captured by sound artist Jeff Rice and Lance Oditt, founder of Friends of Pando, who placed a hydrophone inside a hallow branch at the tree's base and maneuvered it down to the roots - about 90 feet below the surface.

'Hydrophones don't just need water to work,' said Rice.

'They can pick up vibrations from surfaces like roots as well, and when I put on my headphones, I was instantly surprised.

'Something was happening. There was a faint sound.'

Rice wanted to capture the sounds of Pando during a thunderstorm, and when he put his headphones on, he heard a haunting rumbling come through.

'What you're hearing, I think, is the sound of millions of leaves in the forest, vibrating the tree and passing down through the branches, down into the earth,' Rice said during a March presentation when he first shared the audio.

Pando is believed to be the largest, most dense organism ever found at nearly 13 million pounds, and its clones cover more than 106 acres

The sounds of this living thing were captured by sound artist Jeff Rice and Lance Oditt, founder of Friends of Pando, who placed a hydrophone inside a hallow branch at the tree's base and maneuvered it down to the roots - about 90 feet below the surface

The hydrophone also registered with a low thump when they banged lightly on a branch 90 feet away. Rice compared this to the classic tin can telephone.

'It's similar to two cans connected by a string,' he said. 'Except there are 47,000 cans connected by a huge root system.'

While Pando is a marvel of the world, a study in 2018 found it is slowly dying due to relentless human interference - scientists warn that it is unlikely to exist in as little as 50 years.

Co-author Paul Rogers from Utah State University's Wildland Resources Department said: 'While Pando has likely existed for thousands of years - we have no method of firmly fixing its' age - it is now collapsing on our watch.

'One clear lesson emerges here: we cannot independently manage wildlife and forests.'

This decline has happened because humans have expanded into the forest and cut down areas without giving them time to recover.

Grazing deer have also put pressure on the park, and a long-standing drought has further added to its demise.
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After telling my mum that Ill treat her to dinner by the lake, I start to panic. She picks out a low-lit waterside restaurant where the tables are dressed in white linen, the waiting staff sport bow ties and waistcoats, and lobster is on the menu

And when the bill comes, my eyes do widen in disbelief  three courses each and a bottle of cabernet sauvignon rings up at just 56.

This turns out to be typical of Lake Ohrid, a little-known spot in landlocked North Macedonia.

The value for money is just one of a long list of its lures.

The Balkans destination  largely overlooked by UK tourists  is swimming in history, pin-up pretty, and a surprising rising star of the wine world.

Sarah Holt travels to Lake Ohrid, a little-known spot in landlocked North Macedonia

Its main town  also called Ohrid  is fascinating. My mum and I join a walking tour that overruns by two hours because our guide, Vlado, has so much to say about its history.

He shows us the city gates that were originally built in the 4th Century BC; he tells us about the 14th Century hospital churches where plague patients were quarantined; he introduces us to the 18th Century townhouses that were built in inverted pyramidal shapes to give their inhabitants extra space; he takes us to the Hellenistic amphitheatre that was discovered accidentally in the 1980s; and he guides us inside the 13th Century Church of Our Lady Most Glorious, nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Macedonia for its intricate ceiling frescoes.

Were staying at the 130-room Unique Resort & Spa, a 20-minute lakeside walk from the Old Town. Backed by fir-fuzzed mountains, its in a pin-drop quiet part of Ohrid, yet close enough to the bustle of the centre to keep things interesting. Its fully booked during our stay, but we never struggle to find a sun lounger by the pool.

The lake's main town  called Ohrid (above)  is 'fascinating'. Sarah writes: 'My mum and I join a walking tour that overruns by two hours because our guide, Vlado, has so much to say about its history'

Prehistoric: Sarah sails past the Bay of Bones (above), a replica of a stilted, over-the-water settlement that existed in prehistoric times

Our history lesson continues the next day, during a boat trip along the east shore of the lake. We sail past the Bay of Bones, a replica of a stilted, over-the-water settlement that existed in prehistoric times, and visit the hilltop Monastery of Saint Naum where murals depict the miracles performed by the 10th Century missionary.

Its during this boat trip that mum and I comment on how untouched much of the land around Ohrid is. The entire south-east shore of the lake is edged by the Galicica National Park  an 87 sq mile ellipse of forest thats latticed with walking trails.

Novice walkers might feel more confident taking a guide to explore this landscape, as the trails arent all well signposted, but more experienced hikers can navigate tracks that lead to 5,900 ft mountain peaks and unpeopled plateaus that are perfect for wild camping.

Sarah visits the hilltop Monastery of Saint Naum (above) and finds that it's embellished with murals

A beautiful mural in the Monastery of Saint Naum

As pretty hopeless hikers, we find another way of getting out into the greenery of Lake Ohrid  a visit to the Monastery Winery. Set among the hazel, fir and beech trees at the end of a narrow track, it is exactly as its name suggests  a monastery that produces wine and offers tours and tastings.

Sitting beside the purring stream that is used to cool the wine tanks in summer, we try a floral muscat, a semillon with a hint of pear, and a chocolaty vranac and graze on a platter of cheeses, meats and traditional dips such as ajvar  made from smoked red peppers and aubergine.

Later in our trip, keen to find out more about the countrys wines, we venture to Villa and Winery Mal Sveti Kliment, a winery and bar in the Old Town. Run by experts Almir and Elena  of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust regulatory board  this place is a library of North Macedonian wines.

Holy water: One morning, Sarah takes a stroll to the 13th Century St Johns Church (above), which overlooks Lake Ohrid

Sarah stays at the Unique Resort & Spa (pictured), which is a 20-minute lakeside walk from Ohrids Old Town

The pair introduce us to a crisp new sparkling from the Vardar River Valley region as well as the winerys own salmon-pink rose, which is made from the ancient pamid grape variety in clay amphora pots underground. It tastes like a delicious bowl of summer strawberries.

To clear our heads the following morning, we follow the boardwalk that clings to the cliffs by the side of the lake, just beyond Ohrids centre. We trace the wooden walkway up to a hilltop where cigar-shaped cypress trees stand sentry over 13th Century St Johns Church and take a rest on a picnic bench looking out over the 138 sq mile lake.

We can see Albania in the distance. I muse that Lake Ohrid may not be at the forefront of the minds of most UK tourists just yet, but the experiences weve had ensure its been indelibly inked into mine.
Danny Masterson has been expelled from the Church of Scientology following his rape conviction that earned him 30 years in prison, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The actor has been declared a 'suppressive person'  or 'SP'  which the church defines as someone whose behavior seeks to impede the spiritual progress of those around him.

The label means fellow Scientologists, including his wife Bijou Phillips and his family, will be required to cut all ties with the convicted rapist.

But even with the expulsion, the church maintains that Masterson is innocent of all charges, according to insiders.

The shocking development was revealed by longtime private investigator Jeffrey Augustine on his website, The Scientology Money Project, which has been dedicated to exposing the alleged wrongdoings of the church since 2014.

Danny Masterson has been declared a 'suppressive person' by the Church of Scientology' following his high-profile rape trial earlier this year

The disgraced actor (pictured in court in 2020) is currently serving a 30-year sentence behind bars after being found guilty last month of raping two women

Former Scientologists with knowledge of the situation confirmed the news, but say the church still maintains Masterson's innocence

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Augustine, a former Scientologist himself, explained the reasons behind the radical decision to cut ties with a member they publicly supported during two lengthy criminal trials.

Augustine, 66, said the Church of Scientology had not planned to go public with the news and are still telling members Masterson is innocent and that former Scientologist Leah Remini conspired with other revengeful former members to disparage him.

Jeffrey Augustine revealed that Masterson has been declared suppressive by the Church of Scientology

'According to my sources, Danny has been declared a suppressive person, which means he would be expelled from Scientology,' Augustine said.

'They are telling Scientologists that he will file an appeal and that he is innocent of the charges for which he was convicted.

'They (church officials) declared Danny a suppressive person for not maintaining the high ethical standards for the Church of Scientology, and other reasons  but not because he was convicted of rape,' Augustine added.

Masterson, 47, was convicted of two counts of rape in May. He was given his long prison sentence in September. A third rape charge ended with a hung jury. An earlier trial saw jurors deadlocked.

Augustine spoke out while attending a protest held in front of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Center in Hollywood on Saturday where dozens of former members and alleged victims of sexual abuse spoke out against the injustices of the 'cult'.

Chrissie Carnell Bixler, the accuser whose case ended without a guilty verdict attended Saturday's protest along with one of the women whose evidence convicted the star of That '70s Show.

When asked about Masterson being declared suppressive, Bixler told DailyMail.com: 'They should have declared him an SP when I originally went to them.'

Bixler and the other two women he was convicted of raping are suing the convicted rapist in a separate civil suit, another possible reason for his expulsion.

Augustine said: 'A lot of Scientologists were complaining that they have friends and family members that they can't talk to because they were declared suppressive. They questioned why Danny Masterson was allowed to be a Scientologist in good standing when he's brought such a horrible public relations situation on to the church with his felony rape convictions.

'So the members are asking why were their friends and family declared for reading the internet, watching Leah Remini's show, and doing other things that are far below what Masterson was charged with?'

Augustine said he was not surprised with the decision to put Masterson behind them because the church's controversial leader David Miscavige has to save face.

While Masterton (pictured in court sketch in May) was convicted of raping two women, the jury was deadlocked over a third charge for the rape of Jane Doe #3, who was revealed to be his ex-girlfriend Chrissie Carnell-Bixler

Masterson's wife Bijou Phillips, who stood by the actor throughout his trial, filed for divorce shortly after he began his sentence

The former That 70s Show star agreed to give Phillips both legal and physical custody of the couple's daughter as he serves time in jail

'Miscavige has the International Association of Scientologists event coming up in London. It's the first post-pandemic big multimillion dollar fundraiser.

'I think Miscavige is clearing the decks ahead of the IAS in London so he's not asked about Masterson. In other words, he wants it handled. He doesn't want Danny Masterson to be the focus.

'They are not going to make a public announcement. They are going to tell everyone at this big, posh London event don't talk about it, don't mention Danny. He has now become a person whose name must not be mentioned.'

'They are still maintaining his innocence, saying he will appeal and that's not why he's been declared, but this is not to be talked about by anyone,' he said.

The Church of Scientology did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Scientology leader David Miscavige wants the Masterson case to disappear, says Jeffrey Augustine

Augustine, a licensed private investigator and longtime critic of the church, is married to former Scientologist Karen de la Carriere, one of the highest ranking members of the church who worked alongside church founder L. Ron Hubbard. She left the church in 2010 after 35 years.

Two of the three women who accused Masterson of rape were among those at the protest on Saturday.

'The suit is coming up and Scientology doesn't want to be accountable. They are going to say they have nothing to do with Masterson anymore,' Augustine explained.

Masterson grew up in a family of practicing Scientologists. His stepfather Joe Reaiche and mother Carole Masterson had been members of the Sea Org, the 'clergy' of the controversial faith.

Reaiche himself would eventually be deemed suppressive for questioning certain teachings and has not had any contact with his children since.

Like his own father who was kicked out of the church, Masterson may not even be aware that he has been declared a suppressive person and will find out when everyone cuts ties with him.

'I don't think Bijou wants to visit him in prison ever. She was just awarded custody of their daughter.

'I personally think Bijou Phillips will leave the Church of Scientology, that's my prediction. It's brought her nothing but grief, heartache and sorrow,' Augustine added.

Augustine and his wife Karen de la Carriere are both former members of the Church of Scientology. They joined protests outside the church on Saturday

Former Scientologist Joe Reaiche is the biological father of actors Alanna and Jordan Masterson and stepfather to actors Danny and Christopher Masterson. He was expelled from the church after questioning its teachings and has not had contact with his children since

Jordan and his younger sister Alanna Masterson, 35, are the half-siblings of Danny, 47, and Christopher Masterson, 43, through their mother Carol

Protestors marched in Hollywood on Saturday carrying signs slamming the Church of Scientology, saying it protects predators

Zoey 101 actress Alexa Nikolas spearheaded Saturday's protest on behalf of her 'Eat Predators' movement, which she founded to call out sexual predators and networks who protect them

Phillips, 43, stood by her husband throughout the two trials  the first of which ended with a hung jury  turning up on his arm each day for the court hearings.

But just 12 days after his September 7 sentencing she filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage.

In her filings she revealed that she and Masterson  who is currently in LA's Central Men's Jail awaiting a decision as to where he will serve his sentence  had been living apart for five years.

'I think she will shift towards Billy Baldwin and Chyna Phillips and their Christianity,' said Augustine. 'That's what I think will happen to Bijou if she gets out. There is no reason for her to stay in Scientology.'

Augustine said news for the church has been getting worse and worse. He said the next thing that could happen is for the IRS to revoke the church's tax exemption status.

'That would mean they are not a religion,' he said.

'They are currently protected by First Amendment religious protections and they would become a for-profit business. That would not allow them to get away with covering up rapes, pedophiles, white collar criminals  all of that would end.

'They have a culture of covering up sexual crimes and that's what happened with Danny Masterson for twenty years,' said Augustine.

Alexa Nikolas of Nickelodeon's Zoey 101 spearheaded the protest on behalf of her 'Eat Predators' movement, which she founded in 2022 to call out sexual predators and networks who protect them. Nikolas has never been a Scientologist.

The actress led the protest which lasted for more than thee hours with supporters chanting: 'Protect survivors, not Scientology, a cult is a predator...power to survivors.'

'Disconnection is suppressive. Scientology stop doing it,' said an ex-member who goes by the name Lara FM as she held a sign that said Declared Suppressive Person.

She confirmed: 'Yes, that's 100% true that Danny has been expelled.'
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The Kardashian sisters have shown off their Halloween decorations on social media this month.

Khloe Kardashian had a massive pre-Halloween bash as she dressed up as a cow with son Tatum while True was a cute cat.

Pregnant Kourtney went all out making the most of the Calabasas mega mansion she shares with husband Travis Barker and their kids.

And Kylie Jenner was making ghost and pumpkin shaped cookies with her kids Stormi and Aire.

They all had colorful pumpkins, spooky skeletons and delicious looking baked goods on display at their homes.

Halloween - which takes place on October 31 every year - falls on a Tuesday this year.

Spooky time of year: The Kardashian sisters have shown off their Halloween decorations on social media this month. Seen here from left, Khloe, Kris, Kim, Kylie and Kendall

Kylie Jenner was making ghost and pumpkin shaped cookies with her kids Stormi and Aire

And there were nicely carved pumpkins outside her home

Khloe posed in a brown and ivory cow costume as she posed with her kids True and Tatum at her Hidden Hills, California mansion.

True had on cat ears and whiskers painted on her face. Also seen was Rob Kardashian's child Dream whom he co-parents with model Blac Chyna.

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian and her new husband Travis Barker also had their home done up well.

She had skeletons at a table, tons of candelabras and white pumpkins lined up in the hallways.

There were green pumpkins outside.

Khloe and her kids True and Tatum showed off their costumes

Sweeties: True - dressed as a cat - held onto her little brother as she smiled

Balloons galore! Even the pool area was decorated

There was house painting too

More mini mansions on a black table

She had a black cat cake with green eyes

So pretty! This house was painted green and had a spider web outside

There was a candy station that was self serve

So much to decorate with! She had a pumpkin painting station

The row of homes looked pretty: The chairs were even black

Cake pops were offered

There were black witches hats

Cupcakes had pink frosting

There was a fork in this green goo

Plenty of pumpkins were set up too in all colors

Dream is seen in the left in a cat outfit

Kourtney revealed her green pumpkins

The star, who is pregnant, had a table already set up with skulls

There were white pumpkins in the hallway

Skulls and more skulls was a theme

A black skull looked especially scary

They like death! There were skeletons everywhere

Nice guest! One party goer was dead sexy

Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian has revealed her pregnant sister Kourtney Kardashian is on bed rest as she prepares to welcome her new baby.

The reality TV star turned 43 on Saturday and celebrated with a family party involving her mum Kris Jenner, and sisters Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, but mum-of-three Kourtney was notably absent and Kim has now explained why.

In a post on Instagram, Kim wrote: 'So blessed to have hit the jackpot of friends! I couldn't have ever dreamed I would be so lucky to call these girls my friends.

'Thank you for all the birthday love. And Kourt I'm jumping in bed with you next week for our bed rest picnic.'

Other guests at the bash included Hailey Bieber, Sara Foster and Olivia Pierson.

Kourtney, 44, is currently expecting her fourth child - her first with new husband Travis Barker - and her due date is believed to be in the coming weeks as she nears the end of her pregnancy.

She previously suffered a terrifying health scare when she was admitted to hospital to undergo emergency surgery to save the baby's life. No more details about her current condition have been revealed.

However, 'The Kardashians' star Kourtney did acknowledge Kim's birthday in a post on Instagram in which she insisted their TV fights aren't really that bad.

In a post on her Instagram Stories, Kourtney wrote: 'Happy happy birthday to my first sister @kimkardashian! 'Thank you for all those years of bossing you around and you actually listening to all my crazy ideas.' Addressing their most recent squabbling, she added: 'People think the fights they've seen on tv are bad ... if only they got to witness the hair pulling, nail digging ones from early high school. The joys of sisterhood. I love you deeply forever and always. May God bless this year with love and happiness and abundant joy. [
Paris Hilton revealed that the second season of her reality series Paris In Love will include footage from the birth of her son Phoenix with the release of a new trailer.

The promo features striking never-before-seen footage of the 42-year-old reality star and heiress' trip to the hospital to meet the adorable little boy, who had been carried by a surrogate.

Paris tends to keep a cool demeanor on camera, but she's overwhelmed with affection for the little baby in her first moments of skin-to-skin bonding with him in a hospital bed.

The footage emerged after the reality star took cruel commenters to task after they mocked the size of her son's head.

The show, which debuts November 30 on Peacock, also included some painful moments in which Paris reveals the abuse she alleged suffered at a Utah boarding school that her parents sent her during a delinquent phase in her teens.

New love: Paris Hilton, 42, revealed that the second season of her reality series Paris In Love will include footage from the birth of her son Phoenix with the release of a new trailer

Tearful: The new trailer also included some painful moments in which Paris reveals the abuse she alleged suffered at a Utah boarding school that her parents sent her during a delinquent phase in her teens

The trailer opens with Paris stepping into a venue ahead of one of her DJ concerts, before the footage is juxtaposed with her arriving at a hospital.

'I've given my whole life to everyone for so long,' she says in voiceover as she gets ready in the room and sets up small cameras in the corners.

She adds that it has been 'really important to me to keep this a secret.'

'This is the first time that something is just mine,' she adds as the source of her secret is revealed.

A hospital employee opens the door to reveal a little baby wrapped up in a blanket.

'I'm gonna be a mom,' Paris whispers with a smile as it cuts away to her sitting on the floor of what looks like her closet.

'Literally no one knows,' she adds over footage of herself hanging out at a party with her famous family and her friend  and former employee  Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner.

'My own family doesn't know,' Paris admitts.

Something big on the way: The trailer opens with Paris stepping into a venue ahead of one of her DJ concerts, before the footage is juxtaposed with her arriving at a hospital and setting up cameras

He's here! She adds that it has been 'really important to me to keep this a secret,' before a hospital employee arrives with a little baby  her son Phoenix, born via a surrogate

So excited: 'I'm gonna be a mom,' Paris whispers with a smile as it cuts away to her sitting on the floor of what looks like her closet

In the dark: 'Literally no one knows,' she adds over footage of herself hanging out at a party with her famous family and her friend  and former employee  Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner

In one humorous moment, Paris steps into a closet to touch up her mother Kathy Hilton's makeup, when Kathy admits: 'Ever since I've been mic'd all I have done is say the most terrible things. Oops!'

Then she takes a drive with her husband Carter Reum and says that her hospital would be swarmed by 'paparazzi' if they learned of her surrogate baby.

The trailer cuts to her mother Kathy's shocked, tearful appearance as Paris reveals that she got her a 'surprise.'

'This is your grandson, Phoenix,' she announces as she steps back into a room with the little boy covered in a blanket.

'Are you serious?!' Kathy says through tears as she reaches her hand out to get her daughter to bring the little tot to her.

Paris' sister Nicky Hilton can hardly believe her eyes when she's introduced to Phoenix via FaceTime.

'What is that? Is that... real?' she says in disbelief as the baby squeezes his mother's hand.

Back in the hospital, the new mother has her baby lie on her chest, before she's escorted out in a wheelchair while he snoozes peacefully in her lap.

Out of the spotlight: Then she takes a drive with her husband Carter Reum and says that her hospital would be swarmed by 'paparazzi' if they learned of her surrogate baby

Sweet: 'Are you serious?!' Kathy says through tears as she reaches her hand out to get her daughter to bring the little tot to her

Shocked: Paris' sister Nicky Hilton can hardly believe her eyes when she's introduced to Phoenix via FaceTime. 'What is that? Is that... real?' she says in disbelief as the baby squeezes his mother's hand

Too cute! Back in the hospital, the new mother has her baby lie on her chest, before she's escorted out in a wheelchair while he snoozes peacefully in her lap

Loving it: 'He's so beautiful, so perfect. My life is finally complete,' Paris says. 'I'm so obsessed'

'He's so beautiful, so perfect. My life is finally complete,' Paris says. 'I'm so obsessed.'

Things then take a darker turn as the trailer focuses on the fallout from Paris' memoir and the revelations about the alleged sexual assault and abuse she endured at a boarding school in Utah when she was just 15.

'Writing this book was one of the most difficult experiences of my life,' she confessed, adding that she was 'writing about things that I've never told anyone.'

When she broke the news about some of the abuse to her mother, Kathy shouted, 'No!' and clutched at her tear-streaked face.

Paris sister Nicky was similarly distraught at the revelations.

'The fact that you couldn't come to us... and we had to read about it online and in the book...' Nicky mused through tears of her own. 'It's not right for us to just read about it in the media.'

The final section of the trailer focused on Paris' struggles balance her career and her new status as a mother.

Between caring for Phoenix, she tried to figure out how much time she could devote to DJing and recording music, as well as presumably filming her reality show.

As Paris is seen cuddling with Phoenix, a voice that sounds like Nicky's tells her her 'best advice' is to 'not tak[e] that job,' meaning that she should cut down on her workload to be with her new child.

'They're this small for such a small window,' she adds as a warning to her more-famous sister.

'It's hard to say "no,"' Paris replies, but Nicky shoots back that she's 'greedy,' though not with any obvious venom.

Horrific: Things then take a darker turn as the trailer focuses on the fallout from Paris' memoir and the revelations about the alleged sexual assault and abuse she endured at a boarding school in Utah when she was just 15

Shocked: When she broke the news about some of the abuse to her mother, Kathy shouted, 'No!' and clutched at her tear-streaked face

Sisterly love: Paris sister Nicky was similarly distraught at the revelations

Hurt: 'The fact that you couldn't come to us... and we had to read about it online and in the book...' Nicky mused through tears of her own. 'It's not right for us to just read about it in the media'

Balancing act: The final section of the trailer focused on Paris' struggles balance her career and her new status as a mother

Slowing down: As Paris is seen cuddling with Phoenix, a voice that sounds like Nicky's tells her her 'best advice' is to 'not tak[e] that job,' meaning that she should cut down on her workload to be with her new child

Struggles ahead: Paris also has other potential deficiencies to worry about, as a woman speaking to her says that 'People who are trauma victims have a very hard time happily bonding with their children'

Coming soon: The new season of Paris In Love premieres on the Peacock streaming service on November 30

'No, I just like to work hard,' her sister replies with a smile.

Paris also has other potential deficiencies to worry about, as a woman speaking to her says that 'People who are trauma victims have a very hard time happily bonding with their children.'

The trailer ends on a triumphant note as a curtain rises above a stage to reveal Paris about to perform a DJ set.

The new season of Paris In Love premieres on the Peacock streaming service on November 30.
Jackie 'O' Henderson shocked her co-host Kyle Sandilands on Tuesday by making a racy confession about how many men she has slept with since her divorce.

The radio queen, 48, told Kyle, 52, that she has had sex with four men since splitting with Lee in 2018 - leading to a surprising milestone with her 'body count'.

'I'm now in the double digits,' she revealed.

She said that some of her ex-partners were fairly shady characters, including a 'drug dealer' boyfriend who had his house raided by the police while she was there.

'There was a police raid in his house one morning. Because I had my period the dogs were all distracted, they were sniffing me,' she added.

Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured) shocked her co-host Kyle Sandilands on Tuesday by making a racy confession about how many men she has slept with since her divorce

A shocked Kyle then told her wealth of sexual experiences would make a great memoir.

Jackie, who is currently single, has been married twice, to DJ 'Ugly' Phil O'Neil in the late 90s and to photographer Lee Henderson from 2003 - 2018.

In June, the blonde bombshell revealed her wish list when it comes to finding the perfect man.

The radio queen, 48, told Kyle, 52, that she has had sex with four men since splitting with Lee in 2018 - leading to a surprising milestone with her 'body count'

The radio host said she always chooses personality over looks, and has been on two dates so far after joining up to popular dating app, Hinge.

'Ninety-nine per cent of the checklist was characteristics,' she told News.com.au.

'When it came to physical, there was hardly anything I put in there.'

'I'm now in the double digits,' Jackie revealed

However, there is a height requirement for potential love interests.

'I did have height in there! 511 and above is a preference, but I think my limit on Hinge was like 5'9,' she said.

Jackie added she wants to be with someone who likes 'being healthy' but they certainly didn't need to have abs.

The blonde beauty share custody of her 12-year-old daughter Kitty with ex-husband Lee.
Real Housewives of Sydney cast member Caroline Gaultier has pleaded with young people to hold off on getting plastic and cosmetic surgery.

The Sydney party girl said she thinks no one should go under the knife until they've achieved a sense of 'inner peace and self-acceptance'.

Mother of two Caroline has been candid about the various procedures she has undergone over the years, including a breast augmentation.

Despite her own experiences, she emphasises the need to approach such decisions thoughtfully as they can have lifelong and 'dangerous' implications.

'I just think you need to actually establish your self esteem and then you can move forward... I also think that plastic surgery is for when you get a bit older and youre trying to swing backwards,' Gaultier told The Daily Telegraph.

Real Housewives of Sydney cast member Caroline Gaultier has pleaded with young people to hold off on getting plastic and cosmetic surgery

'Young girls are injecting fillers into their face and it doesn't disappear, it just absorbs into your tissue and as you get older it wears your tissue down and ages you a lot faster than you would normally,' Gaultier warned.

Her perspective aligns with the advice given by one of Australia's leading cosmetic doctors.

Dr. Amy Chahal, the founder of The Centre for Medical Aesthetics in Surry Hills, agrees with Gaultier, cautioning against the normalisation of invasive procedures, particularly among self-conscious teenagers dealing with low self-esteem and anxiety.

Mother of two Caroline, pictured right, has been candid about the various procedures she has undergone over the years, including a breast augmentation

Recent research conducted by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine revealed that Millennials are undergoing cosmetic surgery at a higher rate than any other generation.

Additionally, a study conducted by the University of South Australia highlighted the alarming statistic that 16 percent of Australian women aged 18 to 29 have already undergone cosmetic surgery.

Gaultier's personal journey underscores the importance of responsible decision-making when it comes to cosmetic enhancements, particularly for individuals in their formative years.

She claims that for her own work she is 'all about maintenance' rather than changing what she looks like, and that there is crucial difference between those two approaches

She claims that for her own work she is 'all about maintenance' rather than changing what she looks like, and that there is crucial difference between those two approaches.

Prior to starring on the Real Housewives of Sydney, Caroline was known as one of Sydney's most stylish party girls.

She previously lived in Prague and Tokyo, but now calls Bondi Beach home.
Director Shawn Levy has been doing press for his Netflix series All The Light We Cannot See and he recently teased his highly-anticipated Star Wars movie.

The 55-year-old filmmaker - who recently wouldn't confirm nor deny rumors of Taylor Swift's casting in Deadpool 3 - signed on in November 2022 to direct a Star Wars movie, after he completes work on Deadpool 3 and the final season of Stranger Things.

While it's been nearly a year since he signed on, very little is known about the project, though he revealed to Variety that he has felt very 'empowered.'

'When Kathy Kennedy brought me on board to make a Star Wars movie, her central mandate to me was I want a Shawn Levy movie. I want a story and a tone that reflects you and your taste and what you bring to your movies  with a Star Wars story,"' Levy began.

He added, 'So I have felt extremely empowered. We are in early days, unfortunately, because the development process was abruptly paused [due to the WGA strike], but I feel very empowered to trust my instincts in the development of this story and movie.'

Shawn's Star Wars: Director Shawn Levy has been doing press for his Netflix series All The Light We Cannot See and he recently teased his highly-anticipated Star Wars movie

Shawn signs on: The 55-year-old filmmaker signed on in November 2022 to direct a Star Wars movie, after he completes work on Deadpoo 3 and the final season of Stranger Things

He's currently working on the highly-anticipated Marvel sequel Deadpool 3 - which will be the first R-rated movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

When asked if Deadpool 3 has been 'good practice' for his Star Wars movie, Levy said, 'The experience that Im currently having with Marvel on Deadpool is showing me firsthand that it is indeed really possible to feel empowered and personal about making a movie within a universe that is bigger than any one film.'

'My Deadpool movie is turning out to be exactly what Ryan (Reynolds) and I had hoped when we started off,' he added.

'So Im going into the development of my Star Wars movie with a similar optimism, and faith that my instincts will be allowed to lead the way,' Levy continued.

The interviewer mentioned that Levy was close with Adam Driver, who played the villainous Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

When asked if his movie could be a prequel to Star Wars: Episode 7 - The Force Awakens - which shows what led Kylo Ren down his dark path, Levy playfully dodged the question.

'Your words, not mine! As you know Adam is a buddy, and Ive always been a huge fan of Kylo Ren. But no comment,' Levy said.

He also serves as an executive producer and director on Stranger Things, though he wouldn't comment on how 'important' the fifth and final season has been for Netflix as strike talks with SAG-AFTRA continue.

Shawn's sequel: He's currently working on the highly-anticipated Marvel sequel Deadpool 3 - which will be the first R-rated movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Experience: When asked if Deadpool 3 has been 'good practice' for his Star Wars movie, Levy said, 'The experience that Im currently having with Marvel on Deadpool is showing me firsthand that it is indeed really possible to feel empowered and personal about making a movie within a universe that is bigger than any one film'

Exactly: 'My Deadpool movie is turning out to be exactly what Ryan (Reynolds) and I had hoped when we started off,' he added, as the actor and director were spotted on a stroll in NYC on Monday

'I cant speak to how important Stranger Things is to Netflix in the strike talks, and I am not inclined to speak on their behalf,' Levy began.

'I can say with confidence I think every actor, director, producer, writer and crew member want to get back to work,' Levy insistd.

'I think that Stranger Things is a true flag-bearing franchise for Netflixs brand, and everyone there is also hungry to make the next season,' he said.

'However, none of that can happen unless there is a fair and equitable deal made. Im saying a small prayer that I will already be back at work once this piece runs,' he said.
Today show reporter Gabby Boyle and husband Ian Hardy welcomed their first child on Friday.

The Channel Nine star shared a series of photos of her newborn boy to Instagram on Monday - and revealed his name is William Theodore Hardy.

In the images, Gabby and Ian looked every inch the proud new parents as they showed off their bundle of joy.

'William Theodore Hardy. Our Billy boy. 20-10-23. 3.1kg,' the new mum captioned her first post of the smiling bub.

She shared several more photos just moments later, which showed her cuddling up with William in the hospital bed before Ian gave him his first bottle feed.

Today breakfast show reporter Gabby Boyle and husband Ian Hardy welcomed their first child on Friday

Tuesday morning, just hours after Gabby and Ian's happy announcement, Today shared its own post to Instagram congratulating the pair.

'Congratulations to our reporter Gabby Boyle and her husband Ian who have welcomed to the world a beautiful baby boy,' the caption read.

Gabby's famous journalist and media friends flocked to her Instagram account to gush over the new addition to the Boyle-Hardy family.

The Channel Nine star shared a series of photos of her newborn boy to Instagram on Monday, and revealed his name is William Theodore Hardy

In the images, Gabby and Ian looked every inch the proud new parents as they showed off their bundle of joy

A Current Affair host Allison Langdon wrote: 'He is perfection, babe. Well done guys. Hope you're feeling ok. That smile xx.'

Studio 10 host Angela Bishop said: 'Congratulations and welcome Billy! What a smile!'

Meanwhile, Nine News Perth reporter Tracy Vo added: 'Beautiful! Hello, Billy. Congratulations, gorgeous.'

Fellow journalist Charlotte Goodlet rounded out the gushing messages with: 'Oh what an absolutely delicious bundle. Congratulations, Gab. Sending you big hugs.'
Masterchef: The Professionals

Rating:

Ukraine's Stolen Children

Rating:

The French gourmet and wine connoisseur Andre Simon had a theory about the British and food. We never learned to appreciate it, he said, because forks weren't introduced until the reign of James I.

Diplomat and wartime MP Harold Nicolson had a different idea. While the British working man has a highly sensitive palate that can instantly tell if a pint of beer isn't quite right, he doesn't care about haute cuisine because he's generally just ravenous.

A chap who has worked up a vigorous appetite will have no truck with cordon bleu, Harold believed: 'It was only when appetites became jaded that the art of cooking began.'

Gregg Wallace took one look at chef Himanshu's (pictured) lamb and declared, 'That is not cooked anywhere near enough for me. I would send it back, I'm afraid.' Himanshu appeared on the verge of tears

Apart from the fare, the chief problem with MasterChef: The Professionals is its monotonous format. Pictured, Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace

This was why fancy cooking was the delight of decadent peoples, like the Ancient Romans... or the French.

If that's true, we must be a decadent lot today. MasterChef: The Professionals (BBC1) took the basics of good plain cooking  a lamb chop, a piece of mackerel, a turnip  and turned them into dishes of farcical fussiness.

Judge Monica Galetti, returning to the show, showed us for the first challenge how she wanted to see the contestants filleting a flat fish, and then drizzled it in a bizarre concoction of coconut milk and alcohol.

On the plate, it looked less like a fish supper, more like something out of a Christmas cracker.

Apart from the fare, the chief problem with MasterChef: The Professionals is its monotonous format.

We see one of the judges, either Monica or Marcus Wareing, demonstrate a dish.

Then one candidate after another tries to replicate it, until it's about as appetising as beans on toast every night of the week.

The show has none of the fun, flair or silliness of its Channel 4 rival, Bake Off: The Professionals.

In the second round, preparing a 'signature dish', one young chef from a Highlands hotel served up a sort of Chinese spring roll that was in fact a 'crispy haggis', followed by a whisky panna cotta.

Teenagers rounded up in the occupied cities of Mariupol and Kherson last year were sent to 'holiday camps' in Crimea to be fattened up for a few weeks. Pictured, 14-year-old Danil with his mother Alla in ITV1's Ukraine's Stolen Children

This heartbreaking film followed a handful of brave, desperate mothers who risked their lives by venturing into Russia and demanding their children back. Pictured, Olga Hurulya travels to Russia in search of her godson Denis Shahida

Another presented a version of a traditional Swedish recipe with boiled eggs, potatoes and pickled herring, called Old Man's Mix, and ended up with (wait for it) 'salad cream flavoured herring sauce'.

Given that it all looks dubious, bordering on inedible, the judges have harsh standards.

Gregg Wallace took one look at chef Himanshu's lamb and declared, 'That is not cooked anywhere near enough for me. I would send it back, I'm afraid.'

Himanshu appeared on the verge of tears. I hope someone took him to one side afterwards and assured him that, in an ordinary cafe, and not some ludicrously expensive bistro with Michelin pretensions, there was nothing wrong with his lamb chop that a shovelful of chips and half a pint of Bisto couldn't fix.

Good plain cooking and lots of it was one of the ploys used by Russia to stage a propaganda coup, revealed in the war documentary Ukraine's Stolen Children (ITV1).

Teenagers rounded up in the occupied cities of Mariupol and Kherson last year were sent to 'holiday camps' in Crimea to be fattened up for a few weeks.

Then they were urged to turn their backs on their families, and forced to appear in videos for social media, telling the world how grateful they were to the invaders and Vladimir Putin.

Many were promised homes and money to stay  and told lies that, if they returned to their homes in Ukraine, they would be shot as traitors.

This heartbreaking film followed a handful of brave, desperate mothers who risked their lives by venturing into Russia and demanding their children back. So far, fewer than 400 have been returned.
Alison Hammond responded to a fan who accused her of wearing a Rolex on This Morning on Monday amid the cost of living crisis.

The presenter, 48, took to Twitter to respond to the concerned viewer as she told them that the jewellery was actually a watch her late mother had bought her.

The person had penned: 'I love watching @AlisonHammond but with the cost of living affecting us all, I find it uncomfortable seeing her wearing, what looks like a Rolex.'

However, Alison quickly quipped: 'I wish!!

'It's actually a Micheal Kors Watch my late mum bought me and it cost her 185 of her hard earned money . It means more to me than any Rolex . Sorry you felt uncomfortable.'

Having her say: Alison Hammond responded to a fan who accused her of wearing a Rolex on This Morning on Monday amid the cost of living crisis

Truth: The presenter, 48, took to Twitter to respond to the concerned viewer as she told them that the jewellery was actually a watch her late mother had bought her

Alison's beloved mother Maria, who was from Guyana, tragically died in January 2020 from lung and liver cancer.

Fans were quick to defend Alison with some claiming she didn't need to 'justify' herself.

One person replied: 'I don't get these posts. Alison didn't have to explain to anyone. If she had been wearing a Rolex what business is it of yours. Alison works very hard and she can wear what she likes. Is it jealousy?'

Another added: 'Cost of living or not don't apologise my darling even if you had bought a Rolex what you do with your hard earned cash is up to you but what a lovely gift to have from your mum I wish I had a keepsake to treasure from my mum but i have memories.'

It comes after Dermot O'Leary came close to revealing rather more about his personal life than he wanted to during Monday's edition of This Morning.

The presenter was put on the spot after co-host Alison made a cheeky quip following a segment about Britain's looming bed bug crisis.

On hand to discuss the dramatic rise in infestations across the United Kingdom, Hammond was quick to respond after Dermot - who is married to Danish producer Dee Koppang - complained about the prospect of being bitten by the critters while in bed.

'Maybe it's your wife... you never know,' she joked. Recovering quickly, he replied: 'Have you been talking to her?'

Comments: The person had penned: 'I love watching @AlisonHammond but with the cost of living affecting us all, I find it uncomfortable seeing her wearing, what looks like a Rolex'

Banter: It comes after Dermot O'Leary came close to revealing rather more about his personal life than he wanted to during Monday's edition of This Morning

Their exchange lightened the mood after viewers slammed the show for bringing sniffer dogs better used to rooting out illegal substances onto the studio floor in search of potential bed bugs.

Taking to X, one disgruntled fan wrote: 'Normally, dogs can detect drugs, but bed bugs! WTH?'

Echoing that sentiment, a second joked: 'No drugs here Mr officer it's just bed bugs.'

While a third, sharing a meme that suggested show producers had lost their minds, added: 'Sniffer dogs to find bed bugs!'

Alison appeared to be getting her own back on Dermot after he made her tell This Morning viewers what she really did with a found 20 note after pretending she gave it to charity.

The presenters were hosing a segment about unexpected moments of happiness during Friday's show when Alison claimed she had found a 20 note on the ground and immediately donated it to charity, but it turned out that wasn't the whole truth.

She said: 'I was walking, I looked at the floor and I was like 'That looks like a 20 note'. It was. I picked it up and I donated it to charity.'

The former X Factor presenter looked suspiciously at his co-host on the ITV1 daytime show, as he spilled the real facts to viewers at home.

'She went to the charity shop and she bought a handbag for 15. For charity. And she kept the 5,' he said.

Awkward: The presenter was put on the spot after co-host Alison made a cheeky quip following a segment about Britain's looming bed bug crisis

Light-hearted: After O'Leary complained about the prospect of being bitten by the critters while in bed, Hammond joked, 'Maybe it's your wife... you never know'

Alison confirmed the allegations were true and confessed that after spending 15 in a charity shop, she spent the change elsewhere, adding: 'And I did buy some sweets with that...'

Alison has been a mainstay on the programme since first finding fame on Big Brother in 2002.

She fronted the competition segments for more than a decade and then began to interview Hollywood superstars like Britney Spears and The Rock for the programme.

But since the departure of regular Friday hosts Ruth Langsford and Eammonn Holmes in 2021, she and O'Leary have become regular presenters on the series, along with Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle.
Rachel Stevens has announced she is releasing a tell-all memoir after her former bandmate Hannah Spearritt penned her own book.

The S Club star, 45, took to Instagram on Monday to confirm that her book, titled Finding My Voice, will be released next year.

Rachel - who split from her husband Alex Bourne last year - described her first ever book as a 'personal project' as she revealed the news amid S Club's reunion tour.

It comes after her bandmate Hannah, 42, decided not to join S Club on their tour and admitted she doesn't know if she will ever sing with the band again.

Hannah has also penned a memoir, titled Facing the Music, after leaving the band and is also set to appear on Dancing On Ice next year.

Candid: Rachel Stevens has announced she is releasing a tell-all memoir after her former bandmate Hannah Spearritt penned her own book (pictured last week)

Divided: It comes after her bandmate Hannah, 42, decided not to join S Club on their tour and admitted she doesn't know if she will ever sing with the band again (pictured in 2022)

Now, Rachel has shared a picture of her own book's draft cover and teased that there is 'so much' that she hasn't had the confidence to share before now.

She wrote: 'Hi everyone. I am SO excited to finally announce that behind the scenes, I've been working on a brand new, very personal project I've written my first-ever book!

'FINDING MY VOICE: A Story of Strength, Self-Belief and S Club 7 will publish on the 25th April next year.

'There's so much I haven't had the confidence to share before now. I can't wait to let you in and share my story with you all. You can pre order now using the link in my bio.'

It comes after Rachel announced her split from her husband Alex in July 2022 after almost 13 years of marriage.

She made the announcement on Instagram, writing: 'I just wanted to share with you all that after time and consideration the difficult decision has been made for Alex and I to separate.

'While we are no longer partners in marriage, we will remain partners in parenthood to our beautiful girls and continue with love and respect for each other.

'I feel so incredibly grateful for the life we built together and will now continue to be focused on moving forward united as a family.'

Exciting: The S Club star, 45, took to Instagram on Monday to confirm that her book, titled Finding My Voice, will be released next year

Personal: Rachel shared a picture of her own book's draft cover and teased that there is 'so much' that she hasn't had the confidence to share before now

The couple previously dated as children, before reconnecting in their late 20s and rekindling their relationship.

They tied the knot at Claridge's in London in 2009, walking down the aisle to S Club 7's hit Never Had A Dream Come True, with all six of Rachel's bandmates there to watch them say 'I do'.

Rachel and Alex share two children, Amelie, 12, and Minnie, nine.

Rachel's book announcement comes after Hannah admitted she doesn't know if she will ever sing with S Club again after quitting the reunion tour following Paul Cattermole's death.

She left the newly-reunited band's tour in May just weeks after her bandmate and ex-boyfriend Paul tragically died.

Paul was found dead at the age of 46 on April 6 at his home in Dorset, with no suspicious circumstances around his sudden death.

Hannah told how 'everything' changed for her after Paul's death and gave her time to reflect on whether rejoining the band was the right thing to do.

She admitted she doesn't know if she will ever rejoin S Club on stage again after leaving the newly-reunited band's tour.

Separation: It comes after Rachel announced her split from her husband Alex Bourne in July 2022 after almost 13 years of marriage (pictured in 2017)

Childhood sweethearts: The couple previously dated as children, before reconnecting in their late 20s and rekindling their relationship

Family: They tied the knot at Claridge's in London in 2009 and went on to welcome two children, Amelie, 12, and Minnie, nine (both pictured)

Hannah told The Sun: 'Will I ever perform with them again? I just don't know, I'm glad that the tour is still going ahead and the songs will live on, but now I'm looking forward, not backwards.'

She also revealed that she had been having 'crippling panic attacks' before quitting the tour as she spoke about how her health had been suffering at the time.

'I hadn't been in the best of health  I've got a compromised immune system and stress makes it worse,' she went on.

'My body just couldn't cope with everything that was happening. I wasn't myself, I was getting these crippling panic attacks, was suffering from really bad vertigo and was tired all the time.'

Hannah said her health was affecting her children - Tea, four, and Tora, two, who she shares with Adam Thomas - because she had no energy to do anything with them.

She explained that after Paul's death, she realised she couldn't rejoin S Club for the tour, admitting 'it just didn't feel right'.

Hannah apologised to S Club's fans for not deciding to leave but said she had to do what was best for herself and her family.

Her bandmates Rachel, Jon Lee, 41, Bradley McIntosh, 42, Jo O'Meara, 44, and Tina Barrett, 47, kicked off the S Club tour - which is dedicated to Paul - on October 12.

Grieving: Rachel's book announcement comes after Hannah admitted she doesn't know if she will ever sing with S Club again after quitting the reunion tour following Paul Cattermole's death (pictured with Rachel, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett)

Tragic: Paul was found dead at the age of 46 on April 6 at his home in Dorset, with no suspicious circumstances around his sudden death

Family: Hannah said she had been having panic attacks before quitting the tour, and her health was affecting her children - Tea, four, and Tora, two, who she shares with Adam Thomas (pictured)

Hannah claimed she hasn't been in touch with her former bandmates since she left the band, admitting she is sad not to be but insisted she wishes them 'all the best'.

Looking towards the future, Hannah is now joining the line-up of Dancing On Ice and is gearing up for the release of her book Facing the Music next week.

Hannah's bandmates confirmed her departure in a video on social media where they also paid tribute to Paul after his death.

Referring to Hannah's absence in the video, Jon continued: 'You've probably already noticed there's only five of us here today and although Hannah will always be a part of S Club 7, she won't be joining us on this tour.

'We wish her all the best for the future. However, the five of us are geared up and ready to crack on. It's going to be our tribute to Paul.

'So we are actually renaming the tour The Good Times Tour, which is the song that Paul was going to sing.'

Hannah and Paul dated from 2001 before splitting in 2006, with the pair rekindling their romance in 2015 before finally going their separate ways just months later.

S Club 7 had announced in February this year that they would be embarking on a reunion tour in October to mark their 25th anniversary as a band.

Marching on: Her bandmates Rachel, Jon Lee, 41, Bradley McIntosh, 42, Jo O'Meara, 44, and Tina Barrett, 47, kicked off the S Club tour - which is dedicated to Paul - on October 12 (pictured last weekend)

Plans: Looking towards the future, Hannah is now joining the line-up of Dancing On Ice and is also gearing up for the release of her book Facing the Music next week
Katie Piper met with the government's Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines on Monday to discuss the awful nature of acid attacks and how people can be protected.

Television star Katie, 40, suffered major injuries and blindness in one eye after she was attacked with acid by her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch and accomplice Stefan Sylvestre in 2008.

Mother-of-two Katie, who had been dating Daniel for just two weeks, was brutally raped by the steroid-fuelled martial arts expert in a hotel room when she tried to leave their relationship in March that year.

He then obsessively stalked her before ordering then 19-year-old Stefan to throw sulphuric acid on her face, leaving her with severe burns and in need of 400 operations.

Philanthropist Katie has tirelessly campaigned to keep the topic of such attacks in the forefront of the minds of the public and officials since her horrific experience, this week meeting with members of the government, police, charities and retailers to discuss what action can be taken to prevent corrosive attacks.

Hope: Katie Piper, 40, met with the government's Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines on Monday to discuss the awful nature of acid attacks and how people can be protected

Awful: Television star Katie suffered major injuries and blindness in one eye after she was attacked with acid by her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch and accomplice Stefan Sylvestre in 2008 (Stefan pictured)

She said: 'Today was about progress, prevention and proactive conversation.

'Over the past couple of years I have worked tirelessly to keep this topic on the Government agenda.

'This is a very serious issue and statistics show violent crime using acid is increasing at an alarming and disturbing rate.

'Reducing accessibility and the sale of corrosive substances is absolutely crucial to reducing acid attacks, and the resulting horrendous impact it has on victims.

'Retailers, associations and delivery gateways all have a colossal duty and responsibility to help us in our aims.

'I remain absolutely determined in my mission for change  today for accessibility, but tomorrow also for sentencing, legislation, funding and increased regulation.'

Minister for Safeguarding, Sarah Dines said: 'Acid attacks devastate lives and leave victims with both emotional and physical scars and our thoughts remain with all the survivors and their families.

'The Government is committed to doing all we can to prevent acid and other corrosive substances being used as weapons, and to ensure strong punishments for those who do so.

Horrific: Katie, who had been dating Daniel for just two weeks, was brutally raped by the steroid-fuelled martial arts expert in a hotel room when she tried to leave their relationship (Daniel pictured)

Important work: Katie met with the government's Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines and acid attack survivor Andreas Christopheros at the event

'We have already introduced the measures within the Offensive Weapons Act which makes it an offence to carry these substances in public, to ensure the cowards who use acids as weapons face the full force of the law, and also ban the sale of acid and other corrosives to under-18s and the delivery of such substances to residential premises and lockers to restrict the availability and prevent their misuse.

'We know that legislation alone will not prevent attacks, which is why conversations such as todays are so important.'

Katie's ex Daniel was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years for the violence inflicted on Katie when she was just 24 years old.

Last month, it emerged Daniel could be released from prison after completing his minimum term of 16 years.

Daniel received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years after being convicted of rape, GBH and ABH at Wood Green Crown Court in 2009.

His co-conspirator, Stefan, who threw the acid at Katie, admitted GBH and was given a life sentence with a minimum term of six years.

He was released in 2018 but was recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions. Police have since said they believe he has fled the country.

Passing sentence against the pair, Judge Nicholas Browne QC said: '(The victim) had a face of pure beauty. You, Danny Lynch and Stefan Sylvestre, represent the face of pure evil. The facts of this case are chilling and shocking.

'You planned and then executed an act of pure, calculated and deliberate evil.

Traumatic: Katie Piper (pictured left in 2009 and right in 2022) was left with horrific injuries after Stefan Sylvestre, then 19, threw acid at her in 2008

'You decided to wreck the victim's life by thrusting a full container of sulphuric acid straight into her face from point- blank range.'

Katie was attacked in Golders Green, north London, in 2008.

She had dated Daniel briefly before the steroid-fuelled martial arts fan, who had a previous conviction for pouring boiling water over a man, became obsessively jealous.

Model and TV presenter Katie had to wear a mask after the attack and needed 400 operations to treat her severe burns in a long and painstaking process which included pioneering surgery which completely removed the damaged skin from her face and replaced it with a substitute.
John Stamos showed his appreciation for construction workers when he snapped a photo with a group of them in New York City on Monday.

The 60-year-old Full House star was pictured taking a moment out of his whirlwind book tour to share a selfie with a crew working in Midtown Manhattan.

He appeared to be heading to his appearance that morning on Live with Kelly And Mark, as he wore the same suit he appeared in.

His selfie was a lighter moment amid new revelations he shared in his book and interviews about his history of being sexually abused as a child and discovering an ex-girlfriend's alleged infidelity with Tony Danza.

John contrasted the construction workers' reflective safety vests and hard hats with a lustrous teal suit.

Having a blast: John Stamos, 60, flashed a smile and a peace sign as he posed with construction workers for a selfie before appearing on Live With Kelly And Mark in Manhattan

The striking suit featured wide peaked lapels, and he paired it with a white shirt that he wore without a tie.

Stamos also skipped a belt and had on a pair of black leather Chelsea boots.

In addition to snapping a selfie with the construction workers, the actor proved himself to be gracious toward his fans by stopping to sign some autographs and memorabilia outside the studio.

During his appearance, John ribbed hosts Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos by joking that he was 'tired of reading about you guys having sex all the time.'

'Every time  where we had it, secret places  you played dead?' He said to laughter from the studio audience.

Kelly tried to defend herself and her husband, saying that any story they report involving sex adds to the perception of them being overly focused on their sex lives.

John continued, joking that Mark was 'making us look bad, all us men across the United States.'

'Oh really, thank you, John thats a big compliment from you,' Mark replied, alluding to the occasional Beach Boys collaborator's playboy reputation.

Gracious: The Full House star also stopped to sign autographs and memorabilia from fans

Dressed to the nines: He looked dapper and stylish in a lustrous teal suit

Coming soon: He paired it with black Chelsea boots and went tie-free. He has been promoting his new memoir, which will be released on Tuesday, October 24

Ironically, Stamos wrote in his new memoir, titled If You Would Have Told Me, that he felt constrained by his image as a ladies' man.

Part of the reputation was set in motion by the first episode of Full House, which introduced him with an anecdote about a one-night stand.

'I'm lonely, but never alone. In a sober state, I'd have the pride, morals, and values to avoid the proverbial low-hanging fruit. But what fun is that?' Stamos mused in an excerpt from People.

'Plus, I have an image to uphold. The "bon vivant" character, the c**ksman, the ladies' man with a revolving bedroom door.

'I can't go on my friend Howard Stern's show without him salivating over girls he thinks I slept with,' he added. 'Or Jimmy Kimmel, another pal, who never misses the opportunity to paint me as the ultimate playboy.

'And who could blame them? I play into it 100 percent.'

Stamos added that the perception was 'flattering,' but said it could come at the 'expense of my own happiness.'

Elsewhere in the book, she shared the painful memories of being sexually abused by his babysitter as a child.

Although he doesn't appear to have shared too many explicit details, at least according to an excerpt from People, Stamos wrote that his former babysitter abused him when he was '10 or 11.'

Difficult stories: The book includes revelations about how he was allegedly sexually abused when he was just '10 or 11' by his babysitter

Doing the circuit: Stamos, who ribbed Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos about their on-air tales of their sexual escapades, also made an appearance on Good Morning America

He added that he 'packed away' his trauma from the abuse, avoiding talking about it completely throughout the subsequent five decades.

It wasn't until he began work on his new memoir that he considered sharing what had happened to him.

In the book, he recounted how he would 'play dead' in hopes of ending the abusive sessions, and he shared how he felt conflicted at the time, because the sexual assaults were not 'totally aggressive' in his estimation, but he also clarified that they were 'not good.'

Stamos' memoir If You Would Have Told Me hits shelves on Tuesday, October 24.
Her famous ex Pete Davidson has already started a new relationship with Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline.

And now Chase Sui Wonders looks as if she might have moved on herself after getting handsy with Stranger Things star Joe Keery in New York City.

The 27-year-old Bodies Bodies Bodies actress and the 31-year-old actor and musician were spotted walking arm in arm in the city on Sunday, with Chase holding tightly onto Joe's arm  and even playfully squeezing his backside.

She could be seen locking arms with him at various points and gazing up at his face with a soft smile.

At another point, the two screen stars both beamed as they seemingly posed for a joint selfie.

New couple: Pete Davidson's ex Chase Sui Wonders, 27, and Stranger Things star Joe Keery set romance rumors rumors flying after they were seen on an affectionate walk in NYC on Sunday

Handsy: Chase couldn't keep her hands of Joe, 31, and she was seen giving his backside a playful squeeze

Splitting up: The meet up comes two months after Chase split from Pete, and after Joe apparently broke up with actress Maika Monroe

Both were dressed casually, and they bundled up in layers on the chilly day in the Big Apple.

Chase looked cozy in a black down jacket styled with a quilted design, which she kept zipped up.

She paired the jacket with blue jeans and black suede boots with tall heels, and she covered her brunette tresses with a plain gray scarf.

The On The Rocks actress accessorized with a shiny black handbag slung over her arm, and she covered up with a set of stylish slim black Persol sunglasses, which she wore oddly perched on the outside of her scarf.

Joe, who carried a plastic shopping bag in one hand, looked ready for autumn with his pale green, pink and blue striped sweater, along with charcoal jeans.

He complemented Chase's boots with his own black leather pair, and he stayed warm with a navy blue blazer that he wore with the collar popped.

The Free Guy actor covered his shaggy brown hair with a black toque, and he wore chunky brown sunglasses that contrasted with his companion's.

Joe seemed to be in high spirits and flashed a smile as Chase alternated between wrapping her arms around one of his and resting a hand on his shoulder affectionately.

Cozy: Both were dressed casually, and they bundled up in layers on the chilly day in the Big Apple

Back in black: Chase looked cozy in a black down jacket styled with a quilted design, which she kept zipped up

Casual: She paired the jacket with blue jeans and black suede boots with tall heels, and she covered her brunette tresses with a plain gray scarf

Covered up: accessorized with a shiny black handbag slung over her arm, and she covered up with a set of stylish slim black sunglasses, which she wore oddly perched on the outside of her scarf

Mr. Autumn: Joe, who carried a plastic shopping bag in one hand, looked ready for fall with his pale green, pink and blue striped sweater, along with charcoal jeans

Chase's apparent new romance comes almost exactly two months after reports that she and Pete Davidson had gone their separate aways after dating since December 2022.

The former lovebirds previously met on the set of their acclaimed horror-comedy Bodies Bodies Bodies, which is about a group of friends from privileged backgrounds who wait out a hurricane while partying at a mansion  until they start to die one by one under suspicious circumstances.

An insider said there was 'no bad blood or any hard feelings between them,' according to Us Weekly.

After making several public appearances at sporting events, they reunited on a professional level when Chase appeared as Pete's onoff girlfriend is his semi-autobiographical Peacock series Bupkis.

Although the couple kept their comments about their relationship to a minimum, Chase spoke briefly about Pete and their relationship to Nylon in May.

'We talk about everything, and we are very open with each other about everything, and it feels like whats happening in our relationship is very sacred,' she said.

But things hit a bump in the road when Pete crashed his car into the side of a home in Beverly Hills in June  with Chase in the passenger seat.

He was sentenced to do community service and complete a traffic school program, and later that month he also checked into a rehab program for mental health issues.

Joe was most recently with actress Maika Monroe, best known for starring in the acclaimed horror film It Follows.

The two began their relationship in 2017, and they appeared together in the film After Everything, which was shot the same year but released in 2017.

Cute: Joe seemed to be in high spirits and flashed a smile as Chase alternated between wrapping her arms around one of his and resting a hand on his shoulder affectionately  when she wasn't squeezing his butt

Smile! At another point, the two screen stars both beamed as they seemingly posed for a joint selfie

His ex: Joe was most recently with actress Maika Monroe, best known for starring in the acclaimed horror film It Follows. The two began their relationship in 2017

Getting close? Rumors that Joe and Chase are dating have been spreading on social media in recent weeks, possibly due to anonymous items in the gossip blog DeuxMoi about the two being seen looking affectionate

That's all she wrote: Chase's apparent new romance comes almost exactly two months after reports that she and Pete Davidson had gone their separate aways after dating since December 2022; seen in February in Daytona Beach, Florida

The couple met while filming Bodies Bodies Bodies and began dating in December, but the split a few months after Pete crashed into a house in Beverly Hills and went to rehab

A complicated web: Joe's split from Maika was seemingly confirmed this month when she was seen kissing Pete Davidson's ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande's ex-husband Dalton Gomez; seen in 2020 in Paris

Although they continued to get closer than ever in subsequent years, the red carpet appearances and public sightings appeared to dry up completely after March of 2022, leading fans to speculate that the two had called it quits.

The split was seemingly confirmed earlier this month with a surprising connection to Pete Davidson, as Maika was pictured kissing his ex-girlfriend and former fiancee Ariana Grande's ex-husband Dalton Gomez, shortly after he finalized his divorce from the pop princess.

Although his outing on Sunday set off major speculation that Joe is dating Chase, there appear to have been rumblings among their fans.

A two-week old comment on a three-week old post from Chase' Instagram asks her if she is dating Joe, and anonymous tips to the gossip blog DeuxMoi have claimed that the two were seen looking affectionate together in public in recent weeks.
Dylan Penn turned heads at the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation charity event on Monday in a very racy dress.

The 32-year-old actress showed off her incredible figure in a black halter dress with very low cut-outs on her backside to imitate a thong silhouette.

For the star-studded affair at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, she donned black patent leather shoes and opted for an understated look.

The model  whose father, 63, was spotted putting on a loving display with his 43-year-old girlfriend Olga Korotyayeva  looked effortlessly stylish with her brunette tresses thrown up in a messy bun.

The daughter of actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright opted for a minimal look to highlight her chic, sexy dress as she donned delicate hoop earrings.

Dazzling: Dylan Penn, 32, looked stunning at the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation charity event on Monday

Sexy cutouts: The actress and model showed off her incredible figure in a black halter dress with very low cut-outs on her backside to imitate a racy thong silhouette

She also donned a slim bangle bracelet as well as a couple of delicate, gold rings.

For makeup, she opted for a radiant and glowing look featuring a peachy blush and a mauve pink lip.

She is the eldest of two children shared by the former Hollywood power couple.

Sean and Robin  who were married from 1996 to 2010  are the parents of Dylan and Hopper Jack Penn, 30.

Both Dylan and her brother Hopper have gone on to become actors and they even starred alongside their father in the 2021 drama Flag Day.

Most recently, Dylan starred in 2022 film Signs of Love opposite Hopper.

In August 2021, the father-daughter duo spoke with Variety about the 'intensity' of working with one another.

Sean revealed that when he first read the script that he knew his daughter needed to play the starring role.

Effortlessly stylish: For the star-studded affair at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, she donned black patent leather shoes and opted for an understated look

Chic: She looked effortlessly stylish with her brunette tresses thrown up in a messy bun

Natural beauty: For makeup, she opted for a radiant and glowing look featuring a peachy blush and a mauve pink lip

'Rarely have I ever had an actor's face dominate what I was reading on the first read of the script,' he said. 'And Dylan's face was imprinted on it by page 30.'

After she was casted and filmed with her father, Dylan recalled that it was an intense but 'playful' experience working with him.

'The intensity was what I expected,' Dylan said. 'But the playfulness of working with him as a director and as a co-star was really surprising and a relief at the same time.'

She added: 'Playing off of him as another actor is really easy because he gives you a lot to work with.'
Katie Holmes was among a number of stars who attended the launch of Melissa DeRosa's new book at Hotel Chelsea, in New York City, on Monday.

The Batman star, 44, was stylish as ever in a sleeveless deconstructed trench coat dress with pleats.

The actress accessorized with black heels and a matching purse, and rocked bangs for the outing, as she supported DeRosa, who served as secretary to the former Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, from 2017 until 2021.

As for glam, the ex-wife of Tom Cruise opted for a dark lipstick and a touch of blush.

Also celebrating the release of the memoir, titled 'What's Left Unsaid', was Alec Baldwin, 65, and his wife Hilaria, 39.

Memoir: Katie Holmes (L) was among a number of stars who attended the launch of Melissa DeRosa's (R) new book at Hotel Chelsea, in New York City, on Monday

Star-studded: Also celebrating the release of the memoir, titled 'What's Left Unsaid', was Alec Baldwin, 65, and his wife Hilaria, 39

The mom-of-seven looked chic in an oversized black coat over a cream top, which she paired with wide-leg slacks and black heels.

The Boston-born yoga instructor wore her brunette strands in a straight style for the evening.

She accentuated her features with dramatic eyelashes and a touch of pink lipstick.

Meanwhile Alec - who recently learned that he might face additional charges in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the film Rust on October 21, 2021 - was dapper in a black jacket, black pants and matching sneakers.

At the event Holmes was seen mingling with the author, who looked vibrant in a hot pink silk dress.

Melissa wore her brunette tresses lightly curled.

The duo were also spotted with Jane Rosenthal, 67, who looked smart in a black blazer and matching black pants.

The film producer accessorized with sparkling silver earrings and a matching pendant.

Jane was along seen chatting it up at the event with Alec and Hilaria as well as Lesli Linka Glatter.

Tres chic: The Batman star, 44, was stylish as ever in a sleeveless deconstructed trench coat dress with pleats as she posed with Melissa and film producer Jane Rosenthal, 67

Cool gal: The actress accessorized with black heels and a matching purse, and rocked bangs for the outing

Glam: As for glam, the ex-wife of Tom Cruise opted for a dark lipstick and a touch of blush

Night out: Hilaria looked chic in an oversized black coat over a cream top, which she paired with wide-leg slacks and black heels

Mingling: The parents-of-seven were seen mingling with Jane and Lesli Linka Glatter

Dapper: Alec was dapper in a black jacket, black pants and matching sneakers

Talking politics? The actor was seen chatting with former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, 65

Dashing: The politician looked handsome in a black suit with a vibrant purple tie

Hot pink: Melissa, who served as Secretary to Cuomo from 2017 until 2021, looked vibrant in a hot pink silk dress

Smart look: Meanwhile Jane looked smart in a black blazer and matching black pants

Revelations: In her book, Melissa revealed that Cuomo was thinking of running for president in 2020 - until President Joe Biden, 80, talked him out of it

Former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, 65, was present as well. The politician looked handsome in a black suit with a vibrant purple tie.

The memoir is set to hit the bookshelves on Tuesday, October 24.

In her book, Melissa revealed that Cuomo was thinking of running for president in 2020 - until President Joe Biden, 80, talked him out of it.

She and Cuomo met with Biden in Virginia ahead of the 2020 presidential primary at the former vice president's Georgian mansion near the Potomac.

Once there they had a meeting convened by Steve Ricchetti, now counselor to president Biden, and the two appealed to Cuomo to sit out the race.

Cuomo, resigned from his post in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal but was 'privately' considering running for the White House in 2019.

He decided against the move after being persuaded by his longtime friend Biden that he was 'still young'.

The president also told him that both of them running would 'cannibalize the middle' and lead to a far left politician receiving the Democrat nomination.

Coming soon! The memoir is set to hit the bookshelves on Tuesday, October 24

Cuomo stepped down amid a probe into his behavior by New York Attorney General Letitia James and her damning report which found he had sexually harassed 11 women.

He has long maintained his innocence and claimed his resignation was to avoid an impeachment trial which would take up time and money.

Despite his close relationship to the president, Biden called for his resignation and admitted he had not read the report.

By contrast, DeRosa quit in solidarity with her former boss and has been among his most vocal supporters.
Just days after director Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon hit theaters, Reservation Dogs star Devery Jacobs blasted the film on social media.

The 30-year-old actress - who hails from the Mohawk Indian tribe from Canada - took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to share her thoughts and 'strong feelings' about the film.

The film is based on journalist/author David Grann's book that chronicles the series of murders on the Osage Nation reservation in Oklahoma in the 1920s.

Jacobs, who plays Elora on FX's Reservation Dogs, shared the film's poster at the start of the lengthy thread, which began with, 'I HAVE THOUGHTS. I HAVE STRONG FEELINGS. This film was painful, grueling, unrelenting and unnecessarily graphic. A thread.'

'Being Native, watching this movie was f***ing hellfire. Imagine the worst atrocities committed against yr ancestors, then having to sit thru a movie explicitly filled w/ them, w/ the only respite being 30min long scenes of murderous white guys talking about/planning the killings,' Jacobs added.

Devery speaks out: Just days after director Martin Scorsese 's Killers of the Flower Moon hit theaters, Reservation Dogs star Devery Jacobs blasted the film on social media

Thoughts: The 30-year-old actress - who hails from the Mohawk Indian tribe from Canada - took to X (formerly Twitter ) on Monday to share her thoughts and 'strong feelings' about the film

Hellfire: 'Being Native, watching this movie was f***ing hellfire. Imagine the worst atrocities committed against yr ancestors, then having to sit thru a movie explicitly filled w/ them, w/ the only respite being 30min long scenes of murderous white guys talking about/planning the killings,' Jacobs added

Thoughts: Jacobs, who plays Elora on FX's Reservation Dogs, shared the film's poster at the start of the lengthy thread, which began with, 'I HAVE THOUGHTS. I HAVE STRONG FEELINGS. This film was painful, grueling, unrelenting and unnecessarily graphic. A thread'

She went on to add her voice to a slew of critics praising the work of actress Lily Gladstone, who is already earning serious Oscar buzz.

'It must be noted that Lily Gladstone is a an absolute legend & carried Mollie w/ tremendous grace. All the incredible Indigenous actors were the only redeeming factors of this film. Give Lily her goddamn Oscar,' Jacobs said in another tweet.

'But while all of the performances were strong, if you look proportionally, each of the Osage characters felt painfully underwritten, while the white men were given way more courtesy and depth,' she clarified.

'Now, I can understand that Martin Scorseses technical direction is compelling & seeing $200mil on screen is a sight to behold,' she admitted.

'I get the goal of this violence is to add brutal shock value that forces people to understand the real horrors that happened to this community, BUT' she added.

'I dont feel that these very real people were shown honor or dignity in the horrific portrayal of their deaths,' Jacobs continued.

'Contrarily, I believe that by showing more murdered Native women on screen, it normalizes the violence committed against us and further dehumanizes our people,' Jacobs continued.

She added that it made her, 'stomach hurt' to see, 'the way that film nerds are celebrating and eating this s**t up.'

Lily: 'Being Native, watching this movie was f***ing hellfire. Imagine the worst atrocities committed against yr ancestors, then having to sit thru a movie explicitly filled w/ them, w/ the only respite being 30min long scenes of murderous white guys talking about/planning the killings,' Jacobs added.

Grief: 'I cant believe it needs to be said, but Indig ppl exist beyond our grief, trauma & atrocities,' Jacobs continued

RIP: 'RIP to Mollie, Anna, Minnie, Rita, & all the other very real Osage folks who were murdered over greed. Tobacco down for the countless Osage folks today, whose family histories have been marked by these atrocities. The pain is real & isnt limited to the films 3hrs and 26 mins,' she continued

Issue: 'This is the issue when non-Native directors are given the liberty to tell our stories; they center the white perspective and focus on Native peoples pain,' the actreess said

'I cant believe it needs to be said, but Indig ppl exist beyond our grief, trauma & atrocities,' Jacobs continued.

'Our pride for being Native, our languages, cultures, joy & love are way more interesting & humanizing than showing the horrors white men inflicted on us,' Jacobs added.

'This is the issue when non-Native directors are given the liberty to tell our stories; they center the white perspective and focus on Native peoples pain,' the actreess said.

'For the Osage communities involved in creating this film; I can imagine how cathartic it is to have these stories and histories finally acknowledged, especially on such a prestigious platform like this film. There was beautiful work done by so many Wazhazhe on this film,' she said.

'But admittedly, I would prefer to see a $200 million movie from an Osage filmmaker telling this history, any day of the week and Im sorry, but Scorsese choosing to end on a shot of Ilonshka dances and drumming? It doesnt absolve the film from painting Native folks as helpless victims without agency,' she said.

'RIP to Mollie, Anna, Minnie, Rita, & all the other very real Osage folks who were murdered over greed. Tobacco down for the countless Osage folks today, whose family histories have been marked by these atrocities. The pain is real & isnt limited to the films 3hrs and 26 mins,' she continued.

And a massive F**k You to the real life, white Oklahomans, who still carry and benefit from these blood-stained headrights. All in all, after 100 years of the way Indigenous communities have been portrayed in film, is this really the representation we needed? #KillersOfTheFlowerMoon' Jacobs concluded.
Real Housewives of New Jersey personality Lauren Manzo is getting divorced from spouse Vito Scalia following an eight-year marriage.

Scalia, 37, cited 'irreconcilable differences' with Manzo, 35, in divorce documents he filed in New Jersey September 5, The Sun reported on Monday.

Scalia, a restauranteur, said in court docs that he and Manzo had ongoing problems 'for a period of at least six months,' which led to 'the breakdown of their marriage.'

Scalia said in the court docs - which were served to Manzo September 29 - that it had been 'apparent that the marriage should be dissolved,' as 'there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.'

The former couple are parents to daughter Marchesa, six.

The latest: Real Housewives of New Jersey personality Lauren Manzo, 35, is getting divorced from spouse Vito Scalia, 37, following an eight-year marriage

Days after Manzo had been served with the divorce docs, The Sun reported, a lawyer representing the reality star told the court that he would represent her in regards to future legal proceedings in regards to custody and support.

Manzo's lawyer said that he was overseeing 'all financial related issues, including, without limitation, alimony, equitable distribution, and counsel fees,' the outlet reported

The Sun reported that Scalia had submit to the court a Marital Settlement Agreement this past July, ahead of the divorce filing.

Manzo, who revealed earlier this year she has lost 80 pounds, touched on the topic of her marital discord indirectly this past summer when a fan asked her on social media about where Scalia had been.

Manzo said that she was 'allowed to keep aspects of [her] life private, especially after having a child,' according to The Sun.

The Sun reported that 'it appears the former couple still lives together in Wayne, New Jersey,' as their addresses listed in divorced documents were identical.

The pair initially exchanged vows in June of 2015 at St. Cyril's Church in New York City, followed by a reception at The Brownstone Restaurant in Paterson, New Jersey.

The proceedings were filmed and broadcast on Bravo.

The pair initially exchanged vows in June of 2015 at St. Cyril's Church in New York City

Their wedding was followed by a reception at The Brownstone Restaurant in New Jersey

The former pair, pictured on Watch What Happens Live in 2015, initially crossed paths through Manzo's brother Albie, who was a classmate of Scalia's at Fordham University

The couple of eight years are parents to daughter Marchesa, six

Scalia addressed rumors of marital discord in January of 2018, telling Page Six that murmurs of a split had been 'absolutely not true.'

He subsequently said in a Facebook post: 'We just dont put our relationship on social media and people cant seem to understand that. We are perfect!!!!!!'

Scalia and Manzo initially crossed paths through Manzo's brother Albie, who was a classmate of Scalia's at Fordham University; and got engaged in November 2013.

Lauren is the daughter of former RHONJ star Caroline Manzo, and appeared on her spinoff Manzo'd with Children during its three-year run on Bravo from 2014 to 2016.
The truth of how Robert Irwin snagged one of the biggest roles on TV has come out after he was announced as co-host of Ten's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

According to a Ten insider on Tuesday, the wildlife warrior beat out big names Sam Pang, Jimmy Rees, Curtis Stone, Beau Ryan and Tristan MacManus for the role.

The network had a hard task replacing popular Dr Chris Brown, with casting impressed with Robert's natural charm in the audition.

'He had charisma and spontaneity. He was funny and he had amazing instincts,' the insider said of the masterstroke move.

'It was actually part of the original brief back when Dr Chris got the job that animal experience was required - which Robert has in spades,' the insider continued.

How Robert Irwin snagged Dr Chris Brown's I'm A Celeb job over other major TV stars, as Julia Morris' shock diva requirements for her new co-host are revealed. Both pictured

Robert's experience with exotic animals also tested well on-screen.

'The live-work in the animal parks really showed [In his audition]. Producers were saying Robert will even eclipse his father's career on television.'

Casting agents also weren't worried about the age difference between Robert, 19, and veteran host Julia Morris, 55, due to their natural chemistry.

'The age difference didn't feel weird and everyone including Julia was delighted - Robert had the maturity and the chops to match the skills needed for this role.'

A number of TV's biggest stars were auditioned for the highly-coveted role including Logies' host Sam Pang, who politely declined the TV gig.

Despite being considered a frontrunner for the role, Logies' host Sam Pang turned it down after auditioning for it, claiming it wasn't for him. Pictured at this year's Logies

Comedian Jimmy Rees was suggested but proved not strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside co-host, Julia Morris. Pictured

Comedian Jimmy Rees was suggested but proved not strong enough to take on the enormous role alongside Julia.

Two screen tests also didn't bode well including with Studio Ten's Tristan MacManus and Beau Ryan, both of whom didn't have the chemistry alongside Julia.

Beloved TV chef Curtis Stone was also flown into Australia to test for the role. I'm A Celeb alum, Miguel Maestre, also auditioned as a possible presenter.

Rumours have been circulating that Julia asked for co-host approval after she found out that Dr Chris was leaving the show.

'Julia was quick to add co-host approval to her contract as soon as she heard whispers Dr Chris Brown was out,' the insider claimed.

Two screen tests also didn't bode well including with Studio Ten's Tristan MacManus and Beau Ryan, both didn't have the chemistry alongside Julia. Pictured: Beau Ryan

Beloved TV chef Curtis Stone was flown to Australia to audition for the role, but it didn't eventuate. Pictured

'Which was smart as she joined the network in not signing off on any of the men she had tested against,' they added.

Julia also won't be making any suggestive comments about Robert, as everyone knows that will not be looked upon unfavorably.

A stylist was also reportedly brought in to match the co-presenters blonde tresses for the Ten Upfronts photo shoot.

Ten made the shock announcement that Robert would be co-hosting the show on Tuesday, as part of their annual Upfronts.

Speaking to the Herald Sun about the new role, Robert couldn't contain his excitement.

It is believed Julia wanted co-host approval for the show after learning Dr Chris Brown would be out. Pictured: Robert and Julia

A stylist was also reportedly brought in to match the co-presenters blonde tresses for the Ten Upfronts photo shoot. Here on the promotional material for Upfronts

'This just feels like it was meant to be,' he told the publication.

It isn't the first time Robert has appeared in the jungle.

In 2016, the photographer appeared as a guest on the show alongside his mum, Terri, and sister Bindi.

He admitted he's been a 'massive fan of the show' every since.

'I was knee-high to a grasshopper and had the bowl cut,' he recalled.

'I loved so much getting to do that show.'
Model Chelsea Becirevic is set for WAG stardom.

The girlfriend of Ivan Soldo will soon follow in the footsteps of big names like Rebecca Judd and Nadia Bartel as her public profile continues to rise.

The 23-year-old blonde bombshell already boasts a respectable 64,000 Instagram followers.

Glamourous Chelsea ensured all eyes were on her when she appeared in a plunging silver gown which flaunted her trim pins at Richmond's Best and Fairest this year.

Proving she is both brains and beauty, Chelsea is turning that public attention into becoming a success influencer online.

Meet AFL WAG and model Chelsea Becirevic, 23, (pictured) who is quickly becoming a huge star in her own right, and is tipped to become the next WAG superstar

She also works in marketing for a bridal company and will return to study biomedical science next year.

A major star on TikTok, Chelsea shares clips of herself in high-cut bikinis in clips that get thousands of views.

Chelsea met Ivan two years ago after moving from The Gold Coast to Melbourne, according to The Advertiser.

Her Richmond player beau, Ivan, will now move to Adelaide as his own career goes from strength-to-strength.

The girlfriend of Ivan Soldo is set to follow in the footsteps of big names like Rebecca Judd and Nadia Bartel, as her public profile continues to rise. Pictured: Ivan Soldo

A move which will see her follow him to South Australia.

'I am excited to say I will now be joining him in Adelaide for his career with Port,' she told Adelaide Now.

AFL fans will know many wives and girlfriend of AFL stars have make successful careers of their own in the modelling space.

Bec Judd owns activewear brand Jaggad along with a multitude of endorsement deals across Melbourne and nationwide.

Proving she is both brains and beauty, Chelsea is turning the public attention into becoming a success influencer online

Chelsea also works in marketing for a bridal company and return to study biomedical science next year. She has confirmed she will follow Ivan to Adelaide

Nadia Bartel, the ex-wife of Jimmy Bartel, launched much praised-brand Henne after gaining a huge public profile.

Rebecca has spoken many times about capturing the public's attention in a plunging red Tarvydas dress on the arm of Chris Judd at the 2004 Brownlow.

Speaking to the Herald Sun at the time, Rebecca said of the look: 'I really didn't think it would grab that much attention, but I got hounded on the red carpet.

'Everyone wanted an interview and pictures.'
Melissa Leong has addressed the 'negativity' around her exit from MasterChef Australia.

Her departure from the cooking show was announced on Monday - just a day before Channel Ten is set to unveil its 2024 programming slate at its Upfronts presentation.

Leong remains part of the Ten family and will be presenting Dessert Masters, a MasterChef spin-off series, alongside Swiss-French pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon.

On Tuesday, the 40-year-old shared a lengthy caption to Instagram in which she insisted she was happy with the direction her career is taking.

'I want to express my gratitude for the overwhelming support this past day, in sharing the news that I am shifting gears and making space in my life for a delicious new chapter' she wrote.

Melissa Leong (pictured) has addressed the 'negativity' around her exit from MasterChef Australia

'I get that there is going to be a bit of confusion and chaos about the 'why' of it all right now' Melissa continued.

'I'm here and happy to clear that up, because negative tropes draped around women who achieve something is boring, and frankly we are all better than that.

'This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved, to expand. To put it plainly, I'm very fortunate to continue to be a key part of @masterchefau, yet have the space to evolve my career.

'In effect, I get to have my cake and eat it too and what could be better than that?!' she concluded.

On Tuesday, the 40-year-old shared a lengthy caption to Instagram in which she insisted she was happy with the direction her career is taking

'This is a shift I embrace with joy. One that allows everyone involved, to expand' Melissa wrote. She is pictured left with Andy Allen and the late Jock Zonfrillo

Melissa earlier maintained that she left the program 'on my terms' following a 'magical' four-year tenure.

The upcoming season will see the introduction of three new judges: series alum Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin.

The trio of newcomers will be joined by returning host Andy Allen.

A network spokesperson told the Australian Financial Review Leong's exit was down to scheduling and she 'remains a key member of the MasterChef family'.

'Next year, MasterChef Australia and Dessert Masters will air back-to-back. Therefore each show needs its own distinct style and personality and its own unique hosting team,' they added.

Leong said on Monday her time on MasterChef Australia had been 'truly magical'.

'My time as co-host and judge on @MasterChefAU has been a great gift. To have been given the opportunity to learn and grow - and now to be given the vote of confidence to expand and evolve the MasterChef universe is huge!' she wrote on Instagram.

Stepping into the judging chair will be MasterChef winner Poh Ling Yeow (pictured)

Michelin star chef Jean-Christophe Novelli (pictured) is also joining the cast

Food critic Sofia Levin (pictured) will be joining as a fourth judge, alongside returning star Andy Allen

'Stepping away from the main show and into #DessertMastersAU alongside the extraordinary @AmauryGuichon, is yet another sweet present indeed.

'It is with great warmth and enthusiasm that I wish this new lineup of judges and hosts all the best in making it theirs, and big love to @andyallencooks for leading the way' she continued.

'The changing of the guard is one I always planned to embrace, and I'm so glad to do that, on my terms, today.

'On top of all that joy, I am excited to share with you (soon), some other projects I've been working on behind the scenes, so watch this space!

My gratitude to our audience for all your support, can't wait for you to see the new show. Love and respect always'.

Melissa will continue to appear on Dessert Masters (pictured), another Channel Ten cooking competition which kicks off in November

Leong said on Monday that her time on MasterChef Australia was 'truly magical'

Meanwhile, Allen revealed his decision to return to MasterChef following the death of his co-star Jock Zonfrillo was not an easy one.

'After an extremely difficult year in 2023, and upon reflection, the decision to return to the series is not one I took lightly,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

'But there is something special in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, and it feels right to come back to work with the amazing production team, and to play my role in seeing the contestants do as I have done.

'2024 will be the start of a new chapter, and it will be surreal  yet brilliant  to share this moment with my fellow judges, Poh, Sofia and Jean-Christophe.'

Andy Allen (left) said on Monday that the decision to return following the death of his co-star Jock Zonfrillo was not an easy one

Ling Yeow said returning as a judge to the show that made her a household name was 'a thrilling, full-circle moment'.

'MasterChef Australia is where my food story began, so this feels like coming home,' she said.

'A big part of me will always be standing on the other side with the contestants and I hope when they look to me, they see proof you don't have to win to win.'

Ling Yeow is a fan favourite in the MasterChef family.

Poh is a fan favourite in the MasterChef family. She was the runner-up on the first season of the cooking competition in 2009 and returned in 2020 on the Back to Win edition

Melbourne-based food critic Sofia Levin is also a famous face, and recently did a stint on The Cook Up with another MasterChef star, Adam Liaw (left)

She was the runner-up on the first season of the cooking competition in 2009, and returned in 2020 for the Back to Win season, where she placed sixth.

The chef has also made guest appearances on the program over the years.

Leong and Allen joined MasterChef in late 2019, after former judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris left the show amid a pay dispute.

Leong emerged as a bona fide network star and a brand in her own right, with lucrative partnerships with Visit Victoria, QT Hotels and Perrier-Jouet champagne.

Jean-Christophe Novelli, 62, is no stranger to cooking shows. The French celebrity chef has appeared on Chef Academy, Culinary Genius and Hell's Kitchen alongside Gordon Ramsay

Casting conversations started after the tragic death of Zonfrillo earlier this year.

A source described it as a 'sombre process' with everyone involved still grieving the enigmatic Scottish chef who joined the cast alongside Leong and Allen in 2019.

Zonfrillo died in his hotel room at Zagame's House on Lygon Street in Carlton and was found by police at about 2am on Monday, May 1 - the same day Channel Ten was meant to premiere the fifteenth season of MasterChef Australia.

Police were responding to a welfare check following concerns from his wife Lauren Fried who was in Italy at the time with their son and daughter.

Casting conversations started after beloved judge Zonfrillo's tragic death in the early hours of May 1. Zonfrillo pictured on MasterChef with Leong, Allen and Gordon Ramsay

Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren, and his four children: grown-up daughters Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and six-year-old Alfie and two-year-old Isla, with Fried.

Newcomer Jean-Christophe Novelli, 62, is no stranger to television cooking shows.

The French celebrity chef has appeared on Chef Academy, Culinary Genius and Hell's Kitchen alongside Gordon Ramsay.

Melbourne-based food critic Sofia Levin is also a famous face, and recently did a stint on The Cook Up with another MasterChef star, Adam Liaw.
Ferne McCann showed off her gorgeous post-partum figure in a black and white bikini and shared a snap with her fiance Lorri Haines in the Maldives on Monday.

The former TOWIE star, 33, jetted off for a half-term break with her daughter Sunday and newborn daughter Finty, three months, and Lorri.

The reality star flashed her ample cleavage as she slipped into a plunging black bikini top and high-waisted bottoms with a white belted bow.

Captioning the stunning selfie, she wrote: 'The first time I have fully switched off in ages. Baby was sleeping. Kids was in the kids club.'

The beauty teamed her beachwear attire with a pair of gold studded earrings and a white choker necklace.

Wow: Ferne McCann, 33, showed off her gorgeous post-partum figure in a black and white bikini as she posed for an Instagram snap on Monday in the Maldives

Loved-up: The TOWIE star has jetted off with her fiance Lorri Haines on a half-term break with Ferne's daughter Sunday and their newborn Finty, three months

The beauty proudly showed off her skim figure, just three months since she gave birth to Finty on July 6.

In the doting selfie, her businessman fiance looked dapper and showed off his sun-kissed skin as he posed next to Ferne.

In another snap, Ferne was dressed in a gorgeous floral maxi dress, which detailed a plunging halter-neckline.

Their holiday shortly comes after she proudly shared with her Instagram fans that she managed to fit into a denim blazer and jeans suit again.

Popping on her jeans in a video, she said: 'The moment of truth. I'm feeling good, so it was, how many weeks that I couldn't do these up? Probably about two months isn't it, two and a half months.

'Yes! Oh my goodness, they fit like a glove. Right no, do you remember the jacket? This is a bit tight, I've had to dig this out the wardrobe. This was a bit tight around the waist.

'Well if the jeans fit. [Ferne gasps] I said I wanted to wear this at an event, I just need an event to go to now. Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. Yes!'

Ferne recently admitted she drinks her own breast milk, and has even considered 'making it into ice cream'.

Family: Ferne shared an adorable snap of her daughter Sunday, who she shares with ex Arthur Collins, and Finty, who she shares with Lorri, on holiday in the Maldives

Elegant: In another snap, Ferne was dressed in a gorgeous floral maxi dress, which detailed a plunging halter-neckline

Excited: Their holiday shortly comes after she proudly shared with her Instagram fans that she managed to fit into a denim blazer and jeans suit again

Postnatal: Shortly after she gave birth, Ferne candidly shared a photo of her postpartum body, embracing her figure

Achievement: The TV personality proudly shared with her Instagram fans that she managed to fit into a denim blazer and jeans suit again

Milestone: She said: 'The moment of truth. I'm feeling good, so it was, how many weeks that I couldn't do these up? Probably about two months isn't it, two and a half months

Thrilled: She sadded: 'Yes! Oh my goodness, they fit like a glove. Right no, do you remember the jacket? This is a bit tight, I've had to dig this out the wardrobe'

And after testing out her new supply of milk, Ferne also revealed she has tried to get her fiance to try her breast milk in his morning coffee.

Appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Wednesday, she said: 'I've come up with all sorts of ideas. And I was like, "could you make breast milk into ice cream?".

'And then it got me thinking, I actually want to see how well it froths up, because Lorri loves his macchiato and he's very particular, so imagine if it froths so I could slip a little bit into his morning coffee.'

Asked if she'd tried it herself, Ferne replied: 'Yes, of course I have, because I'm just curious and it's like liquid gold.

'But I wanted to try it just because I was curious. It's quite sweet. Lorri was like, "absolutely no way, I'll never try it whatsoever". And I was like why? It's feeding our baby, she absolutely loves it.'

Ferne also revealed how she uses her breastmilk as a cure all: 'If Finty when she was born had a little bit of a weeping eye, the community midwives were like, put a little bit of breast milk on.

'So I'm just walking around let's say like, if Lorri had a blister I would suggest squeezing a little bit onto the blister, it'd be healed in moments.'
Gwyneth Paltrow is said to be the latest celebrity with her eye on buying a home in Cornwall.

The Academy Award-winning actress, 51, usually lives in Los Angeles, California, but seems to be hoping for a more quiet life on the British coast.

She follows a whole host of celebs, including the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jason Statham, Jamie Dornan and Stanley Tucci, who have all snapped up properties in the county.

But while her A-list pals have taken up residence in Mawgan Porth - now often known as 'Hollywood-on-Sea' due to its influx of famous faces - Gwyneth is seeking a more quiet location.

According to The Sun, she is looking for a home in the quaint village of Polzeath - a tiny picturesque village known for its large sandy beach.

Gwyneth Paltrow is said to be the latest celebrity with her eye on buying a home in Cornwall

The Academy Award winner is looking for a home in the quaint village of Polzeath - a tiny picturesque village known for its large sandy beach

A local told the newspaper: 'Gwyneth has been in the area recently and has been looking at a couple of potential places for a holiday home.

'She isn't a stranger and has spent a bit of time in Cornwall over the years. But it seems the quiet and sedate pace of life in Polzeath has caught her eye.

'Gwyneth has become the talk of the village and there are apparently two places she has her eye on.'

Gwyneth shares daughter Apple, 19, and son Moses, 17, with ex-husband Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

The secluded spot would afford the star some much-needed privacy and is worlds away from her busy Californian life.

The resident added that - far from people being irritated at the idea of another famous face in the county - most locals are excited about the idea of Gwyneth joining the community.

In August it was revealed that Jason Momoa was the latest A-lister to snap up a swanky home in the picturesque Cornish village of Mawgan Porth.

Ms Paltrow will be joining the likes of Oscar winner Cate Blanchett in Cornwall

Mawgan Porth, which has become the setting for a host of celebrity mega-mansions

Located just four miles north of Newquay, A-listers are flocking to the tiny West Country enclave and building James Bond-style homes there.

The action hero, 44, is believed to have 'fallen in love' with the scenic area after filming his blockbuster film Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom just up the coast in Devon.

Last year, a source revealed that Oscar-winning actress Cate, 54, had snapped up a property in the town - thought to be worth more than 2million - and her agent later confirmed that the news was true.

Just months later, a fan couldn't believe it when they spotted Hollywood star Jamie Dornan, 41 - who is known for starring as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades film series - at a petrol station after he moved into the area.

Alongside a selfie of herself and Jamie, she wrote on Instagram: 'I went to get fuel and thought no way it can't be but it was Mr Grey himself!'

But Cate has been blasted by Cornish villagers over 'non-stop drilling and banging' at her beachside cottage.

The actress bought the house in the village in 2020, but demolished it to create a five-bedroom 'eco home'.

Locals have since begun to complain that the 'noisy building work' is affecting their standard of living.
She instantly became a pop culture icon after bursting into the public eye as loudmouthed Page 3 girl, Jordan.

Having tried her hand at modelling, singing, presenting, campaigning and reality TV, the glamour model quickly became a household name in Britain.

Yet while Katie Price's moniker will ring a bell for both young and old, you would be forgiven for not recognising the star on sight alone, with Katie famously undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures over the years.

After two decades in the spotlight, Katie is almost unrecognisable from the naturally pretty teenager who burst on to the modelling scene at the age of 16, with her natural curls and fresh-faced beauty winning her an army of fans.

Katie, now 45, has undergone an array of procedures over the years, including rhinoplasty, a silhouette facelift, 3D, veneers, lip fillers and Botox, culminating in her first facelift in 2017.

Now, after two decades under the surgeon's scalpel, MailOnline takes a look at the many faces of Katie Price.

The many faces of Katie Price: MailOnline takes a look at the star's changing look after two decades of boob jobs, Botox and face lifts

1995 - Barefaced beauty

At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling.

At a friend's suggestion, the teenager had professional photographs taken and was quickly snapped up by a modelling agency who landed her a Page 3 slot in The Sun newspaper the following year, sparking the creation of her glamour model alter ego, Jordan.

Speaking last year, Katie revealed she was glad that she wasn't exposed to social media at the time as she had 'no idea what Botox was or fillers', otherwise she may have started her tweaks and enhancements at an even earlier age.

1995: At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling

1998 - First boob job

Having just turned 20, the rising glamour model experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C.

The procedure cost 4,500 and it's thought her mum Amy and stepdad Paul helped pay for her to have the procedure.

Katie has since spoken out about her decision to go under the knife, admitting she was 'too young' and that she feels sorry for young girls growing up these days in a world of social media and filters.

1998: Having just turned 20, Katie experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C

1999 - Second and third boob job

Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures the following year at the age of 21.

Katie boosted her bust from a C cup to a D cup and just a few months later went up again to a F cup.

Katie has previously claimed that she has only paid for two of her boob jobs over the course of her career - it is not known if these were the ones.

1999: Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures at the age of 21

2001 - Lip fillers

At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers.

While the glamour model did not confirm the rumours at the time, she was seen sporting a noticeably fuller pout while out enjoying the party scene.

Her overall look had also started drastically transforming, with the model sporting dramatic false lashes, bright lipstick and pale hair extensions.

2001: At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers

2004 - Botox

Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

She made no secret of her love of the procedure, announcing at the time: 'I get my forehead and around my eyes Botoxed every six months and I love it. You can't beat it. It just freezes all the wrinkles and that's what you want.'

At the time, Katie insisted she would never take things further and have a facelift, explaining: 'I'd never have a full facelift. I've seen what they can do to people and I don't want to go through that.'

2004: Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines

2006 - Fourth boob job

Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup.

The glamour model also played around with her overall look and embraced her dark side with a new brunette hairstyle.

She also continued to dabble with fillers and Botox.

2006: Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup

2007 - First nose job and veneers

At the age of 29, Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and treating herself to a 25,000 set of new veneers.

'Oh my God, it burned like hell!' she said at the time. 'The next day I had this hideous red rash on my chin but two days later there wasn't a single spot left.'

Speaking about her nose job at the time, she admitted to liking her original nose, explaining: 'I liked my nose before and now. If I had a cupboard with both noses, I would alternate between them!'

2007:Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and a 25,000 set of veneers

2008 - Fifth boob job

Despite gradually increasingly her bust size over the year, Katie fancied a change on her 30th and brought her bra size back down from an F cup to a C cup.

The procedure meant that Katie had returned to the size of her first boob job 10 years prior.

Katie's changing shape also coincided with the launch of her first clothing line - an equestrian range.

2008: Despite gradually increasingly her bust size, Katie fancied a change and brought her bra size back down to a C cup

2011 - Sixth boob job

Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup.

Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers.

The Loose Women panelist admitted that she loved having her cheeks filled to give her a 'plumper, more youthful look'.

2011: Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup

2015 - Seventh and eighth boob job

Just before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, the reality star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast and an implant protruding from her flesh.

Katie told her shocked housemates: 'Ive got no tits anymore. Theyve gone. Theres not even anything there. If you saw what Im like underneath. The scars gone septic. My whole implant was hanging out on New Years Day.'

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house she underwent corrective surgery and had her implants swapped for a D-cup.

2015: Just before Celebrity Big Brother, the star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast

2016 - Ninth boob job and tattooed makeup

Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie was undeterred and flew to a Brussels clinic to go under the knife yet again, this time settling on a 32GG bust.

The reality star also had her eyebrows and lips tattooed, also known as 'permanent make-up', explaining that she prefers to go make-up free on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally the star has regular facial treatments, last year sharing a bloodied selfie after having a dermal roller micro-needling treatment, which sees a dermaroller with many tiny needles rolled across into the skin - designed to stimulate cells into regeneration.

2016: Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie flew to a Brussels clinic to get another boob job, this time a 32GG cup

2017 - First face lift, new veneers and 10th boob job

Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word undergoing a 'Silhouette' face lift.

The procedure is designed to lift a sagging cheeks and blurred jawline, using 'sutures' implanted under the skin to sculpt features.

However, Katie was soon spotted with puffy features, revealing that she suffered an allergic reaction to anesthetic penicillin after having further work on her veneers. She also had her breast implants reduced from 1000ml implants to 795ml.

2017: Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word

2018 - Second face lift

Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40 to correct it.

She said at the time 'I need to get my face re-corrected after surgeon has totally f**ked my face up', admitting it had

He agent added: 'She had the thread and it really quite distorted her look. She got a lot of backlash, a lot of negative press, a lot of trolling, everyone saying shed taken it too far, when actually it was a job that had not gone to plan.'

2018: Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40

2019 - Third face lift, boob job first Brazilian bum lift and 11th boob job

Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her entire look with a full body transformation.

The reality star opted for a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck.

Just three months later she returned to the clinic and opted for another boob job, going back down to a D cup.

2019: Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her look with a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck

2020 - 12th boob job and another set of veneers

Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers and revealed her real teeth had been reduced to stubs as she flashed a smile on her YouTube channel.

The mother-of-five then jetted to Belgium to correct botched surgery on her breasts, saying her surgeon was utterly shocked by the 'awful' previous procedure.

Katie said: 'They looked deformed, they were absolutely awful. That's the first time I've gone to a different surgeon. I had to go back to Frank with my head down, ashamed that I'd been to another clinic.'

2020: Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers then jetted to Belgium to correct a botched boob job

2021 - Liposuction, eye and lid lifts and 13th boob job

Amid the Covid pandemic, Katie jetted off to then red-list Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, and fat injected into her bum.

The reality star also visited Belgium to have her 13th boob job as well as full body liposuction with bum fat removal.

The plastic surgery - performed by Dr Frank Plovier - came just five days ahead of the glamour model's sentencing for her shocking drink-drive crash.

2021: Katie jetted to Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts

2022 - Another brow and eye lift

Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium at the beginning of 2022 for an eye and brow lift and had been concealing her new look with her head in a bandage.

Dr Judy Todd, an aesthetic doctor at Clinica Medica in Glasgow, said: 'It appears like she's had a face lift, temporal brow lift, and possibly an upper blepharoplasty.'

It was reported last month that Katie plans to travel to Turkey imminently for yet more plastic surgery, amid claims she wanted to get some tweaks in after being unhappy with her latest work.

Sian Dellar, Brow Specialist and Founder of Sian Dellar Permanent Makeup Clinic, added: 'Katie's eyebrows, like the rest of her, have changed lots over the years!

'Back in the 90s she had a very thin over plucked brow which was the fashion at the time, and today she has an extremely thick and unnatural looking brow.

'Currently it seems the face or eye lift that shes had have pulled her brows outward which looks unnatural and makes the brows appear almost stretched.

'Of course, as with any enhancement, its personal preference but we recommend not going too many shades darker, and keeping the shape as natural looking as possible and work to create or enhance brows to frame the face.

'Katies choice to have them so thick and dark and in that unusual positioning means they dominate her face and are the first thing the eye is drawn to. I would love to see Katie take her brows back to 2015/2016 when the fuller brow became a big trend. She got it right then and they framed her face well.'

2022: Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium for an eye and brow lift and is planning to to travel to Turkey for more surgery

2023 - 16th and 'biggest ever' boob job

It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th.

The star went under the knife in a bid to have the 'biggest in Britain' and was subsequently pictured being wheeled into surgery at the Be Clinic in Belgium.

She is said to have wanted even bigger breasts, opting for 2120 CC implants in a bid to boost her already large bust size.

Katie told OK! magazine of her boobs: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more.

'I would go bigger as well  and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look.

'I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for. If I could look like my airbrushed pictures, that would be amazing. But that's impossible to achieve.'
The Hit Network has axed several of its major stars from four of its regional radio stations on Australia's east coast.

Included in the upheaval are popular 90.9 Sea FM Gold Coast team Bianca, Ben & Lakey, Newcastle Hit 106.9's breakfast trio of Nick, Jess and Dicko and Cliffo and Bronte from Hit Queensland in Townsville.

The news comes after Hit stars Maz Compton and Matty Baseley from 101.3 Gosford announced last week that they would not be back on the network in the new year.

The Hit Network, which is owned and operated by Southern Cross Austereo has not confirmed any new plans.

A spokesman from SCA did release a statement to industry blog, Mediaweek, confirming that Danny Lakey will be staying with Hit's Gold Coast station and be on air next year with a new breakfast team.

The Hit Network has axed several of its major stars from four of its regional radio stations on Australia's east coast including Maz Compton and Matty Baseley from Hit 101.3 Gosford Breakfast (pictured)

Bianca Dye and Ben Hannant, meanwhile, will be 'moving on'.

Insiders have suggested that SCA will be networking a single regional Hit breakfast show that will air in NSW and Queensland.

Meanwhile, RadioInfo reports that there is speculation that the Hit stations in Newcastle, Gosford, Townsville and the Gold Coast will amalgamated to reduce costs.

It comes after Sea FM Gosford stars Maz Compton and Matt Baseley told their listeners that they would not be back in 2024 because the SCA had axed their show.

Included in the upheaval are popular 90.9 Sea FM Gold Coast team Bianca, Ben & Lakey, Newcastle Hit 106.9's breakfast trio of Nick, Jess and Dicko and Cliffo and Bronte from Hit Queensland in Townsville. Pictured: Bianca Dye, Danny Lakey and Ben Hannant from Gold Coast 90.9 Sea FM - only Lakey will be staying with the network

Pictured: Ash London, Nick Gill and Nick 'Ducko' Ducat from Newcastle's Hit106.9 - they are rumoured to be axed reported Mediaweek on Tuesday

Sea FM Gosford stars Maz Compton and Matt Baseley (pictured) told their listeners last week that they would not be back in 2024 because the Hit Network had axed their show

The pair also took to Instagram to farewell their fans last week.

'The powers that be have decided that our show won't be coming back in 2024,' Baseley said.

'In what has been a tough couple of weeks processing it all, we went out with a BANG this morning.

'It's been a privilege sharing the studio with these fine humans and the airwaves with NSW for the last 16 months.

'Who knows what 2024 will bring, but I'm kinda excited to see.

'As Dr Suess said, ''don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened''.'
Rupert Grint and Georgia Groome looked every inch the picture perfect family as they stepped out with their little girl, Wednesday, this week.

The Harry Potter actor, 35, and the Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging star, 31, sweetly held held their daughter's hands during their outing in north London.

Rupert and his partner were seen strolling along the high street and running some errands with Wednesday, who is now three.

The Ron Weasley star was dressed down in a black graphic print T-shirt, which he layered with a corduroy shirt jacket and teamed with black jeans.

He also added a black cap and a pair of trainers.

Aw! Rupert Grint and Georgia Groome looked every inch the picture perfect family as they stepped out with their little girl, Wednesday, this week

Day out: The Harry Potter actor, 35, and the Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging star, 31, sweetly held held their daughter's hands during their outing in north London

Meanwhile, Georgia also opted for a low-key look as she sported a slouchy grey jumper with a pair of baggy dark rinse jeans.

The actress, who was sporting a pair of purple shades, wore her brunette locks back in a ponytail and finished her casual outfit with some New Balance trainers.

Away from his family, Rupert was seen puffing on a vape and visiting a local Snappy Snaps to pick up some photographs he had developed.

Rupert was the first of the core three Potter child stars to welcome a child.

They welcomed their daughter Wednesday in May 2020. Six months after their baby's arrival, Rupert then joined Instagram to reveal her name.

Harlow native Rupert wrote in an accompanying caption: 'Hey Instagram....only 10 years late, but here I am.

'Grint on the Gram! Here to introduce you all to Wednesday G. Grint. Stay safe, Rupert.' (sic)

Rupert shares his daughter with Georgia, who is famed for her role in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, have been together since 2011.

Family: Rupert and his partner were seen strolling along the high street and running some errands with Wednesday, who is now three

Fashion: The Ron Weasley star was dressed down in a black graphic print T-shirt, which he layered with a corduroy shirt jacket and teamed with black jeans

Out and about: Away from his family, Rupert was seen puffing on a vape

His co-star Daniel Radcliffe became a father for the first time after welcoming a child with his long-term partner Erin Drake earlier this year.

The Harry Potter actor, 33, who has been dating the American actress, 38, for over a decade, stepped out with the new arrival in New York City last month.

The actor looked every inch the doting dad as he pushed the newborn in a pram while Erin followed closely behind.

Daniel's new arrival means he has now joined several of his former Harry Potter child stars in becoming a parent.

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films, announced earlier this month that she is expecting her first child with her husband Andrew Lococo.

Casual: Meanwhile, Georgia also opted for a low-key look as she sported a slouchy grey jumper with a pair of baggy dark rinse jeans

Picking up some snaps! Rupert was seen visiting a local Snappy Snaps to pick up some photographs he had developed
Sir Paul McCartney was evidently in the mood to Twist and Shout as he greeted fans ahead of his first live performance in Newcastle, Australia on Monday.

The legendary musician appeared to be in an excitable mood as he greeted onlookers with a series of cheery waves while driving through the eastern Australian city.

McCartney, 81, will perform at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday evening, and fans - some of whom had travelled across Australia for the gig - couldn't believe their luck after catching sight of the star.

Despite touring extensively throughout his career with The Beatles, Wings and as a solo artist, it will be his first live performance in the city as he takes his Got Back tour across Australia.

Ahead of the one-off show local artist Mitch Revs paid tribute to McCartney by painting a 160 square-foot mural of the British star on the city's Hunter Street.

Loving life: Sir Paul McCartney was evidently in the mood to Twist and Shout as he greeted fans ahead of his first live performance in Newcastle, Australia on Monday

Upbeat: The legendary musician appeared to be in an excitable mood as he greeted onlookers with a series of cheery waves while driving through the eastern Australian city

And it was given an unexpected seal of approval by the man himself after McCartney spotted the enormous tribute on Newcastle's main street while driving to the venue.

Unwilling to Let It Be, the musician stunned fans by stopping to admire Revs' handiwork, pose for photos and sign autographs.

McCartney's presence also caught the attention of local office workers, with many pouring onto the busy thoroughfare for a close look.

The star was also given an opportunity to personalize the mural, to which he added his initials and a smiley face before making his way back to his car.

McCartney recently told how he would have been wracked with guilt if he had not repaired his friendship with John Lennon before he was murdered.

Lennon was 40-years old when he was assassinated by deranged fan Mark Chapman outside his New York City home on December 8 1980.

The acerbic musician left The Beatles in 1969, with the band confirming their split the following year - an announcement that led to years of acrimony and an ensuing legal battle over the band's back catalogue.

And McCartney admits he would have been devastated if he had not had the chance to repair the cracks in his relationship with Lennon before he was killed.

It's all for you: Ahead of the one-off show local artist Mitch Revs paid tribute to McCartney by painting a 160 square-foot mural of the British star on the city's Hunter Street

Look who it is: It was given an unexpected seal of approval by the man himself after McCartney spotted the enormous tribute on Newcastle's main street while driving to the venue

'In the end it was something I was very glad of, when he got murdered, that Id had some really good times with him before that happened,' he told the McCartney: A Life In Lyrics podcast.

'It would have been the worst thing in the world had he just been killed and we still had a bad relationship. That would have been a big guilt trip for me. Luckily, we were friendly, we talked about how to bake bread.

'Youve got to remember I sued him in court, I sued his friends from Liverpool, life-long friends, in court. Theres a lot of getting over that has to be done.'
RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard was branded 'comedy gold' after slamming a missing Lorraine Kelly during an appearance on her show on Tuesday.

The entertainer, 31, complained about the host taking half term off - despite only having an adult daughter - while Christine Lampard, 44, again stepped in as guest-presenter, a day after furious viewers did the same.

During his off the wall interview Danny, real name Daniel Curtis, said: 'I can't swear on This Morning, wait, what show is this?'.

After a giggling Christine said: 'Lorraine' the reality star quipped: 'She's off, she's off again! Are kids not starting school no more?'.

Before adding: 'She's got a good job her, I could do this job!' before admitting he was unlikely to be invited back after his little outburst.

Outspoken: RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard was branded 'comedy gold' after slamming a missing Lorraine Kelly during an appearance on her show on Tuesday

MIA: The entertainer, 31, complained about the host taking half term off - despite only having an adult daughter - while Christine Lampard, 44, again stepped in as guest-presenter, a day after furious viewers did the same (Lorraine pictured previously on the show)

Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, in hysterics with one writing: 'Danny Beard going on Lorraine and only to be greeted by Christine Lampard, then calling The Kelly out for having more annual leave than anyone else on earth is COMEDY GOLD'.

While another said: 'Danny Beard the icon HAAAAAAAAAAA I'm screaming!!!!'

And: 'Danny Beard torturing poor Christine Lampard with the very pressing question "why does Lorraine Kelly get the school holidays off when her only daughter is in her 20s" has made my day'.

Someone else commenting: 'Danny Beard you f***** icon'.

With a fifth sharing a clip of the moment and wrote: 'Everybody say thank you Danny Beard'.

It comes after Lorraine was slammed again by viewers on Monday for taking the half-term week off, despite having an adult daughter.

Fans of the ITV morning show pointed out that Christine had stepped in as guest presenter - even though she has two young children, Patricia, five, and Freddie, two.

An ITV spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline last week: 'Lorraine is now off for half term and will be back on Monday 6th November.'

Cheeky: He quipped: 'She's off, she's off again! Are kids not starting school no more?'.

Funny: Before adding: 'She's got a good job her, I could do this job!' before admitting he was unlikely to be invited back after his little outburst

LOL: Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, in hysteric

Fans questioned why Lorraine was off instead of Christine, with one penning on Twitter: 'Why is Lorraine off for half-term, she doesn't have school age kids'

Another said: 'It's half-term which means the woman with a 28-year-old takes the week off and the woman with toy young children does her show!'

A third added: 'So Christine Lampard, who has young kids, steps in and hosts Lorraine during half term so Lorraine Kelly can also have half term off. Her daughter is 29. Her and Susanna Reid both have an air of entitlement'

One commented: 'Ah yes. Lorraine has half term off despite her daughter not having been at school for about 20 years, only to be replaced by someone with school age kids. The usual makes-no-sense move'

Baffled: It comes after Lorraine was slammed again by viewers on Monday for taking the half-term week off, despite having an adult daughter

Host: Meanwhile Christine Lampard, who has two young children, has been stepping in to host the show

Elsewhere in the show, Andi Peters was left red-faced when he accidently called the host Christine Bleakley, her maiden name, instead of Lampard.

Christine, 44, is a doting mum to her two children, Patricia, age five, and Freddie, two, who she shares with her husband Frank Lampard.

Lorraine, 63, shares daughter Rosie, 28, with her husband Steve - who she married in 1992.

It comes after Louise Minchin stepped in for hosting duties on Lorraine on Friday.

The former BBC Breakfast star, 55, took to the hot seat on the ITV1 morning show in place of Lorraine Kelly, who normally hosts the programme on a a daily basis.

The shakeup was revealed when Good Morning Britain hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard carried out a handover from their own show to Lorraine.

Kate said: 'Louise Minchin is in for Lorraine at nine. Hello, how lovely to see you on this side of the pond!'

Louise replied: 'Thank you so much, it's lovely to be here. Good morning to everyone!'

During the programme, Louise was seen working out with Dr Amir on his latest fitness routine and chatted to Hollywood star Kerry Washington.

Fans questioned why Lorraine was off instead of Christine, with one penning on Twitter: 'Why is Lorraine off for half-term, she doesn't have school age kids'

Good morning! BBC star Louise Minchin stepped in for hosting duties on ITV's Lorraine on Friday as Lorraine Kelly was mysteriously absent

The newsreader also gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the new ITV1 reality show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream , which will see judges Samantha Barks, Alan Carr, Amber Riley and Jessie Ware searching for a pair of performers to appear in the ABBA West End jukebox musical.

There was no explanation of where Lorraine - who has often been covered by the likes of Loose Women anchor and Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh during her time off - was.

But an ITV spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline: 'Lorraine is now off for half term and will be back on Monday 6th November.'

Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV from 9am
Seafolly has released photos of model Steph Claire Smith, who will serve as the new global face of the swimwear brand, months after it suffered backlash for the use of a non-binary influencer serving as a model.

It is the first large-scale campaign for the brand since the backlash for partnering with Deni Todorovic in March this year.

The current campaign, Back To Paradise, showed a beaming Steph Claire Smith, 29, flaunting her toned figure in a number of bikinis on Bondi Beach.

In one photo, Steph lazed on a surfboard in one of the brand's bikinis which featured a graphic bandana top and matching bikini bottoms.

Another image showed Step flaunting her abs in a pink stripe triangle bikini along with a 70s-inspired graphic set in another image.

Seafolly has released photos of new global face of the swimwear brand Steph Claire Smith, 29, in its latest campaign, months after suffering a PR disaster after using a non-binary influencer Deni Todorovic to serve as a model. Pictured: Steph Claire Smith

In a statement, Seafolly alluded to Steph being the beach-loving, all Australian girl for the swimwear brand, touting her credentials as a wife, mother and businesswoman

In a statement, Seafolly alluded to Steph being the beach-loving, all Australian girl for which the swimwear brand was previously known.

'Steph embraces and embodies the eternal Australian Summer spirit. Brimming with infectious optimism, she shares her passion for life with the world as an entrepreneur, model, mother and wife,' it read.

The description continued: 'Steph is an advocate for body confidence and mental health, inspiring women around the world to find their feel good.'

The current campaign, Back To Paradise, showed a beaming Steph flaunting her toned figure in a number of bikinis on Bondi Beach

'Steph embraces and embodies the eternal Australian Summer spirit. Brimming with infectious optimism, she shares her passion for life with the world as an entrepreneur, model, mother and wife,' it read

The description continued: 'Steph is an advocate for body confidence and mental health, inspiring women around the world to find their feel good'

The stunner showed off a series of swimwear looks in the campaign

The campaign was worlds away from the fracas caused in March with influencer, Deni Todorovic, which almost saw a boycott of the brand.

Deni, 34, who uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, posed in lime green bikini bottoms and a matching cover near Bondi Beach.

'This marks the first time iconic Aussie swim giants @seafollyaustralia have worked with a trans ambassador/brand partner,' Deni innocently wrote under the image.

They later edited their caption to read: 'Today we made history. This marks the first time iconic Aussie swim giants @seafollyaustralia have worked with a Trans person.'

The campaign was worlds away from the fracas caused in March with influencer, Deni Todorovic, which almost saw a boycott of the brand

Influencer Deni Todorovic is pictured wearing the brand's swimwear

The photo caused a huge backlash including calls to boycott the brand, which in the past had used models such as Miranda Kerr and Gigi Hadid in its glamorous campaigns.

Writer Alexandra Marshall was one of those who had spoken out against the campaign, saying the swimwear brand was 'mocking women'.

'Bye @seafolly. Never again. Been buying swimsuits from you for many years. Never again,' she posted on Twitter.

Seafolly later denied Todorovic was an ambassador for the brand, and said they were a 'special guest' to the brand's World Pride event in Sydney.

'We would like to address the recent coverage of Seafolly's involvement with Sydney World Pride in which Deni Todorovic was invited as a special guest, and wore a custom, not-for-sale Seafolly design,' the statement read.

Seafolly later denied Todorovic was an ambassador for the brand, and said they were a 'special guest' to the brand's World Pride event in Sydney

'On Saturday 4th March, Deni attended our in-store Sydney World Pride event as out special guest. We chose to host this event to inspire everyone to feel seen, included, and confident to be themselves at the beach.

They assured fans the face of the brand at that stage was model, Joanna Halpin.

'This season our Global Ambassador and Face of the Brand is Joanna Halpin, a trail-blazing model and photographer.

'We are passionate about supporting and uplifting women, and to broadening our representation of women living the Australian beach lifestyle.'

The statement concluded: 'We stand proud that our brand is inclusive and supportive of all women, including the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.'

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Deni claimed they warned Seafolly the company would be bombarded with threats and abuse as a result of the collaboration.

The brand had been known for glamorous campaigns featuring the likes of supermodel Gigi Hadid (pictured), who is one of the best known former faces of the label

'I told Seafolly 'I will have people say it's iconic. But I will also have people tell me to kill myself, to burn in hell, that I'm a groomer, and that my mum should be ashamed,'' Todorovic said.

'I absolutely expected that, when I sat down with Seafolly, I prepped them for this,' the model and stylist continued.

'I told them, people will say 'you're trying to be woke, it's tokenistic'. I told them to have a statement ready to go.

'I've done it before with Bonds and David Jones. I feel very supportive and very prepared,' they explained.

'It all part and parcel of being a trans creator, and just being a trans person in Australia.'

Todorovic said the slurs directed at transgender people - such as 'groomer' and 'paedo' - echoed the attacks gay men faced in the past.

Deni later spoke out about the horrific trolling they experienced as a result of the campaign, saying it still 'deeply hurt' despite its predictability

Todorovic went on to explain the criticism still 'deeply hurt' despite its predictability.

'The proud moment comes when I think about why campaigns like this are so necessary,' they said.

'We need queer people on TV, in parliament and in power. And not just queer people but trans people - in many parts of the world being a lesbian or gay is seen as okay, but being trans isn't.'

Todorovic's role as a model for Seafolly was celebrated by a number of celebrities, including the brand's former ambassador Jesinta Franklin.

Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly's official Instagram account to celebrate the campaign.

'As some one who hasn't shopped at Seafolly for years I'll be back now! Love seeing brands be inclusive and that is where I want my money to go,' one woman wrote.

'So amazing to see this, Seafolly. I love to see brands pioneering the celebration of pride and inclusion,' another added.
Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice has postponed the launch of his new cosmetic brand after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington was forced to quit the BBC show due to 'personal reasons.'

The Italian, 33, announced his new 'dream' venture on Instagram last week, saying the big reveal will take place on Tuesday October 24.

But after Amanda, 49, revealed her 'deep regret' over having to pull out of the competition, Giovanni scrapped the launch, which was scheduled to take place today, out of respect to his former co-star.

Following Amanda's sudden departure from the series after she didn't perform on Saturday night's live show, Giovanni will continue to appear on Strictly and for him, it will be as though his celebrity has been voted off.

It is not known whether he will return to the BBC series in 2024 because those conversations are yet to take place, however sources close to the dancer say he has 'no plans to leave.'

Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice has postponed the launch of his new cosmetic brand after his celeb partner Amanda Abbington was forced to quit the BBC show due to 'personal reasons'

Sources close to the professional dancer told MailOnline that Giovanni has 'no plans to leave' the dance series following seven years on the programme

After Amanda revealed her 'deep regret' over having to pull out of the BBC competition, Giovanni scrapped the launch, which was scheduled to take place today

The Italian announced his new 'dream' venture on Instagram last week, saying the big reveal will take place on Tuesday October 24

A source told MailOnline: 'Giovanni is really disappointed that Amanda's time on Strictly has come to a premature end. He wanted nothing more than to continue competing with her by his side.

'For Giovanni now, he will still be on the show every Saturday, supporting the rest of the cast.

'It was set to be such a big week for him with the launch of his new business GP Vita but after Amanda's announcement, it didn't feel right for him to go forward with the scheduled plan.

'Some fans are already doubting Giovanni's place on the show next year, but those conversations won't take place for months.

'However, he has no plans to step back from Strictly just yet.'

It was confirmed on the Strictly spinoff show It Takes Two on Monday evening that Amanda was leaving the competition.

In a heartfelt post shared to Instagram the actress explained that she had withdrawn from the show for 'personal reasons' and she's 'sad' not to be going any further.

She thanked the 'incredible production' and said it was an 'absolute joy' working with her fellow contestants, though she didn't pay tribute to her professional partner, Giovanni.

Writing on Instagram on Tuesday, Amanda said she was 'sad' not to be going further in the competition though she failed to pay tribute to Giovanni in her post

Giovanni's partner Richie Anderson was the second celebrity to leave the competition last year and the two were plagued by rumours that there were arguments between them behind the scenes

On his Instagram profile, Giovanni shared a photo of the couple backstage saying he was 'sad' they couldn't continue but he was 'proud' of everything they have achieved.

Following seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting that this could be Giovanni's last season performing with a celebrity partner.

One wrote: 'I think this will be your last year... you have outgrown Strictly, and I think you know that.'

Another said: 'I am devastated for you. I was supporting you both and voting. Will we still see you dance on Strictly next year?'

But sources close to Giovanni say that while those conversations won't take place until 2024 that he isn't even considering leaving the show.

Giovanni, who has romanced a number of celebrity contestants on Strictly including Georgia May Foote and Ashley Roberts, won the show in 2021 with deaf EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The pair's silent dance to Clean Bandit's Symphony then went onto scoop the must-see moment at the 2022 BAFTA TV awards.

But the past two years have proven difficult for Giovanni.

His partner Richie Anderson was the second celebrity to leave the competition last year and the two were plagued by rumours that there were arguments between them behind the scenes.

Giovanni, who has romanced a number of celebrity contestants on Strictly including Georgia May Foote and Ashley Roberts, won the show in 2021 with deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis

Away from the dance floor, he's enjoyed success with his new BBC travel series Adventures In Sicily alongside Anton Du Beke

At the beginning of this season, The Sun reported that Amanda was 'threatening to quit' after also rowing with Giovanni over his 'militant style' in the training room.

But away from the dance floor, he's enjoyed success with his new BBC travel series Adventures In Sicily alongside Anton Du Beke, as well as their touring show Him & Me, plus his new cosmetics brand which he announced last week.

Giovanni shared the news of his business on Instagram alongside a black and white image of him about to kiss a Brazilian model.

The brand is called GP Vita, and he is working alongside entrepreneur Giacomo Tontarelli and marketing guru Nicholas Hill to create beauty products designed to 'inspire and bring joy to life.'

MailOnline has contacted Giovanni's spokesperson for comment.
Lupita Nyong'o couldn't wipe the smile off her face on Monday as she enjoyed a day out with her mother and a friend in Santa Monica, California following her emotional split from boyfriend Selema Masekala.

The actress, 40, looked stunning in a long black dress with floral detailing, a cream coat, which she carried, and round-rimmed sunglasses.

She shared a laugh with her friend before joining her mother Dorothy and heading to the Oceana Hotel for a meal and a catch-up.

The much-needed girls' trip comes after Lupita announced she had split from Selema, 52, a television presenter and host, via Instagram last week.

In a series of posts on her Story, the Black Panther star revealed that Selema was someone that she could 'no longer trust'.

Doing fine: Lupita Nyong'o couldn't wipe the spile from her face on Monday as she enjoyed a day out with her mum and a friend in California following her emotional split from boyfriend Selema Masekala

Stunning: The actress, 40, looked stunning in a long, gown-like black dress with floral detailing, a cream coat, which she carried, and round-rimmed sunglasses

Girl power: She shared a laugh with her friend before joining her mother Dorothy, (left) and heading to Santa Monica's Oceana hotel for a meal and a catch-up

Lupita went on to say that she was tempted to hide away but has decided to face her pain head on, 'trusting that this too shall pass'.

She also admitted that the news may appear trivial, given what is currently going on in the world, but she still felt it was necessary to share.

The actress wrote: 'There are much more important things going on in the world right now, and my thoughts are with those who are deeply suffering.

'At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust

'I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception.

'I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, Whatever, my life is better this way.

'But I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass.

'The promise, they say, is that a tender heart is what gives birth to fearlessness. I hope its true I share this to keep it, and hoping that the knowledge of my experience might be useful to someone else out there experiencing the grip of heartbreak who is poised to try and escape from the pain and miss out on the wisdom that comes from it. #Breakup

'Lets face our pain so we dont spread it.'

Despite clearly feeling hurt, in each public appearance Lupita has made since, she has appeared to be in good spirits.

The day before the posts, but undoubtedly after the split, she was spotted cosying up to Joshua Jackson at Janelle Monae's concert in Los Angeles.

Joshua has recently gone through a public split himself. His wife Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce from him earlier this month.

Lupita and Selema first went public with their relationship in December 2022.

At the time, Lupita posted a video of the couple in various outfits to her Instagram and captioned it: 'We just click! @selema #thisismylove #nuffsaid.'

Fun night: Newly single Joshua Jackson put on a cosy display with actress Lupita Nyong'o at Janelle Monae's LA concert - one month after his shock split from wife Jodie Turner-Smith
MasterChef: The Professionals saw a very dramatic moment on Tuesday night's episode as one contestant had to leave one of the challenges on medical grounds after a nasty accident.

Brazilian chef Cristina Maia, 51, was left needing to see a doctor and pulled out of the Signature Menu round when her blender exploded covering her in boiling hot bisque.

Judge Gregg Wallace explained the nasty accident happened after she put the hot liquid into a blender and when she released the lid it shot out everywhere.

After the explosion she was covered in the orange liquid while the floor was splattered with mess.

As soon as the accident happened one of the medical crew on set dashed over to assist her as he held a cold towel to her chin where most of the damage was.

Ouch: MasterChef: The Professionals saw a very dramatic moment on Tuesday's episode as one contestant had to leave one of the challenges on medical grounds after a nasty accident

Accident: Brazilian chef Cristina Maia, 51, was left needing to see a doctor and pulled out of the Signature Menu round when her blender exploded covering her in boiling hot bisque

Misjudged: Judge Gregg Wallace explained the accident happened after she put the hot liquid into a blender and when she released the lid it shot out everywhere (seen after with bandages)

Gregg could be heard screaming 'woah' as she apologised before he reassured her.

Later in the show the judges Gregg, Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing discussed how it was a shame she couldn't carry on as Gregg quipped: 'Accidents happen!'

A snap then flashed up on the screen of Cristina at the hospital with a bandage over her chin as she bravely smiled.

Head chef Cristina grew up in Recife in North-Eastern Brazil. In Brazil, she worked as an accountant, but 20 years ago, she made the move over to the UK and retrained as a chef.

Tuesday night saw the second heat get underway as Cristina was joined by chefs Rosie, 34, Tommy, 27, and Charlie, 22.

After the Skills Challenge and Signature Menu round the judges chose to send all three chefs through to the quarter finals after they all impressed.

Two would normally have been sent home from the group of four at this stage in the competition.

On the episode, first, they has to control their every move in the daunting Skills Test before serving up two dishes of their own design in the Signature Menu round.

Scary: After the explosion she was covered in the orange liquid while the floor was splattered with mess

Help: As soon as the accident happened one of the medical crew on set dashed over to assist her as he held a cold towel to her chin where most of the damage was

Supporting her: Gregg could be heard screaming 'woah' as she apologised before he reassured her

The first two chefs Rosie and Tommy faced a Skills Test set by Marcus, who asked them to prepare and cook spiced monkfish and serve it with polenta and a chilli butter sauce.

The last two chefs Cristina and Charlie had 20 minutes to complete Monica's task, a test of their pastry skills with a twist on a banana sundae.

They had to include caramelised bananas, a coconut cream, a chocolate sauce and a quick banana ice cream.

The four chefs then had a final chance to impress in the Signature Menu round, in which they had one hour and 30 minutes to serve up a sublime main course and dessert of their own choosing.

It comes after judge Monica revealed the reason for her return to show as the new series kicked off on Monday night.

The chef, 46, announced her decision to leave her role as a judge on the BBC show last year to focus on her family after her then 15-year-old nephew was diagnosed with cancer.

But now she is back and has explained on the The Mid-Point podcast what led her to returning to the popular cooking series.

She said: 'I saw a therapist. I've never done that before.

'I've never had so many things happening at the same time, I needed to reach out to outside help  someone just to talk to with everything. That was one of the best things I did.'

'I feel more energetic, more excited to be back in it this year having had that time out.'

The chef announced last April that she was leaving MasterChef Professionals after 14 years because she felt like 'she needed to be split into four people' to cope with the demands of raising her daughter and running her restaurant.

Speaking to The Times, Monica explained that part of the reason was due to having to juggle the workload with the running of her restaurant Mere, which is struggling from staff shortages.

Yet she revealed that her biggest motive behind quitting MasterChef was to spend time with her family after her nephew, Otis, was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour - a rare and aggressive cancer that causes masses in the abdomen.

Otis lives in New Zealand, but Monica said they are very close as he is close in age to her daughter Anais, 14, who she shares with husband David.

Otis underwent chemotherapy, but Monica said at the time: 'We're told it's not a cure. It's just buying us time'.

In a statement Monica said she was taking a step back from the TV role to focus on her family and her London restaurant.

Monica said in her statement: 'It is with a heavy heart that I've made this decision to step back from filming this year's series of MasterChef: The Professionals.

'My family need me, my restaurant needs me and trying to balance long filming days over the next three months with all these commitments meant that something had to give.

'So, for the moment, my focus has to be 100% about my loved ones and rebuilding my kitchen team who have had a battering over the last few months especially. Those in the hospitality industry know just how tough it is at the moment.

'To my MasterChef family, crew and friends, I'm so sorry that I won't be with you this year but I hope to be back soon.'

She continued: 'Thank you to both BBC and Shine TV for being so understanding of my decision but for this year I'll be your number one supporter from the side lines.

'To my fellow judges and friends Marcus and Gregg  I'll be watching  you've got this! If you're ever unsure just think  what would Mon do?! See you soon!'

Care: Later in the show the judges Gregg, Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing discussed how it was a shame she couldn't carry on as Gregg quipped: 'Accidents happen!'

Back: It comes after judge Monica revealed the reason for her return to show as the new series kicked off on Monday night

Difficult: The chef, 46, announced her decision to leave her role as a judge on the BBC show last year to focus on her family after her then 15-year-old nephew was diagnosed with cancer

The star delighted fans earlier this year by saying she'd soon return to MasterChef: The Professionals.

She posted: 'A year ago I made the tough call to take a break from MasterChef The Professionals,' she said via Instagram.

'I'm so grateful for everyone's support that allowed me time out to get back on top of managing business and family commitments.

'I'm delighted to say that I am able to come back to MasterChef: The Professionals this year and I'm super thrilled to see what new talent is out there & to be back with my buddies @greggawallace and @marcuswareing.'
Keri Russell skipped footwear as she stepped outside of her Brooklyn brownstone to collect a firewood delivery this week.

The 47-year-old Diplomat actress  who recently spoke about launching her career  was dressed comfortably in black joggers and a white crew neck sweatshirt.

The mother-of-three pulled her blonde-highlighted hair into a low, messy bun for the brief moment outdoors.

She was seen chatting with a delivery guy who wore a long-sleeved black shirt and jeans.

The former Felicity star had a pair of eyeglasses tucked into the collar of her top and she slipped her hands into the pockets of her pants.

Barefoot! Keri Russell skipped footwear as she stepped outside of her Brooklyn brownstone to collect a firewood delivery this week

Relaxed: The 47-year-old Diplomat actress was dressed comfortably in black joggers and a white crew neck sweatshirt

Keri was also makeup-free as she conversed near the steps of her home.

Missing from the scene were her three children  son River, 16, daughter Willa, 11, and son Sam, 7.

Russell shares her oldest children with ex-husband Shane Deary, with whom she was married from 2007-2014.

She has since moved on with partner Matthew Rhys, with whom she shares her youngest child.

Over the summer, Keri opened up about being cast on The New Mickey Mouse Club alongside stars Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake.

Speaking with W Magazine, she shared, 'I say this completely truthfully: I was literally the least talented one there.

'I'm not kidding. When I look at those kids, I'm like, why in the world did they pick me? Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling and Britney Spears. It was wild.'

She also reflected, 'Some of those people are still my best friendsIlana [Miller] and Lindsey [Alley]. I was there at a time when there were a lot of famous kids there.'

Fuss-free: The mother-of-three pulled her blonde-highlighted hair into a low, messy bun for the brief moment outdoors

Contrast! Russell looked much more glamorous than she did in Brooklyn this week when she attended the Jil Sander Milan Fashion Week show in September

When asked if she 'saved anything' from the 90s show, she answered: 'My sanity, my dignity. Not everyone got out alive.'

After rising to fame on the series, she later landed the iconic role that ended up defining her career  the title role on the television show Felicity.

She played Felicity Porter, a teenager who decides to enroll at the University of New York to pursue her high school crush.

The show earned countless fans, and earned her a Golden Globe in 1999.
The actress - who lived in the mansion with her 5 kids - was evacuated after a neighbor who barricaded himself inside his home with an AR-15

Tori Spelling stepped out for a casual lunch date with her son in a pair of mom jeans and distressed sneakers

Tori Spelling stepped out in jeans and a T-shirt for a casual lunch at a laid-back sushi spot in Los Angeles after abruptly moving out of her $18,000-a-month rental home with her five kids.

Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show Spelling popping out for a lowkey meal after ditching the rental spot she was evacuated from when a neighbor barricaded himself inside his home with an AR-15.

Spelling, 50, wore mom-fit faded denim jeans as she and her son Liam, 16, went for a lunch date at Miho Sushi in the L.A. neighborhood of Tarzana.

She styled the denim pants with a brown vintage T-shirt and worn-in blue and white Nike sneakers.

The mom-of-five completed her look with two pairs of glasses, one huge pair of rectangular sunglasses which she shielded her face from the California sun with, and a second pair of tortoiseshell glasses that hung down from her flashy gold chains.

Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com showed how Tori Spelling is spending her time now that she's done moving out of the $18k-a-month rental spot she was living in with her kids

Tori Spelling stepped out in jeans and a tee for a casual lunch at a laid-back sushi spot in Los Angeles (pictured: Spelling, 50, and her son Liam, 16)

Spelling, 50, wore mom-fit faded denim jeans as she and her son Liam, 16, went for a lunch date at Miho Sushi in the L.A. neighborhood of Tarzana.

The mom-and-son lunch date came a day after Spelling packed up and left her $18,000-a-month mansion - which she had been renting (pictured: Miho Sushi in Tarzana, California)

The 50-year-old let her bright blonde hair hang loose around her face for the casual outing and appeared to go light on the make-up.

Spelling gripped her car keys as she walked towards the sushi spot beside her son - who made a bold fashion statement with a bright green pair of Shrek-themed Crocs and sweatpants.

The star clutched her iPhone in her other hand, which appeared to have a beaded gadget-accessory dangling from it.

The mom-and-son lunch date came a day after Spelling packed up and left her $18,000-a-month mansion - which she had been renting.

The move came just days after LAPD SWAT reportedly evacuated her due to a neighbor who barricaded himself inside his home with an AR-15. He was later arrested.

DailyMail.com spotted movers taking her belongings out of the four-bedroom rental in Woodland Hills, California, and loading them into a truck on Sunday.

The 50-year-old let her bright blonde hair hang loose around her face for the casual outing and appeared to go light on the make-up

The mom-of-five completed her look with two pairs of glasses, one huge pair of rectangular sunglasses which she shielded her face from the California sun with, and a second pair of tortoiseshell glasses which hung down from her flashy gold chains

The mom-of-five styled the denim pants with a brown vintage T-shirt and worn-in blue and white Nike sneakers.

Spelling gripped her car keys and phone as she walked towards the sushi spot beside her son - who made a bold fashion statement with a bright green pair of Shrek-themed Crocs and sweatpants.

Tori was nowhere to be seen during the move, but professional movers swiftly removed most of her belongings, including unlabeled boxes of clothes, makeup, toiletries, fans, and other household items.

The movers took her things to a storage facility in Calabasas near her old home she shared with her estranged husband Dean McDermott, which begs the question: where will she go next?

The rental home - with a $19,000 deposit - was fully furnished when she arrived so the actress didn't have to move any furniture.

One of the boxes was labeled Game Con. Many boxes were unlabeled due to her emergency rush spontaneous move-out. The movers spent the entire day getting her things out of the house.

The home was quite the upgrade from the low-budget hotels and RV she was staying in due to finances and an ongoing mold issue at her Hidden Hills rental.

DailyMail.com revealed that Tori Spelling had been living in an $18,000 a month rental home in Woodland Hills, California, with her five children

DailyMail.com can now reveal that she has packed up and left, as movers were seen taking her belongings out of the house

Tori was nowhere to be seen during the move, but professional movers swiftly removed most of her belongings

The movers took her things to a storage facility in Calabasas near her old home she shared with her estranged husband Dean McDermott

Most of her belongings included unlabeled boxes of clothes, makeup, toiletries, fans, and other household items

DailyMail.com spotted movers taking her belongings out of the four-bedroom rental in Woodland Hills, California on Sunday

The rental was fully furnished when she arrived so the actress didn't have to move any furniture

Exclusive photos show movers loading a fan and bins onto a large moving truck

The single story 3,300sqft home has four bedrooms and three baths. There's an additional guest house with a bath.

The home is 'exquisitely furnished' with abundant natural light, according to its current listing.

The home boasts hardwood floors, dining for six, bar seating for four, large sliding glass doors, an office area, flat panel TVs, a gaming room, plush furniture, and plenty of storage.

There is a fully updated kitchen with a gas range, stainless steel appliances, and ample counter space.

A large pool, with patio and outdoor entertaining space is perfect for cooling off in the hot weather of the San Fernando Valley.

The month-to-month rental market has suited Tori, who has always been restless when it comes to her living situation.

She admitted as much in her 2013 memoir Spelling It Like It Is, writing she had a 'real estate obsession.'

'But as it persists, it's starting to look compulsive. Moving is expensive, and I've put us in a precarious financial situation,' she wrote.

Finding fully furnished short-term rentals available around Los Angeles like this current one could finally be her answer to residential wanderlust.

A large pool, with patio and outdoor entertaining space is perfect for cooling off in the hot weather of the San Fernando Valley

There is a fully updated kitchen with a gas range, stainless steel appliances, and ample counter space

On Wednesday morning, a terrified Tori and her children were forced to evacuate their rental home when law enforcement and even a SWAT Team arrived to search the house next door for a man holed up with an assault rifle

Tori was pictured behind yellow tape amid a a two-hour standoff that ended with the suspect in custody and no one injured, onlookers said

At least one person was seen being taken into custody after the incident

On Wednesday morning, DailyMail.com reported that a terrified Tori and her childrenLiam, 16, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11, and Beau, sixwere forced to evacuate their rental home when law enforcement and even a SWAT Team arrived to search the house next door for a man holed up with an assault rifle.

The incident wrapped up around 1pm with the man being taken into custody, and hours later the police were still parked in front of her home while the investigation concluded.

By that evening she pulled herself together and was seen taking all of the kids for dinner to the nearby Sushi Spot on Ventura Boulevard and emerging over an hour later.

The next day she was seen checking out moving trucks and a storage facility in LA, so it could be time to pack up and move.

Her large SUV has a window sticker for parking access at the swanky private Calabasas Country Club where memberships start with initiation fees of between $20k-40k along with monthly fees.

Dining out regularly with a large family and pricey dues for country clubs means we may be finally done seeing the down-and-out 'poor me' photo blitzes from Tori.

Back in 2016, Tori's mom Candy Spelling, 78, revealed to TMZ that she foots the bills for her daughter's necessities, but not her extravagances like credit card and other debts.

'I do help her out, I'm paying all her bills now. The house, the food, the kids school.'

Over the summer, the former Beverly Hills 90210 star was pictured at low-budget hotels

Tori was seen on an extended camping trip in a large RV because of finances and an ongoing mold issue at her Hidden Hills rental

Dean McDermott was spotted with his new girlfriend - identified as 32-year-old Lily Calo - for the first time during a trip to the Los Angeles welfare office

Tori and Dean married in 2006 and filed for divorce earlier this year. They have five children together, Liam, 16, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11, and Beau, six

Meanwhile, as Dailymail.com exclusively revealed, Tori's estranged husband Dean, 56, has been forced to find his own ways to survive.

On October 10, Dean was spotted holding hands with new girlfriend Lily Calo, 32, as he entered the Department of Social Services in Chatsworth to submit paperwork for public assistance. He is currently sharing a home in the San Fernando Valley with four roommates.

In her 2013 memoir, the daughter of TV mogul Aaron Spelling has admitted to being shaken to the core when it was revealed he had only left her and brother Randy, 45, around $800k each after his passing in 2006 at the age of 83.

She compared the surprise of finding out she was pregnant with her third child Hattie to the shock over her measly inheritance.

'[It was] Like finding out you've been left 0.16 percent of your gazillionaire father's [$600 million] estate. Love him. Still bitter.'

Without her wealthy mother's assistance, it is unlikely Tori could afford this current $18k-a-month rental.
Julia Fox has claimed Kim Kardashian sparked her split from Kanye West by calling her a drug addict.

The actress, 32, who had a one-month romance with West, 46, in January 2022, claims in her memoir Down The Drain that Kardashian, 43, had brought up her previous drug use in a chat with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

Fox has spoken openly about her past battle with drugs before, revealing she had used heroin and suffered from more than one overdose.

Fox revealed the break-up happened immediately after her 32nd birthday in February 2022 per BuzzFeed, saying West had seemed 'distant and preoccupied' at her party where he gifted her and her close friends with Birkin handbags.

She claimed the rapper made the women recreate the moment he gave them the bags 'several times for the cameras' which left her believing the moment was a 'publicity stunt.'

Claim: Julia Fox has claimed Kim Kardashian sparked her split from Kanye West by calling her a drug addict (pictured with West in January 2022)

Ex: The actress, 32, who had a one-month romance with West, 46, in January 2022, claims in her memoir Down The Drain that Kardashian, 43, had brought up her previous drug use in a chat with her soon-to-be ex-husband

Before: West began dating Kardashian in 2012. The pair tied the knot in 2014 and share four children together: daughters North, 10, and Chicago, five, and sons Psalm, four and Saint, seven (pictured 2015)

Fox said she and West left her soiree to go to a different bash, something she later regretted.

Fox detailed how she text West the next day saying she was 'no longer having fun in the relationship' to which he allegedly responded: 'If you loved me, you would support me.'

Fox said the pair then spoke on the phone 'one last time' and writes: 'He tells me he had a good conversation with his soon-to-be-ex-wife and discovered a lot of information about me,

'I didnt know you were a drug addict"' he says, as if I duped him. "I told you! Maybe if you listened more. And not to mention, so were you!" At this point Im yelling.'

'He remains silent for once. [Then says] "You said you wouldnt embarrass me'

Julia wrote: 'I refuse to let him hear me crying, so I hang up and tell my publicist to inform the press that we are over.

She also claims she lost a 'million dollar denim deal' as a result of the split because 'Its contingent on you being his girlfriend, Im informed'.'

Fox claims in the book she felt 'used' and 'like a pawn in a grand master plan' for West to get Kardashian back, writing: 'Thats a really s****y position to be in.'

Wow: Fox said the pair then spoke on the phone 'one last time' and writes: 'He tells me he had a good conversation with his soon-to-be-ex-wife and discovered a lot of information about me, 'I didnt know you were a drug addict"' he says, as if I duped him'

DailyMail.com has contacted Kim Kardashian's representative for comment.

This comes after Fox revealed that there 'wasn't any sex' in her relationship with West when they briefly dated early last year.

The star said that it 'wasn't about that' when describing the relationship between the unlikely pair.

Kanye and Julia first stepped out together months after his split from ex-wife Kardashian and made headlines thanks to their daring matching outfits.

Julia opens up about her sexual relationships in the book, however she does not mention Kanye.

In an interview with The New York Times, Julia was asked about these details she included in and how 'one boyfriend [she doesn't] describe sex with is Kanye.'

Julia replied: 'Because there, like, wasn't any. It wasn't really about that.'

'Red flags': And while recently appearing on Radio 4's Women's Hour, the actress admitted that she ignored 'red flags' while dating Ye; seen in January 2022 in Paris

During their romance, Julia was gifted a Hermes Birkin bag by the Yeezy designer, and she told the interviewer that she has kept hold of it after their split.

West began dating Kardashian in 2012. The pair tied the knot in 2014 and share four children together: daughters North, 10, and Chicago, five, and sons Psalm, four and Saint, seven.

Kim filed for divorce from West in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences and initially agreeing to joint custody prior to a breakdown in 2022 that saw the former couple clash over their children.
Carrie Bickmore paid a heartwarming tribute to her mother Jennie on Tuesday by recreating an adorable childhood picture to mark her 70th birthday.

The veteran presenter, 42, shared an adorable throwback photo to Instagram from her childhood, showing her and her mother posing up a storm together in a classroom.

Alongside it she posted a recent photo of them recreating the picture over thirty years later, with Jennie embracing her daughter in the same pose.

The mother-daughter pair couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces in the adorable photos.

'A few weeks ago to celebrate my mum's 70th, I took her back to Colorado where we lived together when I was five. She did a teaching exchange,' Carrie wrote next to the snap.

Carrie Bickmore paid a heartwarming tribute to her mother Jennie on Tuesday by recreating an adorable childhood picture, to mark her 70th birthday. Both pictured

'Mum's always said it was one of the best year's of her life. For a laugh we recreated some of our old photos with varying results.'

Many of Carrie's celebrity friends were quick to gush over the adorable picture.

'Adore x,' wrote Bec Judd while Daniel Johns posted a love heart emoji.

The veteran presenter, 42, shared an adorable throwback photo to Instagram from her childhood, showing her and her mother posing up a storm together

In October, it was announced Carrie is officially returning to screens for the first time since her shock resignation from Channel Ten's The Project last year.

The blonde bombshell told The Daily Telegraph she will be appearing on a special celebrity edition of Gogglebox Australia later this month.

Carrie will appear alongside a host of other stars including Fifi Box, The Irwin family and Dave Hughes to raise awareness for the youth mental health service ReachOut Australia.

The mother-daughter pair can't wipe the smiles off their faces in the adorable photos which perfectly capture their bond across the passage of time

The stunner announced her departure from The Project after 12 years on air in October last year.

She had been absent for a three month 'sabbatical' with her family in London earlier in the year, before returning to the panel in July, only to quit in October.

Three months after leaving the show, Carrie announced she'd split from her partner of 11 years Chris Walker.
Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans's spouse David Eason was charged with child abuse after her son Jace, 14, went missing three times in six weeks.

The charge is a misdemeanor, TMZ reported Tuesday, adding that the probe against the Oak Island, North Carolina native, 31, and her husband, 35, began after her son Jace, 14, went missing for the third time in six weeks last month.

Police sources told the site that 'there's a possibility [Jenelle] could eventually face charges as well' in the ongoing proceedings, and that 'there's video of an assault involving Jace' that law enforcement and CPS officials have in their possession.

Evans shares Jace with ex Andrew Lewis and is also mother to son Kaiser, nine, with ex Nathan Griffith; and daughter Ensley, six, with Eason. Since Jace's three attempts to run away, he has returned to the care of his maternal grandmother Barbara Evans, with whom he has lived for much of his life.

In a clip she filmed on Monday and posted to TikTok Tuesday, Jenelle slammed her mother, complained about getting harassed on social media, and physically stood by the side of Eason, who was seen in the closing seconds of the clip.

The latest: Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans' spouse David Eason, 35, was charged with child abuse after her son Jace, 14, went missing three times in six weeks. Pictured in 2020

In her social media post, Jenelle said that she was getting a lot of 'feedback' on her posts and came to the conclusion that her followers hate her.

'Im just getting so much harassment and Im being called a piece of s*** mom [and] horrible mother,' Jenelle said.

She implied that her mother Barbara was the culprit behind the child abuse probe and charge against Eason, as well as the nasty fallout of the ongoing situation.

'All of these comments are stemming from one person who is spreading it - if you know who Im talking about,' she said.

Jenelle said that she was holding her tongue on the specifics on the case for the time being, and urged her followers to refrain from posting negative sentiments to her social media pages.

'This will all be over soon and then Ill be able to tell you guys the full truth and whats going on,' she said, 'but like right now, please just keep your comments to yourself because Im trying to keep my mental health in check.'

Jenelle said amid the trying times, she still had to 'go to work,' 'post content,' and 'make videos for you guys.'

She added, 'I want to keep you guys updated with real content and not just complaining or talking about my situation all the time.'

In a clip she filmed on Monday and posted to TikTok Tuesday, Jenelle slammed her mother, complained about getting harassed on social media, and physically stood by the side of Eason, who was seen in the closing seconds of the clip

Jenelle said she was 'getting so much harassment' and 'being called a piece of s*** mom [and] horrible mother' amid the child abuse probe and subsequent charge of Eason

Jenelle said that she was holding her tongue on the specifics on the case for the time being, and urged her followers to refrain from posting negative sentiments to her social media pages

She was seen posing alongside her embattled spouse Eason amid their family troubles

In a separate recording in the post, she said that she had 'been crying for 30 minutes' and was continuing to try and stay upbeat amid the difficult timeframe.

'I know youll see me all the time on TikTok and you're like, "Shes so happy she doesnt care" - I do care about whats going on, I just try not to film myself when I'm so depressed, you know?' she said. 'But I need to keep reminding myself Ive been through way worse in the past, and this will pass - this too shall pass.'

Jenelle then focused her ire on her mother Barbara - who she has had a mercurial relationship with over the years - saying she has broken the 'generational curse' in her family.

'I think what hurts me the most is that my own parent would do this to me, my own parent caused this whole storm, s*** storm - it just hurts because I would never treat my children that way,' she said.

Jenelle continued, 'I know that I will treat my children with love and respect and if they need my help, I will give them my help without making them feel like a burden.'

Jenelle made reference to when she was granted custody of Jace this past March in the clip.

She said, 'You hand me my son back and youre like, "Oh Im gonna take him away again" - like come on dude, when is it gonna stop?"'

In the clip, Evans was seen walking by the waterfront when Eason was spotted in the background. She said, 'This is what I needed, the beach, right babe?' to which Eason added, 'That's right - beach.'

In a separate recording in the post, she said that she had 'been crying for 30 minutes' and was continuing to try and stay upbeat amid the difficult timeframe

Jenelle then focused her ire on her mother Barbara - who she has had a mercurial relationship with over the years - saying she has broken the 'generational curse' in her family

Jenelle and her mother Barbara were pictured in August of 2015 at the MTV VMAs in LA

Jenelle said, 'I think what hurts me the most is that my own parent would do this to me, my own parent caused this whole storm, s*** storm - it just hurts because I would never treat my children that way.' Pictured in LA in August of 2015

The couple was pictured October 15 at the Wilmington Gun & Knife Show in Wilmington, North Carolina in video published by TMZ, amid reports that 'criminal charges [were] likely' to be filed against them in connection with an assault and neglect probe by social workers.

The MTV personality and her husband brought children Kaiser and Ensley to the event, where weapons such as guns and knives are displayed for sale on tables, sources told the outlet, adding that Jace was not present for the outing.

Eason and Kaiser looked at items such as rifle scopes, gun holster and knives while at the weapons marketplace; while Ensley remained close to Evans, witnesses told the outlet.

Eason appeared 'to purchase a bulletproof vest for himself, and a wooden battle ax for Kaiser,' TMZ reported, citing witnesses.

Evans and her daughter spent about 20 minutes total at the show before leaving, onlookers told the outlet.

TMZ reported earlier this month that the CPS probe of Evans and Eason was 'in the final stages' and that it is probable that one or both would be charged as a result.

The Ashley reported that at an October 11 custody hearing, Eason was removed from the courtroom.

In a previous hearing, Evans was prohibited from speaking with Jace, unless he initiated it, while Eason was forbidden to have any contact with the teen.

Charges: Jenelle Evans, 31, and her husband David Eason, 35, were investigated after her oldest son Jace, 14, claimed his stepfather assaulted him September 28

No contact: The court has ordered Jenelle to have no contact with Jace unless he initiates it. The judge ruled David cannot have any contact with the teen who is currently living with his grandmother, Barbara

Law enforcement officials are investigating allegations that Eason assaulted Jace on September 28.

A source told The Sun that the following day, Jace was taken to the hospital, where doctors found marks on his arms and neck.

The source also alleged the physical interaction was captured on the doorbell camera at their home.

It appears that the probe appears to be expanding to include their other children as well, as Jace has claimed he is not the only one to be physically harmed.

'The judge asked a lot of questions about what Jace saw, and she took the allegations of abuse against the other minors in the home very seriously,' a source told the outlet.

Evans welcomed Jace in 2009 when she was just 17-years-old - she was filming 16 and Pregnant at the time and still in a relationship with his father, Lewis.

The former reality star regained custody of the teen earlier this year.

Evans shares son Kaiser, nine, with ex Griffith; a source told the outlet the boy had been having trouble at school.

Investigation: The investigation has expanded, and CPS investigators have been ordered to speak to Jenelle's other kids; Kaiser, nine, and Ensley, six, away from Jenelle and her husband David Eason. David's daughter, Maryssa, 16, also lives with the family

'Kaiser was suspended from school for a week recently,' a source said. 'He's in third grade. It's not normal at all. The kids are acting out. And, it's a total cry for help.'

Eason's daughter, Maryssa, 16, also lives on the property, which they call The Land, with the family.

CPS investigators were allegedly prevented from speaking to Kaiser and Ensley when they came out to investigate.

'It was said in court that the first time CPS came, they didnt let them in,' a source told the outlet. 'The second time [they came] David thought they were trespassers and threatened to shoot them and the third time, they came in, but Jenelle only allowed the kids to be interviewed while she was present.

Per the judge's ruling on Wednesday, 'The kids will now be interviewed away from Jenelle.'

Another hearing has been set for later this month to determine how Jace's living situation with his grandmother is going.
Kim Kardashian turned 43 years on Saturday, October 21st.

The SKIMS founder is still getting plenty of love days after her actual birthday, including flowers from her celebrity pals.

Beyonce sent the mom of four flowers for her birthday, as well as a card that said: 'Kim, Have a beautiful birthday. Hope you are surrounded by joy. All my love, B.'

Kim also received flowers Vanessa Bryant and family as well as pals Olivia Pierson and Natalie Halcro, Mert Alas and more.

Kim's son Saint and daughter North both sent their mom separate flowers in a sweet gesture.

Birthday girl: Kim Kardashian turned 43 years on Saturday, October 21st. The SKIMS founder is still getting plenty of love days after her actual birthday, including flowers from her celebrity pals

Surprise: Beyonce sent the mom of four flowers for her birthday, as well as a card

Queen: The card said: 'Kim, Have a beautiful birthday. Hope you are surrounded by joy. All my love, B;' Beyonce pictured during her Renaissance tour

Kim also showed off even more flowers lining her island in her kitchen, adding the caption: 'Thank you so much for all the birthday love!'

The flowers come just three days after her actual birthday - which was on Saturday, October 21.

Vanessa sent flowers on behalf of the Bryant family, writing in the card: 'Wishing you a very happy birthday. We love you. Love, the Bryant family.'

Fashion photographer Mert Alas also send his birthday love to the star, as did Dolce & Gabbana.

Kim's daughter North, 10, gave her light pink hued flowers while son Saint, seven, gave her hot pink flowers.

Her eldest son wrote a sweet message to her in the card: 'Have a great day mom. I love you more than anything. Love, Saint.'

Impressive: Kim also showed off even more flowers lining her island in her kitchen, adding the caption: 'Thank you so much for all the birthday love!'

Thoughtful: Vanessa sent flowers on behalf of the Bryant family, writing in the card: 'Wishing you a very happy birthday. We love you. Love, the Bryant family'

Cute: Kim's daughter North, 10, gave her light pink hued flowers while son Saint, seven, gave her hot pink flowers. Her eldest son wrote a sweet message to her in the card: 'Have a great day mom. I love you more than anything. Love, Saint'

Sweet: Fashion photographer Mert Alas also send his birthday love to the star

Amazing: Dolce & Gabbana sent her white roses as well

More: Her friend Simon also sent her a floral arrangement

Love: Kim got a card from her pals who signed it 'The Lifers'

Wow: Her table was covered with the exquisite floral arrangements

Impressive: Her friend Natalie Halcro and Olivia Pierson sent her a huge bouquet

Colorful: Kim shared the large array of flowers to her stories

Even more: The star had so many floral arrangements sent to her

The view: Kim had flowers all over her kitchen as well

Flower girl: Her minimalist kitchen was covered in flowers

Incredible: Kim had a variety of flowers covering her home

Lovely: The flowers were never ending, and the star continued to show every single one of them

Pretty: There were flowers blanketing her island in her kitchen

Exquisite: The star showed off a large white floral arrangement on her kitchen table

Kim rang in her birthday on the eve of her birthday, held in Beverly Hills at Funke restaurant.

Her siblings Khloe Kardashian, Kylie and Kendall Jenner were in attendance - as well as her mom Kris Jenner.

Kourtney Kardashian seemingly did not attend - however it could be due to the fact she is heavily pregnant with her and husband Travis Barker's son - or her feud with sister Kim.

Her brother Robert Kardashian Jr. wasn't pictured at the bash but it is unknown if he went and just opted to forgo pictures.

Kim was joined by a plethora of celebrity friends, including Hailey Bieber; other friends who arrived included Lauren Sanchez, the fiancee of billionaire Jeff Bezos; Ivanka Trump, Sofia Vergara and more.

Kim wowed in a bright red Balenciaga dress that featured ruching and cut-out details - as well as various lace up accents.

She carried a tiny patent black snakeskin Hermes Kelly bag in one hand, adding sunglasses.

On September 4, Kim enjoyed a family outing to Beyonce's LA concert at SoFi Stadium.

Kim has four children with ex-husband Kanye West: North, Saint, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four.

Sizzling: Kim rang in her birthday on the eve of her birthday, held in Beverly Hills at Funke restaurant

Where's Kourtney? Her siblings Khloe Kardashian, Kylie and Kendall Jenner were in attendance - as well as her mom Kris Jenner

Pals: Kim was joined by a plethora of celebrity friends, including Hailey Bieber; other friends who arrived included Lauren Sanchez (pictured second from the left), the fiancee of billionaire Jeff Bezos; Ivanka Trump (pictured on the far right), Sofia Vergara and more

Family: Kim attended the September 4th Beyonce concert in LA with her daughter North West, sister Khloe Kardashian and niece Penelope Disick

Kim attended the concert with her daughter North, sister Khloe Kardashian and niece Penelope Disick.

Kim filed for divorce in February 2021 just before what would have been the pair's seventh wedding anniversary.

In November 2022, Kim and Kanye's divorce was finalized, with Kanye agreeing to pay $200,000 a month in child support and equal custody.

Kanye married Yeezy architect Bianca Censori, 28, in January 2023.
Zima Anderson suffered a horrific accident during a tough challenge on SAS Australia.

On Tuesday night's episode, the Neighbours star was tasked with jumping from a high platform and into the ocean with a Bergen bag.

But the actress, 25, slipped and fell from the great height, landing on the concrete slab beneath the platform.

The moment wasn't captured on camera, but viewers could hear the impact and Zima's painful cries.

As SAS Chief Instructor Ant Middleton rushed to Zima's aid and supported her head in case of any injury, emergency service sirens wailed in the background.

Zima Anderson suffered a horrific accident during a tough challenge on SAS Australia

'This doesn't matter anymore. The exercise doesn't matter,' Ant assured her.

'That doesn't matter. You matter.'

Medical staff gave the soap star a green whistle for pain relief, as a defeated Zima shared her disappointment for not completing the challenge.

'I swear I was gonna be a good SAS recruit,' she said in a daze.

On Tuesday night's episode, the Neighbours star was tasked to jump from a high platform and into the ocean with a Bergen bag

But the actress, 25, slipped and fell from the great height, landing on the concrete slab beneath the platform

'You are! You are a good SAS recruit,' the DS team all replied.

The challenge was cancelled, with Zima getting carried out on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

She withdrew from the show on medical grounds with a fractured right elbow and wrist.

Speaking to the camera, Ant explained the show's challenges are designed to be 'as real as possible' and that in real life, 'accidents happen all the time'.

The moment wasn't captured on camera, but viewers could hear the impact and Zima's painful cries

As SAS Chief Instructor Ant Middleton rushed to Zima's aid and supported her head in case of any injury, emergency service sirens wailed in the background

'We have to make sure that you can deal with those risks and that when it comes to real life training, you are capable and aware of having your own life in your hands,' he said.

Elsewhere in Tuesday's episode, The remaining SAS Australia recruits became extremely vulnerable when they were instructed to write down their most shameful secrets and read them the rest of the group during Tuesday night's episode of the show.

Former diver Matthew Mitcham, 35, confessed to lying in his marriage to his husband Luke Rutherford, and admitted the problem might be compulsive.

'I've caused so much hurt and serious damage to the relationship. I hurt the people who are most important to me because honesty is not one of my core values. And I'm a liar,' Mitcham said.

Former diver Matthew Mitcham, 35, (pictured) confessed to lying in his marriage to his husband Luke Rutherford and admitted the problem might be compulsive on Tuesday night's SAS Australia

'I struggle to tell the truth when it's difficult.'

Mitcham was later brought to SAS Australia Chief Instructor Ant Middleton for an interrogation about his dishonesty, where he made a shocking confession about his sexual behaviour outside his marriage.

Middleton asked Mitcham about the latest lie he told, and he admitted that he lies to his husband about sex with other partners even though the couple 'have an understanding.'

'Are you worried that you could be a compulsive liar?' asked Middleton.

'Maybe, yeah that would a very shameful thing for me to admit,' Matthew replied.
Fear the Walking Dead star Sam Underwood will not face charges after he was arrested earlier this month for domestic battery after allegedly 'roughing up' a woman during a heated altercation.

The English actor, 36, was arrested on October 7 at 2.30am in Los Angeles after getting into an argument that turned into a physical altercation with a woman, whose identity has not been revealed.

Cops were called to the apartment where they found the woman with visible marks on her body, reported TMZ. She did not need medical attention.

Married Underwood was arrested for felony domestic battery and he was put in jail for 10 hours before being released, the outlet reported. He denied the allegations.

TMZ has confirmed Underwood will not be charged for the arrest as the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office has rejected the case.

Fear the Walking Dead star Sam Underwood will not face charges after he was arrested earlier this month for domestic battery after allegedly 'roughing up' a woman during a heated altercation

Sam Underwood (left) and Alycia Debnam-Carey in Fear The Walking Dead

According to TMZ last week, Underwood's attorney had photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings that allegedly disproved the case made against him.

Underwood is married to California-born actress Valorie Curry, and the pair tied the knot in July 2016.

They met while filming The Following in 2013, where Underwood played twins Luke and Mark Gray and Curry played Emma Hill.

Underwood has co-starred alongside Alec Baldwin in the theater production of Equus, and also had roles in Homeland and Fear The Walking Dead - which is a prequel to AMC's Walking Dead.

He played Jake Otto Fear The Walking Dead's third season, which aired in 2017.

He also played the role of Adam Carrington in the reboot of Dynasty from 2019-2022.
Emily Ratajkowski looked sensational as she attended beauty brand Kerastase's private event in Paris on Tuesday.

The model, 32, put on a very leggy display in a strapless black mini dress, teamed with stylish heels and a sheer red scarf.

Emily's long brunette locks were styled in a glamorous blow-dry and she opted for a bronzed makeup look with a swipe of nude lipstick.

It seems as though the Gone Girl star is taking a break from her very busy dating life at the moment, as she continues to be spotted around Europe by herself.

Emily has hit headlines recently for dating the likes of Eric Andre, DJ Orazio Rispo, and Harry Styles to name a few.

Wow! Emily Ratajkowski put on a very leggy display in strapless black mini dress as she attended beauty brand Kerastase's private event in Paris on Tuesday

Looking good: The model, 32, completed the look with stylish heels and a sheer red scarf

Emily recently showcased her chiseled form in a series of photos shared on the Instagram account of her swimwear company, Inamorata.

In her shots, the model donned one of her brand's bikinis while posing for a set of promotional snaps during a trip to Brazil.

The fashion industry personality launched Inamorata in November of 2017.

Emily's brand's offerings were initially limited to various one and two-piece swimsuits.

However, the company eventually expanded to include other forms of clothing, including dresses and headwear.

The model has taken a hands-on approach to promoting Inamorata Woman and frequently appears in its promotional materials.

Emily spoke about Inamorata during an interview with Harper's Bazaar, during which she stated that she was grateful to be able to collaborate with her friends on a professional level.

In the past: The fashion industry personality launched Inamorata in November of 2017

'Having my own business and working with a group of women that I love, that are my friends... that has been so enjoyable,' she stated.

The fashion industry personality also discussed being able to exert more influence over her professional life.

'What I like now is that, in my career, things are more in my hands and in my control,' Ratajkowski said.

She added: 'Failures feel more like road bumps than huge losses and I feel less impacted by other people saying no.'
A Washington state senator was arrested at Hong Kong Airport and faces up to 14 years in jail after discovering mid-flight he had brought his gun with him on the plane.

Longview Republican Jeff Wilson was flying with his wife Trisha to the Chinese city at the start of a five-week vacation in South-East Asia when he realized his mistake.

Reaching into his hand luggage for a 'piece of gum' he discovered the firearm in there as well which had also escaped the attention of security staff when he set off from Portland in Oregon.

'It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly,' he wrote on his website.

But he was arrested on arrival in the repressive former colony, thrown into jail and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.

State senator Jeff Wilson, pictured with wife Trisha, faces up to 14 years in a Hong Kong correctional facility and will appear in court on Monday

The pair were at the start of a five-week vacation to South-East Asia when he was arrested

The senator claimed he immediately handed the weapon to officials at Hong Kong International Airport on arrival before being arrested

The senator, who was elected in 2020, denied reports that the weapon was discovered during a search on arrival, insisting he 'immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue', at the end of the 15-hour flight.

He said the revolver was unloaded and is registered in Washington, where he holds a concealed carry license.

But he faces up to 14 years in one of Hong Kong's 'correctional facilities' and a fine of $12,800 for arriving with a firearm not registered in the Chinese territory.

Private ownership of guns is outlawed by the Chinese Communist Party in the tightly governed territory which was rocked by a series of pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020.

The city's Commissioner of Police only grants them to police officers, armed security guard services and operators of exclusive shooting range clubs.

Wilson has been a strong pro-gun advocate in his native state and sponsored a law this summer which made it easier for Washington's museums to obtain historic firearms without the need for background checks.

He had been planning visits to Shanghai, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia on his trip but had to surrender his travel documents ahead of a court appearance at Shatin Magistrates Court on Monday.

Chinese newspaper Sing Tao Daily reported that police were called when the Senator angrily confronted photographers outside the courthouse and demanded they delete their photos before photographing them in turn.

The pro-gun advocate sponsored a law this summer which made it easier for Washington's museums to obtain historic firearms

Released on a $20,000 bond and ordered not to leave Hong Kong he is due to face charges at West Kowloon Magistrates Court on October 30 where the maximum sentence for a first offence is usually two years in jail.

But he could also face charges back in the US where carrying firearms on board a plane is illegal under Transportation Security Administration restrictions.

Guns can be carried in hold luggage, but the carrier must pack them in a container and declare them to the airline while checking in.

Dailymail.com has reached out to Portland International Airport.
EXCLUSIVE

The Bachelors star Marjorie Griffiths and her best friend enjoyed a life of parties and beach trips together before they were both arrested over an alleged drug syndicate.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Molly Rosewarn, 27, is the co-accused of the TV reality show contestant after police raided a Umina Beach house on the NSW Central Coast last Friday.

TikTok videos of the pair show them partying, going to festivals and the beach together alongside posts where Ms Rosewarn calls Ms Griffiths, 26, her 'soul sister' and a heart with an arrow emoji.

In one video, Ms Rosewarn is straddling Ms Griffiths as they dance around to Yuh Im a Motha by Cardi B and Blueface in a living room with a Christmas tree in the background.

Molly Rosewarn and Marjorie Griffiths enjoy a close friendship but the 'soul sisters' were arrested at the same Umina Beach address last Friday

Molly and Marjorie, pictured above in a raunchy TikTok video, were arrested when police raided five properties over an alleged major drug and money laundering syndicate

Molly (left) is a former waitress while Marjorie (right) is also a model and actor

Ms Rosewarn is laughing and showing a full back tattoo which she displayed in an earlier TikTok video beside which Ms Griffiths wrote 'Looks hectic fooken love it' and Ms Rosewarn replied, 'Fooken love you'.

Ms Rosewarn, a former waitress at a Umina Beach cafe, says on her LinkedIn page that she has a business administration diploma and is 'an energetic and proactive team player'.

Last Friday just before 7am, members of the NSW Raptor Squad marched down the quiet cul-de-sac where Ms Griffiths lives and emerged with her in handcuffs.

She was placed in a police van and taken to Gosford Police Station where she was charged with seven offences including allegedly supplying 1kg of cocaine, 1kg of ice and dealing with $814,870 in proceeds of crime.

Molly Rosewarn is taken into custody after being arrested at Umina Beach last Friday morning along with Marjorie Griffiths

Ms Rosewarn was arrested at the Umina Beach house and placed in another police van and taken to Gosford station where she was charged with possessing prohibited drug, and supplying prohibited drug of more than an indictable but less than a commercial quantity.

Ms Griffiths, a model and actor, was remanded in custody on four counts of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, two counts of supplying prohibited drug and one of fail to comply with digital evidence access order direction.

NSW Police have charged seven people during an investigation by the Organised Crime Squad into money laundering and large-scale drug supply under Operation Phobetor-Enyo and .

Strike Force Glenfern's Operation Phobetor-Enyo was established last year as a joint squad with Australian Federal Police, the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

The Operation identified a 37-year-old man in Vietnam who was allegedly running a NSW money laundering syndicate converting large amounts of cash to cryptocurrency on behalf of crime groups involved in drug supply.

Under Strike Force Spartan, NSW Detectives have to date charged 12 people and seized around 300kg of prohibited drugs, $2.8 million in cash, and 15 firearms.

TikTok videos of Molly and Marjorie appear to show the friends enjoying outings to festivals and at the beach

Police executed six search warrants early last Friday including at premises in Double Bay, Lane Cove, Parramatta and Bankstown.

They arrested a 64-year-old woman they allege co-ordinated the money laundering on behalf of the man in Vietnam, a 52-year-old man charged with nine counts of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and one of participating in a criminal group.

Two men aged 28 and 31 arrested in Double Bay, were both charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

Ms Rosewarn appeared before Gosford Local Court last Friday, and was granted bail to report three times a week to police and not drink alcohol or take drugs.

Ms Griffiths was refused bail to appear in December at Downing Centre Local Court.
Here online safety expert tells DailyMail.com how parents can keep their children safe online

Number of US young people losing money to scams shot up 2,500% between 2017-2022

It's a new age conundrum guaranteed to haunt parents: just when is the right time to give your child a cell phone?

Some 77 percent of parents worry about their kids having a phone with internet access, according to a survey by online safety organization NetSafe.

And there is good reason for them to worry. Figures from the FBI show US victims under 20 lost $210 million to scammers in 2022.

Sean Lyons, chief online safety officer of NetSafe, told DailyMail.com that the issue is growing so quickly because young people are usually too scared to speak out if they have been scammed.

'Often young people will do nothing. They suffer in silence and things just get worse,' Lyons said.

Sean Lyons, chief online safety officer of NetSafe, warned young people often suffer in silence when scammed

Until recently, the vast majority of scam victims have been elderly citizens. However, young people are becoming the fastest growing cohort to fall victim to fraud.

The number of children and teenagers losing money to scams ballooned by 2,500 percent between 2017 and 2022, according to a recent study by Social Catfish. By comparison, the amount being lost by seniors increased by 805 percent.

Lyons - a former high school teacher turned internet safety advisor - said this is in part because scammers are becoming much more sophisticated with how they target a younger audience.

He added that teenagers are getting caught up in cryptocurrency investment scams that promised to earn them loads of money.

On top of that underage users are also likely to be catfished - whereby they end up talking to a scammer impersonating somebody their own age.

Even more worryingly Lyons warned about an uptick in young people becoming 'money mules.'

A money mule is somebody who often unwittingly holds illegally acquired money in their bank account briefly.

Back in August, the FBI in Omaha warned young people were being recruited as mules on social media and online gaming companies.

Perpetrators often pose as IT service or gaming upgrade companies and would ask youngsters to accept payments from the company's customers through digital payment platforms. In return they are able to keep a portion of the money.

Lyons said: 'Our priority at NetSafe is getting parents as involved as possible in the conversation around their child's first phone. They need to understand their role in keeping their children safe.'

NetSafe has now teamed up with New Zealand telecoms company 2degrees to launch its 'First Phones initiative' educating children about scams, catfishing, misinformation and dealing with trolls.

As part of the campaign, UK grime artist Scrufizzer created a track called 'Good Tings' which talks children through the pros and cons of getting their first phone.
Xavier Diattas pallets of dried mangoes are rotting visibly. Stored in containers, they have been waiting for more than four months to be shipped from Ziguinchor, in southern Senegal, to Dakar, some 270 kilometers further north. I can forget their marketing, laments the boss of Casa Industries SA, which exports processed agricultural products. These are losses that I have not yet evaluated but they are enormous. 

Since June 2, the maritime link between the large city of Casamance and the Senegalese capital has been at a standstill. A decision taken by the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs for reasons of national security, according to a source within the administration.

After the conviction of opponent Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for corruption of youth on June 1, violent demonstrations broke out in Dakar and Ziguinchor  the city of which he is mayor  leading to the deaths of twenty- three people, according to Amnesty International. The state suspected that people were taking the boat in Casamance to cause unrest in Dakar. It is a political decision by President Macky Sall who has a grudge against this region which rejected him, said Abdou Sane, municipal councilor of Ziguinchor.

Although calm has since returned, no date for the resumption of the maritime link has been announced. A prolonged suspension which weighs heavily on the Casamance economy. Separated from the rest of the country by Gambia and affected for forty years by the conflict between the State and the separatists of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), the region is landlocked.

An operational fleet of ships

Before the June unrest, two maritime rotations to the capital took place every week. We have three ships for freight and passenger transport, two which have a capacity of 500 tonnes and the last one of 200 tonnes, specifies Abdoul Salam Kane, operating director of the Senegalese Consortium of Maritime Activities (Cosama), the company which manages the Dakar-Ziguinchor maritime link. The fleet, he adds, is operational and ready to return to service.

From Ziguinchor, boats usually transport local fruits such as mangoes, oranges or mads to Dakar, but also vegetables, fish and forest products other than wood. In the other direction, manufactured goods, cars, household appliances, gas or medicines arrive. To transport them today, only the road route remains, the transport costs of which are higher. This is reflected in the selling price of the products. The purchasing power of local populations has therefore fallen and households are suffering, notes Abdou Sane.

Airplanes, even more expensive, are not an option for goods. Furthermore, the Ziguinchor airport, closed for renovation, was replaced by that of Cap Skirring, 70 kilometers from the regional capital, and the aircraft there cannot transport large quantities of goods.

The cashew nut sector strongly impacted

We are forced to use trucks and it is riskier because the vehicles can break down and the containers fall, explains Siaka Diallo, president of exporting traders in the cashew sector in Senegal. And it takes two to three days because of the quality of the roads, while the ship is much faster. Logistical complications which particularly affect the cashew nut sector, one of the most promising in the region.

Even though the quantity of cashew nuts exported in their raw state has increased  from more than 82,000 tonnes in 2021 to almost 150,000 tonnes in 2023  transport by road could represent a shortfall for the local economy of around 1 billion CFA francs [some 1.5 million euros] compared to transport by sea, estimates Jean-Bertrand Badiane, secretary general of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Industry. agriculture of Ziguinchor.

The entire sector and the activities that depend on it are affected, he continues, with dockworkers condemned to technical unemployment, restaurants which have emptied, shops impoverished by the lack of customers

To bring Casamance out of its isolation, Jean-Pascal Ehemba, president of the Ziguinchor Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, wants to focus on the port. We are also negotiating with the State in order to be able to directly export our products from Ziguinchor to the final destination without going through Dakar, he explains. For the moment, Casamance cashew nuts destined for Indian, Chinese or Pakistani markets must first pass through the port of Dakar before being exported.

For his part, entrepreneur Xavier Diatta launched an online petition to request the reopening of the shipping line, which exceeded 4,000 supporters on October 23. If we reach 5,000 signatures, the Economic and Social Council [an advisory body] will be obliged to organize a session to discuss this issue. And if he does not do so within eight days, it is up to the National Assembly to take up the subject, hopes Xavier Diatta, anxious to be able to resume his activities as soon as possible.
The prosecutor requested, on Tuesday, twenty years in prison against former Mauritanian president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, on trial since January in Nouakchott for having abused his power in order to amass an immense fortune. All the elements in the hands of justice prove the constitution of a crime, argued the magistrate.

Accusing Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of having accumulated a very large fortune that his legal income cannot justify and of having exercised commercial activities incompatible with his functions as President of the Republic from 2008 to 2019, the prosecutor mentioned illicit enrichment condemned by law. He also demanded the confiscation of the property of the former head of state.

A fortune estimated at 67 million euros

According to the courts, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, 66, would have built up assets and capital estimated at 67 million euros at the time of his indictment, in March 2021. Without denying being rich, the former head of State, son of a trader, refused to explain the origin of his fortune and denounces a plot intended to exclude him from political life.

He is one of the few, among the former leaders prosecuted in court, to have to answer for illicit enrichment in the exercise of power. His peers tried by national or international justice are mainly for blood crimes, such as, elsewhere in West Africa, the former Guinean dictator Moussa Dadis Camara, on trial since September 2022.

During his indictment lasting approximately three hours, the prosecutor requested ten-year prison sentences against the two former prime ministers and two ministers, as well as the confiscation of their property. He requested five years in prison against the other defendants.

Descent into hell

After more than ten years at the head of this vast and poor Sahelian country of 4.5 million inhabitants, previously shaken by coups and jihadist actions but returned to stability when unrest spread to the rest of the region , the former president has experienced a descent into hell since Mohamed Ould Ghazouani came to power. The latter has always denied interference in the matter.

Former chief of staff and minister of defense, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has long been considered one of the former president's most loyal companions. After preparing for his accession to power, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz gave way to him after elections, in the first transition not imposed by force in a country prone to coups since its independence.

Around forty defenders were to begin pleading this Tuesday. No details were provided as to the date of the judgment.
Edtech company BYJU'S Chief Financial Officer Ajay Goel has quit the company after completing the audit process for the financial year 2022 and is returning to Vedanta, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

The edtech major has roped in industry veteran Pradip Kanakia as the senior advisor, and President (Finance) Nitin Golani has been given additional responsibility as India Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to handle the finance function of the company.

"I thank the founders and colleagues at BYJU'S for helping me assemble the FY'22 audit in three months. I appreciate the support received during a short but impactful stint at BYJU'S," Goel said.

He will transition after completing the formalities of the financial year (FY) 2022 audit, the statement said.

The company had planned a board meeting in the second week of October to adopt the result but it could not be held due to the resignation of Goel in process, according to sources.

While the audit process by Goel is complete, the auditor BDO (MSKA & Associates) will sign off the audit after doing due diligence as the resignation of the CFO has a material impact on the company's audit process.

The FY 2022 result will be placed before BYJU's board for adoption after BDO (MSKA & Associates) completes the process, the source said.

Goel has resigned after his six-month stint at the company. BYJU's announced his appointment in the first week of April as Group CFO but due to internal restructuring he was given charge of handling finance at India level.

Within two months of Goel's joining, BYJU's auditor Deloitte resigned in June citing a delay in the submission of financial statements for FY 2022.

In a letter to the Byju's board, Deloitte Haskins and Sells said that it is resigning as auditor of Think & Learn three years prior to the expiry of its contract due to a long delay in the edtech firm's financial statement for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.

Post Deloitte Haskins and Sells resignation, the company had appointed BDO (MSKA & Associates) as auditor.

Kankia, onboarded by BYJU'S as senior advisor, comes with over 35 years of experience including leadership positions at Price Waterhouse and KPMG.

Golani was previously the Chief Strategy Officer at Aakash Education and played a crucial role in Byju's USD 1 billion acquisition of Aakash in 2021 and moved into an operating role at Aakash post-acquisition.

He began his career at Grant Thornton Bharat and has held roles at MetLife and Accenture Strategy.

BYJU's Founders Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath thanked Goel for his contributions during his tenure as CFO and expressed confidence in the new team.

Golani said he would take up the new role alongside a dedicated team.

"I am committed to ensuring that BYJU'S growth is robust and sustainable. My endeavour now is to maximise shareholder value by o
The road to equality for disabled individuals in the workplace has been paved with both promise and pitfalls. Differently abled must be given their dignity to work

Inclusivity has long been hailed as a cornerstone of any progressive society. It is an assertion that we as a nation, time and again, aspire to uphold. However, as we take stock of the employment ecosystem in India, the lens through which we view inclusivity has often overlooked a significant portion of our population - persons with disabilities. The road to equality for disabled individuals in the workplace has been paved with both promise and pitfalls. As we delve into the present status of disabled people in Indias employment landscape, we uncover a complex tapestry of challenges, a world of untapped potential, and the beacon of hope represented by initiatives like the NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards.

Challenges and Opportunities

At the all-India level, 36% of the total disabled persons are workers. Among male disabled persons, 47% are working, while among female disabled individuals, only 23% are part of the workforce (DEPwD, MSJE). These figures underscore the disparity between genders in disability employment, emphasizing the urgent need for more inclusive policies. Rural India shows some promise, with 25% of female disabled individuals participating in the workforce, while in urban areas, the corresponding figure drops to 16%. This urban-rural disparity highlights the need for region-specific strategies to improve employment opportunities for disabled people. In the pursuit of employment, people with disabilities (PWDs) face significant challenges that hinder their entry into the corporate sector. This stark contrast between employable disabled individuals and those who are actually employed calls for immediate action to tap into this vast potential.

According to the latest workforce data reported by Nifty 50 constituent companies as part of their annual disclosures, the situation remains grim. Only five out of these 50 companies have more than 1% of people with disabilities on their rolls, with four of them being public sector companies. Its worth noting that public sector companies are required to reserve 4% of all jobs for disabled people in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 - a target which all the analysed companies fall short of. In a research paper titled Moving Beyond Compliance: Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in Business (2019) published by Oxfam India in collaboration with NCPEDP findings indicated that low literacy levels, lack of access to skills and technology, ignorance, Misinformation, and prejudice, access to information on job opportunities and Inadvertent exclusion are significant challenges faced by persons with disabilities in seeking employment.

Moreover, the study highlighted various hurdles faced by disabled individuals in their employment. These challenges encompass issues like ineffective integration processes, limited career growth, skill-related job losses, inadequate grievance mechanisms, poor job identification, unsuitable work assignments, lack of workplace accessibility, insufficient budget allocation for disability-related technology, and a tendency to limit inclusion efforts to CSR. Persistent barriers include negative attitudes, social integration challenges, feelings of indebtedness, and ongoing transportation issues.

Addressing these challenges requires a fundamental shift in perspective and practice within the govt/corporate world. It necessitates the recognition that disabled individuals bring valuable skills, unique perspectives, and a strong work ethic to the table. Overcoming the hurdle of attitude demands a commitment to changing workplace cultures, fostering empathy, and championing diversity and inclusion.

One effective means of achieving this transformation is through the practice of reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation involves making necessary adjustments to the workplace environment and job duties to enable disabled employees to perform their tasks effectively. This can encompass a range of measures, from providing assistive technologies to accommodating flexible work hours.

To address the present challenges, India needs a multifaceted approach. Public and private sector organizations must undertake awareness campaigns and sensitization programs to combat stereotypes and biases against disabled individuals. Changing perceptions is only the first step towards fostering a more inclusive work environment.

The private sector should actively implement the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees. Mandatory reporting on the hiring and inclusion of disabled individuals can ensure accountability. Private sector companies must not only meet legal compliance but also set aspirational goals for disability inclusion, aiming to go beyond the minimum requirements.

As India establishes itself as a thriving centre for startups and entrepreneurship, it is essential to shine a spotlight on self-employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This necessitates substantial investment. Customized training schemes and initiatives aimed at enhancing skills can provide disabled individuals with the tools necessary for success in the job market. The significant pool of employable disabled individuals should be tapped into through specific efforts, vocational training, and programs designed for skill enhancement.

Empowering individuals with disabilities to choose between remote and in-office work recognizes their diverse capabilities and needs. Rather than assuming remote work as the sole solution, it's important to provide choices and decision-making power. To achieve this, organizations should adopt accessible communication tools and provide comprehensive training to all employees. This approach promotes inclusivity and respects individual preferences, allowing disabled individuals to thrive in a workspace that aligns with their unique needs and talents.

The present status of people with disabilities in Indias employment ecosystem is a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. We have a long way to go to create a truly inclusive workforce, but the path is illuminated by promising initiatives and the potential of disabled individuals to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. By embracing reasonable accommodation and promoting an inclusive culture, organizations can unlock the untapped potential of persons with disabilities and build a more inclusive India.

(The writer is executive director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, views are personal)
Meet snow leopard Scar, king of Qilian Mountains

(People's Daily App) 15:12, October 24, 2023

In this captivating documentary, photographer Yuan Ming will take you on a four-year journey of filming and studying the lives of local snow leopards in the stunning Qilian Mountains in Gansu Province, Northwest China. The documentary focuses on a highly recognizable snow leopard Scar, named after the distinctive scars on his forehead. The scars are evidence of his battles for dominance in the mountain kingdom. Scar's life is not without challenges. Navigating the harsh and oxygen-deprived environment of the high altitudes poses significant obstacles, making hunting and survival an even greater struggle. Over the years, Yuan Ming and his team's persistent observation has allowed them to witness Scar's remarkable journey as he finds a mate, and builds a flourishing family amidst the untamed beauty of the highlands. Today marks International Snow Leopard Day. It was set to recognize the significance of these majestic creatures in high-altitude ecosystems. However, they are also known for their vulnerability, as they only appear when the food chain is intact and the environment hospitable. (Produced by Yuan Ming, Shi Shengyuan, Liang Peiyu, Li Bowen and Han Xiaomeng; Intern Zhao Jiankai also contributed to the story

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday performed "Shastra Puja" in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang and celebrated Dussehra with Army soldiers in the strategically key region that is close to the frontier with China.

Singh, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, also carried out a comprehensive review of India's military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and lauded the troops for guarding the border with "unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage."

In an interaction with soldiers after visiting Bum-La and number of other forward posts, Singh asserted there is no option but to bolster the country's security apparatus in view of the current global scenario.

Singh's celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers at a military base that is not very far from the LAC comes at a time India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years.

Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil, Singh said after performing "Shastra Puja" (worship of weapons) at a military base.

The defence minister also visited the Tawang war memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war with China.

Tawang is a centre for Buddhism and key region having significant strategic importance. India has been ramping up military infrastructure in the region in the last few years. Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a clash along the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector on December 9 last year.

"No amount of appreciation is enough for the way you are guarding the border in difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that people of the country are proud of you," he told the troops.

The defence minister expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their "unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage" while guarding the borders in tough conditions, and ensuring that the nation and its people are safe.

In his remarks, Singh said all efforts are being made to strengthen the nation's military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment.

"Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons and platforms are being manufactured within the country," he said.

"Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores," he said.

In his address to the soldiers, the defence minister described the "righteousness and dharma" of the brave armed forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi.

Singh has been performing "Shastra Puja" during Dussehra for the last several years, including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

The defence minister said the valour and commitment of the armed forces is one of the main reasons behind India's rising stature globally and that it is now among the most powerful nations.

Singh cited India's success in the economic sphere as one of the reasons for the country's growing global profile. But at the same time noted that if the armed forces hadn't guarded the country's border effectively, then its stature would not have risen.

Citing his recent tour of Italy, the defence minister recalled his visit to Montone memorial which has been built to honour the contribution of Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers who fought in the Italian campaign to liberate Montone in World War II.

He added that not just Indians, but even Italian people pay their respects at the memorial, which is proof that the bravery of Indian soldiers is recognised globally.

The defence ministry said Singh was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the deployment of cutting-edge military equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops.

Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors following the eastern Ladakh standoff.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has submitted a protocol for Swedens admission into NATO to Turkeys parliament for ratification, his office said Monday. Erdogan had been delaying ratification Swedens membership, accusing Stockholm of being too soft on Kurdish militants and other groups he considers to be security threats. Turkey also was angered by a series of Quran-burning protests in Sweden.

All 31 NATO allies must endorse Swedens membership. Turkey and Hungary are the only two allies that have yet to ratify it.

A brief statement from the presidential communications directorate said Erdogan had signed the protocol on Swedens NATO accession, which was then submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

It was not immediately known when Swedens membership would come to the floor.

Sweden welcomed the move.

Glad to hear that Turkish President Erdogan has now handed over the ratification documents to the Turkish Parliament, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Now it remains for Parliament to deal with the issue. We look forward to becoming a member of NATO.

Sweden and its neighbour Finland abandoned decades of military nonalignment after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022, seeking protection under NATOs security umbrella. Finland joined the military alliance in April.

Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Turkey to quickly ratify Swedens membership in the military organisation.

Many allies would like to see speedy progress on this ratification, Stoltenberg told The Associated Press after chairing a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. Sweden has delivered on what they promised, and now we need the ratification of Swedish membership.
The United States renewed a warning on Monday that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack under a 1951 treaty, after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels off a contested shoal in the South China Sea. Philippine diplomats summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila on Monday for a strongly worded protest following Sundays collisions off Second Thomas Shoal. No injuries were reported but the encounters damaged a Philippine coast guard ship and a wooden-hulled supply boat operated by navy personnel, officials said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called an emergency meeting with the defense secretary and other top military and security officials to discuss the latest hostilities in the disputed waters. The Philippines and other neighbours of China have resisted Beijings sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea, and some, like Manila, have sought US military support as incidents multiply. After the meeting, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro blasted China in a news conference for resorting to brute force that he said endangered Filipino crew members and for twisting the facts to conceal its aggression.

The Philippine government views the latest aggression by China as a blatant violation of international law, Teodoro said. China has no legal right or authority to conduct law enforcement operations in our territorial waters and in our exclusive economic zone.

Marcos ordered an investigation of the high-sea collisions, Teodoro said, but he refused to disclose what steps the Philippine government would take. We are taking these incidents seriously at the highest levels of government, he said, adding that the government called for a news conference to provide accurate facts. The Chinese government is deliberately obfuscating the truth, the defense chief said.

The Philippines also plans to raise its alarm over the Chinese ships dangerous maneuvers in talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on a proposed nonaggression pact - a code of conduct - to prevent a major armed conflict in the South China Sea.

Beijing is hosting the three-day negotiations starting Monday, two Philippine officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to publicly discuss details of the talks. Teodoro said it was very ironic that China was hosting the talks that aim to prevent major conflicts at sea when they just committed a blatant disregard of international law.

The territorial conflicts involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have long been regarded as a flashpoint in a delicate fault line in the US-China rivalry. About five Chinese coast guard ships, eight accompanying vessels and two navy ships formed a blockade on Sunday to prevent two Philippine coast guard ships and two boats from delivering food and other supplies to Filipino forces stationed at Second Thomas Shoal aboard a marooned navy ship, Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

During the standoff, one of the Philippine coast guard ships and a supply boat were separately hit by a Chinese coast guard ship and a vessel. Only one of the two Filipino boats managed to deliver supplies to Philippine forces, Tarriela said. The senior Chinese diplomat who was summoned by Philippine foreign officials repeated Chinas assertion that the Philippine vessels intruded into Chinese territory. China once again urges the Philippines to take seriously Chinas grave concerns, honour its promise, stop making provocations at sea, stop making dangerous moves, stop groundlessly attacking and slandering China, and to tow away the illegally grounded warship as soon as possible, Zhou Zhiyong was quoted as saying by the Chinese Embassy in Manila. He was referring to the Sierra Madre, which serves as Manilas territorial outpost at the shoal after being deliberately ran aground in 1999. The Chinese coast guard on Sunday blamed the Philippine vessels for causing the collisions and said the Filipinos were carrying construction materials to strengthen their outpost at the shoal. The US and other allies expressed alarm over the Chinese action. Washington renewed a warning that its obligated to defend the Philippines under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including those of its coast guard - anywhere in the South China Sea.

The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of the Peoples Republic of China coast guard and maritime militias dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing an October 22 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, the US State Department said in a statement issued by its embassy in Manila.

It blamed the dangerous maneuvers by Chinas ships for the collisions and added that they violated international law by intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.

The State Department also cited a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated Chinas expansive claims to the South China Sea on historical grounds, including in Second Thomas Shoal.

Washington lays no claims to the disputed sea but has deployed forces to patrol the waters to promote freedom of navigation and overflight - moves that have angered Beijing, which has warned the US to stop meddling in what it says is a purely Asian dispute.(AP)

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Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG  Free Report)  Stock analysts at DA Davidson dropped their FY2023 earnings per share estimates for shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, October 20th. DA Davidson analyst P. Winter now anticipates that the bank will earn $3.88 per share for the year, down from their prior estimate of $4.04. The consensus estimate for Citizens Financial Groups current full-year earnings is $3.68 per share. DA Davidson also issued estimates for Citizens Financial Groups Q4 2023 earnings at $0.86 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $3.58 EPS.

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Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $37.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating and set a $33.00 target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Citizens Financial Group from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.40.

Citizens Financial Group Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE CFG opened at $23.58 on Monday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $26.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $27.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.87 and a beta of 1.34. Citizens Financial Group has a 12-month low of $23.37 and a 12-month high of $44.82.

Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.91 by ($0.06). Citizens Financial Group had a net margin of 17.61% and a return on equity of 9.60%. The business had revenue of $3.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.04 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.30 EPS.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Citizens Financial Group

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in Citizens Financial Group in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Asset Dedication LLC boosted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 155.2% during the first quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 809 shares of the banks stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 492 shares in the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 93.6% during the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 964 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 466 shares in the last quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 63.2% during the second quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 984 shares of the banks stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fiduciary Alliance LLC bought a new position in shares of Citizens Financial Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Citizens Financial Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st will be paid a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 31st. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.12%. Citizens Financial Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 41.79%.

Citizens Financial Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Citizens Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Citizens Bank, National Association that provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, corporations, and institutions in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking.

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Pinterest, Inc. (NYSE:PINS  Free Report)  Investment analysts at Wedbush raised their Q4 2023 EPS estimates for Pinterest in a research note issued to investors on Friday, October 20th. Wedbush analyst S. Devitt now forecasts that the company will earn $0.20 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.19. Wedbush has a Neutral rating and a $30.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for Pinterests current full-year earnings is $0.01 per share. Wedbush also issued estimates for Pinterests FY2024 earnings at $0.12 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.35 EPS.

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Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Pinterest from $21.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $30.00 price target on shares of Pinterest in a research report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Loop Capital raised their price target on Pinterest from $28.00 to $37.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Citigroup raised Pinterest from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $31.00 to $36.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on Pinterest from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Pinterest has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $31.71.

Pinterest Trading Up 2.6 %

Shares of NYSE:PINS opened at $26.64 on Monday. Pinterest has a 1 year low of $20.60 and a 1 year high of $30.86. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $27.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.85 billion, a PE ratio of -61.94, a P/E/G ratio of 136.36 and a beta of 1.01.

Pinterest (NYSE:PINS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported ($0.04) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.10) by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $708.03 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $698.28 million. Pinterest had a negative net margin of 10.14% and a negative return on equity of 4.59%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Christine Deputy sold 7,447 shares of Pinterest stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.00, for a total value of $215,963.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 308,934 shares in the company, valued at $8,959,086. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Wanjiku Juanita Walcott sold 25,557 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.34, for a total value of $647,614.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 277,446 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,030,481.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Christine Deputy sold 7,447 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.00, for a total transaction of $215,963.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 308,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,959,086. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 499,533 shares of company stock worth $13,634,052. Insiders own 6.85% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Pinterest

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cohanzick Management LLC acquired a new stake in Pinterest during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Pinterest during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. BOKF NA acquired a new stake in Pinterest during the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its holdings in shares of Pinterest by 1,093.5% in the 3rd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,098 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 1,006 shares during the period. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA grew its holdings in shares of Pinterest by 315.3% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,142 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 867 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.63% of the companys stock.

About Pinterest

(Get Free Report)

Pinterest, Inc operates as a visual discovery engine in the United States and internationally. The company's engine allows people to find ideas, such as recipes, home and style inspiration, and others; provides video, product, and idea pins; and offers organizing and planning tools. It shows organic recommendations and advertising engine based on pinners tastes and preferences; and enables pinners with shoppable product pins, which include price, color, and size that redirect to retailer websites.

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Waters Co. (NYSE:WAT  Free Report)  Equities research analysts at Leerink Partnrs cut their Q4 2023 earnings estimates for Waters in a note issued to investors on Thursday, October 19th. Leerink Partnrs analyst P. Souda now anticipates that the medical instruments supplier will post earnings of $4.25 per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $4.30. The consensus estimate for Waters current full-year earnings is $12.12 per share.

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Waters (NYSE:WAT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.59 by $0.21. Waters had a net margin of 22.54% and a return on equity of 124.03%. The company had revenue of $740.58 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $733.51 million.

WAT has been the subject of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Waters from $290.00 to $260.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Waters in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. TheStreet downgraded shares of Waters from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Waters from $288.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Waters in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. They issued a market perform rating and a $280.00 price target for the company. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $307.50.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Waters

Waters Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE:WAT opened at $255.68 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $15.11 billion, a PE ratio of 22.55, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.35. Waters has a twelve month low of $248.11 and a twelve month high of $353.70. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $269.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $274.58.

Insider Buying and Selling at Waters

In other Waters news, Director Christopher A. Kuebler sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $291.48, for a total value of $1,165,920.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 14,382 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,192,065.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.77% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Waters

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Waters by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,689,208 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $2,076,263,000 after purchasing an additional 30,274 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in shares of Waters by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,471,889 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $925,397,000 after purchasing an additional 27,488 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Waters by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,619,676 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $698,248,000 after purchasing an additional 29,920 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its stake in shares of Waters by 37.2% during the 2nd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 2,018,487 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $538,008,000 after purchasing an additional 547,777 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in shares of Waters by 79.6% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,504,592 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $467,011,000 after purchasing an additional 666,851 shares during the period. 94.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Waters

(Get Free Report)

Waters Corporation, a specialty measurement company, provides analytical workflow solutions in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. It operates through two segments, Waters and TA. The company designs, manufactures, sells, and services high and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, as well as mass spectrometry (MS) technology systems and support products, including chromatography columns, other consumable products, and post-warranty service plans.

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Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) is set to announce its earnings results after the market closes on Wednesday, October 25th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.46 per share for the quarter. Parties that wish to listen to the companys conference call can do so using this link.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The mining company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $1.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.70 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 5.63% and a net margin of 40.06%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.75 EPS. On average, analysts expect Agnico Eagle Mines to post $2 EPS for the current fiscal year and $2 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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Agnico Eagle Mines Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of AEM opened at $49.38 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.10, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 22.33 and a beta of 0.85. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $47.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $50.93. Agnico Eagle Mines has a twelve month low of $40.81 and a twelve month high of $61.15.

Agnico Eagle Mines Dividend Announcement

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agnico Eagle Mines

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st were issued a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.24%. Agnico Eagle Miness payout ratio is 31.13%.

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in AEM. IHT Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,049 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $988,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 34.9% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,016 shares of the mining companys stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Quilter Plc acquired a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 1st quarter worth approximately $204,981,000. Harbour Investments Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 98.1% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 935 shares of the mining companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 463 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Institutional investors own 59.37% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $64.00 to $67.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $61.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. CSFB lifted their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $67.83.

Check Out Our Latest Report on AEM

About Agnico Eagle Mines

(Get Free Report)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

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CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (OTCMKTS:CPAMF  Get Free Report) is one of 58 public companies in the REIT  Retail industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust to similar companies based on the strength of its risk, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends and analyst recommendations.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

20.1% of CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 39.7% of shares of all REIT  Retail companies are held by institutional investors. 14.0% of shares of all REIT  Retail companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust 0 0 0 0 N/A CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Competitors 436 1285 739 1 2.12

Profitability

As a group, REIT  Retail companies have a potential upside of 40.20%. Given CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trusts competitors higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

This table compares CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust N/A N/A N/A CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Competitors 41.83% 4.45% 2.78%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust N/A N/A 6.96 CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Competitors $507.32 million $149.56 million -73.52

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trusts competitors have higher revenue and earnings than CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust. CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Dividends

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.11 per share and has a dividend yield of 8.5%. CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust pays out 59.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, REIT  Retail companies pay a dividend yield of 466.8% and pay out 79.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust competitors beat CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust on 8 of the 10 factors compared.

About CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

(Get Free Report)

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) is the first and largest real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) with a market capitalisation of S$13.6 billion as at 31 July 2023. It debuted on SGX-ST as CapitaLand Mall Trust in July 2002 and was renamed CICT in November 2020 following the merger with CapitaLand Commercial Trust. CICT owns and invests in quality income-producing assets primarily used for commercial (including retail and/or office) purpose, located predominantly in Singapore. As the largest proxy for Singapore commercial real estate, CICT's portfolio comprises 21 properties in Singapore, two properties in Frankfurt, Germany, and three properties in Sydney, Australia with a total property value of S$24.2 billion based on valuations of its proportionate interests in the portfolio as at 31 December 2022. CICT is managed by CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment Limited, a leading global real estate investment manager with a strong Asia foothold.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) is scheduled to be announcing its earnings results before the market opens on Tuesday, October 31st. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.86 per share for the quarter.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The consumer goods maker reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.04. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 10.59% and a return on equity of 14.69%. The firm had revenue of $15.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.33 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.73 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV to post $3 EPS for the current fiscal year and $4 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of BUD stock opened at $52.69 on Tuesday. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 12 month low of $46.32 and a 12 month high of $67.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. The businesss 50 day moving average is $55.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.77. The company has a market cap of $91.52 billion, a PE ratio of 17.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.24.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have commented on the company. Morgan Stanley upgraded Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the company from $64.00 to $68.50 in a report on Thursday, July 20th. TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Friday, September 15th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $66.13.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 491.2% during the second quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 603 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 501 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 11.5% during the second quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 5,400 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $306,000 after acquiring an additional 555 shares during the period. Castleview Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 74.0% during the second quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 778 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 331 shares during the period. Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the second quarter valued at $142,000. Finally, Hilltop Holdings Inc. bought a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the second quarter valued at $340,000. 5.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

(Get Free Report)

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands.

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Asset Management One Co. Ltd. trimmed its holdings in Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:XHR  Free Report) by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 177,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 5,168 shares during the quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. owned 0.16% of Xenia Hotels & Resorts worth $2,188,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Xenia Hotels & Resorts in the 1st quarter worth $865,000. New York Life Investment Management LLC grew its position in Xenia Hotels & Resorts by 26.8% during the first quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 37,286 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $488,000 after buying an additional 7,880 shares in the last quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in Xenia Hotels & Resorts by 1.2% during the first quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 120,800 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,581,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400 shares during the period. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP raised its holdings in Xenia Hotels & Resorts by 175.7% in the 1st quarter. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP now owns 267,845 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,506,000 after acquiring an additional 170,692 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Xenia Hotels & Resorts by 77.7% in the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 377,115 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,936,000 after acquiring an additional 164,933 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.16% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently commented on XHR. B. Riley cut their target price on Xenia Hotels & Resorts from $19.00 to $16.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 14th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Xenia Hotels & Resorts from $11.00 to $10.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Xenia Hotels & Resorts in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Xenia Hotels & Resorts from $14.00 to $13.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $15.00.

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Stock Performance

NYSE XHR opened at $11.63 on Tuesday. Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. has a 1-year low of $10.90 and a 1-year high of $17.36. The company has a 50 day moving average of $11.70 and a 200-day moving average of $12.19. The company has a current ratio of 3.50, a quick ratio of 3.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The firm has a market cap of $1.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.22 and a beta of 1.46.

Xenia Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:XHR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by ($0.32). The business had revenue of $271.07 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $274.90 million. Xenia Hotels & Resorts had a net margin of 5.14% and a return on equity of 4.07%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. will post 1.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th were issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.44%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. Xenia Hotels & Resortss dividend payout ratio is currently 83.33%.

About Xenia Hotels & Resorts

(Free Report)

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc is a self-advised and self-administered REIT that invests in uniquely positioned luxury and upper upscale hotels and resorts with a focus on the top 25 lodging markets as well as key leisure destinations in the United States. The Company owns 32 hotels and resorts comprising 9,511 rooms across 14 states.

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Asset Management One Co. Ltd. trimmed its stake in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE:WMS  Free Report) by 15.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 24,527 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 4,445 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd.s holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems were worth $2,791,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Prudential Financial Inc. boosted its position in Advanced Drainage Systems by 3.8% in the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 2,238 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $203,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Intrust Bank NA boosted its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 3.7% in the first quarter. Intrust Bank NA now owns 3,983 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $335,000 after acquiring an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank boosted its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 5.1% in the first quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 3,110 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $262,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its position in Advanced Drainage Systems by 47.8% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 495 shares of the construction companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares during the period. Finally, Argent Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Argent Capital Management LLC now owns 25,212 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,123,000 after purchasing an additional 178 shares during the last quarter. 84.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Advanced Drainage Systems Stock Performance

Shares of Advanced Drainage Systems stock opened at $108.36 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $119.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $109.86. 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 company has a market capitalization of $8.53 billion, a PE ratio of 17.97, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.41. Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. has a 12 month low of $75.02 and a 12 month high of $134.94.

Advanced Drainage Systems Announces Dividend

Advanced Drainage Systems ( NYSE:WMS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The construction company reported $2.04 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.51. Advanced Drainage Systems had a return on equity of 50.53% and a net margin of 16.82%. The company had revenue of $778.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $746.08 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.22 earnings per share. Advanced Drainage Systemss revenue was down 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. will post 5.57 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared 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 0.52%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 31st. Advanced Drainage Systemss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 9.29%.

Insider Transactions at Advanced Drainage Systems

In related news, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 6,147 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $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, Director Anil Seetharam sold 150,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.88, for a total transaction of $18,732,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,317,649 shares in the company, valued at $164,548,007.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 2,500 shares of the businesss 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 sale, the insider now owns 6,147 shares in the company, valued at approximately $752,085.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 565,774 shares of company stock valued at $71,489,961 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 3.79% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on WMS. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Stephens started coverage on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems in a report on Thursday, August 24th. They set an overweight rating and a $148.00 target price for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on Advanced Drainage Systems from $131.00 to $162.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Advanced Drainage Systems from $114.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Advanced Drainage Systems from $138.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $147.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Advanced Drainage Systems

Advanced Drainage Systems Profile

(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.

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Avestar Capital LLC increased its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 2.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 35,175 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 702 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble makes up about 0.9% of Avestar Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest position. Avestar Capital LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $5,337,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 99,734.1% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 253,081,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,402,583,000 after purchasing an additional 252,827,976 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 161,843,254 shares of the companys stock worth $24,064,473,000 after acquiring an additional 2,157,319 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 46,754,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,936,343,000 after purchasing an additional 510,559 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 12.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,717,246,000 after purchasing an additional 4,959,527 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 96,526.4% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 38,535,557 shares of the companys stock worth $5,840,449,000 after buying an additional 38,495,676 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.43% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In related news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 188 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.52, for a total transaction of $27,921.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 626 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $92,973.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 188 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.52, for a total transaction of $27,921.76. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 626 shares of the companys stock, valued at $92,973.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 1,413 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.97, for a total transaction of $204,842.61. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 26,306 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,813,580.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 108,948 shares of company stock worth $16,863,835. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have commented on PG shares. Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their target price on Procter & Gamble from $162.00 to $153.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 12th. William Blair started coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, September 8th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $173.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $163.84.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble Stock Performance

NYSE:PG opened at $148.15 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $349.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.05, a P/E/G ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.44. The firms 50 day moving average is $150.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is $151.05. The Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $128.35 and a fifty-two week high of $158.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $21.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.58 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 18.30%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.57 EPS. Analysts expect that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.41 EPS for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 20th will be given a dividend of $0.9407 per share. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 19th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 61.04%.

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Banco Santander (Brasil) (NYSE:BSBR  Get Free Report) is scheduled to release its earnings data before the market opens on Wednesday, October 25th. Analysts expect Banco Santander (Brasil) to post earnings of $0.15 per share for the quarter. Persons that wish to listen to the companys earnings conference call can do so using this link.

Banco Santander (Brasil) Stock Up 3.1 %

Shares of BSBR stock opened at $5.29 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 0.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Banco Santander has a 12 month low of $4.76 and a 12 month high of $6.64. The stock has a market cap of $19.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.33 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $5.72.

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Banco Santander (Brasil) Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 23rd will be paid a $0.0202 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 20th. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.53%. Banco Santander (Brasil)s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.43%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Santander (Brasil)

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN purchased a new position in shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) in the 2nd quarter worth $39,000. Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) by 12,833.3% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 7,760 shares of the banks stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 7,700 shares during the last quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) during the 2nd quarter valued at about $69,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC grew its position in Banco Santander (Brasil) by 1,389.7% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 11,843 shares of the banks stock worth $75,000 after acquiring an additional 11,048 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 14.56% of the companys stock.

Several research firms recently weighed in on BSBR. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Banco Santander (Brasil) in a research report on Monday, October 16th. They set a hold rating and a $5.70 target price on the stock. Barclays lifted their price objective on Banco Santander (Brasil) from $5.00 to $5.50 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Banco Santander (Brasil) in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have assigned a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Banco Santander (Brasil) currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $5.40.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Banco Santander (Brasil)

Banco Santander (Brasil) Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Banco Santander (Brasil) SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate customers in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through, Commercial Banking and Global Wholesale Banking segments. It offers deposits and other bank funding instruments; debit and credit cards; digital prepaid solutions; payment platform; loyalty programs; employee benefit vouchers; payroll loans; digital lending and online debt renegotiation platform; mortgages; home equity financing products; consumer credit; and local loans, commercial and trade finance, guarantees, structured loans, and cash management and funding solutions, as well as on-lending transfer services.

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China MeiDong Auto (OTCMKTS:CMEIF  Get Free Report) and Group 1 Automotive (NYSE:GPI  Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings and valuation.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

99.9% of Group 1 Automotive shares are held by institutional investors. 3.5% of Group 1 Automotive shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Profitability

This table compares China MeiDong Auto and Group 1 Automotives net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China MeiDong Auto N/A N/A N/A Group 1 Automotive 3.98% 28.33% 9.67%

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China MeiDong Auto N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Group 1 Automotive $16.92 billion 0.20 $751.50 million $46.38 5.14

This table compares China MeiDong Auto and Group 1 Automotives revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Group 1 Automotive has higher revenue and earnings than China MeiDong Auto.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for China MeiDong Auto and Group 1 Automotive, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China MeiDong Auto 0 1 0 0 2.00 Group 1 Automotive 1 0 1 0 2.00

Group 1 Automotive has a consensus price target of $328.00, indicating a potential upside of 37.63%. Given Group 1 Automotives higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Group 1 Automotive is more favorable than China MeiDong Auto.

Summary

Group 1 Automotive beats China MeiDong Auto on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About China MeiDong Auto

(Get Free Report)

China MeiDong Auto Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, operates as an automobile dealer in the People's Republic of China. The company is involved in the sale of new passenger cars and spare parts; and provision of service and survey. It also provides after-sales services, such as auto registration, insurance, auto parts, repair and replacement, sales and maintenance of automotive supplies, etc.; financing referral solutions; and other value added services. In addition, the company engages in the trading of used vehicles and property management. It operates self-operated stores in Beijing, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Gansu, and Anhui provinces. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Dongguan, the People's Republic of China. China MeiDong Auto Holdings Limited is a subsidiary of Apex Sail Limited.

About Group 1 Automotive

(Get Free Report)

Group 1 Automotive, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates in the automotive retail industry in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company sells new and used cars, light trucks, and vehicle parts, as well as service and insurance contracts; arranges related vehicle financing; and offers automotive maintenance and repair services. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. was incorporated in 1995 and is headquarters in Houston, Texas.

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Corporate Office Properties Trust (NYSE:OFC  Get Free Report) and Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:DRETF  Get Free Report) are both real estate companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Corporate Office Properties Trust and Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Corporate Office Properties Trust 0 2 1 0 2.33 Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust 0 4 1 0 2.20

Corporate Office Properties Trust currently has a consensus target price of $29.00, indicating a potential upside of 16.28%. Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust has a consensus target price of $23.71, indicating a potential upside of 319.32%. Given Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trusts higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust is more favorable than Corporate Office Properties Trust.

Earnings and Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Corporate Office Properties Trust $739.03 million 3.80 $173.03 million $1.69 14.76 Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A $2.06 2.75

This table compares Corporate Office Properties Trust and Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trusts revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Corporate Office Properties Trust has higher revenue and earnings than Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust. Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Corporate Office Properties Trust, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Corporate Office Properties Trust and Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Corporate Office Properties Trust 27.43% 10.93% 4.49% Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A

Insider & Institutional Ownership

24.9% of Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.9% of Corporate Office Properties Trust shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Dividends

Corporate Office Properties Trust pays an annual dividend of $1.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust pays an annual dividend of $2.05 per share and has a dividend yield of 36.3%. Corporate Office Properties Trust pays out 67.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust pays out 99.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Corporate Office Properties Trust has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years.

Summary

Corporate Office Properties Trust beats Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Corporate Office Properties Trust

(Get Free Report)

COPT is a REIT that owns, manages, leases, develops and selectively acquires office and data center properties. The majority of its portfolio is in locations that support the United States Government and its contractors, most of whom are engaged in national security, defense and information technology (IT) related activities servicing what the Company believes are growing, durable, priority missions (Defense/IT Locations). The Company also owns a portfolio of office properties located in select urban submarkets in the Greater Washington, DC/Baltimore region with durable Class-A office fundamentals and characteristics (Regional Office Properties). As of June 30, 2023, the Company derived 90% of its core portfolio annualized rental revenue from Defense/IT Locations and 10% from its Regional Office Properties. As of the same date and including 24 properties owned through unconsolidated joint ventures, COPT's core portfolio of 192 properties encompassed 22.9 million square feet and was 95% leased.

About Dream Office Real Estate Investment Trust

(Get Free Report)

Dream Office REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. Dream Office REIT is a premier office landlord in downtown Toronto with over 3.5 million square feet owned and managed. We have carefully curated an investment portfolio of high-quality assets in irreplaceable locations in one of the finest office markets in the world.

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Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS  Get Free Report) and Aiful (OTCMKTS:AIFLY  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares Discover Financial Services and Aifuls net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Discover Financial Services 18.39% 26.70% 2.63% Aiful N/A N/A N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Discover Financial Services and Aifuls gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Discover Financial Services $15.20 billion 1.35 $4.39 billion $13.48 6.11 Aiful N/A N/A N/A $19.42 0.06

Analyst Recommendations

Discover Financial Services has higher revenue and earnings than Aiful. Aiful is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Discover Financial Services, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Discover Financial Services and Aiful, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Discover Financial Services 0 10 5 0 2.33 Aiful 0 0 0 0 N/A

Discover Financial Services presently has a consensus price target of $106.19, indicating a potential upside of 28.92%. Given Discover Financial Services higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Discover Financial Services is more favorable than Aiful.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

83.6% of Discover Financial Services shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.7% of Discover Financial Services shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Discover Financial Services beats Aiful on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Discover Financial Services

(Get Free Report)

Discover Financial Services, through its subsidiaries, provides digital banking products and services, and payment services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Digital Banking and Payment Services. The Digital Banking segment offers Discover-branded credit cards to individuals; private student loans, personal loans, home loans, and other consumer lending; and direct-to-consumer deposit products comprising savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA certificates of deposit, IRA savings accounts and checking accounts, and sweep accounts. The Payment Services segment operates the PULSE, an automated teller machine, debit, and electronic funds transfer network; and Diners Club International, a payments network that issues Diners Club branded charge cards and/or provides card acceptance services, as well as offers payment transaction processing and settlement services. The company was incorporated in 1960 and is based in Riverwoods, Illinois.

About Aiful

(Get Free Report)

Aiful Corporation engages in the consumer finance and credit guarantee business in Japan. The company offers unsecured and small business loans; and credit card, prepaid card, credit guarantee, debt collection, venture capital, receiving agent, corporate turnaround and restructuring, warehouse, document management, and leasing services, as well as used car and medical loans. It also provides postpay settlement, factoring, and installment credit sales services. The company was formerly known as Marutaka, Inc. and changed its name to Aiful Corporation in May 1982. Aiful Corporation was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

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Blue Owl Capital (NYSE:OBDC  Get Free Report) is one of 8,183 public companies in the  industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Blue Owl Capital to similar companies based on the strength of its earnings, profitability, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation.

Risk & Volatility

Blue Owl Capital has a beta of 0.89, meaning that its share price is 11% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Blue Owl Capitals peers have a beta of 0.61, meaning that their average share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Dividends

Blue Owl Capital pays an annual dividend of $1.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 9.9%. Blue Owl Capital pays out 60.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group,  companies pay a dividend yield of 1.8% and pay out 118.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Blue Owl Capital has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Blue Owl Capital is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Blue Owl Capital 0 0 3 0 3.00 Blue Owl Capital Competitors 4392 24163 30518 621 2.46

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Blue Owl Capital and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.

Blue Owl Capital currently has a consensus price target of $15.50, indicating a potential upside of 16.28%. As a group,  companies have a potential upside of 434.36%. Given Blue Owl Capitals peers higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Blue Owl Capital has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Blue Owl Capital and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Blue Owl Capital $1.20 billion $556.72 million 6.11 Blue Owl Capital Competitors $6.27 billion $516.64 million -100.02

Blue Owl Capitals peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Blue Owl Capital. Blue Owl Capital is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Profitability

This table compares Blue Owl Capital and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Blue Owl Capital 59.50% 11.42% 4.98% Blue Owl Capital Competitors -1,357.56% -276.58% -22.42%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

42.3% of Blue Owl Capital shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 53.6% of shares of all  companies are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Blue Owl Capital shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 15.3% of shares of all  companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Blue Owl Capital beats its peers on 10 of the 15 factors compared.

Blue Owl Capital Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Blue Owl Capital Corporation is a business development company. It specializes in direct and fund of fund investments. The fund makes investments in senior secured, direct lending or unsecured loans, subordinated loans or mezzanine loans and also considers equity-related securities including warrants and preferred stocks also pursues preferred equity investments, first lien, unitranche, and second lien term loans and common equity investments. Within private equity, it seeks to invest in growth, acquisitions, market or product expansion, refinancings and recapitalizations. It seeks to invest in middle market and upper middle market companies based in the United States, with EBITDA between $10 million and $250 million annually and/or annual revenue of $50 million and $2.5 billion at the time of investment. It seeks to invest in investments with maturities typically between three and ten years. It seeks to make investments generally ranging in size between $20 million and $250 million.

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Sigma Planning Corp lifted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 5.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,490 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 760 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $1,650,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC increased its position in Digital Realty Trust by 15.2% in the 2nd quarter. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC now owns 4,508 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $513,000 after acquiring an additional 594 shares during the period. Cigna Investments Inc. New boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cigna Investments Inc. New now owns 3,582 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $408,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in Digital Realty Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at $2,954,000. Keybank National Association OH boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 24,330 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,770,000 after purchasing an additional 1,768 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 46,557 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,301,000 after purchasing an additional 1,372 shares in the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Digital Realty Trust Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of Digital Realty Trust stock opened at $117.43 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $124.17 and a 200-day moving average of $112.39. The stock has a market cap of $35.55 billion, a PE ratio of 91.03, a PEG ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 0.56. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $86.33 and a 52-week high of $133.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

Insiders Place Their Bets

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 378.30%.

In other Digital Realty Trust news, insider Cindy Fiedelman sold 2,770 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total transaction of $346,250.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have issued reports on DLR. Scotiabank began coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, October 13th. They set a sector perform rating and a $132.00 price target for the company. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $102.00 to $98.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Truist Financial raised their price objective 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. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $132.00 to $144.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Raymond James reduced their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $121.71.

View Our Latest Stock 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.

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Shares of Eldorado Gold Co. (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the eight brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $13.40.

EGO has been the topic of several analyst reports. TD Securities lowered their price target on shares of Eldorado Gold from $12.00 to $11.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 31st. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $9.50 target price on shares of Eldorado Gold in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. StockNews.com raised shares of Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. CSFB decreased their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from $10.75 to $9.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 11th.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Eldorado Gold Price Performance

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EGO. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Eldorado Gold during the second quarter worth about $37,000. Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new position in Eldorado Gold during the first quarter worth about $68,000. Prelude Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold in the second quarter worth about $78,000. LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of Eldorado Gold by 19.5% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 12,286 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $79,000 after acquiring an additional 2,008 shares during the period. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold in the second quarter valued at approximately $80,000. Institutional investors own 58.23% of the companys stock.

Shares of EGO opened at $10.24 on Thursday. Eldorado Gold has a twelve month low of $5.28 and a twelve month high of $12.11. The firm has a market cap of $2.09 billion, a PE ratio of 128.02 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 2.67 and a current ratio of 3.75. The firms 50 day moving average price is $9.38 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.06.

Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The basic materials company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.02. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 1.48% and a return on equity of 1.67%. The business had revenue of $229.86 million for the quarter. As a group, research analysts expect that Eldorado Gold will post 0.33 EPS for the current fiscal 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.

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Greenbrier Companies (NYSE:GBX  Get Free Report) will be issuing its 08/31/2023 quarterly earnings data before the market opens on Wednesday, October 25th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.01 per share for the quarter. Parties that wish to listen to the companys conference call can do so using this link.

Greenbrier Companies Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:GBX opened at $41.04 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.14, a PEG ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 1.66. Greenbrier Companies has a 1-year low of $24.96 and a 1-year high of $48.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 1.75. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $41.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $36.87.

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Greenbrier Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 29th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.92%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 7th. Greenbrier Companiess payout ratio is 70.59%.

Insider Activity

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Greenbrier Companies

In other news, SVP Laurie R. Dornan sold 3,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.29, for a total transaction of $150,442.50. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 22,331 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,033,701.99. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 2.32% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its holdings in shares of Greenbrier Companies by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 6,127 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $149,000 after acquiring an additional 350 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in shares of Greenbrier Companies by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,363 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $415,000 after purchasing an additional 468 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in shares of Greenbrier Companies by 4.5% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 12,152 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $295,000 after purchasing an additional 518 shares during the last quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc lifted its stake in shares of Greenbrier Companies by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc now owns 18,290 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $588,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in shares of Greenbrier Companies by 6.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 9,785 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $515,000 after purchasing an additional 566 shares during the last quarter. 90.50% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

GBX has been the subject of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company cut shares of Greenbrier Companies from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $48.00 to $40.00 in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Greenbrier Companies from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Greenbrier Companies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Susquehanna upgraded shares of Greenbrier Companies from a neutral rating to a positive rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $44.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Greenbrier Companies has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.50.

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About Greenbrier Companies

(Get Free Report)

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc designs, manufactures, and markets railroad freight car equipment in North America, Europe, and South America. It operates through three segments: Manufacturing; Maintenance Services; and Leasing & Management Services. The Manufacturing segment offers conventional railcars, such as covered hopper cars, boxcars, and center partition cars; tank cars; double-stack intermodal railcars; auto-max and multi-max products for the transportation of light vehicles; pressurized tank cars, non-pressurized tank cars, flat cars, coil cars, gondolas, sliding wall cars, intermodal cars, hoppers and automobile transporter cars; and marine vessels.

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Gulf International Bank UK Ltd lowered its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report) by 23.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 26,123 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 8,001 shares during the period. Gulf International Bank UK Ltds holdings in LyondellBasell Industries were worth $2,398,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,852,225 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $3,172,226,000 after purchasing an additional 335,124 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in LyondellBasell Industries by 2.9% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,322,280 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,266,977,000 after buying an additional 348,169 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its stake in LyondellBasell Industries by 27.6% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 5,829,284 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $547,312,000 after acquiring an additional 1,262,433 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,564,134 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $461,990,000 after acquiring an additional 34,064 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,859,104 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $456,192,000 after purchasing an additional 196,741 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.41% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Jeffrey A. Kaplan sold 10,000 shares of LyondellBasell Industries stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $97.56, for a total transaction of $975,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 49,876 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,865,902.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other LyondellBasell Industries news, EVP Jeffrey A. Kaplan sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $97.56, for a total transaction of $975,600.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 49,876 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,865,902.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder Ai Investments Holdings Llc sold 483 shares of LyondellBasell Industries stock in a transaction on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.61, for a total transaction of $48,111.63. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 765,996 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $76,300,861.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

LYB has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on LyondellBasell Industries from $121.00 to $116.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their target price on LyondellBasell Industries from $112.00 to $108.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued 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 $102.07.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on LYB

LyondellBasell Industries Stock Performance

Shares of LyondellBasell Industries stock opened at $90.16 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $29.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.00, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. LyondellBasell Industries has a twelve month low of $75.70 and a twelve month high of $102.04. The companys fifty day moving average is $96.17 and its 200 day moving average is $93.64.

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.30 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $10.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.79 billion. LyondellBasell Industries had a return on equity of 21.31% and a net margin of 4.92%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 30.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $5.19 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that LyondellBasell Industries will post 8.43 EPS for the current year.

LyondellBasell Industries Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 28th were given a $1.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 25th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.55%. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 77.64%.

LyondellBasell Industries Company Profile

(Free Report)

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology.

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Gulf International Bank UK Ltd lowered its position in Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 23.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 36,017 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 10,925 shares during the period. Gulf International Bank UK Ltds holdings in Equity Residential were worth $2,376,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Securian Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Equity Residential by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 28,128 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,688,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. CVA Family Office LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Equity Residential in the first quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. raised its stake in shares of Equity Residential by 17.7% during the 2nd quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 48,650 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,210,000 after buying an additional 7,321 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Equity Residential by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 102,891 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,788,000 after buying an additional 4,863 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its stake in Equity Residential by 14.0% in the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 64,078 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,844,000 after acquiring an additional 7,871 shares during the period. 84.79% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Equity Residential

In other Equity Residential news, COO Michael L. Manelis sold 2,500 shares of Equity Residential stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.04, for a total transaction of $165,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 22,844 shares in the company, valued at $1,508,617.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 1.69% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have issued reports on EQR shares. Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Equity Residential from $68.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 26th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Equity Residential in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Equity Residential from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $62.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Truist Financial raised their target price on Equity Residential from $71.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 14th. Finally, TheStreet raised Equity Residential from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Monday, July 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $67.86.

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Equity Residential Price Performance

EQR stock opened at $56.34 on Tuesday. Equity Residential has a 52-week low of $54.60 and a 52-week high of $69.45. The business has a fifty day moving average of $61.51 and a two-hundred day moving average of $63.14. The stock has a market cap of $22.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

Equity Residential Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 26th were issued a $0.6625 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 25th. This represents a $2.65 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.70%. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 119.91%.

About Equity Residential

(Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 304 properties consisting of 80,212 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

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Pizza Pizza Royalty (OTCMKTS:PZRIF  Get Free Report) is one of 86 public companies in the Restaurants industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Pizza Pizza Royalty to related businesses based on the strength of its earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, dividends, valuation and analyst recommendations.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

35.5% of Pizza Pizza Royalty shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 38.6% of shares of all Restaurants companies are held by institutional investors. 29.8% of shares of all Restaurants companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Profitability

This table compares Pizza Pizza Royalty and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Pizza Pizza Royalty N/A N/A N/A Pizza Pizza Royalty Competitors 8.68% -15.74% 3.94%

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Pizza Pizza Royalty N/A N/A 11.70 Pizza Pizza Royalty Competitors $1.55 billion $65.69 million 706.45

This table compares Pizza Pizza Royalty and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Pizza Pizza Royaltys competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Pizza Pizza Royalty. Pizza Pizza Royalty is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

Dividends

Pizza Pizza Royalty pays an annual dividend of $0.79 per share and has a dividend yield of 8.4%. Pizza Pizza Royalty pays out 97.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, Restaurants companies pay a dividend yield of 2.0% and pay out 131.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Pizza Pizza Royalty is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Pizza Pizza Royalty and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Pizza Pizza Royalty 0 0 0 0 N/A Pizza Pizza Royalty Competitors 458 1884 2678 24 2.45

Pizza Pizza Royalty presently has a consensus target price of $12.50, suggesting a potential upside of 32.42%. As a group, Restaurants companies have a potential upside of 19.00%. Given Pizza Pizza Royaltys higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Pizza Pizza Royalty is more favorable than its competitors.

Summary

Pizza Pizza Royalty competitors beat Pizza Pizza Royalty on 6 of the 10 factors compared.

About Pizza Pizza Royalty

(Get Free Report)

Pizza Pizza Royalty Corp., through its subsidiary, Pizza Pizza Royalty Limited Partnership, owns and franchises quick service restaurants under the Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 brands in Canada. It also distributes food. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Get Free Report) and SIG Group (OTCMKTS:SCBGF  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares WestRock and SIG Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets WestRock -6.82% 8.75% 3.24% SIG Group N/A N/A N/A

Institutional and Insider Ownership

85.5% of WestRock shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of WestRock shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio WestRock $21.26 billion 0.41 $944.60 million ($5.54) -6.10 SIG Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

This table compares WestRock and SIG Groups revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

WestRock has higher revenue and earnings than SIG Group.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for WestRock and SIG Group, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score WestRock 0 4 3 0 2.43 SIG Group 1 1 1 0 2.00

WestRock currently has a consensus price target of $37.57, indicating a potential upside of 11.26%. Given WestRocks stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe WestRock is more favorable than SIG Group.

Summary

WestRock beats SIG Group on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About WestRock

(Get Free Report)

WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates in four segments, Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper, and Distribution. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers. It also provides structural and graphic design, engineering services and custom, and proprietary and standard automated packaging machines, as well as turn-key installation, automation, line integration, and packaging solutions; and pack temporary displays, as well as lithographic laminated packaging products. The Consumer Packaging segment manufactures and sells folding cartons that are used to package food, paper, beverages, dairy products, tobacco, confectionery, health and beauty, other household consumer products; and express mail packages for the overnight courier industry. It also offers inserts and labels, as well as rigid packaging and other printed packaging products, such as transaction cards, brochures, product literature, marketing materials, and grower tags, and plant stakes; and secondary packages and paperboard packaging for over-the-counter and prescription drugs. In addition, this segment manufactures and sells solid fiber and corrugated partitions, and die-cut paperboard components. The Global Paper segment manufactures containerboard, paperboard, and specialty grades primarily to corrugated packaging, folding carton, food service, liquid packaging, tobacco, and commercial print markets. The Distribution segment distributes corrugated packaging materials and other specialty packaging products, including stretch films, void fills, carton sealing tapes, and other specialty tapes; and provides contract packing services. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

About SIG Group

(Get Free Report)

SIG Group AG provides aseptic carton packaging systems and solutions for beverage and liquid food products. The company provides aseptic carton filling lines, aseptic carton sleeves and closures, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, as well as spare parts, maintenance, digital, add-on, training, and other services. It primarily operates in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and the Americas. The company was formerly known as SIG Combibloc Group AG and changed its name to SIG Group AG in April 2022. SIG Group AG was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland.

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Portside Wealth Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of First American Financial Co. (NYSE:FAF  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 61,225 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $3,490,000. Portside Wealth Group LLC owned approximately 0.06% of First American Financial as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in FAF. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in shares of First American Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of First American Financial during the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. Ellevest Inc. grew its holdings in shares of First American Financial by 76.1% during the 1st quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 745 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 322 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. purchased a new position in shares of First American Financial during the 1st quarter valued at $46,000. Finally, Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of First American Financial by 161.3% during the 4th quarter. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. now owns 925 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 571 shares in the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently commented on FAF shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of First American Financial in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of First American Financial from $67.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Spectaire reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of First American Financial in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $72.00 price objective on shares of First American Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, BTIG Research reissued a neutral rating on shares of First American Financial in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $68.25.

First American Financial Stock Down 0.1 %

NYSE FAF opened at $50.47 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $5.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.85 and a beta of 1.26. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $57.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $57.71. First American Financial Co. has a twelve month low of $44.52 and a twelve month high of $64.66.

First American Financial (NYSE:FAF  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The insurance provider reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $1.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.50 billion. First American Financial had a net margin of 3.64% and a return on equity of 10.72%. Research analysts anticipate that First American Financial Co. will post 4.34 earnings per share for the current year.

First American Financial Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th were paid a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.20%. This is a boost from First American Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 7th. First American Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 91.78%.

First American Financial Profile

(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.

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Stifel Canada restated their buy rating on shares of Surge Energy (TSE:SGY  Free Report) in a research note released on Friday morning, PriceTargets.com reports.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on SGY. ATB Capital set a C$13.00 price target on Surge Energy and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Raymond James boosted their target price on shares of Surge Energy from C$13.00 to C$14.00 in a research report on Friday, September 8th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of Surge Energy from C$11.75 to C$12.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. National Bankshares boosted their price objective on shares of Surge Energy from C$12.00 to C$13.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group increased their target price on shares of Surge Energy from C$12.00 to C$14.00 in a report on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of C$13.25.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Surge Energy

Surge Energy Stock Performance

Shares of SGY opened at C$9.18 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$902.67 million, a P/E ratio of 3.83, a P/E/G ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 2.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 36.44, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 0.38. Surge Energy has a 1 year low of C$6.68 and a 1 year high of C$10.64. The companys fifty day moving average is C$8.78 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$8.27.

Surge Energy (TSE:SGY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported C$0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.19 by C($0.05). The firm had revenue of C$155.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$156.80 million. Surge Energy had a return on equity of 29.39% and a net margin of 37.96%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Surge Energy will post 1.2496626 earnings per share for the current year.

Surge Energy Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 31st will be issued a $0.04 dividend. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.23%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 30th. Surge Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.00%.

About Surge Energy

(Get Free Report)

Surge Energy Inc explores for, develops, and produces oil and gas in western Canada. The company's principal properties include Sparky assets located between Provost and Wainwright in eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan; the Southeast Saskatchewan properties are located in the Southeast corner of the Province; the Greater Sawn Lake assets located in Northern Alberta; the Valhalla/Wembley property located in northwestern Alberta; and the Shaunavon properties located to the southwest of Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

Further Reading

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Sigma Planning Corp reduced its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,705 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 714 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,840,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of GS. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the first quarter worth about $66,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,505.1% during the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 41,300 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $13,633,000 after acquiring an additional 38,727 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 18.5% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 118,609 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $39,153,000 after purchasing an additional 18,540 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 79.4% in the first quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 827 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $273,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 118.3% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 310 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $102,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the period. 69.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:GS opened at $299.22 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 1.13. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $321.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $329.05. The stock has a market cap of $98.64 billion, a PE ratio of 14.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.38. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a one year low of $298.10 and a one year high of $389.58.

The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The investment management company reported $5.47 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.42 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $11.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.15 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 7.19% and a net margin of 7.77%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $8.25 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 22.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be paid a $2.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.68%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is currently 53.24%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently commented on GS shares. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $347.00 to $329.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 3rd. UBS Group lifted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $385.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. Societe Generale downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Credit Suisse Group reissued an outperform rating and issued a $410.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Atlantic Securities raised The Goldman Sachs Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $330.00 to $351.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $392.60.

View Our Latest Analysis on The Goldman Sachs Group

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 4,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 sale, the chief executive officer now owns 124,782 shares in the company, valued at $44,457,330.96. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile

(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.

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Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, October 13th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, October 27th will be paid a dividend of 0.365 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, November 17th. This represents a $1.46 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 26th.

Unum Group has increased its dividend payment by an average of 5.0% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 14 years. Unum Group has a payout ratio of 18.4% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Unum Group to earn $7.97 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.46 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 18.3%.

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Unum Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE UNM opened at $48.53 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $49.23 and a 200 day moving average price of $46.84. Unum Group has a 52 week low of $36.27 and a 52 week high of $52.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.49 billion, a PE ratio of 6.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.08.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Unum Group ( NYSE:UNM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $2.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.19. Unum Group had a return on equity of 15.10% and a net margin of 11.90%. The company had revenue of $3.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.07 billion. Analysts predict that Unum Group will post 7.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on UNM. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Unum Group from $54.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. StockNews.com began coverage on Unum Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Unum Group from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 15th. Citigroup increased their target price on Unum Group from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Unum Group from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 18th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $55.25.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Unum Group

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 3,750 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.02, for a total value of $183,825.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 46,334 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,271,292.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 3,750 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.02, for a total value of $183,825.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 46,334 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,271,292.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Timothy Gerald Arnold sold 20,000 shares of Unum Group stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $1,000,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 72,061 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,603,050. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.77% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unum Group

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Quantamental Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unum Group during the 1st quarter valued at $244,000. GTS Securities LLC acquired a new position in Unum Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $241,000. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Unum Group during the 1st quarter worth about $237,000. Toroso Investments LLC acquired a new position in Unum Group during the 3rd quarter worth about $234,000. Finally, Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors acquired a new position in Unum Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $228,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.37% of the companys stock.

About Unum Group

(Get Free Report)

Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products.

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Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC trimmed its position in WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 17,504 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 336 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLCs holdings in WestRock were worth $509,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ancora Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of WestRock during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Gyon Technologies Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of WestRock during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Cornerstone Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of WestRock by 75.0% during the 1st quarter. Cornerstone Management Inc. now owns 1,050 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 450 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of WestRock by 203.8% during the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,118 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 750 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S lifted its position in shares of WestRock by 110.9% during the 1st quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 1,200 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 631 shares in the last quarter. 85.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

WRK has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on WestRock from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on WestRock from $34.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on WestRock from $37.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on WestRock in a research note on Monday. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, UBS Group decreased their target price on WestRock from $42.00 to $37.00 in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $37.57.

WestRock Trading Down 1.6 %

NYSE:WRK opened at $33.77 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 1.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. WestRock has a 1 year low of $26.84 and a 1 year high of $39.30. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $34.63 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $31.50.

WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The basic materials company reported $0.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.39. WestRock had a positive return on equity of 8.75% and a negative net margin of 6.82%. The business had revenue of $5.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.16 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.54 EPS. The companys revenue was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that WestRock will post 3.02 earnings per share for the current year.

WestRock Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 24th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.275 per share. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 9th. WestRocks dividend payout ratio is currently -19.86%.

WestRock Company Profile

(Free Report)

WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates in four segments, Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper, and Distribution. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers.

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Whitecap Resources (TSE:WCP  Get Free Report) will be releasing its earnings data after the market closes on Wednesday, October 25th. Analysts expect Whitecap Resources to post earnings of C$0.35 per share for the quarter.

Whitecap Resources (TSE:WCP  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported C$0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.25 by C$0.04. Whitecap Resources had a return on equity of 21.71% and a net margin of 31.05%. The firm had revenue of C$873.40 million for the quarter.

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Whitecap Resources Price Performance

Shares of Whitecap Resources stock opened at C$11.09 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of C$6.72 billion, a PE ratio of 6.27, a PEG ratio of -0.33 and a beta of 2.83. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$11.23 and a 200 day moving average of C$10.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.26. Whitecap Resources has a 12 month low of C$8.90 and a 12 month high of C$11.91.

Whitecap Resources Increases Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 31st will be given a dividend of $0.061 per share. This is an increase from Whitecap Resourcess previous monthly dividend of $0.05. This represents a $0.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 30th. Whitecap Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 41.24%.

A number of brokerages have recently commented on WCP. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Whitecap Resources from C$12.00 to C$13.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$13.75 to C$14.75 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Desjardins raised their target price on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$12.75 to C$13.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. ATB Capital lifted their price target on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$15.00 to C$16.00 in a research note on Friday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$12.00 to C$12.50 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$14.81.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Whitecap Resources

Whitecap Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Whitecap Resources Inc, an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and gas assets in Western Canada. The company's primary areas of focus of its development programs are in Northern Alberta and British Columbia, Central Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Whitecap Resources Inc was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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zooplus (OTCMKTS:ZLPSF  Get Free Report) is one of 100 publicly-traded companies in the Specialty Retail industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare zooplus to similar companies based on the strength of its institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, earnings, dividends and risk.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

21.0% of zooplus shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 35.6% of shares of all Specialty Retail companies are owned by institutional investors. 33.1% of shares of all Specialty Retail companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares zooplus and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets zooplus N/A N/A N/A zooplus Competitors -1.70% -3,380.36% 4.13%

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score zooplus 0 0 0 0 N/A zooplus Competitors 405 1379 2420 45 2.50

This is a summary of current ratings for zooplus and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

As a group, Specialty Retail companies have a potential upside of 44.84%. Given zooplus competitors higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe zooplus has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares zooplus and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio zooplus N/A N/A 360.71 zooplus Competitors $4.40 billion $185.91 million 291.57

zooplus competitors have higher revenue and earnings than zooplus. zooplus is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Summary

zooplus competitors beat zooplus on 5 of the 8 factors compared.

About zooplus

(Get Free Report)

zooplus SE operates as an online retailer of pet products. The company offers wet and dry food, feed additives, and snacks for dogs and cats under the Concept for Life, Wolf of Wilderness, Wild Freedom, Purizon, Rocco, Cosma, Lukullus, and Feringa brands, as well as Briantos, My Star, Smilla, and Tigerino brands; and specialty articles, such as toys, scratch trees, transport baskets, grooming and care products, bedding, and other accessories. It provides approximately 8,000 food and accessory products for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, aquarium, and horses. The company sells its products in Germany and internationally. zooplus SE was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

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RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat (Image: PTI)

Nagpur: With the general elections due next year, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday urged the voters keeping in mind the unity, integrity and development of the country. He also cautioned against attempts to garner votes by inflaming emotions, saying they are not desirable.

"The country is going to hold elections to the Lok Sabha in the early days of 2024. Attempts to harvest votes by inflaming emotions are not desirable, but they still keep happening. Let us avoid these things, as they hurt the unity of the society. To cast a vote is the duty of every citizen and we must follow it. Cast your vote keeping in mind the vital issues of unity, integrity, identity and development of the country," Bhagwat said while addressing the annual foundation day event of the RSS, which falls on Dussehra, at Nagpur.

"Think with a calm mind about who is good and who has done good work. The Indian public has experienced everything... Give to those who are best," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhagwat described cultural Marxism as selfish and deceitful forces seeking to divide the country by taking "control of the media and academia."

"The purpose of Indias rise has always been the welfare of the world. But there are some people in the world and in India too, who do not want India to stand (on its own). These selfish, discriminatory and deceitful forces seeking their sectarian interests are also making their own efforts to disrupt social cohesion and promote conflict. They wear various cloaks. Some of these forces call themselves cultural marxists or woke nowadays," said Bhagwat.

The RSS chief further said that those people are opposed to all orderliness and morality, beneficence, culture, dignity and restraint in the world. Their modus operandi involve taking control of the media and academia and plunging education, culture, politics and social environment into confusion, chaos and corruption. Such an environment enables the creation of a vicious cycle of fear, confusion and hatred. A society that is divided and entangled in mutual conflicts and confusion becomes weak and easily and unknowingly falls prey to these destructive forces, he added.

Speaking on the violence in Manipur the RSS chief expressed doubts over the involvement of external forces. "In Manipur, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, which are these forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction?" he asked.

"For many years, Meitei and Kuki communities have been living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict benefits external forces. Are external factors involved?" he asked.

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan was the chief guest for the RSS annual Dussehra event. Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the event.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi. (DC Image)

HYDERABAD: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP, has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the head of the G20 nations group, to intervene and ensure that a humanitarian corridor to Gaza is established.

Speaking to mediapersons late on Monday night after a party-organised protest meeting in support of Palestinians, Owaisi said there was an urgent need for release of civilian prisoners and hostages from both sides, especially women, children and the elderly.

He said that back in 1948-49, when the Soviets blockaded Berlin, the USA and its allies, airdropped supplies for civilians for 18 months. Nearer home, in 1987, when Sri Lanka government laid siege to Jaffna, the Indian government airdropped essential supplies to people, he added.

"We hope our Prime Minister will take up this matter with Israel," Owaisi said.

The meeting on Monday evening was addressed by several Islamic religious scholars and also by home minister Md Mahmood Ali. Owaisi said some states were not allowing pro-Palestine protests and the AIMIM condemned this attitude.

"There should be an immediate ceasefire and the hostilities should stop. "There are around 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, hospitals are running out of critical supplies. We condemn the targeting of civilian infrastructure by Israel, its plans to transfer Palestinians from Gaza into the Sinai desert of Egypt, and from the West Bank into Jordan," he said.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud. (File photo/PTI)

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has said judges, though not elected, have a very vital role to play because the judiciary has a "stabilising influence" in the evolution of societies which are rapidly changing with technology.

"I believe that judges have a very vital role to play, though we are not elected. We don't go back to the people every five years to seek their votes. But, there's a reason for that... I do believe that the judiciary, in that sense, is a stabilising influence in the evolution of our societies, particularly in something like our age which is so rapidly changing with technology," the CJI said.

He was responding to the common criticism that unelected judges should not venture into the executive's domain. Speaking at a discussion on Comparative Constitutional Law, the Chief Justice of India said the judges are the voice of something which must subsist beyond "the vicissitudes of time".

As part of a cultural and social background, the CJI said that the courts have become focal points of engagement between civil society and the quest for social transformation.

"In so many societies across the world, you will find that the rule of law has given way to the rule of violence... The key to a stable society is the ability of judges in that sense, to use the Constitution and their own platform as a platform for dialogue, as a platform for reason, as a platform for deliberation," he said.

The CJI also dealt with the principle of affirmative action by the state and said it was meant to achieve broader equality and was not against the right to equality.

"The argument against affirmative action is by having quotas in education, in employment and in political representation, you are essentially choosing people who are less meritorious, but this is an area which we have worked on considerably," he said.

"If you look at equality merely as formal equality, then by being colour blind, or by being blind to the histories of discrimination, which our people have suffered, you're essentially giving weight to the social, cultural and economic capital, which the privileged have acquired over generations," he added.

In order to have a level playing field for those communities, who have suffered centuries of discrimination, affirmative state action is not an exception to equality, but is a reflection of the principle of substantive equality, he said.

He defended his minority verdict on some aspects pertaining to same-sex marriages and said he stood by it as the judicial opinions are sometimes a "vote of conscience and a vote of the Constitution".

On October 17, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by the CJI unanimously refused to accord legal recognition to same-sex marriage, saying there was "no unqualified right" to marriage. However, the CJI and Justice S K Kaul were in minority on the issues of right to form civil union and right of adoption of queer couples.
BRS leaders said Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao would address 100 meetings before the campaign comes to a halt on November 28. (Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is all set to resume his campaign for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for the November 30 Assembly elections after the Dasara festival break, and will address public meetings at Achampet, Wanaparthy, and Munugode on October 26.

The next day, on October 27, he will address meetings in Paleru, Mahabubabad, and Wardhannapet, his office said on Tuesday.

Originally, the Chief Minister was scheduled to address a meeting in Nagarkurnool along with Achampet and Munugode on October 26, but the one at Nagarkurnool was dropped to accommodate Wanaparthy. Similarly, the original plan of addressing meetings on October 27 at Paleru and Station Ghanpur was changed as per his revised tour programme.

Rao, who has already addressed seven public meetings for the BRS between October 15 and 18, is scheduled to address at least 35 more before he files his nomination papers on November 9 from Gajwel, and then from Kamareddy.

However, according to senior BRS leaders, there was a possibility of adding more meetings for him to address. "He could address 100 meetings before the campaign comes to a halt on November 28. The date of polling is November 30," they said.
A file photo of state government employees covered under the CPS (contributory pension scheme) holding a huge rally at Nampally Exhibition Ground in Hyderabad. (DC Image)

Hyderabad: Major political parties are eyeing the vote bank of nearly 9.5 lakh state government employees, pensioners, contract and outsourcing employees.

The BRS is seeking their support on the ground that it had enhanced salaries and pensions for staff by 73 per cent in nine years while the Opposition parties are trying to cash in on the anger and disappointment of state staff against the BRS government for failing to pay salaries on the first of every month, not clearing the pending three DA arrears, for not scrapping CPS (contributory pension scheme) and restoring OPS (old pension scheme) besides the delay in setting up new pay revision committee (PRC).

During the statehood agitation, the BRS (then TRS) and employees unions had worked hand in hand. The employees unions supported the BRS and took part in all the agitations.

After the formation of Telangana state and the BRS coming to power in June 2014, Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao declared that it was an 'employee-friendly government', announced Telangana special increment, announced highest-ever 43 per cent fitment (hike in basic pay) in 2015 and again 30 per cent fitment in 2021.

Despite this, the wedge between the BRS government and employees has widened due to delay in the payment of salaries and pensions every month, delay in promotions and transfers, lack of effective health scheme for employees and their family members.

Moreover, 2.2 lakh employees who are covered under CPS have been agitating for the past five years, demanding the restoration of OPS. About 1.5 lakh government teachers are angry for not getting promotions and transfers for the last nine years.

The new PRC pay scales have to come into force from July this year but the government failed to constitute a new commission to recommend pay scales afresh, which led to severe resentment among employees.

Feeling the heat ahead of Assembly polls, the CM announced the constitution of a new PRC just a week ahead of the Election Commission issuing the poll notification. He announced IR (interim relief) of 5 per cent, which triggered protests from employees unions, in lieu of delay in implementing new PRC scales.

With the election code coming into force, the BRS government could not increase IR as demanded by employees unions. In its manifesto released last week, the BRS promised to set up a committee with senior officials to study on reverting to the OPS, which did not go down well with the unions who asked what the BRS government was doing all these years.

At this juncture, the opposition Congress and BJP sprung into action to cash in on the dissent of employees against BRS. The Congress and BRS are reaching out to employees unions and seeking their support promising to include their issues in their election manifestos to be released soon.

The Congress seems to be gaining an upper hand as the party-ruled states Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh already restored OPS and the Karnataka government promised to do so very soon. The Congress is promising to restore OPS if it was voted to power.

The Congress and BJP are also promising to pay salaries on the first of every month unlike at present when employees are receiving salaries till the 20th of every month in phases.

Besides there is a huge pendency in settlement of retirement benefits, huge arrears of medical reimbursement bills in the last two years. The Congress and BJP are promising to resolve these issues on a war footing if they are voted to power.
This image taken from video released by Al Qassam brigades on its Telegram channel, shows Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, center, and Nurit Cooper, 79, being escorted by Hamas as they are released to the Red Cross in an unknown location. (Al Qassam brigades via AP)

RAFAH: Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground assault. The United States advised Israel to delay the expected invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels sealed border. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the U.N. said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its trucks. Gaza hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies .

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

"While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza," Lifshitz' daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who uses a different spelling for her name, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

"I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles' lives were saved because" of acts of kindness, she said.

"Do I want that to be the story here?" she asked. "Yeah."

Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter . Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation , including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched in Gaza.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border , and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank , Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was "deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation" in the coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having "active conversations" with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official.

Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive "because it will come." He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea, but he did not give a time frame.

A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group took power in Gaza in 2007.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said it struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war.

Inside Gaza, the civilian death toll continued to mount.

Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

The bodies were laid to rest side by side in the courtyard of al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Men discussed where to fit the shrouded corpse of a small child. "Bring them all," a gravedigger called out.

Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armored bulldozers inside Gaza. The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

On Monday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is "a drop in the ocean" compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The U.N. has said 20 trucks amounts to 4% of an average days imports before the war and that hundreds of trucks a day are needed.

White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its trucks. The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded onto UNRWA vehicles and the Red Crescent trucks to take to hospitals and U.N. schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.

No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the U.N. said.
Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSE:CVE  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CVE) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$32.59.

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. ATB Capital lifted their target price on Cenovus Energy from C$31.00 to C$34.00 in a research report on Friday. CIBC upped their target price on shares of Cenovus Energy from C$31.00 to C$32.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. UBS Group upped their target price on Cenovus Energy from C$30.00 to C$31.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Cenovus Energy from C$27.00 to C$30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their target price on Cenovus Energy from C$30.00 to C$31.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th.

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Cenovus Energy Stock Down 2.3 %

Shares of TSE CVE opened at C$27.66 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 41.43. The company has a market cap of C$52.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.97, a PEG ratio of 0.09 and a beta of 2.83. Cenovus Energy has a 12 month low of C$20.31 and a 12 month high of C$29.99. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$27.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$24.51.

Cenovus Energy (TSE:CVE  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CVE) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported C$0.44 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.42 by C$0.02. Cenovus Energy had a return on equity of 14.54% and a net margin of 6.95%. The company had revenue of C$12.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$12.91 billion. As a group, analysts forecast that Cenovus Energy will post 3.8671141 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cenovus Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 29th were issued a $0.14 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.02%. Cenovus Energys payout ratio is 28.28%.

About Cenovus Energy

(Get Free Report

Cenovus Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, refines, transports, and markets crude oil and natural gas in Canada and internationally. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, Offshore, Canadian Manufacturing, and U.S. Manufacturing segments. The Oil Sands segment develops and produces bitumen and heavy oil in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

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National Bank of Canada FI lessened its stake in HF Sinclair Co. (NYSE:DINO  Free Report) by 79.3% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 1,392 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,347 shares during the quarter. National Bank of Canada FIs holdings in HF Sinclair were worth $62,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in HF Sinclair by 1,307.5% in the second quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 746 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 693 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust acquired a new position in HF Sinclair in the first quarter worth $36,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc boosted its holdings in HF Sinclair by 275.7% in the first quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 1,022 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 750 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in HF Sinclair in the first quarter worth $52,000. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in HF Sinclair in the second quarter worth $58,000. Institutional investors own 89.15% of the companys stock.

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HF Sinclair Stock Performance

DINO stock opened at $55.56 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $10.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.72, a PEG ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $56.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $49.63. HF Sinclair Co. has a fifty-two week low of $37.12 and a fifty-two week high of $66.19. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 2.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28.

HF Sinclair Dividend Announcement

HF Sinclair ( NYSE:DINO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported $2.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.27 by $0.33. The business had revenue of $7.83 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.38 billion. HF Sinclair had a net margin of 6.87% and a return on equity of 24.58%. Sell-side analysts predict that HF Sinclair Co. will post 10 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 17th were issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 16th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.24%. HF Sinclairs payout ratio is presently 15.28%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have commented on DINO shares. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of HF Sinclair from $68.00 to $67.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of HF Sinclair from $73.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 9th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on shares of HF Sinclair in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set an outperform rating and a $65.00 price target for the company. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of HF Sinclair from $53.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of HF Sinclair from $62.00 to $61.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, HF Sinclair presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.54.

View Our Latest Stock Report on HF Sinclair

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Valerie Pompa sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.89, for a total value of $284,450.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 20,217 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,150,145.13. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock.

HF Sinclair Profile

(Free Report)

HF Sinclair Corporation operates as an independent energy company. It produces and markets gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, specialty lubricant products, specialty chemicals, specialty and modified asphalt, and others. The company also owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest United States and Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and in other neighboring Plains states.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DINO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HF Sinclair Co. (NYSE:DINO  Free Report).

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The United Nations Association Northern Ireland (UNA-NI) was delighted when the Principal of Oakgrove Integrated College, Mr. John Harkin, agreed to host an event which was held during the 2023 One World Festival Northern Ireland.

UNA-NI is a member of CADA, the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies Northern Ireland and each year since 2019, CADA has organised a week-long festival to highlight particular themes.

This years theme focuses on how climate change impacts on people around the world. It also promotes understanding of issues that affect the lives of the poorest people and inspires action in local communities towards a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

UNA-NI invited Emer Rafferty to be the guest speaker at the Derry event. Hosted by the Principal, staff and students of Oakgrove Integrated College, the Principal and students from Lisneal College and a representative of St Cecilias College were also welcomed to the event.

Emer is a second-year chemical engineering student at Queens University Belfast. She is also the youngest director of EcoJustice Ireland and was selected by the Education Authority to attend the One Young World Festival which was held in Belfast in early October.

Her presentation was based on her experiences at that festival, including the workshops and discussions by a wide range of speakers. She also encouraged the students to act locally, no matter how modestly they may feel their contribution to reducing climate action may seem.

Reference was made to the importance of using music, poetry and art in order to raise awareness of the climate and ecological crisis.

Speaking on behalf of UNA-NI, a spokesperson said, We are very pleased that Derry has featured in this years One World Festival, especially as it follows close on the accolade of the city being awarded UN International City of Peace.

"While we thank all those who attended the event from three local schools and representatives from CADA, we wish to thank Mr John Harkin, the Principal of Oakgrove Integrated College, for his considerable support in hosting this event.
A former loyalist paramilitary-turned-supergrass has told a double murder trial that he scuppered a UVF plan to kill 19 Catholic men on a bus in 1994.

Gary Haggarty told Belfast Crown Court that the planned attack was one of three in retaliation after the INLA shot dead three members of the loyalist terror group in June 1994.

Haggarty was giving evidence for a second day during the trial of James Stewart Smyth, 57, of Forthriver Link in Belfast for the murders of Eamon Fox and Gary Convie.

Smyth is charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, possession of a firearm and membership of a proscribed organisation, the UVF.

He has denied the five charges.

Mr Convie and Mr Fox were sitting in a parked car at a building site when they were shot dead by a gunman standing in an adjacent playground beside North Queen Street in May 1994.

There was a heavy police presence at Laganside courts on Tuesday as Haggarty returned to the witness box.

The 51-year-old was handed a reduced prison sentence after admitting more than 500 terror crimes, including five murders, but he was released from prison in 2018 only four months into the six-and-a-half year term, for providing information about other terrorist suspects.

He had previously told the court that his role in the murders of Mr Fox and Mr Convie included tampering with fencing near the building site and moving guns.

He had also previously said he first joined the UVF in early 1991, and then worked as an informer for then police force the RUCs special branch from 1993 to 2004.

Giving evidence on Tuesday, Haggarty told the court of a UVF plan to kill 19 Catholic workmen on a minibus in Rathcoole in June 1994 as retaliation for the shooting of three of its members.

He said he told his special branch handlers of the plan as soon as he became aware of it.

Haggarty said: The police put a checkpoint in the area and scuppered that event.

Earlier, Haggarty told the court that police had continued to employ him as a paid informant after he had been questioned over a number of murders.

Defence barrister Michael Borrelli KC put it to Haggarty that he had deceived police about the extent of his involvement in UVF activities.

Haggarty responded: Police knew I was an active terrorist, by 1994 I had been arrested for four murders. I continued working for them for another 10 years.

In relation to the murders of Mr Fox and Mr Convie, Haggarty told the court that he was surprised that two Catholic workmen were working on the building site in what was a predominantly Protestant area.

Mr Borrelli asked if he thought they were two republican targets.

Haggarty said he did not know that initially but was later told that by UVF commanders.

Asked how he discovered the two men were not republicans, he said: I dont think Tigers Bay UVFs military commander and director of operations thought they were anything other than innocent Catholics.

I think it was a front to say they were republicans.

They were two innocent Catholic workmen. I think the leadership of the UVF knew that at that time.

Mr Borrelli asked the witness if he would have been bothered if he had known it was two innocent Catholics.

Haggarty said the operation would have gone ahead but that it would have bothered him.

He added: I was in no doubt in my mind someone was going to get shot that day  the bones of the operation, I knew nothing about.

Haggarty also told the court that he had not seen Smyth fire the shots which killed Mr Fox and Mr Convie, but said he had spoken to Smyth after and he told me of his involvement in it.

Earlier, Mr Borrelli put it to Haggarty that he had been paid 58,000 for his years of work as a police informer.

Haggarty said he believed the total was substantially lower than that.

The hearing continues.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill has said the visit of a number of influential US businesspeople is a major opportunity for Northern Ireland to showcase its unique dual market access.

On Monday, a delegation of business and investment leaders from the US began a four-day visit to Northern Ireland, led by Joseph Kennedy III, the US special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs.

They plan to meet a range of business, academic and civic representatives across the region.

Ms ONeill said she was looking forward to meeting members of the delegation and that the visit was a chance to attract investment and create jobs in Northern Ireland.

This week we will welcome a number of influential business leaders to the north and I look forward to meeting them for a series of discussions on potential investment, she said.

This trade delegation is a major opportunity to showcase the unique opportunities that we have here through our unique access to the EU and British markets.

Continuing to attract investment, creating good jobs for the next generation and strengthening our economy will be our key focus over the coming days.

The delegation visits Northern Ireland when it is without a functioning devolved government.

The DUP have been boycotting power-sharing institutions for more than a year in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements outlined in the Protocol and subsequently the Windsor Framework.

Ms ONeill, who would be appointed first minister in a reformed executive as leader of the largest party at the 2022 assembly election, again called for a return of government to maximise the opportunities presented by the visiting US delegation.

Our priority is to build on the successes of previous US investment that has seen the creation of thousands of jobs and helped develop the north as a centre of excellence in many areas of technology, she said.

We must work together in a new Assembly to seize this moment to match the incredible talent and ambition of our young people, and ensure they have the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential in life.

We need locally elected ministers around the Executive table and working together to champion these opportunities and seize the economic opportunities available to us.

Fantastic news that New York State Pension Fund @NYSComptroller will invest $50m (41m) in Northern Ireland businesses. Transatlantic business partnerships are vital to NIs prosperity, and I look forward to highlighting NI's potential to the delegation.https://t.co/Y2egPLUgmm  Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) October 24, 2023

On Tuesday, Thomas P DiNapoli, New York state comptroller told the BBC that the New York State pension fund is to invest up to $50m (41m) in Northern Ireland businesses.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said Mr DiNapolis announcement was fantastic news.

Transatlantic business partnerships are vital to NIs prosperity, and I look forward to highlighting NIs potential to the delegation, he wrote.

Other business leaders who are part of the group include Mark Hartney of Breakthrough Energy Ventures and John Murphy, president and chief financial officer at The Coca-Cola Company.

The visiting members attended an evening reception at Belfast City Hall hosted by Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy.

The event was also attended by Mr Kennedy and a wide range of city and regional partners and business representatives.

Representing the citys young leaders and strong talent pool at City Hall on Tuesday evening were recent graduates from Belfast City Councils Employment Academies.

Mr Murphy said he had been looking forward to supporting this delegation since US President Joe Biden announced it during his visit to Belfast in April.

Its a welcome opportunity to celebrate the many very special connections we have with the US, from diplomatic relations to investment, knowledge sharing, tourism, education and cultural exchange, he said.

Its given us a platform to proudly showcase our citys transformation, our investment proposition, our strengths in tech, innovation, talent, education, the creative and screen industries, and more.

Mr Murphy said during their short visit the US investors would learn about the long-term development plans for Belfast.

Weve also shared our exciting plans for our year of culture, Belfast 2024, hosting Euro 2028 and creating the landmark city centre visitor attraction, Belfast Stories, he said.

Our strength sectors are set for continued growth, thanks to the 1 billion Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment over the next decade  and were supporting that with skills programmes to connect people to new and better jobs and services.

Roger Pollen, head of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Northern Ireland, said the visit was a positive opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland, but added that potential investors would be concerned about a lack of political stability in Northern Ireland.

Of course, it would be much better if the Executive and Assembly were up and running, because investors prefer doing business in countries where there is political stability; however, businesses cannot wait indefinitely for politicians to sort out their differences, he said.

We have to get on with the work of creating jobs, encouraging innovation and maintaining Northern Irelands positive economic trajectory so we can build a prosperity agenda for the next 25 years.

Chief executive of the NI Chamber Suzanne Wylie said their organisation was looking forward to a series of important engagements with the group.

The arrival of such influential senior businesspeople is a chance to showcase the many opportunities for sound investments into Northern Ireland, she said.

At NI Chamber, we will embrace the chance to highlight these opportunities and intend to follow that up with specific support during and after the visit.
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New Chinese EV policies expected to boost local demand for next several years, says DIGITIMES Research

The Chinese government announced two critical electric vehicle (EV) industry policies in June 2023. One is a tax exemption and reduction package for EV purchases nationwide, and the other is a series of measures to promote new energy vehicles (NEVs) in rural areas. DIGITIMES Research expects these policies to continue fueling end-market demand and drive local automakers to step up EV investments, enabling China to secure its status as the world's EV leader, according to the latest EV Watch report.

China has extended its EV purchase tax exemptions for the fourth time. The latest package of tax breaks announced in June 2023, compared to the previous three, spans over a longer duration, specifies a maximum amount of exemption, and is implemented in phases. The program has been found to contribute positively to EV sales. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) expects the tax exemptions to amount to CNY520 billion from 2024 through 2027 and keep driving China's EV sales growth, the report's figures show.

The EV purchase tax exemptions will further narrow the price gap between EVs and gasoline cars, encouraging gasoline car owners to transition to EVs. From the perspectives of automakers, the extension of up to four years will allow Chinese automakers to plan long-term strategies and commit more resources to their EV business development.

The round of NEV promotion measures for rural areas announced in June 2023 is China's fourth attempt at implementing such policies. This time, the goal is to keep driving EV penetration into tier-three and tier-four cities. The previous attempts have enabled the annual sales growth of EV models sold in rural areas to outperform the overall EV market in China. Following the policy initiatives, automakers also plan to launch economy EV models priced between CNY29,000 and CNY170,000, narrowing the EV penetration gap between urban and rural areas even more.
The work of young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment is celebrated by ECO-UNESCO  Irelands leading environmental education youth organisation.

ECO-UNESCO has opened its Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) programme for entries, marking its 25th year in existence, and is calling on young people in Louth to get involved and enter the Young Environmentalist Awards 2024.

Since it began, the Young Environmentalist Award has engaged more than 60,000 young people, recognising those who are raising awareness of environmental issues in the community.

2024 YEA entries now open

Registrations for the Young Environmentalist Awards 2024 are now open. Entries are invited across 13 categories including climate change, biodiversity, water, energy, transport, marine life and waste.

Projects entered are required to show that young people have taken action that protects the environment in some way and also raises awareness in the community. Entries are welcome from young people in aged 10-18-years across Ireland, in primary and secondary schools, youth groups, community groups and Youthreach Centres.

Commenting on the awards Elaine Nevin, National Director, ECO-UNESCO said This year marks a significant milestone for ECO-UNESCO and the Young Environmentalist Awards as we celebrate 25 years of the awards programme. Looking back on the entries over the last 25 years, the environmental issues from when we first started are still as relevant today.

Young people in Louth have been raising their voices about environmental issues including biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change for over two decades, coming up with tangible solutions to address the crisis we are facing and finding ways to have an impact in their own communities.

The awards provide an important 22opportunity to recognise the action our young people are taking in the fight against climate change and other areas of environmental concern. We also know that young people are becoming more anxious about environmental issues and the Young Environmentalist Awards provides an important opportunity for young people to feel they can make a difference.

Coming into our 25th year, we want the awards to be bigger and better than ever, impacting more young people, their communities and their environment.

We have worked with more than 60,000 young people from all across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland who have had a direct and positive impact on improving our environment, and on making our world more sustainable through their action projects each year. We want as many young people in Louth as possible to get involved in this years awards.

The YEA programme is a fun and exciting way to empower young people to become better citizens, to build awareness of environmental issues in the community and promote local actions and lifestyle changes to benefit the environment.
Cooperative Housing Ireland (CHI) won the Building Communities award at the Irish Council for Social Housing Community Housing Awards 2023, sponsored by Allianz, on the 18th October.

The Biennial Community Housing Awards 2023 were presented by RTE presenter Anne Cassin.

Speaking on the occasion of the 2023 Community Housing Awards, Donal McManus, Chief Executive of the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) said:

The Halliday Mills apartment scheme in Dundalk is an impressive transformation of what was a longstanding derelict site, into 85 A3 rated apartments. The project met with significant obstacles over recent years, including antisocial behaviour.

"However, CHI has done a remarkable job with the support of residents and outside agencies, and are proud to submit a project that demonstrates how a community can develop out of adversity. Strong AHB tenancy support and sustainment work and a very positive level of tenancy activity is very apparent.

Halliday Mills apartment complex was originally built in the early 2000s and soon after fell into disrepair. The shell building was an eyesore and hotbed of antisocial behaviour before being gutted and refurbished. Co-operative Housing Ireland, in partnership with Louth County Council, and with support from the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, and the Housing Finance Agency were able to acquire the renovated development. New members (tenants) moved into Halliday Mills in January 2022.

Halliday Mills is now an apartment complex of 85 BER A3 rated one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments, which were delivered by CHI and stakeholders, in response to need in the area. It is currently the largest apartment complex in Dundalk with a mixture of families and individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Mr McManus of the ICSH added:

The 2023 award entries demonstrate the dedication of the sector (both AHBs and local authorities) and the scale of the social and affordable housing development work that is ongoing throughout the country, but that often remains unseen.

"These entries from local authorities, approved housing bodies and cooperative housing bodies exemplify the collaborative work that is happening to deliver housing to those who need it most and during very challenging times. We would like to recognise the support of the Department of Housing, local Government and Heritage in the delivery of these projects.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, yesterday announced the latest updates to BLAST and Creative Clusters as part of the Creative Youth Plan which will see the creation of eight new BLAST Arts in Education Residencies at schools in Louth.

Louth school participating in Creative Clusters include: Redeemer Girls NS , Tullyallen NS, Realta na Mara NS, Scoil Naomh Brid, Dulargy NS, Scoil Mhuire na nGael, Faughart Community NS and Le Cheile ETNS Drogheda

Each residency is worth 1,100 which is fully funded by the Department of Education and the local Education Centre will pay the Artist for a 20-hour residency which will be delivered throughout the academic year, commencing from September 2023.

Announcing the creation of 425 new BLAST Arts in Education Residencies nationally, Minister Foley said:

I am so pleased to announce that 425 schools have been selected to take part in the BLAST 2023 initiative I announced earlier this year under the Creative Youth Pillar of the Creative Ireland Programme. I welcome these schools into the new initiative in 2023 which Brings Live Arts to Students and Teachers.

The initiative will provide additional opportunities for schools to collaborate with established artists and creatives, supporting our children and young people to collaborate and engage in creative and critical thinking  all crucial skills for their futures.

The aim of this scheme is to give pupils in schools all over the country the opportunity to work with a professional artist on unique projects.

These bespoke residency projects will be originated and planned between the artist, teacher and the school under the coordination of the ESCI network of 21 full-time Education Centres.

With the creation of 40 new Creative Clusters, Minister Foley said:

Now more than ever, it is important that our students are supported to develop their creativity and given flexibility to express themselves in a variety of exciting new ways.

Announcing the 40 new creative clusters she said:

Today I am proud to announce the 140 schools that are coming together to form 40 new Creative Clusters. I look forward to seeing how these exciting projects develop over the coming two years. This year has once again seen a very significant level of interest from schools applying to participate in the 2023 Creative Clusters initiative across the country.

Under this scheme to support schools to build capacity in creativity, schools in each cluster will enjoy access to a specialist facilitator, artist or creative expertise in whatever their chosen area of interest or theme might be. These resources will help the schools to build a project of learning and activities tailor-made for their students. As part of this funding allocation, a cluster may receive up to 15,000 funding to help bring their plans and ideas to fruition in 2023-2025.
Photo Caption: At the Brigid1500 programme launch in County Hall from left: Cllr Bernie Conlon, Dolores Whelan, Cllr John Reilly, Joan Martin CEO Louth County Council, Cllr Sean Kelly Caoithaoirleach Dundalk Municipal District and Cllr Paula Butterly Caoitherlaich LCC. Photo: Arthur Kinahan



Louth County Council last Thursday officially launched the Brigid1500: Louth Birthplace of Brigid, a programme of events and initiatives to honour the life and legacy of Brigid.

The enduring story of Irelands iconic matron saint was celebrated at the launch in County Hall, Dundalk where the programme of events to mark Brigid1500 commemorations in Louth was unveiled.

From festivals to live theatre performances, illuminated visual displays, exhibitions, craft workshops and dedicated school projects, the wee county will be home to a series of unique events to mark the 1,500th anniversary of St. Brigids passing.

With the townland of Faughart in north Louth long being held as the birthplace of Brigid, the local celebrations will be especially significant in fostering tangible links to the past, and creating a cultural and meaningful legacy that is reflective of contemporary Louth.

The programme will commence with the launch of the Brigid1500 Arts Exhibition which aims to capture the remarkable life story of one of the countrys best known saints.

It will feature original art pieces from the Artist In the Community project.

A newly designed St. Brigids cloak by the students of St. Brigids School, Ard Easmuinn, will also be on display during the exhibition.

Dundalk town centre is set to be illuminated with a spectacular lighting show celebrating Brigid of Faughart as a beacon of light connecting the past to the present, illuminating her legacy and transcending her story into the future.

A series of talks and lectures will take place, covering a range of informative topics around Brigid.

Local expert Dolores Whelan will be working with Womens Spirit Ireland and Dr Mary Condren to curate a number of talks.

These talks will take place in the Oriel Centre and further details of speakers and topics will be released over the coming weeks.

Louth Library Service in conjunction with Louth County Council Arts Office have also announced the return of the Brigid workshops that took place between May and July this year as part of the Brigid Cloak Tour.

St. Brigids Cross making workshops for local schools will also be held in Dundalk Library.

A new live theatre performance event, which will re-tell the story of St. Brigid from her birth and childhood in Faughart, to her death in Kildare has been specially commissioned for the Brigid1500 celebrations. The event will take place in An Tain Arts Centre on February 1st and 2nd, 2024.

The team at Candlelit Tales have created a unique performance to commemorate Brigid. Booking for this event will be opening towards the end of the year.

The programme will also feature the St. Brigid Of Ireland exhibition in the County Museum, which aims to capture the remarkable life story of one of the countrys best known saints.

The exhibition will highlight Brigids roots in both pagan and Christian traditions, and will explore her diverse interests including dairy farming, beekeeping, the creative arts, and her work with mothers and children.

Interesting details on Brigids local legacy are currently being compiled and will be accessible through a series of QR codes added to information panels at the Brigid sites in Louth, which will link to the Brigid1500 page on the Visit Louth website.

Louth County Council have also launched the Brigid1500 Retail Window Decoration Scheme, which will be open for applications from tomorrow (Wednesday 25th October).

Application Forms together with the full Terms & Conditions of the scheme are available on the Louth County Council website.

The Brigid1500 Grant Scheme for Creative & Community Events 2024 scheme will be open to individual artists, art groups and community groups who wish to run creative and community projects, or events, for the Brigid1500 Festival in 2024.

Applications will be accepted under this scheme from November 2023.

Louth County Council have designed a school resource pack, which will be made available online in December 2023 for all schools.

The pack will include colouring templates for kids to complete, historical information panels and project ideas for schools to create.

A number of associated events are also being held during the Brigid1500 commemorations including the Brigid of Faughart Festival 2024  A celebration of Brigid, Goddess and Saint, which is taking place in Faughart, Dundalk and Ravensdale. For more information please see www.brigidoffaughart.ie

Faughart Community Group will host a candlelit procession for all religions and none to celebrate the life of St. Brigid, the inspirational woman who achieved extraordinary things in her lifetime.

Launching the Brigid1500 Louth Birthplace of Brigid programme, Cllr. Paula Butterly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said:

It is my great honour to officially unveil the programme for Louths historic commemoration of Brigids 1,500th anniversary.

These events, projects and initiatives will celebrate and explore the ties that continue to bind Brigids remarkable life story and achievements to County Louth.

Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council stated:

The Brigid1500 celebrations are especially significant for County Louth, which as the birthplace of Brigid, is where her incredible legacy began.

Louth County Council are delighted to launch this exciting programme, which will honour Louths vibrant cultural heritage, and will seek to engage communities throughout the county to come together and celebrate the life and legacy of Brigid.
BRI transforms Gambia's infrastructure

(People's Daily App) 15:16, October 24, 2023

As the Belt and Road Initiative celebrates its tenth anniversary, Gambia has achieved significant advancements in its electricity infrastructure through a fruitful collaboration with a Chinese company. The Gambia GBA Transmission and Transformation Modernization Project, meticulously designed and constructed by the Chinese company TBEA, commenced in December 2020. Upon completion, this project will ensure a stable power supply for residents, schools, hospitals, businesses, and governments in the Greater Banjul Area and other key regions, positively impacting the lives of over 500,000 people. (Video Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
BUSINESSES in Cork have stressed that any proposed relief from the Government for flood-affected firms needs to be accessible immediately and that many may need in excess of 70,000.

Cork South-Central TD and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney is expected to bring proposals to Cabinet today on two schemes to be offered to businesses affected by the floods.

The first is a scheme that would offer an initial 5,000 to flood-impacted businesses, and further support of up to 20,000 based on the scale of the damage. Mr Coveney told RTE Radio yesterday those amounts were not appropriate for badly-hit businesses, and a second scheme would offer around double the initial payment and multiples of the 20,000 after that  possibly more than 70,000.

70,000 'not enough'

Midleton Chamber of Commerce president Adrianna Hegarty said a 70,000 relief scheme for businesses impacted by recent flooding would not be enough for many of them.

The damage has been huge  flooring, shop refits, stock, said Ms Hegarty.

The price of materials and availability of tradespeople was already an issue after covid. For many, this may not be enough.

Ms Hegarty told The Echo: This is the biggest flood Midleton has seen in living memory.

Ireland has experienced historic levels of rainfall in the last few months. The likelihood of this happening again is high and no businesses will have insurance after this. We need a better solution from the Government and insurance companies.

Funds need to be accessible immediately

Kevin Aherne of Sage, in Midleton, said he would like to see the scheme rolled out on a case-by-case basis.

Everybody was in the same storm, but not everyone has the same-sized boat or canoe, so I think it should be on a case-by-case basis.

Only recently with us the Vat rate went up, and I also think that should have been a case-by-case basis, but unfortunately everyone is being painted with the same brush and it shouldnt really work like that.

Mr Aherne also stressed the importance of releasing the funding as soon as possible.

It needs to be accessible immediately and not weeks, months, and six months down the line for people.

If the finance is there, which was quoted on the news by Leo Varadkar, who said it was readily available, it needs to be accessible and accessible immediately.

He said the most important thing, however, is that people get looked after in terms of their homes.

'Awful shame'

Mark Kennedy of OFarrells Butchers, also in Midleton, who lost their refrigeration and stock in the floods, said if the scheme announced was for 70,000, it would see them put right again.

When youre dealing with food and with contamination, you just have to do a clean sweep and dump everything. That also includes packaging, our shoes, our overalls, our locker room, the lot has to go, but the 70,000 would put us right, he said.

He said that he hoped it would happen sooner rather than later.

Midleton is a fabulous town and its the heartbeat of East Cork.

If you actually live down there, you wouldnt need to go to the city at all, theres so much there, so it would be an awful shame if there were 10 or 12 businesses that dont come back from this.

Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern said that where businesses in the town do not need a full allocation, it should still go back into the town of Midleton to other businesses that may need it or the community services that may need it.
FUNDING of more than 135,000 in total has been allocated by SSE Renewables to 34 community groups living near windfarms in North Cork and West Cork.

The renewable energy developer and operator awarded the funding to community groups in the vicinity of its Coomacheo and Curragh windfarms in North Cork and its Coomatallin windfarm in West Cork.

Through the community funds for its windfarms, SSE Renewables makes annual contributions to local community groups within the vicinity of its facilities.

The 2023 Coomacheo and Curragh Community Fund of more than 120,000 was awarded to 24 groups operating around Ballyvourney and Millstreet in North Cork, while the Coomatallin Community Fund of 15,500 was awarded to 10 groups operating near Dunmanway in West Cork.

Millstreet & District Housing Association was one organisation to receive funding, which it will use to support the provision of housing for vulnerable and elderly people in its semi-sheltered housing complex.

Were delighted to be receiving funding from the SSE Renewables Coomacheo and Curragh fund, as this will enable us to totally upgrade the remaining two houses in our semi-sheltered housing complex, said Maire O Sullivan, manager at Millstreet Centre.

Over the past five years, SSE Renewables has awarded us funding to replace windows and doors for our other six houses. This means all eight houses in the semi-sheltered complex have been totally upgraded. The new windows and doors will give the elderly and vulnerable in these houses enhanced security and lower heating bills.

Another group to receive funding is Drinagh National School, which will use the funds to build a geo-dome on the school grounds.
ITS now just one week until the famed Dragon of Shandon hits the streets of Cork in a spectacle that is not to be missed.

The 36ft dragon, made entirely out of tape, will take to the streets escorted by her legion of loyal ghouls, beasts, misfits, and demons to celebrate the ancient tradition of Samhain, in a thrilling night-time parade and finale show attracting thousands of spectators, young and old, to Cork city.

Hundreds of participants will help bring the dragon to life.

Volunteers and community groups such as Suisha Inclusive Arts, Blackpool Community Access Program, and National Learning Network will be collaborating with CCAL artists to create floats, costumes, and performances.

The creative force behind the event, Cork Community Art Link (CCAL), said preparations are now in the final stages and fundraising for the annual event is still ongoing with a GoFundMe page setup and merchandise on sale.

The group said on Facebook: We have been working with some amazing community groups for the Dragon of Shandon Parade 2023.

Blackpool Community access programme, Suisha Inclusive Arts (Cope Foundation), and the National Learning Network have been hard at work making some spooky works of art for you all to see on the night of the 31st.

Its been a real honour to watch all of the groups participants learn and grow over the last few weeks.

Help us bring the Dragon back to the streets of Cork and to continue working with amazing groups such as mentioned by purchasing our merch or donating to our GoFundMe.

The shop can be found at www.corkcommunityartlink.com/store.html and the GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/0902d57f.

All money raised goes back into the event.
A LONGSTANDING active member of Mayfield Ladies Club and an eloquent advocate of rural life have both been honoured with one of their native countys most coveted awards, the Cork Person of the Month accolade, at an event in the citys Metropole Hotel.

Marie Barry, the president of Mayfield Ladies Club, a group that has helped women who moved to the new estates in Cork city to get involved in their local communities, and John Arnold, who is a tireless activist in his North Cork community of Bartlemy near Fermoy, as well as fitting in a popular weekly column in The Echo, were jointly awarded the Cork Person of the Month award for October at the event.

The Mayfield Ladies Club holds weekly meetings for its 65 members and gets involved in fundraising for the local GAA club, the Over-60s talent competition, and many other projects.

The Mayfield Club is a great social club where women can meet for a cuppa and chat and support each other, and especially support members who have lost partners and family members, said Paddy OBrien, who nominated Marie Barry for her award.

John Arnold has dedicated his life to community work, both in Bartlemy where he runs a farm, and far beyond  and is a respected and much-sought-after social historian. Hes a farmer, a lifelong GAA member, and has written several books as well as contributing his Echo column for the past 20 years.

Both Marie and John will join their fellow monthly award winners to contest for the Cork Person of the Year title, the winner of which will be named in January.
CONSTRUCTION has commenced on a new infrastructure project at Corks Kent Station, which, when completed will facilitate increased passenger capacity at the station.

Iarnrod Eireann has announced the commencement of construction work on the Kent Station Through Platform Project, marking what it has described as "a significant milestone in the ongoing development of its railway infrastructure in the Cork region".

The project is the first in a series of separate, but interrelated projects to reach construction phase being progressed under the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.

The construction work, which is being carried out by contractor John Cradock Ltd, will take place entirely within the existing railway corridor on Iarnrod Eireann land.

The works

The works include a 220-metre long, six-metre wide, double-sided extension to Platform 5, facilitating the creation of a new Platform 6.

The new platform 6 will increase passenger capacity at Corks Kent Station and facilitate through-running commuter services between Mallow and Midleton/Cobh.

Kent Station New Platform layout

The works also include the reinstatement of the eastern access to the existing underpass, enhancing accessibility and convenience for passengers.

They also include the installation of canopies on the new platform, ensuring comfort and protection from the elements for customers.

Iarnrod Eireann said the project, which is set to be completed by the end of 2024, is essential to increasing passenger capacity at Kent Station.

Commenting on the commencement of the works, Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnrod Eireann, said This is a hugely significant milestone for the expansion of Cork rail services, and I congratulate our project teams for bringing us to the beginning of construction.

"We have over the past 15 months increased off-peak Cork commuter services, leading to passenger numbers in excess of pre-Covid levels. Now, we can start building our network for the major expansion to meet the sustainable transport needs of the future.

Key project

Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority Anne Graham added: Id like to welcome the progress being made on the refurbishment of Corks Kent Station.

"The investment in the through-platform will facilitate direct services between Mallow and Cobh/Midleton and will facilitate increased frequency and capacity on the commuter network through the city.

This project is a key element of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and will put Kent station at the heart of public transport in the city and the region.

This project is largely funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

The investment will provide for the construction of the through-platform at Kent Station, double-tracking between Glounthaune to Midleton, and re-signalling of the network. These projects will facilitate the future electrification of the Cork commuter rail network.
Mystery surrounding the identity of a man in custody for several weeks who allegedly applied for passports in the names of babies who died in the 1950s may have been solved, a detective revealed today.

We believe we now have a positive identification for this gentleman from an FBI arrest record in 1970. It only came to us at the end of last week, Detective Garda Padraic Hanley of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation said today.

He told Judge Joanne Carroll at Cork District Court that in relation to this positive identification, we are dealing with fingerprints.

While the international investigations appear to have produced a name for the accused man, this name was not disclosed in court. The defendants solicitor, Frank Buttimer, continued to refer to his client as Mr Morris. The defendant is before the court in the name of Philip Frank Morris.

In relation to the latest developments, Mr Buttimer said:

He is aware of the situation up to this morning. Mr Morris agrees to a remand in custody for a further two-week period.

He has been in custody since his arrest at the passport office on South Mall, Cork, on September 14.

Judge Carroll adjourned the case to November 7. The judge asked: Has this mans level of cooperation increased? Det Garda Hanley replied: It is not an issue with his level of cooperation. He has taken a particular stance.

The detective added: I have a meeting today in Cork prison with him at 2pm.

The 70-year-old man was previously described as speaking with an American accent and it is alleged that he had passports in the names of two babies who died within three months of birth in 1952 and 1953.

Earlier evidence

Detective Garda Hanley previously said the investigation into the mans identity was going on through Interpol  the international police network which has 195 member countries.

Fingerprints are still being examined in different jurisdictions. In Ireland we have enquiries through the Residential Tenancy Borad, the ESB, VHI. Enquiries are ongoing internationally in relation to fingerprints still.

"A number of addresses in this jurisdiction that may or may not be linked to this gentleman (are being examined), Det Garda Hanley said on October 10.

Charges

One charge states that on September 11 this year at the passport office on South Mall, Cork, he provided information or documents which were false or misleading, in connection with a passport application.

There are two similar charges referring to an unknown date between September 12 and 25 2012 at the Passport Office on South Mall, Cork and the application for the issue of a passport, and one final, similar charge referring to a different date, June 7 2022.
ARTISTS with Ardu Street Art are continuing to brighten Cork as they take to the streets of the city for the fourth annual outing of the popular initiative.

Following the completion of a new collaborative mural commemorating Tomas MacCurtain on Coburg Street by artists Shane ODriscoll and Peter Martin last month, the Ardu team once again brings together some of the countrys finest street artists for a new piece on Harley Street.

Shane ODriscoll painted the first Ardu mural on Harley Street in October 2020.

James Earley, Tony Byrne, and Cian Walker, who have been friends of the movement since the beginning and have been painting in Cork for more than 15 years, this week revealed their collaboration in the city.

Speaking about the large-scale mural, they said that when they first met to discuss potential ideas they found each of them had been exploring similar ideas, something they said had been a positive sign from the get-go.

We had a fruitful meeting wherein we discussed ideas of industry, geography, and the ever-changing facets of Cork as a city. Given its significant history as a thriving port city, we wanted to create a work that alludes to the River Lee, its movement and its importance to the trade of Cork and Ireland as a whole, they said.

Utilising earthy tones offset by more vivid and vibrant colours, we feel that the piece pays homage to the history of the county and its energy in moving forward as a city of cosmopolitan modernity, they added.

The trio said that hard-edged geometric shapes make reference to the urban elements of Cork city, in combination with more organic forms that suggest links to the sediment of the river and the more rural areas of the county.

Our aim was to create an exciting, stimulating mural that allows viewers to appreciate on a purely aesthetic level, but also one that offers nuggets of reference and inspiration for those who wish to explore more deeply, the artists said.

For more follow Ardu on social media or at arducork.ie. Ardu is supported by the Creative Ireland programme, an all-of-Government five-year initiative.
Neighbours and friends will be able to say their last goodbyes to Tina Satchwell as her funeral cortege is set to pass her former home in Fermoy, Co Cork at lunchtime tomorrow.

In a funeral notice on Rip.ie the Dingivan family said that it was with great sadness that they announced the death of their beloved Tina, daughter of Mary and dear sister of Lorraine, Shane, and the late Tom.

Tina (45) whose remains were found buried at her home in Grattan Street in Youghal earlier this month is also survived by her aunts and uncles Stephen, Margaret, Teresa, Florence and Frank. She was pre deceased by her grandparents Florence and Patrick.

Her family say that Tina is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and neighbours.

Her funeral cortege will pass through St Bernards Place, Fermoy tomorrow at 12.30pm. Tina grew up in the town and lived there for many years.

Her family add that her funeral will take place privately and quietly, as she lived.

Discovery of remains

The remains of Ms Satchwell were found at her home in Youghal, Co Cork by gardai searching the property on October 11 last. She had been reported missing on March 24 2017. The case was upgraded to a murder probe that week having previously been treated as a missing persons case.

Her husband Richard Satchwell has been charged with her murder.

Vigils

Meanwhile, two vigils have been held in her memory since her body was found. Over 500 people lit candles at an emotional vigil for Ms Satchwell in the town park in her native Fermoy, Co Cork on October 16.

She was described as having been a warm, friendly person who had a great love for animals.

A statement was read out at both vigils on behalf of the Dingivan family. The family said that they would "cherish the moments and all the great memories they had of the youngest girl in the family.

"There are no words to describe the pain in our hearts right now Tina. If we knew the last time we met was going to be our last time we would have hugged you extra tight."

Tina was described as having a very bubbly personality and was a very sociable person.

"She was always out and about with her babies (dogs) Ruby and Heidi. Tina loved her fashion. She was always dressed so well.

"We will cherish the moments and all the great memories we spent with you.

"Fly high our angel - you will be in our hearts forever. We love you Tina...you are at peace now. Until we meet again, give Nana a big hug."

Members of the Dingivan family were in attendance at the vigil. Songs such as I hope you Dance and Jealous of the Angels were played at the gathering. A large portrait of Tina was on display and candles and cards were placed around it. A poem was also recited.

A vigil for Tina was also held in Youghal, Co Cork the previous Saturday. Around 200 people attended the gathering.

Parish priest Canon Bill Bermingham offered prayers for Tina and her loved ones. He also asked attendees at the Youghal vigil to spare a thought for householders in Grattan Street in the town.

Because it is a very distressing time for them to have known that such an occurrence could have happened in their midst.

Tina lived in the UK and in Fermoy before moving to Youghal in the last two years of her life.
Cork Coffee Roasters looks set to open its fifth coffee shop in Cork, following a grant of conditional planning permission for a new outlet on the southside of the city.

In August the company lodged a planning application with Cork City Council to open up at 12a Ballinlough Road.

The application sought permission for some minor alterations to existing elevations and internal alterations to the existing unit and all associated site works.

The premises, adjacent to Our Lady of Lourdes National School, was previously occupied by Bean Brownie before it ceased trading in June.

Cork Coffee Roasters was this month given the green light to open its fifth coffee shop at the location.

There are eight routine conditions attached to Cork City Councils approval of the development, including one stipulating that full details of the hours of operation of the coffee shop must be submitted to and agreed in writing with Cork City Council prior to the commencement of development.

Cork Coffee Roasters opened its first premises on Bridge St in the city centre in 2008, followed by a second unit on French Church St, which opened in 2015.

It also operates a coffee shop on Anglesea St and at St Lukes.
BUSINESSES and sporting clubs in Midleton and throughout Cork which were devastated in Storm Babet flooding could now receive up to 100,000 to help them recover from the damage caused by last weeks deluges after the Government approved of two enhanced schemes to support flood damaged business at its meeting today.

Following the announcement of the scheme by Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Simon Coveney, he said the schemes were set up to provide urgent assistance to businesses that were unable, through no fault of their own, to get insurance to help with the costs of repairing the damage caused by flooding.

Given the unprecedented level of damage caused by Storm Babet, I am happy to be able to offer an enhanced version of the scheme that should be of assistance to businesses that suffered exceptional damage, said Minister Coveney.

As with similar weather events in the past, the Irish Red Cross will administer and make payments under the schemes on behalf of my department.

The relief on offer comes in the form of two schemes, the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme and an enhanced version of the same scheme. Under the standard scheme, businesses will receive up to 5000 and, following an assessment, could receive up to 20k. Under the enhanced scheme, businesses that have been 'severely impacted' will receive iniital support of up to 10,000 while, subject to a more detailed assessment, a small number of firms and clubs could receive a total of no more than 100.000.

Speaking on RTE on Tuesday evening, Irish Red Cross director Deirdre Garvey that a team of valuators was in place to meet businesses and they were keen to get the work underway as quickly as possible.

Ms. Garvey suggested the work to assess damages could be carried out within weeks for the estimated 150 businesses and clubs who were impacted in the flooding.

INCREASED LIMITS FOR HOUSEHOLDERS

The support for businesses was announced at the same time as increased limits were agreed to allow householders to access income tested funding to help them repair homes impacted by the downpours.

With immediate effect, the income limits for the scheme will be increased from 30k to 50,000 for a single person, 50,000 to 90,000 for a couple and from 10k to 15,000 for each dependent child.

According to Cork North Central Fine Gael TD, Colm Burke, there already have been 223 payments totalling 147,260 made to people impacted by the flooding.

Communities in Cork have been ravaged by flooding over the recent past and are to be commended by pulling together to help each other during a very stressful time, said Deputy Burke who said that the additional funding scheme announcements should give an additional boost to those qualifying households and businesses who are working hard to get back on their feet.
LAST yearn I produced an RTE documentary called Cold Case Collins which examined the circumstances of how Michael Collins died in an ambush at Beal na Blath on August 22, 1922.

For months, I pored over 100 years of scholarship and speculation about how this great, clever man died in a ragtag skirmish on a road in West Cork.

I looked up his birth certificate, read his sisters memoirs, and walked the roads around the place of his birth in Woodfield and place of his death, in an effort to understand how it all came to pass.

It was a fascinating project, one that deepened my appreciation for everything Collins achieved in his short life.

During those months, I used to take my bike on the train to meetings in Dublin. On the morning of my first production meeting I locked up my bike to a lamp-post on Tara Street, only to realise that the Big Fella himself was looking straight at me holding his own bike.

The famous image of Collins with his trusty Pierce bicycle had been stencilled onto an electrical box in striking yellow and black spray paint, and I laughed out loud at the coincidence.

Here I was with my bike about to go into a meeting and talk for a few hours about this very important guy and his bike.

Could I admire Collins any more? Freedom fighter, patriot, and a cyclist.

After the documentary aired, I contacted the artist Andy Mc to purchase a print of that street art image to mark the end of a memorable production.

Fast forward to this year and I had been noticing, and writing about, the deteriorating derelict public toilets on Grand Parade, wondering when was the council going to do the right thing and remove them.

The adjacent Three Fools Coffeepod is my caffeine pit-stop of choice in the morning, so I have had ample time over the last few months to bemoan what a blight those toilets were on the streetscape.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when the toilets were finally levelled, and even happier to hear the whispers that it was the chosen spot for a new statue of Collins, almost the exact location where he addressed 50,000 Corkonians to argue the merits of the Anglo Irish Treaty.

According to the British Pathe footage of the address, Mr Collins receives enthusiastic reception from the huge gathering despite salvoes of shots from a few malcontents.

Well, 101 years later Collins received another enthusiastic reception from Corkonians. Under the giant A City Remembers banner, it was obvious that yes, the city does.

In fact, there were people who travelled from Roscommon and Dublin to attend the occasion, along with local schoolchildren, ex-servicemen and the great and the good of Cork.

It was a perfect people-watching occasion - faces from all walks of life coming together to get a first look at The Big Fella on a Bike.

The crowd was thick. There were craned necks and people on tippy toes trying to get a look at who was speaking.

Members of the public and Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland at the unveiling of a new statue of Michael Collins on Grand Parade, Cork. Picture: Darragh Kane

A few eager people mounted the Sliabh na mBan for a better look, presumably forgetting that it was the very vehicle that accompanied Collins around West Cork on that fateful day in August, 1922, and therefore a national monument. A polite and large soldier asked them to dismount. You wouldnt have argued with him.

Disappointingly, the PA system wasnt up to the task of amplifying the speeches for the 1,500 strong crowd. We could have done with an elevated platform and speakers accustomed to projecting their voices, as would have been the case when Collins addressed crowds in 1922. The sounds of the city would have been much quieter back then, its hard to compete with the 214 bus.

Thank-you speeches went on and those on the periphery muttered they couldnt hear a word, wed clap if we knew what they were saying.

If we were all versed in Irish Sign Language, we would have been able to follow the interpreters energetic translations.

Grand-niece Fidelma Collins obviously inherited the gift of projecting your voice to a large crowd because hers was the only one I could hear in the speeches, and she was clearly thrilled with the turn-out and the fact that Michael Collins still means so much to people.

She was also especially pleased at the cross-party representation of politicians at the event. Hopefully she didnt spot the protester with the sign Are you taking the Mick, its a public toilet we need .

Statesman statues and public toilets are not mutually exclusive, but this man was displeased enough at the removal of the rotting toilet block to scrawl a protest poster.

I cycled into town later in the afternoon with my kids to show them the new statue. The crowds had disappeared but there were a group of descendants getting their family photos with the main man, the likeness of the statue to one of his grandnephews was quite striking.

It is very meaningful that the statue is at ground level - accessible and tactile. That it is a recreation of that famous picture of Collins with his Pierce bicycle is just perfect.

After the horrendous floods of last week, as we face the cruel consequences of the climate crisis, we need the clear-visioned political leadership that Collins embodied more than ever.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

A man was treated for stab wounds in Dublin the day after Ashling Murphys death in Co Offaly, paramedics have told a Dublin court.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed along a canal walkway in Tullamore at around 3.30pm on January 12th last year.

Jozef Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the primary school teachers murder.

Three paramedics gave evidence on Monday at the Central Criminal Courts, day five of the trial before a jury of three woman and nine men.

Conor Mackey, a firefighter based at Dolphins Barn in Dublin, told the court he was on duty on January 13th, when he received a call at around 11am that someone had been stabbed.

Mr Mackey said he and his colleague went into an apartment block in Crumlin, and were led to a bedroom in the apartment.

He told the Central Criminal Court that he saw a man hunched over a locker with what appeared to be three wounds across his chest.

Prosecuting barrister Anne-Marie Lawlor SC told the court that the patient is Puska.

We had been told going to the case that it was a stabbing incident, Mr Mackey told the court.

Mr Mackey said they moved the man onto the bed to make an assessment.

He said there were three stab wounds of some description, and that they did not appear to be fresh wounds.

Flowers and messages are left near to the scene in Tullamore, Co Offaly (Brian Lawless/PA)

The blood was dried in at that stage, and the wounds were not actively bleeding, he told the court.

Neil Cusker, an advanced paramedic, said when he attended the scene in the Crumlin apartment on January 13th, it looked to me like (the man) was in pain.

He said that, as far as he could remember, the man was not wearing a top and had a pair of tracksuit bottoms on.

He told the court that he checked the man from head to toe, and saw three small puncture wounds on his torso that did not look fresh, in his view.

He said that the man also had scratch marks across his head and his hands.

Rian Finch told the court she was on an internship with the National Ambulance Service when she attended the scene at the apartment in Crumlin on January 13th.

The now fully-qualified paramedic said she saw the patient propped up on a bed with injuries that were not particularly large.

She said they were very clean wounds that were not actively bleeding.

She described seeing wounds to the mans head and both arms as superficial wounds that appeared to be like scratches.

All I recall is that he didnt make eye contact with me, she said.
Sean McCarthaigh

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against an element of a major regeneration plan for Dublin city centre located around the former Carlton cinema site on OConnell Street.

The Dublin Central TD is seeking to overturn the recent decision of Dublin City Council to grant planning permission for the proposed repair, refurbishment and reuse of a protected structure on OConnell Street by the developer Hammersmith.

Ms McDonald has requested an oral hearing on her appeal because of the proposed development being located in an area of historical importance.

In a submission to An Bord Pleanala, the Sinn Fein leader said the area was central to the evacuation route used by the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising as well as being the location of the surrender of those who had escaped from the GPO.

She noted that An Bord Pleanala had previously decided to hold an oral hearing in 2009 relating to an appeal for a proposed multi-storey development on an adjacent section of the developers site.

Hammersmith through its subsidiary, Dublin Central GP, was granted planning permission last month for the proposed redevelopment of the four-storey building which currently houses Flanagans restaurant with offices on upper levels.

The plans provide for a licenced restaurant/cafe with takeaway facility at ground floor level on both OConnell Street and Henry Place as well as three apartments and a gym/leisure studio.

A new pedestrian link will also be created through part of the ground floor between OConnell Street and Henry Place.

Ms McDonald said there was a high quantity of information provided by the developer in relation to the various elements of its masterplan which has been difficult to take on board".

'Grave concerns'

She expressed grave concerns about supportive comments by the Tanaiste Micheal Martin for the overall development as well as confirmation by the Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien that his department had been engaged in some discussions about compensation for traders on Moore Street.

Dublin City Council has acknowledged that the traders will be unable to operate their stalls during the construction phase of the development but said, once completed, it will offer a significant opportunity for the markets on Moore Street to flourish and rejuvenate".

The Sinn Fein leader said the proposed new link through the building, with a controlled gateway access, was unnecessary as the developer had already proposed a new street and plaza in another part of the development.

Ms McDonald claimed the overall development was totally inappropriate and out of scale and would dwarf the national monument formed by several buildings on Moore Street.

She pointed out that the OConnell Street area was already awash with cafes, restaurants, bars and fast food outlets and questioned how a new restaurant located in a gated passageway could be commercially viable.

The suggestion of a new passageway with periodically locked gates, linking OConnell Street and Henry Place is a recipe for a planning disaster and will contribute nothing to the city, said Ms McDonald.

A ruling by An Bord Pleanala on the Sinn Fein presidents appeal is due by the end of February 2024.

A number of other appeals by various parties in relation to three other elements of the 500m masterplan for a 2.2 hectare site owned by Hammersmith are also currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanala.

Last month, Dublin City Council also approved another element of the masterplan - a mixed-used scheme for a development up to eight storeys in height that will also provide for a new street between OConnell Street and Moore Lane.
Vivienne Clarke

The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael Doyle, has told of the fear and excitement experienced by children at a primary school in Inistioge which was surrounded by water yesterday with some of them rescued by being carried out by piggyback.

Cllr Doyle told RTE radios Morning Ireland that residents of the village were nervous today as water levels in the River Nore continued to rise even though it had stopped raining.

Unfortunately, the village was prone to flooding and, because it was previously flooded many did not have insurance and were today calculating the cost of flooding damage caused yesterday, he said.

The high water levels on Monday were the highest he had ever seen. That's a worrying trend.

Firefighters from Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh Fire Brigades assisting with the orderly evacuation of St. Colmcille's National School, Inistioge during flooding in the Village this morning. pic.twitter.com/KMCFK7HcPw  Kilkenny County Council (@KilkennyNotices) October 23, 2023

Cllr Doyle pointed out that flood relief funding of 1.2 million had been awarded to Inistioge for flood defences, but works had not yet commenced.

Nearby Thomastown was also awarded 10 million in flood defence funding, but work there had not commenced either.

There were five or six schemes awarded money after the last floods, he said, but only two had been completed.

It's currently dry here this morning and the school is reopened as well, which is great for all. Road conditions are poor, but the river level is very high and the gauges along the river will lead to a nervous time, as always, for the residents especially with the possibility of flooding.

And all these property owners have no insurance. They have been previously flooded and can't get insurance so that the costs, if it does flood, are going to be huge.
Olivia Kelleher

A mystery man who has been charged with allegedly using passports in the names of two dead babies has been positively identified and has an FBI arrest record from 1970.

Cork District Court previously heard that Interpol was liaising with their 195 member countries in a bid to help gardai identify the man.

The elderly man, who appeared in court on Tuesday by video link, is charged with providing false information to obtain passports in the names of two infants born in the 1950s who died within months of their birth.

Detective Garda Padraig Hanley, of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, on Tuesday told the court that following extensive enquiries the man has been identified. He also has been found to have an FBI record dating to 1970. No details were furnished of the record or the name of the defendant.

Det Garda Hanley asked that the man be remanded in custody for an additional week to enable gardai to continue their investigation.

Judge Joanne Carroll asked about the level of cooperation being shown by the man in custody. Det Garda Hanley said that cooperation was not an issue in the case.

There is not an issue with the level of cooperation. He [the defendant] has taken a particular stance.

Det Garda Hanley previously said that when questioned the man said he was living in Ireland and needed a passport to leave the country. However, he refused to assist officers in any way.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor for the defendant, said that his client had been informed of developments in the case. He asked that his client be remanded in custody for two weeks rather than one to allow for further enquiries and for DPP directions in the case.

Judge Carroll remanded the man in custody to appear in court on November 7th. The man is set to be interviewed in prison on Tuesday by Det Garda Hanley.

Addresses

Det Garda Hanley previously said that a number of addresses in Ireland may or may not be linked with the man. Gardai have been in touch with the RSA, the Residential Tenancies Board, the ESB and the VHI. A team has been set up to carry out enquiries and to liaise with Interpol.

Meanwhile, the man, who speaks with an American accent, was arrested on September 15th at the passport office in South Mall in Cork.

He was charged in the name of Philip Frank Morris, of no fixed address, with a date of birth in the 1950s.

He was charged with two offences relating to allegedly providing false or misleading information in order to obtain a passport.

Det Garda Hanley last month told the court that the man allegedly used the name of a baby, Philip Frank Morris, who was born in December 1952 but subsequently died to apply for a passport in Cork.

Det Garda Hanley said that when questioned the man said he was residing in Ireland and needed the passport to leave the country. Det Garda Hanley said the man did not cooperate with officers in any way following his arrest.

PPS number

He said the man held an Irish passport for three decades but only recently obtained a PPS number.

He told Judge Olann Kelleher that they had spoken to the brother of the late Philip Morris who died at the age of four months in 1953.

The man was subsequently charged with an additional offence. Det Garda Hanley said that the man made no reply when he was charged with providing information or documents on September 11th at the passport office in South Mall which were false or misleading.

The court heard that the man allegedly had a passport in the name of Geoffrey Warbrook. However, Det Garda Hanley said gardai have spoken to relatives of Mr Warbrook who confirmed that he died as a young baby in the early 1950s.

Both of those two people (Philip Morris and Geoffrey Warbook) died. We have interviewed siblings of both of those people who died in 1952 and 1953. They died within months of their birth.

"We are satisfied that he is not Philip Morris or Geoffrey Warbrook (the two names on passports allegedly seized from the man)."
GOING for Growth, the award-winning business development scheme for female entrepreneurs, is seeking new applications.

The programme, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, helps ambitious female entrepreneurs build stronger companies, create new jobs and increase revenues.

The deadline for applications for the 16th cycle of Going for Growth is Friday November 17.

Up to 60 places will be available and applications are sought from female entrepreneurs across all sectors who are strongly focused on growth.

There is no charge for those selected and the six-month initiative will begin in January 2024.

Going for Growth has seen more than 900 businesswomen take part since its first cycle in 2008.

Some of the past participants include Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee; Andrea Doolan of Atlantia Clinical Trials; Derval ORourke of Derval.ie; Kate Scott of HoloToyz; Louella Morton of TestReach; and Vanessa Creaven of Spotlight Oral Care.

For more information on how to get involved see

The programme is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG.

Going for Growth has been repeatedly recognised by the EU, OECD, and European Institute of Gender Equality as a key initiative in helping to foster greater ambition among female entrepreneurs and to support their growth aspirations.

The programme brings together female entrepreneurs for monthly peer-to-peer roundtable discussions facilitated by successful businesswomen. They are known as Lead Entrepreneurs. Their participation is completely voluntary and is done in a spirit of altruism and the wish to share their experience and insights with others at an earlier stage of their growth journey.

Seven of this years Lead Entrepreneurs are former Going for Growth participants.

This years voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs include Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Jeananne OBrien, Artizan Food Co.; Leonora OBrien, formerly Pharmapod; Louise Phelan, Phelan Energy Group; Marissa Carter, Carter Beauty; Monica Flood, formerly Olas IT; Oonagh OHagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group and Tara Beattie, Prepsheets.com.

Chupi, the multi award-winning Dublin-based fine jewellery brand, founded by Chupi Sweetman is among those who took part in Going for Growth.

CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy, said: Increasing support for ambitious female entrepreneurship is a key national priority and Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Going for Growth. I believe our close partnership with Going for Growth provides excellent support to our incredible women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and achieving global ambition.

Strong peer groups, wonderful Lead Entrepreneurs, excellent formal learning opportunities and frameworks for business growth make this a must consider for anyone seeking to accelerate her business.

Partner at KPMG, Olivia Lynch, said: Our recent Enterprise Barometer research showed resilience and measured confidence in the future amongst Irish businesses and entrepreneurs. At KPMG, we champion domestic entrepreneurship, and our commitment to diversity drives us to continue our partnership with Going for Growth. This exceptional programme empowers ambitious women to elevate their businesses. With the guidance of the Lead Entrepreneurs, this initiative offers a transformative journey, connecting participants with valuable insights and a supportive community. KPMG's experts look forward to facilitating various workshops and sharing their extensive knowledge in tax, funding, employment and more."

A participant on the 15th cycle of Going for Growth, Grainne Mullins, Founder of Gra Chocolates, speaking of her experience said: "Going for Growth was such an incredible experience for me. I connected with women in a similar position to me and we could be open and vulnerable to each other about the struggles of having our own businesses.

I learned so much over the few months. Having peers, who understood and could advise you, really helped to keep me on track. I am so thankful for being selected for the Going for Growth Programme.

National Director of Going for Growth, Paula Fitzsimons, said: The objective of Going for Growth is to encourage female entrepreneurs to become more ambitious; to support them to achieve their growth aspirations; and to realise the full potential of their businesses, on Irish and export markets, throughout the lifetime of their business. I am delighted that the feedback from the participants is so positive, demonstrating that they are creating additional added value in the Irish economy, growing sales, and employment.

www.goingforgrowth.com
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Agriculture is the primary driver of forest and habitat loss worldwide. Some wilderness areas in northern climates have begun to be more suitable for agriculture due to global heating, and this is increasing the risk of agricultural expansion, putting ecosystems at risk.

A new study by researchers from the University of Exeter shows that humans must use farmland more efficiently and reduce carbon emissions to protect Earths remaining wilderness, a press release from University of Exeter said.

Wilderness areas in Scandinavia, Canada and Russia are particularly at risk.

Only a few areas of our planet remain relatively untouched by human influence, said professor Ilya Maclean of the Environment and Sustainability Institute at University of Exeters Penryn Campus in Cornwall, in the press release. By warming our planet, we are simultaneously making existing farmland less productive and opening possible new areas for farming, especially in the far north. Without protection, these precious areas of wilderness  with their great biodiversity and cultural value  could be irreversibly lost.

The study assessed the future climate suitability of more than 1,700 crops and found that more than one million square miles of wilderness  seven percent of the total remaining wilderness left in the world outside of Antarctica  will become suitable for agriculture in the next four decades.

We expected that warming temperatures would increase agricultural suitability at high latitudes, but the scale of this result, and the extent to which this newly suitable land is in wilderness, was surprising: 76% of newly suitable land at high latitudes is currently wilderness, equivalent to 10% of the total wilderness in these areas, said lead author of the study Alexandra Gardner, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Exeter who is also from the Environment and Sustainability Institute, as Earth.com reported.

The study also said the variety of crops will drop on 72 percent of the planets currently cultivable land, which will exacerbate the pressure to expand agriculture into wilderness areas, the press release said.

We need to understand the specific impacts of different agricultural practices on biodiversity, Gardner said, according to Earth.com. An important step is knowing how we can maintain or improve crop yields on existing agricultural land using sustainable practices that do not harm or minimize the negative impacts on natural biodiversity.

The study, Wilderness areas under threat from global redistribution of agriculture, was published in the journal Current Biology.

Agricultural expansion is the main cause of terrestrial biodiversity loss on Earth. Complicating the problem is that it may be necessary to double global food production by 2050 in order to meet the needs of a growing human population, the press release said.

To protect our planets remaining wilderness, we must urgently cut emissions of greenhouse gases, Gardner said in the press release. We must also use our farmland more efficiently. We can feed a larger population on the farmland we already have, but we need to increase cropping efficiency, grow the right crops for the conditions, reduce meat consumption (which is inefficient and produces high emissions) and cut food waste.

The researchers based their projection of how much wilderness will be newly suitable for farming in 40 years on a high-emissions future (the RCP8.5 climate scenario), which is the highest baseline emissions scenario. Using the RCP4.5 medium scenario, the newly available areas would total approximately 710,000 square miles.

What weve seen over the last 50 years is a shift toward extensive large fields and monocultures. Its much cheaper for a farmer to produce crops that way. But if you grow a single crop on your farm, youre more susceptible to the uncertainties of climate change, Maclean said, as reported by Earth.com. What well be seeing is parts of the last untouched places on the planet becoming more suited for agriculture.






Vietnam sees 131 cases of illegal meat imports in first nine months of 2023

Vietnam has reported a rise in illegal meat imports with 131 cases detected in the first nine months of this year, up 14.50% on-year.

Statistics from the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development released during an October 17 online meeting showed that 160,000 live cattle and poultry, nearly 44,000 chicken and duck eggs, and over 116,000 kilos of fresh meat were seized as they were illegally brought into Vietnam in the period.

According to the Vietnam Poultry Association, 200,000-250,000 tonnes of fresh chicken were illegally imported into Vietnam every year through border paths.

"Smugglers have used different means to avoid being caught by local authorities," said Luong Trong Quynh, vice chairman of the People's Committee of the northern border province of Lang Son. "They're operating more at night through small mountainous paths."

Speaking at the meeting, vice head of the Department of Animal Health, Phan Quang Minh, said that the rise in illegal import of live animals and meat products posed the risk of disease spreading in Vietnam.

"As local farmers have high demand for breeding chickens at the end of the year, smugglers transport large numbers from China, posing a high risk of disease transmission," Minh said.

Minh urged local authorities to take stricter measures to prevent such illegal imports. He also called on localities nationwide to update the number of cattle and poultry in their area for better management.

- Dtinews
From November 14 to 17,Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. Back in a 2013 visit to Indonesia, Xi proposed that the two countries jointly build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which together with the Silk Road Economic Belt, makes up the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since then, BRI has been advancing at a remarkable speed, playing an increasingly crucial role in supporting the economic development of ASEAN, the world's fifth largest economy.The world is now navigating in a confluence of acute global challenges and geopolitical tensions, against the backdrop, it is important to decode how China and ASEAN - both firmly uphold multilateralism - fast track BRI cooperation that fosters win-win results and why the initiative gains steam in a region that Washington is renewing focus but in which it has lost trust amongst member states.This is the first in a series of articles scoping the development of BRI in ASEAN members, including Indonesia.

PowerChina participated Bengkulu 2X100MW thermal power station project in Indonesia Photo: Courtesy of PowerChina

With the holding of a series of international meetings including the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia, the 17th G20 Summit in Indonesia and the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Thailand, the global focus is turning to ASEAN, an economic bloc consisting of 10 Asian countries that accounts for roughly seven percent of global economic volume.Indonesia, which has taken over the ASEAN chairmanship, is the place where Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road - an important component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - back to a state visit to the country in 2013. Over the past decade, the mega initiative has not only sown the seeds of prosperity but also led to a series of noteworthy achievements across the bloc, making ASEAN a pilot area and a demonstration zone for BRI implementation, as well as cooperation between the world's second and fifth largest economies, forming a dynamic paradigm for the world.Xi's attendance at the series of meetings in ASEAN is set to cement existing mutually beneficial economic ties, while injecting new momentum to the China's cooperation with the bloc under BRI, one observer said. A new chapter of BRI partnership will be unleashed, heading toward high-standard, greener cooperation, with more stable supply chains being constructed integrating China's manufacturing prowess with ASEAN's advantage in cost of production, observers noted.The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that Xi will attend G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, from November 14 to 17 and attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as visit Thailand from November 17 to 19.In October, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that the construction achievements of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway will be presented to the world during the G20 Bali Summit, which will further demonstrate the good cooperation between the Indonesian and Chinese governments.The 142.3-kilometer-long rail line is a landmark project under the BRI, and to date over 90 percent of the project's construction has been completed, Zeng Weixian, a senior engineer of the China Railway No.4 Engineering Group Co, a state-owned enterprise who participated in the railway's construction, told the Global Times over the weekend.It's a key project of the exports of China's whole rail industrial chain, according to the statement China's energy infrastructure company PowerChina sent to the Global Times over the weekend. PowerChina also participated in the railway's construction."The China-proposed BRI integrates with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and is conducive to facilitate regional infrastructure connectivity. Chinese enterprises have contributed to the construction of basic infrastructure such as railway, highway, port, airport, telecom and electricity, and based upon which the two economies will foster more joint economic corridors and trade flows," Zeng said.China has remained the largest trading partner of ASEAN for 13 consecutive years, and bilateral trade is set to grow significantly further with the implementation of RCEP.To date, all 10 ASEAN members have signed a memorandum of understanding to join the China-proposed BRI. Other landmark manifestations of BRI cooperation include China-Laos Railway, which transformed Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked logistic hub of ASEAN.In addition to infrastructure, Chinese companies also invested extensively in new-energy projects, capacity and agricultural cooperation. For example, China Railway No.4 Engineering Group Co has undertaken photovoltaic projects in a number of ASEAN members including Malaysia and Cambodia.PowerChina is also committed to the development and construction of local green-energy projects in Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and other regional countries. The total contract value under construction of PowerChina in Indonesia exceeds $3 billion.In addition to Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, it is also helping build the Cirata floating photovoltaic power plant, Indonesia's first floating solar PV plant being developed on the Cirata reservoir in the West Java province, which is set to become the biggest floating solar power plant in the Southeast Asia region. PowerChina is also involved in Batang Toru hydropower plant, the country's largest of its kind.China and Indonesia also jointly launched a hybrid rice research program, and among the 80 hybrid rice varieties approved by Indonesia government, over 60 are imported from China."Chinese investments have propelled industrialization and modernization in ASEAN, aid in stabilizing supply chain, and the two economies' interests are now deeply intertwined, as reflected by both sides' commitment to building a closer community with shared future," Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times, pointing out that this was a key reason as to why the BRI has gained wide recognition among ASEAN members.

Graphic: Chen He/GT

According to Xu, deepening BRI cooperation could potentially reshape ASEAN's supply chains, and make both China and ASEAN play a more central and pivotal role in global manufacturing."The traditional major export markets of ASEAN members are the US and Europe. But with the implementation of RCEP and more regional capacity cooperation, it is likely that the bloc will inch toward China, taking advantage of Chinese dual-circulation policy and manufacturing strength," Xu explained.Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday called on members of ASEAN as well as China, Japan and South Korea to keep up the process of regional economic integration and work on the stability of industrial and supply chains, when attending the ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea ("ASEAN+3") Summit.Observers envisioned that BRI development in ASEAN could move toward high-standard, greener and digital cooperation. "In the next stage, BRI will bring more tangible results to improve the livelihood of local residents, in particular in energy and agricultural  two sectors that have endured different levels of crisis due to geopolitical tensions," Xu said.Pragmatic China-ASEAN cooperation also eclipsed the US' much talked about emphasis on a region it has long overlooked, analysts said, after US President Joe Biden said on Saturday at US-ASEAN Summit that a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the US and the bloc will help to tackle "the biggest issues of our time."To counter what is perceived as "China's growing influence," Washington is now renewing its focus on ASEAN out of purely geopolitical gambit mindset after years of being absent. But without concrete commitment and genuine investment, Biden's pledges seem more like an empty promise, observers noted."The US' engagement won't affect China-ASEAN cooperation, and bilateral economic ties are set to proceed ahead under the BRI framework," Xu noted.
A man walks through a forest of golden Euphrates poplar trees with his craps table odds chartcamel in Jinta county of Gansu province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Numerous photographers recently recorded the golden glory of dense, tall Euphrates poplar trees (Populus euphratica) standing straight near clear waters in Jinta county of Gansu province.

The county, whose history reaches back more than 4,000 years, is located in an oasis basin deep in the desert.

Jinta is known for its vast forests of Euphrates poplars, the largest artificial ones in northwestern China. The plants play an important role in blocking wind, fixing sand in place and water conservation.

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death grant New Word List Save This siti casino online aamsWord! Save ThisWord!

noun(in the British National Insurance scheme) a grant payable to a relative, executor, etc, after the death of a person

Words nearby death grant

How to use in a sentence I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Asia Bibi, as she is known, was arrested and sentenced to death. In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST The most notorious states are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where death is an acceptable legal remedy. In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

In Defense of Blasphemy|Michael Tomasky|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Father Joel Roman Salazar died in a car crash in 2013; his death was ruled an accident, but the suspicion of foul play persists. Mexicos Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST The death toll, which experts believe has been significantly undercut by secret burials, stands at 7,905. The Race for the Ebola Vaccine|Abby Haglage|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The Race for the Ebola Vaccine|Abby Haglage|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST This is the place where the Muscovite criminals are banished to, if they are not put to death. The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe

The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe Elyon is the name of an ancient Phnician god, slain by his son El, no doubt the first-born of death in Job xviii. Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway

Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway Your sacrifice shall be the agony of agonies, the death of deaths, and yet you'll find yourself unable to resist. Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu Good is set against evil, and life against death: so also is the sinner against a just man. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various For of sadness cometh death, and it overwhelmeth the strength, and the sorrow of the heart boweth down the neck. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondeathday, death-dealing, death duty, deathful, death futures, death grant, death house, death instinct, Death in Venice, death knell, deathlessCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition  William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986  HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
A UN peacekeeping official lauded Chinese peacekeepers very strong commitment and discipline at a reception to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

In terms of competency and capacity  Chinese peacekeepers receive good training, which is important for what peacekeepers are able to do in peacekeeping missions, Brigadier General Jean Baillaud, chief of staff of the Office of Military Affairs at the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, said Thursday.

They show very strong commitment and also very strong discipline, Baillaud said at the New York residence of the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.

He said Chinese peacekeeping missions were important in quantity and quality. As an example, Baillaud recalled he was impressed by the quick deployment of Chinese military observers in the Syrian capital, Damascus, several months ago for the establishment of a supervision mission.

Chinese peacekeepers were regarded by the local population as an asset because they provided support in engineering, building roads, providing medical services and transport, which were vital for these missions, he said.

The Chinese army regards maintaining world peace and promoting common development as its essential mission, Major General Zhang Jianguo, head of the Chinese delegation to the UN Military Staff Committee, said at the reception held by the delegation.

There are now nearly 2,000 Chinese peacekeepers carrying out their tasks in 12 peacekeeping missions, Zhang said.

At present, China had developed military contacts with more than 150 countries, and more than 400 Chinese and foreign military delegations exchange visits every year, Zhang told some 300 guests present.

China had also established defense and security dialogue mechanisms with more than 20 countries, he said.

During the past two decades, China participated in more than 20 UN peacekeeping missions, dispatching a total of 20,000 troops and military observers.

Xinhua

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China called for calm and restraint on Monday after Turkey had accused Syria of having shot one of its military reconnaissance planes in international airspace without warning.

The Turkish government held a meeting today in Ankara concerning the Incident and called for a NATO meeting to adopt a position with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the Syrian intervention as an unacceptable act.

China has noted the information on the issue and is closely monitoring the development, said the spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Lei at the daily briefing of the ministry.

The regional situation is currently very complicated and sensitive. We hope that parties concerned will exercise calm and restraint and go through diplomatic channels to reach an appropriate solution.

The Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the plane was clearly identified as Turkish and refused to believe that Syria says it has failed to identify the plane before firing.

China calls for calm and restraint over Turkey-Syria Tensionsadded by chinatimesonline on

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China announced Monday the launch of a campaign against the false information, the fake journalists and the illegal press, as part of strengthening the control exercised by the authorities.

Those fake media were peddling false information severely disrupted the press and publishing industry, and have undermined social harmony and stability, said in a statement released by the General Administration of Press and publishing.

The campaign, which is accompanied by stronger media guidelines on official sources of information, will last until the end of the year, said the Administration.

The authorities have also announced the hotline of the campaign: 12390, 010-65212870/2787 as well as its website: www.shdf.gov.cn

In late October, the authorities had ordered tighter control of the Internet, including social networks, to prevent the publication of rumors and vulgar material.

Last month, Chinese leaders have adopted a directive to protect the safety of Chinese culture during the plenum of the Communist Party (CCP).

According to independent observers, this is in large part to strengthen Party control over all media, while a new generation of leaders must come to power in China in one year.

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Oman's gas company Oman LNG has signed agreements to extend supplies of LNG to its shareholders for up to 10 years, from 2024 until 2034. The shareholders include the UKs Shell, Frances TotalEnergies, Japans Mitsui, Mitsubishi and Itochu, Korea LNG and Thailands PTT Exploration and Production. Agreements were also signed with shareholders of Qalhat LNG, which merged with Oman LNG ten years ago.

Oman LNG will supply about 7 Mt/year of LNG to these companies for 10 years. Based on previously signed term sheets, Shell International Trading Middle East FZE will purchase up to 1.6 Mt/year of LNG from Oman LNG from 2025 to 2034, making Shell the largest LNG off-taker from the Omani company.

Oman LNG is 51% owned by the Omani government, with 30% held by Shell, 5.54% by TotalEnergies, 5% by Korea LNG, 2.77% each by Japans Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsui, 2% by Thailands PTTEP and 0.92% by Itochu Corporation.

In 2021, Oman produced and exported nearly 13.8 bcm (10.7 Mt) of LNG.
Clocks go back this weekend



By Charlie Morrey

Had a long week? Fancy an extra hours guilt free kip? Panic not as the clocks change this weekend.

British Summer Time ends meaning clocks will go BACK one hour at 2am on Sunday October 29.

Sadly it does mean that we enter full winter mode (underlayers and bobble hats at the ready) and itll be dark an hour earlier, but the perk is the extra hours sleep  think of the positives people.

Now, I dont know about you, but the clock change always seems to strike when Im on a night out and it ends up enabling an extra hour of questionable decisions in the Outback.
Manx registered ship has sunk off coast of Germany

The Isle of Man Ship Registry was informed at 07:25am this morning (October 24) that the Isle of Man registered cargo ship Verity (IMO Number 9229178) had been involved in a collision and has sunk off the coast of Germany.

The collision occurred in the early hours of this morning and there is currently an ongoing search and rescue operation being coordinated by the German Coast Guard and involving numerous other vessels which are within the vicinity.

This is an ongoing situation and the initial reports are the collision occurred at approximately 04:00hrs local time in the sea area known as the German Bight.

The Ship Registry will provide further information when available.

*Updated at 12:45*

The BBC has reported that according to the Germany authories one person has died and four others are missing after the two cargo ships collided off Germany's North Sea coast.

Two other crew members have been rescued, it added. Seven were on board in total.
From Hollywood strikes to digital portraits, AI's potential to steal creatives' work and how to stop it has dominated the tech conversation in 2023. The latest effort to protect artists and their creations is Nightshade, a tool allowing artists to add undetectable pixels into their work that could corrupt an AI's training data, the MIT Technology Review reports. Nightshade's creation comes as major companies like OpenAI and Meta face lawsuits for copyright infringement and stealing personal works without compensation.

University of Chicago professor Ben Zhao and his team created Nightshade, which is currently being peer reviewed, in an effort to put some of the power back in artists' hands. They tested it on recent Stable Diffusion models and an AI they personally built from scratch.

Nightshade essentially works as a poison, altering how a machine-learning model produces content and what that finished product looks like. For example, it could make an AI system interpret a prompt for a handbag as a toaster or show an image of a cat instead of the requested dog (the same goes for similar prompts like puppy or wolf).

Professor Ben Zhao | University of Chicago

Nightshade follows Zhao and his team's August release of a tool called Glaze, which also subtly alters a work of art's pixels but it makes AI systems detect the initial image as entirely different than it is. An artist who wants to protect their work can upload it to Glaze and opt in to using Nightshade.

Damaging technology like Nightshade could go a long way towards encouraging AI's major players to request and compensate artists' work properly (it seems like a better alternative to having your system rewired). Companies looking to remove the poison would likely need to locate every piece of corrupt data, a challenging task. Zhao cautions that some individuals might attempt to use the tool for evil purposes but that any real damage would require thousands of corrupted works.
Using ESRF-EBS, scientists from Leibniz University Hannover are investigating the origins of the Solar System by studying samples from the moon and micrometeorites.

Meteorites are remnants of material from the early solar system. Our Earth accumulates on average 100 tons per day of these extraterrestrial samples, which largely exhibit spherical shapes. The presence of iron in them provides insights into the formation and composition of the solar system.

Equally, detecting the different forms of iron in moon samples can shed light on the geology of the moon, its history and how celestial bodies form in our solar system.

Regarding the moon, after the Apollo mission, back in the 70s scientists studied several samples and found that iron was very scarce. However, recent studies have found that iron and other metals are more abundant in certain zones in the moon, notably the darker zones, than in the Earth. This effectively disputes the hypothesis that the moons metal comes from the Earths debris after it collided with a Mars-sized planet called Theia, 4.5 billion years ago.

Iron in the moon is a very valuable resource as it can be used to construct infrastructure and equipment, for example in the case of a potential lunar space station to carry out research, explains Franz Renz, professor at Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and leader of the team.

The team came to the ESRF with samples from both the moon and meteorites. They used the technique of Synchrotron Mossbauer Source to characterise the iron-rich microscopic meteorites, of a diameter of around 100 microns on average, collected from an up to 3.8-million-year-old continuous sedimentary record in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Because this desert is the oldest and driest temperate desert on Earth, it preserves the samples in optimal condition to monitor changes in flux, types and composition of extraterrestrial material over time.

This technique provides researchers with information about different mineral phases in the centre and on the edge of the micrometeorites, which can be affected differently when they enter the atmosphere. Specifically, it will identify all the iron phases present in the micrometeorites and the spatial distribution of such iron phases within the samples. The results will hopefully provide an unprecedented understanding of atmospheric processes that still cloud our perception of the origin of meteorites.

The team, with Franz Renz pointing the sample (left) and a close-up shot of the sample (right) on the beamline ID18.

The ESRF provides a set-up which is pretty much unique in the world, says Renz. For my research, measurements at beamline ID18 and the future ID14 are of big importance, because of the unique beam at ESRF and its spatial and energy resolution to perform Mossbauer spectroscopy on microscopic to nanoscopic terrestrial and extraterrestrial material, to even resolve single phases and its interphases, he concludes.
For almost a decade, explosions at European arms production facilities have been occurring, that suspiciously happened simultaneously with weapons supplies from Bulgaria to Ukraine. Investigative journalist Christo Grozev from Bellingcat suggested that.
Israel rapidly expands airstrikes in Gaza as hundreds killed in single day, Hamas says

AP | Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday crushed multiple residential buildings and buried families under rubble, as Hamas reported hundreds killed in the past day.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Kindle Unlimitedan idea with a long payback for authors 

Interested?

Have you encouraged your eBook readers  your fans  your tribe to participate in Amazons Kindle Unlimited?

Think about it.

Did you know that your Kindle eBook is eligible for royalty payments from Kindle Unlimited (KU, or Abonnement Kindle in France) for pages an individual customer reads in your Kindle eBook for the first time?

Did you?

And the new question is  do you have your eBook enrolled so it is available for Unlimited  meaning reading your entire book  and not buying it?

Yup  thats what Im saying. Now, if someone clicks on the READ ONLY button  you will start earning a penny (plus/minus) for every page that the READ ONLY viewer clicks through.

Could you make money? Yes  YES you can. I have fiction authors who are gathering mega thousands of pages of reads. One month, he had over 300,000 pages read of his book that created over $2,000 to him.

Amazon customers can read your Kindle eBook as many times as they want when they download it using Kindle Unlimited (KU). But, Amazon will only pay you for the number of pages read the FIRST TIME a customer reads them. This is true even if your KDP Select enrollment period has expired, and you choose not to re-enroll.

In Amazons words:

Royalties

Youll get one royalty payment for Kindle Unlimited (KU). Well pay according to the same payment schedule and payment method you selected for your other KDP sales. We review the size of the KDP Select Global Fund each month to make it compelling for authors to enroll their Kindle eBooks in KDP Select. We announce the fund monthly in our community forum. The share of fund allocated to each country varies based on a number of factors, such as exchange rates, customer reading behavior, and local subscription pricing. Author earnings are then determined by their share of total pages read. They are able to earn a maximum of 3,000 Kindle Edition Normalized Pages(KENPC) read per title per customer.

For example, heres how wed calculate royalty payouts if $10 million in funds are available in a given month with 100 million total pages read. (Note: Actual payouts may vary. Check your Prior Months Royalty Report to see your earnings):

Author with a 100-page Kindle eBook that was borrowed and read completely 100 times would earn $1,000 ($10 million x 10,000 pages for this author / 100,000,000 total pages).

Author of a 200-page Kindle eBook that was borrowed and read completely 100 times would earn $2,000 ($10 million x 20,000 pages for this author / 100,000,000 total pages).

Author of a 200-page Kindle eBookthat was borrowed 100 times but only read halfway through on average would earn $1,000 ($10 million x 10,000 pages for this author / 100,000,000 total pages).

We support our authors efforts to promote their Kindle eBooks, but we also work to prevent any manipulation of the Kindle experience.

We do not permit authors to offer, or participate in marketing that incentivizes Kindle Unlimited (KU) customers to read their Kindle eBooks in exchange for compensation of any kind. This includes payment (whether in the form of money or gift certificates), bonus content, entry to a contest or sweepstakes, discounts on future purchases, extra product, or other gifts.

Because were continuously looking to improve our authors experience, we have systems in place to monitor for potential manipulation.

Reporting

You can see your Kindle Edition Normalized Pages (KENP) Read in your Reports by marketplace and title. To see historical pages read, click Download report. If youre enrolled in KDP Select, you will also see the following data on your reports:

For readers to take advantage of Kindle Unlimited, the cost is $9.99 a month. Amazon usually has a signup deal for new subscribers  right now it is two months free before you start paying. DO the Google thingsearch for how to subscribe to Kindle Unlimited. With your subscription, youll have over 4 million books to select from.

My two bits: if your eBook is already on Amazon and under the Kindle Select program  mark the box to participate in Unlimited. Then do an eblast to all your contacts and let them know that they can read your book for FREE via Unlimitedinclude a link to your book page. Plus, create a social media campaign announcing that your eBook is available within the Unlimited program.

And heres a bonus. It is not uncommon to get conversion. As in, the freebie eBook reader wants your book. He or she becomes a book buyer. Click. Nice.

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 44 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction debut Secret Journey. Collectively, her books have earned over 45 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences.

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE.

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a Like at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her.

2023 Judith Briles  The Book Shepherd All Rights Reserved.
Why spend the time and expense to get a second opinion if your doctor recommends surgery or they diagnose a serious disease? After all, youve been examined, tested and evaluated by an expert with many years of training.

But the harsh reality is that misdiagnosis happens a lot  and sometimes with the gravest consequences. Each year, approximately 371,000 people in the U.S. die because of diagnostic error, according to a July 2023 study in the medical journal BMJ Quality & Safety.

A medical second opinion can increase the chances that you get the correct treatment from the start, saving money, distress and maybe your life.

Second opinions are probably the single fastest way to address diagnostic errors today, says Dr. David Newman-Toker, director of Johns Hopkins Medicines Center for Diagnostic Excellence.

Seeing the right specialist or subspecialist can make all the difference. We know [from research] that if a patient with sarcoma is seen at a sarcoma center, their survival is longer, says Kristen Ganjoo, a medical oncologist who teaches at Stanford Universitys School of Medicine.

What is a second opinion, and why is it valuable to you?

Second opinions  whether to review a surgery recommendation or a cancer diagnosis  typically require a step-by-step reexamination of a patients case.

The first step is to review the existing diagnosis, according to Ganjoo. For example, patients may need a pathology review at an institution that has experts in sarcomas, she says. We have a hundred different types of sarcoma, and theyre all treated differently. If a pathologist is not familiar with sarcomas, they may make a mistake in diagnosing patients.

Next, Ganjoo determines whether the patient needs more tests, such as a scan or an assessment of a tissue sample for genetic mutations.

Finally, she reviews the treatment plan and makes any necessary changes to it, based on all test results and her diagnosis.

But second opinions arent only about coming to the correct diagnosis. They can be about whats the best possible treatment for this particular patient at this point in their life, says Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation, which works to educate and empower health care consumers.

How can you incorporate quality-of-life concerns and still get the result you want? says Donovan. Physicians may differ on that.

What does a second opinion cost, and does insurance cover it?

Charges for a second opinion vary widely, as does insurance coverage.

Some major medical centers offer a second opinion service at a fixed price. A virtual second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic costs $1,850. Stanford Medicine charges $700 for an online second opinion. The package of services provided  and the medical staffs knowledge of particular specialties  vary by institution.

If you are insured by an employer or through a state or federal health insurance marketplace, contact your insurer to ask about your coverage for second opinions for people with your diagnosis.

Medicare may pay at least some of the cost of a second opinion when surgery is recommended. Medicaid offers some coverage of second opinions; call your states Medicaid office for details.

You may be able to pay any out-of-pocket costs of a second opinion through your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).

Financial assistance for second-opinion expenses for certain diagnoses may be available through a variety of organizations, including the Patient Advocate Foundation and the Sarcoma Alliance.

If you are shy about asking for a second opinion

Some patients are embarrassed to let their doctor know that theyd like to get a second opinion. But if you do encounter resistance, know that youre pursuing a reasonable course of action.

Any good physician is going to encourage you to explore your treatment options, says Donovan.

Sometimes you just have the wrong clinician, says Newman-Toker. Theyre overconfident or theyre not interested in asking deeper questions or hearing your concerns as a patient. Then, you just need a new doctor.

Avoiding misdiagnosis

Newman-Toker offers these tips:

Come to your appointments prepared with a simple, printed summary of your timeline of symptoms and problems, to leave more time for discussion and questions.



with a simple, printed summary of your timeline of symptoms and problems, to leave more time for discussion and questions. Ask hard questions, such as, Whats the worst thing that this could be, and why is my condition not that, says Newman-Toker. If the doctor bristles, consider going to another. You have to rely on asking probing questions to see if your physician is committed to getting it right.



such as, Whats the worst thing that this could be, and why is my condition not that, says Newman-Toker. If the doctor bristles, consider going to another. You have to rely on asking probing questions to see if your physician is committed to getting it right. After treatment begins, remain vigilant, Newman-Toker says. Dont assume that if you dont get a good result, your treatment needs to be adjusted, rather than your diagnosis reevaluated. Maybe its time for a second opinion.

John Rossheim writes for NerdWallet. Email: USexpansion@nerdwallet.com.

The article Getting a Second Opinion Can Help Ward Off Misdiagnosis originally appeared on NerdWallet.
(The Center Square)  Hundreds of immigrants on the federal terror watch list have been caught at the southern and northern U.S. borders in recent years, and national security experts say there is a real threat of a terrorist attack on American soil as a result.

With the conflict between Israel and the Gaza-based terrorist group Hamas escalating, that threat has only grown.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's San Diego field office warns that Hamas may attempt to send individuals to the U.S. through the southern border.

"San Diego Field Office Intelligence Unit (SDFO-FITU) assesses that individuals inspired by, or reacting to, the current Israel-Hamas conflict may attempt travel to or from the area of hostilities in the Middle East via circuitous transit across the Southwest border," an unclassified document from the office reads.

"Foreign fighters motivated by ideology or mercenary soldiers of fortune may attempt to obfuscate travel to or from the US to or from countries in the Middle East through Mexico."

Lora Ries, a former acting deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, told The Center Square that there is a real threat from illegal immigrants connected to Hamas, the terror group that killed more than 1,400 in Israel and took dozens of hostages this month.

A terrorist attack facilitated or inspired by Hamas is absolutely a real threat in the United States, she said. The visceral hatred toward Israel and America thats on display here at home and around the world should be a wakeup call. Since Biden took office, millions of inadmissible aliens have flooded through the open borders and into our country from over 160 countries around the world  including those harboring terrorists.

U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, RTenn., raised similar concerns, pointing to federal data showing the high number of terrorism-connected migrants caught at the both the northern and southern border.

Every American should be concerned about the state of our homeland security under this administration, Green told The Center Square. President [Joe] Biden and Secretary [Alejandro] Mayorkas refusal to properly enforce the laws passed by Congress or provide our frontline law enforcement with the policies they need to accomplish their mission has empowered our nations enemies.

According to federal data, 736 known or suspected terrorists were apprehended at U.S. border in fiscal year 2023 alone, the most ever recorded according to available data. In recent years, there have been thousands of these migrants on the Terrorist Screening Center list.

Those figures do not account for migrants who were undetected or evaded capture from border patrol agents.

How many known or suspected terrorists have successfully evaded apprehension alongside the nearly 1.6 million known gotaways at the Southwest border? Green said. And how many more do we have to apprehend at the border before Secretary Mayorkas feels it warrants real action? Communities across the country are in danger because of Secretary Mayorkas dereliction of duty. It is beyond unacceptable that Congress is still waiting for full transparency on these threats.

These terror-connected migrants are part of a flood of millions of illegal migrants since Biden took office.

The increased illegal immigration has put increasing pressure on the Biden administration, which announced earlier this month that it would restart construction on a small Texas portion of the southern border wall, a Trump administration project that was largely derided by Democrats.

A group of Democratic state and local elected leaders sent a letter to the White House earlier this month calling on Biden to address the border crisis, which is costing states and municipalities billions of dollars to address.

The FBI maintains the Terrorist Screening Center, a multi-agency effort created after the 9/11 attacks to centralize one list of whom to watch across federal agencies.

When asked, the FBI gave few answers, deferring to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Specific intelligence-related criteria must be met for a person to be added to the TSC watchlist," an FBI spokesperson told The Center Square.

A DHS spokesperson told The Center Square that the increased immigration from South America is a key cause for the increase in suspected terrorists but that the agency is focused on the problem.

They also said these encounters with suspected terrorists still represent a fraction of one percent of the overall encounters. In addition, sometimes family members or known affiliates of suspected terrorists could be counted on the watch list as well.

As we learned on 9/11, it only takes a handful to destroy lives, Ries, who now works with the Heritage Foundation, told The Center Square. Meanwhile, Biden and his allies are burying their heads in the sand, refusing to secure our border or admit their progressive policies leave us open to attack. Americans should go about their daily lives as usual but add a layer of vigilance given the global atmosphere, dangerous lack of immigration enforcement, and clear anti-American sentiment that has grown in the U.S. after years of demonization from the Left.
As the Biden administration pleads with Hamas to release more than 220 hostages, including 10 Americans, and Israel readies for a ground invasion of Gaza, a bipartisan group of more than a dozen current and former members of Congress spent Monday underscoring the continued need to promote religious freedom at home and abroad as a pathway to peace amid global outrage and war.

This mission is especially personal for me as an American Jew, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Florida Democrat, told a group of U.S. officials and faith-based freedom advocates gathered in a Senate meeting room. My ancestors suffered from pogroms in Eastern Europe, and right now it cuts deep, as we see the horrific violence inflicted by Hamas to targeted civilians.

Its critical, Wasserman Schultz said, to condemn state sponsors of terrorism, such as Iran, whose destabilizing actions are driven by religious intolerance and genocidal denial.

The congresswoman delivered her remarks at a Capitol Hill event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. Congress passed the law to make pluralism and faith-based liberty a higher priority in U.S. foreign policy and to strengthen the countrys advocacy for individuals persecuted overseas because of their religion or belief.

The landmark legislation created a new State Department ambassador post, as well as the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, or USCIRF, a taxpayer-funded independent body to monitor religious freedom violations in countries around the world. The commission issues reports and recommendations to the State Department, backed by the threat of sanctions, to influence foreign policy and shine a light on perpetrators oppression.

Three of the original sponsors of the legislation delivered remarks at Mondays event.

Frank Wolf, a former House Republican and leading human rights champion for more than three decades, shared his struggles in pushing the measure through Congress in the face of strong business opposition. At the time, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and high-tech companies were trying to expand trade relations in China and other countries with abysmal human rights records.

Even then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright spoke out against the bill, arguing that it would establish a new and unnecessary government bureaucracy and deprive the State Department of flexibility in determining Americas foreign policy interests, Frank recalled.

I am very grateful that President Clinton signed it in spite of the opposition by some in the administration, Wolf, who now serves as a USCIRF commissioner, told the audience gathered in a Russell Senate meeting room for the event.

At the time, Sudan was in the midst of a drawn-out civil war after Col. Omar al-Bashir led a bloodless military coup. Bashirs government forces, influenced by the National Islamic Front, a political party that dominated the countrys government, declared the country an Islamic Republic and fought rebel forces, carrying out indiscriminate attacks against civilians and perpetrating widespread human rights abuses and genocide in Darfur, a region in western Sudan.

Although Islam was the state religion, only 60% of the population was Muslim and living in the north, while most southerners were Christians or practiced traditional African religions. Overall, the regime killed an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people, and 550,000 refugees fled to neighboring countries.

The atrocities in Sudan generated bipartisan outrage and support for the International Religious Freedom Act. Former Sens. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat, and Don Nickles, an Oklahoma Republican, joined forces to push the legislation through the Senate.

From the beginning, [the United States] was a faith-based country, Lieberman told the Senate gathering via a recorded statement. Its right there in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, particularly in the catalytic sentence about the rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness are endowed by our creator.

Obviously, God didnt just give those rights to Americans, but to every person on Earth, and thats why its so critically important that human rights generally, but also religious freedom, specifically, is at the center of our relations with the rest of the world, Lieberman added.

Before the measure, Nickles recalled that all the members of Congress who cared about religious persecution would bring up human rights abuses on their own in individual meetings with Chinese, Russian, and African dignitaries. Nickles also recalled a visit he made to Pakistan, where the recent bombing of a Christian church had killed more than 100 worshippers.

It was all a little haphazard, so we said, What can we do? What would be better? And Frank Wolf said, Lets have a commission that stays on top of exposing religious intolerance, religious discrimination, Nickles recalled.

Over the last quarter century, USCIRFs reports and influence have helped raise awareness of religious persecution in many countries and spurred the creation of similar envoys and ambassadors devoted to the issue in other countries and the European Union.

Leading advocates argue that the law has helped change repressive policies in several countries around the world and assisted in securing the freedom of several prisoners of conscience. Yet, some of the most repressive nations  China, Burma, and Iran  have continued or ratcheted up their repression despite USCIRF repeatedly placing the countries on their list of worst offenders.

Several recent studies by the Pew Research Center have documented a rise in religious persecution worldwide. Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, Wolf and other advocates argue that championing religious pluralism and tolerance is more important now than ever.

Four days after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed at least 1,400 Israeli civilians, all eight USCIRF commissioners representing different faiths  including Christians, Jews, and Muslims  issued a statement condemning the brutal terrorist attack.

We reiterated that invoking any religion to justify taking innocent lives has no place in any society, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, USCIRFs chairman, said at the Monday event.

Wolf also stressed that its essential that support for religious freedom remains bipartisan and suggested that more U.S. faith leaders need to rally around the cause as religious and ethnic tensions continue to flare in the Middle East and many other regions.

Frederick Davie is a USCIRF commissioner who also serves as a senior strategic adviser to the president at Union Theological Seminary, an ecumenical Christian seminary in Manhattan. Davie used the anniversary event to call for a national prayer service amid the Israel-Hamas war as a way to acknowledge the horror and depravity that has taken place in the region, and urge compassion for human life, as well as a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
BILLINGS, Mont.- The Justice Department's Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) has recently made a significant announcement. They have granted 182 awards to 111 American Indian and Alaska Native communities, amounting to a substantial $96.7 million. Notably, Montana's tribal nations have been granted a total of $3.2 million as part of this initiative.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of CTAS, highlighting that this grant program acknowledges that tribes are best suited to address their most pressing public safety concerns. The grants are specifically designed to aid these communities in enhancing law enforcement capabilities, combating gender-based and domestic violence, and providing support to victims. The Justice Department aims to continue supporting tribal efforts to ensure the safety of their communities.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta echoed this commitment, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the Justice Department's resources promote tribal sovereignty and address public safety challenges in Indian Country and rural Alaska. These grants mark a collaborative effort to make resources more accessible to tribal communities.

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana expressed his pleasure at the grants received by three Montana tribes. He highlighted the multi-faceted impact of this funding, from strengthening justice programs and law enforcement to providing services for victims of domestic violence and youth programs.

The Montana tribes that have received CTAS grants include:

Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation: $1,435,232 total

Tribal Justice Infrastructure Program (Bureau of Justice Assistance): $1,335,237

Tribal Youth Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention): $99,995

Crow Tribe of Indians: $500,000 total

Tribal Youth Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention): $500,000

Northern Cheyenne Tribe: $1,328,909 total

Public Safety and Community Policing (COPS Office): $629,138

Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning (Bureau of Justice Assistance): $149,831

Children's Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities (Office for Victims of Crime): $449,992

Tribal Youth Program (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention): $99,948

These tribal grants are aimed at bolstering Tribal justice systems, strengthening law enforcement responses, improving child abuse case management, combating domestic and sexual violence, supporting youth programs, and offering a range of services for American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims. These awards are administered through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

In addition to CTAS awards, various other Justice Department components have announced grants for tribes. The Office for Victims of Crime under OJP has allocated nearly $70 million through the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside to provide services for crime victims in tribal communities and enhance victim-centered services for tribal victims of human trafficking in urban areas.

Furthermore, OJP's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking has awarded over $8.5 million to 24 tribes to assist with their compliance with federal sex offender registration and notification laws.

Of the $96.7 million in grants awarded through CTAS, OJP has distributed more than $66 million, while the COPS Office has allocated nearly $30 million. The COPS Office's funds are aimed at aiding 49 tribes in hiring personnel, acquiring equipment, and providing training grants to expand community policing efforts. These funds can be used to hire law enforcement officers, Village Public Safety Officers, and school resource officers, as well as to procure essential equipment, technology, and training for enhancing tribal policing initiatives.

The Justice Department's allocation of $96.7 million in grants through CTAS demonstrates a commitment to improving the safety and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These grants are a vital step toward enhancing tribal sovereignty, strengthening law enforcement, and addressing pressing public safety concerns.
With H.R. 1 likely stalled in the Senate, and the debt ceiling bill only making small incremental changes, it is time to look toward the next effort to reform the federal permitting process. H.R. 1 has definite positive changes within it. Clarifying the scope of environmental reviews, limiting the length (both in time and pages), and adding judicial review options are beneficial. But those reforms are merely incremental and are unlikely to improve federal land permitting in a meaningful way.

The real root of the issue is the shift in philosophical approach to governance that this country has undergone since its inception. The United States system of governance was derived from the English common law system of government. In that system, the government seldom involved itself in private decisions until it felt the need to stop behavior by enforcing laws. This general rule system, where government presumes that behavior is permissible, is rare in modern society, but does represent the purest form of economic freedom-oriented governance.

Slowly, but surely, the United States has transitioned to a form of governance that resembles historical France, which had a civil law system. This approach to governance requires the citizen to ask permission and have the government permit that activity. This is where we stand today, where permits are needed for an increasing amount of activity.

Permits are problematic for a few reasons. First, they often take unnecessary time because the application sits on a bureaucrats desk to be advanced according to the officials priorities rather than a more objective criteria such as first in, first out. Second, permits give bureaucrats too much discretion, making the process unpredictable for the applicant. But many applications are just like the others. Government should not need to approve each similar application individually to know that the behavior is permissible. This is where permits by rule would greatly benefit society.

With a permit by rule system, law would shift back toward the English civil law that helped the United States become the economic powerhouse that it is today. Government would create a pre-set list of standards for a certain type of activity. When an applicant certifies compliance with those standards, it still submits a permit application, but the review process is streamlined and expedited. The governments focus (and limited taxpayer resources) shifts from being an administrative gatekeeper to being the enforcer of standards. Permit-by-rule would allow projects to begin quickly. It would allow applicants to predict whether they will be granted a permit. It would likely bring more competition into the marketplace because barriers to entry would be lowered.

This system would not lower substantive standards. Rather, the substantive standards would be clearly published for all to know and understand. Government would still be made aware of the applicants activities because the application still must be filed and put on record. Additionally, permittees would remain responsible for compliance with the rules put in place to protect public health and safety, among other reasons. For example, the government could require, and regulate, surety bonds that protect against potential societal and/or environmental harms or fraudulent certification by applicants.

Permit by rule is already being used. The EPA and at least 38 states have permits by rule in some form. The states demonstrate the large variety of activities that this system can benefit. It regulates activities that range from rock removal to energy production.

This system should be expanded at both the federal and state levels. Certain permits subject to the National Environmental Policy Act, which regulates federal activity that could impact the environment and has proven to be a costly and lengthy process, could be streamlined but not circumvented by permit-by-rule. Activity that would need quick action, such as water shortage issues, could be timely resolved with permit-by-rule. The potential breadth of activities that could benefit from this approach is endless.

The benefits extend to both sides of the ideological aisle. For example, both renewable energy and oil companies would have access to streamlined permits. The system also would reduce the administrative burden incurred on the front end of the permitting process and freeing up those officials to focus on enforcement and cracking down on bad actors. All sides win, particularly the public who is handed a stronger economy and better-protected environment.

Common law general rule systems would be ideal in some situations. After all, the less the government impedes, the more the citizenry will use its ingenuity. But in certain situations, such as ones that could have potential environmental impact, permit by rule offers many of the same benefits. Congress, and the states, should look to the future by returning to the governing approach that made America great. Permit by rule is a fantastic place to start.
Evidence-led GM crop regulation could help the UK lead on global food security and climate change, according to the Royal Society.

The UK needs an evidence-led and proportionate regulatory approach for GM crops to realise the technologys benefits for agriculture, a new policy briefing says,

The Royal Society paper, published today (24 October), sets out recent developments in using the GM method for crop improvement.

This has seen the technology used in a growing number of countries to enhance resistance to pests and diseases, improve nutrition and elevate tolerance to heat and drought.

Genetic modification, for the purposes of UK crop regulation, involves moving genes between species and is regulated differently to other breeding technologies which make genetic changes within a species.

The paper says the UKs leading plant scientists and expertise in commercial crop breeding mean it is 'well placed' to deliver the benefits of deploying this technology.

Discoveries made by UK scientists have already been commercialised in other countries, but not in the UK.

The Royal Society says a more supportive regulatory approach in the UK would boost innovation and result in new applications of GM methods that benefit the public and food security.

Earlier this year, the UK government sought to reduce regulatory barriers to genetic innovation for agriculture by passing the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, which introduced a new framework in England for regulating crops that were gene edited.

However, the Act left GM crops under a regulatory regime inherited from the EU which has usually required extensive scientific and safety trials.

Satisfying these requirements is so expensive that only the largest companies can achieve regulatory approval, according to the paper.

The Royal Society argues this approach is no longer justified given the evidence from 30 years of commercial use that crops developed with GM methods are no more likely to pose unpredictable risks than crops resulting from other breeding technologies.

Instead, regulation should focus on assessing scientifically plausible risks given what is known about the GM trait and the species it was introduced into.

In adopting this approach, the UK can learn from other regulators that have greater experience with GM technology, such as the US, the paper says.

We need to feed people properly without destroying the planet, said Professor Jones, whose research spans a range of GM applications.

Manufacturing and spraying fertilisers and pesticides results in a significant carbon footprint and collateral damage to non-target insects and the wider ecosystem.

The lesson from countries that have used this technology for 30 years is that its potential risks can be regulated on the basis that they are predictable and specific to the change being made.
Mice could live on Mars.

Mice could cope with life on Mars

Scientists have found the rodents living in the extremely harsh environment at the summit of volcanoes in the Andes and claim that it is proof that the animals could survive on the Red Planet.

The peaks in the Atacama desert plateau of Chile and Argentina are described as the "closest thing on Earth" to Mars because of the super-dry atmosphere and freezing temperatures.

Professor Jay Storz and climber Mario Perez Mamani first found a live mouse in the desert in 2020 and have gone on to discover 13 more since.

Professor Storz, of the University of Nebraska, said: "The most surprising thing about our discovery is that mammals could be living on the summits of volcanoes in such an inhospitable, Mars-like environment."

He added: "It just boggles the mind that any kind of animal could be surviving and functioning in that environment."
Britney Spears' parents forced her to "clean up garbage like a prisoner" as punishment for skipping school to spend time with her boyfriend.

Britney Spears has revealed she had to pick up rubbish for a whole day after her parents caught her skipping school

The 41-year-old pop superstar has revealed she used to leave school early when she was a teenager to spend the afternoons with the 17-year-old boy she lost her virginity to when she was 14, but he was best friends with her brother Bryan who reported Britney's behaviour to their parents Jamie and Lynne.

In her new memoir 'The Woman In Me', she explained: "I would go to school like normal at 7 a.m. but leave at lunchtime, around 1pm, and spend the afternoon with him. Then he would drive me back right as school was getting out. I'd just innocently get on the bus and go home like nothing happened.

"The age difference between me and this guy was huge - obviously - now it seems outrageous. So my brother, who was always very protective, started to hate him. When Bryan caught me sneaking out to go visit his friend, he told on me to our parents."

Britney's parents then came up with a punishment for their daughter - ordering her to go around their neighbourhood picking up rubbbish.

She wrote: "As a punishment, I had to walk around the neighbourhood all day with a bucket, cleaning up garbage like a prisoner on the highway. Bryan followed me around taking pictures as, crying, I picked up trash."

Britney has made headlines around the world with extracts from her book, but she's insisted she didn't mean to cause any offence with her revelations and she's keen to move on from her past.

In a post on Instagram, the 'Toxic' star wrote: "My book's purpose was not to offend anyone by any means!!! That was me then ... that is in the past ...

"Most of the book is from 20 years ago ... I have moved on and it's a beautiful clean slate from here!!! I am here to establish it that way for the rest of my entire life !!! Either way this is the last of it and s*** happens !!!"
Gwyneth Paltrow is reportedly looking to buy a house in Cornwall.

Gwyneth Paltrow is said to be wanting to buy a house in Cornwall

The 51-year-old Hollywood star is worth millions thanks to her acting career and Goop wellness company and is now said to be keen to invest some of her money in the seaside town in the village of Polzeath.

A local told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Gwyneth has been in the area recently and has been looking at a couple of potential places for a holiday home. She isnt a stranger and has spent a bit of time in Cornwall over the years. But it seems the quiet and sedate pace of life in Polzeath has caught her eye. Gwyneth has become the talk of the village and there are apparently two places she has her eye on."

The 'Shallow Hall' actress has Apple, 19, and 17-year-old Moses with Coldplay rocker Chris Martin and the local went on to point out that spending time in Cornwall would put her much closer to her ex-husband.

The local added: "Her ex-husband Chris Martin has a place thats only 45 minutes away from here.

Polzeath is a beautiful place and given how quiet it is, Gwyneth would be able to come and go without much fanfare.

Some locals can get annoyed at the number of rich out of towners who come and buy up houses around our area but everyone seems pretty excited about the idea of having Gwyneth moving in."

Cornwall has garnered the interest of several famous faces in recent years, and Gwyneth's potential move comes just months after it was reported that 'Dune' actor Jason Momoa was also eyeing up property there.

At the time, one local said: "There is a place on the cliffs that he has apparently fallen in love with and now wants to buy. These kinds of homes are being transformed into the luxury places you see on 'Grand Designs', so he would be able to make it very special. Its the talk of Mawgan that Jason is going to be the next big star moving in."

Last year, a source revealed that Oscar-winning actress Cate Blancehett , had snapped up a property in the town - thought to be worth more than 2m - and her agent later confirmed that the news was true.

A source told the MailOnline: "The talk of Mawgan Porth is that Cate has bought a home here!"

Just months later, a fan couldn't believe it when they spotted Hollywood star Jamie Dornan - who is known for starring as Christian Grey in the 'Fifty Shades' film series - at a petrol station after he moved into the area.

Alongside a selfie of herself and Jamie, she wrote on Instagram: "I went to get fuel and thought no way it can't be but it was Mr grey himself!"(sic)
Kritika Kamra On Dussehra: Festive season has just begun, and people are all caught up in making sure that they enjoy the time to the fullest and remain dutiful to their traditions.

The nine-day Nvaratri festival has finally commenced today as people across the nation celebrated Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, which is observed on the tenth day of the festivities, where devotees mark reverence to Goddess Durga.

An important Hindu festival, Dussehra holds great significance as it was on the same day when Lord Ram won over demon god Ravana; thus, several places across the country perform the efficacy of Ravan, symbolising the triumph of virtue over evil.

Kritika Kamra on celebrating Dussehra

It's not only the common people, but several celebrities who also celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm, and one of them is Kritika Kamra. The talented actress, who was recently seen in Amazon Prime Video's crime thriller series Bombay Meri Jaan, opened up about how she celebrates the festival and also sent a message to her fans.

Exclusive! Will Kritika Kamra & Karan Kundrra Reunite Again? Actress Says: Some Things Are Better Left..

In a candid chat with Filmibeat, Kritika sent good wishes to her fans on Dussehra and said, "For me, yeh jo festivals ke rituals hote hai ya uske liye jo tyar hona hota hai, khana pina, wohi sabse exciting cheez hoti hai wahi memories banti hai hamare liye. I'm not a very religious person, but main yeh sab karti hu because of the nostalgia and as part of our cultural thing."

Sending a sweet message to her fans, the KItani Mohabbat Hai actress said, "Have fun and enjoy the time with your family; do the rituals. Jo jese manate hai festival ko manaye aur chuti ko enjoy kare."

Talking on the work front, Kritika Kamra revealed that her next project is ready, and fans might hear some update soon.

The actress started her career with television serials and has acted in shows like Kitani Mohabbat Hai, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, Reporters, and Prem Ya Paheli-Chandrakanta. She has also participated in the celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

She made her Bollywood debut in 2018 with Mitron and has since appeared in some acclaimed web series as well. She was recently seen in Bambai Meri Jaan, where she played the role of Habiba Kadri.

Post The Massive Success Of The Show, Lakshya Kochhar, Star Of 'Bambai Meri Jaan,' Seeks Divine Blessings
When asked about the ongoing festive occasion, the bold & beautiful actress replied saying, "Navratri is so reminiscent of my growing up years! Although, I was raised by a Muslim mother and Christian father, I would celebrate every festival with sheer joy and excitement with my friends from different religious backgrounds. Navratri meant gorgeous lehenga-choli and non-stop dandia and garba dance!"

Watching the Chopra girl feel so emotional about her adolescent days, we asked her about what Dussehra meant to her then and what it means now.

Pat came her reply, "The victory of good over evil and the victory of truth over lies & fabrication! As a matter of fact, the essence of Dussehra is what we strive for in our everyday living!"

Sherlyn Chopra was recently seen as the leading lady of Paurashpur 2 on Altt.

The fiery actress will soon be seen in back to back webseries on leading OTT platforms.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai New Cast: Star Plus' Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is poised for yet another generation leap, ushering in a fresh season in the long-running family drama. Two years after the introduction of Harshad Chopda and Pranali Rathod as the new protagonists, Rajan Shahi, the show's producer, recently confirmed the upcoming season's development. As a consequence of this leap, the current lead actors will soon bid farewell to their characters.

NEW CAST MEMBERS IN YEH RISHTA KYA KEHLATA HAI

With the departures of Harshad Chopda and Pranali Rathod from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai now confirmed, the production team has finally signed the actors who'll be seen as new protagonists after the leap. As previously reported, Saavi Ki Savaari fame Samridhi Shuka and Choti Sarrdaarni fame Shehzada Dhami have officially been signed as the new lead stars of YRKKH.

Not just that, the makers have also roped in known names like Anita Raj, Preeti Amin, and Shruti Ulfat among others for pivotal roles post-leap. Now, the latest buzz suggests that another actor and reality TV star is likely to join the cast after the time jump.

Well, we're talking about MTV Roadies Karm Ya Kaand winner Rishabh Jaiswal, who was also seen playing a pivotal role in Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna starrer Anupamaa.

ANUPAMAA ACTOR RISHABH JAISWAL JOINS YEH RISHTA KYA KEHLATA HAI?

According to a report in India Forums, Rishabh Jaiswal has joined the cast of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. While there were rumours about his re-entry in Anupamaa, it looks like that's not going to be the cast. It is being said that he's likely to essay the role of new hero Shehzada Dhami's cousin brother in the popular Star Plus show. However, an official announcement regarding the same is still awaited.

The makers have already unveiled the new promo of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai featuring Samridhi Shukla who's set to play Akshara and ABhinav's daughter named Abhira. The new season of YRKKH will start airing from November 6 onwards.
Goobit Group AB (publ), 556952-8671, conducted its annual general meeting on October 17, 2023, at Jarntorgsgatan 6 in Stockholm. All decisions were made in accordance with the proposals presented in the notice. In summary, among other things, the following was decided:

Approval of the accounts, allocation of profits and discharge from liability

The Annual General Meeting resolved to adopt the income statement and balance sheet as set out in the annual report for the period May 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023.

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors and the auditor's recommendation, that no dividend will be paid for 2022/2023 and that the disposable profits available to the Annual General Meeting will be carried forward to the new accounting year.

The board of directors and the CEO were granted discharge from liability for the fiscal year 2022/2023, in accordance with the auditor's recommendation.

Board of Directors and Auditor

The Annual General Meeting decided that the board will consist of four ordinary members without deputies. Michael Volter was re-elected as chairman. Christian Ander and Carl-Viggo Ostlund were re-elected as board members. Jan Tibbling was newly elected as a board member. The board fee shall be SEK 200,000 for members who do not receive a salary from the company and SEK 400,000 for the chairman and for the member who is money laundering reporting officer (MLRO).

The company's auditor was re-elected as the audit firm WeAudit Sweden AB until the end of the next annual general meeting. Fees to the company's auditor shall be paid according to approved invoice.

Principles for the appointment of the members of the Nomination Committee

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board's proposal, that the Nomination Committee for the 2024 Annual General Meeting will consist of members appointed by the three largest shareholders as of March 30, 2024, as registered in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden, and the Chairman of the Board. If the Chairman of the Board is one of the three largest shareholders as mentioned above, then the fourth largest shareholder should also be included in the Nomination Committee, so that the Nomination Committee consists of four members. The Chairman of the Board shall also convene the first meeting of the Nomination Committee.

New share issue with preferential rights for existing shareholders

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board's proposal, to increase the company's share capital by a maximum of SEK 1,409,212.790000 through a new share issue of a maximum of 140,921,279 shares.

Authorization for the Board to issue new shares, subscription warrants and/or convertibles

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board's proposal, to authorize the board to, until the next Annual General Meeting, on one or more occasions and with or without deviation from the shareholders' preferential rights, decide on the issue of shares, warrants, and/or convertibles.

Documents

Documents and audit report are available on the company's website, www.goobit.se.

Proposals regarding the decisions of the company's general meeting as mentioned above are available in the notice which can be found on the website https://www.goobit.se/investor-relations/bolagsstammor.

This document is a translation of the corresponding Swedish document. In the event of any discrepancies between the text contained in this document and the Swedish document, the latter shall prevail.

For further information, please contact:

Christian Ander, CEO, Goobit Group AB

Email: ir@goobit.se

Certified Adviser:

Eminova Fondkommission AB | 08-684 211 10 | adviser@eminova.se



About BTCX | Goobit Group

Goobit AB launched the world's first still operating bitcoin exchange BTCX in 2012. Goobit is Sweden's leading bitcoin company in financial services and education. The company offers exchange services from fiat currencies to bitcoin and has so far exchanged over 2.0 billion SEK. The company's best-known brands are BTCX Express and Standard Bitcoin Exchange (BTCX). In addition to exchange, the company also offers services in anti-money laundering (AML), through AML Desk, and compliance for virtual currencies and digital assets. Goobit Group AB (publ) was registered in 2013 and includes the fully owned subsidiaries Goobit AB, Goobit Blocktech AB and Goobit Exchange AB. Goobit AB services are aimed at private individuals, corporate customers and financial institutions.

For more information, see Goobit's website www.goobit.se
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 23, 2023) - The Newly Institute Inc. ("Newly" or the "Company"), a leading interdisciplinary mental health, addictions, and chronic pain clinic, is pleased to provide an operational and financial update.

Newly is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD") Program Services Agreement by WorkSafeBC, a provincial agency that promotes safe and healthy workplaces across British Columbia ("B.C."). The multi-year agreement will provide Public Safety and Non-Public Safety Personnel experiencing ongoing trauma and stress-related symptoms from a workplace incident access to treatment programs through an outpatient, interdisciplinary approach to care.

Newly is also pleased to announce that it has secured a location and signed a lease agreement to open its first clinic in Kelowna, British Columbia, in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The Company's new clinic in B.C., its fourth overall, will allow Newly to provide its leading mental health programs for first responders, veterans, and the general population across the province. This clinic is a key step in The Newly Institute's plan to expand across Canada for the continued delivery of its intensive outpatient programs.

"We are thrilled to expand into the province of British Columbia and continue to assist individuals achieve optimal mental health and wellbeing," says Arthur H. Kwan, Chief Executive Officer of Newly. "Our unique program offerings will be a first for Kelowna, and we are excited to welcome new clients."

By way of a financial update, the Company continues to negotiate in good faith an extension to the forbearance agreement with its bridge loan provider. Doing so will allow the Newly to pursue a recapitalization and growth capital financing. To this end, the Company has retained financial advisors to seek out additional capital.

Finally, Newly is excited to announce a proposed reorganization to set up a new entity, Newly Holdings Corporation, with two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Newly Clinics and Newly Access. Newly Clinics will include the Company's in-person mental health programs and operations and retain all current clinical operations. Newly Access will be a technology-driven entity designed to capture recurring revenue from the Company's patients, post-treatment, using an app currently in development. The Newly app will allow people who have graduated from in-person treatment programs to access additional mental health resources, book new appointments as needed, and gain quick contact with mental health professionals in an emergency. The Company expects to hold a shareholder meeting in late November or early December 2023 to vote on the proposed reorganization and other corporate matters and expects to deliver an information circular to Newly shareholders in early November 2023.

"We are looking forward to connecting with our valued shareholders and discussing the many exciting initiatives we have underway," says Mr. Kwan. "With new clinics on the horizon, a reorganization of the Company to optimize patient support and generate additional income, and a sound financial plan to help us achieve our goals, we believe the future is bright for Newly."

About The Newly Institute

Newly is a Calgary, Alberta-based private company that believes mental health treatment needs a drastic paradigm shift. Our vision is to provide long-lasting change within the industry, our community, and with our patients. We have pioneered an intensive bio-psycho-social treatment model that can be supplemented by medically managed, psychedelic-assisted therapies when appropriate. Our medical professionals help patients overcome deeply embedded traumas, addiction, and pain that prevents them from living fully in their everyday lives. While we base our programs on evidence and data, our approach is personal, as it is vital that people feel safe as we tackle the difficult work necessary to achieve wellness. The Company currently operates clinics in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fredericton and will look to expand across Canada in 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements, or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding the anticipated use of the Company's services and revenues from the WorkSafeBC PTSD Services Agreement, the opening of the Kelowna clinic, the effectiveness of the Company's treatment programs, extension of the forbearance agreement with the Company's lender, the Company's capital raising activities, the proposed reorganization of the Company's business and the related shareholders meeting, the future financial prospects of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: lack of interest in the Company's products or services from its potential clients; inability of the Company to deliver programs which meet the treatment needs of clients; failure to successfully conclude negotiations with its lenders regarding forbearance on the Company's debt obligations; inability of the Company to successfully raise sufficient capital to fund the operation of its business; the Company determining not to hold a shareholders meeting or to reorganize its business; and failure of the Company to meet its growth objectives, either in whole or in part.

When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and risks other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information contact:

Arthur H. Kwan

Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (825) 540-4042

Email: info@thenewly.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184908
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 23, 2023 / Taura Gold Inc. (TSXV:TORA) (the "Company" or "Taura") and Ensign Minerals Inc. ("Ensign") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement dated October 23, 2023 (the "Definitive Agreement"), whereby Taura will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Ensign by way of a statutory three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Upon completion of the proposed business combination (the "Proposed Transaction"), Taura (as it exists upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the "Resulting Issuer"), will be a Tier 2 mining issuer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and will continue to further advance the Mercur Gold Project located in Utah, United States and its exploration property located in Ontario, Canada. Taura and Ensign are arm's length parties, and there are no current non-arm's length parties of Taura who are insiders of Ensign, or presently hold any direct or indirect beneficial interest in either Ensign or any of its assets.

John Dorward, President and Chief Executive Officer of Taura, stated, "We are very excited by the acquisition of the Mercur Gold Project with an Inferred Resource of ~1.7 million ounces, and what we believe to have favourable exploration potential in a major underexplored Carlin-type gold system. The strategically positioned land package is in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with a clear permitting process to navigate. The Mercur Gold Project is only 57km from Salt Lake City, has access to excellent infrastructure including paved access roads, grid power and potential access to historic water wells. Our initial path forward will be to initiate further metallurgical test work, including column testing, to complement the large database compiled by Barrick and Ensign over previous years. In addition, Taura plans to update baseline studies and mineral resource optimization ahead of completing a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") which is currently scheduled for early 2025."

Transaction and Mercur Gold Project Highlights

Gold project is located only 57km from Salt Lake City in the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah, a highly mineralized mountain range, with historic production of 2.6 million ounces of gold at the Mercur mine. A regionally significant private land package consolidated over five years, with a majority of the current mineral resource estimate on private land in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with a clear permitting process to navigate. Inferred resource estimate of 92 million tonnes, containing ~1.7 million ounces Au @ 0.56 g/t Au, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Highly prospective property with exploration upside potential in a major underexplored Carlin-type gold system. Excellent infrastructure, including paved access roads, grid power and potential access to historic water sources. Highly experienced board and management team with a successful track record in exploration, development, operations, project financing and capital markets.

Ensign Minerals Inc.

Ensign is a private company existing under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and focused on exploring for precious metals within the Mercur district - a mining-friendly region in Utah, USA. Ensign controls approximately 6,200 hectares in the Mercur district on primarily privately held patented claims and its properties include Mercur, West Mercur, South Mercur and North Mercur.

Ensign entered into an Option Agreement with Barrick Gold Exploration Inc. ("Barrick") in May 2021, as subsequently amended. The option, which has an expiry of January 2, 2026, enables Ensign to acquire the Mercur Project for C$20 million in cash or shares along with the granting of a 2% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") over the Main Mercur Gold Project area along with a 1% Area of Interest ("AOI") NSR over certain other Barrick claims within the Mercur district (the "Barrick Option").

Mercur Project

1. Location and History

The Mercur Gold Project is located 57 kilometers southwest of Salt Lake City in the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah, a highly mineralized mountain range which is also host to Bingham Canyon, one of the world's largest gold and copper mines. Historically, 2.6 million ounces of gold was mined from the Mercur Mine, including approximately 1.5Moz produced by Getty Oil Company and later Barrick during the period of 1983 to 1998.

The Mercur Property includes interests in 463 patented mining claims, 426 fee land tax parcels, 395 unpatented lode mining claims, three unpatented mill site claims, and six Utah state metalliferous minerals leases that cover approximately 6,200 net hectares (15,300 net acres) of mineral rights. Barrick operated the Mercur Gold Mine until 1998 when it was closed due to low prevailing gold prices. In recent years, Barrick has substantially completed the rehabilitation of the Mercur mine site.

2. Mineral Resource and Geology

The Mercur Property has inferred resource estimate of 92 million tonnes, containing ~1.7 million ounces Au @ 0.56 g/t Au, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.

Deposit Tonnes Au g/t Gold (Ounces)* Marion Hill - Rover 49,900,000 0.49 800,000 Mercur Hill - North 4,300,000 0.66 100,000 Mercur Hill - South 7,600,000 0.72 200,000 Sacramento 13,400,000 0.60 300,000 Golden Gate 2,200,000 0.84 100,000 South Mercur 14,600,000 0.59 300,000 Total 92,000,000 0.56 1,700,000

* Gold ounces have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand and totals may not add due to rounding.

This mineral resource estimate was prepared with an effective date of September 1, 2023, under the direction of Susan Lomas, P.Geo, of Lions Gate Geological Consulting, Inc. (LGGC), with the assistance of Bruce Davis, FAusIMM. Based on education, work experience relevant to this style of mineralization and deposit type, and membership in a recognized professional organization, Ms. Lomas and Mr. Davis are both independent qualified persons (QPs) within the meaning of NI 43-101 for the purpose of the mineral resource estimate disclosed in this news release.

The mineral resource has been estimated in conformity with generally accepted guidelines outlined in CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and is reported in accordance with NI 43-101.

Estimations are made from 3D block models based on geostatistical applications using commercial mine planning software (MinePlan). The project limits are based on a local mine grid system. Separate block models were set up for Main Mercur and South Mercur with a nominal block size of 50 x 50 x 30 ft. Sample data are derived from a combination of surface diamond and reverse circulation drill holes. The pierce points of the drill holes into the mineralized zone vary but can be approximately 25 to 50 ft spacing in the areas of historic mining.

There is a total of 2,970 drillholes in the area of the block models. Of these, 2,861 holes are historical holes that were primarily drilled by Barrick and Getty, and 109 holes were drilled by Ensign. Comparisons show that the Ensign drill hole and Barrick drill hole sample results agree well over all areas being investigated. The mineral resource estimate has been generated from drill hole sample assay results and the interpretation of a geologic model which relates to the spatial distribution of gold and silver. Interpolation characteristics were defined based on the geology, drill hole spacing, and geostatistical analysis of the data. The mineral resources were classified according to their proximity to sample data locations and are reported, as required by NI 43-101, according to the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014).

A technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 in support of the mineral resource estimates discussed herein will be filed within 45 days of this news release under Taura's SEDAR+ profile (www.sedarplus.ca). Readers are encouraged to read the technical report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the mineral resource estimate. The technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

3. Exploration Upside Potential

Taura believes that the Mercur Property is considered to host potential for additional discoveries with future exploration efforts focused on three key areas:

extension of existing resources along strike and down dip; structural interpretation and modelling with a specific focus on the Lower Great Blue stratigraphic unit; and regional exploration on early-stage generative targets as well as areas of historic mining outside of the areas targeted by Barrick.

Targets for expanding existing inferred resources include the Marion Hill-Rover areas where the northernmost drilling by Ensign at Rover, completed in August 2022, returned encouraging drillhole results ranging from negligible amounts to:

7.6m @ 0.48g/t Au from 76.2m downhole and 18.3m @ 1.17g/t Au from 99.1m in drill hole EN064;

from 76.2m downhole and from 99.1m in drill hole EN064; 13.7m @ 2.00g/t Au from 45.7m in drill hole EN055; and

from 45.7m in drill hole EN055; and 33.5m @ 0.80g/t Au from 39.3m in drill hole EN056.

In addition, the relatively lightly explored South Mercur is considered to hold potential for near-term resource expansion with several results returned in December 2020 along the eastern flank of the deposit, with such results ranging from negligible amounts to:

12.2m @ 1.15g/t Au from 155.4m downhole and 12.2m @ 2.89g/t Au from 170.7m and 9 .1m @ 0.57g/t Au from 184.4m and 3.0m @ 2.00g/t Au from 198.1m in drill hole SM-20-02;

from 155.4m downhole and from 170.7m and 9 from 184.4m and from 198.1m in drill hole SM-20-02; 65.5m @ 2.39g/t Au from 39.6m including 3.0m @ 15.12g/t Au in drill hole SM-20-07; and

from 39.6m including in drill hole SM-20-07; and 74.7m @ 2.29g/t Au from 73.2m including 4.6m @ 6.93g/t Au in drill hole SM-20-011.

Taura plans to continue the extensive structural modelling commenced by Ensign with a particular focus on the potential for the Lower Great Blue stratigraphic unit to host mineralization. The Lower Great Blue was not a key focus for previous explorers and operators, however, an improved structural understanding led Ensign to target the unit in the Main Mercur area which was historically the source of the highest-grade open pit material.

Initial results from drillholes into the Lower Great Blue, completed in September 2021, range from negligible amounts to:

38.1m @ 2.21g/t Au from 65.5m downhole including 3.0m @ 12.70g/t Au in drill hole EN018;

from 65.5m downhole including in drill hole EN018; 38.1m @ 2.05g/t Au from 68.6m including 3.0m @ 15.33g/t Au in drill hole EN022; and

from 68.6m including in drill hole EN022; and 25.9m @ 6.34g/t Au from 128.0m including 6.1m @ 23.89g/t Au in drill hole EN027.

The large regional package at the Mercur Project is considered by Taura to hold potential for additional discoveries based upon historic production and field work undertaken by Ensign and its predecessors.

North Mercur remains an underexplored area which is immediately south of the Ophir Carbonate Replacement Deposit ("CRD") district. Historical underground mining at North Mercur produced bonanza-grade silver mineralization in siliceous pipes and mantos along the axis of the Ophir anticline. Three recent Ensign grab samples of tailings from the Silver Chloride mill returned an average grade of 169g/t Ag and 0.24g/t Au, and a high-grade dump sample returned 1640g/t Ag and 3.64g/t Au.

The West Mercur area includes West Dip, a 5km NNW trend of more than 25 underground mines that attempted to develop gold deposits along the range front in the Upper Great Blue Limestone in the 1890s. Based on historical accounts and field evidence, Ensign geologists recognized that gold grade increases where ENE-trending structures cross the NNW-trending stratigraphy. A limited test of this new model included WM003, which was completed in October 2021 and returned 13.7m @ 2.9g/t Au, including 3.0m @ 8.2g/t Au.

In addition, West Mercur includes a remote sensing anomaly in the pediment which was the initial impetus for renewed interest in the Mercur district. Field inspection of the anomaly revealed small, previously unmapped outcrops of Upper Great Blue Limestone in an area mapped as alluvium, and small, local outcrops of jasperoid which assay up to 1.27g/t Au. The Snowstorm target offers potential for new gold discoveries in the pediment. Snowstorm is a 125-hectare area of inferred shallow bedrock with no previous drilling, adjacent to this known mineralization at the conjunction of ENE-trending Mercur canyon, and multiple favorable stratigraphic units at depth.

4. Existing Infrastructure

The Mercur Gold Project has existing infrastructure with a paved access road to the Mercur Mine security gate and the former Barrick mine offices and security gate still operational. The site is connected to grid power - 460Kw- and has potential access to water through the water wells previously used by the mine.

These wells are currently held by the Tooele County as Barrick sold its water wells, water rights and a 50% interest in the land in 2005. The wells provided sufficient water for mining operations and are currently not in use.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Paul Criddle, who is a qualified person under NI 43-101. Mr. Criddle is a director of Taura, and accordingly, is independent of Ensign and not independent of Taura, under NI 43-101.

The Proposed Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Taura will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Ensign pursuant to a statutory three-cornered amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), whereby Ensign and 1445287 B.C. Ltd ("Taura Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Taura incorporated for the purpose of completing the Amalgamation, will amalgamate to form a newly amalgamated company ("Amalco"). Under the Amalgamation, former shareholders of Ensign ("Ensign Shareholders"), other than Ensign Shareholders who have validly exercised and have not withdrawn rights of dissent, will receive 2.00 common shares of Taura (each, a "Taura Share") for each one common share of Ensign (each, an "Ensign Share") held. The consideration implies a purchase price of C$0.47 per Ensign Share, or gross consideration of approximately C$24million, based on the closing price of the Taura Shares on the TSXV on October 23, 2023, the last trading day prior to the execution of the Definitive Agreement. Upon completion of the Amalgamation, Amalco will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Resulting Issuer.

As of the date hereof, there are (i) 22,652,347 Taura Shares issued and outstanding, and (ii) 50,976,476 Ensign Shares issued and outstanding. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer is expected to have approximately 124,605,299 common shares (each, a "Resulting Issuer Share") issued and outstanding, on an undiluted basis, with (i) approximately 18% of such Resulting Issuer Shares expected to be held by the current shareholders of Taura, and (ii) approximately 82% of such Resulting Issuer Shares expected to be held by the former shareholders of Ensign. In accordance with the rules and policies of the TSXV, Resulting Issuer Share held by "principals" of the Resulting Issuer will be subject to such escrow requirements as may be imposed by the TSXV.

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will be the parent and the sole shareholder of Amalco and will indirectly carry on the current business of Ensign.

In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Ensign will seek the approval of its shareholders with respect to the Amalgamation at a meeting of Ensign Shareholders to be convened by the end of November 2023. An information circular providing further information on the Amalgamation will be provided to the Ensign Shareholders in connection with the meeting. Furthermore, Taura will seek shareholder approval in accordance with the provisions of TSXV Policy 5.2 - Changes of ?Business ?and Reverse Takeovers via written consent of its shareholders.

The Proposed Transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Taura and Ensign, and the board of directors of Ensign and Taura each recommend that its respective shareholders vote in favour of the Proposed Transaction and related matters.

Directors and Executive Officers

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the directors and executive officers of the Resulting Issuer are expected to be as follows:

Executive Officers:

John Dorward - Director, President & Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Dorward has over 25 years of experience in the mining and finance industries. Mr. Dorward was the Chief Executive Officer of Roxgold from 2012 to 2021. Prior to that role, he served as Vice-President - Business Development at Fronteer Gold Inc. and was an integral part of the team that successfully advanced Fronteer's Nevada properties, including Long Canyon, prior to its sale to Newmont Mining Corporation for $2.3 billion in 2011.

Prior to his role at Fronteer, Mr. Dorward was the Chief Financial Officer of Mineral Deposits Limited from 2006 to 2009, where he financed the construction of the Sabodala Gold Project in Senegal. He is currently a non-executive director of Contact Gold Inc. and Surge Copper Inc.

Paul Criddle - Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Criddle, a metallurgist, has many years of operating and project development experience in West Africa. He was the Chief Operating Officer at Roxgold from 2013 to 2021. Prior to joining Roxgold, he was the Chief Operating Officer at Azimuth Resources Ltd., where he was responsible for resource growth and development studies in Guyana. Prior to that role, he was the Acting Chief Operating Officer of Perseus Mining Ltd., where he was responsible for the development of the Edikan Gold Mine in Ghana and the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Sissingue Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire. Prior to that role, he was the Project Manager for the construction of the Sabodala Gold Project in Senegal.

Vince Sapuppo - Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Sapuppo, a Chartered Accountant, is a senior executive with extensive experience in finance, commercial, strategy, risk management and mergers and acquisitions in the mining and energy industries. He was the Chief Financial Officer at Roxgold from 2018 to 2021. Previously, he was the General Manager, Mergers and Acquisitions (Acting) and Group Manager, Commercial Reporting at Newcrest Mining. Prior to that role, Mr. Sapuppo worked for BHP for over 10 years where he held various senior finance positions including Vice President Reporting, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Controller roles.

Non-Executive Directors:

Oliver Lennox King - Non-Executive Director

Mr. Lennox-King has over 40 years of experience in the mining industry, holding various executive and Chairmanships including with Roxgold, Pangeo Goldfields, Aurora Uranium and Fronteer Gold. Mr. Lennox-King holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Richard Colterjohn - Non-Executive Director

Mr. Colterjohn has over 30 years of involvement in the mining sector, as an investment banker, director, and operator. Mr. Colterjohn served on several boards, including Mag Silver Corp. (2007 to 2019) and Roxgold (2012 to 2021). He is currently a non-executive director of Surge Copper Inc.

John Knowles - Non-Executive Director

Mr. Knowles has over 30 years of board and executive experience in Canadian and international resource companies. Mr. Knowles served as a senior officer of several resource companies and was a Director at Roxgold from 2012 to 2021. Mr. Knowles is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Norm Pitcher - Non-Executive Director

Mr. Pitcher has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry. He was the former President & Chief Operating Officer of Eldorado Gold and also a Director of Roxgold from 2016 to 2021. Mr. Pitcher holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology.

Wayne Hubert - Non-Executive Director

Mr. Hubert has over 25 years of senior management experience in the mining sector. He was the former President & Chief Executive Officer of Andean Resources Ltd., until its acquisition for $3.5 billion. Mr. Hubert holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA.

Additional Information

Additional information concerning the Proposed Transaction, Taura, Ensign, and the Resulting Issuer will be provided in the filing statement (the "Filing Statement") to be filed by Taura in connection with the Proposed Transaction, which will be available in due course under Taura's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement (or, in the management information circular of Ensign to be prepared and delivered by Ensign in connection with the Amalgamation), any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Select Financial Information

The following table presents selected financial statement information with respect to Ensign. Such information is derived from the audited financial statements of Ensign for the financial years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, and the unaudited interim financial statements of Ensign for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (collectively, the "Ensign Financial Statements"). The information provided herein should be read in conjunction with the Ensign Financial Statements contained in the Filing Statement to be filed by Taura under its issuer profile on SEDAR+ in connection with the Proposed Transaction.



As at June 30, 2023 US$ As at December 31, 2022 US$ As at December 31, 2021 US$ Current Assets 125,717 722,056 5,427,917 Non-Current Assets 4,176,696 4,339,396 3,557,516 Total Assets 4,302,413 5,061,452 8,985,433 Current Liabilities 35,247 13,799 169,919 Non-Current Liabilities - - 6,002 Total Liabilities 35,247 13,799 175,921 Net Assets 4,267,167 5,047,653 8,809,512



Six months ended June 30, 2023 US$ Year ended December 31, 2022 US$ Year ended December 31, 2021 US$ Exploration and evaluation costs 969,247 3,124,919 2,179,402 Administration and travel 530,949 1,017,729 810,570 Share based compensation 164,191 262,253 323,779 Other expenses 24,477 Depereciation 28,664 61,016 15,347 Interest and financing 275 465 505 Net loss for the period 1,717,803 4,466,382 3,329,603

Conditions Precedent

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, receipt of all necessary shareholder, third party and regulatory approvals and consents, the execution of definitive transaction documents (and the satisfaction of all conditions precedent stipulated therein), and the approval of the TSXV to list the Resulting Issuer Shares to be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction on the TSXV. As of the date hereof, the TSXV has not conditionally accepted the Proposed Transaction, and there can be no assurance that the TSXV will approve the Proposed Transaction, which remains subject to the fulfillment of all of the listing requirements of the TSXV.

There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms proposed and described herein, or at all.

Subject to the satisfaction (or, where permitted, waiver) of such conditions, the closing of the Proposed Transaction is expected to occur in the fourth calendar quarter of 2023. The Resulting Issuer will issue a further news release announcing the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

Sponsorship

The Proposed Transaction will be subject to the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV unless a waiver or exemption from the sponsorship requirement is available. Taura intends to apply for a waiver of the sponsorship requirement in connection with the Proposed Transaction. If required, a sponsor will be identified at a later date and will be announced in a subsequent news release.

Trading Halt

The trading of the Taura Shares has been halted and will remain halted pending the receipt and review by the TSXV of acceptable documentation regarding the Proposed Transaction pursuant to TSXV Listings Policy 5.2 - Change of Business and Reverse Takeovers.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Proposed Transaction, the future business of the Resulting Issuer and the mineral resource estimates of Ensign. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) Taura, Ensign, the Resulting Issuer, and the Proposed Transaction, (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and consents (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV, (iii) the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement, and (iv) the Mercur Gold Project, including with respect to future exploration work thereon and developments plans therefor, and the anticipated timing for such activities, as well as the economic potential thereof and the filing of the NI 43-101 technical report. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of Taura and Ensign at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither Taura nor Ensign undertakes 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.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Taura should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom.

Further Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to Taura and Ensign was supplied by the respective party for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. For certainty, all information in this release with respect to the Mercur Project was supplied by Ensign for inclusion herein, and Taura and its directors and officers have relied on Ensign for any information related thereto.

For more information, please contact:

Taura Gold Inc.

John Dorward President and CEO

E: info@tauragold.com

T: 604-678-5308

SOURCE: Taura Gold Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795422/taura-gold-inc-and-ensign-minerals-inc-enter-into-definitive-agreement-to-complete-reverse-take-over
The global pharmaceutical suppositories market is experiencing growth due to technological advancements, rise in prevalence of acute and chronic disorders which require the use of suppository, and an increase in the geriatric population.

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market by Type (Rectal Suppositories, Vaginal Suppositories, Urethral Suppositories), by Base (Fatty Bases, Water Miscible Base, Emulsifying Bases), by Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Sales), by End User (Hospitals and Clinics, Home Care, Nursing Home), by Prescription Type (OTC, Prescribed Suppositories): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global pharmaceutical suppositories market valued at $1.6 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Request Sample of the Report on Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market Forecast 2032- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/12715

Pharmaceutical suppositories are solid or semi-solid medication forms designed for insertion into various body cavities, primarily the rectum, vagina, or urethra, with the purpose of administering drugs. These suppositories consist of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) combined with a base material that solidifies at or near body temperature. Upon insertion, the suppository dissolves, melts, or disperses, thereby releasing the medication for absorption through mucous membranes or local tissues.

Prime determinants of growth

Growing technological advancements, rise in prevalence of chronic diseases and growing adoption and awareness for suppositories are the factors that drive the growth of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market. However, manufacturing complexities and limited drug compatibility hinder market growth as not all medications are effectively delivered through suppositories due to stability and solubility issues. On the contrary, technological advancements in suppositories are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the pharmaceutical suppositories market during the forecast period.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $1.6 billion Market Size in 2032 $2.8 billion CAGR 5.7 % No. of Pages in Report 400 Segments covered Type, base, distribution channel, end user, prescription type and region Drivers Rise in prevalence of acute and chronic disorders which require the use of suppository. Increase in the geriatric population. Increase in initiatives for awareness and education for use of suppositories. Opportunities Technological advancements in suppositories Restraints Manufacturing complexities Limited drug compatibility



Economic Downturn Analysis: Impact of Recession in 2023 on the Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market

During a recession, the impact on pharmaceutical industry, including pharmaceutical suppositories, can be significant and complex.

As pharmaceutical companies face financial constraints and budget cuts, there may be a reduced focus on high-cost research and development projects, however the growing need for better treatment application is anticipated to drive the market growth.

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The rectal suppository segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on type, the rectal suppository segment dominated the market in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market and is estimated to rule the roost throughout the forecast timeframe. The growth is attributed to its versatility, efficacy, and the broad spectrum of medical conditions it addresses. In addition, ongoing research and healthcare provider recommendations contribute to its sustained growth.?However, the vaginal suppositories segment is expected to register a highest CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increase in adoption of gynecological and health applications for women. Vaginal suppositories offer localized drug delivery for conditions such as vaginal infections and hormone therapy, resulting in quick, effective treatment while minimizing systemic side effects. Thus, such advantages offered by vaginal suppositories drive the market growth in the forecast period.

The emulsifying bases segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period.

Based on base, the emulsifying bases segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for around two-fifths of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market revenue and is expected to register fastest CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. This is attributed to its versatility in formulating various suppository types. Emulsifying bases are well-suited for a wide range of drug compatibility and release profiles, making them the preferred choice for pharmaceutical suppository formulations.?

The hospitals & clinics segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period.

Based on end user, the hospitals & clinics segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market revenue and is estimated to retain its dominance in terms of revenue during the forecast period. This was attributed to the fact that hospitals & clinics have increasingly shown an inclination toward pharmaceutical suppositories products. Moreover, a rise in the number of government initiatives to ensure a high degree chronic disease treatment measure, and surge in number of hospitals with increased use of suppository therapy boost the growth of the hospitals & clinics segment.?However, the home care segment is projected to register a highest CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period owing to several factors. Patients increasingly prefer home-based healthcare, creating demand for user-friendly drug delivery methods such as suppositories. In addition, the aging population and the trend toward self-administration of medications at home further boost growth of this segment. -

The hospital pharmacies segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period.

Based on distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market revenue and is projected to maintain its dominant status from 2023 to 2032. Hospitals commonly employ suppositories for targeted drug delivery, ensuring precise dosing and minimizing systemic side effects. This heightened demand for suppositories within the hospital setting is driven by diverse medical conditions and treatment needs.?However, the online sales pharmaceutical suppositories segment is projected to register highest CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period owing to its convenience and accessibility. Online platforms provide a convenient way for consumers to purchase healthcare products, including suppositories, without the need to visit physical stores. The ease of ordering, broader product selection, and potential for competitive pricing make online sales an attractive option.

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The prescribed suppositories segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period.

Based on prescription type, the prescribed suppositories segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for more than four- fifths of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market revenue. This is attributed to the increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for targeted drug delivery methods. Moreover, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations and precision medicine are enabling tailored prescriptions for individual patient needs, expanding the prescribed suppositories segment growth.?However, the OTC segment is projected to register a highest CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period owing to increased consumer preference for self-care and convenience. OTC products are easily accessible without a prescription, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness for treating common ailments.?

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market revenue, owing to increase in well-developed healthcare industry, presence of leading manufacturers in the region, and high adoption rate of suppositories in this region. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2032, owing to increase in number of geriatric populations, rise in people suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids, and improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Leading Market Players:

Bayer AG

Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd

Viatris Inc.

Church and Dwight Co. Inc.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Cadila Healthcare Ltd

Novartis AG

Pfizer Inc.

Sanofi S.A.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global pharmaceutical suppositories market. These players have adopted different strategy such product approval, to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.



Comprehensive Healthcare Industry Research Studies: -

Companion Diagnostic Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

Infant Incubator Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

Influenza Vaccine Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

Alopecia Treatment Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

Pneumonia Vaccine Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

Empty Capsules Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

About Allied Market Research:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 20-22, 2023, the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) was held in Chengdu, China. A wide range of aesthetic plastic surgery products and technologies made their appearance at this event, Wingderm's Latest Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment have captured the attention of experts, practitioners, and beauty seekers.

Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment

Professor Wang Hang, the Executive Director of AMWC and Chief of The Department of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dematology, West China stomatological Hospital, Sichuan university, delivered a speech as a guest speaker at the Facial Rejuvenation Forum, with the topic of "Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment". The EPM technology utilized in Mesoskin from Wingderm served as the research subject in this clinical trial.

Multiple clinical trial results show that compared to transdermal introduction methods such as nanocrystals, derma rollers, and water injections, EPM technology results in less skin damage, higher permeability and more even subcutaneous hyaluronic acid distribution in the delivery of 150KDa hyaluronic acid, it performs well in both skin experience and treatment efficacy. This research achievement once again reaffirmed the comprehensive advantages of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment in transdermal delivery.

After the speech, Wingderm Vice President Ms. Xu Ren presented a certificate to Professor Wang Hang to express gratitude for her significant contributions to Research of Mesoskin. Ms. Xu Ren said, Wingderm will engage in more research and verification of innovative technologies and products that cater to market demands.

About EPM Technology

EPM, first introduced by Wingderm in 2018, creatively combines electroporation and hollow microchip. It aims to improve the absorption rate of nutrients, reduce pain sensation, and enhance the treatment experience. The commercialization of EPM technology resulted in the groundbreaking product Mesoskin, which caused a sensation in the industry shortly after it was launched. This almost painless, non-invasive, and effective treatment method has been recognized and recommended by experts and scholars worldwide and has been widely used global beauty salons and clinics. EPM transdermal introduction represents a breakthrough advancement in the industry and possesses significant market potential.

About Wingderm

Wingderm since its establishment in 2016, with the aim of "Aesthetics & Technology, Easy to Achieve", provide leading and reliable intelligent optoelectronic medical equipments, which are exported to 80+ countries including Europe, America, and the Middle East. 10,000+ devices have been deployed and treated 100,000+ beauty seekers worldwide. For further information:https://www.wingderm.com/

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HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer Capital Limited ("Summer Capital"), a leading investment management and advisory firm with a presence in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, today announced its intention to host nodes on Zetrix, a public blockchain platform that operates the international supernode of China's national blockchain, Xinghuo BIF.

This investment comes at a time of significant development for the digital assets and blockchain industry in Hong Kong. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) introduced a new regulatory framework for virtual asset trading platforms which is expected to further boost the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the city. The government of Hong Kong has also established the Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development, aiming to foster the adoption of blockchain technology in finance, trade, business operations and other consumer applications.

Zetrix is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth, given its unique focus on enabling global trade through its connection to Xinghuo BIF. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Information & Communication Technology ("CAICT"), a state owned research institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xinghuo BIF is China's national blockchain infrastructure and facility that provides a secure and reliable platform for businesses and governments to develop and deploy blockchain applications.

By connecting to Xinghuo BIF, Zetrix provides users with access to China's immense digital economy. This makes Zetrix an ideal platform for businesses that are looking to expand their operations into China or to trade with Chinese partners.

"We are excited to partner with Zetrix to help them achieve their mission of enabling global trade, leveraging access to China's national blockchain, Xinghuo BIF," said Joseph Chee, Chairman of Summer Capital. "With Zetrix building the foundational tools for the adoption of blockchain technology by industries, we believe that they are well-positioned to catalyse the next wave of web3 innovation."

Summer Capital, together with its affiliated entities, count several market leading startups within their portfolio especially in Hong Kong, including Asia's leading regulated virtual asset service provider Hashkey Group, Web3 leader in establishing digital property rights and open metaverse Animoca Brands, and SEBA Bank, which recently received approval-in-principal licenses from the Securities and Futures Commission to offer virtual asset services in Hong Kong.

"We are honoured to have Summer Capital as our strategic partner" said TS Wong, Co-Founder of Zetrix. "Summer Capital's portfolio and proven track record of investments in leading web3 companies will bring tremendous value. Leveraging on their presence and network in Hong Kong will help us achieve the stated objectives of Zetrix."

About Summer Capital

Summer Capital is a leading investment management and advisory firm with presence in Hong Kong, China mainland and South East Asia and dedicated to invest in early and growth stage companies in "new economy" sectors such as fintech, blockchain infrastructure and application, consumption technology and healthcare. Summer Ventures, an affiliate of Summer Capital Limited, is an institutional venture fund dedicated to promote and invest in "real world application" of blockchain technology and infrastructure, leveraging Summer Capital's past experience of investments in blockchain and fintech industries since 2018.

About Zetrix

Zetrix is a layer-1 public blockchain that facilitates smart contracts and delivers privacy, security and scalability. Zetrix's cryptographic infrastructure can be introduced to multiple industries to connect governments, businesses and their citizens to a global blockchain-based economy.

Developed by MY E.G. Services Bhd, the cross-border and cross-chain integration with China enables Zetrix to serve as a blockchain gateway that facilitates global trade by deploying critical building blocks for Web3 services such as Blockchain-based Identifiers (BID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC).

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In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

TOKYO, Oct 24, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), are pleased to announce the agreement between Oman government to extend MC's interest in Oman LNG Businesses. Following the agreement, commemorative ceremony was held in Oman on 23rd October, 2023 and each shareholder has signed the Shareholders Agreement of the respective LNG operating companies; Oman LNG and Qalhat LNG. The shareholders of each company is as follow:By maintaining its interests in the Oman LNG Businesses, MC will further deepen friendly relationship with the Sultanate of Oman and will also contribute to both stable supply of energy and low/decarbonized social and economic activities.Inquiry Recipient:Mitsubishi CorporationTelephone:+81-3-3210-2171Source: Mitsubishi CorporationCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Juniper Biologics , a global science-led pharmaceutical company headquartered in Singapore, has been honored with the prestigious title of the "Most Innovative Oncology Pharmaceutical Company 2023" by the Global Health & Pharma (GHP) Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards. This recognition underscores Juniper Biologics' commitment to advancing healthcare by delivering groundbreaking therapies in the field of Oncology and oncology-supportive care.

The annual GHP Awards recognizes healthcare institutions, professionals, and trailblazers for their contributions to the remarkable progress in the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields. The Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Awards acknowledge those making significant contributions and showcase these outstanding companies and individuals, who, together, improve the world with compassion and care.

Juniper Biologics was founded with a vision to transform the landscape of healthcare by introducing novel therapies designed to address unmet medical needs. The company's primary areas of focus are Oncology and Oncology Supportive Care, Rare/Orphan Diseases, and Gene Therapy. With an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of patients around the world, Juniper Biologics has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to pharmaceuticals and its leadership in bringing cutting-edge treatments to market.

The driving force behind Juniper Biologics' success is its visionary Chief Executive Officer, Raman Singh, a highly experienced healthcare professional with more than two decades of industry knowledge. Under Raman's guidance, Juniper Biologics has expanded its commercial operations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa,

One of the company's most notable achievements is the successful acquisition of groundbreaking oncology treatments that also feature on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Essential Medicines List. These treatments have had a profound impact on the lives of individuals battling cancer, underscoring Juniper Biologics' mission to provide the next generation of life-changing therapies.

Raman Singh, CEO of Juniper Biologics, expressed his appreciation for the company's recognition as the Most Innovative Oncology Pharmaceutical Company 2023 by GHP. He stated, "This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of the entire Juniper Biologics team. We are committed to pushing the boundaries and creating access to therapies that make a real difference in the lives of patients. Our focus on oncology and oncology-supportive care is aimed at meeting critical unmet needs and providing improved outcomes to patients.

Juniper Biologics remains dedicated to its vision of advancing healthcare and will continue to lead the way in commercializing innovative treatments that improve the quality of patients everywhere."

About Juniper Biologics

Backed by The Sylvan Group, Juniper Biologics is a science-led healthcare company focused on delivering novel therapies to improve the health and quality of life of patients, by building a growing presence in Oncology and Oncology Supportive Care, Rare/Orphan Diseases, and Gene Therapy. It was founded on a vision to provide treatments for unmet medical needs focused?on specialist therapy areas in which it can make the most difference.?Through bold and transformative science, Juniper Biologics is committed to creating possibilities that have the potential to become the next generation of life-changing medicines for patient communities in China, Japan, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa.

Website: https://www.juniperbiologics.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/juniper-biologics

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, as we commemorate United Nations Day, more than 224 million children and adolescents are in need of quality education, and the hope, protection and opportunity it provides. Their numbers are increasing by the day. From Afghanistan and Sudan to Ukraine; from South Sudan, Latin America and across sub-Saharan Africa; and in Gaza, where 50% of the total population of 2.2 million are children under siege.

On United Nations Day, let us remember that the United Nations was born out of the unspeakable horror of World War II and the Holocaust. The world promised 'never again' for any human being. The preamble to the UN Charter in 1945 states:

"We, the Peoples of the United Nations determined

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brough untold sorrow to humankind, and

to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of women and men and of nations large and small, and

to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained "

On this United Nations Day, we must revive and act upon the promises enshrined in the UN Charter of 1945 and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. These eternal, universal principles were translated into international law and will never change - just as the Golden Rule has remained true throughout history. It is not our international law and values of humanity that need to change. It is we who must change.

We must change for the millions of young people in this world - the majority in the Global South - who have no access whatsoever to education and its protection, no access to mental health services for their battered souls, no chance of at least one hot school meal a day for their empty stomachs, and no protection from attacks against schools, students and teachers - all enshrined in International Humanitarian Law. We must change for the millions of children and adolescents to whom we made these promises. The world is failing them.

It is time to face the unacceptable horrors of today with our collective resolve for positive action and change. It is time to fully apply and respect Universal Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and the UN Charter, not disregard them.

It is time to start serving as a role model for the younger generation who suffer because of the world's collective fears and failures. We must show them that we have the capacity to show empathy for all of humanity, without any discrimination. This is what makes us civilized and humane.

We must deliver on the right to quality education and protection for the millions of girls and boys who today risk never experiencing the excited anticipation of attending their first day in school, who may never carry a backpack of books and pens, or ever access psycho-social services to deal with the dispossession and brutality in which they live.

Working within and around United Nations for 35 years, I believe that the United Nations has not failed, and we need it now more than ever. UN national and international staff are working with national and local partners and with civil society, risking their lives on a daily basis to alleviate human suffering. They do so amidst excruciating human pain in the most dangerous parts of the world.

Unacceptably, one in six people are estimated to be affected by conflict today and last year saw a 96% increase in conflict-related deaths. Forced displacement is also on the rise. In 2022, the number of people forcibly displaced by persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations grew by 21%, with over 108 million people displaced by the end of the year.

The climate crisis is making matters worse. As people are forced from their homes by floods, droughts and other extreme weather events, we see further massive disruptions in education, impacting negatively on progress to economic and social stability. On our current trajectory, climate change will force 140 million people from their homes by 2050, disrupting continuous access to education for millions of school-aged children each year.

Today, as we commemorate United Nations Day, we must stand up for 1.1 million Palestinian children in Gaza who acutely need us and we must support all the national and international staff in UNRWA, UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR and WHO, and other aid organizations, living and working amongst them as I write this.

Education Cannot Wait has invested in 44 lower-income, crisis-affected countries across the globe. These are countries who cannot manage the needs alone. ECW has already reached 9 million children and adolescents with quality education. We have done so based on the imperatives of humanity and impartiality - without discrimination as to race, ethnicity, gender or religion. We have done so with an absolute commitment to the UN Charter, just like all our colleagues in the UN system and its civil society partners.

Education is one of the most critical tools we have in our global efforts to end violent conflict, breaches of international law and the erosion of our humanity. Today, we stand at a crossroad. We have choices to make. Do we choose 'the will to power' or the 'will to humanity', or finally a configuration of both? This is the choice we have to make, now.

In all that we dream to possess and achieve,

let us seek to remove the "I" and the "me".

In all that we yearn to become and to be,

let us seek to merge the "them and we".

Because for all that we crave and all that we want

there is a greater 'What shall be?'

Humanity set free.

Let me conclude by stressing that my modest poem is not simply a wishful ideal. It represents hardcore international law. The United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all related conventions, along with International Humanitarian Law, provides us with the roadmap.

We can no longer walk blindly.

In the final analysis, when all else falls away during our short lifespan on earth, true power can only be measured by our collective capacity to feel for - and serve - all of humanity.

That's the power of humanity.

Yasmine Sherif

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-power-of-humanity---united-nations-day-statement-by-education-cannot-wait-executive-director-301965289.html
In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance") is pleased to announce the appointment of George Cavey P.Geo., to its Board of Directors replacing Dunham L. Craig.

The Company announces that Dunham L. Craig has resigned as a director of the Company effective October 12, 2023, so that he can focus his efforts on other commitments.

Christopher Wright, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented: "On behalf of everyone at Defiance, we would like to thank Dunham for his contributions to our growth. Dunham has been a valued member of the Defiance Board since 2019 and we are pleased that Dunham has agreed to stay on as a technical advisor so that we will continue to benefit from his invaluable experience and expertise.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of Defiance, I would like to welcome George Cavey to the board. George's extensive expertise and experience, gained throughout the years, add significant depth to the Board. George's years of success in Mexico will be invaluable to Defiance going forward as we continue to advance both the San Acacio Silver deposit and the Tepal Gold-Copper projects." Mr. Cavey is currently the Vice President of Exploration for Defiance.

Mr. Cavey is a senior consulting geologist and the former Vice President of Orko Silver, who discovered the 264 million ounce La Preciosa silver deposit in Mexico. Orko Silver was acquired by Coeur Mining in April 2013 for $380 million.

With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Cavey has been the President of OreQuest Consultants Ltd. since 1982. He is past President of the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (now Geoscientists Canada) and was the recipient of the 2004 C.J. Westerman Memorial Award - British Columbia's highest recognition award for a professional geoscientist for his outstanding and professional contributions. Mr. Cavey was also the recipient of the 2010 Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award - the highest recognition award for a professional geoscientist in Canada.

Shares for Debt Transaction Update:

The Company also announces that it has settled and extinguished $65,600 of outstanding debt (the "Debt") through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Shares"). In accordance with the settlement of debt (the "Debt Settlement"), the Company issued an aggregate of 354,594 Shares at a deemed price of $0.185 per Share to two (2) arm's length creditors of the Company. The Company chose to settle and extinguish the Debt through the issuance of Shares to preserve cash and improve the Company's balance sheet. The Debt Settlement has been approved by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement are subject to a four month hold period, which will expire on a date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.

About Defiance Silver Corp.

Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale Zacatecas project, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District and the Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacan state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand the San Acacio and Tepal projects to become premier Mexican silver and gold deposits.

On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp.

"Chris Wright"

Chairman of the Board

For more information, please contact: Investor Relations at +1 (604) 343-4677 or via email at info@defiancesilver.com.

www.defiancesilver.com

Suite 2900-550 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3

Canada

Tel: +1 (604) 343-4677

Email: info@defiancesilver.com

Disclaimer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this news release which are not statements of historical facts may be "forward-looking information" for the purposes of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "plan", "intends", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "schedule", "understand" and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the Company's expectations regarding the ability of the Mining Bureau of Mexico City to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company, cooperation with the Mining Bureau relating to such reinstatement and the potential for any successful solution resulting therefrom.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Defiance, are inherently subject to significant technical, political, business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the inability of the Company to regain possession of its concessions; political risks associated with the Company's operations in Mexico; the failure of the Mining Bureau in Mexico City to take any coercive action to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company; and the inability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enforce their legal rights in certain circumstances. For additional risk factors, please see the Company's most recently filed Management Discussions & Analysis for its quarter ended March 31, 2021 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained herein or incorporated by reference. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Defiance, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is made as at the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185027
The shared services provider prepares to transition from joint venture, following a successful 10 years delivering significant savings for the taxpayer

Regulatory News:

Sopra Steria (Paris:SOP) announces it will fully acquire Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), a joint venture founded by Sopra Steria and the Cabinet Office. As the joint venture reaches its 10-year anniversary, the Cabinet Office has agreed to sell its 25% stake to Sopra Steria, in line with the original contract. SSCL will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Sopra Steria.

Sopra Steria will purchase this 25% stake for an amount of 82.3m in cash. This operation will be accretive to Sopra Steria's net result and EPS from day one.

The transition from joint venture to wholly owned subsidiary will not affect the management, employees, clients, or services of the business, which has delivered significant savings and value for money for the taxpayer.

Since Sopra Steria founded the company with the Cabinet Office in 2013, SSCL has become the largest provider of critical business support services for the UK Government, Ministry of Defence, Metropolitan Police Service, and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), delivering shared services at scale.

SSCL provides core and specialist digital solutions for the public sector, including pensions administration, HR and payroll, finance and accounting, recruitment and resourcing services, contact centre, data insight and procurement services. Through these digital platforms SSCL has been able to deliver savings in excess of 750 million back to the public sector, providing more funds for frontline public services. Civil servants frequently express positive sentiment about the services they receive from SSCL and have been rewarding it with high customer satisfaction scores in annual surveys. The most recent Net Promoter Score was 60 (a score of 50 or above is excellent).

Innovation has always been a key focal point. Over the years, SSCL has expanded its range of services in response to civil servant needs, driving innovation and digital solutions to transform the way services are delivered in the public sector. In 2022, SSCL recruited around 55,000 people for the government. It has provided significant added value in areas such as large-scale national resourcing campaigns filling critical frontline roles across the public sector, contact centre services and essential support around the global Covid-19 pandemic. This included the continuity of critical services and complex case management. So far this year SSCL has recruited over 3,500 Prison Officers for the Ministry of Justice, is supporting the Home Office to double the number of Asylum Decision Makers and is reducing the time to hire critical-fill Border Force roles.

John Neilson, CEO for Sopra Steria Ltd, said: "With the shared service model now successfully embedded and proven, the Cabinet Office can realise its plan to sell its stake in the joint venture, making a significant contribution to the public purse and allowing Sopra Steria to continue our investment in the SSCL business. This is recognition of the success of Sopra Steria and SSCL, our people and our plans to further enhance, innovate and grow our services on behalf of civil service users."

SSCL has trebled its revenues from 2014 to 2023. Over the 10 years, SSCL has developed its skilled workforce so that it can adapt to client needs and deliver the services major Government departments need from a trusted shared services partner. In 2023 SSCL was ranked in the Top 20 of UK's Great Place to Work Super-Large Organisations listing.

About Sopra Steria

Sopra Steria, a major tech player in Europe recognised for its consulting, digital services and software development, helps its clients drive their digital transformation and obtain tangible and sustainable benefits. It provides end-to-end solutions to make large companies and organisations more competitive by combining in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and innovative technologies with a fully collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to build a positive future for all. With 55,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, the Group generated revenue of 5.1 billion in 2022.

The world is how we shape it.

Sopra Steria Group (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) ISIN: FR0000050809

For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com

Disclaimer

This document contains forward-looking information subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may affect the Group's future growth and financial results. Readers are reminded that licence agreements, which often represent investments for clients, are signed in greater numbers in the second half of the year, with varying impacts on end-of-year performance. Actual outcomes and results may differ from those described in this document due to operational risks and uncertainties. More detailed information on the potential risks that may affect the Group's financial results can be found in the 2022 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on 17 March 2023 (see pages 40 to 45 in particular). Sopra Steria does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this document beyond what is required by current laws and regulations. The distribution of this document in certain countries may be subject to the laws and regulations in force. Persons physically present in countries where this document is released, published or distributed should enquire as to any applicable restrictions and should comply with those restrictions.

About SSCL

Shared Services Connected Limited (SSCL) is a leader in critical business support services for the largest Government departments and agencies, the Ministry of Defence, Police and CITB across the UK. It transforms services through digital solutions and innovation, including end to end Finance and Accounting, HR and Payroll, Procurement, Pensions Administration and Resourcing Services enhancing the customer experience, enabling smarter public services.

SSCL employs around 3,000 people who, with their in-depth client knowledge and collaborative approach, sit at the heart of our business strategy. SSCL operates at size and scale across the UK public sector and has already delivered savings of over 750 million providing more funds for frontline public services.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023838985/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Olivier Psaume

olivier.psaume@soprasteria.com

+33 (0)1 40 67 68 16

Press Relations

Caroline Simon (Image 7)

caroline.simon@image7.fr

+33 (0)1 53 70 74 65
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarjama, the pioneering language service provider in the MENA region, unveils CleverSo 3.0, its proprietary Translation Management System (TMS) packaged with new capabilities to power translation teams for AI-enabled translations. Its smooth and intuitive user interface now comes localized into Arabic, converting CleverSo into the first TMS with an Arabic UI. CleverSo 3.0 leverages the ground-breaking technology of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) by introducing an AI-powered assistant for translators.

Translation teams will experience a much smoother user experience, in a modern, enticing UI with new capabilities for all roles. Project managers will be able to define automated workflows visually and apply dynamic automated assignments. "CleverSo Insights" allows tracking the team's localization efforts in visual charts. For quality managers, CleverSo 3.0. comes with a full-fledged LQA workbench, with interactive reporting and new automatic quality checks. The most prominent new capability for translators is an AI-powered terminology assistant, powered by Generative AI, to help translators overcome terminology challenges.

Nour Al Hassan, CEO of Tarjama, remarked, "At Tarjama, we understand the unique challenges Arabic-speaking translation teams face. With CleverSo 3.0, we have built upon that knowledge and experience, combining it with the latest technology and our proprietary Arabic AI."

Arabic-speaking translations teams will find themselves equipped with a localized version of the tool, featuring enhanced processing and generation for right-to-left languages, and boasting a best-in-class Arabic MT engine, along with QC checks purpose-built for Arabic, including a proprietary Arabic AI spellchecker.

With CleverSo 3.0, Tarjama introduces a new tiered pricing structure and makes it available both as a cloud service and for on-premises installations, providing flexibility for businesses of all sizes with varying security needs.

"We are thrilled to reach this milestone towards our vision of the TMS of the future powered by AI", says, Dr. Rebecca Jonsson, CPO at Tarjama, and continues "for translation teams opting for CleverSo, we promise an exciting journey toward the future of translation, with new capabilities continually being rolled out. This is just the beginning!"

**About Tarjama**

Tarjama is a language technology and services provider that assists companies in rapidly expanding their reach with multilingual content of every format and language. With a decade of experience in the industry, Tarjama is committed to delivering language solutions that meet international standards of quality, speed, and cost-efficiency.

For more information about CleverSo and how it can enhance your translation workflow, visit cleverso.tarjama.com

Mohammad Shams

Product Marketing Manager - Tarjama

mohammad.shams@tarjama.com

+971 45616821

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2255080/Tarjama_CleverSo.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2255087/Tarjama_CleverSo.jpg

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BRUSSELS, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amrop, a leading global executive search and leadership consulting firm, announces the opening of a new office in Madrid, Spain. This strategic expansion marks an exciting milestone for Amrop as it grows across EMEA and challenges the existing local executive search landscape.

Led by Oscar Garcia Velasco, an experienced entrepreneur who has previously led regional and global organizations in the technology and private equity industries, the Amrop Spain team is positioned to provide client-focused executive search and leadership advisory services. Oscar is joined by Partners Isabel Reija, a C-level executive and entrepreneur who is a reference in the local and regional energy industry, and Carmen Tunas, a seasoned executive search partner with more than 20 years experience working in different industries such as banking, retail, logistics, distribution and private equity, among others. The team is completed by Federico Cuneo, a successful entrepreneur and search professional with more than two decades of experience within Amrop, having been part of the Amrop's Global Board for 9 years and a past Chairman of the Amrop Partnership; Federico joins Amrop Spain as Chair and Senior Global Partner.

"Over the past 3 years Spain has been leading growth in the Euro zone, driven by structural changes, investments, and a dynamic employment market. We see many opportunities in this positive economic climate, and it is therefore the right moment for Amrop to enter the market," says Annika Farin, Chair of the global Amrop Partnership SC. "Amrop Spain will benefit from our strong global capabilities in senior talent acquisition and assessment. We look forward to collaborating with our new team".

Key services offered by Amrop Spain include:

Executive Search to identify and recruit top-level executives and leaders.

Leadership Advisory to enable strategic decision-making and drive organizational performance.

Board and corporate governance advisory to enhance board effectiveness.

Succession planning to build robust pipelines of high-potential talent.

In serving its clients, Amrop Spain will reinforce traditional methods of delivering talent solutions by applying AI based technologies, thereby innovating how the executive search industry operates in Spain - accelerating processes, improving decision-making, and increasing efficiency with our customers.

"Our commitment to excellence and our strong focus on client satisfaction will guide our operations in Spain," added Oscar Garcia Velasco, Managing Partner in Madrid. "Our team brings an innovative and energized approach to the Spanish leadership services sector. We are here to partner with Spanish organizations in attracting and developing top talent, ultimately driving growth and success in Spain and Latam, where Amrop is already a market leader."

Amrop's new Madrid office address is C. Jose Abascal 56, 2da. planta, 28003, Madrid, Spain.

Visit www.amrop.es

About Amrop

Amrop is a global leadership consulting firm, offering retained executive search, Board and leadership advisory services. We advise the world's most dynamic, agile organizations on identifying and positioning Leaders For What's Next - adept at working across borders, in markets around the world. Established in 1977, Amrop operates in Asia, EMEA and the Americas across 68 offices in 55 countries.

The Amrop Partnership SC, Rue Abbe Cuypers 3

1040 Brussels, Belgium, T. +32 471 733 825, E. contact@amrop.com, Brigitte Arhold, COO

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1755576/Amrop_Logo.jpg

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Anglian Water Services Financing Plc - Directorate Change

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 24

Anglian Water Services Financing Plc

Appointment of Chair Designate

Anglian Water Services Limited ("AWS" or the "Company"), the principal operating subsidiary of Anglian Water Group Limited ("AWG", together with AWS, the "Group"), is pleased to announce it has appointed Dr Ros Rivaz as Chair Designate. Dr Rivaz will join the boards of both AWG and AWS as Chair Designate on 22 November 2023, and will succeed John Hirst as the Group's Chair in due course.

Dr Rivaz has extensive leadership experience in blue chip companies, particularly in regulated industries. She is currently Senior Independent Director at both Computacenter plc and Victrex plc and Lead independent Director of Aperam. Previously, Dr Rivaz was Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and has held non-executive roles with the Defence Equipment and Support division of the Ministry of Defence, ConvaTec plc, Boparan Holdings, RPC Group plc, Ceva Logistics and Rexam plc. Dr Rivaz also had an extensive executive career, culminating as Global Chief Operating Officer of Smith & Nephew where she led the group's global transformation.

John Hirst commented:

"I am proud to have had the opportunity to chair the Board of Anglian Water. It has been a privilege to work with my many talented colleagues over the past nine years. I have no doubt that the Group will benefit from Ros's extensive leadership experience and excellent credentials in highly-regulated sectors, with her experience across supply chain, governance and ESG making her ideally positioned for the role."

Dr Ros Rivaz commented:

"What strikes me about Anglian Water is its clear purpose of delivering long-term value for its customers, the region and the communities it serves, and seeking positive outcomes for the environment and society. Whilst it is a challenging time for the sector, I look forward to working with my new colleagues, and Anglian Water's stakeholders including regulators and investors to ensure we continue to deliver for our region."

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact:

Headland Consultancy

Andy Rivett-Carnac: 07968 997365

Antonia Pollock: 07789 954356

For investor inquiries please contact:

Fraser Campbell: 07890 965226

Anglian Water Services Financing Plc LEI: 213800DL377MH46PDY63
In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japan's private sector contracted in October for the first time since late 2022 due to a sharp fall in manufacturing output, flash survey results from S&P Global showed on Tuesday. The au Jibun Bank composite output index fell to 49.9 in October from 52.1 in the previous month. The score dropped below the neutral 50.0 mark for the first time since December 2022. The services Purchasing Managers' Index slipped to 51.1 from 53.8 a month ago. The score suggested that activity grew at the weakest pace in the year-to-date period amid worsening economic conditions. The flash manufacturing PMI held steady at 48.5 in October, signaling the fifth consecutive contraction in the sector. At the same time, the manufacturing output index registered 47.6 in October, down from 48.7 in the prior month. At the composite level, firms were least upbeat since January. New orders and new export business also pointed to contractions from September. However, there was a renewed rise in employment driven by services activity. Further, the survey showed that firms faced reduced cost pressures, which led to overall output prices rising at the slowest pace since February 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI) and Vattenfall, one of Europe's leading producers and retailers of electricity, signed a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 115 MW of renewable installed power capacity. This second PPA of such scale in Benelux, significantly expands Air Liquide's overall renewable power supply in the region. It reaffirms Air Liquide's commitment to lead the way in decarbonizing the European industry while lowering its own carbon footprint, in line with its Sustainable Development objectives.

Contracted over a 15-year period beginning in 2026, the PPA will bring overall renewable power capacity available to Air Liquide to around 270 MW in Benelux. This capacity will provide energy representing more than 70% of the Group's existing electricity consumption in Benelux. The new renewable energy will be generated by the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) subsidy-free, worldscale offshore wind farm by Vattenfall off the Dutch coast.

This PPA will support Air Liquide's decarbonization of its industrial and medical activities in the region, and enable the Group's customers to reduce the carbon content of their end products to foster a low-carbon economy in Europe. In all, the PPAs signed in the region will enable Air Liquide to reduce emissions related to power production of up to 8.5 million tonnes of CO2 over the duration of the contracts, which is comparable to the emissions generated by over 350,000 Dutch households.

Emilie Mouren-Renouard, Chief Executive Officer of the Europe Industries Hub, said: "This new large-scale PPA with Vattenfall marks an important milestone in securing renewable energy to enable Air Liquide to provide low-carbon solutions to its customers and support their decarbonisation efforts. In the context of an unprecedented transformation of the energy sector in Europe, Air Liquide is accelerating its commitment to take a leading role in the energy transition by supporting the development of renewable resources to foster a low-carbon economy in Europe, in line with its Sustainable Development objectives"

About Air Liquide Benelux Air Liquide in Benelux comprises subsidiaries active in the production, distribution, and sale of industrial and medical gases, technologies and services of the Air Liquide Group. Founded in Belgium in 1906 and in the Netherlands in 1913, Air Liquide currently operates 22 industrial sites throughout the Benelux. The Group currently employs more than 1,200 people in this region, all activities taken together, and it supplies more than 122,000 customers and patients.

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 73 countries with approximately 67,100 employees and serves more than 3.9 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902.

Taking action today while preparing the future is at the heart of Air Liquide's strategy. With ADVANCE, its strategic plan for 2025, Air Liquide is targeting a global performance, combining financial and extra-financial dimensions. Positioned on new markets, the Group benefits from major assets such as its business model combining resilience and strength, its ability to innovate and its technological expertise. The Group develops solutions contributing to climate and the energy transition-particularly with hydrogen-and takes action to progress in areas of healthcare, digital and high technologies.

Air Liquide's revenue amounted to more than 29.9 billion euros in 2022. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023610399/en/

Contacts:

Corporate Communications

media@airliquide.com

Investor Relations

IRTeam@airliquide.com
Senior Chinese diplomat calls for preventing Palestinian-Israeli conflict from further escalation

Xinhua) 15:17, October 24, 2023

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- On the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating further and causing even more serious humanitarian hardship, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.

The current Palestinian-Israeli conflict affects the whole world and involves a major choice between war and peace, Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a phone conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

Cohen introduced Israel's position and security concerns on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

China is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict and the worsening situation, and deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict, Wang said.

China condemns all acts that harm civilians and oppose any violation of the international law, said Wang.

All countries have the right to self-defence, but they should respect the international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians, he added.

Wang stressed that the painful lesson of the repeated cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict fully demonstrates: only adhering to the concept of common security can help achieve sustainable security, and only adhering to the direction of political settlement can facilitate the thorough resolution of Israel's legitimate security concerns.

The two-state solution is the consensus of the international community, Wang said.

It is hoped that the two sides can consider the current situation as well as the long-term interests of peace and security shared by future generations, return to the right track of the two-state solution as soon as possible, resume peace talks and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel and the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations, he said.

Wang said China does not pursue any selfish interests on the Palestinian issue and sincerely hopes that the issue can be comprehensively and fairly resolved on the basis of the two-state solution, so that the legitimate security concerns of all parties can be truly and thoroughly addressed.

China will firmly support anything that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel, he said.

Wang also said he hopes that the Israeli side would take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Israel.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- People still get Sweden and Switzerland mixed up. Every year, 120,000 people google the question: "Are Sweden and Switzerland the same?". Even the most informed and powerful people on earth can't always tell the two countries apart; A world leader, the New York Stock Exchange, and a famous popstar have all experienced this. Determined to end the confusion once and for all, Sweden is now proposing actions.

Watch Sweden's proposition to Switzerland here: https://youtu.be/0oNX_BHgi3c

A recent study commissioned by Visit Sweden uncovered that 50% of US respondents are not confident in their ability to decipher differences in Swedish and Swiss cultures. The confusion sometimes has greater implications: one in ten American respondents has admitted to booking, or nearly booking a flight, tour or activity in the wrong country when travelling to Sweden or Switzerland. More than 1 in 10 Brits admitted to confusing Sweden and Switzerland as being the same, and 28% also wrongly highlighted IKEA or ABBA as things they loved about Switzerland rather than Sweden.

To solve this issue, Visit Sweden, the Swedish tourist board, is reaching out to their European friend to decide who talks about what. A settlement draft between Sweden and Switzerland has been presented, but Visit Sweden is open to discussion.

"If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them. We can't change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct. Sweden offers luxury of a different nature. That's why we believe it's time to decide who promotes what, and hopefully we can reach an agreement", said Susanne Andersson, CEO Visit Sweden.

Sweden: luxury of a different nature

With a good dose of humour, Sweden is highlighting aspects that are known to attract travellers. They want to show that Sweden offers luxury of a different nature.https://contentbank.visitsweden.com/selection/674f233f19c5645253134b7809d1cc17 Sweden's plea is simple: "We will communicate things like sandbanks, rooftops, and silence. Meanwhile, Switzerland will focus on banks, mountain tops, and yodelling. We are still waiting for an official response, but we're hoping that Switzerland is willing to negotiate with us on this important matter", continues Andersson.

The full proposition can be read and signed at https://visitsweden.com/sweden-not-switzerland/ ... and hopefully, in the future, tourists will know that they are visiting Sweden (and not Switzerland).

Press imagery: Sweden(NotSwitzerland)

Contact: viveca.burkhardt@visitsweden.com Head of PR. Phone: +494032551321

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oNX_BHgi3c

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sweden-wants-to-end-confusion-with-switzerland-swedish-tourist-board-declares-301963610.html
Mining Hall of Famer Rob McEwen Leads Financing

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVV) is pleased to announce it has closed the first tranche of the private placement previously announced on October 16, 2023 (the "Offering") for 4,000,000 flow-through units (each, an "FT Unit") of the Company, at a price of $0.50 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of CAD $2,000,000. The Company has received conditional TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval for the Private Placement.

"We are pleased to close the previously announced Private Placement. This investment was completed jointly by Rob McEwen and the Lynch family. It was a great vote of confidence to get a Mining Hall of Famer like Rob McEwen to make an initial investment in the Company. The capital markets have been dealing with much fear lately, and raising capital has been challenging. The funds will see us continue drilling into 2024 and is expected to enable us to report our inaugural NI-43-101 mineral resource on the NISK property in November. This report should show the world how robust Nisk is and will, we believe, put us into another category in terms of valuations - the category of undeveloped high-grade Nickel sulfide projects. Within that category, we believe Nisk is the world's most undervalued project of its kind. We encourage investors to review our disclosure when it comes out and come to their conclusion on Nisk" said Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch.

Under the Offering, Mr. McEwen acquired 2,000,000 FT Units, representing approximately 1.4% (P/D) ownership of Power Nickel. Mr. McEwen is the founder and former chairman of Goldcorp, where he discovered, built, and operated the Red Lake Mine in Ontario, which was acquired by Newmont Mining in 2019 for US$10 billion. Mr. McEwen is the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc., a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, and Mexico.

The Company anticipates closing the balance of the $2,750,000 Offering (as previously announced on October 16, 2023) with $750,000 of Non-Flow Through units before month end.

Each FT Unit is composed of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" (each, an "FT Share") for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"), and one-half of one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one non-flow-through common share (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for three years from the date of issuance. All securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause that entitles the Company to provide notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to holders that the Warrants will expire 30 days from the date the Company delivers the Acceleration Notice. The Company can only provide the Acceleration Notice if the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSXV is equal to or greater than $1.00 for ten consecutive trading days. The Acceleration Notice can be provided at any time after the statutory hold period and before the expiry date of the Warrants.

The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares for exploration activities on the Company's NISK property located in Quebec and to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses, within the meaning of the ITA, that will qualify for the federal 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.

About Power Nickel Inc.

Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon carbon-neutral nickel mine.

On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). Subsequently, Power Nickel has exercised its option to acquire 50% of the Nisk Project and delivered notice to Critical Elements that it intends to exercise its second option to bring its ownership to 80%. The last remaining commitment to activate this exercise of the vote is delivering a NI-43-101 Technical report, which is anticipated to occur in Q4 2023.

The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.

In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement.

Power Nickel announced on June 8, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and Magee) and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are Polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, plus/minus copper.

Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.

For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:

Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO

647-448-8044

terry@powernickel.com

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:

Power Nickel Inc.

The Canadian Venture Building

82 Richmond St East, Suite 202

Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to complete its NI 43-101 report on Nisk or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

SOURCE: Power Nickel Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795772/power-nickel-closes-financing-for-2000000
Significant endorsement by the French government programme that promotes excellence in research and manufacturing of novel biotherapies

Advances the Company's ambitions for its Lakhesys platform

Total company funding now over 30 Million

PARIS, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Astraveus SAS ("Astraveus" or the "Company"), the creator of modular, microfluidic cell foundries that transform cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing, today announces it has been awarded a further 10.4 Million grant by the French government as part of its "Innovation in Biotherapies and Bioproduction" initiative. This initiative promotes excellence in research and manufacturing of novel biotherapies. The funds will be used to advance the development of Astraveus' Lakhesys platform.

The grant was allocated following an in-depth review by a committee of independent experts, which considered the strengths and significant potential benefits of accelerating therapeutic innovation from laboratory bench to point of care. Astraveus presented its "SKALE" project, which is designed to advance the Company's ambition of increasing throughput, modularity and digitalization of its proprietary Lakhesys microfluidic foundries for the manufacturing of CGT's.

This non-dilutive funding closely follows the FrenchTech2030 accreditation led by the Secretariat General Pour l'Investissement ("SGPI)", building upon the ongoing support received from the French and European innovation ecosystem, and the recent closure of an oversubscribed 16.5 million seed financing round.

Astraveus is revolutionizing the field of CGT manufacturing with its Lakhesys technology, an end-to-end cell foundry that uses deep process optimization and single-use, microfluidic bioprocessors to deliver better results with reduced inputs. By removing the need for large-scale infrastructure, reducing costs and processing time, and overcoming the logistical challenges associated with CGT manufacturing, Astraveus is seeking to considerably widen patient access to these life-changing therapies.

At the innovative core of Lakhesys are microfluidic bioprocessors, which mimic organ perfusion and significantly accelerate the molecular exchanges needed to sustain and transform cells into potent therapeutic agents. The high degree of precision and miniaturization enabled by microfluidic bioprocessors allow more efficient manufacturing, reducing labour, floor space and energy requirements, thereby generating less waste and making the process far cheaper and greener.

While CGT is a young market, it has received considerable investment - an average of >US$18 billion per year since 2020[1] - but the high per patient cost of up to US$2m has hindered both development of new therapies and deployment of those already identified. By minimizing the changes between process development and the clinic, and offering an immediate modular scalability, Lakhesys saves critical time and cost, and has the potential to transform both clinical research and manufacturing of approved products, accelerating the adoption of CGTs.

Jeremie Laurent, Founder and CEO of Astraveus, said: "This significant additional funding is a welcome further endorsement of Astraveus and our Lakhesys platform. I would like to express my gratitude to the French government for its continued support and to the SGPI and BPI France, through which this grant has been awarded. We remain completely focused on our goal of revolutionizing the field of CGT manufacturing and I look forward to providing further updates over the coming months on the excellent progress we are making."

Paul-Francois Fournier, Director of Bpifrance Innovation, said: "Bpifrance is not only proud to support Astraveus financially, but also through access to its network and advice, and more recently by granting the company the FrenchTech2030 label. Astraveus' SKALE project perfectly aligns with France 2030 objectives to establish the nation as a leader in healthcare innovation, particularly in bioprocessing. It also matches BPI France's mandate to deliver the ambition of the French government to strongly support the promote French industry."

Bruno Bonnell, General Secretary for Investment, responsible for France 2030 program, commented: "This funding is awarded to French companies that are world leaders in developing the innovations that will shape the world of tomorrow. We have been impressed by Astraveus and the positive impact its technology will have on accelerating the development of Cell and Gene therapies and making cell and gene therapy more accessible for French patients."

About Astraveus

Astraveus is developing the next generation of cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing solutions. Astraveus's cell foundries miniaturize and automate cell and gene therapy manufacturing in a unique, modular, end-to-end, microfluidic solution that mimics the elegance of natural systems. The deep process optimization of the platform enables greater precision and therefore easier replication of optimal manufacturing, delivering better therapies in a more cost- and time-efficient manner, using fewer materials and with reduced environmental impact. With the full potential of cell and gene therapies restricted today by high costs and limited throughput, this transformative solution has the potential to enable a therapeutic revolution at scale, helping to make these lifesaving therapies accessible to the many thousands of patients around the world that need them. Astraveus is a Paris-based company, founded in 2016 by Jeremie Laurent at the St Louis Hospital and is supported by AdBio partners, M Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC Inc, and Bpifrance Large Venture.

Astraveus is a member of the FrenchTech2030, a program by La French Tech, granting support from high rank French institutions like the Secretariat General Pour l'Investissement, BPIFrance and, for healthcare companies, of the Agence de l'Innovation en Sante.

www.astraveus.com

[1] http://alliancerm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Investments-2022-Q4-20230328V3.pdf

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/astraveus-awarded-10-4-million-grant-by-the-french-government-as-part-of-france-2030-investment-plan-301964899.html
Low Emission Methanol Shipping Company S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF ("LEMSCO" or the "Fund")

WOLLERAU, Switzerland and GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wollerau, Switzerland and Gothenburg, Sweden -ProMarine AG, the Investment Advisor leading the financing of the maritime energy transition, is pleased to announce the launch of an industry-first sustainable shipping fund with an initial portfolio of four methanol-fuelled MR tankers led by Proman, one of the world's largest methanol producers, and Stena Bulk AB, an internationally recognised and leading European shipping company.

Low Emission Methanol Shipping Company S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF ("LEMSCO") is the result of a collaboration between Proman and Stena Bulk. The Fund is backed by equity investors and benefits from a green loan from ABN AMRO. LEMSCO's seed assets consist of four methanol fuelled vessels acquired from Proman and Stena Bulk:

-Stena Pro Patria

-Stena Pro Marine

-Stena Promise

-Stena Prosperous

Fully re-engineered for low resistance and efficient propulsion, these IMOIIMeMAX vessels are amongst the most energy efficient and sustainable MR tankers in the world, with methanol power providing a pathway to eliminating nearly all greenhouse gases.

LEMSCO will also benefit from a dedicated methanol supply contract from Proman, ensuring that the fleet's operations are not only cost-effective but also powered by a technology-proven and globally available low-emission alternative fuel.

Welcoming the announcement, David Cassidy, Chairman of the ProMarine Board and Chief Executive of Proman, said: "We are delighted to be launching LEMSCO, which is pioneering in its efforts to address the air pollution and wider environmental concerns surrounding the maritime industry. We all recognise that the transition to sustainable shipping requires significant capital investment. By providing an alternative financing mechanism, LEMSCO plays a crucial role in bridging this gap and facilitating the industry's transition to lower emission fuels."

He added, "We are grateful to our partners and to ABN AMRO for their important early support. LEMSCO demonstrates the market's readiness to offer practical financial incentives through reduced cost funding for ships fuelled by low-emission methanol, and can be the catalyst for further investments into sustainable shipping."

Erik Hanell, Board Member of ProMarine and President & CEO at Stena Bulk AB, shared his enthusiasm for this ground-breaking initiative, stating: "The launch of LEMSCO is a pivotal moment, showcasing the maritime industry's commitment to a sustainable future. Through strategic collaboration and innovative green financing, we are shaping a new era of maritime operations, prioritising low-emission methanol as a viable alternative fuel. LEMSCO represents a step towards meaningful change, enabling investors to support a greener, more sustainable shipping industry. Together, we are charting a course towards cleaner oceans and a more responsible shipping industry".

ABN AMRO provided debt financing to the Fund which was independently assessed against the LMA Green Loan Principles and has been successfully designated as a Green Loan by DNV.

Remco Jongkind, Managing Director ABN AMRO said: "ABN AMRO is incredibly proud to support LEMSCO in this landmark transaction. This transaction is the result of executing on our climate strategy to decarbonise the shipping sector whereby LEMSCO is setting the example through the setup of a low emission fund. ABN AMRO is keen to continue its support for the growth of the low emission portfolio backed by two strong industry-leading sponsors."

As the maritime sector makes strides towards a sustainable future, LEMSCO is in a favourable position to provide the requisite financing for the green maritime transition. LEMSCO will invest in shipping and associated infrastructure with the aim of reducing emissions from the global maritime sector - which are currently responsible for c. 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions - providing investors with an opportunity to invest directly in the energy transition of the shipping industry.

The second vessel in the LEMSCO fleet, Stena Pro Marine, will have her Naming Ceremony in the Port of New Orleans on the 24 October 2023, showcasing the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of methanol fuel at one of the busiest cruise and cargo ports in the United States.

Notes to Editors

About ProMarine

ProMarine is the Investment Advisor and General Partner of LEMSCO, created to lead the financing of the maritime energy transition. ProMarine was established by Proman and Stena Bulk to drive forward the sustainability of the maritime industry in order to secure the prosperity and health of the environment for future generations.

For further information please contact: info@promarine.pro

ABN AMRO

ABN AMRO acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, Coordinator and Documentation Agent in the Green Loan financing of four methanol powered vessels for the Low Emission Shipping Company ("LEMSCO")."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2254994/LEMSCO_Vessels.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2254995/Lemsco_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/promarine-ag-launch-of-industry-first-methanol-powered-sustainable-shipping-fund-301964794.html
San Luis Valley, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - After an arduous journey of four years, Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa, in partnership with Evolution, a leading architectural visualization company, proudly presents the highly anticipated rendering - the "Kosmos Stargazing Villa". The image presents just one of 20 villas that will be built on the 40-acre property. This unveiling marks the pinnacle of a journey filled with challenges, iterations, and triumphs. From the very start, the team at Kosmos embarked on a mission to create a cosmic sanctuary that seamlessly blends luxury, sustainability, and a profound connection to the universe. Through almost six versions of design, countless hours were spent on every detail to arrive at the perfect villa for Kosmos.





Figure 1



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/183362_real_b16619e6-9e83-4ac5-bc71-2ff1f3697a3c.jpeg

This journey involved work with vendors to identify the best partners, ensuring that every aspect of the villa meets the highest standards of quality. It also included a significant milestone - the approval of the zoning permit in February 2023 by the Alamosa County Commissioners, which marked a critical step towards the development of the stargazing resort. Currently, the team is working tirelessly to secure the necessary building permits. The villa is slated to commence construction in Q4 of 2023, with groundwork already underway, focusing on the development of essential utilities.

The Kosmos Stargazing Villa is a unique design, featuring five distinct areas crafted to provide an unparalleled experience:

1. Constellation Themed Domes: Each dome is themed after a specific constellation with the interior design reflecting its respective mythology. The space will also provide a remote office space for nomad workers with hempcrete material used in the walls for optimal sound insulation, full kitchen, living space, dedicated meditation area, and loft. 2. Stargazing Deck: A private observatory deck equipped with a professional grade Dobsonian telescope for a traditional star viewing experience. 3. Sleep Capsule: A bedroom optimized with the highest quality mattress to provide the best possible sleep, ensuring guests wake up refreshed and rejuvenated. 4. Stargazing Spa: Connected to the Sleep Capsule is a jacuzzi enclosed in a separate glass dome, offering a serene blend of relaxation and seamless stargazing with the Vaonis Vespera digital telescope. 5. Celestial Patio: An outdoor space with a perfect vantage point to take in the breathtaking views of the San Luis Valley. The space also includes a sunken in fire pit that doubles as a smokeless grill.

Kosmos is not just a resort; it's a transformative experience, a chance to create lasting memories in a setting that transcends the ordinary. For more information about the Kosmos Stargazing Villa and to secure your spot as a Founding Investor, please visit https://www.kosmosresort.com/ or book an appointment at hello@kosmosresort.com.

Contact Information:

Jennifer Geerlings

jennifer@kosmosresort.com

+34 655 50 76 28

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/183362


The HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said the 15th Wine and Spirits fair will bring together more than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions.



Angel Champagne Asia Ltd, Flavour Of Life Ltd, JH Joy&Harmonie UG, Leung Yick Company Ltd, Ningxia Xige Estate Co., Ltd, Oriental Pearl (HK) Ltd, Premium Wine Negociants Pty Ltd, Wiseville (Asia-Pacific) Ltd and Wuliangye International (HK) Ltd will showcase their wine products at the Fair.

HONG KONG, Oct 24, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The HKTDC Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 3 to 5 November, Friday to Sunday, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 15th edition of the Fair will assemble more than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions to showcase fine beverages from around the globe as well as wine-related products and services.The HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said the 15th Wine and Spirits fair will bring together more than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions.The first two days will be open to industry professionals and buyers while the last day, (5 November, Sunday), will also open to public visitors with tickets, offering wine lovers an exceptional opportunity to enrich their knowledge and sample a broad selection of wines from around the world.Angel Champagne Asia Ltd, Flavour Of Life Ltd, JH Joy&Harmonie UG, Leung Yick Company Ltd, Ningxia Xige Estate Co., Ltd, Oriental Pearl (HK) Ltd, Premium Wine Negociants Pty Ltd, Wiseville (Asia-Pacific) Ltd and Wuliangye International (HK) Ltd will showcase their wine products at the Fair.The HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the wine industry but the market was full of potential and was expected to grow continuously. Data portal Statista estimated that global wine industry revenue would amount to US$333 billion this year, with sales growth projected at 5.52% annually between 2023 and 2027."Hong Kong is a key connector to the wine and liquor market in Asia. Given the growth in consumption power in Mainland China, many wine merchants are now making inroads into this sizeable market. A lot of international wine companies have set up operations in Hong Kong to seize business opportunities in Mainland China and around the world. As an elite global trading platform for fine wine, the Wine & Spirits Fair brings tremendous opportunities to local, mainland and international wine corporations," she said.Statista predicted mainland wine-sector revenue would reach US$27.2 billion this year and grow 3.93% annually between 2023 and 2027. An HKTDC market research survey conducted in 2020 showed mainland consumers were growing increasingly knowledgeable about wine. Of the respondents, 25% said they had intermediate or advanced knowledge of wine, and 41% said they drank wine at least once a week.Given its status as a duty-free port, wine merchants and investors regard Hong Kong as the most cost-effective and convenient distribution hub to store investment-grade wines for delivery to markets on demand. Mainland China and Macao, which accounted for about 69% of wine exports last year, were the major destinations. In value terms, Hong Kong wine exports increased 45.1% last year.Showcase for quality global winesThe 15th Wine & Spirits Fair will feature a diverse range of fine beverages, including old-world and new-world wines, wines and liquor from Mainland China and Japan, as well as whiskies and beers. The fair will feature 11 group pavilions showcasing products from Australia, France, Germany and Italy, Japan, Mainland China, as well as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits. Notable products include:- Domaine Laureau Savennieres Les Genets 2018 embraces biodynamics and organic farming. This wine reveals intense peach and honey aromas, along with minerality, that carry through to the palate.- NV Brut Rose White features flavours of strawberries and creme anglaise, creating a well-balanced and silky texture. This exceptional wine was honoured with a gold medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards in the United Kingdom.- 2023 Hither and Yon Fiano originates from Campania in southwestern Italy, where it is regarded as a strongly flavoured, lifted aromatic variety. This particular wine is known for its crunchy, refreshing, and light profile, containing a moderate alcohol content of just 11%.- Xige N28 Chardonnay, from Ningxia Autonomous Region, shows lively and complex aromas of fresh tropical fruits such as pineapple, melon and grapefruit, as well as honey and fresh creamy notes thanks to oak-barrel fermentation. The wine is round with a well-balanced acidity, an elegant expression of Chardonnay. It was served at the welcoming dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China in April this year.In addition to beverages, the Wine & Spirits Fair features zones that promote the industry's all-round development, including Wine Education as well as Wine Accessories, Equipment and Services. Snacks and nibbles to accompany wines will be showcased in the Friends of Wine zone.Key events explore sustainable wine industryWine & Spirits Fair events include wine-tasting sessions where buyers and visitors can try fine wines from around the world.The Opening Reception on the first night will welcome Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as Guest of Honour. Also on the first day, Wine Master Debra Meiburg will host a Wine Industry Conference titled EcoVino: Sustainability Trends and Solutions, to explore sustainability trends and solutions with experts including a representative from the United Kingdom's Sustainable Wine Roundtable. Another Wine Industry Conference titled Uncorking Opportunities: Mapping the China & Asian Wine Markets will be held on the second day, in which Master Sommelier Yang Lu and industry elites will explore business opportunities in the region.Various seminars and tasting sessions will explore wine trends in different regions and markets, and introduce wines, sakes, whiskies, beers and more, offering participants a chance to savour unique flavours.Prize-giving ceremonies for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2023 and WineLuxe's Top 10 Food & Wine Pairing Restaurant Award will be held on the first and second day respectively. The Hong Kong Bartenders Association will also host the Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2023, themed Artistic Elixir, on the first day.Public Day welcomes wine enthusiastsThe last day of the Wine & Spirits Fair (5 November, Sunday) will be the Public Day, which welcomes both industry professionals and members of the public aged 18 or above. Regular tickets are priced at HK$200*.Multiple tasting sessions and masterclasses will be held on the Public Day, including a "Sip Around the World with CC" session hosted by renowned wine critic Cecilia Wong, and a tasting session of Austrian wine by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg. Citizens visiting on Public Day can register for the events on the 15th Wine & Spirits Fair's website.*Ticket details: Members of the public can buy Public Day tickets at the special price of HK$99 through HK01, HKTVMall, KKday, PopTicket, Price.com.hk and Timable. Ticket buyers will receive a Lucaris crystal wine glass (original price: HK$110) on a first-come, first-served basis.Websites:Wine & Spirits Fair: http://hkwinefair.hktdc.com/Photo download: https://bit.ly/46EeXxOMedia enquiriesThe HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Jane Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgAgnes Wat, Tel: (852) 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInSource: HKTDCCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 20, 2023 (Eastern Standard Time), the Signing Ceremony of "Unilumin Scholarship Fund," jointly established by Unilumin Group and New York University Tisch School of the Arts was held at New York University, New York, USA.

Tiger Lin, Chairman of Unilumin Group, Dr. May HE, Strategic Officer of Unilumin on Virtual Production, Allyson Green, Dean of New York University Tisch School and Senior Associate Dean Andrew Uriarte, Clay Shirky, Vice Provost of New York University AI Educational Applications, and other professors and scholars attended the signing ceremony.

Dean Allyson Green thanked Unilumin for its support of NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She explained that NYU is convinced that virtual production is the trend of the future, and the university, as a professional institution that cultivates world-class film talents, is willing to cooperate with a world-class enterprise to develop more creative and high-quality talents in the field of virtual production. This thinking has led to the establishment of the Master program on virtual production.

Tiger Lin, Chairman of Unilumin Group, said that the NYU's focus on and practice of training virtual production talents goes hand-in-hand with the work of Unilumin, enabling the full exploration of the virtual production market and development of virtual shooting technologies.

Relying on established technologies and continuous innovation, Unilumin Group ranks one of the top players in LED display of all kinds. As a subsidiary of Unilumin group, ROE Visual shares a global market share of more than 80% on LED Virtual Production Studios, providing LED displays and virtual production technologies for the film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" starring Michelle Yeoh, which won seven Academy Awards this year, including Best Actress, Best Film and Best Director.

This cooperation will be an important milestone moment to promote the industrialization and standardization of virtual production, and it is also a successful model of school-enterprise cooperation in virtual production.

It is reported that Unilumin will not only participate in the construction of "Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center" at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, but will also provide scholarships for outstanding students enrolled in the Master program of virtual production through the "Unilumin Scholarship Fund", helping to cultivate virtual production talents and promote the high-quality development of the virtual production industry.

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Fusion is an open-ended and long-term capital investment opportunity.

With one single commitment, Fusion provides access to funds managed by Hg, one of the largest PE firms in Europe with a 30+ year heritage and track record of consistently delivering over 3x returns for investors.

Fusion is managed by Hg Wealth, a dedicated team formed in 2022 to provide investment opportunities exclusively to private banks, family offices, individuals in Hg's immediate network and their advisors.

Today Hg supports a resilient portfolio of over 50 software and services businesses, worth over $135 billion aggregate enterprise value - an equivalent size to the second largest software company in Europe - consistently growing revenues and profits at more than 20% annually.

Since the start of 2022, Hg's investment performance has remained robust, with the firm realising capital across 22 liquidity events, held by several Hg institutional funds, at an aggregate return to clients of 3.5x multiple of money and a net IRR of over 30 per cent.

LONDON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses, today announces the launch of Fusion, an open-ended and long-term capital investment opportunity that provides non-US individuals with the opportunity to access Hg's funds, as well as co-investments in companies alongside Hg's funds.

Individual investors hold roughly half of global assets under management, yet only 16% of total global assets are invested in alternative investment funds[1]. Fusion represents one of the first 'private wealth' offerings from a specialised and sector-focused private equity firm, paired with bespoke service and client support.

Martina Sanow, Partner and Head of Hg Wealth, said: "More private investors are looking to diversify their investment portfolio into high performing and resilient sectors. Meanwhile, the growth of private capital means that high quality software and services businesses are staying private for longer, making it hard for investors to access them through public markets. Fusion provides a solution to this, offering private investors a way to invest in a growing portfolio with very low volatility that has significantly outperformed public markets."

Fusion will be managed by Hg Wealth, a dedicated team formed in 2022 to provide investment opportunities exclusively to private banks, family offices, individuals in Hg's immediate network and their advisors, and other eligible non-US-investors looking to diversify their portfolios in private equity.

Hg is one of the top three largest private equity firms in Europe[2] with a 30-year heritage and a track record of delivering consistent, top quartile net returns to investors. This enduring performance is achieved through a focus on a high quality and resilient businesses, providing critical software applications or workflow services for many thousands of businesses globally. Hg supports these businesses and entrepreneurial leaders with deep knowledge and operational expertise within this sector, as well as local transatlantic presence.

Justin von Simson, Managing Partner, Senior Leadership Team, at Hg, said: "Our strategy is centred around backing sectors characterised by long term digitisation trends, that are in early stages of adoption and set to transform the workplace for professionals for the next few decades. Embracing a long-term perspective, we strive to build a lasting and thriving franchise. This thinking shapes how we invest in our firm, back our portfolio companies and build relationships with clients and partners, with a strategy centred around consistency and continuous improvement."

Steven Batchelor, Partner, Senior Leadership Team, at Hg, said: "We are delighted to create yet another innovative and exciting access point for potential Hg investors, in addition to our well-established institutional funds and HgCapital Trust plc[3], which has, relative to the FTSE All-Share Index, performed very strongly on the London stock exchange for over 20 years and is a member of the FTSE 250. The feedback we are getting from many of our own HNW clients and family offices is that Fusion helps further complement and enhance the versatility of their investment options with Hg."

Hg Fusion has been established in partnership with S64, integrating its private markets technology platform to deliver scalable access and end-to-end lifecycle management for wealth clients across Europe and Asia.



To find out more about how private investors could gain access to Hg's investment opportunities, visit www.hgwealth.com

About Hg

We support the building of sector-leading enterprises that supply businesses with critical software applications or workflow services, delivering a more automated workplace for their customers.

This industry is characterised by digitization trends that are in early stages of adoption and are set to transform the workplace for professionals over decades to come. Our support combines deep end-market knowledge with world class operational resources, together providing compelling support to entrepreneurial leaders looking to scale their business - businesses that are well invested, enduring and serve their customers well.

With a vast European network and strong presence across North America, our 400 employees and $65bn in funds under management support a portfolio of more than 50 businesses, worth over $135 billion aggregate enterprise value, with over 100,000 employees, consistently growing revenues at more than 20% annually. If you'd like to see more, check us out at www.hgcapital.com.

[1] Bain and Company Global Private Equity report 2023: https://www.bain.com/insights/topics/global-private-equity-report/

[2] PEI300: https://www.privateequityinternational.com/pei-300/

[3] https://www.hgcapitaltrust.com/about-us/performance

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The International Centers for Precision Oncology (ICPO) is a German foundation working to enable growing numbers of Cancer Patients worldwide to get access to highly effective diagnostics and treatments in Radiomolecular Precision Oncology.

This October 12th and 13th, 2023, the ICPO Foundation has successfully hosted its 3rd ICPO Forum for Theranostics in Precision Oncology physical in the heart of the Science Campus in Garching Munich next to the medical isotope reactors and not far from the world largest Lutetium-177 production facility. ICPO Foundation would like to thank the over 200 hundred participants that have attended from 26 different countries in Europe, Africa, India, China, the Middle East, the US, Canada. Besides it is also grateful for the 22 sponsors who have generously supported the event, including Gold sponsors Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) and Novartis.

The ICPO Forum goal was to connect participants across all horizons, including industry, academia, as well as medical and patient societies, associations, foundations, investors, and philanthropists. With its Forum, the ICPO Foundation has brought its Community together and contributed to fulfil its mission to accelerate the paradigm shift in Oncology by implementing a more effective patient-centered focus, irrespectively of race, country, social status and all else.

After official addresses by Mr. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of ICPO Board of Trustees, Dr. Florian Herrmann, Bavarian Minister of State and Prof. Mike Sathekge, President of WARMTH, keynote lectures were presented by world-class nuclear medicine and oncology experts from Germany, Professor Richard P. Baum, who is also a Trustee of the ICPO Foundation, and Professor Matthias Eiber, as well as from Australia, Professor Andrew Scott and from USA, Professor Oliver Sartor.

At the occasion of its 3rd Forum, the ICPO Foundation has officially launched its ICPO Academy for Theranostics. The main objective of the Academy programme is to disseminate knowledge in Radiomolecular Precision Oncology in order to improve the outcome of a patient treated with radiopharmaceutical therapies. The ICPO Foundation would like to acknowledge the Public Private Partnership between the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) which support made the Chinese pilot of the Academy a unique success.

Complementing the education session, an overview of international certified centers initiatives was presented including the development of the ICPO Centers network. Indeed, ICPO believes that scaling patient access can best be achieved through building a global Community and international network of Precision Oncology Centers based on shared passion, knowledge, standards, training, and blueprints, essentially building a common operating model for dedicated and optimized Precision Oncology Centers.

Moreover, the award ceremony of the 2nd Maurits W. Geerlings Next Generation Award for Outstanding Research and Contributions to Actinium-225 Radiopharmaceuticals took place after the Alpha Therapies session of the ICPO Forum. This year two female researchers jointly won the Award, Dr. Sanjana Ballal from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India and Dr. Mariza Vorster from the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in South Africa. Prof. Mike Sathekge, who had led the Selection Committee, and Dr. Richard Henkelmann from Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) chaired the ceremony and congratulated the winners. Both Dr. Ballal and Dr. Vorster are dedicated to translating their research into tangible patient benefits and advancing the use of this highly promising therapy, which is aligned with the mission of the ICPO Foundation.

Other sessions were articulated around efforts towards increased patient access, innovation and technology advances, supply chain scale up and delivery of radiopharmaceuticals up to the bedside. All Forum sessions were extended by constructive multidisciplinary panel discussions aimed at opening new avenues to critical global issues for patient care today in the field of Radiomolecular Precision Oncology.

Thus, with its 3rd Forum edition, the ICPO has stood for its mission to support the Community, science, training, and expansion of patient access worldwide in Precision Oncology in an inclusive and collaborative approach and has paved the way to the next Forum edition in 2025!

Moreover, to make a donation or become a Member of the ICPO Foundation, as Friend, Supporter or Partner, please visit the website www.icpo.foundation.

About ICPO Foundation

The International Centers for Precision Oncology Foundation (ICPO) is a non-profit organization established in 2019 under German law by leading international medical practitioners and life sciences entrepreneurs. Recognizing a paradigm shift in cancer care from one size fits all to a personalized approach, the ICPO Foundation is helping to build momentum to scale global patient access to Radionuclide Molecularly Targeted Precision Oncology to support this shift. To scale patient access, the ICPO Foundation aims to develop an international network of physical diagnostic and therapeutic Centers for Precision Oncology organized in a Social Franchise model based on shared know-how, certified education, and design and process standardization that enables best clinical practice globally. Furthermore, it is the ICPO Foundation's objective to empower its Centers by embedding them in a highly inclusive Community that spearheads its model and lives up to the Precision Oncology promise, by making it available to all patients in need, irrespective of country or social status.

Recently the ICPO foundation has closed collaborations with renowned medical associations such as WARMTH (World Association of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Therapies) and is establishing the ICPO Academy for Theranostics as a globally available e-learning platform.

Learn more at:www.icpo.foundation and www.theranostics.academy

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023823187/en/

Contacts:

For any information about this press release, please contact info@icpo.foundation



Media Contact ICPO Foundation:

Odile Jaume

Email: odile.jaume@icpo.foundation

Phone: +49 611 341 486 30

www.icpo.foundation
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE: ERKA) (OTCQB: UREKF) (FSE: S580) ("Eureka Lithium" or "Eureka" or the "Company"), announces an update on its 100%-owned, lithium focused exploration properties in Nunavik. The Company, through GroundTruth Exploration, secured access to a large camp that includes an airstrip in close proximity to the Company's Raglan South project, with the Kobold Metals' land package immediately to the north (see attached map, Figure 1).

Camp Belanger is situated 9 km north of Raglan South, within several kilometers of a large land package in the Cape Smith Belt owned by privately-held KoBold Metals whose key investors include Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. The 229 sq. km Raglan South Property, 80 km south of Glencore's Raglan Nickel mine, features one of the strongest lithium-cesium anomalies in lake bottom sediments in the entire Quebec government database, along with favorable rock units, including a large mafic structure, and multiple historically mapped pegmatites.

Jeffrey Wilson, Eureka President and CEO commented: "Logistics in this region are key in mitigating costs and increasing exploration efficiency. The ability for our exploration partners, GroundTruth Exploration to secure Camp Belanger is extremely advantageous for Eureka as we continue the largest lithium-focused exploration program in Nunavik. Camp Belanger was used as a large drill camp for nickel exploration in Raglan's Cape Smith Belt. The camp greatly expands our potential options in the event of a major new lithium discovery. This also improves and streamlines our exploration cost and field program efficiencies."

Figure 1 - Eureka Raglan District Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9639/184963_82a26cd2f4cd79b6_002full.jpg

Figure 2 - Eureka Raglan South Lithium-Cesium In Lake Bottom Sediments



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9639/184963_82a26cd2f4cd79b6_003full.jpg

Cautionary Statement: Investors are cautioned that the lake bottom sediments information is taken from the publicly available sources in the Quebec government database. The Company has not been able to independently verify the information contained. The information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Property, which is the subject of this news release. There is no guarantee that significant discovery will be made as a result of its current exploration efforts.

Corporate Presentation

Visit the Eureka Lithium homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's corporate presentation:

https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/EurekaLithium_June16_2023.pdf

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P. Geo., who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Eureka Lithium Corp.

Eureka Lithium is the largest lithium-focused landowner in the northern third of Quebec, known as the Nunavik region, with 100% ownership of three projects comprising 1,408 sq. km in the emerging Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Lithium Camps. These claims were acquired from legendary prospector Shawn Ryan and are located in a region that hosts two operating nickel mines with deep-sea port access.

Contact Information:

For more information please contact:

Jeffrey Wilson

Chief Executive Officer

info@eurekalithiumcorp.com

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the contemplated completion of the Acquisition and the Concurrent Financing, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, nor that the Acquisition will be completed as contemplated, or at all, or that the Concurrent Financing will be completed as contemplated, or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184963
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BNI (Business Network International), the world's largest business networking organization, is proud to announce renowned thought leaders Dan Monaghan, Chris McChesney, and Chris Stradling as keynote speakers during BNI's 2023 Global Convention in Madrid, Spain.

This selection of keynote speakers underscores BNI's commitment to equipping its Members and Directors with transformative insights. These dynamic, renowned experts promise to deliver memorable and impactful sessions that will leave attendees invigorated and equipped with actionable strategies.

To learn more about BNI's Global Convention happening November 8 - 11, 2023 in Madrid, click here.

Dan Monaghan is a successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and founder of WSI, the world's largest digital marketing franchise organization. He's also the founder of Clear Summit Group (CSG), a private equity firm with a strategic focus on investing in high-growth, early-stage franchise and technology companies. As an investor and acclaimed authority on the future of technology, AI, and franchising, Monaghan will give attendees examples of how organizations are leveraging AI and other exponential technologies to drive innovation and growth. Attendees will gain insights to future-proof their business in the age of intelligent machines.

Chris McChesney, acclaimed for his expertise in business execution and leadership, is the co-author The 4 Disciplines of Execution, a groundbreaking, best-selling book that has revolutionized how organizations approach goal achievement. McChesney will guide business owners and entrepreneurs on how to execute their goals with simplicity and transparency so they can gain a competitive advantage.

Chris Stradling is co-head of Lincoln's consumer group and leads the firm's consumer product initiatives and advises companies on mergers and acquisitions. Stradling brings practical life experience from being involved in running his family's business and working in operations and corporate development for Fortune 500 companies. In his keynote session, he will equip attendees with data and insights that will help them navigate today's economic trends.

With 2,000 business leaders from 65 countries expected to attend, business owners and entrepreneurs worldwide are invited to register for BNI's 2023 Global Convention to experience the valuable connections and professional development that stimulates revenue growth, opens new opportunities, and creates a positive ripple effect for businesses around the world.

About BNI

BNI (Business Network International) is the world's largest and most successful business networking organization. Today, BNI has over 300,000+ Member-businesses participating in over 10,900+ BNI Chapters that meet in-person, online, or in a hybrid format each week in 77+ countries around the globe. Since inception in 1985, BNI has proudly helped 1.9 million businesses garner over $164 billion USD in revenue1. To learn more about BNI and how you can visit a chapter, go to www.bni.com. BNI's philosophy is centered on Givers Gain and BNI's motto is Changing the Way the World Does Business. To learn more about how BNI works, watch this short video here. If you are interested in learning how you can visit a BNI Chapter for free, please reach out to our Support Team at (800)-825-8286 (USA) or support@bni.com (internationally). To join us at BNI Global Convention in Madrid, register before November 3, 2023.

This information is based on historical BNI Member self-reported data and represents collective results from BNI Members worldwide from 1985 to 2023.

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OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - CNOOC Limited (CEO, CNU.TO) reported Tuesday its net production in the third quarter reached 167.8 million barrels of oil equivalent or BOE, representing a growth of 7 percent from last year.



Nine-month net production was 499.7 million BOE, an increase of 8.3 percent from the previous year.



The net production from China in the nine months grew 6.7 percent year-over-year to 345.5 million BOE, which was mainly attributable to the production growth of Kenli 6-1 and Lufeng 15-1.



The net production from overseas increased 11.8 percent to 154.1 million BOE, mainly driven by the production ramp-up from Liza Phase II in Guyana and Buzios in Brazil.



The company achieved an unaudited oil and gas sales of RMB238.4 billion and net profit attributable to equity shareholders of RMB97.6 billion.



The average realized oil price dropped 24.2 percent from last year to $76.84 per barrel, which was in line with the trend of international oil prices.



The average realized gas price was $7.92 per thousand cubic feet, representing a decrease of 2.7 percent, which was mainly due to lower prices realized for overseas gas offtakes.



Zhou Xinhuai, CEO and President, said, 'In the first three quarters, the Company achieved better-than-expected operating results. Oil and gas reserves and production reached a new high. Going forward, the Company will push forward the tasks resolutely, and strive to meet the full-year targets.'



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Show China's beauty industry to the world! On the morning of 18 October, the Information Office of Guangzhou Municipal Government held a press conference and revealed that the first Guangzhou Cosmetics Week will be held from 1 to 5 November. With a theme of "Millenium Capital of Commerce, International Bay of Beauty", the event will be hosted by Guangdong Medical Products Administration and Guangzhou Municipal Government and co-organized by Guangzhou Administration for Market Regulation and relevant district governments.

To build an industry ecosystem with a global perspective, a conference on high quality development of the cosmetic industry will be held on the first day of the Cosmetics Week, when Guangzhou government will release the Guangzhou Cosmetic Industry Planning Report and announce the winners of the first Guangdong superior cosmetic products competition. The conference will invite P&G, BASF, Xinxuan and other international cosmetic producers, raw material suppliers and live broadcasting e-commerce businesses to give presentations. Industry experts will also gather and discuss issues of common interest, such as raw material innovation and dermatological advancement, package design and international trends, and the overseas development and globalization of domestic brands.

From 1 to 5 November, a series of online live broadcasting and offline interactive beauty brand promotion activities, cosmetic cultural activities and science popularization events will also be held at the main venue of the Cosmetics Week and the branch venues in four districts.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023744674/en/

Contacts:

Guangzhou Administration for Market Regulation

http://scjgj.gz.gov.cn/

MA Chang Na

+86-13129369073
Geneva Trading, a global principal trading firm, today announced its further expansion with a new London office spearheaded by Henry Willetts.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024259534/en/

Henry Willetts is leading Geneva Trading's new London office. (Photo: Business Wire)

Geneva Trading, an industry leader in cleared energy markets, is excited to announce the launch of its innovative London office. This expansion will bring together a dynamic team of energy trading professionals who are committed to driving excellence and growth in the industry. Leveraging advanced technology, high-fidelity data, and elite professional support, Geneva empowers its traders to optimize strategies, identify opportunities, and manage risks, all while achieving their goals.

Willetts is a seasoned professional in the energy trading sector with over 17 years' experience in the industry, exclusively in London. His most recent experience was at a major London commodity trading house where he held various trading and managerial positions over the past eight years.

Henry commented, "Geneva Trading is a professionally run company with best-in-class technology and a long and successful track record in the oil markets. I am really excited to join and leverage their extensive capabilities as I assemble a team of top energy traders to expand Geneva Trading's success into the rest of the oil complex and beyond."

"We are thrilled to welcome Henry to the team," said Rob Creamer, Geneva Trading's Chief Executive Officer. "Henry's background in London's oil trading community pairs nicely with Geneva's high-performance culture, bespoke technology, and unrivaled professional support. Our strategy is to scale the business around top talent and I can't think of a better person to lead the charge in London."

ABOUT US

Geneva Trading is a leading principal trading firm with a history of consistent success in the listed derivatives markets. Founded in 1999, we foster an environment of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a disciplined approach to risk and reward. Geneva builds proprietary technology to discover and capture market opportunities globally while empowering our teams to solve some of the most complex problems in the trading industry.

www.genevatrading.com for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024259534/en/

Contacts:

Marla Scalise

Geneva Trading

marla@genevatrading.com

312-810-0160
HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision has released an update for its security management platform Hik-Connect. The updated platform is also known as Hik-Connect for Teams, as the new version not only meets the specific needs of individual users, but also caters to various Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) and multi-site management scenarios from offices to chain stores and communities.

"Previously, Hik-Connect accounts only allowed one login that companies would have to share if they wanted multi-user access," said Ryan Wu, the Product Director at Hikvision, "With SMBs' growing need for collaborative workspace, we baked new team features into Hik-Connect. A primary admin user can now create a multi-user account containing predefined user roles, and add the whole team to the account, improving business efficiency and maximizing team output."

Operational efficiency with centralized management of multiple sites and devices

Hik-Connect for Teams supports video security, intercom management, access control and attendance solutions. Business owners and managers can benefit from visualized management, allowing them to easily keep track of all connected devices in the system, access real-time video feeds, and receive event notifications on the go.

Productivity boosted by seamless collaboration and transparent workflow

The platform enables businesses to customize access levels for team members, based on specific roles and responsibilities. This optimization of workflow ensures seamless collaboration between team members.

High scalability for businesses

Hik-Connect for Teams allows companies to start small with the devices they are currently using, and add in more devices and capacities as the business grows. This way they don't have to invest in new systems prematurely, allowing businesses to maximize the benefits of the latest technologies without heavy upfront costs.

Cost efficiency with simple deployment and remote maintenance

Being fast and easy to deploy, configure, and use, Hik-Connect for Teams eliminates the hassle of initial setup and IT management costs. Furthermore, the Peer-to-peer (P2P) based system eliminates the need for expensive centralized servers and continuous monitoring. Real-time monitoring and upgrades can be performed remotely, further reducing costs.

To discover more about Hik-Connect for Teams and how it can help your organizations with multi-site management and multi-user access needs, please visit our official website. You can also find more information about the Hik-Connect platform in general, as well as its personal mode from the website.

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EQS-News: Bybit / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Bybit Sets New Standard with Master Trader Bootcamp: Earn up to 20,000 USDT Risk-Free in the First-Ever Funded Copy Trading Program



24.10.2023 / 12:40 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Media OutReach - 24 October 2023 - Bybit , the world's third most visited crypto exchange, is thrilled to announce the industry's first funded program for crypto copy trading with the launch of its highly anticipated Master Trader Bootcamp , where participants can join for free. This initiative empowers traders to unlock their full trading potential while offering the opportunity to earn up to 20,000 USDT through risk-free demo trading.







This unique 14-day trading challenge is set to empower participants and propel their trading careers to new heights. The registration begins immediately and ends on November 18, 2023, 11:59 PM UTC. Participants will be evaluated based on various factors, including account equity percentage change, maximum daily losses/drawdowns, consistency, and trading frequency since joining or the last reset.



Participants are not required to invest any capital, as Bybit provides over 120,000 USDT equivalent in demo funds. This ensures that traders can trade in real-time markets without the fear of financial loss, enabling them to experiment with different strategies and sharpen their trading skills.



The onboarding process for the Master Trader Bootcamp is simple and user-friendly. Participants can seamlessly join the challenge, monitor their results daily, and reset their performance if they wish to try again, all without the need for additional tests or complex procedures.



"At Bybit, we are dedicated to empowering traders and providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. The Master Trader Bootcamp represents our unwavering commitment to supporting the global crypto community," said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. "We believe that every trader deserves a chance to unleash their potential, and we are excited to reward those who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication."



To learn more about the Master Trader Bootcamp, please visit this link .

Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions, the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, esports teams Astralis, Alliance, Made in Brazil (MIBR), and Oracle Red Bull Racing Esports.



For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For more information please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

24.10.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Managed care company Centene Corp. (CNC), while announcing weak profit and higher revenues in its third quarter, on Tuesday raised its earnings and revenue forecast for fiscal 2023, and maintained fiscal 2024 view. For the year 2023, the company lifted adjusted earnings guidance by $0.15 per share to at least $6.60 per share. Earnings on a reported basis is now expected to be at least $4.88. On average, 18 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect earnings of $6.50 per share for the year. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company also increased its 2023 premium and services revenues guidance range by $500 million. For the year, the company now expects total revenues between $149 billion and $151 billion, and premium and service revenues between $137.5 billion and $139.5 billion. The Street is looking for revenues of $148.5 billion for the year. Further, the company reiterated 2024 adjusted earnings per share floor of greater than $6.60. Analysts are looking for earnings of $6.71 per share for the year. Chief Executive Officer of Centene, Sarah London, said, 'Our strong third quarter results demonstrate the positive momentum Centene is generating as we prepare for 2024. Marketplace growth, effective navigation of redeterminations year-to-date and successful execution against Value Creation initiatives together position us well to continue advancing our strategic priorities. We are increasing our full year 2023 adjusted diluted EPS guidance, reflecting year-over-year growth of more than 14%.' In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Centene shares were trading at $71.88, up 1.4 percent. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Corporate Strategies Merchant Bankers announced it is launching "Audit Safe."

Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Corporate Strategies Merchant Bankers, led by CEO Tim Connolly, announced it is launching "Audit Safe," an ERC payroll tax refund compliance review that may put employers at ease despite IRS announcements of accelerated ERC audits. The IRS has now ceased the processing of new ERC payroll tax refunds and has focused staff on auditing thousands of fraudulent or ineligible tax refunds.

Corporate Strategies to Launch "Audit Safe" ERC Payroll Tax Refund Compliance Review Program Designed to Protect Non-Client Employers From IRS ERC Audit Risk

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/184810_f30f7be0c43a9ae1_001full.jpg

Connolly remarked, "An independent review of any employer's ERC tax refund filing may identify documentation problems that can be corrected before any IRS audit, thus saving time, effort and money in the event of getting an audit call or letter from the IRS. We will confidentially interview any prospective client who has previously filed their ERC return elsewhere at no cost and will provide a firm Audit Safe review proposal within 24 hours of determining key ERC tax return info from the employer."

Corporate Strategies has IRS eligibility links and warnings on their website, along with ways of spotting potential scams. As a private funding and investments firm that has spent a lot of time understanding the CARES Act, Corporate Strategies aims to enhance its Audit Safe Review Program to assist non client ERC filers who may be severely affected by the process.

Corporate Strategies believes in employers being "Audit Ready and Audit Fearless." As the Audit Safe Review launches November 1, 2023, Tim Connolly and his team are prepared to serve anxious ERC payroll tax refund filers who wish to protect themselves from audit risk. More details on the ERC can be found on Corporate Strategies' official website.

About Corporate Strategies

Founded in 1984 by CEO Tim Connolly, Corporate Strategies has been a trusted, nonbank financial resource for 40 years, with a team that includes private banking experts, former tax auditors, tax attorneys, CPAs, and ex-IRS agents. They are fully adept with the intricacies of the CARES Act and have been assisting with the IRS's ERC payroll tax refund requirements since 2020. Their primary focus is on serving churches, schools, small businesses, and recovery startups, ensuring these groups get the specialized help they need.

Contact Info:

Name: Tim Connolly, CEO

Email: Action@CSBankers.com

Organization: Corporate Strategies LLC Merchant Bankers

Phone: 713.621.2737

Website: https://corporate-strategies.net/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184810
KET-IR (oral ketamine immediate-release formulation) was generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported following single ascending doses in healthy males and females

Pharmacokinetic properties were similar to those reported for other ketamine formulations

Results support potential to evaluate KET-IR efficacy in people with treatment-resistant depression and in other major mental health conditions

Phase 2 clinical trials of an abuse-deterrent oral IR formulation are planned for H1 2024

Neurocentrx, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral ketamine for the treatment of mood disorders and other indications, today announced positive topline results from its Phase 1 clinical study of KET-IR, its novel oral ketamine immediate-release (IR) formulation to treat major mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression.

KET-IR was generally well tolerated in healthy volunteers at all dose levels tested and no serious adverse events were reported following single doses. At several KET-IR dose levels, ketamine and ketamine metabolite blood concentrations were similar to those reported for intranasal esketamine, which is used to treat patients with treatment-resistant depression, and with intravenous ketamine.

Pharmacodynamic effects known to be associated with ketamine therapy, such as dissociation and mild sedation, were apparent at several doses. These effects resolved within hours following a KET-IR dose. Cognitive function tests revealed no significant changes across multiple objective measures of attentiveness, response time, or executive memory function during KET-IR dosing or participant follow-up (through 10 days following the final dose).

Professor Allan Young, Chair of Mood Disorders and Head of Academic Psychiatry at the Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology Neuroscience at King's College London, and study co-investigator, said: "The Phase 1 study has shown that KET-IR, Neurocentrx's oral ketamine immediate-release formulation, is suitable for additional clinical studies in treatment-resistant depression. These clinical results are very encouraging for studies in patients with other major mental health conditions, such as bipolar depression.

Neurocentrx's collaborators at King's College London will present the results of the trial at the International Society for Affective Disorders Conference on 14-16 December 2023 in Milan.

The Phase 1 trial was a first-in-human, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of single ascending doses of KET-IR in healthy males and females (EudraCT no 2019-001019-22). Neurocentrx sponsored the study in part via Innovator Award funding from the Wellcome Trust.

Neurocentrx has obtained MHRA guidance that KET-IR and an abuse-deterrent immediate-release formulation may be suitable for immediate Phase 3 pivotal efficacy studies. However, the company will next conduct Phase 2 studies in people with treatment-resistant depression, bipolar depression, and potentially other psychiatric disorders.

"We are encouraged by the results of our phase 1 study of KET-IR.", added Graeme Duncan, Head of Clinical Development at Neurocentrx. "Currently, we are working with regulators on a clear development pathway to achieve commercial-scale manufacturing and marketing approval of KET-IR and a new ketamine formulation to treat depression in line with the USA FDA abuse deterrence guidelines.

In the first half of 2024, Neurocentrx plans to initiate Phase 2 efficacy and safety studies of KET-IR and their abuse-deterrent oral immediate-release ketamine formulation (AD-KET-IR) in multiple mental health indications.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Summary of Preliminary KET-IR Phase 1 Study Results:

Single Ascending Dose (SAD) Study: In the SAD study, KET-IR was administered as an oral capsule at doses between 40 and 240 mg in 6 double-blind placebo-controlled cohorts enrolling a total of 18 healthy volunteers. Based on pre-specified dose escalation stopping criteria, a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not established.

In the SAD study, KET-IR was administered as an oral capsule at doses between 40 and 240 mg in 6 double-blind placebo-controlled cohorts enrolling a total of 18 healthy volunteers. Based on pre-specified dose escalation stopping criteria, a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not established. Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics:

KET-IR was generally well tolerated following dose escalation from 40mg to the final planned dose of 240 mg. Blood levels of ketamine and ketamine metabolites were similar to levels associated with therapeutic ketamine administration at several dose levels (Perez-Ruixo et al. 2020 and Singh et al. 2016).

All adverse events reported were mild or moderate in intensity and resolved within hours without study interruption or medical intervention. No serious adverse events were reported. Measures of clinical activity known to be associated with ketamine treatment were observed at several dose levels, including dissociation and mild sedation.

Several dose levels showed a pharmacokinetic profile suitable for continuous dosing regimens, with dose linearity across all levels tested. Furthermore, rapid drug exposure and clearance properties were consistent with those reported for immediate-release ketamine formulations (Perez-Ruixo et al. 2020 and Singh et al. 2016).

About Neurocentrx

Neurocentrx is an Edinburgh-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral ketamine for the treatment of major mental health conditions, including mood disorders. The Company aims to gain regulatory approval for the first prescription form of oral ketamine to treat depression and has developed a novel and proprietary abuse-deterrent ketamine oral formulation. Neurocentrx is a growth-phase company headquartered in the UK and is seeking corporate partners and investors to support future clinical development. For more information, please visit the website: www.neurocentrx.com.

About KET-IR and AD-KET-IR

KET-IR and AD-KET-IR are Neurocentrx's proprietary oral ketamine immediate-release formulations for the treatment of major mental health conditions. AD-KET-IR is an oral ketamine capsule formulation being developed under FDA guidance to limit the potential for misuse and diversion of controlled substances. Since launching operations in 2013, Neurocentrx continues to expand its patent and intellectual property estate portfolio covering novel compositions and methods for delivering oral ketamine therapy for patients and healthcare providers across diverse care and community settings.

About Wellcome

Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we're taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

About King's College London and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology Neuroscience

King's College London is amongst the top 35 universities in the world and top 10 in Europe (THE World University Rankings 2023), and one of England's oldest and most prestigious universities.

With an outstanding reputation for world-class teaching and cutting-edge research, King's maintained its sixth position for 'research power' in the UK (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

King's has more than 33,000 students (including more than 12,800 postgraduates) from some 150 countries worldwide, and some 8,500 staff. The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's is a leading centre for mental health and neuroscience research in Europe. It produces more highly cited outputs (top 1% citations) on psychiatry and mental health than any other centre (SciVal 2021), and on this metric has risen from 16th (2014) to 4th (2021) in the world for highly cited neuroscience outputs. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of research at the IoPPN was deemed 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' (3* and 4*). World-leading research from the IoPPN has made, and continues to make, an impact on how we understand, prevent and treat mental illness, neurological conditions, and other conditions that affect the brain.

www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn Follow @KingsIoPPN on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024434991/en/

Contacts:

For more information about Neurocentrx please contact:

Neurocentrx

Jeff Roix

Graeme Duncan

Email: contact@neurocentrx.com

Neurocentrx Instinctif Partners (Media)

Melanie Toyne-Sewell Giulia Lasagni Batoul Ali

Tel: 0207 457 2020

Email: neurocentrx@instinctif.com
This October 12th and 13th, 2023, the International Centers for Precision Oncology (ICPO) Foundation has successfully hosted its 3rd ICPO Forum for Theranostics in Precision Oncology physical on the Science Campus in Garching Munich. The Forum is a bi-annual tradition for the German foundation which is working to enable growing numbers of Cancer Patients worldwide to get access to highly effective diagnostics and treatments in Radiomolecular Precision Oncology.

At the occasion of its 3rd Forum, the ICPO Foundation has officially launched its ICPO Academy for Theranostics. The main objective of the Academy programme is to disseminate knowledge in Radiomolecular Precision Oncology in order to improve the outcome of a patient treated with radiopharmaceutical therapies, and consequently to ensure sustainable patient access at a global scale.

This was a perfect time for the ICPO Foundation to acknowledge the Public Private Partnership between the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) which made the successful Chinese pilot project of the Academy possible, allowing over 700 users to take part and 340 to obtain certifications. From the inception of the project, the two partners have played a key role in supporting world leading experts from the field to share knowledge and invest time and efforts in creating and contributing to the pilot unique curriculum and content.

The ICPO Academy for Theranostics offers a comprehensive online educational programme, developed by the ICPO Foundation and powered by its global Community of experts. It features over 50 hours of content taught by over 30 leaders and experts. The content is available in different languages. The primary audiences of the ICPO Academy for Theranostics are clinicians, researchers, physicists and radiochemists as well as nurses and technologists, who seek to integrate Radiomolecular Precision Oncology in patient care.

The curriculum by the ICPO Academy for Theranostics has been developed under the guidance of its President, Prof. Richard P. Baum, world leader and pioneer in Nuclear Medicine and Radiomolecular Precision Oncology, together with prominent Pillar Leaders, international experts in their respective field, namely Prof. Vikas Prasad, Prof. Thomas Beyer, Prof. Frank Rosch, Linda Gardner and Josh Mailman. Thanks to their extensive cumulated knowledge and experience as well as personal dedication, they have crafted an exclusive and comprehensive online educational programme that engages over 30 carefully selected Faculty to cover each of the teaching units.

An international certification issued by the ICPO Foundation validates the educational achievements of the participant. Additionally, the ICPO Academy for Theranostics is awaiting accreditation as continued medical education as well as will expand by adding new content developed with and endorsed by prestigious societies, institutions and organisations in the field of Nuclear Medicine globally.

As the ICPO Foundation aims at widening accessibility to education as well as its scalability worldwide, a matching plan is offered to members of the academic community. In practice those may apply for stipends sponsored by third party organisations active in their geography. In return these organizations would reinforce their collaborative and sustainable positioning in the given markets as well as would gain in visibility in terms of talent pool development and further education needs in the field of Radiomolecular Theranostics.

In summary, by officially launching the Academy for Theranostics, the ICPO Foundation is better positioned than ever to support its Community and to enable the global expansion of patient access in Precision Oncology!

All valuable information about the ICPO Academy for Theranostics can be found at www.theranostics.academy. Moreover, to make a donation or become a Member of the ICPO Foundation, as Friend, Supporter or Partner, please visit www.icpo.foundation.

About ICPO Foundation

The International Centers for Precision Oncology Foundation (ICPO) is a non-profit organization established in 2019 under German law by leading international medical practitioners and life sciences entrepreneurs. Recognizing a paradigm shift in cancer care from one size fits all to a personalized approach, the ICPO Foundation is helping to build momentum to scale global patient access to Radionuclide Molecularly Targeted Precision Oncology to support this shift. To scale patient access, the ICPO Foundation aims to develop an international network of physical diagnostic and therapeutic Centers for Precision Oncology organized in a Social Franchise model based on shared know-how, certified education, and design and process standardization that enables best clinical practice globally. Furthermore, it is the ICPO Foundation's objective to empower its Centers by embedding them in a highly inclusive Community that spearheads its model and lives up to the Precision Oncology promise, by making it available to all patients in need, irrespective of country or social status.

Recently the ICPO foundation has closed collaborations with renowned medical associations such as WARMTH (World Association of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Therapies) and is establishing the ICPO Academy for Theranostics as a globally available e-learning platform.

Learn more at:www.icpo.foundation and www.theranostics.academy

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024957722/en/

Contacts:

For any information about this press release, please contact info@icpo.foundation



Media Contact ICPO Foundation:

Odile Jaume

Email: odile.jaume@icpo.foundation

Phone: +49 611 341 486 30
NEUCHATEL, Switzerland, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aktiia SA, the world leader in cuffless blood pressure technology, is proud to announce its collaboration with the Genetic and phenotypic determinants of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors (GAPP) study investigators, Professors David Conen MD MPH at McMaster University and Lorenz Risch MD MPH at the Private University of Liechtenstein and the Dr. Risch Laboratory.

The GAPP study, a large prospective cohort study in the Principality of Liechtenstein composed of more than 2000 participants followed for > 1 decade to determine the genetic and phenotypic factors for blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, has chosen Aktiia's unique 24/7 Blood Pressure monitoring technology to play a key role in its ongoing research. This collaboration aims to unlock the links between longitudinal blood pressure patterns and genetic, biomarker, imaging, and healthcare data, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

Recognized as one of the foremost authorities in their respective fields, Professors David Conen at McMaster University and Lorenz Risch at the Private University of Liechtenstein and the Dr. Risch Laboratory have led the GAPP study since its launch in 2010 with a wealth of expertise and experience. Thanks to its highly qualified clinical site staff, the GAPP study has enabled to collect millions of data subjects and has already generated dozens of notable publications, contributing significantly to our understanding of blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.

As a pioneer in cuffless blood pressure monitoring, Aktiia is uniquely positioned to contribute valuable insights and data to the GAPP study, with little to no extra burden on the study participants. By leveraging their innovative technology, Aktiia has created a solution that captures an average of 27 blood pressure data points per day per participant, creating a novel blood pressure dataset and revolutionizing the way blood pressure is analyzed, understood, and optimized.

Including Aktiia's 24/7 technology in the GAPP study, the investigators aim to explore the additional value of continual blood pressure data associated with phenotyping determinants in the cardiovascular risk prediction, an exciting development that holds immense promise for the future of blood pressure research.

"We are honored to collaborate with Professors Conen and Risch and the GAPP study investigators," said Jay Shah, CMO of Aktiia. "Our collaboration represents a significant step forward in blood pressure research, and we are excited to contribute our expertise and technology to advance our understanding of health."

The long-term vision of this collaboration is to discover novel signals for blood pressure optimization. Drawing upon the extensive database of the GAPP study and Aktiia's innovative technology, the aim is to pave the way for more personalized, proactive, and patient-driven healthcare.

Aktiia's partnership with distinguished institutions and leading experts demonstrates the growing demand for the adoption of novel technologies in scientific exploration, and Aktiia continues to solidify its position as a trailblazer in the field of blood pressure technology.

Aktiia and the GAPP study investigators eagerly anticipate the discoveries and insights that will emerge from the collaboration. By combining cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise, this partnership will pave the way for a wholly different way to understand and optimize blood pressure.

About Aktiia SA:

Aktiia is a Swiss company specializing in cuffless blood pressure monitoring technology. Aktiia offers a clinically validated solution for continuous blood pressure measurement. Founded in 2018, Aktiia aims to revolutionize the way blood pressure is understood, making it more accessible, accurate, and convenient for individuals around the world.

For more information about Aktiia and its innovative technology, please visit www.aktiia.co

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Driving profitable sales through data and AI-powered retail media technology

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flywheel, a trailblazing force in digital commerce since 2014, today announces the integration of 11 unique Ascential Digital Commerce brands to form a single, global brand.



Now unified as a singular, greater global entity, Flywheel emerges more influential than ever, promising brands access to unparalleled, sustainable growth in the world's largest, most complex digital marketplaces.

Highlights of Flywheel's reinvention include:

One powerful business: Flywheel now incorporates the unique capabilities of 11 brands previously under the Ascential Digital Commerce umbrella.

Enhanced offerings: Comprehensive services now range from media and retail, managed and self-service to consulting and retail insights.

Industry recognition: Flywheel's client list boasts over half of 2022's top 100 publicly listed CPG companies by revenue, according to Consumer Goods Technology.



Flywheel's repositioning is not just a brand transformation but a commitment to evolving with the fast-paced digital commerce landscape. The company's dedication is evident in its leading technology and expertise, helping to manage tens of billions in product sales and billions in advertising spend annually.

Duncan Painter, Chief Executive of Flywheel, states, "The retail world is fiendishly complex and ever changing. But the goal of each brand remains the same - to use all the available data and the best technology to drive sales and scale profitably. Whichever brands have access to this and the best expertise for how to take action, will win. Today we enter a new chapter. With our unique capabilities and expertise, close marketplace partnerships, and unrivaled data sets, the new Flywheel empowers brands to not just adapt but thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape."

Whether one of the world's largest consumer product companies or a fast-growing brand, Flywheel scales to meet each client's needs. Solutions can be tailored from pure self-service software, to outsourced digital commerce management with dedicated experts as an extension of a client's team, and everything in between.

Benefits of partnering with the new Flywheel include:

Efficiency: AI-powered ad optimization ensures maximum reach and conversion.

Insight: Advanced analytics and machine learning provide clarity on market trends, aiding better growth investment decisions.

Simplification: Automation and bespoke consulting help brands navigate the intricate media landscape seamlessly.



To discover more about Flywheel's revolution in retail media technology visit the new www.flywheeldigital.com or view the Flywheel brand launch video .



About Flywheel

Flywheel operates a leading cloud-based digital commerce platform across the world's major digital marketplaces. It enables our clients to access near real-time performance measurement and improve sales, share, and profit.

Through our expertise, scale, global reach, and highly sophisticated AI and data-powered solutions, we provide differentiated value for both the world's largest consumer product companies and fast-growing brands. These solutions can be tailored from pure self service software, to outsourced management of digital commerce marketplace operations, and everything in between.

With operations across the Americas, Europe, APAC, and China we offer our clients access to massive, global markets and have solutions for more than 400 digital marketplaces.

Flywheel Digital is a division of Ascential plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange).

Contact details

For media enquiries please contact: ralph.charlton@flywheeldigital.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c6795d3-6ba0-4e8d-a58b-216ec23b8340
In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

NORWALK (dpa-AFX) - While reporting financial results for the third quarter on Tuesday, workplace technology company Xerox Holdings Corp. (XRX) said it expects revenues for the full-year 2023 to be flat to down low-single-digits in constant currency. On average, three analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect a revenue decline of 1.4 percent to $7.01 billion for the year. The company also announced reinvention to drive sustainable profit improvement and revenue growth. It expects to deliver improvement in adjusted operating income of at least $300 million by 2026. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its 100% owned Colombian subsidiary Exploraciones Northern Colombia SAS ("ENC"), has entered into two formalization-based agreements with producing gold mines in the Antioquia and Caldas Departments of Colombia.

The Aleman Option and Royalty Agreement

ENC has executed an Option and Royalty Agreement (the "Aleman Agreement") with respect to the "El Aleman" gold mining concession contract (the "Aleman Concession Contract") owned by individual titleholders (the "Titleholders") and located in Colombia's Antoquia Department. The Aleman Agreement replaces a Binding Heads of Agreement which was entered into between the Company and the Titleholders in December of 2021 (see Press Release December 14, 2021).

The property underlying the Aleman Concession Contract is located immediately adjacent to the Company's Guintar copper and gold porphyry project where the Company has intersected significant porphyry-style mineralization including, GUI-DD-012, 303.7 meters at 0.8% copper equivalent1 (including 62.0 meters at 2.1 grams per tonne gold, 12.4 grams per tonne silver and 0.62% copper), GUI-DD-013, which returned 126.0 meters at 0.9% copper equivalent (1.2 grams per tonne gold equivalent), GUI-DD-020 which returned 118.0 meters at 0.8% copper equivalent and GUI-DD-021 which returned 181.0 meters at 0.9% copper equivalent (1.1 grams per tonne gold equivalent; see press releases December 14, 2021, April 28, 2022 and June 28, 2022). In 2022 the Company conducted exploratory drilling on the Aleman Concession Contract area and intersected encouraging results including ALM-DD-001, 80.5 meters at 1 gram per tonne gold, including 18 meters at 3 grams per tonne gold (see Press Release June 28, 2022).

Under the terms of the Option and Royalty Agreement, the Company can acquire 100% of the Aleman Concession Contract. Summary terms are as follows:

Royalty Commitment: The Titleholders shall pay a 3% Net Smelter Returns royalty to ENC which is payable quarterly for a period of 20-years (the current term of the company's Guintar concession contract) or until the Company exercises its Option to acquire an 80% interest in the Concession Contract

Option Agreement: At any point, Royal Road may exercise its option to acquire an 80% interest in the Concession Contract by making a one-time payment to the Titleholders of USD$2.25 million

Free Carry: Following such payment, the 20% interest retained by the Titleholders shall be free carried until a successful feasibility study is delivered in connection with or incorporating the Aleman concession contract, at which point this interest will be converted to a 2% net smelter returns royalty. The net smelter returns royalty may be purchased by Royal Road for a sum of USD$20 million

Further Terms: Traditional representations and warranties by the Titleholders including compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times, payment of all taxes, duties, and other government payments, maintenance of minimum investments required by law, and performance of all acts and all obligations under applicable law required to maintain the Aleman Concession Contract in good standing

The El Tambo Purchase and Sale Agreement

ENC has entered into an agreement (the "El Tambo Agreement") to sell 100% of its "El Tambo" mining concession contract (GDI-138) located in Cauca Department to Esplendor CH S.A.S ("Esplendor"), a Colombian gold mining company in exchange for a 2% Net Smelter Return royalty (NSR) payable over a 5-year term, and a cash consideration.

The El Tambo mining concession contract is located in Cauca Department and is approximately 4000 hectares in area. The concession contract was acquired through the Company's purchase of Northern Colombia Holdings Limited, an affiliate of AngloGold Ashanti Limited ("AGA"; see Press Release May 31, 2019). The area underlying the El Tambo mining concession contract contains gold mineralized quartz veins some of which continue along-strike and extend onto Esplendor's contiguous underground mining operation. Esplendor's mining operation is Fairmined Certified. This agreement is expected to significantly boost production from extensions to Esplendor's vein bodies which continue directly from active underground workings onto the El Tambo concession contract area.

Summary deal terms are as follows:

Cash Consideration: Esplendor will make five cash payments totaling COP$700M (approximately USD$177,000) to ENC in exchange for the transfer of the El Tambo mining concession contract with payments linked to progress throughout the regulatory stages of title transfer

Royalty Commitment: Esplendor shall pay a 2% NSR to ENC on a quarterly basis and for a period of five years from the commencement of commercial production from within the El Tambo concession contract area

Further Terms: Esplendor shall be bound to the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement entered into between the Company and AGA

"These agreements reflect our ongoing commitment to the formalization of informal mining operations in Colombia and illustrate our intention of assuring our Colombian interests are responsibly self-sustaining," said Tim Coughlin, Royal Road's President and CEO.

About Royal Road Minerals

Royal Road Minerals is a mineral exploration and development company with its head office and technical-operations center located in Jersey, Channel Islands. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker RYR and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker RLU. The Company's mission is to apply expert skills and innovative technologies to the process of discovering and developing copper and gold deposits of a scale large enough to benefit future generations and modern enough to ensure minimum impact on the environment and no net loss of biodiversity. The Company currently explores in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Morocco and Colombia. More information can be found on the Company's website www.royalroadminerals.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The information in this news release was compiled, reviewed and verified by Dr. Tim Coughlin, BSc (Geology), MSc (Exploration and Mining), PhD (Structural Geology), FAusIMM, President and CEO of Royal Road Minerals Ltd and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Royal Road Minerals employees are instructed to follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. More information can be found on Royal Road Minerals web site at www.royalroadminerals.com.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control:

Sample preparation and analyses are conducted according to standard industry procedures. Drill core and saw-cut channel samples are crushed, split and pulverized prior to analysis of Gold by fire assay and Atomic Absorption and multi-elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS after four acid digestion. Soil samples are sieved to -200 mesh and analyzed for Gold by fire assay and ICP AES and multi-elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS after aqua regia digestion. Analytical performance is monitored by means of certified reference materials (CRMs), coarse blanks, coarse and pulp duplicate samples. Surface samples have been prepared in ALS Chemex preparation lab in Colombia and analyses have been completed in ALS Chemex Lima.

Cautionary statement:

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in the mineral resources industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-Looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to the Company's exploration plans.

The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-Looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change.

For further information please contact:

Tim Coughlin

Phone: +44 (0)1534 887166

tim.coughlin@royalroadminerals.com

1 Copper and gold equivalent calculations assume Gold $1985/ounce, Copper $3.58/lb and Silver $23.0/ounce and 90% metallurgical recoveries.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185058
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Kraken Energy Corp. (CSE: UUSA) (OTCQB: UUSAF) (the "Company" or "Kraken") is pleased to report that the Company has received permits to drill our 100%-owned, past-producing flagship Apex Uranium Property ("Apex" or the "Property") located in central Nevada.

On August 28th, 2023, Kraken reported a significant expansion of the Apex Property on Nevada Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") ground that covers the potential northwest extension of uranium mineralization from the historic Apex Uranium Mine. On October 17th, 2023, the Company reported on the identification of multiple high priority drill targets comprising coincident geophysical and radon anomalies along a 2.0 km trend northwest of the Apex Mine and within the newly expanded BLM ground.

Kraken has received approval from the Nevada BLM to drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads and expects to commence drilling before the end of 2023. This inaugural drill program will test high priority targets immediately northwest and along trend of the historic Apex Uranium Mine in central Nevada.

Highlights:

Priority drill targets over strong radon anomalies coincide with geophysical signatures outlining the mineralized contact at the historic Apex Uranium Mine.

The BLM has approved permit to drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads with an objective to commence drilling before the end of 2023.

Interpretation of the recently flown VTEM and UAV magnetic surveys shows a geophysical signature associated with uranium mineralization at the Apex Mine that appears to be offset to the north where it continues trending northwest. This geophysical signature coincides with strong and consistent, recently identified radon anomalies.

Over 2 km of new high priority target potential has been identified on the recently staked BLM ground that follows the northwest mineralized trend from the Apex Mine.

Newly defined and previously undrilled target area with projected target depths ranging from 50 m to 200 m (164 ft to 656 ft).





Figure 1 : Apex Property Showing Extent of Mineralized Trend Over ~17.5 km

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8684/184985_776a966134ad4959_001full.jpg

"The emergence of this 2 km long, high priority target area along trend of the historic Apex Uranium Mine is very exciting for the Kraken team. With an approved drill permit now in hand and the environmental bond paid, we are ready to commence our maiden drill program at the Apex Uranium Property," Matthew Schwab, CEO of Kraken Energy, stated. "As our understanding of the property has continued to develop, the multi-layered anomalies from radon and geophysical surveys (electromagnetic and magnetic) combined with our ground truthed geological model presents excellent discovery potential for the upcoming drill program at our flagship uranium property in Nevada."





Figure 2 : Target Areas at Apex Uranium Property for Maiden Drilling Program

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8684/184985_776a966134ad4959_002full.jpg

About the Apex Property:

The Apex Uranium Mine was Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine which produced ~106,000 pounds of U3O8 in the 1950s at an average mining grade of ~0.25% U3O8. Historic drilling results include results of up to 3.1 m (10 ft) at 1.33% U3O8, 34.1 m (112 ft) at 0.37% U3O8 and 15.2 m (50 ft) at 0.51% U3O8.

References:

1 Uranium Deposits of the World USA and Latin America, by Franz J. Dahlkamp (1965, pg 291).

2 Nevada Bureau Mines File 60000269, Report on Mines of Apex Minerals Corporation 1957, by Harry H. Hughes, Mining Geologist.

3 EPRI Report EA-498 "Uranium Price Formation" (1977, pg 2-19).

4 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900096, Transverse Section Through Drilled Orebody, Apex Minerals Corp 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

5 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900084, Plan map of underground workings, sampling, and drill holes at the Apex mine 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

Technical Information:

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Matthew Schwab, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company, and Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Chairman of the Company. Each of Mr. Schwab and Mr. Ainsworth is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. Kraken has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Kraken considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

About Kraken Energy Corp.:

Kraken Energy Corp. is a new energy company advancing its portfolio of high-grade uranium properties in the Unites States. The Company is advancing its 100%-owned Apex Uranium Property, located 280 km (174 miles) east from Reno, Nevada which is recognized as Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine. The Company has additionally entered into an option agreement to earn 100% of the Garfield Hills Uranium Property. The past-producing Garfield Hills Uranium Property covers 1,238 ha (3,060 acres) and is located 19 km (12 miles) east of Hawthorne in Mineral County, Nevada. Kraken Energy has also recently staked the Huber Hills Uranium Property, located 136 km (85 miles) north of Elko, Nevada which covers 1,044 ha (2,580 acres) and encompasses the historic Race Track open pit mine. The Company has recently entered into an option agreement to earn 75% of the Harts Point Uranium Property. The Harts Point Uranium Property covers 2,622 ha (6,480 acres) and is located 49 km (30 miles) northwest of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah.

For more information about the Company, please visit; www.krakenenergycorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Kraken Energy Corp.:

Matthew Schwab

President & Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Office:

Suite 907 - 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6E 2Y3

T: (604) 628-2669

For investor relations inquiries, contact:

Kin Communications Inc.

T: (604) 684-6730

E: uusa@kincommunications.com

This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include our plans for exploration at the properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include changing costs for mining and processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; the availability of labour, equipment and markets for the products produced; and despite the current expected viability of the project, conditions changing such that the minerals on our property cannot be economically mined, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mine can be obtained. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184985
Press Release

Eviden launches Generative AI Acceleration Program to help organizations leverage full potential of this new technology

Paris, France - October 24, 2023 -Eviden, the Atos Groupbusiness leading in digital, cloud, big data and security, today announces its new Generative AI Acceleration Program to help businesses and organizations exploit, scale and leverage the power of Gen AI with complete trust.

Accelerating the Business Journey to Gen AI

With a unique positioning in Europe that spans the entire AI spectrum, from supercomputers (#1 in Europe and #3 worldwide1) to hybrid cloud and edge, Eviden has an unmatched depth of expertise and experience that brings together services, software and hardware.

Strengthened by 8,000 data and AI experts, the Generative AI Acceleration Program, part of Eviden's global AI offering,? will enable organizations to leverage Eviden's end-to-end mastery of the AI value chain, including applications, data orchestration, model factory, infrastructure, and trust layers in one a tailor-made solution. The program is built on multiple Gen AI projects already conducted with numerous organizations across all verticals, and leverages Eviden's Gen AI R&D experience with leading research consortiums worldwide.

Transforming the Generative AI possibility into reality

Consultative-driven, the acceleration program can support businesses across the full design-build-run process, covering everything from strategic workshops? for use case prioritization and roadmapping, to guidance for secure architectural designs, and scalable deployment in production and operations.

The program will notably provide customers with a modular set of Accelerators, each being a pre-integrated solution blueprint, delivered through a combination of consultancy, GenAI tools, software and hardware. These are the following:

Industry Accelerators provide a library of pre-packaged proven use cases and templates for fast time to value. Users can harvest the advantages of Gen AI assisted support, client profiling, knowledge management and customer campaign management.

provide a library of pre-packaged proven use cases and templates for fast time to value. Users can harvest the advantages of Gen AI assisted support, client profiling, knowledge management and customer campaign management. Builder Accelerators provide advanced development and MLOPs (Machine Learning Operations) solutions to embed Gen AI into an organization's specific products and processes. Businesses can reap the gains of automated code generation, test script creation, precise model refinement, and ensure LLM (Large Language Model) transparency and ethical use.

provide advanced development and MLOPs (Machine Learning Operations) solutions to embed Gen AI into an organization's specific products and processes. Businesses can reap the gains of automated code generation, test script creation, precise model refinement, and ensure LLM (Large Language Model) transparency and ethical use. Model Accelerators provide trusted advisory and developments on hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, Google) and major data platforms (Databricks, SnowFlake,), with over 19,500 hybrid cloud practitioners. Users can industrialize and scale their Gen AI applications into robust enterprise-class solutions through finely tuned and tailor-made Gen AI models.

provide trusted advisory and developments on hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, Google) and major data platforms (Databricks, SnowFlake,), with over 19,500 hybrid cloud practitioners. Users can industrialize and scale their Gen AI applications into robust enterprise-class solutions through finely tuned and tailor-made Gen AI models. Performance Accelerators provide low-latency, dedicated infrastructures when needed, on premise or as-a-service, from AI supercomputers to inference servers at the edge. Businesses can harness Eviden's pioneering expertise in high-performance AI computing to elevate their performance.

provide low-latency, dedicated infrastructures when needed, on premise or as-a-service, from AI supercomputers to inference servers at the edge. Businesses can harness Eviden's pioneering expertise in high-performance AI computing to elevate their performance. Security Accelerators provide end-end-end security consulting, integration and operation, leveraging notably Eviden AIsaac Cyber Mesh (https://page.eviden.com/aisaac-cyber-mesh.html) managed security solution, which is powered by Gen AI. Users can benefit from Eviden's expertise in cybersecurity and managed security services.





STRONG ECOSYSTEM

The program is reinforced by strong partnerships with hyperscalers, AI ISVs (Independent Software Vendors), and high-performance processing providers such as Nvidia, Intel and Graphcore, so that businesses can easily and readily benefit from these third-party solutions and services in their tailor-made Gen AI Accelerator program.

"For all businesses today, the question is no longer about at which point Generative AI will be transformative. It is about how to move from the hype to reality before competitors do" said Wim Los, Chief Customer Officer,Eviden, Atos Group. "By bringing a cutting-edge alliance of solutions, we want to help organizations build their future, and design and run the Generative AI powered organizations of tomorrow. Our goal is to be their trusted partner, delivering actionable and collaborative innovation that matters."

AVAILABILITY

Eviden's Generative AI Acceleration Program is available now for selected customers and will be progressively deployed worldwide, with new offerings to be added over the coming months.

For more information: https://eviden.com/solutions/generative-ai/

***

Further information for journalists

Eviden is already recognized as a top player in Conversational AI?, Computer Vision?, Data Science?, Edge Intelligence?, Autonomous Systems?, Text Mining & NLP (Natural Language Processing), with hundreds of pre-built models to facilitate innovation at speed.

Recognized as a Leader in 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data & Analytic Services (https://atos.net/en/2022/awards_2022_02_21/atos-positioned-as-a-leader-in-2022-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-data-analytic-services#:~:text=Search%20Search-,Atos%20positioned%20as%20a%20Leader%20in%202022%20Gartner%C2%AE,%E2%84%A2%20for%20Data%20%26%20Analytic%20Services&text=Atos%20today%20announces%20that%20it,and%20its%20completeness%20of%20vision.), February 2022.

Recognized as the global leader in Edge AI in iSG's Provider Lens 'Internet of Things - Solutions & Services' 2021 (https://atos.net/en/2021/news_2021_09_08/atos-recognized-as-the-global-leader-in-edge-ai-in-isgs-provider-lens-internet-of-things-solutions-services-2021-quadrant-report) Quadrant'; and also in 2022

Pioneer in Computer Vision, building on the acquisition of Ipsotek (https://atos.net/en/2021/press-release_2021_06_01/atos-completes-acquisition-of-ipsotek) in 2021, now with 200+ data scientists and 700+ projects delivered in 36 countries





About Eviden2

Evidenis a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 55,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c.  5 billion.

About Atos

Atosis a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of c.  11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atosis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact

Laura Fau - laura.fau@atos.net- +33 (0) 6 73 64 04 18

1 Segment >10m USD. Hyperion, May 2022.

2 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: Alia Consulting, AppCentrica, ATHEA, Atos Syntel, Bull, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, digital.security, Eagle Creek, EcoAct, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, IDnomic, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Miner & Kasch, Motiv, Nimbix, Processia, Profit4SF, science+computing, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion, zData

Eviden is a registered trademark.  Eviden SAS, 2023.

Attachment
Garching / Munich, Germany, October 24, 2023 - ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE, a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, today reported on its participation at the 3rd International Centers for Precision Oncology (ICPO) Forum for Theranostics in Precision Oncology which took place in Garching near Munich, Germany, from October 12-13, 2023. The company also announced support for the ICPO's newly established Academy for Theranostics, which was unveiled as part of the event.



The hosting organization, ICPO is an independent German foundation working on progressing access to Radiomolecular Precision Oncology (RPO) diagnostics and treatments for cancer patients globally. Over 200 international participants were in attendance from fields including oncology, nuclear medicine, and patient advocacy. The event took place in the Science Congress Center Munich, a location neighboring ITM's headquarters and production facilities for n.c.a. Lutetium-177.

ITM participated in the Forum to share key insights for production and supply measures as a leading expert in Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT). Company representatives also presented the esteemed Maurits W. Geerlings Next Generation Award and contributed to the launch of the ICPO Academy for Theranostics.

Dr. Michael Siegl, Product Manager at ITM, presented the company's strategy for meeting future demand through capacity expansion during a "Production and Delivery: Radiomolecular Theranostics at the Cross-roads" speaker session. Dr. Siegl reviewed how ITM applies its expertise as the world's largest manufacturer of the highly coveted n.c.a. Lutetium-177 to ensure it is prepared to address future demand for Actinium-225 as alpha-emitting isotopes become increasingly important.

As part of the conference, Richard Henkelmann, Managing Director of ITM's subsidiary ITM Medical Isotopes, had the honor of presenting the 2nd Maurits W. Geerlings Next Generation Award for outstanding research and contributions in Actinium-225 radiopharmaceuticals to Dr. Sanjana Ballal, Research Associate-Medical Physicist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India, and Dr. Mariza Vorster, Head of the Clinical Department and Associate Professor at the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in South Africa. Dr. Geerlings, co-founder and the first Chairman of ITM, was a pioneer in the field of theranostics and launched ITM together with co-founders, Mr. Henkelmann and Mr. Oliver Buck to develop innovative radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

ITM also announced its support for the ICPO Academy for Theranostics , which was unveiled at the event. With over 30 contributing experts, this training platform offers approximately 50 hours of video-based e-learning education to physicians, medical physicists, radiochemists and nurses interested in applying radiotheranostics to their clinical practice. The program, comprised of three workstreams, culminates with participants passing all training modules and being awarded an international RPO certificate. As part of a two months pilot phase involving over 700 participants from 300 hospitals, the first 340 certificates were granted to participants who had successfully completed the first level of the course, thereby earning an international certificate in the fundamental theoretical training of RPT in precision oncology.

As part of a public private partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ GmbH), ITM has been significantly supporting and thus enabling the development of the pilot phase. The company has furthermore pledged to bolster the program with 100-150 stipends per year to provide participants with full access to the online educational program in order to obtain the final certificate. Additionally, ITM will assist the ICPO in expanding the availability of the training program to various geographies including India as a next step in its continued development of the program.

"We highly value the opportunity to participate in the ICPO forum with other experts in the field and are honored to support the launch and growth of the ICPO Academy for Theranostics. The number of promising new diagnostics and therapeutics being developed in nuclear medicine is on the rise. Educational programs like the Academy will ensure that highly trained experts are able to apply these methods to provide patients around the world with improved care and outcomes," commented Steffen Schuster, CEO of ITM.





About ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE

ITM, a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, is dedicated to providing a new generation of radiomolecular precision therapeutics and diagnostics for hard-to-treat tumors. We aim to meet the needs of cancer patients, clinicians and our partners through excellence in development, production and global supply. With improved patient benefit as the driving principle for all we do, ITM advances a broad precision oncology pipeline, including two phase III studies, combining the company's high-quality radioisotopes with a range of targeting molecules. By leveraging our nearly two decades of pioneering radiopharma expertise, central industry position and established global network, ITM strives to provide patients with more effective targeted treatment to improve clinical outcome and quality of life.

www.itm-radiopharma.com

ITM Contact

Corporate Communications

Svenja Gartner / Gerrit Siegers

Phone: +49 89 329 8986 1502

Email: communications@itm-radiopharma.com

Investor Relations

Ben Orzelek

Phone: +49 89 329 8986 1009

Email: investors @itm-radiopharma.com

Attachment
Q4 Inc. (TSX: QFOR), ("Q4" or the "Company"), the leading capital markets access platform, plans to release its third quarter 2023 financial results before the market opens on Monday, November 13, 2023. In conjunction with this release, the company will hold a video webcast led by Founder and CEO, Darrell Heaps, on the Q4 Virtual Events Platform at 9:30 a.m. ET on November 13, 2023.

Q3 2023 Earnings Release and Conference Call Details

Participants can register in advance or access the webcast live at: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/997022835. Supplemental materials will be available at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the event. A replay of the webcast will be available at investors.Q4inc.com shortly after the event concludes.

Investors can submit their questions in advance to ir@q4inc.com or via our IR website. We will do our best to respond to your questions either on the webcast, if time permits, or shortly thereafter. We appreciate your interest.

About Q4 Inc.

Q4 Inc. (TSX: QFOR) is the leading capital markets access platform that is transforming how issuers, investors, and the sell-side efficiently connect, communicate, and engage with each other.

The Q4 Platform facilitates interactions across the capital markets through IR website products, virtual events solutions, engagement analytics, investor relations CRM, shareholder and market analysis, surveillance, and ESG tools. The Q4 Platform is the only holistic capital markets access platform that digitally drives connections, analyzes impact, and targets the right engagement to help public companies work faster and smarter.

The company is a trusted partner to more than 2,600 public companies globally, including many of the most respected brands in the world, and maintains an award winning culture where team members grow and thrive.

Q4 is headquartered in Toronto, with offices in New York and London. Learn more at investors.Q4inc.com

Source: Q4 INC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024169437/en/

Contacts:

Investors:

Edward Miller

Director, Investor Relations

(437) 291-1554

ir@q4inc.com



Media:

Heather Noll

Manager, Corporate Communications

media@q4inc.com
CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From October 16 to 19, the 2023 IDF World Dairy Summit, themed "Boundless Potential, Endless Possibilities," took place in Chicago to facilitate the exchange of insights on the high-quality development of the dairy industry. Participants included representatives from dairy producers, experts, scholars, and delegates from industrial organizations worldwide.

Dr. Yun Zhanyou, newly elected IDF board member and Vice President of Yili Group, was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled "Innovation Leads to Boundless Possibilities" at the roundtable on "Dairy Processing Around the World: Today's Focus, Tomorrow's Vision", and participated in the guest roundtable discussion. Dr. Yun Zhanyou said:"Amid profound changes in the global macro environment, innovation is the only way to drive high-quality development in the dairy industry and meet the ever-growing standards demanded by consumers. Yili has always adhered to a consumer-centric approach, pooling global innovation resources to achieve world-class innovation, with the aim of creating more opportunities and exploring boundless possibilities for the global dairy industry."

During the summit, Yili held a breakfast meeting on "Industry Innovation and Outlook", where Piercristiano Brazzale, President of the IDF, Caroline Emond, Director General of the IDF, Dr. Yao Su, Chair of the IDF SCAMDM, Marcel de Vreeze, Committee Manager of the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute, Dr. Yun Zhanyou, Vice President of Yili Group, and Dr. Gerrit Smit, Managing Director of Yili Innovation Center Europe exchanged insights on a range of topics, including how innovation can help traditional dairy producers to achieve breakthrough, and how the dairy industry can contribute to a sustainable future.

IDF President Piercristiano Brazzale stressed the importance of innovation. "Innovation is all about introducing novel approaches to the design, production and marketing of goods and services to create positive change. It is the driving force that propels us forward and allows us to remain at the forefront of our field."

Yili presented a "dream team" of its flagship products such as liquid milk, milk powder, yoghurt, cheese, and ice cream, including those from Ausnutria Dairy, showcasing the world-class innovation capabilities and premium quality of the Chinese dairy industry. A number of innovative products by Yili's star brands AMBPOMIAL, SATINE and SHUHUA were brought to the event as representatives of the liquid milk segment - the Group's cornerstone business. Professor Kasper Hettinga from Wageningen University, a key research partner of Yili Innovation Center Europe, also visited the Yili booth and said, "I could already see from the very beginning, that we have joint interest in milk research and infant formula research. We are interested in better understanding milk. We always hope that for Yili, this knowledge is useful in developing new products. "

The 2023 World Dairy Summit presented a great opportunity for Yili to demonstrate its innovation outcomes and practices through exchanges and dialogues with the global dairy community, connecting China's dairy industry with the world.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/yili-group-attends-the-2023-world-dairy-summit-301965817.html
New partnership elevates Stoneridge Software's ERP payment systems and AR automation for customers

MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Versapay , the leader in Collaborative Accounts Receivable (AR), announced today that Stoneridge Software, a Microsoft Dynamics ERP Solutions Partner for Business Applications and Cloud Solution Provider, has been named a Versapay Premier Partner .

"We are thrilled to have Stoneridge Software as a part of our VersaPartner program," said Nancy Sansom , Versapay's Chief Commercial Officer. "We've had a longstanding relationship with Stoneridge Software, and firmly believe that they have one of the industry's best ERP and CRM integration platforms. We look forward to our continued collaboration and providing solutions that elevate Stoneridge Software's customer experience."

Renowned for their ERP and CRM integrations, Stoneridge Software excels in offering seamless upgrade paths for Dynamics AX, Dynamics NAV, Dynamics GP and Dynamics CRM. Now, as a Premier Partner, Stoneridge Software will have access to Versapay's world-class products, resources, and support for partners to drive digital payment adoption, transform accounts receivable teams, and provide more value to their customers.

"Stoneridge and Versapay have partnered to empower clients for nearly ten years," said Rich Studer , Stoneridge Software's Director of Sales. "Versapay's solution gives our clients the ability to process credit card payments seamlessly in their Dynamics 365 environments, streamlining payment processing from multiple steps to a single, efficient process. We are excited to continue to work together as part of this new Partner Program."

Versapay's VersaPartner program is composed of three partnership tiers including Associate, Plus, and the highest tier, Premier. In addition, the partnership means that Stoneridge Software recommends Versapay as an approved solution provider for ERP payments and AR automation.

For more information on Versapay and the Versapartner program, visit Versapay.com.

About?Versapay

Versapay is a collaborative accounts receivable (AR) company. The Versapay Collaborative AR Network empowers the genius of teams by bridging the gap between suppliers and buyers through a shared, digital experience. Owned by Great Hill Partners, Versapay's employee base spans U.S. and Canada with offices in Toronto, Atlanta and Miami. With 9,000+ clients and 1 million+ buyers engaged, Versapay handles 40+ million new invoices and drives $60+ billion in global payment volume annually. Join the conversation at twitter.com/Versapay and linkedin.com/company/versapay . To learn more about Versapay and its collaborative AR solutions please visit: versapay.com .

About Stoneridge Software

Stoneridge Software is a Microsoft Inner Circle Partner representing the entire suite of Dynamics 365 solutions, Power Platform and Modern Workplace, with focused verticals in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Distribution and Professional Services. In addition to implementing and supporting Microsoft Dynamics, Stoneridge is your full-service partner offering Microsoft license management, cloud consulting for

Microsoft Azure, security, identity, and access as well as organizational change management and training.

Versapay Media Contact:

Sarah Weaver

Caliber Corporate Advisers

versapay@calibercorporateadvisers.com

SOURCE: Versapay



View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795543/versapay-welcomes-stoneridge-software-as-a-premier-partner
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider and operator of the Cubeler Business Hub, today announced that it has signed a new agreement with the Industrial Bank Co. Ltd. ("CIB") to add payment processing, financing and other Cubeler Business Hub related services to their existing service agreement following a tighter integration of the Cubeler Business Hub's Gold River module to CIB's systems.

The original agreement between Tenet and CIB (https://www.cib.com.cn/en/), signed in April 2022, was primarily to allow Cubeler Business Hub members to open real world bank accounts at CIB that would be linked to their Cubeler Business Hub accounts. Tenet had been looking for a banking partner to offer its members real bank accounts contained within the Cubeler Business Hub that would be linked to their Gold River accounts. This was meant to be an alternative to the virtual bank accounts that had been made available to Cubeler Business Hub members through Tenet's partnership agreement China UnionPay subsidiary Rongbang Technology Ltd. ("Rongbang"). Tenet believes that the fact that the Rongbang agreement led to the Company becoming one of the most important B2B transaction processing contributing clients on the China UnionPay network in 2022, accounting for over 13.37 billion RMB (approximately CAD$2.0 billion) worth of transactions, was likely a contributing factor to a closer collaboration between the Company and CIB.

While Tenet's original agreement with CIB involved a certain level of system integration to allow the Cubeler Business Hub to share and send data to CIB's systems to allow for the opening of the bank accounts and to grant Tenet oversight of the bank accounts, the level of information flowing from CIB's systems back to the Cubeler Business Hub was very limited. The tighter system integration between the parties now allows for more information to flow in both directions, which in turn allows for the additional services to be provided.

"As China's 8th largest bank, CIB's potential to lend and extend credit brings a completely different element to the Cubeler Business Hub in China," commented Liang Qiu, CEO of Tenet's Chinese operations. "We have invested a great deal of energy in this relationship, particularly on the system integration work with the Hangzhou branch, without whose cooperation today's announcement would not have been possible. We have no doubt that our members will soon benefit from CIB's service offerings as we continue our efforts to bring lending partners, in both China and Canada, with greater lending capabilities to the Cubeler Business Hub to better serve our existing members and attract new ones," concluded Mr. Qiu.

About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries provide analytics and AI-based services to businesses and financial institutions through the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/.

For more information, please contact:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc.

Christina Boyd, Director, Investor Relations

416-428-9954

cboyd@tenetfintech.com

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

416-868-1079 ext.: 251

cathy@chfir.com

Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media:

Twitter: @Tenet_Fintech

Facebook: @Tenet

LinkedIn: Tenet

YouTube: Tenet Fintech

Forward-Looking information

Certain statements included in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" under Canadian securities law, including statements in respect to the future operations and investments of and in the Company and any statements based on management's assessment and assumptions and publicly available information with respect to the Company. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its plans and assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-Looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets", or other similar words. Forward-Looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics (ex.: COVID-19); legislative and/or regulatory developments; global financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with securities regulators in Canada, the United States or other jurisdictions. We refer potential investors to the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Company's MD&A. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other risks and uncertainties carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-Looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185054
Commerzbank AG - Pre-Stabilisation notice

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 24

The German State of North Rhine-Westphalia

EUR 1,000,000,000 5yr Notes

Pre-Stabilisation notice

24thOctober 2023

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

The German State of North Rhine-Westphalia

EUR 1,000,000,000 5yr Notes

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank AG (contact: [Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136-20) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (LAND NRW) Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 1 billion Description: 5yr senior, unsecured Notes Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Fixed coupon, maturity 31 Oct 2028, denoms 1k/1k, payment date 31 Oct 2023 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG Danske Bank Goldman Sachs Bank Europe HSBC UniCredit Stabilisation period expected to start on: October 24, 2023 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Duesseldorf regulated market

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Alexion Pharma Canada Corp. (AZN), AstraZeneca's Rare Disease group, Tuesday said it has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for Ultomiris for the treatment of adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and to treat adult and pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). The LOI with the pCPA enables individual provinces and territories to list Ultomiris on their formularies. PNH is a progressive blood disorder characterized by red blood cell destruction within blood vessels resulting in thrombosis. atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a disease that causes blood clots in small blood vessels. Ultomiris is approved in the US, EU and Japan for the treatment of certain adults with generalised myasthenia gravis, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), for certain children with PNH in the US and EU, and for certain adults and children with atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Further, Ultomiris is approved in the EU and Japan for the treatment of certain adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Through a $6.5M grant, Mastercard will support the expansion of data science education and research efforts across the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Originally published by Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Data Science Initiative announces the launch of a new partnership with Mastercard at 12:00 PM on October 18th at the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library. The event will detail the innovative partnership which is supported by a $6.5 million grant from Mastercard to drive the expansion of data science across the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

"The AUC Data Science Initiative has had great success engaging AUC students and faculty resulting in significant national impacts, primarily increasing the presence and employment of Black data scientists in the workforce," said David Thomas, Ph.D., chair of the Atlanta University Center Consortium Board of Trustees and Morehouse College president. "This partnership with Mastercard will amplify these efforts by providing a resource to all HBCUs creating pathways of innovation in data science."

"As technology advancements in the field of data science impact both our local and global economic foundation, we need to ensure we are enabling the future workforce with pathways in data science knowledge that prioritize equitable access to opportunity for all," said Salah Goss, senior vice president for social impact for the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

The partnership seeks to develop new or reframed courses created across HBCUs guided by industry needs. New computer science faculty will be hired at an AUC institution and will work across HBCUs to strengthen data-specific curriculum and programming. This partnership will expand successful AUC Data Science Initiative programs.

Dr. Talitha Washington, Ph.D., Director of the AUC Data Science Initiative, will lead collaboration with other HBCUs to create new innovations in curricula and research. "There is a growing workforce need for data scientists and other professionals who possess data science skills," said Washington. "Data science impacts everything that we do, and we need all talent at all HBCUs to drive innovations."

The $6.5 million investment builds on and is informed by Mastercard's previous work with HBCUs leveraging Mastercard's unique expertise to create industry-informed programs to increase student placement in the workforce.

Learn more about the AUC Data Science Initiative: https://datascience.aucenter.edu and to attend the Oct 18th Mastercard partnership event: https://tinyurl.com/MastercardDSI



View the original content here.

Image courtesy of Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard-center-inclusive-growth

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795911/the-auc-data-science-initiative-partners-with-mastercard-to-further-drive-impact-through-data-science
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to advise that Company Director Mr. Jack Perkowski, based in New Jersey USA, is appointed by the Company's board of directors as Chairman of the Board effective October 24, 2023.





Mr. Jack Perkowski

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Upon graduation from Yale and the Harvard Business School, Mr. Perkowski spent twenty years on Wall Street as Head of investment banking at Paine Webber, a major securities firm that was eventually acquired by UBS in 2000. In 1991, Mr. Perkowski moved to Hong Kong in order to focus on the development of Asia and China, and in 1994 founded Beijing based ASIMCO Technologies. From 1994 to 2008, Mr. Perkowski served as the Chairman of ASIMCO's Board of Directors and the company's Chief Executive Officer, building ASIMCO into one of the most important players in China's automotive components industry. Under Mr. Perkowski's leadership, ASIMCO gained a reputation for developing local management and integrating a broad-based China operation into the global economy. ASIMCO was later sold to a private equity firm in 2010 and is still regarded as one of the most successful automotive component manufacturing companies in China. Upon leaving ASIMCO, Mr Perkowski founded JFP Holdings, a merchant banking firm focused on China, where he now serves as Chairman.

GMG's CEO Craig Nicol stated, "I'm very excited to see Jack becoming Chair of the Board of Directors of the Company to support our progression into a commercial manufacturing operation. It is very clear North America is of strategic importance for GMG for capital markets, end product markets and also potential future operational projects - and so I very much look forward to working with Jack - being based in the USA - to support our transition into an Australian and North American commercial manufacturing operation. I also want to thank Guy Outen for his role as Chair of the Board of Directors for the past four years - including his work as Audit Committee Chair."

Jack Perkowski, GMG's Chair added, "I'm delighted to be appointed by my fellow Directors to Chair of the Board of the Company. I look forward to leading the board into the next phase of the company's development cycle into a commercial manufacturing operation - especially with focus on North American markets for capital and our products and the potential for Australian and North American operational projects. I also look forward to working with Craig in this endeavour and I thank Guy for his work to date as Chair of the Board for the past four years."

GMG's 4 critical business objectives remain to:

Produce Graphene and improve/scale the production process Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products Develop Next-Generation Battery Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability

About GMG

GMG is a clean-technology company which seeks to offer energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene, including that manufactured in-house via a proprietary production process.

GMG has developed a proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, with low cost inputs, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications. The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications.

In the energy savings segment, GMG has focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving paint), lubricants and fluids. In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminum-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries").

For further information, please contact:

Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223

Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications, info@fcir.ca , +1 647 689 6041

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the effective date on which Mr. Perkowski will become chair of the board of directors, and the contributions Mr. Perkowski will make to the Company in his capacity as a chair of the board of directors.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to the effective date on which Mr. Perkowski becomes the chair of the board of directors, and his contributions as a chair of the board of directors differing from management's current expectations.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the effective date on which Mr. Perkowski will become the chair of the board of directors, and the positive impact Mr. Perkowski will have on the Company's development in that role.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185067
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Northstar Gold Corp. (CSE: NSG) ("Northstar" or the "Company"), announces the Company has commenced diamond drilling at the historic Cam Copper Mine, a former high-grade copper producer on the Company's 100%-owned Miller Copper-Gold Property, situated 18 kilometres southeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. (Figure 1)

Northstar recently reported the Company has contracted Pelletier Drilling Ltd. of Chapais, Quebec, to conduct a 700 metre, Phase I diamond drill program targeting near-surface high-grade copper mineralization extensions at the Cam Copper Mine. Drilling has commenced and Phase I is expected to be completed by month's end.

Northstar's Phase I Cam Copper drill program is predicated on recent sampling results (Click here to see Northstar News Release dated July 5, 2023) and a new 3D mineralization model incorporating detailed historic mine sampling, drilling, development and production records. The Company's intention is to verify a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) paragenesis at Cam Copper Mine, discover new copper zones, replicate and expand upon historic Zone 1 drill hole intercepts that include 12.4% Cu over 2.4m (Hole No. 3), 7.0% Cu over 1.8m (Hole No.4) and Zone 2 intercepts including 23.1% Cu over 1.4m (Hole No. 4) and 9.6% Cu over 2.6m (Hole 2-1)3.

"Cam Copper Mine represents a unique and compelling high-grade copper exploration opportunity that dovetails with Ontario's Critical Minerals exploration focus," states Brian P. Fowler, President, Director and CEO of Northstar. "While gold exploration at the Miller Property continues to have significant upside and remains a focus of the Company, Northstar sees significant expansion upside at Cam Copper that can be more easily fast tracked. Phase I drilling is aimed to substantiate this."

Mineralized zones at Cam Copper have been defined by surface mapping and sampling, historic drilling, EM and I.P. surveys for 65 metres along strike to the southeast, representing at least 170 metres of down plunge depth extent; well below the 200' level of the historic mine workings. Additional EM and I.P. targets extend for up to 900 metres along strike to the southeast, lateral to the Round Lake Granite Batholith contact.

The Historic Cam Copper Mine

The Cam Copper Mine hosts at least two separate lenses (Zone 1 and Zone 2) of massive copper sulphides about 40 metres apart striking and plunging southeast along the contact with the Round Lake Granite Batholith (Figures 1 and 2). Laminated sulphides hosted in tuff with lower grade copper values are reported to occur on either side of the massive copper sulphide bands. The copper mineralization is focused along the steeply plunging intersection of northeast striking silicified tectonic breccias with southeast striking, vertically dipping bands of silicious sulphide facies iron formation within felsic and mafic tuffaceous units. The copper zones remain open down plunge to the southeast. The nearby former producing Amity and Patterson copper mines occur within the same geologic formation along strike to the northwest.

Figure 1. Cam Copper Mine Geology and Location Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Figure 2. Cam Copper Mine Surface Geology,

Underground Workings and Historic Drill Results

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6839/184986_58011f10449a6939_003full.jpg

Underground Development and Historic Copper Production

Underground development at Cam Copper Mine took place between 1929 and 1953 and includes a 220ft (66.7m) vertical shaft, 213ft (64.5m) of crosscuts and 267ft (80.9m) of drifts (Figure 3). Historic drill results and Northstar's recently reported surface sampling results (see Northstar News Release dated July 5, 2023) substantiate historic reporting of a 1955 shipment of 346 tons of hoisted underground ore which produced 43,411 lbs. of Cu1 at a Noranda smelter for a recovered grade of 6.3% Cu. The ore was shipped directly from the mine site to the smelter without requiring further concentration in a mill. A previous 1948 shipment of 22 tons of ore to Noranda reportedly graded 12.72% Cu, 0.84 oz/t Ag and 0.03 oz/t Au2, presumably from Zone 1.

Figure 3. Cam Copper Mine 3D Model, Mineralized Zones, Historic Diamond Drill Results

and Proposed Drilling



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6839/184986_58011f10449a6939_004full.jpg

Historic Drilling

Historic drilling intercepts in Zone 1 by Consolidated Golden Arrow Mines Ltd. at the Cam Copper Mine include3:

1.6% Cu over 6.6' (2.0m) in DDH 1

9.8% Cu over 4' (1.21m) in DDH 1A

12.4 % Cu over 7.8' (2.36m) in DDH 3

7.0% Cu over 6' (1.82m) in DDH 4

Average sampling grade reported in Zone 1 was 8.5% Cu over a true width of 4.4' (1.33m) indicated over 100' (30.3m) along strike.

Historic drilling intercepts by Consolidated Golden Arrow Mines Ltd. in Zone 2 include3:

10.5% Cu over 0.5' (0.15m) in DDH 2

19.9% Cu over 3.1' (0.94M) in DDH 3

23.1% Cu over 4.6' (1.39m) in DDH 4 ---> down plunge extension below workings

12.4% Cu over 3.3' (1.0m) in DDH 7 ---> down plunge extension below workings

Average sampling grade reported in Zone 2 was 10% Cu over a true width of 2.8' (0.85m) indicated over 140' (42.4m) along strike.

Bornite was reported to be common in Zone 2 with the bornite rich pods of massive sulphides remaining open down plunge to the southeast3.

1 Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Mineral Deposit Inventory Record MDI31M13NW000154: Tretheway-Ossian- 1981, Ch.H. Cameron-1981.

2Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Mines Assessment File KL-0259, Tretheway-Ossian (Cam Copper Mine). 1961

3 Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Mines Assessment File KL-0843, Prospectus of Fidelity Mining Investments Ltd. 1962

All scientific and technical information contained in this News Release has been prepared under the supervision of Brian P. Fowler, P.Geo. President, CEO and Director of Northstar Gold Corp, a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

About Northstar Gold Corp.

Northstar's primary exploration focus is the advancement of the Company's flagship, 100%-owned Miller Gold Property, situated 18 km southeast of Kirkland Lake and Agnico Eagle Mine's Macassa SMC gold mine. The Company's strategy is to develop either a minimum material (+1 million ounce) high-grade gold mineral resource to potentially supplement a nearby mining operation or a stand-alone mining operation at the Miller Gold Property.

Since going public by IPO in late 2020, Northstar has spent over $4.7 million in exploration at Miller, resulting in the discovery of a series of broad, near-surface, shallow dipping sheeted quartz-gold-telluride vein structures in the Allied Syenite (Allied Gold Zone, or AGZ) and Planet Syenites and numerous 70 - 750 gold gram/metre drill hole intercepts. Drilling to date at the AGZ has returned near-surface gold intercepts that include 6.6 g/t Au over 117.0 metres, 4.0 g/t Au over 50.6 metres, 1.4 g/t Au over 118.5 metres, and 1.2 g/t Au over 107.3 metres. Step out AGZ drilling in 2021 intersected peripheral steeply dipping copper-gold bearing structures (CG1 and CG2 Zones) returning intercepts that include 9.41 g/t Au, 1.03% Cu over 3.0m. The AGZ shares numerous compelling similarities to Agnico Eagle's nearby Upper Beaver Deposit, currently in the pre-development stage.

In April, 2022, as a precursor to a Mineral Resource Estimate and for reporting purposes, the Company commissioned Ronacher Mackenzie Geoscience and SRK Consulting (Canada) to conduct an Exploration Target Study of the Miller Property Allied Gold Zone and No. 1 Vein. An upper range exceeding 500,000 ounces of gold averaging 2.04 g/t Au has been referenced in this study. Results were reported July 26, 2022, (Click here to view Northstar News Release dated July 26, 2022) verifying the significance, size and gold grade potential of the Allied gold mineralizing system. Results provide the Company and investors a fact-based conceptual tonnage and gold grade range for the Allied Syenite Gold Zone, and basis for continued expansion drilling and mineral resource development.

In addition to drill testing extensions of the high-grade Cam Copper Mine this Fall, Northstar is positioning to conduct a Phase IIIA Allied Gold Zone lateral and depth expansion drill program on the Miller Gold Property.

Northstar has 3 additional 100%-owned exploration projects in northern Ontario, including the recently acquired 1,200 ha Rosegrove Property situated 0.5 km from the Miller Gold Property, the 4,650 ha Bryce Gold Property (includes the recently optioned Britcanna Lease), an intrusive-gold / PME VMS project located along the projected east extension of the Ridout Break, and the recently expanded Temagami-Milestone Cu-Ni-Co Critical Minerals Property located in Strathcona Township. Northstar is advancing all 3 properties to enhance monetization opportunities.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Brian P. Fowler, P.Geo.

President, CEO and Director

(604) 617-8191

bfowler@northstargoldcorp.com

Connect with us on Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, delays, and uncertainties not under the control of Northstar Goldcorp. which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Northstar Gold Corp to be materially different from the results, performance or expectation implied by these forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on factors that will or may occur in the future. Actual results may vary depending upon exploration activities, industry production, commodity demand and pricing, currency exchange rates, and, but not limited to, general economic factors.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184986
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - York Harbour Metals Inc. (TSXV: YORK) (OTCQB: YORKF) (FSE: 5DE0) ("York Harbour" or the "Company") is pleased to report that York Harbour's USA's ticker symbol "YORKF" has been upgraded to trade on the OTCQB Venture Markets.

It is anticipated that York Harbour's upgraded listing to the OTCQB will provide greater liquidity and a more seamless trading experience for our U.S. shareholders. With enhanced reporting requirements and greater transparency required with the OTCQB listing, the upgrade also provides exemptions from U.S. state securities laws or "blue sky" exemptions which may help to further increase liquidity and expand investment advisors' ability to research and recommend investment in York Harbour.

U.S. investors can find current financial disclosures and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for York Harbour Metals at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/YORKF/overview.

Furthermore, the Company is pleased to announce that it has obtained eligibility with the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") for its common shares now listed on the OTCQB. The DTC is a stock depository that facilitates and simplifies the electronic trading of securities in the United States.

York Harbour's common shares, listed on the OTCQB under YORKF, are now eligible for electronic clearing and settlement through DTC's automated processes. This electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, as well as accelerates the settlement process for some investors. DTC services also provide cost benefits for investors and brokers trading Canadian securities in the United States. With the shares now traded electronically, existing (and future) investors will benefit from greater liquidity over time and execution speeds, while new investors are far less restricted from participating in York Harbour's stock.

DTC, a subsidiary of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), is a member of the United States Federal Reserve System and a registered clearing agency with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About the Company

York Harbour Metals Inc. (TSXV: YORK) (OTCQB: YORKF) (FSE: 5DE0) is an exploration and development company with a focus on two high-grade projects in Newfoundland.

The York Harbour Copper-Zinc-Silver Project, located approximately 27 km from Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, where the Company intends to continue drill testing more than 11 known mineralized zones and explore additional volcanogenic massive sulphide targets.

The Bottom Brook Rare Earth Project, covering 15,150 hectares, is located next to the Trans-Canada Highway and is just 27 km from the deep-water port at Turf Point. York Harbour intends to actively identify diamond drill targets through property-wide prospecting, focused soil sampling, and geological mapping.

For further details on York Harbour Metals, please reach out to info@yorkharbourmetals.com or call +1-778-302-2257. You may also visit the Company's website at www.yorkharbourmetals.com for past news releases, media interviews and opinion-editorial pieces by management.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors,

Bruce Durham

CEO, President, and Director

Telephone: 778-302-2257 | Email: info@yorkharbourmetals.com

Website: www.yorkharbourmetals.com

1518 - 800 Pender Street W, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 2V6

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-Looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the prospects for the development of the Company's mineral properties, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185051
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Gama Explorations Inc. (CSE:GAMA)(FSE:N79)(OTCQB:GMMAF) ("Gama" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an additional discovery of nickel and copper mineralization that was encountered at the St. Catherines target, which is located in the south-west of the Company's 100%-owned, 625 km2 Tyee Nickel Copper Cobalt Project. The Tyee Project is located north of Havre-Saint-Pierre in Quebec.

Highlights:

Copper and nickel occurrences were found on 5 geophysical anomalies over a 4.5 km by 2 km wide area

Inter-cumulate sulphide textures were recognized in one sample and are indicative of primary magmatic sulphides in the mineral system covering the extent of the St. Catherines target

The cluster of geophysical anomalies, with nickel and copper confirmed at five targets, provides the discovery potential to plan a drill campaign

Rock samples of the occurrences were sent to Bureau Veritas for full element analyses including nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group elements, silver and gold

"Our exploration crew continues to find evidence of a substantial nickel and copper mineral system at the St. Catherines target on the Tyee Project," stated Dr. Jacob Verbaas, CEO of Gama. "The cluster of geophysical anomalies at the St. Catherines target, with the presence of nickel and copper confirmed at five occurrences, provides enough data and potential for Gama to drill test this target. The sulphide textures are consistent with primary magmatic sulphides. We look forward to receiving our assays from the rock sampling, and once received we will start outlining a drill program aimed towards vectoring towards the highest-grade portions of this new nickel-copper system. The SkyTEM survey data combined with the coming geochemical data should allow us to generate multiple exciting drill targets."

Figure 1. Grab sample 344465 showing intercumulate texture of pyrrhotite and/or pentlandite with chalcopyrite and silicate minerals.

St. Catherines

The St Catherines target consists of seven geophysical anomalies of which six were tested in the recent ground prospecting and sampling program. Five of the targets were confirmed to contain nickel and copper mineralization at surface, one target did not contain nickel and copper and the seventh target is yet untested. Situated less than 15km from the Romaine IV hydroelectric dam, the road to which is maintained by Hydro-Quebec, the St. Catherines target is one of the most favourable targets on the claim for its proximity to infrastructure.

Figure 2. The Detail Map indicates the location of the St. Catherinnes target depicted in figure 2.

Figure 3. Cluster of geophysical anomalies and samples confirmed to contain copper and nickel at the St Catherines target. Shown are new Ni-Cu occurrences over the SkyTEM EM HMZ Gate 20 response.

The targets occur on the south end of a large, layered magnetite - anorthosite intrusion that intruded as a late phase into the anorthosite complex. Mineralized rock samples range from anorthosite with blebs and disseminations of sulphides to inter-cumulate sulphides. The presence of inter-cumulate sulphides indicates the sulphides formed during a primary magmatic process which is a defining feature of magmatic nickel sulphides deposits[1].

The Company collected 22 samples at the St. Catherines target which are awaiting assay at Bureau Veritas laboratories. The samples will be analyzed for a full suite of elements including nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group elements, silver and gold.

HSP Region History

The HSP Complex is an intrusive suite of rocks to the north of Havre St. Pierre, Quebec. The complex contains the Lac Tio titanium mine owned by Rio Tinto, and exploration to date has been conducted for titanium. Nickel sulphide occurrences were initially discovered in the northernmost part of the HSP Complex in the nineties. These nickel sulphide occurrences were staked by Go Metals in 2019 and subjected to inaugural drilling in 2022. The Tyee nickel claims were staked in March of 2022 after a detailed geological, geophysical, and geochemical review of the HSP Complex.

Data Verification

Samples of all visited targets were collected, photographed and have been sent for assay.

Qualified Person

Ryan Versloot, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Gama Explorations Inc.

Gama is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:GAMA), the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE:N79), and OTCQB Exchange (OTCQB:GMMAF). The Company is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties containing metals used in green technologies and the renewable energy sector. The Company currently has the right to acquire 100% interest in the Muskox Lithium Pegmatite Project located within the Yellowknife Pegmatite Province in the Northwest Territories, and owns 100% of the Tyee Nickel-Copper Sulphide Project located in North-Eastern Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Dr. Jacob Verbaas, P.Geo. | CEO For further information please contact: Focus Communications

Tel: +1 647 689 6041

Email: info@fcir.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Readers should not rely on information in this summary for any purpose other than for gaining general knowledge of the Company. The words "expected", "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in any forward-looking statements, are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors should change.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

[1] The Company cautions investors that the Tyee Project is an exploration stage project and does not contain a mineral deposit, and a mineral deposit may never be found.

SOURCE: Gama Explorations Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795914/gama-discovers-additional-nickel-and-copper-mineralization-at-the-tyee-project-quebec


STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - In the next key step in Sweden's bid to join NATO, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has forwarded the Nordic nation's accession protocol to the Turkish parliament.



It was a much-awaited follow-up to an agreement signed between Erdogan, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in July.



As part of the deal, Erdogan had assured that he will work closely with Turkey's Grand National Assembly to ensure ratification of Sweden's NATO accession protocol.



Both Sweden and Turkey agreed to continue their counter-terrorism cooperation beyond Sweden's accession to NATO.



The two countries also agreed to step up economic cooperation, through the Turkey-Sweden Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).



The accession protocol must go through a parliamentary commission before being put to vote in the Grand National Assembly. Erdogan's ruling party and its allies have the majority to vote in favor of the accession protocol and ratify Sweden's bid to join the defense alliance.



The North Atlantic Council's approval of the applications for NATO membership requires ratification by the parliaments of all the countries of the 31-member bloc.



Hungary and Turkey remain the only NATO member states that have not yet ratified the instrument of ratification of Sweden's Accession Protocol.



Both Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership in May 2022, and the former became the 31st member of the western military alliance on 2023 April 4 through the fastest ratification process in its modern history.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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CCED to reduce its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 30% at Blocks 3 & 4 in transition towards zero gas flaring

MUSCAT, Oman, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CC Energy Development (CCED) has commenced execution of a flare Gas-to-Power project in the company's Blocks 3 & 4 (Afar & Ghunaim) Operations on the eastern coast of Oman to further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of zero gas flaring ambitions by 2027. In collaboration with Aggreko, a leading provider of industrial energy solutions, CCED will replace diesel with unutilized associated gas, a byproduct of crude oil production, to generate electricity to power its field production assets, such as facilities, wells, and camps. Through leveraging cutting-edge technology and converting flare gas into a more sustainable power source, CCED is committed to contributing to Oman's energy transition towards net-zero emissions and greener alternatives. This project is expected to result in a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Walter Simpson, Managing Director at CC Energy Development, said, "Our flare Gas-to-Power project positively impacts our operational efficiency while lowering our carbon and environmental footprint. We aim to lead by example as both sustainable practices and digital transformation continue to play a key role in the energy industry and beyond. This project will also support us in effectively managing waste resources, and, more importantly, its objectives are aligned with the Oman Vision 2040, of which carbon neutrality and combatting climate change are essential components." He added, "By leveraging the latest technologies and smart solutions from stakeholders such as Aggreko, we are driving our company towards a major transformation as we adopt more sustainable, and low-carbon practices."

Matt Parker, Managing Director at Aggreko AMEA, said, "Companies are placing a greater focus on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. We are a trusted partner in flare gas-to-power projects and CC Energy Development chose to use our power solution to convert flared gas into greener electricity. As a result, we believe this project will pave the way for reducing the quantity of flared gas, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and converting gas into a more sustainable power source."

Aggreko is an energy solutions partner providing customers with reliable, sustainable, affordable energy solutions. Thanks to a proven track record in flare gas -to-power projects, Aggreko is as a trusted partner of CCED. To reduce gas flaring and convert the flare gas into a more sustainable power source for CCED, Aggreko implemented a power solution using modern gas capture and conversion technologies. The company is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of two independent gas power plants within the larger operational framework of CCED's Blocks 3 and 4, utilising 33 MW of power at 33kV.

Meanwhile, CCED has a three-pronged approach to its environmental stewardship, and apart from greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the company also focuses on sustainable water and waste management. With this continued focus on sustainable practices, CCED is poised to cement further its position as a prominent player in the oil and gas industry, contributing to the nation's energy security, economic prosperity, and net-zero objectives. Within this context, the flare Gas-to-Power project represents a win-win situation for all stakeholders: It is better for the environment, cuts diesel consumption and the risks associated with its transportation and is cost-efficient.

About CCED

CC Energy Development S.A.L. (CCED) is a dynamic, independent international oil & gas operator with a growth mindset that thinks globally but acts locally. We are a diverse, ethical and responsible organisation that believes people are key to our success and we ensure we benefit the communities we work in. CCED has growth as a core mindset and its continuously developing its capabilities to increase its production while spearheading sustainable practices and digital transformation.

About Aggreko

Aggreko is a world-leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy solutions. Operating in a rapidly changing energy market, our priority is to support our customers through the energy transition by providing cost-effective and flexible answers to the simple or complex challenges our customers face.

Founded in Scotland in 1962, Aggreko has grown from a small local business to a global energy pioneer, employing more than 6,000 people. Headquartered in Glasgow, we have remained true to our roots, and have operations in 67 locations, ready to deliver energy solutions to every corner of the globe.

Aggreko creates bespoke solutions to provide all electricity, heating and cooling needs using the latest fuels and storage solutions. This is powered by our trademark passion, unrivaled international experience, and local knowledge.

We recognize our position as partners in the energy transition and are constantly evolving our products to provide better solutions no matter the sector.

For more information, please visit our local website at: www.aggreko.com

For more information please contact:



Ghania Al Hinai

Communications Manager

CCED

Tel: 22063060 or 95512733

Sudipta Dasgupta

Senior Media Relations Executive

TRACCS

Telephone: +968 24 649-099

Email: sudipta.dasgupta@traccs.net

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256105/CCED.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cc-energy-development-contributes-to-the-sustainable-transformation-of-omans-energy-sector-301965875.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) ("AJN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding Term Sheet with Mining Entreprise Katanga SARLU (MEK), which is a limited liability company with its registered office in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to acquire a 75% indirect interest in exploration permit PR 15623 located in the Manono Region, Tanganyika Province of the DRC.

Highlights

Agreement signed to earn 75% interest in PR 15623 thereby potentially extending strike of observed lithium-bearing pegmatites by a further 3.5km - potential strike of pegmatites now >10km at the Kabunda South Project

AJN has signed option agreements on a significant land package covering 110km 2 in the Manono and Kabunda areas - AJN has a dominant position in the Manono region

in the Manono and Kabunda areas - AJN has a dominant position in the Manono region Permits for drilling are expected in late October for both the Kabunda and Manono NE Projects

AJN has planned 1,000m - 1,500m of diamond drilling at Kabunda to test lithium mineralisation identified at surface in fresh pegmatites at depth

AJN has planned 5,000m - 7,000m of shallow RC drilling at Manono NE targeting lithium-bearing pegmatites under cover - Manono/Kitololo pegmatites were discovered through alluvial tin mining to deeper levels in thick overlying sediments

Figure 1: AJN Licences and the main Pegmatite Lithium Trends recognised in the Manono Region of Eastern DRC

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/185053_10ef3fbe04c799e1_001full.jpg

PR 15623 is contiguous with PR 15383 (Figures 1 and 2) in which AJN can also acquire a 75% indirect interest pursuant to a binding Term Sheet with MEK dated effective December 30, 2022, which the Company announced in its January 3, 2023 news release.

Initial indications are that lithium-bearing pegmatites identified on PR 15383 in the southern portion continue onto PR 15623 thereby extending the potential strike of pegmatites by a further 3.5km. Furthermore, many tin artisanal workings in alluvial gravels and pegmatite with spodumene were identified within the project area.

The Company will now conduct reconnaissance mapping and sampling programmes on the new licence to better understand the extent and width of pegmatites and associated spodumene and lithium mineralisation.

Figure 2: Permits PR 15623 and PR 15383 with Visible Spodumene Identified across both Licence Areas

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/185053_10ef3fbe04c799e1_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Photograph of Green Spodumene crystal (left) and mica-lithium (Zinnwaldite) (right) in Weathered Pegmatite

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/185053_ajnresourcesfig3.jpg

The Term Sheet provides for the acquisition by AJN of a 75% indirect interest in PR 15623 from MEK for a total consideration payable by AJN to MEK of US$130,000 in cash and the issuance of 5,000,000 common shares in the capital of AJN to MEK and/or its nominees upon satisfaction of certain conditions including the completion of technical, financial and legal due diligence by AJN and obtaining all necessary approvals in the DRC and by AJN.

Project Update

Kabunda Project

The Company has conducted reconnaissance mapping, pitting and sampling programmes on PR 15383. Pegmatites with spodumene were identified over the full 7km extent of the tenement and continue onto the newly acquired PR 15623 to the south. Two priority target areas where pegmatitic zones attain widths of up to 300m were identified in the northern and southern portions of the licence and will be prioritized for a maiden drilling campaign. Results from limited channel and grab samples confirmed presence of lithium as shown in Figure 2. These results are significant given the high mobility of lithium and the average abundance of lithium in granites of circa 30ppm Li.

Pitting and sampling programmes are ongoing in areas of limited or no outcrop where there is good potential to uncover additional potentially mineralized pegmatites.

Environmental studies and applications to commence work including drilling have been completed and submitted to the relevant State departments for approval. Approvals are expected before the end of October.

Once approved the Company will commence with a maiden drilling programme of 1,000 - 1,500m in both target areas on PR 15383.

Manono Northeast Project

The Manono Northeast project area (PR 15282 and PR 14537) has limited surface exposure and is underlain by thick soil and sand cover. A pitting programme across priority areas and adjacent to artisanal workings where tin is being recovered from sandy gravels was abandoned as the overburden was often more than 4m - 6m thick without reaching in situ material. The Company has therefore contracted an RC drill rig to conduct a cost effective, shallow RC drilling programme with holes drilled to a maximum depth of 50m to identify pegmatites and lithium mineralization within the sub-surface.

AJN management is confident that the programme will define the extension of the Manono pegmatites considering that the pegmatites were only discovered in the Kitotolo-Manono area once alluvial tin workings were mined down to substantially deeper levels. Furthermore, the combined licences cover 10km in an east-west direction which will effectively cover the potential continuation of the northeast trending Manono pegmatites.

Environmental studies and applications to commence work including drilling on both permits have been completed and submitted to the relevant State departments for approval. Approvals are expected before the end of October.

Once approved the Company will commence with a maiden drilling RC programme of 5,000m - 7,000m in both permits.

Figure 4: Potential Extension of Manono/Kitololo Pegmatites onto PRs 14537 and 15282

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/185053_10ef3fbe04c799e1_005full.jpg

QP Statement

Mr Stephen Alan Mawson is a consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and qualified geologist and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 400074/03) and a member of the Geological Society of South Africa. Mr Mawson is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About AJN Resources Inc.

AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 75 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

For further information, please contact Investor Relations:

Sheena Eckhof

Director, Investor Relations

sheena@eckhofconsulting.com

Visit us at www.ajnresources.com

Tel: +44 7496 291547

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Klaus Eckhof

CEO and President

klauseckhof@monaco.mc

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185053
SymphonyAI cloud architecture delivers end-to-end AI-based scalability, streamlined operations, and reduced maintenance

SymphonyAI, a leader in predictive and generative enterprise AI SaaS, today announced that REMA 1000 has migrated SymphonyAI store mobility, store operations, demand forecasting, and space planning and automation to SymphonyAI's hosted cloud-based platform. Using SymphonyAI integrated, intelligent AI-based solutions in the cloud provides REMA 1000 with greater scalability and agility as well as reduced maintenance effort and cost.

As a SymphonyAI customer since 2015, discount grocer REMA 1000 uses SymphonyAI solutions to streamline store operations, automate space planning and planogram processes, and improve demand forecasting accuracy to better engage shoppers while increasing efficiency and driving measurable business impact.

"As a result of the productive collaborative effort between SymphonyAI and REMA 1000, we seamlessly completed a successful transition from our previous hosting provider to SymphonyAI's one-stop-shop cloud hosting with end-to-end support," said Fredrik Almstrm, head of cloud for REMA 1000.

"We are pleased to evolve our collaboration with SymphonyAI to the next level of maturity with migration to cloud-based solutions," said REMA 1000 Chief Information Officer Vegard Strm. "With SymphonyAI end-to-end, data-driven SaaS capabilities, we can respond with more agility to fast-changing supplier, market, and shopper behaviors. The result is a win-win: a more customer-centric experience for our shoppers and more predictable business outcomes for REMA 1000."

"We greatly value our multiyear strategic relationship with REMA 1000, and we are excited to give them the full benefit of the efficiency, security, and scalability of our cloud-based solutions to run core retail operations," said Dusan Rnic, senior vice president for international in the SymphonyAI Retail CPG vertical. "We look forward to continuing mutual success with REMA 1000 in the years ahead."

About REMA 1000 and Reitan Retail

REMA 1000 is the discount grocery chain where the final sum on the receipt matters. It is one of Norway's best-known brands, with over 670 stores in Norway. Since 1979, REMA 1000 has worked to cut food prices and offer high-quality, responsibly produced and sold groceries at the lowest price. REMA 1000 is owned by Reitan Retail.

Reitan Retail is a leading retail company in the Nordic and Baltic region with operations in discount grocery, convenience, and mobility across seven countries. We're a family of 42,000 positive and proactive people and great brands including REMA 1000, Narvesen, R-kioski, Pressbyran, Uno-X, YX, and 7-Eleven. Reitan Retail is owned by REITAN, a holding company that is active in seven countries in the Nordic and the Baltic regions and comprises three business areas: Reitan Retail (retailing), Reitan Eiendom (property) and Reitan Kapital (financial investments).

About SymphonyAI

SymphonyAI is building the leading enterprise AI company for digital transformation across the most important and resilient growth verticals, including retail, consumer packaged goods, finance, manufacturing, media, and IT service management. SymphonyAI verticals have many leading enterprises as clients. Since its founding in 2017, SymphonyAI has grown rapidly to 2,000 talented leaders, data scientists, and other professionals. SymphonyAI is an SAIGroup company, backed by a $1 billion commitment from Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024306247/en/

Contacts:

Jenna Jordan

Ketner Group Communications (for SymphonyAI)

jenna@ketnergroup.com
Integration enables direct procurement teams to manage supply chain risks holistically via AI technology.

JAGGAER, the global leader in Autonomous Commerce, has announced a new partnership with Prewave, a leader in end-to-end supply chain risk management, in pursuit of its objective to help customers identify and mitigate risks. The integration of the JAGGAER Direct procurement solution with Prewave's software gives JAGGAER customers the ability to assess suppliers based on risk factors, identify and fully understand direct procurement risks, and mitigate any disruptions should they occur with strategic corrective actions, working with their suppliers.

Prewave's AI algorithm monitors millions of publicly available data sources. It consists of risk alerts for suppliers across 140+ categories and more than 50 languages.

"We're delighted that the integration is already live and available to our customers. It offers a holistic approach to risk management, ensuring businesses are well prepared and resilient in the face of potential supply chain disruptions that have become all too common in recent years," said JAGGAER Chief Product Officer, Dawn Andre.

"JAGGAER customers can now directly access millions of historical risk data points across different categories and regions to support better supplier management decisions. Live events and news on suppliers are now accessible directly from JAGGAER. Participants at our upcoming REV2023 conference will be able to see this for themselves," Andre added.

Jonas Artmeier, Prewave's VP Sales Advisory, commented: "In today's interconnected world, managing supply chain risks is essential. Our collaboration with JAGGAER marks a significant milestone in this ambition. Combining Prewave's external risk data and advanced supply chain mapping and monitoring capabilities with JAGGAER's internal data excellence allows us to offer businesses an unmatched opportunity to gain real-time transparency into our mutual customers' multi-tier supply chains, proactively address disruptions, and comply with upcoming legislations."

Compliance with national and international supply chain legislation, together with stakeholder pressure for environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices, requires companies to perform systematic risk analysis. Prewave leverages AI to relieve the administrative burden this imposes on procurement and sourcing departments. With this integration, JAGGAER customers will receive alerts about live events and news affecting all levels of their supply chain (Tier-N). Automated risk scoring will enhance their ability to assess and evaluate external risks, which are typically unknown and can take any business by surprise in any supplier category at any level in the supplier network. These risks include emerging threats such as cyberattacks (up 42% in 2022) and data privacy breaches as well as more familiar supply chain disruptions.

"This is a valuable complement to JAGGAER ONE's supplier management offering, which augments skills around risk management through supplier onboarding, qualification and workflow creation. Customers will now be well equipped to comply with the toughest due diligence regulations that are already in force or yet to come," Andre concluded.

Prewave is taking part in JAGGAER's REV2023 conference at the W Hotel in Barcelona, November 13-15, where the company will host a breakout session.

About Prewave

Prewave is a pioneering technology company that is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their supply chains. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, Prewave empowers companies to predict and proactively mitigate risks in their supply chains, ensuring resilience in an increasingly volatile global market. Our platform harnesses the power of a vast array of data sources, including news, social media, and specialized databases, to provide real-time alerts on present and potential disruptions, including emerging issues related to the CSDDD, UFLPA compliance, natural disasters, social unrest, and more. To learn more, visit: www.prewave.com

About JAGGAER

Autonomous Commerce

JAGGAER is leading the Autonomous Commerce revolution, a self-governing B2B commerce experience between buyers, suppliers, things (IoT), and partners. Over $500 billion worth of goods flows frictionlessly through our Enterprise Commerce Network every year. Leveraging AI and machine learning, our intelligent procurement solutions provide enterprise buyers and suppliers with smart-match recommendations that align buyer needs with supplier capabilities. Our solutions autonomously execute many of the repetitive, behind-the-scenes tasks required to facilitate enterprise commerce. We are Networked, Intelligent, Comprehensive, and Extensible. We have over 1,100 employees strong, all focused on customer success.

For further information please visit www.jaggaer.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024587206/en/

Contacts:

Abigail Holmes

Corporate Ink for JAGGAER

jaggaer@corporateink.com

+1 617.969.9192
A Modernized Career Closet for the Next Generation of Leaders.

MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Hyde, a pioneering men's fashion and tech company, proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with the University of Miami. This strategic collaboration through the Toppel Career Center marks a significant step forward towards promoting eco-conscious and equitable opportunities by offering low-cost rentals of professional attire for all students.

Sebastian Means Business

University of Miami Mascot: Sebastian

This partnership is a testament to the university's dedication to students in shaping a brighter future by encouraging a modern approach to sourcing career wear through Hyde's inclusive, sustainable, and innovative business model. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to speak with one of Hyde's expert stylists, receive professional guidance on what to wear for interviews, networking events (on video), and complete outfits for rent. Most importantly, students can rent suitable clothing options for interviews or internships for 30 days and then send them back or keep what they love for a discounted price.

"We are thrilled to be the first university to partner with Hyde," said Christian Garcia, Associate Dean & Executive Director at the University of Miami. "This collaboration not only provides students with access to more affordable, sustainable clothing options but also aligns with the Toppel Career Center's commitment to fostering opportunities for more equitable and inclusive offerings on campus."

Hyde's Chief Product Officer Aaron Crist expressed his excitement about the alliance by stating, "Partnering with the University of Miami is a remarkable opportunity for Hyde to expand its reach and impact. We know when students have access and the ability to choose more sustainable options for clothing, they make the right decision and drive positive change in the industry."

The University of Miami and Hyde are excited to embark on this journey together and aim to inspire the next generation of students to be the confident, conscious, leaders in their school and industry.

Contact Information

Sabrena Snow

Partnerships & Sustainability

sabrena@hydecloset.com

Alexa Lord

Director, Assessment & Communication

alord@miami.edu

SOURCE: Hyde

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ANN ARBOR, MI / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / TransGlobal Assets Inc. (OTC PINK:TMSH) a holdings company whose subsidiaries specialize in offering advanced products and services and assist patients in obtaining their medical licenses to produce and/or obtain medical cannabis from licensed producers is pleased to announce an Exclusive Joint-Venture with Canna-King.

The Exclusive Joint-Venture will encompass 1) the development of the 10 plus products for both the medical and recreational cannabis markets, 2) Formulations for production and licensing that will target the Canadian and American markets, 3) Solidifying manufacturing space and channeling existing and future products for current medical patients across Canada.

Furthermore, through collaboration with top naturopathic doctors advising on products that are valuable to patients in the natural wellness space, Canna-King is committed to providing quality formulations/products to patients/customers through the development of enhanced natural health products

Canna-King was founded in 2015 when their team was asked to formulate a fast acting, repeatable and reliable medicine. That is when Candrops was developed, an instantly and easily water soluble formulation with stable nanoemulsion that was fully absorbable, fast acting and predictable.

From that point on Canna-King has been on a mission to source and produce the best quality, effective and sustainable products in the medical wellness and health fields with a focus on cannabinoid therapy as an alternative to traditional medication.

Their product lines include the best products from topicals to oral solutions available in the market.

Ilya Strashun, the CEO of TransGlobal Assets Inc., states "I'm extremely pleased with the signing of this Exclusive Joint-Venture with Canna-King. I look forward to working with their professional team and bringing additional value to our shareholders. Their current product line and ability to formulate some of the best products out there give them a leading competitive edge in both the medical and recreational markets. Their products have tremendous application for medical patients. Offering much needed consistency and efficacy to an underserved market. Together we have a shared vision for the future of medical wellness. We look forward to a mutually beneficial journey, driving growth and leading to increased revenue for both companies".

We invite prospective investors to delve into this transformative investment opportunity by navigating our digital domains: www.transglobalassets.com , www.betterhealthsciences.ca , www.cannascribe.com , and www.synergyhealthservices.ca . These platforms reveal the exciting potential within TMSH, providing a unique vantage point into a promising future.

TransGlobal Assets Inc. is a publicly traded business holdings company that consists of: 1) Better Health Sciences, Inc. is a company that specializes in revolutionizing the health and wellness industries by offering advanced products and services. Their primary focus is on staying at the forefront of the health and wellness sectors, developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions that drive industry growth and positively impact people's lives. 2) Cannascribe Inc., on the other hand, has been operating in the medical cannabis industry since 2014. Their main objective is to assist patients in obtaining their medical licenses to produce and/or obtain medical cannabis from licensed producers (LPs). To provide the best advice and service to their patients/clients, Cannascribe Inc. has built a network across Canada. This network includes partnerships with LPs, equipment suppliers, product specialists, medical/wellness clinics, educational affiliates, as well as political and advocacy groups. 3) Synergy Health Services Inc., is a multidisciplinary Wellness Centre that provides evidence-based natural health care to clients seeking to change or improve their lives. Synergy Health Services Inc., combines traditional medical pain management with chiropractors, yoga, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage allowing us to care for you as a whole person and not just your individual parts.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and jut uncertainties. That includes the possibility that the business outlined in this press release cannot be concluded for some reason. That could be as a result of technical, installation, permitting or other problems that were not anticipated. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of TransGlobal Assets, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. Except for any obligation under the U.S. federal securities laws, TransGlobal Assets, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

TransGlobal Assets Inc. (OTC: TMSH)

E-Mail: info@TransGlobalAssets.net

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMSH_OTC

Website: https://betterhealthsciences.ca/

SOURCE: TransGlobal Assets, Inc.

via PRISM Mediawire, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795761/transglobal-assets-inc-otc-tmsh-wholly-owned-subsidiary-better-health-sciences-inc-signs-an-exclusive-joint-venture-with-canna-king
EdTech innovator BibliU announced the acquisition of Texas Book Company, a privately held company in Texas and an industry leader in delivering affordable learning materials to higher education institutions across the U.S.

This acquisition builds on BibliU's innovative digital-first Universal Learning offering, an equitable access (EA) program that provides cost-effective day-one availability of course materials to college students. Texas Book Company's exceptional record for delivering campus store services allows BibliU to expand Universal Learning further into Universal Learning Plus, a combined offering for campus store management and digital content delivery.

Alongside this acquisition, BibliU is expanding its digital-first portfolio by adding an Inclusive Access (IA) model to its offerings. Both models are designed to provide affordable digital course materials on day one. Institutions will now have the flexibility to choose an access program that best fits their needs.

"BibliU and Texas Book Company have a shared purpose. We built our business to make the higher education system fairer, more accessible and more inclusive. With its strong stewardship and deep history in U.S. higher education, Texas Book Company has built a trusted brand aligned with those principles," said David Sherwood, Co-founder and CEO of BibliU.

BibliU's mission is to empower higher education institutions to streamline their learning material workflows to achieve greater student outcomes, affordability and social mobility. This acquisition significantly enhances BibliU's ability to deliver that mission, allowing it to expand its delivery models, geographic reach and technological innovation while ensuring the superior customer service Texas Book Company and BibliU are known for.

"BibliU and Texas Book Company have a long-standing working relationship to build innovative combined delivery solutions. This acquisition is the next step in our shared vision of driving greater student outcomes, affordability and social mobility across the U.S.," said Brent Dyer, Founder and CEO of Texas Book Company.

"We are delighted to welcome Texas Book Company to the BibliU family and look forward to our innovative future together," said Sherwood. "Together, we can better connect our ecosystems to deliver even more compelling products and services for students, faculty and administrators, enabling better learning outcomes."

About BibliU

EdTech innovator BibliU is defining the future of higher education by democratizing content accessibility. Designed to address the unique requirements of students, faculty, libraries and publishers, BibliU is a learning enablement platform that empowers higher education institutions to streamline their textbook and courseware workflows to achieve greater student outcomes, affordability and social mobility. With BibliU, colleges and universities can finally deliver on the promise of digitalization, guaranteeing all students have first-day access to the learning content they need. More information is available at www.bibliu.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024217962/en/

Contacts:

Erin Jundef

erin@bospar.com
1Kosmos BlockID platform recognized as digital identity service provider for all use cases; Certification reinforces company's commitment to supporting all leading global identity standards

1Kosmos, the company that unifies identity proofing and passwordless authentication, today announced the 1Kosmos BlockID platform has received certification for the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (UKDIATF), which validates identity and authentication service providers meet security and privacy standards for protecting users' privacy and data. 1Kosmos is already certified to the leading digital identity verification standards including NIST 800-63-3 via Kantara, FIDO2 and iBeta biometrics.

The UKDIATF's goal is to ensure that digital identities are trustworthy, secure and interoperable, and that they can be used confidently across various private and public sectors and services. The 1Kosmos BlockID platform has been certified as a digital Identity Service Provider (IDSP) and Attribute Service Provider (ASP) under UKDIATF.

The certification provides organizations the trust and confidence of knowing that 1Kosmos BlockID complies with the UK government's security standards, while providing trustworthy remote identity verification and a user-friendly experience to reduce the risk of fraud for businesses.

"UKDIATF defines standards for organizations providing or using digital identity services to ensure a consistent approach to digital identity verification, minimizing risks associated with identity fraud or misuse," said Huzefa Olia, COO of 1Kosmos. "This certification provides further proof that the BlockID platform meets the most stringent requirements for identity providers around the world, while ensuring user data security and privacy are maintained at the highest levels."

1Kosmos BlockID automates, meets and exceeds the requirements of the UKDIATF verification process which requires the system to enable a user to take a selfie and photo of their identity document, validate the document's authenticity, and run checks against the CIFAS database (Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System), credit history, electoral roll, and politically exposed person (PEP) registry. Once a user passes these checks, their session is approved.

About 1Kosmos BlockID

The 1Kosmos BlockID identity verification and multifactor authentication platform combines biometrics with a private blockchain to generate a verified digital identity for each end user. The solution registers a user's face biometrics using liveness detection and a selfie video, triangulates their biographic data from verified credentials, and binds that information to a reusable identity wallet. From there, the user can log into their accounts with a blink and a smile. The platform has attained certification to NIST 800-63-3 via Kantara, FIDO2 and iBeta's PAD Level 2 guidelines, and offers a range of applications, including employee/ customer onboarding, non-phishable passwordless MFA into digital services, and even official ID for citizens through a Credential Service Provider managed service.

About 1Kosmos

1Kosmos enables passwordless access for workers, customers and residents to securely transact with digital services. By unifying identity proofing and strong authentication, the BlockID platform creates a distributed digital identity that prevents identity impersonation, account takeover and fraud while delivering frictionless user experiences. BlockID is the only NIST 800-63-3 via Kantara, FIDO2 and iBeta biometrics certified platform that performs millions of authentications daily for some of the largest banks, telecommunications and healthcare organizations in the world. The company is funded by Forgepoint Capital and Gula Tech Adventures with headquarters in East Brunswick, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.1kosmos.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024890803/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Marc Gendron

Marc Gendron PR for 1Kosmos

617.877.7480

marc@mgpr.net
LOS ANGELES / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Wells Fargo:

With funding from Wells Fargo, program to welcome second cohort of innovators in Los Angeles and Miami who are developing solutions to combat the impacts of climate change in communities that are most at risk

Larta Institute, a non-profit organization accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, has opened a call for applicants to its 2024 Venture Fellows program. The Venture Fellows program will welcome the second cohort of diverse innovators who are developing solutions to combat the impacts of climate change in underserved communities that are most at-risk to be affected by the changing environment. The program, funded in part by Wells Fargo, supports entrepreneur-led ideas, with the goal of creating more resilient, equitable and sustainable cities in the U.S.

The call for applications from entrepreneurs of all backgrounds is open now through February 2024. The nine-month program will begin in Los Angeles and Miami in April 2024.

"As climate change starts to negatively and severely affect our communities, urban innovators are innovating and developing new ways to make their communities resilient, adaptable and proactive," said Rohit Shukla, founder and chief executive officer of Larta Institute. "With support from Wells Fargo, we are honored to introduce another cohort of innovators to drive resilience in dealing with the impacts of climate change in their own communities."

With a theme focused on "Entrepreneurs vs. Climate Change," the Venture Fellows program focuses on supporting ideas that can be piloted in underserved communities, translated into startups and scaled to help make communities more resilient to climate change.

"Venture Fellows provides practical guidance and funding for entrepreneurs who are coming up with new ideas to address challenges our cities face related to climate change," said Luis Gonzalez of Wells Fargo's small business growth philanthropy team. "Our first cohort included startups working on ideas ranging from urban farming to enhancing coastal resilience, and we look forward to supporting the next group of innovators as they develop ideas into sustainable businesses that can serve their communities."

More information can be found here about the inaugural cohort of startups.

The Venture Fellows program is supported by the County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office, Miami-Dade County, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Include Ventures, Loyola Marymount University and Florida International University.

The nine-month program will fund and support five innovators in each city. There is no cost to participants and no equity is taken. Benefits of the program include:

$100,000 in resources and funding to develop community-based solutions

Up to $25,000 in associated pilot costs for validation of a project in targeted community

1:1 mentoring and group cohort sessions

Cohort based learning, knowledge hub and educational content

Market access support from local cities and NGOs

Support deploying a MVP or pilot-ready solution in a local community

Access to investors and grant funding to scale startup

Support identifying and applying for funding and grants

Curated sessions with seed investors and Demo Day

Legal fees paid to incorporate your start up and expert legal advice

"This fellowship is a game changer," said Carmen Dianne and Kara Still, co-founders of Prosperity Market and members of the Venture Fellows inaugural cohort. "The Larta team took the time to understand our challenges and gaps and have actively provided resources, introductions, assistance and more to help us reach our milestones. Our solar-powered and EV mobile farmers market will be ready to hit the road in no time. It's also inspiring to be in a cohort of so many other amazing businesses who are doing their part to change their communities."

The Venture Fellows program is designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) #13 - "Take action to combat the impacts of climate change and its impacts." Also known as the Global Goals, the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Venture Fellows program seeks innovations that relate to:

Clean energy, air and water: Community-led approaches that may work alongside municipalities, like small-scale solar and wind projects, water cleaning projects and the use of non-traditional approaches to cleaning our air

Food security and zero hunger: Creative visions for urban farming, city food access, crop diversification, sustainable agriculture, nutrition enhancement, curbing food waste and solutions for populations at most risk for hunger

Safe, inclusive and sustainable cities: Practical solutions that can make modern cities more resilient and adaptable in areas such as public space transformation, smart housing, resource efficiency, education and transportation.

With 48% of Larta Institute's current portfolio company CEOs or leadership teams identifying as women and/or minority-led, this continued funding from Wells Fargo Foundation is designed to enhance support for diverse founders of high-growth, early-stage startups to generate greater societal and environmental impact, stronger communities and prosperity for all.

To learn more or apply to become a Venture Fellow in Los Angeles or Miami, please visit: Larta.org/Venture-Fellows

About Larta Institute

Larta Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to foster science and technology innovation for a sustainable planet.

Our planet is experiencing significant global problems created by human behavior and policies affecting the environment, food, education, energy and healthcare systems. New science and technology play a critical role in transforming how we sustainably feed, fuel and heal the world.

LARTA was founded in 1993 and funded by the State of California as a Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance to stimulate the economic development of technology-based enterprises. Now known as Larta Institute, the organization has become a national partner for numerous federal government agencies - including DARPA, NIH, DOE, NSF, NIST, NOAA and USDA - to commercialize novel research and innovation.

Today, Larta Institute's innovation platform and ecosystem accelerate new science and technology from idea to sustainable enterprise by providing a unique combination of connections, resources and funding.

We have helped over 4,500 startups, and our alumni have raised more than $7 billion in external funding.

Together, let's feed, fuel and heal the world. To learn more, visit: Larta.org

Contacts

Larta Institute:

Julie Mai

Office of Brand, Marketing & Communications

BMC@larta.org

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Wells Fargo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Wells Fargo

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795941/larta-institute-opens-call-for-applicants-to-2024-venture-fellows-cohort
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Maximus / Child Health Day, celebrated annually on the first Monday in October, is a vital reminder of the unique healthcare needs of children and the importance of ensuring that they grow up healthy, happy, and with the promise of a bright future.

Today, communities, healthcare professionals, and parents come together to emphasize the critical role of nutrition, immunization, and regular check-ups in maintaining children's health. It's also an opportunity to advocate for policies that promote access to quality healthcare, safe environments, and supportive educational opportunities for all children.

Child Health Day has extra significance to the team at Maximus, who bring a daily dedication to ensuring critical access to healthcare for millions of children across the U.S. through our work and philanthropy.

Through our work with the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program, since its inception 26 years ago and up to the 15 states we support today, we have been helping bring healthcare, along with the financial security and peace of mind that comes with it, to children and their families across the country.

This dedication extends to the Maximus Foundation and our support of the many partners who share this commitment. On Child Health Day, we're honored to highlight several Maximus Foundation grantee partners working to keep children healthy, growing, and thriving nationwide.

ChildSavers - ChildSavers is a Richmond, Virginia-based organization that addresses children's mental health to help them recover from trauma. Their mission is to guide our community's children through life's critical moments with trauma-informed mental health and child development services. In 2022, ChildSavers served over 790 children in over 12,000 therapy sessions with 71% meeting their treatment objectives.

DePelchin Children's Center - Based in Houston, Texas the mission of DePelchin Children's Center is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental and physical well-being. DePelchin provides comprehensive services focused on ensuring all children are part of safe, caring homes with evidence-based practices and strategies to prevent maltreatment, preserve healthy families, and bring healing to children who have experienced trauma.

Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance - Keaton's supports thousands of Northern California children with cancer and their families with emotional, educational, and financial support while increasing awareness and funding research toward a cure. Their Family Navigator Program provides critical family-centered supportive services to children diagnosed with cancer, working alongside the entire family from the point of initial diagnosis through the child's entire cancer journey.

Parsons Child and Family Center (Northern Rivers Family of Services) - With a 190-year heritage and 1,400-strong workforce, Parsons Child and Family Center provides life-changing care for more than 18,000 children, adults, and families across New York State. Through person-centered, trauma-informed innovative solutions, they help those who struggle with abuse, neglect, trauma, mental health challenges, and educational difficulties live their best lives.

StandUp for Kids - StandUp for Kids is dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness in local communities in Georgia. Through caring for homeless and at-risk youth by transitioning them from crisis to connection, they give these youth a sense of safety, hope, and belonging through housing support, mentoring, drop-in centers, and street outreach.

United Action for Youth (UAY) - Established in 1970, UAY ensures there are safe spaces for youth in Johnson County, Iowa, and surrounding areas. Last year, UAT served 2,701 individuals including 2,427 children and 163 parents with services that address mental health, young parent, and homeless youth. The mission of UAY is to make sure youth have a place to create, grow, and succeed.

On Child Health Day, we proudly recognize the important work of these organizations that focus on children's long-term health and wellbeing. Learn more about the many Maximus Foundation grantee partners supporting local communities at https://maximus.com/grant-recipients.

Giving back to the communities we serve

The Maximus Foundation is one of the ways Maximus employees are doing something greater together. Established by the Maximus Board of Directors in 2000, the Maximus Foundation is an independent, employee-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Employee donors pool their contributions together through the Foundation, increasing their community impact by supporting nonprofits that serve the same communities we do. Employee donors double their impact through Maximus' dollar-for-dollar matching pledge and make their voices heard by nominating and voting for future grantee partners. Learn more at maximus.com/foundation.

Noland, a sweet 7-year-old who loves RC cars and benefits from the Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance Family Navigator Program

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Maximus on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Maximus

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/maximus

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Maximus

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795927/child-health-day-giving-children-the-chance-to-grow-up-healthy-happy-and-with-the-promise-of-a-bright-future
Award-winning corporate citizen furthers its global-impact efforts, pledging to give away 70 million meals by 2030 as part of its 20 By 30 Challenge

AUSTIN, MN / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Hormel Foods Corporation / The 20,000 inspired people at Hormel Foods have an important job every day - to bring the trusted brands of the Fortune 500 global branded food company to its fans across the world. In the month of September, they added one more critical task to their job description, and it was for a very worthy cause. For every mile team members walked, ran, biked or swam, the company pledged to donate meals to the World Food Program USA Erase Hunger campaign, which works with the United Nations to provide school meals to children around the world.

Today, in honor of World Food Day, Hormel Foods is proud to announce the sum of its team members' efforts, which collectively unlocked a donation of 100,000 meals to the cause.

"It's great to see team members from throughout the company engaging with this campaign to help expand our food security efforts around the world," said Swen Neufeldt, group vice president of Hormel Foods International Corporation. "As a global branded food company, we understand that food insecurity is something that impacts people all over the world, and this campaign addresses that issue head on. We're excited to deliver this donation to help feed kids in need."

School meals are one of the most important social safety nets available to children, and the United Nations World Food Program is the world's largest provider of school meals, delivering them to more than 18 million kids in 59 countries. The holistic school-meals program strengthens educational opportunities, provides critical nutritional support, promotes gender equality and supports small-scale farmers.

"We welcome Hormel Foods to our partner portfolio and thank them for their dedication to feeding school children around the world," said Dorota Amin, senior director of corporate partnerships at World Food Program USA. "This support helps ensure that children have the nutrition they need to learn, grow and fulfill their potential."

The donation of 100,000 meals aligns with the Hormel Foods pledge to provide 70 million meals (or their equivalent) to those in need during the next seven years. The goal is part of the company's 20 By 30 Challenge, a set of qualitative and quantitative objectives to achieve by the end of 2030. For more information about the 20 By 30 Challenge, and all of the company's social-impact efforts, visit the Hormel Foods 2022 Global Impact Report here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Hormel Foods Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Hormel Foods Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/hormel-foods-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Hormel Foods Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795939/hormel-foods-donates-100000-meals-for-world-food-day
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / The Wells Fargo Foundation has committed $3.45 million over the next three years to Compass Working Capital ("Compass") to help expand access to the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, a savings incentive program that helps families increase their earnings and build financial capability and assets. Compass, based out of Boston and Philadelphia, is working to end asset poverty for families with low incomes and narrow the racial and gender wealth divides. The funding from Wells Fargo supports the first phase of Compass' seven-year strategic plan to expand access to the federally funded Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"Undoing the centuries of exploitation and financial harm that created the racial and gender wealth gaps requires major, reparative investments from the private sector to address that harm. We are excited that Wells Fargo is with us in expanding access to the opportunity FSS offers families, particularly those led by Black and/or Latina women, to become asset secure and achieve the dreams they have for themselves and their children," shares Markita Morris-Louis, Chief Executive Officer of Compass Working Capital.

The FSS program combines a powerful savings incentive with services to support families residing in federally subsidized affordable housing to build assets. It enables families who increase their earned income to capture the corresponding rent increase into an escrow savings account. This account builds over time and families can use their savings to achieve their goals, such as paying down debt, higher education, and homeownership.

Wells Fargo is the first corporate funder to make a significant philanthropic investment in Compass' seven-year strategic plan, driven by its successful, comprehensive programs for FSS-eligible families. On average, Compass FSS program participants build over $8,000 in savings and increase their annual income by more than $10,000.

"The FSS program has proven to be life changing for thousands of low-income renters - helping them build financial capability and assets through comprehensive interventions that improve their savings, credit, and financial independence," said Bonnie Wallace, head of Financial Health Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. "Through this additional $3.45 million investment to Compass through 2026, we hope to accelerate the outsized impact its programming has on the financial security and economic mobility of families in public housing."

With this support from Wells Fargo, Compass aims to reach the following milestones in the next three years:

Support 6,660 families to build $5.7 million in savings and $7.2 million in increased earnings.

Expand training and technical assistance to affordable housing providers to replicate Compass' outcomes.

Shape policy solutions that further break down barriers to becoming asset secure, such as an automatic enrollment model for FSS.

About Compass Working Capital

Compass Working Capital ("Compass") works to end asset poverty for families with low incomes and narrow the racial and gender wealth divides. Compass partners with affordable housing providers to run the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Family Self-Sufficiency program, the nation's largest asset building program for families with low incomes. Since 2010 Compass has supported over 4,000 families to build more than $15 million in savings.

###

Robin Valentine, graduate of the Compass FSS program with Metro Housing Boston, with her children outside their newly purchased home.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Wells Fargo

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SOURCE: Wells Fargo

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Biotech Heights is a new research hub, aiming to establish an open innovation environment focused on bioprocessing technologies.

This represents the shared ambition of Tetra Pak and Lund University for bioprocessing to provide new avenues for sustainable food and materials production.

The hub will leverage state-of-the-art infrastructure from lab to industrial-scale and invite collaboration from organisations across industry and academia.

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Tetra Pak and Lund University have announced the launch of Biotech Heights, a new research hub that will explore food and materials production using bioprocessing to create useful products from living cells or cell components.

Biotech Heights will establish an open innovation environment, in which all participating organisations will have access to world leading laboratories and equipment for both commercial and academic purposes. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to work alongside several faculties at the University to address both the technical and non-technical challenges facing producers, brands, and manufacturers operating in this space. This, combined with Tetra Pak's experience supporting food and beverage brands with product development, will make Biotech Heights a space to nurture and test ideas, and collaborate to share knowledge on best practices and consumer trends.

Currently, more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the way we produce, process and package food. With a rapidly growing global population relying on finite arable farmland, innovation in new food sources offers one route to feeding the planet without increasing the pressure on agriculture. Scaling these new food solutions to meet the needs of future generations is far from simple, with many technological hurdles to overcome. The hub is a collaborative space, aiming to bring together unconventional players to build new knowledge and generate scalable solutions.

Charles Brand, Executive Vice President for Processing Solutions & Equipment at Tetra Pak, says: "Today's food systems are not fit for purpose, and collaboration across business and academia is crucial to provide new solutions to food systems transformation.Tetra Pak and Lund University share a common goal of developing technology that contributes towards a more sustainable future, and we look forward to taking our decades-long partnership to the next level. With Biotech Heights, we can provide a safe space for customers and collaboration partners to trial solutions to the multi-faceted challenge of scalability."

The hub will deepen the longstanding partnership between Tetra Pak and Lund University, combining Tetra Pak's global food processing and packaging expertise with the research capabilities of Lund University, one of the world's top 100 universities, enriching the region's existing reputation as a centre for groundbreaking food innovations.

Annika Olsson, Dean at Lund University Faculty of Engineering, said: "Lund University's research mission in this area revolves around the exploration and advancement of scalable biotechnology, which we see as a transformative tool to building a more sustainable society. However, none of this is possible without collaborating with key industry partners like Tetra Pak. By bringing together experts from academia and industry with infrastructure from diverse fields, we can foster state-of-the-art advancements and drive positive change on a much larger scale."

The latest insights from Tetra Pak Index 2023 show that 48% of global consumers believe that technological innovation is crucial to providing healthy food and drink in the future. However, 46% view food innovation as 'risky' and fear for the health implications of the same innovations. This dichotomy highlights that the challenge of scaling new food innovations extends beyond technology into consumer acceptance and education. With this in mind, the hub will include cross-disciplinary research within marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, and emerging trends. The work in this field aims to provide market leading understanding of consumer perception and branding, alongside addressing the technical obstacles facing alternative protein producers.

Micael Simonsson, Director, Processing Development & Biotechnology at Tetra Pak says: "Tetra Pak is committed to creating healthy and sustainable food products with the help of cutting-edge technology, both by improving and optimising existing processes and investigating new options for food production. We see this partnership with Lund University as one major step to delivering new food innovations that can support this goal. We are also open to additional avenues of research and invite new collaborators to join us in this journey."

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tetra Pak PR Contact:

Henry Stout

Tetra Pak

Henry.stout@tetrapak.com

PR Agency Contact

Dani Marks

Brands2Life for Tetra Pak

tetrapakcorporate@brands2life.com

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The Israel and Gaza crisis has heightened security concerns and given rise to an upsurge in social unrest and protests worldwide. In light of the global situation, International SOS, the world's leading health and security risk services company, emphasises the importance for organisations to have a robust risk management strategy to safeguard their employees during these challenging times.

On average, the number of protests globally has increased by 11.5% annually since 2009, with the largest concentration of activity in the Middle East and North Africa and the fastest growth rate in sub-Saharan Africa.1 It is also reported that 23% of significant protests reported to have lasted more than three months.2 As public demonstrations and mass protests become more widespread and frequent, organisations must remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to ensuring the safety of their workforces.

James Wood, Regional Security Director at International SOS, said "We are witnessing an era marked by geopolitical shifts and perma-crises. This is accompanied by associated mass protests and civil unrest, which can escalate in scale and frequency across continents and countries. In a time when workforce safety is of paramount concern, it is important for employers to understand that the dynamics of social unrest can rapidly evolve and escalate.

"Organisations have a critical role in safeguarding their workforce. They can achieve this by taking proactive steps to prioritise risk assessments and implementing effective risk management strategies. During this period of heightened tension, employers should also ensure that their workforces stay informed about the local security situation through official sources. They should also avoid areas with known protests or demonstrations, particularly near embassies, government buildings amid protests linked to the Israel and Gaza crisis."

International SOS shares top five security advice for organisations to safeguard their workforces when in crowded places:

Ensure employees stay informed: Provide employees with up to-date information about potential risks. Regularly assess the security situation by monitoring local news, government advisories, and real-time threat intelligence. Create an emergency response plan: Develop and communicate a comprehensive emergency response plan for all employees. Ensure that your workforce is well-aware of evacuation procedures and has access to essential emergency contact information. Encourage vigilance: Remind employees to be alert to suspicious behaviour or items and promptly report any unusual incidents or observations to the relevant authorities. Ensure employees comply with security measures: Anticipate increased security measures in urban centres, especially around key government areas, tourist destinations and public transport hubs. Inform employees to follow all official directives. Establish a robust crisis communication system: Provide employees with access to stay informed and connected during times of unrest. Utilise multiple communication channels, including mobile apps and SMS alerts, to ensure swift and reliable communication.

To hear International SOS experts discuss the latest analysis, advice and recommendations on the most pertinent topics impacting you and your workforce, click here.

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity.

In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London Singapore, is trusted by 9,500 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. 13,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand by you to provide support assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com

1. Center for Strategic International Studies Risk and Foresight Group The Age of Mass Protests: Understanding an Escalating Global Trend Report (2020)

2. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Global Protest Tracker (2023)

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Contacts:

Indira Illianti

Group Marketing PR Executive, London

indira.illianti@internationalsos.com
22.4 km of immersive tramway experience, seamlessly connecting AlUla's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic oasis towns, and contemporary urban centres

Designed as a core component of the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan, echoing AlUla's unique blend of culture, heritage, and nature

Alstom, a leading multinational transport manufacturer, has been contracted to supply trains and systems that align with AlUla's sustainability objectives

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the seventh annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) shared the progress of its ambitious AlUla Experiential Tramway project. With 20 state-of-the-art trains running on a 22.4 km line featuring 17 strategic stations and stops, the initiative encapsulates luxury, history, and green mobility like no other.

The low-carbon AlUla Tramway, set to be powered by trains and systems from Alstom, a global leader in sustainable transportation, has a 3D model on display at FII, inviting visitors to the RCU booth to get a firsthand glimpse of this ambitious project.

The tramway draws inspiration from the historic Hijaz railway; passengers will be immersed in a journey encapsulating AlUla's profound connection to its history. The tram will connect AlUla's five core historical districts, promising an authentic, visual experience from oasis to desert while capturing the essence of pilgrimages from centuries past.

AlUla's Experiential Tramway stands as a testament to RCU's innovation and commitment to sustainable transportation, championing green mobility by also encouraging bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian modes of transport. This emphasis on multi-mobility options underscores Saudi Arabia's drive towards environmental sustainability and heritage conservation.

Envisioned as the catalyst of RCU's expansive Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan, the tramway is set for activation in the second half of 2027, with developers slated to join the infrastructure work in 2024. It will offer visitors and residents a luxurious passage through the world's largest living museum, AlUla, and will seamlessly connect all quintessential landmarks, urban areas, and transport infrastructures.

Commenting on RCU's progress, Mohammed Altheeb, RCU Chief Development and Construction officer, stated, "The AlUla Experiential Tramway is not just a mode of transport; it is a celebration of our history and a bridge to our future. This endeavour highlights our commitment to sustainable mobility, ensuring AlUla's treasures remain accessible and preserved for generations."

Mohammed Khalil, Managing Director of Alstom Saudi Arabia, further added, "This collaboration with RCU underscores Alstom's dedication to Saudi Arabia's bright and sustainable future. Through our state-of-the-art transportation solutions, we aim to amplify AlUla's tourism potential by ensuring seamless accessibility to its unique districts. Our mission goes beyond mobility; we are championing the creation of a connected, socially engaged, and economically inclusive society, in perfect alignment with Saudi Vision 2030."

Notes for editors:

It is always AlUla / not Al-Ula

About the Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU's long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable, and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the area's natural and historic heritage while establishing AlUla as a desirable location to live, work, and visit. This encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the economic diversification, local community empowerment, and heritage preservation priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme.

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The global high speed motors market growth is attributed to renewable energy integration and energy transition goals, technological advancements and cost benefits, and the growing market for electric vehicles, automation in aviation, and precision manufacturing.

Wilmington, Del., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "High Speed Motors Market by Product (Induction Motor, Permanent Magnet Motor, and Others), by Power Range (High Voltage and Low Voltage), and by Application (Machine Tools, Power Generation, Compressor, Bearings, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global high speed motors industry generated $12.6 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $21.7 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032.

A high speed motor is an electrical machine that operates at a rotational speed that is significantly higher than that of a standard motor. It is designed to provide a high rate of mechanical power output that is both rapid and durable.

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Prime Determinants of Growth:

The global high speed motors market growth is attributed to renewable energy integration and energy transition goals, technological advancements and cost benefits, and a growing market for electric vehicles, automation in aviation, and precision manufacturing. However, the high initial cost and relatively lower life span due to degradation, technical and maintenance challenges, and regulatory challenges coupled with environmental concerns restrict the market growth to some extent. Moreover, the increase in adoption of automation and robotics in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and electronics requires high speed motors to drive various components, such as robot arms and automated machinery. The development of emerging technologies such as 3D printing, electric propulsion systems for drones, and automated electronics manufacturing relies on high speed motors to create prolific opportunities for market growth.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $12.6 Billion Market Size in 2032 $21.7 Billion CAGR 5.7 % No. of Pages in Report 273 Segments covered Product, Power Range, Application, and Region Drivers Renewable energy integration and energy transition goals Technological advancements and cost benefits The growing market for electric vehicles, automation in aviation, and precision manufacturing Opportunities Automation in several sectors Emerging technologies and miniaturization Restraints High initial cost and relatively lower life span due to degradation Technical and maintenance challenges Regulatory challenges coupled with environmental concerns

The induction motor segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period-

By product, the induction motor segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global high speed motors market revenue, and is expected to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Machine tools require high-speed induction motors because of the demand for very precise machining in sectors like aerospace and automotive. High-speed induction motors equipped with VFDs are sought after for their energy-efficient operation. However, the permanent magnet motor segment would display the fastest CAGR of 6.0% from 2023 to 2032. The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market drives the demand for high-speed permanent magnet motors for propulsion. As the renewable energy sector expands, high speed permanent magnet generators play a vital role in wind and hydropower applications leading to the growth of the high-speed motors market.

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The high voltage segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period-

By power range, the high voltage segment held the highest market share in 2022, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global high speed motors market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This is due to high voltage high speed motors are electric motors designed to operate at elevated voltages while delivering fast rotational speeds. They are used in a range of specialized applications where high power and speed are essential. Furthermore, the low voltage segment would showcase the fastest CAGR of 6.0% from 2023 to 2032. As electronic devices continue to shrink in size, the demand for compact, low-voltage high speed motors grow. The growth of medical technology and precision instruments drives the demand for low voltage high speed motors.

The machine tools segment to rule the roost by 2032-

By application, the machine tools segment held the highest market share in 2022, holding nearly one-third of the global high speed motors market revenue, and is projected to rule the roost by 2032. High-speed motor demand is fueled by the need for high-precision machining in sectors including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The integration of machine tools with automation and robotics demands high speed spindles for increased productivity. However, the compressor segment would cite the fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2032. The trend toward industrial automation and pneumatic systems drives demand for high-speed air compressors. The oil and gas industry's need for gas compression in various processes contributes to the demand for high-speed motors.

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Asia-Pacific region to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period-

By region, the Asia-Pacific region held the major share in 2022, garnering more than one-third of the global high speed motors market revenue, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region has experienced substantial growth in the market for high speed motors as a result of the region's thriving manufacturing sector, industrial automation, and the usage of renewable energy sources. The Asia-Pacific area is regarded as a center for global manufacturing because countries like China and Japan dominate the production of industrial machinery and automation systems. On the other hand, the North America region would portray the fastest CAGR of 6.0% from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the use of high-speed motors in manufacturing, industrial automation, and renewable energy applications in this region.



Leading Market Players: -

ABB Ltd.

Emerson

GE Company

Meidensha Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Nidec Industrial Solutions

Siemens AG

Hitachi Ltd.

Toshiba Corporation

Turbo Power Systems (TPS).

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global high speed motors market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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RALEIGH, N.C, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina has enacted landmark energy legislation that recognizes fusion technology's safety and environmental benefits. Senate Bill 678 demonstrates the state's commitment to investing in fusion as a new clean electricity source that can be an important part of the state's energy mix.

"We applaud North Carolina's leadership in passing this new law recognizing the vast potential of the fusion industry. With the state's history of being first in flight, a wealth of intellectual advancement in the Research Triangle and impressive commitment to American jobs in manufacturing, fusion energy's future is bright in North Carolina," said TAE Technologies CEO Michl Binderbauer. TAE is the nation's first private company pursuing the commercialization of fusion energy.

Authored by State Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton (R-District 34), State Sen. Buck Newton (R-District 4), and State Sen. David Craven (R-District 29), Senate Bill 678 was passed by a two-one margin on October 10. The bill defines "clean energy" to include fusion energy and defines the term "fusion energy," clearly distinguishing fusion energy from traditional nuclear fission plants. The bill also ensures that fusion energy will help the State achieve its clean energy goals, including the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard and related incentives, and aligns the law with the North Carolina Utilities Commission's Carbon Plan that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

On the occasion of the signing, Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton said, "The future will be filled with the commercialization of a variety of exciting energy innovations, and among them will be fusion. North Carolina will be ready!"

TAE Technologies is the global leader in commercial development of aneutronic fusion power, an advanced form of fusion that does not produce neutrons in its primary reaction and has several key benefits, including no radioactive waste and longer-life devices that result in lower energy prices for producers and consumers.

This legislation follows the recent net energy achievement of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and reflects a global race to harness the power of fusion for commercial use. Earlier this year, TAE broke ground at a new 100,000 square foot facility to house its next fusion research machine, Copernicus, which is expected to demonstrate the viability of net energy generation from TAE's proprietary configuration around the mid-2020s. With that milestone in hand, TAE will develop its first prototype hydrogen-boron fusion power plant, Da Vinci, to deliver electricity to the grid in the early 2030s.

About TAE Technologies

TAE Technologies (pronounced T-A-E) was founded in 1998 to develop commercial fusion power with the cleanest environmental profile. The company's pioneering work represents the fastest, most practical, and economically competitive solution to bring abundant clean energy to the grid. With more than 2,300 patents filed globally and approximately 1,400 granted, more than $1.2 billion in private capital raised, five generations of National Laboratory-scale devices built along with two more in development, and an experienced team of over 600 employees, TAE is now on the cusp of delivering this transformational energy source capable of sustaining the planet for thousands of years. The company's revolutionary technologies have produced a robust portfolio of commercial innovations in large adjacent markets such as power management, energy storage, electric mobility, fast charging, life sciences, and more. TAE is based in California, and maintains international offices in the UK, EU, and Switzerland. Multidisciplinary and mission-driven by nature, TAE is leveraging proprietary science and engineering to create a bright future.

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The tourism industry is undergoing a revolution driven by big data analytics. Smart tourism is rising as businesses use data to create personalized travel experiences. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the global tourism industry big data analytics market projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2033

NEWARK, Del., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Future Market Insight, the global tourism industry's big data analytics market is likely to reach US$ 486.6 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 8%. This is a substantial upsurge from its projected worth of US$ 225.4 billion in 2023.

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The market has experienced significant growth and relevance. This development can be attributed to the tourist industry's growing use of big data analytics. In the fiercely competitive tourism landscape, companies that can harness the power of big data have an advantage. They can identify trends, predict customer needs, and stay ahead of the competition. Big data analytics confers a competitive advantage by enabling businesses to make informed decisions promptly.

The rising demand for personalized and enhanced customer experiences is a key factor driving market growth. Travelers are becoming more discerning and seeking tailored services. Tourism businesses leverage big data analytics to understand customer preferences, behaviors, and expectations. By analyzing large volumes of customer data, businesses can customize their offerings. They can also provide personalized recommendations and deliver exceptional experiences. The demand for personalized services has fueled the adoption of big data analytics solutions in the tourism industry.

Big data analytics plays a pivotal role in destination management. It empowers authorities to make data-driven decisions. These decisions are regarding infrastructure development, crowd management, and tourism planning. Data on visitor flows, preferences, and behavioral patterns are utilized. They are used to design sustainable tourism strategies. Additionally, data helps allocate resources effectively. It also aids in mitigating negative impacts on local communities and the environment.

The tourism industry faces dynamic market conditions, changing trends, evolving customer preferences, and fluctuating demand patterns. Big data analytics enables businesses to analyze vast amounts of data. The data come from various sources like social media, online reviews, booking platforms, and customer feedback. The analysis helps identify emerging trends and make data-driven decisions. Analyzing real-time data and gaining insights into market trends and customer demands has become crucial. It is essential for staying competitive in the tourism industry.

Big data analytics lets tourism companies gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. These insights help them target marketing and advertising efforts more effectively. Companies can identify relevant channels, messages, and offers by analyzing customer data. They can do this for different customer segments. This analysis improves the return on marketing investments. It also helps drive customer acquisition.

Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies with big data analytics has propelled market growth. AI and ML algorithms automate the analysis of large datasets. They also uncover hidden patterns and correlations. These technologies enhance the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making processes. The tourism industry recognizes these technologies' value and potential to drive growth. Consequently, there has been an increased adoption of big data analytics solutions.

Data storage, processing capabilities, and cloud computing infrastructure advancements support the tourism industry's big data analytics market. Advancements in data storage and processing capabilities have made it easier for tourism businesses to handle large volumes of data. Cloud computing plays a crucial role in the accessibility of big data analytics. It allows businesses to access powerful analytical tools and platforms. As a result, big data analytics has become more accessible to a wider range of companies in the tourism industry.

As the market continues to grow, numerous companies specializing in the tourism industry big data analytics have emerged. These companies offer a range of solutions, including data management, data integration, predictive analytics, and visualization tools tailored to the specific needs of the tourism industry. They aim to assist businesses in extracting actionable insights from their data. They also help optimize operations and improve overall performance.

Key Takeaways from the Tourism Industry Big Data Analytics Market

The tourism industry big data analytics industry in the United Kingdom is anticipated to rise sizably, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7 % through 2033.

through 2033. The United States held a 4% share of the global tourism big data analytics industry in 2022.

With a CAGR of 5.1 % over the forecast period, India is predicted to develop rapidly in the tourism industry big data analytics industry.

over the forecast period, India is predicted to develop rapidly in the tourism industry big data analytics industry. In 2022, Japan had a 4.8 % share of the tourism industry big data analytics industry globally.

share of the tourism industry big data analytics industry globally. The tourism industry big data analytics industry in China is expected to flourish speedily, registering a CAGR of 6 % over the forecast period.

over the forecast period. Germany accounted for 5% of the global tourism industry big data analytics industry in 2022.

"Big data analytics in the tourism industry is shaping the future of travel," says Sneha Varghese (Senior Consultant, Consumer Products & Goods). "By harnessing vast data sets, this technology drives personalization, decision-making, and marketing strategies, revolutionizing the way travelers explore and experience the world."

Tourism Industry Big Data Analytics Market Overview 2023 - 2033

Attribute Details Historical Value (2022) US$ 220 billion Current Year Value (2023) US$ 225.4 billion Expected Forecast Value (2033) US$ 486.6 billion Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 6.50 % Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 8 %

Competitive Landscape in the Tourism Industry Big Data Analytics Market

Key players extensively utilize big data analytics to extract actionable insights from the massive volume of industry-generated data. These players employ advanced analytics tools and technologies to understand customer behavior, enhance marketing strategies, optimize operations, and improve overall customer experiences. By leveraging the power of data analytics, they aim to make data-driven decisions, identify trends and patterns, and drive innovation in the tourism sector.

Buy Now : Get a PESTLE and Porter's Analysis to Help You Make Smart Decisions in the Tourism Industry Big Data Analytics Market.

Recent Developments by Key Players

In September 2022, Zartico secured $20 million in Series A funding. The funding aims to bring data analytics and Version 3.0 to the tourism industry. Zartico uses data intelligence, analytics, and visualizations. They help destination tourism organizations make data-driven decisions. Arthur Ventures led the funding round.

In December 2020, Google launched the 'Travel Insights' tool. Its purpose is to assist individuals in the travel and tourism sector. The tool helps them understand travel demand and make informed decisions. Google utilizes big data to determine the top sources of demand for travel destinations worldwide.

Comprehensive Research Methodology of Tourism Industry Big Data Analytics Market Available here!

About the Author:

Sneha Varghese (Senior Consultant, Consumer Products & Goods) has 6+ years of experience in the market research and consulting industry. She has worked on 200+ research assignments pertaining to Consumer Retail Goods.

Her work is primarily focused on facilitating strategic decisions, planning and managing cross-functional business operations, technology projects, and driving successful implementations. She has helped create insightful, relevant analysis of Food & Beverage market reports and studies that include consumer market, retail, and manufacturer research perspective. She has also been involved in several bulletins in food magazines and journals.

Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Travel and Tourism Domain:

The cruise tourism industry was valued at US$5.3 billion in 2022, and it is expected to reach a market value of US$17.8 billion by 2033, with a projected growth rate of 12.1% from 2023 to 2033.

Tourism Market: It is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries, rapidly digitizing to meet the needs of millennial tourists. To stay afloat, stakeholders must adapt to the changing market dynamics by gauging customer behavior and preferences.

The outbound tourism landscape in Japan is poised to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 27.1% during the projected period. The ecosystem value is expected to surge from US$5,271.0 million in 2023 to US$57,856.2 million by 2033.

The global music tourism market is projected to reach US$14 billion by 2033, marking significant growth from its value of US$5.91 billion in 2023. This industry is expected to progress at a CAGR of 9% from 2023 to 2033.

The India faith-based tourism market is estimated to be valued at US$1,025.57 million in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2033. The Indian faith-based tourism market holds a market share of approximately 6%-11% within its parent market.

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Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

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The global sharing accommodation market growth is attributed to the rise of the millennial generation, the increase in global tourism, and the development of online booking platforms.

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Sharing Accommodation Market by Type (Business to Consumer (B2C), Business to Business (B2B), and Peer to Peer (P2P)), and Application (Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Boomer), Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032." According to the report, The global sharing accommodation market size was valued at $120.8 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $235.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023 to 2032.

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Shared accommodation is when two or more people are living together in the same place. This could be a home or an apartment. In shared accommodation, two or more people have a bedroom or a living space in the same property. They also share common areas like a kitchen, a living room or a bathroom. There are many forms of shared accommodation. For example, roommates living together in an apartment are called co-living. They rent separate rooms in a bigger shared space. Shared housing for students and professional roommates often involves sharing rent, utilities, and other household expenses. Accommodation sharing has many benefits such as cost savings due to cost sharing between residents, increased social connections, and sense of belonging.





Prime Determinants of Growth:

The global sharing accommodation market is driven by factors such as the rise of the millennial generation, boom in global tourism, and increase in popularity of online platforms. However, the rise in fraudulence and increasing price of traditional lodging restrict market growth. Moreover, the growth of sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options offers new opportunities in the coming years.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $120.8 Billion Market Size in 2032 $235.7 Billion CAGR 6.4 % No. of Pages in Report 212 Segments covered Type, Application, and Region Drivers Rise of the millennial generation Boom in global tourism Increase in popularity of online platforms Opportunities Increase in group tourism Surge in eco-friendly accommodations Restraints Rise in fraudulence Rise in price of lodging

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The business to consumer (B2C) segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period-

Based on type, the business to consumer (B2C) segment dominated the market in 2022 accounting for more than three-fifths of the global sharing accommodation market share and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. On the other hand, the business to business (B2B) segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.7% from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the increase in global tours and travel and increasing preference for personalized and immersive travel by the global travelers drives the demand for personalized booking through B2C channels.

The generation z segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period-

On the basis of application, the generation z segment dominated the market in 2022 accounting for nearly half of the global sharing accommodation market share and is expected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Cost-effectiveness is important to Generation Z since they frequently seek cost-effective alternatives to conventional hotels. Additionally, their quest for unique and engaging travel experiences drives them to choose shared lodgings such as Airbnb, where they may stay in special locally owned apartments. However, the generation X segment would display the fastest CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period.

Europe to maintain its dominance by 2032-

Based on region, Europe held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global sharing accommodation market revenue and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. Tourism has emerged as an essential part of the modern hospitality industry and economy in the European region. The Europe sharing accommodation market is driven by rise in the trend of authenticity, and demand for non-traditional accommodation among travelers in the region. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region would portray the fastest CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period.

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Leading Market Players: -

Airbnb, Inc.

HomeExchange.com Inc.

Homestay Technologies Limited

Bedycasa

Findroommate.dk ApS

InnoPeople Company Ltd.

Expedia Group, Inc.

Booking Holdings, Inc.

HomeToGo GmbH

Accor SA.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global sharing accommodation market. These players have adopted different strategies such as acquisition, partnerships, and new product launches to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in the market. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Read More Trending "AMR Exclusive Insights:

 Travel Accommodation Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031

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 Italy Travel Accommodation Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031

 Mexico Travel Accommodation Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031

 Canada Travel Accommodation Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031

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We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As organisations prioritise system reliability and resilience in an ever-evolving digital landscape, the future of the Chaos Engineering Tools Market will be characterised by increased integration with DevOps, automation, security resilience testing, and the expansion of chaos engineering into edge computing and diverse industries.

The Chaos Engineering Tools Market size is expected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2023 to USD 2.9 billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Modern IT systems have become highly complex, often involving microservices, containers, and cloud-based infrastructure. Chaos engineering tools are essential for testing and improving the resilience of these systems, which is expected to create demand during the forecasted period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Chaos Engineering Tools Market"

150 - Tables

60 - Figures

200 - Pages

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Scope of Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2018-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 2023-2028 Forecast units Value (USD Million/Billion) Segments Covered Component, Application, Deployment Mode, End User, and Vertical Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Microsoft (US), AWS (US), OpenText (Canada), Virtusa (US), Tricentis (US), Harness (US), Nagarro (Germany), PagerDuty (US), Cavission Systems (US), Gremlin (US), Steadybit (Germany), Reliably (UK), Speedscale (US), Verica (US), WireMock (US), Apica (Sweden), ChaosSearch (US), RapidSpike (UK), and DevCycle (Canada).

By component, the services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Chaos engineering is a relatively new discipline, and many organizations are still in the early stages of adopting it. As a result, there is a strong demand for professional services in the Chaos Engineering Tools Market. As organizations adopt chaos engineering practices, they often encounter hurdles related to strategy development, tool selection, implementation, and result interpretation. Professional services in this context offer invaluable guidance and expertise to help businesses tailor chaos engineering to their specific needs and goals. These services can assist in designing controlled experiments, identifying potential points of failure, and providing a structured framework for assessing and improving system resilience.

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By deployment mode, the public cloud segment holds a larger market size during the forecast period.

The adoption of chaos engineering tools on public cloud platforms has seen remarkable growth, driven by cloud providers' scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. For instance, Netflix, a pioneer in chaos engineering, utilizes Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its experiments, taking advantage of AWS's extensive global infrastructure to test system resilience. By leveraging the scalability and ease of deployment that public clouds offer, organizations can proactively identify vulnerabilities, improve incident response strategies, and ensure their services remain robust despite unexpected disruptions. This adoption trend aligns with the growing significance of public cloud environments in the chaos engineering environment, facilitating the continued evolution of these crucial practices.

By Region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is home to some of the world's leading ICT companies, such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. These companies are investing heavily in chaos engineering tools to improve the reliability and resilience of their systems. The Asia Pacific governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of digital transformation. For instance, Singapore's "Smart Nation" and South Korea's "Digital New Deal" emphasize digital transformation, providing fertile ground for chaos engineering adoption. Technological trends, such as microservices, AI, ML, and DevOps, are also driving the adoption of chaos engineering tools in the Asia Pacific region. Chaos engineering tools can be used to test microservices-based applications and ensure they are reliable and resilient. AI and ML can be used to develop more sophisticated chaos engineering tools.

Top Key Companies in Chaos Engineering Tools Market:

Some of the key players operating in the Chaos Engineering Tools Market are - Microsoft (US), AWS (US), OpenText (US), Virtusa (US), Tricentis (US), Harness (US), Nagarro (Germany), PagerDuty (US), Cavission Systems (US), and Gremlin (US).

Recent Developments:

In February 2023, Tricentis announced the launch of Testim Mobile, an expansion of Testim that brings advanced mobile testing capabilities to the platform. The newly introduced mobile features enhance connectivity and provide a superior testing experience for iOS and Android, covering native and web applications with easy-to-use solutions.

In March 2022, OpenText announced a partnership with Gremlin to develop new capabilities in LoadRunner Professional. With this release, the company enhanced its support for chaos engineering, offering benefits such as resilience testing, fault detection, introducing chaos, monitoring performance, and supporting multiple scenarios.

In March 2022, Harness acquired ChaosNative, a creator of LitmusChaos, to offer a scalable platform for chaos engineering in the cloud and on-premises. This integration allows customers to diminish downtime in distributed environments, monitor enhancements in reliability, decrease Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR), and enhance the overall end-user experience.

In November 2021, Microsoft announced the Azure Chaos Studio public preview to assist customers in monitoring, quantifying, and addressing faults through controlled chaos engineering, enhancing the robustness of their cloud applications.

In March 2021, AWS announced the general availability of the AWS Fault Injection Simulator to help users run application tests to detect system vulnerabilities.

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Chaos Engineering Tools Market Advantages:

In order to address issues before they have an impact on end users, organisations might employ chaos engineering tools to proactively discover possible problems and vulnerabilities in their systems.

Organisations can increase their systems' resilience by purposefully generating controlled chaos, which makes them better able to endure unexpected breakdowns.

Tools for chaos engineering imitate actual failures and crises to assist organisations better understand how their systems respond to adversity.

These tools can decrease downtime and service interruptions by locating and addressing system flaws, improving user experiences and ensuring business continuity.

Through proactive chaotic engineering, outages and interruptions can be avoided, saving a lot of money on system downtime and recovery work.

Customers are more satisfied with systems that are more dependable since there are fewer service interruptions and problems.

By demonstrating that their systems have been tested for resilience and failure recovery, organisations can use chaos engineering to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

Chaos engineering can enhance system security and lower the risk of security breaches by locating and fixing vulnerabilities.

Understanding how systems behave under diverse circumstances and workloads helps organisations deploy resources and infrastructure more effectively.

Report Objectives

To define, describe, and forecast the global Chaos Engineering Tools Market based on component, application, deployment, end user, vertical, and region

To forecast the market size of the five major regional segments: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America

To strategically analyze the market subsegments with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the total market

To provide detailed information related to the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges)

To strategically analyze the macro and micromarkets 1 with respect to growth trends, prospects, and their contributions to the overall market

with respect to growth trends, prospects, and their contributions to the overall market To analyze the industry trends, patents and innovations, and pricing data related to the Chaos Engineering Tools Market.

To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for major players.

To profile the key players in the market and comprehensively analyze their market share/ranking and core competencies across segments and subsegments.

To track and analyze the competitive developments, such as mergers and acquisitions, product developments, and partnerships and collaborations in the market.

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

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In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

Handwashing...a given for many of us, yet inaccessible to 2.3 billion people worldwide who lack access to basic handwashing facilities. We must take ACTION. At Kohler Co. we're driven to innovate for the greater good and on a mission to end this unimaginable reality. I recently had the honor of witnessing the impact of Kohler Cleanse, our InnovationForGood handwashing solution that requires no-plumbing and no-electricity, in this community in Lan Ba Village, Li Ping China. In partnership with World Vision China, our Kohler associates initiated health and hygiene solutions for this community starting back in 2019, marked by the creation a clean drinking water system. On this GlobalHandwashingDay, I'm so grateful for the lives we're able to impact across the world of Kohler . . . and inspired to keep pushing for even more progress. Here's to SafeWaterForAll!

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The five-year project will help keep power flowing in Southern California if a major earthquake occurs along the San Andreas Fault.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Edison International

Energized by Edison

By Reggie Kumar, ENERGIZED by Edison Writer

The 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Ojai during Hurricane Hilary in August, also known as Hurriquake, was an excellent reminder to always be prepared. Earth scientists say that a 7.0 magnitude or greater earthquake has a 75% likelihood of occurring in the next 30 years in Southern California.

John Dai, SCE senior manager of Resiliency, describes welds that anchor a large transformer to plates that are embedded in a substation foundation slab to improve seismic resiliency. PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Boston

If a big earthquake happens, some communities may experience severe damage and lose electricity. That's why Southern California Edison has been focused on completing seismic mitigation work on 50 of its largest bulk power transmission substations, including those closest to the San Andreas Fault. They are known as the "backbone" of the company's electric grid and help provide electricity to about 15 million people. SCE engineer Anthony Stone Jr. played a critical role in completing the five-year project as part of SCE's Seismic Resiliency Program.

"Retrofitting substations to ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy during a major earthquake demanded meticulous planning, engineering expertise and substantial resources," Stone said. "However, the satisfaction of knowing that the work has reached a critical juncture is immeasurable."

Reaching that critical juncture after completing seismic mitigation work on the 500 kV and 220 kV large bulk transmission electric substations will help keep power flowing during a significant earthquake. Some improvements required enhanced anchoring of large transformers, replacing older equipment components with seismically tested ones, increasing the slack of conductors between equipment components and replacing porcelain bushings.

"The bulk power substations seismic mitigation effort presented a significant challenge from the beginning due to the project's scale and complexity," Stone said.

That's why years of research was conducted before the seismic work began in 2018 and included analyzing Southern California earthquakes that occurred in 1933, 1971, 1986 and 1994. They helped determine where seismic improvements needed to be made in SCE's 50,000-square-mile service area.

Last month, a group of SCE employees and leaders, including Jill Anderson, executive vice president of operations, toured a section of the San Andreas Fault and visited one of the newly retrofitted 500 kV transmission substations near Palm Springs.

"SCE has invested more than $186 million in seismic grid resiliency improvements since 2016," Anderson said. "The benefits of completing the seismic improvements are substantial and will help safeguard our energy infrastructure and minimize the potential disruption to the communities we serve and the economies we support."

Additional earthquake improvement work is underway at the same 50 substation locations, but now the focus is on the mechanical, electric-equipment rooms, which house important devices called relays that allow the remote operation of substation equipment.

"From the beginning, we considered the potential for strong shaking, surface rupture, soil liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides during the retrofitting process," said Ken Hudnut, SCE's seismic expert. "The company systematically assesses and reviews risks to its assets regularly."

SCE is participating in "The Great California ShakeOut" on Oct. 19 at 10:19 a.m. PDT. The company also offers tips to help prepare before the next earthquake hits: Secure items that could topple or become airborne.

Store plenty of extra drinking water.

Know how to shut off the electricity in your home.

Unplug appliances and electronics.

Stay away from downed power lines, call 911 to report.

For more information about how to keep you and your family safe, visit sce.com/beprepared

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By Mark Hebert

Originally published 10/21/23 on jacksonville.com | The Florida Times-Union

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / I have been fortunate to work in the forest industry for 26 years and have witnessed firsthand the positive economic impact of our sector on rural communities across the United States.

This impact becomes tangible when you think about all the people it takes to plant trees, manage forest land, harvest timber, transport logs to mills and manufacture the sustainable forest-based products we all rely on in daily life, like paper, cardboard, plywood and lumber.

The company I work for, Rayonier, generates more than 80,000 rural jobs throughout the forest products supply chain. Our industry is responsible for 5% of U.S. manufacturing GDP, most of which is felt in rural communities where nearly 75% of U.S. pulp and paper mills are located.

Beyond these economic benefits, the forest sector also plays a critical role in mitigating climate change. The U.S. cannot reach its ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 without a healthy forest sector. Currently, forests capture and store more than 15% of our nation's annual carbon emissions. Working forests must remain healthy and intact to continue providing these carbon storage benefits.

Healthy forest products markets are also important. Otherwise, landowners face pressure to sell or convert the land to alternative uses. This is true not just for large companies like Rayonier, but also for families and individuals managing smaller tracts of land.

At Rayonier, we have been working hard to spread awareness about forestry careers by talking to teachers and students. What we want them to understand is that working in our industry is an opportunity for them to be stewards of the land and its resources.

For example, because our company's core business model relies on timber and wood products, we must have a continuous supply of trees over the long term. We only harvest about 4% of our timberlands each year, which means the rest of the land is in various stages of growth, providing critical habitat for wildlife, clean water and clean air we all need.

When students realize that these are truly renewable resources and that we use the best available science to steward these lands, they begin to connect the dots and see that forestry is part of the new low-carbon economy- and a chance for them to contribute to a sustainable future.

Beyond our traditional supply chains, there is a growth opportunity in the new low-carbon economy as well. As we shift into a bioeconomy, Rayonier as a landowner is looking to harness the untapped potential of our land base with opportunities like wind, solar, carbon storage and other various carbon programs.

Over the next 10 years, there will be advancements in all these areas as the U.S. addresses sustainability and climate change concerns. We hope to hire the next generation of foresters and contractors who understand these technologies.

The forest sector is the lifeblood of many rural communities and healthy forests are critical to building a sustainable future. Let's celebrate National Forest Products Week by raising awareness about our workforce development needs and the opportunities for young people to become stewards in our sector.

Mark Hebert is vice president of Eastern Forest Resources at Rayonier, a global forest products, timber and land management company based in Yulee.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rayonier on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Rayonier

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SOURCE: Rayonier

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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European Union is better prepared to ensure its energy security ahead of the winter season, the State of the Energy Union Report 2023 says.



The 27-nation bloc's gas storage facilities were filled to 95 percent of capacity ahead of the winter of 2022-2023 and currently stand at more than 98 percent full today.



The EU Energy Platform organised three rounds of joint purchase of gas, collecting 44.75bcm of demand and matching it with 52bcm of supply offers



This was made possible due to well-coordinated actions to fill the bloc's gas storages, diversifying energy import routes and infrastructure, investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and collective efforts to reduce energy demand, the European Commission said in the report released on Tuesday.



It looks back on the EU response to the unprecedented energy crisis of the past two years, assesses the state of play with the green transition at national, European and global level, and sets out the challenges and opportunities ahead as Europe pursues its ambitious climate and energy goals for 2030 and 2050.



The Report shows how the European Union responded collectively and effectively to Russia's war against Ukraine and weaponisation of its energy supplies, by accelerating the clean energy transition, diversifying supplies and saving energy.



The REPowerEU Plan and a series of emergency legislative measures ensured that Europe avoided energy supply disruptions; eased pressure on energy markets, prices and consumers; and pursued the structural reform of its energy system.



The EU drastically reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuel by phasing out coal imports, reducing oil imports by 90 percent, cutting down gas imports from 155bcm in 2021 to around 80 bcm in 2022 and to an estimated 40-45 bcm in 2023.



In another notable advancement, the EU's net greenhouse gas emissions decreased by around 3 percent in 2022, reaching a reduction of 32.5 percent compared to 1990 levels.



2022 was a record year for new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity (+41 GW), which is 60 percent more than in 2021 (+26 GW). New onshore and offshore wind capacity was 45 percent higher than in 2021.



In 2022, 39 percent of electricity was generated by renewables, and in May wind and solar surpassed fossil fuels for the first time in EU electricity generation, according to the report.



While gas prices peaked in August 2022 at 294/MWh, they fell to an average of 44/MWh from January to June 2023. Electricity prices peaked at 474/MWh in August 2022 and fell to average of 107/MWh from January to June 2023.



This year's Report presents the first assessment of the Progress Reports submitted by Member States on their 2019 National Energy and Climate Plans, which is crucial to take stock of where the EU stands in delivering its climate and energy ambitions.



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Die Top 3 Dividendenaktien 2024 In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! Hier klicken
Roundup highlights B2B partners that support startups across all business functions and empower growth

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Inc. Business Media today announced the second annual Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. The list recognizes 389 firms in marketing and advertising, health and wellness, financial services, legal, logistics, and productivity, as well as other areas of business.

All 389 companies received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, etc., allowing founders to focus on their core missions.

"Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.

About HighLevel

Developed for agencies by an agency, HighLevel's goal is to help marketing professionals and agencies reach and surpass their benchmarks for success. We believe in enhancing automation, improving communication, and boosting scalability in a consumer-friendly way, and we consistently provide future-embracing updates that exemplify these priorities.

Our AI-powered all-in-one sales, marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM) platform offers numerous features that provide limitless opportunities to our customers. We also encourage the rebranding of our platform, offering agencies and marketers a white-labeled version that allows them to scale beyond what they ever thought possible.

HighLevel continues to grow exponentially, increasing the impact created on the tech community, the SaaS industry, and our extensive collection of clients. With many ground-breaking updates in the near future, we expect this growth to not only continue, but to compound as time goes on.

To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023

The November 2023 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023.

About Inc. Business Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Contact Information

Savannah Lipinski

savannah@gohighlevel.com

SOURCE: HighLevel

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795965/highlevel-named-to-incs-second-annual-power-partner-awards
Gen celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month and highlights career training programs that help women land jobs in IT and cybersecurity

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Gen

Gen Blog | Community

By Kim Allman | Head of Corporate Responsibility and Public Policy

For the 20th year in a row, companies, government agencies, nonprofits and more have come together to recognize October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM). This annual campaign spreads the word about digital security and encourages everyone to protect their personal data against digital theft.

This CSAM, we are highlighting women who have taken part in IT and cybersecurity career training programs run with leading nonprofit partners and supported by Gen. Organizations like Czechitas, Women4Cyber and nasscom foundation work on the ground across Europe and India to enable a higher level of digital proficiency among women and ultimately close the gender gap that persists in many tech fields.

Czechitas, based in the Czech Republic, operates a diverse range of programs, from summer camps and workshops for young women just beginning to build their digital skills to professionals looking to newly embark on tech careers. For the latter, Czechitas' Digital Academies offer comprehensive three-month courses in programming, web development and data analysis, as well as job placement resources for those who complete the program.



One such graduate is Andrea Reznickova. She spent 20 years in financial roles at a large construction company before enrolling in Czechitas' programming courses during the pandemic. She felt nervous to pursue a career change, particularly after so many years at the same company, but the welcoming, supportive atmosphere created by the Czechitas instructors and her fellow students quickly put her at ease. She now works as an IT analyst at CSOB, focusing primarily on the core banking system, where she uses the SQL knowledge that she acquired at Czechitas on a daily basis.

The encouraging environment of the Czechitas classes is a common topic of conversation among graduates. Eva Moniova is another alum who enrolled in the Digital Academy looking to change careers. After working as a reporter, she chose the Data Analytics track and developed such strong connections with fellow students that the group still meets in person to this day. Moniova now works as a Data Quality Team Leader at MONETA Bank in Prague.

We heard similar stories when we spoke to graduates of the nasscom foundation's digital skills programs in India. The organization focuses on women from rural communities with limited access to technology, giving them the relevant skills training they need to compete for tech jobs. These women spoke not only of the value of the in-depth digital education but also of the supportive network of peers and fellow professionals.

Take Uppala Sujana, for example. She got her degree from the Sree Dattha Institute of Engineering and Science in Telangana, but it wasn't until she found the nasscom foundation program that she felt connected to her work. She took classes in programming languages, software development and data analysis, and formed close bonds with the students and instructors. She called the program a "transformative experience" that boosted her confidence, opened up new career opportunities, and provided a sense of fulfillment she didn't know was possible. She now works at Amazon as a Network Analyst.

Manju Mounika agreed. Mounika went straight from the Ravindra College of Engineering for Women into the nasscom foundation program, where she encountered nurturing instructors who helped "clear her doubts" about her ability to excel in tech. The program helped her find a trainee position at HCLTech, though which she's able to provide for the rest of her family.

In Europe, we also work with the organization Women4Cyber, which seeks to close the gender gap in cybersecurity through awareness and mentoring programs for women. Participants use the program to access information about advanced technical courses and scholarships available throughout the EU, find jobs in cybersecurity and network with others, including through mentorship. Ayhan Gucuyener used the mentorship program to expand her existing cybersecurity expertise. Gucuyener was already working at a research institution when she found Women4Cyber and began working with a senior mentor, which she says encouraged her to connect her academic understanding of the field with real-world issues. Her experience even led her to establish a partnership between Women4Cyber and her university to provide new opportunities in cybersecurity for college-aged women in Turkey.



We are proud to provide ongoing support for these important partners and to contribute to a more equitable tech sector. As a leader in Cyber Safety, the Gen family of brands, including Norton, also works year-round to make digital life more secure for people across the globe. We provide Cyber Safety education and training that helps young people, families, and vulnerable people stay safe online. Over the past year, these programs-which include partnerships with Discovery Education, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, the National PTA and more-have reached more than 2.8 million people, meeting our fiscal 2024 goal early.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gen on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Gen

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gen

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Gen

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/795986/closing-the-gender-gap-in-tech
Regulatory News:

In accordance with the provisions of article 4 of AMF decision no. 2021-01 of June 22, 2021, EUROAPI (Paris:EAPI) announced today that it has increased the resources allocated to the liquidity contract entrusted to Kepler Cheuvreux by 2 million euros ( 2,000,000.00).

Following the addition of these resources, the position on October 24, 2023, is:

170,800 shares

2,263,204.73 euros

About EUROAPI

EUROAPI is focused on reinventing active ingredient solutions to sustainably meet customers' and patients' needs around the world. We are a leading player in active pharmaceutical ingredients with approximately 200 products in our portfolio, offering a large span of technologies while developing innovative molecules through our Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) activities.

Taking action for health by enabling access to essential therapies inspires our 3,450 people every day. With strong research and development capabilities and six manufacturing sites, all located in Europe, EUROAPI ensures API manufacturing of the highest quality to supply customers in more than 80 countries. EUROAPI is listed on Euronext Paris; ISIN: FR0014008VX5; ticker: EAPI). Find out more at www.euroapi.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024509728/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations Contact:

Laurence Bollack

Mob.: +33 (0)6 81 86 80 19

mr@euroapi.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Sophie Palliez-Capian

Mob.: +33 (0)6 87 89 33 51

ir@euroapi.com
Regulatory News:

The Azur Selection (ISIN: GRS528003007 Ticker: MLAZR), a Greek hotel company listed on the Euronext Access market in Paris, today announces the appointment of two new Directors.

The Azur Selection has strengthened its Board of Directors with the appointment of two new members, Mr Konstantinos Maridakis and Mr Dimitrios Chomatas, during its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, on October 10, 2023.

Mr. Maridakis has more than 20 years of experience with a Greek systemic bank, in various departments. He joined The Azur Selection in September 2018, where he was hired in the finance department, as Investment Officer, a position he still holds today.

Mr. Chomatas has a 30 years' experience in the financial management sector, including 20 years in senior financial management positions with well-known corporate groups such as ERGO GROUP AG, ERNST YOUNG and GROUPE ROULLIER. He joined The Azur Selection Group in January 2021.

Georgios Arvanitakis, founder and Director-Administrator of The Azur Selection, comments: "We are very pleased to welcome Mr Maridakis and Mr Chomatas to our Board of Directors. Their financial expertise and knowledge of the Group will be invaluable in carrying out The Azur Selection's ambitious projects in Greece and France."

All other General Meeting resolutions have been adopted: https://www.azurselection.com/investor-relations

The Azur Selection also announces that it had won the silver award as Best Greek Hotel Brand and the bronze award as Best Greek Hotel Management Strategy at the Greek Hospitality Awards, the most established event in the Greek hospitality sector. These awards underline the quality and innovative nature of The Azur Selection's hotel project.

About The Azur Selection

The Azur Selection invests in hotels and commercial real estate through a leasing and subleasing model and operates an investment management business through its subsidiaries and associated companies. The Group focuses on investing in hotels, hospitality, and real estate in selected highly commercial geographical areas in Greece, the Cote d'Azur and elsewhere.

It currently manages a portfolio of commercial real estate and hotels in Athens and on the island of Mykonos, while maintaining long-term leases with the companies or users of its properties. Its portfolio includes 5 hotels (3 are sublet to a hotel operator and 2 are fully managed), as well as a shopping center. The group is managed by experienced executives with knowledge of the Greek and international real estate markets.

Azur Selection S.A. (MLAZR) is listed on the Euronext Access market in Paris.

https://www.azurselection.com/about-azur

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024110089/en/

Contacts:

The Azur Selection

Chief Financial Officer

Dimitri Chomatas

dc@arvanitakisgroup.com

NewCap

Investor Relations

Theo Martin

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 96

theazurselection@newcap.eu

NewCap

Media Relations

Nicolas Merigeau

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15

theazurselection@newcap.eu


Genomic Vision will present its innovative solutions and introduce its new HexaCard service at the 30 th Annual ESGCT Congress in Brussels.

HexaCard service enables the simultaneous analysis of six critical parameters to streamline cell line development, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.

Participation in the ESGCT Congress enables Genomic Vision to introduce its advanced technology to the European pharmaceutical market, fostering collaborations and industry advancements.

Regulatory News:

Genomic Vision(FR0011799907 GV, the "Company") (Paris:GV), a Euronext-listed biotechnology company that develops products and services for the highly accurate characterization of transformed cells is pleased to announce its participation in the 30th Annual European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) Congress in Brussels, where GV will present its work in bioproduction and introduce its recently launched HexaCard service.

Since the summer launch of HexaCard, Genomic Vision has witnessed significant interest from industrial players. This new service, designed to revolutionize cell line development, allows the simultaneous analysis of six key parameters, creating a unique identity card for each cell. This comprehensive analysis ensures the selection of the most suitable clones, thereby enhancing productivity and stability while reducing timelines and costs.

The HexaCard service is poised to be a game-changer for the bioproduction industry, as it empowers pharmaceutical and biotech companies to streamline their cell line development processes. By providing a comprehensive characterization of transformed cells in a single assay, HexaCard facilitates quicker and more cost-effective decision-making. It offers a level of precision that was previously unattainable, making it an invaluable asset for those involved in bioproduction and gene and cell therapy.

Genomic Vision's presence at the 30th Annual ESGCT Congress underscores its commitment to introducing this transformative technology to the European pharmaceutical and biotech markets. The company looks forward to engaging with industry professionals, sharing insights, and building collaborations during the event, and contribute to the advancement of gene therapy, cell therapy, and bioproduction on a global scale. This congress serves as a valuable opportunity for Genomic Vision to engage with peers, foster collaborations, and ultimately drive innovation in the field.

Prakhar Bisht, PhD, Principal Scientist at Genomic Vision, shared his insights on this breakthrough service, saying, "Our presence at the ESGCT congress not only delineates our commitment to support Biomanufacturing and Cell Gene therapy, but also to introduce our HexaCard platform for services to a wider audience. Our presence at this congress allows us to share our cutting edge solutions with fellow experts and industry leaders."

ABOUT THE 30TH ANNUAL EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF CELL AND GENE THERAPY (ESGCT) CONGRESS

The 30th Annual European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) Congress, hosted in Brussels from 24 to 27 October 2023, serves as a pivotal gathering for professionals in the field of gene and cell therapy. This prestigious event brings together scientists, researchers, industry leaders, and academia, providing an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and the exploration of cutting-edge innovations in the sector. With a focus on the latest advancements in gene and cell therapy, the ESGCT Congress provides a unique opportunity for attendees to stay at the forefront of industry developments and establish collaborations that drive progress in the field.

ABOUT GENOMIC VISION

GENOMIC VISION is a biotechnology company that develops products and services for the highly accurate characterization of genome modifications. We deliver high-quality integrated genomic analysis solutions to improve quality control and bioproduction standards of advanced gene therapies at scale. Based on molecular combing technology and artificial intelligence, The Company provides robust quantitative measurements needed for high confidence characterization of transformed cell lines and prediction of cell line performance, in particular in the context of the biomanufacturing processes of cell and gene therapies. Genomic Vision's molecular combing technology has further applications in drug development of agents targeting DNA replication and damage response mechanisms, visualizing DNA replication kinetics and telomere length maintenance. Genomic Vision, based near Paris in Bagneux, is a public company listed in compartment C of Euronext's regulated market in Paris (Euronext: GV ISIN: FR0011799907).

For further information, please visit www.genomicvision.com

Member of the CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable indices

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

This press release contains implicitly or explicitly certain forward-looking statements concerning Genomic Vision and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Genomic Vision considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will be verified, which statements are subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the universal registration document filed with the AMF on April 28, 2023 under number D.23-0383, available on the web site of Genomic Vision (www.genomicvision.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Genomic Vision operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Genomic Vision or not currently considered material by Genomic Vision. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Genomic Vision to be materially different from such forward-looking statements.

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer or an invitation to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of any order or invitation to purchase or subscribe for Genomic Vision shares in any country. The distribution of this press release in certain countries may be a breach of applicable laws. The persons in possession of this press release must inquire about any local restrictions and comply with these restrictions.

Genomic Vision has set up a financing line in the form of convertible notes with warrants (OCABSA) with its Financing partner.

The shares resulting from the conversion or exercise of the aforementioned securities will, in general, be sold on the market, which could create downward pressure on the share price as well as a dilution.

Shareholders could therefore suffer a loss of their invested capital due to a significant decrease in the value of the company's shares. The company has carried out several dilutive financing operations, and investors are advised to be very careful before making a decision to invest in the company's securities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024213296/en/

Contacts:

Genomic Vision

Aaron Bensimon

Chairman of the Management Board

Tel.: +33 1 49 08 07 51

investisseurs@genomicvision.com



NewCap

France Investor Relations

& Strategic Communications

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94

gv@newcap.eu
Bottomline empowers financial institutions, fintechs, and others to connect their customers to the network of 550,000+ existing authenticated and validated suppliers

PORTSMOUTH, N.H, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bottomline, a global leader in business payments, today makes its B2B payment network available to approved financial institutions, fintechs and others looking to increase payment acceptance.



This is the first time Bottomline's business payment network has opened access to its proprietary Premium ACH supplier network and is another milestone in the company's mission to transform the way businesses pay and get paid.

Partners can connect to Bottomline's growing 550,000+ authenticated and validated suppliers and provide payers with high-end, rebate-friendly ACH payments, complementing their existing virtual card program and providing a new revenue stream.

Offered as a network-as-a-service solution, this latest innovation from Bottomline enables financial institutions, fintechs and others to expand their payment networks, driving multiple benefits that further deliver accounts payable (AP) automation and effortless network expansion for their customers, the payers.

Payers can digitize more of their AP files, benefiting from increased automation, more rebates and better security, resulting in significant time savings, improved cashflow and a reduction in risk.

By receiving more payments digitally, suppliers on the network will experience less portal fatigue, lower payment acceptance costs and less risk.

"Bottomline's Paymode-X is one of the largest and most established business payment networks, enabling billions of secure, compliant payments and delivering high value to its trading partner members for many years," said Andrew Bartolini, Founder and Chief Research Officer, Ardent Partners, a leading ePayables research and advisory firm. "The decision to open the payment network to new partners creates a huge opportunity for financial institutions and technology providers alike to seamlessly deliver a market-leading payments solution and help their customers automate the last mile of their B2B transactions."

"Opening the Bottomline business payment network recognizes the role we play in expanding a connected ecosystem," said Craig Saks, President and CEO, Bottomline. "Transforming business payments means connecting banks and fintech partners across the system to expand the reach of their corporate payments and to offer their business customers more access to more suppliers without the additional investments required to achieve scale."

Connection to the Bottomline Paymode-X business payment network is now available. To learn more visit: https://www.bottomline.com/us/solutions/paymode-x/partner/network-as-service.

About Bottomline

Bottomline makes business payments simple, smart, and secure for businesses and financial institutions, of all sizes, all over the world. More than 10,000 corporate customers, 1,400 commercial and business banks, including 15 of the top 25 global banks, rely on our industry-recognised payment and software platforms to accelerate digital transformation in a complex world of business payments and financial management. Bottomline solutions touch customers and payments in 92 countries across six continents. Our teams serve the world from primary locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, India, Australia, and Singapore. Bottomline is a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo, a highly respected software-centric private equity firm with $131 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023. For more information visit www.bottomline.com.

Bottomline and Paymode-X are registered trademarks of Bottomline Technologies, Inc.
Regulatory News:

Shareholders of Eutelsat Communications (ISIN: FR0010221234 Euronext Paris London Stock Exchange: ETL), "Eutelsat" or the "Company" are invited to attend the Combined General Meeting of Eutelsat shareholders to be held on:

23 November 2023 at 2 PM (Paris time)

at the Amphitheatre of Tour ACCOR SEQUANA

82 rue Henri Farman, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

The following documents can be found on the Company's website www.eutelsat.com: the Combined General Meeting agenda, the draft resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, and the documents and information referred to in Article R. 22-10-23 of the French Code of Commerce.

All documents and information pertaining to the Combined General Meeting are made available to shareholders at the Company's registered office (32, boulevard Gallieni 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France), as required by French law. Subject to the limitations and deadlines laid down by the regulations in force, shareholders may request that such documents be sent to them directly by writing to investors@eutelsat-communications.com.

The terms and conditions for attending and voting at the Combined General Meeting are detailed in the notice of meeting (avis de reunion valant avis de convocation) published in the BALO on 18 October 2023 and posted on the Company's website (www.eutelsat.com/investors).

About Eutelsat Communications

Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 6,600 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange London Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).

For more about Eutelsat, go to www.eutelsat.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024943208/en/

Contacts:

Investors

Thomas Cardiel

Tel.: +33 6 99 07 86 47

tcardiel@eutelsat.com

Hugo Laurens-Berge

hlaurensberge@eutelsat.com

Christine Lopez

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 02

clopez@eutelsat.com
FXGT

FXGT: FXGT.com's 20K JPY No Deposit Bonus Is Live



24-Oct-2023 / 18:20 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





FXGT.com's 20K JPY No Deposit Bonus Is Live NEWS RELEASE BY FXGT Mahe, Seychelles | October 24, 2023 11:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time FXGT.com has added to its promotional lineup with the launch of a brand new No Deposit Bonus. For more details, click here . From today until Monday 30th October 2023 at 11:00 (GMT +3), traders can claim a bonus, upon successful completion of their account verification process. To be eligible for the 20,000 JPY reward, clients will need to complete the following three steps: Register here Complete the KYC verification within 30 days Open a Mini, Standard+, or Crypto Max account The FXGT No Deposit Bonus gives traders the chance to kick-start their trading journeys, by offering an added boost to their trading credits. Once they have verified their account and activated their bonus, traders can start to enjoy low fees on 1,000+ trading instruments with superfast execution, whilst the security of their funds is also guaranteed. This exclusive promotion represents the latest in a long line of rewards on offer to our clients. This 20,000 JPY No Deposit Bonus is yet another example of the generous trading benefits available when trading with FXGT.com. FXGT.com offers a wide range of trader promotions, alongside a wealth of exciting features, including an advanced MT5 trader toolkit, comprehensive Resource Center, informative Economic Calendar, whilst offering access to both MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. Traders can choose from multiple account types, each with their own unique features. There is an account for every type of trader, including for those looking to trade with micro lots, raw spreads, zero swaps, exclusive bonuses, and more! Visit the FXGT.com website here . Discover more details about the promotion here . About FXGT.com FXGT.com is an established, award-winning, fully regulated, and licensed online broker. It operates in markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a growing presence in other regions, serving clients worldwide. It offers choice to traders through a wide range of tradable asset classes and instruments, with reliable and fast execution, across a broad selection of account types on the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. Moreover, FXGT.com presents an impressive array of trading tools, market insights, technical analysis, and much more to clients, who can also benefit from accessing attractive and generous bonuses, including Welcome and Loyalty bonuses. Lastly, the brand has a reputation for ensuring the strong protection and security of funds by keeping clients' funds separate. FXGT.com is a regulated broker that is licensed by the FSA and FSCA, VFSC, and CySEC (for institutional clients), and it is trusted by traders worldwide for its robust risk management policies and procedures, which includes allowing any time withdrawals from clients' accounts. Contact Details FXGT.com Illia Berezovskyi illia.b@fxgt.com



Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.




Effective control of operating costs and positive operating free cash flow in H1 2023

Sound financial structure strengthened by IPO fundraising

Robust commercial pipeline of 166 million at 30 June 2023 of which close to 40 million related to projects under advanced negotiations

Confirmation of around 4 million revenue expected for 2023 and profitable growth objectives throughout the plan period

Launch of post-IPO development strategy

Chartres, 24 October 2023 - OSMOSUN, a leading provider of solar-powered seawater and brackish water desalination solutions, today announces its results for the six months ended 30 June 2023. (ISIN: FR001400IUV6 - Symbol: ALWTR)

OSMOSUN Chairman and CEO Quentin Ragetly said: "Our first half 2023 performance, although understandably not yet material, is in line with our expectations. During this period, we all worked flat out on ensuring the success of our IPO, which will enable us to expand over the years ahead. Our development strategy is well underway and we are now focused on executing our roadmap. The teams are gradually being strengthened, partnerships are gathering pace and OSMOSUN is beginning to extend its local presence, most recently in Morocco. We are highly confident in achieving our short- and medium-term objectives while maintaining our goal of becoming a leading player in low-carbon water treatment."

H1 2023 results

The Company does not have comparative financial statements for H1 2022. The information presented below corresponds to the situation at 30 June 2023, i.e. prior to the OSMOSUN initial public offering in July 2023.

000 H1 2023

6 months Revenues 1,288 Production for the period 1,370 Gross margin 544 EBITDA 791 Adjusted EBITDA[1] (791) Adjusted operating income/(loss) (1,173) Net income/(loss) (1,132)



Revenues, which are recognised on a percentage-of-completion basis, are not yet material and amounted to 1.3 million in H1 2023. As a reminder, revenues are recognised based on the progress of projects, in accordance with costs incurred up to the balance sheet date and may fluctuate according to the phases of project development. In view of scheduled progress on projects recorded in the order backlog and the acceleration of commercial opportunities, the Group is confident of achieving its full-year revenue target of approximately 4.0 million for 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA amounted to a 791 million loss in H1 2023. Structuring of the Group accelerated in H1 2023. OSMOSUN engaged in an investment programme, particularly in human resources, in order to prepare for the accelerated growth expected in the coming years while keeping operating costs under control. The average headcount increased by 53% to 24.5 FTE[2] in H1 2023, compared to 16 FTE in H1 2022.

The Company posted a net loss of 1.1 million for the period.

Operating free cash flow was positive at 237,000 for H1 2023, driven by effective management of working capital and tight control of capital expenditure.

At 30 June 2023, cash and cash equivalents totalled 2.3 million (compared to 0.4 million at 31 December 2022) versus gross borrowings of 4.8 million. Cash and cash equivalents have since been considerably boosted by the net 9.8 million proceeds of OSMOSUN's successful initial public offering in July 2023, which gave the Company the financial resources required to ramp up its development plan.



Strong commercial pipeline and 38 million of projects under advanced negotiations

Over the past two years, the Group has been engaged in an active commercial development phase, driven by international water shortages and the need to reduce the water sector's carbon footprint. As a result, the Group's commercial pipeline has grown significantly to 166 million at 30 June 2023. This pipeline includes:

a 4.4 million order backlog (contracts signed to date) representing around ten projects to be delivered over the next 12 months;

over 40 projects under advanced negotiations[3] for potential delivery between 2023 and 2024, representing estimated potential revenues of 38 million;

Over 150 projects[4] were identified in which the Company could participate, with a total value of 124 million.



Implementation of the post-IPO development strategy

OSMOSUN is aiming to become a key player in water treatment with a focus on low-carbon solutions. The July 2023 IPO gave the Company the financial resources required to support and ramp up its development.

The Group has already begun to lay the foundations of its organic growth strategy, notably by strengthening its teams and deploying local structures. A recruitment plan has been launched with 9 new positions including 6 in sales, operations and technical departments. The primary aim is to strengthen the Group's local presence in priority regions (notably Africa and Asia-Pacific) and to support operational ramp-up and expansion into new markets, such as water treatment in the broadest sense of the term.

OSMOSUN also recently expanded its local presence in Morocco with the launch of a joint venture with Moroccan industrial group PCS. This industrial and commercial partnership is perfectly in line with OSMOSUN's deployment strategy across West and North Africa, a priority region for the Group. Morocco is experiencing severe water stress. The combined expertise of OSMOSUN and PCS will enable the subsidiary to take full advantage of the large investment programme for the construction of seawater desalination plants introduced by the government and the Moroccan industrial group OCP.

The Group has also stepped up its partnership strategy in order to consolidate its position in the seawater desalination market and expand in related markets. This includes the partnerships recently signed with OKwind, a specialist in smart renewable energy generation and management systems dedicated to self-consumption, and with the Emergency Architects Foundation.

As announced in its development plan, OSMOSUN is reviewing potential acquisition targets that could enable it to step up growth and gain access to new technologies and/or penetrate related markets.



Confirmation of medium-term objectives

Taking into account contracts already signed, advanced negotiations and the ramp-up of commercial opportunities, OSMOSUN  forecasts a significant growth upswing in 2024.

OSMOSUN  also confirms its medium-term objectives of generating revenues of 20 million by 2025 and 48 million by 2027, while improving profitability over the whole plan period in order to raise the adjusted EBITDA margin[5] to over 10% by 2025 and over 20% by 2027.

Next publication: FY 2023 revenues, 26 March 2024 after market close

Glossary

Projects in advanced negotiations: projects for which the Company has already made a firm offer and where the client is expected to sign within a few weeks (each qualified as PDD - preliminary detailed design) or projects already qualified and undergoing negotiation with a maturity of several months (each qualified as PSD - preliminary summary design). As such, there is a risk that they may not be converted into a firm order.

Projects identified: projects for which not all the information is known or defined and qualification is still underway (maturity of over 12 months), as well as identified projects for which initial discussions have already been held with the client. As such, there is a risk that they may not be converted into a firm order.

Adjusted EBITDA: Operating income restated for net depreciation and amortisation of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and net provision charges/reversals + research tax credit.

ABOUT OSMOSUN

Founded in 2014, OSMOSUN's ambition is to become a leading player in the low-carbon water market in order to make drinking water accessible to all.

OSMOSUN has developed a unique, patented, cost-effective, clean and sustainable solution for solar-powered battery-free seawater and brackish water desalination. This innovation makes OSMOSUN units among the most energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions in the world. The water production capacities of its units range from 1 m3 to 50,000 m3 per day.

At 31 December 2022, 59 desalination units have been sold in 27 countries.

In 2022, the Group generated revenues of 4.6 million.

More information: OSMOSUN | Create water where life is

CONTACTS

SPECIALIZED PRESS FINANCIAL PRESS INVESTOR RELATIONS Nadege Chapelin Anne-Charlotte Dudicourt Helene de Watteville chapelin@nc-2.com acdudicourt@actus.fr osmosun@actus.fr +33 6 52 50 33 58 +33 1 53 67 36 32 +33 1 53 67 36 33

[1] See glossary

[2] Full-time equivalent

[3] See glossary

[4] See glossary

[5] See glossary

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-82493-osmosun-rs-2023_vdef_eng.pdf
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 24

For immediate release

24 October 2023

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 100,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 804.77 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company.

The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023.

Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 22,396,869; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 202,594,434.

The figure of 202,594,434 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Wesco International

Originally published on Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity

Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that Wesco, a leading provider of electrical and electronic solutions, communications and security solutions, and utility and broadband solutions has become the inaugural sponsor of our Regional Repair Collaborative. This partnership will have a profound impact on homeowners in need, fostering stronger and more resilient communities across the region.

The Regional Repair Collaborative, initiated by Chicagoland Habitat, is focused on addressing critical repairs and improvements for homes in neighborhoods served by the eight Habitat affiliate locations in the six-county area. Wesco's commitment to corporate social responsibility and their mission to support the communities they serve make them an ideal partner for this initiative.

As the inaugural sponsor, Wesco provides financial resources and employee volunteers to enhance the reach and impact of the Repair Collaborative. Their dedication to promoting safe and sustainable living spaces aligns perfectly with Habitat for Humanity's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

"We are thrilled to have Wesco as the inaugural sponsor of our Regional Repair Collaborative," said Sarah Brachle Wagner, CEO of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity. "Their generous support and commitment to making a positive impact in our communities allows us to transform more lives and create lasting change. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Chicagoland."

An inspiring example of the program's impact is the story of Frank and Shelby. At 91 and 83 years old, Frank's need for a walker and Shelby's reliance on her wheelchair made leaving their home for simple tasks like grocery shopping, doctor visits, and attending church on Sunday increasingly difficult. Their roof was also old and leaking, and they were concerned about their health and safety.

Thanks to the Repair Collaborative and the support of Wesco, Frank and Shelby applied with nearby Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, and soon a team of volunteers arrived to assess the couple's needs. The team worked tirelessly to repair the roof and install a ramp, which made it easier for Frank and Shelby to navigate their home. With the new modifications, they could once again exit and enter their home safely without fear of falling, significantly improving their quality of life and overall well-being.

The partnership between Wesco and Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity's Regional Repair Collaborative reflects a shared vision to address the pressing needs of homeowners and uplift communities in the Chicagoland area. Through their combined efforts, Wesco and Habitat for Humanity are set to make a lasting difference, empowering individuals and families with safe and decent living conditions.

About Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity

Habitat's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat in Chicagoland is committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive; to revitalizing neighborhoods and building communities; and to helping transform families through home ownership. We do this by making housing affordable to hardworking people without access to conventional financing and offer individuals a hand up, fueled by our belief in dignity, self-sufficiency, collaboration, and hope. To learn more, visit chicagolandhabitat.org.

About Wesco

Wesco International (NYSE:WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 company with more than $21 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates approximately 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wesco International on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Wesco International

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wesco-international

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Wesco International

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/796043/wesco-becomes-inaugural-sponsor-of-chicagoland-habitat-for-humanitys-regional-repair-collaborative
In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen!

PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French luxury brand Kering SA on Thursday reported third-quarter sales of 4.46 billion euros, down 13% from 5.14 billion euros last year. Revenues were down 9% on a comparable basis. During the three-month period, Gucci sales slipped 14 percent to 2.22 billion euros from 2.58 billion euros in the previous-year quarter. 'Beyond the challenging macroeconomic conditions and softening demand across the luxury industry, the change in our revenue performance in the third quarter reflects the impact of our decisions to further elevate our brands and their distribution. The organization we put in place in July will enable us to strengthen the steering of our Houses in the current market environment and to reclaim our positions and influence. With the acquisition of Creed completed last week, one of the world's most distinguished high fragrance houses has joined our family, propelling our ambitions in beauty onto the next stage,' said CEO Francois-Henri Pinault. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Tasrie IT Services, a leading IT solutions provider, proudly announced the launch of their innovative DevOps Consulting and Cloud Native Consulting Services in June 2023. These cutting-edge solutions mark a significant leap forward in empowering businesses to thrive in the digital era.





Tasrie IT Services



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8846/184644_b9fec67ca41ef98e_001full.jpg

Tasrie IT Services introduces their expert DevOps Consulting services, designed to foster efficiency and collaboration within businesses. DevOps methodologies, centered around seamless integration of development and operations, are crucial in today's fast-paced technological environment. Tasrie IT Services' team of experts guides businesses through the intricate process, ensuring streamlined software development and accelerated deployment cycles. By embracing DevOps, businesses can achieve enhanced efficiency, reduced time-to-market, and unparalleled customer satisfaction.

In response to the growing demand for cloud-native solutions, Tasrie IT Services presents their specialized Cloud Native Consulting Services. With a focus on technologies such as Kubernetes and cloud-native architecture, Tasrie IT Services empowers businesses to harness the full potential of the cloud. Cloud-native applications allow for unprecedented scalability, rapid innovation, and optimal resource utilization. Tasrie IT Services' experts work closely with clients to build, deploy, and manage cloud-native applications, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the competition in the digital landscape.

Recognizing that every business is unique, Tasrie IT Services offers Custom Cloud Solutions tailored to specific needs. Whether it's cloud migration, application modernization, or infrastructure optimization, Tasrie IT Services ensures that businesses receive personalized solutions. By prioritizing security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, Tasrie IT Services guarantees seamless integration and reliable performance, allowing businesses to focus on their core competencies.

Tasrie IT Services' commitment to client success is evident in their customer-centric approach. The company's dedicated professionals provide personalized attention, ensuring that every client's challenges are met with innovative solutions. By choosing Tasrie IT Services as their strategic technology partner, businesses gain access to expertise that propels them toward sustained growth and digital transformation.

About Tasrie IT Services

Tasrie IT Services is a prominent IT solutions provider headquartered in Dubai, U.A.E. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the company offers a wide array of services, including DevOps Consulting, Cloud Native Consulting Services, and Custom Cloud Solutions. Tasrie IT Services is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the digital age.

Contact Information

Contact Person: Amjad Hussain Syed

Company: Tasrie IT Services

Email: amjad.syed@tasrieit.com

Website: https://tasrieit.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184644
Tulane's Dr. Robert Garry Awarded GVN's 2023 Robert C. Gallo Award for Scientific Excellence and Leadership

MONTE CARLO, Monaco, Oct. 24, 2023of the Global Virus Network-hosted in partnership with the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM, a GVN Affiliate) and the Princely Government of Monaco-were intimate discussions between H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the GVN on the state of pandemic preparedness and need for collaborations, particularly in and among small nations. Participants from academia and industry also revealed novel anti-viral therapies, advances in the study of Long COVID, evolving concerns over potential viral threats, and new technologies for virus detection, such as wastewater sampling, to improve upon preventing and responding to outbreaks.



Continuing from his previous comments, H.R. H. Prince Albert II of Monaco said, "GVN has enabled Monaco to evaluate the actual efficacy of vaccination against COVID-19 by testing all of Monaco's population for neutralizing antibodies against the virus. Monaco is the only country in the world to do this, and the collaboration with GVN has been instrumental to the success of the program. Indeed, Monaco does not have expertise in laboratory experience, in particular immunology. So, we are grateful to the GVN for closing this gap for us, particularly during the height of the COVID pandemic, by connecting us to its Center of Excellence Director Dr. Linfa Wang, who provided us the only novel kits to test for neutralizing antibodies. Otherwise, we would have been lost. GVN provided us a team capable of measuring biomarkers so that we could conduct research and collect data that continue to be useful to us today."

Dr. Linfa Wang of Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore added, "Small countries can do big things with the proper resources. With our help, Monaco became the only nation in the world to offer SARS-CoV-2 immunity test kits to its citizens. We have unique data on individuals for two years now, which provides necessary information in guiding future research."

Dr. Johan Neyts of the Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven-Belgium, provided poignant context: "In September, 2019, I attended a conference in Wuhan, where we discussed not being ready for a pandemic. We need to be prepared by developing anti-viral medications that are highly potent and broad-acting. Paxlovid should have been developed during 'peacetime,' and poised to be widely distributed, making a major impact. If the elderly had this medication sooner, it would have helped tremendously and provided us with a defense against this virus, so we had more than just face masks and social distancing. I am pleased to be presenting on our development of novel anti-viral research towards drug therapies that treat multiple viral infections."

Dr. Robert Gallo, Co-Founder and Chair of the Scientific Leadership Board of the Global Virus Network and Co-Founder and Emeritus Director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, noted"We are often asked, why not just follow government? I ask, 'Which government?' For example, look at what happened to Sweden against the advice of scientists worldwide, and as presented today by GVN's Dr. Anders Vahlne of the Karolinska Institut. Untold amounts of lives were lost in their government's un-scientific strategy to gain herd immunity. I ask, 'Why should a public health response be just limited to government experts?' We need to have independent expertise as a partner to the government, and GVN aims to do just that."

Dr. Rubeshan Perumal of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Researchon co-leading the GVN Long COVID Task Force. "Middle to low-income countries, with the help of funders across the world, have made an investment in science in general over the decades, such as with HIV. This has positioned us to have a robust clinical trial network allowing us to have a robust response to COVID-19. My work in diagnostics and epidemiology, and in understanding long-term COVID, has positioned our GVN Task Force to launch initiatives aimed at achieving global consensus about the nature of the long term COVID problem, the scientific challenges, and advocating for better diagnostics to Long COVID. Long COVID is a substantial burden to society and is under-represented in socio-economic groups. This is a global problem and needs a global solution that we are working on through the GVN."

Concluding the discussion, H.R. H. Prince Albert II of Monaco said, "You can count on our support, and we thank you for your work. We are committed to supporting you - the Global Virus Network."

During the final day's presentations, Dr. Sara Javornik Cregeen of Baylor College of Medicine in the USA was one of several presenters who spoke about detecting viral outbreaks through wastewater testing. Scientists discussed how to translate into action the two-week lead time in detection of an epidemic via wastewater. Dr. Javornik Cregeen said, "There is downtime to a sequencing approach and, in turn, data. However, we are working on that. We have multiple action groups, coordinating with wastewater utilities, to include them in conversations to aid in transparency." She particularly highlighted the importance of the utility companies and other stakeholders being assured that the data will be used wisely, and not just shutdown economies. Currently, she is working with the Texas legislature to establish standard operating procedures. The GVN's Viral Detection and Control Watch Group is poised to help address these and other challenges to wastewater sampling that are not just present in the utilities sector, but also in academic institutions where the research is being done and where data could be collected.

Dr. Sharon Lewin, director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Australia chaired the final scientific session "Advancing Antiviral Diagnostics and Treatment Through Innovation" and noted that in the case of polio wastewater detection, scientists and health officials can warn the public when there is a rise in cases and issue health alerts. She also noted that multiple levels of communication are important, not just between scientists, wastewater utilities, and government, but with doctors, so that they are on alert for an increase in patients presenting disease in their clinics.

Dr. Javornik Cregeen ended her presentation by saying that the meeting's focus earlier on using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance research efforts was also valuable. With over 4,000 detectable viruses in wastewater, AI will help sort through intricate data. She said, "We are using AI for predictive modeling and incorporating health data through the Texas Medical Center and hospitals, which will help in developing modeling tools in AI."

During the meeting, a gala was held at the Musee Oceanographique de Monaco, where GVN honored several individuals: GVN's 2023 Robert C. Gallo Award for Scientific Excellence and Leadershipwas presented to Dr. Robert Garryof the Tulane University School of Medicine, USA; Dr. Robert Gallo was honored with the GVN Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Christian Brechot of the University of South Florida, USA, who will be stepping down as President and becoming Vice Chairman of the GVN Board of the Directors, was honored with the GVN Excellence in Leadership Award; and Dr. Patrick Rampal of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco was honored for co-hosting the highly successful meeting in Monaco.

Dr. Sten Vermundof the Yale School of Public Health, USA, and GVN President-Elect said, "The GVN grew significantly under the leadership of Dr. Christian Brechot. I look forward to creating meaningful partnerships and securing more resources to support programs that include training, surveillance, and small grant awards. We look forward to engaging additional organizations such as the European Union, the World Health Organization, and such entities as the African, Chinese, and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make GVN more visible and a go-to resource for governments at a local, national, and international level. We also look forward to adding and diversifying GVN's leadership, providing even more opportunities to emerging economies, while maintaining independence to promote data-driven science."

Dr. Vermund announced that the 2024 GVN Annual Meeting will be held in Durban, South Africa at CAPRISA and co-hosted by Drs. Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim and Dr. Rubeshan Perumal.

For the full three-day agenda of the GVN Annual Scientific Meeting in Monaco, visit: https://gvn.org/gvn-2023-monaco/.

About the Global Virus Network (GVN)

The GVN is essential and critical in the preparedness, defense, and first research response to emerging, existing, and unidentified viruses that pose a clear and present threat to public health. Working in close coordination with established national and international institutions, the GVN is a coalition comprised of eminent human and animal virologists from 71 Centers of Excellence and 9 Affiliates in 40 countries, working collaboratively to train the next generation, advance knowledge about how to identify and diagnose pandemic viruses, mitigate and control how such viruses spread and make us sick, as well as develop drugs, vaccines, and treatments to combat them. No single institution in the world has expertise in all viral areas other than the GVN, which brings together the finest medical virologists to leverage their individual expertise and coalesce global teams of specialists on the scientific challenges, issues, and problems posed by pandemic viruses. The GVN is a non-profit 501. Follow us on X at @GlobalVirusNews.

Media Contact: Nora Samaranayake +1-443-823-0613 or nsamaranayake@gvn.org
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / ZoomAway Technologies Inc. (TSXV:ZMA)(US:ZMWYF) (the "Company" or "ZMA") www.zoomaway.com,a retail and hospitality technology development company, announced via press release dated April 12, 2022 that it intended to acquire an Ontario based specialty retailer. On October 4, 2023, the Company announced that, for various reasons, it has chosen not to pursue this transaction and has applied to the TSX Venture Exchange to resume trading of its shares.

Throughout the period since the announcement of the transaction during which trading in its shares was halted, Zoomaway has continued to operate normally, including keeping its shareholders up to date with all of its financial reporting requirements.

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that the AIP Convertible Debt Fund LP ("AIP") has provided an extension on its Notes in the amount of CDN $7.1 million that became due on September 30 of this year, to April 30, 2024. Furthermore, in August 2023, AIP agreed to provide the Company with additional financial support in the amount of USD$400,000 in order to cover operating expenses to August of 2024.

Finally, Zoomaway wishes to announce that it has filed a notice calling for a meeting of its shareholders on December 1, 2023. Further details with regard to the meeting will be announced shortly.

It is anticipated that trading of the Company's common shares will resume on October 26, 2023.

For additional information contact: Sean Schaeffer, CEO, ZoomAway Technologies Inc., at 775-691-8860 sean@zoomaway.com.

About Us

Zoomaway Technologies Inc. is a technology company principally involved in the hospitality and travel industries. We have developed a variety of software solutions that enhance the planning and engagement of everyday tourists. Our flagship project, ZoomedOUT, is a complete modernization and re-imagination of mobile travel apps. In a full 3D environment, we are able to integrate planning, booking, social media, and camaraderie into a tangibly rewarding experience. The Company has combined travel, hospitality, mobile gaming and augmented reality to change the way users travel. Additional information about ZoomAway Technologies Inc. can be found at www.zoomaway.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Transaction, the spin-off of ZMA's current business, ZMA's intention to continue to seek out other acquisition opportunities, the resumption of trading of the Company's shares, the completion of due diligence, the execution of a definitive agreement in respect of the Transaction and the timing thereof, and receipt of shareholder approval and regulatory approvals including approval of the TSXV and the timing thereof. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include inability to secure funding for the Transaction, failure to obtain shareholder or regulatory approvals for the Transaction, regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: ZoomAway Technologies Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/796083/zoomaway-provides-corporate-update-and-announces-resumption-of-trading
TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Converge Technology Solutions Corp. ("Converge" or "the Company") (TSX:CTS) (FSE:0ZB) (OTCQX:CTSDF) is pleased to announce that it will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter fiscal 2023 results on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 8:00am EST. The call will be hosted by the Converge leadership team, followed by a question-and-answer period. Converge will report its financial results in the morning prior to the call.

Conference Call Details:

Date: Tuesday, November 14th, 2023

Time: 8:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Participant Webcast Link:

Webcast Link - https://app.webinar.net/QdG07XJ8abr

Participant Dial-in Details with Operator Assistance:

Conference ID: 64850592

Toronto: 416-764-8609

North American Toll Free: 888-390-0605

International Toll-Free Numbers:

Germany: 08007240293

Ireland: 1800939111

Spain: 900834776

Switzerland: 0800312635

United Kingdom: 08006522435

You may register and enter your phone number to receive an instant automated call back via https://emportal.ink/46xbql2

Recording Playback:

Webcast Link - https://app.webinar.net/QdG07XJ8abr

Toronto: 416-764-8677

North American Toll Free: 1-888-390-0541

Replay Code: 850592 #

Expiry Date: November 21st, 2023

Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure time for any software download that may be required to access the webcast. A live audio webcast accompanied by presentation slides and archive of the conference call and webcast will be available by visiting the Company's website at https://convergetp.com/investor-relations/ .

Converge Technology Solutions Corp. is a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions. Converge's global approach delivers advanced analytics, application modernization, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital workplace offerings to clients across various industries. The Company supports these solutions with advisory, implementation, and managed services expertise across all major IT vendors in the marketplace. This multi-faceted approach enables Converge to address the unique business and technology requirements for all clients in the public and private sectors. For more information, visit convergetp.com.

Converge Technology Solutions Corp., Email: investors@convergetp.com, Phone: 416-360-1495

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/converge-to-host-third-quarter-fiscal-2023-conference-call-301966340.html
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / The Watchlist by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Imagine Lithium, Northstar Gold, and INEO Tech discussing their latest news.

The Watchlist by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives.

Imagine Lithium Provides Exploration Update Intercepts 14.35m of 1.22% Li2O

Imagine Lithium (TSXV:ILI)(OTCQB:ARXRF) has provided an update on its ongoing exploration activities at the Jackpot lithium project, located within the rapidly emerging lithium camp in the Georgia Lake area, approximately 140 km north-east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Jackpot property is characterized by swarms of mineralized lithium-bearing pegmatite dikes distributed across the 18,800 ha land package.

For the full news from Imagine Lithium, click here.

Northstar Gold Corp. Commences Drilling at Historic High-Grade Cam Copper Mine

Northstar Gold Corp. (CSE:NSG) announced the Company has commenced diamond drilling at the historic Cam Copper Mine, a former high-grade copper producer on the Company's 100%-owned Miller Copper-Gold Property, situated 18 kilometres southeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

To read the full article, click here.

INEO Announces the Sale of Welcoming Systems to Prosegur for delivery to Jumbo Cencosud

INEO Tech Corp. (TSXV:INEO)(OTCQB:INEOF), the developer and operator of the INEO Media Network, a digital advertising and analytics solution for retailers, is pleased to announce it has shipped the first INEO Welcoming Systems, as per the Company's distribution agreement with partner Prosegur Security" for installation at various locations of Jumbo Cencosud in Colombia

For the full article, click here.

Interviews for The Watchlist by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Watchlist or to explore our other interviews visit The Watchlist by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). Report Card is not an advisory service, and does not offer, buy, sell, or provide any other rating, analysis or opinion on the securities we discuss. We are retained and compensated by the companies that we provide information on to assist them with making information available to the public. All information available on themarketherald.ca and/or this press release should be considered as commercial advertisement and not an endorsement, offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities. Report Card is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority in any province or territory of Canada, will not be performing any registerable activity as defined by the applicable regulatory bodies and do not provide nor claim to provide investment advice or recommendations to any visitor of this site or readers of any content on or originating from themarketherald.ca. Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities and/or commodities and/or commodity futures contracts in certain underlying companies mentioned in this site and which may also be clients of Market Herald's affiliates. In such instances, Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees will use all reasonable efforts to avoid engaging in activities that would lead to conflicts of interest and Market Herald and/or its affiliates will use all reasonable efforts to comply with conflicts of interest disclosures and regulations to minimize any conflict. All the information on this document and/or the website - themarketherald.ca - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Report Card does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this document and/or website (themarketherald.ca) is strictly at your own risk. Report Card will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. CONTACT: The Market Herald

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Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - ALUULA Composites Inc. (TSXV: AUUA) (the "Company" or "ALUULA") today announced the appointment of Briony Bayer as the Company's interim Chief Financial Officer.

Ms. Bayer is a qualified finance professional with 20 years experience in senior executive roles. Ms. Bayer was a founding shareholder, director and CFO of Bastion Square Partners Inc., a Capital Pool Company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange that completed its qualifying transaction by way of three-cornered amalgamation (the "Transaction") with ALUULA on April 17, 2023. Post Transaction, Ms. Bayer stayed on as a member of the Company's board of directors.

Ms. Bayer is the CFO for Victoria-based private equity firm Gustavson Capital Corporation where she is responsible for oversight of assets under management as well as investment opportunity due diligence, analysis, and recommendation. In her role as CFO, Ms. Bayer has collaborated with portfolio company executive teams to develop, plan, and execute on the business' growth strategy and when required oversee functional areas including finance & accounting, HR, IT and risk management. Prior to joining Gustavson Capital, Ms. Bayer held senior finance roles with Custom House Ltd, a privately held multi-national company and ACD Systems International Inc. a TSX listed software development company.

Ms. Bayer is a CPA, CA who articled with KPMG LLP where she managed a portfolio of clients that were both publicly traded and privately held. Over the course of her employment with KPMG, Ms. Bayer worked in the Victoria, BC, Mountain View, CA, and Frankfurt offices.

Ms. Bayer remains as a director of ALUULA.

Richard Myerscough, CEO of ALUULA, commented, "We are very pleased to welcome Briony as our Chief Financial Officer. We have worked together closely in the go public transaction - she knows ALUULA well and I value her counsel. Her strong operating experience in public and private companies in our current high growth phase will be invaluable."

About ALUULA Composites

ALUULA Composites Inc. (TSX-V: AUUA) is a new class of composite materials built from components with eight times the strength-to-weight ratio of steel, and yet lighter than nylon, polyester or aramid. Using a patented and proprietary approach to increase fiber strength at the molecular level, ALUULA core weaves and outer facing films are fused without the use of heavy glues. This remarkable process allows ALUULA to achieve strength to weight ratio materials that have been previously unachievable. The company continues to add patented innovation to its product offerings and specialized core competencies to its growing team.

Partnering with world-class brands, ALUULA Composites is quickly becoming the top choice for innovators seeking to set a new standard of high-performance.

ALUULA is a Canadian company founded by a team of highly experienced chemists and engineers who share a common passion for exploring and enjoying the outdoors. They have created a new realm in dimensionally stabilized multilayer materials that are the result of an innovative bonding of co-polymer layers, creating composites which are extremely light, highly tear and stretch resistant, and are easily fabricated into a multitude of products across a wide range of markets. ALUULA Composites strives to develop products and processes that are not hazardous to our environment and minimize the footprint we leave behind.

Learn more about ALUULA Composites at: www.aluula.com

Contact:

Richard Myerscough, CEO and Director

rm@aluula.com

Investor Relations General Contact

investors@aluula.com

TSX Venture Exchange

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the business of Aluula. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing and receipt of all applicable regulatory, corporate and third party approvals, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185092
MONTREAL, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Central America Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "CAN") is pleased to announce it has filed a provisional patent application in the United States (Reference number 63/387,565) for the extraction of nickel and cobalt using the Company's Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAEx) and Reductive Atmospheric Leaching (RAL). The Company will also be filing a patent application for this technology in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application which covers 157 contracting regions. The patent application is titled "Process for extraction of nickel, cobalt, manganese and magnesium from laterite feedstocks."

The process is a combination of Reductive Atmospheric Leaching (RAL), an efficient green alternative to High Pressure Air Leaching (HPAL) as an extraction method, combined with the use of CAN's ultrasound technology, the Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAEx), as a process intensifier.

The UAEx is an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional processing methods which increases mineral recovery rates while reducing processing time. The carbon emissions and energy requirements are substantially minimized due to the lack of heat utilized in the cavitation process compared to existing processes; this increased efficiency requires less reagents and results in reduced chemical waste for neutralization.

Both nickel and cobalt are essential minerals required for the green transition, and are crucial for the development of numerous industrial sectors and energy solutions; nickel and cobalt are primary ingredients for electric vehicle battery production, and are listed on the critical mineral lists outlined by the governments of Canada and the United States.

Metallurgical testing has been conducted on the ore sourced from the Company's nickel laterite assets in Guatemala, with recovery rates of up to 97% nickel, 95% cobalt and manganese, within 1-hour of extraction time. The key project within CAN's Guatemalan nickel laterite assets hosts historic inferred resources estimated at 57 million tonnes at a grade of 1.73% Ni, including a calculated 21 million tonnes at a grade of 2.00% Ni. The Company intends to commence direct shipping ore operations from Guatemala before the end of this year.

By using Reductive Atmospheric Leaching (RAL) in combination with the UAEx, the proprietary metallurgical process represents an environmentally-friendly substitute to conventional extraction methods such as High Pressure Air Leaching (HPAL); the process can be used for the production of nickel-cobalt mixed hydroxide products (MHP) and subsequently nickel, cobalt and scandium sulphates at battery grade levels. CAN's proprietary UAEx technology has been effective at recovering up to 95% nickel, 98% cobalt and over 93% scandium in solution from RAL feed within less than 2-hours. The work on this patent application was done in collaboration with the Company's technology partner, Impact Global Solutions Inc. (IGS). CAN likewise mandated IGS to prepare two metallurgical studies: first one with regard to the production of MHP, and the second study with regard to the production of battery-grade nickel sulphate that could be supplied to EV battery manufacturers. The filed provisional patent application is accessible at: bit.ly/3VTT1bS.

The Company is focused on the sourcing, production and processing of strategic and critical minerals, as well as on the development of its proprietary technologies. CAN's work on new metallurgical processes contributes to the extraction industry as it offers several key advantages including rapid mineral separation with reduced processing times and cost considerations compared to traditional methods, while also minimizing overall environmental impact.

Central America Nickel Inc. ("CAN") is a privately-held corporation based in Montreal, focused on the processing and purification of critical minerals and energy metals using patented and patent-pending technologies, in partnership with strategic partners. CAN has access, directly or through joint ventures, to minerals projects including nickel, cobalt, scandium, vanadium, lithium and rare earth elements located in several countries, including Guatemala and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Website: www.centralamericanickel.com

Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, financings and transactions being pursued, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although the Company believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein.

For more information on the Company, contact: Pierre Gauthier, Chairman & CEO, Central America Nickel Inc., Tel: +1 514-299-0881, Email: pg@centralamericanickel.com

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Adlumin, a Washington, DC-based managed detection and response (MDR) company providing a security operations platform, raised $70M in Series B funding.

The round, which brought the total amount to $83M, was led by SYN Ventures, with participation from First In Ventures, Washington Harbour Partners and BankTech Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate Its growth and meet demand for small and mid-market organizations that need an enterprise-grade solution with simplified pricing to defend against the same threats targeting businesses and government organizations.

Led by Robert Johnston, Founder and CEO, Adlumin provides an enterprise-grade security operations platform and managed detection and response services that keep mid-market organizations secure. With one license and one platform, its patented technology and integrations offer everything organizations need for effective threat hunting, incident response, vulnerability management, darknet exposure monitoring, compliance support, and more. Adlumin is feature-rich enough for organizations with in-house expertise to operate independently, yet purpose-built to enhance collaboration with and provide a real-time visibility from service providers.

FinSMEs

24/10/2023
Santiago Perez De Rosso, CTO and co-founder and Albert Gozzi, CEO and co-founder (Photo: Business Wire)

Aleph, a NYC-based provider of a financial planning and analysis platform, raised $16.7M in funding.

The round was led by Bain Capital Ventures (BCV) with participation from existing investors Khosla Ventures, Picus Capital and Y Combinator, and included angel investors and current customers.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and introduce collaboration features for non-finance stakeholders.

Led by Albert Gozzi, CEO and Santiago Perez De Rosso, CTO, Aleph helps finance teams work with their data in real time. Businesses can automate financial models and streamline budgeting and forecasting with the fastest-to-implement FP&A platform. It eliminates the need to export data from multiple sources by syncing spreadsheet models with data from 150+ integrations, and allows teams to interact with their data in no-code dashboards.

Aleph has found early success with several brands like Turo, Zapier, Envoy and Notion.

FinSMEs

24/10/2023
Databricks, a San Francisco, CA-based data and AI company, acquired Arcion, a Databricks Ventures portfolio company that helps enterprises quickly and reliably replicate data across on-prem, cloud databases and data platforms.

The transaction is valued at over $100M.

This acquisition will enable Databricks to natively provide a scalable solution to ingest data from various enterprise data sources. Building on a scalable change data capture (CDC) engine, Arcion offers connectors for over 20 enterprise databases and data warehouses. The integration will simplify ingesting such data either continuously or on-demand into the lakehouse, fully integrated with the enterprise security, governance, and compliance capabilities of the Databricks platform.

Led by Gary Hagmueller, CEO, Arcion replicates enterprise databases, data warehouses, and cloud analytics platforms using change data capture (CDC) to empower AI applications. Enterprises utilize Arcions zero-impact, agentless CDC pipelines to replicate data with low latency and consistency. The company provides support for schema conversions and evolution, with zero code required. Fortune 500 companies use it to drive analytics and AI by replicating mission-critical data among databases and cloud data warehouses.

Led by CEO Ali Ghodsi, Databricks is the data and AI company that serves more than 10,000 organizations worldwide  including Comcast, Conde Nast, and over 50% of the Fortune 500  to unify their data, analytics, and AI.

FinSMEs

23/10/2023
DermBiont, a Boston, MA-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, raised $35.2M in Series B funding, including a $27.1M Series B first close and $8.1M in converting outstanding notes.

The round was led by Double Point Ventures with participation from Viking Global Investors as well as other new and existing investors. Concurrent with the financing, Daniel Yadegar, M.D., Managing Partner at Double Point Ventures, joined DermBionts board of directors.

The company intends to use the funds to advance two drugs in development, SM-020, a topical novel AKT kinase inhibitor for the treatment of seborrheic keratoses (SKs), and SM-030, a topical novel PKC-beta inhibitor for the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin.

Led by Karl Beutner, M.D., Ph.D., and CEO, DermBiont aims to impact the root causes of skin diseases through the development of targeted therapeutics with well-defined mechanisms of action. The companys targeted topical therapeutics pipeline includes two lead assets: SM-020 for the treatment of seborrheic keratoses and SM-030 for the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin.

FinSMEs

24/10/2023
Philippe Guez (founding partner), Ido Hart (partner), Eric Elalouf (founding partner)

Maor Investments, a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm dedicated to Israeli technologies, closed its second fund, Maor II, at $180M.

Maor is exclusively focused on investing in Israeli tech companies.

The new fund, Maor II, will focus on the growth/early-growth segment (startups already generating revenues).

Four investments have already been made, representing 16% of the funds total size: SupPlant, Quantum Machines, as well as two cybersecurity investments to be announced shortly. In

four years, Maor I had invested in WSC Sports (SportsTech), Aidoc (HealthTech), Coralogix (DevOps), Silverfort (Cybersecurity), MinuteMedia (Sports ContentTech), Pyramid Analytics (BI & Analytics) as well as Buildots (ConstructionTech).

Founded by Philippe Guez and Eric Elalouf in 2018, Maor investments has raised $280M across 2 funds and built a diversified portfolio both in terms of number of assets and of technology sectors covered, including many startups of Israeli tech.

FinSMEs

24/10/2023
In the 50-year history of the event, held annually at the Red Fort, this will be the first time a woman will set the effigy of the demon king ablaze by shooting an arrow, said Arjun Singh, president of Lav Kush Ramleela Committee of Delhi.

Singh said the decision was taken by the committee in a nod to the Womens Reservation Bill, which was passed by the Parliament last month.

The actress even shared a video about this achievement with her fans on X. This is what she had to say:

As Kangana Ranaut gears up for the release of her next film Tejas, she was spotted recently by the paparazzi and while interacting with them, she quoted a line from the teaser of the film that says, Bharat Ko Chhedoge Toh Chhodenge Nahi, and it has now gone viral.

While the teaser has been a hit on social media and other platforms, fans and audiences alike are excited to watch the actress in the character of Air Force Pilot on the big screen with Tejas, and the on-ground craze of the film is equally heavy among the audiences. Following the teaser, Kangana was spotted by the paparazzis in the city, and everyone hailed Kanganas powerful look in the teaser.

Tejas revolves around the extraordinary journey of Tejas Gill, an Air Force pilot, and aims to inspire and instill a deep sense of pride in every Indian, showing how our Air Force pilots work tirelessly to defend our nation, confronting numerous challenges along the way.

With inputs from agencies

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Cast: Gulshan Devaiah, Amit Sadh, Drashti Dhami, Rajesh Khattar, Zakir Hussain

Director: Rohan Sippy

Language: Hindi

The K-drama Flower Of Evil is all about subterfuge and surreptitious identity. A crime-branch officer is immersed in the investigation of gruesome serial killings when a twist of fate leaves her shocked and frightened. Its something to do with her husband, he may not be what he seems to be. The Indian adaptation was titled Duranga, both the monikers are unique. In season one, the character of Abhishek Banne, played by Gulshan Devaiah, wronged and ruined a life and its now time for vengeance.

The dual identity of Devaiah is on the brink of being exposed and the clandestine motivations will be unraveled in the most psychotic way. Revenge is the answer, not redemption. The character hunting for Abhishek is Amit Sadh, who has woken up from his coma after 14 long years. 14 years is a long time, everything around him has changed, but nothing about him is misplaced. Of course, hes no longer the man he was. What makes Duranga 2, directed by Rohan Sippy, twisted is how the good becomes the evil and the evil is the angel.

Sippy did a good job with his thriller Dum Maaro Dum (2011), also starring Gulsha Devaiah in his acting debut. The best thing about that film was the exchange of words between the characters. The lines here may not be as memorable but they do create a room for palpable tension. And since its a crime thriller, there has to be bloodshed and lots of darkness. And yes, an eerie background score and hideous smiles that suggest danger is lurking.

Gulshan Devaiah is a solid actor, but in season two, he gets a tough competitor in the form of Amit Sadh. Theres a certain sense of pain and ache in his demeanour, evident from films like Kai Po Che and shows like Breathe. Nearly every character he essayed has gone through loss and trauma. In Duranga 2, it has lasted for 14 years without him being aware of it. The makers blur the lines between the good and the evil in season two, its all about deciding whos the lesser evil. Choose wisely.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
China and Bhutan have vowed to resolve their boundary dispute at the earliest, a development that could have implications for India. In a meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday (23 October), Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji said Thimphu was ready to conclude the boundary negotiations and ramp up the process to set up diplomatic ties with China.

Wang also said that Beijing is willing to work with Bhutan. The two sides should seize historical opportunities, complete the important process as soon as possible and designate and develop the friendly relations between the two countries in legal form, The Tribune quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

What is the border dispute between China and Bhutan? Why do the boundary talks between the two concern India? We explain.

Tracing the Bhutan-China border dispute

China and Bhutan share about 477 kilometres of border. The dispute over the boundary can be traced back to 1950 when China occupied Tibet and refused to recognise the dividing line between Tibet and Bhutan, as per ThePrint report.

Beijing also took over the control of eight Bhutanese enclaves in Tibet during its retaliatory action to the Tibetan uprising in 1959, the report added.

Bhutan and China started boundary talks in 1984 and have since focused on mainly three disputed areas  Jakarlung and Pasamlung areas in north Bhutan, and the Doklam area in west Bhutan.

Recent Chinas incursions in Bhutan

In 2017, the Indian and Chinese troops were involved in an intense standoff over Doklam that lasted two months after Beijing started constructing a road towards the strategically significant Jampheri ridge line.

India considers the Doklam plateau as an undisputed territory of Bhutan, whereas, Beijing regards it as an extension of its Chumbi Valley, which lies between Sikkim and Bhutan, noted ThePrint.

In June 2020, Beijing asserted a claim on the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in eastern Bhutan and borders Arunachal Pradesh. China has also allegedly built several villages inside Bhutanese territory. However, these allegations were dismissed by Bhutanese prime minister Lotay Tshering in an interview with the Belgian newspaper La Libre in March.

Why Bhutan-China border talks concern India

Doklam holds great security importance for India. Chinas control over the region could threaten the Siliguri Corridor, a 22km stretch connecting the Indian mainland to the Northeast.

Also known as Chickens Neck, the Siliguri Corridor links India with Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Bhutan PM Tsherings remarks in March that gave equal weightage to China among India and Bhutan in resolving the Doklam border dispute had caused alarm in New Delhi.

It is not up to Bhutan alone to solve the problem. We are three. There is no big or small country, there are three equal countries, each counting for a third. We are ready. As soon as the other two parties are also ready, we can discuss, he said at the time, as per BBC.

Tshering also said then that Bhutan will possibly demarcate some disputed territories with China in one or two more meetings.

There are concerns in New Delhi that a deal between Thimphu and Beijing could include swapping Doklam  located close to the tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China  for disputed territories in the north.

This trijunction point is at a spot called Batang La. China wants to shift this point about 7 km south of Batang La to a peak called Mount Gipmochi  a move unacceptable to New Delhi as that would mean the entire Doklam plateau would be under Beijings control.

Any attempt of China to shift the location of the tri-junction south would be unacceptable to the Indian armed forces. Chinese attempts at unilateral disruption of the status quo, like construction activity across parts of western Bhutan, is a major security concern with a clear security bearing upon India, Lieutenant General Pravin Bakshi (Retd) told NDTV in March.

According to ThePrint, India believes Chinas claim over Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is its way of putting pressure on Bhutan to hand over Doklam.

India is concerned that China is pressuring Bhutan to settle the boundary to harass New Delhi, P Stobdan, a former senior Indian diplomat and an expert on Himalayan affairs, told BBC in April.

Clearly, the Bhutanese are intending to speed up the process of resolving their differences and there have been some changes in the Bhutanese stance lately with regards to Chinas role in settling the dispute, he added.

Bhutan and China have held 24 rounds of talks on the boundary issue, along with 13 Expert Group Meetings (EGMs)  three were conducted this year alone.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high between India and China over the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite several rounds of deliberations following military clashes in 2020 in Ladakhs Galwan Valley, both sides have not been able to reach an agreement over the disengagement of troops at key friction points such as Depsang and Demchok.

In late August, Beijing vexed New Delhi by releasing a standard map showing Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh within Chinas border. India rejected Chinas territorial claims, with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar calling the map absurd.

As Foreign Policy explained in an article, Chinas increased urgency toward border talks with Bhutan should not be seen in isolation. Resolving the dispute over Doklam is inextricably linked to the conflict on China and Indias shared border, and specifically to the status of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as an extension of South Tibet. With Doklam under its control, China could exert more pressure on India; Chinese forces could easily sever Indias connection to the eastern part of their disputed border.

China has not settled its land border dispute with only two countries  India and Bhutan. In some relief to New Delhi, Bhutan and China have not organised the 25th round of border talks so far, a development that India will be watching closely.

With inputs from agencies
After openly criticising Israels actions in Gaza, China has backed the West Asian nations right to self-defence against Hamas. This change in tone comes just days ahead of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yis visit to the United States.

Beijing, which maintains good relations with Israel, has also supported the Palestinian cause for years. Lets take a look at whats happening.

Chinas ties with Israel and Palestinians

In the mid-160s when Mao Zedong ruled China, the Asian giant sided with the Palestinians by giving weapons as well as vowing its support for their cause, as per The Washington Post report.

Beijing has for long called for a two-state solution.

China began opening up to the world after Maos death in 1976. It finally established relations with Israel in 1992 and since then has tried to keep good ties with both the warring sides, the report added.

What did China say earlier?

Commenting on the recent flare-up between Israel and Hamas, China called for a ceasefire, criticised Tel Avivs actions in Gaza earlier, and offered to play a peacemaker.

The latest escalation started on 7 October after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, as per Israeli officials.

Israels retaliatory strikes on the impoverished Gaza Strip have claimed the lives of over 5,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Monday (23 October).

So far, China has refrained from directly naming Hamas while denouncing violence. After the 7 October attack, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman called for de-escalation and implementation of the two-state solution for an independent Palestine.

A week after Hamas attack, Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi strongly condemned Israels actions in Gaza, which he said have gone beyond the scope of self-defence. It should listen earnestly to the calls of the international community and the United Nations secretary general, and cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza, he was quoted as saying by AFP.

Wang had made the remarks on a call with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Speaking to US secretary of state Antony Blinken, Wang said that Washington should play a constructive and responsible role in the conflict, and suggested the convening of an international peace meeting as soon as possible to promote the reaching of broad consensus, reported AFP.

On 19 October, China said it was deeply disappointed with the US for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas fighting.

In his first statement on the conflict, Chinese president Xi Jinping called for an immediate ceasefire during a meeting in Beijing with Egyptian prime minister Mostafa Madbouly last week.

He also offered to join hands with Egypt and other Arab nations to push for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible, reported Bloomberg.

The Chinese president said it was crucial to prevent the conflict from expanding or even losing control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis.

Chinas special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, who attended the Cairo peace summit hosted by Egypt on 22 October, said that Beijing believes force is not a way to resolve the conflict, as per CNA.

Terming the situation in Gaza very serious, Zhai said Beijing is willing to do whatever is conducive to endorse dialogue, secure a ceasefire and restore peace, Al Jazeera report said citing China Central Television.

He also said that the feared ground invasion and the prospect of the conflict spreading to other neighbouring countries in West Asia were worrisome, the report added.

Zhai, who met Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit on the sidelines of the peace summit, had previosuly told the bloc that Beijing would make unremitting efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track, according to AFP.

Earlier, Israel publicly rebuked China, saying it was deeply disappointed at Beijings official statements and media reports, reported Bloomberg.

A day after the 7 October attack by Hamas, Yuval Waks, a senior official at the Israeli Embassy in Beijing, had reportedly said: When people are being murdered, slaughtered in the streets, this is not the time to call for a two-state solution.

What is China saying now?

Chinas foreign minister Wang told his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in a telephone call on Monday (23 October), Every country has the right to self-defense but should abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians, Bloomberg reported citing Chinas state-run Xinhua News Agency.

As per the news agency, Wang reiterated that Beijing is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of the conflict and the intensification of the situation and deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict.

The Chinese foreign minister said that his country will firmly support anything that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel.

This changed stance acknowledging Israels right to take action against Hamas comes as Wang is due to travel to Washington for a three-day visit from 26 October to 28 October. He will meet US secretary of state Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss a host of issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russias war with Ukraine and tensions in the South China Sea, reported Associated Press (AP).

The US has asked Beijing to stand with Israel and condemn Hamas attack earlier, noted Bloomberg.

Whats Chinas goal in West Asia?

According to The Washington Post, China is trying to achieve two key diplomatic goals  bolstering itself as the champion of developing countries and posturing itself as an alternative to the US in a multipolar world.

Describing itself as a friend to both Israel and Palestine, Beijing has vowed to conduct impartial conciliation and mediation to resolve the conflict.

The fact that Palestine is such an emotional and hot-button political issue for the Middle East (West Asia) means that when China offers rhetorical support to Palestine, theyre going to speak not just to the Palestinians, but also to those other Arab countries that want to see a great power support them on this issue, Jonathan Fulton, a nonresident fellow at the think tank Atlantic Council, told The Washington Post.

Analysts believe Chinas positioning stems from its strategic and economic interests in West Asia as well as its initial opposition to Israel  a staunch US ally, reported Indian Express. Beijing pulled a surprise in March by brokering a deal between arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia to re-establish diplomatic relations, bringing the worlds attention to Chinas growing ambitions in West Asia.

As China and the US seek to mend relations, Beijing seems to have changed its stance on Israels retaliatory actions. But it remains to be seen how far it will go to support Israel.

According to The Washington Post, in case the fighting spreads to other West Asian nations, analysts say Chinas calculation might change. However, for now, it appears that Beijing will use the situation to one-upmanship over the US in the region.

With inputs from agencies
Canada issued a warning on Monday about a spamouflage misinformation effort linked to China that employed waves of tweaked online posts and deepfake videos to criticise and discredit Canadian lawmakers.

According to the government ministry, the bot network left thousands of messages accusing dozens of members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, of criminal and ethical infractions on their social media accounts.

But what is spamouflage? Why is China trying to target Canadian lawmakers, and what has Canada said? Lets take a deeper look.

What is spamouflage?

A spamouflage campaign is one that uses a network of new or hijacked social media accounts to disseminate propaganda across several platforms, including Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Reddit, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

It combines the words spam and camouflage, and it intends hidden attempts to distribute spam-like content and propaganda within more ordinary, human-interest style content.

Spamouflage networks, according to Global Affairs, are usually restricted within their own echo chambers of fake users and rarely draw organic social media participation from actual users.

The same bot networks circulated misinformation claiming that the Hawaiian wildfires were caused by a secret US military weather weapon, and they have been linked to misinformation about Japans August Fukushima water release.

How is China targeting Canadian lawmakers?

It began in early August and intensified in September, with the goal of discrediting and denigrating the targeted MPs and silencing criticism of the CPP, or Chinese Communist Party.

According to Global Affairs, the bot network left thousands of comments in English and French on MPs accounts, claiming that a critic of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada had charged the various MPs of criminal and ethical crimes.

The messages were reported to have appeared across the political spectrum, including on the accounts of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, and other Cabinet ministers.

The spamouflage campaign also used what were most certainly deepfake films, which were digitally altered by artificial intelligence and targeted the individuals.

This comes after tech giant Meta stated in an August security assessment that it has erased hundreds of Facebook and Instagram accounts associated with the huge online Chinese spam operation.

Active across more than 50 platforms and forums including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X, formerly known as Twitter, a Meta executive said it was believed to be the largest and most prolific covert influence operation in the world.

According to the Meta report, the network often posted support for China as well as criticisms of the United States, Western foreign policy, and critics of the Chinese government such as journalists and scholars.

Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Chinese-speaking audiences worldwide have also been targeted.

What is the motivation behind Chinas spamouflage campaign?

According to the GAC report, the operation had two main objectives.

First, it likely seeks to discredit and denigrate the targeted MPs through seemingly organic posts, alleging impropriety, by posting waves of social media posts and videos that call into question the political and ethical standards of the MPs, using a popular Chinese-speaking figure in Canada, the report said.

Also Read: Newsclick and beyond: Unveiling Chinas information warfare tactics in India

Second, it likely seeks to silence criticism of the CCP by getting MPs to distance themselves from the critic and discouraging wider online communities from engaging with them.

How Canada reacted?

This campaign could discourage and make it difficult for MPs to carry out their duties and may dissuade MPs and diaspora communities in Canada from speaking out on issues which concern them, said a foreign ministry report about the incident.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Canada said Beijing has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries. It said the accusations were a blatant smear campaign and that Canada was a downright liar and disseminator of false information.

For some time now, the Canadian side has been falsely accusing China of spreading false information against Canadian politicians, a move that is in itself a dissemination of false information, in the absence of any direct and substantive evidence, the embassy statement said, adding that Canada should do more to improve and develop bilateral relations.

According to an email from GAC officials to the affected MPs, 47 of them from across Canada were targeted. The email informed MPs on how to defend themselves from foreign meddling and assured them that the campaign posed no threat to their safety.

China-Canada relations turned icy in late 2018 when Canadian police detained a Chinese telecommunications executive. Shortly after, Beijing arrested two Canadians on spying charges. All three have since been released.

Ottawa has also accused Beijing of trying to interfere in its affairs through various schemes, including illegal police stations and the targeting of lawmakers. China has strongly denied all such allegations.

In September, the Trudeau government announced an independent public inquiry into allegations of attempted foreign meddling by China, Russia and others.

With inputs from Reuters
Lebanon, which is teetering on the edge of economic and political collapse, risks becoming entangled in thIsrael-Hamas war: How Hezbollah alone will decide whether Lebanon enters the ware escalating war between Israel and Hamas.

Hezbollah has been gearing up for the possibility of joining the fight ever since Hamas surprise assault on 7 October, 2023, killed nearly 1,400 people, leading to Israels declaration of war a day later. Attacks on Israeli targets by the Shiite militant group have intensified, resulting in dozens of deaths, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also Israeli soldiers and civilians on both sides of the border.

Israel is evacuating residents of towns along the border with Lebanon as it prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate if Israeli forces enter Gaza.

As a historian, I have focused my research and teaching on the dynamics of conflict and cooperation involving Israelis, Lebanese and Palestinians. If a war between Hezbollah and Israel does erupt, the already significant violence and destruction in southern Israel and Gaza will likely be greatly compounded by further massive loss of life in Lebanon, Israel and perhaps in other parts of West Asia.

Hezbollahs decision whether to fully join the war may answer a question that has been preoccupying analysts of the organization for decades: Is its priority the well-being of Lebanon or acting as a proxy for Iran?

The Nakba

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been spilling into Lebanon since 1948, with the establishment of Israel and displacement of Palestinians, or what the latter call the Nakba, or catastrophe.

In fact, no Arab country has been more affected by this conflict.

About 110,000 Palestinians took refuge in Lebanon in 1948. Today, the number is about 210,000, and they are denied basic rights.

In surveys, many Lebanese have said they resent the Palestinian refugees in the country and blame them for the eruption of the Lebanese civil war, which took place from 1975 to 1990. An estimated 120,000 died during the fighting, the scars of which can still be seen in the capital of Beirut.

Israel was deeply embroiled in the Lebanese civil war. It supported Christian militias and pursued its own fight against Palestinian militias, who used Lebanon as a base to launch attacks against the Jewish state. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon in order to wipe out the Palestine Liberation Organization and establish a pro-Israeli Christian government in Beirut. Neither objective was achieved.

The rise of Hezbollah

Since its foundation in 1920, Lebanon and its politics have been dominated by a sectarian system in which government and state positions are divided among the 18 officially recognized religious sects, most notably Sunnis, Maronite Christians, Druze and Shiites. Each sect has mandated representation in government.

Today, the Shiite population is the largest sect in the country, making up 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the general population  but no exact figure is available because the sensitivity of the matter has meant no official census has been conducted since 1932.

For decades, Lebanons sectarian system has resulted in what scholars call hybrid sovereignty.

Political elites who represent their sects in the sectarian system are both part of the state apparatus and also operate outside of it by providing their constituents services that are normally the responsibility of government, from providing marriage licenses to armed protection.

Hezbollah formed in 1982 with Iranian and Syrian support to fight Israel after its invasion. It is by far the countrys strongest political, socioeconomic and military force. This is due to the support of Iran and a strong and cohesive internal social structure among its Shiite followers in the country. Not all Shiites identify with Hezbollah, but no doubt many of them sympathize with its causes.

Hezbollah also operates within the hybrid structure of the sectarian system by playing an integral part in the government but also by functioning as a state unto itself. For example, it boasts its own military force, which is far stronger than the formal Lebanese army, and provides social, educational and economic services to Shiites.

In fact, no group has benefited more from this sectarian hybrid system than Hezbollah.

The collapse of Lebanon

Despite the fractured political system and weak state, Lebanon has managed to retain some stability and vitality, even under the duress of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011.

Things took a severe turn in October 2019, when years of Ponzi-like financial mismanagement, excessive borrowing and a sharp decline in remittances from abroad led the Lebanese economy to melt down. The World Bank has described it as one of the worst economic crises since the mid-19th Century.

The crisis sparked large-scale protests across the country, known as the 17 October revolution, in which the Lebanese demanded social and economic justice, an end to corruption and the dismantling of the sectarian political system.

As a result, foreign donors were alarmed, foreign currency flowed out of the country, banks shut their doors to depositors, the government defaulted on its debt and the local currency collapsed.

A massive blast at the Beirut port in August 2020, which killed 225 people and caused billions of dollars in damage, further exacerbated the socioeconomic and political conditions in the country. And since October 2022, the Lebanese political system has been in complete gridlock, given the inability of the political class to agree on a new president and a new government.

Hezbollah has been the least affected by the national crisis among political forces in the country and has emerged as a staunch defender of the political system that nurtured it.

Some already see Lebanon as a failed state, so the last thing the country needs is to become part of another war.

What happens next?

But whether Lebanon becomes a part of the war, ultimately, is not up to the Lebanese government.

The current caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, has cautioned against a war with Israel, as did Druze and Maronite political leaders, who have traditionally opposed Hezbollahs military hegemony in Lebanon.

Mikati acknowledged, however, that he holds no power to decide whether Lebanon will go to war, reflecting the paradoxes of the Lebanese political system in which the most crucial decision any national leadership could make  the decision to launch a war  does not rest within the government but within Hezbollah and by extension within Iran.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has repeatedly stated that the groups prime role is to defend Lebanons sovereignty.

Its commitment to Iran, on the other hand, has been openly demonstrated through its direct involvement in the Syrian civil war, which saved Bashar Assads government. But that war was fought mostly on Syrian soil. A war with Israel would be very different.

It would be another tragic page in the history of Lebanon if Hezbollah were to join the war against Israel, in purported support for Palestinians in Gaza. It could prompt Israel  in the words of defence minister Yoav Gallant  to try to send Lebanon back to the Stone Age.

Nasrallah, Hezbollahs secretary-general, already answered in kind.

It would also likely lead to the broader regional war that US officials, including President Joe Biden, have been trying so desperately to avoid. And Lebanon itself would move closer to the brink of absolute and irreversible collapse.
The presidential election in Taiwan will only be held next year. However, how each candidate proposes to deal with China looms big. Taiwan is set to vote on 13 January in its presidential and parliamentary elections, held once every four years.

Taiwans main political parties, as well as an overwhelming majority of its people, oppose Chinese domination. So do its main political parties, but their ideas for defending Taiwan differ significantly.

The current Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwans Opposition nationalist party, the Kuomintang (KMT), both oppose unification. However, the KMT believes that improving relations with China is the best way ahead, and accuses the DPP of exacerbating tensions.

Heres what the candidates running to be Taiwans next president have to say about China.

Lai Ching-te

Lai, also known by his English name William, is running for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Currently Taiwans vice president, he is also the DPPs chairman, and has consistently led opinion polls.

Lai, along with Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen, have repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed, as Beijing views them both as separatists.

Lai and Tsai say only Taiwans people can decide their future.

Hou Yu-ih

Hou is the candidate for Taiwans main Opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), whose government fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedongs communists.

Also Read: Taiwan defends tech giant Foxconn over China tax probe

Hou is the mayor of Taipeis neighbouring city New Taipei. He was re-elected in a landslide last year but has generally been running third in presidential election opinion polls.

The KMT traditionally favours close ties with China but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Hou has said he will restart talks with Beijing.

Ko Wen-je

Ko, a former Taipei mayor, is the candidate for the small Taiwan Peoples Party. Some polls have put him catching up quickly with Lai, though most have put him in second place.

China should propose a new framework for engagement with Taiwan and explain what Beijing has to offer, Ko said on Tuesday.

Terry Gou

Gou is the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn (2317.TW), though he no longer runs the company. He is running as an independent but is polling very low.

Gou has accused the ruling DPP of taking the island to the brink of war with China by its hostile policies and that only he, with his extensive business and personal contacts in China and the US, can maintain peace.

With inputs from Reuters
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tribute to the soldiers at Tawang War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh, and appreciated the soldiers for shouldering the responsibility of guarding the borders.

#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to the Bravehearts at Tawang War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/HeYtwXfawU  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

The tough situation in which you are shouldering the responsibility of guarding the countrys borders  the more it is appreciated, the less it is. I would like to tell you that the countrymen are proud of you. All of you know the importance of your uniform, he said.

#WATCH | Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, The tough situation in which you are shouldering the responsibility of guarding the countrys borders  the more it is appreciated, the less it is. I would like to tell you that the countrymen are proud of pic.twitter.com/CeLptiW1Mu  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

Singh added, You have kept the borders secure and that is why Indias stature before the world is rising rapidly. All the developed countries accept the reality that in the past 8-9 years, Indias stature has risen. I would like to clearly say that under the leadership of PM Modi, if Indias stature has risen, India has made economic developments, it indeed is important but had you not kept the countrys border secure  this stature would not have been possible.

The Defence Minister also performed Shashtra Puja at Tawang, held special prayers and will be celebrating Vijayadashami with soldiers.

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande is accompanying the Defence Minister during his visit.

Singh also observed the Chinese PLA posts on the other side of the border from Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh.

#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh observes Chinese PLA posts on the other side of the border from Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/WtJHjbUfa9  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

Earlier this year, Singh visited the Tawang sector to review security preparedness in the sector.

The Tawang sector has seen several instances of transgressions from the Chinese PLA. In December last year, Peoples Liberation Army troops had transgressed the LAC in the Tawang Sector, the violation was met by the Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off had led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had then informed Parliament that Chinese forces had tried to transgress the Line of Actual Control and unilaterally change the status quo in the Yangtse area of the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh last week but the Indian troops prevented the bid, resulting in a physical scuffle leading to injuries to a few personnel on both sides.

With inputs from ANI
A joint bilateral training exercise of Indian and Malaysian armies has commenced in Meghalayas Umroi Cantonment to enhance military capability for conduct of multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario.

The Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023, began on Monday and will continue till November five with the Malaysian contingent comprising troops from the 5th Royal Battalion of the Malaysian army and the Indian contingent represented by a Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, a defence release said on Tuesday.

The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in November 2022.

The exercise will engage approximately 120 personnel from both sides with both contingents establishing a joint command post and an integrated surveillance grid along with a Joint Surveillance Centre.

Both sides will rehearse the employment of joint forces in jungle, semi-urban, urban environments.

In addition, intelligence collection, collation and dissemination drills will also be rehearsed.

The exercise will also witness the employment of drones/UAVs and helicopters.

Both sides will also practice casualty management and evacuation drills, discuss logistics management and practice survival training at the battalion level.

The training will focus primarily on a high degree of physical fitness, conduct of drills at the tactical level and sharing of best practices with each other.

The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour-long validation exercise in a semi-urban area.

This exercise is aimed to enhance the level of defence cooperation between Indian and Malaysian armies along with fostering bilateral relations between the two nations, the release added.
After being refused a ticket for the assembly poll, veteran BJP politician Umashankar Gupta, 71, suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon. Hes steady.

As per the reports, the BJP chose not to give Gupta another chance, despite fielding a number of older politicians, including 76-year-old Jayant Malaiya, 74-year-old Maya Singh, 73-year-old Sitasharan Sharma, and 80-year-old Nagendra Singh.

Digvijaya Singh, a Congress leader, paid him a visit in the hospital. Former home minister, mayor of Bhopal, and three-term MLA from Bhopal South West Gupta had hoped to be fielded from the same seat, but general secretary Bhagwandas Sabnani, a newcomer, was chosen by the BJP.

After suffering a heart attack, the patient had an angiography, which revealed a problem with an artery. As a result, an angioplasty surgery was performed, an Anant Shree Hospital physician stated. Gupta should be released within the next 48 hours.

Chief of the state BJP media cell Ashish Agarwal stated, The check-up found that Gupta ji has 100% blockage. He is now steady.

Many of Guptas followers rushed to the hospital as soon as word of his heart attack spread. They have been demonstrating against Sabnanis ticket and held loud demonstrations at the Bhopal BJP headquarters on Saturday.

In addition to holding the portfolios of science and technology and revenue from 2013 to 2018, Gupta also won the Bhopal South West seat in 2003, 2008, and 2013. However, in 2018, he was defeated by Congressman P C Sharma in a margin of about 6,500 votes. This time, Sharma has been put forward by the Congress.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested from Thane district of Maharashtra on charges of sodomising two bothers, aged 11 and 14.

A report by PTI quoted Dileep Fulpagare, senior inspector of Ulhasnagar police station, saying the accused earlier lived in the same area of Ulhasnagar town where the boys resided. He later shifted to Khadavli, but used to frequently visit the old place.

The accused allegedly sodomised the elder boy some days back. When the victim complained to his mother about it, she reprimanded the man.

The official further said the accused allegedly sodomised the younger boy.

The victims mother later approached the police with a complaint, based on which an FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the accused was arrested on Monday, he said.

The accused was produced before a local magistrate who remanded him in police custody till October 26, the official said.

With inputs from PTI
According to an official, certain residents of the Pithoragarh and Champawat districts of Uttarakhand hold dual citizenship with both India and Nepal. These residents are being identified. On the border between India and Nepal, we discovered such occurrences at Pithoragarhs Jhulaghat and a few locations in the Champawat region.

According to D N Bhombe, the Sashastra Seema Bals (SSB) deputy inspector general for the Almora region, the concerned district administrations have been informed.

The SSB officer told reporters that the troops stationed at each of the 54 border outposts of the force in Uttarakhand are working to locate individuals who are dual citizens of Nepal and India and are residing on Indian soil. He said that the SSB is enlisting the assistance of the relevant district administrations in this regard. There are two types of Nepali people living in India, according to Pithoragarh Deputy District Magistrate Anil Kumar Shukla.

The first category is of those women who got married and came to India, but neither gave up their Nepali citizenship nor acquired Indian citizenship. Shukla said the second category is of those people whose entire family came from Nepal and settled in India without taking Indian citizenship. We have found many cases in which they fraudulently obtained Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards in India. We immediately cancelled their fake documents, he said.

According to the deputy inspector general of the SSB, in addition to the smuggling of drugs and the body parts of wild animals, the SSB has developed specific squads to combat human trafficking. He claimed that in order to learn about any outsiders entrance in the border regions, the SSB staff maintain close touch with the locals living there.

(With agency inputs)
Off-duty pilot of U.S. Alaska Airlines tries to shut off engines on flight

Xinhua) 15:18, October 24, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot taking a ride Sunday in the jump seat of a flight was subdued as he attempted to shut down the engines on flight, Alaska Air Group said on Monday.

Horizon Air flight 2059 took off at 5:23 p.m. Sunday local time from Everett, northwestern U.S. state of Washington, and was flying to San Francisco, California.

The flight, which had 80 passengers on board with two pilots flying and two flight attendants in the passenger cabin, diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it landed safely, and the Alaska Airlines pilot was arrested.

The pilot, who was en route to San Francisco, where he was scheduled to be on a flight crew of a 737, sat in the jump seat on the flight deck just behind the captain and first officer flying the jet, local media reported.

The Horizon Air captain and first officer "quickly responded," engine power was not lost, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident, said Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and its regional subsidiary Horizon Air.

A Federal Aviation Administration notice called it a "significant security event."

The "jump seat passenger" attempted "to disable aircraft engines while at cruise altitude by deploying the engine fire suppression system," the notice stated.

"The crew was able to subdue the suspect and was removed from the flight deck," it added.

The engine fire suppression system on the Embraer 175 jet is activated by two handles on the instrument panel on the ceiling of the cockpit above the pilots. Pulling the handle cuts electrical and hydraulic power to the engine and closes the fuel line.

Alaska Air spokesperson Alexa Rudin said that "fortunately some residual fuel remains in the line, and the quick reaction of our crew to reset the handles restored fuel flow and prevented fuel starvation."

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office website, the Alaska Airlines pilot, Joe Emerson, 44, was arrested by Port of Portland Police and booked into jail Monday morning.

Emerson is being held on suspicion of attempted murder and reckless endangerment.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Two men have been arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Tuesday for allegedly posing as nursing attendants to rob ailing senior citizens of their valuables.

The accused, Rinku Kumar alias Ankit Kumar alias Kallu (33) and Pramod Kumar (38) were arrested from their respective houses in Greater Noida and Bulandshahar of Uttar Pradesh on Monday, police said.

Their crime

The duo used to steal valuable items from the senior citizens in the garb of providing nursing attendant services at the patients residences, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said.

The senior police officer further said earlier this month, Rinku Kumar targeted an 85-year-old person in Patel Nagar by introducing himself as one Ankit Kumar and claiming to be a nursing attendant. He was employed on October 9 and fled away with cash and jewellery on October 11.

How were they caught?

Rinku, during the interrogation, disclosed that they used to retrieve the details of their potential victims through Justdial, a search engine directory.

They used to target people looking for nurses for their elderly parents or ailing family members, the police said.

To conceal his identity, Rinku would disguise himself and constantly wear a mask while at the victims homes citing medical reasons such as the spread of bacterial infection and maintaining the safety of the patients, they said.

When Rinku used to steal valuables from the patients house his friend Pramod used to keep vigil outside, they added.

The police said the accused were previously involved in three similar cases in Adarsh Nagar, Saket and Noida.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway, police said.

With inputs from PTI
In a recent OTT series called Kaala Pani, a protagonist delivers a leadership talk where he says that there are no right decisions. A decision that is less wrong than the other options is the right thing to do, he says. In a globalised world, as complex regional rivalries crisscross economic faultlines, countries look to do the right thing that serves their interests.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict produced lines of support along certain affiliations. The Anglo-Saxon belt, American allies in Asia and NATO countries led by the US threw their lot behind Ukraine, ostensibly on account of their own strategic interests. On the other hand, China backed Russia as India played a neutral party quite creditably, all the while ensuring their trade with Russia continued. However, unlike the Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war has triggered a more dangerous and complex divide that has the potential to create beneficiaries and centres of power.

The dilemma of America

In the Middle East, the American influence has been dented in recent times by Chinas role in midwifing the Saudi-Iran rapprochement deal. The American absence of proactive leadership in recent times has been felt especially during the Biden administration.

Americas ability to douse political conflagrations will be severely tested in the Middle East that continues to burn while American allies Israel and Saudi Arabia, briefly brought together, are about to part ways. Unlike Ukraine, the fault lines in the Middle East are entrenched along religious and identity lines that makes it an older and more unresolvable conflict than a territorial one in Europe. Both the powerful players  Israel and Saudi Arabia  are also riven by domestic tussles, which makes their governments tied down to compulsions while taking decisions in favour of peace.

As the Gaza war progresses into a lengthened phase, destruction and death toll begin to obscure rights and wrongs, and instead blur lines of ethics and correctness. In such a scenario, the American support for Israel will be seen in the light of how the superpower draws red lines of use of proportionate force by Israel. Though the provocation was initiated by Hamas, history bears testimony that mounting collateral civilian casualties in any long war, is bound to put the onus of truce on the militarily advantaged side, which in this case is Israel.

A brief detente with the enemy?

Interestingly, the US has reached out to its archrival China to use its influence over Iran to prevent opening another front in the ongoing war. America might have to use Chinese offices to contain the spiralling conflict in the Middle East. It puts the US in a position where they could be seen as sharing temporary power with China in the region: an indication that power balance is shifting from the hegemony of the US to a dual power structure to deal with the crisis.

It is pertinent to note that China has approached various regions differently, depending on what works for their interests. In Southeast Asia and East Asia, China plays the role of the bully  usurping territories, aggressively pursuing disputes and trying to push other stakeholders onto the back foot by a combination of military posturing and diplomatic adventurism.

On the other hand, in the Middle East, where territorial disputes dont play out as a decisive outcome for China, it focuses on its avatar as an influencer of calm: a voice of reason. Therefore, it is content to play a waiting game, positioning itself as a potential mediator, while the US struggles to calibrate a position that can be acceptable to the Arab world and to Israel.

Is the US seen as untrustworthy? Where does China fit in?

Middle East and the Middle Kingdom of East

Earlier this year, China offered to mediate between Israel and Palestine, riding on the back of a newfound reputation of mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran. As the war rages in Gaza, China finds itself in a strange situation with its non-committal stance in a deeply divided region. Effective diplomacy demands a clear-headed approach and China, in trying to fuel its ambition as a mediator, made a generic statement on maintaining peace while insisting on the creation of Palestine, when Hamas attacked, and then went on to criticise Israeli attacks that killed civilians in Israel. Like in the Ukraine war, the Chinese have pretended to be neutral while appearing to quietly support one of the two sides.

China believes that Arab opposition to Israel means that it cannot afford to annoy the Arab states. Chinas leanings towards the Arab states is not without its history. In the 1960s, China offered support to Palestinians through supply of weapons. After Deng Xiaoping took over at the helm, a more pragmatic approach demanded Chinese proximity to the Western world, replacing the erstwhile Soviet Union with a friendly communist Asian state in the 1990s. With the romance of a warm embrace of the west came better diplomatic ties with Israel. The Palestinians were forgotten in the Chinese urge to integrate with a world they had long abhorred.

A decade ago, China was accused of wiring money to Hamas through the Bank of China for use in its militant activities of acquiring arms. The accusation went unproven but the impression stuck. In the past decade, weapons used by Hamas were found to be manufactured in China and Russia. Iran  a common ally was the channel used for the supply of funds and weapons.

In recent times, Chinese firms made a beeline for Israel to boost its defence and cyber tech plans. Israeli companies and academics were regularly contacted to build Chinese thought leadership and capability in the area. The Israelis had got wind of an influx of Chinese diplomats and businessmen in the garb of government agents. A surging China was beginning to become a source of worry in Israel.

BRI in the Middle

The Middle East has been directly related to the future of Chinas BRI plans. Ironically, the richest nation in the region maintained its distance from China for a long time. In 1990, Saudi Arabia reluctantly recognised the Chinese government, albeit with much suspicion. The growth of the Chinese power juggernaut and the opening up of Saudi foreign policies to leverage its strengths has meant that the Middle Eastern kingdom has cozied up of late to the middle kingdom of the east. The relationship was built on the business strengths of both sides: in exchange for Beijings investment in the economy, Saudi offered to be a key partner in trade. Both countries struck a purple cord of agreement in their shared disdain for human rights.

This led to China embracing the Arab countries as partners and co-opting them in its plans of a trade route running through the region. Chinese construction projects on BRI in Saudi Arabia and the UAE involve over $50 billion and $40 billion in investments, while its trade with Iran continues to grow at a rapid pace. Over the next two decades, a few hundred billion dollars from China is expected to flow into projects involving Tehran making Iran dependent on China for its economic growth while it stands isolated as a pariah to the western world led by the US. What does this mean? It implies, consequently that Americas effective instructions to Hezbollah can only come via Beijing  which makes the US dependent on China as an arbiter of peace.

Riddle of the middle

China lobbies for the support of Arab countries on the issue of the Uighurs. Chinas soft support for Palestinians while asking for restraint from Israel in its counterattacks, cannot prevent the current war in Gaza from turning into a long-drawn Israel-Arab dispute where China stays at hand as a future arbiter. On the other hand, Chinas influence over Iran could be a key feature in redefining its relationship with its bete noire US. As Chinas bigger objective of Taiwan looms large on the horizon and America and its allies are seen as a spoilsport to Chinas objective, this is the latters chance to keep the West quiet and occupied.

A terrorist attack should have attracted outright criticism from everyone, which didnt quite materialise. Israels future actions ought to have the maturity of a responsible state that acts tough against deadly terrorists such as Hamas, but considers equally the fallout of collateral damage against innocent civilians. Much will depend on the hostage situation in Gaza, which also brings into play the role of Iran and other backers of Hamas.

In wars away from its area of immediate territorial ambitions, Xi has tended to avoid taking sides. On the other hand, Biden has rushed in to defuse tensions. Both sides are ostensibly seen to side one over the other. The war in Gaza would need the influential powers to do the right thing. China needs to be seen as opposed to the terrorist attacks of Hamas as much as the Americans are expected to be influencers who will check a disproportionate use of force by Israel to prolong the war. As of now the right decision in the interest of the world would be to prevent others from joining the war and prevent it from becoming a wider conflagration that consumes the region, which the world can ill afford.

The writer is the author of Watershed 1967: Indias Forgotten Victory over China. His fortnightly column for FirstPost  Beyond The Lines  covers military history, strategic issues, international affairs and policy-business challenges. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Tweets @iProbal

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After 17 days of war, things are getting worse. Israeli airstrikes continue on Gaza yet, there is no sign of the ground invasion. The troops are ready, the machinery is ready but the green signal hasnt come.

Lets look at five questions that will help explain where this conflict stands right now.

Question 1: What is happening in Gaza? What is the situation inside Gaza?

In two words  really bad. Israel claims to have struck 320 targets in 24 hours. This includes Hamas launchpads and command centres. They also released footage of these attacks. Of course, it wasnt just Hamas targets: a number of civilian targets were also hit. Like in Khan Younis, a city located in southern Gaza just about 15 kilometres from the border crossing at Rafah. Technically, its a safe zone but on Sunday, it was pounded. People there called it the worst night since the war began. We were told that Khan Younis is considered to be a safe place, and everyone came here from the north or from Gaza city because it is considered safe but unfortunately last night was the hardest night so far we saw in Khan Younis, says Gazan in Khan Younis, Tarek Salout.

The death toll keeps rising, it has crossed 5,000 in Gaza and reports say around 40 per cent of the fatalities are children. Injuries are also rising. More than 15,000 Gazans are wounded. Hospitals there have been over-run by patients.

That brings us to aid. The good news is that aid is moving. Around three aid convoys have entered the Gaza strip and more trucks should follow soon. The bad news is that its nowhere enough. The UN says the current aid is just 4 per cent of the pre-war average.

Question 2: What is Israels next move?

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a busy weekend. He first visited Israels border with Lebanon and spoke to soldiers stationed there. He broadly outlined his plan for Gaza. Were in a battle for our lives, a battle for our home. This is not an exaggeration, this is the war. Its do or die. They need to die. And we are now in a double battle: one battle is a battle to hold action here and on the other side, to win there, an absolute victory that will erase Hamas, he said.

A battle to erase Hamas and end its rule in the Gaza strip, that seems to be Israels endgame here. Of course, this means invading by ground. Hamas has taken up positions deep inside Gaza and you cannot flush them out with air strikes alone. A ground operation will be necessary. The question is, when will it start?

After visiting the northern border, Netanyahu convened his war cabinet. All his top officials were present  the army chief, the Mossad chief, and the Shin Bet chief  they hold the key to the next stage of this war.

A few limited raids have already been carried out in Gaza. Israeli soldiers entered several metres into Gazan territory. Their mission? Find hostages and drive out terrorists. Hamas fired back at the Israelis, and they claim the IDF soldiers fled the area. Now, this wasnt a full-scale incursion, but it was a sneak peek. In Gaza, IDF forces raided Gaza today, close to the border, as part of the effort to prepare the space for an attack following information on the missing and abducted, a top priority national mission. During one of the raids, an IDF fighter was killed, and three fighters were wounded, said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari.

The real invasion could be much uglier. Israel has talked about a long and tough war and on Sunday their defence minister mentioned a vague timetable. He said it could take one, two or three months. Whichever it is, their objective is clear  remove Hamas from Gaza. Frankly, Israel doesnt have a choice. After the brutality of Hamass attack, no country can let them stay in power. But how they do it is a different issue.

Question 3: What are Israels allies up to?

Well, the solidarity visits continue. On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni visited Israel. On Monday, the Dutch prime minister came visiting and today French President Emmanuel Macron is going.

But is that solidarity equal to support? At first, Western leaders gave Israel a long rope but that seems to be changing. They havent used the word ceasefire yet but all the indications are there.

Meloni warned Israel against falling into what she called Hamass trap. This was the real objective of the Hamas attack: not to defend the right of the Palestinian people, but to force a reaction against Gaza that would undermine any attempt at dialogue and create an unfillable gap between Arab countries, Israel, and the West, and I dont believe we can fall into this trap, it would be very, very stupid, she said.

Meanwhile, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for a humanitarian pause. Personally, I think that a humanitarian pause is needed in order to allow the humanitarian support to come into and being distributed. Think that half of the population of Gaza has been moving from their houses, he said.

Leaders of the West also held a virtual meeting on Sunday. It was attended by six leaders  Joe Biden of the US, Justin Trudeau of Canada, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. At the end of it, they released a joint statement: The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.

So, support is still there but its not endless support. What explains this change in stance? Our next two questions will answer that.

Question 4: Whats the situation at Israels northern front?

Much more tense. Israel has struck 20 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon. They also hit airports in Syrias Damascus and Aleppo. Both airports were shut down. The exchanges are more frequent now. Israel has also evacuated border cities and is preparing for the worst. If Hezbollah joins the war, things could spiral out of control. Netanyahu warned them against it. He said Israel would hit back with unimaginable force. So, that is a major worry, a wider war will draw in Western countries, it will also increase oil prices. Western leaders are keen to avoid that.

Question 5: Whats been the global response?

Well, pro-Palestine protests continue. Last week, you read about demonstrations in the Muslim world. The same thing is happening in Western cities too. In Denmark, hundreds gathered in their capital Copenhagen, they held up Palestinian flags and shouted slogans, they marched to the Danish parliament in solidarity. Same in Boston: hundreds of protesters gathered at the citys Copley Square, they had posters saying free Palestine.

In Germany, things got a bit violent. There was an unauthorised pro-Palestine rally in Berlin, the police had to break it up eventually and arrest several protesters. In Paris, around 15,000 protesters turned up, some of them climbed up to statues and waved Palestinian flags. Unlike the rally in Berlin, this was authorised. If you thought that was big, wait for London. 100,000 pro-Palestine protesters marched through the British capital, they held up banners and chanted slogans against Israel.

These protests will have an impact. Weve already seen countries drawing red lines for Israel. Even India said civilian casualties are a concern. New Delhi has also shipped aid to Gaza. An Indian Air Force plane landed in Egypt on Sunday carrying 6 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of relief materials.

So, the ball is now in Israels court. If they push further, they could lose foreign support and if they dont push, they could lose domestic support. There are no easy choices here. But in war, there rarely is.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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West Asia is like a tinderbox right now. There are multiple stakeholders  heavily armed and not shy of using force. It is a volatile cocktail of violence and politics. What could make it worse?

Try Chinese warships. Theyre already there, six of them. Its not clear when they arrived, but last week they made their presence known. A Chinese naval task force was spotted in the Gulf. It had three warships  one destroyer, one frigate and one supply ship. Together, they were a task force. It made two stops  Oman and Kuwait.

Now, these ships had some serious firepower. The destroyer is what China calls the Zibo. It can launch guided missiles and also has advanced radar and electronic equipment. Their last stop Muscat, the capital of Oman. We cannot confirm where they went after that. So thats one team with three ships.

Theres a second one of three warships again. They were spotted earlier this month. They escorted a cargo ship from Panama. Their current status is not clear but by all accounts, theyve not left the region.

In other words, as the war between Israel and Hamas escalates, China has six warships in West Asia and what are they doing there? Fuelling a lot of speculation, among other things. Experts are describing a range of possibilities like the evacuation of Chinese citizens.

But it makes little sense because Beijing is not evacuating its citizens. Yes, it has asked Chinese nationals to leave Israel but it not arranging any chartered flights for them. China has told its citizens to find their own way home.

Also, you dont need six warships to bring your people to safety.

Another possibility is cargo protection. Using ships for escort missions, securing the shipping lanes and keeping the goods flowing. Its a more likely explanation because oil supply is Beijings biggest worry at this point as its a net importer of crude oil  72 per cent of oil used in China is imported and more than half of it comes from West Asia.

For countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, China is the biggest buyer of oil. Now this supply is at risk. And remember, Chinas economy is already in a bad shape. The last thing they want is to be short of oil. So Beijing is actively trying to contain the war. Last week, it sent a peace envoy to the region  a man called Zhai Jun, a veteran Chinese diplomat. Yesterday, he was in the UAE. Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said: Special envoy Zhai Jun plans to continue to visit the Middle East to strengthen coordination with relevant parties on promoting a ceasefire, stopping the violence, and cooling down the situation. We will continue to release relevant news in a timely manner.

And this is the assessment from the envoy Zhai Jun. He says the situation in Gaza is very serious. Hes called for an immediate ceasefire, and also offered to broker peace. But hes found no takers yet so hes turned to the United Nations asking them to step in. Zhai has called for an international conference to end the war. China wants the U.N. to play the role of a mediator.

Now all of this is happening far away from Chinas traditional sphere of influence. This is West Asia, traditionally Americas strategic playground but China has waded in and made strides of late. It successfully mediated between Iran and Saudi Arabia  both key suppliers of oil to Beijing. It was a win-win for all sides. Since then, Xi Jinping has hinted at another mission  trying to settle the Israel-Palestine question. But this war is exposing the limitations of Chinas diplomacy.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The opposition BJP in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday posted on social media a cartoon of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel which portrayed him as Ravan, and said the Ravan of corruption will be burnt this time.

Reacting to the post, Baghel said abusing the backward classes, tribals and Dalits has been a tradition of former chief minister Raman Singh and his party.

Assembly polls in the Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh will be held next month.

The festival of Dussehra, being celebrated on Tuesday, signifies the victory of Lord Ram over demon king Ravan. On this day, effigies of Ravan are burnt to mark the triumph of good over evil.

The Chhattisgarh BJP unit on Tuesday in a post on X said, This time Ravan of corruption will be consigned to flames.

The post showed a cartoon of Baghel which portrayed him as Ravan with 10 heads and Thagesh (the one who cheats) written on it. The 10 heads were named after various alleged scams and offences like murder and rape.

The cartoon is also seen holding a weapon with bhrashtachar (corruption) written on it.

The illustration also shows a man, depicted as Chhattisgarhiya, shooting with a bow and arrow at the Ravan and saying Au nahi sahibo, badal ke rahibo (we will not tolerate anymore, we will definitely bring a change).

Reacting to the poster, Baghel on his X handle said, Let it go! Abusing backward people, tribals and Dalits has been the tradition of (former chief minister) Thakur Raman Singh and his party. Earlier, they used chhota aadmi, dog, cat and many more terms. I have been continuously receiving feedback from you all after the BJP released the poster showing backward people as Ravan and killing them.

The CM said he would like to tell the people to celebrate the festival of Vijayadashami happily.

I am answerable to you, their misdeeds do not matter. For me, illiteracy, malnutrition, plight of farmers, Naxalism are the forms of Ravan. We all have to overcome these issues together.

We have gradually succeeded in some tasks and we will work together again on the remaining ones. Evil will be defeated, truth will prevail. Chhattisgarhiya will win once again, he added.

Voting for the 90-member assembly in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases on November 7 and 17.

In the first phase, 20 assembly constituencies will go to polls and voting in the remaining 70 seats will be held in the second phase.

A total of 223 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of polls.

The BJP has so far announced candidates in 86 out of the total 90 seats and the Congress has declared candidates in all 90 seats.
Tesla Inc. has confirmed that it received requests for information and subpoenas from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning potential personal benefits violations, the advertised range of its vehicles, and personnel decisions during the third quarter of this year. The electric vehicle manufacturer revealed this information in a filing submitted on Monday.

This revelation comes after The Wall Street Journal reported in September that federal prosecutors were delving into the perks offered to CEO Elon Musk, a probe reaching as far back as 2017, which includes an enigmatic project known as the glass house for Musk.

Furthermore, earlier this year, Reuters disclosed that Tesla had formed a specialized diversions team to sidestep customer complaints regarding vehicle range.

The filing emphasized the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business if the government chooses to pursue an enforcement action. Its important to note that, to the best of Teslas knowledge, any ongoing investigations have not yet uncovered any wrongdoing.

These subpoenas add to the growing list of government investigations surrounding the electric vehicle manufacturer. The DOJ is also examining claims made by Tesla regarding its purported self-driving technology.

In September, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the company had been tolerating widespread and ongoing racial harassment of its Black employees at its Fremont, California, plant.
As if going after Elon Musks X with the Threads app wasnt enough of a travesty, Instagram, is currently experimenting with a novel feed option for its its Verified subscribers.

The announcement came from Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who revealed that the new feature will allow users to view posts exclusively from verified accounts. This means that individuals can access content from their favourite celebrities, influencers, and brands without sifting through their entire feed.

This innovative feed is part of Instagrams broader Meta Verified subscription service, which involves user authentication and provides access to several perks, including priority customer support and exclusive stickers. According to Mosseri, this feature is designed to facilitate the discovery of content by businesses and creators.

In a message shared on his Instagram broadcast channel, Mosseri stated, Were testing a way for people to explore their Instagram feed and reels by toggling to only Meta Verified accounts. Were exploring this as a new control for people and a way for businesses and creators to get discovered. Let us know if youd be interested in using this.

Mosseri also provided a screenshot demonstrating how the new feed option will be presented. According to the image, Meta Verified will be listed under Following and Favorites when users tap the Instagram logo.

This development not only enables regular users to track content from verified users more conveniently but also enhances the appeal of becoming Meta verified for businesses and creators. This could make Meta Verified, which costs $11.99 on the web and $14.99 in the app, a more enticing option for those seeking greater visibility.

However, Mosseri did not disclose specific details about the testing, such as its scope or eligibility criteria. Meta Verified is a paid subscription program offered by Meta for Instagram and Facebook. Launched earlier this year, it provides subscribers with a blue verification checkmark, improved customer support, and protection against impersonation.

Initially tested in Australia and New Zealand, it expanded to the United States and businesses before reaching the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and most global markets in the spring of 2023.
The intelligence leaders of the Five Eyes alliance, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have come together to accuse China of posing a substantial global threat. In a joint statement made during the news program 60 Minutes on CBS News, these officials alleged that China is systematically engaged in stealing intellectual property, trade secrets, and personal data on a global scale.

US FBI Director Christopher Wray characterized this collective call as an unprecedented response to an equally unprecedented threat, highlighting the menace posed by China to global innovation. The accusations encompass a broad spectrum of sectors, ranging from quantum technology, robotics, biotechnology, to artificial intelligence.

China has long targeted businesses with a web of techniques all at once: cyber intrusions, human intelligence operations, seemingly innocuous corporate investments and transactions, Wray stated, emphasizing that every facet of this approach had grown increasingly audacious and hazardous.

In response, Chinese government spokesperson Liu Pengyu affirmed Chinas commitment to intellectual property protection, rejecting what they deemed groundless allegations and smears.

The issue of intellectual property theft has long strained US-China relations, but this is the first time that the Five Eyes alliance has collectively voiced its concerns about Chinas actions.

Mike Burgess, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisations director-general, accused the Chinese government of conducting the most sustained, scaled, and sophisticated theft of intellectual property and expertise in human history. He highlighted a recent incident in which a Chinese plot to infiltrate an Australian research institution was uncovered, involving the placement of an academic to steal secrets.

The recent statement by the Five Eyes group follows their earlier warning in May regarding a widespread Chinese spy operation targeting critical infrastructure and various other sectors, which China dismissed as a collective disinformation campaign.

Wray emphasized that Chinas hacking program, when combined with physical espionage and the theft of trade secrets, gave China an unprecedented level of power. He called for private industry and academia to collaborate in countering these threats, with a particular focus on the risks associated with artificial intelligence tools.

We worry about AI as an amplifier for all sorts of misconduct, Wray said, asserting that China outpaced all other nations in terms of stealing personal and corporate data by orders of magnitude.

The challenge lies in the combination of all these tools being deployed simultaneously at an unprecedented scale, he added, emphasizing the potential for AI to further amplify the effectiveness of Chinas extensive hacking program.

(With input from agencies)
A former employee of ASML Holding NV, who was accused of stealing data from the leading chipmaking machine manufacturer, has reportedly found employment with Huawei Technologies Co, as reported by Dutch newspaper NRC.

ASML had disclosed in February that one of its former employees in China had stolen technology-related data, without providing specific details about the breach. The stolen data pertained to a software system used by the company to store technical information about its machinery.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of the United States ongoing efforts to restrict Chinas access to semiconductor technology that could potentially provide it with a military advantage. It is the latest development in an escalating trade dispute that has cast Huawei as a focal point due to concerns about its affiliations with the Chinese government.

Following the individuals departure from ASML, it is reported that they worked at Huawei for a considerable period, according to unnamed sources cited by NRC.

The person in question was based in China and was allegedly linked to a Chinese state-sponsored entity, which was believed to be involved in the theft of data on behalf of this entity. The group in question has previously been associated with intellectual property theft, although its specific name was not disclosed by the sources.

ASML holds a critical position in the global chip supply chain. The company has a virtual monopoly on advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems, which are indispensable for producing cutting-edge semiconductor chips.

Additionally, it supplies deep ultraviolet lithography machines used in the manufacturing of more mature semiconductor products.

Huawei quietly unveiled a new smartphone in August that featured a powerful 7nm processor. Analysis of the devices internals revealed that the chip was produced by a Chinese company, underscoring Chinas manufacturing capabilities, which have surpassed the constraints imposed by the United States.

This achievement has raised questions about Washingtons ability to impede Beijings technological aspirations, leading to increased political pressure for the Biden administration to impose additional sanctions on Huawei and its chipmaking partner, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. This latter entity happens to be one of ASMLs significant customers in China.
In response to a request from the Israeli military and ahead of the possibility of a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip, Google and Apple have temporarily disabled real-time traffic conditions and crowding data in Israel and the Gaza Strip for their respective Maps and Waze apps.

A spokesperson from Google stated, As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities.

According to a source with knowledge of the matter, Google has taken this action at the behest of the Israel Defense Forces, as live traffic information could potentially disclose Israeli troop movements.

While the real-time traffic data will no longer be available, users of Maps and Waze will still receive estimated times of arrival based on live conditions, ensuring that navigation services remain functional.

This is not the first time Google has implemented such measures, as they did the same in Ukraine last year following Russias invasion.

Reports also suggest that Apple Inc.s Maps app has complied with the Israeli armys request, although Apple has not issued a comment on the matter at the time of this report. The Israel Defense Forces have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Israel has recently called up over 300,000 reservists in response to attacks by the militant group Hamas, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,400 people in southern Israel and the taking of more than 200 hostages.

Israels military has hinted at a possible ground invasion of Gaza, a move that has garnered criticism from world leaders due to concerns about civilian casualties. U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned that he had explored alternatives to a ground war during his recent meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Googles popular web browser, Chrome, is preparing to implement a feature that allows users to conceal their IP addresses from websites, even without the need for a VPN. This move is part of Googles efforts to minimize cross-site tracking, a form of covert tracking that associates users and their online activities with their IP addresses.

The newly proposed feature would effectively establish a proxy IP address, making it more difficult for select websites to identify individual users. The announcement was discovered by BleepingComputer.

On Friday, Googles senior software engineer, Brianna Goldstein, revealed that Google is gearing up for its initial IP protection beta test. This program will be optional, initially covering domains owned by Google, including Google.com, Gmail, and Google Ad Services. Google aims to assess the effectiveness of its IP blockers on these sites, where users IP addresses are employed for cross-site tracking.

The test will be limited to users based in the United States who are logged in to their Google accounts using Chrome. A select group of users will be granted automatic access to this initial trial.

Following the initial test phase, Goldstein explained that IP Protection would move to a two-hop proxy system, which involves an external network running a proxy for the initial proxy.

The primary objective of this feature is not to hide users IP addresses from every website but to block it specifically for traffic intended for tracking users beyond traditional cookies.

Google assures users that the feature is being developed in a way that wont disrupt legitimate operations reliant on IP addresses. If these tests prove successful, the feature will begin routing more third-party domains through the Google proxy.

This approach bears similarities to Apples iCloud Private Relay feature available in Safari. It allows network providers and Apple to access users IP addresses, but it first encrypts DNS records and then employs a third-party network to create a temporary IP address for accessing a website.

Such rerouting can affect connection speed, and Chrome users may experience similar effects if Google decides to expand the nascent feature.

Googles move to enhance privacy options coincides with the rollout of its Privacy Sandbox, a direct response to the challenges posed by third-party cookies. Googles plan involves disabling cookies by 2024. When combined with IP Protection, this will significantly reduce the options available to third-party sites for tracking users across multiple websites.
European legislators have not yet reached a consensus on various aspects of the forthcoming artificial intelligence regulations. This impasse, as per information from four individuals knowledgeable about the situation, will postpone any agreement until December, just before a pivotal meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

The proposed AI regulations require approval from both the European Parliament and member states of the European Union. Thus far, they have been the subject of three trilogue meetings, during which representatives from the parliament and EU member states convene to finalize the legislative framework.

A fourth trilogue meeting will be held recently, a day after EU lawmakers are scheduled to discuss their negotiating stance around foundation models and high-risk AI systems, sources said.

Foundation models, such as OpenAIs ChatGPT, are AI systems that are trained on large sets of data, with the ability to learn from new data to perform a variety of tasks.

Spain, which holds the EU presidency until December, has been pushing for a deal and has proposed compromises in a bid to speed up the process.

These include a tiered approach for regulating foundation models, defined as those with more 45 million users, according to a draft seen by Reuters.

Spain also wants additional obligations for very capable foundation models (VCFM), such as ChatGPT, including regular vetting to uncover potential vulnerabilities.

Opponents say that smaller platforms can be equally risky.

Spain said it had consulted other EU countries on potential compromises ahead of the fourth trilogue. However, a final agreement is unlikely to be reached in that meeting, the sources said.

A fifth trilogue is due to be held in early December.

Failure to reach a deal then could push negotiations to early next year. Discussions could then be further de-railed by the European Parliament elections in June.

Several lawmakers, including EU industry chief Thierry Breton and co-rapporteurs for the AI Act, Dragos Tudorache and Brando Benifei, had expressed hopes that the draft would be approved before the end of the year.

The EU started working on the draft AI Act in 2021. In May this year, the European parliament agreed on draft legislation including new rules around the use of facial recognition, biometric surveillance, and other AI applications.

Under the proposals, AI tools will be classified according to their perceived level of risk, from low to unacceptable. Governments and companies using these tools will have different obligations, depending on the classification.

(With inputs from agencies)
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, has unveiled a Category II Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) named VSS Investments Fund with a total corpus of Rs 30 crore. This fund includes Rs 20 crore as its primary size, with an additional Rs 10 crore designated for the green shoe.

Sponsored by VSS Investco Private Limited, an entity owned and controlled by Sharma, this sector-agnostic SEBI-approved Category II AIF is set to focus on investments related to Artificial Intelligence, environmental sustainability, and Indian-made technology, particularly in the realm of Electric Vehicle (EV) startups serving the domestic market.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma is anticipated to be a significant contributor to the fund, alongside external investors who will also participate.

The funds investment strategy centres on backing startups involved in Artificial Intelligence and Electric Vehicles, especially those incubated in India, with a clear orientation toward meeting the needs of Indian consumers and businesses.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma expressed his optimism about Indias startup ecosystem, emphasizing the nations potential to emerge as a hub for advanced technology and AI-driven innovations. He stated, The launch of this fund is a continuation of my belief in supporting young and promising Indian founders, aligned with the fact that technology has a huge role to play in the development of the country.

Sharmas past investments have included notable startups such as Ola Electric, Josh Talks, Mesa School, UNNATI, KAWA Space, Praan, GOQii, KWH Bikes, Daalchini, and Treebo Hotels. This new fund represents his commitment to nurturing the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in the technology sector.
Three separate armed attacks in Mexico on Monday left at least 24 people dead, including a dozen police officers, authorities said about the latest violence to hit regions plagued by drug trafficking.

In the deadliest incident, unidentified attackers targeted a security patrol in Guerrero states municipality of Coyuca de Benitez, prosecutor Alejandro Hernandez said.

At least 13 people were killed and two others wounded in that attack, the state prosecutors office said in a statement, with Hernandez earlier having confirmed that at least 11 of those killed were members of the municipal police force.

A senior state security official was traveling in the convoy when it was attacked, authorities said, without confirming media reports that he was murdered along with police bodyguards.

Security forces were later seen patrolling the area  where several lifeless bodies lay on the ground  as a police helicopter flew overhead.

Another attack, in the neighboring state of Michoacan, left four civilians and a policeman dead, and two others wounded, authorities said.

A group of gunmen had attacked the brother of the mayor of the town of Tacambaro, according to the state prosecutors office.

A restaurant worker and a member of the police force were among those killed, while the mayors brother was wounded, it said.

In a video posted on social media, gunmen were seen opening fire before fleeing in several vehicles.

A third attack on Monday, a gunfight between alleged drug dealers in the central Mexican state of Puebla, left at least six dead and two wounded, the regional government reported.

The incident took place in the rural community of San Miguel Canoa, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Mexico City.

Mexico is plagued by cartel-related bloodshed that has seen more than 420,000 people murdered since the government deployed the military in its war on drugs in 2006.

Since then, the countrys murder rate has tripled to 25 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Mexico has also registered more than 110,000 disappearances since 1962, most attributed to criminal organizations.

Guerrero and Michoacan are among the countrys most violent areas, due to confrontations between rival drug traffickers and security forces.

Although it is home to the famed coastal resort of Acapulco, Guerrero is one of Mexicos poorest states.

Violence  particularly targeting low-level officials  often escalates across the country in the run-up to elections. Presidential and parliamentary polls are set to be held next year.

Even so, experts said the latest wave of violence was particularly shocking.

Guerrero has long seen one of Mexicos most complicated armed conflicts, but the current, pre-electoral levels of violence are extraordinary, Falko Ernst, an analyst at International Crisis Group, wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Since taking office in 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has championed a hugs not bullets strategy to tackle violent crime at its roots by fighting poverty and inequality with social programs, rather than with the army.
As Israeli forces gear up for a ground invasion of Gaza, the Biden administration is readying plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of American citizens from West Asia fearing that the bloodshed in Gaza cannot be contained.

As per a report by the Washington Post, four officials with knowledge of the US governments contingency planning said Americans residing in Israel and neighbouring Lebanon are of particular concern.

They emphasised that an evacuation of that magnitude is considered a worst-case scenario and that other outcomes are seen as more likely. But, one the officials said, it would be irresponsible not to have a plan for everything.

The Israeli forces, aided by US ammunitions and military advisers, have been preparing for the much-expected ground offensive against Hamas terrorists responsible for the surprise and unprecedented onslaught on October 7.

US deeply alarmed by prospect of Israel-Hamas war escalation

Three people familiar with the discussions said the US administration, which has been constantly supporting Israel, is deeply alarmed by the prospect of escalation and over the past few days, it has switched its focus towards the complicated logistics of abruptly having to relocate a large number of people.

As per the estimates by the US State Department, there are about 600,000 US citizens in Israel and as many as 86,000 are believed to be in Lebanon when Hamas attacked.

Why is US concerned?

The US major concern is in Lebanon because of Hezbollah, a political party and terrorist group that has controlled the country since 1992.

Hezbollah has already accepted training and weapons from Iran that has been prompting concerns of it attacking Israel from the north, which could possibly lead to a two-front war that would stretch Israeli forces.

This has become a real issue, one official said, adding, The administration is very, very, very worried that this thing is going to get out of hand.

The report said the top US officials did not want to discuss such contingency planning in public, hoping to avoid setting off a panic among Americans in the region. But their posture has shifted in recent days to convey the anxiety about other actors entering the conflict.

The US administration is also concerned about the street protests that have been spreading across Arab world, which the country feels are putting its citizens and personnel in the region at heightened risk.

The bombing of Gaza has sparked regional fury at Israel and its treatment of Palestinians  an issue some officials believed no longer carried as much importance in the Arab world, the Washington Post report said.

The US State Department, last week, had issued an advisory to all its citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, [and] demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.

The warning came after demonstrations that erupted in response to the Israel-Hamas war and broader anger in the Arab world over Washingtons full political, economic and military backing of Israel.
Some of Israels actions in its war against Hamas, like cutting off food and water for Gaza, could harden Palestinian attitudes for generations and weaken international support for Israel, said former US President Barack Obama.

In rare comments on an active foreign policy crisis, Obama said any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs of the war could ultimately backfire.

The Israeli governments decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population (in Gaza) threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis; it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israels enemies, and undermine long-term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, Obama said.

Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza with air strikes since Hamas Oct. 7 assault on Israel left over 1,400 people dead. Israels air strikes have killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, Gaza officials say.

Obama condemned Hamas attack and reiterated his support for Israels right to defend itself, while cautioning about risks to civilians in such wars.

It was not clear whether Obama had coordinated his statement with U.S. President Joe Biden, who served as his vice president for eight years.

During his presidency, Obama often backed Israels right to self-defense at the start of conflicts with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, but quickly called for Israeli restraint once Palestinian casualties mounted from airstrikes.

Gaza, a 45 km-long (25-mile) strip of land that is home to 2.3 million people, has been ruled politically since 2007 by Hamas, an Iran-backed Islamist group, but faces a blockade from Israel.

The Obama administration sought, but ultimately failed to broker, a peace deal in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Since taking office in early 2021, Biden has not tried to resume long-stalled talks, saying that leaders on both sides were too intransigent and the climate was not right.

Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a testy relationship when Obama was in office, including when Obamas administration was negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran.

Biden, as Obamas vice president, often acted as a mediator between the two men.

In his statement on Monday, Obama acknowledged that the U.S. had itself fallen short of our higher values when engaged in war, especially after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
A small wooden boat carrying a group of North Koreans has crossed into South Korean waters, Seouls military said Tuesday, in what appeared to be a rare defection across the maritime border.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said the boat and its crew were presumed to have defected from the isolated, nuclear-armed North.

The vessel was intercepted in waters off the eastern port city of Sokcho and those aboard were brought to safety, it added.

The boat was carrying four North Koreans who expressed their intent to defect, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing an unnamed government source.

More than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to the South over the decades since the 1950-53 conflict to escape repression and poverty.

But numbers plummeted to just 67 last year after Pyongyang imposed a strict border closure to protect itself from the coronavirus that first emerged in its neighbour and key ally China.

Only a handful of Northern defectors have ever directly crossed the de-facto maritime border, or the demilitarised zone that divides the two countries, which remain technically at war.

The vast majority of defectors first travel to China, sometimes staying there for years before making their way on to the South via third countries.

But the route across the northern land border is just as risky, with escapees often facing arrest and possible deportation back to North Korea if they are caught.

Activists say the fugitives face severe punishment, or even a death sentence if forced to return home.

This month, Seouls unification ministry said a large number of North Koreans appeared to have been repatriated from China.
Chinas foreign minister informed his Israeli colleague over the phone that China would do everything in its power to support peace between Israel and the Palestinians, according to Chinese official media.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi called the situation a major choice between war and peace and told Israels Eli Cohen that China will firmly back any resolution as long as it is favorable to peace. State media reported this on Tuesday.

Wang also called for Israel to take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the Middle East, adding that all countries have the right to self-defence, but they should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians.

China has condemned violence and attacks on civilians in the conflict, and while Wang has declared Israels actions beyond the scope of self-defence he has not named Hamas in his comments.

In a separate phone conversation with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, Wang said he deeply sympathises with the people of Gaza, adding that they need security and efforts to promote peace, not weapons or geopolitical calculations.

China calls for the convening of a more authoritative, wide-ranging and effective international peace conference soon, Wang said.

Wangs comments come days before he visits Washington Oct. 26-28. He will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Joe Bidens national security advisor Jake Sullivan, senior Biden administration officials said on Monday, declining to say if he will meet with Biden as well.

The conflict has put China and Russia in separate camps rom the United States over the conflict.

China and Russia share the same position that the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people have not been met. While the US has denounced the Hamas attack, fully supporting Israels right to defend itself.

China, which has repeatedly urged a ceasefire, also made clear its warships in the Middle East were part of routine escort missions and friendly visits, and not an interference in the conflict, state-controlled Global Times said.

The newspaper said the spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in the United States has called for an end to the groundless hyping over the deployment of Chinese warships to the Middle East in response to reports about several warships stationed in the region.

(with inputs from agencies)
China has asked Bhutan to establish diplomatic ties with it and resolve the boundary issue as soon as possible to transform the relations between the two neighbours into legal form.

Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji, who is currently visiting Beijing to take part in the boundary talks between the two countries, met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday during which Wang said restoration of diplomatic ties will serve the long-term interests of both countries, a Foreign Ministry press release said.

The conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan fully serve the long-term and fundamental interests of the country and nation of Bhutan, the statement quoted Wang as saying.

China is ready to work with Bhutan in the same direction, seize the historic opportunity, complete this important process as soon as possible, and fix and develop China-Bhutan friendly relations in legal form, Wang, also a member of the powerful Political Bureau of the ruling Communist Party, told Dorji.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry press release quoted Dorji as saying that Bhutan and China have enjoyed a traditional friendship.

He thanked China for its strong support and assistance to Bhutan.

Bhutan firmly abides by the one-China principle meaning Taiwan and Tibet are part of China and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary issue and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations, it said.

China and Bhutan do not have diplomatic relations but maintain contact through periodic visits by officials.

While Beijing resolved the boundary disputes with the 12 other neighbours, India and Bhutan are the only two countries China has yet to sign the border agreements.

China in recent years stepped up efforts to establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with Bhutan and to expedite negotiations to reach a settlement for the vexed border dispute which was complicated by Beijings attempts to claim Doklam despite Thimphus assertions that the area belonged to it.

Chinas attempts to build a road in the Doklam plateau in 2017 resulted in an India-China stand-off triggering tensions between the two neighbours.

India strongly opposed the construction of the road by the Chinese military at the Doklam tri-junction as it would have impacted its overall security interests since it runs close to the narrow Siliguri Corridor also known as the Chicken Neck connecting India with its north-east.

The standoff ended after Beijing dropped its plan to build the road.

Also in 2020, China made a surprising claim on Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council by opposing funding for the project.

Bhutan has lodged a demarche to the Chinese Embassy in India over Chinas claim over the sanctuary made at the GEF meeting.

China has also ramped up efforts to develop the villages located along borders with India Bhutan and Nepal with infrastructure development and preferential policies.

Beijing and Thimphu held their 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the Bhutan-China Boundary issues in Beijing in August this year.

After the talks, the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry said the discussions were candid, friendly and constructive discussions on continuously implementing the MoU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiation, according to Bhutanese Foreign Ministry press release.

Dorjis current visit to Beijing comes in the backdrop of remarks by Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering in March this year that Bhutan hopes to complete the demarcation of territories with China within one or two meetings.

We do not encounter major border problems with China, but certain territories are not yet demarcated. We still have to discuss it and draw a line, Tshering told Belgian newspaper La Libre in an interview published during his visit to Brussels in March this year.

As Tsherings remarks raised concerns in India considering the close ties, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited New Delhi in April and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which the two leaders resolved to expand the close ties between the countries.

Briefing the media on the talks between PM Modi and Bhutan king, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said the two countries share ties characterised by trust, goodwill, mutual understanding.

India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interest, including security interest, he said.

After his interview stoked controversy, Tshering told The Bhutanese newspaper that he had said nothing new in his statements to the Belgian paper on Doklam and the Bhutan-China boundary talks.

I have said nothing new and there is no change in position, he said.

In his talks with Dorji on Monday, Wang also said China always prioritises neighbourhood diplomacy in its overall diplomacy and adheres to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equals.

He claimed that China respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and the legitimate aspirations and concerns of small and medium-sized countries apparently referring to concerns among Chinas neighbours about Beijings expansive territorial claims.

The Chinese press release also said Dorji expressed Thimphus backing for President Xi Jinpings Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Cultural Initiative (GCI) to further Beijings strategic initiatives.

Bhutan highly appreciates and supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, which have delivered benefits to all parties, especially its neighbours, including Bhutan, the Chinese press release said without mentioning the names of the initiatives.

After its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is pushing for global support for the three initiatives proposed by Xi.

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda during his visit to Beijing in September declined to endorse GSI which advocates joint security saying that it is not in the interest of Nepal to maintain a strategic balance between India, China and the US.

He however backed GDI for its orientation on development.

Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe who took part in this months Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China however supported all three initiatives.

Sri Lanka firmly supports and actively participates in the GDI, GSI, and the GCI proposed by China, a joint statement issued after Wickremesinghes visit said.
China on Tuesday removed defence minister Li Shangfu and ousted former foreign minister Qin Gang from its cabinet, state media reported, as part of a major reshuffle of its top leadership.

According to the sixth meeting of the standing committee of the Peoples Republic of Chinas 14th National Peoples Congress, it was decided on October 24, 2023 to remove Li Shangfu from the positions of State Council member and Minister of Defence, state broadcaster CCTV said.

The committee also removed Qin Gangs position of State Councillor, CCTV said in its regular evening news bulletin.

CCTV did not name a replacement for Li, who has not been seen in public for months, and did not give reasons for the ministers removal.

Science and technology minister Wang Zhigang and finance minister Liu Kun were also removed from their posts, to be replaced by current Ministry of Science and Technology party secretary Yin Hejun and finance ministry party secretary Lan Foan respectively, according to CCTV.

Tuesdays announcements come after months of speculation about Chinas cabinet, after Qin was abruptly removed from office without any explanation in July.

Later that month China announced that former navy commander Wang Houbin would take over as the new head of the Chinese militarys Rocket Force, as media reports emerged of a corruption probe.
Chinas top diplomat will pay a rare visit to Washington this week, the United States announced Monday, paving the way for a potential visit by President Xi Jinping aimed at keeping tensions in check.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the highest-ranking Chinese official in the US capital in nearly five years, will visit from Thursday through Saturday against a backdrop of friction over trade, Ukraine, the Middle East, Taiwan and Chinas assertive actions at sea near the Philippines.

A senior US official said the trip was part of efforts between the worlds two largest economies to responsibly manage our competition.

We continue to believe that direct face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where our interests intersect, he said on customary condition of anonymity.

Wang will be returning a visit in June to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was the highest-ranking US official to travel to China since 2018.

Blinken huddled for 11 hours with the top Chinese leadership including Xi. Diplomats say Wang will be expecting a similar meeting with President Joe Biden, who is in Washington this week.

Biden, who last saw Xi last November on the sidelines of Group of 20 talks in Bali, has invited Chinas leader to travel next month to San Francisco where the United States will host an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Asked if Wangs visit will formalize a visit by Xi, another US official said that Biden has stated multiple times that he hopes to see President Xi in the near future and declined further comment.

Both sides have expressed an interest in recent months in avoiding conflict. Xi, earlier this month receiving Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, said the US-China relationship will determine the future and destiny of mankind.

But tensions have repeatedly soared including after China carried out major military exercises near Taiwan, the US-backed democracy claimed by Beijing, following actions by US lawmakers.

The Philippines, a US ally, on Monday accused China of deliberately hitting its boats on a resupply mission in contested waters, leading Beijing to accuse Manila of false information.

Bidens national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, on Monday called his Philippine counterpart to voice support after Chinas dangerous and unlawful actions. Sullivan will also meet Wang in Washington, officials said.

Meeting allies

In a strategy also followed ahead of Blinkens trip, the Biden administration is engaging US allies before its talks with China.

Biden on Wednesday will welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a state visit, weeks before Albanese pays his own visit to China as once-frosty ties recover.

In Chinas own show of friends, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing last week in one of his first trips since invading Ukraine.

China has offered moral support to Russia but, according to US officials, has stopped short of full-fledged military support to Moscow following US warnings.

China and the United States more recently have sought diplomatic advantage against each other over the outbreak of violence in the Middle East.

Blinken, on a visit to the Middle East, telephoned Wang to ask China to exert pressure on Iran, which backs Hamas.

China in turn has criticized US support for Israel and denounced the veto of a UN Security Council resolution by the United States, which wanted a call for Israels right to defend itself.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Tuesday for the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group to be expanded to also fight Hamas after the 7 October attacks on Israel.

Macron, speaking after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, said that countries fighting IS should also fight against Hamas.

The French leader stressed there must be a decisive relaunch of the Palestinian peace process following the crisis set off by the deadly Hamas attacks and Israels response.
Elon Musk has expressed his desire to give out a billion dollars to Wikipedia. Although, he will be donating the money only on a very specific condition. If Wikipedia changes its name to D**kpedia. The tech billionaire said, I will give them a billion dollars if they change their name to D**kpedia. He further said that Wikipedia could change its name to the original one yet again once they have raised the money. However, he asserted that they must keep his suggested name for a minimum of one year.

Prior to this, the business tycoon had shared another post where he rehashed Wikipedias phrases Wikipedia is not for sale and a personal appeal from Jimmy Wales (co-founder of Wikipedia). He further showed concern regarding the Wikimedia Foundations motives for wanting such a huge amount of money.Have you ever wondered why the Wikimedia Foundation wants so much money? It certainly isnt needed to operate Wikipedia. You can literally fit a copy of the entire text on your phone! So, whats the money for? Inquiring minds want to know 

Refreshing your memory, back in May of this year, the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales slammed Elon Musk for censoring critics of the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move came just before the countrys presidential election. Jimmy Wales accused the Twitter head of compromising free speech by complying with Turkeys demands to restrict content. He also claimed that Wikipedia faced the same situation, however, they did not put any such restrictions.

Reacting to this, Elon Musk questioned the choices available. He suggested that it was a choice between either throttling Twitter entirely or limiting access to certain tweets.

It must be noted here that Turkey has blocked Turkey for the last two years because of the countrys norms allowing the ban of sites that are seen as a threat to national security.

Tags  Elon Musk, Twitter post, X, Wikipedia, Dickipedia
A cyber specialist who briefly worked at the top-secret US National Security Agency (NSA) pleaded guilty on Monday to attempting to spy for Russia, the Justice Department said.

Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31, spent less than four weeks working at the NSA, the United States governments huge and powerful signals intelligence agency, before he suddenly quit, citing family problems at the end of June last year.

In the few weeks he was at the NSA, he printed out top secret documents, and after leaving he offered them for sale in encrypted online communications to an individual he believed to be a Russian agent, the Justice Department said.

He was actually dealing with an undercover FBI agent.

Dalke, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, pleaded guilty in US District Court to six counts of attempting to transmit classified national defense information to an agent of a foreign government.

Sentencing was set for April 26, 2024. Dalke faces a maximum of life in prison.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to express his countrys full solidarity with Israel.

Macron was due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express Frances full solidarity with Israel after that attack, the French presidency said.

Macron and Netanyahu were due to hold a joint press conference at 1:00 pm (1000 GMT).

And in Tel Aviv, he was due to meet the families of French and French-Israeli nationals killed in the Hamas attack or being held hostage in Gaza.

The French head of state was also expected to call for the preservation of the civilian population in Gaza, as Israel carries out a relentless bombardment of the Palestinian enclave and prepares for a ground offensive, the presidency said.

Macron has firmly stood behind Israel since the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas raided the southern parts of the country on 7 October. The attack which took Israel by surprise, left at least 1400 dead and around a couple hundred, mostly women, were taken back to Gaza as hostages. Among the dead were also 30 French citizens, according to AFP.

Seven French citizens are still missing: one of them, a French woman, has been confirmed as among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken hostage by Hamas.

We assured Israel and its citizens that we stand by them and unquestioningly support their legitimate response to terrorist acts, he wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post.

          . , ,      .        .         .    :    .  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 12, 2023

The Hamas attack set off a fresh spell of violence in the restive region. Israel immediately declared war on Hamas with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to reduce the terrorist group to rubble.

Israeli air strikes into the tiny Palestinian enclave have so far left over 5,000 dead and a land invasion seemed almost imminent.

Macron will propose relaunching a true peace process, to create a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers towards Israels security.

There will also probably be exchanges with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and leaders of Gulf nations, the Elysee said.

US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have already visited Israel.

With AFP inputs
French President Emmanuel Macron met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

In the meeting, Macron said, The first objective should be the release of all hostages without any distinction. You are not alone in this war against terrorism.

Israels President Isaac Herzog said, We are a strong nation and we are committed to overcoming and destroying our enemies. The situation is extremely complicated and fragile though. On one hand, we are demanding the full and immediate release of all our citizens who are abducted and hijacked, the immediate release as we are seeing clear crimes against humanity, we are seeing the sufferings of young and old.

#WATCH | Tel Aviv | Israels President Isaac Herzog says, We are a strong nation and we are committed to overcoming and destroying our enemies. The situation is extremely complicated and fragile though. On one hand, we are demanding the full and immediate release of all our pic.twitter.com/Ph1KZJV1pc  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

Macron will also meet his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday, according to AFP.

The French President is the latest leader to make a solidarity visit to Israel after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, but would be the first to visit the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the occupied West Bank during the crisis. The French presidency did not immediately confirm the meeting.

With inputs from agencies
Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged Tuesday to maintain Germanys aid to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion even as Berlin supports Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

We are backing Ukraine economically, financially, with humanitarian aid and also with weapons, Scholz said.

This support will in no way be impacted by the fact that we of course since the horrible morning hours of October 7 have focused on Israel and the Middle East with the greatest sympathy and concern, he said.

The German leader was speaking at a German-Ukrainian business forum in Berlin attended by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and joined virtually by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Scholz said Russian President Vladimir Putin had attacked Ukraine in an act of imperialist delusion and was mistaken if he believes that he will endure longer than we will.

Ukraine will not stop fighting for its freedom  that has become unmistakeably clear in these more than 600 days since the start of the invasion in February 2022, Scholz said.

And you have our word. We will support Ukraine as long as necessary.

After some initial hesitation, Germany drastically ramped up its support for Ukraine in the wake of Russias invasion. The country is now the second-biggest supplier of military assistance to Kyiv after the United States.

Scholz was the first foreign head of government to visit Israel since the shock Hamas attack and has emphasised that support for Israels self-defence is at the core of German foreign policy due to Berlins responsibility for the Holocaust.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said this month that Germany would allow Israel to use two of its Heron TP combat drones and is considering a request for ammunition for warships.

More than 220 Israelis, dual nationals and foreigners were kidnapped by Hamas militants during their attack on southern Israel on October 7 that killed more than 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials.

Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control of the area under attack.

More than 5,700 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist militant group, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.
Amid the Israel-Hamas war, Indian American Congressman, Shri Thanedar, has described Hamas as barbaric terrorists who should be eliminated and its military capabilities dismantled.

Hamas is not a militant organisation. Hamas is not a resistance movement, they are just barbaric terrorists. This is a time when we just cant just push them because they will regroup and come back and do these atrocities once again. Yes, thats what they will do. So you know, we need at this stage to eliminate them. Eliminate the space of this, you know, we need to dismantle their military operations, Thanedar said.

On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing over 1,400 people and taking over 200 hostages.

Speaking at an event in support of Israel at the US Capitol Hill, Thander, on Monday pointed out the suffering of civilians in Gaza and called for their freedom from the terrorist group.

We need to free the Palestinian people, the two million Palestinian people that live in Gaza. They need to be freed from these terrorist controls of Gaza. So that addition is what I feel. Now there is a lot of talk about ceasefire, but I feel that its premature, these Hamas terrorists have used the civilians, Thanedar said.

He further said, Misused the civilians as a shield for them and unfortunately thats causing tremendous loss which is so regrettable. Tremendous loss of lives of innocent people. But these innocent people they need to have their future, they need to have their life, they need to have their human rights and they need to be freed from the oppression of Hamas and basically exploitation Hamas is doing of these innocent civilians in Gaza.

Thanedar also highlighted the loss of civilian lives on both sides, Israel and Gaza and condemned the attacks on Israel.

Loss of civilian life, Whether it is Israeli civilian life or Palestinian civilian life should not happen, thats something thats never desirable and never got to come. And I was one of the first members of Congress to protest when Hamas, which is clearly a various organization that came in and attack Israel, he said.

US Congressman George Santos, who also addressed the event, embraced the message of unity in the world and condemned the Hamas attack on Israel.

Thats my message, unity and standing strong with one another. I want to thank you all for taking the time to put this effort together to show the rest of the world that there could be peace through strength and through unity to very different communities, two very different ethnic groups to very different religions. Yet we both stand together here in this room representing whats right. This is not about preference. This is about whats right and wrong and whats happening to Israel is wrong. Its abhorrent, Santos said.

Meanwhile, Nissim Reuben, Program Director of Indian-Jewish Relations at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), said at a Congressional briefing in support of Israel that India is the only country with no history of antisemitism.

He also expressed solidarity with Israel in its fight against the terrorist group Hamas.India is the only country in the world with no history of antisemitism. Never ever were Jews persecuted in India until the Mumbai attacks of 2008, which were perpetrated by terrorists that came from across the border. Thats why even today in Israel, Indian Jews say that Israel is our fatherland. India is our motherland. Israel is in our hearts. India is in our blood, he said.

He further expressed gratitude that the Indian American diaspora, the global Indian diaspora, the people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian government have solidly supported Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas.

It was a brutal terror attack Israel has gone through a tremendous tragedy, but it will overcome and rebound. And we as Indian Americans and Indians will never forget that Israel came to Indias help, assistance with defence, much-needed defence equipment in the wars of 1965 and 1971, and of course, Kargil 1999, when Israel rushed much-needed defence supplies, he added.

With inputs from ANI
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday said that Hamas care more about their paymasters in Iran than the children they hide behind.

Sunak added, There is no scenario where Hamas can be allowed to control Gaza or any part of the Palestinian territories. Hamas is not only a threat to Israel, but to many others across the region.

In a video shared by Sunak on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said, We must keep alive that vision of a better future, against those who would destroy it. Together with our partners, that is what we will do.

On Monday, Sunak said that the explosion at a hospital in Gaza City was most likely caused by a missile fired from within Gaza, and not by a rocket from Israel.

The UK PM on Monday set out further aid for the Palestinian people, saying the government would provide an additional 20 million pounds ($24.4 million) of humanitarian support for Gaza, reported Reuters.

We are providing an additional 20 million pounds of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.

With inputs from agencies
Gazas health ministry reported on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes overnight claimed the lives of more than 700 Palestinians, marking the biggest 24-hour death toll since Israel started a bombing campaign against Hamas militants after their lethal Oct. 7 onslaught rocked the nation.

Israel claimed to have killed dozens of Hamas fighters in nighttime attacks on the beleaguered enclave, but added that it would take time to completely defeat the Islamist organisation.

French President Emmanuel Macron came to Israel to offer support as aid organisations warned that a humanitarian disaster was developing in Gaza.

In addition to stating that France stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its conflict with Hamas, he also warned the Israeli leader against engaging in combat without rules.

The UN pleaded with Israel to permit more aid into Gaza, claiming that the aid that has already been permitted only partially satisfied the needs of the embattled population. Fuel was essential yet still restricted.

We are on our knees asking for that sustained, scaled up, protected humanitarian operation, said Dr Rick Brennan, WHO Regional Emergencies Director.

According to U.N. organisations, there is no guarantee that the people in need will be reached safely by assistance workers. But with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at its bloodiest in decades, there didnt seem to be much hope for a ceasefire anytime soon.

According to the health ministry in Gaza, 2,360 children were among the 5,791 Palestinians who have died in attacks on the Hamas-ruled territory since October 7. It reported that in just the preceding 24 hours, 704 people had died.

It was the highest number of fatalities in a single day throughout the two weeks of Israeli strikes, according to ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra.

The bombardments were unleashed in response to a Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which militants killed more than 1,400 people  mostly civilians  in a single day.

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli women who were among the more than 200 hostages taken during the assault. They were the third and fourth hostages to be released.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, said she was beaten by militants as she was seized and had difficulty breathing. Ive been through hell, she said.

Israel has massed tanks and troops at the border between Israel and the enclave, ready for orders to launch the anticipated ground invasion, which will be complicated by worries about the hostages.

The Israeli military claimed to have killed dozens of Hamas fighters, including three deputy leaders, after hitting more than 400 militant sites in Gaza overnight.

It said that mosque command centres and a tunnel that allowed Hamas to enter Israel from the sea were among the targets.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military, stated that the IDF was ready and determined for the next phase of the conflict and was awaiting political orders.

But its unclear when Israel would start a full-scale invasion. The most powerful force in the Middle East is engaged in combat with a group that has amassed a potent arsenal with Irans assistance while utilising a large network of underground tunnels.

Over a million Gaza inhabitants were forced to seek cover elsewhere in the territory after large portions of the territory were demolished by Israeli airstrikes, with structures left to heaps of debris and twisted metal. There is an urgent need for more food, clean water, medicine, and fuel.

Residents reported that numerous people were killed or hurt after an Israeli missile struck a petrol station in Khan Younis, where evacuees from the citys eastern side gathered to charge their electronics and fill up on water.

According to the spokesman for the health ministry, more than 40 medical facilities ceased operations when they ran out of fuel or suffered damage from Israeli bombing.

Foreign governments have expressed concern that the battle may spark a Middle East-wide conflagration. Already, there have been conflicts along the Israel-Lebanon border and in the West Bank, where Israel occupies.

Concerns for a regional flare-up have centred on Irans network of proxies in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. Any larger conflagration puts U.S. interests and security in a region vital to the worlds energy supply at danger.

The emir in charge of Qatar, which has attempted to negotiate between Israel and Hamas, pleaded with the world to restrain Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

We say enough. Israel shouldnt be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorisation to kill, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in a speech to Gulf states Shura council.

Support for Israel came from Frances Macron, who was meeting with Netanyahu and other officials in Jerusalem. He said France would not leave Israel isolated in its fight against Hamas but warned against the risks of a regional conflict.

Speaking alongside him, Netanyahu said that after the conflict no one would live under Hamas tyranny but warned the war would take time.

We are linked to Israel through mourning, Macron said earlier on social media, saying that 30 French people were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks and nine were still missing or held hostage.

(With agency inputs)
Hamas freed two Israeli women who were among the more than 200 hostages taken during its October 7 rampage in southern Israel, with their elderly husbands still being held in captivity.

According to some reports, the US has advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault in the Gaza Strip.

We decided to release them for humanitarian and poor health grounds, Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas militant group, said on Telegram.

The Israeli prime ministers office issued a statement confirming that the women, whom it named as Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, were handed over to the Israeli military and would be taken to a medical facility.

Four women have now been freed in three days.

The pair were taken to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, according to Israeli media.

After being flown in by Israeli helicopter, the two released hostages arrived at a Tel Aviv medical centre, where the Israeli government said their families were waiting for them.

One was carried in on a stretcher and the other in a wheelchair, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

I dont know where I was taken

I dont know where I was taken, Lifshitz said of her abduction, according to the Israeli news site Ynet.

They loaded me on a motorcycle sideways so I wouldnt fall, with one terrorist holding me from the front and the other from behind.

They crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip, and at first they held me in the town of Abesan, she said.

After that, I dont know where I was taken.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had also helped with the case and the transportation of the women out of Gaza.

We facilitated the release of 2 more hostages, transporting them out of Gaza this evening, it wrote late Monday on X, formerly Twitter.

Our role as a neutral intermediary makes this work possible & we are ready to facilitate any future release.

American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan were freed on Friday, with the militants also citing humanitarian reasons and efforts by Qatar and Egypt.

Israel on Monday increased the number of confirmed hostages to 222 people seized when Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked kibbutz communities, towns and military bases in southern Israel.

Israeli officials say the attackers killed 1,400 people in the nations worst-ever attack.

Israel hit back with a blistering bombing campaign which Gazas Hamas-run health authority says has now killed more than 5,000 people.

The hostages  among them babies, children, pregnant women, soldiers and many foreign nationals  have become a major issue for the Israeli government as it justifies its bombardment of Hamas targets in Gaza.

But the spiralling Palestinian death toll has drawn international alarm.

Military spokesman Daniel Hagari on Monday said infantry and tank raids into Gaza during the night had sought to locate and search for any information available about the hostages.

When asked later about reports that more hostages could be released, Hagari refused to comment, saying only: We are doing all that we can to free all hostages no matter the nationality.

With inputs from agencies
Israel said on Tuesday it had killed dozens of Hamas fighters overnight in strikes on Gaza and indicated that it had no intention of easing its bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The United States urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, trapped in a humanitarian crisis after two weeks of intense Israeli attacks.

But there appeared to be little prospect of a ceasefire any time soon in the bloodiest episode in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades.

On Tuesday, Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military, stated that the IDF was ready and determined for the next phase of the conflict and was awaiting political direction. Israel Defence Force claimed to have destroyed over 400 terrorist targets in the past 24 hours in what is referred to as a wide-scale operation to dismantle Hamas terrorist capabilities in a social media post.

The 7 October Hamas attack was called one of the worst atrocities of modern times by Israels president, Isaac Herzog, who also charged Hezbollah in Lebanon with playing with fire in Israels northern region. Hezbollah and Israel are under tension, he claimed, and he added, We are not looking for a confrontation on our northern border or with anyone else. Our priorities are dismantling Hamas infrastructure and returning our citizens to their homes. But it should be obvious that Lebanon will suffer if Hezbollah manages to provoke war with us.

Emmanuel Macron said the incident on October 7 was a immense shock for the entire world, especially in France when speaking to the media during a trip to Israel. The victims of the Hamas attack were killed just because they were Jewish, he claimed, adding that France supported Israel today, tomorrow, and the day after. He claimed that France has a duty to combat terrorist organisations.

Two additional hostages were freed by Hamas in Gaza for humanitarian and health reasons. The Israeli military is presently caring for Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper [also known as Nurit Yitzhak], 79, who were taken hostage on October 7 together with their husbands from the kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border. This was confirmed by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the UNs humanitarian organisation OCHA, around 1.4 million of Gazas 2.3 million residents are currently displaced, and the lack of access to safe drinking water as well as congestion have grown to be of major concern.

The UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) announced this morning that six more of its employees had died in Gaza overnight, raising the total number of fatalities since October 7 to 35. According to the report, Israeli airstrikes have already damaged 40 UNRWA facilities.

The government in the UK believes six British citizens are being held captive by Hamas, according to junior minister Victoria Atkins, who cautioned that its a very fast-moving situation and that figure may or may not change.

The recent rise in anti-Jewish violence in Germany has been denounced by the nations antisemitism commissioner, who also issued a warning that it runs the risk of returning the nation to its most horrific times. Felix Klein stated in a Guardian interview that he was concerned about the erosion of fundamental rights as officials sought to crack down on expressions of support for the Palestinian people.

According to John Kirby, the national security councils strategic communications coordinator, the Biden administration does not think the time is right for a ceasefire in Gaza. He echoed earlier remarks made by President Joe Biden when he told CNN that the US position was that all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza must be freed first.

According to the health ministry administered by Hamas in Gaza, at least 5,087 Palestinians, including 2,055 children, have died in Israeli airstrikes since October 7 while 15,273 have been injured. According to the report, the most of the casualties happened in the southern Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military has ordered Palestinians to flee. There is no independent verification of the assertions.

Since early October, some 20,000 people have been internally displaced in south Lebanon and other parts of the country, according to a UN agency, a reflection of the rising violence on the Lebanese-Israeli border. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) of the UN revealed that 19,646 people had been uprooted inside Lebanon since it started keeping track of migration on October 8, the day following the attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel.

On Monday, a third convoy of relief trucks crossed into Gaza from Egypt at the Rafah gate. A total of 34 trucks travelled by on Saturday and Sunday. The UN estimated that 100 trucks a day would be required to meet Gazas daily needs and that the amount of aid that has so far arrived is only 4% of the daily average before the war.

(With agency inputs)
Hungarys opposition to the resolution has prevented the Council of the European Union from reaching a decision on a military aid package of EUR 500 million ($534 million) for Ukraine.

Budapest is requesting legal assurances that Ukraine would never again designate Hungarian OTP Bank as an international sponsor of war, as it has done in the past because of the banks continuous operations in Russia.

As anticipated, the meeting of EU foreign ministers today resulted in no agreement on the eighth tranche (500 million) of military aid for Ukraine, stated Jozwiak.

The Hungarian OTP [Bank] has been removed from the blacklist of companies that conduct business in Russia, but Budapest is seeking official guarantees that this removal is permanent.

OTP Bank was listed as an international supporter of war by the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP) of Ukraine on May 4.

Budapest declared on July 21 that it would reject the EUs proposal to give Ukraine military assistance worth EUR 20 billion if Ukraine removed OTP Bank off the list. NACP temporarily halted this status on September 29.

(with inputs from agencies)
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto Monday strongly criticised the European Unions push to expedite Ukraines accession for security reasons.

Szijjarto, addressing reporters following an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, asserted, The European Union is not a security organization, it is a political-economic integration, so it is completely unacceptable for us to justify a countrys future membership solely for security reasons. He accused Brussels of attempting to fast-track Ukraines entry into the bloc.

The foreign minister vehemently objected to funding the establishment of arms production facilities or military training centres in Ukraine, such as the European Commissions proposal for 20 billion in security guarantees. He noted that Ukraine remained an active conflict zone, and placing EU assets there would immediately drag the European Union into war.

Furthermore, the proposal earmarked 5 billion for annual arms deliveries to Kyiv for the next four years, a commitment that Szijjarto deemed nonsensical in the absence of ongoing hostilities.

He expressed his frustration with the proposal, saying, So everything about the war is in it, but unfortunately, there is still nothing in this proposal that talks about how there will be peace. Clearly, the European approach, the Brussels approach to the events in Ukraine is still pro-war, suggesting that the bloc is afflicted by a war psychosis.

Szijjarto also highlighted that some of his colleagues were acknowledging Ukraine fatigue, signifying waning public interest in the conflict, especially in light of renewed hostilities in the Middle East. He stressed the urgency of ending the conflict in Ukraine, warning that conditions for peace would only deteriorate as casualties mounted.

The Hungarian diplomat has consistently cautioned the EU against its serious mistakes in financing and arming the Ukrainian military while antagonising Russia. He argued that continuing to supply arms would only prolong the conflict and result in more casualties.

Last month, Szijjarto stated that Hungary would veto Ukraines accession to the EU as long as it continued to discriminate against the Hungarian ethnic minority in the western part of the country. He cited several controversial laws enacted since the 2014 US-backed coup in Kiev, mandating the use of the Ukrainian language.
Indians are among the leading nationalities to hold citizenship of the worlds richest nations, according to a report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The report also reveals that Indians are the national group that migrates the most to OECD countries including Canada, with which it is currently engaged in a diplomatic stand-off.

In the past two years, Indians have become the largest national group to gain citizenship in rich nations while Canada became the biggest host country to grant its citizenship to foreign nationals.

In 2021, 1,33,000 Indian citizens acquired the nationality of an OECD country. Previous trends show that most of these acquisitions took place in the US, Australia and Canada.

Meanwhile, the OECD, which consists of 38 countries, also witnessed a surge in students from Asian nations including India and China. The top countries of origin of international students in OECD countries are China, India, Vietnam, Germany and France.

Golden passports

According to a report by Citizenship Invest, Indians accounted for 9.4 per cent of the total applicants for golden passports.

Golden passports are offered by some countries and acquiring one of these allows foreign nationals to get citizenship status by making significant investments or by buying a house in the host country.

Kristin Surak, associate professor of political sociology at the London School of Economics and author of The Golden Passport: Global Mobility for Millionaires, said, One of the biggest difficulties that Indians face when building international or businesses or careers is simply that of travel. An Indian passport will get a person visa-free access to only 60 countries. Its the same as Tajikistan.
The investigation into the largest mass shooting in New Zealand began on Tuesday and will look into a number of things, including how quickly police and paramedics responded to the scene and whether any of the 51 fatalities might have been prevented.

Over four years have passed since a white supremacist opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers, prompting the coroner-led investigation.

This investigation is the first time the police have provided a detailed account of their response to the incident in March 2019. On Tuesday, a large number of family members and survivors showed up at court; many of them started crying as they viewed a video memorial to the deceased.

After the attack, New Zealand lawmakers moved quickly to change gun laws, banning assault weapons and buying back more than 50,000 guns. The Australian gunman, Brenton Tarrant, in 2020 pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Coroner Brigitte Windley said the idea behind examining the mass shooting was to see if there were ways to reduce deaths in any future incidents.

She said the aim wasnt to establish liability or negligence but rather so that our understanding of the events of March 15 can transition from darkness to light.

She said most people killed that day died instantly or very rapidly, but for some there were questions over survivability and whether alternative medical triage or treatment would have made a difference.

For a small number, we need to look at the question more closely, she said.

One of the issues under examination is whether an emergency door in the Al Noor mosque was functioning at the time of the shooting  and if not, why not. The Associated Press first reported the scene of confusion and terror at the door as people tried to escape but couldnt get it open.

After the online tribute, the court played a timeline of events, which included emergency calls and some of the disturbing footage the gunman livestreamed from a GoPro helmet camera during the attack. The footage had been edited to avoid showing any victims being shot.

The first witness, Police Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Farrant, outlined how police and emergency services had fielded dozens of calls about potential threats in the minutes and hours after the shooting, many of which would prove false, including the gunmans claim he was one of up to 10 attackers.

Farrant gave evidence that the shooting began at 1:40 p.m. at the Al Noor mosque, where 44 people were killed, and the first emergency calls began about a minute later. The gunman then drove away and started shooting at the second mosque, the Linwood Islamic Center, where another seven were killed.

Farrant said that after establishing a safe forward point, police entered Al Noor at 1:54 p.m. and searched it a number of times and began initial treatment of patients. He said they were concerned an object in the mosque might have been a homemade bomb.

The gunman was caught by police at around 2 p.m. after they spotted him driving and rammed him off the road. Ambulance staff entered the Al Noor mosque at 2:15 p.m., Farrant said, and began removing victims eight minutes later.

(with inputs from agencies)
The death toll in Gaza Tuesday rose to 5,791 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The death toll includes 2,360 children. A total of 16,297 people have also been wounded since the conflict erupted on 7 October.

After Hamas raided southern Israel, killing at least 1400 and abducting over 200, Israel has declared war on the Palestinian terror group.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reduce Hamas to rubble.

However, Israels intense aerial raids on Hamas targets in Gaza, which is only 41 km long and 12 km wide  have also taken a severe toll on the civilian Palestinian population. Hamas are embedded into civilians, making it impossible to take out a Hamas target without also hurting the general population.

Gaza, a Palestinian enclave in Israels southeast, is bordered by Israel in the north and east, while its coast to the Mediterranean Sea is also blocked by Israel. The only way out of Gaza is the Rafah crossing on the narrow border with Egypt. But Egypt too has, so far, refused to take in the desperate Gaza population.

With AFP inputs
The war between Israel and Hamas could deal a serious blow to global economic development, the president of the World Bank told an investor conference in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

What just happened recently in Israel and Gaza  at the end of the day you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious, Ajay Banga said, adding: I think were at a very dangerous juncture.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities latest count.

The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners. More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed in retaliatory Israeli bombardments of Gaza, according to its Hamas-run health ministry.

Banga was speaking at the annual Future Investment Initiative, often referred to as Davos in the Desert.

More than 6,000 delegates are registered for the three-day event that will feature appearances by global banking chiefs and the presidents of South Korea, Kenya and Rwanda, organisers say.

The violence in Israel and Gaza stands in stark contrast to the vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East championed by Saudi Arabia, which this year rebuilt ties with Iran and was in talks towards recognising Israel before the fighting broke out.
With Israel bracing itself for a ground invasion in Gaza, the Joe Biden-led US administration has reportedly expressed concerns that the war-struck country lacks achievable military goals for its operation. Some US officials also believe that Israel is not yet ready for ground incursions in Gaza.

A report by the New York Times quoting senior officials said that US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant highlighted the importance of carefully considering how IDF troops conduct the incursion in Gaza, where terrorists will operate from tunnels and densely populated areas.

Since Israel announced that it will launch ground operations in Gaza, US officials have made multiple phone calls to their Israeli counterparts to discuss the incursion.

Austins view on Israels proposed ground invasion

In an interview with ABC News, Defence Secretary Austin said Israels plan to launch a ground invasion in Gaza could take longer than the amount of time the US took the US to remove the Islamic State from power in Mosul.

Urban combat is extremely difficult. It goes at a slow pace, he said. This may be a bit more difficult because of the underground network of tunnels that Hamas has constructed over time and the fact that they have had a long time to prepare for a fight.

Officials also said that Israel must decide whether it wants to eliminate Hamas through a combination of surgical strikes or to launch a more expansive ground invasion.

US sends military officials to Israel

A few top-ranking US military officials have been sent to Israel to advise its military on Gaza ground operations, the White House has confirmed.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said during a White House briefing, What I can tell you is that there are a few relevant military officers with the kinds of experience that we believe is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting and may conduct in the future to go over there to share some perspectives from their own experience and to ask the hard questions.

According to a report by Axios, Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn is among the handful of senior officials sent to Israel by US President Joe Biden owing to Glynns involvement in Marine special operations countering Daesh/ISIS in Iraq.
Qatars ruling emir on Tuesday urged the international community not to grant Israel unrestricted authorisation to kill Palestinians in its fight against Hamas, in what he called a dangerous escalation that threatens global security.

We say enough. Israel shouldnt be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorisation to kill, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in an annual speech to open the Gulf Arab states advisory Shura council, his first public comments since Qatar began its most recent efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas.

The Palestinian health ministry said the Gaza death toll had topped 5,000 in two weeks of Israeli air strikes in response to Hamas surprise Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, in which the Islamist militant group killed more than 1,400 people and captured more than 200 hostages.

Since then, wealthy gas-producer Qatar has had an open dialogue with both Israel and Hamas which has brought about the release of four hostages held by Hamas, including two Israeli women on Monday.

We call for a serious regional and international stance against this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, which threatens the security of the region and the world, Sheikh Tamim said.

We do not accept double standards and acting like the lives of Palestinian children arent accounted for, as if they dont have faces or names.
Israel said on Tuesday it had killed dozens of Hamas fighters overnight in strikes on Gaza and indicated that it had no intention of easing its bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The United States urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, trapped in a humanitarian crisis after two weeks of intense Israeli attacks.

But there appeared to be little prospect of a ceasefire any time soon in the bloodiest episode in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades.

The Palestinian health ministry said more than 5,000 people have been killed in Gaza by two weeks of Israeli air strikes unleashed in response to a Hamas attack. The Islamist militant group killed more than 1,400 people  mostly civilians  in a single day.

Two Israeli ladies who were among the more than 200 hostages abducted by Hamas during their attack on southern Israel on October 7 were released on Monday. The third and fourth hostages to be freed were them.

Israeli tanks and soldiers are gathered on the border between Israel and the Hamas-run territory, waiting for orders to launch an anticipated ground invasion that will be complicated by hostage-taking worries.

The Israeli military claimed to have killed dozens of Hamas fighters overnight in Gaza after striking more than 400 militant targets there, including three deputy battalion commanders.

A tunnel that Hamas used to enter Israel from the sea and Hamas command centres housed in mosques were among the targets struck, the statement added. Reuters was unable to quickly confirm the claim.

Israeli bombings have levelled large portions of Gaza, causing more than a million civilians to look for cover elsewhere in the region.

The United Nations and aid organisations have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe and begged for supplies to be allowed in because food, clean water, medicine, and gasoline are quickly running out.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi had already said that Israel had no plans to stop its airstrikes.

We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling, Halevi said in a statement.

We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south, he added. Troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now.

Medical officials in Gaza reported that the Israeli airstrike caused dozens of Palestinians to be killed or injured overnight throughout the territory, primarily in southern Gaza. 15 homes at least were damaged, according to the government.

According to locals, an Israeli missile struck a petrol station in Khan Younis where workers, families and other evacuees from the citys eastern side were congregated. They reported that a number were murdered or injured.

This a petrol station and there is solar panel power here, so people come to charge their devices and fill water. They bombed them in their sleep, said Abdallah Abu Al-Atta, who lives by the petrol station.

According to Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza health ministry, more than 40 medical facilities ceased operations after they ran out of fuel and after several of them were hit by Israeli bombs.

The war has sparked worries from other countries that it could ignite the entire Middle East. Conflicts have already broken out in the West Bank and at the border between Israel and Lebanon.

The emir in charge of Qatar, which has attempted to negotiate between Israel and Hamas, pleaded with the world to restrain Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

We say enough. Israel shouldnt be granted an unconditional green light and unrestricted authorisation to kill, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in a speech to Gulf states Shura council.

More than 40 medical facilities stopped operating, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza health ministry, after they ran out of fuel and after some of them were hit by Israeli bombs.

Other nations are concerned about the wars potential to ignite the entire Middle East. At the border between Israel and Lebanon and in the West Bank, conflicts have already started to erupt.

The emir of Qatar, which has attempted to mediate talks between Israel and Hamas, appealed to everyone to put a stop to Israels hostilities with Hamas.

We are linked to Israel through mourning, Macron said on the social media, saying that 30 French people were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks and nine were still missing or held hostage.

More than 40 medical facilities stopped operating, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesman for the Gaza health ministry, after they ran out of fuel and after some of them were hit by Israeli bombs.

Other nations are concerned about the wars potential to ignite the entire Middle East. At the border between Israel and Lebanon and in the West Bank, conflicts have already started to erupt.

The emir of Qatar, which has attempted to mediate talks between Israel and Hamas, appealed to everyone to put a stop to Israels hostilities with Hamas.

Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, Biden said: We should have those hostages released and then we can talk.

Although it remained unclear what action, if any, the U.N. Security Councils five veto-wielding powersthe United States, Russia, China, Britain, and Francemight take, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to attend a meeting on the Middle East on Tuesday.

(With agency inputs)
An Israeli 85-year-old freed by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas said Tuesday she was beaten during her abduction, then treated well during more than two weeks held captive in Gaza.

The guys beat me on the way, they didnt break my ribs but hurt me there very much, Yocheved Lifshitz said a day after her release.

They treated us well, she told media at a Tel Aviv hospital, explaining a doctor visited her and fellow hostages every two to three days and provided medicines.

Lifshitz was a resident of Nir Oz kibbutz, one of the Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip which Hamas terrorists attacked on 7 October.

Her husband, also in his 80s, is among more than 200 hostages still being held in Gaza.

They treated us gently, and provided all our needs, she said, when asked why she reached out to shake the hand of a militant the moment she was freed.

Lifshitz described her captives as very friendly and very courteous people who had organised well in advance for taking hostages.

They seemed ready for this, they prepared for a long time, they had everything that men and women needed, including shampoo, she told journalists.

We ate the same food they did  pitas with cream cheese, melted cheese, cucumbers. That was a meal for an entire day, said Lifshitz.

The octogenarian was released alongside fellow Nir Oz resident Nurit Cooper, 79, three days after an American woman and her daughter were freed.
Amid the war with Hamas, Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held another telephonic conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to update him on the latest efforts to restore security of Israeli citizens by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following the October 7 onslaught by the Palestinian terror group.

During the phone call, Austin emphasised on the importance of Israels role in facilitating the humanitarian aid from Gaza and working to protect civilians during the fighting, a readout by the US Department of Defense stated.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant by phone today to receive updates on Israels operations to restore security following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. Secretary Austin underscored the importance of Israels role in facilitating the humanitarian convoys October 21-22 into Gaza and emphasized the importance of civilian protection, the US Department of Defense said in the readout.

Both the leaders also discussed the United States continued provision of security assistance and reviewed actions the Department of Defense is taking to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war.

The Israel-Hamas war entered its 18th day on Tuesday. Since Hamas launched its assault on Israel, at least 1,400 people in Israel were killed and more than 200 were taken as hostages.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Gaza said over 5,000 people have been killed since the October 7 start of the war. More than 15,000 have been injured, the authorities said.

With inputs from agencies
Vladimir Putin was fit and well, said the Kremlin Tuesday, rejecting speculations that the Russian President suffered a cardiac arrest in his private apartment in Moscow on Sunday.

In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also denied suggestions that Putin was using body doubles, calling that an absurd hoax.

During the call, reporters asked Peskov about Putins health following an unsourced report by a Russian Telegram channel that claimed the Russian president had suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday evening.

The Telegram channel, General SVR, which is reportedly run by a former Kremlin insider said Putin was found by guards lying on the floor of his bedroom, alongside an overturned table with food and drinks.

Security officers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the presidents bedroom. Two security officers immediately followed into the presidents bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks, the Telegram channel said.

Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes, the post further said.

It also claimed that doctors were called immediately who then said Putin suffered a cardiac arrest.

In the post, it was also alleged that the 71-year-old leader was transported to a special medical facility built in the apartment where he underwent intensive care.

The same Telegram account had earlier led to speculation that Putin uses body doubles.

It even claimed that Putins body double held a phone conversation with Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and meeting Kazbek Kokov, head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

In an interview in 2020, Putin had denied longstanding rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons.

With inputs from agencies
The ruler of Qatar took aim at those who support Israel, claiming they have given it free license to kill in its fight against Hamas and raising doubts about the end goal of the conflict.

Following this months horrific attack by the Palestinian terror group, major powers, including the United States, Britain, and France, have come together to support Israel and confirm its right to self-defense.

On October 7, militants from Hamas invaded Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,400 peoplemostly civiliansand kidnapping over 220 more.

According to a translation made public by the royal court, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani says, We are saying enough is enough, at a meeting of the Shura Council, which is Qatars legislature.

It is not tenable to continue ignoring the reality of occupation, siege, and settlement, nor is it tenable to give Israel an unqualified go-ahead and free license to kill.

In addition to housing a sizable US military installation, Hamas maintains an office in Qatar, which also serves as Ismail Haniyeh, the organizations leader, living in exile.

With four hostages already liberated, the affluent Gulf monarchy has served as a conduit for contacts with Hamas and is actively involved in the discussions to end the captives captivity.
On Tuesday, the Kremlin rejected claims that Israel was dissatisfied with Russias response to its conflict with Hamas and maintained its demand for both sides to reach an immediate cease-fire and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Moscow has stressed its ties to both Israel and the Palestinians, especially the Hamas movement that rules Gaza, since the most recent crisis broke out in an effort to depict the conflict as the result of failed American diplomacy.

Asked about reports of Israeli disappointment with Moscows stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: We have a regular and intensive dialogue with the Israeli side, we regularly exchange opinions.

Russias position is very consistent, it has been repeatedly expressed by President (Vladimir) Putin  we condemn all manifestations of terrorism, we extend condolences to all the relatives and families of the victims.

In a routine call with reporters, Peskov said that Russia supported a ceasefire as soon as possible as well as initiatives to bring about peace and the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli communities and kibbutzim that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, mostly civilians, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by intense daily Israeli bombardment.

Since Moscows invasion of Ukraine, Russia has long denounced what it sees as the United States marginalisation of the Palestinian people. It has also been establishing tighter political and security connections with Iran, Israels sworn enemy.

(With agency inputs)
The military in Seoul announced that a tiny boat believed to be carrying North Korean defectors had been apprehended after it entered South Korean territorial seas.

It was found on South Koreas side of the Northern Limit Line, which serves as the two Koreas maritime border.

The four individuals on board were presumed to have defected from North Korea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Since Kim Jong Un became the leader of North Korea in 2011, defections have grown more challenging.

Since the Covid-19 epidemic in 2020, border restrictions have also been substantially tightened.

The four North Koreans on board the wooden boat were not identified by South Korean authorities.

Nine North Koreans were saved by the coast guard in May when they breached the western maritime border in a fishing boat.

In order to determine their reasons for fleeing the North, would-be defectors are usually held and interrogated for a maximum of one month.

Once at Hanawon, a resettlement center, they receive further training to get them ready for life in South Korea.

Seoul said earlier this month that Beijing had forcibly returned a large number of North Korean defectors to their home country. Human rights groups said as many as 600 North Koreans had been sent back, and that they face imprisonment, sexual violence or even death once back in the North.

Defectors from North Korea are not accepted as refugees by China. It says they are economic migrants and has a policy of returning them, even though human rights organizations and other foreign governments have urged it to change its mind.

(With inputs from agencies)
The military reported that on Tuesday, South Korean officials apprehended a North Korean boat thought to be transporting individuals attempting to flee the impoverished nation.

Early on Tuesday, the small, wooden boat was detected close to the Northern Limit Line, the artificial maritime border between the two Koreas, and it was halted off the eastern city of South Korea, Sokcho, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The military withheld information on the number of passengers, but Yonhap news agency reported that four North Koreans were on board and had declared their intention to defect.

This is the second known incidence of North Koreans attempting to breach the western maritime border after nine people did so aboard a fishing boat in recent months.

Instead of attempting to cross the tightly guarded border between North and South Korea, the majority of North Korean escapees travel through China and Southeast Asia.

Two North Korean fishermen were deported from South Korea in 2019 on suspicion of murdering 16 crew members on board their boat as they crossed a maritime border. This month, South Korea claimed that it had complained to China about the alleged forced repatriation of a significant number of North Koreans, who, according to rights organisations, risk arrest and mistreatment at the hands of North Korean authorities.

At the time, a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry stated there were no so-called defectors in China, when asked about a report Beijing had deported about 600 North Korean defectors.

(With agency inputs)
As part of an agreement reached by the coalition partners as they attempt to hold onto power in the wake of an unsatisfactory election in July, the parties making up Spains acting government said on Tuesday that they will strive for a 3712-hour workweek.

The previous 20 years have seen a 40-hour workweek in Spain. The administration now intends to adopt a reduced workday similar to that of France, a neighbouring country where the standard workweek is 35 hours. The plan is for Spain to have a workweek of 381.2 hours in 2019 and 3712 hours in 2025.

By November 27th, the Socialist Party of Spain and its junior coalition partner, the left-leaning Sumar (Joining Forces), must secure the support of the majority of the Spanish Parliament in order to create a new government. If not, a fresh election will be held in the country in January.

The two parties agreement on Tuesday was the firstand probably the simpleststep in what will ultimately be a challenging process to win over other smaller parties.

(With agency inputs)
There was outrage among the student body when a technical institute in China decided to remove all the power outlets from its dorm rooms because it was sick of people staying up late to play video games on their phones.

At the Anhui Suzhou Institute of Technology in the Anhui Province in eastern China, where students were crammed into a five-story dormitory building, rage overflowed into the hallways.

A video that went viral overnight on October 17 shows them shouting, tossing paper and clothing on the ground, and setting some of it on fire as a form of protest.

Although it is unknown if the school informed the children of its choice, a staff member who preferred to remain unnamed and was mentioned by Guizhou TV maintained the socket removal would not be changed.

Power sockets in the dormitories must be cut off otherwise the students are on their phones the whole night, the member of staff told the media.

When questioned about complaints from students who couldnt charge their phones, the staff member reiterated their stance.

All students will not be permitted to carry phones to campus starting on Monday, the staff member announced, adding that any student who disagrees with the rule may withdraw from the institution.

A letter from a frustrated student denouncing the action went viral online.

According to the letter, the student had heard that the college had chosen to take away the power outlets since someone had been discovered cooking meals in secret in their dorm.

There was confusion over why the school turned off all the power outlets for everyone, though.

According to the letter, the change will seriously disrupt aspects of student life including receiving homework notices and refilling food cards.

Additionally, it was advised that institution workers remove the sockets from faculty offices in order to set a good example.

Many people supported the schools position in the extensive discussion that followed the news on social media.

According to a commenter online, The institute is acting responsibly for the students wellbeing.

Another person added: The school deserves our support because it is defying demands to safeguard the students.

(With agency inputs)
In the village of Oicha in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, suspected Islamist terrorists carried out an attack on Monday night that left at least 26 people dead, the mayor announced on Tuesday.

He blamed the deaths on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed organization from Uganda with headquarters in the eastern Congo that has vowed loyalty to the Islamic State and has carried out numerous attacks.

The incident happened at approximately 11:00 p.m. local time (2100 GMT), according to Oicha, North Kivu provinces mayor, Nicolas Kikuku. According to him, four persons were hurt and sent to the hospital.

Its sad because this time there was no warning, said local activist Janvier Kasereka Kasayirio, who confirmed the attack and also blamed the ADF.

Uganda and Congo launched a joint military operation two years ago to try to root out the insurgents. Ugandas army said last month it had succeeded in killing more than 560 fighters and destroying some of their camps.
In a phone chat on Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reminded his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that the silence of Western nations was aggravating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

According to a statement released by the administration, Erdogan informed Putin that savagery towards Palestinian territory was intensifying and that civilians were frequently being slaughtered.

The statement stated that he also reiterated past statements that NATO ally Turkey would keep trying to bring about peace in the area.

Western nations have emphasised Israels right to self-defense in the wake of a Hamas militant attack on Israeli communities and kibbutzim on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

Since then, thousands of people have died as a result of Israels frequent daily airstrikes on Gaza, which is governed by Hamas.

Later, in a statement on the call, the Kremlin claimed that Putin had informed Erdogan that there is broad agreement between Russia and Turkey about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The positions of Russia and Turkey are focused on the implementation of the well-known two-state formula, which envisages the creation of an independent Palestine coexisting with Israel in peace and security, it said.

(With agency inputs)
The UK house of Commons has been informed that an MP was turned away from a flight to Canada because his name was Mohammed.

Bedford Labour MP Mohammad Yasin was scheduled to travel to Canada last week along with several other MPs from the Commons Housing, Communities, and Levelling Up Committee, but he was detained for further interrogation.

The MP was questioned by Air Canada officials about his place of birth and whether he was carrying a knife or any other weapon.

The Labour committee chair, Clive Betts, brought up the issue and declared he would write to the Canadian high commissioner in the UK about the racist and Islamophobic nature of what transpired.

All members got through when the committee checked in for their flights at Heathrow, with the exception of the member for Bedford, who was delayed for questioning for a considerable period of time, Betts stated to the Commons.

He was told it was because his name was Mohammad.

He was also asked where he was born and if he was carrying a knife or other offensive weapons, Betts continued.

The questioning was undertaken by officials from Air Canada and we believe the Canadian government, and despite him already having been given a visa to enter Canada.

My committee clerk helped him prove he was an MP, and eventually he was let through.

The same issues were brought up by Canadian immigration at the airport, according to Betts.

On return at Toronto airport on the way back, he was again challenged and got on his flight with the assistance of my consul general, who was very helpful, he stated.

Betts said, The parliamentary secretary to the Canadian minister for immigration and Air Canada has apologized to him; still, considering the racist and Islamophobic nature of these issues, I think it is worthwhile to write to the Canadian high commissioner, which I will do.

I think its critical to record these worries in the parliamentary record. Treating a member of this house in this manner was utterly intolerable.

But he was allowed to board his flight since he was an MP. On the other hand, he may have been turned down if he had been one of our constituents who had faced such difficulties.

The deputy speaker, Roger Gale, retorted, saying that I am sure the whole House will share the dismay at the treatment of the Member for Bedford.

Under any conditions, it is completely unacceptable.

But it is particularly concerning, occurring as it did, in the course of official travel on parliamentary business.
An off-duty pilot is accused of attempting to crash a passenger jet on Sunday night, leading to the filing of 83 counts of attempted murder against him.

According to an airline statement, the suspect was seated behind the captain and the first officer in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines aircraft.

Joseph David Emerson, 44, was identified as the suspect in a police booking form.

There were eighty people on the flight, which was traveling from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California.

Officials added that once the flight was rerouted to Portland, Oregon, the suspect was apprehended without any problems.

Alaska Airlines claimed in a statement that the off-duty pilot unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines as he was traveling in the flight deck jump seat.

Alaska Airlines Flight 2059s crew members notified air traffic control of the situation.

One pilot was captured on tape saying, Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit, and he doesnt sound like hes causing any issue in the back right now. The exchange was captured during an air traffic control contact.

The pilot said, I think hes subdued. As soon as we get on the ground and parked, he asked for the presence of the cops.

The Horizon Air flight was supposed to depart at 17:25 local time and land in San Francisco at 19:30.

A traveler was quoted in a media report that the incident was not known to other passengers and that the matter was handled correctly.

Alaska Airlines said in a statement that every customer on board was able to continue their journey on a later flight.

We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests calm and patience throughout this event, the company stated.

The FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department are currently looking into the event, according to Alaska Airlines.

The FBI can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident in a statement, confirming that it was looking into the incident.

Emerson is charged with 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft in addition to the attempted murder accusation. While the inquiry is ongoing, he is being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Authorities stated that they did not know when he will be charged.

US aviation carriers received advise from the Federal Aviation Administration on Monday stating that the incident was not connected in any way shape or form to current world events.
The United States stated before the UN on Tuesday that it does not seek a war with Iran, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a warning that if Iran or one of its proxies attacked American personnel anywhere, Washington would respond promptly and forcefully.

Blinken addressed the 15-member U.N. Security Council amid concerns from throughout the world that the conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorists sponsored by Iran in the Gaza Strip could escalate into a larger fight that would involve Lebanons heavily armed Hezbollah.

The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: we will defend our people, we will defend our security  swiftly and decisively.

As worries about assaults by organisations supported by Iran grow, the U.S. military is taking unprecedented precautions to protect its personnel in the Middle East, officials tell Reuters. In an effort to dissuade Iran and forces with Iranian support, the United States has also dispatched fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and warships to the region.

Requests for reaction regarding Blinkens statements were not immediately answered by the Iranian representation to the UN. Later on Tuesday, Iran was scheduled to speak at the Security Councils Middle East meeting.

We call on all member states to send a firm, united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israels partners, including the United States: dont. Dont throw fuel on the fire, Blinken said.

Jordans foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, warned reporters at the UN that the threat of the conflict expanding was a real danger while standing with his Arab counterparts.

Were all doing everything we can to stop it. Theres the threat of this expanding into the West Bank, into Lebanon, into other fronts. None of us want that, were all working against that, he said.

Concerned about clear violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Tuesday for civilians to be safeguarded in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants affiliated with Hamas.

Gazas health ministry reported that overnight Israeli airstrikes killed more than 700 Palestinians, marking the greatest 24-hour death toll since Israel started a bombing campaign to annihilate Hamas militants after their lethal Oct. 7 onslaught rocked the nation.

In a crucial moment like this, Guterres told the Security Council, it was essential to be clear that conflict has laws, beginning with the fundamental principle of respecting and defending civilians.

It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation, Guterres said.

But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, he added.

Gilad Erdan, the ambassador of Israel to the United Nations, called Guterres remarks shocking. He demanded Guterres urgent resignation in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Eli Cohen, the visiting foreign minister of Israel, announced that he would no longer attend Guterres scheduled meeting later on Tuesday.

I will not meet with the U.N. secretary-general. After Oct. 7 there is no room for a balanced approach. Hamas must be erased from the world! Cohen wrote.

(With agency inputs)
A superfog of smoke from marsh fires and heavy morning fog produced a string of collisions on Interstate 55 in New Orleans on Monday that left a long stretch of twisted and charred vehicles, trucks, and tractor-trailers. At least seven people were killed in the incident.

The Louisiana State Police reported that 158 automobiles were involved and that 25 people were injured. However, they cautioned that the number of fatalities may rise as first responders searched for victims through the night with the lingering stench of burning debris.

Cars were burned, smashed, and stacked on top of one another. Some people got out of their vehicles and stood on the side of the road or on the roofs of their cars looking in disbelief at the disaster, while others cried out for help.

Clarencia Patterson Reed was driving with her wife and niece and could see people waving their hands for her to stop, but when she did her car was hit from behind and on the side by two other vehicles, she told media.

Once the #superfog cleared the extent of the #pileup on I-55 west of New Orleans could be captured by air  The extent of the damage is massive, with car fires and cars off the bridge. Sadly, we are hearing of fatalities as a result of the pileup. pic.twitter.com/hJOT5VtzRV  WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) October 23, 2023

It was Boom. Boom. All you kept hearing was crashing, Reed said. She was able to scramble out of her car, but her wife was pinned inside and injured her leg and side.

Another driver Christopher Coll, said he was already braking when a pickup truck drove up on top of my work trailer and took me for a ride.

Coll could smell smoke as he heard the sounds of crashing cars and popping tires. He was able to kick open his passenger door to escape and then helped others  pulling out one person through a car window.

While 25 people were transported to the hospital, with injuries ranging from minor to critical, others sought medical aid on their own, authorities said.

Gov. John Bel Edwards asked for prayers for those hurt and killed on Monday and issued a call for blood donors to replenish dwindling supplies.

Louisiana State Police shared aerial photos on their Facebook page showing the crashed cars and extensive debris on both northbound and southbound lanes of the elevated interstate, which passes over swamp and open water between lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.

As of Monday afternoon, state troopers were still working to notify families, investigate the exact causes of the crashes and coordinate with the states transportation department to have the bridge inspected.

Traffic backed up for miles in both directions on I-55. The lack of visibility also prompted closures of parts of I-10 and the 24-mile (39-kilometer) Lake Pontchartrain Causeway at times.

School buses were summoned to transport stranded motorists from the accident sites. At midday, state police told reporters at the scene that one vehicle went over the highway guardrail and into the water, but the driver escaped unharmed.

The National Weather Service said there were multiple wetland fires in the region. Smoke from the fires mixed with fog to create a superfog. Visibility improved as the fog lifted, according to the agency, but similarly dangerous conditions could occur in coming days.

(with inputs from agencies)
The Chinese manufacturer was unable to include a German engine as required in the original arrangement, thus the Thai government may purchase a frigate from China rather than a submarine, according to Thailands minister of defense.

For the acquisition of one of three Yuan Class S26T submarines with German-made diesel engines, Thailand has already paid China an installment of 7 billion baht ($193.7 million). However, the agreement was postponed when Germany banned the use of its engines for Chinese military exports.

China has suggested switching the German engines out for Chinese-made machinery after multiple rounds of talks failed to produce a satisfactory outcome.

Following a general election in May, the newly elected Thai government was sworn in last month. This week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited Beijing for the Belt and Road Summit, and the administration indicated that instead of purchasing a submarine, it would prefer to purchase a frigate.

According to defense minister Sutin Klungsang, We have proposed to China and they are considering it, on Tuesday, he spoke with local media.

Sutin stated that more conversation about the new concept would take place the following month.

The minister of defense announced last week that the purchase of submarines will be put on hold for the time being and resumed when the country is ready.

The previous government concluded an agreement to buy the first of the three submarines in 2017 for 13.5 billion baht ($373.55 million).

The order for the other two subs for 22.5 billion baht ($622.58 million) was initially approved by a parliamentary committee in 2020.

The Chinese submarine deal has attracted public criticism of the previous government, with the opposition and critics raising questions about whether was in the public interest, and whether submarines were necessary for security.

The navy has said submarine procurement is vital to Thailands long-term defence interests.

(with inputs from agencies)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put his army to an ambitious task; Gain a minimum of 500 meters of territory daily from Russian forces.

In his Sunday evening video address, Zelenskyy stated, Ukraine needs results every day. We need to resist the Russian assaults, kill the occupiers, and move forward. We must advance by at least a kilometre, at least 500 meters, every day. We must continue progressing to strengthen Ukrainian positions and exert pressure on the occupiers.

Zelenskyy emphasised that this progress is crucial not only for Ukraines resilience but also to encourage more military support from foreign allies. He mentioned that the coming week will bring more opportunities for Ukraine.

Zelenskys remarks come at a time when, according to Russia Today, Russian forces are making advances around Avdeevka in the Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) and Kupyansk in Ukraines Kharkiv Region.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin estimated that Ukrainian forces had incurred over 90,000 casualties in their counteroffensive, which began in early June, characterizing it as a failed operation. Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov conceded in an interview that the operation was not merely behind schedule but rather entirely off schedule.

Additionally, Ukraine faces the challenge of competing for Western support and attention, particularly as recent surprise attacks by Hamas triggered a new conflict in Israel. Even before the Israel-Hamas conflict began, President Joe Bidens administration was encountering difficulties in securing approval from US lawmakers for additional military and economic aid to Ukraine.

The White House recently unveiled a $106 billion emergency spending request, which includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, and $9.2 billion for related humanitarian aid. Notably, most congressional Republicans opposed a smaller Ukraine aid bill earlier this month, and the Pentagon cautioned that it had nearly exhausted all available security-assistance funding previously approved for Kyiv.
On October 23, 2023, the 16th Senior Officials Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Beijing. President of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the FOCAC and Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li and Senegalese President's Chief Foreign Affairs Adviser Oumar Demba Ba, whose country is the co-chair of the FOCAC, attended and addressed the opening ceremony. The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary-General of the Chinese Follow-up Committee and Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Wu Peng and Senegalese Senior Coordinator for the FOCAC Affairs and Senegalese Ambassador to China Ibrahima Sory Sylla. Nearly 300 people, including senior officials and representatives from China, 53 African countries, the African Union Commission and other forum members, as well as observers from some international and regional organizations, were present at the meeting.

Deng Li said that since the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in 2021, China and Africa have jointly acted on the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping and made important progress in the implementation of follow-up outcomes. China stands ready to work with Africa to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust, explore new grounds in development and cooperation, firmly uphold peace and stability, enhance exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, make good preparations for the new conference next year, and pursue common progress toward modernization, so as to open up a new path for developing countries to seek strengthen through unity.

Senior officials and representatives from the African side spoke highly of the achievements of China-Africa relations and the FOCAC. In his speech, Chief Foreign Affairs Adviser Oumar Demba Ba highly commended the efforts of both sides to promote the development of Africa-China relations on the basis of friendship, mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit since the founding of the FOCAC 23 years ago. The African side is ready to work closely with China to make good preparations for next year's FOCAC conference, align the African Union's Agenda 2063 with China's Second Centenary Goal, and jointly build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
The 25th Round of Boundary Talks between China and Bhutan was held in Beijing on 23rd and 24th October 2023. H.E.Mr. Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chinaled the Chinese delegation.Lyonpo(Dr.) Tandi DorjiMinister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutanled the Bhutanese delegation.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on the boundary negotiations and noted the progress made through a series of Expert Group Meetings since the 24th Round of Boundary Talks in 2016. The two leaders of the delegations commended the Expert Group for the work done and agreed to build on the positive momentum.

During the talks, the two leaders of the delegations signed the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan on the Responsibilities and Functions of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) on the Delimitation and Demarcation of the China-Bhutan Boundary. The JTT was established during the 13th Expert Group Meeting to assist the Expert Group in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Three-Step Roadmap.

The two sides agreed to continue working together to simultaneously push forward the implementation of all the steps of the Three-Step Roadmap.

The discussions were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere in keeping with the ties of friendship and cooperation between China and Bhutan. The two sides also exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.

The Bhutanese delegation also visited places of historical and cultural significance.




NVIDIA is working on designing central processing units (CPUs) that will run Microsofts Windows operating system, using Arm technology, according to a report from Reuters. Microsoft aims to support chip companies in creating Arm-based processors for Windows PCs to compete with Apples success in this market.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is also planning to produce Arm-based PC chips. Both NVIDIA and AMD might release their products by 2025, joining Qualcomm, which has been making Arm-based laptop chips since 2016.

Challenging Intel Dominance

NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomms efforts could disrupt Intels long-standing dominance in the PC industry, following Apples successful transition to Arm-based chips. Microsoft has recognized the efficiency of Apples Arm-based chips and is seeking similar performance for Windows PCs.

In 2016, Microsoft gave Qualcomm exclusive rights to develop Windows-compatible Arm-based chips until 2024. Afterward, Microsoft plans to encourage more companies to enter the market.

Embracing AI Integration

Microsoft is pushing chipmakers to incorporate advanced AI features into their CPUs, envisioning AI-enhanced software as an integral part of Windows. To achieve this, upcoming chips from NVIDIA, AMD, and others need to allocate on-chip resources for AI processing.

Challenges Ahead

The transition to Arm-based designs comes with challenges. Software developed for the x86 computing architecture, used by Intel and AMD, may not run on Arm-based chips automatically. Transitioning could be complex, given the extensive investment in x86 code.

Source
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center announced the hiring of Lawrence Fong, MD, as the scientific director of the Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC). He will begin his new role July 1, 2024.

Fong is the Efim Guzik Distinguished Professor in Cancer Biology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he founded and leads the Cancer Immunotherapy Program. He also co-directs the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at UCSF and co-leads the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program in the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

As a medical oncologist in the UCSF Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, he has been involved with both the pre-clinical and clinical development of multiple immunotherapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors that are now FDA approved. In 2021, he received a National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award, which provides $4.2 million over seven years for his project, Determinants of Response to Cancer Immunotherapy.

Offering immunotherapy at scale

For Fong, a genitourinary oncologist and expert in immunotherapy for solid tumors, the IIRC leadership role means a welcome return to Seattle. After graduating from Stanford University School of Medicine, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Washington, which included involvement with Fred Hutchs clinical research in bone marrow transplantation. He then returned to Stanford for an oncology fellowship and joined the UCSF faculty in 2001.

Observing Fred Hutch staff conduct research in a clinical context opened his mind to what was possible, he said, and laid the groundwork for his dedication to investigating how immunotherapies work in patients.

At the beginning of my career, cancer immunotherapy was not a popular idea. I had prominent professors tell me that immunotherapy for solid tumors was never going to work. Part of what drove me was my experience at Fred Hutch, seeing the importance of studying the immune system in patients, Fong said.

Now, were at a point in immunotherapy where we have enormous successes to build on and we really need to think about doing this work at scale  not for a small number of patients but for hundreds of patients.

Fred Hutch is one of the few places in the world that has the capacity to do that, as well as the vision, resources and commitment. To have watched the organization grow since I was first at UW has just been staggering.

A huge opportunity to improve outcomes

Among the pressing questions for the IIRC are why some patients respond to immunotherapies while others dont and how doctors can convert the latter to respond, said Fong.

The ability to meld lab research and clinical research is crucial to finding answers. Such work could broaden the use of immunotherapy to many more people with many more types of cancer and produce more durable responses. Already, an integrated approach has allowed researchers like Fong to better understand which immune cells actually kill cancer and which mechanisms prevent immunotherapies from working in some cases.

Resistance to treatment is an issue with other forms of therapy for cancer, but theres an added level of complexity in immunotherapy: Its not just a drug working on a cancer cell; its a drug working on the immune system that then has to work on cancer cell, said Fong.

Overcoming resistance represents a huge opportunity to have an effect on solid tumors, as well as to improve approaches that have worked for hematologic malignancies. Fong and Fred Hutch share a goal to meet this opportunity with innovative science and to quickly translate discoveries into better clinical outcomes.

Recruiting Dr. Fong, a distinguished scholar supported by the Bezos familys transformative gift that was announced last year, is a significant milestone for our organization, said Geoffrey Hill, MD, FRACP, FRCPA, who will hand off leadership of the IIRC to him.

In addition to his solid tumor expertise, which is an area we are strategically working to grow, his laboratory program has made significant contributions in understanding how immunotherapies work in patients and in identifying mechanisms of resistance that can be targeted with next generation approaches.

Hill is senior vice president and director of the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, where Fong will be a full professor. In addition, Fong will have an appointment in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch, and he will be a professor in the University of Washington Department of Medicine.

Dr. Fongs depth and breadth in understanding the biology of immune therapies and phenomenal clinical experience in caring for patients make him ideally suited to help expand Fred Hutchs clinical trials program in cancer immunotherapies,  said Sara Hurvitz, MD, FACP, the senior vice president and director of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch and professor and head of the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the University of Washington Department of Medicine.

Fred Hutch has a historic legacy of developing transplantation to cure blood-based diseases, and now were building on that legacy, Hurvitz said. By joining Fred Hutch, Dr. Fong will help lead our efforts to make existing immunotherapies more effective for more patients and to develop new immune approaches to treat cancers, including breast, lung and prostate.
Brazil eyes Chinese participation in its neo-industrialization effort

Xinhua) 15:33, October 24, 2023

SAO PAULO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government said Monday that it looks forward to Chinese participation in its neo-industrialization featuring sustainability programs promoted by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"We hope that China could contribute to Brazil's neo-industrialization process and at the same time, we Brazilians have companies and technologies to contribute to China's low-carbon energy transition," said Eduardo Saboia, secretary of Asia and the Pacific of the country's foreign ministry.

Brazil attracted 48 percent of Chinese investment in Latin America between 2005 and 2022, said the diplomat at the Annual Conference of the Brazil-China Business Council in Sao Paulo.

"New opportunities are opening up for China in Brazil, such as electric mobility and clean energy, where industrialization will play a fundamental role," Saboia said.

"China, in particular, has established long-term public policies for the decarbonization of its energy matrix, which are reflected in huge investments in renewable energies, low-carbon economy and decarbonization," the official said.

In his closing speech, Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said that relations with China are the "most prosperous" for Brazilians, because there is potential for more trade and cooperation amid a "problematic" global situation.

"Trade relations with China are the most prosperous, ranging from health, mining, agribusiness, finance, energy of all kinds and oil, while we have large companies investing in Brazil," Alckmin said.

"We must further strengthen the relationship that will generate employment, improve people's lives and show that in a troubled world we can have more trade and cooperation, and walk together," the vice president concluded.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Dussehra Sale 2023: Best deals on Flagship Phones Pixel 7 Pro, iPhone 14, Vivo X90 Pro, more Deal Of The Day oi -Carlsen Martin

If you are planning on upgrading your smartphone or gifting a handset to a loved one, there's no better time than the present. Several smartphones from OnePlus, Samsung, Apple, Google, Vivo, and Xiaomi, among others are available at discounted prices during this Dussehra.

Flipkart's Big Dussehra Sale will go on until October 29, while Amazon's Great Indian Festival is still underway. Apart from major discounts on mobile phones, customers can also avail other offers like bank discounts or coupon codes for the best prices on flagship smartphones.

Apple iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus

First off is the iPhone 14, which is available at a discounted price of Rs 56,999 on Flipkart. Additionally, customers can also use cards from SBI, RBL Bank, and Kotak Bank for a further discount of Rs 3,500 on the purchase of the iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 Plus also features the same bank offers and is available for as low as Rs 64,999.

Both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature a capable flagship chipset, a vibrant OLED display, a versatile dual-camera setup, and excellent battery life. If you are looking to make the switch to Apple, then the iPhone 14 is the perfect starter device.

Samsung Galaxy S Series

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are both available at discounted prices on Flipkart and Amazon, respectively. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a starting price of Rs 1,14,999 on Flipkart, with the e-commerce site offering a discount of Rs 10,000 using cards from all major banks.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra from 2022 is now available for Rs 84,999 on Amazon India, although HDFC credit card holders can get a further Rs 12,000 discount on the device. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is also available at a major discounted price of Rs 39,999 via Flipkart.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is arguably the best Android smartphone you can buy. Moreover, it features a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a vibrant and super-smooth OLED display, S Pen support, and a quad-camera setup with the best zoom lens of any smartphone.

OnePlus 11 5G

The OnePlus 11 5G is listed for Rs 56,998 on Amazon India. However, you can apply a discount coupon worth Rs 4,000 and get a bank discount of Rs 3,000 using an HDFC card before completing your purchase. Additionally, customers will also get a pair of OnePlus Buds Z2 TWS earbuds free after purchasing the flagship device.

For those interested, the OnePlus Open is also available for pre-order on Amazon India. The OnePlus Open price in India is set at Rs 1,39,999, although users can pre-order the device by making a Rs 5,000 advance payment.

iQOO 11 5G

The iQOO 11 5G has received a major discount during the most recent Amazon Great Indian Festival sale. The iQOO 11 5G can now be purchased for as low as Rs 49,999 in India, making it the most affordable smartphone to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC in the country.

Apart from the chip, the phone also features a 2K E6 AMOLED screen, a dedicated display chip, 120W fast-charging support, and a 50 MP triple-camera setup on the back.

Vivo X90 Pro

For those looking to up their portrait photography game, the Vivo X90 Pro is available at a discounted price of Rs 77,419 during Flipkart's Dussehra sale. It is worth noting that the Vivo X90 Pro is even cheaper on the company's website, where the phone can be purchased for as low as Rs 66,499.

The Vivo X90 Pro features a top-tier camera system in collaboration with ZEISS, a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, a 120W fast charging support, and a flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC.

Google Pixel 7 Series

If you are looking for a flagship camera experience, then you simply cannot sleep on the deals Google is offering on the Pixel 7 series. The Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, and Pixel 7 Pro all receive discounts, making them the best smartphones for photography and videography in their respective segments.

The Google Pixel 7a can be purchased through Flipkart for a massive discount of Rs 35,999. Additionally, the standard Pixel 7 is listed for Rs 42,999, while the Pixel 7 Pro's pricing currently stands at Rs 63,999. The most recent deal for the Google Pixel 7 Pro is easily the best we've seen on an Android flagship so far.

While the Tensor G2 chip does have its heating issues, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a lot at a very reasonable price. The Pixel 7 Pro's rear cameras can easily rival those of the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. However, its pricing is closer to the vanilla iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S23.

The Google Pixel 7 loses out on the telephoto camera and the 120Hz LTPO display. That being said, it retains the premium build from the Pixel 7 Pro and offers flagship-grade cameras at the price of a top-tier mid-range smartphone. Lastly, the Pixel 7a has also received a massive discount, now priced at Rs 35,999, down from the original Rs 43,999 price tag.

Motorola Razr 40 Series

Looking to switch things up with a flip smartphone, then the Motorola Razr 40 series is the way to go. The Motorola Razr 40 is available at a discounted price of Rs 49,999 via Amazon, while the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra currently costs Rs 79,999.

Furthermore, customers can get a discount of Rs 5,000 on the Razr 40 and Rs 7,000 on the Razr 40 Ultra, using HDFC Bank EMI transactions. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has one of the largest cover screens on the foldable smartphone and can easily rival the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Tecno Phantom V Fold

The Tecno Phantom V Fold is available for Rs 79,499 during Amazon's Great Indian Festival, making it the most affordable foldable smartphone in India. Customers can get a further discount of Rs 2,000 using cards from selected banks.

Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Pro

Xiaomi current and previous generation flagship are both available at discounted prices during Amazon's Dussehra sale. The Xiaomi 13 Pro now starts from Rs 74,999 use an HDFC card to avail a discount of Rs 5,000 on the device.

Additionally, you can also purchase the Xiaomi 13 Pro from the official website as the Rs 5,000 discount is also offered on ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, and IDFC credit cards via the website. The Xiaomi 12 Pro, on the other hand, now starts from Rs 41,999 with a further Rs 2,000 bank discount.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 12 Pro are two of the best smartphones from the brand to make their debuts in India. The two phones are equipped with features like three 50 MP cameras, 120Hz LTPO OLED displays, and sizeable batteries with super-fast wired and wireless charging support.

Oppo Find N3 Flip

The Oppo Find N3 Flip is also available for purchase during the Dussehra sale on Flipkart. While the handset costs Rs 94,999, customers can avail a discount of Rs 12,000 using cards from certain banks. This discount is also applicable on the company's official website. The Oppo Find N3 Flip is currently the only flip smartphone with a triple-camera setup on the back.

Best Mobiles in India

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UAW strikes at General Motors plant in Texas as union goes after automakers' cash cows

First it was Ford, then Stellantis, and now a General Motors factory has been added to the growing list of highly profitable plants where the United Auto Workers union is on strike
Statement from the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces on the recent strike at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza

National Defence

Statement

October 21, 2023 - Ottawa, ON - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Analysis conducted independently by the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command indicates with a high degree of confidence that Israel did not strike the al-Ahli hospital on 17 October 2023. Based on analysis of open source and classified reporting, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces assess that the strike was more likely caused by an errant rocket fired from Gaza. This assessment is informed by an analysis of the blast damage to the hospital complex, including adjacent buildings and the area surrounding the hospital, as well as the flight pattern of the incoming munition. Reporting from Canada's allies corroborates DND/CAF's findings. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

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Statement from the Minister of National Defence regarding the explosion at Al Ahli Arab Hospital on October 17, 2023

National Defence

Statement

October 21, 2023 - Ottawa - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, issued the following statement:

"Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by the explosion at Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza on October 17, 2023. We reiterate our sincere condolences to all those who lost loved ones.

"In order to determine what happened, the Prime Minister asked me to task the Canadian Armed Forces with preparing an independent review and analysis of the explosion. The Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) undertook that review and analysis. Today, after briefing the Prime Minister, I am releasing its findings.

"Analysis conducted independently by the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command indicates with a high degree of confidence that Israel did not strike the hospital on October 17, 2023. The more likely scenario is that the strike was caused by an errant rocket fired from Gaza. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available."

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October 23, 2023

Transcript

Senior Defense Official, Senior Military Official Hold a Background Briefing on Israel

BRIGADIER GENERAL PAT RYDER: Good afternoon everyone.

Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary. Thank you for joining us for today's backgrounder on the situation in Israel.

We have with us -- this will be on background, attributed to a Senior Defense Official and a Senior Military Official.

With that I will turn it over to the Senior Defense Official for opening comments. And then we'll go straight to questions.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Good afternoon everyone. I appreciate this opportunity to provide an update and answer your questions on our ongoing efforts to support our partner Israel, our partners in the region, in order to maintain stability in the Middle East.

As we've communicated previously, the U.S. remains committed to ensuring the security and well being of its allies and partners particularly in the face of escalating threats across the region.

Given recent developments, I'd like to provide some clarity on our defense posture in the region. As you likely saw from our announcement over the weekend, Secretary Austin directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense's posture in the region.

First, we redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command Area of Responsibility. In addition to the USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group already present in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Two, the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense THAAD Battery, and additional Patriot Battalions are underway aimed at enhancing Force Protection for U.S. forces in the region.

Three, an additional number of forces have been placed on prepare-to-deploy orders, to increase their readiness, and ensure rapid response if required.

As Secretary Austin conveyed over the weekend, these measures are critical to bolstering regional deterrence efforts, safeguarding our troops, and assisting in the defense of Israel.

Let me say a few additional remarks about the posture increases. Our Carrier Strike Groups give us the ability to launch operations independently anywhere in the world, and immediately upon arrival. When we send them somewhere, we are deliberately sending an incredibly strong signal to our adversaries but also to our allies and partners about the depth of our support and the ability of the U.S. military to expeditiously, dynamically, respond to contingencies anywhere in the world. That's what we're demonstrating today in the Middle East.

And that support is wide ranging, from intelligence collection, to maritime dominance, to long-range strike. This is an entire strategic, incredibly capable village, that we are sending to show our support not only to the region but also to support Israel and its right to defend itself from the brutal October 7th Hamas terrorist attack.

Our advice to those who might seek to exploit the situation or amplify the conflict is simple, don't. We retain the right to defend ourselves and will act decisively when required.

Lastly, on the humanitarian front, the loss of innocent lives including U.S. citizens, Israeli civilians, and Palestinian civilians, is truly heartbreaking. We have worked across the board, from the White House to the State Department, to Defense Department, to prioritize civilian protections and safety, as well as ensure the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza over the weekend.

Civilians under any circumstances should not be deliberately targeted. I would make a point here: our partner Israel is a law-abiding country who is obligated to adhere to the law of armed conflict.

Hamas, a terrorist organization did not, does not and continues to deliberately target civilians and hold civilians hostage.

Thank you for your time.

I'll now turn it over to my colleague, the Senior Military Official.

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: With respect to your time, we can go right into questions.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you both.

All right. For our first question, we'll go to Tara Copp, Associated Press.

Q: Thank you both for doing this.

Could you give us a -- in we've heard a lot of concern about a wider war but really what are you seeing that's most concerning? And as far as Iran's involvement can you tell us any more about the missiles that were shot over the Carney, do you think they were Iranian provided? Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Let me start by reflecting on one of the objectives we've talked about previously which is the Department of Defense was oriented number one - on supporting Israel with, for example - expediting security assistance.

Number two - containing the conflict to Gaza and deterring state and nonstate actors who are seeking to widen or expand the conflict beyond Gaza.

And three was the protection of U.S. forces and personnel including a focus on hostage recovery.

What has happened in the last several days is efforts by Iran and Iran proxy forces to seek to escalate this conflict. And you've seen this in the series of statements that U.S. Central Command has put out about the targeting of U.S. forces stationed in Iraq and Syria with one-way attack drones and rockets.

Let me be very clear about U.S. Forces in Iraq and Syria. They're there for one purpose and one purpose only. It's to support local partners who are in the lead to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS, for no other purpose.

So when we see this effort which we will hold Iran accountable for and its proxies to threaten and attack U.S. Forces, what Iran is actually doing is giving space for ISIS to reconstitute and further destabilizing the region.

GEN. RYDER: Okay. For our next question, we'll go to, Idrees Ali, from Reuters.

Q: Hey thanks for this.

Could you -- just on that last point, and explain a bit more the extent to which Iran is facilitating and or directing these attacks by you know countries like Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and potentially elsewhere? And just very quickly have any additional U.S. military advisors flown into Israel in recent days, and what's the total number of advisors in country right now?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure Idrees. I'll start with the first part.

It's been well-documented and you've heard U.S. officials across the podiums as well as policy leaders for years talk about Iran's funding, equipping, guidance and direction, to partners and proxies across the region. That includes Lebanese Hezbollah, militia groups in Iraq and Syria, as well as the Houthis, in Yemen. So I think it's fair to say when you see this uptick in activity and attacks by many of these groups, there's Iranian fingerprints all over it.

And on U.S. military advisors, we have offered advice to our Israeli partners on best practices for mitigating civilian harm. And as well, there are a limited number of military personnel on the ground to support CENTCOM for contingency planning and augmentation to the embassy staff.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you, much.

All right. Let's go to Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg.

Q: Hi? I have a couple questions on aid to Israel. Can you talk a little bit about any of their contracts that have been expedited like the JDAM and Small-Diameter Bomb contracts that were expedited?

And also there's been a couple of news stories saying that 155 munitions sent to Israel have actually been diverted from Ukraine. New York Times had this yesterday. Can you square that circle a little bit? Is that true? Ukraine 155 munitions have been shipped or shifted to Israel?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure. Let me clarify what has been provided to Israel through Direct Commercial Sales Contracts. That includes Small Diameter Bombs, ammunition and JDAM Tail Kits. As for 155 ammunition, what had happened prior to the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack, is some 155 had been withdrawn from the war reserve stockpile in Israel, to replenish U.S. stocks in Europe. Much of that has been redirected and provided to the Israel Defense Forces for their use.

Q: Thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you.

Let's go to Fadi Mansour, Al Jazeera.

Q: Thank you for taking my question. In terms of deterrence as you noted Hezbollah is active. We've seen the Iraqi militias in both in Syria and Iraq. Last week we saw the Houthi attack where the Carney had to intervene. How much do you think the -- this deterrence message is resonating with Iran and forces backed by Iran? Thank you very much.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: What I can say is, no adversary, either state or nonstate actor should question the commitment of the United States to support regional security and stability and stand up for its partner, Israel, in its efforts to defend its people and its territory from Hamas' brutal terrorist attacks.

So I can't speak to what Hezbollah or any of the militia groups understand but what we're making very clear and matching every day in actions as well as words, is our commitment to deterrence, and our readiness to take action to defend U.S. forces and personnel who are being targeted.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you.

Next question, let's go to Courtney Kube, NBC.

Q: Thank you.

Is there any -- with this change in posture in the -- in the Middle East and this enhancement, is there any specific intelligence pointing to the fact that Iran or these proxies are planning -- chaos in the region that they are able to exploit?

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Sure. Thanks for your question.

Unfortunately I can't speak to the intelligence matter or what we are collecting or what we think may happen.

But I can reiterate what (the Senior Defense Official) brought up is we've been under an increase of attacks really for the last three, three days or so at various locations throughout the AOR. So that is a clear indicator that additional force protection measures are needed. And that's what the Secretary has ordered. And the forces that are being re-postured and other measures that are being taken throughout the AOR are based on those demonstrated attacks against our U.S. forces at bases throughout the AOR.

Q: I appreciate that Sir but I just have to press a little bit on this because it's -- I'm not asking for specifics on the threat but just if there is something that if you guys are aware of specific -- more specific threats than just what we have seen is the historical norms of how these groups operate, without asking for specifics of what the intelligence says, just if you are aware of specific and new threats against the U.S. military or U.S. personnel in the region?

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: And I can tell you generally that we know there is a significant threat of escalation throughout the region and that would include towards U.S. forces.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you very much.

Next question, we will go to Tom Bowman, NPR.

Q: Yes. Getting back to the missiles fired from Yemen, heading north and taken out by the Carney. Do we know for a fact that the Houthis have medium range ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel? And also as far as U.S. personnel on predeployment orders, the additional personnel, the 2,000 we've been told about are for -- we're told for medical, intel, transportation, the additional ones they're going to be called up, would these be for evacuating U.S. citizens possibly embassies, if you give us a sense of what the role would be?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Thanks for those questions. I'm not going to speak to the specific capabilities we understand or assess the Houthis to have but let's be clear that Iran has been increasing the sophistication and lethality of equipment that it's been providing to the Houthis for years, and CENTCOM has been very public about the multiple times just in this year of interdicting many of those illicit weapons shipments.

So we've seen a demonstrated pattern of continuing to aid the Houthis. And the Houthis just presented to us some of their capabilities that pose a threat to the region.

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: On the second part of the question, the additional forces that were placed on prepare-to-deploy orders are largely Command and Control Units that would give the Secretary as well as the Central Command Commander options for various missions you know for force that are already postured there. So that additional force structure is largely Command and Control.

Q: All right. Thanks.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you.

Let's go to Dan Lamothe Washington Post.

Q: Thanks General.

You provided a couple of details this morning about an additional attack at the Al-Tanf's Garrison but we've had a number of claims over the weekend. Can you just kind of level set for us a bit, what have we seen since I guess last Thursday in terms of one-way attack drones, that sort of thing, just throughout the region in terms of number, location? I feel like we may be missing some.

And secondly there's an Axios report today that suggests General James Glynn on the Marine Corps side went forward to the embassy with some other officials. Can you provide any details there? Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So we're going to take back to get a list of each of the attacks on U.S. forces in the region that we've confirmed.

I will say here the environment of disinformation and misinformation is quite acute right now. So you've also seen U.S. Central Command come out and directly dispute some of the allegations of these militias and their front groups on various social media fora. And we are going to work with U.S. Central Command to make sure that we are reporting transparently and expeditiously exactly what has taken place and what hasn't so that the public can have confidence in what we're sharing.

And to your second question, we have an entire generation of U.S. military senior leaders who have experience in counterterrorism and complex operations, especially in an urban environment like Gaza. And we have consistently made our experts available to provide their best practices and lessons learned to our Israeli counterparts.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you very much.

All right. Let's go to Joseph Haboush, Al-Arabiya.

Q: Hi? Can you hear me?

GEN. RYDER: How are you?

Q: Awesome. Just wanted to -- two quick ones.

Could you guys talk about where the THAAD and the Patriot Battalions are being deployed, to -- which specific countries in the region?

And secondly I know you've been asked a bit about this but last week you know DOD said they couldn't attribute some of these attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria to any particular side although they had some like you mentioned Israeli -- sorry Iranian fingerprints.

Apart from the Houthi missile and drone attacks that the U.S. military foiled last week, is there any -- do you guys have any attribution now for who's behind these attacks in Syria and Iraq?

Yesterday Secretary Austin said you know the U.S. expects a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops throughout the region. Secretary Blinken said there's a likelihood of escalation of violence by Iranian proxies. So any more detail that you can share on who's -- who's -- who you guys believe is behind these attacks? Thank you.

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: On the deployment of the additional THAAD Patriot Batteries. I can't speak to the exact locations for those but they will be in the CENTCOM AOR. So they'll be -- they'll be throughout the theater.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: On the second question, listen we've seen rocket and UAV attacks against bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. And what you've heard from the President, from Secretary Blinken, from Secretary Austin, and many of the spokespeople across the U.S. government is our concern about the escalation of these attacks in the days ahead.

We see a prospect for much more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the near term. And let's be clear about it, the road leads back to Iran. Iran funds, arms, equips and trains militias and proxy forces, all across the region that have consistently undermined the stability, cost in civilian life, and at a cost the entire region of security and stability.

And what you've seen from the posture announcements and all of our senior officials, is that we are preparing for this escalation both in terms of defending our forces and being prepared to respond decisively.

Let me again reiterate what you've heard our most senior leaders in this government say. We always reserve the right to defend ourselves and will never hesitate to take action when needed, to protect our forces and our interests overseas. Any response will come at a time and manner of our choosing.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you very much.

Let's go to Howard Altman.

Q: Thanks. I have a couple of questions.

One, as you're having attacks in in Iraq, are you talking to Iraqi officials about increasing cooperation or increasing force protection help from them?

And then in Lebanon and Syria, are you seeing an increase in foreign fighters in -- along the border with Israel be it Quds Force or other fighters, so you can talk about that? Thanks.

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yes. With regard to force protection in Iraq, we have a very cooperative relationship with the Iraqi government and they're fully committed to supporting us in force protection. And are -- you know they're -- they're aware and cooperating with additional measures as we've seen these attacks over the last few days.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I would refer you to the statements that came out of the Defense Department and the State Department today. Both Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken made calls to Prime Minister Sudani.

Let me reiterate something I said earlier, U.S. Forces remain in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government, to support the Iraqi Security Forces who are in the lead, to achieve the enduring defeat of Daesh. Part of that is an obligation by the Iraqi government to ensure that U.S. and Coalition Forces can operate safely in order to achieve their mission. This is something that U.S. officials have always and will always have on the table in their consultations with Iraqi leaders.

I've seen the reports you're referring to about flows of foreign fighters across the region. At this point I have nothing to report or confirm.

GEN. RYDER: We have time for just a few more.

Lara Seligman, Politico.?

Q: Thanks so much for doing this. A couple follow ups. Is there concern about in addition to the attacks on troops in Iraq and Syria, attacks on commercial ships or U.S. assets in the Persian Gulf by Iranian proxies? I know we've seen that in the past.

And then also I'm just wondering if you can say anything about whether DOD has advised or asked Israel to delay the ground attack -- ground invasion of Gaza until we get these additional forces in place to protect our troops?

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: On the first one, the maritime security environment throughout the region remains a priority for the Commander of Central Command. We haven't backed off of that mission from you know late summer where we did have growing concern over potential Iranian action. And actually you know saw some of this throughout the summer and a know that our presence you know facilitate or prevented Iranian activity against commercial traffic.

So no, that concern has not gone away. I would not characterize it as any more significant. I would say that it still remains and we still remain postured to respond to it.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: And on your second question, Lara, I'm not going to comment on the private discussions by U.S. senior leaders with their Israeli counterparts but I will share what we are talking about every day.

Number one is, we're checking in with our friends in Israel, and ensuring that they have the appropriate security equipment to defend themselves.

Number two, we're consulting with them on best practices and lessons learned for mitigating civilian harm during their operations.

And three, we are consulting with them about how to integrate hostage recovery activities into their operations. And of course there's an ongoing dialogue about the need to accelerate humanitarian aid deliveries to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

GEN. RYDER: Okay. Let's go to James from The Messenger.

Thank you for taking my question.

I wanted to go back to the 155 shells. To clarify you said that before the October 7th attack you had taken out 155 shells to replenish U.S. stocks in Europe. But we took -- much of that went to Israel. So one part is that, does that mean to suggest that U.S. stocks in Europe are diminished?

And then the second part of that question is, is there a reason why Israel would be prioritized with those 155 shells versus Ukraine, given that the Defense Department and the White House for months have said that Ukraine desperately needs 155 shells? Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure. So I'm not going to talk about U.S. readiness levels. But what we are doing is assessing U.S. stocks globally and what can be made readily available to the needs of Israel as well as Ukraine. So what I said is accurate, that we withdrew 155 from the stockpile in Israel for our forces in EUCOM and now we are sending that back to Israel for their use.

Also the United States can walk and chew gum at the same time. So we're going to continue to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to defend its territory. And at the same time we're ensuring that Israel has what it needs. Two very different operational environments with different levels of need and consultation. And we're continuing to prioritize both.

GEN. RYDER: Final question.

We'll go to Chris Gordon, Air Force Magazine.

Q: Thanks Pat.

A question addressed to both officials, if I may.

Carrier Strike Groups can deliver lots of capabilities but it's going to take a little while for them to get to CENTCOM. And there are a number of forces prepared to deploy but they obviously aren't physically there yet or even ordered there yet.

So my question is, as we saw again today, and you highlighted there is a current right now threat to U.S. forces. So is the DOD looking at additional air assets, including bombers that the U.S. military sees a concerning threat you need to address before the Eisenhower gets to CENTCOM?

Is there a concern that the Ike or any other additional Forces will arrive too late if there's such a significant threat which you've outlined for us on this call? Thank you.

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL: Yes. This has been previously released information. But the Secretary did order additional land-based fighter aircraft as well as A-10s to the region which I don't want to get into the specific numbers or locations but there's been a relatively significant increase in the number of land-based fighter and A-10 aircraft in the CENTCOM AOR so that that is that has already occurred. And as we know the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is in route. I can't get to the specifics on her arrival but she is in route to the CENTCOM AOR.

GEN. RYDER: Great. Thank you very much. That is all the time we have today. Appreciate our Senior Defense Official and Senior Military Official for taking some time. Again this is on background. A transcript will be posted to the DOD website later today. Thanks everyone.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3566388/

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October 23, 2023

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an Off-Camera, On-the-Record Press Briefing

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder

BRIGADIER GENERAL PAT RYDER: Hey, so good morning. Just a few things at the top.

As you saw over the weekend, Secretary Austin issued a statement highlighting some additional steps that the Department is taking to strengthen our posture in the Middle East region. This includes directing the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command AOR which is going to increase our force posture in the region. It will strengthen the capabilities that we have there, and importantly, it will enhance our ability to respond to a range of contingencies. We're also deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD battery, as well as some additional Patriot battalions into the Middle East region to increase force protection for our forces there.

Please note that for operations security reasons, I'm not going to discuss the specifics today about deployment destinations or provide the associated number of troops with those capabilities.

Finally, we've placed an additional number of forces on prepare-to-deploy orders as a prudent measure to allow us to be ready to move forces quickly, should we need to do so. I do not have an approximate number to provide to you today, but I am aware that that is something you're interested in, so as soon as we're able to give that information out, we'll do so.

And then as Secretary Austin said in his statement, we will continue to assess our force posture requirements in the region and we will consider deploying additional capabilities as necessary. As he has been from the start, Secretary Austin remains in close touch with President Biden and White House and the national security team on the situation in Israel, as well as regular engagements with his partners in the region, to include near-daily calls with Minister Gallant, his Israeli counterpart.

The focus of the department continues to be on supporting Israel's right to defend itself from terrorist attacks, deterring a broader conflict in the region and then ensuring force protection of our troops.

And with that, we'll go ahead and take your questions. Lara, you raised your hand first. Go ahead.

Q: Awesome. Wondering if you can talk about any threats you are seeing to forces across the rest of the Middle East. I know we've talked about Iraq and Syria specifically, and the rocket and drone attacks there. But have you seen any increased threats to forces in, like, Bahrain or the UAE or places like that?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, nothing specific that I would flag at this point. As you highlight, we have seen this increase in rocket and UAV attacks against our bases and our facilities in Iraq and Syria. We are -- as you heard Secretary Austin say on Sunday, we are concerned about a broader escalation of these attacks in the days ahead, which is why you've seen us move some additional -- or announce some additional movements of forces into the region.

And so we are going to do everything we need to do to ensure that our forces are protected. As always, we maintain the inherent right to self-defense and also, again, we are very focused on ensuring that this does not become a broader regional conflict.

Joe?

Q: General Ryder, back to what you said about the THAAD and the battery or batteries, you -- you can't mention the -- the specific locations where they will be deployed, correct?

GEN. RYDER: Correct. But I can tell you these are intended for force protection purposes.

Q: But they're going to be in the CENTCOM area?

GEN. RYDER: CENTCOM area.

Q: Can we say in some Arab countries or Gulf -

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I can't go into specific locations.

Q: Another question: about the USS Carney, is she still alone in the region or can -- or is it fair to say there are addition -- additional ships in the northern area of the Red Sea?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so I don't have specific ship locations to provide, Joe. I mean, always, you know, as we're out there at sea, we're going to ensure that those vessels have the appropriate force protection measures needed. I'm not going to go into, you know, what is or is not escorting the Carney. So I'll just leave it at that. Thank you.

Q: Can you get into -- I know you said you don't have, like, the numbers on the troops prepared from -- prepared to deploy, but can you talk a little bit about the -- the roles that they're playing ? So I mean, logistics, medical? Like, what are some of the jobs that are -

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Haley. I don't have that in front of me, so I don't want to speculate. But again, it -- so we'll come back to you as we're able to provide more details, other than to say these are the kinds of forces that we would need in order to enable not only force protection, but enable potential operations for a wide variety of contingencies. Thanks.

Q: Have there been any further attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria since you briefed on Thursday?

GEN. RYDER: That is a difficult question to answer.

The short answer is yes, and so I will tell you that we are working with Central Command right now to do a more comprehensive overview, so, you know, we'll look to try to provide that as best we can. I know a couple of you have asked about an attack today. I can confirm that there was an attempted drone attack at Al-Tanf in Syria. Two one-way attack drones taken down; no injuries to U.S. forces.

Q: Did they say how they were taken down?

GEN. RYDER: What's that?

Q: How they were taken down?

GEN. RYDER: Defensive systems.

Q: So -- so no attacks on (inaudible?) and then (inaudible), which is on the other -

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I'm just tracking this one.

Q: One today.

GEN. RYDER: -- one today.

Q: Okay.

GEN. RYDER: No others. And you know, you raise a good point, right? We've seen -- and again, I recognize that this is difficult to cover in the sense that we have seen some misinformation go out about alleged -- you know, there was a report that two service members had been killed yesterday, which is inaccurate. And so again, I recognize you're coming to us in Central Command trying to get factual information, and we'll continue to work to expedite that process.

Q: Was there one on Friday?

Q: Thanks, General.

GEN. RYDER: I'll come back to you.

Q: You said at the top that Secretary Austin is in daily, or near-daily calls with General Gallant. Can you tell us a little bit about the extent to which there's liaison going on in terms of whether an invasion might occur? Is the U.S. involved in that decision-making? And what is the input from the Pentagon?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so when it comes to Israeli operations, that is their decision. I'm not going to get into forecasting potential operational timelines. That would be, you know, very inappropriate. Certainly, as Secretary Austin talks with his counterparts -- and he's said this publicly -- you know, part of those conversations are on, what are Israel's defense needs, which we're working urgently to meet? And then part of that also is talking about the importance of conducting operations in accordance with the law of war, most notably, the protection of civilians. So in order to, you know, minimize the potential for civilian casualties. And so you've heard us not only from the Pentagon talk about this, but elsewhere within the U.S. government. So that's part of the conversation. You know, just leave it there.

Q: Was the conversation to -- is there preference from the Pentagon to encourage the Israelis to delay?

GEN. RYDER: Again, I'm not going to get into operational timelines. I'll defer you to the Israelis to talk about their plans.

Tara?

Q: Can you talk about the thinking behind moving the Ike into CENTCOM, instead of having it in the Eastern Med? Is it providing greater protection for U.S. troops there? And given that it -- it's still on its sail, is that -- is there a concern that these major ground operations might launch, and you don't have adequate protection?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so on the - on the second point, you know, just to be crystal clear, with the - with the Ford carrier strike group in the region, as well as the aircraft that we already have in the region and other capabilities, we have plenty of capability to respond now to a variety of contingencies. By moving the Ike to the Central Command AOR, it enhances our presence, and again, just provides another level of capability across the broader Middle East region.

And the point I made earlier is this is meant to be a deterrence message to those who would want to escalate this conflict into a wider regional conflict, number one. Number two, as I highlighted, we will do everything and take all necessary measures to protect U.S. forces and our interests overseas. Again, no one wants to see a widening conflict, and that is our primary goal, but we will also never hesitate to protect our forces.

Q: And then just to clean up on the drone strikes today, it seems like there was a very early morning strike and then maybe there has been one since then?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I'm only tracking the one right now. That doesn't mean, you know, that there hasn't been, but again, I don't have a real time ticker in my office, other than Dataminr, which, again, you know 

(Laughter.)

-- like you all do. So we're all learning at this at the same time, right?

So process wise, when we see those, we reach out to Central Command to try to get ground truth and work through that, which gets back to Jeff's earlier question - today is Monday, right? So we spoke on Thursday - let's see here.

(CROSSTALK)

GEN, RYDER: Yeah - yeah. So - and again, you know, let me get a - a more comprehensive - because I don't want to give you piecemeal information here that's - you know, we're double checking some of these things.

The point being what you're saying - you know, we do know that there's been this uptick in drone and rocket attacks. I'm not tracking any - you know, there was the one unfortunate incident and a contractor passing away, which you know we talked about last week, but no casualty - no deaths since then, you know. Thank goodness. But again, we're going to continue to do what we need to do to protect our troops.

Idrees?

Q: What do you believe is the intent of these attacks? Is it to kill and injure Americans or is it to send a message?

GEN. RYDER: I'd have to refer you back to these Iranian-backed groups. You know, it's not the first time we've seen these kinds of attacks, and as you know, in the past, we've decided to respond at a time, a place of our choosing, you know, when and if we want to do that, but in terms of their motivation, I'm not going to speak to that.

Q: And on Friday - or Thursday, you said you didn't necessarily see a link between the uptick and the October 7th attack and Israel's response. Do you now believe that there is a link between the two?

GEN. RYDER: So what I would say, Idrees, is that we know that these groups are groups that are backed by Iran. We don't necessarily see that Iran has explicitly ordered them to take these kinds of attacks. That said, by virtue of the fact that they are supported by Iran, we will ultimately hold Iran responsible.

And so again, we're going to continue to do what we need to do to protect and safeguard our forces and take all necessary measures. As I highlighted, and I want to emphasize this, no one wants to see a wider regional conflict, but we will not hesitate to protect our forces.

Phil?

Q: What did you mean by "explicitly?" You said you haven't seen Iran explicitly direct these attacks. Is there something less than explicitly?

GEN. RYDER: We haven't seen a direct order, for example, from the Supreme Leader saying "go out and do this." Does that make sense?

Tom?

Q: The armaments being sent to Israel - PGMs, interceptors, shells - will it be more of the same or anything in addition to that?

GEN. RYDER: So this'll be a continuing dialogue. I don't have anything new to announce from what I provided on Thursday, in terms of the 155, small diameter bombs, PGMs, that kind of thing, but again, we'll continue to keep the channels of communication open. And if we have new and significant things to announce, you know, in coordination with the Israelis, we will seek to do that.

Fadi?

Q: Thank you, General. Two questions. You mentioned that the Secretary has been raising the issue of civilian protection with his Israeli counterpart. However, according to health authorities in Gaza, we're at more than 5,000 civilians killed, 2,000 children, and only in the last 24 hours, 400 Palestinian civilians lost their lives to Israeli bombing. Does the Secretary has a sense that his Israeli counterparts are actually listening to his advice?

And then the second one, on the Houthi attack from last week, you mentioned that they were in the direction toward targets inside of Israel. Is the Pentagon able to - was able to verify the - the range of these weapons and get to a - a better conclusion and understanding what they were aiming at?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Fadi. So on your second question, right now, again, based on the information I have, we still don't know what specifically these missiles were targeting, but I think - and the Secretary talked about this again on Sunday on his ABC interview - these missiles were launched, they were in the vicinity of our ship, and so the ship took action to protect itself, right?

As I said on Thursday, they were heading north along the Red Sea and could potentially have been heading to Israel, but the bottom line is they were within the range of the ship and the ship took appropriate action and took down and I think the number I provided on Thursday was three. It actually took down four land attack cruise missiles.

Q: And the first question?

GEN. RYDER: In terms of the discussions - so I'm not going to speak for whether or not, you know, the Israelis are taking our advice. I would tell you that, as I mentioned, the Secretary is having frequent conversations. You know, I'll leave it at that.

Certainly no one wants to see innocent civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, be killed. Broadly speaking, you've seen the U.S. government work very hard to try to get aid into Gaza to support the people living there. And again, we'll continue to encourage our Israeli counterparts to abide by the laws of war.

Q:  cause he - is the Secretary concerned about the toll so far among Palestinian civilians?

GEN. RYDER: I think the Secretary's concerned about a couple things. One, making sure that Israel can defend itself. I mean, let's remember how we got here in the first place. You know, it was about two weeks ago that Hamas committed these terrible, cruel attacks against Israeli people. So he's concerned about that.

He's also concerned about ensuring that this not become a wider regional conflict because no one wins in that situation.

Q: So the civilian toll is not - among Palestinians is not part of his concern?

GEN. RYDER: You're putting words in my mouth.

Q: No, I asked you a question. Is he concerned about 

GEN. RYDER: Of course. No one wants to see innocent civilians die.

Q: So he's concerned about Palestinian civilians being killed?

GEN. RYDER: No one wants to see innocent civilians die, no matter who they are.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: -- has anybody calculated how many trucks will be needed to feed, provide water for the half million or so in the south?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I'd have to refer you to the State Department on that, Tom. I don't have that in front of me.

Sir?

Q: First, a clarification question if I might. On the uptick on - in attacks in Iraq and Syria, I think on Thursday you mentioned the department was still looking into attribution, who may be behind them. Today, I believe you mentioned that we know these groups are supported by Iran 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I just answered that question a couple of minutes ago.

Q: Okay. And then how confident is the department in the IDF's capability to achieve its objectives in Gaza with a ground incursion within a timeframe or in a manner which doesn't trigger wider instability in the region?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so it's really not my place to assess Israeli capabilities. I'd refer you to them to talk about their operations. Again, what we're focused on is making sure that they have the capabilities they need to defend their people.

Missy?

Q: I came in a few minutes late, so apologies if someone asked this. Can you give more details on where the Patriots are going?

GEN. RYDER: I cannot, at this time. Yeah, they're going to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, but I can't go into specific -

Q: But not into Israel, outside of -

GEN. RYDER: These are systems intended for force protection of our forces in the region, so -- I have time for a few more. Liz, and then I'll come over here.

Q: Okay, thanks. What is the Pentagon doing to best utilize its stockpiles, specifically the (inaudible) bombs?

Those are being sent to both Israel and Ukraine. Is there a team assigned to best utilize these weapons?

GEN. RYDER: So, broadly speaking, you know, as we always do, we have people here in the Pentagon, and working with the various combatant commands and, you know, abroad -- across the Department of Defense, to ensure that we can meet the requirements of both Ukraine and Israel, as well as ensuring that we can continue to meet our own readiness requirements, right?

So as it relates to Israel, we will be able to support Israel with their needs. We will be able to support Ukraine with their needs.

Largely speaking, and, you know, I would say it's important to look at what we're providing, in terms of the situation in Israel is different than the situation in Ukraine and the kinds of capabilities we're providing.

Yes, 155 is an area that both have in common. But, broadly speaking, that's just one small area. And we don't assess right now that we're going to have any problems in providing them with both.

Now, that said, you know, there's been discussion about 155. And as you know, again, broadly speaking, we are ramping up production of that capability, not only with the United States but with allies and partners. And so, again, going forward, we're confident that we'll ultimately be able to meet those needs.

Carla?

Q: A couple follow-ups. So which specific Iranian-backed proxies? Sometimes you guys provide specific attribution. Do you have that -

GEN. RYDER: I don't.

Q: Okay, and then a follow-up. So the announcement that came out from Sec Def on Saturday about the forces going on, prepared to deploy, these are additional forces than the ones that were put on -

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: -- prepared to -- okay. And so have any of the prepared-to-deploy -- when does that happen, on, like, Tuesday, or earlier in the week? Have they been given the deployment order?

GEN. RYDER: Deployment orders? I'll have to come back to you on that.

Q: Okay.

GEN. RYDER: If I have updates to provide, I'll aim to try to do that at the briefing tomorrow. I will also say that we are looking at the possibility of doing a backgrounder later today. So we may have more updates.

Q: I have two that you probably won't be able to answer -

(Laughter.)

-- the first one going back to some of the earlier questions. Does the Secretary believe it would be better if the Ike and other U.S. assets were in theater, where you guys are sending them, before the ground invasion begins?

GEN. RYDER: So, kind of, a hypothetical question, right? You know operate in the operating environment that you're given. So, broadly speaking, again, we have significant capabilities already in the region. By providing these additional capabilities, it only enhances what we have available to respond to a range of contingencies. So I'd just -

Q: I'm just trying to ask the question in a way that it's not, "Is the Secretary asking Israel to delay until those assets are in the region," which you are not -

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, again, I'm not going to get into operational timelines.

Q: And then, sorry, just quickly, the Carney, as far as, I think, we understood the day of the launches, you guys were saying that the Carney was not the target. And obviously, we heard what the Secretary said yesterday, so -

GEN. RYDER: No, what we said is we don't know for sure what the target was.

Q: Okay.

GEN. RYDER: Regardless, these missiles are in the vicinity of this ship. And that ship has the inherent right to protect itself. And so, as it saw these missiles and these drones, it took them out.

Q: Because it believed the threat was to the ship, not because it was given an order to shoot anything down going -

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: -- to Israel?

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: So, quick question, you talked about moving all these assets for force protection, I'm just wondering do you have evidence of increased capability from these, as you're saying, Iranian-backed groups or is it just a - an uptick in the frequency that you're concerned about?

GEN. RYDER: No, I think - I think we are concerned about escalation based on, you know, you've seen several groups throughout the region publicly say, "Hey, you know, if there is a ground incursion, we are going to scale up our attacks."

So broadly speaking, again, you know, we recognize the fact that - or the potential for an increased escalation and we want to do everything we need to do to ensure force protection for our troops while also, at the same time, deterring a broader regional conflict.

Q: But it's not necessarily we are aware now, for instance, that the Houthis have missiles with much greater range and we need to act accordingly 

GEN. RYDER: I wouldn't necessarily pin it on one singular act, other than, again, we're all watching increased tensions within the region, and again, we want to try to deter this from becoming a bigger conflict.

Nancy?

Q: I wanted to follow up on a couple things related to the Carney. Is it the U.S. assessment that the Houthis have missiles - missiles that have a 2,000 kilometer strike capability, the distance between Yemen and - and - and Israel?

GEN. RYDER: So the short answer is I don't have anything on that. Continue to look into it. I just, at this point in time, don't have anything further to provide on the specific missiles, other than they were land attack cruise missiles. I don't know the range. Again, we don't know specifically what they were targeting.

Q: But I guess I'm just saying broadly, it - it - was it - the - the - is there a way to find out whether the U.S. believes that they are - they have that capability to - to - of any kind of missile to strike in - for that 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I mean, we'll look into it. You know , I'll take the question.

Q: So then when you - when you said last week that it was potentially - I think the quote was "potentially targeting Israel - targets in Israel" --

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: -- was that reference in to the direction that the missiles were going in rather than an understanding of their capability, their distance that they could travel?

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: Okay. And then my limited time, on the destroyer - when things like this happen, one of the first things they do is video these incidents. So I imagine that there's some video evidence of this. If so, is that something you're going to release? And if not, why not, given all the questions around it and helping us better understand what kind of threat the Carney was under?

GEN. RYDER: Sure. Let me look into that. I'm not sure whether they shot video. Like you say, sometimes they do, but we'll go back and check that out.

Q: Video of missiles and drones.

GEN. RYDER: And drones. Okay.

(Laughter.)

Q: On the THAAD and the Patriot, I - I'm not clear if it's each one - both the THAAD and the Patriot will be the - the - the systems, the interceptors, and the personnel? Is - is that - or - and - and it sounds as if the Patriots are multiple, the THAAD is one. So --

GEN. RYDER: So my understanding right now - a THAAD battery with personnel, and then Patriot battalions with their Patriot systems.

Q: Do you know how many --



GEN. RYDER: I do not.

Q: Okay. So where are they coming from? If you can't say where they're going - cause it seems like --

GEN. RYDER: So we're right now, I'm not able to pass that information out. You know, as you know, often times we're able to, at a certain point, acknowledge where they're deploying from. And so we'll work toward that.

In terms of where they're deploying to, you know, to an undisclosed location in the Middle East.

Q: Just to be clear - or - I'm sorry --

(CROSSTALK)

Q: -- every battalion, every one of those several Patriot battalions is traveling with a - with a launcher, is that right?

GEN. RYDER: Correct - correct.

Q: Sorry.

Q: That's okay.

Q: And then on the Carney - darn it, what was my Carney question?

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER: Why are U.S. Navy ships so awesome?

(Laughter.)

Q: It was similar to that, it was very similar to that.

(Laughter.)

I've forgotten it.

GEN. RYDER: The question I've always wanted. Okay.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: So on Carney, can you tell us - tell us more about how they were able to intercept the missiles?

And then also, I know we're mentioning all the force posture adjustments with the Navy but are there any humanitarian assets from the Navy going towards Gaza or Israel --

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so I'm not tracking any humanitarian focus right now. You know, from a DOD standpoint, certainly broadly speaking, you know, we'll continue to support State Department and others as required.

In terms of the - the Carney and - you know, I just don't have any other details to pass along right now.

Q: Courtney thought of my question.

Q: -- I remember my question - who gave the order to shoot them down? I remember we asked - we talked about that in the briefing. Is that clear?

GEN. RYDER: Let me come back to you.

Q: Or - or if it had to go higher level than that --

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER:  I mean, I - I confirmed - so the suspicion on my part, but instead of just speculating, let me get you the facts. It did not have to come to the Pentagon, in other words.

Q: Okay.

GEN. RYDER: And again, Secretary Austin did talk to that on his interview on Sunday, you know, that our vessels and our personnel have the inherent right to self-defense. And so I have my suspicions but I want to get you the facts, so.

Q: The THAAD battery and - I - I want to confirm about the THAAD battery and the Patriot battalion. You said they are going to be used to protect U.S. troops in the region. So presumably they're not going to Israel to sort of augment its own air defense? So it's going to be a location where --

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER: -- location in the Middle East.

Q: Where - where U.S. troops are?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, undisclosed location in the Middle East.

Q: Okay.

GEN. RYDER: But nice try.

Q: One location or multiple locations?

Q: General, can you have the --

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER: -- locations.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: -- technical verification on the THAAD and the Patriot, would you say these systems are - are usually used against drones or bigger system, like cruise missiles or ballistic missiles?

GEN. RYDER: Right. I mean, they - it enhances the capability to respond, as - as you're seeing, you know, in other parts of the world to a wide range of air threats, to include cruise missiles.

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER: Two more. Yep?

Q: In the conversations that the Secretary's had with his Israeli counterpart and other conversations that the Pentagon has had, is the Pentagon satisfied that Israel, when it's carrying out its aerial campaign against Hamas in Gaza, is actually striking predominantly Hamas targets? Is Israel giving proof, evidence that when it has these strikes where there are civilian casualties, that Hamas fighters or Hamas targets are being destroyed?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so I'm not going to do a BDA of Israeli air activity right now, Jeff. Again, we know that Israel is in a fight against Hamas. So I'll refer you to them to talk about their operations and what their target sets are.

Again, in our conversations with them, the - look, there are - you've heard the Secretary talk about this - it's a professional military, professionally led. In our conversations, we again are highlighting the importance of the law of war and the importance of taking civilians into account in operational planning, based on our own lessons learned, right, in - in places like Iraq and Syria in fighting ISIS. So I'll just leave it at that.

Last question. Yes, sir?

Q: My colleague just asked about who gave the order to shoot down the missiles that came from Yemen. So is there any change in the rules of engagement, in terms of the U.S. forces in the region, after the tensions started to be higher because of the Gaza thing?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so we don't talk about specific rules of engagement but what I can say is that no matter where our forces are serving, they always have the inherent right of self-defense and to protect our forces. And so in this case, again, decision made at a lower level. Again, we'll get more details on that. And so these missiles were deemed a threat, and so the Carney took action.

All right, thanks very much, everyone.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3566081/

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October 23, 2023

By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News

Centcom-Bound Defense Systems Convey Deterrence Message

This weekend, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed an array of additional U.S. military capabilities to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in order to bolster the ability of American forces there to better defend themselves.

"We are going to do everything we need to do to ensure that our forces are protected," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a meeting today with the Pentagon press corps. "As always, we maintain the inherent right to self defense."

Among the capabilities headed to the Middle East are the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery, also called THAAD, and additional Patriot missile battalions.

Additional U.S. troops were placed on "prepare to deploy orders," as well, Ryder said.

He told reporters that Austin maintains continued communication with President Joe Biden and the national security team regarding the situation in Israel. Austin also talks regularly with his counterpart, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

"The focus of the department continues to be on supporting Israel's right to defend itself from terrorist attacks, deterring a broader conflict in the region, and then ensuring force protection of our troops," Ryder said.

On Oct. 7, terror group Hamas attacked the sovereign state of Israel, killing hundreds  including Americans. Fighting continues today between Hamas and the Israeli Defense Forces. Since the attack, the U.S. has reaffirmed its support for the Israeli Defense Forces and the Israeli people.

At the same time, the U.S. forces in the Middle East, including in Syria and Iraq, uninvolved in the conflict in Israel. The department remains concerned that some parties might hope to escalate the conflict in Israel to a larger conflict in the Middle East or to also use the opportunity to attack American forces in the region.

Ryder said the recent deployment of American military capabilities to the Centcom area of responsibility addresses those concerns.

"This is meant to be a deterrence message to those who would want to escalate this conflict into a wider regional conflict," Ryder said. "We will do everything and take all necessary measures to protect U.S. forces and our interests overseas. No one wants to see a widening conflict, and that is our primary goal. But we will also never hesitate to protect our forces."

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Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over S China Sea collisions

Analysts say Manila is adopting an assertive transparency policy in dealing with Beijing in the region.

By RFA Staff 2023.10.23 -- Manila summoned the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines on Monday over two incidents in the South China Sea the previous day that analysts say highlight China's "hypocrisy" but also the Philippines' increased "assertive transparency campaign" in disputed waters.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the country has filed a fresh diplomatic protest against China, its 55th this year.

Philippine authorities said one of their contracted boats on a resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila maintains a navy ship as its military outpost, was blocked by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, resulting in a collision.

During the same mission, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel's port side was also "bumped by Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 (CMMV 00003) while it was lying to approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal," the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) said, referring to the shoal by its local name.

Nobody on board the vessels on either side was known to have been injured.

The Chinese Coast Guard promptly released on Sunday a statement blaming the Philippine vessels for "unauthorized entry."

Chinese state media quoted the statement as saying that two Philippine transport vessels and two Philippine Coast Guard vessels "trespassed" into the waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ren'ai Reef in Chinese.

It also said that despite repeated warnings from the Chinese authorities, the Philippine resupply vessel "deliberately crossed the bow of Chinese Coast Guard ship 5203 at 6:14 a.m. in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a minor collision."

About two hours later, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 4409 "deliberately stirred up trouble" by reversing and colliding with a Chinese fishing vessel, which was floating in the vicinity, it said.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines "made solemn representations to the Philippine side on Monday  expressing strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the trespassing," reported the Global Times on social media site X, formerly Twitter.

Both sides released video clips to back up their claims.

The Philippine navy in 1999 intentionally grounded the WWII ship BRP Sierra Madre on the shoal to serve as a military and sovereignty outpost, and needs to resupply the troops stationed there regularly. China said the vessel was "illegally grounded."

In recent months, the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels have repeatedly shadowed and blocked Philippine ships during resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, including by firing a water cannon at one of the resupply boats in August.

Manila's 'transparency campaign'

The United States quickly spoke out in support of the Philippines, its treaty ally.

A statement by the State Department said "the United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard and maritime militia's dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing an October 22 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea."

The U.S. "reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft - including those of its Coast Guard - anywhere in the South China Sea."

It accused the Chinese vessels of violating international laws and said China's territorial claims have no basis as the Second Thomas Shoal is "a feature well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and on the Philippine continental shelf."

U.S. government agencies, including the State Department and the Department of Defense have made a point "to call out the PLAN's hypocrisy," said Thomas Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow with the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, referring to the People's Liberation Army Navy by its acronym.

"China claims to have the right to regulate naval activities within its EEZ - which it doesn't - and then feels free to operate as it pleases in other nations' EEZs," Shugart said.

Another analyst, Ray Powell from Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, noted that Manila "has embarked on a tactic of assertive transparency" in reporting incidents in disputed waters.

"It has become normal  the idea that a large country can blockade the outpost of a smaller country without serious consequences," said Powell. "What is new is that the Philippines is now showing the world what has been happening under our noses for many years, and the world will need to decide what to do about that."

Almost immediately after the incidents, the Philippine Armed Forces released on social media platforms photos and video clips recorded by their cameramen, as well as drone footage to accompany official statements.

One of the photos clearly shows three Philippine ships being surrounded by eight China Coast Guard vessels.

This tactic will help "strengthen national resilience, build international support and impose reputational costs on China," Powell said.

"If other countries follow suit it will force China to recalculate whether the cost it's now paying for its gray zone tactics are worth whatever benefits it hopes to receive for them," the analyst added.

The South China Sea is claimed by six parties but China's claims are by far the most expansive. Beijing has refused to accept a 2016 international ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.

Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's Hainan island.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

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Fresh Tremor Hits Afghanistan Amid Mounting Concerns Over Women, Funding

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi October 23, 2023

The western Afghan province of Herat was rocked by another earthquake overnight, sending many of the region's residents, already reeling from a series of major tremblors over the past two weeks, back into the streets.

The 4.4-magnitude event early on October 23 was the fifth major earthquake to hit the region since October 7, when a 6.3-magnitude quake killed more than 1,500 people and injured more than 2,100 others. Major aftershocks on October 11, 13, and 15 have caused additional damage and displaced more than 100,000 people.

Hundreds of homes have been destroyed due to the earthquakes and aftershocks, leaving many people living in makeshift shelters or even among the rubble as cold weather moves in and landslides have been reported.

"It is a serious problem for the residents of Herat, as many spent another night on the streets after this tremor," Ahmadullah Muttaqi, a Taliban spokesman in Herat, told Radio Azadi after the October 23 earthquake, which followed a warning by aid agencies that women, the worst victims of the tremors, are finding it difficult to access international aid being offered to the victims and survivors.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on October 23 that more than 80 tons of medical supplies arrived in Kabul a day earlier, including supplies for pregnant women and children who have fallen ill due to a lack of clean water.

"The medical supplies that arrived in Kabul today are a lifeline for thousands of children and families in need of immediate, life-saving assistance in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes," said Fran Equiza, UNICEF representative in Afghanistan.

The earthquakes are some of the worst to hit the country, already suffering from multiple humanitarian crises brought on by drought and poverty, in more than 25 years.

Exacerbating the difficulties for women -- around 60 percent of the dead are said to be women -- are the policies of the Taliban rulers, who since returning to power in August 2021 have restricted access to education, employment, and public life for females.

The UN said in a report on October 21 that women were struggling to obtain humanitarian aid without male relatives or identity documents. The absence of female aid workers because of the Taliban's ban on Afghan women's employment by aid groups is also hampering their access to what they need to help survive the disasters.

"The earthquakes, when combined with the ongoing humanitarian and women's rights crisis, have made the situation not only difficult for women and girls, but deadly," Alison Davidian, the UN special representative for women in Afghanistan, told the Associated Press.

"When natural disasters strike, women and girls are impacted most and often considered least in crisis response and recovery," she added.

Last week, the UN's World Food Program (WFP) appealed for $19 million to provide emergency food aid to 100,000 in Herat.

"We are having to take this food from an already severely underfunded program," said Ana Maria Salhuana, deputy country director of the WFP in Afghanistan.

Earlier this year, the WFP reduced food aid to millions of Afghans because of massive funding shortfalls.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghainstan-earthquake-herat-women- funding/32650309.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Wider Europe Briefing: A Conversation With Maia Sandu Over Moldova's EU Chances; 'Ukraine Fatigue' At Forum 2000

By Rikard Jozwiak October 23, 2023

Brief #1: Maia Sandu And Moldova's EU Aspirations

What You Need To Know: Last week, I interviewed Moldovan President Maia Sandu during her state visit to the Czech Republic, which took place nearly seven years to the day that I sat down with her for the first time. Back in 2016, she visited Brussels to meet with various EU officials ahead of a presidential election later that year, which she contested on a pro-Western, anti-corruption ticket.

She was relatively unknown in the EU capital back then, having enjoyed a three-year stint as education minister in a government beset by internal quarrels and tainted by a bank fraud scandal that cost Moldova more than $1 billion -- around one-eighth of the country's GDP. And while she eventually -- and narrowly -- lost the election to the Moscow-friendly Igor Dodon, people in Brussels told me to keep an eye on Sandu as she seemed to have impressed people in town and was solidly backed by the center-right European People's Party (EPP) -- the epicenter of EU politics and home to influential politicians such as the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several of the bloc's prime ministers and presidents.

In 2020, she became president after defeating Dodon, and next year she is seeking reelection. She is doing so having secured EU candidate status for Moldova last year, shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine -- a watershed moment in European history that suddenly opened the EU door to former Soviet republics. Now widely recognized by several EU politicians and diplomats as the driving force behind Chisinau's EU push, she is eyeing membership in the exclusive club in record time.

Deep Background: All indications I have from sources familiar with the topic but who can't speak on the record is that the European Commission, when presenting the annual EU enlargement reports on November 8, will recommend that Moldova and Ukraine start EU accession talks.

Chisinau has fulfilled most of the nine recommendations that the commission set out for the country a year ago. There also is enlargement momentum in the bloc that will most likely result in the 27 EU member states unanimously endorsing the commission's recommendations when Europe ministers meet in Brussels on December 12 and rubber-stamping them two days later at summit of EU heads of state and government.

This means that the start of EU accession negotiations can happen by the end of this year or in early 2024. Now the question is how long these negotiations will last. Charles Michel, the current president of the European Council, recently said that the EU could be ready for a new enlargement by 2030, if necessary institutional reform is done on the EU side and candidate countries do their homework. Sandu confidently told me that "Moldova will be ready earlier than 2030" and that she hoped "that the EU will be ready to accept Moldova in the next few years."

That is very optimistic. Firstly, because the accession process is usually a hard slog. Take the two current "front-runners" in the accession process -- Montenegro and Serbia -- which in 10 years of negotiations have just "closed" talks in three and two policy chapters, respectively. But secondly, it also has to do with two very specific issues concerning Moldova: the breakaway Transdniester region and its relations with Ukraine.

Drilling Down

So far, the European Commission and member states have decided that Moldova and Ukraine are "coupled." The thinking is that it's better to treat some countries as "a package" considering that they have similar challenges and that a group of countries seeking membership has a greater chance of getting attention and succeeding in joining. Think of the eight Central and Eastern European countries becoming EU members back in 2004 or Bulgaria and Romania three years later.

In the current enlargement process, Albania and North Macedonia are, so far, also proceeding toward Brussels together. But herein also lies the disadvantage of such an approach. Due to North Macedonia's bilateral problems with Bulgaria, it looks like there will be a holdup on their EU accession path, and, out of fairness to Tirana, EU member states are currently thinking of "de-coupling" them.

Would Moldova consider the same, taking into account that, for example, Ukraine's pace of reforms could be affected by the ongoing war? Sandu told me that "we do hope to go together. It is important for us that the EU include also Ukraine. And I do believe that it is important for Ukraine that Moldova is also part of the EU." But then she added, rather tellingly: "In the end, it's a merit-based approach, and we are going to work hard, and we do hope that the same is going to happen in Ukraine."

But Moldova, of course, also has its own territorial problem: the Moscow-supported Transdniester region, a sliver of land stretching from the left bank of the Dniester River to neighboring Ukraine. I asked Sandu if she would consider a so-called "Cyprus solution" for Moldova -- meaning that the entire island of Cyprus was admitted to the bloc back in 2004, but de facto EU rules and laws only apply to its southern part.

Interestingly, she didn't rule it out. Diplomatically, she noted, "Of course, we would like to become an EU member state as a reintegrated country." And then she hinted that a Ukrainian victory against Russia might pave the way for a solution in Transdniester as well: "There might be a geopolitical opportunity in the next several years because things depend on what's going to happen in the region, and we are ready to use this geopolitical opportunity."

Of course, she cautioned that Chisinau wouldn't use any force to achieve this goal, stressing "that the peaceful solution is the only acceptable solution." But then came the really interesting bit: "On the other hand, if this first scenario does not happen, I do believe that we should consider integrating Moldova into the EU into two steps. First, the right bank of the Dniester and then the left bank of the Dniester." When I pressed if this, then, would be a "Cyprus solution," the cryptic answer was, "We should discuss this."

Now, EU diplomats tell me that this isn't an issue right now as Moldova is still far from joining. But it will be intriguing to see how Brussels will deal with this in the accession talks. Serbia has, for example, an extra negotiating chapter compared to Montenegro -- No. 35 -- called "relations with Kosovo." That means that this bilateral issue must be solved before Serbia can become an EU member.

Another interesting aspect is the much-debated paper written by French and German think-tankers on enlargement and EU reform published in September in which they stated that "the accession of countries with disputed territories with a country outside the EU will have to include a clause that those territories will only be able to join the EU if their inhabitants are willing to do so."

in which they stated that "the accession of countries with disputed territories with a country outside the EU will have to include a clause that those territories will only be able to join the EU if their inhabitants are willing to do so." This was just a discussion paper and not the official line of Berlin or Paris, but this sort of scenario would mean that some sort of referendum or vote would have to take place in Transdniester, where inhabitants, at least so far, have shown very little inclination of wanting to reintegrate with the right bank -- let alone joining the EU.

Brief #2: Forum 2000 Grapples With 'Ukraine Fatigue'

What You Need To Know: Prague hosted the annual Forum 2000 conference on October 16-17. A brainchild of the late Czech President Vaclav Havel, the forum has become the city's premier think-tank event, bringing together politicians, officials, academics, and journalists to debate and dissect the latest in current affairs.

Given the Czech Republic's prominent role since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine over 600 days ago -- hosting half a million Ukrainian refugees and pushing for more sanctions on Russia and quicker Ukrainian integration into the EU and NATO -- I went there to find out one thing: Has the "Ukraine fatigue" that I hear so much about in conversations with various people now finally set in?

The concept of this "fatigue" truly gathered pace, at least in my observations, after the NATO Vilnius summit in July. The big talking point then, apart from Ukraine's crushing disappointment in not getting a clear pathway to membership, was the caustic remark by Ben Wallace, the British defense minister at the time, about not being an Amazon delivery service for Ukrainians and the need for Kyiv to show more gratitude toward the West for the support it is providing.

With Wallace being one of Ukraine's biggest supporters, this opened the floodgates of complaints. Suddenly, I heard a variation of the same message from my sources, sounding something like, "I know that it sounds horrible to say with Ukrainians dying every day while we sit here and sip cappuccino, but there is a real fatigue on this topic both among the general public and policymakers."

Deep Background: In a sense, this has do with two things: Firstly, that there isn't enough bandwidth -- politically or in wider society -- to give this war priority anymore after 18 months of fighting. Concerns over increased migration and the growing conflict in the Middle East now get most of the attention.

Former Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic, speaking at the closing session of the forum, put it rather succinctly: "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin has got his second front in Gaza that he always wished for." And it certainly has tied Brussels up in knots in recent weeks. First, a very public fight between European commissioners about whether aid to the Palestinians should be cut or not and then ire among several EU member states that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who rushed to Israel to express support for the country, did not emphasize the need for the country to show restraint and respect international law in its response to the terrorist attacks by Hamas.

But there is also another explanation. Western institutions have for now run out of headline-grabbing initiatives for Kyiv. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, former vice prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration and current opposition MP, summed it up by noting that "we are in the plateau of support for Ukraine now."

Drilling Down

To illustrate this, look at the draft conclusions for this week's EU summit (October 26-27) in Brussels seen by RFE/RL. The text on Ukraine is more or less ready already and it offers precious little that is new. There is the usual support for Ukraine's Peace Formula "with a view to holding a Global Peace Summit" and repeated calls for "the work to continue" to establish a tribunal for the prosecution of war crimes and on more restrictive measures on the Kremlin. It also simply states that "Russia's ability to wage its war of aggression must be further weakened, including through sanctions." Old phrases, no initiatives.

At Forum 2000, the many discussions on Ukraine reflected this clash between Ukrainian hopes and Western reality -- notably on two particular fields: Ukraine's EU and NATO integration and efforts related to the reconstruction of the country.

Alyona Getmanchuk, the director of the Ukrainian think tank New Europe Center and one of her country's most prominent voices for Euro-Atlantic integration, argued forcefully that the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership must be on the agenda again when NATO leaders assemble in Washington in July 2024.

She noted that it gives Russian President Vladimir Putin "great motivation to continue the war" if the military organization insists that Ukraine can't join NATO until the fighting is over and that the fastest way to the negotiating table is to create a threat for Putin to lose Crimea or the war in general. She also expressed dismay about the stories that I also have heard from well-placed European officials that the United States is still considering a future status of Ukraine as a neutral, non-NATO country to be a useful bargaining chip with the Kremlin in future talks.

Countering that, Michael Zantovsky, one of the Czech Republic's most recognized diplomats, pointed out that "while the direction of travel is clear for Ukraine and NATO, the pace is not," and cautioned about membership while the war is ongoing since the core of NATO is Article 5, the mutual defense clause, and that this clause must remain credible -- something Moscow would test if Ukraine joined the military alliance under current circumstances.

When it comes to the EU, it was a similar story: All agreed that it is likely that Ukraine will soon start accession talks, but the pace of that process will depend on a lot of things, including the EU's internal reform process and the fact that more Central and Eastern EU member states will have to chip in. Martin Dvorak, the Czech minister for European affairs, acknowledged this problem by noting that he "wants the Czech Republic to be a net payer to the EU budget and would be proud of it," but admitted that it would be complicated to sell because for a large part of the Czech public, the EU is a cash pot.

On reconstruction of Ukraine, the mood was similarly downbeat. The World Bank estimated over the summer that Ukraine would need over $400 billion for reconstruction in the next decade, a number that is growing with each day of the war. And while many at the conference hoped that some of this reconstruction could be paid from seizing frozen Russian assets in the EU, which are estimated to be worth some 200 billion euros, it has proven impossible so far due to legal hurdles involving state property .

. Even a possible enactment of a levy on extra profits of the frozen assets has proven elusive in the EU as the European Central Bank (ECB) has warned that this could undermine the euro as a global currency if no other big currencies mirrored these steps as well.

Getting European private companies to invest in Ukraine is also proving difficult. Alexander McWhorter, the chairman of the management board at Citibank Ukraine, noted that firms, especially in Central and Eastern European countries, have shown interest in the Ukrainian market but wanted to be sure of the security situation before committing. Mariia Ionova, a Ukrainian MP, summed it up nicely: "A New Ukraine, yes, but for that we need people to return and for that we need security." EU and NATO membership could solve that, but judging from the mood at the forum, that doesn't appear too close.

Looking Ahead

On October 23, EU foreign ministers will gather for their monthly meeting, this time in Luxembourg. There is now hope that they can sign off on another tranche worth 500 million euros ($540 million) of military aid to Ukraine, but for that to happen Hungary would need to lift its veto, which has been in place since early summer. Budapest has so far refused to give the green light, citing the need for Kyiv to remove the Hungarian bank OTP from a blacklist produced by Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention that labels it as an "international sponsor of war" as it continues to do business in Russia.

Three days later, EU leaders will meet in Brussels for a two-day summit. Migration will continue to be one of the hot-button issues the heads of state and government will grapple with. Expect them to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas at length as well. It is also possible that some will confront Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his meeting and handshake with Putin in Beijing last week.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wider-europe-briefing- jozwiak-sandu-moldova-ukraine-fatigue/32649696.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kosovo PM Says Serbian Criminals With Government Links Behind Attack, Which Belgrade Denies

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service October 23, 2023



Prime Minister Albin Kurti has accused a criminal gang from northern Serbia with government ties of being behind a deadly attack at an Orthodox monastery in Kosovo in remarks Belgrade quickly rejected as "blatant lies."

Kurti accused Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic of heading the gang, which he called the "Novi Sad clan" after the Serbian city of Novi Sad, of which Vucevic was mayor from 2012 to 2022.

Tensions between Belgrade and Pristina have spiked since September 24, when some 30 armed Serbs stormed the village of Banjska in Kosovo's predominantly ethnic Serbian north and barricaded themselves in a Serbian Orthodox monastery.

Police recaptured the monastery after a shoot-out in which three attackers and a Kosovar police officer were killed.

The clashes were among the worst since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. They came as the European Union and United States were trying to mediate and finalize years-long talks on normalizing ties between the two Balkan states.

"The paramilitary and terrorist attack in Banjska in Zvecan [municipality] was organized by the Clan of Novi Sad. It is headed by the minister of defense of Serbia, Milos Vucevic," Kurti wrote on Facebook, where he also compared Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to a mafia boss.

Kurti offered no evidence to back up his claims and did not elaborate.

Serbia has denied any role in the attack and the Defense Ministry in Belgrade immediately rejected Kurti's claims, calling them "heinous and blatant lies," and appealed to the international community to act to stop the "incendiary and dirty" campaign by Kosovo's leadership.

Serbia and its former province of Kosovo have been at odds for decades. Their 1998-99 war left more than 10,000 people dead. In 2008 Kosovo declared independence, which Belgrade doesn't recognize.

Both Serbia and Kosovo hope to join the European Union but their difficult relations have disrupted progress toward accession. Brussels has make normalizing ties a condition for moving forward with their membership bids.

The leaders of the bloc's 27 members are expected to express "concern" about the security situation in northern Kosovo at their summit on October 26-27, according to the draft conclusions of the summit, seen by RFE/RL's Balkan Service.

The document, which is not final and is yet to be approved by EU leaders, will condemn the attack in Banjska and will call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and for Serbia to "fully cooperate."

Kosovo has accused Serbia of orchestrating the September 24 "act of aggression" and claims that Belgrade intended to annex northern Kosovo after the attack.

Serbia has denied the allegations and said it suspected an ethnic Serb leader from Kosovo, Milan Radoicic, was responsible for the clashes.

Radoicic has admitted to organizing and participating in the events that sparked clashes with Kosovar police and was briefly detained, questioned, and released in Serbia earlier this month.

EU and U.S. envoys visited Kosovo and Serbia on October 21, urging the sides to resume dialogue on normalizing relations before the bitter tensions result in more violence.

The EU put forward a 10-point plan in February to end months of political crises between the two sides. Kurti and Vucic gave their approval at the time but expressed reservations, which have not been resolved since.

Kosovo has called on Europe to place sanctions on Serbia, which it blames for the September 24 attack, saying no further talks could be held and demanding higher security measures from Western powers for fear of an increased presence of Serbian military forces along its border.

Amid the heightened tensions, NATO has reinforced KFOR, which normally has a troop strength of 4,500, with an additional 200 troops from Britain and more than 100 from Romania.

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-serbia-banjska-criminal- gang/32650398.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Even After Multiple Defeats, Pashinian Remains Armenia's Teflon Prime Minister

By Joshua Kucera October 23, 2023

Over the past three years Armenia has suffered a series of traumatic, near-existential defeats. And yet the leader who has presided over all these defeats, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, remains firmly in power, with no serious challenge to his rule.

"He has survived things that would normally be unsurvivable by any politician," said Mikayel Zolian, a Yerevan-based analyst and former member of parliament in Pashinian's ruling, centrist Civil Contract party.

Among those things: Armenia's devastating loss to Azerbaijan in the 2020 Second Nagorno-Karabakh War; Pashinian's subsequent concession accepting the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory; and, finally, last month's Azerbaijani military recapture of Karabakh.

"Any one of these should have brought him down," Zolian said.

But they haven't: anti-government protests that drew several thousand to Yerevan's central Republic Square during Azerbaijan's offensive last month quickly fizzled out. Today, there is nothing more revolutionary in the square than strolling families and burbling fountains.

Authoritarian Tendencies

Despite Pashinian hanging on, his position is badly weakened from 2018, when he led massive street protests that managed to topple the long-entrenched former authoritarian regime in what became known as the Velvet Revolution. The prospect of a new, democratic Armenia made him wildly popular at home and internationally; in 2018, Armenia was The Economist's country of the year.

As time has gone on, though, Pashinian's star has faded. He has exhibited his own authoritarian tendencies, seeking to pack the courts with loyal judges and harassing critics. It was the disastrous wars of 2020 and after, however, that killed the dreams of 2018. The opposition has tried to launch several Karabakh-related protest movements since 2020, but none has gained traction.

So Pashinian remains -- for now -- Armenia's Teflon prime minister.

The most recent protests died down for multiple reasons, analysts and political leaders say. One was practical: in the days after the Azerbaijani offensive, Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenian population fled en masse into Armenia. Many Armenians' attention pivoted from politics to feeding, housing, and caring for the more than 100,000 refugees.

More broadly, though, many here say that Armenians are simply numbed by the events of the past three years to protest much.

After the loss of the 2020 war, "we were shocked," said Menua Soghomonian, a professor of international relations at Yerevan State University. But since then, Armenians have been subject to a steady stream of minor defeats as they were unable to withstand constant Azerbaijani pressure, including attacks on Armenian territory and a monthslong blockade of Karabakh that culminated in the September offensive and surrender. "We were really shocked, but then we began to gradually get accustomed to all these defeats," Soghomonian said.

In the end, the salience of the Karabakh issue for Armenians has proved not to be as strong as many expected, given its central role in the Armenian political imagination. "There is no Armenia without Karabakh," Pashinian said in one 2020 address to the nation, a common formulation in Armenian discourse.

But beneath the surface, Armenians were calculating just how much control over the territory really meant to them. "Karabakh is important to people, but it's probably more important for those people who have a certain kind of privilege, who live in Yerevan and have a good salary and probably won't be the ones fighting if the war breaks out," Zolian said.

But for many poorer, rural Armenians -- who make up Pashinian's support base -- Karabakh "is just one of many issues, and they have more pressing problems," Zolian said.

Poor conditions in the army -- corruption and abuse are rife -- also weakened many Armenians' devotion to keeping control of Nagorno-Karabakh, says Yuri Manvelian, the editor of the news website Epress.am. More people are seeking to evade conscription and there has been an increase in bribes to get out of mandatory service, he adds. "If you put a microphone in front of people, they will say [Karabakh] is an existential issue," he said. But when it comes to defending Karabakh militarily, "what should we do? Should we fight? Then who will fight? Someone else's son should go fight, not mine."

The Armenian and Azerbaijani governments were locked in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for decades. Armenian-backed separatists seized the mainly ethnic-Armenian-populated region from Azerbaijan during a war in the early 1990s that left some 30,000 people dead. Diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict brought little progress and the two sides fought another war in 2020 that lasted six weeks before a Russian-brokered cease-fire, resulting in Armenia losing control over parts of the region and seven adjacent districts.

In 2022, Armenia and Azerbaijan started talks on a peace agreement, and as part of that process Pashinian did what no Armenian leader before had dared: agreed to accept Azerbaijani rule over Karabakh.

Pashinian's opponents have complained that the prime minister has managed to convince a significant number of Armenians that Karabakh is not an integral part of the Armenian world but rather a burden weighing down the country, and that "when we are free of this issue we will enhance our independence, our sovereignty," Soghomonian said. "This kind of propaganda has been successful," he lamented.

Soghomonian is one of the leaders of a new civic movement, Armenians' Vote. Its aim is to rally public opposition to the government by means of a petition to make it illegal for any Armenian official to recognize Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. The effort was launched in the summer after Pashinian began publicly broaching the subject.

The movement's organizers recently reached their goal of obtaining 50,000 signatures, which, according to Armenia's constitution, requires parliament to take up the issue. But there is little chance that the parliament, dominated by Pashinian's Civil Contract party, will advance the measure for a vote.

In any case, events are quickly overtaking the effort. Karabakh is now nearly entirely depopulated. The de facto government that ruled the territory for three decades is set to disband by the end of the year, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a triumphant trip to the former government building and was filmed walking over its flag. Meanwhile, Pashinian is in talks with Aliyev to sign a peace agreement that would formalize Armenia's recognition of Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory.

Armenians' Vote's organizers are not giving up: If parliament doesn't take up their legislation, they have other steps planned, including trying to organize further protests. But Soghomonian says that even in the likely event that parliament rejects a new law, these are just the early stages in building a new opposition to Pashinian and his government.

Weak Opposition

Opposition parties say they also are planning future protests. The Republican Party of Armenia -- the former ruling party and still the largest opposition force in the country -- is going to try to force Pashinian out before the next elections, currently scheduled for 2025, says Hayk Mamijanian, a member of parliament in the party.

While he says there is no chance of getting Pashinian to step down voluntarily, even in the face of massive opposition, he says that a combination of street protests and pressure on Civil Contract lawmakers could succeed. If they could convince "18 or 19" ruling party members to go along, they could impeach Pashinian, he said. "So that's the formula: Street protests, pressure on the parliamentary faction, and appointment of a new prime minister."

It's an uphill battle, though. The biggest issue, analysts say, is that the current political opposition is led by figures associated with the former ruling regime that Pashinian toppled in the Velvet Revolution. And while Pashinian is deeply unpopular, those figures are even more unpopular following their two decades in power, which were plagued by allegations of corruption and authoritarianism.

Asked in a poll conducted in the first quarter of 2023 by the U.S.-based International Republican Institute which political figure Armenians trusted most, Pashinian came out on top but with an anemic 13 percent. (In the months after his rise to power, the same poll showed he had an 82 percent approval rating; it has since stopped asking the question that way.)

The second-most "popular" figure in the newer poll, and highest-ranking from the opposition, was former President Robert Kocharian, who got 2 percent. Fully 64 percent of Armenians said they trusted "none." Asked who they would vote for if elections were being held now, 21 percent said Civil Contract, and 4 percent said the Armenia Alliance, currently the largest opposition bloc in parliament (it includes the Republicans).

Critics charge that opposition leaders haven't put forward any concrete vision for how Armenia can extract itself from its current dire state.

Asked how Armenia should be approaching the negotiations with Azerbaijan, Republican Party deputy Mamijanian demurred: "You need to have much more data to give the answer to that question," he said. "But definitely accepting all the ultimatums of Azerbaijan is not the best idea."

"They don't offer [anything] -- not a proper program [or] even a direction in which we should be going," Zolian said. "OK, Pashinian messed up. We agree on that. So, what is the direction? Are we going to continue negotiations with Azerbaijan and Turkey from the point that Pashinian has left them? Are we going to go back to Russia and ask them to forgive us? They are not answering all these difficult questions that Pashinian has to answer because he's in power."

Mamijanian acknowledges that the opposition deserves a large amount of the blame for the failure of efforts to topple Pashinian. "Definitely it's our fault. I do accept that," he said. "We didn't get into the hearts and minds of some of our compatriots. Maybe our ideas weren't explained in a way that was understandable for society. So, there can be very many reasons for that [failure to remove Pashinian], but definitely the reason is the opposition itself."

He says that the repeated military defeats were also to blame. "I mean the desperation, the mourning of society, the shock of society, the depression of society," he said. While those things were not strictly the fault of the opposition, he added, "anyway you never act in an ideal world where you can [determine] everything and all the details. You work with what you have."

Mamijanian rejects criticism about the dominance of the old opposition parties. "There are very many streets and squares in Yerevan. We are holding a protest on this one, please take another one [for another protest]," he said. "We are really happy to cooperate with any normal political and nonpolitical forces just to get rid of them."

In spite of the lack of public traction that the Yerevan protests have gained, the government isn't taking any chances: police cracked down heavily on the September demonstrations, using stun grenades and detaining scores of protesters. Dozens remain in custody, drawing criticism from human rights advocates.

Government-critical figures complain that Pashinian has been emboldened by the international community's desire to achieve a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "Almost every significant geopolitical actor in our region wants a peace treaty to be signed with Azerbaijan, which gives Pashinian the incentive to keep going with this process. It also gives him the incentive to take very cruel measures against the opposition," Soghomonian said. "He feels very confident."

While opposition to Pashinian in Armenia may be floundering, it's not for want of trying by pro-Kremlin Russian media.

After the September Azerbaijani offensive, the Kremlin sent out guidance to its loyal media on how to cover the events. It instructed them to blame Pashinian -- and particularly his attempts to build ties with the West -- for the defeat, the independent Russian outlet Meduza reported. Pro-Kremlin media figures including Margarita Simonyan and Vladimir Solovyov took to social media to call on Armenians to join the anti-government protests that broke out in those days.

Pashinian, in an October 17 speech to the European Parliament, complained about Russia's role. "At the time when hundreds of thousands of Armenians fled from Nagorno-Karabakh to the Republic of Armenia, our allies in the security sector not only did not help us but also made public calls for a change of power in Armenia, to overthrow the democratic government."

The next day, an anonymous "high-ranking source" hit back, telling the Russian state news agency TASS that Pashinian was "following in the steps of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskiy."

Despite the opposition threats, though, there has been little action to back up the words. What has been seen so far amounts to "angry words, threats, bellicose language, but that's all. Not one action, not one decision," said Richard Giragosian, head of the Yerevan-based Regional Studies Center think tank.

In his conversations with Armenian government officials, Giragosian says, they say that they are pleasantly surprised by the lack of Russian arm-twisting. "They say, 'we expected Russia at least to demand renegotiations over the gas prices,'" a common tactic when Moscow wants to exert pressure on Yerevan. "And they haven't."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-pashinian-karabakh- teflon/32650597.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Azerbaijan Hosts Military Drills With Turkey Near Armenia As Foreign Ministers Meet In Tehran

By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service, RFE/RL's Armenian Service October 23, 2023

Azerbaijan said on October 23 that it had begun joint military exercises with its ally Turkey near the border with Armenia as foreign ministers from the three countries are meeting their Iranian and Russian counterparts in Tehran to discuss a number of issues, including the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said in a statement that up to 3,000 military personnel were participating in the exercises, named for the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

The exercises are being held in Baku; in Azerbaijani territories seized from ethnic Armenian control since 2020; and in the Azerbaijani exclave of Naxcivan. They will run until October 25.

The drills come as Iran hosts a meeting of foreign ministers on October 23 from the so-called 3+3 nations, although Georgia is not present.

The meeting is the first since Azerbaijan staged a lightning offensive in September to regain control of Nagorno-Karabakh, the region where ethnic Armenians had enjoyed de facto independence since breaking away in the 1990s.

More than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to flee and Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of carrying out ethnic cleansing -- a claim Azerbaijan denies, saying people were free to stay and be integrated into Azerbaijan.

The two countries have fought two wars in the past three decades and have so far failed to reach a peace deal.

Russia regards itself as the security guarantor between Azerbaijan and Armenia and has peacekeepers in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, but its war in Ukraine has led some analysts to say Moscow's influence in the area has weakened.

Turkey has close linguistic and cultural links to Azerbaijan and offered Baku military and political support during its three decade-long conflict with Armenia, with which Ankara has no formal diplomatic relations.

Iran's IRNA news agency quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying the countries wanted to talk about regional issues "without the interference of nonregional and Western countries."

That was an implicit reference to the United States and the European Union, which have been trying to mediate a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The first talks in the 3+3 South Caucasus Platform were held in 2021. Georgia has not attended the meetings, as it says it would prefer to have the three Caucasus nations meet without the involvement of Ankara, Moscow, and Tehran.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-turkey- military-drills-foreign-ministers-armenia-iran/32650011.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Extra 20 million in humanitarian aid doubles UK support to Palestinian civilians

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

23 October 2023

Prime Minister announces new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis

in a statement in the House he reiterated the UK's commitment to Israel's defence and called for "a constant stream of aid going in to Gaza"

new pledge makes UK one of the biggest humanitarian donors to the crisis and follows Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary's diplomatic efforts to open the Rafah crossing

The UK will provide a further 20 million of humanitarian aid for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), the Prime Minister announced today (Monday 23 October).

This latest funding is in addition to the 10 million of aid announced by the Prime Minister last week and brings to 30 million the total donated by the UK to the OPTs since Hamas' terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October - more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (27 million).

The Prime Minister made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also set out the UK's intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation, back Israel's security and support long-term solutions to the crisis in the Middle East.

The additional funding means the UK continues to be at the forefront of the global effort to help Palestinian people access the vital lifesaving support they need. The funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies and the Red Cross, to provide essential relief items and services. The aid will respond to critical food, water, healthcare, shelter and protection needs for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I recognise that the Palestinian people are suffering terribly. Too many lives have already been lost, and the humanitarian crisis is growing. We welcome the limited opening of the Rafah crossing - it is important progress, and testament to the power of diplomacy. But it is not enough. We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed. We are providing an additional 20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza - more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.

The opening of the Rafah crossing allowing aid to enter Gaza came after a series of diplomatic engagements in the Middle East by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly last week.

The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK remains wholeheartedly committed to supporting civilians trapped in Gaza. Humanitarian access must be allowed so civilians can receive vital, lifesaving support, including food, water and shelter, as quickly and effectively as possible.

The UK is committed to easing the desperate - and deteriorating - humanitarian situation in Gaza, while standing alongside the people of Israel against the terrorist group Hamas. We continue to call for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access for lifesaving aid to reach Gazans including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, and for all parties to take steps to protect civilians and uphold international law.

The UK will consider further support depending on the changing humanitarian needs on the ground. This goes beyond funding alone and must include diplomatic efforts. The Prime Minister raised humanitarian support his meetings with the leaders of Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Palestinian Authority last week; and during the Foreign Secretary's recent visit, he spoke to counterparts in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to work with them to push for agreement on ongoing humanitarian access to Gaza.

The UK is also working with the Government of Egypt to advocate for the Rafah crossing to be opened for foreign nationals, including British nationals and staff members of the British Consulate and their families, to leave Gaza.

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The UK is ready to consider further sanctions against gangs to deliver stability for the Haitian people: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

23 October 2023

I thank SRSG Salvador, Executive Director Russell, Executive Director Waly, and Ms. Manigat for their briefings today. UN staff and their local partners continue to do vital work in Haiti in the toughest of circumstances. I also welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The UK remains concerned by the deteriorating political and security situation in Haiti that has been set out by our briefers today and its severe impact on the Haitian people and the region. Gangs continue to take over entire neighbourhoods on which they unleash killing, burning, kidnapping and severe restriction of movement.

The Multinational Security Support mission, which this Council mandated earlier this month, is an important step to help the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation in their country and we pay tribute to Kenya and other countries who are stepping up. But this mission will not alone solve the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.

President, long-term stability in Haiti cannot be achieved without political progress that allows the Haitian people to choose their next leaders through free, fair and credible elections. We call on all political actors to put aside their differences for the common interest of the Haitian people and agree on a roadmap that commits all parties to working towards a return to long-term stable governance. We commend efforts to broker transparent dialogue in search of a genuine commitment to political progress.

We continue to hear chilling accounts of the widespread use of sexual violence - including collective rape - by armed gangs as a weapon to instil fear into communities. There are also accounts of the recruitment of vulnerable children into gangs. The UK welcomes the renewal of sanctions targeting those responsible for, and supporting, armed criminal violence in Haiti. We stand ready to consider further sanctions designations against gangs and their influential backers to help deliver a more stable future for the Haitian people.

Thank you.

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PM statement to the House of Commons on the latest situation in Israel and Gaza: 23 October 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an oral statement to the House of Commons on the latest situation in Israel and Gaza.

23 October 2023

Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP

Mr Speaker, last week I visited the Middle East

bringing a message of solidarity with the region against terror and against the further spread of conflict.

I met with the leaders of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority

to coordinate our response to the crisis before us

but also to renew the better vision of the future that Hamas is trying to destroy.

I travelled first to Israel.

It is a nation in mourning.

But, Mr Speaker, it is also a nation under attack.

The violence against Israel did not end on the 7th of October.

Hundreds of rockets are launched at their towns and cities every day.

And Hamas still holds around 200 hostages

including British citizens.

In Jerusalem I met some of the relatives - who are suffering unbearable torment.

Their pain will stay with me for the rest of my days.

I am doing everything in my power - and working with all of our partners - to get their loved ones home.

So in my meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog I told them once again that we stand resolutely with Israel in defending itself against terror.

And I stressed again the need to act in line with international humanitarian law and take every possible step to avoid harming civilians.

It was a message delivered by a close friend and ally.

I say it again, we stand with Israel.

Mr Speaker, I recognise that the Palestinian people are suffering terribly.

Over 4,000 Palestinians have been killed in this conflict.

They are also the victims of Hamas, who embed themselves in the civilian population.

Too many lives have already been lost.

And the humanitarian crisis is growing.

I went to the region to address these issues directly.

In Riyadh then Cairo, I met individually with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from Saudi Arabia

the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani

President Sisi in Egypt and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.

This is further to my meeting with the King of Jordan last week and calls with other leaders

and my Rt Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary's extensive travel in the region.

Mr Speaker, there are three abiding messages from these conversations.

The first is that we must continue working together to get more humanitarian support into Gaza.

The whole House will welcome the limited opening of the Rafah crossing.

It is important progress, and testament to the power of diplomacy.

But it is not enough.

We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed.

So we will keep up the diplomatic pressure.

We have already committed 10 million of extra support to help civilians in Gaza.

And Mr Speaker, I can announce today that we are going further.

We are providing an additional 20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza - more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.

There are major logistical and political challenges to delivering this aid - which I discussed with President Sisi.

My Rt Hon Friend the Development Minister is leading an effort to ensure the maximum amount of aid is prepositioned, with UK support, ready to deliver.

We're also working intensively to ensure that British nationals trapped in Gaza are able to leave through the Rafah crossing when it properly reopens.

The second message, Mr Speaker, is that this is not a time for hyperbole and simplistic solutions.

It is a time for quiet and dogged diplomacy that recognises the hard realities on the ground and delivers help now.

And we have an important role to play.

In all of my meetings, people were clear that they value Britain's engagement.

The UK's voice matters.

We have deep ties across the region - ties of defence, trade and investment, but also of history.

President Abbas pointed to that history.

Not the British mandate in Palestine or the Balfour declaration

but the UK's efforts over decades to support the two-state solution.

And that brings me to my third point, Mr Speaker.

Growing attacks by Hezbollah on Israel's northern border

rising tensions on the West Bank

and missiles and drones launched from Yemen

show that some are seeking escalation.

So we need to invest more deeply in regional stability and in the two-state solution.

Last night I spoke to the leaders of the US, Germany, France, Italy and Canada.

We are all determined to prevent escalation.

That's why I am deploying RAF and Royal Navy assets

monitoring threats to regional security and supporting humanitarian efforts.

Mr Speaker, our support for a two-state solution is highly valued across the region.

But it can't just be a cliched talking point to roll out at times like this.

The truth is that in recent years energy has moved into other avenues like the Abraham Accords and normalisation talks with Saudi Arabia.

We support those steps absolutely, and believe they can bolster wider efforts.

But we must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is.

So we'll work together with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort.

It will rely on establishing more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank.

It will also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood.

Mr Speaker, Hamas care more about their paymasters in Iran than the children they hide behind.

So let me be clear, there is no scenario where Hamas can be allowed to control Gaza or any part of the Palestinian Territories.

Hamas is not only a threat to Israel but to many others in the region.

All the leaders I met agree that this is a watershed moment

it's time to set the region on a better path.

Mr Speaker, I also want to say a word about the tone of the debate.

When things are so delicate, we all have a responsibility to take additional care in the language we use and to operate on the basis of facts alone.

The reaction to the horrific explosion at the al-Ahli Arab hospital was a case in point.

As I indicated last week, we have taken care to look at all the evidence currently available.

Mr Speaker, I can now share our assessment with the House.

On the basis of the deep knowledge and analysis of our intelligence and weapons experts

the British government judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile - or part of one - that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.

The misreporting of this incident had a negative effect in the region - including on a vital US diplomatic effort - and on tensions here at home.

We need to learn the lessons and ensure that in future there is no rush to judgment.

Mr Speaker, we have seen hate on our streets again this weekend.

We all stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people - that is the message I brought to President Abbas

but we will never tolerate antisemitism in our country.

Calls for Jihad on our streets are not only a threat to the Jewish community, but to our democratic values.

And we expect the police to take all necessary action to tackle extremism head on.

Mr Speaker, this a moment for great care and caution - but also for moral clarity.

Hope and humanity must win out against the scourge of terrorism and aggression.

The 7 October attack was driven by hatred.

But it was also driven by Hamas's fear that a new equilibrium might be emerging in the Middle East

one that would leave old divisions behind and offer hope of a better, more secure, more prosperous way forward.

It is the same motivation that drives Putin's war on Ukraine

the fear of Ukraine's emergence as a modern, thriving democracy and the desire to pull it back into some imperialist fantasy of the past.

Putin will fail.

And so will Hamas.

We must keep alive that vision of a better future, against those who seek to destroy it.

Together with our partners, that is what we will do.

And I commend this statement to the House.



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Joint statement following PM call with leaders of US, Canada, France, Germany and Italy: 22 October 2023

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to his counterparts from the US, Canada, France, Germany and Italy this evening on the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas.

23 October 2023

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom spoke regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hamas.

The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.

They welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. They committed to close coordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.

The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs.

The leaders committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace.





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Israel-Palestine: Gaza death toll passes 5,000 with no ceasefire in sight

23 October 2023 - The number of people killed in Gaza has reached 5,087 according to latest reports from de facto authorities there, amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes in response to Hamas attacks, while humanitarians repeated urgent calls for a ceasefire and more aid convoys.

Echoing that message, UN health agency (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a new appeal on Monday for "sustained safe passage" for medical essentials and fuel to keep health facilities open.

"Lives depend on these decisions," he insisted on social platform X.

Latest media reports citing the Gaza Ministry of Health indicate that the number of people killed in Gaza since 7 October has risen to 5,087.

Women and children have made up more than 62 per cent of the fatalities, while more than 15,273 people have been injured.

In its latest humanitarian update on the Gaza-Israel crisis UN humanitarian aid coordination office, OCHA, said that more than 1,000 have been reported missing and "are presumed to be trapped or dead under the rubble".

The largest medical facility in Gaza, Shifa hospital, is now treating around 5,000 patients, many times beyond its normal figure of around 700. Around 91 facilities run by the UN's largest aid agency in Gaza, UN refugee agency UNRWA, are functioning as civilian shelters.

The UN Spokesperson said on Monday that the average number of people staying in Gaza shelters is 4,400, around 2.5 times their designated capacity.

Around 70 civilians are sharing space in each UNRWA classroom.

Israel: Threefold rise in deaths

According to Israeli official sources quoted by OCHA, some 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, the vast majority in the Hamas attacks on 7 October which triggered the latest conflict.

OCHA said that the reported fatality toll is "over threefold the cumulative number of Israelis killed" since it began recording casualties in 2005.

At least 212 Israeli and foreign nationals are being held captive in Gaza, the Israeli authorities have said. Two hostages were released last Friday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called upon Hamas to release hostages immediately and unconditionally.

Trickle of aid

A new aid convoy entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday through the Rafah border crossing comprises 20 trucks according to the Egyptian Red Crescent, said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

He said that was equivalent to just four per cent of the pre-crisis level of daily needs, for commodities for Gaza's population of more than two million.

This was the third such delivery after the crossing opened on Saturday for the first time since the start of the conflict, following intense diplomatic efforts.

A total of 34 trucks with aid provided by the UN and the Egyptian Red Crescent entered the enclave over the weekend. The UN has stressed that to respond to soaring humanitarian needs, at least 100 aid trucks per day are required.

Desperate need for fuel

The development comes as UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) warned on Sunday that it was set to run out of fuel within three days, putting the humanitarian response in Gaza at risk.

UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said that without fuel, "there will be no water, no functioning hospitals and bakeries" and that "no fuel will further strangle the children, women and people of Gaza".

Education void

Meanwhile, OCHA said that more than 625,000 children in Gaza have been deprived of education for at least 12 days, and 206 schools have been damaged. At least 29 of them are UNRWA-run establishments.

UNRWA reported on Sunday that 29 of its staff members have been killed in Gaza since 7 October - half of them teachers.

In the occupied West Bank, the escalation has also resulted in restrictions on the access to education. OCHA said that all the schools inside the territory were closed from 7 to 9 October, affecting some 782,000 students. As of last week, over 230 schools which cater to some 50,000 students had not reopened.

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World News in Brief: Femicide 'pandemic', war crimes appeal to Israeli lawyers, Syria child detainees

23 October 2023 - Femicide, which is the killing of women because of their gender, has reached "pandemic proportions" worldwide as countries fail in their duty to protect women, including trans women.

That's the message from the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, who said on Monday that perpetrators are mostly, but not exclusively, partners or ex-partners, and often escape accountability "due to a lack of proper investigation".

A 2022 report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women showed more than five women or girls are killed every hour by an intimate partner or someone in their own family - that's some 45,000 per year - and the true scale of the problem is believed to be much higher.

The independent rights expert called on countries to "take every possible step" to investigate and prosecute femicides and provide effective support, remedies and reparations to victims and their families.

He also stressed that local beliefs, customs, traditions or religions "must not be invoked to limit the rights of women and girls or as a defence against a charge of femicide".

Rights experts call on Israeli lawyers to block potential war crimes

UN-appointed independent experts on Monday called on all lawyers advising the Israeli military to refuse legal authorisation for acts that could amount to war crimes in retaliation for the Hamas attacks on Israel.

"We unequivocally condemn the massacres of civilians and hostage-taking by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Israel," the rights experts said. "Those acts, committed against civilians, were atrocities."

"Israel has launched a barrage of deadly airstrikes into densely populated civilian areas in the Gaza strip, destroying or damaging homes, hospitals, markets, and UN Reliefs and Works Agency (UNRWA) buildings," the experts said.

Among the over 5,000 dead - according to Gaza health authorities - and more than 12,000 children are reportedly among the injured.

The experts also noted the tightening of the years-long Israeli blockade on Gaza, cutting off food, water, electricity, and fuel supplies.

'Professional duty'

"As Israel responds to Hamas and conducts operations in Gaza, all lawyers advising the military must identify and seek to prevent actions that may amount to war crimes. They have a professional duty to deny legal authorisation for criminal acts," the experts said.

"Lawyers must refuse to give legal authorisation for actions that violate international law," they said.

Special Rapporteurs and other Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts are not UN staff, nor do they receive a salary. They are independent of any government or organisation.

Northeast Syria 'world's largest detention site for children'

"Egregious" child rights violations are taking place in camps and prisons across northeast Syria, where the "vast majority" of those detained are children, a UN-appointed independent expert said on Monday.

Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UN Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, said that in the infamous Al-Hol and Al-Roj camps as well as a number of other detention facilities, "no process of law exists to justify detention" and "torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment is rife".

Displacement camps in northeast Syria hold tens of thousands of Syrians, Iraqis and nationals of other countries suspected of links to the terror group Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The expert's latest report documents enforced disappearances, torture, ill-treatment and incommunicado detention at the sites.

The findings include mass arbitrary separation of pre-pubescent and adolescent boys from their mothers in the camps, which the expert considered "particularly harmful", as well as "rampant starvation and tuberculosis" occurring in Panorama prison, which holds approximately 5,000 men and 700 boys.

Ms. Ni Aolain said that the "scale, scope and extent of these practices may reach the threshold for crimes against humanity under international law" and warned that it was "morally and legally unacceptable to use 'terrorism' to justify egregious breaches of human rights".

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US-Japan-South Korea Drill a 'New Era' for Defense Ties

By William Gallo October 23, 2023

The United States, South Korea, and Japan held their first ever combined aerial exercise Sunday in an effort to send a tough message to North Korea.

It's not new for the United States to hold aerial drills with Japan or with South Korea. But the three countries had never held such an exercise together until Sunday.

That's when a U.S. B-52 bomber flew alongside Japanese and South Korean fighter jets just south of the Korean Peninsula.

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador to Seoul, called it a "new era" in defense ties.

Though Japan and South Korea are both close U.S. allies, their bilateral ties are strained by historical disputes.

But in August, the three countries agreed to hold more defense drills to counter North Korea.

It is particularly significant that a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber participated in this week's drill, says Seoul-based scholar Park Won-gon.

Park says Pyongyang particularly fears strategic aircraft like the B-52, because it was bombers like this that devastated the North during the Korean War.

North Korea has also blasted U.S.-Japan-South Korea military cooperation.

In an editorial Friday, North Korean state media called the air drill an "intentional nuclear war" provocation.

North Korea has rapidly expanded its number of nuclear weapons in recent years, and now regularly threatens to conduct preemptive strikes if necessary.

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Hamas Releases 2 More Israeli Hostages, Israel Ramps Up Airstrikes

By VOA News October 23, 2023

Latest Developments:

Hamas releases more hostages Monday  two elderly Israeli women.

U.S. reported to be advising Israel to hold off on ground invasion in hopes of negotiating the release of more hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

U.S. officials express increasing concern about the Israel-Hamas war escalating into a broader Middle East conflict.

Third round of humanitarian aid passes through Rafah border crossing into Gaza.

The Israel-Hamas war has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly in the initial Hamas attack on October 7.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said the death toll in Gaza had reached at least 5,087 people, with another 15,273 people injured.

Hamas released more hostages Monday  two elderly Israeli women  as Israel ramped up its airstrikes in Gaza and the United States expressed increasing concern about the Israel-Hamas war escalating into a broader Middle East conflict.

In a statement, Hamas said it released the hostages for humanitarian reasons. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it transported 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, also known as Nurit Yitzhak, out of Gaza on Monday evening.

The militant group released its first two hostages  an American mother and daughter  Friday, nearly two weeks after it carried out its surprise assault on Israel, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and capturing more than 200 others.

U.S. officials say Washington is advising Israel to delay its planned ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to allow more time to negotiate the release of the hostages being held by Hamas.

Despite the U.S. stance, the Israeli military carried out more than 300 airstrikes Monday on the Gaza Strip.

A ground invasion would likely further complicate any negotiations over hostages, with at least some of them believed to be held in an elaborate web of tunnels that militants have built in Gaza over the years even as Israel has blockaded the territory along the Mediterranean Sea.

Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant last week vowed to more than 300,000 troops positioned along the Gaza border that they would soon advance into the territory but left open the question of the timing of an invasion.

In other developments, U.S. officials are expressing growing concern that the Israel-Hamas war could spark a wider conflict in the Middle East.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Monday there had been an increase in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. He said the United States was "deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation" in attacks in the coming days.

His comments follow those of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who said during Sunday television interviews that the United States is concerned about an escalation in the region.

Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry said at least 18 people were killed in Israeli attacks on neighborhoods in Rafah city Monday, and scores injured. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that the total death toll in Gaza from more than two weeks of conflict had reached at least 5,087 people, with another 15,273 people injured.

The Israeli military released videos Monday showing airstrikes destroying buildings in the Gaza Strip. The military said the videos showed attacks on Hamas infrastructure but did not specify the locations.

Flashes of yellow light were followed by an explosion sending gray smoke and debris shooting upward as multistory buildings collapsed or toppled over.

Israeli aircraft also struck multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including cells the military said were preparing to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets toward Israel.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq said Monday they hit a strategic base used by the U.S. military in southeastern Syria.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, said two drones attacked the al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders, after a string of similar attacks on bases housing U.S. military in Iraq and Syria over the past week.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers met Monday to consider calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and discussed ways to get more vital humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Convoys of trucks entered Gaza over the weekend and Monday, but European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that "in normal times, without war, 100 trucks enter into Gaza every day. So it's clear that 20 [per day] is not enough."

Borrell said the emphasis must be on getting power and water-providing desalination plants running again. "Without water and electricity, the hospitals can barely work," he told reporters in Luxembourg, where the EU meeting was taking place.

He said the ministers will also look at ways to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians longer term.

"The great powers have forgotten about the Palestinian issue, thinking it was going to be solved alone, or it doesn't matter. Yes, it matters," Borrell said.

The United Nations says about 1.4 million people have fled their homes in Gaza and that there are critical shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine in the region.

Borrell also said efforts toward de-escalation must include a halt to Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza and the release of hostages the militant group is holding.

Israeli officials have vowed to continue the Gaza campaign until Hamas has no more ability to attack.

United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this article. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Analysts: China Tests US Commitment to Indo-Pacific in South China Sea

By William Yang October 23, 2023

Tension is rising again in the South China Sea following two collisions Sunday between vessels from the Philippines and China near the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef situated within Manila's exclusive economic zone.

The collisions took place as Manila was carrying out a resupply mission to the Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship that Manila intentionally grounded at the Second Thomas Shoal as a military outpost to safeguard its territorial claim.

Both sides issued strongly worded statements to criticize the other and released videos to support their accusations. On Monday, the Philippines summoned the Chinese ambassador to express its position on the disputed reef.

"Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it," said Teresita Daza, the spokesperson of the Philippine Foreign Ministry, using the Philippine name for the shoal. She characterized the Chinese Coast Guard's actions as "illegal, dangerous, provocative and deplorable."

In response, China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement Sunday, accusing the Philippine vessels of intruding in the waters of "Ren'ai Jiao," the Chinese term for Second Thomas Shoal, and "bumped dangerously with" Chinese Coast Guard ships on the scene. The spokesperson urged the Philippines to take China's concerns seriously, "stop stirring up trouble and making provocations at sea."

Some analysts say the latest incident between China and the Philippines, which follows a series of confrontations between the two sides in recent months, reflects a growing degree of aggression from Beijing in the disputed water at a time when the U.S. is distracted by wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.

"The Chinese might have sensed an opportunity to test to what extent will the U.S. be able to help the Philippines push back against the Chinese in the South China Sea at a time when the U.S. is so invested in the Middle East conflict," Collin Koh, a defense scholar at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told VOA by phone.

Water cannons, blockade

The latest confrontation comes after the Philippine military accused Chinese coast guard ships of spraying Philippine vessels with water cannons during a resupply mission to Sierra Madre in August. It also follows another confrontation between Philippine and Chinese vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal earlier this month, during which the Philippine vessels reportedly broke an attempted blockade imposed by Chinese coast guard ships.

Some experts say Beijing may think the Philippines would be deterred from defending its territorial claims to the disputed reefs in the South China Sea after Chinese coast guard ships used a range of aggressive tactics to disrupt Manila's resupply missions.

"China thought the Philippines [would] realize that they were overmatched and needed to take a more submissive approach, but the Philippines continued to release evidence [of Beijing's aggressive actions]," said Ray Powell with the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University.

He said the Philippines' decision to consistently release images and videos of the Chinese coast guard's interception of the Philippines' resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal has generated more international support for Manila, which is reflected through statements released by other countries, including the U.S.

"The U.S. now consistently refers to the mutual defense treaty when talking about the West Philippine Sea," he told VOA by phone. "Governments in the Western world have come in a very strong way and some of this support is becoming material. [These countries] are now talking about joint patrols and there are also discussions about how high the Philippines would climb on the list of countries that will receive international military assistance."

Following the incident Sunday, the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the U.K. all released statements to condemn China's behavior near the Second Thomas Shoal. The U.S. State Department said the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia "violated international law by intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation."

Testing Washington's resolve

Despite the statements of support from allies, Koh in Singapore thinks the U.S. needs to fulfill its promises of offering support to the Philippines through concrete actions because China is likely to keep testing Washington's red line.

"If the Americans don't seem to be doing more than what they are doing now, it may signal incorrectly to the Chinese that they are succeeding in pushing the envelope," he told VOA. "The Chinese will likely push it even further. The Americans have to be concerned about their credibility."

While Beijing has been increasing its aggression near the disputed reefs in recent months, Koh thinks China is not prepared to use forces against the Philippines.

"The ramming and water cannon are common tactics used by the Chinese, and we are not seeing signs of a full-fledged escalation," he said, adding that Beijing's calculation will depend on Washington's response.

But as both Beijing and Manila are doubling down on their efforts to defend their territorial claims, with the Chinese coast guard imposing blockades to disrupt the Philippines' resupply missions and the Philippine military force deploying larger vessels to escort the mission, some analysts fear that the two sides are locked in a "spiraling escalation."

"Over the past few weeks, both China and the Philippines are pressured to double down on their actions, and they are locked in this spiral of escalation, which is very hard to untangle," Justin Baquisal, a Manila-based geopolitical analyst, told VOA by phone.

Instead of simply challenging the Philippines' determination to stick to its current approach, Baquisal thinks Beijing is ultimately testing Washington's resolve. "China is deliberately doing this to see if the U.S. is willing to open up a third front of its conflict," he said, adding that these attempts are stretching Washington's logistics thin.

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Machado Leads in Venezuelan Presidential Primary

By VOA News October 23, 2023

The early returns of Venezuela's presidential primary indicate Monday that former legislator Maria Corina Machado is the opposition winner who could face off in 2024 against President Nicolas Maduro who has been in office since 2012.

Election results were delayed due to technology issues, authorities say, and are still being counted.

Machado was widely expected to win the primary. Whether she is allowed to run against Maduro remains to be seen.

Before the election, Maduro reached an agreement, backed by the U.S., for some basic elections conditions that resulted in in the U.S. lifting some economic sanctions imposed on Venezuela.

While Maduro's government agreed to let the opposition choose its own candidate for the election, Maduro has also barred Machado from running for office.

He can reverse the ban on Machado's political activities which he said were due to alleged tax and fraud violations.

Venezuelans were eager to vote Sunday, braving heavy rains and standing in long lines.

Thousands of Venezuelans living in other countries were also able to cast their votes for their opposition choice.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 17 - 23 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". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

Israel said it had dropped 6,000 bombs on the Gaza Strip since Hamas's attack on October 7, nearly matching the number of bombs the US used in Afghanistan in one year. The HAMAS had reportedlly fired about 7400 rockets at Israel. The group said it launched 5,000 rockets in the initial barrage. Israels military said 2,500 rockets were fired.

At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes in Gaza on October 7, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said. Of those, 2,055 were children, and 1,119 were women. Another 15,273 people were wounded in the strikes, the ministry said. About 1,500 people across Gaza were believed to be buried under the rubble, most of whom are martyrs, according to spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip, including 720 children according to health authorities. IDF said it was holding 1,500 bodies of HAMAS terrorists. The Occupied West Bank saw 95 killed and 1,650 wounded, while Israel numbered 1,405 killed and 5,431 wounded. At least 307 Israeli soldiers had been killed since war started.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have updated to 222 the number of people held hostage by the militant group Hamas since its deadly October 7 attacks. Israeli authorities announced that they had arrested about 800 Palestinians after the start of Al-Aqsa Flood, including 500 members of the Hamas movement. The number of prisoners in the occupation prisons reached more than 6 thousand detainees after the escalating arrest campaigns since the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, including about 50 female prisoners, and more than 1,600 administrative detainees.

Israeli stockpiles of Iron Dome munitions are dwindling as Hamas and Hezbollah fire hundreds of rockets daily, reviving US interest in augmenting production, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified US Army and industry officials. The newspaper said that a US production line would help Israel restock its arsenal for future conflicts, but it would take months to get started.

The Iron Dome is the last layer of defense in Israels three-tiered system for shooting down projectiles, drones, and enemy aircraft. The Israeli-developed system and its Tamir interceptor missiles are built largely with Pentagon funding under a partnership between Haifa, Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and US defense contractor RTX Corp.

RTXs Raytheon Technologies unit already makes around 70% of components for the Tamir in Arizona, and the companies announced plans in 2020 to build a new US factory for assembling the interceptor missiles. However, the project didnt go forward after the US Army chose a US-developed missile defense system in 2021, opting against using the Iron Dome. The competing system was reportedly deemed a better fit for potential conflicts in Asia-Pacific, where it would need to intercept faster missiles over longer distances.

The WSJ said that the latest war in Israel may trigger enough demand for the munitions to justify US production of the interceptors. Israel already operates ten Iron Dome batteries, and the Pentagon reportedly agreed earlier this month to give the country two Iron Domes that the US Army purchased three years ago, along with more than 200 Tamir missiles.

Iron Dome batteries  consisting of multiple mobile launchers, a radar, and a control system that identifies threats  are designed to defend an area of nearly 60 square miles. While the US Army opted against the Iron Dome, the US Marine Corps plans to acquire 44 launchers and 1,840 Tamir interceptors. Media reports suggest that each missile costs around $50,000.

Haaretz newspaper said that the Israeli army informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the wars goals required a ground operation in the Gaza Strip , while Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant vowed that the ground attack would be deadly. The Israeli army believed that it was necessary to make a land incursion into the Gaza Strip to achieve the war goals set by the political level, even at the cost of deaths among the ranks of the army, which was awaiting Netanyahus approval.

The newspaper pointed out that the Israeli political level had previously directed the army to destroy the military and authoritarian capabilities of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and create a new security reality in the Gaza Strip. The newspaper added that some members of the General Staff believed that ground entry will put pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement to return the kidnapped people, while sources in the military establishment stated that they sensed hesitation at the political level of Netanyahus government regarding the continuation of the war, which security officials viewed as Lack of confidence in the Israeli army and its ability to achieve the goals set by the government.

For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant vowed to launch a deadly attack from land, sea and air, after inspecting an area near the coast of Gaza, telling the forces to remain prepared for the attack because it will happen, according to a statement issued by his office. This came in light of reports of a possible ground operation soon and disagreement over calls for its postponement, as former Israeli National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror said to the official Kan channel, There is no harm in delaying the ground entry. Every day that passes is to our advantage, and at the expense of Hamas, and as time passes, we need less air power in Gaza, and it is possible to transfer it to the north (south Lebanon).

Other reports also quoted officials close to Netanyahu repeating the message that it is better to wait to enter Gaza, due to fears of a war breaking out with the Lebanese Hezbollah , and perhaps the entire region. However, this was accompanied by what was reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority that soldiers from special units in the Israeli army have been conducting training for days, on how to storm tunnels in preparation for the ground operation in Gaza and the confrontations with Hamas fighters in what is known as the Metro, which is an underground tunnel network in which the fiercest confrontation is expected to take place.

Military and strategic expert Elias Hanna said that after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood , Israel decided to carry out a ground operation in the Gaza Strip , during which it would control a limited part of the Strip, but achieving this depends on several factors. He added - in exclusive statements to Al Jazeera Net - that calling the operation that Israel intends to launch on the Gaza Strip the word invasion is very large, and the best thing is to implement a limited ground operation, because the invasion has a military goal and has political dimensions and requires means, a political decision, and international cover. It took a long time and a very big sacrifice.

The ground operation - according to the Israeli mind and logic in both the political and military senses - must be proportional to the magnitude of the results of the Al-Aqsa Flood. Regarding whether Israel is ready for such an operation, the military expert said, In my opinion, if this is done, it will be a ground operation with limited objectives and limited geography. This operation must be proportionate - according to the Israeli mind and the logical mind in both the political and military senses - with the magnitude of the results of the Al-Aqsa Flood in a way that makes Israel say, I have achieved what I must achieve, and not as happened in 2014 or 2009. There must be a balance between action and reaction, otherwise the Israeli operation does not take on its military meaning.

Hanna pointed out that talk about the ground operation appeared after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about it two days after the start of the escalation, and also recently the Israeli army spoke about its details that it would take place in 3 stages: The first is the destruction of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ). And the human and military infrastructure it owns. In the second stage , the occupied areas and spaces are cleaned by eliminating what are called remaining pockets and sleeper cells. As for the third stage, a security and political system is created in which Israel is not responsible for the security of Gaza, nor even for its economic and social aspects.

As to coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in order to hand over to it the file of administering the Gaza Strip after the ground operation, Hanna said, I rule out such a thing because the Authority is not accepted in the West Bank, let alone in Gaza? This is first, and secondly, there is no authority that coordinates in advance with Israel to assassinate the Palestinian people yet. If it has lost absolute legitimacy, and thirdly, the Authority is unable to manage the Palestinian issue in the West Bank, so how can it manage it in an area that will be afflicted? He added that the Palestinian Authority may be an auxiliary factor or a designated player within a multilateral system supervised by the United Nations or the League of Arab States.

the fate of the resistance brigades depends on the outcome of the ground military operation. Will it really eliminate all pillars of the state? Because Hamas has in the military leadership Muhammad al-Deif , and in the political leadership Yahya al-Sinwar , and others; Hamas is an organization and structure that resembles a state. It has a military system and a military industry, it has military deployment, it has command and control, and it has a general budget as well.

The degree of Israeli success determines the role of Hamas in the future - as Hanna says - because there is always a principle, which is that Israel loses if it does not win, and Hamas also wins if it does not lose. That is, it is enough for Hamas to continue in the absolute for it to succeed and rebuild itself in the long term, because Hamas fighters take off their military uniforms and engage among civilians, and with time they reorganize themselves.

Hanna said, "Israel does not necessarily control the entire Strip, as it considers it divided into two parts: northern and southern. Therefore, it asked the Palestinians to go to the south. The south does not pose a threat to Israel because it considers the Gaza Valley region and its environs important to it, as it believes that the region Beneath Al-Shifa Hospital contains tunnels and houses Hamas's core leadership elements.

The military expert mentioned that there are several obstacles facing Israel, the most important of which is the human element, given the huge population density that Gaza contains. There is also the issue of the time that Israel needs to achieve its goals in this operation, as well as the size of the losses it is incurring, and to what extent the international cover for Israel will continue to carry out this operation.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Hamas movement, had previously confirmed that the occupations threat to engage in a ground aggression against our people does not intimidate us, and will be a new opportunity to hold it harshly accountable for the crimes it commits against us, as reported by the media.

The Al-Qassam Brigades released a video clip directed at Israeli soldiers entitled This is what awaits you when you enter Gaza. The video shows Al-Qassam fighters emerging from the tunnels from underground, armed with their weapons, before attacking Israeli army tanks, destroying some of them, atop others, capturing the Israeli soldiers in them, and returning them to the tunnels from which they emerged.

An official source in the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), said that the anti-tank missiles dropped by resistance drones are one of the most important reasons for the delay in the Israeli ground attack. The source indicated that their information indicated that Israeli field commanders refused to enter the Gaza Strip without finding a practical solution to the anti-armor shells that were dropped by resistance marches, and they asked the Israeli army leadership to find urgent solutions to this matter, according to his description.

According to the Al-Qassam source, the Israeli army leadership assigned the combat means development department in the ground arm to provide urgent solutions for every tank and troop carrier that will enter the Gaza Strip, for fear of exposing the army leadership to future accountability in this regard. The ground arm of the Israeli army had been observed using an iron mesh tent over the tanks and troop carriers gathered around the Gaza Strip.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian called on the international community to take a common position that would send a clear message to Israel of the need to stop attacks against the Palestinians. Abdullahian stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and preventing the forced displacement of the residents of the Strip. He said that what is happening in Gaza is a war crime, expressing his deep regret for what is happening in the Palestinian territories. He added that if Israel made the mistake of launching a ground attack on Gaza, it would be stuck in a quagmire that it could not get rid of. He also said that Iran considers resistance a legitimate right for the Palestinians and does not intend to expand the circle of conflict in the region, and stressed that his country will continue its political, media and legal support for the Palestinian people.

Military expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi considered that sending the United States new military reinforcements to the region aimed to deliver a firm message of deterrence, pointing out that with these reinforcements, the region will witness the largest concentration and spread of American weapons since Operation Desert Storm that took place in early 1991. Al-Duwairi explained - during a military analysis of the current developments - that his description of this message as firm comes from the fact that sending these reinforcements means they can be used, and this matter reflects the US administrations expectation of the worst scenarios that the conflict could take during the coming period.

The Pentagon had previously announced the strengthening of its military deployment in the region in the face of the recent escalation by Iran and its proxy forces, as US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system and additional Patriot air defense batteries throughout the region, and informed the forces of Additional information may be published soon. The United States sent a large naval force to the Middle East in the past few weeks, which included two aircraft carriers, their accompanying ships, and about 2,000 Marines.

Al-Duwairi pointed out in his analysis that since the start of the war 17 days ago, an escalation has occurred every day, but it is gradual and controlled, which can be read as an implicit agreement on rules of engagement based on the fact that every action has a reaction equal in distance, if not equal in strength, as this happens. A balance in the quality of bombing and depth of distance.

In this context, he pointed out that the bombing on the northern front of the occupied territories initially targeted a depth of two kilometres, then increased to 5, then 8, and finally reached 20 kilometres, as the Lebanese Hezbollah responded by sending a plane that reached this depth after similar targeting by the Israeli forces.

Multiple US media reports said the Biden administration had called on Israel to delay a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to buy time for hostage negotiations and to allow more humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinians. The New York Times quoted senior US officials as saying that the release of two US hostages by the Hamas Islamic group spurred the administration to more urgently suggest that the Israelis allow time to negotiate the release of 212 other hostages.

Israel meanwhile denied the reports. The New York Times quoted an Israeli Embassy official in Washington as saying, "We have a close dialogue and consultations with the US administration. The US is not pressing Israel in regards to the ground operation."

Biden confirmed that there can be no talk about discussions about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas before the release of all those detained by Hamas. "The hostages should be released, and then we can talk," Biden said in response to a question about whether he supported a similar ceasefire.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller warned Monday that a ceasefire would give Hamas the ability to rest, recover, and prepare to continue launching attacks against Israel. Miller confirmed in a press conference that the United States is working separately to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, while US envoy David Satterfield is working to ensure the provision of aid.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he expected the bloc's leaders to support a call for a truce in order for aid to enter. He added after talks with the foreign ministers of the continental bloc in Luxembourg, "I believe that the leaders will support the idea of a humanitarian truce to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid that would allow the displaced to find shelter."

France called for a humanitarian truce, which might lead to a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions, stressing that it is "a friend of Israel and the Palestinians." French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told parliamentarians in Paris that distributing aid requires a humanitarian truce that could lead to a ceasefire, and called for the Rafah crossing to be opened to allow new aid to pass through.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to arrive in Tel Aviv on 24 October 2023, where he is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The leftist opposition parties were demanding the lifting of the siege on Gaza, in addition to a ceasefire, as the Palestinian issue is a particularly sensitive topic in France, as some leftist parties have historically defended the issue of the Palestinians in general and the residents of Gaza in particular.

Israel cannot defeat Hamas "through military force alone," said Benzi Sanders, Jerusalem program director at EXTEND, a human rights NGO working in the region. Sanders stressed that he is not a pacifist. He argued, nevertheless, that even though Israel needs to "fight and defend itself against Hamas and against terrorism," that was not enough. "I think that in order to defeat Hamas, we need to create hope for a future where Palestinians and Israelis live together side by side," he said.

Sanders argued that the current Israeli government, as well as previous governments, "have been completely committed to the idea that there will be no coexistence between Israel and Palestinians in a Palestinian state or Palestinians with equal rights." "They want to prevent the Palestinian state, and we've turned our backs on Palestinians who are willing to make compromises, who are willing to work toward the future," he said.

A third convoy of humanitarian aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing from Egypt. More than a dozen trucks were in the convoy. Just 20 trucks carrying supplies like food and medicine were allowed in on the first day, and another 14 trucks entered Gaza the next day, but the number of trucks still remains insufficient to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the enclave, according to aid workers. The UN has said that at least 100 trucks are needed daily to meet the needs of Gaza's 2.4 million inhabitants, more than half of whom have been forced to flee their homes. Before the crossing opened, more than 200 trucks carrying 3,000 tons of aid had been waiting nearby for days.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the few dozen trucks that had entered the besieged strip were "not enough" and that EU ministers would discuss a humanitarian cease-fire. "Personally, I think that a humanitarian phase is needed in order to allow the humanitarian support to come in and be distributed, seeing that half of the population of Gaza has been moving from their houses," Borrell told reporters in Luxembourg, where the meeting is taking place.

Israel's deepening attacks in Gaza for what it has called the "next stage of the war" are likely to embroil more regional military forces, such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, in the conflict which has lasted for more than two weeks, as well as increase the spillover risk and escalate anti-Israeli sentiment around the world, Chinese experts predict, as the Cairo Peace Summit aimed at de-escalation ended without a breakthrough.

An escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza could see the US bogged down in another crisis in the Middle East, Chinese experts said, as the US is sending additional air defense systems to the region and helping Israel to down missiles and drones. As Washington is drawn deeper into the conflict, its attention on the Asia-Pacific strategy may be diluted, experts said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the security situation for Israel may worsen very quickly. If the war crimes against the Palestinians are not immediately stopped, other multiple fronts will open and this is inevitable, he said. The Iranian diplomat later doubled down, warning the US and Israel that, if they do not stop mistreating the Palestinians, anything is possible at any moment and the region will go out of control. Amir-Abdollahian added that further escalation would have far-reaching repercussions.

Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat warned that the military is ready to eliminate the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah and strike Iran if they open up a northern front in the current conflict. The plan of Iran is to attack Israel on all fronts. If we find they intend to target Israel, we will not just retaliate to those fronts, but we will go to the head of the snake, which is Iran, Barkat told The Mail on Sunday. He added the ayatollahs in Iran are not going to sleep good at night if they move against Israel.

Barkat warned that Lebanon and Hezbollah, which is backed by Tehran, are going to pay a heavy price, similar to what Hamas is going to pay. Israel would go after the heads of Iran if necessary, the minister said. Israel has a very clear message to our enemies. We are saying to them, look what's happening in Gaza  you are going to get the same treatment if you attack us. We are going to wipe you off the face of the Earth.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 18 - 24 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". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

The New York Times said in an editors note that it published news of an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City, leading its coverage with claims by Hamas government officials that an Israeli airstrike was the cause and that hundreds of people were dead or injured. The report included a large headline at the top of The Times website.

The Timess initial accounts attributed the claim of Israeli responsibility to Palestinian officials, and noted that the Israeli military said it was investigating the blast. However, the early versions of the coverage  and the prominence it received in a headline, news alert and social media channels  relied too heavily on claims by Hamas, and did not make clear that those claims could not immediately be verified. The report left readers with an incorrect impression about what was known and how credible the account was.

The Times acknowledges, Given the sensitive nature of the news during a widening conflict, and the prominent promotion it received, Times editors should have taken more care with the initial presentation, and been more explicit about what information could be verified.

As Max Boot wrote in The Washington Post, The Hamas-controlled Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza immediately blamed the blast on an Israeli airstrike and claimed that 500 civilians had been killed. This breaking news was immediately, and credulously, picked up by Western news media. (BBC alert: Hundreds of people have been killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital in Gaza, according to Palestinian officials.)

The United States publicled shared its initial intelligence assessments while also sharing more detailed findings with key governments. "We have gone out and shared analysis with a lot of our partners around the world," a senior U.S. intelligence official told reporters late Tuesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident. "Thus far it's been fairly robust in terms of what we've been able to provide," the official added. "I suspect we will be updating it and sending additional information out as we move forward."

It is unclear, at this point, how much of an impact the intelligence sharing is having. "One of the things that our diplomats have asked is that the intelligence community do more to lay out our thinking," the senior official said. "There has been intense interest in the hospital explosion and conflicting accounts about what happened," a second senior U.S. official told VOA. "The U.S. government has worked to be able to share as much information as we could in the interest of transparency."

The tactic of declassifying and sharing this type of sensitive intelligence is increasingly part of the U.S. playbook. U.S. officials used it most notably in the lead-up to Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Since then, however, the U.S. has used what the White House calls "strategic downgrades" to counter Chinese claims about a spy balloon that traversed much of the United States and to defuse a potential crisis in Mali.

In the case of the explosion at the Ahli Arab Hospital, U.S. intelligence officials believe there is compelling evidence to exonerate Israel. Based on information culled from a variety of sources, including satellite imagery, data on missile activity and intercepted communications, as well as publicly available video and images, U.S. intelligence officials concluded with "high confidence" that Israel was not responsible for the hospital explosion.

"There are two primary reasons," said a second U.S. intelligence official, who like the other officials, spoke on the condition of anonymity. "The first is what we see when we look at the blast effects," the official said. "The damage at the hospital is consistent with what we would expect to see from a rocket and inconsistent with the larger craters and broader blast effects that we would expect to see were this an airdrop munition or an artillery round. "The detonation of the warhead resulted in only light structural damage at the hospital," the official continued. "There was no observable damage to the main hospital building, no large impact craters, only light damage to the roofs of the two structures near the main hospital building. And both of them remained intact."

The second reason for high confidence that Israel was not involved, according to the official, comes from videos that captured the launch and explosion, from four different angles. Based on two of the videos, U.S. intelligence determined the rocket was launched from within the Gaza Strip, traveling in a northeasterly direction. Then, about 10 seconds into the rocket's flight, the motor starts having trouble and becomes unstable. "We can tell that in part based on the fluctuating intensity of the rocket's plume," the official said. Five seconds later, the videos show a flash  "our assessment is that that is the rocket motor failing," the official said, and five seconds after that, one object hit the ground followed by a second, a few seconds later, resulting in a large explosion. "Our conclusion is that there was a catastrophic motor failure that likely occurred which separated the motor and the warhead," the official said. "The warhead landed in the hospital compound."

Gaza's health ministry said the explosion killed about 500 people. But U.S. officials told VOA news last week that they assessed the number of deaths was likely between 100 and 300, with the actual death toll likely on the lower end of the scale. Officials said getting a more accurate count will likely be difficult and cast doubt on the ability of Hamas authorities to keep track of casualties given that they themselves "are struggling to function at this point in time."

U.S. intelligence officials likewise pushed back on some theories, popular on social media, that seek to blame Israel for a Palestinian rocket falling in Gaza, including claims that the rocket was shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system. "Our understanding is that the Iron Dome would not intercept a rocket that was still burning," the U.S. intelligence official said. "Their SOPs [standard operating procedures] are that they would have to calculate where it's likely to go. And until that rocket has finished burning through its propellant, it's not going to be clear exactly how far it's going to go."

And the officials backed up Israeli claims that the failure rate for Hamas rockets is high. Israel in recent days has said that on Oct. 21 alone, as many as one in five Hamas rockets failed, hitting Gaza instead of targets in Israel. One area in which U.S. intelligence was still trying to get clarity is the question of who fired the rocket that ended up striking the Ahli Arab Hospital. The current U.S. assessment pointed to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian militant group, as the most likely culprit. But officials say they have "low confidence" in the finding because it is based, in part, on an intercepted communication between other militants thought to be part of Hamas.

"They themselves are speculating about who's responsible," the U.S. intelligence official said, adding the audio examined by U.S. intelligence is different than audio circulated by Israeli officials last week, which has been subject to criticism. "There is additional audio that was passed to us by the Israelis that has been carefully vetted and determined to be authentic communications of Palestinian militants. The language patterns have been evaluated and determined to be authentic," according to the official.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad has denied it launched the rocket that fell on the Ahli Arab Hospital. But U.S. officials counter that, using geolocation techniques and other data, they are confident the rocket that caused the damage was fired from Gaza and suffered a catastrophic failure, causing the warhead to land by the hospital.

"This issue is not closed for us," said the senior U.S. intelligence official. "If we get additional information that would point in a different direction, we would report that out, as well."

Israel said it had dropped 6,000 bombs on the Gaza Strip since Hamas's attack on October 7, nearly matching the number of bombs the US used in Afghanistan in one year. The HAMAS had reportedlly fired about 7400 rockets at Israel. The group said it launched 5,000 rockets in the initial barrage. Israels military said 2,500 rockets were fired.

More than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes, Gazas health ministry said, the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel began a bombing campaign to crush Hamas militants who stunned the country with a deadly October 7 attack. Israel said it had killed dozens of Hamas fighters in the overnight strikes on the besieged enclave but said its war to destroy the Palestinian group would take time.

At least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes in Gaza on October 7, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said. Of those, 2,360 were children, and 1,119 were women. Another 15,273 people were wounded in the strikes, the ministry said. About 1,500 people across Gaza were believed to be buried under the rubble, most of whom are martyrs, according to spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip, including 720 children according to health authorities. IDF said it was holding 1,500 bodies of HAMAS terrorists. The Occupied West Bank saw 95 killed and 1,650 wounded, while Israel numbered 1,405 killed and 5,431 wounded. At least 307 Israeli soldiers had been killed since war started.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) updated to 222 the number of people held hostage by the militant group Hamas since its deadly October 7 attacks. Israeli authorities announced that they had arrested about 800 Palestinians after the start of Al-Aqsa Flood, including 500 members of the Hamas movement. The number of prisoners in the occupation prisons reached more than 6 thousand detainees after the escalating arrest campaigns since the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, including about 50 female prisoners, and more than 1,600 administrative detainees.

Simon Teasdale, a foreign affairs commentator for the British newspaper The Guardian, said in an article in the newspaper that the children of Gaza are being killed, maimed, and traumatized hour by hour, while the leaders of our countries fail to intervene, adding that what is happening to these children represents a problem for all human beings, and everyone should not look away.

He added that the mental health of Gaza's children under the age of 18, who constitute 47% of the Strip's population of 2.2 million people, has been in crisis for years, adding that 4 out of every 5 children say they suffer from depression, sadness, or fear, which is a sharp deterioration compared to a study issued in 2018. A 2022 report on the negative psychological effects of the "chronic war on the minds of young people" stated that more than half of Gaza's children are contemplating suicide and 3 out of every 5 suffer from self-harm.

He stressed that they will ask who killed their brothers, sisters, parents, and friends and why they did it, and they will ask what the world did to stop the killing, and they will be haunted by bitter memories of blood and tears, and they will demand justice, and some, like many before, will take matters into their own hands wherever they can.

Fighter jets attacked dozens of infrastructures and various gathering points of Hamas in the neighborhoods of Sajaiya, Shati, Jabaliya, Darj Tafah and Zeytun. As part of the extensive operation to negate Hamas' capabilities, the IDF attacked dozens of armed Hamas operatives who were preparing to launch rocket fire and other terrorist acts towards the Israeli rear. In addition, an IDF aircraft attacked an operational tunnel shaft used by Hamas which allowed the operatives quick access to the beach, and during the night IDF aircraft also attacked operational headquarters used by Hamas operatives and assembly points of the terrorist organization located inside mosques.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), announced that a naval force of its fighters was able to infiltrate the beaches of Zikim, south of Ashkelon , and clash with the occupation forces, while the Israeli army announced that it had killed a number of infiltrators. The Al-Qassam Brigades said that a force of "frogmen" was able to "infiltrate by sea and land on the beaches of Zikim , south of occupied Ashkelon, and armed clashes are now taking place with the occupation army in that area."

Al-Jazeera correspondent Elias Karam said that this sea penetration may be the largest by the resistance since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, which also witnessed the infiltration of resistance fighters to Zikim Beach, northwest of the Strip. Sirens sounded twice in the settlements of Zikim and Karmiya as reports of the infiltration continued. The reporter pointed out that previous infiltration operations were carried out by a few members of the resistance, but the number of infiltrators this time appears to be large, according to Israeli media reports.

For his part, an Israeli army spokesman announced that the infiltration operation at Zikim Beach had been thwarted, and said that his forces were still combing the area, but he did not reveal details regarding the size of the operation and the number of participants in it. The spokesman said that Palestinian naval commandos infiltrated through a tunnel into the sea and then to Zikim Beach. Israeli Channel 12 said that at least 10 militants were killed by Israeli naval fire, while Channel 14 said that clashes were still continuing in the area.

The forces of the Sea Arm located a terrorist cell of the terrorist organization Hamas that left through a tunnel shaft on the beach in the Gaza Strip and tried to penetrate into Israeli territory in the Zikim area through the sea. The forces of the sea arm, in cooperation with the air force and the northern division of the Gaza division, attacked the terrorists, and prevented their arrival at the beach. Fighter jets and naval forces attacked in the Gaza Strip the shaft from which the terrorists came out and the weapons warehouse used by the terrorists.

IDF naval forces spotted the Hamas terrorist cell exiting a tunnel on the Gaza Strip coast and attempting to infiltrate Israeli territory via the sea, near Zikim. Israeli Navy, IAF and ground forces struck the terrorists and thwarted their infiltration attempt. IDF fighter jets and naval soldiers struck the tunnel and weapons warehouse used by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Israeli naval forces targeted a cell of divers belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization attempting to infiltrate Israeli territory by sea in the area of Kibbutz Zikim. IDF fighter jets struck the military compound from which the terrorists departed in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF asked the residents of the Zikim and Karmiya settlements to stay in shelters, which indicates the continuation of combing operations in a circle with a diameter of about 6 kilometers, an area where the army deployed large forces in recent days as part of its preparations to launch a ground attack on the Gaza Strip. The reporter added that reports from the area indicate the possibility that a number of members of the Qassam force succeeded in penetrating to a depth of 3 or 4 kilometers and clashing with the IDF soldiers.

The Palestinian resistance carried out heavy missile strikes, targeting Greater Tel Aviv and the towns extending to its north, east, and south, according to what the Israeli army approved. Israeli media reported a number of casualties as a result of these strikes, which also included Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli Channel 12 said that a missile attack hit at least two homes in the Alfei Menashe settlement in the northern West Bank.

An Israeli strategic analyst stated that Israel and the United States will fight the same war together for the first time, so Washington asked Israel to wait before launching a ground attack on Gaza , explaining that the Israeli government and army know that without this partnership there will be difficulty facing a multi-front war.

Writer Ron Ben Yishai pointed out in an article published by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper that the Israeli army was ready for a military incursion into the Gaza Strip, but was asked to wait for two reasons: the first was an attempt to release the prisoners who had become an international issue, and the second was against the backdrop of attacks from Yemen, Iraq and Syria, which he understood. Among them is that the Americans have become part of a broader battle, and they are asking Israel to wait until their naval forces and missile batteries are deployed in the region.

Ben Yishai saw that the combat situation of the Israeli army in all the battlefields witnessed a noticeable improvement. In the south, the Israeli army stands ready for a ground intervention after the completion of the training, in parallel with intense air raids that will reduce ground losses, while collecting intelligence information regarding the prisoners, and the goal is to be able Who struck the leaders of the organizations and their infrastructure in the least possible time and losses.

As for the north on the Lebanese border, he believes that estimates indicate that there is no interest for the Iranians or Hezbollah at this stage to risk the destruction of Lebanon, just to relieve pressure on the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in Gaza, as he put it.

Washington was asking Israel to wait on the issue of entering Gaza until the preparations are completed and the extent of the success of the mediations to release the prisoners and detainees in Gaza is considered, and here the administration of US President Joe Biden made it clear to Israel that the issue of the prisoners is not Israeli . Only, and therefore Israel cannot decide alone according to its assessments of its interest, because the talk is about detainees who hold foreign nationalities - American or other - and here Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees with this justification, unlike a number of his ministers.

As for the division of roles, it is simple: Israel confronts enemies on its borders, while America directs the war against Irans agents, or against Iran if it decides to enter the war itself, and for this purpose the Americans sent task forces and two aircraft carriers to operate in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Gulf. He explained that the Iranians understood a week ago that this was a division of labor, and therefore they asked their agents to be active in Yemen through the Houthis , as well as in both Iraq and Syria, and the goal was to harm American ships and soldiers throughout the Middle East.

the Americans correctly expected that they would be in the midst of a regional war in which they would defend their forces and Israel, and it is clear that Washington expects that this battle will expand in conjunction with the Israeli entry into the Gaza Strip, so America asked Israel to wait until the deployment of ballistic batteries of the type THAAD is in the area, and has deployed the aircraft carrier Eisenhower, which is expected to arrive there within days.

Zaher Jabareen, Vice President of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in the West Bank and responsible for the movements prisoner file, said that every prisoner who is not a Zionist is a guest of the Al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of the Hamas movement) and of our Palestinian people. He eats what we eat and drinks what we drink, and the conditions to which we are exposed, they are exposed. He added - in exclusive statements to Al Jazeera Net - that the Israeli occupation has a law called Hannibal, which means killing the hostage or prisoner with his captor, and it is trying to kill all the prisoners held by our people. Whether they were foreigners, Israelis, soldiers or civilians, and indeed it was announced that the occupation killed more than 20 prisoners held by the resistance.

The official responsible for the prisoner file in the Hamas movement indicated that there are contacts and negotiations from several parties demanding the release of the prisoners, whether Zionist or non-Zionist, and we say that this is in the name of the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and it is national security for the movement and there is no need to detail it through the media , but The principled position is that the non-Zionist prisoners are our guests and the conditions in the field are what prevent their release.

But after the Al-Aqsa Flood operation - Jabareen adds - we have the yield that enables us to release all Palestinian prisoners without exception, and without the classifications that the occupation was trying to put in any previous negotiations, and we are determined to release all our prisoners from among our Palestinian people and from All Palestinian factions. This is not only a Palestinian national achievement, but an achievement for the Arab nation and for the free people of the world as well, he stated.

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy stated that his forces are prepared for the possibility of the fighting expanding to include other arenas near and far, stressing the necessity of bringing about a radical change to the security reality of the Hebrew state. Halevy said in statements to reporters near the Gaza Strip border: The IDF and the Southern Command have prepared specific offensive plans in order to achieve the goals of the war... which, as defined by the Israeli government, are to dismantle Hamas and restore security to the residents of the State of Israel, in addition to making maximum efforts. Efforts to return the kidnapped people.

He added: We recommend that Hamas treat the Israeli citizens it holds hostage with respect, noting that this is necessary and has to do with the serious treatment that the Israeli army will provide to Hamas. It will regret the war it launched against Israel, and has even begun. You already regret it. He continued: "Let me put the dots on the letters - the IDF is ready for the ground maneuver and we will make decisions with the political level regarding the essence and timing of the next stage."

Halevy said that at this stage of the war, "there are tactical and even strategic considerations that allow us more time to improve the extent of readiness to begin the next stage." He added: "We attack the Gaza Strip constantly and without stopping, by air and sea. With every passing minute, we intensify our attacks on the enemy to destroy more of its capabilities, eliminate terrorists and leaders, and collect more intelligence information."

Regarding the northern front, Halevy said, The Israeli army forces are deployed in the north with all their resolve and determination on the contact line, to immediately confront any targeting attempt by Hezbollah. He added: We are deployed with the utmost strength and are prepared and prepared for the possibility of the fighting expanding to include battlefields. Others near and far. He stressed that the events of October 7, which he described as unparalleled since the establishment of the state, require a radical change in the security reality, noting that there are some costs resulting from that, including those related to the period required to wage war. "All forces and energies have been mobilized."

An article in the American magazine Foreign Affairs stated that Israel's fight against the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) in Gaza will be difficult and costly. The article, written by David Kilcullen, an Australian author, counterinsurgency expert, and professor at Arizona State University, provided a summary of the aspects of urban fighting and the difficulties that Israel will face if it decides to invade Gaza .

The writer said that fighting in urban areas represents a difficult tactical dilemma for the attacker, as every room, corner, street, and rooftop must be secured before moving on to the next area, which requires huge amounts of forces and weapons on the ground, in the air, and at sea, and the results of this will be tested. The article points out that the wars that took place in this century in urban areas such as the Iraqi cities of Fallujah , Mosul , and Ramadi, the Philippine city of Marawi, and the Ukrainian cities of Bakhmut and Mariupol, took place in terrifying tactical conditions and included fierce fighting from room to room and in tunnels, which resulted in... Huge loss of life.

He added that Israel's attack, if carried out on Gaza, would be a land, air and sea attack, would require precise timing coordination, and would be slow and grinding. He said that given that military forces use long-range weapons, inland areas can increasingly be targeted by naval weapons, and land weapons can target ships at sea, and in this sense, the entire eastern Mediterranean will form a single regional theater, influencing and being affected by events on the ground in Gaza.

The article emphasizes that urban wars occur on land, in the air, and at sea. As for land, both soldiers and civilians participating in the fighting face severe physical and psychological challenges, as the feeling of constant danger, fatigue, constant threat from all directions, and the terror of combat affect the psyche and mentality of the fighters. Battles are usually confusing and short, and often include clashes with targets within close range, not more than 45 metres.

He pointed out that both Hamas and Israel possess some naval systems, as the Israeli Navy possesses fast attack boats in addition to warships and special forces, and the Israeli army has experience in urban warfare that it gained in Jenin in the West Bank in 2002, and southern Lebanon during the war with Hezbollah in 2006, and the Palestinian territories, and Hamas has elite units, which are naval commandos that led a naval raid on Zikim Beach in Israel on October 7, and seized a military base south of Ashkelon .

He says that the Hamas attack began as a shocking and sudden attack and was not expected to escalate into a costly and long-term battle, adding that the complex and dense urban environment in Gaza will make it difficult for ground forces to understand what is happening, and Israeli army planners will be concerned about the joining of regional players. Others, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or Iranian-backed militias in Syria, could create a multi-front war. This could prompt Israel to launch a pre-emptive strike on regional players before entering Gaza, but such a strike would be a high-risk gamble.

The article adds that the ground campaign in Gaza entails strategic risks, as the destruction of property, the killing of civilians, and the expulsion of residents, which many consider ethnic cleansing, may harm Israels moral legitimacy and reputation and lead to imposing a cessation of political attacks regardless of military progress on the ground, as happened in the Battle of Gaza. The first Fallujah in Iraq in 2004, when a political decision was issued to stop American soldiers and marines. The strategic impact of the loss of moral legitimacy will be severe for Israel and its allies, including the United States.

The writer expected that Israeli efforts to encourage civilians to leave Gaza through official crossing points or designated humanitarian corridors would not succeed entirely, based on what happened in Marawi in the Philippines and Mosul in Iraq, as fighters in the two cities prevented civilians from leaving. The article also noted that Hamas has developed a dense network of defenses in Gaza, including a tunnel system about 483 km long. This underground war, especially in the tunnels near the coast, will be a difficult aspect of the battle, and robotic weapons such as drones could help. In cleaning the underground passages, the intervention of soldiers with weapons, sensors and night vision devices will be necessary to get rid of such tunnels.

In the wake of Hamass Al-Aqsa Flood'' operation, Israeli officials, journalists, and international media have launched a well-coordinated, multi-pronged information operation. As a result, fake news, however bizarre, spread by Israeli officials, journalists and social media influencers, which were then repeated by international media agencies without being verified. One of the most jarring claims that Hamas beheaded 40 babies in Israel spread like wildfire, but as it was debunked, the White House and CNN journalists issued a corrigendum.

Tech Companies like Meta and X, formerly Twitter, are playing a pivotal role in countering the Palestinian narrative by blocking content and deleting pro-Palestinian accounts. The biases of international media outlets were evident in several patterns of coverage. For example, BBC used the term "killed" when reporting on Israelis, all the while, using the term "death" or "died" when reporting on Palestinians killed by the Israelis.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been marked by a wave of disinformation. Russia has been active in spreading disinformation about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Russian state media, Telegram channels and officials have largely blamed Israel for the latest violence. The conflict in Gaza plays to the Kremlin's advantage by reinforcing anti-U.S. sentiments in the Global South and diverting attention from Russia's actions in Ukraine. Some Russian media figures and officials have described Israels actions in Gaza as an act of genocide against the Palestinian people. The unprecedented amount of fake information about the conflict circulating online has created fertile ground for Russian propaganda.

The Israeli economic newspaper, Calculist, revealed a document that it said was secret, revealing a plan to displace the residents of the Gaza Strip to the Sinai Peninsuls. It said that Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamaliel strongly supports this plan and that she recommended transferring the residents of Gaza to Sinai at the end of the ongoing war. The Hebrew newspaper explained that Gila Gamliel recommended, through an internal document, a firm course for the forced displacement of Gazas residents.

The newspaper added that although Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi publicly opposed this plan and explained that this plan would make Sinai a base for launching attacks against Israel, which could drag Egypt into a war against Tel Aviv and threaten the peace agreement between the two countries, the Israeli minister is determined to implement the plan and displace the population. Gaza after the end of the war.

The document obtained by the Hebrew newspaper bears the logo of the Ministry of Intelligence and is used in internal discussions between Israeli government ministries. This document was not supposed to reach the public, but it was leaked to a group that is currently establishing a Jewish movement calling itself Settlement Headquarters - Gaza Strip, as this group seeks to restore Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip.

Calcalist said it was likely that the document, which probably would not influence government policy, was written to support the nascent Jewish movement and its goals. The Gamaliel document ostensibly addresses three alternatives for the post-war period, but the alternative that will lead to positive, long-term strategic results is the transfer of Gazas citizens to Sinai.

The step includes three stages: establishing tent cities in Sinai, southwest of the Gaza Strip, establishing a humanitarian corridor to help residents, and finally building cities in northern Sinai. At the same time, a buffer zone several kilometers wide will be created inside Egypt south of the border with Israel, so that evacuated residents cannot return. In addition, the document calls for creating cooperation with the largest possible number of countries so that they can receive and absorb Palestinians displaced from Gaza.

The document, which the Hebrew newspaper was reluctant to publish publicly, revealed the names of the countries to which the residents of Gaza are expected to be transferred as well, which are Canada, European countries such as Greece and Spain, and North African countries, among other countried.

The Israeli Misgav Institute for National Security Research and Zionist Strategy revealed the finest details of the anticipated Israeli plan to displace the entire population of the Gaza Strip to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The institute published the plan through a study entitled The final resettlement and rehabilitation plan in Egypt for all residents of Gaza: economic aspects.

Published in Hebrew on the organizations website, the paper was authored by Amir Weitman, an investment manager and visiting researcher at the Institute who also leads the libertarian caucus of Israels ruling Likud Party. The study included several main points on which Israel relies to displace the residents of Gaza to Egypt. The most important of these points is exploiting Egypts economic crisis by displacing these Palestinians to Sinai in exchange for huge material concessions.

According to the plan, there is a unique and rare opportunity to completely evacuate the Gaza Strip in coordination with the Egyptian government, as there is a need for an immediate, realistic and sustainable plan for the resettlement and humanitarian rehabilitation of the entire Arab population in the Gaza Strip in Sinai, which is well compatible with the economic and geopolitical interests of Israel, Egypt and the United States. United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

French President Emmanuel Macron proposed that the international coalition fighting against ISIS in Iraq and Syria be widened to include the fight against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron stressed that France and Israel share terrorism as their common enemy, but gave little detail on how the US-led coalition of dozens of countries could be involved. The coalition fighting ISIS was formed in September 2014 and has supported local partners to deliver the military defeat of Daesh in Iraq and Syria and works to advise, assist and enable them, including with reconnaissance and intelligence.

France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas, he told reporters, referring to ISIS and promising not to leave Israel alone. Macron also warned against the risks of a regional conflict, stressing the fight against Hamas must be without mercy but not without rules. Thirty French citizens were killed by Hamas militants in their attack on southern Israel on October 7. The French president, who met families of French victims at Tel Aviv airport, said freeing nine French hostages was the first priority for France. They must all be freed, he said.

Macrons ability to influence events in the region appears limited by what some analysts said was a shift towards a more pro-Israel Anglo-American line, in contrast with the traditionally distinctive and more pro-Arab French Gaullist approach. Frances soft power south of the Mediterranean has considerably faded, said Karim Emile Bitar, a Beirut-based foreign policy expert at French think tank IRIS. Were under the impression that nothing distinguishes France from other Western countries now, he said.

Makes no sense at all, says Heiko Wimmen, the project director of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon at the International Crisis Group, referring to the Israeli and American insistence on drawing comparisons between Hamas and Daesh. Hamas might be best compared to the Irish Republican Army (IRA), which fought a decades-long armed struggle against the British government, Unlike Daesh, which instigated Muslims to revolt against their governments, Hamas does not aim to create discontent among the Jews in Israel. Instead, Hamas wants stateless Palestinians to join its fight against the Israeli occupation. Distinctions between Hamas and Daesh are not limited to their ideological differences, according to Wimmen. There are also serious political differences, he says. Hamas participated in elections and won. They did not come to power by the force of arms. Daesh does not even recognise the principle of political representation, leave alone elections, says the Beirut-based political analyst.

Wimmen says there are also other differences between Hamas and Daesh. Hamas emerged from the society it rules over and has social roots. It strives to win legitimacy rather than impose submission. Daesh was a foreign force that imposed itself on society by brutal force. It made violence into a spectacle to rule through intimidation, says Wimmen. For Daesh, violence is/was at the core of its ability to rule.

Hamas has no record of international terrorism of the sort that Daesh pointedly encouraged around 2015, says Ibrahim Moiz, a political analyst who has closely observed armed movements. The identification and equivocation of Hamas with Daesh is not only absurd, but relies on a wilful suspension of memory that effectively erases thirty or so years of Hamas' existence among Palestinians, while incidentally trivialising the very real nihilistic brutality of Daesh, Moiz said.

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Rapid Response Mechanism Canada detects Spamouflage campaign targeting Members of Parliament

Global Affairs Canada

News release

October 23, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:

"The Government of Canada maintains the strength and resilience of Canada's democratic institutions through vigilance, including by monitoring the digital information environment for threats, such as foreign interference.

"Global Affairs Canada's (GAC) Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Canada has detected a 'Spamouflage' campaign connected to the People's Republic of China. Beginning in early August 2023 and accelerating in scale over the September long-weekend, a bot network left thousands of comments in English and French on the Facebook and X/Twitter accounts of Canadian Members of Parliaments (MPs).

"This campaign targeted dozens of MPs from across the political spectrum and spanning multiple geographic regions of Canada, including the Prime Minister, the leader of the Official Opposition, and several members of Cabinet.

"All parliamentarians have been made aware of this campaign and have been provided with advice from the Rapid Response Mechanism on how to protect themselves from foreign interference as well as information on how to report suspected foreign interference activity.

"Parliamentarians affected by this "Spamouflage" campaign have been offered a briefing by the Rapid Response Mechanism on the findings of the report. It has also been made clear to them that nothing observed in this activity represents a threat to their safety, or that of their family.A A

"These spam comments claimed that a critic of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Canada had accused the various MPs of criminal and ethical violations. The Spamouflage campaign also included the use of likely "deepfake" videos, which are digitally modified by artificial intelligence, targeting the individual.A

"Spamouflage is a tactic that uses networks of new or hijacked social media accounts to post and amplify propaganda messages across multiple platforms. RRM Canada's analysis suggests that the bot-network could be part of the well-known Spamouflage network which has been publicly reported on by technology companies (such as Meta and Microsoft) and threat intelligence experts (such as Graphika), who have connected the activity to China.

"This tactic has also been studied and publicly reported on by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) which informed RRM Canada's assessments.A

"Global Affairs Canada has proactively engaged the affected platforms, and notified them about the Spamouflage activity, resulting in much of the activity and network being removed.A

"RRM Canada assesses the goal of this operation was likely to:

Discredit and denigrate the targeted MPs through seemingly organic posts, alleging impropriety, by posting waves of social media posts and videos that called into question the political and ethical standards of the MPs, using a popular Chinese-speaking figure in Canada; and

Silence criticism of the CCP by getting MPs to distance themselves from the critic and discouraging wider online communities from engaging with them.

"Democracies rely on access to diverse and reliable sources of news and information. Disinformation undermines free speech, hinders open public debate and erodes trust in democracy. Located at GAC, and established at the 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix, RRM Canada leads the G7 RRM and supports Canada's efforts to counter foreign state-sponsored disinformation. To provide transparency and accountability to Canadians, RRM Canada is an important mechanism that monitors the digital information environment for foreign state-sponsored disinformation and provides open source data analytics about threats to democracy.

"The Government of Canada will continue to uphold the strength and resilience of our democratic institutions by monitoring the information environment and shining light on threats against democracy."

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Australian Prime Minister Heads to Washington for Key Security Alliance Talks

By Phil Mercer ctober 23, 2023

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travels Monday to the United States for a four-day visit, hoping to make progress on the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.

Australia's formal security ties with the United States date to the early 1950s.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra Monday that "the alliance between Australia and the United States is central to Australia's foreign policy."

His official visit to the U.S. will include Albanese's ninth meeting with President Joe Biden in the past 16 months.

The Australian Prime Minister said he will hold talks with members of the U.S. Congress about the legislation that's needed to ensure the progress of the AUKUS alliance. Australian media have reported that some U.S. lawmakers have significant concerns about the pact.

AUKUS is a trilateral accord announced in September 2021 with the United States and Britain that would give Australia access for the first time to nuclear-powered submarines.

It is estimated the agreement could cost Australia up to $244 billion and is widely seen as a counter to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kevin Rudd is Australia's Ambassador to the United States and a former Prime Minister.

He told the Australia Broadcasting Corp. Monday that the AUKUS partnership would be a key part of Albanese's visit to Washington, along with talks on clean energy.

"Ensuring that all the relevant AUKUS legislation finds its way successfully through the U.S. Congress," Rudd said. "Two, broadening the economic relationship in information technology, defense technology as well as clean energy technology and beyond that again, to enhance our clean energy compact and new work together on critical minerals."

China has previously criticized the AUKUS accord, accusing the United States, Britain and Australia of going "down a dangerous road for their own selfish political gains a in complete disregard of the concerns of the international community."

Sunday, Albanese confirmed he would visit Beijing in early November to meet President Xi Jinping.

A dispute over Australian wine exports at the World Trade Organization has been suspended as both countries try to defuse long-running trade and diplomatic tensions.

China has agreed to review controversial tariffs on imports of Australian wine. In return, the government in Canberra is suspending its action in the WTO.

The tariffs were imposed in 2020 as bilateral relations rapidly deteriorated over various geopolitical disputes. Restrictions on other Australian commodities, including barley, have already been lifted. Albanese has taken a less confrontational approach to China than the previous conservative government he defeated in an election last year.

In Washington this week, Albanese will attend a state dinner and an Oval Office meeting with President Biden.

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Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, at the Brazilian side's initiative.

October 23, 2023

18:25

The rapidly deteriorating situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone was discussed in detail, with deep concern expressed for the growing number of civilian casualties and emphasis on the critical importance of rapidly achieving a ceasefire, evacuating foreign citizens from the Gaza Strip, and ensuring unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the enclave. Given Brazil's presidency of the UN Security Council this month, various aspects of joint work were considered, with a view to taking urgent and effective measures through the UN to de-escalate the crisis and meaningfully advance the peace process via the generally accepted international legal framework that provides for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state coexisting in peace and security with Israel.

During an exchange views on the Ukrainian issue, Vladimir Putin gave his fundamental assessment of the destructive policy of the Kiev regime and its Western patrons, and reaffirmed Russia's openness to dialogue provided Russia's stated terms are met by the Kiev authorities and new realities are taken into account. The President of Brazil, in turn, spoke in favour of finding ways to resolve the conflict by political and diplomatic means.

Both sides expressed the desire to continue closely cooperating within BRICS and the G20, in which Russia and Brazil respectively preside next year, as well as to develop mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in a multitude of areas.

It was agreed to continue contacts.

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Will Hong Kong's star shine again?

It depends on which way China's political winds blow, experts say.

By Elaine Chan for RFA 2023.10.22 -- A typical Friday evening in Mong Kok district comes to a hush before midnight. It is the new normal for a district once fused with the buzz and raw energy that was the essence of Hong Kong.

Yet, it is the old vibe that Hong Kong officials are aspiring to recover. In mid-September, the government launched "Night Vibes Hong Kong," involving night markets, food stalls, movie screenings and live music events over weekends.

Over the past 12 months, it has rolled out campaigns including a six-month program to bring tourists back and also gone on global roadshows to win back investors.

The effectiveness of the efforts remains elusive, despite Chief Executive John Lee's vow to a year ago in his maiden policy speech to go all out to draw back talent and businesses to a city battered by a stringent zero-COVID policy and Beijing's hardened grip.

Tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong was the mantra, he quipped.

As Lee prepares to make his second policy address this week, analysts say the good stories are few, and the issues that have eroded Hong Kong's unique competitiveness continue to chip away.

The city's international financial center and economic hub positions are crumbling under the weight of Beijing's tightened grip of the special administrative region where the "one country, two systems" principle is taking a new form under Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Hong Kong's major indicators - freedom, rule of law, international financial center status, international standards of practices, property market, stock market, government's financial reserves - are all on the decline, and it is a Hong Kong government problem," points out Lew Mon-hung, a businessman and former Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference committee member.

'Promoting Marxism'

To be exact, it's a problem stemming from Beijing, Lew says, because Hong Kong's progress and fate are intricately tied to China's continuous reforms as they have been the past four decades.

That path, however, has been stymied by the shift in political climate in the mainland, and the Chinese National People's Congress's passing of the National Security Law in June 2020 - bypassing Hong Kong's legislature - to quell months of anti-government protests.

"In China now, they are promoting Marxism - having gotten into the philosophy of struggle, wolf warrior diplomacy," which Lew says comes at the expense of economic and thought regressions.

These weighed on the "one country, two systems," China's constitutional principle to govern Hong Kong under a mini-constitution called the Basic Law, where the city is allowed freedom of assembly and speech, an independent judiciary and some democratic rights - except in the areas of diplomacy and defense.

"Beijing reckons that Hong Kong only needs to play an economic role after its return to Chinese rule," says Hong Kong current affairs commentator Johnny Lau Yui-siu.

"But Hong Kong people's view of the world is different from mainland China's political awareness and consciousness. And Beijing wants Hong Kong to align."

Hong Kongers, he says, are outward-looking, used to international practices, free flow of information and speech, unlike their Chinese counterparts who are restricted by the boundaries that the Chinese Communist Party had set.

As China stalls in its convergence towards international standards, Hong Kong became the by-product of that stagnation, Lau says.

The numbers add up

The numbers tell the same story. China's exports fell 14.3% and 8.8% in July and August respectively, while Hong Kong's fell 9.1% and 3.7%. The benchmark stock index has lost about 12% since the beginning of 2023 and Hong Kong's property prices are forecast to fall 5% for the year, according to a commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

The uncertainties that keep foreign investors guessing about where the political winds blow in China also reverberate in Hong Kong. China's crackdown on industries such as the technology sector, as well as its more recent position to let an indebted property industry go into a free fall, have done little to assure investors.

The latest annual survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai published in September showed that the percentage of U.S. firms optimistic about their outlook on China over the next five years slid to 52%, the lowest level since the annual report was introduced in 1999.

In Hong Kong, a member sentiment survey by the AmCham in Hong Kong released in March found that American businesses' three biggest challenges are U.S.-China tensions, a weakening global economy and the overseas perception of Hong Kong, a factor that was previously absent.

"If the HKSAR Govt can reassure international investors that the rule of law will prevail, and the NSL will not put their staff in jeopardy, it will go a long way. But it is at the moment delivering neither," says Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at SOAS University of London.

Rebuilding reputation

The chamber has urged Hong Kong chief Lee to provide "straightforward interpretations and applications" of the law in his upcoming policy speech. In its written submission in September to the public consultation for the policy address, the chamber wants Lee to reassure businesses that the law will be applied narrowly and be consistent with the principles of an independent judiciary.

The ramifications of the national security law, which criminalizes any act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign or external forces, have never ceased since it was implemented.

How the Hong Kong government has used the law to change the political and civic institutions in the city has alarmed a wide spectrum of the society. Opposition parties and media outlets were shuttered, while pro-democratic figures have either been arrested or have fled the city.

An earlier post-COVID reopening by longtime rival Singapore didn't help. Toeing Beijing's stringent zero-COVID policy was a death knell for Hong Kong as cross-border transactions and exchanges fell to a minimum.

"One of the most striking indicators that we've been looking at is really that the size of the labor force has shrunk quite significantly. A large reason for it has got to do with Hong Kong's handling of the pandemic," says Sheana Yue, China economist from Capital Economics.

The labor force has shrunk to 3.826 million, nearly the same size as it was in 2013, a decade ago.

Wooing investors

Hong Kong officials are traveling the world to woo investors and visitors, while introducing various programs to entice talents to the city.

The spokesperson attributed the city's disrupted talent inflow to travel restrictions during the pandemic between 2020 and early this year. The intensified global competition for talent didn't help.

"The various talent-related initiatives have received positive responses since implementation," the spokesperson said in an email response to Radio Free Asia.

General estimates are that at least 300,000 Hong Kongers have emigrated. Many of the Hong Kong diaspora are in the United Kingdom, Singapore and Taiwan.

"Taiwan sees Hong Kong's change as a big failure - a negative example," says Lau. "Mainland China knows that the 'one country, two systems' is no longer a model or draw, but it will still persist in it."

Policy address

In his policy speech on Wednesday, Lee is expected to announce the creation of an office to publicize Chinese culture, alongside plans for a Hong Kong anti-war memorial hall, all towards nurturing patriotism, according to reports in pro-government media including Sing Tao Daily and Hong Kong Commercial Daily citing people in the know.

Lee is also likely to give out HK$20,000 (US$2,556) to new parents with newborn children to persuade Hong Kongers to have children, as a counter to the emigration trend and an aging population.

The economy, flanked by the housing crisis, is also likely to hold center stage. In the weeks of run-up to the address, property agents and investors have called for a relaxation of measures that were implemented to curtail price hikes to revive a sluggish market.

Hong Kong has increasingly veered towards being subsumed into the Greater Bay Area, or the GBA - Beijing's strategy to promote development of a regional economic bloc that included Macau and nine Chinese cities in the southern Guangdong province.

"Xi made it clear he wanted Hong Kong to be part of GBA in 2017, but he didn't have time to see to it that this was implemented beyond superficially," says Tsang at SOAS.

"After the 2019 protests, Xi has required this to be implemented, so it has. On the current trajectory, Hong Kong's future is within the GBA - not what many or most people in Hong Kong would have liked."

Lau says it is only a matter of time before the gap between Hong Kong and China narrows, or even when the divergent political stances converge because the government controls the education system and information flow. "When it becomes all one single structure."

Meanwhile, the regular citizens are unimpressed with the various government campaigns to rejuvenate the Hong Kong spirit. Cosmetic, they concluded.

"Everyone says 'Night Vibes, Hong Kong' is a silly idea," says a Mong Kok resident who gave her name only as Wing. "Look, even the famous Women's Street, a former night market tourist destination here in Mong Kok, is dead."

Edited by Taejun Kang, Mike Firn and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content October not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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EXERCISE HARIMAU SHAKTI-2023" COMMENCED IN UMROI CANTT, INDIA - INDIAN & MALAYSIAN ARMIES PARTICIPATE

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 23 OCT 2023 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

Joint bilateral training exercise "Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023", between Indian & Malaysian Army commenced today in Umroi Cantonment, India. The Malaysian Army contingent comprises troops from 5th Royal Battalion of Malaysian Army. The Indian contingent is being represented by a Battalion of THE RAJPUT REGIMENT. Last edition of the Exercise was conducted in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in November 2022.

Ex Harimau Shakti, scheduled till 5th November 2023, will engage approximately 120 personnel from both sides. It is aimed at enhancing military capability for conduct of Multi Domain Operations in a sub conventional scenario. During the exercise, both contingents will establish a Joint Command Post & establish an integrated surveillance grid along with a Joint Surveillance Centre.

Both sides will rehearse employment of joint forces in jungle/ semi urban / urban environment. In addition, intelligence collection, collation and dissemination drills will also be rehearsed. The Exercise will also witness employment of Drones/UAVs & Helicopters. Two sides will also practice casualty management and evacuation drills. Both the contingents will discuss logistics management and practice survival training at the Battalion level.

The training will focus primarily on high degree of physical fitness, conduct of drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices with each other. The Exercise will culminate with a 48-hour long validation exercise in a semi-urban area.

"Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI" is aimed to enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and the Malaysian Army, which will also foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.

____________________________

SC/RSR/VKT



(Release ID: 1970076)

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October 23, 2023

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of Iraq

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for today's announcement reaffirming his government's full commitment to protect U.S. forces who are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government. U.S. and Coalition forces remain in Iraq in support of the Iraqi Security Forces to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS. This mission is critical for regional stability and security. The Secretary conveyed the importance of protecting U.S. and Global Coalition personnel and advisors, convoys, and diplomatic facilities from aggression and attacks.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3565812/

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Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel

October 22, 2023

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss developments in Gaza and in the surrounding region.

The President welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas's October 7 terrorist attack, which crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need. The leaders affirmed that there will now be continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza. The President expressed appreciation for Israel's support in helping to accommodate the release of two American hostages. The leaders discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas - including U.S. citizens -and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart.

The President and the Prime Minister agreed to stay in close touch.

###

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Junta sentences 7 men to death in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region

Seven more were charged under acts of terrorism.

By RFA Burmese 2023.10.23 -- Myanmar's military regime sentenced seven men in Ayeyarwady region to death, Pyapon township residents told Radio Free Asia over the weekend. Pyapon District Court issued the sentences on Friday, ordering another seven men to spend up to 55 years in prison in the country's southern delta.

The court found Wunna Tun, San Linn San, Kyaw San Oo, Thura Phyo, Tun Tun Oo and Aung Moe Myint guilty of murder. The junta accused them of killing two women who worked for Pyapon township's administration department, as well as of being members of local People's Defense Force, Black Dragon Force Pyapon.

On lesser charges, the district judge found Hein Thu Lwin, Win Myat Thein Zaw, Kaung Sithu, Kyaw Ko Ko, Zaw Myint Thu, Kyaw Thura and Ye Zaw Htet guilty under Counter-Terrorism Laws. Their charges included involvement in bombings and other terrorism-related activities. Their sentences ranged from five to 55 years in prison.

Authorities took the group to Pathein Prison in the region's capital and are keeping them isolated, sources close to their families told RFA.

"Yesterday, 15 prisoners appeared in court. But one man was able to leave because his order wasn't correct," a person close to the court said, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. "Fourteen people were sentenced. The cases are the same. Then they were sent to Pathein Prison. They are being kept in solitary confinement."

But their cases aren't over yet, he added. Officials are still processing additional charges.

The group is one of the largest sentenced to death since the 2021 February coup began. A secret military court in Insein Prison gave seven student activists from Yangon's Dagon University the death penalty on the same murder charge the Ayeyarwady men face.

RFA's calls to Ayeyarwady region's junta spokesman Maung Maung Than went unanswered.

Pyapon District Court also sentenced three men to death last month on accusations of murder as members of a People's Defense Force. The judge issued the verdict to Kyaw Moe Lwin and Win Htay, both from Bogale township, as well as Maubin township's Wai Yan Kyaw on Sept. 29.

Four residents from the Ayeyarwady region's Bogale township, including Zaw Win Tun, Naing Wai Linn, Min Thu Aung and Pyae Sone Phyo, were given the death penalty on Sept. 4 for allegedly killing a local woman.

The regime has sentenced a total of 156 people to death since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content October not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Justice Department Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against $300 Million Superyacht

Monday, October 23, 2023

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs



Complaint Seeks Forfeiture on Grounds of Sanctions Evasion and Money Laundering for Superyacht Amadea Owned by Sanctioned Russian Oligarch

The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of New York against the motor yacht Amadea - a 348-foot luxury vessel reportedly worth more than $300 million and beneficially owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov - which was seized in 2022 at the request of the United States.

Today's filing alleges that the superyacht was improved and maintained in violation of applicable sanctions against Kerimov and those acting on his behalf. According to the complaint, the Amadea is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering violations. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government, and proceedings involving this property and its claimants remain ongoing.

"The United States brings this action today after a careful and painstaking effort to develop the necessary evidence showing Suleiman Kerimov's clear interest in the Amadea and the repeated misuse of the U.S. financial system to support and maintain the yacht for his benefit," said Task Force KleptoCapture co-director Michael Khoo. "Getting to this point required extensive cooperation across the U.S. government and with foreign partners. It underscores our resolve to undertake challenging, cross-border investigations and to send a message to Russian oligarchs and their enablers: if you flout the rule of law, you can expect to pay real and meaningful consequences."

"The filing of this complaint exemplifies that the United States takes sanction evasion seriously and will use all tools at its disposal to ensure that sanctioned individuals are held accountable for their crimes," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. "I thank our partners with Task Force KleptoCapture as well as the dedicated prosecutors of this office for their important work holding Russian oligarchs responsible and aiding our allies in Ukraine."

According to court documents, on April 6, 2018, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Kerimov as a Specially Designated National (SDN) under IEEPA in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. In imposing sanctions, OFAC determined that Kerimov was an official of the Government of the Russian Federation. As alleged, Kerimov never sought a license from OFAC authorizing any transactions including any transactions in connection with expenditures related to the yacht. On or about Sept. 30, 2022, OFAC redesignated Kerimov as an SDN.

In September 2021, following Kerimov's designation by OFAC, Kerimov arranged to purchase the superyacht Amadea, contracting with the seller to receive use rights to the vessel even before he completed payment or obtained title to the vessel. Kerimov gained beneficial ownership of the vessel in or about September 2021 through a series of transfers between shell companies designed to conceal his ownership of the yacht. Beginning in October 2021 through its seizure, Kerimov and/or his family members took multiple trips aboard the Amadea, planned extensive renovations to the Amadea, made long-term plans for the Amadea's travel schedule, and assumed all liability and responsibility for the Amadea's upkeep.

During that time, individuals or entities acting on Kerimov's behalf accrued U.S. dollar-denominated costs for the Amadea's upkeep and sent or caused to be sent through the U.S. financial systems, payments in violation of applicable sanctions.

The Amadea is currently under the control of the U.S. government in San Diego, pursuant to a seizure warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which was enforced by a court order issued by the Republic of Fiji following a mutual legal assistance request from the United States. The United States is deeply grateful to the Fijian police and prosecutors whose perseverance and dedication to the rule of law made this action possible.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, and Task Force KleptoCapture co-directors Michael W. Khoo and David H. Lim made the announcement.

The FBI New York Field Office's Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force is investigating the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, as well as the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Embassy Suva, and the Diplomatic Security Service, provided valuable assistance and cooperation in this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mortazavi for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorneys Joshua L. Sohn of the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Andrew D. Beaty of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are litigating the case.

This case was coordinated through the Justice Department's Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia's unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the Department's tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards a judgment in favor of the United States.

Amadea civil forfeiture complaint

Topic: Asset Forfeiture

Components: Criminal - Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - New York, Southern

Press Release Number: 23-1,178





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Russian motorised rifle units eliminate mock enemy in mountains of Tajikistan

23.10.2023

Motorised rifle units of the Russian military base in Tajikistan eliminated mock enemy illegal armed groups in the course of the test firing drills at the Lyaur training ground.

According to the drills plan, the enemy took a sector of the terrain and assumed defensive positions. Motorised rifle units were tasked to leave the concentration area, launch an attack, and eliminate mock enemy illegal armed groups. BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers deployed in battle formation fired 2A42 30 mm automatic cannons and 7.62 mm Kalashnikov tank machine guns. Servicemen fired at targets imitating mock enemy light-armoured hardware and manpower.

Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle crews adjusted fire, as well as transferred the results of target engagement to the command post in real time.

For Reference:

The 201st military base in Tajikistan is Russia's largest military facility outside its borders. It is located in two cities - Dushanbe and Bokhtar. There motorised rifle, tank, artillery, reconnaissance, air defence, communications, radiation, chemical and biological protection units are deployed.

Press Service of the Central Military District

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Thailand Extends Visa-Free Visits for Russian Tourists

By Tommy Walker October 23, 2023

Starting next month, on November 1, Thailand will allow Russian tourists to stay visa-free for up to 90 days. The move comes as tourists from the country have had increasingly few options for travel, given Moscow's war on Ukraine, the impact of sanctions, travel restrictions, and a weakening ruble.

News that Thailand was extending visa-free stays from 30 to 90 days came late last week just before the country's Prime Minister Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing last week.

Thailand has already seen nearly one million tourists from Russia this year and tourism officials hope that the extension of visa free status will help boost the number coming to the sunny Southeast Asian country during peak season from November to March.

Few options

Igor Shchedrov is the general manager at Svoi Travel, a Thailand-based travel agency. More than half of his customers are from Russia.

"The rate for ruble, things are more expensive, like the flight tickets. They don't have a lot of choices for destinations when traveling because Europe closed [for Russian tourists]. They have some trouble with Visa and Mastercard, but now they can use UnionPay, a Chinese system, and a lot of customers pay by cash," he told VOA.

Shchedrov said the move will help boost business, but it may take time for word of the change to spread.

"They have a lot of fake news. Some people don't believe it is for 90 days," he added.

Olga Polyakova, a Russian tourist from Moscow, is currently in Phuket and admits that travel has become more expensive.

"Now there's not a good rate for the [Russian] ruble, and now really traveling to foreign countries is more expensive than before, but traveling is an important part of my life," she told VOA.

Despite sanctions, the Kremlin has continued doing business with Thailand. Thailand chose to abstain from a U.N. vote condemning Russia last year for its so-called annexation of four territories in Ukraine.

Last year, Thailand became a haven for Russian visitors, with many avoiding Moscow's military drafts to go and fight in Ukraine. But from what Shchedrov can see, the situation is different today.

"One year ago, we had a situation where ... a very high volume of people were running away from [military] mobilization. The first time was such a shock to the citizens of Russia, but now time has passed, they saw nothing happened, nobody catches them on the street [to be drafted]," he added.

Nithee Seeprae, the deputy governor for Marketing Communications at the Tourism Authority Thailand, told VOA the decision to expand Russian tourist visas was based on high demand.

"Most of them prefer to stay longer. So, to make it easy for everyone, we expanded the visa," he said.

Competition heats up

Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, said Thailand is trying to attract more Russian tourists because the region has become increasingly competitive.

"Russia will deliver around 1 million tourists to Thailand in 2023 and is a top 5 source market. But earlier this year, a lot of Russian tourists visiting Thailand also spent time in competitor destinations like Bali and Vietnam. Thailand hopes that by extending the welcome, more Russian tourists will spend more time [and money] exploring more of the country," he told VOA.

"Extending the length of stay for Russian tourists during the winter season makes sense. It shows how competitive tourism is becoming amongst Southeast Asian nations for the upcoming peak season," he added.

With peak season beginning in November, hotels in the popular holiday island Phuket are also already preparing for an influx of Russian visitors.

"At the moment we remain positive about the Russian market," Ranjeet Viswanathan, the director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, told VOA.

"The fact that Aeroflot has increased its number of flights to Phuket gives me hope that we will see a strong Russian market this winter, not only are they flying direct flights from Moscow to Phuket, but also from Novosibirsk, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok and Krasnoyarsk, twice a week," he added.

Strong ties

Increasing the length of stay for Russian tourists came before Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha met with Putin at the Belt and Road Initiative forum in Beijing last week.

Both discussed increasing trade and cultural ties between Thailand and Russia, while Srettha praised their "long-standing close relationship" and invited Putin for a visit to the Southeast Asian country.

But after Srettha posted a photo with Putin on X, formerly Twitter, it gained a mixed reaction on the social media platform.

Putin ordered Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine 18 months ago. Russia was then hit with western sanctions, something which has impacted the Russian economy while tourists overseas have been unable to pay using western payment services.

As for Thailand welcoming Russian business, experts say the relations between Bangkok and Moscow remain strong.

Mark S. Cogan, associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai University, Japan, told VOA that the 90-day visa extensions are "small potatoes."

"Srettha has to think about a larger picture, where Russian investment in tourism and agriculture, speed up bilateral trade and set up larger investments down the road through the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, which needs revival after a period of COVID-related disruption," Cogan said.

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Taiwanese iPhone maker targeted by Beijing

Some cite Beijing's concern that Foxconn's founder is dividing the Taiwan vote.

By Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.10.23 -- iPhone assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of Chinese in various provinces, is facing tax audits and on-site investigations, according to the Global Times.

On Sunday, China's state nationalist tabloid cited anonymous sources as stating audits were being carried out on key enterprises of the Taiwanese company, also known as Foxconn, in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces.

The paper also said the country's Natural Resources Department is conducting on-site investigations into the land use of key enterprises of Foxconn in Henan and Hubei provinces.

Some analysts, writing on social media called it yet another shot across the bow of U.S. business interests in China; others wrote that Foxconn founder Terry Gou was being warned to back off from his presidential ambitions, which threaten to divide the opposition vote in Taiwan and hand the elections to the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

But the Global Times dismissed conjecture that Foxconn is being investigated because Gou is running in Taiwan's January presidential elections, arguing that "Chinese mainland experts" described the investigations as "normal and legitimate, as any company goes through tax inspections."

The same report, however, noted that Gou shared his political stance with the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party, and his presidential run "is likely to further divide the island's opposition camp, and this will in the end favor secessionist ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate Lai Ching-te."

Beijing has severed all communications with the DPP, which it regards as a "Taiwan separatist party." It will have achieved an unprecedented third term if it wins the January polls under current Vice President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing particularly reviles for his past open support of Taiwan independence.

Lai has in recent years fallen into line with current president Tsai Ing-wen's "gently, gently" approach to diplomacy but has in the past referred to himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence."

Lai supported Hon Hai at a campaign event Sunday. "China shouldn't force Taiwanese companies to declare their position whenever an election is taking place," he said. "China should acknowledge Taiwanese companies contribute to its economy greatly."

Premier Chen Chien-jen said on Monday that the Taiwan government has been in touch with Foxconn and will help as necessary.

Hon Hai, which does the vast majority of its manufacturing in China, wrote in a filing to the Taiwan Stock Exchange Sunday that "legal compliance is the basic principle for the group's operations around the world," adding that it would "cooperate with relevant agencies" over the investigation.

Gou for president, Cook in China

Hon Hai founder Gou stepped down as Foxconn chief in 2019 after a sea goddess known as Matsu, or Mazu, allegedly whispered in his ear amid wafting incense that he should stand for Taiwan's presidency.

The precise number of followers of Matsu in Taiwan is unknown, but she has some 900 temples dedicated to her and she's widely revered as "Goddess of Peace of the Straits" and patron saint of fisherfolk and seafarers.

Gou's 2019 bid failed despite the celestial endorsement, but this year he was back and in August he announced he was entering Taiwan's 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate after again failing to secure the nomination for the Kuomintang party earlier this year, as was the case in 2019.

His entry to the presidential face-off now pits three opponents with broadly similar political and business leanings against a united DPP represented by Lai. Opposition supporters fear that if the three would-be presidents cannot do a deal, Lai is a shoe-in for president, which is Beijing's most feared outcome.

Meanwhile, despite his spiritual leanings, Gou cannot be underestimated in the world of technology.

Foxconn is Apple's leading assembly partner, and its chief assembly location, Zhengzhou in Henan Province provides so many jobs it's known colloquially as iPhone City.

In what may simply be a coincidence, Apple CEO Tim Cook arrived in Beijing on Friday - his second visit this year - where he declared support for "win-win collaborations" with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

The unexpected move came shortly after Beijing banned senior state employees from using Apple phones and disappointing sales of the company's new iPhone 15.

On Saturday, Cook met Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang. The two espoused a return to business as usual and a willingness to overcome controversies about national security and censorship.

Meanwhile, the Hon Hai investigations continue with next to no public knowledge as to why, although the Global Times quoted an expert who said that "while Taiwan-funded enterprises, including Foxconn, are sharing in dividends from development and making remarkable progress in the mainland, they should also assume corresponding social responsibilities and play a positive role in promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations."

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content October not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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New global surveillance aircraft begins UK trials

A new uncrewed RAF aircraft, capable of global surveillance operations, will begin trials in the UK this week.

23 October 2023

The first of 16 Protector aircraft arrive at RAF Waddington for test flights

Boosts RAF technology with unparalleled surveillance and strike capabilityA

Aircraft will undergo test flights until entering service in late 2024

The first of 16 remotely piloted Protector aircraft has arrived at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to commence a series of rigorous trials and tests before entering the RAF fleet.

Equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment, the Protector aircraft will bring a critical global surveillance capability for the UK, all while being remotely piloted from RAF Waddington.

It will be able to undertake a wide range of tasking including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counter terrorism and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.

With a wingspan of 79 feet, the uncrewed aircraft can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of more than 30 hours, enabling unparalleled surveillance and strike capability.A

The aircraft has been assembled by a newly reformed 31 Squadron who are preparing it for ground and air testing ahead of its anticipated in-service date later next year. 31 Sqn, which previously operated the Tornado GR4, will operate and maintain the aircraft at RAF Waddington. The squadron has a long history stretching back to 1915 and have operated multiple aircraft types in the last century. They are exclusively a Protector Sqn now and have been reformed to operate Protector as it enters Service. A

Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge MP said:

"The UK's world-class Protector aircraft will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities, ensuring we are ready to monitor and protect against potential adversaries around the globe.

"With the first aircraft at RAF Waddington ready to begin trials, we will once again demonstrate how we are spearheading military defence technology."A

The first phase of tests, beginning this week, will involve ground testing of the satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as take-off and landing trials. This will also incorporate a circuit above RAF Waddington.

In addition to accepting the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles currently undertaken by Reaper, which has provided exceptional service on operations around the clock for more than 15 years, Protector will be certified to stringent NATO safety and certification standards allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.

Senior Responsible Owner, Protector Programme Air Commodore Alex Hicks, said:

"The arrival of the UK's first Protector to the Royal Air Force is the culmination of years of work by many personnel across the whole of the MOD. The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Sqn, our test and evaluation experts, who will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Sqn will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service. This is an important milestone for the Programme, Air Force and wider defence and I am delighted to see Protector at RAF Waddington."

Head of Remotely Piloted Air System DE&S, Simon Holford said:

"The arrival of the first Protector system in the UK is a major milestone for the project.A It reflects all of the hard work that everyone involved has put in to reach this stage, and we are immensely proud of our achievements.A However, we can't rest on our laurels as there is much more to do.A Now assembled, this aircraft will be used to perform initial UK flight trials ahead of progressively delivering the capability to the RAF next year."

Arrival of 15 further aircraft from General Atomics in the US into the UK will be a phased delivery over the coming years. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.





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Russia Unleashes Fresh Wave Of Drone And Missile Strikes On Civilian Targets In Ukraine

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service October 23, 2023

Russia struck several civilian areas of Ukraine in a fresh wave of drone and missile strikes, causing victims among civilians and infrastructure damage, the Ukrainian military and regional officials said on October 23.

Eight civilian areas in the Donetsk, Kherson, Beryslav, Sumy, and Odesa regions were targeted in the latest series of Russian attacks that employed drones and guided missiles, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said.

In Donetsk, an infrastructure facility was hit and a fire broke out, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram, without giving specific details on the target and its location. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters from the emergency response services, Klimenko said.

He said that in Kherson and Beryslav, 14 missiles hit the villages of Tyaginka, Prydniprovske, and Mykilske, where one person was wounded.

Separately, Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces reported that nine Russian drones that attempted to attack infrastructure in the Black Sea port of Odesa were shot down early on October 23.

Debris from one of the downed drones damaged a warehouse building and caused a fire that was rapidly extinguished, the military said, adding that there were no immediate reports of casualties.

The attack by Iranian-made Shahed drones lasted for almost four hours, it said.

The Ukrainian Air Force said a total of 14 attack drones, including 13 Shaheds and one Kh-59 cruise missile, were destroyed above Ukraine overnight.

In the eastern Donetsk region, three civilians were killed over the past 24 hours, regional Governor Ihor Moroz said on October 23.

The deaths in Donetsk were reported a day after six postal workers were killed and 17 were wounded in a Russian missile strike on a postal distribution center in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.

Regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said the postal distribution center was located in the village of Korotych on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine won't leave such attacks unanswered.

"We will definitely respond to every manifestation of Russia's terror. And to this blow as well," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address.

While Russia continues to pound different Ukrainian regions with air strikes and artillery, the heaviest fighting is under way in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces are launching offensives on Avdiyivka, just 15 kilometers north of the Russia-occupied city of Donetsk, the largest military operation that Moscow has staged in months.

Avdiyivka had a prewar population of around 30,000 people, but it is estimated that only 1,600 still remain in the devastated city.

The industrial city's military administrator, Vitaliy Barabash, said the humanitarian situation for civilians is worsening as both evacuation efforts and aid deliveries are being continuously hampered by incessant Russian shelling of the only access road into the city.

"Very difficult logistics; the 22 kilometers to the city are constantly under fire -- both during the day and at night," Barabash told RFE/RL on October 23.

"It greatly complicates both evacuation and the delivery of humanitarian aid. All logistics depend on one road. Of course, the enemy keeps it constantly under fire," he said.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-drone-attacks- infrastructure-civilians-donetsk-kherson/32649613.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Statement by Russian Defence Ministry

23.10.2023

On 23 October at around 3.15 p.m., the Russian Armed Forces have foiled another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by fixed-wing UAVs at objects on the territory of the Russian Federation. One Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by alerted air defence systems over Belgorod region.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Andriy Yermak had a phone conversation with Director of General Intelligence Directorate of Jordan

President of Ukraine

23 October 2023 - 21:04

On the instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak held a phone conversation with Director of the General Intelligence Directorate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Major General Ahmed Husni.

The main focus of the conversation was on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the upcoming third meeting of national security advisors and diplomatic advisors to the leaders of states in Malta.

Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude for the participation of the Jordanian delegation in the previous round of consultations in Jeddah and invited Ahmed Husni to personally participate in the planned event.

The head of the President's Office and the Jordanian intelligence chief also exchanged views on events in the Middle East. They emphasized the necessity of preventing further escalation of the conflict and highlighted the importance of protecting the civilian population in the conditions of ongoing hostilities. The parties also underscored the importance of unhindered functioning of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian goods.



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Head of the Office of Ukraine's President had a phone call with National Security Advisor to President of South African Republic

President of Ukraine

23 October 2023 - 20:57

On the instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak had a phone call with National Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of South Africa Sydney Mufamadi.

Special attention was focused on the process of the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude for the active participation of the delegation of the Republic of South Africa in consultations of national security advisors in Copenhagen and Jeddah. Sydney Mufamadi, on his part, confirmed readiness to participate in the upcoming meeting, which will take place soon in Malta.

The interlocutors discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the necessity of making efforts to de-escalate the conflict, seek peace, and protect civilians. The importance of unimpeded functioning of humanitarian corridors for evacuation and ensuring stable humanitarian supplies was highlighted.





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Volodymyr Zelenskyy discusses implementation of Peace Formula, situation in the Middle East with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

President of Ukraine

23 October 2023 - 18:20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

During the conversation, the Head of State emphasized the importance of developing relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. The interlocutors discussed the implementation of agreements reached during their last meeting and coordinated future joint efforts.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for his personal efforts to make the Peace Formula meeting of national security advisors in Jeddah a success. The Ukrainian President invited the Saudi Arabian representative to participate in the next round of talks in Malta and noted the importance of the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in preparing for the Global Peace Summit.

The Head of State and the Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, discussed the situation in the Middle East. The President of Ukraine underscored the necessity of avoiding further escalation and the spread of war.

"I believe that we share a common view on the need for a peaceful solution. We are ready to work with our partners to save civilian lives," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.





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Newark, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 97.25 billion in 2022 global smart healthcare market will reach USD 318.62 billion in 2032. Applications for smart healthcare include electronic patient records, smart RFID drawers, smart syringes, smart medicines, and more. Smart Healthcare makes Advanced IT software and technology available to deliver better healthcare services. Benefits include better disease management, fewer medical errors, and better patient outcomes. Smart healthcare solutions use cutting-edge communication technologies that operate on digital, cloud-based, and smartphone platforms to give patients better care.



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Report Coverage Details

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 USD 97.25 Billion Market Size in 2032 USD 318.62 Billion CAGR 12.60% No. of Pages in Report 237 Segments Covered Application, Product Type, End-User Drivers Diffusion of IoT in Healthcare Opportunities The rising technological advancement Restraints The high cost of smart healthcare products



Key Insight of the Global Smart Healthcare Market



North America will dominate the market during the forecast period.



The availability of infrastructure with a high level of digital literacy and the government's supportive policies for implementing digital health are anticipated to fuel market expansion in this area. Additionally, it is anticipated that the availability of infrastructure with a high level of digital literacy and an increase in government regulations supporting digital health implementation will fuel market expansion in this area. In addition, the growing number of people living unhealthy lifestyles and suffering from chronic illnesses is contributing to expanding the market in this area.



The storage and inventory management segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 34.17% in 2022.



The application segment is divided into treatment, storage and inventory management, monitoring, and others. The storage and inventory management segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 34.17% in 2022.



The M-Health segment dominated the market, with a share of around 26.27% in 2022.



The product type segment is divided into electronic health records, telemedicine, M-health, smart RFID cabinets, RFID kanban systems, smart pills and syringes, and others. The M-Health segment dominated the market, with a share of around 26.27% in 2022.



The hospital segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 43.18% in 2022.



The end-user segment is divided into home care settings, hospitals, and others. The hospital segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 43.18% in 2022.



Advancement in market



A revolutionary chapter in healthcare history has begun with the formal opening of Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospitals (MASSH). MASSH sets out to transform patient care by fusing cutting-edge technology with humane therapy in a harmonic way. This cutting-edge hospital embodies a new benchmark for medical brilliance, paving the way for patients in India and abroad to have healthier and happier futures. Stepping away from the standard healthcare model, the hospital offers all patients and their families unlimited free Wi-Fi connection and smart, non-conventional billing, admission, and discharge processes available through an easy-to-use mobile app. A patient-centred approach combined with technology ensures smooth healthcare integration into contemporary life. With an emphasis on offering the best



For more information in the analysis of this report, visit: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/smart-healthcare-market-13538

Market Dynamics



Driver: Diffusion of IoT in Healthcare.



The market is anticipated to increase due to the widespread use of technology to track daily physical activity and promote health awareness. Additionally, the market is anticipated to rise faster due to the growing need for compact electronic gadgets that provide real-time information. Additionally, market expansion is anticipated throughout the projected period due to growing awareness of the numerous advantages of smart healthcare devices, including better patient care, virtual support, user-friendly systems, self-monitoring, etc. The market is expanding as a result of more investment projects as well as the integration of cutting-edge hardware and software in smart home healthcare.

Restraints: The high price of smart medical devices.



The high installation cost and users' lack of technical expertise are anticipated to impede market expansion.



Opportunities: The increasing technology advancement.



Businesses involved in the global market for smart healthcare goods could expect to benefit financially from the increasing technological innovations in the healthcare sector, such as the Internet of Things. Furthermore, by facilitating the sharing of electronic information across healthcare stakeholders, the growing technology breakthroughs in smart healthcare goods, such as cloud-based electronic records, also streamline and improve overall health operations. This aspect is anticipated to propel market expansion in the upcoming year.



Challenges: the lack of skilled workforce.



The lack of skilled and educated workers is impeding the expansion of the market. Technical know-how is lacking in most countries healthcare industries, which reduces efficiency and restricts the potential benefits of automation in the sector.



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Some of the major players operating in the global smart healthcare market are:



 Cisco Systems Inc.

 Abbott Laboratories

 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.

 International Business Machines Corp.

 Alphabet Inc.

 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

 General Electric Co.

 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

 Microsoft Corp.



Key Segments covered in the market:



By Application



 Treatment

 Storage And Inventory Management

 Monitoring

 Others



By Product Type



 Electronic Health Records

 Telemedicine

 M-Health

 Smart RFID Cabinets

 RFID Kanban Systems

 Smart Pills and Syringes

 Others



By End-User



 Home Care Settings

 Hospitals

 Others



By Region



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



About the report:



The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyses driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to gain critical market insight. The study includes Porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, Product analysis, supply and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/13538

About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirement whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



Contact Us



Avinash D

Head of Business Development

Phone: +1-315-215-1633

Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com

Web: http://www.thebrainyinsights.com
Dallas, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dallas, Texas -

Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C., a law firm based in Dallas, TX, wants to highlight the services offered by their criminal defense lawyers for individuals who have been charged of a criminal offense in Dallas and in the state of Texas. They are capable of handling all kinds of criminal cases. Some of the common types of criminal charges are: alcohol-related offenses, including DWIs and DUIs; juvenile offenses; drug crimes; jail release; weapons crimes; probation violation; theft-related crimes: white collar crimes; sex crimes; and violent offenses.

Chris Lewis says, A criminal conviction has the potential to destroy every area of your life. Fight for your lifes future happiness and defend your civil rights by partnering with a Dallas criminal defense lawyer. It is more than possible to get justice and beat a criminal charge with professional legal representation from a dedicated Dallas criminal defense lawyer at our law firm.

In Dallas, the court will inform the accused that they will be appointing a lawyer if they are unable to afford one. If the accused cant afford a lawyer, the court will then examine their income and expenses to determine if they qualify for a court-appointed lawyer or not. The court will also ask the accused if they plead guilty or not to the charges. Chris Lewis says, If you havent had time to consult with a defense lawyer regarding what to do, you may need to ask the court for more time. Its important to discuss the charges, defense to these charges, and the likelihood of you winning the case with your attorney. Only after discussing with an attorney should you enter a plea. More about this can be gleaned from https://www.lewisdefense.com/dallas-criminal-defense-lawyer/.

They advise those who have been arrested and accused of a crime to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as they are booked in jail. It is also important not to provide the authorities details aside from basic identifying information like ones name. This is vital because details stated may be used against the accused. If they insist on asking questions, it is advisable to simply request for the presence of ones lawyer. It is also advisable to be respectful and cooperate with their requests while asserting ones right to remain silent and get connected to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Chris Lewis explains, Once youve spoken with a Dallas criminal defense lawyer, you should be booked and released in the time between your arrest and your day in court. During this time, your lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong defense for your case.

Felony convictions have harsh legal penalties, including years in prison and substantial fines. They also want to emphasize that even misdemeanors can have negative impacts on the lives those who get convicted. Chris Lewis says, Many employers do care about misdemeanor offenses, and being convicted for one of these crimes in Dallas is a serious legal issue that can affect your job and career prospects.

Established in 2004, Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C. was founded by Christopher Lewis, who is often found in the list of the best trial lawyers in Texas. He is committed to ensuring that clients will be provided with seasoned, aggressive, and effective representation. He has been providing excellent results for many clients. He has earned the respect of clients, judges, and his peer due to his legal skills and ethics. He has already participated in approximately 300 jury trials during his entire career. He obtained his law degree from Baylor Law School after which he took on the role of an assistant district attorney for Dallas County, Harris County, and Williamson County. He later shifted to civil litigation and worked at one of the leading civil trial firms in Texas.

Those who are looking for a criminal defense attorney can visit the Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C. website or contact them on the phone or through email. The offices of Chris Lewis & Associates are located in the Comerica Bank Tower (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKVAxkbSy4tvkeji9).

###

For more information about Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C., contact the company here:



Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C.

Chris Lewis

(214) 665-6930

CLAssociatesLaw@gmail.com

Comerica Bank Tower

1717 Main Street, Suite 4625

Dallas, TX 75201
Newark, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 4.60 Billion in 2020 revenue assurance market will reach USD 12.26 Billion by 2030. A revenue assurance tool's main objective is to compare XDRs or CDRs from 2 different sources and determine whether all the records from the first system have been correctly transferred to the second system while taking into account the relevant business requirements. The revenue chain of a telecom institution often consists of a very intricate group of interconnected technologies and procedures that offer seamless services to the end user.



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Key Insight of the Revenue Assurance Market



North America emerged as the most significant market, with a 37.9% market revenue share in 2020.



North America dominated the market, with a market share of around 37.9% in 2020. A factor encouraging the market's expansion in this area is the existence of a robust telecom sector in nations like Canada and the US. Additionally, the improvement in the business climate and excellent customer service assistance keeps the market expansion in this region moving forward as well as supporting inventive ventures.



The cloud segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 12.27% over the forecasted period.



During the projection period, the cloud segment is anticipated to grow rapidly at a CAGR of 12.27%. It is because these solutions offer scalability & flexibility. Additionally, a paradigm shift from on-premise to cloud is expected to create a number of market possibilities in the years to come.



The software segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 65.23% in 2020.



In 2020, the software segment led the market, accounting for about 65.23% of the market. It is because highly adaptable and cutting-edge revenue assurance software is readily available.



The telecom segment dominated the market, with a market share of around 26.36% in 2020.



In 2020, the telecom segment led the market, accounting for about 26.36% of the market. It is because telecom fraud is becoming more prevalent. Additionally, revenue assurance's main goal is to protect telecom revenues by identifying revenue losses, tracking down the reasons of those losses, and then suggesting corrective measures.



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Market Dynamics



Driver: Rise of the subscription economy



The market for revenue assurance is being driven by the growth of the subscription economy. Additionally, as more users conduct real-time transactions, the requirement for revenue assurance solutions rises. Additionally, while sustaining revenue capacity, the revenue assurance solutions aim to increase organisational competence.



Restraint: Dearth of skilled persons and high cost of solution



One of the main factors contributing to the shortage of skilled workers may be the ageing of the labour force. Additionally, it might be difficult for businesses to monitor fraud transactions at an early stage, which can restrain the growth of the revenue assurance market.



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Some of the major players operating in the revenue assurance market are:



 Araxxe

 Accenture plc

 Amdocs

 Subex Limited

 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP

 Tech Mahindra Limited

 TEOCO

 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson

 International Business Machines Corporation

 Tata Consultancy Services Limited

 WeDo Technologies



Key Segments cover in the market:



By Deployment Model:



 Cloud

 On-premise



By Component:



 Services

 Software



By Vertical:



 Retail

 Telecom

 BFSI

 Healthcare

 Energy & Utilities

 Others



By Region



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



Purchase this report (Price 4700 USD for a single-user license) at: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/buy-now/12658/single



About the report:



The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyzes driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining critical insight into the market. The study includes porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, product analysis, supply, and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirement whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



Contact Us



Avinash D

Head of Business Development

Phone: +1-315-215-1633

Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com

Web: http://www.thebrainyinsights.com
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CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Arctic Energy Services Inc. (TSX: HWO) "High Arctic" or the "Corporation updates shareholders on previously announced reorganization, monthly dividend and the timing for its third quarter results.



Reorganization

The Corporation continues to research an alternative structure that will meet both the goals of strategic business management and governance concerns of shareholders. While the Corporation is optimistic about achieving a reorganization acceptable to shareholders, there is no certainty at this time.

Dividend Suspension

With the delay in the reorganization, the Corporation believes it is in the best interests of shareholders to preserve cash to maximize the opportunity to tax-efficiently return capital. The Corporation is weighing balance sheet strength in conjunction with the merit of a tax-efficient return of capital distribution up to a maximum of $38.2 million (75 cents per fully diluted share).

Accordingly, High Arctic is announcing it is suspending its monthly $0.005 per share dividend effective immediately as the Board of Directors is of the view that continuing the monthly dividend is no longer in the best interest of shareholders.

Timing of Third Quarter Results

High Arctic intends to release its 2023 third quarter results on Wednesday November 8, 2023 after markets close and has scheduled a conference call to begin at 10:00 am MT (12:00 pm ET) on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

The conference call dial-in numbers are 1-800-806-5484 or 416-340-2217 and the participant passcode is 6678175#. Participants joining from outside North America can find International dial-in numbers at: https://www.confsolutions.ca/ILT?oss=7P1R8009525114

An archived recording of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call ends by dialing 1-800-408-3053 and will remain available until December 31, 2023. An audio recording of the conference call will also be available within 24 hours on High Arctics website.

The Corporations Third Quarter Financial Statements and Managements Discussion & Analysis will be posted to High Arctics website and SEDAR after the results are released.

About High Arctic

High Arctic is an energy services provider. High Arctic is a market leader in Papua New Guinea providing drilling and specialized well completion services and supplies rental equipment including rig matting, camps, material handling and drilling support equipment. In western Canada High Arctic provides pressure control equipment on a rental basis to exploration and production companies.

For further information, please contact:

Mike Maguire

Chief Executive Officer

1.587.318.3826

1.800.668.7143

High Arctic Energy Services Inc.

Suite 2350, 3305th Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L4

website: www.haes.ca

Email: info@haes.ca
Austin, TX, USA, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled Smart EV Charger Market Size, Trends and Insights By Charger Type (Slow Charger, Fast Charger), By Connector Type (CHAdeMO, CCS, Others), By Level of Charging (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3), By Connectivity (Non-connected charging stations, Connected charging stations), By Application (Commercial, Destination Charging Stations, Highway Charging Stations, Bus Charging Stations, Fleet Charging Stations, Other Charging Stations, Residential, Private Houses, Apartments), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 in its research database.

According to the latest research study, the demand of global Smart EV Charger Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 25.75 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 35.47 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 123.04 Billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 27% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Smart EV Charger Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-free-sample/?reportid=32742

Smart EV Charger Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics

Increasing Electric Vehicle Adoption: The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is a primary driver of the Smart EV Charger market. As more consumers and businesses transition to electric mobility, the demand for intelligent charging solutions rises in tandem.

Government Initiatives: Governments worldwide are implementing policies, incentives, and regulations to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and the deployment of smart charging infrastructure. Subsidies, tax credits, and emissions reduction targets are common incentives.

Environmental Awareness: Rising concerns about climate change and air pollution are motivating individuals and organizations to choose electric vehicles and opt for clean energy sources for charging. Smart EV chargers play a role in promoting sustainability.

Technological Advancements: Ongoing advancements in charging technology, including faster charging rates and bi-directional charging (vehicle-to-grid), are enhancing the appeal of smart EV chargers. These technologies improve convenience and utility for EV owners.

Grid Integration: Smart EV chargers that can communicate with the electric grid enable demand response, load management, and grid stability. They help utilities balance electricity supply and demand, particularly during peak hours.

Fleet Electrification: The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets, including delivery vans, taxis, and buses, is driving the demand for smart charging solutions that can manage and optimize multiple chargers simultaneously.

Public Charging Networks: The expansion of public charging networks by governments, utilities, and private companies is boosting the accessibility and convenience of EV charging, supporting market growth.

Request a Customized Copy of the Smart EV Charger Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-customization/?reportid=32742

Report Scope

Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2023 USD 35.47 Billion Projected Market Size in 2032 USD 123.04 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 25.75 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 27% CAGR Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Key Segment By Charger Type, Connector Type, Level of Charging, Connectivity, Application, and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research.

(A free sample of the Smart EV Charger report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.)



Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following:

Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2023 updated report.

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About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research)

Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request.

Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2023

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(Please note that the sample of the Smart EV Charger report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.)

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Smart EV Charger Market: COVID-19 Analysis

Supply Chain Disruptions: The global supply chain for electronic components, including those used in smart EV chargers, experienced disruptions due to lockdowns, factory closures, and transportation restrictions. This led to delays in manufacturing and delivery of charging equipment.

Economic Uncertainty: Economic uncertainty and reduced consumer spending during the pandemic initially slowed down the adoption of electric vehicles and smart EV chargers. Consumers were more cautious about making significant investments in electric mobility.

Impact on Electric Vehicle Sales: The automotive industry, including electric vehicle manufacturers, faced challenges during the pandemic. Reduced vehicle production and sales had a direct impact on the demand for EV chargers.

Shift in Consumer Behavior: During lockdowns and travel restrictions, many consumers reduced their driving and, consequently, their charging needs. This temporary reduction in mobility affected the utilization of charging infrastructure.

Government Policy Changes: Some governments temporarily redirected their focus and resources away from electric mobility initiatives to address the immediate public health crisis. This, in turn, impacted the pace of EV charger deployment.

Home Charging vs. Public Charging: With more people working from home, the importance of home charging solutions increased. Some consumers delayed the installation of public chargers in favor of home-based charging solutions.

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Key questions answered in this report:

What is the size of the Smart EV Charger market and what is its expected growth rate?

What are the primary driving factors that push the Smart EV Charger market forward?

What are the Smart EV Charger Industry's top companies?

What are the different categories that the Smart EV Charger Market caters to?

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In the value chain, what role do essential players play?

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Key Offerings:

Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20232032

Market Dynamics  Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends

Market Segmentation  A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions

Competitive Landscape  Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors

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List of the prominent players in the Smart EV Charger Market:

AeroVironment Inc.

ABB

BP Chargemaster

ChargePoint Inc.

ClipperCreek

Eaton

GENERAL ELECTRIC

Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.

SemaConnect Inc.

Schneider Electric

Siemens

Tesla Inc.

Webasto

Others

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Browse the full Smart EV Charger Market Size, Trends and Insights By Charger Type (Slow Charger, Fast Charger), By Connector Type (CHAdeMO, CCS, Others), By Level of Charging (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3), By Connectivity (Non-connected charging stations, Connected charging stations), By Application (Commercial, Destination Charging Stations, Highway Charging Stations, Bus Charging Stations, Fleet Charging Stations, Other Charging Stations, Residential, Private Houses, Apartments), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20232032 Report at https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/smart-ev-charger-market/

Smart EV Charger Market  Regional Analysis

North America:

United States: North America, particularly the United States, is witnessing substantial growth in the Smart EV Charger market . Government incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, are encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and smart charging infrastructure. Several states are investing in public charging networks.

Canada: Canada is also experiencing growth, driven by government initiatives to promote electric vehicle adoption and expand charging infrastructure. Provincial incentives and partnerships with private companies are contributing to market development.

Europe:

Western Europe: Countries like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands are leading the European market. Favourable policies, strict emissions regulations, and government investments in charging networks are fostering growth.

Nordic Countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have embraced electric mobility with enthusiasm. These countries have a high density of charging stations and strong government support for EVs.

Eastern Europe: Eastern European countries are gradually developing their smart EV charging infrastructure, with a focus on urban areas and major highways.

Asia-Pacific:

China: China is the largest market for Smart EV Chargers, with extensive government support, substantial EV sales, and robust charging infrastructure. Chinas massive electric vehicle market drives the demand for both home and public charging solutions.

Japan: Japan is a mature market for electric vehicles and chargers, with a strong focus on technology and innovation. Japanese automakers and tech companies play a key role in this market.

South Korea: South Korea is witnessing growth in the smart charging segment, driven by the governments push for electric vehicles and investments in charging infrastructure.

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The Smart EV Charger Market is segmented as follows:

By Charger Type

Slow Charger

Fast Charger

By Connector Type

CHAdeMO

CCS

Others

By Level of Charging

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

By Connectivity

Non-connected charging stations

Connected charging stations

By Application

Commercial Destination Charging Stations Highway Charging Stations Bus Charging Stations Fleet Charging Stations Other Charging Stations

Residential Private Houses Apartments



Click Here to Get a Free Sample Report of the Global Smart EV Charger Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/smart-ev-charger-market/

Regional Coverage:

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Rest of North America

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

New Zealand

Australia

South Korea

Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Egypt

Kuwait

South Africa

Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

This Smart EV Charger Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to the following Questions.

Which Trends Are Causing These Developments?

Who Are the Global Key Players in This Smart EV Charger Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information?

What Was the Global Market Status of the Smart EV Charger Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Smart EV Charger Market?

What Is the Current Market Status of the Smart EV Charger Industry? What's Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What's Market Analysis of Smart EV Charger Market by Considering Applications and Types?

What Are Projections of the Global Smart EV Charger Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports?

What Is Smart EV Charger Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry?

What Is the Economic Impact On Smart EV Charger Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends?

What Are Market Dynamics of Smart EV Charger Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities?

What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Smart EV Charger Industry?

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Reasons to Purchase Smart EV Charger Market Report

Smart EV Charger Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors.

Smart EV Charger Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment.

This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market.

Smart EV Charger Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region.

The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled.

Extensive company profiles comprising company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players.

The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions.

Smart EV Charger Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain.

Reasons for the Research Report

The study provides a thorough overview of the global Smart EV Charger market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole.

Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth.

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What does the report include?

Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Smart EV Charger market analysis.

The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Smart EV Charger market is covered in the report, as well as those companies' strategic product development ambitions.

According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report offers comparable data for the important regions.

For each segment mentioned above, actual market sizes and forecasts have been given.

Who should buy this report?

Participants and stakeholders worldwide Smart EV Charger market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Smart EV Charger industry.

Managers in the Smart EV Charger sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Smart EV Charger market.

Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Smart EV Charger products' market trends.

Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans.

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Dublin, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Skull Clamp Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product, Application, Material, Accessories, End User" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The skull clamp market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,769.82 million in 2021 to US$ 3,250.70 million by 2028; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 9.1% from 2022 to 2028.







The market growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of neurosurgeries and a rise in the number of traumatic brain injuries. However, the surging number of injuries caused by skull clamps is hampering the growth of the market.



Skull clamps are cranial fixation devices used in spinal surgeries when rigid fixation is required. They are typically used for the fixation of the head and neck to limit patient movement during neurosurgical procedures. These devices can be used in open, critical, and percutaneous craniotomies. They are designed to enable optimal patient positioning for surgical access and intraoperative scanning.



Brain conditions are complex to identify, and ~20% of patients remain unaware of their symptoms. The use of robotics is becoming common in abdominal surgeries. The technology is further being explored for its potential use in minimally invasive brain surgeries. Robotic surgeries allow surgeons to perform complicated procedures with more ease, control, and precision than traditional ones.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on minimally invasive surgeries and improving surgical outcomes drive traction toward robot-assisted surgeries. Robots allow surgeons to venture deep into the brain through tiny incisions. After they are at the skull base, robots can effectively remove a tumor. Several government authorities and organizations are offering financial aid and platforms for researchers to improve brain diagnosis and treatment landscape.

The International Stroke Conference 2020 by the American Stroke Association emphasized using robots to treat brain aneurysms, as they could improve the precision of surgeries. Further, WPI Automation and Interventional Medicine Laboratory, together, have developed a steady hand-guided aneurysm clip applier that can provide high-precision motion while allowing neurosurgeons to maintain contact with a surgical instrument.

Force sensors are incorporated between the instrument and the robot; surgeons apply force on the instrument to guide the movement of connected robots. Tremor reduction, force scaling, and virtual fixtures are the features of robotic surgeries that can enable enhanced control. This aneurysm clip applier system was demonstrated at the CNS Conference in Denver, Colorado, wherein it received good participant feedback.



Thus, the acceptance of robotic techniques for treating neurological and brain diseases is expected to increase due to their ability to improve overall performance with greater flexibility, accelerated recovery, and high accuracy. Moreover, the techniques are expected to streamline workflows and processes, improve patient experience, and deliver superior surgical outcomes. Thus, advancements in robotics are likely to bring new trends to neurosurgery, impacting the skull clamp market in the coming years.

Companies Mentioned

Black Forest Medical Group

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp

Hill Rom Holding Inc

Eschmann Technologies Ltd

BD

TeDan Surgical Innovations

Barrfab Industria Commerce Import and Export of Hospital Equipment Ltda

Herbert Thailand Co Ltd

Medifa GmbH & Co KG

Micromar Industria e Com Ltda

Schaerer Medical AG

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 213 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1769.82 million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $3250.7 million Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.1% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Skull Clamp Market - Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology



4. Skull Clamp Market - Market Landscape



5. Skull Clamp Market - Key Market Dynamics

5.1 Market Drivers

5.1.1 Increasing Prevalence of Neurosurgeries

5.1.2 Rise in Number of Traumatic Brain Injuries

5.2 Market Restraints

5.2.1 Growing Number of Injuries Caused by Skull Clamps

5.3 Market Opportunities

5.3.1 Introduction of Technologically Advanced Products

5.4 Future Trends

5.4.1 Surgical Robot Innovation and Adoption

5.5 Impact Analysis



6. Skull Clamp Market - Global Analysis

6.1 Global Skull Clamp Market Revenue Forecast and Analysis

6.2 Global Skull Clamp Market, by Geography - Forecast and Analysis

6.3 Market Positioning of Key Players



7. Global Skull Clamp Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 - by Product



8. Global Skull Clamp Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2028 - by Application



9. Global Skull Clamp Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2028 - by Material



10. Global Skull Clamp Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2028 - by Accessories



11. Global Skull Clamp Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 - by End User



12. Skull Clamp Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2028 - Geographic Analysis



13. Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic on Skull Clamp Market



14. Company Profiles



15. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/od2eqe

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Tarrytown, New York, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA) is delighted to welcome otolaryngologist Fasil Mathews, M.D. to its West Side, Manhattan, NY office effective August 1, 2024.

Dr. Mathews graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also earned his medical degree. He then completed his otolaryngology residency at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Mathews has co-authored publications on a wide range of topics including HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer, and HIV infections and head and neck tumors.

Recruiting the next generation of physicians is critical to ENTAs growth strategy. As the nation faces a growing shortage of physicians, access to care in a timely fashion is becoming ever more challenging. Demographic shifts are driving demand for services, but the industry is struggling to keep pace given the dearth of qualified trainees entering the workforce. To ensure its patients continue to benefit from sustainable and reliable access to specialized medical services, ENTA continues to commit significant resources in identifying, attracting, and retaining top-tier clinical talent.

As part of the West Side clinical site, Dr. Mathews will join a team of esteemed colleagues, including otolaryngologists Eric Cohen, M.D.; Joseph Haddad, Jr, M.D.; Natasha Keenan, M.D.; Michael Shohet, M.D., F.A.C.S.; and allergist/immunologist Jennifer Toh, M.D.

In January 2025, Dr. Mathews will transition full-time to a brand-new office currently under construction in Forest Hills, Queens. This relocation will seamlessly integrate Dr. Mathews into ENTA's Forest Hills team, comprised of otolaryngologists Michael Alleva, M.D., Soha Ghossaini, M.D., and allergist/immunologist Rosalia Ayuso, M.D. He will be joined there by Kimberly Brownell, CCC-SLP.

Steven Gold, M.D., Vice President, and Chair of the ENTA Recruitment Committee remarked, " We are grateful we found a doctor who values patient-centric care like Dr. Mathews. He has a track record of putting the needs of his patients first, and we are excited to have him join our team. Dr. Mathews is a highly qualified physician with specialized expertise, and we believe he will be an asset to our practice and the community for years to come.

To learn more about ENTA, find a local office or book an appointment, visit www.entandallergy.com or call 1-855-ENTA-DOC.

About ENT and Allergy Associates LLP:

ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA) is the largest ENT, Allergy, and Audiology practice in the country, with over 300 clinicians practicing in over 50 clinical locations throughout New York and New Jersey. Each ENTA clinical office is comprised of world-class physicians who are specialists and sub-specialists in their respective fields, providing the highest level of expertise and care. With a wide range of services including Adult and Pediatric ENT and Allergy, Voice and Swallowing, Advanced Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Treatment of Disorders of the Inner Ear and Dizziness, Asthma-related services, Diagnostic Audiology, Hearing Aid Dispensing, Sleep and CT Services, ENTA Is able to meet the needs of patients of all ages. ENTA is also affiliated with some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including The Mount Sinai Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, Northwell Health, and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Each year ENTA physicians are voted Top Doctor by Castle Connolly, a true testament to the exceptional care and service they provide to their patients.

Attachment
Dublin, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In light of the recent warning letters published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Gulf States International, Inc. and Zhao Qing Longda Biotechnology Co. Ltd., concerning their lack of response to the FDAs requests for records, as reported in a recent news article, there has never been a more pressing time to understand and implement an effective internal audit system. Recognising the increasing necessity for stringent audit protocols, the "Audit Like the FDA - Effective Internal Audit Program" 2 day seminar has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Data Center Rack Market - Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global data center rack market is expected to reach a value of $3.14 billion by 2028 from $2.04 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%

The global data center rack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by collaborative alliances between data center operators and rack vendors. Key players in the industry, including Schneider Electric, Vertiv Group, Eaton, Rittal, and Legrand, offer rack infrastructure solutions. Moreover, IT infrastructure providers such as HPE, Dell Technologies, and IBM have formed partnerships to deliver pre-installed IT infrastructure solutions for data centers.

Revenue generation for these vendors is influenced by factors such as the breadth of their product offerings, competitive pricing, and the quality of pre- and post-installation services. The market features both local and global providers, contributing to its dynamism.

Sustainability and energy efficiency have gained significance in the data center industry as data centers continue to expand in size and complexity, leading to increased energy consumption and carbon emissions. This has fueled the demand for sustainable data center racks that can reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.

Edge computing, characterized by remote and rugged environments, necessitates lightweight, portable, and robust data center racks. These racks must accommodate various IT equipment and cooling solutions. Some vendors are developing edge-specific racks optimized for edge computing workloads, featuring power distribution units (PDUs) supporting multiple power sources and redundant cooling systems.

The ascent of hybrid IT infrastructure, blending on-premises and cloud-based systems, drives the need for flexible and scalable racks. Hybrid IT enables organizations to harness the advantages of both on-premises and cloud infrastructure, enhancing agility in workload and application management.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominates the data center rack market, with a projected CAGR of approximately 8.52% during the forecast period. APAC organizations are constructing high-performance-computing data centers, driving demand for advanced, high-capacity racks.

China's flourishing digital economy, led by sectors such as e-commerce, real estate, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), healthcare, and government, contributes to increased investments in rack infrastructure and support infrastructure.

MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Increasing Deployments of Edge Data Centers



The increase in edge data center installations is expected to boost the demand for racks in data centers. Edge data centers are smaller and located closer to where data is used, like smart devices and apps. This means there's a need for compact racks that fit well in smaller spaces.

These racks might also need to be flexible to hold different types of equipment and help with cooling and power distribution to keep things running smoothly. Moreover, the demand for edge data centers has significantly increased due to increased data generation. As a result, data center racks and cabinets have become essential components of a business's IT infrastructure, thereby supporting the data center rack market growth.



The Procurement of Open Rack Architecture



Open rack infrastructure adoption in data centers has been increasing in recent years, driven by the need for greater flexibility, interoperability, and cost savings. Open rack infrastructure refers to a standardized rack and power distribution unit (PDU) design that enables users to easily mix and match hardware components from different vendors.

Hence, standardized rack designs can work with various equipment rather than racks with specific designs that only fit certain things. Using these open racks allows data centers to be more flexible with their equipment, saving money and making operations more efficient. This trend also encourages collaboration among companies to develop improved ideas for racks and equipment.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How big is the data center rack market?

What is the growth rate of the global data center rack market?

What are the key trends in the data center rack industry?

How big is the global data center rack market regarding unit shipment?

Who are the prominent rack provider companies in the global data center rack market?

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 433 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $2.04 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $3.14 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.4% Regions Covered Global

Rack Standards in Data Centers

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (Nema)

Electronic Industries Alliance (Eia)

International Electrotechnical Commission (Iec)

Increased Rack Power Density

Market Opportunities & Trends

Increased Deployment of Edge Data Centers

Procurement of Open Rack Architecture

Market Growth Enablers

Increased Data Center & Hyperscale Investments

Preference for Modular Data Centers

Rise in Procurement of Tall, Deep & Wide Racks

Market Restraints

Supply Chain Disruptions

Availability of Low-Cost Solutions

Innovations in IT Infrastructure Hampers Rack Adoption

Adoption of Immersion Cooling Solutions

Prominent Data Center Rack Providers

Eaton

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Legrand

Schneider Electric

Rittal

Vertiv Group

Other Prominent Data Center Rack Providers

Austin Hughes Electronics

Beijing Finen Electronic Equipment

Belden

Black Box Corporation (AGC Networks)

Cannon Technologies

Canovate

Chatsworth Products

Cisco Systems

Conteg

Cyber Power Systems

Dataracks

Delta Electronics

Enconnex

FUJITSU

Great Lakes Data Racks And Cabinets

International Business Machines (IBM)

Inspur

Panduit

Prism Enclosures

Rack Solutions

Rahi Systems

Retex

Schroff (nVent)

StarTech.com

USystems

Segmentation by Product

Enclosures & Cabinets

Accessories

Segmentation by End-Users

Colocation Data Centers

Enterprise Data Centers

Segmentation by Rack Size

Below 42U

42U

45U-47U

48U

Other Rack Units

Segmentation by Geography

North America

US

Canada

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Other Latin American Countries

Western Europe

UK

Germany

France

Netherlands

Spain

Italy

Other Western European Countries

Nordics

Denmark

Sweden

Norway

Finland & Iceland

Central & Eastern Europe

Russia

Poland

Other Central & Eastern European Countries

Middle East

UAE

Saudi Arabia

Other Middle Eastern Countries

Africa

South Africa

Other African Countries

APAC

China

Hong Kong

Australia

New Zealand

India

Japan

South Korea

Taiwan

Rest of APAC

Southeast Asia

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia

Thailand

Other Southeast Asian Countries

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Attachment
Pune, India, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobile health (mHealth) is a technique that includes the use of mobile commination devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, PDAs (personal digital assistants) and other wireless devices for distributing health services and information. mHealth unlocks the new opportunities for improving monitoring of chronic conditions and help with developing the prevention aspect of the healthcare system. mHealth enables to offer the services on consultation, care management, diagnosis, and self-management services by using information & communication technologies (ICT). It involves a wide variety of technologies and tactics to deliver virtual medical, health, and education services to the users. mHealth is a collection of means that is used to enhance care and education delivery. mHealth include instruments, apparatus, machines or software (including mobile applications) that are involved in the delivery of healthcare services.

The global mhealth market is expected to grow from $70.83 billion in 2021 to $410.39 billion by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 28.53% from 2021 to 2028 owing to increasing adoption of smartphones & other mobile platforms and mAgeing program by the WHO. However, security and privacy issues and stringent regulations and policies hinder the market growth.





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Global mhealth Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

AT&T, Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Google Inc., Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Medtronic PLC, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, and Boston Scientific Corp are key companies operating in the global mhealth market. Leading players focus on expanding and diversifying their market presence and clientele, thereby tapping prevailing business opportunities.

In February 2020, DexCom signed a commercialization agreement with Insulet Corporation, a medical device company. Under this agreement, the companies aimed to combine current and future Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM) with Insulets trusted tubeless insulin delivery Pod into the Omnipod Horizon System for automated insulin delivery.

In February 2022, Highmark Health has launched Dubbed Well360 Diabetes Management, a virtual care program for adults with type 2 diabetes that includes personalized care management, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth.





Impact of COVID-19 on Global mHealth Market:

North American region is highly affected due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Countries such as the US and Canada reported the highest numbers of COVID-19 positive cases. The US-registered highest number of deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The chaotic situation was created in the medical industry across the countries, increased demand for diagnosing and therapeutic devices have dramatically increased in the hospitals. For instance, demand for ventilators, respirators, and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests has risen drastically in the hospitals across the countries. On the other hand, demand for personal protective kits has significantly gone up. The life sciences segment thrives due to increased demand for invitro diagnostic products and rising research and development activities worldwide.

The FDA has increased its efforts to support the health of people and has imposed several guidelines and for hospitals and medical device companies. Various companies also enhanced their research and development activities for telemedicine and mHealth. For instance, companies such as MediBuddy, Practo, Wysa, HealthifyMe, Qikwell Technologies, icliniq, and Emunocare are the startups focusing on COVID-19 related services. Whereas, Thermo Fisher Scientific has increased its production and has produced 5 million tests per week in April. Likewise, Abbott has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a point-of-care test that can provide results in minutes. Thus, increased production by the companies has resulted in profits, and the outbreak of COVID-19 has shown a positive impact on market growth.





mAgeing Program by WHO

Mobile phones are the easy handled tools that are used to deliver the health information & advices and reminders. This will encourage the old aging population to improve and maintain their health and fundamental capacity. To improve the healthcare behaviors, in April 2018, the WHO mobile health for Ageing (mAgeing) program is designed to manage declines in basic or fundamental capacity on community-level mediations. The mAgeing program support the routine care that is offered by health care professionals for self-care and self-management and also upkeep the implementation of WHO guidelines that is also known as ICOPE Guidelines.

The WHO long-term care system aims to encourage the development of healthcare system and bring a change of sustainable and impartial long-term care systems worldwide. The system basically supports the care for older people that include their basic rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity.





Global mhealth Market: Segmental Overview

The Global mhealth Market is segmented based on service, devices, end user, and geography. Based on service, the mhealth market is segmented into remote monitoring services, diagnosis services, treatment services, health support services, fitness & wellness services. By devices, the mhealth market is segregated as insulin pump, BP monitor, glucose monitor, personal pulse oximeter, and others. By end user, the mhealth market is segmented as mobile operators, device vendors, health providers, and others.





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North America is the largest market for mhealth across the globe. Among the North America province, the US is a major market for mhealth. mHealth in the US is entering a new phase of accelerating growth. The trend of using mobile phones for health purpose, represents an unprecedented opportunity for improving public health in the country. These increasingly powerful services are proving to be a lifeline for people who need improved access to health services. These applications span a broad range of activities such as data collection, health promotion, disease investigation, diagnostic support, disaster response, and remote patient monitoring. The rapid evolution of mhealth platform focusing on managing chronic conditions as well as achieving specific patient outcomes. The expansion of mhealth services offered by private and government operated healthcare systems such as American Medical Association and a new direct-to-consumer initiative by Boston Scientific Corporation and other key players in the region.

The increasing chronic illness, regulatory reform, accelerating health costs are few factors that are forcing health systems to rethink patient care in US. According to the American Hospital Association reports, more than 65% of US hospitals are already using mhealth and rest of others moving towards adoption of mhealth solutions. Moreover, the increasing acceptability and expansion of mhealth services indicate that there will be potential for wider adaptation of the mhealth solutions in US.









Go through further research published by The Insight Partners:

mhealth Solutions Market - Global Analysis and Forecast to 2030

Mobile Health (mHealth) App Market - Global Analysis and Forecast to 2030

Digital Healthcare Market - Global Analysis and Forecast to 2030









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Highlights



Rock samples from the Trojan MINFILE showing and the Eagle target ~650 m to the southeast yielded highly anomalous copper values of 518 and 5,350 ppm (0.53%), respectively.

These results confirm previous elevated to highly anomalous copper results from float samples and, together with available geophysics, confirm the Trojan-Condor Corridor as a high-priority target.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COLLECTIVE METALS INC. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1 ) (the Company or Collective) discusses integrated results from its initial program completed as part of its Due Diligence evaluation of the Princeton Project (the Property). The field program in early June included property-wide ground-truthing of recorded mineralization and alteration with particular focus on the Trojan-Condor Corridor, a >2-km-long northeast-trending geophysical and geochemical target approximately 10 km southwest of HudBay Minerals Inc.s currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. Previous operators have identified several occurrences of copper mineralization along the corridor, associated with small intermediate to mafic intrusions. Collective geologists located, examined, and sampled exposures associated with the Trojan showing, the host diorite intrusion, and adjacent Nicola Group volcanic rocks. In contrast to previous exploration programs, rock samples were predominantly taken from outcrop or subcrop rather than locally derived float.



Christopher Huggins, Chief Executive Officer of Collective, commented, The Trojan-Condor Corridor continues to return elevated to highly anomalous surface geochemistry and porphyry-style alteration (i.e., chlorite, epidote and sericite) spatially associated with numerous geophysical anomalies identified on the basis of different geophysical methods from two separate and distinct surveys. The Companys work in 2023 in the Trojan-Condor Corridor has confirmed previously reported elevated to high-grade copper values, supporting the area as a high priority target.

The Company has previously filed an NI 43-101 Technical Report on the claims encompassing the Trojan-Condor Corridor (Company News Release dated June 29, 2023), commissioned a study of available geophysical data (from 2011 3D IP & 2008 Fugro airborne surveys), completed two phases of soil sampling, and received permission to access historic core for a re-logging and re-sampling program (Company News Release dated October 4, 2023). Compilation of results and previous data is ongoing and progress will be released over the coming months as the company continues to develop targets in the Trojan-Condor Corridor in preparation for a 2024 exploration program.

The Due Diligence field program aimed to identify in situ exposures with porphyry-style alteration and/or mineralization (Company News Release dated September 11, 2023). The following analyses are from samples taken in 2023 from within and immediately adjacent to diorite intrusions within the Trojan-Condor Corridor. The highest copper value (5,350 ppm, or 0.53%) was taken from subcrop at the Trojan showing and was dominated by malachite.

Table 1 - 2023 rock sample results from within the Trojan-Condor corridor.

SampleID Easting Northing Lith Ag_ppm Ca_% Cu_ppm Fe_% K_% Mg_% Mo_ppm Na_% K355093 670132 5460348 Diorite 0.04 4.17 23.3 4.2 1.81 1.32 0.79 2.79 K355094 669762 5460452 Diorite 0.04 1.31 32.1 1.26 1.18 0.33 0.83 4.88 K355095 669762 5460452 Diorite 0.04 6.82 35.9 5.01 0.88 0.63 0.31 3.13 K355064 669721 5461882 Gabbro 0.05 3.19 75.9 2.44 2.7 0.51 0.48 2.75 K355073 669798 5461898 Pyroxenite 0.01 11.15 4.9 12.65 0.42 7.6 0.1 0.6 K355053 669202 5462086 Diorite 0.03 3.39 31.2 2.62 2.04 0.89 0.2 3.61 K355063 669214 5462388 Diorite <0.01 7.14 6.5 8.87 1.58 5.85 0.13 1.66 K355067 669449 5461471 Qtz Monzodiorite 0.07 4.47 149 4.13 2.16 1.2 0.38 2.83 K355068 670163 5461405 Volcaniclastic 0.31 6.79 518 6.24 1.72 2.62 0.5 2.73 K355069 669702 5461212 Monzodiorite 0.05 4.51 121 4.35 2.46 1.28 0.27 2.63 K355070 669831 5460675 Qtz Diorite 0.03 3.41 49.2 4.2 1.63 1.45 0.31 3.09 K355004 669401 5461776 Diorite 0.1 2.68 83 2.59 1.32 1.11 0.31 4.41 K355005 669799 5461906 Andesite? 2.02 12.65 5350 7.08 0.23 7.89 0.14 0.55 K355006 669799 5461906 Quartz Vein 0.01 10.45 22.2 0.73 0.15 0.33 1.21 0.99 K355008 669872 5462055 Diorite 0.03 3.04 62 3.16 2.42 1.14 0.24 2.79

Project Geology & Exploration Model

Bedrock is poorly exposed throughout the Property area, therefore, exposures in roadcuts along the extensive logging road network are important for understanding the geology and identifying alteration and mineralization. The Property is underlain predominantly by volcanic rocks of the Upper Triassic Nicola Group, which were subsequently intruded by Triassic-Jurassic intrusive rocks, and in turn unconformably overlain by sedimentary rocks of the Eocene Princeton Group (see Fig. 1). Several small gabbroic and dioritic intrusions on the property are tentatively correlated with the Late Triassic diorite of the Copper Mountain Suite, which is associated with alkalic Cu-Au-Ag porphyry mineralization at the Copper Mountain Mine ~10 km to the east. Porphyry and possible skarn-style mineralization associated with these intrusions is seen as the most prospective target type on the Property.

Previous Geochemical Results

The results of the limited 2023 program are significant as the highest-grade copper sample was taken from subcrop, whereas the previous samples were all described as locally derived float samples. A total of fourteen samples were taken by the previous operator, nine of mafic intrusive within approximately 130 m of the Trojan showing and an additional six within 185 m in the immediately adjacent Nicola Group host rocks (see Table 2). Mineralization was described as comprising both malachite and chalcopyrite, predominantly hosted within quartz and/or carbonate veinlets and/or stockworks, with a subordinate proportion from epidote-altered gabbro. These descriptions are consistent with porphyry-style alteration and mineralization (Company News Release dated August 1, 2023), particularly with respect to mineralization being hosted within veinlets and/or stockworks and provided strong motivation for subsequent drilling by the previous operator.

Table 2 - Rock samples from previous operators in vicinity of Trojan showing.

Sample ID Easting Northing Cu (ppm) Ag (ppm) Host 1201120030 669790 5461940 320.7 0.3 Gabbro 1201120100 669722 5461857 571.0 0.5 Gabbro 1201120029 669780 5461901 3,970.0 4.8 Gabbro 1201120031 669795 5461936 473.5 0.4 Gabbro 1201120030 669790 5461940 320.7 0.3 Gabbro 1201120032 669797 5461957 260.0 0.1 Gabbro 1201120033 669798 5461965 6,549.0 1.3 Gabbro 1201120034 669809 5461983 4,727.0 0.8 Gabbro 1201120035 669811 5461995 192.4 0.1 Gabbro 1201120099 669894 5462016 1,410.0 1.0 Nicola Grp 1201120098 669900 5462016 2,080.0 1.2 Nicola Grp 1201120104 669906 5461990 18.4 0.1 Nicola Grp 1201120103 669914 5461997 1,165.0 0.9 Nicola Grp 1201120102 669951 5462009 214.0 0.2 Nicola Grp 1201120041 669985 5462028 527.5 0.5 Nicola Grp

Figure 1 - Location of 2014 DDH collars. The host gabbro / diorite (red) intruded host Nicola Group rocks (green), subsequently covered by the Princeton Group (yellow). Interpreted porphyry-style epidote (green) and sericite (yellow) alteration from the Companys 2023 Due Diligence program are shown, together with analytical values for copper (ppm) (orange)

Previous Drilling

In 2014, the previous operator completed 727.87 m of diamond drilling in four holes designed to test coincident strong chargeability anomalies and copper mineralization on surface1 (see Table 3).

Table 3. Diamond Drill Hole Collar Locations (2014) along Trojan-Condor Corridor

The previous operator summarized their results as follows:

Trace chalcopyrite occurs with pyrite associated with <1  5-cm-wide carbonate-epidote-quartz veinlets, patchy epidote alteration, and locally as fine-grained disseminations in the mafic stock and Nicola Group volcanics.

Weak, patchy pervasive epidote alteration and narrow epidote veinlets occur sporadically within the diorite-gabbro-pyroxenite stock and Nicola Group volcanics, rarely with chalcopyrite.

Copper values (forty core samples) were weakly anomalous, ranging from 21.3 to 953 ppm.

The highest copper value was 953 ppm copper across 3.27 metres of diorite containing a weak quartz-carbonate-pyrite stockwork zone with traces of chalcopyrite.

Induced Polarization chargeability anomalies are explained by pyrite encountered within the drill holes.



The holes were relatively shallow (<215 m in depth) and remained largely unsampled. Although assay samples yielded relatively low copper values (<953 ppm), the drillholes document pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralized, porphyry-style, epidote-carbonate veinlets and patchy epidote alteration of both the Nicola Group volcanics and the intrusive gabbro/ diorite.

Drill hole WS14-002, at the Trojan showing, is considered the most significant. Drilled to a depth of 188.06 m, it returned the highest copper values (3.27 m grading 953 ppm1) in diorite containing a weak quartz-carbonate-pyrite stockwork zone with traces of chalcopyrite. Drill hole WS14-04 returned 305 ppm Cu over 3.00 m of moderately epidote altered pyroxenite cut by narrow carbonate veinlets with traces of chalcopyrite1. Drill hole WS14-001 returned 375 ppm Cu over 3.58 m  of a weakly epidote altered diorite sill with traces of chalcopyrite and cut by a 4 mm quartz veinlet with a trace of chalcopyrite 1.

Figure 2 - Frequency Domain plot for same area as Figure 1. Data for coplanar 8,200 Hz data from 2008 airborne geophysical survey, line spacing 300 m. Areas in blue represent low frequency domains while magenta areas represent high frequency domains.

Qualified Person

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Rick Walker, P. Geo., who is acting as the Companys Qualified Person for the Property, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101.

The information disclosed is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Property.

References

1  Core Drilling Report on the Tulameen Project, Whipsaw Target Area Similkameen Mining Division, Princeton Mining District, British Columbia, Assessment Report 35,488, by G.F. Crooker for Goldcliff Resource Corporation, dated February, 2015.

2 - Copper Mountain Mine Life of Mine Plan and 65Kt/D Expansion Study Update NI 43-101 Report, Richard Klue, VP Technical Services, CMMC; Patrick Redmond, VP Exploration and Geoscience, CMMC; Luis Alberto Chang, VP Mining, CMMC; Berge Simonian, Director of Metallurgy, CMMC; Amaru Humala, Director of Mechanical Engineering, CMMC Scott Weston, VP Business Development and Strategy, Ausenco; August 1, 2022.

About Collective Metals:

Collective Metals Inc. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1 ) is a resource exploration company specializing in precious metals exploration in North America. The Companys flagship property is the Princeton Project, located in south-central British Columbia, Canada, approximately 10 km west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. The Princeton Project consists of 29 mineral tenures totaling approximately 28,560 ha (70,570 acres) in a well-documented and prolific copper-gold porphyry belt and is easily accessible by road, located immediately west of Highway 3.

The Companys Landings Lake Lithium Project is located in northwestern Ontario where numerous lithium deposits have been delineated to host significant reserves of Li 2 O. The Landings Lake Lithium Project is located 53 km east of Ear Falls, Ontario and covers 3,146 hectares. The Whitemud Project, with several identified pegmatite outcrops, neighbours the Landings Lake Project and consists of 381 single cell mining claims totaling 7,775 hectares.

Social Media

Twitter

@COMT_metals LinkedIn Collective Metals Inc Facebook Collective Metals Inc

ON BEHALF OF COLLECTIVE METALS INC.

Christopher Huggins

Chief Executive Officer

T: 604-968-4844

E: chris@collectivemetalsinc.com

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: mineralization potential of the Property based on the results of the program and due diligence evaluation. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14e733f4-46fb-4ef0-8ce3-12bda5fbc555

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3cc31509-9caf-4920-873e-beaf0af5e0a2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b98cac63-f447-4974-aba4-8e1fe3994c27
TORONTO and NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QuantGate Systems Inc. (OTCQB: QGSI) (the "QuantGate" or "Company"), a leading innovator in Artificial Intelligence ("AI"), Machine Learning ("ML") and SaaS-based Fintech solutions, is pleased to announce its upcoming financing of up to USD $2 Million, to continue to support the companys ongoing strategic growth and development initiatives.



The capital raise is being offered in the form of Units to the investors. Each unit in the financing round will consist of one common share priced at $0.15 per share, as well as a full warrant. The warrant will have an exercise price of $0.20 and will be valid for a period of three years, providing investors with the opportunity to participate in the future success of QuantGate.

QuantGate Systems is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver advanced SaaS solutions and seamless API integration for traders worldwide. The capital raised through this offering will accelerate product development, expand market presence, and enhance the company's AI and ML capabilities.

"We are excited to embark on this strategic capital raise, which will enable us to innovate further and enhance our AI-driven trading solutions," said Allan Bezanson, CEO of QuantGate Systems. "As we continue to witness the evolution of the fintech landscape, this capital infusion will strengthen our position as an industry leader, allowing us to further develop and serve our expanding user base with cutting-edge solutions."

About QuantGate Systems Inc.:



QuantGate Systems Inc. (OTCQB: QGSI) is a publicly-traded fintech company that harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and proprietary big-data processing AI engines to deliver advanced SaaS solutions and seamless API integration. With its range of products, including Pilot Trading, QuantGate empowers traders globally with a comprehensive suite of real-time insights with cutting-edge SaaS solutions, enabling them to navigate the market with unparalleled confidence.

For additional information, visit QuantGate Systems and Pilot Trading or follow them on Twitter (X), Facebook, LinkedIn, Discord and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer and Reader Advisory:

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects, believes, or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. QuantGate Systems Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements and cautions investors to consider all other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in QuantGate filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Pine Exploration Inc. (TSXV: RPX, OTCQB: RDEXF) (Red Pine or the Company) reports continuing assay results from its ongoing exploration program. These results validate the existence of a new zone of high-grade mineralization in the Jubilee Shear in the hanging wall of the Surluga Deposit. Expansion of the Surluga resource1 (Figures 1 and 2).

Highlights

Continued confirmation of significant mineralization at the Minto B/Jubilee Shear intersection that is currently absent from the 2019 resource.

8.01 g/t gold over 32.95 meters at the intersection of the Minto B/Jubilee Shears includes 171.0 g/t over 1.19 meter and 26.0 g/t gold over 0.82 m approximately 70 m up-plunge of the intersection of 10.92 g/t gold over 28.05 m in SD-23-442 - see Press Release dated September 14, 2023 (Figure 1 & 2).

New high-grade vein discovered below the Jubilee Shear in SD-23-456 containing 46.9 g/t gold over 1.04 m

Extension of mineralization in the Minto B Shear above the Jubilee Shear 6.03 g/t gold over 1.24 meter within a larger mineralization halo containing 0.96 g/t gold over 10.29 meters in SD-23-456 7.17 g/t gold over 1.02 meter in the Minto C Shear System in SD-23-454



Quentin Yarie, President and CEO of Red Pine Exploration commented: "Both the thickness and grade of gold continue to demonstrate the extensive mineralization surrounding the Jubilee Shear. Drilling in the hanging wall of the Jubilee Shear continues to yield high-grade results which we expect will positively impact our future revised resource."

Table 1 Highlights from drilling in the Wawa Gold Corridor (Figure 1)

Hole From (m) To Length (m)* Visible Gold Gold (g/t) Zone (m) SD-23-444 214.10 221.53 7.43 2.08 Minto B Shear Including 214.1 216.27 2.17 6.44 294.10 337.45 43.35 1.62 Jubilee Shear Including 299.26 300.2 0.94 4.40 319.44 320.5 1.06 6.68 331.77 333.87 2.10 6.42 SD-23-445 51.7 55.47 3.77 0.52 264.85 265.88 1.03 3.22 Minto B Shear 285.5 288.5 3.00 1.07 301.64 313.6 11.96 0.58 Jubilee Shear SD-23-447 122.09 123.33 1.24 1.56 375.12 376.3 1.18 1.21 Jubilee Shear



413.38 424.0 10.62 1.01 Including 413.38 414.67 1.29 3.68 SD-23-451 47.72 49.0 1.28 0.79 282.1 358.86 76.76 VG 3.96 Jubilee/Minto B Including 297.48 330.43 32.95 VG 8.01 Including 299.18 300 0.82 26.0 323.48 324.67 1.19 VG 171.0 355.38 357.7 3.48 10.76 Including 355.38 356.54 1.16 23.5 SD-23-452 439.67 441.0 1.33 6.34 Old Tom Vn SD-23-454 114.83 115.85 1.02 7.17 Minto C Shear System SD-23-456 42.00 52.29 10.29 0.96 Minto B Shear Including 49.53 50.77 1.24 6.03 278.6 279.64 1.04 46.9 Lower Jubilee Shear/Old Tom Vn

Assay results presented over core length. True width for the intersections varies between 50 to 95% depending on the intersected geological structure.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures

Drill core samples were transported in security sealed bags for analyses to Actlabs in Ancaster, Ontario. Individual samples were labelled, placed in plastic sample bags and sealed. Groups of samples were then placed into durable rice bags and shipped. The residual coarse reject portions of the samples remain in storage if further work or verification is needed.

Red Pine has implemented a quality-control program to comply with best practices in the sampling and analysis of drill core. As part of its QA/QC program, Red Pine inserts external gold standards (low to high grade) and blanks every 20 samples in addition to random standards, blanks, and duplicates.

Qualified Person

Quentin Yarie, P.Geo. and Chief Executive Officer of Red Pine and the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the news releases technical information.

About Red Pine Exploration Inc.

Red Pine Exploration Inc. is a gold exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Company's shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "RPX" and on the OTCQB Markets under the symbol RDEXF.

The Wawa Gold Project is in the Michipicoten Greenstone Belt of Ontario, a region that has seen major investment by several producers in the last five years. Its land package hosts numerous historic gold mines and is over 6,900 hectares in size. Led by Quentin Yarie, CEO, who has over 25 years of experience in mineral exploration, Red Pine is strengthening its position as a major mineral exploration and development player in the Michipicoten region.

For more information about the Company, visit www.redpineexp.com

Or contact:

Quentin Yarie, President and CEO, (416) 364-7024, qyarie@redpineexp.com

Or

Carrie Howes, Director Corporate Communications, (416) 644-7375, chowes@redpineexp.com

1 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Wawa Gold Project, Brian Thomas P.Geo. Golder Associates Ltd, report effective August 18, 2021.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements which constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance.

Forward-looking information is often identified by the words may, would, could, should, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes but may not be limited to: the potential for a hybrid pit and underground project. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Such opinions, assumptions and estimates are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the Company's expectations in connection with the projects and exploration programs being met, the impact of general business and economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future conditions, fluctuating gold prices, currency exchange rates (such as the Canadian dollar versus the United States Dollar), variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in accounting policies, changes in the Company's mineral reserves and resources, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, changes in project development, construction, production and commissioning time frames, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, unexpected changes in mine life, seasonality and weather, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, and limitations on insurance.

This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company, including the Companys annual information form, financial statements and related MD&A for the year ended July 31, 2023, and the interim financial reports and related MD&A for the period ended April 30, 2023, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Figure 1 - Plan Map of the Drilling Results

Figure 2 - Minto B Shear Zone in the Hanging Wall of the Surluga Deposit

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2f65272-287c-488c-8cf6-31cab5d4eee8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1972a0dd-7ab8-4caa-b6ce-e09f9c4281dd
Dublin, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Data Center Liquid Cooling Market by Component (Solution and Services), End User (Cloud Providers, Colocation Providers, Enterprises, and Hyperscale Data Centers), Data Center Type, Type of Cooling, Enterprise, and Region - Global Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global data center liquid cooling market will rise from USD 2.6 billion in 2023 to USD 7.8 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 24.4% from 2023 to 2028

The report meticulously defines, segments, and forecasts the data center liquid cooling market, considering factors such as components, data center types, cooling methods, end users, enterprises, and geographical regions. It furnishes a comprehensive understanding of the key drivers, constraints, opportunities, and specific challenges that exert influence on the market's growth trajectory.

During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to emerge as the swiftest-growing hub for the data center liquid cooling market. This trend is attributed to the region's increasing recognition of the significance of sustainable practices and environmentally-friendly data centers. Liquid cooling solutions are gaining favor over traditional air-cooling methods due to their potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce ecological footprints. The growing emphasis on sustainability in the region is driving the adoption of liquid cooling.

Liquid cooling is a potent solution for addressing the cooling challenges posed by high-density servers. Liquid is an efficient conductor of heat, surpassing air by over 3,000 times and consuming less energy in the process. This capability allows data centers to accommodate higher densities, making it particularly relevant. Liquid cooling can be implemented using inductive techniques like cold plates or immersion cooling, where heat transfer occurs on the surface of electronic components.

Moreover, liquid cooling provides the flexibility and scalability needed to meet evolving computational demands as data centers expand and evolve. Its versatility allows for the accommodation of diverse rack configurations, server setups, and form factors, making it suitable for future data center expansions and technological advancements.

Additionally, the report strategically profiles key players in the data center liquid cooling solutions sector, offering an in-depth analysis of their market shares and core competencies. It diligently tracks and evaluates competitive developments, including expansions, agreements, contracts, partnerships, acquisitions, collaborations, and divestments, executed by these players in the market.

The competitive assessment provides a profound examination of market shares, growth strategies, and service portfolios of leading companies like Rittal (Germany), Fujitsu (Japan), Vertiv Holdings Co. (US), Green Revolution Cooling Inc. (US), Submer (Spain), Midas Green Technologies (Austin), Schneider Electric (France), and LiquidStack (Netherlands), among others operating in the data center liquid cooling market.

The services, by component segment, are projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028

Data centers rely on service providers to quickly identify and fix problems in the case of system faults or malfunctions. Finding the source of issues, carrying out fixes or component replacements, and returning the liquid cooling system to regular operation are all part of troubleshooting services. For minimizing downtime and ensuring data center availability, quick response times and proficiency in diagnosing complicated cooling-related issues are essential.

Small and mid-sized data center, in by data center type segment, is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028

Unlike conventional air-cooling systems, liquid cooling solutions frequently function with lower noise levels. The lowered noise might be a huge benefit for small and mid-sized data centers situated in communal areas or noise-sensitive locations, like office buildings or residential neighborhoods.

Small and mid-sized facilities can benefit from improved cooling efficiency, cost savings, scalability, and other features provided by liquid cooling solutions, allowing them to streamline operations and adapt to the changing needs of contemporary IT infrastructure.

The hyperscale data center in the data center liquid cooling market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028

The desire for seamless communication between areas is rising, fuelling the expansion of hyperscale data centers. Liquid cooling fits in with the increased attention being paid to environmental sustainability.

Hyperscale data centers can lessen their ecological impact and support green initiatives by using less energy and cooling more effectively. In addition, waste heat can be recovered and used again due to liquid cooling, significantly improving the data center's energy efficiency.

IT and Telcom segment of the data center liquid cooling market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028

Data centers are essential to the telecom industry for several crucial tasks, including the support of network hardware, communication servers, and data storage. To prevent overheating and guarantee consistent performance, liquid cooling systems assist with controlling the temperature of telecom infrastructure parts like routers, switches, and optical equipment.

The IT and telecom industries may efficiently regulate heat, optimize energy usage, boost performance, and support the demanding computing needs of numerous applications and services by implementing data center liquid cooling technologies.

Cold plate liquid cooling, of the data center liquid cooling market, is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028

To move heat away from electronic components, cold plate liquid cooling uses metal plates in close proximity to the components. Traditional cooling techniques may need help effectively dissipating heat as electrical gadgets and components become more potent and tightly packed.

High-power and high-density electronic components can be effectively cooled using cold plate liquid cooling, which provides a direct and efficient heat transfer mechanism.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 263 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $2.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $7.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 24.4% Regions Covered Global

Premium Insights

Rising Demand for Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions to Drive Data Center Liquid Cooling Market

Data Center Liquid Cooling Market in Asia-Pacific to Grow at Highest Rate During Forecast Period

Solutions Segment and Us Dominated North American Data Center Liquid Cooling Market in 2022

Data Center Liquid Cooling Market in India to Grow at Highest Rate During Forecast Period

Case Study Analysis

Asperitas and Itrenew Partnered to Bring Sustainable, Plug-And-Play Data Center Solutions Full Circle

Reduction in Data Center Energy Spending by Adopting Immersion Cooling

Microsoft Chose Immersion Cooling Tech by Liquidstack for Its Cloud Servers

Google Shifts to Liquid Cooling for Ai Data Crunching

Market Dynamics

Industry Trends

Value Chain Analysis

Ecosystem/Market Map of Data Center Liquid Cooling Solutions

Trends and Disruptions Impacting Customer's Business

Energy Sustainability for Data Centers

Sustainable Data Centers Using Liquid Cooling

Issues in Developing Countries

Drivers

Increasing Server Density and Number of Data Centers

Growing Need for Energy-Efficient Cooling Solutions

Increasing Demand for Compact and Noise-Free Solutions

Need for Better Overclocking Potential

Need for Eco-Friendly Data Center Cooling Solutions

Restraints

Susceptibility to Leakage

High Capital Expenditure and Maintenance

Slow Recognition from End-Users

Opportunities

Emergence of Ai, Blockchain, and Other Advanced Technologies

Adoption in Low-Density Data Centers

Challenges

Lack of Standardization

High Investments in Existing Infrastructure

Company Profiles

Key Players

Vertiv Group Corp.

Fujitsu

Submer

Green Revolution Cooling Inc.

Rittal GmbH & Co. Kg

Schneider Electric

Midas Green Technologies

Liquidstack

Chilldyne, Inc.

Iceotope Precision Immersion Cooling

Coolit Systems

Asperitas

Dug Technology

Liquidcool Solutions, Inc.

Dcx Liquid Cooling Systems

Stulz GmbH

Delta Power Solutions

Wiwynn

Other Companies

Engineered Fluids

Teimmers

Koolance

Tmgcore, Inc.

Hypertec

Exascaler Inc.

Tas





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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.

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ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MarginEdge , the leading restaurant management and bill payment platform, today announced it has been recognized by the 2023 Inc. Power Partners Awards as a trusted B2B partner and the 2023 Washington Business Journal Fastest Growing Companies , where it finished 10th out of 50 companies. This is the companys fifth fastest growing company award since 2022, its fifth recognition by Inc. since 2022 and its second recognition by Washington Business Journal this year.



"MarginEdge is elated to once again being recognized by Inc. and Washington Business Journal,'' said Bo Davis, CEO of MarginEdge. "The teams continued efforts and support from clients and partners are the backbone to our growth and success over the past few years. To be honored as a top B2B partner and as a Fastest Growing Company further validates our commitment to serving restaurant operators, bookkeepers and accountants.

As a team founded by operators with over 45 restaurants between them prior to MarginEdge and a sales team with collectively 400+ years of restaurant experience, MarginEdges mission is to bring operators the same energy, attention to detail and passion they bring to their guests. The companys culture is deeply rooted in service because the founders and much of the team came from hospitality roles. MarginEdge designs their software with a deep understanding for the complexity of running a restaurant and the goal of making it easier for operators by taking time-consuming back office tasks off their plate and empowering them with real-time data to make decisions in the moment.

Restaurant back office functions are essential to the business. Whether a chef, internal bookkeeper, owner or external accountant, getting timely visibility into the finances is crucial. As restaurant operators ourselves, we have been in our clients shoes and were proud our company and software lets restaurateurs and restaurant finance professionals make informed decisions in the moment. The future is bright  by leveraging AI and LLMs to automate even more back office operations, restaurateurs can have more time to spend with staff and guests, said Davis.

Other recent achievements for MarginEdge include recognition on the 2022 and 2023 Inc. 5000 lists and on The Americas Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 by the Financial Times. Best workplace awards in 2023 include Inc.s Best Workplaces, The Washington Post Top Workplace and Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work.

About MarginEdge

MarginEdges mission is to create a world where restaurant operators can focus on the business they love. By using best-in-class technology to eliminate unproductive paperwork and streamline the flow of operational data, MarginEdge is reimagining the back office and freeing restaurants to spend more time on their culinary offerings and guest experiences. The platform offers market-leading invoice processing, inventory management, recipe analysis, budgeting, performance tracking and supplier bill payment capabilities. Founded by industry veterans, MarginEdge serves a diverse group of operators from single units and small chains to large franchise and hospitality groups, providing a high impact product that resonates across the hospitality industry. For more information visit marginedge.com .

Media Contact:

Cara Harbor

Firecracker PR

(888) 317-4687

cara@firecrackerpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5fa21a4-df1f-4d72-a85a-93fbbff38405

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/783b5933-97bb-4f7d-bf45-efb224613244
Detroit, Michigan, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., (the Company) ( OTCPK:AITX ), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions for enterprise clients along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today announced the successful deployment of 10 ROSA devices at an East Coast university.



The original order for these 10 ROSA security robots was announced on July 26, 2023 via a press release.

In a continuation of this partnership, the university is in the process of finalizing paperwork for an additional five ROSA units. Beyond standard security measures, the institution had shown interest in incorporating RAD's RAD Light My Way application, if implemented, would further enhance the deployed ROSA's existing trespassing, loitering detection and firearm detection capabilities.

Steve Reinharz, CEO of AITX and RAD, stated, "Our collaboration with this university represents an important step for RAD. The adoption of our technology by such prestigious institutions highlights its practicality and relevance in addressing today's campus security concerns."

Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, FSyI, President of RAD, added, "Safety on campuses has been a long-standing concern, and it's encouraging to see institutions explore new solutions. We believe RAD's offerings can make a tangible difference, and we hope to see more universities take a similar approach in the future."

The Company noted that Scotland Hospital, also a RAD client, has reported a positive experience with RAD's security solutions, further indicating the practical utility, and affordability of these devices in diverse settings.

Reinharz concluded, "The feedback from Scotland Hospital and our ongoing work with the East Coast university are constructive indicators of RAD's potential in the security and property management sectors."

ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. Like other RAD solutions, it only requires power as it includes all necessary communications hardware. ROSAs AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RADs software suite notification and autonomous response library. Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSAs dual high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published four Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at multi-family communities, car rental locations and construction sites across the country.

RAD Light My Way has been the recipient of two Secure Campus 2022 Awards from Campus Security & Life Safety Magazine. In October 2021 RAD Light My Way along with RAD's ROSA won CBREs 2021 Best Workplace Experience Solution Award.

AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices , Inc. (RAD), is redefining the $25 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industrys existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house.

RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time.

About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX)

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITXs RAD, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai , www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com , www.radgroup.ai , www.raddog.ai , and www.radlightmyway.com , or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz .

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Companys future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

###
Ashburn, Va, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DTC Government Solutions, a leading provider of innovative software solutions for Intelligence Operations, Defense, and Law Enforcement, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant General (LTG) Robert Ashley (Retired) to their Board of Directors and Government Security Committee (GSC).

LTG Robert Ashley brings more than 36 years of dedicated United States military active-duty experience to the DTC Government Solutions Board of Directors. His expertise will contribute to the companies' ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of security and intelligence. Notably, he completed six combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating his commitment to national security and defense.

Among his many achievements, LTG Ashley became the 21st Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), a three-star officer position appointed by the U.S. President and approved by the U.S. Senate. Prior to this role, he served as the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, where he provided invaluable guidance on intelligence, counterintelligence, and security matters to the Secretary of the Army and the Army Chief of Staff.

I am looking forward to joining the DTC Government Solutions Board of Directors, working closely with my fellow Board members to carry out DTCs critically important mission of delivering communications to our military, without compromise, said LTG Ashley.

"We are honored to have Robert join our Board of Directors," said Paul Sangster, Division President of Codan Communications and DTC Government Solutions Board Member. "His extensive experience, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to National Security will undoubtedly bring invaluable insights and leadership to our organization. We look forward to his guidance and contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic goals."

An accomplished and admired military leader, Robert has first-hand knowledge of the complex technology needs to ensure the national security and intelligence, along with the safety of our military warfighter, said John Cremins, President, DTC Government Solutions. His strategic insight, leadership and vision will prove invaluable as DTC Government Solutions continues to advance its innovative solutions offering to meet the communications needs of our U.S. military.

LTG Ashley previously commanded key military units, including the 206th Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Gordon, Ga., the Intelligence Squadron at the Office of Military Support in Washington, D.C., and the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade (Airborne) under the XVIII Airborne Corps.

His pivotal assignments included serving as the Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command, Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Central Command, Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, for the International Security Assistance Force, and Director of Intelligence for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. In addition, he served as Commanding General for the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE) at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

About DTC Government Solutions

DTC Government Solutions are leading providers of cutting-edge security and intelligence solutions to government and corporate clients worldwide. Over the past 40 years, Corp Ten International (CTI) dba DTC Government Solutions has been a leading provider of innovative software solutions for Intelligence Operations, Defense, and Law Enforcement. Our core platform is designed to help organizations manage complex operations with ease, providing them with a comprehensive view of their resources, assets, and personnel in real-time.

Website: www.CorpTen.com

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COLFAX, N.C., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quantum Materials, LLC (Quantum), a vertically integrated manufacturer of multifilament and monofilament yarns, elastomeric woven suspension fabrics and industrial textiles, has acquired the Innegra portfolio of patented high-performance fibers and materials. Innegra will serve as a foundational product to support Quantums growth of new technical and industrial textile solutions for the composite and textile markets.

Quantum has accelerated its capital expenditure plan over the last three years to expand the companys manufacturing asset base to meet increased demand for domestic textile production. The expansion, which included investment in equipment and infrastructure to support the production of Innegra, has allowed the company to seamlessly merge the Innegra business into its operations post-acquisition and successfully service the brands current customer base.

For over 15 years, Innegra has been effectively used across a wide range of composite applications. We are excited to incorporate Innegra and its patented range of fibers and materials into our product portfolio, said Allen Smith, CEO of QTI Fibers. This strategic acquisition fits within our vision of being the industry leader in the development and commercialization of technical textile solutions. As we move forward with Innegra, we see many opportunities that extend past composites, including its integration into products manufactured by the QTI company portfolio, consisting of the Quantum, Twitchell and Infinity businesses.

Engineered to enhance and amplify the performance of composite and textile materials, Innegra is the lightest synthetic fiber commercially available and can be used as a standalone fiber, or it can be hybridized with other structural fibers or materials. It is chemically resistant, hydrophobic, tough, durable and has excellent dielectric properties, while also being flexible, ductile and fusible. The fiber also has the ability to dampen vibrations, aid impact resistance and can be synergistically combined with many other materials and fibers to improve product performance properties. Today, Innegra can be found in footwear, sporting goods, U.S. military and ballistic products, and various automotive, aerospace and marine applications.

Quantum will be exhibiting the Innegra brand at the upcoming CamX show (Booth #G23) in Atlanta, GA from October 31 through November 2, 2023.

About Quantum:
Dublin, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Electrical Control Panel Market - Global Electrical Control Panel Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2030 - (By Form Coverage, By Type Coverage, By Industry Coverage, By Geographic Coverage and By Company)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global electrical control panel market is experiencing robust growth, with a market valuation of US$ 5.6 billion in 2022, projected to reach approximately US$ 9 billion by 2030. This growth is expected to occur at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% during the period from 2023 to 2030, as revealed in a comprehensive report.

Key Trends Driving Market Growth

Several key trends are fueling the expansion of the global electrical control panel market:

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: The demand for energy efficiency and sustainability is a driving force for the electrical control panel market. Energy-efficient control panels play a vital role in reducing power usage, meeting environmental regulations, and lowering operational costs. Customization and Modular Designs: Manufacturers are increasingly offering modular designs that can be easily customized for various purposes, enhancing flexibility and reducing lead times. Customized control panels tailored to specific industry needs are in high demand. Open Type Control Panels: Open type electric control panels dominated the industry in 2022, particularly in applications where environmental protection is not the primary concern due to their cost-effectiveness. Medium and High Tension Control Panels: The medium and high tension control panel segment led the market in 2022, with applications ranging from power distribution networks to industrial facilities. Growth in the Power Sector: The power sector is poised for significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the need for control panels in renewable energy installations, grid connections, inverters, and energy storage systems. Asia Pacific Dominance: The Asia Pacific region is set to dominate the electrical control panel market due to substantial investments in renewable energy sources, infrastructure development, and rapid urbanization in countries like China and India. North America's Fastest Growth: North America is expected to be one of the fastest-growing regions for the electrical control panel market, driven by the adoption of smart grid technologies, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Key Growth Determinants

The growth of the electrical control panel market is determined by factors such as the increasing demand for industrial automation, the growing adoption of IoT and smart technology, and the rising integration with renewable energy sources.

Major Growth Barriers

Challenges include high initial investments and concerns related to cybersecurity.

Key Opportunities

Opportunities include integration with IoT and Industry 4.0, advanced Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and the provision of remote monitoring and maintenance services.

Regulatory Landscape

International standards by organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the US, and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) play a crucial role in shaping the electrical control panel market. Compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards is essential for manufacturers.

Top Companies Leading the Market

Leading companies in the global electrical control panel market include Leviton Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ABB Ltd., Bectrol, Eaton, RITTAL GMBH & CO. KG, Schneider Electric SE, Rockwell Automation Inc., Siemens AG, SIMON PROtec, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Delta Electronics, Inc, E+I Engineering, General Electric Company (GE), C&S Electric, and WEG Industries.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Market Overview

2.1. Market Definitions and Segmentations

2.2. Market Dynamics

2.2.1. Drivers

2.2.2. Restraints

2.2.3. Market Opportunities

2.3. Value Chain Analysis

2.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

2.5. Covid-19 Impact Analysis

2.5.1. Supply

2.5.2. Demand

2.6. Impact of Ukraine-Russia Conflict

2.7. Economic Overview

2.7.1. World Economic Projections

2.8. PESTLE Analysis

3. Global Electrical Control Panel Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030

4. North America Electrical Control Panel Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030

5. Europe Electrical Control Panel Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030

6. Asia Pacific Electrical Control Panel Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030

7. Latin America Electrical Control Panel Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030

8. Middle East & Africa Electrical Control Panel Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030

9. Competitive Landscape

10. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cg2esz

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.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acrow, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, is pleased to announce two of its modular steel bridges were installed recently to reconnect flood-damaged routes in different locations within San Luis Obispo County in Californias Central Coast region. The existing infrastructure was damaged during heavy rainstorms in January and March 2023.



Near the city of Paso Robles in the northern part of the county, stormwaters in March washed out three culverts beneath Chimney Rock Road, resulting in an 80-foot-long, 50-foot-deep canyon bisecting the road and cutting off access to neighborhoods and a mining business on the east side of Lake Nacimiento. Because the route is used by first responders and for evacuation in the event of fire, San Luis Obispo County quickly built a temporary access road, but required a longer-term detour solution. After excavation of one of the banks to provide access for the launch, the assembly of Acrows single-lane modular bridge began in early June. It was installed with a crane-assisted launch and opened to traffic at the end of June. The modular bridge is expected to be in place for several years until a permanent crossing is designed and constructed.

The second installation took place in the small community of Huasna in the southern part of the county, where the bridge over the Arroyo Grande Creek on Huasna Townsite Road was snapped in half by floodwaters in January. Although the 70-year-old bridge had recently been approved for replacement, the road and structure are an important emergency route in and out of the remote Huasna Valley, so restoring the route as quickly as possible was critical. In addition, the route connects Huasna with several large ranches and National Forest lands. Assembly of Acrows modular steel bridge began in early July. The bridge was installed with a full cantilever launch and opened to traffic in early August. It is anticipated the structure will be in service for three or more years while a permanent bridge is designed and built.

The Chimney Rock Road Bridge is 170 feet (51.8m) in length, while the Townsite bridge is 180 feet (54.86m) long. Both are single-lane bridges designed to AASHTO HL-93 loading with a curb-to-curb dimension of 13.8 (4.2m) and have epoxy aggregate decks. Delivery of the components to both sites was difficult due to narrow, winding roads, and in the case of the Chimney Rock Road Project, components were delivered over damaged roads. The bridges were rented to Souza Construction, Inc., of San Luis Obispo, who was the installation contractor under contract to San Luis Obispo County on both projects.

We are honored to have been part of these important emergency projects to restore transportation lifelines to impacted communities, said Deon Lourens, Acrows Business Development Manager, Pacific States. Easily delivered to the most remote and challenging locations, Acrows high-quality modular steel bridges are rapidly assembled and installed and can be designed to serve a wide range of temporary and permanent applications.

Acrows ability to provide critical bridging components quickly and economically is built upon our decades of experience in restoring transportation infrastructure in emergency situations across the globe, added Bill Killeen, CEO of Acrow Bridge. Available for rent or purchase, our proven solutions serve the needs of departments of transportation and contractors alike.

About Acrow

Acrow has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 70 years with a wide range of modular steel bridging solutions for permanent, temporary, military and emergency use. Acrows extensive international presence includes leadership in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 150 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.acrow.com.

Media contact:

Tracy Van Buskirk

Marketcom PR

Main: (212) 537-5177, ext. 8; Mobile: (203) 246-6165

tvanbuskirk@marketcompr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83b169a4-f1ed-49a1-a4c9-d7438106e5cc
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, has provided a $21,555,000 Fannie Mae Multifamily Affordable Housing (MAH) loan to refinance a 101-unit affordable housing property in Carteret, New Jersey. The financing was originated by Ryan Harkins, a Director at Greystone, on behalf of Tryko Partners, a repeat Greystone client.



Roosevelt Village Apartments in Middlesex County is a 10-building, income and rent-restricted community situated on 5.1674-acres. Constructed in 1969, the property offers one-, two- and three-bedroom townhome-style units, and includes amenities such as on-site parking, playground and a laundry facility. The $21,555,000 non-recourse, fixed-rate financing features a 10-year term and 35-year amortization, with seven years of interest-only payments. In addition to refinancing, loan proceeds enable the borrower to monetize a portion of their equity in the property.

This was a pretty seamless execution in what continues to be a challenging lending environment, said Mr. Harkins. Having the opportunity to pair up with a best-in-class borrower like Tryko and deliver efficient results in this market is what sets Greystone apart from our peers. Our deep lending platform and extensive multifamily expertise mean we are uniquely equipped to help clients realize the vision they have for every property in their portfolio.

Given the challenging lending environment with which we are all now confronted, we are happy that the team at Greystone enabled us to refinance Roosevelt Apartments and continue to preserve affordable housing for our residents, said Mr. Isaac Sassoon, of Tryko Partners.

About Greystone

Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Karen Marotta

Greystone

212-896-9149

Karen.Marotta@greyco.com
Chicago, IL, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHICAGO, IL - The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law is thrilled to announce the upcoming 67th annual Intellectual Property, Information, and Privacy Law Conference. This highly anticipated event will take place on Friday, November 10 at the prestigious Union League Club Chicago.

The Intellectual Property, Information, and Privacy Law Conference is a must-attend event for professionals in the field. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and engage in discussions surrounding the latest developments in intellectual property, information, and privacy law. Attendees will be empowered to contribute to the creation of better laws and policies that foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Renowned for its interactive format, the conference will feature a diverse lineup of panelists and keynote speakers. Participants can expect in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including the future of intellectual property rights and the intellectual property office, artificial intelligence and its legal implications, cybersecurity, trade secrets, and federal and state privacy efforts. With such a comprehensive agenda, attendees are guaranteed to leave with a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives.

In addition to the informative sessions, the conference offers ample networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, and exchange ideas throughout the day.

Illinois attorneys attending the conference may be eligible to receive approximately 6.25 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, pending approval.

To learn more about the conference and to view the high-level agenda, please visit the registration site. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to be part of the 67th annual Intellectual Property, Information, and Privacy Law Conference.



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About the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law:

The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law is a leading institution in legal education, renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, the School of Law prepares students to become successful legal professionals and leaders in their respective fields.

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Venice, FL, USA, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LiveCare, Inc. OTC:LVCE, a leader in the telehealth sector assisting people living with type II diabetesoften overlookedbecome healthier and remain connected, has officially announced its Middle East Expansion Initiative.



The Middle East Expansion Initiative of LiveCare Inc. commenced with a journey to the United Arab Emirates in September, undertaken by Jack Brannelly, Feras Al Kandari, and Max Rockwell. With close to 30 years of travel experience in the region, Mr. Rockwell possesses extensive expertise in conducting business and has a depth of relationships. Mr. Al Kandari, a Kuwaiti Native, brings a tremendous level of local confidence, connections, and market knowledge. The team had several high profile meetings with local officials and business owners who are very interested in working with LiveCare.

LiveCare is in the process of solidifying its local footprint by forming a business entity registered with Dubai Health Care City (www.dhcc.ae). Through the establishment of a local company, LiveCare showcases its profound commitment to the region and its intent to assist the diabetic community. Upon completion, LiveCare plans to set up a local office to initiate its operations.

Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the Arab Gulf Countries. The affliction has grown exponentially over the past five decades, attributed to swift economic development and urbanization. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), nations in the Middle East with the most significant prevalence of type 2 diabetes include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (31.6%), Sultanate of Oman (29%), State of Kuwait (25.4%), Kingdom of Bahrain (25.0%), and the United Arab Emirates (25.0%). The expenditure on diabetes care in the Gulf region was nearly $17 billion in 2015, and it's projected to escalate to more than $24 billion by 2035, as recently cited in an Arabian Business article.

Board member Feras Al Kandari remarks, The region I call home urgently requires LiveCares solution due to the vast segment of the population succumbing to diabetes. I take pride in being associated with a company that addresses this issue effectively. I am confident in its potential to assist locals in leading healthier lives.

The subsequent phase in the Middle East expansion involves partnering with a local entity to conduct a pilot, anticipated to lead to a revenue-generating contract within a single-payer healthcare system. The company has already executed a non-disclosure agreement in this regard. This will be succeeded by fundraising and market awareness campaigns, aiming to garner substantial traction in markets that recognize outstanding prospects.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments.

Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Except for historical information, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Words such as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", and similar expressions are meant to identify such statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results to differ from future results implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our management's beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this release. The Company's filings with OTC Markets provide more details on potential risks. We are not obligated to publicly update these forward-looking statements, even if new data emerges in the future.

Contact Information: LIVECARE

Phone: (800)-345-0491
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. Business Media today announced the second annual Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. Virtru has been named to the Inc. Power Partner list for the second consecutive year.



All winning companies received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various industries and many facets of business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, etc., allowing founders to focus on their core missions.

Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organizations journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life, says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.

Our team is honored to be named a winner of Inc.s Power Partner Awards for the second year in a row, said Virtru CEO John Ackerly. This recognition is a testament to the value that we provide to our customers, and the trust that they place in Virtrus portfolio of products to share sensitive data without sacrificing security, privacy, or ownership.

More than 8,000 global customers trust Virtru to power their data-centric security strategies and protect their most sensitive information. Virtrus portfolio of data encryption and privacy-enhancing applications are remarkably easy to use, fast to implement, affordable for all, and built on the Trusted Data Format (TDF) open standard. Virtrus products integrate seamlessly with the applications people already use every day (like Gmail, Outlook, Google Workspace, and Zendesk).



Customers of Virtru span across a wide range of industries, government and compliance, including education, healthcare, finance, defense, and intelligence. Notable customers and partners who use Virtrus solutions include Brown University, Omada Health, and Verizon. Virtru also helps customers meet a range of regulatory compliance requirements, including ITAR, CMMC, GLBA, and HIPAA.

To view the complete list of Inc. Power Partner Award winners, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023

The November 2023 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023.

About Inc. Business Media

The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com .

About Virtru



At Virtru, we empower organizations to easily unlock the power of data while maintaining control everywhere its stored and shared. More than 8,000 global customers trust Virtru to power their data-centric, Zero Trust strategies and safeguard their most sensitive data in accordance with the worlds strictest security standards. Creators of TDF (Trusted Data Format), the open industry standard for persistent data protection, Virtru provides encryption technology for data shared through email, collaboration tools, cloud environments, and enterprise SaaS applications. For more information, visit virtru.com .

Contact

Phil Tortora

REQ on behalf of Virtru

ptortora@req.co




Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Locate Plumbers is making it easy for homeowners and commercial property owners across the nation to find the best, highly rated plumbers operating in their local area. The company is welcoming plumbing contractors to claim their listing on the website and get fresh leads from customers searching for local plumbers.

As of 2023, over half a million individuals in the United States are employed in the plumbing industry with every business hiring on average 5 employees. So, over 100,000 plumbing businesses are vying for attention from homeowners and business owners looking for a solution to their plumbing problems. As discoverability can be a huge challenge in the industry, especially without the help of a cohesive digital strategy, Locate Plumbers is solving this problem by creating a directory where those looking for plumbing services can quickly and easily find the best local providers in their area.

We realize just how hard it is to run a plumbing business, says the spokesperson for Locate Plumbers. You not only have to serve your customers to the best of your ability but also engage in continuous marketing and promotion of your services to attract new clients. This can be very difficult without a digital marketing strategy that funnels customers from where they are most likely to be  online, searching for local plumbers during an emergency. With Locate Plumbers, we are cutting through the noise and giving plumbing businesses an easy and accessible platform from where they can generate leads and lock in new clients, seamlessly and stress-free.

Every plumbing listing on Locate Plumbers has a description where business owners can list their accomplishments to persuade customers to give them a call. Business owners also get a chance to showcase their office location, working hours, and all relevant contact information. Customers are also invited to leave reviews for the plumbing businesses, giving hardworking plumbing contractors the social proof they need to showcase their workmanship and customer service.

Website visitors searching online for plumbers near me can visit Locate Plumbers website to browse through hundreds of local plumbers. The listings can be narrowed using price range and sorted by most reviewed, most viewed, highest rated, best match, currently open, and nearest location. All the listings are highlighted on an easy-to-navigate map that allows users to get an overview of the businesses operating in their area and make the right choice based on their needs and budget.

The companys spokesperson summarizes the benefits of working with Locate Plumbers by saying, With our integrated platform, you get all the benefits of an online presence without having to do a lot of the legwork yourselves. This means you have a way to bring in customers from an all-new traffic source that showcases the best of your business. Claim your listing on our website today and get ready to receive calls from targeted leads who are interested in what you have to offer.

Locate Plumbers offers plumbing business owners the choice of two plans to get their listings on the website. The free plan has a duration of unlimited days and offers a map display, contact display, location pin, business hours, and an ability to hide competitors ads. The $49.97 listing plan has a duration of 30 days, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), maps SEO for local visitors, increased lead potential, and PPC (Pay Per Click) options to advertise on other pages on the site.

The companys services extend to almost all major metropolises in the US including Atlanta, GA, Indianapolis, IN, Miami, FL, Omaha, NE, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Kansas City, KS, Minneapolis, MN, Orlando, FL, Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, NC, Denver, CO, Los Angeles, CA, Nashville, TN, Philadelphia, PA, Sacramento, CA, Tampa, FL, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Memphis, TN, New York, NY, Phoenix, AZ, San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC.





Readers are urged to browse through Locate Plumbers database of trusted plumbing companies across the US by visiting its website. For more information about the company, visit Locate Plumbers on LinkedIn.

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For more information about Locate Plumbers, contact the company here:



Locate Plumbers

Danny Willis

(682) 990-5592

locateplumberscom@gmail.com

420 Commerce St STE 300

Fort Worth, TX 76102
Findlay, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



The University of Findlay and Keypath Education launched a distance Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program to meet the demand for licensed pharmacists nationwide.

The University of Findlay and Keypath Education have launched an online PharmD program designed to expand the reach and mission of the university and help meet the growing need for licensed pharmacists across the nation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, marginal growth of jobs for pharmacists is projected through 2031. However, a significant increase in skilled pharmacists has been reported, with only 14,223 new PharmD graduates responding to over 80,000 job postings for pharmacists in 2021. As employer demand continues to exceed capacity, colleges and universities need to adopt innovative solutions to overcome constraints limiting growth.

The University of Findlay has a well-established track record of offering online degree programs, and its collaboration with Keypath Education, a global market-leading edtech company, is leading the way. The first cohort of students began coursework in September, and student recruitment for Fall 2024 has commenced.

For more information, visit https://pharmdonline.findlay.edu/

We are excited to build upon this collaboration as we launch a distance education pathway to a PharmD. As the first online PharmD program to be offered in the state of Ohio, and with fewer than ten online programs in the country, we believe this pathway will uniquely position our program to be ready to educate the next generation of pharmacists who are seeking a more flexible learning environment, said Ryan A. Schneider, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Associate Dean for Operations and Effectiveness, and Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Findlay.

A technology-enabled company in the online program management market, Keypath Education works with institutions of higher learning across the globe to facilitate career-relevant online higher education programs to prepare students for the job market. Keypath has more than 750 employees with operations in Australia, the United States, Canada, the UK, Malaysia and Singapore.

Through its integrated technology and data platform, KeypathEDGE, the company provides its university partners with a full suite of services, including designing, developing, launching, marketing, and managing online programs. Additionally, the company undertakes market research and provides student recruitment, support, and placement services.

Universities across the globe are partnering with Keypath Education to design and deliver high-quality, career-relevant, and industry-aligned graduate degrees built for working learners and the future of work, even across traditionally on-campus degrees with clinical placements. Leveraging KeypathEDGE, our end-to-end data and technology platform, Keypath works with university faculty to reimagine in-person degrees into online courses with rural areas, underserved communities, and a global reach in mind, said Ashley McGuire, Senior Manager of Global Communications and Brand, Keypath Education.

In the online PharmD program, the University of Finlays faculty of pharmacy designs and teaches the four-year program curriculum. To ensure an enhanced online student learning experience, Keypath provides program management support such as program marketing, recruitment, instructional and course design, clinical/experiential placements, and faculty recruitment services.

Coursework will be offered online with concentrated campus immersions and hands-on experiential practical experiences in the students home community sourced by Keypath Educations placement network. The University of Findlay will also continue to offer a campus-based PharmD program for students who prefer a face-to-face program, said McGuire.

The online PharmD program has been made accessible to students across the U.S. through the collaboration between the University of Findlay and Keypath Education, ensuring highly qualified candidates have the best chance of finding a meaningful career in pharmacy. Additionally, students can enhance their marketability by earning a second degree to complement their online PharmDa Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Health Informatics.

About the University:

Located in Findlay, Ohio, the University of Findlay is known not only for science, health professions, animal science, and equestrian studies programs, but also for cultivating the next generation of business leaders, educators, and innovative thinkers through a dedication to experiential learning, both in and outside of the classroom.





Established in 1882 through a joint partnership between the Churches of God, General Counsel, and the City of Findlay, the University of Findlay has more than 80 majors leading to baccalaureate degrees, offers 11 masters degrees, and five doctoral degrees. More than 3,500 students are enrolled at Findlay, and the University is nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report, the Princeton Review, and Money magazine.

###

For more information about University of Findlay, contact the company here:



University of Findlay

Ashley McGuire, Senior Manager, Global Communications and Brand, Keypath Education

ashley.mcguire@keypathedu.com

1000 N. Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840
Pasadena, CA, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fuller Theological Seminary is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Cynthia Blomquist Eriksson as the new Dean of the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Eriksson brings a wealth of experience and a passion for integrating theology and behavioral science to her new leadership role.

Cynthia Blomquist Eriksson has a deep and longstanding connection with Fuller. She started her journey as an undergraduate psychology major at Wheaton College in Illinois, and her path led her to South America where she engaged in mission training and discovered her passion for trauma studies. In 1990, she began her studies at Fuller as a PhD Clinical Psychology student, with a focus on trauma in children. Her academic journey encompassed a broad range of courses in clinical psychology and theology as well as courses like Folk Religion and International Development in the (former) School of World Mission, and these all contributed to her profound understanding of psycho-social care in various cultural contexts.

Throughout her career, Dr. Eriksson's research has centered on trauma, spirituality, culture, and diversity. Her work has illuminated the risks faced by individuals in high-stress or traumatic environments by shedding light on issues such as burnout, post-traumatic stress, and post-traumatic growth. Her years of research has not only expanded the field of psychology but has also enriched the practice of ministry.

Regarding her appointment, Dr. Eriksson shared her enthusiasm by stating, "I come to this Dean position with an incredible appreciation for the work that Fuller has done in the fields of Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Integration. Our faculty, alums, and students have led in scholarship and clinical practice. I affirm that legacy, and I want to draw that expertise to the pressing needs of the world right now." Dr Eriksson affirms that her vision for the school includes empowering every member to contribute to the world, "where they truly are empowered to live out their calling and contribute to the Gospel of Christ's hope and healing."

Fuller's School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy has long been a pioneer in the integration of theology and behavioral science. Dr. Eriksson envisions this integration playing a crucial role in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, mental health crises, and fostering dialogue within the church. "What we're facing globally," she remarks, "requires us to bring these understandings into the church and beyond."

Dr. Eriksson's international work, which has also spanned several countries, has yielded invaluable insights into the field of psychology globally. Her collaboration with humanitarian organizations has reinforced her value of frameworks like the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. These guidelines emphasize the importance of mental health care at various levels, from basic psycho-education to professional counseling and this directly aligns with Fuller's mission of healing and transformation in the community, the church, and the counseling room.

President David Emmanuel Goatley expressed his confidence in Dr. Eriksson's leadership by affirming that, "Cynthia Blomquist Eriksson is not only a scholar and a practitioner but also a deeply committed Christian. Her appointment is a testament to Fuller's dedication to equipping graduates who can make a transformative impact in the world."

The installation ceremony for Dr. Eriksson will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM and her installation address is titled "For Such a Time as This: Hope and Healing as the Mission of Mental Health." The event will be held on the Pasadena campus of Fuller Theological Seminary and also live-streamed for those unable to attend in person, with live translations available in Spanish and Korean.

Fuller Theological Seminary invites the Fuller community, students, and the broader audience to join us in celebrating Dr. Eriksson's new role as Dean of the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

For more information about the installation ceremony, please visit fuller.edu/installation or call 626-584-5205.

____________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT FULLER SEMINARY

Fuller Seminary is one of the largest multidenominational seminaries in the world with a global enrollment of more than 3,000 students in its masters and doctoral programs. Fuller Seminary students may take classes in person, online, or through a hybrid of the two via campuses in Pasadena, Houston, and Phoenix. Founded in Pasadena, California, Fuller Seminary is committed to providing indispensable, formational education to diverse Christian leaders everywhere. Responding to changes in the church and world, Fuller Seminary is transforming the seminary experience to create a global learning community where leaders can access Fuller Seminarys traditional graduate programs, as well as non-degree courses through the digital learning platform FULLER Equip, and free resources created by FULLER studio. Fuller Seminarys distinctive integration of its four major disciplineshoused in the School of Mission and Theology and the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapyis evident in its range of masters and doctoral programs, uniquely equipping leaders for innovative, nuanced, and intellectually grounded service in a variety of roles and settings.

Attachment
Heroes from Across the United States Honored in The Roll Call of Heroes



Distinguished "Hero of Honor Award" Presented to Nashville First Responders for their Courageous Response to the Covenant School Shooting



Photo Credit: Sean T. Smith

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, First Responders Childrens Foundation (FRCF) hosted its annual "Roll Call of Heroes" ceremony in the heart of New York City's Times Square to commemorate National First Responders Day, which will be celebrated nationwide on October 28th. In 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives officially designated this date as National First Responders Day with the aim of raising awareness about the invaluable contributions of first responders to our nation. FRCF has been working towards highlighting this important day nationwide since 2020.

The program was presented by FRCF's corporate partner, SERVPRO, and included the recognition of real-life heroes who represented each first responder category for their brave service in the areas of police, fire, EMS, 9/11 dispatchers, and corrections. A special tribute was paid to the heroes who responded to the tragic Covenant School Shooting, with awards presented by SERVPRO Vice President and Director of Marketing Chad Lewis and FRCF Board Member and SERVPRO Director of Communications, Allison Isaacson Beahm.

During the event, proclamations from 18 state gove r nors recognizing October 28th as National First Responders Day were announced and displayed. It was also announced that President Joe Biden will provide a proclamation proclaiming October 28, 2023, as National First Responders Day. Select photos from the ceremony can be found here and the live stream recording can be found here . Additional photos of the ceremony will be made available here by EOD 10/24 .

"National First Responders Day is a tribute to the dedicated and courageous heroes of our nation," said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of the First Responders Childrens Foundation. "We urge everyone across the country to take a moment this week and on October 28th to honor those who work tirelessly to protect our communities. In times of danger, these selfless individuals run toward the unknown to ensure our safety. The heroes we recognize on this stage today represent just a small fraction of the over 4 million first responders who answer our call. We also want to acknowledge the profound sacrifices made not only by the first responders themselves but also by their families."

First responders from around the country were awarded medals at the Times Square ceremony, including:

FRCF Hero of Honor Award:

Nashville first responders who responded to the Covenant School shooting:

- Officers Michael Collazo, Jeffrey Mathes, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese, Metro Nashville Police Department

- Paramedic Paul Gilmer, Nashville Fire Department and Medical Services

- Dispatcher Jeffrey Bolin, Nashville Department of Emergency Communications

FRCFs Hero Award:

- Lieutenant Paramedic Miguel Angel Flores, New York City Fire Department

- Firefighter Sam Fehrer, Indianapolis Fire Department

- Police Officer Andrew Hammett, Irving Police Department (Texas)

- Dispatcher Keara Duncomb, Moore City Police Department (Oklahoma)

FRCFs Community Hero Award:

- Lieutenant Julieann Stapleton, New York City Police Department

Distinguished leaders from the first responder community in attendance included Port Authority Police Superintendent Ed Cetnar; NYC Department of Correction Commissioner Louis Molina; MTA Police Chief John Muller; NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella; FDNY Chief of EMS Michael Fields; Tom Harris, President, Times Square Alliance; Chad Lewis, Marketing Services Division Manager, SERVPRO; Allison Isaacson Beahm, FRCF Board Member and Director of Communications, SERVPRO; FRCF President & CEO Jillian Crane; FRCF Founder and Chairman Al Kahn;

ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDRENS FOUNDATION (FRCF)

First Responders Childrens Foundation is a national foundation that provides programs and resources addressing the specific needs of children of first responders. The Foundation focuses on critical areas, including scholarships, financial assistance grants, bereavement assistance, mental health counseling for children, disaster relief, and community engagement programs to foster positive relationships between first responder agencies and the communities they serve. FRCF was founded over 22 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPROs professional services network of more than 2,200 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small  from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it Like it never even happened.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c17aa2a9-4641-4d2d-a931-ad75ec7d3531
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CloudMD Software & Services Inc. (TSXV: DOC, OTCQX: DOCRF, Frankfurt: 6PH) (the Company or CloudMD), an innovative health services company transforming the delivery of care, today announced that it will be at the AFHTO Conference sharing positive outcomes from CloudMD providing multi-modal mental health support directly to Ontario residents and via a referral partnership with Family Health Teams across Ontario. The presentation will include results from a CloudMD Therapist-Assisted Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MindBeacon) program (TAiCBT), which was offered to Ontario residents as part of the governments pandemic response.



Demand for mental health support services continues to grow exponentially, resulting in long waitlists for individuals to access critical mental health support services. To meet these demands, between January 2023 and March 2023, FHTs from across Ontario engaged in a partnership with CloudMD to provide therapist-assisted Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TAiCBT) and Virtual (face-to-face) Therapy. The innovative partnership creates a healthcare ecosystem that is efficient, accessible, and responsive to the ever-evolving needs of the community healthcare sector and Ontario patients.

We are delighted to be at the AFHTO conference sharing some of the positive patient mental health outcomes resulting from our public-private partnerships, said Karen Adams, CEO of CloudMD. A core tenet of our approach to providing holistic healthcare solutions is to ensure that they are patient-centric and deliver measurable positive outcomes that recognize the strong relationship between physical and mental health. The results show mental health solutions that provide anytime/anywhere access produce demonstrable positive outcomes. Over the course of our COVID program study, 90 percent of patients engaged with therapy outside traditional office hours, and 60 percent of patients with clinically severe depression symptoms experienced reliable symptom improvement. We are especially proud to note that this was accomplished with lower wait times (days instead of weeks or months), increased access for underserved communities, and reduced costs compared to traditional Cognitive Behavior Therapy programs.

Attendees of the AFHTO Conference are invited to visit Poster Board #14 to learn about how they could leverage this game-changing program to provide easy-to-access, high-quality mental health support to their patients.

About CloudMD Software & Services

CloudMD is an innovative North American healthcare service provider focused on empowering healthier living by combining leading-edge technology with an exceptional national network of healthcare professionals. Every day, our employees and healthcare providers live our values of delivering excellence, collaboration, connected communication, and accountability to solve complex health problems. CloudMDs industry-leading workplace health and wellbeing solution, Kii, supports members and their families with a personalized and connected healthcare experience across mental, physical, and occupational health. Kii delivers superior clinical health outcomes, consistent high engagement, and measurable ROI for payers such as employers, educational institutions, associations, governments, and insurers. CloudMD is also a market leader in workplace absence management through data-driven prevention, intervention, and return-to-work programs.

In addition, the Company sells health and productivity tools to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare service providers to empower them to deliver better care. Visit www.cloudmd.ca to learn more about the Companys comprehensive healthcare offerings.

Karen Adams

Chief Executive Officer

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Investor Relations

Investors@cloudmd.ca

1-647-484-1405

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Transaction in Own Shares

24 October 2023

               

Shell plc (the Company) announces that on 24 October 2023 it purchased the following number of Shares for cancellation.

Aggregated information on Shares purchased according to trading venue:

Date of purchase Number of Shares purchased Highest price paid



Lowest price paid



Volume weighted average price paid per share Venue Currency 24/10/2023 540,000 27.3000 27.0000 27.1895 LSE GBP 24/10/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 Chi-X (CXE) GBP 24/10/2023 502,877 27.3000 27.0000 27.1892 BATS (BXE) GBP 24/10/2023 764,000 31.8500 31.4950 31.7030 XAMS EUR 24/10/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 CBOE DXE EUR 24/10/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 TQEX EUR

These share purchases form part of the on- and off-market limbs of the Company's existing share buy-back programme previously announced on 27 July 2023.

In respect of this programme, Citigroup Global Markets Limited will make trading decisions in relation to the securities independently of the Company for a period from 27 July 2023 up to and including 27 October 2023.

The on-market limb will be effected within certain pre-set parameters and in accordance with the Companys general authority to repurchase shares on-market. The off-market limb will be effected in accordance with the Companys general authority to repurchase shares off-market pursuant to the off-market buyback contract approved by its shareholders and the pre-set parameters set out therein. The programme will be conducted in accordance with Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules and Article 5 of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014/EU dealing with buy-back programmes (EU MAR) and EU MAR as onshored into UK law from the end of the Brexit transition period (at 11:00 pm on 31 December 2020) through the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020), and as amended, supplemented, restated, novated, substituted or replaced by the Financial Services Act, 2021 and relevant statutory instruments (including, The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (SI 2019/310)), from time to time (UK MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 (the EU MAR Delegated Regulation) and the EU MAR Delegated Regulation as onshored into UK law from the end of the Brexit transition period (at 11:00 pm

on 31 December 2020) through the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020), and as amended, supplemented, restated, novated, substituted or replaced by the Financial Services Act, 2021 and relevant statutory instruments (including, The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (SI 2019/310)), from time to time.

In accordance with EU MAR and UK MAR, a breakdown of the individual trades made by Citigroup Global Markets Limited on behalf of the Company as a part of the buy-back programme is detailed below.

Enquiries

Media International: +44 (0) 207 934 5550

Media Americas: +1 832 337 4335

LEI number of Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70

Classification: Acquisition or disposal of the issuers own shares

Attachment
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP informs investors that a shareholder filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Farfetch Limited (NYSE: FTCH) securities between March 9, 2023 and August 17, 2023. Farfetch, together with its subsidiaries, operates a global platform for the luxury fashion industry.



For more information, submit a form, email Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

What is this Case About: Farfetch Limited (FTCH) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects

According to the complaint, defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Farfetch was experiencing a significant slowdown in growth in the U.S. and China; (ii) Farfetch also faced onboarding challenges impacting the launch of its Reebok partnership; (iii) Farfetch downplayed challenges it faced with respect to, and/or overstated its ability to manage, its supply chain and inventory; (iv) all the foregoing was having a significant negative impact on Farfetchs revenue and GMV growth; and (v) accordingly, Farfetch was unlikely to meet market expectations for its Q2 2023 financial results or its own FY 2023 revenue guidance.

On August 17, 2023, Farfetch issued a press release announcing its Q2 2023 financial results, wherein it reported revenue of approximately $572 million, significantly less than the market consensus of $650.71 million. Farfetch also issued an FY 2023 revenue forecast of approximately $2.5 billion, compared to the average analyst estimate of $2.8 billion and the Companys prior FY 2023 revenue forecast of $2.9 billion.

That same day, Farfetch held a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss the Companys Q2 2023 results. During that call, Company management disclosed that significant slowdowns in growth in the U.S. and China, onboarding challenges affecting the launch of the Reebok partnership, and issues with inventory and shipping had negatively impacted Farfetchs revenue and GMV for the quarter, as well forced the Company to rein in expectations for FY 2023.

Then, on August 18, 2023, media outlets reported that multiple analysts had downgraded Farfetch based on its poor Q2 2023 results and disappointing guidance for FY 2023.

Following these developments, Farfetchs Class A ordinary share price fell $2.15 per share, or 45.17%, to close at $2.61 per share on August 18, 2023.

What Now: Similarly situated shareholders may be eligible to participate in the class action against Farfetch Limited. Shareholders who want to act as lead plaintiff for the class should contact Robbins LLP. Plaintiffs must file their lead plaintiff papers by December 19, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here .

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders.

To be notified if a class action against Farfetch Limited settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Ottawa, Ontario, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On October 27, 2023, more than 35 iconic buildings and landmarks across Canada will light up blue in a show of support for World Occupational Therapy Day, an international day of awareness to acknowledge the work done by occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs). World Occupational Therapy Day promotes and celebrates the profession locally, nationally, and internationally, and the meaningful differences that OTs and OTAs make in the lives of their clients.



First launched in 2010 by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), World Occupational Therapy Day has become an important date as it falls in October, which is celebrated as Occupational Therapy Month in Canada. WFOTs theme for this year is Unity through Community to globally promote the roles of OTs and OTAs in working together with others to facilitate participation and community interaction.



Some of the landmarks that will light up across the country include BC Place Stadium and Science World in Vancouver, BC; Reconciliation Bridge in Calgary and High Level Bridge in Edmonton in Alberta; Regina City Hall and Nutrien Tower in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; IG Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba; the CN Tower in Toronto, the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, and the Quinte West sign in Ontario; the House of Assembly and Province House in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and the Confederation Building and St. Johns City Hall in Newfoundland.



"We are honoured to have the hard work and dedication of the 20,000 OTs and OTAs across Canada recognized by so many iconic landmarks," says Phillip Wendt, President of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Illuminating buildings, bridges, and signs in blue brilliantly symbolizes the tremendous impact OTs and OTAs make to improve the health and wellbeing of Canadians by working in partnership with people and communities and helping them participate more fully in activities that are important to their everyday lives.



The full list of 36 landmarks to be illuminated across the country in recognition of World Occupational Therapy Day include:



Alberta



High Level Bridge, Edmonton (Oct. 27)

Reconciliation Bridge, Calgary (Oct. 26)

Red Deer City Hall, Red Deer (Oct. 26)

Saline Creek Pedestrian Bridge, Wood Buffalo (Oct. 26)

Sylvan Lake Lighthouse, Sylvan Lake (Oct. 27)



British Columbia



BC Place Stadium, Vancouver (Oct. 27)

Science World, Vancouver (Oct. 27)



Manitoba



Esplanade Riel, Winnipeg (Oct. 27)

IG Field, Winnipeg (Oct. 27)

WINNIPEG sign, Winnipeg (Oct. 27)



New Brunswick



Downing Street, Moncton (Oct. 27)

Downtown Place, Moncton (Oct. 27)



Newfoundland and Labrador



City Hall, St. Johns (Oct. 27)

Confederation Building, St. Johns (Oct. 27)



Nova Scotia



House of Assembly, Halifax (Oct. 26)

Province House, Halifax (Oct. 26)



Ontario



Brampton Clock Tower, Brampton (Oct. 26)

CN Tower, Toronto (Oct. 27)

Collingwood Clock Tower, Collingwood (Oct. 30)

Guelph Market Square (Oct. 28)

Hamilton sign, Hamilton (Oct. 27)

JA Taylor building, London (Oct. 25)

Kingston City Hall, Kingston (Oct. 26)

London City Hall, London (Oct. 25)

Market Square, Kingston (Oct. 26)

Mississauga Clock Tower, Mississauga (Oct. 26)

Oakville Town Hall, Oakville (Oct. 30)

OTTAWA sign, Ottawa (Oct. 27)

Peace Bridge, Fort Erie (Oct. 26)

RBC Place, London (Oct. 25)

Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket (Oct. 27)

Quinte West Sign, Quinte West (Oct. 27)

Vaughan City Hall, Vaughan (Oct. 26)

Veterans Skyway Bridge, Trenton (Oct. 27)





Saskatchewan



Regina City Hall, Regina (Oct. 26)

Nutrien Tower, Saskatoon  (Oct. 27)

-30-

About the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is a national organization that supports more than 20,000 occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapist assistants (OTAs), and students who work or study in Canada. We provide resources, services, and learning opportunities that assist OTs in achieving excellence in their professional practice. Additionally, CAOT provides leadership in the development and promotion of the occupational therapy profession in Canada and internationally.
TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madison Metals Inc. (Madison or the Company) (CSE: GREN) (OTCQB: MMTLF) is pleased to announce that Executive Chairman and CEO Duane Parnham has acquired 233,000 of the Company's common shares on the open market (the "Acquisition"). Prior to the Acquisition, Mr. Parnham held 1,890,000 common shares in Madison. As a result of the Acquisition, Mr. Parnham now holds a total of 2,123,000 common shares, representing approximately 10.6% of the Companys common shares on an undiluted basis, and 2,907,333 common shares (including 600,000 stock options and 184,333 common share purchase warrants), representing approximately 9.8% of the common shares on a fully diluted basis.



A Statement from CEO Duane Parnham

Mr. Parnham had the following to say about his increased investment in the Company:

The current course of Madison Metals development reminds me of 2007. That year, uranium prices soared to US$140 per pound, and my small uranium company at the time catapulted to a C$860 million market cap from its start-up status. Given the calibre of our uranium assets, the management teams track record in asset development, and the tailwinds in the overall uranium market, I have confidence in the direction and value of Madison, especially as it continues to focus on sustainable uranium exploration and production on its flagship assets in Namibia.

Except as required by law, the Company generally does not commit to announce further acquisitions or dispositions of its common shares by its officers or directors. The recent share purchases are mainly for investment purposes and Mr. Parnham may increase or decrease his holdings as market conditions dictate.

This press release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues.

For further details relating to the Acquisition, please see the Early Warning Report filed by Mr. Parnham, a copy of which is available on Madisons SEDAR+ profile, or contact Mr. Parnham at +1 (416) 489-0092.

About Madison Metals Inc.

Madison Metals Inc. (CSE: GREN) (OTCQB: MMTLF) is an upstream mining and exploration company focused on sustainable uranium production in Namibia and Canada. With over 50 years of mining experience, including 22 years in Namibia, its management team has geological and financial expertise and a track record of creating shareholder value.

Additional information about Madison Metals Inc. can be found at madisonmetals.ca and on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

For further information, please contact:

Duane Parnham

Executive Chairman & CEO

Madison Metals Inc.

+1 (416) 489-0092

ir@madisonmetals.com

Media inquiries:

Adam Bello

Manager, Media & Analyst Relations

Primoris Group Inc.

+1 (416) 489-0092

media@primorisgroup.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the future prospects and operations of Madison and potential future transactions in the common shares of Madison.

Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, schedule, estimates, forecasts, intends, continue, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies, access to resources (financial and otherwise) and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future.

Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others: the global economic climate and changes in the mining industry generally and/or the uranium market specifically; competition; labour shortages; limited access to other resources (financial and otherwise) required for the Company to continue operations as currently anticipated or at all; and unanticipated expenses of the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: failure of the Company or its contractual partners to fulfil their respective obligations under agreements; unanticipated delays in drilling or other activities on the Companys properties; challenges in the Companys ability to raise funds in the future that may be required in order to conduct operations as planned; the impact the COVID 19 pandemic may have on the Companys activities and the economy in general; the impact of the recovery post COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on precious metals; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks; and other risks of the mining industry.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities that are available on the Companys SEDAR+ profile page at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States

Toronto, Ontario, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avante Corp. (TSX.V: XX) (Avante or the Company) is pleased to announce that the nominees set forth in the Companys management information circular dated August 28, 2023 (the Circular), being Daniel Argiros, Wade Burton, Robert Klopot, Emmanuel Mounouchos and Bruce Bronfman, were elected as directors of the Company at the annual general and special meeting of shareholders held today (the Meeting). Each of the directors elected at the Meeting will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company or until their earlier resignation or removal.



At the Meeting, shareholders also approved the re-appointment of RSM Canada LLP as the auditor of the Company for the 2023 fiscal year, and the ratification of the Companys stock option plan. Further information with respect to the matters considered at the Meeting can be found in the Circular, which is available under Avantes issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Avante Corp.

Avante Corp. (TSXV: XX) is a Toronto based provider of high-end security services. We acquire, manage and build industry leading businesses which provide specialized, mission-critical solutions that address the needs of our customers. Our businesses continuously develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to achieve their objectives. With an experienced team and a proven track record of solid growth, we are taking steps to establish a broad portfolio of security businesses to provide our customers and shareholders with exceptional returns. Please visit our website at www.avantecorp.ca and consider joining our investor email list.

Avante Corp.

Emmanuel Mounouchos

CEO

416 923 6984

manny@avantesecurity.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. ("Exchange") nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Mexican president urges U.S. to offer "clear definitions" on migration, blockade of Cuba

Xinhua) 15:35, October 24, 2023

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday urged the U.S. government to give "clear definitions" on migration and the economic blockade against Cuba, which he considers a "flagrant violation of human rights."

"We are proposing that the U.S. government open a dialogue (with Cuba)," said the president at a daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.

Lopez Obrador is expected to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in mid-November during meetings of Asia-Pacific countries to be held in San Francisco in the United States.

After Sunday's meeting with representatives of Latin American and Caribbean countries, where it was agreed to work to reduce migration in the region, Lopez Obrador insisted that it was also urgent to end the economic blockade against Cuba.

The Mexican president said that although some progress has been made, it is important that the U.S. government give a "clear definition" on issues such as migration and the blockade against Cuba.

"It is a flagrant violation of human rights because it prevents people living in Cuba from getting food supplies; these blockade measures prevent them from acquiring oil, fuel and other goods," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (Gran Tierra or the Company) (NYSE American:GTE) (TSX:GTE) (LSE:GTE) announces that the Company will release its 2023 third quarter financial and operating results on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, after market close. Gran Tierra will host its 2023 third quarter results conference call on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.



Interested parties may register for the conference call by clicking on this link. Please note that there is no longer a general dial-in number to participate and each individual party must register through the provided link. Once parties have registered, they will be provided a unique PIN and call-in details. There is also a feature that allows parties to elect to be called back through the Call Me function on the platform.

Interested parties can also continue to access the live webcast from their mobile or desktop devices by clicking on this link, which is also available on Gran Tierra's website at www.grantierra.com. An audio replay of the conference call will be available at the same webcast link two hours following the call and will be available until October 31, 2024.

About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company's portfolio. The Company's common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Information on the Company's website does not constitute a part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

Gran Tierra's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The Company's Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism ("the NSM") website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. Gran Tierra's filings on the SEC, SEDAR and the NSM websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release.

Contact Information

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Gary Guidry

President & Chief Executive Officer

Ryan Ellson

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Rodger Trimble

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1-403-265-3221, info@grantierra.com
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses



LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm , a law firm specializing in securities class action cases representing shareholders nationwide, is currently looking into potential claims of a breach of fiduciary duty involving the Board of Directors at EngageSmart, Inc. (NYSE: ESMT) ("EngageSmart" or the "Company") in connection with the Company's sale to the private equity firm Vista Equity Partners. On October 23, 2023, both parties announced an initial agreement in which Vista would acquire EngageSmart through a going-private merger. As a result of this merger, Inovalon shareholders are expected to receive only $23.00 per share in cash for each EngageSmart share they hold.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 844-767-8529 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

Our firm's ongoing investigation has revealed significant conflicts of interest associated with this merger, raising concerns about the fairness of the process and consideration. Despite the Company's assertion that shareholders will receive a premium for their shares, the proposed deal falls short of the $30.00 per share price target set by Truist Securities on October 5, 2023, just weeks before the merger announcement. Additionally, it is below the $25.70 per share price target established by Baptista Research on October 9, 2023.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Farfetch Limited (NYSE: FTCH) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.



Class Period: Mar. 9, 2023  Aug. 17, 2023

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Dec. 19, 2023

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/FTCH

Contact An Attorney Now: FTCH@hbsslaw.com | 844-916-0895

Farfetch Limited (NYSE: FTCH) Securities Fraud Class Action:

The litigation focuses on the propriety of Farfetchs statements about one of its most important metrics (gross merchandise value or GMV), which it says closely correlates with its revenue, the strength of its U.S. and China business, and the status of its touted partnership with Reebok.

The complaint alleges Farfetch made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) Farfetch was experiencing a significant slowdown in growth in the U.S. and China; (2) Farfetch also faced onboarding challenges impacting the launch of its Reebok partnership; (3) Farfetch downplayed challenges it faced with respect to, and/or overstated its ability to, manage its supply chain and inventory; (4) all the foregoing was having a significant negative impact on Farfetchs revenue and GMV growth; and (5) accordingly, Farfetch was unlikely to meet market expectations for its Q2 2023 financial results and its FY 2023 revenue guidance.

Investors learned the truth on Aug. 17, 2023, when Farfetch reported dismal Q2 2023 financial results and slashed its FY 2023 revenue guidance. The company missed market revenue consensus estimates by about $78 million and slashed its FY revenue guidance by approximately $400 million. Farfetch attributed its disastrous performance to significant growth slowdowns in the U.S. and China, onboarding challenges affecting the launch of its Reebok partnership, and inventory and shipping issues.

In response, the price of Farfetch shares crashed about 45% lower on Aug. 18, 2023, wiping out over $700 million of shareholder value. In addition, the news prompted several analysts to downgrade the stock.

Were focused on investors losses and investigating whether senior management hid Farfetchs growth and partnership problems, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in Farfetch and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now.

If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Farfetch case and our investigation, read more.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Farfetch 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 FTCH@hbsslaw.com.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.
Murrieta, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Murrieta, California -

Murrieta, CA  October 23, 2023  Renowned Murrieta law firm, Reid & Hellyer, is thrilled to announce that their distinguished shareholder, Michael Kerbs, has been awarded Lawyer of the Year in Civil Litigation by the Riverside County Bar Association. This honor underscores Michael's outstanding expertise, especially in business and real estate litigation, writs, and appeals within the Murrieta region and beyond.

For over 30 years, Michael has been an instrumental figure at Reid & Hellyer, driving excellence in numerous legal domains such as civil litigation, real estate, bankruptcy, construction, business law, labor and employment, and others. His profound expertise and relentless commitment have fortified Reid & Hellyer's esteemed position not only in Riverside County, but also across San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties as well.

This prestigious acknowledgment was presented at the Riverside County Bar Associations annual gathering on September 14, 2023. Michael's unparalleled capability in handling intricate legal challenges and attaining successful results mirrors the superior legal offerings that our team at Reid & Hellyer consistently delivers, commented Kiki Manti Engle, a fellow shareholder at the firm.

In the dynamic world of law, Michael's pioneering strategies have consistently elevated the litigation prowess of the firm, creating a gold standard in the Murrieta and Inland Empire regions. His dedication to tailored, efficient legal solutions mirrors the foundational beliefs of Reid & Hellyer.

Expressing his feelings on receiving the accolade, Michael mentioned, Being acknowledged by my colleagues is truly an honor. This award holds special significance as it's conferred by professionals who comprehend the challenges local lawyers encounter in harmonizing advocacy with professionalism.

Reflecting on Reid & Hellyers historic dedication to legal supremacy, Michael articulated, Reid & Hellyer's reputation for legal distinction is renowned. The iconic courthouse in Riverside showcases a statue titled The Advocate dedicated to Enos Reid, our firm's pioneer. The trailblazers of our firm set exemplary standards, and it has always been my aim to extend this legacy of legal distinction for the new generation of lawyers at Reid & Hellyer.

Reid & Hellyer heartily congratulates Michael Kerbs for this commendable acknowledgment and looks forward to his sustained dedication to the local community.

To delve deeper into Michael Kerbs' accomplishments and learn more about the multifaceted legal offerings of Reid & Hellyer, visit https://rhlaw.com/murrieta.

About Reid & Hellyer: Rooted in 1897, Reid & Hellyer stands tall as a beacon of legal solutions for Southern Californians for over a century. With a vast array of services, including business and real estate litigation, bankruptcy, and more, the firm commits to providing exceptional legal counsel both in court and out.

They are a trusted legal hub for Murrieta, CA and its neighboring regions. With an unwavering commitment, they provide both individuals and businesses superior legal guidance. Their diverse team of seasoned attorneys is equipped with extensive knowledge, ready to cater to your unique legal concerns. Whether it's assistance with bankruptcy, corporate law, immigration, probate, trust disputes, estate planning, appellate matters, employment issues, or wage and hour concerns, they are here to serve and provide the best legal outcome for their clients.

Reid & Hellyer has several offices located throughout Southern California, including Murrieta, Riverside, and Rancho Santa Margarita. From these locations, they are able to serve clients throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.

###

For more information about Reid & Hellyer (Murrieta Office), contact the company here:



Reid & Hellyer (Murrieta Office)

Nancy Brown

(951) 695-8700

nbrown@rhlaw.com

Reid & Hellyer

38975 Sky Canyon Dr #203

Murrieta, CA 92563
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman encourages The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also urges persons with knowledge who may be able to assist the firm in its investigation to contact its attorneys.

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/CLX

Contact An Attorney Now: CLX@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895

The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) Investigation:

The investigation focuses on the propriety of Cloroxs statements concerning financial and operational risks to its business posed by possible cybersecurity attacks.

More specifically, on Aug. 14, 2023, Clorox disclosed that it identified unauthorized activity on some of its Information Technology (IT) systems and that it began taking remediation steps.

Then, on Sept. 18, 2023, Clorox disclosed that the cybersecurity attack caused wide disruptions of the companys operations and that [d]ue to the order processing delays and elevated level of product outages, the Company now believes the impact will be material on Q1 financial results.

Most recently, on Oct. 4, 2023, Clorox disclosed the cybersecurity attacks impact on preliminary Q1 2024 financial results. The company said that: (1) net sales are expected to decrease by 28% from the prior year quarter; (2) gross margins are expected to be down from the prior year quarter; and (3) diluted EPS is expected to be between a loss of $0.75 to a loss of $0.35.

These reports have driven the price of Clorox shares significantly lower.

Were looking to speak with investors, as well as persons with knowledge who may help us determine when management knew of the attack on Cloroxs IT systems occurred, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in The Clorox Company and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now 

If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Clorox investigation, read more 

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding DLocal 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 CLX@hbsslaw.com.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens 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.
Perth, Oct. 24, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 2023 QUARTER REPORT

Perseus continues its market leading operating performance,

increasing its cash and bullion balance to US$594M.

PERTH, Western Australia/ October 24, 2023/Perseus Mining Ltd. ("Perseus" or the "Company") (TSX & ASX: PRU) reports on its activities for the three months' period ended September 30, 2023 (the "Quarter").

Key operating highlights for the September 2023 quarter include:

Quarterly gold production of 132,804 ounces at AISC of US$937 per ounce.

Production and cost guidance for the Half Year to 31 December 2023 remain unchanged.

Quarterly gold sales of 115,954 ounces, 17.5% below the June 2023 quarter due to timing of sales.

Average sale price of gold was US$1,936 per ounce, up US$3 per ounce from the June 2023 quarter.

Average cash margin of US$999 per ounce of gold sold, up 8% (+US$73 per ounce) from the June 2023 quarter.

Notional cashflow of US$132 million during the quarter, up 4% (+US$5 million) from the June 2023 quarter.

Strong quarterly cashflows have further strengthened Perseus's financial position with available cash and bullion of US$594 million, an increase of US$72 million during the September 2023 quarter.

Zero debt with undrawn debt capacity of US$300 million.

Group 12-month rolling average TRIFR at 1.07, down from 1.20 in the June 2023 quarter.

Key operating indicators for the September 2023 quarter and the Calendar Year 2023 to date include:

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR UNIT MARCH 2023

QUARTER JUNE 2023

QUARTER JUNE 2023

HALF YEAR SEPTEMBER 2023

QUARTER CALENDAR 2023

YEAR TO DATE Gold recovered Ounces 130,275 136,634 266,909 132,804 399,713 Gold poured Ounces 130,512 137,586 268,098 132,717 400,815 Production Cost US$/ounce 831 811 820 805 815 All-In Site Cost (AISC) US$/ounce 971 1,007 989 937 972 Gold sales Ounces 135,111 140,533 275,644 115,954 391,598 Average sales price US$/ounce 1,821 1,933 1,878 1,936 1,895 Cash margin US$/ounce 850 926 889 999 923 Notional Cashflow US$ million 111 127 238 132 370

Demonstrated financial capacity to continue business growth either through organic growth or M&A activity via value accretive opportunities or a more aggressive approach to capital management.

Yaoure Gold Mine Ore Reserves increased to 37.2 million tonnes of ore grading 1.73 g/t gold and containing 2.07 Moz from open pits and underground operations. Life of mine extended to 2035, with potential for further extension.

Planning is currently underway to upgrade security arrangements and recommence Mineral Resource definition drilling at Meyas Sand Gold Project in Sudan.

Perseus's total economic contribution of ~US$129 million (approximately 58% of revenue) to host countries?of Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and Sudan during the quarter, supporting its strong social licence to operate in these countries.

Perseus's Managing Director and CEO Jeff Quartermaine said:

"This quarter, Perseus has produced another excellent operating performance with the Group's gold production and AISC outperforming internal targets, placing the Company on a firm footing to once again, achieve or potentially outperform market guidance for the current Half Year Period ending 31 December 2023.

During the quarter, we also reported adding more ounces of gold to our gold inventory than we depleted through mining activities in the preceding 12-month period. At Yaoure, our flagship gold mine, not only have we demonstrated our ability to grow our business through organic means by increasing JORC Compliant Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources, but we have also extended its operating life to 2035 by adding an underground mining operation to the existing open pit operation.

Our cash balance continues to grow. This quarter, we have added US$72 million to our cash and bullion balance increasing it to US$594 million. We have zero debt and US$300 million of undrawn debt capacity. As a result, we are in an excellent position to either continue to grow our business through organic or inorganic means, or actively return capital to shareholders, should this prove to be a more appropriate use of funds."

Competent Person Statement

All production targets referred to in this release are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code.

Edikan

The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Edikan was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" released on 24 August 2023. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana" dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply.

Sissingue, Fimbiasso and Bagoe

The information in this release that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at the Sissingue complex was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" released on 24 August 2023. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Sissingue Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 29 May 2015 continue to apply.

Yaoure

The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Yaoure was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining announces Open Pit and Underground Ore Reserve update at Yaoure" released on 23 August 2023. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Yaoure Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 18 December 2017 continue to apply.

Meyas Sand Gold Project

The information in this report that relates to the mineral resources and probable reserves of the Meyas Sand Gold Project was first reported by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Orca Gold Inc." released on 28 February 2022. The Company confirms it is not in possession of any new information or data relating to those estimates that materially impacts of the reliability of the estimate of the Company's ability to verify the estimate as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with Appendix 5A (JORC Code) and the information in that original market release continues to apply and have not materially changed. These estimates are prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards and have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the resource in accordance with the JORC Code and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with the JORC Code. This release and all technical information regarding Orca's NI 43-101 have been reviewed and approved by Adrian Ralph, a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

ASX/TSX CODE: PRU



CAPITAL STRUCTURE:

Ordinary shares: 1,373,025,881

Performance rights: 9,923,706



REGISTERED OFFICE:



Level 2

437 Roberts Road

Subiaco WA 6008



Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700

Email: IR@perseusmining.com



www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS:



Mr Sean Harvey

Non-Executive Chairman



Mr Jeff Quartermaine

Managing Director & CEO



Ms Amber Banfield

Non-Executive Director



Ms Elissa Cornelius

Non-Executive Director



Mr Dan Lougher

Non-Executive Director



Mr John McGloin

Non-Executive Director



Mr David Ransom

Non-Executive Director



CONTACTS:



Jeff Quartermaine

Managing Director & CEO

jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com



Nathan Ryan

Corporate Relations

+61 420 582 887

nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au

Attachment
CALGARY, Oct. 23, 2023 -

Third Quarter Results Release: Monday, November 6, 2023 after market close



Conference Call Details: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 8:30am ET / 6:30am MT



Dial-in Numbers: Toll Free: 1.888.390.0546 International: 1.416.764.8688



Replay: For those unable to dial-in to the conference call, an archived

version will be available by 2:00pm ET / 12:00pm MT on

November 7, 2023 at:

www.megenergy.com/investors/presentations-events

About MEG

MEG is an energy company focused on sustainable in situ thermal oil production in the southern Athabasca oil region of Alberta, Canada. MEG is actively developing innovative enhanced oil recovery projects that utilize steam-assisted gravity drainage extraction methods to improve the responsible economic recovery of oil as well as lower carbon emissions. MEG transports and sells thermal oil (AWB) to customers throughout North America and internationally. MEG is a member of the Pathways Alliance, a group of Canada's largest oil sands producers working together to address climate change and achieve the goal of net zero emissions1 by 2050. MEG's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MEG" (TSX: MEG).

Learn more at www.megenergy.com

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

T 403.767.0515

E invest@megenergy.com

Media Relations

T 403.775.1131

E media@megenergy.com

1 Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions

SOURCE MEG Energy Corp.
TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2023 - Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: CPL, Frankfurt: WOI, OTC: WTCZF) ("Copper Lake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM"), the extension of certain warrants, and the granting of options.



Results of AGM

A total of 54,927,104 shares representing 23.21% of the total issued and outstanding shares at the record date of the AGM were voted.

Shareholders passed all resolutions set out in the management information circular of the Company dated September 19, 2022, including the re-election of the incumbent directors, setting the number of directors at five, and the approval of Copper Lake's stock option plan as required annually by the TSX Venture Exchange. The percent of votes in favor of the various motions ranged from 99.98% to 87.72%.

Extension of Warrants

The Company intends to extend the exercise period for a total of 20,951,500 share purchase warrants, all of which are exercisable at $0.10 per common share (collectively, the "Warrants"). The warrants were issued pursuant to a private placement that closed in two tranches on April 15, 2021 and May 17, 2021 (see May 26, 2021 news release). The Company initially extended the expiry date to November 15, 2023 (see March 27, 2023 news release). The Company proposes to extend the expiry dates for both tranches of these Warrants such that the new expiry date for the Warrants will be July 15, 2024.

All other terms and conditions of the Warrants remain unchanged. The Warrant extension is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Granting of Options

The Company also announces that, effective October 23, 2023, it has granted an aggregate of 5,350,000 options to certain officers, directors and consultants of the Company in accordance with the Company's current Stock Option Plan. Each option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant, being today. The options will vest immediately. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the options are subject to a four-month hold period from the original date of the grant.

ABOUT COPPER LAKE RESOURCES



Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian mineral exploration and development company with interests in two projects both located in Ontario. www.copperlakeresources.com

The Marshall Lake high-grade VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold project, comprises an area of approximately 220 square km located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario and is accessible by all-season road from the Trans-Canada Highway and just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake has a 79.45% interest in the joint ventured property, which consists of 233 claims and 52 mining leases. The project also includes 148 claim cells staked in 2018 and 2020 that are 100% owned and not subject to any royalties, which add approximately 30 square km to the original property.

In addition to the original Marshall Lake property above, Marshall Lake also includes the Sollas Lake and Summit Lake properties, which are 100% owned by the Company and are not subject to any royalties. The Sollas Lake property consists of 20 claim cells comprising an area of 4 square km on the east side of the Marshall Lake property where historical EM airborne geophysical surveys have outlined strong conductors on the property hosted within the same favorable felsic volcanic units. The Summit Lake property currently consists of 100 claim cells comprising an area of 20.5 square km, is accessible year-round, and is located immediately west of the original Marshall Lake property. The Marshall Lake project is located in the traditional territories of the Aroland and Animbiigoo Zaagi igan Anishinaabek ("AZA") First Nations.

Copper Lake has a 69.79% joint venture interest in the Norton Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, and palladium PGM property, located in the southern Ring of Fire area, is approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake Property. The Norton Lake property is located in the traditional territories of the Eabametoong ("Fort Hope") and Neskantaga First Nations.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Copper Lake Resources Ltd.

Terry MacDonald, CEO

(416) 561-3626

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the Private Placement and proposed uses of the proceeds of the Private Placement, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include but are not limited to: TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Private Placement; Market acceptance and approvals; and the anticipated closing date for the Private Placement. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital Market conditions and Market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting the Company; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward- looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") website at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
Vancouver, October 24, 2023 - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance") is pleased to announce the appointment of George Cavey P.Geo., to its Board of Directors replacing Dunham L. Craig.

The Company announces that Dunham L. Craig has resigned as a director of the Company effective October 12, 2023, so that he can focus his efforts on other commitments.

Christopher Wright, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented: "On behalf of everyone at Defiance, we would like to thank Dunham for his contributions to our growth. Dunham has been a valued member of the Defiance Board since 2019 and we are pleased that Dunham has agreed to stay on as a technical advisor so that we will continue to benefit from his invaluable experience and expertise.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of Defiance, I would like to welcome George Cavey to the board. George's extensive expertise and experience, gained throughout the years, add significant depth to the Board. George's years of success in Mexico will be invaluable to Defiance going forward as we continue to advance both the San Acacio Silver deposit and the Tepal Gold-Copper projects." Mr. Cavey is currently the Vice President of Exploration for Defiance.

Mr. Cavey is a senior consulting geologist and the former Vice President of Orko Silver, who discovered the 264 million ounce La Preciosa silver deposit in Mexico. Orko Silver was acquired by Coeur Mining in April 2013 for $380 million.

With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Cavey has been the President of OreQuest Consultants Ltd. since 1982. He is past President of the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (now Geoscientists Canada) and was the recipient of the 2004 C.J. Westerman Memorial Award - British Columbia's highest recognition award for a professional geoscientist for his outstanding and professional contributions. Mr. Cavey was also the recipient of the 2010 Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award - the highest recognition award for a professional geoscientist in Canada.

Shares for Debt Transaction Update:

The Company also announces that it has settled and extinguished $65,600 of outstanding debt (the "Debt") through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Shares"). In accordance with the settlement of debt (the "Debt Settlement"), the Company issued an aggregate of 354,594 Shares at a deemed price of $0.185 per Share to two (2) arm's length creditors of the Company. The Company chose to settle and extinguish the Debt through the issuance of Shares to preserve cash and improve the Company's balance sheet. The Debt Settlement has been approved by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement are subject to a four month hold period, which will expire on a date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.

About Defiance Silver Corp.

Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale Zacatecas project, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District and the Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacan state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand the San Acacio and Tepal projects to become premier Mexican silver and gold deposits.

On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp.

"Chris Wright"

Chairman of the Board

For more information, please contact: Investor Relations at +1 (604) 343-4677 or via email at info@defiancesilver.com.

www.defiancesilver.com

Suite 2900-550 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3

Canada

Tel: +1 (604) 343-4677

Email: info@defiancesilver.com

Disclaimer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this news release which are not statements of historical facts may be "forward-looking information" for the purposes of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "plan", "intends", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "schedule", "understand" and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the Company's expectations regarding the ability of the Mining Bureau of Mexico City to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company, cooperation with the Mining Bureau relating to such reinstatement and the potential for any successful solution resulting therefrom.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Defiance, are inherently subject to significant technical, political, business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the inability of the Company to regain possession of its concessions; political risks associated with the Company's operations in Mexico; the failure of the Mining Bureau in Mexico City to take any coercive action to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company; and the inability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enforce their legal rights in certain circumstances. For additional risk factors, please see the Company's most recently filed Management Discussions & Analysis for its quarter ended March 31, 2021 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained herein or incorporated by reference. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Defiance, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is made as at the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185027
Vancouver, October 24, 2023 - Recharge Resources Ltd. ("Recharge" or the "Company") (RR:CSE) (RECHF:OTC) (SL5:Frankfurt) is pleased to provide the following update on its drilling plans at the Pocitos 1 Lithium Brine Project ("Pocitos One" or the "Project") located near Pocitos township in Salta Province, Argentina.

The company has outlined a plan to drill an additional 3 holes at the Pocitos project. The drill holes will be focused on:

Resource Expansion: The company is currently awaiting its much-anticipated NI 43-101 maiden resource estimate being prepared by WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP"). Additional holes will be positioned using the previously completed MT survey and NI 43-101 report to expand upon the maiden resource.

Resource Confidence: The wells will be ideally positioned to reclassify the resource from the indicated and inferred category to the measured category, and then with Ekosolve engineering data to the proven and probable category which will be the premise of the company's follow-on scoping and bankable feasibility studies.

Production Ready: One of the three wells will be bore out to a production diameter in preparation for the installation 4-6 other production wells to allow up to 20,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate/lithium chloride to be produced from the proposed Ekosolve plant at the Pocitos project.

The drilling plan currently being reviewed is pending permits from the Salta mining courts and Mining Directorate.

David Greenway, President, and CEO commented, "Recharge Resources is looking forward to its upcoming NI 43-101 compliant maiden resource estimate with follow on drilling with an objective of increasing the size and confidence of the resource as well as preparing the project for the company's ultimate goal of being production ready in preparation of the construction of an Ekosolve plant at the Pocitos 1 project."

About Pocitos Lithium Brine Project

The Pocitos 1 Project is located approximately 10km from the township of Pocitos where there is gas, electricity, and accommodation. Pocitos 1 is approximately 800 hectares and is accessible by road. Collective exploration totals over US$2.0 million developing the project, including surface sampling, trenching, TEM and MT geophysics and drilling three wells that had outstanding brine flow results. Locations for immediate follow up drilling have already been designed and identified for upcoming exploration.

Lithium values of 169 ppm from drill hole 3 packer test assayed from laboratory analysis conducted by Alex Stewart were recorded during the project's December 2022 drill campaigns. A double packer sampling system in HQ Diamond drill holes were drilled to a depth of up to 409 metres. The flow of brine was observed to continue for more than five hours. All holes had exceptional brine flow rates. A NI 43-101 report has been released on the Pocitos 1 project.

Recharge is awaiting the completion of the process engineering work to be completed by Ekosolve Ltd to produce and assay the lithium carbonate being produced, where extraction was above 94% of the contained lithium in the brine i.e. 158.86ppm of lithium would have been recovered from 169ppm.

WSP Australia is waiting on the relogging of the cores to be completed before it delivers the Company's maiden resource estimate at Pocitos 1 that will result in an update of the NI 43-101 report completed by QP Phillip Thomas in June 2023.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1. Pocitos Lithium Claim Map

Qualified Person

Phillip Thomas, BSc Geol, MBusM, FAusIMM, MAIG, MAIMVA, (CMV), a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 regulations, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein.

Mr. Thomas is independent of the Company and is not a shareholder of Recharge Resources. He visited the property between January 15th-22nd, 2023 and 8 May 2023 to select core to be sampled for resource estimate calculations.

About Recharge Resources

Recharge Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring and developing the production of high-value battery metals to create green, renewable energy to meet the demands of the advancing electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicle market.

All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"David Greenway"

David Greenway, CEO

For further information, please contact:

Recharge Resources Ltd.

Joel Warawa

Phone: 778-588-5473

E-Mail: info@recharge-resources.com

Website: recharge-resources.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding Recharge's intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Recharge will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements' current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including Recharge's results of exploration or review of properties that Recharge does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Recharge assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, October 24, 2023 - Max Resource Corp. (TSXV: MAX) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report that initial interpretation of preliminary airborne magnetic-radiometric survey data has identified 4 new target areas (AM-9 to AM-12) within the AM district of its 100% owned Cesar Copper-Silver Project located in Northeastern Colombia. The success and effectiveness of the airborne survey has resulted in Max extending the survey by 6.000 line-km; it will now cover all three districts of the Cesar Project: AM, Conejo and URU.



Figure 1: AM District Targets, Cesar Cu-Ag Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/185044_cd5000da54d86ad0_001full.jpg

Highlights

The initial 4,000-line kilometre airborne magnetic and radiometric survey flight-lines were spaced 125m apart at a nominal flying height of 100m. The survey was the first of its kind covering approximately 400 sq-km.





Preliminary evaluation of the airborne data identified 4 new target areas (AM-9 to AM-12) within the AM district, which includes 15 Mining Concessions covering approximately 113 sq-km (refer to Figure 1). The initial results demonstrate an excellent correlation between the known areas of mineralization and magnetic-radiometric data.





Magnetic and radiometric data were recorded simultaneously during the airborne survey. The datasets will be instrumental for understanding geologic structures (faults), which act as the conduit for mineralized fluids to infiltrate the permissive sedimentary rocks and precipitate the copper-silver minerals.





Based on the strength and efficacy of the data, Max has elected to extend the survey to cover the 2 districts south of AM: the Conejo and URU Districts. In total, there will be 10,000-line kilometre of high-resolution data covering 1,150 sq-km to be collected over all three districts of the Cesar Copper-Silver Project (refer to Figure 4).

"It is clear, even at this early stage, the techniques employed by Max will produce essential datasets for our continuing exploration efforts at Cesar. The information from this survey will allow Max to evaluate its growing land package and pin-point new target areas for follow-up exploration. Equally important, the data will be used to expand existing targets through better understanding of their structural environment," commented Brett Matich, CEO of Max.

"Expanding the survey was a logical decision given its obvious effectiveness over the AM District. There is a wealth of information contained in magnetic and radiometric data; and we are excited to see what the interpretation of the final, fully processed data will reveal," he concluded.





Figure 2: Schematic of Magnetic Anomaly Created by Geologic Faults.

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Max recently announced the commencement of the airborne magnetic and radiometric survey (Max News Release dated August 31, 2023). The new target areas were identified following an analysis of preliminary survey data for geological structures (faults), which form the conduit for mineralized fluids to infiltrate the permissive sedimentary rocks in the AM District (refer to Figure 2). The pattern of faulting around known mineralization was evaluated and similar patterns were identified in areas where no exploration had been previously conducted. Crews will assess each of the areas with prospecting, mapping and sampling in the coming weeks. It's expected that additional target areas will emerge once the airborne data has been fully processed and a rigorous interpretation conducted.

Survey Description

The high quality airborne geophysical survey was carried out by Xcalibur Multiphysics ("Xcalibur), a specialized, independent geophysical contractor with offices located around the world, including Bogota, Colombia (refer to Figure 3).

The fixed-wing airborne survey was flown over the AM District in August/September 2023. The nominal survey flying height was 100m above the canopy. A total of 10,000-line kilometres will be flown along E-W transverse lines separated by 125m. Final data processing will be performed by Xcalibur.





Figure 3: Xcalibur Multiphysics Magnetic & Radiometric Survey Aircraft.

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Background

The Cesar Copper Silver Project comprises of three districts: AM, Conejo and URU. Collectively the three contiguous districts stretch over 90-km in NNE/SSW direction (refer to Figure 4).

This region provides access to major infrastructure from oil & gas and mining operations, includes Cerrejon, the largest coal mine in South America, held by global miner Glencore. Max's 20 mining concessions collectively span over 188-km.

In 2022, Max executed a 2-year co-operation agreement with Endeavour Silver Corp. (TSX: EDR, NYSE: EXK), which assists to expand its 100% owned landholdings, Endeavour will hold an underlying 0.5% NSR.

AM District

Starting in the far north of the Jurassic basin, classic stacked red bed outcrops with extensive lateral continuity have been rock sampled over many kilometres within the AM District. Highlight values of 34.4% copper and 305 g/t silver have been documented in the sedimentary red bed sequences. The Company confirmed that stratiform mineralization continues at depth with two scout drill holes completed earlier this year (Max News Release dated April 4, 2023). In addition, Colombian field crews continue to discover and sample new mineralized outcrops including at the recently identified AM-7 target (Max News Release dated May 25, 2023 and Max News Release dated June 22, 2023).

Conejo District

Midway south, the Conejo District is the most recent to be recognized and is characterized by structurally controlled mineralization hosted in intermediate and felsic volcanic rocks. Numerous mineralized outcrops have been discovered over 3.7-km at the primary target in the district with surface samples averaging 4.9% copper (2% cut-off). No drilling has been conducted at Conejo, but it has emerged as an area of focus for the Company.





Figure 4: Location of the Cesar Copper Silver Project, NE Colombia.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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URU District

Mineralization within the URU District is hosted in intermediate volcanic rocks and is structurally controlled, similar to deposits in the Central African Copper Belt. At URU-C, a 9.0m of 7.0% copper and 115 g/t silver surface discovery was confirmed at depth by drill hole URU-12, which intersected 10.6m of 3.4% copper and 48 g/t silver. At the URU-CE target, 750m to the east, 19.0m of 1.3% copper discovered in outcrop was confirmed by drill hole URU-9, which intersected a broad zone of copper oxide returning 33.0m of 0.3% copper from 4.0m, including 16.5m of 0.5% copper (Max News Release date January 24, 2023). (Note: all drill intersections are down holes widths, not true width, which remains unknown at this time.)

CESAR Target Evaluation

Max has identified and is evaluating 22 targets along the Cesar 90-km-long belt for potential drill testing. The Company is focused on expanding, refining, and prioritizing these targets in preparation for a drill program. Initial efforts have been concentrated on those targets with the greatest size potential with work that includes the following field activities:

Systematic chip and channel sampling of the mineralized outcrops.

Detailed geological and structural mapping of each showing.

Target scale prospecting and soil sampling.

Airborne Magnetic/Radiometric Surveys.

Regional Exploration

Max has demonstrated that the Cesar basin is fertile for copper-silver mineralization over a large area; however, only a fraction of the basin has been explored. As a result, Max has dedicated on of its geological teams to regional exploration with the goal of discovering additional copper-silver prospects over 1,000 sq-km.

Qualified Person

The Company's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release was reviewed and approved by Tim Henneberry, P.Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource advisory board, who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

About Max Resource Corp.

Max Resource Corp. (TSXV: MAX) is a mineral exploration company advancing the newly discovered district-scale Cesar copper-silver project. The wholly owned Cesar project sits along the Colombian portion of the world's largest producing copper belt (Andean belt), with world class infrastructure and the presence of global majors (Glencore and Chevron).

In addition, Max controls the RT Gold project (100% earn-in) in Peru, encompassing a bulk tonnage primary gold porphyry zone, and 3-km to the NW, a gold bearing massive sulphide zone. Historic drilling in 2001, returned values ranging 3.1 to 118.1 g/t gold over core lengths ranging from 2.2 to 36.0m.

Max is proactive, with the corporate goal of transitioning the Cesar basin towards the mining of copper, the key metal for Colombia's transition to clean energy. The safety of our people and the communities where we operate is most important. We conduct exploration in a manner which supports protection of ecosystems through responsible environmental stewardship.

Source: NI 43:101 Geological Report RT Gold Project for Max Resource Corp. by Luis Rodrigo Peralta, Mar. 8, 2023. NI 43:101 Geological Report Rio Tabaconas Gold Project for Golden Alliance Resources Corp. by George Sivertz, Oct.3, 2011.

For more information visit: https://www.maxresource.com/

For additional information contact:



Tim McNulty E: info@maxresource.com T: (604) 290-8100

Rahim Lakha E. rahim@bluesailcapital.com

Brett Matich T: (604) 484 1230

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law.

Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185044
VANCOUVER, Oct. 24, 2023 - Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE: RFLX), (OTCQB:RFLXF), (FSE:HF2) ("Reflex" or the "Company"), proudly announces the completion of the Company's 2023 Phase One drill program (the "Program") at its Ruby Graphite Project (the "Project") near Dillon, Montana. The Property is road accessible and is situated 22km southeast of Dillon. Originally planned for only 16 holes, the program's impressive efficiencies allowed the Company to complete 22 holes, all reaching an average depth of 150 meters. The Company's geological team is now working on data compilation and assay results are expected in Q1 2024.



Drill Program Highlights:

A total of 22 diamond drill holes were completed, totaling 3500m for the inaugural drill program on the Property;

Average drilling depth of only 150m, due to indicated near surface mineralization of Cg across the Property

First pass drilling tested multiple conductivity anomalies as well as north and northwest striking structures, with plans to follow up on the areas that return the best graphite (Cg) grades;

The entire length of drill core has been sampled and is being analyzed by ALS Laboratory with expected results in Q1 2024. Multi-element analysis as part of the assaying protocol has also been initiated to test the theory of the Ruby Project being a multi-mineral asset; and

Paul Gorman, CEO of Reflex Advanced Materials, commented, "The team is very pleased with how much we have been able to accomplish during phase one of our drill program. We tested multiple conductivity anomalies along major trend and have already highlighted areas to prioritize for follow up." He went on to say, "The affordability of drilling on this Property as well as low mobilization cost has allowed the team to gather significant geological information with limited capital spent and allowed for more diamond drill holes than originally planned and budgeted for. Overall, a very efficient program was executed."

The Program was designed to test geophysical anomalies identified during the Company's TDEM Helicopter Survey that was conducted earlier in the exploration season of 2023 (see June 20th, 2023 news release). All holes utilized oriented core allowing the team to better understand the structural trends for targeting in future drill programs. Due to the late season Program, we expect assay results will be returned in mid Q4 2023, and the Company looks forward to releasing them in the upcoming weeks.

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Bell, P.Eng., General Manager of the Ruby Graphite Project, who is not independent of the issuer and is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

For more information on Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. and its mineral projects, please visit the Company's website at www.reflexmaterials.com.

Corporate Presentation

Visit the Reflex Advanced Materials homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's Corporate Presentation:

https://reflexmaterials.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RFLX-Corporate-Presentation-v15-appendix-added-21st-June-2023-Web.pdf

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Paul Gorman

CEO & Director

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.

info@reflexmaterials.com

Tel. (778-837-7191)

Suite 915-700 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8

Canada

About Reflex Advanced Materials

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

For more information, please review the Company's filings available at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, such as statements regarding: future exploration work that the Company intends to complete on the Project and the timing and results thereof, including the Project; and the Company's belief that the past production at the Project is indicative of graphite mineralization at the Project.

These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions concerning: that past production at the Project is indicative of graphite mineralization at the Project; and the nature, timing and results of future exploration work by the Company on the Project, including the Program.

Although forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement will prove to be accurate. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters or delays as plans continue to be redefined, that the Company may not receive the necessary permits or approvals to conduct the desired exploration work (on the timeline or terms expected by the Company, or at all), that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and that the results of mineral exploration may not be indicative of the actual geology or mineralization of a project; that mineral exploration may be unsuccessful or fail to achieve the results anticipated by the Company; and those risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, October 24, 2023 - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) ("Riverside" or the "Company"), Riverside is pleased to announce that it has acquired part of the Mount Grace Carbonatite known to host Rare Earth Elements ("REEs"). The Company continues to expand its presence in British Columbia adding this a prospective REE project to its critical metals' portfolio. The Company has staked 2538 ha. (25 km) of terrain that hosts carbonatites mapped by the British Columbia Geologic Survey and confirmed by subsequent explorers. The Project has been named "Revel" and is located 20 km from the community of Seymour Arm within a highly prospective carbonatite belt north of Revelstoke, BC. The Project is 100% owned by Riverside with no underlying royalties or encumbrances.

Rare Earth Elements, or REEs, have become important metals worldwide as countries race to usher in a green economy, with less reliance on fossil fuels and more reliance on electrical grids and EV's. Most countries have begun protecting these elements and listing them as strategic or critical, acknowledging the importance of these metals to future economic growth and even sovereignty. Canada and particularly BC have geological environments that host several different types of rare earth element deposits. REE carbonatites are discrete layers of either of material being depositing on the surface during volcanic activity or intrusive layers of magma injected between layers of existing rock. At Revel the property has high values of niobium and light rare earth elements similar to those found and mined in the USA at Mountain Pass. Revel geology with carbonatite has both intrusive and volcanic styles of REE with the Company's mapping and on-going sampling shown below and on the website site.

John-Mark Staude, President and CEO, commented on the recent acquisition: "we are excited to have acquired Revel, a quality REE project with no underlying royalties or encumbrances in a geologically prospective area within a stable political jurisdiction. The new Project compliments Riverside's growing portfolio in British Columbia and positions the company well in this rapidly evolving space. Recent announcements by the Canadian government signal that Canada is serious about securing a steady and stable supply of critical elements within its borders and the Revel acquisition is part of the Company's diversification expanding corporate strategy."

Revel Project Geological Summary:

The claims are partly located on Mount Grace on the northeast margin of Frenchman Cap Gneiss Dome comprising part of the Shuswap Metamorphic Terrain. These core gneisses are overlain by allochthonous cover rocks which host both extrusive and intrusive carbonatites and are part of the Monashee cover sequence. The property is centred on the Mount Grace syncline which is a northwest trending isoclinal fold. The allochthonous rocks comprise a succession of pure quartzites, feldspathic quartzites and mica schists above this basal unit lies a series of pelitic schist, marble, calc-silicate paragneiss and the Mount Grace Carbonatite layer. This provides both intrusive and volcanic units that are targeted for REE concentrations and discovery potential making possible broad and easily traceable host units which could rapidly develop substantial tonnages.

The map and cross section below modified from the work of the BC Geological Survey, Hoy and others, for the carbonatite and Rare Earth Element target geologic units is shown below and more extensively on the Company website. The regional map shows the Revel claim areas in the regional context with other known REE locations as part of a north-south trending belt which where the Company has been working.

Figure 1. Regional location map of the Mount Grace Carbonatite and other REE locations superimposed on geologic quadrangle map from Hoy and Kwong (1986).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/185049_8cb54255a4c27972_002full.jpg

Figure 2. Map with the Revel mineral claims on the Mount Grace Carbonatite from Hoy and Kwong (1986) with location of target Carbonatite horizon shown in blue and Riverside claim areas marked in red.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/185049_8cb54255a4c27972_003full.jpg

Revel Project History

Mount Grace and surrounding area was first mapped by government geologists where two types of carbonatites were identified. Type I intrusive carbonatites were noted to have a metasomatized contacts being conformable to the bedding within their metasedimentary host rocks, and commonly contacting either a syenite or nepheline syenite gneiss. Conversely Type II extrusive carbonatites, believed to be of volcanic origin and lacking any kind of metasomatic boundary, were linked with the occurrence of a prominent marble horizon that was stratigraphically above the carbonatite bodies and used as a regional marker (McMillan and Moore, 1974). Later mapping of the Mount Grace area by Hoy and McMillan (1979) revealed that the discontinuous extrusive carbonatites of the Perry River area were likely related to the extrusive Mount Grace Carbonatite, which has a lateral extent of over 60 km. A study by Hoy and Kwong (1986) revealed that the Mount Grace carbonatite is strongly enriched in the elements barium, manganese, and strontium, with high concentrations of niobium, lanthanum, neodymium and cerium relative to other carbonatites of its nature.

Figure 3. Cross sections for the Mount Grace Carbonatite from Hoy and Kwong (1986) with location of target Carbonatite horizon shown in blue and Riverside claim areas marked in black arrows. Refer to the legend in Figure 2 above for rock descriptions.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/185049_8cb54255a4c27972_004full.jpg

In 1983, Duval International Corporation conducted a geological and geochemical survey in the area that led to the discovery of the Ren carbonatite, south of Mount Grace; samples of the Ren carbonatite rendered anomalous values of niobium, cerium and lanthanum (Pilcher, 1983). Teck Exploration Ltd. carried out further work on carbonatites at Ratchford Creek in 1987, which included trenching and silt, rock, and soil sampling programs as well as radiometric and magnetic surveys (Betmanis and Lovang, 1988). Results from Teck's program indicated anomalous values of niobium and light rare earth elements. At the present, these carbonatite exposures and associated alkaline rocks are contiguously staked by the Company along the western margin of the Frenchman Cap gneiss dome providing a guide for delineating the system so far.

In the early 2010's field work in the project area found more well-defined carbonatite and in 2018 exploration work located zones of layered and also intrusive carbonatite which during the 2023 field season Riverside was able to work up and sample.

Qualified Person:

This news release was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo., a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources, who is responsible for ensuring that the geologic information provided within this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Riverside Resources Inc.:

Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $7M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside's own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com.

ON BEHALF OF Riverside Resources Inc.

"John-Mark Staude"



Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO

For additional information contact:

John-Mark Staude

President, CEO

Riverside Resources Inc.

info@rivres.com

Phone: (778) 327-6671

Fax: (778) 327-6675

Web: www.rivres.com

Mehran Bagherzadeh

Corporate Communications

Riverside Resources Inc.

Phone: (778) 327-6671

TF: (877) RIV-RES1

Web: www.rivres.com

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/185049
VANCOUVER, Oct. 24, 2023 - Xali Gold Corp. (TSXV:XGC) ("Xali Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to advise that the previously announced agreement to buy back a 1.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty over the Casua Property (the "Property") from Minera Silex Peru S.R.L., held by Golden Minerals Company ("Golden Minerals"), has now been completed and duly registered in Peru.



The Company holds a 100% interest in the Casua Property located in southern Peru. The Property covers a silver ("Ag") rich low sulphidation vein system. Three veins have been found to contain high grades of silver with lead ("Pb") and zinc ("Zn") mineralization. Anomalous gold levels also occur in high sulphidation style alteration surrounding the veins and are associated with rhyolite domes. Historic mine workings (collapsed) and remnants of a small smelting furnace are believed to date back to the time of Spanish explorers in the late 1800's. The low sulfidation system comprises three vein systems within a northwest trending system traced to date over 700 metres in strike length.

Sampling to date indicates grades of 52.91 ounces per tonne ("oz/t") Ag, 4.62% Pb, 0.12% Zn over 0.10 metre ("m"); 9.98 oz/t Ag, > 10% Pb, 1.59% Zn over 0.5m and 13.13 oz/t Ag, 2.05% Pb, 0.07% Zn over 1m on surface. Selected samples from mine dumps contain up to 31.24 oz/t Ag, 8.7 ? 10% Pb, 1.81% Zn and 0.21% copper ("Cu").

Full details about the terms of the NSR buy back can be found in the Company's October 4, 2023 News Release.

Mexico Assets

The El Oro Project remains a highly valued asset of the Company with past production of 8 million ounces gold equivalent (gold-silver 1:10) and excellent discovery potential, however exploration focus for El Oro has been temporarily put on hold. The Company is now focused on building local partnerships for our two assets in Mexico, which have strong potential to provide near-term cash flow.

About Xali Gold

Xali Gold has gold and silver projects in Peru and Mexico. El Oro is a district scale gold project encompassing a well-known prolific high-grade gold dominant gold-silver epithermal vein system in Mexico. The project covers 20 veins with past production and more than 57 veins in total, from which approximately 6.4 million ounces of gold and 74 million ounces of silver were reported to have been produced from just two of these veins (Ref. Mexico Geological Service Bulletin Nr. 37, Mining of the El Oro and Tlapujahua Districts. 1920, T. Flores).

Modern understanding of epithermal vein systems indicates that several of the El Oro district's veins hold excellent discovery potential, particularly below and adjacent to the historic workings of the San Rafael Vein, which was mined to an average depth of only 200 metres.

Xali Gold is dedicated to being a responsible Community partner.

Joanne C. Freeze, P.Geo., President, CEO and Matthew Melnyk, CPG., Director Operations, are Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the projects discussed above. Ms. Freeze and Mr. Melnyk have reviewed and approved the contents of this release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking information (as such term is defined under Canadian securities laws) including but not limited to the mineral resource estimate for the Mexico Mine Tailings and information regarding references to historical resource estimates, the potential for discovery on the El Oro Property and other statements that are not historical facts. While such forward-looking information is expressed by Xali Gold in good faith and believed by Xali Gold to have a reasonable basis, they address future events and conditions and are therefore subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including those set out in Xali Gold's MD&A. Factors that cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking information include, without limitation, gold prices, results of exploration and development activities, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government approvals, potential environmental issues, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Xali Gold expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

On behalf of the Board of Xali Gold Corp.

"Joanne Freeze" P.Geo.

President, CEO and Director

For further information please contact:

Joanne Freeze, President & CEO

Tel: + 1 (604) 689-1957

info@xaligold.com

NR 124
VANCOUVER, Oct. 24, 2023 - Coast Copper Corp. ("Coast Copper" or the "Company"; TSX-V: COCO) is pleased to provide an update on exploration of its 100% owned Scottie West property (the "Property") located in British Columbia's ("BC") Golden Triangle district approximately 35 kilometers ("km") northwest of Stewart, BC and 8 km west of the past producing Scottie Gold Mine (see Figure 1).

In September 2023, the Coast Copper technical team, together with technical advisor Jeff Kyba, P.Geo., visited the property focused on prospecting three key precious metal mineralized zones: Leduc Northeast Ridge ("Leduc NE"), Leduc East-Central Ridge ("Leduc East Central") and the Southeast Exposure ("SE Exposure"). These zones are located along the southwest extension of the interpreted mineralized trend that includes neighboring Scottie Resources Corp.'s Domino Zone, Blueberry Zone and the historical producing Scottie Gold Mine (see Figure 1). In addition to following up sampling from 2021, the program benefited from glacial retreat and snow melt which provided significant new exposures to identify and expand veins and structures. New showings were discovered each day on the property.

Adam Travis, Coast Copper's CEO commented: "Our field observations and results from our September program are very encouraging and consistent with structural and magnetic trends observed at the adjacent Scottie Resources property. New bedrock exposures resulting from the receding glaciers have led to the discovery of new mineral showings in altered and sheared volcanic rocks on our property. In addition to the vein and outcrop sampling, the anomalous precious and base metal assay results have provided a good indicator of favorable geochemistry and will help delineate additional prospective target areas for future exploration."

Coast Copper's exploration program included prospecting, sampling and mapping of veins and structures in areas of newly exposed, altered and sheared volcanic and sedimentary rocks. 130 rock samples were collected from vein, grab and float materials, which resulted in anomalous gold, silver and tellurium assay values at the SE Exposure and Leduc East Central Ridge locations. Surficial sampling of vein and select float samples at the SE Exposure and Leduc East Central produced ten samples ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 grams per ton ("g/t") gold ("Au"), 10.9 to 189.0 g/t silver ("Ag"), and up 0.75% lead ("Pb") and 0.59% zinc ("Zn"), with two anomalous tellurium ("Te") values of 16.99 and 25.26 g/t noted at the SE Exposure (see Table 1).

Table 1: Notable results from the 2023 sampling program

Location/Zone Sample ID Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Te (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Leduc NE 1747414 2.71 1.68 - 0.04 0.03 Leduc NE 1747419 0.03 7.04 - 0.50 0.38 Leduc East Central 1747450 3.81 189.0 - - - Leduc East Central 1747454 0.05 20.30 - 0.75 0.59 SE Exposure 1747433 5.46 10.99 - - - SE Exposure 1747445 3.53 66.74 25.26 0.59 0.14 SE Exposure 1747427 0.69 66.31 16.99 0.19 0.12

The Leduc NE, Leduc East Central and SE Exposure zones are hosted in Jurassic age andesitic volcanic rocks from the Unuk River Member of the Betty Creek Formation, which are in contact with the Summit Lake stock, part of the early Jurassic aged Texas Creek Plutonic Suite. At both the SE Exposure and Leduc East Central areas, a sedimentary package consistent with Stuhini Group sediments was identified which could indicate the lower contact of the Hazleton-Stuhini stratigraphic contact to be confirmed with detailed mapping. The precious metal mineralization on the Property consists of east-west trending, steeply dipping quartz-carbonate-pyrite-arsenopyrite-pyrrhotite veins that are characteristic of other intrusion-related, mesothermal precious metal mineralized veins reported along this regional mineralized trend.

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control ("QA/QC") Procedures

Sampling completed on the project in 2023 was supervised by on-site Coast Copper personnel and sub-contractors who collected and tracked samples and implemented a full QA/QC program using blanks, standards and duplicates to monitor analytical accuracy and precision. The samples were sealed on site and shipped to MSA Labs in Langley BC for analysis. MSA Labs' quality control system complies with global certifications for Quality ISO9001:2008. Rock samples were dried and crushed to 70% passing 2mm mesh and split to 250g samples which were pulverized to 85% passing 75?m. The samples were then analyzed by a multi-element 20g 3:1 Aqua Regia, ICP-AES/MS (IMS-131), Ultra Trace Level. Silver assays greater than 100 g/t were completed with ICF-6Ag, 4 acid, ICP-AES ore grade analysis.

Qualified Persons

The technical information contained in this news release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Wade Barnes, P.Geo. (BC), Coast Copper's geological consultant and a Qualified Person within the context of Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101; Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Coast Copper Corp.

Coast Copper's exploration focus is the optioned Empire Mine property, located on northern Vancouver Island, BC, which covers three historical open pit mines and two past-producing underground mines that yielded iron, copper, gold and silver. Coast Copper's other properties include its 100% owned Knob Hill NW property located on northern Vancouver Island, its Home Brew property in central BC, and its Scottie West property located in the "Golden Triangle" of northern BC. Coast Copper's management team continues to review precious and base metals opportunities in western North America.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Adam Travis"

Adam Travis, Chief Executive Officer and Director

NR23-10

Cautionary Notes Related to this news release and/or maps

Adjacent Properties: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which Coast Copper Corp. has no right to explore or mine. Investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties. Granduc Mine Production totals: https://news.metal.com/newscontent/100012360/Castle-Resources-to-Acquire-100-Interest-in-the-Granduc-Copper-Mine-Stewart-BC/ Scottie Resources Ltd website: https://scottieresources.com/projects/scottie-gold-mine/geology/, https://scottieresources.com/projects/scottie-gold-mine/the-domino-zone/, https://scottieresources.com/projects/scottie-gold-mine/the-blueberry-zone/

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed Transaction, private placement, board and management changes, as to our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Coast Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although Coast Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Coast Copper Corp.
VANCOUVER, Oct. 24, 2023 - Northcliff Resources Ltd. ("Northcliff" or the "Company") (TSX: NCF) announces, further to its June 23, 2022 news release, that it has settled the first and second tranches of the $5,200,000 Loan 2 in the amount of $4,000,000 plus accrued interest (the "Loan") by issuing 225,789,474 shares to Todd Sisson (NZ) Limited ("Todd"). The Loan was approved by disinterested shareholders at the Company's extraordinary general meeting held on August 25, 2022. The drawdown dates for the first and second tranches of Loan were September 28, 2022 and October 19, 2022 respectively.

Todd is a subsidiary of the Todd Corporation, the Company's largest shareholder. Todd now holds 369,584,460 shares or a 76.63% interest in Northcliff.

About Northcliff Resources Ltd.

Northcliff is a mineral resource company focused on advancing the Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project located in New Brunswick, Canada, to production. Additional information on Northcliff is available on the website at www.northcliffresources.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Andrew Ing

President & CEO

SOURCE Northcliff Resources Ltd.
Aston Martin denies Austin upgrade was a flop

Aston Martin has played down suggestions the team is now consistently going backwards despite constant efforts to add developments to the 2023 car.

Fernando Alonso, United States GP 2023

 Aston Martin Racing

To address a mid-season slump following Fernando Alonso's early string of podiums this season, another serious upgrade was added to the car in Austin - where Aston Martin had a woeful weekend.

Aston seem to have made the car slower and slower with every upgrade, observed McLaren's Lando Norris. For us it's been vice versa.

So woeful was Aston Martin's pre-Sunday performances at the US GP that both Alonso and Lance Stroll started the race from the pitlane - having breached parc ferme rules by completely overhauling the cars' setups.

Alonso told DAZN: "On Saturday we did the race with the new (upgraded) car and on Sunday Lance did it with the new one in a different configuration and I had the old one was a setup we know the best.

Now we will put everything on the table and draw the conclusions, the Spaniard added.

The early analysis, however, is that Aston Martin already understands why the performance slumped so badly before the revised Sunday setups.

It was a super race, said Alonso, who ultimately retired from the US GP with floor damage.

"There was suddenly a lot more pace in the car. We could overtake the midfield with some ease and we were even getting closer to (George) Russell. So I think it was good news.

We wanted to leave Austin at least with some clear conclusion going into Mexico. The race was more of a FP0 (free practice 0) to get to FP1 in Mexico prepared.

Team boss Mike Krack agrees with Alonso that the back-to-back comparisons on Sunday gave the engineers enough feedback to know the latest upgrades were not a failure.
Mercedes still needs completely new 2024 car says Wolff

Mercedes will not divert from its intention to build a completely different Formula 1 car for 2024, team boss Toto Wolff insists.

Lewis Hamilton, United States GP 2023

 Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.

In Austin, Lewis Hamilton - buoyed by a new, 2024-style floor - only needed a few more laps to be able to beat Red Bull's dominant Max Verstappen to victory.

He was then disqualified for excessive floor 'plank' wear, as was Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. It was not an inherent problem with the floors, but by the increasingly-bumpy surface at the US GP venue.

It (the surface) needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it's better suited to a rally car, Verstappen said after driving to victory on Sunday.

I don't think it's F1 level.

Even with his disqualification, Hamilton said he was happy to leave the United States because he could actually feel the step forward Mercedes has made.

This is one of the first upgrades that I've actually felt over the last two years, said the seven time world champion.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff agrees.

I think we had the fastest car today, but we haven't optimised it, the Austrian told Sky Deutschland on Sunday.

"I hope this performance shows up later, because it's something the sport needs. We need a few good races where there's someone else fighting with Max.

The new floor seems to work. In the fast corners, where at Suzuka we were terrible, we were very competitive here, Wolff added. It seems that the direction is right.

He also suspects that Mercedes' step forward actually looks more significant than it is in reality because Red Bull stopped adding upgrades some time ago.

Therefore, plans for a wholesale design change for 2024 are still on track.

We are changing the car completely because we simply have to make the jump to Red Bull and we are still missing half a second. And we won't achieve that with further development.

Former F1 driver Timo Glock thinks the German marque is right to be upbeat about finally having unlocked the key to the new-in-2022 'ground effect' rules.

Mercedes now understands the direction in which things need to go, he said. "I think the car is simply more reminiscent of Red Bull and McLaren now.

It was clear to see that things are moving more and more in the right direction - especially now with the update, which worked very well for Lewis Hamilton, Glock added. "It's still not understandable why George Russell had problems with it.

"But they do seem to have learned enough to bring a car for next year that is on par with Red Bull right from the start, and I'm very excited about that.
Verstappen grumpy all weekend in Austin says Marko

Max Verstappen was "grumpy" throughout the US GP weekend, Red Bull's team consultant Dr Helmut Marko has admitted.

Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen, United States GP 2023

 Red Bull

With the drivers' and constructors' titles all wrapped up with several races to run, Dutchman Verstappen lost pole position on Friday with a track limits violation.

He then spun in the 'sprint shootout' before cruising to an easy sprint win, but on Sunday struggled throughout the US GP in Austin with brake problems - even though he made his way from P6 on the grid to the top step of the podium.

He was then booed by the American fans.

In the end, I'm the one who takes the silverware home, so all fine by me, Verstappen insisted.

But as he struggled with the car's handling earlier on Sunday, cracks in the relationship with his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase emerged again.

Lambiase, having been chided by Max throughout the race, then told Verstappen on the radio I'll see you on Friday - as he skipped the podium proceedings and post-race debrief.

Asked to explain one angry outburst to Lambiase about not talking to him in braking zones, Verstappen hit back: I said it nicely. At least I said please.

Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers thinks Max was right to chastise his engineer.

When you're downshifting, it's important that you hear the revs properly, especially if you're having problems, he told NOS.

Team boss Christian Horner, meanwhile, denied that Lambiase actually boycotted the podium and post-race debrief.

He just had to get back to England - he was rushing to catch his flight, he insisted. Normally it's Helmut, but now it's the engineer.

Verstappen's father Jos also played down the obvious irritation of his son.

The feeling wasn't there, so then you get things like this, he told Viaplay.

Marko also defended Red Bull's triple world champion.

Max was a bit grumpy all weekend, the 80-year-old Austrian smiled. "I think he had to do too many PR activities, and that is never his favourite thing to do.

He also couldn't drive consistently, because when he braked he had to wait and see what was going to happen, Marko told De Telegraaf newspaper.
Tertiary Business Sense Challenge: University of Education Winneba are champions  Beat KNUST, UCC

Kwame Larweh & Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Oct - 24 - 2023 , 04:00

First-time finalists, University of Education Winneba (UEW), shocked the nation at the weekend, when they won the coveted title as the new champions of the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) Version 5.0.

With overwhelming support from scores of their fans, the champions who made their intentions clear right at the sound of the bell, earned 67.9 points after five grueling rounds.

Two-time winners, University of Cape Coast (UCC) from the Central Region which arrived at the executive studios of TV3, the venue for the event, full of hope, eventually had their hopes dashed as they could only garner 51 points to take the position as first runners-up.

Defending champions Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region failed in its quest to defend the coveted trophy it won last year as it placed third with just 49.6 points.

The champions received GH8,000 cash, four laptops, insurance cover for each contestant, free subscription to the Graphic Business newspaper, certificates of participation, internship opportunities with institutions of the sponsors, souvenirs from sponsors and some textbooks.

The first runner-up, UCC, received GH5,000 cash, four tablets, insurance cover for each contestant, free subscription to the Graphic Business, certificates of participation, internship opportunities with institutions of the sponsors, souvenirs from sponsors and some textbooks.

Third-placed KNUST also received GH3,000 as its cash prize, insurance cover for each contestant, certificates of participation, internship opportunities with institutions of the sponsors, souvenirs from sponsors and some textbooks.

James Nana Ofosu of UEW and Abigail Tagoe of Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) received the special award for the best male contestant and best female contestant respectively.

The annual competition which attracted 35 schools across the country this year was under the auspices of the Graphic Business, the business and finance newspaper in the newspaper stable of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL).

Objective

The TBSC provides a platform to tertiary business schools in the country to showcase the quality of the education given to students by squaring them off against their contemporaries.

It aims to identify students with high business acumen who will engage their peers in meaningful business discussions and serve as role models and mentors to young business students.

Financial literacy

Speaking at the event, the Editor, Graphic Business, Asamoah Boahene, said it is crucial to deepen financial literacy now due to the challenges faced by the countrys economy in the last few years.

If there has been the need for the deepening of financial literacy, now is the time. Over the past few years the economy has taken a nose dive and we all know the challenges we are facing in the economy.

We have had haircut, DDEP and other terminologies we never heard about in an economic class. So if there is ever a time to entrench financial literacy, this is the time that is why this platform is relevant, he said.

He said his outfit believes in building an army of youth who understand investment and what it takes to put money aside to face difficult times.

He congratulated the winners and advised students to learn to invest in themselves to enable them tap into good opportunities in the future.

Sponsors

The quiz is partnered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana which provides all the technical aspects of the competition, including the setting and marking of questions and vetting.

The Chartered Institute of Management and Accountancy also provides some human support in the form of provision of judges and personnel.

Other sponsors include MTN Ghana, GLICO, Price WaterHouse Coopers (PWC), Petrosol and COMPU Ghana.
Zenith Bank shines bright at 2023 Global Brand Awards

In a world where trust, reliability, and customer-centricity are the pillars of success in the banking industry, Zenith Bank stands tall as a beacon of excellence. The Bank's recent recognition at the 2023 Global Brand Awards as the Best Corporate Governance Company and the Best Retail Bank for Customer Service is evidence of its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction.

Exceptional Corporate Governance

At the heart of Zenith Bank's remarkable success is its governance structure. The Bank's Board of Directors comprises of individuals with diverse skills and expertise, extensive knowledge in various fields of discipline and independence. This ensures a well-rounded approach to decision-making, safeguarding the interests of both shareholders and customers.

Transparency and disclosure are also cornerstones of the Bank's operations. Zenith Bank consistently provides clear and comprehensive information about its financial performance, risk management strategies and governance structure. This transparency builds trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Ethical behaviour is woven into the fabric of the Bank's culture. With a well-defined code of ethics and conduct, employees, board members, and executives adhere to high ethical standards, fostering a workplace that values integrity and fairness.

Beyond its provision of financial services, Zenith Bank is deeply committed to the communities it serves. Through various community engagement initiatives, the Bank showcases its dedication to the well-being of the people in the localities in which it operates, emphasizing that it's not just about profit but about making a positive impact.

Outstanding customer service

Zenith Bank has redefined what it means to provide exceptional customer service. The Bank consistently exceeds customer expectations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Here's how the Bank achieves this:

Innovative Solutions: The Bank introduces innovative solutions and technologies that enhance the customer experience. From user-friendly mobile apps to online tools and interactive educational resources, Zenith Bank is at the forefront of technological advancement in banking.

Accessible Multichannel Support: In addition to in-person interactions and in-branch feedback mechanisms, Zenith Bank provides accessible customer support through the Banks 24hr Customer Contact Centre  Zenith Direct, which enables customers to engage the Bank via phone calls, live chat, email, and social media for assistance and resolution of challenges.

Personalization: Zenith Bank delivers personalized experiences that cater to individual customer needs, preferences, and financial goals. Customers feel valued, knowing that their unique circumstances are understood and appreciated.

Recognition and Awards: Zenith Bank has received numerous local and international recognition, awards, and accolades for its outstanding customer service practices from reputable industry organizations and publications. This speaks volumes about the bank's dedication to putting customers first.

Connecting excellence to performance

Zenith Bank's sterling financial performance in the Second Quarter of the year complements its recognition at the Global Brand Awards.

In the first half of 2023, Zenith Bank achieved exceptional results driven by strategic initiatives. The bank's profit before tax doubled to GH493.7 million, reflecting the bank's strategic vision and customer-centric approach. After taxes, profit soared to GH434.3 million, with earnings per share at GH0.11. The Bank's financial position remained robust, with total assets growing to GH11.5 billion, and customer deposits increasing by 39 percent. Zenith Bank also maintained a strong capital adequacy ratio of 26.10%, above the 10 percent regulatory limit and industry average of 14.3 percent as at June 2023.

The Bank's commitment to excellence in corporate governance and customer service directly translates into impressive financial results. By fostering transparency, ethical behaviour, community engagement, and innovative solutions, amongst others, Zenith Bank creates a conducive environment for growth and prosperity.

More honors in the trophy case

The Global Brand Awards are just the latest additions to Zenith Bank's impressive collection of accolades. In 2023 alone, the bank has also been honoured with the Best Banking Group 2023 award by World Finance, the Financial Institution of the Year award at the Ghana-West Africa Business Excellence Awards, Banking Brand of the Year award at the Ghana Corporate Brands Awards, 5-Stars in Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Business Banking as well as Consumer Banking at the 2023 Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) Ghana awards among others.

Additionally, the Bank's MD/CEO, Mr. Henry Chinedu Onwuzurigbo, received the Outstanding Private Sector Leadership Personality of the Year (Finance) award at the 2023 Ghana Corporate Brands Awards.

Zenith Bank's achievements underscore its commitment to excellence, setting a shining example for the banking industry both in Ghana and on the global stage. As the Bank continues to innovate, serve its customers, and uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, its future is undoubtedly as bright as its recent accolades suggest. Zenith Bank is not just a bank; it is a trusted partner in financial success.
Election 2024: Adequate resources for judiciary crucial

Daily Graphic Editorials Oct - 24 - 2023 , 05:59

Next year (2024) is a crucial year as Ghanaians go to the polls to elect a new President and Members of Parliament to steer the affairs of the country for the next four years.

What to expect next year has already started with interesting scenes in the political space as political parties elect their candidates to contest the elections, while politicians also strategise on ways of winning the votes of the masses.

Amid the charged political atmosphere, there are bound to be many legal disputes relating to internal party elections, alleged unsatisfactory conduct by politicians and disagreements with some decisions by the Electoral Commission (EC), the constitutionally mandated independent institution charged with conducting public elections in the country.

With the numerous legal disputes currently pending and expected to happen as a result of the heightened political tempo, the limelight will be on the Judiciary, the third arm of government clothed with the constitutional power to settle disputes in this country.

It is therefore imperative that the judiciary has the resources and support to guard its independence and effectively carry out its mandate of adjudicating on electoral disputes and indeed other disputes to help keep our dear nation intact and free from any civil strife that would jeopardise our enviable peace and tranquillity.

Fortunately, throughout our history as a nation, the judiciary has been at the centre of our tremendous democratic achievement, standing tall in fidelity to the law, giving landmark decisions and using its powers under the constitution to check the excesses of governance and extreme partisanship while expanding the frontiers of our democracy and making us a shining example in the world.

To effectively guard the independence of the judiciary to enable it to administer justice and carry out its functions in tandem with the law, we must safeguard the financial independence of the judiciary.

Article 127 (1) of the 1992 Constitution categorically insulates all activities of the Judiciary, including its financial administration, from external control to protect its independence due to the sensitivity of its functions.

However, although all activities of the judiciary have been insulated from external control, that of financial independence seems to be more of paper talk than a reality.

The judiciary still depends on the Executive arm of government, specifically the Ministry of Finance, for clearance before recruiting staff, a practice which can negatively affect the human resource base of the service to effectively serve the nation.

The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has been advocating the need for the judiciary to be allowed to control its finances to give it the ability to effectively deliver on its mandate.

At the recent 2023 annual general meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges Ghana, the Chief Justice called for a national conversation and action to stop the decades-long practice whereby the executive controls the finances of the judiciary.

How can we be an independent arm of government if we do not have control over our finances?

Is the constitutionally guaranteed institutional independence of the judiciary only a mirage?

Can the institutional independence of the judiciary be asserted when we need clearance to engage staff, clearance to access money generated from court services, and clearance to procure any asset to do our work? she queried.

The Daily Graphic fully supports Justice Torkornoos quest to secure financial autonomy for the judiciary as it would help remove the numerous bottlenecks associated with justice delivery in the country.

Again, it will be easier and more understandable for the public to hold a financially autonomous judiciary accountable for some of the shortcomings in the justice delivery system which are mostly occasioned by the lack of finances.

The Daily Graphic therefore entreats the government to make the budget of the judiciary a top priority just like that of the EC in the 2024 budget currently being prepared as the nation gears up for the 2024 general election.

As already explained, the importance of the judiciary in an election year cannot be underestimated.

It is the judiciary that will hold this country together when the politicians in their quest to grab power become embroiled in disputes.

We therefore need a financially sound and autonomous judiciary to safeguard our democracy and our prosperity as a nation.
Catholic priest takes a wife; says God didn't make a mistake creating man and woman

bbc.com International News Oct - 24 - 2023 , 06:24

An ordained Kenyan Catholic priest has taken the unusual step of getting married.

In the Catholic tradition, priests are supposed to commit to a life of celibacy but Reverend Father Edwin Gathangi Waiguru has now joined a splinter group, known as the Catholic Charismatic church.

Bishop Patrick Mulau of the Kirinyaga Charismatic Church conducted the wedding ceremony on Sunday in Kiambu country, just north of the capital, Nairobi.

Standing next to his bride, Margaret Wanjira Githui, Father Waiguru said "it is possible to serve God and have a family and have a lovely wife".

"God did not make a mistake when he created a man and a woman and He said it is not good for somebody to be alone."

Father Waiguru said after being sent to preach in North and South America, he felt the need to marry and have a family.

When he returned to Kenya, he decided to marry in a traditional ceremony. The couple was blessed with two children.

He was ordained again as a Charismatic priest and also solemnized his marriage. He said he can now say he has lived to his calling of priesthood.

I am very happy. To my wife, I promise to love you always, he said.

Hundreds of the couple's family and friends went to witness the unusual ceremony, NTV reports.
How do I stop my husband from getting married

Mirror Lawyer Life Oct - 24 - 2023 , 09:58

Dear Mirror Lawyer, I have been married for the past seven years. We had a traditional marriage in my hometown in Wenchi.

My husband travels often because of the work he does. Some days ago, an old classmate informed me that my husband was preparing to get married to another woman in Accra.

She showed me pictures of the couple and the invitation to prove this. She has advised that we wait till the day and disrupt the wedding ceremony in the church and expose him. The wedding is three weeks away. What should I do?

Efiba, Sunyani.



Dear Efiba, Under the Marriages Act, 1884-1985 (Cap 127), anyone who seeks to enter into a marriage under the ordinance (which includes a Christian marriage) must not be married to another person under customary law. This is found in section 74(1)(b) of the Act.

A customary law marriage (what you refer to as a traditional marriage) is potentially polygamous. This means that the man may marry as many wives under customary law as he may be able to harmoniously live with and conveniently manage.

The law, however, prohibits a party to an intended marriage under the ordinance (i.e. under the authority of a marriage officer or a registrars certificate) from being married to a different person under customary law.

The law has provided redress for anyone who knows of a just reason why such a marriage should not take place. This is called a caveat. Section 56(1) (b) provides for the procedure for entering a caveat against the issue of a certificate when a marriage is going to be solemnised under the authority of a marriage officers certificate, which is usual for marriages solemnised in churches.

The provision in section 56(1) (b) instructs a person who knows of any reason why a marriage should not take place to send a notice in writing to the person publishing the banns of marriage to forbid the marriage. This notice must have the name and place of residence of the person entering the caveat, as well as his/her reasons for forbidding the marriage.

When the person publishing the banns of marriage receives the notice, he/she is to forward it to the marriage officer, who in turn will forward it to a High Court Judge. The judge in his discretion will assess the notice and if no legal grounds exist forbidding the marriage, he will remove the caveat. Otherwise, he will request all the parties involved to appear before him to hear and determine the matter.

In the case of In Re Pratts Caveat; Bentil v. Pratt [1989-90] 2 GLR 476-489, the respondent served an order for interim injunction on the would-be groom a few hours to the wedding, which resulted in the wedding being called off. The court held, among other things, that the right procedure for entering a caveat was not followed and awarded compensation in the mans favour.

It is advisable in your case, Efiba, to send a notice to the particular church where the marriage is to be solemnised with the relevant details of your name, residence and reasons for forbidding the marriage, and follow up on same.
Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, MP Tema West

Graphic.com.gh Personality Profiles Oct - 18 - 2023 , 19:02

Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah born July 20, 1966, is a Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament of Tema West constituency. He was also a Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry in Ghana.

Ahenkorah is the Chairperson for the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee; a member of the Privileges Committee and also a member of the Works and Housing Committee.

He is the CEO of Carlos King Freight Services.

Ahenkorah attended Tema Secondary School and Abuakwa State College. He obtained a Master of Arts (Ports and Shipping Administration) degree from the Regional Maritime University, Nungua-Accra and the University of Ghana Business School in 2013, a BSC in Marketing from GIMPA, a certificate in marketing, a postgraduate diploma in marketing and an advanced certificate in marketing from CIM-UK.

Career

He worked at Jospong Consortium as a sales executive from 2004 to 2006. He was the marketing manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the manager director of J. A. Plant Pool Limited between 2007 and 2012. He has been a lecturer at the Regional Maritime University since 2005 and lectured at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) since 2010. He has been running Carlos King Freight Services since 1992.
Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, MP Nkoranza South

Graphic.com.gh Personality Profiles Oct - 17 - 2023 , 18:33

Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum born on December 3, 1973 is the Member of Parliament for Nkoranza South Constituency in the Bono East Region of Ghana. He is also a member of the National Democratic Congress party.

He is a member of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee and also a member of the Works and Housing Committee.

In May 2022, he claimed the Ghana Police shot live bullets during the Nkoranza shooting and urged Ghanaians to rise against police brutalities.

Kwadwo Agyekum attended University of Westminster in London, UK where he obtained MA in Global Business in 2007. He also had IMBA at International Graduate Center. He further went to University of Applied Science in Bremen, Germany in 2008.

Politics

Kwadwo Agyekum won the Nkoranza South Constituency parliamentary seat with 29,408 votes making 56.8% of total votes cast whilst the NPP parliamentary candidate Konadu-Yiadom Charles had 22,219 votes making 42.9% of the total votes cast and the People's National Convention (PNC) candidate Florence Ampour had 121 votes making 0.2% of the total votes cast.

He was the former Deputy Minister of Local Government.

Employment

He was the CEO of Special Care Recruitment Consultancy in London, UK. He was also the Municipal Chief Executive of Nkoranza South Municipality from May 2009- January 2013.
Sanja Nanja, MP Atebubu Amantin

Graphic.com.gh Personality Profiles Oct - 17 - 2023 , 18:30

Sanja Nanja born on February 3, 1968, is a Ghanaian educationist and politician and Member of Parliament serving the Atebubu Amantin Constituency in the Bono East Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Nanja is a member of the Judiciary Committee and also a member of the Lands and Forestry Committee.

He hails from Saboba, a town in the Northern Region of Ghana. He entered University of Ghana and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and History in 2005.

Prior to politics, he was Assistant Director at the Ghana Education Service and taught Atebubu Senior High School. Nanja was the District Chief Executive (DCE), Atebubu District from May 7, 2009 - January 7, 2013.

Politics

Nanja is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In 2012, he contested for the Atebubu Amantin seat on the ticket of the NDC sixth Parliament of the fourth republic and won. He was elected with 16,964 votes out of the 34,411 total valid votes cast, equivalent to 49.30%. Nanja could not maintain his position as Member of Parliament for Attebubu Amantin during the 2016 elections due to a ban placed on him by members of the traditional council of his constituency. The ban was as a result of his conduct of insulting the queen mother of his constituency on radio.

Nanja is a Christian and attends the Assemblies of God Church and is married with five children.
International conference explores the future of education: Education 5.0 and beyond

GraphicOnline Education Oct - 24 - 2023 , 10:40

The Admission Experts International Multidisciplinary Journal for Research, Publication, and Conferences (AEIMJRPC), in partnership with the Philippine Christian University, recently hosted its second educational research conference in the heart of Dubai.

The event, held at the Bristol Hotel Ballroom, brought together an impressive array of scholars, education experts, and emerging minds from various corners of the globe. Under the theme of "Education 5.0 and Beyond," the conference aimed to explore the evolving landscape of education in the 21st century.

Distinguished guests and speakers from Africa, as well as the Philippines, graced the occasion with their insights and knowledge.

The Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central Constituency, Mahama Ayariga, delivered an impactful keynote address.

His message emphasized the pivotal role that education plays in the future of nations and the importance of continued innovation in teaching and learning.

The event saw the presence of prominent African figures, including Hon. Ras Mubarak, former MP for Kumbungu Constituency, Cde Nicholas Tobocani Rari, Secretary-General for the Botswana Sectors of Educator Trade Union (BOSETU), and Ms. Loide Shaanika, Secretary-General of the Namibia National Teachers Union (NANTU).

Their participation underscored the significance of cross-border collaboration in the quest for educational excellence.

Dr. Junifen Gauuan, President of the Philippine Christian University, shared inspiring words of wisdom with the attendees. He emphasized the need for students to take their studies seriously, viewing them as a preparation for the "African century" and a time of immense opportunity and growth on the continent.

Dr. James Antwi, Director of the Ghana Adventist Health Services, delivered a thought-provoking message, urging African students to invest in research efforts aimed at advancing African development.

His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of homegrown solutions and innovations for the continent's challenges.

In his closing remarks, the CEO of the Admission Experts encouraged students to apply the knowledge and insights gained during the conference to their respective pursuits. He highlighted the practical value of the conference and urged participants to ensure that their attendance was not in vain.

The conference brought together a diverse group of young scholars and aspiring Ph.D. candidates from Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines. It served as a forum for the exchange of ideas and the forging of international partnerships, emphasizing the collaborative approach needed to shape the future of education.
Assin-Praso: Teenage father allegedly poisons 10-day-old son

GNA Oct - 24 - 2023 , 06:57

The Police in Assin-Praso in the Assin North District of the Central Region, have intensified the search for a teen father for allegedly poisoning his ten-day-old baby boy with weedicide.

As of Sunday, October 22, the baby was alive and responding to treatment at the Presbyterian Hospital at Assin-Praso.

According to the mother of the victim, Ms Esther Baah, 16, they both hatched the idea of killing the baby after all efforts to abort him were unsuccessful.

The move was to clear the baby, which had become a burden of a sort to them, to enable them to pursue their academic aspirations.

Not long after, Ms Baah delivered and gave up on what she considered as devilish intention having considered the ordeal associated with pregnancy, delivery, and child upbringing.

However, the suspect, Godfred Nelson, also known as Paa Akwasi, 19, a Senior High School (SHS) three student, and a native of Assin Praso, unknowingly and still had plans to kill the baby with weedicide.

We both planned to kill the baby to allow us to pursue our education.

But the pain and trauma I endured during pregnancy and delivery made me change my mind, but little did I know that my boyfriend still haboured the intent to kill the innocent baby, she said as she wept profusely.

Explaining issues to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kwaku Arkoh, the grandfather of the victim, said Ms Baah met her baby crying uncontrollably when she returned from the bathhouse.

She then decided to breastfeed him but observed a foamy substance in the mouth of the baby, and liquid stains in the childs clothes amid vomiting. Realizing the babys struggles, he was rushed to hospital, where it was discovered the baby had been poisoned.

Nelson, on hearing the turn of events, bolted. Meanwhile, the mother of the suspect, Afia Tawiah, who had been irritated and disappointed by the action of her son had charged the police to arrest him to face the full rigors of the law.

I cannot comprehend what will motivate Paa Akwasi to attempt killing his innocent baby. In any case, he is not directly responsible for the upkeep of the baby and his mother.

I have taken all the responsibilities upon myself, so why should he think of killing the baby? He must be arrested as soon as possible to face the law because I dont tolerate nonsense, she said.
College of Physicians seeks $2m for medical training

Donald Ato Dapatem Oct - 24 - 2023 , 07:11

The Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) is seeking the support of government to raise $2 million to build two simulation centres in the country for the effective training of medical doctors.

This is to avoid the age-old training where doctors perform operations on live patients after few observations and assisted operations, which has been seen as not the best way to train.

The Director of the GCPS, Prof. Richard Adanu, said this when the leadership of the college paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.

The visit was to brief the President on the activities earmarked for the 20th anniversary of the college and also invite him to the programme.

GCPS is a public institution, established in 2003, to provide postgraduate medical training in medicine, surgery and related disciplines.

Prof. Adanu said the state and the college alone could not bear the cost and, therefore, pleaded with the President to use his influence and good office to help in raising the funds from within and outside the country.

He explained that currently the training was that doctors observed their bosses perform a surgery, assisted to do another and then the next time they were given the instruments, the person you're working on is actually a live patient.

It has been seen that this is not the best way to train.

Best Way

Prof. Adanu said the best way to train was to get people to a certain level of proficiency using mannequins and, then, when they reached a certain level, they were allowed to touch a human being.

He explained that one of the simulation centres would be in the northern part of the country and the other in the southern part to spread the benefits of training.

Laparoscopy

He also mentioned that another 21st Century infrastructure the college was looking to establish was Laparoscopy surgery or keyhole surgery centres to be set up in the public sector to facilitate specialist training and patient care.

On the remuneration of retired medical professors who continue to train specialists, he said the process of offering them contracts should be smooth and akin to that of the public universities where they were offered automatic contracts.

It would be good if you could use your good office to get us to create contract consultant positions for retired fellows so that they can continue to train and not just retire at 60 and then create a big gap, especially when we want to cover the country.

We need every teacher to continue to train and provide service, he added.

He again made a passionate appeal to the President to consider increasing the allowances of medical doctors who offered training at their facilities.

President Akufo-Addo gave an assurance that government was going to support the college in its activities for it to carry out these important responsibilities more efficiently.

He noted that government would follow up on all the issues they had raised for the betterment of medical training and service in the country.
Curbing migration of health workers: MoH to develop policy

Diana Mensah Oct - 24 - 2023 , 05:48

A policy to tighten procedures for the training, deployment, retention and reintegration of the nations health workforce to meet both local and global demands is to be developed by the Ministry of Health.

The policy is aimed at addressing issues of migration of health workers in the country.

The sector minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, who announced this, said it would also ensure financial and brain gain" from the overseas deployment of health professionals through beneficial bilateral agreements.

He was speaking at the opening of this year's annual performance review meeting of the Health, Agriculture, Relief and Development Services of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) in Accra.

It was on the theme: Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega: Spreading the gospel through impactful social services.

In attendance were the Moderator-elect of the PCG, Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, and the Clerk of the General Assembly of the PCG, Rev. Dr Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor.

The minister said the policy was driven by the current health sector migration, a global issue that was creating challenges in the sector.

He said his outfit had also taken steps to improve the training, recruitment and retention of health workers.

The minister lauded the PCG for its role in the socio-economic development of the country over the years, especially in the area of healthcare delivery.

Mr Agyeman-Manu said the ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, was also making efforts to provide the people with well-trained health professionals to offer prompt and efficient services.

He said health facilities of the PCG which were spread across the country had complemented the governments efforts at improving quality healthcare delivery.

He gave an assurance that the government would continue to partner churches for the accelerated development of the country.

The outgoing Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, said the church was happy to partner the government to enhance health delivery services in the country.

He expressed gratitude to the government for elevating the Kom Presbyterian Clinic into a district hospital.

Rt Rev. Prof. Mante also said that the church, in its 195 years, had been a Christ-centred, self-sustaining,and growing church that had used a three-pronged approach in its mission work  preaching, teaching and healing.

The moderator added that the church was also undertaking a holistic mission by operating under three broad themes  spiritual, moral and social witness.

He said the church had established some 60 health facilities, including specialised hospitals, across the West African sub region.

Commendation

The Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr Peter K. Yeboah, commended the Presbyterian Church for being the third largest health service provider in the country after the Ghana Health Service and the Roman Catholic Church.

The Director of Development and Social Services of the PCG, Rebecca Teiko Sabah, said the four-day event, which had managers of the 60 health institutions, six agricultural stations and relief organisations of the church as participants, also took stock of the previous years activities and charted the way forward.

She said the review meeting would also be used to adopt policy decisions aimed at injecting modernisation into its activities, as well as share decisions with policymakers to promote good agricultural and health practices in beneficiary communities.
Melcom supports Graphic Health Screening, Military Nursing Services

Beatrice Laryea Oct - 24 - 2023 , 07:49

The Melcom Group, through the Melcom Care Foundation, has supported the 2023 edition of the Graphic Clinic Health Care Screening Project, an initiative of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd. (GCGL), which forms part of the companys corporate social responsibility activities at Adabraka in Accra.

The Melcom Care Foundation will meet the cost of all essential inputs for quality healthcare delivery, medication, feeding and allowances for medics at the one-day event.

The short presentation ceremony, which was held at the Melcom Mall at Spintex Road, also saw the company extend support to the Ghana Armed Forces Nursing Services for the celebration of their 2023 Nightingale Week.

The event brought together dignitaries including the Group Manager of Melcom, Francis Sam, Corporate Communications Manager of the GCGL, Emmanuel Agyei Arthur, Resident Medical Officer of GCGL, Dr Jacqui Barnes, Senior Corporate Communications Officer, Mavis Kyerewaa Asiama, Nursing Officer in Charge, Theatre, Major Alfred K. Ampong, and Committee Member of Nightingale Week Celebration, Capt. Abigail Ako.

Collaboration

At the event, the Melcom Group Director of Communication, Godwin Avenorgbo, said there had been a major shift in Melcom Cares collaboration efforts with credible media institutions, which, in addition to gathering and disseminating news, had taken on the responsibility of meeting humanitarian needs with particular reference to health.

We have considered it worth our while to sponsor this years Graphic Clinic Health Care Screening Project under the Graphic Communications Groups corporate social responsibility activities at Adabraka in Accra, he said.

This is to strengthen our resolve that we still believe that it takes a healthy mind and body to serve a healthy nation, Mr Avenorgbo said.

On the donation to the Ghana Armed Forces Nursing Services, Mr Avenorgbo, who is a retired broadcaster, stated that Melcom Care deemed it necessary to associate with the Military Nightingales Week celebration to encourage them to continue to provide quality health care to the communities they serve.

Assurance

After receiving the dummy cheque, Mr Arthur said the GCGL, extolled the long-standing relationship partnership between the two companies.

At this point, we decided that we have to go beyond just business as in getting commercial value and putting our resources together to help society.

So when we approached Melcom to support us in organising this free health screening, which we do every year for the Adabraka community, they readily accepted to partner.

I assure Mr Avenorgbo that Melcom has associated with Ghanas leading media house and with the full force of our influence, we will ensure that there is enough publicity bid in advertising or in news so that the good activities of Melcom, in terms of what they do for society, is also well publicised, Mr Arthur said.

For his part, Major Ampong said the Nightingale Week celebration was observed every year to honour nurses under the Ghana Armed Forces and in preparation towards that, they made a request to Melcom for support which yielded a positive response.

The awards ceremony of this programme will see hard working nurses honoured and on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Services, organisers of the Nightingales Week Celebration, comprising the uniformed and non-uniformed nurses, I wish to say a very big thank you to you for this donation, he said.

Graphic screening

The exercise, which will be the 11th edition, is aimed at helping patrons to know their health status to enable them to seek early treatment.

The project, which forms part of the corporate social responsibility of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, will screen people for diabetes, blood pressure, anaemia, malaria, eye and oral diseases, among others.
Three persons injured in armed robbery attack in Yilo Krobo

Getrude Ankah Nyavi Oct - 24 - 2023 , 13:10

An armed robbery attack at Yilo Krobo in the Eastern Region on Monday night (October 23) has left three persons injured.

One of the victims who was rushed to the Yilo Krobo Municipal Hospital is said to be in critical condition while the other has been stabilised by medical professionals at the facility.

The other victim who also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Somanya Clinic has since been treated and discharged.

This is the second time in two weeks that a robbery has occurred in the area.

The first one occurred on October 11, 2023, at about 7:30 p.m.

The robbers targeted the Gaso fuel Filling station and a mobile money vendor in the heart of the municipality, situated approximately 200 meters away from the SP GAS filling station, where the first robbery occurred.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, Eric Tetteh who confirmed the incident in a radio interview with Accra-based Citi FM disclosed that the Municipal Security Council will conduct an emergency meeting with the Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Twumasi Ankra on the possible way forward.



According to eyewitnesses, the four armed robbers who were armed with pump-action guns, managed to make off with an undisclosed sum of money from the Gaso Filling station, in addition to Twenty Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis ( GH 28,000) from the mobile money vendor.

They said the robbers fired a shot that injured a pump attendant at the filling station, as well as two other individuals they encountered on their way.

Two of the injured victims have been hospitalised at Yolo Krobo Municipal Hospital while one other victim was treated and discharged.
VRA spends GH9m on flood victims

Emmanuel Bonney Oct - 24 - 2023 , 07:53

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has so far spent GH9 million to mitigate the plight of the 36,000 people who were displaced by floods following the recent spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

The amount was part of the GH 20 million voted by the authority to help improve the lives of the flood victims.

Addressing the press in Accra yesterday, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services at the VRA, Ken Arthur, said the authority had since intensified efforts to alleviate the pain and discomfort of the affected people.

He said it was gratifying to note that no life had been lost under the situation.

Acknowledging the many challenges facing the affected communities, VRA and the entire relief team are engaged in regular supply of food items such as rice, maize, beans, gari, sugar, mackerel, cooking oil, palm oil, tomato paste, groundnuts, biscuits, fruit juice, powdered milk and drinking water.

Other non-food relief items include mosquito repellent creams, mosquito nets, blankets, mattresses, solar-powered lanterns with telephone charging features, sanitary items and many more, he said.

The VRA, Mr Arthur said, had also carried out a number of humanitarian efforts, including the deployment of water tankers to consistently make water available to the affected people and the provision of medical items and personnel to screen and administer medical treatment to emerging health issues.

He said the authority provided buses, trucks and pick-up vehicles to assist in the internal transportation of both goods and affected people, restored the damaged community water supply pumps in Aveyime, installed a potable water treatment system at the St. Kizito School, a safe haven in Mepe, and with the support of the Ministry of Energy distributed 5,000 solar lamps to the various camps.

Together with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Arthur noted that power supply had been reconnected to the St. Kizito safe haven in Mepe.

Zoomlion has been contracted to provide mobile toilets, service them and also provide sanitation services at the safe havens.

An access road has been created in Mepe to the St. Kizito centre to avoid accessing by boat.

Again, he said there had been the clearance of weeds from the Sogakope bridge to facilitate the flow of the river into the ocean.

We wish to assure the public that VRA will continue to monitor the situation and provide the needed support, together with National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the other relevant agencies, to ensure the well-being of the affected communities.

The authority reiterates that no one will be left behind in this emergency situation, he emphasised.

The VRA, Mr Arthur said, empathised with all the affected persons and was unwavering in its commitment to work with NADMO and all relevant agencies to bring relief and assistance to the victims.

Approach

When the issue started, he said the VRA deployed an all-hands-on-deck approach and, in collaboration with NADMO, the various district assemblies and other related security and emergency services, worked round the clock to ensure the protection of lives and livelihoods in those affected areas through the evacuation of victims to designated safe havens.

Under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, we have deployed our Emergency Preparedness Unit, the Community Relations Unit, the Environment and Sustainable Development Team, the VRA Hospital Team, VRA Security Section and others to the affected communities and we are literally living among them in their respective communities to experience their issues at firsthand and provide real-time support, he revealed.

Dams spillage

The VRA, he said, was compelled to commence controlled spillage of excess inflows into the Akosombo and Kpong hydro-electric dams on September 15, 2023, which was within the various graduated stages of the EPP phase 1 spillage rate.

He said on October 9, 2023, the spill rate was increased to phase two due to persistent rainfall which resulted in continuous rise of the water level in the Akosombo Dam.

This event, which was unforeseeable and unavoidable, was carried out in accordance with statutes and all regulatory requirements, he said.

The flooding has affected several communities within parts of the Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions.

The districts affected include North Tongu, Central Tongu, South Tongu, Anlo and the Keta Municipality in the Volta Region.

The rest are Asuogyaman and Lower Manya Krobo in the Eastern Region, and Shai Osudoku and Ada East in the Greater Accra Region, with Mepe in the North Tongu District being the worst hit community.

Positive signs

Responding to a question on the current state of the spillage, he said, there are clear signs that the water is receding.

Throwing more light on what the authority was currently doing, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance, Dr Ebenezer Tagoe, said GH 9 million had been spent on the procurement of food items, among other things, so far.

For his part, the Public Relations Officer of NADMO, George Ayisi, said the organisation was grateful to the authority for its collaborative efforts to support the victims of the flooding.
Reaffirmed international boundaries to end border disputes ...Between Ghana, Togo

Della Russel Ocloo Oct - 24 - 2023 , 08:11

The successful completion of the reaffirmation of the international land boundaries between Ghana and Togo will create a sense of cooperation, understanding and harmony for the people of the two countries.

Also, the processes of reaffirmation will bring an end to the occasional border disputes and misunderstanding recorded among residents of communities living on the Ghana-Togo border.

A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio, said this at a joint public sensitisation programme organised by the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) and the Togo National Boundary Commission at Honuta in the Volta Region on the Ghana-Togo international boundary line.

He expressed concern about the possible eruption of disputes in many of the adjoining communities along the line due to the destruction or displacement of the boundary pillars along the boundary line and stressed the importance of the planned phase three of the joint reaffirmation exercise between Ghana and Togo.

The exercise is meant to assess the state of the international boundary pillars and subsequently reconstruct new boundary pillars to ensure the easy recognition of our common international land boundary line," he said.

A number of stakeholders, including chiefs, youth and opinion leaders from Honuta, as well as the traditional leaders and residents of Klo-Mayondi, respective communities in Ghana and Togo that live along the international boundary line, attended the programme.

Also present were officials of the Land Boundary Commission of Togo, district chief executives, traditional leaders from Ghana and Togo, as well as heads and representatives of security services.

The reaffirmation exercise, which is being undertaken by a Joint Technical Committee in accordance with the African Union Convention on Cross Border Cooperation and in the spirit of good neighbourliness, seeks to reaffirm the shared boundaries along the international boundary line.

It involves the identification and survey of boundary pillars along the stretch and, already, similar exercises have been undertaken on the Aflao-Lome, Deme-Bagbe and Bagbe-Agotime boundary lines in October 2022 and in May 2023 respectively.

Additionally, the groundwork for the joint reaffirmation from Agotime Afegame to Wli Afegame has been laid.

The reaffirmation of international boundary lines between two countries can have a number of benefits, including increased stability and security in the border region, and assist in reducing potential tensions and prevent conflict among border communities.

Connecting bridge

Mr Owusu-Bio stressed that the joint reaffirmation was not merely a bureaucratic task, but a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation between the two countries.

He pointed out that the similarities that defined the people of Ghana and Togo equally defined the boundaries of the two nations, serving as a bridge that connected their values and histories, "and not walls that separate us," he said.

GhBC

The National Coordinator of the GhBC, Major General Dr Emmanuel Kotia, explained that the programme was aimed at raising awareness of the importance of the boundary pillars and the need to protect them.

He said following the previous activities carried out in 2022, additional exercises undertaken had seen officials earmark new boundary pillars for construction to replace those damaged or intentionally removed to enhance the proper demarcation of the shared boundaries.

The joint technical team intends to cover about 100 km of land boundary from Agotime Afegame to Wli Afegame in the third phase of the reaffirmation exercise, beginning October 21 to November 10, 2023, he said.

Chiefs

The Chief of Honuta in Ghana, Togbe Kofi Ayisa, and the Chief of Klo-Mayondi in Togo, Togbe Kpetsu VI, pledged their support to the committee and described the exercise as timely and appropriate in safeguarding the sovereignty of the two nations.
Mepe Development Association condemns Sanitation Minister's comment

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Oct - 24 - 2023 , 12:56

The Mepe Development Association (MDA) has reacted to comments by the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, in which the minister blamed residents and other downstream communities along the Volta River for not heeding to warnings to evacuate before the Akosombo and Kpong dams were spilled.

On Monday, October 23, 2023, Freda Prempeh said the the Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Water Resources Commission, since the beginning of 2023, had been educating people in the communities likely to be affected in such a situation, including Mepe.

However, she said that despite the best efforts of these key agencies to evacuate people ahead of the spillage, they refused to pay heed to authorities.

Related: Sanitation and Water Resources Minister blames flood victims for refusing to relocate

A statement signed by the Chairman of the MDA, Kojo Mawulenu Fabian, in reaction to the minister's comment accused Freda Premah of peddling false information.

Attached below is a copy of the press statement from the Mepe Development Association
Sanitation and Water Resources Minister blames flood victims for refusing to relocate

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Oct - 24 - 2023 , 12:04

The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has said the government cannot be blamed entirely for the misfortunes of the flood victims following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

That, she said, was because despite the best efforts of key agencies to evacuate, people ahead of the spillage, they refused to pay heed to authorities.

Ms Prempeh explained that the Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Water Resources Commission, since the beginning of 2023, had been educating people in the communities likely to be flooded in such a situation.

They did simulation exercises with them even at Mepe, yet they refused to leave. They didn't want to be evacuated. They stayed there till the end when we started spilling, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources stressed.

Now people are blaming government, VRA and NADMO but these three institutions really did a lot of education right from January. Even in September they were still talking to the people to move because there was a likelihood they were going to spill in the next week or two, she added.

Freda Prempeh, who is also the Tano North Member of Parliament (MP), went on to lament that, due to the stubbornness of the victims of the man-made disaster, the government would now have to spend its meagre resources on relief items.

Unfortunately, look at what is happening, and government has to spend billions of money on relief items, on education. The whole area the water is contaminated and what Ghana water and Water Resources Commission would have to spend money, millions of money to treat the water before we can pass it through our pipes, she added.

Ms Prempeh also blamed the floods on climate change saying that due to the change in rainfall patterns, it had become increasingly difficult for the relevant authorities to determine when exactly it would rain so even if the Volta River Authority did a gradual spillage, it wouldnt have made much difference.

Background

From September 15, this year, the Volta River Authority (VRA) started a controlled spillage at the Akosombo and Kpong dams, both in the Eastern Region, following excess water being recorded in both reservoirs due to appreciable levels of rainfall.

This led to tracts of land and communities downstream to be severely flooded.

It was the second-stage spillage of the two dams used to generate about a third of the countrys electricity supply.
Police deposit GH2.5m NAM1 Menzgold cash at Bank of Ghana

Kweku Zurek Oct - 24 - 2023 , 17:30

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the deposit of GH2.5 million, received from Nana Appiah Mensah, the former CEO of Menzgold, at the Bank of Ghana.

This action, in accordance with advice from the Office of the Attorney-General, transpired on October 20, 2023, the Police said in a statement.

Nana Appiah Mensah, commonly known as NAM 1, handed over this sum, which has now been placed in the Police Exhibit account at the Bank of Ghana, earmarked for the Court's attention.

This financial transaction is a significant development in the ongoing investigations pertaining to complaints lodged by customers of MenzGold Ghana Company Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Limited. These matters are currently under adjudication at the Accra High Court, with Nana Appiah Mensah as the prime suspect.

The police service underlined that any decisions regarding the allocation of these funds will be subject to the court's jurisdiction.

Menzgold earlier claim

The latest development comes four days after Menzgold in a statement said it handed a sum of GH5 million to the Ghana Police Service to be distributed to customers of the collapsed firm.

An October 20th statement signed by Nana Appiah Mensah said that the money was meant to be paid to customers who successfully went through a verification process conducted by the company, including a GH2.5 million judgment debt.

Following a successful transactions verification exercise conducted from the 10th August, 2023 to 14th September, 2023, we are happy to note that five million Ghana cedis (GH5,000,000), which constitutes our first bulk payment batch has been successfully made," the statement said.

Please be advised that, of the GH5,000,000 first payment tranche, GH2,500,000 is for the account of a full and final settlement of a compromised judgment debt, to certain Menzgold indebted to individuals, in a suit No. CM/RPC/0835/2019; The High Court of Ghana, Commercial Division, Accra. Whereas; the other GH2,500,000 is in favour of over one hundred individuals.

Ongoing trial

Earlier, on September 19, Nana Appiah Mensah was granted bail amounting to GH500 million, supported by four sureties, without the need for justification. Additional conditions of his bail included the surrender of his passport to the court registry.

This legal action follows Nana Appiah Mensah's plea of not guilty to 39 counts of fraud and money laundering charges, for which he is presently undergoing trial alongside Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult.
Akosombo spillage: Volta chiefs launch relief fund for flood victims

Alberto Mario Noretti Oct - 24 - 2023 , 12:00

The Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) has launched a disaster relief fund with a seed amount of GH50,000 to support victims of the floods caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

This is in line with our role as leaders to map out strategies to help the afflicted, the President of the VRHC, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, said.

He said apart from the Tongu areas which were the hardest hit, there was not enough attention on other affected places in the region such as the North and South Dayi districts.

Togbe Hodo said the seed money was taken directly from the welfare fund of the VRHC.

We are highly concerned about the plight of the victims, and we are committed to their wellbeing, he added.

Togbe Hodo, who is the Paramount Chief of Anfoega, said apart from rendering a massive number of people homeless, the floods had also affected businesses and livelihoods, creating an uncertain future for the people, as evident in the submerged hotels and farms.

Spillage

Meanwhile, Togbe Hodo insisted that the Volta River Authority (VRA) could not escape blame for the flood situation, saying the deluge was largely due to the failure of the authority to dredge the Volta estuary to facilitate the swift flow of the spillage into the sea.

For that matter, we will seek the appropriate vindication of the rights of the people, the President of VRHC hinted.

Togbe Hodo commended the First Sky Group for the generous donation of relief items to the flood victims, saying that was a touching, philanthropic and patriotic gesture worthy of emulation by public-spirited individuals and organisations.

He said an even more pathetic aspect of the disaster was how children could no longer go to school, and that, he said, should attract the attention of all and sundry.

The Paramount Chief of Klefe, Togbe Kwaku Dzaga, said the disaster required immediate attention without any form of politicking.

He said donations in the form of building materials and clothes would also be fitting contributions towards the relief of the afflicted.

He urged public-spirited individuals and organisations to contribute to the disaster relief fund held in an account at the GCB Bank, with number 5011010044320, adding that a Mobile Money account would also be made available soon for that purpose.

Current situation

More than 35,000 people have been displaced in nine districts in the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions since the VRA started the spillage of the two dams last month.

Indeed, many communities have been totally submerged, along with farms, houses and other property, while basic schools in the affected areas have been shut completely at the moment.

Families are putting up in relief camps, many of them in tents, in one of the severest humanitarian crises confronting the country.
Well enforce local content laws  Energy Minister

Kester Aburam Korankye Oct - 24 - 2023 , 12:00

The government will strengthen regulations and enforcement of local content laws to encourage citizens participation in the extractive industry.

The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, said that was to ensure that citizens benefited more from the exploitation of the countrys natural resources.

The minister was speaking in Accra yesterday at the launch of the 2023 Local Content conference and exhibition slated for November this year in Takoradi.

The event will also be used to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the coming into force of the Petroleum (Local Content & Local Participation) Regulations, 2013; L.I. 2204 at the event.

It would be organised by the Petroleum Commission on the theme: 10 years of local content in Ghanas upstream petroleum industry: Achievements, challenges and prospects.

The petroleum sector was the first to have a local content law which benefits both the low and upstream sectors in the industry.

Dr Prempeh said under his administration, the upstream sector had seen an amendment to L.I. 2204 with the passage of the Petroleum (Local Content and Local Participation) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021; L.I. 2435.

L.I. 2435 was passed on 17th January, 2022. L.I. 2435 is the first amendment to L.I. 2204 and occurred under my watch, he said.

The minister added that the regulation had opened up collaborations between indigenous Ghanaian companies (IGCs) and foreign entities that desire to undertake various scopes of contracts in servicing the exploration and production (E&P) spectrum in the country.

Whereas L.I. 2204 essentially provided for joint venture partnerships as the main mode of collaboration between IGCs and foreign companies to undertake petroleum activities  oilfield services in Ghana, L.I. 2435 has added strategic alliance and channel partnership, he said.

However, Dr Prempeh said to ensure that the governments vision of promoting Ghanaian participation in the industry was safeguarded, regulators in the industry must remain vigilant and patriotic.

If you dont show spine, you will be abused, so people who work in the regulatory space must be holier than holy and very patriotic, he said.

Achievements

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr, said the conference was being organised in fulfilment of L.I 2204 which enjoined the commission in Regulation 40 to leave the comfort of its offices and take the local content agenda to town.

The commission shall ensure that public education activities are undertaken to sensitise contractors, subcontractors, allied entities, the public and industry stakeholders about the local content philosophy and to ensure the implementation of the regulations, Mr Faibille said.

He explained that although this years conference was the eighth since its inception, it had been heralded by a launch to show that the country had handled local content in the upstream petroleum sector by operation of the law.

The chief executive said the support the country had received from its international partners in the implementation of the local content regulations confirmed the governments policy of providing a level playing field for all investors.

The countrys local content regulations are a vehicle for partnering investors to develop local capacities for mutual benefits to investors and the citizenry, Mr Faibille Jnr added.

Capacity-building

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, urged players in the industry to leave the low hanging fruits for citizens to also benefit.

When the people are trained by the oil companies, they can take advantage because its not proper that after years of discovering oil, there is still a skillset gap.

If after 15 years you have not trained us, then it is your problem, Mr Osei-Owusu said.
Women cautioned not to keep mobile phone by their breasts

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Health Oct - 24 - 2023 , 06:15

A public health nurse at the St Joseph Orthopaedic Hospital, Patricia Sagoe, has asked women, especially traders, to desist from putting mobile phones in their brassieres.

That, she indicated, would make them avoid exposing their breasts to mobile phone radiation and contracting breast cancer.

Ms Sagoe gave the advice during a breast cancer screening exercise organised by ASA Savings and Loans Limited for market women at the main lorry park in the New Juaben South Municipality in the Eastern Region last Wednesday.

She explained that radiation emission from mobile phones was very high when they placed them by their breasts and was therefore capable of causing breast cancer.

According to Ms Sagoe, when a mobile phone was attached to the breast anytime it rang, the vibration entered the breast and that could result in the person contracting breast cancer.

"One risk factor to breast cancer is the exposure to radiation and we know mobile phones emit radiation and when the mobile phone is ringing, it vibrates and the vibration gets into the breast and that can cause cancer in the breast.

She, therefore, advised women against putting mobile phones by their breast but rather in their bags or purses.

Customers

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager of the company, Richard Nartey, said management decided to organise the exercise for the market women because they were their customers and should be healthy at all times.

He said they decided to undertake the exercise at the lorry park because most of the traders could not leave their wares and go to the hospital for their breasts to be screened or examined against breast cancer.

"We have about 98 per cent of our customers being women and breast cancer being one of the killer diseases of women.

We must ensure that they do not contract it.

We are also considering letting non-customers together with our main customers know their status and go for medication if necessary," he stated.

A woman selling second hand clothing at Koforidua, Ama Loggah, who had her breast screened for the first time, told the Daily Graphic she was grateful to the bank and the hospital for the gesture.
Afram Plains holds key to Ghanas agric fortunes  MP

Daniel Kenu Politics Oct - 24 - 2023 , 06:45

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North in the Eastern Region, Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, is urging government to shift its attention to the area because it holds the key to turning the countrys agriculture fortunes around.

We all know from the days of Ghana's first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, that Afram Plains remains the food basket of Ghana.

All it needs now is proper infrastructure, investment and access to market, she told the Daily Graphic in an interview in Accra.

Mrs Krosbi Mensah said a well-planned policy direction and a deliberate investment plan in crops that Ghana has competitive advantage in could reduce the importation of all kinds of food items including tomatoes and rice to save the country foreign exchange.

Cost of import

In 2021 alone, Ghana imported $552 million worth of rice, mainly from Vietnam ($394M), Thailand ($53.3m), India ($50.9m), China ($21.7m) and Pakistan ($21.2m).

Also, Trade data from the Ghana Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association indicate that annual tomatoes import from neighbouring Burkina Faso have hit $400 million from an estimated $99.5 million in 2018.

The MP said that was unacceptable to a country blessed with arable land and a fairly good weather.

Subsequently, she appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and by extension the government to take a second look at the agric sector and redirect its energies towards the Afram Plains because it is blessed with good land and water bodies to promote food, cash crops as well as fishes for both local consumption and for export.

The area is noted for a number of local food staples and in particular fish production from the Volta Lake but it has not been fully harnessed.

Markets

In that regard, Mrs Krosbi Mensah called on all stakeholders to help harness the potential of the area, and in particular help stop the regular food shortage in the countrys secondary schools to keep the free senior high school (SHS) policy in full flight.

She suggested that the area should become the key supplier of food items to the Ghana Buffer Stock to ensure a year-round food supply to students.

Apart from the Buffer Stock, the MP also suggested that other markets should be easily made accessible and the necessary infrastructure put in place.

It's been difficult transporting the farm produce to the various market centres.

It's difficult using just the lake, pontoon or the roads because they are in bad shape.

In the end, we are unable to service many people as we would have wished. We have the lands and all that it takes to farm.

Beyond the farm, the area supplies most of the dry fishes in the Ghanaian market especially to the Adabraka market.

Premix

The MP said one key challenge that affected the fish industry was the premix.

It is supposed to be subsidised by government so that fishermen could buy them at a cheaper price.

However, she said, the business has been subletted to political figures who manipulate the system, to the extent that some fish farmers are denied access because of their political affiliation.

The MP said the continuous increases in price would affect productivity and thereby stall fish supply to the markets.

Mrs Krosbi Mensah said the government should stamp its authority by clearing all political actors associated with the sale of premix fuel to save the industry.
Mahama donates relief items to Buipe flood victims

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Politics Oct - 24 - 2023 , 07:00

Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has donated assorted items to support victims of the Buipe flood.

The items included 100 bags of rice, 50 cartons of cooking oil, 50 cartons of bottled water, and 50 cartons of soap.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Abdulai Jinapor, handed over the items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) officers in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region for onward distribution to the flood victims on behalf of the former President.

Donation

Mr Jinapor explained that the former President shared in the plight of all the people who had been affected by the floods as a result of the overflow of the banks of the Black Volta in the constituency and the Savannah Region at large.

Some of the items

He called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of the already suffering people of the constituency.

He further called on benevolent organisations and individuals to consider the plight of the women and their children who were the most vulnerable.

Gratitude

The Central Gonja District NADMO Director, Mustapher Mbonwura, expressed his gratitude for the gesture of the former President.

He added his voice to the call the MP made to organisations and individuals to emulate same to ameliorate the suffering of the people.
NPP Tolon Parliamentary hopeful outlines plans

Daily Graphic Politics Oct - 24 - 2023 , 06:55

The Managing Director of the Voiceless Media, Chief Akilu Sayibu, has stated that his desire to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the Tolon Constituency in the Northern Region was only out of his love for the people.

In that regard, he lamented the slow pace of development of the constituency and stated that if given the nod, he would implement a number of projects geared towards improving the standard of living of the constituents and accelerated development.

Chief Akilu was speaking to the media at his Tolon residence.

Chief Akilu was the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Tamale North in 2012 but has now relocated to the Tolon Constituency to serve following widespread calls from the people of the Tolon Constituency.

Vision

The MP hopeful disclosed that his topmost priority, when he goes to Parliament, would be to curb indiscipline in the Tolon Senior High School (SHS) by constructing a fence around the campus and to provide a pickup for the headmaster for effective transportation and supervisory services.

Chief Akilu also pledged to provide an ambulance and another pickup for the Tolon District Hospital to facilitate effective healthcare delivery and outreach services to communities within the constituency.

"Good drinking water shall be another thing I will prioritise as an MP and I will not mind using my salary as a Member of Parliament to initiate the above projects which are long overdue, he stressed.

He commended the Ministries of Roads, Energy, Communications and Education for some interventions that they had implemented in the constituency and appealed for more opportunities and initiatives on behalf of the constituents of Tolon.

Chief Akilu, who is a former Deputy Chief Executive officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, also commended the ruling NPP government for the various job opportunities they had made available to the youth.

The NPP per its timelines would open nomination on December 20, 2023 and closed on January 4, 2024 in constituencies where the NPP has sitting MPs, followed by election on February 24, 2024.
Stop vilifying Akufo-Addos father - Justice Atuguba

Elizabeth Konadu-Boakye Politics Oct - 24 - 2023 , 14:06

A former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice William Atuguba, has urged the public to desist from impugning the President's father, Edward Akufo-Addo, who he described as an astute and honest lawyer and statesman.

Justice Atuguba said Edward Akufo-Addo, a former Chief Justice and President, was an excellent lawyer with great distinction by all standards, who stood in fidelity with the law and against tyranny and therefore there was no need for Ghanaians to turn their anger on him.

"You find on social media people trying to turn their anger on Edward Akufo- Addo, but what is the joy of turning your anger on the Presidents father, let us be fair on all matters on all occasions," he said.

Justice Auguba was speaking at a public lecture organised by Solidare Ghana and the Department of Political Science of the University of Ghana.

The lecture was on the theme: "Protecting our Democracy. The role of the judiciary".
Supreme Court decision on Gyakye Quayson scandalous - Justice Atuguba

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Politics Oct - 24 - 2023 , 14:25

A former justice of the Supreme Court, Justice William Atuguba, has described the decision of the Supreme Court in the Gyakye Quayson case as scandalous.

Delivering a lecture Tuesday [Oct 24, 2024], Justice Atuguba said the apex court adjudicated on a matter which had already been adjudicated by the High Court, which goes against the basic principle of law.

He said what was supposed to have been done was the execution of the High Courts decision and not a fresh matter at the Supreme Court

The decision of the Gyakye Quayson case was scandalous. The Supreme Court re-adjudicated the matter already decided by the High Court, he said.

Supreme Court failed to deliver justice

Again, Justice Atuguba said the Supreme Court failed to deliver justice when it nullified Mr Quayson election when the MP had clearly renounced his Canadian citizenship in November 2020, and the election was in December 2020.

The Supreme Court does not stand in good light despite the clear renunciation in November 2020 whereas the election was in December, I am not able to see substantial justice in this, he said.

According to him, it was untenable for the Supreme Court to had concluded that Mr Quayson hold allegiance to Canada when he had clearly initiated his renunciation of Canadian citizenship in 2019.
Supreme Court erred in Gyakye Quayson case - Justice Atuguba

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Politics Oct - 24 - 2023 , 14:08

A former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice William Atuguba, has criticised the decision by Supreme Court which nullified the election of James Gyakye Quayson as the MP for Assin North in 2020.

Delivering a lecture today, Justice Atuguba said Article 99 of the 1992 Constitution had preserved post parliamentary election matters to the High Court with appeal at Court of Appeal, and therefore the Supreme Court had no legal basis to entertain the action.

He said the decision by the Supreme Court in the Gyakye Quayson case meant that the apex court had a concurrent jurisdiction over parliamentary election petition with the High Court, which was alien to the 1992 Constitution.

According to him, since parliamentary elections were held in over 200 constituencies, the 1992 Constitution could not had envisaged that post parliamentary election matters should be adjudicated by a centralised court such as the Supreme Court.

The lecture was organised by a civil society organisation, Solidare in collaboration with the Department of Political Science of the University of Ghana.

It was on the theme : Protecting our Democracy : The Role of the Judiciary
A pet spay and neuter clinic will be headed for Sinajana from Nov. 7 to 10, and Mayor Robert Hofmann is urging residents to avail of the opportunity to better care for their cats and dogs.

A fourth day for the clinic has just been added because of a great response from the community, the mayor said on Tuesday.

Surgeries will be by appointment only and cost $50. Those on public assistance programs can avail of this program free of charge, the mayor said.

This is the fifth community service event for the Spay and Neuter Island Pets, or SNIP, Program, which is a collaboration between the Guam Department of Agriculture and Guam Animals In Need, or GAIN.

The Sinajana mayors office will host the SNIP community event.

This community clinic will feature SNIPs two high quality, high volume spay neuter surgeons, Dr. Mariana Turner and Dr. Brenda Smith, according to a press release from the Department of Agriculture.

Turner, the Department of Agricultures territorial veterinarian, said the SNIP program is delivering on the promise of quarterly community-based low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

By bringing these clinics directly into communities in need of our services, we can encourage all community members to be responsible pet owners and reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that roam the streets, Turner said.

Dogs and cats are welcome at this event and residents are encouraged to bring their own carrier for housing of their pet.

Rabies vaccinations and Elizabethan collars, or cones, will also be available for an additional cost.

Residents who receive SNAP benefits qualify for the SPPC surgery sponsorship program to cover the cost of the surgery, according to the press release. Residents simply present their SNAP/EBT card at registration, it added.

Members of the public who are interested in signing their pets up for surgery may do so at www.snipclinicguam.com.

Appointments must be made under the owners information.

For assistance with appointment scheduling, email snip@guamaniamls.org, or call/Whatsapp (671) 988-9421 Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those interested in volunteering my also sign up at www.snipclinicguam.com/volunteer. Volunteers should have a minimum of one day experience with SNIP prior to signing up for the community clinic.
Disbarred attorney John Richard Bordallo Bell, who held his own staff hostage in August 2021, has been sentenced to five years in prison, ordered to pay restitution to his victims and required to register as a sex offender, among other things.

Superior Court Judge Maria T. Cenzon on Monday afternoon handed down the five-year sentence on Bell, who already spent two years in prison.

In August 2021, Bell held his employees hostage at his private law firm in Tamuning. When police officers arrived, three women came running out screaming and crying. They said Bell had kept them hostage and threatened to cut off their hands and bash their heads, according to court documents.

He was later on found to have violated his release conditions by using meth, breaking house arrest and harassing the victims in his case on social media. The judge revoked his release.

At the Oct. 23 sentencing, Cenzon found Bell eligible for sentencing as a first offender.

Cenzon imposed a three-year sentence for the terrorizing conviction, and three one-year sentences for each of the three convictions for unlawful restraint, to be served concurrently to each other but consecutively with the three-year sentence for terrorizing, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

The judge sentenced Bell to two one-year sentences for each of the two convictions for assault, to be served concurrently to each other but consecutively to the three-year sentence for terrorizing, and the three one-year concurrent sentences for unlawful restraint.

Bell will serve a total of five years before he is to be released on special parole. He will be on special parole for three years, the AGs office said in a news release.

Bell is also required to register as a sex offender, ordered to have no contact and stay away from his three victims, is required to pay court costs, a $1,000 fine, and restitution to his victims.

Acting Chief Prosecutor Gloria Rudolph delivered the peoples arguments at the sentencing hearing.

His victims provided their statements. They remain scarred from the crimes committed upon them and sought the maximum penalty allowed under law, the AGs office said.

In June, a jury found Bell guilty of the following crimes:
Ending fiscal 2023 with a bang, the government of Guam exceeded its 12-month revenue target by $79 million.

Lawmakers passed a 2023 budget with a projected General Fund revenue of $852.3 million, but GovGuam ended up collecting $931.7 million as of Sept. 30.

This is based on the Bureau of Budget and Management Researchs preliminary consolidated revenue and expenditure report to senators.

But much of these so-called excess revenues have been spoken for, including $30 million for the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority.

Another bill, authored by Speaker Therese Terlaje, seeks to also use $15.828 million in excess revenue to extend the $100 monthly energy credit for another three months. That bill is on this weeks session agenda.

For the first half of fiscal 2023, $42 million in excess revenue was used to cover GovGuams 22% pay raises. But even with that initial amount already used or set aside, GovGuam managed to post another $79 million.

At the end of fiscal 2022, GovGuam revenues exceeded target by $103.5 million.

Meanwhile, the 2023 excess revenue from taxes and fees will also help cover at least $13 million in special revenue fund shortfall.

But even with this and Typhoon Mawars impacts, GovGuam revenue performed better than expected. Federal typhoon aid helped Guam recover from the typhoon, on top of the $2.7 billion in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief and recovery money since 2020.

On top of that, in recent years, senators have been more conservative in their revenue projection, the speaker said.

In contrast to earlier legislatures, since Ive been a senator, the legislature has been extremely conservative in projecting revenue in advance of the actual collections, Terlaje said in response to PDN questions about the excess revenue. Thus, we built excess in the hundreds of millions of dollars in the past few years, and have been able to carefully spend part of that actual excess to help our people withstand the growing costs of goods and services, the devastation of the typhoon, and the shutdown of jobs from the COVID pandemic.

The $79 million excess revenue is an unaudited number, and is subject to change.

Most of the actual revenue in excess of forecast came from withholding and corporate income taxes and business privilege taxes.

GovGuam forecast $434.69 million in income taxes from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, but ended up collecting $474 million or $39 million more.

Business privilege tax collections also beat the target by more than $41 million. The forecast was only $336.5 million but the actual collection was $377.78 million.

A $4.5 million decrease in Section 30 funding and a decline in individual income tax tempered the gains a bit for the 12-month period. Section 30 funding comes from taxes collected from military personnel and other federal employees on Guam and is remitted to GovGuam for its use.

The governments Tourist Attraction Fund is tracking a $10 million excess collection compared to what was forecast, as tourism continues to recover from the pandemic though at a much slower pace than initially forecast. This funding is derived from hotel occupancy taxes.

Also tracking more revenue than expected were the Solid Waste Operations Fund, by $3.7 million, and Customs and Quarantine Agency Inspections Services Fund by $3.4 million. Other special revenue funds remain on a decline.
A 60-megawatt solar farm project that the Guam Power Authority hired a contractor to build in Inalahan five years ago is in danger of falling through.

If something isnt done to salvage the project, GPA risks violating a deal with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to bring Guam in line with federal air pollution laws, GPA General Manager John Benavente said Tuesday.

Contractor Hanwha Energy Corporation was supposed to complete the project and start selling GPA solar energy by Dec. 31.

But the company since last August has been considering pulling out of the project due to excessively high costs, especially for the lines needed to transmit solar energy, the Pacific Daily News reported.

The $40 million price tag on Hanwhas solar project has more than doubled, GPAs Benavente told members of the Consolidated Commission on Utilities Tuesday, and the project just became infeasible.

Benavente is now asking CCU to extend the contract deadline out to 2025, and to allow Hanwha to instead build a 41 MW facility.

The smaller facility would instead include batteries to allow GPA to provide up to 66 megawatt hours of solar energy for usage during the evening, something that wasnt included in the original design.

It will also come with a higher cost for energy, 14.38 cents per kilowatt hour, higher than the 8.4 cents per kWh Hanwha originally agreed on.

That higher rate is still lower than the 32 cents per kWh surcharge for fuel, and could net ratepayers $24.3 million worth of savings over five years, according to slides shared by Benavente.

Shifting solar energy to night time usage could also help the island deal with rotating outages that happen when demand for power exceeds generation capacity in the evenings, Benavente said.

He said if not for that add-on from Hanwha, I would not even consider this. Id scrap the whole thing.

But GPA is also in danger of violating the consent decree it reached with U.S. EPA over air pollution controls, Benavente said.

He said the 2020 deal called for GPA to add 100 MW of solar energy to its portfolio. While Guam was on track to exceed that goal, ENGIE Solar backed out of a deal for a 40 MW solar farm last year, and only the 60 MW Mangilao solar project has come through so far.

The deal stipulates that GPA will be on the hook for at least $500 a day for the first 30 days it fails to meet the solar project requirements, and $1,500 a day thereafter.

If we dont move forward with this, we have to plan then how do we make up for the consent decree requirements, commissioner Simon Sanchez said.

But some CCU members were hesitant to move forward with the contract change.

Commissioner Francis Santos said he was concerned about Hanwhas ability to deliver on what they were promising.

Where were these guys? Weve been talking about this now, oh, for five years. I mean, all of a sudden theyre going, hey, we want to do a deal! Santos said.

If an agreement isnt reached by Dec. 31, GPA can claim a $4 million performance bond that was put up to ensure the solar project was finished on time, according to Benavente.

CCU chairman Joey Duenas echoed Santos concern.

Theres a lot of good here. My one angst is exactly what you said: Nobody likes a bidder who didnt live up to this bid. And thats the key. Is anybody gonna come after us and say, Hey, you changed the bid? Duenas said.

But the deal might be the best option moving forward for ratepayers, commissioner Michael Limtiaco countered.

Even though we feel were kinda getting slighted on the deal, the math still works in the ratepayers favor, Limtiaco said.

He reminded commissioners that the $4 million GPA could recover through the performance bond was still less than what theyd save on fuel costs over a year.

Benavente said he wants to implement project milestones that Hanwha will have to meet or else see the contract terminated. That would ensure that this project again, doesnt go down two, three years and nothing happens, he said.

Discussion was tabled until Thursday afternoon.
Senators on Monday and Tuesday started taking up Sen. Roy Quinatas bill seeking to transfer the old Inalahan Baptist Church over to the Guam Preservation Trust to continue efforts to restore, rehabilitate and reconstruct the historic churchs structure.

Senators proposed amendments to Bill 97-37, to enact a memorandum of agreement that once the church is secured and properly preserved, it would go back into the hands of the Inalahan Municipal Planning Council.

Senators during bill discussions said the church is currently in a hazardous state and compromises the safety and well-being of Inalahan residents.

Sen. Telo Taitague, who grew up in Inalahan, said during Mondays session that now is the time to start securing the churchs deteriorating infrastructure.

That church doesnt have a whole lot of time left. Its falling apart on the streets near people that drive by, Taitague said. Its one of the greatest points that everyone in Inalahan remembers. Everyone in the village knows where that is.

Speaker Therese Terlaje added that the historic value of the churchs architecture contributed to its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

The architecture of the church depicts the Spanish style features of massive walls and mamposteria construction method of lime mortar and stone rubbles, Terlaje said.

Pale Eric Forbes provided written testimony on the bill, noting that the Inalahan Baptist Church is one of the few pre-war buildings that remain on Guam and must be saved to help preserve the remaining facade.

Quick and competent action is needed to save what we can of this historic building, and in time, to restore it for the education our island residents and the enjoyment of island visitors, Forbes said.

Forbes added that the Preservation Trust is uniquely tasked by public law to take on the restoration with evidence of its experience in critical stabilization and restoration.

Transferring the title of Lot 106, Municipality of inalahan, to the Guam Preservation Trust cements the Trusts responsibility to see this work through to successful completion, he said.

Session resumes at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
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Haiti - Tourism : Strength, weakness and opportunities of the Cap-Haitien Destination





The very first Municipal Forum on the opportunities of the Cap-Haitien Destination, which brought together experts, local entrepreneurs, representatives of different institutions or NGOs carrying out projects in the municipality, political decision-makers and committed citizens this past weekend. was a real success according to the Municipal Commission.



This Forum, which took place around a clear vision: "Destination Cap-Haitien, land of opportunity" made it possible to discuss the challenges and prospects of the city of Cap as a tourist destination, pursuing various objectives:



- Institutionalize a space for dialogue and information sharing between the different actors of Capoise civil society, international institutions, the private business sector and the Municipality;

- Facilitate civil society to fully play its role as a safeguard;

- Show entrepreneurs in Cape Town and the North business and investment opportunities, in order to better position themselves.



Forces of the Cap-Haitien Destination:

Cultural and historical heritage:

Cap-Haitien, a city classified as the country's national heritage since 1995, is a city rich in history and culture/ With its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, majestic mountains and vibrant cultural festivals, this destination has everything to become a driving force economic and social development.



Biodiversity and natural environment:

The natural beauty of nature, the mountains, the Caribbean Sea and nature reserves. Environmental protection and promotion of eco-tourism can be important strengths for the destination;



Unexploited tourism potential:

Cap-Haitien has immense potential in terms of tourism, but it still remains largely unexplored, leaving room for considerable growth opportunity in this sector;



The metropolis of Cap-Haitien exerts an attraction with assets such as its port, its airport, or even its accessibility compared to other municipalities in the region and its proximity to the Dominican Republic via and also the cruise stopover in Labadie.



Cap-Haitien is not limited to its glorious past. It also offers a promising future. With its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, majestic mountains and vibrant cultural festivals, this destination has everything to become an engine of economic and social development.



Weaknesses of the Cap-Haitien Destination:

Insufficient infrastructure:

The Cap-Haitien Metropolis suffers from significant gaps in road infrastructure, public transport, water supply and sanitation. These gaps make visitor mobility difficult and hinder economic development;



Environmental problems:

Environmental problems, such as deforestation and pollution, threaten the natural beauty of the town. These issues must be addressed to protect the natural assets of the destination.



Opportunities:

Jewel of Haitian heritage:

Cap-Haitien is much more than just a tourist destination. It embodies a true land of opportunity, where history, culture and natural beauty combine to create a unique setting conducive to development;



Tourist investments:

Cap-Haitien can attract investment in the development of the tourism industry, including the construction of hotels, restaurants and leisure infrastructure;



Eco-tourism:

The potential of eco-tourism can be harnessed to promote environmental conservation while attracting nature-conscious visitors;



Public-private partnerships:

Collaboration between the public and private sector can help solve infrastructure problems and improve tourism services;



Training and education:

Investing in training the local workforce to provide quality services to visitors is essential to strengthening the tourism sector.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Message from the charge daffaires of the American Embassy on the multinational mission





Eric Stromayer, charge d'affaires at the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince, delivered a message on the multinational security support mission in Haiti, in which he provided several clarifications in order to avoid misinterpretations and circulation of rumors or misinformation



"[...] The role of the multinational mission to support security is to support the Haitian people while working with the Haitian National Police (PNH)



The mission will improve the capacity of the PNH to deal with widespread acts of gang violence, such as assassinations, sexual assaults on women and girls, recruitment of minors and other human rights violations.



[...] This deployment is being done at the request of the Haitian authorities, a large part of the business sector in Haiti, civil society, the religious sector with local and international non-governmental organizations.



There are few people living in Haiti today who can say that this support is not necessary.



This mission does not aim to support any political leader, or any political party.



We will continue to prioritize a political solution that Haitians have found themselves, and which is based on consensus to restore democratic order in Haiti.



The United States renews its appeal to all stakeholders to ask them to broaden the political agreement and restore democratic order in the country.



We are learning lessons from what has already happened in the best practices that we have found in the experiences with the United Nations and the United States on the issue of international missions.



The United States has included in the UN Security Council resolution a series of strong provisions for those who commit human rights violations to take responsibility.



The resolution clearly calls for the creation of a series of mechanisms that control and monitor, in order to be able to prevent, investigate, combat and publicly report any violation or abuse of human rights, such as sexual exploitation and other types of abuse.



It contains all the provisions for monitoring mission personnel and training before and during mission deployment.



It gives great importance to the creation of a mechanism so that people can file complaints, and adopt a response that focuses on the people who suffer dishonest acts, carry out rapid investigations into all accusations of dishonest acts, and refer in their country people are guilty when there is evidence that they have engaged in dishonest behavior.



As Secretary Blinken declared on September 22, we intend to work with our Congress to provide $100 million to support the mission. Our defense department will provide support in logistics, equipment and service, with specialized training to ensure that the Multinational Mission to Support Security is a success.



The Haitian people deserve to feel safe enough to leave their homes, resume their commercial activities and vote in elections to democratically choose a Government that represents their interests [...]"



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/10/23 | Source

New stills added for the upcoming Korean movie "Unforgivable" (2023)

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Directed by Lim Kyung-ho, So Jun-beum

With Kim Jung-hyun, Park Sung-hyun, Gil Hae-yeon, Dawon,...

Synopsis

A brutal serial murder, all evidence points to the guy who died 10 years ago.

A murder case occurred in a bathroom in the middle of the night, and homicide detective Dong-geun discovers a fragment of a diary with a date from 10 years ago on the body.

"This too shall pass"

Dong-geun learns that the only evidence in the case, a note, is part of the diary of Yeong-hoon, who served in the military with the murdered person, and that he chose to commit suicide 10 years ago.

Dong-geun points out Seong-hyeon, a pharmaceutical company executive and the person behind the military brutality at the time, as a suspect, but as he is also found to be a victim of the same serial murder case, the case gradually falls into a labyrinth.

Meanwhile, while digging into the case, Dong-geun learns that Yeong-hoon was a friend he spent his school days with, and with his forgotten memories, the case enters a new phase...

Release date in Korea : 2023/11
(HedgeCo.Net) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Tennessee resident Stephen Ehrlich, the former chief executive officer of now-bankrupt entities Voyager Digital Ltd., Voyager Digital Holdings, Inc., and Voyager Digital, LLC (collectively, Voyager). The complaint charges Ehrlich with fraud and registration failures in connection with the Voyager digital asset platform and Voyagers operation of an unregistered commodity pool. Ehrlich and Voyager falsely touted the Voyager platform as a safe haven to earn high-yield returns to induce customers to purchase and store digital asset commodities.

In its continuing litigation against Ehrlich, the CFTC seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, permanent trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations, as charged.

This is yet another CFTC action seeking to hold accountable a chief executive officer for his role in the fraudulent operation of a digital asset platform, said Director of Enforcement Ian McGinley. Ehrlich and Voyager lied to Voyager customers. While representing they would treat customers digital asset commodities safely and responsibly, behind the scenes, they took shockingly reckless risks with their customers assets, leading to Voyagers bankruptcy and huge customer losses. When their business began to collapse, they continued lying to their customers, concealing Voyagers true financial health. Amplifying their fraud, Ehrlich and Voyager broke their trust with customers while acting in capacities that required CFTC registration, which they failed to obtain.

Case Background

The complaint alleges, from at least February 2022 through July 2022, Ehrlich and Voyager engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by misrepresenting the safety and financial health of the Voyager digital asset platform. Ehrlich and Voyager, via publicly available postings on social media and their website, touted Voyager as a safe haven for customers digital assets in an otherwise volatile market environment and that Voyager would operate with the same level of rigor and trust as a traditional financial institution. Ehrlich and Voyager also promised customers high-yield returnsas much as 12%on certain digital asset commodities stored on the Voyager platform.

To generate income to pay its customers the promised returns, Ehrlich and Voyager pooled customer assets stored on the Voyager platform and transferred billions of dollars worth of customers digital asset commodities as loans to high-risk third parties. In early 2022, following grossly inadequate due diligence, Ehrlich and Voyager transferred over $650 million in customer digital asset commodities to Firm A (a digital assets hedge fund) on an unsecured basis, with the understanding that Firm A would generate returns for Voyager by pooling Voyagers investment and trading commodity interests. In so doing, Voyager operated the Voyager Pool and acted as a commodity pool operator (CPO) without the required CFTC registration.

Additionally, Ehrlich did not register as an associated person of a CPO, despite soliciting members of the public to contribute to the Voyager Pool. Based on the false promises related to the safety of Voyagers operations and receipt of high-yield returns, customers often collectively stored more than $2 billion worth of digital asset commodities on the Voyager platform. However, instead of providing a safe haven, Ehrlich and Voyager transferred customer digital assets to risky counterparties, such as Firm A, to fuel the high-yield returns used to attract and retain customers. In June 2022, Voyager recalled its customer digital assets commodities from Firm A. Firm A defaulted and, as a result, Voyager experienced dire operational liquidity issues. However, Ehrlich continued to falsely assert publicly that customer assets were safe with Voyager. On July 5, 2022, Voyager filed for bankruptcy, owing its customers in the United States more than $1.7 billion.
The Finnish Wildlife Agency granted at the beginning of the month special licences for hunting 300 lynxes, equivalent to 12 per cent of the lynx population in the country, citing population management reasons, according to a report by Helsingin Sanomat on 13 October.

MINISTER of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah (CD) has defended the special licences for hunting lynx, the only wild feline and one of four large predators in Finland.

The licences are valid for the hunting season starting in December. Such licences have been granted for over 10 years, with last season yielding a haul of 174 lynxes.

Neither the EU nature directives nor Finnish legislation recognise population management as justified grounds for hunting what the former defines as a strictly protected and the latter as a protected species. Both pieces of legislation recognise as valid reasons the protection of public health, prevention of significant damage or protection of other species.

Helsingin Sanomat highlighted that lynxes have caused no personal injuries and only limited damage to property and domestic animals outside reindeer herding regions.

Essayah on Friday argued to the newspaper that the regulatory framework should be updated, highlighting that the lynx population has grown, despite the issuance of special hunting licences, since Finland joined the EU. The status of the feline predator was consequently upgraded from near threatened to least concern in 2019.

Finland currently has a population of an estimated 2,3902,575 over one-year-old lynxes.

I believe that most Finns and other Europeans think that of course large predators belong in nature. But they dont belong in peoples yards, livestock pens or sheep barns. You have to also consider social acceptability. The flip side is that people will resort to unlawful self-help, which isnt a good thing, she said.

The frameworks for this regulation are old, and thats why theres a real need to update.

The update, she added, should seek to strike a balance between the appropriate level of protection and population management in a way that preserves social acceptability.

Helsingin Sanomat revealed in its earlier report that the licence applications received for the upcoming hunting season were justified with factors such as the growth, density, vitality and stability of the lynx population, the upholding of hunting traditions, and the prevention of public fears, damage and negative effects on other game populations.

The newspaper perused 65 of the 191 hunting licences granted for the upcoming hunting season on population management grounds.

The Supreme Administrative Court ruled in April 2022 that the execution of national population management goals is not sufficient grounds for granting the hunting licences, adding that whether or not hunting inhibits protection efforts is irrelevant. The Helsinki Administrative Court delivered a similar ruling about six months later, overturning five hunting licences granted on such grounds.

The Finnish Wildlife Agency has instead granted the special permits on grounds of legal provisions that allow the removal of individual animals in a restricted and selected fashion. The EU Court of Justice has ruled, though, that the provisions can be applied only in cases where the objective of the removal is disclosed and scientific evidence is provided to demonstrate that the objective can be achieved.

The failure to disclose the objective was the reason for the licence revocations made last year by the Helsinki Administrative Court.

The Finnish Wildlife Agency has since defined the objective as committing the local community to maintaining a favourable level of protection by executing the population management plan for lynx by regulating the growth rate of the lynx population with annual adjustments in the level of reduction depending on the populations development.

Essayah on Friday admitted to Helsingin Sanomat that some special licences have been granted on insufficient grounds but argued that the revocations do not suggest that large predators could not be hunted on population management grounds.

You also have to note that the previous government granted the same amount of licences even though the lynx population was smaller at the time. The previous government increased the number of licences to hunt lynx; weve refrained from raising it even though computationally up to 420 licences would be possible.

Member of European Parliament Ville Niinisto (Greens) on Thursday said he has asked the European Commission to determine whether the Finnish policy position aligns with its obligations to the EU.

Finland has a far too dense population of roe deer and especially wild-tailed deer, which is an alien species, from the viewpoint of traffic safety and for the rest of nature. Lynx is a natural predator of these species. It would be better to allow the lynx population to grow so that the deer population could be curbed naturally. As you cant point to any harm caused by the growing lynx population, there is no lawful grounds for hunting lynx, he estimated in a press release.

Also the Parliamentary Ombudsman has received complaints about the position adopted by the Finnish Wildlife Agency, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Helsinki is reaching out to residents for their input on the parking reforms related to shared e-scooters implemented in summer 2023. The feedback will be integral to the city's future planning and policies on e-scooter usage and parking.

As part of the reforms, the city introduced designated parking areas for shared e-scooters. These areas, situated in Helsinki's city center and the southern parts of the inner city, were specifically marked for e-scooter parking.

The initiative led to the establishment of 250 parking spots at various locations, including squares, markets, and kerbsides. Notably, 130 of these were converted from car parking spaces. The delineated parking zone stretches from the southern edge of Hesperia Esplanade and Pitkasilta Bridge to Lauttasaari Bridge in the west. Following the success of the pilot, the city aims to continue with the restricted parking zones in 2024.

Significant data emerged from this parking reform:

Daily e-scooter count in the central Helsinki restricted area reduced to approximately 3,600 from a staggering 9,000 in the preceding year.

Across Helsinki, the total number of e-scooters decreased from 18,000 in 2022 to an average of 12,000 in 2023.

Parking Control began charging fees for relocating improperly parked e-scooters, with hundreds relocated during the spring and summer. The fee for local relocation stands at 55 euros, while transferring to a storage facility costs 60 euros.

A summer observation study by the City revealed that 94% of e-scooters were appropriately parked within designated areas or nearby. This not only streamlined scooter parking but also led to a decline in parking-related mishaps.

The City now wants to hear from you. Whether you're an e-scooter enthusiast or a city resident concerned about their impact, your feedback is crucial. Opinions on the effectiveness of the parking reforms, suggestions for potential new parking locations, and the broader impact of e-scooters in the city are all sought after.

To share your views, complete the survey available at the provided link, which takes just 510 minutes. Feedback is accepted until 6 November 2023.

Survey link.

HT
More than 26,000 people have so far signed a petition launched by MERA25 Germany the political party of pan-European movement DiEM25demanding the immediate resignation of Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission, over her disregard of the EUs legal framework and basic moral decency in her unqualified support for the Israeli governments collective punishment of the civilian population of Gaza.

While condemning attacks on civilians in Israel, von der Leyen has supported the sealing off of civilians in Gaza from water, food and electricity and the bombing of the people of Gaza under the guise of defence. This unilateral action disregards both international law and the limits of her own mandategiven that the EUs foreign policy is not her responsibilityand has sparked condemnation from diplomats around the world, and even officials both in Brussels and elsewhere in the EU, writes a statement by DiEM25.

Mrs. von der Leyen, incompetence we can tolerate. But flying to a warzone to cheerlead, on behalf of Europeans, war crimes and crimes against humanity: that we shall not tolerate. You are a disgrace and a liability. It is time for you to resign, said Yanis Varoufakis, DiEM25 co-founder:

A footage of von der Leyen condemning the Russian siege and bombardment of Ukraine, together with another video, of her supporting Israels massacre of Palestinians as Isreals right to defend itself have been circulating online, underlining her hypocritical stance. A year ago, von der Leyen said: Russia's attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes.

Cutting off men, women, children of electricity and heating with winter coming- these are acts of pure terror. And we have to call it as such.

As for Isreal, von der Leyen stated that "Today, Hamas terrorists have struck at the heart of "Israel" capturing and killing innocent women and children. "Israel" has the right to defend itself - today and in the days to come. The European Union stands with "Israel"," von der Leyen tweeted on X on Saturday.

To which European Parliamentary Member Clare Daly tweeted: Who do you think you are? You're unelected and have no authority to determine EU foreign policy, which is set by the EU Council. Europe does NOT "stand with Israel." We stand for peace. You do not speak for us. If you've nothing constructive to say, and you clearly don't - shut up,"

Clare Daly Irish MEP has been criticising EUs lack of push for piece in Ukraine and now in case of Isreals bombardment of Gaza.

A historic crime is unfolding in Gaza and the EU is in it up to its neck. She wrote in her TikTok channel. MEPs sit and watch the slaughter and cannot even find it within themselves to condemn it, calling it a "humanitarian crisis," as if it was caused by the weather. Who has caused this humanitarian crisis? Do we not know?

No calls for a ceasefire! Nothing about collective punishment! Voting down calls to end the blockade! Just mealy-mouthed complacency, "right to defend," and the abandonment of victims, most of them children.

The European Parliament has shown its colours. The EU will never live down the shame of today's resolution.

Ursula von der Leyen is a German politician who currently serves as the President of the European Commission. She previously served as the Minister of Defence in Germany from 2013 to 2019.

During her tenure as the Federal Minister of Defence, von der Leyen also made a controversial trip to Afghanistan. The trip drew criticism due to its high cost and the large size of the delegation that accompanied von der Leyen. Some saw the trip as an attempt to burnish her credentials on foreign policy and defence issues, which would be important for a potential leadership bid.

In 2019, von der Leyen faced criticism for plagiarism in her doctoral thesis. She was accused of copying sections of her thesis without proper attribution, which led to calls for her resignation as Defence Minister.

The allegations were later investigated by the university, and in October 2019, it was announced that von der Leyen's thesis contained "clear indications of plagiarism." The university stated that she had failed to cite sources properly in multiple passages of her thesis.

As the President of the European Commission, von der Leyen has emphasised the importance of a strong and cooperative relationship between Europe and Israel. In a speech at the American Jewish Committee Global Forum in June 2021, she stated that "Europe will always stand with Israel and the Jewish community", and emphasised the need to combat anti-Semitism and to support Israel's security.

At the same time, however, von der Leyen has also expressed concerns about Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank and its impact on the prospects for peace in the region. In a statement following Israel's announcement of plans to build new settlements in the West Bank in 2020, she stated that "settlements are illegal under international law, and their expansion undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace."

HT
Addressing global dignitaries at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), Xi outlined the expansive vision to enhance China's multi-modal connectivity networks, reflecting the modern manifestation of the ancient Silk Road.

President Xi Jinping of China unveiled a comprehensive eight-point plan on Wednesday designed to cement China's leading role in the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasising infrastructure expansion, green development, technological innovation, and global cooperation.

Multi-Dimensional Connectivity: A New Silk Road

At the heart of this vision lies an intricate web of connectivity. Xi's administration aims to develop a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, reimagining the legendary Silk Road for the 21st century. This includes a speedier development of the China-Europe Railway Express and participation in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor. Additionally, an ambitious logistics corridor will bridge the vast Eurasian continent through direct railway and road transportation.

In a bid to integrate maritime routes, China will bolster ports, shipping, and trading under the 'Silk Road Maritime' banner, simultaneously promoting the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road.

Trade and Open Economy

China's commitment to an open global economy remains evident. With an estimated trade in goods and services projected to reach a staggering $32 trillion and $5 trillion respectively between 2024-2028, Xi highlighted plans to establish Silk Road e-commerce pilot zones. He also proposed expanding free trade agreements and investment protection treaties with more nations, a move likely to solidify China's economic influence further.

Green Development and Technological Innovations

In alignment with global sustainability trends, China is taking leaps in promoting green infrastructure, energy, and transportation. The BRI International Green Development Coalition will gain momentum, and the country will further adopt Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road.

Notably, Xi underscored the importance of technological advancements, with the announcement of the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance. This signifies China's intent to lead AI development dialogues and collaborations globally.

People, Culture, and Integrity

Xis blueprint also seeks to foster deeper cultural ties with BRI partners. By hosting forums, festivals, and establishing new alliances, like the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities, China aims to facilitate significant people-to-people exchanges.

Emphasising the value of integrity, China, alongside its partners, is set to release tools and principles to ensure transparency and trustworthiness within the Belt and Road cooperation framework.

A Nod from the Global Community

Highlighting the significance of the BRI, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised its potential contribution to global infrastructure. "Together, with the contribution of the Belt and Road Initiative, we can turn the infrastructure emergency to infrastructure opportunity," Guterres remarked.

China's announcement cements the country's commitment to forging strong, collaborative, and sustainable partnerships, positioning the Belt and Road Initiative as not just an economic venture but a vision of shared growth and mutual prosperity. As the plan unfolds, the world watches with anticipation, seeing in the BRI a potential paradigm shift in global development.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during his official visit to China for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, emphasised the BRI's pivotal role in globally connecting countries and benefiting humanity through infrastructure, trade, cultural exchanges, and more. Highlighting President Xi Jinping's commitment to peaceful development, Srettha expressed Thailand's eagerness to attract Chinese investors, particularly in the electric vehicle and agriculture sectors, underscoring the potential for increased durian exports to China. Srettha's visit, his first outside the ASEAN since taking office, reaffirms the deep-rooted ties between Thailand and China, as he envisions greater bilateral cooperation in future BRI projects.

President Xi also had one on one meetings with several world leaders during the summit, including presidents, of Russia, Argentina, Hungary, Chile, Kenya, Nigeria and other leaders of Brics and the Global South.

HT
Opp House is about to embark on new chapter

A Superior Court judge was scheduled to hear details this week of a plan to sell the Opportunity House property to the city of Hendersonville and the Connections Center for use as center serving homeless people.

Hendersonvilles Opportunity House, the senior center founded by volunteers that once boasted hundreds of members and offered a robust schedule of dances, card games, craft shows and civic events, is on the cusp of a second life that will serve a different segment of the population and fill a growing community need.

Attorneys and other parties were scheduled to appear via Zoom before a Henderson County Civil Superior Court judge on Wednesday to share details of a broad agreement to wind down the business of the now-dissolved nonprofit and potentially win authorization for sale of the property to the city of Hendersonville. Partnering with a new nonprofit organized to provide services to homeless people, the city has already drafted an agreement for lease of the building.

The Connections Center, which plans to operate a clearinghouse of services for homeless people in the building at 1411 Asheville Highway, would provide services to the unhoused population and other persons in crisis in the city and across Henderson County, a draft tenant-in-common agreement filed in the matter says. The agreement authorizes the center to lease space to other nonprofits that provide services to homeless people in direct support of the Connections Centers mission. Any other occupancy would have to be authorized by the city. There are no plans to house homeless people overnight.

That is a type of shared ownership agreement, in which the city of Hendersonville and the Hendersonville Connections Center are co-owners of the property, said Rachel Ingram, executive director of the Connections Center.

Fair-market value of the 19,000-square-foot facility originally built as an A&P supermarket was appraised at $1.89 million in November 2022. The city set aside $800,000 in American Rescue Plan money for the Connections Center and also received a Dogwood Health Trust grant of $1.5 million in a joint application it submitted with the homeless services nonprofit. The Connections Center has numerous partner agencies lined up that plan to offer services in the facility, including Pisgah Legal Services, Safelight, Thrive, the Hope Coalition, the Free Clinics and Blue Ridge Health.

The receivers proposal calls for the sale of the property to the city for $485,000  an amount that covers the debts the Opportunity Group has accumulated plus a cushion of about $80,000.

It goes hand in hand addressing this growing homelessness crisis that not only we are experiencing here, but nationwide theres this exploding crisis, Ingram said. And so thats kind of the clever solution that weve come up with. Theyve got this $2.3 million earmarked for the Connections Center for homelessness and we needed some money to pay off the debts that are owed for that Opportunity Group property.

Receiver appointed in July 2022

The end-game of the Opportunity Houses long suspension in limbo comes five years after the Community Foundation of Henderson County filed a lawsuit in civil court asserting that the Opp House was no longer acting as a valid nonprofit, nor serving the public in any way. The case dragged on for years without substantive progress until July 2022, when Superior Court Judge Peter Knight appointed John D. Noor, an Asheville attorney, to act as receiver. In a report to the court last week, Noor requested that Knight, in the hearing scheduled for this week, authorize him as receiver to guide the sale of the property to the city for $485,000, pay creditors from the proceeds of the sale and pay his firm $45,500 to cover the receivers fees and expenses. Attorneys the Opp House hired to fight the Community Foundation lawsuit would receive $47,700 if Judge Knight approves the terms Noor recommended.

Creditors expenses include:

Henderson County property taxes, $152,742. (The county tax office revoked the Opp Houses tax-exempt status.)

ASG Strategies and Graham Mew, an executive management consultant the Opportunity Group and executive director Ken Rhoads hired to sort out business and tax records, $98,677.

NAI Beverly Hanks real estate broker Brian Turner, sales commission, $51,030.

Roberts & Stevens, receiver John Noor and other law office personnel, $45,500.

Ferikes, Bleynat & Cannon, attorney Edward Bleynat, Asheville law firm retained by Rhoads and the Opp House, $27,692.

United Federal Credit Union, Ken Rhoadss Visa card balance, $25,763.

Wimer Snider, attorney Jake Snider, Asheville law firm retained by Rhoads, $20,028.

Internal Revenue Service, past due 2017 and 2018 taxes, $10,976.

Pye Barker, sprinkler system repair after pipes froze in the Christmas 2022 freeze, $5,266.

ACE Appraisals, $4,200.

Its been a great partnership

The Connections Center has been supported by the city, Henderson County, Dogwood Health and other sources looking to find solutions to the countys growing homeless and mental health needs.

Before, we were looking at a different property behind Grace Blue Ridge Church, Ingram said. That was about 10,000 square feet whereas the Opportunity House is almost 20,000 square feet and so that opens up a lot more  I hate to use the word opportunities but a lot more options.

The only current tenants are Flowers by Larry, which leases 1,900 square feet, and Wayne Boynton, who rents 2,950 square feet for storage, and they have been notified months ago that theyll have to find space elsewhere.

The timeline for gaining possession of the property and completing design and renovation depends on this weeks hearing.

The next biggest hurdle is getting through this legal process so that we can actually begin to work on it, Ingram said. We have done some walkthroughs with architects to try to start to make some plans about what itll look like but its hard to do much when its not ours.

Ingram praised City Manager John Connet and the City Council for working with the Connections Center to move the mission toward completion.

We just love the city. Its been a really great partnership, she said. And its nice how weve been able to maintain our autonomy as a nonprofit. When were looking at the programming and the services that will be offered its not going to be very heavily influenced by city involvement. And so its just great that weve been able to reach that conclusion in that partnership together. So were excited about the future.

-30-
BUSINESSES in Goring say they will be out of pocket due to the closure of the bridge between the village and Streatley this week.

They claim they were not given advance notice of the closure so were unable to change their stock orders, staffing or opening hours.

The bridge was shut on Friday due to urgent gas mains repairs by SGN and will not re-open until 6am on Monday. The closure coincides with half term.

Drivers have had to use an 11-mile diversion during the closure but pedestrians and cyclists have still been able to use the bridge.

Rose Isaac, who works at the Goring Grocer in High Street, said businesses should have been warned of the closure.

She said: Well be losing thousands of pounds during the 10-day closure. We have bought lots of pumpkins and seasonal treats for the half-term holiday that will inevitably be left over.

It is not the closure of the road that has bothered us, it is the fact that nobody let the businesses know in advance. Half-term and Halloween is one of our busiest trading times.

We have reduced some of our orders but, in reality, we are just relying on local people to still walk in.

Mrs Isaac described the diversion route as absolutely ridiculous, saying her staff were having to leave half an hour earlier to make it to work on time.

Sian Hunter, who owns Inspiration, a gift shop and pottery painting studio, said: We had no notification at all. The closure started on Friday and there were still no signs up.

Halloween is not a massive part of our shop but we do buy stock that is a hard sale, meaning we cant return it.

If wed had some prior notification, we could have taken it into our stock planning but now it is just too late.

I can understand that it is an emergency but we only bought our stock for Halloween three weeks ago  surely they would have known a month ago?

This has cut our footfall by 50 per cent and its our run-up to Christmas. As the diversion is 11 miles and goes into Wallingford, people will just go into that town instead of coming into Goring.

Mrs Hunter added: We have not bounced back since the pandemic but they dont give two monkeys about small businesses such as us.

Benedict Schilizzi, who works at Goring Pharmacy, was concerned about vulnerable residents needing to access their prescriptions.

He said: It has made it harder for the pharmacists arriving in the morning to open the pharmacy as most of them come from London, so we have had to open a bit later.

We also have deliveries that we have to take to older customers as they cannot travel or leave their house. We dont know if we will be able to deliver their medication.

Louise George, head nurse at Goring Veterinary Centre, said: For us, getting here has been awkward. Only one of our staff members comes through the Henley way, so most of us will have to go through the diversion.

We have tried to make our clients aware through a social media post but inevitably we will have some people who will not show up for their appointments.

There has just been no communication. It was only by chance that we found out as another business owner just mentioned it in passing. The fact that we had to hear it second hand is just not on at all.

SGN is replacing pipes that are in poor condition with plastic ones and says this will prevent disruption in future.

It said the work was urgent and was arranged to be carried out during the half-term when there would be less traffic.

In a statement, SGN said: We contacted local councillors, MPs, emergency services, schools and parish councillors so they were able to share details of our work with their local contacts. Letters to residents and businesses along High Street were delivered over the weekend. Were sorry for any inconvenience caused.
MORE than 20 businesses and other organisations have shown their support for plans to illuminate Henley Bridge.

The Make Henley Shine group wants to install 456 mini white LED lights on the Grade I listed structure.

It has applied to South Oxfordshire District Council and Wokingham Borough Council for planning permission, which has sparked a public debate between those for and against the 200,000 project.

On Monday, representatives of businesses met by the river outside Leander Club to show their support.

They included Brakspear, Hobbs of Henley, the Relais Henley hotel, Phyllis Court Club, the River & Rowing Museum, Ann Manning Insurance in Reading Road, European Consumer Claims and law firm Blandy & Blandy, both in Thames Side, the Head Partnership solicitors, Spoon cafe in Duke Street, Lilly Drycleaners in New Street, Rupert House School and Education Henley and Naked Planet.

Daniel Bausor, chairman of Make Henley Shine, said: The Make Henley Shine community project would see the worlds most sustainable LED lighting showcase Henleys historic Grade I listed bridge with beautiful warm white lighting, a lighting level equivalent to moonlight on the water.

We believe the project is an opportunity for Henley to pioneer the way as a sustainably-lit town by encouraging businesses, shops and other organisations to move to LED and lower light levels.

This will generate business in the town and be a gateway for Henley.

This is really a statement to show that business and community organisations are backing this project and want to make it happen.

In addition, Education Henley and local schools are backing Make Henley Shine as an engaging way for children to learn about the history, geography and broader environment with exciting ideas to broaden the scope of the project.

As part of our planning application, we want to do an annual lighting design competition for young people, so its much bigger than just sustainable lighting on the bridge and will help revitalise the town.

There are a lot of other opportunities to celebrate the arts and culture. Henley would be the first bridge outside London to be illuminated sustainably.

Emma Sweet, of Brakspear, said: When I heard about the idea, I thought it sounded like a nice thing to do. Anything that makes Henley stand out more is going to be a good thing.

Theres a lot of competition for river towns up and down the Thames and Henleys got a lot to talk about, so thats why Brakspear supports it.

Stephen Bucknill, of Blandy & Blandy, said: We are delighted to support the project. We are helping with the planning and charity applications.

Steve OConnor, director of the River & Rowing Museum, said: Weve looked at all the reports and we think that actually this is a fantastic scheme to really draw people into the town.

We recognise the importance of the impact it could have on the local ecology but actually think that due consideration has been given to that and we think that the benefit of bringing people to our town and shouting about Henley is what we should be really focused on.

We think the right level of consideration and homework has been done and we hope that the councils will give it permission.

Andrew Cooper, of European Consumer Claims, said: From our viewpoint, it will be good for the future of the town.

Dave Eggleton, an independent member of Henley Town Council, said: I found a postcard from the last century with a picture of loads of lights on the bridge and it looked quite spectacular.

If you look at any historic things, whether its churches, town halls or places of importance, theyre all lit up because its a statement. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, theyre all lit up, so why cant we have the bridge lit up? Its our jewel in the crown  lets showcase it.

I know its a special structure and its listed, but there are ways over that without doing any damage. Nick Armitage, headmaster of Rupert House School in Bell Street, said: I think its really exciting for the community. Its great for the businesses in Henley, for families and children as well.

It will make a real focal point of such an amazing landmark. The children are learning about how a bridge like this can be lit in an environmentally friendly way, understanding the impact that it has and the efforts the team here have made to mitigate that.

They are understanding that projects like this are really important and they need to be done in an environmentally friendly way, as the team have done here.

This has been done in a really sensitive way, engaging with the whole community, and I think it will benefit from it.

Inevitably, it is costly and that money is being raised in different ways. It has been done in a charitable way, which for me is really important as well. Its going to cost what its going to cost but I believe it will bring far more to the community than it will cost.

Make Henley Shine says the lights would be laid flat on the bridge arches, spaced 50cm to 61cm apart and linked by a single cable. They would not be fixed to the stonework but screwed into the large joints between the stones.

Henley Town Council has recommended the application is refused.
Wang Yi to visit US

15:54, October 24, 2023 By Wang Qingyun ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will visit the United States from Thursday to Saturday.

Wang, who is also the foreign minister, will visit the US on an invitation extended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Veteran finance professional Ajay Goel returned to Vedanta Ltd as the new chief financial officer just as the mining conglomerate controlled by billionaire Anil Agarwal heads into an ambitious business restructuring. Goel left Vedanta for Byju's earlier this year (File)

He replaced Sonal Shrivastava who resigned from the post months after joining.

In a stock exchange filing, Vedanta said Goel has been appointed CFO of the company with effect from October 30, 2023.

"As part of Vedanta's structured re-hiring programme called 'Gharwapsi', Mr. Ajay Goel joins back the company," it said.

Goel had quit from Vedanta earlier this year to join education startup BYJU's.

In the same announcement, Vedanta said Shrivastava resigned as the CFO with effect from the close of business hours on October 24 "due to personal reasons.

"Goel is a national rank holder both as a Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary and comes with rich experience in global multinational companies such as General Electric, Nestle, Coca Cola and Diageo  USL in various leadership roles," it said.

He was earlier associated with Vedanta as acting CFO of the company from October 23, 2021, to April 9, 2023.

"During his earlier role at Vedanta, Ajay contributed significantly in terms of driving business performance, managing the financial affairs of the company and heading the finance function with his leadership acumen. He was also instrumental in successfully handling regulatory approvals, investments matters, capital allocation, investor relations and major M&A-related affairs," Vedanta said.

Byju's said it has made new appointments in its finance function, with Pradip Kanakia as senior adviser and Nitin Golani, currently the President-Finance, who will take charge as India CFO.

Last month, Vedanta announced a plan to split itself into six listed companies to improve valuations and attract investors. As per the plans, underlying companies, mainly its metals, power, aluminium, and oil and gas businesses will be demerged and listed separately to unlock potential value.

"By demerging our business units, we believe that will unlock value and potential for faster growth in each vertical. While they all come under the larger umbrella of natural resources, each has its own market, demand and supply trends, and potential to deploy technology to raise productivity," Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, had said at that time.

The six planned companies will be - Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, Vedanta Base Metals and Vedanta Limited.

Goel quit as Byju's chief financial officer (CFO) barely six months after joining the ed tech. His departure comes at a crucial time for Byju's, as it is yet to file its results for 2021-22 financial year (April 2021 to March 2022), apart from its issues with lenders over a billion-dollar loan, even as it tries to raise fresh capital to keep operations going.

He will transition after completing the formalities of the FY22 audit.

Byju's previous CFO PV Rao quit in December 2021 and Goel's appointment came 16 months later, in April this year.

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A festive celebration in the Gopalganj district of Bihar turned into a tragedy on Durga Navami as a five-year-old boy and two women were killed in a stampede at a puja pandal late Monday evening. The incident occurred in the Raja Dal locality of the town during the auspicious festival of Durga Puja, where large crowds had gathered to participate in the festivities. Idol of Goddess Durga at Digha Haat in Patna , Bihar, Sunday, 22, 2023. (Representational Image / Santosh Kumar / Hindustan Times)

The incident also left several pandal-hoppers injured.

According to Gopalganj District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary, the child fell in the midst of the crowded celebration, and in an attempt to save him, two women also fell down and couldn't get up, resulting in their tragic deaths.

"There are several pandals in the state as it is Durga Navami today. A child fell due to the crowd at the pandal, and two women trying to save him also fell and could not get up. They died while they were being taken to the hospital, which was hardly 200 meters away. We are present at the spot, and the situation is currently under control," Choudhary told reporters.

Superintendent of Police Swarna Prabhat said the devotees had lined up to receive "prasad" when the child fell down and two elderly women bent down to protect him from getting crushed.

"The ensuing commotion left 13 women and the child injured. They were rushed to the Sadar Hospital. The boy and the two elderly women died. The rest were said to be out of danger," said the SP.

Meanwhile, the area around the site of the incident has been sealed with a view to keep the situation under control, he added.

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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 Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday issued a media release stating that a part of the infamous Silk Board junction flyover - known for traffic congestions - will be closed for a period of four months owing to Namma Metro related works. The BMRCL said 2.5 metres on both sides of the Silk Board junction flyover will be barricaded for loops and ramp flyover staging work. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

The corporation specified that two and a half metres on both sides of the flyover will be barricaded for loops and ramp flyover staging work.

READ | Shocking visuals of Bengaluru traffic holdup on ORR: Commuters stuck for hours ahead of long weekend

Partial closure of the Silk Board Junction Flyover (Madivala Side), the BMRCL titled the release, stating, The Central Silk Board Junction flyover up and down ramp carriage way (Madivala side) will be partially barricaded from 21.10.2023 (2.50 Mts on both carriage way for 4 months) temporarily for carrying out Loops and Ramp flyover staging work. Public Cooperation is requested. Inconvenience caused is regretted.

Bengaluru has become synonymous with traffic as it has recently faced several prominent issues, including a major holdup on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) last month as residents headed out of the city for the long weekend ahead of Eid Milad, a state-wide bandh and Gandhi Jayanti. That coupled with comedian Trevor Noah's first show in the city, heavy rain in some areas and Lord Ganesha idol immersion processions had brought vehicular movement to a crawl.

READ | Bengaluru metro's yellow line connecting Bommasandra to Silk Board to open by February 2024, says MP Tejasvi Surya

Officials are also in the midst of chalking out a master plan to resolve congestions in some of the key bottlenecks of the city, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also a minister for Bengaluru development, proposing underground tunnel networks, much like those of Singapore, while experts vouched for mass transit systems instead. The Karnataka High Court even suggested a revision in school timings to ease jams, which was later disapproved by administrators and parents.

READ | Bengaluru police suggest cab, shuttle services to curb traffic snarls

Bengaluru city recently also saw the opening of all impending stretches of the Namma Metro's Purple line, after which ridership skyrocketed. Residents and commuters flooded the metro trains to travel the 43-kilometre stretch in 80 minutes at a fare of 60.

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A contestant of a Kannada reality show was arrested by forest department officials for allegedly wearing a tiger claw pendant, officials said on Monday. The action came after a complaint that Varthur Santhosh was wearing such a pendant on Bigg Boss Kannada, which was being telecast, they said. Varthur Santhosh.(HT_PRINT)

A team led by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Conservator of Forests N Ravindra Kumar went to the place where the show was being shot and made the arrest on Sunday night.

READ | NIA arrests 38-year-old accused in Sri Lanka human trafficking case from TN

According to the forest department officials, on reaching the sets the team handling the show was informed and asked to bring Santhosh outside the studio.

Thereafter, upon verification, it was confirmed that he was indeed wearing a pendant of a tiger claw, following which he was arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru woman attacks, bites cops after staying at mall till 2:30am, arrested: Report

Speaking to PTI, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar said, "Our team verified the tiger claw that he was wearing. After verifying that it was a tiger claw, he was taken into custody and the interrogations are going on. Wildlife Protection Act is quite strict in this...We will be seeking his judicial custody for a few days because we need to investigate the case."

During interrogation, Santhosh told the forest officials that he had bought the tiger claw pendant from a place in Tamil Nadu's Hosur town bordering Karnataka for 20,000 about three years ago, according to another forest officer.

ALSO READ | Kannada actor Nagabhushan arrested after Bengaluru car crash kills woman

"His claims need to be verified and he has to be interrogated further in connection with the case," he said. Santhosh was produced before a magistrate and has been remanded in 14-day judicial custody.

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A gang of burglars targeted the locked house of a judicial magistrate in officers colony and decamped with taps and sewerage covers. Taps from the bathroom and lawn besides metal covers of sewerage were stolen. (iStock)

On being informed, the Division number 8 police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Police lodged a first information report (FIR) against unidentified burglars.

The complainant, head constable Kuldeep Singh of Shankar, who is the gunman of judicial magistrate Nirmala Devi, told police the magistrate had gone to Phillaur on October 22 after locking the official residence, Kothi number 40, in Officers Comoly and returned on Monday.

The family was shocked to find the house ransacked. Taps from the bathroom and lawn besides metal covers of sewerage were stolen. They immediately informed the police.

Sub-inspector Avtar Singh, who is investigating the case, said the unidentified accused have been booked under section 380 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code.

Police said the accused have been captured in closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed near the residence and teams are scanning the footage to identify them.

Officers Colony is the high-security zone, as several judges, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Public Service Commission officers reside in the area. All the officers have 24x7 security cover.

No one is safe

On March 9

A gang of burglars had targeted the locked house of additional sessions judge Ravdeep Hundal at Mall road and decamped with taps and geysers when he was away for work in Chandigarh.

On May 5, 2022

Police had booked burglars for breaking into the homes of Jagraon additional district commissioner Nayan Jassal and district attorney (Ludhiana administration) Amarpal Singh.

On June 7, 2022

Unidentified persons had broken into judicial magistrate Anubha Jindals house in Officers Colony near Old Session Chowk. However, the peon spotted them and raised the alarm, forcing the intruders to beat a hasty retreat.

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Two people lost their lives in separate road mishaps in the city late on Monday evening. In the second incident, a 26-year-old man died after his bike crashed into a construction machine at Pakhowal road in Dango village (iStock)

In the first incident, a 25-year-old man died after a speeding truck mowed him down near Samrala Chowk on Monday night.

The victim has been identified as Gurjant Singh, 25, of Chandralok Colony of Rahon road. He worked at a garment shop in Akalgarh market.

Sub-inspector Kuldeep Singh, station house officer (SHO) at the Division number 3, said Gurjant was returning home after finishing the days work. When he reached the Samrala Chowk, the speeding truck hit him from behind. He fell to the road and the truck ran him over

The onlookers raised an alarm, forcing the truck driver to stop. He was nabbed and handed over to the police.

The SHO added that a case under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against the truck driver. The victim was preparing to go abroad on a study visa.

In the second incident, a 26-year-old man died after his bike crashed into a construction machine at Pakhowal road in Dango village. The man was headed to the market at the time of the incident.

The victim has been identified as Mandeep Singh of Dango village.

According to the family members, Mandeep Singh used to work at a shop that deals in glass sheets for doors and windows.

On Monday evening he returned home and headed to the market to run an errand on his bike. He failed to notice the construction machine and crashed his vehicle into it. He suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Mandeep Singh is survived by his parents and an elder sister.

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The Delhi electric vehicle (EV) policy 2.0 is likely to be finalised in a month, Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot said on Monday --- two days after the Delhi Cabinet approved the extension of the current framework till December 31. The EV charging plaza at Chemsford Club parking, on Rafi Marg. Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said that Delhi EV policy 2.0 is likely to be finalised in a month. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Work on the EV Policy 2.0 is in the final stage. Currently, the feedback received from the people and stakeholders is being reviewed. Our aim is to introduce a progressive policy, which encourages further adoption of electric vehicles, so that the contribution of vehicular pollution to bad air in the Capital can be checked, said Gahlot.

ALSO READ: Delhi govt extends EV policy till December 31

According to officials aware of the matter, the policy is likely to provide further impetus to adoption of electric vehicles in Delhi by providing incentives for retrofitting vehicles running on conventional fuels to electric mode. They said the objective of the policy is to ensure that all commercial vehicles used by all categories of aggregators should be electric by 2030.

Commercial vehicles are mostly operated under the aggregators, including ride-hailing and delivery services, and make significant contribution to air pollution, making it important that they switch their entire fleet to electric, said an official asking not to be named.

ALSO READ: Delhi aims to double its EV adoption this financial year

The official added that all existing incentives being proved under the current policy will also likely to be continued under the fresh framework.

Currently, Delhi government provides multiple subsidies on the purchase of electric vehicles  road tax waiver, purchase incentives of up to 30,000 for two-wheelers, up to 5,500 for e-cycles, up to 30,000 on e-rickshaws and light commercial vehicles.

Around 11% of all vehicles sold in Delhi currently are electric vehicles, the official said. Currently, Delhi has roughly around 4,500 private and public EV charging points, the official said explaining the reasons behind quick adoption of such vehicles in Delhi.

Earlier, the Delhi government officials said that the framing of the new policy was delayed because the lieutenant governors office terminated 400 specialists who were working in the EV cell, the nodal centre to implement EV policy. However, the LGs office said that the specialists were terminated because they were hired in a non-transparent manner and without the mandatory approvals of the competent authority.

Amit Bhatt, managing director (India), International Council on Clean Transportation , said, The Delhi EV policy has brought a revolution in the adoption of electric vehicles, not only in Delhi but across the entire country. Therefore, the continuation of this EV policy is crucial to maintain the momentum in favour of EVs. It will be essential to monitor the specific details of the new policy as it takes shape. The inclusion of trucks and other freight vehicles holds the potential to usher in a new era of decarbonising the transport sector, in which Delhi can take a leading role.

Launched on October 22, 2020, the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy -- one of the flagship plans of Delhis Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government -- was aimed at fighting high levels of air pollution in the city by cutting vehicular emissions. The policy sought to achieve this objective by bringing about a paradigm shift in the Capitals transport sector by introducing two key changes. One, the state government embarked on a major switch from Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-run public buses to electric buses. Of the total 3,700 buses run by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the Capital now has 800 electric buses. And, the government has committed to buy only electric buses to replace the CNG ones that will be retired from the fleet.

The second major change was encouraging residents to switch to electric vehicles by providing subsidies. The policy has set a target of 25% of all new vehicles registered in Delhi to be electric by 2025.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alok K N Mishra Alok K N Mishra is a journalist with the Hindustan Times, New Delhi. He writes on governance, policy and politics. He is an ardent follower of politics and is fascinated about making politics work better for the middle-class and the poor. He loves to discuss and predict the national political behaviour. Before shifting to Delhi, he covered political instability, governance, and misgovernance besides Maoists insurgency in Jharkhand for almost half a decade. He started out in 2010 as a city reporter with Times of India, Patna. ...view detail
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawars grand-nephew and MLA Rohit Pawar on Tuesday began a 45-day-long foot march to reach out to the youngsters in Maharashtra. NCP chief Sharad Pawar during the Yuva Sangharsh Yatra in Pune on Tuesday. (Image on posted on X by Rohit Pawar)

Addressing a gathering in Pune, where the march was launched, senior Pawar said Rohit has brought back hope and aspirations among the youths and it would be difficult for the state government to ignore the issues he is raising through the march, named Yuva Sangharsh Yatra.

The march will cover a distance of 800 km between Pune and Nagpur with Rohit planning to walk over 18 km a day to reach Nagpur on December 7. He walked from Lal Mahal to Tilak Smarak in Pune on Tuesday.

It is not a small yatra as it will be continued for 45 days and cover 800-km. It is a march of the next generation that will restore belief among youths and encourage them, Sharad Pawar said, adding, I believe the yatra will bring a change.

Pawar gave credit to Rohit for the state governments decision to withdraw its decision to recruit people on contractual basis. The government withdrew the decision even before the yatra started. They cannot ignore this youth (Rohit Pawar) if they have to continue in power, the veteran leader said and added that he is ready to meet chief minister Eknath Shinde along with Rohit to submit a charter of demands.

Rohit would walk over 10-12 km in the morning and another 7-8 km in the evening. Each will be concluded by holding a small gathering called chowk sabha, where Rohit would raise issues of youngsters and other issues being faced by the common people.

From Wednesday, he will start walking from Tulapur towards Ahmednagar. He is expected to cover 13 districts on foot.

After being followed up by many, the state government withdrew recruitment on contractual basis. I hope our other demands will also be fulfilled. If not, then we will continue our struggle from legislative assembly to streets until demands are met, said Rohit, who is an MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed in Ahmednagar.

We want to reach out to as many people as we can and thus have decided to pass through hamlets and settlements. During the entire yatra, we are not going through national highways and major roads, he said.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) has been in the news recently after it joined hands with a consortium of socialist parties in the state. On October 15, party chief Uddhav Thackeray met 21 leaders of various socialist parties under the broad platform of Samajwadi Janata Parivar (SJP) in Mumbai and forged an alliance with them ahead of the Lok Sabha and the state assembly elections next year. PREMIUM Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray also commands a huge following among the Sena cadre even after the unprecedented crisis in the party after the exit of the Shinde- led MLAs and MPs(Uddhav Thackeray's office)

In the past year, the Sena has joined hands with several parties, organisations and individuals whose ideological and political positions are strikingly opposite to its core ideology.

Shiv Senas decision to induct Sushama Andhare as a leader, joining hands with Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and the support it received from the Communist Party of India and left organisations during the Andheri bypoll elections held in November 2022 are seen as attempts in social and political engineering to expand Senas support base. It is also seen as an attempt by Thackeray to put up a front against its old ally and currently the biggest political foe -- the BJP.

While these unnatural alliances are making headlines and creating a media buzz, it is important to look at them in the broader socio-political context. Shiv Sena gained support in Mumbai and Maharashtra first over the issue of the sons of soil narrative and then for its espousal of aggressive Hindutva under founder Bal Thackeray, who was regarded as the Hindu Hriday Samrat (an emperor of Hindu hearts).

But what distinguishes the Shiv Sena from most right wing parties and organisations is the distinction that exists between the partys narrative or ideology and the party itself.

As a movement, the Shiv Sena has always espoused the cause of the Marathi manoos and the Hindus; linguistic and religious antagonism has been the very basis of its politics for many years.

However, as a party, it adopted the ideology of political pragmatism since its inception. Very early on after its foundation, it grew with the direct and indirect support it received from Congress leaders across various factions in the party. Three more striking examples: Its alliance with the Praja Socialist Party (PSP) in 1968, RPI (Gawai faction) in 1973 and the Muslim League in 1979.

Its support of the Emergency of 1975 was also an attempt to stay politically pragmatic and was, in fact, criticised by many staunch supporters.

Finally, its decision to part ways with long-term ally BJP and become a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi with Congress and NCP was yet another strategic move in 2019. It actually helped the party to broaden its support base and gave Thackeray an opportunity to be chief minister for two and a half years.

It is thus not new for the Sena to make practical political alliances, which go beyond its core ideology for better political prospects.

However, the current scenario becomes interesting as a wide array of political actors at the local, state and national level are joining hands with Shiv Sena. The party has shown possibly the highest amount of ideological and political flexibility in forging such alliances over the last year.

It is important here to understand and assess the possible reasons for Shiv Senas sudden popularity as an opposition party across the political spectrum.

One of the most significant pull factors is Thackerays staunch attack on the BJP and his attempt to put up a strong front against the partys divisive politics. His scathing remarks on the Sangh Parivar and the BJP after the breakup of the Sena-BJP alliance in 2019 still continue a year after old-time Sena leader Eknath Shinde joined hands with the saffron party with 39 other MLAs and 13 MPs claiming ownership over the Sena brand.

In the current scenario as the BJP grows in power and ambition, there is very little space for voices critical to it. Thus, Thackerays constant critique of the party and its politics has a newfound appeal among the liberal, left-leaning and socialist parties.

Bearing testimony to this is the fact that Thackeray recently played a key role in hosting a meeting of the INDIA alliance in Mumbai, a political front put up by opposition parties across the country to counter BJPs divisive and anti-democratic politics.

His popularity as the Sena chief, as founder Bal Thackerays heir apparent and most recently as an able chief minister for the work he did during Covid-19 in Maharashtra, is something that the opposition parties want to strongly capitalise on.

Shiv Sena under Thackeray also commands a huge following among the Sena cadre even after the unprecedented crisis in the party after the exit of the Shinde-led MLAs and MPs. He has the capacity to pull huge crowds as Senas grassroots cadre, which mostly operates through shakhas, and local networks continues to back him.

Political meetings organised by him are closely tracked and covered by the media, and for socialist and left parties, being with Thackeray at such gatherings means visibility. With elections to Lok Sabha and the Maharashtra assembly due next year, media visibility and show of strength in meetings and rallies would play a crucial role for the opposition.

Similarly, Senas established patronage network in Mumbai and Maharashtra and its hold on the countrys richest civic body the BMC -- where it held power for long  are important factors that can help Thackeray attract more supporters and consolidate his support base. This, along with the popularity of the party at the grassroots makes it an attractive choice for the opposition.

On the one hand, the core supporter of the Shiv Sena, which idolises Bal Thackeray and is thus loyal to the current leader, will continue to support him and will only see new political alliances as a pat on the back for his leadership and popularity.

On the other hand, minorities and liberal-leaning voters are likely to see the Shiv Sena as viable and a rational electoral choice to counter the BJP. Many small parties and organisations are only likely to benefit from Senas current political posturing which is a mix of soft Hindutva and inclusive politics at the same time.

While only time will tell how much the Sena or the alliance parties will gain from this partnership electorally, it is definitely worth highlighting that in Maharashtras political spectrum, Uddhav Thackeray is being seen as the last man standing against the BJPs powerful machinery.

Dr Sanjay Patils doctoral work looks at the journey of Shiv Sena between 1985 and 2022. He works at the University of Mumbai and has been chronicling the Shiv Senas journey for the last ten years.
Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday lashed out at Shiv Sena (UBT) faction chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of burying the Hindutva ideology of Sena founder Bal Thackeray for power.



In his Dussehra rally address at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, Shinde without naming Thackeray accused him of backstabbing the late Sena founder.



"Won't be surprised if they (Shiv Sena-UBT) ally with Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM and even hug terrorist organisations such as Hamas, Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba for their selfish motives and chair (power), PTI quoted the Maharashtra CM as saying.



"You have buried the Hindutva ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray by going with Congress and Samajwadis for power. Balasaheb had given 'Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai' slogan from 'Shivtirth' (Shivaji Park ground) but slogans like 'Garv se kaho hum Congressi and Samajwadi hai' are being given from that venue," Shinde said. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde addresses during the 'Ravan Dahan' on the occasion of Dussehra, at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday. (ANI)

It was a battle of rallies between the two Shiv Sena factions in the country's financial capital. Thackeray also addressed his annual Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park in Dadar.



Challenge you to hold polls to show whos the real Sena': Thackeray





Alleging that attempts were made to steal the Shiv Sena, the former Maharashtra chief minister said,"After we come to power, we will hang upside down those who are harassing us".

We approached the Supreme court on MLAs disqualification matter, and Assembly Speaker told decision in this regard will be taken in a time bound manner. I want to tell them to forget this matter. Conduct elections and the people of Maharashtra will tell you who is the real Shivsena. I challenged you to conduct elections if you have power, ANI quoted Thackeray as saying.



Targeting the BJP, his friend-turned-foe, Thackeray said there should be a strong government, but not of "any one party with a brute majority."



The BJP or (its predecessor) Jana Sangh played no role in any struggle including that for the country's freedom, Thackeray said.

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Two members of the Myanmar-based Chin Kuki Liberation Army (CKLA) have been arrested with weapons, ammunition, drugs, and cash along the India-Myanmar border in ethnic violence-hit Manipurs Churachandpur, police said. Chief minister N Biren Singh said the seized weapons include AK 47 rifles. (PTI)

Chief minister N Biren Singh called the arrests a major breakthrough and said they underscored a transnational plot to destabilise Manipur and India. In a post on social media platform X, he said the seized weapons include AK 47, Insas, sniper, and M16 rifles. ...opium weighing about 2.5 kg, 4,86,500 cash and various other items were also recovered.

He added the National Investigation Agency has taken up cases related to a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against India by exploiting the unrest in Manipur. Todays apprehension of CKLA cadres and the recovery of weapons has yet again underscored a transnational plot aimed at destabilizing both Manipur and our nation, he added.

On October 22, three Myanmarese nationals were arrested from the border town of Moreh.

The ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Chin communities in Manipur was triggered on May 3 and has since left at least 175 people dead and 50,000 displaced.

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Mumbai: A recent controversy surrounding the establishment of veg-only dining tables in one of the hostel messes at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay prompted Insight, the official student media body, to publish an article raising concerns about segregation. Row erupts on IIT-B campus over vegetarian-only exclusive tables

Describing the decision as setting a dangerous precedent, this is the first time the student media body has officially penned its opinion. Highlighting the differences between hostel life and home living, Insight stressed the importance of adapting to an unfamiliar environment. While the article acknowledged the need for mutual support, it deemed the demand for segregation in the name of inclusivity, and the acceptance of such a demand, as unreasonable. This could lead to the creation of exclusive spaces based on personal choices, which may not align with the principles of inclusivity, the article stated.

The controversy broke when the mess council of hostels 12, 13, and 14 at IIT-B decided to designate six separate tables for vegetarian food. While many members of the IIT Bombay community expressed reservations about this decision, Insights article, published on Monday night, has intensified the discussion among students regarding the broader implications of this segregation.

ALSO READ- IIT Bombay slaps 10,000 fine on students protesting veg only policy: Report

The article stated the already existing instances of inclusivity in messes, such as the availability of Jain food and the provision of meals before sunrise during Ramadan and before sunset during Paryushan. These services are offered without limiting or infringing upon the choices available to all students. However, the article contends that catering to the preferences of one specific group does not make the campus genuinely inclusive.

According to Insight, it is vital to be empathetic to the problems and concerns of all students to create a welcoming campus, but this empathy should not be misplaced.

The article further stated that allowing personal preferences to dictate decisions about shared spaces can be susceptible to misuse. It also raised the concern that such a practice might compromise the integrity of hostel elections, as candidates may promise to segregate common areas based on personal preferences to garner votes from specific student communities, thereby intensifying polarisation during student elections.

The Insight article underscored the importance of examining the decision and its potential implications from the perspective of caste. The article has urged decision-makers to educate themselves on this aspect and called for a thorough review of student feedback to address such concerns in a public forum, especially when dealing with sensitive issues.

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A 38-year-old constable of the Bihar military police was shot dead by unidentified assailants while he was returning to his house in Bihars Munger area on Monday evening, police said. The incident took place near the Basudevpur police outpost. (Representative file image)

The incident took place near the Basudevpur police outpost.

The constable, Aman Kumar, was working in a bomb squad team in Darbhanga. He had come to his native village on Monday morning.

Subdivisional police officer (SDPO) Rajesh Kumar said, We are trying to ascertain the motive of the killing.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh: BJP worker shot dead in Maoist-affected Ambagarh Chowki

Family members are yet to lodge an FIR (first information report) but police have started identifying the culprits through technical evidence and have recovered a used cartridge.

The postmortem has been conducted SDPO said adding that the probe is underway.

Meanwhile, family members are yet to come to terms with their loss.

Bimla Devi, mother of the constable said that he was returning to his house on bike from the site where he was getting a house built when he was shot dead.

We dont know who killed my son, but everything is ruined, she said.

The wife and minor daughter of the deceased constable said they dont know why criminals killed him.

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Jamshedpur: One person died and four were injured when a truck ran into a group of people at the Bailey Bodhanwala Ghat in Jharkhand s Jamshedpur during the Durga Puja immersion late on Tuesday, police said. Police said the four people injured in the accident were from West Bengals West Midnapore district (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Police said the truck driver lost control of the vehicle due to possible brake failure. The deceased was identified by the police as as Birendra Sharma,a resident of Kitadih under Bagbera police station area.

Kishore Kaushal, Jamshedpur senior superintendent of police (SSP) said the four injured were rushed to the Tata Main Hospital (TMH) where the condition of two persons was reported to be serious.

The injured have been identified as Hugra Mukhi, Abhimanyu Gorai, Gopal Gorai and Vijay Gorai, all from West Bengals West Midnapore district. They were members of the Kitadih Durga Puja Committee.

Witnesses told the police that the accident took place when the truck rolled down a slope to the imersion ghat and dragged about half-a-dozen peope to the river. Local residents alleged that the district authorities hadnt deployed cranes and ambulances at the ghats like in previous years and it took some time before the injured could be shifted to the hospital.

Deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri and SSP Kishore Kaushal are camping at the ghat after shifting the injured people.

Jamshedpur (East) MLA Saryu Roy also reached the accident site while health minister Banna Gupta went to the hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured.

The mishap at the Bailey Bodhanwala Ghat is shocking and very painful. I wish speedy recovery of the injured and expenses my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. The East Singhbhum DC is instructed to take prompt action and ensure proper coordination to maintain law and order until all the immersions are completed, Bana Gupta said in a post on social media.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Debashish Sarkar Debashish Sarkar is a special correspondent based in Jamshedpur. He has been covering government, administration, politics and crime among other things. ...view detail
BSEB Bihar Board Exam 2024: Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is going to release its date sheet or time table for the Class 10 (Matric) and Class 12 (Intermediate) final examinations on its official website, biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. Last time, these exams were held in February. BSEB Bihar Board Exam 2024: Updates on Matric, Inter date sheets(File photo)

In addition to the official website, the board will also post date sheets of Bihar Matric and Inter final exams on its official social media pages  Facebook and X (previously Twitter).

In 2023, BSEB Matric examination was conducted from February 14 to 22 and Bihar board Inter examination was held from February 1 to 11. This was a similar timeline of board exams held in the recent years and the board is expected to follow the same pattern next year as well. Changes, if any, will be revealed in the date sheets.

Date sheets for the 2023 exams were released in December, around 1.5-2 months ahead of examinations.

In December 2022, in addition to next year's final exam dates, the board also released its annual calendar mentioning schedule of BEd entrance test, STET and Simultala entrance test.

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Indian Institute of Technology, Madras will close the registration process for IIT JAM 2024 on October 25, 2023. Candidates who want to apply for Joint Admission Test for Masters can do it through the official website of IIT JAM at jam.iitm.ac.in. IIT JAM 2024 registration ends tomorrow, apply at jam.iitm.ac.in

To apply for the examination, candidates should have passed an undergraduate degree or currently studying in their final year of undergraduate programme are eligible to apply for the examination. Follow the steps given below to apply for the exam online.

IIT JAM 2024 registration: How to apply

Visit the official website of IIT JAM at jam.iitm.ac.in.

Click on IIT JAM 2024 registration link available on the home page.

Enter the registration details and login.

Fill the application form and upload the necessary documents.

Make the payment of application fees and click on submit.

Once done, download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

As per the official website, the application fees is 900 for one paper and 1250 for two papers for Female/ SC/ ST/ PwD category candidates. For others, the application fees is 1800/- for one paper and 2500/- for two papers. Fee for Changing Examination Cities /Test Papers /Category /Gender is 300 apart from the applicable difference in Application fee. For more related details candidates can check the official website of IIT JAM.

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In the vast ocean of streaming platforms, Netflix has discovered a treasure trove with its live-action adaptation of the beloved anime, One Piece. As the Wano Saga unfolds in the animated realm, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting Luffy's adventures in the upcoming season of the live-action series. Breaking streaming records upon its debut, One Piece quickly garnered a massive fan base, leading Netflix to swiftly greenlight a second season. Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece gets greenlit for a second season. (Netflix)

Recently, the official One Piece Twitter account provided fans with an exciting glimpse behind the scenes of the upcoming season. A photo of the talented team behind the series was shared, introducing the writers' room for season 2. These creative minds, including renowned writers like Matt Owens and Randy Troy, were finally able to unite after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike against Hollywood's top studios came to an end. This resolution was a victory not just for the writers but also for the passionate fans, as it meant the production of One Piece's second season could set sail without further delays.

For those unfamiliar with the epic tale of One Piece, now is the perfect time to catch up. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate enthusiast whose life takes a magical turn after consuming the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit, granting him incredible rubber-like abilities. Determined to become the king of the pirates, Luffy embarks on a solo adventure in search of the legendary "One Piece," the greatest treasure in the world.

As the WGA strike chapter closes, the saga of One Piece on Netflix continues to unfold, promising viewers more thrilling escapades, daring exploits, and unforgettable moments. So, if you haven't embarked on this high-seas adventure yet, prepare to set sail with Luffy and his crew, and get ready for a voyage filled with excitement, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.

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American punk rock band Blink-182 is returning to the music scene after a decade-long hiatus with One More Time stadium and arena tour across North America. The band's original members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker are set to tour together for the first time in 10 years, during the summer of 2024 in support of their recently launched album One More Time. The 30-city trek, which is produced by Live Nation, will include stadium performances at Petco Park in the bands hometown of San Diego, Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, Citi Field in New York, Fenway Park in Boston, and Rogers Center in Toronto, along with 25 arena performances. Blink-182 is back after 10 years(Blink-182/Instagram)

ALSO READ: 'Beautiful kids': U2 pays tribute to 260 victims of Hamas attack at Israel music festival

The band released their latest and ninth studio album on October 20 with six singles - Edging, One More Time, More Than You Know, Dance With Me, Fell in Love, and You Don't Know What You've Got. The album is inspired by the band's history and features their longest tracklist to date, with 17 songs. The album marks the return of guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, who left the band in 2015. It was produced by the drummer Travis Barker. The tickets for the upcoming tour are slated for sale on Friday, October 27.

Blink-182's comeback tour will also offer an enhanced experience for those who purchase VIP packages, which include premium tickets, access to pre-show hospitality lounges, and exclusive merchandise items. The band has also scheduled dates for tours in Australia, New Zealand, Peru, and Mexico. As special guests during the North American tour, a fellow rock band Pierce The Veil will also be joining Blink-182 onstage. The dates were unveiled by the band on their official Instagram handle last night.

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Dussehra is not just about watching the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad burn but also absorbing the victory of good over evil. It is to provide an experiential that some heritage walk conductors in Delhi-NCR have curated a blend of culture, spirituality and celebration as part of Dussehra special walks today. As they head out today, on Vijayadashami, with a group of culture enthusiasts, heres recording what they experience amid the drum beats and fragrance of incense that ends in the grand spectacle of burning of Ravanas effigy. This Dussehra, Delhiites take to walks to celebrate good over evil.(Raj K Raj)

Old Delhis grand Dussehra is no match

We have two walks organised for Dussehra  one is where we watch the Ravana dahan and the second is on the next day (October 25) when well go down to collect the charred remnants of the Ravanas effigy. Being a knowledgeable demon king, he was considered to be a person of wisdom and people wish to seek his blessings during tough periods of their life, says Surekha Narain, walk conductor with Delhi Metro Walks. She adds, This aftermath of Dussehra is what I would like to share with the participants of our walk.

The uniqueness of this walk is what intrigued Jayashree, a Gurugram-based business analyst, who says, The essence of Dussehra is what about purification of the mind and soul which is why while I could go alone to watch a Ravana dahan. I wish to join in with other people and have a collective connection during those moments when the existence of the demon king goes up in just a few seconds. As I collect the remains the next day, this lesson is what will come home with me. The way a journey is described by the walk explorers makes it even interesting.

Some conductors even organised walks pre-Dussehra to show how Ravana effigies are made by artisans.

Rich cultural heritage of Vijayadashami

For me, Dussehra is not just about Ravana dahan, it also embarks on spreading the message of good over evil and thats what I seek during my walks around Gurugram, says Virendra Shekhawat, founder, Delhi Photography Club. Shekhawat adds, This essence of the festival is what we try to capture during our photo walks in the city, be it during the Durga Puja days or now, when we plan for a photowalk on Dussehra evening at Gurugrams Leisure Valley Park, Sector 29. The idea is bringing the concept of good over evil in pictures, and that can be found anywhere even without a Ravana.

Joining in this walk will be Devesh Rathore, a Delhi-based high school teacher, who says, The Old Delhi lanes for any festival in the city are already done to death if it comes to photography. This is why I opted for this walk that is in Gurugram.

Ravanas journey from creation to dahan

The Dussehra mood in Delhi usually begins right from the enactment of the life of Lord Rama on not just the day of the festival but right at the start of the nine days of Navratri, says Sachin Bansal, chief explorer at Delhi Walks, adding, We offer this very experience for a spiritual connection to those who join the walking group during the nine days and visit different Ramlilas. There are also private walks conducted as per requests, and these are more in demand for Dussehra, today. Many want to walk down the streets of Old Delhi while watching one effigy burn after the other as a grand experience. Many of these requests come from those who have attended the effigy-making walks that we conduct in west Delhi where Ravana is made from scratch. Having seen the detailing and the hard work of the artisans, it becomes imperative for the attendees to see and admire the phenomenal show on the final day after Navratri.

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Delhi knows how to tune into happiness even if its mid-week and Wednesday. Wanna know how? This is how:

Catch It Live on October 25
Bengaluru A case has been registered against three Bharatiya Janata Party leaders for allegedly duping a man of  2.55 crore by promising a party ticket in Vijayanagara district for state assembly elections, police said. (HT Archives)

A case has been registered against three Bharatiya Janata Party leaders for allegedly duping a man of 2.55 crore by promising a party ticket in Vijayanagara district for state assembly elections, police officials said.

The Kottur police have registered a case against Mohan Kataria, former district unit BJP president, local leaders Revana siddappa and Shekar Purushotham following a complaint by P Shivamurthy, a retired engineer. The case pertains to allegations that the BJP leaders misled and defrauded Shivamurthy with the promise of securing a political ticket, police said.

The three leaders had promised Shivamurthy a BJP ticket for the Hagaribommanahalli assembly constituency, reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC).

After coming to know about the fraud, Shivamurthy,in his police complaint, said he had spent 65 lakh in party activities. He soon realised that the fraudsters had swindled him 1.90 crore by promising the ticket. He said he was duped of 2.55 crore.

Shivamurthy reached out to chief minister Siddaramaiah and home minister G Parameshwar, addressing a letter in which he appealed for justice. He furnished information regarding the individuals involved in the fraud and implored them to take punitive action against the wrongdoers and facilitate the return of his money.

The three accused introduced Shivamurthy to Shekhar, a BJP leader from Puttur, on October 23, 2022. Subsequently, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel met Shivamurthy at the BJP office in Bengaluru. Shivamurthys letter says that Kateel acknowledged discussing the ticket issue with Shekhar, the BJP leader from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada.

Kateel and other leader could not be reached out for their comments.

Shivamurthy realised the extent of the deception when the Hagaribommanahalli BJP ticket was allotted to Ballahunsi Ramanna.

On the complaint of Shiva Murthy we have registered a case against three accused under IPC section 420 (cheating) 506 (threatening with life) and 34(criminal act done by few persons with common intent), Kottur sub-inspector Geethanjali told HT. She said, The investigation is underway and the officials will take appropriate action.
New Delhi Seat-sharing talks between INDIA bloc partners are yet to take off in a large number of states, 53 days after the Mumbai meeting of the alliance passed a resolution that said seat-sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give-and-take. INDIA bloc leaders held a meeting in Mumbai in Sept. (Hindustan Times)

At least two Opposition parties have put the onus on the Congressthe largest Opposition outfitfor the delay in discussion on seats. The Congress is waiting for the results of the upcoming elections. They are expecting their tally to go up and then the Congress can have a better bargaining power vis-a-vis other constituents, said a leader.

A senior Congress leader on Monday afternoon admitted that the seat talks didnt start. The Mumbai resolution said that talks would start immediately. It didnt give a deadline, the leader argued, so, it can start after the polls.

The leader, part of the sub-committees set up at the Mumbai meeting, added, If we win 3 or 4 of the 5 states, we will have better elbow room to negotiate seats with our allies. But if we get one or two states, it will spell trouble for us in the seat negotiations.

The Congress, however, is hopeful to increase its tally. Of the five states going to the polls, the Congress rules Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Assembly elections in five states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram are scheduled next month

The Mumbai meeting, held on August 31 and September 1, saw the alliance shifting to election mode as it announced immediate talks on seat-sharing arrangements, formed five panels including a coordination and election strategy committee and decided to campaign across states on peoples issues.

At the end of the most productive meeting of the alliance so far, leaders reminded each other of the need to pick the maximum common candidates, remain alert to threats to their unity and show flexibility as seat pacts and smooth coordination are decisive factors for the group.

We were not together earlier. We could not put common candidates in each seat and (Prime Minister) Modi took advantage We have arrived at a conclusion and an organisation has been formed. We will start seat-sharing arrangements by accommodating everyone. There will be no hurdle, former Bihar CM and a key INDIA leader Lalu Prasad said after the meeting.

A senior leader said key Opposition leaders held a few rounds of internal discussions. We divided the states into three categories: A, B and C.

A category states are those with pre-existing pacts (Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, J&K). B category states are those where the Congress is the undisputed leader of the INDIA group (MP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh). The C category states are the remaining states, where intense negotiations are expected, said a non-Congress leader, a key member of the group.

Another leader added that the understanding was that by October seat distribution in A and B category states should be over so that enough time can be given to the contentious states of the C category, which include Delhi, Punjab, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, to reach a favourable arrangement.

But the delay in seat talks has jeopardised our initial plan, said the second leader.

The Congress strategist, however, maintained that the INDIA constituents have enough time as the elections are likely to be held in April. The first leader countered this argument and said, We had a number of discussions on the possibility of early polls. Even if the polls are held as per schedule, the seat adjustments will require some time.

The Mumbai meeting, the third of the INDIA alliance, passed a resolution that outlined immediate tasks for the grouping. The 28 parties said, We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to organise public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance and coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns with the theme Judega Bharat, Jiteega India in different languages.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Saubhadra Chatterji Saubhadra Chatterji is Deputy Political Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on both politics and policies. ...view detail
In Uttar Pradesh's Agra, an eight-year-old girl died two weeks after being bitten by a stray dog. The woman's mother allegedly used home remedies to treat the child instead of anti-rabies vaccine. Representational image

Dr Jitendra Verma, head of the community health centre (CHC), Bah block, claimed the family had come to the centre for treatment and was referred to SN Medical College. They, however, ignored his advice. She passed away while being taken to the hospital.

The doctor told PTI the girl was bitten by a stray dog 10-15 days back. She had only informed about the incident to her mother, who used home remedies to treat her.

The victim was a resident of Bah block's Chausangi village and her father is a labourer. Her mother is a housewife.

The doctor said anti-rabies vaccines should be administered within 24 hours. The second dose should be given on the third day, third on the seventh day and the last on the seventh 28th day.

"The symptoms of dog-bites are hydrophobia (fear of water), pain in the neck and vomiting," he added.

The incident happened days after industrialist Parag Desai died after sustaining a head injury following an attack by stray dogs. He was on a stroll near his house in Gujarat when he injured his head while trying to ward off stray dogs. He died a week later at a hospital.

With inputs from PTI

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The Karnataka government is willing to work with the Independent Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) to make its Information Disorder Tackling Unit (IDTU) more compatible with the IFCNs code of principles, according to an email that the IFCN director Angie D. Holan sent to Indian IFCN signatories. Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representative Image

The state is working on setting up the IDTU, a unit that will fact-check information related to Karnataka on social media, but the effort has been mired in controversy. At the heart of it are two issues --- the lack of editorial independence, and the inclusion of a state government-appointed review single point of contact (SPOC) to oversee all fact checks.

HT reported about these concerns on October 17, and in the days after that, the state held a meeting with the IFCN director Holan, people aware of the matter said, asking not to be named.

The deadline for submitting IDTU proposals has been extended to November 2, according to the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal. The original deadline was October 16, and 19 of the 20 current and former IFCN signatories had told HT that they would not apply, citing lack of editorial independence and state interference.

An IFCN affiliation was listed as an added advantage for anyone applying to be part of the fact-checking function of the IDTU.

Holan, according to people aware of the matter, briefed the government officials about the IFCNs code of principles that says a signatory status cannot be granted to any organisation whose editorial work is controlled by a state, a political party, or a politician.

The lowdown on unit.(HT Image)

On this, the government officials are believed to have told Holan that they were open to making concessions to make the call for proposals (CfP) for the IDTU more palatable, people aware of the IFCNs directors email to other members stated.

When asked about these discussions, Priyank Kharge, Karnatakas IT minister, told HT: We are agnostic.  If IFCN or anyone is interested in combatting misinformation, they should work with us.

They [IFCN signatories] should give it a shot. We are seeking help. We dont understand this. People who understand this are not helping us. It is up to them. We cannot force anyone to apply, he said, adding that the government was open to having IFCN members as part of an oversight committee, but added that the SPOC would be appointed from the Home Department. It is understood that the government officials told Holan that the activities of the IDTU would need to be overseen by the government as the IDTU is a government-funded unit.

Kharge also said that the government was open to listening to the fact-checking community on the shape of the oversight committee, which is proposed to oversee the functioning of the IDTU.

Holan met Karthik Rao Bappanad and Shivaling Salakki of the Centre for Excellence in Cyber Security (CySecK) and Darshan HV, the director of the department of electronics, IT and biotechnology of government of Karnataka.

No IFCN signatory could agree to such a plan and still meet the codes principles, Holan had earlier told HT.

In her email, Holan told the fact checkers that she took the meeting after consulting with Bharat Gupta, CEO of Jagran New Media, and Govindraj Ethiraj, founder of FactChecker and Boom.

Gupta and Ethiraj are the only Indian members of the IFCNs board. Jagran New Medias Vishvas News, and Ethirajs FactChecker and Boom are IFCN signatories.

Despite not being explicitly stated, the undercurrent of Holans email made it clear: if IFCN signatories violated the code of principles, they would attract greater scrutiny which could lead to the loss of their signatory status, several fact checkers who received the email told HT.

In her interaction with the government, Holan cited the European Unions attempts to fight misinformation by giving grants to credible fact-checking organisations without interfering in their editorial processes. She also cited Indias Misinformation Combat Alliance to the government as an avenue for discussing their concerns with Indian fact checkers, or for getting in touch with other organisations. The MCA, established in March 2020, is a cross-industry collaborative of multiple Indian fact checkers and is currently presided by Gupta.

Since the central government first proposed the controversial fact check amendment to the IT Rules 2021, and subsequently notified them in April 2023, MCA has been working on developing a self-regulatory organisation for fact-checkers in India.

In her email to the fact checkers, Holan made it clear that in her interaction with the officials from Karnataka government, she did not speak for the fact-checkers of India who know their own concerns and context better than I do, but that IFCN and the fact-checkers of India share the concern that we must maintain the principles of our code, especially independence, in our fact-checking.

Given the blowback, is changing the CfP possible to let more organisations apply for the IDTU? Kharge said no but added that exceptions may be sought for agencies with credibility and history of having worked with government agencies in the past. Some companies told us that they started operations only two years ago and thus are ineligible under the CfP. We will simplify the CfP. If they are credible, have worked with other government agencies earlier, we will seek an exemption for them

If a company has IP in pre-empting habitual offenders of perpetuating fake news, and where they have worked with the Home Department or piloted a project with the NIA, we can go to the government. Or maybe they are a company that is just one-and-a-half years old but have the technology to decipher hate speech and fake news in vernacular languages, [we will go to the government], he said.

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Rajastha chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday recalled the 2020 revolt against him, saying those behind it did not know who they were dealing with.



While campaigning in his constituency Sardarpura in Jodhpur, which the 72-year-old politician has represented since 1998, Gehlot said he has been the chief minister of the state thrice and has completed all the three terms.



"It is not just that I completed all these three terms... they tried to topple my government this time but they failed. They thought that they would succeed here as well, but they had no idea who they were dealing with the chief minister was quoted by PTI as saying. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot performs a ritual on the Maha Ashtami of Durga Puja festival, at his residence, in Jaipur on Sunday. (ANI)

Gehlot vs Pilot showdowns

In July 2020, Gehlot's then deputy Sachin Pilot along with 18 MLAs had revolted against him by staging a sit-in protest outside the Raj Bhavan. The Congress, which saw losing its government in Madhya Pradesh, months before, managed to defuse the rebellion due to timely intervention of the Gandhi family. Pilot was then removed as the deputy chief minister and state Congress president.



But the relations between Pilot and Gehlot largely remained strained throughout the government's tenure. Last November, the chief minister had carried out his biggest verbal attack on Pilot, calling him a traitor.



A gaddar (traitor) cannot be chief minister... the Congress high command cannot make Sachin Pilot the chief minister... a man who doesn't have 10 MLAs. Who revolted. He betrayed the party, (he) is a traitor", Gehlot had said in an interview to a TV channel.



In April this year, Pilot cornered his own government by holding a day-long fast in Jaipur. He alleged that the Gehlot dispensation failed to probe cases of alleged corruption during the Bharatiya Janata Party rule in Rajasthan.



The desert state goes to poll in a single phase election on November 25. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.

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Several people are feared dead and injured after a car collided with a state government bus at Sangam-Krishnagiri Highways in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvannamalai district. According to officials, the incident took place on Monday late at night. Car collides with state govt bus in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvannamalai

A video of the accident has been making rounds on social media where the locals and police officials can be seen trying to rescue the victims.

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

Further details are awaited.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.

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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
Indias first multi-state cooperative society for exports will provide a global platform for the countrys organic products and share half its returns with farmers, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Monday, launching the enterprise, one among three national cooperatives being planned by the Modi government. Home minister Amit Shah with Union minister Piyush Goyal and minister of state BL Verma in Delhi on Monday. (ANI)

The National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL), being positioned as a premier enterprise, will extend a range of services to ramp up overseas shipments of organic produce. In January, the Union Cabinet approved the launch of NCEL. The government is also in the process of setting up two more multi-state cooperatives for promoting seed businesses and organic farming.

Under the Constitutions Seventh Schedule, which divides responsibilities between the Centre and states, state governments have jurisdiction over cooperatives. However, the Centre has control over policy-making for cooperatives that operate in more than one state, known as multi-state cooperatives, such as the NCEL.

 NCEL is being formally launched on the auspicious day of Mahanavami. Today we are crossing a very important milestone on the way to realize the vision of Sahkarita Se Samriddhi (progress through cooperation), for which the ministry of cooperation was established for the first time since independence by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said.

In the monsoon session in July, Parliament passed The Multi-States Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which will govern NCEL. The law was brought in as part of a broader push by the Modi government to modernize the countrys 115-year-old cooperative sector.

A cooperative society is a business jointly owned by members who share both profits and losses. Cooperatives are collective enterprises jointly owned by participating members who share profits and losses. The popular milk brand Amul, for instance, is a cooperative. So is Indias largest fertilizer maker, IFFCO.

NCEL will connect the ministries of commerce and industry, external affairs and Indian embassies to boost market linkages and supply chains for export of farm produce, Shah said. NECL will develop into a complete export ecosystem, covering procurement, storage, processing, marketing, branding, labeling, packaging and certification, a statement said. According to its proposed business model, at least 50% of profits will go to farmers.

 NCEL is launched in the cooperative sector with six objectives of increasing exports, enriching farmers, changing the crop pattern, providing global market for organic products, gaining a place for India in the global market for biofuels, and strengthening the cooperative sector, Shah said.

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Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday took to social media platform X, apparently taking a dig at TMC MP Mahua Moitra whom he accused of receiving bribe for asking questions in Parliament.



Chor Machaye Shor (Thief making a noise), posted Dubey, hour after the TMC lawmaker called her a Farji Dubey.



Amused to hear of @AshwiniVaishnaw letter to Fake Degree Wala promising support in probe against me! Still waiting for @HMOIndia & @Ministry_CA to probe Farji Dubeys illegal entry into airport ATC room last year with kids! #BJPHitJobUnravelling! Moitra posted on X, referring to Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's letter to Dubey. The minister in his letter said the National Informatics Center (NIC), which is probing allegations against the TMC MP, will extend full cooperation to the Lok Sabha committee on ethics which is currently hearing the case. Nishikant Dubey has now accused Mahua Moitra of taking money and gifts from a businessman in exchange for the questions that she asked in Parliament.

Dubey has alleged that Mahua Moitra's parliament login credentials were accessed in Dubai and the NIC had provided information to the probe agencies. Moitra, a sitting Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal's Krishnanagar, is accused of receiving bribes in the form of cash and gift from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani to pose questions attacking the Adani Group in parliament.

Signed affidavit voluntarily: Hiranandani on signing affidavit against Moitra

In a signed affidavit, Darshan Hiranandani admitted that he gave the TMC MP information on the basis of which she could ask questions. He also admitted to have gifted Moitra expensive luxury items and also underwrote the renovation of her official bungalow. The business tycoon claimed Moitra provided him with her Parliament login details so that he could post the questions directly on her behalf.

On Monday, Hiranandani while speaking to news channel Times Now said he signed the affidavit backing charges against Moitra voluntarily and without any fear or favour. However, he admitted to an error of judgment on the issue of accessing Moitra's login details.

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Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, responding to questions on the recent Supreme Court judgment on queer couples, said he believes that sometimes its a vote of conscience. Referring to his minority judgment, he said there had been only 13 instances when a CJI was in minority. CJI Justice DY Chandrachud(PTI)

CJI Chandrachud was speaking at the 3rd Comparative Constitutional Law discussion on the topic 'Perspectives from the Supreme Courts of India and the United States', in Washington DC.

Generally speaking, chief justices have not been in the minority. There are 13 significant cases in our history where chief justices have been in the minority. I do believe that sometimes its a vote of conscience and I stand by what I said, he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Also read: SC refuses to legalise same-sex marriage, says queer couples have right to cohabit

Asked what drove him to arrive at his judgment, he said a judge's decision shouldn't be based on social majority but constitutional morality.

CJI Chandrachud said many foundational constitutional principles favoured same-sex unions in terms of civil unions, including the rights to association, life and liberty, free speech and expression.

He said three of his SC colleagues recognised this right but refused to elevate it to a constitutional right.

CJI Chandrachud had also allowed non-heterosexual couples to adopt but the majority of the five-judge bench overruled his opinion.

He said on Sunday that when an individual man and woman can adopt in India, why should queer couples be deprived of the right because of their relationship status.

Explaining why the Supreme Court didn't allow same-sex marriage, he said the apex court couldn't enter a very complex area which wasn't confined to marriage but delved into issues like adoption, inheritance, succession and tax. "Therefore, we said it is for the Parliament to act, the CJI said.

"By the unanimous verdict of all the five judges on the bench, we came to the conclusion that while we have progressed a great deal in terms of decriminalising homosexuality and recognising people belonging to the queer community as equal participants in our society, legislating on the right to marry is something that falls within the domain of Parliament," the CJI added.

Last week, the Supreme Court refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, saying it was under the purview of Parliament and state assemblies to create such institutions and grant them legal validation. The five-judge bench unanimously allowed the formation of a high-powered committee proposed by the Centre in May to examine the concerns of same-sex couples and moot certain corrective measures.

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Hyderabad: Even before the election dates were announced, it was Sonia Gandhi who first led the Telangana state war cry making it a campaign issue (File photo)

The Telangana Rashtra Samithis rechristening to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has not just cost it an emotive political campaign but also the Congress staking claim to the Telangana statehood movement by the Congress that was once central to the BRS political persuasion, political experts said.

With Rahul Gandhi raising the issue of the grant of statehood right on the very first day of the Vijayabheri Campaign last week, the Congress was clearly seen claiming ownership of the political decision to deliver Indias youngest state 10 years ago in 2014.

It is an undeniable fact that it was Congress that kept up its promise to carve out a new state despite knowing that this decision could keep us out of power. Our MPs fought for it in the Parliament. This election, we are just reminding the people that it was us who made their dream a reality, said Bandaru Srikanth, state Congress spokesperson.

Even before the election dates were announced, it was Sonia Gandhi who first led the Telangana state war cry making it a campaign issue as she addressed a public rally in September urging people of the state to recollect her partys fulfilled commitment to creating the state.

In December 2022, 20 years after its inception, when the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) requested the Election Commission for a name change to BRS, it didnt anticipate a political crisis. It is only during this seasons campaign primer that the BRS found itself upstaged by the Congress which came with the six guarantees and the statehood issue in tow.

While there are several reasons why the K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) chose to enforce a name change, it never could prophesy the Congresss sudden rise and so has been unprepared to hand the Telangana Cause baton to its bete noir, said Prof E Venkateswarlu, who teaches at the Hyderabad Central University. The BRS fought the 2014 and 2018 elections largely fanning the statehood issue, taking public memory back to 1969 when more than 300 people lost their lives during the strife-ridden agitation.

Journalist and political analyst Dr Pentapati Pulla Rao suggested that theres more that has contributed to the Congress seemingly gaining an upper hand in the campaign war.

Theres a strong anti-incumbency. KCRs family is over-exposed; but for a few rallies here and there, the BJP is completely missing in action. So, in a way, over action and under action have created the perfect platform for the Congress, Dr Rao said.

With more than four of KCRs family members occupying all the key posts, the BRS has failed to create a smear campaign against dynastic rule, making it a handicap against the Congress.

The sharp criticism from the BJP about KCR wanting his son KT Rama Rao to be the next chief minister could also impact at least 1-2% of votes getting transferred to the Congress, Prof Venkateswarlu said.

Once a strong vote base of the BRS, the minorities could shift towards the Congress, like it did in Karnataka polls in May this year.

The Congresss existence has always been the causal factor of the minorities political unity. In its absence in the last ten years, the minorities chose the BRS. It was more like the adoptive parent. But now that the Congress is back in the contest, the outnumbered will go back to the biological parent. Dr Rao said.

Many see the Congress acquisition of the Class Character- where it is seen as a supporter of backward classes and dalits- as an active contributor to the party gaining popularity. Rahul Gandhis X-ray theory has been effectively caught by the people. Its guarantees make it seem like a champion of the rural poor, the low-income groups, and the women. This loss of its Centrist character to look more Communist-like is a campaign that has struck a chord, Dr Venkateswarlu said, analysing the bus yatra campaign by the Gandhis.
Former IAS officer VK Pandian has been appointed as chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiative) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of cabinet minister under the Naveen Patnaik-led government, according to a government order. VK Pandian (left) and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.(Instagram)

The state's General Administration Department in an order stated, Shri V K Pandian is hereby appointed as Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister. Shri Pandian shall work directly under the Chief Minister.

Pandian, who was the private secretary of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, took voluntary retirement from government service.

In a letter to the state's General Administration Department, the Centre's Department of Personnel and Training said his voluntary retirement has been accepted "with the waiver of the notice period as recommended by the State Government".

Pandian's rose to prominence as the close aide of the chief minister has often landed him in controversies, with opposition parties alleging that he was misusing his position for political gains.

He was a 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre.

The opposition BJP and Congress had asked him to resign and officially join the BJD after he went on a whirlwind tour across the state during which he held 190 meetings to hear public grievances.

Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka said that he would not be surprised if Pandian took charge as the chief minister of Odisha before the next elections.

"...such is the power structure in Odisha, no one has clue what's happening but everyone knows who's controlling. VRS approved in 3 days during holidays - Super Fast," he said in a post on X.

Taking a swipe at Pandian, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted, He has been a fine civil servant and helped Naveen Patnaik enormously. But it is good that a de facto situation will finally become a de jure one, and Pandian will become a political figure in his own right. It was a strange situation in Odisha for over a decade and a half with the CM being like an absentee landlord and his chief aide functioning as the state's CEO.

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Belagavi: Parvati Naik, a resident of Joida town in Uttara Kannada district, has been receiving regular health check-ups, nutritious food and medicine, courtesy a noble initiative undertaken by the district administration, as she awaits the birth of her first child. She is among the 358 women who have been adopted by district officials as part of the initiative to provide highest care to expectant mother and their newborns. As part of the initiative, higher-rank officials of the Uttara Kannada district administration adopt one pregnant woman each who are registered under the national health mission scheme. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

After I have got adopted, I am being examined regularly, getting nutritious food grain, milk, eggs, prescribed medicine etc. through ASHA workers, Naik told HT, expressing her gratitude towards the officials for their initiative, which helps in reducing the financial burden of poor families.

ALSO READ- More than just mothers: Why womens and girls nutrition deserves our collective attention

According to the districts women and child welfare department, the states first-of-its-kind initiative is aimed at reducing the death rate of women during and post-pregnancy, as well as that of the newborn. As part of the initiative, higher-rank officials of the Uttara Kannada district administration adopt one pregnant woman each who are registered under the national health mission scheme, officials said.

Officials of various departments have, on their own, adopted one pregnant woman each to take care of them until post-childbirth. The district has 358 such registered women, Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner Gangubai Mankar said. Im very glad that every officer, without any force or compulsion, has adopted a pregnant woman after I briefed them about my concept at a meeting. I hope it finds success in the district and is extended to the entire state.

Under the adoption scheme, officials not only take complete care of pregnant women till the time of childbirth, but also extend the care to the newborns by remaining in regular touch with doctors and health workers like ASHA, officials said.

Compared to a few other districts in severely drought-hit Kalyana-Karnataka region, the malnutrition rate among children is quite low in Uttara Kannada,

In a district which falls under the Western ghats in the coastal region, adjoining Belagavi district, we aim to eradicate malnutrition among the newborns and the mothers by supplying solid food, egg, milk, calcium tablets among other things, Mankar said. Apart from the adopted women, officials will keep record of the latest health status of the newborns weight, giving them the regular vaccination.

The deputy commissioner also praised the contributions of anganwadi and ASHA workers in the initiative.

Right from the early pregnancy period, anaganwadi and ASHA workers visit the on regular intervals, take them to the hospitals, provide Tayi Card [mother card that record every health-related matter until delivery], supply prescribed medicine and recommended food grain until the women return to their routine life post the childbirth, she added.

Gangubai Mankar, who has also adopted a poor woman from Mallapur village, said officials are being in touch with the women, their families and also the consultant doctors.
Aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has found itself in the spotlight after the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced plans to buy more fighter jets, light combat helicopters, and to upgrade its Sukhoi-30s in potential contracts worth billions of dollars. HAL is also set to begin work next month on jointly designing and developing helicopter engines with French firm Safran, and is negotiating a deal for the joint production of fighter jet engines in the country with GE Aerospace. In an interview with HT, HAL chief CB Ananthakrishnan outlined how the state-run firm is ramping up capacities, preparing to execute the big orders and projects. (HT Photo)

In an interview with Rahul Singh, HAL chief CB Ananthakrishnan outlined how the state-run firm is ramping up capacities, preparing to execute the big orders and projects, and pushing indigenisation along the way.

Edited excerpts:

HAL has been on a roll. How prepared are you for the journey ahead? We anticipated these projects and began laying the groundwork two to three years ago. The primary thing was capacity planning. The capacities we have created, and are creating, will become national assets for future programmes. We are confident of delivering on time. Apart from platforms like fighters and helicopters, we are also creating additional capacity for engines, avionics and accessories. There has been a paradigm shift in HALs approach. We no longer wait to start work after an order or sanction comes, be it design or manufacturing activity. The moment we see the demand for a particular product, HAL ploughs its own money into these activities so that time is not lost. Today we ensure we have a head start even before a contract is signed. The potential orders for more light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A and light combat helicopters (LCH) reflect the customers confidence in us, in our ability to deliver higher numbers and handle tight timelines. We have enough capacity to execute current and future orders.

What is the status of the joint venture to design and develop helicopter engines with Safran? The JV will become operational next month, and production of engines is expected to begin in four years. These engines will be for the Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) and its deck-based version. There is a requirement for around 400 such helicopters. We are looking at basing the Safran-HAL JV at our new Tumakuru facility, which is the largest helicopter manufacturing facility in the country. We can manufacture up to 90 helicopters in Tumakuru every year, a mix of LCH, light utility helicopters and IMRH. With the JV based there, Tumakuru will become one big complex for helicopters and associated equipment. Safran and HAL will have a 50:50 work-share. IMRH could go into production with the new engine by 2031. The timelines are tight, but the good part is that we are already manufacturing the Shakti engine for the advanced light helicopter with technology transfer from Safran.

HAL has ramped up LCA Mk-1A production capacity to 24 aircraft per year. Is there more scope to scale up? Our current goal is to deliver 24 aircraft from the Bengaluru and Nashik facilities from 2025-26. Once we have reached that goal, we can ramp up production to 30 aircraft per annum. It is possible if we can streamline the supply chain. But first we have to prove we can deliver 24 as theres a general sense that HAL is not capable of producing aircraft in big numbers. I dont want to get into that debate. More numbers are achievable as we know what our capacities and capabilities are. We are focussed on making more numbers available to our customers as soon as possible.

How is the first LCA Mk-1A shaping up? As far as the first aircraft goes, the certification process of the new systems is underway by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification. Most of this has been done, and only three or four more systems need to be certified. It should happen in the next two to three months. On the production side, we started work on the aircraft last year and it is now in an advanced stage. It should get into equipping soon. Once all the systems are certified, we will do the ground runs and test flying. The first Mk-1A will be delivered to IAF in February 2024, and the last of the 83 jets by 2027-28  a year ahead of the contracted delivery schedule.

An order for 156 LCHs is in the pipeline... We have manufactured 15 limited series production (LSP) helicopters and now the series production will begin. We have finalised the additional requirements. We want to deliver good numbers every year, instead of the normal 12-15. Our target will be to execute this order in the shortest possible time, in five to six years. Thats around 25 choppers per year.

How are negotiations progressing with GE for the F414 engines? We should have a deal in six months to a year. We expect GE to give us a price quotation soon and then discussions will gather momentum. Things are moving fast. Our target is to conclude the deal at a good price.

What will the 65,000-crore Su-30 upgrade entail? We have begun discussions with IAF. We have almost come to some sort of framework within which the upgrades have to be done. We will not depend on any foreign original equipment manufacturer for this upgrade of 84 aircraft. It will be an indigenous effort to the extent possible. It will involve equipping the Su-30s with the indigenous Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare suites, weapon control systems, avionics and new weapons.

What do you think of Indias self-reliance goals? In one word, achievable.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the geopolitical situation around the globe have re-emphasised the need to be self-reliant. We have seen challenges in the supply chain during the last two to three years due to the over dependence on foreign sources. We are trying to change that. The government has released several indigenisation lists and set tight timelines to manufacture military hardware within the country. We have created an indigenisation cell, which is funded with 3% of our net operating profit. Around 200 crore will be ploughed into this fund every year. We have identified several indigenisation programmes and earmarked an initial budget of 1,800 crore.
New Delhi The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) could be impacted by the conflict in Israel though the stakeholders should continue their groundwork needed to make the project take off, the European Union (EU)s new envoy to India, Herve Delphin, has said. In an interview with HT, the European Union (EU)s new envoy to India, Herve Delphin spoke of the EUs plans to bolster relations with India in trade and investment. (HT)

In an interview to HT, Delphin also spoke of the EUs plans to bolster relations with India in trade and investment, security and defence, and measures to tackle common global challenges such as climate change and green development.

What will be the EUs focus areas in the next few years and which areas hold the most promise for the relations with India? I think there are three main areas that have great potential. The first is the cluster of economic and trade issues, and its pretty clear India is in demand because of its formidable growth. It has to attract investment and technology partners and for that, the EU is an interesting partner for India. The second is everything to do with security and defence. Till not too long ago, we werent on Indias radar screen for security, but I think Russias war of aggression in Ukraine has been revealer of what the EU stands for. Here we dont propose the same thing as some EU member states, but we can provide leverage at the EU level through funding and coordinated actions like the maritime presence through Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations or missions like Atalanta. The very changing nature of security threats means that its not just the traditional hard power associated with defence that is of interest. In Brussels, we are one party and the other party is Nato, which is more into traditional defence while we have been covering hybrid issues such as cyber security, counterterrorism and maritime security. The third is the global challenge or the global commons, where India engages with the rest of the world in addressing global issues. That gives an opportunity for us to engage with India because we come from the same belief and commitment to act at the multilateral level to address global challenges such as climate change, migration and sustainable development.

India is a very interesting partner for the EU because of its own trajectory, its history of engagement at the global level. If you consider that India has three strategic objectives  economic development by 2047, security in its close and further neighbourhoods and being a leader, you will find that on all of these, the EU has something to offer, which makes the EU a partner of choice for India and you could also argue that for the EU, India is a partner of choice. The relationship has to grow more mature in the sense of what it represents strategically for each other. I came here with a strong mandate to bring to bear that strategic partnership.

ALSO READ: Israel envoy says 'we would welcome India's help to rescue 200 Hamas hostages

The India-EU negotiations for concluding an FTA are expected to take some more time and both sides are set to go into elections. What can be done in the interim to bolster two-way trade and to make the negotiations move faster? It has been already fast, if you consider what is normally the time frame of negotiations. If you look at the ground covered in just one year  six rounds completed  that s pretty fast by EU standards. Its intensive, and there is pressure on both sides to advance. We also hope that negotiations taking place in parallel with others can be concluded because it will maybe allow the negotiators on the Indian side to fully invest in the negotiations [with the EU] because I understand there is a lot of work for the Indian negotiators and we respect that theres so much on their plates. We are confident, we are patient, and its not the speed that matters, it is the quality of the negotiation.

In between, you need to continue to advance and adjust, that was the mandate given by both chief negotiators to their teams, to go back to the drawing board and our sense is that both sides have to sort of adjust so that there is a good basis for better understanding of the respective red lines. Like in any negotiation, there is a good compromise at the end of the day. Maybe, now we are going to the hard stuff and its probably difficult in itself. I think there is a lot of commitment but its complex and state-of-the-art.

Both sides are going to take stock after the sixth round [of talks] and then there is in parallel the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). There is an agreement in principle to have another TTC ministerial in the coming weeks. The TTC is an important tool, its not a substitute or precursor, but it can help us to come closer on many issues by building better understanding and identifying opportunities in innovation and technology. For us, the FTA is a significant agreement and so youd better get it right.

[Whenever there have been] concerns, weve always engaged. There are concerns about the EU having a protectionist agenda, which is not the case. In the case of CBAM, there is a transition period of four years and its meant to ensure a level playing field. India is only 1.6% of EUs global trade and in the last three years, thats doubled. We hope that on the Indian side, they would see all the benefits they can gain because it will give them access to the biggest market. When you look at Indian FDI in Europe, youre in the top 10. For our European businesses, as much as they see the opportunities, they want guarantees, stability, predictability, they dont want to see...cumbersome procedures.

ALSO READ: 'If you wish to live in peace': Israel's offer in Gaza for hostage information

How would you assess the working of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and what comes next for this key body? Its a unique undertaking that started in May. Both sides were quite satisfied with this. Both sides really like this forum to identify what can be done, to get a deeper understanding [of how things are] processed on both sides [so you] anticipate how can have mutual recognition or interoperability of standards.

Its very interesting to look at [digital] solutions designed in India, such as identity and UPI. Solutions that probably we have would not have done, but because India has designed it according to its own ecosystem, we are looking at the opportunities it creates for Europe. There is AI and quantum computing [but] I think we have to be realistic. These are not the things where you have quick deliverables. But the fact that there are discussions taking place is helping. For example, how we manage data  India has its data protection bill the EU has our General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The TTC is helping to plug our respective economic ecosystems so that the wiring is already there.

Given the EUs focus on the Indo-Pacific and the growing cooperation in maritime security, what do you see driving the interaction in this sphere? Will there be more coordinated maritime patrols? In the sense of the strategic reading of the dynamics, we are pretty much on a similar page. Weve done our economic pivot to Asia a long time ago. Most of our trade is with this region. What we probably had not done is the strategic pivot. Economic cooperation has always been the glue keeping the region together and now we see geopolitics starting to undo things. In Europe, for security and defence, youve got Nato and its more simple. Here, it is an overlay of different considerations or regional organizations. The Indo-Pacific strategy brought us precisely the strategic framework, and the new kid on the block is security and defence.

We dont like asymmetry, we want a level playing field. We want free and open access. Apart from strategically lowering the risk of escalation, we want to maintain the space for trade.

This is also a region which is the most disaster prone and impacted by climate change.

We have not deflected even one euro from this region because of the war in Ukraine. The second issue is the increased interconnectedness between strategic theatres. How the Russian and Chinese link it?

On the security and defence front, maritime security is the most advanced dialogue we have. Its about joint situational awareness, integration, exchanges between our information awareness systems, joint exercises and port calls.

Do you see the EUs Global Gateway initiative working with India to develop more transparent and resilient infrastructure projects? We have been historically been one of the main donors for development, including infrastructure. Now, there is a revolution linked to digital and green transition, and for that, you need infrastructure. We are not competing on the same thing [with Chinas BRI]. For us, sustainability or the mechanism of accountability and transparency are different. Infrastructure projects are designed as a true partnership with all stakeholders. In terms of funding, its 300 billion euros in grants, concessional loans and guarantees. Imagine what it can [do] in terms of leveraging private investment. The guarantees can unlock and encourage investors. With the Global Gateway, we can be a vehicle for the kind of projects which are needed in the region and in India. We have several projects for smart urban mobility, green energy and climate. We are looking now at corridors for trade routes. In India, we have about 15 billion euros of investments that are geared towards green, sustainable infrastructure. Maybe, our Global Gateway proposal came at a moment where India was thinking along the same lines. Thats something that we certainly want to accelerate.

During Indias G20 presidency, there has been a push for reforms of the global financial architecture to ensure more funding for green projects. Can India and the EU work on reforms of MDBs? While addressing the global commons, [it is necessary to go past a] very polarising view of things. Those who want to do things, let them work together and go ahead. This is precisely an area where I think there is a genuine interest for doing things. The risk that we always have is that some have an interest to paint it as who is excluded. For us, its not about exclusivity, its the culture of inclusivity. In the same way, the G20 Summit declaration is also promoting inclusivity. India and the EU are both forces for good. We are committed to addressing global issues. We are not aggressive powers, weve always believed in trust, and now this trust has grown. We are partnering in the International Solar Alliance and initiatives launched by India. This is where we can build a coalition of the willing. I think its important not to lose sight of what we can achieve together.

What impact will the Israel-Hamas conflict have on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and how will funding be generated for this project? Its true that the war is no good news in itself. Its terrible, its a tragedy and IMEC could be a collateral of it. The question is whether its a temporary collateral or permanent collateral. If I were to see it from Dehli, we see the importance West Asias regional order represents historically and today. Even more so, in terms of energy and trade routes. Lets hope that, first and foremost, this situation in Israel and Gaza does not further escalate. I think everyone is really concerned that it could escalate, thats the first thing we need to be focused on.

IMEC was not defined by exclusivity, so that means the door is open. Lets see what will happen with this conflict, but assuming that it doesnt go into a nightmare or catastrophic scenario, and at some point, if there is a renewed impetus to address the political issue of the Middle East peace process...You need to fix that and the economy cannot be a substitute. But having said that, the economy will matter. I think IMEC is a good thing for everyone. Maybe the conflicts of West Asia are against IMEC for now, but it should not be any reason not to do the groundwork that is needed to make it take off once conditions are good enough. There are questions of funding, standards and approximation of various legislations. Its a major undertaking, but there are many interested parties from the private sector and other countries which did not sign up. For the time being, unfortunately, it is a collateral [but] that doesnt mean [we should] write off the rationale of the project.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Indias growing economic power matches its defence capabilities as he visited forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Defence minister Rajnath Singh in Tawang. (PTI)

People have realised that we are not only growing as an economic power but the same trajectory is seen in our defence capabilities as well. Earlier, we used to import almost all arms and weapons. Before 2014, our annual arms and weapons exports were worth around 1100 crores, said Singh.

He added India was now exporting them for over 20,000 crores. ...all weapons are being made in India by Indians. Even weapons manufacturers from abroad are collaborating with Indians and making their products in India, said Singh. He credited the dedication with which soldiers were protecting the borders for the rise in Indias stature globally. The economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one reason for Indias rise. ...if you had not protected the countrys borders and without your contribution, it would not have been possible.

Singh cited the difficult circumstances under which soldiers were protecting Indias borders and added that every youth desires to join the defence forces. ...people of the country know the valour and honour associated with this uniform, said Singh.

Singh also visited the Tawang War Memorial to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 war with China.

India and China have since 2020 been locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The ties between the two countries deteriorated to a six-decade low after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Beijing claimed that only four Chinese soldiers were killed.

Singh, who interacted with the troops, celebrated Dussehra and performed Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang, reviewed the operational readiness on the second day of his two-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Army chief Manoj Pande is among those accompanying him.

Singh was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC, cutting-edge military equipment and technology for enhancing the operational efficiency of the troops deployed along the LAC.

Chinese Peoples Liberation Army soldiers attempted to transgress the LAC in December last year and triggered a skirmish with Indian soldiers in the Tawang sector.

China has built hundreds of xiaokang (moderately prosperous villages) across LAC stretching from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the new settlements are in proximity to strategically important positions on the Indian side.

India is also setting up villages along its borders with China under the Vibrant Villages Programme to develop areas with sparse population, limited connectivity and infrastructure. The Chinese claim large parts of Arunachal Pradesh including Tawang.

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Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday wrote a letter to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and said that the issues raised by the Lok Sabha parliamentarian in the alleged 'Cash for query' scandal are of grave importance. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.(ANI)

"Matters related to user access, website policy etc. are within the purview of organizations that avail services from NIC. In the case of the Lok Sabha website, the organization availing services from NIC is the Lok Sabha Secretariat under the control of the Speaker, Lok Sabha. The issues raised in your letter are undoubtedly of grave importance. The subject matter of your letter is currently under investigation by the Committee on Ethics (Lok Sabha)," Vaishnaw's letter shared by Nishikant Dubey on X read.

Union Minister further wrote that National Informatics Centre (NIC) will promptly respond to any instructions in this matter from the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

"NIC will also extend full cooperation to the Committee on Ethics in the investigation of this matter," an official statement read.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey taking a dig at Mahua Moitra on Tuesday said that the greed of an MP has put the security of the country in danger.

Sharing the Union Minister's letter on X, the BJP MP said, "The greed of an MP put the security of the country in danger. This is not a question of party opposition, it is a question of the security and integrity of the country, which is above politics."

Reacting to the letter written by Union Minister Vaishnaw to BJP MP, TMC MP Mahua Moitra on X said, "Who is lying? 2 days ago Fake Degree Wala said NIC already given details including "Dubai" logins to probe agency. Now Ashwini Vaishnaw says NIC will give info in future IF asked by LS or Ethics Comm. BJP is welcome to do a hit job on me but Adani Godda perhaps not the best strategists!"

"Amused to hear of Ashwini Vaishnaw's letter to Fake Degree Wala promising support in the "probe" against me! Still waiting for HMO India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to probe Farji Dubey's illegal entry into the airport ATC room last year with kids!" she said in another post on X.

Days after submitting a sworn affidavit on his claims to Parliament's ethics committee, the businessman at the centre of the alleged 'Cash for Query' scandal, Darshan Hiranandani, said that he regrets the personal error of judgment of using TMC MP Mahua Moitra's parliament login credentials.

In an interview with Television News Channel Times Now, Hiranandani said that the very fact that he got entangled in the matter was an error of judgment.

"I think that me being entangled in this whole matter is an error of my judgment. And like I said, I've been very clear and explicit in my affidavit about what happened. And, you know, I've got nothing more to add as far as that's concerned" Hiranandani said in his interview.

Hiranandani who is based in Dubai said he was under no pressure to sign the affidavit. Earlier the TMC MP Mahua Moitra had questioned his affidavit alleging that it was signed on white paper as "a gun was put to his head."

"The affidavit is signed by me, signed by me voluntarily, no fear, no favour. Testimony of that is that I had it notarized at the Indian consulate in Dubai. Since I am in Dubai, I had it notarized in the Indian Consulate in Dubai. Then I sent it to the Privilege Committee of Lok Sabha and copied to CBI and Dr. Nishikant Dubey by email" Hiranandani said in his interview.

When asked if he thought that TMC MP Mahua Moitra was looking to target businessman Gautam Adani and through that the Prime Minister, Hiranandani reiterated what was said in his affidavit."I think, I would prefer to stick to my affidavit in this regard, but I can tell you that she felt that attacking Mr. Adani would target the Prime Minister because there was perceived proximity as both are from the same state" he said.

The whole controversy erupted when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey wrote to the speaker alleging 'Cash for Query' proof against the TMC MP. He had claimed the said proof was provided by Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.

The Parliament Ethics Committee has called both Dubey and Advocate Dehadrai to submit oral evidence of allegations before it on October 26. (ANI)
Bengaluru Union minister Shobha Karandlaje, a Vokkaliga and the Lok Sabha MP from the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, is the front runner for Karnataka BJP president post, leaders said (HT Archives)

After over five months since its defeat in the Karnataka assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to appoint Union minister Shobha Karandlaje as the new state president soon, party leaders familiar with the matter said on Monday, though she said she was not aware of the development.

Karandlaje, a Vokkaliga and the Lok Sabha MP from the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency, is the front runner for the post, the leaders said. Vokkaligas, who are a politically dominant community, are largely concentrated in the Old Mysuru region of the state, where the BJP is planning to further consolidate its votes.

The BJP has already announced its alliance with the JD(S) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. JD(S), with a strong voter base in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region, is expected to boost the BJPs prospects in the areas its trying to make inroads.

Nalin Kumar Kateel, who is currently serving as the BJP state president, was given an extension after his tenure ended last year. While he is said to have offered to step down after the defeat in the assembly elections, the BJP high command had asked him to continue till his replacement is found.

Amid speculations, Karandlaje on Monday said she had no information about the development. I have no information about the post of BJP state president. Im happy as a Union minister. I have no intention of joining state politics. Im already doing good work, she said.

I have not received any information from the high command. I dont know about any such news. My wish is that Modi should become the prime minister again, Karandlaje added.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Pratap Simha wished Karandlaje on her birthday, and urged her to come back to state politics, triggering more speculations about her new role. However, he later clarified that he was still a junior politician to talk about the BJP state president.

Im still a junior politician. The post of the BJP state president will be decided by the high command. Its just been 10 years since I joined the party. Im not qualified to talk about the appointment. The party workers have been urging Shobha Karandlaje to come back to state politics. I wished her in the same breath, Simha said.

Meanwhile, other senior Vokkaliga leaders, including former ministers R Ashoka and CN Ashwath Narayan, are said to be upset with the latest developments, party leaders said on the condition of anonymity. Former BJP national general secretary CT Ravi and BJP state vice-president BJ Vijayendra are also said to be in the race for the post.

Last month, former chief minister and Lingayat leader BS Yediyurappa is said to have pushed for his son Vijayendra to be appointed as the BJP chief in the state. Yediyurappa, who was in New Delhi to attend a parliamentary board meeting, reportedly pushed for his sons elevation to the post. However, Vijayendra is considered a junior to many senior leaders in the party, a BJP leader said wishing not to be named.

While caste calculations and regional considerations makes the decision-making process difficult for the party keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind, it remains to be seen how the BJP will position itself. A final decision is expected by the end of the week after consultation with senior state leaders, according to party leaders familiar with the matter.
Bengaluru The attackers targeted the Kolar district Congress leader while he was going to inspect an under-construction bar and restaurant building on Mulabagilu road in Srinivasapur taluk, police said (HT Archives)

An associate of Karnataka home minister G Parameshwar was hacked to death by a gang of six assailants in Kolar district on Monday, police said.

The incident happened two days after a gram panchayat member was murdered in Malur taluk of the district.

The district Congress leader who was killed on Monday in Srinivasapur taluk of Kolar district has been identified as M Srinivas, popularly known as Counselor Srinivas, who also shared close ties with former speaker B Ramesh Kumar.

The attackers targeted Srinivas while he was going to inspect an under-construction bar and restaurant building on Mulabagilu road in Srinivasapur taluk, police officials said.

According to eyewitnesses, the six masked assailants, wielding knives and other weapons, attacked Srinivas. The Congress leader suffered grievous injuries on his chest and head, resulting in severe bleeding. He was rushed to R L Jalappa Hospital in Kolar where he succumbed to his injuries.

Prima facie, it seems that political and personal rivalry due to property is main cause of murder, Kolar superintendent of police M Narayan told HT. During the preliminary investigation, a dog team was deployed at the crime scene, where a bag containing lethal weapons was discovered. It is suspected that pepper spray may have been used on Srinivas during the attack, Narayan

The assailants had allegedly been following Srinivas for two days before attacking him. Narayan said a special team under a deputy superintendent of police (DySP) has been formed to trace the accused . A case under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered at Srinivasapura police station, the SP said..

State home minister Parameshwar and former speaker Ramesh Kumar visited R L Jalappa Hospital on Monday evening and consoled the family members of Srinivas. I have instructed police to nab the culprits soon and bring them to justice, Parameshwar told reporters.

The autopsy was conducted and the body was handed over to family members, SP Narayan said.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, the apex temple body which manages major shrines in Kerala's Travancore region, has issued a new circular banning the activities of the RSS on temple premises and its properties. In 2016, the TDB had issued a circular banning all types of arms training on temple complexes by the RSS. (ANI)

According to the circular issued by the Devaswom Commissioner, the 'namajapa protests' (protests by chanting mantras) have also been banned inside the premises of shrines managed by the temple body.

It said all the activities of the RSS and outfits with "extreme ideologies," without the permission of the TDB, have been prohibited.

The circular, dated October 20, directed the Devaswom Vigilance Wing to carry out surprise raids to find out whether the RSS or other outfits were running 'shakhas' (branches), mass drills, or arms training on temple properties.

It directed employees and priests of respective temples to inform the TDB management about the presence of such outfits and their operations, if any. Those who failed to inform the same would face disciplinary action, it said.

The circular also made it clear that photos, flags and flex boards of those who have no relation to the temples should not be kept on their premises.

Any failure to follow the directives would be treated as a violation of high court verdicts in this regard, it added.

Last month, the Kerala High Court had said that no mass drill or weapons training shall be permitted on the premises of Sarkara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram district, which is under TDB's management.

The direction came while disposing of a plea filed by two devotees seeking an order to prevent "illegal use and unauthorised occupancy" of the temple premises by the RSS and its members.

In May this year also, the TDB had issued a circular asking officials to strictly follow its earlier order banning RSS 'shakhas' (branches) or mass drills at the shrines under it.

In a circular issued on May 18, the TDB said its 2021 order directing the officials to stop the sangh parivar organisation from using the temple properties for arms training, was not being implemented.

In 2016, the TDB had issued a circular banning all types of arms training on temple complexes by the RSS. Later, on March 30, 2021, the board reissued the circular, asking the officials to take action in this regard.

The then Devaswom Minister, Kadakampally Surendran, had alleged that the RSS was trying to turn temples into storehouses of arms in Kerala and that the government had been receiving a large number of complaints in this regard.

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Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday lashed out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, who has accused her of taking bribes from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Mahua Moitra

Dubey on his X handle shared a screenshot of the letter written by Union information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In the letter, the minister promised Dubey that the National Informatics Centre will fully cooperate with the Lok Sabha committee on ethics. The NIC is probing allegations of Moitra's parliament login credentials been accessed in Dubai.



ALSO READ: No fear, no favour: Darshan Hiranandani on signing affidavit against Mahua Moitra



While reacting to Vaishnaw's letter, Moitra posted on X,"Amused to hear of @AshwiniVaishnaw letter to Fake Degree Wala promising support in probe against me! Still waiting for @HMOIndia & @Ministry_CA to probe Farji Dubeys illegal entry into airport ATC room last year with kids!"



Moitra added,"Who is lying? 2 days ago Fake Degree Wala said NIC already given details including Dubai logins to probe agency. Now @AshwiniVaishnaw says NIC will give info in future IF asked by LS or Ethics Comm. BJP welcome to do hit job on me but Adani+Godda perhaps not best strategists!"



The allegations against Moitra were supported by Hiranandani, who in a signed affidavit claimed he did give information to the TMC leader on the basis of which she could ask questions on Adani Group. The industrialist also claimed to have given her expensive gifts and underwriting the renovation of her official bungalow. He also claimed that Moitra gave her parliament login details so that he could post questions directly on her behalf.

2022: Dubey booked for barging into Deoghar airport ATC

Moitra was referring to a 2022 case involving Dubey at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport. On August 31 last year, he and fellow MP Manoj Tiwari were among nine people booked for allegedly barging into the Air Traffic Control (ATC) area and forcibly got clearance past sunset, even though the airport is yet to be cleared for night operations.

The incident took place when the nine people were on their way back to Delhi after meeting the family members of a minor girl who was burnt alive in Dumka.



Moitra had then taken a dig at Dubey on X, saying,"I know BJPs SOP for bringing down opposition state governments involves chartered planes but does it now also include barging into ATC Control Rooms? Just asking".

Deoghar's deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri had claimed that the BJP leaders had reached the airport which was not yet fully functional, on a chartered plane and allegedly entered the ATC room. The pilot of the aircraft was allegedly pressurised for clearance though night landing is not allowed at the airport.



The Delhi Police later filed a zero FIR against Bhajantri on the charge of sedition and under the Official Secrets Act following BJP MP Nishikant Dubeys complaint.

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As the state of Manipur returns to normalcy, Chief Minister N Biren Singh affirmed that Peace will be restored in the state. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.(PTI)

"Peace will be restored, people will be happy", said CM Biren Singh while speaking to reporters in Manipur's Imphal.

CM Singh also laid the foundation stone of several development projects in Imphal.

Earlier in a post on X the Chief Minister complimented the Manipur Police on the seizure of Arms and ammunition from banned militant group CKLA. The Chief minister said the arrest showed that there was a conspiracy to target the state.

"In a major breakthrough by Manipur Police and Central armed forces, multiple weapons, ammunition, drugs and cash have been apprehended from Myanmar based militant group CKLA. The seized weapons include AK47, Insas, Sniper and M16 rifles along with huge cache of ammunition. Further, opium weighing about 2.5 kg, 4,86,500 cash and various other items were also recovered. Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have taken up cases wherein it was particularly stated that there exists a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the Government of India by exploiting the current unrest in Manipur. Today's apprehension of CKLA cadres and the recovery of weapons has yet again underscores a transnational plot aimed at destabilizing both Manipur and our nation" the Chief Minister posted on X.

Earlier in his Vijayadashami address in Nagpur RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also hinted at a possible international conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur.

"Does the geopolitics of South-East Asia also have a role in these events? Despite there being a strong government in the country, on whose strength and instigation has this violence continued unabated for so many days? Why did this violence erupt and continue even though there was a state government that wanted to maintain the peace that had prevailed over the last nine years?" Mohan Bhagwat said.

The state had been witness to a spiral of violence this year after the High Court directed the State to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. (ANI)
People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija on Monday accused the J&K administration of selectively targeting her party. Former Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti

Iltija, 35, claimed her mother was allegedly almost manhandled by the security forces as she wanted to protest for Palestine. They did not allow her to protest peacefully. Why is the local administration consistently since 2019 cracking down on PDP? You denounce us as anti-nationals. Our activities are peaceful, Iltija, who was recently appointed as Mufti's media advisor, was quoted by PTI as saying.



Iltija spoke on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war,People across the world are coming out to support Palestinian civilians who are suffering from atrocities. They are being attacked with phosphorus bombs. At least 1,500 children have been slaughtered in the past two weeks", she added.



Let us not forget the Indian government's official position is that they have condemned Israel's aggression. Israel is flouting humanitarian international law and has cut medical, electricity supplies. Why is the local administration selectively targeting the PDP? Iltija added.

On the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said,""We have been against the events unfolding in Gaza from the very beginning. I don't understand the killing of innocent people who have no connection to the attacks on Israel".

PM Modi denounced Hamas attacks, sent humanitarian aid to Gaza

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had denounced the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel which took place on October 7, triggering a war which entered the 18th day today.



Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, the prime minister posted on social media X.



On October 19, the prime minister spoke to Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and conveyed his condolences at the loss of lives at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. Shared our deep concern at the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region. Reiterated Indias long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, Modi posted on X.



On Sunday, India sent 38.5 tonnes of medical aid and disaster relief material to the Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas.

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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
Referring to wars in Ukraine and Israel, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said the world is looking towards India to show a new path to peace and prosperity. He said the world is facing the scourge of fanaticism, arrogance and hysteria stemming from "religious fanaticism" and can't counter these problems with its "inadequate vision". Addressing RSS workers in Nagpur, he also revealed the date of inauguration for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses during the RSS 'Vijayadashami Utsav' in Nagpur, (PTI)

"The world is facing the scourge of fanaticism, arrogance, and hysteria stemming from religious sectarianism. Any solution to conflicts like the war in Ukraine or the Gaza Strip, which arise due to a clash of interests and extremism, remains elusive. A lifestyle out of sync with nature is producing a string of new physical and mental- health issues amid unabashed consumerism," Bhagwat said.

He said the world is looking at Bharat "expectantly" to lead by example.

Also read: Mohan Bhagwat attacks cultural Marxists, wokism at RSS event

"Terrorism, exploitation, and totalitarianism are getting a free run to wreak havoc. It has become abundantly clear that the world cannot counter these problems with its inadequate vision. Therefore, the world is looking towards Bharat expectantly to lead by example and show a new path to peace and prosperity, based on its own Sanatan (eternal) values and Sanskars," he added.

Bhagwat also revealed the date for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

"A temple of Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya...Lord Ram (idol) will be installed at the temple on January 22...On that day, we can organise programmes at our own temples in the whole country," he added.

He also talked about Manipur in his address.

"The situation in Manipur is gradually returning to normal. But how did the strife begin as for years, the Kuki and Meitei communities have been living there. Did external forces orchestrate this?" he added.

He described "cultural Marxism" as "selfish, discriminatory and deceitful" forces seeking "sectarian interests" by taking "control of the media and academia" and plunging the nation into "confusion, chaos, and corruption".

With inputs from agencies

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the celebratory burning of Ravan's effigy on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi' at Delhi's Ram Leela Maidan in Dwaraka Sector 10 on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi's Ram Leela Maidan in Dwaraka Sector 10.(Youtube)

Modi is the chief guest at the 11th grand Ramleela of the Shri Ramleela Society. He will also perform Ravana Dahan.

Prime Minister Modi was given a traditional welcome by organisers on the dais at the venue. He was gifted a shawl, a statue of Ram Durbar and a mace, according to PTI.

"I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil," Modi said in his address to the public.

He also touched upon the Ram Temple in Ayodhya saying that we are fortunate to see its construction after a long wait.

Today, we are fortunate to see Lord Ram Temple being constructed on Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya after a long wait, the prime minister said. It is a sign of victory of our patience.

Earlier today, Modi extended greetings on Vijaya Dashami, saying that this pious festival marks the end of negative forces and brings the message of embracing the good in life.

Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijayadashami. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashami!

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Parvesh Sahib Singh said that people have travelled from far to attend the Dussehra celebrations at the Ram Leela Maidan.

We are very happy that PM Modi is coming here. Last time, he had come in 2019, and this time, he accepted our invitation. We extend our gratitude to him for this. People have come here from far away, Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

Earlier today, the Delhi Police said that it has tightened security arrangements ahead of Ravana Dahan in the national capital.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Joy Tirkey told ANI that around 1,000 police personnel and additional force have been deployed in the city.

For the burning of Ravan effigies, police have made detailed arrangements for fire safety hazards, traffic management and public safety, he said. "Firecrackers are banned, with this police team seized more than 100 kg of firecrackers yesterday. The whole city has been sensitized with regard to security during Dussehra celebrations."

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri. Celebrated as the victory of good over evil, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama's triumph over demon king Ravana after nine days of intense battle. As per another Hindu legend, the day is celebrated to mark victory of Maa Durga over demon Mahishasur.

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The National Informatics Centre, which manages Parliament and its members portals among other things, will fully cooperate with the Lok Sabhas ethics committee in its probe into the cash for query allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Mahua Moitra, Union information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday. The National Informatics Centre will full cooperate with the Lok Sabhas ethics panel in the probe into allegations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra, says Union information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. (ANI)

The ethics committee will meet on October 26 to start the investigation into allegations against Moitra.

NIC will promptly respond to any instructions in this matter from the Lok Sabha Secretariat. NIC will also extend full cooperation to the Committee on Ethics in investigation on this matter, the minister said in his reply to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, who has raised the charges against Moitra.

ALSO READ: Mahua Moitra calls BJP MP 'Farji Dubey', seeks probe in 2022 airport ATC case

In his letter, dated October 24, Vaishnaw called the issues raised by Dubey as those of grave importance. Matters related to user-access, website policy etc. are within the purview of organisations that avail services from the NIC, he wrote.

For the Lok Sabha website, the House secretariat takes services from NIC. The secretariat reports to Speaker Om Birla.

Vaishnaws assurance is significant as the panel might require technical support to ascertain Dubey and Moitras former friend and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrais allegations that the TMC MP allowed Darshan Hiranandani to access her parliamentary account to post questions on her behalf. Dubey has also alleged that the MPs account was logged in from Dubai, compromising security.

Who is lying? 2 days ago Fake Degree Wala said NIC already given details including Dubai logins to probe agency. Now Ashwini Vaishnaw says NIC will give info in future IF asked by LS or Ethics Comm. BJP welcome to do hit job on me but Adani+Godda perhaps not best strategists! Moitra posted on X.

ALSO READ: No fear, no favour: Darshan Hiranandani on signing affidavit against Mahua Moitra

In August 2022, Dubey, his two sons and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari allegedly entered the ATC room at the Deoghar airport and pressured the staff to give them clearance to fly after the permitted hours. Jharkhand police registered an FIR against nine people including Dubey, his sons, Tiwari and the airport director.

Soon after the TMC MPs post, Dubey also took to X and posted, chor machaye shor (thief making a noise).

Moitra also said she had not been called by the ethics committee yet. On October 21, Moitra had said the NIC should release all the details of MPs publicly to show they were physically present in place from where IDs were accessed by their PAs & researchers/interns/staff.

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Alis complaint is still pending before the Privileges Committee of the Lok Sabha. Ali had given a notice against BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri on September 22 after the latter had used Islamophobic slurs, defamatory language and abusive words against Ali on the Lok Sabha floor. Bidhuri, as per an Indian Express report, had appeared virtually before the Privileges Committee.

In fact, Danish Ali has written a letter saying that when he complained about Ramesh Bidhuri, ... they didnt call the complainant Danish Ali, they just called Bidhuri to give his side of events. But in this case, even though these guys have written a long complaint, they have called them only to [appear] but they havent called me. It is amusing that in Danish Alis case the complainant was not called first and the accused was but in this case I as the accused havent been called to give my side of the story; the complainants have been called again, Moitra pointed out.

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Among the key promises in the Congress manifesto for the Madhya Pradesh assembly election is a minimum support price (MSP) of 2,600 per quintal for wheat and 2,500 per quintal for rice. HT Image
The rusting board, just off the dusty, teeming Tarighat road in Patan says Yash Saloon. There are three chairs inside, fraying at the edges, and there are three people. One has just finished a haircut, two are in the middle of a shave, but dont mind the interruption. On a waiting bench behind them are four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in crisp white shirts, orange gamchas around their necks. Voting for Chhattisgarh is scheduled to be held in a two-phased manner on November 7 and 17. (PTI)

The challenge ahead of them is difficult, the heat is beating down, and Patan after all, is the chief ministers constituency. But just for a second, they seem to have found an opening. Dinesh Sahu is on the first chair, happy with his new trim, but otherwise animated. For four and a half years, I have only heard Bhupesh Baghel Chhattisgarhiya, Bhupesh Baghel OBC leader. But he is a Kurmi leader, and has done nothing for the Sahus that are the biggest OBC caste, Sahu says.

ALSO READ- Incapable': Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi over caste census

As one BJP worker vigorously nods his head, looking to seize the moment, Sahu cuts him off quickly. Lekin baat yeh bhi hai, ki Congress ne kisaan ko mahatv diya, unka haq diya (But it is also true that the Congress has given the farmer importance, given them their rights.) It is between these two arguments, seemingly now pitted against each other, that the fate of Chhattisgarhs agrarian plains, and a crucial assembly election may now rest.

With tribal populations to the north in Surguja, to the south in Bastar, and along the borders in some parts, there is a separate and crucial battlefield in the centre of Chhattisgarh; full of lush paddy fields, and some renewed conversations on caste and society. It is a region with 46 seats across six districts where the Baghel-led Congress did exceedingly well in 2018, winning 28 seats of the eventual 68 it won in a 90-member assembly. But of the 15 seats the BJP did win, 12 came from this region, a sign that it is here that the organisation is strongest.

It is therefore unsurprising that it is from this region, his home, that Baghel has framed most of his politics; of a strong regional, son of the soil, Chhattisgarhiya leader. He has walked on stilts as cameras flashed around him on the occasion of Hareli, a local festival, and stood grimacing as his arm was whipped eight times in a Govardhan Puja tradition. He is a Kurmi, and his OBC identity has been part of his political rise, used for the Congress campaign in Uttar Pradesh, and to rally support in Chhattisgarh. Over the past two weeks, both he and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have assured a caste survey on the lines of Bihar. In August, Baghel wrote to PM Narendra Modi asking him to include an OBC column in the census, and in December, passed two laws that took OBC reservation in the state up to 27%, pending assent from the governor.

In the village of Kopidih, 18 kilometres away from Patan district, another group of five people are deep in discussion, sitting under the shade of a banyan tree. There are two Kurmis, one Sahu, and two Yadavs in the group. To them, this political emphasis on caste is new  and irrelevant.

One of two Yadavs, a local Congress worker is critical of his own partys strategy.

We should move on from this OBC, regional identity conversation. Its impact is limited. First, geographically, because even if it does, it only works in the plains. Even here, it is not really a factor. We had a Thakur chief minister(Raman Singh) for three terms and he didnt lose because he wasnt an OBC, just that people were tired of him. But even if some people do vote on caste, there is no unified OBC vote. Otherwise, six months after the assembly elections, why did the Congress do so poorly in the Lok Sabha elections under an OBC chief minister? We even lost Durg, where four ministers come from. In fact, if we focus on this too much, the Sahus will move away from us further, the worker said, as the others nodded in agreement. This notion of Sahu anger is worrying for the Congress, because while there is little official data available on the caste break-up in the absence of a targeted census, both the BJP and the Congress calculations show they form the biggest chunk, around 12 to 15% of the population; followed by the Kurmis at between 6 to 9%.

There is another reason for simmering Sahu anger; a botched leadership struggle. In the wake of a sweeping Congress win in December 2018, uprooting the BJP that ruled for 15 years under Raman Singh, there were four claimants to the post of chief minister for the Congress: Baghel, TS Singhdeo, Charandas Mahant, and Tamradhwaj Sahu.

As the Congress dealt with personal ambition in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as well, there was a nervous wait in Chhattisgarh in the days after the counting day.

Eventually, all four leaders were called to Delhi. And for a while in Pauwara, Tamradhwaj Sahus village in Durg, right next to Patan, there was a wave of celebration. We got information that he would be made CM. But by the same evening, it became that it was between Baghel and Singhdeo and our tallest Sahu leader, who headed the OBC cell of the AICC, was pushed aside. Since then, he has been home minister but Baghel has controlled everything. Two months ago, they made Singhdeo deputy chief minister, and even then Sahu was ignored. Is this how an OBC party treats the tallest leader of the biggest OBC group? asked Siddeshwar Sahu of Pauwara.

Chandrashekar Sahu, former MP and advisor to the Sahu mahasabha said, It is true that in 2018 the Sahus turned towards the Congress which was very important in the partys sweep of the elections. This time, it seems the Sahus are returning to the BJP fold. However, there are some mistakes in candidate selection in around six seats that could cost them (the BJP).

But Sandeep Sahu, chairman of the Telghani Board said that the Sahus were happy, and put it down to pro-farmer schemes. Secondly, several Sahu leaders were given important posts by the Congress which never happened in the BJP rule.

Harsh Dubey, a Chhattisgarh-based political commentator said, The Sahus are the biggest OBC chunk in the state, after which it is the Kurmis. Traditionally the Sahus were with the BJP except in 2018. Baghel is a Kurmi leader so it is likely that a majority of the Kurmis will vote for him. There are other factors, like Tamradhwaj Sahu not becoming chief minister or deputy chief minister, and the communal incident in Biranpur where a Sahu boy was killed. The BJP has sensed this and centered their campaign on the Sahus in the plains.

Back at Yash Saloon in Patan, Dinesh Sahu continues to spell out his dilemma. As a Sahu, he wants to vote for the BJP. But as a farmer, his choice is clear.

Just look at the difference between the BJP and the Congress on paddy, he says. The conversation is not new, for paddy has always been a political motif in the state, perhaps the most significant issue running through the states 23-year history. Over his 15 years, at least for the first decade, Raman Singh was known as chawal vaale baba for his work on procurement, and the strengthening of the public distribution system.

But it was also rice that was the BJPs downfall, for the party struggled to live up to promises of a paddy bonus it made before 2018, juxtaposed with the Congress promise of a loan waiver and higher rates. The BJP would give us 1,900 per quintal, and even that they did only at the end. For five years the Congress has always given us higher and they waived loans. Right now we get around 2500 per quintal, and the government has said it will procure 20 quintals from us per acre instead of 15. The difference is clear, Sahu says.

In a sign that with polls to this region three weeks away (the plains go to the polls in the second phase on November 17), there are signs of a Congress pivot towards agriculture. On Monday, CM Baghel announced another loan waiver for farmers in a rally in Sakti, promising more such guarantees in the future.

A senior Congress leader told HT that they were conscious that going forward, farm issues had to be front and centre of the campaign.

We also anticipate that the BJP manifesto, that hasnt come out yet, will say something around farmers. We are waiting for that. But when they do, our attack will be on their credibility. They didnt do anything in 15 years, while we did in our five years. Besides, they have always argued against subsidies while the Congress believes in putting money in the hands of people, one Congress strategist said, asking not to be named. As he gets up to leave, Dinesh Sahu shakes the hand of the four BJP workers, with a final flourish.

If the BJP has a promise about paddy to make, Im still listening. If they dont, my choice will be made. At the end of the day, my home has to run, and that can only happen if I have money in the bank.

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Ahmedabad An independent expert committee that reviewed the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIMA) has listed key challenges faced by the institute in the wake of global competition, while calling for an improved strategic focus on retaining its top position. It also pulled up the institute for changing its logo and demolishing iconic dorms without consulting the alumni. IIM Ahmedabad (File)

The committee, led by former NASSCOM president Kiran Karnik, in its 71-page report has underscored several imperative recommendations, including enhancing inclusive decision-making and alumni involvement, improving rankings, prioritising world-class research, ensuring affordability for students, and preserving architectural heritage.

Many alumni are concerned about possible damage to IIMAs reputation as an eminent institution of repute because of its slippage on global rankings and some negative coverage in the media, the report, dated May 12 and recently uploaded on the institutes website, said. Having better mechanisms of engagement with alumni would help in removing some of the apprehensions on this front.

In 2009-10, IIMA ranked 11th in the FT (Financial Times) Rankings for the one-year programme and 41st in the Economist Rankings for the two-year programme. However, its current rankings have gone down to 51 in the FT Rankings and 99 in the Economist Rankings.

The committee report is in line with the IIM Act, 2017, which mandates that boards of each IIM conduct performance evaluations through an independent agency or group of experts and make it publicly available. Following its meetings in April and September last year, the IIMA board set up an independent expert group (IEG), chaired by Karnik and comprising Nagpurnanand Prabhala, professor, Johns Hopkins University; Janat Shah, professor, IIM-Udaipur; and Ram Singh, professor, Delhi School of Economics as its members.

In todays business school, there is no escape from peer-reviewed research that targets the top journals, the panel said, adding this directly impacts school rankings.

Rankings, for example, now need to relate to other global institutions and not just Indian ones. High-quality research  which is an important determinant of ranking  requires a global mindset in which research informs problems faced by businesses anywhere, including Indian businesses aspiring to be the best in class. Achieving this global best-in-class mindset requires freeing researchers to collaborate across boundaries, it said.

According to large recruiters, the report further said, the talent pool at IIMA continues to be unparalleled in India, and the skills and capabilities of its graduates are comparable to those of top schools in the world. Nevertheless, the gap between IIMA and other top institutions in India, such as ISB and IIM Bangalore, has been shrinking, it added.

The panel asked the institute to draw out a 10-year vision plan by an external agency working closely with the institute.

At the international level, the globalisation of the talent market means that IIMA has now to face challenges not only in recruiting, but also in retaining faculty. A similar challenge arises regarding students, many more of whom can now afford to study abroad (with many countries incentivising such cross-border flow of students from India). These are amplified by a major domestic change: allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India. This, and the increase in quality private business schools, means greater competition for faculty and students even within India, it said.

Many alumni, according to the panel report, are concerned over the demolition and reconstruction of the dorms on the IIMA old campus. It did not help matters that the dorm demolition decision came on the heels of the decision to change the IIMA logo without input from or communication with the alumni, the committee said. The dorms have enormous sentimental value to alums and great architectural significance historically. Their demolition with no communication or engagement from alumni has bred suspicions and mistrust, especially when joined with little to no communication about the new designs that will replace the old ones.

Last year, the IIMA board decided to change the iconic logo inspired by the latticework of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad  following the institute directors proposal, which faced opposition from a group of faculty and alumni. In 2020, a proposal to demolish the heritage structures at IIMA, starting with the iconic dorms designed by Louis Kahn, also sparked discontent among the faculty and alumni.

The review panel, without naming anyone, said the institute director should be first among equals rather than an all-powerful CEO. It added that the 10-year vision statement should include a commitment to inspirational architecture which should be emphasised along with all aspects of scholarship.

While the successful placement record mitigates concerns about investment in an IIMA education, scholarships remain quite critical for students from underprivileged backgrounds, the panel said, while recommending instituting a process for benchmarking fees against comparably ranked peers.

An IIMA official, when contacted, refused to comment on the expert panels recommendations.

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Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Tuesday called for the establishment of a national task force to address the pressing issue of stray dogs in India. Chidambaram stressed that a systematic and scientifically driven approach is imperative to tackle this problem effectively. The news of stray dogs attacking humans started trending on X after the news of Parag Desai's demise.(Photo: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only))

He emphasized the necessity of addressing the stray dogs issue on a national scale, asserting that it is unreasonable to expect inadequately equipped local administration authorities to effectively handle the problem.

"We need a national task force to deal with the #StrayDogs issue immediately," Chidambaram said in a social media post on X. "An ethical and scientific approach is needed. Expecting inadequately equipped local administration authorities to deal with this is pointless. I have highlighted the seriousness and urgency to the PMO."

Chidambaram's call for action comes in the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the life of Parag Desai, the executive director of the renowned Wagh Bakri Tea Group. Desai, aged 49, succumbed to severe brain injuries sustained after falling on a hard surface while being chased by stray dogs during an evening walk on October 15.

The private hospital in Ahmedabad where Desai was admitted immediately after the fall on October 15 evening, however, said no marks of dog bite were found on his body.

Shalby Hospital issued a statement saying "When the patient was brought to the facility in an unconscious state, it was stated that he fell after being chased by dogs, but apparently there were no dog bite marks on his body".

"When the patient was brought to the hospital at around 6 pm (on October 15), he was unconscious and not responding. A CT scan revealed acute subdural hematoma with bilateral frontal contusion. Desai was admitted to the ICU and advised to be kept under observation and treatment for 72 hours," it said.

Meanwhile, Sarkhej police in the city have registered a case of accidental death. Further investigation is underway, reported PTI quoting a police official.

Desai was one of the two executive directors on the board of the Ahmedabad-based tea group, the other being Paras Desai. Parag Desai was the son of Managing Director Rasesh Desai. He had done his MBA from Long Island University in the USA. He spearheaded sales, marketing and export departments for the group and was an expert tea tester and evaluator.

The incident has raised questions about the safety of pedestrians and residents amid the burgeoning population of stray dogs across India, especially in urban areas.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kunal Gaurav Kunal Gaurav is a multimedia journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. He handles daily editorial operations for the digital news desk, including news tracking, news prioritisation, writing and editing. ...view detail
The Gujarat hospital that treated Wagh Bakri Tea Group's executive director Parag Desai, has revealed there were no bite marks on his body when he came for treatment on October 15. Desai, the scion of the group whose annual turnover was 2000 crore last year, passed away on Sunday, days after he fell warding off street dogs. Parag Desai, executive director of Wagh Bakri, died on October 22 at the age of 49.

Desai, 49, is survived by his wife and daughter.

He was taking a stroll near his house in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on October 15, when he sustained a serious head injury. He was initially admitted to Ahmedabad's Shalby Hospital. After a day, he was transferred to Zydus Hospital in the city.

The Shalby Hospital has revealed there were no bite marks on him. It said in a statement that he was unconscious and not responding when brought to the emergency department of the hospital. It was stated that the patient fell down after being chased by dogs but apparently there were no dog bite marks on his body, it said.

The hospital diagnosed him as having acute subdural hematoma with bilateral frontal confusion.

Dr Nishita Shukla, Group COO, Shalby Hospitals, said they had asked to keep him under observation for 72 hours. He was discharged on the request of his relatives.

The company, in an Instagram post, shared, "With profound grief, we regret to inform the sad demise of our beloved Parag Desai".

Desai, the fourth-generation entrepreneur, held an MBA degree from the Long Island University in New York, USA. He spearheaded the company's sales, marketing and export division.

Son of managing director Rasesh Desai, Parag Desai joined the business in 1995. He spearheaded the company's transition into a 2000 crore behemoth from 100 crore firm.

Meanwhile, Kamna Pandey, an animal rights activist, said on X that Desai was a staunch supporter of street dogs.

"The animal welfare community deeply mourns the passing of Shri Parag Desai, Wagh Bakri Tea group executive Director, who was a generous benefactor of the cause and a staunch supporter of street dogs. His demise is a huge and personal loss to all of us who care about animals," she wrote.

He said since he was a dog lover, it was impossible that he panicked.

"Whereas the official statement of the group as well as the fact is that he died of the brain from the injury sustained in a fall during his morning walk. Given his strong support of street dogs and his familiarity with their behaviour, and it is a well-known fact that dogs can never attack any dog lover, it is not possible that he would have been panicked by them barking or running," she added.

She said the dogs may have been barking to draw attention to Desai seeking help.

"However, when this incessant barking got peoples attention, their perception became that he was attacked," she added.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vaibhav Tiwari Multimedia journalist with over 12 years of experience. Loves news, lives for motorcycles, music and movies! ...view detail
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday posted a set of 5 questions for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X on the 175th day of violence in Manipur, asking why N Biren Singh is still being allowed to continue as the chief minister of the state. Ramesh accused PM Modi of abandoning the people of Manipur when they needed his "intervention and outreach" the most. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh(ANI)

"The people of Manipur and the entire Northeast are closely watching how the Prime Minister has abandoned the state of Manipur at a time when his intervention and outreach was needed the most. He cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis," he wrote on X.

"Why is the CM who is so thoroughly discredited across sections of Manipur's society still being allowed to continue?" he added.

In his attack, Ramesh claimed the Union Minister of State of External Affairs who represents Manipur (Inner) in the Lok Sabha (RK Ranjan Singh), hadn't been able to meet PM Modi.

Also read: Peace will be restored, people will be happy: Manipur CM N Biren Singh

He claimed PM Modi only spoke on the subject of violence for five minutes

"Why has the PM who pontificates on all subjects not seen it fit to speak on Manipur publicly for more than 4-5 minutes at most, that too in a routine manner and after immense pressure from the Opposition?" he wrote.

He asked why PM Modi, "who loves to travel at the drop of a hat", did not visit Manipur to show his concern.

At least 178 people have died and 50,000 have been displaced in ethnic clashes since May.

The opposition has been demanding sacking of N Biren Singh for not being able to control violence for over three months.

Ramesh's questions come on a day when RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat mentioned Manipur in his annual Vijayadashami address.

"Manipur, which had been peaceful for almost a decade has suddenly seen mutual discord and conflict. Who has a vested interest in trying to disturb the atmosphere ? Which are the forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is taken for peace," he said.

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Bengaluru Two separate cases have been filed at Karkala town police station in Udupi district, police said (HT Archives)

Cases have been registered against both Congress and BJP leaders following a dispute surrounding the construction of a Parashurama statue at Bailur near Karkala in Karnatakas Udupi district, police officials said.

The issue of the Parashurama statue in Karkala has escalated into a statewide controversy, fuelled by concerns about the statues authenticity in the Parashurama theme park. Two separate cases have been filed at Karkala town police station, police said

A case has been registered against Congress leaders who, in their quest for authenticity, removed the protective cover and finishing coating from the bronze statue. Congress workers also scaled the statue in an attempt to validate its original form, leading to charges of defacing the statue and damaging government property, said an official of Karkala police sation aware of the matter, adding that they have been accused of spreading false information.

On the other hand, BJP leaders conducted a reality check to affirm that the Parashurama statue is indeed made of bronze, resulting in a case registered against them for damaging public property and inciting religious sentiments. Another police case has been initiated, this time regarding the desecration of a religious site. One Divya Naik has filed a complaint against the BJP leaders, the police official said.

The controversy stems from allegations that a fake Parashurama statue was erected for political gain, just months before assembly elections. It has since been removed in the name of incomplete work. It has been revealed that the original statue consisted of a combination of materials, with only the top portion being constructed of bronze. Congress leaders allege that the BJP has exploited religion under the pretext of honouring the Tulunads creator.

Parasurama theme parks construction occurred on gomala land (government land reserved to pasture animals), despite a government order explicitly prohibiting the allocation of such land for other purposes in March. Allegations of unauthorized work funded by various government departments have further fuelled the dispute,

We are not against the construction of Parashurama statue  Congress party leader Shubhda Rao told reporters. He said the genuineness of the statue should be checked, as people have doubts about it. Shubhada Rao emphasised that if the statue is indeed counterfeit, those responsible must face legal consequences.

Parashurama statue is genuine and constructed entirely of bronze, former minister and Karkala MLA V Sunil Kumar told HT. He clarifies that certain parts of the statue required alterations based on expert advice to ensure public safety and strength. He suggests that baseless allegations serve to politicize the matter, potentially undermining the districts tourism industry.

A crucial development in the ongoing controversy is the removal of half of the bronze Parashurama statue on Umil Hill in Karkala taluk. During the BJP government, only 6.5 crore was allocated for the 14.5 crore Parashurama Theme Park project. The Congress government has halted the release of the remaining 8 crore. MLA Sunil Kumar expresses readiness to face any investigation, including a CBI inquiry, if concerns of the statues authenticity persist.

The statue was dismantled due to some defects in construction of statue, Udupi DC K Vidya Kumari told HT. She said the lightning proof was not installed earlier , now it will be installed . A team of experts from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) will meticulously assess each stage of the statues construction to ensure its structural integrity and construction would be completed in next two months, she added.

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Kolkata: The newly installed plaques at Visva Bharati university in West Bengal, which triggered a row for omitting the name of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, will soon be replaced with new ones, a university spokesperson said. Santiniketans UNESCO tag plaques will be replaced, says a spokesperson of Visva Bharti. (HT )

Santiniketan town in Birbhum district, where Tagore built Visva-Bharati over a century ago, was included in UNESCOs world heritage list in September.

Visva-Bharati  the only central university in the state - installed three plaques featuring the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who happens to be the chancellor of the university and the vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty, but omitting he name of Tagore.

The plaques are temporary in nature. They were just installed to earmark the heritage site. They will be replaced by new ones having inscriptions which would be provided by the Archaeological Survey of India and the UNESCO, said Mahua Banerjee, spokesperson of the university.

HT reported that the current plaques, which were installed late last week, triggered a row as the name of Tagore was omitted even as they carried the names of Modi and Chakrabarty.

UNESCO specifically said they are honouring Rabindranath Tagore and his unique legacy by declaring Santiniketan as a World Heritage Site. A megalomaniac VC and his boss seem to think UNESCO is honouring them!! Jawhar Sircar, Rajya Sabha MP of Trinamool Congress and a former bureaucrat, posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Tagores great grand nephew Supriyo Thakur also expressed his displeasure over the issue. I am not in Santiniketan at the moment but I have heard the news. The present authorities are trying to wipe out the name of Tagore from Visva-Bharati, Thakur said over phone. There should be some protest. Those who have done it should be taught a lesson.

University officials said that they have already got in touch with the Archaeological Survey of India and the latter is likely to send the text for the inscription on the new plaques by the end of October.

ASI is likely to send the text for the inscription by October-end. This would include a proper historical background of the heritage site. UNESCO is also likely to send their text for inscription but that will take some time, said Banerjee.

India was sought a UNESCO tag for this cultural site in Birbhum district for years. The decision to include Santiniketan in the list was taken at the 45th session of the world heritage committee held in Saudi Arabia in September.
A section of omnibus operators in Tamil Nadu announced on Tueday that it will go on strike from 6 pm to object the state government's recent crackdown on them for overcharging. Around 120 buses have been detained and their owners have been penalised for charging surged fares. Passengers were reportedly deboarded from many vehicles by officials during the drive. The Tamil Nadu Omnibus Owners' Association steered clear of the protest (AFP Photo)

A member of the the All Omnibus Owners' Association complained that the government officials failed to consider the safety and comfort of passengers and arranged alternative vehicles to continue their journey.

The concerned association urged the state government to take its final call on the matter or buses will cease to operate.

However, the Tamil Nadu Omnibus Owners' Association steered clear of the protest saying the government drive was carried out on buses operating in the state those registered in other states. Around 80% of the state's omnibuses are operated under the association and it said passengers will not face any hurdle to comute as it is not going to stage any protest.

More than 1,500 buses are under our Union. Today morning, we suddenly heard news that Omni buses won't function after 6 p.m. The strike by other unions is not linked to our association. People don't need to panic. Our association's 1700 buses will function as usual. The impounding of Omni buses is true. That is due to the registration of buses in other states, which is creating losses for Tamil Nadu. We need government support. There is no strike. We don't know about other association strikes. The Southern States Omni Buses Association is in talks with the Transport Minister regarding their strike, the official said.

(With ANI inputs)

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Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday hit back at Digvijaya Singh over the Congress leader's nautanki (drama) jibe at the former's Kanya Puja.



When the whole nation was doing 'kanya pujan' yesterday, Digvijaya Singh ji called this 'natak-nautanki'. People like you can't tolerate the respect given to women.I ask Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi that is worshipping our daughters a 'nautanki'? Congress should clear its stand on this, Chouhan told news agency ANI. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan(PTI)

On Monday, Singh had lashed out at Chouhan over the kanya puja offered by him at his residence on the last day of Navratri. "Don't talk about the chief minister. I have never seen such a liar chief minister. I have never seen such a person engaged in drama. Now, even PM Modi is scared of him", the former Madhya Pradesh CM was quoted by ANI as saying.



ALSO READ: Can Shivraj Singh Chouhan pull off a fourth term win?



More than 300 girls had attended the kanya puja offered by Chouhan and his wife Sadhna Singh at their residence in Bhopal on Monday.

These girls have come to their Mama's home today. They are not just daughters, I see Goddesses in each one of them. I washed their feet thinking of them as Goddesses. I want to send a message that daughters should be respected, they should be given their appropriate position, he was quoted by ANI as saying.

The nine-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. The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.

Madhya Pradesh, currently ruled by the BJP under chief ministership of Chouhan, goes to poll on November 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.

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The Statue of Unity, a towering tribute to India's Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, situated on the banks of the majestic Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat's Kevadia, has witnessed a remarkable surge in its annual footfall. In less than five years since its inauguration, this colossal monument has welcomed nearly 1.6 crore visitors. Gujarat: Statue of Unity depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the towering figure of India's independence movement.(Photo by Shishir Gupta)

The statistics document seen by HT shows that the footfall at the Statue of Unity has consistently increased over the years, barring 2020 when Covid pandemic wreaked havoc across the world.

In the first two months after the monument's inauguration  the Statue of Unity was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Patel's 143rd birth anniversary on October 31, 2018  the world's tallest statue witnessed a whopping 453,020 visitors, followed by over 27 lakh visitors in 2019. Even in 2020, the year tourism sector was battered by a once-in-a-century pandemic and subsequent movement restrictions, nearly 13 lakh tourists flocked to the Statue of Unity. While the country was still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Statue of Unity saw a footfall of over 34 lakh in 2021.

Last year saw highest to date footfall with 43.8 lakh visitors and 2023 has already recorded 35.9 lakh footfall with more than two months still to go.

One of the key highlights that has further solidified its status as a prominent tourist attraction is the annual visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 to pay homage to Sardar Patel. The PM's visit not only signifies the importance of the statue but also draws attention to the importance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contribution to the nation.

The Statue of Unity is not only a site for tourists but also serves as a venue for significant national and international events. Various conferences, including the Directors General of Police (DGs) conference, ambassador's conference, and heads of mission meetings, have been held at this iconic location.

In December 2018, the three-day All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police was organized in Kevadia, and was addressed by Prime Minister Modi. The ministry of external affairs organized a three-day Heads of Missions Conference in Kevadia last year on October 20-22. Prime Minister Modi also participated in the conference that brought together 118 heads of Indian missions (ambassadors and high commissioners) from all over the world.

These events provided a unique backdrop for meaningful discussions and diplomatic endeavours and kept a constant spotlight at the emerging tourist hub as well.

The Statue of Unity stands as a testimony to the unity and diversity of India and is likely to continue attracting tourists from across the globe.

The remarkable success of the Statue of Unity not only pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but also cements its position as a symbol of national pride and a vibrant hub for cultural and diplomatic exchanges. It is a testament to India's rich heritage and a beacon for the future of Indian tourism.

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Uttar Pradesh's basic education department has issued a notice stating that madrasas found operating in Muzaffarnagar without registration will have to pay a penalty of 10,000 per day. About 4,000 madrasas in the state are under the scanner for receiving foreign funds.(Image for representation)

The notice was issued by an officer of the basic education department to over a dozen madrasas operating without proper registration and they were asked to produce relevant documents.

According to officials, there are about 24,000 madrasas in Uttar Pradesh, of which 16,000 are recognised and 8,000 unrecognised.

The madrasas which have been issued notices have been asked to produce their relevant documents within three days of receiving the order or face action according to the rules.

"If the madrasas are found operating without recognition, they will be fined 10,000 per day," the notice read.

Muzaffarnagar Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Shubham Shukla said the district minority department has informed his office that more than a hundred madrasas being run here do not have registration or recognition in the district and are functioning against the norms.

Taking strong exception to the notice served to madrasas, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, an organisation of Indian Muslims, called the education department's order "unlawful".

Maulana Zakir Husain, secretary of the Uttar Pradesh unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, said the madrasas in the state are "being harassed by serving them illegal notices only to target a particular community".

"The madrasas are providing free of cost education to the students, they will not be able to pay the fine of 10,000 per day," Husain said.

Meanwhile, according to a senior official in Lucknow, about 4,000 madrasas in the state are under the scanner for receiving foreign funds.

The state government has set up a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to investigate 4,000 madrasas, most of them run along the Indo-Nepal border, which are allegedly receiving funds from abroad, the official said.

The SIT will examine if the money received by them was used in any illegal activities, such as terrorism or forcible religious conversion, the official added.
Former IAS officer and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide V K Pandian has been appointed Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiatives) with the rank of a cabinet minister, an official notification said on Tuesday. The development comes less than 24 hours after Pandian's request for voluntary retirement from government service was approved. Pandian will work directly under chief minister Patnaik. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik with his close aide VK Pandian.(Odisha CMO)

"V K Pandian is hereby appointed as Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister. Pandian shall work directly under the Chief Minister," said a notification by the general administration and public grievance department.

Pandian applied for VRS on October 20, people familiar with the matter told HT.

Who is VK Pandian?

The 2000 batch IAS officer, who started his career as Dharmagarh sub-collector in Kalahandi district, joined the Odisha CMO in 2011 and became the most trusted lieutenant of Naveen Patnaik. VK Pandian hails from Tamil Nadu and began his career as an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer in the Punjab cadre. However, his career took a significant turn when got Odisha cadre by virtue of his marriage to Odia IAS officer, Sujata Rout.

Emergence of VK Pandian key player in Odisha politics

Pandian's most prominent role as a bureaucrat was serving as the private secretary to Patnaik, a position he has held for over a decade. This role granted him substantial influence within the power corridors of Odisha.

After the 2019 Assembly polls, Pandian's stature grew as he was appointed the 5T Secretary. The 5T initiative aims to bring transparency and teamwork to government departments in Odisha. Although there is no official 5T department, Pandian used this position to intervene in all government projects. Over the years, ministers and MLAs have queued up to seek an audience with the chief minister, making him a key intermediary in government matters.

Controversy

Pandian has been at the centre of a raging controversy as he embarked on a whirlwind tour to all 30 districts of Odisha using the state chopper. The opposition parties have alleged that these tours appeared more like rallies of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), raising questions about their nature and intent.

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi who petitioned the DoPT seeking punitive action against the 49-year-old officer over alleged violation of All India Service (Conduct) Rules, had alleged that he was crossing the red line and should formally join politics after resigning from IAS.

Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka said that he would not be surprised if Pandian took charge as the chief minister of Odisha before the next elections.

"...such is the power structure in Odisha, no one has clue what's happening but everyone knows who's controlling. VRS approved in 3 days during holidays - Super Fast," he said in a post on X.

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Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday said he will not share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he comes here to campaign for the ensuing assembly elections. Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga (File Photo)

PM Modi is likely to visit Mamit town in the western part of the state on October 30, and campaign for the BJP candidates.

"The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party," Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview.

"It will be better if the prime minister comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself," he said.

Zoramthanga's MNF is a part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and an ally of the NDA at the Centre. However, the party does not work with the BJP in Mizoram.

The chief minister said that the MNF joined the NDA and NEDA as it is totally against the Congress, and does not want to be part of any alliance led by it.

On giving shelter to people from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Manipur, Zoramthanga said that the Mizoram government was following the footsteps of the Centre.

"The Indian government helped the refugees from the erstwhile East Pakistan and even armed them to attain independence. We don't arm the refugees from Myanmar but we simply provide them food and shelter on humanitarian grounds," he said.

More than 40,000 people from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Manipur are taking shelter in the state.

Zoramthanga said that it was the responsibility of the Centre to restore peace in Manipur so that people can go back to their native state.

Mizoram will vote for its 40-member assembly on November 7, and the votes will be counted on December 3.
Dussehra is celebrated annually by Hindus all across the country. Also known as Vijayadashami, it falls on the tenth day of Navratri or the fifth day of Durga Puja. This year, it falls on October 24. The day marks the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama defeated Lanka King Ravana, and Goddess Durga gained victory over the demon Mahishasura. Dussehra also marks the beginning of Diwali preparations because it falls 20 days after Vijayadashami. Dusshera 2023 wishes, messages, greetings, quotes and images to share with your loved ones on Vijayadashami.

Hindus celebrate Dussehra by lighting Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnad effigies, attending grand melas, eating delicious food, and more. Additionally, during Vijayadashami celebrations, devotees take idols of Maa Durga in large processions for its visarjan in holy water bodies. This year, if you and your loved ones are celebrating Dussehra or Vijayadashami, exchange these wishes and messages over social media.

Dussehra 2023: Vijayadashami Wishes, Messages, Greetings and Quotes

May Lord Rama shower his choicest wishes over you and your family and remove all evil obstacles in life. Happy Dussehra.

Happy Dussehra or Vijayadashami to you and your loved ones. (Unsplash )

I hope Goddess Durga keeps showering you and your loved ones with blessings and love. Have a prosperous and Happy Vijayadashami.

Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil. May this day give you and your loved ones the strength to live a righteous life. Happy Dussehra.

May Lord Rama bless you with strength and courage to follow the path of virtue and righteousness. Shubh Vijayadashami.

Dussehra falls on October 24 this year. (Pixabay)

Always remember no matter how thick the darkness is, a faint glimmer of light can kill it all. Happy Dussehra.

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won." - Mahatma Gandhi

Darkness will be there, and sometimes it will feel unending  but at the end of the tunnel, there is always light. Happy Vijayadashami.

Dussehra or Vijayadashami falls on the tenth day of Navratri or the fifth day of Durga Puja. (Unsplash)

"Remember nobody is good or bad. They are either strong or weak. Strong people stick to their morals, no matter what the trials and tribulations. Weak people, many times, do not even realise how low they have sunk." - Amish Tripathi.

May you find love, light and happiness in all things that you pursue. Happy Dussehra to you and your family.

May Goddess Durga shower her choicest blessings over you and your family and remove all evil obstacles in life. Happy Vijayadashami!

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Attention all stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts! Get ready to witness the celestial spectacle of a partial lunar eclipse set to grace the night sky on October 28-29. Earlier this month, we were treated to the sight of an annular solar eclipse visible from earth. However, the celestial show isn't over yet in October 2023, as the moon is up next for its own eclipse. According to NASA, lunar eclipses occur during the full moon phase. When the moon and sun are exactly aligned, the earth's shadow falls on the moon's surface, darkening it and sometimes turning it a bright red for a few hours. When the earth positions itself between the full moon and the sun, it results in a partial lunar eclipse. To get all the essential details about this awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon, from dates to timings, continue reading. (Also read: Solar and Lunar Eclipse in October 2023: When and where to see Surya and Chandra Grahan ) Partial lunar eclipse 2023: When, where and how to watch Chandra Grahan(Satyabrata Tripathy/HT Photo)

Partial lunar eclipse 2023: Time and date

According to the Press Information Bureau, while the moon will enter the penumbral phase at midnight on October 28, the umbral phase, where the eclipse becomes more pronounced, will begin in the early hours of October 29. The umbral phase of this lunar eclipse will begin at 1:05 am on October 29 and will end at 2:24 am. The total duration of the eclipse will be 1 hour and 19 minutes, according to the government agency.

Will partial lunar eclipse be visible in India?

According to space.com, this lunar spectacle will be visible from a number of locations. These include Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North/East South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic and Antarctica. India, in particular, will have a clear view of the moon's gradual darkening around midnight, according to the PIB. The path from which the lunar eclipse can be viewed has been plotted by In-The-Sky.org, with New Delhi in particular offering a southern view of the event. According to In-the-sky, the moon will be 62 degrees above the horizon at the peak of the eclipse.

How to watch partial lunar eclipse?

You don't need any special equipment to view this event; all you need is some knowledge of the timing of the eclipse, a blanket and a comfortable chair. Astrophotographers can use a camera with a telescopic lens to capture the eclipse, and the use of binoculars can enhance the experience. The partial lunar eclipse will be streamed live and for free on the Time and Date YouTube channel, so even if you are not in the path of the eclipse, you can still watch it there. If you miss this partial eclipse, don't worry, the moon will return to the earth's shadow on September 17, 2024, when it will be visible in its entirety across most of Europe and all of North America.

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Do you wish to embark on an international holiday but don't have a visa? Well don't worry, here's some good news. Recently, Sri Lanka has announced a visa-free entry initiative for visitors from India and six other countries including China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. This move opens up exciting possibilities for seamless travel between the two neighbouring countries. While this is a notable update, it's worth exploring the wider landscape of visa-free travel options for Indian citizens worldwide. Sri Lanka recently announced a visa-free initiative for Indian travellers.(Pixabay)

The first thing that comes to mind when making plans to travel abroad is obtaining a visa. However, there are a few countries where Indian citizens do not require a visa and a few where they can obtain a visa on arrival. According to the Passport Index by Henley and Partners 2023, Indian passport holders can travel to 57 countries without a visa. Indian citizens can also visit the countries on the list below with an e-visa or entry authorisation. But which countries allow visa-free travel for Indian passport holders? The list is below, have a look! (Also read:

Top Visa-Free Travel Destinations for Indian Passport Holders

Indian passport holders can travel to 57 countries without a visa. For your next International vacay here are the top 10 most exotic visa-free countries for Indian citizens who hold a valid passport.

1. Barbados

Known as the 'Jewel of the Caribbean', Barbados is renowned for having some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Rockley Beach is considered to be Barbados' most stunning beach. This long stretch of sand is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the warm weather without the crowds. To secure a visa on arrival in Barbados, all you need to do is obtain prior confirmation.

2. Dominica

Dominica, a mountainous Caribbean island nation, enjoys warm, tropical weather. All you have to do is book your flights to Dominica from India to visit this stunning nation. Indian nationals visiting Dominica for business or pleasure for a period of six months are exempt from the visa requirement.

3. Haiti

The Dominican Republic shares borders with this Caribbean nation. Therefore, if you hold an Indian passport, you may enter the country and remain for up to 90 days without a visa.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its white sand beaches, stunning lagoons and coral reefs. Indian passport holders can stay in Mauritius for 90 days without a visa.

5. Nepal

Nepal, one of the most revered nations in the world, is known for its stunning farmlands, picturesque villages, vibrant cities and a number of mountaineering sites. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal; however, those from other countries require a visa that is valid for six months from the date of issue.

6. Maldives

The Maldives is a South Asian country that is one of the many island destinations where you can soak up the sun, enjoy balmy weather and spend quality time in luxury resorts. Indian passport holders do not require any form of visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days for the purpose of tourism.

7. Bhutan

Due to Bhutan's proximity to India, entry into the country is not too difficult. Best of all, you don't need a visa to enter Bhutan from India. All you need is a valid passport or other form of identification. If your visit to Bhutan is for seven days or less, you do not need a visa.

8. Hong Kong

Hong Kong, arguably one of the most famous regions in China, offers a blend of stunning natural and architectural features. Indian passport holders do not require an Indian visa to enter Hong Kong. An individual may enter Hong Kong without a visa for a maximum of 14 days.

9. Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 islands off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is an ideal location for eco-friendly travel. It is a visa-free country, but a permit must be obtained on arrival from the Seychelles Immigration Department. This permit is valid for 30 days.

10. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is New Zealand's beautiful island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with pleasant weather, stunning beaches and a welcoming and friendly culture. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. Although a visa is not required, the following requirements must be met: Possess a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure and has an empty page for visas.

Several other countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements for Indian visitors, such as Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoros, Djibouti, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Madagascar and many more. Although the visa is free, it is important to remember to check the instructions and requirements for your trip, including the duration of your visa-free stay, before purchasing your tickets. A traveller must be aware of certain regulations.

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The number of tourists visiting Greece has hit a record high since the start of the year, despite a heatwave and fierce wildfires over the summer, according to official statistics released Monday. From January to the end of August, 22.65 million people visited the Mediterranean country renowned for its Aegean islands and ancient sites such as the Acropolis in the capital Athens. (Also Read | Japan mulls lifting ban on ride sharing amid shortage of drivers) From January to the end of August, 22.65 million people visited the Mediterranean country renowned for its Aegean islands and ancient sites. (Pexels )

It was an 18.4 percent increase over last year, the country's central bank, the Bank of Greece, said. The visitor numbers for the first eight months of the year also exceeded the record set in 2019, which saw 21.84 million visitors.

Arrival numbers then plunged in 2020 and 2021 after travel restrictions imposed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Officials had feared that several forest fires that broke out starting in July, when Greece was hit by a prolonged heatwave with temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit) in the south of the country, would again deter tourists.

The fires led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, including many tourists, from two top Greek island resorts, Rhodes and Corfu, in the face of the advancing flames.

The country was again hit by fires the following month.

Overall the fires, fanned by the dry, windy and hot conditions, left 26 dead and blackened around 150,000 hectares (370,000 acres).

American tourists provided the biggest leap in numbers so far this year, with a 50.3 percent jump in August compared to the period in 2022.

Tourism generates around a quarter of Greece's GDP, and some critics warn of the impact of "overtourism" on some islands and exorbitant prices on others.

A "beach towel movement" initiative emerged over the summer, with locals denouncing the appropriation of many beaches by businesses deploying parasols and deckchairs rented by the day, some at high rates.

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Indias security conditions have worsened over the last decade. While the terrorist threat from Pakistan has receded, the threat from China has grown dramatically. President Xi Jinpings refusal to even attend the Delhi G20 Summit underlines the problem. While Indias security challenges are known, what is less understood is the concerted effort by the Narendra Modi government to reform the Indian military to meet the challenges. These reforms have only just begun but their effectiveness will depend on current efforts and the priorities of the government after the general election. Nonetheless, they point to the momentous changes currently underway in the Indian military. PREMIUM Defence reforms reimagine the relationship between the defence ministry and the military and foster greater inter-services collaboration(File Photo / HT)

One set of reforms has to do with Indias strategic reorientation. Following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, the Indian military has accelerated the process of rebalancing away from Pakistan and towards the threat from China. This has involved relocation of forces, and reorientation of units through fresh tasking and re-orbatting. Parallelly, the Indian Navy and Air Force have also looked to bolster their force postures through new acquisitions, deployments, and doctrines. Most consequentially, over the last decade, India has grown closer to the US and its partners in the security arena. This includes closer security ties with the US and bilateral security partnerships with several Indo-Pacific countries.

This has not been a smooth process. But gloomy headlines about the trials and tribulations of these relationships mask a larger trend. India now has bilateral logistics agreements with many countries that have interests in the Indo-Pacific including the US, Japan, Australia, France, South Korea, and Singapore. This would have been unimaginable a decade ago. The Indo-US logistics agreement, LEMOA, took a decade to negotiate. However once LEMOA was approved, agreements with other countries came in rapid succession and without much controversy. Such agreements allow Indian forces access to bases in other countries in the Indo-Pacific, and vice versa.

For a country that was vehemently opposed to foreign military presence for many decades, this is a revolutionary change. These bilateral agreements are also underwritten by minilateral security cooperation with many partners in the Indo-Pacific. This includes Quad but also other minilaterals with France, Japan, Australia, Britain, and Italy. This network of partnerships is focused on enhancing Indian and regional military capabilities to counter possible Chinese belligerence in the Indo-Pacific.

The Modi administration has institutionalised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position, established the department of military affairs (DMA) and made a concerted effort to promote jointness within the military, including ambitions to establish joint theatre commands. Many of these reforms were originally suggested by the Group of Ministers on National Security in the aftermath of the Kargil War but have been hanging fire due to a variety of bureaucratic and inter-services disputes.

At their core, the reforms reimagine the relationship between the defence ministry and the military and foster greater inter-services collaboration. The reforms promise to obviate many of the structural weaknesses in Indias civil-military relations and augment other elements of its military power. However, the prolonged delay in creating even one joint theatre command is indicative of continuing bureaucratic resistance.

Indeed, on that count, the Modi government seems more satisfied with proclaiming public credit than following through on its vision. Even with such (uneven) progress, challenges remain. China is on its way to building the largest navy and can soon be expected to have multiple carrier battle groups operating in the region. In the meantime, in relative terms, Indias naval capabilities have been deteriorating. Similarly, the Indian airpower is also facing difficulties because of a depleting squadron strength. The paucity of resources is not the only challenge. Bureaucratic rivalries between civilians and the military as well as within the military continue to impact the reform process. Undertaking a strategic reorientation and military reforms simultaneously was always going to be complicated.

The results of these efforts will not be fully apparent for some time to come. But these initiatives represent the most dramatic effort at altering Indias strategic reorientation and reforming the Indian military since the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Taken together, they have the potential to alter for the better the various elements of the Indian military power.

Rajagopalan, Mukherjee and Rajeev are the co-editors of a recent ORF-RSIS report, Momentous Changes: Defence Reforms, Military Transformation, and Indias New Strategic Posture. The views expressed are personal
The changing habits of information seekers regarding internet search engines call for an intervention by the Government of India as a watchdog, to ensure fair play between the content provider and the big tech companies and Meta. In 2022, nearly 99,000 search queries were processed by Google itself every second across the globe. The range of information is spread across varied subjects besides just news. The backend for this search engine includes thumbnails, headlines and snippets from the content provider. Representational image

The two important actors for collating and disseminating content to the seeker with the spread of the internet are the publisher and the intermediary. It is important to understand the legal positioning of these two players in India and their B2B arrangements for sharing content.

The issue on the table is the B2B commercial relationship between the content supplier (publisher) and these big tech companies and Meta, which spread content through their algorithms.

By providing snippets, these companies infringe upon the publisher's content rights (content collected, collated, verified and brought in print  either in print or electronic format) as users don't click on the website link of the publisher. Data shows 65 percent of search concludes in the intermediary platform itself. Hence, the intermediary (big tech) search is no longer just providing the index but an intelligent and comprehensive engine using AI (artificial intelligence). It enables the context of search queries, providing a good filter to provide near-accurate results. This gives rise to the issue of these companies being liable to pay content providers for using their content on their respective platforms.

This issue has triggered concerns across the globe. Authorities in several nations are attempting to address this issue by bringing new legislations, regulations, directives and rules to define the publisher, intermediary, and provide power to make rules, arbitration provisions, arbitration processes, mandatory registration for publishers etc.

In India, however, the comprehensive Information-Technology Act, 2000, already provides legal provisions for all of the above. The possible solution, therefore, is to immediately amend the rules to make it mandatory for these companies to pay for the use of content provided by the publisher. Negotiations can be done individually by publishers or collectively. The act already has provisions for oversight by a government controller to ensure fair play and flag mandate for grievance redressal, arbitration and appeals.

The Information-Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, can further be expanded as they provide for compensating the publisher -- which is the content gatherer -- for the usage of its content by the 'intermediary' curator/aggregator.

Thus the IT Act 2000, which other countries are attempting to emulate by bringing out new legislations, already empowers the Government of India to authorize amendments to rules.

The content providerpublisher has been defined and covered in the amendment to rule under IT Act 2000 as listed above. Subsequently, it can be incorporated in the proposed comprehensive Digital Bill, which provides the following.

1. Enabler to the government to regulate that big companies do negotiate with publishers and have B2B written agreements for revenue sharing. Government to have tools to monitor, and if needed, force these negotiations.

2. Good faith business for the digital platform. The two sides should mandatorily enter negotiations and if an agreement is reached, both parties must notify the nodal officer/agency, specially appointed for this purpose.

3. To permit bargaining by individual, company or collective mechanisms and monitor that the publishers large and small get a fair deal. To collectively negotiate with large online platforms over the terms and conditions of the platforms use of content.

4. The provision to ensure that providers do not violate federal anti-trust laws when they negotiate with large online platforms or withhold content from large online platforms.

5. The rule to prohibit platforms from retaliating against providers for participating in collective negotiations or arbitration authorized by blocking their sites.

6. To have B2B relationship for use of content and share of revenue with the publisher and compensation to the injury caused due to fall of revenue.

7. Big tech companies and Meta as the intermediary to have transparent and fair mechanisms for revenue sharing.

8. Flag the proviso in the main act to have the mechanism of grievance redressal.

9. Similarly flag the proviso of adjudicating, arbitration and appellate

Hence, there is an immediate need to bring amendments to the rules to stop the injury to the publisher and monopolistic activity of the big tech companies under the existing Information Technology Act 2000 (amended in 2008) Sec 87, to ensure these companies don't take advantage of content producers and owners.

Views expressed in the article solely belong to the author. HT Digital Streams is not responsible for the views, arguments and issues raised in this piece.

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I am guessing that you like baked beans. Most of us dont mind them. After all, whats not to like: its just a question of putting rajma in a light tomato sauce? How can anyone object to that! No matter how much you like baked beans, you will never love them as much as the British. (Unsplash )

But no matter how much you like baked beans, you will never love them as much as the British. According to Heinz which dominates the UK baked beans market, 43% of Brits eat baked beans at least once a week.

And yet, though they love them so much, adds Heinz, about 20% of all baked beans fans eat them all wrong. So, Heinz, has recently issued a five-point guide to tell you how you should store, cook and eat baked beans.

Step one is that baked beans lovers should first toast two side of white farmhouse bread, ie: commercial or supermarket bread: none of that Continental Sour Dough nonsense for Brits. Step two says that cans of beans must always be stored upside down and then shaken for five second before opening to evenly distribute the tomato sauce.

Step three is to gently warm the beans on your hob (gas or electric) but to NEVER BOIL. (The capital letters form part of Henizs instructions). Step four is to use unsalted butter on the toast. And step five is to carefully spoon the beans on the toast, not to drown your toast with beans.

Frankly most of this sounds pretty self-evident to me --- and I am not a great fan of Heinz Baked Beans which I, like a good Indian, often find too bland, even at breakfast time.

And anyway, shouldnt it be us who are asking some tough questions to manufacturers of baked beans, not listening to all this nonsense about lovingly spooning the beans on the bread?

Lets start with the obvious one: why do you call them baked beans when no baking is involved in their preparation?

Yes, thats correct, the cooking process consists of putting the beans in the can, adding the tomato sauce, sealing the can and cooking the beans afterwards, when they are already in the can, by applying heat which steams the inside of the can and cooks the beans.

Besides, it might be worth pointing out that though the Brits love them so much, baked beans are not a British dish. They are, in fact, American and some theories about their invention suggest that this was a native American dish that was taken over (like the continent itself) by white people.

The reason they could not have been British is because the beans themselves did not exist anywhere in Europe . They were among the foods discovered in the New World. The same species of bean eventually travelled the world under many guises : as pinto beans, kidney beans, haricot beans and our very own rajma beans which were probably planted in North India by the Raj. It is possible that the rajma bean was brought to India first by the Portuguese or the Spanish but as those Europeans never made it to North India, it was never planted or properly cultivated here till the Brits started the practice .

The relatively recent introduction of the bean to the old world makes a hash of many origin stores for famous European dishes. For instance, the French say that cassoulet, their famous bean stew, predates the discovery of America which is impossible because the bean only reached France several decades after Europeans first found it in America. Even the North Indian claim that rajma-chawal is an ancient delicacy, originating perhaps in Jammu, is nonsense. It is a relatively modern dish, based on a colonially introduced ingredient.

Similarly, Heinz only began canning its baked beans at the end of the 19th century. The dish started out as a version of an American New England favourite in which beans were cooked with fatty pork and some sweeteners (sugar or molasses). In the US, Heinz canned a version that bore more resemblance to the New England dish but in the UK, the sweet content was reduced, the flavour profile was different and crucially, the pork element was eventually dropped altogether. The version Indian companies turn out is similar to the Heinz UK version and lacks the sweetness and the rich fattiness of pork. Frankly, it tastes a little pheeka and the texture is too unidimensional.

For many years, I used to customise my baked beans because it was easy to do and took very little time. You start with the time-honoured Indian technique of browning onions and garlic. You add a little masala to taste. This doesnt have to be an Indian masala, I often add Tex-Mex seasoning. You open the can of beans and drain out most of the sauce. You add the beans to the pan and if you like a wet feel to the dish, you add a few squirts of concentrated tomato puree.

I usually finish with a little tabasco or sriracha because I like the chilli kick but that is entirely optional. If you are making it for guests and want it to seem a little fancy, scatter some coriander leaves on top. (This works even with the Tex-Mex seasoning).

If you want a more substantial dish, then use pork: That was the original idea after all. You first put bacon or pancetta (lardons or slices chopped into small pieces) in the pan. When the bacon/pancetta has begun to render its fat, you add onion/garlic, tomatoes (or puree), and some spice mix. You add the drained beans at the very end. (You dont want to bruise them or squash them .) You can cook some sausages separately  Italian spicy sausage, chorizo sausage (but not the salami version) or German garlic sausage; all easily available and manufactured in India now --- slice them and add them to the pan just before you add the beans.

None of this accords with the five basic rules that Heinz has decreed but, in my view, it takes the dish back to its roots: It should be hearty and satisfying and capable of doing service as a main course. The Heinz version is so pheeka that it only works as a side dish or as a snack if you serve it on toast.

So why, I hear you ask, have I stopped making my own variations on baked beans? Well, I liked the dish in the days when the only canned beans that were easily available were baked beans. These days, any good grocer will offer you the option of canned pinto beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans etc. It is much easier to open a can of one of those and to dispense with the thin tomato sauce that characterises baked beans.

Once you have ready-to-use unflavoured beans, you can take the dish away from Heinz and go in whatever direction you like . Yes, the Indian masala version is easy to do but frankly it tastes a little like a rajma made by an inexperienced cook. Tex-Mex is logical given that the beans originated from that region . But you can also use a basic herb-seasoning, normal European-style sausages, and bacon and go in the direction of a cassoulet.

For me, thats much more fun. We should leave boring old baked beans on white bread to white people. We can do much much better ourselves!

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has said that its team processing the sample retrieved from asteroid Bennu under the OSIRIS-REx mission has sucessfully removed and collected 70.3 grams (or 2.48 ounces) of rocks and dust. Scientist prepare the sample return capsule from NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission for transport on September 24.(AFP)

This is more than the agency's goal of bringing at least 60 grams to Earth, it said.

NASAs OSIRIS-REx, the first US mission to collect a sample from an asteroid, delivered rocks and dust from asteroid Bennu to Earth on September 24.

The material from Bennu  which the spacecraft collected from the asteroid's surface in 2020  will offer generations of scientists a window into the time when the Sun and planets were forming about 4.5 billion years ago.

On October 20, NASA said that the sample processed so far includes the rocks and dust found on the outside of the sampler head, as well as a portion of the bulk sample from inside the head, which was accessed through the heads mylar flap.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson speaks during a press conference for the OSIRIS-REx sample unveiling at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas on October 11.(AFP)

The US space agency said that some additional material remains inside the sampler head, called the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism, or TAGSAM, which the teams at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) are struggling to open.

In the last week, the team at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston changed its approach to opening the TAGSAM head, which contained the bulk of the rocks and dust collected by the spacecraft in 2020, the space agency said in a blog post. After multiple attempts at removal, the team discovered two of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed with the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. The team has been working to develop and implement new approaches to extract the material inside the head, while continuing to keep the sample safe and pristine.

It said that the team will spend the next few weeks developing and practicing a new procedure to remove the remaining asteroid sample from the TAGSAM sampler head while simultaneously processing the material that was collected this week.

The OSIRIS-REx science team will also proceed with its plan to characterize the extracted material and begin analysis of the bulk sample obtained so far, the US space agency pointed out.

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The auspicious festival of Dussehra is here, and India is celebrating the day with much fervour. Also known as Dasara or Dashain, the festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil. On this day, Maa Durga overcame Mahishasura and Lord Rama vanquished King Ravana. While people around the country are celebrating Dusshera in their own ways, we have something exciting to start the celebrations with. We bring you an interesting brain teaser where you need to find Ravana with only one head. Can you solve this Dusshera special brain teaser?(HT)

What is given in the brain teaser?

The brain teaser features a series of pictures of Ravana with ten heads. Your goal is to find the Ravana with just one head. Do you think you have what it takes to solve this puzzle?

Take a look at the Dusshera-special brain teaser below:

Were you able to spot it? If not, let us help you. The Ravana with a single head is hiding in plain sight.

Check out the solution here:

More about Dusshera:

After the nine days of Navratri, people celebrate Dussehra with lots of excitement on the tenth day. While this festival is commonly known as Dussehra in North India and Karnataka, in West Bengal, people celebrate it as Vijayadashami. Bengalis mark the day by bidding farewell to the idol of Maa Durga. There are also plays about the life of Lord Ram happening all over the country, and many people gather to watch big statues of Ravan being turned into ashes.

In the Hindu lunar calendar, Dussehra falls on Shukla Paksha Dashmi in the month of Ashwin, one day after Maha Navami or at the end of Shardiya Navratri. In Hindu mythology, this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over the ruler of Lanka, Ravana. According to another legend, Maa Durga vanquished Mahishasura following a nine-day, intense battle.

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A woman in China decided to celeberate the birthday of her dolls. For this, she brought her collection of dolls to a restaurant, joined by a close friend. Whats more, she went the extra mile by making an unusual request to the restaurant staff. The woman headed to HaiDiLao restaurant in China to celebrate the birthday. (Representational Image: Pexels/Marcela Oliveira)

According to the South China Morning Post, the woman from Hunan province of China headed to HaiDiLao restaurant chain to mark the special occasion. She then made a peculiar request to the restaurant staff. It involved seating her dolls in high chairs. This left the restaurant staff initially in disbelief, prompting them to ask, Are you serious?

Despite the staffs incredulity, the woman and her friend insisted on their request. Soon, the staff bought high chairs for the dolls. Once everyone was seated, the woman placed an order. After having their meal, the woman asked the staff if they could celebrate the dolls birthdays but were met with a stern no.

The woman and her friend got upset upon hearing this and left the place after settling the bill. Subsequently, the woman took to the Chinese social media platform Weibo to share her feelings, expressing her disappointment with the restaurants refusal to allow her to celebrate her dolls birthdays.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arfa Javaid Arfa Javaid is a journalist working with the Hindustan Times' Delhi team. She covers trending topics, human interest stories, and viral content online. ...view detail
Halloween is right around the corner, and people are already in the spirit of celebrating this spooky festival. Amid the celebration, a group of Zombies were seen dancing on the streets of Connecticut in the USA. Yes, you read that right. Group of 'zombies' dancing on the streets of Connecticut. (Instagram/@Good News Movement)

In a video shared by the Instagram page Good News Movement, you can see a group of women, all dressed as zombies. According to the Instagram page, this group calls themselves Mombies, and every year, they dance on the streets to raise money for charity. As per the website of Mombies, they are on a mission to "raise funds for metastatic breast cancer research through the Cancer Couch Foundation."

The video opens to show the women dressed as zombies and dancing to the tunes of a song. As they groove, people around them cheer for the group.

Watch the video of Mombies here:

This post was shared just a few hours ago. Since being posted, it has garnered more than nine lakh views. The share also has close to 45,000 likes. Many took to the comments section of the post to praise the efforts of Mombies.

Here's what people are saying about this video:

An individual wrote, "MOMBIES! Omg, I want to do this so bad."

A second commented, "This should probably happen every month in every city in the world."

"Never heard of mombies, but I've seen them around. In all seriousness, this group's dancing is on point," shared a third.

A fourth added, "Ive lived in CT all my life and have NEVER heard of this until now. I want to go this year. Thank you for sharing!"

"Great job. Wonderful coordination and fabulous dancing," expressed a fifth.

A sixth posted, "This is so cool! Theyre on point."

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A British family residing in Israel in Kibbutz Nirim near the Gaza border experienced a nightmare that turned into a miraculous story of survival. Baby Kai, 9 days old, faced unimaginable danger when Hamas terrorists forcibly entered his family's home and set it on fire. Sharing the family's survival story on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) Aviva Klompas wrote: Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his family's home on Kibbutz Nirim and set fire to the house.(X/AvivaKlompas)

Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his family's home on Kibbutz Nirim and set fire to the house. His parents sent a desperate note to their family chat: "My house is on fire, we're locked in the shelter, please save us.

The family stayed in the safe room shelter for six hours as their entire house caught fire. To help Kai breathe, they placed him on the windowsill taking a chance that terrorists would see the infant.

Thankfully, the family survived. May Kai grow up to never know such horrors again.

The incident happened on October 7th. Despite the immense danger, the family survived the terrifying experience. In a bid to help their infant son breathe, they placed Kai on the windowsill, taking a calculated risk that the terrorists might spot the baby. Kais mother, Aimee Labban shared her familys experience with Channel 12 and said, My mom who was with us grabbed Kai and he started crying. She put a finger in his mouth to shut him up as quickly as possible."

"Uriel and I held the doorknob up, the terrorists fought us. Seeing they couldn't get into the safe room, they decided to drag things behind the door and set fire to our house. We began to see an orange light, thick flames and smoke. The smoke still managed to get into the room," she added.

Babys father Uriel Labban also recounted the experience and said, When we placed our little one on the windowsill, it was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. On the one hand, if we left him in the safe room, we thought he would probably inhale a lethal amount of smoke, but on the other hand, if we put him on the windowsill, the terrorists could have attacked him.

The Labban family, including grandmother Deborah Mintz, stayed hidden for nine long hours, afraid of being found. Later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) came to their rescue, leading them and their neighbours to safety in a nearby shelter.

The Labban family's experience is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by residents living near the Gaza Border. One user expressed relief on the fact that baby Kai is safe, stating, I truly have no words here! Such fear and terror for this family! Thanks be to God for their survival!!

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The boyfriend of an Israeli woman who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack on Israel has pleaded for her release. Inbar Haiman was an art student who was volunteering at the Supernova Music Festival when the brutal attack was launched. Inbar Haiman was trying to escape when she was caught by a Hamas operative (Bring Them Home Now/Facebook)

The party descended into chaos when the terrorists attacked the site, killing at least 260 people and abducting many more. Thousands of people attended the party, near Kibbutz Re'im close to Gaza. Palestinian gunmen attacked the site and shot people down as they tried to escape.

Inbar was trying to escape when she was caught by a Hamas operative. Her two friends managed to flee. In a video that later surfaced, two Hamas operatives were seen dragging her on motorbikes.

Keep her alive

"Unfortunately two terrorists on motorbikes came right at that moment and they grabbed Inbar and took her to Gaza," Noam Alon, Inbars boyfriend, told The Messenger.

"All I'm asking is for them to be as kind as possible and keep her alive - not expecting too much - just for them to be human, and for them to give the hostages food and water and medical [attention]," he said.

Noam said he hopes the Israeli government and the UK government will do everything to bring the hostages back. "That should be the most important thing for the Israeli army and for the Israeli government - putting the hostages at the top of their priorities. The hostages should come before any military operation; before any ground invasion," he told the Guardian.

"I truly believe she will return to us. But we have to do everything we can to make sure that she does, he added.

In a post, a Facebook page named Bring Them Home Now, dedicated to bringing the Hamas hostages home, said that Inbar was known for her endless optimism, always reassuring everybody around her, saying everything will be ok. Inbar, a highly respected graffiti artist known by her art signature 'Pink,' was about to embark on her fourth year of Visual Arts studies. She was also a talented writer, and we've included a video of her reading one of her poems, the post added. In the comment section, the page posted a video of Inbar.
A British cargo ship sunk after colliding with a larger vessel in the North Sea, as rescuers searched for several missing sailors after the incident. The accident happened when UK-listed Verity and the much larger Polesie, a Bahamian-flagged cargo ship, crashed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, The Telegraph reported quoting a spokeswoman for Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies.

British cargo ship sinks: The Polesie vessel remains afloat with 22 people on board, according to a statement. (Representational)
China removed Li Shangfu from his position as defence minister and state councillor in the countrys second leadership shake-up in three months. Country's top lawmakers- Standing Committee of the National People's Congress- also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councillor, it was reported. The committee appointed Yin Hejun as China's science and technology minister and Lan Foan as finance minister. Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu(AP)

Li Shangfu missing for two months

State news agency Xinhua reported that Li Shangfu had been removed, without explanation after weeks of speculation over the fate of the US-sanctioned general, who has not been seen in public since August.

Li Shangfu is the second minister to be abruptly removed since Xi Jinping began his unprecedented third term last October. Qin Gang was replaced as foreign minister in July by his predecessor Wang Yi, after a similar unexplained withdrawal from public engagements.

The announcement came just days before a Pentagon delegation is due to arrive in Beijing for a regional security forum.

What other positions does Li Shangfu hold?

Li Shangfu, 65, is also the public face of the Peoples Liberation Army, and a member of the Central Military Commission  the PLAs ruling body. Within the body, Li Shangfu ranks only behind its chairman, Xi Jinping, and vice-chairmen Zhang Youxia and He Weidong.

Li Shangfu is under US sanctions related to his overseeing weapon purchases from Russia that bar him from entering the country. China has since cut off contacts with the US military, mainly in protest over Washington's arm sales to Taiwan.

What Xi Jinping said on PLA?

Xi Jinping earlier also set a target for the PLA to become a world-leading fighting force by 2049. No replacement for Li Shangfu has been announced.

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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
World Bank president Ajay Banga on Tuesday said that the Israel-Hamas war could prove to be a serious blow to the global economy and its development. Addressing an investor conference in Saudi Arabia, he said the world is at a "very dangerous juncture". World Bank President Ajay Banga(Reuters)

"There is so much going on in the world and geopolitics in the wars that you're seeing and what just happened recently in Israel and Gaza. At the end of the day, when you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious," he said.

"I think we're at a very dangerous juncture," he added.

He said that geopolitical tensions pose the biggest threat to the world economy. He, however, said economic risks "tend to move around" fast and shouldn't be ignored.

He used an example from the United States to illustrate his point.

"The US 10-year Treasury (yield) just crossed 5% briefly yesterday, these are areas we haven't seen. So yes, that is right there lurking in the shadows," Banga said in Riyadh.

On October 7, Hamas terrorists entered Israel from the Gaza Strip and killed 1400 people, including women and children. They have been holding 222 people hostage.

In retaliatory air strikes, over 5000 Palestinians have died.

On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had escalated its bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. The terrorist group released two elderly Israeli women who had been taken hostage on October 7.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

He told Israels President Isaac Herzog that he came to express our support and solidarity and share your pain as well as to assure Israel it is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

With inputs from AFP, Reuters

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Jenna Ellis, an attorney and prominent conservative media figure, reached a deal with prosecutors Tuesday and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge over efforts to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia. Jenna Ellis is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on August 23.(Reuters)

Ellis, the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal, was a vocal part of Trump's reelection campaign in the last presidential cycle and was charged alongside the Republican former president and 17 others with violating the states anti-racketeering law.

Ellis pleaded guilty to a felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She had been facing charges of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer.

She rose to speak after pleading guilty, fighting back tears as she said she would have not have represented Trump after the 2020 election if she knew then what she knows now, claiming that she she relied on lawyers with much more experience than her and failed to verify that the things they told her were true. She said she looks back on the experience with deep remorse.

What I did not do but should have done, your honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true, the 38-year-old Ellis said.

This combination of pictures created on August 25, 2023 shows the booking photos released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office of former US President Donald Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and others.(AFP)

The guilty plea from Ellis comes just days after two other defendants, fellow attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, entered guilty pleas. That means three high-profile people responsible for pushing baseless legal challenges to Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 election victory have agreed to accept responsibility for their roles rather than take their chances before a jury.

She was sentenced to five years of probation along with $5,000 in restitution, 100 hours of community service, writing an apology letter to the people of Georgia and testifying truthfully in trials related to this case.

The early pleas and the favorable punishment  probation rather than jail  could foreshadow similar outcomes for additional defendants who may see an admission of guilt and cooperation as their best hope for leniency. Even so, their value as witnesses against Trump is unclear given that their direct participation in unfounded schemes will no doubt expose them to attacks on their credibility and bruising cross-examinations should they testify.

The indictment in the sweeping case details a number of accusations against Ellis, including that she helped author plans on how to disrupt and delay congressional certification of the 2020 elections results on Jan. 6, 2021, the day a mob of Trump supporters eventually overran the U.S. Capitol.

Ellis is also accused of urging state legislators to unlawfully appoint a set of presidential electors loyal to Trump at a hearing in Pennsylvania, and she later appeared with some of those lawmakers and Trump at a meeting on the topic at the White House. The indictment further says she similarly pushed state lawmakers to back false, pro-Trump electors in Georgia as well as Arizona and Michigan.

Before her plea, Ellis, who lives in Florida, was defiant, posting in August on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law. I am resolved to trust the Lord.

But she has been more critical of Trump since then, saying on conservative radio in September that she wouldn't vote for him again, citing his malignant, narcissistic tendency to simply say that he's never done anything wrong."

Along with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Ellis was a leading voice in the Trump campaign's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, appearing frequently on television and conservative media to tell lies about widespread fraud that did not occur and spread misinformation and conspiracy theories.

She was censured in Colorado in March after admitting she made repeated false statements about the 2020 election.

That punishment was due in part to a Nov. 20, 2020, appearance on Newsmax, during which she said, "With all those states (Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia) combined we know that the election was stolen from President Trump, and we can prove that.

Powell pleaded guilty to six misdemeanors accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties. Powell will serve six years of probation, will be fined $6,000 and has to write an apology letter to Georgia and its residents.

Chesebro pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents just as jury selection was getting underway in his trial. He was sentenced to five years probation and 100 hours of community service and was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution, write an apology letter to Georgias residents and testify truthfully at any related future trial.

A lower-profile defendant in the case, bail bondsman Scott Graham Hall, pleaded guilty last month to five misdemeanor charges. He was sentenced to five years of probation and agreed to testify in further proceedings.

Trump and the other defendants, including his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, have pleaded not guilty.

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Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi expressed regret at a "lack of unity" among Muslim countries in response to the war between Israel and Hamas. Ebrahim Raisi said greater co-ordination across the Muslim world could have stopped Israel's bombing of Palestine. Israel-Hamas War: Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi(AP)

"A united and unified position in the Muslim world could have prevented the oppression and aggression of the Zionist regime and the excesses of its Western supporters in a more effective way," he said. While receiving the credentials of the new Saudi ambassador to Tehran, Abdullah bin Saud al-Anazi, Raisi also called for "strengthening co-operation" between countries in the region to avoid interventions from outside nations.

Iran and Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic ties seven years ago, amid an escalating geopolitical rivalry. This March they signed a China-brokered deal to restore relations.

"The presence of foreigners in the region not only does not solve any issues but is itself a factor in exacerbating the problems," Ebrahim Raisi said without naming any specific countries.

Iran has frequently criticised the role of the United States, which has boosted its military presence in the Middle East since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas. The Iranian president had already called on October 12 for Muslim and Arab countries to join together to "stop the crimes" of Israel.

The war between Israel and Hamas was triggered on October 7 by the terror group's attack on southern Israel, in which it killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory bombardment of Gaza Strip has killed more than 5,000, also mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run health ministry.

This comes as the United Nations called for improved coordination among humanitarian groups in making sure aid moves into the Gaza Strip. UNRWA said that some of the food delivered into Gaza so far, such as rice and lentils, had been impractical given the dwindling availability of fresh water and fuel.

Israel has cut off water, food, fuel and energy supplies to Gaza, and only some aid has been allowed in from Egypt in recent days.

"An additional challenge in a very limited flow of supplies is that we are not really receiving the most needed supplies for Gaza, or the most relevant," UNRWA spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai said.

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Pakistan's caretaker government in Punjab has suspended the sentence of the country's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference, Geo News reported on Tuesday. Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif releases a dove as he arrives to address a welcoming rally in Lahore on October 21.(AP)

According to the Pakistan-based media outlet, information minister Aamir Mir confirmed the Punjab cabinet's decision, saying the decision was taken while exercising its constitutional powers under Section 401 of the criminal procedural code (CPC), which also authorises it to pardon any offender.

The approval was given through a circulation summary. "The final decision of the case will be taken by the court itself," he added.

The development comes on the day when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Sharif is scheduled to attend multiple hearings at an accountability court at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) and the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Also Read | Why did Nawaz Sharif rake up Kashmir issue in his speech after return to Pakistan?

Ahead of Sharif's visit to court, security measures were put in place as the bomb disposal squad completely emptied the courtroom and searched it for security purposes.

As per The News International, heavy security has been deployed both inside and outside the Federal judicial complex in the capital where the hearing of the Toshkhana case will take place.

In the hearing, only relevant lawyers and media personnel will be allowed to enter the accountability court.

The court has, meanwhile, suspended the PML-N supremo's permanent warrant in the case to date. According to the court's decision, if Nawaz does not appear before the judge today, the warrant against him will be restored.

Pakistan People's Party Co-chairman Asif Zardari and Senator Yusuf Raza Gilani are also co-accused in the same case.

Nawaz is being represented by his counsel Qazi Misbah in the case, who has filed three different applications in the accountability court on his behalf which include the restoration of the PML-N supremo's annexed property in the case; appointment of Nawaz's pleader in the case; and an application to submit the politician's bail bonds, The News International reported.

Meanwhile, Zardari's lawyer and senior PPP leader Farooq H Naek appeared in the court on behalf of his client to seek an exemption from attending the hearing.

According to The News International, Nawaz, was granted protective bail in two graft cases while his arrest warrant in the Toshakhana case was suspended by an accountability court on Thursday, two days before his return to Pakistan on October 21 after spending four years of self-imposed exile in London.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Tuesday for the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group to be expanded to also fight Hamas after the October 7 attacks on Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron during a press conference in Jerusalem on October 24.(AP)

Macron, speaking after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, said that countries fighting IS "should also fight against Hamas."

The French leader stressed there must be a "decisive relaunch" of the Palestinian peace process following the crisis set off by the deadly Hamas attacks and Israel's response.

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French President Emmanuel Macron proposed on Tuesday that an international coalition fighting Islamic State in Iraq and Syria widens its scope to include the fight against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron (L) arrive to hold a joint press conference in Jerusalem on October 24, 2023. (AFP)

Macron gave no details on how the U.S.-led coalition of dozens of countries, of which Israel is not a member, could be involved. His advisers said, however, that the coalition's participation would not necessarily imply boots on the ground, but could include intelligence-sharing.

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron stressed that France and Israel shared terrorism as their "common enemy".

"France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas," he told reporters, referring to Islamic State.

Macron, who warned against the risks of a regional conflict, also said the fight against Hamas "must be without mercy but not without rules".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly comment on Macron's proposal but said the fight was a battle between the "axis of evil" and "the free world".

"This battle is not merely our own... it's everybody's battle," he said.

The U.S-led coalition fighting Islamic State was formed in September 2014.

Macron's office said the idea was to draw inspiration from the coalition and that France was available to discuss with Israel and partners what could be relevant against Hamas.

"The international coalition against Daesh does not limit itself to operations on the ground, but is also involved in the training of Iraqi forces, the sharing of information between partners, and the fight against terrorism funding," it said.

Careful to strike a balance, Macron also met with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah, where he said the Hamas attack was not only traumatic for Israel, it was a disaster for the Palestinian people.

"A Palestinian life is worth a French life, which is a worth an Israeli life," Macron said, repeating the need for a two-state solution he said was necessary so Palestinians don't follow the "mirages of the most radical terrorist groups."

Abbas, who said France's voice was respected in the region, called for an immediate cessation of the "aggression" on Gaza and for protection for Palestinians.

However, some protesters took to Ramallah's streets to demonstrate against Macron's visit and burned pictures of him. 'Macron, stop your support for Israel,' read one of the banners.

Thirty French citizens were killed by Hamas militants in their attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, in which more than 200 people were seized and 1,400 people killed. The Palestinian health ministry says Israeli air strikes on Gaza have killed over 5,000 people since then.

The French president, who met families of French victims at Tel Aviv airport, said freeing nine French hostages was a priority for France.

He was due to meet regional leaders in Jordan's capital Amman on Tuesday.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday hit out at the Hamas militant group that attacked Israel on October 7, saying that they care more about their paymasters in Iran than the children they hide behind. According to Sunak, Hamas is not only a threat to Israel but also to several other countries across the region. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak(via REUTERS)

Sharing a snippet from his address on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunak said, We will work together with the international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effort. We must never lose sight of how essential the two-state solution is.

In the video, the UK PM can be heard saying: We'll work together with our international partners to bring renewed energy and creativity to this effortIt will rely on establishing more effective governance for Palestinian territories in Gaza and West Bank. It will also mean challenging actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood.

Let me be clear, there is no scenario where Hamas can be able to control Gaza or any part of the Palestinian territories, he added.

Sunak also stressed that all the leaders he met recently have agreed that the war is a watershed moment.

It's time to set the region on a better path, he said.

Meanwhile, Sunak on Monday announced an additional humanitarian aid worth 20 million euros to help civilians in Gaza affected by the war. "We are providing an additional 20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people," Sunak told the UK Parliament.

Sunak's visit to Israel

Last week, the UK PM visited Israel for two days to show solidarity and support Israel who is reeling from an October 7 rampage by Hamas militants. Upon landing in Tel Aviv, Sunak said, Above all, I'm here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people. You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I stand with you.

During his visit, Sunak met his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel President Isaac Herzog. He also met the families of those who were killed or being held hostage by the Hamas militants.

Israel-Hamas war

The war between Israel and Hamas entered its 18th day on Tuesday, with over 6,000 people being killed on both sides. Israel has been striking Gaza after around 2,500 Hamas terrorists crossed over into Israel by land, air, and sea, committing chilling acts of terror on civilians in southern Israel on October 7 - killing at least 1,400 Israelis. Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to step up its attack against Hamas and for a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip.
The Israel Securities Authority (ISA) released a video clip on Monday, purportedly showing Hamas terrorists confessing their active participation in the deadly terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7. A woman touches photos of Israelis missing and held captive in Gaza, displayed on a wall in Tel Aviv(AP)

A video file provided by ISA Communications was attached to the statements of the Hamas terrorists, involved in the October 7 attacks, during interrogation, the Authority added.

In the video, the Hamas terrorists are purportedly heard saying that they were promised a stipend for taking civilian hostages from Israel to Gaza.

"Whoever kidnaps a hostage and brings them to Gaza is to get a stipend of USD 10,000 and an apartment," a Hamas terrorist is purportedly heard saying in the video.

They are also heard saying that they were specifically instructed by their handlers to abduct elderly women and children.

They said they were also asked to "cleanse the houses and kidnap as many prisoners as possible," one of the terrorists said.

"Her (a victim's) dog came out and I shot him," the terrorist is heard saying further in the video, adding, "Her body was lying on the floor, I shot her too. The commander yelled at me, saying (that) I was wasting bullets on a corpse."

Another Hamas terrorist said after doing their handler's bidding, they burned down two houses.

"We finished what we came to do and then burned down two houses," he said.

Over the course of the ongoing investigations into the October 7 killings, a number of "themes" (nature and manner of crimes) have come up repeatedly, the ISA said in their statement.

While purportedly admitting to clear and explicit instructions received by Hamas to kill and abduct civilians, including the elderly, women and children, the terrorists, in the video clip, also shared other morbid details from of October 7 massacre in southern Israel.

Meanwhile, the ISA said the senior commanders of the military wing of Hamas (of the rank of company commander rank and above) stayed behind in safe houses and in hiding while sending their gunmen to fight, die or be arrested in Israel.

The Israel Security Forces reaffirmed their commitment to eliminate all terrorists involved in the massacre.

"The Security Forces of the State of Israel will settle all accounts with all terrorists who participated in the massacre on 7/10," the statement said.

Launching unprecedented and coordinated attacks, an estimated 2,500 Hamas terrorists crossed over into Israel by land, air and sea, committing chilling acts of terror on civilians in southern Israel.

The attacks left 1,400 people, the majority of whom were civilians, dead, according to reports.

Some of these terrorists took at least 222 civilians hostage and brought them to Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.

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Hamas has said on its Telegram channel that it has released two of his hostages after negotiations with Qatar and Egypt. The hostages have been identified as Israeli citizens Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz. Sources told CNBC that they were released to the Red Cross. Hamas said it released the hostages for compelling humanitarian reasons. Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak) who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released by the militants, in this video screengrab obtained by Reuters on October 23, 2023 (Al-Qassam Brigades, military wing of Hamas/Handout via REUTERS)(via REUTERS)

Abu Ubaiba, a military spokesman from Al-Qassam Brigades that operates in the West Bank, said that Hamas decided to release the women even though Israel has refused to stop its airstrikes. We have decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and satisfactory reasons despite the occupation committing more than 8 violations of the procedures that were agreed upon with the mediator brothers that the occupation would adhere to during this day to complete the handover process, the spokesman said on Telegram.

Lifshitzs grandson said in an interview with Haaretz that the family is happy and satisfied with the official announcement and is hopeful it is just the beginning of whats to come. We are looking forward to their release and that of the other hostages from our kibbutz and in general, the grandson, Daniel Lifshitz, said. We hope she is okay. We are going to see her now.

Last week, Hamas released American mother-and-daughter Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Raanan. Yitzhak and Lifshitz are the latest hostages to be released by the terrorist group.

Meanwhile, an elite unit of Israeli agents has now been formed with the aim of killing every single Hamas terrorist who was involved in the brutal October 7 massacre. Shin Bet is Israels version of the FBI. According to the Jerusalem Post, the specially selected members will function independently from other units.

The new unit has planned to specifically target members of the special Hamas commando group called Nukhba. This is the group that is believed to have planned and launched the attack that killed hundreds of civilians along the countrys border with the Gaza Strip.

Shin Bet is named after the World War I-era Jewish underground organisation Nili, which is an acronym in Hebrew for the Eternal One of Israel will not lie, according to the Times of Israel. The new unit will be using intelligence and agents in the field to eliminate about 2,500 terrorists involved in the attack. To date, the Israel Defense Forces has announced the deaths of Nukhba operatives including Billal al-Qedra, the head of the terror groups Khan Younis battalion, and commander Ali Qadhi.
It is day 18 of the Israeli retaliation to a gruesome terror attack by Hamas in which over 1400 persons were brutalized and murdered and 222 persons including foreign nationals were abducted. While Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have been on an aerial offensive from day one with intelligence-based cross-border raids into Gaza to take on Hamas leadership, the terrorist group with its backers Iran and Qatar are clearly playing to a military and information warfare plan which has already factored the Israeli retaliation. The periodic release of hostages in numbers of two is designed to delay the IDF land offensive and make barbaric Hamas terrorists appear more reasonable in front of the Woke Anglo-Saxon West. Apart from the hostages held by this Iran proxy group, it is the US which is trying to delay the Israeli land offensive as its assets in the Middle East will be targeted by the other proxy groupsHezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. IDF tanks ready for land offensive in Gaza against Hamas terrorists.

While Israel has no options but to eradicate Hamas in Gaza, the firepower and backing provided by Iran to Hezbollah in the 2006 war in Lebanon with Tel Aviv will sober down the most hot-headed Israeli generals as there is a definite possibility of IDF getting bogged down in Gaza. Simply put, Hamas is really a cats paw in Irans proxy offensive against Israel and Tehran will lose its credibility in the Islamic jihadist world if the terrorist group and its leadership get wiped out.

As of now, Iran is the big winner in the Middle East conflagration as in one blow it has killed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans dream to turn West Asia into a new Europe and severely retarded the growth of UAE under the visionary leadership of President Mohammed bin Zayed as the new global destination. Tehran has also given breathing space to its newfound friend China as the global focus is now Middle-East, not Indo-Pacific or Taiwan in particular. Fact is that while Israeli companies remained invested in high-tech areas of China, the Xi Jinping regime has not even condemned Hamas terrorism and only talked about civilian casualties in general.

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak) who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released by the militants, in this video screengrab obtained by Reuters on October 23, 2023.(via Reuters)

Even though the US has placed its carrier strike group led by USS Dwight Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf to deter Iran from escalating the conflict with Israel, Tehran perhaps has armed its Sunni proxies enough in Tel Avivs neighbourhood to keep the fire burning for time to come. The other reason for the US to contain the conflict is that a horizontal conflagration will engulf the Middle East and the oil prices will go through the roof, damaging the political prospects of election-bound nations.

From Israels perspective, the ground offensive is also fraught with danger as Hamas military capability appears to be degraded but not decimated. Using an underground tunnel network reminiscent of Viet Cong communist guerillas, Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israel with Shia Hezbollah keeping the temperature hot on the Lebanon front. Israel needs a clear victory in Gaza and cannot afford a long drawn-out conflict on two fronts. Global sympathy has limits and time is running out.

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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
As Lebanon's Hezbollah group has been exchanging fire with Israel across the Gaza border for the past two weeks amid the ongoing conflict, Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday warned that if the Iran-backed group drags them into war then Lebanon would pay the price. Israel's President Isaac Herzog(REUTERS)

In his joint address with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron - who is on a visit to Israel to show solidarity, Herzog said that Hezbollah is playing with fire".

I think that the Iranian empire of evil is backing them and operates day in and day out to destabilise the Middle East and the region. I want to make it clear - we are not looking for a confrontation on our northern border with anyone else. We are focused on destroying Hamas' infrastructure and bringing our citizens back home, the Israeli President said.

He added, But if Hezbollah will drag us into war, it should be clear that Lebanon will pay the priceLebanon cannot be a sovereign member of the international community, its citizens carry a Lebanese passport, but when it comes to Israel they are not responsible.By international law, we have the full right to defend ourselves.

Hezbollah was founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982. The group has been supporting other Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East and has trained armed groups in Iraq.

Last week, Hezbollah said that it is fully prepared to join Hamas in the war with Israel when the time is right.

Reacting to this, the Israeli military on Sunday said that the Iran-backed group is playing a very dangerous game and dragging Lebanon into the war with Hamas. Hezbollah is escalating the situationWe are seeing more and more attacks every dayIs the Lebanese State really willing to jeopardise what is left of Lebanese prosperity and Lebanese sovereignty for the sake of terrorists in Gaza? For the ISIS of Gaza? That's a question that the Lebanese authorities need to ask themselves," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said in a video.

The war between Israel and the Hamas militant group entered its 18th day on Tuesday, with over 6,000 people being killed on both sides. Israel has made its intention clear to step up the attacks and for a ground invasion in Gaza.

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Israel will not hold off on a possible ground invasion of Gaza over the issue of captives being held there, Israel's energy minister told German tabloid newspaper Bild. Israeli soldiers patrolling amid war with Hamas(AFP)

Hamas gunmen killed 1,400 people and took more than 200 hostages in cross-border assault on Oct. 7.

In an interview published on Tuesday, energy minister Israel Katz said everything would be done to bring the hostages home. "But that cannot hinder our actions including the ground offensive, if we decide on it," he was quoted as saying.

"Hamas wants us to deal with the captives and wants the military to not go in to eliminate their infrastructure. That will not happen," Katz added.

The armed wing of Hamas said on Monday it had released two more female civilian captives on health grounds in response to Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts.

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French President Emmanuel Macron vowed on Tuesday not to leave Israel isolated in its fight against Islamist militants, but warned against the risks of a regional conflict as he arrived in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) greets French President Emmanuel Macron in Jerusalem on October 24. (AFP)

After meeting with families of French victims at Tel Aviv airport, Macron told President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem that France stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel and that the first objective should be to free hostages in Gaza. Follow Israel-Hamas war LIVE updates here.

"I want you to be sure that you're not left alone in this war against terrorism," Macron said. "It is our duty to fight against terrorism, without any confusion and without enlarging this conflict."

Beyond showing solidarity with Israel, Macron wanted to make "proposals that are as operational as possible" to prevent an escalation, to free hostages, and guarantee Israel's security and work towards a two-state solution, presidential advisers said. He will push for a humanitarian truce, they added.

Macron's visit comes after European Union foreign ministers on Monday struggled to agree on a call for a "humanitarian pause" in the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas to allow much more aid to reach civilians.

French President Emmanuel Macron, center, meets with Israeli-French nationals who have lost loved ones, as well as families of hostages, at the Ben Gurion airport on October 24.(AP)

Macron was also due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and centrist opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, the Elysee said.

Mahmoud Abbas's office said Macron would meet with the Palestinian leader in Ramallah, West Bank.

However, Macron's ability to influence events in the region appears limited by what some analysts say is a shift towards a more pro-Israel Anglo-American line, in contrast with the traditionally distinctive and more pro-Arab French Gaullist approach.

"France's soft power south of the Mediterranean has considerably faded," said Karim Emile Bitar, a Beirut-based foreign policy expert at French think tank IRIS.

"We're under the impression that nothing distinguishes France from other Western countries now," he said.

The French government's decision to adopt a blanket ban on pro-Palestinian protests, before it was struck down by courts, is one reason Macron has lost credit in the Arab world, he said.

French officials contest the idea that Macron's policy is biased. They say Macron has constantly reaffirmed the rights of Palestinians and the position of a two-state solution. "It's a goal France has never veered from," the adviser said.

Thirty French citizens were killed on Oct. 7 and nine are still missing. One appeared in a video released by Hamas, but the fate of the others remains unknown.

Macron has vowed that France would "not abandon any of its children" in Gaza and has expressed hope that Qatar's mediation can help free hostages.

Macron's visit will also have a special resonance at home, where France's large Muslim and Jewish communities are on tenterhooks following the killing of a teacher by an Islamist militant that French officials have linked to the events in Gaza.

The French leader will have to tread a fine line during his tour of the region, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict having often stoked tension back home and France's fractious opposition being ready to pounce on any faux pas. (Writing by Michel Rose; Additional reporting by Tassilo Hummel in Paris; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Mike Harrison)

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As Israel revved up its airstrikes on several targets in Gaza since the Islamist group Hamas launched a shocking attack on October 7 followed by an assault that left at least 1,400 people dead, country's defence minister Yoav Gallant vowed to launch a lethal attack on the beseiged Palestinian strip as he referred to its intent to carry out a ground incursion. A convoy of Israeli army trucks carrying mortar shells advances on a road near the southern city of Sderot.(AFP)

The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every wayWe want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said in a statement.

Meanwhile, several nations in the West defended Israel's right to self-defence against Hamas, while US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak harked back on the two-state solution amid the long-standing contention over the statehood of Israel and Palestine.

In a first, China acknowledged Israel's right to self-defence without condemning Hamas' attack. Chinese foreign minstr Wang Yi told his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen that all countries have the right to self-defence, while stressed that countries should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians. Along with the US and UK, China also reiterated its position for a two-state solution as a viable outcome to the conflict. China sincerely hopes that the Palestine issue will be resolved in a comprehensive and just manner on the basis of the 'two-state solution', and that the legitimate security concerns of all parties will be resolved in a genuine and thorough manner as a result, Yi said during his visit to Washington DC. Israeli defence minister Gallant said his country will be launching a lethal attack on Gaza as the country is expected to launch a ground offensive. We are preparing thoroughly. It will be a lethal attack. It will be a combined attack from land, sea, and air, he said, according to Times of Israel. Joe Biden underscored the need to sustain "a continuous flow" of humanitarian assistance into Gaza in call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, the White House said. Biden also "welcomed the release of two additional hostages from Gaza earlier today, and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas," the White House added. Two elderly hostages, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, were released by Hamas days after the Islamist group released an American mother-daughter duo. Both Cooper and Lifshitz were ferried in a helicopter to a hospital in Tel Aviv, where they were declared healthy. Both of them were on medication before they were taken hostage and believed to have taken off medication during the two weeks of their captivity. The Israeli military has confirmed that a total 222 people have been taken hostage since October 7. The US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, in a joint statement, reierated their strong support for Israel and upheld the country's right to self-defence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with his war cabinet to assess the security preparedness ahead of a possible ground offensive. Intensifying its airstrikes, Israel bombarded targets in southern Lebanon in a bid to attack Hezbollah strongholds. Israeli military also pounded hundreds of targets in Gaza from the air as its soldiers fought Hamas militants during raids into the besieged Palestinian strip. Former US President Barack Obama warned that any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire.

"Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes," he said in a written staement.
At least 10 British nationals have been killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas and a further six remain missing, junior British finance minister Victoria Atkins told Times Radio on Tuesday.

Israel-Hamas war entered its 18th day on Tuesday
Amid the unwavering support to Israel, US President Joe Biden on Tuesday affirmed that Washington remains committed to the Palestinian people and the terror attack by Hamas doesn't take that right away. Israel-Hamas War: US President Joe Biden delivers remarks.(AFP)

"The United States remains committed to the Palestinian people's right to dignity and to self-determination. The actions of Hamas terrorists don't take that right away," President Biden posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier on Sunday, Joe Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "Israel must operate by the laws of war" in its war against Hamas.

He called for a two-state solution in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, adding that Israel has the right to defend itself as well and at the same time, the humanity of innocent Palestinians who only want to live in peace cannot be ignored.

"Israel has the right to defend itself. We must make sure they have what they need to protect their people today and always. At the same time, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have discussed how Israel must operate by the laws of war. That means protecting civilians in combat as best as they can," Biden wrote in a post on social media platform X.

"We can't ignore the humanity of innocent Palestinians who only want to live in peace. That's why I secured an agreement for the first shipment of humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza," Biden said, adding "And we cannot give up on a two-state solution."

US President Joe Biden has recently requested over USD 105 billion from Congress as part of a package to provide security assistance for the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, as reported by CNN.

Even during his visit to Israel, Biden pledged unwavering support to Israel but also successfully made the case to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. (ANI)

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US secretary of state Antony Blinken warned that Iran amid Israel war with Hamas that if Tehran or its proxies attack us, make no mistake we will as UN Security Council held a quarterly open debate on the Middle East in New York. US secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks during a meeting on the conflict between Israel and Hamas at UN headquarters. (Reuters)

"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack US personnel anywhere, make no mistake. We will defend our people -- we will defend our security -- swiftly and decisively," Antony Blinken told a UN security council session.

The US secretary of state also said that he will work with China's top diplomat Wang Yi to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from spreading when they meet later this week. Wang Yi is set to arrive in Washington on Thursday.

What UN chief said on Israel-Hamas war?

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres alleged violations of international law as Israel targeted Gaza. "I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza. Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law," he said.

What Turkey's president said at the UN session?

Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan accused the United Nations security council of deepening the crisis in Gaza by bowing to the "Israeli regime".

"The international community is not rising to the challenge in the face of the Israeli regime's unlawful and unrestrained attacks against civilians," Erdogan said, adding, We observe that the United Nations Security Council has deepened the crisis with its one-sided attitude, instead of stopping the bloodshed, ensuring a ceasefire as soon as possible, and taking steps to prevent civilian casualties.

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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
Doctors in Gaza say patients arriving at hospitals are showing signs of disease caused by overcrowding and poor sanitation after more than 1.4 million people fled their homes for temporary shelters under Israel's heaviest-ever bombardment. Israel-Hamas War: Rescuers look for survivors in the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.(AFP)

Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of a health crisis in the tiny, crowded Palestinian enclave under an Israeli blockade that has cut off electricity, clean water and fuel, with only small U.N. convoys of food and medicine getting in.

"The crowding of civilians and the fact that most schools used as shelters are housing lots of people, it's a prime breeding ground for disease to spread," said Nahed Abu Taaema, a public health doctor at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

Palestinian authorities say nearly 5,800 people have been killed by Israeli air and artillery strikes that followed the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants who stormed into Israel killing more than 1,400 people and grabbing more than 200 hostages.

Israel has told everybody living in the northern half of the 45km-long (28 mile) Gaza Strip to move south but its strikes have flattened districts throughout the enclave.

With all hospitals running out of fuel to power their generators, doctors have warned that critical equipment, like incubators for newborns, risk stopping.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry said 40 medical centres had suspended operations at a time when the bombardment and displacement are putting increased stress on the system.

The World Health Organization warned that a third of Gaza hospitals were not operating. "We are on our knees asking for that sustained, scaled up, protected humanitarian operation," said WHO regional emergencies head Rick Brennan.

The private Indonesian Hospital, the biggest in north Gaza, said on Tuesday it had switched off everything except the last vital departments such as the Intensive Care Unit.

The only other hospital that had still been serving patients in northern Gaza, Beit Hanoun Hospital, stopped operations because of the intense bombardment of the town, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

"If the hospital doesn't get fuel, this is going to be a death sentence against the patients in northern Gaza," said Atef al-Kahlout, the hospital's director.

'THE CHILDREN ARE ALL SICK'

In the temporary shelters where displaced Palestinians are crowding with their families hoping for safety from the bombs, people are starting to suffer from stomach complaints, lung infections and rashes said Abu Taaema of Nasser Hospital.

"It's hot in the tent under the midday sun and there are insects and flies... At night it's cold and there aren't enough blankets for everyone. The children are all sick. Some are coughing, some have runny noses, some have fevers at night," said Sojood Najm, a woman staying at a U.N. shelter.

She fled her home in Gaza City with her husband and three children and they have been living in a tent for nine days, unable to bathe. "Every day I cry to my mother," said Najm.

At a pharmacy, the owner said there were few stores left. People had stockpiled over-the-counter medicines, but there were concerns that treatments for chronic illnesses could run out.

With electricity cut off, many people had gathered at a petrol station equipped with solar panels in order to charge their phones but it was hit by an air strike overnight, killing several people, said a neighbour, Abdallah Abu al-Atta.

Israel said it had killed dozens of Hamas fighters in strikes overnight, one of the most intense bombardments since the war began, but that it would take time to achieve its aim of destroying the militant group.

Since the last major warfare between Israel and Hamas, the group has grown more adept at urban warfare. Unlike in some previous wars, Hamas fighters are very rarely seen on the streets, operating instead almost entirely from under cover.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Tuesday the "terrorist attack" by Palestinian militants against Israel on October 7 did not justify killing "millions of innocents" in Gaza. Israel-Hamas War: Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva(Reuters)

"Just because Hamas committed a terrorist attack against Israel doesn't mean Israel has to kill millions of innocents," the veteran leftist said in his weekly live address on social media.

Thousands of civilians have been killed on both sides since the conflict began when Hamas fighters stormed across the border, indiscriminately killing civilians in the deadliest attack since Israel was created in 1948.

In retaliation, Israel has launched a relentless campaign of air strikes on the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, electricity and food to the territory.

The UN Security Council is set to hold a new meeting on the conflict Tuesday, after failing to pass two resolutions aimed at brokering a ceasefire, including one put forward by Brazil.

Lula, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, said the conflict had exposed the "weakness" of the United Nations.

"If the UN were stronger, it could play a bigger role" in brokering a stop to the fighting, he said.

Lula called for talks to set up a humanitarian corridor for the besieged Gaza Strip and broker a peace deal in which "Israel keeps its territory and the Palestinians have theirs."

Israeli authorities say 1,400 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage in the Hamas attack.

The Hamas-run health ministry says 5,791 Palestinians have since been killed across Gaza in Israel's bombardments.

Lula's weekly address was the first since he took a three-week break after undergoing hip surgery.

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Israel has demanded the resignation of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres from his position over his remarks against the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza after terror attacks by Hamas on October 7. Israel-Hamas War: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, left, talk with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres before a Security Council meeting.(AP)

The Israeli envoy to the UN, Gilad Erdan called Guterres "unfit" to lead the UN and called for his resignation.

"The @UN Secretary-General, who shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly, is not fit to lead the UN. I call on him to resign immediately. There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people. There are simply no words," he stated on social media platform X.

This came after the UN chief said that the attacks by Hamas "did not happen in a vacuum" further adding that the attacks cannot justify the "collective punishment of the Palestinian people".

"It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing," the UN chief said at the General Assembly.

He added, "The grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people".

Addressing the UN General Assembly session on Israel-Gaza crisis, Cohen said, "Mr Secretary General (Guterres), in what world do you live? Definitely, this is not our world".

In a fiery response, Eli Cohen announced that he won't be meeting the UN Secretary General. "I will not meet with the UN Secretary General. After October 7th there is no room for a balanced approach. Hamas must be erased from the world!" Cohen posted on X.

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The Kremlin on Tuesday brushed off suggestions that Israel was disappointed with Russia's response to its war with Hamas and reiterated its call for both sides to agree a ceasefire at the earliest opportunity and to work for a peace settlement. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians walk away from the kibbutz of Kfar Azza, Israel, near the fence with the Gaza strip.(AP)

Since the latest crisis erupted, Moscow has emphasised its relationships with both Israel and the Palestinians, including the Hamas group that controls Gaza, while seeking to portray the conflict as a failure of U.S. diplomacy.

Asked about reports of Israeli disappointment with Moscow's stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "We have a regular and intensive dialogue with the Israeli side, we regularly exchange opinions."

Read more: Kremlin says Russia ready to endure more Western sanctions

"Russia's position is very consistent, it has been repeatedly expressed by President (Vladimir) Putin - we condemn all manifestations of terrorism, we extend condolences to all the relatives and families of the victims."

Peskov, speaking in a regular call with reporters, added that Russia supported "a ceasefire as soon as possible" and efforts to secure peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Thousands of people in Gaza have been killed during heavy daily Israeli bombardment since Hamas militants on Oct. 7 mounted an assault inside Israeli towns and kibbutzim that killed 1,400 people, mainly civilians.

Russia has long criticised what it says is the U.S. marginalisation of the Palestinians and has also been forging closer political and security ties with Israel's arch foe Iran, especially since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

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Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen slammed UN chief Antonio Guterres over his criticism of Israel's Gaza campaign while recounting graphic details of Hamas attacks on civilians. "Mr. secretary general, In what world do you live?" Eli Cohen told Antonio Guterres at a special Security Council session on the escalating war. Meanwhile, Israel's UN ambassador Gilad Erdan described UN chief's speech as "shocking." Israel-Hamas War: Israeli military armoured vehicles deploy along the Israeli-Gaza border.(AFP)

"His statement that 'the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum' expressed an understanding for terrorism and murder," Gilad Erdan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding, "It's truly sad that the head of an organization that arose after the Holocaust holds such horrible views."

Earlier, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres alleged violations of international law as Israel targeted Gaza. The UN chief also urged an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to bring in relief.

"I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza. Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law," he told a UN security council session, without explicitly naming Israel.

Antonio Guterres has personally traveled to the crossing between Egypt and Gaza in a push to let in assistance.

"But it is a drop of aid in an ocean of need. In addition, our UN fuel supplies in Gaza will run out in a matter of days. That would be another disaster," he said, continuing, "To ease epic suffering, make the delivery of aid easier and safer, and facilitate the release of hostages, I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."

The security council session is bringing together top diplomats including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and comes after Hamas stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 killing at least 1,400 people and taking more than 220 hostages. More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed across the Gaza Strip in retaliatory Israeli bombardments.

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Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas' attack on the country was the worst terrorist attack the world has known since 9/11 during a joint press conference with French president Emmanuel Macron. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on as he addresses media during a joint press conference with French president in Jerusalem.(AFP)

It was the worst terrorist attack the world has known since 9/11, but for Israel, proportionately, it was like twenty 9/11s. It was the worst act of antisemitic violence since the Holocaust...Like Anne Frank, Jewish children hid from these monsters, and they were found and butchered. Hamas butchered, beheaded, burned babies alive, raped and kidnapped hostages...We are doing everything we need to do to destroy Hamas in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu said, adding, We will dismantle its terror machine. We will dismantle its political structure. We will make every effort to release our hostages, and we'll make every effort to keep Palestinian civilians out of harm's way.

Hamas butchered, Hamas beheaded Hamas burned babies alive. Hamas raped, Hamas kidnapped - hostages, over 200 - babies, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors. We are in a war between barbarism and civilization, he said.

Emmanuel Macron, who is in Israel, called for the expansion of the international coalition which is fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria, to also fight Hamas as he urged a "decisive relaunch" of the Palestinian peace process.

"You are not alone," he told the Israeli premier.

Countries fighting ISIS should also fight against Hamas. I propose the coalition against Islamic State [ISIL-ISIS] also fight Hamas. France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh - in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria - to also fight against Hamas, he said.

Emmanuel Macron is the latest in a series of Western leaders who made a solidarity visit to Israel. He will also visit the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank and is expected to meet his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

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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
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Tuesday a blast at a hospital in Gaza City last week was not caused by a missile fired by Israel and also said around 50 people had been killed, not the almost 500 reported by Palestinian officials. Israel-Hamas War: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.(Reuters)

Tajani, who did not say what evidence his comments were based on, was commenting on the Oct. 17 explosion at Al Ahli hospital, among the most hotly disputed events of the Gaza war.

The Gaza health ministry has put the death toll at 471.

An Israeli official has said the toll appeared to be "several dozen". A U.S. intelligence report estimated the number of those killed to be "probably at the low end of the 100 to 300 spectrum".

"We need to avoid the negative impact of propaganda. Because that missile, which was said to have caused 500 deaths - in reality it was around 50 people - and which inflamed Arab masses in big cities, was not however launched by Israel," Tajani told the Sky TG24 news channel.

Tajani said the missile hit the hospital car park.

The governing Palestinian Islamist group Hamas accused Israel of carrying out an air strike on the hospital. Israel denied that, saying the blast was caused by a Palestinian rocket falling short after being launched at Israel.

The Israeli account has been supported by U.S., French and Canadian analyses.

The minister said in a separate interview that Italy was working to bring a group of 18 people, including Italians and their Palestinian relatives, out of the Gaza Strip.

"Cars are ready to leave from Cairo to go and pick them up when the Rafah crossing opens," Tajani told RAI public radio.

The group comprises seven Italians, seven dual Italian-Palestinian nationals and four Palestinians, Tajani said, adding that a 19th person, an Italian Red Cross worker, had said she wanted to remain in Gaza.

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US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that aid was not reaching war-torn Gaza fast enough, as Israel bombards the Palestinian territory after the October 7 Hamas attacks. Israel-Hamas War: US President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House.(AP)

"Not fast enough," Biden replied after a medal presentation ceremony at the White House when a reporter asked him about humanitarian assistance getting to the enclave.
Israel shouldn't be given a green light for unconditional killing, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on Tuesday during this annual speech to open the Gulf Arab state's advisory Shura council. The Emir's remark holds importance in the Israel-Hamas conflict as Qatar is on the forefront of the negotiations that are being carried out to release the hostages ensnared by Hamas in Gaza. The emirate boasts good relations with both the West and the Gazan Islamist group. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani(REUTERS)

So far, four hostages, two Americans, have been released among a total of 222 people who were held captive in the Palestinian enclave.

Al-Thani's remark came amid the Israeli army pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give green light for ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) gave out fresh warnings to Hamas that the military will bring the group to a 'state of full dismantling'.

We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling- its leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms. That is why we are striking, and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination," the top IDF official said.

The Emir further said the ongoing war was a dangerous escalation that threatened the region and the world as well.

Israel has recently increased its bombardment on targets in the Palestinian enclave which spiralled the death toll as the United States and other global powers called for aid to continue flowing into the besieged strip to prevent an already grave humanitarian crisis from worsening.

Dozens of Hamas fighters were killed, including three key commanders, in the attack which was carried out overnight, according to the Israeli military.

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Al-Qassam, Hamas' military wing, released a video of two elderly people being freed from over a two-week captivity since the Islamist group launched a surprise attack on Israel during the intervening night of Shabbat, Jewish weekend holiday. In the fresh video clip, both hostages Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz were seen being handed over to the Red Cross. Screengrab from video clip released by Hamas(Twitter)

Two Israeli women, wearing purple robes, seen walking unsteadily while holding hands of a masked Hamas fighter. According to Times of Israel, the fighter offered both of them snacks and drinks. In most part of the video, both women looked terrified.

The duo could be seen walking to a vehicle where the Hamas fighter handed them over to a person waiting for them in a Red Cross vest. Before she walked ahead, Lifshitz turned and shaked the hand of the gunman, who was also heard greeting Shalom, salutation used in Jewish community, to her.

The recent release came days after an American mother-daughter duo from captivity.

After Cooper and Lifshitz were released, they were immediately ferried in a helicopter to a hospital in Tel Aviv. The medical official at the hospital announced them healthy, however, they said uthorities will come to a better understanding of their condition shortly.

Both the hostages were on medications and they authorities believe they may have been taken off medicines for two weeks during their captivity.
Israel-Hamas war highlights: The war between Israel and Palestine's Hamas militant group entered its 18th day on Tuesday. Over 6,000 people have died on both sides. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.(AP)

The Hamas-led Health Ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed and 15,270 wounded in the airstrikes carried out by Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza since October 7. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids.

More than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel after Hamas attacked Israeli towns from the Gaza border on October 7. In addition to that, at least 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza. Four of them have been released since then.

Several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are now emphasising the importance of a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Meanwhile, China for the first time, has acknowledged Israel's right to self-defence.

Here's what all has happened lately in the war between Israel and Hamas:
Two people were arrested after police say one man fired a shot into the air and another pepper-sprayed pro-Palestinian demonstrators near an Israel solidarity event in Chicago's northern suburbs. Israel-Hamas War: A group of about 200 pro-Palestinian protesters staged their own rally near the hall. (Representational)

The episode took place Sunday evening around a banquet hall in Skokie, where about 1,000 people had gathered to show solidarity with Israel, according to event organizers.

A group of about 200 pro-Palestinian protesters staged their own rally near the hall. A man reportedly drove his car into the group, got out and fired a shot before police said they took him into custody. A witness told the Chicago Sun-Times that the man's car had been covered in Israeli flags, the newspaper reported.

A man coming out of the banquet hall wearing an Israeli flag as a cape sprayed the crowd with pepper spray before he was arrested. No one was seriously hurt in the melee, but the pepper spray hit several protesters, a Chicago police officer and a Sun-Times reporter.

Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the US Palestinian Community Network, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Monday that his group organised the protest along with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression to push back against Israeli aggression. He said that he heard the shot and saw the person attack the crowd with pepper spray.

This is a concern we're having across the country, Abudayyeh said. Palestinians, whether at protests or living their daily lives, are being attacked.

He accused pro-Israeli political leaders in the US of inflaming tensions.

Not only do we have to work 24 hours a day to help educate the American public ... we also have to defend our community from physical attacks on their lives, he said.

Alison Pure-Slovin, director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Midwest regional office, said in a statement that her group organized the rally.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center describes itself as a global Jewish human rights activist organisation.

It was an incredible display of solidarity and support for the State of Israel and the Jewish people, she said in the statement. She didn't immediately respond to a follow-up message seeking comment on the arrests.

Messages left with the Skokie Police Department and the Cook County State Attorney's Office inquiring about whether the men will be charged weren't immediately returned.

Police in US cities as well as federal authorities have been on high alert for violence driven by antisemitic or Islamophobic sentiments as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

In Minneapolis, a rally was briefly disrupted Sunday when a man allegedly drove toward protesters who were showing support for Palestinians in Gaza. Police said in a statement that multiple witnesses reported a vehicle drove through the crowd. The Anti-War Committee released a statement saying that a hostile driver threatened protesters with his car and a box cutter and video circulating on social media showed protesters kicking and hitting a car before the person inside drove away.

Minneapolis police Sgt. Garrett Parten said Monday that police were still investigating and trying to figure out what was true and what was not. Police said that no injuries were reported and there were no arrests.

Sunday's rally in Skokie came a little more than a week after a landlord in Plainfield, Illinois, was charged with a hate crime after he was accused of fatally stabbing a 6-year-old Muslim boy and seriously wounding his mother. Police said he singled out the victims because of their faith and as a response to the war.

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At least 100 people were arrested in Egypt after taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations late last week, though some have subsequently been released, lawyers working on the cases said on Tuesday. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers stand guard and look at a fire that was caused when a rocket that was launched from Gaza landed in southern Israel.(Reuters)

State-approved protests against Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip were held at several locations in Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt on Friday.

However, some protesters in Cairo walked to Tahrir Square - the centre of Egypt's 2011 uprising - which was not among the sites approved for the pro-Palestinian demonstration. The protesters were quickly dispersed by security personnel.

Unauthorised public protests are banned in Egypt, and Tahrir Square, which was redesigned several years ago, is heavily monitored by security services because of its symbolic status.

"Around 40 of the arrests were in Cairo, 65 in Alexandria, and a few from other provinces. Fourteen of the detainees from Cairo were summoned to the public prosecutor's office," human rights lawyer Nabeh Elganadi said.

At least 18 detainees from Cairo were released on Monday "and that number is likely to rise", he added.

Judicial officials and an interior ministry spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has overseen a long crackdown on dissent across the political spectrum during nearly a decade in power.

Rights groups say tens of thousands have been jailed on political grounds and without due process, something Egyptian authorities deny.

Those detained over recent days and after the protests included some supporters of a campaign by former member of parliament Ahmed Tantawy to stand against Sisi in presidential elections due in December, said Elganadi and Belal Habib, a legal advisor to the campaign.

Tantawy quit the campaign after complaining that his supporters had been harassed and arrested as he tried to gather the 25,000 public endorsements required to stand, accusations that Egypt's election authority said were unfounded.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is seriously unwell and his recent appearances are by a body double or doubles, according to a Telegram channel that claims Putin is terminally ill, a report by British tabloid Daily Mirror said. Russian President Vladimir Putin (AP)

The Mirror report quoted the channels allegations over the weekend that Putin suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening and was resuscitated in an intensive care ward in his residence.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a regular call with reporters, denied suggestions that the president was using body doubles, calling that an "absurd hoax". The President is fit and well, Peskov said, according to Reuters.

Putin, a judo enthusiast who has long cultivated an "action man" image, turned 71 on Oct. 7. He maintains an intensive schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of them televised.

His recent programme included a visit to China last week, with stop-offs in two Russian cities on the way back.

In a 2020 interview, Putin denied longstanding rumours that he uses body doubles, but said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons. In April this year, Peskov said talk of body doubles was "yet another lie" and that Putin was in an enviable health.

The Telegram channel cited by the Daily Mirror, General SVR, has been suggesting that the Russian President was terminally ill and had a health episode on Sunday.

The Mirror report quoted from the Telegram channel: "At about 21:05 Moscow time, security officers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the president's bedroom. Two security officers immediately followed into the president's bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks.

Probably, when the president fell, he hit the table and dishes and knocked them onto the floor, which caused the noise. Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes. The doctors who were on duty at the residence and located in one of the adjacent rooms were immediately called.

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In the wake of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's controversial statements about the royal family, commentators are urging the Firm, especially King Charles, to maintain their dignity and not engage in retaliatory attacks. Despite the couple's claims, including accusations of racism within the family, the royals have been advised not to stoop to Harry and Meghan's level. Britain's King Charles III addresses assembled guests at Mansion House in London, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. The King and Queen attended a dinner at Mansion House, to recognise the work of the City of London civic institutions and Livery Companies  the city's ancient and modern trade guilds. The King upheld the traditions of a new Monarch's first visit to the City of London in their Coronation year.(AP)

After their exit from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan publicly aired their grievances in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan addressed rumors, stating that it was actually Kate Middleton who made her cry before her wedding. Prince Harry revealed that his father, Prince Charles, had cut him off financially and stopped taking his calls after their move to the U.S. The most serious allegation was that an unnamed royal had concerns about the colour of their son's skin.

In response to these claims, the Palace issued a statement expressing concern, especially regarding the issue of race. However, commentator Dr. Ed Owens emphasized the importance of the royal family not responding to what he called "low-blow" attacks. He stated, All they can do is carry on in a dignified manner. Responding to Harry and Meghan is only going to increase the sensationalism around the stories. They've got to maintain a distance and a dignified silence, however difficult that might be.

Historian Katie Nicholl revealed that Prince Charles initially considered addressing the allegations point by point but opted for a shorter statement to avoid further damage. Dr. Owens emphasized that the royal family must not validate Harry and Meghans claims by behaving in a manner that proves them true. Instead, they should maintain their composure and dignity in the face of scrutiny.

As the public watches closely, the royal family's response will undoubtedly shape public opinion. By adhering to a dignified silence, they may not only protect their reputation but also uphold the integrity of the monarchy amidst ongoing challenges.
Russia scrambled fighter jets to intercept two U.S. bombers and a drone which approached Russia's northern and southern borders on Tuesday, the Russian Defence Ministry reported. A Russian Su-35 fighter jet makes a demonstration flight at the Russian aircraft plant that builds fighter jets in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, about 6,200 kilometres (3,900 miles) east of Moscow, Russia. (Representative Image/AP)

According to the ministry, two U.S. B-1B strategic bombers approached the border over the Baltic Sea and a Global Hawk drone approached the border over the Black Sea.

As with the fighter jets, a single Su-37 approached in both cases and the U.S. bombers and the drone pivoted away from the Russian border, the ministry said.

Similar encounters have been regularly reported in recent weeks by Russia. (Reporting by Maxim Rodionov)
The Sri Lanka cabinet has approved a proposal to grant free visas to travelers from seven countries - India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand for five months, Sri Lanka's minister of foreign affairs Ali Sabry announced on Tuesday. According to Sabry, the free visa travel has begun with immediate effect as a pilot project and will continue till March 31. Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for visitors from India, six other countries(HT/Picture for representation)

According to the tourism ministry of Sri Lanka, the purpose of this move is to attract more tourists to the country. We are expecting to increase tourist arrivals to five million over the coming years, the ministry said as quoted by the Sri Lankan media.

The move is also expected to save money and time spent on obtaining visas for the travellers.

Last week, the ministry of tourism announced that a proposal was presented in the Cabinet meeting to issue free tourist visas for travellers from five countries. The cabinet paper was reportedly presented jointly by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry.

The Cabinet also proposed to introduce an e-ticketing system for most of the tourist sites in the country in the near future, the ministry said, reported local media.
Former president Donald Trump was met withlock him up chants as he arrived in New Hampshire to file for the states Republican primary. He is set to have a rally with supporters in the afternoon. President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign rally Monday Oct. 23, 2023, in Derry, N.H (AP/PTI)(AP)

Viral videos show Trump greeting supporters after stepping out of a black car, with Secret Service agents around him. A man was heard saying lock him up! Donald Trump! into a megaphone. Handlers with the Trump campaign asked journalists to leave shortly after. In New Hampshire, Trump is expected to address his legal battles.

In August, Trump becamethe first US president in history to have a mugshot taken. His mugshot was taken while being booked at an Atlanta jail for allegedly trying to reverse the 2020 election results in Georgia. His attorney Alina Habba had said that the decision to take a mugshot was a bit of an ego trip for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

The purpose of a mug shot is when you dont recognize someone, you think theres a flight risk, Alina told Fox News. This man is the most famous person in the world, the leading [Republican] candidate right now.

So far this year, the Georgia indictment happens to be the fourth brought against Trump. There were multiple federal cases over the former presidents attempts at overturning the 2020 election in Washington, DC, as well as for allegedly mishandling classified documents in South Florida.

Trump was also indicted for allegedly falsifying business records in an attempt to conceal hush money paid to Stormy Daniels before the elections in 2016. He was accused of doing this to keep Stormy from speaking up about an affair he allegedly had with the porn star.

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Mcdonald's is offering free fries with every order on Fridays for the rest of 2023. Customers will be able to get free medium fries on a minimum purchase of $1 at participating outlets in the United States till the end of the year. The offer will be limited to one-time usage per customer on each Friday. In order to avail of this offer, it is pertinent to be enrolled in the McDonald's rewards program. Only 10 Fridays are remaining this year, so here's how to can get free fries with your next order. McDonald's is giving away free fries every Friday for the rest of the year

ALSO READ: McDonald's brings back Halloween Boo Buckets: Find out its 4 different styles

How to get free fries on Friday?

Here are the steps you need to follow for this offer:

Download the MyMcDonalds app. Log in or Sign up to create an account. Click on the Deals tab. The offer should now be visible. However, If you open the app on Friday, the offer will be visible by default. Now, make a purchase of at least $1 to be eligible for the offer.

The Free Fries Friday offer will start on October 27 and will last till December 29, with eight Fridays in between to snag this delicious opportunity.

ALSO READ: The 'Best Burger Yet': McDonald's Halloween menu leaves fans craving more

List of the dates

October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17 November 24 December 1 December 8 December 15 December 22 December 29

Offers from other joints

However, McDonalds is not the only fast food joint coming up with offers as 2023 is nearing its end. Burger King is offering free fries per order to its Royal per week until December 31. Taco Bell is offering free Toasted Breakfast Tacos via its mobile app per week but the deal is only available for Taco Bell rewards members until October 31. The good news is that no purchase is necessary to avail it. Dunkin reward members can get one free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase until October 30.

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The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has not only reverberated across the globe but has also mirrored itself in passionate protests and instances of hate crime in New York City, as captured by the New York Times. The city, known for its diverse cultural fabric, has seen rising tensions among its Jewish and Muslim communities, reflecting a microcosm of the larger geopolitical discord. A protestor holds a sign reading "Defund Israel, Defend Palestine" as people rally in support of Palestinians in Brooklyn, New York on October 21, 2023, amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR / AFP)(AFP)

One such reflection was observed in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, where about 5,000 people rallied in solidarity with the Palestinian cause on a recent Saturday. This protest was a part of a chain of events that included a pro-Israel demonstration near Times Square and a pro-Palestinian demonstration, both seeing a considerable turnout and the latter leading to 139 arrests for blocking traffic as per NY Times.

Councilman Justin Brannan from Bay Ridge highlighted the emotional turmoil of New Yorkers who have family back in the conflict zones, expressing their fear and anger through these protests. The narrative was different yet similar from Councilman Ari Kagan, who pointed out a sign in the Bay Ridge rally depicting the Israeli flag inside a trash can, labeling it as "Pure hate & a call for violence", according to the NY Times.

The NY Times also recounts the antisemitic and anti-Islamic attacks that have surged in the wake of the conflict, deepening the unease among the communities. The launch of a hotline by Governor Kathy Hochul for reporting incidents of hate and bias, following her visit to Israel, is a testament to the growing concerns over community safety. The initiative comes amid reports of increased anti-semitic incidents since October 7, from slurs to graffiti of swastikas.

The fear has escalated to a point where the New York Police Department's bomb squad was called due to a package from Gaza, which later turned out to contain olive oil. The heightened security concerns have led to Jewish institutions seeking extra security or police presence, indicative of the palpable fear among community members.

The protests and the subsequent reactions from the city's officials and citizens are a stark reflection of how global events, particularly conflicts, have a way of finding resonance in local communities, creating ripples that go beyond geographical boundaries. The community leaders and elected officials in New York are now tasked with not only addressing the concerns of their constituents but also finding ways to mend the growing discord and ensuring the safety and unity of the communities amidst these testing times.

The anecdotal instances of protests, rising hate crimes, and the communal fear in New York, as reported by the NY Times, paint a picture of a city grappling with the aftershocks of a conflict happening thousands of miles away, underscoring the global interconnectedness and the ripple effects of geopolitical events.

(Disclaimer: Several parts of the text in this article were generated with the help of an AI tool.)

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The vacancy for the Speaker of the House since early October continues to hamper legislative processes, with a looming deadline of November 17 for federal government funding decisions. The core of the issue lies in the inability of the Republicans to unite behind a single candidate for the Speaker role, following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy. A person departs a House Republicans caucus meeting at the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on October 23, 2023. . (Photo by Julia Nikhinson / AFP)(AFP)

Initially, Representatives Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan were the chosen nominees by the Republicans, but both had to withdraw their candidacies due to insufficient support to garner the 217 votes required for the position. The process now sees nine Republicans contending for the role, with an internal election planned. However, the multiplicity of candidates could prolong the election process within the party.

This discord among the Republicans transcends into broader legislative inaction at a critical time. Key matters such as an aid package for Israel amidst its conflict with Hamas, and additional funding for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, remain in limbo due to the lack of leadership. The NY Times emphasizes that the exigent concern is the November 17 deadline to decide on federal government funding, with a risk of a government shutdown if no action is taken.

The process to elect a new Speaker is transparent but could drag on if a consensus isn't reached. In a rare scenario, forming a coalition government has been floated by Representative Hakeem Jeffries, where governance by consensus could allow bipartisan bills to come to the floor. This proposition comes as an alternative to overcome the legislative stalemate, though it's deemed a long shot by the NY Times.

Amidst this leadership vacuum, Representative Patrick T. McHenry is acting as the speaker pro tempore, a temporary position ensuring continuity. Some GOP lawmakers proposed a resolution to grant McHenry the authority to bring legislation to the floor, which could serve as a workaround to address urgent legislative needs. However, this idea faced opposition within the party, echoing the ongoing internal discord.

This political impasse underscores a critical juncture where the urgency of external affairs and internal legislative needs clash with party politics. The prolonged absence of a Speaker not only affects the legislative efficiency but also reflects the broader ideological rift within the Republican party, as depicted by the NY Times. The unfolding scenario could potentially lead to unconventional political arrangements to ensure legislative functionality and address pressing national and international concerns.

(Disclaimer: Several parts of the text in this article were generated with the help of an AI tool.)

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The 85-year-old Israeli woman who was taken by Hamas as a hostage on October 7, was released by the terrorist group on Monday, October 23. Ive been through hell, we didnt think or know we would get to this situation, Yocheved Lifshitz, who was seated in a wheelchair, told the reporters, as per CNN. The elderly woman recalled the time she was being held by Hamas and said that they treated her and the other hostages gently. She also revealed that a doctor visited her to ensure she received all the medicines she needed during her time in captivity. The footage of her being released was shared on social media, in which, she can be seen shaking hands with a Hamas militant. Woman held hostage by Hamas militants released(X screenshot)

They seemed really prepared for it. They had concealed it for a long time, and they took care of all the needs that people need, [such as] shampoo and conditioner, Lifshitz revealed, adding, They gave us pitta bread, hard cheese, some low-fat cream cheese and cucumber and that was our food for the entire day. However, she was devastated and completely shaken by the situation. Talking about her kidnapping, she said, I was kidnapped on a motorbike on my side while they were driving toward Gaza. They didn't break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing, she added.

ALSO READ: Releasing Israeli hostages: Hamas gunman shakes hand, leaves with a Shalom

Lifshitz was taken through ploughed fields while she was being kidnapped and hit by Hamas terrorists with sticks. She also revealed that she had to walk a few kilometres, with a militant in front of her while another walked behind her until they reached the tunnels. Upon her release, her daughter Sharone Lifshitz flew to Tel Aviv to be by her mother's side and narrated the mix of torment and humane treatment she endured during the violent kidnappings.

Sharone, who lives in London, told the reporters, My mum is saying they [Hamas] were very friendly towards them. They took care of them, adding that they were provided with medicines during their treatment. Talking about another victim, she said, One of the men with them was badly injured from a motorbike accident on the way. However, according to her mother, one of the paramedics gave him medicine and antibiotics. As told by Lifshitz's daughter, the Hamas militants were friendly and they kept the place very clean. Sharone also added, My mum is saying they were very delicate and caring with them, and took care of all their needs.

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Five esteemed alumni from Harvard Business School, including US Senator Mitt Romney and hedge fund manager Seth Klarman, have voiced their concern over the safety of Jewish students amidst ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14, 2023. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP)(AFP)

In an open letter released on Monday, they have condemned the threatening nature of the protests going on at the IVY league campus and sheds light on the fear instilled in Jewish students, some of whom have resorted to staying in their dorm rooms for safety. The alumni, also including Joanna Jacobson, Bill Helman, and Mark Nunnelly, urged the Harvard administration to uphold and enforce the university's existing moral code of conduct among its students, employees, and faculty.

Your silence as the situation intensifies is both astounding and frightening, they wrote in an Open Letter to Harvard Leadership Regarding Antisemitism on Campus addressed to Claudine Gay, the universitys president, and other school leaders. Given that Harvard has been vocal in its advocacy for the rights of students from other religious, racial and ethnic groups, this silence, amidst the meteoric rise in antisemitism, is deafening.

This open letter has only added fuel to the ongoing anger against Harvards handling of the tensions following the recent violence in the Middle East post Hamas's assault on Israel earlier this month. The situation was triggered after its 30 student groups blamed Israel for the October 7 Hamas terror attack, a stance that Larry Summers, a former Harvard president, found outrageous due to the universitys initial silence.

Free speech is to be respected but hatred, threats and violence against students and faculty are unequivocally prohibited, the letter stated.

Harvard has declined to comment about the letter. In subsequent statements, Gay has condemned the terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. At an alumni reunion event Monday, she again condemned antisemitism and said she was 100% committed to making sure that Jewish life thrives here on our campus.

In the backdrop of these developments, the alumni letter also brought to light a recent assault on an Israeli student on campus, and suggested measures like checking student IDs to bar outsiders from entering the campus, a practice temporarily adopted by the university. They also proposed a semester-long course to promote productive discourse, critical thinking, and the interrogation of facts.

Several prominent figures have condemned Harvard for its stand during the entire episode. At least two billionaire donors, Idan Ofer and Leslie Wexner, have pulled their support from Harvard. Investor Bill Ackman have claimed they would not give jobs to students who signed the letter. Three of its students were denied a job by top US law firm after giving them job offers.

US satirist, Bill Maher, also shockingly referred to the institute as, 'if ignorance is a disease, Harvard Yard is the Wuhan wet market.

It certainly does not express my own views, because I condemn the killing of civilians and acts of terrorism as always reprehensible, McKenzie said.

Harvard along with other premium institutions, meanwhile, are grappling with how to preserve the right to free expression and academic freedom against calls for more oversight over the language and actions of students, faculty and administrators.

At New York University, law school dean Troy McKenzie issued a statement saying a message from the president of the Student Bar Association  which also laid blame on Israel  doesnt speak for the institutions leadership.

It certainly does not express my own views, because I condemn the killing of civilians and acts of terrorism as always reprehensible, McKenzie said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vertika Kanaujia Vertika Kanaujia is Editor Audience Growth at Hindustan Times and oversees the websites coverage of business news, health, technology and internet culture. She is a Chevening Scholar and a Columbia Journalism University Fellow. Vertika has been a journalist for more than 18 years. After starting her career as a business journalist in TV she has worked with various leading news channels. You can email her at vertika.kanaujia@htdigital.in. ...view detail
A 14-year-old boy has been named America's Top Young Scientist for developing a bar of soap that treats skin cancer. A ninth grader at W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, Virginia, Heman Bekele won after competing with nine other finalists in the 2023 3M Young Scientists Challenge. He won the $25,000 grand prize. Heman Bekele won after competing with nine other finalists in the 2023 3M Young Scientists Challenge (Heman Bekele/LinkedIn)

Bekele reportedly made the affordable soap by infusing medicinal soap with three ingredients. The ingredients reactivate dendritic cells that generate an immune response to fight the deadly disease. Each bar of soap costs just $0.50, the Daily Mail reported.

Who is Heman Bekele?

Bekeles LinkedIn bio reads, Freshman attending Woodson High School. Self-taught programmer- fluent in Python, Lua, JavaScript, and C. Passionate about medicine, programming, and making an impact. Eager for opportunities in research and internships in STEM & computer science.

Skin cancer is mostly found in people living in developing countries, Bekele told Fairfax County Public Schools. But the average price for an operation is $40,000.

He added, I was devastated by the idea of people choosing between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.

Bekele went on to study skin cancer and learn about dendritic cells. The video he submitted for the competition explains that the three ingredients  salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin  are known to be keratolytic agents that break down the outer layers of the skin.

Bekele calls the product skin cancer-treating soap or SCTS. He says that following a prescription, the product can be applied to the skin every couple of days. Bekele has planned to put the prize money toward securing a patent and college.

Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life

Bekele wishes to become an electrical engineer in the future. I envision myself leading a team of professionals in the development of innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology, he said. Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life with a loving family and a strong network of friends.

He added, I also hope to have given back to my community by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting initiatives that promote STEM education. Ultimately, in 15 years, I hope to have positively impacted the world through my work and personal endeavors.

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Vladimir Nekrasov, the chairman of Russia's second-largest oil producer Lukoil , has died suddenly at the age of 66 after suffering acute heart failure, the company said on Tuesday. A logo of Russian Lukoil oil company is seen.(Reuters)

Lukoil said Nekrasov had worked for almost 50 years in the oil and gas sector. He had also worked as Lukoil's First Vice-President and an adviser to the company's president.

Lukoil, contacted by Reuters, declined further comment about Nekrasov's death.

The previous head of Lukoil's board, Ravil Maganov, died in September 2022 after falling from a hospital window in Moscow, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

Several Russian businessmen, most with ties to the energy industry, have died suddenly in unclear circumstances in the months following the start of what Moscow calls its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.

Unusually among Russian companies, Lukoil took a public stand over Moscow's operation in Ukraine. In a March 3 2022 statement, the company's board of directors expressed its concern over the "tragic events" in Ukraine and called for the "earliest possible end to armed conflict" via negotiations.

The statement remains on the company's web site.

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The Kremlin rejected speculation about Russian president Vladimir Putin's health, saying he was fit and well. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also denied suggestions that the president was using body doubles, calling that an "absurd hoax". Vladimir Putin Health: Russian president Vladimir Putin.(AP)

This comes after an unsourced report by a Russian Telegram channel, picked up by some Western media, claimed that the president had suffered a serious health episode on Sunday evening. Vladimir Putin turned 71 on October 7 and recently visited China with stop-offs in two Russian cities on the way back.

The Telegram channel General SVR quoted by several reports claimed that Vladimir Putin's security officers found him lying on his bedroom floor at around 9 pm.

At about 21:05 Moscow time, security officers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the president's bedroom. Two security officers immediately followed into the president's bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks, it said.

Probably, when the president fell, he hit the table and dishes and knocked them onto the floor, which caused the noise. Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes. The doctors who were on duty at the residence and located in one of the adjacent rooms were immediately called," the channel's statement read as per reports.

In a 2020 interview, Vladimir Putin had denied longstanding rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons. In April this year, Kremlin said that talk of body doubles was "yet another lie" and that Vladimir Putin was in enviable health.

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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
Joe Biden mistakenly called for a ceasefire in Gaza as he misspoke during a press conference. When the US president was asked whether he would support a hostages-for-ceasefire deal, under which Washington would urge Israel and Hamas to end hostilities temporarily to allow for the release of prisoners and delivery of aid, Joe Biden replied, We should get thewe should have a ceasefirenot a ceasefire, we should have those hostages released, and then we can talk. Israel-Hamas War: US President Joe Biden delivers remarks.(AFP)

This marks the first time the US president has suggested that Washington will be willing to discuss a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas once more than 200 hostages have been released by the terror group from where they have been imprisoned in Gaza.

The question of a ceasefire has been fiercely debated among Western allies as leaders from France and the EU backing a humanitarian ceasefire. Elisabeth Borne, the French prime minister, and Josep Borrell, the EUs top foreign diplomat, are supportive of a temporary end to hostilities.

Rishi Sunak, UK's prime minister, said a ceasefire would be difficult, while United States officials said operational decisions about the conflict should be left to the Israeli Defence Forces. Matthew Miller, a US State Department spokesman, said temporary ceasefire would give Hamas the ability to rest, to refit, and to get ready to continue launching terrorist attacks against Israel.

You can understand perfectly clearly why thats an intolerable situation for Israel, as it would be an intolerable situation for any country that has suffered such a brutal terrorist attack and continues to see the terrorist threat right on its border, he said.

Josep Borrell indicated that EU states were likely to announce their support for a ceasefire in the coming days.

I believe that the idea of a humanitarian pause to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid, which would allow displaced persons to find shelter, is something that the leaders will support, he said.

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China has removed its missing defence minister General Li Shangfu from his ministerial position and as state councillor, Chinese state media said on Tuesday, in the countrys second, and rare, top leadership shake-up in three months. Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential decree Tuesday to remove Li Shangfu as State Councillor and Minister of National Defence, and to remove Qin Gang as State Councillor (AFP)

Besides sacking Li, Chinas rubber-stamp parliament, the National Peoples Congress, also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councillor, the reports said. The Chinese government is yet to name Lis successor.

President Xi Jinping signed a presidential decree Tuesday to remove Li Shangfu as Chinas State Councillor and Minister of National Defence, and to remove Qin Gang as State Councillor. Li was also removed as a member of Central Military Commission on Tuesday, the tabloid, Global Times, said in a report on Tuesday.

Qin was sacked as foreign minister and replaced by Wang Yi in July but continued as state councillor, which is a role that holds higher seniority in Chinas state council or cabinet, until now.

No explanation was given for the removal of Li who was last seen in public on August 29; neither has Beijing offered any explanation why Qin was sacked as foreign minister in July.

China on October 24 removed its defence minister Li Shangfu from its cabinet as part of a major reshuffle of its top leadership (REUTERS FILE PHOTO)

It is being speculated that the probable cause behind Lis disappearance and removal could be corruption. The ruling Communist partys investigating agencies are yet to announce if charges have been filed against Li.

Chinese state media noted on Tuesday that Lis appointment as defence minister had impacted defence interactions with the US as he had been sanctioned by Washington in 2018.

The sanction later became a trouble to China-US military exchanges when Li became the Chinese defence minister, the Global Times article quoted earlier said.

Li, an aerospace engineer by training, was appointed as defence minister in March during the annual session of the NPC; Both Li and Qin were appointed state councillors during the March session.

Impact

The defence ministers sacking comes in the backdrop of ongoing military talks between India and China to resolve the 40-month-long standoff from May 2020 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Ladakh sector, plunging bilateral ties to their worst in decades.

A deadly clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020 left 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops dead  the first fatalities along the LAC since 1975.

Both sides have deployed thousands of troops and heavy armament along the LAC.

Li visited New Delhi in late April to attend a meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) where he had said that the situation on the China-India border was generally stable and the two sides should take a long-term view, place the border issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations, and promote the transition of the border situation to normalised management.

Li, according to a Chinese readout of his meeting with Indian defence minister, Rajnath Singh, said that as neighbouring and important developing countries, China and India share far more common interests than differences, and the two sides should view bilateral ties from a comprehensive, long-term and strategic perspective, and jointly contribute wisdom and strength to world and regional peace and stability.

It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make proper contributions to the development of bilateral relations, the Chinese readout, quoting him telling Indian defence minister, Rajnath Singh, had said.

Li disappears

Four months later, Li disappeared. There was mounting speculation on the whereabouts of the US-sanctioned Li since early September after he was not seen in public since August-end and missed defence ministry-related engagements.

Several news reports had pointed to 65-year-old Lis absence from public events including his withdrawal from a meeting with Vietnamese defence leadership as a sign that he may be under investigation.

A Reuters report in September said Li has been placed under investigation by Chinese authorities, quoting 10 people familiar with the matter. The investigation relates to procurement of military equipment, according to a regional security official and three people in direct contact with the Chinese military.

Li came under the US scrutiny five years ago for allegedly purchasing Su-35 combat aircraft and S-400 missile system equipment from Russian arms seller Rosoboronexport; at the time, he was the director of the Equipment Development Department of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC).

Li served as chief of Staff of the PLA General Armaments Department, the deputy commander of the PLA Strategic Support Force, and the director of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission.

Before his appointment as defence minister, Li was the director of Chinas main satellite launch sites in Xichang in southwest Chinas Sichuan Province and played a major role in lunar exploration missions, making him an aerospace expert who was a senior official of Chinas space project, the GT article said.

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Following hotel openings in China, Japan and Thailand last year, Banyan Tree Group's new minimalist brand Garrya is continuing its global expansion with the launch of Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta on Indonesia's island of Java. Inspired by Asian sensibilities and natural elements, Garrya promotes beauty in simplicity by offering serene spaces designed for simplified living, cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

Located on the banks of Denggung River in Gabugan Village, a serene village located in Yogyakarta's Sleman Region, Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta encapsulates the area's rich traditions and draws design inspiration from Javanese culture and from Yogyakarta's iconic temple. Connecting guests to the storied past of ancient Javanese architecture, Arte Architect and Associates centred pyramid-like structures in a magnificent inner courtyard, complementing a joglo-style lobby clad in recycled wood. Meanwhile, a dedication to sustainable design has guided green building practices and the selection of eco-friendly materials such as terracotta bricks and teakwood to create intricate carvings.

The resort will feature 24 modern villas, a residential two-bedroom villa with a full-size swimming pool, gazebo, jacuzzi and a spacious living room, as well as a signature Wellbeing Sanctuary Villa for the ultimate rejuvenating experience. With clean lines, private plunge pools and decor that merges the charm of Javanese heritage with contemporary sensibilities, the villas will suit travellers seeking peace on a solo getaway or reconnection on a trip with loved ones.

Reflecting the resort's focus on mindfulness and wellbeing, Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta's four-room 8lements Spa will specialise in indigenous wellness therapies rooted in Asian wisdom. Guests will also be able to join group wellbeing activities ranging from poolside yoga at the riverside deck to dance workshops in the dedicated Movement Studio, or workouts in the gym.

Meanwhile, culinary offerings at Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta will be a celebration of Yogyakarta's rich and flavourful cuisine. A variety of traditional Javanese dishes made from locally sourced ingredients will be offered at the resort's "Refresh" all-day dining venue, "Kopi Zop" lounge and bar, and a private dining room. Guests will also have a chance to purchase handmade arts and crafts commissioned from local artisans at the on-site shop, while a dedicated event space will provide a refreshing setting for meetings immersed in nature.

In Yogyakarta, guests can explore traditional arts and crafts or visit the Sultan's Palace with its numerous open-air pavilions that host classical Javanese dance shows and concerts of gamelan music. Kotagede, an upmarket suburb of Yogyakarta and the hub of the silver industry, is another must-visit.

In keeping with the current expansion pace, by 2025 Banyan Tree Group's fast-growing Garrya brand is poised to open four resorts in Vietnam - in Mu Cang Chai, Da Nang, Hoi An and Hoa Binh, and two in China - in Xianju and Yangcheng Lake. For more information on the brand's portfolio and latest offerings, please visit www.garrya.com.

Hotel website
Espiridion returns to Fusion where he was previously operations manager in 2019-20. Originally from the Philippines, Espiridion's experience in hospitality stretches as far as Cairo and Qatar to Brunei, Zanzibar, and the Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. Espiridion joins the young and innovative team at Fusion Suites Sai Gon, a sleek, glass-fronted hotel standing nine storeys high in the city's business district.
Commonwealth Hotels announced that Heather Etheridge has been appointed the general manager of the Springhill Suites by Marriott Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus. Ms. Etheridge brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to her new role as general manager having previously served as the general manager of the Residence Inn Highlands Ranch in Colorado.

An experienced leader in both operations and sales, Ms. Etheridge is responsible for overseeing and executing the hotel and property operations, including staff management, guest satisfaction, and community relations.

Prior to joining The Springhill Suites Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus, Etheridge served in multiple leadership roles with Dimension Hospitality, Super Host Hospitality, and Chase Hospitality including general manager for the TownePlace Suites West Federal, the Residence Inn in Bedford, Denton, and Irving Texas as well as various other brands in diverse markets. Etheridge holds an Associates Degree in Hospitality and Recreation Marketing from Amarillo College.
Aligned Hospitality Management has promoted Tara Lundgren to vice president of operations. Lundgren, who served as the general manager of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Tucson Airport in Tucson, AZ, will join Aligned's corporate team to lead and enhance operations throughout the company's growing portfolio of properties.

Lundgren has actively climbed the ranks in the hospitality sector, taking on a series of diverse and impactful roles throughout her career. While working at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Tucson Airport, managed by Aligned, she moved up from her role as director of sales and marketing to take on the position of general manager. Here, Lundgren showcased her abilities in operational management, spearheading initiatives that elevated customer satisfaction levels and consistently met and exceeded brand benchmarks. Her tenure at properties in Tucson, AZ, such as Hilton Tucson East, Radisson Suites Tucson,and Marriott University Park exhibited her exceptional skills in sales and marketing, where she consistently demonstrated excellence in customer engagement, forecasting, and team leadership.
Radisson Hotel Group continues its ambitious growth and development plans across the South East Asia and Pacific region (SEAP) as its portfolio grows in key capital cities and primary tourist destinations across the Phillipines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

At the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group announced it will continue to expand its bold (upper) upscale hotel brand Radisson RED brand in Danang, Vietnam; Phuket, Thailand; and Cebu City in the Philippines, featuring stylish spaces with standout design. The Radisson Collection brand - a luxury lifestyle collection of iconic properties in unique locations  will soon enter South East Asia and Pacific with upcoming openings in 2024 in Galle (Sri Lanka) and Boracay (the Philippines). The Group will also continue to accelerate the growth of its upper upscale Radisson Blu brand with new properties in the pipeline for Colombo, Sri Lanka and Hoi An, Vietnam.

Elie Younes, Radisson Hotel Groups Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer

said: "Thanks to our owners, guests and team members, we continue our ambitious growth journey in Asia and globally, creating more possibilities and opportunities. From midscale to lifestyle and luxury, Asia offers tremendous opportunities to experience, work and invest in hospitality. Based on our recent successes with signings and openings, over 150 hotels have been added in APAC, and we look forward to continuing our exponential growth across the region.

Ramzy Fenianos, Radisson Hotel Groups Chief Development Officer Asia-Pacific commented: We are thrilled to announce the introduction of our new brands, such as Radisson RED and Radisson Collection, into the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This represents a significant milestone in our development strategy and marks the growth of our lifestyle brands into the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, all of which hold immense potential as key markets for our future growth."

Key milestones to date this year include:

Sri Lanka





With the addition of three hotels earlier in 2023, Radisson Hotel Group is on the path to becoming the largest hotel portfolio in Sri Lanka. The Group recently signed a 376-key Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo, an upper-upscale hotel in central Colombo set to open in 2025, bringing the total portfolio to 6 hotels in operation and under development.

Radisson Collection Resort, Galle will mark the lifestyle luxury brands debut in South East Asia and Pacific when opening in 2024. Nestled along the exclusive Talpe beach enclave, the 105-key luxury lifestyle resort boasts direct beachfront access with private villas offering unparralled exclusivity and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Authentic to its locality, the new Radisson Collection Resort, Galle will offer contemporary living; united by bespoke design and exceptional culinary experiences.

Philippines

The Philippines will soon welcome the addition of two new lifestyle brands under the Radisson RED and Radisson Collection brands. Set to open in 2024, the Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue is a 144-key upper-upscale hotel that is part of the Astra Centre, a major new mixed-use development in the dynamic coastal city.

The Group recently announced the signing of 110-key Fridays Boracay, A Radisson Collection Resort

which will mark an important milestone and debut of the lifestyle luxury Radisson Collection brand in the blissful beachside retreat of Boracay in the upscale Station 1 of White Beach.

The new hotels mark the continuation of the Groups growth in the Philippines following its milestone signing of a Master Development Agreement with SM Hotels & Convention Corp in April 2023 to reach 20 hotels by 2028.

Thailand

Thailand remains a key market for Radisson Hotel Group and the Groups portfolio expansion is a key priority for growth and brand presence. Since the start of 2022, Radisson Hotel Group has experienced remarkable growth in Thailand with the signing of 7 new hotels encompassing over 1,300 rooms. Upcoming openings in 2024 include Bangkok and Phuket under the Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson RED and Radisson brands.

Vietnam

Elevating Radisson Hotel Groups track record of 4 hotels in Vietnam, a series of 8 hotel openings are now in the pipeline. Radisson RED will make its market entrance in Danang with a new 165-key hotel, set to offer guests a myriad of social and dining spaces, including a bar and lounge, pool bar and sky lounge. Upcoming openings in the pipeline include Radisson Blu Resort Hoi An  the largest resort in the portfolio with 734 keys, as well as the Radisson Resort Mui Ne nestled on Suoi Nuoc Beach.

Radisson Hotel Groups portfolio in South East Asia and Pacific comprises over 60 hotels in operation and development. To learn more about Radisson Hotel Group, please visit www.radissonhotels.com.
60 students from Les Roches participated in the IV Spark Innovation Hackathon, a team exercise assessing potential entrepreneurial projects in the fields of tourism and hospitality.

The BBA in Global Hospitality Management and Tourism Business program allows students to choose the specialization in Entrepreneurship and Business Development to lead innovative projects and embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

Carlos Diez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches: "The history of our institution is built on an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, qualities expected of all future leaders."

According to the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey (GUESSS) that gathered insights from 58 countries, 17,8% of students aspire to become entrepreneurs directly after studies, and 32,3% five years after graduation.

Madrid/Marbella - Last week marked the fourth edition of the Spark Innovation Hackathon for 60 students specializing in Entrepreneurship in their BBA in Global Hospitality Management program at Les Roches. The event was organized in collaboration with We Tangible, a company defining itself as the 'anti-consultancy' specializing in corporate innovation, entrepreneurship, Design Thinking, and Lean Startup.

During the exercise, ten current business challenges in the hotel and tourism industry were presented. Each team of students chose one of the presented challenges, invented a solution, and worked on innovative solutions by creating a startup. They then faced the task of presenting their project to a jury and managing tensions within the teams, all within a 48-hour timeframe.

The aim of this practice, which Les Roches has been promoting for years, is to equip students and businesses with the necessary tools to nurture creativity and entrepreneurial skills among the students. In this edition, the project with the most potential for the jury was "Cuba Libre," a B2B data-based solution to enhance the consumer experience in events and nightlife.

Carlos Diez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, stated, The history of our institution is built on an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, qualities expected of all future leaders. Additionally, the school instills values of humility and sacrifice, necessary for starting a project from scratch.

The training brought together leading figures from the European entrepreneurial ecosystem, responsible for mentoring the teams, including Alberto Cardenas, CEO of FISIA Physiotherapy+Artificial Intelligence, Pablo Valencia, CEO of Patronus, Ildefonso Olmedo, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer of Santander UK, and Andrea Montoliu, Head of Spanish-speaking markets at Wooclap.

The dynamic also included the participation of the school's entrepreneurship team, represented by Susana Garrido, Director of Innovation and e-learning at Les Roches, and Professor Damaris Tenza. Additionally, Salva Ferri Guallar, an expert in innovation, corporate strategy, and startups, co-founder and Managing Partner at We Tangible, was responsible for organizing the training.

Les Roches strengthens its commitment to entrepreneurial talent

According to the findings of the latest report from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey (GUESSS) that gathered insights from 58 countries, 17,8% of students aspire to become entrepreneurs directly after studies. On top of this, 32,3% of students plan to become entrepreneurs 5 years after graduating. These figures confirm what we can find on the study led by The International Journal of Management Education, which is that schools and universities, with the evolution of their programs, can boost students creativity and entrepreneurial capability, thus supporting their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Les Roches nurtures this innovative mindset through its educational offerings. A testament to this is that 24% of its students start their own businesses within two years of graduating. The BBA in Global Hospitality Management is an internationally accredited business degree focused on the hospitality industry and offering specializations in Luxury Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing Strategies, Financial Performance Management, and Resort Development and Management. This education, available in English and Bilingual formats, allows students to acquire a professional discipline that opens doors to various sectors and some of the world's most prestigious brands, such as Marriott International, Hyatt, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and Soho House, amongst others.

In the final year of the BBA program, students can choose the specialization in Entrepreneurship and Business Development to lead innovative projects within major hotel chains and bring their projects to life. The next intake for the BBA will take place in February 2024.

Additionally, the program provides students with exclusive access to the global innovation center, Spark, a physical space on the campus that serves as a platform for incubating disruptive startups. The goal of Spark is to introduce students to the latest technologies and innovative ideas driving the next generation of the hotel industry.

About We Tangible

We Tangible is an anti-consultancy specializing in innovation, strategy, product development, startup ecosystems, and educational experiences, with a mission to make innovation a reality in businesses. Founded by Salva Ferri and Benjamin Lorente, both with extensive knowledge of the innovative ecosystem, We Tangible emphasizes methodology and people as the driving force behind innovation. From identifying challenges and the talent required to addressing them, to validating new concepts in the market, We Tangible is involved throughout the process to ensure that innovation becomes a replicable model for the company.

Despite its recent establishment, We Tangible has been involved in over 50 national and international projects and has accelerated over 40 startups to date, contributing to the creation of digital companies that now have a market valuation of over 100 million.

For more information, visit We Tangible.

About Les Roches

Les Roches is a bespoke experience to educate tomorrow's leaders in hospitality. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches offers undergraduate, graduate degrees and executive programs in Luxury, Hospitality and Tourism Management. Les Roches has campuses across Switzerland, Spain and in Shanghai - China as of 2025 as well as partner campus in Gurugram (Delhi NCR) through an academic alliance with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH). With a student body of more than 100 different nationalities, the institution provides students with a unique culturally diverse experience.

Les Roches ranks 4th in the worlds higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

For more information, visit Les Roches.

Anouck Weiss

Chief Communication Officer, Sommet Education

Les Roches
Paris - For more than 20 years, the Stevie Awards have recognized the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. Accor is proud to have captured the jury's attention with its From Change To Opportunity thought-leadership platform, exploring shifts in the hospitality industry. In particular, the jury singled out The incorporation of inspiring high-level ideas with actionable opportunities and flexible communication frameworks contributed to the campaign's success in engaging the brand's target audiences and reinforcing Accor's visibility and influence. They also highlighted the Group's pioneering spirit: "One of the oldest and best known brands in the hospitality space that has continuously been able to reinvent itself stay ahead of competition.

Change means opportunity

Change means opportunity. Either you change or you will be changed. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor

With this in mind, global hospitality leader Accor has decided to share knowledge, insights and strategies to collectively forge a successful path forward with the industry. Deep-seated shifts or passing fads? The From Change to Opportunity series was created to engage the hospitality industry, addressing these changes by conducting in-depth internal and external analyses as well as interviews with innovation experts to understand current behaviors and impacts, and to offer insights to assimilate these changes into valuable, actionable opportunities.

Launched in November 2022, this content series explores the ongoing shifts and transformations and their potential impact on our industry and released an in-depth insights report entitled "Hospitality Ahead: Transforming How We Welcome, Engage, and Manage in March 2023. It investigates the main trends and opportunities associated with evolving traveler expectations, based on an exclusive study carried out for Accor among 15,000 travelers in seven countries. It also explores how we engage with our customers through digital technologies and loyalty, as well as promising perspectives on talent management and sustainability.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,500 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

Angelique Cambon

Communication Manager

Accor
McInerney Hospitality International LLC is an international hospitality management, advisory and consulting organization. Our extensive international and domestic hospitality experience in both the for-profit and the not-for-profit sectors provide McInerney Hospitality with a global perspective and a greater understanding of the cultural diversity sensitivities throughout the world. We can provide your organization with professional management and services. Marriot International, Hilton International, and Wyndham International have approved McInerney Hospitality International to operate Select Service Franchise brands in the Republic of Georgia.
Nairobi Safari Club

Swiss-Belhotel International, has announced the signing of its second property in Nairobi, further establishing its presence in the Kenyan capital. This development comes less than a month after the signing of its previous hotel in the city.

The Nairobi Safari Club, situated in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District, will be rebranded as Nairobi Safari Club by Swiss-Belhotel. The transition, culminating in a full takeover, is slated for 1st March 2024. Initially, the focus will be on embedding Swiss-Belhotel International's standards and minimal branding, with subsequent plans to refine the property's offerings.

Built in 1984, Nairobi Safari Club is Nairobi's only all-suite hotel and stands as a landmark in the city's central area. The 4-star property boasts 146 rooms, ranging from studio and panorama rooms to executive and presidential suites. The hotel also offers extensive conferencing facilities, including exclusive private rooms on the top floor.

The hotel is owned by Mukawa (Hotels) Holdings Limited.

The Directors of Mukawa (Hotels) Holdings Limited, Clare Njeri Githunguri and Lilian Joy Nyagaki Githunguri, expressing their delight, stated, Joining forces with Swiss-Belhotel International is not just a business decision, but a commitment to elevating the Nairobi Safari Club experience and setting new hospitality benchmarks. The fusion of our legacy with Swiss-Belhotel Internationals global expertise will craft a distinctive hospitality experience for travellers in Nairobi.

This strategic signing by Swiss-Belhotel International not only amplifies its presence in the African continent but also aligns with its broader vision of capitalizing on emerging markets with robust potential.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated, "As the tourism industry continues to grow in Africa, we are seeing an increased appetite for our world-class brands from hotel owners in the continent. Our accelerated growth trajectory in Nairobi reflects our confidence in the Kenyan market. The addition of Nairobi Safari Club into our portfolio places us in a great position to contribute to the diversification of the countrys tourism sector.

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President  Operations & Development, EMEA & India, and Senior Vice President  Group Human Resources & Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, added: "This is a significant milestone for us. With an eye on the changing market dynamics, we are strategically building our portfolio to inspire more guests to experience our brands and hotels. Nairobi Safari Club's iconic status combined with Swiss-Belhotel's operational excellence will undoubtedly create a unique hospitality offering in the heart of Nairobi.
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BAV Expands Local Meat Processing Support Program

GREAT BARRINGTON  Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) announced two milestones in its mission to bolster the regional food supply chain.

The opening of the BAV/AgriForaging Food Safety Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Hotline and a visit by the USDA to both Plymouth Meats, a regional meat processor in Terryville, Conn, and to BAV's headquarters in Great Barrington, showcased the organization's commitment to promoting sustainable and resilient meat processing practices across the Berkshire-Taconic region; just one portion of BAV's work towards bolstering the local food economy.

BAV has partnered with AgriForaging Food Safety to introduce the AgriForaging Food Safety HACCP Hotline. This initiative is part of the Local Meat Processing Support Program, which strives to provide guidance and support for meat and poultry processors across the region.

This dedicated hotline is open every Thursday from noon to 4 PM, offering industry experts' insights into state and federal meat and poultry compliance regulations, as well as HACCP principles. The hotline is committed to providing personalized solutions for a wide range of compliance questions, ensuring peace of mind for local processors as they navigate the complexities of food safety regulations. For more information or to schedule a call, visit https://www. berkshireagventures.org/haccp- hotline. This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2022-70419-38562.

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures was recently featured as a success story by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) Office.

The USDA RD visit to Plymouth Meats follows BAV's recent award of a USDA Rural Development Meat and Poultry Intermediary Relending Program Grant in the amount of $630,000. This critical investment empowers BAV to be able to offer critical financing and technical support to help hundreds of local farms in rural Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Candidate Statement: Krol Strongly Supports Ending MCAS as Graduation Requirement

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Mayoral candidate John Krol has unequivocally called for ending the practice of using the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) as a mandatory requirement for graduation.

"How draconian is it that we are using this test as a requirement to graduate here in Massachusetts. We all know people and have heard the examples of kids and adults alike who simply 'don't test well.' It's time to end this practice and join so many other states around the country that examine our students with a more authentic and suitable assessment for success in acquiring scholarly skills. Keeping a diploma from a child because they didn't score high enough on a test is harming not only those soon to be young adults but our community as a whole," said Krol in a statement last week.

Krol has four children attending the Pittsfield Public Schools and his wife, Cara Krol, has been a teacher in the PPS for 23 years. He said he cares deeply about the quality of the schools, the classroom environment, the diversity of offerings for students including the arts, and proper support for teachers and paraprofessionals.

The Citizens for Public Schools released a report in April of this year that he said proves plainly that the use of MCAS as a high stakes barometer is harmful to children. The executive summary stated:

Twenty years into the implementation of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, the policy has harmed students who have been denied diplomas and has failed to address inequities in academic outcomes by race, income, language, and disability. As funding increased, scores on national tests went up for all subgroups between 1993 and 2003. Fewer students scored below the "Basic" level on national tests. That was especially true for Black and Latinx students. When the graduation requirement took effect in 2003, there was no appreciable impact on these trends, but educators report a range of negative consequences, including narrowed curriculum, increased stress and anxiety among students.

"This is a first step in ending the obsessive focus on a high-stakes exam, which drives our curriculum and the experience in the classroom in the PPS," said Krol. "I envision a school system that thrives on a diversity of offerings, including more arts, music and material that inspires our students and staff alike. We cannot continue teaching to a narrowly-focused test, obsessing over data, and severely limiting the possibilities for our staff and students."

According to CPS, since the implementation of the requirement in 2003, some 52,000 students did not receive a diploma for not meeting MCAS-mandated scores; more than two-thirds of them have disabilities of some kind.

There is both a pending ballot question that will be put to voters statewide to end MCAS as a graduation requirement and a piece of legislation known as the Thrive Act that will do the same. The Massachusetts Teachers Association, multiple parents and students organizations all support these measures.

"Mayors have a role in this fight. It's important that the voters know where I stand on this vital issue. Particularly in the culturally-rich Berkshires, our schools need to be partnering with our many cultural institutions to more fully enrich our students," said Krol.

Submitted by the campaign for John Krol for Mayor.
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Four North Koreans were found aboard a small wooden boat near South Korea in a possible attempt to defect from their country, South Korean officials have said.

North Koreans frequently flee their country to avoid poverty and political oppression, with over 30,000 such cases reported since the 1990s.

The latest discovery on Tuesday was made by a South Korean coastguard ship, responding to a report from a fishing boat south of the eastern sea border that separates the two Koreas.

The individuals onboard, comprising a man and three women, identified themselves as North Koreans.

However, this event stands as an unusual case. Defections from North Korea by sea are infrequent due to the increased dangers associated with maritime escape.

The South Korean military, in coordination with the coast guard, took the North Koreans into custody after a sea border pursuit.

A military statement said the North Koreans were suspected of defecting to South Korea but gave no further details.

South Koreas public broadcaster KBS said the four North Koreans are members of a single family and were unarmed. They were not wearing military uniforms at the time of their discovery, officials said.

Typically, North Korean defectors undergo rigorous questioning by South Korean authorities to ascertain the authenticity of their desire to resettle.

In previous instances, some defectors have been deported after investigations deemed them criminals or spies. But a deportation in 2019 raised concerns among human rights groups, who criticised the decision to expedite the process, suggesting it was driven by political motives.

While South Korea generally accepts defectors, North Korea often claims that its citizens are held against their will in the South and demands their repatriation.

This latest incident, if confirmed as genuine defection, would mark the second instance of North Koreans fleeing to the South by sea this year.

In May, nine individuals successfully defected by sea off the Korean Peninsula's west coast, as reported by South Korea's Unification Ministry.
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The air quality in Indias capital Delhi has plunged yet again to very poor levels and officials have warned of further deterioration.

The start of the winter every year sees Delhis air quality  which is polluted throughout the year  worsen significantly due to burning of stubble by farmers in nearby regions. The air quality is further exacerbated by urban activities like construction and pollution from vehicles.

On Tuesday, the air quality index (AQI) for most regions of Delhi was in the orange category, with some stations in west Delhi reporting levels of over 300 that come under the red category.

According to the Indias National Air Quality Index, levels between 101 and 200 are considered moderate while those between 201 and 300 are poor. Anything over 300 is very poor and a figure greater than 500 is severe.

On Monday, the level of PM 2.5  fine particulate matter that can clog lungs and cause a host of diseases  was 306 in the city, according to government data.

In November, Indians celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali where burning fireworks has been a part of the celebrations. Bans on bursting fireworks in the national capital at the time air quality deteriorates are flouted by citizens every year.

Officials are warning that this year again, the air quality is expected to remain in the very poor levels for a long time, making it dangerous for sensitive groups.

Residents too have complained about smog in the city, which they say has worsened in recent days.

I think pollution levels have been rising in Delhi for the past 10-12 days. We can feel it in our eyes, a cyclist told news agency ANI.

Delhis environment minister Gopal Rai said on Monday that actions as per stage II of the citys Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) kicked in earlier than usual this year.

The plan includes measures like water sprinklers, smog guns, an increase in parking charges to discourage use of vehicles, an increase of the frequency of buses and metros.

The minister said that in addition to the 13 pollution hotspots identified so far, special teams would be deployed at eight other locations which have recorded high pollution levels.

They will focus on the sources of pollution, whether it be biomass burning, dust, congestion, or cars, Mr Rai said.

All these moves have been in use in Delhi in the recent years, but experts said they help very little, if at all. Delhis pollution is a complex mix of the smoke coming from burning crop and the citys transport pollution.

Meanwhile, the overall air quality in Mumbai, which had worsened in recent days, remained in the moderate category with the AQI at 132, as per SAFAR-India, a government initiative.
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John Stamos has revealed that he had two nose jobs at the beginning of his career.

The actor, 60, made the candid revelation about the cosmetic procedure in his new memoir, If You Would Have Told Me. In an excerpt of the book, shared by E! News, Stamos recalled how he first had concerns about his appearance at the beginning of his acting career. "That nose. It bothers me, he wrote in the book.

He went on to specify that when he got cast in his first major role on General Hospital in 1982, he was too focused on how his nose looked. He specified that, because he was concerned about his appearance, and remembered being scrutinised for it as a child, he was encouraged to get the nose job.

When I see it on TV for the first time, its all I can look at. Fixating on my nose is beginning to detract from my performance. Plus, the early years of bullying...have me ready to make a change, the actor, who recalled being nicknamed Big Nose Stamos throughout his childhood, wrote.

However, the Full House star confessed that after he got his first nose job, during a break from acting, the results didnt turn out as expected. My nose looks kind of pushed up like Peter Pan or something," he wrote, before adding that then he reached out to another doctor to do his second nose job.

So on my next hiatus, I have it redone by Michael Jacksons plastic surgeon, he continued, before jokingly adding: Who better to handle the delicate task of resculpting my nose than the man who created a whole new face for MJ?

In the memoir, the Big Shot star also confessed why he chose to get the cosmetic surgery in the first place, writing: Everyone who gets a nose job tries to find some excuse other than vanity. But lets call it what it was  vanity.

He added that while he was in the midst of a rising career  during which hed probably consider getting other plastic surgeries  his mother, Loretta Stamos convinced him not to.

"My mom figures if I want to continue doing this work," he wrote. Shell make sure Im safe, supported, and having a good time. It matters to her that I dont get so swept up in the moment that I lose my connection to family, friends, faith, and fun.

Elsewhere in his memoir, Stamos made other big revelations about the early days of his career, including how, in the 1980s, his former acting teachers assistant tried to recruit him to join the Church of Scientology.

Im walking to my car and Mia runs out and hands me my workbooks, the Fuller House star wrote. Hey, you forgot these. She adds an extra book, the size of a brick, to my stack. Start with this one, she says, smiling. I think it will open your eyes to some amazing things.

I crack open the book while on my shift at Yellow Basket [restaurant], the actor continued. Theres a lot about control: controlling your reactionary mind, controlling energy, controlling space and controlling time.

Stamos added that met her at an address, which he soon found out was Scientologys Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, California. Although he described the centre as grand, ornate and creepy as f***, he said he still took part in Scientologys infamous auditing sessions.

He claimed that he soon realised he wasnt fit for the controversial religion.

Mia looks disappointed, he added. Apparently, Im not Scientology material. Darn it.
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Justin Timberlake allegedly ended his three-year relationship with Britney Spears by sending her a brief text message, it has been claimed.

Timberlake, 42, and Spears, 41, dated each other for three years before they broke up in 2002 amid speculation the Baby One More Time hitmaker cheated on him.

In her forthcoming memoir The Woman in Me  which accidentally went on sale in Mexico nearly one week before its release date  Spears confirmed the infidelity rumours, revealing she had kissed her choreographer Wade Robson.

The Grammy-winner also shared that she was devastated when Timberlake broke up with her over text, in an excerpt from the book obtained by The New York Times.

Now, PageSix has reported the NSYNC frontman sent Spears a two-word breakup text message while she was filming the music video for Overprotected: The Dark Child in Los Angeles in 2002, quoting its director Chris Applebaum.

Reflecting on his first impression of Spears, then at the height of her stardom, Applebaum told the publication he was thrilled when he discovered the Grammy-winner was just as hed imagined and then more.

On the second day of filming, Applebaum continued, he discovered Spears had gone missing from the set  only to find her in tears, sitting cross-legged on the floor of her trailer. She then reportedly showed Applebaum a text message from Timberlake which allegedly read: Its over!!!

The Independent has contacted representatives for Spears, Timberlake, and Applebaum for comment.

Spears and Timberlake dated from 1998 until 2002 (Getty Images)

When she expressed her hestitation to continue filming that day, Applebaum reportedly told her: If you dont have it in you, I totally understand  but if you want to go out there and finish this last set-up in the rain, you can show him that he just made the biggest f***ing mistake of his life.

Spears reportedly replied: You know that? Thats a good idea. Im going to show him that he blew the best thing he ever had.

Elsewhere in her memoir, which covers everything from Spearss childhood and early relationships to the 13-year conservatorship controlled by her father, Spears opened up about getting an abortion while she was in a relationship with Timberlake.

She wrote: It was a surprise, but for me, it wasnt a tragedy. I loved Justin so much. I always expected us to have a family together one day. This would just be much earlier than Id anticipated.

Spears married Iranian-American fitness instructor Sam Asghari in 2022 (Getty Images)

But Justin definitely wasnt happy about the pregnancy. He said we werent ready to have a baby in our lives, that we were way too young, Spears continued.

Since their breakup, the American musicians have gone their separate ways. Timberlake married Jessica Biel in 2012, and the couple have two sons: Silas, eight, and Phineas, two. Meanwhile, Spears married Kevin Federline in 2004 before filing for divorce in 2007. She shares two sons  Sean 18, and Jayden, 17  with her ex-husband.

Spears married Iranian-American fitness instructor Sam Asghari in June 2022, shortly after her conservatorship ended. Their marriage ended in August this year, when Asghari, 29, filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences
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As someone who has slathered his entire teenage body in the noxious, flammable funk of Lynx Africa, I know that men will believe literally anything when it comes to making themselves attractive to women. Well be seduced by crass adverts, call ourselves feminists, get calf implants; well drive around in penis substitutes and feign an interest in Jack Kerouac or Anais Nin. I love men, I often date men, and I am a man myself. But were a well and truly shifty bunch sometimes, it may shock you to learn.

Im a self-professed dating-app lover, yet for the past few years Ive noticed a palpable trend in the online dating world. More and more profiles express a hope that a potential partner has done (or is in) therapy. At the same time, there are more profiles declaring that theyve had (or are accessing) therapy. Many express themselves in quite stark terms (I wont date anyone who hasnt had therapy), but dating apps are a place for candid honesty, after all. Its part of what makes them so great.

While I acknowledge that its reductive to ascribe traits to certain sexualities, I think its safe to see this as a predominantly heterosexual trend. It tends to happen most often when women are seeking men. In a strictly homosexual setting, men are grimly assumed to have tackled their mental health at some point in their lives owing to the trauma of growing up amid homophobia, which makes any online signalling a bit redundant.

But even if youre not straight or on the apps, theres been a palpable sense lately that people who date men value the ones who take steps to remedy their own issues. They have whats known as fizz. In crude, zeitgeisty terms, more women than ever want a partner with a strong and healthy mind, where they once might have prioritised a strong and healthy body. Online articles with titles like Its hot when guys go to therapy reflect how the shifting idea of the modern man has gone fully clinical.

Straight men have grown up being told they should open up and be in touch with their feelings, or their so-called feminine side. Praising men who have done the work and entered into therapy feels like a natural continuation of this. My odd worry, though, is that while its impossible to fake a six-pack, it is annoyingly possible to fake a certified sense of emotional maturity.

More people are discussing mental health than ever before, yet therapy is still a gendered experience. Though this number has gone up hugely compared with 10 years ago, only 27 per cent of men had been to therapy in 2022 (compared with 39 per cent of women). Just as its famously difficult to get men to seek help at the doctors, men simply dont access talking therapies as much as women.

Whats more, most therapists are likely to be women (data suggests that 76 per cent of therapists are female, 24 per cent are male). This shouldnt make a difference, but its naive to think it doesnt. Men on the fence about therapy often express a desire to see a male therapist, especially in couples therapy, where  more than once  Ive heard the male and more reluctant party fear they might be ganged up on by their female partner and a female therapist.

Ive often heard it from women seeking a therapised beau that if only one half of a coupling has been in therapy, they might frustratingly find themselves speaking a language the other doesnt understand. But to be fair to men, its a fine balance to get right. If youre a man who talks too much in the language of therapy, you might fall into the trap of being typecast as a softboi  a millennial critique of modern men that often outwardly mocks them for talking about their therapist too much. Even Prince Harry was called a softboi in The Times for supposedly perpetuating negative stereotypes of therapy by writing about himself in his book, Spare.

But theres a legitimately darker side, too. Actor Jonah Hill  probably able to be classed as a therapy bro, having previously made a Netflix doc about his psychiatrist in 2022  was criticised earlier this year for using the language of therapy in texts widely seen to be controlling of his girlfriend: laying down the tone of their relationship and who she could hang out with, in speech that screamed of a post-therapy human. In her opinion, he misused the term boundaries in telling her who she could and couldnt hang out with. In the opinion of others, the incident showed how the language of therapy can be used as a smokescreen for abusive behaviour.

Jonah Hill was criticised for using the language of therapy in texts to his girlfriend (Getty)

There are a million reasons to go to therapy. There are realistically far fewer reasons to be on a dating app. Apps are a place to be overtly attractive, in whatever way, shape or form you express that. But its concerning that the apps themselves solicit users to sell themselves to total strangers based on their very personal relationship with therapy.

In 2022, OKCupid added a new option for people to signpost when they were comfortable discussing their mental health. In May the same year, Hinge rolled out some new prompts (Q&A style questions that become your online bio) that were based around self-care, including questions like My therapist would say I.... Apart from the feeling that someone at Hinge must have had a very rogue and blabby therapist once, its clear that dating-app trends have become more serious than climbing-wall pics or men holding big fish.

The growing conflation of being attractive with talking about mental health makes me uneasy. For one thing, therapy is expensive, hard to access on the state, and should be seen more for what it is: a privilege available mostly to those who can afford it. To assert in blanket terms that you will only date those who have had the benefit is crass at best, unthinkingly classist at worst.

People also lie on dating apps all the time. I felt awful that Id lied about my age once, until I dated many, many others who had done the same. With such active promotion from the apps, and amid the growing wave of women asking for men who have done the work, its a small step to imagine a man slathering his profile with fake mentions of the therapy hes received, just like a man slathering himself in Lynx Africa.

Therapists look to form a relationship based on goals and tasks, and to bond with a client. The outcomes after that are utterly unique. Reducing their complex work to a binary, box-ticking commodity or a badge to make you attractive does everyone, most of all therapists themselves, a major disservice.
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Each year, at 2am on the last Sunday in October, the clocks go backwards in the UK, which signals the beginning shorter days.

This year, the clocks will go backwards at 2am on Sunday 29 October, giving us an extra hour in bed as we prepare for the colder winter months.

Although the day that the clocks go back is often welcomed as we get an extra hour in bed, the system of changing the clocks twice a year can be controversial.

In 2019, the European parliament voted to get rid of the change of clocks after a study found that 84 per cent of people in countries that took part in daylight saving time would like it to discontinue.

However, a YouGov poll found that majority of Britons were marginally in favour of keeping it, with 44 per cent voting to keep the current system and 39 per cent voting to scrap it.

There are also some health concerns linked to the time change, as some studies have shown it disrupts the bodys natural sleep cycles, which can affect both physical and mental health.

So what is the impact of turning back the clocks on our health?

How does changing the clock impact physical health?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the human brain has a biological clock, also known as a circadian rhythm, that runs on a 24-hour cycle.

Whether it is gaining an extra hour or losing an hour of sleep, this causes disruption to the sleep cycle and can be difficult for some people to adjust back to a normal schedule. Disturbed sleep could also potentially lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

A 2019 study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital examined the impact of sleep deficiency on heart disease in mice. It found that, after 16 weeks, mice who had their sleep cycles disrupted developed larger arterial plaques compared to the mice with normal sleep patterns.

The sleep-deficient mice also had twice the level of certain white blood cells in their circulation, and lower amounts of hypocretin, a hormone that plays a key role in regulating sleep and wake states.

This appears to be the most direct demonstration yet of the molecular connections linking blood and cardiovascular risk factors to sleep health, said Dr Michael Twery, director of the National Heart, Lunch and Blood Institutes National Centre on Sleep Disorders Research in the US.

Losing an hour of sleep during the time change in the spring has been linked to a surge in heart attacks and strokes. In the US, hospitals report a 24 per cent spike in heart attack visits every year on the Monday after the clocks go forward.

Turning the clocks back means an extra hour in bed (Getty Images)

Research has also shown an increase in car accidents when the cars go back in the colder months as drivers adapt to the time change.

According to data by Zurich Insurance, drivers are more likely to have an accident between 4pm and 7pm in November, as the evenings get darker earlier. After the clocks change, the company noted a 10 to 15 per cent increase in accident volumes during that time compared to the rest of the day.

How does changing the clock impact mental health?

When the clocks go back in the autumn, we get an extra hour of daylight in the morning  however, this only lasts a couple of weeks before the days shorten and the sunrise gets later and later.

On the shortest day of the year, 21 December, the UK enjoys less than eight hours sunlight.

The increased hours of darkness can result in low mood and depression in some people, as well as fatigue, muscle pain and weakened bones due to a lack of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight.

Some people also experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as a result of the shorter days. According to the NHS, SAD symptoms include a persistent low mood, loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities, irritability, feelings of despair or guilt, and sleeping for longer than normal.

The health service says that the lack of sunlight may stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus from working properly, which may affect the production of melatonin (a sleep hormone) and serotonin (a mood hormone), as well as the bodys circadian rhythm.
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On 29 October, the clocks go backwards one hour, signalling the beginning of shorter days and longer nights  and meaning Britons gain an extra hour in bed this Sunday.

However, Daylight Savings Time  when the days get lighter and longer  happens on the last Sunday of March each year, which was introduced in 1916 when the government introduced British Summer Time (BST) to help people spend more time outdoors in daylight.

But despite this intention, the practice hasnt always proved popular over the years and, in 2019, the European parliament voted in favour of scrapping Daylight Savings Time altogether.

This change was due to take effect for the first time in 2021 but plans have been stalled.

EU member states were asked to decide whether they wanted to remain in winter or summer time once the change took place and they couldnt agree.

But will the UK ever get rid of Daylight Savings Time?

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has called for the UK to do so many times, arguing that Daylight Saving Time can increase the risk of road accidents, due to more people driving during dark autumn and winter evenings.

The Society was in favour of the EU discontinuing DST, and urged the UK government to adopt British Summer Time on a permanent basis at the time.

"RoSPA is in favour of this proposal, and is calling for the government to adopt British Summer Time (GMT+1) all year," the society states.

"This would mean road users will no longer experience the sudden onset of darkness during their autumn commutes, potentially saving many lives."

Last week, Boris Johnson was asked during Prime Ministers Questions whether the UK would ever follow the EU and abolish DST.

He said: I will have a look at the suggestion  but it seems unlikely to me.

After the European parliament voted to scrap the change of the clocks in 2019, a YouGov poll found that the majority of Brits were marginally in favour of keeping DST.

More Brits (44 per cent) wanted to keep the current system, with 39 per cent voting in favour of ditching the change of the clocks.

Most survey respondents supported remaining in British Summer Time all year round if DST was to be scrapped, meaning more light on summer nights but less on winter mornings.

Last year, some experts suggested that households could save more than 400 a year on energy bills if clocks were not put back at the end of October.

Professor Aoife Foley, a clean energy expert at Queens University Belfast, told The Guardian last year that not putting the clocks back would help people with the cost of living crisis and reduce pressure on the National Grid during winter.

By simply forgoing the winter DST in October, we save energy because it is brighter in the evening during winter, so we reduce commercial and residential electrical demand as people leave work earlier, and go home earlier, meaning less lighting and heating is needed, she said.
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Its long after midnight when the bustling operating room suddenly falls quiet - a moment of silence to honor the man lying on the table.

This is no ordinary surgery. Detrick Witherspoon died before ever being wheeled in, and now two wide-eyed medical students are about to get a hands-on introduction to organ donation.

Theyre part of a novel program to encourage more Black and other minority doctors-to-be to get involved in the transplant field, increasing the trust of patients of color.

There are very few transplant surgeons who look like me, said Dr. James Hildreth, president of Meharry Medical College, which teamed with Tennessee Donor Services for the project  one of several by historically Black colleges and universities to tackle transplant inequity.

Fresh off their first year at Meharry, six students spent the summer shadowing the donor agency to learn the complex steps that make transplants possible: finding eligible donors, broaching donation with grieving families, recovering organs and matching them to recipients sometimes hundreds of miles away.

In the operating room, student Teresa Belledent worried she'd get emotional seeing a donors face - especially this one, a Black father of six, just 44, who reminded her a bit of her own dad. Instead, calm descended as Dr. Marty Sellers, the organ agencys surgeon, began retrieving the kidneys and liver while teaching Belledent and classmate Emmanuel Kotey.

Im able to feel sad and honor this person ... and be able to focus on the act of helping other people, said Belledent as the tired team began the two-hour drive back to Nashville from the Jackson, Tennessee, hospital.

The nights tougher lesson: Hours into the surgery the room falls quiet again. The donor had died of a brain hemorrhage but now Sellers has found undiagnosed cancer in his lungs. The kidneys and liver, already carefully placed on ice, cant be used. Still, the corneas can be donated  and for the two students, the surgery offered a powerful teaching moment.

I got to see so much and do so much  and trying is better than not, Belledent said.

MISTRUST AND THE TRANSPLANT GAP

Despite record numbers of transplants in recent years, thousands die waiting because there aren't enough donated organs  and some don't get a fair chance. Black Americans are over three times more likely than white people to experience kidney failure. But they face delays in even being put on the transplant list and are far less likely than their white counterparts to get an organ from a living donor  the best kind.

Overall, Black patients make up 28% of the waiting list for all organs but account for just about 16% of deceased donors. Increasing donor diversity also helps improve the odds of finding a good match.

How do we close that gap? was the question Jill Grandas, Tennessee Donor Services executive director, took to Hildreth.

The Meharry students know mistrust of the medical system - a legacy of abuses such as the infamous Tuskegee experiment that left Black men untreated for syphilis - is a barrier both to organ donation and seeking care, such as transplants, that people may not be familiar with.

Austin Brown of Memphis said his grandfather absolutely despised medicine," and died of a heart attack after refusing an artery-clearing stent.

Belledent, of Miami, recalled her mother saying not to check the organ donor box when she got her drivers license - because of a widespread myth that doctors wont work as hard to save the life of a registered donor.

Now that Ive seen the process, its crazy to even think about, Belledent said. In the ICU, no ones looking through stuff and trying to find your license, look for the (organ donor) heart on there.

Stacey Scotton of Cleveland, Tennessee, said a cook in Meharrys cafeteria listed the reasons he's heard "that its not a good idea to be an organ donor. And Im able to now go in and comfort him and correct, you know, some of those disbeliefs.

AWE IN THE OPERATING ROOM

Back at the Jackson, Tennessee, hospital, Kotey and Belledent are getting a very different anatomy lesson than medical students introductory lab with cadavers.

Machines keep oxygen and blood flowing to Witherspoon's organs  and Kotey lets out a quiet wow upon touching a pulsating artery while assisting Sellers, the surgeon.

It was the first time Ive ever done anything like that. I didn't want to mess up, he said later.

Sellers gives precise instructions: Place your right hand here, pinch this spot, clamp that one. The students learn to trim fat from a kidney, stitch a biopsy wound and feel the lung nodule that proved cancerous - opportunities they normally wouldnt get until far later in training.

Im a firm believer that students cant get really excited about something theyre not exposed to, said Hildreth, who thinks early experiences like this could help diversify the transplant field.

Only 5.5% of transplant surgeons and less than 7% of kidney specialists are Black.

The Meharry students were stunned to learn how rare donation opportunities are. Only about 1% of deaths occur in a way that qualifies someone to even be considered, and hospitals must alert agencies like Grandas' fast enough to evaluate candidates and approach families.

Its not like you go to the hospital, you die and you automatically become a donor. Theres a lot more moving parts, said Sam Ademisoye of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

MATCHING ORGANS TO RECIPIENTS

In a Nashville ICU, Brown is learning bedside care for a deceased donor - an 18-year-old motorcycle crash victim - and how to match the organs on the national waiting list.

The heart is immediately claimed. But theres a hitch with the lungs: Hospitals have said no for 16 patients, primarily because a week-old scan in the donors records suggested bruising.

Brown knows young donors organs usually are in high demand, and these lungs are working well.

The denial, that blows my mind, he said, helping nurses take the risky step of moving the body for another CT scan to prove the lungs really are fine.

The gamble pays off and the next transplant center in line grabs them.

The many steps to successful donation are like gears in a machine and the entire machine breaks down if one gear fails. Thats my biggest takeaway, said student Mikhail Thanawalla of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE FOR FAMILIES

What the students may remember most were grieving families who shared their donation experience.

Daphne Myers, struggling with her son's death at 26, initially was ready to refuse.

I remember my reaction: I dont want to talk about that, Myers said. I wasnt educated on it. My generation wasnt raised to be organ donors.

But the donor representative didn't make that request, instead asking Myers all about her son  how Haston Stafford Myers Jr. always helped others and loved to sing. Only then did Myers learn her son was a registered organ donor and realized she supported his choice.

She was caring, Myers recalled. That changed my opinion, changed my mind. ... The impact you guys can have on families, the caring that comes along with doing your job, it makes all the difference.

Its far too soon to know if the program pointed students to new career paths. But next year, Grandas plans to also invite students from a historically Black nursing school.

Kotey thinks hell become a general practitioner and pledges his patients young to old, will know about organ donation.

Belledent, though, has long wanted to become a surgeon. She spent her childhood in Haiti and recalls family friends with kidney disease and no access to transplants. Specializing in transplant surgery is definitely on the list because I like the idea of being able to give someone a second chance.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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With millions of families behind on utility payments and more people seeking heating aid, many could soon see a welcome reprieve: The cost of heating a home with natural gas this winter is projected to decrease, the federal government said.

Heating with electricity is expected to remain relatively stable but the cost of heating oil, which is relied on by residents in the nations Northeast corner, will likely rise. And chaos in Congress could complicate efforts to obtain more federal funding for heating assistance.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association applauded the Biden administration for releasing most of the existing $4 billion in heating aid to states on Tuesday  before Congress continuing resolution expires on Nov. 15  at a time when heating aid applications are up by 15% to 20% and 20 million families are behind on payments to utilities.

This funding is a lifeline for low income communities, especially as winter approaches. Its going to allow families to afford their home energy costs on top of the other essentials, like food and medicine and housing, Mitch Landrieu, White House infrastructure coordinator, told reporters Tuesday.

But advocates for low-income residents fear the funding will be inadequate. Last year, Congress provided an extra $2 billion to energy assistance aid, bringing the total to $6 billion, and unrest and war around the world could affect prices.

Americans should be prepared for potential market instability that could result in much higher prices, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

The U.S. Energy Information Agency this month projected that the average U.S. household heating with natural gas will pay 21% less this winter, while average costs for homes using electricity are projected to be in line with last years costs, and propane could be 3% lower nationwide. But families are expected to pay 8% more to heat their home with oil, according to the agency.

Those forecasts take into account National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather projections, current energy reserves and other factors.

But world events, including the prospect of war expanding in the Middle East, could change those projections. That's especially true for heating oil, which is sold based on market prices and not regulated like natural gas and electricity.

A group of 28 lawmakers led by U.S. Sens. Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island, and Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, urged the White House to increase home energy assistance funding again this year.

Without extra funding, as many as 1.5 million families that received aid last year will become ineligible, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

In Maine, which is the poorest state in New England, and the nation's most reliant on heating oil, Russ Anderson, 70, said the heating assistance is vital to staying warm during bitter cold winters. He gets by on less than $1,000 a month from Social Security, and the heating aid saves him the equivalent of three monthly payments.

That program is a life saver, said Anderson.

Christel Hughes, 45, said the heating assistance allows her to run her oil-fired furnace instead of relying on a woodstove that aggravates her breathing problems that require her to use oxygen.

Ive had so many times when Ive been in tears, and I can barely talk, because Im a mess, and hooked up to oxygen, and nearly out of oil, said Hughes, who lives with her husband and the two youngest of her six children in Waterboro.

The need for help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, has grown since the pandemic, advocates say. Consumer utility debt doubled during the pandemic, the NEAD said.

The Biden administration has noted that extreme weather could further strain the program that also helps families in states like Florida and Arizona keep cool during blazing hot summer days.

The average home using heating oil is projected to pay $1,851 to keep warm, compared to $601 for an average home using natural gas or $1,063 for electricity, the EIA said.

Heating oil customers lack a safety net that electricity and natural gas consumers have. Regulators generally ban energy from being cut off in the winter for regulated fuels, but there's no requirement for heating oil companies to keep delivering to someone who can't pay.

The number of homes using heating oil is declining, but six out of 10 homes still use it for the primary source of heat in Maine. The use of heating oil is something that will go on for a long time in our state, said Charlie Summers, from the Maine Energy Marketers Association.

___

Follow David Sharp on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @David_Sharp_AP
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South Koreas defense minister said Tuesday he would push to suspend a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement in order to resume frontline surveillance on rival North Korea, as the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas militants raised concerns in South Korea about similar assaults by the North.

The agreement, reached during a brief period of diplomacy between South Koreas former liberal President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, created buffer zones along land and sea boundaries and no-fly zones above the border to prevent clashes.

Talking with reporters in Seoul, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-shik cited the violence in Israel and Gaza to stress the need to strengthen monitoring on the North. Shin was appointed by President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday.

Shin was particularly critical of the inter-Korean agreements no-fly zones, which he said prevents South Korea from fully utilizing its air surveillance assets at a time when North Korean nuclear threats are growing.

Relations between the Koreas have decayed following the collapse of larger talks between Washington and Pyongyang in 2019 over the North's nuclear weapons program. North Korea has threatened to abandon the 2018 agreement while dialing up missile tests to a record pace, prompting the conservative Yoon to take a harder line on Pyongyang than his dovish predecessor.

While it would take a complicated legal process for South Korea to fully abandon the agreement, pausing the agreement would only require a decision from a Cabinet meeting, Shin said.

Hamas has attacked Israel, and the Republic of Korea is under a much stronger threat, Shin said, invoking South Koreas formal name.

To counter (that threat), we need to be observing (North Korean military movements) with our surveillance assets, to gain prior knowledge of whether they are preparing provocations or not. If Israel had flown aircraft and drones to maintain continuous monitoring, I think they might have not been hit like that," he said.

Shins comments are likely to draw fierce criticism from South Koreas liberal opposition, which has described the agreement as a safety valve between the Koreas as relations continue to worsen.

There havent been major skirmishes between the Koreas since the agreement was reached in September 2018. But South Korea last November accused the North of violating the agreement's tensions-reducing requirements when it fired a missile near a populated South Korean island near their sea border, triggering air raid sirens and forcing residents to evacuate.

In June 2020, North Korea blew up an empty inter-Korean liaison office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong to demonstrate anger over South Koreas unwillingness to prevent its civilian activists from flying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets across the border. North Korean troops also shot and killed a South Korean government official who was found drifting near their sea boundary in September that year.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years as the pace of both North Koreas weapons demonstrations and the United States combined military exercises with South Korea and Japan have both intensified in tit-for-tat.

South Koreas Defense Ministry said the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its strike group will arrive in the South Korean mainland port of Busan on Thursday in the allies latest show of force against North Korea. The ministry said the Reagans Carrier Strike Group 5 conducted joint training with South Korean and Japanese naval assets on Monday and Tuesday in waters near the southern South Korean island of Jeju.

Kim, in turn, has been boosting the visibility of his partnerships with Moscow and Beijing as he attempts to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert Pyongyang into a united front against Washington.

Recent commercial satellite photos show a sharp increase in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border, indicating the North is supplying munitions to Russia to fuel President Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine, Beyond Parallel, a website run by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said in a report last week.

Speculation about a possible North Korean plan to refill Russias munition stores drained in its protracted war with Ukraine flared last month, when Kim traveled to Russia to meet Putin and visit key military sites. Foreign officials suspect Kim is seeking advanced Russian weapons technologies in return for to boost his nuclear program.

North Korea is expected to make its third attempt to launch a military spy satellite this month following consecutive failures in recent months, as Kim stresses the importance of acquiring space-based reconnaissance capacities to monitor U.S. and South Korean military movements and enhance the threat of his nuclear-capable missiles.

In an editorial published Monday, South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper called for South Korea to take lessons from Israel's failures to prevent the attack by the Hamas militants while strengthening its readiness against potential North Korean aggression.

Israel, surrounded by enemies and terrorist forces, is reminiscent of (South) Koreas current security situation. Even the Mossad failed to detect signs of the attack and Israels all-weather air defense system Iron Dome exposed a hole, the newspaper said. The government must be thoroughly prepared for North Koreas possible military provocations when the United States and other allies focus their attention on the Middle East.

The inter-Korean military agreement is one of the few tangible remnants from Moons ambitious diplomacy with Kim. Moons efforts helped set up Kims first summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in June 2018.
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Britain has said the number of aid trucks being allowed into Gaza is wholly inadequate, amid warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe.

International development minister Andrew Mitchell said he is talking to the United Nations nearly every day about its operations and how it can beef up the number of trucks entering from Egypt through the Rafah crossing.

UN agency for Palestinian refugees spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai told the BBC the 54 trucks that entered Gaza over the last several days was nowhere near enough in quantity and in content.

Gazas 2.2 million people have been running out of food, water, medicine and fuel since Israel sealed off the territory following Hamass deadly attacks on October 7.

The key thing is to increase the number of lorries that are getting through Rafah - the current number is wholly inadequate International development minister Andrew Mitchell

Speaking in the House of Commons, Labour MP Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) warned that the aid reaching Gaza is nowhere near enough to avert a humanitarian catastrophe as she pressed for fuel to be allowed in.

Mr Mitchell replied: The number of trucks that are going through every day is far too small and we will continue to press all the relevant authorities to allow humanitarian support and aid of the type she has described through the Rafah crossing to help those whose circumstances are precisely as she described.

Conservative MP Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) said: We know the UN has stated it needs at least 100 trucks a day to take the aid to those who desperately need it.

Mr Mitchell responded: The key thing is to increase the number of lorries that are getting through Rafah  the current number is wholly inadequate  and I talk to (UN emergency relief co-ordinator) Martin Griffiths virtually every day about the operations the UN are conducting to try and beef up that number.

Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham Deptford) said earlier: Children in Gaza have begun writing their names on their hands so they can be identified and buried with their families when they are killed.

What action is the Government taking to prevent more children being harmed in Israels military action and to ensure a rapid end to this conflict?

Mr Mitchell replied: Were doing everything we can to protect children and British aid is already making a difference by supporting the international relief effort, which is going in through Rafah.

We always ensure that UK aid money is protected from misappropriation Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

Elsewhere at Foreign Office questions on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said no British aid money goes directly to the Palestinian Authority.

Conservative MP Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Middleton) said: Its been reported that the Palestinian Authority is to pay up to three million dollars a month in so-called martyr salaries to the families of dead and captured Hamas terrorists.

Will (the Foreign Secretary) join me in condemning these payments to rapists, torturers, murderers, some of whom have killed Brits? And will he also use his good offices to ensure that no British aid money has gone towards this filthy practice?

Mr Cleverly said: I can reassure him that we always ensure that UK aid money is protected from misappropriation, and I can confirm to him and the House that no British aid money goes directly to the Palestinian Authority.

We have raised this very issue with the Palestinian Authority and highlighted our belief that this is not conducive to good relations and a future two-state solution.

The Palestinian Authoritys payment of stipends to thousands of families that have had relatives killed, wounded or imprisoned in the Israel-Palestinian conflict has been a source of contention.

Israel has said the payments incentivise terrorism, while the Palestinians said they provide crucial support to needy families.
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One sailor has died and four others are missing after a British cargo ship sank following a collision with a vessel in the North Sea.

Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said two sailors have been rescued but the body of one man has been recovered following the incident.

A search and rescue operation began after the British-flagged Verity hit a larger cargo ship, Polesie, about 14 miles (22.5km) south-west of the German island of Heligoland at around 5am on Tuesday.

The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult Michael Ippich, German Maritime Search and Rescue Service

While the larger, Bahamas-flagged Polesie stayed afloat, the Verity, which had departed from Bremen, Germany, and was destined for the port of Immingham on the east coast of England carrying steel coils, became submerged.

Shortly afterwards a signal from the ship was lost, German authorities said, and wreckage was found.

Searches are continuing involving several ships, aircraft, and a P&O cruise ship, with rescuers preparing to dive 98ft (30m) to the wreckage.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises told the PA news agency: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas co-operation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Faversham Ships Ltd, which owns the Verity, described the incident as ongoing and said it is working with local authorities.

A spokesman for Associated British Ports, which owns the port of Immingham, confirmed the vessel had been due to arrive there.

A source at the Foreign Office said they were not aware of any British nationals on board.
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An MP was stopped from boarding a flight to Canada because his name was Mohammad, Parliament has heard.

Labour MP for Bedford Mohammad Yasin was due to fly to Canada with a group of other MPs from the Commons Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee when he was delayed for extra questioning.

Mr Yasin was asked if he was carrying a knife or any other weapon and where he was born when he was taken aside by officials from Air Canada.

He underwent similar questioning from officials on his return trip to the UK, MPs were told.

Clive Betts, the Labour chairman of the committee, raised the incident in the Commons and said he would write to the Canadian high commissioner in the UK to make clear the racist and Islamophobic nature of what happened was unacceptable.

Mr Yasin watched from the Labour backbenches as Mr Betts raised a point of order about the serious incident, which he said occurred last week.

The committee chairman said: When the committee checked in for their flights at Heathrow, all Members got through with the exception of the Member for Bedford, who was delayed for questioning for a considerable period.

He was told it was because his name was Mohammad.

Mr Betts added: He was also asked whether he was carrying a knife, or other offensive weapon, he was also asked where he was born. The questioning was undertaken by officials from Air Canada and we believe the Canadian government, and despite him already having been given a visa to enter Canada.

After proving he was an MP with the help of my committee clerk, he was eventually allowed through.

At Montreal airport, the same issues were raised by Canadian immigration.

On return at Toronto airport on the way back, he was again challenged and got on his flight with the assistance of my consul general, who was very helpful.

Mr Betts went on: He has received apologies from the parliamentary secretary to the Canadian minister for immigration and Air Canada, however, given the racist and Islamophobic nature of these challenges, I believe that it is worth writing to the Canadian high commissioner, which I will do.

I believe it is important to put these concerns on the parliamentary record. It was completely unacceptable for a Member of this House to be treated in this way.

But because he was an MP he was allowed on his flight. If, however, he had been one of our constituents who had been so challenged, he might have been refused.

We raised the issue with our high commissioner in Ottawa, who was very supportive, and amazed at what happened given the multicultural nature of Canada as an open and welcoming country.

She has raised it with the Canadian government, and I would also raise it in Parliament to try and ensure that no-one in the future is treated in this way.

Deputy Speaker Sir Roger Gale replied: I am sure that the whole House will share the dismay at the treatment of the Member for Bedford.

It is wholly unacceptable under any circumstances.

But it is particularly concerning, occurring as it did, in the course of official travel on parliamentary business.

Speaking outside the chamber, Mr Yasin said: It was stressful and humiliating to be singled out in such an aggressive way by immigration control, especially when travelling in a group as a representative of the British Parliament on long-arranged Committee business.

While I dont expect special treatment as a Member of Parliament, it does concern me that had I not been an MP, how much worse the experience might have been.

A spokesman for Air Canada said: Unfortunately Mr Yasin was designated for additional screening prior to his flight after a security check, but he was still able to travel as planned as he was quickly cleared.

We are following up internally the handling of this particular matter to ensure procedures were properly followed and we have also been in touch with UK and Canadian authorities.

We regret any inconvenience or upset this situation may have created for Mr Yasin and have reached out to apologise.
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Seriously ill or disabled children have told of growing in confidence and changing as people on a holiday of a lifetime in Florida.

The 191 young people from around the UK, many of whom had never been abroad or been away from their families, were flown on a free trip to Orlando by charity Dreamflight.

They have visited Disneys Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios and waterpark Typhoon Lagoon to ride rollercoasters and water slides and meet Disney characters.

On their penultimate trip at SeaWorlds Discovery Cove on Sunday, they got the chance to swim with dolphins.

Some youngsters were lifted from their wheelchairs and into the water to get close to the dolphins before watching them do tricks.

Holly Hall, 11, from Woodbridge in East Suffolk, told the PA news agency: This has been my favourite day, ever since I found out I was going on this trip Ive been really excited for it.

Its all been so surreal, weve done so many things that people wouldnt normally get to do.

Because everybody here has been in hospital it always felt like we were always having less and now its like we get so much more, its really amazing.

Grace Pinches, 14, from Bridgend, Wales, said: At first I found the dolphins scary because it felt really weird, but afterwards it was fun.

This trip has brought a lot of confidence out of people, its really helped everyone grow and make new friends, not just judge people by their looks.

Weve got to know people for who they are and that has been really nice.

Leo Jewell, 13, from Poole in Dorset, said: Swimming with the dolphins was an amazing first experience, I wish I could do it again, if I could I would do it every day.

It was awesome watching them do tricks, Id love to be a dolphin trainer.

I think its an amazing experience, its the best place you can go, it really is a dream flight.

I think its changed me as a person, Im so much more social, I wouldnt really speak much before, Ill go back home to my parents as a new person, completely different.

The children were picked to join the holiday after living with serious illness, disability or trauma.

Dreamflight has taken more than 6,000 children on the annual trip since 1987.

This is the 35th holiday put on by the charity, costing more than 1 million.

They were waved off on the trip by celebrity couple Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan at Heathrow Airport last weekend.
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A major injection of cash, equipment and personnel are needed if the UK is to play any significant role in the Indo-Pacific, MPs have said, with a warning that conflict in the region may only be years away.

Ministers have been warned by the cross-party Commons Defence Committee that the British presence in the region, which has emerged as a potential geopolitical flashpoint amid simmering tensions between the West and China, remains underwhelming.

The MPs warned that a conflict between China and Taiwan could be a matter of years away, with the Government urged to prepare for any such eventuality.

Rishi Sunaks Government has officially labelled China an epoch-defining and systematic challenge, but MPs said that officials should now consider whether under the Chinese Communist Party it should be labelled as a threat to national and international security.

Maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific will prove vital for long-term international security, and the security and prosperity of the UK John Spellar, Defence Committee vice-chair

The report criticises the current limited military presence in the Indo-Pacific despite a so-called tilt by the Government to the region.

The foreign policy pivot to the region has been among the public priorities of Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in recent months. The Cabinet minister also visited Beijing in August, amid efforts to stabilise ties with the global power.

MPs said: With only a modest presence compared to allies, little to no fighting force in the region, and little by way of regular activity, UK Defences tilt to the Indo-Pacific is far from being achieved.

If we aspire to play any significant role in the Indo-Pacific this would need a major commitment of cash, equipment and personnel, or potentially rebalancing existing resources.

The parliamentarians urged the Government to prepare for any confrontation between Taiwan and China, with plans ready in case of any escalation.

Defence Committee vice-chair John Spellar said: Maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific will prove vital for long-term international security, and the security and prosperity of the UK.

Despite the Governments insistence that the Indo-Pacific tilt has been delivered, our report found that the reality falls short of the rhetoric.

We currently have no real military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and are unlikely to be able to contribute significantly in the event of hostilities in the region.

If we are serious about building up our presence  and if we are able to do so without disrupting our commitments elsewhere  we must allocate resources to efforts in the region, alongside our allies and partners.

China has become increasingly aggressive in its pursuit of dominance, both regionally and internationally.

It appears that China is preparing to confront Taiwan. In response to this, the UK Government and armed forces must ensure that we are prepared to respond to a variety of potential hostilities, from grey zone activities to outright conflict. This needs to be more than just words, and must be treated with focus and urgency.

A Government spokeswoman said: We are delivering on our commitment to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is a whole-of-Government effort, as set out in the Integrated Review.

We have Royal Navy ships permanently deployed in the region, a permanent army garrison in Brunei, UK armed forces regularly participating in major exercises in the Indo-Pacific and our UK Carrier Strike Group will return to the region in 2025.

In addition, our landmark Aukus partnership with the US and Australia and our Hiroshima Accord with Japan, announced in May this year, are all clear demonstrations of our long-term commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
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Shamima Begums legal fight over the decision to deprive her of her British citizenship is set to reach the Court of Appeal.

The 24-year-old previously lost a challenge against the decision to strip her of her citizenship on national security grounds at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission.

In a ruling in February, Mr Justice Jay said that while there was a credible suspicion that Ms Begum was recruited, transferred and then harboured for the purpose of sexual exploitation, this did not prevent then-home secretary Sajid Javid from removing her citizenship.

Following the decision, Ms Begums lawyers said they would be challenging the ruling and that the legal battle was nowhere near over.

A three-day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London is expected to begin on Tuesday.

Ms Begum was 15 when she travelled from Bethnal Green, east London, through Turkey and into territory controlled by the Isis group in 2015, before her citizenship was revoked in February 2019.

During the five-day hearing in November 2022, Ms Begums lawyers argued she should have been viewed as a victim of child trafficking and that she was persuaded, influenced and affected with her friends by a determined and effective Isis propaganda machine.

This Secretary of State maintains that national security is a weighty factor and that it would take a very strong countervailing case to outweigh it Mr Justice Jay

In the ruling, Mr Justice Jay said the case had been of great concern and difficulty.

He continued: This Secretary of State... maintains that national security is a weighty factor and that it would take a very strong countervailing case to outweigh it.

Reasonable people will profoundly disagree with the Secretary of State, but that raises wider societal and political questions which it is not the role of this commission to address.

The hearing before the Lady Chief Justice Lady Carr, Lord Justice Bean and Lady Justice Whipple is due to begin at 10.30am.
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A robber has been found guilty of killing a pensioner before he and his girlfriend looted 13,000 from her bank account in a massive spending spree.

Xyaire Howard, 23, bound and strangled Susan Hawkey, 71, to extract her bank card PIN, jurors were told.

Some 20 days later, Ms Hawkeys decomposing body was discovered under a duvet in the living room of her home in Neasden, north-west London, jurors were told.

She had been tied up, with her hands taped and tied behind her back, her eyes had been taped shut and a ligature knotted around her neck.

Howard and his girlfriend Chelsea Grant, 28, who lived nearby, had also repeatedly robbed Ms Hawkey before the killing last September, the Old Bailey was told.

The pair had admitted fraud by false representation in relation to their misuse of Ms Hawkeys bank card and Howard had pleaded guilty to one of the robberies.

Following a trial, Howard was found guilty or murder and Grant was cleared of the same charge.

Grant was found guilty of three counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery of the victim.

Howard was convicted by the jury of one charge of robbery and attempted robbery after the jury deliberated for 13-and-a-half hours.

The couple, from Press Road in Neasden, were remanded in custody to be sentenced by Judge Judy Khan KC on December 8.

Previously, prosecutor Annabel Darlow KC had told jurors that the defendants had identified Ms Hawkey as an ideal victim and easy pickings last summer.

Ms Hawkey was said to be a highly vulnerable elderly woman who lived an isolated life with little contact with friends and family.

She was also a creature of habit and would take the same route with her bank card to the shops and Post Office to withdraw cash.

After she was robbed, Ms Hawkey cancelled her card but not before the defendants had used it for a few small transactions, the court was told.

She was last seen alive on September 6, the same day the defendants were seen walking to and from her home, jurors were told.

Ms Darlow said that up until that point, Ms Hawkey had shown herself to be feisty, brave and ready to stand up for herself against the two people preying on her.

The next day, Howard used her new bank card to withdraw 250 at a cash machine.

Ms Darlow said Ms Hawkey had memorised her PIN number and would not have willingly parted with it unless subjected to violence.

She said: When Susan Hawkeys decomposing corpse was found by the authorities, she was bound and blindfolded, and a ligature was around her neck.

For some reason, all of her lower clothing, including underwear, had been removed and her upper clothing had been cut down the front. An item of clothing had been placed over her head and her body concealed under a duvet.

Ms Darlow added that a ligature around Ms Hawkeys neck had been tightened with sufficient force to break one of the bones in her neck.

The defendants went on a massive spending spree over the next three weeks and burned their way through almost 13,000 of her money in 146 transactions, the prosecutor said.

The couple bought luxury designer goods  including perfume, a new television, portable speakers, telephones, clothes, shoes, sunglasses, watches and handbags  during trips to Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush and Wembley shops.

Some of the money was withdrawn in cash and both defendants sent money to St Vincent and the Grenadines using money transfer services.

The victims bank account went from a balance of more than 16,000 to just 3,434.03, jurors heard.

Ms Hawkeys bank card was finally stopped last September 28 at the request of police and the defendants were arrested at a bus stop.

Jurors heard Howard had searched Google for Barclays transaction limit and Grant typed in the search phrases can you smell a dead body from outside the house and is a dead body a very strong smell, it was claimed.

Giving evidence, Grant denied going into Ms Hawkeys flat but admitted standing outside to see if there was a smell.

She said that Howard told her he had tied up Ms Hawkey but left her alive.

It was suggested Howard had used his own shoelaces to bind Ms Hawkeys hands and did not have them on when he went to an ATM.

Grant also said he had returned from the flat without his shoelaces and had showered and changed his clothes.

In his evidence, Howard admitted that he tied Ms Hawkeys hands to extract her PIN, but maintained she was alive when he left.
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A killer evaded justice for nearly 40 years after he assumed the identity of a dead Welshman and travelled to the Continent, a court has heard.

Roman Szalajko, 62, was fatally stabbed after he answered the door to his flat in south London in February 1984.

The identity of his killer remained a mystery until a cold case review in 2013 when a fingerprint was linked to Paul Bryan, who was 22 at the time, the Old Bailey heard.

However, the suspect, originally from Hammersmith, west London, appeared to have disappeared without a trace, jurors were told.

An officer eventually tracked him down after discovering Bryan had stolen the identity of a dead man with the same name, jurors were told.

Following his arrest at Stansted Airport last year, Bryan, now 62, admitted having a false identity document but denied the murder of Mr Szalajko.

Opening his trial on Tuesday, prosecutor Louis Mably KC said the Polish victim was a longstanding UK resident and a divorced father-of-two.

He had a number of lady friends but lived alone in a flat in Kennington, south London, which has since been demolished.

A known gambler, he was secretive and kept large amounts of cash at home, sometimes going out with thousands of pounds in his wallet, jurors were told.

On the morning of February 7 1984, Mr Szalajko was on the phone to a builder friend, Michael Peddubriwny, when he broke off, saying in Polish: Excuse me a moment, theres someone at the door.

As the line was left open, Mr Peddubriwny heard the victim say loudly in English: What do you want? Help! Help!

Mr Peddubriwny shouted down the phone: Roman, whats going on? but the line went dead, having been cut, jurors heard.

He called 999 in a panic and two police officers went to the flat, where they found Mr Szalajko slumped in a chair in the living room with a fatal stab wound to his stomach.

His body was still warm to the touch, there was evidence of a search, and the constables noticed lengths of hair on the floor, Mr Mably said.

An investigation was launched and evidence was collected from the scene, including fingerprints, clothes, the telephone, the clumps of hair pulled from the victims head, and 1,000 in Spanish pesetas.

But, as lines of the original inquiry were exhausted, the case was closed later in 1984 and the exhibits stored.

In 2013, previously unidentified fingerprints on a Polish mead bottle from a wardrobe in the victims bedroom matched the defendants on the police database.

It was as if he had completely disappeared Prosecutor Louis Mably KC describes police efforts to track down Paul Bryan

Efforts to find Bryan were frustrated because there appeared to be no records of his existence after 1989, jurors were told.

Mr Mably said: It was as if he had completely disappeared. A complete blank.

One police officer was able to pull the scraps of evidence together, and began to unwind the steps the defendant had taken from the late 1980s to disappear from public view.

Records showed that, three days after the murder, Bryan had applied for an emergency passport, his old one having expired in 1977, jurors heard.

That was the last passport issued in his name and it ran out in May 1984.

The only post-1989 record was an arrest in 1997 when he had given police his name and was noted as being with a woman called Sylvia Bryan, Mr Mably said.

There was no record of a female relative called Sylvia so police searched for all Paul Bryans and found a Welsh Paul Bryan born in 1955.

Mr Mably told jurors that police examined the 1998 marriage record of the Welsh Paul Bryan to Sylvia, a widow and tour operator.

He said: But there was a problem. By 1989 the Welsh Paul Bryan was already dead  he had died in 1987.

The alarm bells went off and the suspicion was this defendant had assumed the identity of the Welsh Paul Bryan and further investigation found that to be the case.

In 1989, a passport was also issued under the identity of the Welsh Paul Bryan, which was later renewed.

Meanwhile, forensic tests which were unavailable in 1984 resulted in a DNA breakthrough, jurors were told.

In Bryans absence, cells from his late mothers hairbrush were compared with traces on the victims vest and clump of hair and found to be a close DNA match, Mr Mably said.

This is like a bad nightmare Paul Bryan's alleged response when told about the presence of his DNA at the murder scene

The hunt for Bryan finally ended on November 19 last year when he was arrested at Stansted Airport as he stepped off a plane from Lisbon in Portugal.

Initially, Bryan attempted to brazen it out and pretended he was a different Paul Bryan, Mr Mably said.

But swabs were compared with the DNA at the murder scene and found to be a perfect match, the court was told.

In a police interview, he admitted his true identity but told officers he had lost his memory after a serious car crash in Lisbon.

He claimed he had assumed the false identity because he had married an older woman.

Mr Mably said: When questioned about the presence of his fingerprint at the scene, he said it was bullshit.

When told about the presence of his DNA on the vest and hair, his response was F****** hell. This is like a bad nightmare.

The trial before Judge Nigel Lickley KC continues.
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Astronomers have carried out the biggest ever computer simulations, from the Big Bang to the present day, to investigate how the universe evolved.

The project, dubbed Flamingo, calculated the evolution of all components of the universe  ordinary matter, dark matter and dark energy  according to the laws of physics.

As the simulations progress, virtual galaxies and galaxy clusters emerge in detail.

Facilities such as the Euclid Space Telescope recently launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Nasas James Webb Space Telescope collect data on galaxies, quasars and stars.

We have amazing new data from powerful telescopes some of which do not, at first sight, conform to our theoretical expectations Professor Carlos Frenk, Durham University

Researchers hope the simulations will allow them to compare the virtual universe with observations of the real thing being captured by new high-powered telescopes.

This could help scientists understand if the standard model of cosmology  used to explain the evolution of the universe  is a good description of reality.

Flamingo research collaborator Professor Carlos Frenk, Ogden Professor of Fundamental Physics, at the Institute for Computational Cosmology, Durham University, said: Cosmology is at a crossroads.

We have amazing new data from powerful telescopes some of which do not, at first sight, conform to our theoretical expectations.

Either the standard model of cosmology is flawed or there are subtle biases in the observational data.

Our super precise simulations of the universe should be able to tell us the answer.

Past simulations, which have been compared to observations of the universe, have focused on cold dark matter  believed to be a key component of the structure of the cosmos.

Although the dark matter dominates gravity, the contribution of ordinary matter can no longer be neglected Professor Joop Schaye, of Leiden University

However, astronomers now say that the effect of ordinary matter, which makes up only 16% of all matter in the universe, and neutrinos, tiny particles that rarely interact with normal matter, also need to be taken into account when trying to understand the universes evolution.

Principal investigator Professor Joop Schaye, of Leiden University, said: Although the dark matter dominates gravity, the contribution of ordinary matter can no longer be neglected since that contribution could be similar to the deviations between the models and the observations.

Researchers ran simulations at a powerful supercomputer in Durham over the past two years.

The simulations took more than 50 million processor hours on the Cosmology Machine (COSMA 8) supercomputer, hosted by the Institute for Computational Cosmology, Durham University, on behalf of the UKs DiRAC High-Performance Computing facility.

In order to make the simulations possible, the researchers developed a new code, called SWIFT, which distributes the computational work over thousands of central processing units (CPUs, sometimes as many as 65,000).

Flamingo is a project of the Virgo Consortium for cosmological supercomputer simulations. The acronym stands for full-hydro large-scale structure simulations with all-sky mapping for the interpretation of next generation observations.

Funding for the project came from the European Research Council, the UKs Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The research is published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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A grandmother released as a hostage by Hamas militants is very sharp and is very keen to share information, her daughter has said, as efforts continue to free the other captives and supply aid to Palestinians.

Sharone Lifschitz, who is based in London, said her 85-year-old mother, Yocheved Lifshitz, seems OK after being freed from her weeks-long ordeal in Gaza.

Speaking from Tel Aviv, Mrs Lifshitz said she was beaten with sticks after being snatched from her home before being held in a spider web of tunnels under Gaza.

But in comments that will provide some reassurance to the families of other hostages, she said they had been treated well and given medicine by their captors.

She was released alongside fellow Israeli citizen Nurit Cooper, 79, on Monday evening, but their husbands, 83 and 84, remain captive with more than 200 other civilians.

Downing Street said that at least 12 British nationals were killed in Hamass attack on Israel and a further five are still missing, with some of them believed to have been kidnapped.

As she was released to Red Cross officials, Mrs Lifshitz was seen reaching back to shake the hand of one of the Palestinian militants as she said Shalom, a greeting in Hebrew meaning peace.

Ms Lifschitz, an artist and academic who spells her name differently from her mother, said it was incredible to be reunited with her  to hold her hand and to kiss her cheek.

She is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with, she told the BBC.

She said she will continue to campaign for the release of her father, Oded Lifshitz, and the other captives.

He speaks good Arabic, so he can communicate very well with the people there, Ms Lifschitz said.

He knows many people in Gaza and the West Bank. I want to think that hes going to be OK.

My mum said they had been looked after and there was a doctor there, so this gives a lot of comfort to everybody.

We have so many people that weve lost  it is a little ray of light but there is a huge darkness as well.

Ms Lifschitz said she and her mother still dream of peace with the Palestinians, even as an expected ground invasion of Gaza by Israel threatens sparking a wider war in the region.

We have to find ways because there is no alternative. If anything, it makes me even more resolved, she said.

The way has got longer  we are dealing with grief and loss on a level we can never get over, but as nations we will have to find a way forward.

Mrs Lifshitz was able to describe her ordeal for herself as she appeared at a press conference in Tel Aviv while sitting in a wheelchair and being supported by her daughter.

Translating for her mother, Ms Lifschitz said she had been beaten with sticks after militants snatched her away on a motorbike before leading her into Gazas tunnels.

There is a huge network of tunnels underneath  it looks like a spider web, the daughter said.

But, giving a glimmer of hope to other families, she said the militants provided the hostages with medical care.

They were very friendly towards them and they took care of them, they were given medicine and they were treated, Ms Lifschitz said.

The release of the two women took the total number of people freed to four, with an American woman and her teenage daughter having been released three days earlier.

Fewer than five Britons are believed to be among the hostages as officials fear that some of those missing have been killed.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks official spokesman said: We can confirm at least 12 British nationals were tragically killed in last weeks terrorist attacks.

A further five British nationals are missing.

Meanwhile, international development minister Andrew Mitchell told MPs the number of aid trucks being allowed to enter Gaza is wholly inadequate.

He said that the UK will continue to press all the relevant authorities to allow essentials such as water, food, medicine and fuel into the territory during Israels siege.

The World Health Organisation said that nearly two-thirds of Gazas health facilities have stopped functioning.

Charities have been urging the Government to prepare to provide refuge to thousands of Palestinians who want to flee Gaza, home to more than two million people.

But Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins said it is not the right time to consider providing sanctuary.

She told LBC: At this point in time, I dont think thats the right response, because we need to keep the pressure on this terrorist organisation to stop their hostilities, to release hostages and to come back to the diplomatic negotiating table.

We want Palestinians to be able to live freely in their own area. We do not want these hostilities to continue by this terrorist organisation.

Mrs Lifshitz and Ms Cooper were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Hamas said it had released the two women for humanitarian reasons.

Along with their husbands, they were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamass rampage into southern Israeli communities.

More than 1,400 people in Israel, mostly civilians, were killed during the initial Hamas attack.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 5,000 Palestinians, including around 2,000 minors and 1,100 women, have been killed since.
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The British-based families of people kidnapped by Hamas have said they are enduring "psychological torture" as the militant group releases hostages one by one.

At an emotional press conference on Tuesday, Ofri Bibas Levi said she had been living in a nightmare ever since her brother Yarden 34, his wife, Shiri, and children, Ariel, four, and nine-month-old Kfir were captured at their home in Nir Oz on 7 October.

After the familys kidnapping, she said Hamas sent her a picture of the children being taken and a further image of her brother being aggressively handled by the militants and bleeding from a head wound.

The pictures keep running in front of my eyes, she told the press conference at the Israeli Embassy in London.

I feel guilty for eating, I feel guilty for sleeping in my own bed, I feel guilty for playing with my own children.

When asked by a reporter what message she would want to send to her family, through tears, she said: I would tell my brother how much I love him, I always knew how much he loved me but I never knew how much I loved him.

Hamas freed two further hostages on Monday, Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, after releasing mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan last week. But hundreds still remain captive after the militants terror attack on southern Israel which left up to 1,400 dead.

Ofri Bibas Levy shows a picture of her brother Yarden captured by Hamas (REUTERS)

In response to the news of the released hostages, she said: It is psychological torture, hearing that they are releasing this one and this one.

We want all of them back, and we want all of them back together.

Ayelet Svatitzkys mother Channah Peri, 79, and brother Nadav Popplewell, 51, were taken by the militants and she has heard nothing since their capture 18 days ago.

Ms Svatitzky, whose brother Roi, 54, was killed in the attack, said her life stopped when she learned of what was unfolding in Israel.

She was sent images by Hamas of her mother still in her nightwear next to her brother on the sofa. Written beneath them was the word Hamas. The devastation of her family has left her shattered to pieces, she said.

Ms Svatitzky said: Eighteen days later my brothers body has still not been officially identified. Im 46 years old and my life is now worrying about my diabetic mother and my brother.

Im chasing dental records and X-Rays and being asked if my other brother had scars or tattoos. Theyre trying to ID him so we can bury him.

She added: This has been my life for the last 18 days now. When people say today is Monday or Tuesday, it is not for me. I now count the numbers rather than what day it is - today is day 18.

Family member of British-Israeli kidnap victims Ayelet Svatitzky reacts during a press conference (REUTERS)

This is not a political issue, this is a human crisis and we demand the return of our loved ones so we can start healing from the trauma.

She said that she does not know if her mother, who suffers from diabetes, is getting any insulin or if she can survive without the injections.

I am clinging to the hope that my mother knows how much I love her, I never got the chance to tell her, she said.

David Bar described the painful moment his sister-in-law Naomi, 53, was killed as she went on her morning run, something she did regularly.

It took four days to identify what we call the smile of the south of Israel. She was dental assistant. She simply went for a run in her kibbutz. She was shot in the back and head at point-blank range, he said.

A tearful Mr Bar added his life has been turned upside down by death, hatred, and evil people, monsters.

British-Israeli Ayelet Svatitzky whose mother and brother were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nirim (left) and British-Israeli David Barr (right) (PA)

Mr Bar, who is originally from Leeds, is a teacher at a kibbutz in Israel and said three pupils at his school were still missing.

He also said he worries for jews living in fear in the UK. As a British citizen myself - and I love this country - this is not the country I know. Things have changed, he said.

I dont just worry for my own young family [in Israel], I worry for my Jewish community here in the UK.

They live in fear. Not only do I worry for them, I worry for everybody here.

In response to hostages being released on Monday, he said: They are releasing two people as if to show they are showing the world how compassionate they are?

It comes as a vigil was held in Parliament Square, London, to mourn the children killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

People take part in a vigil organised by Medical Aid for Palestinians at Parliament Square, central London (PA)

Around 60 people gathered for the event on Tuesday, which was organised by the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

Each person attending the vigil had the name of a Palestinian child killed in the conflict written on the palm of their hand.

This mirrors the actions of children in Gaza who have started to write their own names on their hands as a means of identifying their bodies, should they be killed in the attacks.

Melanie Ward, chief executive of MAP, said after the vigil: What is happening is unacceptable, it is very clearly not being conducted in line with international law and the world, British Government and the Israelis have a responsibility to protect the children of Gaza, and it is clear the only way to do that is to have a ceasefire now.
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A British climber and her guide have fallen to their deaths after slipping on ice while descending Mount Kenya.

The woman, named as Shilpa Shah by members of Kenya's climbing community, died after falling a rock face on Thursday.

Her Kenyan guide, Kelvin Muriuki Mwithi, was trying to help her on a slippery slope when he also fell from the sharp drop on Africa's second-largest mountain.

Robert Kamaru (left) wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend Kelvin Mwithi (right) (Robert Kamaru)

Ms Shah, 60, was part of a group of eight female climbers who had made the journey to ascend Point Lanana, the mountains third-highest summit.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Mwithi, who leaves behind a wife and toddler, have paid tribute to the climber who "always wore a smile".

His friend Robert Kamaru wrote online: "My friend has rested. Our hearts are broken. May his soul transition to the afterlife peacefully. May his selflessness inspire us to live fully, dedicating our lives to the service of humanity.

Mount Kenya is the second-largest mountain in Africa at over 17,000 feet, Mr Mwithis colleagues cite slippery conditions on the day (Getty Images)

Kevin, a renowned Mount Kenya guide, passed away on [Friday] while assisting a hiker on a slippery slope. Both slid down the ridge and perished.

The hiker is identified as Shilpa Shah, a UK national. Our prayers go out to both families during this difficult time of mourning and beyond.

He added: Go well, Kevin. Continue smiling gracefully in the afterlife.

Over 15,000 visitors attend Mount Kenya national park every year with intentions to climb the peak (Getty Images)

Rescue teams had to make several attempts to recover the bodies on Friday afternoon due to poor weather conditions.

Ms Shahs remains were flown to Nairobi while Mr Mwithis were taken to a hospital in central Kenya, according to reports.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office spokesperson said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Kenya and are in contact with local authorities.
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A large haul of suspected cocaine believed to be worth around 2 million has washed up on a beach in Sussex - the latest in a string of drug finds along the south coast in recent weeks.

Police sealed off part of Goring Beach, near Worthing, West Sussex on Monday morning after receiving reports a bag had been found containing the class A narcotic.

At the beginning of the month, on 2 October, fishermen found bags of suspected cocaine in a huge haul close to Durdle Door, Dorset.

On 7 October, holdalls containing hundreds of kilos of white power were discovered in the sea off the coast of Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Just a few days later, on 12 October, a bag containing suspected cocaine washed up on a beach in Ferring, also West Sussex.

Following the latest find in Goring, Sussex Police said the packages would be taken for forensic testing along with substances that were found in Selsey on 19 October, Middleton and Felpham on 13 October and Ferring on 12 October.

Police sealed off part of Goring Beach, near Worthing, West Sussex on Monday after packages of suspected cocaine were found (Sussex Police)

The force said it was working with partner agencies to find out the source of the drugs and reminded the public of the dangers of illegal drugs and urged people not to touch or attempt to remove them if found.

Is it thought Mondays find and the discoveries earlier in the month could be linked to the incident on 2 October, when hundreds of kilos of cocaine were dumped in the Solent by smugglers. The word POPI was marked on some of the packages in that haul and at least two seizures since then.

The National Crime Agency is investigating the finds and believes the drugs originated in South America, where most of the worlds supply of cocaine comes from.

We believe this a significant amount of class A drugs which would have originated in South America, Tracey Lake, NCA senior investigating officer, said following the 2 October discovery.

The word POPI has appeared on a number of the packages (NCA)

A loss of a consignment of this size would represent a significant hit to the criminal networks involved

She added: Our investigation is being assisted by both Dorset and Hampshire Police as well as Border Force.

Any additional suspect packages encountered by members of the public should be reported to the relevant Police force.

The UKs cocaine market is estimated to be worth more than 25.7m daily in England, Scotland and Wales, according to the NCAs latest strategic threat assessment.

In its latest strategic threat assessment the NCA, the UKs lead agency on tackling organised crime, says the cocaine market is estimated to be worth more than 25.7m daily in England, Scotland and Wales.

In the year ending March 2022, 188,929 drug seizures were made in England and Wales with the amount of cocaine confiscated at a record high.

The quantity of the class A seized rose by 68 per cent to 18,767kg, with the vast majority of the drugs found by Border Force.
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Watch as family members of British-Israeli Hamas hostages address the Israeli Embassy in London on Tuesday, 24 October.

The press conference comes as an 85-year-old grandmother whose daughter is based in London has been released from Hamas captivity.

Yocheved Lifshitz was released alongside fellow Israeli citizen Nurit Yitzhak, 79, on Monday evening.

Their husbands, aged 83 and 84, remain captive alongside more than 200 other civilians.

Ms Lifschitz's daughter Sharone Lifschitz, who spells her name differently to her mother, said the 85-year-old "seems OK" after her 16-day ordeal.

She is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with, Sharone told the BBC.

"My mum said they had been looked after and there was a doctor there, so this gives a lot of comfort to everybody."

Speaking after her kidnap, Yocheved said she had been "through hell, that I could not have known."
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Prisoners are developing drug problems in jail, leaving the public at greater risk when they are released, an inspection report has found.

Inspectors visiting HMP Lindholme found 21 per cent of the prisoners in the South Yorkshire jail had developed a dependency on drugs since being locked up. Half of the 898 prisoners at the all-male category C prison said it was easy to get drugs, with drones being used to bring them in.

Drugs were also responsible for prisoners debt problems, which in turn fuelled higher than average levels of violence.

HM Inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said that the rife substance abuse issues meant that prisoners were not being rehabilitated in jail, but were instead being released into the community at a heightened risk to the public.

Mr Taylor said: This was a really worrying inspection of a prison fundamentally failing to deliver this with some potentially very dangerous men, and arguably allowing the risks to heighten by failing to get on top of a really serious drug problem.

Referring to new plans from the Ministry of Justice to ease overcrowding, he added: This would be worrying in any circumstances, but given plans to begin releasing prisoners early it is absolutely essential that the prison service takes action to make sure that peoples time in custody effectively reduces the risk of harm that they will pose on release.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk has said that the government will use powers to allow the prison service to let some prisoners out of jail up to 18 days early in a bid to ease overcrowding.

According to the latest government statistics, there is a prison population of 88,126 - just 764 spaces away from operational capacity.

At HMP Lindholme, inspectors found that there had been 147 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and 62 prisoner-on-staff assaults in the past year. Staff also failed to challenge low-level rule breaking, such as vaping or abusive language.

Aroud 20 prisoners were self-isolating at the time of the inspection in July because of debt problems or because they wanted to avoid drugs on the wings.

Jail Tales: Meet the man interviewing criminals at prison gates?

Prisoners said that drugs were also being brought in by staff, and yet there were no increased searches of staff or visitors in place.

A court heard last week that a prison health worker at Lindholme had flooded the jail with drugs by smuggling packages to her inmate lover. The affair was at the heart of a large prison drug smuggling ring, Sheffield Crown Court heard. 17 people are being sentenced for their roles in the operation.

The prison health worker, Amy Hatfield, was arrested in 2019 after officers stopped her entering the prison with MDMA, cannabis, Ribena bottles filled with spice, as well as other contraband.

The trial comes after a HMP Lindholme prisoner, Kyle Batsford, died in September 2019 when he was forced to test the drug spice to test its potency.

The inquest heard that the drug was prevalent in the prison and some prisoners encouraged vulnerable inmates to smoke the drug to test its effects.

Andrea Coomber KC, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: The lack of support available in overcrowded Lindholme is so desperate that men are developing drug problems while living in the prison.

Where there is drug abuse, there is also debt and violence. She called for more purposeful activity such as education, training and exercise to be provided to the prisoners so that they do not have to turn to drug use.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are taking decisive action to address the serious issues raised in this report including bolstering security and drug detection technology to clamp down on the contraband which fuels violence behind bars.

"We are also improving staff training to support the most vulnerable prisoners and increasing access to education to ensure offenders get the right skills to turn their backs on crime.
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The number of British nationals killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas has risen to 12, and a further five remain missing, Rishi Sunaks spokesperson has confirmed.

It comes after Yosef Guedalia was named as another British-Israeli killed by Hamas in the 7 October attack.

The 22-year-old soldier was part of an anti-terror unit when he was killed confronting gunmen at kibbutz Kfar Aza.

His brother Asher said he literally saved people minutes before he got shot.

He acted with heroism and determination, he continued to fight and didnt think of himself or hesitateHe went in to rescue as many citizens as possible before they got murdered in their homes and to kill as many terrorists as he could, he said.

Other British nationals killed so far include two teenage sisters and their mother, a photographer, a soldier and a music festival security guard.

Yahel Sharabi, 13, and her older sister Noyia, 16, were originally both missing after the Palestinian militant group attacked kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel.

Both have since been confirmed dead by their relatives, with their family telling the BBC: Noiya was clever, sensitive, fun and full of life  her smile lit up the room like a beacon, while her younger sister was described as a bundle of unbridled energy and joy.

Their British-born mother Lianne was also killed during the attack, while their father Eli remains missing and is believed to be a hostage inside Gaza.

Yahel Sharabi (L), her sister Noiya (R) and their mother Lianne were all killed (Family hand out)

Last week, a Manchester United fan was also confirmed as another victim of the shock incursion. Yonatan Rapoport has been remembered as a great father, who had planned to take his son to the Old Trafford ground for a match next month.

His family believe that he was killed after Hamas gunmen arrived at kibbutz Beeri and entered the safe room where he had been hiding with his children.

His mother, Noelle Rapoport, said he was very much loved on the kibbutz, particularly by the older residents.

He never went by without smiling at them, saying hello and helping them, she said.

Danny Darlington and his German girlfriend were both confirmed dead by their relatives (Sourced)

Photographer Danny Darlington, 34, was among the first British citizens to be confirmed dead, after he and his German girlfriend were killed during the surprise attack.

The two had been travelling around southern Israel, with their recent social media pictures showing them cycling, laughing and taking pictures of the sunset.

They had been due to return to Tel Aviv on 6 October, but had fatefully decided to remain in the region for an additional day.

His sister Shelley Darlington posted: Knowing how many people loved and cared for Danny, and reading your memories of him will never bring him back, but it does offer a slither of comfort to the indescribable pain I am feeling.

Nathanel Young had been serving with the Israeli military (Sourced)

Bernard Cowan, who grew up around Glasgow but had settled in Israel wiht his wife and three children, was also killed in the attack.

He was identified on social media by his family members, with tributes soon flooding in from Scotland for the dedicated grandfather.

In a statement, his family said: We are grieving the loss of our son and brother, Bernard Cowan, who was horrifically murdered on Saturday during the surprise terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.

We ask for privacy at this time while we process this huge loss to our family, both at home and in Israel, and to the Jewish community in Glasgow where he will be sorely missed.

Also among those confirmed to have died is 20-year-old Nathanel Young, who had been serving in the Israeli military in the 13th Battalion.

Jake Marlowe had been working as a security guard at a music festival which was ambushed by Hamas gunmen (Sourced)

At the time of his death, he had been living in the Bayit Shel Benji, a home for lone IDF soldiers in Raanana, when he was ambushed by Hamas terrorists.

Prior to moving to Israel, he had been a former pupil at JFS, a Jewish mixed comprehensive school in north London.

Jake Marlowe, 26, had attended the same school as Mr Young, and was originally recorded as missing but later confirmed dead by the Israeli embassy in London.

He had been providing security at the music festival Supernova in the desert near kibbutz Reim, when the area was invaded by gunmen.

His mother Lisa wrote on Facebook that she and her family were heartbroken after hearing the crushing news.

Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifschitz being released as hostages (Al Qassam brigades via AP)

More than 220 hostages were seized during the attack on 7 October, with the Hamas military wing releasing another two hostages on Monday evening.

Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, were freed for compelling humanitarian reasons in a deal brokered by Qatari officials.

The two women were airlifted to a Tel Aviv hospital to be reunited with their family, with Ms Lifschitz recounting to local media: They loaded me on a motorcycle sideways so I wouldnt fall, with one terrorist holding me from the front and the other from behind.

In a statement confirming her mothers release, British citizen Sharone Lifschitz said: While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza.
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An Australian billionaire was secretly recorded boasting of his special relationship with King Charles, revealing he made large donations to the Royal hoping to be useful to him.

Covert recordings of Anthony Pratt, a manufacturing magnate worth $10bn, reveal he viewed his vast wealth as his superpower which he used to charm powerful global figures, including the then Prince of Wales and former US president Donald Trump.

A trove of secret recordings of the executive chairman of Visy Industries was obtained by the Australian 60 Minutes show in a joint investigation with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

According to the report, documents listed a final payment to HRH [His Royal Highness] of $182,000 in 2021. While Pratt is said to have been recorded explaining: My superpower is that I am rich. So I am useful to him [Prince Charles], right?

King Charles addresses assembled guests at a reception and dinner in honour of the Coronation (Getty Images)

In another recording, made in mid-2022, Pratt says an assistant to Charles contacted him to ask if he would limit payments to donations to the senior royals charities.

Theyre just so close to becoming the king that he doesnt want me to bring down the monarchy, Pratt said. He just doesnt want the appearance of anything. Its legal, but he doesnt want to look like [anything improper].

On the tape, Pratt says how he believed the then Prince of Wales was undervalued political stock.

I just like having a cup of tea with him every year, Pratt is heard in the recording.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told The Independent: Mr Pratt and his charitable foundation have been supporting the former Prince of Wales charities for many years and, as is well-documented, he is the Founding Patron of Princes Trust Australia.

It is also a matter of record that Mr Pratt is one of Australias foremost philanthropists, who has donated to a wide variety of charitable organisations. Any donations from Mr Pratt were therefore to support the work of the former Prince of Wales charitable organisations.

The revelations come following a series of newspaper articles accusing former close confidant to the King, Michael Fawcett, of promising to help a Saudi billionaire donor achieve British citizenship and a knighthood.

Mr Fawcett resigned as chief executive of The Princes Foundation in the wake of the allegations. But police said having interviewed several witnesses and examined more than 200 documents no further action would be taken against him or the charity.

Mr Pratts relationship with Mr Trump was also exposed in the tapes after the Australian paid $200,000 to become a Mar-a-Lago member to get closer to the president.

In one of the recordings, Mr Pratt is heard recounting one incident at the former presidents Palm Beach club where Mr Trump urged Melania to don a bikini to make his friends jealous.

He said, I asked Melania to walk around the pool in a bikini so all the other guys could get a look at what they were missing, says Mr Pratt.

The former first lady reportedly fired back at her husband.

Then Melania said back to him, Ill do that when you walk around with me in your bikini, Mr Pratt says.

Former president Trump with his wife Melania (Getty Images)

Mr Trump responded to the revelations by lashing out at Mr Pratt in a Truth Social post, branding him a red haired weirdo from Australia and denying speaking to him about American submarines.

The Failing New York Times story, leaked by Deranged Jack Smith and the Biden Political Opponent Abuser DOJ, about a red haired weirdo from Australia, named Anthony Pratt, is Fake News, he wrote.

Maggie Hagerman and the Misfits never called me for a comment. Why would they, they just write anything they want. Whether its correct or not is of ZERO importance to them. All the News Thats Unfit To Print. Thats why we call it the Fake News!

In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Mr Trump also denied the claims in the reports saying the information came from sources which totally lack proper context and relevant information.

The Independent has approached Buckingham Palace and Pratt for comment.
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New NHS measures could put domestic abuse victims in England at risk by allowing perpetrators to access their medical records, campaigners have warned.

The British Medical Association and just over 20 organisations urged victims of stalking and abuse as well as other vulnerable individuals to contact their GP to ensure their medical records are not automatically transferred to the NHS app.

GP practices across England have been ordered to transfer patients medical records to the NHS app and other online portals since the beginning of April this year, with all surgeries contractually forced to have delivered the new system to patients by the end of October.

Refuge and Womens Aid, two leading domestic abuse organisations, as well as End Violence Against Women Coalition are among the organisations who have raised concerns the new measures will place domestic abuse and stalking victims at risk.

Campaigners warn abusers could wield medical records to ramp up abuse as perpetrators routinely weaponise information against their victims - with experts noting perpetrators may force victims to disclose their medical records or access this information by an alternative route.

The coalition of organisations urged survivors to get in touch with their GP directly or the receptionist at their practice to ask for online medical record sharing to be turned off.

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the British Medical Association GP Committee for England, said being able to read a GP record on your smartphone will be a welcome development for most patients but this is not the case for everyone.

She added: For a significant number of patients, especially those members of our society who are most vulnerable - women, children and those lacking capacity - the forced implementation of this process is a cause for concern for us as GPs.

For almost two years we have been engaged with the Department of Health and NHS England in highlighting GPs anxieties.

I worry for patients we frequently see, a parent whose abusive spouse may use sensitive clinical information to undermine legal cases of custody of dependents in the family courts, patients requesting covert contraception forbidden in their home or relationship, or those disclosing abuse from others who may have access to their smartphone.

Dr Bramall-Stainer urged any such patient to either inform their GP practice staff or simply not install the NHS app on their phone until we have reached safe and practical agreements over where and how we can protect the most vulnerable and disenfranchised members of our society, with government and NHS leaders.

Ellen Miller, interim chief executive of Refuge, a prominent organisation The Independent is partnered with, argued it is really disappointing and saddening the government and NHS England have failed to properly tackle the dangers to victims the new mechanism poses.

These changes will allow perpetrators to gain access to survivors' personal health records, including details on medications, sexual, reproductive, and mental health records, and disclosures of domestic abuse, she added.

The lack of publicity around these changes means that some survivors records may already be available in the NHS app, and they do not even know it. It is essential that these changes are publicised widely, so that survivors know to take the necessary precautions to improve their safety and privacy.

She called for all GP surgeries to look at patient lists and exempt all patients deemed to be vulnerable or whom they have safeguarding concerns about.

Ms Miller added: We are deeply concerned that the safety of survivors have been largely ignored while these changes have been implemented.

A spokesperson for NHS England said they have worked alongside domestic abuse organisations during the last 18 months to develop guidance for GP practices on how to approach relevant cases - noting patients can opt out of the new measures.

The representative said the NHS takes patient safety seriously, explaining an expert safeguarding group has also been established, comprising National Safeguarding Network, IRISi and Womens Aid among others, to monitor implementation and ensure any concerns are acted on.

Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via their website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
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Oxfam workers are voting to go on strike for the first time as some staff say they are forced to use food banks due to low pay.

The charity has been accused of hypocrisy, as many employees say they are struggling with the cost of living crisis despite working for a company with a mission to end poverty.

A recent survey of nearly 150 Oxfam workers found 8 per cent had used food banks, 29 per cent anticipated that they would have to, 22 per cent had not been able to pay their rent and 34 per cent have had to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.

In contrast, Oxfams total income for 2022 was 373m, 86 per cent of the pre-pandemic level of 434m, the union Unite says.

One Oxfam worker who has been with the company for over a decade said: We believe so much in Oxfam. We put our heart and soul into it, we believe in the work that we do at great personal cost to all of us.

This year, in particular, has been really tough, people have had to leave because they just cant afford to be here anymore. They dont want to leave, but they have no other choice.

Im not even one of the lowest paid workers, but Ive had to sit in my living room without my heating on. I could see my breath.

Its not just a headline, these are real people who cant afford to eat. These are my colleagues, and some of the stories are harrowing. One of the biggest things people feel is that its hypocrisy. We want a leadership that walks the talk and are committed to our values.

The Oxfam survey also reveals that 4 per cent of the 150 staff respondents had been made homeless while at the charity, while a significant majority, 76 per cent, had had to put off buying essential items until their next pay date.

Workers have rejected a pay increase of 1,750 per year but average wages have fallen by 21 per cent since 2018 by real terms, according to Unite.

The cost of living crisis has led to an unprecedented rise in food bank use (Reuters)

If strike action goes ahead, it will be the first time in the charitys 81-year history. Oxfam describes itself as part of a global movement of millions of people working together to end poverty.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: Oxfams hypocrisy is astounding. This is a charity in robust financial health that makes much of belonging to the Ethical Trading Initiative and bestowing the virtues of unions to lift workers out of poverty.

Meanwhile, Oxfams own staff are on poverty pay, with some using foodbanks and unable to pay their rent. How can its leadership possibly justify ignoring its workers demands to be paid fairly and blocking their union?

Oxfam can well afford to pay a reasonable rise without the slightest impact on its operations here or abroad.

An Oxfam GB spokesperson said: As a real living wage employer and an organisation committed to tackling poverty, Oxfam is acutely aware of the impact of the rising cost of living on colleagues and addressing that is a priority for us.

That is why we chose to bring forward pay increases for lower-paid colleagues and why we have ensured that these colleagues will have received a real terms pay increase over the past 12 months.

We believe this pay award is fair and it is at the limit of what Oxfam can afford without taking vital resources away from our work fighting poverty with communities around the world. Colleagues understand that we face limited resources and tough choices and we hope they will recognise that when casting their ballot.

We value the work of our trade unions and would much rather have reached agreement with Unite but what they are asking for is simply not affordable at a time when many of the communities we work with are also facing sharply rising costs.
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Would you feel safer in the UK if police had more powers to tackle terrorism?

This week Downing Street has said it has no plans to do this, despite the Metropolitan Police chief calling on the government to consider tougher legislation.

Sir Mark Rowley met the home secretary Suella Braverman to discuss her demand for officers to use of the full force of the law after video emerged of a pro-Palestinian activist chanting jihad.

Speaking to journalists after a constructive meeting with Ms Braverman, Sir Mark suggested that laws around extremism should be redrawn. He said: The law that weve designed around hate crime and terrorism over recent decades hasnt taken full account of the ability in extremist groups to steer around those laws and propagating the truly toxic messages through social media.

No 10 signalled on Monday that police are unlikely to be given more powers to address chants and other forms of protests deemed to be pro-extremist - but is this the right call?

We want to know whether you would welcome more powers to allow police officers to tackle terrorism. Or are the options already in place sufficient enough to allow demonstrations to go ahead without impinging on our fundamental right to free speech?

If you want to share your opinion then add it in the comments and well highlight the most insightful ones as they come in.

All you have to do is sign up and register your details - then you can then take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking log in on the top right-hand corner of the screen.

Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines , which can be found here . For a full guide on how to comment click here.

Join the conversation with other Independent readers below or by clicking here.
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A British national has spoken of her relief after her mother was released from Gaza by Hamas.

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing on Monday evening and will be transferred shortly to Israel.

The Foreign Office said that, while both women released by the proscribed terrorist organisation were Israelis, one of the women has family in the UK, with Mrs Lifshitzs London-based daughter confirming her mother had been freed.

Sharone Lifschitz said: I can confirm that my mother Yochi Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those, some 200 innocent people, who remain hostages in Gaza.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: We welcome the release of a further two hostages this evening.

We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely Foreign Office spokeswoman

Our thoughts remain with the families of loved ones still being held captive, as they endure unimaginable anguish and worry at this time.

We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.

The two freed hostages, Ms Lifshitz, 85, and Ms Cooper, 79, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

The two women and their husbands were taken from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamass 7 October rampage into southern Israeli communities.

Their husbands have not been released.

Hamas said it had released the two women for humanitarian reasons, days after freeing an American woman and her teenage daughter.

Ms Lifschitz had spoken to the media earlier on Monday about how she had not heard from either of her parents since Hamass ambush more than two weeks ago that left 1,400 people dead.

She described them as having complex health needs, telling Times Radio that her father had recorded high blood pressure the night before he was captured.

The US has advised Tel Aviv to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip.

The release comes after prime minister Rishi Sunak said British intelligence had concluded that Israel was unlikely to have been responsible for a hospital blast that is thought to have killed hundreds of people in Gaza City.

Experts had been assessing the cause of the al Ahli atrocity since it happened on 17 October, with Mr Sunak saying during his trip to the Middle East last week that the available evidence was still being reviewed.

But, in an update to MPs on Monday, he said the UK Government had judged that it was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.

The explosion provoked condemnation around the world as well as rival claims about who was to blame.

Israel and Hamas both issued competing versions of events regarding the cause of the blast, with the Palestinian militant group blaming an Israeli airstrike.

The Israeli military blamed a misfiring rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group and released imagery and communications intercepts it said supported its case.

US president Joe Biden, during his visit in Tel Aviv, had sided with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governments assessment of the tragedy.

Mr Sunak, who travelled to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt last week, hit out at the misreporting of the incident, which he said had a negative effect in the region, including on a vital US diplomatic effort and on tensions here at home.

In comments cheered by parliamentarians, he said: We need to learn the lessons and ensure that in future there is no rush to judgment.

The prime minister also used the statement to confirm that the Government will provide an additional 20m of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
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Ireland has no plans to expel Israels ambassador, the Taoiseach has said.

Leo Varadkar was responding to a call from opposition party People Before Profit in the Dail parliament following controversial remarks by Israels ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich.

Ms Erlich told the Sunday Independent at the weekend that she was frustrated at what she said was misinformation shared by President of Ireland Michael D Higgins in relation to whether Israel had breached international law.

She also said that Ireland was not a neutral country in relation to Israel-Palestine.

Last week, Mr Higgins said Israels stated intentions for future action in Palestine reduced international law designed to protect civilians to tatters.

Addressing the Dail on Tuesday, Mr Varadkar said: In relation to the ambassador, we dont have any plans to expel any ambassador.

We didnt expel the Russian ambassador, and I dont think there is anyone in this house whos been as supportive of Ukraines battle for freedom as I have, but we took a very particular view that its important to have some line of communications open and thats why we have ambassadors.

If you expel an ambassador or close an embassy, the only line of communication is minister to minister, or sec gen (secretary general) to sec gen, and thats if you can even get a phone call. We have citizens in Palestine, we have citizens in Israel, we have citizens in Russia, its important that were able to keep those lines of communication open. It serves nothing to close them. Even countries at war with each other have ambassadors and thats for that obvious reason.

PBP TD Paul Murphy described the ambassadors comments as outrageous while he also criticised a tweet from a member of the Israeli embassy team in Dublin that suggested Ireland was funding the building of Hamas tunnels in Gaza.

The tweet was later deleted and the embassy issued a statement of clarification making clear the post did not represent its views.

It said the post was meant as an assertion that Hamas abuses the international aid sent to Gaza.

Mr Murphy said: Certainly from our point of view, we think that we have to expel the ambassador and the embassy, which would send a powerful message to the people of Palestine and to people around the world that we stand with them, and we stand opposed to the actions of Israel.

Earlier, during Leaders Questions in the Dail, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald urged the Taoiseach to press fellow European leaders to call for a full and lasting ceasefire in the region.

Mr Varadkar is set to attend a European Council meeting in Brussels later in the week.

Calling for a humanitarian pause isnt good enough, pausing the slaughter to facilitate aid into Gaza only to allow the slaughter resume is a most perverse interpretation of humanitarianism and cannot be the international communitys response, said the Sinn Fein leader.

The only truly humanitarian action is a full and immediate ceasefire and then aid delivered to Gaza without the threat of attack.

Ireland can and must be to the fore of this call, as agreed by the Dail last week.

So Taoiseach at the meeting of the European Council on Thursday will you tell European leaders that they must make this call for an unequivocal full ceasefire? Will you tell them that they must demand Israel stop its slaughter of the Palestinian people?

Mr Varadkar, who described the violence in Israel and Gaza as dreadful and terrible, said he would seek to use persuasion with fellow European leaders.

I will attend that meeting and I will do my best at that meeting to do the best that I can to persuade the European Union and the European Council to adopt a common position, he said.

It may not be possible for us to adopt a common position. We dont have a single foreign policy across the European Union. We all have our independent foreign policies, which I know is something you (Ms McDonald) support, but Ill certainly do the best I can to persuade our colleagues in other European countries to agree a common position.

I wont tell them deputy, thats a very particular approach and might be the approach that you would adopt as Taoiseach: to attend the meeting, point the finger, tell people off and do a press conference afterwards.

Thats not how you do this job. Its not how you actually get things done in international affairs. You have to build relationships, you have to build partnerships, you have to build alliances, you have to develop colleagues and you try to use your powers of persuasion.

Thats particularly the case for a small country like Ireland, which is not a major economic power or a major political power. We use the power of persuasion, reputation, contacts, thats how we do things and thats how we achieve things.
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A Liberal Democrat MP has taken aim at the masters of spin for increasingly manipulating the news cycle.

Richard Foord said that what began as political spin has now morphed into a practice bordering on deceit, saying it is time to end the dead cat strategy.

Mr Foords comments came as MPs debated two petitions relating to honesty in politics, which called on the Government to introduce legislation to make lying in the House of Commons a criminal offence.

While the Tiverton and Honiton MP said he worried about the idea of opposition politicians simply getting locked up for telling the truth, he criticised the Government for employing the dead cat strategy during the partygate scandal.

Deadcatting is a political tactic where a shocking or distracting topic is introduced to divert attention from a more damaging subject, often used to steer discourse away from negative media attention.

The point here is that we have been subject increasingly over the last couple of decades to something that started out as spin that has since become verging on the dishonest Richard Foord MP

Speaking in Westminster Hall, Mr Foord said: On April 12, 2022, the Metropolitan Police served a fixed penalty notice on the then prime minister (Boris Johnson) and the then chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak) for attending a rule-breaking event in the Cabinet Office in June 2020.

Newspapers were full of that dramatic news when, just two days later, the Government announced the so-called Rwanda partnership.

Whatever you think about the Rwanda partnership, the 120-million scheme that would see some asylum claimants having their claims processed while they were in Rwanda, it is, at the very least, newsworthy.

The point here is that we have been subject increasingly over the last couple of decades to something that started out as spin that has since become verging on the dishonest.

So, if I take you back to 11 September 2001, we heard the phrase that it was a good day to bury bad news.

At the time, that was symbolic of the worst aspects of the dark arts of spin. But what we have seen since that time is the development of this into an election campaigning technique. We now hear about the dead cat strategy.

Dead catting is the idea that when something inconvenient is in the news headlines, the masters of spin might slap a dead cat in front of the public, a shocking announcement to divert attention away from those inconvenient headlines of the day.

If honesty is one of the core values of our system, then parliamentary privilege and freedom of speech within Parliament is one of the absolute pillars of the modern constitution Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart

I think it is time to end a good day to bury bad news. It is time to end the dead cat strategy. It is a good day to bury the dead cat. We need more honesty in public life.

Elsewhere during the debate, the SNPs Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) highlighted the limitations of existing mechanisms like the MPs code of conduct and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

Urging the Government to make it a criminal offence to lie to Parliament, he said: Parliamentary privilege grants members the right to speak freely without fear of legal liability or other reprisal.

However that privilege has been abused and that abuse goes against our code of conduct with little repercussion.

We should grab this opportunity to examine the challenges and complexities of this matter and come together to find a solution that works.

Legislation should be brought forward that prevents the trust between Government and those who are governed being further eroded.

This should be done at the earliest opportunity, so we can move the backward nature of this Parliament forward.

Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said he did not think the route set out by the petitions was appropriate.

He said: If honesty is one of the core values of our system, then parliamentary privilege and freedom of speech within Parliament is one of the absolute pillars of the modern constitution.

He went on: If we were to accept the ideas put down, we would be accepting, nay, we would be sanctioning, the legal intimidation of MPs in the House of Commons.

I am afraid that is something that this Government will not support.
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A refugee scheme for Palestinian people is not the right response at this stage of the conflict in the Middle East, a minister has said, despite calls from British charities for the provision of safe passage.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins suggested the Governments priority should be to keep the pressure on Hamas rather than open up a humanitarian route at this point in time.

The response came after 19 organisations devised a list of measures they said the Government could implement, including an emergency family reunion scheme and an emergency refugee protection visa for Israelis and Palestinians fleeing the violence.

Asked on LBC about whether she would support a Palestinian refugee scheme, Ms Atkins said: At this point in time, I dont think thats the right response, because we need to keep the pressure on this terrorist organisation to stop their hostilities, to release hostages and to come back to the diplomatic negotiating table.

At this stage, Im not sure that another humanitarian route is the answer. We want Palestinians to be able to live freely in their own area. We do not want these hostilities to continue by this terrorist organisation.

The Refugee Council, which was among organisations to draw up the list of measures, had said that the UK must be ready to play a role in the refugee crisis.

Chief executive Enver Solomon said: As the conflict worsens, the number of Palestinian men, women and children displaced and those facing grave danger will only increase.

People who arent secure and safe in their homes need access to safety and the UK must be ready to play a role by implementing a package of emergency measures at short notice.
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Government officials are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help decide on everything from approving marriage licences to who should be given benefits, it has been revealed.

Civil servants in at least eight Whitehall departments, and several police forces, are relying on AI to make decisions around welfare, immigration and criminal justice, according to an investigation.

The shocking findings include the use of an algorithm by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to identify potential benefit fraud.

It also found a facial recognition tool used by the Metropolitan Police can make more mistakes recognising black faces than white ones.

And it showed an algorithm used by the Home Office to detect fake marriages targeted some nationalities disproportionately.

The investigation, carried out by The Guardian, showed that at least eight Whitehall departments use AI in one way or another, some far more heavily than others.

The NHS has also relied on AI in some contexts, including during the pandemic to identify at-risk patients who should shield.

And the Home Office is using it for its sham marriage tool, which the Guardian said disproportionately flags up people from Albania, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria.

It also uses the technology for electronic passport gates at airports and in the passport application process.

And the DWP has used AI to detect fraud and error among benefits claimants.

Marion Oswald, a professor in law at Northumbria University and a former member of the governments advisory board on data ethics, told the paper: There is a lack of consistency and transparency in the way that AI is being used in the public sector. A lot of these tools will affect many people in their everyday lives, for example those who claim benefits, but people dont understand why they are being used and dont have the opportunity to challenge them.

In a sign of the governments growing adoption of AI, ministers in August allocated a 13m investment aimed at advancing research in the technologys use within healthcare.

The move, announced by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, coincides with the appointment of two leading experts tasked with leading the preparations for the upcoming first major international summit on the responsible use of AI.

Rishi Sunak is attempting to pit Britain as a world leader in the development and regulation of AI.
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Conservative immigration minister Robert Jenrick has been accused of nasty dog-whistle politics after claiming that Labours planned new towns would soon be filled with illegal migrants.

The Tory minister ramped up the partys rhetoric in the Commons on Tuesday  arguing that Labours strategy was to wave in migrants and force the British public to grudgingly accept mass migration.

Campaigners and opposition MPs accused Mr Jenrick of hostile and dangerous language  warning that it could have damaging consequences for vulnerable people in the asylum system.

It follows home secretary Suella Bravermans recent speech in which she warned that Britain faces a hurricane of migrants  and claimed some asylum seekers were pretending to be gay to gain refugee status.

The latest comments came as Mr Jenrick announced that the number of hotels used to house migrants will be cut by 50 over the next three months.

But Labour attacked the utter lack of ambition and pointed out 350 hotels would still be in use this winter. The opposition also said the Tories were wasting ever more taxpayers money on alternatives like the Bibby Stockholm barge rather than tackling the backlog of asylum claims.

In a feisty Commons exchange, Mr Jenrick attacked Sir Keir Starmer for saying he would scrap the plan to send small boat arrivals on one-way flights to Rwanda. Even if we were securing our borders, [Sir Keir] would scrap it and wave people into our country, claimed the immigration minister.

He also said on his fabled trip to Europe he would strike a new deal with the EU which would bring thousands into the country  the new towns that he announced at the Labour conference would be filled with illegal migrants.

Last month the Labour leader said was prepared to do a deal which would involve the UK taking a quota of legal asylum seekers who arrive in the bloc, in exchange for the ability to return people crossing the Channel. But Sir Keir insisted that Tory claims it would let in tens of thousands were nonsense.

Minister Robert Jenrick accused Labour of wanting to wave in migrants (PA)

Responding to Mr Jenricks Commons outburst, the Refugee Councils Tamsin Baxter said: We would urge parliamentarians to steer clear of hostile and misleading rhetoric, which can have dangerous consequences for vulnerable people in the asylum system.

The Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael told The Independent: This is just nasty party dog-whistle politics. This unhelpful rhetoric is designed to distract people from the fact that this government has completely lost control.

He added: Instead of seeking to blame others for their failures, this Conservative government should focus on fixing the asylum system they broke and clearing the record high backlogs.

Rachel Goodall, head of asylum services at Refugee Action, said: Its deeply disturbing that government ministers continue to use far-right and racist language when talking about people who have fled some of the worlds worst regimes and warzones.

The dehumanising of minority and protected groups so they can be targeted with hostile and cruel policies can only draw frightening parallels from history and it must stop now.

Ms Braverman was accused of pushing dangerous dog-whistle politics by claiming that some asylum seekers were pretending to be gay to get refugee status. It sparked fury among LGBT+ campaigners and Tory moderates, some of whom are understood to have complained to the partys chief whip.

Some moderates have told The Independent they fear another lurch to the right from Mr Sunak  urging the PM to stop listening to Ms Braverman and others who want to push further by quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Suella Braverman was accused of being a dangerous fool after her big immigration speech last month (PA)

Meanwhile, Labours shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock accused Mr Jenrick of having the brass neck to announce a planned reduction in the use of hotels when he had overseen the Tory boats chaos.

The Labour frontbencher pointed out that there will still be 350 asylum hotels in use at the end of the winter, despite promises last year they would end hotel use this year.

The Tory minister had told MPs the process of exiting asylum seekers from the first tranche of 50 hotels would begin in the coming days. He said it would be complete by the end of January with more tranches to follow shortly.

But Mr Kinnock said the hotel announcement showed the utter lack of ambition, adding: It beggars belief that the minister has the brass neck to come here today to announce not that the government has cut the number of hotels being used, but that it simply plans to  and by a paltry 12 per cent. Is that really it?

Migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by a Border Force vessel (PA Wire)

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said there was no reason to cram around 50,000 asylum seekers into wholly unsuitable hotels  blaming the chaos of an asylum backlog that has spiralled out of control under the current government.

But the campaigner also warned that forcing people out too soon was damaging. In closing hotels, we are now seeing a homelessness crisis developing, with newly recognised refugees being given as little as seven days before they are evicted from accommodation.

Mr Jenrick did not say where the 50 hotels were  other than saying they were in all four nations of the UK  after speculation the priority was to target red wall seats held by Tory MPs.

But the immigration minister did reveal that a hotel in Knowsley, Merseyside  where a police van was set on fire and missiles were thrown at officers  will be included in the first tranche. Mr Jenrick told Labours Knowsley MP George Howarth the contracts at the hotel in his area would be ended.

In March, the government introduced plans to house asylum seekers on disused military bases and barges in a bid to cut spending on hotels. That month, around 47,500 people were using hotel accommodation, according to the House of Commons Library.

Some migrants have been moved back on to the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset, after the discovery of Legionella bacteria in its water supply led to an evacuation in August. Mr Jenrick said occupancy on the 500-capacity vessel had reached around 50 individuals by 23 October.

Labour said its analysis of the government contract showed that the barge is costing more than 800 per person per night to house asylum seekers. Instead of tackling the problem, they just keep making the costs worse, said Labours shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper.
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Nigel Farage claims a woke brigade is marching through public and private companies after emails revealed NatWest staff gloated about the closure of his bank account in a series of sniggering internal messages.

The crowing remarks were handed over to the former Ukip leaders through a subject access request, and shone light on conversations among staff members who joked he had been debanked by Coutts, a NatWest subsidiary, and that they hoped it knocked him down a peg or two.

In an angry tirade agains the bank, Mr Farage also revealed the internal documents referred to him a crackpot, sketchy and a fool.

The internal gossip followed the closure of Mr Farages Coutts account, which he claims was a politically motivated decision.

Mr Farage was also described in one of the emails as an awful human being, while another said they would have paid a significant sum to have been the one to tell the GB News presenter his account was being shut down.

A third said: Id throw a milkshake at him if I was approached to open an account for him.

In one exchange, published by the Daily Telegraph, an employee points to Mr Farage claiming NatWest has a political agenda.

A colleague replies: No its just you are an awful human being Nigel Farage lol. Hes so politically relevant right now. Like who even are you anymore.

The colleague goes on to mock the Brexiteers past attempts to portray himself as a man of the people, saying it is good that an everyman banked at Coutts.

Following the publication Mr Farage called for former NatWest boss Dame Alison Rose, who quit over her role in the scandal, to have her multi million pound severance pay deal scrapped.

This is the culture that the queen of woke, Dame Alison Rose, brought into the head office and throughout the Bank of NatWest, he said.

And Mr Farage called for an investigation into all the staff who had made mean comments about him.

But he told GB News: It does not hurt at all. I am so used to the illiberalism of the so-called liberals, that I can deal with it. It is horrible stuff.

But it all goes to show the arrogance of those in power, the march of the woke brigade through our public and private corporations.

I have the honour to be the first person to genuinely have the voice and the position to stand up and fight back.

NatWest is hosting a board meeting on Thursday to agree the terms for Dame Alisons departure. It is set to unveil its quarterly results on Friday.

Mr Farage said any payment to Dame Alison would be a reward for failure paid for by taxpayers, given the publics 39 per cent ownership of the bank.

The closure of Mr Farages bank account led to a row over so-called de-banking of those with controversial political views, but a review by the Financial Conduct Authority foud no firm evidence of banks denying people access to accounts over the last year due to their political views.

Separately, Mr Farage launched an attack on the Conservative Party, claiming they will lose the next election and they deserve to.

Mr Farage, who quit the Conservative Party in 1992 after John Major signed the Maastricht Treaty. did not rule out a return to the Conservatives or even a run at the leadership.

Only by losing can we have a party that stands up for the liberty, freedom and opportunity and enterprise of the individual, he said.

Mr Farage added: If I'm able to help that debate in any way, after the election, do you know what?

I'll roll my sleeves up and I'll be there.
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Rishi Sunak is pushing ahead with Liz Trusss plan to axe the cap on bankers bonuses despite warnings that boosting bumper payouts for the rich is obscene.

Scrapping the limit on multimillion-pound bonuses for high earners is one of the only policies to survive the disastrous Trussonomics period last autumn.

Mr Sunak has approved his predecessors policy to get rid of the post-Brexit rules around capping bonuses  inherited from the EU when the UK was still a member.

The approval comes around a year after former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng first revealed plans to change the bonus rules as part of the mini-Budget fiasco, which sparked market panic.

Even Boris Johnson had reportedly backed away from taking the step because he feared a huge political backlash during the cost of living crisis.

On Tuesday, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Bank of Englands Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) confirmed that the current bonus cap will be lifted on 31 October.

The move  part of a bid to help Londons financial centre fend off competitors after Brexit  was immediately condemned by unions as an insult to working people.

Darren Jones, Labours shadow Treasury secretary, mocked the PM for following his predecessor. When Truss says jump, Sunak says how high, he said.

Mr Jones added: At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living and mortgages are rising, this decision tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of this out-of-touch Conservative government.

The lifting of the cap will allow bankers to earn double their fixed pay in bonuses (PA)

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said it was an obscene decision, adding: City financiers are already enjoying bumper bonuses. They dont need another helping hand from the Conservatives.

The TUC boss added: Rishi Sunak has shown once again that he is more interested in feather-nesting the super-wealthy than helping struggling families.

Unisons general secretary Christina McAnea argued that anyone who thinks that making bankers even richer will achieve anything positive is utterly deluded.

She said: Its beyond belief that the disastrous policies of Liz Truss are being reheated. She trashed the economy and everyone else is still paying the price. This wont win public sympathy for a government in desperate need of it.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer previously attacked the plan as amounting to pay rises for bankers, pay cuts for district nurses.

The move could cause Sunaks approval rating to fall even lower than it currently stands (Downing Street)

The cap  introduced despite UK opposition by the EU in 2014 in the wake of the banking crisis  requires bonuses to be limited to no more than 100 per cent of fixed pay, or double that with shareholder approval.

The cap is believed to have irritated US investment banks that employ tens of thousands of staff in London because Wall Street typically offers lower fixed salaries with big performance-related bonuses.

The FCA and the PRA said on Tuesday that axing the cap would allow for prudent risk-taking in a bid to boost competitiveness in the City.

A spokesperson said: The removal of the bonus cap gives firms the freedom to restructure their pay over time, within the framework of the regulators rules on variable remuneration which aim to better align remuneration with prudent risk-taking.

Evading responsibility for the move, a Treasury spokesperson said: Decisions on remuneration in the banking sector are for the PRA as the independent statutory regulator.

No 10 also appeared to distance itself from the move. Mr Sunaks official spokesperson said it was an independent decision for the PRA. Regulatory independence is important and we dont intend to cut across that independence.

Criticising the move, financial commentator Paul Lewis said: Apparently bankers only work to their best if they are paid more than three times their actual salary.

Tax campaigner Richard Murphy also attacked the changes on X/Twitter. As if evidence was required that Tory UK is run for the benefit of bankers, he said.
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The Foreign Office has said it will continue to work tirelessly on securing the release of more hostages after a British citizen confirmed her mother had been freed by Hamas.

Sharone Lifschitz spoke of her relief that her mother Yocheved Lifshitz was handed over by the Palestinian militants, along with fellow Israeli citizen Nurit Cooper, on Monday evening.

Ms Lifshitzs London-based daughter said she would continue to campaign for the release of her father and other captives who were snatched by Hamas during its bloody raids on October 7.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the department welcomed the release of two further hostages, three days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were let go.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those, some 200 innocent people, who remain hostages in Gaza Sharone Lifschitz, daughter of Yocheved Lifshitz

A spokeswoman said: Our thoughts remain with the families of loved ones still being held captive, as they endure unimaginable anguish and worry at this time.

We will continue to work tirelessly with Qatar, Israel and others to ensure all hostages come home safely.

Qatar is seen as a key mediator in the Middle East conflict, with Doha using its ties to Hamas  a number of figures from the Gaza-ruling groups political wing are said to live in the country  to negotiate for the release of about 220 hostages taken during the deadly assault on Israel more than two weeks ago.

Further pleas for Hamas to give up its hostages are expected to be made on Tuesday during a press conference with affected families at the Israeli Embassy in London.

It comes after Mrs Lifshitz, 85, and Ms Cooper, 79, were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing on Monday evening. They were expected to be transferred to Israel.

The two women and their husbands were taken from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamass rampage into southern Israeli communities.

The womens husbands have not been released.

The United States has advised Tel Aviv to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more captives.

Sharone Lifschitz, in a statement, said: I can confirm that my mother Yochi Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those, some 200 innocent people, who remain hostages in Gaza.

Hamas said it had released the two women for humanitarian reasons.

Ms Lifschitz had spoken to the media earlier on Monday about how she had not heard from either of her parents since Hamass ambush left 1,400 people dead and ignited fresh violence in the region, with more than 5,000 Palestinians killed in retaliatory strikes.

She described her parents as having complex health needs, telling Times Radio her father had recorded high blood pressure the night before he was captured.

The release comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said British intelligence had concluded Israel was unlikely to have been responsible for a hospital blast that is thought to have killed hundreds of people in Gaza City.

Experts had been assessing the cause of the al Ahli atrocity since it happened on October 17, with Mr Sunak saying during his trip to the Middle East last week that the available evidence was still being reviewed.

But, in an update to MPs on Monday, he said the UK Government had judged it was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.

The explosion provoked condemnation around the world as well as rival claims about who was to blame.

Israel and Hamas both issued competing versions of events regarding the cause of the blast, with the Palestinian group blaming an Israeli airstrike.

The Israeli military blamed a misfiring rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group and released imagery and communications intercepts it said supported its case.

US President Joe Biden, during his visit to Tel Aviv, had sided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governments assessment of the tragedy.

The impact of the conflict has been felt in Britain with protests and vigils held in support of both Israel and those Palestinians trapped in Gaza.

Mr Sunak told MPs that chants of jihad by pro-Palestinian demonstrators over the weekend were a threat to Jewish communities and our democratic values.

The Prime Minister appeared to signal that new powers for police to address chants deemed to be extremist were unlikely, although he pledged to address where there were gaps in the law.

His comments came after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, following a meeting with Home Secretary Suella Braverman, suggested anti-extremism legislation may need to be tightened, saying that it was possible some of the lines arent quite in the right place.
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A man whose asthmatic son died alone in his prison cell after testing positive for Covid-19 has said the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry must deliver accountability.

Speaking on the second anniversary of the death of his son Calum, 34, Alan Inglis said he was never seen by a nurse and died without help, without dignity.

Calum Inglis tested positive for Covid-19 on October 12, 2021, while serving a short sentence at the privately run HMP Addiewell in West Lothian and died on October 24 after his health deteriorated rapidly.

Mr Inglis gave a statement outside the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry as it got under way in Edinburgh on Tuesday, and called for answers over the barbaric way his son was treated.

He said: On 12 October 2021 my son Calum tested positive for Covid-19 while serving a short term in Addiewell prison, West Lothian.

Calum was unvaccinated and was asthmatic. Within the next 12 days Calums health would deteriorate rapidly. Throughout this entire period he was not seen by a nurse.

He reported being breathless and coughing up significant amounts of blood. In the last four days of his life he repeatedly requested medical attention via his cell intercom, to be promised by the prison officers that someone would see him.

On 24 October 2021, two years today, my son was found unresponsive in his cell. He died alone, without help, without dignity.

The Scottish Covid Inquiry must find out which protocols the prison were following at this time, protocols that would allow such barbaric behaviour to take place, and to examine the staff work culture within that prison where staff must have known how ill my son was, yet did nothing.

I am looking for accountability and looking to this inquiry to deliver it.

HMP Addiewell is a private prison run by Sodexo Justice Services on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service.

This is a landmark day for Scottish Covid bereaved Margaret Warterton

A spokesperson at HMP Addiewell said: We understand that this continues to be a very difficult time for Mr Ingliss family and our thoughts and condolences remain with them.

It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, but I can confirm that we are continuing to work with all relevant authorities in advance of any future fatal accident inquiry.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: Our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved ones of Mr Inglis.

The Scottish Prison Service is fully committed to working with the Scottish Covid Inquiry and supporting its important work.

Margaret Waterton, 67, who lost her mother Margaret Simpson, 86, and her husband David Waterton, 71, during the pandemic, said: Covid has been absolutely devastating for me and my family and every man, woman and child in Scotland has felt the impact of Covid.

This is a landmark day for Scottish Covid bereaved, for the people of Scotland.

We are looking now for the inquiry to deliver for us truth, justice, accountability, so that the decision-makers can learn from our lived experience the impact that their decisions or lack of decision-making had upon us.

The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry will investigate the response by the Scottish Government to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first phase of hearings will look at the health and social care impact of the pandemic while later phases will look at education and young people, business and financial and welfare support.
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A Labour MP has accused the Home Office of ejecting refugees from their temporary hotel accommodations with merely a weeks notice.

Stella Creasy said there is no assistance being provided to these people, leading them to resort to local homeless shelters.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick rejected her claims, saying the Home Offices policy is to give 28 days notice, and highlighted that once granted asylum, refugees have access to benefits and employment opportunities.

I just wonder what experience the minister has of the London private rental market, because in my constituency, refugees who have been granted asylum are being kicked out of their hotels by the Home Office contractor within a week Labour MP Stella Creasy

Everybody who is granted asylum has access to the benefit system and can get a job, he told MPs.

The exchange took place after Mr Jenrick announced in the Commons that the number of hotels used to house migrants will be cut by 50 over the next three months.

After putting her question to Mr Jenrick, Ms Creasy posted a picture on X of a letter by the Home Offices contractor Clearsprings Ready Homes, addressed to a refugee housed in her constituency.

It reads: We have been advised by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) that your support is being terminated and therefore Ready Homes is issuing you with a formal notice to permanently vacate the Premises by 27/10/2023.

The letter is dated October 19.

The Walthamstow MP also wrote on X: Minister challenged me to show receipts on the record. Here you go.

In the Commons, Ms Creasy had earlier said: I just wonder what experience the minister has of the London private rental market, because in my constituency, refugees who have been granted asylum are being kicked out of their hotels by the Home Office contractor within a week, which gives very.

I got the letter, the minister is shaking his head, Im happy to share with him the letter that shows that.

There is no assistance being provided to these people. Theyre told to go back to the council, the council doesnt have time to follow up with them. So they are ending up at our local homeless night shelter, which is actually going to end up costing us all more than it would to have an orderly system in place.

She asked how many refugees who have been granted asylum from the hotels have actually been rehoused and whether he might look at a more orderly system.

The key point to make here is that everybody who is granted asylum has access to the benefit system and can get a job...that's exactly what they should do now, get on, contribute to British society and integrate into our country Immigration minister Robert Jenrick

Mr Jenrick replied: First, she wanted us to clear the backlog. Now, she doesnt want us to clear the backlog because of the consequences of clearing the backlog. Perhaps, it would be better if she just supported us in trying to stop illegal migrants coming to the country in the first place.

On the specific points that she makes, its not correct that the Home Office gives seven days notice. In fact, it gives 28 days notice.

Im happy to look at what shes waving in my face, but I can assure you that the policy is 28 days.

But the key point to make here is that everybody who is granted asylum has access to the benefit system and can get a job, and given that the overwhelming majority of them are young men, thats exactly what they should do now, get on, contribute to British society and integrate into our country.

Raising a point of order after the statement, shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock asked Mr Jenrick if he wanted to correct the record, saying: It is in fact the case that the immigration guidelines were changed in August 2023 to enable the eviction within seven days, changing from 28 days.

And she (Stella Creasy) has got the letter from Clearsprings to the person that shes representing, which confirms a seven-day deadline for that to take place.

So I just wondered whether the minister might want to just correct the record based on the exchange he had with my honourable friend earlier?

The immigration minister said: From the information thats been made available to me, I suspect that she is mistaken. Theres a two-fold process here. Upon granting an individual their asylum claim, they are then notified that they have 28 days plus two days for postage to vacate their property.

When they come to seven days to the end of that 28-day period, we then in accordance with the law, serve them with a notice to quit.

So Im afraid shes mistaken.
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The Environment Secretary has said the UK Government is pretty close to bringing forward its proposed ban on American XL bullies following a spate of attacks attributed to the dog type.

Therese Coffey said she thought a good definition of the dog type had been agreed, with only a few other things such as compensation needing to be signed-off.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last month that his administration would ban the dogs by the end of the year by adding them to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Last week, a 60-year-old woman in Brisley, Norfolk, was mauled by her own XL bully dog, which escaped and then had to be destroyed.

We are pretty close to being able to proceed with the legislation and the guidance that would go alongside that in terms of practical implementation Environment Secretary Therese Coffey

Earlier this month, 54-year-old Ian Langley died after being assaulted by an XL in Sunderland while out walking his own puppy.

Ms Coffey, giving evidence to the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, told MPs: I believe we have got a good definition.

I really had hoped we could get sorted more quickly and we are very close to that.

It is just a few other things, including aspects of compensation and some other things that we need to make sure are in place and ready to rock and roll.

Not all animal charities are in favour of a ban, with the Environment Secretary confirming that the RSPCA had pulled out of a consultation about the definition of the dog type.

The animal welfare charity is part of the Dog Control Coalition, along with the likes of the Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Association, which put out a statement following Mr Sunaks announcement, arguing that a ban will sadly not stop the attacks.

Critics of Mr Sunaks proposal have argued that the XL bully is not strictly a breed and would be difficult to define.

Asked about the RSPCA no longer being involved in the definition process, the senior Conservative Party minister said it had been made very clear to participants that it was not a case that we were inviting them in to discuss whether or not this would go ahead.

That decision will be made by Parliament, she continued during her evidence session on Tuesday.

What we wanted and were keen to have is discussion around aspects of definitions and potentially some aspects of that. And they were at some meetings but youre right they have chosen not to continue.

I believe we are in a good place of having agreed a definition.

Of course weve also involved local authorities and police in particular.

We are pretty close to being able to proceed with the legislation and the guidance that would go alongside that in terms of practical implementation.

The Cabinet minister said she knew some XL bullies were seen as genuinely valued pets and that strict conditions were being readied to allow those owners to continue to keep any existing animals affected by the prohibition.

I think we will be wanting to make sure things like muzzling, being put on leads in public  that is going to be the principal impact of the legislation, Ms Coffey continued.

You wont be able to sell, breed those sorts of elements.

Ms Coffey said we dont know how many XL bullies there are in the country.

But she went on to say that the UK Government estimated there were about 10,000, while the Blue Cross animal charity suggested it was more like 15,000.

It is challenging to judge, she added.
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An American businessman released after five years in an Iranian prison has broken his silence about the psychological torture he endured during his captivity.

Emad Shargi, 59, was freed back in September along with four other Americans held captive in Tehran as part of a deal with the US to unfreeze $6bn in oil proceeds.

Access to that money has since been suspended after an agreement between Qatar and the Biden administration in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel amid questions about Irans role in the planning of the bloodshed.

Mr Shargi and his wife, who are both Iranian-Americans, moved to the country in 2016 when their grown-up daughters left for university to experience life there.

He says that in April 2018 15 armed agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard arrived at their home, arrested him and took him to the citys notorious Evin Prison.

While behind bars, Iranian officials accused him of being an American spy, which he called a ludicrous allegation.

He told 60 Minutes in an interview to be aired this Sunday, that interrogators tried to scare him into a confession by threatening him with waterboarding, electrocution and hanging.

They took me to a room. They told me to strip naked. They gave me some blue garbs. They told me, This is the end of the line for you, and most likely youll never see the outside world, he told CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

From now on nobody will address you by your name. You are a code now. 97-0-10 was my code.

Mr Shargi says that was when guards turned to psychological torture on him.

They take you to a very small room. And then they throw a giant of a human being in there, who proceeds to hit you, to push you around, to threaten to kill you, he said.

Family members embrace Emad Shargi, after he disembarks from an airplane at Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir, Virginia (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

And then the good cop comes in, and he says, Look, I can put a stop to this. You just need to confess. You have to confess that you are a spy, which is ludicrous.

For the first eight weeks of his imprisonment, he says he did not know if his wife had also been taken into custody, with his interrogators using the screams of women in the prison against him.

I [didnt] know if she was being tortured. I didnt know if she was being raped. I [had] no idea, he said. That is its own form of torture.

Mr Shargi says his father had warned him against moving to Iran, saying: Emad, you dont know this country. People like you with dual nationalities, they pick these people up once in a while for whatever use they have for them.

And he says that what he has learned from his harrowing experience is Listen to your dad.
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The United Auto Workers union has turned up the heat on General Motors as 5,000 workers walked off their jobs Tuesday at a highly profitable SUV factory in Arlington, Texas.

The move comes just a day after the union went on strike at Stellantis pickup truck factory in Sterling Heights, Michigan, north of Detroit.

The Texas strike brings the total of UAW members that have walked off their jobs to 46,000 in a series of strikes that is entering its sixth week.

UAW President Shawn Fain last week threatened further strikes in an effort to get GM, Ford and Stellantis to increase their pay offers.

But GM CEO Mary Barra said on Tuesday mornings earnings conference call that the company already has made a record offer and wont agree to a contract that jeopardizes the companys future.
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Autonomous carmaker Cruise must suspend its driverless taxi operations in California immediately, state motor vehicles regulators announced on Tuesday.

"The California DMV today notified Cruise that the department is suspending Cruises autonomous vehicle deployment and driverless testing permits, effective immediately, the state Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement.

The DMV has provided Cruise with the steps need to apply to reinstate its suspended permits, which the DMV will not approve until the company has fulfilled the requirements to the departments satisfaction.

The regulator said it has the right to pull back permissions when there is an unreasonable risk to public safety.

The suspension, which only applies to Cruise trips where no human safety driver is onboard the vehicle, follows an incident earlier this month, where a woman in San Francisco was struck by a human driver in a hit-and-run accident that propelled her into the path of a Cruise robotaxi.

Ultimately, we develop and deploy autonomous vehicles in an effort to save lives, Cruise said in a statement to ABC7. In the incident being reviewed by the DMV, a human hit and run driver tragically struck and propelled the pedestrian into the path of the AV. The AV braked aggressively before impact and because it detected a collision, it attempted to pull over to avoid further safety issues. When the AV tried to pull over, it continued before coming to a final stop, pulling the pedestrian forward.

Our thoughts continue to be with the victim as we hope for a rapid and complete recovery, the company added.

The suspension is a major blow to Cruise, which is owned by General Motors.

Alongside Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, Cruise saw California, and in particular San Francisco, as a key testing ground of driverless taxi technology.

The companies both got permission from state regulators in August to conduct paid taxi service 24/7 without a safety driver in San Francisco, despite vigorous debate in the city over whether the AVs were safe enough to operate.

The rollout of robotaxis in San Francisco has been marred with problems.

Driverless cars, in particular Cruise taxis, were accused of causing traffic and impeding first responders.

According to data Cruise shared with the state in August, between January and mid-July of 2023, Cruise AVs temporarily malfunctioned or shut down 177 times and required recovery, 26 of which such incidents occurred with a passenger inside, while Waymo recorded 58 such events in a similar time frame.

Meanwhile, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA), between April 2022 and April 2023, Cruise and Waymo vehicles have been involved in over 300 incidents of irregular driving including unexpected stops and collisions, while the San Francisco Fire Department says AVs have interfered 55 times in their work in 2023.

Last year, Cruise lost contact with its entire fleet for 20 minutes according to internal documentation viewed by WIRED, and an anonymous employee warned California regulators that year the company loses touch with its vehicles with regularity.

Since being rolled out in San Francisco, robotaxis have killed a dog, caused a mile-long traffic jam during rush hour, blocked a traffic lane as officials responded to a shooting, and driven over fire hoses.

Jeffrey Tumlin, San Franciscos director of transportation, has called the rollout of robotaxis a race to the bottom, arguing Cruise and Waymo werent yet definitive transit solutions, and instead had only met the requirements for a learners permit.

Others have argued the introduction of driverless cars in San Francisco and beyond will further displace workers pushed out of the taxi industry by companies like Uber and Lyft.
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Canadas government has said that a Spamouflage campaign with ties to China has targeted the social media profiles of its prime minister Justin Trudeau and several other members of parliament.

The Spamouflage campaign involved a network of either new or compromised social media accounts for spreading propaganda messages on several platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Reddit, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Diplomatic ties between Canada and China have remained strained since 2018 and Ottawa has often accused Beijing of meddling in its internal affairs, often through the use of secret overseas police stations. China has rejected all the allegations.

The Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) established by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to oversee foreign state-sponsored disinformation activities attributed the campaign to the Peoples Republic of China and said the campaign was meant to suppress criticism of the communist regime.

As per a report unveiled on Monday morning, the propaganda campaign had commenced in August this year and specifically targeted numerous lawmakers representing various political ideologies, the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement.

GAC said the bot network gained significant momentum over the September long weekend, inundating social media accounts with thousands of comments in both English and French.

This campaign could discourage and make it difficult for MPs to carry out their duties and may dissuade MPs and diaspora communities in Canada from speaking out on issues which concern them, a foreign ministry report about the incident said.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Canada said Beijing has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries. It said the accusations were a blatant smear campaign and that Canada was a downright liar and disseminator of false information.

For some time now, the Canadian side has been falsely accusing China of spreading false information against Canadian politicians, a move that is in itself a dissemination of false information, in the absence of any direct and substantive evidence, the embassy statement said.

GAC said posts from the campaign alleged a prominent critic of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada had accused the involved MPs of engaging in criminal and ethical transgressions.

The Chinese campaign employed what appeared to be deepfake manipulated videos, according to the department.

An email from GAC officials to the affected MPs said 47 of them from across Canada were targeted, CBC News reported. The email advised MPs on how to protect themselves from foreign interference and assured them the campaign did not present a threat to their safety.

It is our assessment that the information operation was intended to negatively impact your reputation, not to cause you physical harm or endanger your family, the email said.

First, it likely seeks to discredit and denigrate the targeted MPs through seemingly organic posts, alleging impropriety, by posting waves of social media posts and videos that call into question the political and ethical standards of the MPs, using a popular Chinese-speaking figure in Canada, the report said.

Second, it likely seeks to silence criticism of the CCP by getting MPs to distance themselves from the critic and discouraging wider online communities from engaging with them.
 Close Trump claims he wasnt referring to clerk when he violated fraud trial gag order

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Donald Trump urged his former vice president Mike Pence to endorse him on Saturday shortly after Mr Pence dropped out of the 2024 Republican primary.

The former president was speaking at an event hosted by the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, where Mr Pence himself had appeared earlier in the day and made the announcement of his withdrawal from the race.

Mr Trump continues to be the strong favourite to win the GOP nomination, according to all available polling.

Last week, however, he came face-to-face with a former loyalist in court.

Michael Cohen said in interviews after his testimony in Mr Trumps criminal fraud trial that his former boss appeared to be a sad-looking, pathetic, deflated individual in the Manhattan courtroom where the two saw each other.
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Israel escalated its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip, the military said Tuesday, ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants that the U.S. fears could spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The stepped-up attacks, and the rapidly rising death toll in Gaza, came as Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the hundreds of hostages it captured during its devastating Oct. 7 attack on towns in southern Israel.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Israel since the war started, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, meeting with the families of others held hostage in Gaza before heading to talks with top Israeli officials.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack. A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Monday carrying only a tiny fraction of the cargo aid groups say is necessary.

With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza. Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, Lifshitz daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack. The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

The fighting as killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes. The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter, causing many casualties and trapping people under rubble.

Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Men discussed where to fit the shrouded corpse of a small child.

Israel says it does not target civilians and says Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were authorized to reveal sensitive negotiations.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
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A man who went missing after a motorcycle crash earlier this month was found in a ditch after hed been lying there for three days  and remarkably survived.

Taylor Boyle was riding his motorcycle on a back road in a rural area in Powell, Tennessee, when he went missing, his friend Cameron Williams told CNN.

His family had filed a missing person report after they grew concerned because they had not heard from him, the outlet reported.

One of his friends was expecting him to arrive with a McDonalds breakfast at his house, as he made his way from Fountain City to Heiskell in Tennessee, but never showed up, Mr Williams told WBIR-TV.

The family monitored his phone and checked his bank details, but nothing came up.

He last spoke to his family at around 10am on 15 October and even as they entered the third day of his disappearance, they said they never gave up hope.

Mr Boyle was on his way to his friends house with a McDonalds breakfact when the crash happened (Knox County Sheriffs Offce)

Mr Williams said that he and his group of friends started to search possible areas Mr Boyle could have been in, but it led them to nowhere.

On Tuesday evening [17 October], there were probably five vehicles with three to five people in each vehicle that kind of broke down in different areas of the town and started looking in ditches and ravines, Mr Williams told CNN.

They searched for their friend until the sun went down; that is when part of the search party spotted something reflecting back their flashlights.

Brandon Lawson, Ryan French and Chase Lovelace at first spotted the motorcycle, which had crashed down an embankment between 30 to 50 feet off the back road.

They ventured down to see if Mr Boyle was near.

Friends were happy when they found Mr Boyle and his motorcycle lying in an embankment (Cameron Williams/Facebook)

They were kind of scared, you know, what they might find when they got there, Mr Williams said. But he was awake.

"He seemed to be pretty coherent and awake and not in pain," Mr Williams told WBIR-TV.

"I think we really lucked up this time."

The group called 911 to tell the police department they had found Mr Boyle, who miraculously managed to survive despite being stuck for almost three days in the forest area with a very hard hit to the head.

Mr Boyle, who is still in hospital, is being treated for the head injury and a dislocation to his elbow, Mr Williams told CNN.

He reportedly was suffering from a brain bleed and a concussion, which meant when his friends found him, he had no idea what sort of dangerous situation he was in, the New York Post reported.

Doctors said the motorcyclist has a long road ahead of him but is expected to make a full recovery.
 Close Investigation ongoing into killing of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll

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Authorities investigating the fatal stabbing of synagogue leader Samantha Woll have yet to name a suspect days after the murder that shocked the Detroit community.

At around 6.30am on Saturday, the 40-year-old leader of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue was found stabbed to death at her home in the Lafayette Park neighbourhood.

Authorities believe she was attacked inside her home and then stumbled out before collapsing on the sidewalk.

On Monday, Detroit Police Chief James White said at a press conference that his agency is working in partnership with the FBI and Michigan State Police and has already identified persons of interest.

Chief White also said there was no evidence suggesting the murder was a hate crime.

We are working through what we have identified as some persons of interest ... but we are very early in the investigation, he said. We have a number of people who give us interest, we are just short of calling one of the people a suspect.

Woll once worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.
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The editor-in-chief of the eLife scientific journal has been fired after praising an Onion article lampooning the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The journal confirmed in a statement that it had fired Michael Eisen, its editor-in-chief, over retweeting an article by the satirical news website on the violence in the Middle East.

Mike has been given clear feedback from the board that his approach to leadership, communication and social media has at key times been detrimental to the cohesion of the community we are trying to build and hence to eLifes mission. It is against this background that a further incidence of this behaviour has contributed to the boards decision, the statement said.

Mr Eisen, who is Jewish, commented on his firing in a statement on X/Twitter.

I have been informed that I am being replaced as the Editor in Chief of @eLife for retweeting a @TheOnion piece that calls out indifference to the lives of Palestinian civilians, he wrote on the social media site.

The spark that ignited the controversy began on 13 October, when Mr Eisen  who works as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute-funded geneticist at the University of California, Berkely, praised an Onion article satirising the way Israel supporters and certain media personalities demand denunciations of Hamas from anyone who expresses concern for the welfare of Palestinian civilians.

The Onion story was titled Dying Gazans Criticized For Not Using Last Words To Condemn Hamas.

Israel has been engaged in a bombing campaign in Gaza as retaliation for a 7 October attack in which Hamas entered southern Israel and killed approximately 1,400 Israelis.

More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting broke out, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza.

Mr Eisen praised the article for its "courage" and "moral clarity."

Michael Eisen, the former editor-in-chief of scientific journal eLife, before he was fired for promoting an Onion article protesting the deaths of Palestinian civilians (screengrab/YouTube/eLife)

The Onion speaks with more courage, insight and moral clarity than the leaders of every academic institution put together. I wish there were a @TheOnion university, he wrote.

His support for the article prompted backlash among supporters of Israel who perceived his support of Palestinian civilians as a lack of empathy for the Israelis who were killed in the Hamas attack.

He pushed back on those insinuations in a follow-up statement.

Every sane person on Earth is horrified and traumatized by what Hamas did and wants it to never happen again. All the more so as a Jew with Israeli family," he wrote. "But I am also horrified by the collective punishment already being meted out on Gazans, and the worse that is about to come.  The Onion is not making light of the situation. And nor am I. These articles are using satire to make a deadly serious point about this horrific tragedy.

For some, like Yaniv Erlich, a prominent Israeli-American scientist who serves as the CEO of Eleven Therapeutics, that explanation was not enough.

Empty words. For 7 days you havent tweeted a single time words of supports [sic] for Israeli researchers, some of which lost kids and friends. And now you dare to give us military advice from your privileged position of safety. What a moral bankruptcy, he wrote in response to Mr Eisen's statement, according to Science.

After Mr Eisens firing, Mr Erlich said that while he disagreed with the scientists views, his dismissal was not a preferred outcome.

Critics called for Mr Eisen's resignation or firing. He met with eLife's board on 19 October to discuss his tweets and the ensuing controversy and told Science that without much explanation other than that the tweet had caused problems for eLife.  The board doesnt want eLife to be embroiled in controversies and they look at me, I guess, as someone who makes things controversial.

The board reportedly told him he would be fired if he did not resign, but he refused to leave willingly.

Theyre going to alienate and have alienated a huge part of the community: people who dont think its bad to express political opinions that not everybody agrees with, Mr Eisen told Science.

His firing resulted in Lara Urban, a reviewing editor at eLife, resigning.

Mikes dismissal for expressing his personal views sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech in our academic community, she wrote on X/Twitter. [I]t validates cyber-bullying as a successful and legitimate tool to get scientists with controversial opinions fired.

A senior editor at eLife, Molly Przeworski, also said she planned to resign, calling the board's decision "both discriminatory and a dangerous precedent." She also said that it violated the journal's code of conduct to be "respectful of differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences."

The journal offered the following statement when asked about Mr Eisen's firing and the subsequent fallout at the publication:

We regret that a number of editors have made the decision to resign as a result of both Mikes tweets and our decision on the matter but firmly believe this decision is best to safeguard eLifes future and reputation. We are aware of the open letter and we value and respect everyones right to freedom of speech. Particularly for those in leadership positions, exercising that right comes with responsibilities: an expectation to show good judgement and a duty of care to the communities they serve. We dont believe those qualities have been demonstrated in this and previous instances.
 Close Mike Johnson addresses congress for first time as House speaker

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House Republicans overwhelmingly elected Rep Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be the next speaker of the House after 22 days where the House of Representatives had no leader amid turmoil across the globe and the need to pass spending bills next month.

Mr Johnson, the former deputy whip for House Republicans, won 220 votes on the floor after House Republicans coalesced around him on Tuesday evening. His ascent came after House Majority Whip Tom Emmer dropped out a mere four hours after the House Republican conference nominated him to be speaker.

Republicans from all factions of the conference cheered Mr Johnson and whistled on the floor, chanting his name.

After conservatives, led by former president Donald Trump, revolted against Mr Emmer, he removed himself from the running and after another contest, Mr Johnson emerged victorious.

A former attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, Mr Johnson is considered an arch-social conservative staunchly opposed to abortion. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation that would have made it illegal to transport a person under the age of 18 across state lines to obtain an abortion without parental notification.
 Close Rescuers search sunken British ship for signs of life after fatal North Sea collision

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Rescue divers are searching for signs of life on a British cargo boat that crashed and sank this morning as four sailors remain missing.

One sailor has died and two have been rescued, reveal German authorities.

The four missing crew members may be alive and sheltering inside the vessel on the sea floor, the spokesperson said during a press conference alongside the German maritime search and rescue service.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

Verity was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham. The other ship, the Bahamas-flagged Polesie, remained afloat with 22 people on board.

A P&O cruise called the Iona which was travelling from Hamburg is helping with the urgent rescue mission, confirmed officals.

According to reports, passengers were panicked when there was an onboard Captain announcement at 6am this morning.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.
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Several people were hospitalised in Austria after using suspected fake versions of Novo Nordisks diabetes drug Ozempic, the countrys health safety body said, the first report of harm to users as a European hunt for counterfeiters widened.

The patients were reported to have suffered hypoglycaemia and seizures, serious side effects that indicate the product contained insulin instead of Ozempics active ingredient semaglutide, the health safety regulator BASG said on Monday.

Austrias criminal investigation service warned on Monday that fake injection pens may still be in circulation.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) last week warned about the existence of such pens falsely labelled as Ozempic.

The Danish maker of the drug, Novo Nordisk, had flagged a surge in online offers of counterfeit Ozempic as well as its weight-loss drug Wegovy, both based on semaglutide.

The company, which had been scrambling to boost output to catch up with overwhelming demand, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It appears that this shortage is being exploited by criminal organisations to bring counterfeits of Ozempic to market, said BASG.

The BASG did not provide an exact number of people harmed by the fake Ozempic, or say how long-lasting the adverse effects would be on their health.

The organisation running the European Unions Medicines Verification System, which conducts digital surveillance of drugs dispensed by pharmacists, on Tuesday confirmed EMAs finding that no fakes had emerged in retail pharmacies.

EMA and authorities in Germany and Britain, including prosecutors in southwestern Germany, have been investigating a case where bogus injection pens with German labels in genuine Ozempic packaging were sold from a wholesaler in Austria to Germany, and from there, on to two British wholesalers.

BASG said it would not comment further on the case, to protect the investigation.
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One sailor has died and several others remain missing after a British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, with a search currently ongoing for survivors.

One body has been recovered and another two people have been rescued, while four crew members remain missing.

View more

German authorities said one rescued man was taken to a hospital on land and the other was on his way to hospital on board a maritime rescue cruiser.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 nautical miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The British-flagged Verity, apparently sank with seven people onboard, while the Polesie remains waterborne with its 22 passengers.

The search operation currently includes a rescue cruiser, police boats, sensor aircraft and a helicopter among other vessels.

The emergency command said the 300ft British ship was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham.

Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.

Michael Ippich, of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, said the water temperature at the time of collision was 12C (54F), which people can survive for about 20 hours.

P&O ship the Iona scanning the water near to where the British cargo ship Verity sank following a collision (PA Wire)

Mr Ippich told reporters: The conditions on the spot are extremely difficult.

Because of the weather and visibility, its incredibly difficult to conduct such an operation.

The P&O cruise ship Iona is among those that have joined the search, alongside the rescue cruisers Hermann Marwede and Bernhard Gruben.

It is said to have doctors on board who are able to treat people if needed, while more medical personnel are being taken to the scene by helicopter.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

One person has died while four others remain missing (PA Wire)

The incident is ongoing and Ionas cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Faversham Ships Ltd, which owns the Verity, described the incident as ongoing and said it was working with local authorities.

A spokesman for Associated British Ports, which owns the port of Immingham, confirmed it was due to arrive there.
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A top executive at Russia's second-biggest oil company has become the third person to die suddenly in the past 18 months at the firm, which last year took a public stand over Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

Chairman of Lukoil Vladimir Nekrasov died after suffering acute heart failure, the company said on Tuesday. It did not respond to a request for further comment.

Mr Nekrasov replaced the previous head of Lukoils board Ravil Maganov in September last year, after he died falling from a hospital window, according to state-run news agency TASS.

Russian media said Mr Maganov, 67, had been receiving treatment at Moscows Central Clinical Hospital and died of his injuries. Lukoil said he passed away from a severe illness but made no mention of his alleged fall, which raised eyebrows among Russia watchers in the West.

Unusually among Russian companies, Lukoil took a public stand over Moscows operation in Ukraine last year.

In a statement just days after the war broke out, the energy companys board of directors expressed its concern over the "tragic events" in Ukraine and called for the "earliest possible end to armed conflict" through negotiations.

Billionaire Alexander Subbotin, 43, a former top manager at Lukoil, was also found dead in May after allegedly consuming toad poison while visiting a shaman.

A number of high-profile Russians have died since Putin ordered invasion of Ukraine (AP)

A number of businessmen linked to Gazprom, the worlds largest publicly-listed gas company, have also died under mysterious circumstances over the course of several weeks in the build-up to, and aftermath of, the Ukraine invasion.

In two cases, the executives wives and children, in Moscow and a Spanish resort town, were also discovered gruesomely hacked to death.

Last year, sausage executive Pavel Antov was found dead after reportedly falling from a hotel window in India. It came months after he denied criticising Russias war after a message appeared on his WhatsApp account.

His death came just two days after one of his Russian travel companions perished at the same hotel.

Some estimates put the number of high-profile Russians to have died since Mr Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February last year at 39.
 Close Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six

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Russian drones hit civilian targets and triggered a fire near Ukraines second-largest city of Kharkiv, officials have said.

The attacks came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Moscow was losing control of the Black Sea.

Russia launched overnight drone attacks today in Kharkiv, with multiple explosions heard, hitting a civilian site, said Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Synehubov.

Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said the fire was being brought under control but did not confirm whether 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.

Vladimir Putins troops bombarded 118 Ukrainian towns and villages over the course of 24 hours on Thursday, 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 a UN-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian goods to pass through.
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When thousands of Hamas militants crossed into Israeli territory through the most militarised border fence in the world on 7 October, few understood how such a feat was possible.

The multilayered Gaza border fences are roughly seven metres tall and replete with high-tech sensors, remote-controlled machine guns, cellular communication stations and surveillance towers roughly every two kilometres.

How could those within what is considered an open air prison, their imports thoroughly vetted, overcome a state-of-the-art fence purpose built to keep them in?

The short answer: drones.

Hamas initiated their 7 October attack by firing 35 single-use attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the border fence, according to a statement by the groups military wing.

In so doing, they disabled parts of the Israeli communications equipment, preventing the duty officers from monitoring the area remotely with video cameras, and destroyed many of the remotely-controlled machine guns designed to empower soldiers to prevent incursions from afar.

That bought Hamas a brief window to move into Israel, but that was all they needed. The world knows well what happened afterwards.

Mourners gather around the graves of Sgt. Yam Goldstein and her father killed by Hamas on 7 October (AP)

The rise of Hamas from an offshoot group in Egypt to the governors of Gaza has closely coincided with the proliferation of drones, both commercial and within militaries.

Ukraine provided the first real-world example at scale of the effectiveness of modified commercial drones on a battlefield. Hamas has just provided the second example.

A Ukrainian soldier of 24th brigade prepares equipment of FPV drones (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

In the past few years, the militant organisation turned de facto leader of Gaza has been building a significant arsenal of commercial drones while working closely with its Iranian backers to acquire military-grade systems.

Israel is considering this aerial risk carefully in preparation for their anticipated ground offensive into Gaza. The threat to life these systems pose make this possible incursion one of the most dangerous in decades, according to experts, as well as one of the most difficult.

Drones proved integral to the beginning of this conflict; they may just define its conclusion.

What drones does Hamas have?

There are three overall types of aerial drones Hamas can use against Israel during a possible incursion, according to Federico Borsari, an expert in unmanned technologies.

These include single-use, fixed-wing kamikaze UAVs, loitering munitions, equipped with video cameras and radio links, known as suicide drones by Hamas, and commercially-available quadcopters used for surveillance and reconnaissance, supply runs and dropping munitions.

1. Single-use drones

These are fixed-wing drones guided by GPS-based navigation systems, or inertial systems, that become one-way attack UAVs that can be directed towards stationary targets, such as infrastructure and military bases, Mr Borsari said.

They are not equipped to provide live feeds, like other drones, which means they cannot hit moving targets.

Israeli soldiers work on a tank at a staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

They have been produced much more in the last few years and they are very effective when used in large numbers, Mr Borsari said. If they reach their target, they can have a substantial effect. We are talking about hundreds of drones probably that Hamas have already prepared and stocked.

But, he added: If used in small numbers, they are easy prey for Iron Dome defences and other independent anti-unmanned aerial systems (UASs).

2. Loitering munitions

These are similar to attack drones in that they are single-use and operated as kamikazes. As the name suggests, however, they loiter above targets, while a manual operator uses live feeds to redirect the system towards a target.

Mr Borsari said their main function will be to create chaos within the enemy ranks and to attack enemy patrols/platoons.

3. Quadcopters

One video from 7 October has already shown the successful use of quadcopters.

The footage showed a modified quadcopter, so-called due to its four rotors, dropping a munition manually fixed to its bottom onto an Israeli Merkava main battle tank, as well as successfully turning off remotely controlled weapons stations installed on top of sentry towers along the border fence.

Noting that these remote Israeli systems were not designed to counter drones but simply to target potential intruders, Mr Borsari said it was nonetheless remarkable that Hamas had carried out this attack.

[Israeli] technology was clearly not sufficient to prevent a surprise attack by Hamas, he said. This will likely create further problems for Israels mechanised units [during its ground incursion into Gaza].

Members of the Ezz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, attend a memorial in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah on January 31, 2017 (AFP)

Beyond their ability to carry and drop munitions, quadcopters with surveillance capabilities will be very important to scout and find enemy hideouts within buildings, and to monitor crossroads.

Probably Hamas would resort to more traditional quadcopters to anticipate what kind of direction the Israelis will take and lay down improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and traps for the advancing soldiers, Mr Borsari said.

They can also be used to deliver small amounts of supplies, whether that be weapons or munitions, or packages for sniper teams in high buildings, as well as reaching groups of fighters cut off from their comrades.

4. The unknowns

For all that is known about what Hamas has in its arsenal, it is quite likely that Hamas has capabilities that we havent seen yet, but might see later, Fabian Hinz, an expert in Middle East weapons proliferation, told the Washington Post.

The idea is to get to a higher level of escalation and then pull the rabbit out of the hat.

Israeli forces will have to be wary of unknowns when proceeding.

How will this affect the Israeli soldiers?

The Israeli forces going into Gaza face a multifaceted threat from aerial drones.

Hamas surveillance UAVs will increase the likelihood of Israelis having their position compromised.

They could walk into mined or booby-trapped areas, or into a sniper target zone, or simply into a collection of Hamas fighters responding to the live feeds provided by their drone operators.

A Hamas drone flies over Gaza City, in the north of the enclave (Copyright 2022, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Israels tanks, armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and mine-clearing vehicles will also be vulnerable to quadcopter-dropped munitions, as 7 October showed.

Most importantly, however, Israeli forces will have to be constantly looking up to check for loitering munitions, which are both agile and, owing to their small size and speed, difficult to shoot down.

It will be difficult to stay focused and have the morale to do so, Mr Borsari said. If you have the danger and risk of being targeted by drones from above, the stress is very significant and can have important consequences for the performance of the Israeli forces.

Can Israel combat this threat?

While the Israeli Iron Dome air-defence system is one of the most sophisticated in the world, it is designed to deal with rockets, not drones.

The proliferation of UAVs has outpaced the air defence response globally, as seen with Ukrainian drone attacks in Moscow, partially because these smaller drones are less destructive but also because the growth of their use has been catalysed exponentially by the war in Ukraine.

If fixed-wing attack drones fly too close to an Iron Dome system, they can be picked off, but the majority of smaller UAVs will not be within its purview.

Israel soldiers, then, will need to enter Gaza with counter unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities that are as portable as possible, according to Mr Borsari.

He added that electronic warfare, such as jammers that can be used against drones to jam the radio frequencies and the air control linked with the operator will also be paramount.

Israel has installed cope cages on its tanks to protect against kamikaze drones (Anadolu via Getty)

But, he added that he was not entirely sure that Israel has enough of these capabilities for a ground invasion of Gaza.

We are talking about counter-UAS guns that can be carried by a single soldier and can be distributed across Israeli units from a platoon and squad, and above, he said. You need many of these guns and they need to be distributed organically to be effective.

Israel is one of the best countries in the world in terms of drone technology but, at the same time, you need these kinds of capabilities at scale to have an effect. I dont think it has a sufficient scale to ensure the complete protection of its troops.

This does not mean that Israel is bound to fail - they have their own offensive capabilities, aerial and otherwise, which have been discussed previously.

But it does mean that it is certainly something Israel must carefully assess before launching an invasion, Mr Borsari said. They must be secure from this type of threat.
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Watch live as Emmanuel Macron meets with Isaac Herzog in Israel on Tuesday, 24 October.

The French president will hold talks with his Israeli counterpart as well as Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and centrist opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid to express his solidarity.

While visiting Tel Aviv, Mr Macron will meet families of French nationals who were killed or held hostage in the Hamas attack on 7 October.

Mr Macron said nine French citizens remain missing following the attack.

We are linked to Israel through mourning, he said.

Mr Macrons visit is aimed to avoid a dangerous escalation in the region, a French presidential statement said.

It comes as two elderly women, Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, were released by Hamas on Monday night.

They were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing on Monday evening.

The Foreign Office said that both women are Israelis, and Ms Lifshitzs daughter is based in the UK.
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A third of Gazas hospitals are closed and more will shut down within hours due to lack of fuel, the United Nations has said, as medics warn wards could turn into mass graves.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has begged for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and safe passage of supplies and generator fuel to the 42km-long strip, which is being pounded by Israeli airstrikes and a punishing siege.

The WHO said that supplies were so low that six hospitals had already closed across the strip. Many more will halt operations in the coming hours if fuel is not delivered.

That will put thousands of vulnerable patients at risk of dying, including 130 premature babies, 1,000 patients dependent on dialysis and those on life support machines.

We are on our knees asking for that sustained, scaled up, protected humanitarian operation, said WHO regional emergencies head Rick Brennan.

Israeli airstrikes overnight killed more than 700 Palestinians, according to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry. That is the highest 24-hour death toll since Israel began a bombing campaign to crush Hamas in the wake of an attack by the militants two weeks ago.

In total, more than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed so far, including some 2,300 minors, the ministry said. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders and hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel.

There are now concerns many more will die as medical centres are forced to close. The single oncology hospital in the Gaza Strip is only partially functional due to lack of fuel, putting around 2,000 cancer patients at risk.

The rubble of buildings hit in Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip (AFP/Getty)

On Monday the private Indonesian Hospital, the biggest in northern Gaza, was forced to switch off everything except for the intensive care unit due to a critical lack of generator fuel.

The only other hospital that had still been serving patients in northern Gaza, Beit Hanoun Hospital, stopped operations because of the intense bombardment of the town.

In total, the Hamas-run health ministry said 40 medical centres had suspended operations at a time when the bombardment and displacement are putting enormous strain on the system.

Ghassan Abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian doctor who works with medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres, said from the al-Shifa the situation was so dire that doctors and surgeons were having to improvise at every level including using washing up liquid to clean wounds.

The number of wounded is astronomical compared to the size of the hospital, he told The Independent. Gazas largest medical complex is already at 150 per cent capacity and sheltering thousands of terrified civilians displaced by the bombings.

The wounded are everywhere, they are on mattresses, on the floor of the wards and in the corridors and the emergency department, he added.

He said the medical team was improvising at every level.

When I have a patient I want to clean up for surgery I first wash them with washing up liquid that I bought from the corner shop then I wash them with vinegar to make sure they are antiseptic. Only then can he use Iodine-based antiseptic materials sparingly.

The next problem is power as the generator fuel runs out.

If the electricity runs out, Shifa hospital will become a mass grave, he added.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during the Security Council meeting (AP)

The UNs secretary general Antonio Guettes pleaded on Tuesday for civilians to be protected, voicing concern about clear violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip. He told the 15-member UN Security Council that at a crucial moment like this, it was vital to be clear that war has rules, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.

US president Joe Biden, when asked by reporters at the White House whether aid was getting to Gaza as fast as needed, said: Not fast enough. On Tuesday evening, The UN said 20 trucks that had been due to deliver aid to the besieged Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing from Egypt on Tuesday had not entered the enclave. We hope the materials can enter Gaza tomorrow, UN aid spokesperson Eri Kaneko said.

In his speech to the UN Security Council, Mr Guterres said: It is important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation, he added.

But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, he said.

Israels UN ambassador Gilad Erdan described Mr Guterres speech as shocking.

His statement that the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum expressed an understanding for terrorism and murder, Mr Erdan added.
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An Arab-Israeli paramedic who helped to treat wounded survivors at the desert music festival massacre was shot dead by Hamas militants, his family has revealed.

Awad Darawashe, 22, was manning a first aid tent at the Supernova festival, when Hamas launched its deadly attack In the early hours of 7 October.

His ambulance was captured by the militants and driven back to Gaza with hostages inside, his cousin, Kazim Khalileh, told The Independent.

Mr Darawashe, from Iksal  a small Arab-majority town near Nazareth  was seen treating victims with gunshot wounds just moments before militants completely overran the overnight rave.

He stayed behind to treat the injured: a fatal decision, as he was shot in the chest and in the stomach

When the sirens went off, Awad refused to run away, he wanted to stay and help the injured people, said Kazim.

Its a natural instinct to run but Awad stayed, by that time many people Hamas had injured went to his tent.

My cousin, a Muslim, didnt run away, he stayed to help everyone and Hamas just shot him - I later learned he was hiding under the DJ stand. He was a hero.

Kazim said his brother identified the body after Awads mother was asked to do a DNA test.

Awad Darawashe (supplied)

My family will never be the same again, he said. I do not wish for any mother around the world to feel what my aunt feels now.

Kazim was in disbelief when he saw television pictures of Hamas driving around southern Israel with weapons. I thought it was fake news, he said.

Hamas militants stormed a border fence at 80 points after launching a barrage of rockets, according to the Israeli military and witness accounts. They raided towns and villages, killing at least 1,400 people  including as many as 260 at the Supernova festival. Israel says 222 hostages were taken into Gaza, including women, elderly and the sick.

Kazim said his family panicked when they could not get through to Awad by phone but saw a video shared on Hamas social media networks showing his ambulance being driven into Gaza.

Awad was a paramedic and the driver for the Yossi ambulance service so we thought Hamas took him to Gaza, Kazim added.

In desperation, Kazim searched hospitals for his cousin and found a man who had also been at the festival. I showed him a photo of Awad and asked if hed seen him. The mans face dropped down. I begged him to tell me what he knew. He said that saw Awad but unfortunately Hamas shot him twice  he saw it with his eyes.

Kazim waited until it was officially confirmed, two days later, before telling Awads mother.

He said he has been horrified by the response from the Arab world that has not condemned the horrific violence of 7 October.

My cousin was one of many Arabs killed by Hamas, one of 40 I think, Hamas didnt care. They are not the real Islam, I am a real Muslim, my cousin Awad was.

No country is perfect and of course we argue politically like most other countries but I am tired of people telling us how they think Arabs are treated in Israel.

Thousands of Israelis, Arab, Jews, Druze and Christians poured onto the streets to honour Awad at his funeral.

I didnt know whether to cry or be happy. But I want the world to remember my cousin Awad.
 Close Brit in Gaza describes desperate scene at Rafah crossing

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a temporary halt to his countrys attacks on Gaza unless hostages held by Hamas militants are freed, despite pleas by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to do so to allow aid to enter the Palestinian enclave.

Israel refuses a temporary ceasefire that does not include the return of our hostages, he said during a televised address.

He told Mr Blinken: We are going full steam ahead.

At the same time, the leader of Lebanons Hezbollah warned the US that preventing a regional conflict depended on stopping the Israeli bombardments of Gaza, and raised the spectre of fighting on the Lebanese front turning into a full-fledged war.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in his first speech since the war erupted nearly four weeks ago, also hinted his Iran-backed group was ready to confront US warships in the Mediterranean.

Whoever wants to prevent a regional war, and I am talking to the Americans, must quickly halt the aggression on Gaza, Nasrallah said.

Israel says it bombed an ambulance at al-Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest, accusing Hamas of using it to carry terrorists and weapons.
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An 85-year-old Israeli hostage released by Hamas has said she went through hell during her kidnap, describing how she was beaten with sticks during her abduction, driven off on a motorbike and forced to walk for a number of hours through a huge spiders web of wet tunnels in Gaza.

However, Yocheved Lifshitz  the first to offer a picture of the ordeal faced by those taken hostage by Hamas  also spoke of the care she received from some of her captors once she was in the tunnels and saying was told she was not going to be hurt, something that may have led to an extraordinary gesture at the moment of her release after two weeks in captivity.

A pause and then turning to shake the hand of a masked Hamas militant. Shalom, she said, the Hebrew word for peace.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, speaking from a hospital in Tel Aviv, her British daughter Sharone Lifschitz beside her (REUTERS)

Appearing in a wheelchair, Ms Lifshitz, spoke about her kidnapping from a hospital in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, with the assistance of her daughter Sharone Lifschitz, who is British and lives in London.

Ive been through hell, we didnt think or know we would get to this situation, Yocheved told reporters. Speaking softly, she said that everything erupted with a barrage of rockets on a quiet Saturday morning.

The strikes began and then things blew up at the border, she added.

We didnt think it could have been possible but they managed to break through and enter the kibbutz. That was very unpleasant and very difficult. I can still see the images, she said.

Elderly hostage shakes hands with Hamas captor after release

They stormed into our homes, Ms Lifshitz continued. They beat people. They kidnapped others, the old and the young without distinction.

Ms Lifshitz was put on a motorbike and driven into Gaza.

When I was on the bike, my head was on one side and the rest of my body on the other side. The young men hit me on the way. They didnt break my ribs but it was painful and I had difficulty breathing, she said, adding that her watch and jewellery were stolen during the ride.

While she was being taken she was hit by sticks until they reached the tunnels. There they walked for a few kilometres on the wet ground. There is a huge network of tunnels underneath  it looks like a spider web, Sharone translated, her mother looking overwhelmed.

Ms Lifshitz is among just four hostages who have been freed since Hamas militants abducted at least 220 people, including children, the elderly and foreign citizens, during a rampage through towns and villages in southern Israel earlier this month that killed 1,400 people.

Sharone Lifschitz speaking about her mother Yocheved (Bel Trew/The Independent)

Footage purportedly taken on Go-Pro cameras and mobile phones by the militants, and home security cameras, show gunmen tossing grenades in bomb shelters, gunning down children, and taking hundreds into Gaza.

Sharone explained that her mother was taken from her home alongside her husband Oded Lifshitz, 83, who is still in captivity.

Ms Lifshitz, who was brought back to Israel on Monday night alongside another woman, Nurit Cooper, 79, said after the initial capture she was well looked after. She was held with around 25 other hostages, and after several hours, five people from her kibbutz, including herself, were taken into a separate room. There, they each had a guard and access to a paramedic and doctor.

My mum said she was treated well and that the people were kind to her, we do not know what the story of the 175 or so other prisoners we cannot deduct that they too are in a good condition, Sharone said.

One of the hostages was badly injured from a motorbike accident, and they gave me antibiotics and other medicine, Ms Lifshitz said.

We are heartened to hear they were well looked after [in Gaza] but the family do not know if that is the case for the rest of the hostages, Sharone continued. [Her captors] told them they were Muslims and they are not going to hurt them and they ate the same food that the Hamas was eating.

Yocheved Lifshitz with her husband Oded, who is still being held captive (Israel in Osterreich/Facebook)

We delighted to have her home safe  but our hearts are with the other 200 still there, the daughter added.

Ms Lifshitzs husband Oded, a peace activist and retired journalist, is among them. He would drive Palestinians who needed medical treatment from Gaza to hospitals in East Jerusalem, according to the family. He was separated from his wife, who is also a veteran human rights activist and retired photographer, during the initial moment of capture.

My mum and my dad were separated at the very beginning and we do not know from my mums story what happened to my dad, we do not know that he was injured, Sharone said.

Our hope for our father and for all the hostages is that they will come home safely.

In a separate interview, Sharone told the BBC that her mother is very sharp and is very keen to share the information, pass on the information to families of other hostages she was with. Such insight may be previous to Israel as it works to free other hostages.

Nurit Cooper was freed by Hamas in a deal The Independent understands was brokered by Qatar and Egypt (Reuters)

Ms Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were freed by Hamas in a deal The Independent understands was brokered by Qatar and Egypt. It was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, who escorted the elderly women to the border crossing with Egypt. This followed the release of two American-Israel citizens  Judith Raanan, 59, and Natalie Raanan, 17, a mother and daughter, on Friday.

Speaking about her mothers gesture in taking the hand of the Hamas militant as she was released, Sharone told the BBC: The way she walked off and then came back and then said thank you was quite incredible to me. Its so her. At the press conference, she added: My mother is a human being who loves humanity, she added.

In retaliation for the Hamas attack, the Israeli military has launched the heaviest-ever bombardment of Gaza, and imposed a total siege, which the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, including 2,000 children.

The United Nations has repeatedly pleaded for a humanitarian ceasefire, as food, water, fuel and medical supplies in the besieged enclave run out. The families of hostages are also concerned the bombing and siege of Gaza will affect their loved ones.

Damage from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City (AP)

Sharone said she will continue to campaign for the release of her father and the other captives.

He speaks good Arabic, so he can communicate very well with the people there, she said. He knows many people in Gaza and the West Bank. I want to think that he's going to be OK.

Of the release of her mother, she said: We have so many people that weve lost  it is a little ray of light but there is a huge darkness as well.

Sharone said that she and her mother still dream of peace with the Palestinians, even given the expected ground invasion of Gaza by Israel threatens to spark a wider war in the region.

We have to find ways because there is no alternative. If anything, it makes me even more resolved, she said. The way has got longer  we are dealing with grief and loss on a level we can never get over, but as nations, we will have to find a way forward.

There are reports of another possible Qatar-brokered deal to release a further 50 dual-national citizens that is under discussion.

Israeli officials have refused to comment on the hostage deals, telling The Independent they will not negotiate with Hamas.

Anyone candidly and genuinely concerned with human life should demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We can not comment further, one Israeli government official said.
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Instagram posts are appearing elsewhere  without the knowledge of the people posting them, and with no way for them to stop it once they do find out.

Users of the companys new Instagram Threads app are finding that their posts are being automatically pushed into their Facebook feeds.

The company said that it was listening to complaints from users who did not want their posts appearing on Facebook. But it does not appear to be offering a way for people to stop it happening.

Meta has often used its various platforms to promote other ones. New apps and features have often been shown in the Facebook news feed especially, as the company looks to introduce them to other users.

Facebook has long shown posts from Instagram Reels, for instance. And companies on WhatsApp can buy ads that show on Facebook.

The new behaviour means that people loading up their Facebook news feed may see posts that their friends have put on Instagram Threads. Users complained that the behaviour was unwanted, however.

How do I keep my Threads from showing up on Facebook? I want [them] separate and I dont want my Threads randomly showing up on Facebook in someones for you or any place else, one user wrote in response to the company.

In response, it confirmed that it had made the change but did not appear to suggest it would be changed. The update was intended to make it easier for people to see the latest content from Threads directly on Facebook and Instagram, it said, but it is listening to feedback like yours as we continue to build on this.

Author and YouTuber Hank Green was one of many who pleaded with the company to go back to keeping posts on the various apps separate.

Its really true that threads and Facebook have very different cultures and I choose specifically what I want to go where. For other people, that can actually be a little unsafe. Let people opt out. Next time, build that first. Move slow, fix things. Were doing good here, he wrote in response to the official Threads account.
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The neighbour of an off-duty pilot hit with 83 counts of attempted murder after he allegedly tried to turn off a planes engines mid-flight has described his shock over the horror incident.

The suspect, identified as Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson, 44, allegedly attempted to cut off fuel to the engines during a flight from Seattle to San Francisco on Sunday  before being subdued by the flight crew.

The flight was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon after the captain and first officer intervened to keep the engines running.

Mr Emerson was taken into custody and hit with 167 charges, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to authorities.

The incident has left his community horrified, with the pilots neighbour Ed Yee describing what happened as very shocking.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, he told CNN.

Mr Emerson first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon before becoming a pilot with the airline in 2019.

The airline said that Mr Emerson did not have a history of medical issues.

open image in gallery Joseph Emerson is charged with attempted murder (Joseph Emerson/Facebook)

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

The airline added that Mr Emerson was traveling in the flight deck jump seat on board the flight when he suddenly tried to shut down both of the planes engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically-motivated violence, according to CNN.

open image in gallery Incident unfolded on an Alaska Airlines flight (Getty Images)

The Seattle Times reported that there were 80 passengers on board the plane at the time. No injuries were reported on the flight, the FBI said.

Alaska Airlines confirmed that all passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight.

The FBI and the Port of Portland police are investigating the incident with the motive still unknown.

Records from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is supporting the law enforcement investigation, show the 44-year-old did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175  the type of plane involved in Sundays incident.
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Armed police met a British Airways flight from Miami to London Heathrow after a passenger allegedly threatened a member of cabin crew and used racist abuse.

Police say a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

It is understood that the musician Ed Sheeran was on board BA206, though he was not near the incident.

The Airbus A380 SuperJumbo took off from the Florida city at 5.23pm local time on Monday evening and was flying normally to Heathrow.

About two hours into the flight, a male passenger is reported to have started abusing a member of cabin crew and using racist language.

Another passenger on board, who was near the incident on the lower deck of the double-deck aircraft, said that the individual appeared to have been drinking heavily.

The passenger told The Independent: There was serious racist abuse to an air steward, as well as threatening behaviour. Many people on board were frightened and distressed.

Weve travelled all around the world but this was quite shocking. It originally kicked off during the dinner service.

There were two fairly fit young lads who tried to control him.

The individual was subdued, reportedly with the help of a former police officer who was travelling as a passenger.

He was initially held in the galley, where he continued to shout abuse, and later moved to a jump seat normally used by cabin crew.

They put him in the jump seat and kept talking to him, trying to calm him down, which did actually work.

The captain did not divert the flight. The aircraft continued to Heathrow, where it landed nearly an hour early at 5.50am and was met by armed police.

A spokesperson for British Airways said: Disruptive behaviour will never be tolerated onboard our aircraft and we will always take the appropriate action.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: At 01:59hrs on Tuesday 24 October officers at Heathrow airport received a report that a passenger on a flight arriving from Miami had made racist comments towards other passengers and crew members.

Officers met the aircraft on arrival and a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He remains in custody.
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A 44-year-old pilot, Captain Joseph David Emerson, is in custody in Portland, Oregon facing 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment as well as a charge of endangering an aircraft.

On 22 October 2023 Captain Emerson was travelling off-duty in the jump seat on the flight deck of a Horizon Air jet flying from Everett, north of Seattle, to San Francisco.

He is accused of trying to disable both engines by deploying the engine fire-suppression system on the plane. He later told police afterward he had taken magic mushrooms two days earlier and had not slept in 40 hours,

The incident highlights the use of jump seats on aircraft  and the wider issue of pilots deliberately putting passengers and crew at risk.

What happened to Horizon Air flight 2059?

Eighty passengers and four crew members were on board the Embraer 175 aircraft. As the plane was approaching Salem at a cruising altitude of 31,000 feet, he tried to shut down the engines.

The crew managed to subdue Captain Emerson and move him out of the flight deck, which was then locked in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. The aircraft diverted to Portland, with the pilots telling air-traffic controllers: We want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked. Mr Emerson was arrested, while passengers continued to San Francisco on a different plane. The original aircraft is now back in service.

Horizon Air is owned by Alaska Airlines, which said in a statement: Captain Emerson unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines. The Horizon captain and first officer quickly responded, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.

Engine power was not lost despite the off-duty pilots attempt to shut down the engines by engaging the engine fire handle, also known as the fire suppression system.

The fire suppression system consists of a T-handle for each engine. If the T-handle is fully deployed, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine. In this case, the quick reaction of our crew to reset the T-handles ensured engine power was not lost.

Our crew responded without hesitation to a difficult and highly unusual situation, and we are incredibly proud and grateful for their skilful actions.

Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from Air Traffic Control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland.

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.

Why are jump seats fitted, and who can use them?

One or two jump seats may be fitted to flight decks to provide space for for the purposes of training (including for air-traffic controllers as well as pilots and inspectors). When no passenger seats are available, they may be used to carry other people. The rules are set by national aviation authorities and vary from one country to another. They may also differ for domestic and international flights.

In some jurisdictions, only a very limited categories are allowed to occupy a flight deck jump seat  typically crew involved in training, screened airline personnel and government officials. In others the options may be wider, including pilots who work for other airlines.

In addition, jump seats are installed for cabin crew around the aircraft. They are typically located at bulkheads and are normally folded away except during take-off and landing.

Why are jump seats used?

Most of the time jump seats are not being used for official purposes  ie only the two pilots are on the flight deck, and the number of available jump seats in the cabin exceeds the number of cabin crew.

When the plane is full, the view is taken that jump seats in the passenger cabin may as well be occupied by non-revenue travellers. These include:

staff flying as part of their duties (eg flight crew positioning to another airport)

off-duty staff

family or friends of staff who are travelling on free or heavily discounted tickets

Has someone in a jump seat jeopardised a journey in the past?

In 1994 a FedEx flight engineer, Auburn Calloway, was travelling on the flight deck of a cargo DC10 aircraft and, in a pre-meditated attack, attempted to kill the captain, first officer and engineer in order to crash the plane.

Calloway had earlier been accused of falsifying flight hours and was facing possible dismissal. He used hammers and a spear gun  which he had smuggled on board in a guitar case  to attack the three flight crew. But they overcame Calloway and safely landed the aircraft despite being badly injured.

There are rather more cases in which a third, off-duty pilot has assisted the captain and first officer.

In 1989 Captain Dennis Fitch was travelling as a passenger aboard another DC10 operating United flight 232 from Denver to Chicago. A catastrophic failure of the engine in the tail led to the loss of most controls. But Captain Fitch had experimented on a flight simulator with controlling an aircraft using only the engine throttles. The plane made a crash landing and 184 of the 296 people on board survived.

On 28 October 2018, a third pilot on the flight deck of a Boeing 737 Max belonging to Lion Air and flying from Bali to Jakarta identified that the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) was malfunctioning and told the captain and first officer how to fix the problem.

The aircraft landed safely. But the next day the same fault occurred on Lion Air flight 610 from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang. The plane crashed with the loss of 189 lives. Soon afterwards the Boeing 737 Max was grounded worldwide while the MCAS was overhauled.

How common is pilot suicide?

Cases of flight crew deliberately crashing their aircraft in a bid to kill themselves and everyone on board are rare. The vast majority of aircraft-assisted suicides involve small private planes.

The most recent significant proven example of a pilot murdering everyone on board was Germanwings flight 9525 from Barcelona to Dusseldorf on 24 March 2015. The first officer, Andreas Lubitz, used his expertise to lock the captain out of the flight deck of the Airbus A320, which he subsequently flew into a mountainside in the French Alps. He knew that the procedures implemented since 11 September 2001 enabled someone on the flight deck to take total control.

Until the 9/11 attacks, most passenger aircraft had a fairly flimsy door between the cockpit and the cabin, because an attack on the pilots and a takeover of the aircraft was considered implausible. The 9/11 hijackers, armed with blades that they had taken through security, were able to access the flight deck and kill the pilots to take control. After the terrorist attacks, airlines began to install reinforced doors that are intruder-proof and bullet-proof.

Only one alleged pilot suicide has killed more people: EgyptAir flight 990, flying from New York to Cairo on 31 October 1999. The Boeing 767 crashed in the North Atlantic, killing all 217 passengers and crew on board. The US safety authorities concluded the crash happened as a result of the relief first officers flight control inputs but did not ascribe a motive.

The loss of MH370, the Malaysia Airlines flight that disappeared on 8 March 2014, remains a mystery. One theory is that the aircrafts commander, Captain Zaharie Shah, intentionally hijacked his own aircraft in order to take his own life and kill all 239 passengers and crew. The Boeing 777 jet had taken off from Kuala Lumpur on a routine flight to Beijing. Air-traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft, which flew south across the Indian Ocean before crashing in an area west of Australia.

The investigators last word on the greatest mystery in aviation history appears on page 443 of the MH370 Safety Investigation Report: The Team is unable to determine the real cause for the disappearance of MH370.

One person close to the saga believes the plane will be found in the southern Indian Ocean once undersea drone technology makes it feasible to deploy 100 or more unmanned devices to plumb the depths for signs of former life.

Only if and when divers assess the wreckage will a narrative start to emerge. Even then, the grieving relatives may never know the full story of how and why their loved ones died.
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A reality TV contestant and his girlfriend suffered a terrifying ordeal when a tourist boat capsized off a Bali beach.

Alex Snell said he and partner Leah Martine consider themselves lucky to be alive.

Mr Snell appeared on season five of Netflixs Too Hot to Handle, a reality dating show.

The pair, both 28, were travelling from Uluwatu to Canggu when their boat, operated by firm GoBoat, got into difficulty. Mr Snell, personal trainer, said he and Ms Martine were then tipped into the water, where they spent half an hour before they were rescued.

The couple's belongings were ruined and, now back in home in London, they are trying to come to terms with the ordeal.

Mr Snell said: It was terrifying. I honestly couldn't believe it was happening. I was in so much shock I could barely register what was going on. The waves were around 18 foot high. They were relentless and just kept crashing.

open image in gallery Ruined luggage from the capsized boat (Alex Snell/SWNS)

I tumbled around in the water. I got stuck under the boat and I couldn't breathe. I was struggling there for about 30 seconds. When I got to the surface it was another battle to keep up. I was sure someone would have not made it, we were all assuming the worst.

We were in the water half an hour  but it felt much longer.

Ms Martine, a campaign manager, said: I've never been so scared in my life  it was my worst nightmare. We honestly thought we were going to die. Waves were constantly going over our heads. It's been really hellish.

The couple boarded the boat on 29 September as part of their six-week Indonesia trip. They claim the vessel  which they believe was around 25 feet  started to rock halfway to Canggu, a popular tourist area on the south coast of Bali.

One massive swell then engulfed the boat and tipped it over, sending them and all their belongings overboard. The couple, along with the other passengers and two crew members, had to desperately keep afloat for half an hour, they said, before someone onshore spotted them in trouble and alerted two surfers who came to their rescue.

It was approaching sunset which was pretty scary. If it had gone dark it would have been even more horrendous, said Ms Martine.

I lost Alex immediately. I thought he was dead and he thought I was. If someone hadn't sent the surfers to help I really don't know what would have happened. We lost everything.

Mr Snell said it was so lucky that someone alerted the surfers, who he added were only teengers but incredible.

It was very difficult as we all had to swim and hold onto the boards which were flipping over constantly in the horrendous waves. Ultimately were just glad everything worked out in the end  and I'm very lucky I've been able to come home and talk about it.

The couple arrived back in the UK on 12 October.

GoBoat declined to comment when approached. However, the firm posted on Instagram about the incident earlier this month, which said: Recently our boat experienced an accident at Nelayan Beach with five passengers and two crew members onboard, despite impeccable weather conditions.

Thankfully, everyone is safe and all passengers were wearing life jackets. The boat sustained minor damages and is being repaired.

Were conducting a thorough investigation  and we kindly request patience and ask the community to refrain from speculation or spreading unverified information.

The company was approached for further comment but declined.
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A US politician has been arrested in Hong Kong after travelling to the city with a pistol in his bag  though he claims it was an honest mistake.

Jeff Wilson, a Republican state senator for Washington, has been charged with possession of a firearm without a license, according to the charge sheet, a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of almost 10,000, reports CNN.

He was travelling with his wife on the first leg of a five-week holiday in Southeast Asia and forgot it was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, according to a statement posted on his website.

Mr Wilson discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong, when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum, and felt his unloaded revolver inside. When the plane landed, He immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue.

The statement, in which the senator confirms that the weapon is registered in Washington state and that he holds a concealed pistol licence, adds that Mr Wilson hopes to resume his itinerary when the matter is resolved.

The Independent has contacted Mr Wilsons office for further information, as well as Portland International Airport and the US Transport Security Administration (TSA).

Mr Wilson appeared in court earlier this week and was granted bail, according to local media reports, with another hearing set for the end of October.

Earlier this month, two US airports  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland and Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania  broke their record for the highest number of guns caught at airport security in a year, with more than two months of 2023 to go.

We would much rather see fewer people toting guns in their carry-on bags, but thats not the way this is trending, said Karen Keys-Turner, the TSAs federal security director at the Pittsburgh airport.
A British journalist held captive by Hamas has spoken of the terrifying moment a gun was held to his head.

Paul Martin was captured by the militant group and held for 26 days in 2010.

He was arrested in a Gaza court, where he was due to give evidence on behalf of a Palestinian militant charged with collaborating Israel. He was accused of being a security threat.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (24 October), Mr Martin said: They were going to use a British law to execute me from the mandate period.

Theyd taken a gun... put it to my head and started to pull the trigger... That was on my first night.
Two elderly Israeli women who were held hostage by Hamas for 16 days were released on Monday evening (23 October).

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing in Egypt before being transferred to Israel.

Ms Lifshitz has family in the UK - her daughter, who is based in London, confirmed her mother had been freed after a 16-day kidnap ordeal.

Footage shows the two women being helped into ambulances by medical workers and staff from the Red Cross.
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As I watched a florescent green caterpillar shuffle across the soft forest floor of the Colombian Amazon, it struck me that I'd never been quite so immersed in nature, or so aware of the strikingly obvious way the eco-system works together as one interconnected force, each plant, animal and organism playing a codependent role.

Growing up, I was much more aware and observant of the outside world than my siblings. This probably came from me being both a naturally very anxious child, and a very curious one. I'm still a hugely anxious adult. As a kid I once read there was a chance the planet could collide with a meteorite, so every night I stayed awake thinking it would happen. I was a ferocious reader so took everything in, but a tense upbringing meant it wasn't always fun to be at home.

My solution was to take myself off and go for long, steady walks. Nature comforted me and was something I could rely on and immerse myself in. I got to know every single hedgerow, tree and field around me. Nature contained me and became my anchor while the rest of my life was rocky. As such, my passion for the natural world and desire to protect it was a huge part of me from an early age. It's devastating to think that on our current trajectory, this natural solace won't be available for the next generation.

I recently visited the Colombian Amazon with the conservation charity WWF to draw attention to the crisis facing forests across our planet. These incredible green giants that breath air into our world tell a story of mounting pressure and of juxtaposition. An uncomfortable disconnect sits between an international commitment to save and restores them, and the reality I'm witnessing today of accelerated forest loss, continuing degradation, and a decline in their wildlife.

In fact, since the back slapping promises made at the Glasgow COP two years ago, we've lost an area of tropical rainforest twice the size of Wales.

When you see the sheer scale of the rainforest, you begin to understand why it controls so much of our global climate, rainfall and is home to 80 per cent of species that live on land. As Luz Angela, our WWF Amazon specialist, explained to us as we climbed uphill, weaving in and out of mahogany, myrtle and rubber trees, restoring forests and tackling the climate crisis go hand in hand.

In short, we can't survive unless we protect and restore our forests. If we fail to reduce emissions, with rainfall and temperatures remaining unpredictable, then we could lose a further 500 million hectares of forest by 2100, hurtling us towards a tipping point that will leave our climate and nature targets completely out of reach and our future questionable.

Guaviare, Colombia (Filmico / WWF-UK)

I travelled to the remote Guaviare Department and met some incredible people from local and Indigenous communities. Slowly, I learned just how complex this vibrant, colourful country is, with a history seeped in conflict that tragically goes hand in hand with environmental destruction. It was here where, before the 2016 peace process, kidnappings, slashing forests and burning of cocaine plantations were the norm thanks to the Guerilla groups that controlled the area.

I met one farmer, Noe, who told me that pre-2016, he was under pressure from the FARC military group to destroy one hectare of rainforest per week and replace it with coca plants.

Now, thanks to support from WWF, native trees once again fill the vast expanse the coca plantations occupied and the area has become a tourist destination. This is one of the success stories, but the peace process here is on a knife edge as breakaway militia groups repopulate the area, destroying forest to make way again for cattle ranching and coca.

The people I met care innately about the destruction of the forest, more so, it feels, than people in the UK engage with nature on their doorstep. It's their home, their livelihood, a sacred place for their ancestry and so much more. I've learnt that where stewardship of forests is given to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, they are better protected and deforestation and degradation are lower. This applies not just in Colombia, but across the tropics. It's critical these rights are protected and upheld, not handed over to legislative powers.

Rock paintings in Cerro Azul, Guaviare (Filmico / WWF-UK)

It's becoming increasingly obvious that the climate is not a priority for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and I have a responsibility to use my voice to call him out and say: these environmental rollbacks are unacceptable.

Our leaders repeatedly tell us that people and their long-term security are their priority - but the battle to restore our natural world and stabilise our climate is our future security. To continually pass legislation at odds with protecting our planet goes against all common sense and sends an insidious message that as a nation, we don't need to engage, that there's nothing to worry about. This terrifies me because having seen the growing threats and destruction first-hand, and how with the right commitment we could save our planet, I can say with absolute certainty that we do have to worry.

On a less political level, I feel we've lost our connection to nature. When you don't care about something, there's no desire to protect it, and I think that's our problem in the UK; we've been incentivised to fall out of love with nature. Young people are certainly onto something though - but they're not being taken seriously. There's always been an attitude that young people are naive and impressionable, their beliefs misguided. But today, the youth have every reason to feel angry, frustrated and ignored. It's out of sheer desperation they're taking the measures they do. Why should it be down to them to write books on climate anxiety? To glue themselves to roads? To miss school? I've attended the last two COPs and have been shocked that young environmental activists are sidelined, quite literally. More often than not they're in the side room, not in the plenaries with the world leaders - it's getting better but in Glasgow, youth activists weren't given a seat at the table and this just feels wrong.

Ellie Goulding visits Cerro Azul, Guaviare, Colombia (Filmico / WWF UK)

I've had some testing times in my life recently and still instinctively turn to the natural world for comfort. I try to walk or run outside every day, especially when I'm in a dark studio. I feel grateful every time this outside world exists and is there for me. I don't operate well when I'm angry. I feel the only way that I can move forward in my activism and my work is to try and be as positive as physically possible.

Politicians are making that as hard as they can for us, but you have to keep fighting the fight and believe we can win this. Because we have to - there isn't a plan(et) B. Things aren't happening quickly enough.

As amazing as Colombia was, I wished I didn't have to be there. I'd have loved to curl up with my son and take him to nursery. It was his first week there during my trip and I wasn't with him. I would have done anything to change that, but this fight is for him and his future, and it's vital that I'm an active participant. Until our leaders tackle the climate crisis with the urgency it requires, I have a responsibility.

We have a terrifyingly short window to reverse the damage we've caused to the environment before it's too late. We need to act like this is another pandemic that urgently needs a cure. Covid proved to us that solving a terrifying global crisis is possible, and we need to see the same commitment, focus and dedication for the planet.
Firms want their office space to be as attractive as possible to workers. Photo: Getty

Dublins commercial property market is predicted to hit its bottom in 2024 with a vacancy rate of 16pc.

A new report from BNP Paribas Real Estate (BNPPRE) Ireland found there has been a major slowdown in demand for offices in the capital.

Just under 29,000 sq m of space was taken in the period between July and September, a 63pc drop compared to the third quarter of 2022.

The study also found that, for those deals which are closing, the average size of the office space being leased has more than halved, plunging from 1,510 sq m to 655 sq m.

John McCartney, the director of research at BNPPRE, said two key factors are driving the trend towards smaller deals. Firstly demand has shifted away from tech firms, which traditionally have bigger office requirements, he said.

Tech accounted for just 8.4pc of take-up between July and September  its lowest share since quarterly records began.

Mr McCartney also said commercial tenants are taking advantage of remote working to reduce the amount of office space they need to let.

The study found the commercial vacancy rate has now risen to 12.5pc. Mr McCartney said he expected this to peak at 16pc next year.

He said while the scale of the market downturn for the office sector is unlikely to get much worse, an exact forecast is difficult due to the effect of remote and hybrid work on commercial property demand.

Over the last 18 months we have been cautioning that an oversupply situation was coming, and this has proved to be correct, Mr McCartney said.

However, the construction pipeline has never gotten too far ahead of demand, so peak vacancy is likely to be quite manageable by historical standards.

Nonetheless, although this will be a relatively shallow downswing, it might take longer to come out of because remote working has weakened the relationship between jobs growth and office demand.

Keith ONeill, the head of office agency at BNPPRE, said companies now want office space to be attractive to workers.

Full employment and hybrid working have made it harder to recruit, engage and retain staff, he said. This is causing firms to ensure that their buildings provide the most welcoming, flexible and efficient working environment possible for staff when they are onsite.
Around 51pc of respondents to the survey said job applicants names should be anonymised during the recruitment process. Photo: Getty

Half of African professionals in Ireland would like to see job applications anonymised, a new study has found.

The research from the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI) polled 128 of its members asking which measures could improve hiring practices and make workplaces more diverse.

Those polled were allowed to select multiple options for measures they would like to see.

Around 51pc of respondents said job applicants names should be anonymised during the recruitment process.

APNI said this measure could be adopted by any company, no matter their size, and could help to reduce instances of unconscious bias from hiring managers.

Sewagodimo Matlapeng, APNIs career lead, said that workplaces across Ireland are becoming much more diverse and added that there is growing optimism among our members about the career opportunities available to them.

That said, however, there is still a lot of progress to be made in terms of ensuring that Irish companies are reflective of the society they exist in today, she said.

A big part of that is evolving hiring practices to ensure that everyone is being considered in the same light and that people are not missing out on job opportunities because of their name or due to the university they went to being unfamiliar.

The survey was carried out during APNIs 2023 career day at LinkedIns Irish headquarters.

The group said it was one of the largest events for Black History Month in Ireland, with over 700 in person attendees and 19 companies participating.

Half of respondents said they would like to see all staff participate in unconscious bias training, which aims to eliminate biases often based on race or gender that can ultimately impact on recruitment or promotion practices.

Around 37pc of respondents also said they were concerned about the lack of ethnically diverse role models in the Irish business community.

APNI said this could be addressed if companies identify ambassadors from within their ranks from a diverse background that can speak to an organisations diversity and inclusion policies.

To further promote diversity and avoid unconscious bias, the group said professionals from diverse backgrounds could be included as part of the interview panel while hiring.
Two DCU sites were originally included on a map of lands deemed eligible to pay the RZLT by Dublin City Council. Photo: Mark Condren

Several land owners, including a university, have brought legal challenges against findings that their properties are eligible for the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT).

The High Court judicial review actions all centre around An Bord Pleanalas decisions to uphold earlier findings by local authorities that properties should be included on maps of sites where the controversial land-hoarding tax applies.

One of the parties taking the actions, property developer Kinwest Ltd which owns land in Malahide, Dublin, claims that the sections of the Taxes Consolidation Act that underpins the RZLT is unconstitutional and is also contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights.

This, Kinwest claims. is because the sections amount to an unjust attack on its property rights.

The tax, introduced last year and is due to come into being in 2025, is set at 3pc of the properties market value.

On Monday, Dublin City University (DCU) represented by Joe Jeffers SC, obtained permission from Ms Justice Niamh Hyland to challenge the boards decision to include two sites, one at Griffith Avenue, Glasnevin in Dublin 9 and the other at Albert College Park, close to DCUs campus at Glasnevin.

The lands were originally included on a map of lands deemed eligible to pay the RZLT by Dublin City Council.

DCU appealed the councils decisions to the board. However the board upheld the councils findings.

Counsel said it is DCUs case that the lands in question are exempt from the RZLT as the sites are to be used for educational purposes.

This exemption is provided for in the Taxes Consolidation Act, counsel said.

In the judicial review proceedings DCU seeks orders quashing the boards decisions to include the sites on the map of lands where the RZLT is due.

It also seeks declarations including that the board erred in law, failed to take into account relevant considerations, and made decisions that were unreasonable when it decided to include the lands on the map.

DCUs actions will return before the High Court in December.

In separate proceedings Kinwest Limited has brought three actions over the boards decisions that it must pay the RZTL in respect of three sites it owns and wishes to develop into residential units at Auburn, Streamstown, Malahide Co Dublin.

Fingal Co Council is a notice party to those three actions.
Meta, Google and Microsoft representatives arrive in Belfast from the US on Tuesday for an investment visit led by US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy III.

Around 50 US businesspeople make up the delegation of potential investors and job creators though Mr Kennedy acknowledged that for many, it would be a familiarisation visit rather than an occasion for definite announcements.

The group, including people from financial services, green tech, IT and cybersecurity, will visit Belfast as well as Newry to learn about opportunities along whats known as the Dublin-Belfast corridor.

In a briefing ahead of the visit, Mr Kennedy said the region between the two cities is expected to become one of the most significant economic corridors in Europe in the years ahead.

The US TV and film industry would be under-represented due to the impact of the writers and actors strikes, Mr Kennedy said.

Delegates include Marcie Frost, chief executive of CalPERS, the California State pension fund, and Stephen Pagliuca, investor and managing partner of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics.

Mark Hartney of Breakthrough Energy, the climate fund set up by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is attending, while Andy Marsh, president and CEO of hydrogen company Plug Power, is also on the way.

Kennedy said Frost and others from CalPERS would not be coming unless there were opportunities.

Without question, the commute from California to Belfast is not an easy one, but its one that they were excited to do and I dont think they would do that unless they were serious to see if there were opportunities.

Mr Kennedy, who was appointed to the role of US Special Envoy by president Joe Biden, said he would not pre-empt any announcements but Im optimistic that therell be some people that are excited about the opportunities in NI.

He acknowledged that for some, the event, announced by Mr Biden in April, would focus on fact-finding.

A big portion of this is exposing some of the folks that havent been doing business in Northern Ireland to the opportunities.

He said the Windsor Framework providing unfettered access post-Brexit to the UK and EU markets was another pull but that there was recognition of the importance of functioning local government to create a stable and predictable playing field upon which investment will rest.
Women also get far less leisure time than men do

Gender equality in Ireland is backsliding because women have less leisure time than they did a decade ago, according to the EUs latest index.

Just 10pc of female workers aged 16-74 managed to get out of the house for sporting, cultural or leisure activities at least daily or more than weekly last year, according to the survey.

That compares with 24pc of men in Ireland and 29pc of women elsewhere in the EU.

The figure has fallen significantly over the last decade and when compared with pre-pandemic (2020) levels, while the gap between Irish women and men is more than twice that in the EU.

As a result, Irelands overall gender equality score has fallen by 1.3 points to 73.0 since 2020  the largest decline among the EUs 27 countries.

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) released the figures on Tuesday. The index uses a scale of 1 to 100, where 1 stands for total inequality and 100 for total equality. The data was drawn from Eurostat and EIGE surveys.

Irelands ranking has dropped two places since the last index, with the country now in ninth place in the EU.

Irelands score was three points behind the EU average of 70.2, and nine points behind Sweden, which scored highest with 82.2.

Over the years, the EU has made progress towards gender equality, but we are also aware that it is not enough, and gains are fragile, said EIGE director Carlien Scheele. Today, only Sweden, with a score above 80 points in the index, is inching closer to gender equality. Sweden only represents 2pc of the EU population.

The Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Finland also came ahead of Ireland.

The lowest scores were recorded in Romania (56.1), Hungary (57.3), the Czech Republic (57.9), Greece (58.0) and Slovakia (59.2).

Less time spent outside the home was the main reason for Ireland sliding down the index. But progress has also stalled in health, work and money.

Despite the setback in heath  which is measured by personal perceptions of health, life expectancy and access to medical care, among other things  Ireland scores best in this area and ranks first in the EU.

But EIGE, the EUs gender equality watchdog, said gender inequalities in Ireland are pronounced in the workplace, where the country ranks 12th in the bloc.

The differences are largely due to segregation in work, with four times as many women as men employed in education, health and social work activities in 2021, and more than twice as many women studying similar subjects at third level compared with men.

Irelands overall gender equality score has improved over the last decade, with more women now on the boards of private and public organisations, including the Central Bank and RTE, compared to other EU countries.

However, Ireland scores poorly in the number of female ministers, parliamentarians and women in local government.

A special study has found that both women and men in Ireland are less likely to choose low-carbon modes of transport than their counterparts in the EU, and that lone parents, non-EU migrants, and people with disabilities struggle the most to afford energy here.

Women are underrepresented in the energy and transport sectors in Ireland and in decision-making, EIGE said. No score is given to Ireland in the domain of violence, due to a lack of comparable EU-wide data.
Irelands new media regulator has signed a deal with the EU thats aimed at curbing the spread of violent, illegal or fake online content.

It comes two days ahead of a deadline for social media giants Meta, TikTok and X to tell the EU what theyre doing to root out disinformation in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

Jeremy Godfrey, the executive chair of Irelands new media regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, said it has a special role given the number of large tech firms based here.

The collaboration is being set up under a new EU law known as the Digital Services Act (DSA), one of the most consequential pieces of recent EU legislation, which took effect at the end of August.

The DSA places new requirements on tech firms to tackle online abuse, remove illegal content, ban targeted advertising to children and root out online scammers, and hands Brussels direct supervision over very large platforms, such as Meta or Google.

Those platforms are now required to audit risks and take action against thing like disinformation, election manipulation and cyber violence.

The European Commission said on Monday that it had signed deals with regulators in Ireland and France to support its supervisory and enforcement powers under the act.

The deal will allow EU, Irish and French authorities to exchange information, data, methodologies, technical systems and tools, allowing the European Commission to assess risks around the spread of illegal content and disinformation and to protect minors on social platforms, it said.

Last week the European Commission sent demands for information to social media giant TikTok, Facebook parent Meta and Elon Musks X under the DSA to check what the firms are doing to fight disinformation in the wake of the Hamas attacks in Israel.

The firms have to provide the information to Brussels by Wednesday.

The horrific events spurred by Hamas terrorist attack have exposed the world to waves of violent content online, said European Commission vice-president Vera Jourova said on Monday.

The EUs Digital Services Act established rules and tools to tackle the rapid spread of such harmful and often illegal content on social media platforms and online services. I welcome the first national regulators in joining the Commission in an urgent response to unprecedented events.

Internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said the EU must make full use of its new powers under the act.

I welcome these first agreements with national regulators which will ensure their expertise supports the Commissions assessment of the risks stemming from illegal and harmful content on very large online platforms, he said.

The deal with Ireland comes ahead of a new EU Board of Digital Services Coordinators that is due to take shape by February next year.

Until then, the European Commission said it is looking to sign similar deals with other national regulators.

Thirteen of the nineteen very large online platforms and search engines have their EU headquarters in Ireland, Coimisiun na Means Jeremy Godfrey said.

This means Coimisiun na Mean will have a special role, working in tandem with the European Commission as we use the Digital Service Act to ensure a safer online world.

We look forward to collaborating with the European Commission and other national regulators to address urgent issues and to develop our shared expertise as we prepare to play our part in enforcing the DSA.
Death of the DVD: why the end of DVDs and Blu-ray is bad news for classic films

As Disney announced theyd no longer be selling DVDs in certain countries, Pat Stacey worries how classic films will endure, as you cant rely on streaming services for black and white movie favourites

Pat Stacey is an avid DVD collector. Photo: Mark Condren

Pat Stacey Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 03:30

Last month, Disney announced that it would no longer be selling DVD and Blu-ray discs in Australia and New Zealand.
Reservation Dogs star said the film was unrelenting and unnecessarily graphic

Martin Scorsese, director of 'Killers of the Flower Moon', attends the film premiere in Los Angeles. Photo: Valerie Macon

A giant poster for 'Killers of the Flower Moon' at the entrance of the Dolby theatre in Hollywood. Photo: Valerile Macon

'Killers of the Flower Moon' actors Robert de Niro, Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio in Cannes in May. Photo: Laurent Koffel

Devery Jacobs said the "incredible Indigenous actors were the films only redeeming factor. Photo: Getty

Reservation Dogs star Devery Jacobs has voiced her strong feelings about Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon.

Scorsese released his latest film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert DeNiro, on October 20.

The much-anticipated blockbuster is an adaptation of David Granns 2017 book, which tells the story of the Osage Native American tribe of Osage County, Oklahoma, who were murdered by white people in the 1920s after oil is found on their land.

Although the film has received mostly favourable reviews since its release, Jacobs has said the film was unrelenting and unnecessarily graphic.

Members of the Native American tribe Osage Nation join Martin Scorsese's film premiere for 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Jacobs (30) is a Native actor best known for her role on the critically acclaimed Disney Plus series Reservation Dogs, which follows four Indigenous teenagers in rural Okalahama  the same setting as Killers of a Flower Moon.

Writing on X/Twitter on Monday, the actor said: Being Native, watching this movie was f***ing hellfire.

Imagine the worst atrocities committed against yr ancestors, then having to sit thru a movie explicitly filled w/ them, w/ the only respite being 30min long scenes of murderous white guys talking about/planning the killings.

'Killers of the Flower Moon' actors Robert de Niro, Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio in Cannes in May. Photo: Laurent Koffel

Jacobs said that all the incredible Indigenous actors were the only redeeming factors of this film.

She singled out Native actor Gladstone as an absolute legend for her portrayal of Mollie, adding: Give Lily her goddamn Oscar.

Jacobs went on to say, however, that despite the strong performances, if you look proportionally, each of the Osage characters felt painfully underwritten, while the white men were given way more courtesy and depth.

Elsewhere in the lengthy text post, Jacobs called out the non-Native directors for centring the narrative on the white perspective and focus on Native peoples pain.

The actor explained that she understands that the graphic violence is to add brutal shock value that forces people to understand the real horrors that happened to his community but said that she does not feel these very real people were shown honour or dignity in the horrific portrayal of their deaths.

Contrarily, I believe that by showing more murdered Native women on screen, it normalises the violence committed against us and further dehumanises our people, Jacobs added.

I cant believe it needs to be said, but [Indigenous people] exist beyond our grief, trauma & atrocities. Our pride for being Native, our languages, cultures, joy & love are way more interesting & humanising than showing the horrors white men inflicted on us.

Jacobs acknowledged that it was a good thing that Osage people were having their story told, and commended Scorseses technical direction as a sight to behold, but said that she would have preferred to see an Osage filmmaker given the $200m (187m) budget to tell their own story.

RIP to Mollie, Anna, Minnie, Rita, & all the other very real Osage folks who were murdered over greed. Tobacco down for the countless Osage folks today, whose family histories have been marked by these atrocities. The pain is real & isnt limited to the films 3hrs and 26 mins, she wrote. And a massive f*** you to the real life, white Oklahomans, who still carry and benefit from these blood-stained headrights.

A giant poster for 'Killers of the Flower Moon' at the entrance of the Dolby theatre in Hollywood. Photo: Valerile Macon

Killers of the Flower Moon is produced by Scorseses Sikelia Productions and DiCaprios Appian Way Productions and is reported to be the most expensive to ever be shot in Oklahoma.

Jacobss criticism echoes that of Christopher Cote, who worked on the film as an Osage language consultant.

Speaking on the red carpet at the films Los Angeles premiere, Cote applauded Scorsese for doing a great job representing our people but added that he wishes the film had been told from the point of view of Mollie (the character played by Gladstone).

Martin Scorsese, not being Osage, I think he did a great job representing our people, but this history is being told almost from the perspective of Ernest Burkhart [played by DiCaprio] and they kind of give him this conscience and kind of depict that theres love, said Cote.

Martin Scorsese, director of 'Killers of the Flower Moon', attends the film premiere in Los Angeles. Photo: Valerie Macon

But when somebody conspires to murder your entire family, thats not love. Thats not love, thats just beyond abuse.

He continued: I think in the end, the question that you can be left with is: How long will you be complacent with racism? How long will you go along with something and not say something, not speak up, how long will you be complacent?

I think thats because this film isnt made for an Osage audience, it was made for everybody, not Osage.

For those that have been disenfranchised, they can relate, but for other countries that have their acts and their history of repression, this is an opportunity for them to ask themselves this question of morality, and thats how I feel about this film.
Netflixs latest reality venture is the type of show you forget as youre watching it

Id love to know what, exactly, the contestants of Surviving Paradise (Netflix) thought they were signing up for. A fancy escape room scenario, perhaps, or a sun-drenched, televised murder mystery with a twist. What, you may ask, is the twist? I dont know, Im just making things up here. Thats all anyone appears to be doing in this extraordinarily empty-headed reality venture.

The set-up is bananas. Twelve American strangers meet at a luxurious Greek island villa to participate in what they believe will be some crazy, fun-filled, high-stakes money game. The winner will go home with $100,000, but heres the catch: nobody really knows whats in store. At least, thats what everyone keeps telling us.

Meet Sisco, a man who is obsessed with vibes. Good vibes, sun vibes, champagne and strawberry vibes, its all a hit with Sisco. Another player, Copan, tells us that if he wins the prize money, hell probably end up on the front page of his hometown newspaper.

Another, Hayley, describes herself as positive, loyal, genuine, very much golden retriever vibes. Does Sisco approve? Probably, but hes a tad distracted by Lellies, the smartest, sneakiest player in the villa. Sisco, the scoundrel, politely informs Lellies that whenever he sees something he likes, he usually gets it (wink-wink, nudge-nudge, ick-ick).

Fascinating stuff, but we havent yet mentioned the important bit. Luckily, the lads at Netflix have brought in a comedian named Jessimae Peluso  a host who looks like she lost the TV presenter lottery  to help explain the show. The villa looks nice and all, but this isnt where the contestants will be staying, says Jessimae  not yet, anyway. Instead, the producers have decided to send Sisco and Co to a nearby forest. Theyll be sleeping beneath the stars and dining out on rice and beans for the foreseeable future.

Our new friends are shocked  but the so-called nightmare doesnt have to last. Eventually, the contestants will be asked to vote on which member of the pack deserves to head back to the villa. The ones who return to paradise (the insiders) will need to make sure they do everything they can to remain in paradise. Everyone else (the outsiders) will eventually get a shot. Got it? Good, me neither, but sure listen, it seems to make sense to Lellies and the gang, so well go with it.

Tabitha, Jessimae Peluso and Gabe in Surviving Paradise. Photo: Netflix

Imagine Love Island meets Survivor with a heavy dollop of Im a Celeb, but infinitely more annoying and considerably more vacuous than that sounds. How does one go about winning this inherently pointless exercise? Its all about forming alliances, apparently, and playing pretend-nice to get ahead.

Tabitha, for instance, develops a plan that involves listening to and taking an interest in the people around her. She wonders if the relentless chit-chat will pay off, because if it doesnt, shell have wasted a huge amount of time. Shes a lovely person, really.

Lellies and Sisco, meanwhile, are among the first to become insiders. Its just as well, because poor Sisco has had just about enough of those chilly campsite bedtime hours. This is not vibey, he declares in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep. I wonder what he would make of the daily challenges.

Surviving Paradise is the sort of show you forget about while youre watching it"

The first challenge requires two outsider volunteers to embark on a five-mile hike to collect a box of vegetables for their camp mates. I think its called the Survival Drop, but I cant be sure. Surviving Paradise is the sort of show you forget about while youre watching it, so youll have to bear with me here.

Anyway, someone named Taylor (she misses her avocado and toast) jumps at the opportunity, and so does Shae, a man who appears to have modelled his entire personality on Stifler from American Pie. Along the way, the producers try to seduce our heroes with beers and chicken wings. No way, says ShaeTay, and er, thats it. Thats the entire challenge.

Elsewhere, spare a thought for Sarah Kate who keeps on making the wrong friends and saying the wrong things. On their second day, some of the outsiders spot a group of insiders enjoying a relaxing boat ride in the ocean.

F*** you guys! declares an infuriated Tabitha from afar (fair enough). Enjoy it while it lasts! roars Shae (he should have taken those chicken wings). I hope you sink! says Sarah Kate. Yikes. There are nine episodes of this thing  someone else will have to tell you how it ends.

Surviving Paradise is now streaming on Netflix
Pressure: Farmers could be hit by the new residential zoned land tax without evening being aware, the IFA has warned

The anomaly of actively farmed land being subject to the new zoned land tax must be corrected, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

However, he said there were also concerns over strategic dezoning in order to avoid the tax.

In the Budget, the government  after significant lobbying by affected farmers, a number of Government TDs and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue  deferred the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) from February 2024 to February 2025.

Speaking in the Dail on the issue, the Taoiseach said the reason for the deferral was to allow landowners another year to seek the dezoning of their land or to properly update various different maps to show which land really is serviced, as he said there are some disputes as to whether land is serviced or not.

We need a little bit more time here, he said. The idea behind the tax is a very good one. When land is zoned and serviced, the taxpayers, through their investment and decisions, add huge value to that land.

That land should not be hoarded in the middle of a housing crisis. It should be developed so that people can have homes to buy and live in.

However, he also said there were anomalies.

There are situations where a family may have been actively farming land for generations, never sought for it to be zoned and would like it to be dezoned so they can continue to farm it, he said.

That is an anomaly that needs to be corrected. However, there is a concern that if we do that, people will seek strategic dezoning in order to avoid the tax. We need to work that out. That is one of the reasons we have deferred the tax for a year so we have a bit more time.

Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill was among those to raise concerns over the impact of the tax on active farmers.

However, the Tipperary man recently said it was his understanding that of the more than 200 applications by active farmers to have their land de-zoned for residential use, only a very small proportion had their applications looked upon favourably by local authorities across the country.

In the majority of cases, where the land is actively farmed, I do not believe it is right to tax a farmer 3pc each year when their intention is to continue with making their livelihood off the land by producing the food we all need, he said.
A Pointer dog named Aimee splashes through a large puddle after the heavy rain in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Photo: Frank McGrath

A firefighter carrying a student from the primary school in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny

Towns and villages around the country are recovering today following another night of heavy rainfall as Storm Babet continues to wreak havoc across the country.

However, it emerged last night that small businesses and voluntary organisations affected by the storm will be able to avail of up to 100,000 in state relief.

The Governments leaders agreed to a proposal from Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney to increase funding for communities affected by the storm.

Yesterday, heavy downpours caused significant flooding in parts of the south-east, with more than 30mm recorded in some areas of Waterford and Kilkenny.

Significantly extra help required in Storm Babet recovery, says Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Local authority crews were on standby across many counties last night as Met Eireann warned of possible flooding and dangerous travelling conditions  with a Status Yellow rain warning for 11 counties and a Status Orange warning in place for Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. Both alerts expired at 1am.

Today will bring with a mix of bright and sunny spells, however heavy showers are expected to set in for the remainder of the week possibly causing spot flooding.

This morning, any mist and fog patches will clear for bright or sunny spells and scattered showers for the rest of the day, with some heavy showers possible.

The best of the sunny spells will develop in the evening, Met Eireann has said, adding that highest temperatures will be between 11C to 14C in near calm conditions.

Tonight will be largely dry with clear spells and just isolated showers. Mist and fog will set in overnight in light variable winds, which will be quite chilly with lowest temperatures of 2C to 6C.

Wednesday will start off dry with mist and fog slowly clearing.

However, Met Eireann warned of a risk of localised heavy falls with a chance of spot flooding

A Pointer dog named Aimee splashes through a large puddle after the heavy rain in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Photo: Frank McGrath

In Co Kilkenny yesterday, children had to be carried from St Colmcilles National School in Inistioge yesterday afternoon after the entire entrance to the premises was flooded.

Huge volumes of water had poured down into the school in torrents by late morning, following heavy rainfall.

Surrounding the school like a moat, the water continued to pour in until firefighters from Graiguenamanagh and Thomastown arrived and opened a manhole  resulting in the water being diverted under the road and towards the river. The fire brigade stayed at the school for the afternoon as the water was pumped from the premises.

Waterford city and county also suffered severe flooding as river levels remained high and road closures were in place.

Late last night, it emerged that small businesses and sporting and voluntary bodies affected by Storm Babet will be able to avail of enhanced funding.

An existing humanitarian relief scheme for businesses will be boosted, with quick payments of 5,000 and assessed and audited payments of up to 20,000 for those hit by flooding.

A second exceptional humanitarian relief scheme for businesses will be ramped up with quick payments of 10,000 and audited and assessed payments of up to 100,000.

A man crosses a damaged road in Faithlegg, Co Waterford. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

The schemes, which still need to be approved by the Cabinet, will be administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through the Irish Red Cross.

Earlier yesterday, the Governments proposed relief of 70,000 for businesses hit by last weeks flooding was described as not enough.

Different businesses have faced losses, so estimations will vary, so really over 70,000, probably, Seventy will not be enough, Adrianna Hegarty, president of the Midleton Chamber of Commerce  one of the towns worst affected by Storm Babet  told RTE Radio 1s News at One.

Meanwhile, Met Eireann forecaster Michelle Dillon said heavy rain would continue stretching from the south-east with the band of rain moving east and north-eastwards. There is still a risk of localised flooding continuing for parts of Leinster in particular and of course, Waterford and Roscommon, she told RTE Radio 1s Drivetime.

A Yellow Status rain warning expired at 1am in Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, and Roscommon.
Some hospital consultants are not turning up at hospital outpatient clinics and leaving it to their registrars, who are more junior doctors, to do the work despite patient waiting lists of 600,000, it was claimed today.

The HSE, which is imposing a range of spending curbs as it heads for an over-run and bailout of up to 1.5bn, was being quizzed on what level of monitoring it has in place to ensure hospital consultants are doing the hours they are contracted and paid for.

HSE chief Bernard Gloster and Department of Health secretary general Robert Watt were before a special sitting of the Oireachtas health committee following complaints by both that the 22.5bn allocated to the health service next year is inadequate.

It comes amid calls for greater scrutiny of hidden inefficiences in the HSE and claims of money being wasted.

Mr Watt admitted there is a "productivity puzzle" in the health service and partly blamed the old contracts which allow hospital consultants both public and private practice.

Fine Gael TD Dr Colm Burke referred to consultants who are not turning up to clinics and leaving it to more junior registrars instead to see patients despite being contracted to run them.

The accusation has been levelled at some consultants over the years who it is claimed at off treating private patients instead.

"What checks and balances are in place?" he asked.

Mr Gloster said he was "surprised" by the claim and insisted there is a monitoring system in hospitals overseen by doctors appointed as clinical directors.

He said a new oversight system is being rolled out called a "health performance visualisation system" which will give better information on activity and performance in various medical specialities across hospital groups.

Later, Social Democrat TD Roisin Shortall accused the HSE and the Department of Health of having an "arms length" management of hospitals.

Mr Watt conceded that performance in areas like waiting lists varies across hospitals with some doing better than others.

Mr Gloster said there has been a lot of data but they must now "turn this in to knowledge".

Asked about wastage within the HSE at a time when it has a recruitment freeze, and whether it will hit the pace of planned developments in areas such as cancer next year, Mr Gloster accepted "there is a control aspect in things we do."

The HSE is still coping with problems with old infrastructure and inadequate technology which, if corrected would lead to more efficiencies, he argued.

But he rejected it was a "flesh eating thing " on the public services.

He insisted: The notion that we are a bunch of public wasters is wrong. I don't accept that."

Earlier, both men gave a sobering picture of the health service in 2024 when developments in areas such as cancer and maternity care will suffer with progress slowed.

Asked about home help hours next year, Mr Gloster said the same number at minimum will be planned for. He denied reports he has asked for cuts in home help hours this year although the planned number was previously reduced already to allow for private companies it contracts to pay carers the living wage.

Responding to questions from Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane, the HSE chief said the deficit this year will be between 1.4 and 1.5bn.

He said there will be another overrun of around 1.2bn in 2024.

Mr Gloster was described as "ballsy" by Fianna Fail TD John Lahart.

Earlier Mr Gloster said the plan is to hire 2,200 more staff next year.

Responding to the recruitment freeze this year for junior doctors he said the planned number was for 500 in 2023 but around 770 had been recruited instead.

Managers around the country will next year be given a hiring limit they will have to stick to but can be flexible within areas they see as a priority. The HSE has grown increasingly reliant on expensive agency workers, at a time when staff were also rising.

He said the aim for 2024 is to have particular focus on two areas - emergency department and hospital waiting lists.

"Both of these and the initiatives associated with them are well funded in 2023 and this will continue in 2024, he said.

Mr Watt said even accepting improvements in health outcomes there is a "productivity puzzle".

It can be attributed to to poor physical infrastructure due to previous under-investment, lack of IT investment  including digitalisation - and low capital per person employed.

There are also weak processes and outdated pathways and inadequate inadequate hospital consultant led leadership including an outdated contract.

"There are two principal drivers of pay expenditure, the number of people employed and the rate at which they are paid. Since 2016 the pay bill has increased by 3.2bn. Our analysis estimates that 51pc of this growth is related to the recruitment of 27,487 additional staff and 49pc is due to pay increases centrally negotiated through public service pay deals, he said.

Measures will need to be taken on recruitment, overtime and agency as set out by the HSE chief executive."

He said that a "growing area of spend is in medicines. The pharmaceutical budget has doubled in the last decade from 1.3bn in 2012 to 2.6 billion in 2022. This year expenditure is likely to be 2.9bn Including payments to contractors such as pharmacists, this expenditure rises to an expected 3.2bn by end 2023. This is nearly 1 in every 8 of public funding on health."

He added: Next year, for example, the first of a new class of drugs for Alzheimers disease is expected to launch. Lecanemab if approved, could have a budget impact of 100m annually at list price in Ireland based on 4,000 patients requiring treatment. We can though do much more I believe to better use the existing budget we do have by using generic and biosimilar medicines."
Enterprise Ireland said we didnt have enough diversity, start-up founders claim as they take discrimination case over funding

At a hearing on Monday, a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator said the conduct of one of the start-up founders, Mark Keenan had been nothing short of disgraceful the last time he was before the tribunal  a remark branded defamatory by Mr Keenan

A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator said the conduct of one of the start-up founders had been 'nothing short of disgraceful'. Photo: Colin Keegan

Stephen Bourke Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 15:40







The founders of a start-up claim they were discriminated against because an Enterprise Ireland representative allegedly told them they didnt have enough diversity when they sought State backing for their venture.
Two teens allegedly took turns raping woman in car park, court hears

Refusing an application for bail, a judge described the alleged incident as predatory group activity

Alcino Soares

Alan Erwin Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 11:30







Two teenagers allegedly took turns raping a woman they guided into a secluded underground car park in Co Tyrone, the High Court in Belfast has heard.
Senior Kinahan cartel member and Sligo gang boss Barry Young caught with phones in prison raids

Patrick Curtis who was jailed for his role in plot to murder Patsy Hutch and Sligo criminal Barry Young both caught with phones

Sligo gang boss Barry Young

Nicola Tallant Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 17:27







Senior Kinahan cartel member Patrick Curtis and Sligo gang boss Barry Young have been caught with mobile phones in Portlaoise Prison after raids this week.
Earlier the Taoiseach said the Government has no plans to expel Israel's ambassador while also welcoming the deletion of a tweet claiming Ireland funded Hamas tunnels

Leo Varadkar says Mary Lou McDonald would make enemies internationally if she were Taoiseach

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has disputed suggestions from Israels ambassador to Ireland that Hamas has stockpiled aid supplies, saying there is no doubt from his discussions at the UN and EU level that there that there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding.

All of the evidence is incontrovertible," he said at the Global Ireland Summit in Dublin Castle today. "We are facing a human catastrophe in Gaza. If sufficiency of aid does not get in and if people are not enabled to get access to water.

"I would make a plea to Israel and to all concerned to allow that aid in because ordinary people are suffering unduly, and it's just not acceptable at this stage.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Mr Martin said he told his Israeli counterpart on Monday that there needs to be an acceleration of aid going in, noting that prior to the war there were 100 trucks a day going into Gaza.

He said Ireland was working with Israeli and Egyptian authorities to get Irish citizens out of Gaza but said there was no timeline on this.

Earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made clear the Government has no plans to expel Israel's ambassador

Ms Erlich told the Sunday Independent at the weekend that she was frustrated at what she said was "misinformation" shared by President Michael D Higgins in relation to whether Israel had breached international law.

She also said that Ireland was not a neutral country in relation to Israel-Palestine.

"In relation to the ambassador, we don't have any plans to expel any ambassador," Mr Varadkar told the Dail.

"We didn't expel the Russian ambassador, and I don't think there is anyone in this house who's been as supportive of Ukraine's battle for freedom as I have, but we took a very particular view that it's important to have some line of communications open and that's why we have ambassadors.

The Taoiseach also welcomed the deletion of a tweet sent out by somebody in the Israeli Embassy that suggested Irish aid was building Hamas tunnels and that this country should look in the mirror.

I want to categorically reject any suggestion that we provide any funding to Hamas, directly or indirectly, the Taoiseach told the Dail.

The funding we provide is done through the UN, EU and NGOs. There is no evidence to support the claim that was made, and I am pleased that the comments were deleted and a clarification issued by the Embassy indicating that the tweet did not represent the position of the Embassy or Government of Israel.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (PA)

The Taoiseach also chided Mary Lou McDonald in the Dail this afternoon after the Sinn Fein leader insisted he must tell European leaders what they must do at the meeting of the European Council on Thursday,

He told her: My fear is that if you were Taoiseach you would not make friends, you would make enemies.

He was reacting after she insisted that Ireland should seek an EU call for an unequivocal full ceasefire between Israel and Gaza at the Brussels summit later this week.

Mr Varadkar told her: If you have an opportunity to attend an EU council meeting, whether as a minister or even as Taoiseach, you will appreciate there are 27 member states.

All of them have histories and sensitivities, he said, which meant consensus must be sought.

Ms McDonald replied that Ireland while small could still have a strong influence.

She opened by saying: The only truly humanitarian action is a full and immediate ceasefire and then aid delivered to Gaza without the threat of attack. Ireland can and must be to the fore of this call. So, Taoiseach, would you tell European leaders they must make this call for an unequivocal full ceasefire?

Will you tell them that they must demand Israel stop its slaughter of the Palestinian people?

Mr Varadkar said he would do his best at that meeting to persuade the European Union to adopt a common position.

It may not be possible for us to adopt a common position, he added. We don't have a single foreign policy across the European Union.

We all have our independent foreign policies, but I will certainly do the best I can to persuade our colleagues in all European countries to agree a common position.

He said it seemed the approach Ms McDonald would adopt as Taoiseach would be to attend the meeting, point the finger, tell people off and do a press conference afterwards.

But he scolded her: That's not how you do this job. It's not how you actually get things done in international affairs.

You have to build relationships. You have to build partnerships have to build alliances, you have to develop colleagues, and you try to use your powers of persuasion.

Thats particularly the case for a small country like Ireland, which is not a major economic power or a major political power. We use the power of persuasion, reputation and contacts. That's how we do things and how we achieve things.

There has been a dreadful expression of violence, not just in Gaza, but also in Israel, with over 1,400 civilians killed, he said, both Israeli citizens and those from other states.

Let's not forget one of our own citizens killed by Hamas. Her family comes from Co. Laois. Since then there had been terrible violence and aggression in Gaza.

We have our own citizens there, whom we are particularly concerned for, including a young boy seen on TV last night, who's there on an extended holiday with his family. We're very keen to see get our passport-holders out as quickly as possible.

The conflict had been going on now for more than 75 years, he said. We're calling for a de-escalation. We fear that it will spread to other parts of the Middle East, and indeed may express itself on the streets of Europe in terms of violent acts.

So we're calling for a humanitarian ceasefire that will allow aid to get into the Gaza strip, and that will allow foreign passport holders and refugees to get out. We're calling for all sides to observe that ceasefire.

That's the view I'll be taking to the European Council later in the week.
The Government has been warned that the decision to increase corporate tax to 15pc could backfire after the US said they are not ready to sign up to the international deal.

During a Dail debate, Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen called on ministers to urgently hold meetings with companies headquartered in Ireland after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told EU finance ministers her country is not going ahead with the Organisation Economic Co-operation Development agreement (OECD).

Speaking on the Finance Bill, Mr Cowen said: Not only has Ireland reversed its stance on the once sacrosanct 12.5pc tax rate, we are now going to be the tax collector for all locations that didnt sign up to the 15pc  we will collect it for our own companies but not for any headquartered in the US or China who are resisting the new rules.

The Chairman of the Oireachtas Budgetary Oversight Committee called on Minister for Finance Michael McGrath to outline the impact of the US not refusing to proceed with the global tax deal signed by 138 countries.

"I was somewhat shocked to read that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told our Finance and Public Expenditure Ministers last week in Luxembourg that she is refusing to implement what was to be a joint global pact for a 15pc corporate tax rate, Mr Cowen said.

Our Finance Bill is proceeding with the 15pc rate but without levelling mechanisms immediately, this new rate will in time just shaft Irish and EU-headquartered companies and competitiveness vs US or Chinese which may not now be participating and will not be subject to the top-up taxes, he added.

Mr Cowen said he fears European and Irish accountants will be speedily seeking safer harbours for their profits for taxation reasons.

He asked if Minister McGrath intends on introducing any measures to ensure Ireland does not lose out on corporate profits from the US decision.

I would be concerned that unless precautionary measures are in place, it will cause investment problems here and make Ireland and the EU even more uncompetitive. Rather than it being a win for Ireland and Europe, it will just be a win for the US and China, he said.
A man who survived an attack by double murderer Yousef Palani but lost the sight in one eye has revealed how he believed he was going to die that night.

At the Central Criminal Court yesterday afternoon, Palani (23) was sentenced to the mandatory term for the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee.

He was also handed down a concurrent sentence of 20 years for causing serious harm to a third man, Anthony Burke, by stabbing him in his left eye with a kitchen knife.

Speaking about his ordeal this evening, Mr Burke said he felt lucky to be alive after his attack on April 9 of last year.

After the two had chatted online, Palani was invited to Mr Burkes home in Sligo.

Mr Burke told Virgin Media News: We just chatted and I asked him does he work, where does he live  normal stuff  whats he into.

He turned around to me and said he was into tying people up and he took the ropes out of his pocket to show me them.

And I said no.

Palani left but returned the next day, however, Mr Burke said he didnt feel comfortable and managed to get Palani out of his house and walk him up the road.

"And as I got around the corner just near my house, he came behind me and shoved the knife into my eye and said there you go with temper.

"He stopped the bike in front of me, looking at me, watching the blood drain from my eye.

I was afraid I was going to die that night cause I was getting weaker and weaker.

Palani fled the scene afterwards. Mr Burke lost an eye in the attack and now wears a prosthetic eye.

Days later he killed Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee. Mr Burke said he thinks of them every day.

Yousef Palani at court. Photo: Gerry Mooney

"It was worrying because he could have killed a lot more men.

"I find it hard to sleep at night, I get nightmares, I get shocks, nerves shock to my eyes as if Im getting stabbed again.

"I didnt think that me being gay that I would lose an eye. I shouldnt have to. I shouldnt have to lose anything.

"This man he was a monster, he was a coward and a monster and he couldnt face his victims.

He came behind me and stabbed me in the eye, he couldnt face me. He didnt want to face his victims. He was a coward.

In his victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Burke said that on the night of the incident he thought he was meeting someone to have "an intimate moment with". "I didn't realise I was going to meet a coward and a monster that would destroy my life. My heart goes out to Aidan and Michael's families for the suffering they have to endure," he added.

Mr Burke said he has been very distressed since the attack, was in "fierce pain" at the time and had suffered insomnia.

He said he experienced heightened anxiety, his mood deteriorated, that he entertained suicidal thoughts and was prescribed antidepressants. He said he was very restricted in how he can now access employment due to his injury and that he can no longer drive buses or trucks and cannot hold a licence for them.

Mr Burke said the incident brought a very significant change in the quality of his life and he feels psychologically vulnerable.

"I find it hard to be in large groups, I spent the last 49 years repressing my sexuality until I had no choice; it became public knowledge and I was attacked largely due to my sexuality. This has placed a huge impact and strain on my family and friendships".

Mr Burke said he has felt so much sadness, guilt and shame since the attack. "The area this happened is local to me and I have to walk there every day. Every time I walk there I see Yousef Palani shoving the knife in my eye. The fear I felt and I remember him watching me to see if I would collapse".

During today's sentence hearing, Detective Garda Conor Jordan of Sligo Garda Station agreed with Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, that Palani's motivation to carry out the murders was as a result of his "hostility and prejudice" towards homosexual men.

Palani, last of Markievicz Heights in Sligo had pleaded guilty to the murder of Aidan Moffitt (42) at Cartron Heights in Sligo on April 10, 2022. He also pleaded guilty to the murder of Michael Snee (58) at City View, Connaughton Road, Sligo, two days later on April 12, 2022.

Palani further pleaded guilty to causing serious harm to Mr Burke at Cleveragh Road in Sligo on April 9, 2022.

The court heard today that the first murder victim, Aidan Moffitt, had been decapitated in his home He had also suffered 42 stab wounds.

Mr Moffitt's body remained on the floor and gardai noted that his two hands were tied behind his back. A yellow bottle of bleach was left beside his head, while a knife with a serrated blade had been placed into Mr Moffitt's right hand after he was murdered, Det Gda Jordan said.

Michael Snee was also found tied up on the floor of his own bedroom, while a hunting knife and a black coloured knife had been laid on the bed to make the shape of a cross, the court was told.

There were 38 sharp force injuries to Mr Snee's body and he had been stabbed 25 times mainly to the head, neck and chest, said the garda witness
Right-wing EU party European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), which is led by Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, is having a party conference in Kilkenny.

Ms Meloni will not attend the event but members of her anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ rights Brothers of Italy party will speak at the conference, alongside Independent TD Mattie McGrath and broadcaster Niall Boylan. Independent TD Verona Murphy was also due to attend but said she can no longer do so.

The Italian prime minister has previously espoused conspiracy theories about migration, claiming there is a so-called great replacement strategy at play by global leaders to replace Italians with migrants from other countries.

She has toned down her comments since taking office.

The programme for the event, starting on November 3 at Lyrath Estate, says the group is dedicated to individual liberty, national sovereignty, parliamentary democracy and private property.

It also says the ECR party represents limited government, free trade, family values and the devolution of power.

The ECR party is coming to Ireland to address challenges and opportunities in European regulations and collaboration on livestock, agriculture and the green economy, according to the programme.

There, you will see European politicians discuss the latest topics with industry leaders and policy experts, as well as discover the splendid European landscape and the historical landmark that is Kilkenny, it adds.

The long-weekend package includes a Thursday night in Dublin before travelling to Kilkenny on Friday, November 3,where participants can take part in a foray into European traditions, including falconry, archery and baking. Saturday features a number of panel discussions and will be followed by a gala dinner. Tickets for the event range from 150 for a delegation shared room to 430 for single room and flight ticket to the event.

While Ms Meloni will not attend the event, her Brothers of Italy party will be represented by Luca Ciriani, the Italian minister for relations with parliament, and MPs Mauro Rotelli and Marco Osnato. Politicians from Polands Law and Justice party and Spains Vox party are expected to be announced as speakers closer to the event.

Ms Meloni recently announced her separation from Italian television personality Andrea Giambruno after details of lewd comments he made to colleagues were broadcast.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin was forced to spend the night in Luxembourg as the Air Corps plane that flew him to the country could not take off.

Mr Martin was attending a European Foreign Affairs Council ahead of an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday.

The Fianna Fail leader travelled to Luxembourg in an Air Corps Pilatus PC-12 single engine aircraft.

The Governments Lear Jet was not used because the 20 year old aircraft is also getting repairs made to it.

The PC-12 the aircraft could not make the return journey to Dublin as scheduled as it was in need of repairs before departure.

Air Corp personnel decided it could not making the flight back to Ireland until the repairs were made .

A Government source said: It needed a repair for the way back and the Air Corp dont take risks even if it is a minor issue so the Tanaiste flew back commercially.

The Defence Forces website describes the aircraft as a Swiss built single-engine, turbo-prop, multi-role aircraft.

It is used for a wide range of military missions including passenger, cargo, medical and surveillance operations.

The aircraft a large cargo door, special mission platforms and air ambulance equipment to assist with these operations.

The aircraft can be reconfigured rapidly for various operations, carry large loads over a long range and operate from short semi-prepared runways.

The PC-12 is equipped to operate day and night, and it pressurised cabin enables it to operate above-weather and improves fuel economy.

The four PC-12NG aircraft are operated by 104 Squadron, as part of No.1 Operations Wing.

To date, this aircraft has seen significant utilisation throughout Europe and North Africa providing support to the the HSE, An Garda Siochana and the wider Defence Forces, the website said.
People who are old and physically frail who feel a burden on their families could end up believing assisted dying  maybe in the hands of their own doctor  is the appropriate way to end their lives, veteran pro-life campaigner Prof William Binchy said today.

Having worked in law reform for nearly 20 years and represented the Irish Human Rights Commission during the formulation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the legal adviser to the Pro-Life Campaign said the introduction of assisted dying would breach the respect for the value of human life in a deep way, with damaging consequences for children, the aged, the infirm and people with mental disabilities.

Society is not some empty abstraction. It is the cumulative experience of countless generations of flesh-and-blood people around the world. The sound judgment of society for millennia has been that we should protect life by not introducing a law of this kind, he said.

He was among a number of witnesses who were appearing before the Oireachtas committee on assisted dying which will report to Government on recommendations next year.

However, Andrew Copson chief executive of Humanists UK, which incorporates Northern Ireland Humanists, told the committee humanists recognise that all life is valuable but believe someones quality of life is also important when making decisions about life and death.

We value human beings' personal autonomy, and we strongly defend the right of individuals who have come to rational, thought-out decisions about their own bodies to be able to carry out their own wishes, Mr Copson said.

Our support for assisted dying must be contextualised in changing societal views, outlooks on life, and religious beliefs. Recent census data in Northern Ireland shows that one in six now identify as non-religious, nearly doubling in just 10 years.

The Republic of Ireland has seen a similar trend with over 730,000 people  representing 14pc of the usual resident population  ticking no religion in the 2022 Census, more than doubling since 2011.

The demographics of Irish society will continue to change and citizens deeply held cultural and religious beliefs change. One of the best ways for democratic institutions to stay with the times and the social outlook of their societies is to give individuals a choice.

He added: This choice should not impose or restrict the rights of others whose views differ from my own. Im not aware of any international jurisdiction that doesnt allow doctors the right to conscientiously object to assisted dying, as long as that objection doesnt prevent an individual from accessing their rights and their proper care. In short, if you dont agree with assisted dying, dont have an assisted death.

The committee also heard from Lloyd Riley, director of policy and research at Dignity in Dying, a not-for-profit membership organisation that campaigns for the legalisation of assisted dying throughout the UK. He is the co-author of the 2020 book Last Rights: The case for assisted dying.

He said that the picture painted by those who oppose law change invariably hinges on what ifs, hypotheticals and worse-case scenarios.

"I dont doubt that their concerns are well-meaning or that we shouldnt proceed with due caution. But the truth is the potential for harm they want to draw your attention to is not borne out by the reality of how assisted dying works in practice, he said.

I believe the quality of this debate can be improved by acknowledging those three things; that this is as much about reducing excessive restrictions as it is expanding freedoms, that the circumstances we find ourselves in at present cannot be considered safe and that real suffering should carry more weight than suffering that is imagined.

The body of evidence to show that those laws are safe, compassionate, popular and a catalyst for improving care across the board. None have been repealed. We have to compare that to the consequences of inaction, which props up policies that are dangerous, cruel and out of touch with the views of the people you represent.
Roderic OGorman encountered strong pushback from Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Fianna Fail ministers after briefing Cabinet on proposals

A coalition row has broken out over Equality Minister Roderic OGormans proposals to limit the offer of state-provided accommodation for Ukrainian refugees to 90 days.

Mr OGorman encountered strong pushback from Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Fianna Fail ministers after briefing Cabinet on proposals to limit the state offer of accommodation to three months before private housing would have to be sourced.

Mr Martin was described by one Cabinet source as agitated as he argued a more comprehensive proposal was needed and suggested that what Mr O'Gorman had outlined would push the problem onto Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien.

Three government sources characterised the Cabinet split, which came to a head at todays meeting, as a row between Fianna Fail and the Greens. This has been disputed by Fianna Fail figures who argue Fine Gael have also outlined concerns in talks over recent weeks.

Ministers privately expressed that Mr OGorman had not brought a memo on the proposal with it described as unusual that the matter was raised under any other business.

Mr Martin and Darragh OBrien raised concerns that what was being proposed would effectively push the problem of accommodation onto the Department of Housing once the 90 days expired. A Government source later pushed back on this, pointing out that Ukrainians don't have entitlement to housing assistance payments or homeless services.

Concerns were also raised about the continuity of education for children who may be placed in new reception centres for 90 days and in local schools before being forced to move elsewhere. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is also believed to have raised concerns about pressures on the health service.

Mr OGorman told colleagues that the intention would be that anyone coming here would be made aware of the new accommodation offering as it is standard in some EU states.

Coalition leaders and ministers have failed to agree in recent weeks on changes to the States offering, which is out of line with other EU member states. This would likely encompass potential changes to other state supports including welfare which Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys told Cabinet she would examine.

There is growing concern across the Coalition about accommodation pressures created by the uptick in numbers of refugees arriving since the summer, with weekly arrivals now averaging around 800 people.

Around 30pc of these are coming from other EU countries, according to one senior figure. We have a supply challenge and we all need to have an honest, calm conversation.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing, Micheal Martins spokesperson said there was a significant discussion at Cabinet about the Ukraine refugee crisis despite a memo not being brought by any of the ministers.

He said the Government wants to move from an emergency phase of helping Ukrainian refuges to a more sustainable model of supports for people fleeing the Russian invasion. Ireland is out of step with the rest of Europe, we do offer more than the rest, he said. Irelands response has been the hallmark response. Its just about making it sustainable and its the right thing for the future, he added.

Earlier, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it is possible that Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland are coming from other EU states because supports provided to them here are more generous than other countries.

Mr Martin said a phenomenon of people who have fled the war in Ukraine now arriving in Ireland having been based in other European countries is putting pressure on available accommodation but said he could not quantify it.

Mr Martin said it is possible that people were coming to Ireland because its offering to refugees is more generous than in other European countries, but added: People are mobile, to be fair now, there are families reuniting I dont have any problem with that. But I think the matter is being examined in all its aspects generally so I am going to leave it at that.

He was speaking at a briefing for journalists on the margins of the Global Ireland Summit in Dublin Castle. Earlier, at a press conference, Mr Martin said that issues are being teased out in relation to state supports for refugees.

I think first of all, many people have commented on the strength of Irelands response in respect of the war on Ukraine. It's a vicious war. It's very savage war, and many people fled that war, particularly during the bombing campaigns of last year on infrastructure and civilian residential accommodation, he said.

So people have commented favourably on Ireland's response. We're not a military power. We do not provide any military assistance like other European countries do, and some extraordinary public expenditure has been incurred by other EU member states.

So ours has been predominantly on the political and humanitarian front in terms of supporting Ukraine's accession to the European Union and accepting refugees from the war.

But there is some evidence that perhaps there's some secondary transfers now from across Europe, as opposed to directly from Ukraine, and that's the issue that has been examined now in terms of any new arrivals into the future.

He said that its a matter that remains under discussion.
There will be more adverse weather events and more flooding in the years ahead, the Taoiseach has warned .

He was speaking after the Cabinet approved a scheme to provide cash aid for those deluged in the Midleton region of Cork.

The sad reality is that so much global warming is now baked in, Mr Varadkar told the Dail.

It will be 2050 by the earliest by the time the world reaches Net Zero - if not later, he said.

There will be more climate change and global warming and, as a result of that, more adverse weather events and flooding.

Today is International Day against Climate Change, the House was earlier told by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.

She said it was an initiative set up by the UN to create awareness of the threat of global warming.

It is an issue that people in Midleton and places like Waterford need no reminder of; they are all too aware of the threat of global warming.

Climate change is here and we do not have much discussion in the chamber about how we will actually adapt to the climate change we are already experiencing.

She called for statements in the Dail on the national adaptation plan, and what concrete measures will be put in place for the communities of Midleton, Waterford and all of the other areas that are being impacted so badly and desperately by climate change.

The Taoiseach said it was a valid point and the national plan needed to be updated. He said it would be the main issue for discussion at the next meeting of the Cabinet committee on climate action.

We had a meeting this week and will have another one in a few weeks' time. The sad reality is that so much global warming is now baked in.

Separately, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe, speaking on local flood defence plans, said his Department would look at how we can move schemes forward".
On Monday Ryanairs petition reached 1,964,555 signatures after it was launched earlier this year. Photo: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport

Ryanair has reached almost two million signatures on a petition urging passengers to call on the European Commission to protect overflights from strike action.

The airline has said so far this year air traffic control strikes in France have forced Ryanair to cancel more than 4,000 flights, mainly flying over France.

Ryanair said that it is unacceptable and unfair that France uses Min Service Legislation to protect French flights during strikes, while overflights suffer as a result of the cancellations.

While the strikes are in action in France, many customers throughout Europe, not flying to or from France, face flight delays, cancellations and stoppages as a result of the strikes.

The airline is calling on the European Union to step-in and protect overflights to keep EU skies open.

On Monday, Ryanairs petition reached 1,964,555 signatures after it was launched earlier this year in March.

The petition is regularly emailed to Ryanair customers, and also placed prominently on their website.

Ryanair claims so far this year there have been 64 days of Air Traffic Control strikes - 12 times more than all of 2022 - which is inhibiting millions of EU citizens' Freedom of Movement.

The petition says: "While we respect the right to strike, it is unacceptable that overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, and Ireland are disproportionately cancelled during ATC strikes and France, in particular protects domestic flights using Minimum Services Law.

This is unfair to our passengers, and we want the EU to act now to protect overflights during these strikes and the EU single market.

By clicking the button below your email address and name will be submitted to our petition and will send an urgent message to Ursula von der Leyen to protect passengers and overflights during ATC strikes.

In May, Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary delivered the petition to the EU Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyens office after it reached 1.1 passenger signatures.

In a statement, Ryanair said: So far in 2023, there has been 64 days of ATC strikes (over 12 times more than in 2022) forcing airlines to cancel thousands of EU overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the UK, while France uses Minimum Service Laws to protect French flights. This is unfair. France (and all other EU states) should protect overflights during ATC strikes as they do in Spain, Italy and Greece, and cancel flights to/from the affected State.

The airline hit out at what it said was repeated inaction by the EU Commission under Ursula von der Leyen.

Last month we delivered our Protect Overflights: Keep EU Skies Open petition to the EU Commission which now has almost 2m signatures from fed-up passengers demanding that the EU Commission protect overflights and EU citizens freedom of movement during repeated ATC strikes, a spokesperson said.

"Despite this, Ursula von der Leyen, has still not taken action to protect EU passengers from suffering cancellations at short notice due to repeated ATC strikes.
Colleagues were with the slain 39-year-old Co Louth woman just the day before suspected murder-suicide

The owner of the New York pub where Louth woman Denise Morgan worked before she was shot dead has said her devastated work colleagues saw her the day before she died.

The 39-year-old mum was shot dead in a suspected murder-suicide.

She was found dead on Saturday in an apartment in Queens, New York, alongside Mr Joed Traveras (33), a man known to the Irishwoman.

Ms Morgan, who was originally from Lavin Park in the village of Tullyallen, was the mother of a nine-year-old girl and had been living in the US for around five years.

Roy Guzman, owner of The Cottage bar and restaurant in Forest Hills, New York, where Ms Morgan worked as a bartender for the last year, said her colleagues at the family-run restaurant saw her the day before she died.

Oh my God, you cant imagine how people reacted when they [found out], Mr Guzman said.

We all loved her, we were all friends, and we cant believe it.

She was here that Friday, three oclock in the afternoon, she got pork chops for lunch, and then she went to work.

When she came back from work [that night], she went to her apartment and thats when it happened, Mr Guzman said.

She was happy here. I mean, she had a life here and she had a job...She never complained. She was happy.

[Ms Morgan] was a bartender and made a lot of friends. Everybody loved her. She was a good worker.

He described the mum as a ray of sunshine who brightened up the lives of those who knew her.

She was never angry. People loved her because she was that kind of person. She was like sunshine, he added.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said that last Saturday at 2.44am (7.44am Irish time) officers responded to an emergency call reporting shots fired in the Queens area.

On arriving at the residence, police found a man and woman with gunshot wounds to their heads in the living room.

Medical specialists attended the scene and pronounced the 39-year-old woman and 33-year-old man dead at the scene.

The NYPD said a firearm was recovered in the vicinity of Mr Traveras on the second floor of the property.

Local media reported that police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

A spokesperson for the NYPD said that investigations are ongoing.

It comes as the devastated family and friends of Ms Morgan begin the unthinkable task of trying to raise funds to repatriate her remains to Ireland.

A GoFundMe page set up on Monday has almost reached the 30,000 target.

Her heartbroken sister, Shannon, thanked everyone who has been so supportive and generous in the days since the tragedy.

We just want the world to know what an amazing person Denise was, she said. And we really want to thank everyone for their generosity too.

Prayers were said in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Tullyallen on Sunday morning and her sister, Lisa, paid a touching tribute to her older sister on social media.

No words can express the pain we are dealing with now, she said. In the blink of an eye, our world has broken, and we are absolutely crushed.

My beautiful sister has been taken from my life by such a heinous, cowardly act. We will never get justice for this. We are absolutely heartbroken.

She was the kindest, most sweetest soul I know, and I cant believe Im writing this. Ive always looked up to her growing up and she carved me into the woman I am today, and Im so proud to call her my sister.

The world wont be the same without you in it. I will never get over this or be the same again.
Comments were allegedly made by worker during a Halloween event at leading Belfast visitor attraction, Halloween Jail of Horror, at Crumlin Road Gaol

A leading Belfast visitor attraction has said it will take robust action against a worker who allegedly made inappropriate comments about Hamas, Jimmy Savile and Jeffrey Epstein during a Halloween Jail of Horror event.

Each Halloween, Crumlin Road Gaol in the north of the city hosts events and tours for all ages. The jail was where executions were carried out in Belfast until 1961, and was where many paramilitary prisoners facing trial across the Crumlin Road in the former courthouse were held.
Judge dismisses damages claim over failure to disclose 2016 accident 15,000 payout

A homecare supervisor who had already won 175,000 in personal injuries claims, but failed to divulge a 15,000 payout by Aviva Insurance, has lost a new 60,000 damages claim.

Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain told Adrienne McGuinness in the Circuit Civil Court she had no option but to throw out her latest claim because she had given evidence in court of two accidents that she had failed to disclose earlier to the defendant.

The judge told defence barrister Grainne Larkin that Ms McGuinness, of Teeling Way, East Wall, Dublin 3, had sworn an affidavit in which she stated she had divulged all previous and subsequent accidents, when this was not the case.

Ms Larkin, who appeared with Mulholland Law Solicitors and Allianz Insurance for Advanced Labels Ltd and its driver Jason Lynch, told Ms McGuinness in cross-examination that she had disclosed previous accidents for which she had gained compensation of 160,000 but had failed to disclose two others, one of which was in 2016 in which Aviva had paid her another 15,000.

Counsel asked the court to dismiss Ms McGuinnesss claim which was before the court on grounds that she had failed in her sworn duty to disclose all accidents.

Judge Ni Chulachain said non-disclosure of the 2016 accident was highly relevant in that Ms McGuinness had suffered neck injuries similar to a neck injury for which she was seeking compensation in this case. In such a situation, the court was mandated by law to dismiss her claim.

I have no discretion in relation to dismissal of the case. It is not sufficient for her to say I forgot, the judge said when throwing out Ms McGuinnesss claim and awarding the defendant costs against Ms McGuinness.

Ms Larkin had earlier told the court the case was a minimal impact rear-ending road traffic incident in which, although liability had been admitted by the defendants, Ms McGuinness would be questioned as to the extent of her injuries and other relevant matters.

Ms McGuinness said the accident had happened on March 2, 2020, when she had been driving her car as an employee of North Dublin Home Care. Following the accident, she had experienced pain in her neck.

She told Ms Larkin during cross-examination that she had also suffered neck pain as a result of the 2016 accident, but had forgotten to disclose this to the defendants.
A new report from the Icarus Climate Research Centre in Maynooth University confirms what we already knew  climate change is here and it looks exactly like the flooding and devastation that Storm Babet brought last week.

President Michael D Higgins, long a proponent of the need to address climate change mitigation and adaptation, agrees. Were now in circumstances where the consequences of climate change are ones that are going to be visited on us again, said Mr Higgins while attending the United Nations Food and Agriculture Forum in Rome last week.
Like all drugs, cannabis has its dangers, but decades of criminalisation have not stopped people using it. Photo: PA

Hey, the Pope is visiting your country, the elderly Dutchman called across the bar, in English spoken with that distinctive American burr many people in the Netherlands learn via American television soaps, which are subtitled and never dubbed. I know  thats why Im over here, smoking dope, was my smart aleck reply.

But the thing was, while I was doing whatever devilment I could manage, I was not smoking hash. This was not due to any sense of virtue on my part but down to a simple physical accident in my make-up: I just could not inhale smoke.
United Nations workers arrive to distribute aid to Palestinians, who have fled their homes due to Israeli strikes and taken shelter in a UN-run school in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy and defence are not substitutes for one another. Either alone would fail.

The above remark by JF Kennedy has been proven correct many times over, but nowhere more so than in the Middle East.

After 17 days of bombardment, the UN has appealed for a pause to get aid through to the one million children in Gaza in need of water and food. The death toll is mounting at a frightening rate.

Hamas is responsible for starting the catastrophic cascade of death and destruction, but it is the civilians of Gaza whom are being collectively punished.

Under constant attack, with thousands of Israeli troops ready to unleash an invasion, the territorys 2.3 million people are caught in a terrifying trap and rapidly running short of the basics to survive.

The United Nations has now warned that civilians are running out of places to seek shelter.

Israel has also carried out an airstrike in Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank.

Fears of the conflict spreading seem confirmed, with Israeli aircraft striking southern Lebanon.

As the risks of Hezbollah  Lebanons Iran-backed proxy to the north  joining in the fighting mount, the levers of diplomacy are still deemed too hot to touch by the international community.

Israel has to deal with Hamas, the worry is the consequences for defenceless civilians and the prospect of the war escalating into a regional flash-up are now more grave than ever.

The state of world affairs could scarcely be more precarious, yet those who might be in a position to bring things back from the brink  if only to allow aid get through, or find some mechanism to mitigate the crisis  seem resigned to the inevitability of prolonged mass bloodshed.

That is why Tanaiste Micheal Martin should be commended for his appeal for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian supplies into Gaza given what he called the enormous loss of life there. Mr Martin said it was essential that a political track was maintained alongside the humanitarian because that was what would provide the security that was required.

Later this week, the EU is expected to endorse a humanitarian pause at a summit.

The situation is becoming desperate. Even before the horrendous Hamas attack and the Israeli reprisals, Gaza was under a land, sea and air blockade.

Close to 81.5pc of the population lived in poverty and 63pc were dependent on humanitarian aid.

Before the war, about 500 aid trucks a day were entering Gaza, according to a spokesman from ActionAid Palestine. Most of the drinking water from Gazas sole aquifer is unfit for human consumption. Now even that aquifer is running out.

The world cannot be resigned or indifferent to the prospect of wholesale preventable death.

There is an absolute priority for the United States, the EU and Arab states to act in concert to make certain that emergency supplies can be brought in.
A convicted drug dealer who shot an innocent bystander in the buttock during the attempted murder of another man over an alleged drug debt will now serve a consecutive 27 years in prison, after what a Central Criminal Court judge described as an act of gangland thuggery and violence.

This group terrorised the public, said Mr Justice Paul McDermott on Monday, imposing the 17-year sentence to run consecutively to a ten-year term already being served by Tony McInerney, who was caught running a "cocaine factory" in Co Clare in 2020.

A detective told an earlier sentencing hearing that "wild west stuff" happened during the attack in the Co Clare town of Sixmilebridge, with people hiding behind walls and cars. The court heard that McInerney made a statement to gardai, where he accepted that money was owed and said that there had been a conflict between "the two men in relation to a relationship with the same girl".

McInerney (28), formerly of Glenina, Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare, pleaded guilty in July of this year to the attempted murder of Daniel Harty Junior at Pound St, Sixmilebridge on January 18, 2020.

McInerney also pleaded guilty that on January 18, 2020 at Pound Street, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare he intentionally or recklessly discharged a firearm creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another.

He further pleaded guilty that on a date unknown between January 1, 2019 and January 18, 2020 at Inis Ealga, Shannon, Co Clare, without lawful excuse, he made to Daniel Harty Senior a threat, intending the said Mr Harty Snr to believe it would be carried out, to kill or cause Daniel Harty Jnr serious harm.

Mr Justice McDermott said the facts of the case were rooted in criminal and personal connections between McInerney and Daniel Harty Jnr. It was alleged by Daniel Harty Snr that his son owed money for a drug debt, and he was threatened that if he did not pay up, he would be killed and his home sprayed with bullets.

Mr Justice McDermott said that there was a winter music festival taking place in the area, which was attended by a good crowd. Daniel Harty Jnr, who was aged 21 at the time, had arranged to go with two other men to a public house on January 18, 2020, and a BMW was seen cruising up and down the village. The judge said it was clear from the evidence that the planning of the offence involved a number of people, with the vehicle stored for a month before the shooting and a man was told to have it ready. He said a man was attempting to clean the vehicle when the gardai raided and seized it.

The judge said that the victim was persuaded to leave the public house and he became separated from the two people he was with in the course of a verbal argument. One of the two men was seen talking on a mobile phone, and this was linked to McInerney. Mr Justice McDermott said that Mr Hartys friend betrayed him by helping to orchestrate what was about to happen. The other two men crossed the road away from Mr Harty and were hanging back from him, when the BMW jeep arrived on the scene. There was a verbal exchange and the jeep turned around, at which point Mr Harty realised he was in danger and ran towards the pub with the jeep chasing him down. A number of shots were fired, and Mr Justice McDermott said that nine bullet casings were later found in the vehicle.

He said that two men got out of the jeep and ran after Mr Harty, firing shots. Mr Harty fell to the ground, got back up and ran, pursued by the two men, one of whom was McInerney.

Mr Harty suffered three gunshot wounds in the attack, one each to the abdomen, back and arm. He lost the full use of his left arm and had to use a colostomy bag for nine months.

Mr Justice McDermott said that a man walking up the street sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his left buttock in the incident. The judge said this man was lucky to be alive. He said the attack was connected to drug dealing and a drug debt, and there was personal animosity between the two parties.

They put serious effort into planning the attempted killing, and it took some time to put together, he said.

The judge said that Daniel Harty Jnr had declined to make a victim impact statement, but Mr Harty Snr made a statement saying he remains in fear for his life.

This shocking attack terrified other members of the public, who were exposed to gunfire and had to run for their lives. This group terrorised the public, said Mr Justice McDermott, describing it as gangland thuggery and violence.

He couldnt have cared less about who got in his way, said the judge.

He went on to say that McInerney has a number of very serious previous convictions and is presently serving a ten-year prison sentence for the sale or supply of cocaine in excess of 13,000.

Saying that the two victims sustained such injuries as to be very lucky to be alive, Mr Justice McDermott said that, whether or not it was committed in the context of criminal enterprise, there was a background of drug offences and the attack was clearly planned with other members of a gang.

The overall motivation seems to be drug related and personal, he said.

He said that this offence belongs in the highest category of seriousness, as McInerney had been quite prepared to threaten Mr Harty Snr in the family home and had threatened both father and son, all in relation to a drug debt.

The attempted murder was planned and coordinated in a fairly ruthless way, said Mr Justice McDermott.

(Mr Harty) was shot three times, and it was fortuitous that he wasnt fatally wounded. He only survived because the shots marginally avoided any major organ, he said, going on to say that McInerney had displayed a measure of indifference to the lives of other bystanders by discharging multiple shots from a moving vehicle.

The effect on the local community was devastating, said the judge, explaining that the music festival was subsequently cancelled.

He said that before mitigation, the headline sentence had to be at the upper end of the scale, adding that "outrage such as this should be discouraged".

On the charge of attempted murder, the judge imposed a sentence of 17 years, with five years each on the reckless endangerment charge and the charge of making threats to kill, to run concurrently.

He said that he was satisfied that the serious nature of the offence and the high level of criminality involved required a consecutive sentence and ruled that the 17-year sentence was to be consecutive to the ten-year sentence McInerney is currently serving.
An eight-year-old boy from Dublin, currently trapped in the emergency situation in Gaza, says he misses his friends and toys back home.

Sami Alagha and his family, who live in Blanchardstown, travelled to the Palestinian city for an extended holiday, but they are now living without electricity and water.

The young boy told Sky News he has a lot of nightmares and when he hears bombs he goes to hug my parents and gets scared.

My life is in danger and I want to go back to Dublin. The border is closed so I cant get out of Gaza. Im hearing a lot of rockets and bombs coming from everywhere. Its very scary and I cant sleep very well, he said.

I cant go downstairs because its so scary. Theres no lights, no electricity and water.

Im from Dublin. [I miss] my house, my friends, my toys, my dads car. Dublin, I have more friends than here, its better than here and I like Dublin more than here. Its so safe [in Dublin].

Everyone needs to help the children in Gaza. I want to be a journalist when I grow up. [I want to show the world] how people are living in Gaza, he told Sky News.

Ibrahim Alagha and his family live in Blanchardstown, Dublin

Samis father, Ibrahim Alagha (38), believes the chances to escape are decreasing every day as fuel and network phone coverage become scarce.

He is now regularly starving himself so that his three Irish-born children can eat and drink, as food and water supplies in Gaza are running dangerously low.

Ibrahim and his wife Hamida are Irish citizens and own a home in Dublin. They have been in Gaza since June and since war broke out the family have been staying in four-bedroomed home among 90 friends and family.

It is a very, very difficult situation at the moment and just getting worse, particularly because of the lack of food and water. We have welcomed all our extended family and friends who need shelter but it is a huge challenge to meet everyones needs, he previously told the Sunday Independent.

Thousands take to the streets of Dublin in a show of solidarity with Palestinians

We have moved all the furniture out of the house and are sleeping in shifts on mattresses on the floor. We are trying to keep things normal for the children but the bombs are coming closer and closer.

How can we shield our children from this? We are scared for our lives, our childrens lives. But right now, Im mostly worried about the lack of food and water. We just want to get back to Ireland.

Myself and my wife grew up in Gaza, so we have some experience of attacks. But my children were born and raised in Ireland and they do not.
Dream Gun performing a comedy parody of James Cameron's script of the film Titanic at The Plaza Hotel as part of The Kerry International Film Festival. Photo by Michael G Kenny.

Comedian and Actress Deirdre O'Kane at the IFTA networking event at The Kerry International Film Festival in The Plaza Hotel Killarney on Saturday night. Photo by Michael G Kenny.

At the IFTA networking event at The Plaza Hotel at The Kerry International Film Festival in Killarney over the weekend were Aine Moriarty (CEO IFTA) Cinematographer PJ Dillon and Jimmy Deenihan. Photo by Michael G Kenny.

Aileen Randles and Grace O'Donnell at Randles Hotel in Killarney for the Kerry International Film Festival. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

At the IFTA networking event at The Plaza Hotel as part of the Kerry International Film Festival at the weekend were Ailish Garvey (KIFF) Deirdre O'Kane and Aine Moriarty (CEO IFTA). Photo by Michael G Kenny.

Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) celebrated its 24th edition this past weekend and with 46 film screenings and several events having been held across several venues in Killarney over the few days - including it being the first year that the festival introduced live acts  its safe to that yet again, the festival was a huge success.

Organisers of KIFF said this week that they delighted with the level of interest and support they received, and they were thrilled to welcome a variety of industry talent, including comedian Deirdre O'Kane, actors Eileen Walsh, Aoife Duffin and Geraldine McAlinden, world renowned cinematographer P.J. Dillon, and journalist and editor at large at Empire Magazine, Helen O'Hara.

There were a huge number of attendees across all KIFF screenings, live events, and film industry talks, and the engagement and support received by the local community was outstanding.

KIFF 2023 received more submissions than ever, which resulted in a dynamic and diverse programme that attracted audiences, filmmakers and film enthusiasts, from near and far. The festival hosted a selection of sold-out screenings, including the compelling screening of their opening film Hungry Hill, which was co-directed by Mieke Vanmechelen and researcher Michael Holly.

Speaking about the success of KIFF 2023, Director of Programming, Declan Lynch said:

Its been an amazing experience proving that Co. Kerry has a vibrant, dedicated, and growing film audience. As a team we have delighted in, and learnt so much from, our many conversations with local film fans and visiting filmmakers - all of which can be applied to next year's very special 25th anniversary edition.

A highlight of KIFF 2023 was the presentation of the Maureen O'Hara Award to actress Eileen Walsh. The award ceremony took place at Randles Hotel Killarney on Friday, 20 October, and was followed by a very special event In Conversation with Eileen Walsh which was hosted by Derek OConnor, editor, RTE Culture.

Another important highlight of the weekend's festival was the IFTA Networking Event, which took place at The Plaza Hotel Killarney on Saturday, 21 October.

Hosted by IFTA CEO, and KIFF Board member, Aine Moriarty, the event highlighted Kerry as a potential leader in film location and production work. Celebrity guests included the revered comedian Deirdre OKane, and the internationally renowned cinematographer and Kerry filmmaker, PJ Dillon.

PJ joined KIFFs weekend celebrations directly from the epic House of the Dragon film set, and he shared an incredibly inspiring talk about his work to date, during which he remarked that Kerry has untapped potential as a location for film, TV, and the screen industry.

It all culminated this past Sunday evening with the annual awards ceremony at at The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney. The ceremony celebrated all aspects of film making and the awards were presented to outstanding film makers, directors, script writers and producers.

Speaking about the success of the festival, KIFF Manager, Marie Linehan said:

"This years festival was a resounding success. We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received across KIFFs live events and screenings, and it is fantastic to see so many local businesses working together to support the festival. We look forward to delivering additional events across Co. Kerry in the coming months and to celebrating our 25th festival in 2024.

See a full list of the winners from the 2023 Kerry International Film Festival below:
Home Care Data highlights postcode lottery of home care delivery

the Cork / Kerry region continues to have the highest waiting list nationally at 1,565 people, accounting for 25% of the total waiting list.

A newly launched Home Care Data Series  Home Support Delivery shows that the Cork / Kerry region continues to have the highest waiting list nationally at 1,565 people, accounting for 25% of the total waiting list.

The data series (see https://hcci.ie/publications-2/) is by Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI) the representative body for the home care sector, representing 32 member companies with 12,000 employees nationally.

Their latest figures show that the national waiting list for home care stands at 6,198 people, a decrease of 7.1% since the start of 2023. The bulk of this decrease has occurred in the Dublin region and the south east.

The south west (Kerry \ Cork) has the highest percentage of HSE direct home care delivery (77%). This has historically been higher (85% in 2018) and has led to the independent sector not being as active in this area of the country.

According to HCCI, this means that the HSE cannot turn to the independent sector to boost home support delivery in the same way it has done in other parts of the country.

The CEO of HCCI, Joseph Musgrave, said: Though better resourced than five years ago, home care faces stark problems.

We are an ageing country; the 2022 census figures show that the highest increase in our population has been in the over 70s age bracket, up 26%, while there was a 4% fall in the population aged 25 to 39. Like many countries, Ireland is entering a demographic sea change and we must shift our political and social priorities to reflect this new reality. Otherwise the waiting list for home care will only increase.

Private home care providers have delivered around 75% of the increased home care hours over the last five years. The success of the private sector in increasing home care capacity should be capitalised on.

It is also the private sector that has the resources and relationships to embed new technologies in our service.

We need a new partnership between all parts of our economy  the State, the private and non-profit providers  to meet the challenge ahead of us. This will mean expanding and rationalising the outsourcing of care, underpinned by a strong regulatory regime to assure Government and clients of the quality of their care.

The HSEs own service has a key role to play. However, instead of competing against the private sector we should reorientate it to be a true public service. The public sector model is different to the private one  we should recognise the strengths of each and deploy them to best effect.

In recent weeks, Fianna Fail TD for Cork East James OConnor has highlighted the need for extra care capacity in Cork East, raising it in the Dail with Mary Butler, Minister of State in the Department of Health for Mental Health and Older People.

Deputy OConnor spoke about the need for an enhancement of facilities for the elderly in the East Cork area due to the elderly population in the area growing rapidly with many people moving to the area to retire. This is in addition to the thousands of retired people already living across the East Cork area.

I advocated on Youghals behalf with Minister Butler in Dail Eireann, stressing the need for the care services that so many people in the local area could benefit from, Deputy OConnor said. The Minister said she will work with me to ensure that we can put a service in place because it is instrumental to support older people to age in their own homes.
A Scottish native has been remanded in custody to appear before Tralee District Court on Wednesday charged with five counts of deception at locations in Kerry, Wicklow and Mayo.

Marian Aitkenhead, of Glaick Cottage, Balmacarra, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DN, Scotland, appeared before Judge David Waters at Listowel District Court on Thursday on foot of five deception charges contrary to section six of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences act.

It is alleged that during December of 2015 she committed two offences of deception in Killarney, one in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, one in Claremorris, Co Mayo and one at a location given as Vodafone, Dublin.

Detective Garda Finbarr Donovan told the Court that he was applying for a remand in custody in Ms Aitkenheads case.

He said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the accused be tried by indictment in the Circuit Court.

The accuseds real name was established as Marian Aitkenhead by Detective Donovan in the course of the investigation the Court heard.

Ms Aitkenhead was brought to the Court following her arrest at Dublin Airport on foot of an extradition warrant, the Court also heard.

Solicitor Pat Mann did not object to the custodial remand sought by the State, saying there was consent to the remand in custody application  on condition it would entail a remand until this weeks sitting of Tralee District Court where his client would be present in person.

Judge Waters remanded Ms Aitkenhead in custody until Tralee District Court on October 25 for the service of the book of evidence in the case.
The 2023 Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley launches the Rose of Tralee's Community Rose selection nights to select Roses and Escorts for the international festival. Communities across Ireland can now play a part with their own Rose community selection event. Photo by Domnick Walsh

The 2023 Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley launches the Rose of Tralee's Community Rose selection nights to select Roses and Escorts for the international festival. Communities across Ireland can now play a part with their own Rose community selection event. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

The 2023 Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley launches the Rose of Tralee's Community Rose selection nights to select Roses and Escorts for the international festival. Communities across Ireland can now play a part with their own Rose community selection event. Photo by Domnick Walsh

It has only been a matter of months since Kerry Rose Kelsey Lang McCarthy stood on the stage at the MTU to represent the county in the Rose of Tralee, but already the search is on for the girl who will take the reins from Kelsey.

Just like last year, the Rose of Tralee Festival will select Kerry Rose candidates via Kerry Rose Community Selection nights and a call is being made for communities to come forward and take part.

Kelsey was chosen as a Kerry Rose in the Skellig Coast Community Rose selection, and ultimately went on to become the winning Kerry Rose for the Rose of Tralee Festival joining Roses from all around the world.

Encouraging young women to sign up, Kelsey said that it is an amazing experience.

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I was so proud this year to have represented my community, and raise awareness for our local Skellig Stars Special Olympics Club. There was huge celebration and pride after the local event, and then when I was eventually selected as the Kerry Rose, that was massively important and widely celebrated in my community too, she said.

The 2023 Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley launches the Rose of Tralee's Community Rose selection nights to select Roses and Escorts for the international festival. Communities across Ireland can now play a part with their own Rose community selection event. Photo by Domnick Walsh

"There is a great opportunity here for communities across Ireland to put themselves on a pedestal and show pride in their homeplace, as well as celebrating the youth, and instilling local pride in them. I encourage as many young women as possible to take part and support their Community Rose event, Kelsey added.

All of the Community Rose Selections in Kerry will take place between late November and mid-February, and the Rose of Tralee hope to hold as many events as possible including in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Castleisland, Sneem, Kenmare, Corca Dhuibhne, Kenmare, the Skellig Coast, Ballybunion and Killorglin/Miltown.

The funds from each Community Rose Selection night will help local charities. The 2022 proceeds helped raise funds to rebuild Listowel Community Centre after a fire caused extensive damage. It also assisted a local Special Olympics Club to send an Irish athlete to compete in Berlin, and raised funds towards another local festival.

This years Rose organisers are hoping to help raise funds to buy defibrillators for a local First Responders group, to support a local Guide Dogs for the blind branch and to assist a tidy towns group.

The 2023 Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley launches the Rose of Tralee's Community Rose selection nights to select Roses and Escorts for the international festival. Communities across Ireland can now play a part with their own Rose community selection event. Photo by Domnick Walsh.

The community selection nights will also select a local escort that may make the final escort selection. Last year's escort, David Murphy from Sneem, was that lucky man and he too praised the experience and urged those interested in becoming an escort to sign up for their community Rose event.

Kerry Rose co-ordinator Suzan OGara urged communities to host selection nights not only in Kerry but across the country and play their own part in the world renowned Rose of Tralee festival.

For anyone interested, contact info@roseoftralee.ie.
Maharees celebrating winning the Living Heritage category at the Heritage Week Awards in Offaly

The Maharees team with their Living Heritage award  as presented by Sile Seoige, centre  at the awards ceremony in Offaly at the weekend. From left, Patricia Browne, Maura Cronin (Maharees Conservation Association) Sile Seoige (MC), Eileen McCarthy and Martha Farrell (Maharees Conservation Association). Photo by Alf Ramsey/The Heritage Council

Maharees Conservation Association members celebrating the Heritage award at Beal Geal beach on Monday, from left, Martin Lynch, Mary Ellen Mansell, Eileen McCarthy, Joanne Kennedy, Darragh OConnor, Maura Cronin and Martin Finn. Photo by Mark OSullivan

HISTORY was brought to vivid life in the Maharees in August when the community celebrated Heritage week with a special Living Heritage trail displaying some of the tombolos proudest age-old skills  from stone-wall and naomhog building to seaweed harvesting and much, much more.

So innovative and impressive was the event, as testified to by countless visitors, that it was this week judged the best Living Heritage event of its kind in Ireland.

The Maharees Conservation Association members and all in the community were thrilled to win the Living Heritage category of the Heritage Week Awards at Gloster House in Co Offaly at the weekend  hosted by the Heritage Council of Ireland.

The judging panel found the Maharees heritage trail of inestimable value in reconnecting people with the earthy, sustainable work of the kind that has died out in many places but still lives on with pride in West Kerry.

It involved a trail of living heritage from Fahamore to Ceann Duimhche on which participants were treated to stories and demonstrations of the living heritage of Maharees.

The guided walking trail was free and 100 per cent community-led and gave participants the opportunity to learn the practices and skills passed down from one generation to the next.

From stone wall building, to currach building; from sea weed harvesting to vegetable growing, these skills are still very much part of life in Maharees today. The event culminated in a session by the Maharee Wren and participants were amused to take part in Wrens Day activities such as set dancing in August.

Wed like to thank all of the community members who gave up their time freely and willingly to put on demonstrations of living heritage, to our businesses who provide venues and hospitality so generously for our events, to the great audience who played their part too (from asking questions, to tasting seaweed, from singing to set dancing!), and to the Maharees Heritage team for all of their work over the year to promote our heritage, Maharees Conservation Heritage team member Patricia Browne said.

We have a fantastic community spirit and were very proud of our heritage.

Chair of the Maharees Conservation Association Aidan OConnor said:

Were really delighted with this win. Our heritage team did a great job to plan and deliver this National Heritage Week event and we know visitors and locals of all ages really enjoyed the demonstrations of of the living heritage of Maharees and had some great fun on the trail too.

One of our aims is to share and preserve our Maharees heritage and this is just one of over 20 events our group has put on over the last year with support form Kerry County Council to achieve that.

Fenits Tralee Bay Experience was also honoured at the event in the Water Heritage category.
Alexis O'Mahony with her parents Teresa and Steve O'Mahony and John Burke, CEO Armada Hotel and Hotels for little Heroes Ambassador at the launch of the Children's Health Foundation's 'Hotels for Little Heroes' campaign.

A Killarney girl and her family are urging the public to support a new campaign for Temple Street Childrens Hospital  which has played a huge part in their lives since little Alexis was born.

Alexis was born with Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDH), a rare and serious condition that affects her metabolism. This has meant the past few years have been challenging for Alexis and her parents.

Alexis (7) first visited Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street three days after she was born. Steve, Alexiss Dad, travelled with her by ambulance that day and since then the family regular attend the Dublin hospital.

That was our first trip up and down to Temple Street and this has continued over the past seven years. Alexis has grown up there and its like a home away from home.

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Alexis had no energy as a baby, no energy to smile or even cry said Teresa, Alexiss mother. One night I heard a big laugh, I was overjoyed  where was this energy coming from? But it wasnt a laugh, she was having a fit.

The challenges faced by Alexis in the past seven years have been huge but Steve and Teresa are grateful for all the support of the staff in Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street, whose care goes beyond just medical.

Whether nurse or professor, people from different departments interact with Alexis and us on a human level. said Steve, adding: Theyre always there if we have questions or need anything. That human touch is really important.

"It is the top place for medical care but outside that is the social workers, the play therapy, the music, that brings comfort and happiness to children that might not be so happy.

Teresa added: You feel that you matter to the doctors, they make you feel important. I remember one time I was stopped in the corridor with Alexis and a doctor said, Oh my god, is that Alexis, how shes grown! He hadnt seen her in years.

This is why the Kerry family have come on board with a new fundraising initiative Hotels for Little Heroes by the Childrens Health Foundation who are calling on hotels across Kerry to donate a night to change a life for sick children.

By registering to take part in the campaign, hotels can support children like Alexis as they spend many nights in hospital being looked after by the amazing Childrens Health Ireland staff.

"It is a national campaign and a great idea. Funds are so vital for research, development and care, says Steve.

Speaking at the launch, CEO of The Armada Hotel, John Burks, who is ambassador for the campaign, said he was delighted to welcome Alexis and her parents Teresa and Steve to The Armada Hotel to launch Hotels for Little Heroes.

"By taking part, The Armada Hotel and other hotels across Ireland will donate life-saving funds to support little heroes like Alexis currently in the care of the staff in Childrens Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres. Alexis and I are calling upon hotels to join The Armada Hotel and donate a night on Friday, November 3, to change the lives of sick children.

To register and find out other ways hotels can get involved, visit https://www.childrenshealth.ie/hotels-for-little-heroes/ or email modonnell@childrenshealth.ie
Joanne Pretsell and Joe Kenny from the Ronald McDonald House Charity pictured receiving a cheque from Caroline Daly, Mike Daly and Sarah Daly, the proceeds of which came from the 'Lilys Pink Challenge' fundraiser in Killarney back in September.

A fundraising event held in Killarney back in September has raised a whopping 35,670 for its two chosen charities, the Ronald McDonald House and the Heart Centre in Crumlin Childrens Hospital.

The Lilys Pink Challenge event was hosted by the Lily Daly Foundation which was set up in memory of Lily Daly who passed away back in early 2021 at just 20 months old after she was born with a rare heart condition known as aggressive Pulmonary Vein Stenosis (PVS) and as a result, she spent much of her life in Crumlin Children's Hospital.

The Lily Daly Foundations primary mission and purpose is to support children and their parents when in hospital with heart related issues.

The event saw participants taking part in a 60km cycle which started at Killarney Racecourse and which saw them climb the Gap of Dunloe before heading back to the racecourse via Molls Gap. People also had a choice of taking part in a 10km run as well...with some hardy souls choosing to do both to really make the most of the day.

The huge amount was raised following the registration fees paid by 432 individuals that took on Lilys Pink Challenge and also donations made by over 350 individuals and local organisations to the Lily Daly Foundation.

Lilys mom and managing Director of the Lily Daly Foundation, Caroline Daly said:

"The amazing goodwill, support and generosity shown from almost 800 people from all across Kerry, Ireland and beyond who either completed Lilys Pink Challenge, volunteered on the day or made generous donations has been truly phenomenal and way beyond our initial expectations and wildest dreams when we set off on this journey.

"The Lily Daly Foundation is now in a very fortunate position, thanks to the amazing support we received, to give back in a very meaningful way to our two chosen charities and the amazing work they do for sick children and their parents, she continued.

25,000 of the money raised will go to the Ronald McDonald House and will help with the new Ronald McDonald house currently being built at the New National Childrens hospital in Dublin. This specific donation will sponsor a new bedroom within the new Ronald McDonald house, which will be called after Lily Daly. This room will provide accommodation to parents and families while their child is metres away from them in the New National Childrens hospital.

10,000 meanwhile was donated to the heart centre in Crumlin hospital to specifically support the development of the Axial INSIGHT project. This is something that aims to enable medics and medical device companies develop a system that can generate a 3D personalised model of a childs own specific heart pre surgery and catheterization.

This will enable the consultants within the heart centre to print 3D images of a childs heart which will assist with decision making on surgery.
Daniel Eoin and Rory enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Colm Flahive and Louie Dineen enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Aoileann Clifford, Mary Ellen OKeeffe, Teddy and Ogie OFalherty and Fiona Leahy enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan

Odhran Leen, Jamie Moriarty and William Dillan enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Christina and Oisin OCallaghan and Majella and Anna Hare enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Aidan Casey and Conor and Alicia Murphy enjoying the Banna Sea Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

A large gathering of people attended a special ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of Banna Sea Rescue on Sunday. The occasion was both a celebration and poignant acknowledgment of the organisations work in the community.

Established in 1983 following two drowning tragedies at Banna, it has gone from strength to strength in terms of its voluntary aspect and professionalism. Banna Sea Rescue recently received funding towards a special rescue boat suitable for launching from the beach.

Colm Flahive and Louie Dineen enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Primary school children from Ardfert and Kilmoyley were invited to submit pictures with suggested names for Banna Sea Rescues new boat. Over 300 entries were received and the winning entrant was the name Cliodhna - the Celtic goddess of the sea. The imagination of the children was highly praised.

Christina and Oisin OCallaghan and Majella and Anna Hare enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Mark OSullivan.

We expected about a dozen applicants and received over 300 which was amazing. The pictures show their understanding of the sea and we hung all 300 pictures on the wall of our building for the day. When you have all that happening, it tells me that no one in the community would stand idly by if they thought Banna Sea Rescue was in trouble, said Pat Lawlor, PRO of Banna Sea Rescue.

Daniel Eoin and Rory enjoying the Banna Rescue 40th anniversary event on Sunday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan.

Other speakers included Fr Tom Looney, an ex-president of Banna Sea Rescue from when he served as Parish Priest in Ardfert in the early 1980s. Mr Lawlor described the anniversary event as hugely significant considering the origins of the organisation.

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Education Minister Norma Foley spoke of Banna Sea Rescues incredible contribution to the community and its strong voluntary ethos. Banna Sea Rescue is also a prime example of a coastal communitys success.
Tralee native Noel O'Regan has been shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year at this year's Irish Book Awards for his debut novel 'Though the Bodies Fall'.

Kerry would very well have another award-winning writer in its ranks come November if Tralee native Noel ORegan and his brilliant debut novel Though the Bodies Fall have anything to say about it.

Noel, who published his book to glowing reviews in August of this year, has been shortlisted in the An Post Irish Book Awards and he is now hoping to add the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year award to top off what has been the best year of his career to date when the winners are announced in November.

For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells the story of Micheal Burns who lives alone in his familys bungalow at the end of Kerry Head in Ireland.

It is a picturesque place, but the cliffs have a darker side to them: for generations they have been a suicide black spot. Micheals mother saw the saving of these lost souls - these visitors - as her spiritual duty, and now, in the wreckage of his life, Micheal finds himself continuing her work. When his sisters tell him that they want to sell the land, he must choose between his siblings and the visitors, a future or a past.

Another Tralee writer who will be hoping to take home a gong on the night is Barbara Byar whose short story Peace Process is up for the Short Story of the Year award.

Now in its eighteenth year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year it brings together a vast community passionate about books  readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians  to recognise the very best of Irish writing talent.

Categories include Novel of the Year, Children, Cookbook, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Lifestyle, Short Story, Irish language, Poem, Short Story, Newcomer, Teen and Young Adult, Irish Published and Biography.

To vote for Noels book to win, head to https://www.irishbookawards.ie/vote/
Solidarity with Palestine rally in Tralee calls out Israel over barbaric response to Hamas attack.

Chairman of Kerry Islamic Outreach Society Dr Rizwan Khan said Israeli attacks in Gaza need to stop as it is leading to the destruction of humanity.

Speaking at a special solidarity rally at The Square in Tralee on Saturday, Dr Khan was among a number of speakers that included Palestinian-Irish woman, Nabila Salhi.

The event was organised by the Kerry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which supports the rights of the Palestinian people. The gathering follows on the back of a large rally held in Killarney last week to highlight the plight of innocent Palestinians.

Dr Khan first asked the Tralee crowd to take a moment of silence for the victims of the recent escalation in violence that has resulted in hundreds of deaths.

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We were here in 2014. Unfortunately, we were here in 2021 as well. Weve been here many times for different vigils and many reasons in the past. But this is probably one of the most severe and barbaric occasions, Dr Khan told the crowd .

The intensity and destruction of humanity happening right now in Gaza and the West Bank is unbelievable. People talk about the [Hamas] attack on October 7. [But] there is a very nice saying by one of the Palestinian ambassadors to the UK. He said lets take Gaza and Hamas out of it for a second. Lets talk about the West Bank, lets talk about Jerusalem. There is no Hamas there, and how come the killing is going on there?

Dr Khan added that the Israeli response to the October 7 attack by Hamas on settlements  an attack that killed hundreds of innocent people while taking close to 200 hostages - is just an excuse by Israel to inflict further suffering on the Palestinian people and to exert more control over their already limited territory.

Any attack on a human beings life - from any faith and regardless of which side of the border they are on - is absolutely condemnable. But it does not mean only one side is bad and lesser human beings while the other gets away with any kind of brutality, which is what we are witnessing in the last two weeks, Dr Khan said.

A section of the crowd at Saturday's 'Solidarity with Palestine' event in Tralee.

Just think about one thing. We have our houses in Tralee, built by our parents with a tough life, blood and hard sweat. Imagine if somebody came up to you and said: Im from the Viking community who used to be in Tralee 3,000 years ago. You need to get out of here. Ill take your car, Ill take your house, and Ill keep taking it every single day. And if I dont take it, someone else will take it. By the way, these are not my words, this is what one of the [Israeli] settlers told a Palestinian family.

Dr Khan concluded: This is what is going on and is not being said. The media will not talk about it because it is not topical or sexy enoughUnfortunately, we are in limbo right now because we cannot physically go there on humanitarian grounds. But at least in the name of humanity, we should be standing behind our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Members of the public are advised to avoid a landslide at Portally Cove area of Dunmore East. Picture posted by WLR radio.

Flood waters have receded in Waterford city and county, with Waterford City and County Council ground crews currently engaged in inspections and clean-up operations.

The majority of routes are now open and passable, with the exception of L4076-41 Fairybush to Woodstown, which remains closed.

There remains a considerable amount of debris, grit and spot flooding on some local roads, said a spokesperson. Waterford City and County Council is advising motorists to reduce speed and exercise caution.

Heavy rains caused a landslide at Portally Cove near Dunmore East this morning and members of the public are advised to avoid the area for safety reasons. The Dunmore East to Ballymacaw cliff path is closed at Portally Cove until further notice due to the cliff landslip and the public are advised to please not cross through any barriers.

Major flooding was reported in Slieverue and one womans house was so badly flooded that Firefighters had to pump water out of her house.

Waterford City and County Council engineers are currently assessing damage to the road, pavement and bridge infrastructure and drainage systems across the county.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Councils Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Councils emergency services number.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Kilkenny County Council said yesterday that there is significant surface water on all roads and Kilkenny County Council have deployed all the road crews including the Fire Brigade where required to deal with numerous flooding issues across the county.

At about 5pm yesterday, Freshford Village was reported as impassable from all sides, and the Ardaloo Road in the vicinity of Threecastles Bridge was also impassable. Shortly before 4pm, a road was also reported as flooded between the villages of Villerstown and Aglish L2012, just outside Villierstown, at Bleach, County Waet

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:

Emergency 999/112

Uisce Eireann 1800 278 278

ESB Networks 1800 372 999

Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
Go Fund Me campaign set up to help bring beautiful Tullyallen native home for burial

Denise and her mum Deirdre on a visit to see her in New York.

The devastated family and friends of Tullyallen woman Denise Morgan have begun the unthinkable task of trying to raise funds to bring their beautiful girl back home.

39-year-old mum Denise Morgan, who was originally from Lavin Park in the village, was the daughter of Noel and Deirdre Morgan, and was fatally wounded in a suspected murder-suicide by a 33-year-old man in an apartment in Queens, New York, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Her heartbroken sister Shannon asked the Drogheda Independent to thank everyone who has been so supportive and generous in the days since the tragedy.

"We just want the world to know what an amazing person Denise was, says Shannon. And we really want to thank everyone for their generosity too.

A Go Fund Me page set up on Monday has almost reached the 30,000 target. The efforts have been organised by her cousin Alan Whyte, who says the whole family was broken with the tragic news of her death.

Denise was a loving mother, caring sister, and beautiful daughter. Her love for life was contagious, says Alan.

The news of her murder sent shockwaves through our hearts leaving a void that will never be filled; the circumstances surrounding her murder only served to deepen the tragedy, reminding us of the fragility of life and the need to come together in times of darkness. It is essential that we stand together and lend our support to those who need it most.

Denise, who was a former pupil of Tullyallen NS, had made her home in America in 2018, and worked in The Cottage Bar Restaurant in Forest Hills, New York.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said a man and a woman were found in Glendale, in the borough of Queens with gunshot wounds to their heads in the early hours of Saturday morning.

After shooting Denise, the man took his own life, and no one else is being sought in the tragedy, with neighbours reporting how they heard a man fighting with Denise seconds before gunshots rang out.

The NYPD said "a firearm was recovered in the vicinity of the deceased male". Officers were called at 02:44 local time (07:44 BST) on Saturday.

The man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene, and the statement added that the investigation remains ongoing.

Prayers were said in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in the small Co Louth village on Sunday morning and her sister Lisa paid a touching tribute to her older sister on social media.

No words can express the pain we are dealing with now, she said. In the blink of an eye our world has broken, and we are absolutely crushed. My beautiful sister has been taken from my life by such a heinous cowardly act. We will never get justice for this. We are absolutely heartbroken.

She was the kindest, most sweetest soul I know, and I cant believe Im writing this. Ive always looked up to her growing up and she carved me into the woman I am today and Im so proud to call her my sister.

"The world wont be the same without you in it. I will never get over this or be the same again.

Contributions can me made to her funeral costs on https://www.gofundme.com/f/5s9yzg-denise-morgan?bcrFallback=bcrFallback
As the war on Gaza continues to escalate members and supporters of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Sligo will hold a vigil outside Sligos General Post Office, on this coming Saturday afternoon (28th Oct) commencing at 3pm.

The event is one of a growing number of protests and event being organised nationwide to show solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine.

Calling for support for the vigil, Ms Aine Daly said The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become catastrophic since Israel cut off supplies of food, water, fuel and electricity, according to UN agencies.

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The Israeli military has continued to engage in widespread and indiscriminate bombing, killing over 5,000 people, nearly half of them children.

Civilian infrastructure has been decimated; homes, offices, hospitals, schools and universities have all been targeted, as have medics and journalists. One million people have been displaced. The health system is on the brink of collapse.

Entire families have been wiped off the face of the earth as a result of the constant bombing. This is a brutal form of collective punishment. The world is witnessing war crimes being committed by the Israeli regime.

Now a ground offensive seems imminent. Outrageously, all of this has been happening with the full backing and support of the United States and numerous E.U. states.

We must remember that Gaza, is only 6 miles wide and 25 miles long and is home to 2.3 million Palestinians, half of them children, who have been under an Israeli land, sea and air blockade since 2007.

We in the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign do not use this word lightly  but we concur with experts that there is the very real possibility of a genocide taking place if the world does not act to stop it. This is a truly horrifying prospect and in 2023 should be simply unacceptable.

There is no justification for the killing of civilians on any side. The Irish government must now use its voice and influence, especially at EU level, to call for an immediate ceasefire, including an end to the Israeli bombing, the lifting of the illegal siege of Gaza, to allow the provision of humanitarian aid, and the restoration of water and fuel supplies.

The Irish government must let the Palestinian people know that they are not forgotten and the justice of their cause is recognised. she said.
Members of the New Ross Pipe Band who took part in the National Services Day Parade on the Quay in Wexford town.

Members of the New Ross and District Pipe Band are once again packing their bags to travel to Brittany in France for a festival.

Having retuned from a ten-day visit to the Inter-Celtic Festival in Lorient, Brittany, in August , the band are this time travelling to take part in the Quiberon Breton festival. Quiberon is a small seaside town near the famed standing stones of Carnac.

30 members of the band will fly out on Friday night and return on Monday night so just a short festival on this occasion.

While there, the band will participate in a number of recitals both in Quiberon and in Carnac and on Sunday night they will present their Celtic Weave show to an audience of 500 in the towns theatre.

The band is being accompanied on this trip by local musicians Seamus Power (keyboard) and Paul Comiskey (guitar) and they will be joined in Quiberon by a Welsh musician friend, Derek Smith (electric guitar and vocals) .

Also travelling for the weekend will be the Planxty ORourke Irish dancers from Limerick.

Making their first overseas trip with the band will be the two youngest pipers in the band , Mai Donovan and Jakub Vesely - both 13 years of age.
A Ramsgrange man is one of five Chartered Engineers shortlisted for prestigious Chartered Engineer of the Year Award.

The professional title of Chartered Engineer, considered to be the gold standard of the profession, was established in Ireland over 50 years ago. Within the Republic of Ireland, Engineers Ireland is the sole authority to award the title, which is granted to professional engineers who, through a rigorous review process, have shown their ability to apply their professional competencies in the workplace.

Daniel Keating is attending the competition final being held in Engineers Irelands headquarters in Ballsbridge, Dublin, on Wednesday, October 18.

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Director General of Engineers Ireland, Damien Owens, said: I would like to extend my congratulations to Daniel and to each of the finalists on being shortlisted for this years Chartered Engineer of the Year Award and I would also thank Arup for their continued support of this award.

Originally from Haggard, Ramsgrange, Daniel is a Chartered Senior Structural Engineer at Arup.

With a strong interest in digital technology, Daniel was appointed as Digital Transformation Manager for Arups Buildings team in Ireland. In this role, he is responsible for the integration of digital solutions across our wide range of building projects.

Daniel advises on strategies to improve and automate processes for optimal outcomes on projects, through hands on assistance and digital reviews.

Commenting on his shortlisting, Daniel said: I am delighted to have been shortlisted for Chartered Engineer of the Year with Engineers Ireland. It is an honour to be included in such a strong group of nominees.

There are several people I would like to thank for helping me get to where I am. Firstly, thanks to my maths teacher Mary Carragher in Ramsgrange Community School, for inspiring me from a young age to study engineering. Thanks to my parents Nickey and Pauline Keating for their help and encouragement over the years. Finally, thanks to my Arup colleagues and friends for the ongoing support and guidance.
Wexford Gardai are appealing for information after an alleged hit and run incident involving a lorry just outside Wexford town on Tuesday morning.

The incident saw an articulated truck collide with a car near the main Rosslare Road Roundabout where the R730 and the N25 meet just before 8 a.m.

The driver of the car, who was on her way to work, was left extremely shaken and was further shocked by the fact that the driver of the truck failed to stop at the scene. The car was said to have sustained significant damage, but thankfully the driver was uninjured.

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The truck, which had a Dublin reg, is described as having a white cab with a brown container on the trailer and is understood to have been heading for Wexford town.

Anyone with any information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200.
Santa is set for a magical return to Wexfords quayfront this year as he, Mrs Claus and all of the reindeer get ready for another busy Christmas period.

The Santa North Pole Experience will run from November 30 to December 23 and tickets are now on sale.

An immersive adventure, kids will be welcomed by Santas elves and take a look around the big mans sleigh. From here, theyll enter Mrs Claus magical pantry where shell share her special secret recipe for reindeer food and the kids can make their own to take home and leave out on Christmas Eve.

After this, the main event! Santa will be waiting in his majestic library to meet all the boys and girls and there will be plenty of time to relax, chat and laugh at Santas collection of Christmas jokes.

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Children can ask Santa all the Christmas secrets they ever wanted to know and talk about their Christmas wish list before they get a small gift of their own to take home along with their very own certificate.

Santa will also give visitors a Golden Ticket to the final stop of the North Pole Experience  The North Star Cinema where you can cosy up and enjoy a family festive movie experience.

Speaking from the North Pole, Santa said: I am very excited to return to Wexford and to meet all the boys and girls again. Rudolph and the all the reindeer are getting ready for the long sleigh ride and along with Mrs. Claus, we cant wait to make the journey.

All trips to Santas North Pole Experience are wheelchair accessible and Santa and Mrs Claus can communicate via Lamh. Furthermore, visits can be adapted to suit anyone with sensory concerns, where volume levels throughout the experience are reduced and lighting is appropriately adjusted with no flash or strobe lighting.

Tickets for Santas North Pole Experience, brought to you by Lantern and supported by Wexford County Council, are now on sale now from wexfordwinterland.com.
Arklow Library will host a Halloween treats workshop with @thecoolfoodschool on Thursday, November 2, at 11 a.m.

Come make a Halloween treat with Deirdre from Cool Food School. There will be a sensory-friendly session at 12:30 p.m., just mention which session you'd like when booking. To book, call 0402 39977 or email arklowlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie

Bake Sale

Glenart College will be hosting a bake sale on Thursday, October 26.

Staff members are baking cakes, cookies, chocolates, pies, donuts cupcakes and so much more, so get saving for some tasty treats! This year, all money raised will go directly to their school musical.

Spooky arts and crafts

Come to Tinahely Library on Tuesday, October 31 for a 'Spooky Arts & Crafts' workshop.

There will be two time slots depending on age, with an event at 1 p.m. for ages up to 4 years and one at 3 p.m. for ages 5+. Booking is required. Phone 0402 38080 or email sivers@wicklowcoco.ie

Alzheimers Mobile Unit

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Mobile Information Unit will visit Rathdrum Library on Wednesday, October 25, from 10.30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit their on-board library and meet expert staff and branch volunteers to access information about dementia and services and supports in your area.

Ladies Night

Prestige Hair Studios and Bobo Boutique will host a glitz and glam ladies night at the Arklow Bay Hotel on Sunday October 29, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The fun filled night will feature spot prizes, games and more. Shop for bargains and support the small businesses, with demos on how to achieve the ultimate Christmas party night look!

Tickets are 25 or 200 for a table of 10 on eventbrite.ie

Art Competition

Arklow Credit Union is now accepting entries to the 2023 Credit Union Art Competition. Submit your entry at the credit union by Friday, October 27.
Professor John Heywood receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington from President of the American Society for Engineering Education, Professor Jenna P Carpenter.

Bray resident Professor John Heywood (93), who has lived in the town for almost 50 years, has been honoured with the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Lifetime Achievement Award  the first time a non-US national has ever received this award.

Prof Heywood was Chairman of the Board of Management of St Fergals NS in Bray and in 2015 led the process of amalgamating the junior and senior schools into one. He was Professor and Director of Teacher Education at Trinity College Dublin from 1977 to 1996.

During the 1980s and 90s he directed the Christian Brothers school technology projects in Ireland. The Christian Brothers established the Marino Curriculum Service with a view to undertaking research and development in new curriculum studies, especially technology, which he directed and which led Trinity to establish a national programme of in service education for teachers giving teachers working in rural areas the opportunity to study for diplomas and masters degrees locally.

Professor Heywoods main contribution to Irish society was in his work in administering the smooth transition from the Intermediate Cert to the Junior Cert in the early 1990s, a position to which he was appointed following his work in creating a multiple strategy examination for the engineering science A level exams in Britain.

Prof Heywoods papers relating to the Committee on the Form and Function of the Intermediate Certificate, the Curriculum and Examinations Board, and teacher education, have been deposited together with a commentary in the archive of Trinity Library.

He edited the first handbook for optical and radio observers of artificial earth satellites, which began his lifelong interest in the public understanding of engineering (technological and engineering literacy). He directed a pioneering study of what engineers do at work and in 2006 he was recognised by the American Educational Research Association with the annual award for the best published research on the professions (Engineering Education: Research and Development in Curriculum and Instruction).

His special interests are in the relationship between theory and practice in the professions (particularly in engineering, teaching and management), the public understanding of engineering and technology, and the philosophy and history of engineering education. Prof Heywood has authored or co-authored 200 publications including 20 books.

His latest book on the history of research in engineering education and public policy will be published by Oxford University Press later this year.

The ASEE is in its 130th year and to date only 10 of these awards have been presented.

The ASEE Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have retired or are near the end of their careers for sustained contributions to education in the fields of engineering and/or engineering technology.

The contributions may be in teaching, education, research, administration, or educational programmes, professional service, or any combination thereof.

The award was established by the efforts of the Lifetime Achievement Award Steering Committee created for the award by the contributions of ASEE Life members and like-minded, not-yet Member Fellows.

Prof Heywood received the honour in recognition of contributions to engineering education research and the development of engineering education as a field of scientific inquiry. He joined ASEE in 1962. He is is both a Life Member and Fellow.

In 2016 he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the worlds largest and most prestigious professional association for the advancement of technology for humanity.

The IEEE Fellowship is conferred on individuals with an outstanding record of accomplishment in an IEEE field of interest. It is a rare honour with only one-tenth of one percent of the organisations total voting membership receiving the accolade annually.

Born near Canterbury in England, Prof Heywood was educated during the Second World War years and in his late teens, he elected to join the British Merchant Navy where he trained as an engineer, after failing to make the grade for the Royal Naval examinations.

Six years with the service, as a radio engineer, saw him travel to many parts of the world, including the Middle East during the early years of the Palestinian conflict, and even to Korea at the height of the war years. He went on to become one of the foremost academic researchers in his field.

In 2005, Prof Heywood was awarded the American based Outstanding Research Publication award for his services to research in the field of Engineering and told the Bray People at the time his great retirement ambition would be to move to a villa in France to indulge his other passion  fine wine.

Id love to live in France, but I dont think I can afford it, he said. My hobby is wine, I take a great interest and Im very well read on it.

If you set me the masters of knowledge in wine, Id pass it. Id love to live in France, somewhere were theres wine. I think Burgundy is probably a better place than Bordeaux, he said.
Catherine Kit Walshe celebrating her 100th birthday in 2021 at her Donard home with her son Fr Willie Walshe.

There was great sadness in Donard at the passing of community stalwart Catherine Kit Walshe in her 103rd year.

Kit was well-known for her involvement in local community life and was also the mother of Fr Willie Walshe, who organised a charity walk through the Wicklow hills each year to assist his missionary work over in Kenya.

Kit passed away peacefully at her home in Donard on Wednesday, October 18, surrounded by her loving family and will be forever loved and very sadly missed by her loving sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends.

Kit was very much an active member of the local community and was a longstanding member of the ICA and Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri Eireann in Donard.

Kit was born in Coolamadra in the Glen of Imaal on August 5, 1921, and was the youngest child of seven. The Heaney family moved to Snugborough when she was aged two, and her father sadly passed away in 1925.

She spent a period studying nursing in Dublin, and ended up meeting her future husband Tom Walshe at a dance held in Poulaphouca. Kit then moved back home to look after her mother when she fell ill.

She and Tom married in 1945 and settled down in Donard village.

They went on to have nine children, two of whom sadly died in infancy. The remaining seven are Sean, Fr Willie, Maria, Breda, Pat, Helen and Kay.

Kit celebrated her 100th birthday in 2021 in style, with family and friends joining her as the occasion was marked with party balloons and bouquets of beautiful flowers. In her later years she enjoyed the Friendship Club, the Community Cafe and Baltinglass Day Care Centre.

Kits funeral mass was held in the Church of The Holy Trinity, Donard on Saturday and she was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

She was the beloved wife of the late Tom and much loved mother of Sean, Fr. Willie, Maria, Breda, Pat (OToole), Helen (Mahmoudian) and Kay (McNamara).
Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson willl star as The Doctor and Ruby Sunday (BBC/Bad Wolf/Disney/PA)

Sex Education and Loki director Kate Herron will team up with screenwriter Briony Redman for an episode of the upcoming series of Doctor Who, it has been announced.

The episode will air once Ncuti Gatwa has taken over as the fifteenth Doctor, over the festive period.

Herron and Redman have previously collaborated on a number of projects including their comic The Storkening as well as sci-fi show Miss Universe and short film Smear.

Herron, who directed on Netflix hit Sex Education and executive produced and directed Marvel series Loki, said: Clearly I cant get enough of time travel.

It is an absolute honour to write for Russell and Ncuti. We had so much fun and cant wait for you all to see it.

Redman has also worked as an actor and has written Welsh crime-comedy Pont Brec and short film Forget-Me-Not.

She added: As a big fan of Doctor Who and Russell T Davies, its been a dream to write on this show.

The series revamp sees Its A Sin writer Russell T Davies return as showrunner, the man behind the 2005 revival of the long-running BBC show, succeeding Chris Chibnall who introduced Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor.

Davies said: This is when I absolutely love my job. Working with the stellar talents of Kate and Briony makes my whole world bigger and brighter, and a lot more fun.

I was a huge fan of Loki and reached out to Kate to say so  she then introduced me to Briony, and it was all systems go.

Theyve written a wonderful script which created unique challenges for cast and crew alike. The end result is gorgeous and thrilling and scary, and not like any other episode of Doctor Who.

Russell T Davies returns as showrunner (Ian West/PA)

Sex Education star Gatwa will take over as the Time Lord after three specials air in November which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the sci-fi series.

The episodes will see David Tennant and Catherine Tate reunited but as the fourteenth Doctor and his sidekick.

Tennant originally starred as the 10th Doctor from 2005 until his final episode aired on New Years Day in 2010, with Tate playing one of his companions, Donna Noble, in the beloved BBC series.

They will return to their roles for three special episodes which will air on the BBC in the UK and Ireland in November, while streaming platform Disney+ will show episodes to audiences elsewhere.
Your personal finance questions: Will changes to the First Home scheme help me fund the building of my house?
Seriously ill or disabled children have told of growing in confidence and changing as people on a holiday of a lifetime in Florida.

The 191 young people from around the UK, many of whom had never been abroad or been away from their families, were flown on a free trip to Orlando by charity Dreamflight.
LATEST | Freed Israeli hostage says she has been through hell; UN chief cites clear violations of international law in Gaza

British Foreign Office to work for more hostage releases as British womans mother freed

Najib Jobain, Samy Magdy and Joseph Krauss Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 17:55







A freed Israeli hostage said she has been through hell in a spiderweb of underground tunnels during the 17 days she was held captive in Gaza by Hamas.
Hamas releases two more Israeli hostages as death toll soars in southern Gaza

Negotiations to get dwindling aid into war zone continue as Israel pounds region with unrelenting wave of airstrikes

A Palestinian man and his son, who were wounded in an Israeli strike, sit on the floor at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Nidal Al-Mughrabi Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 03:30







The armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas militant group said yesterday it had released two more female civilian captives on health grounds in response to Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts.
Berlin/IBNS: While it is not uncommon to find the Bengali diaspora celebrating the annual autumn festival of Durga Puja, most celebrations and rituals are often curtailed for various reasons.But not this puja in Berlin.

Organised by Ignite e.V., a non-profit organization with promotion of Bengali culture and traditions as one of its key objectives, Berlin Sarbojonin Durgotshob, which entered its third year, in 2023, celebrates the full five-day event, including rituals such as Kumari Pujo and Sandhi Pujo.

With a pan-Indian appeal, the festival organised in the Sri Ganesh Hindu Temple in the German capital, is open to all, and has been seeing a rise in footfalls every year, said the organisers.

This year, the festival is being held from October 20 to 24.

The festival this year was inaugurated by Ambassador of India to the Federal Republic of Germany, Parvathaneni Harish, who also launched the festival magazine issue called Pujo Barshiki.

Programme highlights include theme-wise cultural events on all days, food festivals with focus on Indian women entrepreneurs, etc.

Arijit Patra, one of the organisers of the puja, said the group, which was started in 2020,has access to 1,77,000 Indians settled in Germany.

"During the pandemic in 2021, our first Durga Puja attracted 2,000 visitors and in 2022 the footfall surged to 5,000 visitors. The celebration created a huge interest in the local German society as well. This year we expect to welcome 10,000+ guests to be part of the celebration," he said.
Photo courtesy: X/@CMO_Odisha

Bhubaneswar/UNI: A day after V K Pandian, Secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, took Voluntary Retirement from Service (VRS), he was appointed the Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiative) and Nabin Odisha with the rank of a Cabinet Minister on Tuesday.

An office order issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department said his newly assigned post is in the rank of Cabinet Minister.

Pandian will work directly under the Chief Minister, the order issued by Additional Chief Secretary of GA & PG department Surendra Kumar said.

Pandian applied for VRS on October 20 and his request was accepted by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions department of Personnel and training on October 23 with the waiver of the notice period as recommended by the state government.

Pandian, a 2000-batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, earier earned wrath of the Opposition that had accused him of misusing his post in the government.
Photo Courtesy: UNI

Several People's Democratic leaders and activists were detained or placed under house arrest ahead of the partys proposed anti-Israel and pro-Palestine protests, the party said on Tuesday.

There was no official word on these detentions.

Iltija Mufti, who is the media advisor to PDP president and her mother Mehbooba Mufti, said the party workers and leaders were being targeted selectively on one pretext or another.

We had chalked out a protest programme today to express our solidarity with Palestinian people who are being targeted collectively at the hands of Israel. Since last evening several leaders including party general secretaries even DDC members have been put under house arrest and some are lodged in police stations," Iltija said during a press conference in Srinagar.

She said after 2019, a worrying pattern had emerged where the PDP was first split at the behest of New Delhi and now when the party wanted to carry out a political activity or a peaceful protest, they were not allowed to do so.

"I want to ask the local administration as to why since 2019 you are consistently cracking down on PDP. You also denounce us anti nationals and the fact is that we we want to carry activities very peacefully," she said.

She said India also stands with Palestine cause from the beginning and they were surprised as to why authorities did not allow them to protest against Israel.

Our protest is not against our national interest. ..We believe in democracy and peace. It is our fundamental right to protest. Why is the J & K administration snatching this democratic right from us, she said.

Earlier, PDP spokesman said the party's senior vice-president Abdul Rahman Veeri, general secretary Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura have been kept under house arrest by the police.

Last week Mehbooba Mufti led a party protest against Israel in Srinagar. The administration also disallowed the congregational prayers for the last two Fridays at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar due to fear of possible anti-Israel protests.

(With UNI inputs)
Photo courtesy: UNI

Srinagar/IBNS/UNI: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that bombardment on Gaza must stop to save innocent people from getting killed.

The bombardment on Gaza must stop to save the innocent people who are being killed, Omar told media persons in Srinagar.

The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that the United Nations and other influential countries must play their role. Israel is being supported by the US, Britain, and other countries that is why the United Nations could not play such a role that we expect," the former J&K CM said.

"If the war escalates out of Gaza definitely it would have a direct effect on India. That is why we are saying the bombardment should be stopped and the war should stop," said he.

The NC Vice President said so many people from India are working in Arab countries.

Responding to a question about India sending humanitarian aid to Palestine, the former CM said, "There is nothing to hide, India from day one supported Israel. After seeing that innocent people are being killed in Palestine, they (India) announced to send humanitarian aid to Gaza that is equivalent to a drop in the ocean."

He said where hundreds of trucks were being allowed to enter Gaza daily, today even 20 truckloads are not being allowed by the Israeli forces.

"What would the population of lakhs would do with just 10-20 truckloads of aid," he said.
Photo Courtesy: UNI

Tamil film "Leo" director Lokesh Kanagaraj suffered minor injuries during a promotion programme organized by his fans at Aroma Theatre here.

Following the incident, Lokesh returned to Chennai at 1100 hours after cancelling his scheduled programme and press meet at Thrissur and Kochi, on Tuesday.

Hundreds of fans flocked to the Aroma Theatre to see the director of "Leo film" starring Vijay Thalapathy from 1000 hrs at theatre premises.

Police and security personnel also camped at the theatre premises to control the fans. However, due to the unprecedented rush of fans, police failed to control them.

Police cane-charged to disburse the fans. In the melee, Lokesh Kanagaraj suffered minor leg injury due to the rush of fans.

The scheduled promotion programme at Thrissur Ragam theatre at 1215 hours and 1700 hours at Kavitha theatre in Ernakulam and the press meet of Lokesh at Kochi in the evening was cancelled.

Later, Lokesh Kanagaraj wrote on his social media "X" " Thank you Keralites for your love, overwhelmed, happy and grateful to see you all in Palakkad.

Due to a small injury in the crowd. I would not make it to the other two venues at Thrissur and Kochi and the press meet.

I would certainly come back to meet you all in Kerala again soon. Till then continue enjoying "Leo" with the same love".

(With UNI inputs)
Some displaced families in areas of southern Gaza are adapting to conditions as best they can. Photo Courtesy: UNRWA

Hamas members have released two elderly Israeli hostages on Monday (October 23, 2023), media reports said.

The freed captives were identified as Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85.

They were released from Gaza into Egypt late Monday, and were then transferred to the IDF, which brought them to an Israeli hospital for examination, reports The Times of Israel.

At least 220 others  including the respective husbands of both women, Amiram Cooper, 84, and Oded Lifshitz, 83  are believed to still be held hostage by Hamas, the newspaper reported.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office also confirmed the release and posted on X: "Coordinator for the Captives and Missing Brig.-Gen. (Ret.) Gal Hirsch updates that Nurit Cooper (79) and Yocheved Lifshitz (85) were released by the Hamas terrorist organization."

"Following their handover to the IDF, they are en route to a hospital in Israel, which has been specially prepared to receive them, and where their families are waiting for them. We thank Egypt, for its assistance, and the Red Cross for their important role in saving lives," the office said.

The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has reached 4,137, and over 15,000 people have been injured, Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra said on Monday.

"The number of victims of the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip has reached 5,087, including 2,055 children and 1,119 women and 217 elderly people. Also, 15,273 citizens were injured," Al-Qudra said.

Meanwhile, Israel has said that it will not transfer any humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and will also prevent any uncontrolled supplies from other countries.

"Israel will not provide any humanitarian aid to Gaza and will prevent any unsupervised supply from others," the office was quoted as saying by the Haaretz newspaper.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food and fuel.

The blockade was later eased to allow trucks with humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured on both sides.
A ride in Turkey's hot air balloon, set against the enchanting backdrop of Cappadocia's dreamy landscapes, has become a coveted dream on every travel enthusiast's bucket list.

Cappadocia's enchanting beauty, with its whimsical rock formations and ancient cave dwellings dotting the landscape, provides a one-of-a-kind and captivating experience that attracts adventurers from around the globe.



Unsplash

Now, booking your dream hot-air balloon ride has become easier than ever.



How can you book the ride on Uber?

Unsplash

If you go to Cappadocia in Turkey, you can use Uber to book a hot-air balloon ride. Uber wants to do more than provide rides, so they're offering this service in Cappadocia.



How much does the ride cost?

According to Insider, the service started yesterday and will last until November. Users can use the Uber app to reserve an exciting hot-air balloon ride 12 hours in advance for 150 euros or $159 (approximately Rs 13,198). This reservation grants them a 1.5-hour sunrise balloon journey over the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia.

Why should you visit Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is famous for its ancient cave cities and historic churches, some of which trace their origins to the 10th century. This region is a significant draw for tourists in Turkey, with about 10% of the country's 44.6 million foreign visitors in 2022 selecting to discover the charms of Cappadocia, as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported.

In 2022, a report from the local booking platform Upballoon revealed that Cappadocia witnesses 150 hot-air balloon rides daily, reflecting the region's immense popularity for this breathtaking experience.

These rides align with Uber's goal to broaden its horizons, which Dara Khosrowshahi, the company's CEO, stated in 2019. Khosrowshahi expressed his desire for Uber to evolve into the "operating system for your everyday life," signifying the company's aspiration to expand beyond its initial ride-hailing services.

Unsplash

What other services do Uber provide?

Apart from hot-air balloon rides, Uber's ambitious expansion encompasses a wide array of services.

Users can already book Uber boat rides along the Thames River in London and the scenic waters of Mykonos in Greece. Additionally, options include booking autorickshaws in Sri Lanka and India and helicopter rides above the skyline of New York.

In a further stride, Uber introduced the capability to book flights for its users in the UK in May, as reported by Insider.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


Happy Dussehra 2023: Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India on October 24, 2023. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated in different ways across the country.

On this day Lord Rama killed Ravana, and Goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. That is why the day is also referred to as the 'victory of good over evil'. Since then, there has been a tradition of burning the effigy of Ravana every year on this day.

Why seeing a Neelkanth bird on Dussehra is considered auspicious?

People believe that doing certain things on Dussehra will bring them good luck. There is a very popular superstition that sighting a Neelkanth on Dussehra day will help absolve people of their sins. It is also believed that if a person sees a Neelkanth and makes a wish, the bird will take the wish to the similarly blue-throated Lord Shiva on Mt Kailash who will fulfil the wish.

Feathers of Fortune: Neelkanth Bird's Role In Dussehra Traditions | odishabytes

'Neelkanth' Bird, That Proved Lucky For Lord Ram In Killing Ravana

Sighting a Neelkanth  the Indian roller bird Lord Ram is said to have spotted as he embarked upon his journey to kill Ravana  is considered auspicious on Dussehra day. The Neelkanth, which is another name of Shiva, is revered by Hindus. In north India, there's a saying when people spot it: "Neelkanth tum neele rahiyo, dudh bhaat ka bhoj kariyo, hamri baat Ram se kahiyo (Neelkanth, you stay blue, feast on rice and milk and convey our wishes to Ram)."

When is Vijayadashami in 2023?

Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil in India. Interestingly, Dussehra in different parts of India is celebrated for different reasons. This year, Dussehra falls on the 24th of October. The Vijay mahurat is timed between 5:22 pm to 6:59 pm. This year, the Dashami Tithi will start from 05:45 PM on October 23, 2023, and will end on 03:14 PM on October 24, 2023.

What is the time of Ravana Dahan today?

The ideal moment for the burning Ravana effigies will be at 5:22 PM on October 24, 2023, which is calculated as 2:5 hours after sunset. However, in many locations, Dussehra or the burning of Ravana effigies will occur on the evening of October 23, 2023.



Dussehra 2023 Date And Time Dussehra 2023 Date October 24, 2023 Vijayadashami Tithi Starts 05.44 PM October 23 Vijayadashami Tithi Ends 03.14 PM October 24 Dussehra Shubh muhurat 01:58 PM to 02:43 PM Ravana Dahan Timing 05:22 PM to 6:59 PM

Places In Delhi To Watch Ravan Dahan

What is the significance of Dussehra 2023?

Dussehra is celebrated for various tales of the triumph of good over evil across the country. While one part of the country observes Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi as the 10th day of the month of Ashwin, many consider this to be Goddess Durga's victory over the evil demon Mahishasur. Meanwhile, another sect of the country celebrates Dussehra as the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravana after a long nine days' battle to free his wife, Goddess Sita. One of the reasons why Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashmi is to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga's battle against the demon Mahishasur, which concluded on the 10th day of Navratri.

Many observe Dussehra as the end of Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama. Hence, you will find a lot of theatre actors or play artists perform Ramlila on the said day. Interestingly, on the same day, Arjuna also managed to decimate about a lakh or more soldiers to defeat all the Kuru warriors which also include Bhishma, Drona, Ashwatthama, Karna, Kripa and more. Basically, Dussehra, with its various purposes, is eventually celebrated to commemorate the victory of dharma over adharma.

Dussehra 2023: Significance Of Vijayadashami, Rituals Ravan Dahan Timing And Celebrations Across India | Shutterstock

What are the rituals for Dussehra?

Shami Puja: Shami Puja is performed on the day of Dussehra to worship the Shami tree, which is believed to be an abode of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers to the tree and tie threads or pieces of cloth around its branches.

Aparajita Puja: Aparajita Puja is performed to worship Goddess Aparajita, who is another form of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers to the goddess seeking her blessings for victory over evil.

Ayudha Puja: Ayudha Puja is performed to worship weapons, tools, and instruments. This puja is especially performed by warriors, farmers, artisans, and others who use tools and weapons in their daily lives.

Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami is the culmination of the Navratri festival. On this day, devotees celebrate the victory of good over evil. People visit temples and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. They also burn effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil.

Sindoor Khela: Sindoor Khela is a ritual performed by married women on the day of Vijayadashami. Women apply sindoor (vermilion) on each other's faces and pray for a happy and prosperous married life.

Shastra Puja: Shastra Puja is performed to worship books and knowledge. Students and scholars perform this puja seeking the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.

Vidyarambam: In the Southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, the tenth day or Vijaya Dashami is also the day of Vidyarambam (beginning of study). People generally worship Goddess Saraswati,(Goddess of Wisdom), on Vijaya Dashami.

Durga Visarjan: In the eastern parts of the country, particularly in West Bengal, Durga Puja celebrations precede Dussehra. On the tenth day of the Pooja, that is, the day of Vijaya Dashami, idol of Goddess Durga is immersed into the nearby river or lake, by the devotees.

Dussehra 2023: Significance Of Vijayadashami, Rituals Ravan Dahan Timing And Celebrations Across India | Shutterstock

How many days do we celebrate Dussehra?

The 9 days are celebrated as Navratri and the tenth day is Dussehra. Dussehra also commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Rama, his brother Lakshmana and his monkey army fought a ten-day battle against Ravana and eventually emerged victorious.

Dussehra 2023 FAQs:

What is the significance of Dussehra?

Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil, with its roots in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana.

How is Dussehra celebrated in different parts of India?

Dussehra is celebrated with regional variations. In the North and West, it's marked by Ravana effigy burnings, while in the South, it celebrates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over Mahishasura.

What is the Ayudha Puja?

Ayudha Puja, observed mainly in Karnataka, is a day to honour and worship one's tools and instruments, recognizing their role in one's livelihood.

What is the significance of the Golu doll display in Tamil Nadu?

The Golu doll display is a cultural tradition in Tamil Nadu, where families arrange an elaborate exhibit of dolls representing various deities and aspects of Indian culture.

What message does Dussehra convey to society?

Dussehra conveys the message of the enduring triumph of truth, unity, and hope, inspiring people to stand up against injustice and evil.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Reunions have an incredible power to bring tears of joy, but when they occur after a staggering 76 years of separation, they become even more special. After 76 years of separation due to the partition, the heartwarming reunion of two cousins unfolded at the historic Kartarpur Corridor.

screenshot

This touching meeting, which was made possible through the power of social media, was announced by a Pakistani official on Monday.

Who are Mohammad Ismaeel and his sister, Surinder Kaur?

In their 80s, Mohammad Ismaeel and his sister, Surinder Kaur, made their way to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur from their respective cities in Pakistan and India, sharing an emotional embrace on a memorable Sunday.

An official from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) said that the administration at Kartarpur Sahib helped arrange the cousins' reunion and provided them with sweets and langar.

Ismaeel is from the Sahiwal district in Pakistan, Punjab, approximately 200 km from Lahore, while Kaur hails from Jalandhar. Ismaeel and Kaur's families used to live in Shahkot town, Jalandhar district, before the partition, but they were separated during the riots.

Ismaeel's story was shared on a Pakistani-Punjab YouTube channel.

Twitter

How did their reunion happen?

After seeing it, Sardar Mission Singh from Australia contacted Ismaeel and told him about his family members missing in India. Singh provided Ismaeel with Kaur's phone number, and the cousins talked.

Where did they meet?

They decided to meet at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib using the Kartarpur Corridor.

Their reunion was incredibly emotional, with heartfelt scenes unfolding.

Kaur and her family members from India also participated in religious rituals at the Gurdwara. The Kartarpur Corridor connects two significant places: Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province, where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is laid to rest, and the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

Indian Sikh pilgrims can use this four km-long corridor to visit Darbar Sahib without visas.

Also, see: Here's another heartwarming video of a reunion.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
The embassy of Greece in Lebanon issued a statement through which it recommends Greek visitors to leave the country.

Specifically, the announcement states:

Due to the evolving situation in the region, the Greek Embassy in Beirut recommends to Greek visitors who are not permanent residents of Lebanon

to leave the country.

The embassys announcement comes one day after the visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to Israel.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Given the current situation in the area, the Greek Embassy of Beirut recommends to all Greek visitors non-residents passing through and currently in Lebanon, to leave the country. pic.twitter.com/ZHyfJ5DwuW

 Greece in Lebanon (@GreeceinLebanon) October 24, 2023

Wider concerns

Similar recommendations were made by the governments of the USA, UK and Germany.

The three nations issued statements on Thursday as Israeli forces continued to exchange fire with armed groups in southern Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is the dominant force.

The US has issued an additional global alert to its citizens

We recommend that US citizens in Lebanon make appropriate arrangements to leave the country, the US embassy in Beirut said in a statement.

The US State Department, on the other hand, issued a global alert warning its citizens that tensions in the Middle East could increase the possibility of violent attacks against Americans.

The move comes as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza and fears grow that it will increase the risk of a wider regional war.
Talks were held in a positive atmosphere, noted the Greek Ministry of Migration & Asylum in its announcement.
The Supreme Court, on Monday, dismissed the appeal filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) challenging the Presidential Election Petition Courts judgement affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubus victory.

A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro chastised the APM lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, for bringing an appeal that he alleged was without merit.

The panel asked what the APM stood to gain by the appeal, citing this as one of the factors contributing to the overburden on the Supreme Court.

It said the appeal would amount to a total waste of time and an academic exercise since the party only wanted the apex court to state the law.

If we are idle, then maybe we will state the law. If there is nothing for you to gain from an appeal, you dont just come to court for interpretation.

If for instance that you win a case, there must be something to be gained from the victory. We have read your appeal, there is absolutely nothing in it. You are not asking for your candidate to declared winner or anything of such, all you want is for the President to be removed.

READ ALSO: Supreme Court Reserves Verdict In Atikus Petition Against Tinubu

If we remove the President, then what next? There are two other appeals here that are asking for something substantial, Jutice Okoro fumed.

Earlier, a member of the panel, Justice Emmanuel Agim, noted that issues the APM raised in its appeal, was previously decided by the Supreme Court.

We are not bound to hear every appeal. What you are asking us is to overrule ourselves. Did you not read our decision on the issue of double nomination, Justice Agim queried APMs lawyer.

Following the position of the panel on the matter, Mr. Machukwu Ume, SAN, withdrew the appeal and it was accordingly struck out.

The party had in its 10-ground of appeal, maintained its position that Tinubu was not eligible to participate in the presidential poll that held on February 25.

It argued that Tinubus running mate and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was nominated twice for different positions by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in relation to the 2023 general elections.
Tragedy struck on Monday morning in the Sango area of Ilorin, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State when a big tree suddenly fell and killed two persons and injured 10 others.

The incident was said to have happened about 8 am in the Sango area by the roadside near Baystar Petrol Station, opposite the Oke Adini junction of the town.

The Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin confirmed on Monday that two persons have died of injuries sustained from a fallen tree along the Zango-Kulende road in the state capital.

According to SP Okasanmi Ajayi, the spokesperson of the state police command: A branch fell off a tree in Zango. Seven persons affected were rushed to the hospital. Two eventually died; others are still undergoing treatment.

READ ALSO: UNILORIN Student Commits Suicide After Online Lover Fled With N500,000

The injured persons were rushed to a private hospital behind Baystar petrol station, while those with serious conditions were transferred to the General Hospital and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi.

Okasanmi said an investigation into the case is ongoing and the details will be made available as soon as possible.

It was further gathered that efforts were immediately put in place to ensure the safety of people in the area as saw millers were engaged to clear the fallen tree and the others standing side it.

Kwara State Government in a sympathy message said that it had directed that the victims of the accident be taken to the state general hospital for treatment.

A statement by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Mariam El-Imam, and signed by Press Secretary of the Ministry, Gbenga Falade said, The tragic and fatal incident followed the unprovoked falling of a large branch of a tree on passers-by, shop owners and commuters awaiting the next available vehicle.

In a swift response to distress calls received from the Oke-Andi (Oke-Adini) community following the unfortunate falling of a major tree branch on unsuspecting members of the community using the base of the tree as stalls and commuters awaiting the next bus, a team of experts were deployed from the state Ministry of Health to provide emergency care to the victims.

The team of experts led by the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Arigidi, was warmly received at the site of the incident by the duo of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam and the Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman; who had arrived earlier at the scene of the incident, part of the statement read.

The Commissioner further assured the public of the governments continued commitment to their well-being while praying for the speedy recovery of all the affected victims.
As part of efforts to reduce cost of governance, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has suspended with immediate effect, foreign travels by government officials from the state for the rest of the year.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Governors spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and made available to newsmen on Monday, in Osogbo.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the decision was reached at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held last Thursday, and foreign trips could only be used if there was a direct emergency and would be authorised by the state Governor.

Adeleke also urged cabinet ministers and all other administration members to show that they are willing to make personal sacrifices in light of the states dire financial circumstances by avoiding excessive spending.

READ MORE: Gov. Adeleke Imposes Curfew On Osun LGAs Over Land Dispute

The statement read: Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year are hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorised by the Governor.

The Governor directed the immediate suspension of foreign travels by top officials. He urged the application of virtual meetings for attendance and participation at international business and investment events.

We must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads.

Our needs from office to accommodation are much but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve.

While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and accommodating spirit.
A 39-year-old female soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko, has cried out about feeling so much pain, pleading with the Nigerian Army to discharge her from service.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that Nnamoko, who is currently serving in Ilese Barracks, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, alleged that she is psychologically imbalanced and losing her mind.

In an interview with PUNCH, the female soldier claimed that she had written over ten letters to authorities seeking voluntary discharge, but nothing has been done on her case.

She said: I am gradually losing my mind, I am psychologically imbalanced, and people are saying they want to book me for AWOL. I cannot go through that torture again. I want to leave the service.

The pain is too much. I want to be discharged from this job.

The last letter I wrote was on December 11, 2022, and the last batch of those discharged was on July 28, 2023, but my name was not there. Even those who had just written theirs and submitted it in January and February were discharged.

READ MORE: Army Rescues Six Abducted Female Zamfara Varsity Students

I have written more than ten letters to the Army asking for a voluntary discharge, but I have not been considered. I dont know what I have done.

Counsel for Nnamoko, Kayode Oshiyemi, disclosed that his client is going through emotional trauma, and the refusal of the Nigerian Army to give her a voluntary exit remains a mystery to them.

Osiyemi said: She is currently going through an emotional trauma. She has written three letters since after the first publication by The PUNCH on this matter. But why she is not being discharged is still a mystery to us.

Let them let her go, she wants to leave the service. She comes to my office crying every day. Please, let the Army discharge her freely, she wants out.

Speaking on the issue, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said there are terms and conditions regarding discharge.

He said: The Nigerian Army is not an Army of conscription. There are terms and conditions of service guiding the enlistment or commissioning, period of service and even discharge or retirement of personnel of the Nigerian Army. Once the personnel concerned meets these provisions for discharge or retirement, it will be approved.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Lagos election, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, has begged the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensem, to transfer the hearing of his appeal to Abuja.

In a letter dated October 23, 2023, Jandor said that the transfer would ensure fairness and objectivity devoid of potential meddling.

It was gathered that the notice was received on the same day at the office of the President of the Court of Appeal.

READ MORE: Jandor Files 34 Grounds Of Appeal Against Sanwo-Olus Victory

INFORMATION NIGERIA recalls that on the October 13, the PDP candidate filed a 34-page notice of appeal challenging the September 25 judgment of the State Election Petition Tribunal which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.

It was gathered that the 38-page document was filed by his legal team, led by Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN).

However, it was learnt that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour were all listed as respondents in the notice of appeal.
? Durante la inauguracion de la XI Semana de la Inclusion Social, la presidenta Dina Boluarte senalo que el Gobierno trabaja intensamente en reducir la pobreza, para lo cual debemos unirnos y esforzarnos todos. pic.twitter.com/ijdmhcaMyA
The Northern Elders have distanced itself from controversial Islamic scholar, identified as Sheikh Ahmed Gumi over attacks on President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In a statement released in Abuja, on Monday, the forum described Gumis statement as divisive and unhealthy for the nation.

According to the spokesman of the North-East Consolidated Peoples Forum (NCPF), Alhaji Abba Liman quoted the elders as saying: Gumis attacks were unprovoked, malicious, inciting and a deliberate misinterpretation of our history.

They also condemned the religious and ethnic incitement by those they considered as misguided elements and their sponsors in order to cause disaffection and disunity in the country.

The forum stated that such does not represent the collective view and interest of the North, and certainly not Nigerias interest.

Recall that Gumi last week attacked Wike for receiving the Israeli ambassador who paid the minister a courtesy visit in his office.

READ MORE: Your Comments Are Divisive, Irresponsible  PANDEF Knocks Gumi

The Muslim cleric had also condemned President Tinubu for appointing Wike as the Minister of FCT, calling on the President to sack Wike.

The cleric added that it was Christian soldiers who killed northern political leaders in the past.

However, the Forum disagreed with the cleric saying: We totally condemn such unprovoked divisive statements from a divisive element who is seeking to destabilize the peace and unity of our dear county, Nigeria, for selfish reason.

The utterance is toxic and it should not be accepted by any decent and sound-minded person who loves peace and our Nigeria.

The constitution of the federal public of Nigeria gives power and right to any Nigerian irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation to be appointed to any position of power as long as that person operates within the limits of our law.

What Nigeria needs now is a consolidation of its peace, unity and progress.

We caution profiteers of religious fundamentalism and ethnicity, as well as agents of destabilization and instability to desist henceforth.

We therefore stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike. We indeed stand with Nigeria and, of course, the Nigerian constitution for a better governance system for all Nigeria.
Popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has dumped African Democratic Congress (ADC) and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection was announced by the APC via a post on its X (formerly Twitter).

According to the post shared by the ruling party, Dikeh, who was the Rivers State deputy governorship candidate of the ADC in the 2023 election, was unveiled on Monday.

READ ALSO: Naira Marley Has Some Top Political Underdogs By His Side  Tonto Dikeh

The actress was unveiled by the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, at the partys headquarters in Abuja.

Recall that Tonto Dikeh was the deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State for the 2023 election.

She and her principal, Tonte Ibraye, lost the election to Siminialayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the ruling party in the state.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to brace up for defeat at the Supreme Court.

Information Nigeria had reported that the PDP in a statement said it confident of victory at the apex court.

Reacting in a Monday statement, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, said the PDP is deluded for thinking it could upturn the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court.

According to him, cases are won on grounds of credible evidence, not fabrications.

The PDP must also be thoroughly deluded to imagine that it can get through the court what it deservedly failed to get through the polls.

READ ALSO: Supreme Court Reserves Judgement On Obis Appeal Against Tinubu

Its claim that the election was manipulated against its candidate is both ridiculous and insulting to millions of Nigerians who voted massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Presidential Candidate, now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The PDP and its candidates desperate resort to blackmail, disinformation, misinformation and malicious falsehoods against the President and our great Party is intended to prospectively downplay what promises to be a spectacular and ignominious defeat that awaits the PDP and its nemesis of a presidential candidate, Morka said.

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP, is challenging the victory of Tinubu in the 2023 polls.

On Monday, a seven-member panel of the apex court, reserved judgement in the appeal filed by Abubakar and adopted the briefs of arguments.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgement on the appeal the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, filed to challenge the outcome of the February 25 presidential election.

A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Inyang Okoro, okayed the matter for judgement, after all the parties adopted their briefs of argument.

Obi and the LP, through their lawyers led by Livy Uzoukwu, SAN, urged the court to uphold the appeal and set aside the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, that dismissed their petition.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, through their respective lawyers, prayed the court to dismiss the appeal for want of merit.

The panel said it would communicate the judgement date to all the parties.

Obi, who came third in the election, had in his 51 grounds of appeal, maintained that the PEPC panel erred in law and thereby reached a wrong conclusion when it dismissed his petition.

He alleged that the panel wrongly evaluated the proof of evidence he adduced before it and occassioned a grave miscarriage of justice when it held that he did not specify polling units where irregularities occured during the election.

Obi and the LP further faulted the PEPC for dismissing their case on the premise that they did not specify the figures of votes or scores that were allegedly suppressed or inflated in favour of Tinubu and the APC.

They accused the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led PEPC panel of erring in law when it relied on paragraph 4(1) (d) (2) and 54 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2022 to strike out paragraphs of the petition.

APM Withdraws Appeal Against Tinubu After Supreme Courts Backlash

READ ALSO: Supreme Court Reserves Verdict In Atikus Petition Against Tinubu

While accusing the lower court of breaching his right to fair hearing, Obi insisted that evidence of his witnesses were wrongly dismissed as incompetent.

He told the apex court that the panel unjustly dismissed his allegation that INEC uploaded 18,088 blurred results on its results viewing portal.

More so, Obi, alleged that the lower court ignored his allegation that certified true copies of documents that INEC issued to his legal team, comprised of 8, 123 blurred results that contained blank A4 papers, pictures and images of unknown persons, purporting same to be the Certified True Copies of polling units results of the presidential election.

The learned justices of the court below erred in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice when they held and concluded that he failed to establish the allegation of corrupt practices and over-voting, Obi added.

He said it was wrong for the lower court to rely on the legal principle of estoppel to dismiss his contention that INEC bypassed its own regulations when it refused to electronically transmit results of the election from polling units to the results portal.

The petitioners addicted credible and substantial evidence, both oral and documentary, that proved substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 by the Respondents in the conduct of the election.

The court below overlooked that the Respondents failed to disprove the evidence of substantial non-compliance adduced by the petitioners, the Appellants stated, adding that the panel wrongfully dismissed the issue of double nomination that was raised against Tinubus Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

Likewise, Obi insisted that the PEPC overlooked evidence that established that President Tinubu was previously indicted and fined the sum of $460, 000 in the USA over his involvement in a drug related case.

Imposition of a fine is not limited to a criminal conviction, as the word, in law, includes a civil forfeiture, Obi further argued in his appeal.
As part of efforts to cushion the economic hardship on vulnerable Nigerians, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a humanitarian and poverty alleviation trust fund.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who presided over the weekly FEC meeting, conveyed the approval to the cabinet members in attendance at the State House.

Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, who briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said the fund is expected to garner up to $5 million annually.

According to Edu, there would be a governing board that would supervise the implementation of the fund.

She said the governing board will involve the minister for finance and other ministers that are relevant to the process.

This is a flexible form of financing that is supposed to help Nigeria adequately respond to humanitarian crises and challenges as well as adequately address the issue of poverty in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Student Reportedly Killed By Chinese Nationals In Philippines

This of course is a victory for the poor and indeed, would bring help and succor which the Renewed Hope Agenda stands for, Edu added.

Edu disclosed that the council also approved the ratification of the protocol on the protection of the rights of older persons in Nigeria.

We have signed up to the African charter and this has made us one of the countries within Africa that has approved that older people be protected and should not be discriminated against at any level.

And this gives them a lot of protection and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in their welfare and protecting their rights, she said.

Recall that in September, Edu, while speaking on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States announced the setting up of the fund.

Edu said 30 percent of the funding is expected to come from the Federal Government while the balance of 70 percent is expected from donor agencies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has filed a motion to stop the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other federal agencies from releasing documents relating to him, ahead of Supreme court verdict.

Recall that the United States investigative agency had said that it was planning to release confidential documents relating to President Tinubu in their databases before the end of October to Aaron Greenspan, the proprietor of PlainSite, a website that pushes anti-corruption and transparency in public service.

However, Bryan A. Carey, a legal representing President Tinubu in US filed the motion dated Monday, October 23, 2023, to stop the two federal agencies from releasing some confidential information to the public.

Tinubus lawyer informed the court that the defendants, the FBI and IRS, didnt have his interests in mind because the documents requested by the plaintiff, Greenspan, included the Presidents private documents, some of which are protected by the law.

READ MORE: Atikus Aide Blasts Tinubu Over Attempt To Stall Release Of FBI Files

Tinubu pleaded that he would be adversely affected should the U.S. Court for the Northern District of Columbia in Washington D.C. deny his motion to intervene in the matter.

Carey said: Mr Tinubu should be allowed to intervene because he has a direct interest in the records sought, his interests are not fully represented or protected by defendants, and his interests will be adversely affected if he is not permitted to intervene.

The lawyer also asked the court for a 30-day period to review all the files to ensure that his clients private and legally protected documents were not disclosed.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday told the business community at the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) that the countrys economy can grow to $1 trillion by 2026.

Speaking during the 29th edition of the summit in Abuja, Tinubu said a $3 trillion Nigerian economy is possible in 10 years.

Distinguished audience, a One Trillion Dollar Nigerian Economy is possible by 2026, and a Three Trillion Dollar Economy is possible within this decade.

We can do it with double-digit, inclusive, sustainable and competitive growth, he said.

READ ALSO: NSCDC Parades 76 Suspects Planning Same-Sex Marriage In Gombe

According to Tinubu, financing the countrys $3 trillion national infrastructure stock can be achieved in 10 years and not in 300 years.

I am confident that by working closely with all of you in the private sector, financing our Three Trillion Dollar National Infrastructure Stock can be achieved in 10 years and not in 300 years.

Building megacities in every geopolitical zone of the size and scale of Lagos must not take us another six decades. We can do it in ONE DECADE. A fully networked and connected Nigeria by rail, gas, fibre optics and road network can be constructed in less than 20 years, he said.
No fewer than two persons have been killed by suspected bandits during an attack on a mosque at the Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the culprits shot the Imam and one worshipper, identified as Kabir, with two others sustaining various degrees of injuries, identified as Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo.

It was gathered that the injured worshipers were said to be receiving medical attention at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.

A community leader, identified as Zubair Abdu Rauf, told the Punch that the incident occurred during the early morning prayers around 5 a.m on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Principal, Vice Arrested For Allegedly Flogging Student To Death In Kaduna

Abdu Rauf, who is the Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, added that the bandits attacked Birnin-Gwari communities almost daily, killing and abducting residents, especially farmers.

He said: Yes, an Imam of a mosque and two other worshippers were killed. It occurred around 5 am on Tuesday. Two other worshippers are at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.

The attack took place at Ga Allah Babba of Sabon Layi, an agrarian community in the Western part of Birnin-Gwari. These are areas neighbouring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.

We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari. Even on the Kaduna  Birnin-Gwari highway, people are being escorted by either security personnel or the vigilante. Two days ago, the bandits killed two people coming back from Kaduna.

The bandits attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed, but we need a change of strategy from them (security personnel).
When the leaves fall, the sky turns gray, the cold begins to bite, and were all yearning for a little sunshine, you know its time for InfoWorlds Best of Open Source Software Awards, a fall ritual we affectionately call the Bossies. For 17 years now, the Bossies have celebrated the best and most innovative open source software.

As in years past, our top picks for 2023 include an amazingly eclectic mix of technologies. Among the 25 winners youll find programming languages, runtimes, app frameworks, databases, analytics engines, machine learning libraries, large language models (LLMs), tools for deploying LLMs, and at least one or two projects that outstrip such straightforward descriptions.

If there is an important problem to be solved in software, you can bet that an open source project will emerge to solve it. Read on to meet our 2023 Bossies.

Apache Hudi

When building an open data lake or data lakehouse, many industries require a more evolvable and mutable platform. Take ad platforms for publishers, advertisers, and media buyers. Fast analytics arent enough. Apache Hudi not only provides a fast data format, tables, and SQL but also enables them for low-latency, real-time analytics. It integrates with Apache Spark, Apache Flink, and tools like Presto, StarRocks (see below), and Amazon Athena. In short, if youre looking for real-time analytics on the data lake, Hudi is a really good bet.

 Andrew C. Oliver

Apache Iceberg

Who cares if something scales well if the result takes forever? HDFS and Hive were just too damn slow. Enter Apache Iceberg, which works with Hive, but also directly with Apache Spark and Apache Flink, as well as other systems like ClickHouse, Dremio, and StarRocks. Iceberg provides a high-performance table format for all of these systems while enabling full schema evolution, data compaction, and version rollback. Iceberg is a key component of many modern open data lakes.

 Andrew C. Oliver

Apache Superset

For many years, Apache Superset has been a monster of data visualization. Superset is practically the only choice for anyone wanting to deploy self-serve, customer-facing, or user-facing analytics at scale. Superset provides visualization for virtually any analytics scenario, including everything from pie charts to complex geospatial charts. It speaks to most SQL databases and provides a drag-and-drop builder as well as a SQL IDE. If you're going to visualize data, Superset deserves your first look.

 Andrew C. Oliver

Bun

Just when you thought JavaScript was settling into a predictable routine, along comes Bun. The frivolous name belies a serious aim: Put everything you need for server-side JSruntime, bundler, package managerin one tool. Make it a drop-in replacement for Node.js and NPM, but radically faster. This simple proposition seems to have made Bun the most disruptive bit of JavaScript since Node flipped over the applecart.

Bun owes some of its speed to Zig (see below); the rest it owes to founder Jared Sumners obsession with performance. You can feel the difference immediately on the command line. Beyond performance, just having all of the tools in one integrated package makes Bun a compelling alternative to Node and Deno.

 Matthew Tyson

Claude 2

Anthropics Claude 2 accepts up to 100K tokens (about 70,000 words) in a single prompt, and can generate stories up to a few thousand tokens. Claude can edit, rewrite, summarize, classify, extract structured data, do Q&A based on the content, and more. It has the most training in English, but also performs well in a range of other common languages. Claude also has extensive knowledge of common programming languages.

Claude was constitutionally trained to be helpful, honest, and harmless (HHH), and extensively red-teamed to be more harmless and harder to prompt to produce offensive or dangerous output. It doesnt train on your data or consult the internet for answers. Claude is available to users in the US and UK as a free beta, and has been adopted by commercial partners such as Jasper, Sourcegraph, and AWS.

 Martin Heller

CockroachDB

A distributed SQL database that enables strongly consistent ACID transactions, CockroachDB solves a key scalability problem for high-performance, transaction-heavy applications by enabling horizontal scalability of database reads and writes. CockroachDB also supports multi-region and multi-cloud deployments to reduce latency and comply with data regulations. Example deployments include Netflixs Data Platform, with more than 100 production CockroachDB clusters supporting media applications and device management. Marquee customers also include Hard Rock Sportsbook, JPMorgan Chase, Santander, and DoorDash.

 Isaac Sacolick

CPython

Machine learning, data science, task automation, web development there are countless reasons to love the Python programming language. Alas, runtime performance is not one of thembut thats changing. In the last two releases, Python 3.11 and Python 3.12, the core Python development team has unveiled a slew of transformative upgrades to CPython, the reference implementation of the Python interpreter. The result is a Python runtime thats faster for everyone, not just for the few who opt into using new libraries or cutting-edge syntax. And the stage has been set for even greater improvements with plans to remove the Global Interpreter Lock, a longtime hindrance to true multi-threaded parallelism in Python.

 Serdar Yegulalp

DuckDB

OLAP databases are supposed to be huge, right? Nobody would describe IBM Cognos, Oracle OLAP, SAP Business Warehouse, or ClickHouse as lightweight. But what if you needed just enough OLAPan analytics database that runs embedded, in-process, with no external dependencies? DuckDB is an analytics database built in the spirit of tiny-but-powerful projects like SQLite. DuckDB offers all the familiar RDBMS featuresSQL queries, ACID transactions, secondary indexesbut adds analytics features like joins and aggregates over large datasets. It can also ingest and directly query common big data formats like Parquet.

 Serdar Yegulalp

HTMX and Hyperscript

You probably thought HTML would never change. HTMX takes the HTML you know and love and extends it with enhancements that make it easier to write modern web applications. HTMX eliminates much of the boilerplate JavaScript used to connect web front ends to back ends. Instead, it uses intuitive HTML properties to perform tasks like issuing AJAX requests and populating elements with data. A sibling project, Hyperscript, introduces a HyperCard-like syntax to simplify many JavaScript tasks including asynchronous operations and DOM manipulations. Taken together, HTMX and Hyperscript offer a bold alternative vision to the current trend in reactive frameworks.

 Matthew Tyson

Istio

Simplifying networking and communications for container-based microservices, Istio is a service mesh that provides traffic routing, monitoring, logging, and observability while enhancing security with encryption, authentication, and authorization capabilities. Istio separates communications and their security functions from the application and infrastructure, enabling a more secure and consistent configuration. The architecture consists of a control plane deployed in Kubernetes clusters and a data plane for controlling communication policies. In 2023, Istio graduated from CNCF incubation with significant traction in the cloud-native community, including backing and contributions from Google, IBM, Red Hat, Solo.io, and others.

 Isaac Sacolick

Kata Containers

Combining the speed of containers and the isolation of virtual machines, Kata Containers is a secure container runtime that uses Intel Clear Containers with Hyper.sh runV, a hypervisor-based runtime. Kata Containers works with Kubernetes and Docker while supporting multiple hardware architectures including x86_64, AMD64, Arm, IBM p-series, and IBM z-series. Google Cloud, Microsoft, AWS, and Alibaba Cloud are infrastructure sponsors. Other companies supporting Kata Containers include Cisco, Dell, Intel, Red Hat, SUSE, and Ubuntu. A recent release brought confidential containers to GPU devices and abstraction of device management.

 Isaac Sacolick

LangChain

LangChain is a modular framework that eases the development of applications powered by language models. LangChain enables language models to connect to sources of data and to interact with their environments. LangChain components are modular abstractions and collections of implementations of the abstractions. LangChain off-the-shelf chains are structured assemblies of components for accomplishing specific higher-level tasks. You can use components to customize existing chains and to build new chains. There are currently three versions of LangChain: One in Python, one in TypeScript/JavaScript, and one in Go. There are roughly 160 LangChain integrations as of this writing.

 Martin Heller

Language Model Evaluation Harness

When a new large language model (LLM) is released, youll typically see a brace of evaluation scores comparing the model with, say, ChatGPT on a certain benchmark. More likely than not, the company behind the model will have used lm-eval-harness to generate those scores. Created by EleutherAI, the distributed artificial intelligence research institute, lm-eval-harness contains over 200 benchmarks, and its easily extendable. The harness has even been used to discover deficiencies in existing benchmarks, as well as to power Hugging Faces Open LLM Leaderboard. Like in the xkcd cartoon, its one of those little pillars holding up an entire world.

 Ian Pointer

Llama 2

Llama 2 is the next generation of Meta AIs large language model, trained on 40% more data (2 trillion tokens from publicly available sources) than Llama 1 and having double the context length (4096). Llama 2 is an auto-regressive language model that uses an optimized transformer architecture. The tuned versions use supervised fine-tuning (SFT) and reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) to align to human preferences for helpfulness and safety. Code Llama, which was trained by fine-tuning Llama 2 on code-specific datasets, can generate code and natural language about code from code or natural language prompts.

 Martin Heller

Ollama

Ollama is a command-line utility that can run Llama 2, Code Llama, and other models locally on macOS and Linux, with Windows support planned. Ollama currently supports almost two dozen families of language models, with many tags available for each model family. Tags are variants of the models trained at different sizes using different fine-tuning and quantized at different levels to run well locally. The higher the quantization level, the more accurate the model is, but the slower it runs and the more memory it requires.

The models Ollama supports include some uncensored variants. These are built using a procedure devised by Eric Hartford to train models without the usual guardrails. For example, if you ask Llama 2 how to make gunpowder, it will warn you that making explosives is illegal and dangerous. If you ask an uncensored Llama 2 model the same question, it will just tell you.

 Martin Heller

Polars

You might ask why Python needs another dataframe-wrangling library when we already have the venerable Pandas. But take a deeper look, and you might find Polars to be exactly what youre looking for. Polars cant do everything Pandas can do, but what it can do, it does fastup to 10x faster than Pandas, using half the memory. Developers coming from PySpark will feel a little more at home with the Polars API than with the more esoteric operations in Pandas. If youre working with large amounts of data, Polars will allow you to work faster.

 Ian Pointer

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL has been in development for over 35 years, with input from over 700 contributors, and has an estimated 16.4% market share among relational database management systems. A recent survey, in which PostgreSQL was the top choice for 45% of 90,000 developers, suggests the momentum is only increasing. PostgreSQL 16, released in September, boosted performance for aggregate and select distinct queries, increased query parallelism, brought new I/O monitoring capabilities, and added finer-grained security access controls. Also in 2023, Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL added pgvector to support generative AI embeddings, and Google Cloud released a similar capability for AlloyDB PostgreSQL.

 Ian Pointer

QLoRA

Tim Dettmers and team seem on a mission to make large language models run on everything down to your toaster. Last year, their bitsandbytes library brought inference of larger LLMs to consumer hardware. This year, theyve turned to training, shrinking down the already impressive LoRA techniques to work on quantized models. Using QLoRA means you can fine-tune massive 30B-plus parameter models on desktop machines, with little loss in accuracy compared to full tuning across multiple GPUs. In fact, sometimes QLoRA does even better. Low-bit inference and training mean that LLMs are accessible to even more peopleand isnt that what open source is all about?

 Ian Pointer

RAPIDS

RAPIDS is a collection of GPU-accelerated libraries for common data science and analytics tasks. Each library handles a specific task, like cuDF for dataframe processing, cuGraph for graph analytics, and cuML for machine learning. Other libraries cover image processing, signal processing, and spatial analytics, while integrations bring RAPIDS to Apache Spark, SQL, and other workloads. If none of the existing libraries fits the bill, RAPIDS also includes RAFT, a collection of GPU-accelerated primitives for building ones own solutions. RAPIDS also works hand-in-hand with Dask to scale across multiple nodes, and with Slurm to run in high-performance computing environments.

 Serdar Yegulalp

Continues...
The coffin of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez leaves the cathedral following his funeral service. Mendez was shot and killed in a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport on Oct. 12. Read more

Mia Carrero stood at the front of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Tuesday morning, a replica of her fathers police badge hanging around her neck.

She looked out to the crowd of hundreds of law enforcement officers and city leaders who gathered to honor her father, Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez, who was shot and killed in the line of duty earlier this month.

Carrero, 19, recalled how, as her father left to begin his shift that night, she asked him: Can you call out sick? I want you to stay home with us tonight.

No, mami, he told her. He had to go to work. He kissed her on the cheek and headed off on what he did not know would be the last day of his life.

As he began his shift, Mendez and his partner attempted to stop a car theft at the Philadelphia International Airport, and a man came from behind and started shooting.

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Mendez, a 22-year veteran, was struck multiple times in his torso, and his partner, Officer Raul Ortiz, was shot once in the arm. Both were rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where Mendez died shortly after arrival.

 READ MORE: The Philly airport has no cameras in its parking garages, which caused challenges after Officer Richard Mendez was killed

In her eulogy, Carrero recalled the harrowing car ride as she and her mother raced to the hospital.

As we were driving there, Somewhere Over the Rainbow started to play, and I knew my daddy had left us, she said, her voice quavering. I knew we were too late.

It was, as Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford put it Tuesday, an unforgivable night.

Mendez is the third law enforcement officer to be killed in Philadelphia since 2015, and the second this year, after Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was slain under similar circumstances: pursuing a car theft, and shot by a young man with a gun.

The Oct. 12 shooting marked the 10th time that a law enforcement officer had been shot in the city since January  a harsh reality in a city where an escalating gun-violence crisis has spared few and touched many. Since 2020, more than 1,900 people have been killed in homicides in Philadelphia, the vast majority by guns.

On that tragic evening, Officer Mendez did what our citys first responders do each and every day, no matter the hour or the circumstance, Mayor Jim Kenney said during the funeral Mass. They leave their loved ones and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of Philadelphia.

Three young men from South Jersey have been arrested and charged in the shooting: Alexander Batista-Polanco, 21; Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, 18; and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 21. Police believe a fourth person  Jesus Herman Madera Duran, 18  was accidentally shot by his friend amid the melee. The group dropped him off at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, then fled, and Duran died a short time later.

Richard Carrero Mendez was remembered Tuesday as a thoughtful friend, loving father, and true hero to the city. He was born in Puerto Rico on June 22, 1973. In high school, he met his future wife, Alex. She was just 14 at the time and wasnt allowed to date, so he waited four years, until she graduated high school, to ask her out.

They quickly fell in love and got married. They moved to Philadelphia, and in 2000, Mendez enrolled in the Philadelphia Police Academy.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Stanford posthumously promoted Mendez to sergeant, a rank he now shares with his late father, who served in the New York Police Department.

In 2004, when the couple had Mia  their first and only child  Mendez took on the most prized role of his life: being a father. Mia Carrero said he was their rock, and always emphasized the importance of education. He regularly checked to make sure her assignments were done and proofread school essays. If she was ever flustered about an exam, he calmed her nerves. We got this, hed say.

Mendez pursued higher education on his own while working full-time  sometimes staying up to study until 4 a.m. In 2014, he earned an associates degree in business administration, and in 2016, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors degree in the same field. The following year, he was awarded his masters degree in business administration.

He planned to retire soon, his daughter said, and wanted to teach in his spare time.

Surviving without my daddy will be difficult for the both of us, but we know he wouldnt want us to give up, so we wont, she said.

Then, she spoke of Philadelphias ongoing crime and gun violence crisis. Her family, she said, had long feared that the citys escalating crime would touch them, and said criminals in the city are growing bolder.

The strongest man in my life  my hero, my life, my daddy  was taken from me, from us, she said. And I am unbelievably scared.

The basilica, filled with hundreds of family members and fellow police officers from across the region, was silent.

 READ MORE: Car thefts at the Philadelphia Airport have risen sharply since before the pandemic

After prayers were shared and scriptures read, the crowd slowly filed out of the cathedral. Mendezs casket, draped in an American flag, was rolled outside, where hundreds of his brothers and sisters in blue stood in salute.

As Mendezs body was loaded into the hearse, his family stood on the steps of the cathedral, their arms interlocked. The stirring sound of bagpipes, playing the Celtic song Danny Boy, echoed through the park.

Mia Carrero, holding back tears, looked up to the sky.

The procession pulled away from the basilica and headed toward Forest Hills Cemetery. There, Mendez was buried amid the rolling hills of Huntingdon Valley, but will forever be in the hearts of all who loved him.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. France is helping Armenia to improve its air defense capacity with the sale of three radars and an agreement on the future delivery of Mistral anti-air missiles, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Monday.

"The protection of the sky is something that's absolutely key," Reuters quoted Lecornu as saying during a joint news conference with Armenia's Defense Minister Suren Papikyan in Paris.

The two ministers signed off on the sale of three Thales-made GM 200 radars, which France has also provided to Ukraine, and signed a memorandum of understanding on the future delivery of France's Mistral short-range air defense system.

France will also help Armenia train ground defense forces and support the country's efforts to reform and modernize its military, Lecornu said.

"We stand by our defense relationship (with Armenia), even though we're not part of the same military and political alliances. It is based on the simple principle that you need to be able to defend yourself," Lecornu said.
A Philadelphia priest has admitted he sexually abused a 16-year-old altar server at a church in Andorra in what she described in court Monday as a nightmare.

The Rev. Armand Garcia, 54, pleaded guilty to corruption of a minor and unlawful contact with a minor in the abuse of the now-25-year-old woman, starting when she was 16 and an altar server at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in the Andorra neighborhood.

The woman said in court Monday that she went to the priest, whom she knew since she was 13 and who was a friend of her fathers, in 2014 to confide in him about a personal matter and he exploited her trust, eventually assaulting and raping her.

I was targeted, manipulated, and raped to the very end of my contact with him, the woman said in court Monday.

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Garcia was initially charged with rape in connection with the August 2014 incident, which prosecutors said he recorded..

The woman reported the assault after Garcia was transferred to St. Martin of Tours parish in Summerdale in 2017 when she was away at college. As part of Garcias plea agreement with prosecutors, the rape charge was dismissed.

In court Monday, the woman said she revered and felt that she could trust the priest as someone who would help her in a time of need. Instead, she said, he manipulated and sexually abused her, telling her that God had sent him to heal her.

The abuse caused deep and permanent harm, she said, hampering her ability to trust friends, family, and potential romantic partners, and interfering with her ability to pursue a nursing career.

I never wanted to lose my innocence at 16, she said.

Garcia, who was ordained in 2005, passed a background check and attended child-protection training programs that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia requires for all priests, a spokesperson for the archdiocese said.

Garcia is out on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced in January.
Science Leadership Academy Middle School sixth grader Aubrey Pearson waits with her father, Abdul Pearson, for their meeting with teachers during interim conferences day Wednesday Oct. 11, 2023. The school has moved to "grading for equity," a process where kids are graded differently - not penalized for late assignments or not understanding a concept the first time. Read more

Imagine school with no quizzes, where students redoing both assignments and tests is a way of life. Theres no extra credit, and less emphasis on deadlines.

Its called grading for equity, and its routine at Science Leadership Academy Middle School, a school for fifth through eighth graders in University City. SLAMS is the first Philadelphia public school to adopt the practice.

The idea is to eliminate nonacademic factors from grades, to focus on mastery, on deep and meaningful learning and assessments that are a true reflection of kids knowledge and dont give an advantage to any student over another.

On a Wednesday afternoon in mid-October, SLAMS sixth grader Aubrey Pearson and her dad, Abdul Pearson, met with Sarah Bower-Grieco, Aubreys adviser, for a formal interim conference  instead of a conference after grades are finalized in late November. SLAMS, which educates 360 students, got permission from the Philadelphia School District to shift its conferences as a key part of its equity grading move.

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When Aubrey, her dad, and her adviser met, Aubrey led the conversation, talking about her strengths, what she needed to work on, and set a course for how shell finish out the marking period while she still has plenty of time to affect her grade. She can retake tests and rewrite assignments as many times as she wants to during a unit.

I feel like its way better, said Aubrey, 11. Theres a lot of feedback, and if youre having a bad day or something is happening at home, you can retake a test. Now, I can see what I need to go in and change.

The move to equity grading was a mindset change, said Abdul Pearson, but hes impressed with how Aubrey is able to take charge of her learning, and now, Im kind of jealous, he said. When I went to school, we didnt have this option.

No bonus points for having a pencil

SLAMS opened in 2016 as a middle school patterned after Science Leadership Academy, the nationally acclaimed project-based high school in Center City. SLAMS kept the project focus, and has long steered students toward performance-based learning. Each teacher writes their own rubric so families have a clear understanding of class and grade expectations.

Weve never been a school that did homework, because we know that kids go home to wildly inequitable home situations, said Timothy Boyle, SLAMS principal since its inception.

Grading for equity was the next natural step in the schools evolution, Boyle said.

Schools have awarded grades in largely the same way for more than 100 years, and thats worthy of examination, said Boyle, who first learned about equity grading several years ago. The concept derives from the work of Joe Feldman, a former California teacher and administrator who wrote a 2018 book about the topic.

Traditionally, were grading an executive function skill if a student is on time with everything, said Michael Franklin, the SLAMS pre-engineering teacher. It was essentially saying, If you are arbitrarily able to do this skill by Tuesday, you got this grade. When you knew something was almost as important as how much you knew.

Think of it this way: Typically, grades are essentially an average of students performance over time, which works for well for students who get a concept from the beginning. But if a student starts out with lower grades, its tough to overcome early struggles, even if that student makes tremendous progress and ultimately masters the material as well as the student who got it right away.

That style of grading can perpetuate inequities: The student who got the concept from the beginning might do so because they had a family who paid for tutoring or something else that bolstered their educational background, and the student who struggled might do so because they lacked those resources. Assessing only how a student performs at the end of the learning process wipes away those built-in disadvantages, equity grading proponents argue.

Grading for equity also keeps student behavior out of the mix, as well as extra credit  assessment is only about a students grasp of the material in a certain time frame. (Students can retake tests or resubmit assignments as much as they like, within reason. You cant redo something in November from a unit your class moved on from in September.) If a student starts out with a C but moves up to a A, the final grade is an A.

Were not giving kids bonus points for having a pencil, or participating in class, said Boyle. We are actively building structures so that we know what kids can and cant do, and give them opportunities to get better at what they cant do yet.

Five weeks left to get it right

The move to grading for equity requires a real shift for everyone  students, parents, and teachers.

The Philadelphia School District recommends students receive three graded assignments per week; were not coming close to that, Boyle said. Marcie Hull, SLAMS veteran art teacher, cut down the number of projects students work on, from 10 to 5, and shuffled timelines.

Hull loves the move to conferences at the midway point of the marking period, not the end.

Its mind-blowing for them, said Hull. Its a total game-changer to sit in these meeting with kids and their parents and hear them say Wait, they have five weeks left to get it right?

Its a truer way of assessing students, but also a fairer way, not counting student behavior into the mix, Hull said.

It does take a teachers blind spots and biases and helps to stand them on their head, she said.

Its not always an easy sell; some parents cling to the traditional trappings of school and worry that equity grading waters school down. (The principal disagrees  getting a grade bumped up by random extra credit points doesnt actually reflect mastery of the subject, and as for hard-liners who ask, How does this prepare kids for the real world and jobs that will someday require them to get something right the first time?, Boyle says, this is middle school. The real world is really far off.)

Equitable grading can also be tough for your perfectionist kids, Hull said  those who are focused on points and grades and who may be off-put by not getting things perfect the first time.

The district is on board with grading for equity, said Tomas Hanna, associate superintendent of secondary schools.

Students are at the center of this work, Hanna said. Its such a good thing, to give our young people voice and agency in their work.

Others in grading for equity circles have likened the move to a physical versus an autopsy, and Franklin, the pre-engineering teacher, likes that comparison.

Were much more intentional with how were grading, what were grading, and providing feedback to students, Franklin said. I tell them all, I just want to make sure you understand the material as deeply as you can.
Most new restaurants need a clear identity to succeed. But labels come easier to some projects than others  especially in a neighborhood that stokes preconceptions. So, if I told you one of my new favorite restaurants was in the Italian Market, one might understandably guess that it served either Mexican or Southeast Asian food, two of the areas current strong suits, or a taste of the multigenerational Italian cooking that has given its name to a corner of the city still so vibrant with immigrant food stories.

Alice is none of these. Its a modern American restaurant and bar whose boundaries are only defined by chef and owner Dave Conns imagination, diverse experiences, and considerable skill. A charcoal-fired oven and seasonality are the elements that most define its menu, a free-flowing collection of variously sized plates that slide seamlessly from carpaccio and crudo to large format sharing platters without any of the old appetizer or entree demarcations that have long organized our dinners into tidy courses. Such labels can seem like such unnecessary formalities in todays restaurants, where the best meals simply flow, and sharing is encouraged.

Diners typically order between two and four plates per person at Alice, a casually elegant and airy corner space previously occupied by Sicilian-inspired Monsu. Its been redesigned with an open kitchen bordered by a 10-seat bar and 32-seat dining room just beyond decorated with understated earth tones, bare wood tables, and brown leather banquettes. The vivid colors come from Conns cooking, which draws from a global pantry of ingredients and techniques gathered over his two decade long career, from Indian-inspired flatbreads to hard-to-resist fresh cut french fries with shio koji, chermoula-marinated lamb, and a butterflied whole chicken with Burgundy truffles Im still thinking about.

In lesser hands, it could be a nonsensical fusion mess. But the Baltimore-raised Conn, 41, is one of the best chefs whose cooking many Philadelphians have eaten but never knew by name. He worked as a key player behind the scenes for a dozen years with Jose Garces (Amada, Tinto, JG Domestic, Garces Trading Co., Volver, and Iron Chef), followed by another six at Stephen Starrs El Vez.

I catch glimpses of many of those stops in Conns food, as well as homier Jewish influences and a love of farmers markets inherited from his late mother, Alice, for whom the restaurant is named. Her affinity for unpretentious hands-on eating experiences is evoked in the picnic vibe of the flavorful deep-fried organic chicken with house hot sauce and roasted Caraflex cabbage. (Which would have been perfect if my bird had been just a hint more tender.)

Conns first job as a teen was at an Indian restaurant in Maryland. Hes carried his love of naan with him, using a traditional recipe for the yogurt-infused dough in untraditional ways, flashing the pliant flatbread over the coals to be garnished with light but umami-powered toppings, from Spanish anchovy filets with confit leeks and Aleppo pepper, to the spicy eggplant cubes laced with oceanic bottarga.

Conns mission is to put great ingredients front and center  but I wish he was more determined to source locally. When he finds a product he values, be it baby greens from California or a special pig from Texas, he certainly does it justice. That even goes so far as daring to serve pork rare, a practice thats anathema to many Americans. But the domestic Iberico from pigs that have feasted on acorns is so delicious, its lightly cooked and richly marbled flesh is the star of one of Alices most distinctive dishes. A carpaccio of coriander-spiced presa cut from the shoulder is just kissed by the coals, then fanned into sheer slices beneath an herbal vinaigrette sparked with garlic chips, shallots, and mustard blossoms.

The top of Alices menu, partly organized by temperature from cold to hot (as well as increasing in size), is full of bright flavors and seafood. Salt Water Taffy oysters from Barnegat Bay are illuminated by a citrusy cucumber aquachile. Glory Bay salmon crudo is paired with a garlicky puree of sesame ajo blanco and an herbal green matcha sauce steeped from tea sourced from neighboring Function Coffee Labs. The green salad, a typically mundane dish Id usually pass over, caught my attention with its green garlic-buttermilk twist on Caesar, then kept me transfixed with crunchy artichokes showered with Parmesan.

Alice is at its height, though, when the charcoal hearths warmth is present, crisping Portuguese octopus marinated in piri-piri with Jimmy Nardello chiles and preserved lemon puree; turning thick chunks of foie gras into melty pads of richness over garlic toast with figs; heightening the deep savor of Wagyu culotte paired with parsley root puree and sweet huckleberry jus; or roasting half lobsters with nora chile butter before snuggling their sweet meat beside a pouf of coconut foam over roasted fennel.

A big burger is also a natural move for Conns Kopa oven from Slovenia, its charcoal firebox gifting a thick patty of dry-aged beef the smoky savor of a backyard cookout. With clothbound Cabot cheddar melting down its sides, drizzles of aioli and house BBQ sauce over tangy caramelized Vidalia onions, and a poppy-dusted Essen challah roll to frame it, this is a next level burger, for sure.

But it wasnt a given for Conns fine-dining instincts. Im glad the chef listened to his wife, Sarah Conn, who insisted he put that $19 burger on the menu to keep Alice from drifting too far into special occasion preciousness. Its the kind of relatively more affordable option for a menu that hits the $30 range and above for larger plates, and helps this ambitious corner retain a measure of spontaneous neighborhood appeal, given that the copious sidewalk seating and bar framing the open kitchen already generate a friendly, casual energy.

The thoughtful cocktails also help stoke that vibe with drinks built around a signature ingredient. Those include the ashwagandha honey paired with tequila and pineapple for the Pura Miel; charcoal-roasted sea salt for the brown buttered rum; absinthe to energize the ginny Green Hour; and the artichoke savor of Cynar in the King Vidi, a boulevardier twist named in honor of Frederick Vidi, a former chef and the contractor who helped realize Conns vision to install a live fuel hearth for his restaurant. Even the glassware has a personal touch. Drinks are served in the beautiful, swirl-textured coupes handblown by Conns childhood friend, Evan Kolker.

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The service team overseen by general manager Robert Scully, another Tinto alum, nicely balances personable warmth with professional polish, ably guiding diners through the smart list of 29 wines, mostly natural, food-friendly, and half of which are refreshingly available by the glass. As a result, theyve cultivated best-selling options out of uncommon selections like a crisp ugni blanc (Rimbert), a pet-nat riesling (Piu-Piu), the wild red fruits of a Cali sangiovese (Stolpman), or silky Chilean pais (Cacique Maravilla).

Either of those reds would work well for the chermoula-spiced lamb (tasty, but not a great value at $42 for a two-bone chop) or what might be the best reason to come to Alice, a whole Poulet Rouge chicken for two ($65). This uncommon heritage breed bird from Joyce Farms in North Carolina comes spatchcocked and largely boneless, save for its two wing bones. It balances maximum flavor with minimized cooking time, the brined chicken flash roasted over the coals to a golden crisp in just 12 juicy minutes flat, served alongside earthy wedges of hakurei turnips and a storm of fresh-shaved truffles. Its rustic and luxurious at the same time, and easily among Phillys sexiest new destination chickens. (The slate-colored earthenware plates with raw clay edges from Connecticut artist Jane Herold echo that aesthetic.)

When it comes to dessert, Conn is one of the few savory chefs with a start-up restaurant whose desserts arent a letdown. Alice turned out a perfect Bosc pear tarte tatin drizzled in bourbon caramel, an upside down blueberry cake (for summer), and a series of worthy house-spun ice creams  one infused with Ultimo coffee and toffee; and another scoop with blackberry pie mixed in, crust and all. None, though, is quite as dreamy as the frosty steel coupe of absinthe ice cream, a grown-up take on mint chocolate chip infused with the herbal anise liquor, stylishly crowned with a grooved cloud of Chantilly dusted in cocoa.

Once my absinthe coupe was scraped clean and I eagerly packed the rest of my truffled chicken to go, I realized Conn had achieved something difficult in an era where branding is king. In a neighborhood often typecast for a few specific genres of dining, hes created a restaurant that defies easy categorization. But it succeeds because this unsung chef is finally doing it his way in his long overdue ownership debut  and whatever he cooks happens to be delicious.

Alice Restaurant

901 Christian St., 215-798-6766; alicephiladelphia.com

Dinner Tuesday through Sunday, 4:30-10 p.m.

Main plates, $19-$42 (large format shared items, $65-$75).

Street parking only.

Not wheelchair-accessible. There are two steps at the entrance, although bathroom is wheelchair-accessible.

About 75% of the menu is gluten-free and all but two items can be modified.
The coveted window seat at Marc Vetri's Fiorella in the Italian Market in South Philly, in June. Fiorella made the New York Times list of the 25 best restaurants in Philadelphia. Read more

The New York Times is out with its list of favorite restaurants in Philadelphia, as part of its Where to Eat: 25 Best series.

As the Times is writing for an international  or at least New York  audience, there are few surprises to those who follow the Philadelphia restaurant scene. Philadelphia readers may insist that their favorites have been overlooked as the Times writers have included a breadth of cuisines and price points. Such lists are conversation-starters, anyway, and are purely subjective.

Fourteen of the Times top 25 are in South Philadelphia. As one Times reader commented: Seems to heavily favor the hip South Philly scene without exploring the whole city.  But Im glad it focuses on just this crowded area with no parking, keeping tourists in one part of town. For that matter, only four restaurants are located in the rapidly growing Fishtown-Kensington area, while six are in Center City.

 READ MORE: Where to eat and drink in Philadelphia: The Inquirer's 2023 Dining Guide

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The list includes a few sleepers, such as Ambra (the $300-a-head Italian boite in Queen Village from Southwarks Chris DAmbro and Marina de Oliveira) and Illata, Aaron Randis yearling BYOB in Grays Ferry (hosting a dinner party five nights a week).

Fiorella, Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamins cozy pasta bar in a former South Philadelphia butcher shop, is included, but not their much-honored flagship, Vetri Cucina.

Kalaya, chef Chutatip Nok Suntaranons Thai hit, is on there, as is the nearby Middle Eastern destination Suraya  both operated by Defined Hospitality. Mike Solomonov and Steve Cooks Zahav and Laser Wolf were included. Vernick Fish, Greg Vernicks seafood restaurant at the Comcast Technology Center and Four Seasons Hotel, is on there but not his flagship, Vernick Food + Drink. Theres My Loup, Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemps French newcomer near Rittenhouse Square but not Shulmans Her Place Supper Club.

As Mason said to Dixon, You have to draw the line somewhere.

 READ MORE: Doro Wot, an Ethiopian restaurant, is among the NYT picks. Learn more via Craig LaBan's "TastePhilly" newsletter.

On the more casual side are Danny DiGiampietros Angelos in Bella Vista (the lone nod to the citys famous Italian sandwich and pizza scene) and Matthew Cahns Middle Child in Washington Square West.

Absent are populist and popular restaurants by other larger operators such as Starr Restaurant and the Schulson Collective.

Friday Saturday Sunday near Rittenhouse Square  honored this year as the James Beards outstanding restaurant  made the list, though the blurb says restaurateurs Chad and Hanna Williams have managed a feat that few others have: maintaining a beloved neighborhood haunt while finding national renown. In fact, FriSatSun is another restaurant entirely from the version that Weaver Lilley and friends created in 1973. The Williamses redid it from top to bottom, soup to nuts, maintaining only the name and bricks.
New Jersey regulators fined Promedica Skilled Nursing & Rehab  Washington Township $196,000 for not having enough staff on 196 days, mostly this year, according to a notice published last week by the New Jersey Department of Health.

Nursing home surveyors found evidence of understaffing during inspections on Sept. 30, May 1, and Feb. 24 of this year, as well as during an inspection on July 1, 2022, according to the notice dated Oct. 18.

The state health department did not include further details in the penalty notice. New Jersey requires nursing homes to have one certified nurse aide for every eight residents during the day shift, one direct care staffer for every 10 residents during the evening shift, and one direct care staffer for every 14 residents overnight.

The 120-bed nursing home at 378 Fries Mill Rd in Sewell has a one-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the lowest performance level under the governments quality rating system. Officials there did not respond to requests for comment this week.

In March, New Jersey regulators received an application for a transfer of the facilitys ownership from Promedica to a company called Sewell SNF Operations LLC, which is owned by Moshe Sonnenschein, Schlomo Goldberger, Pinchos Bak, and David Herzka. Its not clear if that transaction has closed.
On Monday, nurses held an informational picket outside of Suburban Community Hospital, shown in a 2018 file photo, as part of contract negotiations with owner Prime Healthcare. Read more

Nurses are holding rallies outside Prime Healthcare hospitals in the Philadelphia suburbs in an escalation of their unions negotiation tactics. The contracts for the roughly 200 nurses who staff Suburban Community Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital both expired on Oct. 12.

Contentious issues during the negotiations have centered around the unions demands for increased staffing and better benefits to help retain staff, according to the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, or PASNAP, which represents nurses in both hospitals.

Based in Southern California, Prime Healthcare is one of the largest for-profit hospital systems in the U.S., with more than 40 hospitals in 16 states. In Pennsylvania, Prime hospitals include Philadelphias Roxborough Memorial Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital. Suburban Community Hospital is also part of the Prime system, but it is owned by the companys nonprofit arm, Prime Healthcare Foundation.

Prime has been negotiating with the PASNAP locals representing nurses at Suburban Community and Lower Bucks over new collective bargaining agreements since early September. Michelle Aliprantis, a spokesperson for Prime, said in a statement that the company is hopeful they will come to an agreement soon.

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While we are disappointed that the union has elected to move forward with picketing, we respect their right to do so as part of the negotiation process, Aliprantis said in an e-mailed statement. We look forward to reaching an agreement that benefits our employees and all those we serve.

 READ MORE: Nurses who staff Temples outpatient clinics escalate negotiations with lawsuit as their contract expired

Health care benefit dispute

On Monday, nurses gathered with supporters outside Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown holding signs that read Its Prime time to respect nurses. Nurses at Lower Bucks will hold a similar informational picket Monday.

Shannan Giambrone, an ICU nurse who has worked at Suburban Community for 23 years, said that a key issue is the health care plan that Prime offers to the nurses employed by the systems hospitals. Prime requires its nurses to seek care at Prime facilities, she said, but in recent years has cut services making it harder to access care. When they go out of network, nurses have challenges getting reimbursed.

We struggle to find providers that Prime considers in-network, Giambrone said.

Just last month, Prime laid off more than a dozen nurses and therapy professionals who staffed a behavioral health unit at Suburban Community, WHYY News reported. A Prime spokesperson said that the unit is not closed, but hospital staff told news reporters they are unable to admit new patients to the unit and refer them elsewhere instead.

Giambrone said the nurses negotiating demands are reasonable.

We arent asking for an exception to the rule, she said. We are just asking to be treated fairly.
OTG employees with Unite Here Local 274 and their supporters picketed at the Philadelphia International Airport in February. The union has said it reached an agreement for a new contract with OTG last year, but the company says there was no contract. Read more

Food service workers at two restaurants in the Philadelphia International Airport, who are employed by the company OTG, have voted to authorize a strike if their union negotiating committee deems it necessary.

The decision comes as the union has gone over five years without an active contract. And the union says its 16 months after workers and OTG reached an agreement on a contract that would include free health care, significant wage increases, back pay, more paid time off, and holiday pay for all workers.

A spokesperson for OTG said that there has never been an agreement, and that the union is spreading false information.

Our crew members and their families are OTGs top priority, and thats why our contract proposal has included pay hikes, retroactive bonus payments, additional vacation and sick days as well as the most comprehensive health benefits in the business, the OTG spokesperson said. We are committed to reaching a deal with our crew members, and look forward to continuing negotiations.

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Forty employees of Independence Prime and 41 employees of Local Tavern, which are located in Terminals B and F, respectively, voted on Friday.

Their union is Unite Here Local 274, and it also includes about 150 other people who work at the other 13 Philadelphia airport restaurants that are operated by OTG. While the contract dispute affects all 235 OTG-employed members, the strike would only include Independence Prime and Local Tavern employees.

Prime and Local are [two of] the busier restaurants. [OTG] cant afford to shut them down, said Musa Jabateh, who has worked full-time at Independence Prime for about three years. Jabateh, who has two children, said he has struggled without health insurance from his employer, which he thought he was going to get through the new contract.

Jabateh said he was present when the union negotiated with OTG management in 2022 on terms including wages and health insurance. I was in the room when they agreed to it, but they refused to implement it, Jabateh said.

Unite Here says workers bargained with OTG for four years and reached an agreement in mid-June 2022. Workers voted to accept those terms a week later. Local 274 president Rosslyn Wuchinich said that she has emails from OTG leaders acknowledging the agreement on contract terms and that workers voted to ratify it.

They then waited months to see the changes go into effect. In December, OTG told union representatives that there had been no agreement.

The union has been picketing for months, and filed multiple unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.

The vote took place throughout the day Friday, with 95% of the workers authorizing the negotiation committee to decide whether and when to call a strike.

Were not just standing up for ourselves; were standing up for everyone at PHL, said Michael Lagansky, a server at Local Tavern, noting that many workers cannot afford to pay for health care at the rates their employers offer.

OTGs nonmanagement workers unionized in 2014 and got their first contract in 2015. It expired in 2018, and theyve continued to work under the 2015 terms since then. The union and OTG management bargained on and off for several years to reach a new contract.

In the meantime, airport workers across various employers have won better pay through city legislation. That allowed OTG workers to see their wages increase even though their contract had expired, but the contract they thought they had reached last year would have included additional raises.
Qasim Rashad, president of the United Muslim Islamic Center, speaks during a news conference to denounce recent vandalism outside of the mosque. Read more

Someone vandalized the United Muslim Islamic Center in South Philly last week, according to its leaders.

Photos posted on the mosques Facebook page Thursday show the windows and doors covered in white lettering, graffiti insulting Muslim men and womens intelligence. A senior citizen community across the street not associated with the mosque was similarly vandalized with anti-Muslim messages, according to the mosques leaders.

The incidents come amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has spurred protests and shows of support locally for Israel and Palestinians. Both Jewish and Muslim communities across the country have reported being targets of possible hate crimes in recent weeks, ranging from doxxing and vandalism to attacks and homicide.

 READ MORE: How Philly-area residents and organizations are reacting to the Israeli-Gaza conflict

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We cant dismiss this as a mere coincidence, said Qasim Rashad, president of the UMIC, Monday at a news conference held in front of the mosque to condemn the vandalism.

The rhetoric and anti-Islamic speech that is in the atmosphere, people are imbibing it and people are acting upon it.

Rashad said security footage showed only one person was responsible for the vandalism. He said the contents of the writing contained incoherent thought patterns that led him to suspect the culprit was not in the right state of mind. One scribbled message said read your Torah, though Rashad said there was no indication the suspect was of the Jewish faith. Police said they are investigating the vandalism.

 READ MORE: Thousands rally for Israel, denounce Hamas attacks in march through Center City

Rashad was joined by Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who also attended a rally last week hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, State Rep. Jordan Harris, and Salima Suswell, the executive director of Muslim American civic engagement group Emgage. They denounced anti-Muslim and Islamophobic rhetoric, which Suswell said is reminiscent of the period following the 9/11 attacks.

Painful inflammatory and irresponsible language is being used against our community opening old wounds and making us feel unsettled and afraid, she said.

She pointed to the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Chicago-area Muslim boy as evidence of the dangers of Islamophobia.

 READ MORE: Palestine supporters in Philly protest media coverage of Israel-Hamas war

Harris said members of all houses of worship deserve to feel safe and advocated for additional funding for the states Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, which would allow vulnerable houses of worship to ramp up safety measures.

The fund was created after the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh and a bill passed out of committee last week allots $5 million more in funding for the program, according to the Penn Capital Star.

With neighbors listening in from across the street, Johnson, Harris, and Suswell promised to stand with the UMIC, which Rashad vowed would continue leaving its doors open to the neighbors who have come to rely on it for food and community over the last 17 years.

Whats more, Rashad opened the mosques doors to the culprit.

We say Islam is a religion of peace, thats just not a cliche, he said. Thats what it is. So we would extend a welcome to this person to talk to them.
Urban Outfitters is selling several older iPod models from the 2000s and billing them as "vintage" and "retro." Read more

Check on your millennial friends today. Urban Outfitters is calling their old MP3 players vintage.

Recently, the trendy fashion retailer for teens and young adults started selling discontinued models of Apple iPods for steep markups.

The companys website is featuring a variety of iPods, from classic to mini, from the early aughts listed for hundreds of dollars each. And those of us who used these bad boys when they first dropped are feeling a little sensitive about it all.

On X (formerly Twitter), users described feeling distraught by the retailers latest vintage designation.

One listing for a fourth-generation iPod Classic from 2004 calls the device a genuine piece of vintage retro tech and says its the perfect blend of new millennium design with modern features.

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A blue, first-generation iPod mini from 2004 appears to have sold listed for $199.

This is not the first time URBN  which opened its first store in West Philadelphia in 1970 and is based at South Phillys Navy Yard  has dipped a toe in selling secondhand goods. The companys Urban Renewal brand sells an assortment of self-proclaimed vintage clothing, furniture, and accessories through Urban Outfitters.

Earlier this year, the company opened Reclectic, aiming to reach Gen Zers interested in secondhand shopping by offering clothes from URBN brands at hefty discounts.

 READ MORE: You can get 60% off Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters products at this new Philly store

In this case, the iPods  as well as other tech listed on Urban Outfitters website  are sourced by Retrospekt, a Milwaukee-based business that restores and sells Polaroid instant cameras and other vintage electronics.

Some critics online say the companies resale values for the iPods are too high. Other resale websites  like eBay and Etsy  are selling similar iPods starting at around $35.

But Retrospekt says its goods are refurbished and restored with new batteries and additional memory capacity.

Younger generations pivoting to analog or less technologically advanced devices  like iPods  is not a new phenomenon.

As they embrace Y2K trends, falling in line with fashions cyclical nature, many in Generation Z  those born between 1997 and 2012  are also turning to wired headphones, CDs, and film cameras.

And while iPods, which were introduced in 2001 and officially discontinued in 2022, are digital, they only hold the songs that have been uploaded to them, compared to todays phones with access to endless streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Fans of the older devices say they are a more intentional way to consume music.

 READ MORE: You can now get a $78 Repo Records T-shirt at Free People locations across the country

Gen Z has grown up in the digital age, theyve been surrounded by smartphones, computers, social media, and technology, Arun Babu, who manages Fujifilm Indias optical devices and Instax division, told Elle. While millennials had to adapt to technology over a period of time, Gen Z has had exposure from the start of their lives. Therefore, while millennials are enamored by new technology, Gen Z is driven to experience something more real.

Babu also suggested flip phones could return in popularity, a trend analysts have been anticipating for years.

But Urban, this millennial begs of you, when you inevitably start selling my Blackberry Pearl from 2006, please dont mark it up for hundreds of dollars.
A bell forged in 1909 and stolen from the Pleasantville, Atlantic County fire station has been located. It can be seen on the far right, suspended about 10 feet above the ground, on a tower. Read more

The Pleasantville Fire Department is trying to look on the bright side now that its missing historic copper and tin bell has been found and returned.

Yes, the thief went at it hard with an angle grinder, presumably to sell for scrap, but Battalion Chief Eric Moran said the bells scars and cuts will just become a part of its history.

That worked out for the Liberty Bell, he told the Inquirer on Tuesday morning.

The heavy bell, forged in Ohio in 1909, was being stored behind the fire department in the Atlantic County town while a new stand was being built. Firefighters realized it was missing last week. A Facebook post about the disappearing bell was shared more than 13,000 times.

Moran said numerous tips came in about the bell, and one of them led investigators to a home in Pleasantville. The bell, he said, was covered in the side yard of a home.

Its not in the condition we would have liked. Theres lots of scratches and its cut in three pieces, he said. They were in the process of breaking it down.

Moran didnt know whether charges were filed in the bells disappearance, and detectives with the Pleasantville police department did not immediately return requests for comment Tuesday. Last week, Moran said he was more concerned with the bells return than criminal charges.

Now were looking to do some repairs and move forward with the memorial, he said. Now it has a different story to it, something unique.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Upon the invitation of H.E. Mr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in presence of H.E. Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, the second meeting of the 3+3 regional platform was held on 23 October 2023 in Tehran.

The foreign ministers issued the following joint communique after the meeting:

The Ministers:

1- Taking into account the importance of developing friendly relations between countries based on mutual interests and good neighborliness, they emphasized in this regard the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, non-interference in internal affairs, prohibition on the threat or use of force and respect for human rights based on all the principles of the United Nations Charter.

While expressing their views on various international issues, they discussed the most significant issues in the region and emphasized the importance of platforms like the Consultative Regional Platform "3+3" in providing opportunities for constructive dialogue and establishing mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries of the region that have the primary role in this regard. Highlighted the positive impact of the economic cooperation on strengthening mutual trust, the well-being of nations and the stability of the region. Emphasizing the importance of cultural cooperation, people-to-people contacts and joint projects in the field of education, science, tourism, culture and sports. In order to enhance lasting peace and economic development of the region, they will strengthen bilateral and multilateral consultation and interaction. Welcoming the ongoing processes of normalization and development of relations between all the countries of the region. While positively evaluating the results of this meeting, they reaffirmed the openness of this Platform for equal participation of Georgia. The Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Gaza. They emphasized the need for immediate termination of targeting innocent civilians. The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Turkiye and the Russian Federation thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the good reception and successful holding of this meeting.

With an assessment of the regular meetings of the 3+3 Regional Platform in expanding and strengthening the environment of trust and cooperation in the region, they agreed that the next meeting will be held in Turkiye on a date that will be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

October 23, 2023  Tehran.
Hailey Olmeda, a server at the Gateway Diner for more than a year, works behind the counter and a stack of menus during breakfast service Sunday, the diner's final day of operation after more than 32 years. The owners announced the news on Facebook on Friday, citing "the Westville Route 47 Bridge project and eminent domain." Read more

For more than 30 years, South Jerseys Gateway Diner has been a landmark along Broadway in Westville, Gloucester County. Generations of patrons and travelers have walked through the doors for a meal and conversation, but Sunday marked a bittersweet end for the beloved restaurant.

In a Facebook post made Friday, the restaurant announced that 9 p.m. on Sunday would be the restaurants last serving, citing construction of the Westville Route 47 Bridge and the states acquisition of the property through eminent domain as the cause for closure.

Every sacrifice and attempt has been made to keep our doors open, especially for our loyal employees and customers, the post said. Through the years you have all become like family to us. We would like to thank you for your loyalty and patronage and offer our sincere apologies.

The diner property is located near Route 47 and a bridge over Big Timber Creek between Brooklawn and Westville  a span the New Jersey Department of Transportation plans to replace. The bridge, built in 1928, is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete, according to state records. NJ.com reported that the state wants to widen the bridge and elevate a nearby road to mitigate damage from potential flooding.

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Steve Schapiro, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation, told NJ.com that the diner will be demolished in order to build a drainage basin and utility infrastructure.

He said the project is expected to begin later this year, NJ.com reported. Under New Jersey law, state and local governments must pay fair market value for property taken by eminent domain. The state transportation agency didnt return messages Sunday, and details about the sale couldnt be determined.

Owner Angelo Poulos said Sunday the project has loomed for more than five years. But in recent months, the decision to close the restaurant became more real, he said.

They announced that they were going to take the property and fix the bridge in the road, said Poulos, who owns the restaurant with partners Angelo and Dimitrios Frangos. And with all the appraisals from both sides, and the contracts and negotiations, everythings been signed and finalized. The time has come.

Longtime patron William Barnett, whos been eating at the diner for decades, said the closing of the restaurant is just wrong. Its a New Jersey landmark. The state takes what it wants, but its wrong and this place will be missed.

About 40 customers stood outside Gateway Diners doors by 8:45 Sunday morning. As patrons walked inside, hostess Kylie Buechlein said, Good morning. Its about a 25- to 30-minute wait. Some turned away, but most chose to wait for a final meal at the revered restaurant.

When Charles Gubler and his wife, Maureen, moved to Westville 18 years ago, he said they came into the Gateway Diner for breakfast one day and never left.

Its been their go-to spot every Sunday since their arrival, and theyre sad to see the place close its doors after so many memories. The owners are great people, Charles said. Its very sad and devastating to see it go.

The waitresses are the best, Maureen added. We met a lot of good friends here. And even like ... people we never knew before. They come every Sunday, the same people, so I dont know where Im gonna go now.

Theodore Davis, whose grandfather started the Gateway Diner, said its upsetting to see the place go, especially under the circumstances. But seeing how many people came out for their final goodbyes has been a joy. I didnt know what to expect, he said, but this was awesome to see. I know friends that have come here on a regular basis for years, and this was like their comfort place.

With tears in his eyes, Joseph Reiber looked back on his memories inside the diner. Hes eaten at the restaurant twice a week for the last 25 years. Its like family, the longtime patron said. I dont know what other diner to go to.

While saddened by the restaurants closure, Poulos said the support hes received from patrons has been overwhelming.

We spent 30 years here grinding and working, and weve developed real relationships with these people, he said. Theyve been loyal patrons.

Poulos said there are no current plans for a new restaurant, but Reiber is hopeful Poulos welcomes him back to a sprawling eatery sometime soon.

Staff writer Andrew Seidman contributed to this article.
Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School senior Cayla Waddington (center) heads back to school with classmates across North Broad Street from School District headquarters on Oct. 11, after they walked out in protest. The school, which has operated for nearly a quarter of a century, will close at the end of the school year. Read more

Attention: Can an adult  any functioning adult  please report to the office of Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School on North Broad Street?

Thats any grown-up, in all of Philadelphia, please report to MCSC now. Thank you!

I had hoped that after the initial confusion following founder Veronica Joyners announcement that she was retiring, and closing the school she started 25 years ago, there would be some clarity over the decision that has left 900 students scrambling.

That some adult somewhere in this city would step in  you know, for the children, that oft-used rallying cry so many use while doing very little for the children.

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But things at 447 N. Broad St. have only gotten more chaotic since Joyner said the charter would close in June because no one could fill her shoes.

Also because how dare the Philadelphia School Districts Charter Schools Office offer MCSC a one-year renewal instead of its typical five-year renewal after the school failed to meet academic and operational standards?

Desperate to get answers to conflicting stories about the schools upcoming closure, students organized a protest last week. It was their second.

 READ MORE: Charter school students use critical thinking skills to call out the mess of their schools closure | Helen Ubinas

The first, held shortly after Joyner confirmed the news on Oct. 10, was mostly met with support from the founder; they were showing love for their school, she said.

But Joyner wasnt feeling the love the second time around, and after about 20 students walked out of school during their lunch period, others were physically barred from leaving by school employees blocking doors.

Note: One protest, good. Two? That goes on your permanent record.

You are not to disrupt this school, said the woman who has single-handedly disrupted the school.

When asked about the incident by my Inquirer colleagues, Joyner said, There was nothing going on here. There were a few kids that decided to leave. We let them leave.

In short, Nothing to see here!

Except two weeks after kicking everyone to the curb, there remains much to sort out at the charter school. And so far, members of the schools board of trustees who could step in have seemingly vanished.

Missing: Lamar Waples, Ronald Johnson, Spencer Hill, Lisa Sawyer, Nyne Sellers, and Charles Witherspoon.

If found, please direct them to the many people who would love a word.

(Blink twice if youre not allowed to speak, friends.)

For anyone not following the drama, Joyner has claimed on numerous occasions that the MCSC board voted months ago to close the school. A meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2. But the last official meeting minutes on the schools website date back to 2020, so I guess shed like us to take her word for it.

In fact, Joyner expects us to take her word on a lot:

That theres a succession plan, even though closing a school isnt a succession plan.

That she cares about nothing more than her students, despite making this decision to shut down the school just two weeks before the districts deadline for high school applications.

That potential profit isnt at play here, despite her plan to sell the school building, owned by an organization she controls.

That shes not abusing her power while a bunch of adults just stand by, including the Pennsylvania lawmakers who wrote a weak sauce charter law that allows this to happen.

And if you dont think these children, these students, arent seeing right through the complicity and hypocrisy, listen to what Cayla Waddington has to say.

 READ MORE: Watch this Philly teens reaction to getting into college. He says hes one of many success stories deserving of viral attention. | Helen Ubinas

Waddington, a senior and student organizer at the school, has been at MCSC since first grade. She hasnt always agreed with Joyners decisions  she started a petition to overturn an antiquated school rule to allow female students to wear pants.

But she was grateful when Joyner stepped in with the $5,000 Waddington needed to attend a summer program at Yale, and she respected Joyner.

As a young Black woman who has already felt the sting of the angry Black woman stereotype when speaking passionately about issues she cares about, Waddington could appreciate the obstacles that Joyner often shared about being a Black woman on a mission.

But thats only made Joyners behavior feel like a bigger betrayal.

She effectively became what she fought against, Waddington told me.

After another conversation with Joyner, where Waddington said that in addition to refusing to answer questions, she berated students for not being grateful for all shed done for them, Waddington went home and turned to her diary.

She tried to make sense of the behavior of many of the adults around her who preach the virtues of fighting for what you believe in  until its inconvenient for them.

Among the things the MCSC senior wrote down:

Never become that.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it carried out strikes against some 400 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip over the past day, and killed several field commanders.

According to a statement issued by the IDF, the recent strikes focused on Hamas staging grounds across the Gaza Strip.

The IDF said it also hit the entrance of a Hamas tunnel on the Gaza coast and command centers overnight.
Readers can nominate someone or put their own name forward for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious list.
Storm surge: To maintain insurance, new builds in flood-prone areas must be constructed above the base flood elevation, with ground floor height emerging as a key predictor of storm surge risk. Buildings not meeting the current code incur annual average damage (AAD) costs just under double those in compliance, while buildings surpassing current codes experience AAD costs nearly 10 times lower than those below code.

Wind resistance: Building codes emphasizing advanced construction techniques and materials for enhanced wind resistance have, since the 1990s, reduced expected AAD costs associated with intense winds by more than sixfold for standard family residences.

Projections: These reductions in calculated AAD from storm surge and wind resistance risks remain consistent when looking ahead to 2050. This implies that the costs of implementing adaptation measures can yield significant dividends over the course of a 30-year mortgage.

With over half of the global population residing in cities, and an additional 2.5 billion people expected to join them by 2050, according to United Nations estimates, the need for adaptation measures in urban centers cannot be overstated. Some of the fastest-growing US cities are the most exposed to physical climate hazards, facing rising perils in a warming climate.
We are thrilled to be joining forces with an established industry leader such as USI, known for their best-in-class resources and industry expertise, said Jim Cavanah, president of Cavana Associates. Our valued clients throughout Hawaii will continue to benefit from the local, personalized service they have come to expect from Cavanah Associates, and we look forward to introducing them to USIs expanded suite of innovative solutions and expertise with a continued focus on helping grow and protect their businesses and personal interests.
A Connecticut appeals court has revived a wrongful death claim that tests a narrow exception to the state law that makes workers compensation the exclusive remedy for most workplace deaths and injuries.

Harold Dustos estate blames his death on mesothelioma caused by decades of exposure to asbestos working for product manufacturer Rogers Corp. at its facility in Manchester from 1970 until 2002.

Dusto accuses the employer of knowing about but not informing Dusto or other employees of the risks of asbestos; downplaying the number of employee asbestos-related claims; violating federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards; igoring the results of asbestos level tests and employee health screenings, and other conduct that created a dangerous workplace.

Rogers Corp. has argued that it is entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law because the claims against it are precluded by the exclusivity provision of the states workers compensation act.

Connecticut courts have recognized a narrow exception to workers compensation as an exclusive remedy where the employee can prove that the employer intentionally created a dangerous condition that made the employees injuries substantially certain to occur.

In its 2018 opinion in Lucenti v. Laviero, the Connecticut Supreme Court adopted four factors that should be considered in determining whether a plaintiff has satisfied the substantial certainty test: (1) prior similar accidents related to the conduct at issue that have resulted in employee injury, death, or a near-miss, (2) deliberate deceit on the part of the employer with respect to the existence of the dangerous condition, (3) intentional and persistent violations of safety regulations over a lengthy period of time, and (4) affirmative disabling of safety devices.

A trial court granted Rogers Corp. summary judgment after it concluded that the Dusto estate had failed to demonstrate a genuine issue of material fact to satisfy the substantial certainty test and defeat the exclusivity provision.

The trial court applied the Lucenti factors to the evidence. It found that there were only nine known asbestos related workers compensation claims in the Manchester facility and thus a fact finder could not reasonably determine that Rogers Corp. had knowledge of similar accidents during the 1970s and early 1980s. Regarding deliberate deceit, the trial court noted that although Rogers Corp. may not have been entirely forthcoming, there is evidence that it began to implement safety measures in the 1970s. Regarding safety violations, it found one OSHA violation in 1975. The final factor, affirmative disabling of safety devices, the court found it did not apply to the case.

Accordingly, the trial court concluded that Dusto had failed to raise a genuine issue of material fact regarding the substantial certainty exception to workers compensation exclusivity and Rogers Corp. was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Dusto appealed.

A state appeals panel has now reversed that summary judgment ruling. The appeals court concluded that Dusto had demonstrated the existence of a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Rogers Corp. subjectively believed that its conduct was substantially certain to result in injury to its employees. As such, the case should go to a jury, the appeals court said, overruling the lower court.

The appeals court found that the trial courts conclusions that there were some instances in which the asbestos levels were above OSHA limits; that Rogers Corp. may have downplayed the significance of potential health consequences of asbestos; and that Rogers Corp. may not have completely complied with federal safety standards do not reflect an examination of the evidence in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, as required for summary judgment.

The appeals court said the plaintiff satisfied the Lucenti factors. It noted that the evidence showed that Rogers was aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure before Dusto joined Rogers Corp.; approximately 10 Rogers employees had filed asbestos related claims by the early 1980s, and several had developed respiratory issues; Rogers Corp. failed to comply with OSHA standards regarding asbestos exposure levels into the late 1980s; Rogers Corp. did not inform its employees of the risks of exposure to high levels of asbestos, or that those levels were frequently revealed by testing at Rogers Corp. facilities; Rogers Corp. misled the union and its customers as to its compliance with OSHA standards; Rogers Corp. violated several federal safety regulations pertaining to working with asbestos, perhaps most notably, its failure to implement a respiratory program and provide its employees with proper respiratory protection.

While all of this was happening at Rogers own facilities, it was admonishing others in the industry that, if they were not able to comply with OSHAs requirements, they should not engage in the handling or production of asbestos related materials due to the risks that asbestos exposure posed to their employees, the appeals court further noted.

The appeals court said it recognized that a fact finder could review the evidence and come to the same conclusions as the trial court did but those conclusions are not so clear that Rogers Corp. was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The appeals court found there is evidence for reasonable inferences to the contrary.

Choosing which of these competing inferences to draw is the province of the jury, the court concluded.

Topics Workers' Compensation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Connecticut
A Target store store in Irondequoit, New York is not responsible for an injury claim brought by a customer who slipped and fell on a puddle on the floor because its employees were not aware of the hazard and, even if they were, the hazard was only there for 10 minutes, which was not enough time for them to remedy the condition.

The puddle had been created by another customers dripping umbrella about 10 minutes before Ceclia Lopez slipped and fell on it and injured her knee. Lopez claimed that Target could be inferred to have been given notice because an employee had been speaking with the customer with the umbrella.

However, the federal district court for western New York found that video evidence showed neither that interacting employee nor others in the store observed the dripping from the umbrella onto the floor. Also several people including Lopez herself walked by the same spot without observing the water or slipping prior to her accident.

Lopez failed to show that the employee saw the actual hazard and not just the alleged source of the hazard. Thus the store did not have notice of the condition. The court agreed with Target that Lopez did not show that the wet condition of the floor was visible and apparent prior to her fall.

Furthermore, the court found, the time between the umbrella dripping and the plaintiff slipping was a mere 10 minutes, which the court said was not enough time for Target to remedy the condition even if it had known about it. Ten minutes does not constitute an appreciable period of time, the court stated.

[T]here is nothing from which a reasonable fact finder may infer that Defendant was aware of the condition prior to the accident, nor that Defendant was aware of the condition with sufficient time to remedy the condition as is required to find constructive notice, the court concluded in dismissing the claim against the retailer.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Mineola, New York-based Rosenzweig Insurance Agency, Inc.

Rosenzweig Insurance Agency is an insurance broker with pharmacy expertise serving small and medium-sized businesses.

Larry Rosenzweig, Lynn Rosenzweig Derby and their team will remain in their current location and operate as part of Gallagher Agency Alliance under the direction of Jen Tadin, managing director of Gallaghers Global Small Business practice.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Gallagher Agency Alliance is a newly-launched merger & acquisitions model targeting agencies that specialize in small business property/casualty insurance and employee benefits.

Arthur J. Gallagher is a global insurance brokerage headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions New York A.J. Gallagher
The city of Philadelphia has released a notice about a cyber incident that occurred in May and July involving personal health information.

On May 24, 2023, city officials initially became aware of suspicious activity in its email and launched an investigation, with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists, to determine the nature and scope of the event. The investigation is ongoing.

However, to date, the investigation determined that between May 26, 2023 and July 28, 2023, an unauthorized actor may have gained access to certain email accounts and information. On August 22, 2023, the city became aware that the breach included email accounts that may contain protected health information.

The city did not report the number of emails or individuals affected.

The information affected varies by individual but may include name, address, date of birth, social security number, and other contact information; medical information, such as diagnosis and other treatment related information; and limited financial information, such as claims information.

The city says it will work to confirm the identities and contact information for potentially impacted individuals and provide notice through a written letter.

The city said it is also reviewing its existing policies and procedures and implementing additional safeguards to further secure information. It has also reported the event to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity to their insurance company, health care provider, or financial institution.

Topics Cyber
Executive summary: Tony Buckle and John Carolin, co-founders of the boutique insurance consultancy UWX, analyze underwriter motivation during the soft phase of the market cycle. While average market prices are the hardest seen in years, some price softening has begun to occur. Buckle and Carolin argue that perhaps now is the time to understand underwriting behavior during soft market phases. In the second article of this two-part series, Buckle and Carolin will discuss performance management across the cycle.

While discussing soft market underwriting may seem ill-timed given current strong results and hard market conditions, there are worrying signs that underwriters are beginning to chase market share in certain specialty classes.

Consider this recent observation from Patrick Tiernan, chief of markets at Lloyds of London, about the D&O line of business: I think we are all running out of adjectives to describe the moronic underwriting approach being adopted by some elements of the market. (Q3 Market Message  Lloyds (lloyds.com) at 4.49 minutes)

It is a refrain being echoed by others.

As a result, we believe now is the right time to review what happened in the most recent soft market. Was underwriter behavior moronic? Or was it actually rational in some way? And what can management and particularly chief underwriting officers do to mitigate the excesses of the market cycle next time?

This article, which was first published in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management, was highlighted in a Forbes article titled  How Insurance Teams Can Combat Herd Behavior on Oct. 12.

To better understand underwriters behavior, we conducted research into specialty underwriting during the soft market between 2013 and 2017. With the support of the International Engineering Insurers Association and SBS Swiss Business School, we surveyed the global community of engineering and construction underwriters (120 respondees from 31 countries) to understand why they wrote the risks they did during that period. (See related article from UWX: Repricing Is Not Reunderwriting )

Was it because they were unaware that the market was soft? While there was some variation in local markets where smaller risks appear to have been less affected by market gyrations, underwriters were clearand dare we say, honestthat they knew the market was soft and that terms and conditions were insufficient. (See chart below.)

Engineering and construction is generally an attritional class, subject to lots of small losses rather than spectacular catastrophes. In such a class you would expect more losses as terms and conditions soften, so its not a surprise that underwriters strongly denied that their poor results were simply due to bad luck. (See chart below.)

If underwriters knew they were in a soft market and could essentially foresee the poor performance of the risks they were underwriting, why did they take those risks on?

Underwriters point to several factors, but two themes stand out. First, they say they wrote business to meet expectationsto be recognized as a player in the market, to serve brokers and clients, and to achieve management performance targets. (See chart below.)

Second, underwriters wrote business on the terms they did because they felt disempowered. They felt unable to change the terms and conditions of the risks they were being offered. (See chart below).

They also often felt incapable of challenging the performance targets that management had set for them. To quote one respondent: Underwriters cannot write both for profit and premium in a soft market. Management used to say, write the profitable risks. But how do you do that in a soft market?

The role of senior management cannot be understated. Underwriters are really looking to senior management to set the narrative. They will achieve the targets that senior management set. This was found to be particularly the case for underwriters from global insurers, Lloyds and reinsurers as the graph below illustrates.

Where does this leave us?

As Albert Einstein said, A problem defined is a problem half solved. So, a vital first step is recognizing the realities of the soft market and taking responsibility for navigating a path through it. This requires management to both assess and communicate where they see themselves in market cycle and plan and measure performance accordingly. It means understanding the motivations of underwriters and being clear on expectations and maintaining a strong two-way dialogue.

Performance metrics really do matter and should evolve through the cycle, with a focus on leading indicators of performance, rather than lagging ones. For example, a leading indicator would be an increase in the number of claims reported, which provides early evidence of a growing inadequacy of deductibles. On the other hand, accounting year loss ratio metrics are the result of underwriting decisions taken many years previously. The rear-view mirror only tells you where you have been, not where you are going.

At the board level, it is vital to recognize that the market cycle is not simply a function of capital availability. People and their behaviors drive the cycle. Boards need to challenge management on their cycle approach, recognizing that different lines of business have different trajectories. They need to focus on underwriting-year performance as much if not more than accounting-year performance. Only then can they intervene proactively and challenge behavior effectively.

In so doing, they would be fulfilling three of their key responsibilities. First, they would be protecting their firms balance sheets, brands and market profile. Second, they would be providing a vital service to their customers by enabling consistency of approach and service. Third, and perhaps most important, they would be enabling their employees to act with integrity, raise concerns about current trading conditions and align on priorities.

Even if not imminent, softening will return to the commercial insurance market. The current downward trajectory in D&O is but an early warning of that. But with improved coherence and transparency, grounded in solid data and open communication, the worst excesses of the soft market can be avoided. History might rhyme, but it does not have to repeat itself.

This article, which was published on Oct. 5 in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management, was highlighted Forbes article titled How Insurance Teams Can Combat Herd Behavior on Oct. 12

Topics Pricing Trends Market
Vesttoo Ltd. creditors are seeking to take control of the bankrupt Israeli startups court proceedings, arguing the company should liquidate following revelations that its former executives helped create fraudulent documents that supported transactions on its platform.

A committee of Vesttoo creditors said the company is viewed as the Madoff of insurance and that its remaining cash should be preserved so it can pursue potential litigation against former corporate insiders and other parties involved in the alleged fraud, according to a court filing Sunday.

In response, Vesttoo said Monday that the committee is disrupting its restructuring efforts and that the business has valuable technology and a viable business plan that it will pursue in Chapter 11. The companys lawyers said in a letter earlier this month that the entire business was not a fraud or conducted at a total loss and that the startup developed valuable algorithms, applications and data systems which could be sold to a third party.

The committee is composed of insurance companies and an insurance underwriter according to court documents. It believes Vesttoos brand cant be rehabilitated and that its business plan is futile. Instead, the committee said any sale of Vesttoo assets is limited, at best and that potential litigation claims are the only meaningful assets Vesttoo has left to compensate creditors.

Vesttoo said in said in September that it uncovered evidence that the companys former chief executive officer and chief financial officer were involved in creating false documents and that letters of credit that were the foundation of Vesttoos business were largely illusory.

The company, which filed for bankruptcy in August, has said most company employees, its board of directors and the insurance markets were shielded from the misconduct. Vesttoos former executives, meanwhile, are contesting their dismissals under Israeli law, the company has said.

Vesttoo said Monday the committee wants the company to terminate all its employees the majority of whom are currently in Israel under unthinkable conditions and many of whom are currently serving in the conflict in Gaza.

Judge Mary Walrath will consider the committees request to take control of the Chapter 11 on Nov. 8.

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan has met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari.

Safari is in Armenia as part of Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpashs delegation to participate in the signing ceremony of the agreement on building the Agarak-Kajaran section of the North-South highway.

During the meeting the Armenian and Iranian deputy FMs discussed issues related to bilateral economic agenda and regional cooperation, the foreign ministry said in a readout.

The parties were pleased to note the progress in joint economic projects, the foreign ministry said.
Munich Re raised its profit target for the year as lower-than-expected claims helped push earnings in the third quarter past analysts estimates.

The reinsurer said it expects a profit of 4.5 billion ($4.8 billion) for this year, up from an earlier guidance of 4 billion euros, according to a statement Monday. Net income of about 1.2 billion in the third quarter exceeded the 1.13 billion estimate of analysts polled by Bloomberg, bringing earnings for the first nine months to 3.6 billion.

Chief Executive Officer Joachim Wenning is in the midst of a five-year strategic plan that calls for earnings per share to increase at least 5% per year on average. He has shown willingness to discontinue businesses that no longer meet expectations in terms of prices and conditions. At the July renewals, the company was able to push through considerable price increases, paving the way for higher net income.

Munich Re said in August that the probability of beating its target for this year had increased. The company posted earnings of 3.4 billion for 2022, though the figure isnt directly comparable with this years because of accounting changes.

Shares of the company were unchanged at 1:36 p.m. in Frankfurt trading, having gained 22% this year.

S&P Global Ratings revised its view of global reinsurers to stable from negative in September, citing favourable pricing conditions in property reinsurance, pre-pandemic earnings levels in life reinsurance and higher net investment income.

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Profit Loss Claims
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Marsh, Lockton and MS Amlin.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Marsh Names Thurston CEO, UK Risk Mgmt, Mistry as CEO of FINPRO

Marsh, the insurance broker and risk adviser and a business of Marsh McLennan, announced the appointments of Beth Thurston as CEO of UK Risk Management, and Hema Mistry as CEO of the UK Financial and Professional (FINPRO) business.

Based in London, both appointments are effective on Jan. 1. Thurston will report to Nick Harris, CEO of Retail, Marsh UK, and Mistry will report to Dominic Samengo-Turner, CEO, UK, Marsh Specialty.

Marshs UK Risk Management client segment focuses on serving the needs of Marshs largest and most complex clients. In her role as CEO, Thurston will have overall responsibility for the strategic management and implementation of services and solutions that support these clients in managing their risk and insurance programs.

Thurston has worked for Marsh for 14 years and is currently CEO of UK FINPRO. A solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales before joining Marsh, Thurston was an of counsel in a city law firm where she specialized in insurance and reinsurance litigation for more than 14 years. She succeeds Ailsa King, who was announced as chief commercial officer, Marsh McLennan UK, on Sept. 6, 2023.

Mistry, who will succeed Thurston as CEO of UK FINPRO, will be responsible for managing the management liability, financial services, professional indemnity, healthcare and specie practices.

Mistry returns to the UK from San Francisco, where she was the West Zone FINPRO leader for four years. Mistry joined Marsh in 2010 as a management liability wholesale team leader in London and has extensive international experience in developing services and solutions for professional risks.

***

Lockton Hires Parle, Patrick and McKay in London

Lockton, an independent insurance broker, announced the appointment of Lewis Parle, Laura Patrick, and Lauren McKay, all with immediate effect.

Parle, who will lead client solutions in Intellectual Property Risk, joins from Icen Risk, where he led a transactional IP risk team. Lewis has extensive experience using innovative IP insurance solutions to help facilitate transactions and investments involving some of the worlds best-known businesses. Lewis will service international risks from London. He will be responsible for developing specialist IP and transactional insurance products and solutions, ensuring clients are able to manage and mitigate IP risks.

Patrick joins Lockton as producer and due diligence project manager from Artex, where she oversaw the insurance needs of a portfolio of captive insurance and market facing reinsurance accounts.

McKay joins Lockton from CBRE, where she led business development and client solutions for real estate investors and landlords. She will be leading business development for Locktons Transactional Risk Real Estate team.

***

MS Amlin Promotes Cleary to Head of Crisis Management

MS Amlin, the London-based Lloyds re/insurer, announced the promotion of Jamie Cleary to head of Crisis Management, effective immediately. Cleary will take on this role alongside his existing responsibilities as lead underwriter for Credit and Political Risk, and will report to Neil Walker, deputy chief underwriting officer and head of Speciality Insurance.

Based in London, Cleary will lead the growth and development of MS Amlins crisis management portfolio, which offers tailor made solutions to protect clients from major incidents that might disrupt their business or harm their reputation.

Cleary has more than two decades of experience in the London market. Following seven years at Talbot AIG, Jamie joined MS Amlins crisis management team in 2010, where he helped lead the development of the businesss credit and political risk and political violence accounts. An expert in credit, political risk, war and terrorism insurance, Cleary is also a member of the Lloyds Trade Credit and Political Risk Panel.

In an era of heightened geopolitical risk and uncertainty, our clients are looking for tailored and responsive solutions to the many risk management challenges they face. Im thrilled that Jamie will be leading MS Amlins crisis management portfolio in his new, expanded role, commented Walker, deputy chief underwriting officer and head of Speciality Insurance.

This promotion is testament to MS Amlins deep industry expertise and commitment to investing in the development of our internal talent pool.

Topics Mississippi London
ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP)  Winnebago County officials will pay $3.3 million to the family of a Rockford woman killed in a police pursuit.

Joy Lambert, 55, was killed when a driver fleeing a sheriffs deputy at speeds that reached 91 mph slammed into her car in February 2016.

Lamberts family filed a wrongful death suit against the county later that year, arguing the chase wasnt necessary because the driver had only been speeding. Months before Lambert`s death Sheriff Gary Caruana loosened restrictions on pursuits, saying the county was dealing with an epidemic of drivers fleeing traffic stops.

Caruana, the sheriff, has previously offered condolences to Lambert`s family and blamed the fleeing driver for her death.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement Illinois
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A federal jury has convicted two senior employees at a Wisconsin corn plant of falsifying records and obstructing an investigation into a fatal corn dust explosion in 2017, Justice Department officials announced on Tuesday.

Corn dust is explosive, and high concentrations are dangerous. Federal regulations require grain mill operators to perform regular cleanings to reduce dust accumulations that could fuel a blast.

Jurors found Derrick Clark, vice president of operations at Didion Milling, and Shawn Mesner, a former food safety superintendent at the company, guilty of multiple safety, environmental and fraud charges on Friday. The two men are the latest in a growing list of Didion employees found guilty in association with the 2017 explosion that killed five people at the company`s Cambria corn mill.

Attorneys listed for both men did not immediately respond to voicemails seeking comment on Tuesday.

Didion Milling pleaded guilty in September to charges that its employees falsified environmental and safety compliance records for years leading up to the explosion. The company agreed to pay a $1 million fine and $10.25 million to the estates of the five workers who were killed.

Clark was convicted on Friday of making false Clean Air Act compliance certifications and lying to investigators during a deposition. Mesner was found guilty of conspiring to mislead Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators by lying on sanitation records that tracked cleanings meant to remove corn dust from the mill.

Derrick Clark and Shawn Messner chose to intentionally mislead OSHA investigators and made false statements about their knowledge of working conditions at the plant to protect themselves and cover their mistakes, OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan said in a statement.

Sentencing hearings have not yet been scheduled for either of the men. At least five other Didion employees have pleaded guilty or been convicted of charges including concealing environmental violations, lying to investigators and falsifying cleaning logs.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Wisconsin
The Hartford said Stephen Deane will return to the company as chief claims officer effective Nov. 6 after he spent the last three years at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he served as executive vice president and chief claims officer, Global Risk Solutions, North America.

Prior to Liberty Mutual, Deane was at The Hartford for 16 years in various leadership roles, including senior vice president of Group Benefits and Workers Compensation claims. He will report to John Kinney, head of claims and operations, and will be a member of The Hartfords executive leadership team.

Deane succeeds Mary Nasenbenny, who will retire at the end of 2023. Nasenbenny joined the company in 1999 as legal counsel and was named chief claims officer in 2021.

Hric Named Inshurs Director of US Markets

Inshur, a provider of insurance to the rideshare industry, announced the appointment of Lisa Hric as director of US markets. She is tasked with leading Inshurs nationwide expansion and further bolstering the profitability of its portfolio.

Prior to joining Inshur, Hric was senior director of insurance product management at Metromile, where she oversaw the companys $100 million private passenger auto portfolio. Hric also played a crucial role in integrating the Metromile product management team into the Lemonade structure post-acquisition, which will help inform Inshurs ongoing integration efforts with American Business Insurance Solutions (ABI).

Hric also has insurance experience at Farmers, The Hartford, and Progressive.

Rokstone Appoints Nukk Head of Marine

Rokstone appointed Mike Nukk as head of marine. Nukk was previously head of marine for North America at American International Group (AIG) for about five years. The appointment comes just one week after Rokstone appointed Jordan Lanford, also previously at AIG, head of aviation.

At Rokstone, Nukk will grow the marine portfolio in North America from a start up to $100 million in five years, focused on middle market North American business.

Nukk has more than 20 years of experience in marine. Before AIG he spent 20 years at Liberty Mutual, serving as its SVP Global Marine Practice Leader and Marine Chief Underwriting Officer. He spent 7 of his 20 years with Liberty working in London as VP Marine, EMEA at Liberty Special Markets.

Topics USA Claims
As lawmakers around the world weigh bans of cancer-linked forever chemicals, many manufacturers are pushing back, saying there often is no substitute for the compounds.

Minnesota and Maine have passed legislation to effectively outlaw the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in nearly all products by the early 2030s. Dozens of other states are also considering curbing their use. And the European Unions Chemical Agency has proposed a widespread ban.

In response, Ford Motor Co. warned Maine state officials in May that there is no commercially available technology that exists in the world today that can replace a PFAS-containing thermoplastic used for electric vehicle batteries. Earlier this month, the US Defense Department said that banning PFAS, used in weapons systems, information technology and machinery, would greatly impact national security, a view echoed by the US Chamber of Commerce and other industry groups.

These are critical chemistries that enable modern day life, said Brandon Farris, vice president of domestic economic policy with the National Association of Manufacturers, a lobby group. Many of them cannot be replaced.

PFAS can provide elasticity, corrosion resistance and weather protection. Their ultra-strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent these substances from naturally degrading, earning them the forever chemicals moniker. So they accumulate in the environment. Studies have shown that nearly half US drinking water supplies contain at least one form of the chemical and PFAS is in the blood of about 97% of Americans.

The mounting body of evidence linking the chemicals to health risks for cancer, heart disease and miscarriage have prompted some governments to act.

Governments are weighing health concerns against other priorities. The Semiconductor Industry Association, a trade group representing Intel Corp., Nvidia Corp. and others, found that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to replace PFAS in the chipmaking process, which could set back US and EU efforts to support the sector amid mounting tensions with China.

While the federal government has not yet taken steps to broadly ban PFAS, state efforts to restrict its use are expanding. In May, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation banning the sale of carpets, rugs, cosmetics and other products containing PFAS starting in 2025. In 2032, the legislation will outlaw the sale of any product with intentionally added PFAS, unless the use is unavoidable.

One of the states biggest companies, manufacturing giant 3M Co., announced in December that it would stop making all PFAS, citing accelerating regulatory trends.

But lawsuits have also taken their toll. In June, 3M agreed to pay as much as $12.5 billion to resolve claims that PFAS it produced for firefighting foams polluted drinking water supplies across the US. It is now facing thousands of other lawsuits from its decades as one of the worlds dominant producers of PFAS and its products, such as Scotchgard waterproofing.

Growing consumer concerns are also a factor. Starbucks Corp. has pledged to eliminate all PFAS from packaging this year. And Patagonia Inc. has said it will fully eliminate PFAS from its water-repelling outdoor gear. But the firms early replacement attempts offer a preview of what others could face: They didnt work very well.

Further complicating matters is that even if firms dont themselves use PFAS in their products, theyll still be affected by the restrictions if their suppliers do.

Companies are going to need to look at what they make, figure out if it has PFAS in it and figure out if they can sell it if it has PFAS in it, said Ken Rivlin, an attorney with law firm Allen & Overy LLP, who advises corporations on PFAS and other chemical restrictions.

This may not be easy, according to Farris of the National Association of Manufacturers.

What were hearing now is weve never used PFAS, but we have gaskets in our facilities that have PFAS, so how much of a problem do we have?' he said.

The Pushback

Because there are not now effective replacements for every role PFAS plays, industry lobbyists are pressing to make the rules less onerous.

Manufacturers contend that banning 10,000-plus PFAS compounds in one fell swoop is overly broad, and argue instead for a more targeted approach based on the risks posed by specific compounds.

Companies are also pushing back on what they say are complex and challenging requirements to disclose all PFAS content in their products. In a sign of how tough it may be to implement, Maine delayed its PFAS reporting rule until 2025 after it granted thousands of temporary exemptions sought by companies.

Minnesota also has a law requiring that companies report which of their products contain intentionally added PFAS starting in 2026. Some are warning that governments may not be ready for what theyll receive.

I tried to prevail on our regulatory agency that youre going to need a bigger parking lot, said Tony Kwilas, director of environmental policy at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Its truckloads of data thats going to come in.

Photo: PFAS substances can be found in firefighter foam, outdoor gear, artificial turf, medical equipment and countless other products./Bloomberg

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Maine Chemicals Minnesota
Texas Mutual Promotes Sherrouse and Dowling to VP Positions

Texas Mutual Insurance Company, headquartered in Austin, Texas, promoted two current employees to vice president.

Peppia Sherrouse is Texas Mutuals new vice president of claim operations. She previously served as vice president of regional operations in Houston, Texas, and has nearly 30 years in the insurance industry. She joined Texas Mutual in 2013 as a senior manager of regional claims. Before joining Texas Mutual, Sherrouse served as branch manager for CorVel Company and as the southern region claims manager for SeaBright Insurance Company.

Chris Dowling was named vice president of regional operations in Houston. Dowling has served as a territory management specialist in Austin since February 2020. He joined Texas Mutual in 2018 as a senior territory manager. Dowling began his career in insurance in 2011 with The Hanover Insurance Group, holding positions in underwriting and sales. In 2014, he joined AF Group and moved into monoline workers compensation insurance.

Topics Texas
The Alabama Supreme Court has handed down two decisions that could have an impact on uninsured motorist claim payouts and on how construction surety bonds and contracts are defended.

In MSE Building Co. vs. Stewart/Perry Co., Buc-ees Ltd. and Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., the companies relied on the assertion that a staffing firm and a subcontractor were not licensed contractors in a dispute over subpar concrete work. That meant that the work was illegal and the claims for payment on the work were unenforceable, the defendants argued.

The defendant companies also argued that a lien placed by MSE on Buc-ees, a convenience store chain, failed because the lien had been transferred to a construction bond by Stewart/Perry, a contractor on the job.

A trial court in Birmingham agreed and entered summary judgment in favor of the defendant companies, essentially dismissing MSEs claims.

But the high court said an issue of genuine material fact exists over whether the tasks done by laborers supplied by the staffing company were contractor-type jobs covered by state license requirements. The justices reversed that part of the trial courts decision. The summary judgment on MSEs lien claim and prompt-payment claim also were reversed. The dismissal of a negligence claim against Buc-ees was affirmed.

Also on Friday, Oct. 20, the state Supreme Court upheld a $700,000 jury verdict  which did not levy punitive damages  against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.

The case stemmed from a 2016 auto accident in Auburn, Alabama. A car driven at high speed by Mark Stafford T-boned Brian and Jennifer Wood at an intersection, causing permanent injury to Brian. The Woods were unable to serve Stafford with lawsuit papers, and they then sued their own insurer, State Farm, for uninsured motorist benefits.

The jury sided with the Woods. State Farm appealed. The insurance companys attorneys argued that the trial court erred by allowing a wantonness claim and by giving the jury an instruction on the doctrine of subsequent negligence. Brian Woods was at the intersection in a somewhat dangerous position, and Stafford could not have known that, State Farm suggested.

The justices discounted that argument.

The doctrine of subsequent negligence, also known as the last-clear-chance doctrine, is a method of establishing liability despite a plaintiffs contributory negligence, Justice Tommy Bryan wrote in the opinion. That is, a plaintiffs contributory negligence is not a defense to a defendants subsequent negligence.

The court also found that State Farms argument about the appropriateness of the wantonness claim was without merit.

Further, there was evidence from which the jury could have concluded that Stafford was made aware of the upcoming intersection by an intersection-crossing warning sign, that Stafford saw that his view of the intersection was initially blocked by a hillcrest, and that Stafford was warned by a traffic sign and road markings that he was driving in a mandatory right-turn lane, the justices wrote.

State Farm failed to show that the trial court had erred by not setting aside its judgment on the jurys verdict, and we affirm the judgment, the opinion notes.

Topics Alabama
As expected, a federal judge has postponed Greg Lindbergs second trial on bribery charges until sometime next spring.

Lindberg was convicted in 2020 of attempting to bribe North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in return for allowing lower reserve levels and other favorable treatment for his insurance companies. His conviction was overturned in 2022 due to what an appeals court said was faulty jury instructions.

Lindbergs retrial was set for November, but now wont happen until April or May, US District Judge Max Cogburn said in his Oct. 19 order. The reason: Lindbergs co-defendant John Gray has a new legal team, which needs time to prepare.

Failure to grant such a continuance would deny counsel for defendant the reasonable time necessary for effective preparation, taking into account the exercise of due diligence, the judge wrote. Moreover, the ends of justice served by granting such continuance outweigh the best interests of the public and Defendant in a speedy trial. This matter is continued, and the time is excluded.

Lindberg, a well-known political donor to Democrats and Republicans, at one time controlled a number of insurance companies based in North Carolina. Those included Colorado Bankers Life Insurance, and Bankers Life Insurance Co.

Regulators have said that Lindberg siphoned millions of dollars from some of his insurance companies, investing the assets in his other companies, but leaving the insurers in dire condition and unable to pay policyholders. In 2022, a judge ordered Lindberg to give up control of the companies.
Matching requirements for roofs and interior furnishings have been a tough issue in the property insurance industry for years. Recent developments show how insurers and regulators in different Southeast states are managing the mandates.

In Kentucky last week, the state Department of Insurance posted an advisory opinion, attempting to clarify the intent of the states matching statute. On the one hand, Kentucky law does not permit a line of sight rule for roofs: If the shingles on one slant of a residential roof must be replaced due to damage covered by an applicable property insurance policy, and absent the availability of matching shingles that would render the slant in question reasonably uniform to the remainder of the roof, then an entirely new roof must be installed, state Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark wrote in her Oct. 17 bulletin.

On the other hand, though, as long as replacement shingles are of the same make and model, even if the color wont quite match the older shingles due to age and fading, a full roof replacement is not necessary, Clark noted.

In situations where the existing roof shingles are still in production and available, use of the same shingles will satisfy the regulation, despite any discoloration due to regular aging or wear from use, the opinion reads.

It gives insurers a little more wiggle room: If the same shingles are not available, the Department would review the quality, color, and size of replacement shingles to determine whether a reasonable match has been met.

But the commissioner noted that any insurers not following the procedures or using incorrect forms should amend their filings by September 2024. These include insurers who utilize endorsements that place sublimits on matching undamaged areas of a home.

They opinion was issued after Kentucky saw a large number of roof claims and complaints in the last two years, but it may not resolve matters and has met with criticism from some insurers.

Our members do have some concerns about the advisory opinion concerning matching, and we believe that it has the potential to increase claims costs, not reduce them, said Mark Treesh, director of the Insurance Institute of Kentucky. The institute will continue working with the DOI to develop a workable solution.

In Florida, where insurers have blamed a cottage industry of roof scams for helping to implode the insurance industry, several carriers are now relying on newly accepted endorsements to limit what they will pay to match non-damaged materials.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation in recent months has approved policy forms filed by no fewer than eight property insurers, which limit the amount the carriers will pay to replace undamaged materials to create a matching, uniform appearance after repairs, state records show.

The matching requirement has been a hot-button issue in Floridas property market, where two-thirds of the premium for homeowners policies that cover wind damage is paid to Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the states carrier of last resort, according to market share data. Olympus Insurance Co. filed suit against OIR in 2021 after regulators disapproved a policy form that would have limited payouts for matching materials.

Since then, OIR has approved policy forms submitted by Monarch National Insurance Co., Universal North America Insurance Co., Florida Peninsula Insurance Co., Century National Insurance Co., Edison Insurance Co., Kin Insurance Network, Spinnaker Insurance Co. and American Integrity Insurance Co. of Florida. All of them cap the amount the carriers will pay to match materials to 1% of the limit of the policy to replacement of the primary structure. American Integrity was among the first carriers to win approval, getting OIRs nod on Dec. 6, 2022.

This endorsement approved for Century National Insurance Co. is typical: The total limit of liability for Coverage A is 1% of the Coverage A limit of liability for repairs or replacements of any undamaged part of the building or its components solely to match repairs made to damage as a result of a covered loss.

Florida statute 626.9744 states that property insurers unless otherwise provided in the policy must make reasonable repairs or replace undamaged items in adjoining areas if replaced items do not match in quality, color, or size.

Policyholder advocates say the law protects homeowners by ensuring their property is restored to its previous, and presumably matching, condition. Insurers, on the other hand, say the matching requirement is also used by unscrupulous contractors to drive up costs.

The language in the statute implies that insurers can bypass the matching requirement by writing alternative language in their policies. Olympus tried to accomplish exactly that in 2021 when it filed a policy form to limit the amount spent on matching materials, but OIR refused to approve the form.

Olympus withdrew the lawsuit in early 2022 and made no public comment about it. OIR, however, on April 1, 2022 approved a policy form submitted by Olympus that includes the wording matching limitations in the search function for OIRs database. The form is marked as a trade secret and is not available for public viewing.

Other insurers used a different tactic to limit payments for matching repairs in form filings that were approved in 2022. Citizens, for example, requires policyholders to pay out of their own pockets for matching repairs and then file a claim seeking reimbursement.

GenRe first noted the new limits in a blog post last week. Claims executives Jonathan Nieman and Nick Ciabattoni noted that the Florida Third District Court of Appeal ruled in 2019 that matching repairs are not direct physical loss and are only required to be reimbursed by a carrier once the work is performed.

Nieman and Ciabattoni said Citizens filed its form restricting payments for matching expenses after the court ruled.

With the broader introduction of the endorsements into Florida homeowners policies, litigation and new damage theories are likely, the blog post states. In the interim, we suggest that if a matching endorsement is being added to your policy packets, best practices and estimating guidelines should be reviewed and updated to comply with these newly established policy terms and conditions.

The Florida Legislature in 2022 made it easier for insurers to repair roof sections, rather than replace entire roofs. Senate Bill 4D, approved in a special session, modified the states building code, which had long required full replacement if just 25% of a roof area was damaged.

Part of this article first ran in Claims Journal.

Topics Florida Carriers Kentucky
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held an informal meeting with Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on the sidelines of the 3+3 format meeting in Tehran, foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan told ARMENPRESS.

An informal contact took place, which is common for such platforms, Badalyan said.
The Chinese owner of an unauthorized central California lab that fueled conspiracy theories about China and biological weapons has been arrested on charges of not obtaining the proper permits to manufacture tests for COVID-19, pregnancy and HIV, and mislabeling some of the kits.

Jia Bei Zhu, 62, was arrested after an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of California. He is also charged with making false statements.

The charges deal with federal health regulations, nothing related to online conspiracy theories about China purportedly trying to engineer biological weapons in rural America.

Zhu, who is also known as Jesse Zhu, Qiang He and David He, is a citizen of China who formerly lived in Clovis, California, the office said in a press release.

The criminal case alleges that the two companies involved, Universal Meditech Inc. and Prestige Biotech Inc., did not obtain authorizations to manufacture and distribute the kits and mislabeled some of them. It also alleges that Zhu made false statements to the FDA about his identity, ownership and control of the companies and their activities.

Michael M. Lin, a Las Vegas attorney for Prestige Biotech, said in an email to The Associated Press that he had no immediate comment on the allegations.

The investigation stemmed from the discovery of medical test kits being manufactured in a warehouse in the agricultural Central Valley city of Reedley in December 2022. A city code enforcement officer found dozens of refrigerators and freezers, vials of blood and jars of urine, and about 1,000 white lab mice in crowded, soiled containers.

A local news report said that a company representative told officials the mice were modified to carry COVID-19, fueling the rumors of biological weapons being made. It was later determined that they were simply used to grow antibody cells to make test kits.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there was no sign that the lab was illegally in possession of the materials or had select agents or toxins that could be used as bioweapons.

As part of his scheme, the defendant changed his name, the names of his companies, and their locations, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a statement.

The disarray at the Reedley lab led to the glare of publicity he was trying to avoid, and the ensuing investigation unraveled his efforts to circumvent the requirements that are designed to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective, Talbert said.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
Source: Michael Ballanger

October 24, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) After reviewing the company last week, Michael Ballanger of GGM Advisory Inc. shares his current thoughts on Norseman Silver's stock.

Phones and email inboxes are inundated this morning with cascading queries about Norseman Silver Ltd. (NOC:TSX.V; NOCSF:OTCQB), which was highlighted 15 days ago on October 3 after I had a conference call with V.P. Exploration Merlin Marr-Johnson, President Sean Hurd, and Chairman Campbell Smyth.

The stock was trading at CA$0.035, and while I was doing my best to pound the table (the way I did in August 2022 with Allied Copper at CA$0.08), these moribund junior mining markets may have tempered my enthusiasm "just a bit."

As it always turns out, I should have been more animated as the stock has advanced 250% since the CA$0.035 lows of early October and has traded today as high as CA$0.105 on volume of 2.

403,590 shares. Many of you own Norseman, so it was my hope that you could average down over the balance of October, but Sunday's pop has it on more than a few radar screens, and the Streetwise report that featured NOC on Monday is apparently getting pretty good traction.

If the company's big European following (Merlin is in London) starts to get the fever, I see CA$0.20-0.25 before any real supply shows up, so use a CA$0.10 limit to add to the higher-priced positions and get your cost down as far as you can. Norseman is going to be a full-fledged, card-carrying member of the "electrification trilogy" within a few weeks, and that should dynamically change the narrative...

Buy NOC.



Chart courtesy of Stockwatch.com

Fundamental Data - NOC

Security Type: Equity

Shares Issued: 68,118,157

Market Cap: 6,131,000

Year High: 0.18

Year Low: 0.035

Sector: 15104040 - Precious Metals & Minerals

Please see TSX-V for dividend and earnings information.

Norseman's properties are in British Columbia, Canada, and Rio Negro, Argentina. The four projects in British Columbia are highly prospective of silver and copper mineralization.

Taquetren in Argentina has discovery potential in a mining-friendly district, host to one of the largest silver deposits in the world. The long-term vision is to advance the projects to development.

More Info:

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Factories must increase their prices to close the gap between prime Irish beef prices and the prime export benchmark price, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has urged.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said that the Irish price is now over 40c/kg behind the Bord Bia prime export benchmark price  the largest in 2023 - and prices in the UK alone are running almost 1/kg above here.
Lucy Kennedy is calling on budding authors to unleash their creativity. The broadcaster, childrens books author, and mum of three has teamed up with Specsavers to launch its nationwide childrens short story competition.

This competition is designed as a fun way of helping children discover the pleasure of reading and writing.

Its not about having the best grammar or spelling, says Kennedy. Its about encouraging self-expression, using your imagination and maybe even winning something for your school.

The competition winners will receive 500 for their school library and all of the shortlisted childrens books for this years An Post Irish Book Awards. Kennedy will also visit the winners schools and read from her latest book.

To enter, children have to write a story no longer than 500 words inspired by the image of a boy gazing into a pair of binoculars (below).

The closing date for entries is November 24 and further details are available at specsavers.ie/irish-book-awards.

A selection of creatures of the night - but not even the spookiest of creatures can avoid damage to their teeth without proper care around trick-or-treat season

Mind those chompers

MOST children are greedily anticipating the bags of sweets they will get to eat this Halloween. However, their parents worry about the impact the sugary treats will have on their teeth.

Clinical director of dentalcareireland.ie, Dr Jen Collins, has tips to help keep childrens teeth healthy and strong.

Save treats for after meals. The extra saliva in the mouth at this time rinses away cavity-causing acids.

Avoid hard or chewy sweets. They stay in the mouth for a long time and cling to teeth, elevating the risk of cavities.

Sour sweets are another no-no, as they contain acids that attack tooth enamel. Chocolate is a better choice because it doesnt stick to teeth.

Make sure children brush and floss their teeth. Collins advises brushing for two minutes and flossing to eliminate particles toothbrushes cant reach. Rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash adds even more protection.

Discussing war

With the Middle East conflict dominating news headlines, many children are being exposed to images of violence and war.

This can cause anxiety and confusion, which is why the childrens charity Barnardos has issued advice to help parents ease their childrens concerns.

If your child mentions the war, talk calmly to them about it. Ask them what they have heard and how it makes them feel.

Answer their questions using language they will understand and a level of information thats appropriate to their age.

If they arent talking about it, leave them be. Its best if they remain unaware of whats happening.

You can enhance their feelings of safety and security by limiting their exposure to the news and trying not to discuss world affairs within their earshot.

If they do overhear, reassure them that these are faraway dangers, not ones they have to worry about happening locally and remind them that you are there to take care of them.

Children with previous experience with trauma or those who have relatives in the affected areas may be particularly vulnerable to this news of war, requiring extra support and attention.

Poignant poem

What does the concept of warmth mean to you? This thought-provoking question was posed by author Neil Gaiman on X and from the diverse array of responses he received, he crafted a poignant poem, brought to life by a team of illustrators.

The proceeds from this project are dedicated to UNHCR, providing vital aid to those who have been displaced.

What You Need To Be Warm, 15, serves as a strong reminder of the overlooked significance of warmth, a comfort we often take for granted until its unexpectedly taken from us  a reality which sadly is far too common for many.

The illustrations, interweaved with the poem, are strikingly powerful.
In the early 1990s, a group of friends in London began throwing a Sunday night party in the dingy downstairs of an old-school boozer. Nobody involved could have suspected it then... but they were about to change music.

They certainly left an instant impression on the UK indie scene: regulars at the Heavenly Social at the Albany on Great Portland Street soon included Blur, Pulp, and Elastica.

Paul Weller was spotted nattering to Noel Gallagher while in the background pre-Spice Girls pop duo Shampoo boogied on the tiny dance floor.

Supplying the soundtrack was a pair of nerdy DJs. One had long hair and glasses, the other looked more like a Dungeons & Dragons player than a superstar deck-spinner in the making.

It was incredibly exciting, says Robin Turner, who helped organise Heavenly Social and worked at the adjacent label, Heavenly Records, home to such iconic 1990s underdogs as Saint Etienne.

Youd pick up the NME and the Melody Maker, and theyre telling you about bands like Suede. What I was hearing was something completely different. And it was the same when Britpop started: There are these kids, and they are making this music. Yeah, but this is the exciting thing: this punk rock energy that had emerged in what was then known as dance music.

The Social became instantly famous in the British music press. Adding to the novelty was the fact it was taking place on Sunday.

Licensing laws in Britain were restrictive at that time: pubs could only open for a few hours on Sunday, which meant the party had a time limit, motivating those in attendance to seize the moment.

Yet its lasting impact would have to do not with the glittering guest list but with those two geeks on the decks: Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons.

At the time, they were known as the Dust Brothers. They later renamed themselves the Chemical Brothers (after receiving a polite tap on the shoulder from the original Dust Brothers, an American production who worked with Beck).

Turner tells their story in his new coffee table music history, The Chemical Brothers: Paused in Cosmic Reflection.

Chemical Brothers: Paused in Cosmic Reflection

Its a great read, brimming with anecdotes whilst drawing a gripping picture of the Chemical Brothers journey from function room obscurity to festival-headlining acclaim. However, Paused in Cosmic Reflection is also a sumptuous coffee table book, brimming with evocative pictures that bring the 1990s to life. That marriage of form and function makes it a publication created in the image of its subject matter.

The Chemical Brothers have, from the start, blended big, booming beats and dreamy songwriting. With albums such as Exit Planet Dust and Dig Your Own Hole, they wrote the unofficial soundtrack to both the hedonistic side of the 1990s and the subsequent comedown. Their music was and is euphoric  yet with a thumping melancholy undertow.

They also succeeded in not getting tied down to any one scene. They played at Oasiss landmark Knebworth gigs in 1996, but nobody considered them Britpop. And they satirised the era of big-name DJs with the super-star DJshere we go! refrain on 'Hey Boy Hey Girl'. They were of the 1990s  but beyond it, too.

They could have easily been, you know, subsumed into kind of a Britpop idea, says Turner. You know, they were DJing at Oasis and Primal Scream gigs and re-mixing all these people and things like that. No one tried to do that [label them Britpop] because, obviously, it didnt sound like that. Initially, they were 'trip-hop' because that hadnt been formulated into an idea. And so we were like, 'what theyre like Massive Attack, Tricky and Portishead? And no, they werent like that either. Theyre uniquely them.

Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers.

They were popular in Ireland from early on. The Chemical Brothers attended the Feile 95 festival at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork where they went to see the Stone Roses play their much-anticipated comeback gig.

It was a gobsmacking line-up: Kylie Minogue sang with Nick Cave, Prodigy headlined the first night, Blur the second  with Elastica, Tricky, Black Grape, Massive Attack and others also on the bill.

Its gone down as a huge Stone Roses gig, Chemical Brother Ed Simons told the Irish Examiner last year. We loved the Stone Roses so much. We hung out with [Roses bassist] Mani a bit. I remember watching them with various members of [Britpop showponies] Menswear and having a great time. If you look at that festival, it was like Select Magazine coming to life.

It was really great There was just one hotel, near the venue so all the bands were together  Carl Cox [the famous DJ] was there, I had a drink with him. I dont think we saw Kylie [Minogue, who brought on Nick Cave as a surprise guest]. But it was quite incredible to look at  all the great and good of the 1990s. Whoever put that bill together  they should be the booking agent for the world. It was quite something. Its one of those things in hindsight where the line-up is incredible.

Many bands from that time fell away. The Chemical Brothers endured, however. Turner is astonished at their ability to constantly reinvent themselves  as demonstrated by their excellent latest LP, For That Beautiful Feeling.

There was a period I didnt work with them: I took 10 years off and did other things. Theyve always been friends. Ive always seen them live. Live now is something else entirely. One of the things I noticed in the run-up to [the new album], from last summer onwards, they started playing new tracks in the set. Theyre playing them and theyre literally greeted like [classic singles] 'Chemical Beats' and 'Hey Boy Hey Girl'. How are people on to this? Its going through them  its this power It doesnt matter that theyre brand new. They seem, year on year, to be able to break new tracks, which send this electricity into the audience. Its amazing.

Robin Turner: Heavenly Social/Records man and writer of the new Chemical Brothers retrospective.

If the future is bright for the Chemical Brothers, the Heavenly Social story is long over. It wasnt that its popularity declined. Quite the opposite, says Turner. It became a fixture in the music press, and what had started as a gathering of friends turned into something bigger. At which point it was best to pull the plug.

The reason we stopped it is because, in the end, we were turning away loads of people. That didnt feel like us. We wanted to be inclusive. If people wanted to come, we wanted to let them in and provide this experience. We couldnt do that in the pub we had  that wasnt how we wanted it to be. It was chaos, it was brilliant, it was amazing. It had been elevated by the fact you had people desperately trying to get in. For us, it was a party for us and our mates and like-minded people. It was really frenetic  people were so up for it. For us, it never felt like it was something important. It just felt like it was this thing we were doing with our mates.

The Chemical Brothers: Paused in Cosmic Reflection is out now

Grooving On Up: Five Electronic Acts Who Defined the 1990s

Leftfield: As with the Chemical Brothers, the duo of Neil Barnes and Paul Daley brought a punk sensibility to their electronic soundscapes while drawing on the Caribbean music with which they had grown up in London. A Mercury nomination for their debut album, Leftism, was regarded as a huge forward step for the genre.

Prodigy: If tuneful Teutons Kraftwerk were the embodiment of German efficiency, over in Essex, Prodigy captured the sheer mania of a night out in Blighty with songs that landed like twisted terrace anthems.

Aphex Twin: Born in Limerick but raised in the deep countryside of Cornwall, Richard D James music blended the playful, the confrontational and the beautiful  resulting in dance music that seemed half-dream, half nightmare. Often, it was the nightmare part that appealed the most, as demonstrated by the horror-show videos accompanying singles 'Come To Daddy' and 'Windowlicker'.

Massive Attack: Electronic music is often associated with euphoria, but Bristol 'trip-hop' innovators Massive Attack explored darker emotions, such as ennui, anger, and paranoia, on their three classic 1990s records, Blue Lines, Protection, and Mezzanine.

Fatboy Slim: Like him or loathe him, there is no doubt that Norman Cook put his imprint on dance music with mega-hits such as 'Praise You' and the 'Rockafeller Skank'. He built on what the Chemical Brothers had done with their vast, lurching grooves, bringing the 'big beat' genre to the masses.
Every working day begins with a ballet class. After that we have a series of rehearsals, explains Romanian-born ballerina, Katerina Petrova. Sometimes we have to rehearse several titles at once, which is quite exhausting both physically and mentally. Especially as each ballet performance has its own quirks.

Principal dancer Katerina first travelled to Ireland last November to perform with Cork City Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker. Katerina is a Prima Ballerina of Sofia State Ballet. She travels and dances with her husband Tsetso Ivanov, and is mother to a young son.

Ahead of her appearance in the Cork City Ballets full-scale production of Tchaikovskys Swan Lake at the Cork Opera House next month, we sat down with her to ask about her lifestyle, training methods, and her impressions of Ireland.

Our daily life is quite busy, but at the same time, its also quite diverse," she explains.

"The good thing about being a ballerina is that no day is ever the same."

The best thing is that we have the opportunity to travel, dance on different stages, which always keeps things interesting. It is hard, Katerina admits.

Already with a small child, my life has changed completely. I am very grateful to all our loved ones who help us out a lot. When we travel for work, the little one stays with grandparents, but when we are on vacation, he is always with us. We love to travel and spend time having adventures together.

Katerina Petrov and her son

So what is the best and hardest part about life as a ballerina?

"The best part is performing on stage in front of an audience," smiles Katerina. "When you see the full hall and hear the applause. It makes me feel happy and know that the work I put in was justified and everything made sense. The most difficult thing is the daily struggle trying to be in the best condition for work, as well as having sometimes to overcome physical pain or various problems from this lifestyle.

Now Katerina and her dance partner  her husband, Tsetso  are back in Cork as Cork City Ballet celebrates its 30th anniversary with a production of Swan Lake from November 2-4.

I really like Cork, Katerina says. When we first arrived everyone was celebrating Halloween. I liked that the streets were full of life. The architecture is very beautiful, but what I liked most was the warm welcome of the people we met and worked with. I am extremely grateful to Alan Foley for the invitation and for his friendly attitude. I am happy that we will again have the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and work together."

How does someone start on a career like this?

My encounter with ballet happened by chance," says Katerina. When I was little, there were rhythmic gymnastics groups at school, I really liked it, and that's when I was first introduced to ballet. My love for it started gradually. I became more and more familiar with this art form, and over time I became more convinced that this would be my profession. I am grateful to my parents for taking me to ballet and supporting every decision I made.

Fulfillment

Tsetso and I met in the dance hall. They started letting us dance together and that's how we got closer. We started talking for hours, about everything, not just ballet. And not long after, we were commissioned to dance Swan Lake. Then I felt that there was more going on between us than a partnership on stage.

For 11 years now we have been sharing our lives on and off the stage, and our most important role came with the appearance of our son Kristiyan. I love to dance. It fulfills me and has always given me the opportunity to best show what I feel and feel. If sometimes in my everyday life I have to hide some of my emotions, on stage I have no reason to do so.

I don't have time for other styles outside of classical ballet. I absolutely love watching people dance the tango and I've always wanted to learn. I hope one day I can give myself this pleasure.

What is it about Swan Lake that everyone loves so much?

In my opinion, it is Tchaikovsky's music that captivates the audience, because there are many different choreographies of this performance around the world. Also, the story of the swan princess bewitched by the evil wizard Rothbart, the two images of Odette and Odile, and the love of the prince is an interesting and fascinating tale. In addition, everyone recognises the famous dance of the four little swans, which is emblematic of this performance.

Would you like your child to continue in the same field?

If my son Kristiyan has the desire to dance, I would never stop him, even though I know how much work, will and persistence lies behind the beauty of this art. But only if he wants, I would never insist against his will. I love it and I love him."

Swan Lake will play at the Cork Opera House from November 2-4
Ryan Tubridy has pulled out of what would have been his first public appearance since the RTE pay scandal first emerged.

The former Late Late Show presenter was announced as the keynote speaker at the Irish Country Living Women and Agriculture conference last month.

The sold-out conference is being held at the Lyrath Hotel in Co Kilkenny tomorrow.

Organisers of the event confirmed that Tubridy cancelled his keynote speaking appearance but declined to elaborate on the reason.

A spokesman for the Irish Farmers Journal which publishes Irish Country Living  said that both Brendan Courtney and Sile Seoige would be speaking at the conference instead.

When the former RTE presenter was first announced for the event it was said that he would have a "fireside chat" with Ciara Leahy discussing topics including "hosting an iconic chat show, presenting radio programmes, and writing best-selling books".

NK Management, which represents Tubridy, has been contacted for comment.

Tubridy pictured at the launch of former CMO Tony Holohan's book last month. File picture: Nick Bradshaw

The cancelled appearance comes after months of controversy and uncertainty for the 50-year-old presenter who stepped down from hosting the Late Late Show earlier this year before becoming embroiled in the RTE pay scandal.

For the most part, Tubridy has stayed out of the limelight since his appearances before Oireachtas committees back in July.

Tubridy attended the invite-only launch of former chief medical officer Tony Holohan's book in September.

He has posted sporadically on his Instagram, including a series of videos recommending various books.

The veteran presenter has had everyone speculating on what his next career move may be.

The latest theory being bounced around the internet is that he is in the running to replace Holly Willoughby after she stepped down from ITV's This Morning earlier this month.

It is not the first time he has been linked with a move to the UK: He caused a stir in September when he spent a few days across the water, taking meetings with various media companies.

Ryan Tubridy poses for a picture with Piers Morgan in London last month.

He met with divisive TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan who tweeted a photo of them together, writing: "The sacked presenter club! Great to see Ireland's biggest TV star Ryan Tubridy in London today, and excited to see what he does next.

"RTEs loss will definitely be someone elses gain"

This was followed up with a visit to Virgin Radio UK where he made an impromptu appearance on his old friend Chris Evans' show.

Evans mentioned that the Irish radio presenter was in the building saying "if he is in before the end of the show, we'll see if we can get him in to say hello."

Evans greeted him by saying: "Welcome aboard! When do you start?"

Laughing, Tubridy quickly answered: "Tuesday, half 10."

Evans continued to tease saying that the former RTE Radio presenter has been "window shopping" before reeling off a list of British radio stations.

Tubridy would not be drawn into specifics but he joked along saying he was looking at property prices while he was over.
A proposal to offer State accommodation to newly arrived Ukrainians in Ireland for three months before they have to find their own place to live is not feasible, support groups have said.

On Monday night, Coalition leaders were discussing the policy, which would mark a significant shift in how the State offers shelter to those fleeing war in Ukraine.

A memo on changes could go to Cabinet on Tuesday, once Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin, and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan sign off on it.

The Irish Examiner revealed that Ukrainians will have to either find accommodation in the private rental sector or take a property pledged through the offer a home scheme after three months of State-provided accommodation.

Sources said the move is intended to bring Irelands offering in line with other EU countries.

However, a Government source last night expressed concern that the decision may result in increased homelessness if Ukrainians can not find accommodation after three months.

One source said: The safety net here will need to be clear cut, and provisions will have to be put in place to ensure this doesnt add to the homelessness figures.

Representative groups for Ukrainians living in Ireland expressed concern at the proposal, with Kate Durrant of the Community Response Forum questioning the availability of housing once the three-month period ends.

She told the Irish Examiner: I think its not at all feasible. Its completely utopian as far as I can see.

Meanwhile, former Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko has said Ukraine will become a member of Nato and join the EU.

Speaking at an event in NUI Maynooth, he hit out at the international community for delays in providing military training and supplies to win the war against Russia and suggested Russian troops might have been overcome quicker with greater supports.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Yushchenko said he believes Ukraine will be victorious against Vladimir Putin very soon and "the whole world will be proud that it helped us achieve it".
The Simon Communities of Ireland recorded the lowest number of properties available to rent within Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits last month.

In its quarterly Locked Out of the Market report for September, it found just 27 properties available to rent within the discretionary rate of the HAP scheme.

That is the lowest number of HAP properties recorded by the Locked Out series since it began in 2015.

The report found 901 properties available to rent at any price within the 16 rural and urban areas that are representative of the rest of the country over the three dates surveyed in September.

This is 33 properties or 3.5% less than the 934 properties available in the June 2023 report.

Half of the 16 areas had no HAP properties available to rent in any household category within standard or discretionary limits.

These were Cork city centre, Cork city suburbs, Galway city suburbs, Co Leitrim, Limerick city suburbs, Limerick city centre, Sligo town, and Portlaoise.

Some 673 (75%) properties available to rent at any price were located within the three Dublin areas studied.

Sligo had the lowest number of homes available with just three available over the three days.

Portlaoise had six properties available during the study period.

Nine of the 16 study areas experienced a decrease in the availability of properties to rent. These were Athlone, Cork city centre, Dublin city north, Dublin city centre, Dundalk, Galway city suburbs, Galway city centre, Limerick city centre, and Limerick city suburbs.

Executive director at the Simon Communities of Ireland Wayne Stanley said: Our latest Locked Out of the Market report is further evidence of what the Simon Communities across Ireland are seeing on the front line of this crisis.

It is getting harder and harder to find rental accommodation in Ireland.

"This is one of the main drivers of the growing level of homelessness.

"It demands a greater response from the Government, including in the first instance, an increase in the HAP rates.

This is not a long-term or even a medium-term solution, but it would relieve pressure on those most vulnerable to homelessness."

He said in the medium term the Government needs to work with local authorities to increase the allocation of public housing to those stuck in homelessness so that the number of exits increases.

He added: The implementation of the Simon Homeless Prevention Bill to prevent homelessness in the first instance is long overdue.

We all know that the answer to homelessness is more secure affordable homes.

The best way for the Government to drive this change is to increase the targets for social housing to reflect the growing need and then ensure the funding and policy is in place to meet those targets.

Under the current standard HAP rates for Cork city centre, a single person can claim for up to 650-a-month rent, as can a couple, while a couple or single parent with one child can claim up to 900 and a couple or single parent with two children can claim up to 925.

However, during the survey dates, there was nothing available within HAP limits.
Cork City Council has agreed to a High Court order quashing its deferral of a social housing application made by a woman living in emergency homeless accommodation with her four children.

Margaret McDonagh (43) initiated her action last June claiming she has been on the local authoritys housing waiting list for 14 years.

Ms McDonagh, who is a member of the Travelling community, said then that she and her four minor sons had been homeless since August 2022 after the lease of her previous rental property at Eagle Valley, Wilton, Cork, was terminated as the landlord wanted to sell up.

She asked the court to overturn the local authoritys decision, made last January, to defer her social housing application for a year.

On Tuesday, Ms McDonaghs barrister, Aengus O Corrain, instructed by Thomas Coughlan & Co Solicitors, told the court the case has settled, with the city council consenting to an order overturning its deferral.

The council has also agreed to Ms McDonaghs application being sent back to it for fresh consideration by a different officer. Ms Justice Hyland noted there was consent for the orders, which she made before striking out the proceedings.

Ms McDonaghs case alleged the councils deferral came as the council said it decided that letting to her at this time would not be in the interests of good estate management. This, the council allegedly said, is permitted under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1997.

Ms McDonagh said she was most distressed by the development and completely at a loss as to why her application was deferred.

In correspondence with the Traveller Visibility Group, which was communicating on Ms McDonaghs behalf, a council representative allegedly said it would be my view that the deferral was due to information arising during pre-allocation checks that would have determined that Ms McDonaghs household would be a cause for concern for Cork City Council.

Ms McDonagh could continue to access supports such as the Housing Assistance Payment, the response allegedly continued.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan must pull out its troops from sovereign Armenian territory after signing the joint communique of the 3+3 Tehran meeting, Member of Parliament Artur Khachatryan has said.

The communique highlighted the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, non-interference in internal affairs, prohibition on the threat or use of force and respect for human rights based on all the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The definition of the territorial integrity, according to the Helsinki Final Act, means the resolution of territorial disputes peacefully. Yes, all countries, especially neighbors, must resolve relations without the use of force. Thus, Azerbaijan, who adopted that statement yesterday, should have pulled back its occupying troops from Vayots Dzor, Syunik and Gegharkunik already today. But having adopted such a statement on one hand, and simultaneously maintaining its occupying troops in Armenia, Azerbaijan is sending out a clear message that it doesnt anyhow intend to go for peace if that peace treaty is short of a capitulation statement for Armenia, the MP representing the Hayastan faction said.

With its actions Azerbaijan is showing that it doesnt want peace and it seeks the capitulation of Armenia, the lawmaker warned.

Khachatryan said that Armenia must take all measures to ensure its territorial integrity and the political rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the right to self-determination.
Meetings are being held throughout this week between gardai and Dubai police to progress investigations into Kinahan cartel leaders after a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flew into Ireland last Saturday.

It is understood the three-person team from Dubai Police are in Dublin for at least a week and specific meetings are being held with various garda national bureaus under the Organised and Serious Crime (OSC) section of the force.

Sources said the visit is part of an ongoing relationship building exercise between the two organisations and an effort by UAE authorities to be seen as playing their part in tackling organised crime.

The delegation met with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, head of OSC, at Garda Headquarters on Tuesday.

A series of meetings will be held over the coming days between the Dubai police and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, part of OSC.

This is expected to focus on the exchange of information and intelligence about the Kinahan cartel and their involvement in international drug trafficking and money laundering.

The three leaders of the cartel  Christy Kinahan senior and his sons Daniel and Christopher Junior  are still based in Dubai as is senior lieutenant Sean McGovern.

The three leaders have been sanctioned by the US authorities, who are offering $5m for information leading to the convictions of each of them.

Practical arrangements relating to any potential extradition of the four cartel figures are expected to be aired at the meetings this week.

DOCB is also expected to raise their investigation into the seizure of the largest ever cocaine haul in the country, off the Cork coast, last month, which has links back to the Middle East.

One line of that investigation is whether or not the Kinahan cartel had a direct or indirect role in financing the purchase of 2.23 tonnes of cocaine from Colombia.

The Dubai visit to Ireland follows a Garda delegation  led by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris  to Dubai at the beginning of September.

That trip, revealed in the Irish Examiner, was his first trip to the UAE, where the garda efforts to extradite Kinahan leaders formed a key part of the discussions.

Ireland does not have an extradition treaty with the UAE.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced on Monday that she had a phone call with the UAE Minister for Justice about the potential of developing a bilateral extradition agreement.
A man must restore his lands in Cork to the condition they were in before there were unauthorised developments of roadways, foundations and other works, the High Court has ruled.

Michael Hogan accepted there were breaches of planning laws on his lands at Ballymore, Cobh, Co Cork, but argued his neighbour, Jan Verwey, brought an injunction application outside the seven-year time limit.

Mr Verwey obtained a circuit court order, under section 160 of the Planning and Development Act of 2000, against Mr Hogan requiring him to restore the property to its condition prior to unauthorised development.

Mr Hogan appealed to the High Court, which upheld the orders in a judgment published this week.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Michael Twomey said the breaches of planning law were significant as the lands are zoned for agricultural use but roadways, foundations, works on a shed, hardstanding and other elements had been constructed.

In 2018, Cork County Council refused Mr Hogans request for works on an agricultural shed to be deemed exempt from planning permission.

'Culpable disregard'

The judge said Mr Hogans conduct towards the council has been poor, having ignored warning letters and enforcement notices from 2019 to 2021 regarding the developments. His actions amount to culpable disregard, as there is no evidence of any attempt to rectify planning breaches, the judge added.

Mr Hogan did not dispute that unauthorised development had occurred, but his defence to Mr Verweys request for an injunction was that some of it was undertaken more than seven years ago, meaning Mr Verweys application was brought outside the applicable time limit, the judge said.

His defence to the remainder of the unauthorised development, the judge added, was that he is living on the property in a caravan and his 40-year-old son is living in a mobile home there. He claimed he should not be subject to a planning injunction because, under article 40.5 of the Constitution, ones dwelling is inviolable.

Mr Justice Twomey said photomaps provided by Mr Verweys legal team show a very significant intensification of unauthorised development between 2017 and 2022, thus bringing these within the seven-year limit. This evidence was not disputed by Mr Hogan.

This unauthorised development included a shed under construction, a compound containing steel containers, metal shed and a waste dumping area, and a compound with a mobile home, campervan, old cars and horse boxes, the judge said.

Racial slurs

Mr Justice Twomey pointed to Mr Verweys right to protect his own property interests and personal rights. In addition, said the judge, Mr Verwey claims Mr Hogans son has subjected him to racial slurs and made a threat to his life.

For various reasons, the court could see no reason for applying the principles outlined in a 2022 Supreme Court judgment that overturned orders granted to Clare County Council requiring people from the Traveller community to vacate local authority lands in Ennis.

Significantly, he said, Mr Verwey is a private party, not a housing authority with a duty to house the respondents against whom a planning injunction is sought.

Mr Justice Twomey said the planning system and rule of law are undermined if flagrant breaches of planning and environmental laws are not subject to strict enforcement.

He dismissed Mr Hogans appeal and affirmed the circuit court orders, save in one minor respect, regarding the requirement to close up all unauthorised entrances.
Sentencing of a man caught with a 300,000 stash of cannabis at a house in Sundays Well will be sentenced on February 2, 2024.

That was the date set by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court when the 33-year-old Cork man affirmed his plea of guilty to the charges against him.

The charges against Stephen O'Hara, of 17 Winter's Hill, Sunday's Well, Cork, state that he was in possession of cannabis herb and possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply in relation to 6,000 worth of the drug on Grattan Street on January 5.

The main seizure of cannabis  with a street value of 300,000  at his home, saw him charged with possessing cannabis herb and possessing cannabis herb for sale of supply.

Detective Garda Robert Kennedy of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad charged him with the most significant count of having cannabis for sale or supply when its value exceeded 13,000. This threshold figure allows for the possibility of a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in jail unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Stephen OHara also signed a plea of guilty to a charge of money-laundering in respect of 15,585 cash seized at his home on the same occasion.

Continuing bail conditions require the defendant to reside at his address at Winters Hill and sign on each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Bridewell Garda Station. He also has to surrender his passport and not apply for any new travel documents, and supply gardai with a mobile phone number on which he would be contactable at all times.
Students at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork will stage a walkout on Tuesday morning due to a lack of car parking space, an issue which has fallen on deaf ears for years.

Despite bringing the issue to college management time and time again, MTUs Students Union said any pleas for a solution had fallen on deaf ears.

The Students Union said the lack of car parking space, which has been an ongoing issue for years, has been exacerbated due to growing student numbers, the lack of student accommodation and the fact students are forced to commute long distances just to get an education.

Students are facing unbelievable levels of stress just to get to all of our campuses and to get to classes. Day in and day out, students are waiting for buses to arrive in the mornings and sometimes, when they do arrive, they are already full, said MTU Cork Students Union president Isobel Kavanagh.

The protest, which will see students leave classes at 11.11am, will also call on the Government to increase investment in public transport and student accommodation and for a plan to support the growing numbers of students.

Public transport

Ms Kavanagh said it was imperative the frequency of public transport was increased, especially at peak times for those in a position to use it.

She added many students living at home due to a lack of affordable student accommodation must drive to college as they are unable to get buses from certain towns far from campus.

Ms Kavanagh said local residents would be delighted to see a park and ride service provided for students as it would reduce the level of parking in the surrounding areas, while also decreasing traffic congestion in the local community.

We are ultimately calling for MTU to provide students with an adequate parking solution, for example, an efficient, dedicated, affordable park and ride service which would come into effect the day the students return to campus after the summer months, she said.

MTU students are also calling for the university to provide adequate infrastructure for the current students, including appropriate spaces which are conducive to a good learning environment.

It is great to see that MTU is erecting new buildings for future students, but it is evident that the current students have to suffer with the not fit for purpose buildings that are currently in place.

Ultimately, MTU spends too much time dwelling on decisions and simply misses the opportunities to avail of solutions that present themselves. This lack of decision-making is having a massive effect on all students and staff, Ms Kavanagh said.

Ahead of Tuesdays student protest, MTU said it understood and acknowledged the concerns raised by students regarding access to the Bishopstown campus.

We recognise the convenience and accessibility of our campuses is an essential aspect of the student experience at MTU, and we are committed to exploring all options regarding how students and staff access our university, a spokesperson said.

It said access to the campus was the subject of ongoing discussion with relevant stakeholders and authorities.

The university said it was exploring off-campus parking, including park and ride options while also working with local transport authorities to improve public transport options, especially at peak travel times.
Cork County Councils most senior official has said the Government should establish a single overall agency to look after the country's rivers to better reduce the risk of flooding.

Acting council chief executive Valerie OSullivan said there is currently a mix of too many agencies with differing controls of watercourses and it would be better if they were co-ordinated by one governing body.

She was speaking as the clean-up continued in parts of Cork badly damaged by last week's Storm Babet, in particular in Midleton, when an unprecedented 100mm of rain fell in 36 hours.

At present, local authorities have control in certain areas where rivers have an impact on the infrastructure, while Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Uisce Eireann and the OPW also have inputs. Landowners also have responsibility to keep rivers free flowing through their land, but there is no agency charged with overall monitoring of that, Ms O'Sullivan said

She was responding to concerns raised by councillors about rivers not being regularly cleared of debris, with resultant implications for increased risks of flooding. Fine Gael councillor, John Paul OShea, said the River Awbeg, which flows through North Cork, has become clogged with green matter and man-made debris.

As a consequence, the river is now at serious risk of overflowing, Mr O'Shea said, which happened in recent days. This has impacted places like Churchtown, Ballyhea and Buttevant and also poses a risk further downstream into Castletownroche where it flows into the River Blackwater.

As a result of the Awbeg flooding an 85-year-old householder has yet again been cut off for days, said Mr O'Shea. He claimed councillors have repeatedly "hit a brick wall" in relation to requests to IFI to dredge the river.

Ms OSullivan acknowleged that the Awbeg presents potential flooding problems. Fianna Fail councillor, Ian Doyle, highlighted similar issues with watercourses in the Charleville area.

There are rivers blocked in my area (Macroom/Millstreet Municipal District) especially with debris in the eyes of the bridges. The rivers and streams need to be cleaned more often, Fianna Fail councillor Michael Looney said.

Independent councillor, Alan Coleman, said three houses and a pub were flooded in Riverstick, near Kinsale, and he believed a refusal to dredge the riverbed was to blame. He said the cost to humans in order to protect wildlife amounted to us losing a sense of proportionality.

Ms OSullivan pointed out that ensuring rivers and streams are kept clear of debris is problematic. Under the law it is up to landowners when rivers run through their properties to ensure they are clear of obstructions.

However, she re-iterated an overall agency needs to be created to carry out nationwide inspections on all waterways to ensure they're properly maintained.

Fine Gael councillor, Kay Dawson, noted how the flooding of many properties in her hometown of Mitchelstown ironically saw many of them left without water for a number of days. She criticised the lack of information from Uisce Eireann on the issue saying it was a cause of frustration for those impacted.

Labour councillor, James Kennedy, said more resources need to be allocated to clearing all watercourses to prevent flooding. This (flooding) is going to be the new normal. Events which once happened every 50 years are now likely to happen every five years, he said.
Ministers have raised concerns over the Governments plan to offer newly-arrived Ukrainians in Ireland just three months' accommodation before they have to find their own place to live.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has also said he believed there is currently a phenomenon of secondary arrivals of Ukrainian refugees into Ireland from other EU countries.

It is understood there were differing views at Cabinet on Tuesday where there was a wide-ranging discussion on the proposal.

However, it is not expected there will be a change to the three-month offering.

The Irish Examiner revealed officials have been working on a plan to introduce a time-limit on the length of time that Ukrainians are offered accommodation by the State once they arrive here in Ireland.

It is understood Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin, and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan could not come to an agreement on the plan at a meeting on Monday night and had requested more detail from officials on how the plan would be implemented for new arrivals.

Integration Minister Roderic OGorman did not bring a memo to Cabinet on Tuesday and instead it just formed part of discussions among ministers.

It is understood a memo with a more detailed plan will go to Cabinet as soon as next week for sign-off.

Concerns were raised over what alternative accommodation would be available to Ukrainians once their three-month stint in State accommodation came to an end as well as how Ukrainians who have arrived in Ireland having spent time in another EU country would be treated.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Martin said that he believed that there is currently a phenomenon of secondary arrivals of Ukrainian refugees into Ireland from other EU countries.

There is some evidence that perhaps there are some secondary transfers now from across Europe, as opposed to directly from Ukraine and thats the issue thats being examined now in terms of any new arrivals into the future, Mr Martin said.

He said that the issue of secondary transfers is being discussed by Government at present, but when asked if these transfers could be treated differently to those who arrive directly from Ukraine, Mr Martin would not be drawn on the matter.

Theres a broad range of issues being looked at in respect, but Im not going to go into any further detail right now until the Government has completed its deliberation, Mr Martin said.

He said that he is unable to quantify the number of secondary Ukrainian transfers into Ireland.
At least seven people have been killed after a super fog of smoke from marsh fires and dense morning fog caused a series of crashes near New Orleans in the US that left a long stretch of mangled and scorched vehicles.

An estimated 158 vehicles were involved and 25 people were injured in the incident on Interstate 55, according to the Louisiana State Police.

They warned the death toll could climb as first responders worked into the night looking for victims.

Vehicles were crushed, piled on top of each other and engulfed by flames.

A super fog caused multiple traffic crashes (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Some people got out of their vehicles and stood on the side of the road or on the roof of their cars looking in disbelief at the disaster, while others cried out for help.

Clarencia Patterson Reed was driving with her wife and niece and could see people waving their hands for her to stop, but when she did her car was hit from behind and on the side by two other vehicles, she told The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate.

It was Boom. Boom. All you kept hearing was crashing, Ms Reed said. She was able to scramble out of her car, but her wife was pinned inside and injured her leg and side.

Another driver, Christopher Coll, said he was already braking when a pick-up truck drove up on top of my work trailer and took me for a ride.

Mr Coll could smell smoke as he heard the sounds of crashing cars and popping tyres. He was able to kick open his passenger door to escape and then helped others  pulling out one person through a car window.

Wreckage on the highway (Gerald Herbert/AP)

While 25 people were transported to hospital, with injuries ranging from minor to critical, others sought medical aid on their own, authorities said.

Governor John Bel Edwards asked for prayers for those hurt and killed and issued a call for blood donors to replenish dwindling supplies.

Louisiana State Police shared aerial photos on their Facebook page showing the crashed cars and extensive debris on both northbound and southbound lanes of the elevated interstate, which passes over swamp and open water between lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.

As of Monday afternoon, state troopers were still working to notify families, investigate the exact causes of the crashes and co-ordinate with the states transportation department to have the bridge inspected.

The National Weather Service said there were multiple wetland fires in the region. Smoke from the fires mixed with fog to create a super fog.
Israel's military intensified its assault on Hamas militants in Gaza, as the United States and other global powers called for aid to continue flowing into the besieged strip to prevent an already grave humanitarian crisis from worsening.

Israel's military said it had hit more than 400 militant targets in Gaza overnight and killed dozens of Hamas fighters, including three deputy battalion commanders.

In a statement, the military said that among the targets hit was a tunnel which allowed Hamas to infiltrate Israel from the sea and Hamas command centres in mosques. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that more than 120 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes that targeted inhabited homes in different areas of the Gaza Strip.

A Palestinian carries a child killed in Israeli bombardment in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Earlier, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi suggested Israel had no intention of curbing its strikes.

"We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling," Halevi said in a statement late on Monday.

"We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south," he added, referring to southern Israel, which abuts Gaza. "Troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now."

The Palestinian health ministry said the Gaza death toll had topped 5,000 in two weeks of Israeli air strikes in response to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel in which the Islamist militant group killed more than 1,400 people.

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli women among the more than 200 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 assault. They were the third and fourth hostages to be released.

US President Joe Biden welcomed the release of the hostages and underscored the need to sustain "a continuous flow" of humanitarian assistance into Gaza in a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.

President Joe Biden waves as he walks along the beach with first lady Jill Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Del., Sunday, Oct 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

China, which along with Russia has found itself in a separate camp to the United States, called for a "more authoritative, wide-ranging and effective international peace conference" soon, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in a telephone call.

A Cairo peace summit last Saturday saw Arab leaders condemn Israel's bombardment of Gaza, but fail to agree on a joint statement. Absent were Israel and the United States.

In public, the United States has stressed Israel's right to defend itself but two sources familiar with the matter said the White House, Pentagon and State Department have stepped up private appeals for caution in conversations with the Israelis.

A US priority is to gain time for negotiations to free other hostages, said the sources, who spoke before the hostage releases were announced on Monday.

Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, Biden said: "We should have those hostages released and then we can talk."

At least 10 British nationals have been killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas and a further six remain missing, junior British finance minister Victoria Atkins told Times Radio on Tuesday.

OBAMA WARNS ISRAEL AGAINST CIVILIAN CASUALTIES

Barack Obama, in a rare comment by a former U.S. president on a foreign policy crisis, warned Israel's military strategy could backfire it if continued to ignore the human cost.

In a written statement, he urged Israel to limit civilian casualties, adding that it would alienate generations of Palestinians, erode global support and undermine long-term peace efforts.

"Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes," Obama said.

The Israeli government's decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis," he added.

He also condemned Hamas' attack and reiterated his support for Israel's right to defend itself.

It was not immediately clear whether Obama coordinated his statement with Biden, who was his vice president. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned on Tuesday to attend a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, though it was unclear what action, if any, might be taken by the council, whose five veto-wielding powers appear divided.

Israel's bombardment of Gaza has allowed China and Russia to burnish their credentials as the champions of the developing world, in contrast with the United States, which has squarely supported Israel. All three big powers hold Council vetoes.

With Gaza's 2.3 million people running short of basics, European leaders looked set to follow the United Nations and Arab nations in calling for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities so aid could reach them.

The UN said desperate Gazans also lacked places to shelter from the unrelenting pounding that has flattened swathes of the Hamas-ruled enclave.

- Reuters
Israel has escalated its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip, the military said on Tuesday, ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants that the US fears could spark a wider conflict in the region.

The stepped-up attacks, and the rapidly rising death toll in Gaza, came as Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the hundreds of hostages it captured during its devastating attack on towns in southern Israel on October 7.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Israel since the war started, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, meeting the families of others held hostage in Gaza before heading to talks with top Israeli officials.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack.

A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Monday carrying only a tiny fraction of the cargo aid groups say is necessary.

Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem (Christophe Ena/AP)

With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza.

Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, aged 83 and 84, were not released.

Yocheved Lifshitz was among those freed (Hostages and Missing Families Forum via AP)

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, said Ms Lifshitzs daughter, Sharone Lifschitz.

The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Ms Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah.

(PA Graphics)

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Ms Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody T-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the October 7 attack.

The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that they had been promised financial rewards.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians killed during the initial Hamas attack.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said.

Israels Iron Dome missile defence system fires interceptors at rockets launched from the Gaza Strip (AP)

That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 air strikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centres and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes.

The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said many of the air strikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter, causing many casualties and trapping people under rubble.

Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried on Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli air strikes.

Israel says it does not target civilians and says Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired more than 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas.

Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Middle East, if a ground offensive is launched.

Palestinians unload boxes of medicine from a truck (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a US official.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in UN-run schools and shelters, the UN said on Monday.
One sailor has died and four others are missing after a British cargo ship sank following a collision with a vessel in the North Sea.

Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said two sailors were rescued but the body of one man had been recovered following the incident.

A search and rescue operation began after the British-flagged Verity hit a larger cargo ship, Polesie, about 14 miles south-west of the German island of Heligoland at around 5am on Tuesday.

While the Bahamas-flagged Polesie stayed afloat, the Verity, which had departed from Bremen, Germany, and was destined for the port of Immingham on the east coast of England, became submerged.

P&Os cruise ship Iona is helping with the search and rescue operation in the North Sea (Andrew Matthews/PA)

A P&O cruise ship is helping with the search, a spokesman for the operator told the PA news agency.

They said: P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

The incident is ongoing and Ionas co-operation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the companys moral and legal obligations.

Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrows scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.

Faversham Ships Ltd, which owns the Verity, described the incident as ongoing and said it is working with local authorities.

A spokesman for Associated British Ports, which owns the port of Immingham, confirmed it the vessel was due to arrive there.

The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan has visited the Senate of France within the framework of his visit to France.

Papikyan had meetings with Senate Vice President Pierre Ouzoulias, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Cedric Perrin and Chairman of the France-Armenia Friendship Group Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, the defense ministry said in a press release.

Topics related to the Armenian-French bilateral defense cooperation were discussed.

The Minister of Defense introduced the current course of cooperation and the results of the discussions held during the visit.

Minister Papikyan expressed his gratitude for the support in the development of cooperation. The senators expressed readiness to proceed further in supporting the improvement of Armenian-French cooperation.

During the meeting, issues related to regional security were discussed as well.
Rapidly expanding Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip killed more than 700 people in the past day as medical facilities across the territory were forced to close because of bombing damage and a lack of power, according to health officials.

The soaring death toll from Israels escalating bombardment was unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It could signal an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli ground forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected offensive into the territory aimed at crushing Hamas.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been under increasing bombardment and running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating attack by Hamas militants on towns in southern Israel on October 7.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 air strikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centres and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes.

Witnesses and health officials said many of the air strikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

An overnight strike hit a four-storey residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron (Christophe Ena/AP)

The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the air strike. He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate.

They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently there is no safe place in Gaza, he said.

Another air strike hit a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing several shoppers and wounding dozens, witnesses said.

Men used sledgehammers to break up concrete and dug with their bare hands through the jagged wreckage to save anyone they could.

Fifteen members of another family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried on Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli air strikes.

Gazas Hamas-run Health Ministry said the attacks killed at least 704 people over the past day, including 305 children and 173 women.

More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors, the ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem (Christophe Ena/AP)

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians killed during the initial Hamas attack.

As the death toll in Gaza spiralled, facilities to deal with the casualties were dwindling.

A total of 46 out of 72 primary healthcare facilities, and 12 out of 35 hospitals, stopped functioning, the World Health Organisation said.

Palestinian health officials said the lack of electricity and fuel to power generators from the Israeli blockade, as well as damage from air strikes, has forced many of the facilities to close.

Gazas five main hospitals were all filled beyond capacity, it said.

Palestinian health officials said the lack of electricity and fuel to power generators from the Israeli blockade, as well as damage from air strikes, has forced many of the facilities to close.

While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza.

(PA Graphics)

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired more than 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage on Tuesday morning.

We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south for your personal safety.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing to 35 the death toll of its workers since the war started.

Amid fears the fighting could spiral into a wider regional war, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and told top Israeli officials that he came to express our support and solidarity and share your pain as well as to assure Israel it is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

In a joint news conference with Mr Macron, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would make every effort to fight the war quickly, but it could be a long war.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken to Gaza during the attack.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters on Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her.

Yocheved Lifshitz was held hostage in Gaza (Ariel Schalit/AP)

They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several miles on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spiders web, she said.

Once there, though, her treatment improved, she said. Ms Lifshitz, whose husband remains a hostage, said conditions were kept clean, she received medical care, including medication, and was given the same one meal a day of cheese and cucumber that her captors had.

Ms Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Ms Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody T-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the October 7 attack.

The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that they had been promised financial rewards.

Israels Iron Dome missile defence system fires interceptors at rockets launched from the Gaza Strip (AP)

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

The Israeli military later dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informants home.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Middle East, if a ground offensive is launched.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an increase in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

Palestinians unload boxes of medicine from a truck (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a US official.
Myanmars military regime is questioning former deputy prime minister and home affairs minister Lieutenant-General Soe Htut, his wife Nilar Sein and their two sons, on suspicion of conspiring in corruption, sources have told The Irrawaddy.

Soe Htut is accused of violating legal and financial procedures in inviting tenders for government-funded projects and taking bribes from business owners. His wife and their two sons face the same charges.

A police officer familiar with the matter said Soe Htut awarded contracts for construction projects under the Home Affairs Ministry to companies owned by his son. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity.

Soe Htut has three sons who have business interests in construction, hospitals, food manufacturing, and imports.

The former home affairs minister and his wife have a reputation as rapacious individuals with a haughty attitude toward staff at the ministry. Ministry staff seeking promotions or transfers reportedly had to bribe Nilar Sein, who leads her husband by the nose.

To win tenders for contracts, businesspeople must approach her [Nilar Sein]. Businessmen are given 10 minutes to speak, then told to leave the money [bribe] and leave their house, said a business owner.

Soe Htut was appointed home affairs minister in 2020. He was concurrently appointed deputy prime minister of the regime in February. Following rumors about his health, he was transferred to lead the Union Government Office 1 in August.

He was forced to step down from the juntas cabinet and transferred back to his original military duties on September 25, then interrogated along with his family and various business owners as part of a nationwide corruption probe.

According to rumor, Nilar Sein and her sons resisted arrest when junta troops arrived at their home to detain them for interrogation.

As home affairs minister, Soe Htut personally oversaw the executions of four anti-regime activists including veteran pro-democracy activist Ko Jimmy and former National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw in Insein Prison last year. The hangings of the political prisoners, the first in decades in Myanmar, triggered a massive public outcry.

A source in Naypyitaw who is close to the Myanmar military said: [Soe Htuts] case has been heard and the verdict is pending. I think the regime will lay the blame at Soe Htuts door for the execution of Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy.

Soe Htut served as commander of Southern Command, and as military intelligence chief, and has been described as the alter ego of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing.

He and Police Brigadier-General Kyaw Soe Win led the team that arrested President U Win Myint of the ousted NLD government on the day of coup in February 2021.
Myanmar activists have launched an online petition campaign to pressure Singapores government to block the juntas access to funds, arms, equipment and jet fuel.

Singapore is the third-largest supplier of arms and equipment to the Myanmar military and also a financial hub for the regime and its generals.

The Blood Money Campaign (BMC) says the junta relies on Singapore resources in waging a campaign of terror against civilians featuring daily indiscriminate airstrikes, shelling, murder, torture, arbitrary detention, rape and arson attacks.

It calls on Singapore to impose sanctions to stop the direct and indirect transfer of arms, dual-use goods, technology and jet fuel to the Myanmar military. Additionally, it urges the city-state to impose money-laundering and related restrictions to ensure the regime cannot access the Singapore financial system and over US$4.5 billion in funds that belong to the government of Myanmar.

The BMC petition also calls on Singapore to expedite and make public ongoing investigations into domestic companies suspected of supplying arms, dual-use goods and technology to the Myanmar military.

As of Tuesday, it had collected over 24,400 signatures. The campaigners said the petition will be sent to Singapores government on Oct. 29 to mark 1,000 days since the coup.

The UNs Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar revealed in May that $254 million of supplies were shipped from dozens of entities in Singapore to the Myanmar military from February 2021 to December 2022. Singaporean banks have been used extensively by arms dealers supplying the military.

The activist group Justice for Myanmar also recently released a Dirty Over 30 list featuring nine tycoons whose Singapore businesses are linked to war crimes, detailing how some enjoy lavish lifestyles in the city-state.

The petition was launched as part of a global campaign being held from October 25 to 31 to increase pressure on Singapore to block the flow of funds and weapons to the junta.

It will feature both online and on-ground activities, said campaigners, who invited people to join them online or in person.

If Singapore can block weapons and financial channels that support the terrorist junta group, it will not only be a great support for the revolution but also reduce the damage to the peoples lives and livelihoods, the BCM said in the announcement.
Chinas Ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, has met the juntas foreign minister, Than Swe, to discuss Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing was not invited to the BRIs 10th anniversary event last week in Beijing, despite heavy junta lobbying.

Chen proposed cooperation on eight major steps announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRI forum to enable both countries to prosper, according to the embassys Facebook page.

They discussed Chinese support for the regimes development efforts and international cooperation, particularly with ASEAN, according to junta media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and many other Asian and African leaders attended the BRI forum.

Min Aung Hlaing has not been invited to Beijing or ASEAN summits since the 2021 coup.

The juntas Transport and Communications Minister General Mya Tun Oo and fellow cabinet minister Ko Ko Hlaing attended the Beijing forum, according to the regime.

Beijing has recently stepped up its projects in Myanmar with several Chinese visits by junta ministers.

China has 597 projects in Myanmar, valued at US$21.9 billion, junta investment and foreign economic relations minister Dr Kan Zaw told the Greater Mekong Sub-region Economic Corridor Governors Forum in Kunming in August.

China accounts for 23.5 percent of Myanmars foreign investment, the majority of which is in the electricity sector, the minister added.

The neighbors are also pushing for train links between landlocked southern China and Mandalay and Rakhine State, providing Chinese access to the Indian Ocean. The rail project is a major part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the wider BRI.

At the Comprehensive Transport Investment Promotion Conference in Beijing in September, Mya Tun Oo said the regime actively participates in the BRI and Mekong-Lancang Cooperation projects to establish Myanmar as an economic corridor.

Chinese investment is greeted in Myanmar with skepticism as Chinese-backed projects like the Letpadaung copper mine in Sagaing Region and oil and gas pipelines and an oil terminal at Kyaukryu Township in Rakhine State have harmed residents while China reaps the profit.
A Myanmar junta flotilla abandoned a stranded barge on Monday after five days of resistance attacks in Mawlaik Township, Sagaing Region, according to resistance groups.

Last Wednesday, five barges carrying timber and around 100 troops stopped on the Chindwin River near the Yu tributary in Mawlaik Township, after a barge loaded with logs became stuck on a sandbank, according to Mawlaik Peoples Defense Force (PDF).

The flotilla was traveling from Homalin to Mawlaik.

Shootouts broke out with township resistance forces after the flotilla randomly opened fire to deter resistance ambushes, a resistance fighter told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday.

She said five days of attacks prevented junta troops from securing the riverbanks.

We didnt let the junta troops reach the riverbanks. Our forces took up positions along the banks, she said.

Another barges bow was damaged by an 80mm resistance shell and four vessels headed to Mawlaik town, abandoning the stranded barge.

At least 13 regime troops were killed with no resistance casualties, the PDF said, adding that troops buried their dead comrades on the sandbanks.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.

On Saturday, resistance forces said they ambushed four junta vessels, including a barge carrying logs, in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, while it was traveling from Monywa down the Chindwin.

The details of damage and casualties are unknown.
Wednesday, Dec 8th, 2021 (12:01 am) - Score 9,864

The Government has unveiled a new agreement with the four primary mobile network operators, including Vodafone, EE (BT), O2 (VMO2) and Three UK, which among other things will see existing 2G and 3G signals being phased out by 2033 (benefitting 4G / 5G services and mobile broadband) and a new target for OpenRAN adoption.

The idea of switching off older 2G and 3G networks is hardly new or surprising, particularly since today most of us make calls and surf the internet via faster 4G and 5G networks. Not only does such a switch-off save money and cut power consumption, but the spectrum can then be re-farmed for use by the latest technologies (i.e. not just 4G and 5G, but also future 6G), which will help to improve coverage and service speeds for consumers.

However, contrary to what you might think, most mobile operators tend to expect 3G to be phased out before 2G because the latter remains useful as a low-power fall back and is still necessary for some rural areas, as well as for particular applications. For example, quite a few early Smart Meters and other Internet of Things (IoT) / M2M services are still dependent upon 2G.

The government has now agreed with the UK mobile network operators (MNOs) that 2033 will be the date by which all public 2G and 3G networks in the UK will be switched off, although it should be said that some operators will reach this point before that date. For example, EE plans to retire older 3G (this currently represents just 2% of data traffic over their network) by the end of 2023.

Hamish MacLeod, Director of Mobile UK, said: Mobile UK and its members welcome the governments statement. Switching off 2G and 3G will enable operators to transition fully to more energy efficient and high capacity networks to the benefit of customers. We are also working with government and wider industry to support the maturity of new RAN solutions to open up further opportunities for innovation and new services in the future.

A Stronger Focus on OpenRAN

On top of the aforementioned sunset for 2G and 3G services, the Government and mobile operators have also announced new plans to boost innovation and accelerate the rollout of the new Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) technology. Under this plan, a joint ambition has been set that will see 35% of the UKs mobile network traffic being carried over OpenRAN by 2030.

NOTE: The 35% target is merely an ambition and not a mandate.

At present, most UK mobile operators can often only pick from a couple of major suppliers (e.g. Nokia, Ericsson) to help deploy their networks, which wasnt helped by the Governments decision to ban Huawei from 5G (also impacting 4G) over security fears.

The O-RAN approach could help this situation by standardising the design and functionality of such radio access kit and software (the RAN side covers infrastructure, masts and antennae), which could increase the number of companies able to supply operators via vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology.

Some 36 million in funding has been set aside for 15 projects to trial the technology across Scotland, Wales and England (see bottom of article), as well as a 15 million cash injection for the SONIC prototype testing facility for next-generation telecoms tech (a facility based in London and Brighton and run by Digital Catapult with Ofcoms support). All of this will help to support the changes that have been made under the new Telecommunications Security Act (TSA).

Nadine Dorries MP, Digital Secretary, said: 5G technology is already revolutionising peoples lives and businesses  connecting people across the UK with faster mobile data and making businesses more productive. Today we are announcing a further 50 million to put the UK at the forefront of mobile connectivity and to make sure our telecoms networks are safe and secure now and in the future. We can only do this through stronger international collaboration and I will be meeting with our US allies today as we strengthen our ties on technology.

We should point out that significant progress is already being made in the market for O-RAN technologies, with major operators currently conducting key trials. For example, Vodafone are working with Dell, NEC, Samsung and others on a commercial rollout of 4G and 5G OpenRAN kit, which aims to upgrade 2,600 sites across rural Wales and South West England (here)  due to start soon and complete by 2027.

As for the 2G and 3G switch-off. The number of consumers using such services, who will need to upgrade or risk being left disconnected, is expected to be very low by 2033, but its not zero and so there is a risk of some disruption. However, operators have committed to help customers transition to newer network technologies.

Finally, we come to the 15 winning R&D projects under the Future Radio Access Network Competition (FRANC), which is designed to help develop O-RAN technologies.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with the delegation led by South Korean Trade Minister Dukgeun Ahn.

PM Pashinyan attached importance to the consistent development and strengthening of trade-economic ties between Armenia and Korea and welcomed the delegations visit, the Prime Ministers Office said in a readout.

The Armenian Prime Minister expressed hope that the negotiations in Yerevan will intensify the economic partnership, expansion of business ties and will contribute to the implementation of investment projects in various directions. PM Pashinyan stressed that Armenia and the Republic of Korea have an active political dialogue and the government of Armenia is interested in expanding the partnership.

Dukgeun Ahn said that his delegation includes businessmen and representatives of various organizations and that Korea is interested in cooperation in the fields of energy, infrastructures and high technologies.

The sides found the fields of agriculture and tourism to be promising directions for partnership as well. Pashinyan and Dukgeun Ahn expressed certainty that concrete agreements will be reached as a result of the discussions.
Tuesday, Oct 24th, 2023 (12:01 am) - Score 1,464

Network operator Telcom Group (ClearFibre, WeFibre, HyperCity etc.), which via its UK sub-brands is building various 10Gbps capable full fibre broadband and Ethernet networks across the Midlands and North West of England, has today announced the successful acquisition of fixed wireless and high-speed fibre network provider Luminet.

The IT solutions provider and business ISP Luminet is perhaps best known for operating a mix of microwave based fixed wireless access (FWA) and full fibre networks in London (covering 400sqkm), which is a city that should complement Telcoms existing footprint of metro networks in other parts of the United Kingdom.

NOTE: A few years ago Telcom secured an investment boost of 63m from Gresham House.

Founded in 2005, Luminet was one of the first providers to offer commercial wireless broadband solutions to businesses and has grown its London client base to over 1,000 businesses. The network today can provide fully resilient 100% SLA connectivity, at speeds of up to 10Gbps, with wireless connectivity provision within 10 days.

Shaun Gibson, Telcom Group Co-Founder, said: Luminet provides the key London footprint to complement our Hypercity fibre networks with Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham now complete, we are rapidly becoming the go to high-speed network provider for business customers & channel partners throughout the UK. The combination of Telcom and Luminet sees Telcom Group become the largest B2B Fixed Wireless Network provider in the UK and helps accelerate our ability to support Britains digital revolution and ultimately connect customers, to a network thats built for greatness.

The announcement doesnt add a lot more colour beyond that.
Tuesday, Oct 24th, 2023 (8:33 am) - Score 1,656

The ITS Technology Group, which runs 36 wholesale full fibre broadband and Ethernet networks (Faster Britain) across urban parts of the UK for businesses and ISPs to harness, has today announced that theyve secured 100m of debt financing from global investment firm Avenue Capital Group to help support their plans.

The new investment, which complements the 145m secured from Aviva Investors in previous years (here and here), is expected to help with both the expansion of their up to 10Gbps capable XGS-PON network technology and enable the operator to boost growth through new mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

The announcement also highlights ITS growth target for its full fibre network to pass 50% of the UKs commercial business premises, although its unclear whether they mean this in terms of addressable market reach or actual premises passed. The operators prior coverage goal was to pass 25% (c.500,000) of UK business premises by the end of [2022], but we havent had a solid progress update on that.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO at ITS, said: Were really excited to welcome our new investor, Avenue Capital Group. This additional funding recognises the strength in our business plan as we continue to expand our network, as well as consider strategic acquisitions, as the fibre market adapts to changing technology and undergoes consolidation. Following last years follow-on investment from Aviva Investors and the acquisition of NextGenAccess, we have worked with our partners to drive connections with both businesses and with public sector organisations. In addition, weve had a strong focus on service, investing in systems and delivery to drive improved experience, providing agility and assurance alongside our business growth.

Jonathan Ford, Head of Europe Strategy at Avenue Capital, said: Were delighted to be supporting ITS business-to-business fibre rollout in the UK. The companys management team not only has very deep industry relationships to execute on their business plan, but it has also coupled it with a strong delivery track record. This funding fits well with our European strategy of investing in high quality companies with sustainable business models.

Greenhill acted as corporate finance advisors on the transaction with Dow Schofield Watts, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP provided legal advice, and RSM were tax advisors.

UPDATE 8:46am

According to ITSs website, the operator has built our Faster Britain network to pass nearly 450,000 UK business premises with an ambition to pass 1 million in the next few years, although were still not sure if they mean premises passed or addressable market. In any case, this figure doesnt specifically state full fibre coverage (i.e. their wireless networks could be playing a role).

Independent data from Thinkbroadband recently reported that the operators full fibre network now covered 185,000 premises (here).
Tuesday, Oct 24th, 2023 (11:57 am) - Score 7,248

The UK telecoms regulator has proposed to soften their requirements for licence exempt indoor mobile phone repeaters in order to reflect both the introduction of in-vehicle 5G and the withdrawal of older 2G and 3G networks. Most operators (except O2) expect to close 3G by the end of 2024, while both 2G and 3G must be switched-off by 2033 (here).

Since 2018 its been possible for consumers to use repeaters that boost and retransmit UK mobile signals, which can help to improve local mobile coverage, provided they follow the rules and dont cause undue interference, or other adverse effects, for nearby customers. Devices like this simply work to boost an existing mobile signal  handy if you live in an area where fixed broadband doesnt exist (boats, camper vans etc.).

NOTE: Such devices are NOT to be confused with Wi-Fi Calling or Femtocell based signal boosters, which require the customer to have an existing broadband connection in order to function.

However, the current regulations state, among other things, that static indoor repeaters designed to boost a 4G mobile (mobile broadband) signal must also repeat a 2G and/or 3G signal. The problem is that this is starting to conflict with the current move to sunset 2G and 3G networks, and Ofcom are thus looking to update their rules accordingly. But thats not the only change being proposed.

Ofcoms Proposals 1. Remove the requirement for indoor repeaters that boost a 4G signal to also carry a 2G and/or 3G signal or frequency in order to be licence-exempt. This will allow the installation and use of 4G-only repeaters, subject to compliance with the remaining technical conditions included in the licence exemption regulations. 2. Update the regulations and associated Interface Requirements to enable in-vehicle mobile repeaters to amplify signals in the 700MHz band, and to make them technology neutral. This enables them to repeat 5G signals in the bands included in the Interface Requirement.

The new consultation will run until 4th December 2023 and wed expect Ofcom to announce their final decision during early 2024 sometime.
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.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. A one-week exhibition featuring traditional Armenian costumes and carpets from the "Teryan" Cultural Center, entitled "Future of the Past: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Supporting the Revival of Traditional Art of Armenia," took place at the UN office in Vienna.

Armenia's Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Ambassador Armen Papikyan delivered opening remarks.

In his address, the ambassador highlighted the unique significance of Armenian traditional costumes and carpets in the rich Armenian cultural heritage.

Referring to the goal of the exhibition to encourage the expansion of women's employment opportunities, the Ambassador praised the activity of "Teryan'' Cultural Center as an example of a successful combination of art, handcraft traditions and entrepreneurship.



Ambassador Papikyan also addressed the issue of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijan against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting the role of national culture as a symbol of the Armenian people's resilience against all the difficulties.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to the Lebanese Republic is in regular contact with the relevant bodies of Lebanon, as well as the leadership of the Armenian community structures to propose solutions that can contribute to the safety of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, as well as many thousands of Lebanese Armenians.



Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan said in response to Armenpress question.



She also noted that at the moment the Armenian embassy has not received any request regarding the transportation of citizens from Lebanon to Armenia.



"In response to several requests, the embassy provided the necessary information, including currently operating Beirut-Yerevan commercial flights," said Ani Badalyan.
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Mkrtchyan has met with Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Konstantinos Tasoulas.

The Ambassador Mkrtchyan thanked the Greek parliamentary speaker and congratulated him on his re-election as the Speaker of the Greek Parliament and expressed hope that more visible results of the Armenian-Greek parliamentarian contacts will be recorded in the coming years, the Armenian Embassy in Greece informs on its Facebook page.

Konstantinos Tasoulas said that the composition of the friendship parliamentary group of the two states will be published in the near future, which will allow the resumption of active Armenian-Greek parliamentary diplomatic contacts.

"During the meeting, issues related to the Armenian-Greek cooperation field were discussed, including political dialogue, cooperation of defense departments, permanent contacts between the coordinators of the diaspora sector at both bilateral and trilateral levels (Armenia-Greece-Cyprus).

The Ambassador of Armenia gave a detailed presentation of the process of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, which Azerbaijan began in December 2022.

Ambassador Tigran Mkrtchyan noted that after more than nine months of complete blockade and starvation of the population, in the absence of the international pressure and international observers, an active aggressive phase of ethnic cleansing started.

Touching upon the consequences of Azerbaijani aggression, the Armenian Ambassador clarified that now the Armenian authorities, with the support of international partners, are solving the problems of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh and do the utmost to find solutions to the problems.

The Ambassador emphasized that the right of Artsakh Armenians to return to their homeland in the presence of reliable international guarantees should not remain off the international agenda.

The parties also discussed other issues related to regional security, as well as the agenda of bilateral relations and upcoming mutual visits aimed at activating inter-parliamentary cooperation.
The European Union has failed the balanced policy that was pursuing towards young and democratic Armenia and rich and autocratic Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German parliament, the Bundestag, Michael Roth said at a briefing with journalists.

October 24, 2023, 10:08 German lawmaker: Sanctions will be imposed if Azerbaijan does not stop its aggressive provocative policy

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 24, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The balanced policy that we were conducting towards young and democratic Armenia and rich and autocratic Azerbaijan has failed. This means that we should reformulate our policy, that is, to have a clear position regarding those two countries.



If Azerbaijan does not stop its aggressive and provocative policy, there will certainly be sanctions against the Azerbaijani regime, which are currently being developed. We will continue to actively support all negotiations aimed at reaching peace with the same intensity," Roth emphasized.



When asked under what conditions sanctions would be applied against Azerbaijan, for example, if Azerbaijan attacks Armenia, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Bundestag replied that he would do everything to ensure that sanctions were on the table and applied.
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The USG Open Source Center translates the statement at the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply condemning Israel:

Text of Russian Foreign Ministry statement in connection to reports about air strikes by the Israeli Air Force on targets on Syrian territory published on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on 31 January Moscow is gravely concerned by reports about Israeli Air Force strikes on Syrian facilities close to Damascus. If this information is confirmed, then we are dealing with unprovoked strikes at targets on the territory of a sovereign state, which grossly violates the UN Charter and is unacceptable, whatever motives are used to justify it. We are taking emergency measures to clarify all details of this situation. We once again call for stopping all violence in Syria, not allowing any sort of foreign interference and starting an all-Syrian dialogue on the basis of the Geneva accords from 30 June 2012. (Dated) 31 January 2013 (Description of Source: Moscow Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Russian  Official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry; URL: http://www.mid.ru)

There were conflicting reports of what exactly the Israeli Air Force bombed in Syria. The Baath government said it was. military research center, while the Beirut press insisted it was an arms convoy transferring SA 17 missile launchers for Syrian ally Hizbullah.

If it was the convoy with the SA 17s, the regime may have been transferring them to Hizbullah for fear they might fall into rebel hands. The rebels have been taking military bases and looting them for weaponry. The regimes advantage has been its planes, helicopter gunships and tanks, and the SA 17s would be a powerful equalizer. So much better to put them in Tyre. Moreover, once there, Hizbullah could use them to protect Syria from Israeli aircraft flying in over Lebanese territory. In that case, their destruction by Israel was a risk worth taking. The regime did not lose that much by their destruction, and they are still denied to the rebels.

Russias angry reaction probably has less to do with Israel itself (with which the Putin government is friendly) than with a fear that Israel might set a precedent for military intervention in Syria. After all, Turkey has as much reason to bomb the place as Israel does, having taken lost a plane to a Syrian missile and having taken artillery fire from the Syrian side. And, France has been taking a harder stance in favor of some sort of intervention.

So the last thing the Putin government wants is for Israel to start a trend.

The brutally frank language toward Israel is also consistent with Putins recent instructions to the Foreign Ministry to toughen up its rhetoric and to emphasize hard power to repel threats from the ring of enemies around Russia. (Putin Call for Tougher Foreign Policy Seen Aimed Primarily at Domestic Audience, Gazeta.ru, Jan. 29, 2013, via USG Open Source Center). Russia feels that NATO has illegitimately made incursions into eastern Europe (and the US is putting missiles in the Czech Republic), and resents that Turkey is in NATO and Afghanistan is in the US sphere of influence. This fear of encirclement is part of the reason for Moscows support for the Baath in Syria.

Gen. Makhmout Garayev, president of the Academy of Military Sciences, likewise sees the world as hostile. In an article in Voyenno-Promyshlennyy Kuryer Online on Jan. 29, 2013, He wrote:

The loss and infringement on national sovereignty will become a general tendency in the development of the majority of countries. The democracy which is being coercively sown throughout the world is taking on monstrous forms. The harsh violence with Qaddafi is explained not just by the shortcomings of democracies or the presence of cheap oil, but above all by his plans for the creation of a union of African states, the nationalization of natural resources, and the introduction of an African currency. Next in line are Syria and Iran.

and:

Political goals in the modern world are achieved in two ways. First, by disruptive actions, the color revolutions within opposing countries, and large-scale information actions. Second, by way of the unleashing of local wars and conflicts, as was done against Yugoslavia, Iraqi, South Ossetia and Afghanistan, and as is being attempted now in Syria and Iran. In order to secure itself from this, Russia must be powerful above all in the economic and technical senses.

So to defend Russia from the ring of enemies, and to avoid its subjection to an alliance of the US and China, the general argues, Russia must be strong. Strength implies saving Syria from its color revolution, and hence protecting it from foreign attack or occupation.

In short, Russia sees an attack on Syria as an attack on itself.

The problem is that Russia isnt ringed by enemies, Syria is not having a foreign-instigated revolution but an indigenous one, the Us does not covet Russias natural gas, and there is no Washington-Beijing axis against Moscow. Russia doesnt need to make a stand in Syria to protect Russia.

(Since some people arent good at geography, I include a map showing that Russia is surrounded by China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, the Ukraine (now rejected by NATO), Belarus and Finland not exactly the most threatening configuration and it is certainly not ringed by enemies!)
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Munich (Special to Informed Comment)  The European Unions initial response to the current Israel-Hamas war has been chaotic. Shortly after the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel  which left at least 1,400 Israelis dead  Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, announced the suspension of all payments by the European Commission to the Palestinians.

The decision would have had very serious consequences as the EU is the biggest donor of aid to Palestinians in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The European Commission finally announced that it was tripling its annual humanitarian assistance for Gaza to over 75 million euros (around 80 million dollars, or 35 dollars per person). The plan is for aid to be distributed through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza. Although two convoys of aid have entered the Gaza Strip so far, Israel is only letting in a trickle of the aid Gazans need.

Varhelyi, who was put forward as EU Commissioner by the far-right Hungarian government led by Viktor Orban, a close ally of Benjamin Netanyahu, acted unilaterally in announcing a halt of aid to Palestine and over 70 members of the European Parliament have called for his resignation. Nevertheless, he has not been officially reprimanded by his superior, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The whole controversy about aid to Palestine, which supposedly could have facilitated the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, bears no relation to reality. As the EU ambassador to Palestine recently explained to Al-Jazeera, the EU delivers budgetary aid only to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and aid to the Gaza Strip ruled by Hamas is limited to a social aid allowance package which benefits poor families in Gaza.

The second element of chaos in the EU response to the Israel-Hamas war is the result of von der Leyens visit to Israel alongside the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. In the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel, von der Leyen had already posted on X that the EU stands by Israel today and in the next weeks. The statement appeared to condone what was already expected to be a particularly harsh Israeli response against the Gaza Strip, which has later materialized with at least 4,651 Gazans dead.

On October 10, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that some of the actions carried out by Israel in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack were not in accordance with international law. During her visit to Israel on October 13, however, von der Leyen spoke next to Netanyahu and did not make a single mention of the need for restraint in Israels response to the Hamas attack. All she said was that how Israel responds will show that it is a democracy. By the time von der Leyen met Netanyahu, around 1,400 people had already been killed in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli bombings.

The statements by von der Leyen were criticized by numerous EU member states, with Ireland being one of the most vocal, but also within the EU institutions, both openly and behind closed doors. In a not-so-veiled reference to von der Leyens statements during a a press conference in Beijing on October 14, Borrell stated that the official position of the EU concerning foreign policy is determined by the guidelines, the high-level political decision of the European Union Council, chaired by President Michel and by the Foreign Affairs Council ministers chaired by me.

Meanwhile, Iratxe Garcia, the leader of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament  the second largest  expressed that in their visit to Israel both Metsola and von der Leyen had failed in their duty to represent the position of the Union as a whole. A report by Politico documented serious discontentment within EU institutions  including the EU Commission  with von der Leyens failure to stress in Israel the importance of complying with international law. More recently, a letter signed by 842 staff members of EU institutions accuses the EU Commission of giving a free hand to the acceleration and the legitimacy of a war crime in the Gaza Strip.

In the current institutional infighting in the EU, the President of the European Council Charles Michel  engaged in a long-running rivalry with von der Leyen  is seen as being on the side of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Their shared conviction that the EU Commission President is overstepping her attributions in representing the EU internationally is not a new phenomenon.

Article continues after bonus IC video

EU foreign ministers discuss contentious subject of Gaza ceasefire  FRANCE 24 English

In July of this year, von der Leyen traveled to Tunisia together with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and announced a migration deal with Tunisian President Kais Saied, who has been ruling Tunisia in an authoritarian way since his coup in June 2021. Several EU member states expressed incomprehension when faced with the final contents of the EU-Tunisia deal and the unilateralism of the EU Commission headed by von der Leyen in pushing forward the agreement, which unraveled afterwards.

The disagreements over the EU position after the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war have been broader and more public than observers might have expected. At the same time, they hardly come as a surprise. The long-standing position of the EU on the conflict has been support for a two-state solution and the Palestinian Authority (PA) headed by Mahmoud Abbas. In the face of the growing number of settlements in the West Bank  where the PA suffers a profound crisis of legitimacy , the worsening of the situation in the Gaza Strip under Israels siege and frequent bombings, and the establishment of the most right-wing government in Israels history in December 2022, the two-state solution already appeared more distant than ever before the recent events.

Still, calls for a two-state solution were the EUs go-to discourse, one that has proven unable to keep pace with the fast-developing events during the last two weeks in Israel/Palestine. The cracks in the common EU position, which was always the lowest common denominator between countries with different understandings of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are now more evident than ever.

It is difficult to establish, however, to which extent the current clashes within the EU derive from policy differences regarding the Israel-Hamas war or the ongoing battle of egos at the top of the EU, with an eye to the next European elections in June 2024. Von der Leyen will likely try to secure a second term at the head of the Commission but there seems to be growing opposition to this.

For all of its internal quarrels, the EU appears to be united on some key points regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Firstly, the official position of the EU does not include a call for a ceasefire. There is no mention of a ceasefire or a truce in the statement that followed the U.S.-EU Summit on October 20  during which von der Leyen and Michel held separate meetings with US President Joseph Biden, in another proof of internal tensions  nor in Michels address to the Cairo Peace Summit on October 21. Spanish President Pedro Sanchez called for a humanitarian ceasefire during the summit, and the Irish Parliament passed a motion to that effect, but they do not represent the common position.

Secondly, the EU agrees that the conflict in the Middle East should not undermine the EUs support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. After von der Leyen and Michel held on October 17 an extraordinary European Council meeting via video conference with the leaders of EU member countries, both EU leaders pointed out that Russia could use the conflict in Israel/Palestine to weaken the West.

Russias condemnation of the bombings of civilians in the Gaza Strip is deeply cynical considering Moscows conduct in Syria and Ukraine. However, von der Leyen has also been subjected to more well-grounded criticism for failing to condemn Israels strikes against civilians in the Gaza Strip in the same stark terms she uses when Ukraines civilian infrastructure is bombed by Russia. Western support for Ukraine in its war against Russia has contrasted with a Global South that has remained largely neutral, and this is even less likely to change  especially in Arab countries  after what many perceive as Europes hypocrisy in its response to what is happening in Israel/Palestine.

And last, but certainly not least, the EU presents a united front regarding fears that Israels offensive against the Gaza Strip could lead to a new wave of refugees reaching Europe. In the press conference after the European Council meeting, Michel said that in a country like Egypt, the arrival of refugees can have a very difficult impact on the country, and it can also have direct consequences for us in Europe.

In the wake of the EU-Tunisia agreement on migration, the EU had been exploring the possibility of reaching a similar agreement with the authoritarian regime of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. Margaritis Schinas, a vice-president of the European Commission, stated that the need to engage with Egypt is even more pressing after the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Meanwhile, Al-Sisi has recently said that he would not accept the arrival of Gazan refugees into Egypt.

It is also not clear to what extent Gazans would be willing to leave their homes. Although the situation within the Gaza Strip is one of complete collapse, and a ground Israeli invasion appears to be around the corner, many Gazans are already refugees whose families fled present-day Israel during its establishment in 1948 and were subsequently denied the right to return to their homes, explains Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The image the EU presents regarding the Israel-Hamas war is, on the one hand, one of institutional infighting and disagreement on the importance of emphasizing the need for Israeli compliance with international law. On the other hand, the EU displays a united front in its desire to not let the conflict in Israel/Palestine undermine its support for Ukraine against Russia as well as in preventing the conflict in the Middle East from leading to a wave of Palestinian migrants trying to reach Europe. And until now, and with no indication that this could change soon, the EU has refrained from calling for a ceasefire.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) (WKN: A1JQW5) ("Defiance") is pleased to announce the appointment of George Cavey P.Geo., to its Board of Directors replacing Dunham L. Craig.

The Company announces that Dunham L. Craig has resigned as a director of the Company effective October 12, 2023, so that he can focus his efforts on other commitments.

Christopher Wright, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented: "On behalf of everyone at Defiance, we would like to thank Dunham for his contributions to our growth. Dunham has been a valued member of the Defiance Board since 2019 and we are pleased that Dunham has agreed to stay on as a technical advisor so that we will continue to benefit from his invaluable experience and expertise.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of Defiance, I would like to welcome George Cavey to the board. George's extensive expertise and experience, gained throughout the years, add significant depth to the Board. George's years of success in Mexico will be invaluable to Defiance going forward as we continue to advance both the San Acacio Silver deposit and the Tepal Gold-Copper projects." Mr. Cavey is currently the Vice President of Exploration for Defiance.

Mr. Cavey is a senior consulting geologist and the former Vice President of Orko Silver, who discovered the 264 million ounce La Preciosa silver deposit in Mexico. Orko Silver was acquired by Coeur Mining in April 2013 for $380 million.

With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Cavey has been the President of OreQuest Consultants Ltd. since 1982. He is past President of the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (now Geoscientists Canada) and was the recipient of the 2004 C.J. Westerman Memorial Award - British Columbia's highest recognition award for a professional geoscientist for his outstanding and professional contributions. Mr. Cavey was also the recipient of the 2010 Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award - the highest recognition award for a professional geoscientist in Canada.

Shares for Debt Transaction Update:

The Company also announces that it has settled and extinguished $65,600 of outstanding debt (the "Debt") through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Shares"). In accordance with the settlement of debt (the "Debt Settlement"), the Company issued an aggregate of 354,594 Shares at a deemed price of $0.185 per Share to two (2) arm's length creditors of the Company. The Company chose to settle and extinguish the Debt through the issuance of Shares to preserve cash and improve the Company's balance sheet. The Debt Settlement has been approved by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement are subject to a four month hold period, which will expire on a date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.

About Defiance Silver Corp.

Defiance Silver Corp. (TSXV: DEF) (OTCQX: DNCVF) (FSE: D4E) is an exploration company advancing the district-scale Zacatecas project, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District and the Tepal Gold/Copper Project in Michoacan state, Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring, advancing, and developing several operating mines and advanced resource projects. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand the San Acacio and Tepal projects to become premier Mexican silver and gold deposits.

On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp.

"Chris Wright"

Chairman of the Board

For more information, please contact: Investor Relations at +1 (604) 343-4677 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

www.defiancesilver.com

Suite 2900-550 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3

Canada

Tel: +1 (604) 343-4677

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disclaimer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this news release which are not statements of historical facts may be "forward-looking information" for the purposes of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "plan", "intends", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "schedule", "understand" and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the Company's expectations regarding the ability of the Mining Bureau of Mexico City to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company, cooperation with the Mining Bureau relating to such reinstatement and the potential for any successful solution resulting therefrom.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Defiance, are inherently subject to significant technical, political, business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the inability of the Company to regain possession of its concessions; political risks associated with the Company's operations in Mexico; the failure of the Mining Bureau in Mexico City to take any coercive action to reinstate ownership of the concessions to the Company; and the inability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enforce their legal rights in certain circumstances. For additional risk factors, please see the Company's most recently filed Management Discussions & Analysis for its quarter ended March 31, 2021 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained herein or incorporated by reference. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Defiance, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is made as at the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") is pleased to announce that it intends to undertake a non-brokered offering (the "Offering") of up to approximately 7,692,307 million units of Rock Tech ("Units"), on a private placement basis, at a price $ 1.30 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $10 million.

Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of Rock Tech (the "Common Shares", with such Common Shares comprising the Units, the "Unit Shares") and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole Common Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant", and together with the Units and the Unit Shares, the "Securities"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $1.69 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance of such Warrant, subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the certificate evidencing such Warrant, including adjustment in certain circumstances.

Rock Tech intends to use the proceeds of the Offering as follows:

approximately $5 million to finance the continued exploration and development of the Company's Georgia Lake lithium project in Ontario, Canada (the " Georgia Lake Project "), including funding exploration drilling programs and planned consolidation of adjacent properties / areas; and

to finance the continued exploration and development of the Company's Georgia Lake lithium project in (the " "), including funding exploration drilling programs and planned consolidation of adjacent properties / areas; and the balance for general corporate purposes and the development of the Company's converter project in Canada and to pay expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the Offering.

Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about November 7, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") in respect of the Offering and the listing of the Unit Shares and the Warrant Shares.

The Unit Shares and the Warrants will be subject to four month hold periods in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the rules of the TSX-V, as will any Warrant Shares issued on exercise of Warrants prior to the expiry of such hold periods.

The Securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws of any state of the United States and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom.

All dollar amounts in this news release are expressed in Canadian dollars.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Dirk Harbecke

Chairman & CEO

ABOUT ROCK TECH



Rock Tech is a cleantech company with operations in Canada and Germany on a mission to produce lithium hydroxide for electric vehicle batteries. The Company plans to build lithium converters at the door-step of its customers, to guarantee supply-chain transparency and just-in-time delivery, beginning with the Company's proposed lithium hydroxide merchant converter and refinery facility in Guben, Germany. To close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story, Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process aimed at further increasing efficiency and sustainability. Rock Tech plans to source raw material from its wholly-owned Georgia Lake spodumene project located in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, as well as procuring it from other responsibly producing mines. In the years to come, the Company expects to also source raw material from discarded batteries. Rock Tech's goal: to create a closed-loop lithium production system. www.rocktechlithium.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking information. Forward looking information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" (including negative versions and grammatical variations thereof) and other similar expressions.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to: the anticipated size and terms of the Offering; the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and allocation thereof; the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions to closing the Offering, including obtaining the approval of the TSX-V; listing of the Unit Shares and the Warrant Shares on the TSX-V; the anticipated timing of the closing of the Offering; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects, and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties.

Forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions of the Company and, in certain cases, third party experts, that are believed by management of Rock Tech to be reasonable at the time they were made. Forward-looking information is derived utilizing numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the satisfaction of the conditions to closing of the Offering in a timely manner, including receipt of TSX-V approval; the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of prices of, feedstock and intermediate and final lithium products; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; expected growth, performance and business operations; future commodity prices and exchange rates; prospects, growth opportunities and financing available to the Company; general business and economic conditions; the costs and results of exploration, development and operating activities; Rock Tech's ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business; and the accuracy and reliability of technical data, forecasts, estimates and studies. The foregoing list is not exhaustive of all assumptions which may have been used in developing the forward-looking information. While Rock Tech considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results.

Forward-looking information should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results. In addition, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Rock Tech's control, that may cause Rock Tech's actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to be materially different from that which is expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to vary materially include the risk that Rock Tech will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due, delays in government approval for the construction and commissioning of the Georgia Lake Project, changes in commodity prices, Rock Tech's ability to retain and attract skilled staff and to secure feedstock from third party suppliers, unanticipated events and other difficulties related to construction, development and operation of converters and mines, the cost of compliance with current and future environmental and other laws and regulations, title defects, competition from existing and new competitors, changes in currency exchange rates and market prices of Rock Tech's securities, Rock Tech's history of losses, impacts of climate change and other risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Financial Instruments and Other Risks" in Rock Tech's most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis, a copy of which is filed electronically through SEDAR+ and is available online at www.sedarplus.ca. Such risks and uncertainties do not represent an exhaustive list of all risk factors that could cause actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to vary materially from the forward-looking information. It can not be guaranteed that actual events, results, performance and/or achievements will be consistent with the forward-looking information and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information reflects Rock Tech management's current views as at the date of this news release. The Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking information. Except as may be required by law, Rock Tech undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any responsibility, obligation or undertaking to update or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect any change in Rock Tech's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such information is based. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purposes of assisting readers in understanding Rock Tech's plans, objectives and goals and is not appropriate for any other purposes.
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Coast Copper Corp. ("Coast Copper" or the "Company"; TSX-V: COCO) is pleased to provide an update on exploration of its 100% owned Scottie West property (the "Property") located in British Columbia's ("BC") Golden Triangle district approximately 35 kilometers ("km") northwest of Stewart, BC and 8 km west of the past producing Scottie Gold Mine (see Figure 1).

In September 2023, the Coast Copper technical team, together with technical advisor Jeff Kyba, P.Geo., visited the property focused on prospecting three key precious metal mineralized zones: Leduc Northeast Ridge ("Leduc NE"), Leduc East-Central Ridge ("Leduc East Central") and the Southeast Exposure ("SE Exposure"). These zones are located along the southwest extension of the interpreted mineralized trend that includes neighboring Scottie Resources Corp.'s Domino Zone, Blueberry Zone and the historical producing Scottie Gold Mine (see Figure 1). In addition to following up sampling from 2021, the program benefited from glacial retreat and snow melt which provided significant new exposures to identify and expand veins and structures. New showings were discovered each day on the property.

Adam Travis, Coast Copper's CEO commented: "Our field observations and results from our September program are very encouraging and consistent with structural and magnetic trends observed at the adjacent Scottie Resources property. New bedrock exposures resulting from the receding glaciers have led to the discovery of new mineral showings in altered and sheared volcanic rocks on our property. In addition to the vein and outcrop sampling, the anomalous precious and base metal assay results have provided a good indicator of favorable geochemistry and will help delineate additional prospective target areas for future exploration."

Coast Copper's exploration program included prospecting, sampling and mapping of veins and structures in areas of newly exposed, altered and sheared volcanic and sedimentary rocks. 130 rock samples were collected from vein, grab and float materials, which resulted in anomalous gold, silver and tellurium assay values at the SE Exposure and Leduc East Central Ridge locations. Surficial sampling of vein and select float samples at the SE Exposure and Leduc East Central produced ten samples ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 grams per ton ("g/t") gold ("Au"), 10.9 to 189.0 g/t silver ("Ag"), and up 0.75% lead ("Pb") and 0.59% zinc ("Zn"), with two anomalous tellurium ("Te") values of 16.99 and 25.26 g/t noted at the SE Exposure (see Table 1).

Table 1: Notable results from the 2023 sampling program

Location/Zone Sample ID Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Te (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Leduc NE 1747414 2.71 1.68 - 0.04 0.03 Leduc NE 1747419 0.03 7.04 - 0.50 0.38 Leduc East Central 1747450 3.81 189.0 - - - Leduc East Central 1747454 0.05 20.30 - 0.75 0.59 SE Exposure 1747433 5.46 10.99 - - - SE Exposure 1747445 3.53 66.74 25.26 0.59 0.14 SE Exposure 1747427 0.69 66.31 16.99 0.19 0.12

The Leduc NE, Leduc East Central and SE Exposure zones are hosted in Jurassic age andesitic volcanic rocks from the Unuk River Member of the Betty Creek Formation, which are in contact with the Summit Lake stock, part of the early Jurassic aged Texas Creek Plutonic Suite. At both the SE Exposure and Leduc East Central areas, a sedimentary package consistent with Stuhini Group sediments was identified which could indicate the lower contact of the Hazleton-Stuhini stratigraphic contact to be confirmed with detailed mapping. The precious metal mineralization on the Property consists of east-west trending, steeply dipping quartz-carbonate-pyrite-arsenopyrite-pyrrhotite veins that are characteristic of other intrusion-related, mesothermal precious metal mineralized veins reported along this regional mineralized trend.

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control ("QA/QC") Procedures



Sampling completed on the project in 2023 was supervised by onsite Coast Copper personnel and sub-contractors who collected and tracked samples and implemented a full QA/QC program using blanks, standards and duplicates to monitor analytical accuracy and precision. The samples were sealed on site and shipped to MSA Labs in Langley BC for analysis. MSA Labs' quality control system complies with global certifications for Quality ISO9001:2008. Rock samples were dried and crushed to 70% passing 2mm mesh and split to 250g samples which were pulverized to 85% passing 75m. The samples were then analyzed by a multi-element 20g 3:1 Aqua Regia, ICP-AES/MS (IMS-131), Ultra Trace Level. Silver assays greater than 100 g/t were completed with ICF-6Ag, 4 acid, ICP-AES ore grade analysis.

Qualified Persons



The technical information contained in this news release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Wade Barnes, P.Geo. (BC), Coast Copper's geological consultant and a Qualified Person within the context of Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101; Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Coast Copper Corp.



Coast Copper's exploration focus is the optioned Empire Mine property, located on northern Vancouver Island, BC, which covers three historical open pit mines and two past-producing underground mines that yielded iron, copper, gold and silver. Coast Copper's other properties include its 100% owned Knob Hill NW property located on northern Vancouver Island, its Home Brew property in central BC, and its Scottie West property located in the "Golden Triangle" of northern BC. Coast Copper's management team continues to review precious and base metals opportunities in western North America.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Adam Travis"

Adam Travis, Chief Executive Officer and Director

NR23-10

Cautionary Notes Related to this news release and/or maps

Adjacent Properties: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which Coast Copper Corp has no right to explore or mine. Investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties. Granduc Mine Production totals: https://news.metal.com/newscontent/100012360/Castle-Resources-to-Acquire-100-Interest-in-the-Granduc-Copper-Mine-Stewart-BC/ Scottie Resources Ltd website: https://scottieresources.com/projects/scottie-gold-mine/geology/ , https://scottieresources.com/projects/scottie-gold-mine/the-domino-zone/ , https://scottieresources.com/projects/scottie-gold-mine/the-blueberry-zone/

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed Transaction, private placement, board and management changes, as to our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Coast Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although Coast Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from five new drill holes completed at its 100%-owned flagship Panuco silver-gold project ("Panuco" or the "Project") in Mexico. Recent drilling has intercepted precious metals rich mineralization close to surface at the new El Molino Vein, located between the Napoleon and Copala resource areas, approximately 250 metres west of the Copala structure.

Highlights

NP-23-359 returned 2,066 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) over 1.65 metres true width (mTW) (1,552 g/t silver, 8.37 g/t gold, 0.47 % lead and 1.22 % zinc) Including, 3,480 g/t AgEq over 0.93 mTW (2,630 g/t silver, 14.20 g/t gold, 0.62 % lead and 1.57 % zinc)

(1,552 g/t silver, 8.37 g/t gold, 0.47 % lead and 1.22 % zinc) NP-23-407 returned 1,110 g/t AgEq over 1.70 mTW (1,000 g/t silver, 2.25 g/t gold, 0.33 % lead and 0.52 % zinc) Including, 2,033 g/t AgEq over 0.85 mTW (1,885 g/t silver, 3.61 g/t gold, 0.43 % lead and 0.66 % zinc)

(1,000 g/t silver, 2.25 g/t gold, 0.33 % lead and 0.52 % zinc) NP-23-411 returned 395 g/t AgEq over 4.15 mTW (179 g/t silver, 0.96 g/t gold, 0.19 % lead and 4.38 % zinc)

"We are excited to announce yet another high-grade, near-surface discovery at the Panuco project," commented Michael Konnert, President and CEO. "El Molino was discovered while conducting condemnation drilling between the Copala and Napoleon resource areas where future mining infrastructure could potentially be situated. This discovery marks the second new discovery of this year's drill program that is in close proximity to the Project's other major resource centres. To date, we have traced high-grade mineralization at El Molino for approximately 170 metres along strike and 200 metres down dip, and it remains open in all directions. Moving forward, we intend to complete 2,500 metres of additional drilling at El Molino with the goal of expanding the zone's mineralized footprint."

Figure 1: Plan map of recent drilling along El Molino vein.

Details of the El Molino Vein discovery

The Molino Vein is located in the southwest portion of the Panuco district between the Napoleon and Copala resource areas, approximately 250 metres west of the Copala and Tajitos veins. Discontinuous outcrops of the vein have been mapped on surface along approximately 600 metres with average strike of N55E and average dip of 80 to the southeast. On surface, Molino varies in thickness and contains sparse anomalous silver and gold grades up to 490 g/t and 1.2 g/t, respectively. El Molino consists of alternating bands of quartz and sulfides (sphalerite, galena and acanthite), and shows similar vein textures to those observed at Napoleon and La Luisa veins. The vein is hosted by diorite which Vizsla has determined to be a favorable host rock in the district.

Discovery hole NP-23-359 was originally designed to condemn the area for potential mine and plant infrastructure and intercepted the new El Molino vein ~80 metres below surface. To date, the Company has completed five holes tracing high-grade mineralization for approximately 170 metres along strike and 200 metres down dip. Vizsla plans to drill another 2,500 metres on a second phase to expand the current high-grade footprint along strike and at depth.

Figure 2: Longitudinal section of El Molino Vein showing drillhole intercepts and surface samples (vertical section).

Figure 3: Cross section showing drillhole intercepts on El Molino, Tajitos, Copala 2 and Copala veins.

Drillhole From To Downhole

Length Estimated

True width Ag Au Pb Zn AgEq Vein (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) % % (g/t) NP-23-359 80.00 82.05 2.05 1.65 1,552 8.37 0.47 1.22 2,066 El Molino Includes 80.90 82.05 1.15 0.93 2,630 14.20 0.62 1.57 3,480 NP-23-405 114.40 115.90 1.50 1.10 188 0.62 0.80 2.52 332 El Molino NP-23-407 148.40 150.60 2.20 1.70 1,000 2.25 0.33 0.52 1,110 El Molino Includes 148.40 149.50 1.10 0.85 1,885 3.61 0.43 0.66 2,033 El Molino NP-23-410 No significant values El Molino NP-23-411 174.20 181.10 6.90 4.15 179 0.96 0.19 4.38 395 El Molino Includes 176.90 178.10 1.20 0.72 576 3.13 0.42 1.99 831

Table 1: Downhole drill intersections from the holes completed along the El Molino vein. Note: AgEq = Ag g/t x Ag rec. + ((Au g/t x Au Rec x Au price/gram)+(Pb% x Pb rec. X Pb price/t) + (Zn% x Zn rec. X Zn price/t))/Ag price/gram. Metal price assumptions are $24.00/oz silver, $1,800/oz gold, $2,424.4/t lead and $2,975.4/t zinc. Metallurgical recoveries assumed are 93% for silver, 90% for gold, 94% for lead and 94% for zinc. Metallurgical recoveries used in this release are from metallurgical test results of the Napoleon vein (see press release dated February 17, 2022).

Figure 4: Photo of NP-23-359 showing El Molino vein from 80.00 to 82.05 metres down the hole.

Figure 5: Photo of NP-23-411 showing El Molino vein from 174.20 to 181.10 metres down the hole. Disseminated and semi-massive sulfides occur down to 181.10 metres.

Drillhole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth NP-23-359 404,202 2,587,243 499 272 -45.0 330.0 NP-23-405 404,185 2,587,149 545 321 -48.0 240.0 NP-23-407 404,185 2,587,149 545 345 -45.0 240.0 NP-23-410 404,185 2,587,149 545 297 -45.0 225.0 NP-23-411 404,185 2,587,149 545 349 -58.0 375.0

Table 2: El Molino vein drillhole details. Coordinates in WGS84, Zone 13.

About the Panuco Project

The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 7,189.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

The Panuco Project hosts an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 104.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 114.1 Moz AgEq. An updated NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico" was filed on SEDAR on March 10, 2023, with an effective date of January 19, 2023 was prepared by Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., Ben Eggers, MAIG, P.Geo. and Yann Camus, P.Eng. of SGS Geological Services.

About Vizsla Silver

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 310,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2023, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +90,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Drill core samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico and in North Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver and rock samples were shipped to SGS Lab in Durango Mexico for sample preparation and analysis. The ALS Zacatecas, North Vancouver facilities and SGS lab are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Silver and base metals were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish and gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption ("AA") spectroscopy finish. Over limit analyses for silver, lead and zinc were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with AA finish.

Control samples comprising certified reference samples, duplicates and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Qualified Person

In accordance with NI 43-101, Martin Dupuis, P.Geo., COO, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Website: www.vizslasilvercorp.ca

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.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource.

Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; general economic facts; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Highlights:

Fall drilling program to test new gold targets in the Eagle River Splay Area

Priority gold targets were identified with strong geophysical anomalies and are associated with a splay of the Eagle River Deformation Zone that is host to Wesdomes Eagle River Mine

Numerous historic surface samples > 5 g/t Au were collected in the exploration area

No historical drilling has been completed in this area

Fall program to comprise approximately 2,000 metres in 6 holes

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Angus Gold Inc. (TSX-V: GUS | OTC: ANGVF) (Angus or the Company) is pleased to announce it has commenced the fall drilling program on the Eagle River Splay Area on its 100%-owned Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The Eagle River Splay Area is located just south of Angus newly discovered Banded Iron Formation (BIF) Gold Zone where we have been actively drilling since 2021. This new exploration area covers an offshoot, or splay, of the Eagle River Deformation Zone which is host to Wesdomes Eagle River Mine. The program will comprise approximately 2,000 metres testing 6 targets.

Breanne Beh, Chief Executive Officer of Angus, states: We are very excited to begin exploration on this compelling new exploration area. In addition to its proximity to the high-grade Eagle River Mine, this area has numerous strong geophysical targets and surface gold showings and, remarkably, has never been drilled. This program epitomizes the reason why we were so attracted to the Golden Sky project, and why we have had so much early success with our exploration. This is just one of many new targets we are generating in this highly underexplored land package.

The geologic setting of the Eagle River Splay is similar to that of the Eagle River mine to the south, comprising diorite, similar to that hosting most of the Eagle River mine, as well as volcanics, within a well-defined shear structure. The deformed and interlayered mafic and felsic volcanic rock units closely mimic the geologic setting of Wesdomes Falcon Zone. Historic rock samples collected at surface in this area have returned assay results of 12.34 g/t Au, 5.86 g/t Au, 5.35 g/t Au and 5.13 g/t Au. There has been no historical drilling completed in our portion of the Eagle River Splay. Anguss detailed ground induced polarization (IP) survey, conducted by Abitibi Geophysics, has identified numerous chargeable trends in the exploration area that will aid with target selection. There is a spatial relationship between the chargeable IP trends and the historic grab samples with anomalous Au results.

Figure 1: Surface Map  Angus Golds Eagle River Splay Exploration Area, Golden Sky Project

The Golden Sky Project

The 100%-owned Golden Sky Project is located within the Mishibishu Lake Greenstone Belt of Northern Ontario, which is host to the high-grade Eagle River and the Mishi open-pit gold mines of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (Wesdome). The Companys 280-square-kilometre land package is located approximately 50 kilometres west of the town of Wawa and is situated immediately between the two Wesdome mines. The project is host to the near-surface Dorset Gold Zone, which contains a historic estimated resource (using a 0.50 g/t Au cut-off) consisting of an indicated resource of 40,000 ounces of gold (780,000 tonnes grading 1.4 g/t Au), and an inferred resource of 180,000 ounces of gold (4,760,000 tonnes grading 1.2 g/t Au). For greater details on the Golden Sky Project, please refer to the NI 43-101 technical report for the Golden Sky Project entitled, NI 43-101 Technical Report Wawa Property Ontario, Canada dated February 18, 2020, and available on the Companys SEDAR profile.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Breanne Beh, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and Chief Geologist for the Company.

About Angus Gold

Angus Gold Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Companys flagship project is the Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The Project is immediately adjacent to the Eagle River Mine of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.

Directors and insiders currently approximately own 36.8%, Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. 16.4% and New Gold Inc. 9.9%, each based on the current issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on a non-diluted basis.

On behalf of Angus Gold Inc.,

Breanne Beh

President and Chief Executive Officer

INQUIRIES:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 647-259-1790

Company Website: www.angusgold.com

TSXV: GUS | USOTC: ANGVF

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to anticipate and counteract the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the business of the Company, including without limitation the effects of COVID-19 on the capital markets, commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel, failure to receive requisite approvals in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Vancouver, BC - TheNewswire - October 24, 2023 - Recharge Resources Ltd. ("Recharge" or the "Company") (RR:CSE) (RECHF:OTC) (SL5:Frankfurt) is pleased to provide the following update on its drilling plans at the Pocitos 1 Lithium Brine Project (Pocitos One or the Project) located near Pocitos township in Salta Province, Argentina.

The company has outlined a plan to drill an additional 3 holes at the Pocitos project. The drill holes will be focused on:

Resource Expansion: The company is currently awaiting its much-anticipated NI 43-101 maiden resource estimate being prepared by WSP Australia Pty Ltd (WSP). Additional holes will be positioned using the previously completed MT survey and NI 43-101 report to expand upon the maiden resource.

Resource Confidence: The wells will be ideally positioned to reclassify the resource from the indicated and inferred category to the measured category, and then with Ekosolve engineering data to the proven and probable category which will be the premise of the companys follow-on scoping and bankable feasibility studies.

Production Ready: One of the three wells will be bore out to a production diameter in preparation for the installation 4-6 other production wells to allow up to 20,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate/lithium chloride to be produced from the proposed Ekosolve plant at the Pocitos project.

The drilling plan currently being reviewed is pending permits from the Salta mining courts and Mining Directorate.

David Greenway, President, and CEO commented, "Recharge Resources is looking forward to its upcoming NI 43-101 compliant maiden resource estimate with follow on drilling with an objective of increasing the size and confidence of the resource as well as preparing the project for the companys ultimate goal of being production ready in preparation of the construction of an Ekosolve plant at the Pocitos 1 project.

About Pocitos Lithium Brine Project

The Pocitos 1 Project is located approximately 10km from the township of Pocitos where there is gas, electricity, and accommodation. Pocitos 1 is approximately 800 hectares and is accessible by road. Collective exploration totals over US$2.0 million developing the project, including surface sampling, trenching, TEM and MT geophysics and drilling three wells that had outstanding brine flow results. Locations for immediate follow up drilling have already been designed and identified for upcoming exploration.

Lithium values of 169 ppm from drill hole 3 packer test assayed from laboratory analysis conducted by Alex Stewart were recorded during the projects December 2022 drill campaigns. A double packer sampling system in HQ Diamond drill holes were drilled to a depth of up to 409 metres. The flow of brine was observed to continue for more than five hours. All holes had exceptional brine flow rates. A NI 43-101 report has been released on the Pocitos 1 project.

Recharge is awaiting the completion of the process engineering work to be completed by Ekosolve Ltd to produce and assay the lithium carbonate being produced, where extraction was above 94% of the contained lithium in the brine i.e. 158.86ppm of lithium would have been recovered from 169ppm.

WSP Australia is waiting on the relogging of the cores to be completed before it delivers the Companys maiden resource estimate at Pocitos 1 that will result in an update of the NI 43-101 report completed by QP Phillip Thomas in June 2023.



Figure 1. Pocitos Lithium Claim Map

Qualified Person

Phillip Thomas, BSc Geol, MBusM, FAusIMM, MAIG, MAIMVA, (CMV), a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 regulations, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein.

Mr. Thomas is independent of the Company and is not a shareholder of Recharge Resources. He visited the property between January 15th-22nd, 2023 and 8 May 2023 to select core to be sampled for resource estimate calculations.

About Recharge Resources

Recharge Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring and developing the production of high-value battery metals to create green, renewable energy to meet the demands of the advancing electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicle market.

All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on , , and Instagram.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

David Greenway

David Greenway, CEO

For further information, please contact:

Recharge Resources Ltd.

Joel Warawa

Phone: 778-588-5473

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: recharge-resources.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding Recharges intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Recharge will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including Recharges results of exploration or review of properties that Recharge does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Recharge assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
So with respect to the Armenia-Azerbaijan question of it, we welcome any good-faith engagements that contribute to peace and stability for the people of the South Caucasus regardless of where those talks happen or who is hosting them. Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of the US Department of State, announced this during Mondays Department press briefing, as he commented on the "3+3" meeting in Iran.

October 24, 2023, 12:15 US State Department: We welcome any good-faith engagements that contribute to peace in South Caucasus

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 24, ARTSAKHPRESS: "But that being said, we recognize the South Caucasus delicate geographic position regarding Iran and Russia, but we have not found these countries to be reliable partners, to understate matters," Miller added.
CALGARY, AB, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the advanced recognition of 63 sections of the Company's holdings from Inferred mineral resources to Measured mineral resource and Indicated mineral resource ("M&I"). These category improvements represent approximately 1.0 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE") within our 4.2 million tonnes of reported Inferred resource within the Kindersley Lithium Project ("KLP") area. GLC is the first company in the Province of Saskatchewan to be recognized by an independent third party for Measured mineral resource in a lithium from brine project.

The breakdown of the reclassification of the Company's total resource base is detailed in Table 1 below. Additionally, Figure 1 outlines which Company controlled sections were reclassified to either Measured mineral resources or Indicated mineral resources.

Table 1  Resource Classification by Category

Category Sections Pore Volume (106 M3) Li (tonnes) LCE (tonnes) LHM (tonnes) Measured 31 1,310 96,940 516,000 586,000 Indicated 32 1,175 86,950 463,000 526,000 Total M&I 63 2,485 183,890 979,000 1,112,000 Inferred 237 8,085 598,292 3,184,000 3,620,000 Total 300 10,570 782,182 4,163,000 4,732,000

This current upgrade to M&I only involves 21% of the total sections comprising the KLP, yet the independent technical report upgrades 24% of the total Inferred mineral resource which speaks to the quality of the resource and the Company's vision to accumulate focused landholdings. This upgrade further confirms the overall 4.2 million tonnes of LCE across the KLP. This change to resource categories requires higher confidence levels in the resource estimation process that can typically result in an overall reduction in total volumes. This outcome supports our confidence in our original analysis and mapping, together with the quality of the resource.

"From our inception, GLC's vision was to secure focused high quality resource rights in areas which aligned with our extensive geological model, incorporating a low-cost structure to drive compelling economics," commented Gregg Smith, President & CEO. "By moving only a minor portion of our overall resource base to the M&I categories, we have passed a key step in the overall commercialization of Phase 1 of the KLP. Quality resource produces quality economics, which also supports our project's resilience to volatility in commodity price."

The Measured portion of the resource is 516,000 tonnes LCE or 586,000 tonnes lithium hydroxide monohydrate ("LHM"). A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.

The Indicated portion of the resource is 463,000 tonnes LCE or 526,000 tonnes LHM. An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.

Technical information contained in this press release comes from the technical report dated October 23, 2023 prepared by certain qualified persons at Sproule Associates Limited in compliance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") (the "Updated Technical Report"). The Updated Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR+ and the Company's website within 45 days.

Upgrading a percentage of the Company's total LCE resource base to M&I provides further confidence in our efforts to commercialize the KLP. A critical next step in that regard is the preparation of a pre-feasibility study which under NI 43-101 requires the resource base, or portions thereof, to be independently assessed as M&I. Another key component of the pre-feasibility study will be the results of our field pilot, which the Company is currently advancing the concept and design.

About Grounded Lithium Corp.

GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 1.0 million metric tonnes of LCE of M&I and approximately 3.2 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent of Inferred resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan as of the effective date of the Updated Technical Report. The Company's preliminary economic assessment (the "PEA") titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment Kindersley Lithium Project  Phase 1" dated August 9, 2023 and effective as of June 30, 2023, reports a Phase 1 NPV 8 after-tax of US$1.0 billion with an after-tax IRR of 48.5%. GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/.

Qualified Person

Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng., Suryanarayana Karri, P. Geoph., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo., Meghan Klein, P. Eng., Dean Quirk, P.Eng., Jeffrey Weiss, P.Eng., Chad Hitchings., P.L. Eng., and Michael Munteanu, P.Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The opinions, forecasts, projections and statements about future events of results, are forward looking information, forward-looking statements or financial outlooks (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by GLC that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Although GLC believes that the assumptions underlying, and expectations reflected in, these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements pertaining to the filing of the Updated Technical Report on SEDAR+, the preparation of a field pilot and pre-feasibility study, and GLC's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition.

Among the important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: GLC's expectation that our operations will be in Western Canada, unexpected problems can arise due to technical difficulties and operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic and weather conditions can impact the production; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact commodity prices and consumption more than GLC currently predicts; the failure to obtain financing on reasonable terms; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the failure of drilling to result in commercial projects; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; and the other risk factors detailed from time to time in GLC's periodic reports. GLC's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

CIM Definition Standards

The terms "Inferred mineral resources", "Measured mineral resources", "Indicated mineral resources" and "Modifying Factors" used in this news release are each a Canadian mineral disclosure term as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" as adopted May 19, 2014.

Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Kraken Energy Corp. (CSE: UUSA) (OTCQB: UUSAF) (the "Company" or "Kraken") is pleased to report that the Company has received permits to drill our 100%-owned, past-producing flagship Apex Uranium Property ("Apex" or the "Property") located in central Nevada.

On August 28th, 2023, Kraken reported a significant expansion of the Apex Property on Nevada Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") ground that covers the potential northwest extension of uranium mineralization from the historic Apex Uranium Mine. On October 17th, 2023, the Company reported on the identification of multiple high priority drill targets comprising coincident geophysical and radon anomalies along a 2.0 km trend northwest of the Apex Mine and within the newly expanded BLM ground.

Kraken has received approval from the Nevada BLM to drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads and expects to commence drilling before the end of 2023. This inaugural drill program will test high priority targets immediately northwest and along trend of the historic Apex Uranium Mine in central Nevada.

Highlights:

Priority drill targets over strong radon anomalies coincide with geophysical signatures outlining the mineralized contact at the historic Apex Uranium Mine.

The BLM has approved permit to drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads with an objective to commence drilling before the end of 2023.

Interpretation of the recently flown VTEM and UAV magnetic surveys shows a geophysical signature associated with uranium mineralization at the Apex Mine that appears to be offset to the north where it continues trending northwest. This geophysical signature coincides with strong and consistent, recently identified radon anomalies.

Over 2 km of new high priority target potential has been identified on the recently staked BLM ground that follows the northwest mineralized trend from the Apex Mine.

Newly defined and previously undrilled target area with projected target depths ranging from 50 m to 200 m (164 ft to 656 ft).

Figure 1: Apex Property Showing Extent of Mineralized Trend Over ~17.5 km

"The emergence of this 2 km long, high priority target area along trend of the historic Apex Uranium Mine is very exciting for the Kraken team. With an approved drill permit now in hand and the environmental bond paid, we are ready to commence our maiden drill program at the Apex Uranium Property," Matthew Schwab, CEO of Kraken Energy, stated. "As our understanding of the property has continued to develop, the multi-layered anomalies from radon and geophysical surveys (electromagnetic and magnetic) combined with our ground truthed geological model presents excellent discovery potential for the upcoming drill program at our flagship uranium property in Nevada."

Figure 2: Target Areas at Apex Uranium Property for Maiden Drilling Program

About the Apex Property

The Apex Uranium Mine was Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine which produced ~106,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 in the 1950s at an average mining grade of ~0.25% U 3 O 8 . Historic drilling results include results of up to 3.1 m (10 ft) at 1.33% U 3 O 8 , 34.1 m (112 ft) at 0.37% U 3 O 8 and 15.2 m (50 ft) at 0.51% U 3 O 8 .

References:

1 Uranium Deposits of the World USA and Latin America, by Franz J. Dahlkamp (1965, pg 291).

2 Nevada Bureau Mines File 60000269, Report on Mines of Apex Minerals Corporation 1957, by Harry H. Hughes, Mining Geologist.

3 EPRI Report EA-498 "Uranium Price Formation" (1977, pg 2-19).

4 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900096, Transverse Section Through Drilled Orebody, Apex Minerals Corp 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

5 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900084, Plan map of underground workings, sampling, and drill holes at the Apex mine 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Matthew Schwab, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company, and Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Chairman of the Company. Each of Mr. Schwab and Mr. Ainsworth is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. Kraken has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Kraken considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

About Kraken Energy Corp.

Kraken Energy Corp. is a new energy company advancing its portfolio of high-grade uranium properties in the Unites States. The Company is advancing its 100%-owned Apex Uranium Property, located 280 km (174 miles) east from Reno, Nevada which is recognized as Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine. The Company has additionally entered into an option agreement to earn 100% of the Garfield Hills Uranium Property. The past-producing Garfield Hills Uranium Property covers 1,238 ha (3,060 acres) and is located 19 km (12 miles) east of Hawthorne in Mineral County, Nevada. Kraken Energy has also recently staked the Huber Hills Uranium Property, located 136 km (85 miles) north of Elko, Nevada which covers 1,044 ha (2,580 acres) and encompasses the historic Race Track open pit mine. The Company has recently entered into an option agreement to earn 75% of the Harts Point Uranium Property. The Harts Point Uranium Property covers 2,622 ha (6,480 acres) and is located 49 km (30 miles) northwest of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah.

For more information about the Company, please visit; www.krakenenergycorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Kraken Energy Corp.:

Matthew Schwab

President & Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Office:

Suite 907 - 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6E 2Y3

T: (604) 628-2669

For investor relations inquiries, contact:

Kin Communications Inc.

T: (604) 684-6730

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include our plans for exploration at the properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include changing costs for mining and processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; the availability of labour, equipment and markets for the products produced; and despite the current expected viability of the project, conditions changing such that the minerals on our property cannot be economically mined, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mine can be obtained. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) ("Riverside" or the "Company"), Riverside is pleased to announce that it has acquired part of the Mount Grace Carbonatite known to host Rare Earth Elements ("REEs"). The Company continues to expand its presence in British Columbia adding this a prospective REE project to its critical metals' portfolio. The Company has staked 2538 ha. (25 km) of terrain that hosts carbonatites mapped by the British Columbia Geologic Survey and confirmed by subsequent explorers. The Project has been named "Revel" and is located 20 km from the community of Seymour Arm within a highly prospective carbonatite belt north of Revelstoke, BC. The Project is 100% owned by Riverside with no underlying royalties or encumbrances.

Rare Earth Elements, or REEs, have become important metals worldwide as countries race to usher in a green economy, with less reliance on fossil fuels and more reliance on electrical grids and EV's. Most countries have begun protecting these elements and listing them as strategic or critical, acknowledging the importance of these metals to future economic growth and even sovereignty. Canada and particularly BC have geological environments that host several different types of rare earth element deposits. REE carbonatites are discrete layers of either of material being depositing on the surface during volcanic activity or intrusive layers of magma injected between layers of existing rock. At Revel the property has high values of niobium and light rare earth elements similar to those found and mined in the USA at Mountain Pass. Revel geology with carbonatite has both intrusive and volcanic styles of REE with the Company's mapping and on-going sampling shown below and on the website site.

John-Mark Staude, President and CEO, commented on the recent acquisition: "we are excited to have acquired Revel, a quality REE project with no underlying royalties or encumbrances in a geologically prospective area within a stable political jurisdiction. The new Project compliments Riverside's growing portfolio in British Columbia and positions the company well in this rapidly evolving space. Recent announcements by the Canadian government signal that Canada is serious about securing a steady and stable supply of critical elements within its borders and the Revel acquisition is part of the Company's diversification expanding corporate strategy."

Revel Project Geological Summary

The claims are partly located on Mount Grace on the northeast margin of Frenchman Cap Gneiss Dome comprising part of the Shuswap Metamorphic Terrain. These core gneisses are overlain by allochthonous cover rocks which host both extrusive and intrusive carbonatites and are part of the Monashee cover sequence. The property is centred on the Mount Grace syncline which is a northwest trending isoclinal fold. The allochthonous rocks comprise a succession of pure quartzites, feldspathic quartzites and mica schists above this basal unit lies a series of pelitic schist, marble, calc-silicate paragneiss and the Mount Grace Carbonatite layer. This provides both intrusive and volcanic units that are targeted for REE concentrations and discovery potential making possible broad and easily traceable host units which could rapidly develop substantial tonnages.

The map and cross section below modified from the work of the BC Geological Survey, Hoy and others, for the carbonatite and Rare Earth Element target geologic units is shown below and more extensively on the Company website. The regional map shows the Revel claim areas in the regional context with other known REE locations as part of a north-south trending belt which where the Company has been working.

Figure 1. Regional location map of the Mount Grace Carbonatite and other REE locations superimposed on geologic quadrangle map from Hoy and Kwong (1986).

Figure 2. Map with the Revel mineral claims on the Mount Grace Carbonatite from Hoy and Kwong (1986) with location of target Carbonatite horizon shown in blue and Riverside claim areas marked in red.

Revel Project History

Mount Grace and surrounding area was first mapped by government geologists where two types of carbonatites were identified. Type I intrusive carbonatites were noted to have a metasomatized contacts being conformable to the bedding within their metasedimentary host rocks, and commonly contacting either a syenite or nepheline syenite gneiss. Conversely Type II extrusive carbonatites, believed to be of volcanic origin and lacking any kind of metasomatic boundary, were linked with the occurrence of a prominent marble horizon that was stratigraphically above the carbonatite bodies and used as a regional marker (McMillan and Moore, 1974). Later mapping of the Mount Grace area by Hoy and McMillan (1979) revealed that the discontinuous extrusive carbonatites of the Perry River area were likely related to the extrusive Mount Grace Carbonatite, which has a lateral extent of over 60 km. A study by Hoy and Kwong (1986) revealed that the Mount Grace carbonatite is strongly enriched in the elements barium, manganese, and strontium, with high concentrations of niobium, lanthanum, neodymium and cerium relative to other carbonatites of its nature.

Figure 3. Cross sections for the Mount Grace Carbonatite from Hoy and Kwong (1986) with location of target Carbonatite horizon shown in blue and Riverside claim areas marked in black arrows. Refer to the legend in Figure 2 above for rock descriptions.

In 1983, Duval International Corporation conducted a geological and geochemical survey in the area that led to the discovery of the Ren carbonatite, south of Mount Grace; samples of the Ren carbonatite rendered anomalous values of niobium, cerium and lanthanum (Pilcher, 1983). Teck Exploration Ltd. carried out further work on carbonatites at Ratchford Creek in 1987, which included trenching and silt, rock, and soil sampling programs as well as radiometric and magnetic surveys (Betmanis and Lovang, 1988). Results from Teck's program indicated anomalous values of niobium and light rare earth elements. At the present, these carbonatite exposures and associated alkaline rocks are contiguously staked by the Company along the western margin of the Frenchman Cap gneiss dome providing a guide for delineating the system so far.

In the early 2010's field work in the project area found more well-defined carbonatite and in 2018 exploration work located zones of layered and also intrusive carbonatite which during the 2023 field season Riverside was able to work up and sample.

Qualified Person

This news release was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo., a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources, who is responsible for ensuring that the geologic information provided within this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Riverside Resources Inc.

Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $7M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside's own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com.

ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC.

"John-Mark Staude"



Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO

For additional information contact:

John-Mark Staude

President, CEO

Riverside Resources Inc.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: (778) 327-6671

Fax: (778) 327-6675

Web: www.rivres.com

Mehran Bagherzadeh

Corporate Communications

Riverside Resources Inc.

Phone: (778) 327-6671

TF: (877) RIV-RES1

Web: www.rivres.com

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
On a cold day in March 2023, 20-year-old Angelina Dovbnya. was walking in Kremenchuk with a large teddy bear in her hands. She was joyfully recording a video in which she thanked her interlocutor for the gift. As it turned out later, the money for the toy had been sent to her by a Russian special agent. At his request, she was documenting infrastructure and military facilities. While fulfilling one of these "tasks", the girl was apprehended by the Ukrainian intelligence services, the SBU. She was accused of treason.

Angelina is originally from Pavlysh, a town near Svitlovodsk in the Kirovohrad oblast, in Southern Ukraine. She graduated from a secondary school in neighboring Kremenchuk, Poltava oblast, where she lived while studying. She then studied at law school but was expelled after two years. At the time of the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, she wasn't engaged in anything and lived in Kremenchuk and Kyiv, spending her time with friends.

In February 2023, she received a message from an individual who introduced himself as a Russian officer named Igor Ruskikh. He offered money in exchange for videos and coordinates of military and infrastructure facilities. According to the investigation, the young woman agreed. She was not secretive about her pro-Russian views. She had named her profile on TikTok "Russianlady" and stored videos of Russian soldiers and the Russian president.

The investigation classified her actions under two articles: high treason under martial law and justification of Russia's armed aggression. The case was heard by the Svitlovodsk City District Court. Since March of this year, she has been held in a pre-trial detention center by court order. The indictment was filed in August. Between August and October, the court examined the evidence in the case and heard witnesses and the testimony of the accused.

The case may be revealing for understanding how young people who grew up in independent Ukraine and were seemingly unaffected by the "soviet genome" could decide to collaborate with the enemy and betray their homeland. It also reflects a tendency that appears to have emerged in the work of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. The young woman pleaded guilty and signed a petition to be included in the exchange lists between Ukraine and Russia. This suggestion was apparently given in the pre-trial detention center where it was explained to her that the exchange was only possible after the verdict, while a prompt trial would be held if guilt is admitted. Those accused of treason are often willing to trade a guilty plea for their inclusion on exchange lists in order to leave for Russia after being sentenced. Some consider this procedure as legally dubious, since Ukrainian civilians are not prisoners of war, who are typically exchanged for military personnel.

Filming sand castles

On September 12, the court examined the correspondence between the accused and the Russian, as well as the files from her cell phone. In February and March, Angelina's contact requested her to film infrastructure and military facilities in Pavlysh, Svitlovodsk, and Kremenchuk. The investigation documented at least 10 occasions when she took pictures or passed information to the Russian.

She specifically documented a power substation, military units, administrative buildings, checkpoints near a defence facility and a strategic bridge in Kremenchuk. She went to the sites in person and also found information on Telegram channels. In particular, she transferred a file with a fragment of a map showing the location of checkpoints near the Kremenchuk Oil Refinery: an arrow pointed out where it was possible to pass, and a circle indicated where the passage was restricted.

In her native Pavlysh, she documented a railway station and nearby warehouses, and in Svitlovodsk, the building of a defence contractor. This last location may have been recorded by accident. Allegedly, the bus from Kremenchuk that she took on her way home broke down and got stuck in Svitlovodsk. So, she seized the opportunity and took a picture of the facility's facade from the bus window.

The girl said she found the photos of the oil storage site in Oleksandria on the Internet. In order to get money from Igor, she changed the date of the file and sent it to him. She said: "I followed a fraudulent path, I wrote that I was there, but I just found the pictures on the Internet. Yes, he believed me." Igor also asked to verify the local quarries, and for the sake of the conspiracy he called them "sand castles".

The court examined the videos that the accused made. In addition to the recorded facilities that the Russian was interested in, they also contained Angelina's personal thoughts. For example, in March, she recorded a message in which she told him that everyone judged her and that she hated the Ukrainian security services. She told Igor that "everyone knows what is good and what is evil." She also said that she had spent all the money he had sent her, as she had "never been able to live at a low cost." A generator roared in the background. There were long power cuts in March due to Russian strikes.

"A peculiar and silly girl"

Another court file documents Angelina recording a video for Igor near the former "Amstor" shopping center in Kremenchuk saying: "It's not yet clear who shelled it. But they are already making some kind of warehouse here." 22 people were killed in the Russian strike on the shopping center on June 27, 2022.

In addition to the mentioned files, the court examined the woman's page on the social media platform TikTok. She posted videos about the Russian military and Vladimir Putin. According to the court expert's conclusion, the posts justified Russia's armed aggression, which is a criminal offence in Ukraine. Angelina insisted that the videos were not publicly available and were only for her private viewing. However, she confirmed that at the request of two of her friends, she showed them what was on her profile page.

Both friends testified in court. One said that she stopped communicating with Angelina when she saw she had taken selfies in front of Russian soldiers and flags. Another friend testified that according to Angelina, she had some kind of job in Kremenchuk and had traveled to Russia, where she had friends. He described her as a "peculiar and silly girl".

Another witness said that in March Angelina asked him to give her a ride from Kremenchuk to Pavlysh because she had bought a large teddy bear. On the way, he needed to stop by a quarry for a work-related matter. Later he found out that she had taken a picture of the site.

Recruitment in Mariupol

An interrogation of the accused was held on September 27. During the interrogation, Volodymyr Leshchenko, the prosecutor of the Kirovohrad Regional Prosecutor's Office, learned additional information about how Angelina took the path of treason. She said that a month before the full-scale invasion, she went to Crimea  a part of Ukraine annexed by Russia in 2014  with her friends for a vacation. On her way back home, she ended up in Mariupol, the main Ukrainian city on the Black Sea that got attacked and eventually invaded by Russia at the beginning of the 2022 war. Angelina said she was hiding in basements because of the hostilities. One day, the Russian military found her and took her for further verification. She spent some time in Mariupol, "volunteering". Then she started asking to be allowed to go home. She was released with the requirement to sign a document about confidential cooperation.

According to the accused, when she was already in Pavlysh, she received a call from the above-mentioned Igor, who said that he had seen her in Mariupol. He asked her to cooperate with Russia. At first, she refused. Soon he called again, but from a Ukrainian phone number, reminded her of the signed document, said that she was now a collaborator and had to cooperate.

The woman admitted that she was working to make money. At first, Igor sent her 2 to 3,000 hryvnias (between 50 and 80 euros), and later 20 to 30,000 for each location. In total, she received about 150,000 hryvnias (about 3,900 euros).

"Do you understand the consequences of your actions and what is happening in our country?" asked prosecutor Leshchenko.

"I understand the consequences and understood them then. All I had in mind were these finances. Yes, I was worried that my father might die and I asked him to take days off work since I was doing this job," the accused replied.

She also said that she communicated with Igor via video and he would show her the areas to be checked on maps. She mentioned that most of the locations she filmed did not have any military personnel or equipment, and she was sending "at least some material to get the money." She wanted to "gain his trust so that he liked her and sent more money."

The Svitlovodsk court patiently questioned Angelina Dovbnya about her reasons for filming sites in order to guide Russia's strikes. "What I did was not in the interests of Russia, but only for the money", she finally concluded.

Trying to understand Angelina

The defence lawyer Viktor Pogribnyi, hired under a contract with the Free Legal Aid Center, asked her client about her motives. She repeated that she wanted to make money. The lawyer also wanted to know whether there had been any missile strikes on the locations she had sent the coordinates of. Angelina denied it. However, the prosecutor insisted upon the court's withdrawal of this question, as the accused may not be aware of all the information.

The panel of three judges addressed a number of anthropological questions to find out how the accused ended up in the dock. The court was interested in the girl's education and her mindset. She said that when she was in secondary school in Kremenchuk, everyone spoke Russian and "it was not a problem." She said she often went on vacation with her aunt to the annexed Crimea, as well as to visit friends in St. Petersburg.

"When did you develop the idea that Russia is a blessing and start acting against Ukraine?" Judge Tamara Harmash began the interrogation.

"Well, it just happened that way, I liked it better," Angelina replied.

"Nothing happens by itself. Perhaps there was some influence on you? You are a young girl. We have all kinds of people in such cases. There are those who are nostalgic for the Soviet Union and their youth. What were your reasons?" the judge asked.

"Well, I have some friends in Russia."

"Where and at what age were you in Russia?"

"In St. Petersburg, when I was 18 years old, and I visited it again later."

"Look, when the hostilities in Donbas [Eastern Ukraine, where the war started in 2014] were ongoing, there was still a direct way to get to Russia. Why didn't you leave then if you are such a patriot of Russia?"

"I wanted to be with my mom more. Nothing was stopping me from traveling back and forth."

"You know very well what happened in "Amstor". Perhaps someone you know was there?"

"Yes, my friends died."

"Probably, a strike coordinator just like you was filming there. What if you were there, or your mother, the one you love very much? In the video you made near the place where people died, you explain to Igor that it "got smashed," although you used a different word. You said it with a certain satisfaction. What is happening to your mind, what kind of person are you?" the judge asked.

"No, I can't explain," the accused said.

"Does your mother live in Pavlysh?"

"Yes, with my stepfather. We have a good relationship."

"So, you filmed various sites, but you also filmed Pavlysh, where your mother lives. What were you thinking when you were filming it? That you will not be hit, or did Igor tell you that? Did you realize that there was no way back: you transmit it, and tomorrow death would come. Perhaps it would come for you. Were you ready to die for Russia?"

"No."

Hoping to be part of a prisoners exchange

"You want to go to Russia in an exchange [of prisoners]. We want it too because we'd rather have our soldiers protecting us. What will you do there? Who needs you there?" the judge continued.

"I don't know how the circumstances will turn out: some are sent to serve, some are released."

"You have just said that Igor paid you money, but you sent him photos from the Internet. In fact, you were committing fraud. Aren't you afraid of being held accountable for this in Russia?"

"No, and how would they know?"

"You are so smart and experienced. Do you think you will go to your beloved man?" (probably meaning Igor).

"No, I have people to go to there, many acquaintances."

"When you were interested in these political events, you must have seen Putin's interview, where he said that he does not forgive treason. So, for him, you are also a traitor."

"Well, so be it. I still want to go ahead with the exchange."

"And you are ready to become a Russian soldier?"

"Yes, I am."

"And go shoot at our soldiers?"

"Well, what if they shoot at me?"

"But you had a choice. You were in Ukraine, yet you continued your activities."

"But I had the terms that I signed for in Mariupol."

"Yes, maybe you were recruited. So, were you afraid to die or did you want the money?"

"I was afraid to die."

"You had no choice?"

"Well, if I have a choice, I'll do things differently."

Ill shoot at my friends of course

Judge Yuriy Melnychyk continued the interrogation. Among other things, he asked her how she traveled to Crimea. Angelina told him that shortly before the 2022 invasion, her boyfriend, who served in the Armed Forces, sent her "a large sum of money". She said that he died during training shortly before the full-scale war.

The judge also asked her to explain why she was keeping videos of the Russian military. The accused said it was difficult to explain, claiming that she just likes the servicemen.

"According to the expertise, these videos justify the aggression of the Russian Federation. Do you support this?" the judge asked.

"Yes and no. I cannot not support it and I cannot support it."

"Do you like what is happening in the country now?"

"No, who can like it?"

"Do you repent of your actions? Can you explain?"

"Yes, I do repent. It could have led to consequences for people. I do not repent of the rest of what I did."

"If you were now free and asked to film similar facilities, would you do it?"

"No."

"There is a possibility that after conviction you may not be exchanged, do you realize that?" judge Vitaliy Ivashchenko then asked.

"Yes, I am not afraid of it."

"Are you not afraid of life imprisonment?"

"No, and what should I do, cry? Or deny it? I can't change anything."

"Understand that you are accused not just of recording videos, but of treason. Do you plead guilty to the fact that you do not recognize Ukraine as an entity?"

"Yes."

"So, if I understand you correctly: everything you did, you did it in order to make sure that Ukraine would cease to exist as a state and you would only see Russia in front of you? Plus, you like the Russian servicemen and the money they paid you?"

"I want to see Ukraine as Ukraine and Russia as Russia. And what I did was not for the benefit of Russia, but only for the sake of money. I did not want to destroy Ukraine."

"Did Igor explain to you why he needed the coordinates?"

"He said in order to destroy the factories."

"Isn't that the same thing? You said that if you were sent to the front from Russia and had to shoot, you realize that your friends could be on the battlefield?"

"Well, what if my friends point a gun at me? Should I just watch?"

"So, what choice will you make?"

"[I'll shoot] at my friends, of course..."

Maximum sentence

The closing arguments in the case were heard on October 11. Prosecutor Leshchenko asked to find the accused guilty of both charges and sentence her to life imprisonment with confiscation of property. He noted that in the diaries seized from Angelina in the pre-trial detention center, she wrote that she missed Igor. This, he said, showed that she had not taken the path of redemption.

"Since the end of 2022, there has been massive shelling of infrastructure and of everything that exists. We see what crimes Russia is committing. For this purpose, they employ such agents. Recently, a terrible event happened in the Kharkiv oblast when they started killing entire villages. I believe that good should be done with fists, and the punishment for this kind of people should be severe," said the prosecutor.

Defence lawyer Pogribnyi asked the court to declare a number of evidence and materials of covert investigative actions inadmissible, because, in his opinion, they were prepared improperly. He emphasized that the accused admits committing high treason and denies glorifying the occupier, as the video was private. He requested that his client be sentenced to the lower limit of the sanction stipulated in the law.

During her final speech, Angelina said about the diary mentioned by the prosecutor, that she wrote it during the first weeks of her detention, when she was disoriented.

"I am not a state servant and did not pledge allegiance to this country. I do not have the great honor of posting slogans like "Russian warship and so on, on posters in Ukrainian cities [a reference to a defying act of resistance by Ukranian Marines on Snake island early in the war that is now the theme of postcards and posters in Ukraine]. I am not a Ukrainian soldier to shout "Glory to Ukraine". I am not a Russian soldier to shout "Glory to Russia." Just glory to God. I'm done," the accused said.

On October 13, the court ruled on life imprisonment and confiscation of property. Angelina's parents came to the sentencing. Everyone accepted the court's decision in silence. According to her lawyer, Angelina objected to her family being present at the trial. When asked why, he suggested that "she was just ashamed".

This report is part of our coverage of war crimes justice produced in partnership with Ukrainian journalists. A first version of this article was published on the "Sudovyi Reporter" website.
Choi Hyun Wook talked about his recent controversy on his first-ever first public appearance since the news broke out.

The actor dished out his honest feelings and reflections, much to fans' surprise. Read on to know more.

Choi Hyun Wook Addresses Smoking Scandal

On October 23, the cast of the new drama "High Cookie" attended a press conference to greet the fans.

Choi Hyun Wook, who is among the lead actors, was present at the said event along with Nam Ji Hyun, Jung Da Bin and Kim Mu Yeol.

"High Cookie" is a thrilling drama that tells the stories of elite high school students who are swallowed up by a dangerous handmade cookie that makes people's dreams come true.

The drama marks Choi Hyun Wook's second comeback this year, following the success of "Twinkling Watermelon." In addition, it also celebrates his first project with Nam Ji Hyun.

On the other hand, the event gained attention as it was Choi Hyun Wook's first official appearance since the smoking scandal earlier this October.

The actor bravely addressed the issue and expressed his remorse, saying that he deeply reflected on his actions through the guidance of his managers, loved ones and fellow stars.

He once again apologized for causing distress to the fans and also promised to do better. Choi Hyun Wook asked the public to tune in to the new drama by hinting about his character.

"My character doesn't have a lot of screen time," Choi Hyun Wook shared. "As the story progresses, fans will be able to see more of him and his hidden desires within."

READ MORE: Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook Talk About Friendship, Chemistry In 'Twinkling Watermelon'

Despite the controversy surrounding the actor, it's no doubt that he's among the best in his generation. He has proven himself through his works like "D.P.," "Weak Hero Class 1" and more.

With this, attention is given to the actor and what kind of performance he will show this time in "High Cookie."

Praises For Choi Hyun Wook's Performance

Not only his fans but also the "High Cookie" cast and crew are in awe of Choi Hyun Wook's acting.

In the series, the actor transforms into Ho Soo, a calm and reserved character. Unlike his characters in his previous works, he's more serious than vivacious.

Director Song commended Choi Hyun Wook's dedication, revealing that the young star even carefully studied his character to perfect his mannerisms, movements and other small details.

In addition, Nam Ji Hyun, the actor's co-star, also noted that he is the "king of improvisation" which impressed the cast and crew of the show.

"He has a huge control of his character," Nam Ji Hyun shared. "I can feel that he's really passionate about his work."

ALSO READ: Choi Hyun Wook's 'High Cookie' Makes Debut + Will Smoking Scandal Affect Work?

Catch "High Cookie" this October 23 on U+ Mobile TV. Watch the teaser below, ICYMI:

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and Anna Afeyan, Co-Chair of the Afeyan Foundation, announce a commitment of $2 million to serve over 100,000 displaced people from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) who were uprooted from their homes following the deadly attacks by Azerbaijan in September.

October 24, 2023, 14:04 Noubar Afeyan to donate $2M to those displaced from Karabakh

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 24, ARTSAKHPRESS: The donation will be provided by the Afeyan Foundation, which previously teamed up with Aurora to help the people of Artsakh in the aftermath of the 2020 war. The latest financial support will focus on several areas including meeting basic needs, providing medical and psychosocial care, and establishing longer-term educational opportunities.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with the delegation led by South Korean Trade Minister Dukgeun Ahn.

October 24, 2023, 17:00 Pashinyan meets with South Korean Trade Minister in Yerevan

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 24, ARTSAKHPRESS: PM Pashinyan attached importance to the consistent development and strengthening of trade-economic ties between Armenia and Korea and welcomed the delegations visit, the Prime Ministers Office said in a readout.

The Armenian Prime Minister expressed hope that the negotiations in Yerevan will intensify the economic partnership, expansion of business ties and will contribute to the implementation of investment projects in various directions. PM Pashinyan stressed that Armenia and the Republic of Korea have an active political dialogue and the government of Armenia is interested in expanding the partnership.

Dukgeun Ahn said that his delegation includes businessmen and representatives of various organizations and that Korea is interested in cooperation in the fields of energy, infrastructures and high technologies.

The sides found the fields of agriculture and tourism to be promising directions for partnership as well. Pashinyan and Dukgeun Ahn expressed certainty that concrete agreements will be reached as a result of the discussions.
A team of founding members of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) yesterday blessed the Katonga faction led by the Kampala Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago, and gave them the green light to carry on with their planned activities.

The founder members, who converged yesterday in Namugongo during the consultative meeting organised by the Katonga faction, indicated that they were disappointed by what was happening in the party, but said they were comfortable with the roadmap laid out by the Katonga team. The Bugisu region elder, Mr Habib Wabende, said FDC was formed as an alternative to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party but the feud within the party beat this purpose.

He said the party supporters are also divided after different accounts being reported in the media.

We are ready to work with the interim leadership and tell the people who is right and who is wrong. We are going to tell the people back home that what is in the media is wrong,Mr Wabende said.

Mr Maate Santo, an elder from Kasese, asked the Katonga team to stay focused and continue with the nation wide mobilisation to convince and recruit more people to the party. Among the resolutions that were reached after the meeting included proceeding with various court cases against the Najjanankumbi team, kickstarting their nationwide mobilisation campaigns as well as conducting their grassroots elections.

Addressing journalists after the meeting yesterday, the acting vice chairperson, Ms Salaam Musumba, said party officials are starting their nationwide mobilisation next week. She said they will meet party leaders starting with Busoga Sub-region before traversing the entire country ahead of the factions January grassroot elections.

Purpose of drive

We are going to start nationwide outreach [exercise] to tell the country and our party supporters what hap-

pened. We shall also listen to what our supporters want to tell us, Ms Musamba said.

She added: After those meetings, we expect them to draw the line most especially on where they belong. The elders and founder members are satisfied with what we are doing and we are on the same page with them.

Meanwhile, Ms Musumba said they are not planning to seek permission from the police, saying that just like the police did not disrupt their Namugongo meeting, they are optimistic that the same will prevail in the subsequent meetings.
The government in partnership with the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (Pelum) Uganda is in the advanced stages of developing the first-ever National Agroecology Strategy which officials say will help in regulating the previously private sector-dominated area to provide safe food.

While launching the 2023 National Agroecology Week of Action in Kampala, the National focal point person for organic agriculture, and agroecology at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Bob George said the strategy will provide guidance implementation of agroecology practices and organic farming in Uganda, from the farm to the market level.

According to him, the strategy will help to scale up the adoption of agro-ecological practices within Uganda, investing more in conducting research in agro-ecological practices by both government and stakeholders and it will also address issues of market for the produce.

Like any other strategy, it also spells out the number of stakeholders that are relevant in the agroecology sector and also outlines each of everyones roles. We have a draft which has been reviewed twice so we are moving on well, he said.

Our target is to put all farmers and all other actors from production to consumption in order and as a government, we want to ensure that they are put in order and to ensure that we are in control, he added.

The country director of Pelum Uganda, Josephine Akia Luyimbazi says the strategy will enable them to rally momentum and garner support towards the development of the agroecology sector.

FAO defines agroecology as a holistic and integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Scaling up of agroecology in Uganda is critical towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) most especially the SDG 2 on Zero Hunger that requires a transition towards more sustainable food systems with more socio-economic benefits and with less environmental consequences, Mr Sande said.
The Leader of Opposition, Mr Mathias Mpuuga has asked current leaders to copy and live the legacy of fallen former minister, Henry Kyemba.

This was during Tuesdays parliamentary session where the House paid tribute to the late for the great services he rendered to the country.

Mpuuga said that it is rare to find a leader of high morals, and integrity in this era like the late Kyemba.

The motion to pay tribute to Kyemba was moved by the Fist Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and was seconded by the whole House.

The motion recognized the works of the late right from the constitutional assembly until he resigned from public service.

Despite having held positions of influence, Kyemba too knew adversity, as many Ugandans across time have. In 1977, he lost his brother at the hands of the regime he had served under. He faced personal insecurity and once took a bullet that was meant to assassinate the President. As a government protagonist in his book A State of Blood and having served as a government protagonist in his own book, the late Minister is a testament that we have very many Kyembas waiting to happen soon, which is more reason we should tread carefully, Mpuuga said.

Kyemba died last week on Thursday, October 19 at the age of 84.

He served as the private secretary to Apollo Milton Obote and Idi Amin Dada, a minister of health, Justice, Attorney General, State Minister for Presidency, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, a member of the constituent assembly that made the 1995 constitution, and a member of the sixth parliament of Uganda.
A popular Aussie pub has copped a hefty fine for trading free drinks in exchange for guests' bras, with the larger the bra the more drinks on offer.

The Woolshed  a country-style bar in Adelaide's CBD  has attracted a fine of $3897 for "lewd promotion" by South Australia's Consumer and Business Services (CBS). The venue posted online about the promotion in June of this year, urging both men and women to make the exchange.

"Wearing a bra is so uncomfortable, hang it up in the shed and let loose," the post in June said, the ABC reported. "The bigger the better. That means you as well boys."

Promotion lashed by state's consumer watchdog

The Woolshed on Hindley Street in Adelaide was issued the fine for "lewd promotion". Source: 9News.

One, two or three free drinks were offered based on whether guests used an A, B or C cup bra.

Online, the promotion was branded as "misogynistic" by many.

The consumer watchdog attended the venue after customers made complaints, catching owners in the act on the night after obtaining CCTV footage.

Gender-based promotions unlawful

Under the liquor code, gender-based promotions are prohibited, with officials warning that promotions that "objectify people" are strictly against the law.

"Theme nights and other promotions can be a great way for licensed venues to attract customers, but there must be appropriate standards which is why the General Code of Practice for liquor licence holders has clear standards in place," Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio said.

The promotion in June asked patrons for their bras in exchange for free drinks. Source: Facebook.

"Gender-based promotions  including those that objectify people - are not only out of line with community expectations, but are in breach of this Code."

Mr Soulio added that the venue also breached CCTV regulations.

"More concerning was the inadequate CCTV coverage," he said. "CCTV footage is vital not only for on-premises security, but also for investigative purposes as needed.

Story continues

"This is why the Late Night Code of Practice includes a requirement that licensed premises maintain CCTV that captures all internal and external areas of the premises  except for toilets  along with entry and exit points."

It's understood the Woolshed have upgraded their CCTV since attracting the fine.

The venue, well-known among Adelaide residents and interstate travellers alike, features a mechanical bull that patrons can ride inside. The three-level bar is located on Hindley Street in the city centre.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Parliament has this afternoon held a special session in honor of former minister Henry Kyemba.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas has led Parliament in paying tribute to the late Kyemba, describing him as a man who served his country with a high level of diligence, and thanked him for taking off time to put down the history of Uganda in his book- State of the Blood.

This is a man who has served humanity in very many aspects as a Rotarian even at the time of his death, he was still volunteering in aspects where he was touching lives all over. Of course we as students of history who know the black history of this country, we know the critical role he played in exposing the evils of the regime of Idi Amin where he moblized many people to end the brutality that was being meted on Ugandans, Tayebwa said.

Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga led the government in paying tribute to the late Kyemba, describing him as a firm advocate and promoter of democracy, good governance, peace for all, and champion of strengthening public administration

She has described Kyemba as a diligent leader who immeasurably participated in shaping the destiny of Uganda and served Uganda with dedication and patriotism.

Kyemba succumbed to diabetes-related complications on October 18.

He will be accorded a state burial on Thursday in Bugembe, Jinja town.
Written by Thomas Hennessy.

On August 30, a message came into my phone from my friend Rob O Keeffe. Myself and Rob are currently writing a book on the recently discovered IRA Map.

You missed a Ballylooby centenary, John Mahony, he said.

Rob had sent me Sean Fitzpatricks roll of honour and sure enough after John Mahony, the description read Volunteer Graigue Company, brutalised and neglected by the Free State in Kilkenny Jail. Died in Cashel hospital 24/06/1923.

I immediately went to my bundle of copies of 6th Battalion papers. I was lucky to have been given access to the papers of Sean Myles, who was a local IRA leader and organised pension applications during the 30s. The Graigue Local Active Service Unit or Company as they are more commonly known, was part of the sixth Battalion, third Tipperary Brigade IRA.

There were 39 members and sure enough there was John Mahonys name with deceased written beside it. My phone alerted me again to a message and it was Rob who had located John Mahonys pension application online and sent me the link. Castlegrace was his address.

In a poignant letter to the pension board John's mother, Alice Mahony had written the following lines:

The people responsible for his removal from Kilkenny Jail saved themselves nicely for if he died in jail the responsibility would be theirs, but they made sure he would die a pauper not a hero.

Perhaps the moving of John from Kilkenny Jail where he had died as a prisoner, a Republican, helped to hide and cover up John's story from the public and media of the time.

He was transferred days before he died to Cashel poor house Hospital.

I have been travelling the boithrins and graveyards of this lovely part of South Tipperary for two years now, interviewing locals and gathering info from various sources, along with Rob and not once had anyone mentioned a local who died during the Civil War.

There have been amazing moments along the way, sitting in IRA safe houses in the same kitchens that the great men of the IRA Flying Columns frequented, holding old rifles, the bag that DI Potter had with him when executed, IRA medals, bullets, boots, glasses, all sorts of relics and heirlooms some of really important historical value, all of massive emotional importance.

There were emotional moments, being able to show sons of IRA men information about their fathers that they never knew. We made amazing discoveries along the way, I was brought to the two dugout sites in Graigue and shown an IRA dugout on the slopes of the Galtees.

All great days but no one once mentioned the name John Mahony. It seemed he was lost in the mist of time and his memory had faded, his story forgotten.

In every parish and village in Ireland there are locals who are the person to go to for information. They are the unrecognised historians and storytellers of their parish.

Kathleen Moloney of Castlegrace is one of these local legends. Kathleen had within a few days of contacting her, traced the house John Mahony lived in and had found his birth certificate and the family census records online.

There still was a big part of the puzzle to be solved though. Where was John Mahony buried? We had located the grave plot in Duhill cemetery of two of Johns siblings but no mention of John.

I rang Fr John Nally, the local priest. Fr John suggested the old graveyard at Castlegrace known as Tullaghorton which was the original graveyard for generations of locals. The following Sunday, a week after our hunt began, I spent a few hours going grave to grave in the hope that I might find a Mahony headstone but to no avail.

I trekked Tubrid graveyard and Ballylooby, no luck in either place.

In the preceding days I had contacted Neil Donovan of Ballyporeen, a local Historian and an expert on the IRA in his area of Ballyporeen and when I got home a bit deflated one Monday evening , Neil rang me with new information regarding John Mahonys arrest in Two Mile Borris.

David Moher of Mitchelstown was in charge of an Anti Treaty Column of which John Mahony was a member. On July 15, 1922 at TwoMile Borris, 14 members of this Column including John Mahony were arrested by Free State forces.

In the weeks leading up to this incident, David Mohers Column had taken part in the capture of Urlingford Barracks and had fought freestaters at Mary Willies, Longford Pass on July 8, where they lost another hero of Ireland and a Tipperary man, Patrick John English, a member of the 6th Battalion who hailed from only a few miles away from John Mahonys home. Patrick is buried in Whitechurch and in a fitting tribute his headstone carries the line Who was killed in battle for Irelands cause.

The breakthrough finally came in the following days. I had arranged to meet Fr John at Duhill to ask about a possible record of graves I had been told had been kept at one stage in Duhill Church. That day, going back over copies of pension applications and letters written by the local Company, I stumbled upon Denis Loobys hand written account of life during those turbulent times.

The lines one man of the Battalion died in prison, when his funeral arrived in Duhill Cemetery I fired 3 volleys over his grave for which I was arrested a few days later jumped off the page at me!!

I was delighted!

We now had solved the graveyard John Mahony was in. We knew there was a Mahony grave in Duhill with Johns sisters but no mention of John on the headstone. Surely for a man who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of his countrys freedom he had to be in a marked grave?

I walked Duhill cemetery that evening and then went to mass as I had arranged to meet Fr John afterwards. I told Fr John about the Denis Loobys letter but he had no records of graves. However, the next breakthrough that solved the mystery of John Mahonys final resting place came when Ann Moloney, the sacristan, confirmed her mother Catherine had told her John Mahony, the IRA man, was buried in the same plot as his sisters.

In an unbelievable twist, Ann confirmed that she lives in the old Mahony home!

Another amazing coincidence was that that night in Duhill, the anniversary mass was on for a member of a local family, and it was on to their farm. John Mahonys mother Alice and brother David moved after Johns death.

This is not the first time I have had strange coincidences regarding the IRA men of those days and sometimes I really do think they try to guide us from the grave!

On Sunday, October 29, 100 years after John Mahony gave his young life in the pursuit of freedom, we will assemble behind a lone piper outside the farm house John Mahony was reared in at 2pm, and walk the short distance to Duhill Church where a new plaque will be unveiled.

The Rebel Hearts will play traditional music and Kathleen Moloney and myself will speak. That weekend in Ballylooby and Duhill Churches, mass will be said for John Mahony. The new plaque will be blessed on Sunday morning after mass in Duhill at 9am, all are welcomeI

I also want to thank Fr John Nally for allowing this plaque to be erected in Duhill cemetery.

This Commemoration is non political and community led. There will be tea in the hall beside the cemetery following the commemoration.

The Forgotten Soldier John Mahony will now be rightfully remembered and future generations will pause and read his name and honour the name of another Irish Martyr, a Tipperary man who gave his all for a 32 county Irish Republic.

Beir Bua.

No leader he, nor mighty Chief, for whom a nation sheds its grief,

But one whose young heart knew no guile, a soldier of the rank and file,

Who grasped his pike when Ireland called, and fell a Martyr true installed

Duhill Church, Castlegrace, Clogheen, Tipperary, E21 H677.

More details on twitter @tomhennessy20.
Hundreds of people will be attending Irish Country Livings Women & Agriculture conference on Wednesday, October 25 in the Lyrath hotel in Kilkenny.



Ryan Tubridy was previously announced as the keynote speaker but The Irish Times reported on Tuesday that Tubridy had pulled out.



Ciara Leahy, editor of Irish Country Living, who was due to have a fireside chat with Tubridy, told the Irish Times that Brendan Courtney and Sile Seoige will now be speaking at the event.



Launched in 2008, the conference started as an opportunity for women involved in the farming sector to enjoy an entertaining and informative day out.



Now, 600 women attend the event annually and it is always sold out.

The theme of this years conference is Finding the Balance.



Agriculture is always a key focus during the morning of the conference and over the years, there have been informative and important speakers such as the former Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Simon Coveney, Tara McCarthy, former CEO of Bord Bia and world-renowned succession planning facilitator Lyn Sykes from Australia.



However, the conference also focuses on family life, health and wellbeing.



In previous years, Majella ODonnell spoke about living with depression while Aine Lawlor of RTE spoke about her battle in overcoming breast cancer. Breege ODonoghue wowed the audience when she spoke about her career in Penneys where the brand grew from a single store to over 300 outlets now in 11 countries.

Psychologist Maureen Gaffney previously spoke about taking a positive outlook in life while David McWilliams had the crowd captivated with his take on Irish economics.



The audience at the Women & Agriculture conference ranges from women who are farming with their husbands on the family farm to women who are running the farm themselves.



Tickets for this event are sold out.
The Home Office has rejected a call to introduce a temporary exemption to its new travel scheme for tourists visiting Northern Ireland.

An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will soon be a requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK.

The ETA will not apply to Irish citizens as they have a right to travel to any part of the UK under the Common Travel Area (CTA).

The ETA provides permission to travel to the UK, and it will be electronically linked to individuals passports.

However, a cross-party group of lawmakers from the UK and Ireland have called the scheme unworkable on the island as it could provide a barrier to entry for Northern Irelands one million tourists coming from abroad each year, 70% of whom arrive in Ireland first  around half of whom are day-trippers.

A report from the Sovereign Affairs Committee of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) has called on the UK Government to pause progress on the ETAs introduction for NI visitors coming through Ireland, and if a full exemption is not possible, to extend an exemption for short-stay holidaymakers for up to a week.

The issue has come into further focus following the UK and Irelands successful joint bid to host Uefa Euro 2028, which would see games being played north and south of the border.

Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker is understood to have acknowledged the proposal for a seven-day exemption at the BIPA on Monday.

However, the Home Office said such an exemption would undermine attempts to strengthen the security of the UK border.

In a statement, a spokesman said: We are introducing an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme to enhance our ability to prevent the travel of those who present a threat to the UK. An exemption of this kind would undermine our efforts to strengthen the security of the UK border and keep people safe.

Individuals arriving in the UK, including Northern Ireland, will need to continue to enter in line with the UKs immigration framework, including obtaining an ETA if required.

The committee said differences between the UK and Irish visa regimes are already causing problems for visa nationals, for professionals operating both sides of the border, and for shared health services.

The committee heard during its inquiry of one incident where some ambulances from Northern Ireland had been unable to respond to the 2022 Creeslough explosion because some paramedics did not have the necessary visas to enter Ireland.

Lawmakers called on the Irish and UK governments to consider joint work visas that would allow professionals, such as health sector workers, to operate freely on both sides of the border.

Their report also called for an exemption for migrants who are permanently resident in either Ireland or the UK from the requirement to obtain a visa for short visits to either jurisdiction.

Committee chairwoman and senator in the Irish Seanad Emer Currie said: The electronic travel authorisation scheme in its current form undermines the Common Travel Area and will damage tourism primarily in Northern Ireland and the North West of Ireland.

Today our BIPA committee, which consists of UK and Irish lawmakers, have launched a report calling for the UK Government to pause its progress and if a full exemption isnt possible, to extend an exemption for short-stay holidaymakers for up to a week.

Im aware of the UK Home Offices views, but I hope through my engagement with Minister Baker yesterday and our joint report today, that common sense will prevail.

The ETA is unworkable on the island of Ireland. Weve offered practical recommendations for the Home Office and British Government to consider which respects their objectives.

I sincerely hope they will take on board the views of our joint committee of MPs, TDs, Senators and Lords as well as the reality of those who will be affected the most.
A Co Offaly school bus driver has told a court that he drove the man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy home on the same day she was killed.

Rostislav Peter Pokuta, a Slovak national who has been living in Ireland since 2006, said he knew Jozef Puska and his brothers because of his job as a school bus driver.

He told the court Puska arrived at his home at around 9pm on January 12 last year asking to be driven home, after saying he had been in some fight in town.

Mr Pokuta also told the court that he did not make a statement to gardai about the whole story until January 24 because he was afraid of what would happen to his family.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed while out exercising along a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly, at about 3.30pm on January 12 last year.

Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the schoolteachers murder.

At the sixth day of evidence at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, Mr Pokuta said he was eating his dinner on January 12 when he was told by his son that Puska was at the door and wanted to speak to him.

So I came down to the door and said: Whats the story?' he told the court, adding that Puska asked him for a lift home.

Mr Pokuta said Puska looked very scared, wet, and that his face was scratched or something.

He told the court Puska did not look like himself and appeared really scared.

The witness agreed that his face almost looked a different colour.

Mr Pokuta said that Puska told him that he had some fight or something in town, and that Puska did not want to talk about it.

The witness said he would bring Puska home in his sons car, a grey Volkswagen which has a sunroof.

He told the court that he took the key, started the car up, and asked Puska several times what had happened.

I said: Why did you not ring the guards? No answer to that, he told the court.

Mr Pokuta confirmed to the court that he can be seen driving his sons car on CCTV footage shown to the jury last week and again on Tuesday morning.

He told the court that Puska was wearing a black tracksuit with some line on the side, which he thought was white.

The court heard that when they arrived at his home, Puska said: Ill sort you out tomorrow, and went inside.

The court heard that Mr Pokuta did not tell gardai the whole story in a statement on January 21, but did on January 24.

He said that this was because he was worried about his family, as there was a lot going on about the murder of Ms Murphy in Tullamore at the time.

Mr Pokuta said he was worried someone might come down to my house and do something.

Under questioning from defence barrister Michael Bowman SC, Mr Pokuta said that Puska did look injured at the time.

Mr Pokuta told the court Puska could have been holding his stomach or head, and that he did look hurt.

The court also heard members of An Garda Siochana give evidence in relation to a FitBit smartwatch and an account liked to an email address that included the words ashling murphy.

Garda Ciaran Byrne explained to the court what data a FitBit can gather, including distances and heartrate.

Mr Byrne said that he examined the data from the FitBit watch, shown in court, and cross-checked the data it collected on elevation and direction against a test he carried out along the canal route.

He said the Fitbit data indicates the user travelled 1km along the canal walk by 3.01pm, 2km by 3.10pm and 3km by 3.20pm.

Mr Byrne told the court that from 3.21pm, there was no longer any consistent data recorded by the smartwatch.

He said that there was a 90 degree angle recorded for most of the exercise session, indicating the user travelled in an easterly direction.

At 3.16pm, he said there was a change from 90 up to 270 degrees, as the user appears to do a u-turn and walk in a westerly direction.

He said that at 3.21pm, the user of the watch is no longer travelling in a westerly direction, and the data indicates an erratic or violent movement where the orientation being tracked by the smartwatch is moving quite quickly from 0 to 360 degrees in a constant manner.

Mr Byrne said that it seemed to be going from 0 to 360 repeatedly in a very short space of time.

The witness told the court he could not see that happening in any of the previous exercises logged by the user.

He also said that having walked the route myself, the erratic activity takes place at the spot where the memorial now stands.

In heartrate data tracked by the Fitbit watch, recorded in beats per minute (bpm), the start of the exercise session tracks a rate of around 100bpm, the court heard.

At 3.21pm, the heartrate decreases rapidly, Mr Byrne told the court, and falls to a point below 60bpm at 3.27pm.

At 3.27pm the heartrate increases rapidly until 3.31pm, when the Fitbit no longer picks up a heartrate, Mr Byrne said.

He said the watch no longer records any values for a heartrate after 3.31pm.

Under questioning from Mr Bowman, Mr Byrne confirmed that the time on the Huawei smartphone linked to the FitBit watch and account was correct, and confirmed to the court that he did check.

Mr Bowman suggested to Mr Byrne that there was a need to be careful with the accuracy of the data.
An Aussie dog owner could be charged with animal cruelty after his pet was spotted tied up to a parked ute for hours in the middle of a scorching hot day.

In a photo shared online, the German shepherd can be seen lying on the ground behind the vehicle, only partially covered by shade. A long leash appears to be extending from its collar to the side of the ute, while a water bowl sits in the sun.

Residents were outraged to see the dog sweltering in the heat. Source: Reddit (Reddit/rfitti)

Locals outraged by dog act

Temperatures soared to 32.9 degrees on Monday at Queensland's Sunshine Coast where the incident occurred, and the person who found the dog said it was left unattended for several hours.

"I am leaving now after two hours and the dog is still there under the sun on a very hot day," the man who took the photo posted on Reddit. "He has some water but the good boy seems a bit agitated and I am not sure what to do. I am not from this area so I don't know if this is OK. I just know that I wouldn't want to be in the dog's situation."

Scores of locals responded, urging the witness to report the "pretty shocking" incident and have the dog's owner punished for animal cruelty. One even submitted a welfare complaint to the RSPCA along with the image, while others attempted to contact local businesses to help remove the animal.

"Sick of seeing things like this, it makes my blood boil," one user wrote, while another responded, "he's going to die there".

In a later update, the witness said he later returned to the dog. "I put my finger in his water and of course it was hot," he said. "I took my water bottle and put some water in it and the dog came to me and started drinking water from my hand as I was pouring more and more.

"Then the dog went again closer to the car, and only half of his body was under the shadow. We also moved his water under the truck so it doesn't continue getting hot."

Dogs must be 'supervised'

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Sunshine Coast Council said all dogs tied up must be under "direct supervision" and failure to do so would result in a $309 on-the-spot fine. While regulations around tethering animals may differ between councils, dogs cannot be left tied up and alone.

Story continues

According to local laws, "a dog is under effective management in a public place if it is restrained to a fixed object and is under the direct supervision of a person who is physically able to manage the dog".

"Direct supervision means the supervising person is physically present within a proximate distance of the animal under supervision, such that the person is able to respond immediately to manage the animal's behaviour."

Situation all kinds of wrong

A spokesperson for RSPCA Queensland told Yahoo it does "not promote tethering as a permanent means of containment, no matter what council area you live in".

"The RSPCA would discourage tethering a dog to a vehicle in a car park for several reasons," the spokesperson said. "The heat of the day enhances heat felt from the ground; the heat of the ground could cause water provided to also heat up; if unattended, dogs are at risk of entanglement; the dog could become injured from another vehicle in the carpark; concern a vehicle accident may result if a driver in the area is startled by a dog; the dog is vulnerable to any person in the area who could cause the dog harm or release it; and concern for any injury the dog may cause to passers by."

The spokesperson urged anyone who witnesses any act of animal cruelty to contact the RSPCA Hotline to report the matter "as soon as they become aware".

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(Kitco News) - Anglo American (LSE: AAL), one of the world's largest mining companies, reported today that its Q3 2023 copper production increased by 42% y-o-y to 209 kt, reflecting the progressive increase in production from Quellaveco in Peru.

However, the company said that copper production from its operations in Chile decreased by 4% due to ongoing ore hardness and an electrical substation fire at Los Bronces.

The company's rough diamond production decreased by 23% to 7.4 million carats, primarily due to the planned reduction as Venetia transitions to underground operations.

Production from Anglo American's platinum group metals (PGM) operations of 1,030 koz decreased by 2%, primarily due to planned mining in a lower grade area at Mogalakwena.

Steelmaking coal production decreased by 21% to 4.4 million tonnes, reflecting challenging strata conditions at Moranbah and the ramp-up of Grosvenor during July following the longwall move in Q2.

Iron ore production decreased by 4% to 15.4 million tonnes, principally driven by planned plant maintenance at Minas-Rio.

Nickel production decreased by 7% to 9.3 kt, mainly reflecting the impact of lower grades, while manganese ore production increased by 4% to 1,012 kt.

CEO Duncan Wanblad commented, Production in the third quarter overall was consistent with the same period in 2022. A 42% increase in copper production as Quellaveco's contribution ramps up was offset primarily by De Beers, as Venetia transitions to underground operations, and by performance at Moranbah and the Grosvenor ramp-up at the underground Steelmaking Coal operations.

"Our focus is on delivering our full year production guidance in line with a planned stronger second half of the year.

Anglo American is a producer of diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum group metals, premium quality iron ore and steelmaking coal, and nickel, - with crop nutrients in development. The company is committed to being carbon neutral across its operations by 2040.
SYDNEY, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Australia and the United States will announce plans to cooperate on critical minerals and bolster Pacific Islands infrastructure when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Washington this week, a senior Biden administration official said.

Albanese's White House schedule begins Tuesday, Washington time, and is focused on broadening Australia's security alliance with the United States into an economic and technology partnership, Albanese told reporters in Washington on Monday.

The two leaders will flesh out details of further cyber security cooperation, in addition to a $5 billion Microsoft investment in Australia, the Biden administration official said.

Several announcements, including the infrastructure project, will showcase U.S.-Australia cooperation in the Pacific.

"This is an absolute imperative for both of these leaders ... that we do stay deeply focused on the Pacific Islands," the official, Mira Rapp-Hooper, special assistant to the president and senior director for East Asia and Oceania on the National Security Council, told Reuters.

"The prime minister's visit this week is an important reminder that our president, our commander-in-chief, is very much able to keep his steady gaze on the Indo-Pacific and our long-term interest there as he manages the crisis at hand," she added, referring to the world's focus on the Middle East.

A critical minerals task force to boost private investment in Australia's rare earths industry and reduce global reliance on China will be the centrepiece of Albanese's schedule, with Australia committing another A$2 billion ($1.27 billion) in financing to "de-risk" private sector involvement.

Albanese said on Tuesday Australia would "help to build supply chains with the United States and support our shared clean energy, manufacturing and defence ambitions".

"We're in a strong position, as the world's largest supplier of lithium, for example, a significant supply of cobalt, vanadium, copper, nickel. The minerals that will power the globe in the 21st century are things that Australia has significant amounts of," he earlier told reporters in Washington.

No announcements on critical minerals agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense are expected this week. Australian analysts have said that the U.S. auto and defence sectors are large buyers of rare earths and that a long-term sales contract could reduce investor risk in developing Australian processing.

Albanese will visit China, Australia's largest trade partner and biggest buyer of its iron ore, on Nov. 4.

Washington this year signed a defence cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea, north of Australia, and opened USAID offices in the region after China struck a security pact with the Solomon Islands.

Albanese and Biden will also discuss the South China Sea, where tensions between China and the Philippines are rising.

He said he would meet with U.S. lawmakers every day he is in Washington to highlight the need for the AUKUS defence technology partnership with the United States and Britain. The partnership aims to sell Australia nuclear-powered submarines and build a new class of submarine in Australia by 2040.

The pact faces hurdles in the U.S. Congress, and from U.S. export controls that could slow its implementation. On Friday, the Biden administration submitted a supplementary budget request to Congress that includes measures to support U.S. commitments under AUKUS.

($1 = 1.5723 Australian dollars)
Kangaroos have been voted the country's top national icon  ahead of contenders such as Vegemite and the Great Barrier Reef.

The findings come from a national poll released on World Kangaroo Day on Tuesday, which also reveals 98 per cent of respondents think kangaroos should be protected. But despite the native animals being highly regarded animal advocates say kangaroos actually face a sad reality.

'We must treat kangaroos better'

The survey results are symptomatic of the paradoxical relationship our society has with kangaroos," Alyssa Wormald from Victorian Kangaroo Alliance told Yahoo News Australia.

The wildlife advocate believes Aussies do want the best for kangaroos and recognise their value as a symbol of the country, yet often "turn a blind eye when [they are] being treated like a pest".

"Just recently we have seen a case where a terrified kangaroo defending itself against a dog in Mildura was painted as the aggressor, whilst the irresponsible dog owner was lauded as a hero for striking it," Ms Wormald said, pointing to the discrepancy in how the native animals are perceived.

Kangaroos are under mounting pressure to move on from their land. Source: Zoe Schmidt and Rescue Rehabilitate Release

There are a myriad of ways in which kangaroos are facing mounting pressure, with property developers pushing kangaroos off their land resulting in increased vehicle collisions and kangaroos getting caught up in fencing.

"We are starting to see a national and international reckoning on the way we treat kangaroos ... [There is] the realisation that we must do better before it is too late."

Commercial kangaroo industry claims to uphold conservation

The most contentious treatment of kangaroos surrounds the commercial meat industry  with millions of roos killed every year for their meat and leather which is sanctioned by the Australian government. The industry is worth over $200 million to the Australian economy.

There is fierce debate between the kangaroo industry and wildlife advocates on the commercial trading of kangaroo meat, with the Kangaroo Industries Association of Australia (KIAA) disputing what they describe as "emotionally charged" claims from advocates and instead say the industry is good for overall conservation of the animal.

Story continues

In the absence of a commercial industry, conservation culling would still need to occur to manage the populations of certain species," KIAA President Ray Borda said in a statement. "A strictly regulated and ethical commercial industry has the ability to make use of kangaroos that would otherwise need to be discarded."

However, advocates claim this is a guise used by the industry to appease Aussies while many profit off killing the native animals.

The kangaroo meat industry is worth more than $200 million to the Aussie economy. Source: Getty

"There's no management involved in the commercial killing, let's be clear about that," Mick McIntyre, founder of animal advocacy group Kangaroos Alive told Yahoo News. "I think the commercial kangaroo industry have gotten away with lying to the Australian public that they're playing a part in the management of kangaroos."

"How dare they say that it's up to them to tell us how to manage our beautiful national icon... When you commercially trade wildlife, the wildlife always lose. They never win."

European Union 'shocked' by treatment of Australia's national icon

Mr McIntyre is currently in Brussels speaking to the European Union in a bid to create a bill to ban EU imports of kangaroo meat which would "cripple the industry".

"Members of the European parliament that responded were all deeply shocked at what we presented. We presented the images, and we presented the stark reality of what's going on with kangaroos in Australia," he said.

If the bill were to pass, the next step is to initiate a public discussion around how best to treat kangaroos, without those who "profit from their death" no longer in the driving seat. The survey in question is an indication of how the discussions may play out.

"I think the survey shows that it's a very noisy and a very barbaric minority of Australians that are treating the kangaroo so badly, and subjecting them to abject cruelty every day."

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LONDON/SINGAPORE, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Bitcoin rose 6% on Tuesday to to $35,198, its highest in nearly a year-and-a-half, on mounting speculation that an exchange-traded bitcoin fund is imminent.

That followed a 10% surge on Monday, when bitcoin posted its best day in almost a year, and the bullishness spread across the wider crypto market and into related stocks.

Any approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that owns bitcoin on behalf of fund investors is predicted to fuel demand.

A spot bitcoin ETF, the argument goes, would allow investors previously wary of crypto access to the asset via the stock market, ushering in a new wave of capital to the sector.

"The value of ... any asset, basically, is the amount of people using it," said Steen Jakobsen, CIO at Saxo. "So the ETF would make a large audience and increase liquidity."

Bitcoin, a volatile asset whose price has doubled so far this year, was last up 3.2% at $34,129. The second-largest cryptocurrency ether climbed to its highest since August.

Crypto-linked shares such as major U.S. exchange Coinbase Global (COIN.O) and bitcoin owner MicroStrategy (MSTR.O) rose in after-hours trade.

Investment giant BlackRock (BLK.N) is among several major U.S. financial firms with pending applications for bitcoin ETFs.

Speculation on their likely approval was fuelled by BlackRock's iShares ETF listing on the website of clearing house DTCC. It was unclear when or why the iShares ETF was added to the DTCC list. DTCC and BlackRock did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Anticipation also grew after reports this month, including from Reuters, that the SEC won't appeal a court ruling it had been wrong to reject an ETF application from crypto firm Grayscale Investments.

"The SEC being pressured by the courts increases the probability" of an ETF approval, said Standard Chartered's head of digital assets research Geoffrey Kendrick.

Last week BlackRock denied an erroneous report that its ETF had been approved.

Data on crypto derivatives analysis site Coinglass showed heavy bitcoin short-covering in the last 24 hours.
Oct 24 (Reuters) - Cadence Bank (CADE.N) will sell its insurance brokerage unit to Arthur J Gallagher (AJG.N) for $904 million to narrow its focus and redeploy capital to its core banking business, the lender said on Tuesday.

Banks have been retreating from secondary ventures to build capital and shore up their core franchises, as high borrowing costs and tough regulation threaten to upset growth.

Illinois-based insurance brokerage Arthur J Gallagher said the deal will help its property, casualty and employee benefits presence in Texas and across several states in the Southeast.

"The sale will allow us to focus on what we do best," Cadence Bank CEO Dan Rollins said in a statement.

A media report earlier this month said Truist Financial (TFC.N) was also in talks to sell its insurance business for $10 billion.

Cadence Bank's shares rose 6.2% to $20.90 in premarket trading.

Its construction, real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, professional services and high-net-worth personal lines businesses will also get a boost, Arthur J Gallagher added.
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(Kitco News) - China is selling off massive quantities of its U.S. assets, and has little choice but to reallocate the funds to gold, according to Vladimir Zernov, Market Analyst at FX Empire.

Zernov noted that U.S. Treasury data indicates that China is selling U.S. assets at a rapid pace. Some observers believe that China tries to provide support to its currency, he wrote. However, China may be selling U.S. assets due to geopolitical tensions.

Zernov said he believes that China does not have too many options if it wants to reallocate its reserves, and gold is one of the few viable alternatives to U.S. Treasuries. In this scenario, China could increase its gold purchases in the upcoming months, he wrote.

According to recent data from the U.S. Treasury, Chinese investors sold $21.2 billion worth of U.S. assets in the month of August. While Fed policy outlook was the biggest driver behind the sell-off in Treasuries, it looks that Chinas activity contributed to the move that pushed the yield of 30-year Treasuries towards 5.00%, he wrote.

Zernov said he believes that, contrary to the prevailing market view, high Treasury yields may actually serve as an additional bullish catalyst for gold. Traders are searching for safe-haven assets due to geopolitical tensions, he wrote. Treasuries are considered to be among the safest assets in the world, but their price is falling for months, and some investors may choose to buy gold.

Chinese investors may be among the first ones to redeploy their funds to gold markets, according to Zernov.

There are two main theories about the reasons of Chinas rapid selling of U.S. assets, he said. Firstly, China needs to support the yuan. The countrys currency settled near multi-year lows against the U.S. dollar as investors focused on the problems of Chinas economy, he wrote. Selling dollar-denominated assets to provide support to yuan makes perfect sense.

The second reason, Zernov suggested, is that Chinas activity could be due to geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, which are getting worse day by day. If China is trying to shift some money away from the U.S.-controlled financial system, it does not have too many options, he wrote.

Recent gold purchase data support the theory that China is moving heavily into gold as they liquidate U.S. debt. The Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) has been buying gold at a torrid pace. According to updated foreign reserve data, Chinas central bank bought 29 tonnes of gold in August, lifting year-to-date purchases to 155 tonnes. It was also the central bank's biggest purchase since December.

And its not just the Chinese state thats shown a voracious appetite for the yellow metal. Recent months have seen Chinas domestic gold prices spike well above international spot prices as the countrys wealthy and middle class have clamored to secure the value of their own savings.

The populations desire for gold was so great that the PBoC intervened in the market by banning banks from importing gold, which pushed the spread between the spot price of gold in Shanghai and in London to a record $121 per ounce in mid-September.
CARACAS, Oct 23 (Reuters) - (This Oct. 23 story has been corrected to clarify that the six-month sanctions relaxation timeline applies to the oil and gas license, not to bonds, in paragraph 2)

The Venezuela Creditors Committee said on Monday it is confident an orderly debt restructuring can occur, following an electoral agreement reached between the government and the opposition that led the United States to ease some sanctions in the oil sector.

The Biden administration last week eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil and financial sectors. The new rules lift bans on secondary trading of Venezuelan bonds and allow state-run oil company PDVSA to sell and export to its chosen markets for six months.

The easing came in response to an agreement signed between the government and the opposition last week in Barbados that allows international observers, among other things, for the presidential election scheduled for the second half of 2024.

Prices of Venezuelan sovereign bonds more than doubled a day after the U.S. announcement on investors' hopes of new debt restructuring agreements.

The creditors committee, which groups investors with some $11 billion in bonds, said in a statement that it is "confident the actions by the U.S. government and the commitments of the Maduro administration and Venezuelan opposition will ultimately lead to the orderly restructuring that Venezuela so desperately needs."

PDVSA, which has more than $60 billion in debt, stopped paying bondholders at the end of 2017 and several creditors filed lawsuits in court.

The bond's maturities were extended to 2028 by the country's assembly to stop further legal actions.

Small funds outside the United States have sought to increase their exposure to Venezuelan bonds on the expectation of renegotiations.

U.S. investors control about 50% to 55% of sovereign and PDVSA debt, a number that stood at 75% to 80% before wide sanctions were enacted in 2019, according to a report by think tank Chatham House.
Israel has shared 43 minutes of harrowing raw footage of the Hamas attack that left 1,400 people dead.

The vision was gathered by the Israeli military from security cameras, dashcams, body cameras worn by the attackers, social media accounts and mobile phones.

It's deemed so shocking most of the video hasn't been made public, but instead screened to a group of international journalists in Tel Aviv, Israel.

It reportedly shows Hamas gunmen cheering with joy as they shoot civilians on the road, and later stalking the pathways of a kibbutz and killing parents and children in their homes.

Israel believe the material is important to counter attempts to deny or downplay the extent of the atrocities.

The Israeli military compiled the footage to show to journalists. Source: IDF handout

What you need to know

Israel and Hamas are at war, after the Palestinian militant group launched surprise cross-border raids from Gaza, killing more than 1,400 people and taking hostages.

In response, Israel has been pounding the territory, strikes which Palestinian authorities say left thousands dead. Many in the already cramped and impoverished territory are in dire need of aid.

As Israel is expected to launch a ground offensive, there are fears the crisis could escalate further, drawing in Israels neighbours.

After Hamass attack, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said authorities would cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel as part of a complete siege on Gaza.

Read more: Israel is at war with Hamas. Heres what to know

 Why should I care?

The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel provoked outrage across the world. Politicians came together to condemn Hamas and offer condolences to Israel. Hamas, which governs Gaza (a Palestinian territory) was designated a terrorist organisation by Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and a long list of other nations.

Hundreds of Australian citizens have been evacuated from Israel. There are 51 Aussies known to have been in Gaza when Hamas's attack took place which resulted in the area being blocked off. Australian officials are currently unable to access citizens stuck in the blockaded zone.

Story continues

Within Gaza, a humanitarian crisis is rapidly developing, with one aid worker saying the supplies arriving in Gaza are a 'drop in the ocean of the needs amid dire conditions.

Read more: Melbourne grandmother stuck in Gaza, husband slams DFAT

 What they said

Journalist Jotam Confino told Sky News he left the screening after 34 minutes: "The atrocities that we already know happened and that we have already seen evidence of by listening to eyewitnesses, seeing the scenes, were now shown to us on a screening  45 minutes  of raw material, GoPro cameras from Hamas terrorists all of it really, really showing exactly what happened."

Daniel Hagari of the Israeli military before showing the footage: "We will not let the world forget about who we are fighting. We are not talking about the Palestinians. We are talking about Hamas."

Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy: "This is footage that has not been made public. It will screen a compilation of raw and unedited footage from the October 7th Massacre for journalists who can stomach the horrific truth and want to report on what they saw."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his priority to engage with Australian representatives of both sides of the conflict: "I've engaged, I have met personally with the Israeli ambassador, I had him to my residence, and had discussions with leaders of the Palestinian community, leaders of the Jewish community here in Australia."

Read more: Israel shares harrowing footage of killings during Hamas attack to counter denials

 The story in numbers

1,400 people killed in Hamas' attack on October 7 and 200 hostages taken.

5,000 Palestinians killed since Israeli strikes began according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

1.4 million people  more than half of Gazas population  have been displaced by the strikes.

 So what next?

The situation on the ground remains fast-moving and complex, with Israel preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza by intensifying airstrikes in the region.

However fears are mounting that the Israel-Gaza war could swell into a wider Middle-Eastern conflict.

A top official from Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, vowed that Israel will pay a high price if it starts a ground offensive in Gaza, adding that his militant group based in Lebanon already is "in the heart of the battle".

Speaking to troops in northern Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that, if Hezbollah launches a war, "it will make the mistake of its life".

"We will cripple it with a force it cannot even imagine and the consequences for it and the Lebanese state will be devastating," he added.

Meanwhile, US president Biden has warned Israel not to repeat mistakes from the US 9/11 retaliation.

Read more: Biden warns Israel not to repeat mistakes of US response after 9/11

 Its hard to believe, but

Parents in Gaza fearing for the fate of their children amid the conflict have resorted to writing the names of their children on their legs and abdomen.

Dr Abdul Rahman Al Masri, the head of the emergency department Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza, told CNN parents were worried that no one would be able to identify their children if they were caught in the crossfire.

The black ink is a small sign of the fear and desperation felt by parents in the densely populated enclave as Israel continues to pound it with relentless airstrikes in retaliation for the Hamas attacks.

"What we noticed today is that many parents writing the names of their children on their legs so they can get identified after airstrikes and if they get lost. This is a new phenomenon that just started in Gaza," he said. "Many of the children are missing, many get here with their skulls broken  and its impossible to identify them, only through that writing do they get identified."

 For more about...

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Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, an Israeli grandmother who was held hostage in Gaza has been released. (Reuters)

For the latest news on the conflict, follow our live coverage here

An 85-year-old woman who was released after being held hostage by Hamas for more than two weeks has explained why she shook the hand of one of her captors, wishing him 'peace'.

Yocheved Lifshitz was kidnapped by Hamas during its attack on her kibbutz close to the border with Gaza, where she was taken into a "spiderweb" network of underground tunnels.

She said she was beaten with sticks and had "been through hell".

When asked why she turned to shake hands with one of the Hamas militants as he turned her over to the Red Cross, she replied that they had treated her "with softness and supplied all our needs".

"We told them, no politics," she said of conversations they tried to have with their captors. "We didnt answer them [on politics]. They talked about all kinds of things. They were very friendly to us. They took care of all of our needs; this must be said to their credit. We ate what they did."

At least 1,400 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel and more than 200 taken hostage. At least 20 hostages are said to have been killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza, Hamas said, while it has so far released four of the people who were taken.

Following the attack by Hamas, authorities in Gaza say more than 5,000 people have been killed in air strikes.

Yahoo News UK has handed over coverage of the latest news to our colleagues in the US. Follow below:
The U.S. Capitol Building is pictured here on September 30 in Washington, DC. As the House enters its third week without a speaker, nearly a dozen Republicans are vying to earn the support of their conference to wield the gavel.
Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, October 24th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a dividend of 0.70 per share by the bank on Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 29th.

Bank of Hawaii has increased its dividend by an average of 2.6% per year over the last three years. Bank of Hawaii has a dividend payout ratio of 78.2% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings fall. Equities analysts expect Bank of Hawaii to earn $3.57 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 78.4%.

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Bank of Hawaii Stock Up 0.7 %

BOH traded up $0.35 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $48.13. The company had a trading volume of 499,077 shares, compared to its average volume of 744,494. The company has a market capitalization of $1.91 billion, a PE ratio of 9.48, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.03. Bank of Hawaii has a one year low of $30.83 and a one year high of $82.87. The firms 50-day moving average price is $50.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $47.83. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Bank of Hawaii ( NYSE:BOH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 23rd. The bank reported $1.17 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.97 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $262.28 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $159.75 million. Bank of Hawaii had a net margin of 23.76% and a return on equity of 18.03%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.28 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Bank of Hawaii will post 4.38 earnings per share for the current year.

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $45.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of Bank of Hawaii from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $47.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $49.00 to $52.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bank of Hawaii has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.67.

View Our Latest Report on Bank of Hawaii

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Deutsche Bank AG increased its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 112.1% during the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 3,400 shares of the banks stock worth $264,000 after purchasing an additional 1,797 shares during the last quarter. First Manhattan Co. increased its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 61.7% during the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 3,157 shares of the banks stock worth $245,000 after purchasing an additional 1,205 shares during the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP increased its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 4,372.6% during the 2nd quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 3,265 shares of the banks stock worth $242,000 after purchasing an additional 3,192 shares during the last quarter. State of Wisconsin Investment Board increased its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 16.0% during the 2nd quarter. State of Wisconsin Investment Board now owns 5,844 shares of the banks stock worth $241,000 after purchasing an additional 806 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 10.3% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,357 shares of the banks stock worth $221,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. 82.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bank of Hawaii Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in General Motors (NYSE:GM  Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,382,030 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after acquiring an additional 10,238 shares during the quarter. General Motors makes up approximately 0.8% of Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. owned about 0.10% of General Motors worth $53,291,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of GM. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of General Motors by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 126,529,253 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $4,641,093,000 after buying an additional 819,371 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of General Motors by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 56,981,032 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $2,090,060,000 after purchasing an additional 383,957 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in shares of General Motors by 51.4% during the first quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 22,349,234 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $819,770,000 after purchasing an additional 7,585,746 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in General Motors by 94,113.4% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 16,754,917 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $646,070,000 after buying an additional 16,737,133 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in shares of General Motors by 60.5% during the 1st quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 15,784,315 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $578,969,000 after buying an additional 5,948,464 shares during the period. 79.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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General Motors Stock Performance

NYSE:GM traded down $0.11 on Tuesday, hitting $29.11. The companys stock had a trading volume of 11,859,067 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,136,860. General Motors has a one year low of $28.01 and a one year high of $43.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.37. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $32.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $34.56. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08.

General Motors Announces Dividend

General Motors ( NYSE:GM Get Free Report ) (TSE:GMM.U) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The auto manufacturer reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.41. The firm had revenue of $44.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $42.48 billion. General Motors had a net margin of 6.05% and a return on equity of 16.70%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.25 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that General Motors will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 14th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.24%. General Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 5.03%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently weighed in on GM shares. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of General Motors from $95.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of General Motors from $42.00 to $46.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $48.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on General Motors from $37.00 to $39.00 in a report on Friday, July 7th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on General Motors in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, General Motors currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $50.47.

Read Our Latest Report on General Motors

General Motors Company Profile

(Free Report)

General Motors Company designs, builds, and sells trucks, crossovers, cars, and automobile parts; and provide software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The company operates through GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial segments. It markets its vehicles primarily under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Baojun, and Wuling brand names.

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McDonald's fries, burger, and drink - Choja/Getty Images

Companies regularly insert themselves into the politics of the moment. However, for a company like McDonald's, whose stores are 95% franchise-run, it's often a specific person or store making a statement and not the actual McDonald's Corporation. Not everyone realizes this, though, which is why there are now calls for a McDonald's boycott in some parts of the Middle East.

When an Israeli McDonald's franchise belonging to Alonyal Limited announced earlier in October that it would give local soldiers and hospitals free meals, McDonald's franchises in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern locations publicly disavowed this move. Despite that, many in the region took to social media, demanding a McDonald's boycott.

The calls got so intense that an Egyptian talk show host, Amr Adib, reminded viewers that Egypt's franchise is owned by Egyptian billionaire Yaseen Mansour's company -- Manfoods -- which ensures employment for 40,000 Egyptians, and it has little to do with the Israeli franchise. In an attempt to further quell the vitriol, Manfoods is now donating 20 million Egyptian pounds for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Read more: McDonald's Menu Items That Even The Staff Won't Eat

Middle Eastern McDonald's Have Been Vandalized In The Past

brown paper McDonald's bag - Jfmdesign/Getty Images

McDonald's franchise owners of restaurants in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, and Turkey have altogether promised over $3 million in aid to Gaza, making it clear the politics of the Israeli franchise are not universal. The Al Maousherji Catering Company -- in charge of the Kuwaiti McDonald's -- issued its own message on Instagram, reiterating that "no unilateral decision made by any individual McDonald's franchisee can be seen as unified global action," and that "what the McDonald's operator did in Israel was an example of such individual action."

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With McDonald's locations having already been vandalized in Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey, more franchises throughout the Middle East have been speaking out or making donations in an attempt to differentiate themselves and divert negative attention. To this point, McDonald's stores have historically been an easy target for defacement and destruction, as seen during the 2011 Arab Spring protests in Cairo, Egypt, during which protestors transformed local McDonald's into shelters and treatment centers.

For its part, the McDonald's Corporation has not directly commented on the situation. A spokesperson told ABC News that the company has donated $1 million, half to The World Food Program and the other half to Red Cross. Meanwhile, McDonald's officially stated priority is making sure its employees are safe.

Read the original article on Mashed.
By Kim Hyun-bin

ASTANA, Kazakhstan  On the occasion of Kazakhstan's Republic Day, Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko reflected on the nation's journey concerning the past three decades. He highlighted the historical significance of this day, which marks the moment in 1990 when Kazakhstan declared sovereignty from the Soviet Union, eventually leading to full independence in December 1991.

The Republic Day utilizes the remarkable journey of the last three decades, reflecting Kazakhstan's past achievements and inspiring future endeavors, Vassilenko said in a press briefing for foreign press at the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affiars, Monday.

He acknowledged the challenges the nation faced during its transition to sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of unity and visionary leadership.

He stated, "We've forged a resilient governance system that has steered us confidently towards democracy and a market economy, especially in recent years. We stand proud as Central Asia's foremost economy."

Kazakhstan's consistent economic growth has elevated it to upper-middle-income status with relatively high labor standards. The nation has also made significant advancements in healthcare, education and overall well-being. The capital, Astana, epitomizes the modernization journey with its blend of contemporary architecture and ancestral heritage.

Kazakhstan's diplomatic endeavors have established the nation as a unique mediator between the East and the West. Vassilenko highlighted the nation's resolute stance on nuclear disarmament and its role in European bridges through multilateral fora.

Regarding international cooperation, Vassilenko mentioned Kazakhstan's hosting of the global conference on Primary Health Care, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration.

The nation is committed to addressing regional health challenges and promoting collaborative initiatives in public health. He added that the seventh session of the World Health Organization's Regional Committee for Europe is held in Kazakhstan, focusing on regional health challenges.

The vice minister says President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's speech at the U.N. General Assembly emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to diplomatic solutions grounded in the United Nations Charter and universally recognized international law. He called for comprehensive Security Council reform and amplification of the voices of middle powers and developing countries in international decision-making.

Kazakhstan's longstanding commitment to multilateralism is evident in initiatives such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, designed to foster peace, stability and cooperation on the continent. The nation maintains balanced relations with neighbors, including Russia and China, as well as the European Union and the United States.

Kazakhstan advocates for barrier-free trade and investment cooperation, as part of our firm belief that economic interdependence serves as the bedrock of a more peaceful and prosperous world, Vassilenko said.

In this regard, Kazakhstan does not support sanction confrontations, as they detrimentally affect the global atmosphere of international relations and hinder the progress of trade and economic cooperation among nations.

Kazakhstan's commitment to nuclear disarmament was also highlighted, with the nation voluntarily relinquishing the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal inherited from the Soviet Union. The country is dedicated to global stability and a nuclear-weapon-free world.

Vassilenko also underscored the importance of addressing climate change, emphasizing green job investments and Kazakhstan's preparedness to serve as a regional hub for food supply to mitigate the global food crisis.

Kazakhstan's ongoing comprehensive reforms aim to promote democratization and economic growth. These reforms include constitutional amendments and economic diversification, with a focus on privatization and attracting foreign investment.

Infrastructure and logistics investments are crucial, as approximately 80 percent of cargo traffic between Asia and Europe passes through Kazakhstan. The nation is striving to enhance connectivity through projects like the Middle Corridor and North-South Corridor.

Vassilenko added that Kazakhstan's digital transformation is a top priority, with ambitions to become a strategic IT hub. The nation also emphasizes renewable energy, hydrogen generation, and the potential construction of a nuclear power plant including cooperation with Korean firms.












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With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, hundreds of thousands of Year 12 students across the country will soon graduate and officially enter society.

But for many, before that time comes, there's one last day of misbehaving to be had. With final exams underway or just around the corner, students at Aussie schools have been taking part in annual "muck-up day" pranks  which always attract controversy.

Some argue it's a rite of passage, and that kids should be afforded a day of harmless fun, while others  especially education staff  say the "tradition" is outdated and something that should be left in the past.

Victorian students accused of taking pranks too far

In Victoria especially, students have been accused of taking pranks too far in recent years, with police even having been called to some colleges in 2023 in response.

Polystyrene balls were scattered all over the grounds at Footscray High School. Source: TikTok.

At Footscray High, a public school with three campuses around Melbourne, the "huge amount of mess" left behind after students' muck-up day pranks last week was heavily criticised by the school's principal.

After Vegemite, lubricant and polystyrene balls was smeared around the college, all 180 students in the cohort were made to clean up the chaos, though it's said only 10 were responsible, according to a frustrated parent.

Many students were barred from events as a result of the carnage. Source: TikTok.

Parents hit back

The parent argued it was unfair that the entire graduating class was punished  and barred from attending graduation events  due to the fact the school has CCTV footage of the vandalism occurring, The Herald Sun reported.

The kids went in for their last day of school on Thursday and ended up on their knees cleaning  it was very disappointing for them, the mum told the outlet. The kids felt bad for the cleaners. There was no lasting damage but there was a huge amount of mess

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There was CCTV so they know who did it, so why not punish them and leave everyone else alone?

Other schools across Victoria participated in pranks. Source: TikTok.

Parents of students at other schools have also aired their objection to the reaction of education leaders over the pranks, with some branding them extreme, after the decision to cancel end of year events and even expelling some before they sit exams.

Elsewhere, Firbank Grammar was accused of going too far with their pranks, having caused serious damage to cars belonging to Year 12 students from a nearby private school.

Emmaus College, Marcellin College and Camberwell High School have also been flagged as schools that have seen over-the-top pranks carried out.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Aussie families could be saving up to $3800 a year by wasting less food, and a team of experts believe a key solution could be changing the way we use our refrigerators.

An RMIT university-led research group discovered a major contributor to spoilage is people not interacting with their refrigerators in the way manufacturers intended.

Of the dozens of households that lead researcher Dr Bhavna Middha spoke with, few were aware that they needed to adjust the appliances temperature settings to keep food safe. Not many people regulated their refrigerators after it had been open for a while, or if it got hot during the summer, or if theyd loaded it with a weeks groceries, she told Yahoo News Australia.

Researchers looked inside the refrigerators of dozens of Aussie households. Source: Bhavna Middha/RMIT

Key food waste figures

Australian households waste 4kg of food per week.

Over 90 per cent of household food waste is sent directly to landfill.

Refrigerators are opened more regularly in households with kids, causing temperature changes.

Staggering variation of temperatures inside fridges

The focus of the study was red meat. Thats because nationally households throw away over 140,000 tonnes a year, making it one of the most wasted foods.

They were invited to look inside refrigerators around Australia and analyse how people were storing their produce. As well as conducting in-depth interviews, the team recorded mean refrigeration temperatures and found 17 per cent were either too hot or cold.

When food is too warm, bacteria multiply too fast. When food is too cold, it can freeze or get freezer burn. Both conditions lead to food spoiling, Dr Middha said after the report was published this week.

Across the different refrigeration shelves, the team also found inconsistencies, recording temperatures between 10 degrees and 1.1 degrees. That finding is of concern as Food Standards Australia and New Zealand recommends hazardous foods must be kept below 5 degrees.

Cattle are a major contributor to the world's methane gas emissions. Source: Getty (File)

How do we solve the meat waste problem?

But it wasnt just refrigeration causing meat to be wasted. Many households reported throwing it away after over catering for functions because they didnt know how to safely store it.

Story continues

Others avoided freezing meat because they worried about it impacting taste, or they found thawing it inconvenient.

Because red meat production accounts for 12 per cent of Australias net greenhouse gas emissions, Dr Middha believes its necessary to waste less food for the good of the environment, not just the hip pocket.

Shed like to see the responsibility of solving the problem shared between refrigerator manufacturers, food producers, government and consumers.

Simple changes to save money and prevent waste include:

Better shelving to improve visibility inside appliances

Creating compartments that are optimised for storing meat.

Food manufacturers could help by creating more resealable packaging to prevent spoilage.

RMIT was supported by the Fight Food Waste CRC and Meat and Livestock Australia in conducting its research.

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Pay attention to powerlines and you could save a life this summer. That's the advice from a frontline rescue group reminding people to "look up" as they walk along their local streets.

Emma Cash from Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter has shared a photo showing what you need to look out for. It shows electricity wires with a dead flying fox hanging from them. But there's a tiny detail you can't see with the naked eye.

There's actually a terrified juvenile attached to the adult bat. He is just one of five baby flying foxes that were found clinging to their dead, electrocuted mothers across Victorias leafy eastern suburbs over the last week.

Pretty much every female found on powerlines will have a pup on her. Were really early into the season but theyre coming in thick and fast, Emma told Yahoo News Australia.

A flying fox pup was rescued on Monday after he was spotted clinging to his dead mother. Source: Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter

Why are flying foxes getting killed by powerlines?

The flying fox carnage has been triggered by flowering gum trees with branches that stretch close to powerlines. The mothers are frequently killed when they make two points of contact with electricity wires, but the babies frequently survive and can go undiscovered for hours or even days.

The most recent rescue occurred on Monday morning in Ferntree Gully. Communication between a pup and its mother is established during birth, but the tiny animal's high-pitched trills had likely gone unanswered for hours.

When juveniles are calling and nuzzling but nothing happens they become terrified, Emma said. He certainly didnt want to let go of his mum when we got him down. Shes all he knows.

This baby flying fox is now doing well in care after he was rescued on Monday. Source: Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter

Why flying foxes are important to Australia

While some Aussies become frustrated by the noise and mess flying foxes can create in suburban areas, most species are now declining in numbers and threatened with extinction.

Climate change and habitat loss because of development are key threats to their demise. Without them, the nations old-growth forests will decline because flying foxes are Australias only long-range pollinators. Unlike most birds which are territorial, flying foxes can travel up to 50km to feed, spreading genetic diversity of flowering plants as they feed on them.

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Because some flying foxes can carry potentially harmful lyssavirus, health authorities advise only vaccinated, trained professionals should handle the animals.

Rescuers have established connections with power companies who are able to assist, as was the case on Monday when SP AusNet sent a technician to safely bring down the dead mother and pup.

Anyone who spots a flying fox in need of assistance is urged to contact their local wildlife group which have volunteers willing to assist free of charge. There are also statewide services like Wildlife Victoria and WIRES that can assist.

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On the occasion of Dussehra 2023, actor Kangana Ranaut, attended Delhi's largest Ramlila, organised annually at the historic Red Fort grounds for its iconic celebrations where she was given the honour to perform the Ravan Dahan. Apart from Kangana, CM Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena were also present for the festivities, which the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee arranged. Bigg Boss 17 Promo: Kangana Ranaut Dances With Mannara Chopra; Aishwarya Sharma Enacts the Queen Actress' Popular Dialogue on Weekend Ka Vaar.

View Kangana's Video Here:

Kangana looked beautiful as she donned a traditional saree which she teamed with heavy jewellery and makeup. She tied her hair into a bun. Kangana was also seen chanting "Jai Shree Ram" at the event. Earlier on Monday, Kangana announced that she is going to be the first woman to burn the Ravan effigy at the famous Lav Kush Ramlila, Red Fort ground, Delhi. Taking to Instagram Kangana shared a video and wrote, "In the 50 years of history of the event, held annually at the Red Fort, this will be the first time a woman will set the effigy of Ravana on fire. Jai Shri Ram." Kangana Ranaut Becomes an Aunt! Tejas Actress Shares Pic of Her Newborn Nephew and Reveals His Name on Social Media.

Meanwhile, Kangana is currently busy promoting her upcoming action film Tejas. The film revolves around the extraordinary journey of Tejas Gill, an Air Force pilot, and aims to inspire and instill a deep sense of pride in every Indian, showing how Indian Air Force pilots work tirelessly to defend our nation, confronting numerous challenges along the way. Written and Directed By Sarvesh Mewara and Produced By Ronnie Screwvala, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 27, 2023. Apart from that, Kangana also has Emergency in her kitty.

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New Delhi, Oct 24 (PTI) At least 13,013 vacant posts of head constables and constables in the Delhi Police will be filled by July, 2024, according to a statement issued by the Raj Niwas on Tuesday.

Of these 13,013 posts, 3,521 posts are in the advanced stage of recruitment, and are expected to be filled by December this year, the statement said.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Senior Citizen Bites Woman Police Constables Hand While Cops Try To Pacify Her Over Society Issues in Bandra, Booked.

"Written examinations, PE MT (Physical endurance and measurement test), and typing tests have been conducted. These posts are to be filled in a phased manner between December 2023 and July 2024," the statement added.

The posts being filled include 1,692 head constables and 1,411 constables (drivers).

Also Read | International Kullu Dussehra 2023: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Inaugurates Week-Long Dussehra Festival at Rath Maidan (Watch Videos).

At least 418 technical posts of photographer, draftsman, store clerk, fitter, mast lasker, MT helper, MT storeman, statistician, assistants and radio technician in various ranks are also being filled.

In addition to this, 840 posts of multi-tasking staff is also being filled, according to the statement.

Of the recruitments being made by the SSC, 11,214 are in different stages of being filled up and 1,799 vacancies are to be advertised soon, the statement said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Yocheved Lifshitz, front right, has been reunited with her family - Daniel Lifshitz/Instagram

Two more hostages have been freed by Hamass military wing, from more than 200 seized in its attacks earlier this month.

Yocheved Lifschitz and Nurit Cooper had been released because of compelling humanitarian reasons after mediation by Egypt and Qatar, the group said.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday night that the women had been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces and were receiving medical care before being reunited with family.

In video of the moment Hamas delivered the elderly hostages to the Red Cross at the Egyptian border, Ms Lifschitz, 85, shakes the hand of one of the masked terrorists and says shalom.

The armed man waves as aid workers help her walk to a nearby ambulance.

The two Israeli women are the third and fourth hostages to be freed, following the release of an American mother and her teenage daughter last week.

Ms Lifschitz is the peace activist mother of Sharone Lifschitz, a London-based artist and academic.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Sharone Lifschitz, whose father Oded remains a hostage, said she was on her way to the airport to see her mother.

She added: While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza.

Mrs Lifschitz's husband, Oded, is still being held hostage - Daniel Lifshitz archive

Sharone Lifschitz is now focused on securing the release of her father

Daniel Lifshitz, the grandson of Ms Lifshitz, said the family was emotional and happy ahead of their expected reunion early Tuesday morning.

And I am very excited as we all are here expecting them and expecting more improvements to all of the captives from our Kibbutz and in general and we just hope that she is OK and in good health, Mr Lifshitz told media in Israel.

We will see her, meet her and unite with her, and we hope that this will only open a door for the rest of the captives to be released, which is most important, even more than their release.

Nurit Cooper, 79, was released, but her husband, Amiram is still being held

Ms Cooper, 79, was also handed over to the Red Cross at the Rafah crossing. Her husband, Amiram Cooper, is also still held by Hamas.

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Israel has said at least 222 hostages were taken during the Oct 7 attacks, when Hamas gunmen stormed Israeli communities near the border with Gaza on a spree of killing and kidnapping.

The fate of the hostages and the progress of Qatari-led attempts to win their freedom have become a significant factor in Israels calculation of when to launch a ground offensive against the coastal enclave.

Israel has pledged to wipe out Hamas and impose a new security reality, but America and European nations have asked for a delay in any assault, to give negotiators more time.

There were separate reports on Friday that Qatar was in negotiation to release as many as 50 foreign nationals held hostage.

Israel worries that Hamas will use the captives as a bargaining chip, drip-feeding their releases to slow or derail a possible invasion.

Any ground offensive is also expected to involve intense street fighting in the heavily populated territory, with the risk that hostages will be used as human shields or killed in the crossfire.

Hamas freed US mother and daughter hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, late last week. The group then said the following day that it had also tried to release Ms Yitzhak and Ms Lifschitz but Israel refused to receive them both. Israel called that allegation propaganda.
Amethi, Oct 24 (PTI) A 15-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death by his friends in a village here, police said on Tuesday.

The body of Meraj was retrieved from a forest in Mohabbatpur village in Jagdishpur town on Monday night, they said.

Also Read | Sex Racket Busted in Mumbai: Nine Girls Rescued From High-Profile Prostitution Racket Operating Under Guise of Spa.

Meraj's father Riyaz told police that his son had gone to a wedding in the village with his friends Ghulam and Parikal Ali on Sunday night but did not return home.

When the family approached the duo to enquire about Meraj, they could not give a satisfactory answer, police said.

Also Read | ITBP Raising Day 2023: PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Greet Indo-Tibetan Border Police Personnel.

Station House Officer of Jagdishpur Police Station Rakesh Singh said Meraj's friends, who are also minors, have been detained and the police are questioning them.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Srinagar, October 24: Media advisor to People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti, on Tuesday claimed that the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir was almost 'manhandled' when she tried to hold a peaceful protest in support of Palestine amid war with Israel. Addressing a press conference, Iltija Mufti, who is also the daughter of Mehbooba Mufti further questioned the Jammu and Kashmir local administration, asking why it has consistently cracking down on the PDP since 2019.

"When Mehbooba Mufti wanted to protest for Palestine, she was almost manhandled... She was not allowed to protest peacefully. I want to ask why the local administration here has consistently since 2019 cracking down on the PDP. You denounce us as anti-national. But the activities that we want to do are peaceful," Iltija Mufti said. Iltija's remarks came amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has so far claimed over 5,000 lives. India has strongly condemned the terror attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel on October 7, leading to a war, which has now extended into its 18th day. Israel-Palestine War: Indians Will Be Affected if Middle East Conflict Spreads Beyond Gaza, Says Omar Abdullah

"Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media, X. Iltija further said that at least 1,500 children have been "slaughtered" in the past two weeks. "People across the world are coming out to support Palestinian civilians who are suffering from atrocities. They are being attacked with phosphorus bombs. At least 1,500 children have been slaughtered in the past two weeks," she said.

At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. Mehbooba Mufti, earlier on October 21 protested against Israel amid the West Asian nation's war against Hamas. Mehbooba Mufti and other protesters raised the slogans of "Israel go back" during the protest. Israel-Hamas Conflict: Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Strip Killed More Than 700 People in Last 24 Hours, Says Gaza Health Ministry

"1,500 children have been killed in Palestine. Thousands of innocent people have been killed in Palestine. The world is watching like a spectator. The world was screaming when kids were killed in Ukraine amid their war with Russia. Now, thousands of people have been killed in Palestine and no one is talking about it. We urge the nations of the world to pressure Israel to a ceasefire. Atrocities are being committed in Palestine. Israel is committing Holocaust-like crimes against Palestinians. This could worsen the situation in the long run. Israelis must leave Palestine," Mehbooba Mufti said.

Speaking to the media reporters here over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the National Conference (NC) Vice President said that innocent people are being killed in Gaza bombings. "... Since the first day, we have been opposing what is happening in Gaza. Innocent people are being killed in Gaza bombings... The world has proved that there are different laws for Russia and Israel..." Abdullah said. Questioning the international community while addressing the media persons, he asked, "What Russia did to Ukraine was a war crime; then what Israel is doing to Gaza is not wrong? Both things cannot be correct. Now the world will have to decide what is right..." Abdullah said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jhajjar (Haryana) [India], October 24 (ANI): Taking account of the poor air quality in the state, Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda on Tuesday said the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government did not pay attention to Haryana's air quality for the past 9-10 years.

Citing a report on the AQI, the Congress MP also informed that nine cities of Haryana were included in the top 27 most polluted cities in the world.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Senior Citizen Bites Woman Police Constables Hand While Cops Try To Pacify Her Over Society Issues in Bandra, Booked.

Speaking to ANI on the issue, Hooda said, "Air pollution is a serious issue. Today a report has come in which out of 27 cities, 9 cities are from Haryana. This should be a focus area. It can't be solved by a blame game."

"Everyone knows there is industrial pollution, vehicular pollution and others, the issue of stubble burning is a very small part of it. The BJP government didn't pay attention in the last 9-10 years. I would request Congress to include this in the manifesto that Haryana will have the cleanest air," Hooda added.

Also Read | International Kullu Dussehra 2023: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Inaugurates Week-Long Dussehra Festival at Rath Maidan (Watch Videos).

Earlier, the overall air quality in Haryana declined to the 'poor' category, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 196 on October 22, as per AQI.IN.

The PM2.5 concentration in Haryana was recorded 5.9 times above the recommended limit given by the World Health Organization's 24-hour air quality guidelines value.

As per AQI.IN (AQI Air Quality Index: Real-time Air Pollution Level), "Generally, the air quality at Haryana starts deteriorating in late October. The winters are the worst-hit season in terms of air pollution."

As per the site, the air pollution level was recorded in the poor category zone in several districts of Haryana.

Earlier in the day, the overall air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday morning, as per SAFAR-India.

According to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality around Delhi University was recorded at 330 (very poor) at noon, while IGI Terminal T3 in New Delhi was at 313 against 276 in the morning hours.

The Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms that are easy to understand. There are six AQI categories, namely Good + Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.

Each of these categories is decided based on the ambient concentration values of air pollutants and their likely health impacts (known as health breakpoints). (ANI)

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Chennai, Oct 24 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, of late, has been talking more about him due to the fear of defeat in the elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said on Tuesday.

Even at DMK party meetings, its president devoted more time to criticising him, Palaniswami claimed.

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"I have no objection to the DMK leader talking about poll preparedness at his party meetings. But he devoted time to talk about me and criticise me. This indicates Stalin's fear of defeat in the elections," the AIADMK leader said in a statement here, apparently referring to the Parliamentary polls next year.

While speaking to reporters in Omalur, Salem district, Palaniswami alleged that the Chief Minister was rattled by the AIADMK as it had severed ties with the BJP.

Also Read | International Kullu Dussehra 2023: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Inaugurates Week-Long Dussehra Festival at Rath Maidan (Watch Videos).

"Stalin became highly critical of us after we snapped ties with the BJP. He is apparently rattled," Palaniswami told reporters.

In the statement, he claimed the Chief Minister had not implemented any new projects but was "only cutting the ribbon" for some of the projects initiated during the previous AIADMK rule in the state.

Many people-friendly schemes like the Athikadavu Avinashi project and a scheme to revive 100 lakes that had dried up in Salem district were abandoned, the former Chief Minister alleged.

"The Chief Minister claims that his government implemented all the poll assurances made by his party. But in the 29 months of its rule, the DMK government had not brought in any welfare schemes for the people," he said.

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New Delhi, October 24: The Delhi police seized more than 1,000 kg of banned firecrackers and arrested a man who was selling those crackers, an official said on Monday. "In the wake of the coming festive season, there is a flow of banned crackers in Delhi. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) as well as the Supreme Court had ordered a complete ban on the sale and purchase of crackers of all kinds in Delhi as they cause pollution. As a consequence, Special Staff East District was directed to keep a watch over the sale and purchase of banned crackers in the East District," the police said. Mumbai Police to Take Strict Action Against Those Selling Firecrackers Without License.

A team was constituted, which inspected the area to collect information about the people who indulged in the sale and purchase of banned crackers in the area, police said. On Monday, the police received secret information that one Himanshu Goel, who runs a general store in Kalyanpuri was actively involved in the sale and purchase of banned crackers in a very clandestine manner, an official added.

On investigation, it was found that the accused was selling banned crackers under the garb of a general store and might have also stashed banned crackers somewhere else in huge quantities, police said.

The police team was able to identify the so-called godown, and finally, it was traced to Delhi's Kalyanpuri area. The team instantly swung into action, and a raid was conducted at said godown, where the police found a huge stock of banned crackers weighing 1086.5 kg, an official said. Delhi: Over a Ton of Illegal Firecrackers Seized in National Capital, Two Arrested in Separate Operations.

A case under Section 9B of the Explosive Act and 188 of the IPC got registered at PS Kalyanpuri, Delhi, and accused Himanshu Goel was arrested in the case, police said. Further investigation is underway.

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Mumbai, October 24: A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) died by suicide by jumping off from his residential building in Mumbai's Matunga-East area, said police. According to the Matunga police, the incident took place on Monday evening at around 5 pm.

The retired ACP, Pradeep Temkar, was rushed to the nearest hospital where he was declared dead by the doctors. The 70-year-old retired officer was a resident of the Ganga Heritage building, Deodhar Road, Matunga East where he was living with his wife and two sons. Retired ACP Dies by Suicide in Mumbai: Ex-Cop Pradeep Temkar Ends Life by Jumping From His Building, Probe Underway.

A case has been registered under the accidental death report (ADR) at the Matunga police station and further investigation into the matter has been initiated, said police.

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New Delhi, Oct 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended an event being held at Dwarka here to mark Dussehra celebrations.

Soon, giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran put up at a ground there will be set ablaze.

Also Read | ICC World Cup 2023: Delhi Traffic Police Issues Advisory Ahead of Australia vs Netherlands Match on October 25.

Prime Minister Modi was given a traditional welcome by organisers on the dais at the venue, as a sea of crowd waited eagerly to watch 'Lanka Dahan'.

Modi was welcomed with a shawl and statue of Ram Durbar, and was also gifted a mace.

Also Read | Delhi Metro To Run 40 Additional Trains From October 25 in View of Deteriorating Air Quality in National Capital.

Dussehra celebrations mark the end of nine-day festivities of 'Navratra'. The tradition of burning of effigies signifies the triumph of good over evil.

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New Delhi [India], October 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebratory burning of Ravan's effigy on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi' at Ram Leela Maidan of Dwaraka Sector 10 in the national capital.

PM is scheduled to reach Ram Leela Maidan at 5:30 pm.

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He will attend the 11th grand Ramleela of the Shri Ramleela Society in Dwarka, Sector 10, as the chief guest. He will also perform Ravana Dahan.

"We are very happy that the PM is coming here. Last time, he had come in 2019, and this time, he accepted our invitation. We extend our gratitude to him for this. People have come here from far away. He will burn the effigy of Ravan," BJP leader Parvesh Sahib Singh said.

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Effigies of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran have been installed at the ground.

As the nation is swamped with the celebration of 'Vijaya Dashmi' or 'Dussehra' today, the national capital is also gearing up for vibrant celebrations.

The 'Vijyaya Dashmi' or 'Dussehra', is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil.

It is believed that Lord Rama had killed Ravan on this day and with this belief, the culture of burning the effigies of Ravan started.

The 'Vijaya Dashmi' also marks the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival.

It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.

The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi'.

"Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijaya Dashmi. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashmi!" PM Modi wrote on 'X'. (ANI)

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Tarn Taran (Punjab) [India], October 24 (ANI): A Pakistani drone with a suspected contraband item was recovered in a joint operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in Punjab's Tarn Taran district on Tuesday, said officials.

The BSF said that on Tuesday around 11:28 am it intercepted the movement of a suspected drone near Village Wan in the district of Tarn Taran.

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"As per the laid down drill, BSF troops immediately reacted to intercept the drone," said a statement issued by the BSF.

"Further, a joint search operation with Punjab Police was carried out. During the search at about 12:15 pm, a drone in broken condition along with one packet of suspected contraband items (Gross weight - 420 gm) wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, attached with a ring for hanging it with the drone and one battery (5000 mAH) of the drone was recovered from the farming field adjacent to Village - Wan, District - Tarn Taran," the statement added.

Also Read | Delhi Metro To Run 40 Additional Trains From October 25 in View of Deteriorating Air Quality in National Capital.

The BSF officials said that the recovered drone is a Quadcopter of model DJI Mavic 3 Classic.

There have been many Pakistani drones that crossed the border and entered India's Punjab and have been recovered by BSF.

Last Sunday, The BSF and Punjab Police in a joint operation recovered a Pakistani drone in broken condition from Punjab's Ferozepur.

"On the night of October 21, 2023, at 2:15 am, the forward-deployed BSF troops intercepted the movement of a drone near Village Sanke, district Ferozepur. Further, on 22nd October 2023, a search operation with Punjab Police was carried - out behind the Border fence," BSF said

The drones are increasingly used by the drug mafia to drop drugs into the border districts from Pakistan.

Last Sunday, the Border Security Force along with Punjab police in a joint operation recovered multiple packets of heroin and a drone battery from a paddy field near the Tarn Taran border in Punjab.

According to a release by BSF on Sunday, during the morning hours of the day, on specific information regarding the presence of a consignment of contraband items, a Joint Search Operation was launched by BSF and Punjab Police on the outskirts of Village - Mastgarh, District - Tarn Taran.

During the search operation, at about 8:55 am, 3 packets of Heroin (gross weight--approximately 2.916 kg) and a drone battery (5935 mAh) were recovered from a paddy field, the release said.

Earlier on October 20, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, during a joint operation, recovered a drone in broken condition in Marimegha village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district.

During the search operation, at about 1:00 pm, a drone in broken condition was recovered.

The recovered drone was a quadcopter of the DJI Matrice 300 RTK model, which is 'Made in China', BSF stated. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], October 24 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tribute to the soldiers' who lost their lives in the line of duty at Tawang War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh and appreciated the soldiers for shouldering the responsibility of guarding the borders.

Rajnath Singh who on Monday arrived in Tezpur for a two-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh spoke to media after attending the wreath-laying ceremony.

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"The tough situation in which you are shouldering the responsibility of guarding the country's borders - we can't appreciate it enough. I would like to tell you that the countrymen are proud of you. All of you know the importance of your uniform" the Defence Minister told the troops.

"You have kept the borders secure and that is why India's stature before the world is rising rapidly. All the developed countries accept the reality that in the past 8-9 years, India's stature has risen. I would like to clearly say that under the leadership of PM Modi, if India's stature has risen, India has made economic developments, it indeed is important but had you not kept the country's border secure - this stature would not have been possible" the Defence Minister added.

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During the day, Rajnath Singh engaged with the security personnel deployed in the strategically vital Tawang sector located in Arunachal Pradesh.

He also performed Shashtra Puja at Tawang, held special prayers and will be celebrating Vijayadashami with soldiers.

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande is accompanying the Defence Minister during his visit.

Earlier this year, the Union Minister visited the Tawang sector to review security preparedness in the sector.

The Tawang sector has seen several instances of transgressions from the Chinese PLA. In December last year, People's Liberation Army troops had transgressed the LAC in the Tawang Sector, the violation was met by the Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off had led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had then informed Parliament that Chinese forces had tried to "transgress" the Line of Actual Control and "unilaterally change the status quo" in the Yangtse area of the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh last week but the Indian troops prevented the bid, resulting in a "physical scuffle leading to injuries to a few personnel on both sides". (ANI)

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A Cayuga County legislator will seek her third term against a newcomer to the area in the body's northeast Auburn district.

Democrat Elane Daly will face Republican Ali Muhsen in the race to represent Legislature District 9 for the next four years. The Nov. 7 election will see the number of legislators decrease from 15 to 11.

Daly, who directed the county's health department before becoming a legislator in 2018, said that decrease makes experience all the more important.

"It does take time to get up to speed  the county is a pretty complex organization. But it's definitely something I've enjoyed," she told The Citizen. "I've really enjoyed it, or I wouldn't be running again."

But Muhsen, a chaplain at Auburn Correctional Facility and Auburn Memorial Hospital who recently retired from the Air Force, told The Citizen he believes being a newcomer comes with advantages.

"I'll be trying my best, if I win this seat, to provide the best opportunities for Cayuga County," he said. "Whatever improves the quality of life the most for our residents."

One issue where the opponents disagree is county leadership. After six years in the Legislature, Daly said she's "more convinced than ever" that it needs professional leadership. The county's day-to-day operations have been overseen by the chair of the Legislature since its last administrator was fired in 2019. But because the chair is a legislator, she noted, the position can change parties.

"We don't have any continuity there," she said. "I envy the city of Auburn having consistent, year-to-year professional management. That's sorely what's missing in county government."

Muhsen, however, believes the county should be led by an elected official like an executive. While Daly isn't convinced winning an election would make someone capable of leading the county, Muhsen said it's important that the position reflect the will of the people. That was the case at most counties where he's lived, he said, though he would evaluate Cayuga more closely before making a decision.

Likewise, Muhsen said he would try to learn more before making a decision about the county's funding of economic development. The Cayuga Economic Development Agency, which receives $375,000 a year from the county, faces an uncertain future after firing two executive directors in the last 18 months. Legislator Robert Shea has proposed shifting that money to the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency in the county's next budget. Daly said such a shift could prevent what's become "a huge, contentious fight" every time CEDA's funding has come up in the Legislature in recent years.

Buying more land for industrial development, to capitalize on Micron's $100 billion investment in the region, is the kind of thing the county and economic development agencies should be doing, Daly said.

"Instead we spend our time fighting over the funding," she said. "We absolutely have to have an economic development engine in this community."

Daly said some on the Legislature don't believe Cayuga County will see "any real benefit" from the chip manufacturer coming to Clay, but she's not one of them. From housing to supply chain businesses, she believes the investment will bring many opportunities locally. Muhsen agreed, though he stressed the importance of partnering with Onondaga County and making sure local taxes don't increase.

"My thinking is to try to look into these opportunities to increase our funding to the best of our ability," he said, "without causing undue hardship for the average Cayuga County resident."

Asked to share his top three priorities if elected to the Legislature, Muhsen said he's broadly most concerned with improving services to Cayuga County residents. By optimizing itself economically, he continued, the county will be able to provide better services. He mentioned selling vacant "eyesore" buildings to buyers like Micron to generate funds that will ultimately help the average person.

Daly said her top three priorities are the protection of Owasco Lake and the drinking water it provides; emergency housing for the county's homeless population; and meeting the rising need for mental health and aging services locally. She'd like to see mental health response become less reliant on law enforcement, she continued, and aging services balanced with investment in the area's future.

"We're trying to meet the need of that population while also investing in economic development so we can keep the population here and afford the services the public is used to getting," she said.
New Delhi, October 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as a testament to the power of patience the people of the country kept for centuries. Addressing a public gathering at the Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society at DDA ground in Sector 10 in the national capital, he announced that Lord Rama's arrival is imminent, with only a few months left before he takes his place in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. The construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram at His birthplace is a symbol of the patience of Indians for centuries. (Bhagwan Ram ki janmabhoomi par ban raha bhavya mandir, sadiyo ki prateeksha ke baad hum Bhartiyo ke dhairya ko mili vijay ka prateek)," the PM said, adding, "There are only a few months left for Lord Ram to reside in the Ram Temple. Lord Ram is just about to arrive..." Ravan Dahan 2023: President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi Attend Dussehra Festivities in Delhi (See Pics and Videos)

In a swipe at the Opposition parties, the PM said that the day should also mark the burning of those forces that try to 'divide' the country in the name of casteism and regionalism. "We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those forces that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism...,' PM Modi added.

PM Modi also said that on Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. "On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world..." PM Modi. Extending wishes to the people on this auspicious occasion, the PM said that the country is celebrating the festival of Dussehra after almost two months since its victory on the moon. Dussehra 2023: Weapons in India Are Worshipped Not To Dominate Others' Land but To Protect One's Own Land, Says PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi Highlighted the Construction of the Ram Temple

Greetings on Vijaya Dashami! Speaking at a programme in Delhi. https://t.co/d7PSTPswL0  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2023

" I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. This time we are celebrating Vijayadashami when it has been 2 months since our victory over the Moon. We know the knowledge of Gita and also have the capability to build INS Vikrant and Tejas," the PM said. PM Modi further said the people of the country know the dignity of Lord Ram and also know how to protect the boundaries of the nation. PM Modi also witnessed the 'Ravan Dahan'.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24 (PTI) A woman patient allegedly assaulted a female staff of the government hospital at Peroorkada in the state capital on Tuesday.

Provoked by the warning issued to her not to jump the queue to meet the doctor, the woman also allegedly created a ruckus in the hospital, police said.

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Peroorkada police registered a case against Enikkara resident Vidhya Tilak for allegedly assaulting 45-year-old Beenamol, a staff at the hospital.

According to the FIR, the accused attempted to jump the queue multiple times to meet the doctor, and when Beenamol tried to stop her, Tilak allegedly assaulted her.

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Police said she has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 353 (Assault to deter public servant from discharge of his duty).

Various sections of the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act have also been invoked against her, the police added.

The woman left the hospital soon after the incident, police said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow, Oct 24 (PTI) A clash broke out between two groups belonging to different communities in Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba district on Tuesday during a Durga idol immersion procession, police said.

The situation was immediately brought under control in the Srinagar area of the district and three people were detained, they said.

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The procession later continued and the idol was immersed peacefully, police said.

"The incident took place when the procession was going through the Srinagar area and people were throwing 'gulaal' at each other... A person of another community was watching the procession and the coloured powder fell on him to which he objected and a fight broke out," Superintendent of Police, Mahoba, Aparna Gupta said.

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There is no law and order problem, the official said, adding that further legal action is underway.

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Ghaziabad (UP), Oct 24 (PTI) A 22-year-old man was stabbed to death by three men after an altercation in Naseeb colony here, police said on Tuesday.

On Monday night, victim Jitendra had a heated argument with Vicky, Golu and Karan over some issue following which the trio stabbed him, they said.

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The victim was rushed to a hospital by his family members with the help of locals.

Jitendra died during treatment on Tuesday. An FIR has been lodged against the three accused, who have been detained for interrogation, Additional Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Upadhyay said.

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(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tel Aviv [Israel], October 24 (ANI): The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has asked Gaza residents to share verified, valuable information about hostages being held in their area.

"If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area," the IDF asked Gaza residents.

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"The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality," the IDF wrote on 'X'.

"The contact details are: Secure phone call: *8619; Whatsapp, Telegram, Signal:+972503957992," the IDF said.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: Released Israeli Hostage Yocheved Lifshitz Lashes Out at Israeli Intelligence Agency Shin Bet, IDF for Not Taking 'Warning' Seriously (Watch Videos).

The IDF on Saturday also said that "Civilians and hospitals in Gaza need fuel to produce electricity. Hamas has that fuel."

An IDF spokesman wrote: "Hamas continues to make its claims of its inability to supply hospitals, bakeries, and civilians with fuel. They steal diesel from civilians and transfer it to their tunnels, bombers, and commanders."

Meanwhile, one of the two hostages recently freed by Hamas, Yocheved Lifshitz, has said she "went through hell" after being kidnapped by the terrorist group in the October 7 attack on Israel, CNN reported.

The 85-year-old on Tuesday remembered the moment she was abducted by gunmen on motorbikes after militants broke into her home in the Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Lifshitz said: "It was difficult but we will get through this."She made the remarks at the Tel Aviv hospital where she has been recovering since being freed.

Hamas released Lifshitz and her neighbour and friend Nurit Cooper, 79, on Monday, and later they were reunited with family members who rushed to their bedside at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

The release of the two women brings the total number of captives freed to four, but more than 200 hostages are believed to be trapped in Gaza, some within the labyrinth of Hamas tunnels dug beneath the coastal strip.

The remaining hostages include Lifshitz and Cooper's husbands, Oded Lifshitz, 83, and Amiram Cooper, 85.

Earlier, an EL AL plane that arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on October 24 wasn't filled with passengers or suitcases. In the absence of passengers, the charter flight, which was delivering medical supplies, placed photos of individual hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Monday that the military has so far confirmed 222 people kidnapped.

"We all feel so helpless because everyone knows someone in Israel or has a family member fighting in Israel," said Lizzy Straus of CareOne, a US senior care provider who was among the sponsors of the delivery.

"Knowing that you're doing everything you can to help them change things. It gives you hope. A lot of hope and love went into everything that's been happening, and we're grateful to have been able to partner with some wonderful organisations" she added. (ANI)

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Jerusalem, Oct 24 (AP) Israel is escalating its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants. The war is rapidly raising the death toll in Gaza, and the US fears the fighting could spark a wider conflict in the region.

Gaza's 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the Hamas attack on Israeli towns on October 7.

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The aid convoys allowed into Gaza so far have carried a fraction of what's needed, and the UN said distribution will have to stop if there's no fuel for the trucks.

The war, in its 18th day on Tuesday, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since October 7.

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More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage. In addition, 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza, Israel's military has said. Four of those have been released.

Currently:

1. The US Department of Defence is assisting Israel in its war planning by sending military advisers

2. 40 years after bombing that killed Americans in Beirut, US troops again deploy east of Mediterranean

3. The war is giving Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system its toughest challenge yet

4. Release of more hostages gives some hope to families of others abducted in the attack on Israel

Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

MILITANT GROUP CRITICIZES ISRAEL OVER ONGOING BOMBARDMENT OF GAZA

The spokesman of the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group says Israel is acting in a way that shows it does not care about the lives of hostages held by militants in the Gaza Strip.

Abu Hamza said in a statement released by the group on Tuesday that the ongoing bombardment of Gaza indicates the Israeli government does not want the prisoners (hostages) to see sunlight.

His comments came a day after the militant Hamas group released two Israeli women who were held hostage. Last week, Hamas released an American woman and her teenage daughter as part of a mediation by Qatar.

Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are holding abut 220 hostages that were captured on October 7, when militants stormed southern Israeli towns.

The October 7, attack left more than 1,400 Israelis dead and since then Israel launched a bombing campaign against the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 5,700 Palestinians.

ERDOGAN CRITICIZES UN, INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FOR SITUATION IN GAZA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday criticised the United Nations and the international community for failing to stop what he described as massacres reaching the level of genocide in Gaza.

In a message released to mark the UN's 78th anniversary, Erdogan said the international community had scored poorly in the face of Israel's unlawful and boundless attacks toward civilians.

He also criticised the UN Security Council saying it had rendered other UN agencies operating in the Palestinian territories dysfunctional.

The council's monthly Mideast meeting on Tuesday was turned into a high-level event with more than a dozen foreign ministers flying to New York.

UN CHIEF SAYS SITUATION IN MIDDLE EAST IS GROWING MORE DIRE,' CALLS AGAIN FOR CEASE-FIRE

The United Nations chief is warning that the situation in the Middle East is growing more dire by the hour, with the risk of the latest Israel-Hamas war spiralling through the region as tensions threaten to boil over.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and appealed to all to pull back from the brink before the violence claims even more lives and spreads even farther.

He told the UN Security Council's monthly Middle East meeting  which has been turned into a high-level event with more than a dozen foreign ministers flying to New York  that the rules of war must be obeyed.

Guterres said the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the horrifying and unprecedented October 7 acts of terror by Hamas in Israel, and he demanded the immediate release of all hostages.

He also stressed that those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

He called Israel's constant bombardment of Gaza and the level of civilian casualties alarming, stressing that their protection in conflict is paramount.

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES KILLED 704 IN THE PAST DAY, HAMAS-RUN HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS

Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 704 people in the past day, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said on Tuesday.

That represented a massive increase in the death toll amid widening Israeli bombing attacks in the territory.

Israel has been bombing Gaza since Hamas militants attacked southern Israeli towns on October 7.

That has brought the death toll from the war to 5,791, including 2,360 children, ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra said in a statement. At least 16,297 others were wounded, he said.

He said they have received 1,550 reports of missing people, including 870 children, suggesting that those missing could still be under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

The World Health Organisation said 12 hospitals out of a total of 35 in Gaza were not functioning as of Monday. It said 46 out of 72 health care facilities across Gaza, or 64 per cent, were not operating, mostly in Gaza city and northern Gaza.

Al-Qidra said the health facilities went out of service because of the attacks or because of a lack of fuel to keep them operating. The Health Ministry announces a total collapse of hospitals in Gaza Strip, he said.

A Health Ministry report issued Tuesday said 61 Palestinian medical workers and professionals have been killed since October 7.

Al-Qidra called for the Egyptian government to open the Rafah crossing point and ensure the delivery of medical supplies and fuel to Gaza and allow the wounded to be treated in Egypt. Egypt says it didn't close the crossing, but Israeli airstrikes on its Palestinian side forced its closure.

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE HITS REFUGEE CAMP, KILLING SEVERAL AND WOUNDING DOZENS

An airstrike hit a bustling marketplace in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing several shoppers and wounding dozens, witnesses said.

Men used sledgehammers to break up concrete and dug with their bare hands through the jagged wreckage to save anyone they could - or recover the dead who had been buying meat and vegetables when the explosion hit.

A man buried up to his chest in rubble looked up at his rescuers with wide eyes, his face coated in dust from the blast.

An oxygen mask was placed on his face as rescuers worked to free him. About 15 minutes, he was unearthed and placed on a stretcher.

A roar rose from the dozens of men watching, several with their arms raised in triumph as they cheered the rescue.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centres and a Hamas tunnel shaft.

The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes. The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

Hamas's military arm, Qassam Brigades, said it fired a salvo of rockets on southern Israeli on Tuesday afternoon, including Beersheba, Israel's largest city in the area. There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties.

FRANCE'S MACRON SAYS FIGHT MUST BE WITHOUT MERCY, BUT NOT WITHOUT RULES'

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after meeting Israel's prime minister on Tuesday, proposed a coalition to fight terror groups in the region that threaten all of us.

He compared the proposal to the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. He was referring to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran itself and the Houthis in Yemen, among others, saying they must not take the risk of opening a new front.

Macron, on a two-day visit to the region, met with families of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, and said we will neglect nothing to obtain freedom for French citizens. Nine French citizens are being held or have disappeared.

Macron will head to Jordan on Wednesday to meet with King Abdullah II and possibly some other regional leaders, his office said. He also planned a stop later Tuesday in Ramallah, West Bank, to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Standing at the side of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron stressed Israel's right to defend itself in its war with Hamas.

The fight must be without mercy, but not without rules because democracies respect the rules of war, Macron said, adding that for example democracies don't target civilians. His statement appeared to be a message to Israel, which has been criticised by some for attacks that have killed Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

He called for access to aid for Gaza and for electricity to be supplied to Gaza hospitals  not for making war.

Netanyahu said it is Hamas that is responsible for civilian casualties, but that we will do every effort to avoid them. He added, It could be a long war.

Hamas must be destroyed, Netanyahu said, calling it a condition for ending the war.

Macron said any peace cannot be durable without restarting a decisive political process with Palestinians. But he said, Hamas does not (represent) the Palestinian cause.

US ISSUES WARNING TO SHIPS IN THE RED SEA

The US is issuing a new warning to ships travelling through the Red Sea after a drone and missile attack launched from Yemen during the Israel-Hamas war.

The US Maritime Administration warning on Tuesday urged vessels to exercise caution when transiting this region.

The US Navy says it shot down missiles and drones believed to have been launched by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent days amid wider tensions across the Middle East over the war.

HEZBOLLAH-ALLIED POLITICIAN SAYS LEBANON WON'T INITIATE A WAR WITH ISRAEL

A prominent Lebanese Christian politician allied with Hezbollah said on Tuesday that Lebanon would not initiate a war with Israel but would defend itself if attacked.

The comments by Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement of former President Michel Aoun, came as sporadic clashes continue on the Lebanese border with Israel between Hezbollah and armed Palestinian groups in Lebanon on one side and Israeli forces on the other.

No one can drag us into war unless the Israeli enemy attacks us, and then we will be forced to defend ourselves, Bassil said after a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, another Hezbollah ally. Bassil also spoke by phone to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Monday. All the Lebanese agree that they do not want war, but that does not mean that we should allow ourselves to be attacked without a response.

There has been widespread speculation as to whether and under what circumstances Hezbollah and its arsenal of an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles would fully enter the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The ongoing clashes on the border and anxieties about a wider conflict have internally displaced 19,646 people in Lebanon, according to the International Organisation for Migration. (AP)

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Berlin, Oct 24 (AP) Prosecutors in Berlin said on Tuesday they have closed their investigation into the spectacular collapse of a huge aquarium last December after an expert report failed to pin down a reason why the tank burst.

The AquaDom aquarium, which stood in a hotel lobby in the center of the German capital, burst in the early hours of December 16, sending 1 million litres (264,000 gallons) of water gushing into the building and the street outside. Two people were slightly injured.

Also Read | China Removes Li Shangfu As Defence Minister After Months of Speculation, Second Major Ousting by Beijing in Last Three Months.

Prosecutors said they have closed an investigation of persons unknown on suspicion of causing bodily harm by negligence after evaluating the export report, commissioned by the building's owners, which they received on October 6.

Its author, engineer Christian Bonten, has presented three theories but said there was no clear evidence to prove any of them.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas Conflict: Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Strip Killed More Than 700 People in Last 24 Hours, Says Gaza Health Ministry.

The hypotheses were that an adhesive seam holding together the cylinder may have failed; that the tank may have been damaged by a dent in its base when the aquarium was modernised in 2020; or that the tank may have been refilled too late after that modernisation, drying the acrylic glass walls out too much.

Prosecutors said in a statement that since the cause couldn't be pinpointed, they had no lead to follow in terms of who might be responsible. They said there had never been any suspicion of a deliberate act.

The aquarium first opened in 2003. There are no plans to rebuild it.

Authorities have said that nearly all of the 1,500 fish that were inside at the time of the rupture died but a few fish at the bottom of the tank were saved. About 400 to 500 mostly small fish from a separate set of aquariums housed under the hotel lobby were evacuated to other tanks in a neighbouring aquarium that was unaffected. (AP)

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Bratislava, Oct 24 (AP) Slovakia's president is ready to swear in a new Cabinet led by a former populist prime minister after a coalition partner agreed to replace its nominee for environment minister known for not believing in the threat of climate change, the presidential office said on Tuesday.

President Zuzana Caputova was set to appoint the new government on Wednesday.

Also Read | China Removes Li Shangfu As Defence Minister After Months of Speculation, Second Major Ousting by Beijing in Last Three Months.

Caputova, a Liberal, last week said Rudolf Huliak, who was nominated by the ultranationalist and pro-Russian Slovak National Party, could not ensure the proper functioning of the environment ministry because he opposes the government's long-term environmental policies and Slovakia's international obligations.

The Slovak National Party announced Tuesday the nomination of Tomas Tabara instead. Tabara is also known for controversial statements about the environment.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas Conflict: Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Strip Killed More Than 700 People in Last 24 Hours, Says Gaza Health Ministry.

Huliak was the most controversial of the Cabinet candidates presented to the president by former populist prime minister Robert Fico, whose leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the most seats in the Sept. 30 parliamentary election.

Fico's party won 42 seats in the 150-seat Parliament after campaigning on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform. He has vowed to withdraw Slovakia's military support for Ukraine.

Fico needed coalition partners to form a parliamentary majority and signed a deal with the leftist Hlas, or Voice, party and the Slovak National Party to govern together.

The deal gives Smer the prime minister post and six other Cabinet ministers, opening the way for Fico to serve as Slovakia's head of government for the fourth time.

Hlas will have seven Cabinet ministers, while the Slovak National Party will have three.

Caputova has been president since winning a 2019 election and won't run for the second term next year.(AP)

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Abu Dhabi [UAE], October 24 (ANI/(WAM): National Ambulance, a part of the National Guard Command, joined forces with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Mideast Education Committee and The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to organise the 1st Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Expo 2023. The event, took place at the HCT - Dubai Women's Campus.

The two-day conference, aimed at shaping the future of emergency medical services in the UAE, Middle East and Africa region, brought together physicians, EMS professionals, faculty members, and instructors from NAEMT to exchange experiences and explore the latest developments in emergency medical services.

Also Read | UN Chief Antonio Guterres Says Hamas Attacks Did Not Happen in a Vacuum, Sparking Israeli Fury.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, shared an inspiring message about the critical role that paramedics play in society. She emphasised that the paramedic profession is not just a job, but a reflection of a society's culture, and in critical moments, paramedics show compassion, ethics, and respect towards patients without any discrimination.

Sheikha Dr Shamma highlighted the importance of this conference as a first step towards a new journey with Emirati youth being the true champions in a field that needs them, saying, "This step will continue as we strive towards a better future, aligned with the vision of the wise Leadership, aimed at achieving excellence across all domains."

Also Read | Republican Presidential Debate: Former US President Donald Trump To Skip Third GOP Debate in Miami, Hold Rival Rally Across the Road.

At the event, National Ambulance showcased its expertise and latest technologies. In addition, it shared experiences and delivered presentations on EMS orientation in the Northern Emirates and other key projects, highlighting its dedication to delivering high-quality emergency medical services.

Speaking about the event, Mohammad Salem Hboush, Chief Executive Officer of National Ambulance, said that "it signifies our dedication to shaping the future of emergency medical services and is in line with our commitment to provide the best patient-focused pre-hospital care services in the region".

"The event provides a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and a showcase for the latest advancements in the industry that will inspire the next generation of EMS practitioners," Hboush added.

The 1st Regional EMS Expo 2023 is an innovative platform that aims to shape the future of emergency medical services in the UAE and MENA region. Attendees have the opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends in the field. (ANI/WAM)

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Hamirpur, October 24: A day after a first-year M.Tech student of the National Institute of Technology here was found dead in his hostel room due to a suspected drug overdose, another NIT student was arrested on Tuesday after Charas was seized from his possession, police said.

On Monday, the police had arrested four persons, including three NIT students and another doing BEd, for allegedly distributing 'Chitta,' a form of adulterated heroin, on campus. The police probing the death case on Tuesday arrested a B.Tech third-year student, a resident of Tendua Makhi area of Uttar Pradesh, after 69.38 grams of Charas was recovered from his possession. Himachal Pradesh: NIT Student Found Dead in Hostel Room, Drug Overdose Suspected.

The accused has been booked under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) which lays out the punishment for the production, manufacture, sale, purchase, import and inter-state export of cannabis, Superintendent of Police (SP), Hamirpur, Akriti Sharma said. During checking, the police also found 42.96 grams of Charas hidden in a bush near the Vindhyachal hostel of the NIT on Tuesday.

The SP said that the police were apprehending more suspects allegedly engaged in drug peddling on the NIT campus and appealed to the people to report to the police if they suspected anyone of indulging in such illegal activities. Drug Menace: Australia Saw Five Deaths per Day From Drug Overdose and Other Narcotics-Induced Causes in 2021, Says Report.

The four accused were booked under the NDPS Act, 1985. Preliminary investigations by the police and forensic team from Mandi had attributed the death of the student to the consumption of some intoxicant. The father of the student had questioned how drugs made their way inside the campus. PTI/COR/BPL
After two decades of voyages across upstate New York, the canal schooner Lois McClure is heading to its final destination in Cayuga County.

The 88-foot boat has been donated by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to the Canal Society of New York State, which operates the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park in Port Byron. The schooner will be displayed at the park, which can be accessed from the village and the New York State Thruway.

Craig Williams, president of the Canal Society of New York State, told The Citizen the preservation of the boat and securing it as a permament exhibit took nearly two years.

When the effort began, Williams said there were two goals. One was to save the vessel, a replica of boats used on the canal in the 19th century, after the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum decided to retire it from service.

"There's something neat about a boat that draws attention," Williams continued. "The best example was back in 2018 when the McClure was the partner vessel for the GlassBarge (to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Corning, Inc., formerly known as Corning Glass Works). It went throughout upstate New York."

Beyond securing the boat, Williams said the Canal Society wanted to bring it to Port Byron for a permament display at the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park, a seasonal destination along the Thruway. The plan is for the schooner to be placed in front of the Erie House on the Canal Society's property.

Williams thinks the boat could help attract more people to the park, which opened in 2016 and drew 13,000 visitors last year.

Lois McClure was built in 2004 and is named for a Vermont philanthropist, a supporter of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. According to the museum, the schooner used 15 waterways, including the canal system, to travel more than 9,200 miles over the past two decades. It welcomed more than 312,000 visitors during that period.

The boat's final journey began Oct. 16. It is scheduled to arrive at Beacon Bay Marina in the village of Cayuga on Wednesday. It will be stored there during the winter, then transported to the canal park for the 2024 season.

"Just as she has done for nearly two decades, the Lois McClure is plying the waters of the Champlain and Erie canals on this final voyage to her new, permanent home  the replica canal schooner will continue to educate future generations about the canal system's maritime history," said Brian Stratton, director of the state Canal Corporation.

Gallery: Lois McClure, replica of 19th century canal boat, docks in Cayuga after final voyage
The cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone on Monday evening, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, maintaining that it would not have any major impact on the Indian coast. The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moved north with a speed of 14 kmph during the last six hours and intensified into a cyclonic storm, the IMD said. The cyclonic storm has been christened 'Hamoon,' a name given by Iran. The authorities in Odisha on Monday put on alert in view of the formation of cyclonic storm "Hamoon" in the Bay of Bengal. Cyclone Hamoon: Chiefs of Urban Local Bodies Put on Alert in Odisha in Wake of Cyclonic Storm Forming in Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Hamoon Update

Cyclonic Storm Hamoon intensified into a Severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal: India Meteorological Department pic.twitter.com/tTyJ3LLuUi  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

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The Kremlin has refuted rumours about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health, asserting that he is in good health, and his recent activities are a testament to this. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, vehemently denied claims of the president using body doubles, dismissing such allegations as unfounded and mere baseless rumours. Reportedly, these speculations about Putin's well-being stemmed from an unverified report originating from a Russian Telegram channel, which was later echoed by some Western media outlets, suggesting that the president had suffered a heart attack. Russia President Vladimir Putin Collapses in Bedroom After Suffering Heart Attack, Say Reports.

Kremlin Rejects Rumors About Russian President's Health Condition

Big Breaking  Kremlin dismissed rumors regarding President Vladimir Putin's health, affirming that he is in good health. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, denies claims of the president using body doubles, labeling such assertions as baseless. The inquiries about https://t.co/dshY28LHpc pic.twitter.com/wdHUBPuPHb  QuickUpdate (@BigBreakingWire) October 24, 2023

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On 23 October far-right populistposted a video on social media appealing to other opposition parties to unite behind his candidacy ahead of the second round of Argentinas presidential elections to put the nail in the coffin of Kirchnerismo.

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In a heartbreaking incident, a teenager opened fire at a high school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early Monday, resulting in the loss of one student's life and leaving two others wounded, according to authorities, AP reports.

The assailant, identified by Folha de S.Paulo newspaper, was a male Brazil teen, a student at the high school who had reportedly been a frequent victim of bullying.

Tragically, the 17-year-old girl who lost her life was shot in the head during the ordeal.

While details about the suspected shooter were not immediately released, the Sao Paulo state government confirmed that police had taken the individual into custody.

In the chaos that ensued, two more students were injured, and another suffered harm while attempting to escape. All three were promptly transported to a hospital for treatment.

In a statement, the Sao Paulo state government underscored the immediate focus on aiding the victims and providing psychological support to the students, teachers, and their families.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the veteran leftist leader and an outspoken critic of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies that loosened gun control laws, publicly denounced the recent school shooting, using the platform X (formerly Twitter) to convey his message.

Lula emphasized the need to reject the idea that it is normal for children to have access to firearms and that tragic incidents like the school shooting should not become recurring events, The Straits Times noted.

Reports said that the Brazil teen had used a firearm belonging to his father, shedding light on the concerning issue of gun access in such incidents.

READ NEXT: Brazil Man Attacks Day Care Center, Kills 4 Children With an Ax

Brazil School Shooting Is Not Uncommon

This incident marks Brazil's first school attack in months, following a troubling trend earlier this year when nearly two dozen violent episodes occurred in Brazilian schools since 2000, with half of them transpiring within the last 18 months.

A 71-year-old teacher lost her life, and four students were injured in March after a 13-year-old student stabbed them at a school to the west of the city.

Moreover, a man wielding a hatchet entered a nursery school in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, in April, killing four children and injuring at least five others, according to WION.

Over the past 22 years, Brazil has experienced 26 severe school violence incidents, resulting in 139 victims, with 46 of them being fatal.

A survey conducted in June by the think tank Sou da Paz revealed that firearms were involved in half of these cases.

Brazil Safe School Platform

Justice and Public Security Minister Flavio Dino confirmed that government officials will collaborate with the Sao Paulo police in the investigation, per Brazilian Report.

The ministry has received over 30,000 reports of possible school shootings since the launch of the Safe School platform in April, leading to the arrest of more than 400 individuals on suspicion of planning such attacks.

The Safe School platform primarily focuses on monitoring social networks, recognizing that attackers often signal their intentions before carrying out acts of violence.

In this instance, the shooter had reportedly announced his plans to other students a week prior, stating it was because he "didn't like" them.

Experts have suggested a potential link between the rise in school attacks and the online recruitment of young people by far-right groups.

Social media and online platforms are believed to play a role in desensitizing young individuals to extremist ideologies.

READ MORE: Sergio Massa Leads Presidential Election

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Brazil daycare attack: At least 4 children killed, several injured - From Global News
Arizona's infamous convicted murderer, Bryan Patrick Miller, better known as the "Zombie Hunter," is not faring too well on death row and has been complaining a lot lately, especially regarding his current life inside.

The "Zombie Hunter" was recently sentenced to be executed for killing two young women in the early 1990s. However, he continued to deny the allegation despite Arizona Judge Suzanne Cohen ruling against him. An appeal is currently underway as is written in Arizona state law.

He was not able to testify in his own trial, which was decided in June earlier this year. However, he did agree to do an email interview with "48 Hours," where he continued denying any involvement in the deaths of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.

According to CBS News, Miller was asked to explain how his DNA was found in the bodies of the two women, thus solving the decades-long cold case. To this, the "Zombie Hunter" wrote, "That's the million-dollar question."

"If I had a provable answer for that I wouldn't be in this situation now, would I?" he admitted. "It is a question that I would like answered and everyone is so convinced that I did so it will go unanswered."

Much like many others on death row, Miller has access to email inside the Special Management Unit at the Eyman Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona.

Miller talked about life in prison, writing, "It is better than county jail, but it is obvious that isolation has taken its toll on many people here. From what I saw of people in county jail compared to here, the majority of the people here are by far not what I would consider the worst of the worst."

He noted that staying on death row is "far safer than anywhere else in prison."

As for the food, he says that "it is far from great" and noted that "the cells are getting very cold now that temps are falling."

READ MORE: The 5 Most Infamous Serial Killers From Colombia

'Zombie Hunter' Killer Blames His Mother For 'Creating a Monster'

Miller never had anything to disprove the DNA evidence presented by prosecutors. However, he did try to present the insanity plea. As CBS News pointed out, the "Zombie Hunter's" defense was that his mother had created a monster.

His defense attorneys claimed that Miller's mother, Ellen Miller, tortured him as a child, and this led to him being a violent sexual deviant. He was also exposed to violent sexual content when he was young by his mother, causing him to develop severe mental health problems. However, in the end, this did not sway the judge, and he was still sentenced to death.

'Zombie Hunter' Killer Case

According to PEOPLE Magazine, Bryan Patrick Miller was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and attempted sexual assault. He allegedly attacked 21-year-old Angela Brosso in 1992 and 17-year-old Melanie Bernas in 1993.

Their respective cases remained cold until 2015, when Miller's DNA was found on their bodies. He was a single father and an Amazon employee who had a hobby of playing a persona known as the "Zombie Hunter." He managed to evade police for over 20 years.

READ MORE: Texas Serial Killer Raul Meza Jr. Confessed To Multiple Murders

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: True Crime Arizona: The Zombie Hunter - AZFamily | Arizona News
Jareh Sebastian Dalke, a 31-year-old resident of Colorado Springs, has entered a guilty plea for six counts of attempting to transmit classified National Defense Information to someone he believed was a Russian agent.

In a startling twist, that individual turned out to be an undercover FBI employee, according to AXIOS.

The former Colorado NSA employee confessed to engaging in this unlawful activity between August and September 2022.

His purpose was to demonstrate his "legitimate access and willingness to share" classified information, which he carried out using an encrypted email account to transmit excerpts from three top-secret documents, as revealed in a statement from the Department of Justice.

For these illicit actions, Dalke received $16,499 in cryptocurrency for providing excerpts of NDI documents.

Subsequently, he offered to sell the remaining classified information, designated as "Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information," for $85,000 following the plea agreement's terms.

The former Colorado NSA employee claimed that this information would hold value for Russia and assured an undercover FBI employee, whom he believed to be a Russian agent, that he would share more information in the future, particularly upon his return to the Washington, DC area, as noted by the Department of Justice.

READ NEXT: 2 Navy Sailors Allegedly Sold US Military Secrets to China

Former Colorado NSA Employee's Espionage Attempt

Following the instructions of an undercover FBI employee, Dalke was directed to be present at Denver's downtown train station on September 28, 2022.

His task was to transmit the classified documents using a secure digital connection within four hours.

Dalke arrived at the designated location with his laptop and initiated the process by sending a Russian letter expressing his anticipation of a "friendship and shared benefit."

Shortly after transmitting all the classified files from his laptop, Dalke was arrested by FBI agents, AP reports.

The indictment revealed that the information Dalke intended to share with Russia encompassed a threat assessment related to the military offensive capabilities of a third, unnamed country.

Additionally, it involved descriptions of sensitive US defense capabilities, some of which were linked to the same foreign country.

As part of the plea agreement, Dalke has committed to cooperating with authorities by providing truthful, accurate, and valuable information about the events that transpired.

Notably, Dalke had previously worked as an information systems security designer for the NSA, a US intelligence agency responsible for the collection and analysis of signals from both foreign and domestic sources for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes.

Strikingly, after leaving the NSA and providing classified information to the undercover agent, the former Colorado NSA employee allegedly reapplied for a position within the agency.

During a hearing in the previous year, Dalke's federal public defender emphasized the limited duration of his employment at the NSA, seeking to downplay the extent of his access to classified information due to his relatively short tenure at the agency.

Jareh Sebastian Dalke

Jareh Sebastian Dalke's history includes service in the Army, where he held a private position and volunteered as a police officer with the Colorado Reserves, often referred to as the Rangers, per The Daily Mail.

The Colorado Reserves are crucial in supporting local law enforcement during crisis events.

Dalke pursued an education in cybersecurity and indicated to federal authorities that he had obtained both a bachelor's and a master's degree in the field.

Although his tenure at the NSA was relatively brief, it concluded with an exit interview in which he stated the need to care for an ill family member and asserted that the job did not afford him enough time.

According to prosecutors, the former Colorado NSA employee told the undercover agent that he had accumulated $237,000 in debts and decided to collaborate with Russia due to his heritage and connections to the country.

Initially, Dalke entered a not-guilty plea to all charges brought against him. However, he subsequently reversed his plea to guilty during the proceedings.

As of Monday, the specific details of his sentence remain undisclosed.

READ MORE: Michigan Synagogue President Fatally Stabbed

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: NSA worker pleads guilty to trying to sell US secrets Russia - From 9NEWS
It was a day of violence in Mexico as 19 people were killed after three separate attacks across the states of Guerrero and Michoacan. Among those killed during these attacks are police officers and a local official.

According to the Associated Press, this wave of violence happened on Monday, with the deadliest of the attacks happening in Guerrero State. A total of 13 people were shot dead in an ambush, killing 12 police officers and a local security official.

Another person was killed in another attack in the Guerrero State capital of Chilpancingo de los Bravo, while in the neighboring state of Michoacan, five people were killed, including another police officer.

As for the man who was shot to death in Chilpancingo de los Bravo, he was identified as Rigoberto Acosta Gonzalez, an academic and community leader. Police are still investigating what happened.

Guerrero State Ambush One of the Deadliest Cases of Violence in Mexico This Year

As for the ambush, it happened in El Papayo, which is in the Guerrero township of Coyuca de Benitez along Mexico's Pacific Coast. The State Prosecutor's Office revealed that gunmen ambushed the convoy, killing Secretary of Public Security of Coyuca de Benitez, Alfredo Alonso Lopez. Also found among the dead was the Director of Public Security, Honorio Salinas.

A report by AA noted that at least five officers were subdued and tied up by the gunmen before executing them. The ambush reportedly occurred while they were monitoring the area.

READ MORE: US-Mexico Relations: Experts Warn on Danger of Aggressive Stance To Curb Fentanyl, Drug Trafficking

Initially, the report stated that 11 police officers were killed, though that number has now gone up to 13 following recent developments.

This recent wave of violence in the state of Guerrero has shocked many officials. "Guerrero has long seen one of Mexico's most complicated armed conflicts, but the current, pre-electoral levels of violence are extraordinary," said International Crisis Group analyst Falko Ernst.

Regarding which group was responsible for the attack, it has not yet been confirmed. However, officials have pointed to La Familia Michoacana from its neighboring state of Michoacan as one of the main causes of violence in Guerrero, though it is still not known if the notorious cartel is involved in the ambush.

Deadly Day of Mexico Violence Also Happened in Michoacan

Over in Michoacan state, five people were killed, and two more were injured as a result of the ongoing violence in the state, which is being fought over by various Mexican drug cartels. This happened after a group of gunmen attacked the brother of the mayor of the town of Tacambaro.

According to Yahoo! News, the mayor's brother was only wounded in that attack, but a restaurant worker and another police officer were among those killed.

A video of the attack is now making its rounds on social media, and it shows gunmen opening fire before escaping on several vehicles. It is not yet revealed which group is responsible for this violent attack, as Michoacan is currently being fought over by Familia Michoacana and the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

READ MORE: US Congressman Fights Back on Calls To Invade Mexico Over Fentanyl Problem

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Cartel violence: Human remains hanging from bridge in Mexico | Elizabeth Vargas Reports - NewsNation
TVS Motor Company has announced its entry into Venezuela, becoming the first Indian two-wheeler maker to do so. The company has partnered with local distributor Servisuministros Jpg, which will be retailing the companys two-wheeler and three-wheeler range including the TRAK 150, Sport 100, HLX, Stryker, Raider 125, XL 100 moped, NTorq 125 scooter and the complete Apache series, barring the newly-launched Apache RTR 310 .

TVS will also retail the King GS and King Cargo three-wheelers in Venezuela. While TVS already has an established presence in South America, its entry into Venezuela will open new opportunities for the brand. The Indian two-wheeler has a global presence in over 80 countries across Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian Sub-Contnent, Latin America and the Middle East.

Also Read : TVS Jupiter 125 with SmartXonnect Bluetooth launched at 96,855

The TVS Ntorq 125 is the brand's first scooter to go on sale in the Venezuelan market

Speaking on the landmark, Rahul Nayak, Vice President - International Business, TVS, said, TVS Motor Company has set a benchmark in catering to diverse needs of customers globally. We are excited to introduce TVS Motor's diverse lineup of motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers in Venezuela, making us the first Indian manufacturer to enter the market. Our presence in this dynamic market marks a significant achievement for our global expansion strategy and is a historic step towards our global ambitions.

Also check these Bikes Find more Bikes TVS Raider  86,803 - 1.50 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Explore your Vehicle Check vehicle details Check Insurance & PUCC due date Honda Shine  78,687 - 83,800* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Hero Passion Plus 76,301* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Hero Glamour  70,716 - 77,700* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Honda Livo  78,500 - 82,500* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers Honda XBlade  78,803 - 1.21 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price Add to compare Check latest offers

Martin Corsunsky, Continental Head Americas - TVS Motor Company, said, We are delighted to enter Venezuela with a host of products across our premium and commuter range of two-wheelers, as well as three-wheelers. In line with our values of keeping customers at the core of our offerings, our foray into the market will pave the way for us to explore newer opportunities in the world of mobility."

Also Read : TVS X high-performance electric scooter launched: 5 things to know

Also Watch: TVS X launches in Dubai: First look

"We believe that the fusion of Indian engineering excellence with the rich cultural landscape of Venezuela will result in a thrilling experience for all motorcycle enthusiasts," said, Nino Conersa Giancarlo Olivieri, CEO - Servisuministros Jpg.

The Hosur-based manufacturer is the countrys second-largest exporter of two-wheelers after Bajaj Auto and commands a healthy 43 per cent export share. The company entered the Singapore market in 2022.

First Published Date:
A charcuterie board chain specializing in custom meat, cheese and produce displays has opened its first regional store in South Whitehall Township.

Graze Craze opened Sept. 12 at the Tilghman Square Shopping Center, 4612 Broadway. It moved into a 1,200-square-foot space that previously occupied the Kumon Math and Reading Center of Allentown. Its being operated by franchise co-owners and married duo Jeanne and Rusty Kuchta of Lower Macungie Township.
Dozens of U.S. states, including California and New York, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for allegedly harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.

A lawsuit filed by 33 states in federal court in California, claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents consent, in violation of federal law. In addition, nine attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 and Washington, D.C.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms, the complaint says. It has concealed the ways in which these platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.

The suits seek financial damages and restitution and an end to Metas practices that are in violation of the law.

Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame, said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. Meta has profited from childrens pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem.

In a statement, Meta said it shares the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.

Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path, the company added.

The broad-ranging federal suit is the result of an investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It follows damning newspaper reports, first by The Wall Street Journal in the fall of 2021, based on the Metas own research that found that the company knew about the harms Instagram can cause teenagers  especially teen girls  when it comes to mental health and body image issues. One internal study cited 13.5% of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry joined the suit, stating: The time has come for social media giants to stop trading in our childrens mental health for big profits. According to the lawsuit, Meta not only targets young minds with addictive, harmful, trap-door content  it also lies to the public and parents about how their platforms are safe. Creators have built multi-billion dollar empires by promoting a click-bait culture that is psychologically hurting kids.

Following the first reports, a consortium of news organizations, including The Associated Press, published their own findings based on leaked documents from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has testified before Congress and a British parliamentary committee about what she found.

Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits, said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. With todays lawsuit, we are drawing the line.

The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Almost all teens ages 13 to 17 in the U.S. report using a social media platform, with about a third saying they use social media almost constantly, according to the Pew Research Center.

To comply with federal regulation, social media companies ban kids under 13 from signing up to their platforms  but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents consent, and many younger kids have social media accounts. The states complaint says Meta knowingly violated this law, the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, by collecting data on children without informing and getting permission from their parents.

Other measures social platforms have taken to address concerns about childrens mental health are also easily circumvented. For instance, TikTok recently introduced a default 60-minute time limit for users under 18. But once the limit is reached, minors can simply enter a passcode to keep watching. TikTok, Snapchat and other social platforms that have also been blamed for contributing to the youth mental health crisis are not part of Tuesdays lawsuit.

Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb wouldnt comment on whether theyre also looking at TikTok or Snapchat. For now theyre focusing on the Meta empire of Facebook and Instagram, he said.

Theyre the worst of the worst when it comes to using technology to addict teenagers to social media, all in the furtherance of putting profits over people.

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take immediate action to protect kids now from the harms of social media.

By BARBARA ORTUTAY

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information about the shooting death of a 19-year-old Williamsport man.

Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F in Milton is investigating the death of Kevin Cagle, 19, between Oct. 11 and Oct. 13, 2023.

Crime Stoppers said it is believed that Cagle was shot in Williamsport and his body was thrown from [Interstate-80] at the overpass over Creek and Mexico roads, near Mooresburg, Liberty Township, Montour County.

Cagles body was found, police said, on Oct. 13, by a woman walking her dog. She, Crime Stoppers said, saw what appeared to be the shape of a human inside garbage bags.

Crime Stoppers said Cagle had been shot in the chest and the Montour County coroner listed the manner of death as homicide.

The Lycoming County First Assistant District Attorney last week said Cagles pants and shoes had been removed, his hands and ankles were bound with duct tape and an attempt was made to cut off one of his feet.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Milton at 570-524-2662 or state police at Montoursville at 570-368-5700 or anonymously contact Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 800-472-8477. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for the reward.

READ MORE: Search for suspect in fatal shooting of Md. judge continues for 4th day
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A lovely example of cooperation between Laois children and Irish prisoners has resulted in a kind donation of cash to a suicide prevention charity.

Scoil Mhuire National School in Abbeyleix has a lovely new bench with a special meaning.

The young students in Scoil Mhuire recently held a non uniform day to raise money to install Buddy Benches in their school.

Buddy Benches are places to sit for people who want to be joined by others for a friendly chat.

In Scoil Mhuire, the children and staff wanted to add three of them to the grounds in thanks to three special people.

Principal Margaret Slevin explained more to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We wanted to honour people who did a lot for our school, namely Stephen Dunican, our caretaker, Fr John Cummins, our school chaplin and Ann Oxley, our friend, colleague and beloved teacher," she said.

They were delighted when senior management of Wheatfield Prison got wind of the project, and offered to help.

"Assistant Governor Stephen Nolan, Wheatfield Prison, contacted us and offered to organise manufacture and delivery of three such Buddy Benches, free of charge, to our school, courtesy of the gentlemen working in the woodwork shop in Wheatfield," she said.

The prison staff visited the school recently to formally donate the benches, which each have a brass plaque devoted to each person they wanted to honour.

It meant that the money which the school had raised could be passed on to another worthy cause, Pieta House which offers free professional counselling to anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or self harm.

"In turn Scoil Mhuire donated 300 to Pieta House on behalf of Wheatfield Prison as this is the charity they are supporting this year.

"The Benches are of the highest quality craftsmanship and are already a source of comfort and happiness to some of our pupils," the school principal said.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On October 22, the Peugeot 408X, manufactured by Dongfeng Motor's joint venture with Stellantis, known as Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Company (DPCA), officially made its debut in Vietnam.

Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

The price range for the vehicle in Vietnam is equivalent to 296,000-377,000 Chinese yuan. Furthermore, the Peugeot 408X is scheduled to hit the Malaysian market in early 2024, with the first batch already delivered.

The Peugeot 408X has also been introduced to the domestic market in China, available for sale directly through official channels, with prices starting at 145,700 yuan.

This export to Vietnam and the upcoming market launch in Malaysia represent DPCA's efforts to diversify and expand its presence in overseas markets. As one of China's earliest joint venture pioneers, DPCA is actively developing a new model of dual circulation, focusing on both domestic and international markets to drive its transformation and growth. Leveraging the resources of both its Chinese and French shareholders, DPCA is pursuing a "Dongfeng-made, globally sold" strategy, seeking a path for sustainable development.

Notably, in recent years, DPAC has witnessed rapid growth in its export business, with an annual total export volume of 37,000 vehicles in 2022, representing a 180% soar compared to the previous year, reaching a historical high. The introduction of the Peugeot 408X and other models in new markets is part of DPAC's commitment to continuing its successful export strategy.

In the future, DPCA will leverage the resources of both its Sino and French shareholders to make advancements in the ASEAN and European markets.
Details of the winter-ready living conditions planned for almost 1,000 Ukrainian people passing through the Stradbally emergency accommodation camp in Laois have been revealed by the Government.

The new contract starting on November 6 between Electric Picnic landowner Thomas Cosby, and the Department of of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is for seven months.

However the encampment's residents will only stay for a number of weeks at a time, so children will not be attending the local schools such as St Colman's NS.

The Electric Picnic tents being used will be replaced after November 6 by heated cabins of various sizes for individuals or families, with shower and toilets, all inside big floored heated marquees.

There will be indoor hot food dining, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, first aid help, hot water and tracked walkways around the site, with manned security.

A lit, secure path provides gated pedestrian access to Stradbally village, from which bus routes can be used to access other destinations.

WATCH: Busy Laois road floods in Portlaoise One of the busiest roads in Portlaoise has flooded near the town's fire station after heavy rain on Monday.

It will be staffed by a company called Pastures New Ltd which has experience in commercial hospitality and human welfare support to people living in direct provision.

Local organisations are informed so they can help the residentsto get involved with the local community.

The department said that the initial six week program proved very successful and such centres are needed to prevent homelessness for the unprecedented numbers of people arriving seeking protection.
Maynooth University welcomed former president of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko to its campus yesterday, for what was his only speaking engagement in Ireland.

The former Ukrainian president (from 2005 to 2010) attended an in-conversation event with Professor John O'Brennan as part of an event hosted by the Social Sciences Institute, Department of Sociology and the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies.

With Professor O'Brennan leading the conversation, the president reflected on Ukraine's past, present, and future; he also offered his informed opinions on current affairs in Ukraine, including the ongoing invasion by Russia, providing valuable context to the complex geopolitical landscape.

The event was attended by Ukraine's Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko.

Commenting on the event, Prof John OBrennan said: "We are delighted to host President Yushchenko at Maynooth University.

"He is someone who showed exemplary courage in leading the 'Orange Revolution' two decades ago and then put Ukraine on a sustained path towards pluralism and democracy.

"His time in office was made more difficult by Russia's determination to control Ukraine as a proxy state."

Prof Brennan continued: "Over the last 600 days, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience in resisting Russian aggression.

"In part, that resilience is down to the changes made during President Yushchenko's period in office.

"We were delighted to host the president and his wife, Katherine, and very happy to see the large number of Ukrainian students, staff and citizens who participated in the event."

The former president also took questions from the audience of almost 200 students and staff, which included a large number of Ukrainian students and citizens, during the event, hosted in the Technology, Society and Innovation Building (TSI).

His commentary was translated by his wife, Katherine Mykhaylivna Yushchenko.

When the ongoing invasion of his home country was brought up, Mr Yuschenko said: "The world understands that it is not just Ukraine that needs victory, but that the western world should not lose.

"If it does, such great evil will win that it generates dozens of other conflicts around the world."

(L-R) Professor John OBrennan, Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University and Viktor Yushchenko, former Ukrainian president. Photo credit: Maxwells.

He added: "Security policy does not have borders; if there is a fire in one part of the world, this is not such a time to ask for whom the bell tolls, next time it could be for you."

Mr Yuschenko also posed the following question: "How did Vietnam win against the largest army in the world? How did Afghanistan win against the huge Soviet army?

"The root of our strength or Vietnams or Afghanistans or Poland or Lithuanias is national spirit... national spirit is what wins the war, not AK-47s."

The former president, his wife Katherine, and Ms Gwrasko also met with President of Maynooth University, Prof Eeva Leinonen.

Mr Yushchenko also presented the University with a Ukrainian flag folded into a large glass jar, and recommended that the jar be opened and unfurled 'when Ukraine is victorious.'
Kildare students Aisling Reilly and David Smyth were awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth 24,000 at a ceremony in the Trinity Business School in Dublin.

The award was presented by founding patrons of the Naughton Foundation, Dr Martin Naughton, and his wife Carmel, who were joined by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to the lucky students on On Saturday, October 14 last.

Commenting on the growth and development of the programme over the past fourteen years, Dr Martin Naughton said: "We are delighted to have been able to help and contribute in some small way to support undergraduate studies in the STEM fields in Ireland since 2008.

"We are very conscious of the pressures on students to finance their full times studies and with the increased costs they face and are therefore increasing our annual Scholarship awards to 6,000 per annum for all of our new and existing Naughton Scholars 24,000 for their four-year degree."

He added: "When we meet these young engineers, researchers, and mathematicians I am very happy knowing that we have invested in Irelands wealth creators and leaders of the future."

Aisling Reilly, a former student of Kildare Town Community School, has accepted a place studying Engineering at University College Dublin and David Smith, a former student of Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Naas CBS, has accepted a place studying Financial Mathematics at University of Limerick.

Since its establishment in 2008, scholarships worth over 6 million have been awarded to over 350 students.

The scheme started in three counties and has continued to expand annually to become a nationwide scheme in 2016.

There is one guaranteed scholarship (24,000) for each participating county, with some counties awarded more than one scholarship and each scholarship is worth 6,000 per annum for each year of a students three- or four-year undergraduate degree.



Aisling and David join 37 exceptional Irish students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science, technology, and maths.

The prize winners former secondary schools, Kildare Town Community School and Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Naas CBS were each awarded a prize of 1,000 towards their schools science facilities, for their support of their winning student.

More than 250 schools have also benefited from this prize to date with some schools receiving it on more than one occasion.

The 2024 application form will be available for completion on the Foundations website from February 2024.



Full details on The Naughton Foundation Scholarships are available on www.thenaughtonfoundation.ie.

Martin and Carmel Naughton, Principal Ben Travers, County Kildare scholar David Smyth from Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Naas CBS and Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the 2023 Naughton Foundation Scholarship awards held at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin. Photo by Kieran Harnett.
It looks like wet, windy and generally miserable conditions are here to stay for Ireland this week even when current weather warnings lapse on Tuesday.

A Status Orange rain warnings for Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford remains in place until 1am on Tuesday and warns of flooding from a deluge of rain in those counties.

A Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow and Roscommon will also lapse at 1am on Tuesday.

Despite that, the weather looks to stay unsettled right through to next weekend, according to Met Eireann.

They say that Tuesday will bring a "mix of cloud and scattered showers but some dry spells at times too," adding that, "the showers will become more isolated during the afternoon with some sunny spells developing. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees and generally light winds."

Forecasters predict that Tuesday night will be mostly fine and dry with clear spells.

"Cloud will thicken from the south early in the night with rain developing across southern counties. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees and light winds," they said.

"Cloudy early on with outbreaks of rain across Munster [on Wednesday]. The rain will gradually spread northeast across the country later in the morning and afternoon. Some heavy and thundery falls are possible with spot flooding also. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees and blustery winds.

"Overcast with widespread rain, heavy at times too [on Wednesday night]. The rain will gradually move away to the north followed by scattered showers overnight. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees and blustery westerly winds."

Met Eireann says Thursday will be "rather cloudy with scattered showers, some heavy in the west. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees and a fresh to moderate southwesterly breeze.

"Staying wet and unsettled through the night with scattered showers and overcast conditions for most areas. Blustery winds will fall light with lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees with some mist and fog patches developing overnight."

Beyond that, they say "current indications are that the unsettled weather will continue through Friday with showers forecast for most counties, some possibly heavy at times too. Temperatures are likely to reach the low teens."
Do you feel ripped off? Have you been scammed? No idea where to turn for help? Struggling with a refund? Having a problem with a service provider? Battling with a business?

Whatever your issue - whether its health, housing, tech, travel, motoring - or anything else consumer related  this brand new RTE consumer show wants to help!

Financial planner and TV presenter, Eoin McGee, alongside consumer affairs correspondent with The Irish Times Conor Pope, social affairs correspondent with the Irish Independent Amy Molloy, and consumer journalist Siobhan Maguire, are inviting people with a consumer related issue to take part in this brand-new series.

Together, this panel of consumer affairs specialists will use their expertise to tackle real-life customer problems.

The team is encouraging people around the country who need help with any type of consumer issue to apply to take part.

Speaking about the launch of the new show, financial planner and TV presenter Eoin McGee said: "We want to tackle all kinds of consumer problems - big or small. It could be anything from travel, tech, housing, motoring, health to retail. If you are experiencing an issue with a business, company or service provider our team of experts are ready for any challenge and we want to help.... so please get in touch."

Consumer affairs correspondent, Price Watch editor, Irish Times, Conor Pope added: "We want to help with anything that is causing people concern. I think it's a reflection of what so many consumers need, because I've been doing this in the Irish Times, effectively for donkey's years, and what really dispirits me, is that no matter how often we highlight failings in companies, those failings persist."

If you are facing a consumer problem and are looking for some expert help, please email consumer@indiepics.ie with your story and contact details.
Copper Lake Announces Results of AGM, Extension of Warrant Expiry Date and Grant of Stock Options





TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: CPL, Frankfurt: WOI, OTC: WTCZF) ("Copper Lake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM"), the extension of certain warrants, and the granting of options.



Results of AGM

A total of 54,927,104 shares representing 23.21% of the total issued and outstanding shares at the record date of the AGM were voted.

Shareholders passed all resolutions set out in the management information circular of the Company dated September 19, 2022, including the re-election of the incumbent directors, setting the number of directors at five, and the approval of Copper Lake's stock option plan as required annually by the TSX Venture Exchange. The percent of votes in favor of the various motions ranged from 99.98% to 87.72%.

Extension of Warrants

The Company intends to extend the exercise period for a total of 20,951,500 share purchase warrants, all of which are exercisable at $0.10 per common share (collectively, the "Warrants"). The warrants were issued pursuant to a private placement that closed in two tranches on April 15, 2021 and May 17, 2021 (see May 26, 2021 news release). The Company initially extended the expiry date to November 15, 2023 (see March 27, 2023 news release). The Company proposes to extend the expiry dates for both tranches of these Warrants such that the new expiry date for the Warrants will be July 15, 2024.

All other terms and conditions of the Warrants remain unchanged. The Warrant extension is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Granting of Options

The Company also announces that, effective October 23, 2023, it has granted an aggregate of 5,350,000 options to certain officers, directors and consultants of the Company in accordance with the Company's current Stock Option Plan. Each option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant, being today. The options will vest immediately. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the options are subject to a four-month hold period from the original date of the grant.

ABOUT COPPER LAKE RESOURCES



Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian mineral exploration and development company with interests in two projects both located in Ontario. www.copperlakeresources.com

The Marshall Lake high-grade VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold project, comprises an area of approximately 220 square km located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario and is accessible by all-season road from the Trans-Canada Highway and just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake has a 79.45% interest in the joint ventured property, which consists of 233 claims and 52 mining leases. The project also includes 148 claim cells staked in 2018 and 2020 that are 100% owned and not subject to any royalties, which add approximately 30 square km to the original property.

In addition to the original Marshall Lake property above, Marshall Lake also includes the Sollas Lake and Summit Lake properties, which are 100% owned by the Company and are not subject to any royalties. The Sollas Lake property consists of 20 claim cells comprising an area of 4 square km on the east side of the Marshall Lake property where historical EM airborne geophysical surveys have outlined strong conductors on the property hosted within the same favorable felsic volcanic units. The Summit Lake property currently consists of 100 claim cells comprising an area of 20.5 square km, is accessible year-round, and is located immediately west of the original Marshall Lake property. The Marshall Lake project is located in the traditional territories of the Aroland and Animbiigoo Zaagi igan Anishinaabek ("AZA") First Nations.

Copper Lake has a 69.79% joint venture interest in the Norton Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, and palladium PGM property, located in the southern Ring of Fire area, is approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake Property. The Norton Lake property is located in the traditional territories of the Eabametoong ("Fort Hope") and Neskantaga First Nations.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Copper Lake Resources Ltd.

Terry MacDonald, CEO

(416) 561-3626

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the Private Placement and proposed uses of the proceeds of the Private Placement, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include but are not limited to: TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Private Placement; Market acceptance and approvals; and the anticipated closing date for the Private Placement. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital Market conditions and Market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting the Company; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward- looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") website at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

23 october 2023 at 18:05

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Runecast Earns Frost & Sullivan's 2023 European New Product Innovation Award for Delivering an Al-driven Unique CNAPP





Runecast helps global organizations meet ever-evolving European compliance requirements while improving their IT security and operations with world-class monitoring and reporting tools.

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 23, 2023 /CNW/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP) industry and, based on its findings, recognizes Runecast with the 2023 European New Product Innovation Award. Runecast is a trusted cloud security solutions provider that helps organizations worldwide identify and respond to security risks and vulnerabilities, achieve continuous compliance, and optimize runtime protection.

The Runecast platform's capabilities, such as secure Agentless Vulnerability Scanning and automated compliance checks against GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, DISA STIGG, HIPAA and other common standards, enable businesses to manage security risks in the public and private cloud by automating the discovery and categorization of vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, unauthorized access, hardware incompatibility, and non-compliance issues. Moreover, the company's solutions seamlessly comply with recent updates in automated compliance audits for TISAX (German automotive industry regulations) and DORA (European Digital Operational Resilience Act), making it one of the few vendors compatible with the latest regulatory standards.

As a result, customers consider Runecast's CNAPP solution one of the most reliable on the regional market because it addresses the factors critical to maintaining effective compliance in Europe's heavily regulated markets and challenging IT environments.

"Runecast's on-premises CNAPP runs in an entirely air-gapped environment with offline updates, which is a highly attractive proposition and an answer for companies operating in highly regulated industries, such as government; defense; banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI); healthcare; and service providers. This is in contrast to its competitors, who mainly offer CNAPP solutions with a SaaS-based deployment (particularly those without physical computing facilities in Europe), which makes it difficult for customers to comply with regulations like GDPR," said Anh Tien Vu, industry principal for the global cybersecurity practice at Frost & Sullivan.

Runecast's unique ability to drive cost savings for its customers is also a strong differentiator. The company stands out because its solutions are cost-effective in the highly competitive and heavily regulated European market where significant investments are commonplace. Moreover, Runecast reduces expenses by eliminating the need for overlapping solutions because its platform delivers multiple features that consistently fulfill the ever-evolving market requirements.

Additionally, through its high-quality customer care services and implementation of customer feedback, Runecast keeps innovating and enhancing user interaction. For example, potential customers can run a trial to experience the Runecast platform and make an informed decision before investing in its proactive capabilities.

"Runecast simplifies the customer purchase process, rendering it easy and accessible to customers of all sizes with its rapid onboarding process that includes running a trial, deploying, and running a first scan. This allows IT professionals to transition from the initial registration to obtaining their first scan results within approximately 15 minutes. Thanks to the Runecast platform's simplicity, the need for time-consuming and complex training disappears, making it a practical and efficient solution," noted Vu.

For its strong overall performance, Runecast is recognized with Frost & Sullivan's 2023 European New Product Innovation Award in the CNAPP industry. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased return on investment (ROI) it gives customers, which, in turn, raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

CEO and Co-Founder Stan Markov states "We are honored to receive the 2023 European New Product Innovation Award from Frost & Sullivan. This is a great validation of our relentless efforts to deliver a cutting-edge, single-product CNAPP solution that is secure and easy to use. Our team is dedicated to continuing to empower organizations in navigating the complex landscape of security, compliance, and risk mitigation."

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

To read the full text of Frost & Sullivan's 2023 European New Product Innovation Award in the CNAPP industry, visit: https://www.runecast.com/resource-center/frost-sullivans-2023-cnapp-innovation-award.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion .

Contact:

Ashley Weinkauf

P: 210-844-2505

E: [email protected]

About Runecast

Runecast Solutions Ltd. is a global leader in AI-powered risk mitigation, security, continuous compliance and more efficient IT operations management. Our cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP), Runecast, spans on-premises VMware to operating systems, cloud and containers. Trusted by forward-thinking enterprises like Avast, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Merck/MSD, we provide proactive vulnerability and configuration drift management, security and compliance assessment, operational efficiency and mission-critical stability. Headquartered in London, U.K., Runecast is recommended by CISA and has earned Computing magazine awards for Enterprise Threat Detection, Cloud Security Product of the Year, and Best Place to Work in Digital. Learn more at https://www.runecast.com.

Contact:

Jason Mashak

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

23 october 2023 at 18:00

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Wingderm Has Unveiled the Latest Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment at AMWC





BEIJING, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 20-22, 2023, the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) was held in Chengdu, China. A wide range of aesthetic plastic surgery products and technologies made their appearance at this event, Wingderm's Latest Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment have captured the attention of experts, practitioners, and beauty seekers.

Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment

Professor Wang Hang, the Executive Director of AMWC and Chief of The Department of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dematology, West China stomatological Hospital, Sichuan university, delivered a speech as a guest speaker at the Facial Rejuvenation Forum, with the topic of "Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment". The EPM technology utilized in Mesoskin from Wingderm served as the research subject in this clinical trial.

Multiple clinical trial results show that compared to transdermal introduction methods such as nanocrystals, derma rollers, and water injections, EPM technology results in less skin damage, higher permeability and more even subcutaneous hyaluronic acid distribution in the delivery of 150KDa hyaluronic acid, it performs well in both skin experience and treatment efficacy. This research achievement once again reaffirmed the comprehensive advantages of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment in transdermal delivery.

After the speech, Wingderm Vice President Ms. Xu Ren presented a certificate to Professor Wang Hang to express gratitude for her significant contributions to Research of Mesoskin. Ms. Xu Ren said, Wingderm will engage in more research and verification of innovative technologies and products that cater to market demands.

About EPM Technology

EPM, first introduced by Wingderm in 2018, creatively combines electroporation and hollow microchip. It aims to improve the absorption rate of nutrients, reduce pain sensation, and enhance the treatment experience. The commercialization of EPM technology resulted in the groundbreaking product Mesoskin, which caused a sensation in the industry shortly after it was launched. This almost painless, non-invasive, and effective treatment method has been recognized and recommended by experts and scholars worldwide and has been widely used global beauty salons and clinics. EPM transdermal introduction represents a breakthrough advancement in the industry and possesses significant market potential.

About Wingderm

Wingderm since its establishment in 2016, with the aim of "Aesthetics & Technology, Easy to Achieve", provide leading and reliable intelligent optoelectronic medical equipments, which are exported to 80+ countries including Europe, America, and the Middle East. 10,000+ devices have been deployed and treated 100,000+ beauty seekers worldwide. For further information:https://www.wingderm.com/

SOURCE Wingderm Electro-optics Ltd.

23 october 2023 at 21:23

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ARTHEx Biotech Announces Sponsorship and Participation in the Spanish Meeting on Oligonucleotide Therapeutics (SMOT III)





VALENCIA, Spain, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ARTHEx Biotech S.L., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines through the modulation of microRNAs, announced today that it will participate in the Spanish Meeting on Oligonucleotide Therapeutics (SMOT III), taking place October 26-27, 2023, at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Valencia. SMOT III is supported by the Conselleria D'Innovacio, Universitats, Ciencies i Societat Digital of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society (OTS), and its sponsoring companies, including ARTHEx.

SMOT III is a cutting-edge event that brings together experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and companies in the field of therapeutic oligonucleotides to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the latest advances in this exciting field.

ARTHEx and the biomedical research center of Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), are organizing the event. In addition, ARTHEx's CSO and co-founder, Beatriz Llamusi, is one of the welcome/closing speakers to the event and will be Chairwoman of certain meeting sessions.

Details of the ARTHEx presentations during SMOT III are below:

Date/Time: Thursday, October 26, 2023, 9:30h ? 11:00h CET

Presenter: Beatriz Llamusi, CSO and co-founder of ARTHEx Biotech

Session Title: Successful stories: Oligonucleotide therapeutics entrepreneurship projects

Title: "How to turn a therapeutic project into a clinical stage company"

Date/Time: Friday, October 27, 2023, 14:00h ? 16:00h CET

Presenter: Nuria Barquero, Head of Toxicology of ARTHEx Biotech

Session Title: Preclinical tools and development

Title: "Preclinical development of antimiR ATX-01"

More information about SMOT III, including registration details and the program, is located here: link.

About ARTHEx Biotech

ARTHEx Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines through the modulation of microRNAs. The Company's lead investigational compound, ATX-01, is advancing into clinical development for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a rare progressive neuromuscular disease. ARTHEx is also advancing its in-house discovery engine to identify and develop microRNA modulators for other disorders with high unmet medical needs, including genetically-driven diseases like DM1. The Company headquarters is in Valencia, Spain.

For more information, please visit www.arthexbiotech.com and engage with us on LinkedIn.

Company Contact

Frederic Legros

Executive Chairman and CEO

[email protected]

+33679495790

Investor and Media Contact

Amy Conrad

Juniper Point

[email protected]

+1 858-366-3243

SOURCE ARTHEx Biotech

24 october 2023 at 01:00

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Changping District Attends the 28th Macao International Trade & Investment Fair





BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Between October 19 and 22, 2023, a delegation organized by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council (CCPIT Beijing) attended the 28th Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF). Changping District as a member of the delegation attended the event.

Themed "Charming Beijing, Inclusive Changping", the "Beijing Pavilion" is principally colored with city wall red and embellished with representative architectural typical patterns of the Temple of Heaven, rendering a strong "Beijing Flavor", according to Changping District Integrated Media Center. As one of the most popular must-visit places of the MIF, the Changping exhibition area is tinged with the color of ginkgo yellow and added with the element of the Juyongguan Great Wall, sketching a pleasant picture of Beijing in the golden autumn.

At the MIT, Beijing emphatically recommended the opening-up and development results and industrial characteristics of Changping District, which boasts the Future Science City that is at the hub of Beijing's strategy of "three cities and one zone" as well as a host of key industrial areas such as the Zhongguancun Life Science Park, the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Changping Park and the Changping Cluster of the Scientific & Technological Area of China (Beijing) Free Trade Zone, etc.

In the field of health and medicine, Changping District, with the life science park at the core, boasts a large number of top-level research and development institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, and the National Center for Protein Science (Beijing), etc. In the field of digital economy, Changping District has taken the lead in operating in new information technology and its related areas and its cluster development trend of high-end industrial digitalization has initially taken shape. As the industries keep concentrating, Changping District becomes increasingly attractive to foreign capital.

"A foreign investor mainly considers such factors as economic level, industrial ecology and international supporting conditions at the time of site selection for investment, and Changping District is one of the most popular investment destinations with the greatest growth momentum thanks to its robust and resilient economic growth, strong industrial strength and diversified and inclusive international communities," said Liu Qiang, deputy head of the government of Changping District, in an interview, "in the aspect of economy, between 2018 and 2022 Changping saw increasingly rapid growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. In the aspect of industry, the Future Science City, as one of the major platforms of Beijing's "three cities and one zone" strategy for building the city into an international center for science & technology innovation, has created a 170-square-kilometer innovation area covering the Life Valley, the Energy Valley and the Shahe Higher Education Park, housing top-level research & development institutions including China's first national laboratory of life sciences as well as industry leaders such as Beigene and Xiaomi, etc., resulting in the emergence of a number of world-class original achievements, and serving as an important engine of the industry of Beijing and even the whole country. In terms of environment, Changping District keeps enhancing its living facilities related to healthcare, education, consumption, ecology and culture and has created a positive open environment for business development."

At the MIF, 10 firms from Changping District exhibited their respective featured products, displayed and recommended over 40 items related to IoT, virtual reality technology, cytogenetic technology, new medical equipment, intangible cultural skills, and traditional Chinese medicine, etc., and communicated with domestic and overseas firms on business cooperation in a lively atmosphere.

Since Maocao's return to the motherland, the cooperation between Beijing and Macao has come a long way. The regular communications and cooperation between Beijing and Macao started from their attendance at the MIF. Beijing has participated in the MIF every year since 2010. At the MIF, Changping District, as a highlight of the Beijing Pavilion, will further advance the cooperation mechanism, establish an all-around mutually beneficial cooperative relationship between Changping District and Macao, contribute to high-level opening-up of Beijing, and promote high-quality development in the new era.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442801

Caption: The "Charming Beijing, Inclusive Changping" exhibition area of the MIF

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442806

Caption: Visitors take part in cultural experience activities at the exhibition area

SOURCE Changping District Integrated Media Center

24 october 2023 at 01:58

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RtBrick Partners with Radisys to Deliver Turnkey Disaggregated IP Networks





RtBrick today announced that it is partnering with Radisys Corporation to offer telcos solutions to build IP networks based on open, disaggregated, ?cloud-native' architecture.

The partnership will enable operators to adopt RtBrick's disaggregated IP routing software as part of an end-to-end integrated networking solution from Radisys that includes core and access technologies, support and OSS/BSS integration. The Radisys Connect Modular Broadband software solution is based on open, disaggregated and cloud-native components.

Network disaggregation allows operators to benefit from a new generation of open ?bare-metal' hardware, breaking the cycle of vendor lock-in imposed by many traditional manufacturers and lowering costs. Software from RtBrick transforms these white-box switches into carrier-grade MPLS routers. This initial use-case contains RtBrick's Broadband Network Gateway (BNG), the specialist router used to offer broadband internet services and network aggregation.

"Changing to a disaggregated network requires an investment in new skillsets and draws on limited IT resources," said Pravin S Bhandarkar, CEO and founder at RtBrick. "Radisys can deliver a turnkey integrated solution that will give operators a simpler way of realising the benefits of network disaggregation."

The solution can be scaled by adding more open hardware as needed, in incremental steps, whether the aim is to add more subscribers or more throughput.

"Partnering with RtBrick will allow Radisys to offer an integrated and complete disaggregated broadband solution to our customers. A disaggregated network from a diverse and open ecosystem gives operators the flexibility to mix and match hardware and software as needed," said Prakash Siva, Head of Technology and Architecture, Radisys. "In addition to reducing CapEx costs, this new cloud-native operating model also enables Zero-Touch-Provisioning and automation using open REST-based APIs, to optimize OpEx costs."

RtBrick's BNG software has already been deployed in Deutsche Telekom's production broadband network with Radisys as the lead systems integrator. The new combined solution is available today from Radisys.

To learn more about RtBrick's pioneering approach to routing and Radisys' networking solutions, visit rtbrick.com and radisys.com.

About RtBrick

RtBrick Inc. has pioneered carrier routing software that runs on off-the-shelf hardware. It has applied the same approach to networks that the huge ?cloud-natives' have used to build and operate their web-scale IT services. RtBrick is a privately held company, incorporated in the USA, with staff located in Europe and India.

About Radisys

Radisys is a global leader in open telecom solutions and services. Its disaggregated platforms and integration services leverage open reference architectures and standards combined with open software and hardware, enabling service providers to drive open digital transformation. Radisys offers an end-to-end solutions portfolio from digital end points, to disaggregated and open access and core solutions, to immersive digital applications and engagement platforms. Its world-class and experienced network services organization delivers full lifecycle services to help service providers build and operate highly scalable and high-performance networks at optimum total cost of ownership. For more information, visit www.Radisys.com.

The information was submitted for publication at 10:00 CET on 24th October, 2023

24 october 2023 at 05:25

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CSIS Security Group A/S and CyberCrowd Limited have signed a Strategic Partnership focused on combating cybercrime in the UK





LONDON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CSIS Security Group A/S ("CSIS") and CyberCrowd Limited ("CyberCrowd") have signed a Strategic Partnership, enabling the two companies to join forces and accelerate the execution of their respective strategies in the UK, which have a common goal of enabling a safe digital world by combating cybercrime.

Founded in 2003, CSIS has built a solid reputation for innovation, deep technical capabilities, and an ability to address the most complex cyber challenges. The company supports some of the most recognized brands in multiple industries throughout the Nordics, the UK, and the US. Central to the company's unique positioning are its proprietary technology, scalable services, actionable threat intelligence and world-class team of security professionals.

Founded in 2016, CyberCrowd specializes in providing expert cybersecurity services to clients across all sectors in the UK and beyond. CyberCrowd brings a wealth of industry-leading expertise that enables customers to assess their current security posture, reduce risk and protect their business assets. The company's team of certified security experts and consultants offer a breadth of capabilities that includes a 24x7 MDR service, Pentesting and GRC Consulting.

The UK continues to face ever-increasing levels of cybercrime, including highly sophisticated ransomware and Business Email Compromise attacks perpetrated by advanced threat actors, affecting companies of all sizes and across all sectors. According to a study conducted by Surfshark, the UK is the country with the highest density (40%) of cybercrime, ahead of the US, when measured against number of victims per one million users.

Furthermore, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) statistics suggest that 31% of UK businesses are attacked at least once a week. While 82% of Boards or Senior Management of UK businesses see cybersecurity as a priority, the sobering reality is that only 23% have a formal cybersecurity strategy in place, with less than 20% have a formal incident response plan, and only 6% having been Cyber Essentials certified.

Against this backdrop, the partnership between CSIS and CyberCrowd will harness the combined capability of two world-class teams, with a specific point of differentiation and value-add being how CyberCrowd's consulting and managed services offerings will leverage CSIS technologies, tools and platforms for everything from prevention and detection, through to response, to achieve high-levels of scalability without compromising on an absolute quality and impact focus.

Daniel Shepherd, CEO of CSIS: "When we first met CyberCrowd, it was immediately apparent that we share a common vision, strategy and passion. Our partnership will deliver a step-change in value to customers in the UK as we contribute our talent, technology platforms and automation, threat intelligence and 20+ years of experience, combined with CyberCrowd's impressive local market presence".

Mike Robinson, CEO of CyberCrowd, stated, "We are thrilled to announce our strategic collaboration with CSIS. Our unwavering commitment has always been to safeguard our clients from the ever-growing cybercrime menace. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey as it empowers us to expand and strengthen our service offerings, with an enterprise-ready proposition. With both companies boasting certified security experts and sharing strong cultural alignment, the synergy is undeniable. Together, CyberCrowd and CSIS are set to redefine the cybersecurity landscape."

About CSIS Security Group

Founded in 2003, CSIS is a leading provider of advanced cybersecurity capabilities, focused on actionable and intelligence-driven detection and response services. CSIS is the preferred cybersecurity partner to notable organizations across various sectors, including Banking & Financial Services, Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, as well as Government & Public Sector. CSIS is a trusted adviser to law enforcement agencies (including the FBI, NCA, Europol) and is also a sought-after expert contributor to public and closed-community conferences around the world.

https://www.csis.com

About CyberCrowd

Established in 2016, CyberCrowd's mission is to provide highly secure and intelligent managed security services and solutions, all meticulously customised to meet the distinct business requirements and risk profiles of our clients. CyberCrowd provides services across a broad spectrum of industries, including Information Technology, Financial Services, Housing Associations, Education & Research, Private Equity, and the Public Sector, encompassing entities such as the NHS and local councils.

https://www.cybercrowd.co.uk/

24 october 2023 at 05:37

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Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center Announces Relocation to a New, Modern Facility





Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, an established provider of cosmetic dermatology and surgical services, announces its relocation to a new, state-of-the-art facility located at 650 South Main Street in Salt Lake City in early 2024. With this expansion, patients will enjoy the most advanced aesthetic treatments in a bright, airy, and modern setting that has been specifically designed to elevate their experience. The new facility, located in the heart of Salt Lake City's thriving Central Business District, will be at the vanguard of elite aesthetic practices, thoughtfully envisioned to provide an exceptional patient experience from consult through treatment, and equipped with the most effective lasers and energy-based technologies to deliver meaningfully transformative results to patients.

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, an established provider of cosmetic dermatology and surgical services, is pleased to announce its relocation to a new, state-of-the-art facility located at 650 South Main Street in Salt Lake City. With this expansion in 2024, patients will enjoy the most advanced aesthetic treatments in a bright, airy, and modern setting that has been specifically designed to elevate their experience. The new facility, located in the heart of Salt Lake City's thriving Central Business District, will be at the vanguard of elite aesthetic practices, thoughtfully envisioned to provide an exceptional patient experience from consult through treatment, and equipped with the most effective lasers and energy-based technologies to deliver meaningfully transformative results to patients.

"Our team of specialty-trained physicians takes great joy in creating customized treatment plans for patients. With our collective expertise, patients can trust that we will meticulously handle their well-being and safety while delivering beautiful aesthetic outcomes."

Under the leadership of Dr. Mark B. Taylor, the founder of Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, the renowned practice has become the largest dedicated cosmetic laser center in the world, with over 60 lasers and energy-based devices. With Dr. Taylor overseeing its efforts, the center has developed many novel cosmetic procedures, multiple lines of skin care products, and surgical instruments that are recommended and used by physicians both locally and globally. While Dr. Taylor has gained international recognition for his expertise in cosmetic dermatology and laser treatments, his colleagues Dr. Kimberly Huerth and Dr. Megan McClean are also aesthetic experts in their own right. Having both completed prestigious and competitive American Society for Dermatologic Surgery fellowships, their expertise translates into being active in the scientific community with publications and speaking engagements and continuing the center's legacy of innovation and artistry with their own unique contributions. Drs. Taylor, McClean, and Huerth are all board-certified dermatologists, who are pleased to offer concierge general dermatology care, in addition to their cosmetic and surgical services.

Since joining Dr. Taylor in 2019, Dr. Megan McClean has established herself as a leader and innovator in the field of laser and aesthetic dermatology. She is sought out for her expertise in enhancing her patients' appearance through advanced combination therapies, taking into consideration the unique goals and preferences of each individual. Dr. McClean believes in ongoing maintenance and improvement through biostimulation and regenerative medicine and is highly skilled at achieving beautiful and natural results. She has pioneered several signature treatments at Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, including the popular "Light and Bright" laser facial. She continues to be involved in academic inquiry, serving as an investigator in clinical trials for both cosmetic and medical dermatology, and publishing in international journals. As an invited monthly contributor to the "DermSurgery Digest" podcast, Dr. McClean is trusted to keep her colleagues abreast of the latest published advances in the field of cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Kimberly Huerth has a particular interest in finding creative approaches to help patients with complex aesthetic concerns. For inspiration, she frequently travels internationally to learn from other aesthetic thought leaders and finds ways to incorporate a wide variety of advanced treatment approaches into her practice. Dr. Huerth seeks to integrate key principles from regenerative aesthetics, cutaneous biology, laser physics, and where appropriate, medical therapeutics, with her keen aesthetic eye and technical skill when carefully curating treatments for her patients. Dr. Huerth also contributes regularly to the dermatology literature, having authored chapters in three different authoritative aesthetic textbooks during the past few years, and serving as a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, a highly regarded publication that focuses on the latest advances in aesthetic and medical dermatology.

Completing this exceptional team is Dr. Donna Fischer, whose background in obstetrics and gynecology brings a unique perspective to the practice. She draws upon this expertise when performing laser-assisted labiaplasty, as well as a wide array of energy-based vaginal rejuvenation treatments. While she is skilled in many aesthetic procedures, Dr. Fischer is particularly sought after for her expertise in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, semaglutide for medically supported weight loss, and liposuction.

Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center's team of physicians and support staff have all expressed their unbridled enthusiasm for the relocation in 2024, as well as their continued commitment to providing exceptional care to patients. In a jointly issued statement, they declared, "Our team of highly experienced, specialty-trained physicians takes great joy in creating comprehensive, customized treatment plans for the patients we are privileged to serve. With our collective expertise and the advanced capabilities of our new facility, patients can trust that we will meticulously handle their well-being and safety while delivering beautiful aesthetic outcomes."

Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center's new location will be open for appointments and consultations in early 2024. For more information or to schedule an appointment at the current location (440 West 200 South, Suite 250 Salt Lake City, Utah 84101), please visit their website at www.gatewaylasercenter.com or call (801) 595-1600.

About Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center:

The physicians at Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center are known for performing a number of unique and highly sought-after specialty treatments, including laser resurfacing, laser eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), laser-assisted torn or gauged earlobe repair, laser reshaping of rhinophyma (bulbous nose), laser ablation of benign skin lesions (including xanthelasma, sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, skin tags, syringomas, milia, and others), laser treatments for pigmented and vascular birthmarks (including hemangiomas and port wine stains), sclerotherapy and laser treatment for varicose and spider veins (including those on the hands and face), laser and excisional removal of moles, medical and laser-directed therapy for a wide variety of pigmentary disorders, surgical and non-surgical treatments for cellulite, liposuction and fat transfer, and scalp and eyebrow hair transplants as well as non-surgical hair growth treatments. Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center also offers a wide variety of routine aesthetic treatments, such as injectables including neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxxify) and soft tissue fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Teoxane, Belotero, Sculptra, Radiesse), chemical peels, laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, radiofrequency microneedling, and thread-lifts, among others. They also offer a robust selection of esthetician-led treatments.

Media Contact

Isabelle Geddes, Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, 1 801-595-1600, [email protected], https://gatewaylasercenter.com/

Dr. Kimberly Huerth, Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, 1 801-595-1600, [email protected], https://gatewaylasercenter.com/

SOURCE Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center

24 october 2023 at 05:33

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A2A and Enfinity Global signed PPAs for 97 MW of solar energy in Italy





MILAN, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The A2A Group, one of Italy's largest players in the energy transition, and Enfinity Global Inc, a leader in renewable energy, today announced the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for three of Enfinity's solar photovoltaic projects in the Lazio region, totaling 97 MW of renewable electricity capacity.

The agreement, set to commence in July 2025, stipulates that A2A will offtake approximately 160 GWh/year of clean energy of the renewable energy produced by the plants, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 64.000 families in Italy, offsetting the emission of more than 60.000 tons of CO2 emissions.

With this agreement, Enfinity Global with 232 MW, becomes Italy's largest provider of cumulative contracted capacity through long-term energy sale agreements. In addition, Enfinity Italy has 500 MW of fully permitted solar power plants, 1.8 GW of solar power plants in advanced permitted stages, and 2 GW of storage projects.

Through partnerships such as this, A2A, the nation's second largest player in the renewable energy sector, contributes to further boosting the green energy market, putting at the service of its customers targeted solutions that promote the decarbonization process of the country. With this same objective in mind, the Group has planned significant investments in its Strategic Plan, amounting to 11 billion euros by 2030, in order to equip the territory with the infrastructures necessary for the energy transition.

"We are proud to partner A2A, one of the most respected energy companies in Italy and Europe, with a long and proud history of serving its customers," highlighted Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity Global. "We are thankful for the local support as we have the projects and capabilities to bring stable, clean, and affordable energy to Italy."

"Thanks to our partnership with Enfinity, we are able to make an increasing share of green energy from renewable sources available to our customers, and at the same time we continue to enable investments in plants that can support the path toward energy transition and decarbonization of the country" comments Lorenzo Giussani, Head of Generation and Trading at A2A.

"This agreement with A2A represents a significant milestone towards the execution of our strategic plan and confirms our capacity to bring our projects to maturity with strategic partners," commented Julio Fournier Fisas, CEO for Europe at Enfinity Global. "We are committed to provide 24/7 clean and competitive energy to our customers."

A2A

Listed on the Italian stock exchange, with about 13,000 employees, the Group manages the generation, sale and distribution of energy and sale and distribution of gas, district heating, waste cycle, electric mobility and smart services for cities, public lighting, and integrated water service. Sustainability is at the heart of A2A's industrial strategy, and its Industrial Plan foresees investments of ?16 billion to 2030 in projects aligned with the UN Agenda in order to promote the country's sustainable growth and make the energy transition and circular economy concrete realities.

Enfinity Global

Enfinity Global is a US-based leading renewable energy and sustainability services company established in 2018. The company owns a portfolio of 20 GW of renewable energy and storage projects, including operational assets, under construction, and in development. With offices across US, Europe, Japan, and India, the company aims to make a significant contribution to a sustainable net zero carbon economy. Enfinity's leadership team is one of the most experienced global teams in renewables and brings over $37 billion of financing experience in the sector with over 15 GW of developed and acquired solar and wind assets.

24 october 2023 at 06:00

News published onand distributed by:
Community Bank System, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results





Community Bank System, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: CBU) reported third quarter 2023 results that are included in the attached supplement. This earnings release, including supporting financial tables, is also available within the press releases section of the Company's investor relations website at: https://ir.communitybanksystem.com/news-presentations/press-releases/. An archived webcast of the earnings call will be available on this site for one full year.

Third Quarter 2023 Performance Summary

Third Quarter 2023 Net Income of $44.1 million, or $0.82 per fully diluted share, was down $4.6 million, or $0.08 per fully diluted share, from the prior year's third quarter

Operating Net Income, a non-GAAP measure, of $44.2 million, or $0.82 per fully diluted share, was down $4.8 million, or $0.08 per fully diluted share, from the prior year's third quarter

Total Ending Loans of $9.45 billion were up $279.3 million, or 3.0%, from the end of the prior quarter, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of loan growth

Total Ending Deposits of $13.03 billion were up $159.0 million, or 1.2%, from the end of the prior quarter and up $18.5 million, or 0.1%, from December 31, 2022

Total Financial Services (Employee Benefit Services, Insurance Services and Wealth Management Services) Revenues of $50.0 million, a new quarterly record for the Company, were up $3.3 million, or 7.1%, from the prior year's third quarter

Annualized Loan Net Charge-Offs were 0.05% in the quarter and on a year-to-date basis

Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 9.44% was up 0.09 percentage points from the end of the prior quarter

Company management will conduct an investor call at 11:00 a.m. (ET) today, October 24, 2023, to discuss the third quarter 2023 results. The conference call can be accessed at 1-833-630-0464 (1-412-317-1809 if outside the United States and Canada). Investors may also listen live via the Internet at: https://app.webinar.net/VQy6DnZDXEZ.

About Community Bank System, Inc.

Community Bank System, Inc. is a diversified financial services company with total assets of $15.4 billion focused on four main business lines ? banking, benefits administration, insurance services and wealth management. Its banking subsidiary, Community Bank, N.A., is among the country's 100 largest banking institutions and operates more than 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. In addition to a full range of retail, business, and municipal banking services, the Company offers comprehensive financial planning, trust administration and wealth management services through its Community Bank Wealth Management operating unit. The Company's Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. subsidiary is a leading provider of employee benefits administration, trust services, collective investment fund administration, and actuarial consulting services to customers on a national scale. The Company's OneGroup NY, Inc. subsidiary is a top 100 U.S. insurance agency. Community Bank System, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's stock trades under the symbol CBU. For more information about Community Bank visit www.cbna.com or https://ir.communitybanksystem.com.

24 october 2023 at 06:50

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Expert Report Says Ontario Needs a Strategic Approach to Expanding Protected Places





Groups urge new Ontario environment minister to act on recommendations of government-appointed Protected Areas Working Group

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Traditional territories of the Wendat, Anishnabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

Ontario has fallen behind other provinces and territories in expanding its protected areas and needs a comprehensive strategy with funding attached, according to an expert report submitted to the provincial government.

The government established the Protected Areas Working Group in 2021 to "identify opportunities to protect and conserve more natural areas" . The group provided recommendations to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks in a 2021 report that was not made public until two years later through a Freedom of Information request by the Wilderness Committee, in June 2023.

Now, 124 organizations are urging the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Andrea Khanjin, to follow through on the working group's key recommendations. These include:

Committing to protecting 30 percent of the province's lands and waters by 2030,

Working with First Nations, the public, municipalities and conservation organizations to immediately implement a strategy to achieve the target which was endorsed by 196 countries, including Canada , at the COP15 conference in December 2022 .

According to polling commissioned by the expert working group, more than 86 percent of Ontarians support the expansion of parks and protected areas, and the majority would be willing to pay higher taxes to support this work.

The report states that the current overall amount of protected land in Ontario ? including national and provincial parks, conservation reserves and lands held by private land trusts ? amounts to less than 11 percent, putting Ontario eighth among provinces and territories. The working group also found that "protected and conserved area work has been a low, under-resourced priority within the provincial government." They went on to state that Ontario only increased protected lands by 3,007 hectares from 2016 to 2021, compared to 20 million hectares across the rest of the country.

Quotes:

"There is a groundswell of support for designing, building and implementing new protected areas in Ontario. Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations have been taking the lead to identify potential candidate protected areas, including Indigenous-led conservation proposals and grassroots efforts. There is no time like the present to take ambitious steps towards expanding and strengthening protected and conserved areas in Ontario." ? Katie Krelove, Ontario Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee

"Faced as we are with unprecedented and accelerating levels of biodiversity loss and ever spiraling climate change impacts, the need to expand protected and conserved areas in Ontario has never been more urgent. They offer an immediate, tangible approach to conserving the plants, animals and ecosystems that sustain us and to enhancing our resilience to climate change." ? Dr. Anne Bell, Director of Conservation and Education, Ontario Nature

"It is still possible for Ontario to play a leadership role in meeting the target of protecting 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030 ? the target embraced by Canada and other parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal last December. Doing so will require a strong government mandate, cooperation across government ministries, the recognition of Indigenous land governance rights and responsibilities, and collaboration with conservation experts. A clear and transparent strategy with timelines and objectives will be essential, as outlined in the working group report." ? Rachel Plotkin, Boreal Project Manager, David Suzuki Foundation

The Wilderness Committee envisions a Canada where wilderness and wildlife thrive for the benefit of all, we are united to protect life-giving biological diversity through strategic research, community mobilizing and grassroots public education.

The David Suzuki Foundation is a leading Canadian environmental non-profit organization, founded in 1990. We operate in English and French, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We collaborate with all people in Canada, including First Nations leadership and communities, governments, businesses and individuals to find solutions to create a sustainable Canada through scientific research, traditional ecological knowledge, communications and public engagement, and innovative policy and legal solutions. Our mission is to protect nature's diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future.

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups across Ontario.

SOURCE Ontario Nature

24 october 2023 at 07:00

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VIZSLA SILVER DISCOVERS NEW HIGH-GRADE STRUCTURE LOCATED 250 METRES WEST OF THE COPALA RESOURCE





NYSE: VZLA TSX-V: VZLA

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from five new drill holes completed at its 100%-owned flagship Panuco silver-gold project ("Panuco" or the "Project") in Mexico. Recent drilling has intercepted precious metals rich mineralization close to surface at the new El Molino Vein, located between the Napoleon and Copala resource areas, approximately 250 metres west of the Copala structure.

Highlights

NP-23-359 returned 2,066 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) over 1.65 metres true width (mTW) (1,552 g/t silver, 8.37 g/t gold, 0.47 % lead and 1.22 % zinc) Including, 3,480 g/t AgEq over 0.93 mTW (2,630 g/t silver, 14.20 g/t gold, 0.62 % lead and 1.57 % zinc)

(1,552 g/t silver, 8.37 g/t gold, 0.47 % lead and 1.22 % zinc) NP-23-407 returned 1,110 g/t AgEq over 1.70 mTW (1,000 g/t silver, 2.25 g/t gold, 0.33 % lead and 0.52 % zinc) Including, 2,033 g/t AgEq over 0.85 mTW (1,885 g/t silver, 3.61 g/t gold, 0.43 % lead and 0.66 % zinc)

(1,000 g/t silver, 2.25 g/t gold, 0.33 % lead and 0.52 % zinc) NP-23-411 returned 395 g/t AgEq over 4.15 mTW (179 g/t silver, 0.96 g/t gold, 0.19 % lead and 4.38 % zinc)

"We are excited to announce yet another high-grade, near-surface discovery at the Panuco project," commented Michael Konnert, President and CEO. "El Molino was discovered while conducting condemnation drilling between the Copala and Napoleon resource areas where future mining infrastructure could potentially be situated. This discovery marks the second new discovery of this year's drill program that is in close proximity to the Project's other major resource centres. To date, we have traced high-grade mineralization at El Molino for approximately 170 metres along strike and 200 metres down dip, and it remains open in all directions. Moving forward, we intend to complete 2,500 metres of additional drilling at El Molino with the goal of expanding the zone's mineralized footprint."

Figure 1: Plan map of recent drilling along El Molino vein.

Details of the El Molino Vein discovery

The Molino Vein is located in the southwest portion of the Panuco district between the Napoleon and Copala resource areas, approximately 250 metres west of the Copala and Tajitos veins. Discontinuous outcrops of the vein have been mapped on surface along approximately 600 metres with average strike of N55E and average dip of 80 to the southeast. On surface, Molino varies in thickness and contains sparse anomalous silver and gold grades up to 490 g/t and 1.2 g/t, respectively. El Molino consists of alternating bands of quartz and sulfides (sphalerite, galena and acanthite), and shows similar vein textures to those observed at Napoleon and La Luisa veins. The vein is hosted by diorite which Vizsla has determined to be a favorable host rock in the district.

Discovery hole NP-23-359 was originally designed to condemn the area for potential mine and plant infrastructure and intercepted the new El Molino vein ~80 metres below surface. To date, the Company has completed five holes tracing high-grade mineralization for approximately 170 metres along strike and 200 metres down dip. Vizsla plans to drill another 2,500 metres on a second phase to expand the current high-grade footprint along strike and at depth.

Figure 2: Longitudinal section of El Molino Vein showing drillhole intercepts and surface samples (vertical section).

Figure 3: Cross section showing drillhole intercepts on El Molino, Tajitos, Copala 2 and Copala veins.

Drillhole From To Downhole

Length Estimated

True width Ag Au Pb Zn AgEq Vein







(m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) % % (g/t)



NP-23-359 80.00 82.05 2.05 1.65 1,552 8.37 0.47 1.22 2,066 El Molino



Includes 80.90 82.05 1.15 0.93 2,630 14.20 0.62 1.57 3,480





NP-23-405 114.40 115.90 1.50 1.10 188 0.62 0.80 2.52 332 El Molino



NP-23-407 148.40 150.60 2.20 1.70 1,000 2.25 0.33 0.52 1,110 El Molino



Includes 148.40 149.50 1.10 0.85 1,885 3.61 0.43 0.66 2,033 El Molino



NP-23-410 No significant values El Molino



NP-23-411 174.20 181.10 6.90 4.15 179 0.96 0.19 4.38 395 El Molino



Includes 176.90 178.10 1.20 0.72 576 3.13 0.42 1.99 831







Table 1: Downhole drill intersections from the holes completed along the El Molino vein.

Note: AgEq = Ag g/t x Ag rec. + ((Au g/t x Au Rec x Au price/gram)+(Pb% x Pb rec. X Pb price/t) + (Zn% x Zn rec. X Zn price/t))/Ag price/gram. Metal price assumptions are $24.00/oz silver, $1,800/oz gold, $2,424.4/t lead and $2,975.4/t zinc. Metallurgical recoveries assumed are 93% for silver, 90% for gold, 94% for lead and 94% for zinc. Metallurgical recoveries used in this release are from metallurgical test results of the Napoleon vein (see press release dated February 17, 2022).

Figure 4: Photo of NP-23-359 showing El Molino vein from 80.00 to 82.05 metres down the hole.

Figure 5: Photo of NP-23-411 showing El Molino vein from 174.20 to 181.10 metres down the hole. Disseminated and semi-massive sulfides occur down to 181.10 metres.

Drillhole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth NP-23-359 404,202 2,587,243 499 272 -45.0 330.0 NP-23-405 404,185 2,587,149 545 321 -48.0 240.0 NP-23-407 404,185 2,587,149 545 345 -45.0 240.0 NP-23-410 404,185 2,587,149 545 297 -45.0 225.0 NP-23-411 404,185 2,587,149 545 349 -58.0 375.0

Table 2: El Molino vein drillhole details. Coordinates in WGS84, Zone 13.

About the Panuco Project

The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 7,189.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

The Panuco Project hosts an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 104.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 114.1 Moz AgEq. An updated NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico" was filed on SEDAR on March 10, 2023, with an effective date of January 19, 2023 was prepared by Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., Ben Eggers, MAIG, P.Geo. and Yann Camus, P.Eng. of SGS Geological Services.

About Vizsla Silver

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 310,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2023, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +90,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Drill core samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico and in North Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver and rock samples were shipped to SGS Lab in Durango Mexico for sample preparation and analysis. The ALS Zacatecas, North Vancouver facilities and SGS lab are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Silver and base metals were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish and gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption ("AA") spectroscopy finish. Over limit analyses for silver, lead and zinc were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with AA finish.

Control samples comprising certified reference samples, duplicates and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Qualified Person

In accordance with NI 43-101, Martin Dupuis, P.Geo., COO, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Website: www.vizslasilvercorp.ca

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.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "Forward?Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward?looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward?looking statements or information. These forward?looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource.

Forward?looking statements and forward?looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward?looking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; general economic facts; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward?looking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward?looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Vizsla Silver Corp.

24 october 2023 at 08:00

News published onand distributed by:
BRP and SuccessFinder Gold winners at the Prestigious Brandon Hall International Excellence Award





MONTREAL, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - SuccessFinder, the leader in predictive behavioral talent assessment for the workplace, and BRP, a global renowned powersports leader, have been recognized in the coveted Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Award. SuccessFinder and BRP have won the Gold award for Best Advance in Assessment Utilization to Guide Talent Decisions.

"We are delighted to receive recognition from Brandon Hall Group as a leader in the Talent Management sector, and we extend our gratitude to BRP for their role in partnering with us to win this prestigious award through their strategic leadership approach. Together we showcased the true potential of our talent assessment platform to guide hiring decisions, leadership development practice and career progression.", states Jean-Simon Leclerc, Vice-President, Client Solutions and Success at SuccessFinder.

The award was achieved thanks to SuccessFinder's collaboration with BRP, introducing three empirically validated custom leadership benchmarks (one by leadership level). This approach helped BRP deploy a leadership model that clarifies the behaviors to succeed as a leader, but also what it takes to be a BRP leader.

Drawing from the predictive behavioral insights provided by SuccessFinder, BRP defined a predictive Leadership Model to inform hiring decision and to guide leaders' development and growth. This helped BRP lower leaders' turnover rate, build leadership development program that focuses on what matters the most to succeed and enhance leaders' engagement and satisfaction.

"What a great accomplishment with our partner SuccessFinder. It was important for us to define a Leadership Model that connects with who we are as an organization and where we want to go next. It's exactly what we built, a predictive leadership model infused with SuccessFinder science and BRP DNA: 1- the skills of talented leaders at BRP and outside BRP; 2- the heart of our culture; 3- the employee experience we want to create; and 4-the future we envision." explained Nesrine Ahmed, Talent Management Director at BRP.

SuccessFinder is honored to be consistently recognized for its dedication to delivering robust solutions that empower organizations to make informed decisions, shape high-performing leaders, and drive success. SuccessFinder received a remarkable total of 11 Brandon Hall Group awards over the past 5 years, solidifying its position as one of the most highly decorated companies in the behavioral assessment sector. These prestigious accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of our talented team, and we look forward to continuing our mission to shape the future of behavioral assessment and leadership development.

"Excellence Award winners are shown to be organizations that truly value their employees and invest in them through their human capital management programs. These HCM programs have been validated as best in class for business value and the impact on the employees themselves," said Brandon Hall Group Chief Operating Officer Rachel Cooke, HCM Excellence Awards program leader.

Entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based on these criteria:

Alignment to their business need and environment

Program design, functionality, and delivery

Adoption, integration, user experience, innovation, and creativity

Overall effectiveness, impact, and measurable benefits

"Our award winners are relentless in their pursuit of excellence," said Brandon Hall Group Chief Executive Officer Mike Cooke. "We have received some of the most innovative use of HCM strategy that we have seen in the last 30 years, and in most cases, technology and collaboration across departments have helped them achieve amazing business results."

BRP and SuccessFinder's win was announced August 17, 2023, and all award winners are listed at https://excellenceawards.brandonhall.com/winners/

About BRP

BRP is a world leader in recreational vehicles and boats, creating innovative ways to move on snow, water, asphalt, dirt and even in the air. Headquartered in the Canadian town of Valcourt, Quebec, BRP is rooted in a spirit of ingenuity and intense customer focus. Today, BRP operates manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Finland, Australia and Austria, with a workforce made up of close to 23,000 spirited people, all driven by the deeply held belief that at work, as with life itself, it's not about the destination; It's about the journey.

About SuccessFinder

SuccessFinder is an HR tech company specializing in behavioral assessment and analytics for talent selection, development and management for critical roles, high-potential individuals, and leaders. With its unrivaled psychometric assessment as the core of its science-based approach, it delivers in-depth analytics in an easy-to-use platform for confident talent management decisions and development opportunities.

SuccessFinder drives proven results at hundreds of major organizations worldwide including CAE, Desjardins, Magna International, Gallagher, iA Financial Group, Novacap, McKesson/Rexall, and multiple large financial institutions and global manufacturers.

About Brandon Hall Grouptm

Brandon Hall Group is the only professional development company that offers data, research, insights, and certification to Learning and Talent executives and organizations. The best minds in Human Capital Management (HCM) choose Brandon Hall Group to help them create future-proof employee development plans for the new era.

For over 30 years, we have empowered, recognized, and certified excellence in organizations worldwide, influencing the development of over 10 million employees and executives. Our HCM Excellence Awards program was the first to recognize organizations for learning and talent and is the gold standard, known as the "Academy Awards of Human Capital Management."

The awards recognize the best organizations that have successfully developed and deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results. We are honored to receive applications from organizations worldwide ranging from small, medium, large, and global enterprises to government, not-for-profits, and associations.

SOURCE SuccessFinder

24 october 2023 at 08:00

News published onand distributed by:
Exceeding All Expectations: Aeroplan's Points Matching Week Raises a Record 67 million Aeroplan Points for Families Needing Access to Hospital Care





Aeroplan's annual Aeroplan Points Matching Week progresses from raising 2M points annually to raising 67.7M points this year for Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program

With the points donated, the Hospital Transportation program will be able to help roughly 700 families

All donated points benefit 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada , helping to connect sick children with the medical care they need away from home

MONTREAL, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Canadian companies and dedicated Aeroplan members, more families will be supported with easier access to hospital care than ever before. This year, an astounding 67.7 million points were raised during Aeroplan's annual Aeroplan Points Matching Week representing the most successful points matching campaign in the two-decade history of the Hospital Transportation Program. With the points donated during the week, the Hospital Transportation program will be able to help roughly 700 families, based on the average points used for flights in 2023 to date.

For 20 years, the Air Canada Foundation's Hospital Transportation Program has operated on the generous donations of Aeroplan members to provide relief for families across Canada whose children need specialized medical treatment. This year, Aeroplan partners took it to the next level to mark the program's 20th anniversary.

"The generosity exhibited through this year's campaign has blown us away. With donations coming from across Canada and more than 80 countries, our Aeroplan partners and members came together from around the globe to rally behind families to provide a sense of relief for those who face the stress of transporting a child for medical treatment," said Valerie Durand, spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. "We cannot thank our Aeroplan partners and members enough for their generosity and contributions which will help ensure the sustainability of this impactful program for years to come."

"Aeroplan members are the industry's most generous! Whether supporting their local communities or helping people in need around-the-world, time and again, they answer the call. This year, we were thrilled to have leading Aeroplan partners TD, CIBC, and the Avis Budget Group join us to amplify the generosity of our joint customers. With their support, this was the most impactful Points Matching Week ever ? all devoted to helping kids and their families travel for required medical care," said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan.

All Aeroplan points go directly to 15 pediatric hospitals nationwide to support their young patients' need for care not offered in their community.

"Roughly 700 families will be supported with easier access to hospital care thanks to Aeroplan members and the kind generosity of the Avis Budget Group, TD, CIBC and Aeroplan. We can't believe the outpouring of support and are grateful to know that so many families across Canada will experience a bit of relief in their journey to get the specialized care their children need," said Adam Starkman, President and CEO of Canada's Children's Hospital Foundation.

The annual Points Matching Week initiative is the largest annual fundraiser for the Hospital Transportation Program. Here is how it helps children, and their families access medical care:

Points donated go toward providing patients and parent or guardian flights with Air Canada and its partner airlines.

Created in 2003, the Hospital Transportation Program is celebrating 20 years of connecting children to the medical care they need. The program works to support the following 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada : BC Children's Hospital (B.C.), Alberta Children's Hospital (Alta.), Stollery Children's Hospital (Alta.), Jim Pattison Children's Hospital (Sask.), The Children Hospital of Winnipeg (Man.), Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (Ont.), McMaster Children's Hospital (Ont.), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ont.), The Hospital for Sick Children (Ont.), Shriners Hospital for Children (Que.), Montreal Children's Hospital (Que.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (Que.), CHU de Quebec (Que.), IWK Health Centre (N.S.), and the Janeway Children's Hospital (Nfld.).

: BC Children's Hospital (B.C.), Alberta Children's Hospital (Alta.), Stollery Children's Hospital (Alta.), Jim Pattison Children's Hospital (Sask.), The Children Hospital of (Man.), Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (Ont.), McMaster Children's Hospital (Ont.), Children's Hospital of (Ont.), The Hospital for Sick Children (Ont.), Shriners Hospital for Children (Que.), Montreal Children's Hospital (Que.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (Que.), CHU de Quebec (Que.), IWK Health Centre (N.S.), and the Janeway Children's Hospital (Nfld.). In 2022, 179 children and their families were helped with 226 flights via the Hospital Transportation Program.

In 2022, $1.4 million and 2.92 million Aeroplan points were raised for the Foundation and its programs including the Hospital Transportation Program.

For further details about the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program and its impact, please visit www.aircanada.com/foundation.

About the Air Canada Foundation

The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2022-23 impact report or the Air Canada's 2022 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel, and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.Air Canada

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24 october 2023 at 08:00

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Xem them

(Construction) - On October 3, 2023, in Tokyo - Capital of Japan, Construction Newspaper of Vietnam, represented by Mr. Nguyen Anh Dung - Editor-in-Chief continued to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Daily Engineering and Construction News of Japan (DECN) with the witness of the MLIT and many businesses in Japan.

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e load
Azul State of Java Survey & Report 2023: 82% of Businesses Using Java Today Are Concerned With Oracle's Fourth Major Change to Its Licensing/Pricing Policies, and 72% Are Exploring Java Alternatives





Azul, the only company 100% focused on Java, released its first annual Azul State of Java Survey & Report today, an authoritative guide to understanding the current pulse, trajectory and sentiments surrounding Java. The report includes responses from more than 2,000 Java users globally to unveil unparalleled insights into how Java holds its ground in today's dynamic technology environment and its impact on enterprises large and small.

Areas explored in the survey include Java adoption trends, the effect of Oracle's latest Java pricing change, the migration of Java apps to the cloud and how companies are optimizing cloud costs, as well as security considerations for common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs).

Of all the businesses surveyed for this report, an overwhelming 98% use Java in their software applications or infrastructure, and 57% of those organizations indicate that Java is the backbone of most of their applications. When including Java-based frameworks, libraries and other languages that use the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), the data shows that Java continues to play a fundamental role in today's enterprises.

Oracle Java's Licensing Changes Have Enterprises Looking Elsewhere

More than 8 out of 10 respondents (82%) using Oracle Java said they are concerned about the new Java SE Universal subscription pricing introduced in January. The fourth major licensing/pricing change in four years, the cost of Oracle Java changed from being based on the number of processors used by Java applications to the total number of employees and contractors in the organization. More than 7 out of 10 (72%) respondents said they were considering open-source alternatives such as OpenJDK; of those who were not, 14% said it didn't occur to them that they could.

While Oracle remains a strong player in the Java market, with 42% of respondents indicating they still use at least one instance of Oracle Java, 74% of those organizations stated they also use a JDK from at least one OpenJDK provider. About 60% of companies have chosen an OpenJDK distribution over Oracle Java SE.

"As with most universities, we are always looking for efficiency in our IT vendor relationships, not just by lowering costs but also by eliminating uncertainty and distractions. Supporting so many departments and managing a wide range of vendor relationships means I can't afford to worry about unexpected headaches such as price increases and audits," said Emiliano Fisanotti, vendor management specialist and University Software Licensing Community executive member, The University of Sydney. "With Azul, we found a trusted partner who was easy to work with and provided a secure, drop-in replacement for Oracle Java."

Other key findings of the State of Java Survey & Report 2023 include:

Java Plays a Critical Role in Cloud Cost Optimization

90% of respondents are using Java in a cloud environment: public (48%), private (47%) or hybrid (40%). The cloud landscape is rapidly transforming, with organizations continuing their advance to the cloud for scalability, flexibility, productivity and agility ? yet cost and security remain two of the leading challenges. In a telltale sign of overprovisioning cloud resources, nearly 70% of companies say they are paying for cloud capacity that they are not using.

As expected in uncertain economic times, the majority of companies (95%) have taken steps to lower their cloud costs in the past year. To reduce public cloud costs, 46% of businesses are taking advantage of a high-performance Java platform to use cloud resources more efficiently.

"Enterprises often don't use all the cloud computing they pay for due to the overprovisioning of virtual servers required to accommodate spikes in demand from ultra high-performing applications and those where end-user experience is paramount. But this creates challenges for IT teams facing a difficult budget environment that requires more efficient use of resources," said Jevin Jensen, research vice president, Intelligent CloudOps, IDC. "Running Java applications and infrastructure with a faster and more efficient JVM can provide superior performance, consistency, and the capacity to address these challenges, gaining tangible business results today."

Log4Shell Vulnerability Had Widespread Security Impact on Organizations

The widespread impact of a single compromised Java-based logging library (Log4j) emphasizes the ongoing threat of security vulnerabilities in Java applications. Almost 80% of respondents reported being affected by Log4Shell, which the Department of Homeland Security called "one of the most serious software vulnerabilities in history." Nearly half were impacted by the extra time required of their engineering teams to address this vulnerability, and 30% were impacted by attempts to exploit the vulnerability.

Third-party and open-source applications and libraries are the most concerning sources of CVEs ? nearly two out of three survey respondents say exactly that, with 57% listing open-source libraries and applications as the most concerning sources of CVEs, and 51% specifying that third-party libraries and applications are the most concerning sources of CVEs.

"As the State of Java Survey & Report data reveals, Java's enduring prominence and role in enabling enterprises to thrive is undeniable, and high-performance JVMs are playing a pivotal role in meeting application service levels and cloud cost optimization. The choices businesses make around Java directly impact their operational efficiency and the bottom line," said Scott Sellers, co-founder and CEO at Azul. "Concerns raised over Oracle's recent Java licensing and pricing changes also highlight a need for stability and trust in the technology partnerships that businesses form with their strategic vendors. Our sole focus is to champion this trust, ensuring that organizations of all sizes can continue to innovate, optimize and grow with the best Java solutions and strategies."

To access the full Azul State of Java Survey & Report 2023, click here.

About the Report

The report data was compiled from Java professionals and those who use or deploy Java-based applications and infrastructure at all seniority levels. Participants from companies of all sizes were invited to take part in a survey on their company's use of specific computer languages. 98% of the companies surveyed indicated they had responsibility for Java. A total of 2,062 qualified participants from six continents completed the survey. Dimensional Research, a leading market research firm, administered the electronic survey. Some participants were offered token compensation for their participation.

About Azul Systems Inc.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Azul provides the Java platform for the modern cloud enterprise. Azul is the only company 100% focused on Java. Millions of Java developers, hundreds of millions of devices and the world's most highly regarded businesses trust Azul to power their applications with exceptional capabilities, performance, security, value and success. Azul customers include 27% of the Fortune 100, 50% of Forbes top-10 World's Most Valuable Brands, all 10 of the world's top-10 financial trading companies and leading brands like Avaya, Bazaarvoice, BMW, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Telekom, LG, Mastercard, Mizuho, Priceline, Salesforce, Software AG and Workday. Learn more at azul.com and follow us @azulsystems.

24 october 2023 at 08:05

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Texas County Memorial Hospital Goes Live with RapidAI to Enhance Neurovascular Decision Making and Rural Stroke Care





RapidAI, a global leader in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology workflow solutions to combat life-threatening neurovascular, cardiac and vascular diseases, is pleased to announce Texas County Memorial Hospital's (TCMH) implementation of RapidAI's core stroke imaging and workflow products ? including Rapid ICH, LVO, CTA and CTP ? as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of stroke care for patients in rural southern Missouri.

As a Level III stroke center in the region, TCMH's closest Level I facility is over 90 miles away, posing significant barriers to the swift and effective treatment of stroke patients in its community. With RapidAI's clinical decision support and workflow technology, the TCMH stroke team will now have the ability to analyze high-resolution CT scans in real time, detect suspected intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) more effectively, and make faster, more informed treatment or transfer decisions based on advanced clinical intelligence to drive better patient outcomes.

To support the implementation of RapidAI, TCMH received a grant from the Rural Citizens Access to Telehealth (RCAT) project. RCAT is a partnership between the Missouri Telehealth Network and the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division, with the goals of reducing barriers to care, such as time and distance, and providing patients with access to technologically advanced, consistent and timely care in the state of Missouri. According to the Missouri State Government's latest Biennial Report on health in rural Missouri:

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in Missouri with a death rate of 37.6 per 100,000.

Rural counties in Missouri have a statistically significantly higher stroke death rate than both the state and urban counties.

The top 10 counties for stroke death rates in Missouri are all rural, with death rates in these counties ranging from 53.0 to 66.6 per 100,000.

"We are incredibly excited to have RapidAI in our hospital and expect it will enhance care delivery significantly and improve outcomes for our stroke patients ? expediting our door-to-decision time by saving valuable minutes in assessing and triaging stroke patients," said Jason Mayberry, the Stroke Coordinator at Texas County Memorial Hospital. "RapidAI will revolutionize how we provide stroke care at TCMH and ensure members of our community have access to the best possible care, regardless of where they live."

With RapidAI, stroke and trauma teams at TCMH and other rural or spoke hospitals can streamline decision making and expedite patient care. Additionally, hospitals of all sizes with resources and imaging capabilities are provided with more information, context, and support to make challenging clinical decisions earlier, reducing time to treatment, easing the burden of care, and supporting greater equity of care for all patients, no matter where they live.

"We are thrilled that TCMH is implementing RapidAI for Stroke and are looking forward to seeing the impact our solution will have on the community in the coming months," said Karim Karti, CEO of RapidAI. "At RapidAI, we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of care, and a major part of that is empowering physicians at hospitals of all sizes or geographic locations with the clinical insights they need to make faster, more accurate diagnostic and treatment decisions."

To learn more about Rapid for Stroke, please visit: https://www.rapidai.com/stroke

About RapidAI

RapidAI is the global leader in using AI to combat life-threatening vascular and neurovascular conditions. Leading the next evolution of clinical decision-making and patient workflow, RapidAI is empowering physicians to make faster decisions for better patient outcomes. Based on intelligence gained from over 10 million scans from more than 2,200 hospitals, and available in over 100 countries, the Rapid platform transforms care coordination, offering care teams a level of patient visibility never before possible. RapidAI ? where AI meets patient care.

24 october 2023 at 08:10

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Ambac to Release Third Quarter 2023 Results on November 7, 2023





Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AMBC), a financial services holding company, today announced that it will release third quarter 2023 results on November 7, 2023, following the close of the market.

Conference Call

On November 8, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. (ET), Claude LeBlanc, President and Chief Executive Officer, and David Trick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss third quarter 2023 results during a live conference call. A live audio webcast of the call will be available through the Investor Relations section of Ambac's website, www.ambac.com. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing (877) 407-9716 (Domestic) or (201) 493-6779 (International).

The webcast will be archived on Ambac's website. A replay of the call will be available through November 22, 2023, and can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (Domestic) or (412) 317-6671 (International), using ID# 13741343.

About Ambac

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. ("Ambac" or "AFG") is a financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. Ambac's core business is a growing specialty P&C distribution and underwriting platform. Ambac also has a legacy financial guaranty business in run off. Ambac's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AMBC". Ambac is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the investing public, consistent with our legal and regulatory obligations. To that end, we use our website to convey information about our businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information. For more information, please go to www.ambac.com.

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ambac contains substantial restrictions on the ability to transfer Ambac's common stock. Subject to limited exceptions, any attempted transfer of common stock shall be prohibited and void to the extent that, as a result of such transfer (or any series of transfers of which such transfer is a part), any person or group of persons shall become a holder of 5% or more of Ambac's common stock or a holder of 5% or more of Ambac's common stock increases its ownership interest.

24 october 2023 at 08:35

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RealTruck, Inc. Announces Participation and Schedule of Events at SEMA 2023





Premier aftermarket accessories company shares details of exclusive opportunities for attendees

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RealTruck, Inc. , the premier manufacturer of functional aftermarket accessories and an online destination for truck, Jeep, Bronco and off-road enthusiasts announces its participation at SEMA 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, and SEMA Fest from Nov. 3-4. RealTruck will have a dedicated booth where the company will showcase its newest products on featured builds and host exciting events. SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is the premier automotive specialty products trade event, attracting industry professionals and automotive enthusiasts.

"We're excited to be back at SEMA this year to showcase three one-of-a-kind builds and a lineup of great products to share with the SEMA crowd," said Lee Riser, vice president of marketing at RealTruck. "We're also thrilled to have "Steeda" and the McQueen family with us to celebrate their history and legacy with Ford."

RealTruck's West Hall Booth #50027 will be a top destination for automotive enthusiasts at the show from day one through the end of SEMA and SEMA fest. In addition to its impressive product lineup, RealTruck has planned several must-see events and interview opportunities.

The leader in automotive accessories will host a press conference to introduce three notable custom builds including the McQueen/Steeda F-150 as a tribute to the decades-long relationship between the McQueen family and the Ford brand, a first ever Meateater edition 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and a very special Matchbox build which will be donated to Building Homes for Heroes .

Following the press conference, the McQueen family will be on hand to celebrate their family's history with Ford with a special meet and greet and a celebrity signing. Members of the McQueen family and RealTruck's Lee Riser will be available for interview opportunities at the RealTruck booth at SEMA.

"Following the blueprint laid by my father and continuing to push the boundaries to pay homage to his legacy, the McQueen-Racing X F-150 is the perfect embodiment of our vision for a modern 'McQueen' off-road truck," said Chad McQueen on behalf of his family. "This wouldn't have been possible without the support of our dedicated partners at RealTruck and Steeda. We had a vision and they brought it to life."

RealTruck will also host a live reveal of the AAM Keys to Ride winner at its booth. The live reveal will see one of six resellers win a 2022 Toyota Tundra customized with products from RealTruck.

Following SEMA, the company will have a major presence at SEMA Fest, open to the public, with the Ultimate Adventure truck build on display. As part of the two-day event RealTruck will host a special appearance from Dave "Dirt Head" Chapelle.

The full lineup includes:

10/31 at 1:00 p.m. ? AAM Keys to Ride winner live reveal

? AAM Keys to Ride winner live reveal 11/1 at 11:00 a.m. ? Press conference introducing three never before seen specialty builds, followed by a meet and greet and celebrity signing with the McQueen family

Please reach out to the media contact below to schedule an interview with a member of the McQueen family or RealTruck's Lee Riser during SEMA. For more information please see RealTruck brand details here .

About RealTruck

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer of functional aftermarket accessories and digital destination for truck, Jeep, Bronco and off-road enthusiasts. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich. with over 5,000 associates across 51 locations worldwide, RealTruck continuously designs, develops, manufactures and sells industry-defining products with more than 850 patents and pending applications. RealTruck's extensive product offering is a leader in each of its primary categories. The company's omni-channel approach makes it easy for people to find the right products to transform their vehicle, gain expert advice and secure professional installation whether they're shopping for products online at RealTruck.com or through the more than 12,000 dealer locations and automotive (OEM) partnerships who sell their products. RealTruck is engineered to deliver a seamless consumer experience from idea to installation. For more information, visit www.realtruck.com .

Media Contact:

Aditi Harsh

Tombras

[email protected]

865.385.4710

SOURCE RealTruck

24 october 2023 at 08:41

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Lisa McCoy Joins Defeat Duchenne Canada as New CEO





LONDON, ON, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Defeat Duchenne Canada, the country's leading organization dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa McCoy as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Defeat Duchenne Canada appoints Lisa McCoy as new CEO.

With over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Lisa has a proven track record of success in leadership and strategic guidance. She most recently served as the Executive Director at Tourette Canada, where she gained valuable experience in mobilizing staff and stakeholders toward creating positive change.

Lisa's extensive background includes working with prominent health-related organizations such as the MS Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Canadian Cancer Society. Lisa has demonstrated a passion for inclusivity throughout her career and consistently placed stakeholders at the center of decision-making processes. This approach has allowed her to engage with patients, families, researchers, clinicians, and government representatives, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued.

"I am thrilled to join the Defeat Duchenne Canada team and contribute to the vital vision: a future without Duchenne," said Lisa McCoy. "I am deeply inspired by the dedication and passion of the community members, and I am committed to working hand in hand with them to drive meaningful change and improved outcomes for those affected by this life-shortening disease."

As the new CEO, Lisa will continue to build upon the strong 28-year foundation established by Defeat Duchenne Canada (formerly Jesse's Journey), pressing for access to life-changing treatments not yet available in Canada, funding visionary international research, and expanding programming to meet the evolving needs of children and young adults living with this fatal disease, as well as their caregiver and communities. She is known for her ability to create innovative collaborations and will be instrumental in further enhancing partnerships to advance the organization's mission.

"We are confident that Lisa will provide the visionary leadership required to take Defeat Duchenne Canada to new heights," said Brain Atkinson, Chair of the Board of Directors at Defeat Duchenne Canada. "Her extensive experience and inclusive approach will have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those we serve."

Lisa McCoy assumes her role as CEO of Defeat Duchenne Canada immediately. She can be reached at [email protected] for media inquiries, collaborations, or to discuss the organization's mission and objectives.

About Defeat Duchenne Canada

Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country's only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Our goal is to provide leadership in research, advocacy and support to ensure our boys can live long and active lives.

About Duchenne muscular dystrophy

One in every 5,000 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy diagnosed in children.

The disease is relentless. It slowly weakens the body's muscles, deteriorating the function of vital organs and ultimately ? shortening their life. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure and life expectancy hovers in the early thirties.

Website: www.defeatduchenne.ca

Social media:

SOURCE Defeat Duchenne Canada

24 october 2023 at 08:47

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No Monkey Business at Edward & Sons' Native Forest Brand





Leading Plant-based Brand Native Forest Assures Customers that No Monkeys Are Ever Used or Abused in Harvesting Coconuts for Its Ethically Sourced Organic Coconut Products

CARPINTERIA, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Coconuts are so delicious, healthy, nutritious ? and popular ? that soaring worldwide consumer demand has brought attention to the brutality of some farmers in Thailand who use ? and sadly, often abuse ? endangered macaque monkeys to harvest their coconuts. As a result, PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization, is calling for industry and consumers to stop buying all coconut milk produced in Thailand, period.

"We think it's more prudent for consumers to know the ethics and practices of the companies behind the brands they buy, rather than distrust an entire country due to the bad acts of some of its farmers," says Joel Dee , founder of Edward & Sons Trading Co.

"While we applaud the attention PETA brings to the issue of animal abuse," says Joel Dee, founder of leading organic foods pioneer Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc., "a blanket boycott of all coconut products from Thailand adversely affects ethical organic farmers and producers who do not use monkey labor."

And that includes the coconut farm in Thailand with whom Dee has built a long relationship.

"When we launched Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk in 2002, it was the first certified organic coconut milk sold in North America," Dee explains. "Over the following two decades, we have built a solid relationship with our Thai supplier partner, Sam, who has never used monkey labor on his farm. In addition to ethically rejecting that practice, Sam has no incentive to use monkeys. Unlike smaller-scale farmers who harvest coconuts from only a few very tall trees, Sam manages over 800 hundred acres of certified organic coconut palms. That's a big coconut farm!" exclaims Dee.

Certified Monkey Free

"Sam relies upon hydraulic platforms that lift people to harvest the coconuts of any trees they cannot otherwise reach with cutting knives on long poles," Dee adds. "To provide concerned consumers with added assurance, Sam's farm was inspected and certified 'Monkey Free' by the Thai Department of Labor under a new program launched this past year. We think it's more prudent for consumers to know the ethics and practices of the companies behind the brands they buy, rather than distrust an entire country due to the bad acts of some of its farmers."

Although Edward & Sons and their Native Forest brand use no monkey labor, Dee is concerned that efforts to stop monkey labor throughout Thailand have produced unanticipated consequences. According to a 2021 National Geographic report, PETA's "revelations" about monkey labor prompted some coconut growers to surrender their monkeys to government-run centers or to the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand (WFFT). Dee continues: "Edward & Sons reached out to the team at WFFT, who told us they are receiving more and more requests to rehome coconut monkeys. Unfortunately, WFFT is not always able to accept abandoned coconut monkeys, mostly due to funding constraints. Coconut monkeys do not possess social or survival skills that would allow them to be released successfully into the wild. They have often been abused and may require significant medical care. It costs money for WFFT to provide veterinary services and to build enclosures to house abandoned coconut monkeys, until they are sufficiently healthy and socialized to be released into protected habitats."

Dee recognizes this can be a complicated problem to solve, saying, "On one hand, we want farmers to stop enslaving monkeys to do harvest work. On the other hand, many Thai coconut farmers bowing to pressure to stop this practice do not take responsibility for the wellbeing of the monkeys they no longer have a use for. Edward & Sons and our Native Forest brand are committed to stopping the enslavement of monkeys that harvest coconuts in Thailand and support a strategy that includes care for the monkeys who will be abandoned as a result of this change".

Toward this end, adds Dee, "Edward & Sons supports the work of Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand. We encourage everyone, including our customers, our competitors and even PETA to do the same. Our goal? A safe, responsible and humane coconut supply chain that benefits everyone and allows the wild to stay wild."

In related news, Edward & Sons' "Let's Do Organic" brand was also recommended by PETA as a humanely produced alternative that does not employ forced monkey labor to harvest its coconut products.

Learn more about the work of the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand at www.wfft.org.

About Edward & Sons and Native Forest

Offering a family of plant based, natural, sustainable and organic brands since 1978, Edward & Sons, an independently owned business based in Carpinteria, Calif., is committed to providing health-conscious consumers "Convenience Without Compromise." The Native Forest brand was born in 1999 to introduce canned Organic Hearts of Palm, followed by Organic Coconut Milk and other nourishing foods that help support local economies and the environment. For more information, visit www.EdwardandSons.com and follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest and Instagram.

Media Contact

Steve Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing, 1 303.807.1042, [email protected], https://www.compassnaturalmarketing.com

SOURCE Native Forest

24 october 2023 at 09:05

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GrubMarket Acquires Philadelphia Wholesaler to Expand Further in Pennsylvania





GrubMarket, the largest private food tech company in the U.S., expands along the East Coast and solidifies its position in the global food supply chain industry with the acquisition of PA China Farm, a Pennsylvania-based provider of specialty fruits and vegetables sourced from South America, Africa, and other parts of the world.

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GrubMarket announced today that it has completed the acquisition of PA China Farm ("PA"), a prominent wholesale distribution business based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PA sells a wide variety of fruits and vegetables but is best known for its specialty exotic goods like black cabbage, baby bok choy, napa cabbage, papaya, and durian, as well as yogurt, tofu, and other products sourced from a global network that includes the U.S., Mexico, Uruguay, South Africa, Spain, Morocco, and Thailand.

Founded by former grower Tony Lin in 1998, PA has cultivated long-standing relationships with a diverse array of supermarkets, food service businesses, and ethnic retail stores over the past 25 years. It is recognized as a major player in the Northeast food supply ecosystem, supplying customers from Boston all the way down to Maryland and Virginia. Today, PA operates a sprawling warehouse facility that spans nearly 50,000 square feet in space and includes different temperature zones, along with 9 separate coolers to accommodate their wide variety of fresh offerings. After the acquisition, the business will continue to be managed by its current accomplished and mission-driven leadership team, who will continue prioritizing quality and service to provide their customers with a superior produce supply experience.

"I am a second-generation American born to immigrant parents. My dream has always been to build a business where I could provide anyone with specialty produce that would remind them of home. I am proud to be able to source fresh produce from all over the world and help build an agricultural community focused on sharing different cultural and culinary backgrounds. What really excites me about joining GrubMarket is this shared sense of family and community-building through fresh and healthy food. Mike and his team's vision to streamline the food supply chain through eCommerce and software is sorely needed, and I'm looking forward to leveraging GrubMarket's technology and network to provide more globally sourced specialty goods to GrubMarket's customers nationwide," said Tony Lin, owner of PA China Farm.

According to Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket: "Tony and his team have built an amazing fresh produce business with an outstanding reputation that extends throughout the Northeast food supply chain. Many of their loyal customers have been with them for decades, which is a testament to their long-standing commitment to the fresh produce industry and their service-oriented approach to success. Equally impressive is the global supply network that the PA team has cultivated, which allows them to source exotic and unique items from regions like Mexico, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and even Western Europe, among other areas. Their determination to provide "quality from the ground up" and passion for bringing globally sourced produce to the U.S. are some of the same fundamental value drivers that have made GrubMarket so impactful. This acquisition enables GrubMarket to reinforce our Northeast presence, particularly in Pennsylvania, and strengthen our global sourcing capabilities."

As a part of GrubMarket's portfolio, PA will utilize GrubMarket's innovative and proprietary WholesaleWare software suite, the company's software-as-a-service platform that provides food industry wholesalers and distributors with seamless financial management, powerful sales and online ordering features, precise inventory management, lot traceability, grower accounting, and automated routing and logistics, as well as Orders IO, GrubMarket's custom branded mobile eCommerce solution.

About GrubMarket

Founded in 2014, CA-based GrubMarket is a technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as the #1 private food tech company in the U.S. by revenue. As a first mover in the tech-enabled B2B food eCommerce space and a pioneer offering cutting-edge software-as-a-service solutions. GrubMarket uses technology to fundamentally transform the American and global food supply chain. GrubMarket operates in all 50 U.S. States and has a global presence in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain, with plans to expand further across the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world.

For Media Inquiries:

GrubMarket Media Team

[email protected]

(415) 986-0523

GrubMarket Inc.

1925 Jerrold Ave.

San Francisco, CA, 94124

SOURCE GrubMarket

24 october 2023 at 09:06

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Next Net Media Strengthens Digital Marketing Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition of LinkBuilder.io





Next Net Media, the powerhouse behind 200,000 website success stories, is excited to announce its acquisition of LinkBuilder.io, a prominent player in the SEO and link-building industry.

This strategic move is poised to enhance Next Net Media's suite of digital marketing brands. Next Net Media currently owns premier SEO companies Authority Builders, The HOTH, and SEOJet, as well as freelance marketplaces FreeUp and iWriter, and the advanced GAI platform, Copymatic.ai. The LinkBuilder.io acquisition further solidifies Next Net Media as a market leader in the digital marketing space.

The acquisition of LinkBuilder.io represents a significant milestone for Next Net Media, aligning perfectly with the company's commitment to providing comprehensive digital marketing solutions to clients around the world. This acquisition underscores the company's dedication to delivering quality deliverables and expanding its capabilities in SEO, a crucial component of digital marketing success.

LinkBuilder.io, known for its exceptional track record in link-building for well known consumer and business brands, brings a wealth of expertise, a talented team, and a robust portfolio of clients to the Next Net Media family. The integration of LinkBuilder.io's resources and knowledge into Next Net Media's existing services will enable the company to provide even more effective digital marketing strategies, including enhanced link-building solutions, to its clients.

"This acquisition is a significant step forward for Next Net Media, and we are thrilled to welcome LinkBuilder.io into our family," said Marc Pickren, President of Next Net Media. "Their strong reputation in the industry, combined with their experienced team and proven results, will further empower us to meet the evolving needs of our clients.".

Marc Hardgrove, CEO of Next Net Media said, "Acquiring LinkBuilder.io signifies a monumental step in our quest to offer the very best in link-building solutions. This strategic move not only bolsters our presence in the digital arena but also propels us to provide unparalleled quality and innovation in the link-building industry. Together, we're poised to set new standards and lead the way in delivering the ultimate link-building experience."

Link-building is a critical aspect of search engine optimization (SEO), helping websites improve their search engine rankings and increase online visibility. By joining forces with LinkBuilder.io, Next Net Media will have a broader and more diversified toolbox to enhance the online presence of its clients. This strategic partnership will facilitate the creation of more robust SEO strategies, tailor-made for businesses across various industries.

"We are excited to become a part of Next Net Media, a company that shares our commitment to delivering world class digital marketing services," said Stewart Dunlop, Founder and CEO of LinkBuilder.io. "Together, we can leverage our strengths to create innovative and impactful campaigns that will benefit our clients and drive success in the digital landscape."

The acquisition of LinkBuilder.io is also expected to bring synergies and efficiencies that will result in more cost-effective solutions for Next Net Media's clients. The combined resources of both companies will enhance research capabilities, enabling a deeper understanding of the rapidly changing digital marketing landscape.

Next Net Media and LinkBuilder.io will be working closely in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition and integration of services. Clients of both companies can expect uninterrupted support and continued excellence in digital marketing.

For more information about Next Net Media and its services, please visit https://nextnetmedia.com/

About Next Net Media:

Next Net Media is a digital marketing and media company dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the online landscape. With a focus on delivering comprehensive and results-driven strategies, Next Net Media is comprised of LinkBuilder.io, Authority Builders, The HOTH, SEOJet, FreeUp, iWriter, and Copymatic.ai. Together we are the powerhouse behind 200,000 success stories.

24 october 2023 at 09:15

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ISC-CX Shares Customer Experience Insights at Shell CX Ignite Event





Global event brings together CX leaders and innovators to share best practices and learn about the latest trends

MUNICH and BASEL, Switzerland, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- ISC-CX, a leading mystery shopping and customer experience company, recently attended the Shell CX Ignite event in Manila, Philippines. The week-long event brought together CX leaders from all over the world to share best practices, learn about the latest innovations, and celebrate excellence in customer experience.

We were thrilled to participate in the Shell CX Ignite event and share our insights on customer experience measurement," said Christian Steinhauser , Client Success Director at ISC-CX.

ISC-CX presented insights from its extensive customer experience measurement know-how, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision making and continuous improvement. The company also participated in a discussion on the future of CX.

In addition to workshops and presentations, the Shell CX Ignite event also included a gala awards presentation and a series of innovative CX games. ISC-CX was proud to be a part of the event and to contribute to the success of this important gathering of Shell.

"We were thrilled to participate in the Shell CX Ignite event and share our insights on customer experience measurement," said Christian Steinhauser, Client Success Director at ISC-CX. "The event was a great opportunity to learn from the market CX leaders and to network with our partners."

ABOUT ISC-CX: ISC-CX is a leading provider of in-store and omni-channel customer experience analysis programs for global retailers based around the world. Their multilingual, local teams on the ground in over 120 countries collect and analyze many millions of data sets per year. ISC-CX partners with global brands like Nespresso, Lindt-SprRngli, RE/MAX and many more. For additional customer references and CX solutions, please visit http://www.isc-cx.com.

Media Contact

Florian Wimmer, ISC-CX, 41 61 225 42 15, [email protected], www.isc-cx.com

SOURCE ISC-CX

24 october 2023 at 09:24

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CoverRight and Credit Union League of Connecticut (CULCT) Join Forces to Deliver Medicare Support to Over 1 Million Members





CoverRight, a digital-first health platform focused on Medicare, proudly announces its strategic partnership with the Credit Union League of Connecticut (CULCT), to enhance the well-being of more than 1 million Connecticut credit union members and their loved ones as they navigate the complexities of Medicare.

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- CoverRight, a digital-first health platform focused on Medicare, proudly announces its strategic partnership with the Credit Union League of Connecticut (CULCT).

"Our partnership with CoverRight exemplifies our commitment to providing solutions that lift all boats with a rising tide. Informed and empowered members make better financial decisions, and better financial decisions help credit unions grow," added Bruce Adams , CULCT President and CEO.

This collaboration will help more than 1 million Connecticut credit union members and their loved ones achieve greater financial wellness through more efficient and effective management of their health costs in retirement.

With the average age of a credit union member being 47 years old, and approximately 60% of credit union members aged 65 or older, the partnership offers tailored Medicare guidance and support to approximately 600,000+ Medicare-eligible credit union members within Connecticut; as well as their family members who may be supporting them on health decisions.

CoverRight's Medicare concierge platform simplifies the complex world of Medicare for those navigating the decision. This partnership will extend its valuable services to CULCT members.

With a focus on serving those primarily aged 60 and above, CoverRight will provide personalized guidance, helping members navigate Medicare enrollment, understand their healthcare options, and optimize their coverage choices.

"As the trusted partner of the Credit Union League of Connecticut, we are committed to ensuring that their members receive the highest level of support and expertise in managing their healthcare needs," said Richard Chan, Founder & CEO of CoverRight. "Our platform will empower credit union members to make well-informed decisions about Medicare coverage and health costs, providing peace of mind during a critical phase of their lives."

This partnership between CoverRight and CULCT underscores the shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of credit union members as they navigate the complexities of Medicare. CoverRight's platform will provide an easy way for credit unions to support their members and enhance their reputation as community-focused institutions.

"Our partnership with CoverRight exemplifies our commitment to providing solutions that lift all boats with a rising tide. Informed and empowered members make better financial decisions, and better financial decisions help credit unions grow. Connecticut's credit unions and their members now have the resources and guidance needed to create a secure financial future into retirement," added Bruce Adams, CULCT President and CEO.

For more information about CoverRight's Medicare Concierge Platform and the partnership with the Credit Union League of Connecticut, please contact: [email protected]

Media Contact

Mayank Mittal, CoverRight, 1 347-695-3809, [email protected], www.coverright.com

SOURCE CoverRight

24 october 2023 at 09:30

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Absolute Land & Acreage Auction October 27th @ 10:00 AM LIVE AUCTION TO BE HELD AT THE BURKLEY FAMILY CENTER, 511 E ST. FAIRBURY, NE LOCATED IN THE HEARTLAND BANK BUILDING DOWNTOWN FAIRBURY, NE. The farmland and the acreage will be offered as separate tracts. Abbreviated Legal Description: A tract of land, consisting of 10 +/- acres, located in the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4) of Section (27), Township (3) North, Range Three (3) East of the 6th P.M., Jefferson County, Nebraska. Final legal description of acreage will be determined by survey. Acreage Description: The property encompasses various structures, including an existing 2280 sq.ft. 1 1/2 story farmhouse with three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, dining room, and kitchen. Additionally, there are several outbuildings, such as a 72'X48' Morton machinery storage structure, a 29'X32' Granary, a barn, and a newer 30'X26' double car detached garage. This acreage is being offered for sale along with approximately 10 acres, more or less. If you wish to inspect the interior of the home, appointments are available. For exterior viewing, you are welcome to do so at your convenience during appropriate hours. Survey: The farmland and the acreage will be offered as separate tracts. If they are purchased separately, a survey will be conducted prior to closing to determine the exact boundary lines. The survey will be at the direction of the seller. The cost of the survey shall be shared equally between the buyer and the seller. The proposed boundary lines shall be the guide for the surveyor. The results of the survey shall be provided to both parties and shall serve as the basis for the final legal description.

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How Small Businesses Can Benefit from Diverse Supplier Certification





WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Of the 1.1 million minority-owned employer businesses in the U.S., 99.9% are small businesses. But not all of these businesses are certified as diverse suppliers, despite being eligible. Getting certified as a diverse supplier offers small business owners the opportunity to expand market share, grow their companies, discover new partners, and create new revenue streams, according to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. To take advantage of these benefits, SCORE encourages diverse supplier certification for those that qualify.

What is a diverse supplier?

A diverse supplier is a business that is at least 51% owned and operated by an individual or group that is part of a traditionally underrepresented or underserved group. The federal government aims to award up to 23% of its prime contract dollars to certified small businesses. In some cases, it exceeds this allocation. For example, in 2019, it awarded up to $132.9 billion in federal contract dollars to small businesses, representing 26.5% of prime contract dollars.

"Supplier diversity is a strategic way of making your supply chain more inclusive," explains Towanda Livingston, a SCORE mentor and expert in DEI and supplier diversity. "Organizations diversify their purchasing and contracting activities by facilitating pathways for minorities, women and marginalized groups to not only gain access, but actually win contracts and opportunities."

How can small business owners get certified?

To qualify as a diverse supplier, in most cases, a small business must be in business for a minimum of two years. Any company that wants to do business with the federal government must register on the System Award Management (SAM) and keep its account active. A SCORE mentor can help small business owners to navigate the certification process, including how to get started and find potential opportunities.

"The first thing to do is look at who is buying your product or service today," said SCORE mentor Karen Williams. "Because if they're a larger business and have some social responsibility, they will have a supplier diversity program."

SCORE provides support and resources

Small business owners can gather more information through SCORE's supplier diversity modules on score.org . Available at no cost, the modules are designed to help established business owners develop an understanding of and rationale for becoming a certified diverse supplier.

"When I wanted to learn more about becoming certified as a women-owned business, SCORE offered a self-paced supplier diversity course, live webinars and access to a mentor," said SCORE client Caitlin Anderson, co-founder of Thinkly Solutions, a SWaM-certified (small, women-owned or minority-owned business) management consulting business in Virginia. "Through the online course, I gained the foundational knowledge such as the terminology, the basic requirements of the main certifications, and the different ways to get certified. My mentor was then able to help answer my questions and help me decide which one was right for me at this point in my business journey."

A SCORE mentor can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process. These volunteer mentors come from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise, and they all share a common goal of helping entrepreneurs succeed. Find a SCORE mentor today at score.org/find-mentor .

About SCORE:

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org .

Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

CONTACT:

SCORE

202-968-6428

[email protected]

Visit SCORE's media resources to be connected with expert small business interview sources and news updates.

SOURCE:

https://advocacy.sba.gov/2019/05/23/small-business-facts-spotlight-on-minority-owned-employer-businesses/

SOURCE SCORE

24 october 2023 at 10:05

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University of Florida Wins 3rd Annual CREFC Real Estate Debt Case Competition





Undergraduate and Graduate Students Compete for $45,000 in Prize Money

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) hosted its 3rd Annual Real Estate Debt Case Competition in New York City this week, bringing together graduate and undergraduate students from 10 U.S. universities with top-rated real estate programs.

Students with a focus on commercial real estate finance participated in this invitation-only competition and were given an opportunity to compete for a total of $45,000 in prize money.

Winners of the 3rd Annual Debt Case Competition are:

1st place $20,000 - University of Florida

2nd place $15,000 - University of Wisconsin ? Madison School of Business

3rd place $10,000 - UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

"We want to thank our university students for participating in this year's CREFC Real Estate Debt Case Study Competition. It is gratifying to see a passion among graduate and undergraduate students for commercial real estate finance. Our thanks also go out to senior members of CREFC who served as the competition's judges, offering their expertise and interest in guiding these up-and-coming CRE finance professionals. Their feedback and guidance were welcomed by competitor teams whose members are taking the first steps to careers in commercial real estate finance," said Lisa Pendergast, Executive Director, CREFC.

The 10 U.S. universities with top-rated real estate programs invited to participate in this competition include:

Columbia University

Cornell University

Florida State University

Georgetown University

NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

University of Florida

University of Wisconsin ? Madison School of Business

? of Business UT Austin McCombs School of Business

Villanova University

Competitors presented their analysis of a CRE lending decision using a case study based on a real-world transaction. The teams were given one week to prepare their analyses and presentations. At the competition, each team presented to a panel of senior CRE executives who served as judges. Teams were scored on their overall analysis, conclusion, and presentation skills. Winners from the preliminary round advanced to compete in a final round.

The competition supports CREFC's educational objectives, with the goal to provide meaningful programming and networking opportunities to students and young professionals. CREFC's Annual Real Estate Debt Case Competition also helps raise the profile of CRE finance among top universities and their students.

For additional information on the Real Estate Debt Case Competition or the CREFC Young Professionals Network, please contact Danielle Nathan.

About CREFC

The CRE Finance Council (CREFC) is the trade association for the $5.9 trillion commercial real estate finance industry with member firms including balance sheet and securitized lenders, loan and bond investors, private equity firms, servicers, and rating agencies, among others. CREFC promotes liquidity, transparency, and efficiency in the commercial real estate finance debt markets and acts as a legislative and regulatory advocate for the industry, playing a vital role in setting market standards and best practices, and providing education for market participants.

SOURCE CRE Finance Council

24 october 2023 at 10:15

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Dr. Ferrer BioPharma Named Finalist for CPhI Pharma Awards 2023





Dr. Ferrer BioPharma (DFB) is honored to be a finalist for the prestigious CPhI Pharma Worldwide Awards 2023, an internationally renowned award platform organized by CPhI, the world's leading pharmaceutical networking event. DFB has achieved consecutive recognition as a finalist for three years running: in 2021, they were acknowledged for their Innovation in Response to COVID-19; in 2021 and 2022, they were finalists in the Finished Formulation category; and this year, they are being recognized for their groundbreaking GentleMist TechnologyTM.

Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, founder of DFB, shared, "Being shortlisted by CPhI is a testament to our unwavering commitment to patient-focused innovation in addressing respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, post-COVID syndrome, and allergies."

DFB stands at the forefront of research for these conditions, advancing precise therapies that aim to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects with a focus on the patient's experience. GentleMist TechnologyTM (GMT) is a remarkable nasal spray nozzle designed to revolutionize internasal drug delivery while eliminating the pain resulting from the shearing pressure exerted by traditional nasal sprays. The nozzle was carefully engineered to optimize nasal drug target delivery and maximize patient comfort. DFB collaborated with Dr. Basu's lab from South Dakota University, who performed invitro testing comparing GMT with the conventional nasal sprays available in the market. The team also validated the specific angle of application for the treatment of viral illnesses and allergies. Subsequent clinical studies have successfully corroborated these findings.

The robust sales performance of GMT in the United States signifies not only the product's market success but also DFB's commitment to making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape. Presently, DBF is making significant strides in expanding its market presence across Europe and Latin America, where initial feedback from consumers has been nothing short of remarkable. By entering this market, DFB is demonstrating its readiness to adapt to different healthcare ecosystems and its determination to address health challenges on a broader international scale.

The impressive growth in sales and market expansion efforts, coupled with the nomination for the CPhI Awards 2023, exemplify DFB's steadfast dedication to raising global healthcare standards, pushing the boundaries of therapeutic innovation, and ensuring that patients receive advanced and patient-friendly treatments.

24 october 2023 at 10:35

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Husband-Wife Duo to Bring First LashKind to Miami, Sign Two-Unit Agreement as Brand Launches Franchise Opportunity





Emerging Beauty Franchise Announces Substantial Multi-Unit Deal, Ignites Their Fast-Paced Expansion Across the U.S.

MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LashKind, an innovative brow and lash franchise concept, has announced a two-unit agreement for Miami, FL, putting the brand on a positive growth trajectory following its recent launch. The first site will be at 360 San Lorenzo Ave, Unit 1535 in Coral Gables, inside an existing Blo Blow Dry Bar and is slated to open by Q1 2024, with site selection for the second location currently underway.

The emerging franchise is grounded in the success of Canadian-based MYNC Beauty Inc., which was acquired by the original blow dry bar franchise Blo Blow Dry Bar in October 2022.

Trailblazing LashKind's expansion is husband-wife duo Jose Molina and Paula Rodriguez, both of whom have vast business experience in management and operations. The pair originally began their franchise journey with Blo Blow Dry Bar, owning five bars across Texas and Florida which are among the top performers in the system. Now, the couple is excited to bring their customer-first mindset and passion for the industry to LashKind.

"Joining LashKind was an easy decision after the success we've seen within our Blo Blow Dry Bar locations, largely due to the strong business model and corporate support team," said Paula. "The Miami market is vibrant and the perfect place to bring LashKind. We've always prioritized the experience our guests receive, making personal connections with many ? that is what keeps them coming back. We are excited to continue this within our LashKind locations and confident we're set up for success with a proven franchise business."

Being a long-time beauty fan, Paula saw the value Blo Blow Dry Bar had within her community, and how guests were transformed each time they set foot in her locations. With a high demand for lash and brow services in the Miami market, Paula was inspired to deliver exactly what people are looking for.

"The launch of LashKind is off to an exciting start, and we look forward to growing with aspiring and existing entrepreneurs looking to stake their claim in this booming industry," said Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar and LashKind. "Having successful Blo Blow Dry Bar franchisees expand their portfolios with our new brand is a testament to the strength of our business. With Jose and Paula's determination and success of their Blo Blow Dry Bars, there is no doubt that LashKind Miami is in great hands."

With the beauty industry valued at more than $571B and the lash industry projected to double its $1.36B value over the next decade, it is an opportune time to join LashKind. An added asset for franchisees, LashKind has multiple revenue streams with a number of services including: lash extensions; lash lifts; lash tints; brow and full-face waxing; brow and full-face threading; brow lamination; and brow tints. There will also be retail products to help extend the life of each service, a robust membership program to drive predictable, recurring revenue, and gift cards.

LashKind is a collective of beauty lovers ? who also know that beauty means business. Its mission is to make guests look and feel beautiful by providing fun and fabulous bar environments, expertly delivered services and high-quality products, while helping ensure their natural lashes and brows remain healthy.

LashKind is currently seeking aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs to stake their claim in this exploding sector. For more information about the franchise opportunity, visit lashkindfranchise.com/contact-us.

About LashKind

LashKind is an innovative brow and lash franchise concept, grounded in the success of Canadian-based MYNC Beauty Inc. (founded in 2011) and brought to you by the team behind the category disruptor, Blo Blow Dry Bar. With a proven business model in a booming industry, LashKind is designed to stand out and set franchisees up for success. As a collective of beauty lovers, LashKind's mission is to make guests look and feel beautiful by providing fun and fabulous bar environments, expertly-delivered services and high-quality products, while helping ensure guests' natural lashes and brows remain healthy. To learn more, visit lashkindfranchise.com.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 150 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

Media Contact: Sammy O'Connell, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300, [email protected]

SOURCE LashKind

24 october 2023 at 10:35

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Nephron Announces Hiring of Key Executives





WEST COLUMBIA, S.C., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation today announced the new hiring of six key executives.

Laura Friendly , Chief Accounting Officer

, Chief Accounting Officer Lori Aleshin , Head of Quality, Nephron 503B Outsourcing Facility

, Head of Quality, Nephron Outsourcing Facility Scott Bobbitt , Site Head of Quality, Nephron Pharmaceuticals

, Site Head of Quality, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Mike Kimple , Vice President of Operational Excellence

, Vice President of Operational Excellence Eric Cochran , Senior Director of Quality Operations

, Senior Director of Quality Operations David O'Connell , Quality Operations Clean Room Senior Manager

"The industry knowledge and experience among this group is unmatched," said Nephron CEO and Owner Lou Kennedy. "We could not be prouder that a group of this caliber is as excited as we are about the future of Nephron. They are committed to delivering life-saving medications to patients, and we are confident they are equipped with all the tools needed to build on our momentum and keep Nephron growing."

Laura Friendly, Chief Accounting Officer

Laura Friendly is a certified public accountant with over 20 years of financial and strategic analysis experience. Before joining the Nephron team, Friendly was the Vice President of Finance at MPZ Holdings, LLC, where she led the accounting department responsible for the financial operation of over 40 Marco's Pizza locations. She has served as Chief Financial Officer at AVANTech, LLC and the Engineering Design & Testing Corp. Friendly received her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Carolina.

Lori Aleshin, Head of Quality, 503B Outsourcing Facility

Lori Aleshin has proven success in developing quality standards, policies, and procedures across pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Before her role as Head of Quality for Nephron 503B Outsourcing Facility, Aleshin worked as Director of Quality for Athenex Inc. Pharmaceuticals, where she directly managed senior quality managers, engineers and oversaw 30 indirect quality control and microbiology laboratories, as well as all quality assurance employees. She has served in director-level roles at Ivoclar Vivadent Inc., where she successfully obtained Medical Device Single Audit Program Certification on her first application, and Safetec of America Inc. Aleshin earned her Master of Public Administration in healthcare management from Keller Graduate School of Management, her Master of Business Administration in Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management and her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Southern Arkansas University.

Scott Bobbitt, Site Head of Quality, Nephron Pharmaceuticals

Scott Bobbitt brings to Nephron a comprehensive background in quality assurance management in the areas of R&D and commercialization for the pharmaceutical industry. Before joining the Nephron team, Bobbitt served as vice president of quality for Adicet Bio Inc., where he was responsible for assuring the quality and compliance of cell, gene and CAR-T manufacturing, testing and distribution practices. Throughout his 30-year career, he has held key roles in quality assurance at organizations including Hitachi Chemicals Advanced Therapeutics Solutions, Dermira, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Bobbitt earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Quality Assurance at Southern Polytechnic State University.

Mike Kimple, Vice President of Operational Excellence

During his nearly 30-year career, Mike Kimple has been responsible for the development, construction, operation and maintenance of the major multinational personal protective equipment (PPE) corporation, The Showa Group. As Americas Director of Manufacturing, he supervised the efforts of more than 700 employees for the operation, maintenance and expansion of three ISO-certified facilities. He held multiple management roles at the PPE manufacturer, where he oversaw the architectural design of its research and development center. Kimple received his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Eric Cochran, Senior Director of Quality Operations

Eric Cochran joins Nephron with 25 years of manufacturing and quality assurance experience in biopharmaceutical and medical device environments producing sterile and non-sterile products. In his previous role as Senior Director of Manufacturing Quality Assurance at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, he led a team of 14 responsible for all aspects of quality assurance and acted as an in-process quality assurance expert for the microbiology and chemistry laboratory activities, including all current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Cochran earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University.

David O'Connell, Quality Operations Clean Room Senior Manager

David O'Connell is a microbiology professional who has successfully recruited, managed, and led comprehensive environmental monitoring training for production personnel on aseptic techniques, behaviors, set-up, and equipment operation. Before joining the Nephron team, he served as a consultant for Pfizer at its McPherson, Kansas location, where he used MODA systems to improve the efficiency of daily operations. O'Connell has used his MODA expertise to train employees and implement its workflows at Charles River Laboratories and PCT Cell Therapy Services, developing teams with quality control best practices. O'Connell received his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Union College.

A West Columbia, S.C.-based company, Nephron develops and produces safe, affordable generic inhalation solutions and suspension products. The company also operates an industry-leading 503B Outsourcing Facility division which produces pre-filled sterile syringes, luer-lock vials, IV bottles and IV bags for hospitals across America, in an effort to alleviate drug shortage needs. For more information, please visit www.nephronpharm.com.

CONTACT: Connor Watkins, cwatkins@nephronpharm.com

SOURCE Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation

24 october 2023 at 10:32

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Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation Announces Business Expansion by Frontier Technology Inc., Bringing 200 New Well-paying Jobs to Colorado Springs





The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has announced today that Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), a leading provider of deep data expertise and mission-tailored services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, has selected Colorado Springs for expansion. Here, FTI will open its secure Operational Research Bridge for Innovation & Technology (ORBIT Center) for industry and government partners.

"Colorado Springs possesses one of the most diversified and multidimensional, defense economies in the United States. Powered by a highly educated workforce, cutting-edge technologies, and a thriving ecosystem, Southern Colorado supports innovative technologies and growing companies," said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO for Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. "We are excited about FTI's business expansion, a boost to our space and defense sector, at the heart of national and global security."

The 46,000-square-foot secure facility expands FTI's current office footprint in Colorado Springs and will provide the Department of Defense and its mission partners with a Center of Excellence to foster collaboration and knowledge transfer in the space operations domain. Customers and partners will be supported by FTI's deep mission data expertise, access to FTI's vast library of operational technologies, and highly secure infrastructure for developing solutions enabling timely and actionable understanding of individual and joint space-related operational environments.

"FTI is proud to expand our space-related operations with the FTI ORBIT Center in Colorado Springs," said Jose Hidalgo, president, FTI. "We're pleased to have been awarded strong growth incentives by the City of Colorado Springs, and we look forward to increasing our investment and bringing hundreds of new, high-paying jobs to the local community over the next decade."

FTI expects to invest $15 million in the new facility and operations, which will create 200 new well-paying jobs with an average annual salary of $131,000, in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, software engineering, advanced visualization, and cybersecurity. The FTI ORBIT Center is expected to begin operations by December 31, 2024.

"I am pleased to see companies like FTI grow within Colorado Springs' vibrant space community and continue to provide world-class support to the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community," said Congressman Doug Lamborn. "Current events prove that the Joint Force relies on the space domain to deter our adversaries and win our nation's wars should deterrence fail. FTI's $15 million, 200 job expansion showcases the vital role Colorado Springs plays in our national security. I look forward to seeing its contributions in the future."

The Colorado Springs City Council approved up to $102,590 in performance-based incentives in the form of sales and use tax rebates on eligible purchases of construction materials, machinery, and equipment for FTI, over a 10-year period. These incentives are contingent upon the company, referred to as Project Star Trek throughout the City review process, meeting net new job creation and minimum capital investment requirements in Colorado Springs.

"We are grateful to be selected by FTI for this exciting expansion," said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "The company's decision to expand its operations to our city is a testament to our business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, exceptional quality of life, and strong defense economy to include space, aerospace, technology, and cybersecurity. As Mayor, I am committed to fostering an environment where companies like FTI can thrive, creating high-quality jobs and contributing to the economic growth of our community. We look forward to working closely with FTI as they integrate further into our community."

FTI currently employs 60 personnel in Colorado Springs and operates in 34 States and offers seven facilities of varying clearance levels nationwide.

About FTI Operations Research Bridge for Innovation & Technology (ORBIT) Center

As a Center of Excellence dedicated to Space, this FTI facility presents an unparalleled opportunity for government, industry and academia to collaborate, drive innovation and advance mission capabilities critical to maintaining our country's global leadership in space. Our primary focus is to support key strategic imperatives identified by U.S. Space Force leadership and the broader space community, aligned with their vision for accelerated progress in six core areas:

Development of Greater Space Domain Awareness

To provide sophisticated space situational awareness, event prediction and object tracking.

Collaboration, Innovation and Integration

To facilitate joint military operations, fostering collaboration, understanding of capabilities and limitations, relationship building, and the development of joint operational concepts within the space domain.

Strategic Planning

Simulation, and exploration of scenarios related to offensive and defensive capabilities.

Training and Education

FTI's platform will support training and education for space operators and decision-makers to enhance knowledge, skills, and judgment related to space operations.

Capability Assessment

To allow partners to assess their space capabilities, identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps, and evaluate the readiness, interoperability, and effectiveness of space assets, systems and personnel. Supports investment decisions and resource allocation to enhance space domain operations.

Risk Analysis and Mitigation

Through simulated threat scenarios and risk assessments, partners will gain a better understanding of potential consequences and vulnerabilities in the space domain to guide development of effective mitigation strategies, improve resilience, and enhance the protection of space-based assets.

FTI's core technology offerings include:

Advanced Analytics: Predictive analytics, sophisticated AI algorithms, and comprehensive data collection and processing to enhance Space Domain Awareness. FTI's strengths in collecting, processing, and fully exploiting all available data sources, ensures rapid and secure dissemination of operationally relevant information.

Data Synthesis and Analysis: Synthesize, fuse, and analyze large volumes of data from diverse sources, enabling comprehensive and accurate insights into the space environment.

Advanced Cyber Capabilities: FTI's cyber capabilities enhance awareness of blue, red, and grey activities. Analyze platforms, weapon systems, installations, mission-critical infrastructure, and conduct advanced cyber threat assessments.

Mission Simulators and Training Environments: Mission simulators, wargaming, scenario orchestration, digital twin technologies, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), automation, and synthetic test and training environments to facilitate realistic training and readiness assessments.

About FTI

FTI provides deep data expertise, technology and services that enhance the ability of the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and other agencies of the Federal Government to make the best decisions possible. Drawing on nearly four decades of innovation, FTI's extensive portfolio of intellectual property and operational technologies has been augmented by more than $200 million of U.S. government investment, and solutions can often be mission-ready in a matter of weeks. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, FTI operates in 34 states and offers seven facilities of varying clearance levels nationwide. More at www.ftidefense.com.

About the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation

Serving as the area's largest chamber of commerce and economic development organization, the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC works to build and maintain a superior business climate in which companies of all kinds can thrive. It supports existing and future local businesses to fuel a diverse economy and high quality of life. Learn more at www.ColoradoSpringsChamberEDC.com

24 october 2023 at 11:05

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APF Canada Welcomes Vina Nadjibulla as Vice-President, Research & Strategy





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is pleased to announce that Vina Nadjibulla will be joining APF Canada as Vice-President, Research & Strategy, effective November 7, 2023.



An Adjunct Professor at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, Ms. Nadjibulla's career includes two decades of experience in high-level diplomacy, strategic planning, policy analysis, and program management, with a focus on political risk analysis, conflict prevention, women's rights, peacebuilding, and global governance.

As a Senior Research Fellow at the Soufan Center and a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, Ms. Nadjibulla's recent research has focused on hostage diplomacy, Canada-China relations, and Canada's engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. As an international security and peacebuilding specialist, she spent a significant portion of her career at the United Nations headquarters and in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions in West and Central Africa. She also has extensive experience working with national governments, non-profits, and philanthropic organizations in Canada, the U.S., Central Asia, and China.

"Vina will bring a global perspective, specialist knowledge on Asia, and a rich skillset in program management and strategic planning to this senior role at the Foundation," said APF Canada President and CEO Jeff Nankivell. "In addition to overseeing our accomplished team of research analysts working across our Canada-in-Asia Sustainability Tracker platform, among other key projects, she will be instrumental in helping to define our strategic vision as we expand our footprint and role in Southeast Asia. I look forward to working with Vina in developing a catalytic program of applied research that is immediately relevant to our growing network of stakeholders in business, government, academia, and civil society."

Ms. Nadjibulla has been a long-time advocate for human rights and social justice. In 2018, she led an international advocacy campaign that helped to secure the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were arbitrarily detained in China for more than 1,000 days.

"I am truly honoured and excited to be joining the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada," said Ms. Nadjibulla. "The Foundation is a Canadian public good with an important mission of deepening engagement and ties between Canada and Asia. I look forward to championing the work of the Foundation's talented research team at such a pivotal moment in Canada's growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region."

Ms. Nadjibulla holds a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University and is fluent in English, Russian, and Farsi, and speaks intermediate Mandarin Chinese. A citizen of Canada, she was born in the Soviet Union, raised in Afghanistan, and educated in the U.S. She has worked and lived in Kenya, Tajikistan, and China. In her new role with APF Canada, she will be based at the Foundation's headquarters in Vancouver, Canada.

Media:

Michael Roberts, Communications Director,

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

[email protected]

About the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada:

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and Asia with a focus on expanding economic relations through trade, investment and innovation; promoting Canada's expertise in offering solutions to Asia's climate change, energy, food security and natural resource management challenges; building Asia skills and competencies among Canadians, including young Canadians; and, improving Canadians' general understanding of Asia and its growing global influence.

Visit APF Canada at www.asiapacific.ca

24 october 2023 at 11:45

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AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of GreenStars BNP Paribas S.A.





AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a+" (Excellent) of GreenStars BNP Paribas S.A. (GreenStars) (Luxembourg), a subsidiary of BNP Paribas SA (BNP Paribas). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect GreenStars' balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings also consider, in the form of rating lift, AM Best's expectation that BNP Paribas will provide financial support to the company, if needed. The shareholder has historically allowed GreenStars to retain all of its earnings since its incorporation in 2009.

GreenStars' very strong balance sheet strength assessment is supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects GreenStars' risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at the strongest level, supported by good internal capital generation and low net underwriting leverage. The company's dependence on reinsurance is high, although the associated credit risk is mitigated partially by its diversified and well-rated reinsurance panel.

GreenStars' strong operating performance is demonstrated by its return on capital and surplus of 15.2% for the five-year period ending in 2022, as calculated by AM Best. Historical performance has been driven largely by the company's low loss experience, which has helped it obtain high inward ceding and profit commissions. AM Best expects the company's prospective performance to remain strong, albeit subject to potential volatility stemming from weakened global macroeconomic conditions. GreenStars' extensive reinsurance programme helps to mitigate the effect of potential claims volatility on a net basis.

GreenStars provides support for BNP Paribas' lending operations, as a credit-risk management tool. The company's business profile benefits from having direct access to the group's good quality credit risks. While GreenStars is concentrated in credit insurance, its business profile assessment reflects its diversification by geography, type of credit risk and obligor.

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Best's Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

24 october 2023 at 12:00

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Government of Canada teams up to support more land conservation around national parks





Seeking to protect 30,000 hectares of land with a $15 million federal contribution matched by Nature Conservancy of Canada will help reach Canada's ambitious goals of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada's national parks and protected areas are iconic jewels that are emblematic of this country's natural wonders and rich biodiversity. These place conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystem services, connect landscapes, take up and store carbon, build knowledge and understanding, and inspire people.

Today, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, together with Catherine Grenier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), announced a collaboration that will strengthen conservation on protected areas that form important buffer zones around Canada's National Parks.

The Government of Canada is contributing $15M toward this initiative, which will use a variety of land conservation tools and approaches to help protect up to 30,000 hectares of land located near existing Parks Canada administered places located across Canada. Nature Conservancy of Canada will double the impact of the investment by providing a matching contribution of $15M, for a total investment of $30M.

This funding supports Canada's progress in achieving its ambitious target of protecting biodiversity and conserving 30 percent of land and inland waters and 30 percent of marine and coastal areas by 2030. This Parks Canada project contributes to these goals by protecting lands against biodiversity loss, fostering ecological connectivity across landscapes, and supporting the role that Indigenous peoples play in caring for the lands, waters and ice that have been their home since time immemorial.

The announcement caps an outstanding month for nature protection across Canada. From the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement to Indigenous-led land agreements announced in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to protection of peat bogs in Quebec, more than 1 million square kilometres -- an area four times the size of the United Kingdom ? has been recently earmarked for conservation. This builds on the addition of areas equal to almost the size of Germany that have been added to Canada's confirmed land conservation totals since 2015.

As Canada's largest non-profit conservation organization, NCC works at the scale and scope needed to support Canada's conservation goals. Through community-based relationships and a vast network of supporters and staff, NCC has contributed to the protection of more than 15 million hectares of nature across the country over its 61-year history ? more than 1 million in the last two years alone. These conservation wins are achieved when NCC works side-by-side with donors, partners and Indigenous communities. To protect nature around national parks in Canada, NCC will work with its partners and will deploy innovative tools and programs to prioritize where conservation is most urgently needed.

The areas targeted through this initiative include some of the most treasured places in Canada where conservation action is urgently needed to halt biodiversity loss and ensure long term ecological health. This includes places such as Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site to support existing conservation efforts in Southwest Nova Scotia in collaboration with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and other conservation partners, La Mauricie National Park to support priority areas for ecological corridors and connectivity outside the park, and Thousand Islands National Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park to support existing conservation efforts in the broader conservation area.

In a country as large and diverse as Canada, strong collaborations across boundaries are key to maintaining and improving healthy and resilient landscapes. As such, this initiative is an important complement to Parks Canada's work under the National Program for Ecological Corridors which aims to strengthen Canada's network of protected and conserved areas. Parks Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada have a common goal of increasing Canadians' support for conservation and access to the benefits that protected places provide. This initiative builds upon many years of sharing knowledge and expertise in the practice of conservation.

Quotes

"Canada's 30 by 30 target is a model embraced by the international community. Now we are doubling down on implementation. Working together with communities and conservation partners is key to ensuring that the lands, waters and ice that play such important roles in the lives of Canadians are protected for current and future generations. Parks Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada are supporting real actions that build resiliency across protected and conserved areas and take us one step further to reaching our goals of conserving 30 percent of land and inland water by 2030."

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault

Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"Protecting nature relies on the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations working together to protect and conserve our environment. Collaborative initiatives like the one we are celebrating today are essential in addressing pressing issues like climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. By coming together and pooling our resources, knowledge, and passion, we can ensure a sustainable and flourishing planet for future generations."

Anita Vandenbeld

Member of Parliament Ottawa West?Nepean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development

"This important initiative builds on our longstanding relationship with Parks Canada to address the impacts of the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss in Canada. Nature knows no bounds; neither should we. That's why partnerships like this are so critical. NCC will rally its vast network of partners across the country around our evidence-based approach to deliver impactful conservation solutions around some of Canada's most iconic natural places. Through partnership, expertise and perseverance, we will conserve critical habitat for the plants and animals we cherish, and ecosystem services that benefit all communities."

Catherine Grenier

President and CEO, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Quick Facts

This two-year agreement will support conservation efforts near Parks Canada administered places such as: Kejimkujik National Park & National Historic Site ( NS ) Kouchibouguac National Park (NB) La Mauricie National Park ( QC ) Bruce Peninsula National Park (ON) Thousand Islands National Park (ON) Point Pelee National Park (ON) Grasslands National Park (SK ) Waterton Lakes National Park (AB) Kootenay National Park (BC) Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (BC)

The project will consider using a variety of land conservation tools and approaches, including Fee Simple land and conservation agreements, conservation easements, Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs ), Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas ( IPCAs ) or tenure relinquishments.

land and conservation agreements, conservation easements, Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs IPCAs The Nature Conservancy of Canada currently protects over 60,000 hectares of nature within 25 kilometres of national parks.

currently protects over 60,000 hectares of nature within 25 kilometres In April 2022 , Parks Canada launched the National Program for Ecological Corridors to help support efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss across Canada in collaboration with a diverse range of partners and experts, including NCC .

Related Links

Parks Canada

Nature Conservancy of Canada

National Program for Ecological Corridors

Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement

Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence

Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence

Grand Jacques-Cartier Bog conservation

SOURCE Parks Canada

24 october 2023 at 13:30

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Maximus Awarded FEMA Contract for an Outsourced Contact Center Contract Support in Response to Catastrophic Events





Maximus, a leading employer and provider of government services worldwide, today announced that it has been awarded a 120-day call order from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Through this award, Maximus will be providing contact center support for FEMA's response to catastrophic events.

This latest Outsourced Contact Center call order was awarded due to the scale and severity of the response required for Hawaii after the wildfire that impacted the state, particularly on the island of Maui. The scope of work will also include Maximus assisting Hurricane Idalia survivors and any other natural disasters that impact the country this fall.

Maximus will provide services that include temporary support for incoming calls, data entry for individuals and households impacted by humanitarian events as well as disaster declarations. Additionally, Maximus will provide full agile support services to FEMA, including staff, telephony, and equipment, and a pre-built, customized contact center implementation.

"We are extremely proud to be the recipient of this important call order from FEMA, especially given the events in Hawaii and the anticipation of another active hurricane season this year," said Teresa Weipert, General Manager of Maximus Federal. "The award enables our skilled teams to provide the mission-critical contact center services that thousands of Americans rely on for support during a catastrophe. We couldn't be more honored to continue our relationship with FEMA by helping it deliver essential relief services."

As part of our work, Maximus will serve as a force-multiplier for FEMA. The company will augment current FEMA staff with additional contact center teams to ensure that all individuals and households impacted by catastrophic events are supported in a timely manner.

About Maximus

As a leading strategic partner to governments across the globe, Maximus helps improve the delivery of public services amid complex technology, health, economic, environmental, and social challenges. With a deep understanding of program service delivery, acute insights that achieve operational excellence, and an extensive awareness of the needs of the people being served, our employees advance the critical missions of our partners. Maximus delivers innovative business process management, impactful consulting services, and technology solutions that provide improved outcomes for the public and higher levels of productivity and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. For more information, visit maximus.com/fema.

24 october 2023 at 14:05

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The 54th annual Gage County CROP Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at the east edge of Hannibal Park.

Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) was formed in 1947 when farmers were asked to donate food and seed crops to our hungry neighbors in post-World War II Europe and Asia. The walk supports the mission of Church World Service as a response to hunger and poverty.

Noel Ditmars said CROP started many years ago in the community.

I think its interesting that when CROP started it wasnt just money, he said. I remember when they would send train car loads of wheat. I have family photos of my grandpa and an uncle filling burlap sacks of wheat and getting it ready to ship for CROP.

Treasurer Lowell Dell said the Holmesville Church of the Brethren has been involved in the CROP walk for many years.

We have just continued it because we wanted to be involved directly in some relief for food security, he said.

Organizer Charles Riedesel said he became involved with CROP because of the droughts and famines in recent years.

Especially the last couple of years the droughts and the famines in various parts of the world, he said. The wars, like in the Ukraine, made me think what can we do to help? Its not a lot, but its something. 

First Mennonite Church Pastor Josh Janzen talked about multiplying the effort.

There is only so much we can do as individuals, but when we work together as a church we can do a whole lot more, he said. When area churches partner, we can make a difference in our world.

Riedesel noted that 25 percent of the funds raised will be returned to the community and be divided by the Salvation Army, the Beatrice Community Food Pantry and the Wymore Food Pantry.

The route will follow the trail near Hannibal Park and extend six miles to the Big Blue River.

The six-mile round trip walk represents the distance many people walk each day to find food and water, Riedesel noted.

He added that no one is required to walk the full distance and people should only walk what they are comfortable doing.

Community members wishing to participate are encouraged to register at https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/event/beatricene.

Donations can also be entered using the link. The group has a goal of $2,000.
Greater Good Health Raises $20M to Address Primary Care Crisis and Advance Value-Based Care for Seniors





Greater Good Health, a healthcare organization enabling and expanding access to value-based care for seniors through a Nurse Practitioner-led model, today announced it has closed a $20M Series A financing led by Flare Capital Partners. Greater Good Health received participation from existing investors including LRVHealth, Health Velocity Capital, Martin Ventures, and Optum Ventures, as well as participation from new strategic investors.

Greater Good Health's funding announcement comes during a historic primary care crisis in the United States exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the demand for primary care will continue to grow faster than supply, resulting in an estimated primary care physician shortage of 17,800 to 48,000 by 2034. By this time, the population of Americans over age 65 is projected to grow by 42%, leading to an even greater lack of access to care for seniors, particularly in rural communities.

In addition to drastic gaps in primary care access, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a goal to have 100% of Medicare beneficiaries in a value-based care relationship by 2030. This has resulted in a growing and urgent need to transform care delivery strategies and shift care to providers that are responsible for the quality and total cost of care.

"Aligning with industry trends and policy, we are doubling down on Nurse Practitioners and value-based care to address the needs in underserved, often rural, markets," said Greater Good Health Founder and CEO, Sylvia Hastanan. "Nurse Practitioners are the fastest growing profession in the United States and are inherently well-positioned to succeed in value-based care. Today, 80% of seniors have at least one chronic illness and 50% have two or more. With the senior population growing older and sicker, access to value-based, comprehensive primary care is imperative, and we are here to make that a reality."

Greater Good Health will use the newly raised funding to grow and scale the organization's private-labeled, integrated clinical solutions while also fueling the development of its own primary care clinics, starting first with a value-based partnership with a national Medicare Advantage health plan to open clinics serving seniors in Montana later this year. With the opening of these clinics, Greater Good Health will be delivering a differentiated, senior-centric experience that includes an outcomes-focused care model, prompt access to care, focus on relationship-building and treating the whole person, investment in community and social connection, and support navigating Medicare plans and benefits.

"Building solutions to address the primary care demand and supply imbalance is imperative to address the growing needs of senior populations, particularly in communities that are underserved," said Vic Lanio, Partner, Flare Capital Partners. "The Greater Good model is built to address physician shortages and significantly expand access to quality cost-effective care. With the leadership from Sylvia and a proven value-based approach, Greater Good Health is well-positioned to become an industry leader."

To learn more about Greater Good Health, please visit: www.greatergoodhealth.com.

To inquire about partnering with Greater Good Health, please visit: www.greatergoodhealth.com/partners/partner-with-us/

About Greater Good Health

Greater Good Health is a healthcare organization enabling and expanding access to value-based, holistic primary care. Through an innovative Nurse Practitioner-led model, Greater Good Health partners with health plans to build primary care practices in underserved, often rural, communities, and partners with risk-bearing organizations to deploy private-labeled clinical programs that enable the shift to value-based, outcomes-focused care. Greater Good Health's proven care model and clinical programs benefit patients, providers, and payers alike, improving outcomes, reducing costs, and delivering a best-in-class patient experience.

For more information, visit www.greatergoodhealth.com.

About Flare Capital Partners

Flare Capital Partners is the leading early-stage healthcare venture capital firm advancing innovation-driven companies to improve positive health outcomes, broaden care access, and lower healthcare costs. We partner with exceptional founders solving healthcare's hardest challenges, supporting each with our deep sector expertise, unparalleled industry resources, and proven access to commercial opportunities. Our team of established investors and senior operating executives has invested in 50+ companies and has nearly $1 billion in assets under management.

To learn more about Flare Capital Partners, please visit flarecapital.com or follow us on Twitter @flarecapital.

24 october 2023 at 14:10

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Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. Announces Upsizing of Non-Brokered Offering to $1.5 Million





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE:RFLX) (FSE:HF2) ("Reflex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an increase to its non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") previously announced on August 21, 2023 and September 22, 2023. The closing of the first and second tranches of the Offering were further announced by the Company on October 16 and 20, 2023 respectively. The Offering is now comprised of up to 7,500,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 (previously expected to be $1,000,000).

Each Unit continues to consist of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") and one- half (1/2) of one (1) Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), whereby each whole Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share at an exercise price of $0.35 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

Closing of the Offering, subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, is anticipated to occur prior to the November 6, 2023. The net proceeds of the Offering are intended to be used to advance the Company's Ruby Graphite Project and for other general corporate purposes. Finders' fees may be payable to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 ? Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units issuable under the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in Canada and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A.2 of NI 45-106 (the "LIFE Exemption"). Because the Offering is to be completed pursuant to the LIFE Exemption, the securities issued in connection with the Offering will not be subject to resale restrictions in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with this announcement, there is an amended offering document dated October 24, 2023, that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.reflexmaterials.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Paul Gorman

CEO & Director

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.

Suite 915 - 700 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8

Canada

Tel: (778) 837-7191

Email: [email protected]

About Reflex Advanced Materials

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

For more information, please review the Company's filings available at www.sedarplus.ca and visit the

Company's website at www.reflexmaterials.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the closing of the Offering, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, and the use of proceeds from the Offering are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Reflex, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Reflex does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

24 october 2023 at 17:00

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In this file photo, a French farmer sprays a glyphosate herbicide made by agrochemical giant Monsanto, in northwestern France on September 16, 2019. JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP

EU legislators on Tuesday, October 24, voted to slash the use of pesticides by half across the bloc, despite opposition from some conservative groups. But green politicians regretted the rejection of a proposed symbolic declaration calling for a complete ban on the controversial weedkiller glyphosate.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes EU eyes re-authorization of glyphosate for 10 years

A parliamentary commission rejected making a declaration a month before the 27 member states are due to decide on appeal whether to extend the use of glyphosate, something the WHO fears could be carcinogenic. Earlier this month the bloc failed to agree to do so as divisions emerged and the matter will now go to an appeals committee in early November.

Tuesday saw the EU's environment committee vote by a narrow majority  47 votes to 37 to set binding targets on reducing pesticide use that targets a 50% reduction by 2030.

The pesticides judged the most hazardous will see use pared back by two-thirds compared with 2013-2017. The committee has also banned the use of pesticides in designated sensitive areas, including public parks, around schools and at Natura 2000 protection sites.

Among those voting against were the rightwing European People's Party and the far right, while farmers and agri-cooperatives are opposed to seeing the EU impose too tight a set of regulations in the sector.

"Given the impact of the war in Ukraine [on cereal markets] this proposal seriously places in danger [European] independence in terms of food security," said conservative Austrian lawmaker Alexander Bernhuber. He warned of a risk of reduced yields that could lead to higher agriculture imports.

Austrian Green MEP Sarah Wiener, leading the campaign on the issue, said she was pleased at an outcome bringing agreement "on feasible compromises in an ideologically-charged and industry-dominated discussion."

Belgian Socialist lawmaker Marie Arena said the outcome would benefit farmworkers and the environment alike as "abusive use of pesticides makes people sick," as well as decimating bee numbers.
Patients wait to be admitted for cancer screening in Soweto, South Africa, on October 17, 2023. EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP

At the end of September, three African countries launched a pilot program to improve the overall management of breast and cervical cancers, which account for more than half of all female cancers in Africa. This initiative is a milestone in the fight against the issue, which began on the continent at the turn of the 2010s.

Supported by Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya and Zimbabwe, with the backing of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the pharmaceutical company Roche, the project aims to integrate the entire treatment chain for these female cancers into a comprehensive public health policy, from the promotion of basic care for women to early detection, prevention and treatment.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes In Cote d'Ivoire, water is running out

"In our constrained economies, despite problems in the hierarchy of emergency, the idea of global health has emerged as key to our development," said Professor Cheikh Tidiane Cisse, head of the obstetrics/gynecology department at the Institut d'Hygiene Sociale Polyclinique de Dakar (Dakar Institute of Polyclinical Social Health), who presented Senegal's experience in the fight against cervical and breast cancer at the congress of the Federation Internationale de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) in Paris on Tuesday, October 10. "We're in the process of moving away from a compartmentalized approach to treatment. To achieve this, we need to continue investing in the prevention of these non-communicable diseases."

Cases will double over the next 20 years

While cancers  as well as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity  have long remained in the shadow of the major infectious diseases that have been the continent's health priority for decades, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts that the number of cases will double over the next 20 years in sub-Saharan Africa. The WHO predicts that by the end of the decade, cancer-related mortality will exceed that of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV combined, which killed around 1.5 million people on the continent in 2021.

Once thought to primarily afflict wealthy nations, cancers and other non-communicable diseases have settled into the lives of Africans as "junk food," sedentary lifestyles, pollution, smoking and alcohol consumption have spread to large cities, whose populations are doubling every 20 years. The aging of the continent, where life expectancy has risen by 10 years since 2000, is also having an impact on this explosion.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Cancer incidence has doubled in France since 1990

"It's a double burden for Africa and a paradox," explained Professor Maimouna Ndour Mbaye, director of the National Diabetes Center in Dakar, Senegal. "We're living longer, and that's good news, but by adopting Western lifestyles, we now have time to develop chronic illnesses, while we haven't yet gotten rid of malaria or tuberculosis."

Much has been achieved on the cancer front in the last 10 years. Most African countries have adopted national plans to fight it, and numerous radiotherapy centers have been built. In 2022 and 2023 alone, 11 sprang up, notably in sub-Saharan Africa  Benin is due to open its own in 2024  and 39 of the continent's 54 countries are now equipped, according to data from the international register of radiotherapy centers. But money is still lacking to ensure comprehensive patient care and a quality care pathway remains the privilege of an urbanized middle class.

Patients often diagnosed too late

The continent, which bears a quarter of the world's cancer deaths, invests only 1% of total healthcare spending in the fight, according to the 2019 report published by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Just 2% of multilateral and bilateral aid, a mainstay of emerging healthcare systems, benefits non-communicable diseases, including cancers, according to an analysis carried out the same year by the British Medical Journal. Finally, Africa has two to four times fewer oncologists than recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

In the field, therefore, patients are often diagnosed too late, and access to care remains complicated and expensive, even when governments provide partial coverage. For example, Senegal, which declared in 2019 that chemotherapy for breast and cervical cancer would be completely free of charge, can still only subsidize half the cost of treatment for other cancers.

As a result, patients still have to pay for numerous "ancillary" diagnostic or follow-up costs, such as mammograms or analyses, as well as extensive travel. Outside North Africa, South Africa and Kenya, where radiotherapy centers are well equipped, patients often have to travel dozens or even hundreds of kilometers to be treated in the nearest capital or major city.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes 'We propose a publicly-financed international Health Impact Fund to reduce unequal access to medicines'

"Most families go into debt to treat their loved ones," explained Helene Kane, an anthropologist at the Universite de Rouen who is heading up a special dossier on cancers in the Sahel for the social science journal L'Ouest Saharien, due out in early 2024. "Worse still, they often have to interrupt treatment for lack of funds. You manage to pay for the first treatment, sell your possessions for the second, go into debt for the third, and give up on the fourth."

Strengthening screening

A growing number of patient support organizations and national cancer leagues, often founded by recovered patients, provide financial support, accompaniment and even accommodation through mutual aid networks. But here too, resources are limited.

Prevention, which is far less costly for governments, remains crucial. Vaccination, when possible, notably against human papillomaviruses (HPV, highly contagious, responsible for cervical cancer, as well as anal, penile, oral and throat cancers) and hepatitis B and C (liver), is being expanded on the continent. According to WHO data, more than 21 African countries have achieved 70% coverage against HPV.

As for screening, while it needs to be strengthened to combat the disease more effectively and at a lower cost to health systems when it is carried out early, "it poses a real ethical problem for doctors, who are unable to provide their patients with full care," said Kane, who has worked in Mauritania for over 10 years. "It's a real source of suffering for them. This raises the question of palliative care, which is virtually non-existent in sub-Saharan Africa. But no matter how far we get in the fight against this disease, and no matter what resources we have, we have to face up to it, because this 'epidemic,' which has long remained invisible, is really taking place."

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Annie Ernaux, at the launch of the Institut La Boetie, in Paris on February 5, 2023. ALAIN JOCARD / AFP

French writer Annie Ernaux, winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize for Literature, will not be attending the Algiers International Book Fair, the 26th edition of which opens on Wednesday, October 25. The author of the novel Les Annees ("The Years"), among others, has been refused a visa to enter the country, according to a source close to the matter interviewed by Le Monde. The Algerian ambassador in Paris, Said Moussi, personally intervened in this matter, according to the same source.

No explanation was given by the authorities in Algiers. According to observers, the decision may be linked to an op-ed co-signed in May by Annie Ernaux calling for the release of Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi. The text, published in Le Monde, denounced "police and judicial harassment of El Kadi, and all of the other prisoners of conscience in Algeria."

Opinion Article reserve a nos abonnes Arrest of journalist Ihsane El Kadi: 'Algeria is closing like a steel trap on its political opposition'

Addressing Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the authors of the letter  which caused quite a stir in the North African country  argued that "Algeria remains an ideal far greater than the dungeon it is becoming for its boldest journalists and most outspoken dissidents. It is the promised land of the wretched of the earth."

'You don't close the door on a friend'

By refusing to grant a visa to the writer, "the Algerian regime no longer even knows how to identify its friends," said an academic, who wished to remain anonymous, noting that Ernaux was also one of the signatories of an "appeal from the world of culture for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza," published in L'Humanite on October 22.

The text, which condemns "war crimes, those of Hamas and those of the Israeli government," as well as "oppression and racism, in all [its] forms," has been well received in Algeria, where the position of the French authorities, perceived as too favorable to Israel, is the subject of severe criticism.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Nobel Prize: In her deeply personal work, Annie Ernaux writes for a universal audience

"You can't close the door on a friend in these grave times of dramatic cultural confrontation when every country is counting on its friends and allies to make its voice heard," wrote journalist Ghania Mouffok on her Facebook page. "By not receiving Annie Ernaux," she continued, "Algeria is providing weapons to fight against what it itself defends, from the depths of our history, which is anti-colonial and in favor of an equitable sharing of resources, from Palestine, the Western Sahara, and the Sahel to Muslim women whose right to practice their faith with or without a hijab is insulted."
OUR LADY of Lourdes is bringing books to young Limerick readers and families, to foster a love of reading, bolster literacy, and spark conversation through their 'One Book One Community' initiative, launched earlier in October.

The event organised by Our Lady of Lourdes Local Education Committee (LEC) will see 500 copies of the book 'Illegal' by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin shared throughout the community, tackling the issue of migration and integration while sparking conversation.

Additionally, the LCETB (Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board) has contributed copies of Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnus, specially curated for younger readers.

Tracy Fitzgerald, Home School Community Liaison Teacher in Our Lady of Lourdes NS in Rosbrien explained the importance of the LEC and he initiative in the Our Lady of Lourdes community, "where many people haven't had the opportunity in education that other people would have".

"We do important work in that we are promoting learning opportunities for young people, you have young people who see adults in their lives getting involved in initiatives like this and the message is learning is important and it is a part of every-day life.

There will be discussion groups and competitions around the books to further encourage readers.
FOUR authors with strong Limerick links have been shortlisted for prestigious awards.

Paul Lynch, Judi Curtin, Dr Mary Ryan and Joseph OConnor have been shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2023.

Limerick native, Paul Lynch, has been shortlisted for his novel Prophet Song (Oneworld) in the Eason Novel of the Year category.

UL lecturer, Joseph OConnor, has also been nominated in that category, for his novel My Fathers House (Harvill Secker, Penguin Random House). He has also been shortlisted in the Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year category.

Limerick-based author Judi Curtin has been shortlisted for her book Sally in the City of Dreams (The OBrien Press) in the category Eason Novel of the Year.

Bon Secours Hospital endocrinologist, Dr Mary Ryan, has been nominated in the Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year category for Its Probably Your Hormones (Gill Books).

The An Post Irish Book Awards 2023 shortlist features a diverse and exciting mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across 19 categories.

Now in its 18th year, the awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year it brings together a vast community passionate about books  readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians  to recognise the very best of Irish writing talent.

Categories include Novel of the Year, Children, Cookbook, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Lifestyle, Short Story, Irish language, Poem, Short Story, Newcomer, Teen and Young Adult, Irish Published and Biography.

To tie in with the announcement of the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist, the public are now being asked to have their say and cast their votes online for the best books of the year here.

All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five 100 National Book Tokens vouchers. Voters may cast their votes from until voting closes on November 9 at 5pm.

Meanwhile, a one-hour television special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTE One on December 6, giving viewers an exclusive insight into the six books and the authors competing for the accolade of An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2023, culminating in the reveal of this years overall winner.

Brendan Corbett, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, said: "This years shortlist, once again, is exceptional and displays the sheer talent of Irish writers and the incredible literary community we have here. Each category features outstanding writing along with truly deserving writers and authors, as well as publishers and booksellers."

David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, said: "This is a golden time for Irish writing. The An Post Irish Book Awards exist to promote Irish authors, and to connect them to the widest audience. Irelands intellectual infrastructure matters as much as the physical, and we congratulate and thank all the shortlisted authors.
LIMERICK'S oldest school, Ahane National School, built by the same man who founded Melbourne, is commemorating its 200th anniversary with a bicentennial week of celebrations which began on Monday.

Mayor of Limerick Gerald Mitchell officially launched the week-long event at the school in Laught, Lisnagry, by planting an oak tree and time capsule in the grounds on Monday. The time capsule contains photographs, school news, a list of 2023 average prices and letters from the children about their lives and hobbies.

This will be followed by a series of events in the school all week including a visit on Wednesday from His Excellency, the Ambassador of Australia to Ireland Gary Gray. The ambassador will visit Ahane NS to see an exhibition celebrating the life and legacy in Ireland and Australia of Sir Richard Bourke, founder of the original Ahane School, former Governor of Australia and founder of the city of Melbourne.

A community celebration evening will take place in the school hall on Thursday evening at 7pm when memories of Ahane National School throughout the years will be shared along with story-telling and curated historical images.

Education has a proud history in Ahane from the beginning of the nineteenth century before the national school system in Ireland was introduced to the present day, explained Ahane NS principal, Siobhan Kennedy.

While our current building was opened in 1933, were delighted to commemorate the bicentenary of the first Ahane NS on the Thornfield estate just across from St Patricks Church in Ahane. The children will learn about early school life in Ahane 200 years ago and its also an opportunity for them to get involved in the commemorations through the local history aspect of the school curriculum and the Decades Day dress up celebrations on Thursday.

"They have been busy preparing items for the Time Capsule to be opened in the future and were also looking forward to having a new wooden sculpture in our school grounds created by Limerick craftsman Will Fogarty over the coming months.

Ms Kennedy said she is very thankful to the Bourke exhibition curator Seamus Flynn, the Historic Houses of Ireland and Limerick Civic Trust for loaning them the Richard Bourke exhibition for their bicentennial event, to Earle Landscaping and Troy Chauffeurs for sponsoring a beautiful oak tree and other sponsors and parents for their support in organising and celebrating the weeks events.

Sir Richard Bourke, born in 1778, was the philanthropist who paid for and built the original Ahane School before the famine occurred and prior to the repeal of the penal laws in Ireland and the introduction of the national school system in Ireland in 1831. Prior to the 1820s, the children of Ahane were taught by a hedge school master named Patty Collins who taught the children each evening after work.

As a result of Sir Bourkes generosity, a stone building was erected by him on his estate, Thornfield, Ahane in 1823. This school commenced with 79 pupils, 47 boys and 32 girls, and was in situ until 1933 when the present school was built down the road at the cross of Laught. Sir Bourke, who subsequently became governor in New South Wales, was guided by his experience gleaned in Ahane, when he set up and developed the educational system in that part of Australia (1831  1835).

Today Ahane NS is a thriving school with an active and successful parents association who provide support with a wide range of activities including sporting events and fundraising.

Each century has brought huge improvements and developments to Ahane National School. Tracing the schools progression, in 1823 there were 79 pupils enrolled in Ahane school, there were 88 in 1933. At the beginning of the 21st century the enrolment was 81 when the school was extended and renovated.

Today there are over 130 pupils and the school curriculum has evolved and developed in line with Department of Education and Skills guidance. Ms Kennedy, who was appointed in 2017, is working with staff, board of management and school community to continue the tradition of education in Ahane.

Were looking forward with confidence to the future of education in Ahane, and in so doing will use this weeks bicentennial commemorations to remember the efforts and achievements of those who have gone before us, she concluded.

Ahane NS is also grateful to Dr Max Waugh of Monash University Melbourne and Sir Richards descendant Ace Bourke who have both written extensively on Richard Bourke and are donating books about him to the school library.
A COMPANY which provides hot meals to schools in Limerick and across the country has announced a 7.5m expansion which will see the tripling in size of its Nenagh headquarters.

The move will also see The Lunch Bag create 240 full-time jobs in the town and a further 450 part-time jobs nationwide.

Commenting on the announcement, ceo Ray Nangle said: This is an incredibly exciting time for our business. We are immensely proud of the fact that in 2019, we set out to ensure every child in Ireland had access to a school meal service, and we have seen that come to fruition in under five years.

The impact on childhood nutrition will be monumental, as we ensure a minimum of 65,000 children everyday will have hot, healthy and tasty meals delivered to their desks. To also be able to bring 900 jobs in total to this new industry is an achievement in and of itself, said Mr Nangle.

Lunch Bag

The childrens healthy lunch delivery service, which was founded in 2019, will grow employee numbers from its current 200 to almost 900 before May 2024.

These will include an additional 240 full time roles in its Nenagh facility, with over 450 part-time staff around the country to operate the service daily in the schools.

This will enable the company to deliver in excess of 100,000 hot lunches daily to schools nationwide, up from 35,000 daily today.

The company currently supplies hot meals to dozens of schools across Limerick city and county.

The investment, announced this Tuesday, is necessitated by the expansion of the Governments Hot School Meals scheme, which is to be extended to a further 900 Primary Schools following the budget 2024 commitment by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys.

The Lunch Bag currently delivers cold lunches to over 600 schools, 315 of which are among the 900 schools set to transition to hot meals next year.

The 240 staff required at the Nenagh facility will mostly comprise general operators, but also HR, admin, warehouse, logistics staff and van drivers.

Part-time school roles will be a welcome announcement for those seeking employment that considers their childcare needs, as the positions operate within school hours and per the school calendar.

Two years ago, the company acquired a 3.5 acre site adjacent to its existing 25,000 square foot premises at the Lisbunny Industrial Estate with the intention of expanding for increased demand.

The introduction of Universal School Meals has expedited expansion, with works commencing on a 50,000sq ft extension this month to accommodate additional production lines.

Launching the expansion plan today, the company invited those interested in joining the team to contact them at hr@thelunchbag.ie.

A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT

Mr Nangles business partner MD Ger Killian said: This is a hugely significant moment for The Lunch Bag as we welcome more people into our rapidly expanding business. Yet while our recruitment numbers are significant, the biggest impact will be that of a free hot meal to all primary school children.

Hot school meals are proven to improve attendance, attention and achievement rates within schools, and thats the feedback were getting from schools.

She added: Importantly also, we see a huge shift in fussy eaters trying new foods, leading to less stress for parents. Minister Heather Humphreys Hot Meal announcement will be seen in time as a fundamental shift in child nutrition.

The Lunch Bags expansion will also see significant indirect employment opportunities for supporting services from food producers to fleet maintenance and many more areas of employment.

GREAT FOR NENAGH

Tipperary TD Alan Kelly said he is delighted to hear the news of the company's expansion plans

Im delighted that Lunch Bag, Irelands largest healthy schools lunches company are announcing a huge investment in their facility in Nenagh. I introduced them to the town in 2020 and the location where they now are and helped them with their expansion plans over the last two years as they purchased more land from Tipperary County Council.

This is fantastic news for the town. The 240 staff required at the Nenagh facility will mostly comprise general operators, but also HR, admin, warehouse, logistics staff and van drivers. I would like to thank CEO Ray Nangle and MD Geraldine Killian for their investment and also Tipperary County Council for working with us on this over the last four years, said Mr Kelly.
Bozemans niche laser industry will anchor a federally funded Western Montana technology hub.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the Western Montana selection as one of 31 hubs designated to advance next-generation electronics research and manufacturing. Congress approved the hubs in 2022 as part of a $52-billion plan to wean the United States from foreign-built semiconductors and related technology.

As a country, we used to invest 2% of our gross domestic product in research and development. Now it's 0.7%. How can you lead the world when you're no longer leading research and development?" President Joe Biden said during a Monday press briefing on the hubs.

Each hub can qualify for up to $75 million in federal aid to scale up production.

There are three dozen photonics companies in Montana, mostly located in the Bozeman area. Commerce specifically mentions Montanas leveraging of a cluster of photonics companies to integrate remote sensing systems with embedded processors and built-in artificial intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The end goal is developing smart photonic sensing coupled with autonomous systems to address critical defense, resource management and disaster prevention. Hubs in Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Massachusetts were selected for similar things.

The state of Montanas hub proposal specifically names corporate collaborators that either focus on robotics or laser optics. Hyundai America Technical, which opened a Bozeman campus in 2022, makes robotic wheeled and legged ultimate mobility vehicles and is a partner.

Bridger Photonics specializes in LiDAR, which uses laser pulses capable of seeing things the human eye cannot, like methane gas emissions.

More broadly, the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance is a partner.

Bozeman began attracting laser optics companies more than 30 years ago. As Lee Montana has previously reported, those first manufacturers coupled with a focus on photonics at Montana State University, lead to a niche workforce and more companies relocating to the area. Eventually, MSU graduates began opening businesses, as well, some developing technology transferred from the military via MilTech, a tech transfer partnership between Montana State University and the Department of Defense.

The Montana University System is a contributor. The Montana Tech Underground Mine Education Center, with 50 acres of rugged terrain, is listed as a testing ground, as is the University of Montanas 21,000-acre Lubrecht Experimental Forest.

The expectation is that Montana State University, Montana Tech, the University of Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai College will create two-year and four-year programs that feed into the manufacturing and design of smart photonic sensors.

The announcement of the hub triggered a raft of press releases from politicians and business leaders praising the selection, but offering scant information about the hubs work, which is expected to involve Kalispell, Missoula, Butte, and Bozeman.

Innovation can happen in any corner of America, which is why Ive led the push to bring a Regional Tech Hub to Montana, said U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Todays designation affirms what Montanans across our state already know to be true: there is untapped potential in rural America, and the Treasure State is ready to lead the nation in strengthening American security through domestic manufacturing and innovation. Im proud to have led the charge to secure this competitive designation that will unlock new private and federal investments to turbocharge Montanas economy, small businesses, and academic institutions.

The potential for autonomous vehicles in agriculture and defense presents far-reaching applications for the hubs work, Alison Harmon, Vice President of Research & Economic Development at Montana State University.

Both Tester, a Democrat, and Republican Sen. Steve Daines mentioned roles in the Congressional work on tech hubs. Tester said he made sure that rural areas were eligible for tech hub consideration. Daines said he played a role in writing tech hubs into the Endless Frontier Act, a 2021 bill eventually folded into the CHIPS Act, or Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act, passed in 2022.

The CHIPS and Science Act was one of the few major spending bills that both Montanas senators voted for. The vote on the $280 billion high-tech manufacturing and research bill came as the United States struggled with COVID-19 related manufacturing problems, particularly for semiconductors, which are mostly foreign made. Worries about strained trade politics with China, a major chips manufacturer fueled the demand for domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival is coming to communities across Ireland to host events in search of your local Community Rose & Rose Escort!

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will be holding Community Rose Selections throughout the country from November through to March, offering local community groups a unique opportunity to raise funds and find their next Community Rose and Rose Escort.

Bring the magic of the Rose of Tralee to your locality and celebrate the young people who are at the heart of your community, while supporting your local fundraising efforts.

At these Community Rose Selections, two local ambassadors will be selected to represent your area and go forward to their County Selection. This Rose and Rose Escort will represent your group at events throughout the year, helping to raise awareness and celebrate your good work.

Last year for example, our Community Rose Selections helped raise funds to rebuild a community centre after a fire caused extensive damage, and assisted a local Special Olympics Club send an Irish athlete to compete in Berlin.

This year there are plans to raise funds to buy defibrillators for a local First Responders group, to support a local Guide Dogs for the blind branch and to assist a tidy towns group!

For information or enquires contact the Rose of Tralee International Festival Office at info@roseoftralee.ie
A school bus driver has told a court that the man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy arrived at his home looking scared and wet on the same day she was killed.

The court heard from the man that Jozef Puska arrived at his home in Tullamore and said he had been in a fight in town.

Giving evidence at Central Criminal Court in Dublin, he told the court that he did not tell the whole story to gardai until January 24 because he was afraid of what it would mean for his family.

A garda also told the court about speaking to Puska in hospital as part of an investigation into a stabbing incident in Blanchardstown, Dublin on the day after Ms Murphys death.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed while out exercising along a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly, at about 3.30pm on January 12 last year.

Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the schoolteachers murder.

Rostislav Peter Pokuta told the court on Tuesday he knew Puska and his brothers because of his job as a school bus driver.

Mr Pokuta, a Slovak national who has been living in Ireland since 2006, said he was eating his dinner at about 9pm on January 12 when he was told by his son that Puska was at the door.

So I came down to the door and said Whats the story?' he told the court, adding that Puska asked him for a lift home.

Mr Pokuta said Puska looked very scared, wet, and that his face was scratched or something.

He told the court Puska did not look like himself and appeared really scared.

The witness agreed that his face almost looked a different colour.

Mr Pokuta said that Puska told him that he had some fight or something in town, and that Puska did not want to talk about it.

The witness said he would take Puska home in his sons car, a grey Volkswagen which has a sunroof.

He told the court that he took the key, started the car, and asked Puska several times what had happened.

I said Why did you not ring the guards? No answer to that, he told the court.

Mr Pokuta confirmed to the court that he can be seen driving his sons car on CCTV footage shown to the jury last week and again on Tuesday.

He told the court that Puska was wearing a black tracksuit with some line on the side, which he thought was white.

The court heard that when they arrived at his home, Puska said: Ill sort you out tomorrow, and went inside.

The court heard that Mr Pokuta did not tell gardai the whole story in a statement on January 21, but did on January 24.

He said that this was because he was worried about his family, as there was a lot going on about the murder of Ms Murphy in Tullamore at the time.

Mr Pokuta said he was worried someone might come down to my house and do something.

Under questioning from defence barrister Michael Bowman SC, Mr Pokuta said that Puska did look injured at the time.

Mr Pokuta told the court Puska could have been holding his stomach or head, and that he did look hurt.

Garda Sergeant Paul McDonnell, who had been stationed at Blanchardstown Garda Station, said his colleagues were investigating a stabbing in Blanchardstown in January last year.

He said he and another garda were tasked with speaking to a man who had been identified as the victim of a stabbing.

Mr McDonnell said that he attended the accident and emergency department of St James Hospital on January 13 at about 14.35pm.

Mr McDonnell said that in one room he saw Puska in bed with his eyes closed and with a series of monitors attached to his chest and arms.

He said the bottom area of his torso was covered in a dressing, and both his left and right hands and his forehead had distinctive, raw marks on them.

He said Puska was in good humour.

Mr McDonnell said they told Puska that they were there to assist him and wished to get information to help with their inquiries in relation to a stabbing in Blanchardstown on the evening of January 12.

Mr McDonnell told the court that Puska said he travelled to Dublin with a friend and arrived in the area of Heuston station, then travelled on to Blanchardstown via a taxi.

Mr McDonnell said Puska told him that when he was getting out of the taxi, he was immediately set upon and assaulted by two males.

He said Puska described one as dark-skinned and wearing a tracksuit, but could not give a description of the second.

When asked to describe his injuries, Mr McDonnell said Puska could not elaborate further.

Mr McDonnell said Puska had said he went to Blanchardstown to meet a woman, but could not tell him the womans identity.

The garda confirmed to the court that all this information was given to him through a translator.

Mr McDonnell said he took a photograph of Puskas hand to assist him with his inquiries, and Puska gave him permission to do so by giving him a thumbs up.

Mr McDonnell said the photo of Puskas left hand had distinct markings that were identical to marks on his right hand and forehead.

He said that the interview came to an end when an alarm went off on the machine and he sought the attention of a nurse.

The court also heard members of An Garda Siochana give evidence in relation to a FitBit smartwatch and an account linked to an email address that included the words ashling murphy.

Garda Ciaran Byrne said that he examined the data from the Fitbit watch, shown in court, and cross-checked the data it collected on elevation and direction against a test he carried out along the canal route.

He said the watch no longer recorded any values for a heartrate after 3.31pm.

Under questioning from Mr Bowman, Mr Byrne confirmed that the time on the Huawei smartphone linked to the Fitbit watch and account was correct, and confirmed to the court that he did check.

Mr Bowman suggested to Mr Byrne that there was a need to be careful with the accuracy of the data.
A woman has suffered burns and swelling to her face after being struck by a firework in Belfast city centre.

The PSNI said the woman in her 30s was injured by the firework that was aimed at police.

One person has been arrested in relation to the attack.

Superintendent Finola Dornan said officers from the South Belfast Local Policing Team narrowly avoided serious injury when a firework was thrown at them on Monday night.

The firework missed the officers and instead hit a woman in her 30s, who was in the area at the time, and resulted in burns and swelling to her face, she said.

Officers provided first aid at the scene, before the woman received medical treatment at hospital.

Due to the swift action of local police, one person was arrested nearby on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault on police, possession of fireworks without a licence and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

The investigation remains ongoing.

A woman, aged in her 30s, required hospital treatment for facial injuries after she was struck by a firework that was aimed at police in south Belfast yesterday evening, Monday 23rd October. Full details here: https://t.co/fGd68bxhxG pic.twitter.com/chPxWY7QTR  Police South Belfast (@PSNIBelfastS) October 24, 2023

Ms Dornan expressed her support to the victim of the attack, saying that: Fireworks are dangerous.

Their misuse can have a devastating and even fatal consequences, she said.

My thoughts go out to the victim who was injured last night, in what was a very traumatic experience.

I am pleased that by the effective actions of local police, an individual will be held to account, having been interviewed and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Assaults on police who are working hard to keep communities safe are totally unacceptable, yet all too common.

Police patrols will be out and about to deter anti-social behaviour across this Halloween period, as well as engage with and support local communities.

Most people are responsible, but we need to be considerate and mindful of others when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

Remember, what might seem like harmless fun to some, may actually feel like anti-social behaviour to others.

Police have urged anyone who witnessed the attack to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1552 23/10/23.
The bosses for Chevron Corp. and Hess Corp. met for dinner years ago, kicking off friendly" talks that led to Mondays $53 billion megadeal, the latest in a wave of consolidation washing over the US oil industry.

We have been talking for a while," Mike Wirth, chief executive officer for Chevron, said Monday in an interview alongside his counterpart from Hess, John Hess, on Bloomberg Television. For quite some time, weve seen the fit and the appeal and have been working on this."

The roots of the megamerger began when they had dinner together, and Wirth said theyve had friendly discussions ever since, without disclosing the date of their first meeting.

Buying Hess will give Chevron 30% ownership of more than 11 billion barrels-equivalent of recoverable resources in Guyana, one of the worlds major new oil producers, Chevron said in a statement. It also adds acreage in the Gulf of Mexico and the Bakken, a smaller US shale basin than the Permian where production has already peaked.

The deal entered the win zone" for both companies after Hess shares almost doubled in value last year, Hess said in the interview. Wirth added that growing cash flow from Hesss Guyana asset also helped make the deal attractive to Chevron.

The stocks of the two companies have traded into a range where it worked," Wirth said. Now is the time.

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.
Talks between JSW Steel and Canandian company Teck Resources over stake in the latter's coking coal unit have led to nothing concrete", JSW Steel CEO Jayant Acharya told Reuters on October 23.

There is nothing concrete on Teck. We are in discussion with strategic possibilities among which Teck is one," Acharya told the agency. Teck did not comment, but said it is engaging with various counterparties regarding the steelmaking coal business", the report added.

In September this year it was reported that India's largest steelmaker had slowed down the process" to acquire a stake in Teck amid flailing diplomatic relations between Canada and India.

Diplomatic Tensions High

On the diplomatic tension affecting decisions, Acharya said they will see how those situations evolve", but it should not impact business decisions. He added that the company is also exploring opportunities in other countries, including Australia. No other specifics were mentioned.

Canadian and Indian diplomatic relations have taken a down turn after each expelled the other's diplomats. Relations turned sour after the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia in June.

Business View

Rising prices of coking coal over the past month-and-half will impact costs during the October-December period unless moderated, Acharya said.

JSW Steel reported Q2 earnings last week, showing profits backed by lower input costs and robust domestic demand. The executive added that strong demand means the domestic market would continue be their focus.

"We are not pursuing exports since domestic demand is very strong," he said, adding that exports were likely to be in the range of 10-15 percent of overall sales.

On the Israel-Hamas war affecting business, Acharya said the company has very minimal" presence in the Middle-East.

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New Delhi: Meja Urja Nigam Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture of NTPC Ltd and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, is set to foray into floating solar projects, in line with the energy transition goals of its promoter NTPC, said Sunil Kumar, the chief executive of the Uttar Pradesh-based power generation company.

In an interview, Kumar said the joint venture is committed to diversify operations to align with its evolving energy transition objectives and increasing power demand. The company has also unveiled plans to raise its thermal power generation capacity to 5.6 GW, from 1.32 GW it currently has.

We will explore the possibility to set up a floating solar project at the Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir. It wont require land acquisition, and displacement of people. It also reduces evaporation. The reservoir is huge and we will be working with UP government because it is in their purview."

Kumar will be drawing from his experience of building the 100 MW Ramagundam unit to set up the proposed project. Govind Ballabh Pant project. GB Pant Sagar, or Rihand Dam, located on the Rihand river, in the Sonbhadra District of UP is the second largest dam in the country by storage capacity.

Its promoter, NTPC plans to achieve 60,000 MW, or 60 GW, of renewable energy capacity by 2032. In 2022, the 100 MW Ramagundam floating solar power project was commissioned, the largest floating solar project in India. In August, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd also emerged as the successful bidder for 80 MW floating solar project at Omkareshwar Reservoir in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.

Floating solar projects are increasingly gaining popularity as they mitigate challenges of land acquisition and right-of-way issues that conventional ground-based solar projects face. The government is also considering policies to support such initiatives. In June, the Union ministry of new and renewable energy extended its scheme for the development of solar parks and ultra mega solar park projects until FY26, and widened the scope of solar parks to include floating solar and hybrid power.

For its thermal portfolio, Kumar said among the proposed 5.6 GW of capacity, the state cabinet has given the green light to establish two 800 MW units, which will require investments of around 18,000 crore.

As part of its efforts to diversify operations, the company is also exploring technologies for effective utilization of fly ash. We are developing a technology for constructing cement concrete road, ash mixed with slack, which is a waste material from steel industries," he said.

Earlier power generation had challenges in terms of ash, but now it has become an asset. Now the ash is being used in cement production, road construction, other building materials, even rejuvenating soil conditions for increasing yield from the the black cotton soil. So, power now will become a byproduct and other utilities will increase," he said.

The company plans to set up silos for collection of ash at all its plants in view of its growing demand.

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BENGALURU: India's Vedanta on Tuesday said Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sonal Shrivastava has resigned amid a major structural overhaul announced last month.

Ajay Goel, incumbent CFO at Indian edtech startup Byju's, will return as Vedanta's finance chief effective Oct. 30, the company said in a statement.

Billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta announced plans to carve the metals-to-oil conglomerate into six separate businesses last month, a move aimed at shoring up the group's financial performance after earlier attempts to privatise the company and trim its dues did not materialise.

Shrivastava had joined Vedanta in June, and was the third person to hold the position since 2021 after GR Arun Kumar and Goel.

Goel had resigned from Vedanta in April to join Byju's.

The conglomerate's UK-based parent, Vedanta Resources, is battling a host of rating downgrades triggered by worries over outstanding dues, including $4.2 billion that the company has to pay by fiscal 2025.

Vedanta's shares dropped 30% this year, as opposed to an over 3% decline in the Nifty Metal index.

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On 13 October, a Friday, SpiceJets stock price soared 20%, amid trading volumes that were 27 times the average for the previous 10 days. Rumour had it that Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of Indias No. 1 airline IndiGo, was buying a stake. Come Monday, as news reports denied this corporate action, the SpiceJet stock slid 9%. While neither SpiceJet nor Gangwal addressed the issue directly, the company, responding to a BSE query on movement in volume", said it was not in possession of any event or information which is material and requires a disclosure".

SpiceJet is also not in possession of as much funds as it needs, and it will need someone to pump in generous capital to give it a new lease of life. SpiceJet has seen many owners since 2004, when Ajay Singh bought an existing company and used it to float SpiceJet. Its original ownership comprised Singh and the Kansagra family. In 2008, US billionaire Wilbur Ross bought 30%. In 2010, Ross and the Kansangra family sold their stakes to Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV fame. In 2015, Singh returned, buying out Maran. Amid these shuffles, while the SpiceJet stock saw peaks and troughs, it created no long-term value.

Covid-19 was a key turning point. In 2019, SpiceJet flew 21.5 million domestic passengers, and was a clear No. 2 with a 15% share. Then, the pandemic happened. In 2022, even as the industry recovered, SpiceJet flew only about half the number of passengers compared to 2019 and its share slumped to 5.5%.

Grounded and aging

In order to increase that market share, it needs to fly more. SpiceJet has planes, but about two-fifths of its fleet is grounded because the company is either short on funds or is mired in disputes with leasing and engine companies. According to civil aviation database Planespotters, 23 of 56 planes in SpiceJets fleet were currently groundedan inactivity rate of 41%. Thats the highest among all operational domestic airlines. That figure for IndiGo, whose fleet is about six times that of SpiceJet, was 15%, while all planes of Vistara and Akasa were in service.

Another issue with SpiceJets fleet is that, on average, it is the oldest among domestic airlines, which impacts fuel efficiency. According to Planespotters, the average age of SpiceJet planes is 12.5 years. By comparison the average fleet age of IndiGo is 3.8 years and Vistara 2.8 years. Even Air India, at 10.6 years, now has a younger fleet than SpiceJet.

Current problems

To replace old planes, or to even optimally fly the rest, SpiceJet needs additional funds. But as of March 2023, the companys accumulated losses stood at 7,415 crore and its net worth was fully eroded. What it owes over the next 12 months (current liabilities)to lenders, lessors, vendors and employeesexceeds assets of that tenure it can potentially use (current assets) by about 7,580 crore. This has led its auditor to add a note to its latest accounts, saying: indicates the existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern".

The gap between SpiceJets current assets and liabilities has grown 3.4 times since March 2019. During this period, though its current assets have grown 56%, its current liabilities have ballooned 171%. The company declined comment in response to questions from Mint, saying it was in a "silent period".

Stake sales

With stiff obligations lined up, SpiceJet has no choice but to calibrate operations. One path it has to bounce back is to gradually scale up operations. For that, it will need to be profitable. It posted a profit in the June quarter, when crude oilfuel is an airlines biggest cost headwas $70-80 per barrel. Since then, crude oil prices have soared, which will burden airlines, reducing the feasibility of this graded option.

The second option is external funding. The promoter group still owns 56% of the company, whose market capitalization was about 2,600 crore on 18 October. SpiceJet also owns a majority stake in its cargo business, which it built during the pandemic has since spun off into a separate company. This year, it has sold stakes under duress in both, but it needs more for another lease of life.

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Demand for IT services has slumped amid a global slowdown. Indias IT companies have, therefore, clamped down on their hiring plans. In fact, FY24 could turn out to be the worst year for IT sector hiring in a long time. Mint explains.

What is the hiring forecast for FY24?

The headcount in Indias IT sector this fiscal year is expected to grow only 2.4%, as per recruitment firm Xpheno. This is in sharp contrast to the years just after the pandemic when it saw the phenomenon of the Great Resignationengineers resigning in huge numbers, sending firms into a hiring frenzy as demand shot up. Organizations globally pivoted to the digital, leading to more work for the IT services industry. The manpower growth in FY22 over FY21 was at 20%. But this paradigm has changed as the global economy has cooled. Many enterprises are capping their spending on discretionary IT.

View Full Image The great slump

What does this mean for campus hiring?

Leading Indian IT exporters Infosys Ltd, and Wipro Ltd, which together hired 208,000 engineering graduates in the last three years, have said they dont plan to go to the campuses at all this year. However, rivals TCS and HCL Technologies have said that they will hire from colleges. Even so, industry analysts believe that the hiring numbers would be small, given the weak demand scenario. There is also lower demand for basic skill sets freshers come in with. IT firms have to retrain the freshers they hire to be project-ready but due to pressure on costs, they may not be too keen to make that effort.

Is less hiring the main lever to maintain margins?

Manpower is more than 60% of an IT firms expense and cutting back on hiring helps. Kotak Institutional Equities says costs are being aligned to demand as the anticipated quick recovery did not materialize. Firms deployed levers to defend margins: These include raising utilization rates, increasing productivity measures, lowering average cost of resources," it said in a report.

Are salaries going to be impacted?

Since supply of talent outstrips demand, it could theoretically lead to lower salaries. There wont be any uptick in campus offers. Accenture has told workers in India and Sri Lanka they will not receive hikes this year. While Infosys and Wipro will roll out increments in November and December, TCS said 100% of the variable pay would be paid to about 70% of its workforce. Global capability centres continue to hire but salaries may moderate. IT companies will look at long-term incentives to retain senior talent.

How long will the slump last?

Difficult to say. Head hunters note sporadic hiring mandates from the IT sector and predict it could take at least two more quarters for hiring to restart. But this depends on macro-economic conditions and how growth in Indian ITs primary marketsthe US and Europeshapes up. Meanwhile, analysts expect a considerable shuffle in talent deployment given the delays in projects ramping up. Engineers without a project could be quickly redeployed wherever projects are available.
Yellowstone County prosecutors have filed criminal charges following a homicide on the South Side of Billings.

Branden Kord Rock Above, 23, pleaded not guilty this week in Yellowstone County to one count of deliberate homicide. Rock Above appeared in court via teleconference from Montana State Prison, with his most recent criminal charges coming nearly a year after a Hardin man was fatally shot on South 29th Street.

On Nov. 5, 2022, officers with the Billings Police Department responded to a collision on the 200 block of South 29th Street between an SUV and a sedan, court documents said. Inside the SUV, they found 31-year-old Walker Takes Horse sitting in the drivers seat. He had a gunshot wound to his neck. Crews took him to a local hospital where he was soon pronounced dead. An autopsy determined the wound came from a single shotgun fired from behind him and to his right.

BPD detectives later discovered Takes Horse and Rock Above had escaped from a pre-release center in Great Falls in October 2022. Witnesses told BPD detectives that Takes Horse and Rock Above were allegedly riding together in the SUV, with Rock Above sitting in the back seat. An argument between the two escalated to Rock Above drawing a firearm and shooting Takes Horse, causing the SUV to crash into the parked sedan, court documents said. After the wreck, Rock Above allegedly ran from the scene.

BPD officers who canvassed the area the morning after the shooting recovered a pump-action shotgun left on top of a dumpster in an alley between South 29th Street and South 30th Street, court documents said. An analysis by the Montana Forensic Laboratory alleges Rock Aboves fingerprints were on the shotgun. Police received a warrant to search the SUV, where they found finger prints belonging to Rock Above, along with several of his ID cards and a pay stub with his name on it, according to charging documents.

In the days after police identified Rock Above as a suspect in the shooting, officers asked the public for assistance in finding him. Law enforcement arrested him in February 2023 on a warrant filed after his alleged escape from Great Falls last year. Rock Above was serving a 15-year sentence for assault when the escape was reported.

He had previously admitted to shooting a truck driven by a man in the South Side in 2018, and was ordered to serve his sentence under the supervision of the Montana Department of Corrections. He escaped from the DOC's Great Falls Pre-Release Transition Center on Oct. 29, 2022, court documents said. Yellowstone County prosecutors filed deliberate homicide charges against him in late September 2023. Rock Above is currently in custody at Montana State Prison, and he was ordered to remain in custody on a $1 million bond following his arraignment Monday.

The death of Takes Horse, a Crow man and father of two, was one of 17 homicides investigated by BPD in 2022. Since 2020, when violent deaths in the city spiked, annual homicides in Billings have fluctuated. That same year, BPDs homicide investigations reached a decade-long high of 22, but dropped to nine in 2021. Homicides in and around Billings so far in 2023 have declined compared to last year, with law enforcement responding to seven homicides.

From a national perspective, homicides during the apex of the COVID-19 pandemic similarly spiked across the United States. Starting in 2022 and 2023, however, homicides in the U.S. dropped considerably, according to data from the FBI and policy experts who study national crime trends. During the first half of 2023, homicides reported from cities throughout the country dropped nearly 10% when compared to the first half of 2022, according to a report from the Council on Criminal Justice.

People of color, particularly Native Americans, have accounted for more than half of all the homicide victims in Billings since 2020. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, people of color make up only about 15% of the countys population. Nearly all of the seven people killed in Yellowstone County this year were either Native American or Hispanic.

If convicted of deliberate homicide, Rock Above could be sentenced up to life in prison. His trail is scheduled to take place in February 2024.
International companies began trickling out of Hong Kong a few years back, uneasy about the financial hubs tightening ties to mainland China. That first smattering of departures is now turning into a broad retreat involving banks, investment firms and technology companies.

The number of U.S. companies operating in the city has fallen for four years in a row, by Hong Kongs count, hitting 1,258 in June 2022, the fewest since 2004. Last year, mainland Chinese companies with regional headquarters in Hong Kong outnumbered American ones for the first time in at least three decades.

Coming to Hong Kong used to be a fairly risk-free matter," said Simon Cartledge, who runs a research and publishing company in the city and is the author of A System Apart: Hong Kongs Political Economy from 1997 until Now." Now, its not a risk-free place. There are question marks over everything."

For years after the U.K. returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, Hong Kong appealed to foreign companies by being close to Chinabut not too close, thanks to a separate legal system, independent judiciary and commitment to Western-style freedoms.

That calculus has shifted in response to Hong Kongs tighter national-security restrictions, Beijings crackdown on foreign businesses, an economic slowdown in the mainland and growing tension between the U.S. and China. Some foreign executives say the lines between Hong Kong and mainland China have become blurred.

Hong Kong is now seen as an extension of China," said Rob Jesudason, founder of Serendipity Capital, which invests in technology companies around the world. He moved from Hong Kong to Singapore in 2019 to set up the company.

Few multinational companies have an interest in abandoning their operations in China, still an important market. But more of them are either choosing to be in mainland China or setting up their Asian hubs in Singapore, long Hong Kongs rival as the regions financial and business center.

In a written statement, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong government said that Hong Kong remains one of the most business-friendly places in the world" and is home to around 9,000 mainland and overseas companies." That number, combining Chinese and foreign businesses, the spokesperson said, has remained stable over the past five years.

The roster of departing companies, however, is growing. Australian bank Westpac left, and National Australia Bank is planning to follow suit. Three U.S. and British due-diligence companies are moving employees out of the city, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month. The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, one of Canadas biggest pension funds, shut down a stock-picking team based in the city. TTM Technologies, a California-based manufacturer of printed circuit boards, moved out.

Canadian pension-fund manager Alberta Investment Management Corp., U.S. tech company Vantage Data Centres and the Cayman Islands government all considered setting up regional bases in Hong Kong before choosing Singapore instead. Shipping giant FedEx is moving some regional jobs from Hong Kong to Singapore, while U.S. office-furniture maker Steelcase has already moved regional executives there.

Foreign investors are pulling out of Hong Kongs stock market, where many of Chinas biggest companies are listed. Hong Kongs benchmark Hang Seng Index was down more than 13% this year at Mondays close, a contrast to bull markets in the U.S., Japan and elsewhere. The citys property market is in a slump.

Beijings tough treatment of foreign companies this year, and its use of exit bans targeting bankers and executives, has unnerved multinational businesses.

On Saturday, Shanghai police detained one current and two former employees of GroupM, a unit of London-based advertising giant WPP, citing suspicions that they accepted bribes. WPP subsequently said it terminated the detained executive and is conducting its own investigation into the matter.

Earlier this year, authorities in mainland China raided the offices of due-diligence company Mintz Group and expert-network consulting firm Capvision, and questioned the staff of consulting firm Bain. China fined Mintz for allegedly conducting unapproved statistical investigations, and accused Capvision for carrying out activities that ran counter to national security.

Those actions raised concerns about what types of business due-diligence China would consider sensitive, unlawful or tantamount to espionage. Earlier this month, Capvision said it had completed a rectification" supervised by the Chinese government. Mintz didnt respond to requests for comment.

Some business travelers to Hong Kong are now bringing burner" devices, smartphones or laptops wiped of data or apps, said Katherine Mansted, executive director of cyberintelligence at Australia-based cybersecurity firm CyberCX. While business travelers to mainland China have long used such devices, Hong Kong had been seen as a much safer place.

It is difficult for Hong Kongs government to improve its reputation without appearing disloyal to China, said Kurt Tong, former U.S. consul general in Hong Kong and now a managing partner of business advisory firm the Asia Group. The problem is they cant use the talking points that would be most effective, which would be saying: Were different from China, were better than China, " he said.

Tensions between China and the U.S. have made it harder for American multinational companies to persuade valued employees to move to Hong Kong, said Alice Au, who co-heads executive-search firm Spencer Stuarts board and CEO practice in Asia.

Its not as sexy as before, because now there seems like a lot of risk," she explained. And now that China isnt in such high growth anymore, its less of a plum assignment. This is a shame as there is less of a chance to promote understanding."

Broadcast-technology company Caton Technology moved its headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore last year. Chief Executive Officer Ray Huang said that because Caton has a major American investor and does business with companies in Japan, Taiwan and the West, being a Singapore company is more neutral to everyone."

TTM Technologies, the American circuit-board manufacturer that left Hong Kong this year, has said its customers wanted equipment made outside China. It is opening a factory in Malaysia.

Even some companies that cater to Chinese clients have reconsidered Hong Kong. National Australia Bank has left the city and Westpac is set to follow, but they are keeping staff in mainland China.

Hong Kongs government followed the lead of mainland China in pursuing strict measures to contain Covid. Although the restrictions werent as onerous as on the mainland, they prompted some companies and people to leave. While some people have returned, companies have been more reluctant to reverse costly relocations.

Western executives who have chosen Singapore over Hong Kong describe the city-state as a better place to base their Asian operations. Hong Kong would have been very much about China," said Evan Siddall, chief executive officer of Alberta Investment Management, which set up in Singapore this year to invest more in the region. We needed an Asia hub, and Singapore made more sense for us."

Denver-based Vantage Data Centers considered making Hong Kong its regional base, but it, too, opted for Singapore. Jeff Tench, its executive vice president in North America and Asia Pacific, said many of its customers, including large cloud-service providers, also had regional centers there.

Hong Kong still offers many attractions for Western companies, including low taxes, a well-developed financial market and a world-class infrastructure. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has promised closer links with Southeast Asia, and welcomed Thailands prime minister for a three-day visit in early October.

Hong Kong appears well positioned to benefit from growing ties between China and the Middle East. Dubai Chambers, a government organization that supports businesses, opened an office in Hong Kong this year to encourage tie-ups between the two markets.

Although information still flows more freely in Hong Kong than in mainland China, a series of moves by the government have raised concerns at Western companies.

In 2020, in the wake of widespread antigovernment protests in Hong Kong, Beijing imposed a national-security law there that gave it broad powers to punish dissent. In response, the U.S. government sanctioned several politicians in the city for undermining Hong Kongs autonomy." They included Lee, then Hong Kongs secretary for security and now its chief executive.

This year, Hong Kongs government has tried to expunge from YouTube a song that had become an anthem for the protest movement, creating tension with Google, which owns the platform. A Hong Kong judge rejected the governments attempt, but the government has appealed, arguing the judge should have given more deference to the views of the citys leader.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said in July it had expressed concerns to the government about the negative implications a move to ban the song could have for the citys business sector. A Chamber spokeswoman said its members thought the move could damage how foreign investors view the citys business environment.

Chamber representatives traveled to Washington in July to brief U.S. government officials on American companies operating in Hong Kong. In a subsequent report to its members about the trip, the Chamber said some members of Congress agreed that the U.S. needed to continue its relationship with China and its companies, but that politicians increasingly distrust the private sector doing business in China."

We found a low awareness of Hong Kong and its nuanced relationship with mainland China at best, and at worst a general tendency to view it as indistinct from China," said the report, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The chamber said there is little interest or ability to differentiate the city from the mainland, citing as an example President Bidens executive order on U.S. outbound investment that listed Hong Kong alongside mainland China as a country of concern."

The Hong Kong government spokesperson said the city operates under the principles of one country, two systems," a model adopted following the handover from British control that gives Hong Kong a great deal of autonomy from mainland China. Hong Kong remains the only place in the world where the global advantages and the China advantages converge in a single city," the spokesperson said.

Gregory May, the U.S. consul general in Hong Kong, said at a conference in August that one of his priorities is to build connections between the U.S. and Hong Kong through cultural and academic exchanges, in an effort to steady U.S.-China relations during complex times.

Hong Kong is still an obvious place for global investment banks to set up shop, partly because opportunities from mainland China dwarf those from other Asian countries. But those opportunities are shrinking.

Hong Kong initial public offering volumes declined to $13.4 billion last year, down more than two-thirds from 2021, according to Dealogic. Volumes so far this year are even lower, reaching just $3.5 billion by Oct. 18. Banks including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have cut jobs in the city.

Assets under management for Hong Kongs private banks and wealth managers declined 15% in 2022 from the previous year, while net fund inflows dropped about 80%, according to a survey published this month by the Private Wealth Management Association and KPMG China.

Hong Kong is stuck," said Cartledge, the author and publisher, citing the citys economic stagnation.

The city, he said, still has a capacity to surprise. There are still great people here, and thats what might let the vitality of this place be rediscovered."

Serena Ng, Newley Purnell and Frances Yoon contributed to this article.

Write to Elaine Yu at elaine.yu@wsj.com
IRM Energy IPO allotment status: IRM Energy IPO share allotment has been finalised. The investors who applied for the issue can check IRM Energy IPO allotment status in the registrar's portal, which is Link Intime India Private Ltd.

Investors can find out if and how many shares they have been given through the basis of allotment. The number of shares allotted can also be seen in the IPO allotment status. The company will initiate the refund process for applicants not given shares. Those allotted will receive their shares in their demat accounts.

Tentative IRM Energy IPO listing date has been fixed for Tuesday, October 31 on NSE and BSE. As the company seems to have switched to T+3 norms the listing date could be before the schedule. Initially, IRM Energy allotment date was scheduled for Friday, October 27.

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If you applied for the shares, here's how you can check allotment status of IRM Energy IPO.

Also Read: IRM Energy IPO: Latest GMP, subscription, how to check allotment status

If you have applied for the IRM Energy IPO, you can check your IRM Energy IPO allotment status immediately on the website of the IPO registrar, Link Intime India Private Ltd. You can check the IRM Energy IPO allotment status of your application on below link - IRM Energy IPO allotment link https://linkintime.co.in/MIPO/Ipoallotment.html

Step 1

Visit the above link which will take you to IRM Energy IPO's registrar's website i.e Link Intime India Private Ltd.

Step 2

Choose the IPO in the dropbox that will only have its name set in if the allocation is completed.

Step 3

Pick one of all three options to check the status: Application No, Demat Account, or PAN.

Step 4

Choose between ASBA and non-ASBA under application type.

Step 5

Include the information for the mode you choose in Step 2.

Step 6

Click submit after filling out the captcha.

Also Read: IRM Energy IPO: 10 key risks investors should know before investing

How to check IRM Energy IPO allotment status on BSE

Step 1

Visit allotment page on BSE's official website- IRM Energy IPO allotment status check online - https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx

Step 2

Under 'Issue Type', select 'Equity'.

Step 3

Choose the IPO from the drop-down option under 'Issue Name'.

Step 4

Enter PAN or application number.

Step 5

Click 'I am not a Robot' to confirm your identity, then click the 'Submit' button.

How to check IRM Energy IPO allotment status on NSE

Step 1

Visit NSE's official website- IRM Energy IPO allotment status check online NSE- https://www1.nseindia.com/products/dynaContent/equities/ipos/ipo_login.jsp

Step 2

By selecting the 'Click here to sign up' option on the NSE website, one must register with PAN.

Step 3

Enter user name, password, and captcha code.

Step 4

Check IPO allotment status on the new page that will open.

Also Read: IRM Energy IPO: What GMP, subscription status signal as focus shifts on allotment date

IRM Energy IPO GMP today

IRM Energy Limited IPO GMP today or grey market premium is +44. This indicates IRM Energy share price were trading at a premium of 44 in the grey market on Tuesday, according to investorgain.com.

Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of IRM Energy share price was indicated at 549 apiece, which is 8.71% higher than the IPO price of 505.

In the last 19 sessions grey market activities, the current GMP ( 44) is showing signals towards the lower side. The lowest GMP is 0, while the highest GMP is 105, as per analysts at investorgain.com.

'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Also Read: IRM Energy IPO: Issue fully booked on day 2, check GMP, should you subscribe?

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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The appointment of Ashok Vaswani as the new managing director and chief executive officer (MD and CEO) of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd should have ideally come as a sigh of relief for investors. After all, it clears the uncertainty on management successiona factor has been a lingering concern for the stock. Note that Uday Kotaks exit as the banks MD and CEO in September ahead of his scheduled retirement had made investors edgy. But the Street does not seem as excited by the latest development. The stock fell 1.6% on Monday, a day when the sectoral index Nifty Bank was down 1.3%.

The selection of an external candidate was contrary to the wide-held expectation of an internal candidate taking over. As analysts from Nuvama Research said, So far, Kotak has been run largely by a core team headed by a promoter-CEO that has not changed since inception."

To be sure, Vaswani brings with him rich experience of building consumer and corporate books on a global scale. His track record is a good three and a half decades, initially at Citigroup and more recently, at Barclays. Since one of Kotaks long-term goals is to increase thrust on digital retail banking, Vaswanis technology-related experience could well be helpful.

That said, a smooth transition is crucial. A worry here is that the cultural integration could take longer. While the new CEO brings with him rich experience in digital and consumer banking, going by the experiences (of external appointments) at other banks, we believe it would take the new CEO at least 1824 months to implement his perspectives," said Nuvama.

Also, top-level changes usually tend to increase attrition. The exit of key personnel from the senior management team could dampen investors sentiment. Vaswani will take charge on or before 1 January for three years.

The news of the appointment has overshadowed the banks September quarter (Q2FY24) earnings that were also announced on Saturday. In any case, earnings were a mixed bag. Sharp net interest margin (NIM) contraction of 35 basis points (bps) sequentially to 5.22% was discouraging. In an earnings call, the management said that around 15 bps points of margin drop was due to one-off factors. The pace of margin fall should moderate ahead. The bank has retained its FY24 NIM guidance of minimum 5%. However, costs of funds are inching up, and require close tracking. The loan book grew 18% year-on-year and 6% sequentially, led by healthy traction across segments. It is worth noting here that the share of unsecured loans in total advances rose to 11% in Q2FY24 and the management expects it to rise to mid-teens by FY24-end. This is in line with the banks strategy to improve the share of high-yield products in its portfolio. But caution is warranted here. The Reserve Bank of Indias recent rebuke on unsecured loans could slightly weigh on Kotak Mahindra Banks growth/margin, said a Emkay Global Financial Services report. Deposit growth lagged loan growth sequentially in Q2, rising nearly 4%, and the changing deposit mix needs to be tracked.

Also, the banks covid provision buffer stands low at 0.2% of loans versus 0.6-1.2% for peers and thus calls for higher provisions, according to Emkay. These variables may play spoilsport for the banks return ratios profile. Also, a potential acquisition of IDBI Bank may bring new concerns depending upon the deal contours.

Meanwhile, so far in 2023, the Kotak Mahindra Bank stock has lagged the sector index Nifty Bank, falling almost 5%. In the near term, investors will stay glued to the CEO transition and any potential changes in the banks growth strategy.
Stock market today: The Indian stock market will remain closed today, October 24, 2023 on account of Dussehra or Vijaydahsmi. There will be no trading in the equity segment, equity derivatives segment, and SLB segment.

The currency derivatives market is also shut for trading today. Additionally, trading in the commodity derivatives segment and Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) will also be closed today.

Vijayadashami or the 10th day marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival. According to the Hindu calendar, Dussehra is observed as the victory of Lord Ram over the evil king Ravana.

Nifty 50, Sensex on October 23

On October 23, the equity benchmark indices ended in deep red, extending losses for the fourth-straight session, in response to heightened geopolitical tensions, mixed quarterly earnings and spike in US treasury yields. Sensex and Nifty 50 declined over 1% each, while broader markets underperformed the frontline indices.

The US 10-year bond yields touched 5% for the first time since 2007. Nifty 50 lost 260.90 points to settle at 19,281.75. The Sensex fell 825.74 points to close at 64,571.88.

The Nifty 50 and the midcap index close at their lowest points in almost two months. The Nifty midcap 100 closed 2.88% lower, and the Nifty smallcap index lost 3.80%.

Also read: Why Indian stock market fell  explained with 5 reasons

Stock market holidays in 2023

As per the list of stock market holidays in October 2023, after Dussehra, the next market holiday will be on November 14,2023 for Diwali Balipratipada. Muhurat Trading will be held on November 12,2023 (Diwali  Laxmi Pujan).

(Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here!)

For the rest of 2023, only 3 more stock market holidays are left - Diwali Balipratipada (November 14,2023), Gurunanak Jayanti (November 27,2023) and Christmas (December 25, 2023).

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Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, in defence of his dissenting view in the recent same-sex marriage ruling by the Supreme Court, emphasized that decisions made on matters of constitutional significance frequently rely on individual judges' "vote of conscience."

As per a report by ANI, CJI delivered his remarks during the third edition of the comparative constitutional law discussion at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. The event focused on Perspectives from the Supreme Courts of India and the United States."

I do believe that sometimes its a vote of conscience and I stand by what I said," Chandrachud noted.

Also Read: Supreme Court says cannot legalize same-sex marriage

Additionally, the CJI referred to 13 specific cases in which he found himself in the minority when delivering notable judgments.

"By the unanimous verdict of all the five judges on the bench, we came to the conclusion that while we have progressed a great deal in terms of decriminalising homosexuality and recognising people belonging to the queer community as equal participants in our society, legislating on the right to marry is something that falls within the domain of Parliament," the CJI said.

Also Read: Same-Sex Marriage Verdict: Gender of a person is not same as their sexuality, says CJI. Top 10 points

ANI further reported, on differing with the three other judges on the bench on the issue of civil unions and the adoption rights of queer couples, the CJI added, But three of my colleagues felt that recognising a right to form unions was again beyond the traditional domain and that it must be left to Parliament."

Also Read: Same same-sex marriage: SC refuses to grant legal recognition. Netizens disappointed says fake language of empathy

Earlier on October 17, the Supreme Court of India on Monday announced the verdict on same-sex marriage in India, saying it cannot make law but only interpret it and it is for Parliament to change the Special Marriage Act.

The petitioners have argued that same-sex couples should be granted the same rights as any heterosexual couples the status of spouse in finance and insurance issues; medical, inheritance, and succession decisions.

(With inputs from ANI)

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Dussehra 2023: President Murmu, PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi extend Vijayadashami wishes to citizens

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PM Narendra Modi extends Dussehra's wishes, emphasizing ending negative forces.

Premium Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbkaran being put up by the Sanatan Dharam Mandir Ramleela Committee members for burning on the occasion of Dussehra festival, at Ramleela Ground, in Sector 21A, in Noida, India, on Monday, October 23, 2023. (HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended Dussehra or Vijayadashami wishes to people across the country, saying that this holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijayadashami. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashami!" My heartiest wishes to all the countrymen on the holy festival of Dussehra!" President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to the people of India on Dussehra. She also wrote, Dussehra, which is also celebrated as Vijayadashami, inspires us to follow the path of truth and religion. On this auspicious festival, I wish that we all keep moving forward on the path of truth and justice with the spirit of welfare of the entire humanity." On Vijayadashami, Home Minister Amit Shah said the victory of the light of righteousness based on truth is eternal. Best wishes to all the countrymen on 'Vijayadashami'. No matter how dense the darkness of unrighteousness is, the victory of the light of righteousness based on truth is eternal," Amit Shah said. He added, Symbolic of the victory of virtue over sin, 'Vijayadashami' is a festival that inspires and teaches us to always follow the path of wisdom and truth. May Lord Shri Ram bless everyone. Jai Shri Ram!" Falsehood and ego should be destroyed, truth and humanity should reside in everyone's life," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on the microblogging site.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

"The festival of Vijayadashami symbolises the victory of good over evil and truth over untruth. Today, the need is that we should be free from ego in our lives, walk on the path of truth, and work together for the social harmony of the state and the country," an official release quoted the Uttarakhand CM as saying.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy extended Dussehra festival greetings to the people of the state.

Conveying his Vijayadasami greetings, the Governor said the "Navaratri" festival symbolises the supremacy of dharma (justice) and the victory of good over evil, marking the culmination of the nine-day festival.

"Hearty greetings to all the countrymen on the holy festival of Vijayadashami, which symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood, good over evil and justice over injustice. On this great festival, we should take a pledge to end ego and evil and promote social harmony, amity and brotherhood," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri.

It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.

The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, the important festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.

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NEW DELHI : India-backed Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is looking for more countries to join it from South-east Asia and Africa after the Philippines and Tanzania became the latest entrants.

The move is strategically significant as it is expected to give India an upper hand over China which has interests in both South East Asian and Africa and has been opposed to joining the alliance.

The alliance launched on 9 September on the sidelines of the G20 Leadership Summit was initially conceptualized with a view to getting all G20 members on board. However, big hitters China, Russia and Saudi Arabia have so far stayed out.

Russia and Saudi Arabia are key crude oil producers and biofuels are an alternative to crude. Several European countries have also refrained from joiningconcerns have mounted in the past several years over deforestation caused by key source plants such as palm and soy.

The membership has now reached 21 countries. There is good representation from Latin America and North America. GBA will now look at some more countries in South-east Asia and Africa," said a person aware of the development.

With the Philippines and Tanzania, the alliance now has 21 members seven G20 countries, four G20 invitee countries and 10 non-G20 countries. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, South Africa and the US are the G20 member countries, while the G20 invitees are Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius and the UAE.

Apart from the Philippines and Tanzania, the non-G20 countries are Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Finland.

Another person said that India, which has spearheaded the formation and membership process of the alliance, is now looking at setting up a temporary executive committee with representation from every member country to look at the operations of the alliance and start off with a new membership process.

The membership of GBA is interest-based. Any country showing interest to join the alliance can sign up and become a member. The committee after its formation, may look at the prerequisites for becoming a member and also frame up a process for membership application," said the second person.

The GBA is made up of governments, international organizations and industries. An initiative by India as the G20 president, it brings together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels to drive development and deployment of biofuels.

In an interview, union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri said that the recently launched alliance will work on the definition and specification of biofuels, and also increase international cooperation through a virtual marketplace.

Recently, he had said that an event here that the global biofuels market is set to jump from its current value of $92 billion to $200 billion post the launch of the alliance.

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New Delhi: Travellers from tier-I cities are not only spending more on leisure trips but also travelling more compared with their counterparts in tier-II and -III cities, according to a report by global research, consulting, and mergers and acquisitions advisory, Videc.

The report, accessed exclusively by Mint, highlighted that homestays still have scope to grow in India.

The majority of survey participants (91%) said they stayed in a hotel, while only 10% of them booked all-inclusive packages, with 7% booking homestays, villas or bungalows.

Interestingly despite higher airfares, people booked well in advance with 69% of travellers buying tickets over two weeks ahead of departure date, while intercity bus is predominantly a last-minute arrangement.

The Indian Traveler Behavior and Insights Report 2023" found that two-third of travellers travelled in trains, while 43% preferred flights, more so from metros and tier-I cities.

Virendra Jain, co-founder of Videc, said in the last two decades, travel has undergone a major transformation in India

With a surge in expendable income, Indias per capita GDP is projected to increase 10x from $460 in 2001 to $4,000 by 2030, so more people are budgeting for leisure travel in their lifestyle spend. India will have a working age population of one billion by 2030. As per reports, this means nearly 25% of global incremental workforce over the next decade will come from India. This means there will be a strong increased consumption power, that will also be reflecting in discretionary spending," he added.

While at present, domestic travel has taken precedence, 79% of those surveyed for the report said they were planning a domestic trip. Top international destinations were, as expected, Thailand, the UAE, Singapore and Malaysia, followed by Australia, the Maldives and Indonesia.

Surprisingly, travellers from Indias tier-I cities were just as likely to be first-time travellers as those from tier-II. Around 81% of Indian travellers from tier-I cities have either travelled or intend to travel internationally for the first time this year, similar to the 79% from tier-II cities. In contrast, 98% of tier-III city travellers were venturing abroad for the first time, the report said.

While travel bookings are gradually moving online, many, nearly half of all the travellers did report that they were still not booking online for one simple reason: that they preferred to pay in cash. There was also a sizable number, 32% of travellers looking to buy the services from a trusted offline travel agent. Many were also just not comfortable booking their travel online because of risk of fraud and finding it cumbersome to book their travel online.Indians are yet to shell out a lot to travel though. On an average, travellers across ages said they spent 48,000 including airline or rail and bus tickets; lodging; cars and cruises and destination activities for travel over 100 kilometres in the past 12 months. But those in the age group of 45-54 were the highest spenders, exceeding the average at 58,000. Yet again, tier 2 city travellers in general spent almost as much for travel at 52,000 and  53,000 respectively. This cost went up dramatically between international and domestic travel. While international travel commanded a rate of 1.29 lakh, domestic travel spends were just 27,000 for the same set of 1,500 people surveyed. The survey focused on about 1,500 travellers over a month-long period between 1 June and 5 July 2023.

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NEW DELHI : The Union government has decided to cut the minimum export price (MEP) it set for basmati rice, a person aware of the development said, following complaints by traders that overseas shipments had become unviable.

The government, which imposed a floor price of $1200 a tonne for overseas shipments in August to cool domestic prices, approved a decision to reduce it to $950 a tonne in a meeting late on Monday evening, the person cited above said. The decision is yet to be notified.

The government extended export curbs on basmati on 14 October until further notice, triggering protests by farmers and exporters, who said the high floor price made Indian consignments uncompetitive.

India was losing market share to Pakistan, which also grows the premium rice variety, they said. A top exporters body called for a halt in overseas shipments.

Food minister Piyush Goyal, who held consultation with traders, assured industry representatives last month that the government would review the MEP.

Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra on 18 October said the government was actively reviewing the MEP.

The government will take a decision at the appropriate time" and until then the current arrangement will continue", he said then.

India is a leading exporter of the premium aromatic grain, shipping over 4 million tonnes a year, especially to West Asia. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran and the US are some of the largest importers of Indian basmati.

MEP is a price threshold below which exporters cant sell to global buyers.

It is imposed to limit exports. India, the worlds biggest rice exporter, has also banned overseas sales of white non-basmati rice and wheat to put a lid on local prices.

Based on representations from rice exporters associations that a high minimum export price, technically called freight-on-board value, was adversely impacting trade, an interministerial committee monitoring prices was last month tasked with reviewing the floor price.

The country shipped basmati rice worth over $4.79 billion in 2022-2023, mostly to West Asia and the US.

In the April-August period, India exported nearly 2 million tonnes of basmati rice worth 2,200 crore, a 12% jump in value terms.

Shipments slowed down considerably after the MEP was set in August, traders said.

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The Kremlin has rubbished reports that President Vladimir Putin suffered a heart attack over the weekend. Unverified reports had indicated that the Russian leader collapsed in his bedroom after suffering a cardiac arrest on Sunday. Visuals shared online also showed Putin sporting 'scars on his neck' while he addressed a public event.

Claims about Putin's deteriorating health have repeatedly surfaced since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago. Eagle eyes netizens have flagged uncontrollable tremors during public events, claimed Putin was using body doubles and more. British publication Metro had also claimed in April that the Russian President was suffering from severe pain in his head, blurred vision, and numbness of the tongue.

The latest claims appear to have originated from a Kremlin-tracking Telegram channel before it was picked up by several news publications. The Mirror reported that Putin had been 'resuscitated' after suffering a heart attack on Sunday. Express UK also flagged claims that the President had required intensive care at a facility located within his official residence.

ALSO READ: US President Biden compares Hamas to Vladimir Putin, seeks funding for Israel, Ukraine

Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake," Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as telling reporters.

He also laughed off claims that Putin was using a body double as absurd. The Russian leader had previously denied the longstanding rumours during a 2020 interview. Putin however noted that he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons.

This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile," Peskov added on Tuesday.

Meanwhile Putin has continued with his intensive schedule of meetings and public appearances this week. He is slated to hold a meeting with Russian religious leaders on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Republican Ed Walker, a former Billings legislator, is running for Montanas eastern U.S. House District.

Walker registered his candidacy with the FEC on Wednesday. The Eastern District, which includes Billings, Great Falls and Helena stretches to the North Dakota border. Incumbent Rep. Matt Rosendale is weighing a Senate challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, with several would-be Republican House candidates waiting to see what Rosendale does.

Walker said Friday that hes ready to get started.

I dont know what Congressman Rosendales intentions are, but I think if were going to secure the borders, if were going to stop all the spending thats going on, we need a conservative candidate thats going to start building a campaign today, Walker said. Otherwise, were going to get some vanity candidate whos from California come in and drop a million dollars in March and win a race.

Walker served one term in the Montana Senate starting in 2011. At the time, he had five children at home and decided it was best for his family not to run again. Hes currently the Montana Chairman for U.S. Term Limits, a group advocating term limits at all government levels, but particularly Congress.

In 2018, a nonprofit, Montana Growth Network, which Walker helped form for campaign purposes, was fined for straying from its issue-based campaign mission and actually opposing candidates. The political activity hadnt been reported, including its involvement in the 2012 Montana Supreme Court race. Fewer than two dozen donors invested more than $900,000 into the nonprofit, but roughly $600,000 spent on campaigns or consulting wasnt disclosed. The group agreed to pay a fine of $30,000.

The candidate MGN supported, Lauri McKinnon, won the election.

What Walker said he learned from the experience is that party affiliation shouldnt be injected into Montanas state Supreme Court races, though he considers the state Supreme Court too be too leftist.

People across this state dont like a partisan Supreme Court justice because it just gives the aura of partisanship. They want fair, impartial justice, Walker said. This whole idea of running people as a Republican or Democrat, dont play into that because its just not a good idea.

Thats what we found. When they do things like that, when my side does things like that, I pull my hair out. Guys, thats not going to work. That dogs already hunted.

By trade, Walker is a veteran of the petroleum industry, whose specialty is pipelines. Hes employed by Loenbro, a large industrial contractor. Energy is a big part of his platform.

Bidens energy policy has been a total failure. Ive worked with the oil and gas industry. Ive spent the bulk of my career in that industry, building some great companies, Walker said. What hes doing with the energy industry, hes going hat in hand to our enemies around the world trying to have them increase their supply of oil and gas.

Walker said the United States could increase its own production oil and gas by bringing wells into production that were previously not brought to full development.

Energy is important to Eastern Montana, Walker said. People travel long distances. Farming is a fuel intensive business. The lesson is one he learned working for former Republican U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns.

I used to work for Conrad Burns years ago, he used to say theres a lot of dirt between lightbulbs in Montana. We have to travel a lot. A lot of Eastern Montanans have to travel to the hospital, have to travel for work. And when you have gas thats $4 and $5 a gallon, thats a national issue, but that brings it right down home, Walker said.

There are several Republicans who could join Walker in the race, once Rosendale decides about what race to run in. Former Montana legislators Ric Holden and Joel Krautter said in September that they would seek the Eastern District House seat if Rosendale cleared out. Current Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, also a former legislator, is readying for a non-Rosendale, contested 2024 Republican primary. Arntzen has formed an exploratory committee.

Democrats Kevin Hamm of Helena and Ming Cabrera of Billings have declared their House campaigns, regardless of whether Rosendale decides to challenge Tim Sheehy, CEO of Belgrade-based Bridger Aerospace, in the Republican Senate Primary.
The US doesn't seek to conflict with Iran, but it would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attacks US personnel anywhere, warned the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the UN Security Council on the Israel-Gaza conflict held on Tuesday.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas has sparked the fear of escalation of crisis in the rest of Middle east. Antony Blinken made the statement at the 15-member U.N. Security Council amid international fears of the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: we will defend our people, we will defend our security - swiftly and decisively."

Dont throw fuel on the fire' Blinken indirect warning to Iran

To protect its troops in the Middle East, the US military is taking new steps like sending more warships, aircraft in the Middle East to deter Iran and Iran-backed groups. So far, Washington has sent warships, fighter aircraft including two aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

Giving an indirect warning to the Iran, Antony Blinken said that if any state or non-state actor is planning to consider opening another front in Israel-Hamas conflict, must not do that.

"We call on all member states to send a firm, united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israel's partners, including the United States: don't. Don't throw fuel on the fire," Blinken said.

Hamas didnt happen in a vaccum': UN Sec General

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres pointed out towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Tuesday he pleaded for the protection of civilians in the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants. He voiced his concern about "clear violations of international humanitarian law" in the Gaza Strip.

"It is important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation," Guterres said.

He also added that the grievances of Palestinian civilians "cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he said.

So far, more than 700 palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes, according to Gaza's health ministry. Antonio Guterres also told the United Nations Security COuncil that at such a crucial moment like this, it was vital to be clear that war has rules, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.

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The Israeli army has intensified efforts to track down hundreds of civilians taken hostage by Hamas at the onset of an ongoing war. IDF aircraft dropped leaflets on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday assuring Palestinians of financial rewards and a better future for their children in lieu of information.

If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area," the IDF said. The Israeli military said it would invest maximum effort in providing such residents with security for themselves and their homes. It also promised complete confidentiality and a financial reward for those coming forward with relevant information.

Hamas has freed four individuals over the past few days while more than 200 others  including an undermined number of foreign nationals and dual citizenship holders  remain captive. The hostages are believed to be trapped in Gaza  some within the labyrinth of Hamas tunnels dug beneath the coastal strip.

The Israel Defence Forces have so far confirmed the kidnapping of 222 people by Hamas on October 7. The matter has also prompted a flurry of diplomatic activity as other countries strive to bring their citizens home from Hamas' captivity. Leading officials including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have visited Israel in recent days to reaffirm their support for the country's war against Hamas and take stock of the situation.

Gas-rich Qatar has emerged a key intermediary in the hostage negotiations as it strives to maintain a delicate international balancing act. The small Arabian Peninsula country has links with those viewed as militant groups by the West and continues to preserve its close security ties with the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

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TEL AVIVFor nine months, Eyal Naveh and his protest group urged army reservists to refuse to volunteer for military duty unless the Israeli government backed down over its plan to overhaul the judiciary. -

But within minutes of hearing about the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas militants, the 47-year-old former commando and other leaders of Brothers in Arms urgently called on members to report for duty right away. Within hours, they also used their network to marshal thousands of volunteers to help the military mobilize and support the families affected by the biggest single-day loss of Jewish lives since the Holocaust.

The group is now feeding 30,000 people a day, organizing donations and equipment for reservists, helping connect displaced families with volunteers willing to house them temporarily, setting up teams of volunteering psychologists to aid traumatized families, and even reuniting dogs with their owners.

The requests come in from the groundthe kibbutzim, the villages and the soldiers," said Naveh, a former member of Sayeret Matkal, considered the militarys most prestigious special-forces unit. Yesterday we delivered glasses to a sniper who forgot them at home."

It isnt just Brothers in Arms. Across Israel, civil society has stepped into the breach left by a government reeling from the attacks and focused on mounting a military response while trying to manage the diplomatic fallout and avoid a wider war. Lawyers are helping displaced families get new IDs, teenagers are volunteering to babysit for the wives of soldiers, and former dairy farmers are traveling to the kibbutzim that were attacked near Gaza to milk the cows.

I dont think there has been anything like this before. We have 15,000 volunteers at any given time," said Naveh. He said it felt instinctive to switch gears the moment the country was attacked: For nine months before all of this happened, we were fighting for our country." Now, he said, The most natural thing to do was to continue to do the same thing: fighting for our country."

At the offices of Navehs volunteer drive in Tel Aviv, hundreds of people sit at computers, matching up donations with the needy. In a separate, sealed-off room, a team helps identify hostages with the use of artificial-intelligence tools that glean information from tattoos or small pieces of clothing, or by scouring social-media footage. In an underground parking lot, donations arrive, get sorted by volunteers and are taken away for delivery.

This is the best therapy on earth," said Aviva Soesman, a 58-year-old immigrant from the Netherlands sorting through clothes for children. This country is just amazing."

Bonot Alternativa, a womens-rights organization whose name translates as Building an Alternative, has also helped relocate families displaced by the attacks, focusing on women. Bonot has set up teams of psychologists to help survivors cope with the trauma, and lawyers and accountants to help them navigate the bureaucracy related to their destroyed homes, dead relatives or even lost IDs.

The tourist city of Eilat on the Red Sea, with roughly 50,000 residents, is hosting tens of thousands of evacuees from the small towns and kibbutzim near Gaza. Bonot has set up a venue where women evacuated from towns near the border that were attacked can go with their children. While the children play, the women can have a coffee, get their nails done and feel human," said Lee Hoffmann Agiv, a 36-year-old field-operations manager for Bonot who normally works in the wine industry. They are setting up at least three similar centers in other towns across Israel.

David Zalmanovich, an attorney who had a family member kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza, set up a civic group to help families of hostages. Within two days, there were hundreds of volunteers, including some of Israels top legal minds, former hostage negotiators, medical specialists, mental-health specialists and public-relations experts. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum does everything from helping document each victims story, to drafting legal opinions as to whether Hamass actions amount to war crimes, to helping family members explain to banks that a check has bounced because the account holder was abducted.

Were not the only civil society initiative that is filling a void that, in theory, governments, institutions and government organizations should be doing," said Daniel Shek, a former Israeli diplomat who teaches at Tel Aviv University and volunteers at the forum. But that is the way it is. The whys and the complaints can wait for afterward."

A spokesman for the prime ministers office didnt comment.

More than two dozen Israeli tech companies got together to help government ministries use technology to reach out to civilians and resolve issues. Government agencies come in, explain their issues," and have a solution developed literally overnight," according to Nir Zohar, the president of tech company Wix.com, which is listed in the U.S.

Other kinds of help are decidedly more low-tech.

Roy Siegel, 35, is a graphic designer from southern Israel who has put his day job on hold to milk cows in a kibbutz near Gaza called Ein HaShlosha that was attacked by militants. The kibbutzim in the area are known for their milk production but have been evacuated following the assault and declared closed military zones.

Cows have to be milked otherwise they are filled with milk and they are in pain and they start to die," said Siegel, who grew up milking cows on a kibbutz. The kibbutz is empty. Tens of thousands of turkeys are running around because their cage was open. They are running around everywhere."

Every day, he and seven other volunteers drive 40 minutes from another kibbutz and are watched over by soldiers while they work. The security is crucial because shortly after the Hamas attack a dairy-farm manager returned to a nearby kibbutz to milk the cows but was killed by militants still hiding on the farm.

Without the volunteers, we couldnt continue [the dairy farming]," said Daniel Weisz, the 64-year-old dairy-farm manager of Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha. They left everything behind to come help us. Many of the volunteers were dairy farmers in the past. Once a dairy farmer, always a dairy farmer."

Dozens of former dairy farmers are currently working in 11 different farms in kibbutzim near the Gaza border, according to Gal Yanay, 46, who helps coordinate the volunteers.

Orit Israel, an osteopath, joined a group of more than 1,000 alternative-medicine volunteers who have started treating evacuees, bereaved families and those who have missing or kidnapped family members. A WhatsApp group she has joined has a shared Excel sheet where volunteers can say when and where they can help. Every day the group grows by some 100-200 people," she said.

Israel treated a 7-year-old boy whose father is missing with a massage. After half an hour, Israel asked him if he was bored. He told her, No, it is not boring. It is very pleasant for me."

She said she treated him for a full hour. When she turned him onto his side, his eyelids started drooping and he fell asleep. His grandpa came to pick him up, carrying him out of the room wrapped in a blanket.

Later, she said, the boys mother said he told her that it was the happiest day he had ever had."

As Israel recounts these stories, her voice trembles and then she breaks down and starts to cry, holding her hands to her eyes, her head bent forward. It is all just so sad."
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HELENA  Todd Tonkin reached his handcuffed hands out and quickly nodded his head while thanking the judges clerk for sharing some Halloween candy with him. Hed been in jail 119 days  the last 80 were spent waiting for someone from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to arrive and begin an evaluation to determine whether he was fit to stand trial. During most of the hearing in court that day, the back-and-forth between the judge and attorneys was less about his case and more about the institutional wreckage they were all trying to sort through.

"Why just ignore my order?" Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Christopher Abbott asked. "Because that seems contemptuous. That seems like the departments saying, Yeah, we know you said that judge, but nothings going to happen to us."

For more than an hour on Thursday, Abbott skewered state attorneys excuses for ignoring his order to evaluate Tonkin and issue a report about whether his mental health could be restored in a reasonable timeframe to stand in his own defense. Tonkin is charged with felony arson for lighting a fire at the Center for Mental Health in Helena. The deadline to return that report was 10 days away, but no one had examined Tonkin, and DPHHS staff said the soonest the state might manage to conduct the evaluation would be in four to six weeks.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services attorneys Chanan Brown and Nicole Klein spoke hurriedly as they tried to assure the judge resources are limited and bureaucratic policies did not allow what Abbott was ordering of them.

For years, the delays in getting criminal defendants evaluated for mental health concerns have spoiled local prosecutions and triggered taxpayer-funded settlements as the state grapples with its inability to meet the burden of rising mental health needs in the criminal justice system.

The Montana Supreme Court in February ordered charges dismissed against a Great Falls man charged with stabbing somebody 27 times, partially disemboweling the victim in the 2017 attack, because the delays in stabilizing his mental health during his case added up to 1,179 days, 800 of them caused by "institutional delay."

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services settled with another man in August for $95,000 after his wait without medication for a court-ordered evaluation ran for 577 days; Cascade County negotiated a separate settlement with him for $75,000.

Less than a month before Thursdays hearing, Abbott had dismissed criminal proceedings against a Helena woman, again because of the delays in seeing her evaluated. Abbott had then considered holding DPHHS in contempt, but thought the defendant would bear the brunt of the resulting legal fight. In the case at hand, he noted a high level of frustration among District Court judges around the state while raising that possibility again.

Montanas behavioral health apparatus has been hobbled since budget cuts struck in 2017. Traveling nurses and clinical staff under contract prop up the day-to-day operations at the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs due to continued employee shortages. Galen, the facility under the MSH umbrella that focuses on criminal evaluations and manages defendants mental health needs, has one full-time psychiatrist on staff to do that work. The facility has 53 beds, 48 for men and five for women. The average wait time for those beds, according to attorney testimony, is six months for men. Women wait more than 12 months.

Cases rising

A week before Tonkins hearing, DPHHS deputy chief legal counsel Chad Parker described two bottlenecks in the system: at the point of stabilizing someone who has been arrested during a mental health crisis, and the court-ordered evaluations to determine a persons mental fitness to stand in their own defense.

"We have problems with stabilization, first and foremost," Parker told the state commission hosting the event on the University of Montana campus. "They take a period of time. We dont know what theyve been on, we dont know what theyre suffering from, and you have to evaluate that. And a lot of times these individuals are remaining in jail. And what happens by them remaining in jail, where they cant receive the medications and psychotropic prescriptions they have been prescribed, they decompensate and their state becomes worse."

Parker noted the solutions to these bottlenecks would be additional resources, more providers that could spend more time with the person to conduct an evaluation. These assessments, he cautioned, cost around $150 an hour and are increasingly being ordered of DPHHS.

The states health department is currently working to understand the cause of that rise, said Parker, who offered a number of potential reasons: Perhaps more mentally ill people are intersecting with the criminal justice system; perhaps people in that system are more attuned to mental healths guiding factor in someones trajectory toward a criminal act.

"Some of this could be due to increased awareness, but some of this is a result of gaming the system," Parker said, citing conversations around the delays and information from county attorneys and law enforcement.

"It appears as though the statistics Ive been able to receive from county attorneys and other sources, as well as the court administrators office most recently, are starting to show that," Parker said.

However, a spokesperson for DPHHS did not provide the statistics Parker alluded to.

"We continue to gather more information, but these initial reports only further highlight the importance of addressing the issue of providing timely court-ordered evaluations," department spokesperson Jon Ebelt said on Monday.

In court document filed earlier this year, attorneys representing state asserted one man jailed more than a year received a windfall from delays in mental health obligations resulting in his charges being dismissed.

Jose Zapata, of Great Falls, sued the state for violations of his state and federal constitutional rights after being held in jail for 577 days without medication and without a court-ordered mental health evaluation.

"Mr. Zapatas mental health deteriorated to the point where he no longer understood why he was in the (Cascade County Detention Center), how long he was there, and how to get out," his attorneys wrote.

Zapata had been charged with exposing himself to a minor, but District Court Judge John Kutzman dismissed the criminal case in 2020 due to the delay, writing "This train wreck lies at the feet of the State Hospital," and adding the Montana Supreme Court would never uphold a conviction following "a delay of such magnitude."

In the states defense of Zapatas civil rights case, attorneys raised statements he made from a jail phone indicating it was part of his attorneys defense strategy.

"Mr. Zapata never actually wanted his fitness evaluated," they wrote in court records in January. "He wanted to move for an evaluation, not receive it and have his case dismissed as a result."

Those attorneys argued the state and its employees at the state hospital should be protected from Zapatas legal claims by qualified immunity, a legal defense asserting that state officials in the course of their jobs did not violate a persons "clearly established" constitutional right.

U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris rejected that argument in March, writing "no reasonable official would conclude that the circumstances of Zapatas pretrial detention were lawful."

The state appealed Morris ruling against its qualified immunity argument, but in August settled with Zapata for $95,000. Cascade County likewise settled for $75,000.

Back at the University of Montana campus, the commission Parker was speaking to has been tasked with remaking the states behavioral health system. The "Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission" is made up of state legislators, two appointees from the field and Charlie Brereton, director of DPHHS. The commission has a $300 million budget to engineer the overhaul of that system, including some major proposals like establishing new inpatient settings to relieve the Montana State Hospital. Within that budget, the commission has authority to fast-track "near-term initiatives" to patch problems with more immediate needs.

'Crumbs'

On Oct. 13, there was some tentative optimism around the room as the commission unanimously approved a 24-month pilot project with $7 million in grant funding to create more opportunities for community-based court-ordered evaluations. The meeting was the commissions third, and the initiative was its first to go to a vote.

Gov. Greg Gianforte must approve the initiative in order for the state to be able to release those dollars. A spokesperson for DPHHS said it will administer the grant fund, although it's unclear when those funds will be available.

That raised no issue with Rep. Bob Keenan, a Bigfork Republican who chairs the commission. He said in a phone interview Monday the initiatives will still go into action faster than the typical legislative process, which would likely include years of study, would allow.

"The (near-term initiatives) are not going to be an instant fix by any means but  the enthusiasm for it is there," Keenan said. "The people who want to apply for the grants, they will show up. What we did is put some crumbs on the picnic blanket and the ants will follow."

No one, including Montana State Hospital interim CEO David Culberson, mentioned the newly approved grant funding during the hearing in Tonkins case a week later, although Ebelt said that did not amount to a disconnect.

"It'll take time to fully implement them," Ebelt said on Monday of the initiatives.

Culberson has decades of experience in hospital administration, but told Abbott on Thursday he holds no medical or psychology degrees. Asked about the states efforts in contracting with community providers, as defense attorneys often do, Culberson seemed drained on the idea.

"My experience has been that theres not a lot of available community providers willing to participate with us," Culberson said.

Per the state attorneys count, the current waitlist to get into Galen was between 75 and 80 people.

ABSURD MERRY GO ROUND

Abbott repeated in court his frustration DPHHS had seemingly ignored part of his order that, if Tonkin could not be evaluated at Galen, the department would evaluate him in jail.

Culberson insisted such an evaluation would be imperfect given a lack of consistency in settings and interactions by comparison with the states facility.

Additionally, he noted, an evaluation done by a community provider would be considered as part of the admission evaluation, but not definitive. Brown, the state attorney, suggested hesitation about the "severity of consequences that could happen if theres an error in their evaluation" outside the state hospital.

On the bench, a clearly exasperated Abbott laid out the likely path ahead for Tonkins case: If by the end of the month Tonkin still has not been evaluated, Abbott would have to dismiss his case in order to follow the law. Then, according to the law, the state must file a petition to commit Tonkin to the state hospital, not as a criminal suspect but as a civil commitment of the state. On the civil side, patients do not come with the security needs as criminal defendants, more staff are on hand, and the resulting treatment is more or less the same.

"It just seems like a kind of absurd merry-go-round, where we end up in the same place we started after a whole bunch of heartache," Abbott said.

Marissa OSullivan, Tonkins public defender who has already requested Abbott dismiss the case due to its delays, argued Thursday her client should be released rather than sit in jail as the courtroom issue ran its course.

"I know this is a lot bigger than Mr. Tonkin, but I think, specifically in Mr. Tonkin's case he has been sitting in jail for 119 days and its been determined he doesnt have a clear understanding whats going on," O'Sullivan said. "And the biggest travesty of all is what hes been having to go through."

Abbott indicated he would issue a ruling on the request to release Tonkin in the coming days.
Last Thursday marked the return of the Ardagh Girl Guides Paint it Pink fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness.

The event has been held annually since 2014 , every guide from the ages 10-14 would bake, sew and paint items to sell on the night. The fundraiser continued until the Covid lockdown prevented an in-person event in 2020, but not to be deterred, Chloe and Kayla Reilly donated their hair to charity and ran a Facebook fundraiser instead. The evening had a variety of items for sale that were all created by the girls, some of these items include dog treats, bracelets, candyfloss, bookmarks, buns, cakes, scrunchies, and other hair accessories. Competitions such as guessing the number of sweets in a jar, pining the hat, wand, star and nose on the witch, face painting, and a raffle, with a fabulous prize voucher, kindly donated by Joey K Make-up, Keenagh. The event was supported by the girl's families , friends and local community, as a result of this and the efforts of the Guide group on their stalls, one thousand euro was raised by this fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Ardagh Girl Guides has spaces in Ladybirds, ages 5-7, Guides 10-14, and Senior Branch ages 14 up. Irish Girl Guides are a girl-only, non-competitive group, meeting weekly to work through our Journey programme. Through age-appropriate activities and games, girls are introduced to the outdoors, global themes, teamwork, leadership, and life skills. To find out more information people can look at the Ardagh Girl Guides social media or email ardaghgirlguides@gmail. com. With units in Longford town and North Longford there are opportunities for all ages and for anyone wishing to volunteer with a Leadership team to guide girls on their journey, please contact wcmrdo@irishgirlguides.ie.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: October 24 2023

Joseph Pittman Pleaded Guilty and Was Immediately Sentenced to 8  Years in Prison.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Joseph Pittman, 44, also known as Tank, of Bay Shore pleaded guilty and immediately sentenced to 8  years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision for selling cocaine laced with fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose.

This defendants criminal history dates back more than 25 years. He is a recidivist criminal who turned a profit by peddling deadly fentanyl resulting in the death of Mr. Champlin, said District Attorney Tierney. This case is a prime example of why we need the legislature to pass a Death by Dealer statute. In New York there is currently no additional penalty for fentanyl dealers who cause deaths by selling this lethal poison. That is unconscionable and needs to change.

According to court documents and the defendants statements during his plea allocution, on August 8, 2022, Suffolk County Police Department officers responded to a reported fatal overdose at 53-year-old Paul Champlins residence in Great River. Champlin was discovered by a friend in his bedroom.

As a result of a preliminary investigation, a white powder and a pocketknife with powder residue, which appeared to be cocaine, were recovered from the victims bedroom.

Also recovered was the victims cellular telephone. The powder was transported to the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory, which confirmed it was a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl. The victims autopsy later revealed that he had died as a result of an Acute Mixed Drug Intoxication of Cocaine and fentanyl.

A review of the victims phone data revealed that the Pittman and Champlin engaged in a narcotics transaction on August 6, 2022, just prior to midnight.

An undercover detective from the Suffolk County Police Department was able to contact Pittman on that same phone number and arrange for the sale of narcotics on numerous occasions. On three dates, Pittman instructed the undercover detective to go to the same location where he sold cocaine laced with fentanyl to the overdose victim on August 6, 2022. On two of the transactions, Pittman sold the undercover detective cocaine laced with fentanyl.

On December 12, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Pittmans residence at 115 N. First Avenue in Bay Shore, where police recovered cocaine, fentanyl, two digital scales and his cellular telephone. Pittman was observed by police attempting to destroy and discard his narcotics out of the bathroom window into a pile of snow, while the warrant was being executed. After he was arrested, Pittman acknowledged that he knew the victim and that the victim did not do dope, a street term for heroin and/or fentanyl.

Pittman has 27 prior convictions, five of which were felony convictions. He was on parole for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree at the time he sold to Champlin and the undercover detective.

On October 18, 2023, Pittman pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard I. Horowitz to six counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies; two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies and one count of Tampering with Evidence, a Class E felony.

During the plea, Pittman admitted that he sold the victim a combination of cocaine and fentanyl, that he committed the crime of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance on five subsequent occasions, and that on two of those sales, he knew he sold a combination of cocaine and fentanyl.

Justice Horowitz sentenced Pittman to 8  years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Danielle Davis of the Narcotics Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective William Cocks of the Suffolk County Departments Narcotics Section.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: October 24 2023

Lawsuit Follows Legislation Proposed by AG James to Address Social Medias Impact on Youth Mental Health.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 32 attorneys general today filed a federal lawsuit against Meta for harming young peoples mental health and contributing to the youth mental health crisis. The lawsuit alleges that the company knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram, Facebook, and its other social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the lawsuit also charges that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without informing parents or obtaining parental consent, in violation of federal law. In coordination with Attorney General James and the coalition of 32 attorneys general, nine additional attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of attorneys general taking action against Meta to 42. Todays lawsuit follows the recent announcement of state-level legislation proposed by Attorney General James and colleagues to protect children online.

Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame, said Attorney General James. Meta has profited from childrens pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem. Social media companies, including Meta, have contributed to a national youth mental health crisis and they must be held accountable. I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general to stop Metas harmful tactics and keep children safe online.

The lawsuit alleges that Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, exploited young users for profit by designing its business models to maximize young users time and attention and deploying harmful and manipulative features that harm young users. Meta designed features on its platforms that it knew would harp on young users vulnerabilities. These features include:

Algorithms that are designed to recommend content to keep users on the platform longer and encourage compulsive use;

Likes and social comparison features known by Meta to harm young users;

Incessant alerts meant to induce young users to return to Metas platforms constantly, even while at school and throughout the night;

Visual filter features known to promote young users body dysmorphia; and

Content-presentation formats, such as infinite scroll, designed to discourage young users attempts to self-regulate and disengage with Metas products.

While refining these manipulative features and marketing them to young users, Meta deceptively claimed that its features were not manipulative and that its platforms were safe. In addition, Meta routinely published profoundly misleading public reports that purported to show impressively low rates of negative and harmful experiences by users of its platforms.

Several studies, including Metas very own research, show that there are links between young peoples use of Metas platforms and psychological and physical harms, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and many other negative outcomes. While Meta has publicly denied and downplayed these harmful effects, it cannot credibly plead ignorance. Metas own internal research documents show its awareness that its products harm young users. Indeed, internal studies that Meta commissioned  and kept private until they were leaked by a whistleblower and publicly reported  reveal that Meta has known for years about these serious harms associated with young users time spent on its platforms.

The lawsuit also alleges that Meta violated its obligations under the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by unlawfully collecting the personal data of its youngest users without parents consent. Meta has marketed its platforms to children under the age of 13 and acquired actual knowledge that those children use its social media products, but Meta has refused to obtain parental consent prior to collecting and monetizing their childrens personal data. In addition, Meta publicly denies what is privately discussed as an open secret within the company, that very young children are a known part of Metas user base and business model, and that Meta refuses to limit its collection and use of those childrens sensitive data as required by law.

Through this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the bipartisan coalition seek to stop Meta from continuing to deploy these harmful tactics, as well as penalties and restitution.

Joining Attorney General James in filing the federal lawsuit against Meta are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Filing lawsuits in their own state courts are the attorneys general of Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

Todays lawsuit is Attorney General James latest effort to hold social media companies accountable and protect children online. Earlier this month, Attorney General James, Governor Hochul, State Senator Gounardes, and Assemblymember Rozic announced legislation to help keep children safe online and prevent dangerous health consequences of addictive social media platforms.

This case was handled Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel Kosslyn of the Bureau of Internet and Technology, which is led by Bureau Chief Kim Berger and Deputy Bureau Chief Clark Russell. The Bureau of Internet and Technology is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris DAngelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: October 24 2023

All five defendants were issued Desk Appearance Tickets returnable on Thursday, November 9, 2023 to First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

The Fifth Precinct reports the arrest of five (5) men during the Project 21 initiative, which targets the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors. The initiative was conducted on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 5:00 pm in Nassau County.

According to officers, the Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Unit, with the assistance of underage agents, arrested the following individuals as a result of this operation:

Marcelus Lawson, 18, of 8425 Radnor Street, Jamaica, New York, sold alcohol and tobacco products to a minor at Posh Convenience, 968 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square. Further investigation revealed that this location did not have a valid liquor license and Defendant Lawson was found to be in possession of a spiked metal knuckle. He is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Prohibited Sale of an Alcoholic Beverage to a Minor, Unlawful Sale of Tobacco Products, Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st Degree, Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree, and Unlawful Sale without Appropriate License.

Arquimedes Lopez, 55, of 91 Ocean Avenue, Valley Stream, sold alcohol to a minor at Al Mini Market, 91 Ocean Avenue, Valley Stream. He is charged with Prohibited Sale of an Alcoholic Beverage, Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st Degree and Sale of Age Restricted Products.

Yashvantkumar V. Shah, 72, of 20 Lloyd Street, New Hyde Park, sold alcohol and tobacco products to a minor at Newstand, 1155 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square. He is charged with two (2) counts of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st Degree and two (2) counts Prohibited Sale of an Alcoholic Beverage.

Sagar D. Chaudhary, 22, of 4323 Colden Street, Flushing, New York, sold alcohol and tobacco products to a minor at Dogwood Farms Convenience Store, 370 Dogwood Avenue, Franklin Square. He is charged with Prohibited Sale of an Alcoholic Beverage to a Minor, Unlawful Sale of Tobacco Products, Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st Degree and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree.

Md Shahbaz, 31, of 1515 Stone Street, Elmont, sold tobacco products to a minor at E. Smoke Shop, 238-12 Linden Boulevard, Elmont. He is charged with Unlawful Sale of Tobacco Products and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree.
Seth Frantzman is reporting from Israel.

Israel continued to strike targets in northern Gaza overnight between Monday and Tuesday, as the war between Israel and Hamas entered the eighteenth day of fighting. According to a statement from the IDF provided to media, over 400 targets were struck in Gaza and several Hamas commanders were killed.

On Monday evening strikes also targeted a number of Hamas commanders who operate air defenses in Gaza, including surface-to-air missiles. In addition, strikes took out the head of an anti-tank missile team in Gaza, the IDF said. The Chief of Staff of the IDF Lt. Gen. Herzi HaLevi said that the goal is to dismantle Hamas by targeting its leaders, branches of the organization and infrastructure.

That is why we are striking and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination. The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way, HaLevi said.

Israel has concentrated attacks in the northern Gaza Strip and has warned residents to leave this area over the last two weeks. Gaza is densely populated and the request for people to covers approximately one million people. Israel has been preparing a ground operation for two weeks, deploying tanks and infantry units on the border of Gaza and declaring a vast area as closed military zone. This includes evacuating 53 Israeli communities that border the Gaza Strip, to a depth of 5 miles inside Israel, which includes 34,000 people and another 30,000 from the city of Sderot.

Israel called up 300,000 reservists in the wake of the surprise Oct. 7 attack. The IDF is conducting training and refresher courses for the soldiers, including practicing urban combat scenarios and working with the soldiers on tactics such as clearing houses. If a ground incursion takes place, the soldiers will be operating in areas that are a mix of fields and built-up areas, as well as dense urban areas in Gaza city. The IDF said that it struck areas in the neighborhoods of Shujaiyya, Shati, Jabalia, Daraj Tuffah, and Zaytun according to a briefing by IDF spokesperson Read Admiral Daniel Hagari. This includes key areas in northern Gaza.

At the same time, Hezbollah continues to threaten Israel with anti-tank missiles on the northern border. An anti-tank missile was fired at Shtula, a small community that sits on hills along the border with Lebanon. Shtula had also been hit in the first week of the war, destroying a vehicle, killing one person and wounding others. This is one of many uses of anti-tank fire by Hezbollah over the first two weeks of the war. In addition the IDF said it carried out a strike against a terrorist [who] attempted to launch a rocket from Lebanon towards Israeli territory adjacent to the area of Kibbutz Baram.

Israel has also evacuated 42 communities along the northern border, though many communities have local security and support in attempt to keep small businesses running. The clashes in the north and south come as French president Emanuel Macron visited Israel on Tuesday. It also takes place amid continued focus on the 220 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Hamas released two hostages on Monday evening. One of them provided details of how she was transported through tunnels in Gaza.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The Republican National Committee is moving in on a federal lawsuit in Montana to defend the state's new law banning a person from "double voting" and having multiple voter registrations.

The RNC, in a joint motion with the Montana Republican Party, submitted legal paperwork Tuesday requesting to join the recently filed legal challenge as "intervenors" to argue its interest in upholding the law.

"Dark-money Democrat groups are committed to destroying basic election safeguards, but the RNC will fight and beat them every step of the way," RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said in a statement shared exclusively with the Montana State News Bureau. "Making sure that folks can only vote once in each election is just common sense. The RNC and MTGOP have intervened in this lawsuit because Montanans deserve election integrity, not underhanded Democrat schemes."

The case at hand challenges House Bill 892, sponsored by Missoula Republican Rep. Lyn Hellegaard and passed by the GOP-run Legislature. The law creates a felony-level penalty for anyone to vote in Montana in the same election that they cast a ballot in another state, with an exception for special district elections. It also states that a voter "may not purposely remain registered to vote in more than one place in this state or another state at any time."

The Montana Federation of Public Employees, the state's largest labor union, and the Montana Public Interest Research Group, a left-leaning student organization, challenged the law in U.S. District Court in Helena in late September.

"This is a non-partisan issue and MFPE members span the political spectrum," MFPE President Amanda Curtis said Tuesday in response to the Republicans' filings. "None of them deserve to be threatened with a felony for failing to follow a de-registration process that doesnt exist."

Those groups said prohibiting double voting is legitimate, but argue the provision banning multiple voter registrations would deter potential Montana voters from registering, particularly students who depart for college each fall. The lawsuit alleges Fourteenth Amendment due process and First Amendment free speech violations.

In their coordinated motion filed Tuesday, the RNC and Montana GOP contend HB 892 "helps preserve resources for (their) get-out-the-vote efforts by ensuring that the voter rolls contain only voters eligible to participate in Montana elections."

The Republicans' brief notes the case's tight timeline with the approaching election.

An injunction against HB 872, the GOP's attorneys wrote, "threatens the credibility of the election by removing key protections against voters who register in multiple jurisdictions from voting in Montana's elections."

"Basic election safeguards drive up voter confidence," Montana Republican Party Chair Don "Don K" Kaltschmidt said in a statement late Tuesday. "Left-wing groups are trying to make Montana elections less secure, and Republicans won't allow that to happen. We're proud to join with the RNC in filing this intervention and look forward to fighting this battle in court for Montanans."

Raph Graybill, attorney for the plaintiffs, said the matter should not be cast as a partisan issue.

"House Bill 892 is a threat to every Montana voter, regardless of political party," Graybill said in a statement. "It threatens to make Montana voters into felons just by updating their registration after a moveno matter what political party theyre from. MontPIRG and MFPE are proudly nonpartisan, and will stand up for their members against poorly written laws that threaten basic constitutional rights."

This lawsuit makes 56 the RNC has joined or attempted to join across 18 states regarding election integrity issues.

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, Attorney General Austin Knudsen (both Republicans) and Commissioner of Political Practices Chris Gallus, whose office is nonpartisan, were each named defendants in the initial complaint.
The iPad Air was last updated in March 2022 and new rumors suggest that the arrival of a new model (or two!) could be coming soon. Heres all we know so far about the 6th generation iPad Air.

An Apple event took place on October 30, but there were no new iPads at that event. Does this mean that there will be no new iPads in 2023? Read on to find out how long the wait is likely to be.

When will the new iPad Air be released?

Predicted: Spring 2024

The past three generations of iPad Air arrived about 18 months apart, so we are due an update. But Apples event on October 30 saw the company only launch new Macs. The iPad didnt get a look in. Does this mean there will be no new iPad Air in 2023. It looks that way.

The general consensus among the most trusted Apple forecasters is that the next-gen iPad Air is in development. As Bloombergs Mark Gurman put it in a July newsletter: An iPad Air model that boosts its specifications is also in development, however, at the time he made no reference to when that new iPad Air might launch.

Gurman later said, in a MacRumors Show podcast in early September, that a new iPad Air was coming soonish and that there could be a refresh in October, although probably not at an event. He then clarified (in a mid-October newsletter) that he doesnt think that the iPads will come in October. He wrote: While I reported in July that Apple was planning such a release this year, the latest indications are that it wont happen this month.

Another reliable tipster, Ming-Chi Kuo, posted on X (formally Twitter) in September that there would be no new iPads in 2023, so it looks like we will have a longer wait for iPads.

aaaaaaaaeiPada



New iPad models are unlikely before the year's end.  ee (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 12, 2023

New iPad Air size

Apple could be launching two sizes of iPad Air.

An October 9to5Mac report claimed, not only that there are multiple new iPads on track for the coming months, but that this includes two new iPad Air models. The site indicates that Apple may be considering introducing a larger version of the iPad Air, or a more expensive model with better specs. This theory seems to be based on the fact that there are two codenames associated with the new iPad Air: J507 and J508, with the only other iPads having two codenames being the iPad Pro, which comes in two sizes.

There is no indication as to what size this new iPad Air might be. Currently, the iPad Air has a 10.9-inch display. The iPad Pro has an 11-inch or 12.9-inch display. There are rumors that a 14-inch display could be coming to the new iPad Pro, so perhaps the new iPad Air display will be 12.9-inches.

Apple

How much will the 6th gen iPad Air cost?

Outside the U.S. Apple shoppers are hoping Apple will reverse the price hikes of the past few years, as they did with the iPhone.

Regarding the potential pricing of the iPad Air 6, we can look at the generations that have preceded it as a clue for what youll have to pay when it finally does arrive.

iPad Air (5th Generation)

64GB, Wi-Fi  $599 / 669

256GB, Wi-Fi  $749 / 849

64GB, Cellular  $749 / 849

256GB, Cellular  $899 / 1,029

iPad Air (4th Generation)

64GB, Wi-Fi  $599 / 579

256GB, Wi-Fi  $749 / 729

64GB, Cellular  $729 /709

256GB, Cellular  $879 / 859

As you can see, Apple kept most of the pricing roughly the same for its U.S. customers when moving between the last few generations, while outside the U.S. buyers got hit with aggressive price hikes (something that happened across all Apple products, see Is Apple ripping off the rest of the world with inflated prices?) Apple reversed these extortionate price rises when it introduced the iPhone 15, so we are hopeful that outside the U.S. Apple shoppers may see iPad prices decrease.

If Apple does introduce a higher spec or larger iPad Air to accompany the current size, we could see lower prices at the entry level and higher prices at the top of the range.

Naturally, a model with improved hardware will cost more, but as there is currently only around $200/200 between the iPad Air 5th gen and the 11in iPad Pro, there isnt a lot of room for a new tier. If Apple does introduce a larger iPad Air it seems likely it would be priced around $100/100 above the regular iPad Air. This would be similar to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, so maybe Apple is just offering size variants for customers rather than differently equipped iPad Air Plus models.

What new features will we see in the iPad Air 6?

For a device whose release could be imminent, theres not actually that many rumors or leaks out there. This might be a case of Apple tightening up any leaks that were appearing in its production chain, or that any updates to the iPad Air will be minimal.

A new processor

The most obvious area where the iPad Air 6 will be superior to the current iPad Air 5 is in the processor that powers it. The iPad Air 5 already boasts a pretty nifty M1 chip, but the 11-inch iPad Pro has been sporting M2 silicon for over a year, with reports suggesting it will get an update to a new M3 chipset. This would allow Apple to raid its parts bin and move the M2 to the iPad Air 6, while retaining the newest silicon for its Pro platform.

Tech tipster Revegnus posted on X/Twitter that this could be the case.

iPad Air6, powered by M2  Revegnus (@Tech_Reve) March 14, 2023

New display technology

Another change Apple could be looking to bring to iPads is OLED displays. Rumors of OLED screens coming to the iPad lineup have popped up with regularity over the years. Apple is said to be in negotiations with LG, Samsung, and Chinese companies for active matrix OLEDs (AMOLEDs) that could be coming to the iPad Air and iPad mini.

While this would represent an excellent upgrade, it seems that the roadmap for this is 2025/2026, so theres no chance that it will arrive in time for the iPad Air 6. Maybe the iPad Air 7?

More storage

Since the release of the iPhone 13, Apple has offered a baseline storage capacity of 128GB. Sadly, this hasnt been the case with the iPad Air, which currently starts at a rather paltry 64GB. Could the iPad Air 6 finally see this change? We hope rather than know that when the iPad Air 6 turns up, it will be endowed with a roomy 128GB so that it could become the laptop replacement Apple has been marketing it as for a while now.

We will continue to monitor the latest news and rumors surrounding the iPad Air (6th Generation), so be sure to check back regularly to see what we can find.

In the meantime, heres a selection of the best deals for the iPad Air 5.
After posting on social media about killing Palestinian children, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. apologized and said he was only being sarcastic.

Thats why Palestinian children should be killed; they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel, he said in his now-deleted post on X.

I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to a tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued and retweeted to incite, Locsin explained.

My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did in fact get triggered  I obviously was not advocating for the literal death of anyone, but rather simply for the end of any ideology that condones terrorism in any way, shape or form, he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, in a separate statement on Monday, said it completely disassociates itself from the statement made on Twitter by Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.

The DFA said Locsins post was made in his strictly personal capacity.

Two leaders of the House of Representatives denounced Locsin, who previously served as DFA chief.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, senior vice chairperson of the House peace reconciliation and unity committee, said the remark was Islamophobic.

There is no room in Philippine society, much more in the high offices of government, for the dangerous, bigoted, and Islamophobic rhetoric that is palpable in your now deleted statement, said Adiong.

It is unbecoming for any Filipino, much more a high official, to visit genocidal machinations upon innocent children of any nation. An ambassador who is tasked to represent the best of our nation, a defender of our nations interests, must espouse our nations commitment to peace and humanity.

Under no circumstance is the killing of Palestinian children justified, and it is no laughing matter when more than a thousand Palestinian children have lost their lives in Gaza within this past week alone. Right now, a child dies every fifteen minutes in Gaza. That said, under no circumstance should Islam  or any other religion for that matter  be so callously associated with terrorism, Adiong added.

Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, chair of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, also expressed dismay over Locsins remark.

As a high-ranking official of the Philippine government, making his provocative personal opinion public by posting it on social media is highly irresponsible. His statement incites hatred and hostility not only against the Palestine people but also against our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines and around the world, a crime in most jurisdictions, and is outlawed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Salo said.

While Ambassador Locsin has apologized and stated it was a sarcastic response, his social media post may be perceived as the official stand of the Philippine government. Worse, it jeopardizes our Filipino diplomats particularly in the Middle East who may be perceived as sharing his opinion. Worst, it endangers the lives of our already vulnerable kababayans scattered all over the world, mostly concentrated in Muslim countries, which do not share the Ambassadors sarcasm, no matter how witty or amusing he thinks he appears, he added.
With the purchase of three new properties, the conservation group American Prairie has expanded its holdings by 2,000 acres in northeastern Montana's Phillips County, next to the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

"Not only are these properties critical as sections of land that connect vital habitat, they also support the Big Warm Creek system  an important stream and riparian area," Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie, said in a statement.

The acquisitions bring American Prairies total deeded and leased property in northeastern Montana to more than 462,000 acres, much of it close to the Missouri River Breaks.

The newly acquired wetland and grassland properties are located in an area of importance to prairie dog populations, as well as a priority area for conservation of mountain plover, sage grouse, mule deer and pronghorn, the group said. The acquisitions also provide habitat connectivity to American Prairie's existing Wild Horse and White Rock units.

One of the parcels was gifted to American Prairie, owned by the same Minnesota family for close to 100 years. Ed Andy Kaufmans grandparents, Andrew J. and Clifford Kate Kaufman, purchased the land after World War II. Under the familys stewardship it has remained undeveloped.

My grandfather grew up on a small farm in southern Minnesota and worked in a grain elevator, Kaufman said. He was entrepreneurial and ambitious, and eventually got into farm real estate, which is how he acquired this property in Phillips County, Montana, around 1945.

Kaufman said knowing the land will be preserved in its natural state appealed to his family.

The portion of land donated by Kaufmans family contains numerous prairie potholes that provide habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl and amphibians. The property is bordered on three sides by American Prairies Wild Horse unit and Fort Belknap on the remaining side. Its inclusion will increase the size of Wild Horse and the conservation organizations shared fence line with Aaniiih and Nakoda tribal lands.

American Prairie will share public access details regarding recreational use after the staff familiarizes itself with the properties.
Two elderly womenwere released from captivity by Hamas on Monday, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Al-Jazeera. A spokesperson of the terrorist organization stated that they were released for 'humanitarian reasons', after long mediations and negotiations from Qatar and Egypt.

The two hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were confirmed safe by the ICRC after they were kidnapped by Hamas after the October 7 terrorist attacks perpetrated by the organization on Israeli soil. Reports indicate that more than 200 people were abducted that day.

The hostage situation

Since the conflict started, Israel has demanded the unconditional release of the people abducted by Hamas, with human rights groups, international organizations, and relatives of the hostages demanding their release. Another group of hostages was released by Hamas on Friday, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie, both American citizens, after mediation from Qatar.

However, a Hamas spokesperson stated that they were set to release another pair of hostages along with Judith and Natalie, but they were allegedly refused by the Israeli government. Israel condemned that claim and called it 'mendacious propaganda', suggesting that the terrorist group wants to improve its 'public image'.

A dire situation in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres along with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and other organizations have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, warning of an impending humanitarian crisis in the region as Israel has continued its bombing campaign on the Strip, displacing more than a million Gazans and killing over 5,000 people, also allegedly preventing humanitarian aid to enter.

Israel has been criticized for allegedly showing disregard for civilian lives in its response to the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas, as the Israeli government cut off access to water, food, fuel, and electricity in Gaza, and allegedly attacking civilian infrastructure like hospitals, mosques, schools, resulting in unnecessary casualties.

However, as Israel prepares a ground operation in Gaza, Western nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have defended Israel's response by stating that the country 'has the right to defend itself' and have shown their unwavering support to the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A 14-year-old appeared in Boston Juvenile Court on Monday for his arraignment after making a shooting threat at the Shore Educational Collaborative school in Chelsea, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced Tuesday.

The teen was charged with making a bomb threat and was held on $750 bail, required to wear a GPS monitoring device while confined at home except for an alternative school placement, Haydens office said in a statement. The teen was also ordered to keep away from the school and stay off social media.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, at around 9:30 a.m., police arrived at the school after a threat was reported, Haydens office said. A school official spoke with officers and said a teen was in a fight with a student the day before. The teen attacked the student with a hanger.

Dead, dead, everyone is dead! the teen yelled after school staff broke up the fight, according to Haydens office. Going to come back with a gun and shoot everyone up!

The school placed the teen on an emergency removal pending a disciplinary hearing, Haydens office added.

Police were called by the school the next day when a student informed a school staffer that the same teen posted a picture with guns on social media and said he was coming to school to shoot it up, Haydens office said. The school official added that several other students saw the post and did not appear in school.

Read more: Former Chicopee police chief charged with OUI in Ludlow

We have seen far too much school violence across our nation and those incidents force us to treat school threats with extreme seriousness and caution, Hayden said in the statement. No one should feel unsafe or threatened when they are attending school or work. Prevention is key here and it is always best to intervene before it escalates.
Razor manufacturing giant Gillette will soon be ending its more than century-long manufacturing history in South Boston.

The company, which is owned by Procter & Gamble, announced Tuesday that it would be moving all manufacturing operations to its campus in Andover. About 750 employees will remain in Boston at the companys global headquarters in corporate, research and development and engineering positions.

This is a critical moment for our business to ensure that we have the right infrastructure and capabilities to win for the next century, Gary Coombe, CEO of P&G Grooming, said in a statement. Im confident that weve reached the right conclusion and Im glad that we will continue to have a meaningful presence in both communities  including Boston, which has been our home for over a century and offers so much in terms innovation, talent, education and culture. This will undoubtedly be an advantage for us in the future.

Gillette first announced in 2019 that it would be conducting a site assessment to determine where to locate its operations.

Gillette currently employs about 1,200 employees in South Boston and 200 in Andover.

The 150-acre Andover manufacturing campus will host the companys blade and razor, aerosol and chemistry manufacturing lines, packaging operations and direct-to-consumer operations.

The site may also host other Procter & Gamble businesses in the future, the company said; P&G Beauty is expected to double its current production of bar soap in Andover over the next two years and could bring additional products to the campus in the future.

The South Boston campus, located on the waterfront at Fort Point, will be transformed in what Gillette called the single most significant investment it has made in Massachusetts and in Boston. The 31-acre campus will go through a site planning process that could bring new business, housing, open space and connections to nearby transit stations.

Gillette plans to hold a community meeting in the coming weeks to discuss the future of the site.

While this decision was fueled by an important need for business transformation, as we undertook this process, we realized that our transformation has the potential to deliver something special for the broader community as well, Coombe said. This is a remarkable opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for everyone.

Employees will begin to transfer locations in two to three years, Gillette said. All current South Boston manufacturing employees will be offered a role in Andover, and the company will provide support for those needing to navigate the distance between the two facilities.
State and community leaders, including some from Western Massachusetts, have asked the Biden administration to send federal support to aid with the burgeoning population of migrants moving here.

The letter, signed by 350 Bay State leaders and officials, comes after Gov. Maura T. Healey announced last week the states emergency family shelter system would reach its capacity by the end of October  including pregnant women and children  under the states right-to-shelter law. She appealed to the federal government in a formal letter as well.

Roughly 26% of Massachusetts cities and towns are hosting more than 7,000 families in the states emergency shelter system, the plea for help states. An additional 3,300 families are living in hotels and motels.

In Western Massachusetts, there has been much debate about whether migrants will be housed at Westfield State University. City and university officials have been cool to the idea, but Healeys administration said its still undecided.

There is a high impact for migrants here and all over western Mass., said William Reichelt, the mayor of West Springfield.

There are 108 families currently in West Springfield, so its very crucial that the state gets the support we need from the federal government, he continued.

The migrant families in West Springfield are staying at the Clarion Hotel on Riverdale Street, but as more migrants move to the state, he said the need for work authorizations and more options for housing grows, too.

The situation has prompted a number of urgent needs, the letter read, listing three key points for the immediate term: expedited work authorizations, congregate shelter sites and federal funding for additional needs.

These needs are so that our new neighbors can achieve a sense of stability, the ability to provide for themselves and their families, and the opportunity to contribute to their new home communities, the letter said.

The letter was written by the Working Group to Protect Migrant Families, a group that was created to ensure Massachusetts remains a welcoming haven for those in need while activities grow among anti-immigration hate groups.

As the state adds more shelters for migrants regularly, according to the letter, officials requested that the federal government take immediate action to identify federal buildings that can be used as shelter sites.

Last year, government officials used two state military bases to temporarily house migrants. In September 2022, after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly flew more than 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, Joint Base Cape Cod opened its doors.

Then, in November last year, after a spike in the arrival of migrants in Massachusetts, former Gov. Charlie Baker announced the former Army base at Fort Devens would open temporarily  taking 125 people at a time  until more permanent housing was found.

A spokesperson for Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee said base housing was sold 15 years ago to a contractor, Atlantic Marine Corps Communities.

There are no available units at this time, a spokesperson for the contractor said. However, there is a waitlist and of that list, service members are prioritized.

A spokesperson for the Barnes Air National Guard Base said the base does not have any housing.
Spread across more than 76,000 acres in south-central Montana's Carbon County is a spider web of more than 320 miles of roads connecting Bureau of Land Management property.

Which ones should be open, which ones closed? Should some be limited to nonmotorized traffic? The BLM Billings Field Office would like to hear from the public by Nov. 19 to help their travel planning process.

"The door is wide open at this point, no decisions have been made," said Jennifer Alexander, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM in Billings. "We will take the comments we get to formulate a proposed decision through the (environmental assessment)."

A virtual public meeting via ZOOM is planned for 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 to share information and answer questions. Pre-registration is required. Go to: https://bit.ly/cottonwoodtma. If you are unable to register online phone: 406-896-5248.

The Cottonwood Travel Management Area is a triangular-shaped high desert region composed of sagebrush, sandstone cliffs and washed out gullies. The area is roughly framed by Highway 72 to the west, Highway 310 to the east, the community of Bridger to the north and the Wyoming state line to the south.

In addition to old Jeep roads, the area features hiking paths and several single-track motorcycle trails. The Billings Motorcycle Club has used the region almost annually for 45 years for its Elk Basin Cross Country Race every third weekend in June. The same routes also attract mountain bikers.

The eastern side of the planning area also contains the historically significant Weatherman Draw Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The draw is reported to have the largest known collection of Native American rock art in North America spread throughout the foothills.

On its current map, the BLM has designated roads into Weatherman Draw as nonmotorized with the rest marked open to all use. Much of the BLM's road network is concentrated in the southwestern corner of the area.

Routes within the proposed Cottonwood Travel Management Area were inventoried and reviewed through a public process that began in 2022. Last April a meeting was held to gather public input on the routes to insure none were missed, Alexander noted.

The Billings Field Office is now at the stage of developing the travel management plan further by analyzing the routes through an environmental assessment.

More information and a venue for submitting comments are available on the BLM e-Planning project website at https://eplanning.blm.gov. Search using the NEPA number: DOI-BLM-MT-C010-2024-0002-EA.

Comments can also be submitted by mail to: BLM Billings Field Office, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, MT 59101. Mailed comments must be postmarked no later than Nov. 19. Reference the project's name and NEPA number, the commenters name and contact information.

For more information contact the Billings Field Office at 406-896-5013.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a leader among moderate Republicans, has said hell no longer participate in planned fellowship programs at Harvard University, condemning what he says is the dangerous antisemitism that has taken root, at the Ivy League University.

In a letter posted Monday to X, formerly Twitter, Hogan said the schools response to actions by student groups in the wake of a sneak attack on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, is a moral stain on the university.

While these students have a right to free speech, Hogan wrote in the letter sent to Harvard President Claudine Gay, and the deans of Harvards Kennedy School of Politics and T.H. Chan School of Public Health, they do not have a right to have hate speech go unchallenged by your institution.

This morning, I informed @Harvard that I must withdraw my offer to participate in fellowships this Fall. I cannot condone the dangerous anti-Semitism that has taken root on their campus. pic.twitter.com/s60iqsJaaD  Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 23, 2023

Hogan, who served two terms as Marylands governor from 2015-2023, said hed been honored to accept fellowships at the school, and was looking forward to attending, particularly after having participated in a program at the University of Chicagos Institute of Politics last week.

But he had no choice but to withdraw.

Unfortunately, this letter is to officially inform you that I must regretfully withdraw my offer to participate in this engagement. I cannot condone the dangerous anti-Semitism that has taken root on your campus, especially by more than 30 Harvard student organizations attempting to justify and celebrate Hamas terrorism against innocent Israeli and American civilians, Hogan wrote.

The horrific terrorist attack was the greatest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust and it should be universally condemned for what it is is: pure evil, Hogan wrote to Gay and the Harvard administrators.

Harvard has faced ongoing national backlash over the statement signed by more than 30 student groups immediately after the attack, which showed support for Palestinians, blamed the violence in the region on the Israeli government, and expressed disappointment in the university administrations response.

This not a decision I have taken lightly, but it is my hope that it may help further spur you to take meaningful action to address anti-Semitism and restore the values Harvard should represent to the world, Hogan wrote.

He added that the lessons of history are clear: we must all do our part to take a clear stand in the face of genocidal acts against the Jewish people or any group.

There is no both sides when it comes to the murder, rape, and kidnapping of innocent women and children. I believe very strongly that in this matter there is no room for justification or equivocation, Hogan wrote.

Hogans post had been viewed 1.9 million times as of Tuesday morning, eliciting 1,552 responses. It was reposted 3,937 times.

Last week, the Wexner Foundation, a major donor to Harvards Kennedy School, severed ties with the university after seeing what it called a dismal response to the war in Israel, MassLive previously reported.

We are stunned and sickened at the dismal failure of Harvards leadership to take a clear and unequivocal stand against the barbaric murders of innocent Israeli civilians by terrorists, the foundation wrote in a letter to Harvards board of overseers, which was shared on X, by Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan.

The controversy also has found its way to the 2024 presidential campaign.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., a GOP candidate for president in 2024, is backing a bill that would cut off federal funding from Harvard University and other schools that he says [peddle] blatant antisemitism, as hundreds of their students advocate for Palestinian rights, MassLive previously reported.

We must not only call out this hate but crush it wherever it rears its ugly head, Scott said in a statement posted to his Senate website. If these schools dont change their ways, my legislation hits them where it hurts  theyre pocketbooks. No college or university should receive a single cent from the federal government to fund violent antisemitism.

In an Oct. 10 statement posted to Harvards website, Gay said 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.

We will all be well served in such a difficult moment by rhetoric that aims to illuminate and not inflame. And I appeal to all of us in this community of learning to keep this in mind as our conversations continue, Gay continued.
Residents who want to host a vigil for a 30-year-old Gardner mother who was killed in her house are going to have to wait, according to city officials.

Several people have reached out to the city asking if they could hold a vigil for Breanne Pennington, who was found dead inside her home at 42 Cherry St. on Sunday, Oct. 22.

However, Mayor Michael Nicholson said right now is not the right time.

As a person of faith myself, I appreciate the way that members of our community want to come together to pray for our neighbors and those impacted by these terrible events, Nicholson said in a statement posted to the City of Gardners Facebook. However, the police have a job to do, and we need to let them do it in the most effective and efficient way.

Given the ongoing investigation and search for Breannes husband Aaron Pennington, Gardner police recommended that no vigils be held until it is safe to do so.

Therefore, the city will not approve any park permit applications for any public spaces for vigils until the investigation reaches an appropriate point, according to officials.

Gardner has always been a community that has been there for our neighbors in times of trouble, Nicholson continued. However, these events need to be done at the appropriate time and in conjunction with those who are overseeing the investigation so that the event does not hinder the investigation or cause any additional safety concerns.

Nicholson added that the city will plan a vigil in the future at the appropriate time when the situation is no longer in an active state.

The mayor also asked that residents stop posting police scanner transmissions on social media as it could tamper with the investigation.

The search for Aaron Pennington continues after authorities found his white BMW in the woods in Gardner near the Ashburnham line around 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Police said this was the same vehicle involved in the death investigation of Breanne Pennington, Aarons wife.

Breanne Pennington, 30, of 42 Cherry St. was found dead inside a home at 42 Cherry St. around 9:14 a.m. on Oct. 22 after police were called for a reported disturbance, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.s office.

Four children, ages 2, 5, 7, and 9, were living in the home and had went to their neighbors house, Early said during a press conference Sunday night. Early said they are safe and in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Massachusetts State Police and Gardner police continue to search for Aaron Pennington. He is described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, 6 feet 2 inches and around 175 pounds.

No one should approach Pennington as he should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Anyone who sees Pennington or the suspected vehicle should call 911, Gardner police at 978-632-5600 or Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8236.

The investigation into the death is ongoing by State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Gardner Police Department.
SPRINGFIELD  Lawyers in the Holyoke Veterans Home criminal neglect case on Tuesday dueled before a judge in Hampden Superior Court over whether a prosecution against two of the homes former leaders should move forward.

The hearing took place before Judge Edward McDonough Jr., who previously dismissed the case against onetime Superintendent Bennett Walsh and medical director Dr. David Clinton, having ruled the two did not fit the legal definition of caretakers.
WESTFIELD  A speech Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, gave about three years ago helped him recently win the Massachusetts Police Associations Legislator of the Year award.

The award honors a legislator who supports individuals in law enforcement, according to Jim Machado, executive director of the association.

Machado said the senators inaugural speech urging the Senate to put a pause on the police reform bill in 2020 was part of the reason he was selected.

The bill was filed after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020.

In his inaugural Senate speech, Velis said he had not seen a police officer justify Chauvins actions and commended the professionalism of those who serve in law enforcement.

Each time I see officers in these ride-alongs, their professionalism stands out to me. Police officers put their lives on the line to protect communities, he said at the time.

Velis represents nine communities throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties, from Russell to the northwest corner of Chicopee and from Easthampton down to Agawam.

I thought that was important, not only for police but communities, to protect them against unwarranted litigation, Machado said, who also commended Velis support for veterans. Velis is himself a veteran of the U.S. Army.

When announcing the award from the association, Velis office touted the funds he was able to acquire in recent years for communities in his district: $50,000 for the Russell-Montgomery Police Department, $50,000 for police in Agawam and for the Westfield Police Department, about $160,000.

A request for comment from Velis was unsuccessful. The senator was chairing a meeting of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery, his spokesperson Gabe Adams-Keane said.
In July of 2020, a day after a stabbing at the Auburn Mall, a Massachusetts State Police trooper contacted state Department of Transportation officials with a request: could they set up an alert that would ping the next time a suspects vehicle passed under a highway tollbooth?

The state police issued a similar request this past January 13 as they tracked down a person wanted in connection with a recent domestic incident. A few days later, they did so again, this time after a person with dementia went missing.
A window washer who died after he fell from a building in Bostons Financial District on Monday has been identified as Nicholas Marks, 40, of East Weymouth, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office.

Police got a call for a worker who fell from a building in at 100 Sumner St. right before 8 a.m. on Oct. 23, according to the Boston Police Department.

Upon arrival, the worker, later identified as Marks, was pronounced dead. Police said he fell from an unknown amount of stories.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Markss family and friends at this tragic time, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident along with the Boston Police Departments Homicide Unit and the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office.
The critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale population might be starting to level off after years of decline, but researchers said human activities still present significant ongoing threats to the species.

At its annual meeting this week in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium plans to release a new report estimating approximately 356 right whales in 2022 (range from 346 to 363) down from an estimated 364 in 2021 (range from 360 to 369).

The report also recalculated population estimates going back to 1990, and the consortium said the updated data show an equal number of animals being born into the population as are being killed. The species had an estimated 481 whales in 2011.

While certainly more encouraging than a continued decline, the flattening of the population estimate indicates that human activities are killing as many whales as are being born into the population, creating an untenable burden on the species, Heather Pettis, a research scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium and the executive administrator of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, said.

(Courtesy: North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium/State House News Service)

Officials with the consortium said that while the overall population might be leveling off, there are concerns about the number of right whale calves being born. There were just 11 calves born this spring, fewer than the previous two years (18 in 2021 and 15 in 2022) and well short of the average of 24 calves per year from the 2000s.

Right whales got their name, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said, from being the right whales to hunt because they floated when they were killed. Nantucket and New Bedford thrived as whaling ports in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the expeditions that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution severely depleted whale populations. Northern right whales have been listed as endangered since 1970.

Now as New Bedford and other former New England whaling ports aim for revitalization through the offshore wind industry, the industry faced headwinds from two federal lawsuits that focus on the protection of endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale and commercial fishing interests. A federal judge dismissed both cases, but the organization Nantucket Residents Against Turbines recently appealed its case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. That case is in its early stages, with the two sides jockeying over the amount of time to file initial briefs.

The first power from offshore wind generation is expected to be delivered onto the regional power grid by the end of this year. The state and countrys first utility-scale offshore wind farm, Vineyard Wind 1, was expected to begin delivering cleaner power this month, but project officials said last week when they announced completed construction of the projects first of 62 turbines that the first electrons should flow onto this grid this year. The project has completely installed one of its planned 62 turbines.

The New England Aquarium said its analysis has detected 32 human-caused injuries to right whales so far in 2023, including six fishing gear entanglements with attached gear, 24 entanglement injuries (with no attached gear), and two vessel strikes.

Scott Kraus, chair of the consortium, said the rates at which right whales are injured and killed by humans are alarming.

Read More: Lawsuit by Nantucket residents to stop Vineyard Wind to protect whales rejected

Until we implement strategies that eliminate injuries and deaths, and promote right whale health, this species will continue to struggle, he said.

Last week, the ocean conservation organization Oceana released a report that showed most boats speed through the slow zones that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration establishes to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whales.

The report analyzed boat speeds from November 2020 through July 2022 in slow zones established by NOAA along the East Coast and found that 84 percent of boats sped through mandatory slow zones and 82 percent of boats sped through voluntary slow zones.
The ongoing search for a 33-year-old man wanted in connection with his wifes death in Gardner resulted in authorities finding his car Monday evening.

After a shelter-in-place was ordered, Ashburnham police said officials found Aaron Penningtons car in the woods at Camp Collier in Gardner near the Ashburnham line around 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. The shelter-in-place has since been lifted.

Police said this was the same vehicle involved in the death investigation of Breanne Pennington, Aarons wife.

Breanne, 30, of 42 Cherry St. was found dead inside a home at 42 Cherry St. around 9:14 a.m. on Oct. 22 after police were called for a reported disturbance, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.s office.

Four children, ages 2, 5, 7, and 9, were living in the home and had went to their neighbors house, Early said during a press conference Sunday night. Early said they are safe and in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

According to documents from Gardner District Court, Breanne was planning to move to Texas with her children to get away from her husband.

The affidavit read that at around 9:14 a.m., Kerri McDermott, a neighbor of the Penningtons, called 911 after the Penningtons four children came over to her house scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying. The children also told McDermott that their fathers car was not in the driveway.

Police arrived within five minutes and found Breanne in bed in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to the face, court documents said. Officers did not find anyone else at the home. Breanne was pronounced dead at 9:30 a.m. and the Chief Medical Examiners office was notified.

Following interviews and a video surveillance canvass of the neighborhood, investigators determined that Pennington and Breanne were having marital issues for a while, court documents said. He had mental health issues for a while and had threatened suicide, while Breanne was planning to move to Texas and take the children with her to be away from him, according to the documents.

She was also known to have a firearm at the residence for her protection, court documents read, but neither had a license to carry firearms in Massachusetts. After a search warrant was issued, a gun was not found in the home. Three spent shell casings were found in the bedroom Breanne was in.

At around 8:50 a.m., Pennington was seen leaving the homes driveway in a 2013 BMW 320 sedan. At around 9:07 a.m., the children left the residence and went to McDermotts house next door.

Massachusetts State Police and Gardner police continue to search for Aaron Pennington. He is described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, 6 feet 2 inches and around 175 pounds.

No one should approach Pennington as he should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Anyone who sees Pennington or the suspected vehicle should call 911, Gardner police at 978-632-5600 or MSP at 508-829-8236.

The investigation into the death is ongoing by State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Gardner Police Department.
The search for Aaron Pennington remains underway, and law enforcement officials continue to ask the public to stay away from him, as hes believed to be armed and dangerous, but call 911 if spotted, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said during a press conference on Tuesday.

The search for Pennington continues after authorities found his white BMW in the woods in Gardner near the Ashburnham line around 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Police said this was the same vehicle involved in the death investigation of Breanne Pennington, his wife.

Were still treating this like hes alive and somewhere in the woods, Early said during the press conference. ...And again, were asking for the publics help. The search is going to continue.

As the search continues, Early asked that anyone near the woods with trail cameras or surveillance footage to send what they have to Massachusetts State Police or Gardner police. A bow hunter walking through the area Monday night when he stumbled on the car and called Gardner police.

Breanne Pennington, 30, of 42 Cherry St. was found dead inside a home at 42 Cherry St. around 9:14 a.m. on Oct. 22 after police were called for a reported disturbance, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.s office.

Four children, ages 2, 5, 7 and 9, lived in the home and had gone to their neighbors house, Early said during a press conference Sunday night. Early said they are safe and in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

An affidavit from Gardner District Court said that Aaron and Breanne had been having marital problems for some time. It also detailed that she owned a firearm, of which neither had a Massachusetts firearm license, and she planned to move to Texas with the children to get away from him.

The affidavit read that at around 9:14 a.m., Kerri McDermott, a neighbor of the Penningtons, called 911 to Gardner police after she asked for help after the Penningtons four children came over to her house scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying. The children also told McDermott that their fathers car was not in the driveway. Police arrived on Sunday morning to find her with a gunshot wound to the face in a bedroom, where she was pronounced dead.

He is described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, 6 feet 2 inches and around 175 pounds. No one should approach Pennington as he should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Please, no one in the public go out and try and look for this guy, Early said. If you run into the guy, call the Gardner police, call the state police, call the police department and just back off from anything you might see. But provide us with the information you might get.

Anyone who sees Pennington or the suspected vehicle should call 911, Gardner police at 978-632-5600 or Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8236. The investigation into the death is ongoing by State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Gardner Police Department.
Construction of a new semiconductor lab at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass., has been derailed because of significant unforeseen site conditions, but should be finished by October 2026, U.S. Air Force officials said.

The service branchs answer comes in response to a query by a cadre of the Bay States federal lawmakers, led by Democratic U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, whod pressed for answers on the lab late last month, stressing that it meets a vital national security need.

In a statement provided to MassLive, Warren welcomed the update on the projects progress.

Massachusetts has long been a leader in science and technology, and Im pleased to hear that West Lab Projects revitalization efforts are moving forward at Hanscom Air Force Base, Warren said. Lincoln Laboratorys work is critical to advance our national security and I look forward to working with my federal, state, and local partners to continue moving this project along.

Work on the $279 million Compound Semiconductor Laboratory and Microsystem Integration Facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Lincoln Laboratory campus has already begun. And officials will start taking bids on a separate Engineering Prototyping Facility next year, a source with knowledge of the matter told MassLive in September.

According to the Air Force, MITs lab at the base, which also is home 66th Air Base Group, dates to the 1950s, and it boasts a long history of supporting the nations armed forces with technological advancements.

In their letter, the lawmakers also asked the Air Force for an update on efforts to upgrade aging buildings and infrastructure at the MIT campus at the base, which provides critical support for U.S. national security.

The documented facility deterioration threatens [its] future ability to provide advanced mission-enabling technologies to the military, the lawmakers wrote.

The Air Force awarded the contract for the semiconductor laboratory in February 2022, saying the project would provide a new, 161,000 square-foot compound that is required for [the] development of advanced technologies.

In his Oct. 17 response letter, Lt. Gen. Tom D. Miller told Warren that the Air Force shares the Bay State Democrats concerns about the condition of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Research and Development Center and appreciates your support for the Compound Semi-Conductor Laboratory and Microelectronic Integration Facility (CSL-MIF) and Engineering Prototyping Facility (EPF).

The Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers are working closely with the contractor and MIT Lincoln Laboratory to mitigate the schedule impacts and deliver a quality project to meet the Centers critical research needs. We currently anticipate construction completion in October 2026, Miller wrote.

The prototyping facility is under design and scheduled to be design complete by October 2024. This project is positioned for execution in fiscal year 2025, with a current working estimate of $251 [million]. As we finalize design and work through the budgetary process, we anticipate this amount will change, Miller wrote.

Miller concluded the letter by stressing that the Air Force remains committed to working with you, your staff and the Massachusetts delegation to meet these critical requirements in a timely, efficient, and cost effective manner.
A hunter killed a grizzly bear Saturday during a close encounter in the Gravelly Range, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced on Tuesday.

The hunter was reportedly charged by the bear before shooting and killing the bear at close range in self-defense. The hunter was not injured.

FWP staff investigated the scene the next day and confirmed the bear mortality. The bear was an adult female grizzly with no known conflict history. The bear was in good body condition and appeared to be digging a den near where the encounter took place.

The incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

So far this year, 50 grizzly bear mortalities have been recorded by the Inter-Agency Grizzly Bear Study Team in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Of these, 13 are under investigation: six in Wyoming, four in Montana and three in Idaho.

The most recent incident in Montana was just outside Gardiner in Beattie Gulch where a hunter shot a bear at close range. Prior to that, anglers shot a bear in nearby Tom Miner Basin and two men hunting near Whitefish were charged and shot the grizzly. Both of those incidents occurred in August. In September, a hunter wounded a male bear with a shotgun blast while bird hunting near Freezout Lake. The bear was never found.

In addition, a female hiker near West Yellowstone was killed in a grizzly bear mauling in July. The bear was later killed after it broke into a home seeking food. On Sept. 8, a man tracking a wounded deer by Big Sky was mauled and seriously injured. In June, a black bear hunter shot a grizzly after being charged south of Ennis. In May, a grizzly was found shot dead near Noxon.

FWP has launched an intensive education campaign to warn visitors and residents of the dangers of living and recreating in bear country. One of the key pieces of advice is to carry and be ready to use bear spray, a nonlethal means of deterring a bear attack.

In the fall, bears are more active as they attempt to gorge themselves in preparation for hibernation.

Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

 Carry bear spray and practice to be prepared to use it immediately.

 Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups.

 Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.

 Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.

 Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.

 Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

 If you are attacked by a bear and you are without a deterrent or the deterrent hasnt worked, stay face down on the ground, protecting your face and neck with your arms. Stay still until youre certain the bear has moved away.

People who hunt in places that have or may have grizzly bears should take special precautions:

 Carry bear spray and practice to be prepared to use it immediately.

 Look for bear sign and be cautious around creeks and areas with limited visibility.

 Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can help alert bears to your presence.

 Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.

 Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.

 If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.

 Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
SPRINGFIELD  The City Council took the first step to raise fines for illegal dumping as a way to crack down on a pervasive problem that affects neighborhood quality of life.

The current city ordinance calls for a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $300 for the third and every subsequent offense. The council took a first vote last week to raise the fine for all offenses to $500 and sent it to committee for further study.

A second provision in the ordinance that calls for the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the license of the violator, if a vehicle is used in the dumping and the violator is the owner, will remain the same.

This is not just for a wrapper, said City Councilor Victor Davila, who sponsored the ordinance with Councilor Michael Fenton. We are going after the large bulk items, stoves, couches, tires, refrigerators.

Before proposing the change, councilors looked at other communities and said Worcester and Boston each fine violators $1,000 for illegal dumping, Davila said.

We thought $500 is a clear message and a compromise, he said.

The proposal has to come out of committee and return to the City Council for a final vote. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said he supports the increase in fines and will sign it as it is written now.

Illegal dumping is a serious neighborhood and quality of life issue, one that my administration takes seriously by taking numerous proactive measures including the installation of cameras at hot spot areas so that our Parks Department and police officers can investigate and track down those responsible and issue fines and criminal complaints, he said.

Councilor Justin Hurst, who is also running for mayor, said he also supports the proposal, but wants to ensure the city uses camera footage and other evidence to ensure it is charging the right person  and that an innocent resident is not slapped with a fine.

Councilors Maria Perez and Lavar Click-Bruce were so much in favor of the change, because of problems they have in their wards, that each asked to be added as sponsors of the proposal.

I have a particular street in the North End and people hire companies to take stuff from houses and they dump it in that street, Perez said.

Several said they are concerned about the provision that calls for licenses to be suspended for people as punishment.

It is expensive to be poor, Councilor Zaida Govan said. Some people may lose their license because they cannot afford to pay the fine and consequently cant get to their jobs, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, she said.

I am cognizant of peoples money and livelihoods, but we have to protect our city, Davila said.

Fenton said the measures only substantial change is raising the fine to a straight $500 to serve as a bigger deterrent. He said the provision of notifying the Registry of Motor Vehicles  which is triggered if people do not pay the penalty  is already in the ordinance.
Dear Annie: I had always been told that communication has three major elements: words, tone and body language. Having retired from a technology-driven company, I am keenly aware of misunderstandings between people that can be created beginning with emails and texts.

I remember creating a rule for myself that, if it was an important matter, if it involved emotions or if it was rather complex, then it really should be communicated in person or at least by phone.

How many times have we caught ourselves thinking that we understand how the person who originated a text message feels? Is that even possible?

 In Person

Dear In Person: I could not agree with you more. When communications involve feelings or emotions, then a face-to-face meeting is always best. If you cant do that, a phone call is way better than a text or email. Thanks for writing.

Dear Annie: As a farmer myself, Id like to offer suggestions for the elderly couple with livestock, the one whose brother is concerned for their safety. First, the brother is right to recognize there are potential problems and to ask for a solution.

Many rural communities have 4-H, FFA and Pony Club for youth. The clubs are under the guidance of experienced adults.

Perhaps the elderly couple could share their wisdom with young people while getting help with the animals in return. Assistance after school or on weekends could ease the concerned brothers mind. The older folks would have a sense of purpose and be safer.

 Upstate Deb

Dear Upstate Deb: I am a firm believer that the older generation has a lot to share with our younger generation. I am printing your letter in hopes that it continues to encourage these types of programs  not only on the farm but in many businesses and charities around the world. We all have things to learn from each other.

Dear Annie: Let me add one more response to the subject of intermittent fasting by telling you my story. I started the year at 183 pounds. Fasting and eating every other day, combined with a regular exercise program, has reduced my weight to the low 160s after six months, where it is stabilizing with me eating every day now. I have also lost three inches on both my waist and hips.

As a result of this regimen, I now desire to eat smaller meals, occasionally only one a day, and I no longer binge eat. I also find that my digestion is better, and my energy level is good as well.

Our cave dwelling and hunter gatherer ancestors could not find food every day; therefore, they automatically practiced intermittent fasting. This is how we evolved, and it can be a very healthy way of eating.

Also, researchers did a study where they reduced the food available to lab rats. They found that when they ate less, they were healthier and learned to navigate mazes better. Apparently, feeding them every day was detrimental to their health by overfeeding them, contrary to their natural way of life in the wild, which is intermittent eating  and therefore intermittent fasting.

 Feeling Better

Dear Feeling Better: As the old expression goes, there are 200 roads to Rome, and you have found a road that works for you. Thank you for sharing your story, and congratulations on finding a program that is helping you reach your goals.

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
Today, there are many people who question the value of the humanities in a changing, technological world and challenge the value of history based on the validity and merit of a given interpretation. We also see well-meaning voices of people stunted due to the isms amidst our collective search for the truth.

Where do we go from here?

Let us remember: resilient, human voices matter. The value of our collective voice and story is inextricably linked to the future of our human existence in a wired world. Our authentic voices of resilience are needed now more than ever, given that robots and AI dissect the human experience from struggle to deep emotion.

As the curator for the Voices of Resilience storytelling exhibit, open until Friday at Westfield State Universitys Arno Maris Gallery, I have gathered diverse human voices that challenge narratives of our public history and community commentary.

After seeing the range of stories in the most recent installation of the Voices of Resilience exhibit, Westfield State University President Linda Thompson commented: The voices in this exhibit provide clarity and hope that by advancing humanity, we will create a world of understanding, peace, and prosperity for all.

Our stories and voices matter more than ever, especially as we seek to belong in our workplaces, communities and families  amidst often conflicting values, varying ideas of authenticity, differing approaches to inclusion and thoughts about identity.

Most people need to define belonging as they face environments where they are often shut down, silenced, misunderstood, excluded, disrespected, or hidden in the jaws of AI. The stories we need are wired through human feelings, not keyboard strokes.

While our stories are complex  rooted in our history, environment, education and values  the voices are clear, deliberate and irreplaceable. The first Voices of Resilience was displayed in 2020 at the Springfield Museums and visitors celebrated the engagement with many unheard voices of women.

This exhibit, now traveling from city to city, engages people in human moments where they live, work, visit  and of family.

A 2022 survey by Ancestry found that while Americans dont know much about their familys history, they want to know more. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they want to learn more about their family history, and over half (51%) want stories about when their ancestors were young and what life was like at a moment in time.

The exhibit includes stories that recount passionate struggles but are filled with the hope and expectation of a better future.

I cherish the story of my aunt, Irene Morgan Kirkaldy. In 1946, some 10 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, Aunt Irene won her case before the U.S. Supreme Court, declaring unconstitutional Virginias state law enforcing segregation on interstate buses.

Dr. Lucie K. Lewis shared her lineage in a story that links her, as a woman of African American descent, to a descendant who was killed during the Salem witch trials. Our family history often underscores new narratives.

In our communities, we must continue to uncover stories to build a more complete regional and national narrative of our history. Stories can change what we think and move us to whats possible.

Many people may not know that in 1939, Alice Driscoll Burke of Westfield (1892-1974) became the first female mayor elected in all of New England and served four terms between 1940 and 1963.

Going back to 1876, two sisters who graduated from Westfield Normal School, Mary and Frances Allen, studied to be teachers and taught for many years until they lost much of their hearing. Luckily, they were introduced to photography along their journey and later became known for their photographs and business acumen. In 1901, a national publication, Ladies Home Journal, called them The Foremost Women Photographers in America.

Another leader by example, Dr. Nettie Maria Stevens, graduated from Westfield State Normal School in 1883 and became a biologist and geneticist who researched linking a persons sex to a configuration of chromosomes.

Westfields Black history holds stories of resilience. Samuel E. Courtney (Class of 1855 at the Westfield Normal School), a friend of Booker T. Washington, became a respected physician and Harvard Medical School graduate in 1894. Susan Payton Wortham and Phillip Payton were siblings from a prominent African American Westfield family of entrepreneurs. Philip Payton (1876 1917) was known as the Father of Harlem because he inspired more African Americans to rent or buy properties there in what was a majority white community. Susan became a teacher and wrote for W.E.B. DuBois.

Making history, Robert L. Randolph, president of Westfield State College from 1973-1978, was the first African American to head a four-year college in New England.

Stories enable us to get to know each other and see possibilities through the cloud of humanness.

Bishop Desmond Tutu said it best: My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.

Janine Fondon is an assistant professor and chair of undergraduate communications at Bay Path University in Longmeadow and curator of the Voices of Resilience exhibition. The Arno Maris Gallery is located on the second floor of the Ely Campus Center at Westfield State University. It is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment.
Amid all the death and destruction suffered by Israelis and Palestinians since Oct. 7, some questions have unequivocal answers.

Who is responsible for the death and destruction that has happened in Israel? Hamas.

Who are the Israeli victims? Innocent Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, religious, secular, immigrants, foreign tourists  including Americans. Of the 1,300 people who were slaughtered by the terrorist invasion of Israel, most were civilians  women, children, men, young adults at a concert, elderly men and women.

Who is responsible for the death and destruction that has happened in Gaza? Again, Hamas.

Who are the Palestinian victims? Innocent civilians  men, women and children who are caught under the worst of regimes. Tragically these people have nowhere to go and Hamas uses these civilians as human shields.

This war is not about Israel as a colonial enterprise because Israel is not a colonizer whose inhabitants can simply return to their home country. Israel is their country. And to where would they return? The pale of Settlement in Czarist Russia? The homes that were stolen or destroyed by invading Germans and collaborating Europeans? The gas chambers?

This war is not about genocide as proved by the nearly 2 million Palestinians who live within Israels borders. Nor is this war about Israel as an apartheid state, as the Israeli Palestinians have citizenship rights and representation in government.

Finally, this is not about Palestinian resistance because how can the rape of women, and murdering children in front of their parents be called resistance or anything other than what it is  savage, intolerable, despicable brutality motivated by old-fashioned antisemitism.

And yet there are questions that may have answers that have not been found yet.

Do Palestinians and Jews have a right to self-determination? Yes.

Can Palestinians and Jews have competing claims to land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea? Yes.

Were both Palestinians and Jews given territory in which to create a homeland in 1947 by the United Nations? Yes. That territory divided by the dissolution of the Mandate controlled by the British, which actually was a colonizing power. In fact, in an effort to decolonize the region by Britain and France, the modern states of Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Israel were created. An Arab state in Palestine was approved by the United Nations. However, Arab nations refused to accept that two-state solution in 1948, refused their own people to have their own land, vowing to destroy Israel.

This recent war is yet another moment in a 75-year-old history whose questions have supplied only tragic answers.

Israeli Palestinians who chose to remain in Israel have remained loyal to their country despite Hamas call for them to rise up against the Jews. Those Palestinians and their descendants who abandoned the idea of self-determination in 1948 and live in Gaza to this day remain refugees, living under Egyptian rule until 1967; Israeli rule until 2005; and since 2006, Hamas rule.

Hamas is a totalitarian, ISIS-comparable, Iran-backed regime that is fully responsible for the misery experienced in the Gaza Strip. Hamas uses money and resources given to them by Israel, the United States, the European Union and fellow Arab countries to build up their armaments and their underground networks of tunnels and infrastructure to launch attacks on Israel. Hamas is dedicated to the establishment of a Palestinian State and fully rejects any homeland for the Jewish people.

Israel is in the impossible position of having to protect its citizens from Hamas terrorists. As Israel defends its citizens it is possible (likely) that innocent Palestinians will be injured, or worse, killed. These injuries and deaths are tragic. But they are unavoidable so long as Hamas uses civilians as human shields. What is Israel to do? Stop defending its citizens from Hamas attacks?

Can Israel be compared with Hamas? No. Israel fights to protect her citizens. Hamas places Gaza residents in harms way and even failed to protect them from the recent Islamic Jihad rocket that misfired and landed in a Gaza City hospital parking lot instead of its intended target of Israel.

I grew up hearing, The day the Arabs lay their weapons down, there will be peace. The day Israelis lay their weapons down, there will be no more Israel. Over the years, I have come to learn that such a statement is too stark and that many questions facing Israelis and Palestinians have not been answered yet.

But on Oct. 7 I was reminded that laying down her weapons now, sadly, is not an option. Even worse, having to use her weapons with lethal force to protect her citizens is a necessity.

Golda Meir said, We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. Hamas has forced Israels hand after over 15 years of their control of Gaza and constant war-making against Israels safety and security.

Who is to blame for this crisis? It is the terrorists of Hamas and their supporters who have perpetrated violence of the highest order and who have every intention to continue their operations until they are stopped.

Who can find a way out of this quagmire of murder and retribution?

Only Israelis and Palestinians of good will  together.

Rabbi Amy S. Wallk serves with Temple Beth El in Springfield.
State Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell joined with 41 of her colleagues nationwide on Tuesday, suing social media giant Meta Platforms Inc., arguing its Facebook and Instagram apps include addictive features that harm children and teens mental health for profit.

Meta has preyed on an entire generation of young people for profit, Campbell said during an online news conference. On its Instagram platform, Meta secretly deployed design features and mechanisms that deliberately exploited young peoples still developing brains and adolescent vulnerabilities.

The federal lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California, claims that Meta secretly used design features including infinite scroll, near-constant notifications, alerts and auto-play features to hook young people on their app, to the point of addiction, while rejecting feasible alternatives that would mitigate any harm.

The bipartisan coalition of attorneys general wants to end tech practices that are designed to fuel addictions and mislead people about the impact of their platform. The group also wants to stop tech giants from marketing to young people without their parents consent.

There is nothing wrong with looking to make a profit, Campbell said. But we alleged in our complaint that Metas unscrupulous and unconscionable conduct and its campaign of deception in order to pursue that profit has gone beyond what is legally permissible and has contributed to an ongoing mental health crisis among our children here in Massachusetts and of course, across the country.

Campbell also filed a separate suit in Suffolk Superior Court. It focuses on how Meta violated the states strong consumer protection laws, she said.

In addition to seeking civil penalties and restitution, the attorneys general are hoping that the federal lawsuit will bring forth behavioral changes in the tech industry.

The primary goal here is to protect the health and safety of our children and to use the data and studies that gave us the knowledge of harm for good to protect our kids, not to explain them and to seek a profit while our children suffer, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said he expects Meta to defend itself by citing the First Amendment and Section 230, which protects online websites from civil liability based on content published by third parties.

Both defenses, Formella said, wont be successful against the attorneys general wide-ranging consumer protection claims that span across several states.

At the end of the day, this is not about speech, he said. This is about Metas conduct.

Read More: Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey probing harm to children from TikTok

The federal lawsuit comes on the heels of a two-year investigation into Meta, which was co-led by then-Attorney General Maura Healey in 2021.

The investigation which involved at least 11 other states, was launched shortly after The Wall Street Journal published a report that exposed internal studies from Meta that its Instagram app harmed teen girls mental health.

The Journals report, which was based on leaked information from whistleblower Frances Haugen, showed among other things that the app makes body image issues worse for 32% of teenage girls and 14% of teenage boys.

State legislators moved quickly to pass laws that banned children from using social media apps without parental permission. Several different school districts filed lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies claiming their apps harm students mental health.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy sent out an advisory in May detailing  among other things  that, social media can perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, especially among adolescent girls.

Since the launch of the 2021 investigation, Meta has said its implemented over 30 tools to help protect teens mental health on its apps.

Some of the tools include age verification technology, setting reminders for teens to take a break from social media use and technology that allows parents to set time limits on their teens app use.

Read More: Andrea Campbell joins other AGs to urge SCOTUS to overturn abortion pill ruling

But Metas efforts to create a safer environment for children and teens health, havent convinced the slew of state attorneys general that its products are safe enough for young people.

In response to the federal lawsuit, the tech giant said it was, disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

Meta said that it was especially disappointing that the attorneys general singled out Instagram in their federal lawsuit, when according to a Gallup Poll, apps such as TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat were far more popular.

But, according to Tennesse Attorney General Johnathan Skrmetti, the federal lawsuit is part of an industry-wide investigation, which requires a sequenced approach due to the size of the companies being probed.

Skrmetti has filed a motion in Chancery Court in Tennessee in March seeking to compel TikTok, Inc. to comply with the states request for information. The motion was part of the attorney generals investigation into the apps, unfair and deceptive business acts.

This is not just about Meta, but as one of the biggest players, and as an entity where theres clear evidence of misleading the public and of making deliberate decisions that hurt kids, he said. I think its appropriate that we, we lead off with this particular lawsuit.
After a challenging few years for the tourism industry, we are seeing a revitalised appetite for global travel. At the same time, we find ourselves amidst a paradigm shift in technology, fuelled by rapidly accelerating connectivity and innovation in areas such as AI and data.

In this dynamic digital landscape, consumers demand more personalised and streamlined services to help them block out the noise and make informed travel decisions. Today, with the latest technological developments, travel service providers are more equipped than ever to satisfy these demands. Trip.com continues to create a simplified and hassle-free user experience, providing its consumers with personalised information at their fingertips, empowered by AI-led capabilities and innovative content marketing.

According to McKinsey research, generative AI can unlock between USD 2 trillion and USD 4 trillion in annual value across industries. This year, Trip.com launched an enhanced version of our AI travel assistant. The newly released TripGenie pioneers the concept of the Language User Interface to decipher complex requests and swiftly direct users to detailed itinerary planning, personalised recommendations, and flight and hotel bookings. AI assistance eliminates the manual effort of input and filtering searches, making travel planning and booking as simple as a chat conversation. Users who have engaged with TripGenie have shown stronger loyalty and satisfaction, with an order conversion rate twice that of the average user and a retention rate 30-40% higher than the average user. This directly translates into improved revenue, business growth for partners, and brand visibility and reach.

Netizens today are spoilt for choice when it comes to sources of information and offerings, which can make travel complicated and frustrating. AI-driven offerings such as Trip.coms curated lists can simplify this process. Trip.Trends, Trip.Best, and Trip.Deals, enhanced by an AI-empowered algorithm, cater to different consumer groups and condense real-time information into a digestible format for smooth and easy travel planning. These lists are a part of the Groups content marketing strategy to improve consumer awareness and provide the most relevant information and the best deals.

Another prominent technological trend is the rise of livestreaming platforms and social media, which support user engagement and content marketing growth opportunities. In the first quarter of this year, the number of influencers on Trip.coms content platforms increased by 45% year-over-year and user generative content increased by 34% compared to last year. Additionally, the average amount of content viewed per user continued to rise, reflecting the success of the ability to attract, engage and retain users.

Livestreams have been a key growth driver for our business, which has outlasted the pandemic. The Group launched the Super World Trip livestream series at the start of 2023, which has taken off in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The series was to promote short-haul travel to the Chinese mainland consumer and stimulate tourism products in key destinations. The first livestream held in Thailand achieved a gross merchandise value of RMB 40 million, with over 20,000 room nights sold. The success of this has been mimicked in Tokyo and Hong Kong, with GMV reaching RMB 23 million and RMB 30 million, respectively.

Customers are at the heart of everything we do at Trip.com Group, and technological innovation is an integral pillar of user experience. Going forward, travel service providers have the responsibility to remain cognisant of technological advancements and harness developments to unlock new value for customers. We play a crucial role in making travel accessible and convenient for our users, and deliver the most up-to-date and curated information to book the perfect trip.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, spoke at the SuperBridge Dubai Summit, which took place on 16 and 17 October at the Museum of the Future, Dubai.
Fewer hunters were out for last weekend's opener of the big game rifle season in south-central Montana, but at most check stations hunter success was up.

The one exception was the Columbus check station where success was down 3% because fewer white-tailed deer and elk were shot.

Over opening weekend, 968 big game hunters visited check stations in Region 5, a decrease from the 1,212 hunters observed over the same weekend in 2022.

Elsewhere across the region, elk success was up slightly or flat at all but the Columbus check stations. Big Timber recorded the largest elk harvest, 28 animals, which tied with last year. Big Timber also recorded the most whitetails shot by hunters (26), and the most mule deer (40) and antelope (20).

Warm, mild weather across south-central Montana made for favorable conditions, but that will change this week as the state gets a taste of more winter-like conditions, including snow at higher elevations.

The general season opened on Oct. 21 and will run until Nov. 26.

Check stations operated Saturday and Sunday in Billings, Lavina, Big Timber, and Columbus. Billings, Lavina and Big Timber check stations will operate only on Sunday until the closing weekend of the general season, when they will operate on both Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 26.

The Columbus check station will operate both Saturday and Sunday for every weekend of the general season. Hunters are required to stop at any game check station they pass, regardless of success.
by Teresa Buyikian , October 23, 2023

Domino's Pizza today announced the launch of the 20th year of its St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign.

Through Jan. 8, Dominos customers can donate to St. Jude's research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. Whether ordering in-store, online, over the phone or through the Dominos app, customers can round up their total change to give to the organization.

Domino's raised $13 million in 2022 for the hospital, bringing its total donated to the kids of St. Jude to more than $110 million since the partnership began in 2004.

The Domino's/St. Judes campaign "is a testimony to the passion instilled in Dominoi's at corporate- and franchise-owned stores across the country, said Joe Jordan, Domino's president of U.S. and global services, in a release. And this passion extends to our customers, whose generosity has made two decades of fundraising possible."

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Money raised from the Thanks and Giving campaign goes toward Domino's 10-year, $100 million commitment made to St. Jude in 2020. Dominos donations were already responsible for creation of the Domino's Village, the newest patient housing facility on St. Jude's campus, which includes an outdoor playground, community kitchen, onsite clinic and 140 fully furnished apartments for St. Jude patients and their families.

Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has helped raise the overall survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to 80%.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, October 23, 2023

Its too soon to see how new leadership will redirect Gaps struggling brands. But holiday campaigns from both Gap and Old Navy point to different marketing directions.

Old Navy is bringing Natasha (Poker Face) Lyonne back for the second installment of ads, this time focusing on the budget brands first-ever Dressy Collection.

The actor, who first appeared in spots for the brand this fall, confronts two versions of herself dressed for holiday parties. One pronounces the other as glitzy glammy, while the second repays the kind words with super snazzy. The pair end the festival of compliments with the campaigns tagline, Thanks, Its Old Navy.

Ads reflect a new fashion direction for the brand, best known for affordable jeans and casual looks. The holiday styles, including velvet pantsuits, glittery dresses and sequin pants, are priced from $15 to $70. Another series of spots features Lyonne schlepping a stolen toboggan, loaded with an expanded array of sweaters and puffer outerwear.

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At Gap, the holiday campaign is more familiar. The new holiday ads, like many in recent years, tap into a cadre of kind-of-famous creative spirits, this time with their families. They include A-listers like musician Alanis Morissette and influencer Jay Shetty -- but also less-recognizable personalities like models Sabina Karlsson and Florence Huntington-Whiteley and Ghetto Gastro, a chefs collective.

This years twist is that rather than show looks that are all-new for the holiday, the campaign focuses on combining fresh styles with some of the Gaps best-loved pieces.

Themed Gifted, the company says the spots convey gratitude, reflection, and togetherness.

Gap hired Richard Dickson, Mattels chief operating officer, several months ago to fill its long-vacant president and chief executive officer spot.

And while the new CEO has said the company needs to do things differently, he joined just as Gaps quarterly results confirmed many of the retailers problems. Net sales fell 8% to $3.55 billion, including an 11% dip in ecommerce. Revenue at Old Navy slipped 6%, to $1.96 billion. At the Gap, sales tumbled 14% to $755 million. Gap also owns Banana Republic, where sales decreased 11% to $480 million.

Sales even fell at Athleta, one of the companys healthier brands, easing 1% to $341 million.

Solving Gaps problems wont be easy, given how many competitors the company has and how it seems to have lost its connection with shoppers.

In a recent Deutsche Bank analysis of the apparel sector, analyst Gabriella Carbone reports that Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic have all lost market share in the past five years. And between 2021 and 2022, Old Navy lost more in market share than any other brand, except for Kohls.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 24, 2023

Dozens of activist parents who lost children due to suicide, drug overdoses or accidents following viral "challenges" are making a new lobbying push this week for the Kids Online Safety Act, which would regulate how platforms display ads and content to teens.

We know the internet is vital for kids to stay connected with their friends and classmates. That is why it's crucial to prioritize the development of safe online environments, dozens of parents say in a letter to Senate leaders.

The parents who signed the letter say they lost children due to harms associated with social media: Some committed suicide after being bullied online, while others died of fentanyl poisoning from drugs purchased through social media, and some were fatally injured after attempting a "challenge" involving a dangerous stunt.

We have lost our children because time and time again, Big Tech chose to prioritize profits over the safety and well-being of young people, the parents write.

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The controversial Kids Online Safety Act would require social platforms to take reasonable measures to prevent potential harms associated with social media use when displaying material to users under the age of 17. The bill tasks the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general with enforcement.

Some youth advocates including Fairplay -- which, along with the parents, organized the new lobbying effort -- the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Digital Democracy support the bill, arguing it will help protect teens from eating disorders, online bullying and other harms.

The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the bill in July, but the measure hasn't yet been scheduled for a vote by the full Senate.

The supporters plan to meet Tuesday and Wednesday with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), as well as Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-New Jersey), and Kathy Castor (D-Florida).

The new lobbying push comes one month after a different group -- parents of trangender teens -- asked Congress to abandon the bill.

Those parents said the proposed law would empower conservative attorneys general to dictate what content younger users can see on social media, cutting our kids off from lifesaving online resources and community.

That group also noted that some right-wing officials are already working to ban gender affirming health care that saves kids lives, criminalize drag performances, and label families that accept our children as 'groomers' and 'child abusers.'

Numerous digital rights organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation also oppose the law, arguing it would violate the First Amendment.

One concern is that the bill could prevent teens from accessing content protected by free speech principles. In general, the First Amendment prohibits the government from suppressing a range of potentially harmful content -- including photos associated with eating disorders, to hate speech, to material discussing drug use.

Opponents also argue the measure would significantly encourage platforms to verify all users' ages -- which would violate adults' and teens' First Amendment right to access information anonymously.

A California law that would have imposed some of the same requirements as the Kids Online Safety Act was blocked last month on First Amendment grounds by U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in the Northern District of California.

The California law requires online companies likely to be accessed by users under 18 to prioritize their best interests and well-being. That measure also prohibits those companies from collecting or sharing their personal information -- unless doing so is necessary to provide a specific service that the minor is actively using, or unless collecting or sharing the information is in minors' best interests.

The New York Times Company was among the groups that urged Freeman to block the law, arguing that would have unconstitutionally restricted news organizations' ability to distribute articles to minors, and would have limited their ability to access the material.

California's attorney general is appealing Freeman's order to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
by Les Luchter , October 23, 2023

Law and Order star Christopher Meloni, seen in these pages a year ago working out naked for Peloton and then copping to using Tommie Coppers pain relief products, now takes to New York Citys Times Square on a :15 digital billboard wraparound PSA from nonprofit Global Lyme Alliance (GlA) thats sponsored by medical diagnostics company QuidelOrtho.

The billboard, at Broadway and West 43d St. plays from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. at least four times an hour through New Years Eve, Lindsy Swift, GLAs director of marketing and communications, tells Marketing Daily. That translates to a minimum of 7,360 spots.

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On one side of the wraparound, Meloni appears to speak as his words appear alongside.

Lyme disease can be a horrible, painful chronic condition robbing kids of their childhood and adults of their livelihood,Meloni begins. Half a million people are diagnosed with it each year in all 50 states. Global Lyme Alliance has a plan. They have hope. They have help.

The other side of the wraparound hosts a static ad from QuidelOrtho, reading The best way to fight Lyme disease is early detection. QuidelOrtho is here to help. Changing lives one test at a time.

Both sections of the ad include a QR code, one going to GLA.com, the other to a QuidelOrtho site with info on the companys rapid Lyme detection test. Available at doctors offices or pharmacies, the test can detect Lyme disease in just 15 minutes.

Swift says that Meloni, whose family has been impacted by Lyme disease, helped write the PSA, which was created in-house.

Meloni, a GLA celebrity ambassador for the past year, also stars in a two-month-old PSA that in its first six weeks aired 1,000 times across the country and nationally, with 5.7 million total household impressions and donated media value of $184,000. In the PSA, which is offered in :15, :30 and :60 versions, Meloni runs down Lyme disease symptoms, tells viewers that the condition affects half a million Americans annually and there is no cure once its chronic, but that GLA has answers, help and hope.

Meloni also recently brought the nonprofit together with Tommie Copper in a week-long fund-raiser. The effort, in which Tommie Copper donated 5% of all sales from a new pain-fighting Full Back Support Zip-Up Shirt, resulted in a $4,350 donation to GLA, Swift says.
by Ed DeNicola , Op-Ed Contributor, October 24, 2023

Is the U.S. JIC an end-run around the MRC and does it break the industrys agreement with the U.S. Congress? Lets compare the two organizations.

The MRC (Media Rating Council) is a non-profit, self-regulatory body, established at the request of Congress. It's funded by members that include TV networks, ad agencies and advertisers.

In 1963 and 1964 there were congressional hearings to regulate the TV and radio industries including the purpose and accuracy of audience research. The process resulted in a progress report to the 89th Congress of the United States.

The hearings were held by a special subcommittee and are commonly referred to as the Harris Committee Hearings on Broadcast Ratings.

After extensive investigation over three days of testimony it was determined that industry self-regulation -- including independent audits of ratings services -- was preferable to government intervention.

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This resulted in the formation of an industry-funded organization to review and accredit audience-rating services called the Broadcast Rating Council; what we now call the Media Rating Council or MRC.

At that time, the MRC proposed industry self-regulation procedures that were reviewed by the U.S. Justice Department.

The committee deemed it necessary that the MRC activities include, but were not limited to the following:

The establishment and administration of Minimum Standards for rating operations

The accreditation of rating services on the basis of information submitted by such services; and

Auditing, through independent CPA firms, of the activities or the rating services.

In a nutshell, the MRC is what was required by the US Congress to avoid governmental regulation.

The JIC (joint industry committee), on the other hand, wasnt established due to governmental actions, it was started shortly after Nielsen ran into problems related to audience measurement during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

The JIC is led by OpenAP on behalf of a partnership that includes TV networks and ad agencies. There are no advertisers. OpenAP is a for-profit business owned by the TV networks. Its primary products are ad targeting and media measurement, an obvious conflict of interest.

The MRC was put in place to provide industry standards, the JIC was stood up to create competition by making it easier for new research companies to do business.

The JIC paves a way around the MRC and renders government-imposed requirements moot. New alt-research companies can now claim industry certification as opposed to MRC accreditation.

When you consider the direction of media measurement towards big data, industry standards and oversight are more important than ever. Big data isnt valid without tuning and bad actors could tune the data up or down for business reasons.

Lets hypothetically say that a new alt-research company starts up a media research business with a massive sample of TV set-top box and smart TV data. Well call it Company B and call the legacy provider Company A. Company B knows that the TV networks pay for most of the cost of measurement and as a result should be a priority for the company. Company B then decides to tune the data to be a little bit higher than Company As data. Too much would seem inaccurate, but a little would play into what the TV networks believe to be true anyway.

Company B now becomes a more attractive measurement provider to the part of the media industry that pays the most money. Its not an actual increase in audiences, its a manufactured increase to win business.

MRC accreditation would likely prevent the above scenario from ever happening and protect advertisers from paying higher costs due to contrived currency results.

Its true that the MRC auditing process couldnt protect the industry from the underreporting that happened during the pandemic, and its not funded to a level that makes it possible to move very quickly as it relates to accrediting new media research businesses. However, it is independent, not-for-profit, very thorough and provides what is required by our U.S. Congress to keep the industry from government regulation.

Rather than going around the MRC, the industry should be reaching out to Congress to discuss its concerns. The JIC was never part of the original agreement.

In 2005 there were more Congressional hearings to discuss The Fair Ratings Act when Nielsen was being accused of undercounting minorities. In his opening statements, Hon. Conrad Burns, U.S. Senator from Montana, made the comment But I wonder what happens to voluntary cooperation once things get tough, or once Congress is not paying attention, as we are today.

Thats an easy one, when things get tough and Congress isnt paying attention, the industry does an end-around of what Congress originally decided.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  A Montana man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for making repeated threatening and racist phone calls to a Billings church for two years after he went there seeking help and received a gift card from a Black employee, prosecutors said.

Joshua Leon Hiestand, 41, was sentenced Oct. 20, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Montana. Hiestand pleaded guilty in June to making harassing telephone calls. A stalking charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

When Hiestand, a white man, went to a Billings church looking for help, an elderly African American woman who worked there responded with kindness and assistance," U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said in a statement. "In return and for nearly two years, Hiestand launched a barrage of harassing, hateful and racist calls and voicemails at her and the church. His racist conduct isn't just abhorrent, it is illegal.

Prosecutors alleged Hiestand went to the Presbyterian church in November 2020 seeking help. Five days later, the church received a voicemail in which someone, using a racially derogatory term, said he would give more money to the church if the church did not employ an African American. After three similar calls, the woman called Billings police.

A detective called the number used to leave the messages and spoke to Hiestand, who admitted making the calls and apologized for his behavior, prosecutors said. He was told to have no further contact with the church. Three days later, he left a voicemail with the church in which he apologized, court records said.

However, over the next 19 months Hiestand called and left a series of voicemails at the church that were at times threatening and racially hostile, prosecutors said. Investigators determined that after January 2021, Hiestand was placing the calls from outside the state of Montana.

Hiestand was arrested in November 2022 in Indiana and has remained in custody since then.

Hiestands public defender Gillian Gosch asked for a sentence of time served, arguing her client's actions were affected by his mental health issues, which have resulted in psychiatric hospitalizations and which appear to be worsened by his use of illegal substances.

The Bureau of Prisons will decide whether Hiestand will receive credit for the 11 months he has already been in custody, officials said.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 24, 2023

Dozens of attorneys general on Tuesday accused Meta Platforms of misleading the public about the substantial dangers of Facebook and Instagram, and of violating the federal children's privacy law by collecting data from users under the age of 13.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens, alleged 33 attorneys general in a 233-page complaint brought in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms, the attorneys general add. It has concealed the ways in which these platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children. And it has ignored the sweeping damage these platforms have caused to the mental and physical health of our nations youth.

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Nine other attorneys general filed separate lawsuits with similar allegations.

A Meta spokesperson stated Tuesday the company was disappointed that the attorneys general sued instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use.

Numerous swaths of the joint 33-state complaint are blacked out, but the publicly available portions broadly allege that Meta designed Instagram and Facebook with addictive features -- such as displays of like counts, and algorithmic recommendations that funnel content to users based on their interactions with other material.

The recommendation algorithms predictably and routinely present young users with psychologically and emotionally distressing content that induces them to spend increased time on the social media platforms, that complaint alleges. Once a user has interacted with such harmful content, the recommendation algorithm feeds that user additional similar content.

The attorneys general claim that Meta violated state consumer protection laws in several ways, including by misrepresenting that Instagram and Facebook are safe and not purposely addictive.

While Meta consistently reassures parents, lawmakers, and users that its social media platforms are suitable for young users and designed to promote their well-being, it continues to develop and implement features that it knows induce young users extended, addictive, and compulsive social media use, the joint complaint alleges.

Meta, along with TikTok, YouTube and others, are facing numerous lawsuits alleging the companies are addictive and harm youngsters.

The tech companies say in those cases they're protected by the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, arguing that the claims boil down to complaints that other users have posted potentially harmful content.

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act immunizes web companies from liability for users' posts, and the First Amendment prohibits the government from attempting to suppress lawful content -- even if potentially harmful.

Whether the companies will prevail with those arguments isn't yet clear.

Earlier this month, a state court judge in California said Section 230 didn't immunize social platforms from negligence claims by teens who say they suffered from eating disorders, anxiety, depression and other harms as a result of their social media addiction.

But a federal court judge recently blocked a California law that would have required social platforms likely to be accessed by users under 18 to prioritize their best interests and well-being.

The attorneys general also allege that Meta violates the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits online sites and apps from collecting personal data of users under 13 without parental consent.

That law, which is more than 20 years old, applies to companies that actually know users' ages, and to companies that operate sites -- or portions of sites -- directed at children.

Most of the allegations regarding COPPA are blacked out, so it's not clear whether the attorneys general accuse Meta of actually knowing specific users were under the age of 13 and collecting their personal data anyway.

Meta says it prohibits users under 13 on the service. The company requires users to provide a birthdate when they sign up for accounts, and rejects users who say they are under 13.

Meta also says it deactivates accounts of users it suspects are under 13.

But the attorneys general appear to suggest that COPPA requires companies like Meta to authenticate users' ages, instead of asking users to declare their ages.

Meta has access to, and chooses not to use, feasible alternative age verification methods that would significantly reduce or eliminate the number of underage users on Metas social media platforms, for example, by requiring young users to submit student IDs upon registration, the complaint alleges.

That contention, however, raises significant First Amendment concerns, given that courts have said age verification requirements online are unconstitutional.

If state attorneys general are going in the direction of saying that age authentication is a requirement, they are overreaching and have exposed that COPPA could be subject to a First Amendment challenge, Santa Clara University law professor Eric Goldman tells MediaPost.

The attorneys general also say Meta should be considered directed at children, because its audience includes millions of users under 13, and because it hosts child-oriented accounts -- such as ones from Hasbro and Hello Kitty.

Those child-oriented accounts should be considered a portion of the broader Instagram service, the attorneys general allege.
The Department of Health in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has officially confirmed that 18 out of 20 recorded monkeypox cases have shown positive HIV test results. All 20 cases are being treated at the city's National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, Xinhua news agency reported. Two cases are progressing seriously with multiple infections, the Department said.

Vietnam has provided official confirmation that 18 out of the 20 documented monkeypox cases have yielded positive results for HIV in their tests. #monkeypox #HIV 

AIDS Clinical Features

Local healthcare authorities are stepping up measures to detect community infection, focusing on easily-infected groups at hospitals and preventing the virus entering from outside through border gates.



Reference : Mpox and HIV - (https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/prevention/hiv.html)

Source: IANS Local healthcare authorities are stepping up measures to detect community infection, focusing on easily-infected groups at hospitals and preventing the virus entering from outside through border gates.Source: IANS
A Bihari could be anywhere in the world, but if you want to call him home, just play any Chhath song by Sharda Sinha and he would come running in his mothers lap.

I really dont know who said these lines, but I can vouch for each and every word, especially now, when Chhath Puja is around the corner and I am out of my hometown, anxiously waiting to return home so that I can help my mother out in these four days of pure devotion.

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Chhath -The Origin

The origins of Chhath can be traced back to Ramayana, when Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Raavan.

People celebrated Diwali on Sri Rams return, and on the sixth day (shashthi) of Diwali, Sita kept a fast for her family and for conceiving valiant kids.

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Why is Chhath so important for Biharis?

Bihar is one of the few places that has been following Vedic philosophies for a long time.

Even our wedding rituals follow the same steps that were observed in the weddings of Sri Ram and Sita.

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Chhath is celebrated in Bihar for the happiness and prosperity of ones family and children.



Chhath - The scientific connection

Chhath also holds scientific prominence in Bihar.

It is believed that Kharif crops (or winter crops) such as wheat, barley, oats, bananas, and many more are harvested around this time, and people seek the blessings of the sun god, offering him their first batch of food.

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The celebrations

Chhath is celebrated for 4 days and during this time, a Vrati (the person who keeps the fast) has to surrender to their deity completely.

Here are the four stages of Chhath Puja

1. Nahai-Khai

Nahai-Khai marks the first day of Chhath Puja, where a Vrati has to have their first meal only after taking a dip in Ganga and offering Puja to the Sun god.

2. Kharna

Kharna is derived from the word Kheer, a sweet delicacy prepared with milk, rice, and sugar.

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On this day, the Vratis prepare Kheer while observing a fast without water and distribute it among the people.

3. Pehli Arag (Ardya)

Pehli Arag is the first offering by a Vrati that is presented to the setting sun.

As our Prime Minister said while addressing the people of Bihar, Sirf Bihar ki darti aisi hai jaha ugte sooraj aur doobte sooraj, dono ki pooja ki jaati hai.

After the Pehli Arag, we all wait for the sun to rise for the Doosri Arag.

4. Doosri Arag

This is one of the toughest phases in the entire four days, where a Vrati has to stand in the freezing water for hours until the sunrise and as the first ray hits the surface, they present their offering to the sun.

After the Doosri Arag, the Vrati breaks his/her fast and the whole family eats together, which marks the end of Chhath.
A nonprofit group opposed to race-based affirmative action policies has filed a complaint against Bismarck State College.

The Equal Protection Project of the Legal Insurrection Group, headed by Cornel Law School Professor William Jacobson, argues that BSC discriminates against applicants who are not eligible for aid under the school's Cultural Diversity Waiver.

The group is asking for an investigation by the federal Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

BSC's Cultural Diversity Waiver offers eligible students a tuition reduction of $1,250 a semester for four semesters for an associate's degree and eight semesters for a bachelor's degree. The waiver applies to historically underrepresented groups such as members of federally recognized American Indian tribes, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and others. International students cannot receive aid under the program.

The Legal Insurrection Group argues that since "white or Caucasian are not available options," the waiver is discriminatory and violates federal law.

BSC in a statement to the Tribune said the Cultural Diversity Waiver is in compliance with North Dakota State Board of Higher Education's Policy 820, which encourages schools to promote culturally diverse student bodies through waivers for tuition and fees.

Billie Jo Lorius, communications director for the North Dakota University System, told the Tribune, "Each NDUS institution develops and administers its tuition and fee waiver programs to meet their needs using locally approved procedures."

The Legal Insurrection Group has filed numerous complaints against universities in other states challenging similar policies. The initiative is in part a response to a federal Supreme Court ruling this summer which outlawed race as a consideration in college admissions. Some conservative groups believe the same legal reasoning should be applied to other programs.

Advocates for race-conscious programs say policies like BSC's make higher education more affordable for members of minority populations who tend to hold less wealth than white Americans. A Federal Reserve survey of household wealth shows that the median net worth for white families in the U.S. was $184,000 in 2019, while the median net worth for Black families was $23,000.
An attempt to add enforcement details to a bill from the 2023 legislative session that outlined policies for transgender students sputtered out in the North Dakota House on Tuesday as representatives indicated they would uphold a narrow focus in this weeks special session.

State Rep Bill Tveit, R-Hazen, proposed the legislation on the House floor in response to Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Rupak Gandhi pledging to prioritize student safety over following House Bill 1522 the day after it was signed into law on May 8. Tveits bill would have granted the attorney general the power to investigate possible violations of the law and issue penalties in the form of injunctions and fines of no more than $2,500 per violation.

The attempt at introduction needed to garner at least two-thirds support -- 58 votes -- to move to committee, but it failed when it received only 24 yes votes.

The special session was called to deal with a budget bill that was voided by the North Dakota Supreme Court. Tveit could have proposed his bill last week when the interim Legislative Management committee was considering potential additional legislation for the special session under the standard that it had to be a pressing enough issue that it couldnt wait for the 2025 regular session. He told the Tribune he wasnt prepared in time for the committees Oct. 19 deadline, but felt the issue was pressing enough that it warranted consideration on the House floor.

What took place in this situation was not a defiance of this bill (HB 1522) only, but a defiance of what we do as legislators, Tveit said to the Tribune. It was a direct reflection on the choices this Legislature made.

The bill sets standards for school districts with transgender students that include requirements for parental notification and the prohibition of bathroom usage that does not coincide with the students biological sex. The law also establishes a policy of separate restroom usage for transgender students, and prohibits schools and teachers from requiring or prohibiting the use of a students pronouns.

Its one of the 10 bills passed in the 2023 legislative session that have impacted LGBTQ rights and transgender children across the state. 2023 has been a record-breaking year for this kind of legislation, which can range from bans on gender-affirming care to the prohibition of sex changes on state identification: More than 500 such state-level bills have been introduced since the start of the year, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

But the North Dakota Legislature has repeatedly indicated its interest in keeping a narrow focus for this special session. In the Legislative Management committee meeting last week, leaders considered nearly 30 items for possible introduction, with the only approval being a resolution in support of Israel.

Gov. Doug Burgum has called on legislators to expand the scope of the session to include tax cuts and infrastructure projects, with his proposals seeing varying success.

After getting rejected in Legislative Management, an income tax relief proposal got the necessary two-thirds majority in the House on Monday for committee introduction. But Burgum also requested $50 million for the state Department of Transportation flexible fund and $20 million for destination development matching grants, and both proposals were considered in the House-Senate Joint Allocations Committee on Monday but didnt make it very far.

House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, took issue with Tveit's proposed bill on multiple fronts in a speech on the House floor. He decried the bills last-minute introduction without proper vetting, as well as its impact on the length of the session.

This bill (HB 1522) needs to be handled on a local level by the people in the community, because we're always talking about local control, Lefor said. I agree with the sponsor of the bill in terms of (that) they should be following the law. However, they should be taken to the state's attorney for prosecution.

Tveit said he presented the bill because he saw it as doing what's right for our constituents.

Most legislation throughout the special session has experienced limited opposition, with many of the bills that are seeking to replace the voided OMB budget receiving little or no discussion in committee and garnering near-unanimous votes on the House and Senate floors.

One appropriations bill was modified to add $350,000 to the states Emergency Fund, in part to account for potential emergency snow removal costs, and another was amended to allocate $425,000 for legislative wages and $250,000 for Legislative Council salaries to account for the cost of the special session.

Bills regarding Burgums proposed income tax relief, the composition of the Public Employees Retirement System board of trustees and a fertilizer development incentive program all received some debate on the House floor on Tuesday, but eventually were approved for final Senate consideration on Wednesday.
North Dakotans may see a decrease to their income taxes after the state House of Representatives backed Gov. Doug Burgums proposal to raise the threshold for nontaxable income.

The House on Tuesday voted 71-19 to expand the amount of state income that would be tax-free. If passed by the Senate -- where the bill is headed next -- and signed by Burgum, the first $60,000 earned by single filers and the first $100,000 earned by married couples filing jointly would not be subject to state income tax.

The House vote came after the special session Appropriations Committee's rare but unanimous decision to send House Bill 1549 to the chambers with no recommendations.

Burgum put forth the proposal after North Dakota saw an unexpected surplus of $288 million in the general fund. The governor argued on Monday in an address to the Legislature that government should return money back to residents when it has extra funds.

For single filers, the amount of income that is tax-free would increase from $44,725 to $60,000, which means a maximum of $298 would not be taken out as income tax. The amount that is tax-free for married couples filing jointly would jump from $74,750 to $100,000, meaning a maximum of $492 would not be taken out as income tax.

The tax breaks would start with the 2024 tax year and cost about $46 million a year. The tax break would be permanent if passed.

Currently, 60% of North Dakotans dont pay any income taxes, state Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said. The new bill would bump that up to 72%, or about 50,000 more residents, Rep. Jared Hagert, R-Emerado, said on the House floor.

"We need to send a strong message that we are interested in tax relief," he said.

Burgum proposed the bill in exchange for calling the special session for the Legislature. Because Burgum convened the special session, the Legislature does not have to use up their five days saved after the regular session, and any bills he signs become effective immediately.

Its one of two pieces of legislation that made it to the special session and is not related to a budget bill voided by the North Dakota Supreme Court that was the main reason for the session. Lawmakers have been speeding through bills initially part of a massive budget linked to the Office of Management and Budget.

Legislative Management, which decides what bills the full Legislature should take up, blocked a similar tax relief proposal from being introduced into the special session. That meant Burgums bill needed a two-thirds majority in either the House or Senate to make it in.

That happened Monday afternoon in the House with a 71-31 vote.

Some in the 39-member Appropriations Committee questioned whether this is the time and place to do that. The Legislature has until Friday to finish its business, leaving little time to gather public input and consider the bill, said Sen. Don Schaible, R-Mott.

Where is the opportunity for the public to speak out? he asked. I dont think we are doing the public justice by doing it this way.

Others asked why lawmakers arent considering other forms of tax relief, including for corporations and property. Rep. David Monson, R-Osnabrock, said lawmakers need to have a comprehensive discussion on tax relief, not just for state income.

Lawmakers on the committee also questioned the sustainability of the permanent tax cut. North Dakota has revenue that is based on volatile commodities, including oil.

Is there any harm with having money in the bank? asked Rep. Alisa Mitskog, D-Wahpeton. Whats the harm in waiting?

Hagert, a vice chairman for the House Finance and Taxation Committee, said during the Appropriations Committee meeting that lawmakers plan to do that the next regular session.

Any tax relief that we can provide is good tax relief, he said.

Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Grand Forks, said military members thinking about moving to his district have considered whether to live in North Dakota or Minnesota based on income taxes.

This is something that they think about in their day-to-day life, Meyer said.

Passing this bill was a way to turn a special session, which was called to fix a negative, into a positive by passing tax relief, Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, said on the House floor.
Amid an uptick in drone and rocket attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East, the Pentagon signaled Monday that it is stepping up protections as additional forces are readied and moved into the area -- and also that it is prepared to hold Iran and Iran-backed groups responsible.

A senior defense official, who spoke to reporters Monday about the regional fallout from Israel's bloody war with Hamas, said that they "see a prospect for much more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the near term and, let's be clear about it, the road leads back to Iran."

The Pentagon's top spokesman, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, told reporters at a briefing Monday that there have been a growing number of attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria -- including one that morning -- in the wake of the war that started earlier this month, and that "by virtue of the fact that they're supported by Iran, we will ultimately hold Iran responsible."

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The news of yet another attack on a U.S. installation in the Middle East comes the week after the Pentagon confirmed three other attacks in Iraq and Syria, and the USS Carney destroyer shot down missiles and drones that the department initially said could have been aimed at Israel.

"What has happened in the last several days is efforts by Iran, and Iran proxy forces, to seek to escalate this conflict," the senior defense official said, specifically citing Lebanese Hezbollah and militia groups in Iraq and Syria, as well as the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The U.S. has surged military forces into the region in support of Israel after it was suddenly attacked by Hamas, the group that rules the Gaza Strip, where about 2.3 million Palestinians live. The Hamas attack included rockets and the deployment of gunmen into Israel who slaughtered Israeli civilians; about 1,400 Israelis were killed.

Israel declared war and has waged a devastating bombing campaign against Gaza in what many believe to be a lead-up to a ground offensive, which could further inflame the region.

The bases in Iraq and Syria were targeted by drones last week. While some personnel were injured in the attacks, so far none has been killed by enemy weapons. However, a U.S. civilian contractor suffered a heart attack while sheltering in response to a false alarm at Iraq's Al Asad Air Base last week and died shortly thereafter.

"We've been under an increase of attacks for the last three days or so at various locations throughout" the Middle East, a senior military official told reporters Monday.

The two officials briefed the Pentagon press corps about the latest developments surrounding the Israel-Hamas war on the condition they would not be named.

The messaging is a shift from the Pentagon's more guarded tone last week when Ryder said he was "not tracking any specific information regarding the specific targeting of American citizens or U.S. military forces or their families."

Meanwhile, the Marine's top officer, Gen. Eric Smith, told a crowd at a memorial for the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut that the Marines now deployed to the area "bring with them the weapons of war, if needed" to applause from the crowd.

"For those that are in the area, if that MEU has to go in, if you target them, someone else will raise your children," Smith added, referencing a Marine expeditionary unit -- and using some of the most aggressive language heard from a government official to date.

Pentagon officials are also stressing that the downing of four land-attack cruise missiles and 15 drones by the USS Carney in the Red Sea was a self-protection measure by the ship instead of a move made on Israel's behalf.

"That ship has the inherent right to protect itself, and so as it saw these missiles and these drones, it took them out," Ryder said Monday.

On Thursday, Ryder had said that the initial assessment was that the missiles were possibly headed for potential Israeli targets and wouldn't say whether the threat they posed was to the ship or Israel. He also said that the belief that the missiles were targeting Israel was based largely on the direction of the missiles' flight rather than a deeper understanding of their range or capabilities.

A Navy spokesperson told Military.com that the Carney used SM-2 missiles and its 5-inch gun to destroy the missiles and drones, but wasn't able to say how many rounds were used in the engagement.

In response to the uptick in attacks, the Pentagon has announced that it will not only move more air defense platforms into the region but it has decided to move the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group from its previously assigned mission of supporting deterrence efforts off the Israeli coast and instead have the aircraft carrier, along with three other ships, go to waters off the Arabian peninsula instead -- putting the Navy ships much closer to Iran.

The move, according to Ryder, "enhances our presence and ... provides another level of capability across the broader Middle East region."

Officials have also said that additional troops -- above the 2,000-some service members announced last week -- have been placed on "prepare to deploy orders."

The senior military official said that the additional troops will be "largely command-and-control units" that would give Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and U.S. Central Command options for "various missions for forces that are already postured there."

"These measures are critical to bolstering regional deterrence efforts, safeguarding our troops and assisting in the defense of Israel," the senior defense official said.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin.

Related: Navy Shoots Down Missiles, Troops in Iraq and Syria Face Drone Attacks as Israel War Inflames Tensions
Senior Air Force leaders are sounding the alarm at a lack of high-tech flight simulators and are calling for upgrades they say are necessary to prepare for combat in a next-generation fight, according to a new research report.

The report published by Rand Corp., a nonprofit think tank that researches issues in the military, addresses a need for the Pentagon to fund new sophisticated flight simulators, sometimes called "sims." Several Air Force officials with major commands cited in the report, who spoke under the condition of anonymity for the research, say it's a major issue for pilots.

One Air Force official said there is an "unmet need for sims," adding that, in "an ideal world, we'd be getting more [readiness data] from sims than from aircraft. The outcomes that we want to predict are not available in live-fly," the report detailed.

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Some Air Force officials disclosed in the report that regular training cannot produce the same data that the sophisticated scenarios and virtually unlimited combat possibilities that sims can produce, but added that, still, more uniformity is needed for all the technology as a whole.

The focus on investing in high-tech simulators comes as tensions grow with China and the Pentagon works to compete with the People's Liberation Army. The Air Force is worried that it is not properly analyzing how crews are performing when it must rely on more traditional sorties and aging simulators.

"The relative scarcity of opportunities to train against such threats and the lack of tools to capture performance data mean that commanders must make subjective, incomplete assessments of the capability of their units in the most important operational scenarios," the Rand report states.

Researchers said that simulators for B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress bombers lack "fidelity" -- a term used to indicate that they are not a true reflection of what the craft or environment is like. Additionally, Air Force Special Operations Command's simulators can't keep up "because of the high rate at which the command's aircraft are modified," according to the report.

Senior Air Force leaders told Rand that the service's shortage of updated and high-tech simulators stems partly from a desire to invest in more aircraft and engines -- both of which are easier requests to get funded.

But one senior leader told Rand that "it doesn't matter if you have engines or not, because you will fail at the mission" if simulation training is put on the back burner.

The desire for advanced simulators comes amid a long-standing pilot shortage that is due, in part, to the service's woes with training aircraft, as the T-38 Talon has faced continuing mechanical issues.

"The USAF is not measuring the most useful things to gain insight on the readiness of the force. Legacy metrics focus on the ability of individual service members to conduct individual missions," the report said. "Both USAF training requirements and how training is achieved need to change to capture more-meaningful readiness metrics."

One of the many suggestions proposed in the Rand report is for the Air Force to invest in "more simulators and new synthetic threat environments." It also recommended the service form a working group to guide future efforts to update virtual threat environments.

Military.com reported in September that the Air Force was short on the number of pilots it hoped to train in fiscal 2023, falling roughly 120 aviators short of its goals. That was at least partly due to mechanical issues with training aircraft.

The service has averaged around 1,300 new pilots each year for nearly a decade, short of its goal of around 1,500 annually. Recent shortages have been attributed to a range of issues, such as delays in getting new engines into T-38 Talon training jets, a lack of instructors, and delays in getting new airmen into the training pipeline.

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

Related: Air Force on Course to Again Miss Pilot Goal as Problems with Training Aircraft Persist
The Army air defense units deploying to the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war come from Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Liberty in North Carolina, and Fort Sill in Oklahoma, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The units are bringing Patriot missile batteries and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, battery to the region after more than a dozen drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week that the Pentagon has blamed on Iranian proxies. NBC News reported Tuesday evening that two dozen American military personnel were wounded in the attacks, but that could not be immediately confirmed by Military.com.

Although Pentagon officials didn't name the Army units being deployed, Fort Bliss is home to the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Liberty hosts the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Fort Sill is home to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

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The units are among the latest deployments to the Middle East following two aircraft carrier strike groups earlier this month; F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets this week -- adding to jets and A-10 Thunderbolt II planes already sent; and military advisers including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare to aid Israel as it wages war on Hamas.

Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the top Pentagon spokesman who briefed reporters Tuesday, would not say how many troops are deploying with the air defense units or give their specific destinations. He did say that a THAAD battery was coming from Fort Bliss and the Patriot battalions would come from Fort Liberty and Fort Bliss.

More than 2,000 U.S. troops were also put on ready-to-deploy orders by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as yet another show of support for Israel, which declared war against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, after its sudden and brazen terrorist attack on Oct. 7 killed about 1,400 Israelis.

The deployment of the air defenses came as Pentagon officials disclosed new details about an uptick in drone and missile strikes on U.S. bases in the region since last week. On Monday, the Pentagon blamed the attacks on Iran and groups it supports in the region, and said it expected the threat to grow as the bloody war in Israel and Gaza drags on.

Ryder said that between Oct. 17 and Oct. 24, "U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria via a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets."

The Pentagon had revealed some of these attacks last week as they occurred, but Ryder stressed that 13 attacks are "initial numbers."

Defense officials have also stepped up the rhetoric around the attacks, telling reporters Monday that they "see a prospect for much more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the near term and, let's be clear about it, the road leads back to Iran."

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith was even more direct. Defense officials said last week that the Marine Corps' 26th Expeditionary Unit was heading "to the waters off of Israel" as a result of the crisis after it abruptly ended pre-scheduled training in Kuwait.

A Navy spokesperson told Military.com on Monday that the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, which transports the 26th MEU, was in the Gulf of Oman area conducting freedom of navigation operations.

The Marines now deployed to the area "bring with them the weapons of war, if needed," Smith told a crowd Monday while speaking at a memorial for the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut.

"For those that are in the area, if that MEU has to go in, if you target them, someone else will raise your children," Smith added.

Meanwhile, at sea, the destroyer USS Carney shot down drones and Houthi-launched cruise missiles on Thursday. The incident has been framed as a self-defense move by the Pentagon since last week, when officials wouldn't say whether the threat they posed was to the ship or Israel.

Ryder told reporters Tuesday that the land attack cruise missiles that the Carney shot down had a range that "was likely in excess of 2,000 kilometers," making them quite capable of striking Israel.

Another addition to the Middle East besides the Army's air defense missiles will be more F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Ryder said that the unit arrived in the Middle East on Tuesday.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin.

Related: Iran-Backed Attacks Against Troops Could Escalate as US Aids Israel, Pentagon Warns
DENVER  A former National Security Agency employee from Colorado pleaded guilty Monday to trying to sell classified national security information to Russia.

Federal prosecutors agreed to not ask for more than about 22 years in prison for Jareh Sebastian Dalke when he is sentenced in April if he adheres to the terms of a plea deal, but the judge will ultimately decide his punishment.

Dalke, a 31-year-old Army veteran from Colorado Springs, technically faces up to a possible life sentence for giving the information to an undercover FBI agent who prosecutors say Dalke believed was a Russian agent. However, accepting responsibility for a crime usually leads to a lighter sentence.

Dalke told the agent that he wanted to cause change after questioning the United States' role in causing damage to the world, but he also said he was $237,000 in debt, according to court documents. He also allegedly said he had decided to work with Russia because his heritage ties back to your country.

Dalke pleaded guilty during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Raymond Moore. He only spoke in answer to questions from Moore about whether he understood the terms of the deal. He acknowledged that he has been taking medications for mental illness while being held in custody for about a year.

Dalke was paid $16,499 in cryptocurrency last year for excerpts of some documents that he passed on to the agent to show what he had, and then he offered to sell the rest of the information he had for $85,000, according to the plea deal.

The agent directed him to go to Denver's downtown train station on Sept. 28, 2022, and send the documents using a secure digital connection during a four-hour window. Dalke arrived with his laptop and first used the connection to send a thank you letter that opened and closed in Russian and in which he said he looked forward to our friendship and shared benefit, according to the plea deal. Moments after he used his laptop to transfer all the files, FBI agents arrested him.

According to the indictment, the information Dalke sought to give to Russia included a threat assessment of the military offensive capabilities of a third, unnamed country. It also includes a description of sensitive U.S. defense capabilities, some of which relates to that same foreign country.

The plea deal requires, among other things, that Dalke agree to talk to authorities about his crimes and provide truthful, accurate and valuable information about what happened.

Dalke worked as an information systems security designer for the NSA, the U.S. intelligence agency that collects and analyzes signals from foreign and domestic sources for the purpose of intelligence and counterintelligence. After he left and gave the classified information to the undercover agent, prosecutors say he reapplied to work at the NSA.

During a hearing last year, one of Dalke's federal public defenders downplayed Dalkes access to classified information since he only worked at the NSA for less than a month.
A group of 34 lawmakers sent a letter Monday to the Pentagon and Defense Health Agency asking them to expand Tricare access to a new over-the-counter birth control pill for service members and their dependents.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Opill in July, making it the first daily oral contraceptive approved for use in the U.S. without a prescription. The letter obtained by Military.com was spearheaded by Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and was signed by 33 other senators, two of whom are Republicans. It was sent to the Department of Defense on Monday.

"Our service members and their families shouldn't have to jump through hoops to access essential reproductive health care," Bennet told Military.com in an exclusive statement. "That's why we're urging the Pentagon to expand access to over-the-counter birth control on military bases. The men and women of our military signed up to defend our rights, and we need to defend theirs."

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Coverage for Opill under the military health care system could give hundreds of thousands of women access to the contraceptive, which could be an easier alternative to traditional birth control pills that require a doctor's approval.

"The Military Health System serves approximately 1.6 million women of reproductive age, including service members, retirees, and their dependents," the lawmakers' letter reads. "As part of the full spectrum of reproductive health care, contraception provides individuals control over their reproductive health and family planning. Access to contraception, as well as education about it, increases readiness and improves quality of life for our service members and their families."

In their Monday letter, the senators asked the Department of Defense if it will provide Opill for a zero dollar copay, waive prescription requirements for the drug "both currently approved and those approved in the future," and work with the services "to stock OTC contraceptives in exchanges without unnecessary or burdensome restrictions."

The letter asks the Pentagon to respond to those questions no later than Oct. 31.

Democrats for years have pressed for easier access for birth control through the military health system. While civilians have had access to free birth control since Obamacare became law in 2010, dependents and military retirees who use Tricare are still subject to a copay for birth control pills. As with other prescriptions, active-duty service members can get prescription birth control free of charge.

Since July 2022, Tricare has waived copayments for reversible medical contraception such as IUDs, but it cannot legally waive copays for prescription pills. Legislative efforts to eliminate copays for dependents and retirees have repeatedly fallen short.

The House version of this year's defense policy bill would eliminate copays for contraception, but similar provisions have been taken out of defense bills before they were signed into law in previous years.

The push to expand military health care access to the new over-the-counter birth control pill also comes in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling last year to overturn Roe v. Wade -- known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization -- which eliminated the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy and allowed numerous states to restrict or ban abortions.

The landmark decision was seen as a massive victory for anti-abortion advocates who had opposed Roe. But defense officials have argued it could deter women from joining or staying in the military if they have to be stationed in states that have banned abortion.

The Pentagon reacted to the high court's decision by taking steps to increase access to birth control. Specifically, the department expanded walk-in contraceptive services at military health care facilities. In addition to making it easier to get contraception, the Pentagon began offering leave and travel cost reimbursements to troops who seek out civilian abortion and reproductive health services.

Republicans have fought to reverse the military's new reproductive health care policy. The fight over abortion access for troops has stalled hundreds of normally routine military promotions. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has for months objected to and effectively stalled the speedy Senate approval of the promotions while demanding that the Pentagon reverse its abortion policy.

The two Republicans who signed the letter sent Monday, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, frequently break with their party on issues of reproductive rights.

The letter was also signed by several Democrats in tough reelection battles, including Sens. Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. As with the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats are hoping voters' concerns about reproductive health care give them an edge in 2024.

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on X @reporterkheel.

Related: Lawmakers Want the Pentagon to Waive Tricare Copays on Birth Control Services
Even if you've never seen the original "King Kong," you probably know its climactic aerial assault scene. An escaped Kong has kidnapped Ann (actress Fay Wray) by reaching into her hotel room and carrying her to the top of the Empire State Building. There, he's attacked by four Curtiss F8C Helldiver biplanes.

Watching the scene, you might notice those biplanes do a lot more aerial maneuvering than what would probably be necessary to shoot a giant ape that isn't shooting back. There's a good reason for that: Director Merian C. Cooper was an Army pilot who loved flying as much as he loved making movies.

Cooper had already led an epic life before making what believe is one of the greatest horror movies of all time. When he was 6, he decided he wanted to be an explorer, because that was something you could actually decide to do in 1899. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in 1911, but was given the boot during his senior year for what is possibly the best reason ever: " "hell raising and for championing air power," according to The New York Times.

The expulsion didn't stop him from serving in the U.S. military. In 1916, Cooper joined the Georgia National Guard so he could help the U.S. Army hunt down Pancho Villa. When he returned to Georgia the next year, he learned to fly at the Military Aeronautics School in Atlanta, where he graduated at the top of his class. He joined the Army Air Service as a bomber pilot just in time to fly combat missions in World War I.

After a year of training and combat (that included a nearly deadly accident), Cooper was shot down on a mission over France in September 1918. He refused to abandon his wounded co-pilot by bailing out, instead putting his burning biplane into a spin to put out the flames and then landing it on the battlefield below, where both men were captured by the Germans. They were held as prisoners (and presumed dead) until the war ended.

After the armistice that ended World War I, Cooper remained in the Air Service, helping future President Herbert Hoover deliver food aid to war-ravaged Poland. It wasn't long before Poland was fighting for independence from communism against the newly formed Soviet Union. Cooper joined that fight, too, flying missions against the Soviets with American volunteers from the Kosciuszko Squadron. There, too, he was shot down and captured. In 1921, he escaped his POW camp and came home to the United States.

Merian C. Cooper and Cedric Fauntleroy in the Kosciuszko Squadron, racking up more kills against America's enemies.

Once home, he began writing for The New York Times and was commissioned to write a series of articles for Asia Magazine, which would actually spark his career in filmmaking. He traveled to the Ethiopian Empire, which was then called Abyssinia, with fellow World War I veteran Ernest Schoedsack. They spent time with the future Emperor Haile Selassie I and were attacked by pirates on their return voyage. Cooper wrote his article before making good on the promise he made at age 6: He became an explorer.

Schoedsack and Cooper made documentary films about their travels, starting with the Bakhtiari people of Iran and the Nan Province of China, as well as a feature film in Sudan, an adaptation of "The Four Feathers" that Cooper had read while fighting in Poland.

One day in 1929, Cooper was leaving a Manhattan office building when he heard the sound of an airplane. He looked up and visualized a giant gorilla at the top of the building. He decided he wanted to make a movie that pitted civilization against nature, where nature would be brought down by "the most modern of weapons, the airplane."

His first concept of King Kong came from both his travels and the stories of his fellow adventurers. He'd watched baboons during an expedition to Africa, which piqued his interest in apes. His idea was for a "natural drama" where an expedition to a mysterious island captures an ape and brings it back to New York, where it's put on display and escapes before being killed.

Cost restrictions during the Great Depression forced the filmmakers to scale down the idea of actually going to Africa to capture an ape. Though the studios decided to make it a stop-motion animation, the movie still cost the equivalent of $10 million in 2023 dollars. Along the way, Kong grew to giant size, and when the Empire State Building finally opened in 1931, it was decided Kong would attack that, too.

When it came time for the airplanes to attack King Kong, Cooper and Schoedsack were the two men in the biplane, firing at their own creation.

The movie says "beauty killed the beast," but it was actually the director. (RKO Radio Pictures)

"King Kong" was far from the end of Cooper's story. When World War II rolled around, he rejoined the then-Army Air Corps. He marshaled resources in the China-Burma-India theater of the war, acted as logistical liaison for the Doolittle Raid and worked the airlift that carried aircraft and supplies over the "Hump" of the Himalayas from India into China. He was even aboard the USS Missouri when Japan surrendered to the Allies.

Cooper continued making movies into the early 1960s and died in 1973 at the age of 79, having completely fulfilled the dreams of his 6-year-old self and pretty much every other young airman with the need for adventure.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Facebook, X or on LinkedIn.

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When World War I ended and the troops returned home, the spirit of the war that bound Americans together quickly fell apart. Nowhere was this more apparent than among the Black communities throughout the country, which were subjected to racial violence on a whole new level. But in 1919, Black Americans fought back like never before. What began as white veterans' resentment toward working Black men back home turned into race riots in cities across America, a monthslong cycle of violence known as the "Red Summer."

J. Kimo Williams, a retired U.S. Army officer who served in Vietnam in 1970, became a musician after coming home from the war. He refined his craft for decades, creating a jazz fusion symphony, arranging Mozart arias for the National Opera Orchestra and releasing "Symphony for the Sons of Nam," music he created to help him deal with PTSD and his own disabilities. Williams' latest arrangement, "Red Summer 1919: An Instrumental Opera," pays homage to the Black men who returned home from war, only to find a new war on a whole new front.

"Beyond the common public perception of veterans as merely fighters or warriors lies a tapestry of individual stories, beliefs, and reasons for serving, unconstrained by political party lines," Williams said in a statement. "A poignant chapter in this narrative is that of the Black veterans of World War I."

After the Great War, white veterans came home to find Black men working in the jobs they once held. Since Black men had served in the Army abroad and received military training, working-class white Americans feared the social order of the country would never return to the status quo. In 1918, membership in the Ku Klux Klan surged after the release of director D.W. Griffith's movie, "Birth of a Nation," and lynchings of Black men began to rise. Black leaders urged returning Black veterans to help the civilian population while fighting for their own hard-won dignity.

Read: Fighting for Respect: Black Soldiers in World War I

These escalating tensions came to a head on July 19, 1919, in Washington, D.C., when mobs of white residents began raiding Black neighborhoods and assaulting people in the streets. The Black communities fought back, arming themselves and returning the violence with equal ferocity. President Woodrow Wilson was forced to call in the Army to quell the civil unrest. That was the story across the country as the Red Summer wore on. Hundreds died in the fighting.

"I decided to bring visibility to Black WWI veterans and wanted to tell their story in this format. This ... is my musical approach to imagining the historical events leading up to the riots," Williams said.

Act I is a musical interpretation of Africans being captured, brought to America through the Middle Passage, and sold. Act II begins with a scene titled "With Malice Towards None," drawing from President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address. It then fast-forwards to the Black experience of World War I, the veterans' return home and the struggle to maintain their social and economic gains.

With the help of instrumentalists Vinnie Colaiuta (who has worked with Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock and Sting), Michael Brecker, and Mike Stern, the performers created a musical representation of each scene through improvisation or through rhythm.

From Red Summer 1919: An Instrumental Opera, by composer J. Kimo Williams.

"Their journey, both on the battlefield and upon their return home, intertwines with the long-standing thread of American racism," said Williams. "By delving into their experiences, we are reminded of the richness of each veteran's story and the need to move beyond monolithic representations. Let this Veterans Day be a celebration of diversity, historical understanding, and deep respect for all those who have served."

"Red Summer 1919: An Instrumental Opera" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other streaming platforms. Physical copies (CD, vinyl) are available at http://www.kimowilliams.com. Those interested in learning more about Williams and the inspiration behind each scene and act can read the liner notes here.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Facebook, X or on LinkedIn.

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JR's Appliance Museumaka the "The World's Largest Small Electrical Appliance Museum"looks super cool, and I'm putting it on my Roadside Attraction bucket list. The museum is located in Diamond, Missouri. Their website describes the collection, which as of 2020, according to the Columbia Missourian, currently boasts over 10,000 rare electrical appliances including toasters, coffee percolators, razors, waffle irons, and much more:

Owner, Richard Larrison states, "There are "pinchers" and "perchers," "droppers" and "floppers," "tippers" and "flippers," not to mention the "swingers," "walk-throughs," "flatbeds" and of course, the ever-popular "pop-ups."

The website also describes the history of the museum:

Richard Larrison's interest in small electric appliances began over 35 years ago. His brother-in-law, Dennis, collected antique electric fans and ask Richard to look for some in the Midwest. A hobby quickly formed and it was not long before Richard had amassed his own collection of about 125 fans. As his interest grew, he purchased some books on the appliances and their history. The more he read, the more excited he became over the different small appliances and their manufactures. Richard began shopping at flea markets throughout the Midwest and made use of EBay when it emerged. Soon his hobby had outgrown his basement. It was moved into the building attached to JR's Western Store. Richard has spent countless hours creating his displays and continuing to grow his collection.

Lindsay B. posted this great review of the museum on Roadside America in 2015:

One man's epic collection of small electric appliances, available for viewing at no charge during business hours. Richard Larrison has 7,000+ small electric appliances, including percolator coffee pots, waffle irons, hot plates, blenders, mixers, razors, hair dryers, popcorn poppers, and fans, all in a clean, well organized space. We had a blast walking through by ourselves, but when the owner popped in to "talk toast" and show off some of his favorites, it was even better.

I'm sold! Let me know if you've been there. And in the meantime, check out a video tour of the museum, below!
Electromobility and battery exchange stations

Charging an e-car takes a certain amount of time. In China, fully automatic battery changing is already a common procedure that could also become established in this country. The e-car driver drives into a kind of double garage, and everything else happens automatically with the help of a robot. The robot removes the empty battery, which is brought in for charging, and attaches a new, fully charged battery, while the car occupants can remain seated in the car. And the whole procedure takes only five to six minutes. In Shenzhen, Nio had set up its first battery changing station in 2018. The acceptance of the battery changing service increased tremendously until today.

30 million batteries have already been changed. Every day, there are around 60,000, which means that every 1.4 seconds a vehicle gets a new battery, an enormous success. By the end of 2023, Nio plans to operate 2,300 such battery exchange stations in China, compared with just under 2,000 today. Nio also wants to expand the battery exchange system in Germany, Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands  there are currently only two stations in Germany.

There is no question that electromobility is on course for success worldwide. The associated parameters, such as charging options, are part of this. This environmentally friendly development is possible because raw materials such as lithium are available to breathe life into the batteries. Lithium has become a raw material that is often desperately sought after. Those who want to bet on lithium can do so by investing in companies that own lithium. These include, for example, US Critical Metals or ION Energy.

US Critical Metals  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/us-critical-metals-corp/  focuses on lithium, rare earths and cobalt. The projects are located in Nevada, Idaho and Montana.

ION Energy  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/ion-energy-ltd/  is on the lithium front in mining-friendly Mongolia with two prospective lithium projects.

Current corporate information and press releases from US Critical Metals (- https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/companies/us-critical-metals-corp/ ).

In accordance with 34 WpHG I would like to point out that partners, authors and employees may hold shares in the respective companies addressed and thus a possible conflict of interest exists. No guarantee for the translation into English. Only the German version of this news is valid.

Disclaimer: The information provided does not represent any form of recommendation or advice. Express reference is made to the risks in securities trading. No liability can be accepted for any damage arising from the use of this blog. I would like to point out that shares and especially warrant investments are always associated with risk. The total loss of the invested capital cannot be excluded. All information and sources are carefully researched. However, no guarantee is given for the correctness of all contents. Despite the greatest care, I expressly reserve the right to make errors, especially with regard to figures and prices. The information contained herein is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but in no way claims to be accurate or complete. Due to court decisions, the contents of linked external sites are also co-responsible (e.g. Landgericht Hamburg, in the decision of 12.05.1998  312 O 85/98), as long as there is no explicit dissociation from them. Despite careful control of the content, I do not assume liability for the content of linked external pages. The respective operators are exclusively responsible for their content. The disclaimer of Swiss Resource Capital AG also applies: https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/disclaimer/
2024 is drawing nearer, and with each new year comes new surprises and, for some, new additions to their families.

When it comes to welcoming a baby into the world, one of the first of many important decisions a parent makes for its child is deciding on a name. And according to naming website Nameberry, the name you choose for your child speaks volumes about your values and preferences.

Nameberry released a list of the Top 10 baby naming trends for 2024, with a range of categories and names for parents to choose from.

Todays parents are fixated on sending the right messages with the names they choose, Nameberry creator Pamela Redmond said in its report. The perfect baby name for 2024 is one that is ahead of the style curve, personally significant, and identity-defining.

RELATED: What tops the new list of the most popular baby names in the U.S.?

Here are Nameberrys Top 10 baby name trends for 2024, along with examples in each naming category:

Girls names for boys

Feminine boy names often appeal for their symbolism, soft and sensitive image (more on that later), or connectionsto the past, Nameberry writes.

Examples include Artemis, Blair, Carmen, Cleo, Harlow, Jade, Morgan, Raven, Robin, Willow and Winter.

Feminine feminist names

These are names in which feminine can be feminist, strength is attractive, and individuality should be embraced, Nameberry writes.

Examples include Althea, Colette, Dahlia, Dorothea, Eleanora, Kiara, Lavender, Matilda, Tabitha, Theodora and Vienna.

Baby men and women

Nameberry says while child-like names such as Elsie or Mars have gone viral, theres an undeniable shift towards more serious, indeed adult names for babies.

Names for baby men and woman are buttoned-up, formal, and easy to picture on an adult  but not quite a baby, Nameberry writes. Parents are looking forward to their children growing into their adult names rather than growing out of their baby ones.

Examples include Alfred, Arthur, Betty, Dolores, Harold, Helen, Lois, Martha, Maxine, Ray, Stanley and Sylvia.

RELATED: What was the most popular baby name the year you were born? Heres a look at the last 100 years

Atmospheric names

These new, trendy atmospheric names often appeal to younger Millennial and Gen Z parents, according to Nameberry.

Theres no pressure for these names to become the new classics, or family heirlooms passed down for generations, Nameberry writes. Atmospheric names are designed to soar with the people who bear them, and perhaps evaporate in 15 or 20 years when little Aire decides to change her name, a possibility todays parents accept.

Examples include Aero, Aura, Azure, Celestial, Keilani, Lightning, Nevada, Rain, Sol, Sky, Storm and Sunny.

Natural glamour

Nameberry says natural glamour names promote an unpretentious life, but edged with low-key subtle style.

These names are classy but in a subtle way  they feel at home on the homestead or at a five-star hotel, Nameberry adds.

Examples include Archie, Celia, Cillian, Conrad, Daphne, Estelle, Flora, Greta, Guy, Harvey, Mabel, Phoebe and Viola.

Main character energy

These names stems from actual characters from inspirations like movies, mythology, or anime series, according to Nameberry.

Examples include Anakin, Athena, Chosen, Esmeralda, Jetson, Leonidas, Neo, Ophelia, Raya, Sylvester, Valentino and Zaire.

Gentle parenting names

Todays parents often favor names with calm auras and mellow sounds, according to Nameberry. These names have become a new trend among parents who approach their children with a soft, sensitive approach.

Examples include Alba, Ansel, Asa, Casper, Ellis, Faye, Ines, Koa, Liana, Rhea and Willa.

STEM names

2024 is the year for nerdy parents, according to Nameberry, which says there will be an influx of baby names inspired by STEM  science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

These names often pay homage to a personal hero and share their passion with the world, Nameberry writes.

Examples include Astra, Calyx, Cosmo, Darwin, Edison, Franklin, Kepler, Nova, Onyx, Seven, Solstice, Una and Zenith.

-ai names

No, not artificial intelligence, but rather names that end in ai, such as Kai.

These names often come from diverse backgrounds and are given to multicultural or multilingual children, according to Nameberry.

Examples include Adlai, Alakai, Jakai, Jasai, Kenai, Makai, Masai, Mordecai, Sai, Shai and Zai.

Musical icon names

Have you ever considered naming your child, or future child, after your favorite musical artist? If so, youre not alone.

These names are inspired by rock and roll, pop and more musical genres from artists, songs or bands of yesteryear.

Examples include Bowie, Cobain, Coltrane, Elton, Elvis, Graceland, Joni, Joplin, Lennon, Morrison, Ozzy, Nirvana, Rhiannon, Stevie, Zeppelin and Ziggy.
EMPIRE, MI  This scenic route through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most spectacular in the country  definitely worth a little detour during your Northern Michigan fall color drive.

Pierce Stocking Drive is bursting with fall color right now. If the brilliant reds, vivid oranges and vibrant yellows arent enough reason to enter the national park, there are also several scenic stops, including views of Lake Michigan, along the way.

Bring a camera and walking shoes for the full experience.

19 1 / 19 See fall colors along Pierce Stocking Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Watch the time lapse video and click through the gallery above for a sneak preview of this scenic drive from Thursday, Oct. 19.

RELATED: 2 fall color routes for Lake Michigan, inland scenic drives as peak approaches Up North

To access Pierce Stocking Drive, take M-22 north from Empire for 2 miles then turn left onto M-109 and continue for two miles. The drive is open to vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset from May to November.

This MLive feature gives you the full tour with 12 significant spots to stop. For the fall color sightseers, we recommend these five:

The covered bridge : This wooden bridge, currently flanked with spectacular fall color, is the perfect backdrop for your we-did-this photo.

Glen Lake Overlook : See Little Glen Lake and Big Glen Lake surrounded by trees popping with deep hues.

Dune Overlook : This overlook offers a view of surrounding forests, lakes and Lake Michigan islands from atop one of the tallest dunes in the park, about 200 feet high. On clear days, you can see North and South Manitou Islands, Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Bay, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake and the surrounding hills, the Little Glen Lake Mill Pond, and the historic D.H. Day farm.

Lake Michigan Overlook : This overlook, 450 feet above Lake Michigan, gives you one of the most spectacular views of the shoreline. Youll be able to see fall colors to the north and south as well.

North Bar Lake Overlook: This overlook provides a view of the forest canopy, the little North Bar Lake and Lake Michigan.

Tack this little drive onto a tour of M-22. Check out Manistee Tourisms fall color Coastal Route here. Its a 225-mile loop best enjoyed over one to two days.
Editors note: This story has been updated with information from the Shelby Township Police Department.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI -- A 24-year-old man was kidnapped Monday night as he was leaving a gym in Shelby Township before he was eventually rescued following a chase involving his alleged abductor and police.

According to the Shelby Township Police Department, the department was notified of a kidnapping at the Lifetime Fitness, located at 14843 Lakeside Blvd around 7:15 p.m. Police determined the man was abducted at gunpoint by four males. The abduction was reported to police and officers were advised to be on the lookout for the suspects vehicle.

That vehicle was eventually spotted by the Sterling Heights Police Department, but when police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled the scene.

A chase ensued and the driver eventually crashed in the area of Dearing and 15 Mile in Sterling Heights. One of the suspects was arrested, while the other three fled on foot and were not captured.

The victim was found bound in the vehicle along with a loaded rifle. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident and police are now further investigating the abduction.
GLADWIN COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man is accused of shooting and killing another man in Northern Michigan.

Terry Verhelle, 53, has been charged with manslaughter, felony firearm and possessing a firearm while under the influence after the shooting, which occurred in Gladwin Countys Grout Township at 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 21.

Deputies responded to the scene and found Verhelle waiting outside the residence where a 59- year-old male had been shot in the chest or abdomen.

Lifesaving measures were taken but the man was later pronounced dead at the hospital, deputies said.

Verhelle was arrested for the shooting, deputies said. He is being held at the Gladwin County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Gladwin Police Department, MyMichigan Ambulance and the Michigan State Police.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI  A Michigan man has been charged with the murder of his wife.

Steven Wheeler, 30, of Clinton Township was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in connection to a shooting death that occurred at a home on Woodward Street near 15 Mile Road and Beaconsfield Street at 9 p.m. on Oct. 19.

Wheeler is accused of fatally shooting his wife multiple times while she was on the phone with 911. Wheeler had allegedly assualted her, prompting the call to police.

Homes should never be a battleground, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. Let us unite in our commitment to stand against abuse and ensure that justice is served for this unthinkable act.

Wheeler is being held without bond. He was formally arraigned in Clinton Township District Court on Monday.
DETROIT  A Detroit man is facing charges after allegedly following a woman to a police precinct and hitting her with a vehicle in retaliation for her allegedly fatally shooting his mother, authorities said.

The victim in this case was walking toward the precinct to turn herself in for allegedly fatally shooting the suspects mother at a baby shower on Sunday, Oct. 15, officials said.

At 7:03 p.m., Detroit Police officers were informed that a person had been hit by a vehicle outside of the DPD 9th precinct on Gratiot Avenue, according to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. Officers went outside and found a Ypsilanti woman lying in the road in front of the building. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

RELATED: Woman charged in fatal shooting of friend at baby shower

RELATED: Woman, 51, fatally shot at baby shower, suspect run down with car by victims son

Leandre Devon Love, 36, of Detroit, is charged with assault with intent to murder and felonious assault related to the car-pedestrian crash.

Love was arraigned last week in 36th District Court. His bond was set at $100,000. Hes due back in court Thursday before Judge Aliyah Sabree.
PLYMOUTH, MI  A Michigan man has been ordered to pay more than $270,000 in restitution for intentionally setting his house on fire to collect insurance money, officials said.

Restitution in the amount of $272,581 will be paid to the insurance company, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

Patrick Nolan, 42, of Plymouth, was recently found guilty of arson of an insured dwelling and second-degree arson related to intentionally burning down his home in Plymouth during 2019, officials said.

Nolans sentence also includes seven to 20 years of incarceration.

In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2019, the Plymouth Township police and fire departments responded to a house fire. Nolan owned the home. He later attempted to make an insurance claim on the loss. He started the fire himself for this purpose, prosecutors said.

Every arson represents another instance where our firefighters and first responders risk their lives to protect public safety, and thats an unacceptable danger to our communities, Nessel said in a statement. Insurance fraud drives up the costs of insurance policies for consumers everywhere.

Investigators determined that the fire was arson for the following reasons:

The fire originated in three separate, unconnected areas identified as the master bedroom, basement storage room and the common hall at the top of the basement stairs;

Gasoline was found throughout the home; and

No natural causes of fire were found in the home.

A review of Nolans trucks infotainment system also showed he was parked at the residence less than two hours before the fire was reported by a neighbor.
The record drought in Brazil has caused the Amazon River to drop to its lowest point in over a century, causing declines in crops and increased water insecurity for the people of the region. In just the last few months, the Rio Negro, one of the largest tributaries, has dropped nearly 50 feet, revealing patches of rock and land that haven't been exposed for agesincluding locations where Indigenous people sharpened their tools, arrows, and spears, and engraved symbols before Europeans colonized the region. Along with other markings, they left behind "graffiti" of human faces.

"The engravings are prehistoric, or precolonial. We cannot date them exactly, but based on evidence of human occupation of the area, we believe they are about 1,000 to 2,000 years old," archaeologist Jaime de Santana Oliveira told Reuters.
St. Johns, MI -- Potentially damning text messages sent between two men suspected of killing a hunter in 2018 may be shown to the jury, a Clinton County Circuit Court judge ruled Monday, Oct. 23.

A couple of cold-blooded killers revisiting the crime scene, Thomas C. Olson, 35, of Grand Blanc, wrote in a response to Rob Rodway, 34, of St. Johns. Rodway sent a picture of two men outdoors near a white car in a dirt parking lot, dressed in hunting gear and holding long guns.

You guys going back out this weekend, Olson asks. Back to the killing field?

Police in December arrested Rodway and Olson. The state Attorney Generals Office charged the men with felony murder, punishable by a mandatory life in prison, for the Nov. 16, 2018 killing of 68-year-old father and husband Chong Yang. The men were each also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

When Yang failed to return home from a hunting trip on public land at Rose Lake State Park in Bath Township, family members searched the area and located Yang dead, lying face down in the snow, wearing an orange hunting vest with a gunshot wound to the back of his head.

The Michigan Attorney Generals Office claims the men killed Yang while hunting and stole his headlamp, knife, backpack, and shotgun.

With little explanation, the AGs Office dismissed charges against Rodway on Sept. 26, a day before his trial was scheduled to begin.

The charge was dismissed due to an unresolved issue regarding admissibility of evidence, said Danny Wimmer, a spokesperson for the AGs office. Prosecutors may refile charges at a later date but have not provided any further details.

A jury trial for Olson, who has remained jailed without the possibility of bond since his arrest, is scheduled for Nov. 15, almost on the five-year anniversary of Yangs death.

Screenshots of text messages prosecutors intend to produce at trial were included as exhibits in court filings reviewed by MLive this week.

The defense team, including attorneys Scott R. Bigger, Michael Manley and Michael T. Beer, argue the messages are being taken out of context.

The state is attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of the jury, said a filing requesting the judge exclude the messages at trial. Theyve cherry-picked small portions of conversations to trick the jury into believing the messages are guilty admissions ...

These are stupid jokes that yield no probative value. As a result, they should be excluded in their entirety.

Presiding Clinton County Circuit Judge Shannon L.W. disagreed. She ruled the text messages may be brought into evidence but must include the full exchanges.

The men began messaging about Yangs death in April 2020 using WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging service that is considered to be more secure than standard phone text messaging.

Thomas Olson court exhibit.

Mr. Olson and Mr. Rodway engaged in an exchange of sarcastic messages mocking the fact that anyone would think they were Mr. Yangs killer(s), said a defense court filing.

In June 2020, exhibits show Olson sent Rodway a meme entitled, 4 rules of firearm safety, that said, If you cant see your target, you can always shoot at the noises.

Defense attorneys say investigators began questioning friends and acquaintances of Olson in July 2020.

It was starting to become knowledge within the community that Mr. Olson was being treated as a suspect, a defense brief said. The sarcastic messages continued.

Thomas Olson is accused of killing Chong Yang, 68, of Lansing, on Nov. 16, 2018. Image was included in a defense exhibit.

In an undated message, Rodway said, Im hoping civilization collapses and we got [sic] to basics hunter gatherers.

Olson responds: Right to Bath to hunt more (people).

Thomas Olson is accused of killing Chong Yang, 68, of Lansing, on Nov. 16, 2018. Image was included in a defense exhibit.

On Sept. 5, 2020, text message exhibits show an image of a flier posted to a tree that Rodway sent Olson. Its a picture of Yang in a hunters vest offering a $15,000 reward for information about Yangs death. If you know anything, please speak up, the flier said.

No way lmao, Olson responded

Havent caught ya, Olson texted, adding in a follow-up message, us.

Thomas Olson is accused of killing Chong Yang, 68, of Lansing, on Nov. 16, 2018. Image was included in a defense exhibit.

On Oct. 8, exhibits show that Olson sent Rodway a link to a news story headlined, Deer Woods Murder: The Day a Trespasser Killed 6 Hunters, about the 2004 murder of six hunters by Chai Soua Vang in Wisconsin.

Lmao he was a trespasser and did it? Olson responded. We gotta take notes ... Next year well do it.

Next year well do it, Rodway said, to which Olson messaged, The DNR wont be ready.

Four days later, the men were messaging about a documentary film about a killing.

His confession is just like what the (expletive), Rodway said.

That man cant hang, Olson replied. I mean we killed that guy and you dont see us crying about it.

On Oct. 13, 2020, Olson and Rodway learned that a detective had interviewed one of their mutual acquaintances.

They must be reading our texts joking about killing that guy ... " Rodway said in a subsequent message.

Whatsapp is end-to-end encrypted, Olson responded. They arent reading it, to which Rodway wrote, This is how people get falsely convicted.

The defense brief said Olson was pulled off a plane and interrogated by the FBI on June 11, 2020, after which he messaged Olson.

Youre lying, Rodway responded.

I swear, Olson wrote. So Im sure theyll be reaching out to you again. I gave them everything, since we have nothing to hide anyway. Im going to FedEx them my old phone in case they can get anything from it.

He was upset we were making jokes about it, and race-related jokes ... It sounded like they are doing ballistics anyway, which will clear us, regardless.

Rodway then sent a message to a group of at least 11 friends.

Tom and I have been investigated by the FBI, Rodway wrote. Assume all texts are being monitored.

Members of the chat group sent a flurry of sarcastic responses. Among them: I know where Hoffa is buried, 9/11 was an inside jobs, and Rob and Tom both hung out with Jared from Subway.

Read more on MLive:

Charges in Bath Township hunters death dismissed against 1 of 2 suspects

2 men charged with murder in 2018 death of Bath Township hunter

Cases against 2 men charged in Bath Township hunters 2018 death proceed to examination

2 men will stand trial in Michigan hunters 2018 cold case homicide
DETROIT  A Michigan woman is facing charges in the fatal shooting of her friend at a baby shower, authorities said.

Shawanda Woods, 44, of Ypsilanti, is accused of fatally shooting Phebian Williams, 53, of Detroit, on Sunday, Oct. 15, according to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office.

At 7:03 p.m. on Oct. 15, Detroit Police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 15600 block of Edmore Drive for a reported shooting, officials said. Upon arrival, officers found the victim in the kitchen of the home suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is alleged that a verbal altercation between the victim and defendant escalated, and the defendant produced and fired a handgun, fatally injuring the victim, according to the prosecutors office.

RELATED: Michigan man charged in vehicular assault of woman who allegedly killed his mom

RELATED: Woman fatally shot at baby shower, suspect run down with car by victims son

After the incident, the defendant drove to a nearby police precinct to turn herself in, officials said. Before she could enter the building, she was allegedly intentionally hit by a vehicle driven by the victims son; he is charged with assault with intent to murder.

Woods is charged with second-degree murder and felony firearm. She was arraigned and remanded to jail last week in 36th District Court. Shes due back in court on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor officials have identified several locations to set up new early voting centers in the city.

Starting with the presidential primary election in early 2024, that will include the University of Michigans Museum of Art on Central Campus and Pierpont Commons on North Campus, Larcom City Hall and three Ann Arbor District Library branch locations: Traverwood (for Ward 1 and 2 voters), Malletts Creek (for Ward 3 and 4 voters) and Westgate (for Ward 5 voters).

For next years Aug. 6 local primary, when many UM students will be away for summer break, the number of early voting centers will drop to four without the two campus locations.

And for the Nov. 4 general election later in 2024, there will be six again, but with the Duderstadt Center serving as the North Campus location instead of Pierpont Commons.

City Council voted unanimously Oct. 16 to approve the early voting plan put forward by City Clerk Jackie Beaudry.

Ann Arbor's early voting location for University of Michigan students at the UM Museum of Art, 525 State St., on Sept. 26, 2022, one day ahead of its opening as a city clerk's satellite office for voter registration and absentee voting leading up to the Nov. 8 election.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Under election reforms approved by Michigan voters in November 2022, state law now requires at least nine days of early voting prior to elections. That means voters will be able to cast their ballots at early voting centers and have them tabulated on the spot without having to go through the absentee ballot process and having their ballots counted later.

Big elections changes will bring network of early voting sites to Washtenaw County

All voters must have an opportunity to vote early for at least eight hours per day during the early voting period, which begins two Saturdays ahead of Election Day and ends on the Sunday just prior to Election Day, Beaudry explained in a memo.

The early voting centers on campus and at city hall also will serve as full-service voter registration locations for all Ann Arbor voters, Beaudry said.

Exact dates and times for each location will be determined closer to each election, she said, noting the date of the presidential primary is not yet confirmed.

City Council also approved permanently relocating the citys Precinct 4-32 polling place from Mary Street to the UM Coliseum, while moving the polling place for precincts 4-33 and 3-24 from the Coliseum and Tappan Middle School to the Ann Arbor Senior Center at Burns Park starting with the presidential primary.

The citys old polling place at 926 Mary St. was struck by a fallen tree this summer and is too damaged for repair and is slated for demolition, Beaudry said.

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.

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Ypsilanti Township says no to joining the countys early voting network

Ann Arbor to add 2-way bikeway between downtown and citys west side

Developer invites Ann Arbor residents to learn more about 12-story high-rise plan

After shutdown, new court order gives Ann Arbor-area gravel mine path to resume operating

Ann Arbors long-delayed Wheeler Solar Park could happen now with $5M from state
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI --A lawsuit to declare an Ypsilanti-area nonprofit a public nuisance has been formally dismissed, according to court records.

Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Timothy Connors dismissed without prejudice a lawsuit filed by Ypsilanti Township against Men Like Us, Ardis Lewis and Lily Investments Inc. on Thursday, Oct. 19, court records show.

Ypsilanti Township had originally asked the courts to declare Men Like Us, 3011 E. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti Township, a public nuisance, saying the nonprofit has attracted violence and shootings.

The motion for dismissal also includes an order barring Lily Investments, which owns the Michigan Avenue building, from renting the building to Lewis or anyone affiliated with him, according to court records.

Doug Winters, Ypsilanti Township attorney, said he has never had a case with such a large amount of testimony from police. He called Lewis pitch to the city a Trojan horse.

The things that were said sounded good to the planning commissioners and it turned out to be otherwise, Winters said.

Read more: Lawsuit paused after troubled nonprofit agrees to vacate Ypsilanti-area building

The lawsuit, which was filed in July, was paused in early October after Lily Investments moved to evict Lewis over unpaid rent. Lewis moved out of the building by Oct. 7, according to the dismissal order.

Lily Investments sued Lewis in the 14B District Court in September over the $83,000 Lewis allegedly owes, according to court documents. That case was dismissed Oct 17.

Neither Lewis or his attorney, Livonia-based Raymond Burkett, returned a request for comment.

Lewis launched nonprofit Men Like Us in 2021 with the intention of feeding homeless community members, providing mentoring programs and hosting toy, clothing and food drives.

Ypsilanti Township officials said the groups events got out of control, though, according to court documents. In its filing, township attorneys said there have been roughly 30 calls for police to the nonprofit. Events hosted by Men Like Us, the township alleges, brought in gun violence and illegally sold alcohol, as well as excessive crowds and overflowing parking.

Read more: Is charity helping community or an incubator for crime? Officials move to shut it down

On May 16, the townships board of trustees unanimously approved moving forward with the lawsuit, which was filed against Men Like Us, Lewis and Lily Investments on July 28.

The dismissal order does not shut down the nonprofit or bar it from reopening in a different location. The township originally planned on seeking a restraining order that would have prevented Men Like Us from reopening in the township, Dennis McLain, general legal counsel for Ypsilanti Township, said during an Oct. 4 evidentiary hearing.

Lewis previously said there is currently no plan to relaunch an event space.

Where he goes in the future remains to be seen, Winters said.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

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STERLING HEIGHTS, MI  The Macomb County Prosecutors Office has authorized 12 felony charges against a Florida man in connection with a carjacking that occurred outside a Lifetime Fitness in Shelby Township.

The prosecutors office announced Tuesday that the 38-year-old suspect from Tampa Bay is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, Oct. 25, for his role in the Monday night carjacking and home invasion.

Among the charges authorized include five that carry a possible life sentence: carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and torture.

Related: Man kidnapped from outside gym rescued following police chase, suspect in custody

Other charges authorized include first degree home invasion, conspiracy to commit home invasion in the first degree, unlawful imprisonment and conspiracy to commit unlawful imprisonment. All of those charges carry sentences of upward of 15 to 20 years. Three counts of felony firearm have also been authorized.

The apprehended suspect, whose name will not be released by the prosecutors office until after his arraignment, is alleged to have carjacked a 24-year-old man at around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, as the victim was leaving the Lifetime Fitness, at 14843 Lakeside Blvd.

The suspect is believed to have been with three other men when the abduction occurred, the prosecutors office said. The four men allegedly tortured the victim, drove him to his house and entered the residence.

While on the lookout for the vehicle, Sterling Heights Police Department responded to the victims residence, at which point the suspects fled in the vehicle with the victim, the prosecutors office stated.

A chase ensued and the driver eventually crashed in the area of Dearing and 15 Mile in Sterling Heights. The 38-year-old suspect was arrested, while the other three fled on foot and were not captured, police said.

The victim was found bound in the vehicle along with a loaded rifle. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. Police do not believe this was a random act.

Thank you to the Shelby Township and Sterling Heights Police Departments for their diligent investigations. My office is dedicated to delivering justice for the victim and holding the suspect accountable for his actions, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a statement.

Anyone with further information on the incident is asked to contact the Shelby Township Police Department at 586-731-2121.
A revision has been made to Salines hours to reflect trick-or-treating will end at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Streets throughout Washtenaw County will be filled with ghosts, vampires and other monsters asking for candy as Halloween quickly approaches.

Related: Get in the Halloween spirit with these events happening in Ann Arbor

The holiday lands on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and areas throughout the county will have different trick-or-treat times and some other events happening.

Ann Arbor

Official trick-or-treating hours throughout Ann Arbor neighborhoods are 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Downtown Ann Arbor will also celebrate a little bit earlier on Sunday, Oct. 29. The Downtown Ann Arbor Trick-or-Treater Parade begins at 11:45 a.m. and will welcome costumed children to walk down Main Street.

Afterward, kids can trick-or-treat at some Main Street Area businesses from noon to 2:30 p.m. Shops with black and orange balloons in their storefronts are among the stores participating.

There will be other events happening throughout the day including costume contests at the Ann Arbor District Library and Literati Bookstore and a coloring contest at the Ann Arbor Art Center gallery.

A trick-or-treat map for the day can be found online.

Briarwood Mall will host its 12th-annual Boo Bash from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.

The Boo Bash invites families to trick-or-treat from 4 to 5:30 p.m. throughout the mall. The event will also feature a variety of family-friendly activities including photo stations and crafts.

The Washtenaw County Trial Court is also hosting its own trick-or-treating opportunity open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 101 E. Huron St.

Ypsilanti

Although the city does not have set hours, it suggests trick-or-treating take place from 6 p.m. to roughly 45 minutes after dark, which is set to be around 7:30 p.m.

There will be a free trunk-or-treat at the Parkridge Community Center, 591 Armstrong Drive, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, complete with hot dogs, chips and lemonade.

Ypsilanti District Library is hosting Halloween in downtown Ypsi from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at 229 W. Michigan Ave. The event will feature music, sweet treats and a costume contest complete with a costume procession happening at 6:45 p.m. downtown.

Chelsea

Chelseas trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Halloween.

There are also a handful of trunk-or-treats happening in the Chelsea-area, including one from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, 13800 Luick Drive.

There is another trunk-or-treat opportunity at St. Louis Center which will also feature a free haunted house and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at 16195 W. Old U.S. Highway 12.

Saline

The time for trick-or-treating in Saline is 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Saline Main Street also is hosting its sixth-annual trunk-or-treat in downtown Saline from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Key Bank Parking Lot, 100 W. Michigan Ave.

Milan

Milans citywide trick-or-treat hours are 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

There will also be a downtown trick-or-treat event hosted by the Milan Area Chamber from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, with participating area merchants, businesses and organizations.

Dexter

Prepare to trick-or-treat in Dexter from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Halloween.

The Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce will have its own trick-or-treating downtown from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, where businesses will participate.

Manchester

The village of Manchester will have its trick-or-treating from 5 to 7 p.m. on Halloween.

Superior Township

A township spokesperson said Superior Township does not have a set trick-or-treating time this year, but those participating can plan to start at sunset on the holiday.

Northfield Township

Trick-or-treaters can plan to spend three hours collecting candy from 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Pittsfield Charter Township

Residents have from 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween to trick-or-treat.

Ypsilanti Charter Township:

Trick-or-treat times are 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Are we missing trick-or-treat times or events for other parts of Washtenaw County? Please email reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@mlive.com to let us know.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

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DETROIT, MI - A $3.6 million state investment to expand semiconductor education and training programs involves the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College and two Detroit-area universities.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is providing the grants and matching funds to promote the educational opportunities, state officials said on Monday, Oct. 23 on the Wayne State University campus in Detroit.
FLINT, MI -- A $3.4-million grant from the state will be used to build a new, three-story building for Michigan State Universitys College of Human Medicine in downtown Flint.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved the transfer of funds in a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and state officials said the grant will allow Uptown Reinvestment Corporation to construct the 40,000-square-foot building, providing additional office space for research, administration and instruction.
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A federal court jury has awarded a Genesee County Road Commission executive $800,000 in damages because other officials at the agency retaliated against her and failed to accommodate her disability.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan jury awarded Road Commission Human Resources Director Donna Poplar $355,000 in damages related to the retaliation complaint and $445,000 for the Road Commissions failure to assist with accommodation for her limited eyesight.

The verdict is the most recent in a string of discrimination and other complaints involving the road agency, whose managing director retired at the end of last month.

Charis Lee, an attorney for Poplar, who continues to work at the commission, said her client is grateful that justice prevailed in her case.

She filed a race discrimination complaint and experienced adverse actions by the defendant, the most egregious being the removal of her disability accommodation, Lee said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal. This case is important because it shows that employees rights matter regardless of employment status and an employee does not have to be terminated to receive a significant verdict from a jury.

The Road Commission said in a statement to MLive-The Flint Journal that it anticipates requesting one or more forms of post-judgment relief available under the court rules and may also request appellate review of the verdict.

After the parties exchanged evidence in discovery, the statement says, a federal judge dismissed Poplars race discrimination and First Amendment retaliation claims because they couldnt be supported with evidence.

The GCRC respects the judicial process and the jurys judgment of the facts, the commission statement says.

The jury found that Poplar, who is Black, received a two-week suspension in 2021 because she engaged in protected activity related to her report of COVID-19 safety precautions.

Poplars amended complaint says she sent a communication to Road Commission employees regarding a decision by Managing Director Fred Peivandi not to mandate masks at agency offices. The same message noted the county had ranked as having a substantial transmission risk count so employees could make informed decisions, the complaint said.

The jury also found that the commission failed to provide a reasonable accommodation for Poplars disability despite her written request for assistance.

Poplars amended complaint in federal court also alleged she suffered a hostile work environment, race discrimination and retaliation from Peivandi.

In court filings, the commission denied that and other allegations made by Poplar, including her claim that she was subjected to an escalation of hostility and intimidation for testifying in another race discrimination case at the agency.

The Road Commission has been mired in charges that it has treated Black employees differently than white employees for several years.

Last year, the Concerned Pastors for Social Action called for the resignations of members of the commission, saying they promoted and condoned racism, which the commission has denied.

In March, the county Board of Commissioners appointed two Black road commissioners to lead the agency for the first time in its history, and county Commissioner Charles Winfrey, D-Flint, said prior to those appointments that an initial selection process to appoint road commissioners reeked of racism.

In July, Winfrey said the Road Commission had delivered a slap in the face to Black employees when it hired a dog trainer known as the Canine Man to teach them about diversity, equity and inclusion even though he had no formal training in the field.

Peivandi retired from his position after working for 30 years at the Road Commission, including the last five years as managing director.

Last month, the agency voted to execute a five-year contract with former Deputy Director Randy Dellaposta to lead the agency without considering other applicants for the job.

The contract offer came after the commission first agreed to hire Dellaposta on Sept. 6, then voted to rescind that action and accept applications for the position.

The five-member Board of Road Commissioners was later told by its attorney that their vote to rescind the job offer violated their bylaws and was null and void.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

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GENESEE COUNTY, MI  The search for Kelly McWhirter, a 60-year-old Genesee County employee who is suspected to be the victim of foul play, continues.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said the search has covered nearly 200 acres searching for tips that could lead to McWhirters discovery.

Investigators found both vehicles and the house where they believe the foul play took place, Swanson said. The sheriffs office has already sent evidence to the Michigan State Police Crime Lab and plans to send more after processing.

Everything in the investigation indicates that only McWhirter and Higgins were at the scene during foul play, Swanson said.

The Michigan State Police Aviation Center is currently searching for McWhirter in areas including Ogema County, Saginaw County and Montrose.

Steven Higgins, McWhirters husband, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Oct. 19.

Swanson said Higgins, 57, might have been the only person who knew McWhirters location.

This is no longer a rescue, Swanson said during a Tuesday, Oct. 24, update. This is a recovery. This is a homicide investigation, and our suspect is dead.

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office has search warrants for the cell phone records and GPS locations from the last year to find out if Higgins visited a particular place on a routine basis in hopes of finding McWhirter.

In total, the sheriffs office is executing 20 search warrants in this case, Swanson said.

I am putting all assets on this case, he said. We are as hot to trot now as we were a week ago at this time.

Anyone who may have observed a 2022 White Hyundai Tucson or 2009 Gray Ford F150 Truck parked on the side of the road between Oct. 14 and Oct. 17 on I-75, U-S23, I-90 from Ogemaw County to Norwalk, Ohio, is asked to call 911 or 810-257-3422.

Swanson announced the search for McWhirter and Higgins on Oct. 17.

A day later, the circumstances of the case changed, and Higgins was identified as a suspect while McWhirter is now viewed as a victim of foul play related to domestic violence.

McWhirter was reported missing after not showing up to work on Oct. 16. She recently worked as a secretary for the county board of commissioners.

Police found evidence of foul play both at their house and inside of her vehicle.

Higgins shot himself after being confronted by police on Oct. 18.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

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Tennessee's law banning drag in public or anywhere children can see it is unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled Monday.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker, an appointee of former Republican president Donald Trump, ruled late on Friday that the law was "both unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad," and encouraged "discriminatory enforcement." The First Amendment to the constitution commands that laws infringing on freedom of speech must be narrow and well defined, Parker said in the 70-page ruling.

If it seems one of these is being struck down every week, remember that dozens of new laws likewise targeting gay and transgender people are being passed in Republican-controlled states.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Public Museum recently announced the return of its fall Cultural Heritage Festival next month featuring a variety of organizations, performances, presentations, and food from around the globe.

To celebrate the long-standing history of diversity and cultural tradition in Grand Rapids, GRPM will again host the festival from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, to share various cultures with the community.

Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to explore two core exhibitions with a primary focus on cultural groups that have settled in the Grand Rapids area, including Newcomers: The People of This Place and Anishinabek: The People of This Place.

Rob Schuitema, director of public programs at the GRPM, said the museum is thrilled about the 2023 Cultural Heritage Festival.

Its an outstanding way to celebrate the remarkable cultural tapestry of West Michigan, Schuitema said in the news release. Attendees will experience captivating performances and explore the history, traditions, art and delicious cuisine that reflect diverse and dynamic communities.

The Nov. 4 festival participants include local cultural organizations like A Glimpse of African, American Arab Intellectual Property Association, Golden Tiger Kung Fu Academy, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Grand Valley American Indian Lodge and much more.

View the complete list of partners here.

In honor of the Cultural Heritage Festival, the GRPMs Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will also premiere a new show, Living in Balance: Anishinable Star Knowledge at noon and 1 p.m.

General admission tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students, and $5 for children ages 3-17. Kent County kids and members enjoy free admission.

Learn more and purchase tickets on GRPMs website.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Community members will get a chance to properly dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medications during Ottawa Countys Medication Takeback Event on Oct. 28.

The event aims to provide a safe and responsible means of disposing of medications to prevent misuse across the county.

Community Mental Health of Ottawa County is inviting the community to drop off all unused or expired medications on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at three different locations.

The participating organizations include Coopersville Fire and Rescue at 30 Conran Dr., Holland Hospital at 602 Michigan Ave. and Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital at 8333 Felch St.

Accepted items include:

Prescription medications

Over-the-counter medications

Vitamins

Pet medications

Sharp objects like needles

Visit miottawa.org or the Community Mental Health of Ottawa County Facebook page for more information.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  The public heard testimony on Tuesday from officials in fiscal services and human resources as well as the county clerk in the ongoing termination hearing for the Ottawa County health department director.

The termination hearing began at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, and is continuing into the afternoon. A second day of testimony, and then deliberations by county commissioners on whether to fire Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambely, is expected Wednesday.

The five witnesses heard so far Tuesday have all been called by Hambleys attorney, Sarah Riley Howard. Two more are expected later Tuesday.

The countys corporate counsel, David Kallman, declined to give an opening statement Tuesday and said he would not be calling any witnesses.

Hambley is defending against charges by county Board Chair Joe Moss that she is incompetent and has engaged in misconduct and neglect of duty.

Those charges by Moss stem from Hambleys alleged actions during the budget process this summer in which County Administrator John Gibbs, at Mosss direction, ordered Hambley to draft a new budget for her department with a roughly 60% cut to general fund revenues.

Hambley warned Gibbs the cuts were so severe that the department wouldnt be able to meet minimum service requirements, would lose state funding and that the state would be forced to intervene.

RELATED: Ottawa County leaders pass $264M budget with some cuts to public health

Hambley then publicly voiced those concerns about the proposed budget. The county administration later walked back the severity of the cuts, putting the budget back to almost where Hambley had initially recommended it.

Moss said Hambley made false public representations about budget scenarios, falsely claimed that she wasnt included in the budget process, failed to cooperate in the budget process and made false claims about the budget that encouraged and caused fear and panic in the community.

Howard has argued those allegations arent true and instead are simply pretext for the ultraconservative majority faction on the county board, called Ottawa Impact, to remove Hambley and replace her with a political appointee. Moss leads and founded Ottawa Impact.

Ottawa Impact commissioners approved replacing Hambley on Jan. 3 with an appointee who opposed masking and social distancing mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELATED: A constant target: Health employees worry about job security, future of services in Ottawa County

Hambley filed a wrongful termination and whistleblower protections lawsuit against the board in February.

Under state law, a county board is required to hold a termination hearing to fire a county health officer and determine that they engaged in misconduct or neglect of office or are incompetent.

Ottawa County Fiscal Services Director Karen Karasinski testified Tuesday it wouldnt be possible for the health department to comply with state requirements under the cuts being requested by Gibbs, and that Hambley was correct in her concerns.

After Hambley expressed those concerns to Gibbs, Gibbs told her to get the budget as close to the below-directed level as possible.

Moss contended that it was then up to Hambley to set the minimum amount required and that Hambleys concern about the $2.5 million general fund allocation was voided.

However, Karasinski testified that she, like Hambley, took Gibbs direction to mean keep general fund expenditures at $2.5 million or as close to that as possible.

RELATED: Fear-mongering tactics: John Gibbs, Joe Moss blast criticism of health department budget cuts

In her experience working with Hambley, Karasinski testified she doesnt believe Hambley is incompetent or has engaged in neglect of duty or misconduct.

Karasinski also said Hambley never refused any information requested of her during the budget process.

At a certain point, Karasinski testified, the budget changes to public health moved away from a collaborative process and instead to a process without Hambley of implementing Gibbs directed changes into the health department budget.

While Gibbs directed Karasinski to speak with Hambleys assistant and a public health fiscal services staff member about the budget directions, Karasinski testified that Gibbs never told her to cut Hambley out of the budgeting process.

After Gibbs directed Karasinski to make budget changes, Hambley would request the latest budget updates from Karasinski and fiscal services, as those werent being sent to her.

RELATED: Ottawa County health department warns budget-slashing proposal could shut it down within weeks

A fiscal services staff member who works closely with the health department, Nina Baranowski, also testified Tuesday that Hambley never refused her information during the budget process.

Baranowski testified that the demand for a $2.5 million general fund allocation would risk the health department losing all state funding and that the department would struggle to meet minimum service requirements.

Ottawa County Human Resources Director Marcie VerBeek testified that she hasnt been presented with any facts to review showing that Hambley is incompetent or may have engaged in misconduct or neglect of duty.

While she cant speak for every employee, VerBeek testified, she said she has seen a drop in morale since the new board took over.

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HOLLAND, MI -- A 60-year-old Wyoming woman has died after she was critically injured when a vehicle crashed into a deer on I-196, sending the deer through the windshield.

Police said Georgianne Covelli of Wyoming died in the days after the Oct. 21 crash on westbound I-196 at the 46 mile marker.

She was a passenger in a Toyota Camry on the freeway about 7:30 a.m. when the car struck a deer. The deer went through the windshield and struck both the driver and passenger.

The car then went off the road and struck a commercial building on West 64th Street.

The driver of the Camry, a 55-year-old Wyoming man, was injured but has since been released from a hospital.

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WAYLAND, MI  If youve ever wanted to own a Ford Model T or TT conversion truck, you can have the chance to buy one on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

A total of 13 Model Ts and TTs from between 1915 and 1927 will be available as part of the Palmer Estate car collection sale from 9 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Repocast.com.

Proceeds from the sale will all go toward the Agnes and Russell Palmer Scholarship Fund  a fund the late Herbert Palmer set up to honor his parents and to help send Northeast Michigan teens to college.

Its a neat one to be able to bring to the Model T community, said Jon Kuiper, executive vice president with the auctioneering company. You dont see this many variations that often in one collection, or this many conversions, and were just happy to be able to assist with it.

A collectors collection, the Model T and TT variants include:

1915 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup

1916 Ford Model T Depot Hack

1920 Ford Model TT Stake Bed Truck

1922 Ford Model T 3 Door Touring

1923 Ford Model T with Snowmobile Kit

1924 Ford Model TT Stake Truck

1925 Ford Model TT C-Cab Pickup

1925 Ford Model TT Fire Truck

1926 Ford Model TT Dump Truck

1927 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup

1927 Ford Model TT Farm Truck

1927 Ford Model TT Tow Truck

1927 Ford Pull Ford Farm Tractor Conversion

All 13 were confirmed to be in running condition prior to Herbert Palmers passing in 2022, Kuiper said.

This 1925 Ford Model TT C-Cab Pickup is among over a dozen Model Ts and TTs being auctioned off online on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 from the Palmer Estate Car Collection. (Provided by Repocast)

In addition, there are three project cars that dont run, including a 1913 Ford Model T, 1923 Ford Model T Hack Body and 1923 Ford Model TT Stake Truck. Numerous parts kits are also available.

There are also three other vehicles up for auction: a 1961 Volvo PV544 Sport, a 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MK III Convertible and a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, as well as three trailers and a homemade dune buggy.

As far as value, buyers are going to tell us what its worth, Kuiper said. It comes right down to those last few bids on auction day. ... It can vary drastically.

A lot of these, whats really neat is, youve got people who maybe sat on their great granddads knee in one of these models. So, it really comes down to the individual collector.

Those who wish to see the vehicles prior to bidding can visit the Repocast facility at 3450 12th St. in Wayland before 4 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 24, or between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on auction day.

Palmer, who died of heart disease at the age of 76 in 2022, accumulated the collection in the past five years of his life, said Barb Frantz, whose husband Wayne serves as the executor of the estate.

Palmer was a retired Naval contractor who was raised in Detroit. He moved from Annapolis, Maryland, to Alpena in the mid-90s, at which point the Frantzs struck up a friendship with Palmer.

Palmer was a reserved individual who never married or had children, Frantz said.

As such, all of the proceeds from the estate sale will go to the Agnes and Russell Palmer Scholarship Fund. The fund, set up by Palmer about 10 years ago, aids prospective nursing, veterinary or medical students from high schools in Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties.

Palmers father worked in public health as a dairy inspector in Detroit in the 1930s and 1940s and his mother was a nurse, which is why students in medical fields will benefit, Frantz said.

The scholarship is geared toward those attending Alpena Community College or Michigan State University, where Palmer and his father both graduated from. The scholarship fund is managed by the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, which Frantz used to head up.

Frantz said she knew Palmer had gotten interested in Model Ts in the final years of his life and had a few, but didnt realize just how many he had until he died. Most were stored at a pole barn and another storage facility at one of Palmers five Alpena properties.

He didnt talk about collecting the different variants, Frantz said. Wayne would talk to him about the mechanics of them some, as they were both engineers. He was just happy to have them. He would fix them up to what they would have been, clean them up, make them look nice.

I think he knew ultimately the scholarship fund he set up was going to benefit.

Palmer wasnt known to tool around town in the Model Ts, but did drive the Austin Healey some, she said. He was also known to take the 1923 Ford Model T with the snowmobile kit out to show.

This 1923 Ford Model T complete with a snowmobile kit is among over a dozen Model Ts and TTs being auctioned off online on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 from the Palmer Estate Car Collection. (Provided by Repocast)

He would take the snowmobile out to Presque Isle, where they have an antique snowmobile (show) each year, Frantz said. He would take it out each year, but he would never enter it, because it would always win. Nobodys going to have a Model T snowmobile, you know?

He didnt think that would be fair, so he just showed it. He was just such a super guy. Everybody loved Herb.

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PORTAGE, MI  A former mayoral candidate whose name was stricken from the ballot following a recent judicial ruling is now attempting a write-in campaign.

The Kalamazoo County County Clerks Office has yet to accept the campaign filing and has referred the matter to the county attorney for review, Deputy Clerk John Curran said on Monday, Oct. 23.
Update (Oct. 27): The officer has been fired for killing Annie the deer

LAWRENCE, MI -- Shelbi Rindfield met a deer in April last year while doing farm chores.

The young doe let the teen pet its fur.

Thats weird, she didnt run away, Rindfield, 18, told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette this week, remembering when she met the deer, known around town as Annie, on April 7, 2022. I walked up and I pet her.

Rindfield and others in the Lawrence community -- which is 30 miles west of Kalamazoo -- got to know the deer over the past two years. Annie spent time outside her house and a neighbors, Rindfield said, and would sometimes sleep in her familys barn when the doors were left open.

The animals life was cut short abruptly last week on Oct. 20, when an officer with the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department killed the deer.

The officer killed the deer at a Lawrence property while a suspect was being arrested on a warrant, the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department said.

Rindfield saw emergency lights on police vehicles at the property across from her home that day, as she left to go out. She didnt think anything of it. On her way back, she received several messages and calls about Annie.

She clicked one message, and saw an officer with the deer.

I click the video and I see a cop put a little like slip lead over the neck and then drag her around, Rindfield said. Then, without any warning, just pinned her down and shot her.

The deer is seen flailing on the video before the officer puts it down. Clips of it are circulating on social media, including one that includes the shooting and another video that cuts off before the shooting.

It was a shock to see the animal killed, Rindfield said.

All shes ever known was nice and kindness, Rindfield said, noting that when the officer reached out with a restraint device, the deer had no reason to fear it. He took advantage of her trusting.

People are heard shouting on a video as an officer pins the deer down using a stick with a leash on the end. That deers nice! a man says on the video, and complains about the collar being put on it.

Police have not offered an official explanation of why the animal was killed.

The officer was placed on administrative leave for an investigation, Pokagon Band Tribal Police Chief Mario RedLegs said in a statement released on social media.

The Pokagon Band Tribal Police said the deer was euthanized at the property of a suspect from Lawrence.

The department said its officers were assisting Van Buren County law enforcement and consulted with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

We appreciate your patience in this matter, and we will provide an update once the investigation is complete, the department said on Oct. 21.

Pamela Babb, who lives across the street from Rindfield, said her family cared for the deer when it was young and it would come back around to the house often, she told WWMT.

She watched as the officer killed the deer in the driveway of her home, she told the station, and the officer told her it had to be done, claiming the deer was domesticated. The family rescued Annie after the deers mother was hit by a car and killed, and tried to get help from a local wildlife rescue organization, but they did not have room, according to the report.

Tribe Spokesman David E. Gutierrez said additional information was not being released Monday.

Babb posted a photo of the deer as her profile picture online with an overlay of the words Justice for Annie. A Facebook group was also created.

Others in the community have shared complaints on the police departments post, with one person calling the officers actions disgusting.

Annie the deer was killed on Oct. 20. (Courtesy | Shelbi Rindfield)

Rindfield, 18, a student at Southwestern Michigan College, said the officers actions were ridiculous. She reached out to the officer directly with a message about the incident.

Shooting Annie could be the dumbest decision of your conservation officer career, Rindfield said, reading the message she sent him. Annie was beloved by a lot of people here in the community. She regularly visits everyone and makes the rounds.

He took something from Lawrence Township that is irreplaceable, Rindfield said. She was emotional while sending the messages, she said, noting the officers Facebook page was no longer online as of Monday.

The department did not specify what type of officer was involved. Officials did not release the officers name.

The Pokagon Tribal land includes parts of Southwest Michigan and Northeast Indiana, with tribal government functions in Dowagiac.

Rindfield remembers the deer for its friendly and outgoing personality, and said more people were recently talking about the deer online.

I started seeing a lot of people posting a lot like, Oh, look at this friendly deer, she said.

Now, theyre posting photos and videos of the deer and asking for justice and to send a message about how they think the situation could have been handled differently.

The deer would have run off if the officer let it go, Rindfield said, or she could have been tranquilized and brought somewhere else.

If officers decided it had to be euthanized, Rindfield said, it could have been done more humanely.
PAW PAW, MI -- A woman was sentenced two years of probation and given credit for jail time already served for threats she made to Paw Paw Public Schools, according to court records.

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, in Van Buren Circuit Court, Lisa Nam was sentenced for threats she made to a Paw Paw school in April. She was sentenced to 153 days in jail, which she has already served, along with two years of probation, court records show.

An online threat made against the district was deemed not credible, superintendent Rick Reo said in a letter to parents at the time of the incident. The threat involved a gun being brought to school, he said previously.

The defendant, who had children in the school district at the time of the incident, allegedly made the threats on social media, WWMT reported.

A photograph of the suspect was immediately provided to all of the schools and school leaders with instructions to call police if she came to any Paw Paw school, Reo said at the time. Children were moved inside for recess as a precaution.

Nam was arrested and charged on April 13 in Van Buren District Court on charges of false report or threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a crime, the prosecutors office said.

In August, she pleaded guilty to the false report or threat of terrorism charge. The computer crime charge was dismissed, court records show.

She was ordered to pay $258 in court fines and costs during the sentencing this week.
BAY CITY, MI  Bay City Central High School students were dismissed from class early on Monday after the school received two potential threats. The first threat was a literal repeat of a hoax perpetrated two years earlier.

The morning of Monday, Oct. 23, word started circulating of a threat made against the school at 1624 Columbus Ave. The threat was in the form of an online note generically threatening Central High School, said Bay City Public Safety Lt. Todd Armstrong.

It started getting passed between area high school and middle schools, he said. While (officers) were investigating, a second potential threat came in.

Officers determined the first threat was a reproduction of threat made in October 2021. In that instance, investigators determined the note originated in Missouri.

It sets off every Central High School across the country, said Bay City Schools Superintendent Stephen C. Bigelow.

The second threat more specifically referenced Bay City Central, Bigelow said. Staff had students take shelter as police investigated, though the facility was not placed in lockdown.

Staff sent a note to students parents letting them know classes were being dismissed a few hours earlier than normal.

There was a false threat made to the high school today and deemed uncredible, the note stated. However a second threat was made on media platforms. Law enforcement is currently on scene. And investigating the second threat. However children will be sent home early today. Buses are currently in route to pick up students. Therefore all Bay City Central parents should be aware that their children are being released from school early.

Police were on scene during the students rolling dismissal. Armstrong said police do not currently have not any suspects identified.

Classes have resumed to normal functions Tuesday, Bigelow said.
LANSING, MI  Michigan state environmental regulators will divvy up more than $16 million in federal infrastructure funding to utilities and power cooperatives to improve the resiliency of the states aging electric grid.

The state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is taking grant applications for its grid resiliency program. The goal is to fund grid hardening efforts, such as microgrids, increased tree trimming, and technology upgrades, among others.

A minimum of $16.3 million is expected to be available for the first two years of the project.

Related: Ice storm showcased Michigans fragile electric grid. Heres what could be done to bolster it

State officials said climate change is causing intensified storms, which results in more fallen branches and trees. That will require a change in how utility line rights-of-way areas are maintained.

Improving the reliability of Michigans electric grid is among the goals in Gov. Gretchen Whitmers climate action plan.

Eligible grant applicants include electricity providers in Michigan, specifically investor-owned utilities, co-ops, and municipal utilities. Funding will be evenly divided between large and small power providers.

Related: Michigans utilities struggle to keep the power on as climate change intensifies

The application deadline is Nov. 17 and projects must be completed by September 2025.

Program funding comes from infrastructure investment and jobs allocations within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This new grant opportunity comes amid heightened attention to Michigans failure-prone power grid, as the frequency and strength of damaging storms both increased in recent years.

State utility regulators increased oversight of Michigans largest two utilities  Consumers and DTE  through independent audits and technical conference consultations. The Michigan Public Service Commission is even considering a proposal to financially penalize the companies for repetitive and lengthy power outages by connecting earnings to how quickly electricity is restored after major storms.
Thirty-two years ago this week, one of the best albums of all time dropped. Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend has been called "fuzzy power pop perfection" by Paste Magazine, and I wholeheartedly agree. I fell deeply down the Matthew Sweet hole when I first heard Girlfriend, and was lucky enough to see him several times in various clubs in Albuquerque and New Mexico in the early 1990s. Girlfriend was and remains one of my favorite albumsI never tire of it!

Pop Matters has a great article about the album. They first describe the amazing musicians that Sweet chose to be play on the album:

Flipping through his Filofax, he called up Television vocalist/guitarist Richard Lloyd and session ace and former Voidoid guitarist Robert Quine. Pedal steel virtuoso Greg Leisz also joined them, as did drummers Fred Maher and Ric Menck (plus guitarist Lloyd Cole, who was living in New York and starting his solo career). Sweet wisely encouraged his stellar cohorts to sound exactly like themselves, and they all turn in stunning performances (especially Quine and Lloyd). This decision, combined with a significant leap forward in Sweet's songwriting, allowed the LP to soar far above his two previous efforts.

Pop Matters goes on to describe the production and the tracks, which they posit are "definitive examples of power-pop":

. . . "Girlfriend" (the track) is a neat summation of the entire project. Sweet slashes through the guitar chords while Maher provides solid, unfussy percussion, and Quine adds his unique, fauvist guitar approach. The vocals and guitars are mixed loudly, and harmony vocals add detail to a robust and insistent tune. It even gave him a Top 5 single on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.



Finally, Sweet had found his voice. Aurally, Girlfriend is as dry as a bone. Reverb is off-limits, and the mixing is straight out of the "Beatles in Stereo" book. Instruments and voices are hard-panned to the left or right, resulting in the listener being placed in the center of the performances. The studio credo was "first take = best take", which added to the songs' raw feel. Both Sweet and Quine were working through their demons during the sessions; specifically, Sweet was coping with the breakdown of his marriage and the pressure on him to remain a working musician, whereas Quine was dealing with numerous mental health issues. Both musicians channeled their angst into the recordings, ensuring that Sweet's perfectly conceived pop compositions had a harsh, jagged edge. Yin and Yang. The tracks are as varied as a truck stop jukebox, but they all hang together beautifully. For instance, "Girlfriend", "Holy War", and "Does She Talk?" are tight and aggressive rockers. On the other hand, "Nothing Lasts" and "Winona" are plaintive ballads, just as "I Wanted to Tell You" and "I've Been Waiting" are definitive examples of power-pop. Sweet combines all the elements of that often-derided genre in the latter piece, creating something that can hold its head high next to "September Gurls" and "I Feel Fine". From Sweet's ringing arpeggios to Richard Lloyd's short but stinging solo (via a vocal melody that's so perfect and timeless), it'll have you fruitlessly working through your record collection looking for its antecedents. It's become the benchmark for guitar pop.

You should take some time today and listen to the whole album. And also enjoy this great short setwhich includes two of the best songs from the album, "Girlfriend" and "I've Been Waiting"from April, 1992. Just skip ahead 40 seconds so you don't have to see or hear Dennis Miller.
Another truck assembly plant was hit by United Auto Workers strike on Tuesday morning as nearly 5,000 workers walked out of General Motors plant.

The Arlington Assembly plant produces the Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

We are disappointed by the escalation of this unnecessary and irresponsible strike. It is harming our team members who are sacrificing their livelihoods and having negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers, and the communities that rely on us, General Motors said in a statement.

The walkout comes on the heels of General Motors third-quarter earnings report of $3.5 billion. The strike has cut into operating profits by $800 million this year, and another $200 million per week loss is expected, the companys chief financial officer said during an earnings call.

The Michigan-based Anderson Economic Group estimates the auto industry has lost $9.9 billion since the strike began on Sept. 15. That estimate does not include the new GM and Stellantis strike targets.

In the last week, UAW President Shawn Fain has pushed the Big Three on what theyre describing as their financial limits as the strike enters its sixth week.

Another record quarter, another record year. As weve said for months: record profits equal record contracts. Fain said. Its time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share.

The $8.9 billion in adjusted income over the course of the first nine months is up nearly 11% year-over-year, but is not a record for a quarter, according to CNN. Last year, GM did report a record profit.

Related: Strikes spread across Michigan as emboldened unions bargain harder

Two weeks ago, Fain warned automakers that he would no longer be announcing strike targets during his regular Friday updates on Facebook Live.

We are at the point in this process where we are looking for one thing only  a deal, a tentative agreement ... They know what needs to happen and they know how to get it done, Fain said on Oct. 13.

The GM strike targets comes one day after 6,800 Michigan workers walked out of Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly plant, which produces RAM 1500 trucks.

Tuesdays GM strike target is the third surprise announcement in the last two weeks. The first was when 8,700 UAW members walked off the job at Fords Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.

The surprise Ford target spurred more momentum between Stellantis and General Motors, Fain said.

General Motors and Stellantis got the message loud and clear. They hurried to catch up with Ford. But GM in particular is worrying, Fain said on Oct. 20.

Two major sticking points were GMs wage progression and not agreeing to the right to strike over plant closures. GM is proposing a two-tier progression with three years for all current employees and four years for future hires, according to the UAW.

General Motors latest offer to the UAW was submitted on Oct. 20 and included a 23% wage increase, representing 25% compounded over the life of the contract, and a 26% wage increase for temporary workers putting them at $21/ hour.

It is time for us to finish this process, get our team members back to work and get on with the business of making GM the company that will win and provide great jobs in the U.S. for our people for decades to come, the company said in a statement.

General Motors estimates about 2,350 additional employees have had work impacted by the strike. Additionally 3,000 suppliers have also been laid off across 500 facilities.

Multiple Michigan plants are among the 19 feeder plants into the Arlington Assembly that may have work reduced or idled. Those locations include:

o Stamping: Flint Metal Center, Lansing Grand River Stamping

o Propulsion: Flint Engine Ops, Romulus

o Propulsion Components: Bay City, Saginaw

o Components: Grand Rapids
Cargo shipments between Great Lakes ports and the wider world are on pause because a labor strike shut has down the St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system.

About 360 unionized employees stopped working at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, after the union and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) failed to reach an agreement on wage increases.

The work stoppage effectively closes a system of locks, channels and canals that enable trade between inland North American ports in Great Lakes states and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the rest of the globe.

A 72-hour strike notice was filed October 18 by Unifor, Canadas largest private sector union. Unionized employees have been working without a contract since April.

We negotiated in good faith right up to the last moment, but we cannot allow workers rights to be compromised, said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.

We remain open to discussion and hope that the employer will reconsider its position for the good of all, Cloutier said.

Seaway management said all oceangoing vessels were able to exit the system before the strike deadline. No ships remain trapped in the system, but none can enter, either.

Seaway management said 100 vessels are waiting to enter.

The 2,300-mile deep-draft inland navigation system is the longest of its kind in the world. Nearly $13 billion worth of cargo passed through the Seaway last year, much of it Canadian grain exports.

Shipping within the four of the Great Lakes remains ongoing. Vessels can move between Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie without entering the Seaway at the Welland Canal in Ontario, which enables shipping between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario around Niagara Falls.

Seaway management attributed the impasse, in part, to an example set by the ongoing United Auto Workers strike against U.S. automakers Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.

Unifor continues to insist on wage increases inspired by automotive-type negotiations, SLSMC said.

The last time a strike shut down the seaway was in 1968.

Seaway management has sought a ruling from the Canada Industrial Relations Board to provide non-union employees who can move vessels shipping grain through the system.

The stakes are high, and we are fully dedicated to finding a resolution that serves the interests of the corporation and its employees. We remain committed to continuing discussions and reaching a fair labour agreement, said Terence Bowles, SLSMC president.
A very cold shot of air is on the way. Michigan will have our first spurts of snowflakes in the air right at their normal arrival time.

Everything has been showing a fairly cold blob of air moving south into Michigan on, you guessed it- Halloween. It seems like more years than not Michigan has at least its first flakes of snow in the air as trick-or-treating begins.

The forecast below shows an off-and-on wet weather pattern Friday into the weekend. On Monday and Halloween a second storm system will come more from the northwest. You know what that means. Much colder air will move across the 50-degree waters of the Great Lakes. This will develop lake-effect precipitation. All of the data is showing it will be cold enough aloft for snowflakes to form and at least still be visible as they fall to the ground.

The forecast below is the temperature forecast at around 5,000 feet up. This is a key level we look at to see if its cold enough to form snowflakes. Note that the forecast is in Celsius. At this time of year I use five degrees below zero (Celsius) as a temperature that will keep snowflakes from melting. So we should have cold enough air to easily allow snowflakes to hit our windshields. This cold air comes in late Monday and of course on Halloween.

Temperature forecast (in Celsius) from Friday morning, October 27 to Wednesday morning, November 1. Temperatures of -5 degrees C are cold enough for snow at this time of year.

This same model shows the rain showers changing to snow showers late Monday. With warm Great Lakes waters and still some heating during daylight we usually get rain changing to snow for short periods.

Precipitation forecast in six hour increments from Friday morning, October 27 to Wednesday, November 1

This doesnt just look like snowflakes for the coldest part of the U.P. Northwest Lower will easily see snowflakes. Central Lower Michigan should also be cold enough for flakes in the air. On Halloween night the cold could make it into the Ann Arbor area and Detroit area, making a stray snowflake. Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo could also get cold enough by the morning of November 1 to see the white stuff in the air.

With the warm ground we wont have any accumulation in southern Michigan. Its conceivable that high spots in northern Lower Michigan could see a brief coating of snow. Usually the coating of snow only lasts an hour. As soon as the snow shower stops the warmer ground melts anything that sticks.

But we better definitely prepare our minds for our first look at winter.
Strong thunderstorms are currently moving along a line in Wisconsin and crossing Lake Michigan this afternoon. While there arent any severe warned storms at this time, the risk of severe weather remains for Northern Michigan later this afternoon and into tonight.

An early round of storms moved through the Northern Lower part of the state this morning, bringing heavy rain and some thunder and lightning to the region. Currently, showers and thunderstorms are crossing the lake and moving through the northern part of the mitten, and this will continue as we head into this evening. In the U.P., some moderate showers are moving through the southernmost tip of the peninsula, close to Wisconsin, but no heavy precipitation yet. This is going to change later on today.

The marginal risk for severe weather has been discontinued for most of the Northern Lower as of this morning behind the initial line of storms, with only areas along the coast of Lake Michigan still within the border. However, this doesnt end the risk for strong storms in the area. The atmosphere is still unstable enough to sustain strong thunderstorms with heavy downpours, wind and small hail, but things will likely remain below the severe threshold into tonight.

Severe weather outlook for Michigan this afternoon and evening. Strong storms are expected across Northern Michigan tonight.

In the U.P., the marginal risk remains for the south-central part of the Upper Peninsula. Large hail is the primary threat with any severe storms that cross into the state, with the risk of severe wind remaining mainly south into Wisconsin and across a strip of Lake Michigan.

Large hail possibility for Tuesday afternoon and evening, October 24.

Severe wind gust possibility for Tuesday afternoon and evening, October 24.

Things remain pretty much the same from todays earlier update in terms of storm track and timing this evening and tonight. Storms will continue to train along a line that crosses the central and east U.P. and northernmost tip of the Lower Peninsula, bringing heavy rain and frequent lightning, with moderate to heavy rainfall in the western Upper Peninsula. The strongest storms are expected early this evening, when the instability will be at its greatest, but its going to be a loud night for folks up north. As we get later into tonight, the storms will die down, and steady, moderate rainfall will take their place.
Renowned Nigerian afrobeats star Rema left Rwanda feeling ecstatic after getting a first-hand experience of the country and finally meeting with President Paul Kagame.

The "Calm Down" hitmaker travelled to Kigali to attend the 2023 Trace Music Awards where he won two prestigious accolades - Global African Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

After his big success at the awards ceremony, Rema was invited to meet with President Kagame at the state house.

In a video shared on social media, Rema said he felt very comfortable and relaxed in Rwanda.

"Coming to Rwanda, it gives me that vibe of a place where I can rest and feel at home without having to travel overseas," he said.

The artist expressed how Africans often desire to travel out of their country to release stress.

"A lot of time we just want to take that break, we just want to lay back... I feel like with here we can have serene energy, that vibe," Rema noted.

He believes Africa's unity will be further strengthened as more citizens experience the continent's various destinations.

Rema also thanked President Kagame for the hospitality, saying "I must say thank you so much, Mr President."
Premised on the ironclad commitment of COCOBODs CEO, Hon. Joseph Boahene Aidoo to rooting out the smuggling of cocoa to neighbouring countries, especially in border regions such as Volta, the Community Extension Agent for Nkonya Area, Francis Eshun, has on Thursday, 19th October, 2023 initiated an elaborate stakeholder dialogue with Cocoa Farmer Cooperative and Licensed Cocoa Buying Companies (LBCs) in Nkonya Wurupong in the Hohoe-Kpeve Cocoa District.

Introducing the gathering at PBC Cocoa Point of Sale to the farmer cooperative and the PBC agent, Mr. Eyram Atisu, the CEA, Francis Eshun said, COCOBOD, through QCC has mandated LBCs to buy well fermented and dried cocoa beans from farmers on behalf of COCOBOD.

"PBC, being the largest purchaser in the Volta Region play a crucial role in ensuring cocoa farmers are served well and smuggling situation if not curbed completely, reduced to the barest minimum.

He added that COCOBOD, through CHED is providing technical support and material support from rehabilitation, provision of fungicides, insecticides, mass sprayers, mist blowers, motorized pruners, extension services and others.

According to him, it is highly unacceptable, that after delivering all these to cocoa farmers, the cocoa beans after production get smuggled to Togo.

"These unscrupulous and unpatriotic act needs to be stopped absolutely and that is why, today, I have met with you and our farmers to deliberate on the situation. There are still some perceptions against you, LBCs even after the introduction of the digital weighing scale, coupled with consistent 'no money syndrome,' he stated.

He added that OCOBOD has established a desk at the head office to receive farmers' complaints about the digital scale, and appealed to PBC to work diligently with the farmers.

The PBC agent for Nkonya Wurupong Society, Mr. Eyram Atisu expressed delight about the initiative taken by the Extension Officer to engage the farmers.

In his presentation, he stated, I have worked here for 12 years, and have transformed the Nkonya Wurupong Society into a full society status (It was under Nkonya Bumbulla when I came)."

Mr. Atisu took his time to demonstrate to farmers how the digital scale works using both the electric-only type and the solar plus electric type.

Mr. Atisu stated that some of the challenges he is facing are money not made available to us to buy the cocoa as expected, and evacuation of cocoa to Take Over Centre in Hohoe remains a problem, as sometimes, I have to charter taxi to transport the cocoa."

According to him, he is struggling to buy the cocoa from the farmers with his own funds, as farmers will never allow their cocoa to be taken on credit.

He praised COCOBOD for the unprecedented 62% increase in cocoa price and appealed that funds are released to LBC agents on time.

He appealed to the government to monitor the activities of private LBCs carefully as some bad nuts can hide under license and still be selling the beans they purchase from the farmers to the smugglers.

The CEA and the farmers moved to the Private Point of Sale, the Abrobopa Buying Limited (ABL), to meet their agent, Ms. Esther Bisah.

Ms. Bisah in her address, said ABLs main office is in Jasikan. She added that all her purchases are transported there before being taken to TOCs. According to her, she has operated in Nkonya Wurupong for a year now, from 2022 season to date, and has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the fatrmers.

The CEA, Francis Eshun appealed to her to ensure all sales of cocoa she purchase from farmers are duly recorded in the passbooks of farmers and new farmers are issued with passbooks.

Ms. Bisah demonstrated the digital scale to the farmers.

Over 50 farmers were present during the engagement which included executives of Nkonya Wurupong Yonkodor Cocoa Farming and Marketing Cooperative Ltd.
Qatar has agreed to supply Italian firm Eni with natural gas for 27 years, the Gulf emirate's state-owned energy company announced Monday. The deal comes after similar contracts with France and the UK.

Doha will supply one million tonnes of gas a year under the deal, QatarEnergy said, following an agreement with Eni for a share of Qatar's huge North Field gas expansion project.

In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year, European nations have rushed to replace lost deliveries of natural gas from Russia.

"Today, we are taking another important step in strengthening our partnership with Eni that will foster our mutual cooperation for many years to come," Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said in a press release.

"Together, we will continue to demonstrate commitment to the European markets in general, and to the Italian market in particular," he added.

In June last year Eni agreed a deal with QatarEnergy for a 3.1 percent share in Qatar's North Field East project, the first phase of the Gulf emirate's expansion into the largest gas field on the planet, which extends into Iranian territory.

Deliveries of liquified natural gas (LNG) to Italy's Tuscany region are expected to begin in 2026.

In a statement, Rome-headquartered Eni said the deal "strengthens" its partnership with QatarEnergy, adding involvement in North Field East was "in line with Eni's transition strategy, which aims to progressively increase the role of gas".

Other European deals

The deal with Eni follows a quick succession of historically long agreements with European firms for gas supply from Qatar.

Last week, Qatar announced a deal for 27 years with Britain's Shell and earlier in the month, France's Total announced another deal of equal length.

Under its North Field expansion, Qatar is set to raise its LNG output by 60 percent or more to 126 million tonnes a year by 2027.

The main market for Qatari gas has traditionally been Asia, led by countries like China, Japan and South Korea.

The deals with Eni, Shell and Total are the same length as those agreed by the China National Petroleum Corporation in June and China's Sinopec in 2022. All have set a benchmark as the longest in the LNG industry.

US giants ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil have also signed deals to partner in the expansion.

Qatar is one of the world's top LNG producers, alongside the United States, Australia and Russia.

QatarEnergy estimates the North Field holds about 10 percent of the world's known natural gas reserves.

Substitutes for Russian gas

Serious discussions to find substitutes for Russian gas started on the eve of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022.

Then, the threat of disruptions to Europe's gas supply from Russia as a likely result of western sanctions prompted a debate about the need for long-term LNG contracts.

In the beginning of 2022, The United States already asked Qatar and other major gas producers whether they could send extra gas to Europe in case Russian flows were disrupted.

(With newswires)
On a recent tape garnering attention on social media, Mr Alfred Obeng-Boateng, the Member of Parliament for Bibiani Anhwiaso Constituency, asserts his financial prowess ahead of the party's parliamentary primaries.

The former CEO of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) challenges competitors to adequately prepare financially if they aim to unseat him.

Mr Obeng-Boateng, also the Vice Chairperson of Parliaments Government Assurance Committee, pledges to offer double the amount any contender presents to NPP delegates, emphasising that the funds for the primaries are secured in dollar accounts.

"I am telling you that the money I will use for the primaries is in dollars and that money has been secured long ago, I must be frank with you. That is money I am not touching under any circumstance".

"So, I laugh seeing all that they are doing, I have dollars there for that primaries. What I can tell my delegates is that I will pay more than double what anyone who will contest me will offer them, they should take that from me. If they come together and decide to pay GHC10,000 per delegate I will pay more than that", he said.

"Whatever they pay, even if they pay GHC20,000 I will pay more than GHC20,000 because I know how much I have put there; I know how much I have reserved. That is why I saved in dollars so that the money will not lose value, he noted.

In a subsequent video, he justifies his remarks, citing no legal prohibition against saving such amounts and maintaining that his stance is a response to perceived financial threats from competitors.

"If I say I have kept my monies in dollars, that does not mean I have kept them in the house. It only means that part of my money is in dollars and I have exchanged same and it could be at the bank or it could also be in my room and there is no offence or criminality in that. There is nothing wrong with that. I decide where I want to keep my money".

"If I also said that in the upcoming primaries, whatever my competitors will, I will offer more than them, they should know that I was responding to a threat from someone saying that he was going to pay money, who was he going to pay to and for what reason. So that is why I said I will pay more than them because if someone threatens, I have to be able to threaten the person back".

-Classfmonline
This particular research project highlights the sorry state of state funding for research in Africa. This project is aimed at investigating the "effect of sea level rise on groundwater quality and septic system performance in Cape Coast. This project will be funded by the National Science Foundation (NFC) of the US. The targeted participants may be graduates or undergraduates. The most important eligibility Must be a US Citizen, US National, or permanent resident.

Questions

Should we be waiting for the US to come and conduct research to tell us the consequences of sea level rise on groundwater? Arent there graduates or undergraduate students at UCC who can equally conduct this investigation? Why isnt the project eligibility criteria flexible enough to include non-US citizens, especially those who are neither permanent residents nor US nationals? Whose interests will the findings serve? How much funding do African governments provide for research relating to challenges in their respective countries?

I am happy about this project, but I think for basic projects like this, our own governments must be interested in funding. How do we propose or develop home-based solutions to our domestic problems and challenges if our African governments are not in a position to fund research?

Theres a research article published in 2019 in the BMJ Global Health Journal by Simpkin et al. 2019 about investment in research and development (R&D) in 25 selected countries in Africa. These findings showed that, as of 2015, only 3 of the 25 African countries had their governments providing total funding for health research. The three countries were Madagascar , DRC, and Cape Verde . In some of the 25 selected African countries, nearly 80% of health research is funded by foreign donors.

He who pays the piper calls the tune.

African leaders must show real commitment to the funding of R&D tailored to their local needs and interests rather than waiting for foreign donors.

The famous Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want, will be a mirage unless African governments are ready and willing to commit resources and funds for developmental research projects by themselves on the continent. In todays competitive world, no country can develop without paying serious attention to scientific research. The earlier African leaders realize that, the better. The continent has brilliant people with smart ideas, but lack of funding is the biggest obstacle.

Baba Musah PhD

[email protected]
A 20-week baby has survived without a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Azimbe Hospital in Atuba in the Binduri district of the Upper East region.

A remarkable story unfolds in the heart of Bawku about a preterm baby born after 20 weeks. Against all odds, the baby not only survived but responded to care due to the efforts of health workers at Azimbe Hospital.

A medical director of Azimbe Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Jamal Mohammed, who described the baby as Yaa Asantewa said the very day the preterm baby was transferred from Bawku to Azimbe Hospital she was very tiny but her condition had been improving. Dr Emmanuel said with the help of God, the efforts of the Azimbe Hospital have been positive and the bay is due to be discharged.

He said they used only an incubator with NICU. According to him, they also employed a lot of mechanisms and contacted specialists from other health facilities to assist with medications and other special treatments to keep the preterm baby alive.

The chief executive officer of the Azimbe Hospital, Emmanuel Abugri Azimbe said he received a call from his medical director and he became surprised since that was the first case reported at the hospital.

"So I got surprised and the doctor said we will manage and truly when I visited the preterm baby you could see that she had the energy but was too tiny," he stated.

The mother of the preterm baby, Mercy Agotwin, narrates that she was afraid to touch her preterm baby after she delivered her in 24 weeks, but with the help of Azimbe Hospital, her baby is now normal and alive.

The midwife of the facility Abdul-Hanan Kawsada said it was not an easy task, but gave thanks to God.

Neonatal specialist Azongo Joshua commended the midwife and the nurses at the facility for saving the life of the 20-week-old preterm baby.
Washington state senator Jeff Wilson was arrested on Sunday at the Hong Kong International Airport for carrying a gun. The Republican (naturally) was charged with possession of a firearm without a license, which could put in him prison for up to 14 years, according to CNN.

But Wilson says he "expects the situation to be resolved shortly" because it was "an honest mistake"  the scared gentleman is so attached to his pistol, which never leaves his person, he plumb forgot it was inside his carry-on briefcase. (And somehow the TSA overlooked it.)

His next court date in Hong Kong is Oct. 30.

From CNN:

Wilson appeared in the Sha Tin Magistrates' Court on Monday and was granted bail, according to public broadcaster RTHK. The Republican state senator, whose full name is Stephen J. Wilson, said he did not realize he had packed his pistol in his briefcase while he and his wife were traveling for a five-week vacation to Southeast Asia, according to a statement posted on his website. Wilson said he "discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong." He "did not realize his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners failed to note it," the statement added. Wilson said in the statement that when the plane landed in Hong Kong, he "immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue."

And according to Wikipedia, for what it's worth, police later had to intervene when a fired-up Wilson got into a verbal altercation with reporters after his first court hearing, demanding they delete any photos showing him at the courthouse. What better way to represent red America than a bully with a gun.
Ministry of Roads and Highways has strongly denied allegations that road contracts are only awarded in exchange for bribes.

The Ministry issued a statement on Monday, October 23, in response to claims made by former GIMPA Rector Professor Stephen Adei.

In a recent TV3 interview, Prof Adei reportedly alleged that prospective road contractors are told "contracts will be given to you, provided you pay 1 million upfront."

"These allegations are surprising at the least because the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive and in accordance with the law," the statement read.

Roads Minister Kwasi Amoako-Atta said he referred the claims to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for a full investigation.

Given that the alleged conduct borders on the commission of crime against the Republic, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has today, 23rd October 2023, requested the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to fully investigate the allegations, it stated.

"The Ministry wishes to assure the public that it shall cooperate fully and support EOCO in the conduct of its investigation," the statement continued.
Crystal Grace Chapel International based in Sarpeiman, Accra, is set to host its much-anticipated 7th anniversary celebration themed "Shift 2023" from October 25 to 29.

The mega anniversary event organized by Prophetess Mrs. Lina Biney and Reverend Patrick Biney promises to usher attendees into a new spiritual dimension according to the theme verse from Isaiah 40:1-2 and 5.

Renowned Prophet James Owusu headlines a list of esteemed guest speakers who will minister during the event to be held at the church's Sapeiman Macedonia auditorium.

Prophet Owusu will bring a timely prophetic word and stir up the gifts of attendees through impartation and revelation.

Services will be held on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6:30PM. A mid-morning service comes up on Thursday at 9AM. The highlight event is the grand anniversary service scheduled for Sunday at 10AM.

Prophetess Lina Biney during a sermon on Sunday, October 21, emphasized "Shift 2023 is a prophetic gateway into the new things God has in store. We encourage everyone to join us as we commemorate the goodness of God upon this ministry and commission attendees into deeper dimensions in Him."

For seven years now, Crystal Grace Chapel has been noted for its unique prophetic grace, healing and deliverance outreaches.

Its anniversary events are usually memorable encounters with the power and presence of God. This year's edition promises to surpass previous ones.
The hard-right Swiss People's Party, which wants to tackle mass immigration and political correctness, vowed Monday to seek pragmatic solutions with other parties after comfortably winning Switzerland's general election.

Final results published Monday showed the Schweizerische Volkspartei (Swiss People's Party SVP) took 28.6 percent of the vote on Sunday for the National Council lower house of parliament, improving its share by three percentage points.

"We defend freedom, security and independence," SVP president Marco Chiesa told the Tribune de Geneve newspaper.

"The citizens of this country have given a clear mandate to politics: to face reality and provide solutions."

The left-wing Social Democrats were left trailing on 18 percent of votes cast, while the centre-right party Die Mitte (The Centre) garnered 14.6 percent and the right-wing party called FDP.The Liberals 14.4 percent, with all three chasing parties largely flatlining.

The Greens failed to replicate their dramatic 2019 election gains and slid back four percentage points to finish fifth on 9.4 percent.

Swiss politics relies on consensus and Chiesa said he hoped to forge alliances with other parties to address voters' concerns.

"The fact is today there are nine million inhabitants in Switzerland and we are heading towards 10 million," the 49-year-old said.

"I want to pursue a pragmatic policy: less political correctness, more issues that really concern people," he said, citing population growth, a secure energy supply and Swiss independence - a key topic for a party that stands strongly for Switzerland's military neutrality and on remaining outside the European Union.

'A haven for stability'

Electors in the wealthy Alpine nation voted for all 200 seats in the National Council lower house of parliament by proportional representation and all 46 in the Council of States upper chamber, by majority vote.

In the National Council, the results left the SVP on 62 seats (up nine), ahead of the Social Democrats on 41 (up two).

The Centre, a merger of previous parties, now has 29 seats and FDP.The Liberals 28.

Though Switzerland is one of the world's richest countries -- with unemployment at around two percent and GDP per capita very high -- the rising cost of living has hit hard, notably through surging health insurance costs.

Pascal Sciarini, a professor of political science at the University of Geneva told AFP that the SVP has prospered from being a force in opposition and "has no real incentive to become a real party of government".

An editorial in the Blick newspaper saw little real change as a result of the election.

"Parliament will have a slightly more right-wing composition. But actually it's just a return to the tried and tested. And Switzerland is a haven of stability," the paper said.

Le Temps said the Covid-19 pandemic had hardened the political climate in Switzerland and the SVP now needs to stop acting like an opposition party, "take responsibility and no longer just divide".

Elections were also held for the 46 seats in the Council of States, which represents the cantons that make up Switzerland.

The 246 newly-elected parliamentarians will choose the seven members of the government on December 13.

The government takes decisions by consensus.

(With newswires)
24.10.2023 LISTEN

Chinese cement manufacturing firm Sol Cement has been closed by officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for tax default amounting to more than GH700 million.

The company was cited for the VAT infraction including corporate income tax and penalties after a tax audit by the GRA tax enforcement.

Sol Cement, located in the Tema Industrial Area has failed to pay taxes for more than two years and has been asked to settle the amount within 10 days.

In pursuant of Section 57 of the Revenue Administration Act 2026, (Act 915) as amended, restraining order will be levied on all distrainable things of your company as specified under section 57 of the Revenue Administration Act 2026, (Act 915) to recover the sum of GHS 709,686,828.53 due and owing by your company to the Authority together with the cost and charges incidental to the order, documents sighted by citinewsroom.com suggest.

Furthermore, the GRA has granted a restraining order to prevent the owners and or workers from entering the premises of the company.

Commissioner Joseph Annan, Accra Area Enforcement Manager of the Ghana Revenue Authority told the media, The amount is summary of different types of taxes, interest and penalties. They even owe a penalty for misleading statements. All the internal processes have been exhausted and all the necessary notice served so we have sealed the place and if they are able to mobilize funds to pay, we will open it up for them.

-Citi Newsroom
Dr. Gideon Boako

24.10.2023 LISTEN

Dr. Gideon Boako has eulogised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a strong contender to lead Ghana in 2025, citing Bawumia's impactful initiatives and distinguished character as key qualifications for the role.

During an appearance on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Dr. Gideon Boako emphasized that a major portion of the Ghanaian population perceives Dr. Bawumia as a Vice President who has demonstrated outstanding performance, making him a credible candidate for the presidency.

"Why do you think a lot of people believe that Bawumia is the Vice President who has most distinguished himself in Ghana? Why?" he posed, before answering, "many people assert that he has been the most impactful Vice President because his character is distinct."

Dr. Boako, who serves as the Spokesperson for the Vice President, reiterated that Dr. Bawumia's performance has left a strong impression on many Ghanaians, positioning him as the most outstanding Vice President who has worked harder.

He questioned, "So, if he has achieved this even as Vice President, what shows he cannot be the best President of this country?"

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is one of four candidates vying for the flagbearer position in the New Patriotic Party slated for November 4.
Kennedy Agyapong, a hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, has said he plays a critical role in the party's electoral success.

During an interview on Tamale FM, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central disclosed that despite offers to withdraw from the contest, he remains unwavering in his commitment to the party.

Mr Agyapong firmly believes that the NPP's electoral successes could not have been achieved without his active involvement and efforts.

He stated, "Without me, the NPP can't win elections. Do you know how many people are begging me?

You know, the money that they've offered me to step down? If I step down, we will lose. With the sacrifices the party people have made, I cannot selfishly take that amount of money and leave them to their fate."

Kennedy Agyapong cautions the NPP never to attempt sideling or dumping him in whatever form following the flagbearer election.

He stated, "How can NPP dump me? If they dump me, they will go into opposition. We all need each other."

He added, "You see, the NPP will always want to use you and dump you. I will not allow them to dump me anymore; I won't do it. I will not sacrifice for NPP, for my children, my family, and generations to be humiliated."
GHOne TV presenter Lantam Papanko was allegedly assaulted by security personnel of the National Chief Imam on the Ofankor-Amasaman road on October 22.

GHOne TV's morning current affairs co-host was driving in the inner lane on the Ofankor-Tantra stretch when he realized a motorcyclist was riding at high speed behind him, attempting to overtake him.

A heated argument allegedly ensued when Papanko attempted to question the motorcyclist about his reckless riding. The motorcyclist became offended and accused Papanko of obstructing his way.

Lantam Papanko narrated that the angry motorcyclist smashed his vehicle and then hit his side mirror, after verbally assaulting him.

I was driving from the Ofankor roundabout headed towards Tantra roundabout, mile 7. And I was driving in the inner lane. So while I was moving, I saw a motorcyclist coming from behind me. I noticed the motorcycle moving fast to right to the drivers side, behind me, and was trying to overtake me. I was wondering what the problem was. And he started signalling to me that I should move off the road.

He added, So I also signalled to him what was the problem? Why he was signalling me to move off the road?

Then he moved off from that side and then came to the other side, the passenger side on the right side. And he started insulting me. He asked me why I didnt want to move off the road. I realized a black SUV bearing the number plate Imam with flashing red and blue lights had been following me. Struggling to comprehend the unfolding scene, I witnessed the motorcyclist pulling up beside me and verbally assaulting me. The aggressive exchange didnt end there. In a fit of rage, the motorcyclist struck my vehicle with his hands and then violently hit my side mirror, causing it to turn.

He said he was forced to stop after the vehicle supposedly belonging to the National Chief Imam abruptly stopped in front of his car.

According to him, the motorcyclist verbally assaulted him adding that three people also got out of the vehicle, joined in the assault, and started slapping and pushing him. Papanko said he was overpowered by his abusers, who vandalized his car in the process.

After injuring him, he said the thugs got into their vehicle and fled the scene.

He confronted me with accusations of disrespect and used his helmet to strike me through the car window. So the guy rode off and then I saw the chief Imams car pass. I picked up my normal speed again. Then I realized that ahead of me, the chief Imams car came to an abrupt stop right in front of me. I had to come to a screeching halt. The rider pulled up beside me again. He got down from the vehicle, took off his helmet and started saying, dont I respect? What is the meaning of what I was doing? And he used his helmet through the window to hit me in my face.

"And I saw about three people get down from the chief Imams vehicle. They came and stood by my side where I was directly sitting, while in the car. And they started slapping and hitting me on my head and face and asking me, dont I know that is the chief Imam that is coming? Dont I respect? The old man is sitting in the car. Instead of getting out of the way, Im still sitting in the car and I do want to move. What is wrong with me? Why am I behaving like that?

The guy used his helmet to hit me through the window like four times. And the other guys were slapping me and hitting me. I tried to protect myself with my hands. One of them eventually struck me in the forehead. he added.

He said he rushed to the Achimota Hospital for treatment and then lodged a complaint at the Mile 7 Police Station.

-citinewsroom
US Senator Robert Menendez entered a not guilty plea in a New York court Monday to a new charge alleging that the Democratic lawmaker conspired to act as an agent of the Egyptian government when he chaired the Senate foreign relations committee, a judicial source told AFP.

Menendez, who faces corruption-related charges along with his wife and three other people, had already been indicted on charges of taking bribes and influence peddling for the benefit of Egypt, and had already pleaded not guilty at the end of September.

In a newer charge, federal prosecutors accused Menendez of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government -- Egypt -- to which he again pleaded not guilty, a spokesman for the US attorney's office in Manhattan said.

Menendez has rejected calls for his resignation, but last month relinquished his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

He is accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from three residents of his home state of New Jersey between 2018 and 2022, and of having used his "power and influence to protect, to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt."

Manhattan federal prosecutor Damian Williams detailed the discovery, during a search, of bundles of cash stuffed in his jacket pockets, three kilos of gold bars and a luxury car, all elements "that were part of the fraud."

The 69-year-old veteran Democrat, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba, denied he had committed any crimes.

"For 30 years, I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account, which I have kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba," Menendez said.
Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has said a simulation exercise was undertaken in Mepe, the area that was heavily affected by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.

She revealed that the people in the affected communities refused to be evacuated when the Volta River Authority (VRA) attempted to do so.

We dont want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage, even though VRA, NADMO, and the Water Resouces Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did a simulation exercise at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didnt want to be evacuated, they stayed there till the end when we started spilling.

Unfortunately, look at what is happening, the government has to spend millions of money on relief items, the whole area the water is contaminated, and Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can thrust into our pipes. So a stitch in time saves nine, she said during the accounting to our customer/Media press bringing in Accra on Monday, October 23.

Earlier, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the focus of the government was to support victims of the flood disaster who have been relocated, with food, sleeping materials, and healthcare.

He indicated that twenty centers have been set up to accommodate the victims.

These are our brothers and sisters in various parts of the region, and the topography is such that twenty centres have been set up to accommodate people from nearby villages affected by the flooding exercise.

The focus is to ensure that the people who have been relocated to these twenty centres are supported with the necessary food, sleeping materials, healthcare, etc, so that their situation does not become more precarious than it is now and then subsequent to that, when the water levels recede, to assist them to go back to their communities, the Ofoase Ayirebi Lawmaker told journalists at a press conference in Accra on Sunday, October 22.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has revealed that it has rescued about 12,000 persons from 13 October 2023 to date in the flood disaster in Mepe and other parts of the Volta Region.

GAF indicated that as of Sunday, October 22, the flood situation in Mepe, the community that was heavily affected by the spillage has been brought under considerable control.

GAF said this while dismissing reports claiming that military personnel deployed to Mepe for Humanitarian Relief Operations were withdrawn.

This was after North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa indicated that the soldiers had been asked to leave the community.

Who 'above' has given orders to the military detachment helping us cross flood waters to immediately withdraw when the water levels haven't receded and when thousands of lives are at stake in camps across these waters?

Who in government is behind this utter cruelty? He tweeted.

But in another tweet, Mr Ablakwa said I just received a call indicating that the order has been reversed and that the soldiers have been directed to return with their boats and resume duty.

Soon, we shall fish out those faceless, unpatriotic elements.

Reacting to this development in a statement, the GAF stated categorically that the information in circulation is inaccurate and that the personnel have not been given any 'orders from above' to withdraw from Mepe or any other community affected by the spillage, contrary to the social media posts.

It must be emphasised that the Humanitarian Relief Operations (Operation Boafo), being

conducted by the Ghana Navy's Riverine Command and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Army is being executed in phases. As of 22 October 2023, the situation in Mepe has been brought under considerable control and therefore it became necessary to urgently redeploy some personnel and equipment to other distressed communities around Battor and its environs, which were in dire need of support.

Following the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to these distressed communities, the operations being conducted have been varied to suit the evolving situation. It must be placed on record that for the purpose of this operation, GAF has established an Emergency Operations Centre which is coordinating all the GAF activities in a harmonised manner in conjunction with NADMO.

Currently, personnel of the Naval Riverine Command and the Army's 48 Engineer Regiment are still deployed and conducting the relief operations (Operation Boafo) in accordance with the exigencies of the situation, at Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Adidome, Aveyime, New Bakpa, Big Ada, Ada Foah and the surrounding communities. These personnel are equipped with 10 Naval Boats and four (four) Engineer Assault Boats. From 13 October 2023 till date, GAF has rescued about 12,000 persons.

-3newws.com
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has met with officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) at their Washington, D.C. headquarters.

The purpose of the OSPs visit to the FBI was to gain insights into their organizational structure, operations, and best practices, and enhance collaboration and capacity building, a tweet by the OSP said on Monday, October 23.

The Special Prosecutor met with Jason Beachy, the Acting Assistant Director of the International Operations Division at the FBI, and a host of Mission chiefs.

During the visit to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the OSP was received by Arun G Rao, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and Richard Goldberg, Deputy Director of Consumer Protection Branch (CPB) within the Justice Departments Civil Division, the tweet said.

The visit comes at a time the two organizations are partnering to investigate former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

The investigations, according to a note from the OSP primarily focus on examining assets and financial transactions within the US.

In the note released by the OSP on Wednesday, October 11, this is to ascertain the lawfulness of Ms. Dapaah and her associates' wealth, both in the context of their funds transitioning from Ghana to the United States and vice versa.

The FBI, OSP partnership came after lawyers of the former Sanitation Minister filed an affidavit at the Human Rights Division of the High Court, seeking an interlocutory injunction on investigations being conducted by Ghana's OSP.

The former Bantama MP had described as unfair, unreasonable, capricious, arbitrary and ultra vires the re-seizure of her monies and re-freezing of her accounts and property.

I am advised by Counsel and verily believe same to be true that to prevent further violation of my constitutionally guaranteed rights and rendering my application for judicial review otiose, it is imperative that the Respondent is restrained from continuing his investigation pending the determination of my said application, her affidavit in response to OSP's suit prayed.

The OSP aside its suit in investigating corruption and corruption-related offences against Madam Cecilia Dapaah had charged her for failing to declare her income upon a lawful demand.

But, according to the OSP, she failed to do so after 30 days contrary to Section 69(1)(a) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017, Act 959.

As at close of business on 5 October 2023, the Accused had willfully failed, without lawful excuse, to return the duly completed statutory forms to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, more than thirty (30) days after the service of the notice and forms to her.

The former minister is expected to file a response to this charge.

-3news.com
Alien invasions, violent purges, wolf-dogs and ghost stories galore. The Buffalo area has been the scene of many terrifying events  on film, that is.

From big studio productions like A Quiet Place Part II and Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin, to movies by independent Buffalo filmmakers who wisely used locations with authentic spirited histories in such movies as Widows Point and Givers of Death, Buffalo has done well in the horror genre.

And, as a point of pride for horror fans, two of the movies have ties to modern master of the genre, Blumhouse Productions.

Following are 13 horror films made in the great Buffalo area over the past decade that you can watch right now via streaming services and digital rentals/purchases.

Battledogs (2013). A lupine virus, werewolves and a crazed plan to create an army of battle wolf-dogs. Just go with it. Craig Sheffer (Night Breed, A River Runs Through It) is our hero who tries to stop the evil plan. Dennis Haysbert (24) is a shifty general. Love the human-to-wolf transformations. It was shot 2012 at such locations as Niagara Falls International Airport, which stood in for JFK Airport, and Buffalo Central Terminal, which became an Emergency Military Quarantine Center. Watch it: Tubi, Pluto, Peacock.

Crossbreed (2019). As president of the United States, Vivica A. Fox sends mercenaries to retrieve an alien life form in this futuristic sci-fi/horror thriller starring Daniel Baldwin and Devanny Pinn. Locations include Buffalos City Hall and its Art Deco stylings  which add to the sci-fi vibe  and the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. Watch it: Tubi, Prime Video.

Dwelling (2016). We all have family members who share ghost stories. Buffalos Kyle Mecca took one his grandfather told him and wrote and directed this unsettling film. A woman moves into a haunted house with her husband in an effort to contact the other side with the help of a black mirror. Locations include the former Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital and the University at Buffalo North Campus. Watch it: Tubi.

The First Purge (2018). Buffalo as Staten Island? It works. This fourth film of the series shows how the Purge  the 12 hours when all crime is legal  began. The look, the feel and the vibe of the city worked for the film, director Gerard McMurray said at the time. This box-office hit was filmed here entirely in the fall of 2017, so youll see multiple familiar sites. Bonus: This is from Blumhouse Productions. Watch it: FX, FXNow, fuboTV, DIRECTV.

Givers of Death (2020). Buffalos Addison Henderson wrote and directed this prophetic film  made right before the pandemic  about redemption in the time of an apocalypse when a rare pathogen has killed 40% of the worlds population. Survivors who are left to endure a slow, painful death hire Givers of Death to euthanize them. Buffalo Central Terminal, Woodlawn Beach and the former DBGB in Allentown are some recognizable locations. Watch it: Paramount+/Showtime.

Johnny Gruesome (2018). Hell hath no fury like a murdered high school student seeking vengeance in local filmmaker and author Greg Lambersons adaptation of his horror novel. It was filmed in Lancaster, Cheektowaga, Buffalo and Akron. Lamberson is a prolific filmmaker, so check out his other locally made horror films, including Slime City Massacre, Dry Bones and Killer Rack. I recommend his nifty ghost story Widows Point (see below). Watch it: Prime Video/Freevee, Fawesome TV, Tubi, Vudu.

Mercy (2016). This chilling film, which has spooky guys in masks lurking about a secluded farmhouse, premiered on Netflix. Four estranged stepbrothers return home to visit their dying mother, and you can be sure that dark family secrets will be revealed. Director Chris Sparling shot here in 2015 using the main farm house at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora and a church in Colden as two major locations. There are multiple movies with this title, so look for the one starring James Wolk (Ordinary Joe, Zoo). Watch it: Netflix.

Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin (2021). In this reboot of the popular Paranormal Activity supernatural movie franchise, a woman travels into Amish country with a documentary crew to learn why she was abandoned by her mother. This Blumhouse film was shot at an Amish farm house in Allegany County and at Buffalo FilmWorks. Watch it: Roku, YouTube.

The Puppetman (2023). The newest film made here had its Northeast premiere recently at the Buffalo International Film Festival, and is already available via some premium channels. A young woman begins to believe her convicted fathers claims that he didnt commit murders credited to the puppetman. Filmed at Buffalo State University and throughout Buffalo and Niagara County, plus at Woodlawn Diner. Watch it: AMC+, Shudder.

A Quiet Place Part II (2020). This big-budget Hollywood production filmed here in the summer of 2018. The sequel to the monster hit about about aliens who hunt by sound picked up the story from the end of the first film as Emily Blunt tries to get her family  including a newborn  to safety. The stark setting of the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna is a fitting apocalyptic backdrop. Other locations included Grand Island and the Grand Island bridges, North Tonawanda and Akron. The heres how it all started opening segment is an excellent and taut depiction of the initial moments of the alien invasion. Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou co-star. John Krasinski again directs and co-stars. Watch it: Prime Video, Paramount+, MGM+.

Theres No Such Thing As Ghosts?(2020). If you like true stories of hauntings, heres the film for you. Buffalo State University film professor Aaron Daniel Annas and a student crew spent four years traveling throughout Western New York and Pennsylvania to haunted places. Annas made the documentary to explore why people believe what they believe. Try not to be creeped out hearing stories in the rooms where things happened. Watch it: Tubi, Roku Channel.

True Adventures of Wolfboy (2019). A horror movie with a touch of poetry. I highly recommend this fairy tale-like coming-of-age film. A boy born with a condition that causes abnormal hair growth (like a werewolf) runs away to find the mother hes never met. It remains one of the best films made in Buffalo and it also shows off the city and surrounding area well. It was made here in September 2017 at such locations as the former Summit Park Mall (carnival scenes), Silo City and Woodlawn Beach. The cast is great: young Jaeden Martell holds his own against John Turturro, Eve Hewson and Chris Messina. Watch it: Pluto, Roku Channel, Prime Video, Tubi.

Widows Point (2019). This atmospheric ghost story is another project from Gregory Lamberson. Craig Sheffer returned to Buffalo to play a desperate author who spends the weekend locked inside a haunted lighthouse as a publicity stunt. It was partially filmed at the Dunkirk Lighthouse, which has its own haunted history. It has the winning combo of a creepy doll and a Twilight Zone vibe. Watch it: Prime Video/Freevee, Tubi.
Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has told former Rector of the Ghana Institue of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Professor Stephen Adei that his bribery allegation in the award of road contracts is surprising.

Dismissing the allegation, Mr Amoako-Attah explained that the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive, and in accordance with the law.

He has therefore requested the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to fully investigate the allegations of bribery.

Professor Stephen Adei alleged in an interview with TV3 that he has information to the effect that persons seeking road contracts are told: Road contracts will be given to you, provided you pay 1 million upfront.

Prof Adei said One of the greatest disappointments of Nana Akufo-Addo's regime is that honestly, he raised the hope of Ghanaians. Ghanaians expected they have gotten a leader with a vision, with the charisma, with the determination and it seems if he doesn't redeem himself in the next 14 months, he would go down in history as one of the most disappointing leaders, he said.

He added This road contract would be given to you, provided you put one million upfront, not after you have gotten the money. This is what Akufo-Addo must be thinking about and if he knows about it, he must be ashamed.

That now his people demand from you a certain amount before you would be considered for a job. Why? Because when they get it, whether the government pays you or not they have gotten their money. It is as if people are in a hurry to loot the country before the end of Akufo-Addo's term.

According to the Roads Ministry, these allegations are surprising at the least because the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive and in accordance with the law.

Given that the alleged conduct borders on the commission of crime against the Republic, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has today, 23rd October 2023, requested the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to fully investigate the allegations.

The Ministry wishes to assure the public that it shall cooperate fully and support EOCO in the conduct of its investigation, a statement issued by the Ministry on Monday, October 23 said.

-3news.com
French President Emmanuel Macron visits Tel Aviv Tuesday for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office announced.

His visit comes more than two weeks after Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials. Among them were 30 French citizens.

His advisers said that beyond showing solidarity with Israel, Macron wanted to make "proposals that are as operational as possible" to prevent an escalation, free hostages, guarantee Israel's security and work towards a two-state solution.

At this delicate juncture of the conflict with Hamas, Macron is expected to be pushing for a humanitarian truce despite a looming ground offensive into Gaza.

Declining to elaborate on what these proposals could be, a Macron adviser only said in a briefing to reporters there were things that could be done so that Israel doesn't feel alone in its fight against terrorism.

Macron will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and centrist leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid for the opposition.

Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control of the area under attack.

Since then, more than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist militant group, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

Seven French citizens are still missing. One of them, a French woman, has been confirmed as among the hostages taken by Hamas. Macron has said the others are also thought to be hostages, but there has not yet been confirmation of this yet.

US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have already visited Israel.

On Monday, Dutch PM Mark Rutte arrived in Israel. He is to travel to Ramallah on Tuesday and meet with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.

(With newswires)
A pro-NPP group called the Patriotic Forum for Accountable Governance (PaFFAG) has notified the police of its planned month-long march in Accra to express appreciation to President Nana Akufo-Addo.

In a statement issued on October 23rd, PaFFAG's convenor Kwame Baffoe Abronye said the daily demonstration from December 1 to January 5 aims to "create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to come together to show gratitude to President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party."

The group intends to march along the 37 bus stop route to Jubilee House daily between 8am and 7pm. Abronye assured that "all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of all participants and the general public."

He said: "Our intention is to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to come together to show gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for sustaining the nation through Covid 19 pandemic and setting the nation on a path of economic recovery."

PaFFAG has requested a meeting with the police to discuss its plans and address any concerns.

The notification letter was copied to the Regional Police Commander for Greater Accra.

If permitted, the planned month-long march aims to assemble NPP supporters to publicly appreciate the government's handling of the economy amid global challenges.
Two elderly Hamas hostages were airlifted to an Israeli hospital to be reunited with family Tuesday, as the United States demanded Palestinian militants release more than 200 other captives before Gaza ceasefire talks are considered.

Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and their octogenarian husbands were among the hostages seized on 7 October.

Hamas released Cooper and Lifshitz on Monday evening citing "compelling humanitarian" reasons, after mediation by Qatar and Egypt.

Their release comes days after a US mother and daughter were freed.

A military helicopter brought Cooper and Lifshitz to a medical centre in Tel Aviv early on Tuesday.

The women were wheeled into the facility on a stretcher and wheelchair, as relatives gathered nearby.

Lifshitz recounted being bundled onto the back of a motorbike and stolen away to Gaza.

"They loaded me on a motorcycle sideways so I wouldn't fall, with one terrorist holding me from the front and the other from behind," she told Israeli media.

"They crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip, and at first they held me in the town of Abesan, which is near Be'eri. After that, I don't know where I was taken."

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities' latest count. The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in retaliatory Israeli bombardments, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

'Ceasefire calls'

In response to the worst attack in its 75-year history, Israel launched operation "Swords of Iron", besieging Gaza and firing a near-continuous barrage of strikes to "erase Hamas" from the enclave.

While the Israeli military has claimed success in "eliminating high-ranking commanders" and destroying Hamas infrastructure, humanitarian groups have said that Palestinian civilians are paying too steep a price for the campaign.

Thousands of buildings have been levelled and more than a million people are believed to have been displaced in the besieged territory.

Gaza City resident Ayman Abu Shamalah was among the tens of thousands who heeded an Israeli warning to flee to south Gaza.

Despite the move, his pregnant wife, their three-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter were killed in an Israeli air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza.

"They put my son's shattered body in a blue bag," he said, sobbing.

Across Gaza, water, food and other basic supplies are running out. Only a trickle of aid is being allowed to cross into Gaza from Egypt.

A few dozen trucks carrying food, medicine and water have entered Gaza since a US-brokered deal entered into operation on Saturday.

The United Nations estimates about 100 trucks are needed every day.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk called on Monday for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" to relieve the suffering and allow the delivery of aid.

But that suggestion was immediately slapped down by US President Joe Biden, who said any discussions about a ceasefire could only take place if Hamas frees all the hostages.

"We should have those hostages released and then we can talk," Biden said when asked if he would support a "hostages-for-ceasefire" deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday became the latest foreign leader to arrive in Tel Aviv.

He is expected to express "full solidarity" with Israel and to call for the "preservation of the civilian population" in Gaza.

'Nowhere else to go'

Israel has shown little sign of slowing its offensive.

On Tuesday, Gaza's Hamas government said that Israeli air strikes during the night killed at least 140 people.

But the timing of an anticipated full-scale ground offensive remains unclear.

"We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south," chief of staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops.

"The Southern Command has quality operational plans. There are tactical, operative and strategic considerations that have provided additional time," he said.

Chief among those considerations may be the labyrinth of tunnels and strong points that Hamas is believed to have developed to thwart any Israeli invasion.

But there are also fears about how Hamas's allies around the Middle East would respond to a ground war.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War has reported an uptick in attacks on Israeli and US targets from Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

There are daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

At least 41 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally, mostly combatants but also at least four civilians, including a Reuters journalist.

And four people have been killed in Israel, three soldiers and a civilian.

The pace of evacuations has increased on both sides of the border, with the UN saying nearly 20,000 people had fled villages in south Lebanon as the fighting rages.

Israel has also ordered the evacuation of thousands of people from communities near its northern border.

But not everyone has left, with some such as 62-year-old peach farmer Moshe Dadoush, refusing to go.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid. But I have to stay here," he said.

"I wouldn't leave for one simple reason: it's here where I grew up. I have nowhere else to go but this country."

(with AFP)
Ghana has introduced the National Innovation Challenge (NIC) aimed at encouraging the country's youth to unleash their creativity and compete in innovation.

It also aims to stimulate an innovation culture among students and non-students, ensure the commercial success of innovations through competitions and raise public awareness about science, technology and innovation.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented by MESTI and the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor, under the Public Sector Reform for Results Project, the NIC invites young Ghanaians to showcase successful solutions and ventures across eight priority sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, waste management, healthcare, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, and public sector improvement.

The challenge will provide funding and support to young entrepreneurs with winning ideas and solutions.

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, who inaugurated the challenge on Monday in Accra, described the NIC as a watershed moment and a call to action for Ghana's brightest minds to address pressing challenges like climate change and healthcare through innovation.

We believe in the power of ideas to shape our destiny and we want to harness that power for the greater good, he affirmed.

The Minister explained that the NIC encourages collaboration beyond competition, with partnerships between academia, research institutions and industry to create an ecosystem where innovation thrives.

Innovation belongs to all of us; the farmer, engineer, teacher and entrepreneur. Our government will support it through investments, incentives and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, he added.

Dr Afriyie expressed confidence that the NIC would catalyze Ghana's progress, leading to more sustainable, equitable and promising futures powered by homegrown solutions.

Let us work together to create a brighter, more innovative future for our nation.

The Senior Presidential Advisor, Dr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, on his part, described the challenge as a significant step towards leveraging Ghana's potential through creativity and resourcefulness.

He emphasised that the NIC represents a commitment to fostering an innovation culture deeply embedded across society as it would bring together a community of innovators to develop solutions for pressing issues.

He called for an embracing principle of inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, resilience and a global perspective as innovators embark on this journey.

Dr Osafo-Maafo envisioned Ghana as a hub of everyday innovation and creativity, where the NIC represents just the beginning, and expressed confidence the NIC will yield groundbreaking ideas to positively transform Ghana and beyond.
The Minister for Local Government, Mr Daniel Botwe, has inspected the Gulf of Guinea Northern Region Social Cohesion Project (SOCO) Ghana Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Accra to see the progress of work.

The Minister was accompanied by the Global Sustainability and Inclusion Practice Manager at the World Bank, Mr Nicolas Perrin. Their meeting also provided an avenue to coordinate border-area investments and information and improve regional dialogues.

The SOCO Project is a sub-Sahel Regional project aimed at providing support for the northern parts of the Gulf of Guinea countries (Ghana, Cote dIvoire, Togo and Benin), which are hardest hit by fragilities due to food insecurity and climate change, conflict and violence.

SOCO is expected to help improve the socio-economic resilience of 48 targeted districts in the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, Savannah and Oti Regions through various components in the form of investments in infrastructure, local economic development and youth engagement activities.

The project uses the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach where decisions for investments are taken by communities in a participatory manner, to promote a sense of ownership for the investments.

In a related development, SOCO has handed over fifty-two motorbikes, 33 laptops and five pickups to five Municipal Assemblies in the Upper West Region to enhance the implementation and monitoring.
The European Union on Monday thas taken another step towards imposing sanctions on Niger's new military rulers, who overthrew the democratically elected leader in July.

The EU Council announced it had adopted a legal framework under which it can now "sanction individuals and entities responsible for actions that threaten the peace, stability and security of Niger".

The new framework will also target anyone who "undermine the constitutional order, or constitute serious violations to human rights or international humanitarian law" in Niger.

The bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the move "sends a clear message: military coups bear costs".

The EU has already suspended security cooperation and financial support with Niger following the military takeover on 26 July 2023.

The 27-nation bloc has condemned the coup against Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, who was a key partner for Western nations in the jihadist-hit region.

"The EU has from the very beginning condemned the coup d'etat in Niger in the strongest terms," Borrell added.

With this, the EU aims to mirror and strengthen any measures taken by the West African regional body ECOWAS.

"With today's decision, the EU strengthens its support to ECOWAS' efforts."

With these new restrictive measures, the EU could freeze assets of targeted entities and individuals and hand them travel bans.

(with newswires)
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed displeasure over comments passed by the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh on the flooding caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

Following the spillage of the dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA), over 80 communities in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions have been flooded.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, October 23, Sanitation Minister Freda Prempeh accused the affected people of being stubborn.

She said the victims refused to evacuate even after VRA warned of the spillage and organised various education campaigns.

She said, We dont want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage, even though VRA, NADMO, and the Water Resouces Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did a simulation exercise at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didnt want to be evacuated, they stayed there till the end when we started spilling.

Unfortunately, look at what is happening, the government has to spend millions of money on relief items, the whole area the water is contaminated, and Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can thrust into our pipes. So a stitch in time saves nine.

Reacting to these comments, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has lambasted the Minister for Sanitation.

Speaking to TV3, the North Tongu MP urged the Minister to stop lying and causing more pain to the affected people who have been traumatised by the loss they have incurred.

These Akufo Addo ministers should stop adding insult to injuries, we are pained, depressed, and devastated, they should stop these things. We have had enough of their blatant lies, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said.

The MP further dared the Sanitation Minister to show Ghanaians where government planned to relocate the flooding victims.

She should tell us when and the date. When did they come here? She herself, has she come here before? The people should move to where? She should show us where it was constructed for my people to move to that they refused to go. Was it the Military, NADMO, or who? Ablakwa quizzes.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed not to leave Israel isolated in its fight against Islamist militants, but warned against the risks of a regional conflict as he arrived in Israel for talks this Tuesday.

Arriving in Tel Aviv this Tuesday morning, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to become the first Western leader to meet both Israel's premier and the Palestinian president, more than two weeks into the brutal Gaza conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.

As Israel battles Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas following the worst attack in its 75-year history, Macron visit aims to express solidarity with Israel, but also to stress the need to protect Gaza's civilian population during the incessant bombing campaign on the Palestinian enclave.

Macron, the latest of a string of Western leaders to visit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set be the first to visit Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the occupied West Bank.

After meeting Israel's President Isaac Herzog at Tel Aviv airport, Macron said, "The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers.

"I want you to be sure that you're not left alone in this war against terrorism," Macron told Herzog.

Pushing for peace

The French president also stressed that the campaign must be fought without "enlarging this conflict" as concern has grown about more of Israel's enemies across the Middle East entering the war.

During his visit Macron will also propose relaunching a "genuine peace process", with the aim of creating a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers towards "Israel's security," according to the Elysee palace.

Beyond showing solidarity with Israel, Macron wants to make "proposals that are as operational as possible" to prevent an escalation, to free hostages, and guarantee Israel's security and work towards a two-state solution, presidential advisers have said.

He will also push for a humanitarian truce.

Macron was also due to meet Israeli centrist opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, before meeting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah in the West Bank.

French influence 'limited'

However, Macron's ability to influence events in the region appears limited by what some analysts say is a shift towards a more pro-Israel Anglo-American line, in contrast with the traditionally distinctive and more pro-Arab French Gaullist approach.

Karim Emile Bitar, a Beirut-based foreign policy expert at French think tank IRIS believes that "France's soft power south of the Mediterranean has considerably faded.

"We're under the impression that nothing distinguishes France from other Western countries now," he added.

The French government's decision to adopt a blanket ban on pro-Palestinian protests, before it was struck down by courts, is one reason Macron has lost credit in the Arab world.

However, French officials contest the idea that Macron's policy is biased.

They say the French head of state has constantly reaffirmed the rights of Palestinians and the position of a two-state solution, maintaining, "It's a goal France has never veered from."

France 'won't abandon' hostages

Thirty French citizens were killed on 7 October and nine are still missing. One appeared in a video released by Hamas, but the fate of the others remains unknown.

Macron has vowed that France would "not abandon any of its children" in Gaza and has expressed hope that Qatar's mediation can help free hostages.

Macron's visit will also have a special resonance at home, where France's large Muslim and Jewish communities are on tenterhooks following the killing of a teacher by an Islamist militant that French officials have linked to the events in Gaza.

The French leader will have to tread a fine line during his tour of the region, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict having often stoked tension back home and France's fractious opposition being ready to pounce on any faux pas.

Meanwhile, overnight, Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least another 140 people, according to Hamas.

This comes as UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Monday urged an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" for Gaza where about half of the population of 2.4 million has been driven from their homes.

(with newswires)
Water Resources Commission and the National Disaster Management Organisation, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh has said victims of the Akosombo dam spillage at Mepe and other areas that were affected refused several warnings given to them to relocate by the Volta River Authority.

We dont want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage, even though VRA, NADMO, and the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did a simulation exercise at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didnt want to be evacuated, they stayed there till the end when we started spilling", she told journalists.

Unfortunately, look at what is happening! The government has to spend millions of money on relief items, the whole area, the water is contaminated, and Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can pass it through into our pipes", she complained.

"So, a stitch in time saves nine, but sometimes it is difficult to accept the situation. We cannot continue to sit down and allow these things to happen," she told the media on Monday, 23 October 2023.

About 26,000 people have been displaced by the floods while swathes of farmlands and property have been destroyed and submerged.

-Classfmonline
Motel fire near Jamestown sends two residents and two firefighters to hospital

Two residents and two firefighters were taken to UPMC Chautauqua hospital for evaluation following a fire early Tuesday at the Colony Motel in West Ellicott, near Jamestown, fire officials said.

The first calls reporting the fire came in a little after 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. More than a dozen firefighters rushed to the scene to put out the fire.

About 15 residents of the motel were displaced, said Jamison Judtham, the Celeron Hose Company chief. Those displaced are receiving aid from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

When the rescue team arrived at the scene, they saw a large fire at the back end of the building, which then spread to the first and second stories. Firefighters rescued one person safely, Judtham said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

There was a partial structural collapse due to the fire. The Town of Ellicott has ordered a structural demolition.

- Debadrita Sur
Center for Advancing Rural Opportunities, Ghana (CARO-Ghana) has demonstrated its passion for access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services by building a toilet facility for Gurungu Health Centre in Wa West District.

The non-governmental organisation commemorated this year's global hand-washing day in Lawra.

As part of the commemoration, the organisation handed over hand-washing facilities to Kuoli School in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region.

In addition to that, the NGO has also handed over a toilet facility to the Gurungu Health Centre to boost access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.

According to CARO Ghana, it is a pleasure as an NGO to have the capacity to support communities to have access to sustainable WASH services.

The toilet was built as a result of a challenge the organisation saw during the implementation of a COVID-19 project in Gurungu.

CARO Ghana Executive Director, Mr. Freeman Salifu Kanton said his outfit is glad to be sharing this joyous occasion with the chief and people of Gurungu.

We saw the need to put back the toilet in shape and into good use. It is more critical because our mothers and or caregivers need a place of convenience when they visit the health facility, especially a decent place to change their baby's diapers and a place to change sanitary pads for adolescent girls. This is also geared towards contributing to the sustainable development goals 6 of attaining access to basic WASH services, Mr. Freeman Salifu Kanton said.

He continued, I entreat the chief and people to support the GHS to ensure this facility is maintained and protected from future fire and destruction. We must task the community health committee to be responsible for this toilet.

He assured that CARO Ghana has a special interest in Gurungu and will continue to do its best for the community.
24.10.2023 LISTEN

The Executive Director of Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) Mary Adah has expressed her support for the decision of Road and Highways Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, to petition the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for an investigation into allegations of organised crime in the award of road contracts by Professor Stephen Adei.

She emphasised that there is often some truth in allegations, making the call for investigation a step in the right direction.

This move follows allegations made by former GIMPA Rector, Professor Stephen Addai, concerning irregularities in the award of road contracts.

Prof Addai alleged in an interview with Accra-based TV3, that one has to pay one million upfront to be awarded a road contract in the country.

The Roads Ministry in a statement responding to the claims said the allegations are surprising because the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive and by the law.

The sector Minister has, therefore, requested EOCO to fully investigate the allegation.

Speaking to Class News on the move by the Roads Minister, Madam Adah said the move was in the right direction.

She said: To begin with, when allegations are made, the person who made the allegation would have found semblance of evidence or might have heard something from somewhere or could have experienced or encountered same.

So for the venerable professor to have indicated that to get a road contact in this country you would have had to pay a certain bribe of a certain amount would mean he has either been told; he has either experienced or been confronted with such in his past experience or current experience. So that is the right thing to do as a citizen.

The anti-graft boss indicated that fortunately for us, the professor is within our space and he has made this allegation, so it is also within the remit of the law for those who this allegation was made against to also respond and I am not surprised that they are responding.

And it is good that the roads minister wants this issue investigated and it is within the remit of EOCO, the Special Prosecutor as well could look into it, so its not for one agency to do so.

Madam Adah further stated that the GII believes that those who call for accountability must come with clean hands so if the roads ministry believes this allegation must be investigated, it is the right call.

She emphasised that the Office of Special Prosecutor doesnt even need anybody to put up a complaint before they investigate so there are many institutions of state that can take this up and then based on whatever evidence the professor has, they can build their investigation on and bring findings which will either substantiate or negate the allegations that have been made.

She applauded and added that the move by the Roads Minister is good for the fight against corruption that when allegations are made, people occupying public spaces who have power will want the right things to be done and so will want to initiate investigation.

She stressed, What the Roads Minister has done is in good direction and more of this should happen.

-Classfmonline
Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Papa Owusu Ankomah, expressed embarrassment over the situation with the country's judgment debt payment to Trafigura, a Singaporean commodities-trading company.

The company secured a $140 million award after an arbitral tribunal found Ghana unlawfully terminated a contract for two power plants. Assets, including the Ghana High Commissions building, are at risk of auction to offset the debt.

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah stated that the Finance Ministry is working to liquidate the debt, acknowledging a lapse in adhering to the installment agreement.

Papa Owusu Ankomah confirmed that only one building, Regina House, has been attached, clarifying that diplomatic properties enjoy immunity. While alarmed, he assured Ghanaians that negotiations were underway to settle the debt and downplayed immediate eviction concerns.

The High Commissioner attributed the situation to Ghana's financial challenges and prioritisation of payments.

"As far as I am aware, it's only Regina House which is used for commercial purposes because it's been rented by the Ghana International Bank, two other banks and another commercial entity. That is the one that has been attached. All other properties are diplomatic properties and covered by immunity", he said to Joy News, adding that the Commissioner's residence is also immune from such attachments, likewise, the chancery.

He said he was "sure the government is taking steps to liquidate that debt."

He added: "It's unfortunate that we've come to this stage. It appears our financial circumstances as a country probably, are not holding brief for the finance minister, and that may have constrained the Finance Ministry from honouring the obligation to pay the debt by instalment. But, I am aware that the Finance Ministry is presently engaged in negotiations with lawyers for the judgment creditor to liquidate this debt".

"It's embarrassing; I am embarrassed as High Commissioner for this thing to appear on the internet and everything, and be a subject matter of discussion in Ghana and in the Ghanaian media here. It's serious, but even for those in private business, it gets to a stage you have to prioritize payments when you don't have access to credit and monies being generated do not meet your obligations. Of course, I am sure government could have said that we will pay this debt, and not pay some workers."

"This is just the beginning. It's quite a process. Its not as if it can be done either today or tomorrow because Regina House for instance is on a lease. Even though it's for a long time, it's got about five or six years to run, and there are negotiations to extend the lease."

"But I can assure you and Ghanaians that the Ministry of Finance has things well in hand. The creditors are interested in their money and it's not going to be easy selling these properties, so it's not as if tomorrow they are going to evict the Ghana High Commission and its staff from its premises, or the High Commissioner from his residence or tenants in Regina House are going to be evicted, no. They are going to manage it somehow till they recover the money, so it's just a way of pressurizing government to pay the judgment debt which I am sure the arrangements are being done," he noted.

Trafigura obtained the final award in January 2021, leading to the ongoing legal process for debt enforcement, including attempts to attach London properties.

The Ministry of Finance is engaged in negotiations to resolve the matter.

-Classfmonline
The Human Rights Court 2 in Accra presided over by Justice Nicholas Mensah Abodakpi has directed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to file a reply to the preliminary objection by counsel for Mr. Charles Bissue on a motion filed by the OSP.

The OSP had attempted to invoke the powers of the Human Rights Court to dismiss an application for the enforcement of human rights filed by Mr. Bissue on June 14, 2023.

The OSP, in its motion for dismissal of the application, argued that the application was incompetent, and ought to be summarily dismissed.

But counsel for Bissue, Nana Baffour-Awuah Agyei, in his objection, stated that the motion filed by the OSP is in breach of the rules of the court and to a larger extent the constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

He indicated that the OSP cannot overstep due process and rules of practice of the court in responding to the application.

The application is unconstitutional and alien to the rules of practice and establishment of the court, he stated, adding that the practice is that if you consider same to be incompetent or whatsoever, you have one of two choices to make; you either file a notice raising preliminary legal objections or an affidavit in opposition containing same.

You don't disregard established procedure and a file an application seeking to dismiss a suit under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Abodakpi stressed that the motion as filed by the OSP does not satisfy the rules of the court, and thus urged counsel for the OSP, Seth Ansong, to take a leave of the court to reply those objections as raised by the defendant.

The case has been adjourned to Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Background

An application for the enforcement of human rights was filed by lawyers for Mr. Bissue on June 14, 2023.

Mr. Bissue claims the OSP by its conduct into a purported investigation of corruption and corruption-related issues about his person and his work at the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), infringed on his human rights.

The suit was occasioned by a series of threats as referred by lawyers of Mr. Bissue, from the OSP in respect of its investigations into the Galamsey Fraud Documentary Part 1 and that of the IMCIM following allegations by the former Chairman, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng.

The OSP had escalated its actions, declaring Mr. Bissue wanted and publishing same, claiming the latter failed to honour a directive for investigation into allegations of corruption.

Among other reliefs sought by lawyers of Mr. Bissue, is an order to prohibit the OSP from applying for arrest warrants and hounding the applicant [Mr. Bissue] in the name of investigations.

-DGN online
The police investigator in the case of two teenagers, who killed an 11-year-old boy in Kasoa last year for rituals to become rich, yesterday told the trial court that the accused buried their victim while he was still breathing.

Chief Inspector Isaac Asiedu Odei, led in his evidence-in-chief by Nana Adoma Osei, a Senior State Attorney, told the court that one of the accused persons admitted during investigations that the victim was still alive and breathing when they buried him in a shallow grave they had dug.

They have all pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, while one of them who is believed to be the prime suspect and had confessed to the crime during the committal proceedings, pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, but the court entered a plea of not guilty for him.

The investigator as part of his testimony tendered in evidence the handle of pickaxe which one of the accused used to hit the victim on the head.

He also tendered in evidence two cement blocks, one of them used to hit the victim on the forehead after he had been hit with the pickaxe handle.

Chief Inspector Odei again tendered in evidence a shovel and a spade which the accused persons used in digging a shallow grave in which they buried the victim who was still breathing.

The investigator, in his evidence, told the court that one of the accused had confessed that he hit the deceased with a full block which later broke into pieces after landing on the forehead of the deceased.

The accused, during his confession, indicated that just as he was about to strike the deceased with the block, the victim who was partly unconscious suddenly raised his head and looked his attacker right in the face and pleaded with him not to kill him.

The young boy, according to the confession, begged his killer for forgiveness if he had offended him in any way, but this fell on deaf ears, as the attacker who was very good friends with the victim went ahead to land the block on his head.

The investigator also told the court that the accused took the police to the crime scene and demonstrated how they lured the victim and how they eventually killed him.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Odei has told the court that the alleged fetish priest who demanded GH50,000 and a live human from the accused persons denied ever talking to them.

According to him, the said fetish priest was arrested and a forensic test conducted on her phone showed no communication between her and the accused persons.

The fetish priest also told the police that she had been practicing her trade for three years but never demanded human sacrifice from any of her patrons.

The court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, has granted the prosecution leave to file certain documents and photographs relevant to their case, which were not available at the time the other documents were disclosed to the court and defence counsels.

-DGN online
24.10.2023 LISTEN

Accras Kotoka International Airport enclave has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades in line with the growth in the aviation and hospitality sub-sectors. Indeed, the successful execution of the Airport City 1 project by the Ghana Airports Company transformed the skyline of the national capital.

The Airport City 1 is now home to major architectural masterpieces and is one of the most sought-after business districts in the capital. The Atlantic Towers, Nester Square, Holiday Inn Hotel, SSNIT Emporium, the Marina Mall, the National Communications Authority (NCA) building, Vodafone and UT towers, Silver Star Towers, and the One Airport Square among others, are some of the major developments in the Airport City One Project.

The expected construction of a new development, christened Prestige, on 2.88 acres of land adjacent to the Airport Shell Fuel Station and directly opposite the Marina Mall by a private developer is also set to add to the beauty of the Airport skyline and redefine luxury living in Ghanas capital and play a key role in increasing the countrys tourism receipts. Youssef Aitour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of i2 Development Ghana Limited, developer of the project, confirmed that an official launch of the project is slated for December 13, 2023.

The importance of modern, sustainable, plush offices, residential properties, and hotels within the Kotoka International Airport vicinity, and indeed in major airports in Africa, cannot be overstated when it comes to the growth of tourism, aviation, and allied businesses. These properties play a crucial role in supporting and attracting visitors, facilitating travel, and fostering economic development.

Placing plush residential properties and hotels near airports provides convenient and easy access for travelers. This accessibility allows tourists, business travelers, and aviation professionals to conveniently stay close to the airport, saving time and reducing travel-related stress. This proximity encourages more visitors to explore Ghana, as they can easily reach their accommodations upon arrival, resulting in increased tourism and economic growth.

These developments are in sync with the investment in on-ground airport infrastructure at the Kotoka International Airport. The flagship Terminal 3 can handle five (5) million passengers a year. Last year, passenger throughput was a little over 1.8 million and is expected to increase this year.

In 2022, Ghana realized US$2billon in tourism revenue, with a projected end-year 2023 tourism revenue of US$ 3.4 billion. Over half a million visitors have been recorded for the first half of this year by the tourism sector regulator, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The Authority projects a total arrival of 1.2 million by the end of the year.

All these visitors and the many expatriates, business leaders, and entrepreneurs desirous of living in the heart of the Airport City with access to world-class amenities and impeccably designed residential spaces would benefit a great deal from the completion of the Prestige. This would improve the visitor experience. Modern and plush properties, like what is planned with Prestige, offer a wide range of amenities and services, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for visitors. This positive experience can encourage tourists to return and recommend the destination to others, boosting the growth of the tourism industry.

All Within reach

The Prestige projects location means all the best Accra has to offer leisure and business travelers are all a minute away. From famed shopping Malls, restaurants, nightclubs, offices of major international companies operating in Ghana, and of course, the Kotoka International Airport are all within reachin 60 seconds. The project is expected to cater to the ultimate luxury living whether one opts for a studio, one or two-bedroom, or a penthouse.

The lush green spaces on the ground, on each of the levels, and the incorporation of sustainable open spaces as part of the Prestige, will create a luxury sanctuary within the city for residents and pleasure the eyes of beholders. With the strong choice of renowned Michelleti and Co. as the general contractors, the quality of the project is never in doubt. Casa Trasacco is a preferred partner for the project and will add a touch of elegance, as they have come to be known for, for each apartment curated within the Prestige.

Improved KIAs brand image

The availability of sustainable accommodations near airports can attract environmentally conscious travelers. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for travelers, the presence of eco-friendly hotels and residences can provide a competitive advantage for airports and their associated travel markets. Moreover, the construction of sustainable residences and hotels can stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities in the construction, hospitality, and service sectors. These developments can employ local communities, thereby supporting the overall aviation and travel markets.

In addition to economic benefits, sustainable accommodations can also improve the airport's reputation and contribute to its corporate social responsibility efforts. This can lead to increased stakeholder trust, positive media attention, and a strengthened overall brand image, attracting more airlines and businesses to operate within the airport's vicinity.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman for Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) Mr. Jones Afriyie-Anto was called to bar by the General Legal Counsel during the 60th enrollment onto the Roll of Lawyers, held on Friday, 20th October, 2023.

He joined over 1,000 candidates who successfully passed their professional law examination, organized by the Ghana School of Law held at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Mr. Jones Afriyie-Anto doubles as the Chairman of GRNMA Load Board and has presently been certified by the GLC to begin his legal profession in the country.

A press statement issued on 23rd October 2023 and signed by the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for GRNMA Mr. Haruna Yakubu congratulated Mr. Jones Afriyie-Anto for his new achievement.

The Ashanti regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association is elated to announce to the teaming members and all and sundry that, the indefatigable Chairman Digital Chairman Mr. Jones Afriyie-Anto has been called to the bar.

The Nursing fraternity is so proud of you for joining the few nurses and midwives to attain this feat, the press statement read.

Mr. Jones Afriyie-Anto served as PRO for four years, 1st Vice Chairman for eight years and has served as the chairman from the year 2016 till date, all for the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

24.10.2023 LISTEN

Our very respected traditional and religious leaders must resolve now to call out those who in the name of politics have abandoned our national values and virtues.

Since the flood disasters in parts of the Volta Region occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, some NDC apparatchiks have decided to say anything at all as if they are in bed with pigs in the mud.

If that were not the case, would Okudzeto Ablakwa denigrate the Ghana Armed Forces on mere suspicion that they were leaving Mepe on so-called orders from above.

Let us remind Ablakwa that so long as he wants to ride on the misery of the disaster victims to advance his political career and maybe catch the eye of John Mahama for running mate, he is bound to fail miserably. The good Lord would continue to expose them for their disrespect for President Akufo-Addo, because his battle is still the Lords.

Now Ablakwa, you must render an unqualified apology to the Ghana Armed Forces for the blatant lie if you still have any dignity and honour left as MP.

For purposes of this discourse, we want to share the conversation President Akufo-Addo had with the people of Mepe last Monday and whether it drowned the focus of the national action to deal with the humanitarian emergency as claimed by Professor Gyampo, who in recent times has lost the proverbial Akuapem respect and speaks to President Akufo-Addo as one of the students in his Political Science class.

The spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams and its effects on livelihoods in many communities downstream, have exposed the nations disaster preparedness. The entire nation was caught hands down virtually helpless in the wake of the catastrophe of unimaginable proportions.

We are familiar with spillages, if not for the one by the Volta River Authority (VRA), but for the annual rituals by the Burkina authorities in discharging the Bagre Dam to flow into Ghanas water bodies up north. This exercise by the Burkina Faso government has always caused a lot of pain to our brothers and sisters up north, especially farmers who have had their produce inundated by flood waters.

Presently, some farmers in that part of the country are also counting their losses as a result of the spillage and heavy rains in the five northern regions. However, the devastation caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams is unprecedented and we wonder whether the VRA and its stakeholders appreciate the humanitarian emergency they are dealing with.

We all can see some structures that have been inundated by the floods, making it difficult to describe communities such as Mepe as ground zero, but the spectacle has brought those affected communities on their knees. Scenes of the devastation and the helplessness and hopelessness of the victims show that those communities would never be the same again.

The effect of the spillage is no respecter of persons, with the old and young at risk of various water borne diseases and starvation. Now the state is at its wits end trying to find some level of comfort or temporary shelter for the victims. Some of the leaders of the victims have suggested that the government should consider relocating the victims temporarily at the Saglemi housing project and also declare a state of emergency.

We wonder whether those proposing those choices understand the implications, for instance, of a state of emergency that would restrict the freedoms of the victims. We expect that when calamities like this befall us, we would take off it political veils and deal pragmatically with the challenges.

Source: Daily Guide
The President of The New Ghana Social Justice Forum (NGSJF), Mr. Yahaya Alhassan, has described the latest public spat between Wontumi and Kennedy Agyapong as nothing, but political hypocrisy by political gangs, desperately seeking to secure power for their selfish interest.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Mr. Alhassan said the infighting in NPP was a sign of the spirit of Ahmed Suale, calling for justice.

Mr. Alhassan stated that the truth stands and NGSJF is still committed to ensuring justice which includes sending letters to institutions around the world, to ensure justice, for one of the worst crimes to ever happen to Ghanas democracy.

Mr. Alhassan described the death of Ahmed Suale as an attack on free speech, good governance and the democracy of Ghana.

Ghana today is living in the world of compromised media silence, where the big voices, the lecturers, are even unable to speak against political ills that have rendered mass unemployment; that have rendered innocent Ghanaians escaping from this dear country; that have caused internet data fraud; that have caused sex for job, etc. It is high time Ghanaians wake up, and not be silent in the face of growing corruption, nepotism, and favoritism. What the NPP are doing is hypocrisy. They never spoke about the threat and malicious killing of Ahmed Suale, but now that they are looking for power, is when theyve brought the Kennedy Agyapongs threat to Ahmed Suale matter up," he stressed.

He therefore called on President Akufo-Addo, to re-set up a committee to vigorously investigate the killing of Ahmed Suale.

He added that the group is still committed to sending letters across the world, to ensure justice for Ahmed Suale.
Vice President, Markets, at MTN Group, Eben Asante has said for Africa to be able to bridge the yawning digital gap and also leapfrog the risks that digitalization presents, stakeholders must move away from the rhetoric and start taking decisive and purposeful actions to get the job done.

He was delivering a keynote address at the just-ended Mobile World Congress Africa (MWCAfrica) 2023 at the iconic Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda.

The theme for the three-day conference was Velocity: Unleashing Tomorrows Technology Today, and it focused on four key sub-themes of Accelerate Africa, Fintech, Healthtech and Powering Digital.

What emerged prominently in all the keynote addresses and sessions over the three-day period was that there is a huge connectivity gap in Africa, and even among the few who are actually connected, just about 25% use data, which leaves a yawning usage gap due to a number of factors, mainly affordability, lack of digital skills, relevance (language barrier), and safety/security concerns.

The significance of Rwanda hosting the industry gathering, was however the silver lining, in that Rwanda is largely revered for being a good example of what practical and decisive actions as well as real public-private sector collaboration is doing to bridge the digital gap in Africa.

Indeed, Eben Asante, like other speakers noted that Rwanda presents a living and seminal example to the continent and the world on what African countries must to do to bridge the digital gap.

The Digital Gap

He noted that per recent GSMA reports, more than 75% of people in Africa are not connected, which is almost a billion people including half of the adult population and several children.

Eben Asante also stated that per MTNs own readings, about 90% of connected people use their phones for mainly voice calls, while a combined usage of phones for voice, data and digital finance (mobile money) is below 20%.

So the digital divide is real and it is clear and there is much work to be done by us all, he said. The future looks very challenging but also presents opportunities in health, agriculture, education, financial services, government and governance, industry and everyday life for African citizens, he said.

He said it is time for African countries to stop describing the challenge they face as a digital gap because it is more about bridging the gap of inhumanity: rural-urban gap, male-female gap, the north and south gap, the haves and have nots gap  that is the real gap of inhumanity we must bridge with digitalization as a tool.

MTN is Doing

Eben Asante said MTN is already committed to closing the coverage and usage gaps, adding that just last year MTN brought some 45 million people under coverage in 3G and 4G, with nine million of them being under 4G alone.

We covered 88% of the population last year and by 2025 we have a target to cover 95% of the population with advanced technology, he said.

MTN, according to him, has also reduced its effective data prices by 22% across board and is working towards a digitalizing everything economy by collaborating with Mastercard to reach at least 100 million Africans with mobile finance services by year 2025.

Enabling Environment

He however noted that all the great plans operators like MTN have would require an enabling environment by governments, as well as the right partnerships and collaborations.

In terms of creating an enabling environment, Eben Asante said MTN has a number of proposals:

Spectrum

First, government spectrum roadmaps should ensure sufficient spectrum to meet the sharp rise in demand for mobile and data services, and that should include speedy access to mid-band spectrum, particularly 3.5MHz, given its importance to the future of 5G low latency to support the digitalization of everything work.

There is also a need to prioritize the acceleration of access to sub-1GHz spectrum to provide widespread rural mobile broadband service, he said.

Taxes

Secondly, there is a need to apply best pro-digital-growth tax, tariff and fiscal principles to facilitate the rapid digitalization, adding that we should not strain the goose that lay the golden eggs.

Regulation

Eben Asante also emphasized the need for a fair and transparent regulatory regime, which he said requires a continuous dialogue even as technologies such as those in non-terrestrial gain interest.

Speaking of non-terrestrial technology gaining interest, Elon Musks Starlink is gradually rolling out its satellite-enabled internet services in Africa, and there have been hints of him turning his X (Twitter) platform into a payments platform, which will then make it difficult for regulators to keep him in check. Some experts have earlier said that this requires dialogue, like Eben Asante said, and not a high-handed regulatory stance.

Power supply

Lastly, Eben Asante thinks African governments need to facilitate the provision of reliable and efficient grid power and energy mixes to power the digitalization drive.

With these policy changes in place, we will be able to work side by side with you all as the continent leapfrogs previous generations in adopting digital solutions faster and, more importantly, out of necessity, he said.

Rwandan Example



President Paul Kagame delivering his keynote address at the opening of MWCAfrica 2023

In his keynote address, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame related how his government created the enabling environment for Airtel Rwanda and MTN Rwanda to provide very affordable data packages that is within the reach of every Rwandan.

Based on the enabling environment, including the removal of nuisance taxes and other pragmatic policy frameworks by the Rwandan government, MTN Rwanda has rolled out a scheme called Macye Macye, which enables ordinary Rwandans to buy 4G enabled smartphones on credit and also receive very affordable data packages.

The Rwandan government also facilitated a $20 million grant from the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Netflix, Wilmot Reed Hastings Jr, that has enabled Airtel Rwanda to provide 4G LTE smartphone at an affordable price of $16.7, plus 1G data per day at only $1.
Interesting political nuggets from the campaign trail as we pass the two-week mark to Election Day:

 The Buffalo News is trying something different this election. We did not host a debate, but we are ramping up our efforts to make the use of video more prominent in our coverage. Last week, I sat down with Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Chrissy Casilio, his Republican challenger, for video interviews about policy, politics and some of the controversies that have dominated campaign coverage for the last few months. Stay tuned in the coming days as we roll out these videos on Buffalonews.com

 Its not every day that you see supporters of Poloncarz spreading the opinions of WBEN radio host David Bellavia. But thats what happened last week when Bellavia, the former Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, made this statement after the St. Josephs Collegiate Institute debate: Mark Poloncarz absolutely wiped the floor with Chrissy Casilio.

I listened to the segment and it was hard to determine why Bellavia felt that way. I was at the debate and it did not seem like Poloncarz dominated, as he did in a Buffalo Niagara Partnership forum in late September. As I noted in my story, Casilio has markedly improved in her ability to talk about salient issues and she hit the three-term county executive with a number of zingers that drew loud reaction from the crowd. But Poloncarz knows the issues well (as he should) and seemed largely unflappable.

Bellavia seemed to be venting his broader frustrations with the Erie County Republican Party, Chairman Michael Kracker and, by extension, Rep. Nick Langworthy. Thats understandable and stems from the partys inability to produce a more experienced candidate than Casilio, who has never run for office before. Kracker brushed away the criticism, telling me late last week that taking such arrows are simply part of the job.

 Casilios campaign has been running advertisements on social media comparing Poloncarz to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in the midst of a sexual harassment scandal. Political observers have noted the apparent irony, since Cuomos camp spent years trying to undermine Poloncarz and Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner.

 There may be more to the story about Casilios decision to decline an invitation to a debate planned by the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists. Casilio told me during an interview last week that she did not mean to offend the group, but her calendar was full because the BABJ did not invite her until Oct. 1. Compare that with Channel 4, which started coordinating with both candidates for their debate four months in advance.

 Melissa DeRosa, the former top staffer to Cuomo, has finally confirmed what many reporters in this town long suspected: that Mayor Byron Brown, had the political chips fallen differently, could be sitting in Albany right now as the governor of New York State.

DeRosa provided an excerpt of her new book, Whats Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis, to News Albany Bureau Chief Chris Bragg. In the book, DeRosa writes that in 2014, Brown was Cuomos top choice to be the governors running mate atop the Democratic Party ticket. But according to the book, Cuomos vetting process turned up information that federal investigators were eyeing Brown. Instead, Cuomo endorsed Kathy Hochul, and the rest is history.

You have to wonder if Brown thought about this turn of events in 2021, when he found himself running a write-in campaign against democratic socialist India Walton after his humiliating defeat in the Democratic primary. Of course, the big federal investigation turned out to be sort of a nothingburger. And Brown is still ensconced on the second floor of City Hall as Cuomo drifts through the political wilderness. So maybe it didnt turn out so bad for Buffalos fifth-term mayor after all.

 An astute reader pointed out an error I made in the Oct. 3 Politics Now newsletter. I wrote that Cheektowaga Council Member Brian Nowak won the Democratic primary for town supervisor. Nowak didnt win a primary because there wasnt one. Fellow Council Member Christine Adamczyk declined the nomination, Erie County Board of Elections records show, after the validity of some signatures on her designating petitions were challenged in court.

 Buffalo City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams is set to appear unopposed on the ballot in November. But Matt Austin, who describes himself as the citys former Open Data & Analytics Project Manager, has launched a write-in campaign using the website buffalocomptroller.net

 Austins brief TikTok videos appear on the site and have been popping up on social media in recent weeks. If elected, Austin writes on his website that he will work to modernize City Hall through the efficient use of technology.

 A reminder that while Election Day is Nov. 7, early voting begins this Saturday. Saturday is also the deadline when applications to register to vote must be received by county boards of elections for the applicant to vote in the general election. For polling places and more details, visit elections.erie.gov or call 716-858-8891.
Criminals are employing so many schemes, techniques and mechanisms to obscure their ownership and control of dirty acquired assets. Identifying the true beneficial owner(s) and/ or individual(s) exercising control over assets and businesses is a big challenge for financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and intelligence practitioners across the world. There are so many companies that operates in the world without any physical presence and control of assets, making them vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing.

This article aims to throw light on the features of shell companies and how they could be exploited by criminals to laundering their ill-gotten money.

Research conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) demonstrates that legal persons, especially shell companies, are a key feature in the techniques and schemes used to disguise the real ownership of firms (beneficial ownership). A shell corporation is a corporation without active business operations or significant assets. Simply put, a company without any physical presence and assets.

A distinction can be made of Shell, Front and Shelf companies. Front company, on one hand is a fully functioning company with the characteristics of a legitimate business, serving to disguise and obscure illicit financial activity. Shelf Company, on the other hand, is an incorporated company with inactive shareholders, directors, and secretary and is left dormant for a longer period even if a customer relationship has already been established. With regards to Shell Company, it is an incorporated company with no independent operations, significant assets, ongoing business activities, or employees. Shell Corporations existence is just confined in documents and has no physical presence and employees. Shell Corporations are not illegal businesses but can be used for illegal purposes such as tax evasion and money laundering. It can also use to achieve a specific goal to hide the original owners of companies who will want to shield their personal assets from authorities or others. Most at times, Shell companies are use as trustee for a trust or a vehicle for business transaction without itself having any significant assets or operations.

Companies wanting to use the tax laws to their advantage uses Shell Companies to avoid the payment of taxes. This is mostly done utilizing the favorable transfer pricing strategies.

Countries where Shell Corporations thrive and domicile are Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Virgin Islands, Panama, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Shell Companies are considered vulnerable to money laundering due to its anonymity. It offers protection about the owners and/ or controllers identities secret by keeping the identities private, especially so, when the Shell Company is incorporated in a tax haven country. Request for information about the beneficiary owners of the company is restricted. They might use fictitious directors or shareholders, intricate ownership structures, and offshore jurisdictions with rules that permit greater anonymity and privacy. Shell companies offers opportunity for foreign and domestic firms to move funds from one country to another without having to disclose the identities of the business owners, nature of purpose of the transactions

The ease at which Shell Companies are form also makes them vulnerable to money laundering. It is not expensive to set up and operate a shell company, especially in a tax haven country. This was noted in a money laundering threat assessment conducted by the FinCEN in 2015 and FATF report The Misuse of Corporate Vehicles, Including Trust and Company Service Providers in 2016.

Criminals use Shell companies to acquire, manage and hide their assets from the authorities. They are used to raise funds, hold stocks, or serve as limited liability trustees for these criminals without the identity of the true owners being disclosed. Shell companies are also used to finance the activities of terrorist organizations. One of the challenges with shell companies, which is attracted to criminals, is that they can be difficult to trace since they dont have physical presence.

Tax evasion is one of the uses why Shell companies are formed. Because criminals dont want to pay taxes on their incomes and assets, they set up shell companies in jurisdiction with lower tax rates or lax regulations. This is done by the criminal transferring his or her income and assets to the shell company, which then acts as holding company or investment vehicle.

Given the severity of this threat to the financial system's integrity, businesses must acknowledge the Anti Money Laundering (AML) risks associated with shell companies and identify clients attempting to launder ill-gotten money through them. Some red flags to look out for when dealing clients/ customers include:

The secrecy surrounding shell corporations

The purposeful withholding of information by criminals.

Transactions involving products and services do not correspond to the businesses sending or receiving them.

Several high-value transactions between well-known shell firms

Difficulties in receiving information regarding the transaction or transfer founders or beneficiaries.

A business that engages in transaction activity that is out of line with its business models, such as unusually large transaction volumes or irregular bursts of activity.

Transactions involving two different businesses with the same registration address or corporations that disclose their registered agent's address.

Payments in which there is no clear or declared purpose or for which there are no recognizable products or services.

Transactions with a large percentage of beneficiaries in high-risk jurisdictions or off-shore financial centers.

One way for combat the use of shell companies by criminals to further their criminal activities is for the enactment and implementation of laws to regulate the formation, operations and activities of shell companies. These laws will require greater transparency in the ownership structure of these business. The implementation of the beneficiary ownership registry will go a long way to identify the actual owners of companies. Making the information on the beneficiary ownership registry available to the law enforcement agencies will help in their investigation and subsequent prosecution of the criminals behind the shell companies. Also international standards and guidelines for combating the use of shell companies for financial crime activities should be adopted and followed.

Proper due diligence and KYC principles need to be instituted by financial institutions if they are to onboard any shell company. The financial institution should have the necessary tools and knowledge to monitor the transactions of shell companies.

Despite these dangers and controls stated, the use of shell companies for financial crimes continues to be a challenge. As technology, digitalization and globalization make it easier to move money around the world easily, individuals and corporations are finding new ways to hide their assets and income from authorities. It will require continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, and international organizations to combat the use of shell companies for financial crimes.

Would you mind doing me a favor? Share this article with someone so that the awareness of shell companies and how they are vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing could be spread to avoid being used as a conduit by criminals.

If you require further information on this article, please contact Richieson @ [email protected] .
24.10.2023 LISTEN

World Vision Ghana has heightened measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the remarkable gains for the people of Asante Akim North District.

Before the closure of the Asante Akim North Area Programme, officials of World Vision focused the implementation of the intervention on sustainability drivers, local ownership, partnering, transformed relationship, local and national advocacy, and household and family resilience.

They collaborated with various community groups and stakeholders to ensure the success and continuity of these initiatives.

Under local ownership, the Area Programme (AP) has facilitated the formation of Community and District Child Protection Committees, trained Child Welfare Supervisors and empowered Child Parliaments.

It has engaged Mother-to-Mother support groups, Community Health Volunteers, and Faith leaders to support health interventions, promote water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) practices and ensure child protection.

The AP has strengthened traditional authorities' involvement and community coalition for continuous progress. Local government, community-based organisations (CBOs), faith-based organisations (FBOs), and other partners will utilize the knowledge and logistics provided by World Vision to sustain and expand the gains achieved in child-wellbeing.

The second driver, partnering involves MOU signing with like-minded organisations and government Decentralisation for broader impact. CBOs contribute resources in partnership with World Vision to realize the program's goals.

In the future, community groups will identify strengths and work collaboratively to sustain and advance child well-being, generating funding for joint implementation.

According to a brochure on the closure of the Asante Akim Area Programme issued on 16th August 2023, transformed relationships have been fostered through training and support, such as the Community and District Child Protection Committee concept and Celebrating Family Curriculum.

"In the future, the models will continue to strengthen bonds between households, families, and communities," World Vision Ghana officials indicated in the brochure.

In terms of local and national advocacy, Community and District CVA groups have engaged duty bearers for improved service delivery. Assembly members, Child Protection Committee, and faith-based organisations lead campaigns against child marriage. They will co-opt other groups for effective engagement, prioritize community needs, and sustain advocacy efforts.

"House and family Resilience has been promoted through Mother-to-Mother support groups, faith leaders' psychosocial support, and the Savings for Transformation model. The implementation of an empowered worldview and celebrating families' models equips households and communities with skills to bounce back from life's challenges.

"Overall, World Vision's current and future plan reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainably improve child well-being and empower communities to take ownership of their development. Through partnership, advocacy and targeted interventions, they aim to create lasting impact and resilience for children and families," the brochure stated.
The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has raised concern about how relief items are being shared to victims of the flooding caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

Following the spillage of the dams by the Volta River Authority, many communities in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions have been affected with thousands of people displaced from their homes.

In the midst of the devastation caused, government as well as individuals and organisations have been supplying relief items to the affected people.

Speaking to Starr FM, Asuogyaman MP Thomas Ampem Nyarko has called for the setting up of a centralised centre that will receive the relief items for further distribution to all the affected areas.

In the heat of this everybody is trying to help their people, so I am doing mine here, Okudzeto is doing his there, and I am sure the DCEs are also doing their part. If the government does not centralize things and coordinate you wouldnt expect that my colleague Okudzeto will get some items and say this percentage should go to Asuogyaman when all his problems havent been solved, the MP argued.

Thomas Ampem Nyarko continued, Somebody higher will have to do that but that is not what we are seeing. We have been left to fight our fight and so thats the result of what we are seeing now. Understandably, everybody will want to go where the problem is most serious. So you see everybody directing their support and efforts to the center of the problem.

Meanwhile, VRA has assured that it will work with all government agencies to bring a lasting solution to the devastation caused by the spillage.
(BRF2023) Interview: BRI greatly contributes to Africas infrastructure development, says U.S. expert - Source: Xinhua, Editor: huaxia

October 24, 2023 | Speaking of the groundless accusations and malicious attacks by some U.S. politicians on the Belt and Road Initiative, Freeman, an American expert on Africa, said claims that China conducts the so-called debt trap diplomacy have been repeatedly proven false by Western experts.

by Xinhua writers Deng Xianlai and Xu Yuan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (Xinhua)  Lawrence Freeman, an American expert on Africa, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made important contributions to improving global political and economic relations since its inception a decade ago, especially on the African continent.

He believes that the severe shortage of electricity is the most intractable infrastructure problem facing Africa, which not only exacerbates poverty, but also kills Africans.

This is not a metaphor, Freeman said, because without electricity, industrial and agricultural production and basic infrastructure such as hospitals would be impossible. China is actively working with many African countries to address this issue, he added.

Staff members work on the fiberglass production line of Jushi Egypt in Suez, Egypt, June 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Belt and Road projects in Africa cover energy, ports, airports, roads, railways, schools and other aspects, Freeman said, and it is a proven fact that Chinas involvement in Africas infrastructure construction and economic and social development is right now irreplaceable.

As an expert on Africa, Freeman has advised many governments in sub-Saharan Africa on economic development policies and has witnessed several Belt and Road projects on the continent.

One economic minister in Africa once told me: If you take China out of Africa, there is no substitute that would step in,' he said.

For years, Freeman has been vehemently advocating for the African Unions visionary Integrated High Speed Train Network, which is a flagship project of the AUs Africa 2063 Agenda adopted in 2015 and, when finished, would connect African capitals and commercial centers. As such, Freeman is particularly impressed by the several high-standard railways China helped build on the African continent.

This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows the Karuma dam at Karuma Hydropower Plant in Kiryandongo, Uganda. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

In 2016, Freeman attended the ceremony marking the inauguration of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti electrified railway  an early harvest project of China-Africa production capacity cooperation  in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. And his decades-long dream of taking a train in Africa was realized on a Chinese-built railroad in Nigeria.

Of the 30 years Ive been traveling to Africa, I finally got a ride on a railroad in 2021, Freeman said, adding it was on the railway linking Abuja  the Nigerian capital  and Kaduna, a northern metropolis and a major transportation hub in the country.

Ive driven that route on a poorly paved road, Freeman recalled. With the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna railway, I could sit back on a train  It was comfortable, it was smooth  I enjoyed every second of it because Ive been waiting for decades to take a train in Africa.

Speaking of the groundless accusations and malicious attacks by some U.S. politicians on the Belt and Road Initiative, Freeman said claims that China conducts the so-called debt trap diplomacy have been repeatedly proven false by Western experts.

China is not intervening into domestic affairs (of countries along the Belt and Road), he said. China lends money with no conditionality.

Yet we have ignorant people in the U.S. government, in the State Department, in the Congress who repeat this (false rhetoric) about Chinas Africa policy, Freeman said.

Some U.S. diplomats and members of Congress have repeatedly discredited Chinas Africa policy, throwing out unfounded or ignorant attacks on China despite having access to knowing better what the reality is, he noted.

Theyre repeating something that is known to be untrue. So that is no longer ignorance. Thats deliberate disinformation, Freeman said.

Read Chinese translation

Read my earlier post: Win-Win Cooperation Is Our Goal for China-U.S. Relations

Also read: BRI provides solid platform for global cooperation chinadailyhk.com

Lawrence Freeman is a Political-Economic Analyst for Africa, who has been involved in economic development policies for Africa for over 30 years. He is a teacher, writer, public speaker, and consultant on Africa. Mr. Freeman strongly believes that economic development is an essential human right. He is also the creator of the blog: lawrencefreemanafricaandtheworld.com
A high-level delegation from Ghana is attending the 25th China Mining Conference and Exhibition from 26th to 28th October 2023 in Tianjin, China, to attract investment in the country's mining industry.

The delegation is led by Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, and includes officials from the government and private sector.

The conference brings together major players in mining from around the world.

This is the first in-person conference since the pandemic.

Ahead of the conference, the sector Minister met with selected Chinese mining companies already operating in Ghana, such as Shandong Gold Group and Tianyuan Manganese Industry Group.

He highlighted new opportunities for investment and growth in the sector.

On Thursday, Minister Jinapor will join Chinese Minister, Wang Guang Hua in a formal opening of the conference.

He will also participate in a discussion with other Ministers focusing on developments and sustainability in mining.

In the Country Promotion Session on Friday, Mr Jinapor will make the case for increased Chinese investment in value-added processing of Ghana's mineral resources to support economic growth.

Ghana is taking advantage of the first in-person conference since the pandemic to promote its mining industry globally.

Other members of the delegation include senior officials from the Minerals Commission, Minerals Income Investment Fund and Parliament.
Residents of American Town in the Awutu Senya East District of the Central Region are living in fear following the murder of a woman believed to be in her late twenties.

Sources within the community say they found the naked body of the lady in a bag close to an abandoned container with face injuries believed to have been caused by a sharp object.

Residents in the area say they fear for their safety after the incident and are calling on the authorities to carefully investigate the matter.

Some bad people are believed to have been behind this crime. My community members are afraid. We know when its getting to Christmas some people engage in these bad acts. We want the police to begin an investigation into the matter, one resident expressed his fears.

I was on my way to work when I heard that a woman had been murdered and dumped in a container in the community. We dont know her in the community. This is the second time such an incident has happened here. We have children here and this is dangerous, another resident told Citi News.

The murder of the young woman has sent shockwaves through the community. The residents have called on the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is furious with the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, over her comment that the victims of the Akosombo dam spillage at Mepe and other areas that were affected refused several warnings given to them to relocate by the Volta River Authority, Water Resources Commission and the National Disaster Management Organisation.

The Minister told journalists in an interview that We dont want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage, even though VRA, NADMO, and the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did a simulation exercise at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didnt want to be evacuated, they stayed there till the end when we started spilling", she told journalists.

Unfortunately, look at what is happening!".

"The government has to spend millions of money on relief items, the whole area, the water is contaminated, and Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can pass it through into our pipes", she complained.

In an angry response, Mr Ablakwa cautioned the Minister not to add salt to the injury of his constituents who are already suffering as a result of the floods from the spillage of the excess water from the two dams.

Speaking to Class News, Mr Ablakwa stated these Akufo-Addo Ministers should stop adding insults to injury, we are pained, we are distressed, we are depressed, we are devastated, they should stop these things, its getting on our nerves, weve had enough of their blatant lies.

The agitated MP raised series of questions. She should tell us when, she should give us dates, when did they come here? She herself has she been here before, does she know what shes talking about, move to where? She said the people refused to move, move to where? Is she aware that we were here more than 200 years before the dam was constructed? That we had to give out portions of our land for these two dams to be constructed? I mean the level of ignorance is shocking, they should stop embarrassing themselves, that the people refused to move, move to where?

Nobody is a squatter here, that point must be made very clear, even if you had plans for the people to be relocated what did you put in place, what have you constructed, where were the people supposed to go to? Is government not ashamed that the NADMO camps that they have erected are in classrooms?

Mr Ablakwa emphasised that the Minority will be filing a motion for a full scale probe which will be live on television and every Ghanaian will get into these matters and know exactly what happened.

About 26,000 people have been displaced by the floods while swathes of farmlands and property have been destroyed and submerged.

-Classfmonline
Twenty-four out of the 31 ECOWAS nationals who were arrested by the Western Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for their alleged involvement in prostitution and other immigration related offences, have been convicted and sentenced by a Sekondi District Court B.

This was after investigations were concluded on 24 of the suspects; they were charged with illegal entry and illegal stay contrary to Section 20(1) and 52(1)(D) of the Immigration Act 2000 (Act 573).

The suspects pleaded guilty to the charges, and the court presided over by Araba Nunoo, sentenced them on their own pleas. Each of the suspects was sentenced to a fine of GH1,000.00 and in default serve six months prison term.

Eight of the convicts managed to pay their fines, giving way to administrative processes leading to their deportation back to their home country.

The other 16 convicted prostitutes have since been taken into custody by the Sekondi Central Prison to begin their sentence.

Meanwhile, the Service is in the process of repatriating two of the suspects, who were identified during the investigations as having been trafficked, back to their home country to be united with their families.

Also, the two nursing mothers, together with suspects, Mr. and Mrs. Okereke, all Nigerians and a Ghanaian, Mr. Kofi Bekoe have been granted police enquiry bail to enable the Service to finish its investigations on them.

The prosecution team, led by the Western Regional Legal Officer for the GIS, Chief Superintendent Samuel Bilson, managed to secure Deportation Order for all the twenty-four suspects.

Asst. Insp. Moses Manford Akakpo, Western Regional Public Affairs Officer of the GIS noted that the suspects were put before court on Friday, October 20, 2023.

He commended all stakeholders, particularly, those who continue to volunteer credible information leading to the arrests and successful prosecution of the suspects.

The Command will continue to admonish all to bear in mind that security is, and will always be a shared responsibility, he pointed out.

-DGN online
A 26-year-old trader who was picked up for allegedly offering for sale a locally manufactured pistol with three cartridges at the Achimota Charcoal Station has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Prince Atakorah, aka Kofi Atakorah, claimed that the pistol belonged to his late father, and he picked it from his room at Asante Mampong. However, he was offering it for sale so he could pay his wife's hospital bills.

Atakorah, therefore, pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of firearms without lawful authority before the court presided by Mr Isaac Addo.

The trial judge, consequently, admitted Atakorah to bail in the sum of GHC20,000 with two sureties to be justified.

The Prosecution led by Chief Inspector Josephine Lamptey said the complainant in the case were police officers stationed at the Greater Accra Regional Police Command.

Atakorah resides at the Achimota Charcoal Station, Accra.

Chief Inspector Lamptey said on October 12, 2023, the Regional Police Command had information that Atakorah was in possession of the locally manufactured pistol and was offering it for sale.

The Prosecution said the Police on receipt of the complaint, proceeded to the Achimota Charcoal Station and their intelligence led to the arrest of Atakorah, with the pistol and three cartridges.

During interrogation, according to the prosecutor, Atakorah admitted to being in possession of the locally manufactured pistol and the three cartridges.

GNA
A giraffe seahorse (_Hippocampus camelopardalis_). - Source: Louw Claassens

24.10.2023 LISTEN

Seahorses are considered fabled creatures by many; something that only exists in old mythical tales of the ocean. But these curious animals really exist  and they're not the only members of the Syngnathidae family of fishes. Other syngnathids are pipefish, pygmy pipehorses and seadragons, and all are enchanting.

Sadly, syngnathids all over the world are at risk. They face major threats , ranging from both intentional and unintentional harvesting to habitat loss and alterations. Syngnathids are commonly found in shallow, coastal environments, which magnifies the impacts of these threats.

Syngnathids, and specifically seahorses, are the subject of various global and regional research initiatives. They are relatively well studied in many parts of the world. This is, however, not true for sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the published research from the region has focused on the endangered Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) and the critically endangered estuarine pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri), both found in South Africa. Recently, a pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus nalu) was also discovered in Sodwana Bay, South Africa  the first ever recorded from Africa.

But South Africa is just one country on a vast continent. This prompted us to conduct a comprehensive review of the diversity, distribution, ecology and conservation status of the family Syngnathidae in sub-Saharan Africa and adjacent islands. We attempted to collate all existing information, data and observations of syngnathids in the region.

Our findings unveiled a total of 63 syngnathid species across 26 genera in the study area. Mozambique exhibited the highest species diversity, followed by Madagascar and South Africa. There were many interesting, exciting data points, but it also became evident that regionally much needs to be done in terms of research and conservation action on the ground (or rather, in the water!).

How we did it

It's no easy task to gather information for this kind of review, especially because there isn't a lot of published information available. As a first step, we did a deep dive to collate all peer reviewed published articles, as well as information produced outside traditional publishing and distribution channels, such as management plans and government documents.

We then turned to the African marine community, reaching out to our network of keen divers and researchers within the region. We also used various citizen science platforms such as iSeahorse and even created an iNaturalist project for all syngnathid observations in sub-Saharan Africa. On iNaturalist, people could log their observations with the location, drawing on the wider community for help with identification where needed.

A lire aussi : How an underwater photo led to the discovery of a tiny new seahorse species

The response from the marine community and observations logged on iNaturalist yielded some wonderful results. For instance, the discovery of a new species of pipehorse, currently under peer review.

What we found

Once all the data was collected and collated, some key findings emerged.

There is limited information on the biology of sub-Saharan syngnathids, making it tough to understand the population dynamics, habitat use and association, and life history of species. This highlights the need for further species-specific research.

Most assessments that included information on syngnathid populations came from general fish surveys. It is very tough to find syngnathids and they tend to be sparsely distributed, so targeted survey approaches are needed to detect them.

Twenty percent of syngnathid species found in the region are listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List . One example is Bulbonaricus brucei, which is only known from its type specimen (the first specimen collected and used to describe the new species). There have been no published observations of this species after its initial description in 1971. This highlights the need for locally significant and current data.

A lire aussi : DNA in the water shows South African scientists where to find a rare pipefish

Sub-Saharan syngnathids are susceptible to the same threats as species elsewhere in the world, like harvesting, poaching, impacts from by-catch and habitat loss and alteration. We concluded that different species face different types of threats based on where they are found along the seascape. Similarly, what would work in terms of conservation actions depends on the species and where it is found.

To illustrate this, we created a schematic summarising the main threats and the most suitable conservation actions across the seascape for all syngnathids found in sub-Saharan Africa.

More to learn

It's clear from this review that sub-Saharan Africa is home to many weird and wonderful syngnathids. We believe that many remain to be discovered. However, it is also apparent that research and conservation actions must be scaled up. Scientists need to conduct more species-specific assessments to develop locally significant management and conservation actions. It's also crucial to untangle syngnathid diversity and taxonomy in the region for deeper understanding, combined with the development and support of local expertise.

Louw Claassens receives funding from National Geographic Society and the Rufford Foundation

David Harasti et Graham Short ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possedent pas de parts, ne recoivent pas de fonds d'une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n'ont declare aucune autre affiliation que leur poste universitaire.

By Louw Claassens, Research Associate of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University And

David Harasti, Adjunct assistant professor, Southern Cross University And

Graham Short, Research Associate, Australian Museum
The Buffalo Diocese is offering up to $100 million to settle child sex abuse claims in its federal bankruptcy case.

As much as half of that would come from parishes, schools and other Catholic entities, while the diocese would also need to sell its Catholic Center on Main Street, the former Christ the King Seminary campus in the Town of Aurora and other properties.

As sex abuse victims wait, insurance coverage holds up Buffalo Diocese bankruptcy case More than three years since the claims were filed, none of the abuse victims has been compensated as the diocese, its parishes and insurance carriers attempt to negotiate a settlement with abuse victims.

Those details were revealed in court papers filed late Monday in which diocese lawyers sought a preliminary injunction to keep all sex abuse lawsuits against parishes and schools grounded while mediated negotiations in the diocese bankruptcy case continue.

Court papers said the $100 million does not include insurance funds, while suggesting that insurance companies additionally could contribute perhaps even hundreds of millions of dollars to a settlement.

Ilan D. Scharf, lead attorney for the Committee of Unsecured Creditors that represents about 850 abuse claimants in the Buffalo Diocese bankruptcy case, declined to comment Tuesday on the numbers unveiled by the diocese lawyers.

With neighboring dioceses settling bankruptcies, Buffalo Diocese faces growing pressure The Buffalo Diocese faces more pressure to make a deal with child sex abuse survivors after Catholic dioceses in Rochester and Syracuse recently took major steps toward exiting their Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

But some plaintiffs lawyers on Tuesday accused the diocese of trying to silence survivors in its motion to halt the lawsuits.

The Diocese wants its affiliated entities to have the protection of bankruptcy without the legal responsibilities of bankruptcy, attorney Steve Boyd said in a statement. Its time to let juries decide these cases.

The Buffalo Diocese settlement offer appears to be very similar to the pending Chapter 11 reorganization plan the Syracuse Diocese announced in July.

Syracuse Bishop Douglas J. Lucia at the time said that the diocese had reached a deal with its creditors committee in which it would pay $50 million to a settlement trust, while its parishes would contribute $45 million, and $5 million would come from other Catholic entities. The full plan could be filed in court as early as next month.

The Syracuse Diocese filed for bankruptcy protection on June 19, 2020, about three months after the Buffalo Diocese filing. It received about 400 claims, fewer than half the number Buffalo faces.

Lucia said in a video statement that most parishes and other entities in the Syracuse Diocese faced significant risk of direct liability that would be resolved most efficiently through the bankruptcy settlement.

By contributing to the victims trust, parishes and other entities will have their individual claims settled in the same way as the diocese, through what is called a channeling injunction, the Syracuse bishop said. More importantly, as a Catholic family, it is our moral obligation to provide reparation and share a role in bring healing and reconciliation to the survivors.

Bankruptcy judge questions Buffalo Diocese spending as legal fees soar to $12.5 million Legal and professional fees paid by the Buffalo Diocese have ballooned to $12.5 million, prompting the federal judge overseeing the dioceses Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to remark that he was puzzled over how the diocese was able to afford such costs.

Buffalo Diocese lawyers also described as quite perplexing that no settlement had been reached yet in Buffalo  not even a deal between the Catholic Family and the creditors committee, such as the one in Syracuse.

The Rochester Diocese, which in 2019 became the first Catholic diocese in the state to file for Chapter 11 protection, also is nearing a potential exit from bankruptcy. Its amended reorganization plan, filed in September, includes a payment to abuse victims of $55 million in cash from the diocese and parishes, and $71 million from four insurance companies. The plan would settle about 485 abuse claims.

The Buffalo Dioceses bankruptcy filing automatically stayed, or put on hold, any litigation against the diocese in state courts. That automatic stay does not apply to parishes and other non-debtor Catholic entities, which are separate nonprofit corporations.

Because many parishes and other entities also were sued in state court under the Child Victims Act, the diocese in 2020 negotiated a deal with the creditors committee to extend the same stay protections to parishes. As part of the deal, the creditors committee received church documents on clergy abuse, finances and other matters.

The agreement, known as a stipulated stay, had been extended a dozen times for more than two years, most recently through Sept. 30. The creditors committee declined to extend it further, the diocese said in court papers.

Without a stipulated stay in place, lawyers for plaintiffs with Child Victims Act cases against Catholic parishes, schools and other entities might soon be able to resume litigation in those cases.

On Monday, diocese lawyers asked Chief Judge Carl L. Bucki of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of New York to order that the state court cases remain stayed.

Notwithstanding the progress that the Diocese has made in mediation, the Committee has now refused to extend the Stipulated Stay, ostensibly because the Committee believes allowing litigation to move forward against the Related Entities will create pressure on the Catholic Family and the Insurers to put more settlement money on the negotiating table, the diocese lawyers argued in their motion.

Allowing sex abuse cases to move ahead in state courts would rapidly deplete the dioceses main asset, insurance coverage, the lawyers argued.

The Diocese has reason to believe that its insurers will pay many millions of dollars (perhaps even hundreds of millions of dollars) to settle their potential coverage exposure, court papers said. Allowing the Abuse Actions to move forward risks findings that could support Insurer defenses to coverage and therefore impair or even eliminate the possibility of any such future settlements.

Bucki will hear arguments Nov. 28 on the motion by diocese lawyers, who asked the judge for a preliminary injunction to pause litigation through April 15, 2024.

Bucki previously had ruled against allowing piecemeal litigation against some parishes, saying it would further entangle an already knotty situation and could impair efforts for a global resolution of claims.

The diocese maintained in court papers that mediation, while still in its relatively early stages, was yielding productive discussions, and the multiple parties involved were not at an impasse.

Diocese lawyers also said they were optimistic mediation would result in a consensual reorganization plan.

Just last week, the diocese and the committee were in lockstep on a separate bankruptcy matter, in which the committee asked Bucki to force insurance companies to turn over their records of policies issued for the diocese prior to 1972.

While insurers opposed the request and said it could damage mediation talks, chief diocese attorney Stephen A. Donato told Bucki he had no issue with it.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has announced that it will continue working with key government agencies to provide relief for the victims of the flood caused by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.

Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, October 24, the Deputy Chief Executive of the VRA, Edward Obeng Kenzo said the Authority is ready to commit funds to the additional GHS20 announced as a relief package for victims.

We will be working with government and all the other agencies to see how best we can bring lasting solutions to whatever we find ourselves in today.

"The GHS20 million is money given initially. As the situation unfolds VRA may add up to the money to ensure the relief that we give to these communities they get those relief, Edward Obeng Kenzo told the media.

In his interaction with the media, the VRA Deputy CEO revealed that the water levels in the Akosombo dam have dropped.

As a result of the latest development, VRA is not expected to spill water from the Akosombo dam.

I can stand here to say that there will be no additional increase of spillage. We are tracking the data that is coming and we are going to control the gate per the data that we receive. Yesterday we had some drops in volume so at least weve managed the amount of water that we are spilling out now, Edward Obeng Kenzo said.

He continued, I would like to wish and assure Ghanaians, particularly our brothers and sisters affected that we share in their pain, discomfort, and hardship. Its our expectation that as the rain comes to an end we will reduce the spill rate, the flood will recede, and our people can return to their normal lives.

Meanwhile, government has announced a National Emergency Contact to support victims of the flooding.

Any victim who encounters any form of distress is encouraged to call the toll-free number 311 on all networks for assistance.
National Chairman of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) Nana Nimako Asiamah has commended the Inspector General of Police and the management of the police service for what he says is their effort in keeping the roads and the country safe.

According to him, Ghana has become more secure under the leadership of Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

We are impressed with your work so much, everyone can attend to the changes in the police service under you. Whatever we need to do to support you, we will, national chairman of the GPRTU said at a ceremony with the police at the police headquarters in Accra Tuesday.

He added IGP you have made Ghana secure, now we understand why the police has become so attractive. Please dont be tired with Ghanaians because God has given you the love of this country.

For his part, the IGP urged members of the GPRTU to disregard any claim that the police are against demonstrations.

He said the history of the country is rich with police providing protection for demonstrators and that will not change.

On Monday, the leadership of the police service met with some Muslim leaders as part of police engagement with stakeholders as the year comes to a close. The engagement with other stakeholders will continue until the end of year.

-Classfmonline
The Member of Parliament for Pru East, Dr. Kwabena Donkor is appealing to government to provide more relief items to residents affected by flooding due to the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Nine communities in several districts, including Asuogyaman, Pru East, and Bole Bamboi, have been submerged as a result of the Volta Lake overflowing its banks.

This has led to the displacement of over 2,000 residents and significant damage to farmlands and properiesy in the affected areas.

Dr. Kwabena Donkor expressed his concerns during an interview with Citi News monitored by ModernGhana News, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to assist the affected communities.

"The type of support they have received is communal, and aside from that, we have received very little from the Ghanaian state.

This creates the impression that we seem not to matter because NADMO has a presence in the other districts. So it cannot be that the officialdom is not aware of our situation," Dr. Donkor stated.

He further highlighted the immediate needs of the affected communities, which include increased public health awareness, the provision of temporary school structures, and the distribution of food to assist the displaced residents.
Government has launched an emergency response effort to support communities affected by recent spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

An emergency contact center has been set up to coordinate relief activities and ensure victims' immediate needs are met.

The Ministry of Information announced the establishment of the support system at a press briefing on Tuesday, October 24.

People in affected areas can now call a toll-free number 311 on all networks to report situations requiring assistance and access support.

The initiative has been themed "Facilitating support in times of need" to convey the government's commitment to bringing relief to disaster victims.

Also at the press briefing, officials provided updates on ongoing humanitarian activities.

Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Deputy CEO of the Volta River Authority (VRA) in charge of engineering and operations, said "VRA is working with government to ensure no one is left unattended. We will be in every community, work with government to ensure victims are relieved."

He added, "Relief efforts already underway include distributing rice, water, mosquito nets, clothing and fruit juice to communities."

A 5km road, according to the Deputy CEO, has been constructed from Mepe to Bator to improve access.

The VRA said it has provided 3 million Ghanaian cedi worth of medical supplies and personnel to screen for health issues emerging from the incident.

He noted that solar lamps and mobile toilets have also been deployed.

"Directors have been assigned to monitor the fair sharing of relief items," added Obeng-Kenzo.

The VRA has so far committed 20 million cedi to the humanitarian response and willing to top up.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has given assurances that all affected persons by the recent floods caused by spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams will receive full support.

Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, Deputy CEO of VRA in charge of Engineering and Operations, said at a press briefing on Tuesday that his outfit and government will ensure victims are given the needed support.

"VRA is working with government to ensure no one is left unattended. We will be in every community, work with government to ensure victims are relieved, he said.

Mr. Obeng-Kenzo updated the public on relief efforts which have so far cost about GHS20 million.

Distributions he noted include bags of rice, water, mosquito nets, clothes, fruit juice and more.

He added that A 5km road has also been constructed from Mepe to Bator and medical support worth GHS3 million provided.

Solar lamps, mobile toilets and power restoration are also underway, he stressed.

"Directors have been assigned to monitor fair sharing of relief items," he noted.

Meanwhile, Government has launched an emergency contact center through the Ministry of Information to assist victims.

Affected persons are directed to call toll-free number 311 on all networks to report needs or access assistance.

The initiative dubbed "Facilitating support in times of need" aims to coordinate all response efforts.

It was launched at an Information Ministry press briefing on Tuesday, October 24 demonstrating the collective resolve to leave no flood-affected person behind.
24.10.2023 LISTEN

The date for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary is far approaching and an aspirant and his supporters are trying to be smarter than the delegates. They seem to play mind game in a way of promoting hatred of delegates against the very party and government they are part and parcel of. Such a candidate is an appointee of the same government that he is demonizing now. He and his family have benefited a lot from that same government he continues to chastise on daily basis. Interestingly, it is the party that has produced the same government he has enjoyed over the years and now chastising that he seeks to represent in the 2024 general elections as presidential candidate. But, the question is, does he have the moral right to engage in such politics? Or is it the case that he knows he cannot win the election but decides to chart a path of destruction?

Initially, that candidate's tactics were preaching hatred of delegates against the government he and his family have hugely benefited from through appointments and contracts. It is evident and undeniable fact that he and his family have cashed in millions of Ghana Cedis if not millions of Dollars from this government. So, what people should be asking him is that, at the time he was busy cashing in from this government, didn't he know the grassroots and the delegates were suffering? Has he suddenly woken up from a deep sleep? Anyway, it seems that tactic is not working for him any longer, hence, the consistent change of tactics that are largely mind game in nature.

In my candid view, the delegates should know that, so far as the NPP presidential primary is concerned, the best out of the four is not a candidate who has satisfactorily drunk water from a pot and turned around to dirty the same water he has drunk to his satisfaction. What our dear delegates should also know is that, such a candidate only mean well for himself and his family but careless about others. Simply put, do not give your attentions and votes to a candidate who prefers to dirty the water after drinking to his satisfaction because such a person does not care about who are yet to drink. The behavior of such a candidate shows that the party should go into opposition if he is not the person to lead the party in the incoming general elections and he careless after all, he and his family have had enough of the 'goodies' from the Nana/Bawumia government.

Another strategy he has found of late is to play with the minds of the delegates by causing disaffection between the delegates and their constituency chairmen. How does he do it? He tells them that their constituency chairmen received huge sums of money and other items from a particular candidate, just to anger them to vote for him instead of their preferred candidate. Will this strategy work for him? I believe absolutely no, because the chairmen are alive and have vehemently denied that and some even confronted such a candidate. Are they his usual tactics to get what he wants? Absolutely yes. Our respected delegates, just know who he is and vote for your preferred candidate for "that is his nature, rain hasn't beaten him" (local adage).

In any case, was he not the very person who said he was going to use money to win the primaries? Has his money suddenly disappeared? Or as usual his mind game tactics are at play? I believe so, because he has bought cars for some constituency chairmen. Don't they have followers? Should those followers vote against him, after all, the cars are for those chairmen not the delegates? The delegates reason beyond these rhetorics and theatrics. How do you engage in an act and turn around to accuse others of same act? The delegates know who can win power for NPP and will not fall for any deception by any candidate.

I am reliably informed that, in the last superdelegates conference, the mind game politician offered to give some delegates Ghs150,000 each if they agreed to vote for him and they declined and told him point blank that their minds were made up for *H. E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia* . Kodus to the delegates who believed in Dr. Bawumia, rejected the inducement from that candidate and gave Dr. Bawumia overwhelming endorsement in the superdelegates conference. He is a kind of candidate who thinks he must always get his way through, else, the whole world should collapse. He has realized that our respected delegates have unalloyed love for Dr. Bawumia and are ready to give him massive endorsement on November 4, hence, this recent mind game politicking.

Our dear delegates, do not be deceived by any candidate, for he has tried all that he is accusing people of doing but failed. He has benefited hugely from this government but bothered not to give the empowerment he is now falsely crying with you for. The main focus now for him is to get unlimited power and then let us know he is the richest man in the world. Ebi somebody riches we go chop? Kindly get his tactics right and let him know you reason beyond the politics of mind game. Let him know you have decided to give your votes to Dr. Bawumia to lead NPP to break the eight.

Dr. Bawumia, No. 2 on the ballot, second victory loading on November 4

It is possible In Shaa Allah

Thank you

Alhaji Salifu Hadara

A Patriot

Nalerigu Gambaga / Constituency

North East Region

[email protected]

24/10/23
Kenyan court on Tuesday extended an order barring the government from deploying hundreds of police officers to Haiti on a UN-backed mission aiming to pacify the troubled Caribbean nation.

This as the head of the UN Office in Haiti delivered a bleak report on the situation and underlined the enormous significance of the Council's recent resolution authorising the deployment of a multinational support mission to assist the national police, to be lead by Kenyans.

Security in Haiti, where violent gangs control large swathes of the country, has collapsed even further, with the number of major crimes hitting "record highs," the UN representative to the impoverished Caribbean nation warned..

The report published Monday, cited an increase in the number of indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, rapes and attacks on several urban neighbourhoods considered relatively safe until recently.

"The security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as growing gang violence plunge(s) the lives of the people of Haiti into disarray and major crimes are rising sharply to new record highs," UN envoy Maria Isabel Salvador told the Security Council.

"Major crimes, including intentional homicides and kidnappings, surged at unprecedented rates, mostly in the West and Artibonite departments", home to the capital Port-au-Prince and the city of Gonaives, the new report said.

Between 1 July and 30 September, the national police reported 1,239 homicides, compared with 577 during the same period in 2022.

Between July and September, 701 people were kidnapped, 244 percent more than during the same period in 2022.

The United Nations is also concerned about killings perpetrated by vigilante groups that emerged last spring, "with 388 alleged gang members lynched" from 24 April to 30 September, according to the report.

Towards a peace force

Salvador said she hoped the expected deployment of a multinational intervention force led by Kenya could improve matters.

As the violence from gangs controlling more than half of Port-au-Prince continued to escalate, the Security Council gave the go-ahead in early October for the deployment of the non-UN multinational mission, led by Kenya, to help the overwhelmed Haitian police.

"Reestablishing control by the Haitian national police is a prerequisite for holding credible and inclusive elections," said Salvador, despite the fact that no elections have been held since 2016.

The "expectations of millions of Haitians at home and abroad were raised" by the Security Council's decision to green light the mission, she said.

"A glimmer of hope was cast towards finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel that is not an oncoming train."

Kenya still has to vote on the matter before the finalisation of the project.

Slowed Kenyan process

Meanwhile, in Kenya, the case against the deployment of Kenyan police in Haiti was brought by opposition politician and lawyer Ekuru Aukot, who argued the deployment was unconstitutional as it was not backed by any law or treaty.

The High Court judge Enock Mwita said the matter would be heard in an open court session from 9 November in "a quicker way".

Details of Kenya's deployment are still not finalised, with parliament yet to approve the move as required by law.

Kenya's cabinet said on 13 October that it had "ratified" the deployment and submitted the resolution to parliament for approval.

The country's involvement has been criticised at home, with many questioning the wisdom of such a risky mission.

Rights watchdogs also say Kenyan police have a history of using sometimes lethal force against civilians, and that they pose an unacceptable risk in Haiti where foreign troops have committed abuses in past interventions.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki defended the deployment earlier this month, saying they "are not taking our officers to Haiti as guinea pigs".

The mission is back by the United States.

(with AFP)
Nigeria has successfully reversed a United Kingdom arbitration decision that had awarded damages of $6.6 billion in 2017  rising to $11 billion today  against the government.

This was over a failed oil and gas project.

The case arose out of a 20-year gas processing contract granted by Nigerian officials to Process & Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID), a British Virgin Island-based company founded by a former Irish record label manager and his associate.

Neither party performed the contract and P&ID sued for, and was awarded, 20 years worth of lost profits by way of arbitration.

However, the High Court in London ruled on Monday that P&ID paid bribes when brokering the lucrative gas processing contract, and then practised the most severe abuses of the arbitral process in order to procure awards in its favour from a London tribunal.

Given the secrecy of arbitration a way of privately resolving disputes outside the usual court process the corrupt payments remained hidden until the High Court gave Nigeria the green light in 2020 to challenge the awards.

A lengthy public trial earlier this year exposed the conspiracy involving Nigerian officials, Irish businessmen and London lawyers who stood to receive enormous sums under the arbitral awards, which was growing by $1.3 million every day in interest.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Knowles said the case as remarkable.

He found that P&ID had paid bribes to secure the underlying contract and then lied about that in its evidence to the tribunal; that payment of bribes continued throughout the arbitration; and that P&ID and its lawyers had secured access to a steady stream of Nigeria privileged documents during the proceedings which enabled P&ID to track Nigerias internal consideration of merits, strategy and settlement.

The recipients of those privileged documents included an English solicitor and a Kings Counsel (KC) who stood to benefit enormously from the outcome of the arbitration and were found to have given false evidence to the English court.

The judge has referred his judgment to the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

Mr Justice Knowles said that the case had sadly brought together a combination of examples of what some individuals will do for money. Driven by greed and prepared to use corruption; giving no thought to what their enrichment would mean in terms of harm for others.

He praised the Nigerian government's legal team, Mark Howard KC and Tom Pascoe of Brick Court Chambers, for their expertise and tenacity, which made the difference in getting to the facts.

He said: The circumstances of this case, which are remarkable, provide an opportunity to consider whether the arbitration process, which is of outstanding importance and value in the world, needs further attention where the value involved is so large and where a state is involved.

The Nigerian governments lawyer said that Mr Justice Knowles' comments would no doubt provoke debate amongst the arbitration community and beyond about safeguards that should be put in place to prevent similar abuses and corruption in the future.

UK-based Spotlight on Corruption said after the case: Todays judgment pulls the plug on P&IDs claim to enforce this $11 billion award against Nigeria, relieving the African nation of a bill equivalent to almost a third of its total annual budget for 2023 and over seven times its current health budget.

Dr Helen Taylor, senior legal researcher at Spotlight on Corruption, said: It is difficult to overstate the importance of today's ruling for the Nigerian people, given the economic prospects of an entire country have been held hostage by a tainted arbitral award for a gas project that was built on bribes and lies.

The prospect of a release from this $11 billion debt will come as a huge relief to Nigeria, while the courts damning findings about the conduct of London-based lawyers will weigh heavily on those who care about the integrity of our legal system.

There must be further scrutiny of the role played by these lawyers and proper accountability for any professional misconduct that may have compromised the London arbitration, she added.

GNA
Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, Eminent Member of the National Peace Council of Ghana, Greater Accra Regional Branch, has deduced that coup d'etats are becoming popular again in West Africa due to the corrupt practices of politicians in power.

"Military interventions are beginning to take center stage for one basic truth: blatant corruption with impunity and the general feeling of ineptitude in the overall system of governance.

"I mean, we are all Ghanaians, to be specific, and Africans in general. We see and observe in hopelessness and helplessness what is happening disgustingly on a daily basis," Alhaji Khuzaima, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya Muslims Movement of Ghana, has stated.

Speaking in an interview in Tema on development in the sub-region after latest coup in Niger, Alhaji Khuzaima explained that the political elites in the ECOWAS sub-region are aware of the consequences of the recent instability.

"It is not just the citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger who are fed up with the rampant corruption in their countries; Ghanaians, Nigerians, Senegalese, and other West African citizens are equally not happy about the state of affairs.

"I personally, just like many other Ghanaians, do not opt for or favour Coup detats, but the actions of most politicians and their accomplices in the corporate industry coerce good people to start thinking of ways to overhaul the whole system.

"Yet, politicians see all the warning signs but do nothing because they are the overall beneficiaries of the current dispensation," he stated.

He questioned the rationale for some ECOWAS leaders pressing for and wanting to go to war with the four countries whose military have taken over in the name of preserving democracy.

Alhaji Khuzaima noted that peace-loving people and professionals in the peacebuilding and peacemaking industries are calling for a diplomatic approach instead of a military intervention, which may end up in a disaster.

"What is the essence of democracy if the life of a soldier or innocent citizen is going to be lost as a result of the military intervention in Niger? The question is, are the ECOWAS leaders preserving democracy or protecting their bounties?

The Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya Muslims Movement of Ghana argued that six ECOWAS countries are grappling with violent religious and political terrorists, and most of these countries share land borders with each other.

"ECOWAS has not been able to eliminate the terrorists over the past 15 years, and we want to add more flames to it.

"ECOWAS leaders must understand that citizens are watching how their counterparts in Niger cheer the coup leaders, and soon some citizens may start calling for the same in their countries if their conditions of living remain the same," he stated.

Alhaji Khuzaima noted that political officeholders have the keys to changing the living conditions of the people, but they are not willing to do so for their own personal interests.

He said events in Niger should serve as a warning signal and a wake-up call to all other ECOWAS leaders to sit up and rule for the interests of the majority and not for the elite class.

"The political temperature in the ECOWAS sub-region is boiling; democratic governments must serve their people and avoid another coup in the sub-region," Alhaji Khuzaima stated.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticized remarks made by Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources Freda Prempah about recent floods caused by Akosombo dam spillage.

The Minister blamed victims in Mepe and other affected areas for refusing to relocate despite warnings from authorities.

She said the Volta River Authority, National Disaster Management Organisation and Water Resources Commission educated communities and conducted exercises, but residents "didn't want to be evacuated" and "stayed there."

Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, whose constituents have been impacted, slammed Prempah over her unpleasant comments.

In a tweet on Tuesday, October 24, he told the Minister to "stop peddling falsehoods from the pit of hell, and better sanitize her thoughts about issues to understand that the victims are not squatters.

He noted that "there was absolutely no effort by government to evacuate the over 30,000 people affected."

The North Tongu MP questioned Mrs. Freda Prempah on where exact evacuations were supposed to take place and demanded proof of alternative housing arrangements offered by the government.

Over 26,000 Ghanaians have been displaced by the floods with several properties destroyed.
The owner of Hamburgs McKinley Mall is in talks with Benderson Development to purchase the struggling shopping center.

Mike Kohan, owner of the Kohan Retail Investment Group in Long Island, which owns the mall, confirmed the negotiations Tuesday, which first appeared in Buffalo Business First.

McKinley Mall auction could give Benderson a second chance to buy it Nearly two years ago, Benderson Development Co. lost out on its bid to acquire the troubled McKinley Mall in Hamburg, after a state judge approved a sale to another suitor. Now it's going to get a second chance  if it wants.

The talks are very preliminary, he said.

We havent received any conclusion yet, Kohan said. Well see what happens and make some announcements.

Benderson Development could not immediately be reached for comment.

Identity of $8 million bidder for McKinley Mall still unknown The McKinley Mall in Hamburg received a high bid of nearly $8 million at a three-day online 

Kohan acquired the McKinley Parkway mall in 2021 for $8.5 million after its previous owner, Stoltz Management of Philadelphia, defaulted on a $25.8 million loan.

At the time, Benderson claimed it had tried to make a higher purchase offer, but was ignored by its real estate broker, Newmark. Benderson said that, if it had been allowed to make an offer, it would have bid $10 million  $1.5 million more than Kohan, and close to the $10.5 million assessed value.

With Bendersons support, the town sought to block the deal by contesting it in court and questioning Kohans financial wherewithal and redevelopment capabilities. But State Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo overruled their objections, allowing the sale to proceed.

Benderson already owns the former Macys Department and Macys Home stores, a 6-acre ring of property near the Dipson movie theater and the Hobby Lobby store building on one of the malls outparcels.

As a result, it has the right  through prior encumbrances and deed restrictions  to reject certain types of projects on the mall property.

Benderson previously refused to allow Kohan to lease space in the former Sears store for a self-storage facility, and it denied efforts to bring a used car dealership to another of the malls outer parcels once occupied by a Pier 1 store.

Kohan put the mall up for auction in March in an online listing with a minimum bid of $3 million. An unnamed bidder placed a high bid of $7.975 million, but that sale did not go through.

Kohan said the malls leasing agents continue to court local and national leases in a bid to get spaces filled, vacancies down and traffic up. Vacancy was at 44% in March.
Nam1

24.10.2023 LISTEN

The Ghana Police Service has issued a press release on money received from Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM1 in the case involving the Menzgold saga.

Over the weekend, news widely circulated that the man behind Menzgold, NAM1 had paid an amount of GHS5 million to the Ghana Police for onward payment to customers whose money were locked up with the firm.

In its release today, the Police have indicated that the amount received from NAM1 is GHS2.5 million.

It noted that upon receipt, the money was deposited at the Bank of Ghana.

The Police, on the advice of the Office of the Attorney-General, on Friday 20th October 2023, received an amount of GH2.5 Million from suspect Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM1.

The said amount has been deposited in the Police Exhibit account at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for the attention of the Court, parts of the Police release said.

The Police in the release explained that the amount is part of investigations into petitions received from some customers of MenzGold Ghana Company Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Limited, currently before the Accra High Court against suspect Nana Appiah Mensah.

The Police further stress that it leaves the decision on the disbursement of the money to be determined by the court.
With 26 civilians reported killed by militants linked to the Islamic State group and rebel combat spreading closer to the provincial capital Goma, eastern DR Congo appeared in turmoil on Tuesday.

News of the massacre spread during the morning after an attack overnight on the outskirts of Oicha town, in Beni territory, epicentre of the years-long rampage by IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu province.

Originally fielding mainly Muslim Ugandan rebels, the ADF gained a foothold in the region in the 1990s and are accused of slaughtering thousands of civilians.

Since 2019, some ADF attacks in eastern DR Congo have been claimed by the Islamic State group, which calls the fighters the Islamic State Central Africa Province

"We have just placed 26 bodies in the morgue of Oicha's general hospital," said Darius Syaira, Beni territory's civil society representative.

An army spokesman confirmed the death toll.

Syaira said the victims were 12 minors and 14 adults, and most were killed with knives.

He added that tensions were high in Oicha, with demonstrators setting fire to humanitarian vehicles preparing to distribute food.

"We don't need humanitarian aid, but we do want security," one of the demonstrators said when asked why residents had attacked the trucks.

Police said the ADF were behind the murder of a honeymoon couple and their safari guide in one of Uganda's national parks on October 17. The IS claimed responsibility for the attack.

'We're having to flee'

In the south of North Kivu, fighting between M23 rebels and pro-government armed groups moved closer to Goma on Tuesday, with sources reporting exchanges of fire within 20 kilometres (12 miles) of the city.

"There has been fighting in Kibumba since this morning," a security source who requested anonymity told AFP.

"The rebels are clashing with the wazalendo (groups loyal to the government). The M23 has just fired two bombs at us and we are retaliating", the source added.

In the afternoon, the military governor's spokesman accused the rebels "backed by the Rwandan army" of attacking an army position.

A security source and a civilian witness said the army had deployed a Suhoi-25 fighter jet against the rebels.

"The situation is getting worse and worse. Both sides are exchanging heavy weapons fire," a resident said. "We're having to flee."

The M23, which has captured swathes of territory in North Kivu province since 2021, is just one of numerous militias holding sway over much of the region despite the presence of peacekeepers.

The conflict has recently intensified around Goma, home to over a million people, with M23 rebels and armed groups loyal to the government breaking a precarious truce.

Officially, the army is respecting the ceasefire, but witnesses say soldiers and pro-government loyalists are fighting together against the M23.

UN humanitarian agency OCHA said almost 200,000 people have had to flee their homes since October 1 in Rutshuru and Masisi territory, north of Goma.

The fighting, which is also affecting Nyiragongo territory closer to Goma, has claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks.

Independent UN experts, the Kinshasa government and several Western nations including the United States and France accuse Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23 -- which Kigali denies.

In May the DRC accused its neighbour and the M23 of planning an attack on Goma, which borders Rwanda.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya on Monday spoke of "yet another incursion" by the Rwandan army into the DRC's territory last week, with "around 50" civilians killed by M23 rebels.

An M23 spokesman denied this on Tuesday.

Uganda and the DRC launched a joint offensive in 2021 against the ADF to drive the militants out of their Congolese strongholds, but attacks have continued.

An East African Community force has been deployed since the end of last year, but, like the UN force in the DRC, it has faced heavy criticism from Kinshasa for failing to stop the violence.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the UNHCR, The UN Refugees Agency today signed an agreement to strengthen their collaboration in protecting refugees, stateless and internally displaced persons in the region.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY and the Director of UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, Mr. Abdouraouf GNON-KONDE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to strengthen the existing cooperation between the two entities. The revised MoU includes new areas of collaboration that have emerged since the initial MoU between the two institutions in 2001, namely the identification and protection of refugees found in dangerous migratory movements, statelessness, emergency management, as well as durable solutions to forcible displacements.

Violent conflicts, disasters and insecurity in several countries in West Africa continue to force people to flee their homes within the sub region and beyond. There are currently 6,976,470 forcibly displaced by conflicts and violence, and stateless persons in the ECOWAS sub region, including 6,352,346 IDPs and 624,124 refugees and asylum-seekers. Nigeria and Burkina Faso host the highest displaced populations with 3,578,996 and 2,062,534 individuals respectively. Niger hosts the highest refugee populations by far, with 325,419 individuals.

UNHCR-ECOWAS Commission joint workplan for 2023 makes the revision and signature of the current MoU, a priority. The signature event which was scheduled as part of the UNHCR Regional Director`s mission to Abuja, took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria. Both principals discussed the dire humanitarian situation facing refugees, stateless and internally displaced persons in the ECOWAS region, and ways to find possible durable solutions.

UNHCR and the ECOWAS Commission enjoy excellent working relations. UNHCR also collaborates closely with other ECOWAS institutions, especially with the ECOWAS Court of Justice and the ECOWAS Parliament, with which UNHCR has previously signed distinct MoUs to address forcible displacement issues within the ECOWAS sub region, building on the specific mandates of each of these institutions.

Mr. GNON-KONDE described UNHCR collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission as long-lasting, highly productive, and relevant in view of the current humanitarian context confronting the sub re region. H.E Dr. TOURAY on his part highlighted some of the efforts of the ECOWAS Commission to address the political and humanitarian crises in the region and stated that the ECOWAS Commission and Member states are working assiduously to tackle the root causes of the conflicts in the region through diplomatic and political engagements. The ECOWAS President expressed optimism that the Commissions consistent commitment in these areas will yield positive outcomes.
Dear Esteemed Citizens and Delegates of NPP,

As we approach the pivotal moment of our democratic journey, the November 4th elections, it is imperative that we coalesce around a figure who not only embodies the aspirations and continuity of the progress we've witnessed but also possesses a profound understanding and commitment to our collective dreams. It is in this light that we passionately implore you to cast your vote for Honorable Kennedy Agyapong, a beacon of dedication, development, and direct action.

Succeeding the impactful tenure of His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo, the revered Crown Prince of Abudani, requires an individual of unmatched vigor and vision. Sheikh Osman Kennedy Agyapong is that exceptional individual, having demonstrated an unyielding dedication to the entirety of our beloved nation, with an emphasis on the prosperity of the North. His pledge to be "a President of the North" is not mere rhetoric; it is a testament to his focused agenda, one that ensures no citizen is overlooked, no community is left behind, and no potential is left untapped.

Throughout the various epochs of our nation's history, especially during the transformative North era, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong has stood unwaveringly with and for the people. He has engaged in initiatives that resonate with the heartbeat of our community, addressing socio-economic disparities, championing infrastructural advancements, and fostering a climate of inclusive growth and sustainable development. His contributions are etched in the annals of our shared history and to dismiss or discredit these monumental efforts would not only be an act of ungratefulness but an injustice to the spirit of communal recognition and respect.

However, this election is more than a recognition of past contributions. It's about the future, our future. It's about electing a leader who carries the torch of transformative leadership, a leader who doesn't see impossibilities but potential. Hon. Kennedy Agyapong is not a President who cannot, period. He is the embodiment of "Yes, we can!" His leadership philosophy doesn't recognize the word 'impossible'. Instead, it embraces the challenges as stepping stones to greater achievements for our people.

As we inch closer to making a decision that will chart the course of our collective destiny, we must ask ourselves: Who has the proven resilience, the strategic foresight, and the patriotic zeal to lead us to the horizon of our greater aspirations? The answer, dear citizens and delegates of Ghana, is unmistakably Sheikh Osman Kennedy Agyapong.

Let us unite in purpose, in action, and in vision on November 4th. Cast your vote for continuity, for prosperity, for an all-embracing progress. Cast your vote for Hon. Kennedy Agyapong.

With profound respect and hope,
More than 500 miners in South Africa have remained underground for over 36 hours in a standoff between rival labour unions, police and workers' representatives said Tuesday.

Management at the Gold One mine near Johannesburg and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), one of the two unions involved, said the miners were being "held hostage".

But the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) denied it is keeping workers underground against their will, saying they are staging a "sit-in" protest instead.

"About 567 NUM members are being held hostage by alleged AMCU members," NUM spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu told AFP.

The miners in Springs, east of Johannesburg, were supposed to return to the surface Monday morning after a night shift but failed to do so.

They include almost 70 women, some aged over 60, Mammburu said.

Late Tuesday afternoon, an AFP correspondent saw about 100 miners, mostly from the AMCU, singing protests songs as they awaited for the outcome of the meeting between the mine management and unions.

Some told AFP they would be there all night, as police and security forces patrolled the scene.

The dispute revolves around union representation at the mine, where NUM is currently the only group officially registered.

The AMCU says an overwhelming majority of miners have signed up to join it. But it is yet to be given an official representation, and that it says is the reason for the protest.

"Workers can only come out once they are given the organisational rights," AMCU's regional secretary Tladi Mokwena told AFP.

Police spokeswoman Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said officers were "on standby" and monitoring the situation while talks between the mine and the unions were ongoing.

"The police can confirm that approximately 550 mine employees are reportedly held hostage underground at a mine in Springs since Sunday," she added.

NUM said the company sent medics and a security team with food supplies to the miners but they have also been kept underground.

Industry group Minerals Council South Africa said there were "reports of nine people injured, and that food and medical supplies are not reaching people underground".

NUM was founded in 1982 by the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa, a former labour unionist. It remains the nation's biggest mineworker union.
The underfire Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Freda Prempeh has said she was taken out of context regarding the comment she made to the effect that people in the areas affected by the flood refused to be evacuated.

She was heavily criticized for her comments. For instance, North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described her comment as a blatant lie and an insult to the people.

Mr Ablakwa dared her to point to areas that were earmarked for the people to be evacuated to that they refused to go.

These Akufo Addo ministers should stop adding insult to injuries, we are pained, depressed, and devasted, they should stop these things. We have had enough of their blatant lies, she should tell us when and the date. When did they come here? She herself, has she come here before? The people should move to where?

She should show us where it was constructed for my people to move to that they refused to go. Was it the Military, NADMO, or who? He said on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Monday.

He further said the Members of Parliament in the affected areas are going to file a motion in parliament for a full investigation into the disaster.

We are filing a motion for a full-scale probe, it will be live on television, and we will know exactly what happened. All these blatant lies will be exposed. The officials who caused this will face to the law and we will demand full compensation.

The Sanitation Minister, while making the comments said We dont want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage, even though VRA, NADMO, and the Water Resouces Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did a simulation exercise at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didnt want to be evacuated, they stayed there till the end when we started spilling.

Unfortunately, look at what is happening, the government has to spend millions of money on relief items, the whole area the water is contaminated, and Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can thrust into our pipes. So a stitch in time saves nine, she said during the accounting to our customer/Media press bringing in Accra on Monday, October 23.

In a message she sent to the Institute of Public Relations WhatsApp platform, she indicated that I was taken out of context.

She added The government is committed to supporting communities affected by the spillage. The Volta River Authority is providing the following support among others. the VRA has committed GHS20 million towards alleviating the adverse impact on the affected communities. The VRA has deployed water tankers to make water available to the affected people.

The VRA has provided medical items and personnel to screen and administer medical treatment to emerging health issues. VRA has provided buses, trucks, and pick-up vehicles to assist in the internal transportation of both goods and affected people. VRA has restored the damaged community water supply pumps in Aveyime. VRA has installed a portable water treatment system at the St. Kizito School, a safe haven, in Mepe. With the support of the Ministry of Energy, VRA has distributed 5000 solar lamps to various safe havens.

Together with ECG, the power supply has been reconnected to the St. Kizito safe haven in Mepe. Zoom Lion has been contracted to provide mobile toilets, service them, and also to provide sanitation services at the safe havens. An access road has been created in Mepe to the St. Kizito center to avoid accessing by boat. Removal of weeds from the Sogakope bridge to facilitate the flow of the river into the ocean.

-3news.com
24.10.2023 LISTEN

One person has been confirmed dead after a Kia truck loaded with beer crashed into the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) office at Oko Dan in the La municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 24, also left one person critically injured.

In an interview with Citi News, an eyewitness, Dzifa Amegah narrated that the driver lost control of the vehicle due to a brake pad malfunction, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Fire service and police officers are currently at the scene to attend to the situation.

When the incident occurred, we went inside, and we realized a woman who sells rice close by had had her legs damaged. She had chairs on her, so we removed the chairs and brought her out. She was still alive. We realized there was a kenkey seller who was also trapped under the vehicle. When we tried to save her, a police officer tried to stop us, but we ignored him. We lifted the vehicle up using a jack and brought her out, but she was already dead, Dzifa Amegah said.

A member of the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service, ADO1 Alex Nartey, told Citi News that, Our control room received a call about an accident on the Labadi station road. We quickly came and upon arrival, they realized that they had to call their rescue team to augment the process. It was a truck full of beer that had run through the NPP office at Labadi killing one person in the process and critically injuring another.

Our men were able to help in rescuing the casualties involved. As of now, the operation has been successful. My condolences to the family of the bereaved. We will advise people to be very cautious to avoid such incidents during the festive season, ADO1 Alex Nartey said.

-citinewsroom
Retired Supreme Court Justice, William Atuguba has called for an amendment of the countrys Constitution to limit the executive powers of the president.

He proposes that any appointment to the judiciary or any other government institution should not be made by the president but a purely independent body after a thorough work.

Speaking at a public lecture in Accra on Tuesday, October 23, William Atuguba lamented the negative public image of the judiciary in the country.

He said there is an urgent need for the restructuring of the judiciary and all other government institutions to restore trust and confidence.

The current public image of the Judiciary in Ghana is reflected on Social Media.

Appointments to the Judiciary or any other governance institution must be made by thoroughly independent bodies based on nothing but merit and not on things like protocol, cronysm, ethnicity, or other improper considerations, William Atuguba.

The retired Supreme Court Justice further argued that just as illegal mining has destroyed Ghanas forest, so has corruption poisoned the various government institutions.

In view of all this what matters most is the realistic auditing and restructuring of the Judiciary and indeed all other governmental institutions because just as the cyanide of illegal mining galamsey has devastated our forest lands and poisoned our water bodies so also has the cyanide of Political Corruption poisoned our Governance Institutions, William Atuguba bemoaned.

The respected former Supreme Court Justice believes that it is crucial for governance institutions particularly the Judiciary to be realistically insulated from presidential and other political pressures.

He is of the strongest view that service conditions must be reasonably attractive and security of tenure of office must be enshrined.

William Atuguba also wants the Executive Powers of the President and his functionaries to be drastically curtailed.

There must be real separation of parliament from the Executive branch. The emphasis should be on good and sincere governance in the interest of the people and not on hollow over exaggerated notions of electoral conferment of power on anybody or group of persons, he added.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) branch in Germany has issued a press release to react to claims by former President John Dramani Mahama that President Akufo-Addos government has collapsed many of the factories he built during his tenure as president.

In the release, the NPP Germany accused the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of peddling falsehood in an attempt to throw dust into the eyes of Ghanaians.

The group describes Mahama as an incompetent man and a sore loser.

The group further dares the former president to show Ghanaians a single factory he built when he was president.

A publication that appeared on Ghanaweb dated 12th October 2023 with the Caption "NPP HAS COLLAPSED MANY OF THE FACTORIES I BUILT---JOHN MAHAMA" is a recklessly persuasive information with a high misleading agenda.

NPP Germany can relate on authority that these factories John Mahama is claiming to have built, only existed in the infamous untraceable GREEN BOOK achievements.

As a matter of fact, we dare John Dramani Mahama to come out and show us one single factory he built, parts of the release from NPP Germany said.

Below is a copy of the release.

NPP GERMANY

PRESS RELEASE

24---10---2023

ALMIGHTY INCOMPETENT JOHN MAHAMA SHOULD SHOW US THOSE SO-CALLED FACTORIES HE BUILT---NPP GERMANY

NPP Germany is hit by a big jolt being parried around by one statesman who should know better, in the person of the Almighty incompetent John Mahama and his NDC.

John Mahama keeps embarrassing himself by the rise of every dawn.

John Mahama has always been on the wildest expedition looking for consumers of his 2024 desperation and propaganda.

No wonder very discerning ears and Ghanaian voters have never taken him serious on any day.

The NPP Germany is tempted to dispel all misconceptions being stoked by John Mahama and his NDC claiming that the NPP has collapsed all industrial factories he built.

A publication that appeared on Ghanaweb dated 12th October 2023 with the Caption "NPP HAS COLLAPSED MANY OF THE FACTORIES I BUILT---JOHN MAHAMA" is a recklessly persuasive information with a high misleading agenda.

NPP Germany can relate on authority that these factories John Mahama is claiming to have built, only existed in the infamous untraceable GREEN BOOK achievements.

As a matter of fact, we dare John Dramani Mahama to come out and show us one single factory he built.

NPP Germany reminds John Mahama and the NDC that the days of political chicanery and deceitful tactics of manipulations are long over since Ghanaians are wide awake this time around.

The NPP is breaking the 8 and there's no way Ghanaians will fall for their glaring machinations.

John Mahama is an ardent sore loser and now taking solace in his over-bloated ego.

This is a clear irritating aggression, on the part of John Mahama, unleashed upon the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, by way of irresponsible criticism.

Ghanaians should continue to treat NDC and the whole John Mahama team as a walking contradiction and disposable trash bags.

We will continue to urge the good people of Ghana to vote NPP and break the 8 in order to retain the NPP so that the next NPP administration in the helm of governance will continue to give off its best.

We Say KUDOS to Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government!!!

Let The Truth Confound The Wise

Long Live Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo!!

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!

Long Live the Elephant Party!!!!

Kukruduuuu Eeeessshiii!!!!

Signed:

Nana Osei Boateng

NPP Germany Branch

Communications Director
24.10.2023 LISTEN

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, says the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters have failed to provide any evidence to back claims that some of their members were brutalised by the police.

The protest took place from September 21 to 23, 2023. The protesters, who were demonstrating against the governments economic policies and alleged corruption, had over 50 of their members arrested by the police.

The incident sparked outrage from Ghanaians, who accused the police of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.

The IGP subsequently met with some leaders of the Democracy Hub group, organizers of the protest, on September 22, 2023, to address concerns regarding the nature of their planned demonstration at the Jubilee House.

The police stated that it was established at the meeting that there was no evidence or reported case of assault against the demonstrators.

In a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union in Accra on Tuesday, the IGP said, As I speak, after months of completing that demonstration till today not a shred of evidence has been brought up to indicate that police brutalized them.

-citinewsroom
A North Carolina man has been charged in federal court and accused of calling two Buffalo police districts in August, using racist language and repeatedly threatening to kill police officers, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced.

Ryan Johnston, 38, of Lenoir, N.C., was charged Tuesday with making threats in interstate commerce, which carries a maximum penalty upon conviction of five years in prison.

Johnson appeared in court in North Carolina and was expected to be taken to Buffalo at a later date.

He is accused of calling a police officer in the Ferry-Fillmore District on Aug. 18 and becoming noticeably angry. He then made made more than 50 calls to members of the police district , reportedly threatening to kill employees, prosecutors said, and said he would come to Buffalo and shoot police officers.

Johnson made similar calls Aug. 26 to the Central District station, and again threatened to come to Buffalo and (expletive) Officers up, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

 Maki Becker
Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX:BOQ  Get Free Report) declared a final dividend on Thursday, October 12th, MarketIndexAU reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be paid a dividend of 0.21 per share by the bank on Wednesday, November 15th. This represents a dividend yield of 3.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 25th.

Bank of Queensland Stock Performance

About Bank of Queensland

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Queensland Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Australia. The company operates in Retail Banking, BOQ Business, and Other segments. It offers personal banking services comprises savings and term deposits, and transactional accounts; debit and credit cards; home, personal, and car loans; and travel, home and content, landlord, and car insurance, as well as investment services comprising online share trading services, and self-managed superannuation funds.

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Blackrock Silver Corp. (CVE:BRC  Get Free Report) shares were up 18% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.37 and last traded at C$0.36. Approximately 538,440 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 126% from the average daily volume of 238,687 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.31.

Blackrock Silver Price Performance

The businesss 50 day simple moving average is C$0.30 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$0.32. The company has a quick ratio of 3.14, a current ratio of 3.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The stock has a market capitalization of C$70.45 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.64 and a beta of 2.59.

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Blackrock Silver (CVE:BRC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, September 29th. The company reported C($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter.

Blackrock Silver Company Profile

Blackrock Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. Its flagship property is the Tonopah West silver-gold project that consists of 100 patented and 279 unpatented claims covering approximately 25.5 square kilometers located in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada.

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Interfor Co. (TSE:IFP  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$16.78 and last traded at C$17.00, with a volume of 138559 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$17.34.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Interfor from C$32.00 to C$30.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday. CIBC reduced their target price on shares of Interfor from C$32.00 to C$26.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their price objective on Interfor from C$41.00 to C$32.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday.

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View Our Latest Analysis on IFP

Interfor Trading Down 1.5 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.13, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 2.51. The stock has a market capitalization of C$878.60 million, a P/E ratio of -9.06 and a beta of 2.49. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$20.51 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$21.97.

Interfor (TSE:IFP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results 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). Interfor had a negative return on equity of 6.13% and a negative net margin of 3.50%. The firm had revenue of C$871.80 million during the quarter. On average, research analysts forecast that Interfor Co. will post 2.8616667 EPS 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.

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Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. reduced its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 0.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 59,915 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 63 shares during the period. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $31,261,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its holdings 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 worth $392,899,000 after purchasing an additional 24,376 shares during the period. American Trust raised its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 13.2% during the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 6,743 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,886,000 after buying an additional 784 shares during the period. Sterling Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Thermo Fisher Scientific during the second quarter worth $1,074,000. Alta Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 5.1% during the second quarter. Alta Capital Management LLC now owns 88,286 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $46,064,000 after purchasing an additional 4,307 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Manhattan CO. LLC. lifted its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 11.2% in the 1st quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. now owns 724,844 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $417,779,000 after buying an additional 72,792 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.06% of the companys stock.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of TMO traded down $8.05 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $453.76. 1,106,416 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,489,701. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $513.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $529.72. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a twelve month low of $447.14 and a twelve month high of $609.85. The stock has a market cap of $175.13 billion, a PE ratio of 31.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.79.

Insider Transactions at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $5.15 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.43 by ($0.28). The firm had revenue of $10.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.99 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 13.14%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $5.51 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 22.25 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $557.77, for a total transaction of $1,673,310.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,792,210.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $557.77, for a total value of $1,673,310.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,792,210.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $549.00, for a total transaction of $5,490,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 141,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $77,590,170. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 28,700 shares of company stock valued at $15,799,270. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have commented on TMO shares. StockNews.com cut Thermo Fisher Scientific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $670.00 to $630.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Credit Suisse Group raised shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $620.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $625.00 price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $664.00 to $625.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $619.80.

View Our Latest Stock Report on TMO

Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

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Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The business services provider reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.09, Briefing.com reports. The business had revenue of $1.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.54 billion. Robert Half had a return on equity of 34.51% and a net margin of 7.84%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.53 EPS.

Robert Half Trading Down 0.5 %

NYSE:RHI traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $72.13. 1,723,220 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 963,251. The firms fifty day moving average price is $74.33 and its 200 day moving average price is $73.69. Robert Half has a 52-week low of $64.65 and a 52-week high of $89.78. The company has a market cap of $7.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.38 and a beta of 1.29.

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Robert Half Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Friday, August 25th were issued a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.66%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 24th. Robert Halfs payout ratio is 38.10%.

Insider Activity

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Robert Half

In other Robert Half news, EVP Robert W. Glass sold 14,751 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 209,927 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,776,014.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . In other Robert Half news, EVP Robert W. Glass sold 14,751 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.15, for a total value of $1,108,537.65. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 209,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,776,014.05. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 2,050 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the director now owns 12,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at $959,056.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Company insiders own 2.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its position in Robert Half by 21.3% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 56,855 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $4,279,000 after purchasing an additional 9,976 shares during the period. Nuveen Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Robert Half by 6.4% in the second quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 535,884 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $40,309,000 after buying an additional 32,163 shares during the last quarter. GTS Securities LLC purchased a new position in Robert Half during the second quarter worth about $233,000. Formidable Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Robert Half by 15.6% during the second quarter. Formidable Asset Management LLC now owns 10,602 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $797,000 after acquiring an additional 1,434 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Robert Half by 25.6% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 491,037 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $36,936,000 after acquiring an additional 100,092 shares during the period. 91.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on RHI. William Blair reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Robert Half in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Robert Half from $63.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their target price on Robert Half from $63.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. StockNews.com raised Robert Half from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, October 15th. Finally, Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on Robert Half from $88.00 to $82.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Robert Half currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $72.11.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on RHI

About Robert Half

(Get 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.

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Seven Erie County legislators face major party opponents in the Nov. 7 general election, but only three of these races are serious contests, as judged by fundraising and active campaigning by the challengers.

The races to watch include districts representing voters in the Town of Tonawanda, Amherst, Cheektowaga and some neighborhoods in north and east Buffalo.

2023 WNY voter guide: What you need to know before you go to the polls Early voting began Oct. 28. Get caught up before heading to the polls  here is our coverage of some key races around Western New York.

Many residents dont know who their local legislators are or why they matter. But legislators have a lot of sway over what priorities the county sets and where money gets spent. They represent a check on the county administration and budget, which exceeds $2 billion. And they control their own districts grant money  which amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Eleven County Legislature seats are up for election every two years, but two incumbents are unopposed this year and two more are facing only minor party opponents.

This is the first year that incumbents are running in districts with new district lines, which are typically redrawn to favor incumbents.

Democrats hold a 7-4 edge in the Legislature and have successfully pushed a progressive agenda over the last two years, directing more money toward cities and promoting health equity, poverty relief and criminal justice reform. They have succeeded in keeping issues of local and diverse hiring at the Buffalo Bills stadium a front-burner issue and worked with the Republican sheriff to improve jail programs and accountability.

The Republican-supported minority caucus has succeeded in reaching a compromise with County Executive Mark Poloncarz to lower the property tax levy  the total amount of county money collected in property taxes  for the first time in a decade. The minority caucus has also successfully pressed for more scrutiny over the New York City asylum-seeker program, negotiated more cash spending and less debt for new Bills stadium construction.

Republicans lost their four-year majority in the Legislature after the 2017 elections. Overtaking the current Democratic majority appears unlikely this year.

Here are the three most-contested Erie County Legislature general election races:

District 4: Bargnesi vs. Marciszewski

Includes the Town of Tonawanda, as well as part of North Buffalo and the UB South Campus

Incumbent John A. Bargnesi Jr.: 56, Democratic and Working Families

Challenger Scott Marciszewski: 48, Republican and Conservative

Bargnesi, a commercial landscaping business owner and former deputy supervisor for the Town of Tonawanda, is seeking a second term. Marciszewski is a University at Buffalo deputy police chief who has previously run for the Tonawanda Town Board and State Assembly.

Bargnesi touted his support for county administration initiatives such as the $10 million storefront revitalization program, expanded hiring of Sheriffs Office personnel, and the Bills stadium deal. He also supported the elimination of county sales taxes on home heating bills during the three coldest months of winter.

He said he supports keeping taxes at a reasonable level, while still providing services residents need. He also said he would continue to advocate for transparency and would like to explore the establishment of term limits for elected county officials.

I am one of the few candidates with experience in both local government and operating a small business for over 35 years, he said.

Marciszewski, a longtime university police officer with a masters degree in labor policy, previously served for a year as president of the state Police Benevolent Association.

He has criticized what he said is a runaway county spending problem and described Bargnesi as a rubber stamp. He pointed to Poloncarzs budget proposal for next year, which would increase spending by 9%. He also noted that the county has had surpluses that exceed $200 million combined over the past two years.

Both years, the surpluses were spent almost immediately on pet projects for the county executive so he could get election year photo ops, Marciszewski said.

Bargnesi enjoys strong name recognition as a former Town of Tonawanda council member and said he has raised $22,000 toward his campaign. That is twice as much as Marciszewski raised. He is also campaigning in a district with a 2-to-1 Democratic enrollment advantage. But unlike two years ago, he is facing a challenger with two lines on the ballot, instead of only one.

District 5: Vinal vs. Wilkinson

Includes Williamsville, Amherst and a small part of Cheektowaga near the airport.

Incumbent Jeanne Vinal: 59, Democratic and Working Families

Challenger Richard Wilkinson: 46, Republican and Conservative

Vinal is a Buffalo lawyer running for her third term. For the second consecutive election, she is facing Wilkinson, a general manager for a Springville automotive dealership and restaurant owner.

Vinal has emphasized her efforts to get Amherst our fair share of county grant money for parks, local organizations and first responders, her lobbying efforts to improve notification and communication of county bidding opportunities, and her active scrutiny of no-bid county contracts. She also used county money to develop the Rising Stars math program for elementary school children not meeting minimum state standards.

She said shed like to work with SUNY Erie Community College to tailor degrees to local industry needs, reduce senior property taxes in communities that dont rely on sheriff services, and improve the foreclosure process to make it fairer, more efficient and transparent to residents.

Wilkinson has emphasized a pro-police and pro-safety platform, opposes the Metro Rail expansion into Amherst and also believes that ECC should focus more on skilled trades. Wilkinson said hed like to see more town halls held to discuss spending and projects that affect the community.

He has criticized Vinals voting record against Sheriffs Office proposals, and worked to cast Vinal as anti-sheriff and disengaged from constituents on issues such as the bused migrants controversy. Vinal responded that questioning sheriffs spending is part of a legislators watchdog role.

My opponents suggestion that I should not do my job disqualifies him, she said.

Wilkinson, meanwhile, said hes not a Trump Republican.

I am an open-minded, critical thinking, nonpartisan candidate that is committed to work with both parties, he said.

Vinal enjoys a strong Democratic voter advantage in the district, and defeated Wilkinson with 54% of the vote two years ago. This time around, however, Wilkinson is spending more money. Vinal said she has raised at least $25,000. Wilkinson said he has raised $24,000, including $12,000 he has loaned to his campaign.

District 7: Meyers vs. Zachowicz

Includes Cheektowaga, Kaisertown, Cazenovia Park, northwest section of West Seneca

Incumbent Timothy Meyers: 62, Democratic and Working Families

Challenger Michael Zachowicz: 54, Republican and Conservative

The race for District 7 is more interesting than usual, with Majority Leader Meyers, a retired worker from the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports, facing Zachowicz, music director at St. John Gualbert Church. While the two men faced each other in 2021, the issue of more than 600 asylum-seekers bused from New York City to live in Cheektowaga hotels has elevated interest in this race.

Meyers is running for a third term and has served as majority leader since last year. Meyers touted his vote to support a reduction in the home heating utility bills during the coldest winter months and the administrations storefront revitalization grant program. He also helped small businesses recover from the pandemic, he said.

After controversies regarding the asylum-seeker program, he presided over two work sessions regarding the local cost of the migrants, and occasionally voted with Republicans on resolutions to limit the asylum-seeker program.

Zachowicz, a chess instructor and church organist active in the Polish community, has built his campaign around independent leadership and transparency and accused Meyers of being part of a Democratic majority that doesnt challenge the county executive. He said Meyers was asleep at the wheel on the migrant issue until problems surfaced.

I will take a much more community-driven approach, he said.

Erie County Legislature candidate declared bankruptcy twice Michael J. Zachowicz, a Republican, who is challenging Majority Leader Tim Meyers, a Democrat, for the Legislature's 7th District seat, filed for bankruptcy in 2003 when he owed $123,000 to creditors, and filed again in 2015 when he owed $34,000.

But Zachowicz has his own campaign negatives, including that he has filed for bankruptcy twice, both here and in California. County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner highlighted his bankruptcy record, stating that such a candidate cannot be trusted with the Legislatures oversight of a $2 billion budget. Zachowicz said hes not proud of those decisions, but that people in the 7th District can relate to such working-class struggles.

The 7th District is overwhelmingly Democratic, and Meyers trounced Zachowicz two years ago with 62% of the vote. He enjoys strong union support and raised more than $50,000  the most of any legislative candidate as of the most recent campaign finance reports. Zachowicz said he has raised $17,000. Two years ago, Zachowicz had only one line on the ballot and made no effort to run an active campaign.

Other contested Legislature races

Below are other contested, major party County Legislature races in this years general election:

District 3: Incumbent Michael Kooshoian, Democratic and Conservative, vs. Republican challenger Stephan Monpremier

District 6: Incumbent Christopher Greene, Republican and Conservative, vs. Democratic challenger Ronald Schubert

District 9: Incumbent John Gilmour, Democratic and Conservative, vs. Republican challenger James Butera

District 10: Primary winner Lindsay Lorigo, Republican and Conservative, vs. Democratic challenger Deborah Seeber
Javier Blas is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. He previously was commodities editor at the Financial Times and is the coauthor of "The World for Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earths Resources."
Srinath Sridharan is Author, Policy Researcher & Corporate Advisor, Twitter: @ssmumbai. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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Gali Nagaraja is a senior journalist, formerly associated with The Hindu, The Times of India, and Hindustan Times for over three decades. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
West Herr Automotive Group president and CEO Scott Bieler has been nominated for a national dealer award, with a chance to win $10,000 for the charity of his choice.

Bieler is among 49 nominees for the annual Time Dealer of the Year award, which honors auto dealers for their success in business, as well as their commitment to community service.

The nominees will be honored Feb. 3 at the National Automobile Dealers Association's show in Las Vegas, Nev.

A panel of faculty members from the University of Michigan's Tauber Institute for Global Operations will choose one finalist from each of the four dealer association regions, and one national dealer of the year.

The winner will receive $10,000 to donate to charity, and the other three finalists will receive $5,000 each for the charities of their choice. The funds are donated by Ally.

Bieler was nominated for the award by Robert Vancavage, president of the New York State Automobile Dealers Association.

West Herr is one of the largest dealer groups in the country. Bieler was also nominated for the Time award in 2003.
David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering commodities, as well as industrial and consumer companies. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
ATLANTA  Sidney Powell was present for a now-infamous December 2020 meeting at the White House where participants hatched far-fetched schemes to keep Donald Trump in power and was so tied to the then-president that he once considered naming her a special counsel to probe claims of election fraud.

Kenneth Chesebro was part of a small coterie of advisers who prosecutors say prodded Republicans in battleground states to submit slates of fake electors who would falsely assert that Trump, not Democrat Joe Biden, was victorious.

Jenna Ellis authored legal memos that prosecutors say laid out strategies for disrupting the counting of electoral votes and advanced baseless voting fraud statements before state legislatures.

Yet rather than continue to stand behind Trump, the three lawyers cut deals in the last week with prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, agreeing to plead guilty and cooperate in the indictment that charged them, the ex-president and 15 others with illegally plotting to overturn the 2020 election.

The deals ensure the cooperation of witnesses who could presumably offer insider accounts of the desperate scheming to help Trump remain president  a boon for prosecutors striving to develop incriminating evidence against higher-profile targets.

Even so, it's hard to forecast how much their assistance heightens Trump's legal peril, especially since Powell's own history of outlandish, ill-supported claims of fraud could open her to attacks on her credibility and a bruising cross-examination.

"It's not a slam dunk that she is the knife to the heart of the former president, but it's not a good day for him when she pleads guilty," John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, said of Powell. "She's going to do something that hurts him. The level of the hurt, we don't know yet."

None of the agreements  Powell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, Chesebro and Ellis to a felony  required prison time. That's a generous resolution for defendants alleged to have played significant roles in what Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has called a "criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgia's presidential election result."

Such an outcome could nonetheless signal to other defendants the benefits that await them if they, too, plead guilty while also helping prosecutors winnow down an unwieldy racketeering case so they can focus on even bigger names.

Ellis' guilty plea Tuesday came days after agreements with Powell and Chesebro. Another defendant, bail bondsman Scott Graham Hall, pleaded guilty last month.

"In terms of immediate things that might shake out of it, I think it's a question of what the people next down in the pecking order might do in order to free up the DA's office a little bit more," said Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University law professor.

Beyond the Georgia case, the cooperation could potentially aid Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who has charged Trump with conspiring to undo the election. Powell and Chesebro are referenced, though not by name, as unindicted co-conspirators in that case, making their statements to investigators in Georgia of potential interest to Smith in his prosecution of Trump, which is set for trial next March.

The plea deals ushered in a predictable pattern of once-close Trump allies turning against him in their own interests, followed by Trump trying to distance himself from them. That happened Sunday when Trump posted on social media, in capital letters, that Powell "was not my attorney, and never was."

The about-face was striking given that three years ago, Trump introduced Powell on the social media platform then known as Twitter as part of his "great legal team" challenging election results.

In that role, she filed a since-dismissed lawsuit attacking Georgia's election results that was embraced by Trump and participated in a news conference with Ellis and another Fulton County defendant, Rudy Giuliani, where baseless claims of vast fraud were raised.

Powell was also present for a raucous White House meeting with the then-president, where Trump allies discussed potentially invoking the Insurrection Act as a way to seize voting machines.

"That might be one small part of the picture that nobody else can paint and that is particularly damning for Donald Trump in terms of showing that this was not a good-faith effort to ensure the election's accuracy but rather was a bad-faith effort to overturn it," Kreis said.

Even so, he noted, she'd likely be an easy witness for the Trump team to attack, potentially lessening the impact of any testimony she'd give.

"Not only is she easy to discredit, I think she'd be a very hostile witness," Kreis said.
Hate breed strife, love covers many offenses. Donald Trump has not only divided our nation but has instilled fear, hatred, racism and violence in his followers. Sadly, they are so loyal that they believe his lies that he is not guilty of any crimes such as insurrection, fraud, attempting to gain votes illegally in Georgia and taking secret documents to his home where they were not properly secured. Trump's lies and crimes have now been exposed and he has committed crimes in the past and got away with it because he thinks he is above the law which he is not. Rather than having the rule of law, Trump prefers chaos and would like to abolish the Constitution and have total power.
News / National

by Staff reporter

James Chidhakwa, the former Member of Parliament for Mabvuku Tafara, was reportedly subjected to abduction, torture, and subsequently left in Acturus on Monday night, as reported by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).This incident is unfolding amidst the CCC's ongoing struggle against the ruling Zanu-PF party and internal dissident factions within the citizens' movement.The CCC released a statement alleging that Chidhakwa had been forcibly taken, subjected to severe physical harm, injected with an unidentified substance, and later abandoned in Acturus around midnight by suspected state agents. His dreadlocks were forcibly removed using a sharp implement. Presently, Chidhakwa is receiving medical attention at a local hospital. The CCC strongly condemned these acts of violence and aggression, asserting that the Harare regime continues to perpetrate attacks on its members.The statement also underscored the belief that the Harare government is fully aware of its contentious victory in the recently concluded, highly controversial, and disorganized elections. This is seen as the underlying reason for their resort to tactics resembling those of a terrorist organization, involving the abduction and torture of innocent CCC members. The CCC vehemently condemned such conduct.The statement, however, did not specify the location or provide a description of the individuals responsible for Chidhakwa's abduction. In recent years, human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of abductions in Zimbabwe, which they claim are orchestrated by state security agents with the aim of hindering the main opposition party and union activities. The government has consistently dismissed these allegations, often suggesting that the activists are staging the abductions themselves.
Representation of the bitcoin cryptocurrency and a price chart are seen in this illustration taken on Oct. 24, 2023.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwean Vice-President Kembo Mohadi is now stable after he was airlifted following a sudden collapse at an election rally in Gutu West, Masvingo province, on Saturday.Mohadi was there to launch Zanu PF's bye-election campaign to support Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs John Paradza who was the sitting legislator for the constituency and had won the ruling party primary election uncontested ahead of the August polls.The Gutu West election could not be held on August 23 together with the rest of the general elections following the death of independent candidate Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi in a road traffic accident in June after nominations had closed.
2 cargo ships have collided off the coast of Germany. At least 1 sailor is dead and 4 are missing

2 cargo ships have collided off the coast of Germany. At least 1 sailor is dead and 4 are missing View Photo

BERLIN (AP)  Two cargo ships collided in the North Sea off the coast of Germany on Tuesday and one of them sank, German authorities said. At least one sailor died and rescuers were trying to find another four.

The vessels collided shortly before 5 a.m. about 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of the island of Helgoland, Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said. The site of the collision was about 31 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Langeoog island, which is just off the German mainland.

The British-flagged Verity, which had seven people on board and was en route from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham, sank shortly after the collision. A signal from the ship was lost at about 5:20 a.m., suggesting that it had already gone down, and wreckage was found.

Two sailors were rescued and taken to a hospital, where they werent in a life-threatening condition. The body of one man was recovered, while four other people were still missing.

We are now doing everything humanly possible to rescue more people alive, the head of the emergency command, Robby Renner, said at a news conference in Cuxhaven.

The water temperature at the time of the collision was about 12 C (54 F), which experience shows that people can survive for about 20 hours, said Michael Ippich of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

Several rescue ships and aircraft taking part in the search hadnt located the missing crew members by late afternoon. Rescuers considered the possibility that they were still inside the Verity and sent divers down to the wreck at a depth of about 30 meters (around 100 meters) to check whether there were any signs of life.

But the divers were unable to find anything, and increasingly strong currents meant that they couldnt immediately try again. Visibility at the site was low and any dives could only be made in a short window between tides.

The Verity was 91 meters (299 feet) long and 14 meters (46 feet) wide. It was carrying steel coils, according to Renner.

The other, bigger ship  the Bahamas-flagged Polesie  remained afloat and had 22 people on board. None of them was believed to be injured. The vessel was heading from Hamburg to A Coruna, Spain. The Polesie is 190 meters (623 feet) long and 29 meters (95 feet) wide.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision.

Vessels supporting the rescue effort included a cruise ship, the Iona, that was en route from Hamburg to Rotterdam and had doctors on board.

By GEIR MOULSON

Associated Press
SAO PAULO (AP)  A teenager opened fire at a high school in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo early Monday, killing one student and wounding two others, authorities said.

The Folha de S.Paulo newspaper identified the assailant as a male student at the high school who was a frequent target of bullying and said that the victim who died was a 17-year-old girl who was shot in the head.

Authorities did not immediately release details about the suspected shooter, but the Sao Paulo state government said in a statement that police took him into custody. Two students were wounded in the shooting, and one other was hurt in a scramble to escape. All three were brought to a hospital, it said.

At this moment, the priority is attending to the victims and psychological support to students, teachers and family members, the statement said.

This was Brazils first school attack in months, following a rash of them earlier this year. There have been almost two dozen violent episodes in Brazilian schools since 2000, half in the last 18 months. The newly empowered government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva launched an all-hands effort across federal, state and municipal levels in April to stamp out the emerging trend.

My condolences to the family of the murdered young woman and the injured students, President Lula wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. We cannot normalize affordable guns for young people in our society and tragedies like these.

It was not immediately clear how the assailant obtained his firearm.
Day of bloodshed in southwest Mexico kills at least 19 people, including police and officials

MEXICO CITY (AP)  A local security secretary and 12 police officers were shot dead in Guerrero state Monday, authorities said, the worst episode in a day of violence across southwestern Mexico that killed at least 19 people.

Another person was slain in the Guerrero state capital and five people, including a police officer, were killed in the neighboring state of Michoacan, officials said.

Eleven people were initially reported killed in the attack in El Papayo, which is in the Guerrero township of Coyuca de Benitez on the Pacific Coast. Hours later, the state prosecutors office said two more police officers had died.

The secretary for security of Coyuca de Benitez was among those slain, said Gabriel Hernandez Mendoza, state deputy prosecutor for investigations. He gave no further details.

Rigoberto Acosta Gonzalez, an academic and community leader, was reported shot to death in Chilpancingo, the Guerrero state capital 60 miles (95 kilometers) northeast of Coyuca de Benitez.

In Michoacan, north of Guerrero, at least five people, including a police officer, were fatally shot and two others were injured, the office of the states attorney general said on X, formerly Twitter.

Officials are finding themselves increasingly endangered in the region, where several powerful drug cartels continue to fight for control. According to figures from Common Cause, 341 police officers have been killed in Mexico so far this year. In 2022, at least 403 were slain.

In the Michoacan incident, the bodies of the five slain people were found on a highway in the township of Tacambaro after an attack targeted the mayors brother. The state prosecutors office did not say if the mayors brother was among the wounded.

A video of the attack circulating on social media appeared to show heavy gunfire, followed by at least five armed men running to board a pickup truck.

Despite the government sending more than 2,000 National Guard troops and military personnel last month, Michoacan remains one of the deadliest states in Mexico, according to the national security department.

Several criminal groups are known to operate in the region, including the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel, the Familia Michoacana, the Viagras and the Knights Templar.

Gun violence has also spilled over into neighboring areas. On Sunday, a shootout at an illegal horse race killed five people and wounded five others in Queretaro, a central state on the northeastern border of Michoacan.
Mexico deploys 300 National Guard troopers to area where 13 police officers were killed in an ambush

Mexico deploys 300 National Guard troopers to area where 13 police officers were killed in an ambush View Photo

MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican government sent 300 National Guard troopers to bolster the southern state of Guerrero on Tuesday, where a local police chief and 12 officers were shot dead in a brutal ambush the day before.

It was just one of three attacks Monday in an increasingly violent region of the country.

Announcing the reinforcements in his morning news conference, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador mourned the victims and called the attack practically an ambush.

Guerreros attorney general launched an investigation Monday after the 13 bodies were found on a highway in El Papayo, which is in the Guerrero township of Coyuca de Benitez on the Pacific coast. Two more people were injured in the attack.

Some bodies were found handcuffed, face down on the ground, according to local reports, which could suggest the attackers ambushed and captured the police officers before killing them.

Authorities did not provide any more details about the attack or those responsible.

At least six more people were killed Monday in two other attacks in Mexicos southwest, a region where escalating gang conflicts are pushing a surge of violence.

Earlier this year, two police officers and three civilians were killed in an attack attributed to the Familia Michoacana cartel. Then in August, a leader of the rival Arreola gang was assassinated. Since then people in the region have complained increasingly about little official security against gangs.

According to figures from Common Cause, 341 police officers have been killed in Mexico so far this year. In 2022, at least 403 were slain.
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding support for our allies.

McConnell was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

There is evil in the world. And for the better part of the last century, America and our allies were squarely in its crosshairs. Unfortunately, we tend to forget that.

On September 12, 2001, George Will coined the phrase, saying that the free worlds holiday from history was over. When Russia escalated its lawless invasion of Ukraine last year, many observers, including former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates, invoked the same idea.

The West is at a crossroads. Increasingly, fringe voices on the left and right are insisting that its not Americas business to lead. They seem willing to accept American decline and to assume that their lack of interest in history means history wont be interested in them.

Meanwhile, many of our allies are waking up to their own commitments to collective defense.

And as the world was reminded last February in Ukraine, and again on October 7th in Israel, some of our friends and fellow democracies have never had the option of taking a holiday from history.

Israel has no choice but vigilant self-defense because murderous theocrats and terrorists have vowed to wipe it off the map.

Ukraine has no choice but all-out resistance because an authoritarian thug with delusions of Soviet glory has spent years butchering its people and carving up its sovereign territory.

Half a world away, the free people of Taiwan have no choice but to stare down the threat from a communist superpower intent on bringing their island to heel.

Its hard to ignore the growing strategic alignment between these authoritarian forces.

They share an interest in one anothers violent pursuits and in undermining the West, especially America.

Take the growing strategic partnership between Russia and Iran.

The Obama Administration foolishly welcomed Putins intervention in Syria. And it gave Russia influence in the Middle East it hadnt had since the 1970s  mostly at Americas expense.

Iran and its terror proxies were glad to see Putin prop up Bashar Assad. Under Russian protection, Syria became a training ground and logistics superhighway from Tehrans terror network. And as terrorists challenge America and Israel in the region, Russia is the beneficiary.

Its a symbiotic relationship for the bad guys. And its only continued to grow.

Russia defends Iran at the UN, and Iran is now providing the same lethal drones its terrorist proxies use to attack American forces in Syria and Iraq directly to Russia for use against Ukraine.

The worlds largest state sponsor of terror  with American, Israeli, and Arab blood on its hands  is also sponsoring Russias war against our friends in Europe.

As one good analysis put it recently, When Hamas terrorists, Hizballah mercenaries, and Iranian theocrats chant Death to America after murdering Israelis, theyre not confused. And its hardly surprising that Putin has aligned his regime with this terror, given the devastation his forces inflict on civilians in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, China isnt just keeping a close eye on the Worlds resolve to resist Russian aggression and Iran-backed terrorism. Theyre getting more directly involved.

Just yesterday, a summit of the PRCs so-called Belt and Road Initiative  a massive influence operation aimed at bringing more parts of the world under Beijings thumb  featured Vladimir Putin as a guest of honor. Yet another sign that Russia and China are serious about their friendship without limits.

Beijing has released a flurry of statements, responding to terrorist savagery by condemning Israels self-defense operations and conspicuously avoiding any mention of Hamas.

The PRC is stepping up its coordination with, and support for, Iran. It is no surprise that the regime that wants to break the will of a free Taiwan is eager to see its fellow travelers in Tehran and Moscow do the same to Israel and Ukraine.

Our adversaries know the challenges they pose to us are linked. The belief that we can abandon allies in one part of the world and not hurt allies elsewhere simply doesnt hold water. In fact, it is naive and dangerous.

The people of Israel have a right to defend themselves. And the United States has an interest in our closest ally in the Middle East rooting out terrorists like Hamas.

Ukraine has a right to sovereignty. And the United States has an interest in Europe  our largest trading partner and strongest ally  not facing an emboldened thug at its gates.

Taiwan and other Asian democracies have a right to self-determination. And the United States has an interest in helping Asian partners stand up to Chinese aggression.

We need to remember America is a superpower. Our interests are global. And with global interests come global responsibilities.

Our alliances matter. Our credibility matters.

Our friends on the front lines of authoritarian aggression and terrorist savagery dont have the opportunity to take a holiday from history. And America cant afford to, either.

In the coming days, it will be the Senates responsibility to take strong and decisive action  to put maximum support behind Israels self-defense, equip Ukraine for victory as it defines it, and help Taiwan deter growing threats.

The prosperity America has known for the better part of a century is the product of our leadership. Preserving it means standing with our friends and investing in our own strength.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Limpopo police arrested a 34-year-old man for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner sport utility vehicle which was reported stolen in Gauteng.The man who was nabbed near the Beitbridge border post on Monday, is also linked to a vehicle smuggling syndicate operating between Gauteng and Limpopo.Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said different units of the SA Police Service as well as private security companies received information about the suspect driving on the Berghenk Road, smuggling a vehicle from Gauteng to Zimbabwe through Beitbridge border post."An operation was activated, and the team spotted the described Toyota Fortuner 2.8. They tried to stop it, but the driver sped off," said Mashaba.A high-speed chase ensued from the Kuschke Agriculture School until the Toyota Fortuner came to a stop along the R101 Road."The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle, driving without a valid driving licence, and it was also established that he is in the country illegally," said Mashaba.Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen at Garsfontein, in Pretoria on Saturday."The same suspect, on the October 14, smuggled a Toyota Hilux Legend 50 to Zimbabwe," Mashaba said.Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the law enforcement teams involved "for moving swiftly" to arrest the 34-year-old.Hadebe has also directed the law enforcement teams probe the modus operandi in order to prevent the same incidents from happening in the province.The arrested 34-year-old man is expected to appear before Polokwane Magistrate's Court, facing charges relating to breach of immigration laws, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle and driving a motor vehicle without valid driving licence.Police said the ongoing investigations might link the suspect to similar cases of vehicle theft and smuggling.
Groveland, CA  A man who lives in Placerville, but resided in Groveland when he was carrying out child pornography crimes, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and seven and a half years of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a minor.

The announcement was made by the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of California. It is a complicated case, as 38-year-old Jordan T. Piper has been in custody since February of 2021 in connection to a separate horrific crime, the death of his 11-year-old son, Roman Lopez. The boy was found dead in a storage bin in Piper and his wifes home in Placerville.

Piper, and the boys stepmother, Lindsay Piper, were charged with second-degree murder and child abuse.

The video and images related to the child pornography charges were of a young girl and were discovered by authorities during the murder investigation undertaken by the El Dorado County Sheriffs Office in partnership with the FBI.

According to court documents provided, in 2019 Piper made 30 illegal recordings of a minor while living in Groveland. He also took screenshots of the recordings that focused on the minor girls private parts. A search warrant was conducted and law enforcement officials found 433 nude images of the victim on Pipers cell phone. The images/video were taken in both Tuolumne and El Dorado counties.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.

Piper pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation charges as part of a plea agreement. Court documents note that he may also later have to pay restitution to the victim.

The earlier referenced separate murder case is still going through the legal process.
THOMASTON, Ga. (AP)  A Georgia man has been charged with murder after police said he killed his girlfriend, stuffed her body in a suitcase and stashed it in the closet of the apartment they shared.

Freddrick Durham of Thomaston was being held without bail in the Upson County jail. Durham appeared before a judge on Monday, a Thomaston police investigator said by phone, but Durham does not yet have a lawyer who can speak for him.

Officers and relatives had gone to Margret Dubignons apartment Friday in the the town about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Atlanta, but didnt find her, after last speaking to her on Thursday.

She was officially reported missing Saturday morning, with relatives saying Durham and Dubignons vehicle were also missing. Officers were called back to the apartment 90 minutes later after relatives found Dubignons body in the suitcase. Upson County Coroner Craig Stubbs said Monday that Dubignons cause of death will be determined once an autopsy is completed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

License plate cameras tracked Dubignons vehicle to Atlanta, where Atlanta police arrested Durham about two hours later. He was taken back to Thomaston, where he was also charged with concealing a death, tampering with evidence and motor vehicle theft. Police said more charges could follow.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  An off-duty St. Louis County officer accused of displaying his badge and firing into the air at a trick-or-treating event no longer is employed at the agency, a police spokesperson confirmed Monday.

Matthew McCulloch was no longer working at the department as of Thursday, St. Louis County Police officer Adrian Washington said in an email. He had been on unpaid administrative leave. Washington declined to comment on whether McCulloch was fired or quit, describing it as a personnel matter.

McCulloch is charged with child endangerment, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and making a terrorist threat during a school-sponsored trunk-or-treating event attended by hundreds of parents and children Oct. 15 in the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood.

Police said McCulloch told multiple attendees that you are all going to die, according to the probable cause statement.

After a man responded by pushing McCulloch to the ground, police said McCulloch lifted his shirt to show a handgun and his badge. McCulloch then shot into the air at least a dozen times while shouting that all attendees would die, police alleged. Trick-or-treaters ran for cover, then police said several people tackled McCulloch and took the gun.

McCullochs lawyer did not immediately return an Associated Press voicemail requesting comment Monday.

McCulloch is jailed on a $500,000 bond. A judge will consider his request for a lower bond on Friday.
Family, friends, colleagues bid farewell to Philadelphia officer killed in airport garage shooting View Photo

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers gathered Tuesday to bid farewell to a Philadelphia police officer killed in an airport parking garage shooting that also wounded another officer earlier this month.

Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford announced Tuesday at the service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia that slain officer Richard Mendez had been posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded several medals.

Mendez and Officer Raul Ortiz had just started their shift around 11 p.m. on Oct. 12 when they heard breaking glass and saw several people breaking into a car in the parking lot at Philadelphia International Airport, police said. A confrontation ensued and the two officers and one of the suspects were shot. Mendez, 50, was shot four times and pronounced dead at a hospital, police said. Ortiz was shot once in the arm.

Stanford said Mendez was described by family and friends as a great son, an amazing husband, a loving father, and an awesome friend. He said the officer had not become a hero on the night of his death but more than two decades earlier when he entered the Philadelphia police department and decided to dedicate his life to public service for 22 years.

Mendezs daughter Mia, 19, a Temple University senior, said her father was proud of having earned college degrees including a masters in business administration and had planned to return to the classroom to teach after he retired.

He was a kind, loving, patient and humble man who did everything to support his family and his fellow officers, she said.

She emotionally described the hardest night of my life seeing her fathers body less than two hours after he had kissed her and her mother goodnight as he left for work. Surviving without him would be difficult for both, she said, but we know he wouldnt want us to give up, so we wont.

But she said she was increasingly concerned about an apparent rise in crime in the city with criminals seeming to have little fear of consequences. And now, she said, the strongest man in my life  my hero, my rock, my daddy  was taken from me, from us, and Im unbelievably scared.

After the service, a large crowd of uniformed officers saluted as the flag-draped coffin was carried out and a procession to Forrest Hills Cemetery in northeast Philadelphia began.

Three men  Alexander Batista-Polanco, 21, of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 21, of Pennsauken, New Jersey; and Yobranny Martinez Fernandez, 18, of Camden County, New Jersey  have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder. A fourth suspect, 18-year-old Jesus Herman Madera Duran, was shot during the confrontation and died at a hospital after being dropped off by his cohorts, police said.

Police believe one of the suspects alone fired the bullets that hit the two officers and Madera Duran, but they have left it up to prosecutors to detail exactly what happened. First Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said police believe the officers were trying to detain at least one suspect when someone came behind (Mendez) and fired a weapon.

In addition to the three prime suspects, police are pursuing others who either assisted the suspects or tried to obstruct the investigation, including those involved in burning a vehicle and renting hotel rooms and those who knew where people were and didnt tell us, Vanore said last week. Investigators were also still searching for the slain officers gun, which they dont believe was fired, he said.
Maryland judge heard shocking evidence in divorce case hours before his killing, tapes show View Photo

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP)  Pedro Argote was conspicuously absent last Thursday when a Maryland judge granted his wife a divorce and sole custody of their four children, citing shocking testimony about the abuse that Argote allegedly inflicted upon them for years.

But later that day, authorities say, Argote showed up at Judge Andrew Wilkinsons home and shot him to death in his driveway. Now a wanted man, Argote remains at large amid a law enforcement search spanning several states.

Wilkinson ruled against Argote after hearing testimony from his wife and an adult daughter, who said he controlled every aspect of their lives, keeping them isolated and subjecting them to various acts of violence in recent years.

Police have pointed to the judges decision as a motive for the shooting, which sent a shock wave through Marylands legal community.

An audio recording of the hearing didnt capture any obvious warning signs that Argote posed a danger to anyone outside his family, but it does provide new insight into the abuse allegations he was facing.

His adult daughter from a previous relationship said she spent most of her teenage years confined to her bedroom. She said Argote had cameras installed throughout the house and was watching my every move. During emotional testimony, she said he would beat her with a belt and other objects  whatever he had close by.

The reason I worked up the courage to testify was so that my siblings wouldnt have to go through the mental torment that I currently have, she told the court, explaining that she left home at 18 to escape the abuse and hadnt had contact with her father since.

Wilkinson concluded that Argote wasnt fit to have custody of his four younger children, ages 12, 11, 5 and 3.

The manner in which Mr. Argote has isolated these children and mom over the past two years, I think that has gone on throughout the marriage, and its shocking, the judge said. I think he is abusive in multiple ways.

Argotes wife described in detail how he rendered her powerless and mistreated their children. She wept while recounting how he would stuff a towel into their crying babys mouth. The conditions only worsened after he found out she planned to leave him last year, she said.

Before she could get the paperwork together, Argote filed for divorce himself. Court records show a messy legal battle ensued and Argotes abuse escalated, according to court testimony.

Argotes wife requested a protective order soon thereafter, saying Argote was carrying a gun and surveilling her. But they later settled on a nesting arrangement where he would live on the first floor of their house and she would live upstairs.

Throughout their marriage, Argote handled the familys finances and controlled their joint business ventures, including most recently a food truck and a digital advertising company. He also limited his wifes access to their shared vehicle, according to court documents.

In a March 2023 written opinion, Wilkinson said he had the uneasy sense that Father engages in absolute control over Mother, their finances, and their lives. The judge again referenced that statement Thursday, saying his prior assessment became crystal clear during recent testimony.

Exhibits filed into the court record include photos of Argote smiling and posing with his children, riding bikes and swimming. In one photo, two of his children are sitting in their driveway next to a sidewalk chalk message that reads: I love you Dad.

In an Oct. 11 email sent to his wifes attorney, Argote said he had purchased her an SUV and left it outside her house. But the attorney told him to remove it and instead make available their shared vehicle.

You cannot force a vehicle upon my client, the attorney wrote in an emailed response to Argote. This is not a sensible solution.  You have failed to pay the mortgage, but have taken on another liability.

The recent divorce hearing lasted two days. During the first half, which took place Sept. 26, Argote represented himself. He testified about the couples finances and repeatedly questioned whether his children were receiving adequate homeschooling instruction from their mother, claiming she was too lenient with them. During his testimony, Argote at times expressed frustration, but his voice remained calm and he often addressed the judge respectfully as your honor.

But Argote failed to appear for the second half of the hearing last week. Instead, he called the courthouse saying he had a headache.

Im not sure that I find that believable, Wilkinson said, explaining his decision to proceed.

Erika Garrott Johnson, the attorney representing Argotes wife, said she believes Argote didnt come to court because he didnt want to hear his familys emotional testimony and because he knows the writing is on the wall.

An attorney representing the children, Ashley Wilburn, said she was concerned for their safety, particularly in light of the fact that Mr. Argote did not show up today.

She urged the judge to resolve the case quickly in hopes of keeping the children safe, saying the best case scenario for them would likely be moving to Florida with their mom, who has a family support system there. Wilburn said even supervised access to their father would be detrimental.

The judge ruled out visitation rights Thursday and barred Argote from contacting his children or visiting the familys house.

Wilkinson was shot in his driveway Thursday night while his wife and son were home. The circuit court judge was a longtime resident of Hagerstown and heavily involved in the community. The city of nearly 44,000 lies about 75 miles (120 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore in the largely rural panhandle of Maryland.

Sheriffs deputies found Argotes Mercedes SUV in a wooded area south of Hagerstown on Saturday, but concluded he wasnt in the area. Officials with the U.S. Marshal Service said he has ties to other states, including New York and Florida.

Argotes wife and children are receiving protection as the search for him continues, according to Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert.

___

Kunzelman reported from Silver Spring, Maryland.

By LEA SKENE and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

Associated Press
Cuomo could have run again for NY governor, but declined for family reasons, former top aide writes

Cuomo could have run again for NY governor, but declined for family reasons, former top aide writes View Photo

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment, discussed running to reclaim the office in 2022 but decided against it because he didnt want to subject his daughters to another campaign, one of his top aides says in a book being released Tuesday.

We had a vendor lined up to print petitions and had assembled a volunteer army and a paid canvass operation that was set to go, the Democrats former chief aide, Melissa DeRosa, writes in her political memoir, Whats Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics and Crisis.

Such a run would have pitted Cuomo against his successor and former lieutenant governor, fellow Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul.

DeRosa said Cuomo could not stomach how state government was being run after his resignation. But despite support from relatives and aides willing to come out with guns blazing, she wrote, Cuomo considered how a run would impact his three daughters, who had clearly had enough of the press and the ugly politics.

The prospect of reliving that trauma that soon was too much to bear, DeRosa said.

Hochul wound up winning the election, defeating Republican Lee Zeldin.

DeRosa was known for appearing at the governors side during his daily, televised COVID-19 pandemic briefings and became one of Cuomos most vocal defenders during the sexual harassment scandal that forced him out of office in August 2021.

She defends him and the administration in the book, too, questioning the credibility of some of the accusations, saying that everyday interactions were being weaponized and claiming some of the attacks on him were politically motivated.

DeRosa is particularly critical of state Attorney General Letitia James, the Democrat who released a report, crafted by outside lawyers, which concluded Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women. Cuomo has denied those allegations. In one passage, DeRosa claimed James initially tried to reassure her about the investigation, saying people had described a key accuser as not credible.

A spokesperson for James, Gary Ginsburg, said in an email Monday that DeRosa has a well-earned reputation for dishonesty.

Lets remember this is the very person who lied about the number of people who died in nursing homes during the pandemic, Ginsburg said, referring to the Cuomo administrations incomplete accounting of deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

DeRosas book provides insider takes on Cuomos relationships with other figures.

According to DeRosa:

 Former CNN President Jeff Zucker and his longtime aide Allison Gollust pressured Cuomo to appear on his younger brother Chriss primetime show. The brotherly banter, laced with friendly trash talk, was a popular feature during the grimmest days of the pandemic, despite criticism that it represented a journalistic conflict of interest.

 Cuomo had a complicated, wary relationship with then-President Donald Trump. DeRosa said she would sometimes try to lobby the administration through Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law. Sometimes those exchanges would get testy. Early in the pandemic when much of the economy was still shut down, DeRosa spoke to Kushner in hopes the president would soften his rhetoric about reopening. Kushner responded that Florida was open and that the death rate there was lower at the time even without the shutdowns. Did you know that, too?

 Hochul was told in January 2021 that she would be off the ticket the next year as Cuomos lieutenant governor. She agreed to go, DeRosa said, provided they find her a job in the federal government, preferably as ambassador to Canada. They were finalizing a position in the Commerce Department when the sexual harassment allegations surfaced. DeRosa dismissed Hochul as someone unprepared for the job.

Asked to comment on what DeRosa wrote, Hochul spokesperson Anthony Hogrebe emailed that the State of New York has moved on, and we hope she is able to find a way to move on as well.

Cuomos spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, said of the book were not disputing any of this but have no additional comment.

By MICHAEL HILL

Associated Press
Georgia prosecutors are picking up cooperators in the Trump 2020 election case. Will it matter?

Georgia prosecutors are picking up cooperators in the Trump 2020 election case. Will it matter? View Photo

ATLANTA (AP)  Sidney Powell was present for a now-infamous December 2020 meeting at the White House where participants hatched far-fetched schemes to keep Donald Trump in power and was so tied to the then-president that he once considered naming her a special counsel to probe claims of election fraud.

Kenneth Chesebro was part of a small coterie of advisers who prosecutors say prodded Republicans in battleground states to submit slates of fake electors who would falsely assert that Trump, not Democrat Joe Biden, was victorious.

Jenna Ellis authored legal memos that prosecutors say laid out strategies for disrupting the counting of electoral votes and advanced baseless voting fraud statements before state legislatures.

Yet rather than continue to stand behind Trump, the three lawyers have cut deals in the last week with prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, agreeing to plead guilty and cooperate in the indictment that charged them, the ex-president and 15 others with illegally plotting to overturn the 2020 election.

The deals ensure the cooperation of witnesses who could presumably offer insider accounts of the desperate scheming to help Trump remain president  a boon for prosecutors striving to develop incriminating evidence against higher-profile targets. Even so, its hard to forecast how much their assistance heightens Trumps legal peril, especially since Powells own history of outlandish, ill-supported claims of fraud could open her to attacks on her credibility and a bruising cross-examination.

Its not a slam dunk that she is the knife to the heart of the former president, but its not a good day for him when she pleads guilty, John Fishwick, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, said of Powell. Shes going to do something that hurts him. The level of the hurt, we dont know yet.

None of the agreements  Powell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, Chesebro and Ellis to a felony  required prison time. Thats a generous resolution for defendants alleged to have played significant roles in what Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has called a criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgias presidential election result. But such an outcome could nonetheless signal to other defendants the benefits that await them if they, too, plead guilty while also helping prosecutors winnow down an unwieldy racketeering case so they can focus on even bigger names.

Ellis guilty plea Tuesday came days after agreements with Powell and Chesebro. Another defendant, bail bondsman Scott Graham Hall, pleaded guilty last month.

In terms of immediate things that might shake out of it, I think its a question of what the people next down in the pecking order might do in order to free up the DAs office a little bit more, said Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University law professor. I think thats really what the DAs office is trying to do now. Theyre trying to shake as many of these codefendants loose as they can and focus on the people they want to focus on and just step on the accelerator and get things moving.

Beyond the Georgia case, the cooperation could potentially aid Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who has charged Trump with conspiring to undo the election. Powell and Chesebro are referenced, though not by name, as unindicted co-conspirators in that case, making their statements to investigators in Georgia of potential interest to Smith in his prosecution of Trump, which is set for trial next March.

The plea deals ushered in a predictable pattern of once-close Trump allies turning against him in their own interests, followed by Trump trying to distance himself from them. That happened Sunday when Trump posted on social media, in capital letters, that Powell was not my attorney, and never was.

The about-face was striking given that three years ago, Trump introduced Powell on the social media platform then-known as Twitter as part of his great legal team challenging election results.

In that role, she filed a since-dismissed lawsuit attacking Georgias election results that was embraced by Trump and participated in a news conference with Ellis and another Fulton County defendant, Rudy Giuliani, where baseless claims of vast fraud were raised. Powell was also present for a raucous White House meeting with the then-president, where Trump allies discussed potentially invoking the Insurrection Act as a way to seize voting machines.

That might be one small part of the picture that nobody else can paint and that is particularly damning for Donald Trump in terms of showing that this was not a good-faith effort to ensure the elections accuracy but rather was a bad-faith effort to overturn it, Kreis said.

Even so, he noted, shed likely be an easy witness for the Trump team to attack, potentially lessening the impact of any testimony shed give.

Smiths indictment notes Trump privately told others he thought her fraud ideas sounded crazy. Giuliani and Ellis moved to separate themselves from her days after their news conference in which Powell incorrectly suggested that a server hosting evidence of voting irregularities was located in Germany, that voting software used by Georgia and other states was created at the direction of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and that votes for Trump had probably been switched in favor of Biden.

Not only is she easy to discredit, I think shed be a very hostile witness, Kreis said.

Campaigning in New Hampshire on Monday, Trump appeared to refer to Powell and Cheesbro as good people and said prosecutors worked to hound and scare them.

Steve Sadow, Trumps lead attorney in the Georgia case, expressed confidence Powells plea wouldnt hurt Trump, saying last week that any truthful testimony offered would be favorable to my overall defense strategy.

In Chesebros case, though prosecutors dont say he communicated directly with Trump, hes alleged to have played a crucial role in a scheme underpinning both the Georgia and federal prosecutions  efforts to enlist fake electors in battleground states won by Biden.

Georgia prosecutors say had the case gone to trial, they would have shown Chesebro conspired with Trump, Giuliani, conservative law professor John Eastman and others to get several Georgia Republicans to falsely present themselves as the states duly elected and qualified electors to disrupt and delay the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021.

Chesebros lawyer said last week he didnt foresee Chesebros cooperation harming Trump, but nonetheless, the fake elector plot is being investigated in multiple states and is a central part of the overall conspiracy, said George Washington University law professor Randall Eliason. That could make his cooperation important in implicating others.

Anytime that youve got co-conspirators pleading guilty and admitting to criminal activity, thats pretty significant, he said.

___

Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Derry, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.

By ERIC TUCKER and KATE BRUMBACK

Associated Press
The 19 people accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia to keep Trump in power

The 19 people accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia to keep Trump in power View Photo

ATLANTA (AP)  Four of the 18 people charged alongside former President Donald Trump with participating in an illegal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia have now negotiated deals with prosecutors, pleading guilty to reduced charges in exchange for their truthful testimony in future trials.

Lawyer Jenna Ellis on Tuesday became the latest to turn against Trump, pleading guilty to a felony charge in exchange for a sentence of probation rather than prison time. Fellow attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro reached similar deals last week, just as their trial in the case was supposed to start because they had invoked their rights to a speedy trial. Bail bondsman Scott Graham Hall last month was the first to plead guilty.

Trump and the others charged in the case have pleaded not guilty.

The sweeping indictment, brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in August, capped an investigation that had lasted more than two years and marked the fourth criminal case brought against the Republican former president. Its 41 counts include racketeering, violating the oath of a public officer, forgery, false statements and other offenses.

Heres a look at the 19 people charged:

DONALD TRUMP

Then-President Trump fixated on Georgia after the 2020 general election, refusing to accept his narrow loss in the state and making unfounded assertions of widespread election fraud there. He also called top state officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp, to urge them to find a way to reverse his loss in the state. In a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Trump suggested the states top elections official could help find the votes needed for him to win the state. Willis opened the investigation into possible illegal attempts to influence the election shortly after a recording of that call was made public.

RUDY GIULIANI

During several legislative hearings at the Georgia Capitol in December 2020, the former New York mayor and Trump attorney promoted unsupported allegations of widespread election fraud in Georgia. Prosecutors have said Giuliani was also involved in a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans serve as fake electors, falsely swearing that Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors.

JOHN EASTMAN

Eastman, one of Trumps lawyers and a former dean of Chapman Universitys law school in Southern California, was deeply involved in some of his efforts to remain in power after the 2020 election. He wrote a memo arguing that Trump could remain in power if then-Vice President Mike Pence overturned the results of the electoral certification during a joint session of Congress. That plan included putting in place a slate of alternate electors in seven battleground states, including Georgia, who would falsely certify that Trump had won their states.

MARK MEADOWS

Trumps chief of staff visited Cobb County, in the Atlanta suburbs, while state investigators were conducting an audit of the signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in December 2020. Meadows obtained the phone number of the chief investigator for the secretary of states office, Frances Watson, and passed it along to Trump, who called her. He also participated in the Jan. 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

SIDNEY POWELL

A lawyer and staunch Trump ally, Powell was present for a now-infamous December 2020 meeting at the White House where participants hatched far-fetched schemes. She also was part of a group that met at the South Carolina home of conservative attorney Lin Wood in November 2020 for the purpose of exploring options to influence the results of the November 2020 elections in Georgia and elsewhere, prosecutors said. Additionally, prosecutors alleged Powell was involved in arranging for a computer forensics team to travel to rural Coffee County, about 200 miles southeast of Atlanta, to copy data and software from elections equipment there in January 2021.

KENNETH CHESEBRO

Prosecutors have said Chesebro, an attorney, worked with Republicans in numerous swing states Trump lost, including Georgia, in the weeks after the November 2020 election at the direction of Trumps campaign. Chesebro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors.

JEFFREY CLARK

A U.S. Justice Department official who championed Trumps false claims of election fraud, Clark presented colleagues with a draft letter pushing Georgia officials to convene a special legislative session on the election results, according to testimony before the U.S. House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Clark wanted the letter sent, but Justice Department superiors refused.

JENNA ELLIS

The lawyer appeared with Giuliani at a Dec. 3, 2020, hearing hosted by state Republican lawmakers at the Georgia Capitol during which false allegations of election fraud were made. Ellis also wrote at least two legal memos to Trump and his attorneys advising that Pence should disregard certified electoral college votes from Georgia and other purportedly contested states when Congress met to certify the election results on Jan. 6, 2021, prosecutors said.

RAY SMITH

A Georgia-based lawyer, Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He also gathered witnesses to provide testimony before Georgia legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020 on alleged issues with the states election.

ROBERT CHEELEY

A Georgia lawyer, Cheeley presented video clips to legislators of election workers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and alleged the workers were counting votes twice or sometimes three times. He spoke to the lawmakers after Giuliani.

MICHAEL ROMAN

A former White House aide who served as the director of Trumps election day operations, Roman was involved in efforts to put forth a set of fake electors after the 2020 election.

DAVID SHAFER

The chairman of the Georgia GOP, Shafer was one of 16 state Republicans who met at the state Capitol on Dec. 14, 2020, to sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump had won and also declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. He also joined Trump in a lawsuit challenging the certification of the 2020 election in Georgia.

SHAWN STILL

He was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Still was the finance chairman for the state GOP in 2020 and served as a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention that year. He was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs.

STEPHEN CLIFFGARD LEE

Prosecutors say Cliffgard Lee, a pastor, worked with others to try to pressure Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman and her daughter after Trump and his allies falsely accused them of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during the vote count. Lee allegedly knocked on Freemans door, frightening her and causing her to call 911 three times, prosecutors said in a court filing last year.

HARRISON WILLIAM PRESCOTT FLOYD

Also known as Willie Lewis Floyd III, he served as director of Black Voices for Trump, and is accused of recruiting Lee to arrange a meeting with Freeman and Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti.

TREVIAN C. KUTTI

Prosecutors allege Kutti, a publicist, claimed to have high-level law enforcement connections. They say Freeman met with Kutti at a police precinct, where she brought Floyd into the conversation on a speakerphone. Prosecutors say Kutti presented herself as someone who could help Freeman but then pressured her to falsely confess to election fraud.

CATHY LATHAM

Latham was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. She was also chair of the Coffee County Republican Party. She was at the county elections office for much of the day on Jan. 7, 2021, and welcomed a computer forensics team that arrived to copy software and data from the countys election equipment in what the secretary of states office has said was unauthorized access to the machines.

SCOTT GRAHAM HALL

An Atlanta-area bail bondsman, Hall was allegedly involved in commandeering voting information that was the property of Dominion Voting Systems from Coffee County, a small south Georgia jurisdiction. Also charged in the scheme were Powell, Latham and former county elections supervisor Misty Hampton.

MISTY HAMPTON

She was the elections director in Coffee County. Hampton was present in the county elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, when a computer forensics team copied software and data from the countys election equipment. She also allowed two other men who had been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results to access the elections office later that month and to spend hours inside with the equipment.

By KATE BRUMBACK

Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP)  The Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a lower court ruling that the states restrictive abortion law was invalid, leaving limited access to abortions unchanged for now.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney said last November that the ban was unequivocally unconstitutional because it was enacted in 2019, when Roe v. Wade allowed abortions well past six weeks. Georgias law bans most abortions after roughly six weeks.

The Georgia Supreme Court in a 6-1 decision said McBurney was wrong.

When the United States Supreme Court overrules its own precedent interpreting the United States Constitution, we are then obligated to apply the Courts new interpretation of the Constitutions meaning on matters of federal constitutional law, Justice Verda Colvin wrote for the majority.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia said in a news release the opinion disregards long-standing precedent that a law violating either the state or federal Constitution at the time of its enactment is void from the start under the Georgia Constitution.

The group represented doctors and advocacy groups that had asked McBurney to throw out the law.

The ruling does not change abortion access in Georgia and is not the last word on the states ban.

The state Supreme Court had previously allowed enforcement of the ban to resume while it considered an appeal of the lower court decision. The lower court judge has also not ruled on the merits of other arguments in a lawsuit challenging the ban, including that it violates Georgia residents rights to privacy.

In its ruling on Tuesday, the state Supreme Court sent the case back to McBurney to consider those arguments.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican who signed Georgias ban, hailed the ruling.

Todays victory represents one more step towards ending this litigation and ensuring the lives of Georgians at all ages are protected, he said in a statement.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, in a statement late Tuesday, said such bans have had dangerous impacts on women across the country.

Women have been denied the medical care they desperately need to preserve their health, including being turned away from emergency rooms, forced to travel hundreds of miles for care and faced complications that make it more difficult to have children in the future, Jean-Pierre said. It doesnt end there. Republican elected officials are doubling down and calling for a national abortion ban that would criminalize reproductive health care in every state. President Biden and Vice President Harris wont stop fighting until the protections of Roe v. Wade are restored in federal law.

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, said it would continue the suffering women have faced. SisterSong is one of the plaintiffs challenging Georgias law.

This abortion ban has forced Georgians to travel across state lines at great expense or continue the life-altering consequences of pregnancy and childbirth against their wills, she said in a statement.

McBurney had said the law was void from the start, and therefore, the measure did not become law when it was enacted and could not become law even after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.

State officials challenging that decision noted the Supreme Courts finding that Roe v. Wade was an incorrect interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Because the Constitution remained the same, Georgias ban was valid when it was enacted, they argued.

In Tuesdays ruling, Colvin said McBurneys decision was based on the faulty premise that the U.S. Supreme Court changed the meaning of the U.S. Constitution when it overruled Roe.

The court does not have that power, she said, so the Constitution means today what it meant when Georgias ban was enacted in 2019.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice John Ellington said well-settled Georgia law establishes that a legislative act that is unconstitutional on the date it is enacted is void forever afterward.

Georgias law bans most abortions once a detectable human heartbeat is present. Cardiac activity can be detected by ultrasound in cells within an embryo that will eventually become the heart as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. That means most abortions in Georgia are effectively banned at a point before many women know they are pregnant.

The law includes exceptions for rape and incest, as long as a police report is filed, and allows for later abortions when the mothers life is at risk or a serious medical condition renders a fetus unviable.

___

Associated Press writer Jeff Amy contributed to this report.

By SUDHIN THANAWALA

Associated Press
California man gets year in prison for sending vile messages to father of gun massacre victim

California man gets year in prison for sending vile messages to father of gun massacre victim View Photo

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  A California property manager was sentenced to a year in federal prison for sending more than 200 vile online messages to a father of a teenage girl who died in the 2018 massacre at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

James Catalano, 62 of Fresno, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert Scola in Miami after pleading guilty in March to cyberstalking. Prosecutors called the messages he sent Fred Guttenberg callous and cruel.

Guttenbergs 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg was murdered in the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting in Parkland that left 14 students and three staff members dead. Catalano also received three years probation and must undergo mental health treatment.

Catalano sent Guttenberg messages for eight months starting in December 2021 that celebrated Jaime Guttenbergs death and reveled in the wounds she suffered. He also mocked the sadness and loss Guttenberg feels and directed obscenities, slurs and disturbing insults to him and his daughter.

Catalano told investigators he was angry at Guttenberg for his outspoken advocacy for stronger gun laws since his daughters death. He told them he believed Guttenberg was using his daughters death to push his political agenda and was trying to put (Guttenberg) in check by sending him the messages.

By his own admission, the defendant was motivated to stalk the victim and send him heinous messages simply because he disagreed with the victims political views, Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach wrote in court documents. He capitalized on the victims grief and the horrific nature of his daughters death in order to silence him.

She wrote that Catalano sent similar messages to others, but he has not been charged in those cases.

Guttenberg said Monday that the sentence is a big deal and sends a message to those who cyberstalk the families of shooting victims that they will be caught and punished. He said Judge Scola agreed that while none of the messages contained a direct threat, in their totality they constituted one.

Catalanos attorneys did not immediately return a call Monday seeking comment.

The former student who murdered Jaime Guttenberg and the others is serving a life sentence.

By TERRY SPENCER

Associated Press
News / National

by Staff reporter

The government has issued a directive requiring foreign nationals to obtain proper documentation in order to conduct business operations. This decision was prompted by the discovery that some expatriates operating tuckshops in Harare's downtown area should technically be residing in refugee camps.Industry and Commerce Minister Sithembiso Nyoni emphasized on Monday that the government's intention is not to expel foreigners from Zimbabwe but to encourage them to establish a compliant and favorable working environment.During a visit to the small retail shops (tuckshops) in Harare's Central Business District (CBD), it became evident that a significant number of individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, and Nigeria were dominating a sector that is primarily reserved for Zimbabweans. However, many of them lacked the necessary operational licenses.In one shop visited by Minister Nyoni, a Congolese refugee lacked the documentation required to operate a shop and should have been residing in a refugee camp. The issuance of a shop license to this individual by the Harare City Council was surrounded by unclear circumstances."Retail is a sector reserved for Zimbabweans, but we are not excluding foreigners. There is a specified threshold for foreign nationals in trading, and falling below that threshold would be a violation of Zimbabwean laws," Nyoni informed foreign business owners. She stressed the government's desire to avoid forcing anyone to leave, as long as they comply with the necessary documentation for operating businesses in Zimbabwe.As Minister Nyoni moved from one shop to another, various issues emerged. According to the Trade Act, retailers should display commodities on shelves, yet in many tuckshops, food items were placed on the floor. Some had transformed their small partitioned spaces into wholesale operations, a practice the minister declared as unlawful."I am concerned about food items being on the floor. These should be on shelves. I want to ensure consumer protection," Nyoni added.Chamunorwa Mukova, a representative of the Tuckshops Association, conveyed concerns about the excessive charges imposed by ZIMRA and the City Council. He pointed out that obtaining loans from banks was challenging, and the limited space available for their businesses was a constraint. The association urged the government to consider reducing ZIMRA charges.
Tesla says Justice Department is expanding investigations and issuing subpoenas for information View Photo

DETROIT (AP)  Federal prosecutors have expanded investigations into Tesla beyond the electric vehicle makers partially automated driving systems, and they have issued subpoenas for information instead of simply requesting it, the company disclosed Monday.

In a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Tesla said the Department of Justice is looking into personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range and personnel decisions, without giving details.

The additional investigation topics and the subpoenas suggest that prosecutors have broadened their inquiry, and they have found the need to force Tesla to disclose information, legal experts say. The filing indicates prosecutors may be investigating Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and whether the company has been candid in describing the features of its vehicles, they say.

In January, Tesla disclosed that the Justice Department had requested documents related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. Both features are classified as driver-assist systems, and the company says on its website that the vehicles cannot drive themselves.

Now, the company is disclosing a probe that is a lot wider than just looking at Autopilot and FSD features, said Erik Gordon, a University of Michigan business and law professor. The DOJ often starts with a formal written request and escalates to administrative subpoenas if it thinks it isnt getting full cooperation, he said.

Specifying additional items that prosecutors are looking at indicates that Tesla lawyers found them serious enough to change the companys public disclosures, Gordon said.

Tesla didnt respond to a request for comment, but the company based in Austin, Texas, said in its SEC filing that to its knowledge, no government agency has concluded that any wrongdoing happened in any ongoing investigation. The Justice Department declined to comment.

For the first time, Tesla said in its filing that the investigations could damage the companys brand. Should the government decide to pursue an enforcement action, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, results of operation, prospects, cash flows, financial position or brand, the filing said.

Jacob Frenkel, a former SEC enforcement attorney and ex-federal prosecutor, said specifically pointing out personal benefits and related parties suggests a possible connection to Musk. Disclosing that vehicle range is under scrutiny also reflects a concern about the companys representations about vehicle features, said Frenkel, now a partner with Dickinson Wright in Washington.

Its unclear if Tesla merely considered subpoenas as requests for information in prior quarterly disclosures, Frenkel said. Now the broader inquiry including relating to the Autopilot and FSD features appears subject to subpoena, he said.

It is not possible to tell from the filing how far along the Justice Department is in its probe or whether it will result in any criminal charges, Frenkel said.

Adding the notion of a material adverse impact on the companys brand does suggest a heightened concern as to the potential consequences that could flow from a federal civil or criminal action, Frenkel said. It is reasonable to interpret these disclosures as suggesting an expanded continuing and even potentially more damaging investigation.

Teslas Full Self-Driving hardware went on sale late in 2015, and Musk has used the name ever since as the company gathered data to teach its computers how to drive. The company recently cut the Full Self-Driving price $3,000 to $12,000.

In 2019, Musk promised a fleet of autonomous robotaxis by 2020, and he said in early 2022 that the cars would be autonomous that year. In April, Musk said the system should be ready in 2023.

Since 2021, Tesla has been beta-testing Full Self-Driving using volunteer owners. On Teslas third-quarter earnings conference call last week, Musk didnt directly answer a question about the timeline for Tesla vehicles to drive themselves and be deployed as robotaxis. I guess I am very excited about our progress with autonomy, he said, adding that the system can drive him around Austin with no interventions.

But Teslas partially automated driving systems have been under investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since June of 2016 when a driver using Autopilot was killed after his Tesla went under a tractor-trailer crossing its path in Florida. A separate probe into Teslas that were using Autopilot when they crashed into emergency vehicles started in August 2021. At least 14 Teslas that have crashed into emergency vehicles while using the Autopilot system.

Including the Florida crash, NHTSA has sent investigators to 35 Tesla crashes in which automated systems are suspected of being used. At least 17 people have died. The agency also is investigating complaints that Teslas can brake suddenly for no reason.

Auto safety advocates and government investigators have long criticized Teslas driver monitoring system as inadequate. Three years ago the National Transportation Safety Board listed poor monitoring as a contributing factor in a 2018 fatal Tesla crash in California. The board recommended a better system, but said Tesla has not responded.

By TOM KRISHER

AP Auto Writer
Police: 8 children rescued in California after their mother abducted them from Arkansas foster homes

Police: 8 children rescued in California after their mother abducted them from Arkansas foster homes View Photo

ANDERSON, Calif. (AP)  Authorities rescued eight children in California on Saturday after they were abducted by their biological mother and found roughly 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from their foster homes in Arkansas, police said.

The 36-year-old mother had lost her custodial rights, according to police in Anderson, a tiny city in a rural part of Northern California about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Sacramento.

Law enforcement in Arkansas had previously issued a warrant for her arrest, though it was unclear when that occurred and how she transported the children.

A concerned citizen reached out to authorities around 12:30 a.m. Saturday to request a welfare check after seeing six children with a woman who was displaying bizarre behavior, Anderson police said.

Officers discovered the outstanding arrest warrant and took the woman into custody. The other two children were found in a home about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.

Details about the abductions and why the mother had lost custody of her children were not immediately available. Arkansas State Police, which is responsible for issuing Amber Alerts, did not issue one for the children, state Department of Public Safety spokesperson Cindy Murphy said.

Local law enforcement typically requests an Amber Alert, and the state issues them only under certain circumstances, Murphy said.

An Arkansas attorney who had represented the woman in a previous case said she was no longer his client.
Off-duty pilot said Im not OK before trying to cut engines midflight, charging documents say

Off-duty pilot said Im not OK before trying to cut engines midflight, charging documents say View Photo

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  An off-duty airline pilot riding in an extra cockpit seat on a Horizon Air flight said Im not OK just before trying to cut the engines midflight and later told police he had been struggling with depression, according to charging documents made public Tuesday.

State prosecutors in Oregon filed 83 counts of attempted murder against Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph David Emerson, 44, on Tuesday just before he appeared in court, with his attorney, Noah Horst, entering not guilty pleas on his behalf. Federal prosecutors meanwhile charged Emerson with interfering with a flight crew, which can carry up to 20 years in prison.

According to a probable cause statement filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Emerson told Port of Portland police following his arrest that he had been struggling with depression, that a friend had recently died and that he had taken psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before he attempted to cut the engines. He also said he had not slept in more than 40 hours, according to the document.

Police reported that Emerson did not appear to be intoxicated at the time of the interview, and in a statement Tuesday, Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, said neither the gate agents nor flight crew noticed any signs of impairment that might have barred him from the flight. An FBI agent wrote in a probable cause affidavit in support of the federal charge that Emerson said it was his first-time taking mushrooms.

While psilocybin is illegal in most of the country  Oregon legalized it for adults this year  the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 designated it a breakthrough therapy that might be used for mental health conditions or substance use disorders.

Emerson, an Alaska Airlines pilot from Pleasant Hill, California, was arrested Sunday night after the flight crew reported that he attempted to shut down the engines on a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco while riding in the extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board.

The FBI affidavit said Emerson, who as an off-duty pilot was authorized to ride in the cockpits jump seat, made casual conversation with the captain and first officer when the plane was between Astoria, Oregon, and Portland, before trying to grab two red handles that would have activated the planes fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines.

After what the flight crew described as a brief struggle, lasting only about 30 seconds, Emerson left the cockpit, the FBI said.

Flight attendants placed Emerson in wrist restraints and seated him in the rear of the aircraft, but as the plane descended, he tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit, according to the document. A flight attendant stopped him by placing her hands on top of his, it said.

Alaska Airlines said Tuesday that Emerson had been relieved of all duties.

Horst did not immediately speak with reporters following the hearing or respond to phone and email messages seeking comment.

The captain and first officer told police after the plane landed that Emerson said Im not OK just before he reached up to pull the handles. They were able to stop him before he pulled the handles all the way down, the affidavit said.

Emerson walked calmly to the back of the plane after being told to leave the cockpit and told a flight attendant, You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad, the affidavit said. Another flight attendant heard him saying, I messed everything up and tried to kill everybody.

According to the affidavit, he asked police if he could waive his right to an attorney: Im admitting to what I did. Im not fighting any charges you want to bring against me, guys.

He also told them he thought he was having a nervous breakdown and said: I pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up, according to the affidavit.

Pilots are required to undergo psychological screening as part of their regularly scheduled medical exams. There have been crashes that investigators believe were deliberately caused by pilots. Authorities said the copilot of a Germanwings jet that crashed in the French Alps in 2015 had practiced putting the plane into a dive.

Emerson took his most recent exam in September, Federal Aviation Administration records show  but according to the charging documents, he had long been struggling with depression.

Emerson was to remain in state custody pending an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Portland, the U.S. attorneys office said in a statement.

Mark Angelos, a senior flight instructor at the NRI Flying Club in Concord, California, has known Emerson for more than 10 years. Emerson used to be president of the club and designed its safety program, meaning he was in charge of making sure instructors followed standard operating procedures, Angelos said.

Angelos said that when he and other club members initially heard the news, they thought Horizon Air must have been conducting an emergency drill to test its crew. They couldnt believe that a person they saw as a family man who loved his children could be accused of such a thing.

It just couldnt have been our Joe, he said.

___

Johnson reported from Seattle.

By CLAIRE RUSH and GENE JOHNSON

Associated Press
WALLINGFORD  This week, the Wallingford Police Department is working with Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis to remember those lives that have been lost to domestic violence and to celebrate those who are survivors in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Silent Witness Initiative has installed a display on the front lawn of the Wallingford Police Department to recall people who lost their lives in 2022 from intimate partner homicide. Along with the victims names, this year the Silent Witness project will also display local intimate partner violence statistics.

According to Officer Alex Torres, public information officer of the Wallingford Police Department, there were 14 intimate partner violence homicides in Connecticut in 2022.

In Wallingford in 2022, 46.7% of the IPV cases were married, and 16.7% had a child in common but were no longer in a relationship, Torres said.

The Wallingford Police Department responds to 15 to 20 domestic violence calls per week, Torres added.

Wallingford Police ask motorists to be careful when passing the department as there may be increased pedestrian traffic and vehicles that will be slowing down to look at the display.

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, a service agency for those dealing with domestic abuse, will also periodically set up a table on the front lawn to provide information on the services they provide and information on domestic violence.

The Wallingford Police Department on Wednesday will host a Coffee with a Cop event at 9 a.m. on the front lawn of the police station. People will have the opportunity to speak to officers and Chrysalis about what they do for survivors of domestic violence in Wallingford.

The Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis will also be hosting the Essence of Humanity Art Showcase on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at 104 Rosemary Lane on the Choate Rosemary Hall campus. This is open to the public.

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis offers a 24-hour emergency hotline with a certified domestic violence counselor available who can direct victims to shelters, provide information and referrals to services, provide counseling and safety plans, and provide crisis intervention.

Chrysalis also hosts a variety of support groups and individual counseling sessions.Other services include community advocacy, legal advocacy, civil-legal advocacy, transitional living, child advocacy and community education/real strength.

To learn more about Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, call the main office at 203-630-1638, or visit www.mwchrysalis.wordpress.com.

nzappone@record-journal.com203-317-2212
ZANU PF busy preparing for national peoples conference in Gweru

ZANU PF, the ruling party in Zimbabwe, is currently in the process of accrediting delegates for its upcoming national peoples conference. The conference is scheduled to take place this Friday and Saturday at the Gweru Convention Centre. Party officials, including ZANU PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and political commissar Mike Bimha, recently visited the conference venue to assess the preparations.

Expressing her satisfaction, Muchinguri-Kashiri stated that they are pleased with the progress made at the conference venue. She emphasized that they are fully prepared for the meeting and are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the country to the Midlands capital.

According to ZANU PF Midlands provincial chairperson Larry Mavima, renovations at the conference venue are nearing completion. He mentioned that they are close to reaching 100% completion and assured that everything will be in place by Friday. Mavima acknowledged the hard work of the team involved, who are working tirelessly day and night to ensure a successful conference.

During the conference, discussions will focus on the partys achievements since the beginning of the second republic, which commenced when President Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017. It is expected that party members will reflect on the progress made and outline future plans and strategies.

The national peoples conference serves as a platform for the peoples party, ZANU PF, to come together, review their performance, and chart the way forward. It is an important event on their calendar, and the party is dedicated to ensuring its smooth execution.

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Three members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) special constabulary are facing severe criticism following allegations of fatally assaulting a suspect inside holding cells at Banket Police Station.

The incident, which resulted in the death of 26-year-old David Kanyenze, was reportedly intended to be concealed as a sudden death case. However, Kanyenzes relatives blocked this attempt and demanded a thorough investigation into the suspected brutal killing.

Sources indicated to NewZimbabwe that the three ZRP Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWC) members took turns assaulting Kanyenze on Friday evening, using unidentified objects that caused him serious injuries. One of the assailants allegedly stomped on the suspects neck, leading to asphyxiation.

Brian Kanyenze, the older brother of the deceased, expressed deep sorrow and shock over the manner in which his sibling died. He emphasized that regardless of his brothers actions, he did not deserve to die in such a brutal manner. Brian acknowledged that, like anyone else, his brother had the potential to reform even if he had committed an offence.

Reportedly, David Kanyenze, who worked as a tout for pirate taxis on the BanketChinhoyi route, was wanted by the police for malicious damage to property. The charge stemmed from an incident where he allegedly destroyed a weighing scale at a butchery in Bankets Kuwadzana shopping center. The altercation occurred after Kanyenze refused to pay for food, claiming it was poorly cooked.

After being arrested early last week, Kanyenze was taken to Banket police station and placed in a cell. However, he managed to escape from custody. He was subsequently re-arrested on Friday at Kuwadzana shops by NWC members and taken back to the police station, where the assault took place around 5pm.

The attackers allegedly left the bloodied victim in the cell, struggling for his life. Other inmates noticed Kanyenze experiencing breathing difficulties and raised the alarm. He was quickly transported to Banket District Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Brian expressed concern that the family was never informed about his brothers arrest, assault, or subsequent admission to the hospital. He demanded justice for the killers, as he believed there were attempts to cover up the murder. Brian learned of his brothers death through word of mouth.

Efforts to obtain a comment from ZRPs national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.

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Hyundai Engineering and Hyundai Engineering and Construction together signed a US$2.4 billion project with Saudi Arabia on Monday while President Yoon Suk-yeol was visiting the desert kingdom.

Hyundai's construction subsidiaries signed a contract to build the second phase of the project with Saudi Aramco at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Korean builders' activities in Saud Arabia.

The project aims to build a natural gas refinery plant in Jafurah in eastern Saudi Arabia, and the two companies were already contracted for the first phase of the project in 2021.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The interim Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has moved swiftly to secure the party's interests by appointing three individuals to oversee the approval of candidates participating in the upcoming by-elections.Tshabangu communicated with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to designate three authorized signatories responsible for endorsing candidates in the by-elections. The trio, all hailing from Bulawayo, consists of Sengezo Tshabangu, Mbuso Siso, and Jabulani Ncube.His letter to ZEC stated, "In light of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2023, which has proclaimed the by-elections to be held on December 9, 2023, with the Nomination Court scheduled for November 7, 2023, I am writing in accordance with section 46(1)(c) and (2) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13). I submit the designated officials of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who are authorized to co-sign the nomination papers of our party's endorsed candidates, and these individuals are Sengezo Tshabangu, Mbuso Siso, and Jabulani Ncube."The letter further emphasized that no other individual is permitted to co-sign the nomination papers of any CCC-approved candidates for the upcoming by-elections.These by-elections have been set for December 9 to fill vacant seats after Tshabangu recalled 15 opposition Members of Parliament. However, it's worth noting that the matter remains unresolved in the courts, as the recalled MPs are seeking legal redress.CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has distanced his party from Tshabangu, branding him an imposter collaborating with Zanu-PF.The contested constituencies include Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku Tafara, Mpopoma Mzilikazi, and Nketa.
Heightened Tensions in Zimbabwe as Protests Banned

Political tensions in Zimbabwe rose over the weekend as the government ramped up security and banned planned demonstrations by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.

CCC had notified authorities of their intent to hold peaceful marches in Bulawayo on Monday, denouncing the recent recalls of several of their elected MPs and councillors by a man claiming to be the partys interim secretary. However, police denied permission, stating the notification did not fulfil legal requirements.

In response, security forces flooded urban areas, setting up roadblocks and stopping vehicles. Passengers were offloaded from public transit amid the heavy police presence seen on main roads.

CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi criticized the moves as panicking behaviours from a regime lacking electoral legitimacy. Over 1,000 citizens have signed the partys online petition against the unconstitutional and disrespectful recalls.

The disputed recalls handed ruling Zanu PF a two-thirds parliamentary majority, provoking accusations they aim to weaken the dominant opposition that saw major wins in Augusts vote. Both the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and CCC have condemned the maneuver as undemocratic.

With the ban on protest activity still fresh, tensions remain high. CCC is pursuing legal challenges but has also warned Zimbabweans will continue finding ways to make their voices heard. How the situation evolves from here could have significant ramifications for the countrys unstable political climate.

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A Rising Number of Men Abandoning Families Amid Hard Times

Times are tough for many Zimbabwean families as poverty levels have increased across the nation in recent years. A major concern emerging is that growing financial struggles appear to be contributing to more husbands walking out on their wives and children.

This issue came to light through interviews conducted by NewsDay reporters in Lupane and Binga. The newspapers findings revealed that several women now shoulder the burden of caring for their families alone after being deserted by their spouses.

One such program provided by UNICEF, the government and other partners offers monthly cash grants of US$12 per person in over 25,000 households. Stories from recipients highlighted how critical this aid has been to surviving without a partners support.

32-year-old mother of five Rumbidzai explained that her husband left home last year, leaving her with full responsibility for the children. I do not know where my husband is, she said sadly.

Fortunately, the social program has enabled her to keep food on the table and the kids in school during this difficult time.

Another recipient, 49-year-old Georgina, has faced a similar plight of her spouse not contributing for many years. She is now caring for her daughters child alone as well.

While no reasons were given for the abandonment, its no secret that Zimbabwe continues facing severe economic woes which have likely intensified family hardships. The program managers acknowledged witnessing households starting income-generating activities with their grant money  a positive sign of resilience and self-sufficiency.

As poverty rises and taking care of loved ones grows tougher, it seems this crisis could be unfairly straining some marriages and family bonds. Support networks like this cash transfer initiative are proving invaluable for women and children left to fend for themselves.

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Creeping censorship, corruption, authoritarianism, economic decline and support for war: these are five of the defining characteristics of the Von der Leyen era. Is it any wonder that internal opposition is on the rise?

Europe will always be on the side of humanity and human rights.

That was the message Ursula von der Leyen, the embattled President of the European Commission, sent in an internal Commission memo on Monday (Oct 24). Von der Leyen (whom I shall henceforth refer to as VdL) may somehow believe those words  after all, the Commission she fronts did pick up the World Price for Peace and Freedom just four months ago, even as it escalated its involvement in the Ukraine conflict as well as its largely self-maiming economic sanctions on Russia  but many of the staffers working for the Commission apparently do not.

In fact, VdLs latest message of peace and love was widely construed as a desperate response to a barrage of internal criticism unleashed last week against her unbridled support for Israel and her apparent indifference toward the massacre of civilians in the Gaza Strip. To make matters worse, VdL was effectively breaching her mandate as president of the Commission when she made these comments. In a letter that accumulated 842 signatures, staff members of EU institutions accused VdL of giving a free hand to the acceleration and the legitimacy of a war crime in the Gaza Strip.

After roundly condemning Hamas terroristic (sic) attack against helpless Israeli civilians, the loss of life and the taking of hostages, the letter squarely took aim at VdLs unabashed support for Israels war aims, which, as Yves recently averred, appear to consist of making Gaza uninhabitable:

We equally strongly condemn the disproportionate reaction by the Israeli government against 2.3 million Palestinian civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip; an action that is considered by many observers as war crime (sic) Notably, we are concerned by the unconditional support by the Commission you represent for one of the two points. This support is being expressed in an uncontrolled manner, e.g. EC buildings lit up with the Israeli flag. We hardly recognise the values of the EU in the seeming indifference demonstrated over the past few days by our Institution toward the ongoing massacre of civilians in the Gaza Strip, in disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law. We have just learnt that a hospital was bombed with many casualties. According to UNRWA statements, not a drop of water, not a grain of wheat, not a litre of fuel has been allowed into Gaza since the start of the Israeli operation, generating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

The letter warns that the EU is losing all credibility as well as its status as a fair, equitable and humanist broker while also damaging its international relations and risking the safety of EU staff. As if that were not enough, the letter also rips into VdLs patent double standards over what is currently unfolding in Palestine and the events of the past 20 months in Ukraine. A perfect case in point: in October 2022, VdL tweeted the following message:

Russias attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes. Cutting off men, women, children of water, electricity and heating with winter coming  these are acts of pure terror. And we have to call it as such.

By contrast, as the letter notes, VdL completely ignore[s] the almost identical actions taken by Israel against the Gazan people. In a speech last Thursday at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think-tank in Washington, she prioritized Israels right to defend itself after Hamas assault on October 7 while neglecting even to mention the two-state solution that forms a core part of many European countries position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

One of the best critiques of VdLs position on the conflict has come from Irish MEP Claire Daly. As she says, she has no authority in foreign affairs matters and does not speak for the citizens of Europe:

Damage Control

Now, VdL is trying to undo some of the damage she has caused, without changing her position much. In the internal message she sent out on Monday morning, to which the Spanish daily La Vanguardia has had access, she says the Commission regrets the loss of all innocent lives in this conflict, of all faiths and nationalities and claims that its services have been working from the beginning of the crisis to alleviate the suffering of ALL those affected by the indiscriminate terrorist attacks, both by showing solidarity with Israel and by tripling humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting the creation of an air bridge to Egypt.

As La Vanguardia notes, those last two measures were announced last week by the EUs executive branch after a week of intense criticism of VdLs statements of support for the Israeli Government, which initially did not even include the condition that Israels response to the brutal Hamas attack, which left 1,400 dead, must be in accordance to international and humanitarian law.

For VdL, the damage may already be done. After all, it is not just EU officials that are bridling at her one-sided support for Israel. Most notably, she has been openly criticized by both the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and the Irish President Michael D Higgins for her unqualified support for Israel. As NC reader Plutonium Kim notes in the comments below, Varadkar is part of the same centre right grouping (EPP) who put Von der Leyen into power in the first place  he would not have made those statements without sounding out other EPP leaders.

Some EU capitals are apparently fum[ing] at Queen VdLs go-it alone approach to EU foreign policy, according to a piece published by POLITICO Europe last week.

Several [European diplomats] told POLITICO they were unhappy that von der Leyen, who voiced solidarity with the victims of the Hamas attacks, had not relayed their calls for Israel to respect international law in Gaza during her trip. The EUs top diplomat, Josep Borrell, even dared to issue a rare public rebuke of his boss. Von der Leyen, he said, is not entitled to represent EU views on foreign policy, which are normally coordinated between member countries. The official position of the European Union with any foreign policy [issue] is being fixed  I repeat  by the guidelines, Borrell told journalists in Beijing on Saturday. Foreign policy is decided by the leaders of the EUs 27 countries at international summits, and discussed by foreign ministers in meetings chaired by me, he added.

Queen Ursula

One unnamed diplomat cited by the POLITICO Europe piece said VdL has been increasingly behaving like a Queen, failing to consult EU capitals properly before making important policy decisions. The examples mentioned include a deal VdL oversaw to give the President of Tunisia Kais Saied more than 1 billion to help manage irregular migration as well as her recent announcement of an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles. The article also mentions similar murmurings of disquiet over her role in the Ukraine conflict:

We saw the same thing with the sanctions announcements, or on most Ukraine-related issues: She doesnt discuss this with a lot of people, she just decides, said a Commission official granted anonymity to discuss internal matters. The official continued: She has grabbed the power in the pandemic and she has [clung] to it. Nobody is really disputing it, also because her track record is very positive. The downside of it is that some things stay undecided for a very long time.

The words very positive in that second paragraph, to describe VdLs overall track record as president of the EUs most powerful institution, are, to put it mildly, eye catching. After all, during that time, Europes two major industrial economies, Germany and Italy, have stalled and are going through the painful process of deindustrialisation, largely (but not exclusively) due to the surge in energy prices caused by the Ukraine conflict and the US and Europes sanctions on Russia, which appear to have inflicted more harm on Europes economy than Russias.

Thats not to say that VdL is solely responsible for the EUs self-inflicted economic harm; it has been very much a collective effort. But it did happen on her watch and she has certainly had a hand to play in the ever-escalating sanctions on Russia.

Then there was the EUs COVID-19 vaccine procurement disaster that VdLs Commission directly oversaw. Having allowed vaccine negotiations to drag on for months, between late 2020 and early 2021, the Commission found itself drastically short of supplies. As the pressure on von der Leyen increased, the Commission took the decision to halt all vaccine exports from the EU. In doing so, it closed the Northern Irish border  something it had said it would never do. It was only after protests from the governments in London and Dublin, neither of whom had been consulted on the matter, that the Commission backed down.

None of this should have come as much of a surprise given the litany of procurement debacles and scandals that plagued VdLs six-year term as Germanys Defence Minister, as recounted in a blistering 2021 article in Foreign Policy, mercilessly titled The Aristocratic Ineptitude of Ursula Von Der Leyen:

Von der Leyen held the post as defense minister from 2013 to 2019, a remarkable run considering her inexperience. But when things came crashing down, they came crashing down quicklyand exposed a slew of mismanagement, incompetence, and potential corruption. The scandal is usually called the consultant affair due to the untold hundreds of millions of dollars von der Leyen and her chief deputy Katrin Suder paid to consultants who were responsible for helping to determine how the military should spend its substantial armaments budget The Gorch Fock, a sailing shipwith sails!the German Navy used for training was docked for repairs in 2015, briefly before von der Leyen assumed office. The estimated cost was $11.6 million. When she left office in 2019, the estimated cost of repairing the training vessel had risen to $163 million. The mission-critical components of von der Leyens armament expenditures fared even worse. In 2017, according to N-TV, 97 new weapons systems were delivered to the Bundeswehr. Only 38 were functional.

Creeping Corruption and Authoritarianism

If the European Commissions vaccine procurement disaster was bad, it pales in comparison with what came after, which also had VdLs fingerprints all over it. In April 2021, VdL personally negotiated a deal with Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla to buy up to 1.8 billion doses of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine  enough to inoculate (something the mRNA vaccines never really did) all of the EUs 450 million citizens, including children and babies, four times over  for a reputed 36 billion.

This was on top of the billions of vaccines the Commission had already ordered from Pfizer-BioNtech and other manufacturers. In total, the Commission signed vaccine supply agreements for up to 4.6 billion vaccine doses (Ill let readers do the math!). The EUs Green Pass vaccine passport system, which coincidentally shares the same name as Israels system and which the World Health Organization has said will be used as a model to establish a global digital health certificate, helped to ensure there was healthy demand for the vaccines, at least in the first year of their rollout.

Now that most people realise that the mRNA vaccines are neither as safe nor as effective as they were initially marketed, demand for them has collapsed, leaving governments around the continent with untold hundreds of millions of unwanted doses on their hands. Germany alone is on track to destroy 200 million doses this year. But at the same time, EU Member States must continue to buy hundreds of millions more of the Pfizer-BioNtech mRNA vaccines until 2028, thanks to a renegotiated deal the Commission reached with Pfizer and BioNtech in May, the details of which it has also refused to make public.

As readers well know, VdL has been accused of destroying all of her communications with Bourla  a charge she neither admits not denies. In fact, she refuses to discuss the matter in public at all. Like Bourla, she refused to give testimony to the European Parliaments inquiry into the Commissions COVID-19 response. In the meantime, the New York Times has sued the Commission for failing to release the text messages and the European Public Prosecutors Office has launched investigations into the Commissions vaccine procurement practices.

Even more of a threat than the EUs creeping corruption under VdL is its creeping authoritarianism. While VdL may insist that Europe will always be on the side of humanity and human rights, the Commission she fronts has declared a global fatwa on freedom of expression on the Internet through its highly controversial Digital Services Act (DSA), which is already being used to stifle the free exchange of information on social media platforms, not just in Europe but across the world.

In one of the most Orwellian statements of recent times, for which the bar has been set vertiginously high, Thierry Breton, the European Commission for the Internal Market, said the actual purpose of the DSA is to protect free speech against arbitrary decisions. The Associated Press describes the act as cementing the EUs position as a global leader in reining in Big Tech. Less than two months after becoming operational, the DSA is already being put to use to smother the spread of (in the Commissions words) incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information about the war in the Middle East.

Were bringing our European values into the digital world. With strict rules on transparency and accountability, our Digital Services Act aims to protect our children, societies and democracies.



As of today, very large online platforms must apply the new law.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 25, 2023

Above is the tweet with which VdL launched the DSA in all its censorial glory back in mid-August. In response, Martin Sonneborn, a German MEP, satirical journalist and regular thorn in VdLs side flagged the message up as fake content and misleading disinformation to the relevant EU regulatory and control authorities, arguing that it significantly fuels hatred of the EU and is therefore likely to endanger social peace in Europe. From Berliner Zeitung (machine translated):

Von der Leyen must be held accountable for her official actions, said Sonneborn. Firstly, because she violates Articles 41 (right to good administration) and 42 (right of access to documents) of the Charter; secondly, because she violates the last article of the Charter, which prohibits abuse of rights: When we looked through all 54 articles of fundamental rights of the European Union, set out in the Charter of the same name, we struggled to find an article that had not been violated by the von der Leyen Commission. After a four-year study of their official conduct, things come to mind that, by the most normal interpretation of the EU Charter, are clear violations of fundamental rights  especially with regard to Article 41, Right to good administration (Lol!), and Article 42, Right of access to documents, regardless of the form of medium used for these documents, which of course expressly includes intimate short message exchanges with pharmaceutical bosses via SMS. With the introduction of the DSA by the von der Leyen Commission, in addition to a number of secondarily affected fundamental rights, the following are now in question: Art. 11 (1): Every person has the right to freedom of expression. This right includes freedom of expression and the freedom to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authorities and without regard to national borders. Art. 11 (2): The freedom of the media and its plurality are respected. Art. 10 (1): Every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Art. 6: Every person has the right to freedom and security. Art. 7: Every person has the right to respect for their private and family life, their home and their communications. Art. 8 (1): Everyone has the right to protection of personal data concerning them.

Five Defining Characteristics of VdL Era

Creeping censorship, corruption, authoritarianism, economic decline and war: these are five of the defining characteristics of the VdL era. Is it any wonder that internal opposition is on the rise?

The first and, until now, last European Commission president to resign from office was Jacques Santer, in 1999. Even though he had little, if anything, to do with the misconduct of some of his fellow commissioners, he took responsibility and stepped down together with his entire Commission. Could the same happen with Ursula von der Leyen, who is directly implicated in a huge corruption scandal as well as cheerleading for a war that is going very badly for Europe as well as one that is just beginning in the Middle East, with potentially genocidal consequences?

It is possible though unlikely. After all, 1999 was a more innocent time in European politics. Corruption was less tolerated and politicians somewhat less craven. Also, VdL has only nine months left to run on her presidency. Whats more, she still has powerful friends, many of whose interests she has served for the past four years. They include, of course, the German and French governments that agreed to put her in the role in the first place. And, of course, Washington, which is now trying to convince EU leaders to commit another round of economic seppuku by forming a steel and aluminum tariff club to keep Chinese metals out. According to POLITICO Europe, VdL is poised to give in to US pressure, once again.

Also, von der Leyen, lest we forget, has a rare talent for failing upwards, so even if she does lose her job or is prevented from being reappointed for a second term, she will probably land a new one that is at least as good, if not better  such as, say, NATO chief. She has already shown she has a taste for war, is happily beholden to US interests and Joe Biden is apparently keen for her to fill the role.
Superfog near New Orleans blamed for highway crashes that killed at least 7 Associated Press (furzy)

California Moves Ahead of the FDA in Banning Common Candy Additives KFF Health News

Nanocarriers study shows antibodies against polyethylene glycol in 83% of the German population PhysOrg (fk). !!!!!

Biggest cervical cancer drug advance in 20 years hailed BBC

Major Study Claims to Identify The Root Cause of Obesity: Fructose Science Alert (David L)

Toddler formula lacks nutritional benefits, expert pediatrics group says Washington Post (Kevin W)

Empress Elisabeth and the Archives of Anorexia Los Angeles Review of Books (Anthony L)

OFF-BEAT POETRY: RHYTHMIC GAMES IN HORACE, HOMER AND VERGIL Antigone (Anthony L)

#COVID-19

Masks Work. So What Went Wrong with a Highly Publicized COVID Mask Analysis Scientific American Is Recovery Just the Beginning? Persistent Symptoms and Health and Performance Deterioration in Post-COVID-19, non-hospitalised University Students  A Cross-Sectional Study MedRxiv Jason Boxman, from Water Cooler: Beyond the two-year mark, physical health and error rate continued to improve, while mental health began to deteriorate. Fatigue and reaction time continued to decline. Overall, our findings suggest that some effects of contracting COVID-19 can persist or even deteriorate over time, even in younger individuals who had mild cases that did not require hospitalization. As we are hit with yet another Covid wave, I want to reflect on the promises of herd immunity by infection, with special consideration of claims that pre-existing cross-reactive T cell immunity to other coronaviruses was aiding in achieving the herd-immunity threshold  AJ Leonardi, MBBS, PhD (@fitterhappierAJ) October 23, 2023

Climate/Environment

China?

European Disunion

  Germany's third most popular politician, Sarah Wagenknecht, announced the creation of a new party that advocates lifting sanctions on Russia and against arms supplies to Ukraine. The announcement was made on Monday at a press conference of the new political union. The pic.twitter.com/vS6pcmwDFO  il libanese (@Ramy_Sawma) October 23, 2023 Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hansen  Europe Is About To Blow Up Rumble (Chuck L)

Old Blighty

Gaza

New Not-So-Cold War

Amir Weitmann, head of Israel's ruling Likud Party, promises revenge on Russia for insufficient support of Israel in an unhinged live RT interview. He stated we will do everything to make sure Ukraine wins! He states; "Russia will pay the price!" "Russia supports Nazis!" pic.twitter.com/xDdU7BLh0t  Meagan Brown  (@MeaganABrown) October 19, 2023 From Politicos morning newsletter: EUROPES ARMS MAKER: Amid sustained war at home and boiling conflict in the Middle East, Kyiv doesnt just want to keep gobbling up arms and aid from Western allies. It wants defense contractors to invest locally and help build out a modern arms industry, amid a horrific live business case, the countrys Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin told Playbook in an interview in Berlin. Shifting production: The free world should be producing enough to protect itself, Kamyshin told us, adding that the way to do that is to ramp up output and shift production to where its needed  close to the front lines. The plan is to get major defense players, such as Germanys Rheinmetall, to sign joint venture deals as a foil to the kind of agreements Russia is signing with the likes of Iran and North Korea to feed its army. Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Lions could move from Donetsk to Doncaster BBC. Looks like a Ukrainian squillionaire abandoned his pets.

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

All the notional discussion of US order of battle is extremely tiresome. Basically nothing is paper strength in US arsenal. As an example our tank division in Germany is literally fake. The tanks are all warehoused in Texas and the last transport was decommissioned years ago.  A Tennessean in King Arthurs Court (@inarthurscourt) October 23, 2023 Iowa City schools releases 68 book titles removed from school libraries The Gazette (furzy)

Trump

Biden

The Presidents Taunt to Show Him the Money May Have Just Backfired Jonathan Turley (Chuck L)

Behind the Curtain: Rattled U.S. government fears wars could spread Axios. Lambert posted this when it was fresh, but worth reading again. Alexander Mercouris discussed this piece at length in his latest broadcast. Telling that the paranoid Administration regards their slipping control over the famed narrative as a weapon being deployed against them, as opposed to it becoming increasingly apparent to mere mortals that most of the soi-disant kings are prancing about naked.

GOP Clown Car

GOP senators pressure House to solve Speaker drama The Hill

Our No Longer Free Press

The customer is the loser in the new hotel industry, where the rooms are dirtier, the prices are higher and youre getting less service, analyst says Fortune (Kevin W)

Why it is time to retire Dr Copper Economist (Dr. Kevin)

Regional bank carnage and recent rise in auto delinquencies to long-term historical highs indicate U.S. economy slowing significantly.

Recession in 4th quarter.

Best investments are equity arbs (CPRI and SGEN. VMW a long shot). Im seriously considering regional banks again. 1/2  Bill Gross (@real_bill_gross) October 23, 2023

Japan Investigates Google Over Alleged Antitrust Violations Bloomberg

AI

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour:

And a bonus (Chuck L):

There is safety in numbers These juvenile striped eel catfish glide across the ocean floor like one giant animal, a daunting sight for predators In this undulating dense entity, the vulnerable protect each other until each is mature and independent 1/

pic.twitter.com/66r9hahhFA  Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) October 22, 2023

And a second bonus (Chuck L). I love the vertical takeoff:

Snow leopard mom pretending to be scared when her cub sneaks up on her to encourage them to keep practicing their stalking skills.. pic.twitter.com/lwguZ56hMd  Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) October 21, 2023

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. The idea of using the threat of an oil embargo to pressure the US to lean harder on Israel to let more humanitarian in has merit. But the Biden Administration seems to have no will to tell Israel to do much of anything and instead appears eager to escalate to get Hezbollah on a more aggressive footing to justify going after Iran.

By Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst who specializes in the global systemic transition to multipolarity in the New Cold War. He has a PhD from MGIMO, which is under the umbrella of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Originally published at his website

Anything less than threatening an oil embargo against Israel and its Western allies will likely fail to get the former to open up a humanitarian corridor, but this requires a degree of political will, trust, and coordination between the participating countries that cant be taken for granted.

Many observers considered last weekends Cairo Summit to be a failure after the lack of any joint statement, but nobody should have ever expected one since this event wasnt actually intended to achieve that purpose. To be sure, each of the three camps that were represented there  the pro-Palestinian, pro-Israeli, and neutral ones  lamented this outcome and opportunistically blamed others for it, but none of their diplomats realistically expected an agreement to be reached.

Rather, the whole point of that get-together was for every party to candidly express their positions on this issue, after which theyd have a clearer idea of where everyone stands and could then initiate potentially more productive diplomatic engagements either on the sidelines of the event or outside of it. In this sense, the Cairo Summit was a success since theres no longer any doubt about where each of the participating countries stand. Their diplomats can now formulate more effective policies as a result.

There are objective limits to what each of the previously described three camps are capable of doing. The pro-Israeli one led by the US is against the formal involvement of any third parties in the latest war, hence the redeployment of their naval assets to the region in order to deter this scenario. Accordingly, the pro-Palestinian camp represented most relevantly by Egypt, Jordan, and Turkiye  all of which officially recognize Israel  are unlikely to risk the hegemons wrath by going to war in support of Hamas.

As for the neutral one led by Russia, the aforesaid dynamics disappointingly suggest that theres no credible chance for a ceasefire anytime soon since US-backed Israel is hellbent on destroying Hamas out of vengeance, which will require a ground operation in Gaza unless it unexpectedly walks back its plans. That being the case, everything is only going to get worse before it gets better, but that doesnt mean that the pro-Palestinian and neutral camps cant help make a positive difference in some respect.

The humanitarian consequences of Israels disproportionate response to Hamas infamous terrorist attack have turned most of the international community, including many Westerners, against the self-professed Jewish State. If its impossible to prevent the conflicts escalation by convincing Israel to abandon its planned ground operation, then the most pragmatic policy that these two camps can pursue is trying to relieve some of the Gazans suffering through the creation of humanitarian corridors.

Two challenges stand in the way of this noble goal: 1) Egypt is against allowing Palestinian refugees to enter its territory since it fears that Israel will never let them return; and 2) Israel is also against sheltering these refugees on the grounds that public opinion wouldnt support it after Hamas attacks. Additionally, both claim that each scenario entails unconventional threats to their countries, with each of them prioritizing their own national security over the personal security of Gazas over 2 million people.

The end result is that these refugees continue dying as collateral damage of the incessant strikes that Israel carries out on anti-terrorist pretexts, which infuriates the global masses and especially those in majority-Muslim countries, who feel powerless to stop the Gazans suffering. Without the creation of humanitarian corridors and amidst the spike in violence thats expected to follow the onset of Israels planned ground operation, theres a very real risk of riots breaking out across the world.

Western countries could either brutally suppress them like they did those that occurred during the height of the pandemic or stand aside due to their elites self-interested political reasons like they did during the Antifa-BLM riots all across the US over summer 2020. In either case, their national stability wouldnt seriously be threatened even if some extremists carry out terrorist attacks against those who participate in this unrest, but the same cant be said for many majority-Muslim countries.

These states could struggle to contain such riots since some of their security personnel might refuse to crack down on the participants if they sympathize with their pro-Palestinian cause, and even if they follow orders, the masses might riot more on the pretext that their governments are Zionist puppets. After all, their riots would have begun as protests in support of a noble cause, so it would be seen by the participants as a betrayal of the Palestinians, fellow Muslims, and humanity to violently disperse them.

With a view towards averting that worst-case but nevertheless plausible scenario, it would therefore be a good idea for the pro-Palestinian and neutral camps to collaborate on ways to most compellingly pressure Egypt and/or Israel to open up humanitarian corridors. Since its unlikely that majority-Muslim countries will team up against one of their own, these efforts would thus almost certainly be directed against Israel and its Western allies, which could most effectively take the form of an oil embargo.

Many Westerners already sympathize with the Palestinians plight so they could be counted on to pressure their governments to accede to these demands via large-scale protests across their bloc if majority-Muslim energy-exporting states and Russia give them an ultimatum. Their decisionmakers might still refuse to do their utmost in forcing Israel to host these refugees or the self-professed Jewish State might defy them in spite of their efforts, but its arguably the best way to advance this noble goal.

Anything less than threatening an oil embargo against Israel and its Western allies will likely fail to get the former to open up a humanitarian corridor, but this requires a degree of political will, trust, and coordination between the participating countries that cant be taken for granted. Seeing as how no indication has yet to emerge suggesting serious interest in this, it therefore remains speculative for now, but that could quickly change if public pressure becomes unbearable in many majority-Muslim countries.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm on Tuesday (24 October 2023) to discuss finalising Swedens NATO accession. The Secretary General welcomed the decision of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to submit the accession protocol to the Grand National Assembly.

Following the submission of the ratification documents, I now count on a speedy ratification by the Turkish parliament, said Mr Stoltenberg. The Secretary General highlighted that Turkiyes decision is in line with the agreement at the Vilnius summit in July, and stressed that Sweden had also fulfilled its commitments: Sweden has amended its constitution, changed its laws, expanded counter-terrorism cooperation, and resumed arms exports to Turkiye, he said. Mr Stoltenberg noted that NATO has recommitted to the fight against terrorism, including by updating its action plan, and appointing an Assistant Secretary General to serve as his Special Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism. I am glad we have been able to address Turkiyes legitimate security concerns in a way that enables Swedens membership to move forward. I look forward to welcoming Sweden as a full NATO Ally in the very near future, he said.

The two leaders also addressed recent damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Allies and Sweden are working together to establish the facts, and NATO is strengthening our presence in the region, said Mr Stoltenberg.

The Secretary General also said: we discussed the situation in the Middle East, and Israels response to the horrific terrorist attack launched by Hamas. Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law. The protection of civilians is essential, and I welcome efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Iran and Hezbollah should not take advantage of the conflict. It is important that this situation does not escalate further.

During his visit to Sweden, the Secretary General is also meeting with Defence Minister Pal Jonson, Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom, and the First Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, Kenneth G Forslund.

On Wednesday (25 October 2023), Mr Stoltenberg will participate in the NATO-Industry Forum in Stockholm.


On Thursday 26 October 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will receive the Prime Minister of Moldova, Mr. Dorin Recean, at NATO Headquarters. Afterwards, Mr. Recean will engage with Allies at the North Atlantic Council chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Mircea Geoana.

Media advisory

08:30 (CEST) Short statements by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister (Agora podium - visual media only)

Media coverage

Media representatives who have annual accreditation to NATO for 2023 can cover the statements in person, on first come-first serve basis. Media wishing to do so are requested to inform NATOMediaOperations@hq.nato.int by midday on 25 October. Media representatives are requested to report in front of the Press shop (ground floor) at 08:00 (CEST).

The event will be streamed live on the NATO website and X @NATOPress.

A transcript of the Secretary Generals remarks, as well as pictures taken by a NATO photographer, will be available on the NATO website.

The video will be available for free download from the NATO Multimedia Portal after the event.

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) (@NATO, @jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress)
(As delivered)

Prime Minister Kristersson,

kjre [dear] Ulf.

Let me begin by expressing my condolences to the people of Sweden, and the loved ones of the victims, following last weeks terrorist attack in Brussels.

NATO stands in solidarity with you.

Terrorism must never prevail.

Today, we discussed finalising Swedens NATO accession.

I spoke with President Erdogan over the weekend.

And I welcome that he yesterday sent the accession protocol to the Grand National Assembly.

This is in line with the agreement at the Vilnius summit in July.

Sweden has fulfilled its commitments.

Sweden has:

Amended its constitution, changed its laws,

expanded counter-terrorism cooperation, and resumed arms exports to Turkiye.

NATO has recommitted to the fight against terrorism.

Including by updating our action plan.

And I have appointed an Assistant Secretary General to serve as my Special Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism.

Ensuring our response remains strong, effective and coherent.

No other Ally has suffered more terrorist attacks than Turkiye.

And I am glad we have been able to address Turkiyes legitimate security concerns in a way that enables Swedens membership to move forward.

I look forward to welcoming Sweden as a full NATO Ally in the very near future.

Sweden has highly capable forces and years of experience operating with NATO.

You are already integrating even more deeply into the Alliance.

Just in the last few days:

The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth visited Gothenburg.

US bombers exercised with Swedish jets.

And Allied and Swedish Special Forces trained on the Baltic Sea.

Swedens membership will make NATO stronger.

Sweden is fully ready to join NATO.

The time has come.

And following the submission of the ratification documents, I now count on a speedy ratification by the Turkish parliament.

Tomorrow I will attend the NATO-Industry Forum.

Let me thank you for hosting the event here in Stockholm.

This is yet another sign of how close Sweden is to NATO.

Our security relies on our technological edge and our defence industry.

So it is important that major companies from across the Alliance and beyond will be present.

Russias war against Ukraine has depleted Allied stocks.

Ramping up production is essential to meet Ukraines needs and to ensure our own defences.

Speed and volume matters.

As Russia prepares again to use winter as a weapon of war.

So let me thank Sweden for its major financial, humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.

Including your latest 200 million dollar support package for ammunition and equipment to Ukraine.

Today, we also addressed recent damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Allies and Sweden are working together to establish the facts.

And NATO is strengthening our presence in the region.

This includes more surveillance and reconnaissance.

As well as more ships under NATO command.

NATO will always do this, and we will do what is necessary to protect and defend our Allies.

Finally, we discussed the situation in the Middle East, and Israels response to the horrific terrorist attack launched by Hamas.

Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law.

The protection of civilians is essential,

and I welcome efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.

Iran and Hezbollah should not take advantage of the conflict.

It is important that this situation does not escalate further.

So once again Prime Minister Kristersson, dear Ulf, it is great to be hear and thank you so much for your warm welcome.

Moderator: So we start to open up the floor for some questions. Well start with Swedish Television.

Question: [speaks in Swedish]

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson: [answers in Swedish]

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: [answers in Norwegian]

Moderator: Deutsch Welle, please.

Teri Schultz (DW): Hi, Teri Schultz, Deutsch Welle. Could you just recap first of all, what you said about Hungary, but in particular  and I understand that you just said you don't think that there will be there's not an exact timeline  but that's not my real question. I really want to know about the cable.

The Swedish government has now said that it believes that there was purposeful damage to the telecommunications cable, and we've heard also out of Finland that they seem to be able to target a Chinese ship. We've had all our eyes on the Russian ships in the previous damage to Nord Stream and other cables. So has NATO, perhaps not been as vigilant, not been as suspicious of Chinese ships, and does this just completely open up the need to cast a wider glass? What can you do to prevent this kind of damage? Because your vigilance was already up after Nord Stream and yet this still happened. Thanks.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: So as we have stated again, and again, we have tens of thousands of kilometres of internet cables over gas pipelines, over power cables, over oil pipelines, crossing the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and of course, these types of undersea critical infrastructure is vulnerable. That's also the reason why NATO for many, many years have addressed the challenges and why we, after the North Stream instance, stepped up.

We are establishing a centre at our maritime command in Northland and the aim, and what we are doing, is to ensure that we have better exchange of information intelligence between Allies, we have presence and also that we are working more closely with the private sector because most of these critical infrastructure is owned by private companies, operated by private companies, and they also collect a lot of information, so the combination of presence, of intelligence, of shared practices and working with the private sector, with the private companies, at least increases the threshold for attacks, for intentional sabotage of these types of critical infrastructure.

There will be never any 100% guarantee. But we will have to increase the threshold for damage to these types of critical infrastructure as we are now doing, and again, with Sweden in NATO that will be even easier to do because then we can work even more closely with Sweden. On this specific instance, we are sharing information we haven't any final conclusion or assessment about exactly who is behind or whether it was intentional or not, but NATO, together with Finland, Estonia and Sweden, is working to establish the facts before they are established. No, I'm not going into any details about exactly who or what may have caused this damage.

On Hungary. Just repeat that in English. So Hungary has stated several times that they will not be the last to ratify. And since there are only two countries that have not yet ratified I think that demonstrates that Hungary will not delay this process.

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson: Well, think I dont have too much to add to that. I mean, obviously we draw the conclusion from the diving that a purposeful damage. We will not be more precise than that, as of today at least. We will conclude the investigation physically and we'll come back with our conclusions.

I think there is an important lesson to be learned in terms of private infrastructure being nowadays extremely important also to national security, not least in cyber related matters. So, I think that is that's a lesson learned from us that we need to cooperate much closer between private operators, private companies and national security agencies.

Question: [speaks in Swedish]

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson: [answers in Swedish]

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: [answers in Norwegian]

Moderator: Sir, in the back, please.

Question: [speaks in Swedish]

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson: [answers in Swedish]

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: [answers in Norwegian]

Moderator: That's all for today. Thank you for joining us.
138 Luminaries sign international declaration demanding the end of censorship

On October 18, a group of 136 academics, historians and journalists coming from all directions of the political spectrum  left, right and center  released the " Westminster Declaration ," a document that basically points out to President Joe Biden's administration that the rapidly growing censorship of his regime "undermines the foundational principles of representative democracy" and that the best way to combat actual disinformation is with free speech.

The said declaration was the result of an initial meeting of free speech champions from around the world who met in Westminster, London, at the end of June 2023.

"We write as journalists, artists, authors, activists, technologists and academics to warn of increasing international censorship that threatens to erode centuries-old democratic norms. Coming from the left, right and center, we are united by our commitment to universal human rights and freedom of speech, and we are all deeply concerned about attempts to label protected speech as 'misinformation,' 'disinformation,' and other ill-defined terms," the piece included. "This abuse of these terms has resulted in the censorship of ordinary people, journalists and dissidents in countries all over the world."

Suppression of speech has been widely observed during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as authoritarians in the U.S. and around the world have cynically used claims of "disinformation" to censor ordinary people and stifle dissent about everything from the efficacy of masks to vaccines. The same strategy has also been employed to suppress the scandal surrounding the files of the presidential son Hunter Biden's "laptop from hell" and continued up to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, and even the most recent Middle East violent attacks and counterattacks.

The paper further stated that government actors, social media companies, universities and non-government organizations are increasingly working to monitor citizens and rob the people of their voices worldwide. They defined the 'censorship industrial complex' to be a large-scale coordinated effort. However, they emphasized that it can also operate through more subtle methods such as filtering, labeling and manipulation of search engine results. It further cited how social media censors silenced lawful opinions on topics of national and geopolitical importance through deplatforming, throttling and flagging. Mainstream media also hired biased 'disinformation experts' and 'fact-checkers,' who seemed to have abandoned the journalistic values of debate and intellectual inquiry.

"Open discourse is the central pillar of a free society, and is essential for holding governments accountable, empowering vulnerable groups and reducing the risk of tyranny  We do not want our children to grow up in a world where they live in fear of speaking their minds," the declaration emphasized.

Some of the luminaries who signed that declaration against censorship were: Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson; U.K. Biologist Richard Dawkins; NYU social psychologist Jonathan Haidt; Julian Assange, the Australian founder of WikiLeaks; actor Tim Robbins; evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein; economist Glenn Loury' filmmaker Oliver Stone; whistleblower Edward Snowden; and British comedian John Cleese. Additionally, two of the independent journalists responsible for the Twitter Files, Michael Shellenberger and Matt Taibbi, who testified before Congress about the "censorship industrial complex," were also among the signatories. (Related: Censorship remains a problem even after Musk's Twitter takeover.)

Westminster Declaration signatories to MSM, Big Tech, Big Government: Respect FREE SPEECH

Elsewhere in the signed document, all 138 signatories called on the tech giants to stop the censorship. It also ordered governments and NGOs to respect free speech as protected by the "UN Declaration of Human Rights." They also implore an increasingly complacent public to reject the "climate of intolerance that encourages self-censorship and instead of fear and dogmatism, we must adopt investigation and debate."

The New York Post cited the free speech lawsuit Missouri v. Biden to have been at the forefront of exposing an entrenched censorship scheme cooked up between the federal government and Big Tech. More than 60 officials or agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), were accused of violating the First Amendment by pressuring Facebook, Twitter and Google to censor users for alleged misinformation or disinformation.

According to the news outlet, they have also been a victim of the vast "censorship enterprise" when it was Hunter Biden's laptop expose that was suppressed by Facebook and Twitter in October 2020. Weeks before the presidential election, the FBI had pre-bunked a story published by the Post, warning the social media companies, with varying degrees of specificity, to watch out for a "dump" of Russian disinformation likely in October and relating to the younger Biden. Had the report been published, the outcome of the election may have had a different result, a survey revealed.

Censorship.news contains more stories related to the suppression of free speech.

Sources for this article include:

WestminsterDeclaration.org

ClimateDepot.com

NYPost.com
El Paso Sector Border Patrol raided 281 human smuggling stash houses in 2023

According to the El Paso Sector Border Patrol, agents raided more than 280 human smuggling stash houses during Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

Following the raids on the stash house operations in far West Texas and southern New Mexico, more than 3,600 migrants were apprehended. The migrants were in the process of being smuggled into the U.S. interior.

El Paso Sector Border Patrol officials reported that agents disrupted the operation of at least 281 human smuggling stash house operations during FY 2023, which ended on Sept. 30.

This is up from approximately 240 the previous year, indicating an increase of more than 17 percent. The El Paso Sector area of responsibility encompasses the far western portion of Texas and the New Mexico border with Mexico.

At least 3,665 smuggled migrants apprehended

During the stash house raids, agents reported that they apprehended 3,665 smuggled migrants. Officials also said that the migrants are usually sent to overcrowded houses and subjected to other inhumane conditions.

Border Patrol agents frequently collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers in prosecuting the raids.

Francisco Burrola, the HSI special agent in charge, explained that the HSI is "tasked with identifying, disrupting, and dismantling terrorist and transnational criminal organizations that seek to exploit" America's trade, travel, financial and immigration system.

Earlier in October, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the State Legislature into a special session to address this issue, among other border security issues.

The Texas Senate Committee on Border Security moved to unanimously approve Senate Bill 4 to the Senate floor for a vote.

The bill, which is sponsored by State Senators Pete Flores, Bob Hall and Phil King, would subject the operators of a human smuggling stash house to a third-degree felony with a minimum sentence of 10 years in state prison. (Related: HUMANITARIAN CRISIS: Thousands of illegals flood San Diego, local shelters reach capacity.)

Flores said the current penalties are not providing a "sufficient deterrent." He explained that operating a stash house will carry a five-year minimum term if used for smuggling trafficking or prostitution.

And if the stash house is operated in a disaster area, it escalates to a third-degree or second-degree felony and the minimum sentence would increase to 10 years.

Additionally, Flores said that if the bail escalates other offenses committed while smuggling such as assault or burglary, evading arrest to a third-degree felony and "provides consecutive stackable sentencing."

These penalties can be reduced by five years if perpetrators cooperate with human smuggling investigations. Additionally, family members who are caught smuggling their relatives can get a reduced sentence if they prove the familial relationship.

During Fiscal Year 2023, the El Paso Sector led the U.S. in the apprehension of migrants crossing the border from Mexico. El Paso Sector agents caught more than 426,000 migrants, which is more than 20 percent of all migrants arrested along the southwest border with Mexico, according to unofficial Border Patrol reports.

The Del Rio Sector finished FY 2023 in second place with the arrest of nearly 400,000 migrants. The Tucson, Rio Grande Valley and San Diego Sectors rounded out the top five with 374,000, 338,000 and 230,000, respectively.

Visit OpenBorders.news for more news about the influx of illegals in America.

Watch the video below to find out how a migrant surge halted cargo processing at El Paso Bridge.

This video is from the InfoWarSSideBand channel on Brighteon.com.

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SANCTUARY OVERLOAD: Texas sends more buses full of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to Democrat-controlled sanctuary cities.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu describes crisis at the southern border as HISTORIC DISASTER.

Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Massive Houston development known as Colony Ridge to house up to 200K ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

KFoxTv.com

CBSAustin.com

Brighteon.com
Russian submarine.

The Baltic states  former Soviet colonies who are among Russia's most outspoken critics  fear they are facing an increasing threat of retaliation for their enthusiastic Nato membership and support for Ukraine.

More than 750 schools and kindergartens across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania received emailed bomb threats last week. Lithuania's police chief called them "a coordinated mass attack", according to The Associated Press in Vilnius (the site of the latest Nato summit)  with the majority of messages in Russian, some with a political message.

A spokesperson for the Lithuanian security agency told the Baltic News Service that the messages were likely "carried out at the initiative of hostile states" and aimed at "increasing mistrust". "As geopolitical tensions rise, Lithuania and the other Baltic states are constant targets of information and cyber-attacks by hostile states," Aurelija Vernickaite said.

Earlier this month the undersea pipeline between Estonia and recent Nato member Finland also "ruptured", cutting the flow of gas between the two countries in what authorities believe may have been a "deliberate act of sabotage", reported Reuters from Stockholm. Finnish police have completed their crime scene investigation into damage to the Balticconnector pipeline, describing signs of an "extremely heavy object" that had been left on the Baltic seabed.

Swedish authorities revealed last week that an undersea communications cable between Sweden and Estonia had been partially damaged, with the cause still unclear. Estonia reported a drop in capacity on the cable, which the country's communications ministry said occurred at roughly the same time and in the same area as damage to the Balticconnector pipeline.

Regional officials are "treading carefully" in public, said The Economist, but privately, they "strongly suspect that Russia is involved". This series of "suspicious incidents" has led to fears that "Russia is making mischief underwater".

Story continues

It comes after Russia shut off the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines to Germany via the Baltic Sea last year. The pipes were found to have been severely damaged by four explosions in what Nato declared a deliberate act of sabotage. Russia was initially suspected of involvement, although others have pointed the finger at Ukraine.

What did the papers say?

"Pity the Baltic sea-creatures who just want a quiet life," said The Economist; "their patch has never been busier."

This month leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a British-led alliance of 10 northern European countries including Estonia, Finland and Sweden, met on the Swedish island of Gotland to discuss the possibility of Russian threats in the Baltic Sea. Their joint statement said the Balticconnector damage "demonstrates that threats to critical undersea infrastructure are real".

Finnish defence minister Antti Hakkanen said his country was "stepping up its undersea surveillance in the Gulf of Finland and Baltic Sea". Nato has increased air and sea patrols in the Baltic Sea, and sent "additional minehunters" to the area.

Finnish investigators previously said they could not rule out "a state actor" being responsible for the damage to the Balticconnector. President Vladimir Putin has described claims that Russia was behind it as "rubbish".

But the disabling of the Balticconnector pipeline is "unlikely" to have been an accident, said Edward Lucas, European security, espionage and Russian foreign policy expert, for The Times . Privately, officials say "evidence of Kremlin involvement is incontrovertible" regarding damage to subsea data cables. The undersea infrastructure linking the Baltics to the rest of Europe is now a "target", wrote Lucas.

The "trigger" could be that the three states are "finally disconnecting" from the Russian electricity system, "the last physical legacy of the Soviet occupation", and relying more on power and gas lines under the Baltic Sea.

Finland is also facing a growing online espionage threat from Russia, according to The Guardian 's Nordic correspondent Miranda Bryant, since its accession to Nato and its expulsion of Russian diplomats (and alleged spies) from Helsinki in June. Finnish security and intelligence service Supo said that increasing cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns by Russia aimed to "create an image of malfunctioning services".

What next?

Jens Stoltenberg, Nato's secretary-general, has pledged a "determined" response if a deliberate attack in the Baltic is proven. Nato countries "could restrict or even ban Russian shipping from using the Baltic Sea", said Lucas for The Times, an idea "floated" by Latvian president Edgars Rinkevics last week.

Infrastructure should also be treated as a national security matter, "hardening physical equipment, boosting surveillance and increasing spare capacity", said Lucas. Estonia has nine telecom cables connecting it to the world; "losing two is manageable", he said. Nordic and Baltic allies have started on these preparations; Britain is "bigger and stronger", but still "way behind".

Ultimately, we are "reaping the consequences of long-standing muddle and weakness" with regards to Russia, said Lucas. Diplomatic protests, prosecution, expulsions and sanctions have all "failed".
Second U.S. carrier strike group arrives in eastern Mediterranean Sea to deter hostile actions against Israel

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III has announced that the United States has deployed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This will be the second carrier strike group deployed by the U.S. to deter hostile actions against Israel.

The first carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived off the coast of Israel last week. Austin's order came on the heels of the Navy destroyer Carney's interception of cruise missiles and drones launched by Iran-allied Houthi rebel forces in Yemen and drone attacks against U.S. troops elsewhere in the region.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group includes the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea; and the guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Mason.

The U.S. Air Force has also deployed additional squadrons of F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft to the region. Additionally, the 2,000 troops of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, originally assigned to Kuwait for exercise, were transferred to the region.

"The increases to U.S. force posture signal the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security and our resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war," Austin stated.

The groups only seek to "deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamas' attack on Israel." Their presence is only intended to act as a deterrent  meaning, they will not engage in direct combat activities on behalf of Israel.

"These posture increases were intended to serve as an unequivocal demonstration in deed and not only in words of U.S. support for Israel's defense and serve as a deterrent signal to Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah and any other proxy across the region who might be considering exploiting the current situation to escalate [the] conflict," a senior U.S. defense official explained.

Biden calls Israel and Palestine leaders to offer humanitarian aid

President Joe Biden has called both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas to offer humanitarian aid. (Related: PROXY WAR: Bidens $235M funding of Palestine in 2021 contributed to Hamas violent attacks on Israel.)

In the phone call with Netanyahu, Biden "affirmed his support for all efforts to protect civilians." Meaning, the U.S. will continue to support the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with intelligence and operational planning.

Meanwhile, in his conversation with Abbas, Biden condemned Hamas' brutal attack on Israel. "Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people's right to dignity and self-determination," Biden told Abbas.

But Biden still 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.

Follow Chaos.news for more news about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Watch this video that talks about the latest development in the Israel-Hamas conflict, including the deployment of another carrier strike group to the Mediterranean.

This video is from the Evolutionary Energy Arts channel on Brighteon.com.

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Expose-news.com

MSN.com 1

MSN.com 2

Brighteon.com
Not in my name: The European Jews condemning Israels war on Gaza

When Jonathan Ofir heard the West-led chorus of vehement condemnations of the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, coupled with a flood of statements supporting the countrys right  in effect  to retaliate , he feared he knew what that meant.

(Article by Alasdair Soussi republished from AlJazeera.com)

That is, a green light for Israel to carry out a much larger massacre than the one they were revenging, said the Jewish musician, conductor and writer.

More than 1,400 people were killed in Israel in the Hamas attack, prompting the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war on the armed Palestinian group. An incessant and brutal bombing campaign by Israel has since killed more than 5,100 people in the Gaza Strip, with large parts of the territory reduced to rubble in just over a fortnight. A Palestinian NGO reported that the Israeli bombing of Gaza had tragically claimed the lives of one Palestinian child every 15 minutes since the start of the conflict.

Ofir, a pro-Palestinian campaigner who was born in Israel but lives in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, is among many Europe-based Jews who are critical of Israels policies and have joined protests that have exploded across the continent against the ongoing attacks on Gaza.

From Glasgow to London, Paris to Barcelona, many have joined pro-Palestinian rallies to express solidarity with the people of the blockaded enclave. They represent a vocal minority of Jews that continue to make the case for the rights of a people who have lived under Israeli occupation for generations  the Palestinians  just as they have for decades.

Israel claims Jews as its national asset, and it weaponises us, as Jews  both as bodies in the demographic battle vis-a-vis non-Jews and particularly Palestinians, and ideologically as born representatives of the Jewish state  [and] seeks to do that to Jews worldwide, Ofir told Al Jazeera. That claim, in turn, makes [us] the human shields of the state, as it assaults Palestinians under its settler-colonialist agenda, be it through ongoing ethnic cleansing, through siege or through seasonal massacres.

Naama Farjoun largely grew up in Jerusalem, but has long described herself as an anti-Zionist Jew. In January 2001, she left Israel, just months after the outbreak of the second Intifada. Today, the 54-year-old lives on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain.

I left [Israel] because I could not bear the burden of being a privileged [Israeli] citizen in a racist state, said the mother of two, who said that she was daily angered by the Israeli occupation and discrimination of my Palestinian co-citizens.

Farjoun told Al Jazeera that the Hamas attack on Israel brought her great sorrow  causing suffering no one should endure. But she added: I believe the current tragic events are a direct result of years of abuse, repression, violence and deprivation implemented by the State of Israel.

Jews  including Israeli Jews  voicing their condemnation of Israels conduct against the Palestinians is not a new phenomenon. So-called Israeli refuseniks  citizens of Israel who have snubbed its compulsory military service laws in protest of the countrys treatment of the Palestinians  have often served jail time for their principles.

Joseph Abileah, an Austrian-born musician, is widely considered to be the first individual in Israel to stand trial for refusing to serve in the Israeli military, doing so just months after the Jewish state was established in 1948. The violinist managed to escape a prison sentence, and his stance paved the way for generations of Israeli conscientious objectors.

Yet just as Israels refuseniks often face backlash for their convictions, so too do pro-Palestinian Jews elsewhere.

It is, said one European resident, rarely easy to publicly support Palestine and condemn Israel as a self-declared Jew.

When I first started identifying myself as Jewish and supporting Palestinian rights on X [formerly Twitter], the issue in the UK was closely bound up with Corbyns leadership of the Labour Party, said British citizen Tom London, referring to the strident pro-Palestinian convictions of former United Kingdom opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

He added to Al Jazeera: I got plenty of abuse then on X, including describing me as an anti-Semite and saying I was lying about being Jewish. Someone once went through every tweet I had ever sent  but found nothing to help their vile and ridiculous claim that I was an anti-Semite.

At the time of this writing, a Jewish Voice for Peace petition, calling for an immediate end to the Israeli attack on Gaza, has gathered more than 1,300 signatures from Israeli citizens living in Israel, Palestine and abroad. As a Jew, and particularly as an Israeli Jew, I feel it is incumbent upon me to say that this is not in my name, and I will fight it as such, asserted Ofir. Because freedom, justice and equality for Palestinians is a necessity, and if that necessity doesnt get sufficed, it is not only harming them, it will come to haunt Jews.

We need to  work towards a shared future where we do not harm each other  we need to create a culture of peace. Jewish supremacy will not achieve that.

Read more at: AlJazeera.com
Gaza Strip could prove to be a DEATH TRAP for assaulting Israeli forces

As Israel prepares for the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, military experts stress the difficulty of fighting urban warfare

"Urban terrain presents unique challenges," explained Liam Collins, a retired U.S. Army colonel with Special Forces. "Most militaries despise urban warfare so much that their doctrine emphasizes avoiding it."

On Thursday, Oct. 19, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with soldiers who are amassing near the Gaza Strip border, informing them that he would soon give the order to launch a ground offensive.

This prospective invasion would pit one of the world's most formidable militaries against a highly motivated and resilient adversary.

Hamas fighters, emboldened by their successful surprise assault on October 7, in which they killed over 1,400 individuals and took more than 200 hostages, are now preparing to face an Israeli counteroffensive.

These attacks deeply embarrassed Israel's security establishment, which has long prided itself on its flawless intelligence and constant readiness. Israel's determination to strike back will test its military's ability to achieve victory in a chaotic and confined urban battlefield.

For nearly two weeks, Israel has relentlessly bombed the Gaza Strip, launching thousands of airstrikes targeting numerous locations. Entire neighborhoods have been razed, high-rise apartment buildings toppled and senior Hamas figures eliminated. The objective is to diminish the defensive capabilities of Hamas fighters, preparing the ground for an Israeli invasion.

The Israeli government has vowed to pursue and neutralize all those involved in the attack, from top Hamas leaders to lower-ranking members.

Over 4,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, have lost their lives according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This is before any Israeli ground forces enter the territory. (Related: Israeli military gets "green light" to enter Gaza and begin ground offensive.)

In the upcoming phase, the Israeli military will confront a battlefield that soldiers generally dread.

Hamas fighters have significantly upgraded their network of tunnels, known as the "Gaza Metro," providing them with a tactical edge as insurgents. This extensive subterranean labyrinth stretches for roughly 25 miles in length and eight miles in width, covering an estimated 500 miles of tunnels.

Some of these tunnels are over 200 feet underground, making them impervious to bombardment from above. Many are equipped with lighting, storage facilities, provisions and weaponry, allowing Hamas fighters to remain concealed underground for days if not weeks.

Urban environment evens up battlefield

Tunnel warfare and urban warfare pose inherent challenges, noted Brian Michael Jenkins, a senior adviser at the Rand Corporation and an expert on terrorism. "The advantages that a modern military enjoys are often eroded in an urban environment."

The tunnels also present Israel with a new dilemma  they are likely being used by Hamas to conceal many of the hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Families of these hostages are imploring the Israeli government to take all possible actions to secure their release.

While Israeli leaders are actively negotiating, they are not inclined to postpone an offensive for an extended duration if talks reach an impasse, as is anticipated. Hamas claims that some hostages have already perished in Israeli airstrikes.

Despite Israeli military leadership acknowledging they were caught off guard by the surprise Hamas attack, they will bring overwhelming firepower to the Gaza conflict.

The most advanced weapon in the Hamas arsenal is its stockpile of up to 15,000 rockets that are currently being fired at Israel daily. The Israeli Iron Dome air-defense system has thus far effectively intercepted the majority of these rockets. However, a prolonged conflict could deplete Israel's missile inventory.

In a ground offensive, Israel will deploy artillery units, tanks, armored personnel carriers, snipers, drones, remote-controlled equipment, bulldozers, helicopters and jet fighters. Hamas fighters are primarily armed with antitank-guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and roadside bombs.

To prepare for urban warfare, many Israeli soldiers undergo training at a military base located approximately 12 miles from the Gaza Strip. At this facility, the Israeli army constructed a simulated Middle Eastern city, known as "Baladia," in 2005, designed to challenge troops with narrow alleyways, mosques, towering apartment buildings and booby-trapped homes.

Visit WWIII.news for more stories about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Watch how flooding disrupts Israeli military operation in Gaza.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

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OUTRAGE: Israel told Gaza residents to flee to Egypt for safety, then appears to have BOMBED the lone border crossing for their escape.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

Brighteon.com
CONFIRMED: Israel ordered IDF to STAND DOWN and let Hamas attack  now Israel wants full-scale war to fulfill decades-long plan for Greater Israel

Citing official government sources, Cecily Routman from the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation has revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Israel's military to stand down for a fullduring the recent Hamas attack  meaning Israel's government just let the slaughter of its own people happen on purpose to drum up an excuse to go to war against Gaza.

In order to justify Israeli retaliation against Gaza with the intent of wiping the Palestinian enclave off the map  this has been Netanyahu's long-term goal, by the way  Netanyahu and his coalition regime told the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to do nothing while 1,200 Israelis were slaughtered by terrorists.

"Israel has the most sophisticated intelligence in the world," Routman told conservative activist Lauren Witzke in a recent interview  watch below. "There is no way the government didn't know that that was going to happen."

CONFIRMED: Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to STAND DOWN for 7 HOURS during the Hamas invasion. I sat down with Jewish Charity leader, Cecily Routman, who received intel directly from her Israeli Rabbi and other top level government sources. While I do not agree with pic.twitter.com/2liNmdJ7fZ  Lauren Witzke (@LaurenWitzkeDE) October 15, 2023

(Related: According to Israeli officials, the roughly 2.3 million Palestinians who live in Gaza, many of them young children, are just "human animals" who do not deserve access to food, water, fuel, or electricity.)

Rabbi Chananya Weissman "sent out a missive" about IDF stand down order

Routman would go on in the interview to explain that Rabbi Chananya Weissman, a well-connected religious leader who has the ears of top Israeli officials, "sent out a missive that, indeed, the IDF was given stand down orders  both the army and the air force  seven hours to stand down while those attacks took place."

"And this allowed the terrorists to come in and begin slaughtering and torturing the citizens," Routman explains. "Personally, I think that this situation is akin to a family keeping a rabid dog in their home and then blaming the dog when their baby gets bitten."

The fact that Israel is widely known to have the strongest borders in the world coupled with the most invasive intelligence makes the matter even more disturbing in that average Israelis never would have suspected that such an attack was possible.

Believing their government to be on their side, the Israeli people were led to believe that they are safe and secure no matter what  but what they did not know was that their own government would betray them on purpose for political capital.

"I look at the government of Israel and they really needed to make sure these people did not proliferate on their borders," Routman added. "And so, they are held partially accountable for having to kill God's creations in order to secure their border. This should never have happened."

Routman's claims corroborate with official reports from October 7, the day of the attack, showing that in the first hours of the Hamas attack, the IDF was basically nowhere to be found, which is highly anomalous.

"What happened to the 'strongest army in the world?'" asked journalist Efrat Fenigson in a post on X. "How come border crossings were wide open? Something is VERY WRONG HERE."

It actually makes a lot of sense for Israeli officials to claim that the Hamas attack was Israel's 9/11. America's 9/11 was an inside job, after all, and so appears the Hamas attack, which only happened because of "Israel's inexplicable intelligence failure," to quote one independent media source.

What comes next in the Middle East is likely to shock the world. Learn more at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

Infowars.com

NaturalNews.com
Israel eyes preemptive strikes as Iron Dome air defense system faces risk of being overwhelmed

Israel may be forced to shift from defense to offense if and when Hezbollah enters the fray.

The Iron Dome, Israel's highly advanced air defense system, faces the risk of being overwhelmed by missile attacks in the event of an expanding regional conflict stemming from the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

This U.S.-backed system comprises interconnected radar and mobile missile batteries with the primary purpose of intercepting rockets, missiles and mortars that pose a threat to Israeli population centers and critical infrastructure.

Notably, it has received praise for achieving a 90 percent interception rate during previous attacks.

However, like any air defense system, the Iron Dome's effectiveness depends on having an adequate supply of interceptor missiles, and it can be outmatched when confronted with a large-scale assault.

In a surprising Oct. 7 attack, Hamas fired a staggering 3,000 rockets within the first 20 minutes, a significant escalation compared to previous operations. These rockets were also more technologically advanced than those used in earlier incidents.

American officials are now concerned about the prospect of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon launching precision missiles at Israeli cities, while Israeli forces are engaged in intense urban warfare within densely populated Gaza. (Related: WWIII: If Israel follows through with Gaza ground invasion, Iran promises huge earthquake attack by Hezbollah.)

Hezbollah is renowned as "the world's most heavily armed non-state actor" and maintains a substantial and diverse stockpile of unguided artillery rockets, ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft weapons and anti-tank missiles. It has around 100,000 missiles and rockets at its disposal.

Even a slight drop in the Iron Dome's interception rate to approximately 80 percent would result in a significantly higher number of rockets penetrating its defenses if Hamas or other groups initiated another round of intense attacks.

Shaan Shaikh, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., recently warned that if Hezbollah becomes involved in the ongoing conflict, there is a genuine risk of the Iron Dome defenses becoming overwhelmed by rocket fire.

Hezbollah has bigger and better missile arsenal than Hamas

Adding to the challenge is the fact that Hezbollah's missile arsenal surpasses that of Hamas both in terms of quantity and precision.

The potential introduction of more advanced weaponry into the conflict may prompt Israel to utilize additional defensive systems, such as "David's Sling" and Patriots, which are designed for longer-range rockets and drones.

This would substantially increase Israel's defense costs at a time when the military is already stretched due to a rapid mobilization of reservists.

Each Iron Dome interceptor costs tens of thousands of dollars, as reported by Israel's Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), whereas Hamas' rockets, though more advanced than before, are less expensive to produce, making it easier for the group to replenish its stocks.

The U.S. has already dispatched extra military aid to augment Israel's supplies, including Iron Dome interceptors and other air defense systems, with many in Washington advocating for further support.

The Iron Dome, a collaborative effort backed by the U.S. and produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon Technologies, is designed with resource limitations in mind. It selectively intercepts rockets that are on a trajectory to strike populated areas while ignoring those destined for unpopulated zones.

The system is made up of multiple batteries, each containing 60 to 80 interceptor missiles, and is equipped with radar that detects incoming rockets. A command-and-control system quickly calculates whether an incoming projectile poses a threat or is likely to hit an unpopulated area.

Visit WWIII.news for more news about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Watch this video that talks about Israel deploying the Iron Dome lasers.

This video is from the Earth Shaking News channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hezbollah threat in the north delays Israel invasion of Gaza.

Sources include:

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State Department issues rare worldwide caution advisory for Americans abroad as Middle East tensions grow

The U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide travel advisory for Americans abroad, urging them to proceed with caution in the wake of growing violence and anger surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.

The rare "worldwide caution" advisory stated: Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.

It instructed Americans to be particularly alert when going to areas that are frequented by tourists and to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so they can receive alerts. They noted that enrolling in the program can also facilitate the locating of Americans who are involved in emergencies overseas.

The last time the State Department issued a worldwide alert was in August of 2022 following the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri, an al-Qaeda leader, due to concerns that al-Qaeda supporters could attack American citizens abroad.

The State Department also recently raised their travel advisories for Israel and Lebanon to their highest levels, warning Americans to avoid traveling to Lebanon because of the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah or other armed militant factions. They have authorized all non-emergency American government employees and their family members to leave.

They have also made a crisis intake Assistance Request form available to American citizens seeking help leaving Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank and elsewhere.

Tensions may already be high in the region, but there are concerns that they could grow following President Bidens address to the nation last night in which he expressed his intention to send billions of dollars in aid to Israel, which many feel is unreasonable in light of the growing civilian casualties as the Israeli government tries to stop Hamas terrorists and the siege on Gaza that is leaving innocent civilians without access to food, fuel and water.

A spokesperson for the State Department, Matt Miller, said that several factors are taken into consideration when they make decisions about issuing alerts.

Situation could get worse quickly

A diplomatic security expert and retired senior State Department official, Todd Brown, told CNN that the threat being seen right now surpasses anything I have seen before in the lease with the potential to get even worse.

While it is clear that the Middle East is a dangerous place right now, Brown cautioned that escalation could be seen in Europe as public sentiment over the Israeli government's actions in pursuing Hamas in Gaza becomes increasingly negative.

Brown, who said he told his daughter to postpone a trip of her own, said: I do think that people should give some thought to their trips and not blindly think, Oh, everythings okay, or Im going into a European capital.

In some areas, he said, American diplomats who are not ordered to return home may see their movement restricted for safety reasons, while some personnel will likely be withdrawn altogether. He believes this is especially likely in Iraq, Egypt and Jordan. Some embassies may also bolster their security with additional personnel or seek an extra layer of security from their host government.

On Monday, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was dispatched to help evacuate Americans from Israel. The boat, Rhapsody of the Seas, had cancelled scheduled sailings in the region in the wake of the violence and offered Americans free passage with food and accommodations with enhanced safety protocols. They worked with the Department of State to sail Americans seeking to flee from Haifa, Israel, to Limassol, Cyprus.

Sources for this article include:

Travel.State.gov

CNN.com

USAToday.com
OOPS: White House accidentally reveals identities of U.S. special forces personnel operating in Israel

The White House appears to have accidentally revealed the identities of several American special forces personnel operating in Israel.

President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday, Oct. 18, to express the United States' support for the country amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas and other Palestinian militant organizations in the Gaza Strip. While there, Biden met with several U.S. Armed Forces personnel operating in the country and posted about the meeting on the White House's official Instagram account. (Related: Biden leaves Americans trapped in Israel to fend for themselves as war breaks out.)

In the White House photo from Israel, Biden is seen shaking hands with one of six men wearing combat gear and camouflage. Only some of the six faces are clearly visible, however, other clearly identifying features are unblurred, including how the men have tattoos and are unshaven, sporting beards or long hair, which could indicate past service with U.S. special operations forces in other conflicts in the Middle East such as in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan.

Intelligence analyst Sam Shoemate pointed out that the soldiers in the picture were Delta Force special operations personnel, a claim the White House has not confirmed.

The photo's caption reads: "In Israel, President Biden met with first responders to thank them for their bravery and the work they're doing in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks."

Official Department of Defense policy regarding photos and videos of service members indicates the need to blur the faces and other identifying features of special forces personnel. This policy applies to all special operations members whether they are in training or deployed to a combat zone.

The White House's photo garnered thousands of likes and comments and was potentially viewed by hundreds of thousands of people before it was eventually deleted.

The Whitehouse media team shared this picture last night (I added the black boxes) without blurring or censoring the faces of the Delta Force (CAG) operators faces. They deleted it an hour later after hundreds of thousands had already viewed it. This is a massive failure on pic.twitter.com/ROegvYWzit  Sam Shoemate (@samosaur) October 19, 2023

White House quickly apologizes for "error," gets harshly criticized

A spokesperson for the White House immediately apologized for the "error," claiming in a statement to the media: "As soon as this was brought to our attention, we immediately deleted the photo. We regret the error and any issues this may have caused." This quick apology did not prevent the Biden administration from being harshly criticized for its error.

"Biden just doxxed the special forces team he sent to Israel to help free the hostages," said Jack Posobiec, editor of Human Events, referring to the act of providing personally identifiable information on people in a harmful way online.

"So funny that the 'adults in charge' are so on top of things they doxxed one of our most elite fighting forces in the midst of their deployment to the Middle East," commented Republican National Committee Social Media and Digital Strategist Alec Sears.

"Holy God. Biden doxed Delta," commented U.S. military veteran and author Sean Parnell. "This without question puts a target on them and their families."

"This is totally unacceptable," noted Fox News contributor Sara Carter. "These operators are required to maintain a level of discretion that this administration has completely disregarded."

Watch this clip from "No Spin News" on Newsmax as host Bill O'Reilly questions what, if anything, Biden will really be able to accomplish for Israel.

This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com.

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PROXY WAR: Biden's $235M funding of Palestine in 2021 contributed to Hamas' violent attacks on Israel.

Hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be almost impossible to rescue, warns counterterrorism expert.

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New poll reveals 75% of Americans fear Israel-Palestine conflict could lead to TERROR ATTACKS in the U.S.

A recent survey conducted by polling company Rasmussen Reports reveals that 75 percent of Americans fear that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war could lead to a domestic terror attack

The survey, conducted from Oct. 15 to 17 with 1,014 respondents, found that 75 percent of Americans are "concerned" about a potential terrorist attack in the United States. Forty-three percent of respondents said they were "very concerned" about a terrorist attack, and 22 percent were "not having a concern" about a possible attack.

Moreover, the poll shows that 49 percent of voters think the threat of terrorism has "surged" since President Joe Biden assumed office, compared to the 17 percent that believe the threat of terrorism has decreased under his administration.

"Americans already felt that the threat of terrorism was greater since President Joe Biden took office, but they are now on edge since the Hamas attack on Israel nearly two weeks ago," wrote Washington Examiner columnist Paul Bedard.

The poll also found that 43 percent of respondents are "very concerned" about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip, compared to just four percent who are not concerned.

The survey also found that Americans are worried about the country's national security and the president's plans to resolve the conflict. (Related: Poll: Most voters see Biden as a POOR LEADER who cannot be trusted.)

FBI warns the U.S. about a possible terrorist attack

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray and senior bureau officials have warned that a potential copycat terrorist attack like the one conducted by Hamas at the opening of its conflict with Israel could strike the United States.

"The threat is very much ongoing, and in fact, the threat picture continues to evolve. Here in the U.S., we cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organizations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks on our own soil," Wray stated.

The FBI has been actively working with state and local law enforcement agencies to mitigate the potential threat posed by assailants inspired by Hamas.

Wray also addressed the concerns of threats against both Jewish and Muslim communities in the United States, as well as their institutions and houses of worship. He assured reporters that the FBI is "moving quickly to mitigate" these threats, although senior officials have deemed other threats not to be credible.

Wray pointed out the "increase in reported threats" and specifically warned against "lone actors who may take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own." He urged police chiefs to remain vigilant to detect signs of potential mobilization towards violence. "We will not tolerate violence motivated by hate and extremism."

The FBI director added that the legal attache office of the FBI in Tel Aviv was actively collaborating with partners in the Israeli government and the U.S. embassy in Israel to locate Americans impacted by the ongoing conflict in the region, including those held hostage by Hamas and others who remain unaccounted for. Victim services specialists are working with victims and their families both domestically and abroad.

Watch Owen Shroyer of InfoWars outlining some reasons why President Joe Biden's approval rating is dismal in the video below.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

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CNN Poll: Joe Bidens favorability rating drops to lowest point yet amid bribery allegations.

Survey: 75% of people in Joe Biden's America believe the country's economy is GETTING WORSE.

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Brighteon.com
EU leaders announce plans to support UN call for HUMANITARIAN PAUSE in Israel-Hamas war to allow distribution of aid to civilians in Gaza

To allow more time for aid to be distributed to civilians living in Gaza, the 27 leaders of the European Union (EU) political bloc are calling on the United Nations (UN) to announce a "humanitarian pause" in the Israel-Hamas war.

As they grapple with how to support Israel's efforts to fight Hamas terrorism while also doing everything possible to protect civilians caught in the crossfire, EU leaders say they also plan to forge regional partnerships to enhance the humanitarian relief efforts.

Draft conclusions calling for a leaders' summit in Brussels later this week explain that the EU is uniformly calling for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages, though the details of all this could still change before the governments officially sign off on the petition.

The draft thus far stresses a need to avoid any kind of regional escalation in the Middle East while partners such as the Palestinian Authority are engaged for negotiations in how to best protect the innocent amid all the violence.

After spending months trying unsuccessfully to convince countries throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa to condemn Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the EU is now seeking to figure out how to support Israel's war while also condemning any civilian deaths that occur in the process.

"The Ukrainian war and this war have different causes and consequences but both are sending shock waves around the world and Russia is certainly taking advantage of this situation," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to reporters on Monday ahead of a gathering of foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

"We have to be very much careful in order to show the same concerns for every civilian killed."

(Related: The recent expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 means that Iran is now free to trade missiles, drones and hypersonic weapons.)

Israel won't allow aid trucks to enter Gaza, leaving civilians stranded as sitting ducks ahead of planned ground invasion

In normal times  or at least as normal as it gets for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, some 100 aid trucks enter the area daily. Ever since the Hamas attack and Israel's response to it, that figure has dropped to just 20 trucks per day, which is not nearly enough to sustain the territory's residents.

By pausing the Israel-Hamas war temporarily, more aid trucks will be allowed time to enter and distribute food, water and other goods that Israel put a stop to following the Hamas attack.

As of now, Israel is still conducting nonstop airstrikes on Gaza, indicating that it does not intend to abide by any ceasefire. And now Israel is planning a massive ground invasion, though that endeavor appears to be on hold for the time being.

"I don't want to put the blame, but the fact is they are not entering," explained Borrell about the lack of aid trucks to Gaza in recent days when asked by the vehicles are now being blocked from entering. "It is for Israel to let all the trucks who are queuing in."

Just to be sure that Volodymyr Zelensky is not forgotten now that all eyes are on the Middle East, the same EU leaders trying to figure out how to support Israel's war affirmed that they are still committed to supporting Ukraine's war against Russia, both financially and militarily.

For as long as it takes, the EU said, it will continue dumping cash and weapons into Ukraine to fend off Russia's special operations, even though doing so will leave fewer resources for Ukraine, potentially spreading the West's support too thinly to sustain.

The latest news about the Israel-Hamas war can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

Bloomberg.com

NaturalNews.com
Around 300 people arrested after Jewish group organizes sit-in on Capitol Hill calling for a ceasefire

Hundreds were arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 18, after pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted on Capitol Hill, with protestors pouring into the Cannon House Office Building and large crowds coming together with flags and signs around the Capitol complex.

The Cannon House Office Building holds various House Committees and congressional offices. By 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, its rotunda was packed with protestors calling for "free Palestine" and an immediate ceasefire.

Capitol Police told the protesters that the activity was not permitted inside Congressional buildings.

The police said they arrested around 300 people overall. The arrested protestors were assembled outside the building and transported to a temporary holding area in the Capitol complex.

Capitol Police said demonstrators inside the Cannon Rotunda will be charged with illegally demonstrating inside a House office building. At least three other individuals were charged with assaulting a police officer.

"Civil disobedience is part of how we get messages across, and we need the Congress to hear, we need the president to hear. I feel that [President Joe Biden] needs to stand up and help facilitate a cease-fire so no more people die," a protestor named Louisa said while her hands were secured with zip-tie handcuffs.

Protest organized by Jewish American peace activists

The protest was organized by the organization known as the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). One member of the JVP said the sit-in at the Cannon Rotunda was planned about three days in advance. (Related: Jews against GENOCIDE: Protestors amass around home of NY Sen. Chuck Schumer to call for CEASEFIRE in Israel-Hamas war.)

Capitol Police watched the situation as more protesters assembled around the House side of the Capitol complex through the afternoon and evening hours.

For safety, they created temporary rolling road closures and only allowed Capitol staff and employees to enter and exit in certain areas.

The protest started at the National Mall around noon and ultimately made its way to the Cannon building, which is located at Independence Ave. and New Jersey Ave. close to the Capitol building.

Fencing increased overnight around portions of the U.S. Capitol prior to the protest organized by the JVP, but the protestors were able to find their way into the building. By 3 p.m., it was filled with JVP members in black t-shirts reading "Jews say ceasefire now!"

JVP claimed on social media that no less than 10,000 people were outside the Capitol while 500 fought their way inside the rotunda, all there to "challenge the Israeli government's ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians."

After the protests on Capitol Hill ended, another showed up in the evening hours outside the Israeli Embassy Washington, D.C.

Barriers encircled the embassy and a group of police stood between it and the crowd marked with the red, black, white and green colors of the Palestinian flag.

President Joe Biden was already in Israel when the protests unfurled. Biden flew to Israel on Tuesday, Oct. 17, to start a series of discussions with Israeli, Jordanian, Egyptian and Palestinian leaders.

Follow Revolt.news for more news about the pro-Palestine protests happening around the world.

Watch the video below about the recent Washington, D.C. march for Palestine.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

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Paris erupts in RIOTS: Macron bans pro-Palestinian rallies, imposes AUTOMATIC DEPORTATION on arrested foreigner-protesters.

Sources include:

Fox5DC.com

Fox News.com

Brighteon.com
An Alaska Airlines flight. John McCoy/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

Two commercial flights were nearly involved in a mid-air collision near Portland International Airport.

An Alaska Airlines plane and a SkyWest Airlines flight came a bit too close to each other.

The Federal Aviation Administration is now investigating the close-call incident.

Two commercial planes avoided a mid-air collision near Oregon's Portland International Airport and federal aviation officials are now investigating the close-call incident.

The situation unfolded last Monday at about 4:15 p.m. local time when an Alaska Airlines flight from California abandoned its landing attempt at the Portland airport due to bad weather  just as a SkyWest Airlines flight departed from the same airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot of Alaska Airlines Flight 1299 initiated a standard maneuver known as a "go-around" due to wind while attempting to land at the airport and turned toward SkyWest Airlines Flight 3978, which had just taken off.

"An air traffic controller instructed the Alaska Airlines pilot to turn away from the SkyWest aircraft," the FAA told Insider in a statement.

Flight tracking footage posted on YouTube by the channel VASAviation, along with audio communications, shows how the two planes came shockingly close to each other in the sky.

An estimate from the Oregonian found the aircraft came within about 1,800 feet horizontally and 250 feet vertically of each other.

"The FAA will determine the closest proximity between the aircraft as part of the investigation," the government agency said.

Alaska Airlines told Insider in a statement that as Flight 1299 conducted the go-around during its initial approach to landing, "There was another aircraft departing on the parallel runway to the north which created a potential traffic conflict."

"The crew of Flight 1299 followed cockpit indications and reacted immediately to increase separation from the other aircraft. The aircraft maintained a safe amount of lateral separation throughout the entire event," the airline said.

Story continues

The plane was then diverted to Oregon's Redmond Municipal Airport.

"The flight later continued to its intended destination in Portland where it landed safely," Alaska Airlines said. "The safety of our guests and employees is always our top priority, and consistent with that value, Alaska Airlines is internally reviewing this event," said the airline.

SkyWest Airlines told Insider that the flight "departed normally with pilots following air traffic control instructions and landed routinely at Seattle."

"At no point was the safety of the flight compromised," the airline added.

Airplane near-misses are surprisingly common

A recent New York Times investigation has found that near-miss collisions between planes have been happening far more frequently than previously thought.

On average, there have been multiple airline close calls per week so far this year, the report, which was published in August, found.

In July alone, there were at least 46 near-miss incidents involving commercial planes, according to the New York Times.

The FAA has said it is taking action to assess airline safety after several events that could have turned tragic.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Israel civilians shot and KILLED by Israelis own forces during false flag Hamas attack, claims Israeli survivor of Kibbutz Beeri raid

An Israeli woman who says she survived the October 7 Hamas raid in Kibbutz Be'eri told Israeli State Radio in a now-censored interview that the true culprits in the mass slaughtering were Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers,merely Hamas militants acting entirely on their own.

According to Yasmin Porat  you can listen to a clip of her speaking below  Israeli forces "undoubtedly" killed innocent Israeli civilians, adding that they "eliminated everyone, including the hostages" amid the crossfire.

Many Israeli civilians in Kibbutz Be'eri were killed by Israeli forces, survivor Yasmin Porat told Israeli state radio in a now censored interview. Here it is with translation. READ MORE: https://t.co/oxZv85pil2 pic.twitter.com/PWJgmO8NjF  Electronic Intifada (@intifada) October 16, 2023

Porat explained that once the fierce gun battles broke out between the IDF and Hamas, IDF soldiers indiscriminately fired their weapons at both the Hamas fighters and their Israeli prisoners.

"There was very, very heavy crossfire," Porat revealed, adding that there was even tank shelling.

(Related: Do you agree with Israel that the Palestinian people are just "human animals" undeserving of basic resources like fuel, electricity, food and water?)

Hamas militants treated Israeli hostages "humanely" before IDF soldiers arrived, Porat says

The 44-year-old mother of three alleges that prior to the arrival of IDF soldiers, the Palestinian captors treated her and other civilian hostages "humanely." In other words, Hamas may not be as violent, especially against civilians, as the Israeli government claims.

Porat was actually at the nearby "Nova" rave, she says, when she fled the scene during the attack and ended up in Kibbutz Be'eri, located along the Israel-Gaza border.

The interview took place on the radio program Haboker Hazeh, hosted by Aryeh Golan on state broadcaster Kan, with the aforementioned portions of it removed from the official online version.

"It may well have been censored due to its explosive nature," one report explains about the matter.

Porat actually lives in Kabri, a settlement near the border of Lebanon. She saw many terrible things that day, including the death of her partner, Tal Katz.

The point of Porat's claims, though, is to highlight the variance between what she says actually happened on October 7 and what the Israeli government claims happened in an apparent desperate attempt to justify the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

"They did not abuse us," Porat says about her Hamas captors  Porat herself, by the way, received a bullet in the thigh, presumably from IDF soldiers. "They treated us very humanely."

"But that, I mean they guard us. They give us something to drink here and there. When they see we are nervous, they calm us down. It was very frightening, but no one treated us violently. Luckily, nothing happened to me like what I heard in the media."

One of the Palestinian fighters, who spoke Hebrew, apparently told Porat:

"Look at me well: we're not going to kill you. We want to take you to Gaza. We are not going to kill you. So be calm, you're not going to die."

"I was calm because I knew nothing would happen to me," Porat says about how she felt after being told this. "They told us that we would not die, that they wanted to take us to Gaza and that the next day they would return us to the border."

Even though the Palestinian fighters all had loaded weapons, Porat says they never once  not a single one of them  ever shot any captives or even threatened anyone with their weapons.

"In addition to providing the captives with drinking water, she said the fighters let them go outside to the lawn because it was hot, especially as the electricity was cut," another report adds about Porat's account of events.

The latest news about the escalating conflict in the Middle East can be found at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

InformationLiberation.com

NaturalNews.com
Spread of Israel-Hamas conflict increases risk of WWIII to about 50%, warns hedge fund manager

For well-known hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, the probability of World War III involving the U.S. and China could increase if the conflict between Israel and Hamas spreads to other regions of the world.

The veteran investor and financial historian issued this warning through an Oct. 13 post on LinkedIn. "In my opinion, this war has a high risk of leading to several other conflicts of different types in a number of places, and it is likely to have harmful effects that will extend beyond those in Israel and Gaza," he wrote.

"Primarily for those reasons, it appears to me that the odds of transitioning from the contained conflicts to a more uncontained hot world war that includes the major powers have risen from 35 percent to about 50 percent over the last two years." (Related: World War 3 could be imminent as Israel-Hamas war escalates, experts warn.)

Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, has been sounding the alarm on increasing tensions within and between nations for many years. The recent conflict in Israel was sparked by an Oct. 7 attack by the terrorist group Hamas during a music festival in Israel, where the group killed more than 1,000 Israelis and kidnapped hundreds. In response, the Israeli military engaged in a military offensive in Palestinian territories.

While Israel has received the support of America, Canada and most of the West, those standing in unity with Palestine include Iran, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. A lot of Arab countries, deemed close to Washington, are feeling pressure from the local people who have rallied in support of Palestinians. Remarkably, China and Russia, the two ideological opponents of the U.S., have emphasized the need to settle the seven decades-old dispute and "establish an independent State of Palestine."

Wars in Israel, Ukraine more likely to SPREAD than subside

Dalio, a known expert in worldwide power shifts and historical cycles, said the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars were likely to be "brutal until the end" when one side emerges as the clear victor and that these types of battles were "more likely to spread than subside."

"If they spread to other countries, most importantly the major countries, there will be a much more horrific hot world war." Dalio said. "It seems to me that the Israel-Hamas war is another classic, unfortunate step toward a more violent and encompassing international war."

Dalio placed the two wars as part of a greater power struggle that would determine the new world order. He thinks the present tensions between the U.S. and China were still manageable and wouldn't necessarily blow up into a full-scale war.

Bridgewater's retired executive appealed to world leaders to exercise restraint, allies of the fighting nations to resist being absorbed into physical combat and governments to work together to stop the escalation. Dalio said his "pipe dream" would be for people to recognize the horror of a world war and unite to prevent one from happening.

As stated by Dalio, there is a need to broker peace in Ukraine in order to stop the conflict from spreading to the point where it could end up involving a direct showdown between the U.S. and China.

Dalio added that his "dream" is to witness Washington and Beijing jointly broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, which could quickly de-escalate worldwide tensions. He elaborated: "My more attainable stretch goal would be for the U.S. and China to jointly broker peace in Ukraine."

"Imagine if the two leading and opposing world powers that are currently lining the sides up for a hot war join forces to deliver peace. That would be shockingly terrific because besides delivering peace, it would reduce the risks of the Russia-Ukraine war leading to worse wars and would also show that they could work together for peace."

Noticeably, the Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022, and both sides have not suggested initiating negotiations over the past 20 months. Approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have lost their lives since the beginning of the war, while about 300,000 Russians have been killed, U.S. officials reported in August.

Follow WWIII.news for more news about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Watch Glenn Beck explaining why the Hamas attack on Israel points to World War III.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

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A new poll conducted by Morning Consult and Bloomberg has revealed that former President Donald Trump has taken the lead over incumbent President Joe Biden in five key swing states.

The surveys, released on October 19, show a shift in public opinion since the 2020 election, when Trump led Biden among registered voters in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Biden won in all of these four states in 2020. Additionally, Trump leads in North Carolina just like in 2016 and 2o20. However, Trump and Biden toss-up in Michigan with both candidates locked at 44 percent. (Related: Trump gains 9-POINT LEAD over Biden in Pennsylvania poll.)

According to the poll, the current status of the U.S. economy contributes to Biden's drop in favorability. The survey reveals that 51 percent of swing-state voters believe the national economy was better with Trump. Moreover, only 35 percent of these voters are confident with Biden's economic policies, compared to the 49 percent who trust Trump. Similarly, 49 percent of them believe Biden's policies have been detrimental, while a mere 26 percent said Bidenomics has been good for the economy.

"Right now, Biden is not getting any credit for work he's done on the economy. Almost twice as many voters in the swing states are saying that Bidenomics is bad for the economy, which is a really startling fact if you're the Biden campaign," commented Caroline Bye, a pollster and vice president for Morning Consult.

True enough, only a 26 percent think Bidenomics has been good for the economy, compared to the 49 percent who believe Biden's policies have been detrimental. Similarly, only 14 percent of swing state voters who consider the economy as their top concern think Bidenomics is doing well, while 65 percent believe they are not.

Trump's immigration policies contribute to favorable poll results

Meanwhile, Trump's immigration policies during his tenure as president from 2017 to 2021 had a positive impact on the results of the polls.

The suspension of refugee resettlement, implementation of travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries and the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents helped the U.S. decrease the number of immigrants during those years.

With Trump running again for the presidency in the 2024 elections, he promised to reinstate these programs. Trump also vowed to implement ideological screening for potential immigrants if reelected as president during a campaign event in Iowa on Oct. 16.

"No longer will we allow dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots and maniacs to get residency in our country," Trump said. He warned that supporters of radical Islamic terrorists and extremists, advocates for the abolition of the state of Israel, or endorsers of Hamas and its ideology would be disqualified from seeking citizenship. Communists, Marxists and fascists would likewise be disqualified, Trump added.

He said the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel played an important role in this proposal. "The atrocities in Israel are a horrific reminder that immigration security is national security. The purpose of U.S. immigration law is not to protect the worldits to protect the United States of America," said Trump.
Watch: Pro-Palestinian mob shuts down Minneapolis Street, terrorizes motorists

If you were wondering why the pro-Palestinian protests in the U.S. today are starting to look a lot like the BLM riots of 2020, it's probably because they are made up of the same people with the same political agenda. Minnesota has one of the most concentrated Muslim populations in the U.S., but it is also a well-known Democrat stronghold. Palestinian protests across the country are predominantly manned by far-left groups like Antifa seeking to attach themselves to minority issues as an excuse to wreak havoc. The political alliance is perhaps one of the most unhinged in recent memory, given that Muslim Sharia culture runs contrary to the majority of progressive "beliefs."

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

The protest tactic of blocking major traffic routes and then mobbing any vehicles that try to sneak past has been used by leftists regularly over the past few years. When people defend themselves by pushing through the mob, the protestors then claim they were "attacked" by the driver.

Protesters/rioters blocked the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge that runs over I-94 in Loring Park on Sunday afternoon. A video posted by X user "Unicorn Riot" shows the mob deliberately blocked traffic while a white sedan was moving forward at slow speeds while being attacked by rioters.

Unicorn Riot claims the occupant in the white sedan was "an alleged counter-protester who drove into the crowd, possibly firing a gun or firecracker while driving away."

Minneapolis - Around 1:45 pm as pro-Palestine demonstrators held a 'die-in' at Lyndale/Hennepin, an alleged counter-protester drove into the crowd, possibly firing a a gun or firecracker while driving away. Our drone footage paired w/ audio from on the ground shows the incident: pic.twitter.com/I3C4ll6UtH  UNICORN RIOT (@UR_Ninja) October 22, 2023

However, Unicorn Riot used the phrase "alleged counter-protester" as X user "End Wokeness" showed a video of the occupant as an elderly white man. The video shows the man attempting to flee the chaos produced directly by the rioters illegally shutting down the roadway.

MN City Council candidate Zach Metzger blocked off a highway and terrorized an old white man driving past a pro-Palestine riot He posted the video today and instructed his followers to find the old man. He has since deleted the post. We saved it. Drone footage shows a mob pic.twitter.com/bI6BvgkrqM  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 23, 2023

End Wokeness said one of the rioters was "MN City Council candidate Zach Metzger," who "instructed his followers to find the old man." However, the council candidate deleted the post, but End Wokeness saved it.

Before the drone footage, they tried to frame this as old white man drives through a pro-Palestinian protest Turns out, a mob blocked off the highway, surrounded his car, chased him, and then tried attacking him. Here is the full drone footage: pic.twitter.com/75dHls1ZvE  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 23, 2023

End Wokeness pointed out Zach Metzger was also in the original George Floyd riots that left blocks of Minneapolis destroyed by arson.

Minneapolis City Council candidate Zach Metzger also participated in the original George Floyd riots pic.twitter.com/F76wSlF7lZ  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 23, 2023

With little to no intervention by local police to enforce the law and stop road obstructions, leftist protesters are given license to try the method again and again without fear of arrest. Already, mainstream media sources are referring to the event in Minneapolis as an "attack on peaceful protestors," though footage does not seem to show any violence initiated by the driver. Protestors then chased after the apparently confused elderly man and attacked his vehicle again, making him turn back and race through an intersection to escape.

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
Old Tom the orca and his family of unknown killer whale lineage that once hunted with indigenous Australian whalers may already be extinct. This is according to DNA analysis in a new study revealed earlier in October, where researchers explored the bizarre cooperation between native coastal Thaua people and orcas when hunting whales in the waters of Eden, New South Wales, Australia.

Almost a century after the death of Old Tom in 1930, researchers involved in the new study utilized the progress made by scientists in the field of genetics and DNA analysis to determine the mystery behind Old Tom and the orca family that he belonged to. The said study focused on this biological aspect since the whaling cooperation involving native Australians and the "killers of Eden" was never seen again in modern times.

Mysterious Orca Family

In the study published in the Journal of Heredity, a research team led by Isabella Reeves from Flinders University in Australia conducted ancestry testing of Old Tom, sometimes spelled as "Old Thom", believed to be the last member of the mysterious killer whale family that hunted with humans for approximately at least 1,000 years.

Although the Old Tom belongs to the same species of Orca (Orcinus orca) that we know today, the team confirmed that his DNA is different from the living orcas that we know today, suggesting that the killers of Eden orca population that he belongs to is already extinct. These findings also coincide with the uncertain notion that similar orca groups are still alive in other parts of the world now.

Also Read: For the First Time, Scientists Record Orcas Hunting the Largest Animals on Earth

What Happened to Old Tom the Orca?

Old Tom the orca died on September 17 1930 after being found by two fishermen along the shore of Snug Cove, Eden. Experts are still divided regarding the orca's exact cause of death since it remains unknown until now. However, scientists believe he died either of age-related factors or starvation. Prior to his death, Old Tom spent four decades with fishermen to catch baleen whales in the waters off southeastern Australia.

The unique behavior of Old Tom and the orca family involved in the Eden whaling operations even set the stage for decades-long tales about the legendary killer whales of Eden, despite a strong scientific evidence about their existence.

According to the study's co-author, Steven Holmes from the Thaua Traditional Custodian, the Thaua people believed orcas (beowas) to be their brothers, who reincarnated as killer whales when a member of the Thaua people died.

The mutualistic interactions between the Thaua and Old Tom's family were described in written records as the "Law of the Tongue," wherein beowas were seen to slap the waters in front of a whaling station in Eden to alert local whalers. Afterward, the orcas will lead the fishermen to secure a kill for whales.

Related Article: [VIDEO] Orca Shows Ancient and Rare Hunting Technique to Catch and Kill Its Prey in Antarctica
A half-devoured great white shark was stranded on a beach in Australia, near the state of Victoria, sparking fear that a 'megapredator' in the deep sea could be responsible for the shark's death. However, experts are suggesting that an orca may be the culprit behind the half-eaten great white shark. According to reports in recent days, the 10-foot shark lost the bottom part of its body but was still fresh when it was discovered.

Orcas (Orcinus orca) are known to be the world's top ocean predators, even surpassing the previous title held by great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Also called killer whales, orcas have a track record of stalking, hunting, and killing white sharks, with the primary aim of eating only their livers before leaving them for to die. Due to this behavioral pattern, the incident surrounding the decapitated shark along the Australian beach remains a mystery.

Half-Devoured Great White Shark

In a post by the Facebook page Portland Bait and Tackle on October 17, photos show the carcass of the half-devoured great white shark washed up on a beach. The Facebook post indicates that the shark ended up on a beach at Bridgewater following a killer whale attack, which has not been verified by authorities until now. However, scientists are linking the incident to an attack orchestrated by orcas.

The dead shark was reportedly discovered by Ben Johnstone, a shop manager at Portland Bait and Tackle, a recreational fishing store located in Portland, Victoria. Johnstone measured the shark to be about 3 meters long or almost 10 feet. The bait manager believed that killer whales were responsible for the attack since a pod was spotted in the area several days prior to the appearance of the half-eaten shark.

Also Read: Great White Sharks Decline In South Africa; Marine Experts Call For Conservation Measures

What are Great White Sharks Afraid Of?

Although the possibility of an unknown megapredator in the ocean could have killed the great white shark in Australia, stronger evidence points more to the orcas, which are the only known natural predators of white sharks. In turn, the predatory sharks have been documented in the past to be afraid of O. orca in places like the waters of South Africa.

In recent years, related incidents have been reported in different parts of the world, with killer whales being blamed for the deaths of multiple great white sharks.

In a 2022 study published in the ESA Journals, scientists re-confirmed that orcas intentionally hunt great white sharks after the marine mammal was caught on video killing one of the world's most ferocious predators.

Despite having their own films like "Jaws" that instilled fear of great white sharks for generations, scientists assert that orcas or killer whales are dominating the marine food chain, especially after the extinction of the ancient shark megalodon (Otodus megalodon).

Further evidence of orca dominance is also based on multiple reports over the past decade in South Africa, wherein a duo of killer whales, named Port and Starboard, were notoriously known for killing 17 sharks in a single day near Gans Baai.

Related Article: Giant 10-Foot Great White Shark Stranded Along South Carolina Beach, Death Remains a Mystery
Alligators living in sewers of New York City have been nothing but a myth that has captured the imaginations of some people for almost a century. Stories about the said New York urban legend date back to the late 1920s and early 1930s, when unverified reports of sewer alligators came to light. In particular, the legend tells that there are reptiles that permanently live in New York City. However, experts assert that it is unlikely since long-term survival in sewers is not possible.

Sewer alligators may be a real thing in Florida and other parts of the world but such a scenario in New York City is hard to believe, as considered by many. Still, the New York alligator sewer myth has been part of the city's urban legend for a long time. Now, an alligator sculpture has been unveiled in New York City to commemorate its alligator sewer myth.

New York Alligator Sculpture

A bronze sculpture of an alligator was unveiled at New York City's Union Square Park by a Swedish artist named Alexander Klingspor. The sculpture, which is open for New Yorkers and visitors, pays homage to one of New York City's most famous urban legends alligators are living in the underbellies of the city. However, the alligator sculpture, called "NYC Urban Legend," will only be displayed for eight months until June 2024 as part of an exhibit.

According to Joseph Douek, a member of the New York City Planning Commission, they commend Klingspor's masterpiece and they are hoping for the permanent installation of the alligator sculpture following the exhibition period. The public art installation shows an alligator on the back of a manhole cover, with the community organization Union Square Partnership describing it as an inspiration from a "century-old myth."

Also Read: Texas Woman Faces $1000 Fine for Raising Alligator as Pet for 20 Years at Home

New York Alligator Sewer Myth

The New York alligator sewer legend says that New Yorkers in the past once abandoned their pet baby alligators, which became too large to keep. The story then evolved into stories of underground monsters living several feet under New York City.

One of the earliest reports of sewer alligator sightings in New York dates back to 1907 but the urban legend fully emerged during the 1930s.

Although alligators can briefly live in drains and sewers, as seen in Florida, what makes the same reptiles unique in New York's sewers is that the Big Apple has an environment that is not suitable for alligators to live, which is also the same for northern parts of the United States where temperatures are relatively colder.

Compared with New York, Florida is known for having an estimated alligator population of more than 1.3 million, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). It is for this reason that it would not be surprising if a person finds an alligator in one of Florida's sewers, just like a case earlier this year.

In May 2023, a stormwater crew in the city of Oviedo, Florida, found a 5-foot alligator roaming in a sewage system, where the incident was caught on footage via a robot.

Related Article: New York Fights Growing Alligator Problem as Pet Owners Release Them into the Wild
The volcanoes in Washington are no strangers to small quakes. One of the most common is the seismic tremors due to glacier movements.

Understanding earthquakes is important for people's safety and communities. Quakes can bring disastrous damage to life and property as it can hit communities without notice.

In the Washington Cascades and the mountains in the Pacific Northwest, the area has been known for challenging to extreme temperatures. In the arrival of fall weather and winter, the temperatures can likely become harsher and form more ice or snow.

The volcanoes in Washington, it is no stranger to quakes. Seismic tremors were also detected in the region due to the glacial movements. Glaciers are known as a factor in seismic activity in ice areas.

Small Glacial Seismic Tremors

According to USGS, the agency has been monitoring Mount Rainier since 1985. Rainier is active in seismic activities. Unlike usual volcanic quakes, glacier or ice earthquakes can't be detected by distant stations. As a result, it can also be recorded by people in the nearby stations.

When ice quakes can occur, it can result in ice falls or avalanches. It can bring significant risks to nearby communities when quakes become stronger or intensify.

Experts near the said areas have managed to develop effective monitoring and tracking methods to anticipate any seismic activities. Based on the report, seismologist Seth Moran explained that glaciers could move in warmer months.

Moran is also from the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory.

Furthermore, Alaska has experienced hundreds of seismic activities every year due to glaciers. The University of Alaska Fairbanks report showed that about 1,500 to 2,000 glacial quakes were observed there, monitoring parts of Yakutat Bay, Prince William Sound region and Icy Bay.

Ice or glacial quakes can also emerge during April or October, in addition to the warmer months. In Greenland, the region has suffered from small glacial seismic events. However, it managed to increase between 2000 and 2005.

In Antarctica, there is a growing need to study the ice quakes in the region. As a result, additional studies about glacial earthquakes are essential to offer new insights.

Also Read: Powerful 1923 Kanto Earthquake Killed 90% of the 105,000 Affected People in Tokyo, Study Shows

Keeping Safe From Challenging Earthquakes and Glacial Seismic Events

Earthquakes can bring significant risks to communities. Preparedness is crucial when quakes or tremors hit. Here are essential reminders to remain safe from earthquakes.

Homeowners should prepare emergency plans at home. At home, it is best to secure all fragile and hazardous equipment that can likely fall.

An emergency disaster kit is also recommended during quakes or other extreme weather events. Homeowners should keep medicine kits, flashlights, a small radio, bottled water and extra mobile phones.

When you plan to go to mountainous areas, hikers and campers should check for the latest announcements and travel dangers.

Related Article: US At Risk of Earthquake: 6 Quake Preparedness Tips to Avoid Dangers

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A recent examination of lake water quality found a considerable increase in the likelihood of toxic algae blooms in northern lakes as a result of climate change.

A finding published in Nature Water shows that water temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) are most likely to acquire harmful amounts of microcystin, a common algae-produced toxin.

Examined More Than 2,000 Lakes

Researchers were able to anticipate the future production of microcystin, a toxin produced by blue-green algae species, in lakes across the country in a study involving 2,804 lakes in the United States from 2007 and 2017.

As part of an effort to better understand the hazards to water quality posed by climate change, they investigated how water temperature impacts the occurrence and concentration of microcystin.

Their findings point to a northward shift in places prone to algal blooms, particularly in the Great Plains and the northwest United States.

Lakes are frequently used as markers of climate change, but experts warn that the precise effects of warming on microcystin concentrations are unknown.

They propose that the temperature range consistently associated with an increased incidence of microcystin occurrences is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

"It's clear regions with a history of fewer toxic blooms are likely to experience an increase in such occurrences due to climate change," said Ted Harris, co-author of the study and assistant research professor with the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research.

Read Also: Algae Abundance in Spain, France Lake Likely Due To High Temperatures, Minnows

Health Risk

When bodies of water become overwhelmed with nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from agriculture and other human activities, harmful algal blooms occur. These extra nutrients can cause blue-green algal populations to explode out of control.

Microcystin can be harmful to people's health and the environment, as well as pose economic threats to fishing and tourism.

This also impairs liver function and, in rare cases, causes death in wild and domestic animals, including humans. In circumstances of prolonged exposure, it is also categorized as a possible carcinogen.

"In 2014 an algal bloom in Lake Erie led to high levels of microcystin in water intakes, and residents in Ohio and Ontario were instructed not to drink tap water due to risk of exposure," said Julian Merder, co-author of the study.

Merder further explained that the abundance of blue-green algae is expected to rise owing to climate change as they outcompete other species.

However, past field investigations have yielded conflicting findings about these implications for microcystin concentrations.

The researchers hope that these findings will help highlight the substantial threat to safe drinking water, fishing, recreation, and other societal needs in many parts of the United States, as well as the importance of creating management plans to prepare.

Every year, harmful algal blooms cause multimillion-dollar economic losses in the United States due to health hazards, disruptions to fisheries, and a drop in recreational and tourism activities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pledged more than $20 million earlier this month to fund the monitoring and research of toxic algal blooms in US seas and the Great Lakes.

Related Article: Pristine Minnesota Lakes Probed for Mysterious Algae Bloom

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Experts said that a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in the brown skua populations that were found in Bird Island, South Georgia.

They said that this is the first known case of the avian influenza in the Antarctic region.

First Case

The reported case of avian influenza came after reports of several potentially symptomatic birds as well as their unexplained mortality.

Following the mortality incidents, personnel from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff on Bird Island took samples to conduct a test.

After that, the swabs were returned to the United Kingdom and tested by the Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories in Weybridge and it was found that the test yielded positive results.

Experts said that the spread of the disease could be due to the return of birds from their migration to South America, a region where there are a high number of HPAI cases.

The British Antarctic Survey as well as the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) have remained vigilant for possible additional cases of avian influenza.

The source of the disease on Bird Island is not yet certain but it is possible that it was introduced via skuas returning from their migration in Argentina.

According to the BAS, it is working in close partnership with the GSGSSI guided by their tiered response plan to monitor and manage the outbreak.

Further, science and visitor programs are currently continuing under enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the avian influenza.

Due to the confirmed cases, the majority of field work that involves animal handling has been temporarily suspended by authorities.

On the other hand, biosecurity measures continue, including the enhanced cleaning of clothing and field equipment as well as the observation of areas of high wildlife density.

Read Also: Avian Influenza Outbreak Kills Four Mountain Lions, Infections from Birds to Mammals Continues

Avian Influenza

Scientists explained that avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. They noted that the low pathogenic avian influenza viruses are common in wild birds and often cause no signs of disease.

On the other hand, some strains of the virus including H5 and H7 are highly pathogenic among the domestic poultry and it can cause high mortality when they escape into wild bird populations. These are known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Experts recalled that the current outbreak of H5N1 HPAI began in 2022 and it has resulted in the death of high numbers of seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere, the south of Africa as well as around the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and even throughout South America.

It was also observed that some mammals could also be infected of avian influenza. Often, this is due to predators and scavengers that are consuming infected birds or carcasses.

Further, some cases have also been noted among marine mammals where this mode of transmission would not apply.

Studies have shown that the primary means of spread of HPAI is through the natural pathways and the confirmed presence of the disease on the South American continent made it highly probably that the disease would arrive in South Georgia in the 23/24 season.

Authorities have already updated its guidance on HPAI risk and response in their respective areas.

Related Article: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poses a Serious Threat to Poultry Birds

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What you take with you really matters (Shutterstock / Pinkyone)

Mind the gap: its a phrase all Tube-taking Londoners are familiar with. However, theres another gap we need to be mindful of and thats the chasm between our behaviour at home and away when it comes to sustainability. Reusable shopping bags, drinking bottles and cool coffee cups may be de rigeur in the capital, but they can get forgotten in a packing panic. Forget fast fashion for your travel essentials: mindful shopping is an essential first step to being an eco traveller, so read on for some of the best ideas on the market.

Second-life luggage

The best thing we can do is just keep using what weve got, but if the time has come to treat yourself to a new bag, check out ROKA London. This British B Corp-certified company makes brightly coloured canvas bags from recycled plastic bottles. We love that so many of them have London-themed names, too, such as the Paddington cross-body. Another UK-based upcyled luggage label is Upso, which repurposes old truck tarpaulins to make cabin bags, messengers and other snazzy accessories for your sojourns.

ROKA Londons colourful bags are made from plastic bottles (Roka)

Marine-friendly sunscreen

This is an essential, as some of the chemicals in sun lotions can have a seriously negative impact on coral reefs. In particular, they cause bleaching, and ultimately the killing of the reefs. Hawaii led the way when it legislated against sunscreens containing reef-ruiners oxybenzone and octinoxate. Green Peoples products are popular, promoting reef-safe fun in the sun. Nivea is newer to the reef-safe party: its sun protection is from 6 for a 200ml SPF30 lotion.

Reef-safe suncream is a holiday must (Green People)

Zero-waste sunglasses

Waterhauls sunglasses are a work of genius. Hailing from Newquay in Cornwall, this brand has found a way to alchemise a little of the absurd amount of plastic washed up on Cornish shores to create frames for sunnies and prescription specs. Pretty important when you know just under half of ocean plastics come from ghost nets, the term used for fishing nets that are abandoned or lost, and left to litter marine habitats.

Story continues

Fight the ocean-plastic problem with a pair of recycled shades (Waterhaul)

Water-filtering bottles

Trade up your reusable water bottle for a smarter purifying version that lets you drink water safely from mountain streams, lakes or taps youre otherwise wary about. Water-to-Go is a winner with its built-in filtration system that eliminates toxins and helps you skip sipping from single-use plastic destined for landfill. Its especially satisfying if you get its bio-based 550ml number (pictured), made from sugar cane.

Bottles with built-in filters are a friend to the environment (Water-to-go)

Local currency in small notes or coins

Its become an anathema to Londoners to carry cash these days, but a simple step towards supporting small businesses on your travels is to pay with cash. Stock up on notes and coins for tipping, shopping in local markets or for paying for your iced coffee. Not tapping to pay means that local businesses dont have to carry endless bank costs. On a practical level, they dont always have such easy access to ATMs, digital banking and so on. Some of the most cash-reliant countries? Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Bulgaria and Vietnam.

Carry Dong if you want to buy one of Saigons delicious iced ca phe (Shutterstock / Ben Jeayes)

Picnic pick-me-ups

Collapsible lunch boxes are the flat-packs of the snack world. Made from food-safe silicone, you squeeze them flat to pack, and pop them up to pack a picnic. Stojos collection of pastel-coloured beauties include flat-pack bowls, coffee cups and bento boxes that squash to just a couple of centimetres. If you like to graze on the go and leave fewer single-use implements in your wake, a humble bamboo spork and a metal or silicone straw are other nifty additions to your backpack.

Stojos lunch bowls compress down to mere centimetres (Stojo)

Shampoo bars

Say goodbye to plastic packaging and to weighing down your bags with bottles by trying out handy hair products in solid bar form. Some of the best options come from small UK businesses like the Dorset Soap Co, the Yorkshire Soap Company and Welsh brand Cole & Co. The latters Lan Y Mor (seaside) shampoo bar is free of sodium lauryl sulphate and comes in its own travel tin.

Ditch the bottles and try solid shampoo bars (Cole and Co)

Natural repellent

Anyone whos had a fling with midges in Scotland will know that Scottish brands of insect repellent are likely to mean business. Smidge, Anderson Aromatics Beastie be Gone or Cubbys Midge Salve use natural ingredients, rather than DEET, and are all great at warding off the biters.

Dodge the DEET, and use a natural insect repellant (Cubbys)

An all-weather brolly

Unlike the virtually disposable array of a cheap and not-so-cheerful umbrellas, which are destined for almost-immediate landfill, the wind-proof Blunt is the strongest brolly brand on the market: tested under extreme conditions and built to last. Original Duckheads colourful canopies are also a good option. The fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles  nine per umbrella, in fact  and any leftover is used to make reusable shopping bags to match. In short, its got you covered.

Original Duckhead umbrellas are made from plastic bottles (Original Duckhead)

Eco laundry-detergent sheets

You may not even contemplate laundry when youre travelling but eco detergent sheets are a simple solution to washing your kit when youre camping or renting an Airbnb with a machine. Try those made by UK companies Simple Living Eco or The Green Company: they are, quite simply, single sheets of concentrated, eco-friendly soap that dissolve during the washing cycle. AKA teeny sustainable smellies for your smalls. Whats not to love?

Eco-friendly laundry sheets let you clean your clothes on the go (Simple Living Eco)

Plastic-free sanitation

Look at what youre taking through a landfill lens, and youll be sure to be leaving those unflushable baby wipes or plastic-based period products behind. Pack a washable flannel instead of wet wipes, for example. Or check out biodegradable beauties such as Judes bamboo pads or plastic-free period products from Mondays, which come in a handy recyclable travel case.

Made from GOTS certified organic cotton: Mondays tampons (Mondays)

Medical supplies (but only if requested)

Its a bit of a cliche if youre travelling to a low-income country, to pack sweets, toys or pens for local children attitudes. Instead, if youre going to an economically challenged destination, its best to check with your holiday provider about what might be a welcomed gift for that particular community  certain medicines might be needed in remote rural areas, for example  and it may also be better to buy it in situ and support their economy.

Check before bringing 'helpful' gifts to locals (Shutterstock / CandiceBrophy)

'It's all about kindness'

For our new campaign, expert Catherine Mack told us what sustainable travel means to her

'Theres always an ongoing war of words around terminology, but this war with words often just impedes the development of kind tourism. Whether you're talking about being kind to people or the planet, I find that its the number one key to everything when we travel.'
By Online Desk

Israel is escalating its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants. The war is rapidly raising the death toll in Gaza, and the US fears the fighting could spark a wider conflict in the region.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday alleged violations of international law in Gaza and urged an immediate ceasefire as Israel pounds the Palestinian territory in response to Hamas attacks, with the crisis deeply dividing the Security Council.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the Hamas attack on Israeli towns on Oct. 7.

The aid convoys allowed into Gaza so far have carried a fraction of what's needed, and the UN said distribution will have to stop if there's no fuel for the trucks. The World Health Organization warns that without "vital fuel and additional health supplies", thousands of vulnerable patients in Gaza will be at risk.

The war, in its 18th day on Tuesday, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage. In addition, 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza, Israel's military has said. Four of those have been released.

Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Lifshitz said Tuesday she "went through hell" during her abduction, but was treated well during more than two weeks held captive in Gaza.

(With inputs from AP, AFP)

UPDATES FROM THE CONFLICT:

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Israel is escalating its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants. The war is rapidly raising the death toll in Gaza, and the US fears the fighting could spark a wider conflict in the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday alleged violations of international law in Gaza and urged an immediate ceasefire as Israel pounds the Palestinian territory in response to Hamas attacks, with the crisis deeply dividing the Security Council. Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the Hamas attack on Israeli towns on Oct. 7.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The aid convoys allowed into Gaza so far have carried a fraction of what's needed, and the UN said distribution will have to stop if there's no fuel for the trucks. The World Health Organization warns that without "vital fuel and additional health supplies", thousands of vulnerable patients in Gaza will be at risk. The war, in its 18th day on Tuesday, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage. In addition, 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza, Israel's military has said. Four of those have been released. Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops. The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Lifshitz said Tuesday she "went through hell" during her abduction, but was treated well during more than two weeks held captive in Gaza. (With inputs from AP, AFP) UPDATES FROM THE CONFLICT: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

Fourteen children undergoing blood transfusions have tested positive for deadly infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, at a government-run hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur, The Hindustan Times reported.

The incident was reported at Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital and the doctors indicated the fault could lie with ineffective tests for viruses that are meant to be procedurally carried out on donated blood.

The 14 children between the ages of 6 and 16 are from different parts of the state, including Kanpur city, Etawah and Kannauj. Seven of them tested positive for Hepatitis B, five for Hepatitis C and two for HIV.

They underwent transfusions at private and district hospitals for the thalassemia blood disorder they were already suffering from.

Arun Arya, the head of the paediatrics department at the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital in Kanpur told The HT that while the exact cause is unclear, the blood transfusion may have happened during the window period.

When blood is donated, it is tested to ensure that it is safe for use such as for transfusions. However, if tests are conducted only a short time after a virus has infected the donor, they may not be able to detect the pathogen. This time span is called the window period.

District-level officials are trying to trace the root of infection under the Viral Hepatitis Control Programme. They will look for the place of infection, both for hepatitis and HIV, an official from the states National Health Mission said.

READ MORE | 'Stricter monitoring of blood transfusion vital'

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Fourteen children undergoing blood transfusions have tested positive for deadly infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, at a government-run hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur, The Hindustan Times reported. The incident was reported at Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital and the doctors indicated the fault could lie with ineffective tests for viruses that are meant to be procedurally carried out on donated blood. The 14 children between the ages of 6 and 16 are from different parts of the state, including Kanpur city, Etawah and Kannauj. Seven of them tested positive for Hepatitis B, five for Hepatitis C and two for HIV.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); They underwent transfusions at private and district hospitals for the thalassemia blood disorder they were already suffering from. Arun Arya, the head of the paediatrics department at the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital in Kanpur told The HT that while the exact cause is unclear, the blood transfusion may have happened during the window period. When blood is donated, it is tested to ensure that it is safe for use such as for transfusions. However, if tests are conducted only a short time after a virus has infected the donor, they may not be able to detect the pathogen. This time span is called the window period. District-level officials are trying to trace the root of infection under the Viral Hepatitis Control Programme. They will look for the place of infection, both for hepatitis and HIV, an official from the states National Health Mission said. READ MORE | 'Stricter monitoring of blood transfusion vital' Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

BHOPAL: Some assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh are set to see an electoral fight among members of the same family albeit with different political backgrounds with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress giving tickets to relatives, making them take on each other in quest for power.

Brothers, uncle-nephew, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, father-in-law and mother-in-law, all are pitted against each other in the November 17 elections to the 230-member assembly.

Sitasharan Sharma, a former assembly speaker and BJP candidate from Narmadapuram, is facing his brother Girijashankar Sharma, who is the Congress nominee.

Girijashankar Sharma, a former BJP MLA, recently shifted his loyalties and joined the Congress after the ruling party denied him a ticket.

In the Sagar assembly seat, Nidhi Sunil Jain of the Congress is taking on her brother-in-law and sitting BJP MLA Shailendra Jain.

Nidhi Jain is the wife of Shailendra Jain's younger brother Sunil Jain, a former Congress MLA from Deori.

ALSO READ | MP polls: Resentment over BJP & Congress' lists; Bhupendra Yadav heckled by irate workers

Similarly in Deotalab in Rewa district, the Congress has fielded Padmesh Gautam against his uncle Girish Gautam, sitting BJP MLA and the current assembly speaker.

Padmesh Gautam had earlier defeated sitting MLA's son Rahul Gautam in panchayat polls.

In another intra-family electoral fight, sitting BJP MLA and party candidate Sanjay Shah is contesting against his nephew Abhijeet Shah of the Congress in Timarni in Harda district.

Abhijeet Shah is in the fray against his uncle for a second time.

In Dabra in Gwalior district, former state minister Imarti Devi of the BJP is taking on her relative and sitting Congress MLA Suresh Raje.

Imarti Devi's niece is married into Raje's family, BJP sources said.

Asked about relatives being fielded against each other on these seats, state BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi told PTI, "Madhya Pradesh is a family for the BJP. The party worker is a part of this family. The party takes a decision about fielding a suitable worker."

Chaturvedi said the Congress is a dynastic party, where all key decisions are taken by one family, while the BJP is a cadre-based outfit.

Asked about the relatives vs relatives poll fight, MP Congress Media Department chairman KK Mishra termed it as a mere coincidence.

"People with different ideologies can stay under one roof and this is the beauty of democracy. So, this coincidence can happen in the electoral field also," Mishra said.

He noted the feeling of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam" (the world is one family) should stay among contestants despite their political and ideological differences.

ALSO READ | Scindia loyalist's supporters protest outside Gwalior palace as BJP denies him ticket for MP polls

Senior journalist and political commentator Anand Pandey said this is not a fight of ideologies, but a contest to get a post and position of power.

"Politics is going into a new direction. Both Sharma brothers (Sitasharan and Girijashankar), who are contesting against each other in Narmadapuram, were BJP legislators and one of them is now contesting from another party as he was not given a ticket," he noted.

Similarly, close family members are fighting against each other in Sagar, Timarni and Deotalab, he said.

"This is happening for the first time on such a scale in the state when brothers and close relatives have kept politics and power game above their relations," said the senior journalist.

Earlier members of one family used to be in different parties, but a direct fight between them to enter the assembly was rare, Pandey said.

READ MORE | 'Tried our best but...': Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath on seat-sharing with Akhilesh Yadav

Madhya Pradesh will see a single-phase polling on November 17, while counting of votes will take place on December 3.

In the 2018 assembly polls, the Congress had won a maximum of 114 seats (simple majority mark is 116), while the BJP finished a close second with a tally of 109.

The Congress formed a coalition government under the leadership of veteran politician Kamal Nath with the support of Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and independent MLAs.

The Nath government, however, collapsed after 15 months when a section of Congress MLAs, most of them loyal to now Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, quit the party and joined the BJP.

The saffron party returned to power in March 2020 with Shivraj Singh Chouhan as chief minister for a record fourth term.

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BHOPAL: Some assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh are set to see an electoral fight among members of the same family albeit with different political backgrounds with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress giving tickets to relatives, making them take on each other in quest for power. Brothers, uncle-nephew, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, father-in-law and mother-in-law, all are pitted against each other in the November 17 elections to the 230-member assembly. Sitasharan Sharma, a former assembly speaker and BJP candidate from Narmadapuram, is facing his brother Girijashankar Sharma, who is the Congress nominee.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Girijashankar Sharma, a former BJP MLA, recently shifted his loyalties and joined the Congress after the ruling party denied him a ticket. In the Sagar assembly seat, Nidhi Sunil Jain of the Congress is taking on her brother-in-law and sitting BJP MLA Shailendra Jain. Nidhi Jain is the wife of Shailendra Jain's younger brother Sunil Jain, a former Congress MLA from Deori. ALSO READ | MP polls: Resentment over BJP & Congress' lists; Bhupendra Yadav heckled by irate workers Similarly in Deotalab in Rewa district, the Congress has fielded Padmesh Gautam against his uncle Girish Gautam, sitting BJP MLA and the current assembly speaker. Padmesh Gautam had earlier defeated sitting MLA's son Rahul Gautam in panchayat polls. In another intra-family electoral fight, sitting BJP MLA and party candidate Sanjay Shah is contesting against his nephew Abhijeet Shah of the Congress in Timarni in Harda district. Abhijeet Shah is in the fray against his uncle for a second time. In Dabra in Gwalior district, former state minister Imarti Devi of the BJP is taking on her relative and sitting Congress MLA Suresh Raje. Imarti Devi's niece is married into Raje's family, BJP sources said. Asked about relatives being fielded against each other on these seats, state BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi told PTI, "Madhya Pradesh is a family for the BJP. The party worker is a part of this family. The party takes a decision about fielding a suitable worker." Chaturvedi said the Congress is a dynastic party, where all key decisions are taken by one family, while the BJP is a cadre-based outfit. Asked about the relatives vs relatives poll fight, MP Congress Media Department chairman KK Mishra termed it as a mere coincidence. "People with different ideologies can stay under one roof and this is the beauty of democracy. So, this coincidence can happen in the electoral field also," Mishra said. He noted the feeling of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam" (the world is one family) should stay among contestants despite their political and ideological differences. ALSO READ | Scindia loyalist's supporters protest outside Gwalior palace as BJP denies him ticket for MP polls Senior journalist and political commentator Anand Pandey said this is not a fight of ideologies, but a contest to get a post and position of power. "Politics is going into a new direction. Both Sharma brothers (Sitasharan and Girijashankar), who are contesting against each other in Narmadapuram, were BJP legislators and one of them is now contesting from another party as he was not given a ticket," he noted. Similarly, close family members are fighting against each other in Sagar, Timarni and Deotalab, he said. "This is happening for the first time on such a scale in the state when brothers and close relatives have kept politics and power game above their relations," said the senior journalist. Earlier members of one family used to be in different parties, but a direct fight between them to enter the assembly was rare, Pandey said. READ MORE | 'Tried our best but...': Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath on seat-sharing with Akhilesh Yadav Madhya Pradesh will see a single-phase polling on November 17, while counting of votes will take place on December 3. In the 2018 assembly polls, the Congress had won a maximum of 114 seats (simple majority mark is 116), while the BJP finished a close second with a tally of 109. The Congress formed a coalition government under the leadership of veteran politician Kamal Nath with the support of Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and independent MLAs. The Nath government, however, collapsed after 15 months when a section of Congress MLAs, most of them loyal to now Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, quit the party and joined the BJP. The saffron party returned to power in March 2020 with Shivraj Singh Chouhan as chief minister for a record fourth term. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: In a big relief for basmati farmers and exporters, the Union government has reduced the minimum export prices (MEP) of basmati rice to $950 per tonne from $1200 per tonne announced in August. This reduction is expected to greatly benefit basmati growers, ensuring better prices for their crops.

Talking to The New Indian Express, former President of All India Rice Exporter Association Vijay Setia said, "We had a virtual meeting with the Union Minister Piyush Goyal late last night in which he accepted our demand of reducing the MEP. We welcome the step of the government. It will go a long way towards improving the income of farmers."

"We had already resumed buying basmati from the farmers, thus now the prices of basmati which had declined to Rs 3,200 per quintal have again risen and are between Rs 3,600 to Rs 3,700 per quintal," said Setia.

He said, "Now we can compete with Pakistan which got an advantage for a few days as they also grow the same basmati. But now we are back in the market. The average minimum export price for the last three years came to $850. Also, with the 950 USD basic price, the fly-by-night exporters will vanish from the market."

He said that the Union government had imposed the MEP control order on basmati export at $1200 per tonne on August 25, while there were many basmati varieties which are exported between $850 and $1050 per tonne, forcing them to suspend the procurement of basmati from farmers.

Punjab and Haryana are the major basmati rice exporters. In the last financial year, their exports were to the tune of Rs 33,000 crore while the total basmati rice shipments from India stood at Rs 48,000 crore.

The Centre on August 25 imposed a minimum export price of $1,200 per tonne on basmati exports, causing concern among exporters. After repeated requests, Union minister Piyush Goyal on September 25 indicated lowering the minimum export price to $850 per tonne. The Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution, had a few days back issued a fresh circular extending the registration-cum-allocation certificate for basmati rice beyond October 15.

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CHANDIGARH: In a big relief for basmati farmers and exporters, the Union government has reduced the minimum export prices (MEP) of basmati rice to $950 per tonne from $1200 per tonne announced in August. This reduction is expected to greatly benefit basmati growers, ensuring better prices for their crops. Talking to The New Indian Express, former President of All India Rice Exporter Association Vijay Setia said, "We had a virtual meeting with the Union Minister Piyush Goyal late last night in which he accepted our demand of reducing the MEP. We welcome the step of the government. It will go a long way towards improving the income of farmers." "We had already resumed buying basmati from the farmers, thus now the prices of basmati which had declined to Rs 3,200 per quintal have again risen and are between Rs 3,600 to Rs 3,700 per quintal," said Setia.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said, "Now we can compete with Pakistan which got an advantage for a few days as they also grow the same basmati. But now we are back in the market. The average minimum export price for the last three years came to $850. Also, with the 950 USD basic price, the fly-by-night exporters will vanish from the market." He said that the Union government had imposed the MEP control order on basmati export at $1200 per tonne on August 25, while there were many basmati varieties which are exported between $850 and $1050 per tonne, forcing them to suspend the procurement of basmati from farmers. Punjab and Haryana are the major basmati rice exporters. In the last financial year, their exports were to the tune of Rs 33,000 crore while the total basmati rice shipments from India stood at Rs 48,000 crore. The Centre on August 25 imposed a minimum export price of $1,200 per tonne on basmati exports, causing concern among exporters. After repeated requests, Union minister Piyush Goyal on September 25 indicated lowering the minimum export price to $850 per tonne. The Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution, had a few days back issued a fresh circular extending the registration-cum-allocation certificate for basmati rice beyond October 15. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday carried out Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh and also interacted with the troops deployed in the frontline locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and celebrated Dussehra with them.

The Ministry of Defence said, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh and carried out a first-hand on-ground assessment of the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces there.

The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to the unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage of the troops, who are deployed on the borders in tough conditions, but always ensure that the nation and its people are safe. The entire nation is proud of the Armed Forces and is standing with them, he said.

Rajnath Singh reiterated that Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil. In his address, he described the righteousness and dharma of the brave Armed Forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi.

In view of the current global scenario, Rajnath Singh asserted that there is no option but to bolster the countrys security apparatus, underlining that all efforts are being made by the Government to strengthen the nations military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment.

Highlighting self-reliance in defence Rajnath Singh said, Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons & platforms are being manufactured within the country. Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores, he said.

Tawang town inhabited by more than 50,000 people, called as the little Tibet by China, is one of the contentious areas which China claims as its own.

The Defence Minister also visited the Tawang War Memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita; GOC, 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Erry and other senior officers of the Indian Army.

Rajnath Singh also visited the 4 (Gajraj) Corps Headquarters at Tezpur in Assam. Gajraj Corps handles the Counter Insurgency role in Assam and is also responsible for Defence of the Line of Actual Control with China in Western Arunachal Pradesh.

During the visit, he reviewed the operational readiness of the formation, which is deployed in one of the easternmost parts of the country. He was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the employment of cutting-edge military equipment and technology to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops deployed in the frontline., MoD said.

He commended the stellar work and yeoman services being rendered by all ranks of the Corps under challenging conditions, added the MoD.

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NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday carried out Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh and also interacted with the troops deployed in the frontline locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and celebrated Dussehra with them. The Ministry of Defence said, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh and carried out a first-hand on-ground assessment of the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces there. The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to the unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage of the troops, who are deployed on the borders in tough conditions, but always ensure that the nation and its people are safe. The entire nation is proud of the Armed Forces and is standing with them, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rajnath Singh reiterated that Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil. In his address, he described the righteousness and dharma of the brave Armed Forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi. In view of the current global scenario, Rajnath Singh asserted that there is no option but to bolster the countrys security apparatus, underlining that all efforts are being made by the Government to strengthen the nations military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment. Highlighting self-reliance in defence Rajnath Singh said, Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons & platforms are being manufactured within the country. Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores, he said. Tawang town inhabited by more than 50,000 people, called as the little Tibet by China, is one of the contentious areas which China claims as its own. The Defence Minister also visited the Tawang War Memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita; GOC, 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Erry and other senior officers of the Indian Army. Rajnath Singh also visited the 4 (Gajraj) Corps Headquarters at Tezpur in Assam. Gajraj Corps handles the Counter Insurgency role in Assam and is also responsible for Defence of the Line of Actual Control with China in Western Arunachal Pradesh. During the visit, he reviewed the operational readiness of the formation, which is deployed in one of the easternmost parts of the country. He was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the employment of cutting-edge military equipment and technology to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops deployed in the frontline., MoD said. He commended the stellar work and yeoman services being rendered by all ranks of the Corps under challenging conditions, added the MoD. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
You dont need a plane to have adventures (Shutterstock / GP PIXSTOCK)

Scientists are telling us that the stability of the climate hinges on whether we can keep the global temperature rise in check within this decade, so its never been more important to holiday in tune with the planet. Going green is more than just packing a reusable water bottle. By cutting out flying, eating local food, staying in low-impact hotels and booking with carbon-conscious tour operators, you can ensure that all elements of the trip have as low a carbon footprint as possible. Here are five holidays that go the extra low-carbon mile, without losing any of the wow factor

A whistle-stop tour of Spanish cities

Soak up the Spanish way of life with other like-minded explorers on an easy-paced small group tour. The most transparent tour operators are starting to carbon label their trips so you can know the footprint of your holiday, and Explore Worldwide has worked with carbon consultancy Ecollective to provide this information for all its trips. This nine-day small group city break tour that takes in Madrid, Bilboa, San Sebastian, Rioja and Barcelona, has an average carbon footprint of 124kg per person, including all accommodation, transport within Spain, meals, activities and excursions.

Madrids Atotcha tropical gardens in a former train station (Shutterstock / fornStudio)

Who this holiday suits: Solo travellers will enjoy the small group vibes, meaning you can share the experiences with new people during the trip. Youll walk the streets of Madrid visiting its parks, museums and markets, sample the food from the avant-garde cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian (below) where the pintxos culture is very much part of city life. Try some of the famous wines of Rioja and be guided along the backstreets of Barcelona, including the Gothic Quarter, the El Born area and the seaside neighbourhood of La Barceloneta.

Where to stay: Youll stay in characterful hotels specially selected for this trip to help bring travellers together in inspiring surroundings, such as Hotel Silken Villa de Laguardia just outside Laguardia a a beautiful medieval walled town surrounded by vineyards a and Hotel Catalonia El Pilar in the historic centre of Zaragoza.

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The nitty gritty: Explore Worldwides nine-day trip costs from 1,699 including accommodation and local transport but not international travel. Better still for your carbon count: its possible to travel from London to Barcelona by train in just one day (via Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then Paris Gare de Lyon to Barcelona), then take the fast 2.5-hour train to the trips starting point in Madrid.

The tasty Pinxtos bars in San Sebastian are reachable by train (Shutterstock / Ekaterina Pokrovsky)

Family adventures in the Pyrenees

Travelling by train to Europe is even greener thanks to the low-carbon Eurostar journey across the Channel a the international rail operator claims one flight from London to Paris produces the equivalent carbon footprint of 14 Eurostar journeys a and the burgeoning electric train network on the continent. This makes it a piece of gateaux to reach the French Pyrenees, the rugged range extending more than 260 miles from Perpignan in south-west France to San Sebastian in northern Spain, an enticing option for green adventure travellers.

The French Pyranees is top for adventure travel (Shutterstock / David Leshem)

Who this holiday suits: Families will adore the rugged range of mountains full of age-old villages packed with homespun rural character, markets selling fabulous fresh produce that cut down the food miles, and a huge variety of low-impact outdoor adventure activities that suit all ages and abilities, from gentle walks to mountain biking and instructor-led canyoning down waterfalls.

Where to stay: The town has several majestic belle epoque hotels, and our pick is the characterful Hotel Lion dOr Cauterets. Built in 1840, its run by the fourth-generation Lasserre family who welcome you with freshly picked lilacs and just-baked gingerbread cake. The breakfasts, including merveilles (small doughnuts dusted with icing sugar made to Grandmother Lasserres recipe) are reason alone to go. The two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to five, from 190 per night. A short walk from the hotel is the towns Les Bains du Rocher, a spa complex with indoor and outdoor pools thats family-friendly with a dedicated toddler pool, while for those who want to venture further, take a summer shuttle bus to Pont dEspagne where you can walk along a well-marked trail though a protected forest to an ancient stone bridge that connects France and Spain.

The nitty gritty: From the French capital, the Pyrenees are less than five hours away. Take the train to Lourdes and then the bus (less than an hour) to the historic spa town of Cauterets, the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park.

The Hotel Lion dOr is a family-friendly guesthouse (Richard Hammond)

A Romantic Italian island escape

The island of Ventotene in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of Italy is not as well-known as other neighbouring Pontine islands, but its a fabulous nature island that can be reached by a short ferry trip from Formia on the Italian mainland. Its waters are a protected marine reserve and as its a strategic position for bird migration between Africa and Europe, youll likely catch sight of remarkable birds.

You can take the train and ferry to Ventotene (Shutterstock / Stefano Batistini)

Who this holiday suits: Romantic restaurants such as Un Mare di Sapori will lure couples down to the harbour: you can dine at the waters edge at the entrance to rock chambers that were once used by the Romans to store goods. And La Terrazza di Mimi is perched up on the cliff overlooking the sea selling fresh-as-can-be seafood.

Where to stay: Travel with Italian travel company Knature, which specialises in ecotourism trips to spot fine-feathered species and visit some of Ventotenes ancient Roman ruins, all while supporting the economy by using local guides. On Knatures trip youll stay at one of the islands small guesthouses, such as Le Parracine, just a few minutes walk to Cala Naves small stretch of sand from where you can explore the biodiverse sea life as you snorkel around the large rocks.

The nitty gritty: Take the Eurostar to Paris, you can wend your way south to make the most of the new high-speed Italian Frecciarossa trains to Milan and then on by rail to Formia and the ferry.

At nighttime the seafront offers mood lighting and seafood (Shutterstock / Elena Rizzo)

Cycle across scenic Wales

Discover one of the most scenic railway cycle paths in the UK by exploring the Mawddach Trail, which runs for nearly 10 miles along a disused railway track below the foothills of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia where you can take in views across to the hills to the north rising to more than 600m. The leisurely cycle trail runs from the market town of Dolgellau to the coast, where it ends by crossing the spectacular railway bridge over the mouth of the estuary at Barmouth.

Follow the Mawddach Trail for 10 miles of sensational views (Mawddach Trail)

Who this holiday suits: Groups will love this leisurely cycle, and an optional adventure on day two a the world-class Coed Y Brenin Mountain Biking Centre is less than an hours cycle ride away (bus services from Dolgellau stop by request at the entrance road to the visitor centre). The centre is geared up for groups so if necessary, youll all be able to borrow bikes suitable for its network of all-weather single-track trails (naturalresources.wales).

Where to stay: Midway along the trail theres the Cefn Coed Bunkbarn a once a bake house and dairy of the farm here in Penmaenpool, it sleeps 12 people in bunk beds in four separate bedrooms (sinks in three rooms, one toilet and one shower) from 260 total per night. There are also camping pitches (from 23 per pitch per night) among oak woodland of the 75-acre site, an onsite shop for essentials and you can pre-order a delicious Thai curry, as one of the couple who run it is from Thailand. From Cefn Coed, its a 30-minute walk along the trail to the George III, a hotel and pub, which overlooks the estuary.

The nitty gritty: Take the low-carbon route there by train along the scenic Cambrian Line along the west coast of Wales to Barmouth, then you can hire bikes from Birmingham Garage in Barmouth (01341 280644), from Coed Cae near Penmaenpool (01341 430628), or from Dolgellau Cycles in Dolgellau.

Tack on a visit to Coed Y Brenin: the UK's first MTB trail centre (Shutterstock / Blazej Lyjak)

Scottish sleeper plus Highland hiking

Enjoy incredible landscapes of mountain, forest and moorland when you choose to travel from London to Scotland from the comfort of the Caledonian Sleeper. The good news is that youre likely to be halving your carbon emissions compared to driving solo in a petrol car or even more compared to flying. The even better news is that its so convenient. Tuck in to a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties in the Club Car dining carriage, then drift off to sleep as the train trundles across up through the North of England and across the border. When you wake up to views of the Scottish countryside, you have to pinch yourself that bedtime was back in central London.

Youll feel humbled by the scenery in the Highlands (Shutterstock / Joe Dunckley)

You can then choose your own adventure, or opt for one of Wilderness Scotlands trips, which tie in with arriving on the Sleeper (it provides a 15 per cent discount on the cost of it), such as a self-guided trek along the Speyside Way that departs from Inverness and covers just over 65 miles through villages, woods and whiskey distilleries to the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains. The seven-night trip has a carbon footprint of 70kg per person and costs from 1,085 per person, including B&B accommodation, luggage transfers and route notes.

Who this holiday suits: Anyone who likes a good walk.

Where to stay: If doing a DIIY trip, get off at Corrour station (four stops before Fort William) and walk about a mile on a track to the homely off-grid Loch Ossian Youth Hostel in splendid isolation on the northern edge of Rannoch Moor, where beds in the cosy dorms cost from 25 a night. Alternatively, continue further up to Fort William to take the connecting train to the port of Mallaig; from there, take a ferry over to the beautiful Knoydart Peninsula, a great place for wild camping and walking and home to The Old Forge, the most remote pub in mainland Britain that has been re-opened this summer by the local Knoydart community.

The nitty gritty: The Caledonian Sleeper has two routes from London Euston. The Lowlander route travels directly to Glasgow and Edinburgh, while the Highlander travels further to Aberdeen, Inverness, Aviemore and Fort William. Choose between standard seats (the most economical option) that have adjustable headrests and footrests, wi-fi and reading lights; couchettes that have room service  there are twin bunks (Classic solo), en-suite bunks (Club En-Suite); and en-suite double beds (Caledonian Double En-Suite). Many of the National Railcards can be used with the standard seat tickets on the Caledonia Sleeper; the Two Together railcard provides up to 34% discount, the Family & Friends railcard offers up to 81% for children, while the 1625 Railcard provides up to 34% discount on Classic solo or Club En-Suite rooms as well as for standard seats.

'It's a balancing act'

For our new campaign, green-travel writer Richard Hammond told us what sustainable travel means to him

'Travelling in a way that's sensitive to the climate and nature emergencies while ensuring that the wellbeing of the places we visit gains long-term benefit from us travelling there. Its a balancing act between reducing or eliminating the negatives and maximising the positives of travel.'
By AFP

JERUSALEM: French President Emmanuel Macron, on a solidarity visit to Israel after the October 7 attacks, called Tuesday for Gaza militants Hamas to be added to the targets of an international coalition against the Islamic State group.

Macron also said there had to be a "decisive relaunch" of the Middle East peace process, following talks with leaders in Israel, whose army is building up to a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip with the declared aim of toppling Hamas.

Macron said the Global Coalition against Daesh, or the Islamic State group (IS), "should also fight against Hamas".

The French president said he had proposed this in talks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to other "international partners".

"We should build a regional and international coalition to battle against terrorist groups that threaten us all," he told a joint news conference with Netanyahu.

An Elysee Palace source said Macron's proposal "draws inspiration from the experience of the Global Coalition against Daesh and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas".

The coalition was set up in 2014 and says it has 86 "members" -- countries and groups such as the European Union and the Arab League.

It has focused on countering IS in Iraq and Syria but is also aimed at cutting off funding to the jihadists, the sharing of intelligence and support for many countries, including the training of Iraqi forces.

Macron was the latest of a string of Western leaders to voice support for Israel's riposte to the Palestinian militant group after the attacks which Israel says left 1,400 people dead, mostly civilians.

The Hamas government says 5,791 people have been killed in Israel's retaliatory bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, mainly civilians. Israel says that its hundreds of air raids each day aim at Hamas leaders and military targets.

Peace process

Macron said extending the coalition would benefit Israel and its neighbours who are also "threatened" by Hamas, which is branded a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States.

"The battle must be without mercy, but not without rule because we are democracies which fight against terrorists, democracies which respect the right to war and assure humanitarian access," Macron said.

Macron's office said before his visit that he would seek a "humanitarian truce" in Gaza while in Israel, but no mention was made after his talks with Netanyahu.

The French leader did call for a "decisive" new effort to move toward a Palestinian state, declaring: "The Palestinian cause must be heard with reason".

"Israel's security cannot be sustainable with a decisive relaunch of the political process with the Palestinians."

The French leader was to go to Ramallah on Tuesday for talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority said.

"Tomorrow I will be with several leaders from the region to concretely advance the agenda we have given ourselves," he said.

Macron met some of the relatives of the 30 French people killed in the October 7 attacks and the nine people missing, at least one of whom has been confirmed as being a hostage.

He said freeing all hostages had to be the "first objective" of the military campaign.

Like other Western leaders, Macron told Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog that Israel was "not alone" and stressed how France has also suffered from militant attacks.

"I think this is our duty to fight against these terrorist groups, without any confusion, without... enlarging this conflict."

With the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group daily trading artillery fire with the army across the Lebanon-Israel border, Western governments are concerned the conflict could spread.

Macron named Hezbollah, Iran and the Huthis in Yemen when he said they should "not take the ill-considered risk of opening new fronts".

US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz raised the same concerns during visits to Israel over the past week.

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JERUSALEM: French President Emmanuel Macron, on a solidarity visit to Israel after the October 7 attacks, called Tuesday for Gaza militants Hamas to be added to the targets of an international coalition against the Islamic State group. Macron also said there had to be a "decisive relaunch" of the Middle East peace process, following talks with leaders in Israel, whose army is building up to a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip with the declared aim of toppling Hamas. Macron said the Global Coalition against Daesh, or the Islamic State group (IS), "should also fight against Hamas".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The French president said he had proposed this in talks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to other "international partners". "We should build a regional and international coalition to battle against terrorist groups that threaten us all," he told a joint news conference with Netanyahu. An Elysee Palace source said Macron's proposal "draws inspiration from the experience of the Global Coalition against Daesh and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas". The coalition was set up in 2014 and says it has 86 "members" -- countries and groups such as the European Union and the Arab League. It has focused on countering IS in Iraq and Syria but is also aimed at cutting off funding to the jihadists, the sharing of intelligence and support for many countries, including the training of Iraqi forces. Macron was the latest of a string of Western leaders to voice support for Israel's riposte to the Palestinian militant group after the attacks which Israel says left 1,400 people dead, mostly civilians. The Hamas government says 5,791 people have been killed in Israel's retaliatory bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, mainly civilians. Israel says that its hundreds of air raids each day aim at Hamas leaders and military targets. Peace process Macron said extending the coalition would benefit Israel and its neighbours who are also "threatened" by Hamas, which is branded a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States. "The battle must be without mercy, but not without rule because we are democracies which fight against terrorists, democracies which respect the right to war and assure humanitarian access," Macron said. Macron's office said before his visit that he would seek a "humanitarian truce" in Gaza while in Israel, but no mention was made after his talks with Netanyahu. The French leader did call for a "decisive" new effort to move toward a Palestinian state, declaring: "The Palestinian cause must be heard with reason". "Israel's security cannot be sustainable with a decisive relaunch of the political process with the Palestinians." The French leader was to go to Ramallah on Tuesday for talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority said. "Tomorrow I will be with several leaders from the region to concretely advance the agenda we have given ourselves," he said. Macron met some of the relatives of the 30 French people killed in the October 7 attacks and the nine people missing, at least one of whom has been confirmed as being a hostage. He said freeing all hostages had to be the "first objective" of the military campaign. Like other Western leaders, Macron told Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog that Israel was "not alone" and stressed how France has also suffered from militant attacks. "I think this is our duty to fight against these terrorist groups, without any confusion, without... enlarging this conflict." With the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group daily trading artillery fire with the army across the Lebanon-Israel border, Western governments are concerned the conflict could spread. Macron named Hezbollah, Iran and the Huthis in Yemen when he said they should "not take the ill-considered risk of opening new fronts". US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz raised the same concerns during visits to Israel over the past week. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

JERUSALEM: French President Emmanuel Macron said on a solidarity visit to Israel Tuesday that saving hostages held by Hamas in Gaza must be the "first objective" of the military campaign but stressed the need to stop the conflict from spreading.

Macron's visit added to the chorus of Western support for Israel's riposte to the Palestinian militant group after the deadly October 7 attacks. But he was to call for a "humanitarian truce", his office said, amid international concern over the civilian toll in Gaza.

"The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with these lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers," Macron said after meeting Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem.

Thirty French people were killed in the Hamas attacks which Israel said left 1,400 dead. Macron said nine French people are missing, at least one has been confirmed to be among more than 220 people taken hostage by Hamas gunmen.

Grief

France and Israel are "linked by grief" Macron said after earlier meeting the families of some of the French people killed or taken hostage in the worst attacks suffered by Israel.

He expressed outrage after a video of one French hostage, Mia Schem, was broadcast by Hamas last week.

"I want you to be sure that you're not left alone in this war against terrorism," Macron told Herzog, stressing attacks staged in France in recent years.

"I think this is our duty to fight against these terrorist groups, without any confusion, without I would say enlarging this conflict." He was expected to give the same message in talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

With the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group daily trading artillery fire with the army across the Lebanon-Israel border, Western governments are concerned the conflict could spread.

US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also raised that concern during visits to Israel over the past week.

Macron was expected to call for the "preservation" of Gaza's civilian population in talks with Netanyahu, as Israel pursues its relentless bombardment to prepare a widely anticipated ground invasion.

ALSO READ | French President Macron arrives in Israel on solidarity visit

More than 5,000 people, including more than 1,800 children, have died in Israel's bombardment of Gaza since October 7, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

Macron will in particular call for a "humanitarian truce" to let desperately needed food, water and medicines into Gaza, his office said.

Western leaders are also concerned about Gaza's future after any Israeli invasion to topple Hamas and Macron was to become the first Western leader to go to Ramallah to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas during the crisis, the Palestinian Authority said.

New peace process

Macron will propose relaunching a "genuine peace process", with the aim of creating a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers towards "Israel's security", his office said.

In Jerusalem, the French head of state was also due to meet Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz and opposition leader Yair Lapid.

He is also expected to talk with King Abdullah of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Gulf leaders, his office said, without giving a timetable.

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JERUSALEM: French President Emmanuel Macron said on a solidarity visit to Israel Tuesday that saving hostages held by Hamas in Gaza must be the "first objective" of the military campaign but stressed the need to stop the conflict from spreading. Macron's visit added to the chorus of Western support for Israel's riposte to the Palestinian militant group after the deadly October 7 attacks. But he was to call for a "humanitarian truce", his office said, amid international concern over the civilian toll in Gaza. "The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with these lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers," Macron said after meeting Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Thirty French people were killed in the Hamas attacks which Israel said left 1,400 dead. Macron said nine French people are missing, at least one has been confirmed to be among more than 220 people taken hostage by Hamas gunmen. Grief France and Israel are "linked by grief" Macron said after earlier meeting the families of some of the French people killed or taken hostage in the worst attacks suffered by Israel. He expressed outrage after a video of one French hostage, Mia Schem, was broadcast by Hamas last week. "I want you to be sure that you're not left alone in this war against terrorism," Macron told Herzog, stressing attacks staged in France in recent years. "I think this is our duty to fight against these terrorist groups, without any confusion, without I would say enlarging this conflict." He was expected to give the same message in talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. With the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group daily trading artillery fire with the army across the Lebanon-Israel border, Western governments are concerned the conflict could spread. US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also raised that concern during visits to Israel over the past week. Macron was expected to call for the "preservation" of Gaza's civilian population in talks with Netanyahu, as Israel pursues its relentless bombardment to prepare a widely anticipated ground invasion. ALSO READ | French President Macron arrives in Israel on solidarity visit More than 5,000 people, including more than 1,800 children, have died in Israel's bombardment of Gaza since October 7, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Macron will in particular call for a "humanitarian truce" to let desperately needed food, water and medicines into Gaza, his office said. Western leaders are also concerned about Gaza's future after any Israeli invasion to topple Hamas and Macron was to become the first Western leader to go to Ramallah to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas during the crisis, the Palestinian Authority said. New peace process Macron will propose relaunching a "genuine peace process", with the aim of creating a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers towards "Israel's security", his office said. In Jerusalem, the French head of state was also due to meet Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz and opposition leader Yair Lapid. He is also expected to talk with King Abdullah of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Gulf leaders, his office said, without giving a timetable. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

CAIRO: The sight of tent cities for Palestinians displaced within war-torn Gaza evokes dark historical memories for Israel's Arab neighbours, especially Egypt and Jordan.

"That's how the Nakba started," says the Gaza-based rights group Al Mezan, reflecting regional suspicions that Israel is planning to empty the coastal territory.

The Nakba, or "catastrophe", is how the Arab world refers to the exodus or forced displacement of 760,000 Palestinians in the war that led to the creation of Israel 75 years ago.

The fear of history repeating itself has been stoked as Israel has waged war on Hamas since the Islamist group killed 1,400 people in the October 7 attack on southern Israel.

The Gaza Strip is mostly populated by Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who have now endured over two weeks of withering bombardment that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed over 5,000 people.

So Israeli warnings to evacuate the north of the territory ahead of a looming ground invasion have raised deeper historical fears, with one million Gazans already forced out of their homes.

The only possible way out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

READ THE LIVE UPDATES OF ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

Egypt has allowed aid convoys into Gaza through Rafah after Israel stopped bombing the Palestinian side under a US-brokered deal -- but there has been no mass flight of refugees heading the other way.

Egypt fears that throwing open the gates could facilitate Israeli plans for a forced mass eviction of Palestinians, many of whom are now homeless, sleeping in the open or sheltered in UN tents.

The Gaza-based Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said: "When we see the tents at the border today, it should give the chills to anyone who knows Palestinian history -- the tents, that's how the Nakba started.

"Most of the people would rather die in Gaza than be made a refugee again."

Security implications

Israel has stressed its eviction order for northern Gaza aims to get Palestinian civilians out of harm's way as it goes after Hamas and hopes to rescue more than 220 hostages.

But the suspicion Israel is planning a mass eviction has been reinforced by former Israeli officials who have suggested in TV interviews that Egypt could build vast tent cities in its Sinai desert, with international funding.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stressed that Israel as an occupying force has responsibility for Palestinian civilians under international law.

"If the idea is forced displacement, there is the Negev," he said, referring to the desert lands of southern Israel.

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas have warned that if Israel managed to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, it may want to do the same in the occupied West Bank in future.

Egypt -- which has long suppressed the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas's Islamist ally -- also has reason to fear the security implications of hosting displaced Gazans on its territory.

The presence of Palestinian refugees and militant groups has previously pulled their host countries into conflict -- Jordan in the 1970s and Lebanon in the 1980s.

In Jordan, home to many Palestinians, the late King Hussein in the 1970s accused Palestinian fedayeen fighters of building a "state within a state" and seeking to take over the country.

Sinai a 'red line'

To prevent this, Jordan's Black September offensive drove Yasser Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization to leave Jordan for Lebanon.

Lebanon's Christian parties had the same suspicion and fought the PLO during the civil war. Arafat and his fighters were forced to leave in the wake of Israel's full-scale invasion of Lebanon in 1982.

The PLO leadership dispersed to Tunisia and Yemen, while the occupied Palestinian territories were gripped by the first intifada or uprising in 1987.

The 1993 Oslo Accords were meant to usher in a Palestinian state, but that dream fizzled and serious talks have stalled for the past decade.

ALSO READ | French President Macron arrives in Israel on solidarity visit

The idea of a substitute Palestinian homeland resurfaced under former US president Donald Trump, whose peace plan, rejected as biased by Palestinians, proposed an industrial zone in the Sinai to create jobs for Gazans.

Cairo too would dismiss it out of hand, analysts say.

"The Sinai is a red line for the Egyptians," said political scientist Sarah Daoud, who stressed that "this was already the case under Hosni Mubarak", the former president deposed in 2011.

"For Egypt, its territorial integrity is non-negotiable," she said.

The Sinai Peninsula, which Israel occupied in 1967, was the site of battles in which many Egyptian soldiers died before Cairo regained it under its 1979 peace deal with Israel.

Sisi has warned that, if at some future stage, Palestinian armed groups based on its lands were to attack Israel, that historic peace "will melt in our hands".

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CAIRO: The sight of tent cities for Palestinians displaced within war-torn Gaza evokes dark historical memories for Israel's Arab neighbours, especially Egypt and Jordan. "That's how the Nakba started," says the Gaza-based rights group Al Mezan, reflecting regional suspicions that Israel is planning to empty the coastal territory. The Nakba, or "catastrophe", is how the Arab world refers to the exodus or forced displacement of 760,000 Palestinians in the war that led to the creation of Israel 75 years ago.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The fear of history repeating itself has been stoked as Israel has waged war on Hamas since the Islamist group killed 1,400 people in the October 7 attack on southern Israel. The Gaza Strip is mostly populated by Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who have now endured over two weeks of withering bombardment that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed over 5,000 people. So Israeli warnings to evacuate the north of the territory ahead of a looming ground invasion have raised deeper historical fears, with one million Gazans already forced out of their homes. The only possible way out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. READ THE LIVE UPDATES OF ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE Egypt has allowed aid convoys into Gaza through Rafah after Israel stopped bombing the Palestinian side under a US-brokered deal -- but there has been no mass flight of refugees heading the other way. Egypt fears that throwing open the gates could facilitate Israeli plans for a forced mass eviction of Palestinians, many of whom are now homeless, sleeping in the open or sheltered in UN tents. The Gaza-based Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said: "When we see the tents at the border today, it should give the chills to anyone who knows Palestinian history -- the tents, that's how the Nakba started. "Most of the people would rather die in Gaza than be made a refugee again." Security implications Israel has stressed its eviction order for northern Gaza aims to get Palestinian civilians out of harm's way as it goes after Hamas and hopes to rescue more than 220 hostages. But the suspicion Israel is planning a mass eviction has been reinforced by former Israeli officials who have suggested in TV interviews that Egypt could build vast tent cities in its Sinai desert, with international funding. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stressed that Israel as an occupying force has responsibility for Palestinian civilians under international law. "If the idea is forced displacement, there is the Negev," he said, referring to the desert lands of southern Israel. Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas have warned that if Israel managed to drive Palestinians out of Gaza, it may want to do the same in the occupied West Bank in future. Egypt -- which has long suppressed the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas's Islamist ally -- also has reason to fear the security implications of hosting displaced Gazans on its territory. The presence of Palestinian refugees and militant groups has previously pulled their host countries into conflict -- Jordan in the 1970s and Lebanon in the 1980s. In Jordan, home to many Palestinians, the late King Hussein in the 1970s accused Palestinian fedayeen fighters of building a "state within a state" and seeking to take over the country. Sinai a 'red line' To prevent this, Jordan's Black September offensive drove Yasser Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization to leave Jordan for Lebanon. Lebanon's Christian parties had the same suspicion and fought the PLO during the civil war. Arafat and his fighters were forced to leave in the wake of Israel's full-scale invasion of Lebanon in 1982. The PLO leadership dispersed to Tunisia and Yemen, while the occupied Palestinian territories were gripped by the first intifada or uprising in 1987. The 1993 Oslo Accords were meant to usher in a Palestinian state, but that dream fizzled and serious talks have stalled for the past decade. ALSO READ | French President Macron arrives in Israel on solidarity visit The idea of a substitute Palestinian homeland resurfaced under former US president Donald Trump, whose peace plan, rejected as biased by Palestinians, proposed an industrial zone in the Sinai to create jobs for Gazans. Cairo too would dismiss it out of hand, analysts say. "The Sinai is a red line for the Egyptians," said political scientist Sarah Daoud, who stressed that "this was already the case under Hosni Mubarak", the former president deposed in 2011. "For Egypt, its territorial integrity is non-negotiable," she said. The Sinai Peninsula, which Israel occupied in 1967, was the site of battles in which many Egyptian soldiers died before Cairo regained it under its 1979 peace deal with Israel. Sisi has warned that, if at some future stage, Palestinian armed groups based on its lands were to attack Israel, that historic peace "will melt in our hands". Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday performed "Shastra Puja" in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang and celebrated Dussehra with Army soldiers at the strategically key region near the frontier with China.

Singh, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, also carried out a comprehensive review of India's military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and lauded the troops for guarding the border with "unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage."

In an interaction with the soldiers after visiting Bum-La and a number of other forward posts, Singh asserted that there is no option but to bolster the country's security apparatus in view of the current global scenario.

The defence minister said all efforts are being made to strengthen the nation's military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment.

"No amount of appreciation is enough for the way you are guarding the border in difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that people of the country are proud of you," he told the troops.

#WATCH | Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "You have kept the borders secure and that is why India's stature before the world is rising rapidly. All the developed countries accept the reality that in the past 8-9 years, India's stature has risen. I pic.twitter.com/3ZkRNKKkMh  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

The defence minister expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their "unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage" while guarding the borders in tough conditions, and ensuring that the nation and its people are safe.

After performing Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) with the troops at Tawang, he noted that Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil.

In his address, he described the "righteousness and dharma" of the brave armed forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi.

The defence minister said the valour and commitment of the armed forces is one of the main reasons behind India's rising stature globally and that it is now among the most powerful nations.

Singh cited India's success in the economic sphere as one of the reasons for the country's growing global profile.

But at the same time noted that if the armed forces hadn't guarded the country's border effectively, then its stature would not have risen.

The defence minister's celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers at the strategically important location close to the LAC comes at a time when India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years.

Singh has been performing "Shastra Puja" during Dussehra for the last several years, including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors following the eastern Ladakh standoff.

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NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday performed "Shastra Puja" in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang and celebrated Dussehra with Army soldiers at the strategically key region near the frontier with China. Singh, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, also carried out a comprehensive review of India's military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and lauded the troops for guarding the border with "unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage." In an interaction with the soldiers after visiting Bum-La and a number of other forward posts, Singh asserted that there is no option but to bolster the country's security apparatus in view of the current global scenario.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The defence minister said all efforts are being made to strengthen the nation's military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment. "No amount of appreciation is enough for the way you are guarding the border in difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that people of the country are proud of you," he told the troops. #WATCH | Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "You have kept the borders secure and that is why India's stature before the world is rising rapidly. All the developed countries accept the reality that in the past 8-9 years, India's stature has risen. I pic.twitter.com/3ZkRNKKkMh  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023 The defence minister expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their "unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage" while guarding the borders in tough conditions, and ensuring that the nation and its people are safe. After performing Shastra Puja (worship of weapons) with the troops at Tawang, he noted that Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil. In his address, he described the "righteousness and dharma" of the brave armed forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi. The defence minister said the valour and commitment of the armed forces is one of the main reasons behind India's rising stature globally and that it is now among the most powerful nations. Singh cited India's success in the economic sphere as one of the reasons for the country's growing global profile. But at the same time noted that if the armed forces hadn't guarded the country's border effectively, then its stature would not have risen. The defence minister's celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers at the strategically important location close to the LAC comes at a time when India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years. Singh has been performing "Shastra Puja" during Dussehra for the last several years, including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government. Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors following the eastern Ladakh standoff. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: Seven men were killed when an SUV collided head-on with a government bus near Chengam town in the Tiruvannamalai district on Monday. Police said all of them were workers of a factory near Hosur and were returning after a visit to Puducherry on the Ayudha Puja day.

Five of the deceased are guest workers from Assam and two others are from Tamil Nadu.

Only on October 15, seven were killed near Chengam town on the same Tindivanam-Krishnagiri national highway when a car collided with a lorry.

"We have filed an FIR against the bus driver, and further investigations are on. To prevent further accidents, we are planning to install warning boards and place barricades on this stretch," Deputy Inspector General M S Muthusamy told TNIE.

Police said the TNSTC bus was en route from Bengaluru to Tiruvannamalai and the workers were headed to Hosur in a Tata Sumo carrying 11 passengers. Around 9.30 PM, when the vehicles were on a narrow stretch with a median they collided leading to the gory accident. Police suspect the drivers might have dozed.

While seven on the SUV died on the spot, four others were hospitalised. The passengers of the TNSTC bus and the crew, as well, were however not injured.

The seven deceased men identified by the police are: Bhimaltheerki (26), Niklas (22), Talu (26), Gunjsarayi (24), Narayanan Chetty (35), Kamaraj (29), and Narayan Chetty (35). The four under treatment at Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College and Hospital are: Pikesmurmu (29), Stephen Oro (43), Sadon Orang (25), and Gizmoth (32).

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TIRUVANNAMALAI: Seven men were killed when an SUV collided head-on with a government bus near Chengam town in the Tiruvannamalai district on Monday. Police said all of them were workers of a factory near Hosur and were returning after a visit to Puducherry on the Ayudha Puja day. Five of the deceased are guest workers from Assam and two others are from Tamil Nadu. Only on October 15, seven were killed near Chengam town on the same Tindivanam-Krishnagiri national highway when a car collided with a lorry.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We have filed an FIR against the bus driver, and further investigations are on. To prevent further accidents, we are planning to install warning boards and place barricades on this stretch," Deputy Inspector General M S Muthusamy told TNIE. Police said the TNSTC bus was en route from Bengaluru to Tiruvannamalai and the workers were headed to Hosur in a Tata Sumo carrying 11 passengers. Around 9.30 PM, when the vehicles were on a narrow stretch with a median they collided leading to the gory accident. Police suspect the drivers might have dozed. While seven on the SUV died on the spot, four others were hospitalised. The passengers of the TNSTC bus and the crew, as well, were however not injured. The seven deceased men identified by the police are: Bhimaltheerki (26), Niklas (22), Talu (26), Gunjsarayi (24), Narayanan Chetty (35), Kamaraj (29), and Narayan Chetty (35). The four under treatment at Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College and Hospital are: Pikesmurmu (29), Stephen Oro (43), Sadon Orang (25), and Gizmoth (32). Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

PITHORAGARH: Several people living along the international border in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts of Uttarakhand have dual citizenship of India and Nepal, and such people are being identified, an official said.

"We have found such cases in Pithoragarh's Jhulaghat and some areas of Champawat district on the Indo-Nepal border. The district administrations concerned have been informed about this," D N Bhombe, Deputy Inspector General, Almora region of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), said.

The SSB officer said that the personnel deployed in all the 54 border outposts of the force in Uttarakhand are trying to identify such people living in the Indian territory, who have dual citizenship of India and Nepal. He said the SSB is also taking the help of the district administrations concerned in this regard.

Pithoragarh Deputy District Magistrate Anil Kumar Shukla said there are two types of Nepalese living in India. He said the first category is of those women who got married and came to India, but neither gave up their Nepalese citizenship nor acquired Indian citizenship.

Shukla said the second category is of those people whose entire family came from Nepal and settled in India without taking Indian citizenship.

"We have found many cases in which they fraudulently obtained Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards in India. We immediately cancelled their fake documents," he added.

The deputy inspector general of the SSB said that apart from the smuggling of wild animals' body parts and drugs, we are also giving priority to preventing human trafficking, and we have formed special teams for this. He said the SSB personnel keep close contact with the villagers living in the border areas in order to gain information about the arrival of any outsider there.

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PITHORAGARH: Several people living along the international border in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts of Uttarakhand have dual citizenship of India and Nepal, and such people are being identified, an official said. "We have found such cases in Pithoragarh's Jhulaghat and some areas of Champawat district on the Indo-Nepal border. The district administrations concerned have been informed about this," D N Bhombe, Deputy Inspector General, Almora region of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), said. The SSB officer said that the personnel deployed in all the 54 border outposts of the force in Uttarakhand are trying to identify such people living in the Indian territory, who have dual citizenship of India and Nepal. He said the SSB is also taking the help of the district administrations concerned in this regard.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Pithoragarh Deputy District Magistrate Anil Kumar Shukla said there are two types of Nepalese living in India. He said the first category is of those women who got married and came to India, but neither gave up their Nepalese citizenship nor acquired Indian citizenship. Shukla said the second category is of those people whose entire family came from Nepal and settled in India without taking Indian citizenship. "We have found many cases in which they fraudulently obtained Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards in India. We immediately cancelled their fake documents," he added. The deputy inspector general of the SSB said that apart from the smuggling of wild animals' body parts and drugs, we are also giving priority to preventing human trafficking, and we have formed special teams for this. He said the SSB personnel keep close contact with the villagers living in the border areas in order to gain information about the arrival of any outsider there. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

GENEVA: The United Nations on Tuesday called for improved coordination among humanitarian groups in making sure the small amount of aid now moving into the Gaza Strip contained only the most needed items.

UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said that some of the food delivered into Gaza so far, such as rice and lentils, had been impractical given the dwindling availability of fresh water and fuel.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has responded with heavy air and artillery strikes that have killed 5,791 in Gaza, according to the enclave's Hamas-ruled health ministry, and plunged the Palestinian territory into a dire humanitarian crisis.

Israel has also cut off water, food, fuel and energy supplies to Gaza, and only a trickle of aid has been allowed in from Egypt in recent days under a US-brokered deal.

"An additional challenge in a very limited flow of supplies is that we are not really receiving the most needed supplies for Gaza, or the most relevant," UNRWA spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai said.

"In one of the shipments over the last couple of days, we received boxes of rice and lentils," she told journalists at the UN in Geneva, via video link from the Jordanian capital Amman, where UNRWA has its headquarters.

"But for people to cook lentils and rice, they need water and gas. And therefore these kinds of supplies -- while very generous and well-intended -- are not very usable right now," she said.

ALSO READ | France's Macron calls for international coalition against Hamas

Alrifai added that before October 7, around 500 trucks a day were entering Gaza from Israel and Egypt, with a mixture of commercial goods, food, aid and fuel.

But only a few dozen trucks carrying food, medicine and water have entered Gaza via Egypt since a US-brokered deal entered into operation on Saturday.

"We will need to get better as a consortium of humanitarians in sending very explicit lists of what is most needed," Alrifai said.

She noted that items such as mattresses and blankets would be needed as winter approaches.

ALSO READ | Six UN refugee agency workers killed in Gaza in 24 hours

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GENEVA: The United Nations on Tuesday called for improved coordination among humanitarian groups in making sure the small amount of aid now moving into the Gaza Strip contained only the most needed items. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said that some of the food delivered into Gaza so far, such as rice and lentils, had been impractical given the dwindling availability of fresh water and fuel. Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Israel has responded with heavy air and artillery strikes that have killed 5,791 in Gaza, according to the enclave's Hamas-ruled health ministry, and plunged the Palestinian territory into a dire humanitarian crisis. Israel has also cut off water, food, fuel and energy supplies to Gaza, and only a trickle of aid has been allowed in from Egypt in recent days under a US-brokered deal. "An additional challenge in a very limited flow of supplies is that we are not really receiving the most needed supplies for Gaza, or the most relevant," UNRWA spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai said. "In one of the shipments over the last couple of days, we received boxes of rice and lentils," she told journalists at the UN in Geneva, via video link from the Jordanian capital Amman, where UNRWA has its headquarters. "But for people to cook lentils and rice, they need water and gas. And therefore these kinds of supplies -- while very generous and well-intended -- are not very usable right now," she said. ALSO READ | France's Macron calls for international coalition against Hamas Alrifai added that before October 7, around 500 trucks a day were entering Gaza from Israel and Egypt, with a mixture of commercial goods, food, aid and fuel. But only a few dozen trucks carrying food, medicine and water have entered Gaza via Egypt since a US-brokered deal entered into operation on Saturday. "We will need to get better as a consortium of humanitarians in sending very explicit lists of what is most needed," Alrifai said. She noted that items such as mattresses and blankets would be needed as winter approaches. ALSO READ | Six UN refugee agency workers killed in Gaza in 24 hours Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

Less than 24 hours after resigning from his post as private secretary to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, IAS officer V K Pandian, was on Tuesday appointed as Chairman 5T (Transformation and Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister. Pandian shall work directly under the Chief Minister, the General Administration and Public Grievance Department said.

Though the appointment does not have any direct bearing, there is speculation over Pandian's direct entry into politics in the near future.

In a move that came as no surprise, VK Pandian had taken voluntary retirement from government service on Monday. The Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, had approved his request for a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), waiving the notice period as recommended by the state government.

Pandian, who also served as 5T Secretary to the State Government, had taken centre stage in the Naveen Patnaik government with not only the bureaucracy but also the entire Biju Janata Dal (BJD) looking up to him as the representative of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

While till 2019 elections, Pandian chose to stay behind the curtains, the massive mandate spurred him to step out of the shadows and become the face and voice of Naveen Patnaik. He has ever since been hailed as Naveens political strategist with full control of the government and BJD politics. Naveen too made no bones about conveying the message that Pandian was his blue-eyed boy.

After Patnaik became the chief minister for the fifth time in 2019, Pandian was given the additional responsibility of implementing some transformational initiatives in government departments. His sharp political acumen was reflected in the creation of the 5T Initiatives Department which subsumed all wings of the government making them reportable to him. With Naveen reposing his complete trust in Pandian, the IAS officer gave shape to grand projects and programmes of the government aligning with BJDs political goals.

Since 2019, all the mega projects such as Sri Jagannath Heritage Corridor, temple redevelopments across the state, school and college transformation programmes, health sector initiatives, rural and urban transformation etc have been his brainchild and conducted under his direct supervision.

The 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre began his bureaucratic career as the sub-collector of Dharmagarh in Kalahandi district in 2002.

He was appointed the collector of Mayurbhanj district in 2005, and then in 2007, he was made the collector of Ganjam. It was during his posting in Ganjam that he became close to the chief minister. Patnaik is originally from the Ganjam district.

Pandian joined the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in 2011, and since then, he has been Patnaik's private secretary.

The opposition BJP and Congress had asked him to resign and "officially join the BJD" after he went on a whirlwind tour across the state during which he held 190 meetings to hear public grievances.

As the state BJP came all guns blazing, criticizing his authority as an IAS officer to conduct programmes with blatant political overtones, his tours were also questioned by senior BJD leader and MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik. The controversy was set to rest with Naveen clarifying that the IAS officer was his representative, sent by him to listen to people and solve their issues at their doorsteps.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Less than 24 hours after resigning from his post as private secretary to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, IAS officer V K Pandian, was on Tuesday appointed as Chairman 5T (Transformation and Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister. Pandian shall work directly under the Chief Minister, the General Administration and Public Grievance Department said. Though the appointment does not have any direct bearing, there is speculation over Pandian's direct entry into politics in the near future. In a move that came as no surprise, VK Pandian had taken voluntary retirement from government service on Monday. The Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, had approved his request for a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), waiving the notice period as recommended by the state government.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Pandian, who also served as 5T Secretary to the State Government, had taken centre stage in the Naveen Patnaik government with not only the bureaucracy but also the entire Biju Janata Dal (BJD) looking up to him as the representative of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. While till 2019 elections, Pandian chose to stay behind the curtains, the massive mandate spurred him to step out of the shadows and become the face and voice of Naveen Patnaik. He has ever since been hailed as Naveens political strategist with full control of the government and BJD politics. Naveen too made no bones about conveying the message that Pandian was his blue-eyed boy. After Patnaik became the chief minister for the fifth time in 2019, Pandian was given the additional responsibility of implementing some transformational initiatives in government departments. His sharp political acumen was reflected in the creation of the 5T Initiatives Department which subsumed all wings of the government making them reportable to him. With Naveen reposing his complete trust in Pandian, the IAS officer gave shape to grand projects and programmes of the government aligning with BJDs political goals. Since 2019, all the mega projects such as Sri Jagannath Heritage Corridor, temple redevelopments across the state, school and college transformation programmes, health sector initiatives, rural and urban transformation etc have been his brainchild and conducted under his direct supervision. The 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre began his bureaucratic career as the sub-collector of Dharmagarh in Kalahandi district in 2002. He was appointed the collector of Mayurbhanj district in 2005, and then in 2007, he was made the collector of Ganjam. It was during his posting in Ganjam that he became close to the chief minister. Patnaik is originally from the Ganjam district. Pandian joined the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in 2011, and since then, he has been Patnaik's private secretary. The opposition BJP and Congress had asked him to resign and "officially join the BJD" after he went on a whirlwind tour across the state during which he held 190 meetings to hear public grievances. As the state BJP came all guns blazing, criticizing his authority as an IAS officer to conduct programmes with blatant political overtones, his tours were also questioned by senior BJD leader and MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik. The controversy was set to rest with Naveen clarifying that the IAS officer was his representative, sent by him to listen to people and solve their issues at their doorsteps. (With inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Bijay Chaki By

Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: A day after taking voluntary retirement, former IAS officer and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's private secretary VK Pandian was on Tuesday appointed as chairman 5T (transformational initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of cabinet minister.

Pandian will directly work under the chief minister, a notification issued by the general administration and public grievance department said.

However, speculation is rife in political circles here about the political role to be played by Pandian. While Opposition BJP and Congress maintained that the new appointment of Pandian is political with more power over the government and BJD, the ruling party said that it will further accelerate the pace of development in the State.

The move, though, seems to have disarmed the Opposition political parties as both the BJP and Congress are of the opinion that now Pandian can enter politics. His whirlwind district tours had evoked strong political reactions with the two parties demanding that he resign from the IAS and join politics.

State BJP president Manmohan Samal told media persons that there is no objection to Pandian now entering politics. "There is nothing wrong for a retired IAS officer to enter politics and there are many such persons in BJP also," he said and added that the BJP had opposed the system, not the person Now he can enter politics, he added.

Leader of the Congress Legislature Party Narasingh Mishra said the appointment of Pandian as chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha is not illegal and unconstitutional. But the decision should have been taken by the cabinet, he said and added that the chief minister can always take any decision.

However, OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak alleged that the haste in which Pandians voluntary retirement proposal was accepted in three days by the Centre has again exposed the tacit understanding between BJD and BJP.

Former finance minister and senior BJD leader Shashi Bhusan Behera welcomed the new appointment of Pandian and said it will further accelerate the development of the state.

On Monday, in a move that came as no surprise, Pandian had taken voluntary retirement from government service.

The Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, had approved his request for a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), waiving the notice period as recommended by the state

government. The request for VRS and approval for the same by the Centre happened in three days.

Pandian, who also served as 5T Secretary to the State Government, had taken centre stage in the Naveen Patnaik government with not only the bureaucracy but also the entire BJD looking up to him as the representative of the chief minister.

After BJD returned to power and Naveen Patnaik became the chief minister for the fifth time in 2019, Pandian was given the additional responsibility of implementing major transformational initiatives in government departments. He was appointed as the 5T Initiatives secretary in 2019.

After he took over the as the 5T secretary, all the mega projects such as Sri Jagannath Heritage Corridor, temple redevelopments across the state, school and college transformation programmes, health sector initiatives, rural and urban transformation etc have been his brainchild and conducted under his direct supervision.

The 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre began his bureaucratic career as the sub-collector of Dharmagarh in Kalahandi district in 2002. He was appointed the collector of Mayurbhanj district in 2005, and then in 2007, he was made the collector of Ganjam. Pandian joined the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in 2011, and since then, he served as the private secretary to the chief minister till he took VRS.

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BHUBANESWAR: A day after taking voluntary retirement, former IAS officer and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's private secretary VK Pandian was on Tuesday appointed as chairman 5T (transformational initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of cabinet minister. Pandian will directly work under the chief minister, a notification issued by the general administration and public grievance department said. However, speculation is rife in political circles here about the political role to be played by Pandian. While Opposition BJP and Congress maintained that the new appointment of Pandian is political with more power over the government and BJD, the ruling party said that it will further accelerate the pace of development in the State. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The move, though, seems to have disarmed the Opposition political parties as both the BJP and Congress are of the opinion that now Pandian can enter politics. His whirlwind district tours had evoked strong political reactions with the two parties demanding that he resign from the IAS and join politics. State BJP president Manmohan Samal told media persons that there is no objection to Pandian now entering politics. "There is nothing wrong for a retired IAS officer to enter politics and there are many such persons in BJP also," he said and added that the BJP had opposed the system, not the person Now he can enter politics, he added. Leader of the Congress Legislature Party Narasingh Mishra said the appointment of Pandian as chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha is not illegal and unconstitutional. But the decision should have been taken by the cabinet, he said and added that the chief minister can always take any decision. However, OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak alleged that the haste in which Pandians voluntary retirement proposal was accepted in three days by the Centre has again exposed the tacit understanding between BJD and BJP. Former finance minister and senior BJD leader Shashi Bhusan Behera welcomed the new appointment of Pandian and said it will further accelerate the development of the state. On Monday, in a move that came as no surprise, Pandian had taken voluntary retirement from government service. The Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, had approved his request for a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), waiving the notice period as recommended by the state government. The request for VRS and approval for the same by the Centre happened in three days. Pandian, who also served as 5T Secretary to the State Government, had taken centre stage in the Naveen Patnaik government with not only the bureaucracy but also the entire BJD looking up to him as the representative of the chief minister. After BJD returned to power and Naveen Patnaik became the chief minister for the fifth time in 2019, Pandian was given the additional responsibility of implementing major transformational initiatives in government departments. He was appointed as the 5T Initiatives secretary in 2019. After he took over the as the 5T secretary, all the mega projects such as Sri Jagannath Heritage Corridor, temple redevelopments across the state, school and college transformation programmes, health sector initiatives, rural and urban transformation etc have been his brainchild and conducted under his direct supervision. The 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre began his bureaucratic career as the sub-collector of Dharmagarh in Kalahandi district in 2002. He was appointed the collector of Mayurbhanj district in 2005, and then in 2007, he was made the collector of Ganjam. Pandian joined the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in 2011, and since then, he served as the private secretary to the chief minister till he took VRS. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that all acts of terrorism are "unlawful and unjustifiable", whether they are carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba or Hamas, targeting people in Mumbai or Kibbutz Be'eri.

Blinken made the remarks while addressing the Security Council ministerial meeting on the situation in the Middle East following the October 7 attack on Israel by Gaza-based Hamas militants.

"As this Council and the UN General Assembly have repeatedly affirmed, all acts of terrorism are unlawful and unjustifiable. They're unlawful and unjustifiable, whether they target people in Nairobi or Bali or Istanbul or Mumbai, in New York or Kibbutz Be'eri," Blinken told the UN Security Council here.

"They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether they're carried out by ISIS, by Boko Haram, by Al Shabaab, by Lashkar-e-Taiba or by Hamas. They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether victims are targeted for their faith, their ethnicity, their nationality or any other reason," Blinken said.

He stressed that the Security Council has a responsibility to denounce member states that arm, fund and train Palestinian militant group Hamas or "any other terrorist group that carries out such horrific acts."

Blinken's remarks appeared to refer to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people in India's financial hub.

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UNITED NATIONS: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that all acts of terrorism are "unlawful and unjustifiable", whether they are carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba or Hamas, targeting people in Mumbai or Kibbutz Be'eri. Blinken made the remarks while addressing the Security Council ministerial meeting on the situation in the Middle East following the October 7 attack on Israel by Gaza-based Hamas militants. "As this Council and the UN General Assembly have repeatedly affirmed, all acts of terrorism are unlawful and unjustifiable. They're unlawful and unjustifiable, whether they target people in Nairobi or Bali or Istanbul or Mumbai, in New York or Kibbutz Be'eri," Blinken told the UN Security Council here.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether they're carried out by ISIS, by Boko Haram, by Al Shabaab, by Lashkar-e-Taiba or by Hamas. They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether victims are targeted for their faith, their ethnicity, their nationality or any other reason," Blinken said. He stressed that the Security Council has a responsibility to denounce member states that arm, fund and train Palestinian militant group Hamas or "any other terrorist group that carries out such horrific acts." Blinken's remarks appeared to refer to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people in India's financial hub. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Dayry Alexandra Cuauro and her daughter, Sarah, at their home in Venezuela, a two-room shack with no running water, Oct. 7, 2023. (Federico Rios/The New York Times)

They live in a rusty shack with no running water, hiding from the violence just outside their door, haunted by a question that wont go away: Should they have listened to President Joe Biden?

A year ago, Dayry Alexandra Cuauro and her 6-year-old daughter, Sarah, fled a crumbling Venezuela, setting off for the United States, carrying almost nothing. But they quickly lost each other, separated in a treacherous jungle known as the Darien Gap.

For three terrifying days, Cuauro heaved herself over muddy hills and plowed through rivers that rose to her chest, panicked that her child had drowned, been kidnapped or fallen to her death.

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After they finally found each other, reunited in a squall of kisses and tears, Cuauro took the Biden administrations message to heart: The journey north is incredibly dangerous. Dont risk it. Stop, and apply to come to the United States the legal way.

Many of the migrants traveling alongside the Cuauros  like hundreds of thousands of others  simply ignored the presidents warning, dismissing it as a ploy to keep them at bay. They kept marching, crossed the border and quickly started building new lives in the United States, with jobs that pay in dollars and children in American schools.

Cuauro listened and dropped off the migrant trail. But nearly a year later, all she has gotten is an auto-reply: Her applications to enter the United States legally have been submitted. She refreshes the website constantly, obsessively, and every day it says the same thing: Case received. Only the numbers shift: 57 days. 197 days. 341 days.

Online, she is bombarded by jubilant posts from Venezuelans who have made it to the United States  pictures of them in Times Square in New York City, wearing new clothes, eating big meals, going to school. Even the friend who guided her daughter safely through the jungle kept going and made it to Pennsylvania, where he now makes $140 a day as a mechanic.

Story continues

Cuauros own life is mostly confined to the two rooms of her shack. Crime and violence are such constants that she rarely ventures out. Some days, there is no food in the house, and even when there is, her anxious daughter Sarah, 7, often refuses to eat.

I have cried, I have become desperate, said Cuauro, 37, asking that her current location not be published for fear of being attacked. We have followed the order to stay and wait.

Cuauro and more than 1 million people are caught in a central contradiction of Bidens response to the record number of migrants crossing the southern border during his presidency.

Eager to thwart a political crisis, the Biden administration is both urging and threatening people not to make the trek, pleading with Venezuelans like Cuauro to stay where they are and apply for a legal path to the United States announced last year.

The government has invited people from three other troubled nations in the region  Haiti, Cuba and Nicaragua  to apply as well, giving them a chance to seek refuge in the country for up to two years in a safe and lawful way.

But only a fraction of the applicants have been accepted, while countless others  as many as 1.5 million or more, by several estimates  are waiting for an answer outside the United States in a kind of migration purgatory, trying to weather the upheaval, violence and hardship that makes them so anxious to flee.

Then, last month, Biden ripped up his own script, abruptly telling hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who had ignored his pleas and come to the United States anyway that they could remain in the country for at least 18 months, and even get a job.

Biden did so after Democratic leaders warned that big cities like New York would sink under the weight of tens of thousands of migrants who could not work and support themselves.

But for the legions of people who had followed the presidents instructions to stay away and take the legal route instead, like Cuauro, it was a slap in the face.

Had she disregarded him, kept plodding north and made it across the U.S. border, she may well have been one of the nearly 500,000 Venezuelans granted special protection by the president.

Now, her chances of getting to the United States may disappear entirely.

A judge in Texas is expected to rule on the legal pathway she applied for, and many of its defenders are bracing for it to be shut down. Sneaking across the border is not an option, either, because Bidens reprieve does not apply to newcomers. To the contrary, they can now be deported back to Venezuela.

The mixed messages show the obvious strains of Bidens efforts to appease his own party members without fueling Republican claims that he is throwing open the doors of the nation to migrants and rewarding border crossers for breaking the law.

Stuck in the middle are people like the Cuauros.

In their shack, Sarah often asks when they are leaving for the United States.

Lets go, Mommy! she says.

My God, Cuauro says to herself, wondering how to explain why they may never be able to. What did I do wrong?

Lost in the Jungle

I met Sarah on a steep, mud-slick mountain known as the Hill of Death.

She didnt know yet that she was lost.

It was early October of last year, her fifth day in the Darien Gap. She and her mother had just spent the night under a cluster of tarps deep in the jungle.

Hundreds of people, exhausted and dirty, some gaunt from a lack of food, had slept with them in a muddy expanse by the Caribbean Sea. It looked like they were fleeing a war.

Most were Venezuelan, escaping nearly a decade of economic crisis presided over by an authoritarian leader, but made worse by U.S. sanctions. Others, reflecting a growing global desperation, came from Haiti, Ecuador, China or Afghanistan.

The Darien Gap, a forested land bridge connecting Colombia and Panama, was the only way for them to get from South to North America on foot. Once barely penetrable, it has quickly become one of the planets busiest migrant thoroughfares, a roadless route of last resort for hundreds of thousands of people like Cuauro and her daughter.

Sarah, Cuauros only child, had never known a prosperous Venezuela, when oil wealth, not scarcity and hunger, defined the nation. She was born in 2016, in the throes of the countrys crisis. Food and diapers often disappeared from shelves. Lines for gasoline lasted days. The public health and education systems were falling apart. All around her, people were dying of curable problems.

Cuauro, a lawyer, had worked in the maritime industry. But as gasoline dwindled, so did her income. Friends were making it to the United States through the Darien jungle. The choice seemed clear  she and Sarah needed to go, too.

No risk, Cuauro had told herself, no reward.

But by the time I met Sarah, Cuauro was nowhere to be found.

The little girl was slowly trudging up the Hill of Death, caked in mud, gripping the hand of Angel Garcia. He was not her father, he explained, but a friend of Sarahs mother, who had asked him to help the girl across the rugged terrain. He lifted her gingerly over logs, steered her past crevices and gave her pep talks to keep her spirits high.

Were almost there, he told her near the top of the hill.

All the while, they assumed Sarahs mother was not far behind.

Cuauro had been lucky enough to buy boots for the journey  tall, made of rubber, with thick, grippy soles. But blisters tore her feet anyway, and she had made the rookie mistake of cutting the skin off the wounds, exposing raw flesh.

By that October morning, every step had become excruciating, prompting her to ask Garcia, a fellow Venezuelan she had met on the journey, to help with Sarah. As he took the little girls hand, Garcia, 42, thought of his own 6-year-old, a bespectacled boy named Andres, whom he had left behind.

What happened next changed their lives.

Cuauro moved slowly, unbalanced, her blistered feet slipping on a rocky river bed. Sarah, with Garcias steady hand, traveled swiftly, often disappearing from view.

By late afternoon, when I came across Sarah near the top of the hill, Cuauro was still at the bottom, surrounded by the slowest climbers, including people with injuries like hers, or worse.

She had expected Garcia to wait with Sarah at the foot of the hill. But when she got there, it was as if my soul had left my body, she said.

Sarah was gone.

The Lure of Success Stories

U.S. officials privately acknowledge that their core message to migrants  Dont risk the journey north. Take the legal path instead  is not getting through to the extent they need it to.

A big reason, they say, is the onslaught of viral images showcasing the fruits of the jungle pass.

An entire subsection of the web is now dedicated to the Darien trek, which has achieved a kind of celebrity status on TikTok and Facebook. Some of the messages come from smugglers advertising their services, often wildly exaggerating the routes ease. Many other images are posted by migrants themselves. And while some show the horrors of the forest, including dead bodies, the warnings are no match for the success stories.

One diptych posted on Facebook in March shows a muddy man in the jungle, bowing to kiss the stomach of a muddy-but-smiling pregnant woman. Then, in the second picture, he is in Times Square with the same woman, kissing a newborn she holds to her belly.

If you have a dream, the caption says, go for it.

Of course, many migrants suffer terribly on the journey north and, even if they make it to the United States, may find that their anguish is far from over, leaving them to beg or sell candy on the street to survive.

But the boosterish before and after memes often drown this out. Some posts show a family in the jungle, followed by a childs cap-and-gown graduation in the United States. Others feature migrants with new cars and clothes. My first day of work in the USA is another common theme, typically accompanied by a picture of a fan of cash.

Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, says its hard to get migrants to take the risks seriously enough because the victims of the journey dont communicate as profusely on social media. After all, he says, some of them didnt survive the journey through the Darien and are never heard from again.

The legal path Cuauro applied for, called humanitarian parole, allows people from Venezuela and the three other nations with sponsors in the United States to leapfrog the dangers of the trek by flying to America. The government says about 250,000 people have entered this way in the last year alone.

Mayorkas says its part of a broader push by the Biden administration to expand legal ways of entering the country, calling it the best model for managing the nations broken immigration system.

But this legal route has a cap  30,000 people a month  and while supporters call it the most ambitious effort to open the gates in years, it does not come close to meeting the demand.

The tide of Venezuelans at the southern American border keeps rising, hitting a new high in September. The once impenetrable Darien Gap now has thousands of people slogging through it at any given time. By years end, half a million people are expected to make the trek through the jungle, double last years almost unfathomable record.

For the frantic millions trying to leave their homes, the legal door is simply not wide enough.

The wait is worth it, Mayorkas says to migrants. The wait is safer than the smuggler.

He says the administrations policies are consistent and coherent. But the long odds make it hard to convince people that the legal route will actually work for them, said David Bier, an immigration expert at the Cato Institute.

As for the migrants who trek to the border instead of waiting, he said, I think its totally rational what theyre doing.

A Glimmer of Hope

Sarah! Sarah! Cuauro yelled, searching for her daughter in the dark.

By the time Cuauro had reached the top of the Hill of Death, it was pitch black, the stars obscured by the rain.

Sarah was hours ahead of her, having already made her way down the other side of the mountain with Garcia, who rushed to find her a place to sleep. That night, Sarah trembled in the rain as he and two friends pitched a tent. She slept sandwiched between them.

In the morning, the friends doted on her, asking other migrants if they had seen her mother. People passed word up and down the chain of marchers, referring to her with a nickname: the lost girl.

Garcia decided that the sooner he got Sarah out of the jungle, the safer she would be. They lumbered forward with a long trail of migrants in a delirious shuffle, barely eating or sleeping. By then, the guides people had paid to lead them through the forest had disappeared. No one knew how many more days of hiking remained, what the end of the route looked like, or what to do once they found it.

On the eighth day in the jungle, Sarah and her companions arrived bleary-eyed at an Indigenous community near the end of the forest, where Panamanian authorities had set up a checkpoint.

Hearing of the lost girl, officials took Sarah to a back room in an improvised office. She sat in white plastic chair, mostly silent.

Hours later, her mother came limping in, crying, kissing and hugging her child.

Forgive me, Cuauro cried. I didnt abandon you, she insisted. I came to find you.

Sarah stared ahead blankly, her emotions left on the mountain.

A few days later, another shock: The whole reason Cuauro had put herself and her daughter through such an ordeal evaporated in an instant.

For months, the Biden administration had been allowing thousands of Venezuelans who showed up at the southern border to cross into the United States. It was more default than hardened policy. The United States had few relations with Venezuelas autocratic government, making it harder to send people back there.

The opening had inspired Cuauro and countless others to risk the journey. But right after she and Sarah emerged from the jungle, the Biden administration announced a switch. Venezuelans at the American border could now be turned around and sent to Mexico.

Crushed and overcome by guilt after what her daughter had endured, Cuauro considered returning to Venezuela. But how? Back through the jungle that had nearly torn them apart? She thought of scrounging money for a plane ticket home. And then, what? A life of perpetual deprivation?

First, she needed a safe place to regroup. The two took a bus to Costa Rica, then another to Nicaragua, then trekked through another forest, then took a boat, then more forest, then rode a motorbike. At one point, in a rainstorm near the border with Honduras, Cuauro stumbled forward blindly and thought for a terrifying moment that she had lost Sarah again.

Her heart pounded, as if she was suddenly back in the Darien.

Im lost, Im lost! Cuauro screamed after briefly losing contact with the group.

One of the other migrants responded, Girl! Dont yell! Be quiet. Cuauro followed the voice back to the group, rattled but relieved.

Within days, Cuauros sister, who had made it to the United States a few months earlier, raised a new hope: the Biden administrations legal pathway for Venezuelans.

Getting in would not be easy. The rules required a sponsor willing to take financial responsibility for Cuauro and her daughter for two years. So, her sister paid $1,000 to a person who claimed to be a lawyer and promised to help. The family waited. The person vanished.

When The New York Times published a front-page story about the Cuauros harrowing trek through the jungle, readers took matters into their own hands. The CEO of an insurance claim management company in Georgia and an account manager at a wine company in New York quickly submitted applications to sponsor Cuauro. A Microsoft executive in Colorado and a lawyer in Minnesota exchanged late night texts to help out as well.

Im a mom of three kids, the lawyer said of Cuauros decision to make the trip. I would make the exact same choice.

The Microsoft executive decided to open her home to the Cuauros once they arrived, and the women went about lining up work, school enrollment and trauma counseling.

A room in the executives Colorado home was prepared for them, nearly every inch of it covered in donated clothes, shoes, boots, jackets, school supplies, books in English and Spanish  an outpouring of support from families the women had contacted. A former executive in North Carolina reached out, and together these five strangers formed an unofficial Cuauro committee.

Cuauro was barely able to comprehend the response. She waited in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, living in a single room with a bed, television and fan. Gang violence had prompted the Honduran president to issue a state of emergency, and mother and daughter rarely went out.

As the months dragged on, the Cuauro committee began to contact immigrant aid groups and members of Congress, seeking information about the status of the Cuauros applications. Was there something wrong with the paperwork? Did they need to provide more information? No one could get an answer.

In July, the office of Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., printed out a giant photograph of Sarah covered in mud in the jungle, and he held it up during a hearing to show the sacrifices migrants were making to build new lives.

Sarah had become a literal poster child for the Darien. She and her mother had done what Biden had asked of them. They had a first-class support team of eager American sponsors. Yet no one could figure out how to get their cases through the U.S. immigration system.

Im Unstoppable

Inside the shack, Sarah sleeps with an international collection of stuffed animals, plush toys shes been given in the many countries shes trekked through in her short life.

Over the last year, Sarah has grown taller, but is as skinny as ever. In the afternoons, the two venture outside so that Sarah can go to school. She is still in first grade, not third, like she should be, having lost so much of her education already.

In the evenings, mother and daughter practice English on Duolingo  Sarah has learned numbers, colors and days of the week  or talk about the United States. Sarah has heard that she will be able to pick strawberries there, though she wants to study math and join a chess club. Her latest obsession is learning the lyrics to the pop song Unstoppable.

I put my armor on, show you how strong I am, Sarah sings. Im unstoppable!

Cuauro agrees with Biden that the trek north is far more dangerous than anyone should have to risk. In the days after their Darien ordeal, she bolted awake at night, having dreamed of falling off a steep muddy hill.

That doesnt happen any more. But anxiety about the present and future is so persistent that she has begun losing her hair. She tries to hide it from Sarah, she said, because I dont want her to feel that she is a burden to me.

Still, shes very smart and she understands many things.

Recently, a member of the Cuauro committee, the woman in North Carolina, reached out with an urgent request. A Venezuelan man who had contacted her asking for help was about to take the Darien route. The woman asked Cuauro to talk to him  to try to convince him to apply for the legal route instead.

I did it, Cuauro said, but he didnt want to listen, and he left.

The man got to the American border and, within days, crossed into the United States.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Dr Tandi Dorji in Beijing, seeking the establishment of diplomatic ties betweem the two countries.

Dorji is in Beijing to hold the Bhutan-China boundary talks. Wang Yi urged Bhutan to resolve the border issue and conclude the talks to transform relations between both countries.

The conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan fully serve the long-term and fundamental interests of the country and nation of Bhutan, Wang said. He added that China was ready to work with Bhutan to seize the historic opportunity and complete this important process as soon as possible.

Bhutan said it abides by the one-China principle -- meaning Taiwan and Tibet are part of China -- and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary issue and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations.

China and Bhutan do not have diplomatic relations but maintain contact through periodic visits by officials.

India and Bhutan are the only two neighbours with which China is yet to sign border agreements. Beijing has resolved its border disputes with 12 other neighbours.

China in recent years has stepped up efforts to establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with Bhutan and expedite negotiations to reach a settlement for the vexed border dispute which was complicated by Beijings attempts to claim Doklam despite Thimphus assertions that the area belonged to it.

ALSO READ | China announces removal of defence minister missing from public view for almost two months

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NEW DELHI: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Dr Tandi Dorji in Beijing, seeking the establishment of diplomatic ties betweem the two countries. Dorji is in Beijing to hold the Bhutan-China boundary talks. Wang Yi urged Bhutan to resolve the border issue and conclude the talks to transform relations between both countries. The conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan fully serve the long-term and fundamental interests of the country and nation of Bhutan, Wang said. He added that China was ready to work with Bhutan to seize the historic opportunity and complete this important process as soon as possible.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Bhutan said it abides by the one-China principle -- meaning Taiwan and Tibet are part of China -- and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary issue and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations. China and Bhutan do not have diplomatic relations but maintain contact through periodic visits by officials. India and Bhutan are the only two neighbours with which China is yet to sign border agreements. Beijing has resolved its border disputes with 12 other neighbours. China in recent years has stepped up efforts to establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with Bhutan and expedite negotiations to reach a settlement for the vexed border dispute which was complicated by Beijings attempts to claim Doklam despite Thimphus assertions that the area belonged to it. ALSO READ | China announces removal of defence minister missing from public view for almost two months Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

After being released by Hamas, the 85-year-old hostage, Yocheved Lifschitz has said that she had "been through hell."

In spite of that, footage has emerged of the 85-year-old hostage shaking hands with one of her Hamas captors and saying shalom, a Hebrew greeting meaning peace, after being released back to her family.

Yocheved Lifschitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were released by Hamas on Monday night.

Lifschitz, according to the BBC, said she had "been through hell" and suffered bruises while being kidnapped from her kibbutz in Israel on a motorbike. Lifschitz's daughter Sharone - who arrived in Tel Aviv from London - said Lifschitz and her fellow captives were hit with sticks.

Sharone also said her mother had witnessed a "huge network" of underground tunnels run by Hamas, which she likened to a "spider's web."

Lifschitz was taken into the tunnels, which she described as having "soft, wet ground". She said that after two or three hours they separated five people from Kibbutz Nir Oz into a separate room. She added that there were guards, a paramedic and a doctor.

Yocheved Lifschitz said there was a guard for each of the five people being held hostage in her group.

Her captors "took care of every detail", she says - including women who knew about "feminine hygiene"

Lifschitz said they slept on mattresses on the floor in the tunnels under Gaza, with a doctor coming to visit every two to three days.

A captive who was badly injured in a motorbike accident on the way to Gaza was treated for his injuries.

Lifschitz adds that a paramedic came to see them to bring the medicines they needed.

The BBC report quoted Sharone as saying that after arriving into Gaza, her mother's captors said they "believe in the Quran" and therefore would not hurt her. Lifschitz herself went on to describe clean conditions and guards who took care of "every detail". They were fed white cheese and cucumber - the same food as the captors. Referring to the other hostages taken by Hamas, Sharone said her mother felt "the story's not over until everybody comes back"

Journalist-husband works for the rights of Palestinians

Meanwhile, Oded Lifschitz - Yocheved's husband - is a journalist who for decades has worked for peace and the rights of Palestinians, his daughter told us earlier, BBC said.

Oded speaks Arabic and used to work for newspaper Al-Hamishmar, published in Israel and Palestinian territories.

More recently, he volunteered for a group that transports sick Palestinians from Gaza for treatment in Israeli hospitals.

According to the National Union of Journalists, in 1972 he defended the rights of Bedouin people who were expelled from their homes in the Rafah area, south of Gaza.

In 1982 he was among the first journalists to report on the massacre in Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut.

He and his wife co-founded their Kibbutz Nir Oz, and after leaving his job at the newspaper, Oded wrote for the local press and published opinion articles in Haaretz newspaper.

Peace Activists

On Monday night, according to the Associated Press, Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, Lifshitz daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv released photos Tuesday of Lifshitz sitting in an armchair, being wheeled in a wheelchair down a hall, soldiers in tow, and kissing unidentified people.

The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack. The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

ALSO READ | 'Enough is enough': Qatar emir takes aim at Israel's backers

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

(With inputs from Associated Press)

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After being released by Hamas, the 85-year-old hostage, Yocheved Lifschitz has said that she had "been through hell." In spite of that, footage has emerged of the 85-year-old hostage shaking hands with one of her Hamas captors and saying shalom, a Hebrew greeting meaning peace, after being released back to her family. Yocheved Lifschitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were released by Hamas on Monday night.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Lifschitz, according to the BBC, said she had "been through hell" and suffered bruises while being kidnapped from her kibbutz in Israel on a motorbike. Lifschitz's daughter Sharone - who arrived in Tel Aviv from London - said Lifschitz and her fellow captives were hit with sticks. Sharone also said her mother had witnessed a "huge network" of underground tunnels run by Hamas, which she likened to a "spider's web." Lifschitz was taken into the tunnels, which she described as having "soft, wet ground". She said that after two or three hours they separated five people from Kibbutz Nir Oz into a separate room. She added that there were guards, a paramedic and a doctor. Yocheved Lifschitz said there was a guard for each of the five people being held hostage in her group. Her captors "took care of every detail", she says - including women who knew about "feminine hygiene" Lifschitz said they slept on mattresses on the floor in the tunnels under Gaza, with a doctor coming to visit every two to three days. A captive who was badly injured in a motorbike accident on the way to Gaza was treated for his injuries. Lifschitz adds that a paramedic came to see them to bring the medicines they needed. The BBC report quoted Sharone as saying that after arriving into Gaza, her mother's captors said they "believe in the Quran" and therefore would not hurt her. Lifschitz herself went on to describe clean conditions and guards who took care of "every detail". They were fed white cheese and cucumber - the same food as the captors. Referring to the other hostages taken by Hamas, Sharone said her mother felt "the story's not over until everybody comes back" Journalist-husband works for the rights of Palestinians Meanwhile, Oded Lifschitz - Yocheved's husband - is a journalist who for decades has worked for peace and the rights of Palestinians, his daughter told us earlier, BBC said. Oded speaks Arabic and used to work for newspaper Al-Hamishmar, published in Israel and Palestinian territories. More recently, he volunteered for a group that transports sick Palestinians from Gaza for treatment in Israeli hospitals. According to the National Union of Journalists, in 1972 he defended the rights of Bedouin people who were expelled from their homes in the Rafah area, south of Gaza. In 1982 he was among the first journalists to report on the massacre in Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut. He and his wife co-founded their Kibbutz Nir Oz, and after leaving his job at the newspaper, Oded wrote for the local press and published opinion articles in Haaretz newspaper. Peace Activists On Monday night, according to the Associated Press, Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released. While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, Lifshitz daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement. Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv released photos Tuesday of Lifshitz sitting in an armchair, being wheeled in a wheelchair down a hall, soldiers in tow, and kissing unidentified people. The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens. Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment. Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them. I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said. Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah. On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand. Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack. The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards. The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress. ALSO READ | 'Enough is enough': Qatar emir takes aim at Israel's backers Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched. The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days. He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action. (With inputs from Associated Press) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

RAFAH: Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground assault. The United States advised Israel to delay the expected invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels sealed border. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the U.N. said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its trucks. Gaza hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza," Lifshitz' daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who uses a different spelling for her name, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles' lives were saved because" of acts of kindness, she said. Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. "Yeah.

Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of a possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched in Gaza.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official.

Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea, but he did not give a time frame.

A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group took power in Gaza in 2007.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said it struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war.

Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armored bulldozers inside Gaza. The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

Intense airstrikes continued Monday across Gaza. After a strike in Gaza City, a woman with blood on her face wept as she clasped the hand of a dead relative. At least three bodies were sprawled on the street, one lying in a gray stream of water. After a series of strikes in the south, Rafahs Abou Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital registered 61 deaths Monday, its spokesperson said, with the bodies laid out in the hospital grounds.

On Monday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The U.N. has said 20 trucks amounts to 4% of an average days imports before the war and that hundreds of trucks a day are needed.

White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its trucks. The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded onto UNRWA vehicles and the Red Crescent trucks to take to hospitals and U.N. schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water.

ALSO READ: Airstrikes batter Gaza as Israel says it 'doesn't plan to control' life after 'destroying' Hamas

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.

No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the U.N. said.

The north didnt receive anything from incoming aid, said Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group based in the northern town of Beit Lahia. Its like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza.

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RAFAH: Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops. The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground assault. The United States advised Israel to delay the expected invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago. A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels sealed border. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the U.N. said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its trucks. Gaza hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released. While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza," Lifshitz' daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement. Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who uses a different spelling for her name, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment. Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them. I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles' lives were saved because" of acts of kindness, she said. Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. "Yeah. Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of a possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched in Gaza. The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days. He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action. The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official. Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea, but he did not give a time frame. A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group took power in Gaza in 2007. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure. More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours. Israel said it struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war. Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armored bulldozers inside Gaza. The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza. Intense airstrikes continued Monday across Gaza. After a strike in Gaza City, a woman with blood on her face wept as she clasped the hand of a dead relative. At least three bodies were sprawled on the street, one lying in a gray stream of water. After a series of strikes in the south, Rafahs Abou Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital registered 61 deaths Monday, its spokesperson said, with the bodies laid out in the hospital grounds. On Monday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size. The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The U.N. has said 20 trucks amounts to 4% of an average days imports before the war and that hundreds of trucks a day are needed. White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its trucks. The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded onto UNRWA vehicles and the Red Crescent trucks to take to hospitals and U.N. schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water. ALSO READ: Airstrikes batter Gaza as Israel says it 'doesn't plan to control' life after 'destroying' Hamas At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday. No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the U.N. said. The north didnt receive anything from incoming aid, said Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group based in the northern town of Beit Lahia. Its like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

RIYADH: The war between Israel and Hamas could deal a "serious" blow to global economic development, the president of the World Bank told an investor conference in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

"What just happened recently in Israel and Gaza -- at the end of the day you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious," Ajay Banga said, adding: "I think we're at a very dangerous juncture."

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities' latest count.

The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners. More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed in retaliatory Israeli bombardments of Gaza, according to its Hamas-run health ministry.

Banga was speaking at the annual Future Investment Initiative, often referred to as "Davos in the Desert".

More than 6,000 delegates are registered for the three-day event that will feature appearances by global banking chiefs and the presidents of South Korea, Kenya and Rwanda, organisers say.

The violence in Israel and Gaza stands in stark contrast to the vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East championed by Saudi Arabia, which this year rebuilt ties with Iran and was in talks towards recognising Israel before the fighting broke out.

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RIYADH: The war between Israel and Hamas could deal a "serious" blow to global economic development, the president of the World Bank told an investor conference in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. "What just happened recently in Israel and Gaza -- at the end of the day you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious," Ajay Banga said, adding: "I think we're at a very dangerous juncture." Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities' latest count. The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners. More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed in retaliatory Israeli bombardments of Gaza, according to its Hamas-run health ministry. Banga was speaking at the annual Future Investment Initiative, often referred to as "Davos in the Desert". More than 6,000 delegates are registered for the three-day event that will feature appearances by global banking chiefs and the presidents of South Korea, Kenya and Rwanda, organisers say. The violence in Israel and Gaza stands in stark contrast to the vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East championed by Saudi Arabia, which this year rebuilt ties with Iran and was in talks towards recognising Israel before the fighting broke out. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

RAFAH: Rapidly expanding Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed more than 700 people in the past day as medical facilities across the territory were forced to close because of bombing damage and a lack of power, health officials said Tuesday.

The soaring death toll from Israel's escalating bombardment was unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It could signal an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli ground forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected offensive into the territory aimed at crushing Hamas.

Gaza's 2.3 million people have been under increasing bombardment and running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on towns in southern Israel.

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On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centres and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes.

Witnesses and health officials said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

An overnight strike hit a four-story residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors. The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike.

He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate. "They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently, there is no safe place in Gaza," he said.

ALSO READ | Is Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system ironclad? What happens if Hezbollah enters war?

Another airstrike hit a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing several shoppers and wounding dozens, witnesses said.

Men used sledgehammers to break up concrete and dug with their bare hands through the jagged wreckage to save anyone they could  or at least recover the dead who had been buying meat and vegetables when the explosion hit.

A man buried up to his chest in rubble looked up at his rescuers with wide eyes, his face coated in dust from the blast. An oxygen mask was placed on his face and they spent 15 minutes working to free him.

A Palestinian carries a child killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo | AP)

Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry said the attacks killed at least 704 people over the past day, including 305 children and 173 women.

More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors, the ministry said, without giving a detailed breakdown. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

Most of the Palestinians killed since Oct. 7 were in the north and central areas of the enclave that Israel had told them to evacuate, the ministry said. The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

ALSO READ | Gaza war sparks Arab fears of new Palestinian displacement

As the death toll in Gaza spiralled, facilities to deal with the casualties were dwindling. A total of 46 out of 72 primary healthcare facilities, and 12 out of 35 hospitals, stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said.

Palestinian health officials said the lack of electricity and fuel to power generators from the Israeli blockade, as well as damage from airstrikes, has forced many of the facilities to close.

Gaza's five main hospitals were all filled beyond capacity, it said. While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza.

The rising toll has made it hard for Palestinians to bury the huge numbers of dead, with cemeteries being forced to excavate and reuse old plots and bury up to five bodies in one grave.

"Bodies pour in by the hundreds every day. We use every empty inch in the cemeteries," said Abdel Rahman Mohamed, a volunteer who helps transfer bodies to Khan Younis' main cemetery.

"Some bodies arrive in pieces in bags. It's horrible."

ALSO READ | The Israel-Hamas war deepens the struggle between US and Iran for influence in the Middle East

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage Tuesday morning.

"We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops," said Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south "for your personal safety."

A building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip is seen in Deir Al-Balah, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo | AP)

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing to 35 the death toll of its workers since the war started.

Amid fears the fighting to spiral into a wider regional war, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and told top Israeli officials that he came "to express our support and solidarity and share your pain" as well as to assure Israel it is "not left alone in the war against terrorism."

In a joint news conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron stressed Israel's right to defend itself but added that it shouldn't target civilians and should allow aid to Gaza and electricity for its hospitals. Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the civilian casualties and said "it could be a long war."

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken to Gaza during the attack.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several kilometres on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spider web, she said.

Once there, though, her treatment improved, she said.

ALSO READ | Footage shows 85-year-old Israeli hostage shaking hands with Hamas captors after release

The people assigned to guard her "told us they are people who believe in the Quran and wouldn't hurt us." Lifshitz, whose husband remains a hostage, said conditions were kept clean, she received medical care, including medication, and was given the same one meal a day of cheese and cucumber that her captors had.

Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

The Israeli military later dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages' whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informant's home.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of a possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Mideast if a ground offensive is launched.

The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

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RAFAH: Rapidly expanding Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed more than 700 people in the past day as medical facilities across the territory were forced to close because of bombing damage and a lack of power, health officials said Tuesday. The soaring death toll from Israel's escalating bombardment was unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It could signal an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli ground forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected offensive into the territory aimed at crushing Hamas. Gaza's 2.3 million people have been under increasing bombardment and running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on towns in southern Israel.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES HERE On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centres and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes. Witnesses and health officials said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter. An overnight strike hit a four-story residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors. The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate. "They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently, there is no safe place in Gaza," he said. ALSO READ | Is Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system ironclad? What happens if Hezbollah enters war? Another airstrike hit a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing several shoppers and wounding dozens, witnesses said. Men used sledgehammers to break up concrete and dug with their bare hands through the jagged wreckage to save anyone they could  or at least recover the dead who had been buying meat and vegetables when the explosion hit. A man buried up to his chest in rubble looked up at his rescuers with wide eyes, his face coated in dust from the blast. An oxygen mask was placed on his face and they spent 15 minutes working to free him. A Palestinian carries a child killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo | AP) Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry said the attacks killed at least 704 people over the past day, including 305 children and 173 women. More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors, the ministry said, without giving a detailed breakdown. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. Most of the Palestinians killed since Oct. 7 were in the north and central areas of the enclave that Israel had told them to evacuate, the ministry said. The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. ALSO READ | Gaza war sparks Arab fears of new Palestinian displacement As the death toll in Gaza spiralled, facilities to deal with the casualties were dwindling. A total of 46 out of 72 primary healthcare facilities, and 12 out of 35 hospitals, stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said. Palestinian health officials said the lack of electricity and fuel to power generators from the Israeli blockade, as well as damage from airstrikes, has forced many of the facilities to close. Gaza's five main hospitals were all filled beyond capacity, it said. While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza. The rising toll has made it hard for Palestinians to bury the huge numbers of dead, with cemeteries being forced to excavate and reuse old plots and bury up to five bodies in one grave. "Bodies pour in by the hundreds every day. We use every empty inch in the cemeteries," said Abdel Rahman Mohamed, a volunteer who helps transfer bodies to Khan Younis' main cemetery. "Some bodies arrive in pieces in bags. It's horrible." ALSO READ | The Israel-Hamas war deepens the struggle between US and Iran for influence in the Middle East Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage Tuesday morning. "We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops," said Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south "for your personal safety." A building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip is seen in Deir Al-Balah, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo | AP) The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing to 35 the death toll of its workers since the war started. Amid fears the fighting to spiral into a wider regional war, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and told top Israeli officials that he came "to express our support and solidarity and share your pain" as well as to assure Israel it is "not left alone in the war against terrorism." In a joint news conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron stressed Israel's right to defend itself but added that it shouldn't target civilians and should allow aid to Gaza and electricity for its hospitals. Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the civilian casualties and said "it could be a long war." On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken to Gaza during the attack. Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several kilometres on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spider web, she said. Once there, though, her treatment improved, she said. ALSO READ | Footage shows 85-year-old Israeli hostage shaking hands with Hamas captors after release The people assigned to guard her "told us they are people who believe in the Quran and wouldn't hurt us." Lifshitz, whose husband remains a hostage, said conditions were kept clean, she received medical care, including medication, and was given the same one meal a day of cheese and cucumber that her captors had. Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens. The Israeli military later dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages' whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informant's home. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of a possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Mideast if a ground offensive is launched. The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

KAMPALA: North Korea is closing its embassy in Uganda, officials said, ending a half-century diplomatic presence in one of its longest-standing African allies.

The move was announced after a meeting on Monday between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and North Korean Ambassador Jong Tong Hak.

"Ambassador Jong informed the president that North Korea has taken a strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, Uganda inclusive, in order to increase the efficiency of the country's external institutions," said a Ugandan presidency statement shared with AFP on Tuesday.

"Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed," Jong was quoted as saying, adding that diplomatic links would now be handled through its embassy in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Jong hailed Museveni "for consistently supporting the Korean government in enforcing its peaceful efforts to realise a harmonious unification of the Korean Peninsula", the statement added.

North Korea forged links with Uganda shortly after independence from Britain in 1962, and it supported Idi Amin when he seized power in 1971, providing his forces with training and weapons.

It opened the embassy in Kampala a year later as the international community shunned Amin, whose brutal rule lasted until 1979.

After Museveni took power in 1986, Kampala and Pyongyang signed cooperation agreements which saw North Korea provide the East African country with weapons and other military equipment as well as training for its security forces.

But in May 2016, Uganda said it was halting military cooperation with Pyongyang after the UN imposed heavy sanctions on its nuclear programme.

Museveni has made several visits to North Korea, where he met the late leader Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un.

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KAMPALA: North Korea is closing its embassy in Uganda, officials said, ending a half-century diplomatic presence in one of its longest-standing African allies. The move was announced after a meeting on Monday between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and North Korean Ambassador Jong Tong Hak. "Ambassador Jong informed the president that North Korea has taken a strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, Uganda inclusive, in order to increase the efficiency of the country's external institutions," said a Ugandan presidency statement shared with AFP on Tuesday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed," Jong was quoted as saying, adding that diplomatic links would now be handled through its embassy in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Jong hailed Museveni "for consistently supporting the Korean government in enforcing its peaceful efforts to realise a harmonious unification of the Korean Peninsula", the statement added. North Korea forged links with Uganda shortly after independence from Britain in 1962, and it supported Idi Amin when he seized power in 1971, providing his forces with training and weapons. It opened the embassy in Kampala a year later as the international community shunned Amin, whose brutal rule lasted until 1979. After Museveni took power in 1986, Kampala and Pyongyang signed cooperation agreements which saw North Korea provide the East African country with weapons and other military equipment as well as training for its security forces. But in May 2016, Uganda said it was halting military cooperation with Pyongyang after the UN imposed heavy sanctions on its nuclear programme. Museveni has made several visits to North Korea, where he met the late leader Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
A man killed by police was acting erratically at a car repair shop and in the parking lot of a suburban Milwaukee school and unsuccessfully tried to enter the building before climbing on its roof and exchanging gunfire with officers, authorities said Tuesday.

Dozens of students were in the building during the exchange of gunfire, but none were hurt, officials said.

The incident began around 6:30 p.m. Monday when officers with the Germantown Police Department responded to a call about a man acting erratically in Kennedy Middle Schools parking lot and trying to enter the locked school, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said. When officers arrived the man climbed onto the schools roof and fired at them.

Three officers returned fire, killing the man, the statement said. As many as 70 students were in the school, which went into a lockdown. The students were later bused to an elementary school where they were reunited with family.

This is believed to be an isolated incident, the Justice Departments initial statement said late Monday, adding that theres no danger to the public. All interactions with the subject occurred outside of the building.

In an updated statement Tuesday afternoon, the department said the man was driving a car with out-of-state license plates when it broke down. He was at a repair shop when he began acting erratically, walked away from the business and went to the school lot, where police confronted him.

The school district canceled all classes on Tuesday. The three officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave per department policy.

The Justice Department is leading the investigation into the incident. The departments spokesperson, Gillian Drummond, declined to release the persons name or age on Tuesday.

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Germantown Police Chief Mike Snow said investigators dont believe the person was targeting anything. He declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Germantown School District Superintendent Chris Reuter posted a message on Facebook early Tuesday afternoon reiterating that the incident was an isolated event and theres no threat to school safety.

Reuter said classes would resume around the district on Wednesday except at the middle school since students wont be able to access the building for an unknown length of time.
New Delhi, October 23

P rime Minister Narendra Modi met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on Monday and held discussions on exploring avenues for expanding the role of nuclear energy to meet the net zero commitment.

Both the leaders also discussed how to extend nuclear technology applications in areas like food, health, water treatment and countering plastic pollution in the Global South.

"Had a fruitful discussion with Director General @rafaelmgrossi on enhancing enduring partnership between India and @iaeaorg," PM Modi posted on social media platform X.

"Explored avenues for expanding the role of nuclear energy to meet our net zero commitment and extending nuclear technology applications in areas like food, health, water treatment and countering plastic pollution in the Global South," he added.

Earlier today, the Ministry of External Affairs, Secretary (East), Saurabh Kumar, met Grossi and discussed various issues of mutual interest, including the strengthening of cooperation between India and the IAEA.

The two leaders also held discussions on Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific and the role of the IAEA in promoting peaceful use of nuclear S&T in areas such as energy, health, food and agriculture.

In a post on social media platform X, the official spokesperson of MEA, Arindam Bagchi wrote, "Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar met DG @iaeaorg @rafaelmgrossi in New Delhi today."

"Discussions covered various issues of mutual interest, including the role of IAEA in promoting peaceful use of nuclear S&T in areas such as energy, health, food and agriculture; strengthening of cooperation between India and IAEA; nuclear non-proliferation," he added.

"They also discussed regional issues, including Ukraine, JCPOA and Indo-Pacific."The IAEA Director General arrived in India on an official visit on Monday.

"A warm welcome to DG @iaeaorg @rafaelmgrossi as he arrives on his first visit to India as Director-General of IAEA. His visit will further strengthen India-IAEA ties across diverse sectors," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote on 'X'.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also met International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi. The two discussed the developmental significance of nuclear energy and exchanged views on non-proliferation and international cooperation.

"Good to see my friend DG @iaeaorg @rafaelmgrossi today. I congratulated him on his reappointment. Discussed the developmental significance of nuclear energy. Also exchanged views on non-proliferation and international cooperation. India will always be a strong and reliable partner of IAEA," the EAM wrote on 'X'.

The IAEA is a centre for cooperation in the nuclear field and seeks to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies, as per the IAEA's official website.

Grossi assumed office as the IAEA's sixth Director General on December 3, 2019. In September 2023, the IAEA's 67th General Conference approved by acclamation his reappointment to serve a second four-year term of office starting December 3, 2023.

Grossi is a diplomat with almost 40 years of experience in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament. In 2013, he was appointed Ambassador of Argentina to Austria and Argentine Representative to the IAEA and other Vienna-based international organisations, according to the IAEA website.

Meanwhile, India has been a founding member of the IAEA since 1957. The country has served on the IAEA's Board of Governors since its inception.

PM Modi meets IAEA chief, explore avenues for expanding role of nuclear energy

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New Delhi, Oct 23

B reast cancer is a formidable adversary, affecting millions of women worldwide and causing substantial suffering and loss of life. However, there is a beacon of hope in the fight against this disease -- early detection through mammography. In this article, we will explore the invaluable advantages of mammography in identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

The importance of early detection

Breast cancer, like many other forms of cancer, is most effectively treated when detected at an early stage. Mammography, a specialised X-ray of the breast, plays a crucial role in this process by identifying abnormalities that may not be noticeable through physical examination alone. Here are some of the compelling reasons why early detection through mammography is so important:

Improved survival rates: When breast cancer is detected at an early, localised stage, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when it is diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Early detection provides women with a greater chance of successful treatment and long-term survival.

Less aggressive treatment: Early-stage breast cancer often requires less aggressive treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy, minimising the physical and emotional toll on patients. In contrast, advanced-stage breast cancer may necessitate more extensive treatments, which can be more taxing and have a higher risk of complications.

Better quality of life: Early detection can lead to smaller tumor sizes, making breast-conserving surgery (such as lumpectomy) a viable option for many women. This results in better cosmetic outcomes and improved quality of life, as it preserves the natural appearance of the breast.

Lower healthcare costs: The cost of treating advanced-stage breast cancer is substantially higher than treating early-stage disease. Early detection through mammography can reduce healthcare expenditures by preventing the need for more expensive and prolonged treatments.

Increased treatment options: Detecting breast cancer at an early stage provides patients with a wider range of treatment options, including the possibility of participating in clinical trials for innovative therapies.

Emotional well-being: The anxiety and emotional distress associated with a breast cancer diagnosis are often alleviated when the disease is caught early. Women who undergo routine mammography screenings tend to experience less fear and uncertainty compared to those diagnosed at a later stage.

The role of mammography

Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. It is a safe and effective imaging technique that can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before symptoms develop.

Here's how mammography works:

X-ray imaging: During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates, and X-rays are used to create detailed images of the breast tissue. These images, called mammograms, can reveal small abnormalities, including tumors that are too small to be felt during a physical examination.

Early detection: Mammography can detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is confined to the breast and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. This early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes.

Regular screening: The recommended age to start regular mammography screening varies by country and medical guidelines, but it generally begins between the age of 40 and 50. The frequency of screening may also vary, but annual mammograms are common.

Treatment options:

When breast cancer is diagnosed, treatment options vary depending on factors such as the stage of the disease, the type of breast cancer, and the patient's overall health. Common treatment modalities include:

Surgery: Surgical options range from breast-conserving surgery, such as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, to mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast. Lymph node removal may also be necessary to determine if cancer has spread.

Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is often used after breast-conserving surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It can be administered orally or intravenously and is typically recommended for advanced-stage breast cancer or as adjuvant therapy after surgery.

Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is effective for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. It involves medications that block hormones like estrogen or progesterone, which can fuel the growth of certain breast cancers.

Targetted therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target proteins or genes involved in cancer growth. They are used in cases of HER2-positive breast cancer, which over expresses the HER2 protein.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. While still being researched for breast cancer, it shows promise in certain cases.

Clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials can provide access to innovative treatments and therapies that are still in the experimental phase, potentially offering new hope for patients.

The choice of treatment depends on individualised care plans developed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. It's essential for patients to have open and informed discussions with their healthcare providers to make the best treatment decisions tailored to their unique circumstances.

The benefits of early detection of breast cancer through mammography cannot be overstated. It offers women the opportunity for less aggressive treatment, better outcomes, and improved quality of life. As a physician, I strongly encourage all eligible women to prioritise regular mammography screenings as part of their healthcare routine. Early detection saves lives, and it is our most potent weapon in the battle against breast cancer.

(Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh, consultant -- Medical oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Ranchi)

Benefits of early detection of breast cancer through mammography

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Mumbai, Oct 23

A ctor Gulshan Devaiah, who is set to reprise his role as Abhishek Banne in the upcoming second season of crime-thriller streaming series 'Duranga', has reunited with the director Rohan Sippy for the show after more than 12 years.

The actor heaping praise on the director said that the latter encourages actors to contribute ideas and interpretations.

The first season of the show was helmed by the late director Pradeep Sarkar, who passed away earlier this year.

Rohan took charge for the second season of the show which led to his reunion with Gulshan after their last project Dum Maaro Dum which was released in 2011.

Sharing his experience of working with Rohan, the actor said: Reuniting with Rohan after 13 years has been a true pleasure. He provided me with one of my early breaks in 'Dum Maro Dum,' and that role received wonderful acclaim. Now, after more than a decade, it's fantastic to be his leading man. Rohan is very organised and has a clear vision for his shots. Working with him has been a joy both times around."

Gulshanfurther mentioned: He encourages actors to contribute ideas and interpretations, yet knows when to steer us back on track. He places trust in the talent he's worked with. I recall him saying, 'You guys know this, so you'll excel.' This instils confidence in an actor. Having a director of Rohan's calibre put faith in us is invaluable."

Directed by Rohan, Duranga 2 takes the narrative forward with an intriguing twist as Amit Sadh portrays Sammit Patel, who emerges from a coma, embarking on an unyielding pursuit of Gulshan's character, Abhishek Banne, living under Sammit Patel's identity.

Gulshan Devaiah says Rohan Sippy 'encourages actors to contribute ideas, interpretations'

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It's not uncommon for the Ramada to host a couple hundred people for conferences, meetings and recognition events, but from Oct. 19-22, the hotel was abuzz with a special group of high schoolers: SkillsUSA.

SkillsUSA Nebraska State Advisor Greg Stahr said that the 165 students in Columbus were there to learn primarily about leadership skills through a variety of group activities that are randomly assigned, and some even voted on. They came from as far as New Mexico, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

"Each kid goes to a certain chapter and they will do three and a half days here learning what a chapter does in a school," Stahr said.

The skills they acquire in these groups and in their various activities can be applied back with their local chapter, Stahr said. It can be of significant value to complete newcomers or groups with a newer leader for their group.

"If they're a new student or have a new teacher  they don't know what they're supposed to do, they're going to take these leadership skills back, maybe become a local officer and be on a committee or maybe they have to put together a community service project, they'll know how to do it," Stahr said.

Over their weekend, students were tasked with organizing, running and participating in SkillsUSA leadership activities, like organizing club trips and fundraisers, doing industry tours, setting up community service projects, mock elections and more. Columbus High School SkillsUSA Sponsor Ben Loeffelholz said that CHS sent nine students for this particular conference and that the skills they learn there can come right back to their school and peers.

"The Mid-America conference is a great leadership opportunity not just for our chapter officers but for all our members who are thinking about stepping into leadership positions inside or outside of SkillsUSA," Loeffelholz said.

The groups spent some time visiting area businesses and learning how to arrange industry tours like the ones they had just gone on. They were also tasked with organizing and executing a community service project, such as park cleanups. To do this, some of the students went out into Columbus' parks and picked up litter.

"With the community service and industry tours, what we're hoping we'll gain is to learn the skills they need so they can reach out to businesses on their own time for our own chapter to utilize as well as ideas for how to give back to the community outside of this conference," Loeffelholz said.

Some of this experience, Loeffelholz and Stahr said, goes to the state conference in April, this year's being in Grand Island. There, 1400 students compete in a wide variety of categories, from welding to carpentry and mechatronics and everywhere in between.

"SkillsUSA offers leadership training as well as technical training," Loeffelholz said. "Come springtime we start reaching out to business partners, people who are kind of masters of their field to see if these kids can come shadow them and train under them for their competition at the state leadership conference in the spring."

Loeffelholz added that, with all of these group activities, leadership skills and industry learning, SkillsUSA members become pretty close as a team. The CHS chapter has really pushed for involvement and for curious potential members to at least try the group out.

"We call it 'drinking the SkillsUSA Kool-Aid.' Once you get a taste, you wont stop, especially in this conference," Loeffelholz said. "I push students that are on the fence about joining a club or who dont know what they want to do to come to a meeting, see what we're about. We'll get you hooked up if you come out to one meeting."
Dussehra 2023: Kangana Ranaut to be first woman to burn Ravana effigy at Delhi's Lav Kush Ramlila

New Delhi, October 23

A ctor Kangana Ranaut is going to be the first woman to burn the Ravan effigy at the famous Lav Kush Ramlila, Red Fort ground, Delhi on the occasion of Dussehra 2023.

Taking to Instagram, Kangana shared a video and made the announcement.

She captioned the video, "In the 50 years of history of the event, held annually at the Red Fort, this will be first time a woman will set the effigy of Ravana on fire. Jai Shri Ram."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyvZHLnoy32/

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal will also grace the event.

Arjun Kumar, President, Lav Kush Ramleela Committee, said, "This year, along with the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath, effigies of anti-Sanatan forces will also be burned in Delhi."

Arjun Kumar said the decision was taken by the committee in support of the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed by the Parliament in September.

Usually, the Prime Minister of the country does the Ravan Dahan but since this year PM Narendra Modi is busy with elections, the Lav Kush Ramlila committee has decided to invite them.

Meanwhile, Kangana is currently busy promoting her upcoming action film 'Tejas'.

The film revolves around the extraordinary journey of Tejas Gill, an Air Force pilot, and aims to inspire and instil a deep sense of pride in every Indian, showing how Indian Air Force pilots work tirelessly to defend our nation, confronting numerous challenges along the way.

Written and Directed By Sarvesh Mewara and Produced By Ronnie Screwvala, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 27, 2023.

Apart from that, Kangana also has 'Emergency' in her kitty.

Dussehra 2023: Kangana Ranaut to be first woman to burn Ravana effigy at Delhi's Lav Kush Ramlila

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Washington, October 23

D wayne Johnson, better known as 'The Rock', has asked Grevin Museum in Paris to modify his waxwork's skin tone.

Following the internet's savage mockery of Grevin Museum's waxwork depiction of the actor, Dwayne Johnson took to Instagram to announce that his team would be contacting the institution to request adjustments.

He wrote," For the record, I'm going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris France. so we can work on updating my wax figure here with some important details and improvements- starting with my skin colour. And next time I'm in Paris, I'll stop in and have a drink with myself."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyuCMRXPJk6/

According to the museum's statement to Deadline, the waxwork will be fixed as quickly as feasible.

James Andre Jefferson Jr., a comedian, roasts the statue in a video that Johnson posted. Jefferson claimed that 'The Rock' seemed to be a "pebble," David Beckham, and a member of the UK royal family in the Paris museum.

According to Deadline, in an email, Grevin Museum said "Dwayne Johnson is right and we noticed it and will obviously remedy it as quickly as possible and send him new photos once completed.

"We are waiting for him when he will come to Paris and the Grevin Wax Museum to celebrate that with a cup of champagne."

Ryan Gosling and Lady Gaga are just two of the Hollywood icons who have been turned into wax figures by the attraction.

'The Rock' requests Paris museum to change his waxwork's skin tone

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Seoul, Oct 23

H yundai Motor, South Korea's biggest carmaker, said on Monday it has signed a joint venture deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to build a car assembly plant in the Middle Eastern country.

Under the deal, the two sides will jointly invest over $500 million to establish the complete knockdown unit plant in King Abdullah Economic City in the western region of Saudi Arabia, with the goal of commencing commercial production in the first half of 2026, reports Yonhap news agency.

The agreement was announced on the occasion of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to Saudi Arabia.The facility will mark Hyundai's first automobile plant in the Middle East.

According to the company, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 electric and gas-powered vehicles. PIF will hold a 70-percent stake in the joint venture, with Hyundai holding the remaining 30 percent.

As part of its Saudi Vision 2030 government strategy, Saudi Arabia is actively promoting the development of its automotive industry, as the Persian Gulf nation aims to diversify its growth drivers while reducing heavy dependence on its oil industry.

Hyundai has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, Air Products Qudra and the Saudi Public Transport Company, or SAPTCO, to develop and establish a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

Air Products Qudra is a joint venture between Air Products, a global industrial gas company based in the United States, and Qudra Energy, a Saudi energy startup. SAPTCO operates domestic buses, as well as international routes to neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Under the MOU, the parties plan to cooperate in various areas, including the creation of a hydrogen mobility environment and conducting a pilot project for hydrogen electric buses, as well as collaborating on relevant government-supported research programmes.

Hyundai Motor, PIF to build $500 mn car plant in Saudi Arabia

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Kuwait City, October 24

T he Indian Embassy in Kuwait, along with the National Association of Software and Services Company of India (NASSCOM), the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), organised an 'India-Kuwait Technology Conference in Kuwait City on October 23.

The conference was organised at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuwait City, where around 20 prominent IT companies from NASSCOM, India participated.

"The conference was attended by a cross-section of representatives from various ministries and government organisations, business houses, banking and other institutions, including heads of bodies like CITRA, KneT, etc," an official statement read.

The Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, spoke on the growth of the information technology sector in India, providing some current facts and statistics at the conference.

India in Kuwait posted from its official handle on X, "A high visibility India-Kuwait Technology Conference was organised by Embassy of India, Kuwait in partnership with Indian Business&Professional Council (IBPC) & Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI); bringing together all stakeholders with visiting @nasscom delegation."

https://twitter.com/indembkwt/status/1716457719752692157

A high-visibility India-Kuwait Technology Conference was organised by the Embassy of India, Kuwait in partnership with (the) Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) & Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI); bringing together all stakeholders with visiting @nasscom delegation.

The facts inluded, "estimated Indian technology industry revenue of USD 245 billion in FY 2023; contribution of the IT sector to 53 percent in India's service exports; India being the third largest and fastest-growing hub for technology startups with 23 new unicorns added in 2022; 59 number of SaaS unicorns and potential unicorns; FDI equity inflow of USD 93.58 billion between April 2000 and December 2022."

The envoy further added that India is one of the most preferred destinations for setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and over 45 new data centres are to come up in India by 2025.

" The announcement of Google cloud services in India with a USD 1 billion investment in new data centres and opening of its global fintech operation centre at GIFT City in Gujarat; announcement by Amazon Web Services of plans to invest USD 12.7 billion into India by 2030, bringing its total investment to USD 16.4 billion over a period spanning almost a decade and a half; Infosys to create the Generative AI Labs to develop industry-specific AI solutions and train 20,000 employees on Google Cloud's gen AI solutions, etc," he added.

The envoy highlighted how India has leveraged technology to transform governance and make it more efficient, inclusive, faster and transparent, and how "India's Digital Public Infrastructure offers scalable, secure and inclusive solutions for global challenges."

A solution that succeeds in India can be easily applied anywhere in the world, including in Kuwait, he said, adding that New Delhi was ready to share its experiences with the world.

"There are immense possibilities for bilateral cooperation with Kuwait in the Information Technology sector, particularly at a time when Kuwait, through its Vision 2035 Economic Diversification Plan and the new government programme, is keen to modernise and digitalize its economy and become a smart commercial hub in the region," the ambassador said further.

The board member of KCCI, Wafa Al-Qatami, also echoed similar sentiments, as did experts from CITRA and other authorities that participated in the event, the statement read.

A panel discussion was organised as part of the conference, involving NASSCOM companies as well as representatives of CITRA, National Bank of Kuwait and Diyar United, that discussed the opportunities, challenges and awareness-building related to the IT sector.

The post by India in Kuwait read further, "A Panel Discussion on Exploring the Full Potential of IT Cooperation was held, moderated by Mr Ajay Singh, TCS; with panelists from CITRA, NBK, Diyar Utd, Inadev & SEA Infonet - giving perspectives on the potential of India-Kuwait collaboration in ITES sector."

https://twitter.com/indembkwt/status/1716458775412928976?s=48&t=iAytLvzFQ7BQ43U-mDPzag

According to the statement, "A B2B networking event was held in the afternoon of October 23, during which NASSCOM delegates met with various visiting company representatives from Kuwait."

The NASSCOM delegation had very useful and productive meetings with the Chairman of CAIT, CITRA, KCCI Vice-Chairman, KPC and KPMG teams on October 22, 2023.

The India-Kuwait Information Technology Conference is expected to result in greater bilateral cooperation between India and Kuwait in the Information Technology Sector.

Indian Embassy in Kuwait organises 'India-Kuwait Technology Conference'

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Mumbai, Oct 23

A ctress Nupur Sanon, who has made her debut with the recent release 'Tiger Nageswara Rao', has heaped praise on her co-star - the Telugu superstar Ravi Teja.

The actress has said that he is both a phenomenal actor and also an amazing human being.

For 'Tiger Nageswara Rao', director Vamsee had met 200-300 girls to cast for his next film before finalising Nupur Sanon.

For the uninitiated, Nupur is the talented sister of Bollywood star Kriti Sanon, and has been receiving a lot of positive response to her work alongside Ravi Teja in Tiger Nageswara Rao.

Sharing her experience of working with Ravi, Nupur said: "It was a magical experience. He is a phenomenal actor and a better human being. I thought he would be serious and wouldn't be talkative. I had that perception. From day 1, he turned out to be the opposite. He is rarely in his vanity, always chatting with people on set."

The actress said: I was surprised with how fantastic his Hindi is. He would give me cues in Hindi. He is such a secure actor that he lets you shine in a scene and is happy to help by being present. He is thoughtful and kind. He wanted my performance to be good."

Talking about the director, Nupur said: "When he met me he said I saw how you talk and how you conduct yourself and knew instantly I had met my Sara. I am thrilled that I am doing a pan-India film. I am a newcomer whose film will reach four times more people because it's a wider release."

Nupur Sanon on 'Tiger Nagashwera Rao' co-star Ravi Teja: 'Phenomenal actor & better human being'

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Aneesha Madhok on her musical play 'Ananda': 'Helped me expand my view of art'

Mumbai, Oct 23

A ctress Aneesha Madhok, who is known for her work in the Hollywood movie Bully High, will now be seen in the musical play Ananda, and shared her experience about the same, adding that it helped expand her worldview of art with a conglomeration of calmness, creativity and receptibility.

Ananda is directed by Muzaffar Ali.

Aneesha is playing the role of Jhumki, whos a young seductress as she encounters the spiritual enlightenment seeking Ananda.

Noted actor and the owner of baritone voice Kabir Bedi is the narrator of the play.

Talking about the same, Aneesha said: The entire experience has helped expand my worldview of art with a conglomeration of calmness, creativity and receptibility. Muzaffar Ali sirs aura keeps me in awe of him.

He is a royal artist not because of his name but because of his ability to surrender to art beyond limitations. Any words I say are not enough to do justice to Muzaffar. I am so grateful, she said.

On what kind of feedback she expects from Ananda, Aneesha said: I feel India is picking up. I have studied at the prestigious University of Southern California and am bringing back all my learnings of live performance with singing, dancing and acting. Lets make the standards of art higher in our country, especially with regards to the talent representing our country.

Speaking about her grandeur look in the play, she shared: "Elegance is a state of mind. Elegance cannot be bought, that's all I can say."

All her outfits in the play are designed by Sama Ali and Meera Ali.

On working with Kabir Bedi, Aneesha said: I first met him at Jaipur polo grounds in Delhi with my Italian friends who are his huge fans. He is very kind, gracious and admired globally. It is an honour to be a part of this production with Bedi.

The play Ananda is coming on October 26-27 in Delhi.

Aneesha Madhok on her musical play 'Ananda': 'Helped me expand my view of art'

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Tinder now lets friends, family members play matchmaker for you within app

New Delhi, Oct 23

D ating app Tinder on Monday launched a new feature that lets friends and family play the matchmaker and recommend profiles for a user directly in the app.

The Tinder Matchmaker, now available in select countries, including India, and will be rolling out to users globally in the coming months.

The new feature essentially integrates the friend test into the platform. Users can invite others, whether they have a Tinder profile or not, to view and suggest potential matches.

For years, singles have asked their friends to help find their next match on Tinder and now, we're making that so easy with Tinder Matchmaker," said Melissa Hobley, chief marketing officer at the company.

Tinder Matchmaker brings your circle of trust into your dating journey and helps you see the possibilities you might be overlooking from the perspective of those closest to you, Hobley added.

A Tinder Matchmaker session can be started directly from a profile card, or within app settings. Users can share their unique link with up to 15 friends in a 24 hour period.

After following the link, the matchmaker can either log in to Tinder or continue as a guest (after completing an age verification prompt and agreeing to Tinders terms as outlined).

Matchmakers have 24 hours to play cupid before the session expires, where they can recommend profiles for the Tinder user but wont be able to chat or send messages on their behalf, said the company.

Once the session expires, Tinder users will have the opportunity to review the profiles their matchmakers Like for them.

Profiles that received a Like from a matchmaker will be marked as a recommendation (profiles sent a Nope wont change).

The Tinder user still makes the final call on who to Like - but now knows who their friends are rooting for, the company informed.

Launched in 2012, Tinder is the worlds most popular app for meeting new people and has been downloaded more than 530 million times. The app is available in 190 countries and more than 45 languages.

Tinder now lets friends, family members play matchmaker for you within app

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Jacqueline Fernandez seeks blessings of Lord Mahadev at Kedarnath; fans say 'superb'

Mumbai, Oct 23

B ollywood diva Jacqueline Fernandez, who has recently concluded her shoot for the upcoming film 'Fateh, has embarked on a spiritual journey, and visited Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The visit to Kedarnath had been a long-cherished plan for the actress, and she finally took the time to fulfill it.

The actress offered her prayers at the holy shrine, expressing her gratitude to the almighty for his blessings.

Jacqueline took to Instagram and shared a series of photos from her visit.

The picture shows the temple, her team members, and some solo pictures of the actress. She is also seen enjoying snowfall in one photo.

Jacqueline is wearing a multi-coloured Anarkali kurta, paired with a chequered trench coat, and a shawl. She has kept her hair open, with no makeup look, and white sneakers.

The post was captioned with a folded hand and om emoji.

Fans commented on Jacquelines post and wrote: Superb, har har Mahadev, she looks beautiful without any makeup, and wow.

Fateh stars Sonu Sood in the lead and is based on cybercrime, in the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab.

The film is directed by Vaibhav Mishra.

Some of the best names from Hollywood including the director of photography, research team, and action choreographers have been roped in for this film, which is scheduled for a release later this year.

Jacqueline Fernandez seeks blessings of Lord Mahadev at Kedarnath; fans say 'superb'

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New Delhi, Oct 23

R afael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and commended India's impeccable record as a responsible nuclear power.

He praised India's progress in nuclear science and technology, particularly highlighting the development and deployment of indigenous nuclear power plants.

Modi on his part stressed India's enduring commitment to safe and secure use of atomic energy for peace and development.

The Prime Minister shared India's ambitious goals to enhance the share of environmentally-friendly nuclear power generation capacity as part country's energy mix.

Grossi acknowledged India's global leadership role in civil nuclear applications for societal benefits.

This includes the remarkable progress that India has made in utilising nuclear technology address the challenges faced by humankind, including those related to health, food, water treatment, plastic pollution and climate change.

Views were also exchanged on expanding the role of nuclear energy in meeting net zero commitments, including through small modular reactors and micro-reactors.

Grossi conveyed his admiration for the outstanding partnership between IAEA and India.

He commended India for its training and capacity building programmes that has helped many countries.

Both sides agreed to explore avenues of cooperation between India and IAEA for extending civil nuclear technology applications in the Global South.

IAEA chief meets Modi, commends India's role as responsible nuclear power

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Karan Khanna joins cast of 'Udaariyaan': 'My entry will change dynamics of the plot'

Mumbai, Oct 23

A ctor Karan Khanna, who has joined the star cast of the family drama 'Udaariyaan', opened up about his character, saying he is blessed to be part of the show.

Talking about his entry, Karan shared: " 'Udaariyaan' has been winning hearts season after season and I feel blessed to be a part of this popular show."

The actor said: "I will be essaying the role of Kabir, who is a childhood friend of Aasma. My entry in the show will change the dynamics of the plot and will bring a twist in the lives of Aasma and Armaan."

'Udaariyaan', continues to entertain the audiences with the journey of Alia (played by Alisha Parveen), Armaan (played by Anurag Chahal), and Aasma (played by Aditi Bhagat) as theyre entwined in a love triangle.

In the ongoing storyline, Armaan reaches a pivotal moment where he grapples with his guilt over causing pain to Aasma.

He decides to reveal the truth about their wedding to Aasma. Later, he takes a drastic step by asking Alia to leave their house, a move that deeply affects her and leaves her seething with anger.

In response to this unexpected twist, Alia takes a bold step, declaring that she will marry Kabir if Armaan does not register their marriage within the next 48 hours.

Amid the swirling emotions and uncertainties in the storyline, Aasma finds herself pleasantly surprised by the return of her childhood friend, Kabir, who returns from Canada to be by her side. His unexpected arrival serves as a beacon of hope in the mid of the chaos.

Upon arriving, he expresses his desire to re-establish a connection with Aasma, demonstrating genuine concern for her well-being, especially since she's married into a traditional family. He aims to take care of her and find out that is she happy in her current life.

Udaariyaan airs on Colors.

Karan Khanna joins cast of 'Udaariyaan': 'My entry will change dynamics of the plot'

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A 70-year-old inmate serving a life sentence for killing his estranged girlfriend in 1993 has died in prison.

Clifford Davlin died Saturday at the Reception and Treatment Center, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

In 2000, a Lancaster County District jury convicted Davlin of second-degree murder and arson in the death of Tammi Ligenza. Ligenzas burned body was found Sept. 7, 1993, inside the duplex she shared with Davlin.

An autopsy revealed Ligenza, 27 and pregnant, had been strangled.

The Supreme Court reversed Davlins murder conviction two years later after finding the judge had improperly instructed jurors on the elements of second-degree murder. Davlin was tried and convicted again in 2005 and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. He also was serving 15-25 years for a sexual assault and first-degree assault out of Sarpy County in 1993.

A prison spokeswoman said Davlin's cause of death hasn't yet been determined.

A grand jury will conduct an investigation to review his death, as they do in all in-custody deaths.

Remembering Lincoln's homicide victims of 2023 1. Julian A. Martinez 2. Rudy Requejo Jr. 3. Ronald Gonzalez Rivas 4. Christopher Karmazin 5. Damien Brave 6. Mark Kruger
Tel Aviv, Oct 24

F rench President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, joining a list of world leaders to visit the war-torn nation since the October 7 Hamas attack.

According to an Elysee Palace source, the President plans to express solidarity and discuss a two-state solution, CNN reported.

Macron is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Issac Herzog and opposition leader Yair Lapid.

The other world leaders who have visited Israel since the brutal assault were US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Israel

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Mumbai, Oct 24

B ollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Tuesday heaped praise on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval when she met him on a flight.

Notably, Kangana's meeting with Doval comes ahead of the release of her upcoming movie 'Tejas'. Kangana plays the titular role of Tejas Gill, an Indian Air Force officer, in this action drama.

Elated over meeting Doval, the Manikarnika actress in an Instagram Stories wrote: "What a generous stroke of luck, guess who was seated next to me in the flight this morning? None other than greatest of all time @iam_ajitdoval."

Referring to Tejas, Kangana added: "In this week of #tejas release I got to meet inspiration for all soldiers ever our national security chief Ajit Doval ji I consider this a good omen, Jai Hind."

Kangana shared a happy picture with Doval, in which we can see her wearing a pastel pink saree and a pearl necklace. She tied her hair in a bun, and opted for a no-makeup look with a bindi on her forehead.

Doval flashed a smile for the selfie, along with Kangana.

However, Kangana did not disclose the location of her journey as she met the NSA.

Earlier, there was a special screening of Tejas for Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Indian Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi. After the screening, Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, unhooked a fighter plane-shaped brooch he was wearing and gave it to Sarvesh Mewara, the film's director.

The flick is scheduled to release on October 27.

Kangana Ranaut elated to meet Ajit Doval ahead of 'Tejas' release

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Blockchain Forensics Firm CipherBlade Hit by Alleged Hostile Takeover Amid Founders Absence

Source: AdobeStack / Sashkin

The founder of the Pennsylvania blockchain forensics firm CipherBlade claims that a group of employees executed a hostile takeover in a lawsuit filed in Alaska.

The blockchain intelligence firm alleges that a group of its employees carried out a hostile takeover while the founder, Richard Sanders, was volunteering in war-torn Ukraine, assisting local police with cryptocurrency investigations.

According to the filed complaint, the firms internal operations have been compromised. It alleges that the defendants in the lawsuit took advantage of Sanders absence to seize control of company assets and sensitive data.

In a LinkedIn post, the founder stated that individuals who were entrusted with the companys assets and responsibilities have engaged in unethical and illegal activities, even stealing the CipherBlade domain, social media accounts, and other company property.

During his absence, the companys clients and some staff were moved to new CipherBlade entities in Alaska and Singapore, effectively leaving his business empty, as stated in a lawsuit.

Sanders founded CipherBlade in 2019 with the objective of assisting federal agencies, private firms, and individuals in financial crime investigations, particularly cybercrime.

The founder said these defendants planned their actions when he was in Ukraine, a period they knew he would be extremely busy and be either unable to react or left with a choice between saving lives or preventing additional theft.

The company, which Richard Sanders has stepped away from, is now making a second attempt to sue the new management of cipherblade.com.

This led to the recent civil complaint filed with the U.S. District Court of Alaska seeking damages for various wrongdoings, including the misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, and racketeering.

Founder Alleges Home Break-In and Stolen Documents in CipherBlade Lawsuit

In the lawsuit, Sander states that his home was broken into, and essential documents were stolen.

While he was in Ukraine, Sanders received alerts from his home security system informing him that all his security cameras had gone offline. Upon returning home, he discovered that important business-related documents, such as LLCs and business filings, were missing.

He also found evidence of a fraudulent U.S. Postal Service receipt for a package sent from his home using his name and credit card information without his permission, with the package being sent to an address in Cyprus, as outlined in the complaint.

Sander expresses that his previous work with the firm and the reputation he has built under his leadership were leveraged to attract clients and bolster the platforms credibility.

He mentioned that references to him, his work, and his credentials still appear on cipherblade.coms website despite his ongoing efforts to have them removed.

He has, however, charged the defendant with the scheme to steal the assets of his company involving various illegal activities, including forgery, mail fraud, impersonation, numerous instances of digital theft (used for transferring company property), physical theft, and questionable discretionary bonuses that served the interests of those involved.

Sanders severed his ties with CipherBlade and took to LinkedIn to warn the public, stating he has zero involvement with the firm and sharing the lawsuit pleadings that enumerate the allegations of acts of misconduct, theft, and fraud conducted by those who are controlling CipherBlade.

I have no connection with the entities that control and operate the cipherblade.com domain, namely CipherBlade LLC (AK), CipherBlade APAC Pte Ltd (Singapore), and Omega3Zone Global Ltd, nor any of the other entities utilized for the purpose of theft and misconduct as set forth in the lawsuits allegations.

Blockchain Firm CipherBlade Rebuts Richard Sanders Allegations of Ownership Dispute

Meanwhile, CipherBlade disputed Sanders allegations on Monday afternoon in a LinkedIn post.

The Blockchain intelligence firm claims that Sanders was never an owner and asserts that he progressively reduced his active involvement in CipherBlades operations in 2022.

His participation effectively ceased in early 2023 when he moved to Ukraine to pursue his personal pro-bono mission.

CipherBlades current management has robustly disputed the allegations. They stated that Sanders claims are baseless, vexatious, and motivated by personal animosity and pledged to address them in due course through legal channels.

They mentioned that they have made multiple attempts to facilitate a more orderly and amicable separation, all of which have been rejected. They intend to respond to his claims through the legal process while maintaining their commitment to providing world-class service to their clients.
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Israeli airstrikes surge in Gaza, destroying homes and killing dozens at a time

The Health Ministry in Gaza says hundreds of people were killed in the past day as a result of Israeli airstrikes
In a recent study published in the journal Economic Inquiry, researchers evaluate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental well-being of United Kingdom residents.

Study: Locked down in distress: a quasi-experimental estimation of the mental-health fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Image Credit: Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com

The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on mental health

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak-related lockdowns and social isolation measures have profoundly affected the psychiatric well-being of individuals. SARS-CoV-2 containment policies have changed people's lives, impacted their psychological well-being, and may have increased distress. Thus, it is critical to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental health to make educated judgments regarding government action and future pandemics.

Understanding the extent of the pandemic's impact on socioeconomically diverse populations is critical for informing policy and mitigating its negative impacts. Previous research has concentrated on documenting the pandemic's population impact and inequities, with limited studies addressing the moderators driving the pandemic's consequences for mental health.

About the study

The researchers analyzed U.K. Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) data using difference-in-difference (DiD) techniques to assess the effects of the initial COVID-19 wave on psychiatric well-being. In addition, the team explored moderators or factors that could predict the relative extent of the detrimental impact of COVID-19.

The outcome variable for psychiatric well-being in the UKHLS dataset was the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to measure subjective well-being. The dataset included information for 50,000 adults concerning their employment, lifestyle, socio-economic circumstances, family relationships, and psychiatric wellness. These data were obtained between 2009 and 2020, with all individuals re-interviewing each year.

From April 2020 onward, UKHLS participants were asked to complete a monthly web-based survey on socio-demographic variables, GHQ-12, and subjective financial health (SFH). In addition, lagged SFH values were used in a separate model specification to investigate whether economic concerns in the previous pre-pandemic year predicted psychological health impacts during the initial COVID-19 wave.

Variations in psychiatric well-being were determined by the extent of loneliness using lagged and continuous values. The effect of household density on COVID-19-related psychological distress was also investigated, with household density calculated by dividing the number of household residents by the number of bedrooms.

The psychological alterations for individuals interviewed before and after March 23, 2020, the lockdown commencement date in the U.K., were determined and compared with those interviewed before and after the corresponding date in the previous year. May 31, 2020, was selected as the endpoint, as the initial national lockdown measures were significantly reduced thereafter.

Study findings

Higher mental discomfort was observed among U.K. residents during the first COVID-19 wave, with more severe impacts reported among younger individuals, females, migrants, and those from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) group, which aligns with previous studies. Furthermore, lonely people, those with financial problems, and people living in congested places had much lower mental health.

Approximately 70% of individuals reported their economic status as comfortable or adequate. The mean values for subjective well-being documented from June 2018 to May 2019 and the corresponding period of the following year were 11 and 12 points, respectively.

The impact on female psychological health was projected to be more than double that of men. Moving from the baseline of absent or infrequent loneliness to the occasional group nearly quadrupled the psychiatric well-being impact to 1.8 from 0.7.

Meanwhile, the transition from occasional to frequent loneliness reflected a higher rise than the mean population impact of 1.8 to 2.7 compared to 0.9. Each additional individual in a bedroom reduced the COVID-19 mental health effect by almost 50%.

An individual reporting absent or rare loneliness without economic worries and residing in averagely crowded housing, which was defined as 0.9 people in each bedroom post-pandemic, would have undergone a less severe mental health decline. In contrast, an individual experiencing financial hardship and loneliness in overcrowded houses would have experienced significantly worse psychiatric health degradation than the average population impact at 3.4 compared to 0.9 respectively.

The GHQ-12 findings indicated that the first COVID-19 wave resulted in a 0.9-point increase in psychological distress. Compared to the same period the previous year, the mean estimated health loss between March 23, 2020, and May 31, 2020, among U.K. residents equated to 50-66% of the predicted effect of unemployment on psychiatric well-being. This significantly exceeded the influence of other negative health correlates, such as widowhood and divorce.

Conclusions

Overall, the study findings highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on the psychiatric well-being of U.K. residents, particularly those who are financially stressed, have a high household density, or are lonely. Thus, individuals who feel most in control of their money and are least likely to be lonely are more likely to have the financial means and social support required to deal with the obstacles posed by COVID-19.

Increased psychological anguish may be caused by crowding stress and lockdown constraints. Future studies should assess the extent of COVID-19 recovery and long-term psychiatric consequences, including behavioral changes produced by living with the disease permanently.
Singapore Firm Strikes Cross-border Digital Yuan Deal with Chinese Bank

Source: Mongkolchon/Adobe

A Singaporean payments firm has sealed a cross-border digital yuan cooperation deal with a major Chinese bank, in another breakthrough for the CBDC.

Per the Shanghai Securities News, the deal was concluded by Thunes, a global payment infrastructure provider, and the China Construction Bank (CCB).

The CCB is a state-owned financial institution that comprises one of Chinas big four commercial banks.

Thunes, headquartered in Singapore, is a B2B payments provider to customers such as Uber and Deliveroo.

The deal will see Thunes and the CCB cooperate to explore digital yuan cross-border [settlement] and payment solutions.

It will allow parties to make digital yuan settlements in export-based cross-border e-commerce and a range of remittance scenarios.

Merchants at the recent China Import and Export Fair were shown how to use the digital yuan to make and receive payments. (Source: yangli20067/Weibo)

Singaporean Cross-border Digital Yuan Deal: Significant for China?

Before 2023, Chinese officials had insisted that the e-CNY was primarily a domestic project.

They said it was mainly intended as a digital cash alternative for retail payments.

But since the turn of the year, the central Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) and its partners have changed their messaging, with more talk of cross-border uses of the coin.

An increasing number of cross-border pilot projects have materialized in Hong Kong and neighboring Mainland Chinese cities.

More recently, the PBoC has established an e-CNY link to Hong Kongs FPS payment platform.

And during the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, the PBoC and its partners launched a range of e-CNY services for foreign students and overseas visitors to China.

However, any sort of expansion to the Singaporean market  or other markets in Thunes network  would mark a major departure for the PBoC.

The move could potentially open the door for overseas e-commerce platforms to sell goods to Chinese buyers who pay in CBDC tokens.

The media outlet added that the deal will let individuals use the e-CNY to remit funds to students.

It claimed that the new solution was being developed under the guidance of the Digital Currency Research Institute, the PBoCs CBDC arm.

The companies will work on an initial pilot involving a select group of customers, with a wider rollout to follow at an unspecified later date.

A Thunes official said that the deal would help it provide its clients with more interactive multi-currency and cross-border settlement services.

In June, Thunes announced the launch of a Mainland China branch in Beijing, to better support its business development in the nation.

Chinese allies such as Russia have previously claimed that their own CBDC projects may be compatible with the e-CNY.

Beijing has, however, thus far remained tight-lipped on the matter.
Just 48 hours after her birth in a Seattle-area hospital in 2021, Layla Babayev was undergoing surgery for a bowel obstruction.

Two weeks later, she had another emergency surgery, and then developed meningitis. Layla spent more than a month in neonatal intensive care in three hospitals as doctors searched for the cause of her illness.

Her parents enrolled her in a clinical trial to check for a genetic condition. Unlike genetic tests focused on a few disease-causing variants that can take months to produce results, the study at Seattle Children's Hospital would sequence Layla's entire genome, looking for a broad range of abnormalities  and potentially offer answers in under a week.

The test found Layla had a rare genetic disorder that caused gastrointestinal defects and compromised her immune system. The findings led doctors to isolate her, give her weekly infusions of antibiotics, and contact other hospitals that had treated the same condition, said her father, Dmitry Babayev.

Today, Babayev credits the test, known as rapid whole-genome sequencing, for saving his daughter's life. "It is why we believe Layla is still with us today," he said.

Like her disorder, Layla's experience is rare.

Few hospitalized babies with an undiagnosed illness undergo whole-genome sequencing  a diagnostic tool that allows scientists to quickly identify genetic disorders and guide clinicians' treatment decisions by analyzing a patient's complete DNA makeup. That's largely because many private and public health insurers won't cover the $4,000-to-$8,000 expense.

But an alliance of genetic testing companies, drugmakers, children's hospitals, and doctors have lobbied statesto increase coverage under Medicaid  and their efforts have begun to pay off.

Since 2021, eight state Medicaid programs have added rapid whole-genome sequencing to their coverage or will soon cover it, according to GeneDX, a provider of the test. That includes Florida, where the Republican-controlled legislature has resisted expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

The test is also under consideration for coverage in Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina, according to the nonprofit Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, another major provider of the test.

Medicaid coverage of the test can significantly expand access for infants; the state-federal program that insures low-income families covers more than 40% of children in their first year of life.

"This is an extraordinary, powerful test that can change the trajectory of these children's diseases and our own understanding," said Jill Maron, chief of pediatrics at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, who has conducted research on the test.

"The only thing interfering with more widespread use is insurance payment," she said.

Proponents of whole-genome sequencing, which has been commercially available for about six years, say it can help sick infants with potentially rare diseases avoid a months- or years-long odyssey of tests and hospitalizations without a clear diagnosis  and increase survival.

They also point to studies showing rapid whole-genome testing may lower overall health costs by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, testing, and care.

But the test may have its limits. While it is better at identifying rare disorders than older genetic tests, whole-genome sequencing detects a mutation only about half of the time  whether because the test misses something or the patient does not have a genetic disorder at all.

And the test raises ethical questions because it can also reveal that babies  and their parents  have genes that put them at increased risk for adult-onset conditions such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Even so, some doctors say sequencing offers the best chance to make a diagnosis when more routine testing doesn't provide an answer. Pankaj Agrawal, chief of neonatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said only about 10% of babies who could benefit from whole-genome sequencing are getting it.

"It is super frustrating to have sick babies and with no explanation what is causing their symptoms," he said.

Some private insurers now cover the test with certain limitations, including UnitedHealthcare and Cigna, but others do not.

Even in states that have adopted the test, coverage varies. Florida will add the benefit to Medicaid later this year for patients up to age 20 who are in hospital intensive care units.

Florida state Rep. Adam Anderson, a Republican whose 4-year-old son died in 2019 after being diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder, led the push for Medicaid to cover sequencing. The new state Medicaid benefit is named for his son, Andrew.

Anderson said persuading his GOP colleagues was challenging, given they typically oppose any increase in Medicaid spending.

"As soon as they heard the term 'Medicaid mandate,' they shut down," he said. "As a state, we are fiscally conservative, and our Medicaid program is already a huge program as it is, and we want to see Medicaid smaller."

Anderson said it took doctors more than a year to diagnose his son  an emotionally difficult time for the family as Andrew endured numerous tests and trips to specialists in several states.

"I know what it's like to not get those answers as doctors try to figure out what is wrong, and without genetic testing it's almost impossible," he said.

A Florida House analysis estimated that if 5% of babies in the state's neonatal intensive care units got the test each year, it would cost the Medicaid program about $3.3 million annually.

Florida's legislative leaders were persuaded in part by a 2020 study called Project Baby Manatee, in which Nicklaus Childrens Hospital in Miami sequenced the genomes of 50 patients. As a result, 20 patients  about 40%  received a diagnosis, leading to changes in care for 19 of them.

The estimated savings exceeded $3.7 million  a nearly $2.9 million return on investment, after the cost of the tests, according to the final report.

"We have shown that we can justify this as a good investment," said Parul Jayakar, director of the hospital's Division of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, who worked on the study.
Allison Roderick has a warning and a pledge for rural residents of her county: The water from their wells could be contaminated, but the government can help make it safe.

Roderick is the environmental health officer for Webster County in north-central Iowa, where a few thousand rural residents live among sprawling corn and soybean fields. Many draw their water from private wells, which are exempt from most federal testing and purity regulations. Roderick spreads the word that they aren't exempt from danger.

More than 43 million Americans rely on private wells, which are subject to a patchwork of state and local regulations, including standards for new construction. But in most cases, residents are free to use outdated wells without having them tested or inspected. The practice is common despite concern about runoff from farms and industrial sites, plus cancer-causing minerals that can taint groundwater.

"You're cooking with it. You're cleaning with it. You're bathing in it  and, nowadays, there are so many things that can make you sick," Roderick said.

Federal experts estimate more than a fifth of private wells have concentrations of contaminants above levels considered safe.

Like many states, Iowa offers aid to homeowners who use well water. The state provides about $50,000 a year to each of its 99 counties to cover testing and help finance well repairs or treatment. The money comes from fees paid on agricultural chemical purchases, but about half goes unused every year, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Roderick, who started her job in 2022, aims to spend every penny allotted to her county. Last spring, she snared an extra $40,000 that other counties hadn't used. She promotes the program online and by mailing piles of postcards. Traveling the countryside in a hand-me-down SUV from the sheriff's department, she collects water samples from outdoor spigots and sends them to a lab.

When she finds contamination, she can offer up to $1,000 of state grant money to help with repairs, or up to $500 to cap an abandoned well.

Experts urge all users of private wells to have them tested at least annually. Even if wells meet modern construction standards and have tested clean in the past, they can become contaminated as the water table rises or falls and conditions change above them. A faulty septic system or overapplication of fertilizer or pesticide can quickly taint groundwater.

Too many residents assume everything is fine "as long as the water is coming out of the tap and it doesn't smell funny," said Sydney Evans, a senior science analyst for the Environmental Working Group, a national advocacy organization that studies water pollution.

The main concerns vary, depending on an area's geology and industries.

In Midwestern farming regions, for example, primary contaminants include bacteria and nitrates, which can be present in agricultural runoff. In rural Nevada and Maine, arsenic and uranium often taint water. And, throughout the country, concerns are rising about the health effects of PFAS chemicals, widely used products also known as "forever chemicals." A recent federal study estimated at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains them.

Filters can help ensure safety, but only if they're selected to address the specific problem affecting a home's water supply, Evans said. The wrong filter can give a false sense of safety.

Evans said people who wonder about possible contaminants in their area can ask to see test results from wells supplying nearby community water systems. Those systems are required to test their water regularly, and the results should be public, she said: "It's a great place to start, and it's free and easy."

She also said people who rely on private water wells should ask local health officials about eligibility for help paying for testing and possible repairs or filters. Subsidies are often available but not publicized, she said.

A study by Emory University researchers published in 2019 found that all states have standards for new well construction, and most states require permits for them. However, the researchers wrote, "even in states with standards for water quality testing, testing is typically infrequent or not conducted at all."

Some longtime rural residents live in homes that have been in their families for generations. They often know little about their water source. "They'll say, 'This is the well my grandfather dug. We've used it ever since, and no one's had an issue,'" said David Cwiertny, director of the University of Iowa's Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination. They might not realize impure water can harm health over time, he said.

Some states require inspection and tests of private wells when properties are sold. Iowa doesn't mandate such measures, although Webster County does. It's a good idea for homebuyers anywhere to request them, said Erik Day, who oversees the private well program for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He also recommends asking for a technician who can run a flexible scope down the well to visually inspect the inside.

Day estimated fewer than 10% of Iowa's private well owners have them tested annually, even though testing can be free under the state grant program.

In Webster County, Larry Jones recently took advantage of free well testing at a weathered ranch house he bought west of Fort Dodge, in a subdivision bordering a large soybean field. Jones lives next door to the 54-year-old home, and he is refurbishing it as a place for his relatives to stay.

Roderick, the county health official, sampled water from the well and found it was tainted with bacteria. She offered Jones $1,000 from the state grant to help get it fixed. He added a few thousand dollars of his own and hired a contractor.

"It's an investment for the future," he said. "You're talking about your family."

The old well was made with a 2-foot-diameter concrete casing sunk vertically in sections about 60 feet into the ground. A smaller plastic pipe ran down the middle of the casing to water at the bottom. A pump pulled water up through the smaller pipe and into the home.

Lynn Rosenquist, who owns a local well-repair business, told Jones the well probably was original to the house and likely met standards when it was built. But at least one chunk of concrete had broken off and fallen in.

Repairs took two days of heavy work by Rosenquist and his brother, Lanny, who are the third generation of their family to maintain wells. The brothers used a backhoe and small crane to remove much of the concrete casing. They replaced it with a narrower, PVC pipe, which they sealed with a cement mixture to prevent seepage from the surface. When finished, they "shocked" the system with a bleach solution, then flushed and tested again.

Such modern construction is less prone to becoming tainted, Roderick said. "If it's not sealed airtight, bacteria can get in there and it's just gross," she said.

Grossness is not the only thing Roderick considers. Besides E. coli and other bacteria, she tests for nitrates and sulfates, which can exist in farm or lawn runoff or come from natural sources, and for arsenic and manganese, which can occur in rock formations. She plans to add tests for PFAS chemicals soon.

She collects the water in small plastic bottles, which she mails to a lab. She enters information about each well into a state database. If the tests turn up contaminants, she advises homeowners of their options.

Roderick said she enjoys the routine. "I've met so many people  and I've met a lot of dogs," she said with a laugh. "I love the feeling that I'm really helping people."
Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread human malaria-causing pathogen with 2.5 billion people living at risk in Africa, South America, Oceania, and Asia. Over the next 5 years, OptiViVax, a newly created consortium across academia and industry, will build on exciting breakthroughs in malaria research to integrate state-of-the-art advances in parasite immunology, vaccine design, and innovative pre-clinical and clinical studies, to develop next-generation vaccines with increased efficacy against the P. vivax parasite.

Currently, the 2 approved vaccines against malaria are focused on P. falciparum and do not protect against P. vivax. While there are many similarities between P. falciparum and P. vivax, there are also major differences which affect the spread of vivax and attempts to control it. Vivax malaria is transmitted rapidly from person to person by mosquitoes, and in contrast to P. falciparum, a single infection can result in repeated disease episodes that are initiated by dormant liver stages of the parasite. Remarkably, vivax relapse is thought to account for the majority of new infections (80-90%). Vivax is more widespread than falciparum and recent studies show a significant burden of disease, particularly in young children and pregnant women. The revised Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap to 2030 facilitated by the World Health Organisation recognises the severity of P. vivax malaria, calling for a vaccine intervention to achieve 75% efficacy over two years, equally weighted with P. falciparum.

The OptiViVax consortium brings together academics, non-profits and industrial partners, with expertise in vaccine development, manufacturing, and clinical trials. The project will build on the expertise of its partners in P. vivax immuno-biology, preclinical functional assays, vaccine development, controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) clinical models and improved GMP bio-manufacturing know-how, to further develop next-generation vaccines with improved efficacy. The availability of new functional assays and human challenge models will underpin the future framework for informed decision-making by the clinical vaccine community, policymakers, funders and regulators.

The project is supported by funding from the European Union, the United Kingdom government, and Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

The OptiViVax consortium kick-off meeting was held on the 19th September, hosted by the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. The meeting brought together the 9 project partners from the EU, Ethiopia, Switzerland and UK, who will work in close collaboration towards a first generation of P. vivax vaccines.

This project is co-funded from the European Union Horizon Europe program under grant agreement No. 101080744. The project also receives funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government's Horizon Europe funding guarantee and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI).
Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital have developed a new "pseudo cell" formulation based on self-healing microcapsule-loading exosomes to treat diverse vitreoretinal diseases.

The study was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering on Oct. 23.

Vitreoretinal diseases include a wide spectrum of vision-threatening disorders, which may cause severe irreversible vision loss. The efficacy of current treatments for vitreoretinal diseases in clinic is generally unsatisfactory and treatments often cause several side effects. Moreover, frequently repeated treatments are often needed, leading to poor patient compliance.

In recent years, researchers have explored the possibility of cell-based therapy in ophthalmology. Despite some positive results, cell-based therapeutics in ophthalmology have encountered a series of problems, such as low cell-survival rates, instability of cell phenotype and the need for strict storage conditions, which have limited the clinical feasibility of these cell-based technologies.

The therapeutic benefits of many cell types are known to involve paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, researchers have explored the possibility of using more stable cell-secreting components (such as exosomes) as therapeutic components to treat ocular diseases. Inspired by this, researchers from IPE and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital have proposed a "pseudo cell" formulation platform.

In this platform, exosomes isolated from cells were loaded into self-healing microcapsules, called ExoCaps.

ExoCaps simulate functional cells in terms of size, internal structure, and secretion behavior." Prof. Ma Guanghui from IPE

After intravitreal injection, ExoCaps settled in the inferior area of the vitreous cavity. Since blurred vision can be induced by suspension of living cells in the vitreous cavity, having the ExoCaps settle in the inferior area made it possible to avoid blurry vision. Moreover, exosomes were gradually released as the microcapsules degraded over a month, paving the way for a long-term therapeutic effect.

Using retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and primed mycobacterial uveitis (PMU) models, the researchers detected therapeutic benefits from the application of two different ExoCap formulations, based on microencapsulation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MExo) and Treg cell-derived exosomes (TrExo), respectively. "Our ExoCap platform is flexible and can load exosomes of different cellular origins to meet varied therapeutic needs," said Prof. Wei Wei from IPE.

The potent therapeutic efficacies were verified in both murine and nonhuman primate models of vitreoretinal diseases. "This study is still at the preclinical stage. Given that exosomes are natural vesicles produced from endogenous cells with good biocompatibility and the microcapsule material [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)] has been approved for clinical use, ExoCap has the potential for translation to the clinic," said Prof. TAO Yong from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital.
The American Cancer Society has awarded the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center an Institutional Research Grant.

Cancer Center member David Plas, PhD, is primary investigator for the grant, with members Maria Czyzyk-Krzeska, MD, PhD, and Kathryn Wikenheiser-Brokamp, MD, PhD, serving as co-principal investigators.

The American Cancer Society awards Institutional Research Grants to academic and nonprofit organizations that have a track record of outstanding cancer research and a pool of experienced researchers who can mentor junior faculty. The purpose is to support early-stage faculty investigators in initiating cancer research projects so they can obtain preliminary results that will enable them to compete successfully for national research grants.

The grant will provide a total of $360,000 in pilot funding over three years.

"I am excited for the benefits that this grant will bring to our early-stage investigators, the added recognition it will bring to the Cancer Center and for the opportunity to further partner with the ACS," said Plas, professor and Anna and Harold W. Huffman endowed chair in glioblastoma experimental therapeutics in the Department of Cancer Biology in UC's College of Medicine.

The American Cancer Society is committed to investing in the careers of the best and the brightest early-stage investigators who can bring innovative ideas to the forefront. We are confident that this institutional research grant to the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, with leadership and expertise from co-investigators Dr. David Plas, Dr. Maria Czyzyk-Krzeska and Dr. Kathryn Wikenheiser-Brokamp, will provide essential mentoring to launch new researchers who are able to further our understanding of cancer and its treatment." Natasha Coleman, American Cancer Society vice president of community impact

"Receiving this award from the American Cancer Society is a validation of the cancer research happening across campus and our commitment to developing junior faculty. This award puts us in good company with peer institutions, including Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University and Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky. We are incredibly proud of the work the grant co-PIs put into receiving this award, and we are excited for the impact this will have on our early-stage investigators," said Syed Ahmad, MD, and William Barrett, MD, co-directors at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.

Over the next three years, up to nine early-stage Cancer Center investigators will benefit from this new pilot program. With matching funds provided by the Cancer Center, each funded investigator can receive up to $80,000 in support.
Chhattisgarh is one of the five states heading for polls in November where the BJP is going all out against the ruling Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel. Chhattisgarh is the only one among the five states where Congress sits comfortably in terms of its seat share and voters percentage in the last assembly election and bypoll.

ALSO READ | Full List of Congress Candidates

In Chhattisgarh, the politics has been dominated by the Congress and the BJP, while AAP is a new party in the state that tried its luck for the first time in the 2018 polls.

CHHATTISGARH ELECTION 2023

Polling for the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly will be held in two phases on November 7 and 17, while the counting of votes will be taken up on December 3.

ELECTION NAME: CHHATTISGARH ELECTION 2023 Current Term Ending Date: January 3, 2024 Total Seats: 90 Current Ruling Government: Congress Current Chief Minister Rajasthan: Bhupesh Baghel Major Opposition Party: BJP Rajasthan Election Dates 2023: November 7 & 17 Majority seats: 46 Chhattisgarh Election Result Date 2023: December 3

CHHATTISGARH ELECTION 2023 POLLING AND RESULT DATES

Chhattisgarh Election 2023 Polling Date: November 7 & 17

Chhattisgarh Election 2023 Result Date: December 3

CHHATTISGARH ELECTION TIMELINE

CHHATTISGARH ELECTION KEY ISSUES 2023: WHAT MATTERS TO VOTERS?

The Congress is banking heavily on the popularity of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Baghel, in a major announcement, has announced his party will waive the loans of farmers if Congress comes back to power. The Baghel government had earlier said it fulfilled the 2018 promise and waived agriculture loans worth Rs 9,270 crore of 18.82 lakh farmers in the state.

BJP has accused the Congress government in Chhattisgarh on a host of issues, including religious conversion, corruption, and violence. The BJP has set corruption as its main election issue in the state, with several scams surfacing ahead of the polls. Union Minister Amit Shah has accused the Congress government in the state of multiple scams and diversion of central funds allegedly to help the Congress party in Delhi.

CHHATTISGARH 2018 RESULTS

The Congress registered a landslide victory in the 2018 polls by bagging 68 seats and comfortably formed government. The BJP was reduced to 15 seats, while the JCC (J) and the BSP bagged 5 and 2 seats, respectively. The current strength of the Congress in the state assembly is 71.

Congress- 68

BJP- 15

BSP+  7

Others- 0

MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES AND ALLIANCES

Chhattisgarh has always witnessed a bipolar politics dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. However, the state saw the entry of a third front in the 2018 polls when former chief minister late Ajit Jogis Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) contested as part of an alliance and bagged seven seats.

This time, the ruling Congress also faces strong challenge from Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, who has announced candidates for 45 seats.

KEY CONTESTS AND BATTLEGROUND CONSTITUENCIES

The ruling Congress has announced candidates for all 90 seats, while the opposition BJP has declared its candidates for 86 seats.

Some of the prominent seats in the assembly elections are:
Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday dismissed Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh's jibe that he "ran away" from assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh.

"Do you take Digvijaya Singh seriously?" asked the BJP leader who quit the Congress three years ago. He was asked by reporters here about Singh's remark that the Congress gave a ticket to KP Singh from Shivpuri even though it had promised a ticket from the constituency to former BJP MLA Virendra Raghuvanshi because it was expected that Jyotiraditya Scindia would be contesting from Shivpuri as the BJP candidate.

But Scindia, in the end, "ran away due to fear," Digvijaya said on Monday.

Notably, the ruling BJP has fielded three Union ministers in the next month's assembly elections.

In 2018, the BJPs Yashodhara Raje Scindia had won from Shivpuri but she declined to contest this time citing health reasons.

Meanwhile, some Congress leaders from Shivpuri and Ashok Nagar joined the BJP in Scindias presence here.
Tonk is rooting for its current MLA and candidate Sachin Pilot to be the Chief Minister, if the Congress wins the Rajasthan elections on December 3. Locals say his time has come, and dont fail to mention that in 2018, Pilots victory margin from Tonk was higher than CM Ashok Gehlots from Sardarpura in Jodhpur.

ALSO READ | Forgive, Forget, Move OnFirst Win, Then CM Question: Sachin Pilot on Past Acrimony with Ashok Gehlot | Exclusive

Can Pilot bridge the gap between him and the CM chair that has eluded him? In an irony best describing Congress politics in Rajasthan, Pilots showpiece project as an MLA from Tonk is a 3.5-km-long bridge being built to connect the town with the Gehlot village across the Banas river. In the monsoon, the river overflows and washes away a makeshift bridge and cuts Gehlot village, besides 50 other villages, from the city, and villagers are forced to take a 20-km-long detour. One can see locals traveling on camels on a dusty road here  the bridge has been in the making for a couple of years now.

Pilot told News18 that he won with a big margin of 55,000 votes and aims to break the record this time. On Sunday, a day after his ticket was announced, Pilot was in Tonk meeting all his booth workers from 139 booths in villages and 105 booths in Tonk city. In a classic example of micro-management, Pilot met the booth workers in separate batches split by wards or panchayats to give them the winning mantra and increase the win margin. Pilot says he will soon get busy in campaigning across the state, and hence is focussing on Tonk seat for now.

PILOT WILL BE THE CM, WILL WIN 20 LOK SABHA SEATS: SUPPORTERS

Shabbir Ahmed, the councillor of Tonk, says Pilot will be the Chief Minister this time. The time has come, he will become CM this time. Pilot deserves it," says Ahmed.

Gordhan Hironi, a Pilot supporter from Tonk, said people from Eastern Rajasthan were disappointed when Pilot did not become the CM in 2018, despite the region voting for the Congress overwhelmingly in the hope that Pilot gets the chair. Pilot should be made the CM and if that happens, we can win over 20 seats in the Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan. Gehlot has worked well as the CM and is a senior leader, but he should now go to Delhi and strengthen the hands of Rahul Gandhi," Hironi says.

Tonk has a considerable Muslim population and Pilot won nearly 65% vote share last time. Ask his supporters about Gehlots latest statement that the CM chair wont leave him" and they mock it. Pilots turn will come this time. The Congress has not made it clear who will be the CM face," Devnarayan Gujjar, another Pilot supporter, said.

Shabbir Ahmed claims many more MLAs support Pilot now than in 2018. Many MLAs realise they made a mistake in 2018. A young CM would have worked with energy. Pilot accepted the decision of the High Command in 2018," Ahmed said.

Ask Pilot about what his supporters say about him being the next CM, he says that the supporters may have sentiments, but only the winning MLAs and the High Command will decide the next CM, if the Congress wins.

In many ways, Pilots journey to the CMs chair reminds one of the link being built on the Banas River since 2020, in the hope that the distance is bridged.
The 10-day-long Durga puja festival comes to an end today. People and celebrities were seen celebrating the festival with full fervour. Rupali Ganguly, Sumona Chakravarti, and Ishita Dutta along with other notable figures, came together to participate in the traditional ritual of Sindoor Khela on the last day of Durga Puja. The vibrant celebration took place in Mumbai, marking the grand finale of the auspicious festival that honours the goddess Durga.

Rupali Ganguly wore a traditional Bengali saree as she participated in the festival. Sumona and Ishita were also seen applying sindoor on each others cheeks. Rani Mukerji also channeled the Bengali in her and opted for a traditional look. The actress dropped a series of photos in Bengali traditional beiger and red sari, as she arrived at her familys Durga Puja pandal for Devi boron and sindoor khela. Rani looked soaked in the festive fervour as she engaged in sindoor khela with her friends and family and smeared vermillion on their faces. Post sindoor khela, she made her way up to ladder for Debi boron  the traditional way of bidding Ma Durga adieu with sweets, sindoor and betel leaves.

Take a look at the photos here:

Sindoor Khela is a beloved tradition during Durga Puja, where married women smear each other with sindoor as a symbol of the joyous celebration. The event was captured in a series of heartwarming photos.

Recently during the Durga Puja festival, she met an emotional fan. The video of her pacifying the fan has gone viral and fans are praising her nature. In the video, shared by Viral Bhayani, we can see Rupali wearing a blue colour saree and giving a tight hug to an emotional fan. The lady is crying after meeting the star. Rupali is also seen wiping her tears and talking to her.

Rupali Ganguly recently discussed that during her six-and-a-half-year break from work, she received several fantastic television offers. However, most of these offers required her to play the role of hero ki maa. She explained that these roles were mainly for characters with much younger heroes, who were in their twenties. Rupali decided not to accept these offers because she wanted to prioritize her role as a mother and enjoy motherhood during that period of her life.
The Joe Biden administration is proposing significant changes in the H-1B foreign workers to improve efficiency by streamlining eligibility, providing more flexibility to F-1 students, entrepreneurs and other non-immigrant workers.

The rules, which are scheduled to be published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on October 23 in the Federal Register have been proposed without changing the Congress-mandated 60,000 limit on the number of such visas the US issues every year.

What is the H-1B Visa Programme

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the Green Card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The visa category is one of the most sought-after visa types and nearly three-fourths of H-1B visas go to Indian professionals. Every year, the US gives 65,000 H-1B visas which are open to all and 20,000 to those with advanced US degrees.

For 85,000 available H-1B visa slots, the US businesses submitted 780,884 applications for fiscal year 2021, jumping by more than 60 percent.

Why were the changes proposed?

Till the end of fiscal 2019, there were 5.8 lakh H-1B visa holders in the US, of which Indian diaspora would make up a significant chunk. Under the current process, the more registrations that are submitted on behalf of an individual, the higher chance that an individual will be selected in a lottery.

Earlier in April, USCIS suspected misuse as nearly 7.6 lakh eligible e-registrations received by it were 60% higher than the previous years figure. It was observed that a set of sponsoring employers made multiple registrations for the same individual to increase the chances of selection in the lottery without having the backing of a job offer. The more registrations that are submitted on behalf of an individual, the higher the chances of that person being selected in a lottery.

This would improve the chances that a legitimate registration would be selected by significantly reducing or eliminating the advantage of submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary solely to increase the chances of selection. Furthermore, it could also give beneficiaries more choice between legitimate job offers because each registrant who submitted a registration for a selected beneficiary would have the ability to file an H-1B petition on behalf of the beneficiary," the DHS statement said.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N Mayorkas said the Biden-Harris administrations priority is to attract global talent, reduce undue burdens on employers, and prevent fraud and abuse in the immigration system.

The proposal is likely to be introduced before the next H-1B cap registration season begins in the first quarter of 2024.

What are the Changes in the H-1B Visa

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the proposed changes in the rules are aimed at streamlining eligibility requirements, improving programme efficiency, providing greater benefits and flexibilities to employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures.

The H-1B programme helps US employers hire the employees they need to meet their business needs and remain competitive in the global marketplace, while adhering to all US worker protection norms under the law.

Here are the proposed changes in the H-1B visa programme:

The proposed system involves the elimination of multiple entries by employers on behalf of the same employee. According to a report in NDTV, over half of the approximately 800,000 H-1B registrations in 2023 were multiple entries, artificially increasing the chances of some applicants. In order to check this, an employee can only be registered once and employers will now be required to submit passport information for each employee.

The new rule also eliminates the requirement for an employer-employee" relationship, making it easier for entrepreneurs to utilize the H-1B program to build and grow their businesses. The proposed amendment would make it easier for a foreign national to be sponsored for an H-1B visa by a company which they own.

With the changing work culture after Covid pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledges that a bona fide job offer can now include telework, remote work, or other off-site work within the US.

The DHS would also extend certain flexibility for students on an F-1 visa when students are seeking to change their status to H-1B. The proposed change would extend the cap-gap provision. While under the previous system, the F-1 Optional Practical Training for international students could only be extended until October 1, under the new rule, students can extend it until April 1 of the following year or until they receive their H-1B visa.

(With inputs from PTI)
With both slates of candidates accusing the other of weaponizing politics and misinformation in this years election campaign, each of the Carlisle Area School Boards 10 candidates took the stage Monday night to voice their thoughts and concerns ahead of the Nov. 7 election.

The AAUW Carlisle branch and the League of Women Voters hosted the forum Monday night at Carlisle High School for candidates in the Carlisle Area School Board race.

The race has attracted plenty of attention from residents in the school district, looking to decide which of the 10 candidates will get their votes for the five open seats on the school board. The forum had initially sold out 250 seats before the organizers expanded it to 400 seats. The forum was also livestreamed Monday night on YouTube and watched live by nearly 100 people.

During the forum, voters got to hear from two groups of candidates who are running together for the open board seats. The CASD Team for Change is made up of all newcomers  Colleen Blume, Walt Brown, Dawn Kephart, Heather Leatherman and Al Shine  who have voiced concern over academics and parental communication. The Citizens for Carlisle Schools includes the incumbents seeking re-election  Paula Bussard, Bruce Clash and Jon Tarrant  and two newcomers, Joe Shane and George Stroud, who replaced Gerald Eby on the board and on the ballot after his death.

It was the Citizens for Carlisle Schools who came out swinging first in their opening statements and in their prepared answers to questions each candidate was given ahead of time by organizers.

Bussard, Clash, Shane and Tarrant each referenced misinformation theyve seen online regarding a variety of topics from transparency to academics, and each brought up concerns about outside interests and national politics in relation to book bans and efforts that further marginalize LBGT students.

Our community deserves a school board that is governed by truth, transparency and accountability, Tarrant said, adding that he believes the district has been transparent, despite what the Team for Change claims, and later said that the best way to support teachers is to not harass them by saying they are grooming or indoctrinating their students.

The Team for Change largely did not address politics until their closing statements, with Leatherman throwing away her script to express displeasure at how the other teams campaign has been handled.

I have actually been really surprised and disappointed since the beginning of this whole process to find out how political it actually became, she said. I think we were accused of being political from the very beginning because we had the audacity to come out and say we were Republicans and we were running as Republicans in the primary. Somehow that made us the most partisan and politically divisive people in the world.

Brown echoed his colleagues concerns, saying a diversity of opinions is key, even if some believe that ideas from a particular group have no merit. Blume accused the Citizens for Carlisle Schools of using divisive rhetoric to paint the Team for Change as extremists.

We have not been the one who inserted politics into this race, she said. We have not lied or hidden donations, as we have been accused of. We are not controlled or beholden to any person, group or organization, as weve been accused of. ... We have stepped up as five individuals concerned that too many of our students are falling through the cracks, and that our current board is not handling our tax dollars efficiently.

Agreements and disagreements

The students falling through the cracks were the main focus of the Team for Change candidates, who used most of their time Monday night to talk about Carlisles graduation rate, drop-out rate and low academic scores following the pandemic, with Kephart placing the blame for falling test scores and rising mental health problems at the feet of those who decided to lock down the school during the pandemic.

But while Team for Change promoted early intervention for younger children for reading and math, they also pointed to programs that already exist at Carlisle Area School District as ways to benefit students, some of which were initiated post-pandemic by the current school board.

Each side Monday night agreed that supporting teachers is key to retention, that mental health is an issue that needs to be addressed and is being supported in Carlisle by the recent increase in psychologists and at-risk counselors, and that a safe, encouraging environment is important for students  the last of which Bussard pointed out in her closing statement sounds like the Character Strong program that was maligned by some of the Team for Change members when it was approved by the school board this year.

Many of the candidates also touted similar backgrounds in education. Shane prepares science teachers at Shippensburg University and spoke of having first-hand experience with the shortage of teachers in the pipeline, while Stroud has experience with management at the higher education level at Dickinson College. Tarrant talked about his teaching career at Big Spring, and Shine spoke of his experience teaching at private school before becoming a substitute teacher in the Carlisle area.

However, two subjects came up at Monday nights forum that seemed to split the two groups.

The K-8 reorganization plan, on which the Carlisle Area School District is collecting public input, was a sticking point for Kephart who felt the decision was rushed and not backed up by enrollment data.

I personally have concerns about the reorganization happening at this time, she said. Im not sure how we arrived at the influx of students in [these] numbers. ... I want to make sure that were being fiscally responsible and slow down and take our time and accurately assess the next move.

Bussard argued that for reorganization, The status quo is not an option.

With student enrollment growing in the northern part of the district and several of our elementary schools aging out of safe use, we have to do something, she said. I also wanted to note that it is because of the prudent financial management by the current and previous school boards that the district has a strong credit rating and is in an excellent financial position to pay for this project without dramatically increasing taxes or annual debt payments.

She said the incumbents have been accused of raising taxes with no purpose, but she said this reorganization is that purpose; to have the funds for construction costs, which are no longer reimbursed by the state.

Another bone of contention was block scheduling at the school district, with Blume questioning the need for block scheduling where other districts have dropped the longer class schedule.

Clash argued that block scheduling has given students more time for individual attention and work. [Block scheduling] has been shown to be an effective tool for struggling students to give them more individual learning time. It provides more opportunities for science labs and lets honors and Advanced Placement students explore more personalized academic interests.

In the end, each candidate agreed that improvement in math and reading is important, even if they argued over the factors contributing to lower test scores, and agreed that parents can have a voice in the district and learn more about what their children are learning.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly suspended talks on normalising ties with Israel amid the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The normalisation talks, brokered by the United States, was one of the ambitious projects of President Joe Biden to normalise the Middle East and explore trade in the subcontinent.

But the large-scale attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 sparked a retaliatory bombing by Israel that has so far killed over 5,000 Palestinians and destabilised Israels growing relations with Saudi.

US President Joe Biden recently said the goal of Hamass attack was to prevent a peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. I was about to sit down with the Saudis the Saudis wanted to recognise Israel, he said.

De-escalation to Escalation

The Arab countries hoped this would be a year of de-escalation in the Middle East. They wanted calm to focus on ambitious plans to diversify their economies.

But now, the subcontinents oldest conflict has roared back to life.

Qatar, which has supported Hamas, hosts an office of the Palestinian group which doubles as the main residence of its self-exiled leader Ismail Haniyeh. The wealthy Gulf monarchy has acted as a communications channel with Hamas and is playing a key role in negotiations to release the hostages, with four freed so far.

Saudi officials announced during a visit to Riyadh by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the country had suspended talks with Israel on normalization of relations. Saudi Arabias de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had spoken of progress with Israel but also insisted on movement on the Palestinian cause.

Meanwhile, other groups based in Arab countries including the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon have also expressed support with Hamas. Iran also has long supported Hamas as the group, like Iran, is committed to the destruction of Israel.

Shifting Alliances

UAE has been one of the first Gulf countries to recognise Israel and established full diplomatic relations. After the conflict started earlier this month, the country sympathised with Israel and made condolence calls to Israel.

However, after the explosion at Gazas Ahli Arab hospital last week that killed hundreds of Palestinians, UAE joined several countries in condemning Israel despite Tel Aviv denying that it targeted the facility.

Who Will Saudi Support?

Saudi Arabia has laid out conditions for normalisation, including security guarantees from Washington and help in 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.

According to a report in Reuters, there are a range of factors which Saudi must consider amid the escalating war: its rivalry with Iran, its role in the global oil market, overseas investment and the views of its 32 million citizens.

How Saudi responds to the conflict will have big implications for his drive to modernise the Gulfs largest economy and for the world as a whole.

There can be three conclusions drawn about Saudi Arabias intentions. First, it wants to undercut Hamas and the Palestinian cause. Second, it wants to avoid a broader confrontation with Iran. The Saudis are nervous that a regional war could lead to Iranian-sponsored attacks on the kingdom, like the 2019 attack that hit its oil production, according to The Economist.

Lastly, Saudi is not completely closing the normalisation talks with Israel. In exchange for Saudis recognising Israel, the kingdom would get a defence pact with the US in return. However, the normalisation talks look a distant reality with a likely Israeli ground offensive in coming days.
India has a long history of womens participation in the armed forces. Though 2023 marked 30 years of commissioned service of female officers in the Indian Army, the participation of women in military affairs goes back a century.

Women have made significant strides in the Indian Armed Forces in the last decade marking a commendable shift towards gender equality in defence roles. While they have long played a significant role in the medical wings and as the United Nations Peacekeeping forces, their inclusion in combat and support roles is ushering in a new generation of empowered female soldiers in all three services of the Indian Armed Forces.

History of Women in Indian Armed Forces

The history of women in armed forces traces before Independence as early as the freedom struggle. Figures like Rani Lakshmibai, Capt. Laxmi Sehgal and Sarojini Naidu have been famous during the Indian freedom struggle.

The role of women in the Indian Armed Forces began to take shape with the formation of the Indian Military Nursing Service in 1888. The nurses of the Indian Army participated in several roles during World War I.

The role of women further expanded with the formation of the Womens Auxiliary Corps, which allowed them to serve in primarily non-combatant roles like communications, accounting and administration.

Women During World War II

The Womens Auxiliary Corps was founded by the British run-Indian Army to recruit female volunteers for the Second World War in May 1942. However, the women in the British Indian Army did not have the privilege of fighting in a combat role, unlike their European and American counterparts.

But women spies were quite successful during the Second World War. Noor Inayat Khan, a member of the Womens Auxiliary Corps, served with distinction as a spy, acquiring a legendary status for her service during World War II.

Though the British Indian Army limited women to non-combatant roles, Azad Hind Fauj, founded by freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, had a womens regiment named the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, which saw active combat when it fought along the Imperial Japanese Army in Burma.

Post Independence

The Army Act, 1950 made women ineligible for regular commissions with certain exceptions specified by the central government. In November 1958, the Army Medical Corps became the first Indian Army unit to award regular commissions to women.

The induction of women officers into the Indian Army through the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) started in 1992, after the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

In February 2019, the government granted a permanent commission to women officers in eight streams of the Army, in addition to the JAG and AEC, which it was granted earlier in 2008, according to Wion.

As of 2023, women are not eligible for service as combat troops in specialist forces such as the Parachute Regiment but they can join some of its non-combat wings like the signal corps, engineers, etc.

Supreme Court Ruling

In a landmark ruling in February 2020, the Supreme Court directed the government to ensure that women SSC officers are granted permanent commission to women SSC officers, subject to their obtaining 60 per cent marks in the assessment subjects, being found medical fit, and having received disciplinary and vigilance clearances.

The directives are currently being implemented by the government and military forces which allows more female colonels and lieutenant generals in the Army.

Women Representation in Three Services

Indian Army: At present, the women are being commissioned in the Indian Army in ten streams namely Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, Army Air Defence, Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, Corp of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Aviation Corps, Intelligence Corps, Judge Advocate General Branch and Army Education Corps in addition to the Armed Forces Medical Services as Doctors and Military Nurses which is a women-only entry. Currently, over 7000 women are currently serving in the Indian Army.

Indian Navy: The induction of women as officers in the Indian Navy commenced in the year 1991. The strength of women officers in the Indian Navy as of March 2023, is 748 including Medical and Dental officers. In December 2019, Sub-lieutenant Shubhangi Swaroop made history by becoming the first woman pilot for the Indian Navy, with a role in flying the Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft.

Indian Air Force: In the Indian Air Force, he said recruitment officers in the force is gender neutral. By September 2020, there were 1,875 female officers in various roles, including combat and support. In 2015, combat roles for women as fighter pilots were opened up and in May 2019, Bhawana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot qualified for combat missions. The strength of women officers, as of March 2023, in the IAF is 1,636.
The Centre is planning to roll out a mega drive in order to ensure that the welfare schemes launched since 2014 reach maximum number of beneficiaries ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra will take place in 2.7 lakh panchayats across the country after Diwali.

In a recent Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Modi instructed all ministers to ensure that the deserving beneficiaries are reached out faster.

Since 2014, a slew of welfare schemes has had a transformative impact on the lives of crores of Indians. According to Niti Aayog, a record 13.5 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21. The rural areas witnessed the fastest decline in poverty from 32.59% to 19.28%. The urban areas saw poverty declining from 8.65% to 5.27%.

Uttar Pradesh registered the largest decline in number of poor with 3.43 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty.

The following welfare schemes will get special focus over the next six months:

 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Launched in 2015, the scheme is a credit-linked subsidy scheme to facilitate access to affordable housing for the low and moderate-income residents of the country. An estimated 4 crore houses have been built under this initiative since its launch. In July this year, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri revealed that under the PM Awas Yojana (Urban) alone, the Modi government had sanctioned 1.19 crore house  out of which, 75 lakh houses had already been delivered to beneficiaries.

 National Rural Livelihood Mission (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana): Previously known as Aajeevika the scheme was rechristened in 2015. Earlier this year, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the National Rural Livelihood Mission has achieved remarkable success by mobilising rural women into 1 lakh self-help groups.

 PM KISAN Samman Nidhi Rachna: Launched in 2019, the programme provides up to Rs 6,000 per year to farmers as minimum income support. The payment is made in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each. The scheme has provided farmers with a shot in the arm, helping them reduce their debt burden, improving productivity while also encouraging them to invest in modern agricultural practices. Perhaps, the most important aspect of this scheme is that it has helped digitise the records of Indian farmers.

 Fasal Bima Yojana: Launched by the Centre in 2016, the scheme aims to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop loss or damage arising out of natural calamities. Within six years of its launch, the scheme has led to over 36 crore farmer applications being insured, with over Rs 1.7 lakh crores of claims having been paid to affected farmers until February 2022. Around 85% of the farmers enrolled with the scheme are small and marginal farmers.

 Poshan Abhiyaan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme in 2018 with the key objective of achieving improvement in key nutrition parameters for both children and women. Around 10.11 crore beneficiaries have been registered so far. The highest number of 2,11,05,303 beneficiaries have been registered from Uttar Pradesh and second from Bihar with 1,03,82,035.

 Ujjwala Yojana: Among the flagship initiatives of the Modi government, the Ujjwala Yojana has been crucial in ensuring LPG gas connections in all households. Having been launched in 2016, the scheme has ensured near national saturation of all households now. In September, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of the scheme for the distribution of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years. This will take the total number of PMUY beneficiaries to 10.35 crore by 2026.

 Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: The scheme aims to expand universal health coverage, especially to rural and vulnerable populations. So far, it has reached about 56% (600 million) of all eligible beneficiaries. Ayushman Bharat has helped save at least Rs 1 lakh crore in treatment costs in the five years since its inception in 2018. Nearly 27,343 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme.

 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: The scheme provides affordable medicines to people through special kendras across the country. Late last year, the Modi government said it plans to increase the number of generic drugs stores to 10,000 by March 2024. Around Rs 18,000 crore have been saved through the scheme since 2014. Jan Aushadhi Kendras (retail outlets) said it has achieved sales of Rs 1,236 crore in FY 2022-23, growing 38% year-on-year.

 PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: It provides free foodgrains to more than 80 crore people of the country. It was aunched in 2020 in the first phase of Covid-19 pandemic to ensure no Indian sleeps with an empty stomach due to economic hardships arising out of the lockdown. Costing about Rs 2 lakh crore every year, the schemes entire expenditure is being borne by the Centre.

A major impetus towards achieving saturation among all the schemes can be expected in the coming weeks and months. The idea is to make sure the schemes benefit as many people as possible before the Lok Sabha polls so that any potential change in government does not make any impact.
As temperatures drop, the air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) has begun to deteriorate. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 263 (poor) on Monday but is likely to breach the 300 mark (very poor) after the festivities on Tuesday evening.

According to the air quality forecast issued by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the AQI is likely to hover above poor to very poor levels over the next few days, with a significant drop on Wednesday morning. No rainfall activity is predicted over the week, and the skies are expected to be clear with mist in the mornings. The night temperatures have dropped to 17 in Delhi, and the winds are predominantly blowing from northwest India where the stubble burning incidents have shot up again. However, the wind speed remains moderate, 6-10 kmph, and usually calm during the night hours. A wind speed of less than 10 kmph generally leads to stagnation of the existing pollutants and causes a spike in pollution levels.

The high levels of pollution have predisposed millions of people living in the National Capital Region (NCR) to respiratory illness which manifests in multiple ways. While the air remains polluted all through the year, it spikes to dangerous levels during winter, when a thick layer of toxic smog envelops the entire region. Doctors warn that people may start experiencing general breathing discomfort after prolonged exposure when the AQI drops to poor and starts worsening thereafter.

VEHICULAR POLLUTION MAIN SOURCE

Since 40% of Delhis pollution comes from vehicles, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has already issued an advisory. According to it, all buses, whether government or private, originating from the NCR areas in the neighbouring states and travelling to Delhi, be either Electric Vehicles (EVs) or CNG or BS-VI diesel with effect from November 1.

Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have also formulated action plans to replace or relocate their older BS-III and BS-IV diesel-operated buses in a phased manner and procure the BS-VI buses. While Haryana plans to procure around 1,313 new BS VI buses, Rajasthan has plans for 590 new ones, while UP has targeted more than 1,650 new diesel buses by March 2024.

GRAP 2 ENFORCED

Grade 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has already been enforced in the national capital, anticipating a drop in the air quality during the festive period. GRAP is enforced three days in advance of the AQI reaching the projected levels of that stage. Stage one of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) kicks in when AQI enters the poor category (AQI 201-300) and Grade 2 when the AQI is 300-400. Grade 3 is enforced when AQI breaches the 400 mark and Grade 4 when it becomes severe + crossing the 450 mark.

If the AQI crosses the 400 mark (severe), under GRAP 3, then all state government schools in Delhi would be advised to take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools up to class 5. The state governments will also be required to impose strict restrictions on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad if the air quality turns severe.

Meanwhile, 319 incidents of stubble burning have been reported in the last 24 hours in the neighbouring states, including Punjab (152), Haryana (29), UP (20), Madhya Pradesh (89), and 29 in Rajasthan. Overall, as many as 4,693 fire counts have been reported from across northwest India since the paddy harvesting season began on September 15. While Punjab leads with 1,976 cases, it is followed by Madhya Pradesh (970), and Haryana (743).
Drawing a parallel between terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba in Mumbai and by Hamas in Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that all acts of terrorism are unlawful and unjustifiable and the Security Council must denounce member states that arm, fund and train terrorist groups.

Blinken made the remarks while addressing the Security Council ministerial meeting on the situation in the Middle East following the October 7 attack on Israel by Gaza-based Hamas militants.

We must affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and to prevent such horror from repeating itself. No member of this Council, no nation in this entire body could or would tolerate the slaughter of its people, Blinken told the UN Security Council here.

In his remarks, Blinken drew a parallel between the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel and the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba in Mumbai.

As this Council and the UN General Assembly have repeatedly affirmed, all acts of terrorism are unlawful and unjustifiable. Theyre unlawful and unjustifiable, whether they target people in Nairobi or Bali Istanbul or Mumbai, in New York or Kibbutz Beeri, he said.

They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether theyre carried out by ISIS, by Boko Haram, by Al Shabaab, by Lashkar-e-Taiba or by Hamas. They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether victims are targeted for their faith, their ethnicity, their nationality or any other reason, Blinken said.

He stressed that the Security Council has a responsibility to denounce member states that arm, fund and train Hamas or any other terrorist group that carries out such horrific acts. Blinkens remarks appeared to refer to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people in Indias financial hub.

Blinken added that the international community must not forget that among the more than 1400 people that Hamas killed on October 7 when it attacked Israel, were citizens from more than 30 UN member states, including many of the members around the horseshoe UNSC table. The victims included at least 33 American citizens.

Every one of us has a stake, every one of us has a responsibility in defeating terrorism, Blinken said.

Addressing the Council, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation in the Middle East is growing more dire by the hour.

The war in Gaza is raging and risks spiralling throughout the region. Divisions are splintering societies. Tensions threaten to boil over, he said.

The UN chief, however, added that it is important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.

They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing, he said.

But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, Guterres said.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed so far, including over 2,000 children and 1,100 women as well as journalists, medical workers and first responders, with more than 15,000 injured.
A retired engineer, Shivamurthy C, from Karnatakas Vijayanagara district was allegedly duped of Rs 2.03 crore by a few local BJP leaders on the pretext of giving him a party ticket to contest from the Hagaribommanahalli assembly constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC).

Officials said that a case has been registered against three BJP leaders  Mohan Kataria, former district unit BJP President, local leaders Revanasiddapa and Shekar NP  in the Kottur police station, a Hindustan Times report said. Reportedly the case was registered after a complaint made by Shivamurthy.

As per Shivamurthy, BJP leader Revanasiddapa  his friend  met the former at his residence and claimed that he had close contacts with all the leaders of the party and showed him some pictures to back up his claim. Revanasiddapa promised him a BJP ticket from the Hagaribommanahalli seat. After this, he took Shivamurhty to Bengaluru and introduced him to the BJP leader Shekhar NP, a native of Puttur.

Subsequently, Shivamurthy was made to meet BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel at the party office in Bengaluru. According to Shivamurthys brother C Anjinappa Kateel told Shivamurthy that Rajashekar would take care of his ticket and directed to discuss the matter with him, which appeared to give trust and confidence, an Indian Express quoted him Anjinappa as saying.

According to the complaint, the accused leaders took a total of Rs 2.03 crore from Shivamurthy between October 9, 2022 and April 30, 2023. When I asked them to give my money back, they gave me death threats, Shivamurthys complaint said.

In fact, Anjinappa also claim after the issue came to light, his brother Shivamurthy had several meetings with the accused. He said that they gave Shivamurthy cheques and asked him to cash them on specific dates, however, they all bounced. We were forced to file a complaint later, Anjinappa added.

After realising that he had been defrauded by those leaders, Shivamurthy wrote a letter to chief minister Siddaramaiah and home minister G Parameshwar, a Hindustan Times report noted.

In his letter, he appealed for justice and provided details of the individuals involved in committing the fraud and urged the authorities to take stringent actions against them, while also requesting to make the return of his money possible.

Shivamurthy came to know about the fraud only when the ticket that he was promised, was allotted to Ballahunsi Ramanna.

On the complaint of Shivamurthy, we have registered a case against three accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 420 (cheating), 506 (threatening with life) and 34 (criminal act done by few persons with common intent). The investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken, Geethanjali, Kottur sub-inspector was quoted as saying by HT.

Last month in a similar case, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths from Bengaluru arrested two persons accused of cheating a businessman of crores of rupees by promising him a BJP ticket from Byndoor constituency in Udupi district.

The two, including the prime accused Chaitra Kundapura, were arrested from the parking area of Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, police said. Srikanth Nayak Pelattur is the other accused who was held along with her.

A BJP ticket aspirant and industrialist Govinda Babu was allegedly cheated to the tune of about Rs 7 crore by the key accused after posing herself as a social worker from Billawa community close to the RSS and BJP leadership. It was alleged that she had taken advantage of the industrialists innocent nature.

The industrialist had been cheated in three phases by the accused who allegedly took the huge sum from him on the assurance that he will be given BJP ticket for Byndoor in the last assembly election.
The death of two unmarried sisters in Mumbai, which police earlier suspected to be a case of poisoning by a relative turned out to be a well-planned cold-blooded murder by their brother.

According to a Hindustan Times report, Ganesh Mohite, who is a clerk with the forest department in Palghar was fed up with his two unmarried sisters so he made a plan, inspired by a Bollywood movie Drishayam, to kill his sister and blame it on a relative.

For this purpose, he fed an idea into the minds of the investigating officers and his mother that the relative had poisoned their drinking water that his sisters consumed and died.

How Did Mohite Kill His Sisters?

On October 15, Mohite took his family for a Navratri event knowing that if he killed his sisters in Palghar, he would be the suspect but in Revdanda, he could blame the murder on a relative and he would be suspected due to their history of the dispute, the publication reported quoting police inspector Balasaheb Khade from the local crime branch (LCB), Raigad.

On the day of the crime, Mohite made instant soup for his sisters and spiked it with rat poison. After having the soup, he asked his mother to bring some drinking water which was outside in a container on the verandah and then left to participate in the Navratri event.

He then got a call from- one of his sisters Sonali, who told him that she was feeling uneasy. On the pretext of garba, Mohite deliberately reached home late and then took her to Alibag Civil Hospital, where she died on October 17.

By then, the other sister Sneha had developed serious symptoms and was shifted to MGM Hospital in Kamothe, where she died on October 20.

Mohite brainwashed Sneha, who survived till October 20, and his mother that their relative, with whom they earlier had a brawl due to some property dispute, had spiked the drinking water in the verandah.

How Police Discovered Mohites Master Plan?

On October 21, the case was transferred to the LCB and during the interrogation of the relative, the police found that they had installed CCTV cameras outside their house.

We could not see anyone tampering with the water. The CCTV footage and the fact that the mother had faced no issues after drinking the same water made us realise that something was wrong. After investigation, we found out about the fight between the siblings, HT quoted the IO as saying.

When the investigation pointed out at Mohite, the police searched his phone and found 53 search queries from October 11 to 14 on poisoning like sweet poison, smell less poison and how many days does it take a person to die after consuming poison.

What Led To The Murder?

Mohit got a job as a clerk in the Forest Department after his father, a forest department officer, died in an accident. A prolonged struggle began on who would claim the job in the fathers place, with the mother backing one of her daughters.

The accused was fed up with his sisters as he had to spend his salary on them. He was also worried that they would stake a claim to the property that belonged to their father.
Hinting at possible foreign interest in fuelling unrest in Manipur, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Tuesday that cultural Marxists reward, promote, spread anarchy and indiscretion, especially, during the run-up to the state and general elections.

Bhagwat was speaking at RSS annual Dussehra and Vijaya Dashami programme held in Nagpur early Tuesday. Music maestro Shankar Mahadevan was the chief guest for the event.

RSS has a tradition of inviting celebrated individuals from multiple social political disciplinary fields. Last year, RSS had its first woman chief guest  Santosh Yadav, an acclaimed mountaineer.

In 2018, in an unexpected political twist, the country saw former President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the RSS Dusshera event in Nagpur, while in 2017, the organisation called Sant Nirmal Das Maharaj, a Dalit Sikh religious leader from Jalandhar, as the chief guest.

As an apparent push towards the southern state by both RSS and BJP, Shankar Mahadevans entry to the long list of chief guests carries social and political significance, said political experts.

Manipur: The Focal Point

While talking about the current conflict in Manipur, Bhagwat expressed his concern about the chronology of the series of events that happened in Manipur over the past six months.

Manipur, which had been peaceful for almost a decade, has suddenly seen mutual discord and conflict. Who has a vested interest in trying to disturb the atmosphere? Which are the forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is taken for peace? he asked.

Throwing his weight around the N Biren Singh-led government and praising efforts taken by home minister Amit Shah, Bhagwat further said, Despite a strong government in the country, on whose strength this violence has continued unabated for so many days? Why did this violence break out and continue even though there was a state government that wanted to maintain the peace that had been going on for the last nine years?

Union home minister Amit Shah took swift and strong actions, he spent three days in the state and sent several senior officers and ministers to bring peace there. The government has political and administrative will to resolve the issues. In todays situation, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, what are the forces that can incite hatred and violence by causing an accident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction? he said.

Geo-Political Conspiracy

Bhagwat also raised questions about an alleged attempt to drag the RSS into the conflict and criticise their role in triggering the violence. Who has a vested interest in trying to drag an organisation like Sangh, which has been engaged in serving everyone with equal vision for years, into this without any reason? Which foreign powers may be interested in taking advantage of such unrest and instability in Manipur, located between Nagabhoomi and Mizoram in this border area? Does the geopolitics of Southeast Asia also have a role in the causal traditions of these events? he asked.

Were there extremists from across the border also among those who committed violence? Why and by whom was there an attempt to give a communal form to this mutual conflict between the Manipuri Meitei community and the Kuki community, who were apprehensive about the future of their existence? he further added expressing his concern about a probable geo-political conspiracy by the foreign powers who do not want to see Bharat thriving.

Reiterating that RSS endeavour has always been to keep everyone safe, organised, harmonious and peaceful by accepting everyone as its own, entailing great sacrifices, Bhagwat said RSS is proud of the Swayamsevaks and activists, who made tremendous efforts in a calm and composed manner to help and take care of everyone in this terrible and disturbing situation in Manipur.

Cultural Marxist and Wokeness

Calling communists as a destructive force, Bhagwat said they call themselves woke or cultural Marxists who are apparently working to achieve an ideal goal, but in reality they only disrupt progress across the globe. They claim to be Marxists, but they had disassociated themselves from Marxist ideas long back. Now, they only indulge into selfish, deceitful and discriminatory ideas to disrupt Indias progress, social harmony and cohesion and promote conflict. They wear various cloaks, he said.

Cultural Marxists reward, promote, spread anarchy and indiscretion. Their modus operandi involve taking control of the media and academia, and plunging education, culture, politics and social environment into confusion, chaos, and corruption. This style of functioning which creates disbelief, confusion and poison minds of people is called Mantra Viplav as per Chanakya Neeti, he added.

He further said the right answer to Mantra Viplav can be found only through the unity of the society. Terming victimhood as another trend in the society, Bhagwat said in a democracy like India, everyone is equal. There can be some inequality, but that can happen to everyone and it is not targeted anyone particular. We, as a nation, should not fall prey to such provocations, he said.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Tuesday announced to run 40 additional train trips on weekdays across its network from Wednesday in an attempt to promote the use of public transport among passengers across Delhi-NCR at a time when the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-II measures were invoked to combat pollution in the national capital.

As part of the various measures being adopted by the Delhi government to combat pollution under GRAP-II stage, DMRC will run 40 additional train trips on weekdays (Mon-Fri) across its network starting Wednesday i.e, 25.10.2023, the DMRC announced.

The air quality of Delhi-NCR has worsened in the past few days and the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology believe it may reach the very poor category after Dussehra.

Thus, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) last week decided to invoke Stage II of the GRAP in the Delhi-NCR.

Under GRAP II, the government takes steps to control air pollution, which includes raising the parking fees to discourage the use of personal vehicles and increasing the frequency of public CNG/electric buses and metros.

GRAP Stage-II guidelines

Use of public transport and minimise the use of personal vehicles.

Using less congested routes even if slightly longer.

Regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.

Avoid dust-generating construction activities from October to January.

Avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.

Earlier, the Delhi government announced it would re-launch its Red Light on Gaadi Off campaign to curb vehicular pollution in the national capital on October 26.

First launched on October 16, 2020, aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the national capital by encouraging drivers to switch off their vehicles while waiting for traffic lights to turn green.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that the odd-even car-rationing scheme, which allows cars to ply on alternate days based on odd or even number plates, is not currently under consideration.

Air Quality in Delhi-NCR Improves Slightly

On Tuesday, Delhis air quality improved marginally but remained in the poor category, according to monitoring agencies. The citys 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 220, improving from 263 at 4 pm on Monday.

The 24-hour average AQI settled at 218 in neighbouring Ghaziabad, 179 in Faridabad, 158 in Gurugram, 170 in Noida and 248 in Greater Noida.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

On Sunday, Delhis air quality turned very poor for the first time since May, mainly due to a drop in temperature and wind speed, which allowed pollutants to accumulate. A few incidents of firecracker burning were also reported from parts of Delhi on the occasion of Dussehra on Tuesday.

(with inputs from PTI)
After a long wait and missed deadlines, Delhis largest sewage plant is set to begin trial runs this November. The plant constructed in Okhla would pump out 564 million litres of treated water daily into the Yamuna river, which remains one of the most polluted rivers in the country.

ALSO READ | Yanking The Yamuna out of A Mess: Delhi to Have Indias Largest Sewage Treatment Plant Ready by December

According to G Asok Kumar, Director General (DG), National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the work is completed and the water inflow into the plant will begin by November 15. By next month, many drains which discharge dirty water into Yamuna will get blocked, as the water will be diverted to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). So we expect sufficient improvement in the quality of the river water by December," he told News18.

With a capacity of 564 MLD, the Okhla STP is not only Indias largest, but one of the biggest sewage treatment plants in Asia. It was initially expected to be completed by December 2023, but the deadline was later extended to July this year. According to officials, the pending financial issues with the Delhi government, which held the project, have been resolved. Although the STP will start releasing treated water into Yamuna by November, it will take at least a few weeks for it to stabilise. The treatment of sludge and biogas generation would take another few months, and could begin by March next year.

CLEAN YAMUNA BY 2025

A large amount of sewage and industrial effluents is dumped into Yamuna daily through multiple drains (nullahs) turning it into one of the most polluted tributaries of Ganga. This is most evident during the festive season in November, when a layer of toxic foam floats across the river while devotees take a dip.

According to the NMCG Chief, all the new STPs, along with upgradation of the existing ones, could significantly improve the water quality in Yamuna flowing in Delhi over the next two years. Two more STPs  Rithala (182 MLD) and Kundli (204 MLD)  have already begun trial runs, and the 318 MLD Coronation Pillar Sewage Treatment Plant was completed last year.

Yamuna and its tributaries are now our priority," Kumar tells News18. We are taking steps to clean the Hindon river. We have sanctioned around five-six STPs, which should be ready in another 1.5 years, and will improve the water quality significantly. Two of them are about to get completed, while the others are in different stages. The one at Saharanpur and Meerut have high capacity. Hopefully by 2025, the entire Ganga system should be fairly cleaned up."

As many as 12 projects have been taken up under Namami Gange for the treatment of over 1,200 MLD sewage in Delhi to abate the pollution in Yamuna. Its major tributary  Hindon river  has also been identified as Priority I polluted river stretch. Under PRAYAG, an online dashboard launched this year, the NMCG now tracks the inflow and outflow of water for over 100 STPs in Yamuna and Ganga in real-time, and whether they are working up to the standard for which they were designed.

A delegation from JICA led by Senior Vice President Keiichiro Nakazawa visited 564-MLD Okhla Wastewater Treatment Plant to assess the projects progress, which is being built under Yamuna Action Plan-III with the objective of cleaning Yamuna.#YamunaActionPlan_3 #JICAIndia pic.twitter.com/BduexobMrx Delhi Jal Board (@DelhiJalBoard) October 18, 2022

QUALITY CHECKS

Of the total 39 STPs, as many as 25 do not meet the revised water quality standards as of September 2023. However, according to the NMCG, at least 35 of them (except for two under trial run), meet the design standards (for water quality) under which they were initially built. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had revised the water quality standards in 2019 and directed all STPs in the country to abide by the new norms. As per the new standards, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) should be below 10 mg/L.

We are now in the process of insisting the Delhi Jal Board to upgrade the existing STPs. There are about 39 such STPs, which were built as per previous standards. It may take time, since the new standards are yet to be notified. Meanwhile, all the new STPs being approved in the stretch from Okhla Barrage to Agra are being sanctioned with far higher standards of BOD:TSS at less than 5 mg/L," he added.
PHILADELPHIA  Family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers gathered Tuesday to bid farewell to a Philadelphia police officer killed in an airport parking garage shooting that also wounded another officer earlier this month.

Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford announced Tuesday at the service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia that slain officer Richard Mendez had been posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded several medals.

Mendez and Officer Raul Ortiz had just started their shift around 11 p.m. Oct. 12 when they heard breaking glass and saw several people breaking into a car in the parking lot at Philadelphia International Airport, police said. A confrontation ensued and the two officers and one of the suspects were shot. Mendez, 50, was shot four times and pronounced dead at a hospital, police said. Ortiz was shot once in the arm.

Stanford said Mendez was described by family and friends as a great son, an amazing husband, a loving father, and an awesome friend. He said the officer had not become a hero on the night of his death but more than two decades earlier when he entered the Philadelphia police department and decided to dedicate his life to public service for 22 years.

Mendez's daughter Mia, 19, a Temple University senior, said her father was proud of having earned college degrees including a master's in business administration and had planned to return to the classroom to teach after he retired.

He was a kind, loving, patient and humble" man who "did everything to support his family and his fellow officers, she said.

She emotionally described the hardest night of my life seeing her father's body less than two hours after he had kissed her and her mother goodnight as he left for work. Surviving without him would be difficult for both, she said, "but we know he wouldnt want us to give up, so we wont.

But she said she was increasingly concerned about an apparent rise in crime in the city with criminals seeming to have little fear of consequences. And now, she said, the strongest man in my life  my hero, my rock, my daddy  was taken from me, from us, and I'm unbelievably scared.

After the service, uniformed officers saluted as the flag-draped coffin was carried out and a procession to Forrest Hills Cemetery in northeast Philadelphia began.

Three men  Alexander Batista-Polanco, 21, of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 21, of Pennsauken, New Jersey; and Yobranny Martinez Fernandez, 18, of Camden County, New Jersey  have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder. A fourth suspect, Jesus Herman Madera Duran, 18, was shot during the confrontation and died at a hospital after being dropped off by his cohorts, police said.

Police believe one of the suspects alone fired the bullets that hit the two officers and Madera Duran, but they have left it up to prosecutors to detail exactly what happened. First Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said police believe the officers were trying to detain at least one suspect when someone came behind (Mendez) and fired a weapon.

In addition to the three prime suspects, police are pursuing others who either assisted the suspects or tried to obstruct the investigation, including those involved in burning a vehicle and renting hotel rooms and those who "knew where people were and didnt tell us, Vanore said last week. Investigators were also still searching for the slain officers gun, which they dont believe was fired, he said.
A 41-year-old home guard was killed when a pickup van rammed into a Delhi Police vehicle in Dwarkas Baba Haridas Nagar, police said on Tuesday.

On the intervening night of October 22 and 23, assistant sub-inspector Mahesh Kumar and Home Guard Dharampal were on patrolling duty in the area in a PCR van, they said.

On the Najafgarh-Bahadurgarh Road, a pickup van hit their vehicle leaving both of them injured, they said.

The duo was taken to a hospital where Dharampal was declared brought dead while Mahesh was discharged after treatment, an official said.

A case under sections 279 (rash driving) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code was registered and the driver of the offending vehicle, Jai Lal (23), was arrested, police said.
Standing by his minority opinion in the Supreme Courts ruling in the same-sex marriage case, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud said that often judgments rendered on Constitutional issues are a vote of conscience.

Speaking during the 3rd Comparative Constitutional Law discussion co-hosted by Georgetown University Law Center, Washington DC, and Society for Democratic Rights (SDR), New Delhi, the CJI also explained how the Supreme Courts 2018 verdict decriminalising consensual homosexual sex paved the way for petitions asking to recognise same-sex marriage.

Sometimes it is a vote of the conscience and vote of the constitution and I stand by what I said, he said, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

Chandrachud noted that since Supreme Courts inception in 1950 till date, out of all the Constitution Bench judgments, there have been only thirteen instances where the CJIs opinion was in minority.

I was in minority where I held queer couple can adopt if they are together and then three of my colleagues differed that not allowing queer couples to adopt was discriminatory but then it was for the parliament to decide this, he said.

In 2018 we reversed a judgment of the SC where we decriminalized consensual homosxual relations and that was not the end of the rights for LGBTQIA+. Then we had petitions for same sex marriage recognition under the secular law of Special Marriage Act (SMA), he added

Talking about the petitions for same sex marriage recognition under SMA, the CJI noted that the law spoke about prohibited degrees of relation and was for man and woman.

One of the key questions was does the court have the jurisdiction to enter into this domain, he stated, as per the Bar and Bench report.

CJI said that top court unanimously decided that while we have progressed a great deal by recognising queer as equal participants in society and legislating on it falls within role of parliament and by judicial fiat we cannot enter this which gets into succession, inheritance among other things.

But where I got into minority was by recognising civil unions and we held that conscious and subconscious was larger than religion. Three of my colleagues felt that right to form unions also falls within the role of the parliament, he elaborated.

Elaborating on what led him to his decision, the CJI said instead of giving effect to social majority, the basis for a judges decision should be constitutional morality grounded in values of liberty, equality, expression and the unique oneness of our civilisation, among others.
In view of the rising air traffic demands, the Indian carriers will operate 23,732 flights during winters this year, which is 8 per cent more than the year-ago period, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Monday.

DCGA has finalised the winter schedule 2023 for scheduled carriers, which will be effective from October 29 to March 30 next year.

The aviation watchdog said that despite Go First, which was about 7 per cent of the domestic market, ceasing its operations in May this year, a 3.6 per cent increase in the total departures per week has been observed in comparison to the summer schedule of this year.

Further, compared to 22,907 departures (per week) last year during the swinter schedule, an 8.16 per cent increase has been observed with 23,732 departures per week for this year to/from 118 airports across the country.

As per DGCA data, among all the operators, IndiGo and Air India will have the highest growth in the number of flights during 2023 winter schedule.

IndiGo is set to have 13,119 departures registering a 30 per cent growth, followed by Air India with 2,367 flights registering 18 per cent growth. Amid all the turbulence, Akasa Airline has taken 790 slots per week.

Moreover, Bhatinda, Jaisalmer, Ludhiana, Nanded, Shivmoga, Salem, Utkela, Hindon and Ziro are the new new airports proposed in winter schedule by the scheduled airlines.
Several people living along the international border in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts of Uttarakhand have dual citizenship of India and Nepal, and such people are being identified, an official said.

We have found such cases in Pithoragarhs Jhulaghat and some areas of Champawat district on the Indo-Nepal border. The district administrations concerned have been informed about this, D N Bhombe, Deputy Inspector General, Almora region of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), said.

The SSB officer said that the personnel deployed in all the 54 border outposts of the force in Uttarakhand are trying to identify such people living in the Indian territory, who have the dual citizenship of India and Nepal.

He said the SSB is also taking the help of the district administrations concerned in this regard.

Pithoragarh Deputy District Magistrate Anil Kumar Shukla said there are two types of Nepalese living in India. He said the first category is of those women who got married and came to India, but neither gave up their Nepalese citizenship nor acquired the Indian citizenship.

Shukla said the second category is of those people whose entire family came from Nepal and settled in India without taking the Indian citizenship.

We have found many cases in which they fraudulently obtained Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards in India. We immediately cancelled their fake documents, he added.

The deputy inspector general of the SSB said that apart from smuggling of wild animals body parts and drugs, we are also giving priority to preventing human trafficking, and we have formed special teams for this. He said the SSB personnel keep close contact with the villagers living in the border areas in order to gain information about the arrival of any outsider there.
A 39-year-old functionary of Shiv Sena was killed and three workers of the party were injured on Tuesday as a tanker hit their SUV in Maharashtra's Sangli district when they were headed to Mumbai for the Dussehra rally, police said.

The incident occurred at Shirdhon village in Kavathe Mahankal tehsil, around 400 km from here, in the morning.

"A milk tanker rammed into the SUV from behind causing it to overturn near a bridge," a police official said.

The local functionary of Shiv Sena, identified as Vivek Teli, was killed while three of his colleagues were injured, he said, adding that the condition of one of them was critical.

The tanker driver was also injured. He is in police custody.

The process to register a case of accidental death at Kavathe Mahankal police station is underway.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is scheduled to address the annual Dussehra rally in south Mumbai in the evening.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has announced to foot the medical expenses of the injured worker, a party office-bearer said.
In a unique protest against the electricity crisis, farmers in Karnataka reached a local power station in Vijayapura district with a crocodile.

The incident took place at the Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited (HESCOM) office on October 19 when a group of farmers arrived there with a crocodile on a tractors trolley, India Today reported.

Farmers of Karnataka brought crocodile to the sub station asking officials to provide electricity. pic.twitter.com/PjgwJfbxkc Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) October 24, 2023

Farmers reportedly asked HESCOM officials about steps they would take if someone was bitten by a snake, scorpion, or crocodile and died during the night.

Farmers, when presenting the crocodile to the officials, insisted on continuous three-phase electricity throughout the daytime to prevent their crops from withering. Later, forest officials rescued the crocodile and set it free in the Almatti River.

Last week, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said consumption has gone up from 10,000 MW to 16,000 MW in October in the state due to drought this year.

The power shortage in Karnataka has emerged as a political controversy, not only in Karnataka but also in the neighbouring poll-bound Telangana. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) have been staging protests against government-imposed load shedding, which is adversely affecting the farmers. On the other hand, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party leader K Kavitha is also using the situation to attack the Congress in Telangana.

Usually, 10,000 MW power is consumed during October, but now it has gone up to 16,000 MW. There is an increase of power consumption by 6,000 MW, the Chief Minister explained.

Conceding that there was an electricity crisis in the state, the CM said recently he had a meeting with officials where he directed them that the farmers should be given a three-phase power connection for five hours continuously.

Siddaramaiah had said he has instructed the officers to purchase power from outside the State wherever there is availability and also obtain it from cogeneration in sugar factories of the state. We are making every possible effort to ensure there is no load shedding for our farmers, he said.

(With PTI inputs)
Dussehra offers a golden opportunity to escape the daily grind and explore the cultural diversity and natural beauty that India has to offer. Rikant Pittie, co-founder, EaseMyTrip shares a list of top places to consider for your Dussehra celebrations:

Varanasi, Uttar PradeshVaranasi, the spiritual heart of India, takes on an even more enchanting aura during Dussehra. Here, you can witness the grandeur of processions and the mesmerising aartis along the sacred ghats of the Ganges. Explore historic temples and lose yourself in the citys vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. Mysore, KarnatakaMysore, famous for its regal Dussehra celebrations, is a visual delight during this festival. The Mysore Palace, illuminated with thousands of lights, is a sight to behold. The city comes alive with vibrant processions and cultural events, making it a must-visit destination during this festive season. Kullu, Himachal PradeshFor those in search of both natural beauty and a unique Dussehra experience, Kullu in Himachal Pradesh offers a mesmerising blend. The Kullu Dussehra is renowned for its colourful processions, traditional music, and dance. Amidst this festive fervour, you can explore the picturesque valleys and serene landscapes of the region. Kolkata, West BengalKolkatas Durga Puja during Dussehra is a sensory extravaganza. The city is adorned with beautifully decorated pandals, each housing artistic idols of the goddess Durga. The air is filled with the beats of cultural performances, the aroma of delectable food, and an overall festive ambiance thats truly captivating. Jaipur, Rajasthan Experience the regal charm of Jaipur during Dussehra. The Amber Fort and City Palace come alive with grandeur, offering a taste of Rajasthans royal heritage. Dont miss the captivating processions featuring beautifully adorned elephants and camels, which add an extra layer of splendour to the celebrations. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu For a serene and tranquil Dussehra celebration, head to the southern tip of India in Kanyakumari. Here, you can watch the sun rise and set at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea. Explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, soaking in the tranquilly and natural beauty. Hampi, KarnatakaHampi, with its historical and architectural wonders, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient ruins that tell the tales of a bygone era amidst the stunning landscape. Jaisalmer, RajasthanExperience the golden sands of the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. Enjoy camel safaris and cultural performances in the heart of the desert. Jaisalmer Fort and the citys unique architecture add a touch of grandeur to your Dussehra celebration. Puri, OdishaPuri, one of Indias holiest pilgrimage sites, celebrates Dussehra with great fervor. Visit the renowned Jagannath Temple and take part in the grand Rath Yatra. Enjoy the serene beaches and savour delicious local cuisine for a spiritually enriching experience. Darjeeling, West BengalFor a peaceful and serene Dussehra getaway, head to the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling. The majestic Himalayas, lush tea plantations, and a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway await you. Explore the local markets and take in the breathtaking views for a memorable escape.

This Dussehra, these top 10 places promise a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Whether youre seeking spiritual enlightenment, historical wonders, or a serene escape, these places offer something for every traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready for a memorable Dussehra celebration in 2023.
HAPPY VIJAYADASHAMI 2023: Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, holds a significant place in the heart of every Indian. This cherished Hindu festival, celebrated with great fervor, signifies the conquest of virtue over vice. On this auspicious day, lets spread joy and goodwill by sharing these heartfelt wishes, greetings, quotes, messages, and images with our family and friends.

ALSO READ: Happy Dussehra 2023: Vijayadashami Wishes, Photos, Quotes, Messages, and WhatsApp Status for Dasara

HAPPY DUSSEHRA 2023 WISHES FOR BOSS, COLLEAGUES AND SENIORS

Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Dussehra. May this festival bring success and happiness to both your personal and professional life.

On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, I extend my warmest wishes to you, our esteemed boss. May this festival inspire you with renewed energy and determination for all your endeavors.

May the victory of good over evil on Dussehra inspire us all to strive for excellence in our work. Wishing you a successful and rewarding year ahead.

Happy Dussehra to a truly remarkable boss. Your leadership and wisdom guide us towards success, just as Lord Rama led to victory.

On this Dussehra, I express my gratitude for your leadership and support. May this festival bring you the strength to overcome all challenges and achieve great success.

ALSO READ: Happy Durga Puja 2023: Best Shubho Pujo Wishes, SMS, Quotes, Messages, Photos, Facebook and WhatsApp Status to Share on Durgotsav

Wishing you and your family a Dussehra filled with joy, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all your dreams. Your guidance is a source of inspiration to us all.

May the divine blessings of Dussehra bring you wisdom and clarity in your decisions as our leader. Happy Dussehra to the best boss!

HAPPY DUSSEHRA WISHES FOR COLLEAGUES

May this Dussehra mark the victory of teamwork and cooperation in our professional journey. Heres to achieving new heights together!

Let the spirit of Dussehra inspire us to overcome challenges and celebrate success as a united team. Wishing you a prosperous Dussehra!

On this special day, may our camaraderie and hard work lead to the triumph of our collective goals. Happy Dussehra to an incredible team!

As we celebrate Dussehra, may our professional family continue to prosper and flourish. Heres to many more victories together!

May this Dussehra season bring success, prosperity, and happiness into our professional lives. Together, we can conquer all challenges!

As we commemorate the triumph of good over evil, I am grateful for the positive and supportive atmosphere we share. Lets continue to achieve greatness together.

Wishing you all a Dussehra filled with the strength to overcome obstacles and the determination to reach new horizons. Together, we can achieve anything!

HAPPY DUSSEHRA 2023 WISHES

May Dussehra illuminate your path with the light of righteousness.

Wishing you a joyous Dussehra filled with love and prosperity.

Let the spirit of triumph fill your heart this Dussehra.

May the goodness within you conquer all obstacles, just like Lord Rama.

On this Dussehra, may you find success in all your endeavors.

May your life be blessed with peace and happiness, just as the world celebrates Dussehra.

Embrace the victory of truth over falsehood on this special day.

Dussehra reminds us to always stand up for what is right.

Let this Dussehra bring you a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Wishing you a Dussehra filled with positivity, prosperity, and the blessings of the divine.

ALSO READ: Dussehra and Durga Puja 2023 LIVE UPDATES

HAPPY DUSSEHRA 2023 GREETINGS

Let the goodness and righteousness in your heart always conquer the darkness around. Happy Dussehra! May you be blessed with happiness and prosperity.

Wishing you a Dussehra filled with the strength to overcome your fears and the courage to face new beginnings. Happy Dussehra to you and your family!

On this auspicious day, may all your worries and troubles burn away, just like the effigy of Ravana. Happy Dussehra!

Let the light of truth and righteousness guide you on the path to success. Happy Dussehra!

May the victory of good over evil inspire you to conquer your own inner demons. Happy Dussehra 2023!

Wishing you and your family a Dussehra filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.

May this Dussehra mark the beginning of new opportunities and adventures in your life. Happy Dussehra!

As we celebrate the triumph of virtue, may your life be filled with goodness and positivity. Happy Dussehra!

On this special day, may you be blessed with wisdom and strength to overcome all obstacles. Happy Dussehra 2023!

IN PICS: Happy Dussehra 2023 Wishes: Images, Quotes, Messages and WhatsApp Greetings to Share on Vijayadashami

Lets celebrate the victory of good deeds and moral values. Happy Dussehra to you and your loved ones!

May the spirit of Dussehra fill your heart with joy and contentment. Wishing you a very Happy Dussehra in 2023!

HAPPY DUSSEHRA QUOTES

Celebrate the victory of good over evil and let the light of Dussehra shine on your life.

On this auspicious day, may Lord Ramas blessings bring you happiness and success. Happy Dasara!

Dasara is a reminder that no matter how powerful the darkness may seem, light will always prevail.

As the effigy of Ravana burns, let go of negativity and embrace positivity. Happy Dasara!

May this Dasara bring you courage, strength, and the determination to overcome lifes challenges.

On the triumph of good over evil, may you find victory in all your endeavors. Happy Dasara!

Wishing you a Dasara filled with love, laughter, and the company of loved ones.

Let the spirit of Dasara fill your heart with hope, joy, and a sense of renewal.

Dasara is a time for new beginnings and the opportunity to write a fresh chapter in your life.

May the blessings of Goddess Durga be with you on this Dasara, guiding you towards a bright and prosperous future.

Happy Vijayadashami 2023 Images

HAPPY VIJAYADASHAMI WHATSAPP STATUS 2023

Wishing you a victorious and joyous Vijayadashami! May good always triumph over evil.

May the blessings of Goddess Durga fill your life with happiness and success. Happy Vijayadashami!

This Vijayadashami, lets celebrate the power of righteousness and the victory of truth.

As the effigy of Ravana burns, let go of your worries and embrace a new beginning. Happy Vijayadashami!

On this auspicious day, may you conquer your inner demons and find the strength to overcome all challenges. Happy Vijayadashami!

Wishing you a Dasara filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family and friends.

May the light of Vijayadashami guide you on the path to success and prosperity.

Lets rejoice in the triumph of good deeds and the victory of moral values. Happy Vijayadashami!

On this special day, may you be blessed with wisdom, courage, and a heart full of positivity. Happy Vijayadashami 2023!

May the spirit of Vijayadashami bring peace and contentment into your life. Happy Dasara!

DUSSEHRA 2023: HOW ITS CELEBRATED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA
Kartik Aaryan and Tara Sutaria sparked dating rumours after they were spotted together on a dinner date. On Saturday night, the paparazzi captured Tara and Kartik leaving the same hotel but separately. In a viral video, Tara was seen making a run from a luxury hotel to her car, avoiding the cameras as she left her dinner date. Amid the dating speculations, some people also thought that their dinner was due to Tara being roped in to play the lead with Kartik in Aashiqui 3.

However, director Anurag Basu has now told the Hindustan Times that these casting rumours are false. He said, No, the female lead of the film has not been finalised yet. Everything out there is a speculation.

Earlier, a Filmfare report claimed, Tara Sutaria has been cast as the female lead in the much-loved franchise. The film is also reportedly supposed to go on floors in January next year. However, the director has cleared the air now.

Meanwhile, there are still speculations about the actors dating. Neither Kartik nor Tara have addressed these rumours yet. Last month, Kartik and Tara were seen attending an event together. While Kartik looked chic in formal, Tara channelled her inner Barbie in a pink dress. At the time, fans were impressed with the duo and expressed their wish to see them together.

As for Aashiqui 3, Bhushan Kumar had earlier told India Today, Hopefully, we will start Anurag Basu and Kartik Aaryans film by the end of January. Bhushan Kumar also informed that Aashiqui 3s pre-production is already underway and the composers are mindfully working on churning out memorable melodies like the previous two movies.

The first two instalments of the film became big hits soon after their release. The first film was released in 1990 and featured Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal. The second film was released in 2013 with Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur as the leads. The film brought immense fame to the four actors.
Karan Johar recently released the promo for Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs episode of his chat show Koffee With Karan 8. The internet has since gone into a frenzy, gushing over the couples chemistry and hot looks. Since Karan confirmed the reports of Deepika and Ranveer opening this season of the show, fans are waiting with bated breath for him to reveal the rest of his guest list. Now, the latest reports claim that Rani Mukerji and Kajol will be appearing together on the show.

According to India Today, Rani Mukerji and Kajol will be reunited on Karan Johars Koffee With Karan 8 after 16 years. The duo had last appeared on the show together in 2007. The report quoted a source as saying, Kajol and Rani Mukerji have given their nods to shoot for an episode together. The two distant cousins from the industry last appeared together in 2007 along with Shah Rukh Khan. This is the first time they will appear together in KWK after Season 2. Karan has a lot of fun things planned for the duo.

Earlier, reports also claimed that Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar would quash their feud on the show this season. However, according to Times Now, the Satyaprem Ki Katha actor has turned down the offer to appear on Karans show. The report quoted a source as saying, Kartik doesnt feel he is ready yet to face Karans no-holds-barred grilling yet. He is too shy, and not ready for the bare-all experience. Of course, people will jump to the conclusion that Kartik and Karans patch-up in Toronto last month was a hoax. But this isnt true. Kartik is not doing Koffee With Karan, but he is definitely doing a film with Karan, and the announcement will happen sooner than later.

However, the actor hasnt reacted to any reports yet. There has also been no confirmation from Rani or Kajol yet. The show will begin streaming from October 26 this year.
James Robert Allen faces a growing array of evidence as investigators build a criminal case against the 40-year-old Suffolk resident accused of abducting a young female University of Virginia student earlier this month.

The night of Oct. 4, Allen appears to have left behind a trail of evidence after wrecking a pickup truck against a tree trunk in a fraternity house yard at the corner of Grady and Cabell avenues in Charlottesville and fleeing the scene to Louisa County  where he was ultimately apprehended.

This is what the police dream of, veteran criminal defense attorney Scott Goodman told The Daily Progress. It sounds like good police work and good citizen involvement.

The evidence includes GPS data from the work truck that Allen is accused of using to kidnap the young woman as she was walking along a residential street, according to a document filed in the case. That data led police to determine that the truck and Allen had been at the Ruckersville Sheetz convenience store two hours before the incident.

In a 6:42 a.m. Facebook post on Oct. 5, Charlottesville police released the name of their suspect along with a surveillance image of a man wearing an American flag hat as he walked near a Sheetz Beer Cave cooling unit.

Along with a navy blue hoodie, an American flag hat was seized during the search of the truck Allen wrecked. Prior to that search, police also said they found Allens cellular phone with his identification card tucked into the case beside the abandoned truck.

Those things tie him directly to that truck at the time of the crime, said Goodman. That takes care of the identity defense, the idea that they got the wrong guy.

Items identified as the victims personal belongings, car keys and a pink backpack, were also found inside the cab of the wrecked truck.

A search warrant filed on Oct. 5 by a Charlottesville police detective and signed that afternoon by Judge Claude Worrell gave police access to the white Ford F450, which belonged to Curtis Construction Inc., a contractor for several Virginia Department of Transportation highway-expansion projects in the Charlottesville area. The affidavit supporting that warrant by detective Justin Bowers reveals additional allegations made by the victim, who is described by her initials: E.S.

E.S. does not remember getting into the vehicle but does vaguely remember being inside of one, Bowers wrote. This leads [me] to believe that she may have lost consciousness during the incident.

Bowers noted that E.S. was found injured.

Her face was swollen, her cheeks appeared blue, and she had areas of road rash on her forehead, cheeks, and shoulders, Bowers wrote.

Such injuries are consistent with the previously reported account of the UVa professor who heard screaming from his bedroom window and who followed his adult daughter and her boyfriend as they chased the truck down the street before the victim was allegedly thrown from the vehicle shortly before it crashed.

E.S. also had duct tape around her wrists when she was found, wrote Bowers, but she could not recall how that had gotten there.

To Goodman, the legal analyst, the injuries and the eyewitness accounts will likely prevent the second option a defense lawyer might attempt: claiming a consensual encounter.

There are only so many defenses, said Goodman, and two of the main ones appear to be closed off.

The search warrant includes other allegations unlikely to win Allen any sympathy from potential jurors. For instance, the woman recalled that she was on a routine walk home when she suddenly choked.

She had not seen him coming and was taken by complete surprise, Bowers wrote. She began kicking and screaming, but the suspect told her to stop it and told her he was going to kill her.

When he made his last courtroom appearance on Oct. 12 it was unknown whether Allen knew of the evidence lined up against him.

The hearing was solely to change lawyers.

The public defender has a conflict, said attorney Nicholas Reppucci. Theres no objection to the motion to substitute.

Allen stood in Charlottesville General District Court wearing orange plastic slippers, a waist chain and an unhappy expression.

Judge Andrew Sneathern agreed and appointed Michael Hallahan as Allens new counsel. Allen was not asked to speak or answer any questions at the hearing, and a bailiff led him away to the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, where he has been held without bail since his Oct. 5 arrest.

Goodman guesses that Allens lawyer may try some sort of psychological defense or attempt to strike a plea deal.

The defense is really out of options, said Goodman. Unless theres some sort of mental incapacity or psychiatric problem, I dont see any defense.

Even Allens own history is working against him, according to Goodman.

Allen has a prior abduction and malicious wounding arrest in Fauquier County. And while that case was resolved in 2009 with a misdemeanor assault and battery conviction, Allen has felony convictions for property crimes in Fauquier. Court records also show that in 2012, when Allen was still listing a Fauquier address, he was convicted of felony shoplifting in Albemarle County Circuit Court and given a three-year sentence with all time suspended.

Convictions on crimes of dishonesty, Goodman contended, will undercut any effort to testify in his own defense.

In this case, Allen stands accused of two felonies: strangulation and abduction. A strangulation conviction can bring a maximum five-year sentence while a conviction for abduction can bring 10 years.

Allens next appearance will likely be Dec. 14, the date Sneathern set for a preliminary hearing.
In light of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahims recent visit to Nanning, China, where he attended the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAExpo) 2023 and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), it is evident that Malaysia is committed to deepening economic cooperation with China. Read together with Chinas recent issuance of maps, Malaysia (and other ASEAN states) calling out China, and later PM Anwars statement calling Chinas explanation of disputed maps reassuring, indicates that Malaysia gives preference to economic ties over territorial disputes with China. This is in stark contrast with approaches other ASEAN claimant states, especially the Philippines, have about the South China Sea dispute.

During his visit, PM Anwar was accompanied by Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, underscoring the importance of the trip. China reciprocated by sending Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who met with the Malaysian Prime Minister. This gesture was noteworthy, especially since Guangxi Region party secretary Liu Ning was originally expected to host.

Deepening Economic Cooperation: Both Malaysia and China have expressed their commitment to enhancing their ongoing economic collaboration, including Belt and Road Initiative projects, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and China-Malaysia cooperation projects like the Two Countries, Twin Parks and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). Media reports also mention Chinas support for Malaysias latest development strategies i.e., the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), Malaysia MADANI and the Asian Monetary Fund (AMF). The Prime Minister had stated that Chinese leaders have high regard for and support Malaysia Madani and the AMF.

China has also pledged to double its palm oil imports from Malaysia, offsetting losses resulting from restrictions imposed by the European Union. In return, Malaysia supports Chinas accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). PM Anwar also urged China to re-energise its Belt and Road Initiative, which slowed down during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysias economic dependence on China is self-evident; whats more important is that the Anwar government is putting huge bets on China for the success of its own economic goals. This could work either way.

Diversifying Collaboration: Beyond existing projects, both sides have indicated a willingness to expand cooperation into new areas, such as developing new energy vehicles, bolstering the digital economy, and strengthening exchanges in education, scientific research, and cultural tourism. As Malaysia and China approach the 50th anniversary of their bilateral ties, these developments reflect the positive nature of their relationship.

The South China Sea Dispute: Despite the overall positive trajectory of their relations, its crucial to acknowledge the complex South China Sea (SCS) dispute. Just two weeks ago, Malaysia and other ASEAN partners issued statements in response to Chinas new map that captures its nine-dash line territorial claims over the South China Sea; a claim that covers the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) maritime areas of Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

In its statement, Malaysia stated it does not recognise Chinas claims in the South China Sea and that the new map would not have any binding effect on it. Notwithstanding, it also stated that this complex and sensitive must be resolved through dialogue and consultation by international law, including UNCLOS.

It was inevitable that the matter would be raised and discussed during the Malaysian Prime Ministers recent visit, but again both sides were unwilling to sacrifice their good relations for the South China Sea (SCS). Both sides instead stated their commitment towards working closely with each other to maintain peace and stability in the region.

How this would be achieved is the question. For China, its interest in the SCS is driven by economic, security, geopolitics, and history. From the Malaysian viewpoint, in addition to economic and security considerations, failure to defend its claim, especially those portions that impact the Bornean states of Sabah and Sarawak, could have domestic political repercussions.

These regions are considered among the least developed. Many of its communities still depend on those areas for their livelihoods and important foreign earnings (e.g., tourism, fisheries). How will Chinas claims impact Sarawaks claims on oil fields that are within 200 nautical miles, and which could be a boon for its future development plans?

The SCS holds significant economic and geo-strategic importance, containing vast reserves of oil and natural gas and contributing to the food security of millions in Southeast Asia. It is no wonder that since the early 1970s, many parts of it have been claimed by multiple parties  Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These competing claims have been compounded by Chinas claim in the area, which is increasingly utilising hard tactics to effect its claims. Malaysias concerns in this matter are twofold: economic and domestic political repercussions. The Bornean states of Sabah and Sarawak, which rely on these areas for livelihoods and foreign earnings, may be affected by Chinas claims, particularly about oil fields within 200 nautical miles.

Malaysias Balancing Act: Malaysia has adopted a cautious approach, seeking to balance its interests in the SCS while maintaining good relations with other claimants, including China. So far, this cautious approach has not yielded substantive positive results as while claiming more and more islands, islets, rocks, and Exclusive Economic Zones through its cartographic invasions, island reclamation and militarisation activities, China has not discriminated between a friendly Malaysia and an increasingly assertive Philippines or Indonesia. Responses from other claimant ASEAN countries are also noteworthy in this regard: prompting some to respond in kind. The Philippines, which once courted China, now has granted US access to five military bases. Vietnam has upgraded its diplomatic status of the US to that of a strategic comprehensive partner, and Indonesia, despite not being a claimant in the South China Sea dispute, has been firm in defending its rightful EEZ in the South China Sea. ASEANs first-ever joint military exercise in the South China Sea in September, under Indonesias Chairmanship should be read in that context. Malaysias approach is getting increasingly distinct from the rest, excluding, of course, Brunei which has remained silent on the issue for years.

Future Uncertainties: Ultimately, Malaysias trepidatious balancing act and the trajectory of Sino-Malaysian relations depend on multiple factors, many of which are beyond Malaysias control. Tensions in the region, the choices of ASEAN partners, and Chinas actions will all play pivotal roles. As responses from China and those from the US and its allies become harder, Malaysia will be forced to make a choice, or the choice will be made for it by either of the sides. Malaysia must remain prepared for any outcome, recognising that ambiguity has its limits and that clear decisions may become necessary as circumstances evolve.

Rahul Mishra is Director, Centre for ASEAN Regionalism Universiti Malaya (CARUM), Asia-Europe Institute, Universiti Malaya. He tweets @rahulmishr_Peter Brian M Wang has held various positions in the Malaysian government, primarily at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). He is currently attached with the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), where he lectures and undertakes research on economic and international-relations policy. He is working on his PhD at the Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya. He tweets @PBMWang. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The Jana Sena party chief, Pawan Kalyan on Monday said that both his party and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have come together only for the safety and security of the people of the state, adding that, dethroning the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is the common agenda of both the parties.

Flanked by the TDP general secretary, Nara Lokesh, the Jana Sena chief addressed the media after the coordination committees of both the parties concluded their meeting. Kalyan announced that both the parties will fight the upcoming polls after formulating a joint action plan.

Maintaining that the Jana Sena-TDP combination is a vaccine to eliminate the YSCRP virus  which has been haunting the state  Kalyan said that both parties have come together keeping in view the welfare of the state and security of the people. There is an immediate need to dethrone this government as almost all sections are being subjected to various kinds of harassments, he said.

Stating that he has already made it clear that he will not allow the anti-incumbency vote to get divided, the Jana Sena chief said that the progress of the state is his highest priority. I supported TDP in 2014 as I wanted an experienced leader to take the state much forward. I am not against YSRCP but I am now strongly opposing it because of its wicked policies, Kalyan added.

The ruling party had promised total prohibition of alcohol in the state but are now resorting to selling of illicit liquor, he said, adding that he felt that Jana Sena-TDP combination is the only solution to see to it that YSRCP is out of power. The Jana Sena chief strongly believed that the TDP supremo and former chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, has been illegally sent to jail and the ruling party  on technical grounds  is trying keep him from getting bail.

We met here only to express our solidarity with Mr Chandrababu, he said, adding that the meeting discussed in detail the combined manifesto, how to move forward, and other issues. We will soon declare the combined action plan on how to form a strong government which will work for the welfare of the people of the state, Kalyan said.

Expressing confidence that the TDP-Jana Sena partnership will certainly form the next government by winning the upcoming Assembly elections, Lokesh said that there will not be any kind of conflict between both the parties.

Both the parties will amicably resolve any problem that arises at the grassroot level, Lokesh said, I am confident that there will not be any kind of issues between the TDP and the Jana Sena and both parties will work in close coordination to bring this partnership to power.

Lokesh, however, said that the next meeting of the TDP and Jana Sena will discuss the strategies and action plan on how to move forward. Holding the meeting on an auspicious day like Vijayadashami sends strong positive waves in the state and it will certainly do some favour to the state, he added.

Mr Pawan Kalyan has extended unconditional support to the TDP in the 2014 elections as the newly-formed Andhra Pradesh was badly in need of an efficient leader, Lokesh said and stated that both the parties have decided to join hands only for the welfare of the State. The YSRCP has done great injustice to all sections in these four-and-half years, Lokesh said, adding that the state is in the third position in the country in farmers suicides.

A common manifesto will be declared on November 1, Lokesh said, adding that the leaders of both the parties will go door-to-door for campaigning. Mondays meeting passed three resolutions, one is strongly condemning the illegal arrest of Chandrababu Naidu, the other is to save the people from this wicked rule and third is to finally fight unitedly for the progress of the state, Lokesh explained.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, of late, has been talking more about him due to the fear of defeat in the elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said on Tuesday.

Even at DMK party meetings, its president devoted more time to criticising him, Palaniswami claimed.

"I have no objection to the DMK leader talking about poll preparedness at his party meetings. But he devoted time to talk about me and criticise me. This indicates Stalin's fear of defeat in the elections," the AIADMK leader said in a statement here, apparently referring to the Parliamentary polls next year.

While speaking to reporters in Omalur, Salem district, Palaniswami alleged that the Chief Minister was rattled by the AIADMK as it had severed ties with the BJP.

"Stalin became highly critical of us after we snapped ties with the BJP. He is apparently rattled," Palaniswami told reporters.

In the statement, he claimed the Chief Minister had not implemented any new projects but was "only cutting the ribbon" for some of the projects initiated during the previous AIADMK rule in the state.

Many people-friendly schemes like the Athikadavu Avinashi project and a scheme to revive 100 lakes that had dried up in Salem district were abandoned, the former Chief Minister alleged.

"The Chief Minister claims that his government implemented all the poll assurances made by his party. But in the 29 months of its rule, the DMK government had not brought in any welfare schemes for the people," he said.
For the second year in a row, two factions of Shiv Sena held Dussehra rallies in two different parts of Mumbai on Tuesday where Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray engaged in a war of words.

Launching scathing attacks on Shinde, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray referred to him as Khokasur and General Dyer, who ordered firing on a gathering of Indians in a compound called Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab during in then British-ruled India.

The Thackeray faction has alleged that Shinde, who rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, took crores of money or several khokhas to switch sides.

Raavan too was a Shiv Bhakt. But Ram had to kill him as he had become egoistic Khokasur. We will finish them. They are scared thats why they have stolen the bow and arrow as well Lathicharge in Jalna like General Dyer. You have been so heartless. Maratha agitation was there when I was the CM too. Did the police use and brutality? Who is the Dyer of Jalna? he asked.

Addressing Shiv Sena workers at Shivaji Park, Thackeray said the BJP is trying to divide people on the basis of caste. BJP will eat a full meal in a wedding, as an uninvited guest, and will get the groom married to someone else before going. They go with anyone for their interest, he added.

The Supreme Court has been slamming them every now and then, but they are still shameless. Will the Constitution, and the Supreme Court exist now? Will or democracy survive? We will see what happens on the 30th. People have already decided who has been disqualified. I challenge them. They should hold the elections before taking a decision on the disqualification plea, he said.

Thackeray further said the country needs a strong government but not of one party with a brute majority. He said when the chair (of ruler) is unstable, the country becomes strong.

We Gave Up Power For Hindutva: Shinde

Shinde, who addressed Shiv Sena workers at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, slammed Thackeray for forming an alliance with Congress and the Samajwadi Party while burying Hindutva thoughts of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

At one time Bal Thackeray gave the slogan `Garvase kaho hum Hindu hai (say with pride we are Hindu), but now the new slogans being shouted at Shivaji Park are Garvase kaho hum Congressi hai, Garvase kaho hum Samajwadi hai. In future, Uddhav Thackery would form an alliance with the AIMIM and embrace even Hamas, Hizbul, will meet Lashkar-e-Taiba for power, he said.

Shinde said he would never compromise for a seat for power.

Shiv Sainiks have come from Maharashtra today, this is a saffron wave. This Azad gathering is being held today at Azad Maidan. Azad Maidan also has a history. Shiv Senas Dussehra gathering is being held on Azad Maidan. People have come since dawn. We are respecting other communities, respecting them too, we are moving ahead, he said.

We will never compromise for a seat for power and therefore today Abdul Sattar is also a minister in our cabinet, he himself came with the workers in an ST car and he sat with the workers. I congratulate him from the bottom of my heart and thank him, he added.

Without taking Uddhav Thackerays name, the Chief Minister said his love is not for Balasahebs thoughts but for money.

We gave up power for Hindutva, it became helpless for power, Balasaheb did not take it to us. After the Election Commission came to us with the party and the symbol, they asked the bank for Rs 50 crore. The bank refused him. Then he shamelessly asked me for money. Accusing us of 50 boxes and demanding 50 crores from us. Your love is not for Balasahebs thoughts but for money. So I paid that money without thinking for a moment, he said.

Shinde promised that he would make sure to give Maratha a reservation that would stand legally.

I am committed to giving Maratha reservations without doing injustice to any community. I take the oath of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I request people not to take any extreme steps, your family is behind you. As long as even a single drop of blood is left in my body, I will work for the Maratha reservation. The committee that has been formed has been working on this for 24 hours, he said.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make efforts to see that a humanitarian corridor is opened in Gaza so that people can get relief and a ceasefire announced. He spoke to reporters after addressing a public meeting on Monday night organised at the AIMIM headquarters here in protest against the atrocities of Israel in Palestine.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a barrage of rocket attacks in Southern Israel on October 7. The unprecedented assault triggered retaliatory strikes from the Israel Defense Forces.

India is sending aid. But, Israel is saying we will not allow it. We are talking about sending aid to Gaza through Rafah, Egypt. Our planes had gone. We demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi to first get a ceasefire made there. Get a ceasefire done in Gaza and a humanitarian corridor is opened there, he said, when asked about India sending relief materials.

He observed that 50,000 women are pregnant in Gaza and that electricity, oxygen and other essential items are not available in hospitals. The attack in Gaza should be condemned, he said.

What Israel is doing in Gaza is genocide, he claimed. The Prime Minister of the country has an additional responsibility as head of the G20 that he gets a ceasefire done and get a humanitarian corridor opened there. So that, Palestinians can get relief and their lives can be saved, he said.

The protest public meeting condemned the alleged attempt of some state governments in India to discourage or criminalise demonstrations by the Indian people against the shocking Israeli crimes in the Gaza Strip including attacks on hospitals, schools, churches and mosques. The public meeting passed several resolutions, including supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people to end the occupation of their lands.

Another resolution said Israel must adhere to international law and UN resolutions, besides honouring the Oslo Accords of 1992-93. Israel must end its occupation of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jerusalem and all territories prior to its occupation in 1967. Israel must not prevent the formation of a free and sovereign Palestinian state any longer, the resolution said.

India must continue to honour the legacy of support to the people of Palestine, a separate resolution said. We call upon the government of India to remember what Mahatma Gandhi said, Palestine belongs to the Palestinians just as England belongs to the English and France to the French. India has always stood and acted in solidarity with victims of apartheid and colonialism, whether in South Africa, Indonesia, or Palestine. It must not forsake this history, it said.

The public meeting condemns any use of violence to achieve political goals and mourns the loss of innocent lives, a separate resolution said. India on Sunday sent more than 38 tonne of relief materials including medicines and medical equipment to the people of Palestine, amid mounting global concerns over the plight of civilians living in Gaza.
Lalit Patil has been arrested again after he escaped from a Pune hospital. But the rearrest of the alleged drug lord has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra. Patil who was allegedly running a drug racket in the state was earlier arrested during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime in 2020. This year in June he was admitted to Punes Sassoon Hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis and hernia.

However, last month, police arrested a close aide of Lalit, Subhash Mandal, from the vicinity of the hospital for supplying a consignment of mephedrone (1.71kg) with a market value of around Rs 2.15 crore. After Mandal was arrested, police learnt that Patil was operating his drug business from the hospital. On October 2, Patil escaped from Sassoon Hospital. Soon after this, a political slugfest began amid allegations that two ministers from the Eknath Shinde government had helped Patil flee.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare pointed fingers at ministers Dadaji Bhuse and Shambhuraj Desai. She demanded the narco analysis tests of both ministers along with Lalit Patil and that the case be transferred to central agencies. Lalit Patil alone cannot run the whole business. The mastermind is behind him. He cant do all this without the help of these ministers, she said.

Andhare later alleged that more ministers were involved in the case and that she would reveal their names soon. Further, she demanded the scrutiny of the call date records (CDR) of Bhuse, which, she alleged, would help gather more evidence against him about how well he was connected with Lalit Patil. The BJP has claimed that Patil was not only a member of the Shiv Sena, before the split, but was also made its Nashik City president.

Andhare said, It was Dada Bhuse who brought Lalit Patil to Matoshree (residence of Uddhav Thackeray), then how can he deny that he doesnt know? She further criticised deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP who were taking credit for nabbing Patil. Andhare said that in such a case, the home minister of the state should also be held responsible for Patils escape.

After Lalit Patil fled from the Pune hospital, his photos with Uddhav Thackeray went viral on social media. Last week, while speaking with the media, Fadnavis alleged that after Patil was arrested in 2020, he was receiving preferential treatment. He was not even interrogated once after his arrest, claimed the BJP leader.

Lalit Patil was arrested on December 10-11, 2020. Uddhav Thackeray was the chief minister when he was arrested. When he was held, PCR (police custody) was sought. The PCR was of 14 days but Patil was immediately admitted to Sassoon Hospital, Fadnavis said. There was no effort from the police to file an application in court (over the fact) that he was not interrogated or that his illness was not true. Why was he not questioned? Who is responsible, the then chief minister (Thackeray) or home minister (Anil Deshmukh)?

Patil escaping from Sassoon Hospital had given an opportunity to Shiv Sena UBT and other political parties in the opposition to target Devendra Fadnavis, who is in charge of the home department. When Patil was being brought to Mumbai from Bengaluru where he was arrested, he spoke to some media channels and alleged that he was made to run by a few and would soon reveal their names.
In a big development in Odisha politics, VK Pandian, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks trusted private secretary and states 5T secretary, has been given the Cabinet rank after he opted for voluntary retirement amidst growing criticism from the Opposition regarding his frequent public appearances ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.

Odisha goes to polls for both Assembly and Parliament next year.

The states General Administration and Public Grievance Department in its October 24 order mentioned that Pandian has been appointed chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha scheme in the rank of Cabinet minister. Pandian shall work directly under the Chief Minister, the order said.

The Department of Personnel and Training approved the voluntary retirement of Pandian on October 23 after a reference letter from the government of Odisha.

A 2000 batch IAS officer, VK Pandian has his roots in Tamil Nadu and had attracted attention for his impeccable credentials as a young district collector who cut his teeth in Ganjam district in the aftermath of the Odisha super cyclone in 1999. Naveen Patnaik brought him to the Chief Ministers Office in 2011. Gradually, Pandian started to fill in the space vacated by Patnaiks once trusted aide and ex-IAS officer Pyari Mohan Mohapatra who was expelled from the party after attempting to dislodge the CM.

As results of 2019 elections trickled in, the only other person who watched them along with Patnaik was Pandian. It was Pandian again who was seen standing behind Patnaik as the last rites of his departed sister Gita Mehta were being conducted in the Lodhi road crematorium in Delhi last month.

Post Patnaiks phenomenal fifth term victory, one photograph that caught attention was that of him sitting on a chair with Pandian standing behind him.

Pandians clout and influence over the party and government has only been growing ever since he moved into the CMO. The quintessential back-room boy, publicity-shy babu, and easily Odishas most powerful bureaucrat surprised many when he started appearing, about a year ago, along with the Chief Minister in all videos that the government released to the press  whether it was meeting industrialists, felicitating sportspersons or inauguration ceremonies. In fact, some of these videos also had Pandians close-ups to underline his presence as well as proximity to Patnaik. This was a far cry from the faceless bureaucrat that he once preferred to be.

In the recent past, Pandian attracted stiff criticism from opposition leaders in Odisha who relentlessly questioned the formers frequent public tours across Odishas districts. With the 78-year-old chief minister either not being able to or not willing to put in the grind of gruelling tours, it was Pandian who tried to step in for him addressing peoples grievances in well attended public meetings.

In fact, the 5T secretary had completed touring all 147 assembly constituencies across 30 districts of Odisha in six months this year beginning with Mayurbhanj and ending in Jajpur. The BJP had even formally complained about the bureaucrats moves as unbecoming of a serving civil servant. Patnaik, however, had defended Pandian on the floor of the Assembly saying that the officer was simply following his orders.

Pandians increasing public presence had created unease even within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), with party president Naveen Patnaik expelling the Khandapada MLA and editor of Odia daily Sambad following registration of cases against him by the Economic Offences Wing of Odisha. Interestingly, Patnaik had questioned Pandians role in his newspaper Sambad.

Veteran journalist Rajesh Mahapatra says, It has been almost a year that Pandian has positioned himself as the face of the government and, in the process, has made his political ambitions abundantly clear. It was a matter of time that he would have had to quit his job as being a serving bureaucrat and openly get involved in party affairs, which were increasingly seen as acts of impropriety and have drawn widespread criticism from the opposition.

Pandian is married to a 2000 batch IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan who is currently Secretary of Mission Shakti. So, what next for Pandian? Though it is too early to say whether Pandian would be contesting the 2024 assembly elections, but it is clear that he would play a key role in managing the BJD and, consequently, in Odishas politics at least in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Mahapatra says, Just as after 2019, Naveen crafted a new position as 5T secretary for him, I will not be surprised if he creates a new post in the party for him, and his command over the party will be cemented with this. It will be formal and official that Pandian is the man in charge for the BJD.
Babar Azam and his men have, over the period, built a reputation of being the nice guys on and off the field. The camaraderie and mutual respect Pakistan team share for their opponents was at full display on Monday when the Men in Green went up against a spirited Afghanistan at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

While batting first, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was praised by one and many when he opened his gloves to tie his shoelaces. Afghanistans Mohammad Nabi quickly approached him to assist the Pakistan skipper but was politely turned away. Babar denied Nabi from touching his feet, as a mark of respect.

It was a heartfelt gesture by Azam, one that resonated with many on social media.

Also Read: Pakistani Fans Tear Apart Babar Azams Men After Humbling Loss to Afghanistan in ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam didnt let Mohd Nabi tie his shoe lace. #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/d0DqifgxGy Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) October 23, 2023

Babar Azam also gifted his bat to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Opener Gurbaz slammed a handy 65 that set a perfect tone to Afghanistans commanding run chase to beat Pakistans target of 283.

Babar Azam gifted his bat to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (ICC). A great gesture by Babar! pic.twitter.com/hODJHgERtg  Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2023

Babars heartfelt gesture and sportsmanship towards his opponents left a few Pakistani fans rather confused as one of them hilariously compared the Pakistani captain to Shah Rukh Khans character in Bollywood hit Mohabbatein. The tweet loosely translated to: Why is Babar Azam being so nice? Is he here to set an example?

Babar dint let Nabi tie his shoe lace, hugged Hashmat after their win, gifted his bat to Gurbaz & the match to Afghanistan. Ye humara captain hai ya mohabbatain shahrukh khan hai bhai tu world-cup khelne gaya hai ya kya gurukul ki hawaon ka rukh badalnay?? nma (@namaloomafraaad) October 23, 2023

Others, however, didnt go as easy on their captain.

Babar ko protein khilao bhai. Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) October 23, 2023

ARRIVED FOR ANOTHER STINKER pic.twitter.com/pSaZ0ktYd9 c (@gayomarlic) October 23, 2023

Also Read: Imam-ul-Haq Trolled Brutally for Saying Pakistan Batters Have to Eat More Protein to Hit Sixes

Not only Babar but Mohammad Rizwan also conjured praises when he jumped to help Ibrahim Zadran down with cramping muscles.

Muhammad Rizwan is such a Nice human being !!! He is helping Ibrahim Zadran as he is suffering from Cramps !!!#PAKvAFG #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/vCViLHqWXC Mr Uzi (@Mr_Uziii) October 23, 2023

But for the team and Pakistani fans, it was a forgetful day at best that they would like to completely erase from their memories soon. After having put up 282/7 on the board with Babar top-scoring with 77, one had anticipated a fight back from the Pakistani bowling attack. Afghanistan had no trouble crushing the target and they did so with ease, style, and 8 wickets still in hand.

Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) scripted a dominant 130 run-stand before Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) took over the proceedings and got Afghanistan home with 6 deliveries to spare.

This was Afghanistans first-ever win over Pakistan in an ODI game.
Chinas foreign minister has told his Israeli counterpart that all countries have a right to self-defence, Beijing said Tuesday, in the first call between top diplomats from the two countries since the Israel-Hamas conflict flared this month.

All countries have the right to self-defence, Wang Yi told Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, according to a foreign ministry readout.

But he also stressed that they should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians.

Wang promised China would do its utmost to support efforts that are conducive to peace.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials. Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control of the area under attack.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist militant group, according to the latest toll from Gazas Hamas-run health ministry.

China has refrained from explicitly condemning Hamas for the attacks.

Washington has said it hopes Chinas friendship with Hamas backer Iran could help calm the conflict, particularly after Beijing brokered a detente between Tehran and its long-time foe Saudi Arabia this year.

The most pressing task now is to prevent the situation from escalating further and from leading to a more serious humanitarian disaster, Foreign Minister Wang told Cohen.

He also reiterated Beijings position that a two-state solution is the only viable outcome to the conflict.

China sincerely hopes that the Palestine issue will be resolved in a comprehensive and just manner on the basis of the two-state solution, and that the legitimate security concerns of all parties will be resolved in a genuine and thorough manner as a result, Wang said.
Chinas top diplomat will pay a rare visit to Washington this week, the United States announced Monday, paving the way for a potential visit by President Xi Jinping aimed at keeping tensions in check.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the highest-ranking Chinese official in the US capital in nearly five years, will visit from Thursday through Saturday against a backdrop of friction over trade, Ukraine, the Middle East, Taiwan and Chinas assertive actions at sea near the Philippines.

A senior US official said the trip was part of efforts between the worlds two largest economies to responsibly manage our competition.

We continue to believe that direct face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where our interests intersect, he said on customary condition of anonymity.

Wang will be returning a visit in June to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was the highest-ranking US official to travel to China since 2018.

Blinken huddled for 11 hours with the top Chinese leadership including Xi. Diplomats say Wang will be expecting a similar meeting with President Joe Biden, who is in Washington this week.

Biden, who last saw Xi last November on the sidelines of Group of 20 talks in Bali, has invited Chinas leader to travel next month to San Francisco where the United States will host an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Asked if Wangs visit will formalize a visit by Xi, another US official said that Biden has stated multiple times that he hopes to see President Xi in the near future and declined further comment.

Both sides have expressed an interest in recent months in avoiding conflict. Xi, earlier this month receiving Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, said the US-China relationship will determine the future and destiny of mankind.

But tensions have repeatedly soared including after China carried out major military exercises near Taiwan, the US-backed democracy claimed by Beijing, following actions by US lawmakers.

The Philippines, a US ally, on Monday accused China of deliberately hitting its boats on a resupply mission in contested waters, leading Beijing to accuse Manila of false information.

Bidens national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, on Monday called his Philippine counterpart to voice support after Chinas dangerous and unlawful actions. Sullivan will also meet Wang in Washington, officials said.

Meeting allies

In a strategy also followed ahead of Blinkens trip, the Biden administration is engaging US allies before its talks with China.

Biden on Wednesday will welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a state visit, weeks before Albanese pays his own visit to China as once-frosty ties recover.

In Chinas own show of friends, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing last week in one of his first trips since invading Ukraine.

China has offered moral support to Russia but, according to US officials, has stopped short of full-fledged military support to Moscow following US warnings.

China and the United States more recently have sought diplomatic advantage against each other over the outbreak of violence in the Middle East.

Blinken, on a visit to the Middle East, telephoned Wang to ask China to exert pressure on Iran, which backs Hamas.

China in turn has criticised US support for Israel and denounced the veto of a UN Security Council resolution by the United States, which wanted a call for Israels right to defend itself.
We watch in horror as the monstrous attacks of Hamas unfold against unarmed men, women and children.

There is no justification for this destruction, which is specifically prohibited in the Quran. Now Israels retaliation unfolds, killing and displacing more innocent civilians.

These horrific events in Israel provoke sadness, rage and maybe even helplessness. Atrocity follows atrocity, violence begets violence, grief spawns grief, suffering on top of suffering, all the way back to biblical times. My victimhood entitles me to victimize you. An eye for an eye is the ancient code.

It seems that there is no way out of this endless spiral. No one wants to let the other get away with so much unforgivable behavior. To let these assaults go unanswered is to concede defeat, accept humiliation, embolden the perpetrator.

But there is a way out, and the United States created the model after World War II. That war was the most brutal event in human history, with more that 50 million killed around the world.

The brutality of Nazi Germany was nightmarish and inhumane. The Japanese atrocities in China, Korea and the Philippines were unspeakable, to say nothing of their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

And our retaliation was vicious and devastating, with the fire bombings of Dresden and Tokyo and the finale of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. How could the world ever heal from such hateful and hate-filled violence, especially between neighbors who had been fighting for centuries, such as Germany and France, or Japan, China and Korea?

But the United States, led by President Harry Truman and Secretary of State George C. Marshall, devised the eponymous Marshall Plan in Europe and its equivalent in Japan. Never before had any nation been so healing and generous with both its friends and enemies.

It was not just that we handed out money to rebuild, but that we insisted that these former enemies come together to create a unified plan to modernize and integrate their economies. We invited everyone to join, including the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe, who declined our generous offer.

The results of this massive effort have been spectacular, more than could have been hoped for. France and Germany, who had been warring since the days of the Roman Empire, have not only been at peace for the longest period in recorded history, but are the strongest alliance in Europe and are the core of the European Union. Japan, Korea, Australia and the Philippines are the guardians of democracy and the economic engines of Asia.

The United States also has tremendously benefited from our efforts. After 1 decades of depression and war, our economy boomed in the 1950s, in large part due to trade with a revitalized Europe and Japan. To this day, among our closest friends and strongest allies in times of conflict are our former deadly enemies Germany and Japan.

So when this horrible Gaza War has ended, probably in a truce, not a peace, there is a model for healing that has the potential to enduringly end this seeming endless cycle of violence. And once again, if the United States can learn from its own history, we can lead the way to a better future.
Former US president Barack Obama warned Israel against causing civilian casualties in Palestines Gaza Strip while retaliating against terrorist group Hamas which carried out the October 7 attacks targeting Israel.

According to a report by news agency Reuters, Obama issued a written statement warning Israel  a rare comment by a former US president on a foreign policy crisis  not to cause so many civilian casualties that it results in alienations of several generations of Palestinians.

Any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire. Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes, Obama said in a statement posted on his social media accounts.

The White House has not commented on the matter and it was unclear if Obama coordinated his statement with Biden, who was his vice president.

The statement was issued shortly after the Israeli army, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), reiterated Israels aim to destroy Hamas.

We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling. The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south. Troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said in a statement.

The Israeli governments decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis, Obama said.

It could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israels enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, he wrote in the statement published in Medium that also condemned Hamas attack and reiterated his support for Israels right to defend itself, according to a report by Reuters.

The report also highlighted how Israels retaliatory mission to eliminate Hamas for the October 7 attacks allowed China and Russia to burnish their credentials as the champions of the developing world as the US squarely supported Israel. All of these three nations hold veto power in the UN Security Council.

Any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire, Obama added.

The Palestinian health ministry said the Gaza death toll had topped 5,000 in two weeks of Israeli air strikes. The attacks came after Hamas carried out a series of terrorist attacks targeting southern Israel where they killed more than 1,400 people.

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli female senior citizens among the more than 200 hostages taken during its October 7 terrorist attack. They were the third and fourth hostages to be released.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to express his countrys full solidarity with Israel after the deadly October 7 attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to an AFP journalist.

His visit comes more than two weeks after Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burned to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

Among them were 30 French citizens.

Macron was due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express Frances full solidarity with Israel after that attack, the French presidency said.

He was also expected to call for the preservation of the civilian population in Gaza, amid Israels relentless bombardment, and as it prepares for a ground invasion of the overcrowded Palestinian enclave.

More than 5,000 people, most of them women and children, have died during Israels attacks, according to numbers given by the Hamas-run health ministry.

Macron will in particular call for a humanitarian truce to allow desperately needed aid into Gaza, whose 2.4 million people have been largely deprived of water, food, electricity and other basic supplies after an Israeli blockade, the Elysee Palace said.

Macron and Netanyahu were due to hold a joint press conference at 1:00 pm (1000 GMT).

The French head of state was also due to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, as well as opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid in Jerusalem.

And in Tel Aviv, he was due to meet the families of French and French-Israeli nationals killed in the Hamas attack or being held hostage in Gaza.

Seven French citizens are still missing: one of them, a French woman, has been confirmed as among the more than 200 people Israel says were taken hostage by Hamas.

Macron has said the others are also thought to be hostages, but there has not yet been confirmation.

The French president also aims to continue efforts to avoid a dangerous escalation in the region, the Elysee said, amid growing alarm over swelling cross-border exchanges between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Macron will propose relaunching a true peace process, with the aim of creating a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers towards Israels security.

There will also probably be exchanges with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and leaders of Gulf nations, the Elysee said.

US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have already visited Israel.
Terrorist group Hamas on Monday said they freed two more hostages who were abducted from Israel on October 7. The Palestinian Islamist terrorist group freed Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, two elderly women, citing compelling humanitarian reasons.

It said that Qatar and Egypt were part of the mediation process.

A report by news agency AFP said that their husbands were still in captivity along with over 200 hostages still held by Hamas inside Gaza Strip.

Four women have now been freed in three days. American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan were freed on Friday, with the terrorists citing humanitarian reasons and efforts by Qatar and Egypt.

I can confirm that my mother Yochi (Yocheved) Lifshitz was one of two hostages released to the Red Cross this evening, her daughter Sharone Lifschitz said in a statement.

The women released on Monday were Israelis, the news agency said in the report. The women were transported out of Gaza with assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

They were taken to the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. We hope they will soon be back with their loved ones, the ICRC said on X, formerly Twitter.

These two women lived at the Nir Oz kibbutz and are aged 85 and 79, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said, and also thanked the Red Cross for helping them return to Israel.

Israel on Monday increased the number of confirmed hostages captured by Hamas and taken to Gaza to 222 people during the October 7 attacks when Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked kibbutz communities, towns and military bases in southern Israel.

Israeli officials say Hamas terrorists killed 1,400 people in the nations worst-ever attack. Israel hit back with a blistering bombing campaign which Gazas Hamas-run health authority says has now killed more than 5,000 people.

The hostages  among them babies, children, pregnant women, soldiers and many foreign nationals  have become a major issue for the Israeli government as it justifies its bombardment of Hamas targets in Gaza. But the spiralling Palestinian death toll has drawn international concern.
Fighting has raged for more than two weeks in the Gaza Strip after Hamas gunmen stormed into Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across Gaza in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Monday.

There have also been increasing cross-border exchanges of fire along Israels northern frontier with Lebanon, between Israeli troops and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas.

Here are five things about the war from the last 24 hours:

Two more hostages freed

Hamas announced it freed two more women abducted during its bloody October 7 attack on Israel and since detained in the Gaza Strip.

Israel confirmed their release and identities: Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, both Israeli citizens who lived at the Nir Oz kibbutz. Their spouses are still being held in Gaza.

Their release follows that of American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan, who were freed on Friday, with the militants citing humanitarian reasons and efforts by Qatar and Egypt.

Israel pounds Gaza

Gazas Hamas government said Israeli strikes overnight killed more than 60 people, including 17 in a single attack on a house in Jabaliya, in northern Gaza.

It said at least 10 more were killed on Monday morning.

The Israeli military said it pounded Gaza with hundreds of strikes overnight, hitting over 320 military targets among them tunnels containing Hamas terrorists, dozens of operational command centres and Islamic Jihad terrorists, military compounds, and observation posts.

New aid arrives

About a dozen aid trucks  the third convoy in three days  arrived in Gaza on Monday via the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

The United States has vowed to ensure a continued flow of relief goods into Gaza, where Israel has cut off most water as well as food, power and fuel.

On Sunday, 14 trucks entered the enclave after an initial contingent of 20 on Saturday.

The United Nations says Gaza needs about 100 truckloads of aid per day to meet the needs of its 2.4 million people, nearly half of whom have been displaced by Israels bombardment.

Border unrest displaces Lebanese

Some 19,646 people have left villages in south Lebanon due to cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel, the UNs International Organization for Migration said Monday.

The Iran-backed Shiite group has launched increasing attacks on Israel, raising fears it intends to open a Lebanese front in support of ally Hamas.

Israel has ordered the evacuation of thousands of people from a string of communities near its northern border, without giving an exact figure for the displaced.

At least 40 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally  mostly combatants but also at least four civilians, one of them a Reuters journalist.

And four people have been killed in Israel, including three soldiers and a civilian.

EU wants humanitarian pause

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday urged faster aid deliveries to Gaza, saying the blocs 27 foreign ministers would debate calling for a humanitarian pause in the war.

I think a humanitarian pause is needed to allow the humanitarian support to come in and be distributed, seeing that half of the population of Gaza has been moving from their houses, Borrell said.

Diplomatic action

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Tel Aviv on Tuesday for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office says.

His trip follows similar visits by US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Israels energy minister Israel Katz said the nation will not keep the possible ground invasion of Gaza on hold over the issue of hostages being held there. Speaking to German newspaper Bild.

Hamas terrorist group killed over 1,400 people, a large majority of them Israelis, and have taken at least 222 hostages, of which they have released four, when they attacked Israel on October 7.

(Everything would be done to bring the hostages home) but that cannot hinder our actions including the ground offensive, if we decide on it. Hamas wants us to deal with the captives and wants the military to not go in to eliminate their infrastructure. That will not happen, Katz was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, a report by the Times of Israel and the New York Times cast doubts over the kind of results a ground invasion would bring because it felt the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are not ready to enter Gaza for a ground invasion.

Two propositions, according to the Times of Israel report, have been kept before the Israeli forces  eliminate Hamas terrorists through a combination of surgical strikes and targeted raids by special forces, similar to what the US did in Mosul in 2017 with help from Iraqi and Kurdish soldiers.

Or to launch a more expansive ground invasion, similar to what the US troops did with Iraqi and British forces in Fallujah in 2004.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin is holding telephonic conversations on a daily basis with Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant to discuss how IDF plans to conduct the invasion of Gaza where terrorists operate from tunnels in one of the most densely populated urban spaces of the world.

Austin also told ABC that it will take Israel longer than what the US took to remove the Islamic State from power in Mosul if it wants to completely destroy Hamas.

This may be a bit more difficult because of the underground network of tunnels that Hamas has constructed over time and the fact that they have had a long time to prepare for a fight, Austin told ABC, recalling his experiences as the former head of the US Armys Central Command.
Israel-Hamas War Updates: The Palestinian Hamas militant group has released two more female civilians held captives in the Gaza Strip. The move came in response to Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts, with the International Committee of the Red Cross confirming that two elderly Israeli womenYocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz were released on health grounds.

Earlier, Hamas had released an American mother and daughter, Judith and Natalie Raanan, on Friday.

Follow Latest Updates In Israel-Palestine Conflict

French President in Israel

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to express his countrys full solidarity with Israel. The French head of state was also expected to call for the preservation of the civilian population in Gaza, as Israel carries out a relentless bombardment of the Palestinian enclave and prepares for a ground offensive, the presidency said.

Israeli Boy Marks 9th Birthday in Hamas Captivity

Ohad Munder-Zichri turned 9 on Monday. But instead of celebrating at home with his family and friends, he was somewhere in Gaza, one of more than 200 hostages held by Hamas. The 4th-grader from the central Israeli city of Kfar Saba was nabbed along with his mother and grandparents during a holiday visit to his grandparents kibbutz of Nir Oz along the border with Gaza.

Ohads beloved uncle was killed in the attack. The boy, his mom and grandparents disappeared with the only thread of information about them coming from a cellphone signal traced to Gaza.

Its that uncertainty that has been most agonising for Ohads grief-stricken father, Avi Zichri  not knowing if Ohad is alive, if he is wounded, if he is alone.

I keep imagining what he is going through. Hes a sensitive boy. Did he see dead bodies? He wears glasses. Did they take them from him? Can he see anything? Zichri said.

I keep thinking of every scenario, hoping for the least catastrophic. I just hope that he is safe and with his mother. he added.

Death Toll

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground assault. So far, over 5,000 Palestinians and over 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the war since Hamass October 7 cross-border incursion into Israel, according to a report by Associated Press.

Destroy Hamas

In a video posted on X (formally twitter), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, Herzi Halevi said, We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantlingits leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms. That is why we are striking, and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination.

Ceasefire Deal

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that any discussions about a Gaza ceasefire could only take place if Hamas frees all hostages seized from Israel in its October 7 attack. We should have those hostages released and then we can talk, Biden said at a White House event when asked if he would support a hostages-for-ceasefire deal.

The United States has also advised Israel to delay the expected invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

United Nations special investigator, Fionnuala Ni Aolain, said while Hamas attacks on Israel at a minimum constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, Israel in its response is required under international law to protect civilians and is banned from targeting schools, hospitals and people fleeing harm.

Humanitarian Aid To Gaza

Further, as the war rages on, a third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels sealed border.

With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the United Nations said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its trucks. Gaza hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

Aid Running Short

Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with the Medical Aid for Palestinians group, said the aid shipments that Israel allowed to cross into Gaza were a drop in the ocean of the needs required to address the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis there.

Speaking to The Associated Press Monday evening from his home in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, Shalabi said that the aid had not arrived in the northern part of the strip, which Israel wants to empty ahead of its looming ground invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Khalistani groups are planning major disruptions during Vijaydashmi programme being organised by the Hindu community in Canadas Surrey on Tuesday, October 24.

Sources told News18 that individuals and groups supportive of Khalistan are planning to bring huge vehicles to stop entry of Hindus to the venue.

It is learnt that the pro-Khalistan people will also bring protestors who are already gathered in Surrey for October 28 programme for referendum, the sources added.

Chief of Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has urged Canadian Sikhs to gather in Vancouver on October 28 for a referendum to vote on whether the Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma is responsible for Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing.

According to sources, they are planning major insults to Hindus and Indians by burning effigies of prominent Indian leaders.

Local Hindus said that Royal Canadian Mounted Police is not ready to take action because they say this is ongoing tension between India and Sikhs, and Canada gives freedom of speech.

CNN News18 had already reported that Khalistani groups are using Radio stations to radicalised young Sikhs born after 1984.

News agency PTI too reported that within Canada, there are Khalistani supporters who are enticing and easily influencing Sikh youth to immigrate to North America.

They are offering sponsorship for their visas, but their primary intention is to manipulate these individuals into advancing their Khalistan-related goals within the Canadian territory, the report stated.

Sources further told News18 that Sikhs from Italy, Germany, USA and UK have gathered in Vancouver for another Khalistani show. This time their ring master is Amritbir Singh Cheema, a source added.

Jalandhar-origin gangster Cheema is wanted in many cases in Punjab. He has applied for asylum in Canada where he has been living since 2015.

Sources said the group is using radio to radicalise people. They have hired a radio station named Radio Punjab Vancouver for a daily two-hour show to radicalise people. Its interesting to note that callers are also not locals from Canada. The calls are coming from California, which means local Canadians are hardly interested, an official told News18.
The Kremlin on Tuesday debunked media reports claiming that Vladimir Putin was ill as he suffered cardiac arrest. Laughing off at rumours that the Russian President used body doubles to cover for him in public appearances, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the 71-year-old leader is fine.

When asked about an unsourced report by a Russian Telegram channel, picked up by some Western media, that the president had suffered a serious health episode on Sunday evening, news agency Reuters quoted Peskov as saying, Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake.

On being asked about body doubles, the Kremlin spokesperson laughed and was quoted as saying, This belongs to the category of absurd information hoaxes that a whole series of media discuss with enviable tenacity. This evokes nothing but a smile.

A former Kremlin insider in a post on the social media site Telegram had claimed that Putin suffered a cardiac arrest in his private Moscow apartment on Sunday evening.

The Telegram channel, General SVR, which is reportedly run by a former lieutenant-general of the Russian army had claimed that Putin was found by guards on the floor of the bedroom lying on the floor and rolling his eyes.

The post also claimed that doctors were called immediately who then said that Putin suffered a cardiac arrest. It further claimed that he was transported to a special medical facility built in the apartment where he underwent intensive care.

News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the claims.

Security officers of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the presidents bedroom. Two security officers immediately followed into the presidents bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks, the Telegram channel claimed, adding, Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes.

It said that doctors resuscitated Putin but officially or independently the incident has not yet been confirmed but the development has caused fear and panic in Putins inner circle.

The same account earlier led to speculation that Putin uses body doubles.

It went on to claim that the body double held a phone conversation with Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and meeting Kazbek Kokov, head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

While the unexpectedly well-coiffed double of Russian President Vladimir Putin is having a telephone conversation with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and meeting with the leader of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Kazbek Kokov, the real Putin lies in a room equipped as an intensive care ward in his residence, the message on the Telegram channel, originally posted in Russian, said.

Notably, during an interview in 2020, the Russian President refuted rumours claiming that he uses body doubles.
A video of 85-yr-old Yocheved Lifshitz, one of the two captives released by Hamas late Monday, shaking hands with her captor and parting by saying shalom  which means both goodbye and peace in Hebrew  has broken the internet, with many calling for restoration of normalcy and restarting the process of peace.

85-yr-old Yocheved Lifshitz, who spent yrs getting medical supplies into Gaza, was 1 of 2 hostages released today by Hamas. As she is transferred to the Red Cross she turns around, takes her captors hand, & says shalom.Amid all the death, hope remains alive. Ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/gkMHFrMJi0  Ariel Gold   (@ArielElyseGold) October 23, 2023

Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, two elderly Israeli women, were released by Hamas citing compelling humanitarian reasons. The terrorist group said that Qatar and Egypt were part of the mediation process.

It was difficult but we will get through this, Lifshitz told reporters at a news conference at the Tel Aviv hospital where she is recovering, according to a report by CNN. Lifshitz and Coopers husbands, Oded Lifshitz, 83, and Amiram Cooper, 85 are still held by Hamas, the news agency further added.

Lifshitz is one of the founders of the Nir Oz community. Their children told the news agency that they find it hard to survive without medicine. My mom needs oxygen when she sleeps and suffers from a lot of back pain. They are not the kind of people who can survive without medicine, Sharone Lifschitz, the daughter of Yocheved, was quoted as saying by the news agency.

The video which is over a minute shows the Hamas terrorists talking with both the captives and giving them snacks and a beverage to drink.

The majority of the video is without audio  possibly because the terrorists would not want Israeli army to use it to find their location  and it is towards the end of the video the octogenarian Yocheved, endearingly called Yochi by her family members, shakes hands and says Shalom to her masked captor, who also shakes her hand and replies  even though the reply is beeped to avoid detection.

However, this video is unlikely to dampen the resolve both Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have built following the October 7 attacks.

While the terrorist group claims to be representing the plight of the Palestinian people, the IDF has vowed to devastate them and dismantle the terrorist group entirely.

The IDF and the Hamas terrorist group are also accusing themselves of mounting a PR war on the sidelines of the bloody war they are engaged in.

Lets make it clear: Hamas is launching a public relations campaign to present itself as humanitarian and make people forget the monstrous and savage atrocities that it committed only in order to weaken support for the essential operation to eradicate its military capabilities. https://t.co/9pTiDeb0Wt Ambassador Gilad Erdan   (@giladerdan1) October 20, 2023

Gilad Erdan, Israels envoy to the UN, said Hamas is launching a public relations campaign to present itself as humanitarian so that the world is misled into stopping Israel from conducting the operation to end Hamas.

Hamas is launching a public relations campaign to present itself as humanitarian and make people forget the monstrous and savage atrocities that it committed only in order to weaken support for the essential operation to eradicate its military capabilities. The only way to prevent this from happening again is by obliterating Hamas terrorist capabilities. At the same time it released two hostages for its PR, Hamas is still holding babies and the elderly, Erdan said on Saturday.

The IDF also released a video of who are the leaders of Hamas and accusing Qatar of sheltering one of the worlds richest terrorist groups on social media site X.

The video was deleted from their account but other users of X reshared the video, which still has not been taken down from X.
Oregon State University issued a notice to avoid food delivery robots because of a bomb threat earlier today.

An urgent warning was issued at around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, saying a bomb threat was made related to Starship food delivery robots and to avoid all robots until further notice.

OSU Public Safety is responding to the threat, the notice states.

At around 1:15 p.m., OSU said robots were isolating at a remote, safe location, and the Department of Public Safety was continuing its investigation. OSU said a technician was investigating the robots.

At around 1:40 p.m., OSU said the emergency was over and students could resume normal activities, while robot inspection continues at a safe location.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.
If you hang around Brownsville City Hall long enough, youll start to hear councilors, the city administrator and even residents declare various laws, passed and proposed, unconstitutional.

And so it went when it was time to come up with time, place and manner restrictions associated with the new law that requires cities to designate sleeping and resting areas for homeless individuals.

A Place to Sleep - episode 3: Corvallis Do unhoused people know where to go in Corvallis? Well, the city has outlined where they shouldn't be: near creeks, rivers, wetlands, sidewalks or within 20 feet of trees.

One flag bandana-wearing member of the community, Rod Souza went so far as to say the law is tantamount to treason.

These people that are pushing, the Legislature and everything else pushing this issue, I say they're right on the verge of committing treason, he said during a June 15 meeting, one of several that broached the subject of what to do about House Bill 3115.

Of course, even those who spend their entire lives devoted to studying the countrys founding document and its amendments, along with the jurisprudence developed over time, dont agree on what is and what is not constitutional. Supreme Court justices dont, sometimes not even with their past selves.

This is a story about the legal system and the lawsuits that led to HB 3115.

The system

First, it may be helpful to understand how the judicial system works.

When someone has a constitutional challenge, they often file a lawsuit in the federal courts. The case is first heard in a lower level court, known as a district court; there are district courts in Portland, Eugene, Medford and Pendleton.

If a party believes the district court judge erred, the decision may then be appealed  if the litigant has the money and wherewithal  to the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which typically assigns a panel of three to oversee the case.

When the Ninth Circuit adjudicates, the decision not only becomes binding for the litigants in the case at hand, it also becomes the rule of the land in the Ninth Circuit for similar circumstances.

The Ninth is big. Really big. Its the largest of the 13 appellate courts. It encompasses nine Western states. So the Ninth Circuits decisions affect a lot of people, about 67 million, according to the latest census numbers.

Some parties unhappy with their rulings may try to convince all 29 judges in the appellate court to rehear their case. This is called an en banc hearing. Its not a mandatory step in the process, however; the judges can say no.

The U.S. Supreme Court is the court of last resort even if there is no en banc rehearing. If the justices opt not to hear a case, not only is the Ninth Circuit's decision cemented in its jurisdiction, circuit courts in other parts of the country start to take notice and may be persuaded to decide similarly situated cases likewise.

Currently, homeless people in the sprawling Ninth Circuit cannot be punished for sleeping and resting if they have nowhere else to go.

Heres how we got here.

Idaho

In 2009, six homeless people who were cited under the citys camping and disorderly conduct ordinances filed a lawsuit against the city of Boise, in what became the landmark case Martin v. Boise. At the district level, the plaintiffs lost.

On appeal, their lawyers convincingly argued in a Portland courtroom that to fine or incarcerate homeless people for sleeping on public property when they had no other place to stay was cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Going into this case, you know, I would love to be able to argue that communities are required to provide adequate housing for everybody, that housing is a basic human right, said Eric Tars, legal director for the National Homelessness Law Center and one of the lead plaintiffs attorneys on the case.

We don't have that in our Constitution. What we have is the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

Heres how the appellate panel put it:

As long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors on public property on the false premise that they had a choice in the matter.

How did the three judges make that finding when no prior court had? American courts follow a legal doctrine known as stare decisis, Latin for "that which came before." Courts will look to previous holdings to decide current cases.

When no previous holding is exactly on point, judges may rely upon similar-enough past cases to create a new rule.

Here, the court was relying on a decision the U.S. Supreme Court made in 1962. It overruled a California law that punished someone for being an addict, not just for the behavior a drug addict may exhibit, like using or selling drugs. It said someone couldnt be punished for an involuntary act or condition.

'A Place to Sleep' podcast: Catch the latest episodes here Our podcast, A Place to Sleep, explores how Oregon cities are responding to a new law that is meant to provide homeless individuals a place to rest.

The Martin panel determined being homeless was also a status or condition, and the behavior, sleep, was an unavoidable part of being human. Therefore, homeless people, too, should not be subject to punishment merely because they do not have shelter.

Technically, the Ninth Circuit had said this once before, in a very similar case out of Los Angeles in 2006. But that ruling was vacated when the case settled. So it wasnt until Martin that homeless advocates had a ruling that stuck.

Boise tried to get the Supreme Court to hear it, in whats called a petition for a writ of certiorari, or writ of cert. as everyone really says it. But the high court declined, and for the Ninth Circuits nine states, the Martin decision became settled law  for now.

Grants Pass

About six weeks after the Ninth Circuit ruled, three homeless individuals filed a class-action lawsuit against Grants Pass, arguing that a number of that citys ordinances were violating their constitutional rights.

It was called Blake v. Grants Pass, but it is now known as Johnson v. Grants Pass because lead plaintiff Debra Blake died in June 2021. She was 62. There's not much publicly known about her death. Family members could not be reached. Gloria Johnson then became the lead plaintiff.

Grants Pass laws were a little different than Boises. Homeless people could sleep on public property, especially after the Ninths ruling was issued, but they couldnt use blankets, pillows, cardboard boxes or anything else to protect them from the elements.

Grants Pass gets more than its fair share of inclement weather and lows average in the 30s in winter.

The decision in this case quotes an unnamed city councilor  but it was Lily Morgan  who said the goal was to make it uncomfortable enough for (homeless people) in our city, so that they will want to move on down the road.

Also, individuals violating this and other anti-camping measures were, at least initially, not subject to criminal procedures. They were assessed civil fines and faced escalating amounts for either nonpayment or repeat offenses.

Eventually, however, if a person didnt pay their civil fines, the matter became criminal.

The panel who heard this lawsuit, a different three judges based in San Francisco, had an easy time applying Martin. The court extended Eighth Amendment protections to civil enforcement when they eventually become "intertwined" with criminal prosecution.

Imposing a few extra steps before criminalizing the very acts Martin explicitly says cannot be criminalized do not cure the anti-camping ordinances Eighth Amendment infirmity, is how the judges put it more eloquently.

Grants Pass asked the entire circuits judges to weigh in en banc, but the vote went 14-13 against rehearing the case, it was announced in July.

Judges on the losing end of the vote, several of them nominated by former President Donald Trump, wrote passionate opinions about why their colleagues were wrong, perhaps to guide the more conservative Supreme Court should it take up Grants Pass case.

Writ of cert.

Grants Pass is hoping the high court will intervene. It filed its petition for writ of certiorari on Aug. 22.

The odds are long. The court accepts only 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases that it is asked to review each year, according to court administrators.

The city makes several arguments in its attempts to beat the odds:

Originalism. It argues that the Ninth is stretching the meaning of the Eighth Amendment too far, which has always been considered, and properly so, to be directed at the method or kind of punishment imposed for the violation of criminal statutes.

Shaky foundation. It criticizes the circuit judges for applying the 1962 case. That one-off holding should be limited to punishment for mere status, not expanded to conduct that arguably follows from a status.

Policy-making. The citys attorneys link the Ninth Circuits binding opinions on the rapid growth in the homeless population. Only this Court can end this misguided project of federal courts dictating homelessness policy under the banner of the Eighth Amendment.

Since the petition was filed, it has attracted an odd assortment of bedfellows. Joining more conservative voices, such as think tank Goldwater Institute, are California Gov. Gavin Newsom, LA Alliance for Human Rights, Seattle and the League of Oregon Cities  the organization that helped cities formulate a response to HB 3115.

A lobbyist with the League of Oregon Cities, Ariel Nelson, said her organization isnt necessarily taking Grants Pass side.

There's a lot of murkiness in the federal holdings, Nelson said, adding that Oregon cities are simply looking for clarity. Some of the requirements are really difficult for cities to comply with when there is such a severe lack of resources and shelter.

Eighth Amendment

All the foregoing  the complex litigation, the appeals, the legal posturing  is in pursuit of defining what exactly the Eighth Amendment means. Its the shortest of the amendments, and its been around since 1791.

Heres what it says: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Despite Grants Pass attempt to argue what the founders really meant by those words, Meghan Ryan, a law professor at Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas  who literally wrote a book about the Eighth Amendment  said its hard to know.

The language was lifted from the Virginia Bill of Rights, which lifted it from the English Bill of Rights.

There was very little discussion as to what it meant, she said. Of the few comments made, "they related to how the language isn't very clear as to what it means.

Most of the scant discussion centered around physical punishment, such as whether it would permit whipping, cropping of the ears or hanging, Ryan said.

Then, as the states set out to ratify the amendment, the debate mostly centered around torture. Its the anti-torture amendment, she said.

Because the Supreme Court didnt address it much initially, there arent a lot of early thoughts about the amendment, Ryan said. Eventually, though, the high court did address it head-on.

But this opinion, too  should the current court want to stick to its precedents  may not be all that helpful in predicting what todays Supreme Court may do.

In 1958, the court said the amendment gains its meaning from the evolving standards of decency that marked the progress of a maturing society, Ryan said.

Tars, the Martin plaintiffs attorney, doesnt expect the court to grant Grants Pass petition because there isnt a split, or disagreement in this interpretation, among the countrys circuit courts, the main prerequisite for the justices to step in.

And since Martin came down, the Fourth Circuit, the appellate court for Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the Carolinas, has followed the Ninths Circuits lead, he said.

Ryan also doesnt see it happening. Besides death penalty cases, the Supreme Court isnt likely to hear more than one policy-oriented case centered on the Eighth Amendment, and another case may prove more interesting.

Given that one can never truly predict what the justices might do, though, Tars said if Grants Pass gets to court, its not necessarily a slam dunk for either side. So, I certainly hope that the Supreme Court follows its precedent and declines cert on this.

But if it goes up, well, we'll make our best case.

HB 3115

Despite all of the legal drama surrounding homeless individuals trying to figure out where to sleep, none of that should impact Oregon much now that HB 3115 has passed. Even if the Supreme Court overthrows the Ninth Circuits rulings, the law will likely stand, legal experts say.

A state can go above and beyond in trying to protect people outside of the Eighth Amendment guarantee, to protect people. So the law, as far as I know, would remain intact unless there are other deficiencies with it, Ryan said.

And in fact, HB 3115 was written to withstand the constitutional challenges of the Martin and Johnson rulings, said two attorneys who helped lawmakers shape the bill. They are the League of Oregon's lobbyist Nelson and Becky Straus, managing attorney with the Oregon Law Center.

Thats not to say HB 3115 wont end up in court. The bill was vague in some areas. It says that the time, place and manner restrictions cities may impose for their sleeping spots must be objectively reasonable.

That fuzziness was purposeful, Straus said.

We kind of came up with a framework guided by some core principles, like policing shouldn't lead our solutions to homelessness. Criminalization is not where we want cities to start, she said. But we don't have specifics, like every city must have X number of congregate shelters before they can arrest people.

Instead, HB 3115 set up a roadmap, so that cities could consider their needs, natural environment and resources available, Straus said.

The legal challenges, then, are likely to define the rules of engagement, she added.

With some of these unanswered questions, the court will decide, and we'll start to see what does the court think is reasonable on some of these specific elements.

The Oregon Constitution

Because Brownsville city councilors believe HB 3115 is unconstitutional, they passed an ordinance that said as much. But the constitution they believe is being violated is Oregon's.

In its purpose and scope section of the new law, it says that the Legislature is making cities meet the needs of a specific class of people, which is financially burdensome and a violation of Oregon Constitution, Article 1, Section 20.

Asked who wrote this section of the ordinance, City Administrator Scott McDowell answered unresponsively: Council passed the ordinance regarding HB 3115 at the regular session on June 27th, 2023.

City Attorney Ross Williamson declined to answer.

Its not like this was a last-minute addition. The wording was already included as a staff recommendation before councilors voted.

Heres what Article 1, Section 20 of the Oregon Constitution says:

No law shall be passed granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges, or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens.

This section often has been treated like the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, requiring that people in similar circumstances be treated the same under the law, said Paul Diller, a law professor at Willamette University College of Law.

But that doesnt mean government cant serve the specific needs of certain groups, he said. Cities, for example, often offer recreational programming just for seniors, Diller said.

I haven't heard of anybody suing or suing successfully to strike down a local government's program that provides special programming for the elderly, or for children, he said.

When determining whether a government is unfairly discriminating against a class of people, courts tend to draw differences between mutable and immutable characteristics, Diller said. Immutable, those characteristics people cant change, are things like race, national origin and sex. Laws that single out people based on these characteristics would get more scrutiny.

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So my guess is, or my instinct is that homelessness doesn't really fall within that category, because the whole idea of treating homelessness is to get people out of that. So the hope is that it wouldn't be an immutable characteristic, he said, meaning HB 3115 isnt unfairly creating a special new class of people.

While in theory, Article 1, Section 20 is designed to prevent any class of citizens or any individual citizens from getting special privileges or immunities, Diller said, if you interpreted that literally, you could strike down all kinds of laws.

Law of unintended consequences?

Because of the citys legal analysis of HB 3115, McDowell is considering opting out of the Oregon Parks and Recreation's Scenic Bikeways Program. A first in the country, the programs idea is to attract recreational tourism by advertising long routes cyclists may enjoy touring.

It includes a list of parks, mostly state parks but Brownsville-run Pioneer Park included, where cyclists may camp overnight for free.

Basically, Article 1, Section 20 says you cant have different rules for different sets of people, right? That's what the basis of discrimination is, McDowell told the Parks and Open Space Advisory Board in September. So when we do that for the cyclists, then we really are going to have to do it for everyone.

In the end, it would be easier to not offer free camping to anyone, McDowell said. One way is to just basically send the state of Oregon a letter and say, Look at the House Bill 3115. We're not offering camping, take us off of the bicycle tour for camping.

The City Council has not yet acted on that suggestion.

Stories in this series:

Related stories:
FORMER top model, Mercy Mushaninga, who duped five models of a combined US$10 200 in a botched Dubai modelling event, has to pay back the money and perform 350 hours of unpaid community service at the Belvedere Vehicle Inspection Department following her conviction by a Harare magistrate.

Mushaninga (47), who is also founder of Zim Gossip Model Agency, was convicted of fraud after a full trial by Ms Yeukai Dzuda. Ms Dzuda had initially slapped Mushaninga with a 28 months jail term.

Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, another 12 months were suspended on condition she pays back the five models she duped their US$10 200 by December 21, and the remaining six months were suspended on condition she performs 350 hours of community service at Belvedere Vehicle Inspectorate Department.

In mitigation before sentence, Mushaninga told the court that she was a single parent of two children, aged 25 and 17, and that she also takes care of her late brothers children. But in aggravation, Prosecutor Mr Bornface Musvaire asked for a stiff penalty, adding that it was the duty of the court to protect victims.

The accused has shown remorse. But it should be noted that the victims of the offence suffered a negative impact with some victims having to suffer in Dubai for the event that never took place, he said.

Some, who were still in Zimbabwe, had to prepare, go to the airport, only to face the embarrassment that they were not going to travel.

It is of paramount importance to protect this type of victim. Society must have confidence in the courts and must know that the courts are there to protect them from such offenders.

The State proved that in August last year, Mushaninga invited Daniel Tinei Muzondo, Isabel Temani, Wendy Kamwana, Shalom Ramunyenyiwa, and Wadzanai Chitate to participate in the 6th Miss Universal VIP World 2022 and the 16th Little Miss Universe Beauty Pageant scheduled for October 25 to 30 last year in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

They each paid up to US$2 900, totalling US$10 200. The complainants only discovered that they had been duped on October 24 on the scheduled date of travel. They made a police report leading to Mushaningas arrest. Herald
A LAWYER has appeared in court for allegedly fraudulently obtaining a certificate of conversions for his foreign degree in order to practice in Zimbabwe although he had passed only two of the eight modules he was required to write to be allowed to practise.

The complainant is the State, represented by Mr Joe Zimba, who is the finance and administration manager for the Council for Legal Education.

Elijah Kudzai Mbiriri, who is represented by Mr Progress Maringamoyo, is employed by Kajokoto and Company as a legal assistant. He appeared in court yesterday facing fraud charges before regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa and was remanded out of custody to December 14.

In 2017, Mbiriri graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, with a Bachelor of Law degree. As with all lawyers who graduate with a law degree from a university outside Zimbabwe, he needed to write the required examinations and be granted a certificate of conversion with the Council for Legal Education before he could practise in Zimbabwe.

This is common around the world as even a well-trained lawyer needs to be able to convert from the system taught at the university they attended to the system and particular laws in their own country.

So in 2018, Mbiriri enrolled with the council to write the required eight conversion examinations. In June 2020, Mbiriri sat for one module in civil procedure and passed. He went on to register for four modules in June 2021 in criminal procedure, evidence, statutes and ethics. But while he passed ethics, he flunked the other three.

After writing only five modules out of the required eight, and managing only two passes, he was helped by Huggins Duri, who is still at large, who gave instructions through email to Fidelity Printers and Refiners, to print a certificate of completion for Mbiriri.

The certificate was processed and Duri collected the printed certificate at Fidelity Printers and Refiners and gave it to Mbiriri, who accepted the certificate of completion, although he knew that he had sat for only five modules out of the required eight and had only passed two. Herald












South African police have intensified the crackdown on a syndicate that is stealing cars in that country which they then smuggle into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River.

While some cars are finding their way to the local market some are destined for Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said they arrested a 34-year-old suspect for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle on Monday

The suspect is also linked to a vehicle-smuggling syndicate operating between Gauteng and Limpopo in Beitbridge on Monday.

The Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Murder and Robbery, Sekhukhune Highway Patrol (Flying Squad ) and Private Security Companies received information about the suspect driving on the Berghenk road en route to smuggle a vehicle from Gauteng to Zimbabwe through Beitbridge, he said.

An operation was activated, and the team spotted the described Toyota Fortuner 2.8 Gold. They tried to stop it, but the driver sped off.

A chase ensued from Kuschke Agriculture School until he stopped at R101 next to Lunds. The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle, driving without a valid driving license, and it was also established that he is in the country illegally.

Brig Mashaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen at Garsfontein, Gauteng Province on Saturday, 21 October 2023. Herald






The Pentagon has sent military advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to aid in its war planning and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defense systems to the Middle East days ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza. One of the officers leading the assistance, the AP reports, is Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, said a US official. Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, the official said.

Israel is preparing a large-scale ground operation in an environment in which Hamas militants have had years to prepare tunnel networks and set traps throughout northern Gaza's dense urban blocks. Glynn and the other officers who are advising Israel "have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The advisers will not be engaged in the fighting, an official said. The military team is one of many pieces the Pentagon is putting in place to try to prevent the war between Israel and Hamas from becoming wider. It also is trying to protect US personnel, who in the past few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran.

On Monday, the US military garrison at an-Tanf, Syria, came under attack again, this time by two drones. The drones were shot down, and no injuries were reported, per the AP. It was the latest of more than a half-dozen instances in the past week that the US has reported its military locations in the Middle East had come under rocket or drone attack since a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital. Last Thursday, the destroyer USS Carney shot down four land-attack cruise missiles launched from Yemen that the Pentagon has said were potentially headed toward Israel. In response, the Pentagon has announced it's sending multiple Patriot missile defense system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to the Middle East.

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(Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.)
A federal judge on Monday ordered the release of a Maryland man who has been imprisoned for more than four years on charges that he plotted ISIS-inspired attacks at an airport and at a shopping and entertainment complex in the Washington, DC, area. Rondell Henry, 32, of Germantown, Maryland, pleaded guilty in August to attempting to perform an act of violence at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. US District Judge Paula Xinis agreed to sentence Henry to the jail time that he already has served since his March 2019 arrest , reports the AP .

Accepting terms recommended by both prosecutors and defense attorneys, the judge also sentenced Henry to lifetime supervised release with mandatory participation in a mental health treatment program. "It's an unusual resolution for a highly unusual case," Xinis said. Henry abandoned his plan to plow a stolen U-Haul van into pedestrians at the airport because he didn't think the early-morning crowd was large enough, prosecutors said. Police arrested Henry after he parked the truck at National Harbor, a popular waterfront destination in Maryland just outside the nation's capital. Henry didn't harm anybody at either location, but a prosecutor has said that he intended to kill as many "disbelievers" as possible.

Henry ultimately agreed to plead guilty to a felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. But prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed that an appropriate sentence for Henry would be time served and lifetime supervised release with mandatory mental health treatment and compliance with prescribed medication. "This had the potential to cause mass death, mass casualties, as well as widespread fear," said a prosecutor, Jessica Collins. Henry told the judge that he feels "much better" and is committed to getting the mental health treatment that he needs. He said he is looking forward to being reunited with his family, including his mother, stepfather and sister.

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Several months before his arrest, Henry, who worked as an IT service desk technician, began experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia and having delusional and paranoid thoughts, according to his attorneys. They say he now takes daily medication to treat his mental health condition and hasn't been experiencing any delusional thoughts or hallucinations. (Read more terrorism stories.)
A former National Security Agency employee from Colorado pleaded guilty Monday to trying to sell classified national security information to Russia. Federal prosecutors agreed to not ask for more than about 22 years in prison for Jareh Sebastian Dalke when he is sentenced in April if he adheres to the terms of a plea deal, but the judge will ultimately decide his punishment. Dalke, a 31-year-old Army veteran from Colorado Springs, technically faces up to a life sentence for giving the information to an undercover FBI agent whom prosecutors say Dalke believed was a Russian agent. However, accepting responsibility for a crime usually leads to a lighter sentence.

Dalke told the agent that he wanted to "cause change" after questioning the US role in causing damage to the world, but he also said he was $237,000 in debt, according to court documents. He decided to work with Russia, officials said, because his heritage "ties back to your country." Dalke pleaded guilty during a hearing before US District Judge Raymond Moore. He only spoke in answer to questions from Moore about whether he understood the terms of the deal. Dalke acknowledged that he has been taking medications for mental illness while in custody for about a year. He was paid $16,499 in cryptocurrency last year for excerpts of some documents that he passed on to the agent to show what he had, and then he offered to sell the rest of the information for $85,000, according to the plea deal.

The agent directed him to go to Denver's downtown train station on Sept. 28, 2022, and send the documents using a secure digital connection during a four-hour window, per the AP. Dalke arrived with his laptop and first used the connection to send a thank-you letter that opened and closed in Russian and in which he said he looked "forward to our friendship and shared benefit," according to the plea deal. Moments after he used his laptop to transfer all the files, FBI agents arrested him. According to the indictment, the information Dalke sought to give to Russia included a threat assessment of the military offensive capabilities of a third, unnamed country. It also includes a description of sensitive US defense capabilities.

(Read more espionage stories.)
Israel has significantly ramped up its airstrikes on Gaza in anticipation of a ground invasion, with the military saying it has hit more than 720 targets in the last two days, reports the New York Times. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, meanwhile, said it logged more than 700 Palestinian deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest one-day total of the war, though the figure couldn't be independently verified. Related:

Evacuation: The US is preparing for the reality that hundreds of thousands of Americans might need evacuation from the Mideast in the very near future, reports the Washington Post. An estimated 600,000 US citizens are in Israel alone, along with another 86,000 in Lebanon. While an evacuation of that scale is seen as a worst-case scenario, it "would be irresponsible not to have a plan for everything," one US official tell the Post.
Two elderly Israeli women who were held for more than two weeks by Hamas after being abducted on Oct. 7 have been released , and one of them is speaking about her experience. Haaretz and the Times of Israel report that 79-year-old Nurit Cooper and 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, who were both taken from their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas attack, were released Monday evening. Their husbands reportedly still remain as hostages in Gaza. "I went through hell," Lifshitz said in a statement from Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, after her release, per Haaretz . "They went rampant in our kibbutz. ... Masses mobbed our homes. They beat people, took some hostage. They didn't distinguish between young and elderly, it was very painful."

Lifshitzwho the AP notes is the only one of four hostages so far released to speak publiclysays that the militants took her watch and jewelry and beat her with sticks during the motorcycle ride to the border, leaving her ribs injured and causing her to have trouble breathing. After being forced to walk "for kilometers on wet dirt" to Gaza, Lifshitz says she and others were told by their abductors that they were "people who believe in the Koran and wouldn't hurt us." She notes that the hostages were kept in clean conditions and with access to medical care, and that their kidnappers were very chatty. "We told themno politics," she says, per Haaretz. "But they talked about all sorts of stuff. They were very friendly to us."

Lifshitz says the hostages even ate the same food as their abductors, which included pita, cheese, and cucumber. She was photographed shaking hands with one of her kidnappers upon her release. "They were ready for this, they had been preparing for a while," she notes. "They had everything women would need and men would need. Even shampoo and conditioner."

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Ichilov Hospital manager Ronni Gamzu says that both Lifshitz and Cooper are being monitored for now, and that at least one of them should be released within the next couple of days, per Haaretz. "We are taking care of their mental and medical state, all done in contact with their families," Gamzu says. The Israel Defense Forces says that there are about 220 people still being held hostage by Hamas, some of them foreign nationals, per Haaretz. (Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.)
A Colorado welding company that was apparently upset over having to pay a settlement to a subcontractor has been stymied by a judge who called its tactics "in bad faith." CBS Colorado reports that Larimer County Judge Joseph Findley on Monday ordered JMF Enterprises to pay Fired Up Fabrication the $23,500 it owed, and not in the way it originally tried to pay the subcontractor: all in coins, in a delivery that weighed more than 3 tons. Per 9News , Fired Up Fabrication sued JMF last summer for nonpayment on work it had done building metal stairs and handrailswork that JMF says wasn't up to snuff.

Arbitration led to the $23,500 settlement, but in August, Danielle Beem, Fired Up Fabrication's attorney, received the payment at her Denver office in a surprising way: A flatbed truck rolled up holding a steel box with the entire amount in quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, at a weight of 6,500 pounds. "A symbolic middle finger," was how Beem described it, per CBS, adding that the move was "petty and a grand waste of time," especially since the coins were loose, not wrapped. Beem added that the freight elevator in her building could only hold a max of 3,000 pounds, and that her bank, her client's bank, and even JMF's bank wouldn't accept the coins.

Neither would the local supermarket coin machine, due to the sheer volume. "A major F-U," she says of the delivery. JD Frank, JMF's owner, says there should be no issue with how his company paid up. "I'm just trying to pay a bill," he said, per 9News. "At the end of the day, it is US currency." His lawyer added in court documents, per the New York Post: "The coins, being current coin of the realm, constituted a tender of the settlement funds, and therefore, JMF has complied with the terms of the agreement." The judge agreed with Beem, however, noting that the stunt was "a tactic aimed at frustrating and undermining" Fired Up Fabrication, per CBS. JMF now has 14 days to pay the subcontractor in a more lightweight conventional way, such as a check or certified bank check. (Read more coins stories.)
Jenna Ellis, an attorney and prominent conservative media figure, reached a deal with prosecutors Tuesday and pleaded guilty to reduced charges over efforts to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 election loss in Georgia, per the AP . Ellis, the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal, was a vocal part of Trump's reelection campaign in the last presidential cycle and was charged alongside the former president and 17 others with violating the state's anti-racketeering law. Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty to a count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She had been facing charges of violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer.

The guilty plea from Ellis comes just days after two other defendants, fellow attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, entered guilty pleas. That means three high-profile people in the case have agreed to accept responsibility for their roles rather than take their chances before a jury. Prosecutors recommend five years of probation for Ellis along with $5,000 in restitution and 100 hours of community service; she must also write an apology letter to the people of Georgia and testify in trials related to this case. The indictment in the sweeping case details a number of accusations against Ellis, including that she helped author plans on how to disrupt and delay congressional certification of the 2020 election's results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Ellis is also accused of urging state legislators to unlawfully appoint a set of presidential electors loyal to Trump at a hearing in Pennsylvania, and she later appeared with some of those lawmakers and Trump at a meeting on the topic at the White House. The indictment further says she similarly pushed state lawmakers to back false, pro-Trump electors in Georgia, as well as Arizona and Michigan. Before her plea, Ellis was defiant, posting in August on X: "The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law. I am resolved to trust the Lord." But she has been more critical of Trump since then, saying on conservative radio in September that she wouldn't vote for him again, citing his "malignant, narcissistic tendency to simply say that he's never done anything wrong." (Read more Georgia indictment stories.)
Michael Cohen says his appearance at Donald Trump's civil business fraud trial in New York Tuesday was the first time he had seen his former boss in five yearsand it was a "heck of a reunion." The former Trump lawyer and "fixer" is one of the trial's key witnesses and he delivered what the Guardian calls "stunning testimony" on allegedly fraudulent inflation of the value of Trump's assets. Cohen said Trump asked him to "increase the total assets based upon a number that he arbitrary selected." He said his responsibility, along with Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, was "reverse-engineer the various different asset classes, increase those assets, in order to achieve a number that Mr. Trump had tasked us."

Asked what the number was, Cohen said, "Whatever number Mr Trump told us to." He said Trump would look at financial documents, and say, "I'm actually not worth $4.5 billion, I'm really worth more like 6 (billion)," per Reuters. Weisselberg testified earlier in the trial that he doesn't remember any meetings with Cohen and Trump about Trump's net worth, CNN reports. Trump has denied inflating the value of his assets to get favorable terms from banks and insurers, arguing that the assets were actually undervalued, the AP reports. Outside the court, Trump slammed Cohen as a "proven liar" who had served time in prison for crimes including lying to Congress.

"I'm not worried at all about his testimony," Trump said. "You see what his record is. He's not a credible witness." Trump, who dropped a $500 million lawsuit against Cohen earlier this month, added: "We'll see how it ends. It's not going to end good," per NBC News. Justice Arthur Engoron ruled last month that Trump had committed fraud and the New York trial is largely concerned with damages, which could include an order banning the former president and sons Donald Jr. and Eric from doing business in the state, reports Reuters. (On Friday, Engoron fined Trump $5,000 for violating a gag order in the case.)
They mean no offense to Celine Dion, but residents of the town of Porirua, New Zealand, have launched a petition to stop hearing her songs blasted through the night, reports the BBC . The petition takes aim at what are known as "siren battles," in which groups typically consisting of young men rig their vehicles with loud speakers more typically associated with emergency warnings. They blast songs into the early hours, competing for who can simultaneously produce the loudest and clearest music.

"Sleep is a basic human right," wrote one petition signer next to his name. The competitions frequently feature songs by Dion not because participants are massive fans but because they're perfect fits for what is needed. "Celine Dion is popular because it's such a clear songso we try to use music that has high treble, is clear, and not much bass," Paul Lesoa, a Samoan, explained to the Spinoff. Reggae also is popular "as it has nice beats and doesn't sound distorted."

Controversy over the siren battles has been making headlines for awhile, with Stuff.co.nz covering it back in 2022. That story catalogs the complaints of residents of West Auckland who say the battles keep them up at night. But in the Spinoff interview, Lesoa defends the genre as good clean fun. "Basically everyone has a hobby and while our hobby can be quite disturbing and we understand how disturbing it can be, we just want our own proper, safe space away from people to do it." (Read more Celine Dion stories.)
The Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a lower court ruling that the state's restrictive abortion law was invalid, leaving limited access to abortions unchanged for now. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney said last November that the ban was "unequivocally unconstitutional" because it was enacted in 2019, when Roe v. Wade allowed abortions well past six weeks. Georgia's law bans most abortions after roughly six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. The Georgia Supreme Court, in a 6-1 decision, said McBurney was wrong, the AP reports.

"When the United States Supreme Court overrules its own precedent interpreting the United States Constitution, we are then obligated to apply the Court's new interpretation of the Constitution's meaning on matters of federal constitutional law," Justice Verda Colvin wrote for the majority. The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia said in a news release the opinion disregards "long-standing precedent that a law violating either the state or federal Constitution at the time of its enactment is void from the start under the Georgia Constitution." The group represented doctors and advocacy groups that had asked McBurney to throw out the law.

The ruling does not change abortion access in Georgia and is not the last word on the state's ban.The state Supreme Court had previously allowed enforcement of the ban to resume while it considered an appeal of the lower court decision. The lower court judge has also not ruled on the merits of other arguments in a lawsuit challenging the ban, including that it violates Georgia residents' rights to privacy. In its ruling on Tuesday, the state Supreme Court sent the case back to McBurney to consider those arguments.

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican who signed Georgia's ban, hailed the ruling, while Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, said it would continue the suffering women have faced. SisterSong is one of the plaintiffs challenging Georgia's law. "This abortion ban has forced Georgians to travel across state lines at great expense or continue the life-altering consequences of pregnancy and childbirth against their wills," she said in a statement.

(Read more Georgia stories.)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman held a call on Tuesday to discuss the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the White House said in a statement.

They agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts "to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding," the White House said, adding the two leaders will remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming period.

Biden and the Saudi crown prince welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance from Egypt into Gaza and recognized that "much more is needed for civilians" to have sustained access to food, water and medical assistance, according to the White House.

They both welcomed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and called for their immediate release, the White House added.

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia worry a wider conflict would affect their national security and have been pressing Western allies and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza and a lift of the siege on the strip.

The United States has thus far not supported calls for a ceasefire, with White House national security council spokesman John Kirby saying a ceasefire at this stage will benefit Hamas.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Chris Reese and Chizu Nomiyama)
Police in Germantown, Wisconsin say a suspect was shot dead on a middle school roof during an "active shooter" incident Monday night. The Wisconsin Department of Justice said the suspected shooter was shot by Germantown officers around 6:36pm, when 50 to 70 students were still inside the school, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. In a statement, the department said police responded to a call about a person acting "erratically" in the parking lot of Kennedy Middle School. The department said that when officers arrived, the suspect climbed on the school's roof and opened fire on officers.

The person was killed when three officers returned fire, according to the department, which described the shooting as an "isolated incident." Authorities have not released details including the person's name, age, gender, or reason for being at the school, the AP reports. After the shooting, the school was locked down, with students later bused to an elementary school to be reunited with their families. All schools in Germantown, north of Milwaukee, were closed on Tuesday and Kennedy Middle School will remain closed on Wednesday, officials say. (Read more Wisconsin stories.)
If you blinked Tuesday afternoon, you might have missed Rep. Tom Emmer's bid to become House speaker. Emmer, the No. 3 House Republican, was picked as the party's third nominee in three weeks Tuesday but he abruptly dropped out around four hours later when it became clear that he couldn't win 217 votes if there was a vote of the full House, Politico reports. Sources tell the Washington Post that numerous Republican lawmakers decided Emmer, the House majority whip, had no hope of victory after Donald Trump urged people not to support him in a post on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon.

Trump slammed Emmer, who voted to certify President Biden's election victory, as a RINOan acronym for "Republican in name only"and accused him of being "totally out of touch" with the party's voters. "Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!" Trump wrote. The former president's post went up shortly after a meeting in which Emmer attempted to consolidate his support. Soon after the Minnesota lawmaker won the nomination, with 117 votes to 97 for Rep. Mike Johnson, around two dozen Republicans declared they wouldn't support him, the New York Times reports.

The House has now been leaderless for three weeks and Republicans are back to square one after the failed bids of Emmer and Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan. Sources tell NBC News that Johnson and Rep. Kevin Hern are expected to appear on the Republican's conference's next secret ballot. (Read more Tom Emmer stories.)
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Airtel Africa unveiled what it labelled as the most affordable 4G smartphone to be launched in Rwanda, as part of wider plans to boost connections to its network.

The move was conducted in partnership with the Rwandan government under the ConnectRwanda 2.0 initiative which aims to connect one million Rwandans with LTE smartphones by 2024, reported Business Today. Only 1.6 million Rwandans own a smartphone, out of its 13 million plus population.

The smartphone will be priced at RWF20,000 ($16.30) coupled with a 1GB data plan costing an additional RWF1,000 per month. The device was not named neither was a release date revealed.

Airtel Africa Group CEO Segun Ogunsanya said: We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that promises to rewrite Rwandas digitisation story and give more Rwandans a reason to imagine.

This partnership demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the Rwandan governments digitisation drive and our belief that digital empowerment is vital for socioeconomic progress.

Rwandas Minister of ICT Paula Ingabire represented by the Director General of Digital Transformation in the Ministry, Mr Gordon Kalema, added: All government agencies have a target of 2024 to digitise their activities. So, this initiative is aimed at enabling the realisation of that ambitious target.
Agencies | Abu Dhabi

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the UAE President, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, reviewed the deep-rooted solid Bahraini-Emirati relations, stressing their shared keenness to further strengthen them in a way that serves their common interests.

This came as HM the King and HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed met at his residence in Abu Dhabi. The two leaders expressed their pride in the robust bilateral relations, which are growing steadily thanks to their high-level joint fruitful cooperation and coordination at all levels.

They wished the two countries and their peoples further progress and prosperity. HM the King and UAE President also discussed the latest regional and global developments, and exchanged points of view on them.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrains stance, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on supporting diplomatic and peaceful resolutions of conflicts to promote coexistence, security, development, and prosperity for all people of the region.

This came as the Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, yesterday chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet also affirmed the Kingdoms commitment to supporting alliances that enhance stability and serve development goals.

This was reiterated by HM the King during his address at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Cairo Peace Summit held by the Arab Republic of Egypt, and during HM the Kings meetings with His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth, senior members of the UK government, His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, the President of Italian Republic, HE Sergio Mattarella, and the Prime Minister of Italy, HE Giorgia Meloni.

Likewise, the Cabinet reiterated its stance in supporting Palestinians right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. It commended HM the Kings directives to provide urgent humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people.

The Cabinet further expressed their gratitude to HM the Kings Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for sponsoring the national campaign Day of Solidarity with Our People in Gaza... We Are with You, and to the Royal Humanitarian Foundation for organising this campaign.

Swift response

The Cabinet also commended the efforts of Bahraini citizens for their swift response to the campaign. To mark the United Nations Day, the Cabinet highlighted the importance of the UNs principles and values.

The Cabinet discussed and approved several memorandums during the meeting, one of which was a memorandum submitted by the Government Executive Committee on the Sixth National Telecommunications Plan, which aims to support Bahrain in creating smart cities, developing the economy, promoting innovation, and maintaining competitiveness through 30 initiatives implemented across six main axes.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, highlighted the higher education institutions role in developing the Kingdoms workforce and supporting Bahrainis to contribute to progress and development.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted the importance of keeping pace with the latest educational tools to support creativity and innovation and consolidating scientific research across educational workstreams to ensure citizens contributions to the Kingdoms wide-ranging development goals.

HRH Prince Salman was speaking as he received yesterday the newly appointed President of the Arabian Gulf University, HE Dr. Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, at Gudaibiya Palace.

HRH the Deputy King expressed his best wishes to Dr. Saad in performing his duties to achieve the universitys aspirations.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister wished the university success in pursuing its goals and aspirations and commended its contributions to scientific research and the GCCs health sectors by developing specialised medical personnel.

Dr. Al Fuhaid expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with His Royal Highness and for his support for the university and its educational role. Dr. Saad further wished the Kingdom progress and prosperity.

HRH the Deputy King recalled the efforts of the former President of the Arabian Gulf University, the late HE Dr Khaled Abdul Rahman Al Ohali, in furthering the universitys overall progress.

The Deputy Prime Minister, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and the Minister of Education, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, also attended the meeting.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in Bahrain, recently hosted the seventh edition of the StartUp Bahrain Pitch series. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB).

The Pitch event included a keynote speech by entrepreneur and investor, Bader Al Essa, who shared his valuable insights on the power of setting specific and measurable goals in driving the realization of these goals.

The event showcased four Bahraini startups which presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, featuring local and regional experts, including: Ali Abdulhussain, Investment Manager at Oman Investment Authority, Sameer Uchi, a board member of Bahrains Hope Fund and serial entrepreneur, Suzy Kanoo, CEO of Khalil bin Ebrahim Kanoo and Bader Al Essa, entrepreneur and investor from Kuwait.

Among the participating startups were Kashta Tours, a platform that designs and organizes new and innovative entertaining programs and leisure trips for all people to book and join; XTRUDE ENGINEERING, a manufacturing solutions company that utilizes digital manufacturing and lean manufacturing methods to provide product development and production, reverse engineering and spare parts production in polymers and composites; FACEKI, a platform that specializes in providing AI-powered facial recognition and identification technology; and lastly TWB Watches, a local business focused on selling luxury watches that fit the local taste while seamlessly matching the quality and elegance of world-renowned luxury brands.

The bootcamp experience was a revelation, providing my team and me with invaluable skills and a deep understanding of fundraising and the market, expressed Ahmed Jamsheer. Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the next cohort of StartUp Bahrain Pitch can stay tuned to new announcements and learn more about new cohorts through startupbahrain.com/pitch.
NASA has awarded Intuitive Machines of Houston contracts for science and exploration missions to the South Pole of the moon in 2024. The commercial delivery is part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and the Artemis program.

IM-1 Mission

The IM-1 mission launch is currently scheduled for a six-day period that opens November 16 on a Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39A.

The Intuitive Machines 1 (IM-1, TO2-IM) mission objective is to place a lander, called Nova-C, on the crater rim of Malapert A near the south pole of the Moon. The commercially built lander will carry five NASA payloads and commercial cargo. The scientific objectives of the mission include studies of plume-surface interactions, radio astronomy, and space weather interactions with the lunar surface. It will also be demonstrating precision landing technologies and communication and navigation node capabilities. IM-1 was selected through NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, in which NASA contracts with a commercial partner, in this case Intuitive Machines, that provides the launch and lander.

The Nova-C Lander is a hexagonal cylinder, 4.0 meters tall and 1.57 meters wide, on 6 landing legs with a launch mass of 1908 kg. It is capable of carrying approximately 100 kg of payload to the surface. It uses solar panels to generate 200 W of power on the surface, using a 25 amp-hr battery and a 28 VDC system. Propulsion and landing use liquid methane as fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer powering a 3100 N main engine mounted on the bottom of the lander. Communications are via S-band. The scientific payload includes the Laser Retro-Reflector Array (LRA), Navigation Doppler Lidar for Precise Velocity and Range Sensing (NDL), Lunar Node 1 Navigation Demonstrator (LN-1), Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies (SCALPSS), and Radio wave Observation at the Lunar Surface of the photoElectron Sheath (ROLSES). In total there are five NASA and four commercial payloads planned.

Launch is currently scheduled for no earlier than 15 November 2023. After launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, the Nova-C spacecraft will go into a 185 x 60,000 km Earth orbit, followed by a translunar injection and a maneuver to put it in a 100 km lunar orbit. The lander will land on the Moon on the rim of Malapert A crater near the south pole. The lander is capable of operating for about 14 Earth days in sunlight.

IM-2 Mission

Nova-C IM-2 or PRIME-1 (Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1) is a NASA mission to land two instruments on the moon using Intuitive Machines Nova-C commercial lunar lander on the Nova-C IM-2 mission.

The Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) will be the first in-situ resource utilization demonstration on the Moon. Additionally, for the first time, NASA will robotically sample and analyze for ice from below the surface. The landing site will be near the lunar South Pole on a ridge not far from Shackleton crater

The data from PRIME-1 will help scientists understand in-situ resources on the Moon, including resource location mapping. PRIME-1 contributes to NASAs search for water at the Moons poles, supporting the agencys plans to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the end of the decade.

Following instruments are on board:

The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain (TRIDENT): TRIDENT will drill up to 1 meter deep, extracting lunar regolith, or soil, up to the surface. The instrument can drill in multiple segments, pausing and retracting to deposit cuttings on the surface after each depth increment.

Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo): This modified-for-spaceflight, commercial-off-the-shelf mass spectrometer will evaluate the drill cuttings for water and other chemical compounds. Soil samples from multiple depths will be analyzed.

Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) is a series of eight small mirrors to measure distance and support landing accuracy. It requires no power or communications from the lander and can be detected by future spacecraft orbiting or landing on the Moon.

Versions of TRIDENT and MSolo will also fly on NASAs VIPER rover mission that will search for ice at the lunar South Pole in 2024. PRIME-1s early use of the drill and MSolo helps to increase the likelihood of reliable operation of those payloads on VIPERs mobile platform in the following year.

IM-3 Mission

Intuitive Machines 3 (IM-3) is a lunar landing mission that will deliver payloads to the Reiner Gamma region of the Moon. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2024.

The IM-3 mission will carry:

Four NASA payloads

A rover

A data relay satellite

Secondary payloads to be determined

Intuitive Machines 3 (IM-3), or TO CP-11 (PRISM 11) is a lunar landing mission. It will carry four NASA payloads to the Reiner Gamma region of the Moon, as well as a rover, a data relay satellite, and secondary payloads to be determined. Scientific objectives include gaining an understanding of the Reiner Gamma swirl mini-magnetosphere region and its magnetic and plasma properties. IM-3 is part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, in which NASA contracts with a commercial partner, in this case Intuitive Machines, that provides the launch and lander.

Spacecraft and Subsystems

The main component of IM-3 is the Nova-C Lander, a tall hexagonal cylinder on 6 landing legs. It is capable of carrying 100 to 130 kg of payload to the surface. It uses solar panels to generate 200 W of power on the surface. Propulsion and landing use liquid methane as fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer.

NOVA-C will carry approximately 92 kg of payload to the surface, comprising a camera and four investigations. It will also carry the Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover. Lunar Vertex is a combination of the rover payload and stationary instruments on the lander to study the plasma and dust environment. The Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration (CADRE) experiment is a collection of small mobile robots designed to explore the surface as an autonomous team. MoonLIGHT (Moon Laser Instrumentation for General relativity High-accuracy Test) is a laser retroreflector managed by the European Space Agency. The Lunar Space Environment Monitor (LUSEM) will measure high-energy particles at the lunar surface and is managed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) in South Korea. The rover will also carry a multispectral microscope

The mission is also scheduled to carry a data relay satellite, Khon2, which it will deploy to travel to the L2 Earth-Moon libration point. The mission can also carry approximately 1000 kg of secondary payloads to lunar transfer orbit.
Before Russias war with Ukraine started about 2 years ago, Russia and Putin bragged about their new hypersonic missiles (Kinzhal) and its new SU-57 stealth fighter.

The new weapons were supposed to be unstoppable.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  21 October 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/fTCapAnT9f  #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/rMukSoS2Xd  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) October 21, 2023

Russia has claimed to use the Kinzhal missile to:

Destroy an underground weapons depot in Deliatyn on March 18, 2022

Destroy a fuel depot in Konstantinovka the next day

Hit a NATO command center in Ukraine

Destroy a U.S.-built Patriot surface-to-air anti-missile defense system

According to Russian officials, the Kinzhal can:

Hit a target up to 2,000 km (1,240 miles) away

Fly faster than 6,000 km/h

However, the Kinzhal missile has shown itself to be fairly inaccurate and likely slower than its claimed speed.

The Kinzhal entered service in December 2017 and was one of the six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 1 March 2018. The Kinzhal missile has since been deployed on the MiG-31K, the Tu-160M, the Tu-22M3M and the Su-34. In an interview published by The Economist on 13 June 2023, the Ukrainian Patriot operators stated that the Kinzhal missiles travelled at approximately 1,240 m/s (Mach 3.6), which is about one-third of the maximum speed claimed by Russia. The Kinzhal is an air-launched ballistic missile. Its believed to cost US$10 million. Russia may have about 75-100 of them and several have been used in the war. Ukraine has intercepted several (6 or more) Russias Kinzhals indicates that the missiles status as a hypersonic system is questionable. The Kinzhal has shown itself to be fairly inaccurate.

The Russian Su-57 stealth fighter was supposed to be Russias answer to the US F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters. Russia might have ten built but if they have been used at all in Ukraine it was been to fire cruise missiles at far range. The Su-57 has been missing and almost completely unused. It is believed that Russia does not want to hurt its military equipment reputation by have Su-57s shotdown.

Russia had deployed and then took the new Armata tank out of Ukraine.
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Postal Code




The Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Yola has fixed Saturday, October 28 to hear a case challenging the handling of the last governorship election in Adamawa State.





A leading governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani of All Progressives Congress, APC, had instituted the case questioning the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reject her declaration as winner of the April 15 governorship rerun in the state.





Recall that a now suspended state resident electoral commissioner, REC, of INEC, Hudu Ari-Yunusa, had on April 16, 2023 declared Binani winner of the election conducted the day before but which was yet to be fully collated.





Reacting to the premature declaration by Hudu, INEC had immediately nullified the action, suspended Hudu, concluded the collation, and announced Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as winner of the election.





Binani had on May 5 gone to the governorship electional petition tribunal to raise objections against INEC, including its declaration of Fintiri as winner.





In its latest action on Binanis petition, the tribunal on Tuesday issued a notice calling on the parties to the suit to appear before it on October 28.





The Notice of Hearing indicated that the petition between Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru & 1 other; and INEC & 2 others will be heard on the 28th day of October 2023 and on such other days as the tribunal may determine.
OCT. 24

Understanding Pharmacogenomics, part of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology education series, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the morning and evening. The event will be held in Dothan at 10 a.m. at the Wiregrass Foundation, 1532 Whatley Dr., and in Ozark at 5:30 p.m. at the Dale County Government Office Building, 202 S. Highway 123. Residents will learn about pharmacogenomics, a rapidly growing field that deals with how genetic changes affect the way a person responds to certain medications. They will learn how genetic changes are part of the explanation for why a medicine may work spectacularly in one person, not at all for another, and produce harmful side effects in a third. Understanding Pharmacogenomics will dig into this emerging field and what it can, and cannot, tell you about your health. The events are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Register now at this link: https://www.hudsonalpha.org/u/wiregrass/#upcoming-events

Oct. 25

The public is invited to join the Ozark Dale County Public Librarys Rebirthday Celebration at the library Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to celebrate one year in the new location at the Union Central Shopping Center in Ozark. Call (334) 774-5480 for information.

OCT. 26

The DAV Wiregrass Chapter 99 (New Brockton) October 2023 meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the New Brockton Senior Center, New Brockton. Also, Chapter 99 maintains a help desk located at the New Brockton Town Hall. Hours of operation are 9 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday. This is a free service to anyone desiring help with a VA claim. For further information contact Charles Lobdell at 334-718-5707 or Mike Doran at 334-406-6700.

OCT. 26

A Consumer Awareness luncheon sponsored by the Wiregrass Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association is Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Enterprise Country Club, 3000 Ozark Highway in Enterprise. Guest speaker is Jazmyn Frazier, Executive Director of Kelley Place and Madison Heights Memory Care in Enterprise. For more information please contact Frank Zerbinos at (334)447-8092.

OCT. 26, 27 & 28

The Friends of the Enterprise Library invite the public to the fall book sale at the Enterprise Library Oct. 26, 27, and 28. Thursday is Friends of the Library Members Only day from 2 until 6 p.m. You can purchase a new membership at that time or renew your current membership on Thursday. Friday and Saturday the sale is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. All funds raised go to benefit the librarys programs and services.

OCT. 27 & 28

The Daleville High School JROTC is hosting the Warhawks Tales of Terror Haunted House and Trunk or Treat Food and Fun Fair Oct. 27 and 28. The fundraising event from 5 until 6 p.m. for a Spook Lights on tour and Full Scare tours are from 6 until 11 p.m. at the JROTC Building in front of the school located at 626 Daleville Avenue in Daleville.

OCT. 27 & 28

Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama invites everyone to the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama Pow Wow Oct. 27 and 28 which will be held for the first time on our tribal land located at 2950 County Road 377, Elba. The event runs from time 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The entrance fee is $1 for everyone. Please bring your lawn chair and dress comfortable. There will be demonstrators, vendors from various tribes throughout southeast United States. Come out and enjoy Indian Fry bread, arts, and crafts. For additional information contact Chief James Wright at the following machiscreeks@outlook.com or call (334) 897-3207, or (334) 449-0607.

OCT. 28

The Southeast Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (SEACH) will sponsor a Homeless Connect & Point-In-Time Count event in Dothan on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the OCHEC Building, 1001 Montana St., in Dothan. Those who are homeless or at-risk for homelessness can attend for resources for food and clothing, housing, legal assistance, healthcare, mental health resources, job placement and more. Lunch will be provided.

APRIL 9, 2024

The Harlem Globetrotters bring the 2024 world tour to the Dothan Civic Center on Tuesday, April 9. Harlem Globetrotters fans can score the best seats at https://www.tixr.com/groups/dcc/globetrotters beginning Oct. 16, 2023, at 10 a.m. Presale tickets are available beginning Oct. 9 at 10:00 a.m. with code LoveDothan at https://www.tixr.com/groups/dcc/globetrotters.

ONGOING

The Gen. William C. Oates Chapter No. 1342 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy meets the second Thursday from September through May. Women ages 18 and older who have ancestors who fought in the Civil War are eligible for membership, and help will be provided to prove your first Confederate ancestors lineage. For meeting locations and information, call Ceya Minder at 334-794-7480 or email ceya.minder@gmail.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans, General William C. Oates Chapter meets on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who is interested in Confederate history is invited to attend. Genealogy help will be provided to connect you with your Confederate ancestor. For more information contact Joe Rich, 334-791-2450, or email SCVDOTHAN3@GMAIL.COM

The Ray of Hope Grief Support Group meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church, located at 1053 E. Selma St., Dothan. The purpose of the group is to assist those struggling with issues of grief and loss, including but not limited to, death of a loved one, loss of relationships, etc. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call 334-794-4811 or 850-692-1618.

The Greater Dothan Area Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at noon at the Old Mill Restaurant on Murphy Mill Road in Dothan. For more information, contact Lori Perkins at 334-803-0319.

Concerned Citizens of the Wiregrass will meet the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. at Shoneys on the Ross Clark Circle in Dothan. Grievances and problems within the county will be addressed and information on how to make improvements via county officials, etc. Bring your friends and as many as possible.

The South Alabama Liberty Foundation will meet at 6:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month at Wiregrass Outdoors, located at 818 N. Ouida St. in Enterprise. The nonpartisan group advocates that liberty  along with peace, justice, and freedom  belongs to every American to appreciate and enjoy as written in the U.S. Constitution, and that this is possible only with an honest, fair, and well-regulated government that respects its citizens. No reservations necessary, and admission is free. Email SA-Liberty@proton.me for more information.

Land of Cotton Smocking Guild meets the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Piney Grove Assembly of God Church, 206 County Road 9 in Wicksburg. The guild is involved in a Wee Care Project, creating preemie gowns, garments for infants in NICU, and bereavement pouches. For more information, contact Carol Ann Pileggi at 850-516-9960 or Joann Carpenter at 334- 790-8328.

Enterprise Military Support Group will not meet in June and July. If anyone needs to talk, call Dr. Granger at 334-447-2252 or John Logsdon at 334-806-2636.

The Kiwanis Club of Dothan meets every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Dothan Country Club, located at 200 S. Cherokee Ave. in Dothan. Anyone may attend as a guest of the Kiwanis. If you plan to attend, contact the club via kiwanisdothan.com or call 334-355-6877.

The Columbia Historical Society meets every third Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Train Depot on Highway 52. All guests are welcome.

The Columbia Historical Museum will be open the second Saturday monthly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 105 S. Main St. in Columbia.

The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Dothan Unit #87 will meet every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Harvest Church, located at 2727 Fortner St. in Dothan. The group will meet in the Main Cafe located in the churchs Building A. Call 334-596-9610 for more information.

Dothan Newcomers Club, a social organization, meets the first Thursday of the month in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church, 1401 N. Cherokee Ave. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the business meeting at 10 a.m. The club is open to individuals who have moved into the Dothan or Wiregrass area within the past five years or who have faced a change in status (retirement, death of a spouse, divorce) within the past five years. For more information, visit www.dothannewcomers.com, or Facebook @DothanNewcomers, or contact Elaine Brackin, president, via email at dncpresident3@gmail.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds regular meetings in the Wiregrass including Ashford, Dothan, Eufaula, and Headland under the organizations District 10 (www.aadothan.org) meeting locations and Andalusia, Daleville, Enterprise, Level Plains, Opp, Ozark, and Troy under the organizations District 11 (www.district11aa.com) meeting locations. Visit www.aaarea1.org for a complete list of districts for Alabama and Northwest Florida.

A Disabled American Veterans chapter service officer will be located at the New Brockton Town Hall every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. Any veteran needing help with a VA claim is welcome. This is on a walk-in basis; no appointment is needed. For more information, contact Mike Doran at 334-406-6700.

The DAV van service for local veterans will make runs to Montgomery and Tuskegee on Mondays and Fridays. The van will leave from the Hardees restaurant on Rucker Boulevard in Enterprise at 5 a.m. and from the Dothan Civic Center at 5:30 a.m. Due to COVID restrictions, there is only space for four riders each trip. Veterans who need rides to VA hospitals in Montgomery or Tuskegee can call 334-308-2480 to reserve a seat on the Enterprise van or 334-446-0866 for the Dothan van.

Square Dancing will be held every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Enterprise YMCA, located on Highway 27 across from Hobby Lobby in Enterprise. Singles and couples welcomed. Never danced? Theyll teach you. For more information, call 334-237-0466 or 334-347-4513.

The Landmark Dulcimer Club has a jam and practice session every first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. You do not have to know how to read music. We prefer you bring your own Mountain Dulcimer but we do have a few practice dulcimers you can borrow if you want to give it a try. The event is free with paid gate admission. Show your instrument and get in for free. Meets in the Interpretive Center Auditorium.

Landmark Park hosts a Reptile Feeding every first Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Interpretive Center Lobby. The event is free with paid gate admission. Meet our snakes and turtles and learn why these animals are so important to the environment.

The Wiregrass Woodturners host a club meeting and woodturning demo every second Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Interpretive Center Classroom at Landmark Park. The public is invited to visit and learn how to make beautiful wooden items turned on a lathe. The event is free with paid gate admission. Wiregrass Woodturner members get in free.

The Evening Star Quilt Guild gathers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Saturday for an informal sewing circle with your textile-based crafts at the Landmark Park Sit and Sew in the Interpretive Center Auditorium. The event is free with paid gate admission. The circle is free for Quilt Guild members. Space is limited, first come first served.

Pickin in the Park takes place every second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Join musicians at Landmark Park in Dothan for a bluegrass, country and gospel jam session. Visitors are welcome to listen or participate. The event is free with paid gate admission. Show your instrument at the gate to receive free admission. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

The Landmark Park Antique Tractor Club will meet on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Interpretive Center Library at Landmark Park. This club has been established as a way for tractor enthusiasts to come together to share pictures of tractors, share interesting articles, trade/sell and enjoy the fellowship. The club participates in several tractor shows and tractor pulls during the year. To become a member, visit the meeting or email David Jay, david@landmarkparkdothan.com. The event is free with paid gate admission. Mention this meeting at the gate to receive free park admission.

Landmark Park admission will be waived every fifth Saturday of the month.




John Mr. Ibu Okafor, the ace actor who is currently battling with an undisclosed illness, has undergone two successful surgeries.

Jazmine Okafor, the actors adopted daughter, shared an update on Ibus health via Instagram on Tuesday morning.

In the post, she added that despite the surgeries, the film star still attempted to crack jokes like nothing happened.

Jasmine also disclosed that she was excited the actor looked better than he was three weeks ago.

Never seen anyone so strong even after two major surgeries, you were still trying to be funny like nothing happened, even in your lowest you still cracked jokes! she wrote.

I promise you, if theres a God in heaven, you are getting out of this bed, stronger and alive. This is the strongest I have seen you in 3 weeks and Im so excited! Fight this and get well soon, sweet papa.

Last Wednesday, the ace actor pleaded for financial assistance, adding that he does not want to lose his leg.

Ibus plight prompted calls on social media for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to assist one of its own. It also attracted disagreements between the guild and Stella Maris, the actors wife.

Several people have announced their donations to the ailing actor.

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation, last Friday, revealed it paid the entire medical expenses of Ibu on Wednesday.

Never seen anyone so strong even after two major surgeries, you were still trying to be funny like nothing happened, even in your lowest you still cracked jokes! she wrote.

I promise you, if theres a God in heaven, you are getting out of this bed, stronger and alive. This is the strongest I have seen you in 3 weeks and Im so excited! Fight this and get well soon, sweet papa.

Last Wednesday, the ace actor pleaded for financial assistance, adding that he does not want to lose his leg.

Ibus plight prompted calls on social media for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to assist one of its own. It also attracted disagreements between the guild and Stella Maris, the actors wife.

Several people have announced their donations to the ailing actor.

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation, last Friday, revealed it paid the entire medical expenses of Ibu on Wednesday.
A mild drama ensued in Akure, the Ondo state capital yesterday, as a protest planned by a group, aegis Ondo Liberation Initiative, on the continued absence of governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the state, was prevented from holding by over 200 commercial motorcycle operators.

The venue of the protest/ press conference, which was the state Council of the NUJ, was invaded by commercial motorcycle operators as early as 8am.

They motorcyclists took over the venue and prevented the members of the group that had early paid for the hall.

For hours, both group members laid claim to the use of the venue.

Spokesperson for the group, Alabi Johnson, who later addressed the group members at the entrance of the NUJ secretariat, expressed concern about the state of health of the governor.

Johnson said that the group perceived that the governor  has been caged by either his immediate family or his aides who are his handlers and prevented him from accessing quality health care abroad because of reasons best known to them.

 We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to shout out loud, intervene and rescue him from this perceived captivity. Aketi shouldnt be allowed to die the way hes being caged.

 The concept we are here to showcase today is Jara e gba which translates to Rescue yourself. It is now evidently clear that every citizen of this state needs to Rescue him/herself from poverty, impoverishment, economic hardship and political hardship.

 As a matter of fact today we wish to canvass for the rescue of our Governor from the handlers who have deliberately caged him so as to remain in one position for their selfish interest at the expense of his ill health. (Aketi Jara e gba!)

We all know that when anyone is sick as our Governor is now, he/she remains at the mercy of whoever is managing his/her health. As it is now, we perceive that our Governor is very ill and at the mercy of these handlers.





 Nobody has access to him! Nobody has seen him in any public place since his claimed resumption of office. This is why our concept of Jare e gba becomes necessary in Ondo.

 Ondo government needs to be rescued; the people need to be rescued by embracing Government policies that can eradicate poverty. Aketi needs to be rescued and taken out for better medical care. The Governor is no longer a private person but a public officer.

We want to use this medium to call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intervene in rescuing Aketi and take him abroad for good medical care.

They commended the partys leadership for their timely intervention and restoration of peace in the state.

Johnson also lauded the embattled deputy governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa

for his maturity, humility and perseverance in handling the Impeachment saga.

 We urge him to ensure the reconciliation and the political solution opted for is successful.

We recognise the office of the Speaker of the Ondo House of Assembly and urge that the reconciliation process is given due priority.

Meanwhile, the embattled deputy governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has denied endorsing any planned protest against the governors continued absence from the state.

Aiyedatiwa in a statement he personally signed in Akure, disowned the protesters.

Aiyedatiwa said that My attention has been drawn to some false publications in which it was alleged that a group loyal to me is planning to hold a protest against the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

This is to inform the good and peace-loving people of Ondo State that I am not aware of any such protest and no group or association has my endorsement to carry out public demonstration of any kind.

I affirm my commitment to the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the National leadership of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the political situation in our State which are already yielding the much-needed tranquillity in the State.

Therefore, I enjoin the security operatives in the State to continue to maintain peace and ensure that the good people of Ondo State go about their daily activities without any disturbance.




Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina state, says the federal government should reform its laws to allow civilians to purchase arms for protection against bandits and terrorists.

According to Channels Television, the governor said this during a media chat on Friday.

We have the numbers, we have the zeal and the determination, and you should remember, if they are going for any outing, it is just like the way it was done in Borno through the civilian JTF, he said.

They will be covered by the police and the military who are heavily armed. So, I think it is a concerted and joint effort. And I think gradually, we are working within what the law allows us to possess.

We are driving towards that and we are seeking reforms within the federal government in that regard.

If a bandit can go to the market and buy an AK-47, RPG, and all of those weapons, what of the people that want to protect themselves? They too should equally be allowed to do so.

These people are holding it illegally, we are trying to hold it legally. Why cant the government allow the people to hold this thing and equally confront the challenges?

On negotiating with bandits, the governor said it is a no-go area for him.

But if Im at the point of advantage and the bandits come out and say look, we are dropping arms, let us sit down and talk, we could reintegrate them into the society, he said.

But I will not go begging bandits to come for negotiations.
Some bandits in the early hours of Tuesday invaded a mosque at the Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing the Imam and one worshipper identified as Kabir, with two others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

Two other worshippers who sustained serious injuries from the attack were identified as Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo.

They were said to be receiving medical attention at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.

A community leader, Zubair AbduRrauf, disclosed that the incident occurred during the early morning prayers around 5am.

AbduRrauf, who holds the title of Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, added that the bandits attacked Birnin-Gwari communities almost daily, killing and abducting residents, especially farmers.

He added that the situation was more worrisome on the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway and has become a nightmare for travellers and other road users.

He said, Yes, an Imam of a mosque and two other worshippers were killed. It occurred around 5 am on Tuesday. Two other worshippers are at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.

The attack took place at Ga Allah Babba of Sabon Layi, an agrarian community in the Western part of Birnin-Gwari. These are areas neighbouring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.

We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari. Even on the Kaduna  Birnin-Gwari highway, people are being escorted by either security personnel or the vigilante. Two days ago, the bandits killed two people coming back from Kaduna.

The bandits attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed but we need a change of strategy from them (security personnel).

There was no official confirmation from either the state government or the state police command as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, told our correspondent on the telephone that he would revert.

I am driving and when I stop, I will get back to you, he said.
A High Court sitting in Enugu State has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to replace Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the partys National Secretary.

Anyanwu is the PDP governorship candidate for the forthcoming election in Imo State.

The order was granted while ruling in a motion on notice filed by Nwabueze Ugwu seeking the court to declare Senator Anyanwus seat vacant.

The court compelled the defendants in the suit- the PDP National Chairman, the PDP National Secretary and the National Vice Chairman, South-East to recognise Sunday Udeh-Okoye as candidate recommended by the South-East Zonal Executive Committee to replace Anyanwu pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The presiding judge, Justice C.O Ajah held that the motion on notice was brought under order 38 rule 1, order 39 rule 1 of High Court rules of Enugu State 2020, supported by 23-paragraph affidavits deposed to by the applicant.

Justice Ajah ordered as follows:

That an Interim Order is hereby granted as prayed.

That the 2 Defendant/Respondent is hereby ordered to recognize within 24 hours of the service of this order on him, HON. S.K.E. UDEH-OKOYE (the person recommended by the South East Zonal Executive Committee of the 1 Defendant /Respondent; pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

That this Order will lapse after seven (7) days from today in accordance with the Rules of this Court.

That the matter is adjourned to 30/10/2023 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Recall that the PDP, South-East zone, had last weekend, unanimously nominated the former PDP National Youth Leader, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the new party National Secretary.

The partys National Vice Chairman, South-East Zone, Chief Ali Odefa, who read a communique after the meeting, had explained that the decision was to allow Senator Anyanwu concentrate on his electioneering campaign in Imo State.
The federal executive council (FEC) has approved the sum of $3.45 billion in loans for the execution of five projects.

The council meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, was held on Monday.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, Wale Edun, minister of finance, and coordinating minister of the economy, said the approved projects were conditioned in the five memos he presented.

Edun said the memos approved include concessional loans with zero-interest financing by the World Bank and the International Development Association (IDA) the concessional financing arm of the bank.

He said the projects approved for funding were in the power and renewable energy sectors.

The minister added that the approved funding for states for resource mobilisation programmes to help them with the internally-generated revenue efforts.

The council also approved a project for adolescent girls initiative for learning and empowerment, Edun said.

Its a programme to support young girls from the age of 11, secondary school age, and to ensure that at the end of the schooling, they have one skill or the other that is marketable, as well as the academic laurels.

He said the fifth financing that the council approved is for the womens project.

This is an additional project. The first one was very successful. It was all about empowering women, upscaling their skill levels, and of course, giving them some financial inclusion, including in the banking system, he added.

So those were five loans totalling N3.45billion. And as you know, the tenure is all around 40 years, moratorium period of around 10 years and interest very low, or in the cases of either loans, zero interest, although some fees would be incurred.

Last week, FEC approved a $1.58 billion loan request.

The loan request is split into two; $1.5 billion from the World Bank and $80 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that his recent meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria was not to offer support for Israel against Palestine in the ongoing conflict between both sides.

Wike had a meeting on October 3, with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, where he expressed the willingness of his administration to partner with the State of Israel on agriculture, information technology and the security of the nations capital.

The meeting was before the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in the death of more than 1,400 people and more than 200 taken as hostages and the retaliatory onslaughts and bombings unleashed on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), which have left more than 4,000 Palestinians dead and almost one million people displaced.

The minister, at a recent meeting with the leadership of the Abuja National Mosque Management Board plainly denied having the constitutional powers to determine Nigerias diplomatic relations with other countries.

He insisted such powers were conferred on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Wike said he read on social media platforms about having a covet meeting with Israel.

I am here acting on delegation of powers on behalf of Mr. President.

I cannot determine a relationship between a country and another country. So, it is difficult for anybody to say I am doing this, I am doing that.

Any foreign body that wants to have anything to do with Nigeria, it is the Minister of Foreign Affairs who will write to me and state that these people want to see me; it is simple. And when they come, it is in my position to say look, we want to partner with you. Take for instance, you are going into agriculture and we want to partner, then we tell you where exactly, Wike said.

He insisted that his meeting with the Israeli Ambassador was purely to promote agricultural partnership in the interest of the farmers in the FCT.

The minister said: In Abuja here, most of them have cultural farms and we say look, it is our own desire to help anybody who wants to invest in Abuja particularly in agriculture in order to employ our people and in order to get more revenue. It has nothing to do with another country.

When our people begin to now think different angles and people may not understand that it is not correct. So, I will like to use this opportunity to say look we have to talk to our people. In fact we must live harmoniously. We must live together to make sure that development is promoted.

The meeting with the Israeli envoy and the violence that has embroiled the Middle-East has led to some elements to insinuate that Wike was offering Nigerias support to Israel.




Sequel to the escalating in violence in parts of Kogi State ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial election, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has vowed to drag Governor Yahaya Bello to the International Criminal Court at the Hague.





The rights group said its decision has become imperative as the electoral violence in Kogi State has cost many lives and led to the destruction of property.





The Director General of the CLO, Comrade Steve Aluko, disclosed this is Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday.





Aluko explained that the killings, attacks and destruction of property are mostly targeted at the opposition parties, and that such daily political violence is almost becoming unprecedented in the history of the country.





He said, Yahaya Bello must account for all the violence that has occurred under him since he is the number one security officer of the state.





We are also pushing for visa ban against all those culpable in the Kogi political violence, and urged the United States of America, Europe, China and other Asian countries to act accordingly so that it would serve as deterrent to others.





Governor Bello must realize that election in Nigeria has become a global issue that will attract the attention and reaction of the international community, and any offence committed in any state of the nation cannot be isolated and go unpunished.





The CLO leader observed that the attacks are now mostly on party officials, supporters and campaign offices of the Social Democratic Offices (SDP) and the disruptions of their political rallies by thugs.





He called President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the ongoing electoral violence in Kogi State, noting that if action is not taken, it will appear that the President or the All Progressive Congress (APC), under which platform Bello is ruling, has a hand in the situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron was Tuesday set to become the first Western leader to meet both Israels premier and the Palestinian president, more than two weeks into the brutal Gaza conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.

As Israel battles Gazas Islamist rulers Hamas after suffering the worst attack in its 75-year history, Macron visited to express solidarity but also to stress the need to protect Gazas civilian population in the withering bombing campaign.

Hamas in its October 7 attack on southern Israel killed more than 1,400 people and took over 200 hostages, Israeli officials say. Retaliatory air and artillery strikes since then have killed over 5,000 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-ruled health ministry.

Israeli strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip overnight killed another 140 people, Hamas said after the militant group released two more of the Israeli and foreign hostages it abducted.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Monday urged an immediate humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza where about half of the population of 2.4 million has been driven from their homes.

Macron, the latest of a string of Western leaders to visit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after the US, British and German leaders went there, was the first who was also set to visit Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the occupied West Bank.

The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers, Macron said after meeting Israels President Isaac Herzog.

I want you to be sure that youre not left alone in this war against terrorism, Macron told Herzog.

Macron stressed that the campaign must be fought without enlarging this conflict as concern has grown about more of Israels enemies across the Middle East entering the war.

On his visit Macron will also propose relaunching a genuine peace process, with the aim of creating a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers towards Israels security, his office said.

 Two more hostages freed 

Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to destroy Hamas and warned of a looming ground invasion of Gaza, raising the spectre of heavy urban combat and heightening the risk for the hostages.

Israel on Monday greeted with relief the release of two of the captives  Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85  who were freed late Monday and airlifted to an Israeli hospital to be reunited with family.

Hamas released them citing compelling humanitarian reasons, after mediation by Qatar and Egypt, but did not free their elderly husbands.

Their release came days after a US mother and her teenage daughter were also handed over to Israel.

Earlier in Washington, US President Joe Biden allowed for the possibility of a ceasefire if the others are freed, telling journalists that we should have those hostages released and then we can talk.

Lifshitz recounted the shock of her abduction by Hams gunmen, telling Israeli media: They loaded me on a motorcycle sideways so I wouldnt fall, with one terrorist holding me from the front and the other from behind.

 Shattered body 

The Hamas surprise attack, which left Israel reeling and enraged, led it to launch operation Swords of Iron in which it has fired a near-continuous barrage of strikes on Gaza and called up more than 300,000 reservists.

Israel has cut off water, food, fuel and energy supplies to Gaza, and only a trickle of aid has been allowed to cross into Gaza from Egypt in recent days under a US-brokered deal.

The UN World Health Organization warned that more than one third of Gazas hospitals are not functioning and limited fuel supplies were impacting the fleet of ambulances in the territory, where thousands have been injured.

While the Israeli military has claimed success in eliminating high-ranking commanders and destroying Hamas infrastructure, humanitarian groups have said that Palestinian civilians are paying too high a price.

Thousands of buildings have been levelled in the densely populated enclave, with entire city blocks reduced to rubble and many victims still feared buried beneath.

Gaza City resident Ayman Abu Shamalah was among the tens of thousands who heeded an Israeli warning to flee the north of the enclave, but this did not spare his family from tragedy.

An Israeli air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza killed his pregnant wife as well as their three-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter, he told AFP tearfully.

They put my sons shattered body in a blue bag, he said.

 Tunnel labyrinth 

Israel has shown little sign of slowing its looming offensive, although the timing of an anticipated full-scale ground invasion remains unclear.

We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops.

The Southern Command has quality operational plans. There are tactical, operative and strategic considerations that have provided additional time.

Hamas has built a labyrinth of tunnels which the Israeli military has darkly dubbed the Gaza Metro and would be expected to meet invading forces with booby traps and surprise attacks, spelling costly house-to-house fighting.




Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, on Tuesday accused the Nigerian and Kenyan governments of violating their own laws over the agitators arrest.





Ejimakor said Nigeria and Kenya violated their own laws and international treaties they were parties to concerning the repatriation of an accused to face prosecution in his own country.





To this end, Ejimakor said Kanus unconditional release is the only option left for Nigeria and Kenya regarding the illegal abduction and extraordinary rendition of the IPOB leader.





Posting on X, the lawyer insisted that Nigeria and Kenya failed to follow the procedures for repatriation as provided for in the law when Kanu was abducted in Kenya and renditioned to Nigeria since June 2021.





According to Ejimakor: Nigerian & Kenyan laws, plus treaties Nigeria ratified provide steps that MUST be taken in returning an accused to face trial in another country. Failure to take such steps, like in the case of #MNK, PERMANENTLY robs the Court of jurisdiction. The only option is to #FreeMNK.





Kanu has continued to languish in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, despite the ruling of an Abuja Appeal Court that ordered his immediate and unconditional release.





Discharging Kanu of all 15 counts of treason preferred against him, the court faulted the manner in which the IPOB leader was renditioned to Nigeria, declaring that it violated all known international protocols on repatriation.
OZARKFour men have been arrested in connection with a two-year investigation into incidents that have occurred in Dale and Barbour counties.

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum said Monday afternoon that arrested are Kevarion McLeod of Brundidge, Michael Carey Jr. of Clayton, Cornelius Fryer of Ozark, and Marquez Laster of Ozark.

McLeod is charged with five counts of first-degree criminal mischief, three counts of first-degree theft of property, four counts of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft of property, first-degree receiving stolen property, and three counts of first-degree attempted theft.

Carey Jr. is charged with third-degree burglary two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, two counts of first-degree attempted theft.

Fryer is charged with felony eluding, five counts of first-degree criminal mischief, three counts of first-degree theft of property, four counts of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft of property, first-degree receiving stolen property, and three counts of first-degree attempted theft.

Laster is charged with five counts of first-degree criminal mischief, three counts of first-degree theft of property, fourth-degree theft of property, first-degree receiving stolen property, and three counts of first-degree attempted theft.

Bynum said that the quartet is charged in connection with incidents that have occurred in Ariton and Skipperville over the last two years, most recently the attempted theft of an ATM and a convenience store in Skipperville Oct. 8.

We do anticipate additional charges to be filed in Barbour County, Bynum said. We appreciate the assistance of Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation, Ozark and Clio Police Departments, the Barbour County Sheriffs Office and the FBI.

Bynum said all four suspects are being held in the Dale County Jail.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, deputy governor of Ondo, says no group has his consent to protest against Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of the state.

Reports of the said protests followed moves by the Ondo state house of assembly to revisit the impeachment plan against Aiyedatiwa.

The governor and his deputy have been at loggerheads since the former returned from a medical trip abroad.

The state assembly had initially shelved the plan but on Monday, it asked Olusegun Odusola, the chief judge of the state, to constitute a seven-member panel to probe the allegations of "gross misconduct" against Aiyedatiwa.

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is working with its reconciliation committee to resolve the feud between both men.

In a statement on Tuesday, the deputy governor said he is committed to the reconciliation efforts of the APC.

"My attention has been drawn to some false publications in which it was alleged that a group loyal to me is planning to hold a protest against the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, today in Akure," he said.

"This is to inform the good and peace loving people of Ondo state that I am not aware of any such protest and no group or association has my endorsement to carry out public e.nglemonstration of any kind.

"I affirm my commitment to the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the national leadership of our party, the APC, on the political situation in our state which are already yielding the much needed tranquility in the state."

The deputy governor urged security agencies in the state to continue to maintain law and order.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has told the judges of the Supreme Court to fast and pray to seek the face of God concerning the conflicting nature of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus certificate.

The apex court said on Monday that there are conflicting letters from Chicago State University (CSU) on Tinubus certificate.

Justice John Okoro, chairman of the seven-member panel hearing the application Atiku Abubakar filed against the victory of President Bola Tinubu, stated this on Monday.

Speaking at the hearing on Monday, Justice Okoro said criminal matters have to be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

But in this case, there are two conflicting letters from the CSUone authenticating the presidents certificate and another discrediting it. Which do we rely on? he asked.

Reacting to this, Sani, who served as the Senator representing Kaduna Central at the Red Chamber, said the situation calls for spiritual attention.

If the Supreme Court received two conflicting letters from Chicago, the best thing for them is to go into fasting for three days; on the third day, God will show them the genuine one in a dream. We are a prayerful nation, he wrote on X.
The house of representatives has summoned Yemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN), over the decision to lift the forex ban on 43 items.

The 43 items listed here were restricted in 2015 from access to forex.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution to summon the CBN governor during plenary on Tuesday, following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Sada Soli, a lawmaker from Katsina.

More to follow
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last elections, says the rule of law becomes threatened once people lose faith in the fairness of the judiciary.

In a thread on his X page on Tuesday, Obi said rule of law is the foundation for all fundamental rights of humans, noting that it is what binds societies together.

The former Anambra governor said when a democracy is based on faulty justice, it opens the society to apparent dangers.

The lofty titles that decorate people in power have little meaning if there is a hollowness and falsehood underneath them, Obi said.

Such titles which adorn those in public office mean nothing if they are not original and are fake if those who bear them have no honour to support the weight of the titles they carry.

In situations where there is public doubt as to the veracity and authenticity of these titles and the claims behind them, it is the judiciarys role, when called upon, to uphold the honour of the titles through transparent rulings.

Only through such judicial interventions can the public be protected from the tyranny of dubious and duplicitous characters and identity fraudsters.

In such situations, the judiciary has a bounding duty to protect societys value system. This is one of the obligations of an impartial judiciary in a democracy.

The rule of law remains the lifeblood of democracy in all societies and by whatever definition across time.

It remains the foundation for all our fundamental rights as humans. It is the rule of law that binds society together.

The expectation by the high and low alike that their rights will be protected and respected by fair judges in transparent courts is what keeps citizens loyalty and belief in democracy.

People, irrespective of their station in life, approach the courts whenever they feel their rights are assailed in the expectation that fair courts will render justice to them according to law.

However, when the fairness of the judiciary is not assured, and the transparency of judiciary operatives is uncertain, the rule of law will come under severe threat.

Once ordinary people lose faith in the fairness of the judiciary, the rule of law is threatened.

He added that the society will become threatened when the rule of the powerful trumps rule of law.

With it, faith in democracy comes under threat as well. A society is endangered when the rule of the powerful and the rule of the rich and the mighty replaces the rule of law, he said.

When that happens, justice becomes a commodity to be traded between the rich and powerful and a cult of corrupt judiciary operatives.

When a democracy is based on faulty justice, it opens society to apparent dangers.
Abdullahi Mustapha has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the director-general and chief executive officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Ajuri Ngelale, the special adviser to the president on media & publicity, disclosed the appointment in a statement on Monday.

Ngelale said Mustapha has significant experience in the energy sector, having worked for more than 10 years in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

His career also stretched into the space technology sector.

President Tinubu expects the new ECN Chief Executive to make a positive impact on his administrations intensive push to diversify the nations energy sources in a synergized fashion across the government toward the ultimate aim of industrializing every part of the country with every citizen emancipated from the shackles of energy poverty, Ngelale said.

Mustapha, who recently obtained his doctorate degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on renewable energy, possesses post-doctoral fellowship as a research associate in the school of engineering at the University of Manchester.
One of the first New Jersey school districts to receive state aid to expand access to public pre-K programs is planning a major upheaval in its schools as it works to accommodate the projected enrollment surge.

The Howell school district in Monmouth County is slated to transform two elementary schools into early childhood learning centers exclusively for pre-K students. Officials also plan to expand the grade levels at eight of the districts other elementary schools.

The overhaul will mean boundary lines will be changed throughout the K-8 district with many children attending different schools starting in the 2024-25 school year. Some parents in the 61-square-mile township, the largest in Monmouth County, have raised concerns about the plan.

Enrollment in pre-K is expected to rise from approximately 300 to 900 children by the 2027-28 school year, Howell Superintendent Joseph Isola said.

The 5,400-student school district is among several in New Jersey looking for ways to make space for newly expanded pre-K programs under an initiative by Gov. Phil Murphys administration to increase full-day early learning programs around the state.

Howell was among 27 school districts to receive a first round of state grants totaling $26 million last year to expand pre-K access. Howell received the third-largest grant, totaling $2.286 million.

Another round of pre-K grants was awarded to an additional 26 school districts earlier this month. The money is part of Murphys plan to eventually provide universal access to full-day, free pre-K for all students in New Jersey.

Under a plan approved last month by the Howell school board, the districts Adelphia School and Newbury School will exclusively serve pre-K students. The Adelphia School currently serves pre-K through second grade and the Newbury School is for third to fifth graders.

The principals of the early learning centers, basically, are opening new schools, Isola said at a school board meeting last month.

As part of the restructuring, Adelphia and Newbury will feed into eight elementary schools, which will all be reconfigured to serve grades K-5. Currently, four of the schools serve pre-K through second grade and the other four schools serve third to fifth grades.

Grade levels at the two middle schools in Howell, where students attend sixth to eighth grades, will remain unchanged.

Some parents are raising concerns about the grade realignments and revised maps that will assign students to schools based on where they live. The boundaries for the new maps are expected to be finalized by mid-November.

Christopher Hoenig, the father of a kindergartener at the Land OPines School, objected to a preliminary draft of the map which moved students from his Oak Glen neighborhood to the Ardena School, which he said is halfway across the sprawling township.

Redistricting is not a big deal, but sending kids halfway across town to go to school  theres got to be a better way, Hoenig told NJ Advance Media on Friday.

Hoenig, speaking at a school board meeting Wednesday, cited studies showing longer bus rides can result in less sleep and exercise, while worsening bullying and absenteeism.

Hoenig asked district officials to take a fresh look at the boundary lines and improve communication with parents. He took issue with a recent email from the districts administration he said characterized the changes as a pre-K expansion.

Ive spoken with parents in my neighborhood who still have no clue this is going on. So, can we please not bury this under the headline of pre-K, and just call it what it is. It is not just reorganization, it is redistricting, Hoenig said at the meeting.

Isola, the districts superintendent, told the board Wednesday that planning is ongoing. The district is still working on the boundary lines, along with revising school starting times and reassigning administrators.

I can guarantee you there will be no perfect map for every member of our community, but were really working to make sure that we are looking at communities, we are looking at the school children currently go to, he said.

The Adelphia and Newbury schools were chosen to be fully pre-K for several reasons, Isola said at a board meeting last month. He cited several state pre-K requirements, including that classrooms without a restroom be at least 700 square feet and have a hallway restroom visible from the doorway.

Other factors were playgrounds and the size of parking lots, he said.

We recognize that pre-school brings more parent drop-offs, Isola said.

Only three schools that met the standards for expanded pre-K classes  neither middle school was considered, he said. Of the three schools, Greenville School was ruled out due to its location, leaving the Adelphia and Newbury schools as the only other choices to house the expanded pre-K program, he said.

All others would have required massive renovations, Isola said.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
A Hudson County couple filed a lawsuit against Panera Bread on Monday, a year after their college-age daughter died after allegedly consuming a caffeinated energy drink from the companys restaurant in Philadelphia.

Sarah Katz, 21, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, died Sept. 10, 2022, after drinking a Panera Charged Lemonade she bought at the Panera store on 40th Street in Philadelphia, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County.

A spokesperson for Panera Bread Company did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment on the lawsuit. In a statement to CNN, the company said, We strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter.

Katz was diagnosed at age 5 with a medical condition in which the potassium ion channels in her heart do not work properly, disrupting the hearts electrical activity and resulting in abnormal heart rhythms, according to the suit filed on behalf of Jersey City residents Jill and Michael Katz.

Intense physical exercise, like swimming, and energy drinks can bring on life-threatening irregular heartbeats for people with the medical condition, according to the suit.

As a precaution, Sarah Katz visited a cardiologist twice a year, took medication and avoided energy drinks and highly caffeinated beverages, according to the suit.

On Sept. 1, Katz obtained a Panera Sip Club membership, which she used to purchase Panera Charged Lemonade in the Philadelphia store, according to the suit.

The 30-ounce drink contained between 114 milligrams and 160 milligrams of caffeine and exceeded the caffeine levels in 12 ounces of Red Bull and 16 ounces of Monster Energy Drink, the suit states.

Sarah Katz, who grew up in Jersey City, died after consuming a Panera Charged Lemonade, according to a lawsuit.Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County

The lawsuit states Katz drank the Panera Charged Lemonade while with her friends at a restaurant in her apartment building and went into cardiac arrest. She was rushed to Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital, where she suffered another cardiac arrest and died, according to the suit.

The lawsuit alleges Panera Bread Company had an obligation to label the beverage as an energy drink, but instead marketed the product as plant-based and clean with as much caffeine as our dark roast coffee.

Panera Charged Lemonade also contains large amounts of sugar and the stimulant guarana, as another source of caffeine content, the suit states.

Consumers are not provided a factual basis for understanding it as an energy drink containing exorbitant amounts of caffeine, caffeine sources, stimulants and sugar, the suit states.

The company knew or should have known that failing to advertise the Panera Charged Lemonade as an energy drink increased the risk of causing permanent and catastrophic injuries to consumers, the suit alleges.

The lawsuit alleges negligence, product misrepresentation and wrongful death.

According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, Sarah Katz grew up in Jersey City and graduated from Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York City.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Jersey City wants to clean up how its short-term rental industry is policed, and is looking for the right firm to collect more than $1 million annually in fees and fines that are not being paid.

The city council on Wednesday will vote on a resolution to seek a bid for a new vendor to oversee the citys short-term rentals (STR). The vendor will need to create and maintain a database of the rentals and STR applications, collect and process fees, issue violation notices and monitor compliance with the STR ordinance.
A recent recommendation by a federal agency to change the legal status of marijuana to a less restrictive drug category could have a big impact on New Jerseys medical cannabis program, according to both state advocates and federal officials.

The federal Department of Health and Human Services recommended to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in August that cannabis be reclassified from a Schedule I drug to a less regulated Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, the Congressional Research Service reported last month.

The change could open the door for more research on the plant and fewer legal restrictions for medical cannabis patients in New Jersey and across the country.

But, the change would not make the sale or use of recreational weed legal on the federal level. And it wont bring any significant changes to New Jerseys legal recreational cannabis program or similar programs in other states, congressional researchers said.

The most profound impact this is going to have in our state is the opportunity now to really supercharge the medical side, said Bill Caruso, a cannabis attorney and co-founder of New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform, an advocacy coalition.

Youre talking about health care providers being able to treat with cannabis. Its research, its prescribing, its physician-led efforts, said Caruso, who helped work on New Jerseys first medical cannabis law in 2010.

Changing cannabis to a Schedule III drug could also help with destigmatization, he said.

The federal Controlled Substances Act places all controlled substances into five schedules related to their medicinal use, risks and potential for abuse. Those in Schedule I are considered the most dangerous and addictive.

Since 1970, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, restricting its use for research and medicinal purposes, said Ken Wolski, executive director of New Jerseys Coalition for Medical Marijuana, a public charity established in 2003.

If the recommendation to reschedule cannabis is approved, it will be grouped in the same category as drugs like testosterone and ketamine, and classified by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency as having moderate to low potential for dependence.

While no decisions have been made yet, the Congressional Research Service said the recommendation is likely to be approved. The recommendation to make the change is based on the Food and Drug Administrations 2022 review of cannabis requested by President Joe Bidens administration.

Rescheduling cannabis could affect state medical marijuana programs, congressional researchers said.

In 2010, former Gov. Jon Corzine legalized medical cannabis in New Jersey, making it the 14th state to do so. Gov. Phil Murphy expanded the program five years ago, allowing doctors to recommend medical marijuana to help treat conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, migraines and Tourettes syndrome.

As of this month, there were over 98,000 medical cannabis patients in New Jersey and nearly 50 dispensaries where patients can buy legal weed.

Because of the drugs current classification, registered, lawful medical cannabis patients can be denied access to assisted housing, visas, firearms and opportunities in federal employment and military service, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Even though New Jersey legalized and decriminalized recreational weed in 2021, marijuana possession and use are still prohibited at the federal level, subjecting the states patients to the same legal limitations.

You cant use your marijuana in a hospital ... or a nursing home and these are some of the sickest patients who need medical marijuana the most, said Wolski.

New Jersey  which is known for having some of the highest medical cannabis costs in the nation  has considered legislation to alleviate the financial burden on medical patients. But, as long as the federal government continues to classify the drug as an illegal substance with no medicinal value, health insurance will not cover its costs.

Placing cannabis in Schedule III would ease the restrictions, making state medical programs a little less illegal, advocates said.

It could also allow businesses to lawfully manufacture, distribute and possess medical cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act, while still being subject to federal laws and regulations, supporters said.

Schedule I drugs are nearly impossible to research, said Caruso. Reclassifying marijuana could ease research regulations, potentially allowing more studies to be done on the drug.

However, it could take years before cannabis gets rescheduled and even longer for large scale clinical research trials to take place, Wolski said.

Until these research studies are conducted, I think ... hospitals would be reluctant to accept just medical marijuana as medicine, he said.

Some anti-legalization groups believe marijuana should remain a Schedule I drug.

The recommendation to reschedule cannabis flies in the face of science, reeks of politics, and helps a weed industry desperately looking for legitimacy, Kevin Sabet, a former Obama administration official who head the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, told the Associated Press earlier this year.

While some legalization supporters and weed trade groups see potential benefits in rescheduling, others argue that the recommendation doesnt go far enough and marijuana should be descheduled  or completely removed from the controlled substances list.

That would remove all federal legal restrictions on both recreational and medicinal cannabis, proponents say.

Our ultimate goal should remain descheduling, full legalization and a thriving cannabis market that allows individuals to flourish without unnecessary intrusion, the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association said in a press release.

Nyah Marshall may be reached at Nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com .

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Authorities in more than 40 states, including New Jersey, are suing the parent company of Facebook and Instagram  Meta Inc.  accusing the social media giant of fueling a national youth mental health crisis with features designed to addict teens and children.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the suit seeks to once and for all hold Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, accountable for deceptive, manipulative practices on Instagram and Facebook that they knew were harmful to young people.

They know how damaging their platforms are for our kids and our teens, Platkin told NJ Advance Media in an interview Tuesday. They know it. And yet they have deliberately targeted them in ways that violate state and federal law.

In a statement, Meta said it was disappointed by the suit and had already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.

Social media use is ubiquitous among teens in the U.S., with up to 95% of youth aged 13 to 17 having some online presence, according to the Pew Research Center.

Experts say social media is also exposing children to harmful content, including violent and sexual imagery, and intensifying the harms of bullying at a crucial development stage. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared the situation a youth mental health crisis.

In response, state and federal authorities have increasingly scrutinized whether algorithms and behind-the-scenes decisions made by social media companies are exacerbating the problem. The tech companies running the platforms insist they are doing all they can.

But attorneys general from a majority of states argue in court filings the tech companies had profoundly altered the psychological and social realities of a generation of young Americans.

The wide-ranging, 233-page complaint unveiled Tuesday not only accuses Meta of being indifferent to harm, but actively seeking out young users, collecting data from children without their parents consent in violation of federal law.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens, the complaint states. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, alleges Metas practices violate the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act in addition to state-level consumer protection laws such as New Jerseys Consumer Fraud Act.

It was filed by attorneys general in 33 states and Washington, D.C. Eight other states filed similar suits in state courts, according to the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office.

The suit stemmed from an investigation co-led by authorities in New Jersey and several other states governed by both Democrats and Republicans. It followed claims by a whistleblower in 2021 the company ignored alarm bells about its products harm on children and teens  particularly young girls.

Meta said in its statement that the company shared with the attorneys general a commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online and was disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

Platkin said Tuesday the social media company has shown no interest in cooperating with law enforcement. He said New Jersey authorities spent about two years and thousands and thousands of hours investigating the companies handling of minor users, concluding the company had deliberately targeted teens and children.

Remember, their business model relies on people staying engaged on their platform for long periods of time, and so they have used tactics to lure kids in to spend longer periods on their platform, knowing the damage this will cause their mental health, the attorney general said.

Knowing the impact it will have on suicidal thoughts, body image issues, depression, anxiety. All of this is known to the company, and yet they have told the public that the opposite is true.

Facebook and Instagram are not the only social media apps drawing scrutiny from state regulators. Last year, authorities disclosed a similar multi-state probe into the social video app TikTok to investigate similar claims it was inappropriately targeting young users.

That investigation is ongoing.

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S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com.
Former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rosler was elected as an independent member of the Board of Directors of Vietravel Airlines on Monday.

His role will be to help facilitate the carriers international partner network development.

As a board member till 2027, Philipp Rosler will advise Vietravel Airlines on expanding international cooperation, especially with investors and partners in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Philipp Rosler was born in 1973 in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang. He was adopted and raised in Germany. He entered politics after serving in the army as a military doctor.

In 2009, he became German Minister of Health. Two years later, he became German Minister of Economics and Technology, and Vice Chancellor.

Since leaving politics in 2014, he has held important positions at Siemens, Deutsche Bank and Lufthansa.

Currently, he is chairman of the International Advisory Board of VinaCapital Ventures, a venture capital fund in the technology sector at investment management firm VinaCapital.

At the end of last year, Vietravel Group, the largest shareholder in tourism firm Vietravel (VTR), transferred 1.78 million VTR shares, equivalent to 10.3% of capital, to VinaCapital.

The general meeting of shareholders of Vietravel Airlines on Monday also authorized the airlines Board of Directors to implement a plan to issue private shares to increase charter capital to VND2 trillion (US$83.3 million) from VND1.3 trillion.

Vietravel Airlines is operating only four aircraft with a limited flight network, and the company is looking for investors to obtain more resources.
A New Jersey man hired to fire a gun into one home in eastern Pennsylvania and firebombed another has been sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison after bragging about what he did on Discord.

Patrick McGovern-Allen, 22, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced last week to 13 years, four months as well as three years of supervised release, according to court documents filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Eastern Pennsylvania.

McGovern-Allen  who went by the name Tongue  was caught after discussing the firebombing while chatting on Discord, a text and and voice chat app, court papers state.

Federal prosecutors say McGovern-Allen worked with another man  one recorded the other carrying out the criminal act.

The firebombing occurred on Dec. 17, 2021, when residents of Roslyn Avenue in Abington reported their house was on fire. Hours later police obtained a video that showed two men in front of the house.

As one man recorded the video shows the other lit a blue cloth on fire, stuffed it inside of bottle grape-flavored MD 20/20 and threw the homemade Molotov cocktail through a first-floor window, charging documents state.

The siding of the house, as well as the grass and a wooden chair, caught fire, according to prosecutors.

McGovern pleaded guilty in February, though it wasnt immediately clear what he was convicted of.

The U.S. Attorneys Office didnt immediately respond to questions about McGovern-Allens co-conspirator or who hired him.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.

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Two men have been charged in the stealing of a historic bell that went missing from a South Jersey fire department last week.

The Pleasantville Fire Department in Atlantic County asked for the publics help in a social media post last Tuesday after discovering that the historic artifact had gone missing. The bell  which measures 3 feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds  had been stored in an alley behind the fire house as members of the department were preparing to create a memorial for it.

Police arrested John Jordon II, 61, and Joseph Redd, 44, both of Pleasantville, on Monday after officers executed a search warrant and located a portion of the bell, according to a statement from the Pleasantville Police Department.

A good Samaritan previously found a separate part of the bell and returned it to the fire department, officials said.

The bell now has significant damage, but the department still plans to finalize the memorial after it is repaired.

We want to thank the public whose tips and information helped us find our bell which was taken last week, the department said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it was damaged, but like we always do, we will adapt and overcome.

The bell  made of bronze  was manufactured in 1909 by the Buckeye Bell Foundation and was used in the early 20th century before the creation of sirens to alert firefighters about reported incidents.

Both men were released on summonses pending court appearances. They face charges of receiving stolen property and criminal mischief, while Jordon is additionally charged with theft, authorities said.

Attorney information for the two was not immediately available.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
New Jersey has launched a website to provide information about abortion and other reproductive health care in the state, complying with a law Gov. Phil Murphy signed Tuesday.

This comes as Democrats who control state government in New Jersey continue to focus on abortion rights heading into the Nov. 7 election, when all 120 seats in the Legislature are on the ballot. Democrats are trying to maintain their two-decade hold on both chambers two years after Republicans gained seven seats.
A cannabis shop that is likely within weeks of opening for weed sales in Warren Countys Washington Borough will be opening for another purpose on Tuesday night  civic engagement.

Dank Pot Dispensary is hosting a town hall event for the public with candidates running for state legislative seats in the 23rd District, which serves Washington and surrounding areas. The event runs from 7-9 p.m. at the dispensary, 245 E. Washington Ave.

Incumbents on the Nov. 7 ballot for the 23rd District are Republican Sen. Douglas Steinhardt and Republican Assemblymen John DiMaio and Erik Peterson. Democrat Denise King is challenging Steinhardt. Democrats Guy Citron and Tyler Powell are running for the assembly seats.

A news release from the dispensary did not specify if all candidates are expected to attend, but noted that the town hall aims to be more than a debate among politicians.

Any form of political discourse is important, Dank Poet CEO Chris Caruso said in the release. To have a location that allows the community to interact with candidates and ask questions directly is paramount to a successful political system.

Moderated by veteran media professional and cannabis expert Stu Zakim, the two-hour event will provide candidates a platform to discuss all issues facing New Jersey voters and answer questions from the public. A dedicated segment will focus on the challenges and future prospects of the cannabis industry, the news release says.

Dank Poet Dispensary, which will feature 1,200 square feet of retail space, is currently in the final stages of the licensing process and expected to open for business in the next several weeks, according to the release from the company.

Those who wish to attend the town hall event are asked to RSVP on the companys website.

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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.
Hes never been a tinker, tailor or soldier, but David Cornwell  better known to the world as internationally best-selling author John Le Carre  was, indeed, at one point a spy.

He was also a con man for a time, before flirting with a law career and then, after his stint in British intelligence, eventually becoming a novelist  all of which are, when you get down to it, a variation of the same theme.

That is to say: To be a good lawyer, to be a good novelist, to be a good spy, you must also be a good con man, a good storyteller and a persuasive liar.

Aided by an abundance of intellect and British charm, Cornwell was all of those things, and the author of "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold," "The Looking Glass War" and many other serial thrillers and other novels.
A Thai blogger who is cousin of Blackpink's Lisa tried banh mi during a recent trip to HCMC and praised the dish as "very delicious."

On Monday, Gukoiiz, a Thai beauty blogger with over 215,000 followers on TikTok, posted a series of photos from her trip to Vietnam last week on her Instagram account with over 60,000 followers, supposedly traveling with the Blackpink member. During the trip, model Diana Flipo also accompanied them.

The group was seen by Vietnamese fans eating banh mi at Tan Son Nhat airport before boarding the plane.

Gukoiiz expressed her love for the Vietnamese food and shared images of her loaves of banh mi stuffed with coriander, cucumber, pickled carrots, and daikon, and French condiments such as pate and mayonnaise.

"Vietnamese bread is very delicious. I want to fly back there to buy it. Does anyone have a banh mi address in Bangkok, please introduce it to me? Banh mi is very delicious. I really want to eat it," she wrote on Instagram.

Vietnamese fans quickly recognized the familiar brand through its distinctive wrapping paper.

Banh mi is a symbol of Vietnamese street foods and was last year named among 50 best-rated street foods in the world as compiled by international food magazine TasteAtlas.

Last week, photos of people who look like Lisa and her cousin shopping at fashion stores in HCMC's District 1 went viral on social media, sparking speculations the Blackpink member was returning to Vietnam two months after her performance tour in Hanoi.

As part of their world tour Born Pink, the four members of Blackpink stayed at the Capella Hanoi Hotel in Hoan Kiem District in late August. They enjoyed Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi at a Michelin-selected restaurant inside the hotel.
Dr. Sebastian Koga, a neurosurgeon who practices in Covington, is president of the New Orleans Polo Club.
The Mystic Krewe of Titans rolls to the theme 'It Takes Two,' Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Slidell. Greg Dicke reigned as king and Laura Kaufmann as queen. More than 550 riders on 23 floats tossed cups, medallion beads, footballs, T-shirts, lighted tambourines, foam batons and necklaces. In Greek mythology, Titans were immortal giants of incredible strength who had deep knowledge of old religious rituals and magic. Before the Olympians came into power, the Titans ruled the cosmos. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
A doctor works on testing samples for melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease. Photo by VnExpress

A 43-year-old woman hospitalized in the central Quang Nam Province for fever and diarrhea has died after testing positive for the bacteria responsible for melioidosis.

Also known as Whitmore's disease, melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria, with the fatality rate of around 40%.

The Quang Nam Department of Health said Monday that a couple of weeks ago the Tam Tri Quang Nam General Hospital received the patient from Que Son District with high fever, fatigue and breathing difficulties, diagnosed her as having severe pneumonia and monitored her for sepsis.

She also had type 1 diabetes and heightened blood sugar levels.

But despite doctors' best efforts her condition deteriorated, and she was transferred to the Da Nang Hospital where she died.

Tests revealed she had contracted Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Her cause of infection is unknown, and none of her family members had the disease.

Last month a 15-year-old girl in Thanh Hoa Province died of melioidosis after developing symptoms like sore throat, cough, high fever, respiratory circulatory failure, cyanosis, and loss of consciousness.

People contract the disease after coming into contact with soil or water contaminated with the bacteria and have open injuries on their skin.

The disease was first spotted in Vietnam in 1925.

There are around 10,000 cases worldwide every year, mostly during the rainy season, around half of which prove fatal. There is currently no vaccine against it.

Doctors treat the disease with multiple courses of antibiotics over several months.
The queen has sent her good wishes to the woman leading the campaign to save Devons mobile library service.

Authors, actors and celebrities have supported Torridge councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin in her fight to see Devon County Councils plan to axe the service overturned - and now the campaign has reached Buckingham Palace.

Nine thousand people have signed a petition to keep the mobile library and Queen Camilla, although not able to give a political view, has passed on her best wishes and says she was interested to hear of suggestions to improve the service.

Cllr Cottle-Hunkin wrote to the palace not really expecting a reply, but is delighted she at the outcome.

She said: I contacted Her Majesty because of her charity the Queens Reading Room which works to provide opportunities for the appreciation of literature among adults and children in the UK and around the world.

The charitys mission is to help more people find and connect with books which enrich their lives and turn them into lifelong readers. The Queen is also a supporter of Active Ageing.

Comedian and author Lenny Henry gave his support in the summer and sent a package of his childrens books to share with the mobile library.

His publisher Macmillan Childrens Books said: Lenny is a big champion of libraries, almost every time he is interviewed about his childrens books he mentions how much he went to Dudley Library as a child.

Lenny is quoted as saying his Auntie Pearl originally got him a library card and suddenly I was in a world of stories and it changed my life.

He joins Stephen Fry, Michael Rosen, Michael Morpurgo, Dermot OLeary, Nick Butterworth, Sarah McIntyre, Jacqueline Wilson, Belinda Bauer, Liz Shakespeare, Veronica Henry, Patrick Gale, Tanya Landman, Claire Barker and Harriet Knock in backing the mobile library service.

The county council says it is not cost effective to replace the four ageing vans in its fleet and people taking out books from them is reducing. Torridge and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox said the county needs to find alternative finance models to sustain the service.

There has been cross party support for the mobile library with councils across the county urging the council to change tack.

Supporters say figures showing decline in usage is misleading as the number of vans has been cut from eight to four.

Liberal Democrat-controlled North Devon Council was the latest authority in the county to show its support when it backed a motion by independent councillor John Patrinos.

It stated: This council recognises the huge importance of the mobile library service across the whole of North Devon. To help lift our communities out of poverty, deprivation, isolation and loneliness we should be increasing access to books, not removing them.

Devon County Councils cabinet will discuss the mobile library service at their meeting on Wednesday, November 8 at County Hall in Exeter.

They deferred the item from their last meeting to allow time for more questions from the public to be answered.

The deadline to submit questions is 12 noon on Thursday, November 2.
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HIGHLIGHTS

Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA), a leading renewable energy company, announced today (Oct 23) that it has entered into a purchase agreement with Enel Green Power North America (EGPNA), a subsidiary of Enel SpA (ENEL.MI), to acquire a 150 MW portfolio, which includes two contracted operating geothermal power plants and one triple hybrid geothermal, solar PV (20MW nameplate) and solar thermal power plant with a total generation of approximately 43 MW, two Solar assets with a total nameplate capacity of 40 MW, and two greenfield development assets, for a total of $271 million. The acquisition of these US-based operating geothermal and solar assets supports Ormat's strategic portfolio expansion goals. The acquisition is expected to close by the first quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Ormat expects to finance most of the purchase price through new long-term corporate debt.

The acquired assets include:

Cove Fort geothermal power plant - located in Beaver County, Utah, this Ormat-designed binary geothermal power plant sells its clean electricity generation to the Salt River Project under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Stillwater Hybrid geothermal and solar - located in Churchill County, Nevada, the triple hybrid power plant consists of a geothermal binary unit, Solar PV plant, and solar thermal plant that sells its clean electricity under a long-term PPA with NV Energy. Salt Wells geothermal power plant - located in Churchill County, Nevada, this geothermal binary power plant has a long-term PPA with NV Energy. Stillwater Solar PV II - located in Churchill County, Nevada, this Solar PV facility sells its electricity output to Wynn Las Vegas under a long-term PPA. Woods Hill Solar PV Park - located in Windham County Connecticut, this Solar PV facility sells its electricity output to seven different off-takers under a long-term PPA. Greenfield development projects - Ormat has acquired the rights to explore and potentially develop two greenfield projects, one adjacent to the Cove Fort power plant, and the other in a high-potential geothermal resource area in California.

These acquired assets have collectively generated an annual revenue of approximately $35.0 million and an EBITDA1 of approximately $24.0 million for the years 2020-2022. Ormat is committed to a series of value-enhancing growth initiatives for these assets, which include:

Enhancement and optimization of Cove Fort, Stillwater, and Salt Wells - Ormat intends to enhance and optimize the three operating geothermal assets by installing Ormat's state-of-the-art equipment. This is expected to add approximately 17 MW and generate an additional $15 million of EBITDA in the next 12 to 24 months, with an expected $55 million investment. Expansion of Cove Fort - in addition to the enhancement and optimization noted above, Ormat plans to expand the Cove Fort power plant by 20 MW in the next 5 years. Development of two green fields - Ormat intends to explore, and potentially develop the two greenfield projects as part of Ormat's long-term growth plans.

Doron Blachar, CEO of Ormat Technologies, stated, "We are excited to announce this strategic acquisition, marking a significant milestone for Ormat as we expand our generating capacity portfolio and expand our footprint in the renewable energy sector. We are confident that this accretive acquisition, which carries approximately an 8x EV/EBITDA multiple (inclusive of the future planned enhancement and optimization but excluding the Cove Fort expansion), will support both our short and long-term growth plans, further leveraging our unique core capabilities to maximize the efficiency and output from these power plants' energy sources, strengthening our financial position, and delivering meaningful value to our investors. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship, economic growth, and a greener, more sustainable future for all, aligning seamlessly with our business strategy of pursuing accretive M&A transactions alongside organic growth."

ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation ("REG"), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures, and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter - a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured, and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,200 MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company's activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV), and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat's current total generating portfolio is 1,277 MW with a 1,107 MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 170 MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

ORMAT'S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about future events that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as projections of future revenues and/or EBITDA, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "may", "will", "could", "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "projects", "potential", or "contemplate" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under "Risk Factors" as described in Ormat's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 24, 2023, and in Ormat's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

________________________

1 See a reconciliation table of non-GAAP measures below.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company provides below a reconciliation of EBITDA of the group of assets acquired under the purchase agreement with EGPNA. The EBITDA which is calculated based on the seller's financial statements is a non-GAAP financial measure, for each of the past three years. However, the Company is unable to provide a reconciliation for the projected EBITDA data presented in this press release without unreasonable efforts, due to high variability and complexity with respect to estimating certain forward-looking amounts. These include interests, income tax expenses, and other non-cash expenses and adjusting items that are excluded from the calculation of EBITDA.

Click here to read the full press release.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. hired a Great Lakes business expansion specialist who will try to sell the Hoosier State throughout the Upper Midwest.

The IEDC is bringing on Jonathan Laramy to lure more investment and jobs to Indiana. He'll work to raise the state profile and make the case for "Why Indiana" in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

"Indiana is firmly committed to ongoing growth, continually seeking avenues to amplify and fortify our state's reputation, said Ann Lathrop, IEDC chief strategy officer. Our targeted focus on the expansive and dynamic Great Lakes region is both deliberate and strategic. Indiana holds a beacon of opportunities, and Jonathan will serve as a guiding force, propelling Indiana's economy forward.

Laramy currently serves as the founder of the Stealth Mode Solutions consulting firm, which specializes in sales and marketing for the technology, transportation and logistics, retail, manufacturing and clean energy sectors.

Based in the Chicago metro, he has more than 25 years of experience with sales and marketing. In his new role, he'll try to land investment from Great Lakes-based companies as well as major corporations with a presence in Chicago. The goal will be to bring more jobs and investment in high-growth sectors like tech, life sciences, semiconductors, energy and research and development, as well in the supply chain sector.

The focus on the Great Lakes market is strategic, given that it's a source of a major chunk of the state's new business investment. Last year, the IEDC said it secured $22.2 billion in new investments, including $15.5 billion from businesses coming to Indiana for the first time. Great Lakes-based companies like General Motors LLC and Nhanced Semiconductors Inc. have invested $6.5 billion in Indiana over the past year.
CROWN POINT  A Hammond man stands trial this week on charges he fired the fatal shots that killed a 23-year-old outside the victim's own home.

Kian Moore, 23, was charged with murder in March 2020 in connection with the killing of Quinten Kendrick-Taylor of Hammond. Kendrick-Taylor was shot in the chest around 11 p.m. Oct. 22, 2019, in the 1300 block of Liberty Court.

A jury was selected Monday morning and is set to return Tuesday for the trial's opening arguments in Lake Criminal Court Judge Natalie Bokota's courtroom.

Co-defendants Christian Buchanan-Purdiman, 26, of East Chicago and Leila Shojaee, 38, of East Chicago each pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal in connection with the incident, records show. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop murder charges against both of them. In February, Buchanan-Purdiman was sentenced to five years in prison. Shojaee is scheduled to be sentenced Nov.3, according to online court records.

According to court documents, Buchanan-Purdiman and Moore are tied to a Hammond gang that has a rivalry with another Hammond gang with which Kendrick-Taylor was associated.

Kendrick-Taylor cooked a meal for his family and walked out his front door minutes before he was shot in the chest, records state. His young child was inside at the time.

Witnesses described seeing a muzzle flash near a passenger in a white sedan that turned east on 173rd Street from Liberty Court, court records state.

Police obtained several surveillance videos showing a white car, which the city's license plate reader indicated was a 2018 Hyundai Elantra with a Michigan license plate that had been rented to Shojaee, records state.

Police said officers found the white Elantra parked in the 4100 block of Indianapolis Boulevard in East Chicago on Nov. 1, 2019, and began surveillance. Officers stopped Buchanan-Purdiman and Shojaee after they left in the car, records state.

Shojaee told police only she and Buchanan-Purdiman drove the Elantra and that they shared a cellphone that was left in the car, records state.

Police executed a search warrant for records from the phone and found a call had been placed to Moore about an hour before Kendrick-Taylor's homicide, according to court records.

Phone data showed the three were together on the night of his killing and placed them in the area of Kendrick-Taylor's home, according to court records.
PORTAGE  Police checking on the welfare of a child wound up in a foot chase with a 37-year-old man wanted on a felony count of residential entry.

Portage police said they were checking on the child shortly before 10 a.m. Monday in the 6300 block of Oglethorpe Avenue when they recognized a wanted man eating cereal at the kitchen table.

The man was identified by police as Ross Alvarez, of Illinois, who was wanted in the August 2022 criminal case that also involves a charge of possessing paraphernalia.

After confirming the identity and warrant for Alvarez, police said they approached the home again and saw Alvarez running away through the backyard, according to the incident report.

Police release photos of suspects sought in Valpo home break-in "The subjects fled the area after being confronted by an occupant of the home," police said.

An officer scaled a 6-foot wooden fence to pursue Alvarez, who was taken into custody a short time later, police said.

Police said Alvarez was carrying a small plastic baggie of methamphetamine.

Porter County man flashes gun at woman, later lights her home on fire, police say Another person staying at the burned house reportedly told police she had received a text message Saturday from the accused saying, "This is a good day for you to move just saying."

Alvarez was taken to the Porter County Jail on the existing warrant, and new charges of resisting law enforcement and felony possession of methamphetamine.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Cameron Wickhorst Kenneth Liptak Jr. Herbert Cox III Keshawn Mitchell Ann Horta Samantha Carr Kristen Cox Julie Gonzales Amiya Brown Nicholas Schweihs Ryan Smith Thomas Throw Jake Chalabis Marcelino Pallanti Arturo Torres-Garcia Lorenzo Villaba-Arellano Christina Garcia Timothy Burelison Evan Messman Daegan Spiller Matthew Urquidi John Vuko Sean Wilson John Schwei Daqwon Stewart Arturo Valadez Patrick Hyland Steven Erdelles Ashley Garcia Kenneth Gaytan Carlos Cerros Jr. Gary Johnson Jamaal Means Bryan Schweihs Sarah Steen Rita Bernstein
PORTAGE TOWNSHIP  Porter County police say a 61-year-old South Haven man was caught by a surveillance camera pouring gasoline on the home of a woman he knows and then setting it on fire.

The woman said she later received a text message from the accused, Timothy Burelison, saying, "are you having trouble sleeping?"

Burelison was later booked into the Porter County Jail and faces a felony count of arson and misdemeanor criminal mischief, police said.

Police said they were called out around 10:44 p.m. Saturday to a residence in the Pleasant Valley Manufactured Home Community in Portage Township where a 44-year-old woman told them she discovered her home on fire.

She immediately suspected Burelison, who she said had been threatening her, police said. She said Burelison had driven by her home Friday afternoon and flashed a gun in her direction.

Another person staying at the burned house reportedly told police she had received a text message Saturday from Burelison saying, "This is a good day for you to move just saying."

Police said they viewed surveillance video footage showing Burelison carrying out the alleged arson.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Cameron Wickhorst Kenneth Liptak Jr. Herbert Cox III Keshawn Mitchell Ann Horta Samantha Carr Kristen Cox Julie Gonzales Amiya Brown Nicholas Schweihs Ryan Smith Thomas Throw Jake Chalabis Marcelino Pallanti Arturo Torres-Garcia Lorenzo Villaba-Arellano Christina Garcia Timothy Burelison Evan Messman Daegan Spiller Matthew Urquidi John Vuko Sean Wilson John Schwei Daqwon Stewart Arturo Valadez Patrick Hyland Steven Erdelles Ashley Garcia Kenneth Gaytan Carlos Cerros Jr. Gary Johnson Jamaal Means Bryan Schweihs Sarah Steen Rita Bernstein
CROWN POINT  The Crown Point Community School Corp. Board of Trustees passed its $145.5 million budget for next year on Monday night.

It is nearly $29 million more than the current certified spending plan.

According to Crown Point schools CFO Matt Ruess, the increased budget is due to one-time expenses as part of a planned spend down of cash balances they have.

Ruess told board members the planned spend down was nothing out of the ordinary, and the budget for 2025 was expected to be much lower.

He also noted the school district tends to adopt the budget a little higher than it expects it to be approved. The state's Department of Local Government Finance typically lowers budget amounts and tax levies for local units when they are finalized at the end of the year.

The Crown Point school board was also presented with a tentative teachers' contract agreement. Under the two-year agreement, which is retroactive to the start of this school year, pay for teachers will range between $58,000 to $98,694 for the 2023-24 school year, and $59,000 to $100,794 for 2024-25.

Teachers will receive a $2,000 raise each year depending on performance evaluations and years of experience.

Educators will also receive a $1,000 stipend this year, and a $500 stipend next year.

The contract is slated for board approval Friday.

Crown Point teachers' salaries are some of the highest in Northwest Indiana, and in the entire state with an average annual pay of $71,250, according to the Indiana Gateway website.

In addition to the pay increases, teachers will also have unlimited days for family illness, adoption, childbirth or foster leave with approval from the district. Previously, they could use up to three days for family illness leave and up to 10 days for adoption, paternity or foster leave.

Included in the contract is a sick leave bank, which was organized and will be administered by the teachers. It will be voluntary for Crown Point educators, and allow them to use days from the bank once they have used all of their leave days.

The trustees approved increased deductibles, premiums and out-of-pocket maximum amounts for Crown Point school employees. However, with the higher health insurance costs, the board also approved a one-year contract with Garner Health Technology worth $61,000. Under the agreement, employees will receive reimbursements if they use doctors from a list provided by Garner.

The school board meeting was the first to take place in Crown Point schools new administrative building, which is located on the site of the old Taft Middle School.

The next Crown Point Community School Corp. Board of Trustees meeting is set for Nov. 27.

PHOTOS: New Taft Middle School Nearing Completion
CROWN POINT  St. Mary Catholic Community School will host its 62nd spaghetti supper on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

The annual event takes place in the school, located at 405 E. Joliet St. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and supper from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The menu includes Caesar salad, Italian bread, dessert, coffee, milk and, of course, spaghetti. Tickets are $6 for those 60 and over, veterans and for children ages five through 14. Tickets ate $10 for adults and children 4 and under eat free.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the school at 219-663-0676. Crown Point businesses can order food to be delivered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. Delivery is free, but there is a five-order minimum. To request a delivery, call the school or email spaghettisuppersms@stmarycp.org.

Drive-through service is available. The school asks that customers call ahead for orders of 10 or more.

For more information about the St. Mary Catholic Community School visit school.stmarycp.org.

PHOTOS: St. Mary Annual Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner St. Mary's knows pasta's power St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary's knows pasta's power St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary's knows pasta's power St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary's knows pasta's power St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner St. Mary Catholic Community School annual spaghetti lunch/dinner
Southern Company Gas today (Oct 23) announced its board of directors has elected Bradley J. Henderson, CEO of P33 Chicago and Eric S. Smith, vice chair of BMO Bank to join the board, effective Oct. 15.

"We are excited to have Brad and Eric join our board of directors," said Jim Kerr, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Gas. "I am confident their vast leadership and strategic experience will prove invaluable as we continue to evolve as an industry and as a business, committed to creating a more sustainable energy future for our 4.4 million customers."

Kerr also thanked Vanessa Allen Sutherland, executive vice president of government affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary at Phillips 66, for her two plus years of service on the Southern Company Gas board. "Vanessa brought expertise and passion to the board, and we are grateful for her contribution," he said. Sutherland stepped down from her director role Sept. 15.

Brad Henderson brings 20 years of management consulting experience within and leading The Boston Consulting Group's North American operations practice. Today he is CEO of P33, a nonprofit organization founded by business and technology leaders across the private and public sectors to transform Chicago into a tier one tech innovation hub and promote inclusive economic growth.

Henderson and his team orchestrate critical dialogue between commercial, civic and public leaders and officials to advance P33's mission and Chicago's economic growth. He currently serves on the Chicago Council of Global Affairs board of directors, the Chicago History Museum board of trustees, the Rush University Medical Center board of directors and Rush University board of governors.

Eric Smith has more than 30 years of banking experience and currently serves as vice chair of BMO Bank. Smith is responsible for working with the U.S. Commercial Banking team and across other lines of business to develop the bank's strategy and product capabilities, while maintaining effective governance practices as it expands nationwide by cultivating new and existing client relationships.

Smith is an integral senior leader responsible for executing the successful integration of BMO's recent acquisition of Bank of the West. He also leads BMO Empower which is the Bank's $40 billion, five-year commitment to providing increased access to capital for minority businesses and communities.

"I am particularly excited to add Brad and Eric to our board given their experience and proven leadership in Illinois," Kerr said. "With the vital role Nicor Gas and Southern Company Gas play in more than 650 communities, their service on our board will be invaluable to the customers and communities in northern Illinois we are privileged to serve."

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
GARY  The company looking to build a waste-to-jet-fuel plant in Gary has paused plans to sell up to $500 million of tax-exempt environmental improvement revenue bonds through the Indiana Finance Authority.

Fulcrum Bioenergy, Inc., a California-based company, has been working to bring a waste-to-jet-fuel plant to Gary for about five years. The proposed plant, dubbed the Gary Centerpoint BioFuels Plant, would occupy the footprint of a farmer cement factory in the city's Buffington Harbor area. In November of 2021, the Gary Common Council approved a development agreement with Fulcrum. The agreement provided Gary with a $7.8 million in tax increment value annually as well as $10 million in TIF bond proceeds that would go towards the Gary Redevelopment Commission for the demolition of abandoned buildings. The Indiana Finance Authority awarded Fulcrum $500 million in volume cap for financing, to be paid in two chunks.

On Sept. 21, the Indiana Finance Authority approved a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of environmental improvement revenue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $500 million. According to the resolution, the bonds would be used to finance the construction of the Gary Centerpoint plant.

According to Fulcrum's Frequently Asked Questions page, the $500 million private activity municipal bonds are not a grant or a loan from the state. Rather, Fulcrum must raise funds for the project by selling the bonds to institutional buyers.

Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location This is an artist's conception of the Fulcrum waste-to-jet fuel plant proposed for Gary.

"The obligation to repay the bonds rests solely with Centerpoint and are not a debt, liability or obligation of the Indiana Finance Authority or the State of Indiana," the Fulcrum FAQ page states.

In an email to the Times, a spokesperson for the Indiana Finance Authority said that on Oct. 16, Fulcrum told the Authority it would not be moving forward with the bonds sales at this time. In an email statement to the Times, Fulcrum Vice President Rick Barraza said the Centerpoint bonds are "subject to a Mandatory Tender" on Nov. 15.

"On which date all current bondholders will be repaid with funds in the dedicated escrow bank account, along with any related interest then due and payable," Barraza said.

The company completed its first commercial-scale waste-to-jet-fuel plant in the summer of 2021. Located outside Reno, Nevada the facility is called the Sierra BioFuels Plant. According to Fulcrum, the state of Nevada allocated $289 million of bond capacity for the Sierra plant. However, on Oct. 17 bond trustee UMB Bank posted a notice stating the bonds for the Sierra project were in default. Barraza said Fulcrum is working closely with UMB Bank and the Sierra bondholders to finalize a forbearance agreement to resolve the matter.

The Nevada plant is exactly three times smaller than the facility proposed for Gary.

"Fulcrum's decision to not move forward with the Centerpoint bonds has no relation to the Sierra bonds," Barraza said.

According to Fulcrum's website, the Centerpoint facility represents an $800 million investment that will create 200 permanent jobs in Gary. Once operational, the plant would divert 700,000 tons of waste from regional landfills and would produce 31 million gallons of aviation fuel annually.

Fulcrum officials have assured residents that no actual trash would be brought to Gary. Instead, municipal waste from the Chicago area would be taken to "feedstock processing facilities" where trash high in carbon  such as paper, timber and soft plastics  would be shredded and dried into a fluffy material called feedstock. The feedstock would be loaded onto trucks and taken to the Gary plant where it would be refined into a low-carbon renewable jet fuel. Before being sold, the fuel would be blended with traditional jet fuel.

While no exact locations have been announced, Fulcrum has said the two feedstock processing facilities would be located somewhere along the I-90 corridor in Illinois and along the I-65 corridor in Northwest Indiana.

According to the Fulcrum website, construction on the Gary plant is supposed to start in 2024. The facility is expected to be operational by 2026.

The environmental group, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, or GARD, says the Fulcrum facility would bring more environmental pollution to Gary. On Dec. 16, 2022. GARD filed a petition for Administrative Review of the air permit the Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued Fulcrum. The petition was filed with the Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication, which acts as the ultimate authority to review IDEM decisions. The petition hinges on two main issues: Fulcrum never clearly defines the composition of the "feedstock" that will be used to produce the jet fuel, and the emission calculations are not exact or verifiable. The Office of Environmental Adjudication has not yet issued a final decision on the petition.

"This is just further evidence that this is an ill-gotten venture that is bad for Indiana taxpayers and should be abandoned, Carolyn McCrady, of GARD, said in a Monday news release.

Baraza said "Fulcrum remains steadfast in its commitment to both the Centerpoint and Sierra projects and their respective bondholders."

PHOTOS: Community members tour Gary location selected for planned waste-to-fuel plant Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location
HAMMOND  The Common Council has approved a 2024 budget of almost $155.4 million, up from a budget of $147.4 million in 2023.

The council approved the budget during a Monday evening meeting. The 2024 budget includes a 3% raise for all salaried city employees not covered by contract. Hammond city employees received the same raise last year.

The increase in the 2024 budget can also be attributed to the inclusion of the Fire Station No. 2 lease and a judgment bond for a recent legal settlement the city made.

The city is in the midst of relocating Fire Station No. 2 from 2211 Calumet Ave. to 2400 Calumet Ave., just a mile south. The station is being relocated to accommodate larger, modern fire equipment and to allow fire engines to pull directly into the station without blocking traffic along Calumet.

The $9.6 million judgment bond is tied to the James Hill Jr. case. In 1982 Hill was arrested for the 1980 robbery and rape of a Hammond gas station attendant. He served 17 1/2 years in prison; however, modern DNA analysis excluded Hill as a participant in the assault. Hills lawyers accused former Hammond police Capt. Michael Solan of concealing or withholding two documents from prosecutors.

In November of 2022, a U.S. District Court jury awarded $25.5 million in damages to Hill. However, Hammonds legal team appealed the verdict and reduced the amount the city has to pay to $9.6 million. The judgment bond will be stretched out over 10 years and will increase the amount Hammond homeowners pay in taxes by about $3.44 per year.

The Hammond Common Council held a public hearing for the 2024 budget on Oct. 16, but no one spoke.

During the Monday meeting, Councilman Mark Kalwinski, D-1st, said he was concerned about the citys reliance on gaming revenue. Kalwinski said the 2024 budget estimates gaming will bring about $15.7 million into the general fund to balance the budget. However, with the new Ballys casino opening in downtown Chicago, Kalwinski said these calculations could end up being wrong.

Its a slippery slope and I think we have to be aware that at some point, if we use all this money up and dont have it set aside that were not going to be able to pay the piper, Kalwinski said. Im just hoping that were more careful regarding the use of dollars from the gaming fund.

PHOTOS: Renovations continue on the historic Bank Calumet tower in Hammond
HOBART  Regardless of party lines, one mayor and two ex-mayors agree: ethics in government is a key to gaining the publics trust.

Promoting high ethics, said former LaPorte Mayor Leigh Morris, is a critical factor in maintaining trust.

Speaking Tuesday at the Shared Ethics Advisory Commissions 12th Ethics Summit at Avalon Manor, Morris served on a panel with Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor and former Crown Point Mayor Dan Klein.

Responding to questions from SEAC President Courtney C. Smith, Snedecor, who is stepping down after serving four mayoral terms, said its important that people know that leaders are working not for personal gain but for what is best for the community as a whole.

Klein noted that government leaders work is compounded by people venting on social media.

Twenty-two communities were represented at the morning summit, where participants engaged in table discussions on several ethical situations.

The SEAC serves Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. The commission provides training, now available online, on ethics.

When asked about addressing ethical issues, Snedecor cited the citys hiring of a human resources person. You have to be responsible for your actions, the Hobart mayor said, adding that municipal employees should feel comfortable about reporting alleged violations.

Klein also cited the value of an HR person for honesty and fairness. He reported talking to municipal workers who told him, They do not trust anyone.

That trust, Klein stressed, starts at the top. You have to walk the walk, said Klein, who served as mayor 2004-07.

Morris, whose term as mayor was also 2004-07, said communities need a clear conflict of interest policy and protection for the whistleblowers who come forward to identify problems.

In handling ethical situations, Morris continued, You do what is right for the people.

Snedecor said that once a violation is reported, the city receives the complaint and does its homework, while also protecting the accuser.

One worrisome aspect of ethics violations, Morris said, is an erosion of trust. As is done in some states, including North Carolina, the former LaPorte mayor called for developing a code of ethics that spells out expectations.

Snedecor praised ethics training, said it sends a message to employees of high ethical standards. Klein, coming from the private sector to government work, said he experienced culture shock when he learned Crown Point city workers did not have ethics training.

As implanting such training, Morris said, be serious about it.

All three leaders are positive about the Regions future.

Theres still a lot of work ahead of us, Snedecor said. If we stay focused on the mission ahead of us, we cant go wrong.
More federal funding aimed at spurring science and technology innovations appears to be headed to the Hoosier State.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration designated an Indiana entity as one of the 31 initial Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs across the country.

It follows an announcement earlier this month by Democratic President Joe Biden that the U.S. Department of Energy will fund the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, or MachH2 Hub, to build-out new sources of hydrogen production, including at the BP Refinery in Whiting.

The latest designation permits Heartland BioWorks, a consortium led by the Bloomington-based Applied Research Institute, to compete for up to $75 million in implementation grants over the next few months, as well as future federal investments focused on cultivating globally competitive innovation centers in specific key technology areas.

In particular, Heartland BioWorks plans to work to ensure bioproducts invented at companies and universities in central Indiana also are manufactured in Indiana or elsewhere in the United States  instead of overseas in potentially hostile nations.

"Heartland BioWorks is securing America's biotech future, and this hub will provide biotech startups with access to manufacturing facilities and expertise, implement the workforce training future biotech innovations require, and focus on engaging innovators in historically underserved communities," said Dave Roberts, Applied Research Institute CEO.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb likewise was ecstatic the federal government is aware of the innovative bioscience and technology work already underway in Indiana, along with the unlimited potential for future innovations.

"This is just the news we hoped to receive. The EDAs designation of Heartland BioWorks as a regional tech hub is a recognition of Indianas rich tradition of innovation and leadership in both the manufacturing and life science sectors," Holcomb said. "We'll continue to strongly support the hub and look forward to moving forward in the process."

Federal funding for regional tech hubs was included in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, whose approval was championed by, among others, U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Northwest Indiana U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.

"When I authored the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, my goal was to spur more innovation in technologies of the future in places like Indiana, rather than just Silicon Valley and a few coastal cities," Young said.

"This designation could lead to millions in federal investment and will open the floodgates for more private capital in biotech research and development across the state."

Mrvan also applauded the stakeholders for successfully securing federal recognition for their biotechnology innovation and research initiatives.

"Let us build upon this successful model of collaboration and partnership, as evidenced in this tech hub and the recent Hydrogen Hub designation, to continue to create more good-paying job opportunities and strengthen our economy for the benefit of all current residents and future generations," Mrvan said.

The CHIPS and Science Act also was supported in the Indiana congressional delegation by U.S. Reps. Jim Baird, R-Greencastle, whose district includes Northwest Indiana's Newton and Jasper counties; Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis; and Trey Hollingsworth, R-Jeffersonville.

Hoosier lawmakers voting against the measure were: U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., a 2024 candidate for Indiana governor; and U.S. Reps. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, a 2024 candidate for U.S. Senate; Larry Bucshon, R-Evansville; Greg Pence, R-Columbus; Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville; and Jackie Walorski, R-Elkhart.

While Heartland BioWorks is centered in Indianapolis, a federal funding award could expand research capabilities and workforce development opportunities at Valparaiso University  the only Northwest Indiana higher education institution participating in the consortium.

"Northwest Indiana is known for manufacturing and Valpo is known for developing talented graduates. When both are blended with Valpo's research capabilities in biotech and a budding entrepreneurial ecosystem, you've got a recipe for economic growth in the Region," said Jose Padilla, Valparaiso University president.

Indiana Commerce Secretary David Rosenberg concurred. He said the tech hub designation is a win for the entire state as Indiana continues working to foster and cultivate the industries of tomorrow.

"Heartland BioWorks' multifaceted approach to advancing biotechnology and biomanufacturing will nurture industry-specific startups, investments and R&D, driving life-changing products and life-saving solutions leveraged across the world," Rosenberg said.

"This will also create profound opportunities for our states brightest minds to innovate and collaborate, while cementing the U.S. and Indiana as the leading hub for biotech manufacturing."

The EDA also designated the Bloch Tech Hub, centered on Chicago, for the federal grant program. It seeks to advance quantum computing to enable new solutions for logistics optimization, drug discovery, fraud detection, secure data sharing and other innovations.

"Home to world-class institutions and first-rate research centers, Illinois is transforming technology, biomanufacturing, and innovation at every turn," said Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. "There's no doubt that the rest of the nation have caught on to our great states status as an innovation powerhouse  and our future couldnt be brighter."

Another Indiana consortium led by the University of Notre Dame was not designated as a tech hub, but still received a strategy development planning grant to further plans for a Midwest Wireless Innovation Hub.

Northwest Indiana 2023 early voting sites, hours Lake County Government Center, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point Judge Lorenzo Arredondo Justice Center, 3711 Main St., East Chicago Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Ave., Gary Lake County Courthouse, 232 Russell St., Hammond Hobart Police and Community Center, 705 E. 4th St., Hobart Lowell Town Hall, 501 E. Main St., Lowell Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Rd., Munster Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., Schererville St. John Township Assessor's Office, 9157 Wicker Ave., St. John Wicker Park Social Center, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland Winfield Government Center, 10645 Randolph St., Winfield Porter County Administration Building, 155 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso North Porter County Government Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road, Portage Valparaiso Fire Training Center, 355 Evans Ave., Valparaiso Chesterton Town Hall, 790 Broadway, Chesterton State Street Community Church, 209 State St., LaPorte LaPorte County Office Complex, 302 W. 8th St., Michigan City
The maritime industry contributes nearly $30 billion a year to Indiana's economy, a new study found.

A study by Martin Associates ranked the Hoosier State 12th nationally in maritime shipping. Shipping on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River supports an estimated 158,000 jobs and delivers $29.8 million in economic impact.

Indianas growth and influence on Americas inland maritime transportation continues unabated, said Gov. Eric Holcomb. The economic impacts of maritime shipping on Indianas economy are truly impressive, and they underscore the importance of the Great Lakes and Ohio River to our global reach. Our ports and waterways take Indiana to the world and bring the world to Indiana.

The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan and Indiana's southern ports on the Ohio River handled 54.4 million tons of maritime cargo last year. It's estimated the maritime industry contributed $11.5 billion in personal income to workers and $1.9 billion in tax revenue to state and local government.

Indiana is home to a robust maritime economy with three state ports and more than 90 cargo terminals that ship critical cargoes around the world, said John Martin, founder and president of Martin Associates. The states maritime capabilities on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River provide essential connections to regional and international markets while also providing jobs and economic support for local communities.

The Port of Indiana Burns Harbor and steel mills that make up the Northern Indiana Port District handled 30.2 million tons of cargo per year, ranking it the 20th largest port in the country. The Lake Michigan ports, including those that unload iron ore for the Region's steel mills, generate an estimated $16.6 billion in annual economic impact.

Many people in the Midwest dont realize how important maritime shipping is to our economy, said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. For most industries, shipping cargo by water creates major economic, environmental, and public benefits. Because of Indianas unique waterway access, we can ship cargoes via the Great Lakes, inland rivers, and Gulf of Mexico directly to the Atlantic Ocean, which is a huge economic advantage.
The Indiana Supreme Court is discouraging Hoosier trial judges from turning their courts into traveling roadshows if a criminal defendant is unable to appear in-person for a sentencing hearing.

The recommendation follows a 2022 incident in Allen County where Jamone Williams, 36, of Fort Wayne, was found guilty of two counts of child molesting, but suffered ill health following his convictions and his original sentencing hearing was continued to a later date, records show.

According to court records, Williams was hospitalized awaiting surgery to have a leg amputated on the date of his second sentencing hearing.

However, instead of permitting another continuance, Allen Superior Judge David Zent went with the court reporter, prosecutor and defense counsel to the hospital and held Williams' sentencing hearing there, records show.

According to court records, Williams objected to the unusual change of venue and declined to admit the court to his pre-surgical hospital room. He asked that the sentencing hearing be held somewhere else.

Zent nevertheless went ahead with the hearing at the hospital without Williams present and sentenced Williams to consecutive prison terms totaling 49 years, records show.

Williams argued in his appeal that holding the sentencing hearing at the hospital violated his right to a public trial and his procedural due process rights, including the right and obligation conferred by Indiana law to be physically present at sentencing.

The Indiana Supreme Court agreed in a 5-0 decision.

The justices said Williams clearly did not waive his right to attend his sentencing hearing and the record reveals no apparent justification for holding court in a hospital.

"It is unclear why the parties did not agree to another continuance or to conduct remote proceedings," the high court said.

"Under these circumstances, we cannot condone a sentencing hearing at a hospital. We remind litigants and courts alike of the importance of making a record, particularly in extraordinary circumstances like this."

To remedy the error, the Supreme Court vacated Williams' previously issued prison term and ordered a new sentencing hearing that conforms to Indiana law be held in Allen County, according to court records.

Northwest Indiana 2023 early voting sites, hours Lake County Government Center, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point Judge Lorenzo Arredondo Justice Center, 3711 Main St., East Chicago Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Ave., Gary Lake County Courthouse, 232 Russell St., Hammond Hobart Police and Community Center, 705 E. 4th St., Hobart Lowell Town Hall, 501 E. Main St., Lowell Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Rd., Munster Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., Schererville St. John Township Assessor's Office, 9157 Wicker Ave., St. John Wicker Park Social Center, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland Winfield Government Center, 10645 Randolph St., Winfield Porter County Administration Building, 155 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso North Porter County Government Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road, Portage Valparaiso Fire Training Center, 355 Evans Ave., Valparaiso Chesterton Town Hall, 790 Broadway, Chesterton State Street Community Church, 209 State St., LaPorte LaPorte County Office Complex, 302 W. 8th St., Michigan City
A wax museum in Paris said it would change its recently unveiled statue of Dwayne Johnson, better known as the Rock, after a week of ridicule on social media and a plea from the actor himself.

The statue, unveiled last Monday by the Grevin Museum  the French equivalent of Madame Tussauds  depicted the Fast and the Furious star and former W.W.E. champion wearing a blue polo and slacks with his arms folded and a slight smirk on his face. Critics online quickly mocked several aspects of the likeness, especially the skin tone, which many described as noticeably lighter than Johnsons.

Who is this because uhhhh  You do know hes Samoan and Black right lol? wrote one commenter. (Johnson is the son of a Black father and Samoan mother.) An Instagram post about the melanin deficient statue on the popular celebrity news account The Shade Room received over 40,000 comments.

On Sunday evening, Johnson himself weighed in, reposting an Instagram video in which the comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr. jokes that the figure looks like he works at H & R Block. Johnson added that he would have his representatives work with the museum on some important details and improvements  starting with my skin color.
Doug Emhoff has spent the weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel acting as a touchstone for some of the anguish, fear and anger felt by Jewish Americans.

Mr. Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris and the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president, stood beside President Biden and condemned the attacks as terrorism. He met with Natalie Sanandaji, an American survivor of the assault. He visited Jewish schoolchildren, some of whom recently arrived from Israel, and told them they should not be afraid.

Just know that I have your back, he told a group of first and second graders last week. And were always going to be there for you. I promise.

From his second-floor office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Mr. Emhoff has used his faith to bring focus to a role that he is the first in American history to hold. He has largely left the politics to others, instead focusing on providing comfort, reassurance and solidarity to people in pain.

Recent federal data has showed that antisemitism is rising in the United States, as well as hate crime overall. Black Americans and Muslims are also disproportionately represented among victims. In an interview on Thursday, Mr. Emhoff was asked whether he could use his role  one that is powerful but a world away from the presidency  to help change those numbers.

We have to try, said Mr. Emhoff, who keeps an action figure of the woman he calls my wife, the vice president in his office.

Theres an epidemic of hate, and its not just against Jewish people, and its really corrosive, and it impacts our democracy and our way of life and our safety. Im going to do everything I can, and I know the administration will, he said.

Just after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, Mr. Emhoff stood beside the president and addressed a group of Jewish leaders who had assembled in the Indian Treaty Room.

I know you are hurting, Mr. Emhoff, who is 59, told the crowd, some of whom were wiping their eyes. The entire Jewish community is hurting. Im hurting.

Speaking next, the president promised the group that his administration was working to return American hostages, and told them that he had urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to operate by the rules of war.
Follow our live updates for the House speaker nominee vote.

First, House Republicans chose an establishment guy to be their speaker. But the hard right got sick of him and dumped him after nine months. Then they turned to his No. 2, another mainstream conservative, who was promptly blocked. Then they tried an ultraconservative candidate, but mainstream members struck back, quickly killing his candidacy.

Back at square one after 20 days without a speaker, many House Republicans have found themselves asking: Are we simply too dysfunctional to govern?

With a free-for-all raging in their ranks, House Republicans were huddling behind closed doors on Monday evening to hear from no fewer than eight contenders for speaker even after a lesser-known candidate, Representative Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, dropped out as the meeting began. They were to meet again on Tuesday morning to grind through several rounds of voting by secret ballot, eliminating the lowest vote-getter as they go, a process that could take hours.

But the tangle of crosscurrents dividing them means that there is no guarantee that the victor can actually win the post on the House floor.
The Biden administration is concerned that Israel lacks achievable military objectives in Gaza, and that the Israel Defense Forces are not yet ready to launch a ground invasion with a plan that can work, senior administration officials said.

In phone conversations with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has stressed the need for careful consideration of how Israeli forces might conduct a ground invasion of Gaza, where Hamas maintains intricate tunnel networks under densely populated areas.

Biden administration officials insisted that the United States had not told Israel what to do and still supported the ground invasion. But the Pentagon has sent a three-star Marine, Lt. Gen. James Glynn, along with other officers to help the Israelis with the challenges of fighting an urban war.

A Pentagon official said on Monday that the deployment of General Glynn, reported earlier by Axios, did not mean the Pentagon was making decisions for Israel. General Glynn, the official said, would not be on the ground in Israel if an incursion into Gaza begins.
"As a supporter of Maine Climate Action Goals and Maine's clean energy transition, we are proud to be on track to achieve this milestone," said Jon Breed, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. "And while we urgently connect more solar to the grid, we will continue to do so in a manner that is safe. Connecting this much new electricity must be done right, because doing it wrong could undermine the integrity of Maine's power grid, which could have cascading effects across the region."



The foundational design of Maine's power grid was laid out more than 100 years ago, and was built to move power thousands of miles in one direction, from large power plants to homes and businesses. As CMP builds the clean grid of the future, the company expects to see more two-way networks utilizing smaller, distributed sources of intermittent power.



Solar interconnection cost responsibilities and timelines are governed by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, and often requires solar developers to meet both Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and ISO-New England requirements. There are more than 400 additional solar projects currently proposed in Maine that must undergo the study process, and the timeline for each can vary given the size of the facility, geographic location of the project, and the complexity of the interconnection.



Central Maine Power's success builds on that of its parent company, Avangrid, which is one of the largest renewable energy companies in the United States. Avangrid has nearly 9 GW of installed, emissions-free capacity and has completed more than 29,000 grid interconnections, representing more than 3.8 GW of Distributed Energy Resources, such as solar and storage.



Iberdrola, the largest shareholder of Avangrid, is the world's largest renewable energy company with more than 41,000 MW of installed capacity and nearly $18 billion in planned clean energy investment globally. Following a request from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Iberdrola presented its Climate Transition Plan to the United Nations during the U.N General Assembly last month. In it, the company plans to achieve carbon neutrality for scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and net-zero emission before 2040 for all scopes.



To learn more about CMP's solar interconnect process, click here.

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An armed group ambushed and killed more than a dozen law enforcement officers in southwestern Mexico on Monday, including a local security secretary and a police chief, adding to a soaring number of deadly attacks against the police in the region.

The slaughter, in Coyuca de Benitez in the Mexican state of Guerrero, left 13 security officials dead, including the municipalitys security secretary, Alfredo Alonso Lopez, and the director of municipal police, Honorio Salinas Garay, according to a spokesman for the Guerrero state prosecutors office.

Guerrero is now the second most dangerous state in Mexico for law enforcement officers, with more than 34 killed so far in 2023, according to Common Cause, a Mexico-based organization tracking the killings of police officers in the country. The group said more than 340 police officers had been killed so far this year in the nation, and more than 400 killed last year.

We demand justice and zero impunity, Common Cause said in a statement.

While President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office promising to make Mexico safer, he has downplayed the violence in the nation and blamed the problem on his predecessors. But the clashes between rival drug organizations have prompted criticism, including from the United States. Mr. Lopez Obrador has said much of the violence in the nation is because of the United States inability to prevent guns from being trafficked south into Mexico. Leaders from both countries discussed the roots of such violence during high-profile meetings in Mexico City this month.
The cost of representing the United States at its space in Venice, a Palladian-style building designed in 1930 by William Adams Delano and Chester Holmes Aldrich, has ballooned over the years, from about $72,400 in 1964 for Robert Rauschenbergs exhibition (about $720,000 in todays dollars) to nearly $2.5 million (roughly $4.4 million today) for Robert Gobers 2001 exhibition, according to collectors involved in the fund-raising effort. Organizers said that last years exhibition there by Simone Leigh cost about $7 million. But curators say financial support from the State Department has not kept pace with the increases.

We consider private-sector support a strength in our approach to this program, as it creates broad engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, a spokesman for the State Department said. We always aim to optimize the value to the U.S. taxpayer.

The budget for the Venice Biennale international exhibition, which hosts the work of dozens of foreign countries as well as Italy, was nearly $19 million in 2022, but it receives substantial financial support from the Italian government. (The budget is the same this year, according to the organizers.)

I think there is an understanding even before a selection is made that if you apply, then you have the ability to fundraise, said Brooke Kamin Rapaport, artistic director and chief curator at Madison Square Park Conservancy and the commissioner of the $3.8 million Venice exhibition by the sculptor Martin Puryear in 2019. In that sense, it is self-selecting.

Asking for donations from collectors and gallerists, while it has become part of the job, raises ethical concerns for some curators, including those who have previously run the show.

Robert Storr, who directed the 2007 Venice Biennale and is a former dean of the Yale School of Art, said the rising costs of shipping and other logistics make the system unsustainable.
I never expected this, he said, awed by his good fortune. Im playing with house money.

While many novelists are published for the first time in midlife or later, McDormans experience is unusual because he doesnt have years worth of manuscripts living in a drawer, said his editor, Jennifer Barth, an executive editor at Knopf. Bonnie Garmus, for example, published her outrageously successful novel Lessons in Chemistry when she was in her 60s, and while it was her first published work, she had nearly 100 rejections on a previous manuscript, which she was told  again and again  was too long.

McDorman, 47, dreamed of becoming a novelist as a young man. When he was starting out in journalism in his 20s, he tried to carve out a couple hours every day to write, working around the schedule of his terrible graveyard shifts. If he had to get to work at 1 a.m., hed wake up at 10 p.m. and write for a couple of hours. Or hed finish work at 4 p.m., take a nap and write. But it never went anywhere, and without ever really making a decision about it, he slowly gave fiction writing up.

Then in the summer of 2021, he jotted down some jacket copy for a mystery novel  a detective stares at a wall of plaques marking the tenure of presidents at an old money hunting club, and wonders why one of the plaques is missing. McDorman showed his wife what hed written, and she encouraged him to give it a try. So off he went. He finished a first draft in six months.

I never read a word of it, his wife, Caroline Smith, said of his writing over the years. Nothing until this book.
Winklers affective shortcomings throw his social anxiety and bouts of verbal diarrhea into high relief. After meeting Paul McCartney, Winkler, hoping to hang out with the former Beatle, called him 10 times without getting an answer; after chattering incessantly at Neil Simons house over dinner one night, he spent months summoning the courage to ask Simon over, only to be told twice that the playwright was busy.

Its this kind of candor  coming from someone who once duct-taped deli turkey to his shoes so his dog would play with him  that makes Winkler so lovable on the page. Under the juddering neediness lies a mensch: After Winkler had shot his role in Scream, he was told his name couldnt be on the movie poster because the Fonzie connection would create the wrong expectations for a horror film. But, Hollywood being Hollywood, when the film came out Winkler was asked to do press. Which he agreed to.

Winklers story is also aided by the fact that his deepest work as an actor  on the terrific recent HBO series Barry  came directly after the therapy sessions that helped Winkler with his intimacy issues. As my former boss might have written, VTEBNLPBI (very tidy ending, but no less powerful because of it).

John Stamos, he of Full House and E.R. and Broadway, takes longer to warm to on the page. Stamos is blessed with some of Winklers candor  he admits to having had two nose jobs and having gone to Alcoholics Anonymous. However, its hard to rouse a head of steam for a thespian whose raison detre is to get famous and who cops to trying to achieve sex symbol status. WIJJ (where is the joy, John)?
Facing mounting pressure from more than 300 Hollywood screenwriters questioning why it had not publicly condemned the Hamas attack on Israel this month, the Writers Guild of America West sent a letter to its members on Tuesday that sought to explain its silence while also calling the attack an abomination.

The letter, signed by the guilds leadership and viewed by The New York Times, said the reason the union had not issued a statement after the attack on Oct. 7 was not because we are paralyzed by factionalism or masking hateful views but rather because we are American labor leaders, aware of our limitations and humbled by the magnitude of this conflict.

The guilds letter acknowledged that it had publicly commented on other situations which could be characterized as beyond our scope, but that it had not made any statement following, for instance, Russias invasion of Ukraine.

It can be an imprecise science for a labor union to pick and choose where it weighs in on both domestic and world affairs, said the letter, which was signed by the president, Meredith Stiehm; the vice president, Michele Mulroney; and Betsy Thomas, the secretary-treasurer.

Still, they added, We understand this has caused tremendous pain and for that we are truly sorry.

(The west and east branches of the W.G.A. are affiliated unions with separate leadership that together represent more than 11,000 writers.)

On Oct. 15, a group of screenwriters sent an open letter to the guild asking why it had not publicly denounced the attack on Israel, noting the union had made public statements in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the #MeToo reckoning. They also noted that other major Hollywood unions had issued statements condemning the attack.

The letter has now been signed by more than 300 writers, including Jerry Seinfeld, Eric Roth (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). Some Jewish screenwriters had begun to question whether they should remain part of an organization that they felt did not support them.

Ms. Stiehms initial reply to the open letter was an email to inquiring members saying that the lack of response was because the boards viewpoints are varied, and we found consensus out of reach.

The letter on Tuesday, which said the guilds leadership was horrified by the atrocities committed by Hamas, was an attempt to stem the outrage.

I really appreciate this statement, said the screenwriter Howard Gordon (24 and Homeland), who added in an interview that the silence from the guild had prompted responses from both Jewish and non-Jewish members ranging from rage to fear to the desire to resign from the organization.

I hope this letter goes a long way to sort of calming some of it down, said Mr. Gordon, who signed the open letter to the guild. Hopefully something constructive comes out of this, which is an acknowledgment of how we combat and confront and talk about antisemitism.

For Dan Gordon, however, the apology came too late. Mr. Gordon, 76, sent a letter Tuesday morning resigning his membership in the organization, calling its silence appalling.

It is corrosive to me as a writer and repugnant to every fiber of my being as a person of conscience, wrote Mr. Gordon, who has no relation to Howard Gordon and is best known for The Hurricane and Wyatt Earp. I am resigning my membership not because I wish to work on nonunion projects, nor cross any picket line, but because I no longer wish to be a fellow traveler with those who hide behind the fetid veil of a morally bankrupt wokeism and stand silent in the face of unadulterated evil.

Mr. Gordons latest film, Irenas Vow  about a young Polish-Catholic woman during World War II who hid 12 Jews in the basement of a German officers house without his knowledge for almost a year  debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

He will change his guild membership status to financial core, according to his letter. Under that designation, he will still receive the contract benefits earned by the guild but he will no longer be able to vote or attend any guild meetings. The designation is irreversible and viewed by the guild as an act of disloyalty. The W.G.A. maintains an online list of members who have chosen this status, with a reminder that Fi-Core is forever.

Mr. Gordon called Tuesdays letter from the guild pusillanimous and faulted it for not calling for a release of the hostages.

I dont retract anything I said, he added in an interview. If one cannot condemn, clearly, and without reservation, what Hamas perpetrated, ones moral compass is absent, not broken.
Clara

The New-York Historical Society, founded in 1804, has gradually upped the ante when it comes to dining. Its Storico, run by Stephen Starrs organization, closed in July. Next up is the Oberon Group from Brooklyn, where it runs Rucola, Rhodora, June Bar and more, with a focus on sustainability. Diego Moya, the groups culinary director and a chef who rose to prominence during his pre-Covid stint at Racines, in TriBeCa, is the executive chef here, with Joseph Gaglio as his chef de cuisine. The restaurant takes its name from Clara Driscoll, who was in charge of the womens glass-cutting department at Tiffany Studios from 1892 to 1909. She designed many Tiffany lamps, some of which are in the museums outstanding collection. A few Tiffany pieces and other items from that era fill the shelves that decorate the airy, off-white dining room but, like shards of truffle over pasta, not enough to make a statement. Mr. Moyas menu has its eye on New York history with a lobster Newburg and a charlotte russe. Other dishes, like winter chicories with green goddess dressing, fluke crudo, carrot tartare, duck breast au poivre, steelhead trout and bay leaf mousse with burnt cranberries, depend on local and regional purveyors. The adjacent Cafe 77 for salads, sandwiches and other quick-serve items, run by Purslane, Oberons catering division, will open in two weeks. (Opens Wednesday)

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-485-9211, nyhistory.org/dine.

Opening

Kawabun

New Yorks Delmonicos, going on 200 years, is a newcomer compared with Kawabun, in Nagoya, Japan, a Methuselah in business since the 17th century Edo period. It now serves Italian food. A branch, the first outside Japan, has arrived in New York with soba, not tagliatelle. Done in traditional Japanese style with a modern feel on the two floors that had been Kajitsu, it serves sushi, tempura, donburi, soba and more interpretive hot and cold specialties like salmon in miso, Wagyu stew, shrimp sando and a cold vegetable platter. It is owned by Plan Do See, a global hospitality company based in Japan that also owns Azabu in New York; the chef is Yoshitaka Ito.

125 East 39th Street, 646-370-3364, kawabunnyc.com.

Altair

With a concept that might suit the American Museum of Natural History better than the garment district, Renwick Hospitalitys new restaurant attempts to channel air, fire, earth and water, all with a seasonal approach. Vegetables like Tokyo turnips with black garlic tahini and a mushroom ragu with mafaldine and ricotta represent earth. Bucatini with lobster and fire-roasted tomatoes provide sea and fire, and air, also showcased by the modern, sky-lit setting, is worked into some of the drinks. The executive chef is David Taylor, working with Renwick Hospitalitys chef and partner, Carsten Johannsen, and the managing partner Gary Wallach. (Wednesday)

Arlo Midtown, 351 West 38th Street, 212-343-7000, altairnyc.com.

87 Ludlow

Aris Tuazon, the chef and an owner of this new Lower East Side spot, interprets tapas through the Filipino lens of his heritage. Oyster sisig uses the mollusk to refashion a Filipino pork dish, chorizo gambas al ajillo includes longganisa, pork belly humba is braised with star anise, and theres a black seafood paella. The two dining rooms are simply framed by whitewashed brick walls.

87 Ludlow Street (Delancey Street), 212-510-7605.
The Covid vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna may be linked to a slight increase in the risk of stroke when administered along with a high-dose flu vaccine, according to a new analysis by the Food and Drug Administration.

The high-dose flu vaccine is usually given to older people, and the risk association is clearest in adults aged 85 and older. But that increase, if real, seems very small, and it is possible that the risk may stem from the flu vaccine alone.

A separate analysis by the agency points to a small increase in the incidence of seizures after Covid vaccinations in children ages 2 to 5. The papers were posted online last week, and have not yet been vetted for publication in a scientific journal. Experts in vaccine safety said the studies were well done.

Neither study is definitive, and even if these links were confirmed, the increases are so slight that the benefits of vaccination still far outweigh the risks, especially in older adults, experts said. Flu and Covid themselves both raise the risk of stroke.
The Toll: Nearly five days of poor mental health a month.

Federal researchers tracked self-reported mental health symptoms among more than a thousand adult workers in 2018 and 2022, including 226 health care workers in 2018 and 325 in 2022.

Compared with other groups surveyed, health care workers reported a substantial jump in poor mental health days in the month prior, from 3.3 in 2018 to 4.5 in 2022. Less than 30 percent of health workers last year described themselves as very happy, a decline from 2018. More than a third reported symptoms of depression, while more than half said they had symptoms of anxiety.

And the percentage of health care workers reporting harassment on the job more than doubled, compared with the rate in 2018.

Hospitals and other health care entities are microcosms of society, said Rumay Alexander, who teaches nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and advises the American Nurses Association. Whatever is happening out in the world walks into our health care facilities.

Nearly half of health care workers surveyed said they were somewhat or very likely to look for new work, the researchers found  an ominous sign for providers already struggling to retain staff. Dr. Houry said that statistic jumped out at her more than any other in the survey.

Expert Diagnosis: Medical institutions are failing workers.

The survey showed a decrease in the odds of burnout if health workers received help from supervisors, had enough time to do their work and trusted management.

But efforts by medical institutions to address the mental health of their workers have been uneven at best, experts said.

Dr. Amy Locke, the chief wellness officer at University of Utah Health, said that medical workers, many of whom are poorly paid, were especially vulnerable to overwork in environments with understaffing and huge financial and moral pressures to perform.

You get this mentality of, Oh, I can do it. I can do it by myself. And I can do it because people are counting on me, she said.

Dr. Locke, whose institution received a federal grant for health worker wellness, added that the financial pressures on health providers were even greater now than pre-Covid. Its hard for a health system to think, Im going to pour a lot of money into my people when I need to keep the lights on, she said.

Whos Suffering: Nurses and local health workers are particularly vulnerable.

Burnout from work conditions has been especially acute for nurses.

Katie Carroll, a nurse at a hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., said that 10 nurses in her unit had left in the last two years or so, around half of the nursing staff. Youre running around so busy with a frazzled mind that more mistakes can happen, because theres so much on your plate, she said.

Local health departments, often the target of public hectoring during the pandemic, have also suffered. Scott Lockard, the public health director of the Kentucky River District Health Department, said on Tuesday that his 130 employees, who make an average of $23 an hour, were busy regaining their focus and energy.

His department organized a staff celebration over the summer at a local park. Weve done activities around mission, vision, values  to anchor ourselves again, he said. So people know why were doing what we do.
It is unlikely that dengue will become a serious problem in the United States, as long as people keeping living like theyre living now, said Thomas W. Scott, a dengue epidemiologist and professor emeritus at University of California, Davis.

Outside Puerto Rico and other territories where the disease is endemic, there are about 550 dengue cases each year in the United States, but they are imported by travelers who were infected abroad and passed the disease along to their close contacts.

The case in Pasadena is a rare locally acquired case of dengue in the United States. City officials said on Friday that they had been trapping and testing mosquitoes in the neighborhood where the case was reported and had not found any further insects with the virus.

But scientists say dengue will continue to spread to places that havent experienced it before.

In addition to climate change, rising rates of urbanization around the world are playing a role, said Alex Perkins, who is an associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame and an expert in the mathematical modeling of dengue transmission. If people have recently come from rural areas, they are unlikely to have priority immunity, so the virus can move swiftly through the population.

I dont think that the case in Pasadena or anything else that Ive seen lately is an indication of any looming crisis in the United States in the short term, Dr. Perkins said. But I think the general expectation that this is going to be a growing problem in the United States is reasonable.
Columbia University has postponed a major fund-raising drive in the latest sign that on-campus turmoil caused by the Israel-Hamas war is not only testing the limits of free speech on campus, but is also poised to affect the institutions pocketbook.

Columbia Giving Day, an annual event in which alumni and donors around the world are asked to donate to the university, was scheduled for this Wednesday. It was called off last week with no new date announced. Last year, the event raised almost $30 million in 24 hours.

Some prospective donors received emails saying that the university was instead focusing its efforts on ensuring student well-being and cultivating a safe campus space. A university spokeswoman, Samantha Slater, told The New York Times, After careful consideration and consultation with University and alumni leadership, we decided that this is not the appropriate time to move forward with Columbia Giving Day.

At Columbia, dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, an assault on an Israeli student who had been hanging posters about Israeli hostages, and inflammatory statements by some staff members have roiled the campus since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7. More than 1,400 people were killed in Israel, and more than 200 are believed to be held hostage by Hamas and other armed groups. Israel has responded with an intense counteroffensive in Gaza that has killed more than 5,000 people there, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Other Ivy League universities, including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, have seen high-profile donors cut ties over their dissatisfaction with how college leaders are handling student and faculty reaction to the Hamas attack, particularly taking aim at school leaders who do not speak out against pro-Palestinian student groups who have blamed only Israel for the outbreak of violence.

While Columbia administrators have condemned the disturbing anti-Semitic and Islamophobic acts, including intimidation and outright violence on the campus in recent weeks, they have not taken specific action against any student groups or professors for expressing their views on either side of the conflict. A statement on Wednesday by the new Columbia President, Minouche Shafik, specifically mentioned that doxxing  or the public posting of individuals personal information  would not be tolerated, but affirmed her desire not to censor speech on either side.
MidAmerican Energy has installed a new radar-activated aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) that will effectively turn off the flashing red warning lights at three of its wind farms in west-central Iowa.



The ADLS technology is expected to eliminate the flashing lights on the turbines by more than 95%.



MidAmerican installed the ADLS system on more than 200 wind turbines at its Adair, Eclipse and Morning Light wind farms in Adair, Audubon, Cass and Guthrie counties.



When the ADLS antenna detects an aircraft in the designated airspace, the system activates red flashing lights mounted at the top of wind turbines to warn pilots. The warning lights remain off when the antenna detects no aircraft in the area.



"We expect that this system will dramatically reduce how much you'll see flashing red lights at these three wind farms - likely a 95% drop or more," Adam Jablonski, vice president of project development, said. "While the system keeps the lights off most of the time, it's also designed to always keep wind farms safe for pilots by activating the lights when an aircraft is near."



The Federal Aviation Administration requires wind farms to operate synchronized red flashing lights to warn pilots. Recently, the agency approved this technology as an option, and when approved on a case-by-case basis, it will keep wind turbine lights off unless the system detects an aircraft within three nautical miles of the wind farms. Commercial aircraft flying at a normal cruising altitude should not activate the lights.



If the ADLS experiences a malfunction, wind turbine warning lights will begin to flash regardless of whether there's an aircraft in the area.



The system will also reduce energy consumption at the three wind farms and likely extend the operating life of the warning lights.



One-year pilot project

Once MidAmerican completes calibrating equipment and the system becomes operational later this fall, over the next year the company will evaluate its performance and feasibility for potential use elsewhere.



"This pilot project will improve the night sky for communities in this area," Jablonski said. "It's designed to balance people's desire to keep wind farm lights off as much as possible with the need to keep the skies above them safe," he added. "As a community partner, this is a technology that MidAmerican is really excited to roll out for testing."



MidAmerican operates more than 3,400 wind turbines at 37 wind projects in 32 counties in Iowa, with over 7,300 MW of wind generating capacity. Since 2004, MidAmerican has invested $14 billion in Iowa wind projects, including new projects and repowering investments. In 2022, MidAmerican generated as much renewable energy as its Iowa customers used during the year, the first time it reached the 100% renewable energy milestone.
Why It Matters

The measure, Local Law 97, is enforced by the Department of Buildings and sets limits for emissions of greenhouse gases from large buildings in the city. The law targets about 50,000 properties that are larger than 25,000 square feet. How to get them all in compliance was the subject of the hearing, which concluded a 30-day comment period, on Tuesday.

Most buildings have already met emissions guidelines for 2024, the laws first deadline. The hearing focused on what to do about the 10 percent of properties still struggling to decrease their pollution, and how to keep all buildings on schedule for 2030, which calls for a more ambitious emissions restrictions of 40 percent. By 2050, zero emissions is the goal.

Buildings are responsible for about 70 percent of New York Citys greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming and unpredictable weather patterns.

Many speakers on Tuesday who favored tighter rules mentioned extreme weather.

Carmen De La Rosa, a City Council member who represents Washington Heights, spoke of recent floods, heat waves and wildfire smoke. We must take our commitments to change our practices seriously, she said.

Several people said property owners, who have had five years to prepare but are still not in compliance, should be penalized as soon as the law takes hold next year. This was the intention of the original legislation, they argued.

Others who spoke said that property owners should be encouraged to decarbonize by more lenient means and be given more time to get into compliance. This was the view of several building managers, co-op stakeholders, industry leaders and affordable housing experts.

What the Critics Say

Many environmental activists argue that there are two loopholes in the law: a two-year extension for buildings not yet in compliance for 2024, and the option of purchasing renewable energy credits, or RECs, which can offset excess emissions, starting in 2026.

Alex Beauchamp of Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit, called the delay ludicrous. Mary Krieger, of the Jewish Climate Action Network, said that landlords who are granted delays should be forced to make deeper cuts in the future.

Other mainstream organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the New York League of Conservation Voters were supportive of the delay option, but had other requests.

Donna De Costanzo, of NRDC, urged the city to reconsider a 30 percent cap on purchasing RECs to offset a buildings excess emissions. Alia Soomro, of the League, said the city should give more funding to the Department of Buildings, which will be tasked with processing the two-year delay applications, to boost its staffing.

One co-op manager said the law would be financially ruinous to his residents on fixed incomes. Adam Roberts, of the Community Housing Improvement Program, said that its still unclear what funding is available to owners who can't afford retrofits. And Caleb Weil, of the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board, said theres not enough time for many affordable housing projects to plan for decarbonization projects, and suggested ramping up incentives.

What Happens Next

The Department of Buildings will review all comments, both written and verbal, after the hearing. Then, it plans to finalize and publish the rules by the end of the year.
For five years, Michael D. Cohen has waged battle with Donald J. Trump from afar: on social media, on cable television and in the pages of his books.

But on Tuesday, Mr. Cohen confronted his onetime boss from the witness stand in a Manhattan courtroom, attacking the former president as a criminal and a cheat and defending his own credibility under a barrage of questions.

Mr. Cohen, once Mr. Trumps loyal fixer and now his antagonist, was testifying in a civil fraud case that threatens to upend the former presidents family business and undermine his public image as a businessman. It was the first time the men had come face to face since 2018, and the reunion was tense. Mr. Trump, seated feet away at the defense table, scoffed and shook his head in apparent frustration.

Mr. Cohen had been called to testify about Mr. Trumps annual financial statements, which are at the heart of the civil case that the New York attorney general, Letitia James, brought against Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump, Mr. Cohen testified, directed him to reverse engineer the statements to reach the former presidents desired net worth.
Crushing chest pain, an itch that festers into torment, an inconsolable baby, no place to sleep at 3 a.m., an ankle twisted on a jog, a fentanyl overdose, a car crash, the need to tell someone, I feel sad and lonely. The only place that tends to this kaleidoscope of needs is the emergency room, its doors perpetually open to all.

Its what I love  fiercely, unwaveringly  about emergency medicine. Its why I and other doctors pursued it as a specialty: to provide a safety net. For many people, we may be the first health care workers they meet at their most dismal hour. But its also what makes our workplace so dangerous, more than ever, and jeopardizes the emergency care that everyone receives.

Last year one of my patients was on the phone, lamenting about how long he had been in the emergency room. He had already waited several hours to get a CT scan. Medications he was supposed to be given were repeatedly delayed. I heard his voice rise and fall, with each swell more expansive than the one before. When I turned to look at him, he yelled a racial epithet before hurling a desktop computer into the area where doctors and nurses sit. A seasoned nurse ducked. As I pushed an intern and medical student out of the way, he charged at us with a steel tray. Thankfully, no one was injured.

In a 2022 American College of Emergency Physicians survey of E.R. doctors, 55 percent said they had been physically assaulted, almost all by patients, with a third of those resulting in injuries. Eighty-five percent had been seriously threatened by patients. The risks can be even higher for E.R. nurses, with over 70 percent reporting they had sustained physical assaults at work. I dont know anyone who works in the E.R. who hasnt suffered some form of violence there. The health workers at the University of Vermont Health Network in the video above share examples of this.
[MUSIC PLAYING]

ezra klein

From New York Times Opinion, this is The Ezra Klein Show. [MUSIC PLAYING] I dont really know how to start this. Grief moves slowly, and war moves quickly. One person said after last weeks audio essay, that, To so quickly focus on the Israeli armys response lacked a certain humanism. And I understood and felt what they meant. I also want to stay in the grief I have for the Israelis killed and the fear I have for the hostages being held. And I think there would have been wisdom, emotional and geopolitical, if Israel had given itself time to grieve and time to plan before fully committing to a response. But thats not what happened. Israel dropped more than 6,000 bombs on Gaza in just the first week. It tightened a noose around the territory, keeping out food and water and medicine and fuel. A report I saw a few days ago said that Gaza is down to one week of insulin. One week of insulin  less now. My wife is a type I diabetic, dependent on insulin to stay alive. A detail like that carries force for me. What if it was my wife, the person I love most who couldnt get insulin? More than 5,000 Palestinians have been reported dead, many more injured. Theres a part of me that would like to stay in my feelings from right after Hamass attack, but that is not where this has held. And the decisions being made now, and that will be made soon, will decide a lot of lives. My approach to this topic is going to be to try to keep the boundaries of what can be said and considered open, to try to add context and to try to hear out a lot of different perspectives. I said this last week  Im not somebody who believes that I know how to solve this conflict. Im not somebody who believes this conflict can currently be solved. I think were at a much more primitive point in it right now. But the building toward somewhere better, I think, requires a lot of different experiences to be heard. So I have plans for shows right now with people who are much further right than me on this. I have plans that will center on Palestinian experiences and voices. But I wanted to begin with a show closer to where I am, which is not a popular or easy place to be at the moment, which is the Jewish left. Many of us on the Jewish left on this felt abandoned and morally appalled at the comments of people who had once been our allies immediately after. What the left came to mean, quickly, in this conflict, the people who defined it, were people who seemed to give no consideration to the lives of Israelis. We do. In many cases, the point of our involvement here is that we are attached in a deep way to Israel. Meanwhile, the force and ferocity of the Israeli response built. And if you believe, as many of us believe, that there is no answer to this for Israel, for anybody until Israel can live in security while Palestinians do not live inside a regime of oppression, and humiliation, and immiseration, and terror, then amidst the grief is a fear that this is only getting worse. Palestinians mourn their dead and hate their killers just as much and fiercely as Israelis do. And the two sides somehow must live next to each other. So what is the plan here? There are ideas that float around, and theyve become, I think, scarier in recent years. In 2017, Bezalel Smotrich wrote that, quote, Any solution must be based on cutting off the ambition to realize the Arab national hope between the Jordan and the Mediterranean. The statement the Arab yearning for national expression in the land of Israel cannot be repressed is incorrect. He now serves in Netanyahus cabinet as minister of finance. This is the kind of thinking that has been in power in recent years  the thinking that says the repression has not been full enough. It has brought us here. But that does not mean it will weaken now. It may well strengthen. There are those who think a permanent occupation or an act of mass expulsion are the only true answers in this conflict. So I want to have a conversation with some other people coming from a similar perspective but with a lot more expertise on the core issues here than I have. Spencer Ackerman is a national security reporter, Pulitzer Prize winner, author of the newsletter Forever Wars, author of the great book on post-9/11 politics, Reign of Terror. Peter Beinart writes for New York Times Opinion. Hes a professor of journalism and political science at City University of New York. Hes the editor at large of Jewish Currents, and author of the Substack The Beinart Notebook. And theyve both been writing pieces that I think are of deep relevance right now. Spencer has been particularly following up on the symmetries to post-9/11 politics in America and the way military planning happens in that kind of moment. Beinart wrote a great piece thinking about the question, before you can ever get to any kind of settlement, you need groups in power on both sides that would want to see a settlement. So if you want nonviolence to take hold, if you want other tactics to work, how are they rewarded? What are the feedback loops that can be created to give more power to those who want to see something very different? As always, my email ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. [MUSIC PLAYING] Peter Beinart, Spencer Ackerman, welcome to the show.

spencer ackerman

Thanks for having me.

peter beinart

Thanks.

ezra klein

So Spencer, I want to begin here. What is your sense now of what Hamas was trying to achieve in this attack?

spencer ackerman

So there have been some interesting reports that have come out this week that I think clarify that question, but not in a satisfying way. There was a report out of The Washington Post, where a Hamas senior official, sort of on the face of it meaning to heighten a message of Israeli vulnerability, nevertheless said that they didnt reckon that Israel would respond the way that Israel has. That they thought they would take some hostages and negotiate them for the thousands of Palestinians who are in Israeli military prisons, and the status quo ante would prevail. I think if it turns out that indeed Hamas was trying for a more limited sense of concrete achievement for liberating prisoners, that has turned out to be just catastrophically wrong.

ezra klein

Ive seen some reporting, similarly, from Hamas on this, and Ive found it truly bizarre. I mean, this was in planning, in scale, a kind of attack Hamas had never launched before. Its a land, sea, and air attack. It involves mass killing of Israeli civilians, some things they probably didnt know they would stumble into, like the rave which led to quite a bit of their body count. So maybe their soldiers, or whatever you want to call them, took a kind of gruesome initiative in that. But they also spread videos of them killing Israelis on social media. Theyve been on peoples Facebook pages almost gloating about their death. There were a lot of hostages taken. There are a lot of ways people characterize Hamas, but it would take a kind of genuine madness and true irrationality to me for them to plan an attack of that scale and not believe it would create an overwhelming Israeli response. Now, theres been a lot of commentary saying, well, they must have known they would get this kind of response, and so they wanted it. They wanted to provoke Israel into this kind of attack. They wanted to disrupt the accords with Saudi Arabia, something like that. And those two narratives now seem in real tension. So Im curious how you think about that piece of it?

spencer ackerman

So one thing that struck me from the first wave of Hamas statements during the weekend of the 7th, after Simchat Torah, was that they didnt mention the Saudi deal. I was writing a piece for The Nation precisely about this when it happened and was looking very closely to see the degree to which, if at all, Hamas would mention it. And they didnt. They were talking about more material facts closer to home rather than diplomatic facts on the horizon from 30,000 feet above  the freeing of the prisoners, the loosening of the Israeli strangulation of Gaza on down the line. And again, I think there are ways after the fact  Ive seen this a lot in the American national security community over the last 12 days  that we often try and reason backward from the actions that a given combatant like Hamas took and presume a greater strategy there, presume that they must have known X, Y and Z would happen. That often is not the way combatants in war operate, from a planning stage to an execution stage, from a strategic to an operational to a tactical level. Should that be borne out by further reporting probably speaks to the way that miscalculation is an underappreciated factor in every wartime combatant. This is something Ive seen up close and personally. The ambitions we have, the opportunities we see, the desires that we have when we give into violence on an institutional level blind us not just in the banal way to the humanity of the people that come into our crosshairs, but to our own recognition of what reality is and whats achievable here. I hesitate to speculate or to put myself into a position of trying to read the minds of Hamas. All I can read are their statements and their actions, and through them, remember all of the times that I have seen optimistic, to the point of irrationality, statements from American, Israeli, all sorts of other combatants describing the glorious ways their war will go and why it will lead to the achievement of all of these grander objections that then go down in flames.

peter beinart

I would just add that although I dont know what Hamas expected, I do think its important to remember that Hamas does have a multi-decade long history of intentionally targeting and killing civilians. They did it during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s. They did it during the 1990s, during the Oslo process. So I dont think anyone should have been surprised that Hamas members would kill civilians. Maybe they hadnt had the opportunity to kill this many, but this is something that Hamas has repeatedly shown that its willing to do.

ezra klein

And let me then build on that, because, as you say, this has been the most horrific of Hamass attacks. They have tried many things. Nothing has, from a perspective of pure murder, worked as well as this. What is your sense of how the attack has changed  let me put it this way  both the politics and the mass psychology in Israel?

peter beinart

I think that the agony that Israelis are going through is unfathomable, greater than what Americans experienced after Sept. 11. Greater just because as a share of the population it was much higher. Greater because of the deeper level of trauma that Israeli Jews and other Jews carry. And greater because Al Qaeda was far away from us. I mean, they came to New York and they were mostly in other parts of the world. Gaza and Hamas are on Israels borders. So thats, I think, the profound reality. And I think there is, coexisting with that, a deep rage and anger at the Netanyahu government that eventually will probably produce some kind of political earthquake. But what kind of political earthquake, we dont know. And I think an absolute resolute belief among Jewish Israelis  its important to remember that 20 percent of Israels citizens are Palestinians  but among Jewish Israelis, I think, overwhelming consensus that Hamas must be destroyed. Now, when you actually try to ask what that means, things become a lot more cloudy, and I dont think people have good answers. But that gut-level emotional reaction seems nearly consensus.

ezra klein

I want to put a pin in that question of what it means to destroy Hamas. But I want to get at something else on the psychology. One of the things that has been very present for me in some of the more upsetting commentary right after Hamass attacks, partly the commentary that couldnt imagine there being any such thing as an Israeli civilian, one thing I noticed in that is a kind of rigid categorization of power in a matchup between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. Israel is by far the more powerful party. And you can see that right now. But you cant understand Israeli psychology at all  you cant understand, I think, Jewish psychology at all without understanding the fear of genuine eradication at the center of it. How many times Jews have been powerless. How many times Israel has faced, in living memory and the memory of people who are in power there now, attacks that if they had gone another way would have wiped Israel off the map. And so I wanted to get you to talk a bit about the way those two  both realities and psychologies  interplay, the Israeli strength and Israeli  the genuine felt sense it is a small place surrounded by people who would try to wipe it out if they could.

peter beinart

Theres no question that those things are buried very deep for many, many Jews and then, for Israelis, exacerbated by the traumas that have taken place in Israel. This happened almost 50 years to the day of the Yom Kippur War, which was an extremely traumatic experience. Many, many Israelis have people who have been lost. And I totally agree with you, one of the things that really disturbed me about some of the commentary on the left was that there was a language of things like decolonization that erased the humanity of Israeli Jews. And it reminded me of  this is something George Orwell wrote a lot about  the way in which certain kind of rhetorical formulations that people become very invested in then become a way of covering over the human realities of whats actually being done in their name. And I felt that way about some of the language of decolonization. Well, this is just what decolonization looks like. If you have to break some eggs to make an omelet, so be it. That is to me a kind of monstrous kind of thinking, very frightening. I also think that this is fear that Israeli Jews have that has been fanned by a government that has dehumanized Palestinians and made it harder for Israeli Jews to see Palestinians as ordinary people who have ordinary human desires, who mostly just want to live and be able to raise their kids in the same kinds of ways that we all want to do. And I think because there has been so much dehumanization of Palestinians in Israel, it has made it even more difficult to see Palestinians in any other way than through as, essentially, the next group of people who threaten Jewish existence.

ezra klein

I want to ask you then about another side of this, which is how the attacks have changed psychology for Jews living outside Israel, and particularly those who have a very complicated or critical relationship with Israel, which I think describes everybody at the table here. Theres the period running up to this where the right-wing turn in Israeli politics I think began to sever a lot of ties people had. I mean, my relationship to Israel had changed quite a bit as the left began to collapse there, as the peace process died, as Netanyahu and very, very, very far-right extremist cabinet ministers took and held power. And then there was also the attacks and the moment after them, and then there was  I saw online and in a lot of people I knew a real rupture between those same Jews, many of whom whove worked for peace for a long time, and what they were seeing among people they often thought of as their allies. And Ive been watching a community Im part of try to manage these two now very complicated relationships. And Im curious how youve experienced that, how youve seen it.

peter beinart

I genuinely believe that at the heart of Judaism is the metaphor of family. This is what makes it different than Christianity and Islam. Genesis is the story mostly of a family. And in Exodus, it becomes a nation. And its imagined as a kind of extended family  Bnai Israel, the children of Israel. Israel being the name that Isaac  that Jacob is given, sorry, after he wrestles with the angel. So I believe that very, very deeply. And so, for me, this has awoken that in some really, really, really powerful ways. And I struggle, and its. Very, very difficult to hold the sense of particular obligation, particular special connection that I feel to Israeli Jews, like Jews all over the world, with the fact that I know that so many people in my community are weaponizing that and using that in a way to lobotomize us so that we dont care about what happens to Palestinians and so we are OK with whatever is done to them because we care only about our own families. And that logic can become horrifying in the days to come. So I have never felt as much of a sense of struggle with my own community and with my own love of a sense of community, and trying to hold that and also be desperately afraid of the way in which its leading some people to act.

ezra klein

Lets talk then, Spencer, about what is actually being done. How would you describe what Israel is doing in response, both what the tactics are  what they have announced and shown themselves to be doing since Hamass attack and then what the broader strategy is? What have they articulated, or what do they appear to be trying to achieve?

spencer ackerman

Tactically what Israel is producing is collective punishment against 2.3 million Gazans intensifying its strangulation of some of the most densely packed places on Earth, calling it as it will. I started seeing reports that Gaza is without painkillers, that doctors are operating on wounded people  of whom there are I believe more than 10,000 as of this recording  without anesthesia. This is Israels tactics against Gaza. Not against Hamas  against Gaza.

ezra klein

people.

spencer ackerman

Yes. And lets just skip to the day after what Netanyahu describes as a long war. Israel can deal severe blows to human beings and has an unquestioned capability to perhaps kill members of Hamas and perhaps decapitate Hamass leadership structure as well. But there will be something that comes after whatever Israels operation is. And as long as Israel keeps the conditions of strangulation on Gaza, there will be something that comes after Hamas, whatever its form ends up taking. And when we see Israel flattening buildings, taking these kinds of collective punishment measures, then it looks to me less like a war against Hamas and more like a calling of Palestinians in Gaza with Hamas as a proximate target.

ezra klein

One thing I have heard many people say now, and that includes many Palestinians, but it also now includes some Israelis who have called for this openly, like a member of the Knesset, is that what Israel really wants to do here is what gets called a second Nakba, a second mass expulsion of Palestinians, creation of hundreds of thousands of refugees who dont or cannot come back. And one reason people believe that is that there are those in the Israeli government who seem to want that before this. And so the fear is that Hamass atrocities become the excuse for something that the far right in Israel could not have achieved before, but now it has a political and military space to try to achieve. So can you first say what a Nakba is, what that word means in this context, and then whether you think thats a reasonable fear?

peter beinart

Yeah, so Nakba is the Arabic word for catastrophe. And it describes the experience in which more than half of the Palestinian population was expelled or fled in fear during Israels war of independence, between, essentially, 1947 and 1949. But the point that Palestinians make again and again is that in a certain sense the Nakba never ended because there have been expulsions that have continued  drips and drabs. There was another large one in 1967. In some ways, it wouldnt even be the second Nakba. You could actually say it would be the third Nakba. And smaller scale every year in between in various ways. Most of the people in Gaza  and I dont think this is sufficiently recognized in the mainstream American press sometimes  are not from Gaza. They are the children and grandchildren and some are original refugees who were forced from what is now Israel. And there is this profound collective trauma about the fact that this is happening again. We know from what weve seen in the United States in recent years, the way that things in the deep history of a country, if theyre never dealt with, if theyre never acknowledged, if theres never a process of reparation and historical justice, they remain there waiting for a moment of trauma to come back. So when Israel said, leave the Northern Gaza Strip and go to the Southern Gaza Strip, many Palestinians, especially elderly Palestinians, were saying, I will not leave, because this is happening again. We know we will not be allowed to return. This is a very, very real threat that exists at this moment. And the American government needs to have, as one of its central policy goals, to ensure that Joe Biden is not judged by history as an American president who allowed yet another Nakba to take place on his watch.

spencer ackerman

I would add to that that before this past weekend, a tremendous amount of effort from the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and the Biden administration was to create this, what they would call humanitarian corridor that they suggested would be a way of getting Palestinians out of Gaza into Sinai from the onslaught that Israel plans to put on Gaza. And they had to hear not just from Palestinians, who Im not sure that they really properly interacted with, but from the regional governments, that that was  and this was Blinkens term  a non starter, because everyone in the region, Palestinian and non Palestinan, recognized the historical reference point of the Nakba. I talked on Sunday, right after this began happening, with a formerly Palestinian-American who now lives in Turkey, named Sami Al-Arian, someone whom the war on terror railroaded out of this country. And I asked him about the intensification that Gaza was about to experience. We were talking in the context of a piece I was doing for The Nation about the Americans efforts to put together a Saudi normalization with Israel in the context of the war. And he said, what else can they do? And I said, well, for instance, they could push you out of Gaza. And he said, thats a fantasy. Thats a fantasy of the right. Were not leaving. And I cant stop thinking of these words that he said afterwards, which is that if we have to die, well die in our homes. That now a government that purports to speak for the safety and national aspirations of Jews worldwide is inflicting upon another people. I cannot think of a less Jewish thing than to make another person a refugee. [MUSIC PLAYING]

ezra klein

So recognizing, Peter, this is a very hard question to put to anybody, but something that I think people will think hearing this is, look, its easy sitting in New York to criticize. But as you said very eloquently earlier, one way this is different than 9/11 is that Israel and Gaza abud each other. The West Bank  that everybody is crammed in together. So what would a moral response be, and not just a moral response, but one that took seriously the Israeli peoples need for security? And also, and I think this is not just a fair, but an important question of statecraft, that it cant be costless to slaughter Israeli civilians and take Israeli hostages. I mean, no country on Earth would allow that.

peter beinart

So first of all, there has to be an effort to bring back these captives. And although this has very, very little purchase, probably, in Israel, I think if your number one overriding goal is the safety of those people, Israel would need to consider some kind of prisoner swap with Hamas, perhaps for elderly Palestinian prisoners who represent no actual threat once they leave prison. I agree that the people who masterminded this attack, the people who carried those attacks, those people are war criminals. They should be dealt with. They should be brought to justice. Beyond that, my fear is that Israel is going to go into Gaza on the ground looking for security and safety, and what its ultimately going to get is less safety and less security than it has today.

ezra klein

Doesnt a mass prisoner swap for the hostages create the incentive for Hamas to do this again and again? I mean, as Spencer said earlier, consensus view is one thing Hamas wanted out of this was a bunch of Israeli civilian hostages because they have done prisoner swaps in the past. And they saw that as a way to do another one here. To give them what they wanted on that, doesnt that just create a reason for them to keep doing it, to make this a successful strategy for them?

peter beinart

Absolutely, that is a very real danger of that strategy. But I also fear that what Israel is doing now is going to lead ultimately to Hamas being stronger. And I dont think thats because all those Palestinians who are supporting Hamas believe in the killing of civilians. Some do tragically, but many dont. Its because they have seen no other form of resistance that has gotten them anywhere. Israel has been blockading Gaza for 17 years. When the blockade began, Hamass rockets were these very, very primitive things. 17 years later, their arsenal is much more formidable than it was. And they were able to do this. This is not a good trajectory to be on for the safety of Israelis. Fundamentally, Palestinians are going to resist their oppression because all human beings resist their oppression.

ezra klein

Theres an interesting piece by Amjad Iraqi in the London Review of Books. And he writes, quote, Young Palestinians  many of whom were raised under the false promises of the Oslo Accords signed 30 years ago last month  have been taking up arms and joining local militias unaffiliated with the major political parties. On the streets and online, Palestinian activists no longer care to tiptoe around diplomatic language or references to international laws that have failed them. And I feel like its something weve seen before, that even if you imagine a world where Israels quite successful in smashing Hamas, that doesnt necessarily mean the world you get is no extremist violent groups dedicated to killing Israelis. That what you might get is a splintering into somewhat yet more extreme and dangerous groups that have no political arm whatsoever, which Hamas is this weird kind of  it has a political arm. It has a military arm. Youve watched this kind of thing happen before. So Im curious what you make of it? It reminds me a little bit of the pre-ISIS conversation and the post-ISIS conversation. And ISIS has been back here as a metaphor a lot. But as you mentioned in the piece, not being used as a way you might think that metaphor would be used.

spencer ackerman

When the United States invaded Iraq, there was barely any Al Qaeda presence there. That quickly changed, and it became home to the most violent, nihilistic and ambitious affiliate of Al Qaeda. And then when the United States, in 2006, 07, 08, believed that it had dealt a fatal blow to that organization, that, along with the Syrian Civil War next door, combined to create an enemy far greater, far more loathsome and terrifying than the one that the United States went into Iraq to stop. We have seen this again and again and again in conditions of occupation, apartheid, strangulation, whereby, as these conditions persist, they dont empower the levelest heads among us. They create despair, and despair will have a reaction. Despair will emerge in ways that we who do not experience that despair will find barbaric, probably correctly so in many cases, and more importantly, wont anticipate. Only when you deal at the root with addressing the fundamental conditions of that despair can this dynamic change at all. And to expect this to be an exception is to be blind to a history that we have seen unfold not just in our lifetimes, but across 75 years of Israeli history and American sponsorship.

peter beinart

People act as if this conflict began with Hamas. Palestinians were fighting against Israel and Zionism, including by killing civilians. For instance, in the hijackings of the 1970s, the 1972 Munich Olympics. And that was not Hamas. Hamas didnt exist. That wasnt Islamists. Those were largely  a lot of them were leftist Palestinian organizations. So anyone who thinks you are going to end Palestinian attacks on civilians even if you could get rid of Hamas, unless you deal with the root of the violence of oppression, it seems to me is kidding themselves.

ezra klein

Something you often hear said is why isnt there a nonviolent Palestinian movement? Why cant this be more like the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa? Why cant it be more like the Gandhian independence movement in India? And you wrote a great piece for The Times kind of thinking through, particularly, the South African comparison. So how do you contrast that? And what is your answer to why the path of violence has been chosen and the path of nonviolence seems so now dormant?

peter beinart

Well, the African National Congress was not nonviolent. In the early 1960s, they actually adopted armed struggle. And yet, they worked pretty hard to not go after civilians. They felt like that was a moral red line, rightly. And the argument that I made in my piece  of course, there are many, many differences between these two situations  is to understand how the A.N.C. was able to maintain that moral code in which, at one point, they took responsibility and virtually apologized after some of their cadres, their commandos had killed civilians, was that their moral strategy was working. They saw that, by the 1980s, an anti-Apartheid movement had emerged across the world, including in the United States, led by the Black community in the United States in particular, that had gotten to impose sanctions, that had led to divestment efforts. And it produced a virtuous cycle that made it easier for them to maintain their moral core. Now, Hamas has never had the same moral core that the A.N.C. had, to be clear. But there are many Palestinians who have spoken in the language of human rights and international law and coexistence and opposed violence against civilians and called for boycotts and called for sanctions and tried to go to the International Criminal Court and tried to go to the United Nations. Tragically, in my view, unlike what we were able to do in America in the 1980s, which was to strengthen and empower those people, those people have been shut down, not just defeated, but often criminalized. Im not saying that everyone needs to sign up to every aspect of the boycott divestment sanction movement. But if there is no form of ethical or nonviolent Palestinian resistance that you support, then you were just telling Palestinians they should accept their oppression in silence, you are going to empower Hamas.

spencer ackerman

And not just accept their oppression in silence, disappear from the face of the Earth. Every single day Palestinians experience violence. That was true before Oct. 7. It is true certainly in the wake of it. What happened to a Palestinian nonviolent effort? Well, part of it is Israel killed those people. Israel put their leaders in jail. Im so old that I remember  I guess back in the mid-2000s when people talked about the importance of releasing Marwan Barghouti from prison on the idea that he was a way out of the P.L.O. and Hamas in a different way.

ezra klein

Do you want to say who he is?

spencer ackerman

A Palestinian leader who tried to forge a different path, who emerged from conditions of violent resistance but was trying to move toward a different form of national struggle. And this also is an important point here. The United States, as a matter of policy, suppressed that. The United States rejected Palestinian aspirations at the United Nations, vetoed resolutions. Peter probably knows more than I do how many states in the United States it is forbidden to have any involvement with boycott, divestment and sanctions, where there are penalties for state interaction with those movements and those efforts. And more fundamentally, continued to fund and arm Israel and provide it diplomatic support while it suppressed legitimate Palestinian national aspirations. And so I find it a little frustrating, certainly not as frustrating as a Palestinian would, but frustrating to hear from people who have no intention of honoring and bringing about Palestinian national aspirations, that they just dont do it the right way. The fact of the matter is people deserve freedom because they are people. And that I think speaks to a reality that we as Americans tend not to acknowledge.

ezra klein

And my sense, Spencer, is that in the same pier, theres this very sharp break around the role America is trying to play. Barack Obama didnt get a lot done here. But one thing he did try to do, more so than any president since Carter, was challenge Israel on the settlements. And I would say he had a showdown with Netanyahu on that and he lost.

spencer ackerman

Not only did he lose  I remember, in 2010, when Joe Biden went as an envoy to secure the first steps toward a return to the peace process. And Netanyahus response was to announce more settlement construction.

ezra klein

A very direct snub. I mean, that was very, very calculated.

spencer ackerman

And it was hard not to think about that as Netanyahu and Biden embraced. Forgive me for being the war on terror guy who constantly goes back to the war on terror, but among the things that happened during that period was the war on terror in which the position of the United States, certainly beginning in September of 2001, was that Israel was fighting in microcosm the circumstance that the United States was fighting. And accordingly, there was no appetite to prompt Israel to return to any kind of negotiating posture when the prevailing view in Washington, and certainly embraced by the Israelis because of how well it suited them, was that the Palestinians were no different, functionally, from Al Qaeda. And that was a false equivalence that many in American politics and media were not particularly inclined to question. And as those conditions continued, Israel built its wall around the West Bank, which was a term people policed very heavily so as not to call it a wall. And I think its very obvious that it was and remains a wall. That the United States reached the thing that we constantly talk about in this day and age not reaching, which is normalization. Normalization of the persistent immiseration of the Palestinian people. Normalization of the sense that I think Peter has discussed quite eloquently of  and Tareq Baconi cited as well  a certain equilibrium that we saw on Oct. 7 where it leads. That if you would simply find a way to ignore Palestinian national aspirations and the basic facts of Palestinian material life, that the region would simply move on, that Israel would find normalization from the Gulf States and eventually Saudi Arabia. And whatever else it is that Hamas might have sought to achieve, unrealistically through its attacks beginning on Oct. 7, that equilibrium has indeed been shattered. And the United States, were it to recognize itself as a central actor that it, in fact, is in this conflict, would come to a deep reckoning of the way in which it enabled this circumstance to take root and adjust course accordingly.

ezra klein

Ive been very struck watching Biden. A lot of what he has said actually is opposed to things that have come out elsewhere in his administration I felt has been pretty on point. But the degree of immediate locking arms with Israel and Netanyahu, knowing him a bit, and knowing his history on these issues, knowing his fury after what happened with Netanyahu in the Obama administration, Ive wondered a little bit about his longer term play. That something that was happening in Israeli-American politics is that Israel is becoming right-wing coded. It was becoming something that Democrats had more complicated feelings on. Netanyahu had embraced Trump very fulsomely. Joe Biden is a guy who likes to imagine himself like one of the great diplomatic presidents of all time. As a Senate Foreign Relations Chair, he likes doing his shuttle diplomacy. And he seems to me to be trying to rebuild a role for America as a broker, possibly at the cost of its capability of bringing together other players in the region. But trying to rebuild its influence in Israel, hopefully with, on his part, some end game. But that has struck me as a possible way of reading just the level of intense support and political capital hes invested in this immediately.

spencer ackerman

The people who formed the highest echelons of the Biden administration were the people who formed the second highest echelons of the Obama administration. And particularly amongst his Middle East people, their takeaway from the experience is that Obamas instincts throughout the Middle East failed and were a mess, that toward the end of the Obama administration, after the Iran deal, there was a strain that, I think its fair to say, the Biden administration has run with as the centrality of its foreign policy toward the Middle East. And that is, embrace the old autocrats as hard as you can. Embrace the Petro states as hard as you can. Recognize that nothing you will want to see accomplished in the rest of the world will happen unless you unwind things like the way that Biden called Saudi Arabia a pariah state. It took the better part of a year for that to unwind. And a central aspect of that experience was seeing the ways in which efforts by Obama to impose the barest outlines of a political settlement for a two-state solution on Israel came to nothing but tears, needless antagonism and struggle, and the acceleration of that what you call right-wing codedness. Biden wants none of that smoke. Absolutely none of it. I think it is fair to question, after Oct. 7, the degree to which that strategy lies in ruins to simply look past as so much of the world and look past Israeli apartheid and the conditions of Palestinian deprivation and consider that a footnote to a glorious history in which the United States has this seamless interoperable network  this is often how they describe it from a security perspective  in which it is the security guarantor of the Middle East, and relations in the region with a rising China remain commercial and transactional, and that will secure the American position in the Middle East for generations to come. It doesnt look like thats really working out. And we should also just say we have not seen the end of the way this war looks. Every day I wake up scared and checking the newsfeeds to see if a second front has opened up in Southern Lebanon. Thats a real possibility here. The United States has two aircraft carrier strike groups quite possibly to assist in an assault should Hezbollah decide to enter the war in force, at which point you really do have an expanded regional war that the United States is in directly. And I dont know if the United States has really thought through the degree to which it itself is very close to being a combatant in this conflict.

ezra klein

Im curious what you read and what the United States wants here?

peter beinart

I think the most generous interpretation is that Biden believes that if he hugs Netanyahu and he wins credibility among Israelis, he may have the leverage to, behind the scenes, restrain what Israel does, so its not totally apocalyptic. It doesnt spur the regional war or the overthrow of the Jordanian regime or the overthrow of Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank. That he can do that behind the scenes. That he kind of reasons that Obama didnt have credibility in Israel  partly because of who he was, but partly because of public confrontation  so hes going to do the opposite. But I think history will not be kind to the Biden administrations way of approaching with this. They just didnt have any stomach for any political fight in Washington to do anything for the Palestinians and essentially acted as if that could just be managed as they went off to fight their new Cold War with China and then to deal with Russia. And they contributed to this feeling among Palestinians that they were being more and more marginalized, that they were more and more hopeless, and that contributed, that empowered Hamas to take this action. And so part of the problem is they have accepted a political reality in Washington that essentially says you cant have a fight with Israel. But by accepting that political reality, they have also strengthened that political reality. If a Democratic president had tried to do something different, given what we see among polling shifts among Democrats out there in the country, and actually led, he could have potentially changed the politics. Instead, what Joe Biden has done is hes essentially strengthened a kind of consensus in Washington that many grass roots Democrats dont support. And by doing so, I think he contributed to this explosion.

ezra klein

But do you think it changes now? I mean, do you think there is something to the idea that if Biden is able to win back credibility for democratic administration in Israel at a point of weakness for Netanyahu, when the U.S. government at this point was doing a lot of deals and working with the Gulf States  I mean, the idea that the equilibrium  that you can just forget about the Palestinian problem  has been shattered is true in America, too. Thats true for the Biden administration, too. I do not want to suggest that all this ends in a happy ending. I basically couldnt believe anything further from the truth. But I do wonder if there is not an opening here, if things do not go too far off the rails in the immediate near term, to try to begin the work that was being done before of are there not deals that can be made, are there not people who can be empowered, is there not some legacy other than the continuing dissolution of this?

peter beinart

I think it would be very difficult with this Israeli government given how radical it is. And I fear that the Biden administration, if it manages to somehow avert a regional catastrophe, will of go back and say, OK, things are now OK now. The best case scenario might be, in the short-term, that there is some Israeli election that produces some kind of political earthquake. Now, that political earthquake could lead Israel even further to the right. We have no idea really what it would mean. But things have been deeply destabilized. And in the best case scenario, perhaps you might, especially because of the forces that were leading against this judicial overhaul, that maybe there could be some new political leadership in Israel that Biden could work with and do something that no American government and no Israeli government has ever done, which is restrain settlement growth, for instance. Weve never done that. Israel has never done that, even during the peace process. That would be, I think, the best case scenario. It wouldnt even bring us close to some kind of resolution. But it might at least create some kind of hope for Palestinians that theyre not just looking into despair as far as the eye can see. [MUSIC PLAYING]

ezra klein

One thing that was in the piece you wrote, Peter, is a kind of idea that Ive been thinking about since then, of the tactics that generate a response, that generate a kind of success then empower the people behind them. And you get into these cycles, right? Hardliners have a tendency to empower hardliners. Hamas throws rockets at Israel and gets some concessions. Hamas kidnaps an Israeli soldier and actually does get a prisoner swap. And that makes Hamas look stronger. Netanyahus government is able to wall off the Palestinians, and build an Iron Dome, and fortify the wall, and attacks are going down and that makes him look stronger. Or similarly, theres an attack and now you need the hard right, you need the more military-oriented leaders, because, of course, you have to avenge the attack. And so you write that in the case of South Africa, that ethical resistance elicited international support, and international support made ethical resistance easier to sustain. And in Israel today, the dynamic is almost exactly the opposite. So I guess this raises this kind of deep question for me, which is Ive long ago given up on the idea that there is some kind of fantasy dealmaking to imagine here, that I can kind of in my head imagine the land swaps and the right of return dynamics and all the things that would get to a deal. I think the thing youre getting at in that piece, which is really quite powerful, is that until there are different empowered actors, there can be no deal. You have to change the political economy of the whole thing. You have to change who has strength. And Im curious how you think that gets done.

peter beinart

Were so far away from it. But I do think that one thing would be really important is 20 percent of Israels citizens are Palestinians. They are a really important group of people. Because although theyre severely discriminated against, theyre the only Palestinians who actually have the ability to act politically, to vote. The problem in Israeli politics  one major problem is that there is no genuine joint Jewish and Palestinian party. The parties are essentially all based on tribe, on various different kinds of tribes. And so you dont have a party that even models the vision of the kind of politics that I would ultimately like to see. And if such a party could emerge and speak to Israelis and Palestinians, because it would be composed of Israelis and Palestinians, and say the way we behave in this party, coming together around a vision of humanity and equality under the law and liberal democracy, and fighting for it together as Jews and Palestinians inside Israel, I think that could resonate around the whole world and show a model of what might be possible. We desperately need models of whats possible now for people not to lose all hope.

spencer ackerman

I agree that it looks as far away as its ever looked. But at the same time, I remember that when the United States imposes conditions on its allies and foreign clients, quite a great deal that doesnt seem possible could, in fact, become possible. If the United States is, as the Biden administration has done thus far, simply express solidarity with Israel, give it accelerated ammunition shipments, then we wont have any of those incentives created. We wont have any actors who could break this dynamic empowered. We wont have movements and constituencies for Palestinian liberation taken seriously and sat across a negotiating table from Israel. I dont pretend that my perspective holds much in the way of a constituency in Israel right now. So I want to speak with some humbleness. But the thing is whats possible is very often different from whats necessary. And only when people of conscience hold true to whats necessary, can we start to expand the limits of what is possible, until finally a way pointing out of this horrific reality can come to pass. And thats something that is not something that Israel would be granting Palestinians. It would be something Israel would be performing for the survival of its own people, the people who we have, particularly in the Jewish community in Israel and around the world, been agonizing over the fate of.

ezra klein

I want to make sure some of the competing Israeli narratives are felt here. And one of the very dominant ones has been that there were efforts towards peace, or many, many peace processes, and obviously the narratives of what happened at places like Camp David and in this or that negotiation are highly contested  Im not going to try to untangle them here  but that it fundamentally, to many Israelis, didnt work. There wasnt enough of a negotiating partner. Intifadas got launched. There were still rockets coming over. There were suicide bombings. And then it seemed to me  and this was a very depressing thing to watch happen  that a new consensus emerged, like, were done with that. The far right in Israel was highly empowered. Were going to cordon off Gaza, cordon off the West Bank, have a blockade on Gaza, build the Iron Dome, build the wall, have intelligence operations mow the lawn by which it was a very bloodless way of saying launch repeated attacks to try to degrade the capabilities of Hamas, in particular, and other terrorist groups. And that within that there are demands placed, if this is going to change, on the Palestinians, too. I mean, and particularly now that Israel has just suffered this attack. And so Im curious how you think about that side of it as well. And in particular, what builds trust for Israelis?

peter beinart

Right. And thats why I, like Spencer, am so afraid of the idea of mass ethnic cleansing, because, I think, if youve written off the possibility of giving people equality within the country in which they live, which is essentially Israel because they live under Israeli control in various ways, and you have given up on the idea of partition and says its no longer possible, and youve given up on this idea of what the Palestinian writer Tareq Baconi calls the kind of violent equilibrium in which you can manage this, then what are you left with but the idea of trying to get those people out of there. I would say, first of all, it is very important for Israeli Jews and people around the world to know that there are Palestinians who have condemned these attacks, who have said that it is fundamentally antithetical to them to take civilian life of any group. Ayman Odeh, for instance, whos just about the most important  one of the most important Palestinian political leaders in Israel has said that unequivocally. Adalah, an organization of Palestinian Israelis. There have been people who have said that. I think its really important that we dont lose their voices in this. On the question of what happened during all these negotiations, both Palestinians and Israeli Jews believed that the other side was not acting in good faith. And if you really go through all of the details, I think what you come to at the end of the day is that they had two different conceptions of what this partition would look like that could never be bridged. But since Netanyahu came back to power in 2009, we have not had an Israeli government that has been interested in a Palestinian state on any terms. So even if you say that Yasir Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas deserve blame for what happened in 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008  and I think there is blame to go around  the problem with blaming the Palestinians since 2009 is there has been no Israeli partner to even test their willingness to accept the idea of a Palestinian state near the 1967 lines in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

ezra klein

So let me begin to bring this to a close, and not with imaginings of a deal that isnt going to happen, but with a more direct question, which is  I agree with your point, Peter, that with this Israeli government its very hard to imagine that kind of change. Who are figures  political leaders, thinkers, people with a constituency of some sort  on both sides of the conflict who you all have seen, heard from, and who are the kind of people you wish would begin to hold more power? Are there people who are for you folks charting a pathway forward that has some glimmers of something different?

spencer ackerman

I think Ayman Odeh is someone who does not command a substantial constituency in Israel  and we shouldnt underestimate the lefts nearly 20-year marginalization in Israel  but, as Peter pointed out earlier, is someone whose politics represents something outside of the zero-sum nature of what Israeli politics that were seeing with the Netanyahu government represents. And like Peter says, we dont know the direction of a government that may take shape in response to fury at Netanyahu that Israelis have expressed for the last nearly two weeks over this. But that fury is not necessarily a left wing fury. That fury very often has to do with the ways in which Netanyahus gamble did not yield security. And the question is going to be what Israelis take away from that lesson. Was the failure in security simply a failure of sufficiently militarizing Israel toward the South and away from the West Bank, or was it a more fundamental failure in which the policy of keeping Hamas strong and funded in order to never have to divest Israel of the West Bank was the fundamental failure here?

ezra klein

Peter, do you have any other people who spring to mind in that?

peter beinart

Yes, I think I mentioned in passing this group, which is in English called Standing Together, led by Sally Abed and Alon-Lee Green and many others. Its an organization of Israeli and Palestinian citizens who, under the most extraordinarily difficult circumstances, especially now where theyre literally facing state repression, have tried to offer a vision of Israeli Jews and Palestinians standing together for mutual safety, mutual equality and coexistence. And those people give me hope.

ezra klein

Are there any politicians in Israel that you find  and here I mean actually Jewish politicians. The collapse of the Israeli left has been so stark from when I started being involved in this issue in my 20s or in my teens. Does anybody feel to you like they have any hope of reviving something?

peter beinart

The problem is in this  I think in this idea of the Jewish left. We would not talk in the United States about the white left or the Christian left. Inherent in being in the left is you dont stand for tribe. And the problem in Israeli politics is there is not a robust politics that essentially sees itself as neither Jewish, nor Palestinian. There is a Jewish member of the Knesset in the Hadash party, which is a mostly Palestinian party. That man, Ofer Cassif, was just basically banned from the Knesset for 45 days for public statements he made, just to give you a sense of how difficult it is to occupy that. But those are the people that I look to.

ezra klein

And then always our final question, what are three books youd recommend to the audience? And Spencer, why dont I start with you?

spencer ackerman

Sure. So three books, and I appreciate the question, Ezra. First, I would recommend reading The Hundred Years War on Palestine, by the historian Rashid Khalidi. That is a Palestinian  a very accessible Palestinian history as precis to the conflict beginning of the 20th century to the early 21st. A shattering book that people really ought to read is An Oral History of the Palestinian Nakba. Thats edited by Nahla Abdo and Nur Masalha. Reading the history from the people who experienced the Nakba around 1948 and periods both before and after is, for those who know Jewish history, shattering in its familiarity. And reading, as well, the accounts of people who survived the Nakba, who talk about how these were their neighbors, people that they loved, their children played with, who they had all sorts of social relationships with for a long period of time, turn on them and force them away is a shattering thing to remember and to hear. And then finally, I would recommend Benny Morris and my former Guardian colleague Ian Blacks book, Israels Secret Wars, which is a history of the rise of the Israeli intelligence services and their role in statecraft in Israel. Also has some simply incredible stories that are amazing to believe are true.

ezra klein

Peter?

peter beinart

Because this has been a conversation among Jews and I know youre going to have Palestinian guests, Im going to mention three books by Palestinians, not because there are not so many books by Israeli Jews that I love, but just because since Palestinians have often had, as Edward Said said this, not had this permission to narrate, I think its really important in this moment that their voices be elevated. The first is Edward Saids classic book, The Question of Palestine, in 1979, which really lays out the Palestinian experience. And what I love about that book and find so moving about it is its a very, very profound critique of Zionism. And yet, Said is such a humanist that hes also able to describe in that book to understand why Zionism was so appealing to so many Jews and why many Jews found it liberating even as he found it to be oppressive, and Palestinians did. The second is Raja Shehadehs memoir, Strangers in the House. Spencer mentioned the Nakba. This is the story of growing up in a family of people who were expelled. And it gives you an intimate glimpse into that refugee experience, which is so central to the Palestinian experience, and yet I feel like so often is missing from the American discourse about Israel-Palestine. And the third is  weve mentioned Tareq Baconi before  Tareq Baconis book, Hamas Contained. Its a book about Hamas, which has no illusions, which is very, very critical in parts, but describes the history of Hamas as a political organization that one can understand certain decisions its made in response to certain incentives. And if there is to be a better future for Israelis and Palestinians than the one that Hamas envisions, part of that will require understanding Hamas better so that Jews and Palestinians together can create better alternatives.

ezra klein

Spencer Ackerman, Peter Beinart, thank you very much.

spencer ackerman

Thank you, Ezra.

peter beinart

Thank you. [MUSIC PLAYING]

ezra klein
It is true, according to these researchers, that voters typically become more conservative as they get older, which is to say, as they gain income, buy property and start families. But the extent of that drift  of where it finally reaches  depends on where they start. When the Pew Research Center studied this question in 2013, for example, it found that the cohort of baby boomers who turned 18 under Richard Nixon was much more Democratic than the later cohort of boomers who turned 18 under Jimmy Carter.

Overall, according to the General Social Survey, boomers, who came of age during the turmoil and transformation of the 1960s and 1970s, are still more liberal than not. Gen Xers, who came of age during the Reagan revolution, started off more conservative than their older counterparts and have become the most consistently conservative generation in the electorate.

The case of millennial voters is where things start to get interesting. As children of Sept. 11, the war on terror and the 2008 financial crisis, millennials  born between 1981 and 1996  entered the electorate much more Democratic than their immediate predecessors. But while they have gotten a little more conservative in the years since, it has been at a much slower rate than youd expect.

Whats more, the gap in the number of millennials who identify as Democrats rather than Republicans is huge, with more than twice as many self-identified Democrats as Republicans. The next cohort on the roster, Gen Z, is even more liberal and Democratic than millennials and shows no indication of becoming substantially more conservative as it ages.

Now, we should always be a little wary of talking about generations as uniform, monolithic or even particularly coherent. But groups of Americans do share common experiences, and it is not hard to explain the persistence of left-leaning beliefs and liberal self-identification among young Americans.
This was a notable dynamic in the spending fight that led to the toppling of Mr. McCarthy. His fiercest critics did nothing to help keep him from having to resort to the option they found most hateful  namely, going to Democrats for a kick-the-can deal in advance of a government shutdown.

Mr. Gaetz, the Gavrilo Princip of the Republican meltdown, exemplifies almost all these trends. He is a House Freedom Caucus type in his attitudes toward the leadership and his rhetoric about federal spending, but his ultimate political loyalty is to Mr. Trump. Hes overwhelmingly concerned with garnering media attention. And no one has the power to bring him to heel.

Theres no dealing with the likes of Mr. Gaetz because hes operating in a different dimension from someone like Mr. McCarthy, a pragmatist and coalition builder who is trying to move the ball incrementally. Its the difference between politics as theater and politics as the art of the possible; politics as individual brand building and politics as team sport.

In the last Congress, Nancy Pelosi had a slim majority like Mr. McCarthy and a restive handful of members on her left flank, the so-called Squad. Yet she held it together. The difference is that Ms. Pelosi still had considerable legitimacy as a leader, which gave her the moral power to keep everyone together. It is instructive to contrast her not just with Mr. McCarthy but also with the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell. Whereas Ms. Pelosi, an institutionalist concerned with getting things done, is a legend among Democrats, Mr. McConnell, also an institutionalist concerned with getting things done, is hated by much of his partys base and constantly attacked by the partys de facto leader, Mr. Trump.

The situation in the Republican House caucus has now developed into a sort of tribal war, where memories of real or alleged wrongs committed by the other side lead to more conflict and more bad feelings. So establishmentarians and relative moderates were willing to take down the speaker candidacy of the House Freedom Caucus co-founder Jim Jordan, rejecting his new argument that everyone had to come together for the good of the whole.
Many years ago, when I first started covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I got to know a gifted Palestinian journalist who, for reasons that will become apparent in a moment, Ill refer to only by his first name, Said.

As with many other Palestinian journalists, Saids primary source of income was working with foreign reporters as a fixer, someone who could arrange difficult meetings, translate from Arabic, show you around. Said had an independent streak and he was no fan of Yasir Arafat, which made him particularly helpful in cutting through the Palestinian Authoritys propagandistic bombast.

With Said, I interviewed senior Hamas leaders in Gaza, officials in Ramallah, retired terrorists in Nablus, political dissidents in Jenin and construction workers in Hebron. We developed a friendship. Then, shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, he called me in a panic because something I had written in The Wall Street Journal had met with the displeasure of officials in the Palestinian Authority. The goon squad, he said, had paid his family an admonitory visit in their apartment, and he wanted me to take the story down. That was out of the question, I told him. It was never safe for us to work together again.

I mention this anecdote in the wake of last weeks sensational story that an Israeli airstrike had killed some 500 people at a Gaza hospital  a story variously attributed to Palestinian officials, the Gazan health ministry and health authorities in the besieged enclave. The story sparked violent protests throughout the Middle East.

It has since become clear that nearly every element of that story is, to put it gently, highly dubious.

A missile did not hit the hospital but rather the parking lot next to it. Abundant evidence, confirmed by U.S. intelligence and independent analyses, indicates that the explosion was caused by a missile fired from Gaza, which was intended to kill Israelis but malfunctioned and fell to earth. There is no solid reason to believe the death toll reached anywhere near 500. And the Gazan health ministry is not some sort of apolitical body but a Hamas-owned entity, towing and promoting whatever the terrorist organization demands.

Ill leave the media criticism to others. But Western audiences will never grasp the nature of the current conflict until they internalize one central fact. In Israel, as in every other democracy, political and military officials sometimes lie  but journalists hold them to account, tell the stories they want to tell, and dont live in fear of midnight knocks on the door.

The Palestinian territories, by contrast, are republics of fear  fear of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and of Hamas in Gaza. Palestinians are neither more nor less honest than people elsewhere. But, as in any tyrannical or fanatical regime, those who stray from the approved line put themselves at serious risk.

This is a truth that only rarely slips out  but when it does, its revealing.

During the first major Israel-Hamas war, in 2008 and 2009, Palestinian groups claimed the death toll was mostly civilian, with roughly 1,400 people killed. But a Palestinian doctor working in Gazas Shifa hospital told a different story. The number of deceased stands at no more than 500 to 600, he said. Most of them are youths between the ages of 17 to 23 who were recruited to the ranks of Hamas, who sent them to the slaughter, he said. Tellingly, according to the Israeli news site YNet, the doctor wished to remain unidentified, out of fear for his life.

Or take the case of Hani al-Agha, a Palestinian journalist who was jailed for weeks and tortured by Hamas in 2019. In that case, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate took the extraordinary step of condemning al-Aghas arrest and torture as an attempt to intimidate journalists in Gaza Strip, who are subject to repressive police authority. Yet, outside of a few news releases, the story received almost no coverage in the wider media.

Human rights organizations occasionally take a break from their incessant criticism of Israel to pay attention to this kind of atrocious repression. But only rarely do Western audiences understand the full extent to which information emerging from Gaza is suspect  at least until it has been extensively and independently corroborated by journalists who arent living in fear of Hamas, and dont need to protect someone who is. Readers who wouldnt normally be inclined to believe man-in-the-street interviews in, say, Pyongyang, or regime pronouncements coming out of the Kremlin, should be equally skeptical about the phrase Palestinian officials say.

The news media still needs fixers and freelancers to tell the full story in war zones. But people consuming that media should know the threats, pressures and cultures that these journalists operate in  not because we necessarily distrust them individually, but because we appreciate the dangerous circumstances in which they find themselves.

The next time theres a story about an alleged Israeli atrocity in Gaza, readers deserve to know how the information was acquired and from whom. Its bad enough that Hamas tyrannizes Palestinians and terrorizes Israelis. We dont need it misinforming the rest of us.
To the Editor:

In One Reason the Trump Fever Wont Break (column, Oct. 2), David French argues that since todays Christian nationalists are theologically inarticulate, they must be driven by emotion, prophecy and spiritualism. This misunderstands the way religious traditions work.

Like other religious movements, todays white Christian nationalism is fueled by habits of heart and mind that have been passed down from generation to generation, which is to say they are historically and theologically grounded.

These habits include a racialized view of America as a caste society, an unshakable suspicion that government elites are conspiring against us, the fear that those beyond our border are intent on doing us harm, and the conviction that the United States is an instrument of divine purpose, the greatest nation on earth.

These religious habits can be traced to the very origins of the English colonial experiment in North America. They have always been a part of American culture, and we should not be surprised that they continue to shape our public life today.

Pretending that Christian enthusiasm for Donald Trump is just some kind of mass psychosis or mob mentality may allow some Christians like Mr. French to feel better about themselves and their churches. But they need to confront a deeper truth: There is something compromised at the core of the white American Christian tradition.

John Fanestil

San Diego

The writer is the author of American Heresy: The Roots and Reach of White Christian Nationalism.

To the Editor:

David Frenchs column was well written and analytical, but it did nothing to stop me from shaking my head at the biggest contradiction in American politics today: Why does the religious right love Donald Trump?

Mr. Trump is amoral and irreligious. His personal and business lives are full of actions, such as multiple marriages and liaisons, allegations of infidelity and questionable business ethics, that mock evangelical behavior. He flaunts his personal, business and legal challenges. In short, his life story is everything that traditional evangelicals should be expected to abhor.

The only explanation is that Mr. Trump and evangelicals have a symbiotic relationship that puts both in positions of power and influence. Regardless, that fact still flies in the face of the traditional honest fervor that motivates conventional religious people. I would like to see additional columns that explain why the Trump-evangelical bond wont break anytime soon.

Andrew J. Sparberg

Oceanside, N.Y.

To the Editor:

This column reminded me of when Donald Trump said: I consider it a great badge of honor.  Essentially, I am being indicted for you. Sounds like an upside-down Bible to me. Mr. Trumps new messiah persona is very scary to me as a thinking Christian.

Mary Ewing Rixford

Dallas

Effects of Plea Deals in the Georgia Election Case
Allison Benedikt and

Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza on Tuesday. As the death toll rose, President Biden said that the pace at which humanitarian aid was getting into Gaza was not fast enough.

Vivian Yee, The Timess Cairo bureau chief, reports on the aid crisis and other issues converging right now at the Gaza-Egypt border, and the key role that Egypt is playing in the war.

The Israel-Hamas war is evolving by the minute. To help bring you the most up-to-date developments, were beginning the The Headlines: War Briefing, where youll hear the latest from our correspondents on the ground every afternoon. Hosted by Lulu Garcia-Navarro.
For years after she moved to Connecticut from New York, Roz Chast had recurring dreams about her beloved post-college apartment on West 73rd Street. The storyline and set design of those reveries varied, but she was always on the street where she had lived.

There would be things like, I would go into the building and the lobby was a newsstand, said Ms. Chast, 68, whose face you may sort of recognize from her celebrated cartoons in The New Yorker  she has been contributing to the magazine since 1978  and whose latest book, the graphic narrative I Must Be Dreaming, comes out this week. Or the building had been turned into a hotel. Or there was a marble staircase. Or I had an apartment that had this giant hole in the middle where I could look into the apartment below. Or the floor slanted. Or my apartment had a balcony, but then I would go out on the balcony and know that I wasnt in New York anymore.

She added: I remember in one dream, I went out the back door of the building and there was, like, a goat farm.
ELKO  An Elko man was jailed on $1 million bail, charged with sexually assaulting a woman several months ago.

John R. Jensen, 44, was booked in Elko County Jail Oct. 18 on two counts of sexual assault.

According to the police report, a woman reached out to law enforcement in Utah in February. She explained she visited Jensen at his residence in Elko with two other people on what was supposed to be a day trip.

During the visit that occurred Dec. 3, 2022, the woman said Jensen became intoxicated and was asked to leave one location due to his behavior. After they returned to Jensens house, he convinced the travelers to stay overnight to avoid driving back late at night.

The woman said Jensen came to the bedroom she was staying in and assaulted her twice. Both times she said she asked him to stop.

After the woman returned to Utah, she said Jensen attempted to contact her multiple times over social media.

Utah law enforcement forwarded the report to the Elko Police Department for further investigation.

Charges were filed against Jensen in Elko Justice Court by the Elko County District Attorneys office on Oct. 17.
Sidney Godfrey was sitting in the passenger seat of a truck slowly cruising over a levee one night in 2018. This far into Floridas dry season, the air was thick with the smell of mud wafting up from the exposed canals and wetlands along the edge of Biscayne Bay, south of Miami. Mr. Godfrey, a wildlife biologist, kept his gaze  and his headlamp  pointed down to light up the water at the base of the levee.

The glint of a reptilian eye came from a grove of Australian pine below. The hunt was underway.

It was Mr. Godfreys first night surveying with the Croc Docs  the nickname for a University of Florida lab based out of Fort Lauderdale. He and Ed Metzger, that evenings survey leader, stepped out of the truck and started making their way down to the target. They soon found themselves wading through muck. Their legs punched through layers of pine needles mixed with mud. Each step dredged up the smell of dead and decaying things.

The owner of the shining eyes had spotted the pair and was doing his best to move away from the lumbering humans. But the researchers persisted, slowly, painfully, wading toward an animal that was neither a trademark Florida gator nor a native crocodile. Their quarry was instead a six-foot-long spectacled caiman.

The caimans of southern Florida are not as well known as their alligator cousins. Half a century ago, caimans were taken from their homelands in tropical wetlands of Latin America and brought to the United States for the leather and pet trades. Most of the hundreds of thousands of caimans imported into the United States during the 1970s perished. But a few held out in the southernmost corner of the Sunshine State. Like many invasive species in Florida, theyve become a nuisance.
Donlin M. Long, a pioneering neurosurgeon whose brain research helped millions of patients manage pain and who collaborated on the invention of an implantable pump to deliver insulin to people with diabetes, died on Sept. 19 near Gettysburg, Pa. He was 89.

The cause was complications of a fall he suffered while fly-fishing for trout in a stream near his weekend home, his daughter Dr. Kimberly Page Riley said. Dr. Long was a resident of North Baltimore and chairman of the neurosurgery department at Johns Hopkins University for 17 years.

In addition to the insulin pump, Dr. Long, as an expert in relieving chronic pain, had a collaborative hand in introducing, in 1981, the first battery-powered, rechargeable, implantable electronic device to stimulate peripheral nerves to relieve pain, according to Johns Hopkins. The device, known as TENS, for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, became a standard medical tool.

As an accomplished practitioner of skull base surgery, Dr. Long was also instrumental in the first successful separation of twin infants born conjoined at the head. The operation, performed in 1987, involved 70 surgeons, nurses and assistants and lasted 22 hours.



The twins brains were separated, and one of the infants skulls was closed by Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, whom Dr. Long, the founding chairman of the department of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, had recruited to the university. The operation, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, brought Dr. Carson instant fame. He was later a Republican presidential candidate and secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Donald J. Trump.
This field is esoteric, even to many mathematicians. But the techniques that Dr. Kohn developed have found use in tackling a wide range of problems in mathematics as well as fundamental equations in physics, including Einsteins theory of general relativity.

It is kind of a universal model, and many, many, many equations, many different kinds of physical problems, can be cast into this mathematical description, Dr. Epstein said. Kohns work is very important for understanding what you do next.

Complex numbers are indeed complex to understand.

People are most familiar with so-called real numbers: integers like one, two and three; fractions like one-half and one-third; and irrational numbers  like pi, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, or the square root of two, the number that when multiplied by itself equals two.

But mathematicians wondered: What is the square root of minus one?

It is not minus one; the product of a negative number multiplied by another negative number is always a positive number. Since the square root of minus one could not be a real number, mathematicians invented what they called an imaginary number, i, which is defined as that square root.

When a real number and an imaginary number are added together, that is a complex number.

Mathematical functions involving a complex variable are more constrained and have all these remarkable properties that the functions of real numbers didnt have, Dr. Epstein said. This led, in the 19th and 20th centuries, to a field called complex analysis  the calculus involving mathematical functions of a single complex variable. It is now a key tool for physicists and engineers in solving a multitude of problems.
In rural Iowa, Peg Sandeen recalls, living with AIDS meant living under the cloud of your neighbors judgment. After her husband, John, fell ill in 1992, the rumors began swirling. The couple had almost learned to live with the stigma when things took a turn for the worse.

In 1993, ravaged by his disease and running out of options, John wanted to make one final decision: to die on his own terms, with the help of life-ending medication. But at the time, there was no way to convey to his doctors what he wanted. As the debate over assisted dying raged in far-off Oregon, the headlines offered up only loaded words: murder, euthanasia, suicide.

John was adamant that what he wanted was not suicide. He loved his life: his wife, who had married him even though he had asked her to leave when he learned he was H.I.V. positive; their 2-year-old daughter, Hannah; and playing Neil Young songs on guitar, a pleasure that was rapidly being taken from him as his faculties slipped away.

This was not a man who wanted to commit suicide, at all, said Ms. Sandeen, now the chief executive of Death With Dignity, a group that supports aid-in-dying laws across the country. To her, the word only added more judgment to the homophobia and AIDS phobia that they  and others who found themselves in a similar position  were facing.
If this story were a TikTok video, the writer would be applying lip gloss right about  now. Unscrewing the cap on a tube of mauve goo and giving it a generous swipe across puckered lips. Mwah!

The application of lip gloss in the first few seconds of an online video is a subtle trick that creators and influencers use to grab attention  ideally without viewers even realizing why they were moved to stop scrolling.

And once you see it, you wont be able to unsee it.

An influencer heading off to grocery shop at Erewhon in Los Angeles. A clip of the Laguna Beach star Kristin Cavallari sitting in her car lip-syncing. A nutritionist offering tips on how to curb your cravings.
California regulators on Tuesday ordered Cruise, a General Motors subsidiary, to stop its driverless taxi service in San Francisco after a series of traffic mishaps, including one this month when a Cruise car dragged a pedestrian 20 feet after a crash.

The decision by the states Department of Motor Vehicles followed a turbulent three months for Cruise. In early August, over the objections of San Francisco officials, state regulators allowed Cruise to expand its service in the city. But a little more than a week later, the D.M.V. told Cruise to cut its fleet in the city in half.

On Oct. 2, a pedestrian was hit by a car, then was hit a by a Cruise vehicle and trapped under the driverless car. As it tried to pull over, the Cruise car dragged the pedestrian until it stopped. Cruise said its autonomous vehicle had braked aggressively and blamed the human driver for the incident.

In an initial meeting with Cruise after the October crash, the D.M.V. said, the company showed footage from the cars cameras that ended with the driverless vehicle coming to a complete stop after hitting the pedestrian. D.M.V. officials later learned through discussion with another government agency that the pedestrian had also been dragged, according to a suspension order sent to Cruise.
Why the Case Matters

Its unusual for so many states to come together to sue a tech giant for consumer harms. The coordination shows states are prioritizing the issue of children and online safety and combining legal resources to fight Meta, just as states had previously done for cases against Big Tobacco and Big Pharma companies.



Just like Big Tobacco and vaping companies have done in years past, Meta chose to maximize its profits at the expense of public health, specifically harming the health of the youngest among us, Phil Weiser, Colorados attorney general, said in a statement.



Lawmakers around the globe have been trying to rein in platforms like Instagram and TikTok on behalf of children. Over the past few years, Britain, followed by states like California and Utah, passed laws to require social media platforms to boost privacy and safety protections for minors online. The Utah law, among other things, would require social media apps to turn off notifications by default for minors overnight to reduce interruptions to childrens sleep.

Regulators have also tried to hold social media companies accountable for possible harms to young people. Last year, a coroner in Britain ruled that Instagram had contributed to the death of a teenager who took her own life after seeing thousands of images of self-harm on the platform.

Laws to protect the safety of children online in the United States, however, have stalled in Congress as tech companies lobby against them.

Weve been warning about Metas manipulation and harming of young people from its start and sadly it has taken years to hold it and other companies like Google accountable, said Jeffrey Chester, the executive director of consumer advocacy at the Center for Digital Democracy. Hopefully justice will be served but this is why its so crucial to have regulations.

How the Investigation Started

States began investigating Instagrams potentially harmful effects on young people several years ago as public concerns over cyberbullying and teen mental health mounted.

In early 2021, Facebook announced that it was planning to develop Instagram Kids, a version of its popular app that would be aimed at users younger than 13. The news prompted a backlash among concerned lawmakers and childrens groups.

Soon after, a group of attorneys general from more than 40 states wrote a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, the companys chief executive. In it, they said that Facebook had historically failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms and urged the company to abandon its plans for Instagram Kids.

Concerns among the attorneys general intensified in September 2021 after Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, leaked company research indicating that the company knew its platforms posed mental health risks to young people. Facebook then announced it was pausing the development of Instagram Kids.

That November, a bipartisan group of attorneys general, including Colorado, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, announced a joint investigation into Instagrams impact  and potential harmful effects  on young people.

Remedies

Under local and state consumer protection laws, the attorneys general are seeking financial penalties from Meta. The District of Columbia and the states are also asking the court for injunctive relief to force the company to stop using certain tech features that the states contend have harmed young users.

What Happens Next

Meta is expected to fight to dismiss the case. Mr. Weiser, the Colorado attorney general, said in a news conference that he filed the lawsuit because he wasnt able to reach a settlement with the company. He noted that Meta had filed a motion to dismiss a separate lawsuit filed by consumers, which accuses the company of similar allegations of harms toward children and teenagers.



Separately, a group of attorneys general from more than 40 states is pursuing an investigation into user engagement practices at TikTok and their possible harmful effects on young people. That investigation, which was announced in 2022, is ongoing.
Under the rainbow bridge

On another trip to the Central Coast, I spent a week sailing in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, just miles from the proposed sanctuary, and was struck by how quickly I snapped into the rhythms of sea life. My skin instantly took on a familiar layer of salt. We lived by the weather, highly attuned to the wind and waves, snorkeling among towers of kelp, the water gleaming with fish of all shapes and sizes. For me, time spent in concert with nature has always been a balm. In Morro Bay, I saw how it could also be a call to action.

Travel, while often fraught in discussions of climate change, can be, at its best, a way to stoke love for our planet. This marine sanctuary offers the potential for the knowledge of the Chumash people to lead to an even deeper love and connection to those who visit. Picture a whale-watching trip or a kayak tour that included Chumash ecological know-how and myths, or a visitors center that detailed sacred sites and origin stories.

We believe that we all came from the Channel Islands, and that we crossed a rainbow bridge that Hutash, the Earth Mother, created to the mainland, said Ms. Walker. Hutash told the people not to look down, because wed fall, but of course, they did. And to save them from drowning, she turned them into alolkoy, or dolphins.

For now, Ms. Walker and her team will do all they can to encourage people to write in support of the inclusion of Morro Bay until the comment period ends. Then, NOAA will finalize the sanctuary proposal  including the name, management plan and boundaries  before sending it to Congress for review and official designation.
In the 12 months after the Dobbs decision in June 2022, there were on average 82,298 abortions a month, compared with 82,115 in the two months before Dobbs, WeCount found. The group, part of the Society of Family Planning, which supports abortion rights, collects monthly numbers from providers across the country. The new data, released Tuesday, included 83 percent of known providers, and researchers estimated the remainder based on historical trends and abortion data from states.

Another estimate of abortions by the Guttmacher Institute, using a smaller sample of providers and for a shorter period, also found that abortion was most likely increasing nationwide.

The report does not include abortions outside the U.S. medical system  such as ordering abortion pills from abroad or traveling across the border. On average, there were around 5,000 more requests a month for pills from the largest overseas provider, Aid Access, in the 11 months after Dobbs than in the period before that decision was leaked, according to new data from Abigail Aiken, who leads the Self-Managed Abortion Needs Assessment Project at the University of Texas at Austin.

The biggest increases in legal abortions occurred in states that border those with bans, suggesting that many patients traveled across state lines. In New Mexico, the average number of monthly abortions in the year after Dobbs increased 61 percent from the two months before, to 1,910. In Illinois, the rise was 33 percent, to 7,302. In Florida, which bars abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy but is surrounded by states with stricter bans, abortions were up 28 percent, to 7,705.

Patients regularly travel hundreds of miles, and confusion about laws and continuing changes to them have made travel options progressively more difficult, said Alexia Rice-Henry, co-executive director of ARC-Southeast, which helps people in six states arrange and pay for travel to abortion clinics.
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to shut off the engines during a flight on Sunday told investigators that he had been sleepless and dehydrated since he consumed psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before boarding and that he had been depressed for a long time, state and federal court documents said.

The pilot, Joseph D. Emerson, 44, also told the police in an interview after he was taken into custody that he believed he was having a nervous breakdown, according to federal court documents. He said he had struggled with depression for about six years and that a friend had recently died.

An officer and Mr. Emerson talked about the use of psychedelic mushrooms, and Emerson said it was his first time taking mushrooms, the federal documents said. The documents did not elaborate on the quantity of psilocybin from mushrooms that he said he had consumed, and it was not known if the authorities had given him a drug test.

In the interview, Mr. Emerson also gave his version of what happened when he was riding inside the cockpit in a jump seat, a common practice for off-duty pilots shuttling to and from work.
ELKO  An Elko man was arrested after a traffic stop revealed two bags methamphetamine and cocaine in his vehicle.

Jonathan W. Brady, 32, was charged with high-level possession of a controlled substancemore than 42 gramsand low-level possession of a controlled substancemore than 14 grams.

According to court documents, on Oct. 19, police spotted Brady  who had a suspended drivers license  driving through Elko.

After pulling him over on Grant Ave., the officer stated he ordered Brady to put his hands on the steering wheel. Brady, however, is known to resist and kept putting his hands down.

The officer said he waited for backup and they both removed Brady from the vehicle, who pulled away from the officers and continued to resist arrest. One officer deployed his Taser and Brady exited the vehicle, still pulling his hands away from the officers.

After he was placed into handcuffs and put in the patrol vehicle, law enforcement and a K-9 searched Bradys vehicle.

The search revealed two bags  one of a white crystalline substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed about 47.36 grams. The other bag containing a white substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 14.68 grams.

Brady was also charged with resisting a public officer, intimidating an officer with physical force, and driving with a suspended drivers license.

Bradys bail was $201,280

Between 2016 and 2020, Brady was arrested multiple times, including for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, domestic battery, resisting a public officer, trafficking in a controlled substance, operating an unregistered vehicle, petit larceny, owning a gun by a prohibited person, and failure to appear in court on misdemeanor warrants,

Elko man arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle ELKO  An Elko man who has had prior methamphetamine related arrests was taken into custody Sunday at a casino parking lot on numerous charges.

On May 5, 2019, Brady was arrested on suspicion of grand larceny of motor vehicle, buying, possessing or receiving stolen property worth more than $3,500, and possession of a burglary tools.

He pleaded guilty in Elko District Court before Judge Al Kacin on Nov. 18, 2019, to reduced charges of gross misdemeanor charges of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and possession of implements adapted for the use or condition of a crime, stemming from a plea agreement. Brady was given a suspended sentence of one year in jail and was placed on probation for three years.

Elko man arrested in stolen vehicle after chase ELKO  An Elko man who has been arrested more than a dozen times in the past two years was arrested again Monday after allegedly attempting to

In another incident on May 4, 2020, Brady was arrested after law enforcement noticed he was driving a truck that matched the description of a stolen vehicle. He refused to stop and drove for a brief time before abandoning the truck. Brady led police on a foot chase before he was apprehended at the Monte Carlo Apartments.

He was subsequently charged with possession of stolen property, eluding, resisting, or obstructing a public officer, driving on a revoked drivers license, violation of parole or probation, and numerous traffic violations.

According to court documents, he pleaded no contest before Kacin on Aug. 3, 2020. The plea resulted from a plea agreement for a charge possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He was sentenced to 19 to 48 months in prison
The scent of sage and the sounds of a traditional Chumash song filled the air on a recent gray afternoon in Morro Bay. Waves crashed against a nearby breakwater as Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug, loomed dramatically behind us.

This was Rally at the Rock, a call to action from the Northern Chumash tribe in support of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The proposal would transform a stretch of the California coastline from Cambria to Gaviota, protecting an area of 7,573 square miles on and offshore that is in one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, limiting oil drilling and providing more funding for research.

In an article published today by The New York Times, I wrote about what the proposal might mean for the Central Coast. The sanctuary is billed as the first of its kind in the United States to be tribal-led, and it could introduce a different kind of tourism in the region, one centered on Native history, culture and knowledge. You can read my article here.

Years of work by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council will come to a head tomorrow with the close of a final public comment period on the proposal. The comment period is the last step before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finalizes the plan and sends it to Congress for designation.
Father Bus has barely mentioned the synod to his parishioners, and he said that few people at St. Stans filled out the archdioceses open survey about the meeting.

The Synod on Synodality, the sprawling meeting in Rome, has become a flashpoint among different factions of the churchs leadership. Women and laypeople are participating in the meeting for the first time. Attendees have a broad mandate to discuss the future of the church, including ordaining women as deacons and outreach to L.G.B.T.Q. people.

Relatively progressive leaders, including those appointed by Pope Francis, see the synod as a hopeful moment that could lead to much-needed changes. Conservatives fear that the meeting will decay church standards and unleash chaos. They have compared it to Pandoras box, and warn that it could cause a schism.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, a close ally of Pope Francis, is among the 14 American bishops attending the meeting. He strongly encouraged his parishes to contribute their thoughts. But in a moment when the American church is especially polarized at the top, the synod is also laying bare the divide in the pews, and the scale of the challenge facing the pope.
Georgias Supreme Court upheld the states prohibition of abortion Tuesday, rejecting arguments made by doctors and advocacy groups that the law was unconstitutional when the state legislature approved it in 2019, more than three years before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The ruling means that abortion remains banned in the state, with limited exceptions, after the sixth week of pregnancy  a point when most women have not yet even realized they are pregnant. With North Carolina now banning most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, South Carolina after six weeks, and Florida doing the same, pending a legal challenge, the ruling ensures that abortion will be largely inaccessible in the Deep South, forcing women there to travel farther for care, to more distant states like Virginia or Illinois.

The Georgia case is not over, because the court addressed only the question of whether the state ban should have been voided because of when it was enacted. The court sent the case back to a lower court for a trial on the separate question of whether the state constitution protects a right to privacy, and whether that right encompasses abortion.

Still, the latest ruling in Georgia is a reminder that state constitutions have become key arbiters in the nations state-by-state abortion battles.
Jenna Ellis, a pro-Trump lawyer who amplified former President Donald J. Trumps baseless claims of election fraud as part of what she called a legal elite strike force team, pleaded guilty on Tuesday as part of a deal with prosecutors in Georgia.

Addressing a judge in an Atlanta courtroom, she tearfully expressed regret for taking part in efforts to keep Mr. Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election.

Ms. Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty to a charge of aiding and abetting false statements and writings, a felony. She is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the Georgia case, which charged Mr. Trump and 18 others with conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Mr. Trumps favor.

Ms. Ellis agreed to be sentenced to five years of probation, pay $5,000 in restitution and perform 100 hours of community service. She has already written an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia, and she agreed to cooperate fully with prosecutors as the case progresses.
A college student with a heart condition died after she drank a heavily caffeinated drink from Panera Bread, likely thinking it had a safe amount of caffeine, her parents said in a lawsuit filed on Monday.

The lawsuit said that the company failed to properly warn customers about the potential dangers of its Charged Lemonade and misleadingly marketed the drink as clean, even though the large size has more caffeine than a 12-ounce Red Bull and a 16-ounce Monster Energy Drink combined.

The student, Sarah Katz, 21, drank Paneras Charged Lemonade in September 2022, and died later that day, according to the lawsuit, filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Ms. Katzs heart condition, Long QT Type 1 Syndrome, affects the electrical system that controls a persons heartbeat, the complaint said. She was diagnosed with the condition when she was 5 years old, took daily medication and avoided energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages, the complaint said.
House Republicans chose and then quickly repudiated yet another of their nominees for speaker on Tuesday and rushed to name a fourth, pressing to put an end to a remarkable three-week-long deadlock that has left Congress leaderless and paralyzed.

Representative Mike Johnson, a little-known social conservative from Louisiana, emerged on Tuesday night as the latest contender for the post after Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the No. 3 House Republican, dropped his bid only hours after securing the nomination. Mr. Emmers downfall followed a swift backlash from the right, including former President Donald J. Trump, that left his candidacy in shambles and the G.O.P. as divided as ever.

But by late Tuesday night, Mr. Johnson appeared to have put together a coalition that brought him closer to capturing the speakership than any candidate has been since hard-right rebels deposed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy three weeks ago. Though it was not certain he had the votes to be elected, he said he planned to call for a floor vote on Wednesday at noon.

Democracy is messy sometimes, but it is our system, Mr. Johnson said, standing beside dozens of other Republicans in a show of unity after he was nominated. This House Republican majority is united.
The United States on Tuesday rejected growing calls to support a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas because such a move would only benefit Hamas, a White House spokesman said.

The spokesman, John F. Kirby, said the administration supported pauses in the conflict to allow the flow of humanitarian aid. But he said civilian casualties were all but inevitable as Israel tries to vanquish Hamas in Gaza.

Were going to continue to make sure Israel has the tools and the capabilities that they need to defend themselves, Mr. Kirby said. Were going to continue to try to get that humanitarian assistance in, and were going to continue to try to get hostages and people out of Gaza appropriately.

Mr. Kirby added, A cease-fire, right now, really only benefits Hamas.

It is ugly and its going to be messy, and innocent civilians are going to be hurt going forward, he said. The United States, he added, had not discussed any red lines with Israel.

U.S. and Israeli officials have consistently rejected calls for a cease-fire, insisting that Israel must be given time to eradicate Hamas. But the calls for an end to the fighting are growing louder.

On Tuesday, the U.N. secretary general, Antonio Guterres, called for a humanitarian cease-fire in an address to the U.N. Security Council. Mr. Guterres said it was important to recognize that the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum and that Palestinians had been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.

The grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas, he said. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

In recent weeks, President Biden has faced pressure from members of his own party in Congress, as well as progressive Jewish groups, who staged a protest against the war on Capitol Hill.

The war erupted after Hamas launched attacks inside Israels borders on Oct. 7, killing 1,400 people. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said more than 5,700 people, nearly half of them children, had been killed since Israel began its response to the attack. The figure cannot be independently verified.

Israel has agreed under pressure to cease-fires in past conflicts with Gaza, including in 2012 after Israel had similarly threatened an invasion and deployed ground forces on the territorys border. Unlike then, however, Israeli leaders have in this case set Hamass total destruction as a goal, making it difficult to back down with limited results.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken told the Security Council that humanitarian pauses must be considered to allow food, water and other necessities to reach Gaza and for civilians to get out of harms way.

There is no hierarchy when it comes to protecting a civilians life, he said. Civilians are civilians.

Though Mr. Blinken did not specify their length, those pauses would presumably involve a very brief halt in combat well short of a typical cease-fire, which can last for days, weeks or indefinitely.

Israel has to do everything it can to make sure this doesnt happen again, Mr. Blinken said on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday. Freezing things in place where they are now would allow Hamas to remain where it is and to repeat what its done sometime in the future. No country could accept that.

The U.N. agency that aids Palestinians, UNRWA, has warned that the region is running low on fuel, which would particularly affect hospitals that are operating generators. Mr. Kirby said that the United States would continue to work to get fuel into Gaza, but added that Israel had a legitimate concern that Hamas could abscond with it and use it for military purposes.

Mr. Biden conceded on Tuesday that it was not reaching civilians fast enough.
During her plea hearing, Ms. Ellis told the judge that she had relied on lawyers with many more years of experience than she had, a potentially ominous sign for Mr. Giuliani in particular.

A spokesman for Mr. Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

With her guilty plea, Ms. Ellis became the fourth defendant  and the third lawyer  in the case to reach a cooperation deal with Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney. What began with a trickle last week, when two other pro-Trump lawyers  Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro  pleaded guilty and agreed to turn states evidence, started to look a lot like a flood when Ms. Ellis appeared in court.

While a person familiar with Ms. Elliss thinking described her as being extremely angry at Mr. Giuliani, her cooperation could be perilous for Mr. Trump as well. Ms. Ellis was on board with Mr. Trumps team up until the end of his term in office  and he has since refused to help her with her legal bills. And unlike a number of people swirling around the former president, she had a direct relationship to Mr. Trump and was in contact with him at various points while he was in the White House.

Indeed, if Ms. Ellis, Ms. Powell and Mr. Chesebro all end up taking the stand, they could paint a detailed collective portrait of Mr. Trumps activities in the postelection period. Their accounts could include the thinking behind the frivolous lawsuits filed on his behalf challenging the results of the election and the role Mr. Trump played in a scheme to create false slates of electors claiming he had won states he did not.

They could touch upon a brazen plot, rejected by Mr. Trump, to use the military to seize the countrys voting machines. And they could detail his efforts to strong-arm Mr. Pence into unilaterally throwing him the election on Jan. 6  an effort that prosecutors say played a part in exciting the mob that stormed the Capitol.
The Democratic group Third Way has released a new broadside against the No Labels effort to field a third-party presidential ticket in 2024, citing a recent polling presentation that shows a hypothetical ticket scrambling a race between President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.

In a memo published Tuesday, Third Way  a center-left group  outlined what it described as a radical new plan by No Labels, a centrist organization, to force a contingent election by running a third-party candidate, which could cause no candidate in the race to receive 270 electoral votes. In that scenario, No Labels could theoretically bargain its electoral votes to one of the major-party candidates, or the House of Representatives would decide the presidency.

The Third Way memo comes as allies of President Biden have aggressively moved to squash third party bids while warning Democrats that encouraging outsider candidacies might throw the election to Mr. Trump in what appears likely to be a rematch between the two men. The No Labels plan has been public for months, with the groups chief strategist, Ryan Clancy, discussing preparations for a contingent election and the idea of using electoral votes as a bargaining chip in an interview with CNN in May. Third Way has largely taken the lead in pushing back against the idea of a so-called unity ticket, in which No Labels would secure ballot access for a centrist candidate.

The key slide in No Labels presentation shows data from eight swing states from the polling firm HarrisX. In a two-man race, it says, Mr. Trump would lead in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Wisconsin; Mr. Biden would lead in Pennsylvania; and Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina would be tossups, with Biden leads within the margin of error. If Mr. Biden won the tossups  or even the tossups minus Nevada  he would win the election, assuming every other state voted as it did in 2020.
The Justice Departments inspector general found no evidence that President Donald J. Trump had improperly pressured the F.B.I. to rebuild its headquarters on its current site, the crumbling J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, according to a report released on Tuesday.

The investigation began four years ago after some Democrats expressed concern over the bureaus abrupt decision in late 2017 to scrap plans to build a $3 billion suburban campus for its 10,000 employees. Mr. Trumps unusual interest in the building, and its proximity to his now defunct hotel, raised eyebrows among some lawmakers over whether he sought to prevent the land from being developed into a competing project.

But investigators determined that the decision was most likely motivated by funding and logistical issues, not by an effort by Mr. Trump to personally intervene to protect his property in downtown Washington from a possible rival.

Several F.B.I. witnesses, including the bureaus director, Christopher A. Wray, told the inspector general that they had been given authority to determine the location of the new headquarters. They chose to rebuild at the existing location because it would allow them to concentrate their work force in a central location next to the Justice Department, and would cost less, the officials said.
ELKO  Elko police are investigating two apparent fentanyl deaths over the weekend.

Police and Elko Emergency Services were dispatched to Johnny Appleseed Park at approximately 11:51 a.m. Sunday on a report of a 24-year-old man who was unresponsive.

Life-saving measures were attempted but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said in a statement released Monday.

A woman who was with the man at the time of his death told police he had been smoking fentanyl before going into a port-a-potty. When he did not return, she checked on him and found him unresponsive.

Drug paraphernalia found inside the facility corroborated the womans story, police said.

In a separate incident later on Sunday, law enforcement and emergency services were called at approximately 8:37 p.m. to a residence in the 2300 block of Virginia Way on a report of a 45-year-old man who was found unresponsive.

Police found the man, who appeared deceased, lying on the floor of his residence. A person who had been sent to check on the man told officers that the man was a fentanyl user.

The mens names have not been released pending notification of kin, police said.

Police said both apparent drug-related deaths are under investigation.

Evidence leading to who provided the illicit drugs can result in a prosecution for murder, police added.

Fentanyl cases having major impact on county jail Its horrendously expensive for us to keep doing this stuff but we are ultimately responsible for their well-being, like it or not.

Authorities have noticed a huge increase in fentanyl overdose deaths in Elko County.

The Elko County Sheriffs office reported 22 drug overdose deaths were confirmed in 2022. Medical examiners attributed 17 of those deaths to fentanyl or a combination of fentanyl and other drugs.

If anyone has any information on either of these cases, please contact the Elko Police Department at 775-777-7310 or the non-emergency dispatch line at 775-777-7300.
Lawyers for former President Donald J. Trump fired off a barrage of new attacks on Monday night against the federal charges accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, filing nearly 100 pages of court papers seeking to have the case thrown out before it reaches a jury.

In four separate motions to dismiss  or limit the scope of  the case, Mr. Trumps legal team made an array of arguments on legal and constitutional grounds, some of which strained the boundaries of credulity.

The lawyers claimed, largely citing news articles, that President Biden had pressured the Justice Department to pursue a nakedly political selective prosecution of Mr. Trump. They asserted that prosecutors in the office of the special counsel, Jack Smith, had failed to prove any of the three conspiracy counts brought against the former president.

And they argued that under the principle of double jeopardy, Mr. Trump could not be tried on the election interference charges since he had already been acquitted by the Senate on many of the same accusations during his second impeachment.
In recent months, abortion opponents in Texas have succeeded in passing a growing number of local ordinances to prevent people from helping women travel to have abortions in nearby states that still allow the procedure.

On Monday, Lubbock County, a conservative hub of more than 300,000 residents near the border with New Mexico, became the largest county yet to enact such a ban. The county commissioners court, during a public meeting that drew occasionally impassioned testimony, voted to make it illegal for anyone to transport a pregnant woman through the county, or pay for her travel, for the purpose of seeking an abortion.

The county, which includes the city of Lubbock and Texas Tech University, joined three other far smaller counties  one along the New Mexico border and two others in the middle of the state  in passing ordinances that were drafted in part by the architect of Texass six-week abortion ban, adopted in 2021 even before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned of Roe v. Wade last year.

The city of Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle, on Tuesday held an hourslong public hearing to consider a similar ordinance, which would apply to a network of roads and highways that pass through the city of 200,000 and lead toward New Mexico and Colorado, states where many Texas women have traveled for procedures.
Too much stress is bad for our health  putting us at risk for conditions like depression, heart disease and memory problems. But life is full of commitments and pressures that make relaxation seem impossible, and finding ways to soothe can be difficult.

Stress happens. Stress is normal. Negative emotions are normal, said Judith T. Moskowitz, a professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. But, whatever stress youre experiencing, there are things you can do to bring more positive emotions.

We asked 15 experts  psychologists, counselors, neuroscientists and others  for their favorite books on managing stress. Some are packed with science while others focus on techniques, but theyre all meant to help you breathe a little easier. Many of the experts recommended the same titles. Below are five books to help you cultivate a more peaceful state of mind.

1. Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It, by Ethan Kross

In Chatter, Dr. Kross, the director of the Emotion & Self-Control Lab at the University of Michigan, offers tools to recognize and alter our inner monologues.
Okeef Saunders loves his job teaching history to high school students in Jamaicas capital. But he is getting ready to leave for the United States, where a teaching job with a much bigger paycheck in North Carolina awaits him.

I have four kids to support, a mortgage, bills for food, water, electricity, said Mr. Saunders, 49, who teaches at a Kingston high school. He said he plans to start out earning about $50,000 a year in United States, doubling his current salary after working as a teacher in Jamaica for the last 28 years.

When an opportunity like this comes up, you go for it, he said.

Mr. Saunders is joining an exodus of thousands of teachers from Jamaica in the last two years, primarily for jobs in the United States, Canada and Britain, as schools in those countries step up recruiting of foreign educators to address increasingly severe staff shortages.

In the United States alone, nearly half of all public schools have been operating without a full teaching staff, according to the U.S. Department of Education, as enrollment in teacher preparation programs plunges.
The government has invited people from three other troubled nations in the region  Haiti, Cuba and Nicaragua  to apply as well, giving them a chance to seek refuge in the country for up to two years in a safe and lawful way.

But only a fraction of the applicants have been accepted, while countless others  as many as 1.5 million or more, by several estimates  are waiting for an answer outside the United States in a kind of migration purgatory, trying to weather the upheaval, violence and hardship that makes them so anxious to flee.

Then, last month, Mr. Biden ripped up his own script, abruptly telling hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who had ignored his pleas and come to the United States anyway that they could remain in the country for at least 18 months, and even get a job.

Mr. Biden did so after Democratic leaders warned that big cities like New York would sink under the weight of tens of thousands of migrants who could not work and support themselves.

But for the legions of people who had followed the presidents instructions to stay away and take the legal route instead, like Ms. Cuauro, it was a slap in the face.
Just four months ago, Chinas defense minister, Gen. Li Shangfu, was at a forum for regional officials in Singapore, serving as the face of his countrys bold vision for reshaping Asias balance of power. He cast China as a force for stability and accused the United States of stirring trouble in the region, suggesting that its leaders should mind your own business.

Now, General Li has been dismissed after nearly two months out of public view  the latest example of the opacity of high-level politics in China under Xi Jinping, the countrys top leader.

General Li, who had been appointed defense minister in March, is the second senior official to be purged this year without explanation and under a cloud of suspicion.

The foreign minister, Qin Gang, was dismissed in July, amid speculation about a potentially compromising affair while he was an ambassador in the United States. The removal of the defense minister also followed an abrupt shake-up in August in the leadership of Chinas nuclear force, the highest-level upheaval in Chinas military in recent years.
A Washington state senator was arrested at a Hong Kong airport and spent days in custody on charges of possessing a locally unregistered firearm, his office said on Monday.

Jeff Wilson, a Republican who represents parts of southwestern Washington State, discovered the weapon on his flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum, his office said in a statement.

Baggage screeners in Portland, Ore., had failed to notice the unloaded pistol in his briefcase before he departed for his trip, letting it pass through airport security, according to his office. When he landed at Hong Kong International Airport, he told customs officials there about the gun.

Mr. Wilson was arrested on Friday night, then released on bail on Sunday, his office said. His next court hearing is set for Monday.
Several people in Austria were treated in a hospital after using what government officials believe to be counterfeit Ozempic, underscoring worries across parts of Europe that fake versions of the diabetes drug may be circulating.

Ozempic began trending this year as celebrities, TikTok influencers and others described using it to quickly lose weight. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 to treat diabetes. A similar drug called Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of Ozempics active ingredient, semaglutide, was approved in 2021.

European officials have recently warned that Ozempics rise in popularity has resulted in limited availability for diabetic patients, leading criminal organizations to exploit the shortage by putting fake injection pens on the market.

The patients treated in Austria reported serious side effects like hypoglycemia and seizures, indications that the product most likely contained insulin instead of semaglutide, officials said.
As Israeli soldiers have massed to enter Gaza in force, the defense minister has promised them, You see Gaza now from a distance; you will soon see it from inside.

Yet despite this vow from the minister, Yoav Gallant, it is not clear when Israel will mount a ground invasion. And if the government appears hesitant to enter Gaza  more than two weeks since the Hamas attack that killed more than 1,400 Israelis  there are good reasons to be.

What lies ahead is a kind of sustained urban warfare that the countrys military forces have not encountered for nearly a decade, and in pursuit of a political end that remains unclear aside from vanquishing Hamas, which controls Gaza, so that it can never again threaten Israeli citizens.

By itself, that is a tall order that will require the Israelis to establish control over Gaza for themselves, and one which will cost significant amounts of blood, treasure and international outrage over civilian deaths.

And hovering over everything is the political conundrum of what happens to Gaza after the war ends. Once in, how does Israel get out? Once it has dismantled Hamas, if it can, to whom will it hand the keys? If Hamas no longer governs Gaza, who will?

For the moment, Israeli officials say, those questions are not their immediate concern. But they will be unavoidable, even if Gaza becomes the responsibility of a new Israeli government.
A Polish bishop whose diocese has been badly tarnished by reports of a gay orgy involving priests and a prostitute resigned on Tuesday, the latest in a long series of sexual and financial scandals in Polands Roman Catholic Church.

Grzegorz Kaszak, the bishop of Sosnowiec in southwestern Poland, announced his departure after one of his priests was placed under criminal investigation in connection with reports last month that he had organized a sex party during which a male prostitute lost consciousness from an overdose of erectile dysfunction pills.

Gazeta Wyborcza, a liberal daily newspaper, reported in September that one of the priests at the gathering, held in a building belonging to the parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels in the town of Dabrowa Gornicza, had called an ambulance. Others at the party prevented paramedics from tending to the unconscious man, the paper reported, but the paramedics called the police and the priests relented.

The priest who organized the gathering in his church apartment, identified by the diocese only as Father Tomasz Z., gave a statement last month to Polish media that disputed details of what had happened, quibbling over the number of priests present at the time of the alleged sex party and saying that it is worth reading what the definition of an orgy is.
Lush, green grasses and willows line the edge of Elkos Susie Creek. Water gathers in deep, slow-moving pools.

The ribbon of green and blue that winds through the Northern Nevada desert stands in stark contrast to the surrounding sagebrush, providing sanctuary for fish and waterfowl.

It wasnt always that way.

Three decades earlier, in the late 1980s, Susie Creek was just a sliver of water slicing through a barren gravel bar. There was not a willow or sedge in sight.

That was before the beavers returned.

Native to North America, beavers once covered much of the continent, including portions of present-day Nevada. Estimates put the number of beavers nationwide at about 55 million before European settlement.

By the end of the 19th century, trapping had decimated beaver populations. Good sources of fur and oil, they also were competitors for land desirable for ranching and agriculture. With increased agricultural and urban development, groundwater pumping and irrigation diversions altered many of the streams the few remaining beavers called home.

Where the beavers remained, they were often viewed as nuisances to ranchers, given their propensity for damming up moving water.

But over the past few decades, beavers have bounced back as most public and private land managers now realize the rodents are more than a source of fur and oil  they are a critical component to healthy riparian ecosystems. They can reduce erosion, raise the water table, improve water quality and expand floodplains and wetlands  many of the same goals of riparian restoration projects.

Many Nevada ranchers are realizing that if they want healthy waterways on their grazing allotments, they need to also want the large rodents  or at least a simulation of them  on their property.

This realization has given beavers a new reputation in agricultural areas across the West. In a generation, the rodents have gone from being perceived as pesky nuisances to critical landscape components.

Its hard to talk about beaver without talking about taking care of the streams, said Carol Evans, a retired Bureau of Land Management fisheries biologist who spent her career helping restore overgrazed creeks throughout Elko County. You just cant have one without the other.

In Nevada, beavers naturally occur in the Humboldt River Basin, along the Colorado River and in the streams and tributaries of the Snake River.

In those watersheds and beyond, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is building beaver dam analogs  mimicking the beneficial effects of the rodents dams and taking the first steps toward reestablishing habitat to support beavers where populations had been driven out.

Were kind of in the midst of a beaver enlightenment. Its neat, Evans said. People are understanding all the ecological benefits of the beaver.

But, like everything else, beavers come with a downside. As their numbers increase, they are expanding into urban areas such as Reno, where they arent restoring watersheds  they are just, well, still considered a nuisance.

A cultural shift

Driving a load of dynamite back to Elkos Maggie Creek Ranch from Battle Mountain, Jon Griggs knew one thing: Keep the dynamite and blasting caps separate.

It was around 1990, and hed just been hired at the nearly 200,000-acre ranch  the same one Susie Creek runs through  as a cowboy. One of his first jobs at the ranch was to blow up a beaver dam on Maggie Creek.

We had sticks flying up in the air, we had big booms, but we really didnt do much because we had no idea what we were doing, Griggs recalled.

The general attitude of ranchers toward beavers is changing, but for a long time they were the devil, according to state biologist Madi Stout. This was largely due to the rodents proclivity to build dams wherever they found water, including irrigation ditches and canals designed to deliver water without barriers.

Anytime they hear running water, its a bat signal to them to build a dam, she said.

Beavers build dams to create ponds where they can construct lodges. The ponds and lodges provide protection from predators.

In the early 1990s, Evans approached Griggs to talk about the way cattle grazed on Maggie Creek Ranch. The ranch operated on a rest-rotation grazing system, but riparian areas including Susie Creek were almost always grazed all season long. Formerly lush riparian areas had morphed into barren patches of dirt around the creeks.

What if, she proposed, the ranch avoided grazing cattle along the creeks during the hottest months of the year? Plants along the streams would have an opportunity to regrow, the land could start to recover and the streams could heal.

The first year, native grasses came back. The second year, other flowering plants returned. It takes about eight to 12 years to restore a riparian plant community back to a level that attracts beavers. By the early to mid-2000s, Susie Creek was increasingly healthy and beaver populations were rebounding.

Griggs was hesitant to let the rodents return but did so at Evans encouragement.

We let em go, he said. And thank God we did. They did some phenomenal work for us.

Fast forward three decades, and Griggs is now the manager of Maggie Creek Ranch, president of the Nevada Cattlemens Association and one of the most prominent voices in Nevada ranching. He still wears a beaver felt hat, but hes also somewhat of a spokesperson for the positive work beavers do.

It took all of us a cultural shift. We just didnt get it, said Griggs, 60, who has spoken at environmental symposiums across the nation. My generation and probably the generation before me kind of got here when beaver were gone.

Over time, Griggs came to see beavers as a way to restore wetland areas, a sentiment he says many ranchers now share.

You think of the creek just as the water you can see, but a healthy creek is the water you can see and a big sponge of water beneath it that hydrates the whole flood plain, Griggs said. Beavers, when they slow water down and back it up, they hydrate that sponge, and it allows for riparian vegetation to expand. For us, that means we get areas of green when nothing else is green.

But beavers arent a cure for all Nevadas riparian ills and cause problems in some areas of the state, according to state furbearer biologist Russell Woolstenhulme.

Hes responded to calls at Wild Island, a water park in Sparks, because beavers were cutting down trees in the parking lot. Hes received calls in arid Palomino Valley with reports of a beaver walking down the road, searching for a new place to build a dam.

Theyre absolutely amazing  but throwing beaver at every problem  everyone else wants to throw beaver at it and walk away. All they see is the good thing, he said. The problem with that is beaver build dams and flood everything. Nevada has some really strict rules about water flows.

In 2015, beavers in Sparks were causing damage and risk of residential flooding along the North Truckee Drain. The city temporarily resorted to catching them underwater, where they were drowned to death, before stopping the practice.

They continue to be seen as nuisances and have such impacts on water flow that laws remain on the books specifically addressing the removal of beaver dams. The law outlines how their dams are to be removed by state officials if they are found to be obstructing the proper and necessary flow of water to the detriment of water users.

There might be too many in the wrong places, but there arent enough in the right places, counters Josh Barnes, biologist with Trout Unlimited, a group that restores coldwater fisheries, adding that if there were enough beavers, the state would have more functional, healthy streams.

The benefits of beaver dams  without the beavers

For Colter Feuerstein, a state wildlife biologist, the story of Nevadas beavers goes back a decade before Griggs was tasked with blowing up a dam.

In the 1980s, well before Feuerstein joined NDOW, the agency found one of the last endemic Lahontan cutthroat trout populations in Crowley Creek in the Montana Range north of Winnemucca.

Biologists started monitoring the threatened fish  the largest native freshwater trout species in North America  that have seen their populations plummet due to water diversions, changing habitat and invasive species. Today, they occupy a tiny fragment of their historic streams and lakes.

By the early 2000s, downstream Lahontan cutthroat trout had spawned with rainbow trout and the hybridized fish  sporting lower reproductive success and lower survival rates  were moving upstream in Crowley Creek.

To remove the hybridized fish, the department decided to use rotenone  a naturally occurring compound used in waterways to kill unwanted fish, Feuerstein said. But beavers still lived on Crowley Creek, and their dams would trap sediment that would mix with the compound, making it less potent.

To assist with the hybridized fish eradication, NDOW removed the beavers from the area and altered their dams to increase water flows. But it didnt work the way they expected.

Biologists watched as the trout population declined, said Feuerstein. The pools created by the beaver dams had actually provided critical habitat for rearing juveniles and for overwintering.

Without the dams, where there were once thousands of fish, populations failed to reach even 500. What happened at Crowley Creek is illustrative of what has happened across large sections of Nevada, Feuerstein said.

Beavers were removed, sometimes in a misguided effort to help other wildlife, sometimes for development purposes. Whatever the cause, the result was almost always a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Biologists such as Feuerstein realized beavers needed to be reintroduced to the creek. Or, at least, biologists needed to simulate their return to the creek.

Were trying to fix the issues we created unknowingly over the last century, and that goes for doing things like removing beavers and not understanding their connection to the landscape and how they were important, he said.

This past summer, Feuerstein and his crew embarked on a project to recreate beaver habitat, with the eventual goal of reintroducing the rodents. The first step, though, is improving habitat.

Using fence posts and native aspen and willows, they built dam analogs (BDAs)  woven fences staked into the creeks that simulate beaver dams by trapping sediment, pooling up water behind them. The water leaches into the aquifer, recharging it, contributing to more flows later in the year.

The BDAs can be built in about an hour for only the cost of fence posts and labor.

Stout, the other state wildlife biologist, works with private ranchers interested in adding BDAs to their property.

Wheres the water in Nevada? Its on private land typically. Its super beneficial to make relationships with these private landowners to benefit wildlife, she said.

The projects she works on are in creeks on state, federal and private land degraded not just by ranching practices, but by a laundry list of causes including mustangs, drought and wildfires.

They (BDAs) are low cost, theyre low maintenance and they provide significant erosion control, she said. Its like instant gratification while youre doing it  youre watching the water rise behind your BDA. You can see the fruits of your labor pretty quickly.

Woolstenhulme supports the use of BDAs because they bring the benefits of beavers without negative impacts.

You build a series of dams, but they dont grow. Beaver dams continue to grow and stop water, he said. Thats why our laws are like that  blocking someones water blocks their livelihood.

Evans agrees that BDAs have substantial positive impacts and are good tools  if the underlying issues causing degraded stream habitats are addressed.

If theres a broken part [of the ecosystem], what is it? Identifying that broken part will tell you what you need to do, Evans said. If your broken part is you arent getting enough survival of sedges, rushes, aspens and willows, a beaver dam analog isnt going to help.

Evans retired in 2016, but she still surveys streams, and the beaver dams that green them up, throughout Elko County. One of the streams she monitors is Maggie Creek, the dammed up one Griggs was ordered to blow up.

Decades later, its still a creek beavers call home.
Two cargo ships collided in the North Sea in the early hours of Tuesday morning, sinking one vessel and leaving at least one mariner dead, the authorities said.

Two crew members from British cargo vessel Verity were rescued during an extensive operation that included German Maritime Search and Rescue Service and police vessels, aircraft and a cruise ship. Teams were still searching for four people presumed to have been either in the 60-degree water since early Tuesday or locked inside the sunken ship.

The collision occurred at around 5 a.m. 14 miles southwest of Heligoland, a tiny, rocky island situated north of Germany. The site of the incident is one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, according to the German authorities.

Both the Verity and the Polesie, which sails out of Poland but is registered in the Bahamas, had begun their journeys in Germany and were hauling freight within Europe.
To the police in Spain, the artifacts possessed an ancient and golden allure.

In a criminal investigation, the Spanish police said on Monday, officers had found that 11 pieces of gold, believed to date as far back as the 4th and 8th centuries B.C., had been stolen from Ukraine in 2016 and illegally taken to Madrid, where five people schemed to sell the artifacts.

The five individuals were arrested and charged with money laundering, and the national police released images and video of the stolen items, saying that their value was around 60 million euros, or $64 million.

But two experts in Greco-Scythian artifacts said in interviews that the items seized are most likely modern imitations of those crafted by ancient Greeks for Scythian nomads who, in the 4th century B.C., traversed what is now Ukraine and southern Russia.

Leonid Babenko, an archaeologist at the M.F. Sumtsov Kharkiv Historical Museum in Kharkiv, Ukraine, said in an email that the items were clumsy fakes and had most likely been created for private collectors.
The Ukrainian government has ordered the evacuation of hundreds of children in shattered villages across southern Ukraine, and is sending police door to door to convince parents that it is time to escape the widespread Russian shelling in the region.

Officials are also evacuating children in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces are launching some of their largest offensive assaults in months. At least 41 children were moved in recent days and local authorities are pleading with families in at least eight communities to follow their neighbors and move to safety.

The mandatory evacuation orders are not the first of their kind in the 20-month war but they underscored the ferocity of the fighting at a moment when both Ukraine and Russia are pressing bloody assaults that invariably engulf the small villages near the front lines.

That the front has remained largely static for nearly a year can obscure the scale of the violence playing out daily along a line that stretches more than 1,000 miles from the Black Sea to the Russian border.
War does not wait for young love to bloom.

In Ukraine, young people on the brink of adulthood now bear its costs instead.

It hangs like a shadow over their homes and their work, their relationships and their passions.

We spoke with six young Ukrainians about their altered reality.

There is a feeling that you are losing your life, your future.

But how does someone take back a life theyve never had?
In Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, just steps away from the United Nations headquarters, pro-Israel demonstrators on Tuesday laid out some 200 pairs of shoes  one for each person held hostage by Hamas.

As ambassadors from around the world gathered at the U.N. to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, family members of the hostages and Israeli officials were joined at the plaza by supporters rallying for greater action on securing the return of those who were abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, the day the terrorist group invaded Israel, killing more than 1,400 people.

Were not satisfied knowing that its been 17 days and nothing seems to be moving, said Orna Neutra, whose son, Omer Neutra, is being held in Gaza. This is a world crisis, its not just our personal crisis. There were at least 33 citizens of different countries in the world. Where are they? Everyone needs to speak up.

Ronen Neutra, Omers father, said his family had no idea where Omer was or what condition he might be in. Omer was serving as a soldier in the Israeli military on the border with Gaza when he was abducted, but he grew up in New York.

We are calling all the international world countries to unite and work together in helping those innocent people, the innocent families, and bring them back, Mr. Neutra said.

Alana Zeitchik, whose six family members were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, the site of one of Hamass brutal Oct. 7 attacks, said her goal was to share her familys story and keep the spotlight on the missing.

Ms. Zeitchiks cousin Sharon Cunio; Sharons husband, David Cunio; and their 3-year-old twin daughters, Emma and Julia, were believed to have been abducted, as was Ms. Zeitchiks cousin Danielle Alony and her 5-year-old daughter, Amelia.

The world is very divided, but Im not an expert on that, Ms. Zeitchik said. Im an expert on loving my family. Everyone should understand what that feels like, to love your family so much. And I want our families home.
Escalating its onslaught against Hamas, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with hundreds of airstrikes in a single day, Israeli officials said Tuesday, and officials in Hamas-controlled Gaza said it was the deadliest day for Palestinians there since the conflict began.

It was not possible to independently verify the claims, but it was clear that even before Israeli soldiers have set foot in the Palestinian enclave to retaliate for Hamass Oct. 7 rampage in Israel, a humanitarian disaster in Gaza was growing worse by the day.

If a diplomatic solution is possible, there was little sign of it Tuesday at the United Nations, where diplomats spent the day issuing futile pleas for a ceasefire and bitter denunciations.

Israels foreign minister, Eli Cohen, began his address to the Security Council by holding up photos of Israeli children kidnapped when Hamas gunmen and allied militants streamed into towns and military bases, shooting mostly unarmed civilians and seizing hostages. I have to remember and never let you forget, he said.

In a scathing address of his own to the council, the Palestinian Authoritys minister of foreign affairs, Riyad al-Maliki, accused the international community of selectivity and double standards. Officials in Gaza say that 5,791 people there have been killed since Oct. 7.

Doesnt this wholesale killing offend you? Mr. al-Maliki demanded. Officials of Egypt and Jordan accused Israel of violating international law in its conduct of the war.
Despite a weekslong bombing effort by the Israeli military, which has left thousands dead, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Ms. Lifshitz described a seemingly well-organized operation, with operatives given special responsibilities, including doctors, guards and medics.

The militants brought her to a large underground hall where they had gathered 25 people, before five from Nir Oz were separated and placed in a room on their own, Ms. Lifshitz said. We were closely guarded by their guards and a medic. At a certain point a doctor also arrived and made sure that we received our pills and medication, she said.

Ms. Lifshitz said her captors paid special attention to the health of the hostages, providing medication, shampoo and feminine hygiene products. The hostages were fed the same meager provisions their guards ate: a single daily meal of pita bread, two kinds of cheese and cucumber.

They were very attentive to the sanitary aspect, she said, so we dont get sick on them, God forbid. There was a doctor nearby who would come every two or three days to check in on us. And the medic took the responsibility to bring us medication. If they did not have the exact same medication, they brought us the equivalent.

In a video documenting Ms. Lifshitzs handover to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which was filmed and released by the armed wing of Hamas, Ms. Lifshitz appears to grasp one Hamas members hands and repeat the Hebrew word shalom, meaning goodbye and also peace.

Her grandson, Daniel Lifshitz, said in a televised interview that his grandmother would remain in the hospital for now, adding that she would need a lot of time to recover from this, even though she looks strong.

Israel has historically made the return of captives a national priority. In 2011, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners  including Hamass current leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar  in exchange for a single Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit.

But the country has never faced a crisis in which so many citizens were being held hostage at one time. Hamas has said it is willing to consider releasing foreign nationalities under temporary custody, as and when security circumstances permit.

Before Tuesdays release of Ms. Lifshitz and Ms. Cooper, the group had allowed the release of only two other captives, the dual American-Israeli citizens Judith Raanan and her daughter, Natalie. The Raanans, released on Oct. 20, have not spoken publicly about their ordeal.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has vowed to demolish Hamas. Without sharply defining what that means, he pledged to remove the group from Gaza after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel killed 1,400 people and led to the kidnapping of more than 200 others.

But Gaza, heavily urbanized, with Hamas deeply entrenched, is an especially complex battlefield. Concerned about the challenges ahead, the Biden administration has sent senior military officers to provide advice to the Israelis, based on their own experiences in Iraq, while pressing Israel to delay the invasion, to leave more time to negotiate the release of hostages taken by Hamas and to deliver more humanitarian aid. American officials worry that Israel lacks a plan with clear, achievable objectives that would prevent an enormous loss of life among Gazas more than two million Palestinian civilians.

Ive encouraged them to conduct their operations in accordance with the law of war, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said on Sunday.

With history as a guide, three factors would most likely shape a ground war in Gazas cities: the urban environment, the interaction between fighters and civilians, and political pressures.

The Landscape

The Gaza Strip is about 140 square miles, a narrow band slightly larger in area than Las Vegas, with a cluster of urban population centers. Gaza City, the capital, has around 700,000 people packed into around 20 square miles, with more tall buildings than U.S.-led forces faced in the battle for Mosul, creating a more dangerous three-dimensional front.

Many urban invasions  from the Middle Ages to modernity  have started off with a rapid advance, only to later bog down in districts that favor defenders. Mosul is a prime example; another is last years siege of Mariupol. A few thousand Ukrainian soldiers held the city for nearly three months against an advancing Russian force five to eight times as large.

They leveraged the citys heavy-clad, industrial buildings and its subterranean network very effectively, John W. Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies with the Modern War Institute at the U.S. Military Academy, wrote in a report about the first year of the Ukraine war.

Cities can also be malleable. Israel has destroyed hundreds of Gaza buildings in airstrikes. Hamas, long before its assault on Israel this month, had built hundreds of miles of tunnels under Gaza City that can be used to move between attack positions, hide hostages and protect supplies.
Yocheved Lifshitz, the 85-year-old woman who was released after being held hostage by Palestinian militants in Gaza for 17 days, on Tuesday described being beaten while her captors took her away on a motorcycle.

Ms. Lifshitz said she was marched through a network of subterranean tunnels under Gaza that she likened to a spider web. She said that she was later treated relatively well, offering the first public account to emerge from the more than 200 hostages estimated to be held by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.

I went through hell, Ms. Lifshitz told reporters the day after her release, sitting in a wheelchair at a hospital in Tel Aviv amid a thicket of microphones.

She was freed along with Nurit Cooper, 79, on Monday and transferred from Hamas custody to Israeli forces via the International Committee for the Red Cross and Egypt. Both of their husbands are still being held hostage in Gaza.

Her account of the tunnels offered a glimpse of the difficulties facing Israel as it weighs whether and how to launch a ground invasion of Gaza to eliminate Hamas, which led the devastating Oct. 7 attacks against Israel.

Hamas has built a labyrinth of underground passages in Gaza for its fighters, military analysts said, complicating both Israels anticipated ground operation and any attempt to rescue the hostages.

Ms. Lifshitzs voice at times faltered as she recalled her abduction and the horrors suffered by her neighbors when Hamas attacked her town of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her daughter Sharone, who was crouched at her side on Tuesday, occasionally translated for foreign journalists.

Many people stormed our homes, they beat people, some of them they abducted, like me, Ms. Lifshitz said. It made no difference, they abducted the elderly and the young.

In my memory, I have these images all the time, she added later.

She said her kidnappers hauled her onto a motorcycle and beat her painfully in the ribs, making it hard for her to breathe, and also took away her watch. They drove off through the fields surrounding Nir Oz.

They took her through the network of tunnels until they reached a large hall where about 25 people were, she said. After about two to three hours, they separated five people from her kibbutz into their own room, where they were overseen by guards and a medic, she said.

Ms. Lifshitz said that she and others were relatively well taken care of, given medicine and the same food as their captors. Fearing disease, her captors worked to sanitize the area, she said, and doctors would visit sporadically to check on them. They treated us gently and fulfilled all of our needs, she said.

Hamas has released four hostages in the few days, including Judith and Natalie Raanan, American-Israeli citizens who were freed last week. Ms. Lifshitz is the first released hostage to speak publicly about her ordeal.

Ms. Lifshitzs husband, Oded  an Israeli journalist and peace activist  remains in Hamas captivity, according to Israeli authorities.

The Hamas-led attacks against Israels border communities shocked and traumatized the country. Israel had repeatedly fought short battles with Palestinian militants in Gaza in recent years, but nothing approaching the scale and brutality of the assault.

Ms. Lifshitz at times criticized the Israeli military, saying that it and the Shin Bet domestic security service had ignored warning signs of the threat to towns near Gaza. The Israeli militarys chief of staff acknowledged after the attacks that the military had failed to live up to its mission to protect Israels citizens.

Weeks before the assault, Palestinians had rioted and fired explosive balloons near the Gaza border fence, sparking fires in southern Israel, Ms. Lifshitz said.

The Israeli army didnt take this seriously, she said.
President Emmanuel Macron of France expressed firm support for Israel during a trip there on Tuesday, even as he insisted that its war against Hamas should spare civilians and that Israel should not lose sight of a political resolution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

You are not alone, Mr. Macron told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel at a news conference, after a closed-door meeting between the two leaders.

The fight must be without mercy, Mr. Macron added, but not without rules, because we are democracies that are fighting against terrorists, democracies that respect the laws of war, democracies that do not target civilians, in Gaza or elsewhere.

Mr. Netanyahu thanked Mr. Macron for his visit, but he focused on military operations against Hamas, which he said must be destroyed.
This aerial panoramic photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows a Tibetan blue bear that broke into a protection station of the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys foraging on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a Tibetan gazelle amid snow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows black-necked cranes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows wild yaks at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan antelopes amid snow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan gazelles at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2023 shows blue sheep foraging on a hill at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys foraging on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan antelopes foraging at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows Tibetan antelopes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Photo by Shang Peng/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 14, 2023 shows a wild yak at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Photo by Shang Peng/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows black-necked cranes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Photo by Shang Peng/Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered fountain at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the view of a lake, a desert and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows a bearded vulture at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys amid snow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows a Tibetan blue bear that broke into a protection station of the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows the sunrise glow over snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows wild yaks on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial stitched photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows the sunrise glow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows the sunrise glow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered fountain at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys and wild yaks at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 15, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys foraging on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the sunshine at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows wild yaks on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows black-necked cranes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Editor: JYZ
Gaza has been under siege for four weeks, as Israel bombards the territory with airstrikes in response to a brutal assault by Hamas. About half of Gazas two million people have been displaced, and they are facing increasingly desperate conditions. Local officials say thousands have been killed.

A densely populated neighborhood in Gaza called the Jabaliya refugee camp was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday, killing many people, according to hospital and health officials in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Gazan interior ministry said that another airstrike in the same area had killed and injured more people.

The war began on Oct. 7, when Hamas, which controls Gaza, crossed the border into Israel and killed more than 1,400 people. Last week, Israeli forces entered the Gaza Strip, beginning the most sustained fighting against Hamas since the war began, though the Israeli military has not publicly described the operation as an invasion.

One of the challenges they will face is that Hamas took more than 200 hostages from Israel, according to the Israeli military.

Here are images from Hamass attacks and their aftermath, and of Israels response.

This gallery contains graphic images.

Friday

A Palestinian man cried over the loss of his daughter, who was killed by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip.
Hamas, the group that controls the Gaza Strip and staged the surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and other Palestinian groups are believed to be holding more than 240 hostages  people taken after Hamas stormed across the border in a brazen assault that killed at least 1,400 people.

Heres what we know about the captives.

How many hostages are there?

The Israeli military has notified the families of 242 people kidnapped during Hamass attack, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the militarys chief spokesman, said on Thursday. The count has risen as the army has collected more intelligence and accounted for the many foreign citizens who were kidnapped, Admiral Hagari said.

At least 33 children are among the hostages, according to the Israeli government.

On Monday, the Israeli military said that it had rescued an Israeli soldier who was taken hostage from her army base on Oct 7.

Hamas has released four hostages: an American Israeli mother and daughter on Oct. 20 and two Israeli women three days later, which raised hopes about the effectiveness of hostage negotiations. The Biden administration had advised Israel to delay a ground invasion of Gaza, hoping to buy time for such talks and allow more humanitarian aid to reach the sealed-off enclave.
Jennifer Garrett

Altice USA names Jennifer Garrett CMO for its Optimum brand, a new post at the company. Garrett most recently served as head of marketing for Charter Communications Spectrum Enterprise unit. Before joining Charter in 2018 she was at Cox Communications, holding a range of position, including SVP, digital marketing and national sales. In her new position, Garrett will have responsibility for the Optimum brand and value proposition, in addition to working to acquire customers and amplify awareness of Optimum products across all business channels. She is an exceptional leader and innovator with a proven track record of building top-performing teams and bringing businesses to new levels, said Altice USA EVP, chief growth officer Leroy Williams.

Sandra Callahan

Crosstree, an investment banking firm that works with health sciences companies, brings on Sandra Callahan as its first chief marketing and growth officer. Callahan most recently served as SVP, head of corporate marketing brand and communications for strategic consulting company Eliassen Group. Before that, she was head of corporate marketing at accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen. In her new role, Callahan will support the execution of Crosstree's vision and growth plans by elevating and enhancing the firm's brand and deal origination strategy. We couldn't be more pleased to add Sandra's expertise to our executive team to help us achieve our ambitious targets," said Crosstree co-founder and managing director Shane Senior.

Molly Drenkard

The National Marine Manufacturers Association hires Anheuser-Busch director of corporate communications Molly Drenkard to serve as the organizations vice president of public affairs. Before coming to Anheuser-Busch, Drenkard served as national press secretary for the House Republican Conference and director, media relations and public affairs for the American Legislative Exchange Council. In her new post, she will leading the NMMAs strategic communications related to policy and government engagement. The NMMA has also named Joshua Jamison, who was previously a legislative manager for Rep. John Duarte (R-CA), as federal government relations manager.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has signed a six-month $300K pact to supply government relations and strategic counsel to the US mission of the Syrian Democratic Council.

The SDC is the political arm of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces, which liberated those regions from the Islamic State in partnership with the US and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, a group of about 80 countries.

Brownsteins engagement agreement calls for helping AANES gain political recognition as the legitimate local government in Syria and positioning it as the best solution to achieve the enduring defeat of terrorism and a lasting solution to the Syrian crisis.

The firm will assist AANES in reaching out to various media outlets to shed light on its successfully efforts to promote and safeguard core human values, ranging from gender equality to cultural diversity.

Brownstein also will forge relationships with federal agencies to promote economic investment to meet the economic challenges faced by north and east Syria.

Former California Republican Congressman Ed Royce, who chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Samantha Carl-Yoder, a 20-year State Dept. veteran, handle Brownsteins effort for the SDC.
Tullamore Lions Club who have delivered over 100 hours teaching to more than 60 Ukrainians are now looking for voluntary teachers to cater for the increased demand of their service.

The programme started in October 22 with a twice weekly session when the Lions Cub through Offaly Volunteer Centre made contact with two Ukrainians who spoke excellent English and made a plan to provide beginners English lessons currently operation from OVS centre subsequently moving to the Volunteer Centre in Bury Quay.

Malachy OConnor, Tullamore Lions Club member, explained how the club teamed up with Oksana Nych, an English teacher from Ivano-Frankivsk, and the first group of students turned up to learn some basic English.

Through 2023 the war was evolving and fresh groups of Ukrainian refugees were arriving in Tullamore. So, we reached out to recruit more volunteers and as of October 23 we are providing one-hour classes, three times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, he said.

The volunteers include Elena from Mariupol, Yaroslava from Chernihiv, and five native speakers  and members of Tullamore Lions Club

Some of our students have combined our lessons with the other supports available through LOETB and OLDC and have made rapid progress, allowing them to get jobs, explained Larry.

Weve learned about each other, our respective cultures, traditions and languages. It has been a joy to support and get to know our Ukrainian friends. The volunteer spirit is alive and kicking in Tullamore and its a triple win. Volunteers feel good for donating their time and energy for the good of other people. The recipients feel good for benefitting from this altruism and express their gratitude. Then the volunteers feel even more fulfilled when they see the longer term impacts they are making.

Due to the success of the service the Lions club are now looking for more volunteers both fluent English speakers and some Ukrainians to help both with translations and with delivering the classes.

They do not need to be qualified teachers just some confidence to lead a class. Monday night classes are aimed at total beginners which due to numbers arriving it is hoped to divide into two.

Those interested should contact malachyoc74@gmail.com
SHI YU/CHINA DAILY

By enhancing tropical agriculture under South-South cooperation, China's experience promises to be a win-win for global food security

Tropical regions are home to about 40 percent of the world's population. Agriculture in the tropical region, which is one of the major food providers in the world, is a prominent component of the global agricultural supply chain, playing an essential role in global food security and sustainable development. However, the modernization of agriculture in most tropical regions is relatively underdeveloped, and tropical agriculture faces mounting pressures due to climate change, growing food demand and systemic socioeconomic and environmental constraints. While facing many challenges, the region is also rife with opportunities. More efficient and sustainable development of agriculture can be achieved with the joint efforts of the international community.

The United Nations World Food Programme China is dedicated to knowledge sharing and technology transfer among developing countries in the pursuit of promoting food security, nutrition improvement and poverty reduction through South-South cooperation. Recognizing the immense potential of sharing China's best practices, technological innovations and capacity-building efforts in tropical agriculture development, WFP China has forged strategic partnerships with a wide range of Chinese government counterparts and academic institutions, aiming to strengthen South-South cooperation in the field of tropical agriculture.

One of these collaborations was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between WFP China and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in 2021, which outlined a road map for South-South cooperation on tropical agriculture to improve food security and rural livelihoods in developing countries of tropical areas. Knowledge sharing and capacity building are prioritized in the collaboration. Leveraging the academy's technical expertise in tropical agriculture, we jointly organized training activities and developed knowledge products to enhance smallholder farmers' resilience to climate change and improve food security and their livelihoods.

Cassava is a major staple food and cash crop in many tropical countries, especially in Africa. The Republic of Congo is one of the world's largest producers of cassava, with 98 percent of farmers engaged in cassava cultivation. In collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, WFP China supported the Country Pilot Project in the ROC, aiming at enhancing the development of the cassava value chain by tapping into China's successful experience to create benefits for the most vulnerable people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.

The project provided technical support to the development of the cassava value chain in the ROC through technical training, seminars and video courses, which have empowered local smallholder farmers, producers and officials in cassava production, processing, post-harvest loss management, and value chain development. In the past, cassava products were mainly processed manually in the ROC, where people grated the tubers on perforated metal sheets and pressed the cassava under piles of rocks. Currently the local cassava production, thanks to technical support under this project, has improved significantly with the introduction of processing techniques, such as mechanical graters and screw presses, which has led to increased production volumes, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Mbessi Lucien, a local smallholder farmer, said: "Our children need to gain this knowledge, so that when we are old, they will follow in our footsteps."

Driven by demands from other developing countries, smallholder value chain capacity, post-harvest management, disaster-preparedness and climate change adaptation, poverty reduction and rural vitalization innovation have been identified as priorities of WFP China's South-South cooperation engagement, with tropical agriculture as a major focus. In Madagascar, WFP China supported local women groups in developing the cassava and banana value chains to promote women's economic empowerment. In Mozambique, smallholder farmers benefited from China's expertise in sweet potato processing technology and post-harvest loss management of fruits and vegetables. A series of seminars and workshops were held to share China's technical solutions in the realm of tropical agriculture development with participants from more than 20 developing countries. This year, delegations from Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Cameroon, Cuba and Timor-Leste conducted on-site study tours to learn about China's experience in developing crop value chains and explored future cooperation opportunities with China.

Knowledge sharing through South-South cooperation is pivotal in addressing challenges and advancing sustainable agricultural development within tropical regions. As a dedicated partner to developing countries that seek innovative and adaptable solutions for their developmental obstacles, WFP China remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring and supporting new areas of South-South cooperation, guided by the evolving needs of developing countries amid the complex global context of food insecurity.

By actively participating in South-South cooperation, WFP China is well-positioned to unlock the potential of tropical agriculture, empowering developing nations and catalyzing transformative changes in agricultural practices and landscapes. As an increasing number of tropical developing countries benefit from China's successful experiences in South-South cooperation, these collective international efforts promise to make a substantial impact on global food security. It contributes significantly to building a sustainable and resilient future free from hunger.

The author is WFP Representative and Country Director of the United Nations World Food Programme China. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.

Editor: WRX
Arrested Bigg Boss Kannada Contestant Varthur Santhosh Sent To Jail, Forest Officials Issue Notice To Jeweller

Bengaluru

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In the aftermath of the forest department's arrest of Varthur Santhosh, a contestant on Kannada Bigg Boss, for his possession of a tiger claw pendant, official notices have now been issued to two more individuals, summoning them for questioning in this ongoing case. The authorities are diligently investigating the source from which the tiger claws were acquired.

Following Varthur Santhosh's initial interrogation, forest officials have extended notices to his close associate, Ranjit, as well as to a jeweler who is believed to have crafted the gold chain housing the pendant.

A team led by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Conservator of Forests N Ravindra Kumar went to the place where the show was being shot and made the arrest on Sunday night. According to the forest department officials, on reaching the sets the team handling the show was informed and asked to bring Santhosh outside the studio. Thereafter, upon verification, it was confirmed that he was indeed wearing a pendant of a tiger claw, following which he was arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Speaking to PTI, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar said, "Our team verified the tiger claw that he was wearing. After verifying that it was a tiger claw, he was taken into custody and the interrogations are going on. Wildlife Protection Act is quite strict in this...We will be seeking his judicial custody for a few days because we need to investigate the case."

During interrogation, Santhosh told the forest officials that he had bought the tiger claw pendant from a place in Tamil Nadu's Hosur town bordering Karnataka for Rs 20,000 about three years ago, according to another forest officer. "His claims need to be verified and he has to be interrogated further in connection with the case," he said.

During the course of Santhosh's questioning, conflicting responses concerning the origin of the tiger claws surfaced, prompting the officials to broaden their inquiry to encompass additional individuals linked to this peculiar case. However, the forest department has dispatched the claws to a forensic laboratory to determine whether they indeed belong to a tiger or some other animal.

Two More Held In Chikkamagaluru For Wearing Tiger Nail Dollars After Bigg Boss Kannada Contestant's Arrest

The forest department instigated a suo motu case and detained Santhosh directly from the Bigg Boss set on a Sunday evening, following the discovery of his illegal possession of tiger claws. Subsequently, Santhosh underwent a medical examination and faced extensive questioning throughout the day on Monday. He waslater presented before a magistrate in Koramangala and subsequently remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Santhosh's mother has claimed that he had been wearing the pendant during various functions, expressing uncertainty about its authenticity as a real tiger claw or a counterfeit.

On Monday, Santhosh's legal counsel sought bail, and the judge has granted time for the prosecution to submit objections, with the bail hearing anticipated to take place on October 25.
Kannada Actor Darshan, Astrologer Vinay Guruji Accused Of Possessing Tiger Claw Locket

Bengaluru

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 contestant Varthur Santosh has been accused of wearing a tiger claw necklace, leading to allegations against Challenging star Darshan, who is also suspected of possessing a tiger claw locket.

Following these allegations, forest officials have issued summonses to Santosh's close aide, Ranjit, and a jeweler suspected of crafting the gold chain. The officials are also investigating whether Darshan and astroler Vinay Guruji, who had reportedly been in possession of a tiger claw locket, are guilty of the same offense. Accoring to reports, Shivkumar, President of All Organisations Union, had filed a complaint against Darshan and Vinay Guruji to the forest officials.

The forest department is conducting an exhaustive investigation to determine whether the tiger claw on the locket is genuine or counterfeit. The outcome of this inquiry is crucial to ascertain whether Darshan's tiger claw pendant is genuine or a replica.

Two More Held In Chikkamagaluru For Wearing Tiger Nail Dollars After Bigg Boss Kannada Contestant's Arrest

Darshan's legal status is dependent on the findings of this inquiry. If the tiger claw is found to be genuine, he could face legal complications for possessing a protected wildlife item.

Vinay Guruji, who appeared in possession of a tiger claw locket, is also embroiled in this matter. The situation remains complex, with authorities investigating whether the tiger claw is authentic or a reproduction.

The ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on this matter and determine whether Darshan and Vinay Guruji are guilty of possessing tiger claw lockets.
Two More Held In Chikkamagaluru For Wearing Tiger Nail Dollars After Bigg Boss Kannada Contestant's Arrest

Bengaluru

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In the wake of the arrest of Varthur Santosh, a contestant on the popular reality show 'Bigg Boss' Season 10, for possessing a tiger claw locket, two more people have been arrested in Chikmagalur, known officially as Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka, for the same offense. According to TV9 reports, the two men, identified as Satish of Bharathibailu and KS Ranjith of Halemane, were arrested after forest officials found them wearing tiger claw lockets.

This has sparked a lot of discussion about the legality and ethics of wearing tiger claw lockets.

This unusual incident has sparked a lot of discussion, both on social media and among the general public, shedding light on a topic many might not have been familiar with. As Varthur Santosh sits in judicial custody, the controversy surrounding his arrest and the possession of tiger claws continues to ripple through the media.

'Bigg Boss Kannada' Contestant Varthur Santhosh Arrested

Varthur Santosh's arrest stems from his appearance on the popular reality television show 'Bigg Boss.' During his time on the show, eagle-eyed viewers noticed a distinctive tiger claw locket hanging around his neck. What initially seemed like a fashion statement quickly transformed into a legal issue. Unbeknownst to many, possessing tiger nails is not just a matter of personal style; it's against the law.

Tiger claws are protected under various wildlife preservation acts and international conventions. They are not meant to be bought or sold, and their possession is considered illegal in many countries, including India. The endangered status of tigers makes these regulations particularly stringent. The illicit trade in tiger parts poses a significant threat to the survival of this majestic species. So when Varthur Santosh was seen wearing a locket adorned with genuine tiger claws, the matter was treated with utmost seriousness.

The incident reached a turning point when the forest department decided to investigate the authenticity of the tiger claw locket in question. On the evening of October 22, officials from the forest department made a visit to the 'Bigg Boss' house. They requested that the contestant, Varthur Santosh, remove the necklace so that they could conduct a thorough examination. The purpose was clear: to ascertain whether the tiger claws on the locket were indeed real.

Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the claws on the locket were genuine tiger claws, leading to immediate action. The forest officials, having established the authenticity of the tiger claws, requested that the show's organizers hand over Varthur Santosh to them. The situation escalated rapidly, and within a matter of hours, Santosh found himself walking out of the 'Bigg Boss' house and into the custody of the forest department.

Varthur Santosh, popularly known as 'Hallikar Odeya,' gained recognition and fame through his involvement in the conservation and breeding of the Hallikar breed of cattle. As the chairman of the Hallikar Cattle Breed or the All India Hallikar Breed Conservation Committee, he has played an instrumental role in promoting and preserving this unique breed.

The controversy surrounding the tiger claw locket has not been limited to Varthur Santosh alone. There are also many examples of common people wearing this type of locket.
Delegates of foreign political parties take photos with local residents at the Qinghai Lake in Qinghai province. ZHAO JUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

The environmental transformation of Qinghai leaves foreign delegates in awe.

It was a sight pleasing to his eyes and soothing to his soul. Their yellowish brown coat with a white underside contrasted with the lush green of the grassland. Indeed they were a sight to behold against the backdrop of the strikingly blue waters of Qinghai Lake in Qinghai province.

Ibrahim Al-Hadid, a Syrian national, felt warm and comfortable despite the chilly autumn day; the source of his comfort and warmth being the relatively small, slender antelopes, Procapra przewalskii.

Easily recognizable by the heart-shaped white patch on its rump and more commonly known as Przewalski's gazelle, Procapra przewalskii is a species of highland antelope native to China, and now found only around the Qinghai Lake, China's largest lake in terms of surface area and classified as an alkaline salt lake.

Przewalski's gazelles were once "critically endangered", and had been put on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Considering the huge loss of biodiversity that would inevitably follow the extinction of the Przewalski's gazelle, China set up the country's first protection station in Qinghai in 2004, in order to prevent the species from extinction by safeguarding its habitat and food sources to increase its number.

As a result, the number of Przewalski's gazelles has increased from about 300 in 1994 to more than 3,400 at present. The antelope is now categorized "endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

"It is a remarkable achievement. It epitomizes China's increasing efforts in ecological conservation," said Al-Hadid, who is the secretary of the Aleppo University Branch of Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party of Syria. Under the Communist Party of China's leadership, China has not only realized unprecedented economic development but has also been protecting the environment and ecology, thus achieving harmony between humanity and nature.

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Shankar Pokhrel (second from right), general secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), leads a delegation of the party to visit the Xining Cultural Center in Xining, Qinghai province on sep 12. ZHAO JUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

"We share views similar to the CPC's in this regard," Al-Hadid said, noting that all other countries including Syria can learn from China's successful experience of promoting development while protecting the environment and conserving biodiversity and the ecology.

Al-Hadid is one of more than 150 representatives of political parties from about 30 countries who visited Qinghai recently. The representatives got a chance to experience firsthand the province's achievements in fields such as clean energy, rural revitalization and biodiversity conservation at high altitude.

Hu Zhaoming, a spokesman for the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that with the CPC's exchanges with foreign political parties gradually gathering pace since the lifting of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures, foreign party delegates are eager to learn more about China's socioeconomic development and the Party's internal governance.

"By visiting China in person, delegates of foreign political parties gain confidence in China's development process and the Party, as well as their own countries' cooperation with China," Hu said. Many of the delegates, according to Hu, said that in an era of interwoven changes and challenges, China is a partner they can rely on.

Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and head of the CPN (UML)'s Foreign Affairs Department, too, was part of the delegation that visited Qinghai. In fact, he has been visiting China since 1993.

"I have witnessed tremendous changes inside China and one remarkable thing that China has achieved under the leadership of CPC is the eradication of poverty. It is the first time in human history that such a large number of people have been lifted out of poverty within such a short period of time," he said.

Members of a political party's delegation from Azerbaijan admire the panoramic view of a photovoltaic plant. ZHAO JUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

For Bhattarai, the biggest change, compared with his previous trip to China in 2018, is that the country has become "greener" thanks to effective pollution control and better environmental protection. "For example," he said, "in Qinghai, alternative, clean energy is being used to improve the environment."

As Qinghai endeavors to build itself into a national ecological conservation highland, it is vigorously transforming its rich natural resources such as wind, sunlight and water into sources of economic benefits. In Gonghe county of Qinghai's Hainan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, for example, there is a solar photovoltaic industrial park with the largest PV power generation capacity in the world. The park can generate 10 billion kWh of electricity a year on average.

Standing on a watchtower in the park and taking in the spectacular view, Jamoliddin Meliboev, vice-chairman of the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, marveled at the vast expanse of solar panels glittering in the sunlight.

The panels cover more than 300 square kilometers in an area that once faced intense desertification but is now covered with grass. "I was deeply impressed by how the local government has developed the PV industry without bringing harm to the environment; it has even helped improve the ecology," he said.

The installment of the solar panels has helped reduce the average wind speed in the park by about 40 percent, and increased the moisture in the soil 20 centimeters below the surface by nearly 30 percent.

Moreover, herdsmen living nearby are allowed to graze their sheep among the PV panels, which saves the park the trouble of making arrangements for manual weeding. It's an arrangement that benefits both the park and herdsmen.

"When I return to Uzbekistan, I will share my observations on this trip with the authorities and work to promote cooperation between my country and China in ecological conservation and other areas," Meliboev said.

A member of the Azerbaijani political delegation holds a painting of a Przewalski's gazelle. ZHAO JUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

In October last year, the CPC successfully held its 20th National Congress and unveiled its blueprint for building a modern socialist China by following the "Chinese path to modernization". The report CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered to the 20th Party Congress categorically states that harmony between humanity and nature is an integral part of the Chinese path to modernization.

"Humanity and nature make up a community of life. If we extract from nature without limit or inflict damage on it, we are bound to face its retaliation. We will protect nature and the environment as we do our own lives," Xi said in the report.

Rana Ali Qaisar Khan, executive member of the Central Standing Committee of the National Party of Pakistan, said that given the ecological challenges, the world has no choice but to become a community with a shared future. "No country can prosper alone. Only through cooperation can we effectively address global environmental issues such as climate change, ocean pollution and biodiversity conservation, and achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," Khan said.

According to Khan, China pursues common development by balancing its own interests and the common interests of humanity, so as to realize shared prosperity across the world.

Christophe Lavernhe, who is a founding member of the French party Solidarite et Progres (Solidarity and Progress), said he was optimistic about China's modernization benefiting the rest of the worldjust as the Belt and Road initiative has done in the past decade. Noting that the Belt and Road Initiative has benefited European countries including France, through projects such as the China-Europe freight railway, Lavernhe said he believes European countries would benefit more from this universal idea.

"We have entered a new world where we have to choose whether we want to get on the train of development or just look at the train leaving, the platform with China already sitting in the first carriage," he said.

Shankar Pokhrel (right) watches calligraphy works in Xining. ZHAO JUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Editor: WRX
Dussehra 2023: Kangana Ranaut Becomes First Woman To Do Ravan Dahan In 50 Years At Red Fort

Delhi Police Ramp Up Security For Dussehra 2023, Ban Bags Inside Ramlila Celebrations

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The festival of Dussehra (Dussehra 2023) is being celebrated in India. This day is also known as Vijaya Dashami. The day of Dussehra is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil. It marks the historic moment when Lord Ramkilled the demon king, Ravana, making it an occasion celebrated as Dussehra.

Throughout the country, the day of Dussehra is marked with the grand staging of Ramlila. This vibrant and cultural spectacle takes place at numerous locations, captivating the spirit and essence of this meaningful day.

This year, the 11th grand Ramlila organized by the Shri Ramlila Society in Dwarka, Sector 10, New Delhi, is set to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the esteemed chief guest. As part of the festivities, PM Modi will also participate in the ritual of Ravana Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Anticipated to join the event at approximately 5 pm, Prime Minister Modi's presence is expected to add a significant touch to the Ramlila celebrations in Dwarka, Sector 10.

Giving a brief on the security arrangements made at Red Fort grounds for Ramlila shows, the Delhi Police have taken extensive security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. DCP North, Manoj Kumar Meena, provided an overview of the security arrangements, emphasizing the deployment of 1500 police personnel in the vicinity.

"Security, law & order and traffic arrangements made at all three Ram Leela shows with the presence of 1500 police personnel in the area. Anti-terrorist measures have also been taken. For the visit of VVIPs, security measures taken. Crowd control measures taken keeping in mind Ravan dahan today. Entry of people will be stopped as it reaches maximum capacity. Carrying of bags inside the Ram Leela shows is not allowed,"DCP North Manoj Kumar Meena said.

In anticipation of the Ravan Dahan festivities in the national capital on Tuesday, Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for daily commuters. The advisory is essential due to the anticipated influx of devotees attending the Ramlila events at major venues on Tuesday.

Traffic Advisory



In view of three major Ram Leelas at Madhav Das Park and 15th August Park in front of Red Fort, traffic regulations will be effective.



Kindly follow the advisory.#DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/2iLk8mAhJx  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) October 20, 2023

Traffic Advisory



In view of the immersion of Goddess Durga idols at various Ghats in Delhi on October 24, 2023, special traffic arrangements have been made. Kindly follow the advisory.#DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/eVT3DDflYr  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) October 23, 2023

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Story first published: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 15:44 [IST]
Dussehra 2023: Kangana Ranaut Becomes First Woman To Do Ravan Dahan In 50 Years At Red Fort

Dussehra 2023: In A Historic First For India, Kangana To Ignite Ravan At Red Fort Delhi

India

oi-Stuti Tripathi

Dussehra 2023 is set to be a historic occasion as Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is poised to become the first woman to ignite the effigy of Ravan at the renowned Lav Kush Ramlila ground at the Red Fort in Delhi today, 24th October. The talented actress shared this exciting news on her official Instagram account.

"In the 50 years of history of the event, held annually at the Red Fort, this will be the first time a woman will set the effigy of Ravana on fire. Jai Shri Ram," Kangana Ranaut expressed on the social media platform.

Adding to the significance of the event, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena are also expected to grace the festivities.

The President of the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee, Arjun Kumar, revealed that this year, in addition to the traditional "effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath, effigies representing anti-Sanatan forces will be set ablaze in Delhi."

The committee's decision to include this symbolic representation was made in support of the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed by Parliament in September, as reported by ANI.

Typically, the Prime Minister of the country presides over the Ravan Dahan ceremony. However, this year, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is occupied with elections, the Lav Kush Ramlila committee has extended an invitation to other dignitaries.

Delhi is hosting three grand Ramlilas organized by the Luv Kush Ram Leela Committee, Dharmik Ram Leela Committee, and Nav Dharmik Ram Leela Committee. These festivities have been ongoing at Madhav Das Park and 15th August Park, located in front of the Red Fort, since 15th October and will continue until 25th October, commencing daily at 6:00 pm.

Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut is currently engaged in promoting her forthcoming action film 'Tejas.' The movie centers around the remarkable journey of Tejas Gill, an Air Force pilot, aiming to inspire and evoke a deep sense of pride among every Indian by showcasing the tireless efforts of Indian Air Force pilots in defending the nation against numerous challenges.

The film, written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, is scheduled for release in theaters on 27th October, 2023. In addition to 'Tejas,' Kangana also has the movie 'Emergency' in her pipeline.
Two CKLA Militants Arrested in Manipur, Huge Cache of Arms Seized

Two cadres of a Myanmar-based militant group were arrested in Manipur's Churachandpur district while a huge cache of arms and ammunition was seized from various places in the northeastern state, police said on Tuesday.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Imphal, Oct 24: Two cadres of a Myanmar-based militant group were arrested in Manipur's Churachandpur district while a huge cache of arms and ammunition was seized from various places in the northeastern state, police said on Tuesday.

CM Biren Singh: Transnational plot aimed at destabilizing Manipur and nation

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the arrest of Chin Kuki Liberation Army (CKLA) members and the recovery of weapons have yet again underscores a transnational plot aimed at destabilising both Manipur and our nation.

Two CKLA cadres apprehended, weapons seized

The two cadres of CKLA were apprehended from the Chaijang area along the India-Myanmar border on Monday, police said in a statement.

Arms, ammunition, drugs and cash recovered

In a major breakthrough by Manipur Police and Central armed forces, multiple weapons, ammunition, drugs and cash have been apprehended from Myanmar-based militant group CKLA, the chief minister said on X, formerly Twitter.

The seized weapons include AK47, Insas, Sniper and M16 rifles along with a huge cache of ammunition, he said, adding that opium weighing about 2.5 kg, over Rs 4.86 lakh in cash and various other items were also recovered on Monday.

Assam Rifles seizes arms and ammunition

Assam Rifles on Tuesday carried out a Joint Cordon and Search Operation along with ITBP and Churachandpur Police in Lamjang village in Churachandpur district and seized arms and ammunition, including those looted from the police.

Two 40mm grenade launchers, four 40mm grenades and a 12mm rifle were recovered from the outskirts of the village, an Assam Rifles statement said. Of these, one grenade launcher and two grenades had been looted from the police.

More arms and ammunition recovered from other districts

Security forces also recovered at least 19 firearms, 71 explosive materials and ammunition from areas of Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts on Tuesday, police said.

NIA takes up cases of transnational conspiracy

Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken up cases wherein it was particularly stated that there exists a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the Government of India by exploiting the current unrest in Manipur.

CM Biren Singh: Transnational plot aimed at destabilizing Manipur and nation

Todays apprehension of CKLA cadres and the recovery of weapons has yet again underscores a transnational plot aimed at destabilizing both Manipur and our nation, the chief minister said on the micro-blogging site.

CKLA is a non-signatory to the Suspension of Operations SoO agreement

CKLA is a non-signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The SoO was signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and two conglomerates of militant outfits. The pact was first signed in 2008 and extended periodically.

More than 180 killed in ethnic violence in Manipur

More than 180 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals  Nagas and Kukis  constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.
Over 3,000 DBC Workers May be Engaged as Multi-Tasking Staff in Delhi

A proposal to engage over 3,000 domestic breeding checking DBC workers as multi-tasking staff on contract basis is likely to come up in the next MCD House. DBC workers job involves prevention and control of malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In a bid to strengthen the fight against vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, a proposal to engage over 3,000 domestic breeding checking (DBC) workers as multi-tasking staff on a contract basis is likely to be presented in the next municipal House. Currently, there are 3,112 DBC workers engaged with the approval of the mayor and in accordance with the minimum wages fixed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). It is now proposed to engage these workers against vacant posts of multi-tasking staff (MTS) in various departments of MCD, including the Public Health Department.

Addressing Vacant Posts and Disease Control

The proposal, which is expected to be discussed in the next MCD House on Friday, aims to address the shortage of MTS staff while also ensuring that DBC workers can continue to focus on their crucial role in preventing and controlling vector-borne diseases. Apart from filling the existing 172 vacant posts in the Public Health Department, additional MTS posts will be created to accommodate the 3,112 DBC workers on a contract basis. These workers will be exclusively responsible for undertaking tasks related to the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.

DBC Workers' Role in Disease Prevention

According to the Public Health Department, DBC workers play a vital role in checking the spread of dengue, chikungunya, and other vector-borne diseases. They conduct door-to-door surveys to inspect domestic containers, coolers, overhead tanks, flower pots, tins, and tires for mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, they create public awareness about the prevention of these diseases through various campaigns and initiatives.

The engagement of DBC workers as multi-tasking staff on a contract basis is a positive step towards strengthening the efforts to combat vector-borne diseases in Delhi. By utilizing the skills and expertise of these workers, the MCD can enhance its disease prevention and control measures, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of the city's residents.
PM Modi Calls For Uprooting Casteism And Regionalism In His Dussehra 2023 Address

India

oi-Stuti Tripathi

In a Dussehra address at Delhi's Ram Leela Maidan in Dwarka on Tuesday, 24th October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a resounding call for the eradication of social ills such as casteism and regionalism. He also encouraged the public to take ten pledges, one of which involves uplifting the socio-economic status of at least one impoverished family.

PM Modi emphasized that Dussehra should symbolize more than the burning of Ravana's effigy. He urged people to stand against the divisive forces that attempt to fracture the unity of 'Maa Bharati' in the name of caste and regional distinctions.

PM Modi stated "Today, 'Ravana Dahan' should not be only about burning of an effigy but also about forces which try to divide 'Maa Bharati' in the name of casteism and regionalism," as quoted by India today.

The festival of Vijayadashami, he noted, should be a celebration of patriotism triumphing over the nation's various evils. He encouraged everyone to pledge to combat social injustices and discrimination, fostering renewed vigor and determination on the path of national development, with the goal of collectively creating a "Shreshtha Bharat" - a superior India.

"The festival of Vijayadashami should also be the festival of victory of patriotism over every evil of the nation. We should take a pledge to end evils and discrimination in society. We will move forward with new energy and new resolutions on the path of development. We will together make the 'Shreshtha Bharat," the Prime Minister noted.

Police Personnel's Unwavering Commitment To Service Embodies True Spirit Of Heroism: PM Modi

Regarding the Ram temple, PM Modi celebrated the long-awaited construction on the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya as a manifestation of their patience, marking a historic moment. He noted, "Today, we are fortunate to see Lord Ram's temple being constructed on Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya after a long wait. It is a sign of victory of our patience,"

During his speech, the Prime Minister also lauded the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), particularly its successful lunar landing mission. He expressed confidence in India's ascent to become the world's third-largest economy.

PM Modi stated, "We have reached the Moon. We are on the verge of becoming the world's third-largest economy. Just a few weeks ago, we inaugurated the new Parliament building. Parliament has also passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to empower women in our society."
Rajnath Singh Performs 'Shastra Puja' In Tawang; Hails Troops For Guarding Frontier With Unwavering Commitment

India

pti-PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday performed "Shastra Puja" in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang and celebrated Dussehra with Army soldiers in the strategically key region that is close to the frontier with China.

Singh, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, also carried out a comprehensive review of India's military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and lauded the troops for guarding the border with "unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage."

In an interaction with soldiers after visiting Bum-La and number of other forward posts, Singh asserted there is no option but to bolster the country's security apparatus in view of the current global scenario. Singh's celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers at a military base that is not very far from the LAC comes at a time India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years.

Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil, Singh said after performing "Shastra Puja" (worship of weapons) at a military base. The defence minister also visited the Tawang war memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war with China. Tawang is a centre for Buddhism and key region having significant strategic importance. India has been ramping up military infrastructure in the region in the last few years. Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a clash along the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector on December 9 last year.

India Requires Stronger Armed Force To Become Developed Nation By 2047: Rajnath Singh

"No amount of appreciation is enough for the way you are guarding the border in difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that people of the country are proud of you," he told the troops. The defence minister expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their "unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage" while guarding the borders in tough conditions, and ensuring that the nation and its people are safe. In his remarks, Singh said all efforts are being made to strengthen the nation's military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment.

"Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons and platforms are being manufactured within the country," he said. "Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores," he said.

In his address to the soldiers, the defence minister described the "righteousness and dharma" of the brave armed forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi. Singh has been performing "Shastra Puja" during Dussehra for the last several years, including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

The defence minister said the valour and commitment of the armed forces is one of the main reasons behind India's rising stature globally and that it is now among the most powerful nations. Singh cited India's success in the economic sphere as one of the reasons for the country's growing global profile. But at the same time noted that if the armed forces hadn't guarded the country's border effectively, then its stature would not have risen.

Citing his recent tour of Italy, the defence minister recalled his visit to Montone memorial which has been built to honour the contribution of Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers who fought in the Italian campaign to liberate Montone in World War II. He added that not just Indians, but even Italian people pay their respects at the memorial, which is proof that the bravery of Indian soldiers is recognised globally. The defence ministry said Singh was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the deployment of cutting-edge military equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops.

Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors following the eastern Ladakh standoff.
Matthew Perry, Best Known As Chandler Bing On Friends, Dies At 54, Drowning Suspected

Wagh Bakri Owner Suffers Brain Hemorrhage After Falling While Escaping Stray Dogs

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Parag Desai, a respected figure and the Executive Director of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, met with a tragic accident that led to his untimely demise. The 49-year-old Ahmedabad native suffered grievous head injuries while attempting to escape an attack by stray dogs during his evening stroll in the Ambali area, situated at the heart of the city.

His injury, sustained when he fell last week, led to a brain hemorrhage. Despite the medical efforts to save him, he passed away in a hospital on Sunday evening, while he was under the care of a ventilator.

The Wagh Bakri Tea Group, renowned for its significant presence in the Indian tea processing industry, operates across over a dozen states in India and exports its products to numerous countries, boasting an impressive annual turnover of approximately Rs 2000 crore.

In an Instagram post, the company expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their beloved Parag Desai.

Desai had been admitted to the hospital for the past week, receiving treatment for a severe head injury sustained when he fell while attempting to outrun a group of street dogs that were pursuing him.

Upon his arrival at the emergency department, around 6 pm, Desai was unconscious and unresponsive. Despite the initial assumption that the dogs had bitten him, no evidence of dog bite marks was found on his body. A subsequent CT scan, however, revealed an acute subdural hematoma with bilateral frontal contusion.

In recent times, Shalby hospital has witnessed a surge in cases related to injuries caused by dog bites or accidents involving stray animals, underscoring the importance of public safety and awareness.

After initially being admitted to Shalby hospital, which is in close proximity to his residence, Desai was later transferred to Zydus hospital, where he, regrettably, succumbed to his injuries.

Company officials also disclosed to local media that Desai's injuries occurred when he fell during his routine evening walk while attempting to evade a group of stray dogs.

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Story first published: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 16:01 [IST]
What Makes Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde Say That Uddhav Thackeray 'Can Form Alliance Even With Hamas'

India

oi-Stuti Tripathi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his concerns on Tuesday, 24th October, regarding the political maneuvers of Uddhav Thackeray and his Shiv Sena faction, suggesting that they might form alliances with terrorist groups "Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba" for their own "selfishness".

In a speech delivered at a Dussehra rally in Azad Maidan, Shinde remarked, "For their own selfish interests, they may forge partnerships with Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba."

Shinde's remarks were in the context of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) forming a coalition with the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, as part of the Opposition's INDIA bloc for the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

As per media reports, he also alluded to an incident from 2004 when Shiv Sena's founder, Balasaheb Thackeray, famously used a slipper to strike an effigy of Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar. Shinde stated, "Mani Shankar Aiyar's image was struck with a shoe. Today, they (Shiv Sena (UBT)) are picking up the shoes of Congress."

Furthermore, Shinde questioned why the Shiv Sena (UBT) would join forces with the Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, given that Uddhav Thackeray had allied with a party that had been involved in a controversial incident in which police opened fire on 'karsevaks'.

Apparently, Eknath Shinde was referring to an incident in Ayodhya from 1990, when Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav had allegedly asked police to open fire on karsevaks in an effort to deter them from advancing toward the Babri Masjid.

The Maharashtra CM also alleged that after the Election Commission of India granted his party the symbol and party name, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded Rs 50 crore that the undivided party had amassed through donations. He claimed to have received a call about it and said that he handed over the money in a matter of minutes.

Thackeray and Shinde, leaders of separate factions of the Shiv Sena, held separate rallies on Dussehra on Tuesday, 24th October.

WHAT MADE EKNATH SHINDE AND UDDHAV THACKERAY BITTER POLITICAL RIVALS?

In June 2022, a political earthquake shook Maharashtra state government as Eknath Shinde, along with 39 MLAs, staged a walkout and openly rebelled against the Shiv Sena's leadership. This rebellion resulted in a deep fissure within the party and the subsequent downfall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government, led by Uddhav Thackeray with a coalition of the NCP and Congress, crumbled in the wake of this revolt.

In the aftermath, Eknath Shinde took charge and forged a new coalition government in Maharashtra, aligning with the BJP. On June 30, 2022, Shinde was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with the BJP's Devendra Fadnavis serving as his deputy.

Since then, the Shinde and Thackeray factions of the Shiv Sena have remained embroiled in a fierce power struggle. Eknath Shinde's ascendancy to the position of Chief Minister triggered a crucial floor test in the Maharashtra legislative assembly. He emerged victorious, securing 164 votes in his favor, while 99 members opposed his leadership.

Moving ahead to October 2022, the Election Commission (EC) allocated the symbol of a flaming torch, or "mashal," to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction. Additionally, they granted the faction the name "Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray."

Subsequently, in February this year, the Election Commission of India took a decision that further solidified the division. They provided Eknath Shinde's team with the "bow and arrow" symbol while allowing them to retain the name "Shiv Sena."

This ongoing saga of political strife and division within the Shiv Sena has continued to be a significant and evolving narrative in Maharashtra's political landscape.

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 3:01 [IST]
Putin's Health In Question As Unverified Reports Claim He Was Found Lying On Floor After Cardiac Arrest

'Absurd Hoax', Says Kremlin On Reports Of Putin Being Unwell, Using Body Doubles

International

oi-Stuti Tripathi

The Kremlin, on Tuesday, 24th October, has unequivocally rejected recent speculations about President Vladimir Putin's well-being, affirming that he remains in good health.

During a routine press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed allegations that the President uses body doubles as, in his words, an "absurd hoax," as reported by Reuters.

These concerns about Putin's health surfaced following an unverified report from a Russian Telegram channel, which was picked up by some Western media outlets. This report suggested that Putin may have experienced a significant health incident on Sunday, 22nd October evening.

Speculation about Putin's health has been circulating since 2022, with some reports suggesting that the 71-year-old president is battling serious ailments, including cancer and Parkinson's disease. These rumors gained traction from observations of Putin appearing unsteady and bloated during public appearances.

In September, a Russian Telegram post by 'Z-blogger' Pozdnyakov reignited chatter about Putin's well-being, with a heartfelt plea: "God, don't you leave us. Pray to God you are alive and healthy," accompanied by a picture of Putin.

President Putin addressed ongoing speculations about the use of body doubles during a 2020 interview, refuting them but acknowledging that he had been offered the option of using one for security reasons in the past.

As recently as April of this year, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, emphatically dismissed any notion of body doubles as "yet another falsehood" and reiterated that Putin is in excellent health.

The Kremlin, throughout this period of speculation, has consistently denied such rumors. In April, Peskov dismissed the cancer rumors as "fiction and falsehood," while the CIA Director, William J. Burns, stated in July that, as far as the agency could determine, Putin was "entirely too healthy" to be experiencing significant health issues.

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Story first published: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 17:23 [IST]
Israel-Hamas War: Emmanuel Macron's Visit, IDF's Strikes & More While The Gaza Death Toll Crosses 5,791

International

oi-Stuti Tripathi

Eighty-five-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, one of the Israeli hostages released by Hamas on Monday, 23rd October, has opened up about her ordeal during the 7th October multi-pronged terror attacks conducted by the Palestinian group.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, 24th October, Yocheved Lifshitz revealed, "I went through hell," as she described her harrowing experience of being taken hostage. She also noted that her treatment had improved during her captivity.

Hamas released the two elderly hostages late Monday, 23rd October, bringing the total number of released hostages to four.

On another front, French President Emmanuel Macron has put forward a proposal to expand an existing coalition that combats the Islamic State (IS) to include efforts against the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.

Simultaneously, Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized that Israel does not seek a war with the militant group Hezbollah. However, he warned that Lebanon would "pay the price" if the two countries were drawn into such a conflict.

Here is a list of top developments in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war:

1. What IDF says: Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari has declared the armed forces' preparedness as "ready and determined" for the next phase of the conflict, awaiting political directives. In a social media update, the Israel Defence Forces proudly announced having targeted over 400 objectives in the last 24 hours, characterizing it as a "broad-scale operation to dismantle Hamas' terrorist capabilities."

2. The death toll: The toll of this extended conflict is tragically high, with the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reporting at least 5,791 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since 7th October. This number includes a heartbreaking 2,360 children, and the ministry further noted that 704 Palestinians lost their lives in the past day alone. Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesperson for the ministry, disclosed receiving 1,550 reports of missing individuals, among them 870 children, suggesting that these missing persons might still be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. It's important to note that these claims have not been independently verified.

3. Hostages Released, recount dreadful experience in captivity: In a somewhat contrasting development, Hamas recently released two more hostages from Gaza on humanitarian and health grounds. Nurit Cooper, also known as Nurit Yitzhak, aged 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, aged 85, were abducted alongside their husbands from the Nir Oz kibbutz near the Gaza border on 7th October.

Lifshitz shared her ordeal during a press conference at a Tel Aviv hospital, describing the harrowing experience of being captured by Hamas fighters on motorcycles, beaten with sticks, and coerced to walk. She recounted the conditions within the tunnels where they were held, emphasizing that their captors treated them with care, providing food and mattresses. Lifshitz even mentioned the presence of doctors and paramedics to tend to wounds. She expressed criticism of Israel's military for not taking the Hamas threat seriously enough before the attack.

4. Hostage situation as per Israel: On Monday, Israel reported that 222 hostages were being held in Gaza by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Tuesday that they were making efforts to contact Gaza residents to offer information about the abducted individuals in their areas, with the aim of providing "a better future for you and your child."

5. French PM Emanuel Macron's Israel visit: During a joint media appearance with the French President, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a warning of "horrible consequences" for Hezbollah in Lebanon if they were to significantly engage in the ongoing conflict. President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of releasing hostages and called for a fight against terrorism with both resolve and adherence to rules.

6. What Israel PM said: Netanyahu reiterated his determination to see Hamas defeated and indicated that the war might continue for some time. He asserted that, following the conflict's conclusion, no one would be living "under Hamas tyranny."

7. Israel's President's stand: Israel's President, Isaac Herzog, has described the 7th October Hamas attack as "one of the worst atrocities of modern times." He also accused Hezbollah in Lebanon of "playing with fire" in northern Israel and pointed to Iran as a source of tension between Hezbollah and Israel.

8. Humanitarian situation in Gaza: The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with approximately 1.4 million out of the 2.3 million population displaced, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The shortage of clean drinking water and overcrowding have emerged as major concerns, with patients arriving at hospitals showing signs of diseases related to these conditions.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)'s Tamara Alrifai characterized the aid reaching the Gaza Strip as insufficient, with just 54 trucks carrying relief supplies reported to have crossed into Gaza since Saturday. Alrifai highlighted the urgent need for fuel and noted that some of the aid sent, like rice and lentils, couldn't be used because people lacked clean water and fuel to cook with.

Overnight, UNRWA confirmed that another six of its staff had been killed in Gaza, bringing the total to 35 since October 7. It was reported that 40 UNRWA installations had been damaged by Israeli airstrikes.

9. Israel's attack in Lebanon: Israel's air force reported killing an individual in Lebanon who was attempting to launch a rocket into northern Israel.

10. 12 British individuals die, 5 unaccounted for: In an international context, the UK revealed that 12 British individuals lost their lives on 7th October in Israel, with five others still unaccounted for. British-Israeli families of the hostages held a press briefing at the Israeli embassy in London, while people in central London participated in a vigil for the children who lost their lives in Gaza.

(With inputs from international media reports)
NAIROBI, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from China and African countries on Wednesday pledged greater cooperation to attain some of the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including food security and ecosystem health.

The scientists in their resolutions adopted at the end of a symposium held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi stressed that collaboration in key areas like research, technology transfer and skills upgrade will be key to transforming economies and revitalizing habitat conservation.

Nearly 100 Chinese and African scientists attended the Sept. 25-27 symposium, titled "South-South Cooperation: China-Africa Science and Technology Cooperation and Innovation for Social and Economic Benefits."

The three-day conference was organized by the African Union Development Agency, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the Mission of China to the African Union. Some of the symposium participants from governments, Pan African and Chinese research entities discussed enhanced collaboration in three key areas including food systems transformation, biodiversity conservation and water management.

The scientists who reiterated their commitment to cooperation under the BRI pledged to establish a platform to foster research, innovation and knowledge sharing to attain the broader sustainability agenda.

"We propose to hold an international forum every three years, being held in China and African countries, to exchange scientific and technological innovation achievements including the evaluation of the effectiveness of technology applications, and adjust development priorities accordingly," the scientists said in a communique.

In addition, the scientists promised to launch the "Africa Food-Water-Environment Protection and Scientific Development Action," with the aim of promoting food security, prudent use of water resources, and enhanced protection of habitats.

Some of the priority areas for Sino-African scientific collaboration to spur green growth covering 2024-2027 include technical support and training of farmers, application of new irrigation and post-harvest storage technologies, research on new water and biodiversity conservation techniques, read the communique.

Editor: WRX
Putin's Health In Question As Unverified Reports Claim He Was Found Lying On Floor After Cardiac Arrest

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Russian President Vladimir Putin experienced a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, as reported by various media outlets citing information from a Telegram channel known as 'General SVR.' This channel is purportedly managed by a former Kremlin insider. According to the channel's statement, Putin's security personnel discovered him lying on the floor of his bedroom at approximately 9 pm. Nearby was an overturned table with food and drinks.

It was suggested that when the president fell, he collided with the table and caused the dishes to crash onto the floor, creating a loud noise. Putin was seen writhing while lying on the floor, with his eyes rolling. Medical professionals stationed at the residence in an adjacent room were promptly summoned to his aid.

The statement from the channel, as reported by Mirror, explained that Putin was swiftly relocated to a specially equipped room within his residence. There, doctors administered resuscitation before transferring him to a dedicated intensive care unit situated in his official residence.

Amid Hamas-Israel War, Putin To Meet Xi Jinping: What To Expect

The channel reportedly claimed that Putin received timely assistance, his heart was successfully restarted, and he regained consciousness.

While these claims about Putin's deteriorating health have not been confirmed by the Kremlin, it has reportedly caused concern within the President's inner circle.

The unverified channel also asserted that all recent public appearances by Putin have been made by a body double.

"In recent times, all official meetings and events have been carried out by the president's double. Following news of the evening incident, several individuals close to Putin communicated with each other and agreed to hold consultations on Monday to discuss potential actions if the president were to pass away in the coming days," the statement said, as quoted by Mirror.

Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, there have been multiple reports about Putin's declining health, whether due to cancer or Parkinson's disease. However, the Kremlin has consistently maintained that the Russian leader is in "good health."
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense, is an American anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase by intercepting with a hit-to-kill approach. THAAD was developed after the experience of Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Gulf War in 1991. The THAAD interceptor carries no warhead, instead relying on its kinetic energy of impact to destroy the incoming missile.
A call for a global coalition to fight Hamas terrorists in Gaza has triggered Australian concerns about the risk of a spillover into wider conflict in the Middle East.
Dave Chappelle has angered many in the Jewish community after his remarks on Israel -- but one group advocating for them is extending an olive branch if he's willing to chat. American Jewish Committee spokesperson Richard Hirschhaut tells TMZ ...
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The Red Cross said it facilitated the release of two hostages being held by Islamist militants Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, an Israeli mother of two other hostages has told DW she has no new information. DW has the latest.
The French president is set to meet with Israeli leaders to express France's solidarity after the Hamas terror attacks. Meanwhile, two more hostages have been released from Gaza. DW has the latest.
Recent drone attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria have increased concerns that the war in Israel is spreading. Do Iran-supported groups in Iraq and Yemen present a serious threat to peace or is it just saber-rattling?
Omar Abdullah has expressed concern over the conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on Indians working in the region. He urged for an end to the war and called for justice from the UN and other countries. Abdullah criticized the lack of attention given to the UN's statements on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has compared the Mumbai terror attack in 2008 to the recent attack launched by Hamas militants in Israel. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Blinken emphasized that all acts of terrorism are unjustifiable and called on member states to denounce those who arm and fund terrorist groups. He also highlighted the importance of nations defending themselves against such attacks. Blinken mentioned the Mumbai attacks, where 166 people were killed, and the recent conflict in Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people.
Yuri Shchuklin, logistics expert, member of the Logistics Committee of the European Business Association

Governments of the neighbouring EU countries have introduced embargo on Ukrainian agricultural produce in reaction to the fears of their voters. However, these actions had not removed what European farmers are afraid of most of all but rather brought it closer. It was the petty Ukrainian agricultural producers who suffered the most because of the embargo, while their volumes and approaches to pricing were not a major threat to European markets. These agricultural entrepreneurs, who do not own means of transportation, infrastructure or logistics routes were forced to sell their grain to those who could take the grain to the markets. And this could be done by those who were in control of one or more important logistics resources: access to railway cars or to reloading, or to sea-going vessels allowed through the grain corridor. Big agricultural holdings in possession of their own optimized logistics system were more stable and have every possibility to take over the weaker players on the market. This corresponds to the logic that those who are the strongest will survive in business but speaks of the inevitable latifundisation of Ukranes agricultural sector, its radical growth and absorption and disappearance of smaller players who are responsible for half of the market as of today.

But this is exactly what Europe is afraid of most of all: our agricultural oligarchs, as they call them! Even now, European officials say that they want to admit Ukraine to the EU but they dont know what to do with Ukraine;s agriculture. This issue is the major stumbling block in the future Eurointegration. It would be bad not to admit Ukraine, but to admit Ukraine would be even worse for themselves. Why are we beyond competition? Because the size of our smallest production entity does not match the size of theirs, so production costs of our worst production entity does not correspond to production costs of their best. The only reason is the volumes, because the big always works more efficiently. This is why the Europeans are stretched to the utmost: how to integrate Ukraine without violating the main principles of free trade; how to allow Ukraine to enter their markets but not to admit Ukraine there at the same time? So I suggest a solution when bans would not be necessary, yet it would be possible to avoid the agricultural holdings influence on the European market.

First of all, it is necessary to remove the drawbacks that hinder Ukraines accession to the civilized market. The United States Department of Agriculture is monitoring sowing areas around the globe, as well as yield rates and what is left of the tradable produce. On the basis of this data, the agency advises the US farmers what to sow and what not to, and also warns them on the risks of overproduction and the impossibility of sales. Theres also the institute of insuring against the risks of bad crops, as well as against the impossibility to sell. This is why the US farmers feel assured, while the country avoids shock and fall of prices at the domestic market. In addition, producers both in the USA and in Europe have access to a sufficient amount of shipping capacity: this means that the situation is impossible when the produced volume of commodities will lack infrastructure to reach the markets. Even if the limits are exceeded because of the excessive crop yield, it is certainly easier to jam this lesser unplanned part between the planned big volumes than to jam the big unplanned within the undetermined time (which is what is happening in Ukraine every year).

However, there are significant barriers to the civilized planning of sowing and logistics campaigns both in the USA and in Europe. First, our agricultural producers have no habit of insuring against risks. Second, we have a very big proportion of black and :gray markets. Nowadays, everyone has switched to cash, and the question how to overcome this should be addressed to our officials. There is another peculiarity which distinguishes us from civilized countries. Ukrainian producers want to work at the forward market (sometimes, its share reaches 60 percent). However, when a first opportunity arises, when the market or prices have significantly changed as compared to the time of signing the contract, a significant part of producers would announce default. Lets say, a producer has signed the forward contract in the spring with one price but the market in the autumn went up. So if the price difference reached US$50.00, it was small producers who would refuse to fulfill their obligations and would sell their reputation for 50 dollars. This was done because they had not suffered any consequences, and there were always those who were ready to buy for 50 dollars more. How to stimulate these producers to be honest and disciplined? The default on forward contracts should be made unprofitable, so that producers lose their opportunities to sell. Second, conditions should be introduced when businesses allowed to travel through Europe are white. Then, the white would gain the competitive advantage over the black, while at present there is no such thing. This could be appealing to Europe because then the competitive advantages of Ukrainian producers become equal to those of European producers, so there wont be the reason to be afraid of our producers. This would be the same small and medium-sized business as they have in Europe, the business that pays taxes, works cash-free, and so on.

Europe is interested in developing a common logistics structure with Ukraine: significant European investment is proof to this, in particular, the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility), Solidarity Lanes, etc. Along with this, Europe does protect its farmers. Their production is not the most effective but it is acceptable for Europeans as this segment of the population manages their problems and does not ask for alms. So, in view of our inevitably common future, the EU has to equally think of our farmers, so that this segment of our population does not vanish before we are integrated.

The Solidarity Lanes capacity, as well as those of other infrastructure transit ways between Ukraine and the EU will be insufficient for the aggregate volume fo the Ukrainian agricultural export. The matter is, however, that all Ukrainian exporters do not need them. These ways have to be used only by those businesses which have already become integrated within Europes economy since the war had started. Next to the EU borders, where the narrow rail track reaches, Ukrainians have already implemented a number of infrastructure projects which provides opportunity to deliver produce to European processing businesses. Even these days, Ukrainian businesses are using for shipping their produce not Ukrainian but Polish railways leading to the port of Swinouijsci where they are trading like they used to do from the Black Sea ports. So, this segment of the Ukrainian business is already integrated into European economy. Theres no way back for this business, as theres no way back for others like it, and even open ports wont turn it back. Apart from infrastructure, it has, lets say, gained experience and the markets that it wont abandon.

Europe has to realise that the Ukrainian agricultural holdings, targeting the Chinese market, and small and medium-sized agricultural producers are of different business models and profess different pricing. What do I mean? One way of setting prices is linked to the average market price, and the other is linked to setting the rate of profit. Say, the business model of small and medium-sized producers who have already become integrated into the European market, does not anymore monitor the current market and the current global prices. They have already agreed with their clients that they will have their 20-50 Euro per ton, growing in return a certain amount of grain. One guarantees purchase, another guarantees production. If their crop yield fails, such a business is obliged to go to the market, buy as much as necessary and deliver to the stipulated point using the infrastructure and the logistics that is already in action. The producers of this segment have already left former relations when they were first growing something and then waiting for the price set by traders, and then competing at auctions for a piece of infrastructure. The question is how to detach this segment of producers from agricultural holdings and speculators? Elementary: early responsible planning, as if travel through Europe were planned today for a year' time from now. Only a producer knows whether they will sow or not, and on what areas. Speculators, of course, have options of whether to buy or not. But if those who produce and those who process already have the volumes of purchase from the producer, contracted in advance, the speculator cannot be sure that he will buy the commodity in every case. In contrast, those who process, may contract producers directly: I want to buy your future crop from you and I want you to confirm to me that you will sow a certain amount of land for me. It is at this stage that the planning of logistics happens, as well as the planning of export transit, and everything else. This means that European consumer and transit markets confirm to Ukrainian producers the volumes that they can reload, transport, or process.

The reat of the market does have the right to existence, too. It targets Africa, China, the world markets, and an unbelievable number of traders work there, and this is the realm of agricultural holdings! You, the Europeans wont let this amount in, and this is understood. You, however, need a way of protecting your market without bans. So you dont need bans: just the early responsible planning! The agricultural holdings market, working for Africa and Asia, does not necessarily have to join in this planning, it may retain the earlier situation. The agrarian businesses, however, have to have a choice: whether to merge into groups, into agricultural holdings, and play in the market, or remain a medium0-sized or small business and work with planned profit, planned sales, guaranteed transit, or guaranteed consumption. I think that these two systems have the right to coexist and not to impede each others development.

This years situation with the embargo on the Ukrainian agricultural produce had put Europe facing the dilemma: how to close markets in a way that this does not look like an open contempt of the principles of free trade. The answer is you can plan this free trade by planning your resources. And you can do this long-term, not necessarily for a month but for a year, or two, or three years. Thus, you will exclude shock. . You wont openly ban anything for anyone. However, at the same time you will regulate not only the amounts but also the origin of the grain. It is understood that there is no sense in helping traders, big agricultural holdings enter the EU markets: they have big markets of their own: Africa, Asia, China. Meanwhile, the volumes from small agricultural producers will be sufficient for the European infrastructure. You can tell those small producers even now: all right, we have opened everything for you, just buy your tickets, and we will look at the load, well calculate, and if we see that the load is huge, we wont ban you from taking the train, we just wont sell you the ticket. How do hotels and airlines operate? They do not forbid anything, they just say You cant book this for tomorrow but you can for the day after tomorrow.

Shocks in economy result from insufficient of absent planning. Taking into account the volumes and speed of economic processes, there has to be constant monitoring of infrastructures data for today, for tomorrow, for the day after tomorrow, so that we see the shocks in store for us and, to use a phrase, put some cushion under ourselves. European consumers of Ukrainian produce could increase their processing capacities in advance, informing us on what they are prepared to purchase and having an understanding that they wont inflict damage on their countries. This would mean integrating the Ukrainian agricultural sector without shocks. It would be best that we, together with European infrastructures, processing industry, could even now begin the planning from understanding that Ukraine is integrating into the EU at this time. It is necessary to at this time update data on enterprises, regions, owners, the infrastructure. In order to speed up information exchange and improve the analysis and infrastructure data with the data on planning production and trade, our IT team has already created a communicative environment. This technology of early production planning, of early [lanning of infrastructure load will untie the most complicated issues of Ukraines European integration.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and GOP lawmakers want to separate President Biden's $105 billion emergency package  covering aid to Israel, Gaza, Ukraine and the border  into individual policies.
By White Mountain



In Gaza, even the media teams of American television networks, perceived as enemies by Palestine, are given priority for filming. They can pretty much film everywhere, as Hamas needs them to convey their message to the world. Hamas is well aware that without American television networks, it would be nearly...
President Joe Biden is proposing 14 billion dollars in United States aid to Israel that is pursuing its new war  a 40 percent increase over what the Israel government requested earlier this week. Meanwhile, a new poll indicates the majority of Americans are refusing to line up in support of this latest American war...
American hawks have previously suggested South Africa is in opposition to US interests, making it ineligible for tariff breaks. That was based almost entirely on SA's relationship with Russia.
On October 6, 1973 the armies of Egypt and Syria staged a surprise attack on Israel that started the Yom Kippur War. Now 50 years and one day later; on October 7, 2,500 Hamas terrorists broke through the border fence into Israel in a multi-pronged, devastating onslaught.



At least 1,400 people were killed, including over...
"If you seek to perpetuate district-charter divisiveness, I am not the candidate for you."



- BD3 Candidate Janie Dam



(Image by Janie Dam) Details DMCA



Janie Dam is running against incumbent Scott Schmerelson in LAUSD's Board District 3, which covers most of the western San Fernando Valley. As part of my ongoing Candidate Forum series, Dam was asked five questions about PROP-39 co-locations. For the introduction to this subject along with answers from other candidates, please see the article LAUSD Candidate Forum: PROP-39 Co-Locations.

The following are the candidate's responses, printed exactly how she provided them with the exception of some minor formatting edits:

Question 1: Do you support the "Creating a Charter Schools Co-Location Policy to Mitigate Impacts Caused by Proposition 39" authored by Board President Jackie Goldberg and Dr. Rocio Rivas? Uncommitted

This is not a question that I can answer with a simple "YES" or "NO".

It is every organization's right and responsibility to protect its own programs and initiatives, and a school district is no different. However, I cannot support the Goldberg/Rivas resolution in its present form (VERSION 2 08-22-23), which in my view does not sufficiently satisfy the letter and spirit of the applicable law.

California Proposition 39 represents the expressed will of California voters to support public school choice by requiring that School District facilities be shared equitably among all public school students who reside in the district, including those enrolled in charter schools. Even after significant revision the resolution is still focused on removing and eliminating charters rather than on making a bona fide effort to facilitate the schooling of All children, including those whose families have chosen to enroll them in a charter school.

If elected I can help the Board think outside of the box to generate additional school spaces overall, for all schools involved, both traditional and charter, to alleviate overcrowding and minimize conflict. Kansas City, for example, has already begun converting vacant office spaces into additional state-of-the-art classrooms.

Question 2: Under The way that PROP-39 is currently implemented, rooms used to provide Special Education Services are considered to be "empty" and must be turned over to a charter school to satisfy its demand for space. As a Board member would you work to end this discriminatory practice? Yes

As a veteran general education teacher who has co-taught high school math with special education teachers assigned to students with severe needs, and a former Local Educational Agency level testing coordinator responsible for special needs accommodations on high-stakes state-mandated and college entry exams, I understand first-hand how important small class sizes, wellness centers, and special programs workspaces truly are. The District should reorganize the Charter Schools Division as needed to both improve its implementation of Prop 39 and to find alternatives for housing charter school services and district school services.

Question 3: The text of PROP-39 specifies that charter schools that base their space requests on inflated enrollment must pay an over-allocation fee. Currently, charter schools have a past-due balance of $3,708,006. As a Board Member would you revoke the charter of any school that refused to pay these fees when a bill is presented? Uncommitted

Billing errors are made and disputed all the time. Not having been provided the facts surrounding a school's refusal to pay a bill, I cannot answer "YES" or "NO" to this question. But as a School Board member I would take every decision to close down a school very seriously. School closings disrupt student learning, put additional stress onto parents and cause teachers to lose their jobs.

Question 4: In April of last year $7,678,022 of over-allocation debt was suddenly wiped off of the balance sheet without any explanation to the public. As a Board Member would you demand an investigation to determine whether this write-off was legal and proper? Yes

I would demand a professional, genuinely independent audit.

Question 5: The North Valley Military Institute (NVMI) was co-located on the campus of Sun Valley High School / Valley Oaks Center For Enriched Studies (VOCES) when one of its administrators was accused of "abhorrent child sex abuse" against a student. It does not appear that parents of students on the public school campus were ever notified about these accusations. As a Board Member would you terminate the PROP-39 lease agreement for any charter school that put LAUSD students at a district campus in danger? Yes

All children should be kept safe whether in a charter or traditional district school. It is also the District's job to keep all parents informed. Given the animosity against co-located charters coming from their hosting campuses, and now from the School Board itself, it is neither reasonable nor savvy to expect that the charter school will immediately want to reach out to the parents of the host school about an incident whether real or rumored that may jeopardize the charter's use of the facility. The Board should anticipate this sensitivity and make sure that the District timely steps in to fully disclose to all parents. And, just as swiftly, the district should assist a charter school to properly relocate if personnel and events on the district campus pose a real threat to students enrolled in that charter school.

Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to express about this subject?

I am the single parent of children with very different needs who have benefited from both traditional district and charter schools. I am also a teacher and UTLA member who has been employed and grown professionally at both a district school and charter school with traditions of excellence. If you seek to perpetuate district-charter divisiveness, I am not the candidate for you. If you want educational policies that serve all youths regardless of the category of public school that their family decides is best for them, you should vote for me.

Thank you Carl Petersen and ChangeTheLAUSD.com for providing this forum.

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.
Sometimes reality is a difficult concept to wrap your mind around. Today's turmoil in the Middle East is occurring at one such time.

There is no quibbling with the notion that Hamas is a blatant terrorist organization. That is a given. There is also no argument against their attack on Israel being labeled a terrorist activity of the worst kind imaginable. We are now in the aftermath of a horrible event that cost the lives of some 1,400 Israelis, including children and babies being mercilessly slaughtered. The horror is still completely unthinkable. Its results were based on the alternate reality that exists in the minds of delusional Hamas militants. Reality. And alternate reality. Two separate things.

Hamas somehow believes that all Jews should be killed. Their alternate reality also dictates that the state of Israel needs to be completely erased. For Hamas, Israel does not really exist. It is not part of their accepted frame of reference. The alternate reality that they do acknowledge is so completely warped that they simply cannot accept the presence of some things that actually do exist in the world.

As difficult as it is to accept the reality of what happened in Israel on October 7, we simply must accept those events as a fact. Yes, it is difficult to wrap your mind around atrocity of such an immeasurable extreme. But we must. It is a reality.

Israelis are even more challenged by this necessity, because of the ongoing grief and uncertainties they are being forced to endure. The 1,400 dead are only a part of the pressure that Israelis are forced to recognize, since there are also an unknown number of hostages being held by sinister thugs who believe all Jews must be killed. And the world looks on in stages of disbelief, at a situation in which Israel is faced with some serious choices in defining their reaction to what has taken place. Several plans have been voiced. And so far, there has been no boots-on-the-ground insurgence into Gaza. Will that happen? Yes, almost certainly, it will.

Should Israel invade Gaza with the goal of destroying Hamas' ability to launch such despicable actions again? Much of the civilized world believes they should. It would seem they have no choice. They must do this so the security of Israel is restored, and other extremist groups will see that you simply cannot get away with such heinous behavior without due consequences.

One problem with "wiping them out," is that Hamas' alternate reality dictates that their deaths are not a serious problem. They actually put on suicide bombs so they can kill their enemies by dying, themselves. Never mind the seeming contradiction that "Jews must die" but "our deaths are not that important." Terrorists like these are not all that well known for thinking clearly.

Some would advocate completely wiping out Hamas. That would, unfortunately, be literally impossible. There simply are too many in the group to effectively destroy them all. And besides, terror groups seem to grow when others kill them in appreciable numbers. An analogy has been offered, that when you cut the grass, it grows back. Complete annihilation is untenable. You should focus on a more practical objective. So, Israel now wants to decapitate the leadership of Hamas, so the organization "cannot perpetrate such behavior again." But here comes reality.

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Politicians can multiple times discuss economic difficulties, international organizations can make ratings, but if people go out to protest, it means something is going wrong in the state. Such protests took place this month in Lithuania.

Three trade unions hold rally demanding for wage raise in public sector. On October 13, three trade unions held a march and a rally in Vilnius city centre in solidarity with other trade unions protesting in Europe and opposing austerity measures.

Hundreds of people gathered to express dissatisfaction with the Lithuanian government's reforms and demand higher wages and decent working conditions. The event was organized by three associations--The Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK), the Lithuanian Trade Union "Solidarumas" and the Republican United Trade Union.

The rally participants carried flags of their organizations, as well as posters with the inscriptions: "We want to live, not exist," "Increase, not freeze wages," "Decent work and decent wages."

Earlier, approximately 3,000 teachers across Lithuania took to the streets in protest, bringing the education sector to a standstill. They demand a significant 20% immediate increase in salaries and a further 30% rise from January 2024. Beyond the financial aspect, the teachers' union is advocating for a reduction in classroom sizes and lessening teachers' workload, measures they believe are crucial for enhancing the quality of education in the country.

The Lithuanian Education Workers' Trade Union remains unsatisfied with the proposed 21% total increase for the next year and continues to push for more substantial amendments. This standoff has fueled discontent among the striking teachers, resulting in classes being disrupted and protests erupting across the country.

The government has done little to pacify the protesters who continue to demand that their voices be heard and their concerns addressed in a substantial manner.

In an appeal to the President of Lithuania, the Prime Minister of Lithuania and the Speaker of the Seimas, trade unions expressed concerns about low salaries of public sector employees and the growing workload. All these facts caused an acute shortage of teachers, doctors, social workers, officials and cultural workers, especially in the regions.

Participants also protested against an unfair tax system, where the main burden falls on the working people who do not receive affordable services, while people with high incomes avoid proportional taxes. The protesters called on the authorities to adhere to the principle of fairness when reforming the tax system.
Time to Abandon International Anarchy?

By Lawrence S. Wittner

In December 1934, Arthur Henderson, a leader of the British Labour Party, declared in his speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize that the immense human suffering caused by World War I "led to the very clear realization that international anarchy must be abandoned if civilization was to survive."

Unfortunately, that realization did not go very far or very deep. Although, since that time, international law has been refined, nations remain far from adhering to its provisions or accepting its enforcement by the United Nations.

The lengthy, bloody conflict between the Israelis and their Arab neighbors provides a dramatic illustration of this point.

On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted a plan to replace the British Mandate in Palestine with a partition of that land between a Jewish state and a Palestinian state. The UN decision was fiercely resented by the surrounding Arab nations, which launched a war against the new Jewish state, Israel a war from which Israel emerged victorious in 1948.

This victory did not end the violence, however, or the violations of international law. Having fled abroad from the fighting in 1948, over 700,000 Palestinians, in contravention of international law, were denied the right to return to their homes in Israel. Egypt, which, in 1956, had agreed under UN pressure to the demilitarization of the Sinai Peninsula, expelled UN observers in 1967, massed its troops on Israel's border, and together with Jordan, readied itself to invade Israel. In turn, Israel launched devastating attacks on Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Iraqi military forces. Victorious in this Six-Day War, Israel gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights.

Over the ensuing decades, numerous violent clashes followed, with Israel, now the dominant military power in the region, defeating Arab and Palestinian resistance. Meanwhile, Israel defied international law by continuing to occupy the territory conquered in 1967, colonizing it with Jewish settlements, and violating the human rights of its Palestinian residents. For their part, Hamas terrorists, dedicated to unremitting war against Israel, committed horrendous war crimes against noncombatants in clear violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. When the Israeli government deprived Gaza's civilian population of food, water, and other essentials of survival, it, too, defied international law.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine provides another clear example of flouting international law. Article 2, Section 4 of the UN Charter prohibits the "use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state." Ukraine had been an independent, sovereign nation since 1991, when the Soviet Union authorized a referendum on whether it wanted to become part of the new Russian Federation or to become independent. In the balloting, 90 percent voted for independence, which was formally accepted. Three years later, in the Budapest Memorandum, the Russian government pledged to "respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine" and to "refrain from the threat or use of force" against that nation.

Nevertheless, in 2014 the Putin regime drew upon Russian military power to seize and annex Crimea in southern Ukraine and to arm pro-Russian separatists and unleash its own thinly-disguised military forces in eastern Ukraine. In February 2022, the Russian government, determined to seize full control of Ukraine, launched a massive military invasion. Although fierce resistance by the Ukrainians prevented a complete Russian takeover, that September Putin announced the annexation of four additional regions of Ukraine, declaring that Russia would never surrender them.

Most of the world's nations assailed this behavior as a flagrant violation of international law. In March 2014, after a Russian veto blocked a UN Security Council rebuke, the UN General Assembly voted by an overwhelming margin to condemn the Russian action that year. In March 2022, amid a new Russian veto of UN Security Council action, the UN General Assembly roundly condemned the full-scale Russian invasion by a vote of 141 to 5 (with 35 abstentions), while the International Court of Justice, the world's highest judicial authority, voted by 13 to 2 (with Russia's judge casting one of the negative votes) that Russia should "immediately suspend" its invasion. That October, the UN General Assembly, by a vote of 143 nations to 5 (with 35 abstentions), called on all nations to refuse recognition of Russia's "attempted illegal annexation" of Ukrainian territory.

Perhaps the most chilling manifestation of international anarchy is the renewed nuclear arms race. Recognizing the potential for worldwide destruction in a nuclear war and pressed for action by an uneasy public, the nations of the world did, eventually, sign nuclear arms control treaties. Among these agreements was the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty of 1968, in which non-nuclear nations pledged to forgo building nuclear weapons, while the nuclear nations agreed to divest themselves of their nuclear arsenals. Nevertheless, in recent decades, additional nations have become nuclear powers, while existing nuclear powers have scrapped previous nuclear disarmament agreements. Symptomatically, the nuclear powers oppose the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which became international law in 2021.

Indeed, all the nuclear nations are currently engaged in nuclear weapons buildups planning and developing new, more efficient weapons of mass destruction. Some government officials, among them Vladimir Putin, publicly threaten to launch nuclear war against nations opposing their international policies.

Against this backdrop, it's tempting to conclude that, thanks to the apparently ungovernable nature of the world, the annihilation of civilization is inevitable. But is the world ungovernable or merely lacking an effective government?

Given the fact that the United Nations was created to guarantee international security, a logical solution to the problem of effective governance is to strengthen the ability of the world organization to enforce international law. By curbing international anarchy, this action would prevent marauding nations and armed bands alike from indulging their worst impulses. It would also significantly enhance the prospects for peace, justice, and human survival.
Ukrainian refugees, almost a million of who now live and work in Germany, are an excellent opportunity for German companies to both solve labor shortages and create the groundwork for future closer cooperation with Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at the opening of the 6th Ukrainian-German business forum in Berlin on Tuesday.

"Take advantage of this enormous potential. Integrate the Ukrainians who are here with us into your companies. Even if these women and men return to Ukraine after the war, they will become a valuable asset to their companies. Because then they form human bridges with the country, which, as a candidate for EU membership, has enormous economic potential," the chancellor emphasized.

According to him, many of the Ukrainian refugees are completing integration courses in these weeks and months, many now speak German, and almost all of them are well trained.

"This is a guarantee that economic relations between Germany and Ukraine will develop even better and more dynamically in the future," Scholz described the integration of Ukrainians into German companies.

He noted that Ukraine is a country with millions of hardworking, well-educated citizens. "A country with which we are more closely connected than ever before, thanks to the Ukrainians who now live here with us," the German Chancellor emphasized.

According to the organizers of the forum, including the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations (OA) and the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Ukraine), the event brought together more than 500 participants who want to learn about the economic development of Ukraine during the war, as well as existing opportunities for cooperation and investment. This year's conference is entitled "Ukraine's economy is growing again despite the war / Demand from German companies." Three panel discussions focus on the topics of infrastructure, energy and defense.

"Regardless of the war, a dozen investment projects have already begun, and German companies are currently seeking investment guarantees from the federal government for another 30 projects. Reconstruction has begun and German companies have joined in," OA Deputy Chairman Christian Bruch emphasized.

The risk of war can be controlled, especially in the western and central parts of the country, but more attractive offers of public and private financing and insurance solutions are needed, he said.

Managing Director of AHK Ukraine Reiner Perau also believes that the security situation allows business travel to resume in most regions in order to start doing business.

It is indicated that in the first eight months of 2023, German-Ukrainian trade grew by about 30% and amounted to EUR 6.2 billion: imports to Germany fell again slightly - by 5.5%, to EUR 1.8 billion, while exports increased by 52%, to EUR 4.4 billion.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

As I was writing this introduction, the nightmare in the Middle East, the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, Israeli preparations to invade Gaza, the Biden administration's decision to move a second aircraft carrier task force into the eastern Mediterranean, and the possibility that the crisis there might explode into an even larger conflict was the news everywhere. It was, however, remarkably hard to find much reporting on the extreme (and extremist) chaos that is now the definition of the Republican Party in this country. That right-wing extremist nightmare Congressman Jim Jordan years ago, before Donald Trump became president, former House Speaker John Boehner claimed he'd never met someone "who spent more time tearing things apart" was then failing in his bid to find enough Republican votes to become speaker of the House of Representatives. And yet that news was largely missing in action, as was the possibility that a few "moderate" Republicans might pair up with House Democrats to elect such a speaker. Missing as well was the daunting possibility that Congress might not even be able to pass an interim budget to keep government funding from drying up entirely.

Yes, by the time you read this, congressional chaos may indeed be back in the headlines, but the very fact that, however briefly, it could be swept away by the increasing chaos of our world should have been striking in itself. Today, we find ourselves in a new world (in the worst sense of that classic American term imaginable). And that's before you even consider that Mr. Chaos himself, former president Donald Trump, could indeed either drive the Republican Party further toward its grave or, worse yet, win the 2024 election and drive the country in that direction.

With all of that in mind, let TomDispatch regular Rebecca Gordon put our potential Republican hell on earth in grim context, while the "founding fathers" of this country assumedly twist and turn in their graves. Tom

Republican Contradictions

Are They Fascists or Nihilists or Both?

By Rebecca Gordon

Sometimes the right wing in this country seems like a riddle wrapped in an enigma encased in a conundrum.

Do they want to strengthen the government in line with the once-fringe doctrine of the "unitary executive," concentrating most official power in the hands of a president who would then rule more or less by fiat? That's the fascist position.

Or would they prefer to destroy the government, to "starve the beast," something anti-tax activist Grover Norquist used to call for decades ago? "I don't want to abolish government," he declared. "I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." That's the anti-government nihilist position.

You might not think that those two goals could coexist comfortably within a single party. And of course, you'd be right if you were talking about an ordinary American political party. But the Republicans are no longer an ordinary party. In many respects, in fact, they have become the however-fractious sole property of one Donald J. Trump. That former and quite possibly (God forbid) future president has no trouble simultaneously advocating contradictory, not to mention devastating, ideas. That's because, for him, ideas are an entirely fungible currency that he deploys primarily to maintain the attention and adulation of his and it is increasingly his alone GOP "base." And precisely because Trump has so little invested in actual policy, the right wing believes he's a weapon they can point and shoot in whatever direction they choose.

You might also wonder why, at a moment when horror is being heaped on horror in Israel/Palestine, when wars continue unabated in Ukraine and Sudan, I find myself focusing on some distinctly in-the-weeds aspects of the American political system. Perhaps it's partly to distract myself from all the other nightmares around us. But even if I believed (which I don't) that the right response to the crisis in Israel/Palestine involved sending more weapons and money to Benjamin Netanyahu, Congress isn't in a position to appropriate anything at the moment.

Just as we face so many crises globally, the legislative branch of the world's (theoretically) most powerful country has ceased to function. Perhaps by the time you read this, Republicans in the House of Representatives will have stopped squabbling over which right-wing bigot should be speaker. Maybe they will have opted for Jim Jordan, who has accused the Biden administration of planning to replace white voters with immigrants, or perhaps someone else entirely. Remember, too, that whatever joker emerges as speaker from such a chaotic process will be second in line to the presidency, should something happen to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Fearsome Power

Recently, I've somehow managed to end up on a few right-wing email lists. The strangest people (Ron DeSantis, for example) are writing to ask me for money. My most recent supplicant was Stephen Miller, former senior adviser to President Trump and co-author, with Steve Bannon, of Trump's 2017 inaugural address in which the new president inveighed darkly against the "American carnage" he saw defiling the nation's landscape. These days, Miller is himself a president of something called the America First Legal Foundation, which bills itself as "Fighting Back against lawless executive actions and the Radical Left."

Miller, it turns out, has written to let me know that "we are living in extremely perilous times and a truly dangerous moment for our Republic." As it happens, I agree with him, though obviously not for the same reasons. "The federal bureaucracy has turned against the American people," Miller's missive continues. "It has been completely corrupted into an ideological monolith of hard-left loathing for America. The fearsome power [his emphasis] of the state is raining down on political dissidents, while violent and vile criminals are released into our communities." The solution, of course, is to send money to America First Legal, so it can get on with the business of "Fighting Back against lawless executive actions."

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

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A 64-year-old British man accused of duping a woman out of nearly $2 million was extradited from London and returned to the United States, where he faced wire fraud charges Tuesday in federal court in Portland.

Oscar Peters claimed he was a successful billionaire who had significant business connections and friends in Hollywood when he corresponded with a woman in Oregon and shared that he was going through a divorce and couldnt access his money or property, according to an indictment.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek appointed Mike Reese, former Multnomah County sheriff and Portland Police Bureau chief, to direct the states Department of Corrections, according to a press release Tuesday.

Reese, 66, enters the role as Oregons prisons struggle to respond to the health and safety needs of incarcerated people, the flow of illicit drugs into the system and a $1.6 million whistleblower lawsuit against the agency.

Reese served as Portlands police chief from 2010 to 2015, when he retired as one of the longest-serving police chiefs in the city. Reese went on to become Multnomah County sheriff in 2016. His term concluded at the end of 2022.

Reese replaces Heidi Steward, who became acting director for the corrections department in 2022, after former prison director Colette Peters was appointed to head the federal Bureau of Prisons. Kotek said in a statement that Reeses law enforcement experience will serve him well in the new role.

He has an unparalleled record within the public safety sector for being a collaborator and a problem solver, guided by justice, equity, and a commitment to uphold the publics trust, Kotek said in the statement.

Reeses career in law enforcement began in 1989 as a deputy for the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, according to the statement. He joined the Portland Police Bureau in 1994, and served there until he retired as police chief. He didnt stay retired, however, winning office as sheriff soon after.

Several challenges await Reese, including at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, which holds about 850 women, many of whom have mental health and substance abuse treatment needs. The Wilsonville facility faces chronic and severe understaffing and disagreements between staff who provide mental health care to prisoners and those who guard them, according to a 229-page review ordered by the Legislature and released in August.

Coffee Creek and other prisons have seen a spike in drug use among prisoners. The rate of positive drug users has more than doubled since 2020 across Oregon correctional facilities, according to an analysis of Department of Corrections data by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Despite the surge, the state doesnt track overdoses by prisoners.

Oregon prisons are also under court orders to improve health care for prisoners. An Oregon Circuit Court judge recently ruled in favor of a U.S. Army veteran who petitioned for better treatment for his post-traumatic stress disorder and other war-related injuries while in custody.

Reese is not unfamiliar with the challenges. As sheriff, he helped oversee Multnomah Countys jails.

Current Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey ODonnell has ordered two independent investigations of this years extremely distressing string of deaths in Multnomah County jails, where six people died between May and August.

Reese said he will make a commitment to rehabilitating the states inmates. He will start Nov. 13 with a salary of $241,224 per year, according to Department of Corrections spokesperson Amber Campbell. Reese is also receiving a pension for his service with the Portland police, although Portland officials could not immediately provide details.

Oregon has over 12,000 inmates across its 12 prisons, and Reese said hes committed to addressing the problems plaguing the Department of Corrections.

Our ability to adequately rehabilitate adults in custody and recruit, train and retain a skilled workforce driven by accountability, integrity and professionalism has a direct impact on Oregon communities and I am resolved to ensure these standards are met, Reese said in a statement.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

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Police have tied a Portland couple to a monthslong crime spree, accusing them of burglaries of Portland post offices, armed robberies of mail carriers, theft of a gun safe from a Tigard home and several armed robberies of marijuana dispensaries.

Melissa Ann Maxwell, 43, and Corey James Jackson, 43, collectively face more than a dozen federal and state allegations.
A woman stabbed last week in Southeast Portland has died from her injuries, police said Monday.

Tiara Atencio, 22, of Portland died in the hospital after she was assaulted in the 6800 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard around 11 p.m. Thursday, police said.
No. 8 Oregon travels to No. 13 Utah on Saturday (12:30 p.m., Fox).

Dan Lanning held his weekly press conference tonight to review last weeks win over Washington State and preview the matchup with the Utes.

Below is a transcript of Lannings press conference.
The family of 28-year-old David Olson identified him as the person struck and killed by a TriMet MAX train in Gresham early Thursday, Olsons family said.

Gresham police on Tuesday also confirmed Olson was the person who died after being struck in a restricted area of the tracks between the Ruby Junction / E 197th Avenue and Civic Drive MAX stations at 2:25 a.m.

TriMet also has not publicly identified the employee who was operating the MAX train when it struck Olson. The employee has not yet returned to work, TriMet spokesperson Tyler Graf said.

John Howard, Olsons brother in law, said Olson would have been concerned for the operators well being.

Thats who he was, said Olsons brother in law, John Howard. He cared deeply about everyone around him and was an incredibly compassionate person and I know that would have been on the forefront of his mind.

Police said they are investigating and asked anyone with information to contact 503-618-2719, officials said. Investigators have not yet released additional information about Thursdays collision.

Olson grew up in Portland and attended David Douglas High School. He worked in the citys service industry, was passionate about the outdoors and loved to spend time with his family, including playing video games with his nieces and nephews, who called him Funkle Dave, Howard said.

He was always a moment away from a joke and smile, Howard said. Regardless of where he went or what he did, his most important hobby was his family.

Olson particularly loved spending time in Cascade Locks in the summer. His family visited the Columbia River Gorge city this week in Olsons memory, Howard said.

An online fundraiser Olsons family created to help pay for his funeral expenses has raised over $6,000 by Tuesday morning. Howard said investigators have not yet given the family more information about the collision.

Olson was the third person to have died after being hit by a TriMet bus or MAX train since May 2022.

A TriMet bus struck and killed a man Feb. 14 at Northeast Pacific Street near 99th Avenue. TriMet denied a records request by The Oregonian/OregonLive in March for surveillance camera footage of the crash, citing a pending criminal investigation.

Phillip Ellis Allen, 43, also died after being hit by a MAX train on East Burnside Street at Northeast 160th Avenue on May 13, 2022.

As of Tuesday, Portland had recorded 53 traffic deaths of drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists this year, including two pedestrians killed Saturday in separate crashes, according to Portland police. There were 63 traffic deaths in 2022 and 2021, figures show.

-- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalinagaitan_

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Oregon State University on Tuesday warned of a bomb threat associated with its food delivery robots.

The Corvallis university said the emergency was over at 1:39 p.m., a little over an hour after telling people not to open any of the robots and to avoid all robots until further notice in a social media post.

Campus public safety employees and a technician have isolated the robots in a safe location and are investigating, the university said in subsequent social-media posts.

Oregon State University did not immediately respond Tuesday to phone and email inquiries from The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Corvallis police have not responded to the campus, a receptionist at the department said Tuesday.

In October 2021, Oregon State University launched a fleet of 20 autonomous delivery robots, created by San Francisco-based company Starship Technologies, to take food to people on its 500-acre campus. The small robots have six wheels and bear an orange flag; in 2021, the university said the robots use GPS, sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate and avoid hitting obstacles.

-- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalinagaitan_

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Our family and many others were very disappointed that the Oregon Zoo is not doing the drive through option for Zoo Lights this year. We realize it started out in 2020 as a response to COVID, but it proved to be a great benefit to people with disabilities. The zoo website stated they realized some people were more comfortable with the drive through option but werent doing it this year. But it is not a matter of comfort for many people with mobility issues. So many people, including my daughter, will not be able to enjoy this tradition this year. The zoo is providing special nights for beer drinkers (Brew Lights), but cant accommodate people with disabilities.

Laurie Goss, Portland

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
A Washington state senator was arrested in Hong Kong for carrying a gun that was not registered in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, his website and local media reported. He apparently traveled with the firearm in his carry-on bag through security at Portland International Airport.

Jeff Wilson, a Republican from Longview, was taken into custody after landing at the Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday. Wilson was traveling with his wife for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia, his website said. He was released on bail on Monday.
In the draft budget for 2024, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner included a small amount of funds for assistance to Ukraine, resulting in a shortfall of more than EUR 5 billion, in connection with which the German Ministry of Defense is sounding the alarm, Bild reports.

According to information released by the German publication, the draft budget indicates only EUR 120 million for Ukraine, although the German Ministry of Defense expects that Kyiv will need EUR 5.22 billion in 2024. The Bundeswehr indicates where more money should be allocated, in particular EUR 880 million for air defense, EUR 675 million for armored combat vehicles, EUR 390 million for training, EUR 935 million for protective equipment, EUR 2.34 billion for repairs, spare parts and logistics.

Also, the budget does not include EUR 525 million to replace the equipment already transferred to the Bundeswehr. The publication notes that the budget will be finally approved in mid-November, by that time negotiations will begin.

"We must keep our word. We must not run out of financial resources when it comes to helping Ukraine next year," said Andreas Schwarz, the committee's defense budget manager.
Gov. Tina Kotek will back state Rep. Janelle Bynum in her run for Congress, throwing her substantial political weight behind one candidate in the hotly contested Democratic primary.

Koteks endorsement comes as Bynum, D-Clackamas, is locked in a heated primary for the 5th Congressional District with Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a central Oregon attorney and frequent candidate who narrowly lost to Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer last year. Metro Council President Lynn Peterson is also running.

Democrats, both statewide and nationally, consider defeating Chavez-DeRemer a top priority.

Who we send to Congress to represent Oregon is incredibly important, especially now when our values are under attack at the federal level, Kotek said in a statement. Oregonians deserve a leader who shares their beliefs and puts our families before politics when it matters most. Thats why we need to elect Janelle  a leader with the tenacity, compassion and commitment to deliver real results for Oregon families.

Kotek praised Bynums bipartisan track record in the state House on issues including gun violence prevention, affordable housing and reproductive rights. Bynum has served in the House since 2017, and she twice beat current Chavez-DeRemer in legislative races.

Kotek was the House speaker for most of Bynums time in office. Bynum publicly considered challenging her for the speaker role in 2020, abandoning that attempt after Kotek pledged to ensure people of color had a spot in House Democratic leadership and approve funding for the Legislatures Black, Indigenous and People of Color Caucus to hire its own staff. Bynum is the only Black woman in the House and at times has been the only Black representative. She is also a small business owner who operates several McDonalds restaurants with her husband.

Kotek is the latest high-profile Oregon Democrat to get behind Bynum, joining U.S. Reps. Andrea Salinas and Suzanne Bonamici, state Treasurer Tobias Read, several state senators and 21 Democratic state representatives.

From our time serving together as state representatives to now, Governor Kotek knows that Ill never shy away from the fight for Oregonians, Bynum said. The last few weeks of chaos and dysfunction have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Republican extremists like Lori Chavez-DeRemer are incapable of governing with our communitys best interests in mind, and our district needs a change.

Polling and fundraising show a close race between Bynum and McLeod-Skinner, with Peterson trailing the two Democratic front-runners. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district, which stretches from Bend to east Portland.

NOTE: This story was updated Oct. 26 to use more objective language in the first paragraph.

-- Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle is a nonprofit news organization focused on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
Bob Day, Portlands new police chief, is in a time crunch. He has committed to working as the citys top cop  but only until June 2025, when the citys next mayor will appoint his successor.

After his first full week on the job, Day on Monday met with reporters to describe the goals he has for the Police Bureau before his time runs out.

In June of 2025, I want Portland and I want the Portland Police Bureau to be a different story, Day said. And that its a story of resilience. Its a story of recovery.

Fentanyl crisis:

Day said he wants to take a regional approach to the fentanyl crisis by collaborating with Oregon State Police, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office.

The bureau will measure its success by the number of drug-related arrests, amount of pills taken off the street and the number of people getting connected to addiction services in Portland, Day said.

Body-worn cameras:

Day said its too soon to evaluate the success of the Portland Police Bureaus 60-day body-worn camera pilot program, which ended Oct. 19. The bureau is starting to collect feedback from the estimated 150 officers who donned the devices starting in August. Day said he will use the feedback to develop the bureaus permanent body-worn camera policy and contract, and aims to outfit all officers with the devices by the spring or summer of 2024.

The engagement with (the cameras) was high, but as with anything, there are bugs to work out, Day said.

Response times:

Day said he intends to work with the Bureau of Emergency Communications and the Police Bureaus strategic services division, who are taking a hard look at the current model for dispatching officers in order to improve flagging response times. One solution is encouraging more people to submit online reports for incidents that dont require an armed response, which could free up more officers to respond to high-priority calls, Day said.

A push for hiring more officers could also shorten 911 wait times, Day said.

Staffing:

The Portland Police Bureau has 81 vacant positions, all of which Day said he hopes to fill before leaving his post in 2025.

Were going to need to keep our foot on the gas pedal, Day said.

In addition, 150 bureau members will become eligible to retire by the end of this year, according to police spokesperson Terri Wallo-Strauss. As of Monday, the bureau has 800 total sworn members, including 292 patrol officers and 96 officers in training. The bureau has lost 54 members and hired 55 new ones so far this year. A hiring ceremony in November could push the number of newly hired officers to 70.

Community trust:

Day said he was not aware of when or how a meme encouraging violence against protesters ended up on a Portland Police Bureau training presentation on protests. He led the bureaus training division from 2016 to 2018 before becoming deputy chief until his retirement in 2019, Day said.

The city made the PowerPoint presentation public in 2022 months after city attorneys turned it over to lawyers for Dont Shoot Portland, a Black-led nonprofit advocating for social and racial justice that sued the city in federal court alleging officers used excessive force while responding to protests in 2020.

Day said he hopes to restore community trust in police and remove any standpoint of us against them.

This includes addressing problematic ideologies held by officers, such as those who responded to an online training on how to interact with the LGBTQ+ community with feedback a city-hired consultant said was indicative of racism, ableism (and) white supremacy.

The days of the chief of police just standing behind the podium and saying Trust the system, in my opinion, are no longer adequate, Day said. People have a lot of questions about the system, and appropriately so.

READ MORE:

5 things on the to-do list of Portlands new police chief

State troopers join police bike squad in downtown Portland to crack down on drug use, other crime

Can police confiscate drugs in downtown Portland? Its complicated

 Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalinagaitan_

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The signing by the President of the law On Amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses and other laws of Ukraine on improving the procedure for holding accountable persons authorized to perform the functions of the state or local self-government may lead to the removal from the Unified State Register of persons who have committed corruption or related to corruption offenses, about 35,000 people, said head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), Oleksandr Novikov.

If the law on the right to be forgotten for corrupt officials comes into force, approximately 10,000 people will remain there. Some 35,000 people, including 10,000 people, who committed corruption crimes, will be forgotten, Novikov said in an interview with Radio Liberty.

He clarified that currently, approximately 45,000 people are included in the register of corrupt officials who have committed corruption or corruption-related offenses, including 12,000 people sentenced by the court for corruption offenses, 25,000 people held accountable for administrative offenses, and 2,000 people - for disciplinary offenses related to corruption.

Today, the president has a bill to sign, which actually removes from the relevant register of persons who have committed corruption or corruption-related offenses, more than 10,000 persons convicted of criminal corruption offences. After this, these persons will be able to take part, for example, in government procurement. This is a huge risk, we hope that the president will not sign this law, Novikov emphasized.
Russian forces to sustain sufficient rates of artillery fire in Ukraine in 2024, albeit at relatively lower level than during 2022  ISW

Russia will likely maintain sufficient intensity of artillery fire on the Ukraine front in 2024, albeit at a relatively lower level than in 2022, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Russia's domestic production of artillery shells, supplemented by increased ammunition imports from North Korea, will likely allow Russian forces to sustain sufficient rates of artillery fire in Ukraine in 2024, albeit at a relatively lower level than during 2022, ISW said in a report published on its official website on Tuesday.

The Institute analysts refer to data provided by Estonian Defense Forces Intelligence Center Head Colonel Ants Kiviselg who stated that Russia still has around four million artillery shells remaining, which Russian forces can use for "low intensity" warfare for an additional year. At the same time, Kiviselg noted that there are reports that North Korea has shipped up to 1,000 containers of ammunition to Russia, each containing between 300-500 pieces of artillery ammunition.

Kiviselg estimated that North Korea may have therefore provided between 300,000-500,000 pieces of ammunition to Russia, which can last up to one month at the current daily rate of consumption of around 10,000 shells a day. Ukrainian military analyst Colonel Petro Chernyk reported on October 23 that Russian forces are currently firing between 10,000-15,000 shells a day, significantly lower than rates of fire in summer 2022 of 45,000-80,000 shells per day.

Western sources and satellite imagery have confirmed that North Korean deliveries, likely mostly comprised of artillery shells, have drastically increased  and North Korea is likely to provide further deliveries, the ISW notes.

Therefore, the ISW concludes that the degree to which Ukraines international partners sustain Ukraines ability to sustain an effective weight of fire relative to Russian forces will be a key determiner of respective capabilities in 2024.
Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - UN-appointed independent experts on Monday called on all lawyers advising the Israeli military to refuse legal authorisation for acts that could amount to war crimes in retaliation for Hamas' attacks on Israel
Photo: (Photo : JOHN MACDOUGALL /Getty Images)

The CDC has sounded a significant CDC alert this week, and the nation's attention is fixed.

Rising RSV cases are pushing pediatric health resources to the brink, and now, a looming supply shortage of Beyfortus, the latest antibody drug for infants, intensifies the healthcare challenge.

Surge of RSV and Its Implications

It's that time of year again: cold and flu season. But this year, pediatricians and health officials nationwide are particularly alarmed. Not just by the usual culprits, but by the rising RSV cases.

Dr. Buddy Creech, a leading pediatric infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, doesn't mince words. He adds that RSV season is here. In many areas, RSV has swiftly emerged as the dominant respiratory virus affecting our youngest population.

The ripple effect of this surge is evident. Health professionals nationwide are in a near frenzy, identifying those infants most at risk, aiming to offer them protection. But herein lies a challenging wrinkle: the supply shortage of Beyfortus.

Beyfortus: The Anticipated Lifesaver Amidst a Crisis

The introduction of Beyfortus was met with a sigh of relief in medical corridors. The FDA's green light for the drug in July signaled hope, especially for the most vulnerable.

Unlike traditional vaccines, Beyfortus is an innovative solution, directly infusing RSV-fighting antibodies into an infant's bloodstream.

Intended primarily for newborns and infants bracing for their first RSV seasons, it is also a beacon of hope for children up to age 2 deemed high risk during their second RSV seasons. But with the CDC alert highlighting the supply shortage of Beyfortus, particularly the 100mg doses, prioritization becomes a tricky and often heart-wrenching exercise.

The CDC alert is unequivocal: infants under 6 months and those with significant underlying health conditions should be at the top of the priority list. Yet, even as the alarm bells ring, the FDA, in a puzzling move, hasn't categorized the drug as being in an official shortage.

With each Beyfortus dose pegged at around $500, accessibility concerns aren't merely about availability but also affordability.

Pediatrician offices and hospitals, the frontline in this battle against rising RSV cases, find themselves in a quandary. The demand, as Sanofi, the pharmaceutical giant behind Beyfortus, confesses, has exceeded all their projections.

The immediate implications are evident. Sanofi, in collaboration with the CDC's Vaccines for Children program, has had to hit the pause button on several orders, as shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Yet, in a silver lining amidst this cloud, the CDC plans to recommence orders, albeit in a limited capacity, placing emphasis on first-time purchasers and those with smaller requirements.

Read Also: TikTok's Trending "Toddler Milks" Turns Out To Be Nutritionally Incomplete, Unregulated

Other RSV Prevention Measures: Are They Enough?

In the backdrop of the supply shortage of Beyfortus, other RSV prevention drugs like Synagis, though available, come with their own set of constraints. Approved only for high-risk infants, its administration is restricted to the RSV season.

On a more promising note, the FDA recently approved the RSV vaccine Abrysvo for use in pregnant women during their final trimesters, potentially safeguarding their newborns in their crucial first six months.

The CDC Alert on rising RSV cases and the subsequent supply shortage of Beyfortus underscores a critical challenge.

As the cold and flu season intensifies, one can only hope that the collaborative efforts of pharmaceuticals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers bridge the demand-supply gap. The health of our future generation hinges on it.

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Photo: (Photo : Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash)

The power of intergenerational bonding has taken on new dimensions, as a 69-year-old retired corporate meeting planner guides a stressed high school senior, a 79-year-old retired teacher comforts a young child, and a freshly retired 75-year-old businesswoman learns an AI art program to cheer a little student.

Introducing Eldera, an innovative online mentoring platform in the USA that matches seasoned adults (60 years of age and older) with budding youth (between 5 and 18 years of age). The emphasis? Facilitate regular interactions over video calls to forge meaningful connections.

Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic

Dana Griffin, the passionate co-founder and CEO of Eldera, confidently states, "This is our answer to the 'OK Boomer' sentiment." She believes that when individuals of different generations engage on a personal level, they naturally gravitate towards nurturing each other.

Eldera isn't just aiming to quash generational cliches. The platform is combating a more pressing issue: the creeping loneliness epidemic that has enveloped both the young and old, leading to severe health risks. This concern was highlighted by US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, equating the health hazards of loneliness to smoking about 15 cigarettes daily. But Gryphon finds solace in the positive impacts witnessed since Eldera's inception during the pandemic's early days.

The heartwarming tale of Kathleen Zwart and Lara Salem exemplifies Eldera's impact. Zwart, nearing her 70s, eagerly waits for Salem's virtual presence every week.

For Salem, a 17-year-old juggling a myriad of responsibilities, these sessions provide solace. Zwart's decades of experience offer Salem a unique perspective that she cherishes. With Zwart's encouragement, Salem not only faced academic challenges head-on but also secured her first job. Despite the geographical distance between Zwart in Jacksonville and Salem in Miami, their connection knows no bounds.

Read Also: Arizona Mother Falls Victim To AI Voice Cloning Scam That Faked Her Daughter's Kidnapping

Safety and AI in Eldera

Dana Griffin's vision extends beyond current numbers, hoping to position every child in the US with a seasoned mentor. She fondly recalls her upbringing by her grandparents in Transylvania and wishes to instill the value of elderly wisdom in today's generation.

Her platform paints a vivid picture of a "virtual village with a human soul." Launched in March 2020, Eldera served as a beacon of connection during isolating times. It continues to be relevant as it fine-tunes its AI-driven matching process, ensuring the safety of interactions. Eldera's human-centric approach, where AI plays a supportive role, is paramount. With continuous input from its community of mentors and mentees, Eldera is shaping up to be a beacon of holistic growth.

The stories emerging from Eldera are endless and poignant. Like the tale of Constance Morton Belsi, a retired teacher who was deeply moved by her 6-year-old mentee's fears stemming from recent school shootings. Or Andrew Weinrich, a retiree who discovered the educational and fun aspects of video games through his mentee. And Karen Korman, who is venturing into the world of AI-driven art to bond with her young mentee.

In a world where technology often divides, Eldera's platform emerges as a unifying force, harnessing the wisdom of the elderly to guide, comfort, and inspire the younger generation. With its mission to counteract the loneliness epidemic and bridge generational divides, Eldera stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connections.

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Photo: (Photo : Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images)

The sudden and tragic passing of a 21-year-old college student, Sarah Katz, has drawn nationwide attention to Panera Bread's newest offering, the Charged Lemonade.

With a caffeine content that shocks even seasoned energy drink consumers, questions arise regarding its safety, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

A lawsuit alleges a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition died after drinking Panera Breads charged lemonade, which contains more caffeine than a Red Bull and Monster energy drink combined. https://t.co/RyV2RPfBCj  NBC News (@NBCNews) October 23, 2023

Charged Lemonade's High Caffeine Content

Sarah Katz, a bright 21-year-old college student at the University of Pennsylvania, never imagined that a drink from Panera Bread would change the course of her life.

The Charged Lemonade, marketed for its "plant-based and clean" ingredients, was deceptively potent. With 390 milligrams of caffeine in a large serving, it held more of this stimulating compound than some of the most popular high-caffeine energy drinks combined.

Elizabeth Crawford, the attorney representing the Katz family, stated that this beverage was not just any lemonade but a high-caffeine energy drink, masquerading under the guise of a refreshing beverage.

The aftermath of this tragic event saw Panera Bread express heartfelt condolences. The spokesperson emphasized the brand's dedication to transparency regarding its ingredients.

However, despite such commitments, in-store promotions have been critiqued for possibly not doing justice to communicating the potent nature of the "Charged Lemonade."

Panera Bread's website does label the drink as the ultimate energy drink, yet whether this descriptor was adequately highlighted in stores remains a point of contention.

Underlying Perils of the Charged Lemonade

The lawsuit filed by the Katz family raises serious concerns about this high-caffeine energy drink. Positioned alongside less caffeinated beverages, consumers might easily be misled. Despite its seemingly harmless demeanor, "Charged Lemonade" is anything but.

Not only does it contain an excessive amount of caffeine, but it also includes guarana extract, another stimulant, and nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar.

Victoria Rose Conroy, a close friend and roommate of the deceased 21-year-old college student, fondly remembered Katz as a dedicated scholar who was scrupulously cautious about her health.

Having been diagnosed with a heart condition known as long QT syndrome type 1, Katz was always meticulous about avoiding high-caffeine energy drinks.

Conroy is certain that had Katz known about the drink's true nature, she would never have chosen it.

Read Also: California Judge Blocks Controversial Chino Valley School Policy on Gender Identification Disclosure

Implications for Others, Calls for Increased Awareness

While the tragic event highlights the dangers posed to individuals with specific health conditions, the broader implications cannot be ignored.

Large quantities of caffeine can be harmful to a diverse group of individuals, including those with different health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and even children.

The FDA has also echoed these concerns. Social media, too, has seen users voicing their experiences with Panera's Charged Lemonade.

Some even shared their alarming reactions after consuming the beverage, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive warnings.

Elizabeth Crawford conveyed the sentiments of the grieving Katz parents. Their primary goal now is to spread awareness about the Charged Lemonade sold at Panera Bread outlets.

They hope that by sharing their painful experience, they can prevent similar incidents in the future.

The loss of a young, promising 21-year-old college student serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that brands and consumers both share.

It emphasizes the importance of making informed choices and the dire need for transparent and adequate product descriptions, especially when it concerns items that could pose health risks.

Sarah Katz's untimely departure leaves behind not just a void in the hearts of her loved ones but also an urgent call for action.

The onus now lies on brands like Panera Bread and regulatory authorities to ensure that every product on the market is not only safe but also accurately represented, preventing further heartbreaks and tragedies.

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Qualcomm and its Snapdragon chips are officially back inside the PC. Today, Qualcomm formally launched the Snapdragon X Elite, the flagship platform of its Snapdragon X family that leverages its Oryon CPU core, and promises to double  yes, double  the performance of some of the most popular 13th-gen Core chips from AMD and Intel.

Sound familiar? It should. Qualcomm promised the same with its earlier Snapdragon 8-series chips, and really didnt deliver. But after buying chip designer Nuvia in 2021, Qualcomm is trying again, hoping that its superpowered Arm chips can once again make Windows on Arm PCs a competitor to conventional X86 PCs when they launch in mid-2024.

And theyre talking some big numbers to prove it.

Qualcomm sees Oryon first going into PCs (as the engine of the Snapdragon X Elite platform) but then moving into smartphones, cars, extended reality devices, and more, Qualcomm chief executive Cristiano Amon is expected to say today. Amon said that Qualcomm is becoming a connected processing company, a theme hes mentioned before.

Powering up the PC with processing, AI

If theres one trend that Qualcomm is clearly among the leaders in, though, its AI. Qualcomm has offered intelligent processing from camera smartphone mode up through more sophisticated audio and video filtering, and is well positioned if and when generative AI or other technologies arrive on the PC.

We look at AI everywhere, Amon said, AI can work in the cloud, or as hybrid AI: a combination of cloud AI and local processing.

Whether or not it will keep up with AMD and Intel in overall PC processing, though, is the more important question. Qualcomm will spend considerable time and effort at this weeks Snapdragon Summit in Maui to try and convince reporters and analysts that it can  and is prepared to talk, in some detail, about what the Snapdragon X Elite offers in terms of architecture and performance.

According to Peter Burns, senior director of product marketing for Qualcomm, the company is on a mission to modernize the PC experience with a premium SOC designed to revolutionize Windows PCs.

This is performance reborn for the PC ecosystem, Burns added. X Elite is the most powerful, intelligent and efficient processor for Windows in its class.

Qualcomm is also disclosing its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor for smartphones at its Technology Summit this week. Our colleagues at TechAdvisor will be covering that.

Meet Qualcomms Oryon CPU, the heart of the Snapdragon X Elite

I have to tell we have exceeded our own expectations, Amon said. It is the new leader in mobile computing, period.

The attention paid to the Snapdragon X Elite will be focused on Qualcomms Oryon CPU, and for good reason. After originally pledging to sample in 2022 with PCs shipping in 2023, Qualcomm then pushed its schedule out by a year, saying it would ship Oryon in 2023. Thats potentially still the case, even with Oryon PCs (now using the Snapdragon X Elite platform brand) hitting shelves in 2023.

To begin with, Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite is manufactured on a 4nm process node, versus the Intel 4 process node of Intels Meteor Lake. (The two process technologies arent directly comparable, though theyre close enough for most purposes.)

Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite has a familiar design. Qualcomm

Oryon is a tri-cluster design. Historically, that has meant prime, performance, and efficiency cores, with each type of core taking on their own role depending upon the task. However, it appears that Qualcomm and its X86 rivals may have swapped strategies; as Intel adopts performance and efficiency cores, Qualcomm has chosen AMDs path. There are twelve cores within the Snapdragon X Elite, all running at 3.8GHz. Well, most of the time. If needed one or two of the cores can boost to 4.3GHz, the turbo boost strategy thats become common on the PC.

The 64-bit Oryon CPU will be paired with 42Mbytes of total cache, and a memory controller that can access eight channels of LPDDR5x memory (64GB in total) with 130GBps memory bandwidth, executives said. It will be a single die, not a chiplet design.

Qualcomm isnt saying too much about the new Adreno GPU, only that it can deliver 4.6 teraflops. It will power an internal display up to 4K resolution and 120Hz, with HDR10 capabilities. However, the chip can drive three UHD/4K displays or dual 5K displays via embedded DisplayPort 1.4, Burns said. Its also Qualcomms first desktop chip to feature upgradable software drivers, a staple of PC graphics.

The Adreno engine will also be able to encode at 4K60 in H.264, HEVC and AV1, and decode at 4K120 in all three, plus VP9.

The Snapdragon X Elite platform will also ship with 5G capabilities via the discrete 10Gbps Snapdragon X65 modem, Wi-Fi 7, Qualcomms lossless audio technology, and Microsoft Pluton, a security technology that AMD has also adopted, but not Intel. It will be able to access NVMe SSDs using PCIe Gen 4, though Qualcomm hasnt said how many lanes will be available. The platform will also provide three USB4 connection, with two 10Gbps USB-C connections.

For Qualcomm, performance is everything

Heres the statement, though, thats going to be the key point. Snapdragon X Elite delivers up to two times the performance compared to our competitors most widely-adopted 10- and 12-core laptop CPUs, Burns said. And it can match their peak performance with as little as one-third of the power for incredible battery life.

Qualcomm is taking aim at Apple with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip and its Oryon CPU. Mark Hachman / IDG

Burns clarified that the power reference was for a leading 14-core laptop competitor. Burns also said that the Snapdragon X Elite will deliver better peak multithreaded performance than its nearest Arm-based competitor. Here, Qualcomm is claiming that the Snapdragon X Elite will beat Apples M2 Max in single-threaded performance and will match its peak performance at 30 percent less power.

But which chips is Qualcomm talking about? Burns didnt say, but a Qualcomm representative offered a clarification: Qualcomm is comparing its chips against the 13th-gen Core chips, Raptor Lake.

Qualcomm is claiming that its SNapdragon X Elite PC platfom and the Oryon CPU will deliver more performance than Intels current best. Qualcomm

Specifically, Qualcomm is saying that the Oryon CPU inside the Snapdragon X Elite is up to twice as fast as the Intel Core i7-1355U, and also bringing in Intels 12-core chip, the Core i7-1360P. The 14-core Core chip Qualcomm is comparing the Snapdragon X Elite to? The Core i7-13800H.

If you read the tiny print on each of Qualcomms slides, youll see that Qualcomm is using the multithreaded version of GeekBench 6.1 as a point of comparison. Qualcomm is also claiming that the Oryon will beat a Core i9-13980HX in single-threaded performance, too, at 70 percent less power than the Core i9-13980HX consumes at peak performance.

And yes, Qualcomm believes that its Snapdragon X Elite and the Oryon can take on Intels best. Mark Hachman / IDG

Qualcomm also believes that its integrated Adreno GPU will deliver up to 2X faster GPU performance vs competition, or match the competitions performance at a quarter of the power.

This matters, though. As most people know, the selling point for a Qualcomm PC has been its connectivity and battery life, with performance and application compatibility proving to be two black marks against the platform. In 2019, for example, Qualcomm told reporters at Computex that its Snapdragon 8cx chip would outperform an 8th-gen Kaby Lake-R Core chip, based upon the PCMark 10 Apps benchmark. But PCWorlds benchmarks of the chip inside the Samsung Galaxy Book S revealed that the Core i5-8250U, a Kaby Lake-R chip, outperformed the Snapdragon 8cx by over 50 percent on Qualcomms hand-picked benchmark. That means Qualcomm needs to show some compelling numbers, and ones that hold up.

Right now, Qualcomm is only disclosing the single Snapdragon X Elite platform. But Burns seemed to imply a range of chips are coming.

GPU performance has typically been a Snapdragon strong suit, but the world has become more competitive. So apparently, has Qualcomm. Mark Hachman / IDG

You can take this one chip and scale it across a broad range of thermal designs, Burns said. So its a huge benefit to our OEM partners because it simplifies the process to create laptops across so many different form factors you get more modern devices while getting leading power-performance whether youre using a two-in-one, an ultraportable, all the way up to laptops with large displays.

Gerard Williams, the senior vice president of engineering for Qualcomm, said that future Oryon CPUs will improve power and performance for many CPU generations to come.

Three Snapdragon X Elite reference designs

At the Snapdragon Technology Summit, Qualcomm won a commitment from Lenovo to use Oryon inside commercial and consumer PCs. HP also appeared on stage to endorse the platform, as did Microsoft. All three have used Qualcomm Snapdragon chips before.

One of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite reference designs. Mark Hachman / IDG

While we dont know if any of these companies will make Snapdragon X Elite laptops, Qualcomm showed off three unlabeled reference designs at the show.

Positioned for AI  if and when it happens

AI, though, remains a challenge for Qualcomm as much as it matters for its rivals. Intel, which has invested into an NPU for its 14th-gen mobile Meteor Lake chip, doesnt have an obvious candidate app for local AI besides Stable Diffusions AI art, and has launched an AI acceleration program to try and jumpstart local AI software development.

Like Intel, Qualcomm is making the argument that AI on the PC needs to be fast, personalized and private.

In 2023, Qualcomm and Meta agreed to work together to take Metas Llama AI engine and run it on Snapdragon chips. Llama (you can try a cloud-based version of Llama, here) is an AI chatbot like Bard or Bing Chat. Llamas 13 billion parameters can be run on top of the Snapdragon X Elite, or Qualcomm can run a smaller model, with 7 billion parameters, at 30 tokens per second on a Snapdragon X Elite PC. Essentially  since AI parses words and their relationships, then generates a response  30 tokens per second is about 1-2 sentences per second, according to OpenAI. The key is thats all being processed on your PC, without the need to disclose your question, or your identity, to the cloud.

One number that Qualcomm is talking about is the relative performance of its Hexagon NPU, or AI engine, in terms of Trillions of Operations per Second, or TOPS. Its a number that Intel has alluded to, but never quite specified. (Im going to deliver billions of TOPS that developers can design to, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, an Intel executive vice president and general manager of Intels Client Computing Group, said recently.)

Qualcomm

Qualcomms putting a stake in the ground. Burns said that the Snapdragon X Elite generates 45 TOPS, over 4.5 times what PC laptop competitors offer today. That, in part, comes from an improved power delivery system, twice the shared memory, and a tensor accelerator that runs 2.5 times faster. It will work in conjunction with what Qualcomm calls its Sensing Hub, a sensor array which will always be on and active for things like presence detection.

Combine the NPU, GPU, and CPU, and the TOPS performance soars to 75 TOPS, Alex Katouzian, the general manager and senior vice president in charge of compute, XR and mobile, said.

On AI, Qualcomm is working with Microsoft, Meta, Google, HP, and others, Qualcomm said. Models that can run on Snapdragon include OpenAIs Whisper, Baidus Ernie 3.5E, and more.

The question still remains: what are you supposed to do with AI on the PC? Theres not a great answer right now, and wed expect Qualcomm to show us as the Snapdragon Technology Summit rolls on.

Snapdragon Seamless

Move over, Intel Unison. Qualcomm also has a technology framework to connect your phone, laptop, and watch  and soon your car and AR devices, too. Called Snapdragon Seamless, the technology is designed to allow devices to work together, but also to allow peripherals to carry over from one platform to another. According to Cisco Cheng, senior director of product marketing for Qualcomm, each device will communicate its status to others, including battery life, Wi-Fi strength and more.

Cheng said that Qualcomm will show off features normally associated with Unison or Windows own Your Phone app, but also some new tricks: pushing a mouse pointer across multiple devices (which, to be fair, Samsung has already shown with Samsung Flow) or even stretch an app across multiple devices, too. Smartphones could connect to the Web and project images to an XR device. Earbuds could follow you from one device to another.

Snapdragon Seamless is another cross-device, cross-platform framework, but it might be truly better. Qualcomm

Qualcomms Cheng said that his company is working with Microsoft, Google, Asus, Lenovo, Oppo, and Honor to bring together multi-device ecosystems. (Expect to see partnerships with the Chinese mobile device makers first, with Dell and Lenovo coming later, Cheng said.) Seamless will, however, require Qualcomms latest platforms, presumably the Snapdragon X Elite and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile processor.

I want to reiterate that we are not replacing the solutions that already exist out there, Cheng said. But instead we are working behind the scenes to help bridge the divide between these multiple devices.

Lets face it: Qualcomm has a lot to prove on the PC. In the next few days, well begin to see if it can live up to its own lofty expectations, as well as the worlds.

Editors Note: To gain access to Qualcomms new Oryon and Snapdragon X Elite platform, Qualcomm offered to pay for PCWorld for room, board and airfare at its Snapdragon Technology Summit. PCWorld accepted, but maintained editorial control of its content.

This story was updated at 12:10 PM Hawaii time with additional details and photos.
Qualcomm has long been understood to have an exclusivity agreement to supply Arm processors to the Windows PC market. A new report suggests that both Nvidia and, surprisingly, AMD, are prepared to jump in when that exclusivity agreement ends.

Reuters reported Monday that both chip companies are readying Arm processors for Windows PCs when Qualcomms agreement expires in 2024. Neither AMD nor Nvidia would confirm the agreement, the wire service reported.

The news comes on the eve of the Qualcomm Snapdragon Technology Summit, held in Maui, where Qualcomm has said previously that it would disclose more about its Snapdragon Elite platform and the Oryon processor. That disclosure could happen as early as today. The Snapdragon platform has been built upon Arm chips, which Windows runs on top of through both native and emulated code, a process that has taken years to develop.

Nvidia was actually an early player in the Arm processor game, supplying the Arm chip that powered the early Microsoft Surface RT. Over time, however, Microsoft moved away from Arm chips and to X86 chips manufactured by Intel and AMD. It has continued developing Arm processors, just not for Windows PCs, recently unveiling the massive Grace Hopper super chip (pictured above) for use in AI and high-performance data center workloads.

AMD has also flirted with the Arm architecture over the years, shipping small microcontrollers and even announcing a 64-bit Arm chip for servers, code-named Seattle, in 2013.

From an AMD standpoint, we consider ourselves sort of the high-performance computing solution working with our customers, and that that is certainly the way we look at this, AMD chief executive Dr. Lisa Su told a JPMorgan analyst event in 2021, according to Toms Hardware. And if it means Arm for certain customers, we would certainly consider something in that realm as well.

Will we see Arm chips from either of Intels top rivals? Next year could be a big one.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a historic achievement that the Russian Black Sea Fleet is no longer capable of resistance in the western Black Sea and is gradually fleeing from Crimea.

This is a historic achievement. Recently, the Russian leader was forced to announce the creation of a new Black Sea Fleet base on the occupied territory of Georgia. But we will get them everywhere, Zelenskyy said on Tuesday, speaking via video link at the parliamentary summit of the Crimea Platform.

According to him, Ukraine was able to return the Black Sea to the role of a security artery on which global food stability depends. First, together with the UN and Turkey, we were able to launch the Black Sea Grain Initiative, then we added the humanitarian initiative Grain from Ukraine, and launched new temporary export routes from our sea ports, Zelenskyy said.
While companies like Microsoft and Nvidia are all-in on the power of next-generation machine learning algorithms, some regulators are dreading what it might mean for our already-stressed communication networks. The chairwoman of the US Federal Communications Commission, for one, whos just proposed an investigation into what AI could mean for even more spam calls and texts. The FCC will vote to adopt a multi-tiered action in November.

Chairwoman Rosencworcel, whos served on the Commission since 2012 and as its executive since being confirmed late in 2021, is particularly concerned with how newly empowered AI tools could affect senior citizens. The FCCs initial press release (PDF link) lists four main goals: determining whether AI technologies fall under the Comissions jurisdiction via the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, if and when future AI tech might do the same, how AI impacts existing regulatory frameworks, and if the FCC should consider ways to verify the authenticity of auto-generated AI voice and text from trusted sources.

That last bullet point would seem to contain the potential for the most problems. Auto-generated text and natural-sounding voice algorithms are already fairly easy tools to use, albeit not quite as fast as necessary for real-time back-and-forth in a phone call setting. Combine it with some big iron data centers, whether wholly created for the purpose of mass calls and texts or merely rented from the likes of Amazon and Microsoft, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Replacing human-staffed call centers around the world in scammer hotbeds like India and Cambodia with fully automated AI systems could exponentially increase both the volume and the efficacy of scams, which are already being sent hundreds of billions of times every year. While filters and blocks exist, its estimated that billions of dollars are lost to scams each year in the US alone, many of which target senior citizens specifically.

The FCCs brief does mention that AI technology could also be used to fight against spammers and scams, presumably with some kind of real-time scanning system alerting users that theyre talking to a computer. But the details of this, and the potential evolution of the threat posed by AI tools, will have to wait for the Commissions November 15th session.
Profit of Ghanas fastest growing financial institution, OmniBSIC Bank, has surpassed GH150 million in the third quarter of this year  just 11 months after the merged entity overturned its losses.



The banks profit before tax rose by more than four-fold to GH153.65 million in the third quarter of this year from GH36.93 million in the same period in 2022.



The balance sheet was also robust, driven largely by strong growth in investments and deposits while liquidity and capital adequacy ratios remained well above prudential requirements.



Success story



An outcome of a merger between the erstwhile Omni Bank and Sahel Sahara Bank, OmniBSIC posted its first profit of GH8.69 million in the first quarter of 2022, ending a loss streak since its takeoff in 2019.



It has since remained profitable, posting impressive results quarter after quarter.



Its unaudited financial statements for the third quarter of 2023 indicated that all income lines enjoyed strong growth, resulting in interest income more-than doubling to GH582.5m million in the quarter under review from GH 221.02 million in the corresponding period in 2022.



The Managing Director of OmniBSIC Bank, Daniel Asiedu, said in an interview that the latest results marked a critical milestone in the banks nascent journey.



It obviously shows that we are doing the right things by supporting businesses and our clients with the right products and services hence the continuous stellar performance, the quintessential banker with almost three decades of banking experience, said.



Mr Asiedu, who was recently adjudged the Personality of the Year, Private Sector, at this years Ghana CEO Awards, said the excellent performance indicators put OmniBSIC on a higher pedestal to deliver superior value to customers and shareholders.





Resilience in challenges



Beyond the historic profit, the banks financial results showed that it remained liquid and well-capitalised despite the domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP). Due to its diversified portfolio of investments, OmniBSIC recorded the least impairment from the debt exchange in the banking industry in 2022.

Furthermore, the bank ended the third quarter with a liquid ratio of 95 per cent and a capital adequacy ratio of 18 per cent.



Its cash and balances with other banks also grew by 18.9 per cent to GH646.87 million.



The financial statement further showed that OmniBSIC enjoyed double growth rates in almost all income lines.



Interest income rose by more than 163 percent to GH582.54 million in the third quarter, driven largely by substantial growth in earning assets.

OmniBSIC posted significant growth in its earning assets to consolidate its position as a robust lender and partner to businesses. Earning assets grew by 88 percent to close the quarter at GH3.8 billion.



Investments almost tripled to GH3.19 billion in the quarter under review from GH1.23 billion in the same quarter last year.



The bank also disbursed about GH620.4 million in loans and advances to businesses in the quarter under review.



Deposits from customers also rose by 103 percent to GH4.01 billion in the third quarter of 2023 from GH1.97 in the same quarter last year.







Looking ahead



A fully-fledged universal bank, OmniBSIC is a product of the banking sector consolidation programme spurned by the Bank of Ghana between 2017 and 2019.

It has emerged as one of the most successful merger stories in the financial services industry, having delivered endearing products and services as well as a strong financial performance.



In addition to the Managing Director being adjudged the Personality of the Year, Private Sector, at this years Ghana CEO Awards, OmniBSICs Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dr Philip Oti-Mensah, also won the COO of the Year, Private Sector, at the same event.



OmniBSIC picked up the Best Corporate Health Walk of the Year at the Africa Event Awards 2023 and was rated five-star in four categories at the Chartered



Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) 2023 Awards night:

 5 Stars in Customer Satisfaction - Consumer Banking,

 5 Stars in Customer Satisfaction - Business Banking,

 5 Stars in Service Quality - Business Banking and

 5 Stars in Service Quality

The Managing Director was confident that the banks strong performance would inspire the staff and management to work hard to exceed customer expectations.



The Reverend Minister and Chairman of the International Presbytery of the Fountain Gate Chapel (FGC), therefore, commended the board and staff for their dedication and assured the public that the bank was always ready to meet their financial needs.



He said the bank is revamping its infrastructure and empowering staff to deliver higher value to customers.



Mr Asiedu took over the reins of OmniBSIC in May 2021 with a goal to align with the banks vision to be the number bank in customer service delivery and value creation for stakeholders.



The bank has since reinforced its corporate governance structures and invested in infrastructure to align with the central banks corporate governance and other regulatory directives.



Last year, the bank upgraded its banking software and received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification for its Information Security Management System (ISO/IEC 27001:2013) as well as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCDISS) Certification following a rigorous external assessment of its information security policies, procedures, and practices, risk management processes, and the effectiveness of its security controls.

The plan is to finish the year stronger, not just for the bank but for our stakeholders, Mr. Asiedu said.



He added that OmniBSIC Bank remained committed to providing innovative products and services to meet the banking needs of customers and the general public in all its 40 branches nationwide, and all other touchpoints.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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More than 2,000 people have been rendered homeless in 15 communities along the Lower Volta Lake Basin in the Pru East District in the Bono East Region.



This follows the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, which wreaked havoc, as houses and sanitation facilities such as toilets, refuse dumpsites and cemeteries were submerged, threatening the health of the victims.



Additionally, state institutions, particularly schools, have also been submerged, compelling authorities in the area to close down the affected schools.



All commercial activities, mainly fishing and farming, which are the main livelihoods of the people in the area, have also been curtailed.



Large tracts of land, including farms and other livelihoods, have also been flooded.



In a radio interview on Sunyani-based Ark FMs morning show, monitored by the Daily Graphic last Thursday, the Assembly member for the area, Godwin Awudu, said though the area continued to witness flooding each year, the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams had worsened the situation.



No casualty



However, he said despite the havoc which threatened lives and property, no casualty had been recorded at the time of filing this report.



Mr Awudu explained that although the affected communities got submerged more than two months before the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, the spillage of the dams had worsened the situation, as large tracts of farmlands were flooded and their livelihoods taken away from them.



Mr Awudu said he had made several complaints for more than two months about the situation to the district office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for support but he was yet to get a response from them.



He said that since the incident no government officials, including the Bono East Regional Minister, Kwasi Adu-Gyan, and Regional Director of NADMO had visited the area to sympathise with the victims as being done elsewhere.



Mr Awudu said the victims were currently staying with their relatives, while those without relatives were sleeping in open spaces, churches and schools.



Relocation



He said the Pru East District Assembly and the chiefs in the area had released land for the resettlement of some of the communities such as Fantekrom, Vutideke and Pentecost Nsuoano, because their situation was critical.



However, Mr Awudu said there were no resources for the victims to put up new homes because they had lost all their resources and investments.



He, therefore, appealed to the government and other stakeholders to support the victims with some relief items.



Mr Awudu said the victims were still drinking and using water polluted via toilet facilities, refuse dumpsites and cemeteries.



He expressed concern about possible outbreak of waterborne diseases and appealed to the Ministry of Health to consider their plight to support in the area of health.



However, efforts to speak to both the regional and district directors of NADMO were unsuccessful.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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VRA has constructed a bypass road connecting the St Kizito Safe Haven Road to the Battor-Mepe road in the North Tongu District. This is a quick response to the flooding of the main road to the safe haven at St Kizito school. This road will enable relief items, drugs, health services and supplies to be delivered to the people of Mepe.



The road will also stop people from crossing the flooded areas by boat or canoe, reducing the potential for infection by waterborne diseases.



In as much as VRA has provided funding through various relief agencies, such as NADMO and the Ghana Health Service, VRA is making its technical resources available as demonstrated in this road construction.VRA is focused on enhancing the conditions of the people in the safe havens, especially Mepe.



The Emergency Preparedness Plan of VRA, lays out all the procedures and protocols in the event of a spill, however, considering that a spill of this magnitude has not been undertaken in many years, VRA is always on standby to respond quickly to any gaps or shortfalls as the controlled spill continues. The District Chief Executive for the North Tongu District Hon. Divine Osborne Fenu expressed his gratitude to VRA for their quick response.



After engaging with the North Tongu DCE, the VRA Chief Executive, Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa visited the people of Mepe on Saturday, 21st October,2023 to oversee the days distribution of relief items and drugs as well as speak to the people to reassure them of VRAs commitment to making life as comfortable as they can.



He stated: We have been with you from the first day of the spill, we are always talking to NADMO, the military, Ghana Health Service, your chiefs and your DCEs on how we can continue to help, and our own people are always here to deliver your items and check on you, please let us know whatever you need, dont worry, we will be with you till the very end



In total, it is estimated that VRA has spent over 50% of its 20 million Ghana Cedis budget on relief items such as over 40 portable toilets, 150,000 bags of sachet water, 6,000 bags of maize, 7,000 diapers,3,000 packs of sanitary towels,5,000 mosquito nets,10,000 pieces of toilet rolls, 100 cartons of baby food and many other consumables have been provided.



In addition to these items, VRA Health services are continuously visiting all affected communities to provide healthcare education and aid in medical screening services targeted at Cholera, Enteric fever, Dysentery, Worm infestations, Skin infections, Snake bites, Malaria and Respiratory diseases.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Leaders and experts convened to deliberate on key developmental and environmental issues facing Africa, with a particular emphasis on seeking sustainable solutions during a recent Global Platform video by Oxford Business Group in collaboration with the group ARISE.



The video feature Gagan Gupta, CEO of ARISE, along with contributions from experts Rahkmatoulah Cisse, Environment and Social Head, ARISE in Benin; Igor Simard Country Head, ARISE in Gabon; Sylvie Boldrini, ESG Manager, GSEZ in Gabon; Nadia Bousselmi, human resource manager (textile), ARISE in Togo; and Madje Oulede, Administration Manager (textile), ARISE in Togo. The Global Platform video was filmed in 3 key African markets for ARISE: Gabon, Benin and Togo.



The video tackled several pressing challenges head-on, including how to reduce unemployment through empowering local communities and driving economic growth. Addressing income inequality also took centre stage, with look at how to ensure that more value flows into the hands of farmers and resource owners to combat disparities in income distribution. Additionally, the interviews explored the pressing matter of climate change and its profound impacts, with a focus on the pursuit of systemic solutions to address this global challenge comprehensively.



Sustainable solutions highlighted in the discussion encompassed various aspects, including the need for robust educational systems that empower women and children, infrastructure development spanning water sanitation, waste management, and sustainable energy, illustrative success stories in industrial transformation such as local wood processing in Gabon, and the recognition of an ecosystem approach that involves collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders to comprehensively address challenges.



Gagan Gupta, ARISEs CEO, highlighted the significance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the pursuit of a better, more sustainable future for all Africans.



Our mission is to empower local communities, promote economic growth, and safeguard the environment. This statement underscores ARISE's dedication to creating a lasting impact on the African continent by addressing multifaceted issues in a holistic manner, he added.



Marc-Andre de Blois, OBG's Director of Video Content, emphasised that the discussions held during the interviews conducted on the ground were unique and impactful in multiple dimensions.



"This collaboration brings together diverse local and global perspectives on pressing African issues and offers innovative solutions. It signified a dedication to fostering sustainable development not just in Central and Western Africa but also across various emerging markets worldwide, he noted.



This Global Platform video is now available to view at: https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/videos/global-platform/gagan-gupta-ceo-arise-iip

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Nearly 200 French soldiers have left Niger's south-western Ouallam town amid ongoing withdrawals from the Sahel nation, state-owned Tele Sahel TV station reports.



It said that 193 French soldiers based in Ouallam left their camp for Chad on Sunday.



The troops reportedly left with 28 lorries as well as 24 armoured personnel carriers and other support vehicles.



Chad had agreed to offer a "corridor" for the withdrawal of the French soldiers from Niger back to France. The withdrawal exercise began on 5 October.



France deployed some 1,500 soldiers to Niger to help counter a deepening jihadist insurgency since 2015.



The French troops were based in the capital Niamey, Ouallam and Ayorou - near the border with Mali.

Source: BBC









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Founder and leader of Prophetic Hill Chapel International, Prophet Nigel Gaisie has stated that he once turned down a juicy request to spiritually harm Ghanas current Chief of Staff, Frema Akosua Osei-Opare.



According to Nigel, the request came from a leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party who said he had earlier been promised Frema's position by president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo but was overlooked.



One of their people came to me that I should pray for him that the current President, Nana Akufo-Addo had promised him the position, he told Abeiku Aggrey Santana when he appeared as a guest on the recent episode of Atuu on UTV.



He noted that a brand-new Range Rover and an amount of GH1.6 million was added to the request as form of inducement.



He brought a white Range Rover in addition to an amount of GH1.6 million which is 1.6 billion in old Ghanaian currency equivalent. He came with his bodyguard who is a soldier, he stated.



According to Prophet Nigel who claimed to have witnesses to the incident, the said man who is now deceased asked of one of three things which included a prayer to paralyze the Chief of Staff.



He emphasised that as a man of God, he has been bestowed with the power to bless or destroy and that he chose not to fulfil the mans request.



"I didnt do it, I rather encouraged him he requested for one of three things either to cause the woman to be paralyzed so as not to be able to take up the job, he stated.



Frema Akosua Osei-Opare, served as Member of Parliament for the People of Ayawaso West Wuogon between 2005 and 2009.



In 2017 upon assuming office, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed her as his Chief of Staff making her Ghanas first female occupant of the position.



She was maintained by the president when he won a second term in 2020.









Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Ghana chapter of the Assemblies of God Church has been selected to host the 2026 World Congress of World Assemblies of God Fellowship in Accra, the General Superintendent of the Church, Rev Stephen Wengam has announced.



According to him, the baton for organizing the conference was handed over to Ghana at the just ended Congress held in Madrid, Spain.



We have great news for the people of Ghana. And the news is that Assemblies of God, Ghana has been chosen to host the World Congress of Assemblies of God Fellowship in Ghana in 2026, he said at a press conference on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.



The World Congress to be held in Accra will be the first in Africa.



The historic event, Rev Wengam said would make Ghana the spotlight of global attention which would not only enhance our international profile but also contribute significantly to the countrys tourism drive and economic uplift,



He added that the event would boost the economy owing to the thousands of foreign nationals who will attend and spend hard currencies here, saying, As for the spiritual dividends, they are simply immeasurable.



The Assemblies of God Church World Fellowship is made up of 85 million members across the globe, made up of 53 adherents and 32 associates.



But Rev Wengam said the Madrid Congress admitted new members to its fold which includes United Denomination of Lighthouse Churches, headed by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills of Ghana.



He said the Church at its Congress in Spain, also adopted MM33, an initiative to plant 1 million churches by 2033.



The Madrid Congress, he noted attracted more than 5,000 participants from 170 countries under the theme: SHINE, Called to Influence, Impacting Positively with the Word of God.



In addition to that, new Officials were also elected to steer the affairs of the Assemblies of God World Fellowship.



The new officers were Rev. Dominic Yeo, General Superintendent of the Singapore Assemblies of God, who was elected President of the World Fellowship, with Rev. Doug Clay, General Superintendent of the US Assemblies of God, who was elected Vice President.



While expressing his eternal gratitude to God for the incredible honour and favour lavished on the Church in Ghana in particular and the nation as a whole, Rev Wengam urged both the government and religious organizations to provide the necessary support as Ghana prepares to welcome the world to Accra.



We humbly appeal for optimal support of all relevant state agencies, the Christian community, the general public and the mass media to make the World Congress of Assemblies of God World Fellowship in Ghana a huge success, he said.



The Assemblies of God, Ghana, under the leadership of Rev. Stephen Wengam, stands as a beacon of hope and support during this trying time.









Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the elimination of gray zones in Europe that provoke instability.

After all, if there is even the slightest gray geopolitical zone, then claims to dominance in this zone will inevitably arise, and different political forces will try to paint such a gray zone in their own political colors, Zelenskyy said on Tuesday, speaking via video link at the board meeting of the European Commission.

Now, he said, we are several geopolitical steps away from eliminating such a division, and this is our historic chance  for all of Europe  to eliminate that lack of geopolitical certainty, that source of crises and problems.

"The EU, conceived as a continental project, as a guarantor of good neighborliness between the peoples of Europe, is acquiring a well-deserved continental dimension. This is not a club for the elite, but a home truly for all Europeans who share common values. The borders of the European Union will be the borders of the continent of Europe. And there is no gray zone! Our political generation is capable of ensuring this, and I am sure that we will not miss such a special moment, said the President of Ukraine.

If we can get rid of the gray geopolitical zones, we must do it! Europe needs the European Union. And let Ukrainian optimism towards the EU serve a more stable future for the whole of Europe! Zelenskyy said.
Professor Stephen Adei, a former Rector of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), says Ghanaians need a rethink on how they go about their everyday duties without recourse to accountability.



That, he said, was a major hindrance to the countrys development and called for a moral revolution where citizens were held accountable and liable for their deeds.



Professor Adei said this at the launch of a Centre for Theology and Economics at the Ghana Christian University College.



The Centre aims to produce theological economists in a modern field of economics to lead change, innovations and ethics for the moral renewal of society.



The event was on the theme: Bridging the Gap Between Theology and Nation Building: Deploying Home Grown Initiatives In Theological Paradigm Economics for Home Grown Solutions.



Prof. Adei urged the Church to lead the charge and be the voice that demanded accountability and morality from public officials in public service.



I believe that the Church and some leaders of this country need to stand up and lead the charge for a fairer and moral upright society, he reiterated.



Professor Adei called for a review of the countrys laws to enhance the prosecutions of public officials, who acquired unexplained wealth.



We need to point out those who had acquired questionable wealth. People must be convinced that integrity pays, he added.



The Reverend Francis Yaw Akron Mensah, Founding Director of the Centre, advised the citizenry to patronise made-in-Ghana products and services to boost the local economy.



Africa is her own problem and solution. All what we are going through we cannot blame anybody. We have what it takes to develop.



If you are a Ghanaian, you must behave like one. Let us eat and grow what we eat, he said.





Source: GNA









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In a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia expressed his deep sorrow and condolences upon learning about the passing of renowned lawyer Anthony Akoto-Ampaw, affectionately known as Shey shey.



The Vice President, a close friend and colleague of the late lawyer, highlighted Shey Sheys exceptional qualities and offered his empathy and prayers to the grieving Akoto-Ampaw family.



Describing his profound sadness, Vice President Bawumia expressed his deep admiration for Sheyshey and the impact he had on those around him.



I am greatly saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, lawyer Anthony Akoto-Ampaw (Sheyshey), he said. Sheysheys loyalty, commitment, frankness, and humility were outstanding.



Lawyer Akoto-Ampaw was widely respected within the legal community for his exemplary work and unwavering dedication to justice. His integrity, honesty, and commitment to his profession earned him a stellar reputation both at home and abroad. Colleagues and clients alike praised his unwavering loyalty and his ability to provide sound legal counsel with utmost professionalism.



In his statement, Vice President Bawumia extended his heartfelt condolences to the Akoto-Ampaw family, acknowledging the pain they must be experiencing during this difficult time.

He offered his prayers for their strength and requested Gods protection for them as they navigate this profound loss.



The passing of Lawyer Akoto-Ampaw has left a void not only within the legal community but also within the nation. He was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his tireless efforts to protect the rights of individuals. His passing will undoubtedly be mourned by all those whose lives he touched.



As the nation mourns this significant loss, the Vice President called upon the public to remember Sheysheys exceptional contributions to society, his impact on the legal profession, and the values he embodied. May the soul of my departed friend find a peaceful rest, Vice President Bawumia concluded.



The legal community, as well as friends, colleagues, and clients of Lawyer Akoto-Ampaw, join Vice President Bawumia in mourning the passing of this remarkable individual. Sheysheys legacy will endure through his numerous accomplishments and the inspiration he provided to others.



Funeral arrangements and memorial services for Lawyer Anthony Akoto-Ampaw will be announced in due course.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has emphatically stated that the NPP's electoral victories are closely tied to his presence and efforts.



In an interview on Tamale FM, the Assin Central MP revealed that despite being offered money to withdraw from the contest, there is no scenario in which he would abandon the party.



He firmly believes that without his participation, the NPP's chances of winning elections would be severely compromised.



"...without me, the NPP can't win elections. Do you know how many people are begging me? You know, the money that they've offered me to step down? If I step down, we will lose. With the sacrifices the party people have made, I cannot selfishly take that amount of money and leave them to their fate," he stated.



Kennedy Agyapong expressed his concerns about the party potentially sidelining him, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their success.



"How can NPP dump me? If they dump me, they will go into opposition. We all need each other."



He further revealed his determination not to be exploited and discarded by the party, a fate that has befallen others in the past.



"You see, NPP will always want to use you and dump you. I will not allow them to dump me anymore; I won't do it. I will not sacrifice for NPP, for my children, my family, and generations to be humiliated," he declared.

source: Ghanaweb.com

Source: Ghanaweb.com









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Its been a dozen years and counting since 27-year-old bride-to-be Ellen Greenberg died of 20 stab wounds in her Manayunk apartment.

It could be another two years or more before her Harrisburg-area parents may have the opportunity to prove that their daughters death was a homicide  not suicide, as the Philadelphia Medical Examiners office ruled in April 2011.
A man was shot in Harrisburg on Friday night, officials said.

City spokesperson Matt Maisel said Harrisburg Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Linn Street for the report of shots fired shortly before 9 p.m.

As officers traveled to the scene, they discovered Capitol Police had stopped a 35-year-old man for driving his vehicle recklessly in the Capitol Complex, according to Maisel. He said the man exited his vehicle and proceeded to tell police he was driving himself to the hospital after being shot in the stomach.

Maisel said a female acquaintance was trailing behind the man in another vehicle and gave police a few details about the shooting.

The mans injuries appeared to be non-life threatening, he said.

Maisel said the incident is still being investigated. No one has been arrested at this time.

Anyone with information can call Harrisburg police at 717-558-6900 or submit a tip through CrimeWatch.

READ MORE:

Coroner called to scene of central Pa. crash that closed I-81 South

Vehicle crashes into addiction treatment center in Cumberland County: police
Cumberland County prosecutors said Tuesday they will seek a death sentence for Michael A. Baltimore Jr. if he is convicted of first-degree murder for the May 22, 2021 shooting of Kendall J. Cook as Cook worked at his downtown Carlisle barbershop.

Cook, according to case records was holding his shop open after hours on a Saturday evening at the request of someone who said they were bringing in a group of clients prepared to pay double for a cut. Police now believe that was likely a ruse to let Baltimore make sure he could find Cook in the shop.

Several witnesses have told police during the course of the murder investigation that Baltimore had beef with Cook for cooperating with police in a 2019 case in which Baltimore was captured on in-store video taking a gun that belonged to a customer.

Baltimore is charged with entering the GQ Barbershop at 128 N. Hanover St. in downtown Carlisle about 7:30 p.m. on May 22, 2021 and shooting both Cook, who owned the shop according to state licensing records, and Anthony Lamar White, who survived.

White told police a man wearing camouflage, a camouflage bucket hat and a black mask entered the front door of the shop and fired shots at Cook, according to the criminal complaint filed against Baltimore. White said he was shot when he tried to run away.

Cook, 39, died at the scene.

At his formal arraignment on the homicide charges Tuesday, Baltimore pleaded not guilty.

But the bigger development was Senior Assistant District Attorney Nichole Vito affirming that her office will seek the death penalty upon a first-degree murder conviction.

Vito said the aggravating circumstances that she will put to the jury include:

Baltimore knowingly created a grave risk to other people in the commission of the offense. Thats likely a reference to the fact that the shooting occurred in an open business, with several other people besides Cook present.

Baltimore has a significant history of other felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence. Baltimore is currently awaiting a January 2024 trial on a separate aggravated assault case out of Upper Allen Township in which he punched a woman in the face several times, threw her to the ground and choked her before fleeing as police arrived.

Baltimore also served more than eight years in prison for a 2007 aggravated assault conviction out of Dauphin County.

The Cook shooting was carried during the course of another felony crime.

These points would be argued in a separate sentencing phase of the case if Baltimore is found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting. If the jury then finds any one of those facts to be true and that they are not outweighed by mitigating factors, they could, by a unanimous decision, vote to impose the death penalty.

Cumberland County Judge Edward Guido said Tuesday he will set a special trial date for Baltimores case, likely sometime in late winter or spring of 2024.

Baltimore was developed as a suspect in the Cook homicide very quickly, but he managed to elude police for months after an arrest warrant was issued in the case.

He was apprehended in January after a bar fight in Davie, Fla. after police learned Baltimore had fled that scene in a silver sedan. Officers located that car later that night, with Baltimore inside. He was returned to Pennsylvania to face his charges here earlier this summer.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering requiring every public school building to have a trained armed security officer present during school hours.

The Senate Education Committee on a party-line vote sent legislation to the full Senate for consideration that would impose this mandate, starting in 2024-25.

Having an armed school police officer, school resource officer or school security guard present at extracurricular activities would be up to the schools discretion.

Sen. Mike Regan, the bills sponsor, said schools now the option of hiring a security officer, and only about half of them do. That includes the Altoona Area School District and the Pittston Area School District which approved placing security guards armed with shotguns and AR-15s in schools.

You might have one school district that has done a lot of things to protect their children and another because of whatever their beliefs are one way or the other are doing nothing to protect our children and I think thats not fair, said Regan, R-Cumberland/York counties.

He has offered various iterations of this legislation since the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting only to have them fail to gain traction. Since then, Regan said there has been over 200 school shootings across the country that resulted in a death and this year there have been more than 200 incidents that resulted in injury or death.

His bill would require the armed school safety personnel to comply with rigorous training and certification requirements, including lethal weapons training and guidance on interacting with students.

Is it perfect? No. Is it going to be comprehensive? No. but it will give our kids a chance if theres an armed intruder or an armed person within the school, Regan said. We need to do this now before another tragedy strikes a school full of children.

This measure would be similar to a law that took effect this year in Texas in response to the May 2022 school shooting in Uvalde that left 19 children and two teachers dead. According to Houston public media, schools there are having difficulty hiring officers with the amount of funding the state has allotted to them for this added security measure.

Regans bill met with strong opposition from the Democrats on the committee as well as a host of other statewide organizations from the public school and gun control communities. Gov. Josh Shapiros spokesman confirmed the governor also opposes the measure.

Critics questioned the effectiveness of such a mandate and concerns about firearms falling into the wrong hands at school, critics brought up the cost associated with employing a trained security officer for every public school.

Regan acknowledged it wont be cheap. He estimated it could cost as much as $250 million but said schools have been provided $800 million since 2018 for school security measures and are sitting on $3.2 billion in unassigned fund balances.

Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny County, said a stakeholder group puts the cost at $1 billion or more and described the legislation as unnecessary and not proven to be effective.

Schools already have multiple ways to arm school security under the existing law, Williams said. There is no evidence that it improves school safety.

She said unfunded mandates like this could stand in the way of hiring school counselors or buying textbooks. Williams recounted recent testimony of a superintendent in a rural school district who said some grades in his district have to share textbooks because the district cant afford to buy textbooka for every student.

We cannot provide the resources for our schools to have enough textbooks for the students but this bill will mandate at least one gun in every school building, she said.

Sen. John DiSanto, R-Dauphin County, said he is not happy that schools need more protection but we are... And in my opinion, were doing a real disservice to our communities and students if we dont take a mandated approach to this. ... Here we have a real opportunity to do something positive.

Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, said he needs more information about the legislation and whether officials at Philadelphia School District, which he represents, think this is necessary.

He also asked about funding and whether Regan he had spoken to the Philadelphia superintendent about it. Regan responded he had not but he said he has spoken to school safety experts around the globe who recommended this as the one measure they would do.

Sen. Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester County, said she does not believe bringing firearms into schools is the answer. She pointed to a number of organizations who oppose the bill but said she knew of none that support it.

Among its opponents are Pennsylvania School Boards Association, which raises some of the same concerns the senators raised including one about how this would take away local control over safety and security personnel from districts as well as increase the burden on taxpayers.

Without state money to fund these positions or the increased costs that they would necessitate, such as higher insurance premiums, the financial burden of this mandate will land squarely on the shoulders of local taxpayers, said Mackenzie Christiana, a spokeswoman for the school boards association.

She also pointed out the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute that allows individuals tasked with keeping schools safe an opportunity to train skills necessary to respond to various situations.

Brandon Flood, government affairs director, for CeaseFirePA, a gun violence prevention group, said, What we have is a textbook example of government overreach that would make an imprudent use of taxpayers dollars on a solution that has been widely proven to be downright harmful or ineffective at best.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JanMurphy.
CARLISLE - Its a different kind of year for school board races in Pennsylvania as, in some communities, culture war issues and outside spending have combined to make these most local of races a proxy for national partisan politics.

The Carlisle Area School District race sets up as a good case study, since two very distinct groups of candidates - both running as slates - won in the Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively.
A six-term state lawmaker has set his sights on becoming the states next fiscal watchdog.

Rep. Mark Rozzi of Berks County announced on Saturday he is entering next years race for the Democratic nomination for auditor general.

The job of the auditor general is to go in there and audit and see what the problems are and come up with recommendations to fix those problems, said Rozzi, 52. Its a really good fit for me because I consider myself a Blue Dog Democrat, a centrist that can work with both sides of the aisle and I think thats what you need in an auditor general.

Rozzi, 52, said he does not intend to seek re-election to his House seat representing the 126th District in keeping with the premise of the Run for One legislation he has introduced that would bar most candidates from running for more than one office in any election.

Im all in for auditor general, he said. Im committed to doing this job and doing it well for this commonwealth and for all Pennsylvanians whether youre an independent, a Democrat or Republican. I want to fight for all the taxpayers.

That decision distinguishes him from Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who is the only other Democrat to date who has announced his candidacy for his partys nomination for this post. Kenyatta said he plans to seek re-election to his 181st legislative district seat in tandem with his run for auditor general.

The auditor general oversees an office with a $42 million budget and a staff of 350-plus employees. Currently, Republican Timothy DeFoor is serving in the third year of his first four-year term as auditor general, the first Republican in 24 years to hold the office.

Rozzi criticized DeFoor as being bought and paid for by the Commonwealth Leaders Fund, a political action committee that supports alternatives to traditional public schools. He pointed out that PAC contributed $1.4 million of the $1.7 million DeFoor raised when he first ran for the post in 2020.

DeFoor said in an emailed response, Mr. Rozzi is mistaken. Under my leadership, the auditor generals office has conducted extensive audits to protect taxpayers throughout the commonwealth and will continue to do so. Campaign contributions have no bearing on how our office conducts business on behalf of the good people of Pennsylvania.

Last year, DeFoor chose to dismantle the auditor generals Bureau of School Audits due to budgetary constraints and turn that responsibility over to the state Department of Education. Rozzi said the education department doesnt have the money or auditors to that that work.

Thats his job, he said, referring to the auditor general.

As auditor general, auditing charter schools would be on his to-do list. (DeFoors spokeswoman Gabrielle Alberigi said the office kicked off an audit of charter schools this summer but was not at liberty to discuss details about it.) Rozzi said he also would audit the unemployment compensation system that he said continues to be a mess.

He also was critical of DeFoors failure to revisit the Department of Human Services child abuse hotline, ChildLine, to follow up on a 2016 audit performed by former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale that found tens of thousands of calls about suspected child abuse going unanswered. Rozzi indicated he is still hearing complaints about how ChildLine is operating.

Theres a chance it needs to be re-evaluated and do something to protect the children of the commonwealth, he said.

Child protection has been at the cornerstone of Rozzis public service. He said it is what drove him to run for the state House in the first place. During his tenure, he has been an unabashed advocate to secure justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. He has shared his own story of being molested at age 13 by a now-deceased parish priest for over a year.

Rozzi is credited with helping to enact a law to give future victims of child sexual abuse more time to file lawsuits and to end time limits for police to file criminal charges. Despite numerous tries in the face of strong opposition from the Catholic church and insurance industry, Rozzi has yet to achieve his goal of changing the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes.

Earlier this year, Rozzi, in a surprise, was elected as a compromise House speaker. It was the outcome of an effort organized by Republicans in the narrowly divided chamber to get him to agree to become an independent. Rozzi said he stepped up to serve in that role in hopes of finally delivering that final piece of justice he felt child sexual abuse survivors in Pennsylvania had been denied.

However, it was only a matter of a couple of weeks before he rankled Republicans who accused him of failing to abide by promises to change his party registration and to not caucus with Democrats although Rozzi did so shortly after his election as speaker. He further angered them by ordering a top GOP staffer out of office space Republicans had considered to be assigned to them and for failing to call the House into session to adopt a set of operating rules so it could begin moving legislation.

Instead, Rozzi conducted a statewide listening tour to gather public input on House operating rules. They included changes to make committees smaller, give the minority party more representation, require a hearing before passing constitutional amendments, ban the bundling of multiple unrelated constitutional amendments into a single measure, and expand the chambers sexual harassment policy to include others who interact with lawmakers, among others.

Rozzi boasts that it is one of the best government reform pieces in the PA House of Representatives in over a decade.

Following the adoption of the new rules and once three House vacancies had been filled to give Democrats a 102-101 partisan edge over Republicans, Rozzi resigned as House speaker in early March, turning the gavel over to fellow Democratic Rep. Joanna McClinton.

Now, Rozzi said he is ready to take what he has learned from his 11 years in office from the legislative level to the state level.

Im excited about that, he said. Im ready to take on this endeavor and do everything I can to win. I feel like on the Democratic side, Im the only person thats out there that can win the general election.

Prior to his service as a legislator, Rozzi ran a construction business.

* This post has been updated to include Auditor General Tim DeFoors comment.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @JanMurphy.
A TV drag star will make an appearance at a Harrisburg theater for a cabaret performance.

Mrs. Kasha Davis, a Pennsylvania native and contestant on season 7 of RuPauls Drag Race, will perform at Open Stage in Harrisburg on Nov. 4.

The performance is titled Mrs. Kasha Davis: Theres Always Time for a Cocktail and will feature music, party games and stories from Davis.

The show includes autobiographical looks back at Davis live, growing up as Eddie Popil in Scranton, and Davis journey with sobriety with began in 2015.

Tickets for the show are $25, with $50 VIP premium seating available. VIP access also includes admission to a post-show meet-and-greet.

Davis show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4. For more information, visit the Open Stage website.
Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov believes that foreign citizens, including the Russian Federation, who moved to live in occupied Crimea, should immediately leave the peninsula.

Our position ... is absolutely clear: all foreigners or stateless persons who settled in occupied Crimea, as well as in other occupied territories of Ukraine, deliberately committed a crime. They, like looters, came for stolen goods, so they must immediately leave our Crimea. There will be no other position. We will not allow Russia, which, fleeing Crimea, will actually try to stay on the peninsula in the form of a huge army of colonists, Chubarov said at the second parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform in Prague on Tuesday.

He emphasized that the Russian Federation, constantly persecuting the Crimean Tatar people, is hastily populating Crimea with its own citizens.

There are already more than a million such colonists in Crimea, Chubarov noted.

Chubarov does not share the opinion in defense of such people that they have become hostages of complex geopolitical processes and may they continue to live in the liberated Crimea.

Chubarov also reiterated the need to create national-territorial autonomy in Crimea in the future.

The position of the Crimean Tatar people is as follows: the Crimean peninsula is an integral part of Ukraine, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol created on its territory are subject to transformation into a national-territorial autonomy, which will exercise the powers defined by the Constitution of Ukraine and ensure the inviolability of the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state, the implementation by the indigenous Crimean Tatar people of the right to self-determination, equal human rights and freedoms, constant development of the Crimean peninsula, the chairman of the Mejlis said.
By Tara Copp and Aamer Madhani, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON  The Pentagon has sent military advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to aid in its war planning and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defense systems to the Middle East days ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza.

One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss Glynns role and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, the official said.

Israel is preparing a large-scale ground operation in an environment in which Hamas militants have had years to prepare tunnel networks and set traps throughout northern Gazas dense urban blocks. Glynn and the other military officers who are advising Israel have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The advisers will not be engaged in the fighting, the unidentified U.S. official said.

The military team is one of many fast-moving pieces the Pentagon is getting in place to try and prevent the already intense conflict between Israel and Hamas from becoming a wider war. It also is trying to protect U.S. personnel, who in the last few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran.

Kirby said Iran was in some cases actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good, or for that of Iran. We know that Irans goal is to maintain some level of deniability here. But were not going to allow them to do that.

The White House said President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to update him on U.S. support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, to include new U.S. military deployments.

On Monday, the U.S. military garrison at an-Tanf, Syria, came under attack again, this time by two drones. The drones were shot down and no injuries were reported. It was the latest episode of more than a half-dozen times in the last week that U.S. military locations in the Middle East had come under rocket or drone attack since a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)AP

Last Thursday the destroyer USS Carney shot down four land-attack cruise missiles launched from Yemen that the Pentagon has said were potentially headed toward Israel.

In response, over the weekend the Pentagon announced it was sending multiple Patriot missile defense system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to the Middle East, as well as repositioning the Eisenhower strike group to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The ship had previously been en route to the Eastern Mediterranean.

The shift means that the Navy will have a carrier strike group off the shore of Israel  the Ford carrier strike group  and another, the Eisenhower, potentially maneuvered to defend U.S. forces and Israel from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Oman.

Were going to continue to do what we need to do to protect and safeguard our forces and take all necessary measures, Ryder said. No one wants to see a wider regional conflict. But we will not hesitate to protect our forces.

The U.S. has also advised Israeli officials to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the U.S. to work with its regional partners to release more hostages, according to a U.S. official familiar with Biden administration thinking on the matter. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the private discussions, said it was unclear how much the argument will move the needle on Israeli thinking.

The official noted that with the help of Qatar mediating with Hamas, the U.S. was able to win the release of two captives, Judith and Natalie Raanan. The process that led to their release  just two of more than 200 people in Israel who were taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attacks  started soon after the Hamas operation. The official noted arranging for the release of the Raanans took longer to come together than many people realized.

Asked during a brief exchange with reporters at the White House on Monday if the U.S. would be supportive of a ceasefire-for-hostage deal, Biden replied, We should have those hostages released and then we can talk.

During his phone call with Netanyahu, Biden also reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas  including Americans  and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza, the White House said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Monday that Hamas had released two more hostages. They were identified by Israeli media as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz.

Glynns assignment to Israel was first reported by Axios.

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

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Milagros Milli Fonseca of Allentown was the first to RSVP for her cousins Halloween-inspired teen party. Their mother, Omayra Santiago of Allentown, still has the voicemail of a bubbly Fonseca saying, I want to go to a costume party!

It was nothing out of the ordinary for Santiago, the stepdaughter of Fonsecas uncle, to hear when she played the voicemail on her cellphone. Fonseca often was the first to raise her hand when someone was in need or had the opportunity to help others. It was rare for her to miss a milestone event or holiday.

Fonseca often went the extra mile, baking a favorite treat or snagging a gift off a wish list for the guest of honor, too.

She 100% put people before herself, Santiago told lehighvalleylive.com, noting shes known Fonseca since she was a toddler. If she could, she would; and she did it willingly.

Santiago said the family is coming to grips with there being an empty seat at the birthday table.

Fonseca, 28, on Sunday morning was pronounced dead at a hospital about an hour after a swift-moving, three-alarm blaze torched the city apartment she lived in. An autopsy is scheduled Tuesday to determine Fonsecas cause and manner of death.

The fire broke out shortly before 6:30 a.m. Sunday inside Fonsecas apartment, 915 N. Penn St., Allentown Fire Capt. John Christopher told lehighvalleylive.com Monday. Fonseca was unresponsive when she was pulled from the burning home, he said.

Family members say Fonsecas mother and her boyfriend; younger sister; and 5-year-old nephew were home when the blaze began and were able to escape safely. Her mother and mothers boyfriend, however, remained hospitalized Monday at a hospitals burn unit with their conditions not immediately available, Christopher said.

Two of the familys dogs died in the fire, and another dog not owned by the family was able to escape safely, Santiago said. Two firefighters were transported to a hospital with minor injuries and have been released, Christopher said.

When it was all over, Christopher said, flames damaged the interior of three row homes and touched a dozen in all. The unit Fonsecas family lived in sustained the most extensive damage, he said.

An online fundraiser has since been launched to help offset funeral expenses for Fonseca.

Services are pending and will be in Bethlehem, Santiago said.

A fatal fire in the 900 block of North Penn Street in Allentown early on Oct. 22, 2023, damaged several homes when flames spread down the front porch roofs. Three homes sustained damage inside.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

The cause of Sundays blaze is unknown.

The fire remains under investigation by the Allentown Fire Dept., Allentown fire marshal and Allentown Police Department, as well as the Lehigh County Coroners Office.

Flames that made it to the front porch roof spread down the row, causing minor to moderate damage to the other nine units, Christopher said.

The Pennsylvania Rivers chapter of the American Red Cross, which covers the region, is assisting nine residents of the three most damaged homes, he said.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Pennsylvania Superior Court candidate Maria Battista has been released from a hospital and is doing well after she was injured Sunday when a car hit her, according to her campaign.

A statement issued by the campaign Tuesday afternoon said that Battista, a Clarion County Republican, was putting out her campaign yard signs when she was struck by an oncoming car Sunday evening.

Battista, who was hospitalized Sunday night, was treated for minor injuries, including a hair-line fracture of her clavicle, and released on Monday, the campaign said.

She expects to be back on the campaign trail in a few days, the campaign statement said.

On Monday, the campaign confirmed that Battista was in an accident and hospitalized after she missed the PennLive editorial boards live-streamed discussion with Superior Court candidates that afternoon, but it would not provide any additional information, such as where the accident occurred.

Battista, who holds a law degree and is vice president of a Delaware County consulting firm, would also miss an appellate court candidates forum via Zoom scheduled for Tuesday evening by Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, her campaign said Monday.

Besides Battista, the candidates for Superior Court are Westmoreland County Judge Harry Smail Jr., a Republican, and Philadelphia Judge Timika Lane and Allegheny County attorney Jill Beck, both Democrats.

The two highest vote getters will win 10-year terms on the court.
Three of the four candidates for Pennsylvania Superior Court shared their judicial philosophies and love of dogs and ice cream with the PennLive editorial board on Monday.

Westmoreland County Judge Harry Smail Jr., a Republican, and Philadelphia Judge Timika Lane and Allegheny County attorney Jill Beck, both Democrats, each said their backgrounds and experience have prepared them to serve on the appellate court.

Candidate Maria Battista, a Clarion County Republican, missed the forum that was livestreamed on PennLives Facebook page after she was involved in a car accident Sunday night and hospitalized.

No other information about the accident was released by the campaign. A Battista campaign spokesperson told PennLive that she could return to the campaign trail next week.

I know that every case is the most important case in the life of the litigants involved, said Beck, recounting having people cry on her shoulder during cases.

Beck works in commercial litigation in Pittsburgh, and she described her extensive experience clerking for state Supreme Court and Superior Court judges, including writing more than 500 opinions.

I know the court. I know the law, she said.

In 2021, Beck ran for Superior Court but lost to Lane in the Democratic primary.

Democratic Pa. Superior Court candidate Jill Beck.

Lane, who lost that 2021 Superior Court general election, has been on the Philadelphia court since 2013. She shared her experience handling cases involving domestic violence and sexual assaults, as well representing children and adults who could not afford lawyers and being a civil arbitrator.

I am very dedicated to the community, said Lane, a former 7th grade social studies teacher who said she still goes into schools through Philadelphia Bar Association programs to teach civics.

Lane said her approach to the judiciary is that everybody has a voice, and everybody is treated with dignity and respect.

Democratic Pa. Superior Court candidate Judge Timika Lane.

Smail, who worked as a probation and parole officer while attending law school, has spent nine years on the Westmoreland County bench but has spent 26 years involved in the law.

Smails experience includes being a public defender and handling all aspects of civil litigation, including business and family law cases.

I am ready on day one, he said.

Spotlight PA reported that in a 2020 case, Smail ordered the Westmoreland County Board of Elections to throw out more than 200 provisional ballots from voters who were incorrectly told by poll workers that they had to sign the pollbook, which attests that they voted in person.

Superior Court judges need to follow the law rather than trying to change the law, Smail said. You do not need judges that legislate from the bench, he said.

Republican Pa. Superior Court candidate Judge Harry Smail Jr.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association earlier this year rated Lane and Beck as highly recommended while Smail was recommended. Battista was not recommended for failing to participate in the process.

Asked about judicial activism, the three candidates said that personal beliefs should remain outside the courtroom.

Beck said that judicial activism is dangerous and that has been evident at the federal level. Partisan politics has absolutely no place in our judiciary and our judiciary decisions, she said.

Lane said judges should research the issues and that she and her Philadelphia court colleagues make sure that we are following the law and adhere to precedent.

Judges who do not follow the law and make unsound decisions inevitably create appeals that clog the system more, said Smail, who insisted that judges should keep their personal views outside the courtroom to remain fair and equitable.

On the lighthearted side, Lane said that her dogs, Cupcake and Astro, want to eat whatever she has, and she loves all types of ice cream.

Beck said her familys rescue pit bull just loves to be loved and she agreed with Lane that there is no such thing as bad ice cream.

Smails family has a border collie and his favorite ice cream is butter pecan.
Yet another Pennsylvania county is considering a plastic bag ban, according to reports.

Allegheny County Council seems as if theyre looking to follow suit after Pittsburgh implemented its own ban on single-use plastic bags.

The proposal will be introduced to the County Council on Tuesday, as four county council members are sponsoring a countywide bag ban that would include exemptions for plastic bags used for packaging bulk items for fruits and vegetables, wrapping meats or fish, unwrapped prepared foods, to hold flowers or plants, to package medications, garbage bag use or bags used to store food or collect pet waste.

Much like Pittsburghs ban that went into effect Oct. 14, the legislation states that the new measure would require customers to bring along their own reusable bags or pay a 10-cent fee per paper bag. Retailers would have the option to keep the fees collected from the bag charge or donate to charity, TribLive reported.

Businesses would be fined $5 per noncompliant bag distributed or $50 per day for violating the ordinance, the legislation also stated.

The proposal is on the agenda for the county council meeting tonight, but the vote wont come right away as it would first have to go through the committee. If it passes, there would be some leniency for a year, KDKA reported.

Some residents and businesses have already expressed their frustration with the proposal, with residents saying they often forget to bring along their reusable bags.

I got a trunk load of them. I just forget to bring them in every time I come in, Northside Resident William Anker said to KDKA.

When considering something like this, people are working within their budgets to buy food for their families, Susan Chipley, of Pittsburgh, told KDKA. Not everybody maybe can pay for their bags.

The measures are meant to curb the negative environmental impacts of single-use plastic bags, TribLive reported.
By Joseph Chivers

Pennsylvania legislators are on the verge of making a grave mistake by legalizing marijuana and THC drugs (Senate Bill 846). Yet, there is simply no effort made by these legislators to examine the known destructive consequences such legislation will have on the children of our state, and no admission by these same politicians that the primary beneficiaries of such a policy will be Big Tobacco 2.0 and  Big Marijuana. Nor is there any acknowledgment by these legislators as to the increasingly dangerous nature of todays high-potency THC products.

Todays marijuana is simply not the drug of past decades, and the legislators act as if that doesnt matter. Indeed, it matters very much. The experiences of states where legalization has already occurred show that higher-potency THC marijuana products have resulted in greater drug use, more addiction, and more drug-related crashes and deaths. All for what? Better health and safety? The promise of increased tax revenues or social equity? The promise that the drug cartels will be put out of business?

These have been proven false promises in other states, and will again be proven false in Pennsylvania. It will prove to inflict the terrible consequences of increased drug use on the children of PA.

While a landowner is unable to drain a patch of swamp land on his property without a serious environmental impact statement, legislators promoting SB846 are simply proceeding with a destructive policy without any apparent consideration for the impact it will have on the health of the citizenry. The sponsors of SB 846 have not considered the negative ramifications of drugs in other states, including the threat that legalizing marijuana poses to innocent people, and had an open, honest discussion of these impacts before voting on such a destructive policy?

And the destructiveness is not in question when considering the facts from legalized states:

What we know will come will be greater levels of drug use, addiction, and death. In Colorado, which legalized recreational marijuana use in 2012, fatal car crashes with drivers who tested positive for marijuana have increased 138 percent. This is in addition to a 29 percent increase in all fatal car crashes in Colorado. According to a 2022 study in Virginia, nearly two-thirds of past 3-month users reported driving while under the influence of THC in the last few months.

Legalization also has a net negative economic impact. Again, looking toward Colorado, where every $1 in marijuana tax revenue is outweighed by $4.50 in costs to mitigate its harmful effects.

In Pennsylvania, the projected tax revenue is projected at a ridiculous 0.03 percent of the states budget when first implemented. Even after years of legalized THC in California, Oregon, Alaska, and Colorado tax revenue does not top 0.5 percent of the state budget.

That paltry sum cant possibly offset the increased costs associated with drug-related hospitalizations, drug-related deaths, or costs associated with the mental health consequences of drug use, especially among our children. There are long-term economic and societal harms as well. Not so much as one word from the SB 846 sponsors about these consequences or costs.

Thats even before we address the increased in drug cartel activity in our communities. Though many claim that taking any step toward legalizing marijuana would displace the illicit market, we have seen the opposite. The Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTAs Regional Threat Summary warned, The considerable growth of medical marijuana dispensary operations in Pennsylvania...may create increased supply and diversion opportunities.

Similarly, in their report to Congress, HIDTA indicated that marijuana is one of the regions principal drug threats and that Mexican drug trafficking organizations remain the dominant suppliers of marijuana in Pennsylvania, an outcome that will only worsen if SB 846 passes.

How do we know? Take for example California, where marijuana was legalized in 2016. Instead of reducing the influence of the drug cartels the illicit market has increased to where it now supplies over 70-80 percent of marijuana being sold in the state.

Medical science isnt on the side of this legislation, either. The CDC, FDA, DEA, current and former Surgeons General, and every major medical association opposes the commercialization of these drugs. Studies increasingly show marijuana is linked to depression, suicide, lower IQ, psychosis, and schizophrenia.

The science is settled on the harm marijuana has on younger, developing brains. The bills sponsors have willfully ignored the science.

SB846 is a direct threat to the health and safety of Pennsylvanians, especially our children. It must be called out for what it is: a boon to addiction profiteers who are willing to say anything and sell anything to cash in. Pennsylvania cant afford to buy the false promises of the marijuana industry.

Joseph Chivers, Esquire, is the founder of The Employment Rights Group, LLC, in Pittsburgh, PA, where for the past 30 years he has focused on the employment rights of individuals.
Blake Lynch, until recently a senior executive at WITF, is the latest to join a crowded 2024 Democratic primary for Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District, a capital-area seat comprised of Dauphin County, most of Cumberland County and the northern half of York County.

The Democratic nominee will likely face incumbent Republican Scott Perry for the right to represent the midstate in the U.S. House. Perry is widely expected to seek a seventh term in the House, though he has not formally announced as yet.

Lynch, a 35-year-old resident of Lower Paxton Township in suburban Harrisburg, will formally launch his candidacy Tuesday, including activation of a campaign Web site and various social media platforms.

In a race where roots are likely to be on the table, Lynch stresses that hes been a resident of Dauphin County since birth and has spent the bulk of his professional career working for city government and regional nonprofits.

Im from here, and Im for here, Lynch said in a pre-launch interview with PennLive.

I understand the challenges that our people in south central Pennsylvania face having lived and worked throughout the district all my life, Lynch said. Scott Perry is focused on the wrong things, and he is failing our community.

Lynchs highest public profile to date has probably come from serving as community policing liason and later as Director of Community Relations and Engagement for the City of Harrisburg, from March 2018 through August 2021.

In the former role, Lynch coordinated a joint city / school district effort to distribute more than a 500,000 pounds of food from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to city residents over 15 weeks at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

For the last two years, Lynch has worked as senior vice president and Chief Impact Officer at WITF, the public broadcasting platform serving 19 central Pennsylvania counties, a newly-created role from which Lynch oversaw community engagement, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and marketing.

Lynch had to leave his post at WITF to make this run for office.

Its a career arc thats been oriented toward coalition building and solutions, Lynch said, and one that he believes stands in stark contrast to Perrys recent record of objecting to final certification of Pennsylvanias 2020 presidential vote.

Lynch spent most of his childhood in Steelton and the Oberlin area of Swatara Township, before moving with his mom to Susquehanna Township in 10th grade. After graduation from Susquehanna, Lynch enrolled at Messiah University to study public relations and communications.

Lynch said financial reasons stopped him from completing that degree, but not from pursuing his career.

His first step into public service came during former Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompsons administration, when he was hired as a program administrator. He then served as director of development at the Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg before returning to City Hall under Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

A married father of two, Lynch, his wife Bryttani and their two boys live in Lower Paxton Township.

Lynch is the seventh Democrat to formally announce a bid for the 10th District seat.

Others in the race are: Carlisle school board member Rick Coplen, a retired Army officer; Harrisburg councilwoman and 2022 nominee Shamaine Daniels; retired U.S. Army sergeant Bob Forbes; retired Marine Corps aviator Mike OBrien; former television news anchor Janelle Stelson; and political reformer Gene Stilp.
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, who represents Pennsylvanias 9th Congressional District, has decided that hes not interested in the House speaker vacancy.

The 59-year-old legislator from Luzerne County said Monday that he has decided to withdraw his name from consideration, according to The Associated Press.

Earlier, on Fox News, Meuser said that Kevin McCarthy was unfairly treated and that any of the other eight candidates will make a good speaker. Now there are just eight left to vie for the position.

According to an Associated Press story, Republicans gathered late into Monday evening to hear quick speeches from the congressmen seeking the gavel as they made their pitches to become House speaker ahead of internal party voting.

Senior-most among the hopefuls is Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, but neither he nor the other lower-level Republican lawmakers appear to have any clear shot for the gavel. Instead, he and others are reaching out to Donald Trump for backing ahead of internal party elections to choose a nominee, the AP said.

McCarthy himself called the whole spectacle embarrassing for the House Republicans, who are wasting their majority and leaving the government rudderless and unable to function.

Trump said Monday that they all called asking for support, adding that theres only one person who can do it all the way: Jesus Christ.

Twenty days have passed since McCarthy was removed as speaker. The House Republicans dropped Jim Jordan as their nominee Friday.

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A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment.

A Michigan couple stuck in Gaza have sued U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in hopes that American citizens like themselves are safely evacuated and brought back to the states, according to a lawsuit filed last week.

Zakaria Alarayshi and Laila Alarayshi have been stuck in Palestine ever since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing approximately 1,400 people and taking around 200 hostages. As of this writing, at least 5,100 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.

The Alaryashis left their home in Dearborn to visit family in Gaza for a couple of weeks, arriving on Oct. 5.

Now, theyre pleading with President Joe Biden for help to evacuate.

He has to get me out from here, Zakaria, 62, said in a video message posted on Facebook three days ago. Life here is so bad. I cant handle it here.

Zakaria said that he has not been able to shower in 12 days and he and his family have been forced to drink salt water. Food is scarce, he continued. The house next to the one hes residing in was recently bombed.

The day before filing their lawsuit, the couple tried to leave Palestine through the Egyptian border but were turned away by Egyptian authorities. On Oct. 21, the border between Egypt and Gaza opened briefly to allow about 20 trucks into Gaza carrying aid.

It has been closed since.

The lawsuit was filed in conjunction with the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and Arab-American Civil Rights League in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

It alleges that not evacuating American citizens trapped in Gaza is a violation of their constitutional rights  specifically, a denial of equal protection, which is guaranteed under the 14th amendment.

Both organizations also filed a preliminary injunction seeking to have the court order the immediate evacuation of the couple as well as other Americans stuck in Gaza.

Their lives are in grave danger from ongoing military action and violence in which they are non-combatants, the lawsuit states.

Making matters increasingly difficult, the organizations involved said that State Department officials told them that the U.S. would not engage in evacuation efforts, procedures and or processes to safely evacuate U.S. citizens in Gaza.

On Oct. 14, the State Department issued a travel warning advising U.S. citizens and residents against traveling to the area.

The U.S. has a history of evacuating citizens from countries or territories at war, including instances of offering flights out of countries like Vietnam, Lebanon, Iran and Bosnia, according to the lawsuit.

Within the last week, authorities began evacuating Americans in Israel. As of Oct. 17, over 270 Americans had left the country.

As the war between Israel and Hamas escalates, Zakaria said hes concerned that he and his family are going to die before we leave.

We cant go to the bathroom. We cant go anywhere, he said in a statement. We are scared.
The chief executive of Airbus Canada says the country possesses the key factors to place it at the cutting edge of sustainable jet fuel innovation  making it "bizarre" that Canada lags behind the United States and Europe. An Air Canada Airbus A220-300 airliner from Toronto arrives at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Enfield, N.S. on Monday, June 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirms the death in the Gaza Strip of two Ukrainian children born in 2014 and 2017, the total death toll among Ukrainians in Israel is 19 killed Ukrainians, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleh Nikolenko told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirms the death of two Ukrainian children born in 2014 and 2017 in the Gaza Strip. Their identities have been established. We sympathize with the parents," Nikolenko said.

The spokesman said the Ukrainian mission in Ramallah is clarifying all the circumstances of the tragedy and maintaining contact with relatives.

The Foreign Ministry also said the total number of confirmed casualties among Ukrainians in Israel is 19 killed and one missing. There are three killed Ukrainian citizens in the Gaza Strip.
Tolentino seeks diplomatic countermeasures, more investigation on Ayungin shoal collision

MANILA -- Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino sought diplomatic countermeasures and thorough investigation on the collision of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Chinese Maritime Militia at the Ayungin Shoal that happened on Sunday.

"Siguro yung Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), invoke lang nila yung mga dapat gawing diplomatic countermeasures, ipatawag yung ambassador ng China," Tolentino told reporters on Monday.

Tolentino, who is also the Senate Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones Chairman, reiterated his suggestion to conduct a thorough investigation according to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Casualty Investigation Code (CIC).

"Mayroong protocol po kasi yung Code of Maritime Incidents. Mayroong ganon, so doon muna tayo. Tapusin yung imbestigasyon," Sen. Tol said.

The Senator also lauded the Philippine Coast Guard for exhibiting resilience in the said incident and the encounters prior to it.

"We would like to commend the Philippine Coast Guard for being steadfast. Talagang sinasadya na iyon. Hindi naman puwedeng dalawang insidente sa - minor collision sa isang araw," Tolentino further concluded.
At the initiative of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS), solar panels were installed at Vyshneve city hospital (Kyiv region) for an uninterrupted supply of electricity, Director General of the URCS National Committee Maksym Dotsenko said.

"Vyshneve city hospital serves over 120,000 people, and therefore it is important to resolve the issue of providing all services uninterrupted in the conditions of Russia's full-scale invasion in Ukraine, with destroyed infrastructure and possible blackouts. It is necessary to ensure that the cycle of providing care to residents is not interrupted communities. For this purpose, 182 photovoltaic cells have been installed in Vyshneve city hospital, which provide it with electricity during daylight hours. The total power is about 100 kW, this will be enough for the hospital to function effectively. In addition, rechargeable batteries have been installed, which are charged from the same panels and provide electricity for three to seven hours at night," Dotsenko explained at a briefing in Vyshneve on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society founded this project in the spring of 2023 in cooperation with central and local authorities, charitable organizations, as well as with the financial support of partners from the Estonian Red Cross.

"I consider this project one of the best examples of effective cooperation between city and central authorities, charitable organizations, including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. No less important for us was the help of representatives of the Estonian Red Cross, who collected funds for the project  about UAH 4.5 million," said the director general said.

According to him, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society pays significant attention to issues of independence and energy efficiency. Dotsenko said last winter the society managed to provide many health and educational facilities with generators and other energy storage systems.

"However, we have made a strategic decision that the medical sector will become one of our main priorities for the restoration of critical infrastructure. We have already restored six hospitals in Kyiv region," he said.

At the same time, one of the areas supervised by Advisor to the Health Minister of Ukraine Vitaliy Vlasiuk is also the installation of solar power plants at health facilities. He said last winter confirmed the assumption that the best solution and the most important priority should be the optimization of health facilities.

"The state, on the one hand, has its own approaches to solving this problem: we cooperate with the World Bank, with the Japanese agency Jica, with Ursula von der Leyen's Ray of Hope project, and within these projects, I hope we will begin to recruit health facilities with solar stations with batteries. At the same time, another direction is working with philanthropists. The installation of solar panels in Vyshneve city hospital is an initiative and project of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society," Vlasiuk said.
A program that often flies under the radar in Pittsburg has become a national model, drawing the attention of state departments of education grappling with high numbers of children with reading disabilities and a governor who wants to tackle her states literacy challenges.

Its called the Center for Reading, and for now its located in an unassuming office on the second floor of Whitesitt Hall  an historic building at Pittsburg State University used for a mix of programs and services.

Id guess that most people in Pittsburg, and certainly many right here on campus, dont know we are here and what we do, said Executive Director Dr. David Hurford, a professor of Psychology who for many years also served chair of the Psychology & Counseling Department.

Hurford founded the Center in 1996 to serve individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties using a system he developed. It provides evaluation, science-based intervention, and advocacy services, all based on best practices.

University President Dan Shipp, who has dyslexia, is working with Hurford to elevate the visibility and accessibility of the center, reassigning it to a newly branded Economic Development and Community Engagement division under the leadership of Vice President Shawn Naccarato.

By 2026, its tabbed to be part of the Gorilla Rising project in downtown Pittsburg near Block22.

This has the capacity to put our community, our region, on a new and exciting trajectory, Naccarato said. What David is doing is life-changing  it has significant impact.

Individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties are more likely to drop out of high school and experience a negative self-image. Specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia are often associated with lower academic achievement, lower income, higher rates of suicidality, and higher rates of unemployment.

Nearly 40 percent of students across the country read below the basic reading level.

"Reading failure is a systemic problem that is correctable and we are here to help with the changes that will be necessary for all children to learn to read, Hurford said.

Expert help

Families with children who are struggling to read bring them to Pittsburg from states  and sometimes countries  away, hoping for help. What they find is a scientific approach that teaches children to decode what theyre reading.

Hurford, considered a noted expert, has written and published a curriculum now used by classroom teachers across the country, is often interviewed by national publications, and was invited to serve on a statewide dyslexia task force.

Last summer, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and a delegation that included Childrens Cabinet Director Mariana Padilla and Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez visited the Center to meet Hurfords team and learn more.

They were joined by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

Their goal: to learn what changes need to be made to ensure the states teachers, school administrators, institutions of higher education, and parents are all on the same page when it comes to literacy instruction. And more importantly, ways to make those changes.

About a third of New Mexico students read at grade level, and nearly 30 percent of New Mexico adults reads at or below Level 1.

We were impressed by the research and teaching methods employed at the Center for Reading, Lujan Grisham said. Our goal is to bring back valuable insights and best practices that can help improve literacy for all students in New Mexico.

Moving forward

By September, she had announced plans to request $30 million from the Legislature to construct an institute focused on improving literacy skills and invited Hurford to be a guest at a summit attended by stakeholders.

Part of her strategy: making sure New Mexico colleges and universities are adequately trained in the science of reading to students in its education program.

Hats off to the Governor for understanding that what we need in New Mexico is a systematic change in how we train teachers to teach reading, Pro Tem Mimi Stewart said. All students can learn to read if we train our educators to use these evidence-based strategies."

Public Education Cabinet Secretary Arsenio Romero described it as a bold, decisive direction for the state.

In my time in classrooms, schools, and districts, I have seen the science of reading deliver results time and again, he said.

Hurford was humbled to be part of the initiative. Moving forward, he would like to see every state tackle reading challenges like New Mexico is.

When you see a child who struggles to read and who believes that he or she is simply not intelligent enough to learn to read, become a competent reader, it is mind-blowing, he said. His or her confidence soars in other areas once he or she is able to read. We are experiencing a renaissance in reading and it is exciting to be part of it.

The team

Hurfords team includes:

 Michaela Ozier, director of the Center for Read ing

 Alex Fender, director of Evaluation

 Thomas Hurford, director of Intervention & Professional Development

 Mea De La Torre, Robert Cordova, Abagail Houston, Jaidyn Leech, and Anthony Schettler, graduate research assistants

 Megan Loudermilk, Taylor Hurt, Amy Marcoux, Jared Parsons, Grace Schmidt, Rianna Morrone, Mallory Draper, Elliot Dugerson, Rebekah Sheward, Amiah Hampton, Tymaya Jones, Jaylynn Ellerbe-Cundiff, Caroline Blackford, Tess Scroggins, Charissa Robertson, and Alyssa Strader, interventionists



Learn more

Learn more about the Center for Reading, dyslexia, and arrange for services at pittstate.edu/reading
Midland Valley running back Traevon Dunbar rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns, the last of which was a 46-yarder in the third quarter that ultimately gave the Mustangs the lead for good over Easley at 28-21. Read moreUnbeaten Midland Valley escapes upset-minded Easley in 1st round of playoffs
As people prepare to dress up for Halloween, the Aiken Department of Public Safety and Aiken County Sheriffs Office are offering tips on how to be safe while trick-or-treating.

ADPS said children should walk on the sidewalk if one is available and if there is no sidewalk facing traffic, they should walk as far to the side of the road as safely as possible and to cross streets with a traffic signal.

Children should also make themselves visible to motorists by carrying a flashlight, wearing a small flashing strobe light and wearing reflective clothing.

Children should also make sure costumes fit properly so as not to create a tripping hazard and that masks don't block a childs vision .

Capt. Eric Abdullah with the Aiken County Sheriffs Office said children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult, never go inside a strangers house or vehicle and have their parents check their candy. He said parents should dispose of candy if its opened or torn.

Police are also reminding adults to be safe during Halloween by using battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns and to keep all decorations clear of open flames or other heat sources.

Police also said if anyone decides to drink, they should have a designated driver or have a walking buddy .

We would like to see folks who have been out and trick-and-treating with their kids, to make sure there is a parent with them, he said.

He said neighborhoods should be on high alert when people are out trick-or-treating, so kids can have a good time.

Abdullah said there isnt a curfew for trick-or-treating or an age limit, but parents should be with their children when they are going door-to-door.

Abdullah said he wants people to be mindful of the children who are outside and dont be in a rush as Halloween approaches.

Safety obviously is important and I believe that anyone can have a good time as long as they are being respectful to those who are giving out candy, he said.
Three people  Historic Aiken Foundation President Linda Johnson, Luis Rinaldini and Harrison Howell  addressed the council before it voted to approve the ordinance.

All said they supported the project but all said they wanted the hospital added to the Aiken historic property register to assure its design will preserve the historic qualities of the building.

Also on Sept. 5, Turner Development Company asked the council to approve a concept plan for the property.

The concept plan calls for building 25 townhomes near the corner of Vaucluse Road and Barnwell Avenue.

Four commercial buildings would be built around the existing hospital building. One would be located just west of the intersection of Vaucluse Road and Richland Avenue. Two buildings would be built between the existing hospital and Richland Avenue. And a fourth building would be built between the existing hospital and Morgan Street. A mixed use building would be constructed between the nurse's building and the hospital building.

And an apartment complex and parking garage would be constructed behind the hospital building.

The Planning Commission voted 3-2 on Oct. 10 to recommend the city council approve the concept plan.

Diggs made the motion to approve the first reading of the ordinance approving the concept plan. Councilwoman Lessie Price seconded her motion.

Pete Messina, one of two planning commissioners who voted against recommending approval, addressed the council before it voted to approve first reading of the ordinance.

He said the concept plan was nothing more than a magic marker drawing on piece of paper. He added the concept plan did not include topography and there wasn't enough parking for the buildings to be constructed in front of the hospital building.

Council members Andrea Gregory and Woltz said they shared Messina's concerns but still voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance.

Turner and Planning Director Marya Moultrie both said the concept plan was just that, a concept of what the property could look like in terms of density of buildings and general locations, and more specifics would be added as Turner Development Company moves forward with the project.
The Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kyiv upheld the custody status of businessman Ihor Kolomoisky in the form of detention with an alternative bail of UAH 3.8 billion.

As Suspilne reported on its Telegram channel on Tuesday, the court did not grant the lawyers' request to change Kolomoisky's custody status to 24-hour house arrest.

"The court left the custody status in the form of detention for Kolomoisky," the statement said.

As reported, on October 6, the Kyiv Court of Appeal upheld the custody status in the form of detention with the alternative of bail of UAH 3.9 billion for businessman Ihor Kolomoisky, suspected of fraud and embezzlement of PrivatBank funds.

On September 25, the Kyiv Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the trial court to select the custody status for Kolomoisky in the form of detention with an alternative bail of UAH 509 million.

The Security Service of Ukraine notified Kolomoisky of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code: Article 190 (fraud), and Article 209 (legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means).

Law enforcement officers established that the businessman during 2013-2020 legalized more than UAH 0.5 billion by transferring them abroad. At the same time, he used the infrastructure of controlled banking institutions.

The Shevchenkivsky District Court changed the bail amount for Kolomoisky to UAH 3.891 billion after new suspicions from the Security Service of Ukraine and the Bureau of Economic Security (BES).

According to investigators, between 2013 and 2014, Kolomoisky illegally took possession of UAH 5.8 billion. To do this, he created a criminal group consisting of employees of the bank, in which he was the founder and shareholder.

The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported suspicions to the former ultimate beneficiary of PJSC CB Privatbank Kolomoisky and five of his former top managers of embezzling bank funds worth more than UAH 9.2 billion.

After notifying Kolomoisky of suspicion, anti-corruption authorities seized the businessman's assets for 48 hours.
The American College of the Building Arts has hammered out a $2 million deal to grow its blacksmithing program.

The school has purchased an existing 6,000-square-foot building on about a third of an acre on upper King Street to accommodate the expansion of the department that teaches students old-fashioned ironworking skills.

The goal is to have the property ready for classes by next August, according to Chad Urban, chief operating officer.

This program's expansion continues the wonderful tradition of Charleston ironwork," he said in an Oct. 24 written statement. Urban could not be reached for further comment Tuesday.

The acquisition of 1084 King St. was announced by the commercial real estate firm NAI Charleston, which represented the previous owner.

The deal was finalized late last month, according to Charleston County land records. Norvell Real Estate Group represented the American College of the Building Arts.

The new space for the blacksmithing program is about half a mile north of the college's campus, which was relocated in 2016 to a 19th-century city-owned trolley barn at 649 Meeting St. after a $3.5 million renovation project.

The future King Street outpost is south of Romney Street and across from the John L. Dart Library. It was constructed around 1974 and most recently housed a commercial graphics and printing business that has moved to West Ashley.

The seller was an out-of-state investment group that bought the property about two years ago for $1.63 million.

On its website, the college traces its founding as the School of the Building Arts in 1999 to a report three decades earlier by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which warned that classically trained artisans were "rapidly aging out of the job market as the construction industry increasingly emphasized pre-fabrication and mass-production automation."

In 2004, the S.C. Commission on Higher Education approved two- and four-year tracks that combined a liberal arts curriculum and old-world European-style building techniques in areas such as architectural carpentry, blacksmithing, plastering and timber framing.
The top executive for one of the Charleston region's biggest medical providers and largest employers is leaving after less than three years to take a job in California.

Christina Oh, president and CEO of Trident Health System, will be joining Sutter Health on Dec. 1, according to an Oct. 24 announcement.

A national search is underway to find her replacement, spokesman Rod Whiting said Tuesday. Her last day is Nov. 30.

In the new role, Oh will be the market president for the greater San Francisco area for Sutter, a large nonprofit based in Sacramento.

"At Trident, she expanded the systems acute and ambulatory footprint, built tertiary services and developed a 'people-first' culture among employees and physicians," according to her hiring announcement.

Oh, who started her career in coastal South Carolina and went to graduate school in Charleston, was a Tenet Healthcare veteran who joined Trident from Arizona in May 2021.

She has led a regional health-care system that operates acute-care hospitals with 445 patient beds  Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center. Trident also has three freestanding emergency care sites, in Moncks Corner, North Charleston and Summerville.

It recently completed a $30.4 million free-standing psychiatric hospital off U.S. Highway 78 in North Charleston, near the Trident Medical campus. Around the same time, Trident unveiled plans to build a $278 million, 50-bed full-service hospital on Johns Island.

The system is part of HCA Healthcare, a publicly traded company based in Nashville.

Trident is among the largest employers in the Charleston region, with 2,600 workers and more than 500 physicians who treat about 375,000 patients each year.
Century Aluminum and the utility that provides electricity to the company's Mount Holly smelter near Goose Creek have reached a tentative agreement that will keep the plant operating through 2026.

The new deal, which still must be finalized, would also give Chicago-based Century enough power to eventually return to full capacity. The smelter has been operating at 75 percent of its potential under its current agreement with state-owned Santee Cooper.

"The Santee Cooper team and the Century team have been working diligently to negotiate a new contract," Vicky Budreau, the utility's chief customer officer, said during an Oct. 23 board meeting. "We have come to terms in principle on a new deal. It will be a three-year deal beginning Jan. 1 of 2024."

Jesse Gary, Centurys president and CEO, said the company is "excited to have reached final agreement on this new contract that will allow us to maintain operations at our Mount Holly plant ..."

He said the new contract will preserve about 465 jobs "and continue to contribute to the economic success of the surrounding community."

Moncks Corner-based Santee Cooper, under its current deal with Century, has been providing power from excess capacity at its coal-fired Winyah Generating Station in Georgetown County. It's not clear whether that arrangement will continue beyond the end of this year, as details of the new contract won't be disclosed until it's signed.

The Mount Holly smelter off U.S. Highway 52 was at risk of shutting down due to power costs before inking its current Santee Cooper deal in 2021. That contract stabilized power costs and allowed Century to take on a $100 million expansion that included restarting a second line that had been idled in 2015. The site now employs about 465 workers and has the capacity to produce about 229,000 metric tons of aluminum ingot, billet and other products each year.

Electricity is one of the smelter's biggest overhead costs, and Century has engaged in on-again, off-again battles with Santee Cooper over its power expenses. Over the years, the smelter has pushed for special arrangements with Santee Cooper, filed lawsuits and lobbied state legislators for a law that would let it buy electricity on the open market. The current contract and news of a new deal have brought stability to a facility that Century previously threatened to close whenever it was time to renew its power agreement.
Built in 1845, the William Ravenel House had been in the same family for nearly six decades. Read moreHistoric Charleston mansion on East Battery sells, just shy of the peninsula's record
COLUMBIA  Columbia city council candidates are in lock step regarding the issues facing the city: homelessness, high taxes and the need for smart development, among others.

During a Columbia Chamber of Commerce forum on Oct. 23, candidates told voters and business leaders why they're the best to address those problems.

The three candidates vying for an at-large district were present: Jesse Bullard, vice president of business at Southern Way Catering, Tyler Bailey, personal injury and civil rights lawyer and Christa Williams, owner of Uncle Willie's Grocery Store.

District Three will be a rematch between incumbent Councilman Will Brennan and former Councilman Moe Baddourah, both of whom were present. Brennan unseated Baddourah in 2019.

District Two incumbent Councilman Edward McDowell Jr., who is running unopposed, was not at the forum. The forum was moderated by the League of Women Voters of South Carolina.

Business development and taxes

Candidates spoke about the importance of lowering taxes to make Columbia attractive for business owners, developing the city's waterfronts and retaining talent from nearby universities.

Bullard said that his business would save $40,000 on taxes a year if it moved its fleet of vehicles two miles up the road out of Columbia. "That's significant for a small business owner," he said. "We've got to be competitive with other markets."

The debate about high taxes in Columbia is nothing new. A 2020 city-commissioned study found that the city's taxes are nearly double that of Charleston and 1.5 times higher than Greenville, resulting in disinvestment.

"We are committed to having a dialogue about tax reform," Brennan said.

Several candidates brought up the Richland County school districts.
More clean-energy jobs and infrastructure could be coming to the Upstate and Midlands, fueled by investments from the federal government.

South Carolina's Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, or SC Nexus, is among 31 organizations that have been designated as regional technology and innovation hubs.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's announced the selections Oct. 23. The agency said the federal designation will help SC Nexus develop a clean-energy supply chain, which includes advancing energy generation, distribution and storage across the Upstate and Midlands, including rural areas.

Those efforts could result in improvements to the state's power grid and the implementation of new battery technologies.

The $500-million program is part of the Biden Administration's efforts to expand technology investments, now largely concentrated in a few large cities, to communities across the U.S.

SC Nexus will be eligible to apply for $40 million to $70 million in grants to jump-start the organization's efforts, available through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which authorized $10 billion over five years for the White House's tech hubs program.

The designation and potential grant money could help SC Nexus drive high-quality job growth and close infrastructure gaps in rural and distressed communities, the S.C. Department of Commerce said Monday.

Receiving the federal tech hubs designation signals to the world that South Carolina has the necessary assets and infrastructure to create a real impact in the advanced energy resiliency sector, Gov. Henry McMaster said in a written statement. Were confident SC Nexus concerted efforts will align our state as a leader in advanced energy technology development, contributing to our national security by bolstering energy independence.`
Richland One spokeswoman Karen York said in an Oct. 24 statement that the district understands the protesters' concerns and respects their right to voice them.

"There were transition plans implemented or in process for all of the schools affected by the reassignments," she wrote.

Bauer said she had asked the district and the state Department of Education for more details and data about the reassignments, and urged to the crowd that "this is just the beginning."

Next steps could come as soon as Oct. 24, when the Richland One school board is set to meet at Hopkins Middle School. Angela Zokan, a parent of two students at Satchel Ford Elementary, which also lost two teachers in the reassignments, asked protesters assembled inside the Statehouse to attend and speak at the meeting, telling them that "we need everyone to come out."

One of of Zokan's children's classes had six new students after classes were combined to make up for the reassigned teachers Oct. 23, she said, a shift that changes the school's climate.

Sarah Brown, a senior education student at the University of South Carolina and a student teacher at Brennen Elementary, said the reassignments make her feel "anxious" and impact her desire to become a teacher.

"It's already an underpaid and undervalued profession, and it just kind of makes me a little scared," she said.

Reassignments at the scale of those in Richland One are "completely unprecedented," said Patrick Kelly, a teacher at Blythewood High School and director of government affairs at the Palmetto State Teachers Association.

"To let it get to this point without a clear plan is a failure of leadership," he said.

The neighboring Richland Two school district did not make any teacher reassignments this year, according to spokeswoman Ishmael Tate, who said mid-year reassignments were "not something that's a regular occurrence in any way" in the northeast Richland district, which serves about 6,500 more students than Richland One.
When Jessica Shillato, James Beard nominated chef-owner of Spotted Salamander Cafe and Catering, opened her cafe on Richland Street in 2014, a host of local businesses were budding in Columbia.

It was the end of dominant '90s corporate restaurants, like Applebees and Ruby Tuesdays, and the beginning of a thriving local business scene, Shillato said.

But then, about two years ago, something changed. National restaurant chains began to dominate the city's news headlines and Columbia staples began to change or close.

"Now, so many corporate chains are coming here and it's just scary because they have millions of dollars in backing," Shillato said.

With the closure of long-standing bars and restaurants like The Whig and Yesterdays, and the sale of businesses like music bar New Brookland Tavern and Five Points coffee shop Drip Coffee, Columbia's dining scene grapples with change. As restaurants and bars emerge from the rocky pandemic years, business owners say increasing costs are threatening the future of Columbia's local food and dining scene  all while new development moves in.

'Death by a thousand cuts'

The temperature was still abysmally high. Freshman would move into their college dorms in a few days.

It was August 2022 when owners of The Whig, an iconic subterranean dive bar across from the Statehouse, announced the establishment would be closing after 17 years in business. A new hotel was being built above the bar's space.

It felt like Columbia stood still. Hundreds of people mourned the loss over social media. The impending closure was the topic of conversation at local haunts for weeks. The bar was the busiest it had ever been in the months before it closed.

The impact was similar to other times the city lost foundational bars and restaurants  Five Points lost Blue Cactus Cafe in 2019 and Yesterdays Restaurant & Tavern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just this year, the building that's housed music bar New Brookland Tavern for decades was sold and the business will soon be moved to a new location.
Belgium's experience in using frozen Russian assets should be scaled up at the continental level, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday, speaking via video link at a meeting of the College of the European Commission.

"I am grateful to all of you  both as representatives of the EU and all the EU member states  for all the support provided to Ukraine! Defense, sanctions, humanitarian and financial support. And I would like to emphasize the long-term support programs  in particular, the European Commission's initiative to create a Financial Instrument for Ukraine," he said, noting that he expects its final approval by the end of the year.

"And I would like to note the experience of Belgium for the first strong step in Europe regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate for the damage caused by Russias aggression. It would be fair  if such a decision was scaled-up to the level of the entire continent," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, "the next steps should be taken including the confiscation of the aggressors assets. This should be Europes rule for the world  the aggressor pays the highest price for violating peace."

Zelenskyy considers it "important to continue to make sanctions pressure on Russia for its aggression effective."

"The way the free worlds sanctions are working now is a model for how we can put pressure on other disruptors of peace. Every sanction imposed must be one hundred percent effective. The same applies to pressure on intermediaries who help Russia circumvent the sanctions regime," the president said.
GEORGETOWN  Georgetown County voters could be asked to approve two sales tax increases next year.

County Council is slated to vote Oct. 24 on two resolutions involving sales tax hikes. If approved, the resolutions would begin the process of getting a local option sales tax and a capital project sales tax on the ballot in 2024. Combined, they would add 2 percent to the 6 percent sales tax in Georgetown County.

Georgetown County has experienced much population development and growth, which is anticipated to continue, according to county documents. The increase in development has placed greater demands on existing services and infrastructure. To meet existing and anticipated demands, additional revenues are needed by the county.

Administrator Angela Christian told the council at an Oct. 16 workshop that a local option sales tax would also give taxpayers a credit on their property taxes.

Not only would a local option sales tax impact the county, it would also impact the municipalities, Christian said.

Christian said her office estimates that the local option sales tax could generate $10 million annually. Of that, 71 percent would be used for property tax credits and the rest divided between the county and cities based on population.

The county would receive an estimated $2.2 million for its portion that could go toward the maintenance and operation of county facilities. Similar referendums were voted down by Georgetown County voters in 1990 and 2004.

But county officials pointed out that a homeowner could receive a 15 percent decrease on a tax bill for a home valued at $100,000. If approved, collection of the local option sales tax would begin May 1, 2025.

That always stuns people, Christian said. Theyre like, Oh you mean we get a credit?

Funding capital projects

County Council also plans to vote on establishing a sales tax commission at its Oct. 24 meeting. That's a necessary step if the county wants to put a capital project sales tax on the ballot in November 2024.
BEAUFORT  As far as anyone can tell, a project underway in downtown Beaufort to transform a jail into a residential space is the first of its kind in the country.

The conversion of the former Beaufort County Jail into nine condominiums will serve as the centerpiece of a broader plan to bring a variety of housing options, including workforce housing, to the city's historic Northwest Quadrant neighborhood.

Jeff Wheeler of Wheeler & Wheeler Properties, the entity spearheading the project, told The Post and Courier the jail project will serve as the catalyst to turn two blocks of "wasted space" into a vibrant neighborhood.

"It restores a residential character to what has become a largely commercial character," Wheeler said during a Sept. 13 presentation to the City of Beaufort Historic Review Board.

An idea forms

Zack Wheeler, son of Jeff and partner at Wheeler & Wheeler Properties, said his first idea for the former jail was to convert it into a bar. He even had a name ready. It was going to be called "Doing Time."

There was some precedent for the effort. Research conducted by the Garvin Design Group found a jail in Wisconsin that had been successfully converted to a bar. But the prevalence of churches in the Beaufort neighborhood and the area's residential focus led the father-and-son team to reconsider their options.

The new plan called for the conversion of the jail into a living space, and the project became just one part of a three-part plan to expand housing options in the neighborhood.

"We're good at residential," Jeff Wheeler said. "That's our sweet spot."

This isn't the first time the Wheelers have repurposed a building for residential use. The firm successfully converted Fannie McCants Elementary School in Columbia into 11 town homes.

At the start of this project four years ago, the Wheelers worked with a former owner of the jail, Esther Harnett, to jointly manage the conversion. In 2021, Harnett sold the building to the Wheelers for $525,000.
Murals are a beautiful addition to any town. Many years ago, murals graced the side of several businesses, but now are just a memory, being painted over or simply vanishing over time. A new one in Kingstree has earned the Williamsburg HomeTown Image Award. Read moreMural gains Image Award for the Town of Kingstree
There are two kinds of community news editors in the world: those who do about 90 percent of their work within the four walls of an office and those who pound the pavement. Read moreWhy most of us are epic fails at public speaking
A group of Charleston County Council members stood inside an affordable housing unit on Nassau Street, marveling at its exposed brick walls and massive arched windows.

Their tour of the Archer School Apartments, once a school for Black students during segregation, showcased what a recent $2 million grant to the county paid for. It's one of seven affordable housing projects the county helped fund as part of its Housing Our Future plan.

The effort, which County Council adopted earlier this year, describes an increasingly dire situation. Charleston County will need at least 29,000 new housing units over the next decade to meet demand. The need is spread across income groups, with nearly 40 percent of those units recommended for residents making less than 80 percent of the area median income: $66,000 for the average household.

County Council agreed in May on its top priority: identifying a long-term, sustainable revenue stream for a dedicated housing fund. However, five months have passed without elected officials taking a vote on the initiative. This delay has been frustrating for Charleston Area Justice Committee members, who ardently support a fund.

"The reason we're in front of County Council asking them for action on this  and urgent action  is because this has been a problem in the making for years," said Betty Niermann, a member of the interfaith coalitions housing committee.

County officials insist they've taken big steps to remedy the crisis. The county has shelled out serious cash  at least $83 million  on affordable housing in the last three years. The amount includes annual funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as one-time federal pandemic relief money.

And county staffers are exploring how to best set up a trust fund. Theyre considering a partnership with a nonprofit that, thanks to an exception in the states law, would allow them to create housing for both low-income and middle-class residents.
Charleston City Council members, candidates and mayoral candidates rallied in support of a proposed $70 million parks bond Oct. 23.

Mayoral candidates Peter Shahid, Clay Middleton, William Cogswell and incumbent John Tecklenburg all attended a press event hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy aimed at drumming up voters to support the referendum.

It was the first day of early voting ahead of the Nov. 7 election.

City Council candidates Owen Vogel, Jim McBride and Ron Call, and incumbent Councilman Keith Waring attended as well. They were joined by current council members Caroline Parker and Kevin Shealy.

The attendees represented a mix of candidates and current City Council members who don't often see eye to eye on local policy.

When asked by The Post and Courier about their support for the bond, they cited varying reasons for attending the event.

Shahid and Middleton called the effort "overdue," and criticized the mayor for not taking action sooner.

"This is what city government is supposed to be doing," Shahid said.

Tecklenburg said the timing worked out well because the city completed a parks and recreation master plan in 2021, commissioned every 10 years, which identified a list of priority renovations and new projects.

"This bond referendum has allowed us to increase those (recreation) opportunities further and have better facilities, particularly in growing parts of our city," he said.

If approved by voters, the bond program will fund a series of parks projects and upgrades throughout the city. That list includes a recreation and aquatic center on Johns Island, new parks for Daniel Island and the Cainhoy peninsula, a new recreation center on James Island and a new park on a 207-acre property on Bear Swamp Road in West Ashley.

It also includes upgrades to the existing James Island Recreation Complex and the McMahon Playground and Corrine Jones Playground. A new pool is proposed at the Bees Landing Recreation Center in West Ashley and a new aquatic center at Forest Park in West Ashley. The list is still subject to adjustments from council.
NORTH CHARLESTON  An inmate died at the Charleston County jail on Oct. 23.

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division help investigate the death at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich told The Post and Courier, and sheriff spokesperson Amber Allen confirmed in a news release.

A call came at 11:52 a.m. about a man in one of the jail units who was unresponsive and couldn't be woken up for lunch, Allen said.

Other jail residents tried life-saving measures while the unit's detention deputy called for EMS, Allen said.

When EMS and North Charleston firefighters responded, the inmate was declared dead, Allen said.

The county Coroner's Office will release the identity of the man.

No other details were released. The investigation is ongoing, SLED said.

One other person died at the jail so far this year. Julian Jenkins, 50, died in March due to a "medical emergency," The Post and Courier previously reported.

Six people died in Charleston County's jail in 2022, including 28-year-old D'Angelo Brown.

Brown suffered from untreated schizophrenia and was found unconscious in a filthy isolation cell on Dec. 21. The coroner determined he died of gross medical neglect and ruled his death a homicide, The Post and Courier previously reported.

South Carolina is experiencing a surge in deaths across its county jails, where most people in custody are awaiting trial and have not been found guilty of the crimes that lead to their incarceration.

At least 39 people died in 2022 in county detention centers, according to data provided by the S.C. Department of Public Safety. That is the highest number of deaths reported in the states county jails since at least 2000, when the U.S. Department of Justice began collecting nationwide data on mortality in correctional institutions.
You dont have to read past the first two sentences of the summary of the latest audit of the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs to recognize that heads need to roll: DDSN does not have an adequate system to ensure that employee caregivers dismissed for abuse, neglect, or exp Read moreEditorial: Abuse at SC disabilities agency demands immediate response
Theres nothing wrong with occasionally releasing an inmate early when the S.C. Corrections Department, the local solicitor and a judge agree that the inmate provided such valuable assistance to the state that he deserves a reward. Its not unlike entering into a plea agreement that reduces the amount of time inmates are sentenced to serve to begin with.

Whats wrong is when the judge does the whole thing in secret, in violation of state laws and the state constitution.

Whats wrong is when theres no review of whether the information or assistance the prisoner provided was actually useful.

Whats wrong is when solicitors serve merely as a conduit to assist a favored defense attorney rather than exercising the same sort of prosecutorial judgment we rely on them to use every day.

Assuming that our judges are paying attention, the S.C. Supreme Court has addressed the first problem with a powerful order telling them in no uncertain terms that they have to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements that our courtrooms be open and that victims be notified before inmates are released.

But that does nothing to ensure that defense attorneys supply evidence of the required substantial assistance their clients provided to help prosecute other criminals or protect correctional officers from attack. It does nothing to ensure that prosecutors examine that evidence to make sure it holds up. Nor does it do anything to make sure prosecutors vouch for the recommendation to release prisoners, rather than simply rubber stamping it and washing their hands of the matter, as the solicitor did in at least one early release case  and as another prosecutor might have done in another.
Germany is preparing a winter aid package for Ukraine, the main task of which will be to create a "protective shield" to counter Russian attacks, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at the opening of the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin on Tuesday.

"Civilian and military assistance from Germany since the beginning of the war has reached EUR 24 billion," Scholz said and recalled that according to this indicator, Germany is the second partner after the United States that supports Ukraine.

As Scholz said, the main task of the winter package will be to create a "protective shield," given the obvious plans of the Russian Federation to continue bombing energy and other infrastructure, "to use the cold as a weapon against the civilian population."

The package is valued at EUR 1.4 billion and includes, among other things, Patriot, Iris-T6, Gepard air defense systems and the like. The head of the German government said that last week a support package for the energy system worth EUR 80 million was also approved.

"We will support Ukraine for as long as it needs. Together with our partners in the EU, G7 and many other countries, we have no doubt in our unity and determination... Ukraine can rely on Germany," the politician said.

The 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum opened in the German capital Berlin on Tuesday, October 24. The event is held under the slogan "Integrate Ukraine." More than five hundred participants want to receive information about the development of the economy in Ukraine during the war and opportunities for cooperation and investment.
The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication.
ISLE OF PALMS  A bumper crop of yard signs has sprouted across this barrier island as voters prepare for a referendum Nov. 7 that could limit short-term rental licenses.

It's the latest skirmish in a much broader fight over the future of these sorts of vacation usages that's been playing out across South Carolina.

If nothing else, we are keeping the sign business afloat," said Mayor Phillip Pounds.

Isle of Palms is among the communities on the frontlines  all places where high demand from vacationers fuels the short-term rental business. Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach and Beaufort limit such rentals; Sullivan's Island prohibits them; Myrtle Beach doesn't allow new ones in residential neighborhoods.

The Isle of Palms referendum calls for imposing a 1,600 cap on short-term rental licenses for investors and second-home owners. There would continue to be no cap for homes that are the owners' primary residence.

It's about preserving the island's quality of life, say supporters. More than 30 percent of the city's registered voters signed a petition to get the referendum on the ballot.

We have a growing number of short-term rental licenses in residential communities," said Randy Bell, a former councilman working with pro-referendum group Preserve Isle of Palms Now. "We are trying to maintain the one-third, one-third, one-third split between full-time residents, second homes and rental properties."

Opponents say it's really about property rights and property values. An investment property or second home could be harder to sell, and worth less, if there's no certainty it could be used for short-term rentals.

What are we trying to solve?" said Hugh Swingle, an island resident whose family business is Palm Blvd Vacation Rentals. "We just dont see that theres an actual problem.
This sponsored press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire. The Post and Courier news staff was not involved in its creation.
Im finally back from my extended overseas journeymore articles from this to comeand tomorrow Ill be back on campus hosting the great Hadley Arkes at the law school for a mid-day lecture (12:50 pm  2 pm, Room 105) based on his new book, Mere Natural Law: Originalism and the Anchoring Truths of the Constitution. (Highly recommended by the way. Podcast hopefully to come.) Needless to say, the idea of natural law is fairly exotic at Berkeley, and most other elite law schools in America.

Heres the full event description which includes a sign-up link if you want us to pick up your lunch at the event (the campus bureaucracy requires this, even for pizza):

Is our Constitution morally agnostic? In a time when originalism is high on our mind, it ought to be asked whether the various flavors of originalism offered today are vitally connected to the self-evident truths of the original originalists. Making the case anew for Natural Law, Hadley P. Arkes, Professor in American Institutions (Political Science), Emeritus, Amherst College, finds it not in theories hovering in the clouds or in benign platitudes (be generous, be selfless). He draws us back, rather, to the ground of Natural Law as the American Founders understood it, the anchoring truths of common sensetruths grasped at once by the ordinary man, unburdened by theories imbibed in college and law school. The Public Law & Policy Program and the Federalist Society, Berkeley Chapter sponsor this event. Lunch will be provided with your registration at: bit.ly/HadleyArkes2023 (opens in a new tab) or by scanning the QR code on the associated event flyer.

If you live in the Bay Area and have nothing better on mid-day, please come. And for everyone else, while the event will not be live-streamed, it will be posted later on YouTube, and Ill likely make a podcast out of the audio.

And heres the flyer:

P.S. John Yoo and I are working on putting together an event at the law school to challenge the pro-Hamas factions on campus. Stay tuned. . . It could be even more rowdy than the Heather Mac Donald event last month.
Yesterday there was a pro-genocide rally in Minneapolis that took over a major highway and illegally blocked traffic. The demonstrators stood up for baby-burning, gang rape, kidnapping and mass homicide. Just another day in a land where immigration policy has been off the rails for a long time. The invaluable Andy Ngo has the story:

The pro-Palestine rioters in Minneapolis chased after the driver, a confused elderly man, and began swarming and attacking him again: pic.twitter.com/zGPR2tZYd4  Andy Ngo  (@MrAndyNgo) October 23, 2023



Why are left-wing, anti-Semitic, pro-genocide, pro-baby decapitating protesters allowed to shut down major streets and highways? Why do local authorities do nothing to rein them in?

Because the local authorities are Democrats, and contemporary liberalism is viciously anti-Semitic, as well as anti-American. Republicans in Minnesotas legislature have introduced legislation to punish shutting down streets and highways, but Democrats have blocked it from passage. So outrages of this sort are permitted to occur, over and over, while residents vote with their feet and move somewhere else.

And elderly drivers who go down the street and unexpectedly encounter pro-genocide fanatics are denounced as white supremacists, while the pro-genocide, pro-gang rape, pro-mass murder, pro-baby burning crazies are praised. That is what happens in a Democrat-controlled city like Minneapolis. And, as far as I can tell, the states dominant news outlet, the Star Tribune, has not even mentioned the outrageous shutting down of a major artery by a pro-genocide mob.

UPDATE: An actress who was blocked by the pro-Hamas demonstrators tweeted about the experience:

As I drove through the intersection, I saw these guys on 4-wheelers on the median, flying the Hamas flag. pic.twitter.com/L6DJkeThiL  Mo Perry (@MoMoPerry) October 23, 2023

The young man in front of her was trying to get to work, where he was already late. He was furious, practically in tears, screaming, "This isn't peaceful!!" People were pouring out of their cars. Heated arguments were breaking out. I was trapped. It was scary.  Mo Perry (@MoMoPerry) October 23, 2023

I overrode my nervous system and performed a 2.5 hour comedy. But I kept thinking: That was terrifying for me. How much more terrifying would it have been if I were Jewish? Would I have gotten out of my car? Next to the effing Hamas flag?  Mo Perry (@MoMoPerry) October 23, 2023

I'm sure many of the people there went with peaceful intentions. Perhaps the organizers have peaceful intentions. But the Hamas flag is not a peaceful symbol. Keeping that case worker from her desperate client is not a peaceful action. My nervous system still hasn't relaxed.  Mo Perry (@MoMoPerry) October 23, 2023

I have friends who were live-streaming their presence at that protest. I know they're good people with good intentions. But we have to look at the company we're keeping; we have to look at the effects of our actions. If peace is the goal, peace has to be the method.  Mo Perry (@MoMoPerry) October 23, 2023



I think Ms. Perrys eyewitness account is valuable, but I disagree with her about the criminals who illegally blocked the highway. I dont think any of them had peaceful intentions or were good people. I dont think there is anything positive to say about people who demonstrate their support for beheading babies and gang-raping women. I think those people are evil through and through, and I think the only relevant question is, why are they not all headed for long prison terms?
European Commission's report with recommendations to EC whether or not to start talks with Kyiv on accession to EU to be presented on Nov 8  sources

The European Commission will publish a report that will contain recommendations whether or not to start negotiations with Ukraine on accession to the European Union, on November 8.

This information was announced to Interfax-Ukraine by independent sources in Brussels.

As it is known, the so-called enlargement package, which the European Commission presents annually to the European Council, contains a detailed assessment of the state of affairs and progress achieved by countries on the path to the EU. In particular, the assessment will be given to the fulfilment by Ukraine, which was granted the status of a candidate country in 2022, of seven requirements necessary to fulfil in order for the European Council to be able to decide on the start of direct negotiations on accession to the Community. Progress will also be assessed in Moldova, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Turkey.
On October 20, nearly two weeks after the Hamas attack, Governor Newsom Travels to Israel appeared on the California governors website:

TEL AVIV  Governor Gavin Newsom released the below statement following his visit to Israel ahead of traveling to China. While in Israel, the Governor met with survivors, impacted families, and others As I reflect back on the extraordinary people I just met today in Israel, I am reminded of the deep connections between my home state and this country. A country that has faced many dark times before, and certainly is in one now.

But amid this present struggle against terrorists are stories of unimaginable heroism  and unspeakable tragedy.

I listened to the grief and terror in a mothers voice as she spoke about her son  a Californian right now being held hostage in Gaza  whose arm was blown off by a terrorists grenade.

I hugged a girl  another Californian, born in Los Angeles  who was shot in the leg by Hamas and left for dead, in truly horrific conditions.

I grieved with families in mourning, I met with young soldiers fresh from bomb shelters and battlefields, and I sat with leaders who bear the responsibility of response to it all.

Despite the horror, what I saw and heard from the people of Israel was a profound sense of resilience. A commitment to community and common purpose, especially in these most difficult of times.

Thats the Israeli spirit. And its also the California spirit. We are bound by more than those who live one place or another, or who have family here or there. My heart is heavy for all innocent people under the crushing pressure of loss and grief, no matter which side of fence they quite literally find themselves on.

So as I prepare to leave, I share these words: may the memory of those who perished be a blessing to the whole world.
That is the headline in todays London Times:

President Biden and other leading figures in Washington have told Israeli officials to delay their anticipated ground invasion of Gaza, warning that the Israel defence forces (IDF) are not sufficiently prepared to take on Hamas in the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the Palestinian territory.

Does anyone doubt that the people best able to judge whether Israels forces are sufficiently prepared to take on Hamas are those who run the IDF? What possible expertise does Joe Biden bring to that question?

Israel has mobilised 360,000 reserve soldiers, many of them at staging posts close to Gaza, preparing for a major invasion. They have been ordered to destroy Hamass military capabilities but the Biden administrations pressure to delay an attack has seen them remain at the border for more than a week.

I sincerely hope that Israels government is not letting its war fighting strategy be influenced by the Biden administration, which does not have its best interests at heart.

[Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense] is believed to have repeatedly cautioned over how a ground operation might unfold, highlighting Hamass vast network of underground passages and tunnels that could make hand to hand combat difficult, even with the IDFs vastly superior firepower.

Are these people serious? Do they really believe the Israelis are not sufficiently aware of the perils of urban warfare? Which have only grown during the time when any attack has been forestalled.

Austin told ABC Newss This Week on Sundaythat he had encouraged [Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to] conduct their operations in accordance with the law of war.

Like the Gazans did?

American officials have become increasingly concerned that a ground invasion in Gaza could lead to a huge loss of civilian life.

Yes, that is what happens when you start a war. Just ask the Germans and Japanese. Every casualty in this war, on both sides, is exclusively the fault of the people of Gaza and their political leadership.

Its a sign of weakness in the Israeli leadership right now that the Americans are starting to dictate our security policy on the ground, one Israeli security official said.

It certainly is. Joe Biden knows absolutely nothing about military matters, and Lloyd Austins principal field of expertise is transgenderism. We can only hope that the Israelis will listen to them politely and then do whatever is necessary to exact revenge for the invasion of October 7.
Karine Jean-Pierre is the White House press secretary, but she must not keep up with the news. Thats the charitable explanation of her response to the question about President Bidens level of concern right now about a potential [sic] rise in antisemitism in light of everything thats going on in Israel. She didnt answer the question directly.

One can only infer that Biden (assuming she was speaking for Biden) has missed the marches supporting the genocide of the Jewish people that have been held in urban centers around the United States over the past two weeks. One can only infer that Biden (again assuming she was speaking for Biden) has missed the emergence of the many Nazis among us into public view.

This was her response in its entirety (White House transcript here):

So, a couple of things. Look, we have not seen any credible threats. I know theres been always questions about credible threats. And so, just want to make sure that thats out there. But, look, Muslim and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks. And certainly President Biden understands that many of our Muslim, Arab  Arab  Arab Americans and Palestinian American loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their communities. And that is something you heard the President speak to in his  in his address just last  last Thursday. And so, one of the things that the President has done is directed his team  Homeland Security team to prioritize prevention and disruption of any emerging threats that could harm the Jewish, the Muslim, Arab Americans or  or any other communities. And that is something that the President has sought to do and  and  since day one. As you know, the President ran on  on  on, you know, bringing commu-  protecting communities, obviously, but bringing people together, the soul  protecting the soul of the nation. And so that is something that the President takes very, very seriously. And we  you know, were going to continue to denounce any sort of hate towards any American here. And so, thats what were going to continue to be steadfast on. Again, he has  he has advised  directed his Homeland Security team to make sure that theyre on top of this.

Translation: Bidens level of concern is low. Its all about Islamicphobia (as Biden has put it). Not that accuracy is at a premium, it should probably be noted that Jews again faced most hate crimes of any religious group in 2022 (the most recent available data).

UPDATE: Philip Klein has more here at NRO and Gabby Deutch has more here at Jewish Insider.

AND THIS: David Harsanyi puts it this way: There were dozens of Charlottesville-type marches in the United States last week, with chants of genocide ringing in the air. They were attended largely by Muslim protesters, along with the hard left (including a number of self-hating Jews.) Though Jews are by far the most targeted religious minority in the United States, we have yet to have a big national conversation about the problem. No one in major media dares even bring it up.

What is [Bidens] level of concern right now about a potential rise of antisemitism? KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks pic.twitter.com/q1WYkpbKmn  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 23, 2023

STEVE addsThe Babylon Bee actually predicted this a day ahead (hows that for Old Testament prophecy):
In his foreword to The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, William Shirer called the capture of most of the confidential archives of the German government and all its branches at the end of World War II an event unique in history. Among other things, the Nazis meticulously documented their efforts to accomplish the Final Solution with Germanic thoroughness, yet they sought to shield them from public view. They wanted to keep them secret.

On Monday this week the IDF screened some 43 minutes of scenes of murder, torture, and decapitation from Hamass October 7 invasion of southern Israel. Drawing on raw videos from the terrorists bodycams, the IDF screened the footage for members of the press subject to a prohibition on recording. The screening brings Shirers comments to mind this morning. Hamas too sought to document its efforts to exterminate the Jewish people.

Hamas is a little more frank about the project than the Nazis. Hamas proclaims the mission in its charter. Yet the IDF finds the screening necessary to dispel what a spokesperson characterized as a Holocaust-denial-like phenomenon happening in real-time, as doubts have been raised around the world about some of the most horrific of Hamass atrocities (Im quoting from the Times of Israel story linked immediately below). Why does a person take a GoPro [to such an attack]? an IDF spokesman asked. He answered his own question: Because hes proud of what he does.

The Times of Israel reports on the screening in IDF shows foreign press Hamas bodycam videos, photos of murder, torture, decapitation. Please check it out. The New York Post also covers it in IDF shares harrowing videos, photos of Hamas attack.

The bloodlust is patent. This is what the Nazis in our midst march and riot to support.

Times of Israel reporter Amy Spiro has posted the video below on X/Twitter.

The IDF just screened 43 minutes of horrors from the Hamas massacre on October 7 for foreign journalists. I was not there, my colleague @cjkeller8 was. Here is the one minute of footage approved for mass publication at this point, barring most of it out of respect for the dead. pic.twitter.com/UDmQSrkYBL  Amy Spiro (@AmySpiro) October 23, 2023

Spiro added this to fill in what is missing.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 16:40:37

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PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. continues to investigate whether certain directors and officers of Albemarle Corporation ("Albemarle") (NYSE:ALB) breached their fiduciary duties to Albemarle and its shareholders and whether Albemarle investors suffered damages as a result.INVESTORS OF ALBEMARLE STOCK ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK HERE OR EMAIL INFO@ KEHOELAWFIRM.COM TO CONTACT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C.ALBERMARLE HAS AGREED PAY MORE THAN $103 MILLION TO SETTLE FCPA VIOLATIONSOn September 29, the SEC ". . . announced that Charlotte-based Albemarle Corporation, a global specialty chemicals company, agreed to pay more than $103.6 million to settle the SEC's charges that it violated the anti-bribery, recordkeeping, and internal accounting controls provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)."Further, "[a]ccording to the SEC's Order, despite significant red flags, Albemarle used agents from at least 2009 through 2017 that paid bribes to obtain sales of refinery catalysts to public-sector oil refineries in Vietnam, India, and Indonesia and to private-sector oil refineries in India. In addition, the Order finds that Albemarle violated the FCPA's recordkeeping requirements and failed to devise and maintain a sufficient system of internal accounting controls to provide reasonable assurances that payments made to agents in Vietnam, Indonesia, India, China, and the United Arab Emirates were for legitimate services." According to the SEC, ". . . [i]n a parallel action, the U.S. Department of Justice announced . . . it has entered into a non-prosecution agreement in which Albemarle agreed to pay a $99 million criminal fine and to a forfeiture of approximately $98 million, of which $81.8 million will be satisfied by the company's payment of disgorgement pursuant to the SEC Order." ALBEMARLE INVESTORS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT MICHAEL YARNOFF, ESQ., (215) 792-6676, EXT. 804, MYARNOFF@ KEHOELAWFIRM.COM , INFO@ KEHOELAWFIRM.COM , TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION AND POTENTIAL LEGAL CLAIMS.Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a multidisciplinary, plaintiff-side law firm dedicated to protecting investors from securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties, and corporate misconduct. Combined, the partners at Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. have served as Lead Counsel or Co-Lead Counsel in cases that have recovered more than $10 billion on behalf of institutional and individual investors.This press release may constitute attorney advertising.SOURCE: Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
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BOISE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Albertsons CompaniesMoney raised is going directly back to local communities, funding grants for over 130 organizations to help break the cycle of hungerDuring the month of September, Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI), along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, raised nearly $6 million through customer donations made at the register to support community organizations committed to connecting qualified individuals with existing federal meal programs. Grants will be awarded through the company's Nourishing Neighbors charitable program this month to help those in need sign up for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women Infants and Children (WIC). This fundraising campaign underscores the company's support of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and its goal to help 50,000 eligible neighbors enroll in SNAP and WIC benefits in 2023.More than 130 local food banks, soup kitchens and community organizations, such as Northern Illinois Food Bank, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants so they can conduct outreach and provide SNAP and WIC enrollment support for neighbors in need."There are millions of people in this country who need access to nutritious food and qualify for federal food assistance programs, but they don't know how to enroll or get the support they need," said Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of Albertsons Companies Foundation. "At Albertsons Cos., we are committed to help break the cycle of hunger and inspire healthy eating. Thanks to the generous donations of our customers, our Nourishing Neighbors program is able to give nearly $6 million in grants to organizations dedicated to helping with enrollment, outreach, transportation and other issues that might prevent people from participating in federal meal programs." Nourishing Neighbors is a charitable program of Albertsons Companies Foundation and seeks to ensure at-risk children, adults, seniors and families have access to the food they need to thrive. More than 130 local food banks, soup kitchens and community organizations, such as Northern Illinois Food Bank, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants so they can conduct outreach and provide SNAP and WIC enrollment support for neighbors in need. Additionally, Albertsons Cos. offers online SNAP access and educational information in all banner stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME and Tom Thumb."We know that programs like SNAP are a critical support for our neighbors experiencing hunger," said Jaz Bias, Co-Executive Director of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. "We're thrilled to partner with the Albertsons Companies Foundation to expand access to these programs and improve food security for individuals and families throughout Oregon." "We are grateful to the Albertsons Companies Foundation for their generous support which will help Northern Illinois Food Bank connect our neighbors to the resources that they so desperately need right now," said Maeven Sipes, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "Our SNAP team is dedicated to helping neighbors get the nutritious food they need to thrive, with dignity, equity and convenience." For more information on Nourishing Neighbors, click here.About Nourishing NeighborsNourishing Neighbors is the signature cause platform of the Albertsons Companies Foundation operating under 17 banners including Safeway, Albertsons, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's and Vons. The program is dedicated to ensuring that at-risk children, adults, seniors and families have access to nutritious food needed to thrive. In 2022, Nourishing Neighbors raised more than $40 million and provided over 188 million meals to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat. The Foundation is committed to enabling the donation of one billion meals by 2030 and actively championing innovative programs and partnerships to help break the cycle of hunger in the neighborhoods we serve.About Albertsons CompaniesAlbertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of September 9, 2023, the Company operated 2,272 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2022, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $200 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.See original press release here and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.More than 130 local food banks, soup kitchens and community organizations, such as Northern Illinois Food Bank, Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants so they can conduct outreach and provide SNAP and WIC enrollment support for neighbors in need. (Photo Credit: Northern Illinois Food Bank)View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Albertsons Companies on 3 blmedia.com.Contact Info:Spokesperson: Albertsons CompaniesWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/albertsons-companiesEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Albertsons Companies
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Camino Corp. (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF)(WKN:A116E1) ("Camino" or the "Company") together with its project partner Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd ("Nittetsu"), is pleased to announce that the recent geological mapping and geophysics program has identified the La Estancia fault ("La Estancia"), a deep-seated "thick skinned" fault structure through the centre of the property constituting the Los Chapitos Copper Project ("Los Chapitos" or the "Project"). The La Estancia fault extends for 12 kilometers in a northwest direction. Historically, Camino has made copper discoveries on either side of this structure, drilling significant copper intercepts along secondary fault structures such as at Adriana, Lourdes, and Atajo.Surface geological mapping and a geophysics program completed to depths of 500 meters support the presence of the La Estancia fault. La Estancia's significance lies in its interpretation as a deep fault, serving as a conduit for the copper mineralization that Camino has been drilling near surface, as well as for buried copper mantos. The Company's current strategy prioritizes extensions to existing near-surface copper oxide deposits, and the discovery of new copper oxide zones, with the potential for copper sulphide discoveries at depth. Major deposits, such as Manto Verde, Candelaria, Carolina de Michilla, have all been discovered in relation to deep-seated structures.Highlights:Identified new La Estancia deep fault system extending for 12 kilometers.Completed a magnetic survey to depths of 500 meters covering 1,079 km and 9,626 hectares.1:25,000 scale and 1:5,000 scale geological mapping complete.1:1,000 geological mapping and drill targeting underway for proposed drilling campaign commencing in December.The mapping and drone geophysics survey (see news release dated July 26, 2023) was carried out by Camino's geological team and Nittetsu, together with Chilean geologists from July to September 2023, and consisted of 1,079 line kilometers of survey and covering 9,626 hectares. As a result of this work, Camino has identified multiple "thin skinned faults" as well as a deep-seated "thick skin" La Estancia fault system (Figure 1). The La Estancia fault provides additional information about the intrusive bodies in the Los Chapitos claim area and their relationship with hydrothermal alteration and copper mineralization in both oxides and sulfides. The discovery of this fault system has significant implications as it relates to the spatial-temporal relationship observed between large copper deposits in significant mining districts of Chile. The presence of this "thick skinned" fault increases the possibility of finding a major copper deposit. This relationship is observed in the copper porphyry and molybdenum belts, and in the IOCG belts along the Chilean Coast, with significant deposits typically situated within a radius of less than 5 km from a "thick skinned" fault's propagation zone.For the current drilling campaign planned to commence as early as December, 2023, Camino is conducting 1:1,000 scale geological mapping in targeted prospective zones along the main Diva Trend to determine locations for drill holes.Figure 1. Fault structures controlling copper mineralization at Los Chapitos, PeruFelix Cornelio, Chief Geologist at Camino stated, "While the planned winter drilling campaign will continue to target near-surface copper oxides, we will also consider copper sulfide targets at depth, providing additional opportunities for larger discoveries. The discovery of the La Estancia fault has provided us with the opportunity to evaluate a new structural corridor extending more than 12 kilometers through the center of Los Chapitos, in addition to the Diva and Atajo trends." Camino used unmanned aircraft and magnetometers equipped with georeferencing systems and other navigation instruments to perform the magnetic surveys. Aero-magnetometry is a relatively new technique that provides for automated missions, flying at low altitudes and covering large distances in a short time for increased efficiency and high precision accuracy.The recent geophysical survey detected a main magnetic body following a Northwest-Southeast trend. This continuous magnetic susceptibility observed along the Atajo Trend, suggests possible magnetite enrichment, with anomalies likely associated with ultramafic rocks with stratigraphic control and/or replacement by secondary magnetic mineralization. A second important anomaly is related to the deep-seated La Estancia Fault (Figure 2) following the same Northwest trend.Figure 2. Geophysics and rock geochemistry aligned with faults at Los Chapitos, PeruAbout Camino CorporationCamino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. Camino is focused on advancing its high-grade Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru through to resource delineation and adding new discoveries. Camino has also permitted the Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project for a planned exploration drilling program. In addition, Camino has increased its land position at its copper and silver Plata Dorada project. Camino is seeking to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminocorp.com Jose A. Bassan, FAusIMM (CP) 227922, MSc. Geologist, an independent geologist and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this document. Mr. Bassan has reviewed and verified relevant data supporting the technical disclosure, including sampling and analytical test data.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD/S/ "Jay Chmelauskas"President and CEOFor further information, please contact:Camino Investor Relationsinfo@ caminocorp.comTel: (604) 493-2058Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the release includes the prospectivity of future exploration work at Los Chapitos and the receipt of necessary authorizations and approvals. Although the Company considers these assumpti
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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICATORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / E2Gold Inc. (TSXV:ETU)(OTCQB:ETUGF) pleased to announce that it closed its previously announced private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to which it has issued an aggregate of 17,500,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.02 per Unit, to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $350,000.00.Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"); with each whole Warrant exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance thereof.All securities issued and issuable pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring February 25, 2024. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company intends to apply the gross proceeds from the Offering towards the exploration program.In connection with the Offering, the Company paid aggregate cash commissions of $14,000 and issued an aggregate of 700,000 broker warrants to eligible registrants, each such broker warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of two years.Insiders of E2 purchased an aggregate of 7,500,000 Units in connection with the Offering. Accordingly, the Offering constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval of such instruments as the value of the Offering is less than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, in accordance with sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.In other news, further to the Company's press release dated September 7, 2023, the Company confirms that the offering that closed on September 6, 2023, also constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and MI 61-101, and the Company was also exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval of such instrument on the same basis as above in accordance with sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101ABOUT E2GOLD INC.E2Gold Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company with a large flagship property, the 80 km long Hawkins Gold Project in north-central Ontario, about 140 km east of the Hemlo Gold Mine, and 75 km north of the Magino and Island Gold Mines. The property is anchored by the McKinnon Zone Inferred Resource of 6.2 Mt grading 1.65 Au g/t, for 328,800 ounces of gold.2 E2Gold is committed to increasing shareholder value through discoveries at Hawkins.For further information please contact:Jeff PritchardInvestor Relationsinfo@ e2gold.ca+1 647 699 3340Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking Statements - Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of E2Gold, including with respect to the receipt of all regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.SOURCE: E2Gold Inc.
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Notice of Annual General MeetingTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (AIM:ECO)(TSXV:EOG), the oil and gas exploration company focused on the offshore Atlantic Margins in South Africa, Namibia, and Guyana, announces that the Annual General Meeting of the Company ("AGM") will be held virtually on 29 December 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) via teleconference. Copies of the formal notice of AGM, form of proxy and virtual access details will be made available on the on the Company's website at: https://www.ecooilandgas.com/investors/documents-circulars/ **ENDS**For more information, please visit www.ecooilandgas.com or contact the following:Eco Atlantic Oil and Gasc/o Celicourt +44 (0) 20 7770 6424Gil Holzman, CEOColin Kinley, COOAlice Carroll, Head of Corporate Sustainability+44(0)781 729 5070Strand Hanson (Financial & Nominated Adviser)+44 (0) 20 7409 3494James HarrisJames BellmanBerenberg (Broker)+44 (0) 20 3207 7800Matthew ArmittDetlir EleziEchelon Capital (Financial Adviser N. America Markets)Ryan Mooney Simon Akit+1 (403) 606 4852+1 (416) 8497776Celicourt (PR)+44 (0) 20 7770 6424Mark AntelmeJimmy LeaAbout Eco Atlantic:Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM-quoted Atlantic Margin-focused oil & gas exploration company with offshore license interests in Guyana, Namibia, and South Africa. Eco aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through its role in the energy transition to explore for low carbon intensity oil and gas in stable emerging markets close to infrastructure.Offshore Guyana in the proven Guyana-Suriname Basin, the Company holds a 15% Working Interest in the 1,800 km2 Orinduik Block Operated by Tullow Oil. In Namibia, the Company holds Operatorship and an 85% Working Interest in four offshore Petroleum Licences: PELs: 97, 98, 99, and 100, representing a combined area of 28,593 km2 in the Walvis Basin.Offshore South Africa, Eco is Operator and holds a 50% working interest in Block 2B and a 26.25% Working Interest in Block 3B/4B operated by Africa Oil Corp., totalling some 20,643km2.This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating whether certain directors and officers of General Motors Company ("General Motors," "GM") (NYSE:GM) breached their fiduciary duties to General Motors and its shareholders and whether investors of GM stock suffered damages as a result.INVESTORS OF GM STOCK ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK HERE OR EMAIL INFO@ KEHOELAWFIRM.COM TO CONTACT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C.On October 5, 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") held a public meeting ". . . regarding its initial decision that certain frontal driver and passenger air bag inflators manufactured by ARC and Delphi through January 2018 contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety and should be recalled." Reuters reported that officials of the NHTSA ". . . told a public hearing the government should require the recall of 52 million air bag inflators produced by auto suppliers ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive because they may rupture and send metal fragments flying." Reuters also reported that "NHTSA enforcement official Cem Hatipoglu told the hearing that while the odds for a rupture may not be high, the consequences are 'severe and potentially deadly.' The air bag issue currently is linked to one U.S fatality and seven injuries, the agency said." According to Reuters, "[a] person briefed on the matter confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that GM has at least 20 million vehicles with the suspect parts. GM in May agreed to recall nearly 1 million vehicles with ARC air bag inflators after a rupture in March resulted in facial injuries to a driver." INVESTORS OF GENERAL MOTORS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT MICHAEL YARNOFF, ESQ., (215) 792-6676, EXT. 804, MYARNOFF@ KEHOELAWFIRM.COM , INFO@ KEHOELAWFIRM.COM , TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GM INVESTIGATION AND POTENTIAL LEGAL CLAIMS.Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a multidisciplinary, plaintiff-side law firm dedicated to protecting investors from securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties, and corporate misconduct. Combined, the partners at Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. have served as Lead Counsel or Co-Lead Counsel in cases that have recovered more than $10 billion on behalf of institutional and individual investors.This press release may constitute attorney advertising.SOURCE: Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Denmark Troels Lund Poulsen, who arrived on a visit to Kyiv.

According to Zelenskyy's press service, the main focus during the meeting was on strengthening the Ukrainian sky with modern fighters and new air defense systems. Cooperation within the framework of the aviation coalition and the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft, which Denmark and other partners are preparing to transfer to Ukraine, were also discussed.

Separately, the President of Ukraine noted the adoption by the G7 at the Vilnius NATO summit of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and expressed readiness to begin negotiations between Ukraine and the countries of Northern Europe on obtaining appropriate security guarantees.

The head of state expressed gratitude to the Danish government, led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as well as the entire Danish society for the strong support from the first days of full-scale Russian aggression and the military assistance packages provided.

Separately, Zelenskyy noted Denmark's exemplary patronage over the restoration of Mykolaiv and the important support from official Copenhagen on Ukraine's path to the European Union.

"We are working to complete the implementation of all seven recommendations of the European Commission. And we will be very happy if we can begin negotiations on accession to the EU before the end of this year," the president said.

At the end of the meeting, the President of Ukraine presented the Danish Minister of Defense with the Order of Merit, the first class, and the Secretary of State for Security Policy and Operations of the Danish Ministry of Defense, Kasper Heg-Jensen, with the Order of Merit, the third class. Danish officials were awarded for their significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
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Roundup highlights B2B partners that support startups across all business functions and empower growthDALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Inc. Business Media today announced the second annual Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. The list recognizes 389 firms in marketing and advertising, health and wellness, financial services, legal, logistics, and productivity, as well as other areas of business.All 389 companies received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, etc., allowing founders to focus on their core missions."Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.About HighLevelDeveloped for agencies by an agency, HighLevel's goal is to help marketing professionals and agencies reach and surpass their benchmarks for success. We believe in enhancing automation, improving communication, and boosting scalability in a consumer-friendly way, and we consistently provide future-embracing updates that exemplify these priorities.Our AI-powered all-in-one sales, marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM) platform offers numerous features that provide limitless opportunities to our customers. We also encourage the rebranding of our platform, offering agencies and marketers a white-labeled version that allows them to scale beyond what they ever thought possible.HighLevel continues to grow exponentially, increasing the impact created on the tech community, the SaaS industry, and our extensive collection of clients. With many ground-breaking updates in the near future, we expect this growth to not only continue, but to compound as time goes on.To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023 The November 2023 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023.About Inc. Business MediaThe world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com Contact InformationSavannah Lipinski savannah@ gohighlevel.com SOURCE: HighLevel
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OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / The gig economy has more than tripled in the last five years, but not all gig opportunities offer the same value for a worker's time. Draiver is a leading on-demand vehicle transportation company utilizing advanced AI tech to move cars for both businesses and consumers. Through an unparalleled focus on the driver experience and exceptional customer service, the company has earned consistently positive reviews from drivers, underscoring its position as the most rewarding and professional company to drive for in the U.S. and beyond.Competitive Pay Rates and Benefits:One of the benefits frequently praised by driver reviews is the competitive compensation rates provided by Draiver. Draiver's competitive rates not only result in increased earnings but also eliminate additional expenses. For instance, drivers operate vehicles owned by others rather than using their own, preventing both wear and tear and mileage accrual on their personal vehicles. This not only results in substantial savings but also complements the many other benefits, such as the Draivers Perks program offering health care, mental health, and financial wellness support.One former employee mentioned that Draiver is, "a great company that is on the rise with great leadership and a winning environment." Draiver ensures their drivers are compensated fairly and are thoroughly supported with 24/7 connection and guidance. The more a driver drives, the more likely they are to receive rides - directly benefiting dedicated drivers.Flexibility and Ample Ride Opportunities:For many gig drivers, a flexible schedule is essential, and Draiver excels in providing opportunities that offer much-needed freedom to set their own schedules.A driver review mentioned that Draiver is, "[A] great money making app. You work when you want. Flexible schedule. Best part is they have moves in almost all major Metro areas. I was able to see most of the country working for them." Draiver's industry-leading flexibility is a win-win for both parties, allowing for customized schedules that vary day-to-day depending on each driver's availability and lifestyle.No Passenger Hassles with Private Driving:Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of driving with Draiver is the absence of passenger hassles and demands - drivers are transporting cars for dealerships or manufacturers, not people, which means private rides with every driving opportunity. Unlike other gig driving opportunities, where dealing with passengers can be unpredictable and sometimes challenging, Draiver is exclusively focused on delivery services. Drivers appreciate this, noting that the, "Best part is not having to take passengers or deliver food!" No awkward conversations, unruly passengers, or worrying about the cleanliness of your car.A current employee out of Detroit, Michigan commented, "Worth the money, easy job you're just driving trucks from one location to another and getting back in the transport van doing the same thing all day all from your phone, and you're your own boss." Many other drivers note their enjoyment in getting to drive new cars and trucks every day, testing out different vehicles. For example, one driver review says, "My fave gig! Get paid to drive cool cars? Yes please!!"There are countless benefits to being a Draiver driver, but the ease and enjoyment of driving new vehicles while exploring the U.S. is a common theme for most employees.Safety and Support:Another noteworthy highlight driver review mentioned Draiver's commitment and dedication to safety and support. The platform continues to make prudent investments in robust safety protocols and provides drivers with 24/7 support. This ensures that drivers feel secure on the job and have reliable guidance or problem-solving in the event of an emergency or unexpected issue.One driver review noted Draiver's focus on safety by saying, "I don't have to worry about getting back home because there is a chase driver or Uber paid for by the company."When it comes to gig driving, the positive Draiver reviews speak volumes. The prevailing consensus is that Draiver is the leading gig driving opportunity through a wide array of offerings including competitive pay rates, flexibility, ample ride opportunities, and private, professional driving experiences. With a steadfast focus on driver satisfaction, safety, and support, Draiver has earned its reputation as the top choice for those looking to maximize their earning potential while enjoying the freedom of the open road.MEDIA CONTACT:Maggie McDanielmedia@ draiver.com SOURCE: Draiver
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LOS ANGELES / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Wells Fargo:With funding from Wells Fargo, program to welcome second cohort of innovators in Los Angeles and Miami who are developing solutions to combat the impacts of climate change in communities that are most at riskLarta Institute, a non-profit organization accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, has opened a call for applicants to its 2024 Venture Fellows program. The Venture Fellows program will welcome the second cohort of diverse innovators who are developing solutions to combat the impacts of climate change in underserved communities that are most at-risk to be affected by the changing environment. The program, funded in part by Wells Fargo, supports entrepreneur-led ideas, with the goal of creating more resilient, equitable and sustainable cities in the U.S.The call for applications from entrepreneurs of all backgrounds is open now through February 2024. The nine-month program will begin in Los Angeles and Miami in April 2024."As climate change starts to negatively and severely affect our communities, urban innovators are innovating and developing new ways to make their communities resilient, adaptable and proactive," said Rohit Shukla, founder and chief executive officer of Larta Institute. "With support from Wells Fargo, we are honored to introduce another cohort of innovators to drive resilience in dealing with the impacts of climate change in their own communities." With a theme focused on "Entrepreneurs vs. Climate Change," the Venture Fellows program focuses on supporting ideas that can be piloted in underserved communities, translated into startups and scaled to help make communities more resilient to climate change."Venture Fellows provides practical guidance and funding for entrepreneurs who are coming up with new ideas to address challenges our cities face related to climate change," said Luis Gonzalez of Wells Fargo's small business growth philanthropy team. "Our first cohort included startups working on ideas ranging from urban farming to enhancing coastal resilience, and we look forward to supporting the next group of innovators as they develop ideas into sustainable businesses that can serve their communities." More information can be found here about the inaugural cohort of startups.The Venture Fellows program is supported by the County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office, Miami-Dade County, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Include Ventures, Loyola Marymount University and Florida International University.The nine-month program will fund and support five innovators in each city. There is no cost to participants and no equity is taken. Benefits of the program include:$100,000 in resources and funding to develop community-based solutionsUp to $25,000 in associated pilot costs for validation of a project in targeted community1:1 mentoring and group cohort sessionsCohort based learning, knowledge hub and educational contentMarket access support from local cities and NGOsSupport deploying a MVP or pilot-ready solution in a local communityAccess to investors and grant funding to scale startupSupport identifying and applying for funding and grantsCurated sessions with seed investors and Demo DayLegal fees paid to incorporate your start up and expert legal advice"This fellowship is a game changer," said Carmen Dianne and Kara Still, co-founders of Prosperity Market and members of the Venture Fellows inaugural cohort. "The Larta team took the time to understand our challenges and gaps and have actively provided resources, introductions, assistance and more to help us reach our milestones. Our solar-powered and EV mobile farmers market will be ready to hit the road in no time. It's also inspiring to be in a cohort of so many other amazing businesses who are doing their part to change their communities." The Venture Fellows program is designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) #13 - "Take action to combat the impacts of climate change and its impacts." Also known as the Global Goals, the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Venture Fellows program seeks innovations that relate to:Clean energy, air and water: Community-led approaches that may work alongside municipalities, like small-scale solar and wind projects, water cleaning projects and the use of non-traditional approaches to cleaning our airFood security and zero hunger: Creative visions for urban farming, city food access, crop diversification, sustainable agriculture, nutrition enhancement, curbing food waste and solutions for populations at most risk for hungerSafe, inclusive and sustainable cities: Practical solutions that can make modern cities more resilient and adaptable in areas such as public space transformation, smart housing, resource efficiency, education and transportation.With 48% of Larta Institute's current portfolio company CEOs or leadership teams identifying as women and/or minority-led, this continued funding from Wells Fargo Foundation is designed to enhance support for diverse founders of high-growth, early-stage startups to generate greater societal and environmental impact, stronger communities and prosperity for all.To learn more or apply to become a Venture Fellow in Los Angeles or Miami, please visit: Larta.org/Venture-Fellows About Larta InstituteLarta Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to foster science and technology innovation for a sustainable planet.Our planet is experiencing significant global problems created by human behavior and policies affecting the environment, food, education, energy and healthcare systems. New science and technology play a critical role in transforming how we sustainably feed, fuel and heal the world.LARTA was founded in 1993 and funded by the State of California as a Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance to stimulate the economic development of technology-based enterprises. Now known as Larta Institute, the organization has become a national partner for numerous federal government agencies - including DARPA, NIH, DOE, NSF, NIST, NOAA and USDA - to commercialize novel research and innovation.Today, Larta Institute's innovation platform and ecosystem accelerate new science and technology from idea to sustainable enterprise by providing a unique combination of connections, resources and funding.We have helped over 4,500 startups, and our alumni have raised more than $7 billion in ext
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Transforming Digital Marketing with the Latest InnovationsDALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / HighLevel, a leading marketing tech company, recently hosted LevelUp Day 2023, unveiling an array of groundbreaking features to empower businesses and marketers. Co-founders Shaun Clark, Varun Vairavan, and Robin Alex have been working feverishly behind the scenes with the global HighLevel team. Shaun Clark said, "Our HighLevel community means the world to us ... especially this year on our fifth year of HighLevel. LevelUp Day is our way of giving back and sharing the innovation that's been cooking behind the scenes. It was tough keeping these secrets, but it's all for the benefit of our community." LevelUp Day 2023 In this feature-packed event, the team demonstrated our commitment to advancing the industry with our product and to creating a truly exceptional event to empower our community of digital marketers. We released features that have been at the top of our community's wishlist:SaaS Revolution: Agencies can now customize welcome emails for SaaS locations and create up to 20 SaaS plans with specific user and contact limits.Mobile Marvels: The mobile experience gets a boost with features like warm and blind call transfers, Google sign-in, scheduled SMS emails, WhatsApp integration, and more.Advanced Features for Communities and Courses: Communities now support paid groups, while courses seamlessly integrate, and a new certificate product enhances learning.These are just a glimpse of the features unveiled, aimed at revolutionizing marketing strategies and boosting businesses. As a co-founder and Head of Development Varun Vairavan expressed, "We're thrilled about the releases we shared today with our digital marketing community, and we can't wait for future releases to follow." Follow along on our website and blog to explore these game-changing features and more.About HighLevelDeveloped for agencies by an agency, HighLevel's goal is to help marketing professionals and agencies reach and surpass their benchmarks for success. We believe in enhancing automation, improving communication, and boosting scalability in a consumer-friendly way, and we consistently provide future-embracing updates that exemplify these priorities.Our AI-powered all-in-one sales, marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM) platform offers numerous features that provide limitless opportunities to our customers. We also encourage the rebranding of our platform, offering agencies and marketers a white-labeled version that allows them to scale beyond what they ever thought possible.HighLevel continues to grow exponentially, increasing the impact on the tech community, the SaaS industry, and our extensive collection of clients. With many ground-breaking updates in the near future, we expect this growth not to only continue, but to compound as time goes on.Contact InformationSavannah Lipinski savannah@ gohighlevel.com SOURCE: HighLevel
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 19:16:32

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / MAC Cosmetics / Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, MAC has been championing for the acceptance and equal rights of all ages, races and genders. In acknowledgment of the brand's commitment to and celebration of diversity, MAC has been recognized as "Certified Inclusive" by the SeeMe Index while taking the #1 spot in the organization's ranking of all beauty brands. The organization specifically highlighted MAC's multi-year efforts to elevate and support BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities across the gender spectrum.The SeeMe Index measures the inclusivity efforts of brands based on three key components that include advertising, product assortment and DEI commitments. The organization also assesses six identity dimensions, specifically gender expression, skin tone, age, observed sexual orientation, body size and visible disability. Based on this data, the SeeMe Index generates an Inclusive Quotient, or IQ score. "Certified Inclusive" recognition is exclusively awarded to top-performing brands."We are honored that the SeeMe Index has acknowledged MAC's ongoing dedication to inclusivity and diversity. We have always embraced every person's unique beauty while celebrating all skin tones, body shapes and sizes. MAC also continually strives to create an outlet that promotes self-expression for all," says Philippe Pinatel, Global Brand President, MAC Cosmetics.MAC has a long-standing heritage of inclusivity and diversity that started with the founding credo of "All Ages, All Races, All Genders." Today, the brand is more committed than ever to standing alongside marginalized communities that deserve justice and equality-and using its resources and energy as a driving force for change.Since 1994, MAC VIVA GLAM has been empowering women and girls, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and fighting to eradicate HIV/AIDS. To date, this philanthropic initiative has raised more than $520 million USD for local charities in an effort to provide a voice and support to marginalized communities across the globe.Pinatel adds, "As the largest cosmetics brand in the world, MAC has the ability, as well as a responsibility, to advocate for those who may be otherwise visibly underrepresented. Our relentless drive to advocate for social equality and meaningful change is unwavering. This has been part of our brand mission since day one." About MAC Cosmetics: MAC (Make-Up Art Cosmetics) is a leading brand of professional cosmetics and part of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Since its creation in Toronto, Canada, over 30 years ago, the brand's popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from Makeup Artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. MAC is now sold in over 130 countries/territories worldwide. Follow MAC on X, Snapchat, TikTok and Pinterest (@MACcosmetics); become a MAC fan on Facebook ( facebook.com/maccosmetics); follow MAC on Instagram ( instagram.com/maccosmetics) and watch MAC videos on YouTube ( youtube.com/maccosmetics) ABOUT MAC VIVA GLAM: MAC VIVA GLAM was created at the height of the AIDS epidemic in 1994 to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this trailblazing campaign, 100% of the selling price of all VIVA GLAM lipsticks all year round goes to organizations and programs aimed at creating healthy futures and equal rights for women, girls, and the LGBTQIA+ communities while maintaining its decades-long support for those living with HIV/AIDS. To date, the campaign has raised more than US$500 million and funded 1,800 organizations around the globe.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from MAC Cosmetics on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: MAC CosmeticsWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mac-cosmetics Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: MAC Cosmetics
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 12:00:27

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"DEA IS THE EPITOME OF INEPTITUDE" CONGRESSMAN BUDDY CARTERDelays in regulatory processes has significant consequences, particularly for individuals who are seeking alternative treatments for medical conditions.WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / MMJ BioPharma Cultivation, MMJ BioPharma Labs, and MMJ International Holdings are the premier triad of cannabis companies focused on developing a marijuana-derived pharmaceuticals for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD). MMJ has two Investigational New Drug (IND) applications filed with the FDA to conduct its clinical trials and drug development. The FDA has awarded MMJ an orphan award for its cannabis Huntington's studies however the DEA continues its delays to approve the companies API Bulk Manufacturing registrations form unexplained reasons.MMJ BioPharma Cultivation's attorney, Megan Sheehan, was forced to sue the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the US Court of Appeals over what it calls "exponential delays" in the application process that has hamstrung the companies business, medical research and stymied clinical trials that would benefit suffering patients. MMJ BioPharma Cultivation's petition is asking the federal court to order the DEA to act within 60 days as mandated by President Biden's Marijuana Research and Expansion Act.The DEA's federal mandate is security, divergence and not to inhibit the manufacturing of a drug that may help patients suffering from chronic diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's disease. However the DEA has the audacity to ask for a 30-day extension to file an answer to MMJ's complaint.DEA'S FLAGRANT DISREGARD FOR THE RULE OF LAWDuane Boise the companies President highlighted a recent statement by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley in a recent unrelated case that highlights somewhat strange actions made by the DEA."DEA has demonstrated a willingness to take painstaking measures to avoid the Senate's watchful eye - including by potentially using a technicality to shirk Senate confirmation of a key agency decision maker," Grassley, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said. "Avoiding congressional oversight is a tired game the DEA can't stop playing. It begs the question: What else is the DEA trying to hide?"The question remains: Why has DEA delayed the application process for so long, even though it is against the law?Damages To The Company & BeyondMegan Sheehan the companies attorney further argues that MMJ has been damaged by these delays in the process, by not being able to conduct planned research or to fulfill duties to other parties.Tim Moynahan the companies chairman stated "MMJ is working to develop pharmaceuticals which will change the lives of those suffering everyday from chronic ailments. MMJ cannot import and cultivate the specific marijuana plant genetics they require for the pharmaceutical development and Food and Drug Administration protocols." What's more, the company notes that the DEA with its actions is forcing U.S. companies like MMJ to look for foreign options thus depriving the U.S. of employment and revenue.MMJ is represented by Attorney Megan Sheehan of Rhode Island.For more information on MMJ, please visit www.mmjih.com Contact: MMJMadison HiseyEmail: mhisey@ mmjih.com203-231-8583 SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 19:00:33

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Sensors Are Now IP67 Rated and Feature Increased Temperature RangesNORWALK, CT / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Omega Engineering, a leading force in temperature measurement for over six decades, has recently implemented some customer-requested upgrades to its entire family of HANITM Temperature Sensors - a series of sensors that includes:HANI - Now IP67 Rated! HANI temperature sensor family HANI for Industrial Metal PipesHANI for Sanitary Metal PipesHANI for Plastic PipesHANI for Metal TanksThese improvements to the innovative, award-winning HANI temperature sensing technology include an IP67 rating for all HANI products. An IP67 rating, which is widely geared towards food and beverage applications, indicates that a device is protected against immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, meaning that the HANI sensors can survive in even some of the harshest washdown environments.In addition, temperature ranges have been increased for all models - from 0 oC to 100 oC to -20 oC to 100 oC."With the proprietary algorithm we've developed, HANI technology does what few even thought was possible: it installs with the ease of surface sensors while offering the high accuracy and high performance of traditional immersion sensors," says Ken Leibig, Director of Engineering at Omega. "And now, with these newest upgrades and enhancements, HANI technology is becoming even more universal - no matter the environment of the application." No matter which sensor an application requires, HANI sensors can stand up to some of the harshest industrial environments out there while still delivering the speed and accuracy of invasive immersion sensors.So go ahead. Get it wet. Get it dirty. Rinse and repeat. HANI sensors will deliver.ABOUT OMEGAFounded in 1962 to manufacture a single thermocouple line, Omega Engineering has grown into a leading international, integrated, single-source supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions for the industrial processing, aerospace, chemical and petrochemical, medical and pharmaceutical, and food and beverage markets. Operations at Omega include research and development, engineering and manufacturing, calibration, sales, marketing, distribution, expert technical support, and customer service. Omega designs and manufactures more than 100,000 state-of-the-art, innovative products for the measurement and control of temperature, humidity, pressure, strain, force, flow, level, pH, and conductivity.Omega is now part of the DwyerOmega family of brands. Other DwyerOmega brands include Dwyer Instruments, known for Pressure Measurement and Control Solutions, Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC Solutions, plus Environmental and Industrial Process Solutions; and UFM known for Flow Measurement Solutions.Contact InformationNicole Quinzi Commercial Marketing Manager nquinzi@ omega.com 203-359-1660SOURCE: Omega Engineering
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 09:00:25

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Mining Hall of Famer Rob McEwen Leads FinancingTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVV) is pleased to announce it has closed the first tranche of the private placement previously announced on October 16, 2023 (the "Offering") for 4,000,000 flow-through units (each, an "FT Unit") of the Company, at a price of $0.50 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of CAD $2,000,000. The Company has received conditional TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval for the Private Placement."We are pleased to close the previously announced Private Placement. This investment was completed jointly by Rob McEwen and the Lynch family. It was a great vote of confidence to get a Mining Hall of Famer like Rob McEwen to make an initial investment in the Company. The capital markets have been dealing with much fear lately, and raising capital has been challenging. The funds will see us continue drilling into 2024 and is expected to enable us to report our inaugural NI-43-101 mineral resource on the NISK property in November. This report should show the world how robust Nisk is and will, we believe, put us into another category in terms of valuations - the category of undeveloped high-grade Nickel sulfide projects. Within that category, we believe Nisk is the world's most undervalued project of its kind. We encourage investors to review our disclosure when it comes out and come to their conclusion on Nisk" said Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch.Under the Offering, Mr. McEwen acquired 2,000,000 FT Units, representing approximately 1.4% (P/D) ownership of Power Nickel. Mr. McEwen is the founder and former chairman of Goldcorp, where he discovered, built, and operated the Red Lake Mine in Ontario, which was acquired by Newmont Mining in 2019 for US$10 billion. Mr. McEwen is the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc., a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, and Mexico.The Company anticipates closing the balance of the $2,750,000 Offering (as previously announced on October 16, 2023) with $750,000 of Non-Flow Through units before month end.Each FT Unit is composed of one common share of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" (each, an "FT Share") for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "ITA"), and one-half of one transferable non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (each whole, being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one non-flow-through common share (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for three years from the date of issuance. All securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause that entitles the Company to provide notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to holders that the Warrants will expire 30 days from the date the Company delivers the Acceleration Notice. The Company can only provide the Acceleration Notice if the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSXV is equal to or greater than $1.00 for ten consecutive trading days. The Acceleration Notice can be provided at any time after the statutory hold period and before the expiry date of the Warrants.The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares for exploration activities on the Company's NISK property located in Quebec and to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses, within the meaning of the ITA, that will qualify for the federal 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit.About Power Nickel Inc.Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon carbon-neutral nickel mine.On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). Subsequently, Power Nickel has exercised its option to acquire 50% of the Nisk Project and delivered notice to Critical Elements that it intends to exercise its second option to bring its ownership to 80%. The last remaining commitment to activate this exercise of the vote is delivering a NI-43-101 Technical report, which is anticipated to occur in Q4 2023.The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement.Power Nickel announced on June 8, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and Magee) and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are Polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, plus/minus copper.Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO647-448-8044terry@ powernickel.com For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:Power Nickel Inc.The Canadian Venture Building82 Richmond St East, Suite 202Toronto, ONNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the C
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 16:31:00

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The five-year project will help keep power flowing in Southern California if a major earthquake occurs along the San Andreas Fault.NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Edison InternationalEnergized by EdisonBy Reggie Kumar, ENERGIZED by Edison WriterThe 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Ojai during Hurricane Hilary in August, also known as #Hurriquake, was an excellent reminder to always be prepared. Earth scientists say that a 7.0 magnitude or greater earthquake has a 75% likelihood of occurring in the next 30 years in Southern California.John Dai, SCE senior manager of Resiliency, describes welds that anchor a large transformer to plates that are embedded in a substation foundation slab to improve seismic resiliency. PHOTO CREDIT: Donna BostonIf a big earthquake happens, some communities may experience severe damage and lose electricity. That's why Southern California Edison has been focused on completing seismic mitigation work on 50 of its largest bulk power transmission substations, including those closest to the San Andreas Fault. They are known as the "backbone" of the company's electric grid and help provide electricity to about 15 million people. SCE engineer Anthony Stone Jr. played a critical role in completing the five-year project as part of SCE's Seismic Resiliency Program."Retrofitting substations to ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy during a major earthquake demanded meticulous planning, engineering expertise and substantial resources," Stone said. "However, the satisfaction of knowing that the work has reached a critical juncture is immeasurable." Reaching that critical juncture after completing seismic mitigation work on the 500 kV and 220 kV large bulk transmission electric substations will help keep power flowing during a significant earthquake. Some improvements required enhanced anchoring of large transformers, replacing older equipment components with seismically tested ones, increasing the slack of conductors between equipment components and replacing porcelain bushings."The bulk power substations seismic mitigation effort presented a significant challenge from the beginning due to the project's scale and complexity," Stone said.That's why years of research was conducted before the seismic work began in 2018 and included analyzing Southern California earthquakes that occurred in 1933, 1971, 1986 and 1994. They helped determine where seismic improvements needed to be made in SCE's 50,000-square-mile service area.Last month, a group of SCE employees and leaders, including Jill Anderson, executive vice president of operations, toured a section of the San Andreas Fault and visited one of the newly retrofitted 500 kV transmission substations near Palm Springs."SCE has invested more than $186 million in seismic grid resiliency improvements since 2016," Anderson said. "The benefits of completing the seismic improvements are substantial and will help safeguard our energy infrastructure and minimize the potential disruption to the communities we serve and the economies we support." Additional earthquake improvement work is underway at the same 50 substation locations, but now the focus is on the mechanical, electric-equipment rooms, which house important devices called relays that allow the remote operation of substation equipment."From the beginning, we considered the potential for strong shaking, surface rupture, soil liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides during the retrofitting process," said Ken Hudnut, SCE's seismic expert. "The company systematically assesses and reviews risks to its assets regularly." SCE is participating in "The Great California ShakeOut" on Oct. 19 at 10:19 a.m. PDT. The company also offers tips to help prepare before the next earthquake hits:Secure items that could topple or become airborne.Store plenty of extra drinking water.Know how to shut off the electricity in your home.Unplug appliances and electronics.Stay away from downed power lines, call 911 to report.For more information about how to keep you and your family safe, visit sce.com/beprepared View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Edison InternationalWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Edison International
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 22:01:31

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Spiking joins IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator, transitioning to WealthTech, using AI to empower investors with informed financial decisions.SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Spiking, a financial data and insights platform powered by real-time data and AI-driven predictions, today announced that it has been selected for the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator and its transition to WealthTech. The program provides early-stage startups with investment-readiness and technical mentorship to help them scale their businesses and make a positive impact on the world.Spiking is revolutionizing the stock market by democratizing access to financial data and insights for retail and institutional investors alike. The company's domain-specific model, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI (GenAI), transforms Transactional Data and Content Data into tailored predictive insights. Spiking's flagship product, TradeGPT, utilizes a hybrid of calibrated LLMs and GenAI to create easy-to-understand content that assists users in making better investment decisions to automate their strategies.Spiking is also leveraging data to revolutionize and improve access to essential services with a view to transition from FinTech to WealthTech. This means that Spiking is expanding its focus beyond just stock trading to provide investors with a more holistic view of their finances and help them make better decisions about their wealth.Spiking's vision is to accelerate the world's transition to informed financial decisions. The company is focusing on three customer segments to achieve this goal:1. 158 million of retail and institutional investors2. 6,000 publicly traded companies in the US market3. 325,000 Bloomberg subscribersSpiking's AI-powered solutions can help all of these customer segments make better financial decisions. By providing them with access to high-quality data and insights, Spiking can help them to reduce risk, improve returns, and achieve their financial goals."We are honored to be selected for the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator," said Dr. Clemen Chiang, CEO and Founder of Spiking. "This program will provide us with the resources and support we need to accelerate our growth and bring our innovative solutions to more investors around the world." "We are excited to welcome Spiking to the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator," said Adam LG Ring, Global Head at IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator. "Spiking is developing innovative solutions that use watsonx.ai to help investors make better decisions. With the integration of IBM Hyper Protect on the cloud, as part of the accelerator, Spiking will have the most secure posture possible. We are confident that the program, and our IBM technology, will help Spiking achieve its goals and make a positive impact on the financial industry." About SpikingSpiking is a financial data and insights platform powered by real-time data and AI-driven predictions. The company's domain-specific model, powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI (GenAI), transforms Transactional Data and Content Data into tailored predictive insights. Spiking's flagship product, TradeGPT, utilizes a hybrid of calibrated LLMs and GenAI to create easy-to-understand content that assists users in making better investment decisions to automate their strategies. Spiking is headquartered in Singapore.Media ContactOrganization: SpikingContact Person: Nic YeeWebsite: https://spiking.com/Email: info@ spiking.comAddress: 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #03-25, Singapore 139951City: SingaporeCountry: SingaporeSOURCE: Spiking
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova called on political and public figures to join the initiative to publicize the names of Ukrainian citizens who were illegally detained by the Russians in Crimea.

At a meeting of the second parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform, which takes place in Prague on Tuesday, she said: "Dear friends, I was asked to convey the following message to you by a group of human rights activists from Crimea who still live there and risk their lives every day for the freedom of others. And the message is this: dear Members of Parliament, you are the voices of your people and you represent their hopes and fears. Your role is not only laws, but also to protect your citizens and human values. Today we ask you to become the voices of innocent Ukrainian citizens in occupied Crimea who were illegally detained for allegedly being called terrorists or extremists."

The deputy minister said publicizing the names of those illegally detained in Crimea is the only guarantee that a person will not be killed or tortured to death in a Russian prison.

In this regard, as Dzhaparova noted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine launched a Mentoring Initiative for Crimean political prisoners among famous political and public figures in different countries of the world.

"We already have the Vice-President of the German Bundestag, Katrin Goring-Eckardt, who has become the voice of one of the leaders of the Crimean Tatar people, Nariman Celal, my friend, father of four children. We invite you to join this initiative and become the voices of those who cannot speak behind Russian bars, because glasnost is the only immunity that literally saves lives in a Russian prison," the deputy minister said.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-10-24 01:30:28

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Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 23, 2023 / Taura Gold Inc. (TSXV:TORA) (the "Company" or "Taura") and Ensign Minerals Inc. ("Ensign") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement dated October 23, 2023 (the "Definitive Agreement"), whereby Taura will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Ensign by way of a statutory three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Upon completion of the proposed business combination (the "Proposed Transaction"), Taura (as it exists upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the "Resulting Issuer"), will be a Tier 2 mining issuer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and will continue to further advance the Mercur Gold Project located in Utah, United States and its exploration property located in Ontario, Canada. Taura and Ensign are arm's length parties, and there are no current non-arm's length parties of Taura who are insiders of Ensign, or presently hold any direct or indirect beneficial interest in either Ensign or any of its assets.John Dorward, President and Chief Executive Officer of Taura, stated, "We are very excited by the acquisition of the Mercur Gold Project with an Inferred Resource of ~1.7 million ounces, and what we believe to have favourable exploration potential in a major underexplored Carlin-type gold system. The strategically positioned land package is in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with a clear permitting process to navigate. The Mercur Gold Project is only 57km from Salt Lake City, has access to excellent infrastructure including paved access roads, grid power and potential access to historic water wells. Our initial path forward will be to initiate further metallurgical test work, including column testing, to complement the large database compiled by Barrick and Ensign over previous years. In addition, Taura plans to update baseline studies and mineral resource optimization ahead of completing a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") which is currently scheduled for early 2025."Transaction and Mercur Gold Project HighlightsGold project is located only 57km from Salt Lake City in the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah, a highly mineralized mountain range, with historic production of 2.6 million ounces of gold at the Mercur mine.A regionally significant private land package consolidated over five years, with a majority of the current mineral resource estimate on private land in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with a clear permitting process to navigate.Inferred resource estimate of 92 million tonnes, containing ~1.7 million ounces Au @ 0.56 g/t Au, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").Highly prospective property with exploration upside potential in a major underexplored Carlin-type gold system.Excellent infrastructure, including paved access roads, grid power and potential access to historic water sources.Highly experienced board and management team with a successful track record in exploration, development, operations, project financing and capital markets.Ensign Minerals Inc.Ensign is a private company existing under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and focused on exploring for precious metals within the Mercur district - a mining-friendly region in Utah, USA. Ensign controls approximately 6,200 hectares in the Mercur district on primarily privately held patented claims and its properties include Mercur, West Mercur, South Mercur and North Mercur.Ensign entered into an Option Agreement with Barrick Gold Exploration Inc. ("Barrick") in May 2021, as subsequently amended. The option, which has an expiry of January 2, 2026, enables Ensign to acquire the Mercur Project for C$20 million in cash or shares along with the granting of a 2% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") over the Main Mercur Gold Project area along with a 1% Area of Interest ("AOI") NSR over certain other Barrick claims within the Mercur district (the "Barrick Option").Mercur Project1. Location and HistoryThe Mercur Gold Project is located 57 kilometers southwest of Salt Lake City in the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah, a highly mineralized mountain range which is also host to Bingham Canyon, one of the world's largest gold and copper mines. Historically, 2.6 million ounces of gold was mined from the Mercur Mine, including approximately 1.5Moz produced by Getty Oil Company and later Barrick during the period of 1983 to 1998.The Mercur Property includes interests in 463 patented mining claims, 426 fee land tax parcels, 395 unpatented lode mining claims, three unpatented mill site claims, and six Utah state metalliferous minerals leases that cover approximately 6,200 net hectares (15,300 net acres) of mineral rights. Barrick operated the Mercur Gold Mine until 1998 when it was closed due to low prevailing gold prices. In recent years, Barrick has substantially completed the rehabilitation of the Mercur mine site.2. Mineral Resource and GeologyThe Mercur Property has inferred resource estimate of 92 million tonnes, containing ~1.7 million ounces Au @ 0.56 g/t Au, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.DepositTonnesAu g/tGold (Ounces)*Marion Hill - Rover49,900,0000.49800,000Mercur Hill - North4,300,0000.66100,000Mercur Hill - South7,600,0000.72200,000Sacramento13,400,0000.60300,000Golden Gate2,200,0000.84100,000South Mercur14,600,0000.59300,000Total92,000,0000.561,700,000* Gold ounces have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand and totals may not add due to rounding.This mineral resource estimate was prepared with an effective date of September 1, 2023, under the direction of Susan Lomas, P.Geo, of Lions Gate Geological Consulting, Inc. (LGGC), with the assistance of Bruce Davis, FAusIMM. Based on education, work experience relevant to this style of mineralization and deposit type, and membership in a recognized professional organization, Ms. Lomas and Mr. Davis are both independent qualified persons (QPs) within the meaning of NI 43-101 for the purpose of the mineral resource estimate disclosed in this news release.The mineral resource has been estimated in conformity with generally accepted guidelines outlined in CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November 29, 2019) and is reported in accordance with NI 43-101.Estimations are made
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MOORESVILLE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / The Hemp Doctor, a well-known brand in the CBD market, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly updated website. The company encourages longtime clients and new visitors to browse the updated website and learn about the variety of premium CBD products. The primary purpose of the newly revamped website is to improve the user experience, demonstrating The Hemp Doctor's dedication to excellent customer service, offering users helpful content and simple navigation.The new website was designed with customers in mind, and changes were made in many areas. The most obvious one is the website's design; after the update, the website has a more modern and appealing appearance, which shows the brand's dedication to quality. The Hemp Doctor aims to assist customers in making better and more-informed decisions; this new website proves that. Finding suitable products for each customer based on their needs has never been easier.Visitors can access in-depth product information, learning materials, and customer reviews of products they are interested in, which ensures they will make educated decisions. With the update, one of the most valuable features was also enhanced. The usability of the well-liked "Subscribe & Save" service has been improved; it is now more intuitive. Customers may now use a simple subscription procedure that guarantees they never run out of their preferred CBD products.The website will soon be featuring an innovative chatbox function, enabling users to communicate with the customer service team right there on the page. This chatbot will give consumers the help they require and respond to their commonly asked questions in the most practical and effective manner possible.Visit thehempdoctor.com today to experience the new and improved website.About The Hemp DoctorThe Hemp Doctor is the leading supplier of high-end CBD products made from organically produced hemp, ensuring premium quality. The company is known for its extensive and innovative product line-up. They provide various products for all levels of cannabis users, from newcomers to experts. Their products include CBD, Delta 8, Delta 9, and THCa. The list is growing constantly.All the cannabinoids used in the production are cultivated in California, North Carolina, and Oregon on fertile soil. The entire production process is closely regulated and observed. Only after passing rigorous third-party lab testing to guarantee premium quality and the most excellent possible consumer experience do the items make it to the shelves. The Hemp Doctor's website provides online access to all test results for 100% transparency. When a customer shops with The Hemp Doctor, they can be confident that they are receiving the finest products available on the market.Contact The Hemp DoctorPlease do not hesitate to contact The Hemp Doctor's customer service or visit the website for more information about this announcement or the most recent industry information.ContactThe Hemp Doctor510 River Highway #16Mooresville, NC 28117(704) 360-4843customerservice@ thehempdoctor.com Contact InformationRobert Shade Owner at The Hemp Doctor customerservice@ thehempdoctor.com SOURCE: The Hemp Doctor
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Powered by either Intel Xeon or AMD Epyc, 4U rackmountable servers feature up to 192 CPU cores and 8 PCIe GPUsRICHMOND, VA / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Velocity Micro, the premier builder of award-winning enthusiast desktops, laptops, high performance computing solutions, and professional workstations announces the immediate availability of the ProMagix G480a and G480i - two GPU servers optimized for High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Powered by either dual AMD Epyc 4th Gen or dual 4th Gen Intel Scalable Xeon processors, these 4U form factor servers support up to eight dual slot PCIe Gen 5 GPUs to create incredible compute power designed specifically for the highest demand workflows including simulation, rendering, analytics, deep learning, AI, and more. Shipments begin immediately.ProMagix G480 "By putting emphasis on scalability, functionality, and performance, we've created a line of server solutions that tie in the legacy of our high-end brand while also offering businesses alternative options for more specialized solutions for the highest demand workflows," said Randy Copeland, President and CEO of Velocity Micro. "We're excited to introduce a whole new market to what we can do." Velocity Micro's ProMagix G480 server line includes the following product options:ProMagix G480i - Powered by dual 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with support for up to 8 x dual slot PCIe Gen 5 GPUs. This 4U server is highly configurable for both CPU and GPU compute intensive workloads, especially those optimized for the AVX-512 instruction set. Additional expansion features include 12-channel RDIMM DDR5 and 2 x 10Gb/s BASE-T LAN.ProMagix G480a - Dual AMD Epyc 9004 series processors and up to 8 PCIe Gen 5 GPUs make this 4U server highly scalable with up to 192 total CPU cores and 384 processing threads. Ideal for CPU and GPU compute intense workloads alike. Features 12-channel RDIMM DDR5 and 2 x 10Gb/s BASE-T LAN.To supplement the G480a and G480i, Velocity Micro will make additional GPU server solutions available later in Q4. All Velocity Micro systems ship from and are supported in Richmond, VA. To custom configure a server solution, desktop, or laptop PC, visit VelocityMicro.com or call 804-419-0900.About Velocity MicroVelocity Micro is the premier high-performance personal computer provider in North America. Founded in 1992, Richmond, VA-based Velocity Micro custom builds award-winning gaming, mobile, multimedia, small business, custom workstation, and visual supercomputers. Velocity Micro products are currently available in retail from Newegg.com and Amazon.com . For more information, please call (804) 419-0900 or visit www.VelocityMicro.com Velocity Micro has earned over 75 industry awards, including 20 PC Magazine Editor's Choice awards. CNET, Maximum PC, PC World, Wired Magazine, Computer Shopper, and PC Gamer editors have all chosen Velocity Micro systems as some of the industry's best-performing, highest-quality, and most reliable PCs.Contact InformationJosh Covington Director, Sales and Marketing jcovington@ velocitymicro.com 804-419-0900SOURCE: Velocity Micro
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CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / Wesco InternationalOriginally published on Chicagoland Habitat for HumanityChicagoland Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that Wesco, a leading provider of electrical and electronic solutions, communications and security solutions, and utility and broadband solutions has become the inaugural sponsor of our Regional Repair Collaborative. This partnership will have a profound impact on homeowners in need, fostering stronger and more resilient communities across the region.The Regional Repair Collaborative, initiated by Chicagoland Habitat, is focused on addressing critical repairs and improvements for homes in neighborhoods served by the eight Habitat affiliate locations in the six-county area. Wesco's commitment to corporate social responsibility and their mission to support the communities they serve make them an ideal partner for this initiative.As the inaugural sponsor, Wesco provides financial resources and employee volunteers to enhance the reach and impact of the Repair Collaborative. Their dedication to promoting safe and sustainable living spaces aligns perfectly with Habitat for Humanity's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live."We are thrilled to have Wesco as the inaugural sponsor of our Regional Repair Collaborative," said Sarah Brachle Wagner, CEO of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity. "Their generous support and commitment to making a positive impact in our communities allows us to transform more lives and create lasting change. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Chicagoland." An inspiring example of the program's impact is the story of Frank and Shelby. At 91 and 83 years old, Frank's need for a walker and Shelby's reliance on her wheelchair made leaving their home for simple tasks like grocery shopping, doctor visits, and attending church on Sunday increasingly difficult. Their roof was also old and leaking, and they were concerned about their health and safety.Thanks to the Repair Collaborative and the support of Wesco, Frank and Shelby applied with nearby Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, and soon a team of volunteers arrived to assess the couple's needs. The team worked tirelessly to repair the roof and install a ramp, which made it easier for Frank and Shelby to navigate their home. With the new modifications, they could once again exit and enter their home safely without fear of falling, significantly improving their quality of life and overall well-being.The partnership between Wesco and Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity's Regional Repair Collaborative reflects a shared vision to address the pressing needs of homeowners and uplift communities in the Chicagoland area. Through their combined efforts, Wesco and Habitat for Humanity are set to make a lasting difference, empowering individuals and families with safe and decent living conditions.About Chicagoland Habitat for HumanityHabitat's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat in Chicagoland is committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive; to revitalizing neighborhoods and building communities; and to helping transform families through home ownership. We do this by making housing affordable to hardworking people without access to conventional financing and offer individuals a hand up, fueled by our belief in dignity, self-sufficiency, collaboration, and hope. To learn more, visit chicagolandhabitat.org About WescoWesco International (NYSE:WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 company with more than $21 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates approximately 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wesco International on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Wesco InternationalWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wesco-international Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Wesco International
Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) on Monday charged stakeholders and experts in Nigerias oil and gas industry to come up with home-grown solutions to the myriad of problems bedevilling the countrys oil and gas sector.

Mr Lokpobiri gave the charge in his address at the 3rd Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) tagged The Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities, Challenges and Development held in Abuja on Monday.

In recent years, Nigeria has failed to meet OPEC production quotas.

The country 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.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Lokpobiri urged oil experts to come up with home-grown solutions to address petroleum industry challenges.

My expectation is for us to come up with our home-grown solution to address our problem in the petroleum industry. You will agree with me that in Nigeria today, we have so many problems developing the oil industry beginning with pipeline vandalization, oil theft, low productivity and we cant even meet our OPEC quota, Mr Lokpobiri said.

As a ministry, our expectation is that all the agencies in the ministry, beginning with PTI to Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to NNPCL, to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

He said all parastatals will be able to collaborate and evolve relevant technology needed to be able to address the countrys local oil and gas production problems.

Nobody will come here and find solutions to our own problem and the solution to the problem in the Middle East may not be the solution to the problem here.

And that is why from time to time, it is important that you the experts come together and therefore share ideas on how we can address our problems in the industry.

My expectation is that at the end of this two day conference, we will be able to have a document that is implementable, not academic, he added.

On his part, Minister of State Petroleum Resources, (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, said it was imperative to focus on tackling the issues of energy transition, sustainability and energy security, which will guarantee that Nigeria maximizes the value from her abundant gas resources.

Mr Ekpo remarked that recent world events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, had accentuated the fragile nature of the dynamics of energy demand and supply.

Last month, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries 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.

The Nigerian government had said it is targeting 2 million barrels per day (bdp) of crude oil production by the end of the year.

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Nigeria will need substantial additional gas, generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to meet electricity demands, Nigerias Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said.

Mr Adelabu disclosed this while speaking at the 2nd Domestic Gas and Gas Infrastructure Summit 2023 held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Nigeria has struggled with poor power supply for decades, a challenge that is estimated to cost businesses about $29 billion yearly, according to the World Bank.

The country has the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million persons out of the countrys 200 million population lacking access to power, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022 released by Tracking SDG 7.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Adelabu said Nigeria, despite being a major global producer of gas and a nation endowed with one of the largest gas reserves in the world, has struggled to deliver sufficient gas to the domestic market amid growing demand.

With increasing population growth, Nigeria will need substantial additional gas, generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to meet its electricity demands and it is believed that the much-needed capacity in generation will come from gas to power and renewable energy, Mr Adelabu said.

The minister explained that the importance of gas in the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasized as gas is a potent source of electricity generation that will sustain the much-needed power for national development.

Presently, he said the on-grid energy mix in Nigeria is dominated by thermal (80 per cent) and hydro (20 per cent) power-generating sources.

Addressing climate change alongside achieving sustainable development objectives is core to the approach to power sector investments. Natural gas has a role as the energy transition fuel for rapid economic growth and industrialisation.

It has several characteristics to play in supporting net zero transitions over the coming decades in Nigeria, Mr Adelabu said.

Given the interdependence of the gas and power sectors, he said there is a need for a coordinated approach to policy formulation and implementation by both sectors in order to achieve the government objective of improving energy security and reducing energy poverty.

You may be aware of the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy in which Nigeria set the vision 30:30:30 with the aim of achieving 30GW of electricity by 2030 with renewable energy contributing 30 per cent of the energy mix.

The plan is that hydroelectricity (both large and small hydro) will contribute 28 per cent and 19 per cent respectively to the nations electricity generation mix by 2030, he added.

In his address, the president, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said natural gas has replaced coal as the fuel of choice for electricity production.

Globally, natural gas has replaced coal as the fuel of choice for electricity production, with climate and air quality benefits.

The rapid decrease in the cost of solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies makes these an even better alternative. Gas has a special role in the energy transition as a backup to a renewable-based power system because gas boilers can be turned on almost instantly while starting up a coal-fired power plant takes much longer, Mr Abubakar said.

According to research, he said Nigeria currently accounts for 33 per cent of the total gas reserves in Africa.

With a reserve base of 36.97 billion barrels of oil and 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas which represents 33 per cent of Africas total gas reserves of 620 TCF, Nigeria can be described as a gas-rich nation ranking number one in Africa in reserves with a life index of 94 years.

The rising global demand for cleaner energy sources has offered Nigeria an opportunity to exploit gas resources for the good of the country. This is an opportunity to buy in for the development of our dear nation.

For us at the Chamber of Commerce, we take advantage of whatever would benefit the business community, improve economic growth, drive investments, and provide much-needed jobs for Nigerians.

We are glad that this present administration pledged her unalloyed commitment to leveraging the domestic utilization, processing and international export of Nigerias massive gas resources as a transition fuel to catalyze the fundamental restructuring of the nations economy for expansive growth during this tenure, he said.

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Gas marketers under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) have blamed the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal owners for the current high price of cooking gas.

President of the NALPGAM, Oladapo Olatunbosun, said this when he led members of the association on a solidarity meeting with the Senate Committee on Gas on Monday.

The price of liquefied petroleum gas, popularly called cooking gas, has risen to at least N1,200 per kilogramme cylinder of the gas.

Mr Olatunbosun said the price of cooking gas should not have skyrocketed to that amount because the gas terminal owners are getting the product at a cheaper price from the Nigeria LNG plant.

He told the committee that the gas terminal owners are getting the product from the NLNG plant at the rate of N9 million for 20 metric tonnes, whereas the terminal owners sell to the marketers at the rate of N16.8 million.

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As of today, gas is sold by these terminal owners for N16.8m for 20 metric tonnes whereas NNLG sells to them for a little bit less than N9m.

When people go to fill their gas today, the least they get is N1,200 per kg. Imagine the pain of Nigerians. In Nigeria today, can a student or menial worker afford to cook a cup of beans with a N1,200 cost of gas?

You buy gas for N9m from NLNG and pay in naira, then you sell the same gas for N16m and blackmail the government. When people get to our plants and we tell them the price, they start weeping and cursing the government whereas, the government has done their best to make life bearable to the people, he said.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Jarigbe Jarigbe, assured that the Senate would look into the issue and come up with a lasting solution.

Mr Jarigbe also promised that the upper house will address the effect of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

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Actress Tonto Dikeh, the running mate of the Rivers State gubernatorial candidate of the ADC, Tonte Ibraye, in the 2023 general elections, has explained why she pitched tents with the ruling APC on Monday.

It is not the first time the actress would publicly deal with the APC.

On 16 March, she withdrew from the race 48 hours before the election and declared her support for the APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole, who lost to PDPs Siminialayi Fubara.

The 38-year-old actress, officially unveiled by the APC national women leader, Mary Alile, and the partys deputy national publicity secretary, Duro Meseko, at the national secretariat in Abuja, says her decision was for the good of Nigerians.

Nonetheless, mixed reactions have trailed her move.

While some Nigerians on X platforms are celebrating the latest member of the ruling party, others seem unconcerned about her entry into APC.

Writing on her Instagram page on Tuesday, the mother-of-one said after she was presented with these facts, goals and vision of the current renewed hope agenda, she was convinced she was making the right decision.

She said, I have decided to put emotions aside and continue to work for the greater good of the Nigerian youth, women and the country as I have always done through the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) platform in partnership with the Federal Government.

Facts accompanied by evidence usually bring arguments to an end, which propel drastic decisions and changes for the common good. I have learnt over the years that impactful leadership comes from visionary leaders offering selfless service to humanity, and I am all about the progress of my country, Nigeria, and the youths of this great nation at large.

More promises

She also said she is dedicated to ensuring that all unmet aspirations of Nigerians are met for posteritys sake.

Its not a win for me alone but a win for our dreams, hopes and struggles to ensure we make our unborn generation proud with good legacies. I am headstrong for you Nigerians, and in due time, you will surely feel the positive impacts of my decision as it will be evident through us all.

As a patriotic Nigerian, a progressive youth and an advocate of girl-child, I want to reiterate that I believe in the prosperity of Nigeria under the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA OF President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, she noted.

READ ALSO: Mixed reactions as Tonto Dikeh dumps ADC for APC

Tonto has always had her eyes on politics. During an interview with the Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, in 2020, she announced her intention to go into politics in 2023.

At the time, she said she was already watching the grounds for the senate.

A year later, she unveiled her politician lover, Prince Kpokpogri, whom she eventually dumped after a whirlwind romance that lasted barely six months.

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The famous Haitian actor and producer Jimmy Jean-Louis has been confirmed to attend the 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.

The board of AMAA confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe said the movie star will attend the event alongside several film practitioners across the world and the executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

Similarly, the trio of Nancy Isime, Rahama Sadau and Richard Ato Turkson have been unveiled as the hosts.

The AMAA Chief Operating Officer, Tony Anih, announced after a meeting with the board of the Africa Film Academy, owners and producers of the AMAA Awards.

The announcement of the three established thespians is coming after AMAA hosted film industry practitioners in Accra, Ghana.

The hosts have already expressed delight at the opportunity to steer the activities of the award ceremony scheduled at the Balmoral Convention Centre inside the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Speaking on the task, Ms Isime, who has distinguished herself as a show host, TV presenter and actress, expressed delight, saying, Absolutely looking forward to hosting the AMAAs on October 29. Hoping to see everyone there as it promises to be an unforgettable evening.

On her part, Ms Sadau said, I am super excited and cant wait to host the 2023 AMAAs, while Richard Ato Turkson noted that hes looking forward to hosting the continental film awards ceremony.

Speaking about the three hosts, Mr Anih said our charismatic hosts for AMAA 2023 are Rahama Sadau, Richard Ato Turkson, and Nancy Isime. Get ready to be charmed, entertained, and dazzled on October 29, 2023! The stage is set for a night of cinematic excellence.

The 2023 edition of the AMAAs aligns with the strategic partnership between the board of AMAA and the Lagos State.

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The United States District Court for the District of Columbia has declined an emergency application seeking to compel top US law enforcement agencies to hasten the release of confidential information on President Bola Tinubu.

The judge, Beryl Howell, refused the application on Monday.

An American, Aaron Greenspan, had filed a suit in June under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI), Internal Revenue Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In his complaint, Mr Greenspan accused the law enforcement agencies of violating the FIOA by failing to release within the statutory time documents relating to purported federal investigations into President Tinubu and one Mueez Adegboyega Akande, who is now deceased.

According to Mr Greenspan, the records being requested were from the Northern District of Illinois and/or Northern District of Indiana involving charging decisions against Messrs Tinubu and Akande.

In 1993, Mr Tinubu was said to have forfeited $460,000 to the American government after authorities linked the funds to proceeds of narcotics trafficking.

The issue of Mr Tinubus forfeiture of the funds featured prominently at the Presidential Election Petition Court where Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, challenged the presidents eligibility to contest Nigerias presidency.

But the election court in a unanimous decision, on 6 September, dismissed the suits, affirming Mr Tinubus election.

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Ahead of the Supreme Courts hearing of Atiku Abubakars case against President Tinubus election on Monday in Abuja, Mr Greenspan had last Friday earnestly sought the US courts intervention to order the FBI, the CIA and others to fast-track the process of releasing the documents on the Nigerian leader.

A seven-member panel of the Nigerian Supreme Court on Monday heard Atiku and Peter Obis appeals seeking to overturn Mr Tinubus victory in the 25 February presidential election.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Atiku through his lawyer, Chris Uche, sought to tender fresh evidence before the apex court against the president.

Why request was denied

Court filings showed that the EOUSA had denied Mr Greenspans FOIA request invoking FOIA Exemptions 6 and 7(c), which protect information that would constitute unwarranted invasions of personal privacy and information compiled for law enforcement purposes that may constitute an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of a third party.

Declining the request, the judge, Beryl Howell, said Mr Greenspan did not meet the preconditions for granting his request.

Plaintiff has failed even to attempt to argue how his request may overcome those exemptions and achieve a likelihood of success on the merits. This failure to address this important factor in his Emergency Motion weighs strongly in favour of denying his motion, Ms Howell said.

Citing a plethora of cases to buttress the preconditions, the judge noted that Mr Greenspan must prove that irreparable injury is likely in the absence of an injunction, rather than a mere possibility.

Plaintiff falls far short of satisfying this standard. He has not supplied the court with any indication of a concrete, actual threat that he will suffer in the absence of an injunction. While his Emergency Motion states that a Nigerian Supreme Court hearing is scheduled to occur in the coming days, plaintiff cites no injury he will suffer that is in any way traceable to the relief requested in this motion.

The judge further explained that Mr Greenspans request may be of a highly sensitive and private nature and that the subject of those documents, Bola A. Tinubu, has had no opportunity to protect his privacy interests in any such records.

Therefore, the balance of equities militates strongly in favor of denying this Emergency Motion.

Ms Howell said there was no need to consider Mr Greenspans request for a hearing to discuss even the most remote possibility of documents being produced before the October 31, 2023 [sic] chosen by defendants for themselves,

For the foregoing reasons, it is hereby ORDERED that plaintiffs Emergency Motion for a Hearing to Compel Immediate Document Production, ECF No. 17 is DENIED. SO ORDERED, the judge said.

In June, Mr Tinubu through his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, tendered before the presidential election court in Abuja a letter from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, clearing Mr Tinubu of any criminal conviction or arrest in the U.S.

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Any speculation that Crimea can be exchanged for peace with Russia is unfounded and dangerous, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said.

"Let's not forget that Vladimir Putin started a criminal war much earlier than in February 2022. He started in February 2014 with the seizure of Crimea, and we must make it clear that we will never accept the occupation of Crimea and other parts of Ukraine. Any Speculation that Crimea can be exchanged for peace with Russia is unfounded and dangerous," he said at a meeting of the second parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform, which is taking place in Prague on Tuesday.

Lipavsky said Putin is not interested in peace, but wants to destroy Ukraine as a democratic and sovereign state. "If he succeeds, he will not stop there. He will attack other countries with an even greater appetite in order to weaken Europe and destroy its security architecture. It is the duty and vital interest of the entire democratic world to prevent him from doing this," the foreign minister said.

Lipavsky said without Russia-controlled Crimea there will be no so-called Russian world, which is just a new label for centuries-old Russian imperialism.

"So I look forward to visiting Crimea just for the beautiful mountains or Bakhchisarai Palace. I want to visit Crimea as part of a democratic Ukraine, where the Crimean Tatars, like everyone else, enjoy full rights and can freely choose their representatives. This will be a sign that the war is over and that Russia does not threaten Ukraine and all of Europe," the foreign minister said.

In addition, he said Czech diplomacy has long been raising issues of Crimean political prisoners at all relevant international forums. "I hope that they will be released soon," the minister said.

He also said "the policy of the European Union and all democratic countries should be to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine within the 1991 borders, including Crimea."
The Ebonyi State Government has reacted to the gruesome murder of a school principal and his teacher by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, describing it as condemnable.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the principal, Simon Ominyi, and a teacher, Moses Nwibo of Nkaleke Echara Community Secondary School, Ojiegbe were allegedly murdered on 13 October in the school.

NAN reports that there have been several cases of cult clashes in different parts of Abakaliki, the state capital, in recent times.

Speaking on the incident in an interview with NAN on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Paul Nwobashi, said that the principal and the teacher were murdered and their motorcycle snatched by their assailants.

Mr Nwobashi described the gruesome act as sad and condemnable.

He said that security agencies in the state had been alerted and charged to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

It is too bad; we still mourn them to date.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has been briefed on the matter and he has contacted security agencies, especially the police.

He has asked them to swing into action and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

Right now, some persons are being questioned.

We have been talking with local, state and national security agencies on the necessary measures to ensure that maximum security is maintained around schools in the state, he further said.

He assured the teachers that the state government was working to improve security in schools.

They should also know that security is everybodys business.

The state government is not going to take it lightly and we are not happy about it, Mr Nwobashi said.

NAN recalls that the police had vowed to fish out the perpetrators of the killing and urged residents to remain security conscious.

(NAN)

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The Senate on Tuesday constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate all contracts awarded for the rehabilitation of the four moribund refineries in the country.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibirin, who presided over the plenary set up the committee after Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) moved a motion to investigate the turnaround maintenance projects of Nigerian refineries to forestall waste of public resources.

Mr Jibirin appointed the senator representing Kogi East, Isah Jibrin, as the committee chairman while the chairmen of the Senate committees on petroleum resources downstream; upstream; gas; finance; appropriation, and public accounts are members.

Other members of the committee included Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP, Kebbi) Adamu Alero (PDP, Kebbi), Ifeanyi Ubah (APC, Anambra) and Mr Karimi (APC, Kogi)

He also directed that the committee should submit their findings to the Senate within four weeks.

Two of the nations four refineries are located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, one in Warri, Delta State and one in Kaduna.

Motion

Mr Karimi, while presenting his motion said that from 2010 till date, the Nigerian government had spent N11.35 trillion on contracts to rehabilitate the four refineries, but they are still unproductive.

Between 2010 to date Nigeria is estimated to have spent N11.35 trillion (N11, 349, 583, 186, 313.40) excluding other cost in other currencies which include $592, 976, 050.00 dollar, 4, 877, 068.47 Euros and 3, 455, 656.93 Pounds, on renovation of refineries, yet they are unproductive, he said.

Mr Karimi, the chairman of the Senate Services Committee, said despite the moribund state of the four refineries, their operating costs are estimated at N4.8 trillion.

He said, Despite the moribund state of the four refineries, the operating costs of these refineries between 2010 and 2020 is estimated at N4.8 Trillion Naira. The refineries are estimated to make a cumulative loss of N1.64 Trillion, within four years.

Concerned that the Federal Government of Nigeria has carried out rehabilitation projects in Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) over a period of seven (7) years from 2013-2019 at an estimated cost of N12, 161, 237, 811.61 only, in addition, on the 18th March 2021, a rehabilitation Contract was executed between NNPC/PHRC and Tenenimont SPA at a Lump Sum of $1, 397, 000, 000.00 only, about N75 billion naira amidst global public criticism.

Phase 1 of the Project is expected to be completed in 28 Months after the contract, Phase 2 within 24 months and Phase 3 within 44 months of execution. Despite this, the Port Harcourt

Refinery remains a money pit. Going by projections and representations from NNPCL the renovation works ought to be completed and operations of the Refinery commenced by June 2023.

Perturbed that in a bid to revitalize the Warri Refinery, the Federal Government has injected huge Public funds into revamping Warri Refinery & Petrochemical Company limited to the tune of over N28, 219, 110, 067.10 between 2014 and 2019.

The senator, therefore, prayed the Senate to investigate all contracts awarded for the rehabilitation of the refineries during the period under review to prevent corruption in the sector.

When the motion was thrown open for debate, many of the senators supported it.

Adams Oshiomhole ( APC, Edo North) urged the Senate to unravel the main reason why the four refineries became moribund despite the huge amount of money allocated for its renovation.

The Senate must ensure proper oversight functions to make sure that Nigerians enjoy value for their tax. We need to unravel while the refineries that were working before suddenly became moribund.

Senate will do justice behind it to account for how much they have paid out and what they had done so far. The amount so far spent on the refineries can build brand new ones. Senators must take the issues with all seriousness they deserve, he said.

Mr Aliero said the refineries had remained moribund despite huge sums spent on turnaround maintenance.

He alleged that the conditioned nature of the refineries was a deliberate sabotage by some persons who wanted to continue petroleum products importation into the country.

Others who contributed to the motion are, Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), Ita Williams, (Cross River Central), Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), Olalere Oyewunmi (Osun West), and Adeola, Olamilekanm (Ogun West).

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Liberias election management body, the National Election Commission (NEC), on Tuesday, announced that the presidential election run-off will take place on 14 November.

This is following the inability of any of the 20 candidates to secure more than 50 per cent of votes cast in the first round of the election.

The incumbent president and flag bearer of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), George Weah, and former vice president and flag bearer of the Unity Party (UP), Joseph Boakai, will meet at the run-off having received the highest votes in the first round.

Mr Weah received 43.83 per cent of votes cast (804,087 votes), while Mr Boakai received 43.44 per cent of votes cast (796,961).

The commission also announced the resumption of political campaigns for the run-off from 24 October to 12 November 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

The development is a repeat of history, with the last presidential election in the West African country held in 2017 ending in a run-off between Messrs Weah and Boakai.

But Mr Weah eventually won the race to emerge as president, after polling 61.5 per cent of the votes cast in the runoff. Mr Boakai trailed with 38.5 per cent of the votes.

While Mr Weah is seeking a second and final term as president in the 2023 election, Mr Boakai is seeking to achieve his desire to become president after several attempts.

Speaking at the press conference, NEC chairperson Davidetta Lansanah noted that the 10 October election is unprecedented in Liberias modern democratic election history and it is due, in part, to the commissions successful transition from the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) system of voter registration to the use of biometric technology for the registration of voters, which produced an excellent Final Registration Roll for the 10 October Elections.

According to the commissions record, 1.9 million voters constituting 79 per cent of the 2.4 million registered voters showed up to vote.

Although, largely peaceful, the 10 October elections witnessed post-Election Day happenings including disruption of tally processes and electoral malpractices by some temporary staff recruited by the NEC.

Mrs Lansanah noted that temporary staff allegedly involved in electoral malpractices have been remanded pending court trial.

The names of these temporary workers are quarantined in the NEC database, as they will not serve in any future elections, she added.

Also, in Nimba County, two polling places in precinct Beo Lontuo witnessed the disruption of the counting process with some individuals carting away ballot boxes, damaging their contents in the process. This led to the re-run of the three elections at the two affected polling places in that precinct.

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The National Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for specific constitutional roles for deputy governors in Nigeria to keep them busy.

Mr Ganduje said this at an annual conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) with the theme: Partnering in the shared vision for good governance and sustainable development in Abuja.

Mr Ganduje, represented by Emma Eneukwu, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), said that assigning constitutional roles would prevent unnecessary clashes between governors and their deputies.

I am happy that you the deputy governors, have decided to come together and form yourself into a forum and embark on this advocacy.

As you create awareness, as you meet people and talk to leaders of our country, there is a need to constitutionally give roles to the deputy governors, Mr Ganduje, a former deputy governor of Kano State, said.

Also speaking former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi advised political leaders to be guided by patriotism in all their endeavours.

He said that nothing was wrong with the Nigerian Constitution, but the inability to observe it.

There are some of us who feel that the constitution is an invalid document, it is illegitimate, it is a product of the military. Even if it is a broken-down vehicle, it is the vehicle.

It is a good constitution; there is nothing wrong with it. However good a constitution is, it is not a self-executing document, it doesnt enforce itself. It requires good people to enforce it.

Of course, it is not intended to be a perfect document, but this nation must begin to respect the Constitution.

We must begin to respect the nations history and not go on describing it as an artificial creation. As we hear so many people doing. There is no nation that is not artificial. All nations are artificial, he said.

Mr Agabi, who was the chairman of the occasion, appealed to people in power to come to terms with those who agreed with them.

He appealed to the federal government to make the nation self-reliant, tackle corruption and release dissidents in prison to allow them to contribute their quota to national development.

I appeal to the federal government to release all those dissidents who are in detention so that they can come out to unite the state and move it forward.

I am not afraid of those dissidents, bring them over, release them, let them recognise that we can teach them unity and peace.

For ever since we became an independent nation, we have been living in peace, he said.

Mr Agabi also urged Nigerians to come together and be united as a country.

Once a nation adopts the presidential system of government, unity is not optional.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Gorge Akume, also appealed to the governors to find it expedient to delegate some relevant and key roles to their deputies.

Mr Akume, represented by a Director in the SGF office, Simon Tyungu, said such would give them a sense of belonging.

Nigeria is presently facing a lot of very demanding challenges and this is because the effect of governance is not being felt by the majority of Nigerians as it should be.

To this end, I want to use this platform to advocate for a shared national vision between the federal government, state government and local government to be implemented within four years.

This will be in the form of the three tiers agreeing on very critical projects, that is the food and development centre, Mr Akume, a former governor of Benue State, said.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and the chairperson, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), urged all serving and former governors and their deputies to continue to work together for nation-building.

One recognises your contribution to nation-building and engagement in national and subnational discourse.

Your experiences and institutional memories and knowledge must not be allowed to go to waste.

I urge us all to work together, governors, deputy governors, former deputy governors, to work together in nation building.

The NGF looks forward to a greater and robust collaboration and engagement with this forum, Mr AbdulRazaq said.

The Chairman of the forum, Chris Akomas, pledged the forums commitment to continue to strive hard in the quest for nation-building and in the bid to deepen Nigerias democratic process.

Mr Akomas, a former Abia deputy governor, said the objective of the summit was to proffer workable solutions and better understanding to eliminate the incessant rifts between governors and their deputies.

We have evolved over the years and have come up to the stage where we need to play critical roles to advance the cause of building on our democratic structures.

Also to up the ante, in the nation-building efforts of the forum in order to positively touch more lives in the polity, Mr Akomas said.

He said that following the 2022 forums national conference in Uyo, members were compiling a book on their experiences in office.

He said that the book when published would serve as reference materials for the public to get insights of the gamut of challenges faced by the deputy governors and suggestions on how to mitigate such, he said.

(NAN)

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Actress Kate Henshaw on Tuesday applauded Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for justice dispensation in the case of rape brought against a medical director in Lagos State, Olufemi Olaleye.

Mr Oshodi sentenced the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation to double life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and raping his wifes 16-year-old niece.

Ms Henshaw praised the judge for firmness.

She said: I want to give kudos to the incorruptible Justice Rahman Oshodi for a detailed judgment.

He listened attentively throughout the proceedings and left no one in doubt that this judgment is his.

He saw that there was no remorse in Femi Olaleye and that he would repeat the same offences if let go.

I watched Femis body language all the time I came to this court and he showed no remorse as he was always shoulder-up.

The actress also praised Lagos State Domestic And Sexual Violence Agency for awareness campaigns and war against sexual offences.

Ms Henshaw advised victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to speak up so as to eradicate the menace.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian government on Tuesday announced plans to review and enhance the curriculum for basic schools in the country.

Tahir Mamman, the minister of Education, disclosed this while speaking during a panel session on National Child Well-being at the Nigeria Economic Summit on Tuesday.

Mr Mamman said the plan is to develop the creative skills of children and prepare them for future innovation.

We are going to rejig the curriculum for basic schools. We want to strengthen some level of critical thinking at that level. The teaching has to be in a way to nurture their capability at that stage to think critically, Mr Mamman said.

He explained that the current numeracy and literacy skills taught in basic schools are inadequate to prepare Nigerian children for present-day realities.

He emphasized the importance of teaching soft skills such as critical thinking and practical skills at the basic level to improve the quality of learning and nurture childrens capabilities to think critically.

He further explained his focus will be on basic education, which has been neglected in the past.

The government is developing policies to increase enrollment in basic schools, which are currently free but have low attendance and a high number of out-of-school children, he said.

He emphasised the need for better learning opportunities and facilities in basic schools, and the governments plan to engage the governors who have the funding responsibility to achieve this.

The minister highlighted the shortage of teachers and classrooms in the country while noting that there is a gap of 950,000 teachers and 20,000 classrooms.

He assured that the government is working to improve facilities as well as security around schools, especially in vulnerable areas, to ensure the safety of children.

Also speaking, Muhammad Pate, the minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of health and education in human capital development.

The government is working to expand and recalibrate the vulnerable group fund to provide health insurance for the poorest of the poor and ensure health security, he said.

SSG Intervention

Meanwhile, stakeholders in various sectors of the economy on Tuesday called for more private sector investments to fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The call was made during a panel session conversation on rethinking strategies towards SDGs at the Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Senior special assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, noted that there was a need for all groups and individuals, including private sector bodies to increase investment towards improving the livelihood of all Nigerians.

She explained that private sector investment has become crucial to achieving SDGs, as the government focuses on implementing the Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs).

We need the support of the private sector in terms of resource mobilisation, and expertise needed to achieve the SDGs. We need to work together to accelerate the achievements. We need the private sector to create jobs for our young jobless people, it is critical for us to ensure that we create good jobs as this will address other goals.

Creating good jobs will eradicate poverty, and if a man has a good job, he will eat well, and be able to take his children to school. So we want the private sector to create jobs, she said.

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The number of South African internet users has nearly doubled in the past decade. One 2023 study of 45 developed countries suggests that South Africans even lead the world when it comes to the amount of time spent in front of screens, at 58.2% of the day.

This digital transformation has significant implications for the countrys media. Particularly for newsrooms that want to engage online audiences in a time when news production has evolved towards greater participation of citizens and civil society. More and more, listeners are contributing to media processes.

During protests, for example, news outlets often invite people at the scene to use WhatsApp groups to share firsthand observations, images or videos. These are verified and incorporated into news coverage. (Indeed, WhatsApp emerged as South Africas most popular social media platform in 2022.)

This shift is at the heart of our recent broadcast and community media study. We examined two community radio stations  Zibonele FM and Bush Radio  in South Africas Western Cape province. We wanted to know how social media platforms like Facebook and X are shaping the way that young people interact with the stations, and how radio is adapting to meet them online.

We found the stations have embraced social media apps and are actively using them to shape content. Young people are increasingly participating in citizen journalism to influence this content.

This could keep community radio relevant  and that matters. South Africa is home to over 290 community radio stations, far outnumbering the 41 commercial and public service stations. Community radio emerged with democracy in South Africa in the 1990s, providing a platform for alternative voices and grassroots organisations. Its able to address issues often overlooked by mainstream media.

The stations

Zibonele FM and Bush Radio stood out for us. This is because of their youth-focused content, multilingual broadcasts, diverse audience segments and robust use of digital technologies in news production and programming.

Zibonele FM is based in Khayelitsha, a vast township (black residential area) on the outskirts of Cape Town. The station broadcasts mainly in the local Xhosa language.

Bush Radio is one of the countrys oldest and most influential community stations. Founded in 1992, it has played a role in shaping post-apartheid life in Cape Town. Apartheid was a system of white minority rule that suppressed black voices. Bush Radio provided a platform for voices and perspectives that were often marginalised in mainstream media.

June 2023 data puts listenership figures of Zibonele FM at 182,000 a day. Bush Radio attracts 49,000 listeners. The average daily listenership of community stations in the Western Cape is 29,000.

The study

We conducted in-depth interviews with station managers, producers and journalists at these two stations. Alongside this we studied social media posts from the stations X and Facebook accounts and we analysed their on-air content.

We wanted to see if social media shaped youth-oriented programming at Zibonele FM and Bush Radio. While the studys scope remains small, it provides valuable insights into the digital transformation of news production in South African community radio.

Young Zibonele FM and Bush Radio listeners, we found, were actively participating in the news processes at the radio stations. Especially when the stations tailored their news to draw in these communities. A station manager explained:

Weve gained a lot of followers, showing that people are drawn to the stations young presenters on social media. Many engage with our live videos and interactive content, validating their active involvement in shaping news production and content direction. This reinforces our roles as central community hubs.

Our data analysis revealed that young audiences on X and Facebook used these platforms to hold journalists accountable, forcing them to reevaluate their reporting. One producer said:

Any mistake leads to immediate corrections. This caution improves our content quality and accuracy, benefiting from feedback from our social media followers.

The participants in our study stressed the importance of WhatsApp voice notes as a feature of social media that enabled greater engagement from youth audiences. Young listeners are actively shaping the content production process by sending questions as voice notes. This shift diminishes the power traditionally held by presenters and producers. One producer elaborated:

When we interview guests, we inform our audiences that we have a question, and they actively engage with it. During interviews, we encourage young people to post voice notes, which the interviewees respond to. This practice enables us to incorporate diverse voices on air, as people often prefer sending voice notes, sometimes in the form of questions.

Our research underscores how Zibonele FM and Bush Radio have empowered young listeners to engage with journalists actively. This allows them to question and challenge news content.

Station managers reported increased engagement on social media, reinforcing the effectiveness of these strategies in expanding reach and enhancing audience participation. Young audiences, for their part, also used social media to hold journalists accountable, fostering a culture of transparency and trust.

Why this matters

The challenges faced by South African community radio, such as limited reach and resources, are well documented.

For a long time academics have observed that journalism is undergoing changes because of social media.

Social media, as seen in our study, can have a significant impact on the future of radio programming and news. It could lead to a dynamic shift towards more interactive and community-driven programming. This would sustain community radio and enhance its role as a vital source of alternative voices, diverse perspectives and local engagement.

John Bulani was a co-author of this study.

Sisanda Nkoala, Senior Lecturer, University of South Africa; Blessing Makwambeni, Senior Lecturer in Communication Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and Trust Matsilele, Lecturer in Journalism, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has decried the high prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria.

She was speaking at the national launch of the introduction of the HPV Vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule of the National Immunization Programme in Abuja.

She emphasised that the initiative does not end with the introduction of the vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule but there must be a focus on education and awareness about the virus.

Mrs Tinubu said regular screenings must be encouraged and there must be improved access to healthcare with behavioural interventions as well.

For me, I will recommend that girls who are under 18 years of age and sexually active, avail themselves of the opportunity of this vaccine, to avoid a future of ill-health and possibly, death.

 In conclusion, I want to emphasise that the introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunisation schedule is a significant step forward in our mission to protect the health and future of our nations womenfolk and it will lead to a structured and systematic way of achieving a cervical cancer free generation, she said.

The first lady noted that the initiative goes beyond preventing cervical cancer but also demonstrates the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu administration to gender equity and empowering women to take control of their health.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the vaccine is safe, effective and already in use in several countries of the world.

No father or mother who really understands they can prevent a serious disease will stop their daughters from taking the vaccine, except they really do not understand.

In their goodwill messages, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, health sector partners and others, said the introduction of the vaccine will go a long way to enhance the health of the female folk in the country.

Mrs Tinubu then supervised the administration of the vaccine to the girls present at the event

SIGNED

Busola Kukoyi

SA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Nigeria is expecting $10 billion worth of foreign exchange in the relatively near future, the Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, has said.

Mr Edun disclosed this while speaking during a panel session at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja on Monday.

Over the past four months, the naira has depreciated by over 50 per cent at both the authorised and unauthorised market segments, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced in June that it had collapsed all forex windows into the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window.

The move, according to the apex bank, is part of the Nigerian governments efforts to improve liquidity and stability in the market and attract foreign investors into the Nigerian economy.

Although the policy was widely applauded as well-intentioned and necessary, it has put additional pressure on the local currency and manufacturers, with ripple effects on domestic prices.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Edun said the government has a line of sight of forex inflows into the country in weeks rather than months.

In addition, from the supply of foreign exchange through NNPC, increased production, reduced expenditure, from transactions such as forward sales, from our discussions with sovereign wealth funds, that are ready to invest and provide advanced alongside that investment, there is a line of sight of $10 billion worth of foreign exchange in the relatively near future in weeks rather months, Mr Edun said.

He explained that President Tinubu has signed an executive order that effectively allows under forbearance all the cash that is in the domestic economy to legally come into the formal money supply.

Mr President announced that he had taken measures to ease illiquidity in the forex market which we know is very problematic at this time. The market is illiquid; its not functioning properly because there is no supply and there are various reasons for that.

The solution that the President has put on the table is that he has signed an executive order that effectively allows under forbearance all the cash that is in the domestic economy to legally come into the formal money supply.

Along with that, there is another executive order that allows domestic issuance of foreign currency instruments so that they will have the incentive to provide that foreign exchange from whatever source, he said.

Last Tuesday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Naira plummeted to its lowest rate against the United States dollar at the official market.

READ ALSO:

According to market data published on the FMDQ website, the local currency closed at N848.12 per dollar on Tuesday, as against N778.80 recorded in the previous session on Monday. Tuesdays rate translates to 8.9 per cent depreciation from N778.80 it exchanged on Monday.

According to the data, the naira opened at N758.50 but slipped to N848.12 at the close of business on Tuesday as foreign exchange supply within the market segment skyrocketed significantly.

This newspaper reported that forex supplied within the session on Tuesday is pegged at $134.8 million, which represents about a 212 per cent increase from $43.09 million posted on Monday.

Within the business period on Tuesday, the naira reached an intraday high of N700.00 and spiralled to a low of N981.00 before settling at N848.12 per $1.

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On Monday, the Nigerian government dodged having to pay out as much as $11 billion to a British Virgin Island company after a London judge ruled that the arbitration award for a failed gas deal was won fraudulently.

The judge found that the massive arbitration award in favour of Process & Industrial Development Ltd. (P&ID) was tainted by bribes. The awards were obtained by fraud, Judge Robin Knowles said in a ruling on Monday, adding, The way in which the awards were procured was contrary to public policy.

Court document shows that Nigeria was able to establish a strong prima facie case that the 2010 gas project agreement between the government and P&ID was procured by bribes paid to insiders as part of a larger scheme to defraud Nigeria.

While Nigeria won this case, the London court lamented the greediness of some Nigerian officials that would have cost the country $11 billion in damages.

This case has, sadly, brought together a combination of examples of what some individuals will do for money, Mr Knowles said after establishing some Nigerian officials collected bribes in the deal.

The judge added that these officials were driven by greed and prepared to use corruption; giving no thought to what their enrichment would mean in terms of harm for others.

Over the history of the matter, Nigeria has had many government agencies and individuals involved at different times and in different ways. These included officials in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Land and Urban Development, Ministry of Justice, the Office of Attorney General, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and some ministers.

The judge concluded that the people of Nigeria have been let down in so many ways over the history of this matter by a number of individuals in politics and administration whose duty it was to serve them and protect them.

The P&ID deal

In 2010, the P&ID won a contract from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to build a gas-processing plant in the southern city of Calabar. Nigeria was to supply the gas for free over 20 years and the two parties would split the processed resources. But Nigeria never provided the promised gas, and the plant was never built.

Then, P&ID successfully sued the Nigerian government for breach of the contract at an arbitration tribunal presided over by Lord Hoffmann, a retired senior English judge.

The legal dispute between Nigeria and P&ID ran for more than a decade. The contract was signed between Nigerian government officials and Michael Quinn, an Irish former band manager, and his business partner Brendan Cahill, to help the West African country turn its vast reserves of natural gas into power.

The project never broke ground. Mr Quinn and Mr Cahills offshore company, P&ID, in 2012 began arbitration proceedings against Nigeria for breach of contract.

P&ID ultimately won a $6.6 billion award from a panel of arbitrators in London, one of the biggest known payouts to a company from a sovereign state. That bill has risen to $11 billion with interest  more than Nigerias 2023 budgets for its health, education, and justice ministries combined.

In 2017, Nigeria challenged the awards on the grounds of liability and jurisdiction. The Nigerian government accused P&ID of bribery before, at, and after the time the parties entered into the Gas Supply and Processing Agreement for Accelerated Gas Development (GSPA), a court document shows.

It alleged that some of its lawyers at the time of the arbitration, including two lead counsel, were corrupted by P&ID.

But, P&ID in its legal filings denied the corruption allegations, arguing that it was a contract which P&ID genuinely wanted to perform, and a genuine arbitration which [Nigeria] lost for reasons . . . [that] had nothing to do with any corruption.

However, on Monday, the judge said not only was the original gas contract tainted by corruption, but that P&ID officials also engaged in bribery to win the UK arbitration.

Mondays ruling has been commended by many Nigerian officials including President Bola Tinubu.

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Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal says that the German construction materials manufacturer Fixit has received investment insurance from the German government for the construction of a second plant in Ukraine.

We want German business to invest in Ukraine, invest in restoration, and within the framework of the forum we sign important documents... The construction materials manufacturer Fixit will build a second plant in Ukraine and will receive investment insurance for this from the German government, which will be signed here on the sidelines of the business conference, Shmyhal said at a press conference at the sixth German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin on Tuesday.

According to the prime minister, Fixit will also receive a loan from the German bank KfW for EUR 12 million.

This is a very important and significant project, he emphasized.
The Ghanaian government has reacted to claims by a Nigerian journalist, David Hundeyin, that the Nigerian government was putting pressure on Ghanaian authorities to extradite him to Nigeria.

Background

Mr Hundeyin is currently a refugee in Ghana, where he fled for safety due to alleged political persecution by the Nigerian government of which he has been critical.

The journalist fled Nigeria in 2020 and following his application in 2021, the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB) wrote him on 13 May 2022 to say it had determined he was a person qualified to be recognised as a refugee pursuant to the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) and other protocols.

Mr Hundeyin, in a video clip uploaded on his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) on 20 September 2023, claimed the Nigerian government was putting pressure on the Ghanaian government to revoke his refugee status and extradite him to Nigeria.

In the 16-minute clip, the journalist accused President Bola Tinubu of plotting a secret extradition against him for leaking confidential information about the presidents personal life and for exposing the plan by ECOWAS to invade the Republic of Niger, following a military coup in the country.

He also claimed Mr Tinubu, who currently heads ECOWAS, was seeking to get him extradited to Nigeria because he (Hundeyin) reported that the Nigerian president allegedly forged his academic certificate and engaged in drug trafficking in the US.

So, I want to urge the Ghanaian president to resist the temptation to allow the Nigerian president to push Ghana into breaking international law, Mr Hundeyin said.

I obviously dont need to mention that there is a law called the Law of Refoulement which forbids the illegal repatriation of political refugees back to the country that they fled from, where they are going to face persecution, he added.

Ghana reacts

But reacting in a letter dated 1 October 2023, the Chairperson of the GRB, Kenneth Attafuah, told Mr Hundeyin that it was not true that the board or the Ghanaian government was contacted by the Nigerian government extradite him.

Mr Attafuah, a professor and lawyer, said the board decided to reach the journalist after considering his allegations in the video clip during an emergency meeting of the board members on 29 September.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is not within the contemplation of the GRB to repatriate you to Nigeria. There is absolutely no need or reason for that; your fear of being refouled lacks supporting verification, and is not well-founded.

The unproven allegations and apparently defamatory statements you make in your video against the sitting president of Nigeria from Ghanaian soil have strong political ramifications and national security potential implications and could engender needless diplomatic row between our two sister countries. You are respectfully urged to desist from such conduct even as you freely practice your trade as a professional journalist, he said.

The GRB chairperson told the journalist that although the board has no intention of withdrawing or cancelling his refugee status, he must obey and respect the laws of Ghana and observe the provisions of Rights and Obligations of Asylum Seekers.

The GRB is completely unaware of any of the astonishing allegations of criminality you attribute to the President of Nigeria and the Nigerian Government or any of its security agencies.

As a creature of statute, the GRB acts within the four corners of its statutory mandate, and in accordance with applicable international law, as a result, it is unable to assume responsibilities falling outside the scope of its statutory mandate or meet some of your grand expectations of it, he stated.

Read full text of the letter from the Ghana Refugee Board below:

VIDEO OF DAVID HUNDEYIN ONX (FORMERLY TWITTER)

The attention of the Ghana Refugee Board (GRD) has been drawn to a video you posted on X on 20 September 2023, which has since gone viral, with over 3.8million views and 32,500 likes.

In the said video, you make several profound statements touching on your personal safety and security as a refugee in Ghana, as well as your apprehensions about your probable deportation from Ghana in violation of the international law principle of non-refoulement.

The GRB, as the statutory body mandated to ensure the safety and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers in Ghana, has taken due notice of the gravity and ramifications of your claims in the said video.

The Governing Board (hereinafter called the Board) of the GRB convened an Emergency Meeting on Friday, 29h September 2023 to consider the issues raised in the video and to determine what actions, if any, may be warranted to further ensure that the GRB fulfils its obligations toward you in accordance with domestic and international law.

In keeping with its longstanding practice, the Board had the UN refugee agency  the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)- fully in attendance at the said Board meeting as an Observer. At the end of its deliberations, the Board determined that it was imperative that you be informed as follows:

1. The Board acted correctly in May 2022 when it recognized you as a refugee in Ghana The Board affirms the correctness of that decision and stands by it.

2. As a statutory body committed to protecting and advancing the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Ghana, the GRB freely and fairly reached the decision to recognize you as a refugee notwithstanding its clear appreciation of the deep and longstanding diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria;

3. In its decision-making processes, the GRB is actuated only by proper considerations, enabling it to spread the carpet of welcome to all those deserving of refugee and asylum protection, without regard to the political or economic might of the countries from which refugees or asylum;

4. There is no reasonable basis in fact or law for your assertion that the GRB, and by extension the Government of Ghana, has been contacted by Nigerian authorities requesting to have you repatriated to Nigeria. For the avoidance of doubt, the GRB categorically denies this and any such allegation in your video to the effect that it has received such a request, directly or indirectly. Indeed, until 20th September 2023 when your said video went viral and same was drawn to the attention of the GRB, you had not come within the slightest contemplation of the GRB for any reason whatsoever;

5. Furthermore, for the avoidance of doubt, it is not in the contemplation of the GRB to repatriate you to Nigeria. There is absolutely no need or reason for that; your fear of being refouled lacks supporting verification, and is not well-founded;

6. The unproven allegations and apparently defamatory statements you make in your video against the sitting President of Nigeria from Ghanaian soil have strong political ramifications and national security potential implications and could engender a needless diplomatic row between our two sister countries. You are respectfully urged to desist from such conduct even as you freely practice your trade as a professional journalist.

7. The GRB is completely unaware of any of the astonishing allegations of criminality you attribute to the President of Nigeria and the Nigerian Government or any of its security agencies;

8. As a creature of statute, the GRB acts within the four corners of its statutory mandate, and in accordance with applicable international law; as a result, it is unable to assume responsibilities falling outside the scope of its statutory mandate, or to meet some of your grand expectations of it;

9. Ghana has not issued you with a Ghanaian passport; the travel document in your possession is a United Nations Refugee Convention Travel Document (CTD), not a Ghanaian passport.

10. The GRB has no intention of withdrawing, cancelling or otherwise disabling your CTD based on your conduct to date, there can be no justification for any such action against you;

11. Your possession of a CTD does not remove the right of any country to grant or deny you entry into its territory; the decision to accept or reject your entry into any country is the prerogative of the prospective host country.

12. The GRB notes with appreciation your acknowledgement of Ghanas steadfast and demonstrated commitment to serving as a safe haven for journalists fleeing persecution from around the world. Evidently, the GRB shares your positive appraisal that the Ghanaian Government does the right thing. I have faith in them. They ve always done the right thing. Please accept the assurances of the GRB that, from its reckoning, you are not in danger and Ghanaian authorities are not considering doing anything untoward toward you or your status as a refugee in Ghana;

13. On behalf of His Excellency the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery, and the entire Governing Board, Management and Staff of the GRB, I wish to assure you of Ghanas continuing determination to honour its obligations under domestic and international law, and to affirm to you and all those concerned about your safety and well-being that Ghana will endeavour to protect you and all persons in Ghana similarly-situated as yourself; and

14. At the time of your recognition as a refugee, you were given a copy of a document captioned, Rights and Obligations of Asylum Seekers, you were urged to abide by its contents. Section 8 of the Obligations in said document, a copy of which is attached for your easy reference, instructs that all persons seeking asylum in Ghana must obey the laws of Ghana. Section 10 of the Obligations of the same document states that asylum seekers should not engage in any political activities within Ghana and/or in [their] country of origin whether at the local or national level, including voting. In these circumstances, it is imperative that you respect this Obligation which accords with international best practice.

15. Based on the foregoing, you are hereby reminded of your bounden duty to respect the laws of Ghana generally, and to observe the provisions of the document referenced above in particular, and to exercise greater circumspection in your future public broadcasts.

I trust, Sir, that the foregoing assures you of your safety and security in Ghana. Do not hesitate to contact the GRB should you require any specific assistance within its remit.

Yours truly,

PROF. KENNETH AGYEMANG ATTAFUAH, ESQ

CHAIRMAN

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A London High Court judge Monday granted Nigerias request to overturn an award that would have required Nigeria to pay $11 billion over a failed gas project. The judge found that the contract was obtained by fraud.

A key point that helped Nigeria in the case was an investigation conducted by its anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In 2010, Process & Industrial Development Ltd (P&ID) won a contract from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to build a gas-processing plant in Calabar.

Nigeria was to supply the gas for free over 20 years and the two parties would split the processed resources. But Nigeria never provided the promised gas, and the plant was never built.

P&ID sued the Nigerian government for breach of contract at an arbitration tribunal in England. In 2017, P&ID secured the compensation award, which originally was $6.6 billion but is now estimated to be $11 billion with accrued interest. The companys main claim in the arbitration was for loss of profit for the 20 years the agreement covers.

But as that bitter faceoff was going on in London, the EFCC in 2016, at the request of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari opened an investigation into P&ID and the controversial contract.

Ibrahim Magu, who was acting head of the EFCC at the time, led the crucial investigation. He was later humiliated out of office in controversial circumstances. The real reason for his removal remains unclear.

The report of an investigation into his tenure, which was masterminded by vested interests, has yet to be made public years after.

The anti-graft agency later indicted Grace Taiga, a former petroleum ministry lawyer for taking bribes related to the P&ID gas contract. It also accused Ms Taiga of corrupt practices and intent to defraud.

The EFCC also established that a now-deceased petroleum minister broke the law by signing the contract without proper approvals and protocol.

Following the law enforcements investigations, P&ID was convicted on 19 September 2019 by the Nigerian High Court for various offences relating to tax evasion, money laundering and trading without necessary licences.

This intelligence provided by the EFCC was later filed in court in London. That crucial evidence helped Nigeria overturn the $11 billion award, a payment that would have dealt a massive blow to Nigerias ailing economy.

In a court ruling on Monday, Judge Robin Knowles confirmed, based on the EFCC investigation, that P&ID paid bribes to Ms Taiga in connection with the gas contract signed in 2010, and failed to disclose this when it later took Nigeria to court over the collapse of the deal.

Shortly before the gas agreement was entered into, one of co-founders of P&ID, Brendan Cahill, signed a payment instruction dated 29 December 2009 to Bank of Cyprus on Marshpearl letterhead for a transfer of $5,000 to Vera Taiga.

This was described as a commission payment on the payment instruction. It is logged in the name of Grace Taiga in the associated Excel spreadsheet emailed to Mr Cahill on 1 January 2010.

Then, after the gas contract was signed, on 29 March 2010, Vera Taiga was paid 5,000 by Hobson Industries. The payment instruction was again signed by Mr Cahill. The pdf schedule Taiga G  Sept 2019 showed this payment against the name Grace Taiga and marked with the narrative Gas Contract.

The timing of the payments is highly material, just before and just after the entry into the Gas Supply and Processing Agreement for Accelerated Gas Development (GSPA), the judge said.

In authorising the payments Mr Cahill was, I find, acting for P&ID to incentivise and reward Ms Taiga in connection with the entry of the GSPA. They were deliberately kept secret from Nigeria. I am quite satisfied that Nigeria is correct in its allegation that these payments in December 2009 and March 2010 were bribes paid on behalf of P&ID to Mrs Grace Taigas benefit in connection with the entry into the GSPA.

Mr Knowles concluded that the P&ID contracts were obtained by fraud and how they were procured was contrary to public policy.

Mr Knowles described the case as an irregularity, especially for three reasons  P&IDs provision of evidence it knew was false, the companys bribery or corrupt payment to a Nigerian civil servant and the companys improper retention of Nigerias legal document which it received during arbitration.

President Bola Tinubu described the judgement as a blow against economic malpractice and the exploitation of Africa.

This landmark judgement proves conclusively that nation-states will no longer be held hostage by economic conspiracies between private firms and solitarily corrupt officials who conspire to extort and indebt the very nations they swear to defend and protect, he said in a statement.

As an endnote, Mr Knowles said that although the P&ID case was tainted with bribery and corruption, it also underlines the importance of professional standards and ethics in the work of contract drafting, including in the approach of other parties to the proposed contract.

It is why some contributions of pro bono work by leading law firms to support some states challenged for resources (this is not to say, one way or the other, that Nigeria is one of those) is so valuable, in the interests of their, often vulnerable, people.

In the present case, there were other contracts too, with different counterparties. Their terms and circumstances are not identical, but the overall risk could have been a multiple of the US$11 billion now involved in the present case, the judge said.

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A boat mishap occurred on Thursday in Edo State, South-south Nigeria.

The Vanguard newspaper claimed that seven people may have lost their lives in the incident which happened in Gelegele River, in the Ovia North East Local Government of the state.

Police in Edo, however, said one person died in the incident, according to Punch newspaper.

Vanguard reported that the boat, with 28 passengers aboard, ran out of fuel and was tossed by waves before it eventually hit oil barges.

The passengers were mostly local traders from Ovia South West Local Government Area.

Blessing Perewari, vice chairperson of Ovia South West Local Government Area, recounted how the incident happened, according to the newspaper.

From what I heard I was also at the scene where the boat capsized. About 28 adults, two pregnant women and three babies were involved. When they got to the Gelegele waterside there was this Dubri oil company barge that was parked in parallel.

Because of the way the barges were parked caused obstruction on the waterway. So, this particular boat carrying 28 persons after dropping two passengers tried to restart the boat but the engine failed to respond.

And because of the high current of the river it now pushed the boat into the Dubri oil barges and it torpedoed under the barges making it difficult for the victims to come out. Some of them that know how to swim managed to escape while others were trapped under the barges, she said.

The police spokesperson in the state, Chidi Nwabuzor, told Punch that only one person died in the mishap.

Marine police confirmed that one person died and four others were injured while others were rescued unhurt, Mr Nwabuzor, a superintendent of police, said.

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The Senate on Tuesday asked security agencies in the country to conduct a special investigation into the fatal bank robbery attack in the Otukpo area of Benue State.

The upper chamber also urged security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of the robbery attack are arrested and prosecuted.

The request was sequel to a motion moved by Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) at the plenary.

Suspected thieves armed with explosives and sophisticated weapons invaded commercial banks in Otukpo area of Benue State on Friday and carted away an undisclosed large amount of money.

Police in the state confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, John Adikwu, and three other police officers lost their lives when the armed robbers engaged them in a gun battle.

The command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, also confirmed that two of the robbers were killed during the gun duel while others escaped through the forest

Mr Moro, while presenting his motion on the need for urgent investigation into the attack, queried security agencies for not improving their intelligence system.

He therefore called for urgent investigation into the bank robbery.

The Benue senator also urged his colleagues in the Senate to observe a one minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the robbery attack.

Many of the senators who contributed to the motion condemned the attack and urged security agencies in the country to improve on their intelligence system.

Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) who was among those who contributed to the motion, called on the federal government to engage more police officers in oder to strengthen the insecurity gaps.

The police are seriously handicapped. They dont have enough ammunition. It is now time for us to take a firm step that the federal government should employ more personnel to meet the gap. More personnel should be recruited. The motion is timely and apt, Mr Aliero said.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, subsequently asked that security agencies should investigate the robbery incident and ensure that all the perpetrators are arrested.

Mr Akpabio directed that members of the upper chamber should observe a minute silence in honour of the victims of the robbery attack.

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Suspected killers have allegedly strangled a woman, Juliana Dimaka, to death in her home in Eket, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

A source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket, on Tuesday, that the woman, who was an entrepreneur, was killed on 17 October, after previous attempts on her life.

The murder was carried out at the residence of the deceased at Etebom Avenue, Eket by yet-to- be identified killers.

They gained entrance into the residence and strangled her to death, said the source who did not want his name mention in the report.

He said the incident happened at 8.00 p.m., adding that since then her shopping plaza on Grace Bill Road in Eket had remained closed.

A police officer at the Eket Divisional Police headquarters, who did not want his name mentioned in the story since he was not authorised to speak to the press, confirmed the incident to NAN.

READ ALSO: Connect Initiative felicitates with Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State

When a NAN reporter contacted the police spokesperson in the state, MacDon Odiko, he said he had not been briefed on the incident.

I cannot say anything about it. I do not have the facts, Mr Odiko, a superintendent of police, said.

(NAN)

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The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has won the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Powering Just Energy Transition Green Minerals Challenge (JET Minerals Challenge).

The approximately $400,000 grant, according to a statement by CJID and signed by its Project Director, Akintunde Babatunde, is to advance the organisations groundbreaking mission.

The statement said USAID announced CJID and 10 other organisations as the winners of the project on Thursday.

As one of the pioneering innovators in the Countering Transnational Corruption Grand Challenges expansive network, CJID is focused on eradicating corruption within the green mineral supply chains, which is paramount in todays global context, the statement said.

CJIDs planned project

CJID said its project will deploy data aggregation, civic technology, investigative journalism, and capacity building to harness the power of data in the fight against corruption in the green minerals sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

The statement reads in part; CJID will partner with Dataphyte in Nigeria, Mine.cd in DRC, and Dubawa Ghana to promote access to information in the African green minerals sector and improve the use of green minerals data to increase investigative reporting and anti-corruption advocacy.

This partnership will increase citizen participation in green minerals governance and accountability and provide anti-corruption agencies with the data and investigative reports they need to work effectively in the green minerals sector.

Selection process

According to CJID, in 2022, USAID, with its partners, unveiled the inaugural Powering a Just Energy Transition Green Minerals Challenge (JET Minerals Challenge) under the auspices of the Countering Transnational Corruption Grand Challenge for Development (CTC Grand Challenge).

The organisation said the initiative invited proposals from across the globe, transcending sectors and borders, all united in their shared mission to combat corruption within green mineral supply chains.

The response was overwhelming, with nearly 60 concepts submitted, drawing upon expertise and innovation from diverse corners of the world. After an exhaustive selection process by industry experts, USAID identified 20 semi-finalists. These semi-finalists convened for an Innovation boot camp at the 2023 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in April 2023.

Subsequently, they submitted comprehensive applications for funding in June. Following another round of meticulous evaluation and a thorough due diligence process, USAID proudly announced the selection of 11 visionary winners, each set to receive financial support ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, accompanied by tailored technical assistance to realise their groundbreaking projects, the statement added.

About the JET Minerals Challenge

The JET Minerals Challenge is the flagship initiative under the Countering Transnational Corruption Grand Challenge for Development (CTC Grand Challenge). This challenge extends financial and in-kind support, including specialised technical assistance, to the accomplished winners, with funding ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, propelling them toward their revolutionary goals.

It said the challenge represents an unwavering commitment to combating corruption and enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in the race to meet the surging demand for green minerals on a global scale.

The winning innovations of the JET Minerals Challenge are meticulously aligned with USAIDs Anti-Corruption Policy, focusing on curbing corrupt practices, elevating the cost of corruption, and promoting integrity in both public and private sectors.

Four winning solutions are designed for tackling transnational corruption on a global or multi-country scale, while the remaining seven are tailored to address specific countries. These pioneering initiatives span 15 countries worldwide, targeting over ten green mineral supply chains, including cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, rare earth elements, and silver, CJID noted.

Innovators Approaches

The organisation said the challenge innovators are working at the forefront of new and innovative approaches to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity in the global rush to meet unprecedented demand for green minerals.

Some of the innovators are introducing or scaling online platforms that allow for safe reporting on corruption, dissemination of information about payments, fees, and taxes, or the facilitation of direct connections between small-scale miners and mineral buyers.

Other innovators are engaging journalists, non-governmental organisations, local communities, or other stakeholders in developing tools and processes that hold the mining industry accountable, it said.

It added that seven of the winning organisations are women-led, and that nearly half are local organisations. Covering 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the innovators are targeting more than 10 green mineral supply chains, including cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, silver, and rare earth elements.

About CJID

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is a West African media innovation and development think tank. Founded in 2014 as a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, the Centre has led in investigative journalism, innovation, open data, verification, promoting journalist welfare and safety, elections, and the freedom of information and expression. In 2020, the CJID expanded its footprints beyond Nigeria and moved into specific niches in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

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A Hamas official warned on Tuesday that there would be no more hostage releases by the Islamist group unless medical supplies and fuel are allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip.

On Monday, two Israeli women held captive by Hamas were released from the Gaza Strip. Two U.S. nationals were released on Friday.

More than 220 hostages are being held in total.

For humanitarian reasons, we have released four (hostages) without conditions, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas politburo member and representative in Lebanon, told dpa.

But if anyone seeks to have more releases, we have to insist that the international community exerts more pressure on Israel to open Rafah crossing to allow fuel and medical supplies to come inside Gaza, he added.

Hamdan, who is close to the hostage negotiations, stressed that it is a basic right of the Palestinian people to be allowed to have hospital treatment if they are subjected daily to Israeli air raids.

The people in Gaza have the right to the minimum of humanitarian needs, which is to be able to be treated for the wounds Israel is inflicting on them through airstrikes, he added.

We need Israel to stop the raids on our people so we will be able to secure the release of people who were taken, Mr Hamdan said.

At least 222 hostages were taken when attackers from the Islamist group, which controls Gaza, carried out a terrorist attack on Israeli communities on 7 October.

The attacks near the Gaza border killed over 1,400 people and left the country reeling in shock.

The subsequent Israeli air bombardment of Gaza has killed over 5,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry there.

These figures cannot be independently verified.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and the EU.

Since the attacks, the coastal Palestinian Territory, which has been ruled by Hamas since 2007, has been under a complete siege by Israel, with no food, water, or fuel entering the territory via Israel.

The only supplies reaching Gazas population of some 2.2 million people are arriving via aid trucks through the Rafah border from Egypt.

(dpa/NAN)

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The Director of Public Prosecutions of Bauchi State, Shawanatu Yusuf, said the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) has only one lawyer attending to thousands of indigent suspects in the state.

Bauchi, a northeastern state, is with an estimated population of eight million people, according to the National Population Commission.

The Legal Aid Council was established in 1976 with the mandate to provide free legal services to indigent Nigerians who conflict with the law.

The agency, over the years, has not been able to fulfil its core mandate, a problem blamed on inadequate funding and a shortage of manpower.

However, the issue became topical on Tuesday in Abuja when an audience of public prosecutors was jolted by the Bauchi State DPPs revelation.

Ms Yusuf spoke at an ongoing three-day national stakeholders forum for a review of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) in Abuja.

The ACJA is now domesticated across Nigerias 36 states. The law is aimed at reforming the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

There is only one legal aid council of Nigeria lawyer in Bauchi State, Ms Yusuf said while presenting a report on the level of implementation of ACJA in Bauchi.

The state domesticated the innovative legislation in December 2022.

When PREMIUM TIMES pressed Ms Yusuf further after her presentation, she said, Only one lawyer from the legal aid council has been attending to the numerous indigent suspects in Bauchi in the last seven years.

Asked how the criminal justice system copes with the glaring manpower challenge, the DPP explained, In many instances, suspects are arraigned without legal representation and the trial judge is compelled to appoint a lawyer in the courtroom to stand for the poor suspect pending when another lawyer is obtained.

Bauchi State is not alone, Akwa Ibom and Edo States in South-south Nigeria have four and six legal aid lawyers, respectively.

Akwa Ibom State DPP, Joseph Umoren; and Oluwole Osaze, Edo State Attorney-General, made the disclosure on Tuesday while giving their states level of implementation of the AJCA.

AGF promises reforms in criminal justice sector

In a goodwill message, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the meeting afforded public prosecutors the opportunity to collaboratively look back, evaluate and benchmark our performances in a journey that would lead to the improvement of our criminal justice system.

Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), noted that the countrys criminal justice system was plagued with challenges.

He pledged to convene a meeting to re-evaluate Nigerias national policy on justice.

The Federal Ministry of Justice is making plans with relevant stakeholders to convene a National Summit on Justice to consider and adopt a revised National Policy on Justice, 2024  2028.

The minister commended the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) and the facilitators for partnering with the Federal Ministry of Justice to facilitate the workshop.

The event brought together Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the federation and top criminal justice experts including Yemi Akinseye-George, and Dakas Dakas who are both law professors and SANs and Chino Obiagwu, a SAN.

In his remarks, Mr Akinseye-George who is the President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, said the ACJA protects the rights of persons who come in contact with the justice system, ensuring that everyone is fairly treated.

He highlighted the issue of unlawful arrests which the legislation tackles.

The event was declared open by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) who was represented by Tijjani Abubakar, a justice of the Supreme Court.

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The Minister of Defence, Muhammadu Badaru, has reiterated the federal governments commitment to provide more equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

Mr Badaru accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, stated this when he paid a working visit to the Army Headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

He commended the leadership and personnel of the armed forces for the successes recorded in the theatres of operation to rid the nation of security threats.

The minister assured that President Bola Tinubu would do everything within his power to intervene in addressing the challenges confronting the military, especially in the area of manpower and accommodation needs.

He said the president also demonstrated commitment towards providing equipment requirements such as arms, ammunition and the combat enablers needed to succeed in the fight against insurgency.

The federal government will do the best to provide these needs to make sure the military has an edge in the security governance of our dear nation.

The president has demonstrated that since we came in and he has never turned down our request and he has been very supportive.

He promised to continue to support us as long as we continue to show results the way we have shown results today.

So once again, I want to commend the Chief of Army Staff for the successes so far and I believe more successes will come as we continue to supply the necessary equipment to execute the war, he said.

On his part, Mr Matawalle commended the Nigerian Army for its commitment and sacrifices towards addressing the nations security situation.

ALSO READ: Nigerian Army alerts Abuja residents ahead of battle simulation exercise

He said he was in a better position to speak on the successes of the military in the fight against banditry as a former governor of Zamfara, which is one of the most affected states.

Mr Matawalle urged the public to continue to appreciate the military for their efforts and support them to success, adding that a whole-of-society effort was needed to address the prevailing security challenges.

He also called for enhanced synergy and intelligence sharing among the Army and other security agencies as well as enhanced non-kinetic activities.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, thanked the ministers for the visible interventions so far received from the federal government, adding that it had positively impacted their operations on the field.

Mr Lagbaja, a lieutenant general, said the army had remained committed to addressing the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

He also briefed the minister on the conduct of army operations and some of the challenges confronting the troops on the field in the bid to achieve their constitutional responsibility to bring peace and stability to the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the operational briefing was done behind closed doors at the Army Headquarters Operations Centre.

The ministers were accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, a general, and top officials of the ministry.

(NAN)

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As a bold move towards accountability and internal cleansing, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has directed staff of the commission to immediately declare their assets in line with civil service regulations and procedures.

He gave the directive on Tuesday, 24 October at the corporate headquarters of the commission in Abuja while addressing senior staff of the EFCC. Me Olukoyede stressed that fighting corruption required those at the vanguard to be above board.

All of us are going to declare our assets; from level 17, downward. I did mine, so theres no reason for anyone to be afraid to do same. Even the Commission Secretary did, you all may also have done it in the past, but theres need for all of us to do it again. We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti- corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets, he said.

He called on staff of the commission to pay more premium attention to the basis of fighting economic and financial crimes, pointing out that, such efforts should be geared towards growing the economy of the nation, creating rightful environment for enhanced investment and strengthening the productive base of the economy. We must do our job to add values to the nation. Investors must have confidence in the economy and we must help the country to be governed in an accountable and transparent manner. By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation, he said.

He also charged staff of the commission to be professional, thorough in their engagements, rich in integrity and be non-partisan. Please, I beg you, lets our hands be clean and put our house in order. Some may not like me, but I am going to do the right thing and treat everybody equally irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region. He assured staff of better welfare package, enhanced training and equal opportunities to ensure higher productivity. He warned those compromising their works and position to desist from such conduct, as dire consequences await every unsavoury tendency.

The EFCC boss assured the commissions staff that adherence to the rule of law would be an article of faith and defining principle of work. The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is a standard international practice and we would ensure that it is our established norm, he said.

Dele Oyewale

Head, Media & Publicity

October 24, 2023

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The first insurance projects against war and political risks have already begun to be implemented in Ukraine thanks to cooperation with international financial organizations and national export credit agencies of partner countries, First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko reported, according to the ministry's website.

In her column for the American think tank Atlantic Council, she indicated that the World Bank's multilateral investment guarantee agency, MIGA, had issued a policy to a company specializing in commercial real estate investments in Ukraine.

At the same time, it is clarified that the company is investing in the construction of an industrial park in Lviv M10 on an area of 140,000 square meters, occupying six sites for production and warehouse premises and providing 3,000 new jobs. The company received guarantees against the risks of war and civil unrest for 10 years in the amount of up to $9.1 million. Of this, $4 million is provided by donor countries of the Support to Ukraine's Reconstruction and Economy (SURE Trust Fund) managed by MIGA.

National export credit agencies (ECAs) also make their contribution to the introduction of war-political risk insurance. Thus, the Polish export credit insurance corporation KUKE will insure investors who are interested in the restoration of Ukraine. For more than a year, KUKE was the only insurance organization in the EU that provided guarantees for the sale of goods to Ukraine. Thanks to this, last year exports from Poland to Ukraine increased by almost 55%.

"We see active work in the area of war risk insurance on the part of the American International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which is also ready to consider insurance of investments of Ukrainian investors. They are currently working on several applications for insurance of Ukrainian projects worth about $200 million. The governments of the G7, G19 countries, the European Commission, the World Bank and export credit agencies of other countries are also ready to provide support in the field of insurance of investments against war risks in Ukraine," the First Deputy Prime Minister notes.

According to Svyrydenko, export credit agencies of Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, Sweden and Japan have already confirmed their participation in political risk insurance for the work of their companies in Ukraine.

Recently, the German federal government decided to provide Ukraine with export credit guarantees, also known as Hermes Cover. This expands coverage and supports exporters working with Ukraine. Also, the French state insurance company Bpifrance Assurance Export announced that it would insure French companies that are ready to invest in Ukraine and actively participate in the reconstruction of the country, without waiting for the end of the war.

In addition, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is working to establish a fund and attract donor funding to it. "The creation of the fund will help activate the local insurance market for covering property and trade risks, and we hope that it will be operational by the end of 2023," the Minister of Economy said.

She also indicated that for the domestic market, Ukraine plans to expand the powers of its own export credit agency by adopting a bill that would allow the ECA to insure businesses not only against economic risks, but also against risks associated with military operations or other crimes of Russia.


A recent report that no fewer than 50 repentant thugs in Kano were converted to Police Special Constabulary (PSC) by the Kano State Police Command has generated understandable concerns among the populace. The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, while addressing the repentant thugs at a ceremony held at Sani Abacha Stadium was quoted as saying: Today is a happy day for the good people of Kano state and the Police Command because we passed out 50 youths from the 222 repentant thugs, who have since surrendered themselves and promised never to engage in thuggery and other social vices that have been bedevilling the state, especially during the 2nd quarter of the year 2023. The CP recalled that about three months earlier, the Command invited some identified notorious individuals believed to be behind the escalation of thuggery and other heinous crimes in the state for dialogue. We forwarded their details to the state Governor for them to be supported by way of engaging them in some life-changing programmes. It is from this number that 50 volunteered to work with the police and to contribute to the security and development of the state. Taking into consideration their commitment to ensuring peace in the state since their repentance, we trained them in classes and the field and kitted them as members of the Special Constabulary. It was not clear from the reports how long the thugs had been repentant or the duration of their training before they volunteered to work with the Police.

Kano state is however not the only state that has tried to rehabilitate thugs. The Daily Nigerian of 5 September 2022 reported that two gangs of political thugs in Zamfara state embraced peace and urged the state government to engage them positively so as to contribute positively to societal development. Members of the gang reportedly said theyregretted being used by some politicians to cause mayhem on innocent citizens. The groups, said to be led by one BabaKarami and Garba Lawal, aka Vice, said they have joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, and would support government efforts to restore peace in the state.

There are a number of issues involved here:

One is the notion of thugs. It would appear that the Kano State government used the word thug as a generic sense to encompass all manner of socially unacceptable activity  from ruffians who may not necessarily have engaged in crimes tothose suspected to be behind sundry crimes. For instance, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting in a report onOctober 17 2023 noted: On Monday, October 16, The ICIR saw pictures of Nasiru Abdullahi, popularly known as Chile Maidoki, donning a Kano State constabulary uniform alongside the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa. Sometime this year, Abdullahi and two other notorious criminals were declared wanted by the Kano State Police Command with a bounty of N100,000 each. A subsequent statement by the command confirmed that he surrendered himself to the command upon hearing the bounty placed on his head.

While in Kano state we were told of repentant thugs, in Zamfara State, it seemed that the focus was more narrowly on political thugs. Though this is narrower than the concept of thug it is still broad because it could be an umbrella term for all manner of people working for politicians  from private security men to political enforcers, hangers-on and hired political assassins. Again, like in Zamfara, it is not clear if the political thugs had committed any crime, and if so, whether they have been convicted by a competent court of law.

It would seem that in Kano State, the apparent inability of the police to segregate the repentant thugs into groups according to their suspected levels of involvement in crime and then convince the populace that those allowed to become members of the Special Police Constabulary are no threats, is one of the reasons for the push back by the people. The truth is that not all thugs are criminals  which may partly explain why agberos these days want to be called road transport workers. To be repentant means that one is conscious of having down something wrong. An average motor park thug or political thugswill most likely opt for a more respectable job if offered the opportunity to do so, which means that in their own case, there may be nothing to repent from. The notion of repentant thugs thus unfairly criminalises the dregs of the society who have never committed any crime but took to a life of hustling only because they have no other options.

Two, related to the above is the question of recidivism. Recidivism in penology and criminology is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behaviour after having been trained to abandon such. It is also used to refer to the percentage of former prisoners who are rearrested for a similar offense. Since the terminology of repentant thug implies association with crimes, there are legitimate concerns about the said repentant thugs returning to their old ways. Recidivism is in fact a general concern across the world in conversations about therehabilitation of offenders such as former prisoners or terrorists. For instance, in Norway, which has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world, about 20 per cent (or a fifth) of former offenders, still end up re-offending? In the United Kingdom, figures from the National Statistics show that proven reoffending statistics for the period January to March 2021 was 24.3%  meaning than nearly one-fourth of every rehabilitated offender ended up re-offending. In the US, which has one of the highest recidivism rates in the world, almost 44% of criminals released returned to prison within their first year out. In Nigeria, though there is a dearth of reliable data, a 2021 study of recidivism published in the African Journal of Social Issue, found that recidivism rate increased from 37.3% in 2005 to 52.4% in 2010, meaning that more than half of offenders released either from prison or under various reformationprogrammes, re-offended. These figures will therefore seem to validate the fears about injecting 50 repentant thugs into the Police Special Constabulary. As mentioned earlier, these concerns were exacerbated by the Polices failure to segregate the thugs according to their levels of exposure to crime, and ensuring that only those who had not taken part in crimes or been convicted of crimes were recruited into the PSC. In fact, had the Police segregated the repentant thugs according to their levels of exposure to different forms of crimes, it would have been easier to discuss integration programmes that could be appropriate for each category of the repentant thugs

Three, given the unsavoury image of the Police, there is a special angst about the repentant thugs being integrated into the Special Constabulary Police. Typically, Special Constablesare volunteer Police Officers who have the same police powers, uniforms and equipment as regular Police Officers but sacrifice their free time on a voluntary basis. In the United Kingdom and most parts of the Western world, they do not get paid, but are reimbursed for expenses. A Special (as they are often called) is someone who will be valued, supported and integrated into the wider policing family. In Nigeria, there remains a lack of clarity on the status of the Special Constabularies such that in August 2022, 1,056 Special Constables recruited in Kwara State took to the streets to protest the non-payment of 18 months salary by the government and police authorities. It should be recalled that the idea of Police Special Constables was mooted in October 2020 when President Buhari directed the police hierarchy to commence recruitment of some special constables with a N13 billion take-off grant. It is obvious that the Police Special Constables cannot work on the basis of volunteer scheme in Nigeria as is the case in other parts of the world because most of those recruited into the scheme do not seem to have any other visible means of livelihood. Whatever may be the status of the Nigerian Special Police Constabularies, the mere fact of givingpeople considered to be undesirable elements police uniforms, after only two months of or so of training, is a legitimate sourceof concern.

Four, what are the options for the government when it comes to rehabilitating and re-integrating undesirable elements into the society? A starting point will be a proper segregation of the undesirable elements into their levels of exposure to crimes and then targeting each group with a rehabilitation programmeappropriate for each category. For some categories of offenders, the state will have no option but to accommodate a communitys often justified unwillingness to welcome such elements into its fold

Jideofor Adibe is Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Extraordinary Professor of Government Studies at North Western University, Mafikeng South Africa. He is also the founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers and can be reached at 08165970458(Text or WhatsApp only).

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The Nigerian oil and gas industry is growing steadily across several fronts despite reduced investments due to the global quest for cleaner energy and divestments of some onshore and shallow assets by a few international oil companies, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Kesiye Wabote has said.

Mr Wabote, an engineer gave the assessment on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology, organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Abuja, with the theme The Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and Development.

He identified the industrys positive trends to include the growth of oil reserves, gas production, gas utilisation, local refining, and skills acquisition, noting that they portend great opportunities for the future of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

He suggested that the manifestation of these trends and projections could lead to Nigeria achieving zero crude oil export and becoming a gas-powered economy, which translates to the socio-economic development of the nation.

According to him, achieving zero crude oil export would mean that Nigeria fully refines all the oil produced from our fields and exports excess refined products, noting that the impact on in-country value addition will be massive on our GDP.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would meet the target in view of the various refining investments such as the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery, the Bua group refinery project, Waltersmith modular refinery, Duport Midstream refinery, OPAC Refinery, Edo Refinery, Aradel Holdings refinery as well as the existing 445,000 barrels per day capacity from the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.

The realization of these projects would culminate in Nigeria achieving a combined refining capacity of approximately 1.5 million barrels per day by 2025, he added.

Dwelling on the growth trends in gas, the Executive Secretary stated that Nigerias proven gas reserves stand at 208.83 TCF, although the nations gas production had dropped from an average of 4.8billion standard cubic feet per day in 2020 to 4.3bscf/day in 2022.

He stated that the renewed focus on gas production and utilization of gas within the declared Decade of Gas programme, coupled with the various upstream and midstream gas development projects would turn the tide and lead to a 50% increase in the volume of gas that will be produced and utilized in-country. Some of the projects on the cards include H-block gas development projects, NLNG Train 7 project, UTM Offshore Limiteds Floating LNG project, and other mini-LNG and CNG projects.

This envisioned outcome, he said, would lead to the nationwide adoption of gas for power generation, domestic cooking, Autogas, and utilization in methanol, fertilizer production, and other industrial applications, with Nigeria harnessing the vast potential of its natural gas reserves.

Delivering his remarks at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri challenged participants at the conference to develop homegrown solutions to the challenges facing the Nigerian oil and gas industry, some of which are pipeline vandalism and low productivity. He mandated all the agencies in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to collaborate closely to invent relevant technological solutions needed to address challenges in the industry. He reiterated that all efforts must be directed towards increasing Nigerias crude oil production and enhancing revenue from crude oil sales.

Also making a presentation, the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr. Farouq Ibraham recognised that the energy landscape was evolving and emphasized the dual imperatives of sustainability and innovation. He articulated the pivotal role that the oil and gas industry must play in shaping a responsible, low-carbon energy future while navigating a dynamic world of opportunities and challenges.

The APPO scribe further underscored the significance of collaborative research and development among African oil-producing nations, with the goal of driving transformative solutions and ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally conscientious hydrocarbon operations.

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In an era where the world grapples with critical environmental challenges, climate change, and sustainability, the 2023 Sustainability Table Discourse Series (STS) is set to convene an insightful array of thought leaders, policymakers, and business leaders to address key critical policy issues such as decarbonisation strategies, the mobilisation of finance for timely climate action, and the creation of ecosystems that address climate change, environmental, and SDGs-related issues.

Now in its seventh year, the event is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and driving the transition towards a circular economy. The Sustainability Table Discourse 2023 will center its discussions on the critical need to mobilise finance for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the imperative need for investments in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related areas.

The event, scheduled for 10.00 am, Thursday, 2nd November, 2023, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will witness Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, Kwara State First Lady, Dr Olufolake Abdul Razaq, the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr Isiaq Salako, Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Dr Yunus Akintunde, Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Akintunde Oyebode and Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab.

From the private sector, Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform, Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO, ARM Harith Infrastructure Investment Limited and Olumide Lala CEO, Climate Finance and Investment Accelerator funded by the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) amongst other stakeholders will also feature at the event.

The theme of this years discourse is Sustainability to Prosperity: Mobilising Finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kayode Olaniyan, the convener of the Sustainability Table and Principal Consultant at Avantgarde stated that, We are once again going beyond the rhetoric, the speakers are subject matter experts who will share insights into channeling finance into SDG-related projects. We are not just discussing the critical $10 billion funding gap for the SDGs but we will harness this challenge as an opportunity to attract capital and impact investments into sustainable projects for economic prosperity.

This year, were placing a special emphasis on integrating ESG principles into funding strategies, guiding us toward maximising the returns on these investments. In this discourse, we aim to empower decision-makers with actionable insights, shaping a future where investments lead to impactful change. We will address policy issues and create a roadmap for global progress, unravel the climate geopolitics, drive decarbonisation, mobilise climate finance, and nurture a resilient ecosystem.

There is an intensifying urgency to mobilize finance for achieving the SDGs by changing the narrative, telling our sustainability success stories as Nigerians and Africans to the rest of the world, Mr Olaniyan added. He underlined the enormous potential and capacity that Nigeria holds for socio-economic prosperity when aligned with the SDGs.

Speaking with journalists on the upcoming launch of his book Not a Tick in the Box, which is one of the activities at the STS 2023, Mr Olaniyan stated that the book is a compelling journey into the heart of sustainable business practices. This transformative body of work challenges individuals, businesses, and stakeholders to go beyond superficial corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and intentionally integrate sustainability into their core strategies.

Through engaging narratives and illustrative examples, Mr Olaniyan illustrates that sustainability is not a mere checkbox exercise but a profound reorientation towards economic prosperity while upholding environmental and social responsibility. He stated that the book bridges the gap between profit and the planet, urging readers to embrace a transformative journey that harmonises business success with a better, more responsible, and environmentally conscious future.

The Imperative of Investment

Highlighting the significance of the event, Mr Olaniyan emphasised that Nigeria currently faces an annual funding gap of $10 billion to meet the SDGs, as estimated by the United Nations. SDGs represent a global call to action, aiming to transform the world by ending poverty and inequality, protecting the planet, and ensuring health, justice, and prosperity for all.

An Investment in a Greener Tomorrow

This years discourse will delve into various aspects of financing for the SDGs, including strategies to close the funding gap, showcasing Nigerias potential for sustainable growth on the global stage, and identifying factors contributing to the funding deficit.

The STS 2023 is sponsored by IHS Nigeria, the largest subsidiary of IHS Towers, the fifth largest independent multinational TowerCo globally by tower count spanning 11 countries and impacting the lives of over 750 million people. With ownership of over 16,000 towers in Nigeria and the deployment of 6,500 kilometers of metro optic fibre across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in just 18 months, IHS has facilitated the expansion of telecom services, ensuring that more Nigerians are connected than ever before.

IHS is aggressively laying fibre across Nigeria, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring connectivity for all. Its diverse portfolio of services includes optic fibre connectivity, rural telephony, and cutting-edge solutions such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Data Centre.

HIS is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

IHS in October 2021, demonstrating the potential of a Nigerian-rooted company, IHS is a strong advocate for sustainability evident in the investment of over $100 million in its Project Green initiative. The initiative is geared towards reducing carbon emissions across IHSs extensive network of over 16,000 sites in Nigeria by a commendable 50% by the year 2030.

IHSs approach to sustainability is guided by the UN Global Compact, to which the company has been a signatory since 2020, and its sustainability strategy is structured around four pillars: Ethics and governance, Environment and climate change, Education and economic growth, and People and Communities. Sustainability is also one of its core values.

Other sponsors of the Sustainability Table discourse 2023 include Clarence Gate Investment Limited, Geregu Power Plc, and ACIOE (an advisory services firm) amongst other partners.

The Sustainability table is convened by Avantgarde Innovation and Technology Services Limited, an environmental and sustainability one-stop shop.

To Register see link: https://sustainabilitytable.com/

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The Nigerian Army has alerted Abuja residents that it will be conducting a battle simulation exercise on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In a statement, on Monday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Njideka Agwu, said the exercise will take place at the 7 Guards Battalion Obstacle Course in Lungi Barracks, Maitama.

The exercise is part of activities scheduled for the Inter Formation Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition 2023, she said.

Ms Agwu said the exercise will involve real-time battlefield simulations and activities.

Hence, there would be large battle sounds that would be heard during the exercise which are in line with the training exercise, she added.

The army advised members of the general public who reside around Maitama, Asokoro, AYA, and the environs not to panic but to go about their normal respective business.

The battle sounds would not raise any security concerns, Ms Agwu said, noting that all necessary safety measures have been put in place.

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Residents of Gbeganu, a neighbourhood in Minna, the capital of Niger State, were thrown into panic as a suspected member of the terror group, Boko Haram, engaged security operatives in a gunfight on Tuesday morning.

Security agents carried out an operation in the area to flush out the suspect but were fired upon by the suspected terrorist.

The security agents, however, prevailed as many AK47 rifles, about 3,000 live ammunitions, explosives, a rocket launcher and anti-aircraft rifle were recovered from the house, a security source who asked not to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media on the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES.

A night watchman at a house in the community, Mubarak Abubakar, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet and is receiving treatment at the emergency unit of the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, the source said.

Residents said the operation which started around midnight on Tuesday lasted several hours as the suspected member of the sect engaged security operatives in a gun duel before he eventually escaped.

A security source said the suspect used what was believed to be a rocket launcher to bring down a part of the fence of the house through which he escaped. His wife and children were, however, arrested by security operatives.

The suspect was reported to have started shooting when he noticed the arrival of security operatives through CCT cameras he installed in his house, a security source said.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the suspect who allegedly has been on the watch list of security operatives for some time moved to the area two years ago.

ALSO READ: Security operatives rescue 18 persons kidnapped in Kebbi

When our correspondent visited the scene of the incident on Tuesday morning, the doors, walls and windows were pierced with bullets while part of the two bedroom flat was brought down by the severity of gun battle.

One of the residents said, We didnt sleep last night. The sound of the guns between the suspect and security operatives were too heavy; my bed and the ceiling of my house were shaking, they sounded like bombs.

Security operatives passed through front of our house when they were going but we didnt know what they were going to do until we heard the sound of gun, he said

The spokesperson of the police in Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, did not return calls made to his phone nor respond to a message sent to him via WhatsApp asking for comment.

A group affiliated to Boko Haram is active in Niger State. The sect has claimed responsibility for attacks on the military including downing a military jet in the area.

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Femi Olaleye, the managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his wifes niece.

The judge, Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence in Lagos, found the doctor guilty on Tuesday.

Mr Olaleye was arraigned on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of his wifes niece, offences which he was alleged to have committed between March 2020 and November 2021.

The defendant was arraigned on November 30, 2022, and he pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Femi Olaleye, I have convicted you of defilement and sexual assault by penetration. This charge has a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Accordingly, I sentenced you to life imprisonment on count one and two. On each count, the sentencing will run concurrently, the judge ruled.

Backstory

The prosecution presented at least seven witnesses. However, one was withdrawn.

The witnesses include the defendants wife, who reported the case to the police, the alleged survivor, (name withheld); a child forensic specialist; Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, a police inspector, Esther Igbineweka; a medical examiner, Akinbunmi Oyebimpe and Abe Leonard; a police officer.

Judgment

In his ruling, the judge said he believes the testimony of the survivor that the defendant raped the survivor and forcefully inserted his penis into her mouth.

He dismissed the claim of the defendant that the survivour was tutored and tortured to say she was raped, adding that the survivour was consistent with her testimony.

The judge also rejected the arguments of the defense team that the survivor was 18 years old when the incident happened and that the survivour had sexual intercourse with two adults at their residence.

The sexual abuse came with a threat. The defendant had groomed the prosecutory (referring to the survivor) with pornography, the judge said.

The prosecutory did not consent and did not willingly suck his penis.

Im satisfied with prosecutorys evidence that the defendant had sex with her and inserted his penis in her mouth and ejaculated.

I believe the prosecutory that he forced her to suck his penis. I believe that the first time he had sex with her, blood gushed out of her vagina. Her evidence greatly implicates the defendant.

On the argument of financial motivation, the judge held that the issues raised by the defendant that his wife was motivated by financial gains was to deflate the evidence of sexual abuse.

The defense lawyer had claimed that the survivour was tutored by the defendants wife to lie against him as part of the scheme to take over his properties.

The defendant said his wife was motivated by financial gains, including taking the family home in Maryland, Lagos, Mercedes Benz, money in their joint account and custody of their two children, the judge ruled.

Let me immediately say that these issues will not deflate the evidence of the prosecution on the issues before the court. The issue is this  did the defendant have sexual intercourse with the prosecutory and force her to suck his penis? The answer is yes.

Ms Oshodi held that the court cannot believe the testimony of the defendant, adding that the defendant lied to the court.

Sentence

The judge ruled that the prosecution team was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt counts one and two filed against the defendant.

I, therefore, feel satisfied that the prosecutor has established that (a) the prosecutory was a child by section 261 of the Child Rights Law of Lagos state 2015, the defendant had sexual intercourse with her by putting his penis in her vagina, the defendant also forced his penis into her mouth and ejaculated, the judge ruled.

I must conclude that the prosecution has established counts one and two against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. I, therefore, find the defendant guilty as charged.

The judge said that Mr Olaleye must be confined to the prison for a long period of time to convey that the justice system frowns at sexual violence.

The judge added that the name of the defendant should be added to the Lagos State sex offenders register.

Femi Olaleye, I have convicted you of defilement and sexual assault by penetration. This charge has a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Accordingly, I sentenced you to life imprisonment on count one and two. On each count, the sentencing will run concurrently, he ruled.

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Press Release

October 23, 2023 Tolentino: Maritime Zones law urgent MANILA -- Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino said Monday the passage of the country's Maritime Zones law is urgent and long overdue especially after the collision of Philippine and Chinese vessels on Sunday. "This is urgent because it is needed. This was needed 5 years ago, 10 years ago, or 15 years ago so we have to pass this," said Tolentino at the continuation of the Senate hearing into the proposed Maritime Zones Act. Tolentino, who led the hearing as Chairman of the Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, mentioned the urgency of the said law after getting the firm backing of Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and other key government agencies When Tolentino asked about the bill's relevance, the Solicitor General said that signatory states of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) will be obliged to adhere to Philippine laws on its territorial waters once the country enacts the proposed Maritime Zones Bill. "This is essentially a reflection of the relevant provisions of the UNCLOS to which more than a hundred countries are members, and therefore, if we have a law like this, which is a reflection of an international convention where the members comprise practically the entire international community, there is an expectation of an obligation on the part of these members states to comply with our own laws," Guevarra said. "These are the laws of the coastal state and therefore, all the flag states with vessels plying, for example, our maritime waters, would have also a duty to comply enacted laws by the coastal state like the Philippines," he added. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also voiced its strong support for the immediate enactment of the bill. "I think the passage of the Maritime Zones [Bill] would help the Philippine Coast Guard, as a law enforcement agency, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in clearly identifying the maritime zones of the Philippines," PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said in the hearing. "With respect [to] the incident that happened in Ayungin Shoal, which falls within the Exclusive Economic Zone of our country, I think the passage of a Maritime Zones [Bill] would clearly strengthen our defined zones in our maritime jurisdiction," he added. Tolentino said that a select technical working group will be convened to refine the bill in early November to enable both the House of Representatives and the Senate to tackle the measure, which is part of the priority bills espoused by President Bongbong Marcos.
The American International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has approved five new projects in Ukraine with a total value of more than $380 million aimed at supporting food security, small businesses, the healthcare system and international trade, the press service of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine reported.

"Specifically, DFC has allocated $250 million to support the efforts of Ukrainian poultry farmers and grain producers to mitigate the consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine," the statement said.

According to it, the corporation also entered into two separate agreements totaling $60 million with Ukrainian banks to mobilize capital to continuously support small and medium-sized businesses by facilitating their access to financing in Ukraine. It is noted that USAID will support each of these transactions with technical assistance.

Micro-enterprises and SMEs will be able to obtain financing from banks with relaxed requirements as DFC guarantees will be used to supplement borrowers' collateral.

Another project concerns $50 million in guarantees for the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Global Trade Finance Program, which has expanded Ukrainian banks' access to international trade finance.

"This project supports critical flows of both imports and exports for Ukrainian companies," the ministry noted.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Juniper Biologics , a global science-led pharmaceutical company headquartered in Singapore, has been honored with the prestigious title of the "Most Innovative Oncology Pharmaceutical Company 2023" by the Global Health & Pharma (GHP) Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards. This recognition underscores Juniper Biologics' commitment to advancing healthcare by delivering groundbreaking therapies in the field of Oncology and oncology-supportive care.

The annual GHP Awards recognizes healthcare institutions, professionals, and trailblazers for their contributions to the remarkable progress in the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields. The Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Awards acknowledge those making significant contributions and showcase these outstanding companies and individuals, who, together, improve the world with compassion and care.

Juniper Biologics was founded with a vision to transform the landscape of healthcare by introducing novel therapies designed to address unmet medical needs. The company's primary areas of focus are Oncology and Oncology Supportive Care, Rare/Orphan Diseases, and Gene Therapy. With an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of patients around the world, Juniper Biologics has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to pharmaceuticals and its leadership in bringing cutting-edge treatments to market.

The driving force behind Juniper Biologics' success is its visionary Chief Executive Officer, Raman Singh, a highly experienced healthcare professional with more than two decades of industry knowledge. Under Raman's guidance, Juniper Biologics has expanded its commercial operations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa,

One of the company's most notable achievements is the successful acquisition of groundbreaking oncology treatments that also feature on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Essential Medicines List. These treatments have had a profound impact on the lives of individuals battling cancer, underscoring Juniper Biologics' mission to provide the next generation of life-changing therapies.

Raman Singh, CEO of Juniper Biologics, expressed his appreciation for the company's recognition as the Most Innovative Oncology Pharmaceutical Company 2023 by GHP. He stated, "This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of the entire Juniper Biologics team. We are committed to pushing the boundaries and creating access to therapies that make a real difference in the lives of patients. Our focus on oncology and oncology-supportive care is aimed at meeting critical unmet needs and providing improved outcomes to patients.

Juniper Biologics remains dedicated to its vision of advancing healthcare and will continue to lead the way in commercializing innovative treatments that improve the quality of patients everywhere."

About Juniper Biologics

Backed by The Sylvan Group, Juniper Biologics is a science-led healthcare company focused on delivering novel therapies to improve the health and quality of life of patients, by building a growing presence in Oncology and Oncology Supportive Care, Rare/Orphan Diseases, and Gene Therapy. It was founded on a vision to provide treatments for unmet medical needs focused on specialist therapy areas in which it can make the most difference. Through bold and transformative science, Juniper Biologics is committed to creating possibilities that have the potential to become the next generation of life-changing medicines for patient communities in China, Japan, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa.

Website: https://www.juniperbiologics.com/
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project has received another major boost with a $25 million gift from aerospace leader Kent Kresa and the Kresa Family Foundation. In recognition of this significant investment in science education, the Science Center will name the Kent Kresa Space Gallery, one of three galleries to be part of its 200,000 square-foot expansion, currently under construction.

Kent Kresa (President) and daughter Kiren Kresa-Reahl, MD (Secretary) of the Kresa Family Foundation at the site of the Kent Kresa Space Gallery in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. This major expansion of the California Science Center in South Los Angeles is currently under construction.

The gift comes as the Science Center prepares for the next stage of Go for Stack  the complex, multi-phase process of assembling Space Shuttle Endeavour's awe-inspiring 20-story vertical display. A pair of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs), which arrived on October 11, will be lifted into place in early November. Like the SRMs that helped launch the Space Shuttle into orbit, the Kresa Family Foundation's extraordinary gift and a $25 million gift from Korean Air announced last month, have propelled the project forward. To date, $350 million has been raised toward the $400 million EndeavourLA Campaign goal.

"Southern California's aerospace industry has been and continues to be at the forefront of innovation, dramatically improving our understanding of the world and the cosmos," remarked Kent Kresa. "From the Space Shuttle to the James Webb Space Telescope, we have learned so much from technologies that scientists and engineers have created here in the region. Not only will the Kent Kresa Space Gallery be a place to learn about the science involved in these great advancements, it will encourage the young people who visit to dream about future possibilities. My gift to the California Science Center is an investment in our youth, to inspire them to be part of scientific pursuits and fuel tomorrow's discoveries."

Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center, expressed his sincere gratitude for the Kresa Family Foundation's tremendous generosity, remarking, "We are deeply grateful for this significant gift from a true leader and luminary in the aerospace field. Kent Kresa's commitment, along with his family, is a testament to our shared belief in the power of science learning to transform lives, inspire new discoveries, and change the world for the better. This meaningful investment in the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will help the California Science Center to advance public understanding of science and technology in ways that are relevant to our lives and important to our future."

Kresa has been involved at every major stage of the California Science Center's evolution into a world-class educational resource and family destination, dating to the 1990s when it was the California Museum of Science and Industry. As the former Chairman, President and CEO of Northrop Grumman Corporation, he championed a longstanding relationship between the California Science Center and the corporation, which also donated the Solid Rocket Motors to be part of Space Shuttle Endeavour's awe-inspiring full-stack vertical display in the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

Featuring interactive exhibits alongside a stellar artifact collection, the Kent Kresa Space Gallery will examine how the machines we build to explore space extend our reach and help transform our ideas about the universe and our Earth, whether it's with powerful telescopes that look at distant stars and galaxies, robots that go places and collect data, or spaceships designed to transport humans and protect them from lethal environments. The Gallery's three prominent thematic areas will include Lift Off, Robotic Spacecraft and Telescopes, and Humans in Space. The Science Center's collection showcases examples of spacecraft from every stage of the U.S. human space program, including flown space capsules: the Mercury MR2, Gemini 11, and Apollo-Soyuz Command Module; along with an array of engineering models of planetary probes, telescopes and Earth observation spacecraft.

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is the last major expansion envisioned in the Science Center's three-decade Master Plan vision. Three major galleries  Shuttle Gallery, Space Gallery, and Aviation Gallery  will integrate a diverse collection of aircraft and spacecraft with immersive experiences and the California Science Center's signature hands-on exhibits. Doubling space for educational exhibits, the addition will provide a greater launchpad than ever before to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.

About the EndeavourLA Campaign

A project of this scope and scale requires the visionary leadership of the philanthropic community, and the support of the broader public. EndeavourLA is the California Science Center Foundation's $400 million fundraising campaign that has enabled the acquisition and temporary display of Space Shuttle Endeavour and supports our plans to build the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center and sustain ongoing exhibits, programs, and operations. Towering 20 stories high, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be the only place in the world with an authentic, "ready-to-launch" space shuttle stack, complete with the Orbiter Endeavour, Solid Rocket Boosters, and External Tank. The project's lead donors are the Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Oschin Family Foundation and the State of California, joined by numerous individuals, foundations, and corporate supporters. With some $50 million left to raise, everyone can help realize this exciting vision for the future of science learning. To contribute or learn more, visit EndeavourLA.org.

About the California Science Center

The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and large-format movies. Our mission is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives.

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m.  5:00 pm. Please check the Science Center website for updates at CaliforniaScienceCenter.org.

Media Contact:

Kristina Kurasz Cutting | California Science Center

[email protected] | 213-744-7446

Maria Sosyan | California Science Center

[email protected] | 213-744-2144

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Accelecom , a leading provider of next-generation fiber solutions announced today that it has been selected by Oldham County Government to assist them in improving connectivity and enhancing public services across the county, including the road department, 9-1-1 center, and public safety services.

Oldham County Government, in its quest to better serve its community, recognized the importance of reliable and high-speed connectivity to support essential public services. Accelecom's state-of-the-art fiber solutions have paved the way for unprecedented progress in delivering seamless, efficient, and effective government services to Oldham County residents.

Accelecom's CEO, Brad Kilbey, said, "We are thrilled to provide Oldham County Government with the advanced connectivity solutions they need to enhance the infrastructure and services that are critical to the residents of Oldham County."

Oldham County Judge Executive, David Voegele, shared his thoughts on the relationship, saying, "Accelecom's fiber solutions have empowered our county government to meet the increasing demands of our constituents. We are committed to delivering exceptional services to our citizens, and Accelecom's robust connectivity will be instrumental in achieving this goal."

The collaboration between Accelecom and Oldham County Government signifies a significant step towards the county's mission of providing its residents with top-quality services and a higher quality of life.

About Oldham County Government:

Oldham County is a friendly, welcoming community 20 miles northeast of Metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky, distinguished by a peaceful lifestyle and beautiful horse farms, as well as new and established neighborhoods. Our county school system is one of the best in Kentucky. Restaurants are unique, shopping plentiful and family life abundant.

About Accelecom

Accelecom is a leading provider of next-generation fiber solutions across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, delivering high-speed network, internet, and voice solutions to Wholesale, Public Sector, and business customers across the Region. With its extensive fiber network and commitment to bridging the digital divide, Accelecom enables organizations to accelerate innovation, leverage emerging technologies & enhance digital transformation. For more information, visit the Accelecom website and follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn , Instagram, and Twitter.

SOURCE Accelecom
Esteemed award recognizes world-class environment, health, and safety management.

PEORIA, Ill., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Technology Services (ATS) is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Robert W. Campbell Award by the National Safety Council (NSC), America's leading nonprofit safety advocate. ATS is one of only 19 organizations including Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, Dow, DuPont, USG and Honeywell to be recognized by the NSC with this recognition over the last two decades.

Members of the award-winning team at Advanced Technology Services with National Safety Council, President & CEO. Advanced Technology Services, Inc. logo

The Campbell Award, named for the safety pioneer and first president of the NSC, recognizes companies that have attained business excellence through the integration of environment, health, and safety management as a key business function. As a leading industrial services provider, ATS's top priority is keeping its nearly 3,000 employees safe, including over 1,600 maintenance technicians on-site at customer manufacturing plants across the globe.

To better manage the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) challenges inherent in manufacturing, ATS has an established, top-down cultural commitment to safety excellence. With nearly four decades of experience servicing industrial environments, ATS has a proven track record of maintaining a 50% lower recordable incident rate than the industry average. In 2022, 76% of ATS sites had zero recordable incidents, with the majority going several consecutive years without a single recordable.

The culture focuses on a Beyond Zero safety philosophy, where all employees are encouraged and empowered to "live safety" and continually improve their personal well-being, both inside and outside of the workplace. The holistic approach to well-being includes physical, social, financial, and emotional, all of which are interconnected.

"We are tremendously honored to win this elite award because safety is at our core. No one wants to work for an unsafe company, and no one wants to hire an unsafe company. We realized that a long time ago and put in systems, processes, and functions to protect every one of us," said Jeff Owens, CEO of Advanced Technology Services.

"Our continuous improvement of safety excellence fosters a culture and mindset of Living Safety 24/7, and this effort is reflected in our industry-leading OSHA incident rate," added Owens.

ATS has been a long-standing member of the NSC and leverages training and research data resources to help improve the safety of its workforce. Additionally, Owens was named one of the Council's 2021 CEOs Who "Get It" for going above and beyond in risk reduction, performance measurement, safety management solutions, and employee engagement. To learn more about Advanced Technology Services safety excellence and industrial services, visit www.advancedtech.com.

About Advanced Technology Services:

Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS), is a global services provider with nearly four decades of proven experience as a single source for industrial maintenance, technology, and parts. Established in 1985, ATS has grown to be a market leader supporting over 1,400 customer manufacturing sites. Through its industry-leading safety, people, processes, and technologies, ATS is advancing solutions that make its customers' operations more productive, more reliable, and more data-driven. Learn how they make factories run better and smarter at www.advancedtech.com.

About the National Safety Council

The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate  and has been for more than 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

PRESS CONTACT:

Tina Stallone

Manager, Marketing Communications

847-781-6747

[email protected]

SOURCE Advanced Technology Services, Inc.
The global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market is experiencing growth due to several factors such as an increase in the adoption of renewable energy technologies, and AI-powered advancements in renewable energy efficiency.

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Artificial Intelligence in Renewable Energy Market by Deployment Type (On-Premises, Cloud), By Component Type (Solution, Service), By End-Use Industry (Energy Generation, Energy Transmission, Energy Distribution, Utilities): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global artificial intelligence in renewable energy industry was valued at $0.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $4.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 23.2% from 2023 to 2032.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in renewable energy refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and methods to improve the performance, efficiency, and management of renewable energy (RE) systems and applications. It involves the use of AI algorithms and ML models to process large volumes of data, enhance energy production and usage, and make smart decisions in RES operations.

Request PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/224556

Prime Determinants of Growth:

The global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market is experiencing growth due to several factors such as an increase in the adoption of renewable energy technologies, and AI-powered advancements in renewable energy efficiency. However, the high cost of artificial intelligence-driven technologies hinders market growth to some extent. Moreover, AI-driven optimization for enhanced energy storage systems offers remunerative opportunities for the growth of artificial intelligence in the renewable energy market.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $0.6 billion Market Size in 2032 $4.6 billion CAGR 23.2 % No. of Pages in Report 242 Segments covered Development Type, Component Type, End-Use Industry, and Region Drivers Increase in adoption of renewable energy technologies AI-Powered advancements in renewable energy efficiency Opportunities AI-Driven optimization for enhanced energy storage systems Smart grid energy distribution and storage Restraints High cost of artificial intelligence-driven technologies

The cloud segment to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period-

Based on development type, the cloud segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market revenue, and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to cloud-based AI systems can manage energy storage solutions, such as batteries, by predicting when to charge and discharge them optimally. This maximizes the use of renewable energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods. However, the on premises segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 23.44% from 2023 to 2032. This is because AI can help on-premises renewable energy systems interact with the wider electrical grid more effectively. This includes managing the flow of excess energy back into the grid and participating in demand response programs.

Procure Complete Report (242 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @

http://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/artificial-intelligence-in-renewable-energy-market

The solution segment is expected to lead the trail by 2032-

Based on component type, the solution segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than three-fifths of the global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market revenue, and is expected to lead the trail by 2032. The growth is attributed to the fact that AI can facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading among consumers who generate excess renewable energy. Blockchain technology combined with AI can enable secure and transparent energy transactions. On the other hand, the service segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 23.38% from 2023 to 2032. This is because service applications such as grid management can adjust their energy consumption based on real-time supply fluctuations and pricing signals.

The utilities segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period-

Based on end-use industry, the utilities segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market revenue, and is expected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the fact that artificial intelligence can help utilities schedule field maintenance crews more efficiently by considering factors like travel time and skill sets. This leads to cost savings and quicker response times during outages. Furthermore, the energy distribution segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 23.67% from 2023 to 2032. The growth is attributed to AI-powered systems that can analyze vast amounts of data from sensors, smart meters, and other sources in real-time to monitor the health of the grid.

For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/artificial-intelligence-in-renewable-energy-market/purchase-options

Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032-

Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in 2022, contributing to more than two-fifths of the global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market revenue, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast timeframe. The same region would also portray the fastest CAGR of 23.58% during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the fact that countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China and India, have vast wind energy potential. AI plays a crucial role in optimizing wind farm operations. Machine learning algorithms can predict wind patterns and adjust the orientation of wind turbines in real-time to maximize energy output. AI also aids in the early detection of turbine faults, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Leading Market Players: -

ALPIQ HOLDING LTD.

APP ORCHID

ATOS SE

ENEL SPA

ENPHASE ENERGY

FLEX LTD.

GENERAL ELECTRIC

ORIGAMI

SIEMENS AG

VESTAS

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global artificial intelligence in renewable energy market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Trending Reports in AI in Energy Industry:

AI in Energy Market: Global Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031

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Nanotechnology in Energy Market: Global Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030

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Solar Energy Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2032

About us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact us:

David Correa

1209 Orange Street,

Corporation Trust Center,

Wilmington, New Castle,

Delaware 19801 USA.

Int'l: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285

Fax: +1-800-792-5285

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Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/energy-and-power

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
MEADVILLE, Pa., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Allegheny College for achieving its energy savings goal as a partner in the Better Buildings Challenge at an event hosted by the White House, and attended by Kelly Boulton, director of sustainability and a key leader in the College's energy initiatives. Allegheny College is one of only four higher education institutions recognized as Better Buildings Challenge 2023 goal achievers and among only 21 higher education institutions that have committed to the challenge.

Boulton attended a summit on Monday at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) where she was joined by sustainability leaders from around the country and United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. Better Buildings is a DOE initiative designed to drive leadership in energy innovation. Goal achievers are leaders in energy efficiency and stand as examples for their peers.

"Allegheny College Recognized by U.S. D.O.E as One of Four Higher Education Institutions to Achieve 2023 Better Buildings Challenge Energy Savings Goal" Post this

Allegheny College was recognized for achieving energy savings of 22 percent in 10 years by making greater efficiency accomplishments across its building portfolio. The College was the only liberal arts college invited to participate in the kickoff of the Better Buildings Challenge by the Obama Administration in 2011. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability, and carbon neutral since 2020, Allegheny was selected in 2021 to host the "5th World Symposium on Sustainable Development at Universities''. The College's top ranked Environmental Science and Sustainability major engages students in interdisciplinary research and ignites their passions for making the world more equitable, just and sustainable.

"Our Better Buildings Goal Achievers are leaders in their industriesdemonstrating that we can reach the nation's ambitious climate goals if we work together and commit to excellence," said DOE Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Jeff Marootian. "Congratulations to the 2023 achievers, who are accelerating innovative solutions to use less energy, reduce emissions, and save money for American families and businesses. We appreciate their dedication and hope more partners can join us as we build our clean energy future."

Allegheny College embraced the Better Buildings challenge as an opportunity to save energy and improve efficiency across its 1.3 million-square-foot building portfolio. A number of initiatives contributed to reaching the goal , including strategies that involved students, faculty, staff and the community and institutional decision-making that impacted efforts.

Energy efficiency retrofits like boilers, chillers, lighting, and water fixtures

Behavior changes like Building Automation System scheduling and management, an annual student Energy Challenge, strategically optimizing density of usage in buildings

Construction and renovation standards for efficiency, geo-exchange heating and cooling,and controls

Integration of sustainability processes and standards into everything from campus policies to job descriptions

Completion of an annual greenhouse gas inventory

Adoption of a Climate Action Plan (2009) with the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2020 which was achieved

"Achieving carbon neutrality in 2020 and exceeding our goal to improve our energy efficiency by 20 percent are simply benchmarks in our longstanding and continuing commitment to modeling sustainable operations," said President Ron Cole, Ph.D. "We are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of our Environmental Science major this year. Allegheny College will continue to serve as a model for other institutions committing to a sustainable future."

For over 20 years, Allegheny College has held sustainability as a core value. In 2002, Allegheny adopted its Environmental Guiding Principles and was a charter signatory with the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC.) And, in 2020, Second Nature recognized the College as a Carbon Neutral Institution, the eighth higher education institution in the United States to do so.

About the Better Building Challenge

The Better Buildings Challenge is one component of the Better Buildings Initiative , through which DOE partners with more than 900 public and private sector organizations to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient, thereby saving energy and money while creating jobs. Discover more than 3,000 proven efficiency solutions from these partners in the Better Buildings Solution Center .

About Allegheny College

Allegheny College, founded in 1815, is one of the nation's oldest and most innovative four-year colleges where multidisciplinary learning breaks the conventional mold. It is one of the few colleges in the United States with a unique requirement to choose both a major and minor for graduation, to provide students with a cross-disciplinary path in the sciences and humanities for educational depth and intellectual growth. Located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Allegheny College is one of 40 colleges featured in Loren Pope's "Colleges That Change Lives." Allegheny's environmental science and sustainability major is ranked fourth in the country by environmentalscience.org. In its 2023 rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized Allegheny College as one of the country's top 100 national liberal arts colleges  and one of the top 25 best for undergraduate research/creative activities.

Media Contact

Jennifer Rignani

(814) 332-5382

[email protected]

SOURCE Allegheny College
Roundup highlights B2B partners that support startups across all business functions and empower growth

CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. Business Media announced today the second annual Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. Bear Icebox Communications , a Chicago-based full-service public relations firm, has been chosen as a recipient based on validation from its clients.

Bear Icebox Communications Bear Icebox co-owners Bob Spoerl (left) and DeAnna Spoerl

The Inc. list recognizes firms in marketing and advertising, health and wellness, financial services, legal, logistics, and productivity, as well as other areas of business. All of the companies received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups.

These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including: hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, etc., allowing founders to focus on their core missions.

"Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.

Since 2016, Bear Icebox has established itself as a leading communications agency, recognized as a top performer on Clutch.co and leader in outlets such as Entrepreneur Magazine. The firm specializes in servicing clients in the manufacturing, industrial and professional services industries as well as franchising and commercial real estate. Learn more about the impact of Bear Icebox's work for clients on its case studies page .

"We deliver for our clients and our team is passionate about what we do. Our client service and results are unprecedented in our industry," said Bob Spoerl, co-founder and president of Bear Icebox Communications. "It's an honor to receive this recognition from one of the top business outlets in the world. We're proud of our team's collective efforts and grateful for the ongoing support of key clients who become colleagues, friends and longtime partners of ours."

Kathleen Kuhnthe former president and CEO of HouseMaster and current Principal of Michael Ryan Consultinghas worked with Bear Icebox across several organizations.

"PR has been an important marketing strategy throughout my career in home services and given me the opportunity to work with many different PR firms. Bear Icebox has been one of the best of the best, significantly increasing our reach across several different companies during the time I've worked with them," Kuhn said. "The team is open-minded and finds new insights for us. We witnessed meaningful hits and placements across relevant outletsevery platform we tried to receive coverage from was successful because of Bear Icebox's support."

Bear Icebox has worked with clients across more than two dozen countries worldwide looking to expand in the United States. As a member of Enterie, a consortium of agencies worldwide, Bear Icebox also offers public relations in more than 20 markets around the globe.

View the complete list of Inc. Power Partners: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023 .

The November 2023 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023.

About Inc. Business Media



The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com .

About Bear Icebox

Bear Icebox solves PR problems for CMOs, growth officers and entrepreneurs worldwide in need of a spark. The award-winning Chicago based PR consultancy positions brands for their next stage of success, including hyper-growth and acquisition, early phase investments, major fundraising rounds, and successful sales and marketing/communications initiatives. Bear Icebox's team of honey-grabbing bears also excels at helping mid-size companies and legacy brands build awareness to help drive lead generation and revenue growth.

The firm has worked with hundreds of clients in 20-plus markets worldwide, but specializes in servicing clients in the manufacturing, industrial and professional services industries as well as franchising and commercial real estate.

Learn more at BearIcebox.com .

Media contact:

[email protected]

Senior Account Manager

773-453-2444

SOURCE Bear Icebox Communications
Zelenskyy: it's crucial now to launch flow of German machinery into Ukraine as basis for Ukrainian industries

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his speech at the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum, emphasized the need to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, insure military risks, as well as reevaluate the economic sphere.

"I would like to draw your attention, first and foremost, to the defense sector in Ukraine  our production of weapons, equipment, and ammunition, which we are boosting. This is our number one production priority, and some German companies have already started substantial cooperation with us in this field. We invite all others to join," Zelenskyy said.

The president said that "it's crucial to launch the flow of German machinery into Ukraine as the basis for Ukrainian industries, in particular, through full-fledged export credit financing."

In addition, Ukraine is working on agreements with partners for joint production of air defense systems and building special relations with the most powerful countries in the world, including Germany, to provide our cities with a reliable air shield against Russian terror.

The head of Ukrainian state appealed to the governments of partner countries, including the government of Germany, to establish a reliable mechanism for insuring against war risks.

"It's evident that such risks deter investments and that having a protection system against them will be a significant step in deterring Russian aggression. The Kremlin still hopes for world weariness with support for Ukraine. Politically, we ensure that such weariness won't happen, no matter how hard Russia tries to provoke it. Economically, our cooperation with you can help achieve this," the president said.

Zelenskyy highlighted reevaluating the economic sphere after the hostilities in Ukraine, and he said that the potential of European countries is capable of replacing many areas from which Russian companies have left or will leave.

Among the clear potential for cooperation and growth, Zelenskyy cites reasons such as the growth of new globally important export centers, in particular the Danube region, the production and operation of combat drones in Ukraine and the rethinking of Ukrainian energy with an emphasis on decentralized green energy.

"A crystal-clear signal is needed for Russia, as it always pays attention to Germany. With whom Germany works. In whom Germany believes as partners. With whom it shares its reliability and takes something for itself to become stronger. These are all fundamental things," the head of Ukrainian state said.

The President thanked Germany and its people, as well as Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for their strong support for Ukraine.
WUXUE, China, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Oct. 22, Erik Solheim, president of the Green Belt and Road Institute and former under-secretary-general of the United Nations, paid a visit to the pan-health industrial park of Yunhong Group in Wuxue City in central China's Hubei Province, exchanging views on topics such as the patented technologies and development plan of fully biodegradable materials.

Solheim, who pioneered a major international campaign to end plastic pollution, agreed on Yunhong Group's fully biodegradable materials project.

Erik Solheim, president of the Green Belt and Road Institute and former under-secretary-general of the United Nations, paid a visit to the pan-health industrial park of Yunhong Group.

He believes that the world is facing serious plastic pollution problems, which have an impact on the environment and the economy as well as human health, and the effective way to solve this problem is to find alternatives to plastic products, such as using biodegradable products.

Erik Solheim said he believes that the green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) may be one of the most important development paths in the world in the future, or even the only one.

On the global push of Yunhong Group's fully biodegradable materials project, he suggested that forming partnerships is a good development strategy, as the BRI has greatly helped governments to participate in the action to end plastic pollution, and relevant departments of the United Nations have also provided a platform for people to discuss how to solve the problem.

When talking about how private enterprises can join the green Belt and Road project, Solheim pointed out that what enterprises need to do is innovation.

For Yunhong, the high cost of research and development, production and manufacturing of biodegradable materials products has become a major factor checking the enterprise's participation in green development, he observed, noting that to develop a larger industrial scale at a lower cost, the company need to focus on innovation.

With supportive policies from the government, the application market of biodegradable materials will be very promising, he added.

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Caption: Erik Solheim, president of the Green Belt and Road Institute and former under-secretary-general of the United Nations, paid a visit to the pan-health industrial park of Yunhong Group.

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CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Biosurfactants Market by Type (Sophorolipids, Rhamnolipids, Lipopeptides), Application (Detergents, Personal Care, Food Processing, Agriculture Chemicals), and Region (Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America) - Global Forecast to 2028", size was USD 1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 11.0%, between 2023 and 2028. Microorganisms produce a class of surface-active chemicals known as biosurfactants, which have a wide range of industrial uses. They are gaining popularity because, in contrast to conventional surfactants derived from petrochemical sources, they are sustainable and beneficial to the environment. The usage of ecologically friendly products has been encouraged by governments and regulatory authorities in numerous nations, which has increased demand for biosurfactants.

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Rhamnolipids is projected to register the highest CAGR, in terms of value, of the global biosurfactants during the forecast period.

Rhamnolipids are known for their biodegradable nature, making them environmentally friendly and suitable for various eco-friendly applications. Excellent surfactant qualities, such as those for emulsification, foaming, and wetting, are present in rhamnolipids. Because of this, they are useful in a variety of processes, including increased oil recovery, environmental cleanup, and emulsification in the food and cosmetics sectors. Rhamnolipids are likely to find new uses and improve production processes as a result of ongoing research and development in the field of biosurfactants, which will increase demand for them in the future.

Detergents is estimated to be the largest application of the biosurfactants, in terms of value, during the forecast period.

In the upcoming years, it is anticipated that the use of biosurfactants in detergents will continue to grow. When used in detergent formulation, biosurfactants have a number of benefits that are in line with the growing consumer and industry demands for cleaners that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Increased awareness of the potential environmental and health impacts of synthetic surfactants has led consumers to seek alternatives in their cleaning products.

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Europe is estimated to be the largest market for the biosurfactants market, in terms of value, during the forecast period.

The adoption of biosurfactants in various industrial sectors has been aided by the active promotion of sustainability programs by the European Union and numerous national governments in Europe. Europe is renowned for having rigorous environmental laws, which have prompted businesses to use eco-friendly substitutes. Due to their biodegradability and reduced environmental impact, biosurfactants have made significant progress in the region.

The key players profiled in the report include Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Deugan Biosurfactant Supplier (China), Biotensidon GmbH (Germany), Saraya Co., Ltd (Japan), Allied Carbon Solutions Co., Ltd. (Japan), Daqing VICTEX Industries Co., Ltd., (China), Jeneil Biotech, Inc. (US), BASF SE (US), Holiferm Limited (UK), and Solvay S.A. (Belgium).

Browse Adjacent Market: Bulk Chemicals and Inorganics Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Surfactants Market- Global Forecast to 2028

Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Market- Global Forecast to 2028

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Customer Turned Franchisee Brings North America's Original Blow Dry Bar to Pearland

PEARLAND, Texas, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America's original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise, is happy to announce their newest location will open its doors on October 27th in Pearland, TX. Located at 2729 SilverLake Parkway Suite 107, the new bar offers guests five signature styles on its hair menu, a la carte options, a variety of hair treatments, plus five signature makeup looks and a brand-new selection of customized looks to provide endless inspiration. Also, for a limited time, the new bar will offer a founder's rate for its signature Mane Squeeze Membership that includes two blow outs a month for $75, $5 off each additional blow out, 10% off retail, 10% off makeup services, and a free birthday blowout.

The new bar is under the ownership and management of first-time franchisee, Allysen Rodrigue. Rodrigue has dedicated the majority of her professional career to the insurance industry, where she's mastered a plethora of skills that will serve invaluable to her new venture as a franchise owner. Her initial introduction to Blo Blow Dry Bar was as a customer. She was immediately drawn to the atmosphere of the bar and the personalized care from the stylist, so much so that she became a frequent, loyal member. Rodrigue is eager to bring that same pleasure of being pampered to the members of her local community.

"I've experienced first-hand what Blo Blow Dry Bar has to offer and I am thrilled to bring that sense of empowerment to other women," said Rodrigue. "Owning my own business has long been a dream of mine, and I can't think of a brand that better aligns with my passions and what I aspire to bring to my community than Blo."

A grand opening event with bubbles and blowouts will be held Saturday, November 10  Sunday, November 12. From sweet treats to spin the wheel giveaways and a photo booth, Rodrigue invites all to come and celebrate the opening of the new location. Additionally, guests can book a $40 appointment using code GO40. All appointments can be booked at https://go.booker.com/location/BloPearland/service-menu.

"The level of service Blo Blow Dry Bar provides is truly unmatched and I wholeheartedly urge all women of Pearland to seize the chance to indulge themselves, now conveniently within reach."

Blo Blow Dry Bar is on a mission to create a space where people of all ages, ethnicities, and orientations are welcomed, represented, and made to feel gorgeous, while emphasizing the need for self-care and wellness. Combining a sophisticated design with a fun and energetic environment, Blo cultivates a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests upon their arrival, during, and after their services. Expertly trained blo-ers are available for consultation seven days a week to meet the needs of all guests. The brand's hair menu includes five signature styles from sleek and straight to bouncy curls, plus a wide assortment of customized looks including updo's and braids. Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers makeup services from expert artists on hand to help guests look and feel amazing for any occasion.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is open Monday - Wednesday 9:00 a.m.  5:00 p.m., Thursday  Saturday 9:00 a.m.  7:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m.  4:00 p.m. For more information on Blo Blow Dry Bar in Pearland, please visit https://blomedry.com/blo-pearland/ or call 346-229-1020.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 140 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

Media Contact: Lauren Kirkley | Fishman Public Relations | [email protected] | (847) 945-1300

SOURCE Blo Blow Dry Bar
Airlines, agencies and hoteliers utilizing Sabre solutions will gain easier access to CellPoint Digital's Payment Orchestration solutions

LONDON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CellPoint Digital, the leading payment solutions provider for the airline industry and a pioneer in Payment Orchestration, today announced a new partnership with Sabre, a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry. Under the agreement, Sabre customers will now have access to CellPoint Digital's suite of payment services, allowing them to gain more control and efficiency in their payment ecosystems globally.

CellPoint Digital's widely adopted payment solutions are a natural complement to Sabre's technology solutions. Both full-service and low-cost airlines and other travel companies can easily implement the leading payment orchestration platform and immediately benefit from access to integrated, best-in-class payment processing, routing and settlement  advantages that only CellPoint Digital's solutions provide.

Direct connection and seamless integration

By integrating with Sabre's technology solutions, CellPoint Digital's payment services will be directly connected and pre-configured for all current and prospective airline merchants and other travel companies.

"Our new partnership with Sabre is a significant milestone in our mission to enhance connectivity and support the travel industry," said Kristian Gjerding, CellPoint Digital's Chief Executive Officer. "By joining forces with one of the most recognisable brands in travel, we can help more airlines and travel merchants regain control of their payment processes and full financial supply chain, as well as expand the reach of Payment Orchestration in the travel sector."

Combining industry-leading strengths

Sabre and CellPoint Digital represent two innovative leaders in the airline and travel industries. CellPoint Digital is the world's pioneer in Payment Orchestration, and its Velocity platform allows airlines and travel merchants to dynamically route transactions to preferred acquirers, quickly add new acquirers and streamline cross-border payments, all of which help to mitigate costs, diversify risk and ultimately increase conversions. CellPoint Digital also allows airlines and travel merchants to roll out more payment options to passengers and travellers, creating a more positive booking experience, minimizing abandoned transactions and growing revenue. Sabre provides its customers with the next-generation solutions they need to unlock more revenue streams, improve efficiencies and enhance the customer experience.

"We are thrilled to partner with CellPoint Digital and make it easier for our customers to access their Payment Orchestration solutions," says Becky French, vice president of Product Management, Sabre Travel Solutions. "This partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting our customers with improved capabilities in the ever-changing, fast-growing and dynamic payment space."

For more information about CellPoint Digital or to schedule an interview with Kristian Gjerding, please contact Steven Osei at [email protected]. For more information on Sabre, please contact Denise Canelas at [email protected].

About CellPoint Digital

CellPoint Digital is a fintech leader in payment orchestration. CellPoint Digital's main solution is a powerful Payment Orchestration Platform that optimises digital payment transactions from cards or alternative payment methods and accelerates the deployment of new payment options. Merchants can quickly scale their own payment ecosystem across the world, unify the customer payment experience across their website, mobile apps and other channels, optimize the routing of each transaction, increase conversion rates and minimise payment costs. CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more.

About Sabre

Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfillment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveler experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre's technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.sabre.com.

SOURCE CellPoint Digital
MONTREAL, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Central America Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "CAN") is pleased to announce it has filed a provisional patent application in the United States (Reference number 63/387,565) for the extraction of nickel and cobalt using the Company's Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAEx) and Reductive Atmospheric Leaching (RAL). The Company will also be filing a patent application for this technology in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application which covers 157 contracting regions. The patent application is titled "Process for extraction of nickel, cobalt, manganese and magnesium from laterite feedstocks."

Central America Nickel Inc.

The process is a combination of Reductive Atmospheric Leaching (RAL), an efficient green alternative to High Pressure Air Leaching (HPAL) as an extraction method, combined with the use of CAN's ultrasound technology, the Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAEx), as a process intensifier.

The UAEx is an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional processing methods which increases mineral recovery rates while reducing processing time. The carbon emissions and energy requirements are substantially minimized due to the lack of heat utilized in the cavitation process compared to existing processes; this increased efficiency requires less reagents and results in reduced chemical waste for neutralization.

Both nickel and cobalt are essential minerals required for the green transition, and are crucial for the development of numerous industrial sectors and energy solutions; nickel and cobalt are primary ingredients for electric vehicle battery production, and are listed on the critical mineral lists outlined by the governments of Canada and the United States .

Metallurgical testing has been conducted on the ore sourced from the Company's nickel laterite assets in Guatemala, with recovery rates of up to 97% nickel, 95% cobalt and manganese, within 1-hour of extraction time. The key project within CAN's Guatemalan nickel laterite assets hosts historic inferred resources estimated at 57 million tonnes at a grade of 1.73% Ni, including a calculated 21 million tonnes at a grade of 2.00% Ni. The Company intends to commence direct shipping ore operations from Guatemala before the end of this year.

By using Reductive Atmospheric Leaching (RAL) in combination with the UAEx, the proprietary metallurgical process represents an environmentally-friendly substitute to conventional extraction methods such as High Pressure Air Leaching (HPAL); the process can be used for the production of nickel-cobalt mixed hydroxide products (MHP) and subsequently nickel, cobalt and scandium sulphates at battery grade levels. CAN's proprietary UAEx technology has been effective at recovering up to 95% nickel, 98% cobalt and over 93% scandium in solution from RAL feed within less than 2-hours. The work on this patent application was done in collaboration with the Company's technology partner, Impact Global Solutions Inc. (IGS). CAN likewise mandated IGS to prepare two metallurgical studies: first one with regard to the production of MHP, and the second study with regard to the production of battery-grade nickel sulphate that could be supplied to EV battery manufacturers. The filed provisional patent application is accessible at: bit.ly/3VTT1bS.

The Company is focused on the sourcing, production and processing of strategic and critical minerals, as well as on the development of its proprietary technologies. CAN's work on new metallurgical processes contributes to the extraction industry as it offers several key advantages including rapid mineral separation with reduced processing times and cost considerations compared to traditional methods, while also minimizing overall environmental impact.

About The Company

Central America Nickel Inc. ("CAN") is a privately-held corporation based in Montreal, focused on the processing and purification of critical minerals and energy metals using patented and patent-pending technologies, in partnership with strategic partners. CAN has access, directly or through joint ventures, to minerals projects including nickel, cobalt, scandium, vanadium, lithium and rare earth elements located in several countries, including Guatemala and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Website: www.centralamericanickel.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, financings and transactions being pursued, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although the Company believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein.

For more information on the Company, contact: Pierre Gauthier, Chairman & CEO, Central America Nickel Inc., Tel: +1 514-299-0881, Email: pg@centralamericanickel.com

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www.cgi.com/newsroom

Enhanced CGI Atlas360 solution to bring innovative AI technologies into new 10-year award

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - CGI Federal Inc., the wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc. (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A), announced today that the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs has extended its delivery of consular support services across five countries in the Asia Pacific region with a new 10-year task order, including a 2-year base period and four 2-year option periods, for a total value of US $69.9M. With the renewal of this Asia Pacific task order under the Global Support Strategy for Overseas Consular Support Services 2.0 (GSS 2.0) indefinite-delivery, indefinite quantity contract, CGI will continue to provide critical on-site processing functions for consular services in Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, supported by the second implementation of the CGI Atlas360 solution.

CGI will implement the newly-enhanced CGI Atlas360 solution that applies innovative machine learning application with AI and Natural Language Processing tools as part of its approach to leverage the latest technologies to improve efficiency, effectiveness and security in the visa application process. The enhancement, exclusively developed for GSS 2.0, offers real-time interactive chat and email to provide information and/or interact with applicants online, supporting the linguistic preferences of the native country as well as nuances in English terms and phraseology.

"We are proud to continue our collaboration with our Department of State client in the Asia Pacific region through the ROI-led delivery of technology, grown from a close partnership with the Department of State spanning over 30 years," said Stephanie Mango, President, CGI Federal. "As applicant and agency needs evolve, CGI is committed to delivering enhanced solutions to satisfy the mission critical needs of U.S. embassies and consulates."

CGI successfully supports the processing of over 15 million U.S. passports and over 4 million visas in 70 countries each year, providing business process solutions and omni-channel customer relationship management tools that include information services, appointment scheduling, document delivery, and fee collection functionality. Currently, CGI provides GSS services for 93 posts, increasing access to visa information that facilitates secure international travel.

"CGI has served as a lead integrator for the Bureau since 1992, bringing highly experienced management personnel and regional insight," said Lacy Perry, CGI Senior Vice-President, Consulting-Delivery. "In supporting the Bureau's operations in the Pacific for more than a decade, we will continue to bring insights informed by hindsight to facilitate consular operations that enable security, travel, commerce, and diplomacy."

About CGI Federal Inc.

CGI Federal Inc. (CGI), a wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc., is dedicated to partnering with federal agencies to provide solutions for defense, civilian, healthcare and intelligence missions. Founded in 1976, CGI Inc. is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,500 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI Inc. delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI Inc. works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. With Fiscal 2022 reported revenue of C$12.87 billion, CGI Inc. shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

Forward-looking information and statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbours. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI's intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", "predict", "project", "aim", "seek", "strive", "potential", "continue", "target", "may", "might", "could", "should", and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of CGI, and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic and political conditions, additional external risks (such as pandemics, armed conflict, climate-related issues and inflation) and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to develop and expand our services, to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws and other tax programs, the termination, modification, delay or suspension of our contractual agreements, our expectations regarding future revenue resulting from bookings and backlog, our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to negotiate favourable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, to disclose, manage and implement environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and standards, and to achieve ESG commitments and targets, including without limitation, our commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, as well as the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents, and financial risks such as liquidity needs and requirements, maintenance of financial ratios, interest rate fluctuations and the discontinuation of major interest rate benchmarks and changes in creditworthiness and credit ratings; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov). Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this press release, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in the section titled Risk Environment of CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the above-mentioned risks and the risks disclosed in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and other documents and filings are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation.

SOURCE CGI Inc.
SHANGHAI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Concordia International School Shanghai, a leading international school in Asia, celebrated for its commitment to academic excellence and active community involvement, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. The commemorative event, which took place in September 2023, was attended by the school's leadership team, as well as esteemed guests from the Shanghai Pudong New Area Education Bureau and members of the Shanghai media.

Concordia International School Shanghai celebrated its 25th anniversary in September 2023.

The occasion began with a welcome from two students from one of the school's high school Mandarin classes, who served as Masters of Ceremonies for the morning's proceedings. Mr. Steve Winkelman, Concordia's Head of School, delivered a heartfelt address encapsulating the institution's transformative journey and enduring contributions to the field of education.

"At Concordia, we believe that education is a transformative journey that shapes young minds and empowers them to become compassionate, critical thinkers ready to make a positive impact on the world," said Mr. Winkelman. "Our dedicated faculty, diverse student body, and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect backdrop for this journey of discovery and growth."

The celebration was enriched by a video message from its sister school, Concordia International School Hanoi. This was followed by a speech from Mr. Ding Lizhong, the Chief Superintendent of Schools for the Shanghai Pudong New Area Education Bureau. Mr. Ding's remarks expressed his expectations for Concordia's future: "Today, as we stand at a new starting point, we see not only the school's past, but also its future. The Word of the Year 'Renew' is like a flag, representing both a spirit and an attitude towards the future, with the courage to embrace new challenges and opportunities ahead."

The unveiling of a time capsule assembled by the school's student representatives during its 10-year anniversary marked a special moment during the ceremony.

It was a symbolic, interactive activity that unveiled several items: a recording of a Middle School choir performance, a Heart-to-Heart teddy bearwhich serves as a reminder of the school's rich history of service learningand Concordia yearbooks from 2008-2009. These items were chosen to bridge the past with the present, serving as emblems of Concordia's dedication to growth, evolution, and perpetual learning.

Attendees participated in a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony and were led in a rendition of the birthday song by The Chromatics, Concordia's high school student a cappella group.

The celebration extended beyond symbolic gestures, offering attendees an immersive encounter with Concordia's vibrant learning environment. A school tour showcased Concordia's state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources. Demonstrating the school's emphasis on experiential learning, students from the high school Phoenix Squadron, VEX Robotics, and Maker Studio clubs showcased a variety of projects that provided insight into their innovative engineering pursuits.

A highlight was a visit to the Elementary School Library, where librarian Lisa Toner engaged enthusiastic students in captivating storytelling. Notably, the chosen book "The Best Kind of Mooncake" was authored and illustrated by a Concordia alumna, Pearl Au-Yeung.

Concordia International School Shanghai expressed heartfelt gratitude to the attendees, sponsors, and supporters who have played integral roles in its remarkable 25-year journey. The event stood as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Concordia's commitment to nurturing generations of students into lifelong learners, principled leaders, and engaged global citizens. The school's accomplishments over the past quarter-century inspire its community to continue striving for excellence and innovation in the years ahead.

About Concordia International School Shanghai:

Concordia International School Shanghai is dedicated to providing a transformative education that nurtures the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of its students. Founded in 1998 in Jinqiao, the school offers a diverse and rigorous curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community that prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Over the past 25 years, the school has evolved into a vibrant community that celebrates diversity, embraces innovation, and instills values of respect and collaboration.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Brandon Fisher

Assistant Director of Marketing

[email protected]

5899 0380 Ext. 5004

www.concordiashanghai.org

Joan Wu

Communication and PR Specialist

[email protected]

5899 0380 Ext. 5008

www.concordiashanghai.org

SOURCE Concordia International School Shanghai
XUZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG Machinery ("XCMG", SHE:000425) has hosted the inaugural Conference on Technology Innovation in Construction Equipment (the "Conference") from October 17 to 19 in Xuzhou. Themed "Digital, Intelligent, and Green", the Conference has invited experts and industry leaders to jointly share and discuss the latest technological innovation trends in the construction machinery industry that are guiding future development from all perspectives.

Conference on Technology Innovation in Construction Equipment Kicking Off in China, Publishes Construction Machinery Market Index and Industrys First Blue Book.

The Conference has officially launched the "Construction Equipment Market Index" (the "Index") and the industry's first intellectual property blue book, "Construction Equipment Intellectual Property Blue Book (2023)" (the "Blue Book").

"The conference has well captured the fundamental laws of new industrialization as well as a deeper understanding of the core principles of the modernized industrial system," shared Yang Dongsheng, CEO and chairman of XCMG.

The Index was published by XCMG, and the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA) together with other partners. The project completed the program design of the Index and preliminarily selected 12 types of construction machinery products from seven major categories, featuring key indicators including the average length of time, construction start rate, and more, to carry out the first industry analysis.

Through analyzing the changes in key indicators of the typical, representative construction machinery products, as well as the use of equipment in infrastructure, housing construction, energy, chemical, logistics, and other fields, the comprehensive and systematic Index can reflect the various situations timely and effectively.

The Blue Book was jointly released by XCMG, CCMA, Jiangsu Intellectual Property Protection Center, and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Patent and Trademark Office, which provides key technical references and trend guidance to anchor the future development of the industry from the perspective of intellectual property rights.

Shan Zenghai, chief engineer of XCMG, shared his summary review of the Blue Book and noted that intellectual property rights are the greatest cohesion of innovation achievements, and using them to analyze paths of innovation, research industry development, elevate R&D starting points, and protect the fruits of innovation is supporting the industry's high-quality development.

"Intellectual property is also an important prerequisite to inject new vitality into innovation, and it is the core competitive and strategic advantage of the company. The Blue Book has filled the industry gap, and it will fully safeguard industry development and innovation," said Shan.

SOURCE XCMG Machinery
SINGAPORE, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) held its inaugural retreat on 20 October to reaffirm the ASEAN Judiciaries' strategic and cohesive approach towards deepening judicial cooperation and upholding the Rule of Law. It was hosted by the Malaysian Judiciary and held alongside the 14th ASEAN Law Association General Assembly and ASEAN Law Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

ASEAN Chief Justices at the inaugural CACJ Retreat on 20 October 2023

The CACJ has made significant strides to facilitate collaboration within ASEAN since its conception in 2013. It endorsed frameworks such as the Draft Model Rule on Service of Civil Processes and the Enhanced Common Procedure, which establishes a nonbinding protocol for arranging mediation in cross-border disputes involving children.

The CACJ also endorsed codes and standards such as the Model Principles of Judicial Conduct, and acknowledged the International Framework for Court Excellence, a self-assessment tool that the ASEAN Judiciaries can voluntarily adopt to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. These have strengthened the Rule of Law in the ASEAN region by facilitating cooperation and capacity building.

The CACJ traces its origins to the ASEAN Chief Justices Meeting that was first hosted by Singapore's Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon on 23 August 2013. It has since been held annually, and it provides a regular forum for the Chief Justices to discuss and exchange views on common issues facing their judiciaries. The CACJ also serves as a platform to build mutual trust and understanding among the ASEAN Judiciaries. It facilitates judicial collaboration to enhance economic growth and development within the ASEAN region.

The CACJ, which was accredited as an entity associated with ASEAN in January 2017, will convene a Retreat once every decade to reflect on its milestones and achievements, and chart the CACJ's strategic agenda for the next 10 years. CACJ continues to mature as a forum for judicial cooperation in ASEAN.

For more information, visit https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/news/news-details/cacj-media-release-inaugural-council-of-asean-chief-justices-retreat-held-to-reflect-milestones-and-achievements-and-chart-strategic-agenda

SOURCE Supreme Court of Singapore
MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Capital Partners ("Crystal"), a leading wealth-tech provider and turn-key alternative investment platform, is pleased to announce the addition of Lee Minton, former Sculptor Capital Management's Global Head of the Client Partner Group, to its Advisory Board. Mr. Minton will participate in Crystal's quarterly Investment Committee, working with the management team to further institutionalize the firm's operational processes.

Mr. Minton brings a broad range of alternative investment experience to this role with his financial services tenure. Mr. Minton first began his early career at Goldman Sachs before joining Sculptor Capital Management, a $33 billion global alternative investment manager. Mr. Minton was a 14-year veteran at Sculptor, where he led the firm's capital formation and investor relations initiatives. More recently, Mr. Minton co-founded Front Street Investment Partners, a firm that specializes in investments across real estate, venture capital, private equity, and credit. Additionally, Mr. Minton is an active community member, serving on the Leadership Development Advisory Council for Capitalize for Kids, a non-profit focused on children's mental health.

Mr. Minton's experience will complement that of the existing Advisory Board members, which include Cary Lubetsky, Managing Partner of Krinzman Huss Lubetsky Feldman & Hotte, as well as hedge fund industry pioneer George Brod, Founder of Crystal Associates, a multi-strategy fund of hedge funds founded in 1994.

Mr. Minton spoke on the appointment, stating, "I'm delighted to join Crystal's Advisory Board and have long held the firm in high regard as the preeminent platform offering independent financial advisors both access to alternative investments and crucially the ability to build customized portfolios. I look forward to supporting Crystal throughout this next stage of growth."

Steven Brod, CEO of Crystal said: "We are seeing increased demand from financial advisors wanting to offer alternatives to their clients and incorporate them into their portfolios. Lee is exceptionally well-respected in the industry, and his alternatives knowledge and experience will help us to further institutionalize our investment committee process and ensure our platform's offerings are truly industry leading."

About Crystal Capital Partners

Crystal Capital Partners is a turn-key alternative investment platform, providing financial advisors exposure to third-party institutional private markets and hedge funds for their clients' portfolios. Crystal's clients include independent advisors, regional banks, IBDs, and multi-family offices. Crystal is a Registered Investment Advisor headquartered in Miami, Florida.

https://www.crystalfunds.com/

Important Disclaimer

Media Contact:

Helena Leslie

Peregrine Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Crystal Capital Partners
SUMGAYIT, Azerbaijan, October 24. Novus Plastica LLC, which produces polymer additives in Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, will export 60 percent of its output, director and co-founder of the LLC Farid Jafarov told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, the remaining 40 percent of the produced products cover the entire demand for the domestic market.

"Currently, we have sent test products to potential buyers," he emphasized.

Novus Plastica LLC was granted the status of a resident of Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park in August 2020. The enterprise built in the industrial park on 3.5 hectares produces two types of products: black carbon concentrate additives for polyethylene pipes and polyethylene coatings used in industrial packaging. In addition to the realization of products manufactured with the use of advanced Italian technologies on the domestic market, it is also planned to export them to Turkiye and CIS countries. Up to 50 people will be provided with permanent jobs at the enterprise, with an investment capital of over 12.1 million manat ($7.1 million).

Novus Plastica LLC will use products from SOCAR Polymer LLC and Azerikimya Production Association as raw materials.
IBIZA, Spain, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, recently held its 5th Partner Day in Ibiza, Spain. Under the theme "Think# as One", the event highlighted Dahua's dedication to expanding partnerships in multiple fields, jointly creating a mutually beneficial and win-win ecosystem for the sustainable development of the AIoT industry.

The Partner Day demonstrated Dahua's dedication to innovation, collaboration, cybersecurity, and the advancement of AIoT solutions. It served as a prominent platform that connects key industry players to explore new breakthroughs and opportunities, and empower various industries through technology integration and joint solutions.

The grand event witnessed the presence of more than 370 distinguished leaders and representatives from key sectors such as cybersecurity, smart city, transportation, retail, energy, and education across Europe. In addition to technical partners, this event also brings together system integrators, end users, and organizations from various fields.

Mr. David Shen, President of Dahua WEU, opened the event by expressing his gratitude to the attendees. His opening remarks delivered the core message of comprehensive collaboration with diverse fields including hardware, software, training, certification and delivery, working as one to create a more inclusive ecosystem.

In the following keynote speech, Mr. Neil Ni, Vice President of Dahua Global Business, emphasized the importance of partnerships with ecosystem collaborators and their role in facilitating innovation and mutual growth in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Aligning with the company's business strategy and core AIoT capabilities, Mr. Ni outlined Dahua's ecosystem strategy in three key dimensions: awareness, framework, and operation, and how these contribute to the success of both industry customers and ecosystem partners. He stressed that Dahua will further deepen its ecosystem and open up capabilities at multiple levels including business, technology, and services to enhance experience and benefits of partners. "By combining our strengths, we can co-create value-driven solutions that transcend boundaries and address complex challenges. Through mutual empowerment, we can expand market reach, enhance product portfolios, and achieve sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders," he concluded.

Mr. Nash Zhang, Managing Director of Dahua Global Enterprise Business mentioned EU's accelerated digital transformation in four key areas, including infrastructure construction, enterprise transformation, public services, and talent cultivation. He went on to share Dahua's application projects in aiding the digital transformation of industrial parks, education, and energy enterprises, as well as its active participation in low-carbon zone management in Spain, which has a positive impact on a safe, efficient, and green future.

Furthermore, a roundtable discussion regarding digital education was conducted among distinguished experts in the education industry, delving into the challenges and trends in different countries, the level of digitalization and IT, the balance of educational resources, and the advantages of online classrooms. It provided valuable insights for the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem in Europe.

The event also showcased insights into Dahua's commitment to cybersecurity. These include an informative presentation from SGS Brightsight focusing on Dahua's Common Criteria EAL2 and EAL3 assessment and certification, as well as an in-depth outlook at Dahua's thermal imaging product testing project shared by CNPP. "Cybersecurity is Dahua's top priority. We have been exploring and applying industry best practices to ensure the security of our products and customer privacy and data. We will continue to consolidate our security capabilities, strengthen deep cooperation with third-party organizations like SGS Brightsight and CNPP, to help customers comply with GDPR and better respond to today's cybersecurity challenges," said Mr. Shen.

As one of the most important strategic initiatives of the company, Dahua always values open and comprehensive cooperation, committed to creating value for its partners, growing together with them, and contributing to their greater success. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Dahua will remain dedicated to empowering various industries through technology integration and joint solutions, contributing to a green, safe, and efficient digital world together.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2254294/DAHUA_PARTNER_DAY_2023_FOTOGRAFIA_0253.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2074657/4355840/Dahua_LOGO_Logo.jpg
NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights law firm Julie & Holleman LLP is investigating the proposed $4 billion buyout of EngageSmart, Inc. (NYSE: ESMT) by private equity fund Vista Equity Partners. Julie & Holleman is concerned about the $23 per share price being offered as well as potential conflicts of interest.

For a no-cost consult and to learn more about our investigation, please click here or visit: https://julieholleman.com/?p=3172

On October 23, 2023, EngageSmart announced that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired by Vista for $23 per share in cash. However, while public shareholders stand to be cashed out, the company's largest shareholder, investment firm General Atlantic, will retain its interest in the company and participate in its substantial upside.

Julie & Holleman, a nationally recognized firm that exclusively focuses on shareholder matters, is concerned about the price being offered as well as potential conflicts of interest. Among other things, the average price target established by Wall Street analysts is $24.50 per share, and the high price target is $30 per shareboth far more than what the controlled company's board of directors agreed to. Moreover, the fact that General Atlantic controls the company and agreed to a deal which allows it to continue holding a substantial stake raises serious questions of fair dealing.

If you would like more information about Julie & Holleman's investigation, or about the acquisition in general, please contact W. Scott Holleman by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (929) 415-1020. You may also visit the firm's website by clicking here.

Julie & Holleman is a boutique law firm that focuses on shareholder litigation, including derivative actions, mergers and acquisitions cases, securities fraud class actions, and corporate investigations. The firm's attorneys litigate in state and federal courts across the nation and have helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved companies and their shareholders. For more information about the firm, please visit www.julieholleman.com. This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Julie & Holleman LLP

W. Scott Holleman, Esq.

157 East 86th Street

4th Floor

New York, NY 10028

(929) 415-1020

www.julieholleman.com

SOURCE Julie & Holleman LLP
Taco Tuesday officially belongs to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos following relinquishment of trademark registration by New Jersey-based Gregory's Restaurant and Bar

TLDR:

Taco Tuesday officially belongs to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos now that the trademark registration has been relinquished in all 50 states

Earlier this summer, Taco Bell's effort to free Taco Tuesday earned a crucial victory when Taco John's relinquished their registration for the phrase in 49 states

Gregory's Restaurant and Bar located in Somers Point, New Jersey held the trademark registration in the 50th state, New Jersey , for over 30 years, until Gregory's relinquished it on October 20, 2023

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this year, Taco Bell set out on a bold journey to give Taco Tuesday back to all by filing legal petitions to cancel the two standing trademark registrations. Today, that ambitious goal has been met, as Gregory's Restaurant and Bar has parted ways with the Taco Tuesday trademark registration covering the 50th state, allowing New Jersey businesses and residents to fully celebrate the best day of the week. This epic milestone comes shortly after Taco John's relinquished their trademark registration for the phrase covering 49 states earlier this summer.

Taco Tuesday officially belongs to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos now that the trademark registration has been relinquished in all 50 states.

To celebrate, Taco Bell Rewards Members in New Jersey* will be able to ring in Taco Tuesday with a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos on November 21 through the Taco Bell app, no purchase necessary, available at participating New Jersey Taco Bell locations. New Jersey Rewards Members should keep an eye on their app inbox for more details!

"When we set out to free Taco Tuesday, we did it for all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos," said Taco Bell Chief Global Brand and Strategy Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer, Sean Tresvant. "Taco Bell wants everyone to have the opportunity to celebrate Taco Tuesday, including Gregory's Restaurant and Bar. Thanks to Gregory's choice to relinquish the trademark registration, New Jersey businesses and fans can fully enjoy Taco Tuesday, effective immediately."

In less than six months, Taco Bell helped ensure the Taco Tuesday trademark registrations in all states were relinquished. During that time, the brand hit key milestones including an iconic partnership with Taco Tuesday's biggest fans, an avalanche of support from fans via an online petition, a notable $40,000 donation to CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees), millions of free Doritos Locos Tacos provided to fans every Tuesday over a period of four weeks, and of course, the $5 million Taco Tab opened in partnership with DoorDash on September 12 to cover a portion of taco fans' orders from more than 20,000 participating Mexican restaurants.

"Taco Tuesday has always been a source of pride for my family and our restaurant, but we recognize Taco Tuesday is widely celebrated and embraced beyond our four walls," said Gregory Gregory, co-owner of Gregory's Restaurant and Bar, home of the original Taco Tuesday in New Jersey. "We're excited to share Taco Tuesday with the entire New Jersey community and though we've relinquished the trademark registration, you can bet Taco Tuesdays will live on at Gregory's forever."

Full removal of the legal barriers hindering Taco Tuesday hails a new era for restaurants nationwide. Now, taco shops big and small can ring in Taco Tuesday with their patrons however they see fit without fear of legal repercussion. Taco Tuesday officially belongs to everyone, from Taco Bell to Taco John's to Gregory's Restaurant and Bar to your favorite local taco spot.

As Taco Bell continues to become a craveable destination on Tuesdays, Rewards Members** should be on the lookout for notifications for offers, experiences and opportunities dropping weekly. Previous in-app Tuesday Drops have included access to concert tickets, exclusive merch, swag giveaways, fan-favorite food deals and more. To stay up to date on the latest, follow along on Taco Bell social channels.

About Taco Bell Corp.

For more information about Taco Bell, visit our website at www.TacoBell.com, our Newsroom at www.TacoBell.com/news or www.TacoBell.com/popular-links. You can also stay up to date on all things Taco Bell by following us on LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

*Taco Bell Rewards Members who have or have had selected an eligible New Jersey pickup location in their Taco Bell Mobile App will receive an app inbox message with a promo code for one free Seasoned Beef Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco on 11/21/23. Code will expire by 11:59 PM PST on 11/21/23. Redemptions must be made via the Taco Bell App at a participating location, and if redeemed as part of a delivery order on the Taco Bell app, delivery fee and other fees may apply. While supplies last. Limit 1 redemption per person/account. Code is non-transferable, has no cash value, and cannot be combined with other offers. Any substitutions, upgrades, or add-ons to free item, will incur an upcharge that you will be responsible for paying, except for swapping protein (if applicable) for beans (black beans excluded). Terms and conditions apply; click here for details.

** Rewards and offers subject to change at any time. Taco Bell Rewards Program is available at participating U.S. locations and subject to Terms and Conditions at https://www.tacobell.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use.

Matt Prince  Taco Bell Corp.

[email protected]

Rosie Herzog  Edelman

[email protected]

SOURCE Taco Bell Corp.
MONTREAL and BOSTON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Fiera Capital Corporation (TSX: FSZ) ("Fiera Capital" or the "Company"), a leading independent asset management firm, today announced the appointment of Eric Roberts as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fiera USA, effective November 13, 2023. Eric will be based in Boston and will have a regular presence in the Company's New York and Dayton offices. This new role aims to allow Fiera Capital to expand and strengthen its presence in the United States as the Company continues to implement its new regionalized distribution model with a focus on building local capabilities. Eric will directly lead the marketing and distribution teams across the United States and provide executive leadership for all employees in the region.

In May, the Company appointed Klaus Schuster to the role of Executive Director and CEO, Fiera EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Rob Petty, who has been with Fiera for over five years, was also appointed to the role of Executive Director and CEO, Fiera Asia. The Company's search for a new Executive Director and CEO, Fiera Canada is well underway.

"Eric is a renowned and high-performing leader in our industry. His knowledge of the industry and more specifically, the US market, will be an important advantage in expanding and strengthening our position in the United States and drive organic growth in this key market." said Jean-Guy Desjardins, Chairman of the Board and Global Chief Executive Officer.

"I am excited to join Fiera Capital's dynamic team as we embark on a new chapter of growth and expansion in the United States," stated Eric Roberts. "I look forward to working closely with the talented team of professionals at Fiera Capital to expand the Company's presence in the United States."

Mr. Roberts brings over 25 years of experience in the asset management industry and more specifically in institutional distribution. Over the course of his accomplished career, he has successfully built and led public and private markets distribution and sales teams. He has developed a strong network of clients as well as deep relationships with consultants. In his most recent role, Eric acted as Head of Institutional in the United States of America at a publicly-listed, global asset manager in the United Kingdom. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University in Boston and a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College in Clinton.

About Fiera Capital Corporation

Fiera Capital Corporation ("Fiera Capital") is a leading independent asset management firm with a growing global presence. The Company delivers customized and multi-asset solutions across public and private market asset classes to institutional, financial intermediary and private wealth clients across North America, Europe and key markets in Asia. Fiera Capital's depth of expertise, diversified investment platform and commitment to delivering outstanding service are core to our mission of being at the forefront of investment management science to create sustainable wealth for clients. Fiera Capital trades under the ticker FSZ on the Toronto Stock Exchange www.fieracapital.com.

Headquartered in Montreal, Fiera Capital, with its affiliates in various jurisdictions, has offices in over a dozen cities around the world, including New York (U.S.), London (UK), and Hong Kong (SAR).

Each affiliated entity (each an "Affiliate") of Fiera Capital only provides investment advisory or investment management services or offers investment funds in the jurisdictions where the Affiliate is authorized to provide services pursuant to an exemption from registration and/or the relevant product is registered.

Fiera Capital does not provide investment advice to U.S. clients or offer investment advisory services in the U.S. In the U.S., asset management services are provided by Fiera Capital's affiliates who are investment advisers that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or exempt from registration. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For details on the particular registration of, or exemptions therefrom relied upon by, any Fiera Capital entity, please consult https://www.fieracapital.com/en/registrations-and-exemptions.

Additional information about Fiera Capital, including the Company's annual information form, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The information contained in press releases and company news is valid as of the date indicated. You should not assume that statements remain accurate or valid after the date.

SOURCE Fiera Capital Corporation
HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fosun International was recently notified by the British renowned finance magazine, Global Banking and Finance Review that it received three awards from the magazine, namely "Brand of the Year Awards  Holding Group Brand of the Year Asia 2023", "ESG & Sustainability Awards  Best Sustainable Development Company Asia 2023", and "CSR Awards  Best CSR Company Asia 2023".

The awards recognize outstanding companies with remarkable business performance and active promotion of sustainable development

Global Banking and Finance Review pointed out that, after more than 30 years of development, Fosun has grown into a global innovation-driven consumer group with a focus on business segments including health, happiness and wealth in more than 35 countries and regions. As a global large-scale private enterprise, Fosun successfully won out over the "perfect storm" in the first half of this year, and has firmly focused on the needs of global families for health, happiness and wealth, and has implemented the core business-focused strategy, resulting in steady business development. At the same time, Fosun has continued to optimize its capital and asset structure, step up its efforts in the divestment of non-strategy and non-core assets, and actively explore financing channels, thereby maintaining sufficient liquidity. Since 2023, Fosun's business streamlining strategy has shown positive results, and the Group has successfully navigated through the "maturity wall" without any liquidity pressure. Recently, the international rating agency S&P Global Ratings published a report, recognizing Fosun's effective efforts in terms of debt reduction driven by asset divestment and debt structure optimization and lifting the Group's rating outlook to "stable" to affirm the Group's improved credit profile.

While improving its business operations, Fosun has been strengthening the management of sustainable development, promoting the Group to actively undertake corporate social responsibility, improving the Group's environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, and leveraging resources and advantages of Fosun's global industrial ecosystem to continuously create a better world. In order to promote the sustainable development of Fosun, Fosun has established a top-down, long-term ESG improvement mechanism aimed at further enhancing the ESG performance of the Group and its subsidiaries. Fosun integrates ESG management performance into the performance and remuneration assessment process of executive directors as one of the evaluation factors, continues to benchmark itself with various international companies with good ESG practices, and communicates timely and transparently with rating agencies.

In addition, Fosun has been endeavoring to achieve the "dual carbon" goal, and made a commitment to society  "strive to peak carbon emissions by 2028 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050". In 2022, Fosun formally established a carbon neutrality roadmap to implement carbon neutrality work. In April 2023, it issued its first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, demonstrating its commitment of climate action to the international community and calling on all sectors to work together to promote carbon neutrality.

Fosun develops business for good, actively disseminates good ESG stories and promotes global sustainable development

According to Global Banking and Finance Review, with years of continuous cultivation in sustainable development, long-term responsible operations, effective management, and a steadfast commitment to the original aspiration of "Contribution to Society", while achieving rapid development, Fosun leveraged its own industrial advantages to continuously advance in the fields of global emergency relief, supporting the fight against malaria in Africa, rural revitalization, health, education, culture and art, and caring for children and adolescents to fulfil its commitment to public welfare.

On 12 October 2023, the academic symposium "Treating Severe Malaria in a New Era", co-hosted by the CECM Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, Kisumu and Fosun Pharma was successfully held in Kisumu, Kenya. It was the first high-standard offline malaria academic seminar sponsored by Fosun Pharma in Africa after the COVID-19 global pandemic. The artemisinin based antimalaria medicines originated from China have made significant contributions to global malaria prevention and control since 2000. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, about 240 million people benefit from artemisinin-based combination therapies every year.

Artesun (artesunate for injection) innovated and self-developed by Fosun Pharma is the preferred treatment of severe malaria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has become a well-known Chinese innovator drug in Africa and the world. So far, Artesun has been used to treat more than 60 million patients with severe malaria worldwide, most of whom were African children under five years old. In June 2023, the second-generation artesunate for injection Argesun independently developed by Fosun Pharma was prequalified by the WHO prequalification (WHO-PQ), becoming the first injectable artesunate presented with a single solvent system with the WHO-PQ, which is expected to further enhance the accessibility of innovative antimalarial drugs and save more lives.

Domestically, under the guidance of Poverty Alleviation Office of the National Health Commission, the China Population Welfare Foundation, the Fosun Foundation and other units launched the Rural Doctors Program in 2017. As of today, the Rural Doctors Program had covered 78 counties in 16 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China, supporting 23,956 rural doctors and benefiting 3 million grassroots families. The Rural Doctors Program holds the National Heart-warming Rural Doctors case collection and announces National Heart-warming Rural Doctors every year to showcase the works of grassroots health workers, commend and awaken their passion for work, and further raise public awareness. This year's Health for China 2023 Heart-warming Rural Doctors and Village Hospital Directors Launch Ceremony has been held at Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital on 19 October. The organizer has formed a judging panel composed of experts from the China National Health Development Research Center, the Community Health Association of China, the Institute of Medical Information of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and other units to select 25 outstanding representatives from 1,221 cases, including 10 Heart-warming Rural Doctors, 10 Heart-warming Village Hospital Directors and 5 Young Role Models.

The "CSR Awards -- Best CSR Company Asia 2023" presented by the Global Banking and Finance Review commends Fosun's commitment to social responsibility and recognizes Fosun's persistence and effort through active promotion and dissemination of good ESG stories.

Global Banking and Finance Review

Global Banking and Finance Review is a leading magazine in the United Kingdom. The Global Banking and Finance Review Awards were established in 2011 to commend companies with outstanding performance within the global finance industry and recognize companies that bring innovations and achievements to the global financial world as well as companies that attach importance to corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. The awards have evolved and grown to include companies in Banking, Foreign Exchange, Insurance, Hedge Funds, Pension Funds, Compliance & Advisory, Corporate Governance, Brokerage & Exchanges, Project Finance, Binary Options, Investment Management, Technology, Asset & Wealth Management, Islamic Finance, Exchange Traded Funds, Real Estate, Corporate Social Responsibility and other areas.

SOURCE Fosun
Results showed GNSC-001 met the primary safety endpoint and was well-tolerated in all study subjects, including 12-month follow-up.

Study findings noted elevated IL-1Ra expression in synovial fluid and an encouraging trend in symptomatic improvement.

Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability; GNSC-001 may have a role to play in helping these patients in a safe and efficacious manner.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genascence Corporation ("Genascence"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing the treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal diseases with gene therapy, today announced that data from the Phase 1 clinical trial of GNSC-001 for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) demonstrated that it was safe and well tolerated. The study findings also showed that a single intra-articular injection of GNSC resulted in elevated interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) expression over baseline in synovial fluid for the length of the 12-month study. Additionally, treatment with GNSC-001 showed a trend in improvement of pain and function scores in all study participants, with a limited amount of disease progression in this first-in-human study. These data will be delivered in a poster presentation at the European American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy's (ESGCT) 30th Annual Congress being held October 24-27, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium.

"These study results provide encouraging preliminary evidence that GNSC-001 may have a role to play in helping OA patients in a safe and effective manner," said Annahita Keravala, Ph.D., founder and chief scientific officer (CSO) of Genascence.

GNSC-001 is a genetic medicine  a recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing an optimized form of IL-1Ra, a naturally occurring protein that blocks interleukin-1 (IL-1) signaling. IL-1 is considered one of the key mediators involved in the pathogenesis of OA, causing inflammation, joint pain, as well as cartilage destruction. GNSC-001 is designed to offer long-term, sustained inhibition of IL-1 following a single injection into the affected joint.

"Osteoarthritis is incapacitating, causing years of pain and disability for people living with the disease, and there are no currently available treatments to slow down disease progression. We believe GNSC-001 can deliver transformative results and we are excited to advance our clinical program so we can help patients suffering from this disabling disease," said Thomas Chalberg, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Genascence.

Title: Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis  A phase I clinical trial report

Abstract Number: P553

Date: October 25, 2023, 5:00-6:15 PM CEST and October 26, 2023, 8:30-9:30 PM CEST

Presenter: Annahita Keravala, Ph.D., founder and CSO, Genascence

In this investigator-sponsored Phase 1 single-arm, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial of GNSC-001, a total of nine subjects with knee OA were enrolled and monitored for one year. Three subjects were treated in each of three cohorts, receiving either 1x1011 vector genomes (vg)/knee (low dose), 1x1012 vg/knee (mid dose), or 1x1013 vg/knee (high dose) GNSC-001 delivered by intra-articular injection. The primary endpoint is safety and tolerability. Additional measures include levels of circulating viral genomes, immune response to the vector, blood and urine analysis, and physical examination. Although the study was not powered for efficacy and had no control group, patients reported pain via VAS (0-10) and pain and function via WOMAC. Knee joints were imaged by X-ray and MRI upon study entry and after one year.

Results showed that GNSC-001 met the primary safety endpoint with no dose-limiting toxicity up to 1x1013 vg high dose. There were no vector-related adverse events in seven of the nine subjects; two subjects experienced mild/moderate knee effusions, which resolved with ice and rest. Clinical trial participants developed various degrees of anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies after injection of GNSC-001, but no capsid targeted T-cell response was detected. Small amounts of viral genomes were found in peripheral blood, beginning one day after injection and clearing within four weeks in most subjects. Injection of GNSC-001 was associated with increased concentrations of IL-1Ra in synovial fluid, which remained elevated for 12 months of follow up. Pain and function scores showed an encouraging trend toward improvement, and no one got worse following injection of GNSC-001.

The study was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). More information is available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02790723.

Abstracts can be accessed via the conference website at www.esgctcongress.com.

About Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that is the leading cause of disability. It is characterized by destruction of cartilage and structural changes in bone within the joint, which contribute to pain and loss of joint function. Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million Americans and is increasing as a result of the aging population and increasing prevalence of obesity. Osteoarthritis represents a major economic burden, owing to direct medical costs and loss of productivity. Each year, millions of patients are treated for knee OA with NSAIDs, opioids, and steroid injections into the knee to manage their knee pain. There are no currently available therapies known to alter or slow down OA progression.

About Genascence Corporation

Genascence, a clinical-stage biotechnology company revolutionizing the treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal diseases with gene therapy, is developing life-changing treatments for highly prevalent conditions affecting millions of people. The company was founded in 2017 with technology licensed from three leading U.S. research institutions: Mayo Clinic, University of Florida, and NYU Langone Health. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Genascence's founders and leadership team have deep experience in the design, development, and manufacturing of successful gene therapies and biological medicines. For more information, please visit www.genascence.com.

SOURCE Genascence
DUBLIN, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays Market, By Type; By Voltage; By Relay Mounting; By Trip Time; By Application; By Sales channel-Estimation & Forecast, 2017-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays market was valued at US$ 2.20 Billion in 2022 and is predicted to reach US$ 4 Billion by 2030, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.05% over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

The report provides insights into the global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays market, with a focus on regional dynamics. Asia Pacific holds the largest market share, accounting for over 35% of the market in 2022. It also exhibits the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 8.86%. Other key regions in the market include North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The expansion of the global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays market is primarily driven by increased investments in transmission and distribution networks. As the electrical power generation landscape evolves and modernizes, significant investments are being made to upgrade existing infrastructure and build new distribution systems to efficiently manage power supply, leading to market growth.

The rising number of electrical faults and their potential negative impacts, such as fires or equipment damage, is driving demand for ground fault monitoring relays. These relays can detect faults early and prevent serious consequences.

However, a key growth inhibitor for the market is the lack of awareness about these devices. Many potential users are unaware of the existence of ground fault monitoring relays and their benefits, leading to fewer installations and slowing down market growth.

Under the 'Type' segment, DC holds the largest share of over 55%, with opportunities expected to surpass US$ 900 Mn during the forecast period. By 'Voltage', the 220-240 V segment exhibits the fastest growth at a CAGR of 8.28% and holds a market share of over 45%.

In terms of 'Relay Mounting', the 'Surface Mount' segment is projected to exceed a revenue of USD 1000 Mn by 2026. 'Up to 500ms' is the fastest-growing segment within 'Trip Time', with a CAGR of 8.61%. By 'Application', 'Photovoltaic Panels' is projected to surpass a market revenue size of US$ 950 Mn by 2028. The 'Retailer' segment under 'Sales Channel' holds the largest share of over 50%.

The global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays market is characterized by competitiveness, with several key players collectively holding approximately 35% of the market share. Among these leading companies are General Electric Company, ABB, Bender, and Eaton, all of which showcase strong portfolios of ground fault monitoring relays.

In addition to these prominent players, there are notable companies in the market, including EUCHNER, GE, Gigavac, Littelfuse, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Seiko Electric, Siemens, and Steven Engineering. These companies are actively contributing to the market's growth through their innovative solutions and strategic initiatives.

Report Insights:

The Ground Fault Monitoring Relays market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.05% from 2023 to 2030.

The growth is fueled by increasing investments in transmission and distribution networks and the rise in the number of electrical faults.

The DC segment under 'Type' and the 220-240 V segment under 'Voltage' are expected to exhibit significant growth.

The Asia Pacific is the dominating and fastest-growing region in the market.

Questions to be Answered:

What is the estimated growth rate of the global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays market?

What are the key growth drivers and potential restraints?

Which market segments are expected to witness the most growth?

Who are the leading players in the market?

Global Ground Fault Monitoring Relays Market Overview

Industry Value Chain Analysis

Material Provider

Manufacturer

Distributer

End User

Industry Outlook

Detailed Import Data of Ground Fault Relay

Porter's Five Forces Analysis

Market Dynamics and Trends

Growth Drivers

Restraints

Challenges

Key Trends

Covid-19 Impact Assessment on Market Growth Trend

Market Growth and Outlook

Market Revenue Estimates and Forecast (US$ Mn), 2017 - 2030

Market Volume Estimates and Forecast (Mn Units), 2017 - 2030

Pricing Analysis

Competition Dashboard

Market Concentration Rate

Company Market Share Analysis (Value %), 2022

Competitor Mapping

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

ABB

Bender

Eaton

EUCHNER

GE

Gigavac

Littelfuse

Rockwell Automation

Schneider Electric

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Seiko Electric

Siemens

Steven Engineering

Segment Overview:

By Type

AC

DC

By Voltage

100-120 V

220-240 V

380-440 V

By Relay Mounting

Panel Mount

Surface Mount

DIN Rail Mount

By Trip Time

Up to 500ms

500 Ms to 1 sec

1 sec to 2 sec

2 to 2.5 sec

Above 2.5 Sec

By Application

Underground Mining

Communications Towers

Automotive

Photovoltaic Panels

Semiconductor Machines

Others

By Sales channel

Manufacturer

Direct Distributer

Retailer

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6kphyl

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]

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Online Dating Services Market Overview, 2023-28" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Online Dating Services Market is expected to cross USD 12 Billion market size, increasing from USD 8.29 Billion in 2022. The global market is forecasted to grow with 7.23% CAGR by 2023-28

The world of online dating is constantly evolving and upgrading. Key players in the industry frequently launch new strategies to stay ahead. To grow their user base, major firms are focusing on expanding their investments in social media advertising. They are also targeting new demographics and geographic areas to broaden their user base and expand their reach either by entering new markets themselves or by collaborating with regional businesses worldwide.

Niche dating sites have gained popularity by offering services tailored to specific communities, religions, and interests, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among users. Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the online dating landscape. Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence analyze user data to suggest potential matches, improving the accuracy of matchmaking.

Online dating services have catalyzed a shift in societal attitudes towards digital matchmaking. What was once met with skepticism or stigma has now become widely accepted as a legitimate and mainstream means of finding companionship and love. The success stories shared by couples who met online have helped erase earlier reservations about online dating.

As the online dating sphere grows, so do concerns surrounding data privacy and security. Leading platforms have recognized the importance of safeguarding user information, implementing robust measures to protect against data breaches and misuse. Education and awareness campaigns further empower users to navigate online dating safely.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a unique set of challenges for dating and relationships. With social distancing measures in place, the use of online dating services surged as people sought ways to stay connected during times of isolation. The pandemic highlighted the resilience of online dating and its ability to foster connections even in challenging circumstances.

Global online dating services have transformed the way people approach romance, breaking down barriers and connecting hearts worldwide. The industry's growth and diversification have paved the way for a more inclusive and open-minded approach to finding love. As technology continues to evolve and societies adapt to new norms, online dating services will likely remain an integral part of the modern dating landscape, facilitating connections and bringing joy to millions of people across the globe.

However, as with any digital interaction, users should remain vigilant about their privacy and safety while embracing the opportunities presented by this digital matchmaking revolution. Technology has played a vital role in enhancing user experiences in the online dating world. Many platforms have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to provide better matchmaking suggestions and improve overall user interactions.

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed a substantial increase in internet and smartphone penetration over the past decade. As more people gained access to the internet and smartphones, the potential user base for online dating services expanded significantly. Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles in many Asian countries have led to busier and more fast-paced lives.

As a result, traditional social avenues for meeting potential partners, such as family introductions or social gatherings, may have become less practical. Online dating platforms offered a convenient and time-efficient way for urban dwellers to connect with others.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers: There has been a shift in social attitudes towards online dating, with more people accepting and embracing the idea of finding romantic partners online. This change in perception has led to a higher adoption rate of online dating services. Modern lifestyles, characterized by busy schedules and time constraints, have made it challenging for individuals to meet potential partners through traditional means. Online dating offers a convenient and time-efficient way to connect with others. Technological advancements, such as mobile app development, improved user interfaces, and sophisticated matching algorithms, have enhanced the user experience on dating platforms. These technological improvements attract more users to online dating services.

Market Restraints: Online dating platforms collect sensitive personal information, and users be concerned about data privacy and the risk of encountering fraudulent profiles or scams. Privacy and security issues can deter some individuals from using dating services. Cultural norms and preferences can vary significantly across different regions, leading to varying levels of acceptance and usage of online dating services. Some cultures are more hesitant or conservative about adopting online dating platforms. While many people use online dating services, not everyone finds long-lasting and meaningful connections. The perception of a limited success rate in finding a compatible partner discourages some potential users.

Market Trends: There is a rising trend of niche dating platforms catering to specific interests, religions, or lifestyle preferences. These platforms focus on providing more targeted and personalized dating experiences, appealing to individuals with particular needs or preferences. Many dating platforms have incorporated video and live streaming features, allowing users to interact in real-time and create more immersive virtual dating experiences. This trend enhances user engagement and helps build stronger connections. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual dating and online events. Even beyond the pandemic, virtual dating and events are likely to continue as they offer convenience and safety, especially for long-distance connections.

Aspects covered in this report

Global Online Dating Services with its value and forecast along with its segments

Region-wise Online Dating Services market analysis

Various drivers and challenges

On-going trends and developments

Top profiled companies

Strategic recommendation

Competitive Dashboard

Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players

Key Players Market Share Insights and Analysis, 2022

Key Players Market Positioning Matrix

Porter's Five Forces

Company Profiles

Match Group, Inc.

Bumble Inc

Spark Networks SE

Grindr LLC

Dating Group

Happn

ParshipMeet Group

Her

Paktor Pte. Ltd.

Muzz

Considered in this report

Geography: Global

Historic year: 2017

Base year: 2022

Estimated year: 2023

Forecast year: 2028

By Services

Social Dating

Matchmaking

Adult Dating

Niche Dating

By Subscription Type

Annually

Quarterly

Monthly

Weekly

By Demographics

Adult

Baby Boomers

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2x16uy

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

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Swappable Electric Vehicle Battery Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts- 2023 to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The swappable electric vehicle battery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2031

This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2021 to 2031 considering 2022 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2023 to 2031.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the swappable electric vehicle battery market, including both quantitative and qualitative insights. It covers various aspects such as market trends, competitive intelligence, segment analysis, Porter's Five Forces model, top-winning strategies, investment markets, emerging trends, technological analysis, case studies, strategic conclusions, and recommendations, among other key market insights.

The swappable electric vehicle battery market is emerging as a promising segment within the broader electric vehicle industry. It focuses on developing and implementing battery swapping infrastructure, allowing electric vehicle owners to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations.

Market revenue for swappable electric vehicle batteries has been steadily growing, driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, the need for efficient charging solutions, and the growing demand for convenient and time-saving alternatives to traditional charging methods. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with significant revenue growth anticipated.

The adoption of electric vehicles is on the rise globally as countries and regions commit to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. Swappable battery technology offers a compelling solution to address one of the main challenges associated with electric vehicles - charging time. Instead of waiting for hours to charge their vehicles, users can simply swap their depleted batteries with fully charged ones, significantly reducing charging time.

Government initiatives and incentives aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption and supporting charging infrastructure development are expected to further boost the swappable electric vehicle battery market. Governments are investing in battery swapping networks, providing financial incentives to companies involved in battery swapping technology, and facilitating partnerships to expand the reach of swappable battery infrastructure.

In terms of competition, the market is witnessing intense competition among various players, each striving for market share and technological advancements. Prominent players in the market include Tesla, NIO, Rivian, Xpeng Motors, and others, each employing key strategies to maintain their competitive edge.

Tesla, known for its leadership in electric vehicle technology, has focused on developing proprietary battery technology to enable longer driving ranges and faster charging times. The company has also strategically positioned its Supercharger network globally, providing seamless charging options for Tesla owners.

NIO, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, offers a unique battery swap service called "Battery as a Service" (BaaS), allowing users to purchase electric vehicles at a lower price while leasing the battery separately. NIO has been expanding its battery swapping network across China, enhancing accessibility.

Rivian, known for its electric adventure vehicles, aims to establish a network of charging and battery swap stations, particularly in remote and adventure-focused locations. The company has secured partnerships with major companies such as Amazon and Ford. Xpeng Motors integrates swappable battery systems into its electric vehicles, offering users the option to either charge or swap their batteries as per their convenience.

Geographically, North America has emerged as a key market for swappable electric vehicle batteries in 2022, driven by increasing electric vehicle adoption and supportive government policies. Europe follows closely, with countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany leading in electric vehicle penetration and charging infrastructure.

Asia Pacific exhibits significant growth potential, driven by rising demand for electric vehicles in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. Among these regions, Asia Pacific demonstrates the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period of 2023 to 2031, supported by government incentives, urbanization, and a shift toward clean energy solutions.

In terms of revenue percentage, Europe leads due to its well-established charging infrastructure and the presence of premium electric vehicle brands. North America, while experiencing growth, has a slightly lower revenue percentage due to infrastructure challenges in certain areas.

Key questions answered in this report

What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Swappable Electric Vehicle Battery market?

What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period?

Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2031.

Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?

Which market segment holds a larger market share and why?

Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Swappable Electric Vehicle Battery market?

Which is the largest regional market for Swappable Electric Vehicle Battery market?

What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific , Latin America , and Middle East & Africa ?

, , and & ? Which are the key trends driving Swappable Electric Vehicle Battery market growth?

Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Swappable Electric Vehicle Battery market worldwide?

Market Segmentation

Payment Model

Subscription Model

Pay-Per-Use Model

Category

Private Charging

Public Charging

Long Distance Fast Charging

Battery Capacity

> 30 kWh

<_0 />

Vehicle

2-Wheeler

3-Wheeler

4-Wheeler

Region Segment (2021 - 2031; US$ Million)

North America

U.S.

Canada

Rest of North America

UK and European Union

UK

Germany

Spain

Italy

France

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East and Africa

and GCC

Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/y4jlh5

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

SOURCE Research and Markets
Bringing 25 years of executive management experience, the former Port of Moses Lake Executive Director has been tapped to lead manufacturing and operations at Group14's second commercial silicon battery materials factory

WOODINVILLE, Wash., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Group14 Technologies , the leading global manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology, today announced the appointment of Don Kersey as plant manager at its second commercial U.S. Battery Active Materials factory (BAM-2), which is located in Moses Lake, WA. As plant manager, Kersey will oversee all Moses Lake operations across the manufacturing, engineering and maintenance teams at BAM-2, which is currently on track to finish construction in 2024 and expected to be the world's largest factory for advanced silicon battery materials.

Don Kersey joins Group14 as plant manager at its second commercial U.S. Battery Active Materials factory (BAM-2), which is located in Moses Lake, WA.

Since Group14 first announced its intent to build its BAM-2 factory in Moses Lake earlier in the year, it has erected the five-story structure of the factory's first module and begun to lay the foundation for its second module. Located on Group14's one-million-square-foot land parcel in Moses Lake, BAM-2 is expected to produce and ship 4,000 tons of Group14's silicon battery material per year to meet the demand required by its automotive and consumer electronics customers  which is anticipated to bring hundreds of new jobs across manufacturing, engineering and more to start.

"Longtime residents who live and work in Moses Lake have been looking forward to the promise of growth in our city for years and years. Thanks to companies like Group14 that are building factories and creating new jobs, I see it actually happening now," said Don Kersey, who was born and raised in Moses Lake. "I am ready to go back to my roots in manufacturing and lucky to be able to do so at Group14  a company that is not only bringing innovation to Moses Lake but genuinely is invested in its community."

Throughout his decades-long career, Kersey led the establishment of new manufacturing processes, assisting in all phases of construction and launch. Before he accepted his role as the plant and lab manager at global manufacturer of mobility components Joyson Safety Systems (formerly known as Takata), Kersey sought a deeper understanding of the roles at the factory, spending approximately two years working day and graveyard shifts in every role from a line technician to a maintenance technician to a production associate. Prior to joining Group14, he also served as Executive Director at the Port of Moses Lake.

"During his time in leadership roles at key institutions in Moses Lake, Don has built a stellar reputation and successful career helping companies scale," said Eric Robinson, COO at Group14 Technologies. "With longstanding roots in the Moses Lake Community, values that mirror Group14's and well-rounded knowledge of how to run large, complex projects, he is already proving an indispensable part of our growing team here in Washington state."

Kersey will continue to serve as a board member at the Grant County Economic Development Council and the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, and has held past board seats at the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of the Columbia Basin.

About Group14 Technologies

Founded to enable the electrification of everything, Group14 is the world's leading commercial manufacturer and supplier of silicon battery technology. Group14 currently operates a commercial-scale Battery Active Materials factory, BAM-1, in Woodinville, Washington, with two additional forthcoming factories: a joint venture factory with SK, Inc. in South Korea and a second U.S. factory, BAM-2, in Moses Lake, WA. To date, Group14 has raised $650 million in financing from notable investors and customers such as Porsche AG, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, OMERS Capital Markets, Lightrock Climate Impact Fund, Decarbonization Partners, Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), BASF, Resonac (formerly known as Showa Denko) and SK Inc. Visit us at www.group14.technology.

Media Contact

Mission Control for Group14 Technologies

[email protected]

SOURCE Group14 Technologies
A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Azerbaijans first bank, Kapital Bank, and the Innovations Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The signing ceremony, held at Baku ASAN xidmt  7, was attended by Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of Kapital Bank Farid Huseynov and Director of the Innovations Center Vusal Rustamov.

After completing all the necessary integrations within the framework of the document, citizens will be able to take an online queue at ASAN xidmt through the digital bank Birbank and pay fees for public services on the spot, directly through the mobile app.

During their speeches, the parties expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between institutions. We value the strong partnership that exists between our organizations, stated Farid Huseynov. This collaboration is pivotal, as it enables us to extend innovative solutions to a broader audience in Azerbaijan. As you are aware, Kapital Bank serves over 5 million customers. Ensuring our clients have access to top-notch, convenient, and swift banking services stands as one of our fundamental objectives. In recent years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to digitalize our banking services, augment non-cash transactions, and promptly meet the diverse needs of our clientele. None of these achievements would have been possible without the integration of cutting-edge technological solutions and innovations. What is truly heartening is the positive reception these innovations have garnered from our customers, propelling the rapid digital transformation of our industry.

Expressing deep appreciation for such a collaboration, Vusal Rustamov, the Director of the Innovations Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized the long-term and productive partnership with Kapital Bank. Our longstanding collaboration with Kapital Bank has been both enduring and successful, he remarked. This memorandum opens up new avenues for us to implement innovative solutions. All these innovative and mobile solutions are geared towards enhancing the experience for our customers. I firmly believe that working together with Kapital Bank, we can provide the people with even more extensive, efficient, and comfortable opportunities.

Along with the signing ceremony, the parties got acquainted with the activities of the ASAN xidmt center, the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, the ASAN Center for Innovative Development, the Bilim Bak Center, as well as the iLab innovation laboratory. Then further cooperation within the framework of the memorandum was discussed.

Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 117 branches and 31 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. To apply for a consumer loan visit https://kbl.az/prgtk, for a Birbank installment card visit https://kbl.az/prcrc.
Healthgrades announces the nation's top hospitals for exceptional performance in key medical specialties and introduces new outpatient orthopedic awards and ratings.

DENVER, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a doctor or hospital, today announced the recipients of Healthgrades 2024 Specialty Excellence Awards and Five-Star Specialty Care Ratings . This year's awards recognize hospitals with outstanding clinical performance in 16 specialty care areas, including cardiac surgery, critical care, and orthopedic surgery.

Hospital quality is an important, but often overlooked, factor for consumers to consider when selecting a medical specialist. To help consumers find the best care for their needs, Healthgrades uses star ratings and awards to identify the top-performing hospitals for specialty care. For this annual analysis, Healthgrades evaluated outcomes at approximately 4,500 hospitals. The ratings assess hospital performance across 31 common procedures and conditions.* Three awards recognize superior clinical performance in specialty care:

Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Award  - the top 5% or 10% of hospitals for 16 different specialty care areas

- the top 5% or 10% of hospitals for 16 different specialty care areas America's 100 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care  - this top honor is given to 100 hospitals for 11 different specialty care areas

- this top honor is given to 100 hospitals for 11 different specialty care areas America's 50 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care - this top honor is given to 50 hospitals for three different specialty care areas

"We celebrate the recognized hospitals for their steadfast dedication to high quality specialty care," said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science, Healthgrades. "Healthgrades 2024 Specialty Excellence Awards and Ratings showcase hospitals nationwide that deliver consistently exceptional patient outcomes in a given medical specialty."

By offering easy access to objective performance measures, Healthgrades gives consumers the information they need to find a hospital with a five-star rating in their procedure or condition. As the gap between one-star and five-star performers continues to widen, the ability to evaluate hospital quality has never been more critical. In fact, from 2020-2022, if all hospitals performed similarly to those receiving five stars:

215,667 lives could potentially have been saved**





149,521 complications could potentially have been avoided**

View the complete list of 2024 Specialty Excellence Award recipients.

To provide additional insights and education around these important topics, Healthgrades has launched the following resources:

For consumer audiences: The " Finding Quality Care " right care center provides educational content to help consumers understand what factors to consider when choosing healthcare and how Healthgrades can help. The " How Healthgrades Rates Hospitals and Why It Matters " infographic explains how we pick award recipients and the impact choosing the right hospital has on your likelihood of a positive outcome.





" right care center provides educational content to help consumers understand what factors to consider when choosing healthcare and how Healthgrades can help. The " " infographic explains how we pick award recipients and the impact choosing the right hospital has on your likelihood of a positive outcome. For health system audiences, we explore hospitals' most significant challenges in the " 2024 Specialty Excellence Report ."

*To be eligible for a Specialty Excellence Award, hospitals must receive a rating in one or more of the 31 procedures and conditions included in the determination of the award. Some awards, like the Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Award, are based on a single procedurecranial neurosurgerywhile others, such as the Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award, are based on a grouping of three procedures: hip fracture treatment, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement. To learn more about Healthgrades ratings and awards determination process, see the 2024 Specialty Excellence Awards and Ratings Methodology.

**Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2020 through 2022 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

About Healthgrades

Healthgrades is dedicated to empowering stronger and more meaningful connections between patients and healthcare professionals. As the #1 platform for finding a doctor and as a leader in healthcare transparency, we help millions of consumers each month find and schedule appointments with their healthcare professional of choice and prepare for their appointments with best-in-class, treatment-focused content.

Our health system, healthcare professional, and life sciences marketing solutions have been helping our partners reach and engage consumers who are on their way to the doctor for over 20 years.

Start your search for the right care at healthgrades.com.

SOURCE Healthgrades
The Single Largest Investment in the History of J.M. Huber Corporation

SHUQUALAK, Miss., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Huber Engineered Woods (HEW) hosted the Shuqualak Mill Groundbreaking Ceremony, marking a significant milestone. This new mill, the sixth OSB plant operated by HEW, is set to become the largest investment in the history of HEW's parent company, J.M. Huber Corporation. The impressive facility will span over 550 acres and will feature a dedicated rail line material reception and shipping of finished goods. With plans for over 150 employees, the new mill is expected to generate a multiplying job creation impact for related industries like logging, hauling, and hospitality.

Event speakers participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. Gretchen McLain, President & CEO, J.M. Huber Corporation

"We're excited to be here in Mississippi," said Gretchen McLain, President & CEO, J.M. Huber Corporation. "We take pride in the products that we make that will allow people to live better and be able to prosper. When we come to a rural area like this, we're in it for the long term. We've got many of our facilities in rural areas, and we have seen that work to our success. We see excellence in our people, which has resulted in excellence in our business, which ultimately allows us to make profit and give back to our communities."

This highly anticipated gathering brought together a diverse array of community members, esteemed state and local dignitaries, as well as influential speakers who provided invaluable insights and profound commentary on the significant new investment in Noxubee County. Among the speakers was Elden Padgett, who will serve as the new mill manager in Shuqualak.

"Our last facility was built 20 years ago, so this is huge for us today. It's good for Mississippi, and it's good for Huber," said Elden Padgett, Technology Manager, Huber Engineered Woods. "We need a community like this because this is part of what we do. All our other facilities are in small, tightknit communities, and we find that those are some of the most engaging places to be."

HEW's Shuqualak Mill is poised to provide millions of square feet of engineered wood panel products to fulfill the nation's growing demand for structural building materials. This endeavor will not only cater to the needs of the extensive network of nationwide building materials distributors and lumberyards, but it will also play a pivotal role in meeting the evolving requirements of the construction industry. Conveniently located adjacent to an existing railroad, the mill will have access to eco-friendly product shipments and material deliveries, ensuring efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. Furthermore, the new mill will be equipped with advanced technology that will help the HEW facility further reduce its environmental impact.

Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of the excavation work. The mill is expected to achieve full-operational capacity in 2026.

"Huber is a great family-owned company," said Governor Tate Reeves. "They understand Mississippi's values, and we appreciate them. After looking all over the country, they chose Mississippi to invest in. It's a great day to be in Mississippi."

For the Shuqualak Mill Community Report, click here, and for additional information on J.M. Huber Corporation, click here. For video elements, including VO and SOTs from the event, click here .

About Huber Engineered Woods

Building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods LLC has a reputation built on consistent product performance and a commitment to people. Fueled by on-the-jobsite analysis and building science principles, AdvanTech subflooring, ZIP System building enclosure and EXACOR product solutions have changed the way construction teams build better buildings. Each solution in the product portfolio helps streamline installation, while providing dependable performance as critical components of quiet, stiff floors and weather-resistant, tight building envelopes. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has manufacturing facilities in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma, and dedicated R&D facilities in Commerce, Georgia. Huber Engineered Woods is a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation. Visit huberwood.com to learn more.

About J.M. Huber Corporation

J.M. Huber Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (US), operates a diverse portfolio of companies: CP Kelco, Huber Engineered Materials, Huber Engineered Woods and Huber Resources Corp. With locations around the world, our businesses create products used in a broad range of applications including personal care, food and beverage, agricultural nutrients and adjuvants, building materials, flame retardants and smoke suppressants, as well as sustainable forestry services. Founded in 1883, Huber is one of the largest private, family-owned companies based in the US. For more information, visit www.huber.com.

SOURCE Huber Engineered Woods
As CFO, Weiland will be responsible for overseeing Hyzon's financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, investor relations, and IT. He brings two decades of experience that include leading financial operations as CFO, driving diverse growth capital programs, executing transactions in the cleantech sector, and implementing critical financial processes. Most recently, he served as CFO for Boom Supersonic where he was responsible for the supersonic aircraft manufacturer's financial and information technology functions. Prior to his role at Boom, Weiland worked at Caterpillar as a Division CFO for manufacturing and engineering, digital, and procurement divisions.

"Stephen is a veteran in leading financial teams from his time as CFO at both an early-stage technology-led company and multiple divisions at Caterpillar," said Hyzon's Chief Executive Officer Parker Meeks. "With a background spanning capital markets, financial services and corporate financial leadership, Stephen brings experience critical to Hyzon's continued drive toward long-term capital stability and innovation in fuel cell-powered decarbonization."

Weiland's career is rooted in accounting, having started his career in audit as a certified public accountant before transitioning to investment banking. His financial leadership and transaction experience span various industries, including transportation and emerging technology.

"Hyzon is at the center of the hydrogen transition, developing breakthroughs in its leading fuel cell technology and deploying heavy-duty, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles around the world, and I am excited to join this team," said Weiland. "I plan to build upon the company's recent strides in expanding the financial capabilities, forecasting, and capital management."

Weiland received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Jiajia Wu, the company's interim CFO since April 2023, will transition to the role of Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounting. As Interim CFO, Wu successfully led Hyzon through critical financial and accounting milestones in 2023, including the filing of multiple quarterly and annual periodic reports and the implementation of vital governance and controls processes.

About Hyzon

Hyzon Motors is a global supplier of high-power fuel cell technology focused on integrating the technology into zero-emission heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Hyzon's clean hydrogen infrastructure approach synchronizes supply with demand, accelerating the deployment of zero emission trucks. Utilizing its proven and proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyzon aims to supply zero-emission heavy duty trucks to customers in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to mitigate emissions from diesel transportation - one of the single largest sources of global carbon emissions. Hyzon is contributing to the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles through its demonstrated technology advantage, fuel cell performance, and history of rapid innovation. Visit www.hyzonmotors.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Hyzon disclaims any duty to update any forward -looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Hyzon cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Hyzon, including risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Hyzon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 31, 2023, and other documents filed by Hyzon from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Hyzon gives no assurance that Hyzon will achieve its expectations.

SOURCE Hyzon Motors Inc.
Using Proprietary Technology, Indigo Will More Accurately Price Risk for Physicians and Expeditiously Serve Brokers

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigo has launched its new medical professional liability insurance platform, utilizing artificial intelligence to revolutionize this once conventional industry. Indigo's platform disrupts the traditional market by leveraging new data and advanced technology to offer customized pricing for physicians and a streamlined experience for brokers. Indigo policies will carry an A- (Excellent) rating by AM Best by qualifying as a member of Concert Insurance Group's rating unit and will provide robust coverage, including physician-centric defense.

Indigo was launched by leading healthcare and technology investment firms, Rubicon Founders and Oak HC/FT, with additional funding from Optum Ventures and other strategic investors.

"It's time to rethink medical professional liability," said Jared Kaplan, Indigo's Co-founder and CEO. "We're excited to partner with AMA Insurance, select premier brokers and an impressive team of executives, advisors, and investors who are passionate about modernizing this industry. With a team that blends exceptional talent from both medical malpractice and financial technology industries, we have created the best product available for physicians and brokers."

Indigo's proprietary technology customizes pricing to ensure physicians only pay in line with their true risk profile. The company also vastly improves brokers' win rate through real-time quoting and binding.

"Throughout my career in medical professional liability insurance, I knew there had to be a better way to underwrite and price physician coverage. Until recently, the data, analytical software and computing power just weren't available. Now, Indigo has brought together the people and technology to make it happen and I believe it will change the industry," said Howard Friedman, former President of Healthcare Professional Liability at ProAssurance, and board member of Indigo.

AMA Insurance Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of the American Medical Association, is now working exclusively with Indigo to bring this innovative medical malpractice insurance solution to physicians. This important relationship will quickly and exponentially increase the number of physicians that Indigo will reach with its new platform.

"AMA Insurance is uniquely positioned to partner with Indigo, and we're thrilled to introduce this new program to physicians," said Pam Moy, President, AMA Insurance. "Physicians deserve access to best-in-class technology that better identifies risk and rewards them with more customized pricing."

With its innovative technology, expert team, and strategic partners, Indigo is poised to transform the medical professional liability industry. Medical professionals looking for a faster, more efficient, and a more customized insurance experience can visit www.getindigo.com to learn more about Indigo's product, which is available through AMA Insurance and highly curated broker partners.

About Indigo

Indigo utilizes artificial intelligence to offer medical professional liability insurance to physicians and medical groups. Indigo's underwriting process is data-driven and offers physicians and groups rapid quoting and tailored pricing. The company's technology-enabled efficiencies provide ease of doing business for all parties involved, making the insurance process more convenient. Indigo's defense team works diligently to protect physicians, allowing them to focus on their work with peace of mind.

About Rubicon Founders

Rubicon Founders is an entrepreneurial healthcare investment firm focused on building and growing transformational companies. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Rubicon brings together a core team of investment, operating, and technology professionals who work to put patients and doctors first. Rubicon invests and partners to build meaningful businesses that create enduring value by transforming the way people receive care.

Indigo was founded by Matt Kim and John FitzSimons of Rubicon Founders.

SOURCE Indigo
WUHAN, China, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Conference on Wudang Tai Chi opened Monday at the foot of Wudang Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in central China's Hubei Province, in a move aimed at promoting Chinese traditional culture and exchanges between civilizations.

Over 2,000 participants from 33 countries and regions gathered in Wudang Mountain Tourist and Economic Special Zone, Shiyan City for the conference, which runs through Wednesday, according to the Organizing Committee.

Opening Ceremony of the World Wudang Tai Chi Conference

Major events include an international Tai Chi competition, a forum on the Tai Chi culture, a youth arts festival, a cultural heritage exploration and health consultations by traditional Chinese medicine experts.

An opening ceremony that featured traditional Taoist music, international video connections and a mass Tai Chi demonstration was held at the Yuxu Palace, one of the largest monasteries among the Wudang architectural complex, showcasing the historical significance and profound influence of Wudang Tai Chi culture to on-site and online audiences.

For centuries, Wudang Mountains have been known as an important center of Taoism, especially famous for its Taoist versions of martial arts or Tai Chi. The ancient palaces and temples here represent the highest standards of Chinese art and architecture over a period of nearly 1,000 years.

"Over 500 million people from 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi and about 30,000 foreigners visit Wudang annually for Tai Chi studies," said Wang Zhonglin, Governor of Hubei Province, in his opening speech.

He said that the Tai Chi culture, which had originated in Wudang, advocates the philosophical concept of harmony between nature and man, conveying the ideas of benevolence and inclusivity.

Huang Jianxiong, Party chief of the CPC Shiyan municipal committee, said that Tai Chi, as "a crystallization of Chinese traditional culture and an optimal activity for physical fitness", enjoys global popularity and that the conference aimed to foster a fusion of sports, culture, and travel development.

The Wudang Tai Chi International Fellowship Competition kicked off on Sunday. The competition is divided into five age groups: children, youth, young adults, middle-aged adults and seniors. A total of 1,503 athletes registered, including 128 from overseas.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442811

Caption: Opening Ceremony of the World Wudang Tai Chi Conference

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256079/Tai_Chi.jpg

SOURCE Organizing Committee of the World Wudang Tai Chi Conference
GLASGOW, Scotland, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Invizius Limited ("Invizius"), a biotechnology company developing breakthrough treatments for patients on dialysis, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Bernard Canaud to its Clinical Advisory Board.

Professor Canaud is a leading authority on kidney disease and dialysis. He has over 40 years of experience in the field, has published more than 350 peer-reviewed articles on the subject, and in 2009 was awarded the Legion d'Honneur  the highest French order of merit  for his medical achievements. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Nephrology at the Montpellier University School of Medicine in France and previously headed the Nephrology, Dialysis and Intensive Care Department at Lapeyronie University Hospital in Montpellier. He served as Chief Medical Officer for Fresenius Medical Care's Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America division from 2012 to 2018, and as its global Chief Medical Scientist from 2019 to 2021. He has served on the editorial boards of many nephrology journals and is a member of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EDTA), the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the French Society of Nephrology. He is also a past president of the Societe Francophone de Dialyse (SFD).

Invizius is developing its novel, complement regulation biotechnology into breakthrough treatments for patients on dialysis, to improve the poor patient outcomes that have persisted for decades. Its lead product, H-Guard, is for Haemodialysis and is designed to preserve renal function and cardiovascular health and improve patients' Quality of Life. By taking a precision medicine approach, treatment will target patients at highest risk of life-threatening complications.

Richard Boyd, Chief Executive Officer of Invizius, said: "We are delighted and honored to have Professor Canaud join Invizius at an important time of growth and development for the company. We are now beginning the First-in-Human study of H-Guard following recent approval by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Professor Canaud's unrivalled experience in the field of nephrology will be instrumental as we look to transform the treatment landscape for dialysis patients."

Professor Bernard Canaud, commented: "Invizius' unique product H-Guard has the potential to reduce the therapeutic burden and save patients' lives by addressing the inappropriate activation of the complement system. In spite of significant advances in the field of biocompatibility, studies have demonstrated that the persistent activation of the complement system by extracorporeal blood purification or nanomedicine therapy remains potentially harmful in the long and short term for patients exposed to these therapies. By targeting factor H and inhibiting both the alternate complement activation pathway and its amplification loop with H-Guard, we have the ability and potential to make a tremendous difference to patients while mitigating associated risks."

Invizius will be attending the upcoming American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2023 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA, on 2 to 5 November. Do get in contact if you would like to set up a meeting or require further information.

About Invizius

Invizius is developing a portfolio of second generation complement therapies to address a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Invizius' proprietary approach was born out of over ten years of research by Dr Andy Herbert into how pathogenic microbes evade the human complement system. The novel mechanism of action enhances the activity of the body's own complement regulators to effectively downregulate immune responses while maintaining antimicrobial protection. The lead product, H-Guard, addresses serious complement-driven complications of haemodialysis, and enables additional indications in other extra-corporeal treatments (ECMO, cardiopulmonary bypass). A second product is being developed to extend the period that patients can sustain home-based, peritoneal dialysis.

The company is working with Key Opinion Leaders from University of Manchester NHS Trust, Karolinska Institutet, University of Heidelberg, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Oxford, and University of Strathclyde. It is backed by Mercia, Downing, Calculus, and Solvay, a corporate VC. Other investors include Edinburgh University's Old College Capital fund, Scottish Enterprise, and well-known life science investor, Dr Jonathan Milner.

For more information on Invizius, please visit: www.invizius.com

SOURCE Invizius
"Nearly 18% of adults in Ohio are dealing with substance use disorders, and far too many are not receiving the specialized care they require," said Andrea Gnezda, executive director of Praxis of Columbus. "But there is hope, and it starts here."

Praxis of Columbus by Landmark Recovery aims to increase accessibility to high-quality addiction treatment options for those with Medicaid insurance. The new 192-bed recovery center will offer medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. Unique among treatment facilities, Landmark also welcomes patients with dual diagnoses, addressing both mental health issues and substance use disorders.

About Landmark Recovery:

Founded in 2016, Landmark Recovery is an evidence-based addiction treatment organization offering comprehensive, individualized care through services such as detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization. Landmark serves communities across the country. In recent years, Landmark of Louisville was named the No. 1 Addiction Treatment Center in Kentucky by Newsweek for 2021 and 2022, and Landmark of Indiana received the same recognition in Indiana for 2023. For more information, visit www.landmarkrecovery.com or call 866-504-8545.

Contact Landmark Recovery for Immediate Help:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don't wait. Call Landmark Recovery at 888-448-0302 to start the journey toward recovery today.

SOURCE Praxis by Landmark Recovery
MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With great enthusiasm, talented actress Laura Termini had an exciting reunion with her loyal audience in the highly anticipated return of "Dramaticas." The series premiered in Venezuela on October 16th via Venevision broadcast and is available for streaming on the new platform HispanoTV . This production marks the comeback of dramatic television in Venezuela, a country known for exporting successful shows, thanks to the efforts of producer Daniel Ferrer of Hispano Medios.

Laura Termini Dramaticas premiere Laura Termini Dramaticas premiere Laura Termini Dramaticas premiere

"I have never stopped working, and now returning to Venezuela excites me. Being part of this production is an investment in our industry. I believe in Venezuela and our talent. Together, we will revitalize television, and our productions will be a global success as always, thanks to the support of our audience, who have made us triumph. Let's shine and show what we're made of!" commented Laura.

With over 28 years of experience in the United States and recognition from the White House and the United Nations as a Top Latina Blogger, Laura Termini is gearing up for an exciting return to this comedy that promises to captivate the audience.

Her career of more than four decades and her outstanding contributions to numerous productions in the United States have positioned her as one of the most beloved and successful actresses in film, theater, and television.

Laura will share the screen with prominent figures in the Hispanic television industry.

About Laura: www.lauratermini.com Instagram: @Lauratermini

For interviews, https://calendar.app.google/Ttki7uXQNbJ6b2px6

About Laura: Laura Termini, a renowned actress with over four decades of experience in the entertainment industry, has earned recognition and accolades in the United States and beyond. Her remarkable career encompasses film, theater, and television, making her one of the most cherished and successful actresses of her generation.

SOURCE Laura Termini
Marco's New Pizzoli is Stuffed with Meats and Melty Cheeses Rolled Up in Fresh, House-Made Dough  Available in Four Delicious Varieties for $5.99* Each

TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza , one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, is expanding its menu offerings with the launch of its NEW Pizzoli  a fully loaded handheld featuring savory high-quality meats and four melty cheeses rolled up in the brand's fresh house-made dough and baked to golden perfection. The crispy, craveable creation is finished with garlic sauce and romesan seasoning and paired with a side of dipping sauce.

Marco's New Pizzoli is stuffed with meats and melty cheeses rolled up in fresh, house-made dough Post this Marcos expands its menu offerings with the launch of the Pizzoli, a new handheld item available in four delicious varieties.

Inspired by both pizza and stromboli, Marco's innovative Pizzoli delivers a new way to experience the bold flavors of Marco's whether paired with pizza or enjoyed as an on-the-go option for lunch or late-night.

Marco's new Pizzoli is available in four varieties  Pepperoni, Buffalo Chicken, Pepperoni & Sausage, and Chicken Bacon Ranch  each packed with flavor and cheesy goodness that is sure to satisfy every craving. Just like all pizzas from Marco's, the new Pizzoli is made-to-order, delivering the hand-crafted taste and quality consumers deserve.

"At Marco's Pizza, we believe in delivering flavor in relevant ways with innovative new menu items that offer consumers greater variety and choice," said Denise Lauer, Chief Marketing Officer, Marco's Pizza. "By tapping into the emerging handhelds category with the launch of our NEW Pizzoli, we can offer even more craveable options for consumers. Our Pizzoli is perfect for every eating occasion at home, at work or on-the-go  as a sidekick for pizza, as a grab-and-go lunch alternative, as a satisfying late-night snack, or as a convenient catering option for a gathering or event."

Guests can enjoy the NEW Pizzoli at an introductory price of just $5.99* for a limited time only at participating Marco's locations.

With the launch of its new Pizzoli, Marco's Pizza is marking National Pizza Month with not just one  but two new product innovations  to create even more mouthwatering moments for consumers.

Earlier this month, Marco's Pizza launched the Hot Honey Magnifico Pizza in collaboration with Mike's Hot Honey. The new limited-time offering delivers a must-try flavor combination of savory and sweet heat with a decadent drizzle of Mike's Hot Honey on Marco's Pepperoni Magnifico, featuring both classic and crispy, cupped Old World Pepperoni, three signature cheeses, our original sauce, fresh dough made in-house daily and sprinkled with romesan seasoning.

The new Hot Honey Magnifico is available now at Marco's Pizza locations nationwide for a sweet price of just $10.99* for a large pizza, available for a limited time. Customers can also add a drizzle of Mike's Hot Honey to any Marco's pie or order a dipping cup as a side item for extra drizzle or dunking, at an additional charge.

For more information about Marco's Pizza and to find your nearest location, please visit www.marcos.com or download our mobile app available on the App Store or Google Play.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Marco's Pizza is the one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and delivers a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, ranked No. 40 on QSR's Top 50 and has been featured six consecutive years on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

*Limited time only. Check www.marcos.com for prices and receive the promo code for a discount. Pricing and participation may vary.

SOURCE Marco's Pizza
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 21st, 2023, global lifestyle brand MINISO launched its first IP-themed flagship store featuring Sanrio characters at Margo City Store in Indonesia, the brand's first of its kind anywhere in the world. This significant development underscores MINISO's commitment to the brand's upgrade in Indonesia, with new store image and a wide range of beloved IP products, aiming to create a better shopping experience for customers.

MINISO Opens Its First IP-themed Store Featuring Sanrio Characters The Sanrio Collections Have been Highly Favored by Indonesian Consumers The Iconic Hello Kitty Mascot Shows Up at MINISO's Grand Opening Ceremony

After months of renovation, MINISO's Margo City store, situated in one of Indonesia's most popular shopping malls, reopened its doors to eager shoppers with a captivating new look. The storefront, adorned in delightful pastel pink, prominently features Sanrio's beloved characters, such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll, creating an enticing gateway to a joy-filled magical wonderland. Spanning around 450 square meters, the store boasts an extensive Sanrio IP zone, while also including a rich assortment of other globally renowned IPs that cater to a diverse audience. MINISO hopes the new store will provide a one-stop destination for customers to fully immerse themselves in its enchanting IP co-branded world.

The flagship store's grand opening was met with tremendous enthusiasm and excitement. Indonesian actress Prilly Latuconsina graced the event, delighting attendees with her appearance. The iconic Hello Kitty mascot also delivered a lively dance performance, infusing the day with a spirited and joyous atmosphere. Customers also had the opportunity to record the cherished moments, taking photographs with Prilly and Hello Kitty for memories that would last a lifetime.

"The Sanrio collections have consistently been highly favored by Indonesian consumers, and we are excited to launch Sanrio product for the first time in Indonesia. That's why we've chosen to open our very first Sanrio-themed store here," said Jason Lee, General Manager of MINISO Indonesia. "As well as offering exciting IP co-branded products, the store will uniquely integrate people's beloved IPs into shopping scenarios, enabling customers to interact with their favorite characters and build deeper emotional connections."

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with MINISO in Indonesia. Through MINISO's extensive retail network, Sanrio fans will be treated to a wide selection of cute Sanrio merchandise", said Cindy Loh, General Manager of Sanrio Southeast Asia.

Currently, MINISO operates over 200 stores in Indonesia, spanning 90 cities nationwide. Following the successful opening of the Sanrio-themed store, the brand intends to bring further outstanding IP collaborations to the nation's shoppers, while actively expediting its store expansion in the country. With an objective of establishing a presence in more central business districts in the country, MINISO hopes to open more stores nationwide by year-end. Beyond physical store expansion, MINISO is also continuing its brand upgrade in Indonesia. On the same day as the store opening, the brand also unveiled its first and only perfume ambassador in Indonesia, Prilly Latuconsina, along with an entirely new perfume collection, with the aim of becoming a beloved lifestyle brand in the hearts of local consumers.

About MINISO

MINISO Group is a global lifestyle brand offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities.

ABOUT SANRIO

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody, Kuromi, LittleTwinStars, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Gudetama, Aggretsuko, Chococat, Bad Badtz-Maru and Keroppi. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio's business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone's faces with their vision of "One World, Connecting Smiles." To learn more about Sanrio, please follow @sanrioindonesia on Instagram and @SanrioIndonesia on Facebook.

SOURCE Miniso Group
SUMGAYIT, Azerbaijan, October 24. Several more companies will receive the status of a resident of Azerbaijan's Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park in the near future, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Economic Zones Development Agency, Elshad Nuriyev said, Trend reports.

Nuriyev noted that the agency is considering projects related to the establishment of a raw materials production enterprise in Azerbaijan to support the metallurgical industry, as well as a European-leading woodworking and finished product manufacturing enterprise.

"In the near future, the status of a resident of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park will be granted to several more companies. The project to support the metallurgical industry will be a joint venture; the bulk of its products will be exported," Nuriyev said.

Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park was established by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated December 21, 2011. This is the first industrial park created in Azerbaijan. It is the largest in the South Caucasus.

In addition, on the territory of the industrial park, which has an area of 583.5 hectares, there are enterprises for the production and processing of competitive products in the petrochemical and other priority industries. Moreover, 38 business entities with a total investment volume of about 5.8 billion manat ($3.4 billion) received resident status in the park. Residents have invested more than 5.4 billion manat ($3.2 billion) in the industrial park to date. In general, 20 registered residents are already functioning.
Project evaluates single-stranded DNA as non-viral delivery vehicle for cell and gene therapies

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Moligo Technologies announced today that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Nationwide Children's Hospital to provide long, single-stranded DNA for its research into gene therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) and other airway diseases. Moligo's patent-pending enzymatic DNA production technology delivers ultrapure, long ssDDNA at industrial sale - with the ability to introduce chemical modifications - making it potentially suited as a non-viral delivery method in cell and gene therapies.

While significant advances have been made in gene therapy, using the approach for airway diseases is still in the early stages. In cystic fibrosis, the most common genetic airway disease, gene therapy researchers have predominantly focused on replacing the genetic mutation in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene for CF with a correct version of the gene using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a delivery vehicle. However, CFTR is a relatively long gene, and AAV's capacity for carrying long, therapeutic genes is limited because of its small genome size, creating challenges to AAV delivery.

"If we can successfully use ssDNA to insert large genes, such as CFTR, into airways, the possibilities are endless. There are few options outside of AAV right now in the genome-editing field," said Sriram Vaidyanthathan, Ph.D ., a principal investigator at Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Gene Therapy at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute . "Although the efficiency of editing and producing ssDNA capable of carrying long genes has been a challenge, Moligo's ssDNA has several characteristics that make it a possible option - including its length, ability to be produced at scale, and the fact that it can be chemically modified to potentially improve the stability of the gene."

Vaidyanathan's genome-edited airway stem cell therapy approach involves transplanting corrected airway stem cells into the airways to treat CF and various airway diseases. Although double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is also a non-viral gene delivery option, research has shown it carries a higher risk than ssDNA that the stem cells will launch an immune response, killing the replacement gene. Over the next year, Vaidyanthathan will conduct a proof-of-concept in vitro study using ssDNA and, if successful, will launch a follow-up study.

"We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Nationwide Children's Hospital on this critical research," said Moligo CEO Cosimo Ducani, Ph.D. "While significant advances have been made in treating cystic fibrosis, many patients with rare genetic mutations don't benefit from current treatments. A gene therapy approach could treat more patients and, importantly, holds the potential for a permanent cure. More broadly, ssDNA could offer a valuable, scalable alternative to current gene therapy approaches, particularly when the gene exceeds the packaging capacity of AAV."

Moligo utilizes a proprietary, PCR-free, enzymatic technology to produce ultrapure DNA strands over 10,000 bases long, 100 percent sequence-verified, and at scale. The process also enables any sequence to be synthesized, overcoming complexity-related barriers. Traditional chemical methods of making ssDNA generate fragments that are too short, have high error rates, and deliver too low quantities. Sequence complexity is also a significant challenge, making encoding many complete and functional long therapeutic genes into ssDNA impossible.

About Moligo Technologies

Moligo Technologies produces long, ultrapure, complex DNA at industrial scale using a proprietary enzymatic synthesis process to overcome the challenges of chemical methods. The company's patent-pending PCR-free "injection-molding" platform can be scaled to produce kilograms of DNA, enough material to enable any cell- or gene-based therapy to go from the lab through clinical trials. With a specialty in complex, ultrapure single-stranded DNA 100 percent sequence verified and more than 10,000 bases long - and at scalable volume - Moligo helps companies take safer, more effective gene-based therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics over the finish line and to the patient. Moligo was founded in 2019 and is privately held.

SOURCE Moligo Technologies
New mortgage brokerage franchise in Miami invites the community for an evening of refreshments and mingling with local professionals who understand the Florida market

MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the United States focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in Miami, Florida. Motto Mortgage NMR is now open and serving all markets throughout the Sunshine State.

Motto Mortgage NMR will hold a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, November 14 from 4 - 7 p.m. ET at its office located at 10950 N Kendall Dr., Suite 200M. All in the community and invited to attend and guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Motto Mortgage NMR is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Jose Maria (Chepe) Serrano and Gabriel Serrano, who bring over two decades of industry experience to the brokerage. The duo is excited and ready to serve homebuyers in their local community, build strong, valuable partnerships with realtor partners, and develop trusting, long term relationships with clients.

"We are thrilled to be open for business in Miami and we are looking forward to personally introducing ourselves to the community at our grand opening event. Motto Mortgage NMR offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Florida," said Gabriel Serrano. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market."

The Motto Mortgage NMR team also includes Daniela Serrano, Operations Manager and Loan Originator, Stefano Magnoni, Loan Originator, and Veronica Cesar, Loan Originator. Together, Daniela, Stefano and Veronica have nearly 10 years of experience in the mortgage industry. "I have lived in Miami most of my life and nothing brings myself and our dedicated team greater joy than helping our clients reach their dreams of homeownership," said Daniela Serrano.

Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices  because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely.

For more information about the grand opening celebration, please contact Motto Mortgage NMR at 305-677-2624. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.

About Motto Mortgage NMR:

Motto Mortgage NMR (NMLS #2511335) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Florida, located at 10950 N. Kendall Dr., Suite 200M, Miami, FL 33176. To learn more, please visit www.MottoMortgageNMR.com or call 305-677-2624.

Daniela Serrano, NMLS #1555688

Stefano Magnoni, NMLS #2215316

Veronica Cesar, NMLS #389198

SOURCE Motto Mortgage
Unsung Heroes to Be Honored Alongside Previously Announced 2023 Inductees David Chase, Tiki Barber, Patti Scialfa and Others

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) is excited to announce award-winning actor, comedian and filmmaker Danny DeVito will act as the master of ceremonies for the 15th iteration of the induction ceremony honoring New Jersey legends. Additionally, Anna Diaz-White and Michael Fux will be honored as this year's Unsung Heroes, an award which recognizes game-changers in the state of New Jersey that are not typically recognized for their work in bettering their communities.

"The Unsung Heroes award offers us the unique opportunity to show our gratitude and put a spotlight on the people who often work behind the scenes to make invaluable contributions to their community," said First Lady Tammy Murphy. "It brings me great joy to join Gloria Gaynor to bestow this honor on Anna and Michael for their tireless work and dedication to such important causes."

Anna Diaz-White serves as the Executive Director of 180 Turning Lives Around, the Monmouth County non-profit providing survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families with free and confidential programs and resources to process and heal from their experiences. She has been at the helm of this effort to offer hope and support to victims for 35 years, and under Diaz-White's leadership the organization has developed a state-of-the art, comprehensive approach to support survivors and their children.

"Anna's work gives survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families the support they need to heal from such traumatic experiences. Having known her for over two decades and personally collaborated on numerous projects, I can attest to the quality of work she provides and the dedication she has for survivors in need," continued the First Lady. "She has changed countless lives over her 35 years of service to this community, and, as a survivor myself, I am grateful for her compassion and unwavering dedication to this work."

Michael Fux migrated to Newark, NJ, from Cuba in 1958 with his mother and his brother at just 15 years old and didn't speak a word of English. His entrepreneurial passion began soon thereafter when he started his first business at the age of 18, selling used tires and batteries at a single-car garage in Newark. Through hard work and ambition, Fux founded very successful companies in the home furnishings industry and is now CEO of Imaginarium and Co. He never forgot where he came from and is passionate about providing support to law enforcement and children's charities throughout our State of New Jersey.

"Michael's achievements are a testament to the American Dream," said First Lady Murphy. "In New Jersey, we pride ourselves on being one of the most diverse states in the nation, where people from around the world can settle down to work and raise a family. And thanks to Michael's charitable contributions to law enforcement and children's organizations, he is now supporting our efforts on that front."

This year's induction ceremony will be held at the esteemed New Jersey Performing Arts Center and will celebrate the achievements of the aforementioned Unsung Heroes alongside the newest class of inductees, which includes a wide array of notables from various walks of life. The previously announced Hall of Fame class of 2023 includes Tiki Barber, Sue Wicks, David Chase, Tony Orlando, Patti Scialfa, Finn Wentworth, Josh Weston, Steve Adubato, Sr., Charles Edison, George Shultz, George Segal, and Dorothy Porter Wesley. The October 29th event will also feature notable presenters and surprise musical performances.

ABOUT THE NJHOF: Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 14 ceremonies for more than 200 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible.

For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org .

CONTACT:

Norris Clark, [email protected], (609) 425-1325

SOURCE New Jersey Hall of Fame
One in three instructors said all or most of their students were unprepared for their courses because of COVID-related learning loss, new McGraw Hill Study Trends Report finds

Over 80% of students have turned to ChatGPT or social media for study help

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, McGraw Hill announced the release of its second annual McGraw Hill Study Trends Report examining student and instructor opinions on changing study habits, mental health concerns, student use of digital tools and more. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of McGraw Hill, shows that while the pandemic may seem to be in the rearview mirror, the impact of learning loss on students is still gaining strength. The survey showed a sizable increase in the number of students who indicate that feeling unprepared for courses heading into the semester is the biggest obstacle to their success  up from 11% to 21% since last year. One in five students also report that learning loss caused by the pandemic has had a negative impact on their education and college preparedness.

The 2023 McGraw Hill Study Trends Report showed a sizable increase in the number of students who indicate that feeling unprepared for courses heading into the semester is the biggest obstacle to their success  up from 11% to 21% since last year.

The McGraw Hill Study Trends Report captured the views of over 500 U.S. undergraduate students and 200 college instructors on how study habits have evolved since the pandemic began. The study also found that students are increasingly turning to social media and emerging generative AI tools to supplement their course materials, with an overwhelming majority of students (80%) using ChatGPT and social media for study help.

"The survey's findings emphasize the need for creative solutions to address learning loss and related challenges and to support educators during this time of rapid change," said Simon Allen, CEO of McGraw Hill. "We are committed to serving learners along their individual journeys, meeting them where they are and adapting our approach to serve their evolving preferences and needs."

Students' Struggles are a Growing Challenge on College Campuses

Current college freshmen spent significant portions of their formative high school years dealing with COVID-related disruptions and the impact of learning loss is manifesting as students are now struggling to handle the rigorous academic demands of higher education.

Professors are observing this as well, reporting that levels of unpreparedness due to COVID-19-related learning loss are even worse than students themselves might realize. One-third of instructors reported that all or most of their students struggled due to being unprepared, while only 21% of students reported struggles for this reason. This lack of preparedness is reported as the most common obstacle to students' success, according to the educators surveyed.

These academic struggles highlight a growing need for mental health resources within higher education institutions:

Increased responsibilities, lack of free time and COVID-related disruptions have taken a toll on the mental health of today's college students. A majority of students reported regularly feeling overwhelmed (57%) and stressed (56%) because of their studies.

More than one in three (35%) of students said they had considered dropping out as a result of the difficulties they experience when studying, up from 26% in last year's survey.

Professors share this concern, with 90% agreeing that mental health is a growing challenge affecting undergraduate student success.

Nearly one in four professors (24%) feel that they lack adequate resources from their institutions to effectively support students with mental health challenges.

Both Students and Professors Are Embracing Generative AI And Optimistic About Its Potential To Support Learning

Faced with rigorous courses, students are looking for tools that can support them through their study experiences and maximize their productivity during the hours they can dedicate to studying. Two thirds of students say they had to choose between schoolwork and obligations outside of school, which is a significant increase over 59% last year.

Students widely express the desire for study materials that align with the convenience and engagement of social media. Over 70% of students say they would study more, and more effectively, if their study materials were more like social media. And both students and educators are actively exploring the potential of generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT to bolster comprehension, seeking ways to navigate the challenges of modern learning. One in three students report using AI chatbots for schoolwork in the past year.

But these self-curated online materials are imperfect stopgaps, and students and instructors are aware of those flaws, especially when it comes to accuracy and trustworthiness. 46% of instructors and 39% of students express that they would be more comfortable using AI tools for coursework if the tools' content were developed and vetted by trusted academic sources.

Justin Singh, Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer for McGraw Hill, remarked on this innovative approach, stating, "Students' learning needs are in constant flux, and they increasingly seek technology that mirrors the engaging, convenient format of tools and technology they use in their daily lives like ChatGPT and social media. We must respond to those preferences while also meeting the high standard for accuracy and trustworthiness that content providers like McGraw Hill are known for."

Survey Methodology

Morning Consult conducted 500 online interviews of undergraduate students and 200 college instructors between July 18th and August 11th, 2023, on behalf of McGraw Hill. The margin of error for students is +/-4% and for instructors it is +/-7%. Margin of error is greater for subgroups of either audience. Care has been taken to match the known composition of the undergraduate population on age, gender, race, region, and part-time or full-time student status.

About McGraw Hill

McGraw Hill is a leading global education company that partners with millions of educators, learners and professionals around the world. Recognizing their diverse needs, we build trusted content, flexible tools and powerful digital platforms to help them achieve success on their own terms. Through our commitment to equity, accessibility and inclusion, we foster a culture of belonging that respects and reflects the diversity of the communities, learners and educators we serve. McGraw Hill has over 40 offices across North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions for PreK12, higher education, professionals and others available in more than 80 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

Contact

Tyler Reed

McGraw Hill

(914) 512-4853

[email protected]

SOURCE McGraw Hill
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Onassis Holding Corp (OTC: ONSS), a wellness and biotech focused holding company. In a forward-looking strategy to supercharge this significant funding initiative, Onassis has signed an agreement with a well-known broker-dealer to oversee the sale of shares to international investors under Regulation S.

Harnessing the broker-dealer's state-of-the-art technology, Onassis seeks to revolutionize its capital raising process. The technological prowess of the broker-dealer makes the act of selling shares as intuitive as selling shoes. With a digital-first approach, Onassis's funding journey, from its inception to IPO, is poised to be seamless and effective. The broker-dealer's online process technology has already showcased its caliber by raising over $2,000,000,000, setting the stage for Onassis to tap into this proven formula.

Highlights of the Partnership with the Broker-Dealer:

Digital Progression : The broker-dealer's groundbreaking platform digitizes the capital raising trajectory. This includes swift online investor documentation, enabling investors to promptly complete investment forms, signatures, and payments, as well as facilitating varied online payment options, all geared towards optimizing the investment experience.

: The broker-dealer's groundbreaking platform digitizes the capital raising trajectory. This includes swift online investor documentation, enabling investors to promptly complete investment forms, signatures, and payments, as well as facilitating varied online payment options, all geared towards optimizing the investment experience. Investor Engagement : The broker-dealer's Engage Investor Relations portal ensures Onassis's shareholders are consistently updated on pivotal company milestones, ranging from financial developments to imperative corporate decisions.

Onassis's Strategic Outreach : The expertise of the broker-dealer will be instrumental in amplifying Onassis's market presence, leveraging the skills of seasoned in-house marketing professionals with impressive ROAS achievements.

Onassis's ROAS Data-Driven Insights : Through the broker-dealer's analytical suite, Onassis is primed to receive in-depth insights into investor behaviors and patterns. Their proprietary scoring algorithm offers invaluable data-driven strategies.

Onassis Integrated Systems : With the broker-dealer's advanced technology, Onassis is set for real-time data synchronization, ensuring smooth operational flow.

About Onassis Holding Corp: Onassis Holding Corp is a visionary in the wellness and biotech sector, committed to spearheading innovations and offering solutions in Rejuvenation Therapy, Innovative Epigenetic Programming, and other anti-aging methods.

Forward-Looking Statements: Statements that are not historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from historical or future results. "Believes," "should," "intends," "will," or "plans" are considered uncertain and forward-looking statements.

For more information about Onassis:

Onassis Holdings Corp.

+1-929-229-9864

[email protected]

www.onassis-holdings.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1708529/Onassis_Holdings_Corp_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Onassis Holdings Corp
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OrbiMed , a global healthcare investment firm, is pleased to announce it has raised more than $4.3 billion in commitments for its latest private investment funds, including OrbiMed Private Investments IX, OrbiMed Asia Partners V and OrbiMed Royalty & Credit Opportunities IV.

Consistent with their predecessors, these new funds enable OrbiMed to invest globally, from seed stage for start-ups incubated by OrbiMed through growth capital opportunities. OrbiMed works closely with its portfolio companies to provide tailored financing solutions, which can include equity, credit and royalty-based financing. OrbiMed focuses on innovative and growth-oriented opportunities across healthcare sub-sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and technology-enabled healthcare services.

OrbiMed is led by its 21 partners , with a growing team exceeding 130 professionals that contribute diverse, complementary skills across company incubation, strategy, operations and finance. The firm's professionals are based in a dozen global locations across key healthcare markets in North America, Europe and Asia.

Investors in these new funds include a broad range of medical institutions, university endowments, foundations, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and family offices.

"OrbiMed is deeply appreciative of the continued support we've received from many long-standing partners who've invested in these funds," said Carter Neild, a Managing Partner of OrbiMed. "We will endeavor to meet our partners' high expectations in the coming years."

About OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm with more than $17 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry, from start-ups to large multinational corporations, through a range of private equity funds, public equity funds and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMed seeks to be a capital provider of choice, providing tailored financing solutions and extensive global team resources to help build world-class healthcare companies. OrbiMed's team of more than 130 professionals is based in New York City; London; San Francisco; Shanghai; Hong Kong; Mumbai, India; Herzliya, Israel; and other key global markets. For more information, please visit www.orbimed.com . Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @OrbiMed .

Media Contact:

Carter Neild, CFA

Phone: (212) 739.6400

Email: [email protected]

Erin Bocherer

Phone: (678) 294-2258

Cogenta Communications for OrbiMed

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE OrbiMed
TAIPEI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ProLogium, a global leader in next-generation solid-state batteries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Wirahadiraksa as its first Chief Financial Officer, effective October 2, to bolster ProLogium's ambitious plans for global expansion.

As the company embarks on its global growth strategy and accelerates the industrialization of solid-state batteries, Mr. Wirahadiraksa's inclusion in the leadership team is instrumental for the company to navigate the fast-evolving marketplace. His primary responsibilities include establishing a compliant, international financial framework and devising macro-level financial strategies to mitigate risks.

Mr. Wirahadiraksa held CFO and executive board positions in several globally recognized listed companies. Formerly serving as CFO of Royal Phillips, he played a key role in driving business transformation of the global electronics giant. As part of the executive team, his leadership helped refocus the company on its core strengths, yielding impressive profitability. Prior to joining ProLogium, he served as a Managing Director in Alvarez & Marsal, a global leading business consultancy firm, helping organizations boost operating performance and maximize value through financial and operational restructuring.

Vincent Yang, founder and CEO of ProLogium, stated "I am delighted to welcome a visionary expert like Ron to our leadership team. As we are committed to international operations and capacity expansion, ProLogium will benefit immensely from Ron's extensive experience in financial leadership and international outlook. He will be instrumental in crafting a robust financial strategy and capital structure, supporting the company's rapid transformation and growth."

"I'm excited to join ProLogium at this pivotal moment in its growth journey. With our groundbreaking technologies and clear vision of scale-up, ProLogium is well-positioned to become a key driving force of the EV revolution." said Mr. Wirahadiraksa. "I look forward to working closely with our passionate team and shaping impactful financial strategies to deliver long-term value for our shareholders and the transition towards decarbonized transportation."

Mr. Wirahadiraksa brings a wealth of experience in international collaboration and management. He co-led the establishment of the LCD joint-venture between LG Electronics and Phillips Electronics, in South Korea. During his tenure as President and CFO there, he spearheaded its successful concurrent dual listing on the Korean and New York Stock Exchanges, contributing to the globalization of the Korean financial market.

About ProLogium:

Founded in 2006, ProLogium is an energy innovation firm focused on the R&D and manufacturing of next-generation battery solutions for EV, consumer, and industrial applications. Its proprietary technologies cover more than 690 (applied and awarded) patents globally.

ProLogium has demonstrated its commercial capabilities through its automated pilot production line, with which it has shipped nearly 8,000 solid-state battery sample cells to international automotive OEMs for testing and module development. Its first large scale demonstration production line in Taoyuan, Taiwan will start operations by the end of 2023, which will help accelerate the company's capacity expansion in major global markets.

Visit https://prologium.com/ to learn more.

SOURCE ProLogium
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading innovator in cutting-edge analytics and intelligence solutions, is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for its esteemed QCI Community members. On October 24, 2023, QCI College will host a virtual course, titled "Mini Casino Merchandising" (Course Number: SLT 322), led by the renowned expert and host, Andrew Cardno.

This exclusive course will delve deep into the world of slot machine analytics, revealing strategies and techniques to enhance their performance and optimize player experiences. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the intricate workings of slot machines, helping casinos maximize profitability while providing a more enjoyable gaming atmosphere for their patrons.

Andrew Cardno, a distinguished authority in casino analytics, commented on the significance of QCI College and being a part of the QCI Community: "QCI College is a gateway to unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the field of analytics. As a member of the QCI Community, you gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and educational events like Course SLT 322. Being a part of this community ensures that you stay at the forefront of industry advancements, giving you a distinct competitive edge."

Attendance at QCI College, including Course SLT 322, is a complimentary benefit included with all QCI products, further demonstrating QCI's commitment to empowering its community of users. However, access to QCI College is exclusive to members of the QCI Community, fostering a collaborative environment where industry professionals can exchange ideas and stay ahead of the curve.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your knowledge of slot machine performance analytics. Secure your spot at QCI College by joining the QCI Community today and registering for Course SLT 322 on October 24, 2023. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of Mini Casino Merchandising!

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 150 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

ABOUT Andrew Cardno

Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

SOURCE Quick Custom Intelligence
PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Suriname (the "Republic") announced today that it invites Eligible Holders (as defined below) of its 9.875% Notes due 2023 (CUSIP Numbers 86886P AB8 and P68788 AB7; ISIN Numbers US86886PAB85 and USP68788AB70) (the "2023 Bonds") and 9.25% Notes due 2026 (CUSIP Numbers 86886P AA0 and P68788 AA9; ISIN Numbers US86886PAA03 and USP68788AA97) (the "2026 Bonds", and together with the 2023 Bonds, the "Eligible Bonds") to exchange such Eligible Bonds for New Securities (as defined below) and to simultaneously consent to certain amendments to the Eligible Bonds (the "Invitation"), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the invitation memorandum.

Background

On May 3, 2023, the Republic announced it reached an agreement-in-principle on the restructuring terms of the Eligible Bonds with the members of the representative bondholder committee (the "bondholder committee"), consistent with the parameters of the IMF Program for Suriname that was approved by the IMF Executive Board on December 22, 2021.

The terms of the agreement-in-principle with the bondholder committee are incorporated in, and are to be implemented pursuant to, the Invitation.

Exchange Offers

Holders of Eligible Bonds are invited to exchange their Eligible Bonds (including accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to (but excluding) the Effective Date (as defined below)) for:

A. a new fixed income instrument representing an unsecured obligation of the Republic (the "New Bonds"), and

B. a value recovery instrument in the form of an oil-linked security, which represents a payment obligation of the Republic which is contingent on the generation of royalty revenues from Block 58 offshore Suriname (the "Oil-linked Securities", and together with the New Bond, the "New Securities"), as further described below.

The New Bonds will be issued in an aggregate principal amount of U.S.$650,000,000, with an additional U.S.$10,000,000 of New Bonds issued as "Expense Reimbursement Bonds" that will be liquidated to cover a portion of the $5,925,000 of fees and expenses of the bondholder committee. The Oil-linked Securities will be issued in an aggregate notional amount of U.S.$314,675,761.46 (assuming an Effective Date of November 10, 2023). The financial terms of the New Bonds and the Oil-linked Securities are incorporated in Annex I and Annex II, respectively.

Specifically:

1. Holders of 2026 Bonds are invited to exchange their bonds for the 2026 New Bond Consideration and the 2026 Value Recovery Consideration, as defined below:

The " 2026 New Bond Consideration" means, for each $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a principal amount of New Bonds equal to $948.90 .

means, for each principal amount of 2026 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a principal amount of New Bonds equal to . The " 2026 Value Recovery Consideration" means, for each $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a notional amount of Oil-linked Securities equal to $459.38 assuming the Effective Date is November 10, 2023 ; provided that if the Effective Date shall occur after November 10, 2023 , for each calendar day delay after such date, the amount of 2026 Value Recovery Consideration shall be increased by $0.31 .

means, for each principal amount of 2026 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a notional amount of Oil-linked Securities equal to assuming the Effective Date is ; if the Effective Date shall occur after , for each calendar day delay after such date, the amount of 2026 Value Recovery Consideration shall be increased by . "Accrued Interest" means, in relation to each series of Eligible Bonds, interest accrued and unpaid thereon in accordance with the terms of such series from (and including) the last date on which interest was paid under such series up to (but excluding) the Effective Date (as defined below).

2. Holders of the 2023 Bonds are invited to exchange their bonds for the 2023 New Bond Consideration and the 2023 Value Recovery Consideration, as defined below:

The " 2023 New Bond Consideration " means, for each $1,000 principal amount of 2023 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a principal amount of New Bonds equal to $1024.82 .

" means, for each principal amount of 2023 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a principal amount of New Bonds equal to . The "2023 Value Recovery Consideration" means, for each $1,000 principal amount of 2023 Bonds (including any and all associated Accrued Interest), a notional amount of Oil-linked Securities equal to $ 496.13 assuming the Effective Date is November 10, 2023 ; provided that if the Effective Date shall occur after November 10, 2023 , for each calendar day delay after such date, the amount of 2023 Value Recovery Consideration shall be increased by $0.43 .

The Exchange Offers are being made on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the Invitation and invitation memorandum.

Consent Solicitation and Proposed Modifications

By delivering an order to exchange their Eligible Bonds, each Eligible Holder will also consent to the actions related to such Eligible Bonds proposed in the Invitation, including to authorize and direct the Trustee under each series of Eligible Bonds to modify any Eligible Bonds of the relevant series that would remain outstanding after giving effect to the Exchange Offers by exchanging them for the relevant amounts of New Bonds and Oil-linked Securities described herein (the "Proposed Modifications").

The Proposed Modifications with respect to each of the 2026 Bonds and 2023 Bonds will, if approved, give effect to the following modifications, respectively:

Each U.S. $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Bonds (including any and all Accrued Interest thereon), will be exchanged for the 2026 New Bond Consideration and the 2026 Value Recovery Consideration. Each U.S. $1,000 principal amount of 2023 Bonds (including any and all Accrued Interest thereon), will be exchanged for the 2023 New Bond Consideration and the 2023 Value Recovery Consideration.

It is a condition to the effectiveness of the relevant Proposed Modifications with respect to the 2026 Bonds and 2023 Bonds that we receive and accept valid Consents (which are part of the Instructions) from Holders of not less than 75% of the aggregate principal amount of each series of Eligible Bonds then Outstanding (the "Requisite Consents").

If we receive and accept the Requisite Consents with respect to the Proposed Modifications to one or more series of Eligible Bonds, the other conditions to the effectiveness of the Proposed Modifications described in the Invitation are met or waived (where applicable) and the Proposed Modifications become effective with respect to those series, then those Proposed Modifications will be conclusive and binding on all Holders of those series of Eligible Bonds, whether or not they have consented to the Proposed Modifications, including Ineligible Holders of those series of Eligible Bonds and Eligible Holders whose Instructions are not accepted.

The 2023 Bonds were originally issued on December 20, 2019 in an aggregate principal amount of US$125,000,000, and the 2026 Bonds were originally issued on October 19, 2016 in an aggregate principal amount of US$550,000,000.

As of the date of the Invitation, US$125,000,000 and US$550,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Bonds and the 2026 Bonds, respectively, remain outstanding (including Eligible Bonds held by the Republic or a Public Sector Instrumentality).

Expiration and Amendments

The Invitation expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 3, 2023 (as such time may be extended by the Republic of Suriname in its sole discretion, the "Expiration"), and the Results Announcement Date shall occur as soon as practicable thereafter. On the Effective Date, which the Republic expects to be on or around November 10, 2023, the Republic and the relevant trustee shall execute the supplemental indentures (provided the Requisite Consents have been obtained) and the New Indentures. Upon satisfaction of the Legal Opinion Condition on the Settlement Date, which the Republic expects to be on or around November 27, 2023, the Proposed Modifications, the New Indentures and the terms of the New Securities will be given effect as of the Effective Date, and the New Securities will be delivered to Eligible Holders.

At any time before the Results Announcement Date, the Republic reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to: (i) terminate the Invitation (including with respect to Instructions submitted prior to the time of the termination), (ii) extend the Invitation past the originally scheduled Expiration, (iii) withdraw the Invitation from any one or more jurisdictions; (iv) amend the Invitation in any one or more jurisdictions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Republic may not amend the Invitation in any manner that is materially adverse to the Holders after the date which is seven calendar days prior to the Expiration. Any extension, amendment or termination of the Invitation by the Republic will be followed as promptly as practicable by press release or other public announcement of such extension, amendment or termination. Instructions may be revoked at any time prior to the Expiration.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings specified in the Invitation.

This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not an invitation to exchange or a solicitation of consents of any holders of the 2023 Bonds or the 2026 Bonds. The exchange offer and consent solicitation is only being made pursuant to the Invitation. Eligible Holders should read the Invitation Memorandum carefully prior to making any decision with respect to their Eligible Bonds as it contains important information.

This announcement does not constitute an offer of the New Instruments for sale in the United States, and the New Instruments (if issued) will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and they may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless so registered, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. This document does not constitute an offer of the New Instruments for sale, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale (if made) would be unlawful. Any person considering making an investment decision relating to any securities must inform itself independently based solely on an offering memorandum to be provided to eligible investors in the future in connection with any such securities before taking any such investment decision.

No offer of any kind is being made to any beneficial owner of Eligible Bonds who does not meet the above criteria or any other beneficial owner located in a jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted by law.

The Invitation and this announcement is being directed only to beneficial owners of Eligible Bonds that are: (i) "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act or (ii) (x) outside the United States as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act, (y) if located within a member state of the European Economic Area (the "EEA") or the United Kingdom (the "UK"), a "qualified investor" as defined in Regulation (EU) 1129/2017 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation") or the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended, the "EUWA") (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"), respectively, and (z) if outside the EEA or the UK, is eligible to receive this offer under the laws of its jurisdiction (each, an "Eligible Holder").

White & Case LLP and Lazard Freres are respectively acting as the Republic's legal and financial advisors.

NONE OF THE REPUBLIC, THE TRUSTEE, THE INFORMATION, TABULATION AND EXCHAANGE AGENT NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION IN RELATION TO THE INVITATION, AND NO ONE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY ANY OF THEM TO MAKE SUCH A RECOMMENDATION. EACH HOLDER MUST MAKE ITS OWN DECISION AS TO WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INVITATION.

The Invitation will be available from the Information, Tabulation and Exchange Agent. The Information, Tabulation and Exchange Agent for the Invitation is:

Morrow Sodali Ltd.

Invitation Website: https://projects.morrowsodali.com/Suriname

Email: [email protected]

In London: In Stamford:

103 Wigmore Street London W1U 1QS United Kingdom 333 Ludlow Street, 5th Floor South Tower, CT 06902 United States of America

Telephone: +44 20 4513 6933 Telephone: +1 203 609 4910





Requests for assistance in relation to the Invitation should be directed to the Information, Tabulation and Exchange Agent at its email address and telephone numbers above, or requests for additional copies of the Invitation and other related documents may be obtained through the Invitation Website.

Republic of Suriname

acting through the Minister of Finance of the Republic

S.M. Jamaludinstraat 26

Paramaribo

Suriname

Annex I: Financial Terms of New Bonds

The New Bonds that are offered in the Invitation:

mature on July 15, 2033 ;

; accrue interest at 7.950% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year (each a " Payment Date "), commencing on January 15, 2024 , as follows: on each Payment Date falling on or prior to January 15, 2026 , by paying 4.95% in cash and by increasing the principal amount of the outstanding New Bonds by an amount equal to the remaining amount of interest then due and owing for the applicable interest period ending on but not including such Payment Date (rounded up to the nearest U.S. $1 ) (" PIK Interest "), and on each Payment Date falling after January 15, 2026 until final maturity, by paying in cash at a rate of 7.95% for the applicable interest period ending on such Payment Date.

and of each year (each a " "), commencing on , as follows:

A portion of the cash payment to be made under the New Bonds on the first interest payment date on January 15, 2024, in an amount equal to $395,000, will be deducted by the Republic from the amount otherwise payable on the New Bonds. This amount will instead be allocated and remitted by the Republic directly to the bondholder committee's legal counsel, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, to pay certain of its costs and expenses associated with the Invitation, reducing pro rata the cash payment that each Holder would otherwise be entitled to receive from the first interest payment under the New Bonds.

Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year comprised of twelve 30-day months;

pay amortizing principal in U.S. dollars in 14 semi-annual installments starting on January 15, 2027 through maturity to persons in whose names the New Bonds are registered at the close of business on the calendar day immediately prior to such principal payment date. On each Payment Date from and after January 15, 2027 , the Republic will make a principal repayment equal to 1/14 th of the outstanding principal amount as of such Payment Date, after taking into account accumulation of PIK Interest and/or any optional redemption of the New Bonds in accordance with their terms;

through maturity to persons in whose names the New Bonds are registered at the close of business on the calendar day immediately prior to such principal payment date. On each Payment Date from and after , the Republic will make a principal repayment equal to 1/14 of the outstanding principal amount as of such Payment Date, after taking into account accumulation of PIK Interest and/or any optional redemption of the New Bonds in accordance with their terms; will be issued in one series and in minimum denominations of U.S. $100,000 and integral multiples of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof;

and integral multiples of U.S. in excess thereof; will be issued under the New Bond Indenture, and

may be redeemed, in whole (and not in part), at the Republic's option, on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice to the Holders with a copy to the Trustee, at any time during the calendar year 2025 (and provided that settlement of such redemption is completed no later than December 31, 2025 ), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the New Bonds, including interest that has been capitalized, plus accrued but unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption.

Annex II: Financial Terms of the Oil-linked Securities

Applicable revenue base Republic of Suriname government oil royalties from Block 58 offshore Suriname, from the date of first production through the Oil-linked Securities expiration date (described below) Payment mechanism After the applicable revenue "one-off" floor (described below) is reached, the Republic will allocate 30 per cent. of its annual royalty income from Block 58 to make payments under the Oil-linked Securities on a quarterly basis, subject to the Outstanding Balance on each quarterly payment date and the Cumulative Payment Cap on Oil-linked Security payments Applicable revenue "one-off" floor The first U.S.$100 million of oil royalties will be allocated exclusively to the Republic Allocation Percentage 30 per cent of government royalty revenues from Block 58 in excess of the applicable revenue "one-off" floor shall be allocated to the holders of the Oil-linked Securities Initial Notional Amount An amount equal to $314,675,761.46 assuming the Effective Date is November 10, 2023; provided that if the Effective Date shall occur later than November 10, 2023, for each calendar day delay after such date the Initial Notional Amount shall be increased by $224,250.00 Accrual Rate 9 per cent. per annum; provided that the Accrual Rate shall increase to 13 per cent. in the event the Stabilization Fund Law Amendment Obligation is not satisfied prior to December 31, 2024 Optional Payment The Republic may elect to prepay the Oil-linked Securities in full at any time and using any resources, without penalty or premium Oil-linked Securities expiration date 31-Dec-50 Maximum amount payable on each payment date As at each payment date, the maximum amount payable at such payment date shall be the outstanding balance as of such date (the "Outstanding Balance"), calculated as:



(A) for each payment date up to and including the payment date when payment is first made to Holders under the Oil-linked Securities, an amount calculated as (i) the Initial Notional Amount, plus (ii) an amount equal to accruals on the Initial Notional Amount calculated at the Accrual Rate (compounded quarterly on each payment date) from and including the Effective Date to but excluding such payment date, and



(B) for each payment date thereafter, an amount calculated as (i) the Outstanding Balance at the immediately preceding payment date less any Allocation Percentage or Optional Payment credited to the Oil-linked Securities Account during the quarterly period ending on the Business Day preceding the immediately preceding Payment Date (the "Net Balance"), plus (ii) an amount equal to accruals on the Net Balance calculated at the Accrual Rate from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date to but excluding such Payment Date. Cumulative Payment Cap The aggregate amount paid under the Oil-linked Securities shall in no circumstances exceed 2.5 times the Initial Notional Amount.

SOURCE The Republic of Suriname
MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half Inc. (NYSE: RHI) today reported revenues and earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, net income was $96 million, or $0.90 per share, on revenues of $1.564 billion. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, net income was $166 million, or $1.53 per share, on revenues of $1.833 billion.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net income was $324 million, or $3.04 per share, on revenues of $4.920 billion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net income was $510 million, or $4.65 per share, on revenues of $5.511 billion.

"We delivered above-consensus top and bottom-line results for the third quarter, notwithstanding the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty that lengthens both client and job candidate decision cycles. Both talent solutions and Protiviti exceeded expectations," said M. Keith Waddell, president and chief executive officer at Robert Half. "Gross margins remained strong due to pricing discipline and the ongoing benefit from the rising mix of revenues from higher-skilled services. Our operating cost base also benefited from the targeted actions we have taken to align costs with revenues. We remain confident  both in our ability to weather the current climate and in our future growth prospects as the macro landscape improves.

"We'd like to thank our employees across the globe for their efforts, which made possible prestigious new accolades in the third quarter. Robert Half was honored by TIME Magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers. And  just today  we were again recognized as one of Fortune's Best Workplaces for Women," Waddell concluded.

Robert Half management will conduct a conference call today at 5 p.m. EDT. The prepared remarks for this call are available now in the Investor Center of the Robert Half website (www.roberthalf.com/investor-center) . Simply click on the Quarterly Conference Calls link. The dial-in number is 888-394-8218 (+1-323-994-2093 outside the United States and Canada). The confirmation code to access the call is 3976679.

A recording of this call will be available for audio replay beginning at approximately 8 p.m. EDT on October 24 and ending at 8 p.m. EST on November 21. To access the replay, visit https://webcasts.com/RobertHalfQ32023 . The conference call also will be archived in audio format on the Company's website at roberthalf.com.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects people with meaningful work and provides companies with the talent and subject matter expertise they need to confidently compete and grow. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named to the Fortune Most Admired Companies and Most Innovative Companies lists and is a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity.

Robert Half talent solutions and consulting operations has operations in more than 400 locations worldwide.

Certain information contained in this press release and its attachments may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company's future operating results or financial positions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees or promises that goals or targets will be met. These statements may be identified by words such as "estimate," "forecast," "target," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," or variations or negatives thereof, or by similar or comparable words or phrases. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking information about the Company's ESG and compliance programs, including targets or goals, may not be considered material for SEC reporting purposes and may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, on internal controls, diligence, or processes that are evolving, and on assumptions that are subject to change in the future. Forward-looking statements are estimates only, based on management's current expectations, currently available information and current strategy, plans, or forecasts, and involve certain known and unknown risks and, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and often beyond our control and are inherently uncertain. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes to or new interpretations of U.S. or international tax regulations; the global financial and economic situation; the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate its spread; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for contract employment or the Company's ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the Company's services; the Company's ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its contract employees, or for events impacting its contract employees on clients' premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company's ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the Company's ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the Company's reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company's SEC filings; the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of healthcare reform legislation may adversely affect the Company's profit margins or the demand for the Company's services; the possibility that the Company's computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls, and as a result, suffer errors in its financial reporting.

Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for broad-based consulting, regulatory compliance, technology services, public sector or other high-demand advisory services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities.

A summary of additional risks and uncertainties can be found in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the Company's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company's business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, and notwithstanding any historical practice of doing so.

A copy of this release is available at www.roberthalf.com/investor-center .

ATTACHED :

Summary of Operations





Supplemental Financial Information







Non-GAAP Financial Measures



ROBERT HALF INC.

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)



Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)















Service revenues $ 1,563,812

$ 1,833,455

$ 4,919,625

$ 5,511,116 Costs of services 922,873

1,045,846

2,928,785

3,136,114















Gross margin 640,939

787,609

1,990,840

2,375,002















Selling, general and administrative expenses 496,732

548,579

1,590,865

1,572,167 (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation

trusts 14,275

15,335

(41,363)

110,958 Amortization of intangible assets 720

417

2,162

1,250 Interest income, net (7,131)

(2,346)

(17,276)

(3,230) Income before income taxes 136,343

225,624

456,452

693,857 Provision for income taxes 40,798

59,418

132,610

183,591















Net income $ 95,545

$ 166,206

$ 323,842

$ 510,266















Diluted net income per share $ 0.90

$ 1.53

$ 3.04

$ 4.65















Shares:













Basic 105,340

107,855

105,950

108,630 Diluted 105,810

108,618

106,450

109,630

ROBERT HALF INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(in thousands)



Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) SERVICE REVENUES INFORMATION













Contract talent solutions













Finance and accounting $ 676,588

$ 805,229

$ 2,175,812

$ 2,417,829 Administrative and customer support 196,565

250,531

626,938

809,578 Technology 170,574

216,735

546,432

648,252 Elimination of intersegment revenues (1) (100,630)

(132,745)

(341,228)

(414,493) Total contract talent solutions 943,097

1,139,750

3,007,954

3,461,166 Permanent placement talent solutions 139,931

182,329

445,922

569,207 Protiviti 480,784

511,376

1,465,749

1,480,743 Total service revenues $ 1,563,812

$ 1,833,455

$ 4,919,625

$ 5,511,116





(1) Service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to the Company's Protiviti segment in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each functional specialization are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line.



Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) BUSINESS SEGMENT INCOME

INFORMATION:





















Contract talent solutions $ 58,475 6.2 %

$ 120,048 10.5 %

$ 241,937 8.0 %

$ 386,861 11.2 % Permanent placement talent solutions $ 19,055 13.6 %

$ 32,178 17.6 %

$ 64,612 14.5 %

$ 106,257 18.7 % Protiviti $ 52,402 10.9 %

$ 71,469 14.0 %

$ 134,789 9.2 %

$ 198,759 13.4 %





September 30,



2023

2022



(Unaudited) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION:







Cash and cash equivalents

$ 729,472

$ 593,348 Accounts receivable, net

$ 941,121

$ 1,101,305 Total assets

$ 3,021,050

$ 2,910,585 Total current liabilities

$ 1,276,278

$ 1,234,249 Total stockholders' equity

$ 1,579,971

$ 1,490,917





Nine Months Ended

September 30,



2023

2022



(Unaudited) SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION:







Depreciation

$ 37,963

$ 34,769 Capitalized cloud computing implementation costs

$ 28,479

$ 29,697 Capital expenditures

$ 34,149

$ 48,637 Open market repurchases of common stock (shares)

2,362

2,493

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The financial results of Robert Half Inc. (the "Company") are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC. To help readers understand the Company's financial performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with the following non-GAAP measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses; combined segment income; and as adjusted revenue growth rates.

The following measures: adjusted gross margin and adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses, include gains and losses on investments held to fund the Company's obligations under employee deferred compensation plans. The Company provides these measures because they are used by management to review its operational results.

Combined segment income is income before income taxes, adjusted for interest income and amortization of intangible assets. The Company provides combined segment income because it is how management evaluates performance.

As adjusted revenue growth rates represent year-over-year revenue growth rates after removing the impacts on reported revenues from the changes in the number of billing days and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company provides this data because it focuses on the Company's revenue growth rates attributable to operating activities and aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The impacts from the changes in billing days and foreign currency exchange rates are calculated as follows:

Billing days impact is calculated by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based on the per billing day amounts. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon inputs from all countries and all functional specializations and segments.

Foreign currency impact is calculated by retranslating current period international revenues, using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period.

The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in the Company's industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided on the following pages.

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN (UNAUDITED):

(in thousands)



Three Months Ended September 30,

Relationships

Nine Months Ended September 30,

Relationships

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022 Gross Margin





























































Contract talent solutions $ 375,158

$ 449,579

$ 375,158

$ 449,579

39.8 %

39.4 %

39.8 %

39.4 %

$ 1,197,419

$ 1,376,293

$ 1,197,419

$ 1,376,293

39.8 %

39.8 %

39.8 %

39.8 % Permanent placement talent

solutions 139,681

182,034

139,681

182,034

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

445,051

568,147

445,051

568,147

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 %

99.8 % Total talent solutions 514,839

631,613

514,839

631,613

47.5 %

47.8 %

47.5 %

47.8 %

1,642,470

1,944,440

1,642,470

1,944,440

47.6 %

48.2 %

47.6 %

48.2 % Protiviti 126,100

155,996

123,255

153,296

26.2 %

30.5 %

25.6 %

30.0 %

348,370

430,562

355,621

412,603

23.8 %

29.1 %

24.3 %

27.9 % Total $ 640,939

$ 787,609

$ 638,094

$ 784,909

41.0 %

43.0 %

40.8 %

42.8 %

$ 1,990,840

$ 2,375,002

$ 1,998,091

$ 2,357,043

40.5 %

43.1 %

40.6 %

42.8 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin to reported gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Gross Margin

























































As Reported $ 375,158 39.8 %

$ 139,681 99.8 %

$ 514,839 47.5 %

$ 126,100 26.2 %

$ 640,939 41.0 %

$ 449,579 39.4 %

$ 182,034 99.8 %

$ 631,613 47.8 %

$ 155,996 30.5 %

$ 787,609 43.0 % Adjustments (1)  

 

 

(2,845) (0.6 %)

(2,845) (0.2 %)

 

 

 

(2,700) (0.5 %)

(2,700) (0.2 %) As Adjusted $ 375,158 39.8 %

$ 139,681 99.8 %

$ 514,839 47.5 %

$ 123,255 25.6 %

$ 638,094 40.8 %

$ 449,579 39.4 %

$ 182,034 99.8 %

$ 631,613 47.8 %

$ 153,296 30.0 %

$ 784,909 42.8 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin to reported gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Gross Margin

























































As Reported $ 1,197,419 39.8 %

$ 445,051 99.8 %

$ 1,642,470 47.6 %

$ 348,370 23.8 %

$ 1,990,840 40.5 %

$ 1,376,293 39.8 %

$ 568,147 99.8 %

$ 1,944,440 48.2 %

$ 430,562 29.1 %

$ 2,375,002 43.1 % Adjustments (1)  

 

 

7,251 0.5 %

7,251 0.1 %

 

 

 

(17,959) (1.2 %)

(17,959) (0.3 %) As Adjusted $ 1,197,419 39.8 %

$ 445,051 99.8 %

$ 1,642,470 47.6 %

$ 355,621 24.3 %

$ 1,998,091 40.6 %

$ 1,376,293 39.8 %

$ 568,147 99.8 %

$ 1,944,440 48.2 %

$ 412,603 27.9 %

$ 2,357,043 42.8 %





(1) Changes in the Company's employee deferred compensation plan obligations related to Protiviti operations are included in costs of services, while the related investment (income) loss is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial adjustments shown in the table above are to reclassify investment (income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item that includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact on income before income taxes.

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

ADJUSTED SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (UNAUDITED):

(in thousands)



Three Months Ended September 30,

Relationships

Nine Months Ended September 30,

Relationships

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

As Reported

As Adjusted

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022 Selling, General and

Administrative Expenses





























































Contract talent solutions $ 306,503

$ 318,462

$ 316,683

$ 329,531

32.5 %

27.9 %

33.6 %

28.9 %

$ 985,967

$ 907,886

$ 955,482

$ 989,432

32.8 %

26.2 %

31.8 %

28.6 % Permanent placement talent

solutions 119,376

148,290

120,626

149,856

85.3 %

81.3 %

86.2 %

82.2 %

384,066

450,437

380,439

461,890

86.1 %

79.1 %

85.3 %

81.1 % Total talent solutions 425,879

466,752

437,309

479,387

39.3 %

35.3 %

40.4 %

36.3 %

1,370,033

1,358,323

1,335,921

1,451,322

39.7 %

33.7 %

38.7 %

36.0 % Protiviti 70,853

81,827

70,853

81,827

14.7 %

16.0 %

14.7 %

16.0 %

220,832

213,844

220,832

213,844

15.1 %

14.4 %

15.1 %

14.4 % Total $ 496,732

$ 548,579

$ 508,162

$ 561,214

31.8 %

29.9 %

32.5 %

30.6 %

$ 1,590,865

$ 1,572,167

$ 1,556,753

$ 1,665,166

32.3 %

28.5 %

31.6 %

30.2 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to reported selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:



Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expenses























































As Reported $ 306,503 32.5 %

$ 119,376 85.3 %

$ 425,879 39.3 %

$ 70,853 14.7 %

$ 496,732 31.8 %

$ 318,462 27.9 %

$ 148,290 81.3 %

$ 466,752 35.3 %

$ 81,827 16.0 %

$ 548,579 29.9 % Adjustments (1) 10,180 1.1 %

1,250 0.9 %

11,430 1.1 %

 

11,430 0.7 %

11,069 1.0 %

1,566 0.9 %

12,635 1.0 %

 

12,635 0.7 % As Adjusted $ 316,683 33.6 %

$ 120,626 86.2 %

$ 437,309 40.4 %

$ 70,853 14.7 %

$ 508,162 32.5 %

$ 329,531 28.9 %

$ 149,856 82.2 %

$ 479,387 36.3 %

$ 81,827 16.0 %

$ 561,214 30.6 %

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to reported selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Contract talent

solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

Contract talent

solutions

Permanent

placement talent

solutions

Total talent

solutions

Protiviti

Total

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expenses























































As Reported $ 985,967 32.8 %

$ 384,066 86.1 %

$ 1,370,033 39.7 %

$ 220,832 15.1 %

$ 1,590,865 32.3 %

$ 907,886 26.2 %

$ 450,437 79.1 %

$ 1,358,323 33.7 %

$ 213,844 14.4 %

$ 1,572,167 28.5 % Adjustments (1) (30,485) (1.0 %)

(3,627) (0.8 %)

(34,112) (1.0) %

 

(34,112) (0.7 %)

81,546 2.4 %

11,453 2.0 %

92,999 2.3 %

 

92,999 1.7 % As Adjusted $ 955,482 31.8 %

$ 380,439 85.3 %

$ 1,335,921 38.7 %

$ 220,832 15.1 %

$ 1,556,753 31.6 %

$ 989,432 28.6 %

$ 461,890 81.1 %

$ 1,451,322 36.0 %

$ 213,844 14.4 %

$ 1,665,166 30.2 %





(1) Changes in the Company's employee deferred compensation plan obligations related to talent solutions operations are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, while the related investment (income) loss is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial adjustments shown in the table above are to reclassify investment (income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item that includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact on income before income taxes.

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

COMBINED SEGMENT INCOME (UNAUDITED):

(in thousands)

The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP combined segment income to reported income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:



Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue

$ % of

Revenue Income before income taxes $ 136,343 8.7 %

$ 225,624 12.3 %

$ 456,452 9.3 %

$ 693,857 12.6 % Interest income, net (7,131) (0.4 %)

(2,346) (0.1 %)

(17,276) (0.3 %)

(3,230) 0.0 % Amortization of intangible assets 720 0.0 %

417 0.0 %

2,162 0.0 %

1,250 0.0 % Combined segment income $ 129,932 8.3 %

$ 223,695 12.2 %

$ 441,338 9.0 %

$ 691,877 12.6 %

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

REVENUE GROWTH RATES (%) (UNAUDITED):





Year-Over-Year Growth Rates

(As Reported)

Non-GAAP Year-Over-Year Growth Rates

(As Adjusted)



2022

2023

2022

2023



Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3 Global















































Finance and accounting

22.1

9.9

-0.1

-3.0

-11.0

-16.0

24.4

12.8

2.9

-3.1

-10.8

-15.2 Administrative and customer

support

4.2

-10.3

-21.2

-23.0

-23.0

-21.5

6.3

-7.8

-18.8

-23.2

-23.0

-21.2 Technology

12.3

0.6

-2.1

-9.0

-16.7

-21.3

13.9

2.5

0.5

-9.3

-16.2

-20.0 Elimination of intersegment

revenues (1)

-3.8

-23.1

-14.5

-12.8

-16.5

-24.2

-1.9

-20.8

-11.5

-12.7

-16.5

-23.8 Total contract talent solutions

19.2

8.1

-4.0

-7.8

-14.3

-17.3

21.3

10.7

-1.2

-8.0

-14.0

-16.4 Permanent placement talent

solutions

39.3

16.5

-1.4

-16.1

-25.4

-23.3

42.6

20.3

2.4

-15.8

-25.0

-22.5 Total talent solutions

21.7

9.2

-3.7

-9.0

-15.9

-18.1

24.0

12.0

-0.8

-9.1

-15.6

-17.3 Protiviti

8.4

2.0

0.8

4.6

-1.2

-6.0

10.8

4.8

4.0

4.4

-1.0

-4.9 Total

17.9

7.1

-2.4

-5.4

-12.0

-14.7

20.2

9.9

0.6

-5.6

-11.7

-13.8

















































United States















































Contract talent solutions

22.7

11.3

-3.4

-8.6

-16.0

-20.7

22.7

11.3

-2.9

-9.9

-15.9

-19.2 Permanent placement talent

solutions

44.3

22.4

1.4

-16.9

-26.2

-26.9

44.3

22.4

1.9

-18.1

-26.1

-25.5 Total talent solutions

25.2

12.6

-2.9

-9.7

-17.4

-21.5

25.2

12.6

-2.4

-11.0

-17.2

-20.0 Protiviti

8.3

4.1

3.6

7.5

-2.4

-7.4

8.3

4.1

4.1

5.9

-2.3

-5.6 Total

20.2

10.0

-1.1

-5.2

-13.3

-17.5

20.2

10.0

-0.6

-6.6

-13.2

-15.9

















































International















































Contract talent solutions

7.0

-3.2

-6.3

-4.7

-7.6

-3.1

16.6

8.7

5.3

-1.2

-6.2

-4.9 Permanent placement talent

solutions

28.0

2.9

-7.5

-14.0

-23.4

-13.0

39.0

15.4

4.3

-10.5

-21.9

-14.2 Total talent solutions

10.5

-2.2

-6.5

-6.4

-10.6

-4.8

20.3

9.8

5.2

-2.9

-9.2

-6.6 Protiviti

8.6

-6.3

-9.2

-5.7

3.3

0.3

20.6

7.3

3.7

-1.5

4.2

-1.5 Total

10.0

-3.3

-7.3

-6.2

-7.0

-3.5

20.4

9.1

4.8

-2.5

-5.8

-5.3





(1) Service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each functional specialization are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item.

The non-GAAP financial measures included in the table above adjust for the following items:

Billing Days. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues. Management calculates the billing day impact by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based on the per billing day amounts. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon input from all countries and all functional specializations and segments.

Foreign Currency Translation. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues, which include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The foreign currency impact is calculated by retranslating current period international revenues, using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period.

The term "As Adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days and constant currency fluctuations are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the "As Reported" year-over-year revenue growth rates is included herein, on Pages 10-12.

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  GLOBAL



Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2022

Q2 2023

Q3 2023 Finance and accounting























As Reported

22.1

9.9

-0.1

-3.0

-11.0

-16.0 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.3

0.1

1.6 Currency Impact

2.3

2.7

2.2

1.2

0.1

-0.8 As Adjusted

24.4

12.8

2.9

-3.1

-10.8

-15.2

























Administrative and customer support























As Reported

4.2

-10.3

-21.2

-23.0

-23.0

-21.5 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.1

0.7

-1.1

0.1

1.4 Currency Impact

2.1

2.4

1.7

0.9

-0.1

-1.1 As Adjusted

6.3

-7.8

-18.8

-23.2

-23.0

-21.2

























Technology























As Reported

12.3

0.6

-2.1

-9.0

-16.7

-21.3 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.1

0.9

-1.3

0.1

1.5 Currency Impact

1.6

1.8

1.7

1.0

0.4

-0.2 As Adjusted

13.9

2.5

0.5

-9.3

-16.2

-20.0

























Elimination of intersegment revenues























As Reported

-3.8

-23.1

-14.5

-12.8

-16.5

-24.2 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.3

0.1

1.4 Currency Impact

1.9

2.1

2.2

1.4

-0.1

-1.0 As Adjusted

-1.9

-20.8

-11.5

-12.7

-16.5

-23.8

























Total contract talent solutions























As Reported

19.2

8.1

-4.0

-7.8

-14.3

-17.3 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.1

0.8

-1.3

0.1

1.6 Currency Impact

2.1

2.5

2.0

1.1

0.2

-0.7 As Adjusted

21.3

10.7

-1.2

-8.0

-14.0

-16.4

























Permanent placement talent solutions























As Reported

39.3

16.5

-1.4

-16.1

-25.4

-23.3 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.1

0.1

1.5 Currency Impact

3.3

3.6

3.0

1.4

0.3

-0.7 As Adjusted

42.6

20.3

2.4

-15.8

-25.0

-22.5

























Total talent solutions























As Reported

21.7

9.2

-3.7

-9.0

-15.9

-18.1 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.1

0.8

-1.2

0.1

1.5 Currency Impact

2.3

2.7

2.1

1.1

0.2

-0.7 As Adjusted

24.0

12.0

-0.8

-9.1

-15.6

-17.3

























Protiviti























As Reported

8.4

2.0

0.8

4.6

-1.2

-6.0 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.5

0.2

1.8 Currency Impact

2.4

2.6

2.4

1.3

0.0

-0.7 As Adjusted

10.8

4.8

4.0

4.4

-1.0

-4.9

























Total























As Reported

17.9

7.1

-2.4

-5.4

-12.0

-14.7 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.2

0.8

-1.4

0.2

1.6 Currency Impact

2.3

2.6

2.2

1.2

0.1

-0.7 As Adjusted

20.2

9.9

0.6

-5.6

-11.7

-13.8

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  UNITED STATES



Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023 Contract talent solutions







As Reported

22.7

11.3

-3.4

-8.6

-16.0

-20.7 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.3

0.1

1.5 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

22.7

11.3

-2.9

-9.9

-15.9

-19.2

























Permanent placement talent solutions























As Reported

44.3

22.4

1.4

-16.9

-26.2

-26.9 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.2

0.1

1.4 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

44.3

22.4

1.9

-18.1

-26.1

-25.5

























Total talent solutions























As Reported

25.2

12.6

-2.9

-9.7

-17.4

-21.5 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.3

0.2

1.5 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

25.2

12.6

-2.4

-11.0

-17.2

-20.0

























Protiviti























As Reported

8.3

4.1

3.6

7.5

-2.4

-7.4 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.6

0.1

1.8 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

8.3

4.1

4.1

5.9

-2.3

-5.6

























Total























As Reported

20.2

10.0

-1.1

-5.2

-13.3

-17.5 Billing Days Impact

0.0

0.0

0.5

-1.4

0.1

1.6 Currency Impact











 As Adjusted

20.2

10.0

-0.6

-6.6

-13.2

-15.9

ROBERT HALF INC.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED):

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth  INTERNATIONAL



Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023 Contract talent solutions







As Reported

7.0

-3.2

-6.3

-4.7

-7.6

-3.1 Billing Days Impact

0.2

0.5

2.1

-1.7

0.6

1.8 Currency Impact

9.4

11.4

9.5

5.2

0.8

-3.6 As Adjusted

16.6

8.7

5.3

-1.2

-6.2

-4.9

























Permanent placement talent solutions























As Reported

28.0

2.9

-7.5

-14.0

-23.4

-13.0 Billing Days Impact

0.2

0.6

2.2

-1.6

0.5

1.6 Currency Impact

10.8

11.9

9.6

5.1

1.0

-2.8 As Adjusted

39.0

15.4

4.3

-10.5

-21.9

-14.2

























Total talent solutions























As Reported

10.5

-2.2

-6.5

-6.4

-10.6

-4.8 Billing Days Impact

0.1

0.5

2.2

-1.7

0.6

1.7 Currency Impact

9.7

11.5

9.5

5.2

0.8

-3.5 As Adjusted

20.3

9.8

5.2

-2.9

-9.2

-6.6

























Protiviti























As Reported

8.6

-6.3

-9.2

-5.7

3.3

0.3 Billing Days Impact

0.2

0.5

2.1

-1.7

0.7

1.8 Currency Impact

11.8

13.1

10.8

5.9

0.2

-3.6 As Adjusted

20.6

7.3

3.7

-1.5

4.2

-1.5

























Total























As Reported

10.0

-3.3

-7.3

-6.2

-7.0

-3.5 Billing Days Impact

0.2

0.5

2.2

-1.7

0.5

1.7 Currency Impact

10.2

11.9

9.9

5.4

0.7

-3.5 As Adjusted

20.4

9.1

4.8

-2.5

-5.8

-5.3

SOURCE Robert Half
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are working together on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor), Ambassador of Kazakhstan Alim Bayel said during an event dedicated to Kazakhstan's Republic Day in Baku, Trend reports.

He mentioned that in the past period of 2023, the volume of cargo transportation along this route increased by 85 percent.

"In recent years, bilateral and multilateral cooperation between our countries has significantly intensified. Trade turnover has increased by 60 percent this year. Kazakhs make up almost half of the tourists coming to Azerbaijan from Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are implementing projects of not only bilateral but also regional scale," the ambassador pointed out.

Bayel also noted that this year, the two countries have begun laying fiber-optic cable on the bottom of the Caspian Sea, which is an important part of the digital telecommunication corridor between Europe and Asia.

Furthermore, the ambassador emphasized that in 2023, Kazakhstan has also started exporting oil through Azerbaijan.

"We plan to increase the transportation of our oil through Azerbaijan to several million tons," he added.

The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor.

The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe.

The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes.
Booking insights reveal Northern California as a hotspot for this years travels, helping contribute to the nearly 250,000 nights RVshare renters have spent under the California stars

AUSTIN, Texas and AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RVshare , the largest community for RV owners and renters, has seen travelers spend nearly 250,000 nights under the California stars. With neighboring hotspots near San Francisco like Yosemite National Park and Big Sur, these popular attractions have RV renters flocking from across the US to Northern California for their next bucket list camping trip.

With nearly 7,000 rentals available in the state of California, RV travelers have a wide array of choices to match their preferences and needs. Of those units that are available for rent through RVshare, nearly 4,000 offer delivery as an amenity to their renters. This increasingly popular add-on, especially for those who are new to the RV travel experience, allows renters to have the rental delivered to their destination so they can avoid driving and setting up the RV themselves. RV owners in the Bay area have also found RVshare to provide them with a profitable business. Booking insights reveal that San Francisco based owners alone have rented their RV's out for nearly 10,000 nights.

San Francisco continues to captivate both local Bay Area residents and out-of-state visitors with its magnetic allure, attracting them to a plethora of renowned destinations for RV travel. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the adrenaline-pumping action at Sonoma Raceway , the breathtaking coastal vistas of Big Sur , the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Yosemite National Park , and the majestic giants in Sequoia National Park , RV travelers find themselves with an abundance of RV options in the 'City by the Bay,' where every turn of the road leads to a new adventure.

"On average, an RV Rental in the San Francisco area costs about $2,000 for a five-night trip, which includes transportation and accommodations. This makes RV travel a cost-effective option in an increasingly popular and expensive market," said RVshare's Travel Expert, Maddi Bourgerie. " San Francisco and its neighboring cities make for a hot destination and easy starting point for travelers, and RV travel is an easy and affordable way to see the area on your own terms."

For other helpful tips and resources, visit the RVshare blog, rvshare.com/blog . For more information about RVshare, visit rvshare.com .

About RVshare

RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners with a diverse selection of vehicles for rent across the US, ranging from luxury motorhomes to cozy camper vans. On RVshare you'll find vehicles that can accommodate any outdoor adventure, whether it's a weekend of camping or a cross-country tour of national parks. Hit the road yourself or plan for a campsite delivery to experience the unbridled freedom of RV travel. With more than 4 million nights of sleeping under the stars booked, families and groups can experience a one-of-a-kind trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information, visit rvshare.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @rvshare.

Media Contact:

Hillary White

[email protected]

SOURCE RVshare
Rose Paper Bedding provides a safer, more natural way to spruce up your pet's environment without harmful chemicals from artificial fragrances.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rabbit bedding has two goals: to control moisture and to control odor. Small Pet Select's Rose Paper Bedding accomplishes both of these goals in the same way they do the rest of their products: naturally.

This is premium white paper bedding infused with real rose buds designed for rabbits and guinea pigs:

Small Pet Select's Rose Paper Bedding offers luxurious comfort that boasts excellent absorbency, swiftly locking away moisture and odors, maintaining a fresh and dry habitat for your pets while simplifying cleanup. Its velvety softness is gentle on paws, ideal for burrowing and nesting. Moreover, it's eco-friendly and biodegradable, contributing to a greener planet.

made with unbleached paper

naturally scented

no additives, dyes, or irritants

99% dust-free

creates a comfortable nesting area for small pets

absorbs urine with lasting odor control

Alternatively, when using bedding with artificial scents, your house may smell good but your small pet's nose is sniffing harmful chemicals daily. When exposed over time, artificially scented bedding can be harmful to your pet's respiratory system.

Small Pet Select is always looking for ways to elevate pets' lifestyles while staying true to nature and taking care of their health. While the basic line of rabbit and guinea pig bedding does an excellent job of controlling odor and moisture, some consumers are looking for small pet bedding with a little more to it.

Rose Paper Bedding as well as their (previously launched) Lavender Paper Bedding brings fresh scents to the table.

"When creating products for small pets, natural sources are key. We're always looking for new creative ways to bring nature into our small pet's lives." - Billy Gordon, Small Pet Select

Rose Paper Bedding can be found along with other varieties of bedding at smallpetselect.com .

Small Pet Select has been supplying the small pet world with premium hand-packaged hay since 2012. From that first quest to find the ideal hay for a loved guinea pig, they have expanded to serve other small pets hay, as well as bedding, food, healthy treats, toys, chews, and habitat accessories.

Small Pet Select is a small, family-owned company with a big heart. And they're growing thanks to the many small pets that can't get enough of the amazing products and hay that's picked and packaged just for them.

SOURCE Small Pet Select
NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The spices and seasonings market is expected to grow by USD 6.95 billion from 2022 to 2027, according to Technavio. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 6.01% during the forecast period. Growing awareness of the medical benefits of spices is notably driving the spices and seasonings market. However, factors such as product recalls may impede market growth. The market is segmented by end-user (retail, food service, and industrial), product (salt and salt substitutes, pepper, dried herbs, and individual spices), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Technavio provides a comprehensive report summary describing the market size and forecast along with research methodology. The FREE sample report is available in PDF format

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Spices and Seasonings Market 2023-2027

Key Segment Analysis

The market share growth by the retail segment will be significant during the forecast period. This includes packaged spices seasoning markets, which are sold through different retail outlets such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and organic shops. To enhance sales through the offline channels, different retailers are extending their stores in urban and rural markets, most notably organized retailers. In addition, retail is a major user of spices and spice blends due to the ease with which they can be sold in shops. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

To know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years, View the FREE PDF Sample Report.

Geographical Market Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 32% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The US and Canada are the key contributors to the market in the region. Key factors contributing to the market growth in the region are the launch of various spices and seasonings, increasing use of online platforms for grocery shopping, demand for spices and seasonings and the Asian population increasingly using more spices than the market than their traditional dishes. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period.

Company Insights

The spices and seasonings market is fragmented, and the companies are deploying organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market companies, including Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Associated British Foods Plc, Badshah Masala, De Silva Brothers and Co., Dohler GmbH, DS Group, EVEREST Food Products Pvt. Ltd., Frontier Co. op, Fuchs North America, Kerry Group Plc, Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt. Ltd., McCormick and Co. Inc., Organic Spices Inc., Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., The Kraft Heinz Co., Unilever PLC, Woodland Foods Ltd., Zoff Foods Pvt. Ltd., ARIAKE Japan Co. Ltd., and C.H. Guenther and Son Inc.

View the FREE PDF Sample Report to find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by companies and their product offerings.

Related Reports:

The spices market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.97% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 2,607.46 million.

The Caraway Seeds Market size is projected to increase by USD 785.09 million and the market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.01% between 2022 and 2027.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by End-user

Market Segmentation by Product

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base comprises enterprises of all sizes, including over 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.

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Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
DUBLIN, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the recent revelation by the American Gaming Association highlighting the U.S. casino gambling industry's staggering $329 billion annual economic footprint, the "Gambling/iGaming Marketing Inventory List 2023" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This comprehensive research report is primed to be an indispensable tool for business entrepreneurs and managers looking to tap into this booming sector.

The report merges 13 distinct research datasets, providing unparalleled insights into the realm of Gambling and iGaming promotions. From 3718 Gambling/iGaming Telegram Channels to 2251 iGaming-Related Twitter Accounts, our compilation covers a vast digital terrain. With the industry's economic impact rising by 26% since 2017, understanding the digital landscape has never been more critical. The research aims to facilitate better decision-making for industry stakeholders, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this thriving market.

Key Benefits for Business Entrepreneurs and Managers:

Holistic Understanding: Gain an exhaustive perspective of the digital realm of gambling by aggregating and categorising various platforms. With insights ranging from 329 Gaming & iGaming Marketing Agencies to 1315 Gambling /iGaming Rating Websites, we leave no stone unturned.

Gain an exhaustive perspective of the digital realm of by aggregating and categorising various platforms. With insights ranging from 329 Gaming & iGaming Marketing Agencies to 1315 /iGaming Rating Websites, we leave no stone unturned. Strategic Decision Making: Harness our analysis of platforms' reach and resonance, enabling you to navigate the market with precision.

Harness our analysis of platforms' reach and resonance, enabling you to navigate the market with precision. Comprehensive Data Collection: We employ a myriad of methods, including open Google search, platform-specific searches, and reputable services like SimilarWeb, ensuring data accuracy and breadth.

We employ a myriad of methods, including open Google search, platform-specific searches, and reputable services like SimilarWeb, ensuring data accuracy and breadth. Diverse Range: While the focus remains on gambling , our study encompasses a variety of bloggers, streamers, communities, and platforms related to gambling activities, offering a more rounded understanding of the industry's digital presence.

While the focus remains on , our study encompasses a variety of bloggers, streamers, communities, and platforms related to activities, offering a more rounded understanding of the industry's digital presence. Categorised Insights: For ease of understanding, the data points have been systematically categorised. Whether it's by follower counts, total grade values, or uploads, the report provides a structured approach to a vast amount of information.

Taking into account the 1.8 million jobs supported by commercial and tribal casinos, as highlighted by the American Gaming Association, the gambling industry's significance is undeniable. The "Gambling/iGaming Marketing Inventory List 2023" has meticulously analysed various online platforms associated with gambling. From the 819 gambling-associated media sources to the 2505 gambling-associated Twitch accounts, the report offers insights into their characteristics and audience engagement, presenting a goldmine for industry professionals.

The "Full Gambling/iGaming Marketing Inventory List 2023" provides a thorough analysis of the online gambling landscape. With the U.S. casino gambling industry's demonstrated economic strength, there has never been a more opportune moment for entrepreneurs and managers to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to excel. Dive into the report and unlock the potential of the rapidly expanding world of Gambling and iGaming.

For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ahygzw

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.

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Research and Markets

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Using TerraPay's digital payment infrastructure, Nequi's 17.5 million users will be able to receive remittances from relatives and friends in over 200 countries

Nequi customers will have access to easy-to-use financial app with reduced waiting times and no fees for the beneficiary

Partnership reflects companies' shared values of empowering people to better manage their money and financial inclusion

MEDELLIN, Colombia, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraPay, a leading global cross-border payments network, and Nequi by Bancolombia ("Nequi"), a digital financial platform with customers in Colombia , today announce a landmark partnership designed to transform remittances for Nequi's 17.5 million customers.

Announced at Money20/20 USA, this partnership will open the ability for Colombians to receive remittances from their relatives and friends in more than 200 countries using only one connection. Underpinned by TerraPay's payments technology, Nequi users will have access to an easy-to-use financial app, without long queues, long waiting times, secure experience and without any additional fees for the beneficiary.

The partnership brings together the shared values of both companies, helping people manage their money efficiently and achieve their financial goals while also paving the way for financial inclusion. Nequi's financial expertise along with TerraPay's digital payment solutions will ensure more people can gain better access to financial products and services and greater autonomy over their money. Using the Nequi app, users will have immediate access to manage the remittances they receive.

Ambar Sur, CEO and Co-Founder at TerraPay, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Nequi who share a desire to guarantee that Colombians can receive remittances from family and friends across the world in an easy, secure way. We both understand the need to improve the experience every person has with accessing their money and making transactions. Our aim will be to ensure users of the Nequi app have affordable access to traditional cross border payments or remittances channels for many years to come and feel financially empowered.

"As the only payments network to have 29 licenses and regulatory approvals globally, along with real-time transaction and risk monitoring capabilities, our ambition is to continue expanding our world-class remittance services" he added.

Maria del Pilar Correa, CPO of Nequi, said, "This partnership will allow us to transform the way we deliver remittances and further empower Colombians to better manage their money and save for a brighter future. After receiving their remittance in Nequi, users can use the app to send money to other people, make digital and physical payments, organise their finances, save, and much more.

TerraPay shares our vision to pave the way for financial inclusion and that is evidenced in the work they have done in recent years globally. We look forward to work with TerraPay to bring our advanced financial services to millions of people in Colombia ."

About TerraPay

TerraPay simplifies the movement of money everywhere  providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 29 global markets and enabling payments to 120+ receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses  ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces  while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore, Bangalore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa.

About Nequi

Nequi is a digital financial platform with more than 17 million users in Colombia and Panama, with 12 million active users per month. Our purpose is improving people's relationship with their money, empowering them to achieve their financial goals. Through the app, people can use their money in their daily life, and have the possibility to send, pay, organize and save their money, in an easy, fast and safe way.

Being a regional brand, Nequi has in-depth knowledge of its clients, which allows it to offer accurate, effective and contextual solutions. Therefore, we have core free services that allow the user to send, withdraw, request, pay and manage their money. Also, other financial products such as loans and Nequi debit card. We added recently non-financial products and services, aiming to solve 'real' needs of people and integrate seamlessly into user's daily lives, with strong and efficient integration capabilities with third parties, such as insurances, airplane and bus tickets.

Contact:

Juveria Samrin

juveria.n@terrapay.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg

SOURCE TerraPay
NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Triple Emmy winning journalist, bestselling author and speaker Gaby Natale and The Estee Lauder Companies have renewed their commitment to collaborate on programming for the Leading with High Touch sponsorship program , a leadership development program designed to elevate, develop, retain, and attract senior-level Hispanic/Latinx talent.

The Estee Lauder Companies Renews Partnership with Top Latina Speaker Gaby Natale

"I am thrilled to renew our partnership with The Estee Lauder Companies as we pioneer with the launch of the second cohort of Leading with High Touch, a program dedicated to nurturing Latino talent and breaking barriers. The success of our first cohort, where over 50% of participants earned new roles, shows the power of diverse voices. Let's continue this journey of growth and transformation together!", explains Natale, triple Emmy winning speaker, author and president of AGANARmedia.

The 2023-4 edition of the program will take place at the global headquarters of The Estee Lauder Companies in New York City. Participants will engage in lectures, workshops, networking, and opportunities to redefine their growth mindset.

As part of the collaboration, Natale will meet the program's participants for multiple in-person training sessions featuring her proprietary leadership development frameworks PIONEERS and The Virtuous Circle.

"Gaby is inspiring to all of us. Sitting together in a room, starting a network of future Latino Leaders, sharing, and co-supporting each other is terrific. We are building a legacy." said Barma Uruchima, Co-Chair, Leading with High Touch at The Estee Lauder Companies.

The Estee Lauder Companies collective vision is to be the most inclusive and diverse beauty company in the world. ELC aims to be both: the employer of choice for diverse talent and the brands of choice for diverse consumers. Leading With High Touch is part of ELC's ongoing commitment to ensuring all employees have equal access to mentorship programs and sponsorship opportunities.

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the worlds leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The companys products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, MAC, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE AGANARmedia
Allianz Partners Announces Top 10 Domestic and International Thanksgiving Destinations

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are continuing to prioritize trips to the Big Apple and the beaches of Mexico for their turkey-day celebrations, according to the 2023 Allianz Partners Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index.

Allianz Partners reviewed more than 800,000 travel itineraries* around the Thanksgiving holiday to reveal the most popular domestic and international destinations for 2023. Roundtrip flights departing from United States airports from Saturday, November 18 to Thursday, November 23, and returning Friday, November 24 to Tuesday, November 28 were considered.

For the third consecutive year, New York City reigns as the number one domestic destination drawing in Americans for Thanksgiving celebrations. In 2020, Seattle was the only destination to knock the Big Apple from its number one spot since the survey's inception in 2015, and the big-city outdoor haven continues to stay on top of the charts with its number two position this year. Orlando rounds out the top three for the second year in a row, indicating Americans' desire for warm weather fall getaways.

Detroit made its way back onto the Top 10 list after being knocked out in 2022, and Dallas made a noticeable two-place jump year over year, perhaps indicating yet another strong year of recovery for the second-busiest airport in the world. Other major cities filling out the top 10 include Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

For Americans taking their autumn holidays internationally, Mexico continues to hold on to its crown with Cancun, San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta drawing in the largest amount of U.S. Thanksgiving visitors and maintaining their dominance since 2020. All but two destinations, with London placing fourth and Paris in ninth respectively, are sun-drenched beach retreats in Jamaica, Aruba, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos.

"No matter where you're headed this Thanksgiving, it's important to keep in mind that this travel period is historically one of the busiest of the entire year for U.S. airports, and with increased numbers of travelers comes an increased possibility of travel delays," said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. "One of the best ways to successfully navigate significant delays this season is by purchasing a travel insurance policy with travel delay coverage which can help with a range of unpredicted costs from lost baggage to reimbursement for meals, accommodations and transportation incurred while delayed."

Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/.

Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers' 2023 Thanksgiving plans was gathered by analyzing the number of customers who went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths, for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance, to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports from 11/18/2023 11/23/2023, returning 11/24/2023 - 11/28/2023. In total, more than 800,000 itineraries were analyzed using this methodology.

Download chart images HERE.

About Allianz Partners

In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts. Allianz Partners USA is part of the Allianz Partners group. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.

For Allianz Partners USA products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of coverage, including the epidemic-related benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101C series or 101P series, depending on state of residence. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance is a mark of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance.

SOURCE Allianz Partners
Universal Fair Pay Check Certifications Help Organizations Demonstrate Equitable Pay Practices

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workplace equity technology firm Trusaic is partnering with the Fair Pay Innovation Lab (FPI) to help organizations validate and communicate their pay practices are free of discrimination through accurate and unbiased certification. Organizations working with Trusaic can attain FPI's internationally recognized Universal Fair Pay Check certification, a process designed to ensure neutral, objective and stereotype-free compensation structures which address unjustified pay differences, close wage gaps and prevent new ones from forming.

Trusaic's PayParity software platform coupled with Universal Fair Pay Check certification provides organizations with data-driven solutions necessary for achieving, sustaining, and verifying progress towards pay equity goals. PayParity analyzes pay equity at the intersections of gender, race/ethnicity, age, disability, and other demographics in one statistical regression analysis. Its innovative Salary Range Finder tool eliminates the need to remediate disparities by ensuring fair pay from the start.

Universal Fair Pay Check certification unites the best statutory initiatives in the world: the pay analyses from Switzerland, the standardization process from Iceland and the transparency initiative from Great Britain. It takes into account legislation already in place and upcoming legislation, so certification is possible regardless of location and legislation in force. Its quality has been verified by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). In addition, the FPI Screening Board of international experts from the United Kingdom, Iceland and Germany monitors the effectiveness of the certification.

The FPI regularly brings all actors in the labor market together, including experts and decision-makers from the fields of industry, commerce, academia, and politics, through its Fair Pay Management Circles. The FPI also hosts the Fair Pay Global Forum and Fair Pay Political Roundtable, parallel events held during the annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, addressing how to translate fair pay into practice.

About Trusaic

At Trusaic, we believe the workplace should work for everyone. We are a workplace equity technology company committed to advancing social good by helping organizations achieve pay equity, foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce, assist economically disadvantaged individuals with finding work, and ensure employee access to affordable healthcare. With data-driven, people-centered solutions designed to solve HR's most complex workforce challenges, our mission is to create a better working world.

Media Contact:

Matt Gotchy

[email protected]

213-814-5760

SOURCE Trusaic
Foundation profoundly impacts the lives of Syrian refugees in Jordan

PROVO, Utah, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Unicity Make Life Better Foundation has donated 332 pregnant goats to Syrian families this year, benefiting more than 754 individuals. This initiative is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to transforming lives and fostering resilience among Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Gather for Goats Program Gather for Goats Program

Over the past decade, the Syrian civil war has forced countless families to flee their homes for safety and a fresh start. Many of these families have sought refuge in Jordan's rural northern regions, where resources and employment opportunities are limited. They live in communities of makeshift tents in the desert, often out of reach for traditional aid efforts.

In Syria, goat herding is a revered and skillful profession deeply ingrained in the culture. Through longtime partner Lifting Hands International and the "Gather for Goats" initiative, the Unicity Make Life Better Foundation provided these families with resilient, desert-ready Shami goats. The goats ensure a sustainable food source through milk, cheese, and yogurt, and offer an avenue for economic independence. Many recipients can feed their families and sell the surplus goat products.

In 2021, Sarah Smart, managing director of the Foundation, visited Jordan, where many Syrian families sought refuge. "I met the families, drank the milk, and was able to see how many have grown their herds and begun to change their lives," Smart said.

By providing these goats, the Unicity Make Life Better Foundation continues its mission to offer opportunities and a brighter future to those in need.

About Unicity Make Life Better Foundation: The Unicity Make Life Better Foundation is the giving arm of Unicity International. The Foundation works to ensure people all around the world have access to and control over culturally appropriate and nutrient-dense food that will continue to fuel their health for generations. The Unicity Make Life Foundation is committed to fighting our global metabolic health emergency and increasing opportunities for marginalized populations worldwide.

Media Contact:

Sarah Smart

Director of Make Life Better Foundation

[email protected]

1-800-864-2489

This transmission may be: (1) subject to the attorney-client privilege, (2) attorney work product, or (3) strictly confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you may not disclose, print, copy or disseminate this information. If you have received this in error, please reply and notify the sender (only) and delete the message. Unauthorized interception of this email is a violation of federal criminal law. This communication does not reflect an intention by the sender or the sender's client or principal to conduct a transaction or make any agreement by electronic means. Nothing contained in this message or in any attachment shall satisfy the requirements for a writing, and nothing contained herein shall constitute a contract or electronic signature under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, any version of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or any other statute governing electronic transactions.

SOURCE Unicity International
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. ("Wheaton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd. ("WPMI") has entered into a definitive Precious Metals Purchase Agreement (the "Silver Stream") with Waterton Copper Corp., a subsidiary of Waterton Copper LP ("Waterton Copper") in respect to its 100% owned Mineral Park Mine located in Arizona, USA (the "Project" or "Mineral Park").

"Wheaton is excited to bring Mineral Park back into our portfolio given our long history with the mine, particularly given the work Waterton Copper has done to optimize the operation," said Randy Smallwood, Wheaton's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our unique understanding of Mineral Park, and its potential, positions us well to assist Waterton Copper in bringing the mine back into production in a sustainable manner. As global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy accelerate, critical metals, such as copper, that are produced responsibly within politically stable jurisdictions, have never been more important.

"Waterton Copper is delighted to have Wheaton Precious Metals' support," said Isser Elishis, Executive Chairman of Waterton Copper. "Waterton is investing approximately $600 million to optimize Mineral Park including significant capital investments in new primary crushers, secondary and pebble crushing circuits, and new higher-power SAG mills, which are expected to result in decades of operational excellence."

Transaction Details

(All values in US$ unless otherwise noted)

Upfront Consideration: WPMI will pay Waterton Copper total upfront cash consideration of $115 million (the "Deposit") in four payments during construction (three installments of $25 million and a final installment of $40 million ).

WPMI will pay Waterton Copper total upfront cash consideration of (the "Deposit") in four payments during construction (three installments of and a final installment of ). Streamed Metal: Under the Silver Stream, WPMI will purchase 100% of the payable silver from the Project for the life of the mine. Payable silver is calculated using a fixed payable factor of 90%.

Under the Silver Stream, WPMI will purchase 100% of the payable silver from the Project for the life of the mine. Payable silver is calculated using a fixed payable factor of 90%. Production Profile 1 : Attributable production is forecast to average over 0.69 million ounces ("Moz") of silver per year for the first five years of production and over 0.74 Moz of silver per year for the life of mine, with construction to be completed by the end of Q1 2025. Mineral Park is forecast to have a 12-year mine life, with the potential to expand the mine life to over 20 years.

Attributable production is forecast to average over 0.69 million ounces ("Moz") of silver per year for the first five years of production and over 0.74 Moz of silver per year for the life of mine, with construction to be completed by the end of Q1 2025. Mineral Park is forecast to have a 12-year mine life, with the potential to expand the mine life to over 20 years. Production Payments: WPMI will make ongoing payments for the silver ounces delivered equal to 18% of the spot price of silver ("Production Payment") until the uncredited deposit is reduced to nil and 22% of the spot price of silver thereafter.

WPMI will make ongoing payments for the silver ounces delivered equal to 18% of the spot price of silver ("Production Payment") until the uncredited deposit is reduced to nil and 22% of the spot price of silver thereafter. Incremental Reserves and Resources 1 : The addition of Mineral Park will increase Wheaton's total estimated Proven and Probable Mineral silver reserves by 14.6 Moz, Measured and Indicated Mineral silver resources by 18.4 Moz and Inferred silver resources by 16.2 Moz.

The addition of Mineral Park will increase Wheaton's total estimated Proven and Probable Mineral silver reserves by 14.6 Moz, Measured and Indicated Mineral silver resources by 18.4 Moz and Inferred silver resources by 16.2 Moz. Other Considerations: The Silver Stream will include a customary completion test. WPMI will provide a secured debt facility of up to $25 million once the full upfront consideration has been paid. WPMI has also obtained a right of first refusal on any future precious metals streams, royalty, prepay or similar transactions. Waterton Copper and Origin Mining Company, LLC (the direct owner of Mineral Park, "Origin") will provide WPMI with corporate guarantees and certain other security over their assets. Waterton Copper is expected to comply in all material respects with WPMI's Partner/Supplier Code of Conduct, which outlines Wheaton's expectations in regard to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters.



Financing the Transactions

As at June 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $829 million of cash on hand, which we believe when combined with the liquidity provided by the available credit under the $2 billion revolving term loan and ongoing operating cash flows, positions the Company well to fund the acquisition of the Silver Stream as well as all outstanding commitments and known contingencies and provides flexibility to acquire additional accretive mineral stream interests.

About Wheaton Precious Metals

Wheaton is the world's premier precious metals streaming company with the highest-quality portfolio of long-life, low-cost assets. Its business model offers investors commodity price leverage and exploration upside but with a much lower risk profile than a traditional mining company. Wheaton delivers amongst the highest cash operating margins in the mining industry, allowing it to pay a competitive dividend and continue to grow through accretive acquisitions. As a result, Wheaton has consistently outperformed gold and silver, as well as other mining investments. Wheaton is committed to strong ESG practices and giving back to the communities where Wheaton and its mining partners operate. Wheaton creates sustainable value through streaming for all of its stakeholders.

About Waterton Copper and Mineral Park

Owned and operated by Origin, a subsidiary of Waterton Copper LP, Mineral Park is a polymetallic mine located in north-west Arizona, 18 miles north of Kingsman. A copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry deposit with a long mining history, Mineral Park is currently under Phase 2 construction which is expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2025. Waterton Copper is fully funded and is investing approximately $600 million to execute Phase 2 of its operating plan, which will bring the site to over one hundred million pounds of copper equivalent annually and fully modernize the operation.

Attributable Silver Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources  Mineral Park Mine

Category Tonnage Mt Grade Ag g/t Contained Ag Moz Proven Probable 42.4 141.3 2.6 2.4 3.5 11.1 P&P 183.7 2.5 14.6 Measured Indicated 22.6 261.5 2.1 2.0 1.5 16.9 M&I 284.1 2.0 18.4 Inferred 341.2 1.5 16.2







Notes on Mineral Reserves & Mineral Resources:



1. All Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been estimated in accordance with the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and National Instrument 43-101  Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").



2. Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are reported above in millions of metric tonnes ("Mt"), grams per metric tonne ("g/t") and millions of ounces ("Moz").



3. Qualified persons ("QPs"), as defined by the NI 43-101, for the technical information contained in this document (including the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates) are:





a. Neil Burns, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Vice President, Technical Services); and



b. Ryan Ulansky, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. (Vice President, Engineering),

both employees of the Company (the "Company's QPs"). 4. The Mineral Resources reported in the above tables are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.



5. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability.



6. Mineral Park Project Mineral Reserves are reported as of September 29, 2023 and Mineral Resources as of October 30, 2021.



7. Mineral Park Mineral Reserves are reported above an NSR cut-off of $10.50 per tonne assuming $2.81 per pound copper, $14.25 per pound molybdenum and $16.13 per ounce silver.



8. Mineral Park Mineral Resources are reported above a 0.15 percent copper equivalent cut-off assuming $3.45 per pound copper, $10.00 per pound molybdenum and $23.00 per ounce silver.



9. The Silver Stream provides that Waterton Copper will deliver silver equal to 100% of the payable silver production for the life of the mine.







Neil Burns, P.Geo., Vice President, Technical Services for Wheaton Precious Metals and Ryan Ulansky, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering, are a "qualified person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, and have reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release (specifically Mr. Burns has reviewed mineral resource estimates and Mr. Ulansky has reviewed the mineral reserve estimates).

____________________________________________ 1) Please refer to the Attributable Mineral Reserves & Mineral Resources table in this news release for full disclosure of reserves and resources associated with Mineral Park including accompanying footnotes.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance of Wheaton and, in some instances, the business, mining operations and performance of Wheaton's Precious Metals Purchase Agreement ("PMPA") counterparties. Forward-looking statements, which are all statements other than statements of historical fact, include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to payment by WPMI of $115 million to Waterton Copper and the satisfaction of each party's obligations in accordance with the Silver Stream, the receipt by Wheaton of silver production in respect of the Project, the future price of commodities, the estimation of future production from Mining Operations (including in the estimation of production, mill throughput, grades, recoveries and exploration potential), the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources (including the estimation of reserve conversion rates) and the realization of such estimations, the commencement, timing and achievement of construction, expansion or improvement projects by Wheaton's PMPA counterparties at mineral stream interests owned by Wheaton (the "Mining Operations"), the payment of upfront cash consideration to counterparties under PMPAs, the satisfaction of each party's obligations in accordance with PMPAs and royalty arrangements and the receipt by the Company of precious metals and cobalt production in respect of the applicable Mining Operations under PMPAs or other payments under royalty arrangements, the ability of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties to comply with the terms of a PMPA (including as a result of the business, mining operations and performance of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties) and the potential impacts of such on Wheaton, future payments by the Company in accordance with PMPAs, the costs of future production, the estimation of produced but not yet delivered ounces, the impact of epidemics (including the COVID-19 virus pandemic), including the potential heightening of other risks, future sales of common shares under the ATM program, continued listing of the Company's common shares, any statements as to future dividends, the ability to fund outstanding commitments and the ability to continue to acquire accretive PMPAs, including any acceleration of payments, projected increases to Wheaton's production and cash flow profile, projected changes to Wheaton's production mix, the ability of Wheaton's PMPA counterparties to comply with the terms of any other obligations under agreements with the Company, the ability to sell precious metals and cobalt production, confidence in the Company's business structure, the Company's assessment of taxes payable and the impact of the CRA Settlement, possible domestic audits for taxation years subsequent to 2016 and international audits, the Company's assessment of the impact of any tax reassessments, the Company's intention to file future tax returns in a manner consistent with the CRA Settlement, the Company's climate change and environmental commitments, and assessments of the impact and resolution of various legal and tax matters, including but not limited to audits. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "projects", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", "potential", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Wheaton to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to risks relating to the satisfaction of each party's obligations in accordance with the terms of the Silver Stream, risks associated with fluctuations in the price of commodities (including Wheaton's ability to sell its precious metals or cobalt production at acceptable prices or at all), risks related to the Mining Operations (including fluctuations in the price of the primary or other commodities mined at such operations, regulatory, political and other risks of the jurisdictions in which the Mining Operations are located, actual results of mining, risks associated with the exploration, development, operating, expansion and improvement of the Mining Operations, environmental and economic risks of the Mining Operations, and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined), the absence of control over the Mining Operations and having to rely on the accuracy of the public disclosure and other information Wheaton receives from the Mining Operations, uncertainty in the estimation of production from Mining Operations, uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimation, risks of significant impacts on Wheaton or the Mining Operations as a result of an epidemic (including the COVID-19 virus pandemic), the ability of each party to satisfy their obligations in accordance with the terms of the PMPAs, the estimation of future production from Mining Operations, Wheaton's interpretation of, compliance with or application of, tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules being found to be incorrect, any challenge or reassessment by the CRA of the Company's tax filings being successful and the potential negative impact to the Company's previous and future tax filings, assessing the impact of the CRA Settlement (including whether there will be any material change in the Company's facts or change in law or jurisprudence), potential implementation of a 15% global minimum tax, counterparty credit and liquidity, mine operator concentration, indebtedness and guarantees, hedging, competition, claims and legal proceedings against Wheaton or the Mining Operations, security over underlying assets, governmental regulations, international operations of Wheaton and the Mining Operations, exploration, development, operations, expansions and improvements at the Mining Operations, environmental regulations, climate change, Wheaton and the Mining Operations ability to obtain and maintain necessary licenses, permits, approvals and rulings, Wheaton and the Mining Operations ability to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements, lack of suitable supplies, infrastructure and employees to support the Mining Operations, inability to replace and expand mineral reserves, including anticipated timing of the commencement of production by certain Mining Operations (including increases in production, estimated grades and recoveries), uncertainties of title and indigenous rights with respect to the Mining Operations, environmental, social and governance matters, Wheaton and the Mining Operations ability to obtain adequate financing, the Mining Operations ability to complete permitting, construction, development and expansion, global financial conditions, Wheaton's acquisition strategy and other risks discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business  Risk Factors" in Wheaton's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and Wheaton's Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR (the "Disclosure"). Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management currently believes to be reasonable, including (without limitation): the payment of $115 million to Waterton Copper and the satisfaction of each party's obligations in accordance with the terms of the Silver Stream, that there will be no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, that the Mining Operations will continue to operate and the mining projects will be completed in accordance with public statements and achieve their stated production estimates, that the mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates from Mining Operations (including reserve conversion rates) are accurate, that each party will satisfy their obligations in accordance with the PMPAs, that Wheaton will continue to be able to fund or obtain funding for outstanding commitments, that Wheaton will be able to source and obtain accretive PMPAs, that neither Wheaton nor the Mining Operations will suffer significant impacts as a result of an epidemic (including the COVID-19 virus pandemic), that any outbreak or threat of an outbreak of a virus or other contagions or epidemic disease will be adequately responded to locally, nationally, regionally and internationally, without such response requiring any prolonged closure of the Mining Operations or having other material adverse effects on the Company and counterparties to its PMPAs, that the trading of the Company's common shares will not be adversely affected by the differences in liquidity, settlement and clearing systems as a result of multiple listings of the Common Shares on the LSE, the TSX and the NYSE, that the trading of the Company's common shares will not be suspended, and that the net proceeds of sales of common shares, if any, will be used as anticipated, that expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax matters will be achieved (including ongoing CRA audits involving the Company), that Wheaton has properly considered the interpretation and application of Canadian tax law to its structure and operations, that Wheaton has filed its tax returns and paid applicable taxes in compliance with Canadian tax law, that Wheaton's application of the CRA Settlement is accurate (including the Company's assessment that there will be no material change in the Company's facts or change in law or jurisprudence), and such other assumptions and factors as set out in the Disclosure. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Wheaton. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary. The forward-looking statements included herein are for the purpose of providing readers with information to assist them in understanding Wheaton's expected financial and operational performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, reflects Wheaton's management's current beliefs based on current information and will not be updated except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Although Wheaton has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forwardlooking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

Cautionary Language Regarding Reserves And Resources

For further information on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources and on Wheaton more generally, readers should refer to Wheaton's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed on March 31, 2023 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Wheaton since January 1, 2023, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Wheaton's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Numbers have been rounded as required by reporting guidelines and may result in apparent summation differences.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources: The information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. The Company reports information regarding mineral properties, mineralization and estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources in accordance with Canadian reporting requirements which are governed by, and utilize definitions required by, Canadian National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM")  CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). These definitions differ from the definitions adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") which are applicable to U.S. companies. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted by the SEC. Information contained herein that describes Wheaton's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. United States investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in Wheaton's Form 40-F, a copy of which may be obtained from Wheaton or from https://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

SOURCE Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports.

The erupted 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity.

Chronicle of the 28-th day of the second Karabakh war:

- President Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by French Figaro newspaper.

- The stockpiles of weapons, ammunition and fuel of Armenian armed forces were destroyed, and Armenian UAVs were neutralized.

- The Armenian armed forces shelled Azerbaijani settlements.

- Video of the destruction of Armenian military equipment during the night was published. An Armenian fighter jet was destroyed.

- Azerbaijan's Gubadly district was shelled using artillery from the territory of Armenia.

- Azerbaijani artillery units continued to inflict crushing blows on the Armenian armed forces.

- Armenian armed forces attempt to attack Azerbaijani units was prevented. The Azerbaijani Air Force destroyed Armenian military equipment and infrastructure, as well as combat equipment.
BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 20-22, 2023, the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) was held in Chengdu, China. A wide range of aesthetic plastic surgery products and technologies made their appearance at this event, Wingderm's Latest Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment have captured the attention of experts, practitioners, and beauty seekers.

Ms. Xu Ren & Professor Hang Wang

Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment

Professor Wang Hang, the Executive Director of AMWC and Chief of The Department of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dematology, West China stomatological Hospital, Sichuan university, delivered a speech as a guest speaker at the Facial Rejuvenation Forum, with the topic of "Research of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment". The EPM technology utilized in Mesoskin from Wingderm served as the research subject in this clinical trial.

Multiple clinical trial results show that compared to transdermal introduction methods such as nanocrystals, derma rollers, and water injections, EPM technology results in less skin damage, higher permeability and more even subcutaneous hyaluronic acid distribution in the delivery of 150KDa hyaluronic acid, it performs well in both skin experience and treatment efficacy. This research achievement once again reaffirmed the comprehensive advantages of Mesoskin for Mesotherapy Treatment in transdermal delivery.

After the speech, Wingderm Vice President Ms. Xu Ren presented a certificate to Professor Wang Hang to express gratitude for her significant contributions to Research of Mesoskin. Ms. Xu Ren said, Wingderm will engage in more research and verification of innovative technologies and products that cater to market demands.

About EPM Technology

EPM, first introduced by Wingderm in 2018, creatively combines electroporation and hollow microchip. It aims to improve the absorption rate of nutrients, reduce pain sensation, and enhance the treatment experience. The commercialization of EPM technology resulted in the groundbreaking product Mesoskin, which caused a sensation in the industry shortly after it was launched. This almost painless, non-invasive, and effective treatment method has been recognized and recommended by experts and scholars worldwide and has been widely used global beauty salons and clinics. EPM transdermal introduction represents a breakthrough advancement in the industry and possesses significant market potential.

About Wingderm

Wingderm since its establishment in 2016, with the aim of "Aesthetics & Technology, Easy to Achieve", provide leading and reliable intelligent optoelectronic medical equipments, which are exported to 80+ countries including Europe, America, and the Middle East. 10,000+ devices have been deployed and treated 100,000+ beauty seekers worldwide. For further information:https://www.wingderm.com/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2254346/Ms__Xu_Ren_Professor_Hang_Wang.jpg
Indianapolis-based Ground Game Ventures leads the round to help businesses communicate effectively with non-desk employees

INDIANAPOLIS and CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yourco , the pioneering SMS-based platform designed to bridge the communication gap between non-desk employeesthose who work in the field, on the plant floor, or frontlines rather than behind a desk to do their job and the front office, successfully raised $2 million in a seed funding round. Indianapolis-based Ground Game Ventures led the round with additional support from Allos Ventures, Start Something Ventures, Elevate Ventures and Flywheel Fund. The investment will accelerate the company's mission to empower the 2.7 billion employees working outside an office setting with effective workplace communication and automation tools.

Non-desk employees are the backbone of the global economy, making up 80% of employees worldwide. Yet, these professionals often do not have the consistent, clear and accessible communication channels vital for long-term success. A staggering 55% of these employees engage with internal communications fewer than once a month, leaving many invaluable workers disengaged and dissatisfied.

Yourco co-founders Brodie and Benjamin Meyer have witnessed firsthand the disproportionate communications between the front office and the frontline. The brothers founded the business out of a need for stronger employee communications and automation tools to improve businesses' bottom lines. By offering a tiered pricing structure, including a newly introduced free plan, Yourco caters to businesses of all sizes. The platform is used by companies like Clyde's Donuts, ThreeBond, and the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

"We initially built Yourco as a communication solution for my Grandparent's family print shop," said Brodie Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Yourco. "As we acquired additional customers, we quickly realized Yourco was having a transformative impact on SMB, midmarket, and enterprise businesses alike. This funding round will allow us to accelerate our growth and product development so that we can continue to transform the way businesses engage with their non-desk employees."

Since its inception in 2021, Yourco has seen rapid growth with a 2,668% increase in monthly recurring revenue, and hundreds of customers in fields like manufacturing, construction, transportation and agriculture. By addressing employees who often lack access to computers, company emails or internet connectivity, Yourco's innovative solution eliminates the barriers associated with traditional communication and automation tools, such as downloads, passwords, internet access and data plans.

"Yourco has helped to change the way we communicate at McCarthy Auto Group," said Felisha Parker, VP of HR at McCarthy Auto Group. "We have nearly 700 employees, and 80% are non-desk based; communication is a challenge. Yourco provides a quick and easy way to reach everyone within our organization and a secure way for employees to reach HR and leadership without a computer."

Yourco's groundbreaking technology streamlines internal communication and enhances employee engagement, information dissemination and overall workplace efficiency. Additionally, the platform reduces legal risk in businesses by helping them keep personal cell phone numbers private and automatically documenting all employee communications for future reference.

The communication and automation platform is already turning heads. Earlier this year, Yourco was selected as one of five finalists in the Future of Work category for the 15th annual SXSW Pitch (formerly SXSW Accelerator).

Aman Brar , founding partner of Ground Game Ventures, who is also joining Yourco's board, expressed enthusiasm for the company's potential.

"We believe Yourco is the solution deskless workers and front offices need," Brar said. "Yourco is poised to revolutionize everyday industries that have long been overlooked. The platform's potent combination of communication and automation tools is well on the way to becoming the de facto operating system for blue collar workers and front offices. We look forward to Yourco's accelerated impact on SMB, midmarket and enterprise businesses and their valued employees."

To learn more about how Yourco can transform your business's internal communications, visit www.yourco.io .

About Yourco

Trusted by small businesses and Fortune 500 enterprises, Yourco is an award-winning B2B SaaS solution that establishes an internal communication and automation infrastructure for businesses with non-desk workforces. Yourco's flagship product is an SMS-based communication and intranet platform that does not require downloads, passwords, internet access or data plans.

About Ground Game Ventures

Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, Ground Game Ventures is a leading business-to-business, seed-stage venture capital firm supporting ambitious, durable founders building magical companies. The firm invests in trailblazing software and technology solutions that help people do the work rather than merely manage it. Through partnership with founders who prioritize creative thinking and capital efficiency, ground game helps build highly impactful companies. For more information, visit www.ground.game .

Media Contact

Jake Doll

BLASTmedia for Yourco

317.806.1900

[email protected]

SOURCE Yourco
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Distinguished Visitors Day is being held as part of the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023" joint tactical exercises involving servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army and the Turkish Armed Forces, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

At the invitation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the delegations led by the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yashar Guler, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, the Head of the Department of Military Education and Science of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Major General Zhumabek Akhmetov and the Deputy Minister of Defense for Combat Training of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Colonel Kadirjon Tursunov, as well as heads and representatives of several Turkish companies in the defense industry are participating in the Distinguished Visitors Day held as part of the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023" joint tactical exercises.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation Thomas Stahli, Trend reports.

The ambassador presented his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state then had a conversation with the ambassador.

Noting that the bilateral relations are developing successfully both in the political and economic spheres, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of regular meetings with the Swiss heads of state during his visits to the World Economic Forum in terms of discussing cooperation.

Hailing the level of cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, and energy, President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the successful activity of the Swiss companies in Azerbaijan, emphasized their active work on reconstruction projects in the country`s liberated territories, and pointed out good cooperation in this area.

The head of state said that modern technology, green energy, and smart village concepts are being implemented for the comfortable living of people in the liberated territories, emphasizing that they create new areas in the bilateral cooperation.

The President of Azerbaijan described the activity of SOCAR in Switzerland and the investment of Swiss companies in the economy of Azerbaijan as a good sign of the bilateral relations in the field of business.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his hope that the cooperation will expand and strong partnership relations will be carried out in the coming years.

Touching upon his visit to Karabakh, the ambassador noted that he got familiarized with the ongoing reconstruction works there, saying that he wants to invite Swiss companies here.

Noting Swiss companies' active involvement in the development of Azerbaijan's economy, Thomas Stahli underscored that there is a good potential for expanding cooperation in this area.

Stressing that the cooperation program has been implemented with Azerbaijan for almost 20 years, the ambassador praised the activities of Swiss companies in the macroeconomics field, as well as the development of financial and private sectors in Azerbaijan.
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Ankara, Oct 24 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed Sweden's NATO accession protocol and has submitted it to the Parliament for ratification, his office has said.

The protocol will initially be discussed at the committee of the parliament and then will be submitted to the general assembly for a vote, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ankara had previously stated that it would not approve the memberships of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless the two countries took necessary steps regarding terrorism and extradited the requested individuals.

The Quran burning incidents in Sweden were met with a strong reaction from Turkey.

However, Finland and then Sweden's NATO membership vetoes were lifted in succession.

The Turkish parliament ratified Finland's NATO bid in March but was reluctant about a similar bid for Sweden because of its alleged support for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Sweden made new amendments to its anti-terrorism law in the process of NATO membership, but the Nordic country has not yet extradited "terrorist suspects" requested by Turkey.
Copenhagen, Oct 24 : Danish Vice Prime Minister (PM) and Minister for Economic Affairs Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, also chairman of the Liberal Party (Venstre), has announced his resignation from politics during a press conference here.

"My actions cast a shadow over Venstre's results in the government, and they also overshadow the left's ability to move forward. That's why I'm taking the consequences now and resigning as the chairman of Venstre," said Ellemann-Jensen, who was flanked by his party colleagues, Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen and Venstre Vice Chairman Stephanie Lose.

Elleman-Jensen's decision has led to his stepping down from the positions of Vice PM, Finance Minister and Venstre's leader, one of the three coalition partners that came into power after the last general election in November 2022, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also vacated his seat in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget).

Poulsen will temporarily take over as Vice PM and Finance Minister in addition to his current ministerial portfolio, while Lose will take over Elleman-Jensen's responsibilities in the party until Venstre's national meeting in November elects a new leader.

Ellemann-Jensen's tenure as the leader of a coalition partner has been plagued by an unspecified illness, from which he returned only in August 2023 after six months of leave.

His decision to quit comes amid a significant decline in support for Venstre, with the party recently receiving its lowest polling rate in October.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her regret on Facebook regarding Ellemann-Jensen's departure, extended her gratitude for his cooperation and commended his political courage.
Rae Bareli, Oct 24 : A man in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli died of burns after he tried to immolate himself in an attempt to implicate his neighbour for the criminal offence.

The incident took place on Monday.

Police said that to implicate his neighbours, the man, Anil Kumar Pandey, 38, poured petrol on himself in front of their house and planned to only set his feet on fire so that the locals could save him in time.

However, the plan went wrong and he suffered severe burns as other residents could not rescue him in time.

He was rushed to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow where he succumbed to burns later in the evening.

Superintendent of Police, Rae Bareli, Alok Priyadarshi said that it all started on October 20, when Anil's wife Annu, 35, visited a Durga puja pandal without informing him.

"The couple had a fight that day and the neighbours had to intervene and pacify them. Next day when Anil went out for work, Annu visited her neighbour Reema, 27, who works as a peon in the district court," he added.

"Annu was frequently thrashed by her husband and Reema advised her to take up the issue with her parents and family," said SHO, Kotwali, R.K. Singh.

On Reema's advice, Annu went to her home on October 21 evening.

When Anil came to know that Reema was behind all this, he decided to teach her a lesson.

"Anil purchased petrol and poured it on himself to implicate Reema in a fake case of immolation," the SHO said, adding that CCTV footage of the petrol pump showed that Anil had purchased petrol in a container.

Police are questioning Reema and Anil's wife.

Anil worked in a general store and his father Ramesh Pandey retired as a veterinary doctor.
Lucknow, Oct 24 : Air fares for October 29 -- the day India plays against England in Lucknow -- are touching the skies.

On October 29, a return trip between Delhi and Lucknow will cost anything around Rs 79,000 for a direct flight, which will be costlier than what you will pay for a return trip to foreign destinations such as Bangkok or Dubai.

The two-way ticket for Bangkok ranges from Rs 27,000 to Rs 78,000 and for Dubai range is Rs 28,000 to Rs 68,000.

According to air flight search engines, the economy seat for two-way journey between Delhi to Lucknow on match day is between Rs 7,900 to Rs 10,470, while for business class the fare range is between Rs 33,000 to Rs 79,000.

On regular days, the two-way ticket price is between Rs 26,000 to Rs 65,000 in business class, while for economy class the ticket price could be anything between 3,000 to Rs 6,000.

The cheapest ticket fare for a business class seat on October 29 from Mumbai starts from Rs 73,000.

The economy seat fare between the two destinations is up to Rs 14,000.

Meanwhile, to support the ICC event fervour, the airport operators at the Chaudhary Charan Singh international airport (Lucknow), have installed large screens for passengers waiting for their flights to watch live matches. CCSIA spokesperson said,

"Since the ICC tournament attracts a larger passenger flow, the airport is well equipped to handle even extra flights."
Lucknow, Oct 24 : The Uttar Pradesh Police have drawn up an elaborate security plan for Durga idol immersion and Dussehra across the state.

As many as 100 companies of PAC and five companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will be deployed in different parts of the state depending on the need.

A company each of CAPF will also be deployed in sensitive districts of the state, including Kanpur, Lucknow, Moradabad, Mau and Gorakhpur.

The deployment will continue till Wednesday.

Special DGP (Law and order) Prashant Kumar said that no permission has been given for installation of new Durga Puja pandals and Ravana on Dussehra in the districts.

Kumar also said that both the police have been instructed to ensure all safeguards during the organisation of Ramlila, Durga Puja and its immersion.

"In 2022, with all safeguards we had no incident during immersion of Durga idols and also during Dussehra," Kumar said, adding that in 2016 as many as 38 incidents were reported and thereafter the police made successive attempts to bring it down to zero.

The officer also said that vigilance on social media is being kept round the clock to avoid spread of any misinformation and posts on social media which vitiates communal atmosphere.

Hesaid that in 2023 some measures have been taken up like CCTV installation on all places of Dussehra and idol immersion while placement of cops in civvies as decoy is made.
Icelandic PM along with other women to strike against gender pay gap. Image Source: IANS News

Reykjavik, Oct 24 : Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir will join thousands of other women on Tuesday to strike against gender pay gap and gender-based violence.

This will be the seventh time that women in Iceland will strike in the name of gender equality, CNN quoted campaign organisers as saying on their official website.

The first strike took place on October 24, 1975.

"On October 24, all women in Iceland, including immigrant women, are encouraged to stop work, both paid and unpaid. For the whole day, women (and non-binary people) will strike, to demonstrate the importance of their contribution to society," the organisers said.

The strike, which is known as the "Women's Day Off" or "Kvennafri" in Icelandic, hopes to raise awareness about the "systemic" wage discrimination and gender-based violence faced by women in Iceland.

Prime Minister Jakobsdottir told local news Iceland Monitorthat she will not work on the strike day and expects other female members of government to do the same "in solidarity with Icelandic women".

"As you know, we have not yet reached our goals of full gender equality and we are still tackling the gender-based wage gap, which is unacceptable in 2023. We are still tackling gender-based violence, which has been a priority for my government to tackle," CNN quoted Jakobsdottir as saying.

According to the Icelandic Teachers' Union, women make up the majority of teachers at every level of the educational system, including 94 per cent of kindergarten teachers, reports the BBC.

Around 80 per cent of workers at the National University Hospital of Iceland, the biggest in the country, are women.

Iceland has been ranked the best country in the world for gender equality by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for 14 years in a row. But it is not completely equal, with the WEF assigning it an overall score of 91.2 per cent.

Around 90 per cent of Iceland's female workforce went on strike in 1975, seeking to highlight the importance of women to the economy.

The strike prompted the country's parliament to pass an equal pay law the following year.
Seoul, Oct 24 : At least four people from North Korea have expressed their intent to defect to South Korea on Tuesday after they crossed the eastern maritime border on a wooden boat, sources said.

South Korean military officials secured the small boat, carrying the presumed North Koreans, in waters east off Sokcho, 151 km northeast of Seoul, after detecting "unusual activity" in the waters near the eastern Northern Limit Line (NLL), a de facto maritime border, early morning, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Troops had spotted and tracked the boat using radar and thermal observation devices.

"I understand that four people coming from North Korea expressed their intent to defect in the Sokcho area," a government source said, without elaborating.

Officials also received a report from South Korean fishermen operating in waters off Sokcho of an "unusual" boat nearby at around 7.10 a.m., according to the Coast Guard and military officials.

During a parliamentary audit of the Navy, Rep. Han Ki-ho of the ruling People Power Party said the wooden boat was set to enter a South Korean eastern port at about 11 a.m.

The military is expected to conduct a joint examination of the individuals with other relevant authorities, including the National Intelligence Service, after moving them to a safe location.

It marked the first time a group of North Koreans made an attempt to defect to South Korea through the East Sea since November 2019.

In May, the South Korean military intercepted a North Korean fishing boat carrying a group of defectors that crossed the western NLL in the Yellow Sea.
Agra, Oct 24 : An 8-year-old girl, attacked by stray dogs in Bah block of Uttar Pradesh's Agra district about two weeks ago, succumbed to the injuries.

The incident took place when the girl was going to a nearby grocery shop. She informed her parents about it after returning home but she was not immediately taken to a hospital.

Doctors said the child was not given anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) soon after she was attacked by the strays.

They added that when her condition deteriorated on Sunday, she was rushed to the Bah community health centre. Seeing her in a critical state, the doctors referred her to Agra's SN Medical College on Monday.

The girl was declared "brought dead" there.

The girl's father, Dharmendra Singh, a farmer, said, "My child had a minor wound caused by a dog bite. I thought it would heal within a few days. A similar incident happened to another child in my neighbourhood and the boy is doing fine. But my child's health started deteriorating suddenly. She had a high fever and was unable to speak."

Bah CHC superintendent Dr Jitendra Kumar said, "The child was brought to hospital after 15 days. She got infected with rabies and died soon after. Treatment at home proved fatal. In case of dog, cat and monkey bites, it is important to administer ARV right away."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The global process of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is quite slow, Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Sahib Mammadov said at the third SDG Dialogue on the topic "Results of the Global Summit on SDGs 2023 and the Role of Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the Implementation of the SDGs, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan places a high value on collaboration with the United Nations. Despite the fact that we are halfway through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the global process of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals is slow; in some cases, the situation is worse than it was in 2015, when the Sustainable Development Agenda was adopted," Mammadov said.

The deputy minister noted that Azerbaijan presented a document of the National Commitment to Improve the SDGs within the framework of the SDG Summit held in September this year at the UN General Assembly.

"Azerbaijan is one of 32 countries worldwide that have submitted this paper. The document represents the targets outlined in Azerbaijan's socioeconomic development strategy for 2022-2026, as well as the outcomes of the first and second SDG dialogues on green transformation and social and economic inclusion. The summit's final political declaration serves as a fresh road map for achieving the SDGs by 2030. This declaration highlights the significance of bolstering SDG attainment once more," he said.

The third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) dialogue is being held in Baku on the topic "The results of the Global Summit on the SDGs 2023 and the role of the Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the implementation of the SDGs".

The dialogue is co-chaired by the Chairman of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development, the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan.
Israeli military vehicles in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. Image Source: IANS News

Beirut/Jerusalem, Oct 24 : Four Hezbollah militants were killed and four others injured during confrontations with the Israeli army on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Sources from the Lebanese Internal Security Forces told Xinhua that the militants were struck by Israeli drones that carried out four raids, during which eight missiles were fired at dawn and noon on Monday in the town of Wadi Khansa, Kfarhamam village and the Bastra Farm in southeast Lebanon.

The sources added that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) communicated with Israel to stop bombardment and allow the Lebanese Red Cross to reach the victims and transport them to the Marjeyoun Governmental Hospital.

The outskirts of Kfarchouba, Rashaya al-Fakhar villages, and Jabal Sadana area in southeast Lebanon, were subjected to 155-mm Israeli artillery shelling, which caused material damage, according to the sources.

Meanwhile, the Hezbollah claimed that it had attacked the Misgav Am, a settlement in northern Israel, and the Al-Abad site on the border in southeast Lebanon with guided missiles and artillery shells, causing casualties, which the militant group did not specify.

On its part, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck Hezbollah posts in Lebanon in several strikes on Monday night, which included a military compound, a military post and an observation post in southern Lebanon used by the militants.

"The strikes were conducted in responses to the rocket and anti-tank missile launches from Lebanese territory today," the IDF said late Monday night.

The border tensions have displaced more than 19,000 people in Lebanon, and the numbers are expected to rise if there is an escalation in violence, a spokesperson at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday.

The majority of the displaced, according to IOM, joined their family members who reside in areas other than southern Lebanon.

In contrast, others took refuge in three schools that were turned into shelter centers in Lebanon's southern city of Tyre.

The escalation on the Lebanese-Israeli border began when Hezbollah fired multiple rockets on October 8 toward Israeli military sites in support of the Hamas's surprise attack on the Jewish nation on October 7.

In response, the Israeli forces fired heavy artillery on southeastern Lebanon on the same day.
Washington/Beijing, Oct 24 : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on a four-day visit to the US during which he will meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and discuss the raging Israel-Hamas conflict, according to sources in Washington.

Wang's visit will begin on Thursday through October 29, the BBC reported.

During the visit, the US officials will push Beijing "to take a more constructive approach" on the "situations" in Israel and Ukraine, the sources said.

It was not immediately known if the top Chinese diplomat will meet President Joe Biden.

The development comes after Wang spoke to his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen on Monday during which the Chinese official said that "all countries have the right to self-defence, but they should abide by international humanitarian law", reports CNN.

Wang had previously accused Israel of going "beyond the scope of self-defence".

Wang told Cohen that "the current top priority is to prevent tensions from escalating further and leading to a more serious humanitarian disaster", according to a readout posted by China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

In the call, Wang said the "two-state solution" is the international community's consensus and urged both the Israelis and the Palestinians to resume peace talks for "peaceful coexistence".

"China has no selfish interests on the Palestinian issue. We sincerely hope that the Palestinian issue can be fairly and comprehensively solved on the basis of the 'two-state solution'," CNN quoted the Chinese Foreign Minister as saying.

Wang also spoke to Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki, and called for an "effective international peace conference as soon as possible" and reiterated China's support for a two-state solution, the BBC reported.

His calls come amid a flurry of diplomacy by Chinese officials during the ongoing conflict.

Beijing sent its Middle East envoy Zhai Jun to the region earlier this week in an attempt to broker talks.
Riyadh, Oct 24 : Aleksander Mitrovic scored a hat-trick as Al Hilal secured three points in style with a 6-0 win over Mumbai City FC in Group D match of the AFC Champions League 2023/24, here at the King Fahd International Stadium.

Two Serbian players contributed four of the six goals - Aleksander Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - although the creation was equally split between Mohamed Al Burayk and Saud Abdulhamid for the first four goals, ensuring a superb shift for the two-time AFC Champions League winners on Monday, AFC reports.

The Riyadh-based side looked to have doubled the score when Salem Al Dawsari dribbled past the defense, made a turn at the byline, and scored, surprising the defenders. However, VAR overturned the goal as the ball had already gone out of play.

Against the run of play, Mumbai City managed an opening where Lalengmawia Ralte broke through the defence, dribbled past Ali Al Bulayhi and thrust a shot goalwards from inside the area, only for the well-positioned Mohamed Al Owais to punch it away.

Just before half-time, Mitrovic spotted the Mumbai City keeper off his line and attempted an audacious strike from 60 yards out, but his effort was quickly tracked and Phurba Lechenpa caught the ball comfortably.

In the second half, Al Hilal had multiple opportunities, but Mitrovic, Kanno, Malcolm, and Al Dawsari all missed chances until the one-hour mark. On the other hand, the Indian team had a great opportunity to equalize when Rostyn Griffiths narrowly missed a header from Greg Stewart's free-kick.

In the 67th minute, the Islanders eventually succumbed to the pressure as Al Burayk and Mitrovic combined once more, with Mitrovic heading home another cross from the left flank by Al Burayk.

Just eight minutes later, Savic ensured he had a scoring AFC Champions League debut when he rose highest to meet Saud Abdulhamidas cross from the right flank.

At the 80-minute mark, Mitrovic completed his hat-trick in style. Abdulhamid found him unmarked in the area, and he executed an incredible overhead kick, making it 4-0.

Two minutes later, Mitrovic assisted Al Burayk, who had provided him with two assists earlier, and Al Burayk confidently scored Al-Hilal's fifth goal of the night inside the area.

Abdulelah Al Malki rounded off the night with a beautiful strike from outside the area, a lathered shot that smashed against the post and into the goal to match the exquisite showing Al Hilal put on in the second half.

Mumbai City FC will play hosts to Al Hilal in two weeks at the DY Patil Stadium, with a win vital to the Indian sideas already slim chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Colombo, Oct 24 : Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a proposal of offering visa-free entry for nationals from India and six other countries, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said.

The minister said that the cabinet approved visa-free entry for travellers from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand as a pilot project till March 31, 2024, reports Xinhua news agency.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry aims to attract 2 million visitors in 2023, compared to the previous target of 1.5 million.

Tourism, as one of Sri Lanka's leading foreign exchange earners, has suffered a setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic and political crises in the South Asian country.
Ottawa, Oct 24 : Canada said that it has detected a disinformation campaign likely tied to China that has targeted dozens of its politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the media reported.

The "spamouflage" campaign used waves of online posts to discredit Canadian MPs, the BBC quoted the Foreign Ministry in Ottawa

It added that the campaign was carried out to silence criticism of Beijing.

China has previously denied any allegations of interference in Canadian affairs.

Global Affairs Canada said that its Rapid Response Mechanism, which was set up to monitor foreign state-sponsored disinformation efforts, detected in August a "spamouflage" campaign that is connected to Beijing, the BBC reported.

It said the campaign, which accelerated over the first weekend of September, featured a bot network that "left thousands of comments" in Canada's two official languages -- English and French -- on the social media accounts of several Canadian politicians.

The comments claimed that a critic of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada had accused the various politicians of criminal and ethical breaches.

"The Spamouflage campaign also included the use of likely 'deep fake' videos, which are digitally modified by artificial intelligence, targeting the individual," Global Affairs Canada said.

The accusations are the latest in a series of claims that have come out from Canadian intelligence agencies and officials that have accused Beijing of interfering in Canada's elections.

A "spamouflage" campaign is one which uses a network of new or hijacked social media accounts to post propaganda messages across various platforms, such as Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Medium, Reddit, TikTok and LinkedIn, the BBC reported.

Officials said those same accounts were also involved in spreading disinformation about the Hawaii wildfires in August, falsely claiming that they were caused by a secret US military "weather weapon".

In addition to the Prime Minister, the campaign targeted Conservative opposition leader Pierre Polievre and several members of Trudeau's cabinet, officials said.
In difficult phase of int'l politics, G20 Summit was bit plus: Jaishankar. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Oct 24 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday on the occasion of the 78th UN Day, called for reforms in the multilateral organisation, while reaffirming its commitment to the UN's charter.

"On 78th UN Day, reaffirm India's commitment to UN and its charter. Emphasize the significance of reformed multilateralism which fosters fairness, inclusivity and multipolarity," Jaishankar posted on X.

"A more purposeful United Nations will deliver on the Global South's expectations and aspirations," he added.

India has consistently called for reforms in the UN, keeping in sync with the changing geopolitical dynamics and aspirations of the emerging economies.
Kolkata, Oct 24 : Kolkata Police have made elaborate security arrangements in an around the city as immersion of Durga idols will take place on Tuesday on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.

A senior Kolkata Police official said pressure on the immersion ghats will be comparatively less on Tuesday and it will start increasing from Wednesday.

"On the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, puja organisers mainly in housing complexes and individual residences go for immersion. Only a few extremely conservative community Durga Puja committees believe in following the tradition of going for immersion on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami on this day. So the pressure at the immersion ghats is likely to be less today. But we are not showing any laxity in making security arrangements," he added.

Also on Tuesday, medium to heavy showers have been forecast for the city.

This year, immersion of the idols will take place at 34 ghats, besides 40 other lakes and artificial water-bodies.

The Kolkata Police have also decided to take strong action against Puja committees who use loud DJ music while proceeding for the immersion.

Police pickets will be deployed at 238 locations in the city.

Each picketing team will be led by an officer in the rank of assistant commissioner of police.

At the same time, the city police have banned the movement and entry of heavy good vehicles in Kolkata from 8 a.m. on Tuesday till 5 a.m. on Wednesday.
Jaipur, Oct 24 : Congress is repeating Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh strategy in Rajasthan by making Priyanka Gandhi lead the show. She will hold the third Congress' meeting in Rajasthan on Wednesday.

Sources said that just before the assembly elections in Rajasthan, Priyanka Gandhi's role in Congress has changed.

This time Priyanka is being given more chances to address gathering than her brother Rahul: she will be holding her third meeting on Wednesday, Congress has changed the strategy as it wants to repeat the Karnataka-Himachal experiment in Rajasthan.

Priyanka addressed public meetings in Niwai (Tonk) on September 10 and in Sikrai (Dausa) on October 20.Now she will address the gathering by unveiling the statue of former Union Minister Shishram Ola at Aradavata (Jhunjhunu) on October 25.

One of the arguments behind the change in role is that in the last one year, Priyanka has played a special role in the two states where Congress has succeeded in wresting power from the BJP, these are Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.

Rahul Gandhi could not go to Himachal Pradesh being busy with Bharat Jodo Yatra, hence the entire campaign was handled by Priyanka Gandhi.In Karnataka, Priyanka was the biggest star campaigner of Congress as well.

Congress leaders said that "Demand is coming for Priyanka from every seat of the state.It will be our endeavour to organise her meetings on maximum seats."

"People take her words and promises seriously.The promises she made to the people of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh recently were fulfilled as soon as the government was formed.This is her reputation.The general public is connecting directly with her."

According to Congress sources, all the party leaders are trying to organise Priyanka's meetings in their areas.Once the tickets for all the seats are finalised, a special programme will be made for this at the party level.
Kolar : , Oct 24 (IANS) Two of three men, who were arrested in the murder of Congress leader M. Srinivas, a close associate of Karnataka Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, were shot in the legs while trying to escape, said police on Tuesday.

According to police, the prime accused, Venugopal and Muneendra, were shot in the legs and another accused Santhosh also sustained injuries when they tried to escape in the Laxmisagar forest area. The three were being brought by a team led by police inspector Venkatesh after their arrest on Monday.

In self-defence the police shot the accused in the legs. Inspector Venkatesh, staff Manjunath and Nagesh were also injured in the incident. They have been treated at the Kolar District Hospital. Police are suspecting that the accused belong to a 'supari' gang, which commit murders for money.

Srinivas was also close to former Speaker and senior Congress leader Ramesh Kumar.Srinivas was a taluk level leader of the Congress and he was an aspirant for the Lok Sabha ticket from Kolar Parliamentary constituency.

He was attacked near Hogalagere road in the outskirts of Srinivaspur near Kolar.

Though he was rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, police said. Deceased Srinivas was one of the prominent Dalit leaders of the district and Srinivasapura town continues to be tense following the incident. Dalit organisations are mulling for a massive protest condemning the murder

According to police, Srinivas had gone to his new bar building on Hogalagere road when he was attacked by a gang of six people.

Srinivaspura police have registered a case and an investigation is on.
New York, Oct 24 : Children infected with the Omicron variant remained infectious for a median time of three days after testing positive for the virus, Indian-origin scientists have found.

School policies that require students with Covid-19 to stay out of the classroom for five days are more than sufficient.

"We're basically saying five days is more than sufficient; public-health and education leaders may consider shorter durations," said study co-author Neeraj Sood, Director of the Covid-19 Initiative and a senior fellow at the University of Southern California's Schaeffer Center.

The study found the median time of infectivity was three days, with 18.4 per cent of children still infectious on day five and 3.9 per cent infectious on day 10. It also found no association between how long children were infectious and whether they were vaccinated, suggesting return-to-school policies may not need to discriminate by vaccine or booster status.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, seeks to inform policymakers who grapple with how long children must isolate when they contract Covid-19.

"We want to protect the other children in the school who could potentially get infected, but at the same time, we don't want to disrupt education for the child who is infected, given the amount of disruption that's already happened," said Sood, who is also a professor at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

"The duration of infectivity is an important parameter into figuring out what the optimal duration of self-isolation should be."

For the study, researchers partnered with a virus testing company and examined nasal swabs from 76 children in Los Angeles County who were between the ages of 7 and 18 and tested positive for Covid-19.

"We wanted to capture how infectivity changed over the 10-day window," said lead author Nikhilesh Kumar from USC Keck School of Medicine.

The findings are consistent with previous research on adults who contracted the Omicron variant, which showed no association between vaccination status and time of infectivity. Sood called for further research so policymakers can consider adjusting the time students must stay out of the classroom.

"The virus will keep mutating," Sood noted. "We need to continue doing studies like this because the next variant may have a longer or shorter duration of infectivity."
Press Release

October 24, 2023 Bong Go shows commitment to bringing gov't health services closer to Filipinos during groundbreaking of Super Health Center in Tigbauan, Iloilo Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has remained steadfast in bringing essential public health services closer to more Filipinos through the establishment of Super Health Centers. In a video message delivered during the groundbreaking ceremony of a Super Health Center in Tigbauan, Iloilo on Friday, October 20, Go acknowledged the role of the local government led by Mayor Virgilio Teruel, and the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 led by Director Adriano Suba-an, for the successful groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Barangay Bayuco in the Municipality of Tigbauan. Super Health Centers are strategically designed to place emphasis on delivering primary care, offering consultations, and enhancing the early detection of diseases in the grassroots. This aims to bolster the healthcare sector throughout the nation, with a particular emphasis on rural communities. Go also underscored his dedication to bridging the gap between healthcare and the people, thus alleviating the difficulty of extensive travel to access fundamental health services. "Ipagpatuloy natin na ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap na walang matakbuhan kung hindi ang mga government health facilities. Para sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan, napakaimportante po nito dahil iyan po ang kanilang lalapitan po talaga. The more we should support it, the more na mag-invest po tayo sa ating healthcare system," Go said. "Ilapit po natin ang serbisyong nararapat para sa kanila. Huwag po natin silang pahirapan. Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba't ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na wala silang sariling health center. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito," he stressed. Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine. Through the collaborative efforts of fellow lawmakers, local government units, and DOH, sufficient funds were allocated for 307 Super Health Centers nationwide in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, is tasked with identifying strategic areas for construction. There are a total of 21 Super Health Centers funded for construction in the whole Iloilo province. In line with Go's commitment to promote community welfare, his office distributed 50 food packs to select indigent recipients of the town after the groundbreaking ceremony. The senator likewise encouraged those with health concerns to seek the assistance of any of the 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, four of which are located in the province. Under Republic Act No. 11463, a law principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Malasakit Centers program brings all relevant agencies under one roof including DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), so that poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs to cover their hospital-related expenses. The two Malasakit Centers in Iloilo City are located at West Visayas State University Medical Center and Western Visayas Medical Center. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo, and Western Visayas Sanitarium, and General Hospital in Santa Barbara. Go also highlighted RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The Regional Specialty Centers Act plays a pivotal role in the healthcare legislative agenda of the Marcos administration, as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. To further support the development of the province, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported several initiatives in the province, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barotac Viejo, completion of various barangay health stations throughout Iloilo City and the construction of a multipurpose building in the Iloilo City Public Market. Other major initiatives he supported include the concreting or construction of roads in Badiangan, Banate, Carles, Dumangas, Lemery, Miag-ao, and Sara; completion of the barangay health stations in Leon; construction of a flood control system in Balasan; construction of a seawall in Banate; construction of the legislative building complete with facilities in San Dionisio; and improvement of the public parks in Duenas.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The 3+3 platform (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Iran, Turkiye) was never seen as a platform to resolve conflicts, Azerbaijan's Presidential Representative for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with BBC TV channel, Trend reports.

"The idea of creating the consultative '3+3' regional platform was put forward by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev right after the end of the second Karabakh war at the end of 2020. The idea was to bring together three states of South Caucasus  Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, as well as our three immediate neighbors  Turkiye, Russia and Iran in order to explore the possibilities of engaging in regional cooperation and interaction in various fields in the post-conflict period," he said.

"There is a widely shared view that the time for war in South Caucasus is over, and now we have good chances to embark in a period of consolidating peace, stability and enhancing development in our regions, because there is untapped potential for practical cooperation in fields like connectivity, transport, energy, trade, science and so on," he emphasized.

Amirbayov noted that participants of the recent '3+3' Tehran meeting adopted a joint communique, which inter alia clearly outlined the view that regional countries should have the primary role and responsibility to address regional problems and outstanding issues, which means that the regional countries want to enhance their sense of ownership over the processes in the South Caucasus, and they reject any harmful external interference in their affairs.

"Basically, this platform has never been envisaged as a platform to resolve any conflict situations. The idea of President Ilham Aliyev at the beginning was that after were done with the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, to engage in regional cooperation. But unfortunately, there are some attempts from external non-regional countries, who are pursuing their internal agendas and try to impose some of their solutions to the problems in the region proceeding from domestic agendas. They somehow try to ignite tension in the South Caucasus and also put in jeopardy the prospects of achieving long-standing peace," he said.

Amirbayov noted that now, after Azerbaijan has restored its sovereign control over all of its internationally recognized territory, and after it has put an end to illegal Armenian military presence in its territories, there is a big chance for Armenia and Azerbaijan to finalize negotiations on the draft peace agreement which has been on the table already for about one year.

"And I think that Armenia and Azerbaijan today also share the view that the time has come to seize this opportunity and to finalize these negotiations. But that is not something which is going to be done within the 3+3 regional consultative platform. It is going to be done through direct bilateral negotiations between Baku and Yerevan on the basis of fundamental principles which are reflected in the draft peace agreement," he said.
Mumbai , Oct 24 : Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Tuesday heaped praise on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval when she met him on a flight.

Notably, Kangana's meeting with Doval comes ahead of the release of her upcoming movie 'Tejas'. Kangana plays the titular role of Tejas Gill, an Indian Air Force officer, in this action drama.

Elated over meeting Doval, the aManikarnikaa actress in an Instagram Stories wrote: "What a generous stroke of luck, guess who was seated next to me in the flight this morning? None other than greatest of all time @iam_ajitdoval."

Referring to aTejasa, Kangana added: "In this week of #tejas release I got to meet inspiration for all soldiers ever our national security chief Ajit Doval ji I consider this a good omen, Jai Hind."

Kangana shared a happy picture with Doval, in which we can see her wearing a pastel pink saree and a pearl necklace. She tied her hair in a bun, and opted for a no-makeup look with a bindi on her forehead.

Doval flashed a smile for the selfie, along with Kangana.

However, Kangana did not disclose the location of her journey as she met the NSA.

Earlier, there was a special screening of Tejas for Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Indian Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi. After the screening, Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, unhooked a fighter plane-shaped brooch he was wearing and gave it to Sarvesh Mewara, the film's director.

The flick is scheduled to release on October 27.
Tel Aviv , Oct 24 : Police in Israel on Tuesday arrested actress and social activist Maisa Abd Elhadi for seemingly endorsing the Hamas militant group in a series of social media posts.

According to Israel authorities, she has made several statements that could be considered as endorsing the raging violence and mayhem unleashed by the Hamas on October 7 against citizens of the Jewish nation.

Available information suggests that Elhadi was arrested from Nazareth on Tuesday morning.

The police said that one of her post was an image of the broken border fence between Israel and Gaza with the caption. "Letas Go Berlin Style".

This was a clear message, a call for barrier breaking conflict and depicting the image to be like fallen Berlin Wall, the police added.

Irael is on an all out mission to destroy Hamas after the October 7 incidents of violence leading to the death of around 1400 people.

At least 212 people have been taken hostages by the Hamas.
Los Angeles, Oct 24 : Some of Hollywood's biggest names have commended US President Joe Biden for his "unshakable moral conviction" and helping to get home some of the hostages taken by Hamas in their terror attack on Israel.

A letter to Biden posted on the website NoHostageLeftBehind has signatures from Amy Schumer, Bob Odenkirk, Gal Gadot, Chris Rock, Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Greg Berlanti, Constance Wu, Judd Apatow, Tyler Perry, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paramount Global boss Shari Redstone, Taika Waititi, Olivia Wilde, Jason Blum, WME's Ari Greenburg, Gersh's Leslie Siebert, Zoe Saldana. Seth Meyers, Sean "Puffy" Combs and many more, reports Deadline.

The letter reads: "Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorised by Hamas since the group's founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorised, oppressed, and victimised by Hamas for the last 17 years that the group has been governing Gaza. We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages (sic)."

Even with the release of Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz pm Monday, and mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan late last week, over 200 individuals, of many nationalities from children to the elderly who were abducted by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack remain captives.

As per Deadline, Biden has been unequivocal in his support of Israel and its right to defend itself since Hamas' bloody surprise attack of October 7 that killed 1400 and left thousands more injured. Hamas has also been very public in its aims. As well as explicit videos posted on social media of the siege that took out towns, a music festival and military bases, Hamas also put out footage of women, seniors and even little kids being hauled off.

As airstrikes relentlessly hit Gaza, Israel has gathered around 300,000 troops and reservists on the border for a ground invasion expected at any moment.

With protests breaking out around the world over the humanitarian crisis as well as the attacks on Israel, it is estimated that thousands of Palestinians have been killed from Tel Aviv's response.
French President Emmanuel Macron is seen during a campaign visit in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, France, on April 21, 2022.. (Photo by Rit Heize/Xinhua/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Tel Aviv, Oct 24 : French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday on a one-day visit during which he will meet families of the victims who died in the October 7 Hamas attack, as well as those taken as hostages in Gaza.

In Israel, he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and Defence Minister Yaov Gallant, as well as opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz.

Macron will also travel to Ramallah where he will meet officials of the Palestinian Authority.

According to an Elysee Palace source, the President plans to express solidarity and discuss a two-state solution.

Macron became the latest world leader to visit the war-torn nation amid the raging conflict.

US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have travelled to the country since the October 7 attack.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : The Cairo Peace Summit, hosted by Egypt and held in the New Administrative Capital, east of the Egyptian capital Cairo, was chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

It was attended by virtually every Arab nation and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who while calling for action "to end this terrible nightmare", listed three immediate goals -- unhindered humanitarian assistance to besieged civilians in the Gaza Strip; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages kidnapped from Israel; and committed efforts to curb violence to prevent the conflict from escalating.

The conflict could only be solved with a two-state solution, one for Israelis and one for the Palestinians, he said.

Israel was not represented at the summit.

If we take a close look at the speeches delivered at the summit, we'll realise that though they reflected growing anger in the region, even among those with close ties to Israel who have often worked as mediators, the sad reality was that the summit was only a talk shop with no concrete action decided upon.

On October 20, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant laid out a three-stage plan in which airstrikes and "manoeuvring" - a presumed reference to a ground attack - would aim to root out Hamas before a period of lower intensity mop-up operations.

Then, "a new 'security regime' would be created in Gaza along with the removal of Israel's responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip", Gallant said.

No one reacted to this statement, but most Arab leaders chose to show their hollowness and contradictory views, when they talked about the safety of Palestinians but shied away for taking or charting a cohesive strategy to counter Israel's war mongering actions.

On the other hand the European leaders who seem to be supporting Israel's right to self-defence, strangely forget about the Palestinian's right to survival, right to self-defence and right to their motherland and ensuring the prevalence of the rule of law, of which every western nation is so enamoured of.

So far, European officials have largely played down Israel's attacks on Gaza's civilians, instead stating that Israel has a right to defend itself and asking that Israel allow humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.

This contradictory stance adopted by European leaders giving Israel the right to defend, though contrasts with the various Arab voices but in reality these Arab voices have also been only rhetorical with no confirmed or planned action against Israel. One reason for this could be that they don't want the conflict to conflagrate into a wider regional conflict.

Further, the speeches also showed that Summit's host Egypt was specifically concerned about a massive influx of Palestinians crossing into its territory, something that it fears would, among other things, severely undermine hopes for a Palestinian state. Egypt worries that a mass exodus would risk bringing militants into Sinai, from where they might launch attacks on Israel, endangering its peace treaty with Israel.

On the same footing, King Abdullah II of Jordan, whose country maintains diplomatic links with Israel, voiced "unequivocal rejection" of the forced displacement of Palestinians.

"This is a war crime according to international law, and a red line for all of us," he said, but shied away from making any substantial statement supporting the Palestinian cause.

Arab countries also fear, and on that count they are not wrong, a repeat of the mass exodus of Palestinians from what is now Israel before and during the 1948 War surrounding its creation, when about 700,000 people fled or were driven out, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, or catastrophe. Those refugees and their descendants, who now number nearly 6 million, were never allowed to return.

Meanwhile Reuters reported last week that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed six naval warships in the Middle East as tensions escalate in the region.

The development comes at a time when the US has sent USS Gerald R Ford, its most advanced carrier, along with a battle group to the West Asia region. Washington is also assisting Israel with A-10 Warthog and F-15E attack planes, along with the latest munitions as the Benjamin Netanyahu-led regime continues its offensive on Gaza.

These developments portend that if the conflict is not managed quickly enough, then it might snowball into a larger regional conflict, drawing other regional powers within its ambit.

Meanwhile, another alarming trend, which could be observed after the latest conflict, is that those who are speaking in favour of Palestinians are being out casted very quickly. The CEO of a leading technology conference stepped down after a wave of backlash over public statements he made on social media accusing Israel of committing "war crimes" and breaching international law.

Paddy Cosgrave, a co-founder of the European tech conference Web Summit which brings together thousands of leading tech startups and firms in Lisbon, Portugal, resigned after receiving backlash from sponsors and attendees. He said his personal views had become a "distraction from the event" and apologised for "any hurt" he had caused.

Apparently, his follow-up posts were not enough to win over a list of key event sponsors including tech heavyweights Meta, Google, and Stripe, who announced they would boycott the event.

In addition, in a letter released on Friday last week, dozens of Hollywood actors and actresses, including Cate Blanchett and Susan Sarandon, urged US President Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

This comes in the background of many business executives pledging to blacklist Harvard students who belong to groups that signed a letter blaming Israel for the latest outbreak of violence, while several journalists have been suspended or fired due to posts that are critical of Israel or express pro-Palestinian views.

Rights advocates say much of the corporate response has minimised the suffering in Gaza and created an atmosphere of fear for workers who want to express support for Palestinians. At the same time Jewish groups have criticised tepid responses or slow reactions to the Hamas attack on 7th October.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organisation in the country, denounced the backlash against the students and statements from US corporate leaders that "lack any meaningful display of sympathy toward Palestinian civilians".

All these developments if viewed impartially, proves that in today's world, so- called developed and free nations still believe in spilling blood rather than resolving their conflicts through mediation or adopting a conciliatory approach, and this completely exhibits the hollowness and contradictory nature of their policies and political system, and it doesn't augurs well for the future.

(Asad Mirza is a Delhi-based senior political and international affairs commentator.)
Chandigarh, Oct 24 : Punjab MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Tuesday appreciated the Centre's decision for revising the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rce from $1200 to $950 per tonnes.

This issue was raised by the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association in an interaction with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where Sahney was assigned the task to take up the matter with the Central government.

Sahney had communicated to the Union Commerce Ministry that it was not a rational decision and it would have an adverse impact on the growers and traders.

He said this was not an issue of one cropping season but it would have had larger economic impacts on India.

"Pakistan is our competitor in the international market for basmati exports. After India's decision of $1,200 MEP, Pakistan strategically pegged their MEP to $1,050. The international market would had imported all rice from Pakistan only," he said in a statement here.

The MP added he would like to express his gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce which considered the request of basmati traders and revised the MEP.

Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association president Arvinder Singh had previously said there was panic among traders of the basmati rice.

"Now with this decision we are much relieved to augment exports," he added.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Vedanta on Tuesday said Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sonal Shrivastava has resigned making her third incumbent to quit in as many as years from the post in the billionaire Anil Agarwal-controlled company.

Ajay Goel, who is currently the CFO at edtech startup Byju's, will return as Vedanta's CFO effective from October 30, the company said in a statement.

Shrivastava had joined Vedanta in June, and was the third person to hold the position since 2021 after GR Arun Kumar and Ajay Goel who had quit Vedanta in April this year to take up the same job at Byjuas.

The upheaval in CFOs comes at a time when the metals-to-oil conglomerate is in the midst of a structural overhaul which involves splitting the business into six separate divisions to tackle its massive debt problem.

Vedanta Resources has huge outstanding dues including $4.2 billion that the company has to pay by the next financial year 2024-2025.

It has seen several rating downgrades because of its debt woes and the shares of the company have plunged by as much as 30 per cent this year.
Censor certificate on hold for '1080 The Legacy Of Mahaveer' after Jains object. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Oct 24 : The peace-loving minority Jain community has gone on the warpath over the upcoming film '1080 The Legacy of Mahaveer' on the Lord Mahavir Jain, which was slated for a nationwide release on Friday (October 27).

Following strong objections from the community, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai has put on hold the certification process for the film till a proper scrutiny is conducted, a top official confirmed to IANS on Tuesday.

"The film has not been reviewed but in view of certain objections received by us, we cannot comment on it in any manner," said the officer, preferring anonymity.

The powerful Shri Mumbai Jain Sangh Sangathan (SMJSS) and Shri Ahmedabad Jain Sangh Sanghathan (SAJSS), with a total of 1,500 organisations as members, rushed to meet the CBFC CEO Ravinder Bhakar on Monday with a list of its objections.

"We made a strong representation to the CBFC explaining why the Jain community is upset and protesting against the film, how its release can hurt religious sentiments and emotions of the two-crore strong community, and the possible repercussions," the SMJSS and SAJSS Convenor Nitin Vora told IANS.

He said that Bhakar heard them patiently and assured that the film will not get a Censor Certificate till it previewed and the matter resolved.

The "1080 The Legacy of Mahaveer," released its teaser on September 5, followed by a trailer on October 11, and was scheduled for a post-Dassehra release to cash in on the festival sentiments.

Soon afterwards on October 18, Vora said that various Jain groups had written to the film-makers airing their objections and grievances and sought a reply within two days, which had not been received.

Thereafter, the SMJSS-SAJSS shot off letters to the CBFC and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, and now plans to petition even Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue, and plan to seek a ban on the film across all platforms like theatres, television, OTT and social media.

According to Vora, no human being can depict the Jain Lord Mahavir or the Gacchadhipatis and Jainacharyas, as it violates the community's principles, ethos, traditions, culture, religious and human rights, in addition to tantamounting to degradation of the Tirthankara Paramatma and lowering the dignity of Shraman Bhagwant.

The '1080 The Legacy of Mahaveer' is directed by Pradeep P. Jadhav-Vivek Iyer and features Manish Bishla, Swayam Joshi, Anil Lalwani, Surendra Pal, Shubham Vyas, in lead roles.

Billed as the first-ever film on the community, it portrays the story of three religious leaders of the 11thCentury in Gujarat who battle corruption to uphold the teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24thand the last Tirthankar in Jain faith.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at:q.najmi@ians.in)
Moscow, Oct 24 : Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly suffered a "cardiac arrest" and was found lying on the floor in his private Moscow apartment, a media report said.

The Express UK report said that a Telegram Channel believed to be run by a former Kremlin insider reported that incident saying theRussian leader was found by guards on the floor of the bedroom "lying on the floor, rolling his eyes", Express UK reported.

Doctors were reportedly called immediately and they later diagnosed the 71-year-old as having suffered a "cardiac arrest."

Putin was then moved to a special medical facility built in the apartment where he underwent intensive care, the source claims.

The unverified report comes following persistent speculation surroundingPutinas health amid rumorsof a long-hidden medical condition.

The Telegram channel General SVR, reportedly run by a former Russian lieutenant-general, declared in a post :"Security officers of Russian PresidentVladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the president's bedroom.

"Two security officers immediately followed into the president's bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks."

General SVR continued: "Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes."

Doctors later reportedly arrived a "resuscitated" Putin having "previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest", Express UK reported.
Lucknow, Oct 24 : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad will carry out a campaign of lighting up at least five earthen lamps in each household during Diwali and dedicating them to the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

VHP sources said each earthen lamp would symbolise the 'wait of 100 years' for the temple which is to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January.

According to VHP spokesman, Vinod Bansal :"Every household will symbolise end of more than 500 years of wait by the Hindu community for the temple."

Bansal said the campaign was important as this will be the last Diwali before the grand Ram Temple is opened for public early next year.

"Organisational functionaries and workers have been asked to fan out and ensure that the message is spread at the ground level," he said.

Sources said VHP functionaries will reach out to Dalits and other socio-economic sections to ensure their participation in the campaign and the eventual celebration of Diwali.

The execution of the campaign, sources said, will be akin to the drive carried out by the VHP for collection of funds for construction of Ram Temple.

The VHP had carried out a special 44-day 'Ram Mandir Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan' soon after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Ram Temple in 2019.

VHP sources said the campaign saw the participation by around 62 crore people from various walks of lives.

"This time too people from all sections of society, primarily Hindus, will take part in the campaign which has acquired a global appeal," Bansal said.

The drive comes alongside Yogi government plans to achieve another Guinness World record by lighting 24 lakh diyas on Deepotsav on the 47 ghats of Ayodhya, including Ram ki Paidi. About 25,000 volunteers will be roped in by the district administration for the event.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. France causes detrimental effect to the prospects of advancing the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan's Presidential Representative for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with BBC TV channel, Trend reports.

"France, which misusing its leading role in several international platforms like the UN Security Council, EU, its parliament, and even the International Organization of Francophonia has been initiating and promoting recently very biased anti-Azerbaijani initiatives processing from its narrow domestic agenda," Amirbayov noted.

"France is not only undermining its own credibility and that of the EU, but also causes detrimental effect to the prospects of advancing the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and undermining security in the South Caucasus. Armenia and Azerbaijan, I believe, are both tired of this confrontation and rivalry," he pointed out.

"Now as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan has been restored, we have a big chance to advance the peace agenda and probably, to finalize the negotiations over the draft peace agreement by the end of the year if the circumstances allow and if were not distracted by external factors and outside players," he said.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP in Madhya Pradesh that its leaders are giving several kind of inducements to people ahead of the crucial assembly elections as it is losing badly.

The party said that it has lodged a complaint against the BJP leaders with the Election Commission which has filed a case.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Shobha Oza said, "Assembly elections are going to be held in Madhya Pradesh, in which BJP is losing badly. That's why its leaders are giving various kinds of inducements to the public."

Showing a video, she said, "State Transport and Revenue Minister Govind Singh Rajput was seen saying in a video that he will give Rs 25 lakh to the in-charge of the booth where BJP gets more votes."

She also said that in another video, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya is seen saying that he will give a reward of Rs 51,000 to the in-charge of the booth where Congress will not get a single vote.

Firing salvos at the BJP, Oza said, "Here a question also arises that from where did these BJP leaders get so much money to give to booth in-charges."

She further said that after the video surfaced of BJP leaders promising money to workers, a complaint was made to CEC and State Election Commission.

"The Election Commission has investigated this and registered an FIR against Rajput," she said.

She also demanded that strict action should be taken against those BJP leaders who are involved in corruption and who are thinking of winning elections on the strength of money.

She said that Minister Rajput should be immediately dismissed and prevented from contesting elections and his assets should be investigated.

Lamenting at the state government, she said, "Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia should also answer in this regard."

Polling for 230-member assembly is scheduled on November 17. Counting of votes will take place on December 3.

Congress has been campaigning aggressively in the state and is looking to make a comeback back in the crucial elections.
Hyderabad, Oct 24 : Two months after announcing almost all candidates for the Telangana Assembly elections, the ruling party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) remained undecided on its nominees for three constituencies while there is a buzz about the change of candidate in one segment.

Though the BRS is much ahead of its rivals in announcing candidates and launching the campaign, the delay in announcing the candidates in three constituencies has led to confusion among its cadres.

BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had announced candidates for 115 out of 119 constituencies on August 21, more than 45 days before the announcement of the poll schedule.

Confident of a hat-trick, KCR retained almost all sitting legislators. The sitting MLAs were denied tickets in eight constituencies, including Kamareddy, from where CM KCR will be contesting in addition to Gajwel, which he currently represents.

Sitting MLA Mynampalli Hanumantha Rao was renominated from Malkajgiri constituency but he later resigned from the party as his demand for party ticket to his son Rohith Rao from Medak was not accepted by KCR. The father-son duo recently joined Congress, which fielded them from Malkajgiri and Medak respectively.

BRS replaced Hanumantha Rao with Marri Rajasekhara Reddy as its candidate from Malkajgiri. Son-in-law of Labour Minister Malla Reddy, Rajasekhar Reddy had unsuccessfully contested from Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency as the BRS candidate in 2019.

In Jangaon, one of the segments where the BRS had not announced its candidates, sitting MLAMuthireddy Yadagiri Reddy was insisting that the party should retain him as its candidate while MLC P. Rajeshwar Reddy wanted to enter the fray. An agreement was reached after BRS appointed Yadagiri Reddy as Chairman of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). Rajeshwar Reddy has received the B-form from the party.

Narsapur, Goshamahal and Nampally are the other constituencies where BRS has not yet announced its candidates.

In Nampally constituency in Hyderabad, AIMIM and Congress are locked in a direct fight. The BRS is said to be considering the name of someone who can damage the prospects of Congress, thus helping its friendly party AIMIM.

Multiple aspirants for tickets in Narsapur and Goshamahal have made the choice difficult for BRS leadership.

The BRS is distributing B-forms among candidates much before the notification date to avoid last-minute confusion in filing nominations. It has already handed over nominations to 109 candidates.

Though the party has already announced candidates for Charminar, Yakutpura, Chandrayangutta, Karwan, Malakpet and Bahadurpura segments, the party has still not given the B-forms to them. All these six seats are currently held by AIMIM.

In Narsapur, sitting MLA C. Madan Reddy and former Minister Sunitha Lakshma Reddy are the major contenders for BRS ticket. Sunitha Lakshma Reddy had contested the 2018 election on Congress ticket but had lost to Madan Reddy. She later switched loyalties to BRS, which rewarded her with the post of chairperson of state womenas commission.

In Alampur (SC), the BRS had already decided to field sitting MLA V. M. Abraham. However, due to strong demand from his rivals within the party, the party leadership is mulling a change.

MLC Challa Venkatrami Reddy, who is election incharge for the constituency, is demanding the leadership to give the ticket to someone else. Former MP Manda Jagannadham is also demanding the ticket for himself or for his son.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : It's an exciting time as the spotlight is now shining in its full glory with artists on stage. The NCPA theatre division creates, presents, and hosts world-class theatre that entertains, challenges, and inspires. And the stage is abuzz with a fantastic line-up of presentations.

Fleabag I An NCPA-National Theatre Live (London) Presentation

Fleabag is a rip-roaring look at a woman living her sort of life. Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered, and self-obsessed, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig cafA struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds that she has nothing to lose.

Director: Vicky Jones

Written & performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge

What: Theatre Screening

Duration: 100 mins (Approx.)

Where: Godrej Dance Theatre

When: Monday, 6 November- 6.00 pm; Monday, 20 November- 6.00 pm

Age Suitability: 15+Tickets: BookMyShow

Kahaaniya ShowcaseaI An NCPA Off-Stage Presentation in collaboration with Tape A Talea

Without stories, our lives would be a series of routine events that just went by. Stories make our otherwise mundane lives exciting and magical. Come join us for Tape A Taleas signature storytelling show, Kahaaniya Showcase, which features some of the finest storytellers who are masters of the craft. The evening will entail a wide variety of storytelling forms on a single stage with a line-up you wonat want to miss. Our storytellers will share their personal stories that will touch your heart. Since its inception, Tape A Tale has done over 200 such shows across India and the Kahaaniya Showcase is our biggest celebration of the craft of storytelling. Tape A Tale is Indiaas largest storytelling platform with a following of 2.5 million.a

Performers:aRuchika Lohiya, Kopal Khanna, Vanika Sangtani and others

Where: Experimental Theatre

When: Saturday, 18 Novembera" 7:30 pm

Language: English/ Hindi

Duration: 100 mins

Age Suitability: 16+a

Tickets: BookMyShow

Big Show a" All-Star Stand-up ComedyaI An NCPA Off-Stage Presentation in collaboration withaThe Habitat

Spend Saturday evening with the best in Standup Comedy, performing freshly baked material at The BIG Show: ALL STAR STANDUP COMEDY - The Habitat's premier show which takes club comedy to a larger stage near you.a

This edition will have a BIG line-up consisting ofaSamay Raina,aRaja Sekhar Mamidanna,aVaibhav Sethia,aShamik Chakrabarti,aSumit Sourav,aAman Jotwani,aMohd HussainaandaPiyush Sharma.

Where: Experimental Theatre

When: Saturday, 25 November - 5 p.m. & 7.30 pm

Language: English/ Hindi

Duration: 105 minsa

Tickets: BookMyShow

Age Suitability: 16+

OMG 2 I The Indian Express Film Club screening in association with NCPA & Viacom18

"OMG 2" is a satirical comedy-drama film that tells the story of Kanti Sharan Mudgal, a devoted family man and Lord Shiva devotee. When his son, Vivek, is wrongly accused and expelled from school, Kanti embarks on a quest for justice, initially planning to leave town with his family. However, a divine intervention redirects him towards the truth, leading to a dramatic courtroom battle as Kanti seeks to hold those responsible accountable and enforce comprehensive education in schools.

Director:aAmit Rai

Producer: Vipul D. Shah, Aruna Bhatia, Ashwin Varde, Rajesh Behl, Swaroop Sampat, Ajit Andhare, Jyoti Deshpande & Hemal Thakkar

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, Pankaj Tripathi, Arun Govil, Rofique Khan, Govind Namdev, Vedika Nanwani, Aarush Varma, Yash Bhojwani, Nishant Taliyan, Pavan Malhotra, Fahim Fazli, Parth Siddhpura, Aamir Naik, Brijendra Kala, Kabir Sadanand, Hemant Choudhary, Shreedhar Dubey, Rajiv Kachroo, Karan Aanand, & Naveen Singh.

The film screening will be followed by a discussion withaShubhra Gupta, Film Critic, The IndianaExpress.

What: Comedy-drama

Where: Godrej Dance Theatre

When: Tuesday, 28th November a" 6.30 pm

Language: Hindi Film with English Subtitles

Duration: 150 min

Entry: on a first-come-first-served basis.

Reality Check I An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Cinema Collective

NCPA has revived theaReality Checkafilmaseries, which was started in 2014, to promote and encourage documentaryafilmmakers in India, whose work reflects life and culture in the country today in a provocative blend of creativity and integrity.

What: Documentary Film Screening

Where: Little Theatre

When: Thursday, 30th November a" 6.30 pm

Entry:on a first-come-first-served basis.

Bhuri Gatha I Hindi Film

Bhuri Bai is a famous Bhil Painter from Bhil tribe of Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh. This biographical sketch explores the Bhil tradition and emergence of Bhuri Bai on the contemporary art scene and showcases her journey to become pioneer of Bhil painting tradition. The film also explores her struggles and persona as an artist who later got acclaim and recognition with highest civilian honour Padma Shri that inspires the whole generation in her time.a

Producer: Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museuma

Direction, Cinematography: Rajendra Janglay

Screenplay, Narration and Associate Director: Sudeep Sohni

Sound: Mrinalini Tewari

Sound Design: Rajat Diwan

Duration: 28 min 15 sec

Bhajju Chitra Lok I Hindi Film

Bhajju Singh Shyam is one of the most important Gond painters in the contemporary modern art scenario of the world. He is among the few artists who combine tradition and modernity in the paintings. The biographical film explores his journey of becoming a celebrated painter in the tradition of Jangarh Singh Shaym that not only places him as a fine artist but also a disciple who carry forward a legacy to generation while getting all the accomplishments and recognition during his journey from a small village to the world.

Producer: Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museuma

Direction, Cinematography: Rajendra Janglay

Screenplay, Narration and Associate Director: Sudeep Sohni

Sound: Mrinalini Tewari

Sound Design: Rajat Diwan

Duration: 28 min 10 sec

Mandal Ke Bol I Hindi Film

The film offers a keen look at one of the most primitive tribes of India, the Baiga known for their tattoos and primal ways of life. Baigas have succeeded in retaining their cultural identity in spite of the changing social milieu. The film is a visual narrative of the culture, beliefs and lifestyle of this intriguing ancient tribal community.

Producer: Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museuma

Direction, Cinematography: Rajendra Janglay

Assistant Director: Nishant

Screenplay, Narration: Udeyen Vajpai

Sound: Hari Kumar M

The film screenings will be followed by a post-film discussion.a

Duration: 29 min

Short Film Corner

An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with White Wall Screenings

What: Short Film Screenings

Where: Little Theatre

Where: Wednesday, 22nd Novembera" 6:30 pm

Entry: on a first-come-first-served basis.a

Escort

Escort is the story of a blind social worker living and working in a small town and his relationship with his replacement escort a" an unemployed young farmer trying to find a life of dignity while his father battles a rising debt.

The two find themselves dependent on the other for the fundamental aspect of their survival - dignity. But what happens when one's dignity comes at the cost of anotheras?

Directed by Asmit Pathare

Language: Hindi film with English Subtitles

Duration: 27 mins

Ghar

A heartfelt story about Diya and Rehan, a couple embracing adoption. Diya defies stereotypes, forming her own views on adoption, while Rehan battles societal misconceptions. Through their conversation, they dismantle these biases and they welcome a new family member and complete their Home (Ghar).

Directed by Sreejone

Language: Hindi-English

Duration: 9 mins 47sec

Two Way Street

An ordinary taxi ride becomes a battleground when the Taxi Driver refuses to enter a particular lane. The passenger, in turn, decides to not alight the vehicle until he reaches his destination.

What ensues is a projection of an inherent bias of the taxi Driver against a particular community and the defiance of the Passenger to end up as a victim of discrimination.a

Directed by Asmit Pathare

Language: Hindi film with English Subtitles

Duration: 22 mins

GOOD by C.P. Taylor I An NCPA-National Theatre Live (London) Presentation

David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britainas most powerful, political plays.

As the world faces the Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.

Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C.P. Tayloras timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay). Filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.For interviews & more details on the program - contact:

What: Theatre Screening

Where: Godrej Dance Theatre

When: Wednesday, 29 November - 6:00 pm

Duration: Approx. 160 mins

Age Suitability:6+

Ticket: BookMyShow(Coming Soon)

--IANS

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in

ianslife/lh/tb
Moscow : Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his address to the nation. Image Source: IANS News

London, Oct 24 : A video of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been fuelling speculation about his health after eagle-eyed observers noticed a scar on his neck, the media reported.

The clip began circulating online before reports emerged claiming thePresident had suffered a heart attack and had to receive intensive care, Express UK reported.

The footage shows Putin speaking at an unspecified public event, a scar clearly marking his neck -- with some analysts suggesting it might be theresult of aresusciatationa procedures.

A Telegram channel believed to belong to a former Kremlin official claimed Putin's health had sparked huge "alarm" across Moscow.

The insider alleged that the Russian leader was found "lying on the floor, rolling his eyes" after suffering a suspected heart episode.

Doctors were reportedly called immediately and they later diagnosed the 71-year-old as having suffered a "cardiac arrest."

Putin was then moved to a special medical facility built in the apartment where he underwent intensive care, the source claims.

The unverified report comes following persistent speculation surroundingPutinas health amid rumorsof a long-hidden medical condition.

The Telegram channel General SVR, reportedly run by a former Russian lieutenant-general, declared in a post: "Security officers of Russian PresidentVladimir Putin, who were on duty at the residence, heard noise and sounds of falling coming from the President's bedroom.

"Two security officers immediately followed into the president's bedroom and saw Putin lying on the floor next to the bed and an overturned table with food and drinks.

"Putin convulsively arched while lying on the floor, rolling his eyes."

Doctors later reportedly arrived a "resuscitated" Putin having "previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest", Express UK reported.
NEW SOUTH WALES, Nov. 11, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters battle the flames during bushfires near Taree, New South Wales, Australia, Nov. 11, 2019.A devastating start to the Australian bushfire season has prompted a state of emergency in the eastern st. Image Source: IANS News

Sydney, Oct 24 : Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday appealed for public assistance for the ongoing investigations into the cause of several bushfires last week.

NSW Police Force reported that at about 4 p.m. on October 17, emergency services were called to McGuires Crossing Road at Belmore River on the state's mid-north coast, following reports of a bushfire, reports Xinhua news agency.

The fire, which has been brought under control, swept through nearly 3,000 hectares of bushland in the Hat Head National Park and currently remains no threat to nearby communities.

Police confirmed that no injuries have been reported, but the blaze is believed to be suspicious.

Detectives are looking to speak with the driver of a white Nissan Patrol with a broken taillight, which was seen in the area when the blaze broke out.

A probe is also underway into any links between the Hat Head fire and three other blazes occurring on Lighthouse Road at Arakoon, Maria River Road at Crescent Head, and Crescent Head Road at Crescent Head.

"We want to identify who was driving that vehicle and speak with them about their movements, and what they were doing in the area at the time," NSW Police Detective Inspector Peter O'Reilly told local media.

He warned that anyone who was found to be deliberately lighting bushfires could face more than 20 years in jail.

Fueled by hot, dry and windy conditions, high-to-extreme fire dangers have been hitting the nerve of NSW residents since the onset of spring.

According to the NSW Rural Fire Service, as of Tuesday, there are 65 bush and grass fires burning across the state, with 21 not yet contained.
Kolkata, Oct 24 : Rebel Congress leader and Calcutta High Court lawyer, Kaustav Bagchi, who represents the diehard anti-Trinamool Congress faction in state Congress, has given an open support to 'No Vote to Mamata' tagline coined by Leader of Opposition in West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari.

"There is a need for an alternative to replace the current Trinamool Congress regime in West Bengal. And 'No Vote to Mamata' is the only alternative," Bagchi said.

However, he was not specific on what exactly would be that alternative. Meanwhile, the 'No Vote to Mamata' tagline coined by the Leader of the Opposition has two factors. The first factor is to give an indirect call to people to vote for the strongest opponent of Trinamool Congress or rather vote for anyone except the ruling party in the state.

The second aspect is to constantly give calls to disgruntled leaders and workers in both Congress and CPI(M) to either join BJP directly or jointly form an independent anti-Trinamool Congress forum.

However, Bagchi till date had not revealed what among the two alternatives suggested by the leader of the opposition he will adopt, in case there is a last moment Congress-TMC understanding in West Bengal for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Since the formation of a grand opposition INDIA bloc, Bagchi had been most vocal about any understanding with Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. He had also been the most critical voice against senior advocate-leaders in the party like P Chidambaram and Abhishek Manu Singhvi for representing West Bengal government or Trinamool Congress leaders at Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court.

He had been constantly claiming that sympathetic statements by a section of Congress' central leadership towards different Trinamool Congress leaders against whom there are charges of involvement in corruption had been creating confusion among the grassroots-level Congress workers in the state.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Neha Powar (35) was put on blood thinners and medicines for cholesterol and hypertension after testing positive for a cardiac stress test.

However, she consulted another cardiologist when she gained weight abnormally. Much to her relief and surprise, her chest pain was diagnosed as an anxiety attack and not a cardiovascular issue.

Curiously, several reports of women being misdiagnosed with stress or anxiety when they actually had heart disease have also emerged.

Research shows women are more likely to be misdiagnosed than men when it comes to heart attacks. This is mostly attributed to 'atypical' symptoms of a heart attack exhibited by women, including fatigue, sleep disturbance, shortness of breath, nausea and non-chest pain symptoms such as back and abdominal pain.

In addition to misdiagnosis, a study conducted across 17 Indian hospitals between 2011 and 2015 found significant gender disparities in cardiovascular care. Despite having higher comorbidities such as hypertension, women were less likely to get the correct treatment. As a result, women in India as well as globally fare worse in the event of cardiovascular diseases, with mortality being higher for them.

It is an established fact that one of the main reasons for the worse outcomes is that the female subjects are underrepresented in research that studies disease mechanism and treatment. This can be traced to a male-default bias, its roots going all the way back to Greece of the fourth century BCE, where Aristotle referred to women as "mutilated males", thus setting precedence for the male body being the default.

In his biological work, On the Generation of Animals, he said, "The first departure indeed is that the offspring should become female instead of male". He admitted that this is a "natural necessity", reducing the role of females to reproduction and carrying the progeny forward.

Though researchers in the 21st century no longer see females as mutilated males, there is gross underrepresentation of the female body in medical textbooks and biomedical research. A study found that when sex was specified, 80 per cent publications studied only male animals, 17 per cent studied only female animals, and only 3 per cent studied both sexes. Experiments are often conducted on male animals and the results are extrapolated to females.

Historically, male animals were used more as they were thought to be less variable due to the absence of monthly cycles. But one cannot exclude female models in research because of their monthly cycles as women who will benefit from such a research do face monthly cycles.

During her PhD at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, Dr Kanika Gupta realised how male animals were preferred for research.

She says, "I had also been using only male animals like everybody else. Contrary to the spirit of scientific questioning, I had adopted the excuse that females cannot be used because their hormonal cycle would introduce variability in results."

When she looked up literature to understand the bias, she found limited but impactful studies that showed the female hormonal cycle was not entirely responsible for sex differences. The studies highlighted the fundamentally flawed expectation of researchers that females will exhibit male-like behaviour in response to the same stimulus, which motivated her to study sex-specific responses.

"It also cautioned me on unfounded theories that prevail in the scientific community," she says. Her guide and labmates were supportive towards challenging the norm of using primarily male animals.

"My guide and labmates helped at whatever stages they could. Instead of challenges, I found it great to work on sex differences because there was very little literature existing and so one could explore so many areas," she says. Being a relatively new area of research, there were very limited research articles from India that could be cited

Her PhD work published in 2021 discussed how male and female rats responded to a single traumatic experience. She was surprised by both similarities and differences in the results. While male rats showed anxiety-like behaviour and neuronal activation in the amygdala region of the brain 10 days after a trauma, female rats did not have any of these effects.

"Until we do not find the changes that female rats undergo upon a traumatic experience, it will not be fair to extend our findings from male studies to develop interventions for human disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder prevalent in both men and women," says Dr Gupta.

After her PhD, Dr Gupta, now a lead neuroscientist in a team working on smart EEG-wearables in India, further worked towards equal representation of males and females in her postdoc laboratory's projects at UCLA.

Though there is an increase in research about sex differences in physiological response, such research may not be free of gender bias. According to Dr Gupta, there are some male scientists doing pathbreaking research in sex differences, whose papers she has used as a basis for her research.

"I do not have the numbers or statistics to back this up," she says, "but somehow I have always felt that a more aggressive voice and approach to bring out this change is coming from female scientists."

In short, exclusion of females from research may eventually have clinical translations, which can have far-reaching consequences.

This includes, but is not limited to, misdiagnosis and wrong medical treatment of women. The gender gap in healthcare causes prolonged suffering and delay in the onset of correct treatment.

Many research groups are now calling for equal inclusion of women and men in clinical trials and female and male animals in research. The National Institutes of Health have made it mandatory for researchers to include both male and female animals in pre-clinical research.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research have introduced a requirement that grant applicants answer questions regarding whether their research is inclusive of sex.

Journal editors have also recognised the ethical and practical problems of excluding females.

The European Association of Science Editors established a Gender Policy Committee assigned to develop guidelines for reporting of sex and gender equity in research, recommending journal editors to ask authors to report their research segregated by sex and gender.

"I have not heard of any such regulatory guidelines in Indian research funding agencies yet," says Dr Gupta, whose former guide confirmed the same.

"Journals request a statement on the sexes of animals used in experiments, as was the case in our studies," says Bhavana Muralidharan, a faculty member at Bengaluru's Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine. Her lab focuses on studying the mechanistic basis of neural development, particularly the role of chromatin regulation in this process and its disruption in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr Muralidharan's group utilises mouse embryos for their experiments. Since sexing is not possible through external observation during embryonic stages, it is expected that the embryos consist of a combination of both sexes (probability being 50:50).

In order to reflect this fact, they include a statement regarding the composition of the embryos used.

"When we use newborn pups that are up to five days old, we make sure that we have adequate male and female representation," says Dr Muralidharan.

She has not observed different experimental results for different sexes so far. She says that unless there is a scientific need to study only one sex for specific sex-linked disorders, both male and female models should be used. "You cannot do the study in male animals and make a generic statement," she says.

Dr Gupta cites the example of Ambien, a drug tested only on male animals. When it became available in the market, it was prescribed to both men and women at the same dosage. Only after women reported severe side effects like disorientation in the morning and around 700 road accidents in the US, it was found that women needed only half the dose that men were prescribed.

Even at the level of clinical trials, there has been gross underrepresentation of female subjects. After the Thalidomide tragedy of 1962, the US Food and Drug Administration in 1977 essentially banned women of child-bearing potential in that country from participating in phase one and early phase two clinical trials, unless the trial was to test a drug for a life-threatening condition.

Though it was eventually reversed in 1993, countless drugs were put in the market through clinical research, with drugs studied only in male bodies, and the results extrapolated to females, with dosage often adjusted to body weight. However, other sex differences such as endogenous hormone levels, weight, muscle mass and metabolic enzymes also impact the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs, implying that drugs could have drastically different effects in males and females.

Even when females are included in clinical trials, it happens only in phase three, where the study is done on 1,000 to 3,000 participants. This is long after phase one and two tests (with a male bias), where the treatment is given to fewer participants to evaluate the drug's safety, required dosage and effectiveness. Other than unknown adverse drug reactions, the exclusion also means that clinicians are ruling out drugs that could potentially work in women, but do not show effects in men during the early clinical trials.

Inclusive research is important not only for doing better science, but also to ensure that biomedical research helps women. "When female [subjects] are rejected from biological research, it is similar to denying the female kind their equal share of benefits from decades of biological research," says Dr Gupta.
Bhopal, Oct 24 : Following the Supreme Court's intervention, the Madhya Pradesh government has finally accepted Chhatarpur Deputy Collector Nisha Bangre's resignation as the officer was willing to contest the Assembly election on a Congress ticket from her home district Betul.

However, the development came after the Congress announced its candidate for Amla constituency of Betul district. The Congress had delayed the announcement of candidate from the seat after sensing that Bangre's resignation acceptance may be delayed. And Monday late evening had announced Manoj Malve as the candidate.

With this the Congress announced its candidates for all 230 seats for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election scheduled for November 17. The ruling BJP has so far announced 228 candidates and two seats -- Vidisha and Guna are still on hold.

Now, after the government accepted Bangre's resignation, it would be interesting to see if the Congress replaces its candidate from Amla and will she get to make her political debut?

The political circles were filled with assumptions that the Congress would field her from Amla as she had a meeting with the state unit chief Kamal Nath soon after she had submitted her resignation from the service in June this year.

Sources in the Madhya Pradesh Congress told IANS that at least three candidates are likely to be replaced with new one, including Amla and Semaria in Rewa district.

Importantly, Bangre had earlier staged protests outside Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhanas residence in Bhopal. Former Minister P.C. Sharma had then also joined her and they were detained by the police.

"Until a few days ago, it was very clear that Nisha Bangre will be fielded as a candidate from the Amla seat, which is the reason the party had put the announcement on hold. It's up to the state top leadership to decide, but there are at least three candidates who can be replaced," a source in Madhya Pradesh Congress told IANS.

Bangre has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking direction to the government for speedy acceptance of her resignation, which she tendered on June 22.

However, the bureaucrat's petition had been pending as she faces disciplinary proceedings, her counsel, senior advocate Brian De Silva had said earlier.

While hearing her petition, the high court in Jabalpur earlier last week directed the state government to take a decision by October 23 on her resignation from service and disciplinary proceedings against her.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Emir of the State of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday said that it is not permissible for Israel to be given an unconditional green light and unrestricted permission to kill.

"We say enough is enough, and it is not permissible for Israel to be given an unconditional green light and unrestricted permission to kill. It is not permissible to continue ignoring the reality of occupation, siege and settlement," Qatari Emir wrote on X.

He said that Qatar does not accept double standards and acts as if children's lives do not count.

"It is not permissible to continue to ignore the facts of occupation, siege, and settlement. We are advocates of peace, we adhere to the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab initiative, and we do not accept double standards," he wrote.

The Emir said that what is happening in Gaza is very dangerous, including trampling on all religious and worldly values, customs, and laws.

"In our time, cutting off water and preventing medicine and food should not be allowed to be used as weapons against an entire people," the Emir said.

He also called for a regional and international stand against the dangerous escalation that threatens the security of the region and the world.

The Israeli armed forces have massed tens of thousands of soldiers, tanks, heavy armour and artillery along the Gaza border ahead of a much-anticipated ground assault which aims to crush Hamas in retaliation for October 7 attacks.

On Sunday, IDF unleashed the heaviest 24 hours of bombing since the Israel-Hamas conflict began two weeks ago, with media sources in Gaza saying 400 Palestinians were killed in strikes across the enclave.

As part of their aerial assault, the Israeli army and air force utilised the 'Iron Sting' weapon, described as 'an innovative and accurate mortar bomb'.

IDF also shared a video of its latest weapon 'Iron Sting'. The footage of the moment the 120mm mortar was released appears to show it decimating an enemy rocket launcher in what it said was a 'precise' attack', Daily Mail reported.

"We call for an end to this war that has crossed all borders, to spare bloodshed, and to spare civilians from the consequences of military confrontation," the Qatari Emir said.

He said that the war does not provide a solution of any kind, and all that will happen is an exacerbation of suffering, an increase in the number of victims, and a feeling of injustice.

As per the Hamas-run Health Ministry, since the war broke between Israel and Hamas, more than 5,000 people have been killed in Gaza.

--IANS

dan/
Patna, Oct 24 : As the counselling of successful candidates in BPSC teachers' recruitment is currently underway in Bihar, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday claimed that a big scam similar to the IRCTC land-for-job scam has taken place here in the state.

Manjhi in a post on X said, "The way IRCTC land-for-job scam took place in the country, similar scam for jobs happened in the state when Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) recruited 1.22 lakh candidates for Class 1 to 5 and from 9 to 12.

"I demand a high-level inquiry into the matter as the state government has given jobs on the basis of money paid by the candidates. The recruitment was done after giving money and taking government jobs. The state government has cheated the youths of Bihar."

TheBihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) had issued a notification for the 1.70 lakh posts of teachers from Class 1 to 5 and 9 to 12 following which 1.22 lakh candidates passed the examinations. At present, the documents verification of candidates is underway and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will give the appointment letters to all successful candidates on November 2.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. An exhibition of weapons and vehicles was shown on Distinguished Visitors Day held as part of the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023" joint tactical exercises involving servicemen of the Azerbaijani Army and the Turkish Armed Forces, Trend reports.

During the exercises, stands of the ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, ASELSAN, BAYKAR and other Turkish companies were shown.

The delegations, headed by Minister of National Defense of Turkiye Yashar Guler, Minister of Defense of Tajikistan, General-Colonel Sherali Mirzo, Chief of the Department of Military Education and Science of the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan, Major General Zhumabek Akhmetov, and

Deputy Minister of Defense for Combat Training of Uzbekistan, Colonel Kadirjon Tursunov, were introduced to the exhibition upon their arrival in Azerbaijan at the invitation of the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Zakir Hasanov.

The guests also got acquainted with armored combat vehicles, military equipment for various purposes, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as other military means available in the armament of the Azerbaijan Army.

The exercises are dedicated to the 100th anniversary of establishing the Republic of Turkiye.
Kochi, Oct 24 : Congress on Tuesday asked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to answer if Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned her daughter Veena Vijayan about her IT firm business deals.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) V.D Satheesan said that the payment received by her IT firm under the guise of providing IT services was false, as her firm never had any technical expertise to give CMRL any sort of services.

The agreement between the two was to convert black money into legal money and that was what the IT department brought out.

"I wish to ask a direct question to Vijayan to say if the ED officials have conducted a probe into the money received by Veena's IT firm. Once he answers, I will reveal more as this so called agreement between the two was a clear cut corrupt deal," said Satheesan.

It was in August that first time Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnaden wrote to State Finance Minister K.N Balagopal based on the report prepared by a department of the Income Tax claiming that Veena and her firm had received Rs 1.72 crore from CMRL - a Kochi based mining company.

It further pointed out that CMRL officials had mentioned that it was not for any service rendered, which Kuzhalnaden first pointed out that it was the gratis which CMRL got for his business, as Vijayan holds the crucial portfolio of Pollution Board, where sanctions and procedures for a mining company was cleared.
Tel Aviv, Oct 24 : Israeli hostage Yocheved Lifshitz (85), who was released late on Monday night by Hamas, made her first public comments since her release on Tuesday.

Lifshitz, whose husband is still under captivity,lashed out against the Israeli intelligence agency Shin Betand the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), saying that three weeks before the carnage, masses arrived at the fence but the IDF didn't take it seriously. She also said that the local people were left to fend for themselves.

Speaking to reporters outside Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital where she is being treated, Lifshitz said, "I didn't think we would reach this situation. They went wild. They blew up the fence we built for two-and-a-half billion dollars. They attacked our houses. They killed and kidnapped both old and young with no distinction. I went through a nightmare we couldn't have imagined."

She added, "I constantly have the images of what happened repeating in my mind. When they took me, they put me on a motorcycle, tied with legs on one side and my head on the other, and I lay there while they raced through the fields. There was a motorcycle on either side of us and one behind us."

Lifshitzadded that she was beaten up brutally by the motorcycle rider with a wooden pole.

She said, "They stole my watch and jewellery while I was on the motorcycle. First, they held me in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, which is close to [Kibbutz] Be'eri. After that, I don't know where I was taken. Eventually, we went underground and walked for kilometres through wet tunnels, for two-three hours in a spider web of tunnels. We went through the tunnels until we reached a large hall. We were a group of 25 people, and they separated us according to which Kibbutz we were from."

The elderly woman said that there were five from Kibbutz Nir Oz, adding that there was one guard for each of them.

She said, "They spoke to us and ate with us. They said they didn't want to talk about politics of what had happened. A doctor arrived and examined us every other day. They brought us the medications we needed. If they didn't have them, they brought parallel medications. They took good care of the wounded."

She said therewas a person who suffered injuries in his hands and legs when they brought him on the motorcycle, adding that it was heartbreaking to see that.

She also said that the captors were very concerned with hygiene and were worried about an outbreak of something.

Lifshitz added that there were toilets which they cleaned every day.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : The Congress on Tuesday once again slammed the BJP-led Central government over the ethnic violence in Manipur, saying the people of the northeastern state have been watching "how Prime Minister Narendra Modi abandoned the state at a time when his intervention and outreach was needed the most".

Criticising PM Modi, the Congress said he cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis.

In a post on 'X', Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said: "Today is the 175th day since the Manipur crisis erupted and social harmony in the state was devastated. But five questions continue to be asked by the people of Manipur themselves and by all those wanting the process of reconciliation and trust-building in the state to gather momentum."

Firing salvos at the government, the Congress leader said: "Why has the Prime Minister not even met the Chief Minister of Manipur and elected MLAs of the state, a large majority of whom belong to his own party or are his party's allies? Why has the Union Minister of State of External Affairs who represents Manipur (Inner) in the Lok Sabha not been able to meet the Prime Minister?"

He further questioned why the Prime Minister who loves to travel "at the drop of a hat" has not seen it fit to spend even a few hours in Manipur to show his concern, and why is the Chief Minister who is so thoroughly discredited across sections of Manipur's society still being allowed to continue.

"The people of Manipur and the entire northeast are closely watching how the Prime Minister has abandoned the state of Manipur at a time when his intervention and outreach was needed the most. He cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis," the Rajya Sabha member said.

"Why has the PM who pontificates on all subjects not seen it fit to speak on Manipur publicly for more than 4-5 minutes at most, that too in a routine manner and after immense pressure from the Opposition?" Ramesh posted on 'X'.

His remarks came in context of the ethnic clashes in Manipur that broke out on May 3, and the subsequent crisis.

The Congress has been critical of the Central government for failing to control the ethnic violence in the northeastern state and has demanded the removal of N. Biren Singh as the Chief Minister of Manipur.

The Congress has also demanded implementation of the President's Rule in the state.
Chandigarh, Oct 24 : A day after Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij asked Director General of Police S.S. Kapur to suspend 372 investigating officers for not disposing of cases promptly, Kapur on Tuesday asked officers not only to promptly address public complaints but also to prioritise impartial investigations.

Chairing a meeting of senior police officers in Panchkula, Kapur asked the officers to take proactive steps in handling complaints received in police stations.

He proposed that the officers should make random calls to complainants to inquire about the reasons for their dissatisfaction. These calls will be used to assess the performance of police stations and officers, establishing a rating system.

To enhance the feedback mechanism, Kapur emphasised the need to review calls made through the feedback cell, focusing especially on those dissatisfied with police actions.

They should inquire about the reasons behind the dissatisfaction and ensure transparent work processes through call recording, he added.

The establishment of creches for children of women police personnel was discussed at the meeting.

These creches are proposed to be set up within police lines and women's police stations. A 15-child creche is already operating in Kurukshetra, managed by an ex-gratia class IV employee was commended by the DGP.

Panchkula Police Commissioner Sibas Kaviraj said a pilot project in collaboration with IIT Madras would enhance road safety in Panchkula. The project will involve a comprehensive assessment of road safety factors.

Strict measures to penalise vehicles using unauthorised red and blue lights and sirens were discussed.

DGP Kapur addressed the issue of loud DJ systems on trucks and trolleys during weddings and festivals, indicating the possibility of canceling the registration of such vehicles.

Between January 1 and October 19, 3,128 first information reports (FIRs) were filed, and 4,218 people were arrested under various offenses, an official statement said.

The DGP emphasised sensitive handling of complaints at Mahila Police Stations, ensuring polite and respectful interactions with complainants.

He reiterated the purpose of Mahila Police Stations in providing women with one-stop access to legal services.
New Delhi : PM Modi addresses at the inauguration of the third edition of Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023 via video conferencing. Image Source: IANS News

Gandhinagar, Oct 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat, his home state, for two days starting from October 30 and will also participate in a programme to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

On October 30, PM Modi will participate in an event in Arathi village, situated within Kheralu assembly region of Mehsana district. His trip to Kheralu is anticipated to be marked by the initiation of new projects and the inauguration of finalised ones.

Sources said that PM Modi may also address a public rally. Notably, BJP State President C.R Paatil recently held a preparatory meeting in wake of Modias upcoming visit.

On October 31, the Prime Minister will travel to Ektanagar in Kevadiya, which houses world's tallest statue -- the Statue of Unity.

The visit aligns with the observance of Ekta Divas (National Unity Day), celebrating the birth anniversary of first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

A grand parade featuring Indiaas paramilitary forces has also been scheduled for the Prime Minister. It will be a major highlight of the Ekta Divas celebrations.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Gurpreet Singh, who was arrested in connection with the murder of a Swiss woman, had bought chains and locks two days before killing her, Delhi Police sources said.

The police also took the accused Singh -- a resident of Janakpuri in west Delhi -- to various locations including the shop where he had purchased chains and locks -- for over Rs 600 -- to know the entire crime sequence and to gather more evidence.

The body of Nina Berger (Swiss woman) was discovered near a school in west Delhi on October 20.

Singh (33), who had been frequently changing his statements during the initial interrogations, was subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.

Police also recovered some documents, including victimas passport and visas, from the possession of the accused.

As per interrogation, Singh had met Lena in 2021 in Switzerland during his visit, and their friendship developed into a close bond.

To be near Lena, Singh frequently travelled to Switzerland. However, as time passed, Singh wanted to marry her, but she rejected his proposal.

Berger had arrived in Delhi from Zurich on October 11 and was staying in a hotel.
Surat, Oct 24 : Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Tuesday that the state police department has been fiercely combatting the menace of illegal drug trading.

He said this while speaking at a Vijay Dashami programme at Surat Police Headquarters.

The minister said: "The Gujarat Police are not waiting for the festival of Dussehra to take action against the demons of narcotics."

His remarks came in the wake of a recent crackdown wherein a Surat-based chemical engineer and others were arrested in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, and narcotics valued at Rs 500 crore were recovered.

Sanghavi, further speaking on the significance of Vijay Dashami, said the festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil. He equated this to the police department's relentless pursuit against drug smugglers.

Speaking on the police's commitment, Sanghavi said: "This is not just a drive, it is a war against drug lords. Our mission will only conclude once we eradicate this scourge from society. Anyone in Gujarat overstepping the law will face stringent legal consequences."

He also said that the Gujarat Police's proactive efforts, which have not only been confined within state borders but also extended to other cities, were disrupting drug cartels.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Director M.G Srinivas, professionally known as Srini, has just released his grand heist-action-thriller film 'Ghost' on the big screen and it has gotten much appreciation.

The power-packed film which boasts a star studded cast consisting of Shivarajkumar, Anupam Kher, Jayaram, Prashant Narayan and Archana Jois is part of a three-part movie trilogy called the 'Birbal' trilogy, which is the lead up to an entire cinematic universe.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, director-actor Srini spoke about both 'Ghost', the 'Birbal' trilogy as well as elaborated on why Bollywood has begun to adapt Southern Indian elements into their films.

Talking about how he came up with the story for 'Ghost', he said: " 'Ghost' actually is based on a real incident. There was an incident that happened back in Chennai regarding a CBI raid, it was in the papers. So I remember studying it and it quite fascinated me. So one thing led to another, and as I was forming my story there was a spark which led me to make the film, adding in action and all the standard elements. So it became a heist-action-thriller."

Detailing his experience of working with the veteran Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, Srini said: "Oh it was a great experience. I have known him for many years and have worked with him before.

"He just makes you very comfortable. When you are working with him, you honestly forget that you are working with such a legendary actor. I mean he just makes you that comfortable because he is such a humble and down-to-earth person."

Elaborating on the film's production and music, Srini added: "There are not that many stunts in 'Ghost' but for those that are there, Shivanna insisted that he do them on his own. So we had stunt people to help him choreograph, but all the stunts you see on-screen he did them on his own."

The director said: "Then with regards to music, I think Arjun Janya has done a fabulous job. For the music he had to go beyond just the mainstream stuff. Here, his music had to be different from what he normally does and he knew it. So he experimented a lot with different stuff and he did it very well, it actually was his first time making this kind of music."

Describing how his 'Birbal' trilogy came to be, he said: "I had formulated the idea a while back. So it was already planned from my side, it wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision to make it into a trilogy. I mean true, there were many changes in the end product, but I always wanted to make it a trilogy. Action, crime, thriller, heist, maybe more. The Birbal' trilogy is something I had planned on for a while."

The director went on to further explain his desire for experimenting with heist, as well as explore other genres.

Detailing this, he said: "Yes, I absolutely plan to explore the heist genre further. I mean we have 'Ghost' here, and before that there is 'Birbal' which is a crime-thriller. So it all forms a pattern.

"I never want to remain static, there is always room to grow and experiment further. Whether your experimentation succeeds or not is something else, but if I were to keep doing just one genre and even if it became like a mega-blockbuster thing, I wouldn't do it," he added.

Srini went on to speak of the traction that Southern India cinema has gotten in the Hindi belt for the last few years, and how Bollywood is now changing its own style because of it.

He said: "Firstly, it all has to do with the screens. Early on screens were available in maybe like a few hundreds, maybe thousand. Most of them would be taken by Hindi cinema, and the regional films would have little to no exposure in the North.

Srini continued, "There was no social media at that time and the internet at that time wasn't what it is today. Things changed as the screenings increased. Certain regional films would become blockbusters when they went to the North, and then via word of mouth they would be aired on television. People would watch dubbed versions on TV which gave the regional scene more mainstream exposure. And now, we have OTT where everything is available to watch."

He shared: "As for Bollywood adapting Southern elements. it isn't just incorporating them. Hindi cinema has changed its perspective over the years and is now catering to a different audience.

Srini further mentioned, "Then they are actively collaborating with the South, much like the South is also having so many Hindi actors.Best example is 'Jawan', which had SRK in it. But it also had Atlee, Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, Anirudh, so being a collaboration, it became pan-Indian."

Srini is next slated to direct and act in his upcoming sequel to 'Birbal Pt1' titled 'Birbal Case 2'.

In addition, he will also act in another film titled 'Andalamma'. Both the movies are geared for a 2024 release date and are currently in the midst of filming.
Two killed in road accident in Odisha. Image Source: IANS News

Srinagar, Oct 24 : Five policemen were injured in a road accident in J&K's Kulgam district on Tuesday, officials said.

The incident occurred when a police van skidded off the road in Qazigund area of Kulgam.

"The injured were shifted to hospital in Qazigund town where attending doctors referred two of the injured to government medical college hospital in Anantnag town," an official said.
Surat, October 24 : In an operation led by Surat Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar, as many as 602 raids have been carried out in a week at various spa centers and hotels across the city.

This drive has led to the uncovering of 16 cases directly linked to immoral trafficking and an additional 188 cases of public notification breaches, officials shared this on Tuesday.

Establishments near educational institutions were a focal point of the operation. Efforts are underway to coordinate with the relevant authorities to revoke the licences of outlets found flouting the established rules.

The campaign's scope has also been extended to hotels, emphasising strict adherence to procedures such as mandatory checking of customers' identification cards and maintenance of hotel registers.

Hotels are also compelled to input customer details into the Pathik software system and ensure proper registration of all staff members.

This leg of the operation culminated in the filing of 62 cases, with the subsequent arrest of 90 individuals. There was also an essential legal mandate concerning foreign nationals, emphasising the importance of the 'C' form filing.

Prior to this drive, Surat Police had already registered 47 cases of immoral trafficking this year, resulting in the arrest of 101 individuals.

A total of 197 women, including 52 foreign nationals, have been rescued from illegal prostitution activities from within the city this year, the commissioner informed. .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. An exhibition of weapons and vehicles was shown on Distinguished Visitors Day, held as part of the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023" joint tactical exercises involving servicemen of the Azerbaijani Army and the Turkish Armed Forces, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The guests got acquainted with armored combat vehicles, military equipment for various purposes, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as other military means available in the armament of the Azerbaijan Army.

On Distinguished Visitors Day, stands of the ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN, ASELSAN, BAYKAR, and other Turkish companies were also shown to the guests.

The exhibition aroused great interest among the guests.

The joint tactical exercises are dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkiye.
Imphal, Oct 24 : Manipur's apex tribal body Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), while reacting to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments on Tuesday, accused Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for the ethnic violence in the northeastern state.

Senior ITLF leader and spokesman Ginza Vualzong said that there were no clashes between the majority Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribals in all these years before the BJP government led by Biren Singh came to power.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing the annual Vijaya Dashami celebrations at the Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur on Tuesday, reportedly said on the Manipur crisis that some separatist forces were involved in the violence.

Both the groups -- Kuki and Meitei -- were living peacefully for years but trouble cropped up in the border areas, Bhagwat said.

Vualzong said the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was recently removed only in the Meitei-dominated districts and not in the tribal areas, and this is bewildering since government-designated terror groups operate in the Imphal valley while armed groups in the hills are under suspension of operation with the state and the Centre.

"Why was the government notification of 1966 regarding 'reserved' and 'protected' forests under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 suddenly implemented in 2023, that too without following procedures laid down by the Act, which includes consulting the stakeholders," the ITLF leader asked.

He said the Metei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status suddenly revived in the state, branding Kuki-Zo tribals as "illegal immigrants" and blaming the tribals for the state's drug menace.

Vualzong said that the sad truth is that the Chief Minister followed a majoritarian and integrationist policy on the minority on the advice of chauvinist intellectuals of his (Meitei) community.

"What Manipur witnessed in the past few years was a highly-coordinated assault on the rights and protections that tribals enjoyed under the Constitution, all in the name of preserving and extending the Meiteis' domination of minorities.

"Ironically, it included an attempt to get a minority tag in the form of ST status," the ITLF spokesman said.
Rohtak, Oct 24 : Leader of Opposition in Haryana Bhupinder Hooda on Tuesday said the procurement of paddy and millet in the state started with deliberate delay that led to farmers selling crops at loss.

Participating in the Dussehra festival here, two-time chief minister Hooda said: "This festival inspires us to follow the path of principles, dignity and humility like Lord Ram and also teaches us that no one should ever be arrogant like Ravana. Because in the end, arrogance and injustice are defeated."

Earlier, while talking to the media he said only empty claims are being made by the BJP-JJP government on the minimum support price (MSP) of the crops.

"The truth is that the MSP has remained limited to papers only during the stint of this government. I have myself visited markets across the state and the markets were filled with paddy with the smooth procurement not being done by the government.

"Everyone, including farmers, laborers and commission agents, appeared to be in dire straits because the government deliberately delayed the procurement of paddy and millet. Owing to this, the crop rates fell in the market and farmers had to sell their crops at rates lower than the MSP."

Hooda said: "If the government had started procurement in the beginning itself, farmers would have got good rates for paddy and millet. But the aim of the government is only to harm the farmers. The same attitude of the government can be seen regarding stubble burning. No farmer wants to set fire in his field. Since there is no arrangement for disposal of stubble by the government, some farmers do so under compulsion.

"Instead of imposing a fine on them, the government should make arrangements for disposal of stubble."

The Congress leader said in this crop season claims being made by the government regarding the process for crop procurement on portal has once again been exposed.

"The portal stopped working as soon as the procurement started. Large scale mismanagement and scam was seen in crop registration. It was even seen that some farmers were registered even though they had not grown paddy and many farmers, who had grown paddy, were not registered," he added.
Washington, Oct 24 : Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the 'savagery' towards Palestinian lands is deepening and alleged that the Western nations silence is aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart, Erdogan said western countries' silence was exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and that civilians were constantly being killed, Guardian reported.

Multiple agency reports quoted a statement from Erdogan's office reiterating Turkey's stand that Ankara would continue working to achieve calm in the region. Turkey was one of the first countries to try to send aid into Gaza via Egypt after the conflict broke out.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has estimated that the death toll has reached over 700 in last 24 hours. At least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October.

The ministry said that the number included 2,360 children. A spokesperson for the ministry, Ashraf al-Qidra, said they had received 1,550 reports of missing people, including 870 children, and suggested that those missing could still be under rubble of collapsed buildings.

The UK said 12 British people were killed on 7 October in Israel and five remained unaccounted for. British-Israeli families of those held hostage held a press briefing at the Israeli embassy in London. People also took part in a vigil for children killed in Gaza in central London.

Meanwhile, The Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the military was "ready and determined" for the next stage in the war and was awaiting political instruction even as the US was asking it to delay as Pentagon officials felt that Israel had no clear end goals in mind on the invasion of Gaza.

In a social media post, the Israel Defence Forces claimed to have struck more than 400 targets in the past 24 hours in what was described as "a wide-scale operation to dismantle Hamas' terrorist capabilities."

Hamas has released two more hostages from Gaza on "humanitarian and poor health grounds". Nurit Cooper, also known as Nurit Yitzhak (79) and Yocheved Lifshitz (85) were kidnapped along with their husbands from the Nir Oz kibbutz near the Gaza border on 7 October.

The 85-year-old grandmother is now in an Israeli hospital where she was seen thanking Hamas officials after release from captivity but recounted on reaching Israel that her life had been turned upside down and that she went through "living terror and hell" during captivity.

Lifshitz described her ordeal at a press conference in a Tel Aviv hospital. The 85-year-old told reporters she had "been through hell" after being captured by Hamas fighters on motorbikes and beaten with sticks and forced to walk. She went on to describe conditions in the tunnels where she had been held, where she said people treated her "gently" and "looked after our needs". The captives were fed and they slept on mattresses.

She said there were doctors and paramedics there to tend to wounds. She was critical of Israel's military for not taking the threat of Hamas seriously enough before the attack.

Meanwhile, Hamas official Osama Hamdan urged Arab, Islamic countries and the UN to try to halt Israel's assault on Gaza. Hamdan has also called on Arab countries to end any normalisation of diplomatic relations with Israel.

On Monday, Israel said it had established that there were 222 hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas. The IDF said on Tuesday it was attempting to contact residents in Gaza to offer them "a better future for you and your child" by providing information "regarding the abductees in your area."

In a joint media appearance with the French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, threatened "horrible consequences" for Hezbollah in Lebanon if it decided to join the war in a meaningful way.

Macron called for the release of hostages and said terrorism was a common enemy of Israel and France. He said terrorism must be fought without mercy but with rules.

About 1.4 million of Gaza's 2.3 million-strong population has now been displaced. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA has said that there is a shortage of clean drinking water while overcrowding has become a major concern.

Doctors in Gaza said that the patients arriving at hospitals are showing signs of disease caused by overcrowding and poor sanitation.

Tamara Alrifai, of UN Palestine refugee relief agency UNRWA, has described the aid delivered to the Gaza Strip as a drop in the ocean. Just 54 trucks with relief supplies are reported to have crossed into Gaza since Saturday. Alrifai said that there is an urgent need of fuel while some of the aid sent in -- rice and lentils -- was useless because people did not have clean water or fuel to cook them.

UNRWA has also confirmed that another six of its staff members have been killed in Gaza, bringing the total killed since 7 October to 35.

It said 40 UNRWA installations had been damaged so far by Israeli airstrikes. Israel Air Force said it killed someone in Lebanon who was trying to launch a rocket into northern Israel.

--IANS

ashok/dan
New Delhi, Oct 24 : The autopsy of the Swiss woman is yet to be conducted as only the family members of the deceased woman can give their approval for conducting the post-mortem.

Sources said that the cops have informed the Swiss Embassy and are awaiting to trace the family of the victim, however, they are yet to get any update in the case.

The autopsy is of utmost importance as it will convey the cause of death and will also help police corroborate the accused, Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Janakpuri, statement to the investigators.

The victim woman, Nina Berger, possibly hailing from Switzerland, was allegedly strangulated to death in Delhi, her hand and legs tied with a metal chain and later her body was dumped alongside a road wrapped inside a black plastic bag.

For the horrific crime, the police arrested Gurpreet, who claimed himself as a lover of the Swiss national.

Berger's life came to a tragic end when her body was found near a school in west Delhi on October 20. Initially, there were inconsistencies in the statements made by the prime accused, Singh, who was subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.

Singh's statements regarding the murder kept changing.

During the investigation, the police recovered various documents, including Nina's passport and visas, from Singh's possession.

According to Singh's interrogation, he had met Nina in 2021 during his visit to Switzerland, and their friendship had grown into a close bond. Singh frequently travelled to Switzerland to be near Nina. Over time, he expressed his desire to marry her, but she rejected his proposal.

Nina had arrived in Delhi from Zurich on October 11 and was staying in a hotel. However, as the interrogation of the accused, Gurpreet, continued, it became evident that he was attempting to mislead the authorities.

Gurpreet initially claimed that two other individuals were involved in the murder, but within a few hours, he confessed to killing Nina on his own. Due to these contradictory statements, the police decided to conduct a psycho-analysis test on Gurpreet.

Significantly, the police discovered over Rs 2 Crore in cash at Gurpreet's residence in Janakpuri.

Further investigation revealed substantial financial transactions through Gurpreet's bank account, leading the investigators to notify the Income Tax authorities. These high-value transactions and the unaccounted cash raised suspicions that the case might be related to human trafficking, or possibly, Nina was part of such a criminal operation or she was the victim.

Gurpreet had purchased a second car in the name of a woman, who he claimed was a sex worker, but the police are still trying to locate the woman.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said that the attacks by Hamas on October 7 did not happen in a vacuum.

"Palestine has been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. So, October 7 attacks have not taken place in a vacuum," Guterres said at a meeting of the UN Security Council, according to media reports.

He said that the Palestinians have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements, plagued by violence, their economy stifled, their people displaced, and their homes demolished.

"Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing," the UN chief said.

He said that no party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.

"I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza," he said.

Meanwhile, the Israelis have reacted to the UN chief's statement strongly calling it "shocking", "horrible", and "totally detached from the reality of our region".

"His comments constitute a justification for terrorism and murder," Israeli envoy to the UN Gilad Erdan said.

He said that it is sad that a person with such views is the head of an organisation that arose after the Holocaust.

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has estimated that the death toll has reached over 700 in the last 24 hours.
New Delhi, Oct 24 : Investigators probing the brutal murder of a Swiss woman named Nina Berger, whose body with limbs and legs bound with chains was found near a school in West Delhi on October 20, took the accused, Gurpreet Singh, to the spot to recreate the crime scene on Tuesday.

With this, the police are trying to understand the sequence of events that led to the horrific murder of the woman.

According to sources, the examination of the mobile phone of the accused revealed that he was in touch with at least a dozen women who were also foreigners, an evidence that possibly links the case to the police's human trafficking theory.

Significantly, the police discovered over Rs 2 crore in cash from Gurpreet's residence in Janakpuri.

Further investigation revealed substantial financial transactions through Gurpreet's bank account, leading the investigators to notify the Income Tax authorities. These high-value transactions and the unaccounted cash raised suspicions that the case might be related to human trafficking.

Moreover, the cuts and some burn marks on the victim's body also indicate that she was probably tortured before being killed.

Even the locks and chains, with which the woman was found tied, were bought just two days back by the accused from a market in West Delhi. The exact shop from where these things were boughtis yet to be ascertained.

Nina Berger's body was found near a school in West Delhi on October 20. Initially, there were inconsistencies in the statements made by the prime accused, Gurpreet, who was subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.

His statements regarding the murder kept changing.

During investigation, the police recovered various documents, including Nina's passport and visa, from Gurpreet's possession.

As per Gurpreet's interrogation, he had met Nina in 2021 during his visit to Switzerland, and their friendship had developed into a close bond. Gurpreet frequently travelled to Switzerland to be near Nina. Over time, he expressed his desire to marry her, but she rejected his proposal.

Nina had arrived in Delhi from Zurich on October 11 and was staying in a hotel. However, as the interrogation of Gurpreet continued, it became evident that he was attempting to mislead the authorities.
Israel forms 'unity War govt' with Oppn as fighting with Hamas escalates. Image Source: IANS News

Jerusalem, Oct 24 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that his country would not stop attacking the targets in Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely destroyed.

Netanyahu said this while interacting with soldiers of the Yahalom -- a special unit of the Israel Defense Forces.

He told the soldiers that Israel was looking forward to the next phase of war which would be coming soon.

Netanyahu said that Israel has been striking the enemy with tremendous force and heavy casualties have been inflicted upon terror outfit Hamas.

He also said that the Israeli forces were attacking in northern areas as well as in the West Bank.

The Yahalom unit commanders also briefed Netyanahu about its operational capabilities.

a"IANS

aal/pgh
United Nations, Oct 24 : While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday that the Gaza war "risks spiralling throughout the region", US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iran that Washington will "swiftly and decisively" react if Americans are attacked by Tehran or its proxies.

Blinken said at the Security Council that "a firm, united message" should be sent "to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel" or target its allies, including the US.

Guterres' warning at the Council that "tensions threaten to boil over" were echoed by Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Speaking outside the Council chamber, he said, "There's the threat of this expanding into the West Bank, into Lebanon, into other fronts."

"We're all doing everything we can to stop it," he said.

Guterres had stern words for both Israel and Hamas, demanding that they uphold international humanitarian law.

"We must demand that all parties uphold and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law," he said.

They should "take constant care in the conduct of military operations to spare civilians; and respect and protect hospitals and respect the inviolability of UN facilities which today are sheltering more than 600,000 Palestinians", he said.

He condemned both"the relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces", and the use of civilians "as human shields" by Hamas.

Reiterating his condemnation of the 7/10 Hamas attack on Israel, he said, "Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians  or the launchingof rockets against civilian targets."

"All hostages must be treated humanely and released immediately and without conditions," he said.

On the retaliation by Israel, he said, "The relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces, the level of civilian casualties, and thewholesale destruction of neighbourhoods continue to mount and are deeply alarming."

He spoke of the 35 UN relief employees in Gaza killed in the bombings, saying: "I owe to their families my condemnation of these and many other similar killings."

Guterres said that the Hamas attacks did not happen in a vacuum, saying: "The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation."

He said, "They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; theireconomy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a politicalsolution to their plight have been vanishing."

"But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. Andthose appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," he said.

While Iran has not directly stepped into the Hamas-Israel conflict, two of its allies have.

The Hezbollah organisation based in Lebanon has exchanged fire with Israeli forces in the north and the US Navy has intercepted rockets directed at Israel fired by the Houthis in Yemen.

Blinken, who is set to meet with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington on Thursday, said that he looked forward to working with him to prevent the conflict from spreading.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Mumbai, Oct 24 : Shiv Sena-UBT President and Maharashtra's ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that India needs a strong government at the Centre for stability, but no party should be given a brute majority in the interest of the people and country.

Addressing the customary Dassehra Rally at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, he told the huge audience that it was from the very same venue that the late Balasaheb Thackeray had once given a call to have a 'strong government' at the Centre.

"We have given full strength to the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi But, look what has happened. The country has slid on all fronts They have got a full majority in Parliament but the people of the country have not benefited, there is distress everywhere," claimed Thackeray.

Henceforth, Thackeray urged that the opposition INDIA bloc must be given an opportunity with full strength but without total majority to any single party to avoid a repeat of the BJP regime.

"In the past, the former PMs P. V. Narasimha Rao or Dr. Manmohan Singh performed very well They did not have a full majority. We need a government that can take everybody along and rule. When the government remains a bit shaky, the country remains stable," thundered Thackeray.

Targetting Prime Minister Modi, Thackeray said that the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which functioned extremely well during the coronavirus pandemic is now being probed for corruption.

"Recently, (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah had gone to Chhattisgarh and warned that when the BJP comes to power there, he will hang all the corrupt people upside down. What about Maharashtra? The same 40 MLAs who took 'Khokhas' (slang for Rs 1 crore) or someone like (Deputy CM) Ajit Pawar whom the PM had called as 'corrupt' are now in their government? Why not hang them upside down?" demanded Thackeray.

He said that instead of digging into khichdi or bodybags bills of the BMC, if the government has guts, then they should probe the PM Cares Fund, the accounts of which are not declared, or probe every state and let everything come out.

The Sena-UBT leader warned the BJP and the bureaucrats to "stop harassing us, or when we come to power, we shall also hang you upside down".

To Modi's criticism of 'dynastic politics', Thackeray took a swipe saying that first a person should start a family before criticising others' dynasties, and questioned the BJP which has ministers whose children are MPs or MLAs.

Turning to the delays in the Shiv Sena-UBT case on the disqualification of 16 MLAs, including Shiv Sena's CM Eknath Shinde, Thackeray said that they are beset with the scenario of 'tarikh pe tarikh' (date after date) and the matter remains stuck.

The ex-CM pointed out how, over a year after the Shiv Sena-UBT filed its case, and the SC has pulled up the Speaker (Rahul Narwekar), but nothing has moved, and "we don't know what to do now", and said let the Speaker give the decision as per his time-table.

"I have no intent to insult the judiciary or the judges, but there's resentment now At this rate, we have to contemplate whether the Supreme Court will remain relevant or not, whether Democracy envisaged by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar would survive or not But we have full faith in the SC," said Thackeray.

On the Marathas reservations issue, he slammed the state government for the brutal attacks on the peaceful protest by the community in Jalna last month, and likened it to Gen. Reginald Dyer's blitzkrieg on the Jallianwala Bagh protestors in 1919.

"When I was the CM, there was the Maratha quotas agitation, but I never ordered such brutality Where are we headed I advise Manoj Jarange-Patil to beware of the government. Why didn't the BJP resolve the reservations issue in the recent Special Session of Parliament," Thackeray asked.

Others who addressed the rally included Leader of Opposition in the Council Ambadas Danve, Sanjay Raut, MLA Bhaskar Jadhav, Sushma Andhare, Nitin Bangude-Patil, and ex-Mayor Kishori Pednekar.

Thackeray also touched upon the issue of belittling the importance of Mumbai as the country's financial powerhouse and attempts to break it from Maharashtra, the need for the upcoming Bullet Train project, the manner in which the Dharavi redevelopment project is being handled and the targeting of Opposition parties by the BJP.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, Oct 24 : Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena President Eknath Shinde on Tuesday bowed and vowed before a portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to give reservations to the Maratha community, and fight for justice to them "till the last drop of blood" in his body.

In an emotional moment while addressing his second Dassehra Rally at Azad Maidan late this evening, Shinde cut short his speech, walked to the other end of the state and with folded hands and bowed head made the solemn commitment for quotas.

"I am also a Maratha and I have struggled very hard for the community all my life. I take the oath before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that quotas for the Marathas will be given without disturbing the reservations for any other groups All are our people and no injustice will be done to any community. I urge the Maratha youth not to resort to any desperate (suicide) measures," he said.

Attacking the Shiv Sena-UBT, Shinde said that he belonged to a poor farmer family and struggled all his life to reach this position today, endured caning and even went to jail.

"How many cases you have against you, how many times you have taken caning? Those who claim to be heirs to Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy must first examine their conduct They are not a 'dena' (give) bank, but a 'lena' (take) bank. I have not hankered for power and I continue to function as an ordinary worker, I go to Davos (Switzerland) for business or inspect drains and public toilets in slums" said Shinde.

On the contrary, the CM alleged that Uddhav Thackeray coveted the post of CM since 2004 and for this he had sent two emissaries to meet Sharad Pawar to become the CM, and betrayed the Hindutva cause of Balasaheb Thackeray.

"For us, Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals are our principles but how many times you have compromised them for money and power. Tomorrow, it won't be surprising if his party (Shiv Sena-UBT) merges with the Congress, or joins hands with the AIMIM, or with the Hamas, Hizbul and Lashkar-e-Taiba They don't care about the common Shiv Sainiks, they are concerned only with their family," he claimed.

The CM targeted Thackeray for pushing behind the state in terms of investments, and claimed that in just one year, "along with (Deputy CMs) Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar" Maharashtra has catapulted to the top slot in FDI, development is happening briskly on all fronts, and wherever he travels, "the people are happy with the progress".

Shinde called upon the people to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 elections by giving at least 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra to the BJP. "Modi is fulfilling the dreams of Balasaheb Thackeray like repealing Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir or constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya I have done the work of saving the Shiv Sena which was mortgaged with the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (SP)," declared Shinde.

Responding to Thackeray's criticism on delinking Mumbai from Maharashtra, Shinde asserted that "till I am alive, nobody's father will dare to do this".

Recounting the alleged scams of the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government especially during the c coronavirus pandemic, Shinde said that "you were at home busy counting money you ate up the 'khichdi' money and the oxygen funds", and warned that the people of Maharashtra will teach them a lesson for their sins.

"Uddhav Thackeray had no great achievements, that is why Anand Dighe (former Thane strongman) had praised Raj Thackeray in a meeting And for this Dighe was humiliated, and I have witnessed it myself. After that appreciation of Raj Thackeray, the work of clipping Dighe' wings started," he claimed.

On the decision to hold the rally at Azad Maidan, Shinde said that as the CM, he would have easily conducted the meeting at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, also known as 'Shiv Tirth'. "However, we opted for Azad Maidan to avoid any law and order problems and for us wherever we carry forward the vision of Balasaheb Thackeray becomes our 'Shiv Tirth'. We shall always hold our future rallies at this venue," he said.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

--IANS

qn/d
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Special Representative of Russian Foreign Ministry for Azerbaijani-Armenian normalization Igor Khovayev, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The meeting discussed the prospects for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the current situation in the region, and the results of a meeting held in Tehran as part of the regional "3+3" platform.

Bayramov noted that after Azerbaijan had fully secured control over its sovereign territories as a result of local anti-terrorism measures against Armenian illegal armed groups which weren't withdrawn from Azerbaijani territory in violation of Armenia's commitments over the past three years, real chances have emerged for the agreement of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the shortest term.

He emphasized that within the framework of Azerbaijan's legislation, all opportunities have been created for Armenian residents of Karabakh to live on the country's territory as Azerbaijani citizens, and a relevant portal is functioning for the purpose of reintegration.

The meeting also held exchanged of opinions on other issues of mutual interest.

Previously, a meeting in the "3+3" format with the participation of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkiye, Armenia - Jeyhun Bayramov, Sergey Lavrov, Hakan Fidan and Ararat Mirzoyan was held in Tehran on October 23.

In order to ensure the provisions of the Trilateral Statement [signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 second Karabakh war], suppression of large-scale provocations in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region, disarmament, and withdrawal of Armenian armed forces formations from the territories of Azerbaijan, localized anti-terrorist activities were carried out in the region.
Jerusalem, Oct 25 : Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who is on a visit to the US, has cancelled his scheduled meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, alleging the latter's "support" for attacks by Hamas on October 7.

"I will not meet with the UN Secretary General. After October 7, there is no balanced approach. Hamas must be erased from the world," Cohen said, according to officials.

The Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, has even called for the resignation of Guterres.

He said that there was no point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel.

He said: "There are simply no words."

The UN Secretary General in a speech spoke about the displacement of Palestinians and the long sufferings of the people of Palestine.

He also said that the hopes of the Palestinian people for a political solution to their plight was slowly vanishing.

At the same time, the UN chief said that the grievances of the Palestinian people do not justify the attack and massacre by Hamas.
'Committed to immediate release of hostages': Italian PM to Israeli delegation (IANS FROM ISRAEL). Image Source: IANS News

Tel Aviv, Oct 25 : Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has assured a delegation of families of victims and kidnapped individuals that she is committed to the immediate release of the hostages from the custody of Hamas.

The Italian Prime Minister met with the delegation at the Presidential Palace in Rome on Tuesday.

The families arrived in Rome on Tuesday morning as part of a series of meetings being organised by the Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism in collaboration with the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister listened to the stories of the family members and expressed her "deep concern at the cruelty with which Hamas targeted defenceless civilians".

The visiting families also told her "how the terrorists had trespassed into houses, killing everyone in sight and sparing not even children, women or the elderly".

The Italian Prime Minister reiterated the solidarity and closeness of the Italian government with Israel.

She affirmed her commitment to the immediate release of the individuals held hostage in Gaza.

Ian Regev, the father of Maya and Itay, who were kidnapped on October 7 from a party in southern Israel's Kibbutz Re'im, said: "I thought the European countries would turn a blind eye. (But) After hearing Prime Minister Meloni, I know we have full support from Italy."

He further said that the Italian Prime Minister had filled them with reassurance and hope that the kidnapped family members would return home safely.

The delegation was accompanied by Israel's Ambassador to Italy, Alon Bar and President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, Noemi Di Segni.
Moro Airport, Moro, Papua New Guinea [ MXH / AYMR ]

If you are planning to travel to Moro or any other city in Papua New Guinea, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Moro Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Moro Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Papua New Guinea. Moro Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided.

Moro Airport Info:

Moro Airport IATA Code: MXH Moro Airport ICAO Code: AYMR Latitude : -6.36333 Longitude : 143.238 City : Moro Country : Papua New Guinea World Area Code : 804 Airport Type : Small Timezone : Pacific/Port_Moresby Moro Airport Timezone : GMT +10:00 hours Current time and date at Moro Airport is 15:00:11 PM (+10) on Saturday, Nov 4, 2023

Looking for information on Moro Airport, Moro, Papua New Guinea? Know about Moro Airport in detail. Find out the location of Moro Airport on Papua New Guinea map and also find out airports near to Moro. This airport locator is a very useful tool for travelers to know where is Moro Airport located and also provide information like hotels near Moro Airport, airlines operating to Moro Airport etc... IATA Code and ICAO Code of all airports in Papua New Guinea. Scroll down to know more about Moro Airport or Moro Airport, Papua New Guinea.

Moro Airport Map - Location of Moro 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 = 0.268 USD

 1 USD = 3.733 PGK

 1 PGK = 0.25 EUR

 1 EUR = 4.007 PGK

 More PGK convertion rates Tel Code +675 Top Level Domain .pg

This page provides all the information you need to know about Moro Airport, Papua New Guinea. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Papua New Guinea or traveling to Moro Airport. Details about Moro Airport given here include Moro Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes)

Coordinates of Moro Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Moro Airport

Location of Moro Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc...

Moro Airport Time Zone and Current time at Moro Airport

Address and contact details of Moro Airport along with website address of the airport

Clickable Location Map of Moro Airport on Google Map.

General information about Papua New Guinea where Moro Airport is located in the city of Moro. 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...

MXH - Moro Airport IATA Code and AYMR - Moro Airport ICAO code
Mougulu Airport, Mougulu, Papua New Guinea [ GUV / ]

If you are planning to travel to Mougulu or any other city in Papua New Guinea, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Mougulu Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Mougulu Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Papua New Guinea. Mougulu Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided.

Mougulu Airport Info:

Mougulu Airport IATA Code: GUV Mougulu Airport ICAO Code: Latitude : -6.28333 Longitude : 142.417 City : Mougulu Country : Papua New Guinea World Area Code : 804 Airport Type : Small Timezone : Pacific/Port_Moresby Mougulu Airport Timezone : GMT +10:00 hours Current time and date at Mougulu Airport is 15:00:12 PM (+10) on Saturday, Nov 4, 2023

Looking for information on Mougulu Airport, Mougulu, Papua New Guinea? Know about Mougulu Airport in detail. Find out the location of Mougulu Airport on Papua New Guinea map and also find out airports near to Mougulu. This airport locator is a very useful tool for travelers to know where is Mougulu Airport located and also provide information like hotels near Mougulu Airport, airlines operating to Mougulu Airport etc... IATA Code and ICAO Code of all airports in Papua New Guinea. Scroll down to know more about Mougulu Airport or Mougulu Airport, Papua New Guinea.

Mougulu Airport Map - Location of Mougulu 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 = 0.268 USD

 1 USD = 3.733 PGK

 1 PGK = 0.25 EUR

 1 EUR = 4.007 PGK

 More PGK convertion rates Tel Code +675 Top Level Domain .pg

This page provides all the information you need to know about Mougulu Airport, Papua New Guinea. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Papua New Guinea or traveling to Mougulu Airport. Details about Mougulu Airport given here include Mougulu Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes)

Coordinates of Mougulu Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Mougulu Airport

Location of Mougulu Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc...

Mougulu Airport Time Zone and Current time at Mougulu Airport

Address and contact details of Mougulu Airport along with website address of the airport

Clickable Location Map of Mougulu Airport on Google Map.

General information about Papua New Guinea where Mougulu Airport is located in the city of Mougulu. 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...

GUV - Mougulu Airport IATA Code
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan received the Prosecutors General of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

The Presidential Communications Directorate of Turkiye said the meeting was also attended by the OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, while Azerbaijan was represented by Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev.

The parties discussed cooperation between the member countries of the Turkic States Organization.

Kamran Aliyev is in Turkiye as part of his visit to participate in the second meeting of the Council of Prosecutors General of the OTS member countries.
Two decades after Christopher Paolini self-published his debut book, Eragon, which launched The Inheritance Cycle, this year is unfolding as a blue-ribbon one for the author. On November 7, Knopf will release Murtagh, a standalone novel spotlighting the eponymous Dragon Slayer and his sword Thorn from the cycles world of Alagaesia. Set one year after the events of that serieswhich has been published in 50 countries and has sold more than 40 million copiesMurtagh has an announced U.S. first printing of two million copies.

Due from the publisher on the same day, in honor of Eragons 20th anniversary, is Eragon: The Illustrated Edition, featuring full-color paintings by Sidharth Chaturvedi and seven illustrations by Paolini. Last April, Knopf published repackaged paperback editions of the Inheritance Cycle titles (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance), as well as a new boxed set of the four novels. And this past May, Tor Books released Paolinis latest science-fiction adventure, Fractal Noise: A Fractalverse Novel, for which the author created six illustrations.

Paolini, who holds the Guinness World Record for the youngest bestselling series author (an accolade he earned at 19), was homeschooled, and began writing Eragon at the age of 15. He self-published the novel in 2002 at 18. After Knopf picked up the novel and released it in August 2003, Eragon sold one million copies within six months, became a #1 bestseller, and paved the way for the similarly successful sales tracks of its Inheritance Cycle successors.

Published in 2005, Paolinis second novel, Eldest, sold more than 425,000 hardcover copies in its first week, making it the largest single-week sale ever recorded for a Random House Childrens Books titlehardcover or paperbackand the fastest-selling book in the publishers history at the time of its release. In 2011, Inheritance, the final installment in the series, sold 489,500 copies on its pub date, the highest first-day sale of any fiction or nonfiction adult or childrens title published in North America that year.

A Return to Alagaesia in Murtagh

Since concluding the Inheritance Cyle, Paolini had intended to revisit the World of Eragon because, he told PW, There are a host of stories therein that Id like to tell. Yet the initial inspiration for Murdagh was hatched by a random tweet Paolini received when he was working on his science fiction novel, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, several years ago.

A fan tweeted to ask me what Murtagh was up to at that moment, Paolini recalled. It was way past my bedtime, and I was feeling a bit punchy, and as a result, I replied, Murtagh enchanted a fork to be as deadly as any sword. He called it Mr. Stabby. Thorn was not amused. Absurd though it was, the idea stuck with me.

In 2018, that premise came to fruition. When I decided to finish a collection I had begun of short stories set in Alagaesia, I thought back to that tweet, Paolini said. With some adaptation, it formed the basis for the first story in what became The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Tales from Alagaesia, Volume One.

The story, in turn, eventually led to Murtagh. I could feel the outline of a larger tale coalescing around that core story, Paolini said, one that might serve as a proper, full-sized return to that world. His imagination pulled him back to Alagaesia, where Murtagh and Thorn, exiled to the outskirts of society, must find and outwit a mysterious witch.

Knopf executive editor Michelle Frey, who first acquired Eragon and has worked with Paolini on each of the Inheritance Cyle novels and his other World of Eragon titles, warmly welcomed Murtaghs reappearance.

Murtagh has always been one of my favorite characters in the Inheritance Cycleand hes a big fan favorite, too, Frey said. I think this is in large part because hes deeply flawed. He has done things that are wrong, but he is also a victim, and we can see where his scars come from. In this novel, Christopher shows Murtagh navigating his own path in the world. Its a path thats full of adventure and suspense, of coursebut its also a journey through his inner landscape.

Celebrating the Past, Speculating on the Future

Showcasing the art of Sidharth Chaturvedi, Eragon: The Illustrated Edition, has a 200,000-copy first printing on order. Sidharth did a wonderful job of capturing the look and feel of the world, Paolini said. I couldnt have asked for a better way to celebrate Eragons 20th anniversary. Fifteen-year-old me would have been thrilled beyond belief to have such a wonderful edition of Eragon.

Paolinis future writing plans are open-endedin a promising way for his fans. Venturing again into Alagaesia, via another standalone book or a spinoff series, is definitely something I would like to do, Paolini said.

Asked if he might embark on a fantasy adventure series set beyond the parameters of the World of Eragon, Paolini replied, Between my Fractalverse sci-fi series and Eragon, I have plenty on my writing plate for the rest of my lifeespecially if Disney+ gets its TV adaptation of Eragon [which is in early development] off the ground. But yes, thats also something I hope to doit will depend on how much time and energy I have.

Yet Paolinis next remark belies his concern about limited time and energy. As for the future, he concludes, I cant wait to write some of the books that Ive been daydreaming about for decades.

Murtagh by Christopher Paolini. Knopf, $29.99 Nov. 7 ISBN 978-0-593-65086-8.

Eragon: The Illustrated Edition by Christopher Paolini, illus. by Sidharth Chaturvedi. Knopf, $45.99 Nov. 7 ISBN 978-0-593-70446-2.
This month, Newbery and Caldecott Honoree Grace Lin set out on an East Coast tour to celebrate her new book, Chinese Menu (Little, Brown), which explores the origins of the most familiar dishes in American Chinese restaurants. Lin was joined by her friend and fellow author Debbi Michiko Florence, creator of the Jasmine Toguchi series, for a number of bookstore visits and signingswith plenty of stops for tasty treats along the way. Weve rounded up highlights from their travels, which they dubbed the Very Asian Book Trip.

Grace Lin (l.) and Debbi Michiko Florence wish for a successful trip on a daruma dolla Japanese wishing dollbefore they hit the road.

The author duo finally meets the group of patient readers who waited for them while they drove through the rain to Possible Futures, a community book space in New Haven, Conn.

Signing books at River Bend Bookshop in Glastonbury, Conn.

No Very Asian Book Trip would be complete without a stash of Very Asian Car Snacks!

Lin signs her books at the Toadstool Bookshop in Keene, N.H., with a Chinese name chop.

A sumptuous feast of noodles, soup, and scallion pancakes at Taiwanese restaurant T. Roots in Northampton, Mass.

The friends agree that bubble tea = a happy me in Northampton, Mass.

Grace Lin dining at Ms. Lin Chinese Cuisine in Millburn, N.J. You might say the menu had her name on it. All the dishes from the meal are featured in Chinese Menu: chow mein, General Tsos chicken, and moo shu pork. In a recent interview with PW, Lin called moo shu her favorite American Chinese dish. It wasnt in my moms repertoire, and we never had it at home. Id come home from college and wed go to the one Chinese restaurant in our town in Upstate New York, and Id always order the moo shu pork. I still do. Theres something about wrapping it up and that warm feeling I get. Its very fitting that Lins 12-stop tour wrapped up with something delicious.
W. W. Norton will take over distribution for both Yale University Press and Harvard University Press next fall, when it will begin selling titles set to be released in January 2025.

Both publishers have been distributed by TriLiteral LLC, a company formed about 20 years ago by Yale, Harvard, and MIT Press to specialize in the distribution of books published by university and academic publishers. TriLiteral was sold to LSC Communications (now called Lakeside Book Company after its acquisition by Atlas Holdings) in 2018, and Harvard, Yale, and MIT signed multiyear fulfillment agreements with TriLiteral. (MIT Press is now distributed by Penguin Random House).

In prepared comments announcing the new agreement, representatives from Norton and the two presses stressed how the lists of the publishers complement each other. It is a delight and a privilege to commence our publishing relationship with these two eminent presses, said Norton CFO and COO Jorie A. Krumpfer in a statement. With lists that span general and scholarly audiences, and with award-winning books that deepen and broaden understanding of the arts, sciences, social sciences, literature, and culture, the publishing programs of these presses reflect the highest ideals of our own. Steven Pace, director of trade sales for Norton, noted that Norton shares certain subject areas and authors with both presses.

"There are so many exciting parallels to celebrate in our partnership with W. W. Norton, said John Donatich, director of Yale University Press. Yale is not for profit, Norton is employee-owned, and we share so many fundamental values; our books demonstrate scholarly rigor, intellectual probity, literary luster, and marketplace success.

We look forward to working with one of the great enterprising independent publishers in the world, George Andreou, director of Harvard University Press, said.

Beginning next fall, Norton will handle sales and distribution of Yale and Harvards lists to wholesale, retail, and library accounts, as well as to specialty accounts and special sales venues.
Purdue researcher honored for service to nation in research of plant genetics

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Oct. 24) awarded the National Medal of Science to Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Plant Breeding & Genetics and International Agriculture, executive director of the Purdue Center for Global Food Security and Purdue University Presidential Fellow for Food Security and Sustainable Global Development. The award is the highest recognition the nation bestows upon scientists.

Ejeta studies sorghum, an ancient grain used widely as a food source for humans and livestock. He received the 2009 World Food Prize for his research in creating sorghum hybrids that are resistant to both severe drought and the destructive parasitic Striga weed. The resulting dramatic increase in sorghum production has helped feed hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.

"Gebisa Ejeta is one of the most impactful geneticists in the world, a remarkable leader at Purdue in food security research, and a role model of perseverance for all Boilermakers. Our university celebrates another prestigious and richly deserved honor, bestowed by the president of the United States, to Gebisa, and I am delighted to join him on behalf of our university at the White House ceremony today," said Purdue University President Mung Chiang. "With this latest exciting news, Purdue faculty and alumni have received 19 National Medals of Science, of Technology and Innovation, of Humanities or the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including three current faculty members."

Additional Information

According to the White House, Ejeta was honored for outstanding contributions to the science of plant genetics. By developing sorghum strains that withstand droughts and parasites, he has improved food security for millions. His advocacy for science, policy and institutions as key to economic development "has lifted the fortunes of farmers and strengthens the souls of nations."

Ejeta has served at the highest advisory levels of science and national policy, including as special advisor to the administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development, as science envoy of the U.S. State Department, and as a member of the National Academy of Sciences Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources. He also has been a member of the U.S. Board for International Food and Agricultural Development and the U.N. Secretarys Scientific Advisory Board.

Ejeta is an advocate for purpose-driven research. His own work is focused on elucidating the genetic and physiological mechanisms of important sorghum traits. Grain sorghum is the worlds fifth-most important cereal crop. With its superior drought tolerance and broad adaptation, sorghum is grown worldwide, serving as a staff of life for over 500 million people in developing countries, and is the second-most important feed crop in the United States. Ejeta's research addresses some of the most crucial traits of sorghum production and utilization, including nutritional quality; drought and cold tolerance; and resistance to pests, diseases and Striga. He also investigates concerns of global biodiversity, gene flow and the use of sorghum as a biofuel crop.

The goal of Ejeta's sorghum research program is the development, release and deployment of improved sorghum cultivars for both food and feed use. His sorghum research is generally characterized by its sustained commitment to translational approaches that generates products and technologies from research findings to impact farm productivity and the eventual utilization and profitability of the crop postharvest. He utilizes a variety of research tools and works in interdisciplinary collaboration with a number of other scientists and programs. Ejeta has released many inbred lines and improved sorghum varieties and hybrids for use both in the United States and in Africa. His cultivars have been successfully deployed in several African countries.

Graduate education, mentoring of professionals and developing partnerships are integral components of his sorghum research program. Ejeta has trained and mentored a large cadre of domestic and international students and professionals at Purdue and in collaboration with other institutions. He has led many collaborative agricultural research and development projects, catalyzed the creation of public and private seed enterprises, and facilitated the formation of public-private partnerships in collaborating countries.

Ejeta was born and raised in a small rural community in west-central Ethiopia and was awarded the nations National Hero Award, Ethiopias highest honor, in 2009. He earned his masters and PhD in plant breeding and genetics from Purdue, where he has been a College of Agriculture faculty member and researcher since 1984.

Purdue-affiliated national medal winners:

1969 Presidential Medal of Freedom, With Distinction: Neil Armstrong, alumnus

1969 National Medal of Science: Herbert C. Brown, former faculty

1979 National Medal of Science: Edward M. Purcell, alumnus

1982 National Medal of Science: Seymour Benzer, alumnus and former faculty

1991 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: F. Kenneth Iverson, alumnus

1991 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Stephen Bechtel Jr., alumnus

1994 National Medal of Science: Albert W. Overhauser, former faculty

1995 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Sam B. Williams, alumnus

2001 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Jerry Woodall, former faculty

2002 National Humanities Medal: Brian Lamb, alumnus

2003 Presidential Medal of Freedom: John Wooden, alumnus

2006 National Medal of Science: Rita R. Colwell, alumna

2006 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Leslie Geddes, former faculty

2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom: Brian Lamb, alumnus

2011 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Rakesh Agrawal, current faculty

2013 National Humanities Medal: Darlene Clark Hine, former faculty

2013 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Nancy W. Y. Ho, current faculty

2015 National Medal of Technology and Innovation: Nancy W. Y. Ho, current faculty

2023 National Medal of Science: Gebisa Ejeta, current faculty

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

Writer/Media contact: Tim Doty, doty2@purdue.edu
A Purdue Global graduate celebrates during an Oct. 21 commencement ceremony. Purdue Global awarded more than 2,200 degrees and certificates across three in-person and two virtual ceremonies on Purdue Universitys West Lafayette, Indiana, campus. (Purdue Global photo/Rebecca Robinos)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Building a dream and believing it will come true are what Kahil Cole (MBA 22) believes leads to success, and that was his message to his fellow Purdue Global graduates on Saturday (Oct. 21).

Coles keynote address centered on six building blocks  leadership, vision, communication, accountability, consistency and execution  which he presented to the nearly 1,400 in-person graduates and 850 graduates participating in virtual ceremonies.

Leadership comes with a price. You often make decisions that impact those closest to you, Cole said. Many times you dont get the opportunity to explain the decisions made, and often youre misunderstood. Like many graduating today, I enrolled in 10 p.m. Eastern courses to make sure I could support the needs at home. When talking about accountability with the graduates, Cole shared how he and his daughter, who was working toward a black belt in jujitsu at the same time he was enrolled in classes, would encourage one another to keep going throughout the process.

When I started school at Purdue Global, she was a yellow belt, basically starting the process. It took us four years, and we both quit three to four times each, but always looked at each other as accountability partners. I often bribed her with fruit snacks and jumpy house outings. She would simply look at me and say, Wait, are you a quitter, Dad?, Cole said with a laugh. Im proud to say that today, as I stand here speaking to you as a fellow Purdue Global alum, my daughter has also qualified to test for her junior black belt.

Cole also shared about his experience writing books, including two childrens books, and how another one of his building blocks, consistency, helped drive him to finish the task at hand.

Being consistent is key, and you also need to acknowledge and embrace the vision and dream, Cole said.

Cole closed his address by encouraging those listening to never stop chasing their dreams, even when events in life might find a way to try to bury those dreams.

Like many of you, my life has been built on the impossible, Cole said. My parents and sister inspired me early on. My childhood friends gave me the belief that I could be great, and my wife and kids let me know that nothing is impossible, on a daily basis. Ive written books, invested in a startup, mentored young people, executive-produced movies. My career is a dream come true. Completing my MBA and standing in front of you has been a top highlight for me. You built your dream and achieved it. Now start building your next dream, and show the world that every day, dreams come true.

The graduates, including 393 Indiana residents, are representative of all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. Eighteen countries were represented as well, including Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada, China, India, Peru, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. There were 329 graduates affiliated with the military. Fifty-five systemwide Purdue University employees were among those earning a Purdue Global degree or certificate via the Purdue Global education benefit.

Charity Thompson, Tawni Miracle and Matthew Birkett performed the national anthem during the three ceremonies. Thompson, who is from Florence, South Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Science in health science, performed at the first ceremony. Miracle, of Indianapolis, who earned her Master of Science in psychology, sang in the second ceremony. Birkett, who hails from Odell, Illinois, and earned his Associate of Applied Science in information technology, performed in the third ceremony.

Purdue Global is Purdues online university for working adults, with more than 35,000 students enrolled and an estimated 11,000 degrees and certificates awarded each year. The current student snapshot at Purdue Global includes these data points:

59% of students are 30 years of age or older.

40% of students are from underserved populations.

52% of students have a child or other dependents.

50% are first-generation college students.

Approximately 10,000 are military-affiliated students, a population that includes uniformed personnel, veterans and eligible dependents.

Saturdays ceremonies marked Purdue Globals 18th commencement since its formation in 2018.

Purdue Global is an expansion of Purdues 21st-century land-grant mission to provide educational access to all people. Purdue Global helps prepare students for whats next in their lives and careers by offering programs that lead to a degree backed by Purdue University.

The next Purdue Global commencement is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2024, in Irving, Texas.

Writer/Media contact: Adam Bartels, adam.bartels@purdueglobal.edu

Sources: Beth Smith, Kahil Cole
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijani Parliament's Chairperson (Speaker) Sahiba Gafarova has met with participants of the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) dialogue is being held in Baku on the topic "The results of the Global Summit on the SDGs 2023 and the role of the Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the implementation of the SDGs", Trend reports.

The speaker pointed out that the event held in Baku was dedicated to the pressing topic of "The role of Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the implementation of the SDGs" and expressed confidence that it will contribute to both the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and the strengthening of cooperation between auditing organizations.

She said that the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" and the SDGs adopted by the UN in 2015 are vital tools intended for sustainable socio-economic development and solving the challenges faced by countries systematically.

Gafarova noted that Azerbaijan is consistently working on implementation of the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". In this context, the speaker reminded that Azerbaijan is the first in its region and one of the first 12 countries globally to submit three voluntary national review reports to UN, and the parliament is making necessary legislative changes to achieve the SDGs.

Besides, she highlighted that cooperation among auditing structures, as organized in the format of the dialogue held in Baku, is particularly relevant and important for the targeted use of public funds in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as for enhancing transparency and accountability.

Gafarova highly praised the work of the Chamber of Accounts of Azerbaijan and its cooperation with the parliament.

The speaker also noted that extensive restoration efforts, including projects for "smart cities" and "smart villages", and the construction of the third airport (in Lachin district) which is nearing completion, in the areas liberated from Armenian occupation.

She added that these processes are closely related to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.

During the meeting, the Chairpersons of the Supreme Audit Institutions of Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Brazil, and Belarus - Metin Yener, Almazbek Akmatov, Walton Alencar Rodrigues, and Dmitry Basko expressed their satisfaction with their visit to Azerbaijan.

They also thanked the Azerbaijani side for the high level of organization of the 3rd Supreme Audit Institutions' Dialogue.

It was also noted that the outcomes of such meetings and the exchange of experiences will be beneficial for the future work of audit institutions.

The Chair of the Chamber of Accounts of Azerbaijan Vugar Gulmammadov expressed gratitude for organizing the meeting and expressed confidence that the event held in Baku will make a valuable contribution to the implementation of SDGs.

The third SDG Dialogue focused on the trends of SDG financing in Azerbaijan, as well as the role of supreme audit institutions in monitoring the effectiveness of public spending for the SDGs.

The previous two SDG Dialogue events were held in November 2022 and in June this year.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The PurdueVotes Coalition and Purdue Universitys ID Card Operations/Support will assist Purdue students needing a vote-ready physical identification to participate in the municipal election in November and the primary and the general elections next year.

Purdue students registered to vote in Tippecanoe County will either need a hard-copy Purdue ID with a printed expiration date, or an Indiana drivers license, a U.S. passport, a military ID or a free Indiana ID card from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Because of Indiana law, mobile IDs are not accepted as voting credentials at polling locations across the state.

Mobile First students who are eligible to vote in this years election can receive for free a vote-ready photo ID that meets state election requirements. Mobile First students will be directly notified by the university on the details for obtaining the vote-ready ID during a limited period ahead of the Nov. 7 election.

The vote-ready physical ID is a viable option for incoming Purdue Mobile First students this fall who were issued mobile credentials as their primary university ID through the Mobile First effort within Purdue Mobile ID rollout, said Tim Riley, university bursar and assistant controller for Purdue. While Purdues new Mobile ID will not meet the state of Indianas identification requirements to vote in municipal elections this fall and the general elections in 2024, this partnership means Purdue Mobile First students can obtain a free vote-ready ID to exercise their right to vote.

The vote-ready IDs, however, are not equipped with any technology and cannot be used by students in the place of their officially credentialed Purdue Mobile ID, according to Loribeth Hettinger, senior associate bursar of Purdue ID Card Operations/Support.

We understand there is strong interest by the engaged Purdue students to participate in the democratic process by voting, said Beth McCuskey, Purdue vice provost for student life. We want to be helpful to the Purdue students in our community in every way we can. Enfranchising them to vote is another way we can do that.

Additional Information

Students can register to vote in their home county and state, or they can register to vote in Tippecanoe County, but they can only register and vote in one place, according to Melissa Gruver, senior associate director for student leadership and civic engagement in the Roger C. Stewart Leadership & Professional Development Department who co-chairs the PurdueVotes Coalition.

To be eligible to vote, students must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Key election dates this fall:

Oct. 10  Deadline to register to vote in Indiana.

Oct. 24  Early voting begins in Tippecanoe County.

Oct. 26  Deadline to request an absentee ballot in Indiana.

Nov. 7  Election Day voting at Margerum City Hall in West Lafayette.

The PurdueVotes Coalition, with support from the Office of the President and the Roger C. Stewart Leadership & Professional Development Department, is a campuswide committee that includes members from important stakeholder groups that work together to increase student voting rates and help students form the habits of active and engaged citizenship.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top 4 in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, with 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 12 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap, including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes, at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

Writer and media contact: Phillip Fiorini, pfiorini@purdue.edu, 765-430-6189

Sources: Tim Riley

Beth McCuskey
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Kazakhstan contributes to restoration of Azerbaijan's liberated territories, the country's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during an event dedicated to Kazakhstan's Republic Day in Baku, Trend reports.

According to the minister, the creation of the Children's Creativity Center is intended to further strengthen bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the formation of creative youth and the development of art education in the region.

"The elevation of bilateral Azerbaijani-Kazakh relations to an alliance level is the result of the political will of the heads of states of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Ilham Aliyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The documents signed during President Ilham Aliyev's official visit to Kazakhstan in April of this year, including the 'Protocol on the Establishment of the High Inter-State Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan', open new opportunities for expanding multilateral cooperation between the countries," Shahbazov noted.

"The implementation of projects of mutual interest today, increasing trade volume, transit of energy resources through Azerbaijan, joint activities within the Middle Corridor, and expanding connections in other areas are some of the main goals of our cooperation," he also said.

The minister added that the Kazakh initiative to establish the Center for the Development of Children's Creativity in Fuzuli is an expression of fraternal relations.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center, which is being built at the expense of Kazakhstan, took place in the liberated city of Fuzuli in March 2023.

According to the project, the art school will be located on an area of 1.5 hectares. The two-story building of the center will have an area of 2,708 square meters. Each floor will have 300 seats. The necessary conditions will be created for teaching 600 students in shifts.


The UKs cross-media measurement initiative, Origin, has announced a Proof of Concept to test the use of viewing data from Smart TVs as the basis for measuring BVOD, other connected TV, and linear TV audiences. The trial uses ACR data from Samba TV. The UKs cross-media measurement initiative, Origin, has announced a Proof of Concept to test the use of viewing data from Smart TVs as the basis for measuring BVOD, other connected TV, and linear TV audiences. The trial uses ACR data from Samba TV.



Backed by ISBA, Origin is the UK implementation of a global WFA (World Federation of Advertisers) initiative to drive cross-media measurement  something advertisers have been calling for to make sense of increased media fragmentation when planning and optimising their ad spend. ACR (automatic content recognition) data from Samba TV is gathered from partner Smart TV manufacturers and is considered an independent source of first-party audience data  covering viewing from any input source (e.g., streaming services, VOD, linear TV, etc.)



In the first stage of the Origin PoC, the Samba TV viewership data will be used to capture TV viewing across linear TV, BVOD, SVOD and other connected TV (CTV) services. The tests will be conducted in partnership with Comscore and Kantar Media and will identify data accuracy under lab test environments.



In stages two and three of the tests, Origin will work with Comscore and Kantar Media to identify Samba TV datasets within the Kantar Media-operated Origin panel to understand key audiences and behaviours that are particular to the Samba TV population (i.e., homes where the ACR data is sourced). Kantar Media will then create personification models that can be applied to ACR data from up to one million TV sets in the UK.



Test stages two and three are slated for the first half of 2024. The production flow of ACR data will be managed by Comscore, which will allow Origin to measure BVOD services and will provide a foundation for enhanced TV ad audience measurement across linear TV services and CTV, too. The expectation is that if this approach is successful, it can be adapted to other large-scale TV data sources in the UK.



Joe Lewis Research Lead at Origin declares: TV measurement has, for the most part, been a panel-first approach, which has largely served us well. But, if we are ever to offer marketers the ability to really understand the true power of TV delivery, harnessing real granular deterministic and second-level data that we can tie to outcomes has to be on our roadmap.



Phil Smith, Director General at ISBA, comments These tests are a first step in answering our needs for measurement, especially with regards to television, which should be ubiquitous across all types of content on the screen. CTV is an ever-growing and important channel within the media plan, and having such powerful data sources at the heart of the Origin service will truly help us understand the contribution of that channel over others. We hope other TV data services will join in time, also.



Adam Holt, SVP EMEA, Comscore, says: We welcome Origins appetite to bring CTV data sources under the discipline of a media measurement framework in the UK and Sambas willingness to go first. Cross media ad measurement demands an expansion in the granularity of the data inputs, but only in a manner that meets the industrys needs for a transparent and validated methodology. That is what this pilot aims to deliver.



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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov has had a phone talk with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Trend reports.

During the conversation, the ministers discussed the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia, the prospects for the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, the current situation in the region, the results of the ministerial meeting within the framework of the regional 3+3 platform in Tehran, and also exchanged views on the agenda of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Caspian countries, which is scheduled to be held in Moscow in December this year.

The parties recognized tangible opportunities for fostering enduring peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and emphasized the significance of this historic chance that has emerged in the region.
Police: 8 children rescued in California after their mother abducted them from Arkansas foster homes

Authorities say they rescued eight children in California after they were abducted by their biological mother and found roughly 1,500 miles from their foster homes in Arkansas
Athens-Clarke County police responded to the 1300 block of College Station Road on Oct. 24, regarding reports of a stabbing, according to an ACCPD press release. Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 12:17 a.m. and located the victim, who had multiple stab wounds.
The Clarke County Sheriffs Office will host its annual fall festival on Oct. 27 from 5-9 p.m. at their training center at 2900 County Farm Road, according to a press release.

The festival is free and will include activities such as trapeze performances, face painting, hay rides, a haunted house and a cake walk, the release said. There will also be snacks, such as hot dogs, popcorn, candy apples and trick-or-treat bags.
As the weekend falls just days before Halloween, many students choose to dress up in costume to hit the beach. In previous years, students have worn inflatable costumes or chosen a group theme, like onesies. This year will be no different. The Red & Black asked UGA students about their thoughts on Frat Beach costumes and their expectations for the outfits.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday suspended operations at Redbird Flight Training Academy, one of Indias largest flight schools, across all five of its training bases in the country.

This action was taken after five accidents involving the institutes planes in the past six months.

The DGCA announced it would conduct an audit of the academys maintenance practices and also proficiency checks of the institutes flight instructors before allowing it to resume operations.

These occurrences indicate a gap in maintenance and operational elements, the DGCA said in a statement.

The DGCA has accordingly suspended the operations of M/S Redbird Flight Training Academy at all their bases in the country.

The academy, which boasts a fleet of approximately 40 aircraft and reportedly plans to add another 20 planes by the end of March next year, did not respond to queries from Business Standard until the time of going to press.

In the past week alone, two of the academys training aircraft crashed in Baramati near Pune.

On October 19, one person suffered minor injuries after a training aircraft experienced an engine-related snag and loss of power, leading to a crash.

In another incident on October 22, two occupants of a training aircraft sustained injuries after the plane made an emergency landing due to a loss of power.

Redbird has training bases spread across India and overseas in locations, such as Baramati (Maharashtra), Lilabari (Lakhimpur, Assam), Gulbarga (Karnataka), Belagavi (Karnataka), Seoni (Madhya Pradesh), and Colombo (Sri Lanka).

This is not the first time the DGCA has cracked down on flight training academies in the country.

In March 2022, the civil aviation regulator ordered a safety audit of all 30 flying training organisations (FTOs) after two training aircraft were involved in separate non-fatal accidents.

One accident occurred in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, when the pilot of an aircraft allegedly forgot to open the landing gear.

The second plane crash-landed on the runway in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, last year.

In an audit completed in June last year, the DGCA found FTOs violating multiple safety regulations.

It observed that facilities at FTOs were not being maintained as per requirements  the runway surface was worn out, wind socks were torn or non-standard, and testing equipment was either not in compliance with requirements or not calibrated as required.

The regulator also found that pre-flight alcohol test regulations were not followed at multiple FTOs.

Based on these findings, it issued suspension orders to two certified flying instructors for a year, two for three months, one deputy CFI for a year, two deputy CFIs for three months, one assistant flying instructor for three months, and one student for three months.

In August of the same year, Redbird Flight Training Academy partnered with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to provide pilot training to its students on A320 aircraft.

Under this partnership, Airbus was to deliver both theory and full flight simulator sessions for its jet orientation course (JOC) and multi-crew cockpit co-operation (MCC) to academy students.

Airbus did not respond to queries from Business Standard until the time of going to press.

In November 2022, DGCA had issued a circular instructing flight training schools to install cameras and monitor flight data.

This action was taken to enhance surveillance of these training institutes and curb malpractices that were detected during the safety audit conducted in March.

As of July 2023, India had 36 FTOs operating at 57 bases.

The government aims to promote and regulate training infrastructure for India's civil aviation sector to make the country a global flight training hub and prevent Indian cadets from seeking training at foreign academies.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) awarded nine FTO slots at five airports -- at Belagavi (Karnataka), Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), and Lilabari (Assam) in 2021. In 2022, six FTO slots were awarded by the AAI at five airports -- two slots at Bhavnagar (Gujarat), and one each at Hubballi (Karnataka), Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), Kishangarh (Rajasthan), and Salem (Tamil Nadu).
Delhi's air quality improved marginally on Tuesday but remained in the 'poor' category, according to monitoring agencies.

IMAGE: A smoggy morning near India Gate in New Delhi. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo

The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 220, improving from 263 at 4 pm on Monday.

The 24-hour average AQI settled at 218 in neighbouring Ghaziabad, 179 in Faridabad, 158 in Gurugram, 170 in Noida and 248 in Greater Noida.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

On Sunday, Delhi's air quality turned 'very poor' for the first time since May, mainly due to a drop in temperature and wind speed, which allowed pollutants to accumulate. A few incidents of firecracker burning were also reported from parts of Delhi on the occasion of Dussehra on Tuesday.

In accordance with the practice of the last three years, Delhi had last month announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers within the capital city.

A public awareness campaign, 'Patakhe Nahi Diye Jalao', will be soon reintroduced to discourage burning of firecrackers.

Unfavourable meteorological conditions and a cocktail of emissions from firecrackers and paddy straw burning, in addition to local sources of pollution, push Delhi-NCR's air quality to hazardous levels around Diwali every year.

On Monday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the government has identified eight more pollution hotspots in addition to the existing 13 in the national capital and special teams will be deployed there to check pollution sources.

Rai said the government has also decided to use suppressant powder to prevent dust pollution in the city.

Dust suppressants could include chemical agents like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lignosulfonates and various polymers. These chemicals work by attracting and binding fine dust particles together, making them too heavy to become airborne.

The minister also said the government will relaunch a campaign to curb vehicular pollution on October 26, a year after Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena put it on hold, questioning its effectiveness.

Sources in the city government's environment department said the LG's permission will not be required for the "Red Light On Gaadi Off" campaign this year as the participants will not receive any honorarium, unlike in previous seasons.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the terrorist group on Tuesday released two more hostages, The Times of Israel reported, adding that they were identified as Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz.

IMAGE: A video screengrab of Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak) being released by the Hamas on October 23, 2023. Photograph: Al-Qassam Brigades, military wing of Hamas/Handout/Reuters

According to the report, a military helicopter ferrying the two freed hostages landed on the roof of Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Citing a nurse at the Ichilov Hospital, The Times of Israel reported that Cooper and Lifshitz appeared to be in good health after arriving at the Israeli Medical Centre, directly upon their release from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

The two elderly hostages had an emotional reunion with their families, the nurse told The Times of Israel.

Both the freed hostages were on medication that they may not have received during their two weeks of captivity.

The nurse said the hospital authorities will come to a better understanding of their condition in the morning, The Times of Israel reported.

Earlier, Hamas's Qassam Brigades published a video showing the two hostages being handed over to members of the International Red Cross.

In the video, the two women, wearing identical purple robes, walk unsteadily holding the hands of masked gunmen, who also offer them snacks and drinks. Both appear terrified through much of the footage, according to The Times of Israel.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan posted on X that Washington welcomes the release of these hostages and is continuing to work for the release of the remaining hostages, believed to be numbering over 200.

Earlier, two American hostages, identified as Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natali Raanan, were released by Hamas, CNN reported, adding that both were from Chicago.

According to their family members, they had been visiting some relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel, and were released on "humanitarian grounds" due to the mother's poor health.

They were released following negotiations involving Qatar and Hamas, according to CNN.

Earlier, on Saturday, Hostages and Missing Families Forum headquarters in Israel launched a "Lighting up the Light" campaign for the early return of hostages.

As part of the campaign, the families of the hostages and the missing persons called on Israeli citizens to "light up" for five minutes in a show of solidarity and strength for the hostages, at the Museum Tower, 4 Barakovich St. in Tel Aviv.

Along with the families, hundreds across the country joined the initiative, including members of the Knesset, the country's primary legislative body, municipalities, malls, stadiums, theatres, and more.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday performed "shastra puja" in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang and celebrated Dussehra with Army soldiers in the strategically key region that is close to the frontier with China.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs "shastra puja" in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang. Photograph: @rajnathsingh/X

Singh, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, also carried out a comprehensive review of India's military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and lauded the troops for guarding the border with "unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage."

In an interaction with soldiers after visiting Bum-La and number of other forward posts, Singh asserted there is no option but to bolster the country's security apparatus in view of the current global scenario.

Singh's celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers at a military base that is not very far from the LAC comes at a time India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years.

Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil, Singh said after performing "shastra puja" (worship of weapons) at a military base.

The defence minister also visited the Tawang war memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war with China.

Tawang is a centre for Buddhism and key region having significant strategic importance. India has been ramping up military infrastructure in the region in the last few years. Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a clash along the LAC at Yangtse in the Tawang sector on December 9 last year.

"No amount of appreciation is enough for the way you are guarding the border in difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that people of the country are proud of you," he told the troops.

The defence minister expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their "unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage" while guarding the borders in tough conditions, and ensuring that the nation and its people are safe.

In his remarks, Singh said all efforts are being made to strengthen the nation's military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment.

"Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons and platforms are being manufactured within the country," he said.

"Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores," he said.

In his address to the soldiers, the defence minister described the "righteousness and dharma" of the brave armed forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi.

Singh has been performing "shastra puja" during Dussehra for the last several years, including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

The defence minister said the valour and commitment of the armed forces is one of the main reasons behind India's rising stature globally and that it is now among the most powerful nations.

Singh cited India's success in the economic sphere as one of the reasons for the country's growing global profile. But at the same time noted that if the armed forces hadn't guarded the country's border effectively, then its stature would not have risen.

Citing his recent tour of Italy, the defence minister recalled his visit to Montone memorial which has been built to honour the contribution of Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers who fought in the Italian campaign to liberate Montone in World War II.

He added that not just Indians, but even Italian people pay their respects at the memorial, which is proof that the bravery of Indian soldiers is recognised globally.

The defence ministry said Singh was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the deployment of cutting-edge military equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops.

Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors following the eastern Ladakh standoff.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has defended his minority verdict on some aspects pertaining to same-sex marriages and said he stood by it as the judicial opinions are sometimes a "vote of conscience and a vote of the Constitution".

IMAGE: Students holding placards protest against the Supreme Court's verdict on same-sex marriage, at North Campus in New Delhi. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

On October 17, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by the CJI unanimously refused to accord legal recognition to same-sex marriage, saying there was "no unqualified right" to marriage.

However, the CJI and Justice S K Kaul were in minority on the issues of right to form civil union and right of adoption of queer couples.

Speaking candidly at the 3rd Comparative Constitutional Law discussion co-hosted by the Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC and the Society for Democratic Rights (SDR), New Delhi about him being in minority in the same-sex marriage judgements, the CJI said, "I do believe it (judgement) is sometimes a vote of conscience and a vote of the Constitution and I stand by what I said."

He said the CJIs have been in minority on rare occasions.

"But there are 13 significant cases in our history where the Chief Justice has been in a minority. And, I do believe, sometimes it is a vote of conscience and a vote of the Constitution and I stand by what I said," he said.

"Therefore, we said that, well, it's time for Parliament to act. Apart from that, that's where I got into a minority. I said, though we cannot therefore entrench into the domain of Parliament. Nonetheless, there were sufficient foundation principles in our Constitution, to allow for recognition of same sex unions in terms of civil unions," he elaborated.

"Three of my colleagues, another colleague joined me in this, but three of my colleagues felt that to recognise a right of forming unions was again beyond the judicial domain, and that it must be left to Parliament," the CJI said.

On the fundamental issue as to whether same sex couples should have the right to form binding unions and cohabit traditional relationships, three of my colleagues, though they recognised that they do have the right, he said, "we cannot elevate this to a Constitutional right."

"The other area in which I was in a minority was whether same sex couples have the right to adopt... I said that well, same sex couples, queer couples have the right to adopt a child because under Indian law, a single individual can adopt a child, a woman can adopt a child. So, I said if they are together, there is no reason to deny them the right to adopt the child merely because they are in a queer relationship," he said.

"So on the broader aspect, there was a unanimity, but on the right to form unions and adoptions, I was in a minority of two as against three of my colleagues," the CJI said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) dialogue is being held in Baku on the topic "The results of the Global Summit on the SDGs 2023 and the role of the Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the implementation of the SDGs", Trend reports.

The dialogue will be co-chaired by the Chairman of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development, the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan.

The third SDG Dialogue will focus on the trends of SDG financing in Azerbaijan, as well as the role of supreme audit institutions in monitoring the effectiveness of public spending for the SDGs.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said the Manipur violence was orchestrated, and blamed outside forces for the situation in the north eastern state.

IMAGE: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses the RSS Dussehra rally at Nagpur. Photograph: @RSSorg/X

Meiteis and Kukis were living together for a long time there. It is a border state. Who benefits from such secessionism and internal conflict? Outside forces also benefit. Were people from outside involved in what happened there, Bhagwat asked.

Addressing the RSS Dussehra rally at Nagpur, Bhagwat also said cultural Marxists and woke elements are using their influence in media and academia to spoil the country's education and culture.

He said the idol of Lord Ram will be installed at Ayodhya temple on January 22, and asked people to organise programmes at temples across the country to celebrate.

On the Manipur situation, Bhagwat said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in Manipur for three days. Who actually fueled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen."

"Which foreign powers may be interested in taking advantage of unrest and instability in Manipur? Does the geopolitics of south east Asia also have a role in these events," he asked.

When peace restoration is in sight, some incident occurs. It widens the gap between the communities. Who is behind the people who were doing such acts? Who is instigating the violence? he asked.

The RSS chief said he was proud of the Sangh workers who worked in Manipur to restore peace.

Bhagwat cautioned against attempts to garner votes by inflaming emotions ahead of 2024 general elections.

He asked people to vote keeping in mind unity, integrity, identity and development of the country.

He referred to the use of "toolkits" that incite violence and create mutual mistrust and hatred. Those who wish for unity cannot insist that all problems should first end before we think about unity. We will have to work peacefully and with restraint, without getting distracted by sporadic events, he said.

Three elements, devotion to the motherland, pride in forefathers, and common culture, make us one nation by tying together all diversities of language, region, religion, sect, caste and sub-caste, Bhagwat said, adding that even those who follow faiths originating from outside India should uphold these elements.

Bhagwat said cultural Marxists and woke elements promote anarchy, chaos and corruption. With their influence in media, academia and other sectors, they seek to disrupt societal orderliness, morality, culture, dignity, and restraint, he added.

Lauding the government for successfully hosting the G20 Summit, Bhagwat said, Everyone witnessed Bharat's genuine goodwill and diplomatic tact in getting the African Union accepted as a member.

By successfully holding the G20 Summit, our leadership has done a commendable job of firmly establishing Bharat as a major nation on the global stage," Bhagwat said.

The desire to preserve the identity of Bharat and the identity of the Hindu society is only natural. It is no surprise, then, that a crisis-ridden world expects Bharat to emerge with a new vision based on its own value systems, to meet the contemporary needs and challenges of the globe, he said.

The world is facing the scourge of fanaticism, arrogance, and hysteria stemming from religious sectarianism. Any solution to conflicts like the war in Ukraine or the Gaza Strip, which arise due to a clash of interests and extremism, remains elusive, he said.
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Press Release

October 24, 2023 OPENING REMARKS DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING ON

Proposed Resolutions on Reclamation

COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Joint with

COMMITTEE ON URBAN PLANNING, HOUSING AND RESETTLEMENT

24 October 2023 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m.

Sen. Recto and Sen. Laurel Rooms, 2/F Right Wing, Senate This is our second public hearing on two (2) proposed Senate resolutions filed about the land reclamation projects in the country: 1) Proposed Senate Resolution No. 300 filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros; and 2) Proposed Resolution No. 759 filed by Minority Leader Koko Pimentel. Here is a brief recap of what transpired during our first public inquiry, in aid of legislation, held on September 27 on the said 2 resolutions: * Along with the Chair, the authors of the mentioned resolutions, Senators Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros attended the hearing. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was also present. * Resource persons from relevant government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector were likewise present. * Due to the absence of former EMB Director William Cunado, who issued various controversial ECCs for reclamation projects, the committee has issued a subpoena to ensure his attendance at today's hearing. * EMB Director Gilbert Gonzales provided presentation on the Reclamation Application process, explaining the involvement of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the DENR in the process. * Atty. Literal of PRA addressed questions about the standard Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that PRA has with reclamation proponents and the joint venture agreements between LGUs and private entities. He clarified that the MOU specifies mandatory requirements and timelines for reclamation projects, starting with a PPP ordinance from the local government and including a bidding process, award, and joint venture agreement. * DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga assured the committee that the DENR is finalizing its memorandum of agreement with scientists to conduct a Cumulative Impact Assessment for the Manila Bay reclamation. * Drawing from personal experiences, the Chair spoke about her two-decade-long opposition to reclamation projects, particularly the Alltech reclamation project in Las Pinas City and highlighted the importance of the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park, a legislated protected area and a Ramsar-listed Wetland of International Importance. She also raised questions about the ECC issuance process, particularly regarding the reinstatement of Alltech's previously canceled ECC. * Senators Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros explored the complexities of ECC issuance. Senator Pimentel wanted a clear understanding of the process and to whom authority is delegated. * On the other hand, Senator Hontiveros shared her concerns about the environmental impact of such projects. She was particularly worried about a Chinese state-owned contractor involved in reclamation work in Manila Bay. She questioned the Philippine Reclamation Authority if there were any concerns about this contractor's connections to a Chinese company known for aiding China in its militarization efforts in the West Philippine Sea. She also probed into the Coastal Impact Assessment and the potential adverse effects of reclamation. She inquired about the approval processes and its potential consequences for flood control, stressing the importance of designating certain areas as "no-go zones" for reclamation. * Several experts and stakeholders were given the floor to share their perspectives: o Mr. Rodrigo Narod Eco from UP Maritime Science Institute (UP MSI) addressed the effects of large-scale reclamation on the environment and coastal communities. He emphasized that natural hazards could escalate into disasters when they affect human populations. He also brought forward evidence showcasing the land subsidence resulting from reclamation, making areas more prone to hazards like storm surges, sea-level rise, and liquefaction. o Dr. Laura David, also from UPMSI, underscored the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of Manila Bay. She stressed the importance of safeguarding habitats essential for food security and discussed the negative repercussions of reclamation on these habitats. o Representing the Manila Yacht Club, Mr. Ildefonso Tronqued voiced concerns about maritime safety, specifically pointing out obstructions in Manila Bay. o Mr. Esteban Sy, from Sofitel, raised alarms regarding the potential flooding and pollution stemming from reclamation activities. He emphasized the need for engaging stakeholders and ensuring the effective management of sewage. o Mr. Yu of GSIS expressed his support for halting reclamation activities until comprehensive ecological impact studies are conducted. He pointed out GSIS's extensive property holdings in the concerned area and appreciated DENR's data-centric approach. He also lamented the vanishing views of Manila Bay's iconic sunset. o Mr. Danilo Axalan, representing the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, discussed the authority's role and apprehensions regarding how reclamation might impede the navigational highway. o Atty. Gloria Ramos, speaking on behalf of Oceana, stressed the significance of considering the environmental aftermaths, the impending threats of climate change, and the well-being of coastal communities. She raised pertinent issues concerning fisherfolk and environmental defenders and strongly advocated for public access to environmental impact statements. o From the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, Dr. Arvin Diesmos emphasized the need to prioritize environmental impacts in any reclamation project. He shared insights gleaned from the ASEAN region about the implications of reclamation. Committed to the cause, Dr. Diesmos extended offers of technical support and assured the committee of a forthcoming report. o Mr. Fernando Hicap of PAMALAKAYA dived deep into the environmental and societal repercussions of reclamation. He highlighted the dire effects on marine ecosystems and the subsequent strain on fishermen's livelihoods, also touching upon the forced displacements resulting from reclamation activities. * The Chair requested the Philippine Reclamation Authority to provide the committee with copies of various Memoranda of Understanding it entered into, pertaining to reclamation projects. Senator Cynthia Villar also asked the PRA to furnish the documents and permits related to the clearances from MARINA, the Coast Guard, and the National Security Council. These documents, submitted by the Chinese contractors, came in response to queries from Sen. Hontiveros, emphasizing that these permits were essential before the contractors could start their operations. * Overall, the 1st public hearing was an exploration into the complex world of land reclamation, its potential impacts, and the various stakeholder perspectives on the issue. We are still in the process of discovery as we push forward with our second hearing on the subject matter.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The UN will expand cooperation with Azerbaijan, said Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

She made the remark during the third SDG dialogue on the topic "The results of the Global Summit on the SDGs 2023 and the role of Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the implementation of the SDGs.

Andreeva noted that stable, sufficient financial opportunities are needed to keep up with development.

"One of the sources of financing is the state budget. The UN family will constantly work with partners in Azerbaijan, and we will expand our cooperation within the framework of this summit. Over the next few weeks, we will take advantage of opportunities that will push us forward and hold useful discussions," Andreeva said.

The third Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) dialogue is being held in Baku on the topic "The results of the Global Summit on the SDGs 2023 and the role of the Supreme Financial Control Bodies in the implementation of the SDGs".

The dialogue is co-chaired by the Chairman of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development, the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Vagif Khachatryan and his brother participated in the Meshali massacre in Azerbaijans Khojaly district, Elman Alishov, a victim of the Meshali events said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the trial of Vagif Khachatryan, accused of committing genocide in Meshali village in Khojaly district.

According to Alishov, his 78-year-old mother was shot dead by an Armenian sniper during the attack on the village.

"Vagif Khachatryan was personally involved in the attack. I saw him several times. Armenians surrounded Novruz's house and murdered him. I watched him get whacked with an axe," the victim added.

The rapporteur on the criminal case is Judge Jamal Ramazanov.

In past trials, a court investigation was initiated, the prosecutor announced the indictment. Then the accused and victims of the case were questioned in court.

Armenian citizen Vagif Khachatryan, who is on the international wanted list in connection with the Meshali genocide, was detained at the Lachin border checkpoint in July this year.

In December 1991, the criminal group, which included Khachatryan, killed 25 Azerbaijanis, wounded 14 people, and expelled 358 Azerbaijanis from their legal place of residence in Meshali village.

In connection with the emergence of sufficient grounded suspicions, a decision was made to bring Vagif Khachatryan as an accused under Articles 103 (genocide) and 107 (deportation or forced resettlement of the population) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A measure of restraint in the form of detention was chosen against him.

About 59 people were recognized as victims in the criminal case.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijan's internal affairs servicemen continue activities to collect ammunition and explosives from abandoned military positions of Armenian armed forces in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, the Barda regional group of the press service of the Interior Ministry told Trend.

The group noted that the activities carried out by employees of the Aghdam district police department in the area of Chullu village resulted in the seizure and handover of two mortars, seven machine guns, four machine guns, a significant amount of cartridges of various calibers, and other ammunition to the relevant authorities.

Chullu village was liberated from Armenian occupation following the 2020 second Karabakh war.
Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe has now opened its first Minnesota location in the CityPlace shopping and dining district at 265 Radio Dr., Suite K in Woodbury. The local community is now welcome to visit the stunning new restaurant and enjoy the Art of Eating Crepes! An official grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration is planned for the coming weeks.

Sweet Paris in Woodbury is owned by local Strategic Partners Tenacity Restaurant Group. The group is led by CEO Dustin Wetzel, CFO Pete Thelen, and Strategic Advisor Dan Vansteenburg, seasoned executives with extensive experience developing restaurant concepts across the Twin Cities since the early 2000s. With their keen insights on trends and tastes across Minnesota, they embarked on a search of new and exciting concepts they could partner with and bring to their market.

"When our team discovered the franchising opportunity with Sweet Paris, we recognized that this was a perfect fit for us and the Woodbury community," said Dustin Wetzel. "Everything about the brand, from the authentic menu to the charming store design that transports you to the streets of Paris, brings a unique experience that the people of Minnesota will be excited about. We couldn't be happier with the opening at Woodbury and look forward to showcasing the Sweet Paris experience to all our local guests."

The Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe in Woodbury is operated by General Manager Jean Erb, who has over 25 years of experience supporting local establishments and leading teams in the food service industry all over the Twin Cities. She leads a team of approximately 30 employees who provide the impeccable level of service and elevated experience that characterizes the Sweet Paris brand.

"Having led many teams over my career, being a part of developing the Sweet Paris' team in Woodbury is an exciting new experience for me," said Erb. "The atmosphere of the Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe will deliver a phenomenal dining experience to Woodbury. We have put together a team of enthusiastic individuals who are ready to excel with the brand. I am confident our expansive menu, top-notch service and one-of-a-kind space will soon be a staple of this community."

Guests are encouraged to sign up for the Sweet Paris Passport to receive exclusive monthly promotions, a birthday bonus, collect points and use them for purchase, receive texts regarding upcoming giveaways, and receive bonus entries for giveaways.

"Our team is thrilled to be working with Tenacity Restaurant Group to bring the Sweet Paris concept to communities in Minnesota that are eager for something new and fresh," Allison Chavez said. "Located in the CityPlace shopping and dining district, the Woodbury store is well-positioned to become the hub for casual gatherings and special celebrations alike, and we cannot think of a better way to kick off Sweet Paris' introduction to the Midwest!"

The Woodbury Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe is the brand's first store in Minnesota and the 15th store overall in its portfolio. Tenacity Restaurant Group will bring three additional units to Minnesota as part of the 4-unit agreement signed with the brand in 2022, stores that are part of the 23 units Sweet Paris currently has in various stages of development in Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, and Oklahoma.

Sweet Paris Woodbury is open Sunday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Following the recent surprise attack against Israel by the Islamic militant group Hamas, a photo spread among Chinese social media users who claimed it shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sending his son to the front lines.

Separately, Chinese media outlets posted a clip alongside a claim that it shows Egyptians sending supplies on foot into Gaza amid the conflict.

Both claims are false. The photo of Netanyahu and his son was in fact taken in 2014, while the video has been circulated online since September 2023. Keyword searches found no credible reports to back the claims.



A photo of Netanyahu and his wife standing in front of their son Avner was widely circulated on Chinese social media outlets including NetEase and Weibo.

Netanyahu sends his own son to war, while a terrorist leader sends someone elses son to war. Thats the difference, reads the Weibo post posted on Oct. 12.

Following Hamas Oct. 7 attack, a new round of conflict erupted between the Israeli military and the militants, who are considered the de facto political power within the Gaza Strip. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties, with more than 4,000 total deaths in the week since the war began.

A purported image of the Israeli prime minister sending his son to the front line in the current Israeli- Hamas war is actually an old photo from 2014. (Screenshot/Weibo, NetEase & X)





But the claim is false.

A reverse image search on Google found the image first appeared in a report published by the Israeli online newspaper The Times of Israel in December 2014.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, seen with their son Avner, at the Jerusalems Ammunition Hill on December 01, 2014, the caption of the photo reads. The photo is credited to Kobi Gideon, a photographer for Israels Government Press Office.

Netanyahu later noted that Avner completed his three years of military service.

Keyword searches found no credible reports or announcements that confirm Avner is participating in the current conflict between Israel-Hamas.

Egyptian aid

Separately, local Chinese media outlets also circulated a video published on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent to TikTok, alongside a false claim that it shows Egyptians sending supplies on foot to people in Gaza.

A number of videos on Douyin purporting to show Egyptians delivering aid to Gaza after the recent outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas are misrepresenting videos of unrelated events. (Screenshot/Douyin)





But a reverse image search on Google found the identical video published here on X, formerly known as Twitter, in September 2023.

Libyan / Egyptian border, the caption of the video reads.

Comments left on the post suggest that the clip was filmed on the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia and that it showed a local smuggling operation taking place.

The video purportedly showing Egyptians delivering supplies to Gaza appeared on X in September 2023. (Screenshot/X)





AFCL was not able to independently verify the location where the video was filmed, but it can confirm that the clip has no relation to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) is a branch of RFA established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. Our journalists publish both daily and special reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of public issues.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023" joint tactical exercises between Azerbaijani and Turkish armed forces continue, Trend reports.

During today's exercises, Azerbaijani and Turkish commando units carried out joint actions to liberate positions located on the contact line with the notional enemy and advance troops, using radio interference against the notional enemy's UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and preventing it from fulfilling its combat mission (reconnaissance).

In order to ensure the safety of the flights of the Air Force's aircraft and helicopters, an operation will be conducted to create obstacles to the activities of the notional enemy's Air Force means.

Additionally, organized advancement of units will be ensured, maintaining the achieved firepower superiority and facilitating the movement of tactical groups and special purpose groups formed by Azerbaijani and Turkish military personnel.

Moreover, after the opening of passages through minefields by engineering units, joint tactical and special groups will carry out raids on the positions of the conditional enemy, take measures to destroy it and capture the front line, and destroy the 9K720 Iskander and OTR-21 Tochka tactical missile systems of the conditional enemy using Bayraktar TB2, while it is planned to capture the positions of the conditional enemy by infantry by firing and maneuvering, as well as landing troops from infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

An airborne landing consisting of special-purpose groups from both countries will also be carried out behind the conditional enemy's line to capture an official.

The exercises are dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye.
One of the social media discussions was about rich Cambodians acquiring second passports in Cyprus.

From left: Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua, Eng Chhai Eang and Ho Vann  all former Cambodia parliamentarians now living in exile  were among those sentenced.

A Cambodian court on Tuesday sentenced exiled opposition leaders Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua and 10 other activists to prison terms in a case connected to social media comments made in 2021.

The remarks were made in an early 2021 Facebook discussion about whether Cambodians should temporarily stop paying loans as the COVID-19 pandemic slowed business activity around the country.

Another set of Facebook comments stemmed from a news story about high-ranking officials buying citizenships in Cyprus, a European Union member state where a highly lucrative citizenship-by-investment scheme has attracted some rich Cambodians seeking a second passport.

Sam Rainsy, Mu Sochua, Eng Chhai Eang and Ho Vann  all former parliamentarians from the now banned the Cambodia National Rescue Party  were sentenced to eight year prison terms, fined 4 million riel (about US$966) and banned from running for political office for five years.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Li Sokha also issued an arrest warrant for the four CNRP leaders, all of whom live outside of Cambodia.

The CNRP had been the countrys main opposition party until late 2017 when the Supreme Court dissolved it after it made substantial gains in local communal elections.

The partys leader, Sam Rainsy, lives in France and has been convicted in absentia several times since 2016 in cases opposition officials have criticized as politically motivated.

The CNRPs vice president, Mu Sochua, lives in the United States, as does Eng Chhai Eang and Ho Vann.

This is not a crime

Defense lawyer Sam Sok Kong told Radio Free Asia that his clients only expressed their political views in the Facebook discussions. He added that the judge never summoned his clients back to Cambodia to testify before the court.

This is about freedom of speech for public figures, he said. This is not a crime. This is a right guaranteed by the constitution and international law.

The other activists in the case received five year prison sentences, although one defendant who defected to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party earlier this year  Roeun Veasna  had his five-year prison term suspended.

All 12 defendants were convicted of incitement and conspiracy to commit treason.

Just one of them, CNRP activist Voeung Samnang, was in the courtroom on Tuesday. He screamed out that the verdict was politically motivated just before guards escorted him back to jail.

His wife, Teang Chenda, told RFA that the verdict was meant to hurt an innocent person who wants democracy for Cambodia.

The court didnt have concrete evidence but still convicted him, she said. The verdict has impacted my children psychologically.

She added that her husband was also convicted on a separate set of charges related to his political activism and is facing a total of 11 years in prison.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed.
In this Nov. 7, 2012, filephoto, U.S. and Chinese national flags are hung outside a hotel during the U.S. Presidential election event, organized by the U.S. embassy in Beijing. Washington and Beijing are currently trading accusations of massive espionage operations by the other side.

Chinas top espionage agency says a Chinese citizen has been accused of spying for the United States and is being tried in the southwestern city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

The details of the case, which involve a researcher surnamed Hou, who allegedly turned American spy while studying in the U.S. in 2013, were revealed by state television media, which reported Sunday that Hou is a nuclear physicist or researcher.

Hes accused of continuing to work for the U.S. upon his return to China until his arrest in Sichuan in 2021.

According to state-run tabloid Global Times, Hou willingly engaged in more than 20 encounters with representatives of U.S. spy and intelligence agencies, providing top-secret intelligence information on China's national defense and its military.

The Chinese reports coincided with a 60 Minutes report about international Five Eyes intelligence chiefs warning of the unprecedented threat of Chinas state-sanctioned hacking.

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in Washington, U.S., June 23, 2021. Wray calls China the biggest threat to U.S. national security. Credit: Reuters

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that China represents the defining threat of this generation.

There is no country that presents a broader, more comprehensive threat to our ideas, our innovation, our economic security, and ultimately, our national security, Wray told 60 Minutes.

He added that there were currently some 2,000 active U.S. investigations related to Chinese government efforts to steal information.

You have [in China] the biggest hacking program in the world by far, bigger than every other major nation combined, said Wray.

In July this year, Chinese hackers breached U.S. government email servers after a month of forging digital authentication tokens to access federal government email servers hosted on Microsofts Outlook email platform.

China, which has its own concerns, is holding its corner and has enacted a slew of anti-espionage laws and regulations over the past year.

National security is the foundation of national rejuvenation, the Global Times opined earlier this year in a reference to Chinas version of Make America Great Again.

Li Wei, a researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, a leading research institution on national security, told the Global Times that foreign espionage forces, led by the U.S. are reaching new heights.

Relying solely on professional counter-espionage police is no longer sufficient to cope with the current situation. Therefore, we need to seek the support of the public and encourage them to provide more clues, Li added.

Walls have ears

In August this year, Chinas security ministry opened an official account on WeChat, which has more than 1.3 billion active monthly users  think of it as X, Facebook and daily banking all rolled into one  calling on Chinese citizenry to enhance the awareness of counterespionage of the whole society, and form a strong joint force to maintain national security.

At the time, Chinese state media said it was a necessity to put all of China on an anti-espionage footing as a result of new criminal activities that endanger national security.

A girl walks past WeChat mascots inside TIT Creativity Industry Zone where Tencent office is located in Guangzhou, China May 9, 2017. Picture taken May 9, 2017. Credit: Reuters

Less than a month after that National Security Law came into effect, Chinas top security agency, the Ministry of State Security, or MSS, accused a government worker of spying for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

It was the second such spying accusation in August this year, as Beijing continued to ramp up an anti-espionage campaign that it says every Chinese citizen should participate in.

Associate Professor Chongyi Feng of the University of Technology, Sydney in Australia told RFA at the time that since the new National Security Law was implemented, Chinas anti-espionage efforts have gone into a state of hyper-vigilance.

This newly implemented law empowers security personnel to commit injustice. They have a strong motive to fabricate false accusations to gain merit. They can easily concoct a story and then release it to the world. Its a mechanism of persecution thats extremely terrifying, Feng said.

Bill Bishop, in his widely read Sinocism Substack pointed out Monday that Chinas MSS  obviously sensitive to accusations of overreach  made a statement in its WeChat account about Misinterpretations and Facts of [the] Counter-Espionage Law.

"The vast majority of voices respect and support Chinas legitimate legislative activities, although there have been some misunderstandings, and even malicious accusation and smear, Chinas MSS said on social media.



The MISCONCEPTION [by MSS reckoning]  Bishop adds, is that the Counter-Espionage Law was enacted in 2014, and revised in 2023, in no way suggesting that China is overreaching on counterespionage issues.

Meanwhile, according to Chinese-language state-media reporting, In July 2021, criminal coercive measures were taken against Hou, and he has now been transferred to the Chengdu Intermediate Peoples Court for trial.

The case is currently under further review.

More than 99% of Chinese criminal cases result in a guilty verdict.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Even things that are high priorities are getting cut in the face of this economic slowdown

Chinas military may be more aggressive than ever before, but economic woes could force some tough spending decisions that slow its continued rise, two U.S. defense officials said Monday.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council about the Pentagons latest China Military Power Report, an annual evaluation of Beijings military power mandated by Congress, the officials said Chinas economic troubles coincided with higher costs of military modernization.

They are getting into areas that are more expensive and more technologically complex, said Michael Chase, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia.

Chase said Beijing relied more on the Peoples Liberation Army as an instrument of advancing its foreign policy objectives than ever before, and that an economic slowdown would not likely change that.

But U.S. officials, he said, were watching whether a slowing economy imposes some trade offs between different projects that are important components of PLA modernization. He listed the building of aircraft carriers, nuclear weapons and foreign bases as big-ticket items.

We're probably beginning to see some of that evidence, and I think we'll see more of it over time, he said. They're becoming increasingly technologically sophisticated and, therefore, increasingly pricey.

Nuclear threat

Released last week, the China Military Power Report says Beijing last year continued to build its nuclear weapons arsenal and may even be considering building missiles capable of reaching the United States.

It also reiterated last years report that said China is the U.S. militarys top pacing challenge and the the only competitor with the intent and increasingly the capability to reshape the international order.

University graduates attend a job fair in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province, Aug. 10, 2023. Credit: AFP





Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security, told the Atlantic Council on Monday that despite that assessment, he agreed that Chinas economic issues had thrown a spanner in the works  both for the military and for its regular diplomacy.

We may be seeing some of those trade-offs already, Ratner said. We have seen for instance, over the last couple of years, Belt and Road investments by [China] dropping dramatically around the world.

The Belt and Road Initiative was one of the top priorities for the leadership in Beijing when it was launched 10 years ago, he said, but because of their economic slowdown, you see them less able and less willing to be supporting those kinds of investments overseas.

So even things that are high priorities are getting cut in the face of this economic slowdown, and the PLA will be no different over time.
Li and former foreign minister Qin Gang are removed from official posts after disappearing from public view.

Chinese President Xi Jinping formally removed Defense Minister Li Shangfu [left] and former Foreign Minister Qin Gang [right] from the State Council.

Ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday formally sacked his defense minister, who is reportedly under investigation by the party's disciplinary arm, and ousted former foreign minister Qin Gang from the State Council following his sacking from his ministerial post in July, state media reported.

Xi signed a presidential decree removing Li Shangfu as Chinas State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, just seven months after he gave him the job.

The same decree also removed Qin Gang as State Councilor, according to a brief announcement made via state news agency Xinhua.

The Oct. 24 decree gave no reasons for the move, and no replacement for Li, who has been missing from public view since Aug. 29, has yet been named.

Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu takes his oath during a session of China's National People's Congress in Beijing on March 12, 2023. Credit: Andy Wong/AP

Reuters reported last month that Li is under investigation by Chinese authorities, in connection with the procurement of military equipment, according to a regional security official and three people in direct contact with the Chinese military, the agency reported on Sept. 14.

"#China apparently now has no Minister of Defence," Oxford University politics professor Patricia M. Thornton posted to her X account.

"Who will host the Xiangshan Forum next week?" she wrote, in a reference to Beijing's Asia-Pacific peace and security cooperation forum that runs from Oct. 29-31 in the Chinese capital.

Li Shangfu was also removed from his position as a member of the Central Military Commission, Xinhua said, citing a separate decree.

Asia Society politics fellow Neil Thomas said via X: "We don't know for sure yet, but I believe this adds weight to the view they are purged."

Li is the second senior Chinese official to go missing after the recent disappearance of former foreign minister Qin Gang, who is reportedly in hot water over an alleged relationship with U.S.-based Phoenix TV reporter Fu Xiaotian, in June.

The disappearances of Li and Qin from public view came as Xi also removed the commanders of the country's nuclear arsenal from office, prompting U.S.-based former Peoples Liberation Army Navy Lt. Col. Yao Cheng to comment that they may have been unwilling to wage war on democratic Taiwan.

In its report on Li's ouster, the nationalist Global Times newspaper focused on Li's former role as director of China's main satellite launch sites in Xichang, and his "major role" in lunar exploration missions.

The paper also noted that Li went on to serve as the deputy commander of the Strategic Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from its founding in late 2015, before becoming the head of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission in 2017.

Logistics, procurement and equipment have been highlighted by defense experts as key elements in any plan to invade Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is interviewed by Phoenix TV anchor Fu Xiaotian in March 2022. Credit: Screenshot from YouTube video

The paper also mentioned the sanctioning of Li and his department by the Trump administration in 2018 for purchasing Russian weapons, including Su-35 combat aircraft and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.

"The sanction later became a trouble to China-US military exchanges when Li became the Chinese defense minister," the paper said.

Before becoming foreign minister, Qin was Chinas ambassador to the United States and known as a "wolf warrior"  combative Chinese diplomats who are quick to denounce perceived criticism of China.

A close ally of party leader Xi Jinping, he stepped down in January after being promoted by Xi  which makes his ongoing disappearance and the questions around it extremely politically sensitive.



Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie.
Uyghurs and North Koreans are forced to process seafood destined for the United States, they say.

Former fishing slaves who were rescued by the Indonesian government from the remote island of Benjina, Indonesia, gather at a temporary shelter in Tual, Indonesia, April 20, 2015.

North Korean and Uyghur slaves are processing seafood for Chinese companies that export to the United States, experts and lawmakers told Congress on Tuesday, with customs officials struggling to identify and keep the tainted fish off Americans plates.

The experts told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that even U.S. military caterers were buying fish caught or processed by laborers trapped in jobs from which they cannot escape  and who are seldom paid a living wage.

Such seafood is hard to differentiate from legally caught and processed fish, they said.

Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey and the chair of the committee, said there was ample evidence China-based companies are exploiting the forced labor of Uyghurs and North Koreans to undercut international competitors, including in the United States.

From fish sticks to calamari, these products infiltrate the supply chains of major restaurants, wholesalers, and even find their way into the meals served in American schools and military bases, he said, adding that it violated laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Smith said he and Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon who is the co-chair of the commission, had written a joint letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for an investigation into the weakness of our system in allowing fish to pass customs.

Tough to trace

Ian Urbina, director of The Outlaw Ocean Project, said that seafood, as the world's last major source of wild protein, was a distinct global commodity where labor exploitation could be particularly profitable.

Workers process tilapia fish at a factory in Wenchang, Hainan province, China, June 20, 2018. (Reuters)

Despite being the worlds biggest food commodity by value, he explained, wild seafood is harder to track than many other products because it is by definition caught far away from the prying eyes of authorities, making it easy to mask slave labor in supply chains.

Between bait and plate there are an inordinate number of handoffs of this product, Urbina said. It goes from fishing ship to refrigeration ship, to port, to processor, to cold storage, to exporter, to U.S. importer, to distributor or food service company, and then finally to a restaurant, to grocery store or public food pantry, military base or public school.

These many handoffs make it tougher to trace the true origin of the catch, and to ensure there is no forced labor or other environmental crimes in the supply chain, he said. He added the few auditing services that exist do a very poor job at identifying slavery.

Forced labor in fisheries took place in two distinct realms, he said.

At sea, he said, it is endemic and enforced by debt bondage, human trafficking and beatings, with Indonesians often the victims. But it also occurs at processing plants on Chinas coast, using North Koreans as well as Uyghurs transferred from Xinjiang province against their will.

More than 1,000 workers from Xinjiang have been forcibly relocated to at least 10 seafood processing plants in Shandong that supply dozens of major U.S. food brands, Urbina said. The ethnic minorities pressed into service do not have an option to say no to these jobs.

North Koreans

The use of North Koreans to process seafood destined for the United States is a long-running issue, according to Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea.

The North Koreans transferred to China face inhumane working conditions and are not allowed to contact the outside world, he said, and were only paid a small sum after returning home after years of work, often forced to moonlight for cash while in China.

The Chinese companies pay the North Korean regime mostly based on production volume, Scarlatoiu told the commission .

Men mainly carry frozen fish blocks and women sit down and peel fish or squid or sort clams and crabs by size. Most of the North Koreans work the whole day in cold storage, he said.

The pungent smell inside is unbearable, he said. North Korean workers at the Chinese seafood processing plants usually work about 10 hours a day, but if production targets are not met, the workday can extend to over 12 hours.

Scarlatoiu added the true origin of the products of their labor was then often obfuscated to aid its passage to Europe or the United States.

There are reported instances of processed seafood marked Made in China being shipped out of Vladivostok, where labels are switched to Made in Russia, and exported to third countries, he said.

Difficult solutions

Each of the experts said a solution to the problem would be hard to find, given how difficult it can be at a port-of-entry to differentiate illegally caught or processed seafood from legitimate catches.

But Robert Stumberg, a law professor at Georgetown University and expert in trade law, said there was an easy fix to at least part of the problem: implement the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by blacklisting more companies known to use forced labor.

Stumberg said the Entity List of Chinese companies banned from exports to the United States due to the use of forced Uyghur labor had grown from 20 to just 27 companies since 2021, despite thousands of pieces of evidence about other entities being submitted.

Thea Lee, deputy undersecretary for international labor affairs at the Department of Labor and a member of the commission, responded that administration officials were trying to use those tools that Congress gave us as effectively as we can without cutting any corners.

It's been very slow going; it's been frustrating, I think, to all of us, Lee said, adding the department was focussed on figuring out what can withstand legal challenge, [and] what can be as robust as possible.

Edited by Malcolm Foster
Matsu, once frontline in the struggle against communism, is transforming itself to attract tourist money.

Ai ni (Love you)  reads a telegram dated Dec. 13, 1978. It was probably sent by a military wife or girlfriend to her man stationed in Matsu during the time of heightened cross-strait tension.

Its on display as part of an art exhibition held at the Matsu Biennial Arts Festival.

Missing Wormhole of Matsu returns to the war zone administration era between 1956 and 1992 on Matsu, the curators said, describing the gravity of longing in the stacks of telegraphs, the piles of spent phone cards in the hundreds, and each turn, loop, and stroke on handwritten letters

In the late 1950s and 1960s, the outlying islands of Matsu and Kinmen, occupied by the Chinese Nationalists, came under artillery barrage from the Chinese mainland, especially during the so-called Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958. Intermittent shelling continued until 1979.

At its wartime peak, Matsu hosted around 50,000 troops, dwarfing the number of civilians. The tiny islands, just a stones throw away from mainland China, served as a buffer zone between communism and Nationalist Taiwan.

Taiwans frontier islands were useful from a military perspective -- providing both intelligence-collection platforms and also positions from which to threaten a Chinese assault force heading towards Taiwan, said Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine colonel who spent a year studying Taiwans defenses. Chinese military planners cannot ignore this threat.

And don't forget the political significance of Taiwan-owned-and-occupied islands anywhere  and especially near the Chinese mainland  that demonstrate Taiwan's viability and existence as an independent nation, he added.

Throughout his presidency (1950-1975) the Nationalist party Kuomintangs leader Chiang Kai-shek, who had to retreat to Taiwan in 1949 after being defeated in the Chinese Civil War, continued making preparations to take back mainland China.

Even now, anti-Communist slogans such as Recover the Mainland and Liberate Our Mainland Compatriots can still be seen on some of the buildings in Matsu.

Credit: Lienchiang County





A New York Times journalist who visited the islands in 1976 noticed the sense of visiting a living tension point when he was guided past soldiers carrying rifles and full field packs, tanks and cannons.

 soldiers on constant alert man radios and telephones, plot coordinates on highly detailed maps  and spring to attention when senior officers walk in them, wrote journalist Donald Kirk.

Over the past four decades, the military of the Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan) constructed numerous facilities and dug hundreds of tunnels in Matsu, creating a massive labyrinth that runs across both Matsus main islands of Nangan and Beigan.

Many of the tunnels are now open to visitors as tourist attractions, a testament to changing times.

Demilitarization of Matsu

The policy of gradually opening up outlying islands including Matsu and Kinmen has been in place for almost 20 years, said Su Tzu-yun, a senior analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) in Taipei. That means the military risk is seen as reducing.

Taiwanese authorities have moved most of the military personnel from Matsu and now they just have token forces, along with sensors, radar, and some missile units, according to Paul Huang, research fellow at the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation.

This reduction in troop level is logical, since China might not bother with invading these outer islands at all as the primary battle for the PLA is in winning or destroying assets and key points on Taiwan, Huang said, referring to the Peoples Liberation Army.

This trend continues even as China stages large-scale military exercises in the area in response to major political developments such as President Tsai Ing-wens transit through the United States or, before that, then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taipei.

Taiwanese military boats patrol the Matsu Islands on April 9, 2023, the second day of Chinese military drills in response to Taiwans president meeting the U.S. House speaker in California. Credit: Yan Zhao/AFP

Matsu residents hold drills from time to time to prepare for Chinas attacks and the military conducts regular patrols around the islands but the sense of urgency and tension has long gone.

Some locals are resigned to the fact that theres little civilians can do should the Chinese military launch an assault from the mainland, which lies less than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) away.

The islands are indeed difficult to defend, especially given the PLAs rapid expansion and capability improvements over the last couple decades, said Grant Newsham.

But by seizing one or more islands, Beijing would be tipping its hand and would provoke a serious reaction from the U.S. and other free nations, both military, economic and political, he told Radio Free Asia.

For his part, INDSRs Su Tzu-yun argued that a Chinese attack on Kinmen and Matsu will be a political dilemma for Beijing.

Since it does not occupy Taiwan, it is meaningless to occupy the outer islands, Su said. Therefore, Taiwan should gradually reduce its military strength on the outer islands to compensate for the defense needs of the homeland.

Since martial law was lifted in Kinmen and Matsu in November 1992, civilians can travel to the outlying islands for sightseeing and visiting family and friends.

As the islands are so close to the China coast of Fuzhou, mainland visitors have been coming, too.

In search of Matsu Blue Tears

Busloads of tourists stream into Beihai tunnel, one of the larger underground passages that the Taiwanese army dug into a hillside in the early 1970s in Nangan Township. With a total length of 700 meters (0.4 miles) and an opening to the sea, it can accommodate up to 120 small naval vessels.

Wooden boats for tourists tied up at a wharf inside the Beihai tunnel on Nangan, part of Matsu Islands on March 7, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Johnson Lai

These days though, there are only tour groups paddling around the waterlogged tunnel longing to see the famous Matsu Blue Tears  the glowing sparkle exuded by marine plankton.

Outside, a row of naval landing vessels rests on the sandy beach and above them looms a gigantic statue of Goddess Mazu, guardian of Chinese seafarers.

Fifteen minutes away by ferry lies Beigan, the second largest island in Matsu, where the abandoned Jun Hun (Military Spirit) power station built by the army in a tunnel in 1973 has opened its doors to visitors.

I dont feel any sense of insecurity or threat here, said Wu Qinyi, a 22-year-old artist who was doing sketches outside the station. Wus mother is from Fuzhou just across the sea and she said its proximity with Matsu made her feel comfortable.

Wu Qinyi, 22, is a visiting artist from Kaohsiung. Credit: RFA

Many of Matsus 14,000 inhabitants have relatives or friends in mainland China, some of them also own properties there.

We want to boost business and tourism with China, said Magistrate Wang Chung-ming, head of the local government in Lienchiang County, the official name of the Matsu islands.

A member of the Kuomintang party, Wang assumed office in December 2022 and he has been actively promoting cross-strait exchange and trade.

Opportunities and challenges

Since 2001, the outlying Matsu and Kinmen islands were ofcially opened as pilots for cross-strait communication, trade, and navigation (commonly known as the small three links). As a result, the two archipelagos began receiving a large number of tourists from the Chinese mainland, which led to an expansion of services.

Developing the islands as tourist destinations is a way to enhance and demonstrate Taiwan's control of the islands, which perhaps offers some political advantage, even as the prospects for successfully defending from an all-out Chinese attack worsen, said analyst Newsham.

Before the COVID pandemic, Matsu welcomed more than 200,000 tourists a year but the numbers dropped after a cross-strait tourist ban was imposed in February 2020. Only in March this year, travel was resumed for Taiwanese business people and Chinese spouses, allowing transit via the small three links connecting China with Kinmen and Matsu.

Wang Chung-ming himself traveled to Fujian Province in December 2022 to discuss the resumption of links.

Opportunities often come hand in hand with challenges, said Wang when asked about doing business with mainland China. Our ideology is aligned with Taiwan but we need to work to improve peoples living standards.

Wang Chung-ming is the current head of the Lienchiang County government. Credit: RFA

On Fuao Harbor in Nangan, a statue of the late Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek casts a dark shadow on the green shrubs around him. Behind the statue, an inscription written by Chiang during a visit to Matsu and carved on the Fushan wall can be seen when you take the ferry to Beigan.

Waiting for sunrise with a spear for a pillow  the inscription was Chiang Kai-sheks instruction to soldiers and residents of Matsu to always be alert.

There has been talk among the public about taking them down given the association to Taiwans military past. Matsu islanders nowadays prefer not to have to greet visitors with spears.

Tourists tour a memorial hall on Nangan island in the Matsu islands, on April 10, 2023. Chiang Kai-sheks inscription can be seen above the hall. Credit: Jack Moore/AFP





Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
The foreign ministers trip comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and South China Sea.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 13, 2023.

Updated Oct. 24, 2023, 06:03 a.m. ET.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is to pay an official visit to Washington D.C. later this week, the U.S. State Department announced late Monday.

Wang will be the most senior Chinese official to visit the United States since the beginning of the year. His visit on Oct. 26-28 is taking place amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Ukraine and the South China Sea.

The State Department said in its announcement that the Chinese foreign minister will be hosted by his counterpart Antony Blinken, who visited China in June.

The two top diplomats will discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to responsibly manage the U.S.-China relationship and to maintain open channels of communication, the announcement said.

U.S. media including the Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed government sources who said that one aim of Wangs visit is to prepare for a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.

Chinese officials have yet to confirm Xis attendance at the meeting, which will take place in San Francisco from Nov. 15-17. If he attends, it would be the Chinese presidents first trip to the U.S. in more than six years.

The last time Xi visited the U.S. was in April, 2017, to meet with Donald Trump at the then-presidents Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Xi Jinping and Joe Biden last met in November 2022, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia.

Managing bilateral ties

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has, however, confirmed Wang Yis trip.

Spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that Wang will have in-depth exchanges of views with senior U.S. officials on Sino-U.S. relations and international and regional issues of common interest.

Wang is also expected to have friendly exchanges with people from all walks of life in the United States to demonstrate China's principled position and legitimate concerns on Sino-U.S. relations.

Mao said that China hopes both countries will cooperate to strengthen communication and dialogue, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences, and jointly push China-U.S. relations back to the track of healthy and stable development.

Wang Yi was re-appointed as Chinas foreign minister in July after Qin Gang was dismissed for reasons still not officially announced.

Washington and Beijing have been at odds over a number of issues including their own perspectives on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as Chinas assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Only on Monday the U.S. condemned Chinas dangerous and unlawful actions in obstructing a Philippine vessel near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea at the weekend. Washington again vowed to defend Manila in any armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft  including those of its Coast Guard  anywhere in the South China Sea.

The Pentagons annual report on Chinas military power said Beijing is becoming more dangerous, provocative and coercive.

The U.S. government has also repeatedly warned against Chinas continuous diplomatic, political, and military pressure on Taiwan.

The United States will continue to use diplomacy to advance U.S. interests and values, address areas of difference, and make progress on shared transnational challenges, the State Department said while announcing Wang Yis visit.

Efforts by U.S. military officials to engage in talks with Chinese counterparts have been constantly snubbed by the latter, the Pentagon said last week.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Updated to include comment from China's foreign ministry spokesperson.
The news comes amid Seoul witnessing an increase in the number of North Koreans crossing the border.

A North Korean flag flutters at the propaganda village of Gijungdong in North Korea, in this picture taken near the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, South Korea, July 19, 2022.

South Korean authorities said Tuesday it detained a North Korean boat carrying four people believed to be seeking to defect, to assess the legitimacy of their intentions.

The small, wooden vessel was stopped off South Koreas eastern city of Sokcho after being spotted near the inter-Korean maritime border early on Tuesday, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

In collaboration with the Korean Coast Guard, the vessel was taken under custody off the eastern coast of Sokcho, it said, adding that the South Korean military, using coastal surveillance tools such as radar and Thermal Observation Device (TOD), had been monitoring the ship.

The military statement did not disclose how many people were on board, but the Korean Coast Guard said four North Koreans were on the vessel.

An official from South Koreas Unification Ministry told reporters in Seoul that relevant authorities are currently investigating the matter but refused to elaborate further.

A South Korean government official, who asked for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, however, told Radio Free Asia that they had expressed their intent to defect.

South Korea usually prepares a pan-governmental team, comprising investigators from its military, police, intelligence agency, and unification ministry, for an investigation. The primary objective of these investigations are to confirm the identities of the escapees, and assess the genuineness of their intent to defect.

The Unification Ministrys measured stance Tuesday on confirming the escapees defection intent stems from the necessity to adhere to the official joint investigation procedure. While infrequent, instances have arisen where individuals reverse their decision during the probe and indicate a wish to go back to the North.

Should their intention to defect be verified as genuine, it would mark the second known instance of North Koreans crossing the maritime border seeking defection in recent times, following an incident in May where two families of nine individuals crossed the western NLL on a fishing boat.

South Korea, during the previous Moon Jae-in administration, sent back two North Korean fishermen in 2019 who were believed to have killed 16 crew members on their ship while traversing the sea border.

The latest news comes amid Seoul witnessing an increase in the number of North Korean escapees, crossing the border. According to data compiled by the Unification Ministry, the number of North Korean escapees entering the South has reached a total of 139 by the third quarter of this year, 40 more individuals from the second quarter.

The ministry official told reporters it remains uncertain whether the number will continue to grow in the future. But Chinas repatriation of North Korean escapees shortly after the Hangzhou Asian Games indicates that those who want to escape from the country may choose to directly cross the inter-Korean border with the South.

Human Rights Watch reported earlier this month that Chinese authorities had forcibly returned over 500 North Koreans to the reclusive nation. Most of these North Koreans were civilians and religious figures who were arrested while attempting to travel to South Korea from China, RFA has learned.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
The project to construct a route to a Vietnamese seaport is expected to be completed by 2028.

A train and cargo are seen at Vientiane South Station in Laos, Aug. 9, 2022. A new Laos-Vietnam railway will connect Vientiane to the Vietnamese seaport of Vung Ang.

Construction of the Laos-Vietnam high-speed railway is expected to begin in early 2024, but its potential impacts on villagers who live along the planned route through Laos Khammouane province have not yet been made public, provincial officials and residents said.

The US$6.3 billion, 555-kilometer (345-mile) railway is being built under a public-private partnership and will connect Laos capital Vientiane to the Vietnamese seaport of Vung Ang in Ha Tinh province. The cross-border railway is a joint venture between Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company and Vietnams Deo Ca Group Joint Stock Company.

The project is part of a larger plan by the Lao government to build several new railroads to increase trade in the mostly poor, landlocked country.



The 150 kilometers (93 miles) of railway built during the first phase of construction in Laos will run from the Lao-Thai border in Khammouane provinces Thakhek district to the Lao-Vietnamese border.

During phase two, 313 kilometers (194 miles) will be built from the Laos-Thai border to Vientiane. The project survey and design for this phase has yet to be completed.

The projects environmental impact assessment and an environmental and social impact assessment have been completed but not disclosed to the public, the sources said.

An official from the provinces Department of Natural Resources and the Environment told Radio Free Asia that he didnt know how many Lao residents would be affected by the construction because the companies involved have not shared the information with him.

Everything has to be based on the information from the companies, he said Monday. I have not seen any reports about how many families and villages will be affected. The district has not been informed.

Major infrastructure projects in Laos, such as hydropower dams and other railways, have caused the forced relocation of villagers and the loss of land they use along with their planted crops. Those affected have complained of being shortchanged on monetary compensation offered by the companies involved in the projects.

An official from Khammouane provinces Peoples Council told RFA on Monday that he has not seen the assessments either, so he doesnt know how many villagers will lose their land or be relocated.

Representatives of companies involved in the Laos-Vietnam railway sign the contract for the project in Vientiane, Laos, Aug. 31, 2023. Credit: Vientiane Times

Villagers express concern

Some residents who believe they may be affected by the project said they have not received any information, and there is no relevant office they can go to for information about the projects impacts.

A villager in Thakhek district said he has not received any information about the railway construction project and that provincial administrators have not informed villagers because they are afraid that some will oppose the project and demand fair compensation.

With other development projects in the province, some affected residents complained about receiving low compensation, he said.

The villagers were not happy about receiving compensation that was less than the market value of land they lost, he said.

The Lao government rarely reports on this via state media, the villager added.

Another villager in Mahaxay district said she learned about the railway project via social media, but officials have yet to inform villagers about the potential impacts.

The signing ceremony for the construction took place in Vientiane in late August between Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company, South Koreas Yooshin Engineering Corporation, and Korea National Railway, which were tasked with conducting a detailed design study of the railway before construction began.

Chanthone Sitthixay, chairman of Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company, told Lao Star Channel on Aug. 31 that phase one of the railways in Laos was expected to take a little over two years to complete.

In Vietnam, the railway will span 103 kilometers (64 miles) from the Laos-Vietnam border to Vung Ang seaport.

The Laos-Vietnam railway is expected to be completed and enter into operation by 2028.

Translated by Phouvong for RFA Lao. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.
A pilot program was ignored by the public and attacked by the armed resistance.

Public opposition to a pilot census program conducted by Myanmars junta this month has been so strong that the likelihood of a meaningful survey ahead of planned elections is extremely slim, according to experts.

The junta hopes to carry out a survey to get an accurate headcount in the lead up to polls it wants to legitimize its grip on power following the militarys Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat, but critics say any vote would be neither free nor fair.

Earlier this month, pro-junta media reported that a pilot census was being conducted from Oct. 1-15 in 20 townships in Naypitaw and 14 regions and states around the country.

But members of the public told RFA Burmese that they have other, more pressing concerns on their minds, while the anti-junta Peoples Defense Force, or PDF, paramilitary group has vowed to do whatever it takes to stop it.

People arent interested [in the census], because it is being done by the junta, said Tun Myint who, like others interviewed for this report, used a pseudonym due to security concerns. People are struggling to earn a living, so they are interested in neither elections nor a census.

The resident of Yangon regions Dagon Myohit township said junta authorities had been going door to door during the pilot program, taking the names of the heads of households and questioning occupants about whether or not they live there.

Regardless, the people are not cooperating, he said.

Prior censuses have been conducted by respective ward administrators, sources said, but this time, only a handful of staff from the census bureau have been interviewing residents, along with junta soldiers in plain clothing.

San Oo, of Mandalays Pyi Gyi Tagon township said that while his area was on the list for this years pilot census, he hasnt seen anyone conducting it there.

In 2022, they already carried out a headcount, but now they are saying they will do it again, he said. [Last year] the heads of wards timidly went from house to house to take the lists [because they knew no one wanted to take part]  This year, there has been no household survey yet [because of the strong opposition].

PDF attack on pollers

While the public is rejecting the newest census effort, the PDF has said it will take action to prevent it.

On Oct. 6, PDF forces attacked a group that traveled to Monywa citys Tha Pyay Taw village to conduct a survey as part of the pilot project. The attack left one police officer dead and another one wounded, residents told RFA.

Workers collect census data in Yangon, Myanmar, on Jan. 11, 2023. Credit: RFA

Attempts by RFA to contact Myint Kyaing, the juntas minister of immigration and population, for comment on the pilot census and the public reaction went unanswered Tuesday.

But Thein Tun Oo, the executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, which is made up of former military officers, told RFA that it is a normal process for the junta to conduct the pilot census, as accurate population data is needed to hold elections.

There is a normal process that the census will be taken once a year and [authorities will] ensure it is accurate if an election is to be held, he said. People are only criticizing it because the process and the election are nearly overlapping.

Thein Tun Oo dismissed the attack on the pilot census group in Monywa and the PDFs vow to disrupt any would-be headcount as the actions of those who do not want stability for the country.

We will block it

Its not clear when the junta plans to hold elections, if at all.

The military regime originally planned a poll for this year, but last month, junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing told his cabinet that it wouldnt take place until after a national census in October 2024, which implies that an actual vote wouldnt happen until 2025 at the earliest.

Bo Galone, a PDF official in Sagaing regions Yinmarbin township, said there will be no census if his group has anything to say about it.

We will block it using all possible means, he said. They recently conducted the population survey for the first time in [Sagaings] Pale township. We launched an attack while they were carrying it out. Since then, they have not taken any more surveys.

Myanmars military carried out its first coup in 1962 and an election was finally held in 1990  the results of which the then-junta dismissed. The results of the countrys 2015 election, in which Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy won a supermajority of seats in parliament, were the first to be generally accepted.

Min Aung Hlaing has said that he will hand over control of the country to whichever party wins in the polls.

Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijan has defined the principles for the development of activities in the energy sector based on market relations and free competition, Trend reports.

This issue has been reflected in a new draft law "On energy industry" discussed in the Azerbaijani Parliament.

The draft law envisions ensuring the development of activities in the energy sector based on market relations and free competition is through:

- setting prices for goods, works, and services in the energy sector based on supply and demand, except for prices regulated by the state.

- non-interference by the state in the activities of energy entities, except in cases provided for by law.

- contractual regulation of relations between energy entities and between energy entities and energy consumers.

- taking measures to prevent the emergence of monopolies in the energy sector, other restrictions on competition, and/or unfair competition.

The areas of activity of natural monopolies in the energy sector are defined by the Republic of Azerbaijan's law "On natural monopolies" and are carried out in accordance with this law.

In accordance with paragraph 11 of Part I of Article 94 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the draft law defines the general legal, economic, and managerial bases of activities in the field of energy, as well as mechanisms for ensuring energy security, creating a healthy competitive environment, supporting sustainable economic development, and providing consumers with reliable, high-quality, affordable, and safe energy.

The draft law was put to the vote and adopted in the third reading after discussion.
The entrance to Monywa Prison in Myanmars Sagaing region, is seen in an undated photo.

Myanmars junta gave life sentences to six men, lawyers told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.

In a five-day military trial ending Monday, a tribunal sentenced the men for alleged acts of terrorism.

The punishment is especially harsh because they were sentenced in an area under martial law, one lawyer said.

"If they can hire a lawyer for cases like these in civil courts, the maximum prison sentence is just 10 years, he told RFA.

The Northwestern Military Command tribunal found them guilty of supporting their local Peoples Defense Force and related activities prohibited under the countrys notorious counter-terrorism laws.

The trial started on Thursday in Sagaing region in northwest Myanmar, where those accused include people from four townships.

Pale townships Zayar Myo and Than Zaw Linn, Shwebo townships Min Khant Kyaw, Banmauk townships Than Naing Oo and Indaw townships Hein Min Thu and Zaw Myint Tun all live in areas under harsh military law.

Heavy punishments have often been imposed by the military just on suspicion after martial law was declared in Sagaing region, an official of the Yinmabin townships Peoples Defense Force said.

"If anyone is even suspected of supporting the revolution without participating, severe punishments are handed down. They [the junta] are above the law, he said.

Given the large presence of anti-junta groups in the area, some resistance soldiers say the military has begun arresting people without any due cause.

In early September, seven people in Sagaing region were sentenced to lengthy prison terms, including life in prison. One Peoples Defence Force officer said the accused had no connection to any local resistance group.

In the seven months following the implementation of martial law, the Myanmar military arrested and imprisoned 30 Ayadaw township residents and sentenced 10 Indaw residents to death and life in prison.

Calls to Sagaing regions junta spokesperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw seeking comment on the sentences went unanswered.

Fourteen townships in Sagaing region, including Pale, Shwebo, Banmauk and Indaw have been under martial law since February 2023, shortly after the military extended its emergency rule nationwide.

Since then, military courts have sentenced 285 civilians to prison terms, according to pro-junta broadcast groups on the messaging app Telegram.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
Penpa Tsering, president of the Central Tibetan Administration [third from right] stands with guests for the Tibetan national anthem during a gathering to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Lhasa uprising, in Dharamshala, India, March 10, 2023.

As the fight over a speaker for the U.S. House of Representatives shows, even established democratic institutions have struggled to find consensus recently.

The Tibetan exile communitys experience with representative government is fresher, but it too is showing signs of strain, with potential implications for what may happen to the Tibet freedom movement without the Dalai Lamas guiding hand.

Last month, a session of Parliament scheduled to last nine days ended after just three when a group of lawmakers walked out over an allegation one of them had met with a Chinese official at a luxury hotel in West Bengal.

The dispute has little immediate impact on the lives of the members of the diaspora, who remain governed by the laws of the countries they live in. An executive branch known as the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, India  overseen by an elected political leader, or sikyong  continues to administer services to the countrys refugee settlements.

But the split in the 45-member Parliament highlights uncomfortable questions about the communitys ability to maintain its cohesion without the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan spiritual leader retired from politics in 2011 in order to promote democracy among the diaspora. But as he approaches 90, worries about political disagreements have gained new urgency.

The stalemate "is a real symptom of a deeper concern, which is the question of how unified the community is and is going to be going forward, Allen Carlson, the director of Cornell Universitys China and Asia Pacific Studies program, said in an interview.

Given the small size of their population and lack of global political power, exiled Tibetans need to maintain a united front as they try to negotiate for greater autonomy for their homeland with the Chinese government  efforts that even with the attention the Dalai Lama can draw have been at a standstill for more than a decade.

If theres a sense of deep divisions within the diaspora, then that probably makes them weaker, Carlson said. Without the unifying force of the Dalai Lama, though, I think youre going to see more and more of these sorts of splits, he said.

A question of succession

Overhanging the recent dispute are questions about who will succeed the Dalai Lama after his death.

The 88-year-old Tenzin Gyatso, who is the 14th Dalai Lama, has indicated that hell choose the manner in which his spirit is reborn, though he says he may live for another two decades.

But the Chinese Communist Party, while officially atheist, has nevertheless granted itself the power to approve a successor. Critics say China wants to install a more compliant Buddhist leader to better assimilate what has been a historically restive region.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama sits on his ceremonial chair and prays during a religious talk by him at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, Oct. 4, 2023. Credit: Ashwini Bhatia/AP

In March 1959, the Chinese army put down unrest in Lhasa, which forced Tenzin Gyatso and tens of thousands of other Tibetans to flee to India, Nepal and Bhutan. India offered an old British outpost in the Himalayas for resettlement, and gradually the components of a government-in-exile grew up there.

The exile government now administers a $45 million budget raised by donations from the diaspora and foreign aid from countries like the United States. Its executive, legislative and judicial branches mimic Western governments and represent a shift away from Tibets historic feudal theocracy. That enables easy contrasts with Chinas increasing authoritarianism and a framework for a future Tibet, should it ever achieve independence.

It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run, the Dalai Lama said in announcing his retirement. The world belongs to the people. So, to govern the country, the best way is the democratic system, through elections.

But the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, remains by far the most recognized advocate for Tibetan freedom.

Even at 88, his stature and charisma are a powerful unifying force for the more than 6 million Tibetans who remain in China and the 130,000 or so who live outside of the country. So much so, that it is a crime in China to possess his photograph, and religious leaders in Tibet are coerced by the Chinese government to renounce him.

The walk-out

The unicameral Parliament meets in September and March each year. Lawmakers, who are elected for five-year terms, approve kalons, or cabinet ministers, review the governments budget, and support programs designed to preserve Tibetan culture, language and religion.

This sessions trouble started shortly after it began when a group representing the bodys religious constituency and one of three historic Tibet geographic regions walked out, preventing a quorum.

The group demanded that one member, Geshe Monlam Tharchin, be absolved of any suspicion surrounding the alleged meeting with the Chinese official. Given Chinas repressive policies toward Tibet, it is a charged accusation, but it isnt clear whether the meeting took place, and if it did, what was the purpose. Geshe Monlam Tharchin denied in Parliament that the meeting happened.

The religious constituency refers to members elected to seats reserved for representatives from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism  Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelugs  and Yungdrung Bon, a religious practice that predates Buddhism.

Ten seats are also reserved for each of Tibets historic regions: U-Tsang, Dhomey and Dhotoe, members from which joined the religious constituency in the walk out. The remaining seats are filled by representatives from North America, Europe and Australia and Asia not including Nepal, Bhutan and India.

Gyari Dolma, the exile governments security minister, told reporters that she could not say when an investigation into the charge against Geshe Monlam Tharchin would be completed, as it depended on the cooperation of witnesses.

It is uncertain if the Parliament will meet again before the March budget session. When an RFA reporter approached Monlam Tharchin to ask if the session would continue, he just waved his hand without comment.

Rising frustration

As with other democracies  including the United States, where a sizable portion of the electorate believes President Biden didnt win in 2020  disagreements within the exile government have sharpened in recent years. (Disagreements within authoritarian governments are harder to track.)

In 2021, newly elected parliamentarians fought over the manner in which they would be sworn in. The impasse lasted for four months and was only resolved when the Dalai Lama, by then retired for a decade, intervened.

That fight was related to an earlier move by the Parliament to remove with little notice the three justices who make up the exile governments highest court. The subject of the court and the qualifications of justices were among the issues this Parliament was meant to address this session.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, is interviewed by Radio Free Asia in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. Credit: Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA

A call for unity

Outside of Parliament, there are signs of a broader fraying within the diaspora itself over whether the goal should be true independence from China for Tibet, pushed by younger exiles, and a so-called middle way that calls for Tibet to remain a part of China but with far greater autonomy. The latter position is promoted by the Dalai Lama and the current sikyong, Penpa Tsering.

An additional complication is an ongoing population loss in Dharamsala. Thousands of exiles have left for countries like the United States that offer better economic prospects, creating a geographic fracture in addition to the emerging political cracks.

On a visit to Washington, D.C., last week  part of a tour of the Americas to build support for the Tibet freedom movement  Penpa Tsering said Tibetans needed to remain united. The focus, he said, should remain on China and its repressive policies.

Theres no need to fight amongst ourselves, Penpa Tsering, elected to the office in 2021, said during an Oct. 19 interview with RFA Tibetan in Washington. Were only 130,000 Tibetans in exile, so theres no need to disperse our strength.

Translated by Tenzin Dicky and edited by Abby Seiff.
The United Nations Development Programme and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a Universal Periodic Review workshop in Hanoi in late April 2023.

UPDATED on Oct. 25, 2023 at 1:15 p.m. ET

With just six months remaining until the next round of an important human rights review of Vietnam, rights organizations reported that Hanoi actually increased suppression since the last round four years ago  and the situation continues to worsen.

In preparation for the U.N. Human Rights Councils 4th Universal Periodic Review on Vietnam, or UPR, in April 2024, three rights groups  the Vietnam-based Defend the Defenders and Brotherhood for Democracy and the U.S.-based Vietnam Human Rights Network this month submitted two joint reports to the council documenting the situation since the third review in 2019.

The groups said that Vietnam uses vague provisions in its penal code to protect the current one-party structure of power on the premise of protecting national security, thereby seriously violating fundamental human rights, including freedoms of speech, association, and assembly.

They called on the one-party state to release prisoners of conscience and amend its laws towards respecting universal human rights.

Nguyen Ba Tung, head of the Vietnam Human Rights Network, told RFA Vietnamese that during the previous review, the government promised to respect universal rights and craft related laws to enable its citizens to exercise these rights. However, over the past four years, Hanoi has continued to procrastinate in making the laws.

Notably, [the government] has been using vague provisions in its Penal Code, such as Articles 88, 117, and 331, to arrest those who dare to speak up and have opinions contrary to those of the ruling party.

The three articles are often used to bring charges against bloggers, journalists, activists and other people whom the government wishes to silence.

260 prisoners of conscience

According to Defend the Defenders, Vietnam holds 260 prisoners of conscience.

Among that number, 63 are accused or convicted of conducting anti-State propaganda, 44 for abusing democratic freedoms due to exercising freedom of speech and 39 for carrying out activities to overthrow the government due to exercising freedom of association.

Another 55 are detained for undermining the unity policy due to exercising freedom of religion. Many are also charged with disturbing security after exercising their freedom of staging peaceful demonstrations, all under the three problematic articles.

We put forward several recommendations, Tung said. We asked [the government] to release those who have been arrested for exercising freedom of speech and freedom of association, for example, people from the Brotherhood for Democracy and those who had been arrested when using their freedom of speech.

He said the reports also recommended urgent revisions to the laws Hanoi promised to change under the last review.

Worsening rights situation

The government needs to change laws that, in practice, protect those in power rather than the people, said Nguyen Van Dai, the co-founder and chairman of the Brotherhood for Democracy who is also an attorney.

In general, the Vietnamese authoritarian communist government must eliminate all of those [vague] provisions in the penal code and replace them with new ones protecting peoples basic human rights.

The international community should use Vietnams upcoming review as an opportunity to improve rights in Vietnam, Andrea Giorgetta, the director of the International Federation For Human Rights Asian Office, told RFA.

As the Vietnamese government intensifies its repression of peaceful dissent, the Universal Periodic Review is one of the few remaining fora for the international community to scrutinize Hanois abysmal human rights record, he said.

We urge U.N. member states to use the periodic review of Vietnams human rights record to show their concern about violations in the country and to demand Hanoi comply with its international human rights obligations.

He said the international community should call on Hanoi to release all political prisoners, amend draconian laws, and ensure the respect of human rights of all people in the country.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.

Update corrects the name of Defend the Defenders.
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.
With the expiration of UN sanctions designed to thwart Iran's development of ballistic missiles, both Tehran and ally Russia have said there is nothing standing in the way of them trading such technology.

The claims have led to concerns that Moscow and Tehran could try to expand their existing arms dealing to include more advanced weaponry, know-how, and technology that could boost both Russia's war effort in Ukraine and Iran's ballistic-missile and drone programs.

But while observers do not discount the possibility that Iran could try to sell previously barred weapons -- chiefly, powerful short-range ballistic missiles -- to Russia, they express skepticism Tehran will follow through.

Among the reasons, they say, are Tehran's need to maintain its own military stockpiles amid increased conflict in the Middle East, the desire to be seen as a compliant and legitimate arms trader by the international community, and the continuation of an already existing strategy of supporting the manufacture of such weaponry in other countries, including Russia.

Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin, told RFE/RL that Iran's suggestion that it is no longer subject to UN sanctions limiting its missile program is more "political, rather than technical" as it seeks to "normalize" its ability to conduct military trades and transfers.

"The actual impact of the expiry of the UN Security Council restrictions on Iran's missile program, in terms of its impact on Iran's ability to develop its missile program, is rather limited," Azizi said. "Because all these years we witnessed that, despite those restrictions being in place, Iran managed to develop not only its missile program, but also its drone program, its military capabilities, to an unprecedented level."

Azizi notes that Iran achieved this in part due to technical and scientific cooperation with other partners, mainly North Korea but also with Russia and Moscow's allies.

Iran set up a manufacturing facility for reconnaissance and combat drones in Tajikistan and Belarus is reportedly seeking to establish a factory to produce the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone believed to be used extensively by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Western officials have also revealed the existence of a drone facility being built in Russia with Iran's assistance that would allow Moscow to build domestic versions of Iranian drones in huge numbers and could be in operation by early 2024.

With the expiration of the UN sanctions, which were largely regarded as toothless, Azizi says he expects Iran to stick to its policy "of considering its military capabilities as nonnegotiable" in any international negotiations while "continuing to advance its capabilities."

Iran can already boast some of the most sophisticated missiles and drones in the Middle East at a time when Tehran's support of proxies and militant groups in the region is being watched closely as archenemy Israel battles the Iranian-backed Hamas extremist organization.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Iran has widely been accused of delivering cheap but effective kamikaze drones to Moscow. While Iran denies the allegations, saying it only sold drones to Moscow before the war started, U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Tehran of supplying Shahed-136 Iranian drones that Russia has used to destroy civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. There has been evidence of Iranian drones rebranded as Russian Geran-2s being used on the battlefield.

And as the two countries have increased military-technical cooperation, Iran's Defense Ministry has routinely showcased its ballistic, cruise, anti-tank, and air-defense missile systems to Russian officials.

The sanctions, in effect since 2015 and enshrined in UN Resolution 2231, expired on October 18 as part of the moribund Iran nuclear deal with world powers known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The United States withdrew from the deal, which offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear program, in 2018. As European signatories Britain, France, and Germany tried to keep the pact alive, Iran abandoned some of its commitments, but never withdrew from the JCPOA.

The UN sanctions, which were introduced when the Security Council approved the JCPOA, called on Iran, among other things, "not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons." Under the terms, any countries wishing to engage in related trade with Iran were required to first get approval from the UN Security Council.

In separate statements as the sanctions expired, Iran and Russia were quick to claim that they would no longer be bound by the restrictions, although neither side announced any concrete plans for future cooperation regarding Iran's ballistic-missile program.

Iran's Defense Ministry, for its part, said Tehran regarded the development as an opportunity to "strengthen its defense capabilities." But Azizi said Iran now "sees itself free from restrictions to export military technology and weapons, rather than to import them."

Russia, Azizi said, is also interested in underscoring that "there are no more restrictions or special commitments that Iran needs to observe in its military-technical cooperation when it comes to missiles" so that it can also "potentially increase the potential for Iran to send missiles to Russia."

Iran's previous export of Shahed-136 drones to Russia could be explained in part because they "arguably" fell under the UN's classification of conventional weapons, according to Jeremy Binnie, Middle East defense specialist at the global intelligence company Janes.

"We have not seen any evidence of transfers of Iranian missiles to Russia so far, but it is unclear if this has been because the Iranians did not want to be seen to be so obviously violating UNSCR 2231," Binnie told RFE/RL in written comments.

Now that the UN sanctions have expired, he said, Iran "may now be more willing to overtly provide arms" to Russia, Binnie said.

As for Russia seeking Iranian missiles, Azizi said, "as Ukraine's Western allies increase the level of their military support for Ukraine, there might be a moment that the Russian leaders decide [to import Iranian missiles because] it's not going to make any difference."

Whether Iran would actually part with such weaponry is another question, particularly considering the current war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the prospect of direct Iranian involvement in that conflict.

"Another consideration for the Iranians is maintaining their own military capabilities, which would be undermined by transferring significant numbers of missiles to Russia," Binnie said. "The uncertain situation in the Middle East right now is likely to increase Iranian unwillingness to supply weapons to Russia that they feel should be retained at home or supplied to allied groups in support of its regional goals."

One solution, Binnie said, "might be to replicate what has happened with the Shahed-136s, whereby Iran supplies initial batches, then transfers the technology to Russia so it can build them locally."

He said that while Russia had a sophisticated missile production capability of its own, "the Iranians would be teaching them how to make cheaper missiles using supply chains that circumnavigate Western sanctions."

The United States and the European Union moved quickly to impose new obstacles as the UN sanctions -- intended to blunt Iran's ballistic-missile program, and by extension its possible acquisition of nuclear weapons and delivery systems -- expired.

In September, Britain, France, and Germany announced that they would maintain their existing sanctions related to Iran's controversial nuclear program, which Tehran claims is for civilian purposes only, and its development of ballistic missiles.

The United States on October 18, the same day that the UN sanctions expired, announced new sanctions targeting individuals and companies in Iran and Russia, among other countries, in an effort to penalize Iran's efforts to buy or sell technology or equipment related to its missile and drone programs.
In a significant expansion of dress-code enforcement, Tehran has seen the deployment of "hijab enforcers" within the grounds of Tehran University and the streets surrounding Amir Kabir University, as well as key areas in the city.

The move coincides with disciplinary actions against students, notably more than 50 female students at Tehran University who have faced reprimands and suspensions for allegedly failing to adhere to the compulsory head-scarf regulations.



The Student Guild Councils of Iran reported on November 2 that the presence of hijab enforcers had become more pronounced on the campuses of Tehran University. They noted that alongside the patrols, dozens of female students had been summoned to the disciplinary committee in the past week. They face a range of penalties from reprimands to suspensions for hijab-related infractions.



The deployment of the enforcers is seen as a step beyond the usual disciplinary-committee proceedings, with university security said to be actively involved in harassing students under the guise of enforcing dress codes.

The student councils have stressed that the university's security apparatus is not only deploying enforcers across campuses but also preventing students whose attire does not meet their standards from entering university premises.



The report highlights the increased pressure from university security and hijab enforcers on students as part of a broader effort to enforce the mandatory hijab.

The student councils have described the recent wave of summonses to the disciplinary committees as unprecedented, even surpassing the numbers seen during the height of last year's protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. Many students have reportedly received severe penalties, predominantly for hijab violations.



In addition to first-time summonses and forced pledge signings, many students with previously suspended sentences have been informed -- without a formal committee meeting -- of the immediate enforcement of their penalties.



The newsletter at the Amir Kabir University has detailed "violent encounters" by security patrols and hijab enforcers with female students around the university. In one recent incident, security forces allegedly attacked a female student whose scarf had momentarily slipped, attempting to confiscate her student ID amid a climate of fear and intimidation.



The newsletter also reported that plainclothed hijab enforcers had been stationed around Amir Kabir University since November 1. These forces, which include military personnel and plainclothes agents, have been particularly active along Tehran's Valiasr Street, aggressively confronting women for not observing the hijab.



The escalation in hijab enforcement comes days after the death of Armita Garavand, a teenage student who died last weekend due to injuries suffered in an alleged confrontation with Tehran's morality police.

The initial deployment of "hijab enforcers" in subway stations was reported in mid-August amid rising confrontations with women refusing to comply with the mandatory hijab. Tehran's municipality is said to have hired 400 individuals as "hijab enforcers," offering a monthly salary of 120 million rials ($230).



Universities have historically been a battleground in the fight for social and political reforms in Iran.



During the Islamic Revolution of 1979, university students played a prominent role, including the occupation of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. After the clerics came to power, the authorities instigated a mass purge of Iranian universities, firing hundreds of professors and altering curriculums to promote Islamic values.



Since the revolution, university students have voiced their opposition to the clerical establishment, including during a 1999 protest against the closure of a reformist newspaper, resulting in a raid on a dormitory at Tehran University that left one student dead.



The protests against Amini's death in September 2022 led to renewed pressure against students, specifically female students who failed to comply with the hijab law.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda
A Pakistani court on October 24 extended protection from arrest to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in graft cases following his return to Islamabad after four years of self-imposed exile in London.

Sharif appeared at the Islamabad High Court and before the anti-graft tribunal to appeal his convictions in three corruption cases in a bid to clear his name prior to parliamentary elections due in January.



The high court, where Sharif is appealing two convictions, extended his bail until October 26, said Sharifs lawyer, Azam Nazeer Tarar.



A lawyer for the National Accountability Agency (NAB) told the court that NAB had no objection to Sharif's bail extension.



Sharif, 73, appeared earlier before the accountability court, which also approved his bail and postponed the hearing in a separate case before that tribunal to November 20.



Another lawyer for Sharif, Amjad Parvez, filed petitions on October 23 requesting that the appeals against his sentences in the cases be reinstated.



The court previously rejected Sharif's appeals because he was not in Pakistan.



Sharif returned to Pakistan on October 21 to lead the election campaign for his Pakistan Muslim League party ahead of the January elections. He has promised to work toward an economic recovery in Pakistan, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis that has seen living standards plunge rapidly.



Sharif's return from London came four years after he left to seek medical treatment in the United Kingdom. He had been granted permission to travel to London on condition that he return and complete his prison term. He defied that agreement and was declared a fugitive.



Sharif stepped down as prime minister in 2017 after being convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison for graft. Upon his conviction Sharif was banned for life from running in elections and remains ineligible to run for parliament. But the government led by his brother, Shebhaz Sharif, who was prime minister from April 2022 until August 2023, amended the legislation, limiting the disqualification period to five years.



Sharifs convictions came after his successor, Prime Minister Imran Khan, vowed to tackle endemic graft.



Khan is now imprisoned on corruption charges and serving a three-year sentence. Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 but is still Pakistans leading opposition figure.



The Pakistan Muslim League and Khan's PTI are seen as the main competitors in the upcoming elections.



Legal scholar and Balochistan High Court lawyer Humayun Kasi told RFE/RL that, in his opinion, Sharif has been given full confidence to return. Sharif also knows that the establishment needs him now, he said, adding that Arab countries also like Sharif.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
A purported private military company called Redut is in reality a recruitment system for combat units that is coordinated and funded by Russia's armed forces and their intelligence agency, the GRU, RFE/RL investigative units Schemes and Systema have found. Investigative reporters Valeria Yehoshyna and Yelizaveta Surnacheva join the host to discuss the remarkable investigation and the revelations it produced.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Distinguished Visitors Day, held as part of the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - 2023" joint tactical exercises involving servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army and the Turkish Armed Forces, continues, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

The delegations attended the training headquarters and heard reports about the scenario of the joint tactical exercises and the activities conducted.

It was reported that up to 3000 military personnel from various types of troops in both countries, 130 armored vehicles, up to 100 artillery vehicles, more than 20 aviation and aircraft, as well as engineering equipment and small boats, are involved in the Azerbaijani-Turkish joint tactical exercises held in different parts of Azerbaijan, including Baku city, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and liberated territories.

In the exercises, various tasks are carried out on the application of modern combat methods by the use of artillery, aviation, and the involvement of other types of troops in military operations, the organization of their interactions, and the descent into the depths of the imaginary enemy.

The main objective of the exercises is to ensure combat interoperability, improve management, exchange experience, and increase military personnels professionalism during the troops interactions.

During the exercises, servicemen accomplished all the assigned tasks with high professionalism.

Then the guests arrived at the tactical and main command posts, where they watched the fulfillment of various combat tasks in the course of joint tactical exercises.

During the joint exercises, the activities of the Azerbaijani and Turkish servicemen were highly evaluated.
RFE/RL joins a Ukrainian border patrol as it monitors the Dnieper River in the country's northern Chernihiv region where it borders Belarus. Russian forces entered Ukraine from Belarus at the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022. Kyiv has since strengthened its defenses in the area. One border guard told RFE/RL that the Belarusian military was "very cautious" as Ukrainian boats patrol the waters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pledged to keep pressure on Russian-occupied Crimea after another attempt to attack Moscow's Black Sea Fleet installation in the city of Sevastopol overnight.

Zelenskiy, speaking on October 24 via video link to a forum in Prague, did not address the attack in the early hours of the day, which Russian-installed officials said was repelled, but he stressed that the "illusion" of Russia's domination of Crimea and the Black Sea had been shattered.

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.

"We have not yet gained full fire control over Crimea and surrounding waters, but we will.... Now the illusions are melting," Zelenskiy told a meeting of the Crimea Platform. "This is a question of time."

A powerful explosion was reported in Sevastopol after 10 p.m. local time. The blast shook windows, but no alarm was declared, according to an RFE/RL correspondent.



Speaking later on October 24 in a video released on X, formerly Twitter, Zelenskiy assessed the final declaration of the meeting in Prague as "powerful," saying it supports Ukraine and its territorial integrity and sovereignty and the need to liberate all its land. He also noted that the meeting drew almost 70 delegations from countries around the world.



The purpose of the Crimea Platform, a diplomatic initiative Zelenskiy launched in 2021, is to maintain the international community's attention on Crimea, protect human rights there, and promote the de-occupation of the peninsula. Zelenskiy launched the diplomatic initiative in 2021, seven years after Moscow illegally annexed Crimea.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol on the peninsula that Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, said in a post on Telegram earlier on October 24 that Ukraine launched an "underwater sabotage" attack, engaging with Russian forces who were responding to the situation.

"Loud sounds -- from an external raid -- the Black Sea Fleet is battling a probable attack by underwater diversionary forces," he wrote.

Russia's Defense Ministry added that "anti-sabotage missiles and bombs hit the area where the unmanned [Ukrainian] boats were detected.



Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the reports, which could not be independently verified. It was not clear whether there were any casualties.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the Black Sea peninsula has increasingly seen attacks targeting Russian military supply lines and the Black Sea Fleet.



Ukraine's Air Force Command said it shot down all six Shahed drones detected in a Russian attack in the Khmelnytskiy, Vinnytsya and Mykolayiv regions.



Kyiv has also been fighting to reclaim four southern regions in the area that Russia has occupied since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Zelenskiy later spoke virtually on October 24 to the Ukraine-Germany business forum as he continues to work to ensure support for Ukraine doesnt wane as the war enters its 21st month.



Zelenskiy said representatives of Ukraine's defense, energy, and infrastructure industries were present at the forum and said there were "good agreements and joint projects" under consideration. He expressed gratitude to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and all of German society for their support.



"Our level of relations and trust...is indeed the highest in all the years of our independence," he said in the video released on X.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - 2023" joint tactical exercises continue in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The Azerbaijani and Turkish militaries destroyed conventional enemies during the exercises.

The exercises simulated the destruction of the Iskander and Tochka-U tactical missile systems of the conventional enemy by F-16 fighter jets and other attack helicopters, as well as the Bayraktar TB-2.

Then anti-tank guided missile systems and T-90 tanks destroyed armored combat vehicles and positions of the conventional enemy located in the 1st echelon. Massive fire strikes were carried out by artillery on command posts, manpower, and firepower.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Turkish National Defense Minister Yashar Guler are observing the joint tactical exercises.

At the invitation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the delegations led by the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yashar Guler, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, the Head of the Department of Military Education and Science of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Major General Zhumabek Akhmetov and the Deputy Minister of Defense for Combat Training of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Colonel Kadirjon Tursunov, as well as heads and representatives of several Turkish companies in the defense industry are participating in the Distinguished Visitors Day held as part of the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023" joint tactical exercises.

The exercises are dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye.
Latest UK labor market data underscored the softening situation with the number of people in jobs continuing to fall, official data revealed on Tuesday.

The unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in the three months to August, the Office for National Statistics reported based on the new experimental data.

The rate was 4.3 percent in the preceding period, which was derived with the old survey method. Economists had forecast the new jobless rate to remain at 4.3 percent.

Employment decreased 82,000 in June to August compared to a fall of 133,000 in the three months to July.

Data showed that about 119,000 working days were lost because of labor disputes in August. The majority of the strikes were in the and social work sector.

In September, the claimant count rose marginally to 4.0 percent from 3.9 percent in August. The number of people claiming benefits increased 20,400 from August.

"Today, we have produced a new metric, adjusting our headline estimates using robust administrative data sources that we receive from other government departments," ONS Director of Economic Statistics Darren Morgan said.

"This new adjusted metric gives a good picture of changes in the labour market," the ONS official said.

"However, to avoid confusion we have not published the usual unadjusted LFS dataset alongside it, when we know there are challenges with these unadjusted data," added Morgan.



Capital Economics economist Ashley Webb said the labor market appeared not to loosen as much as estimated in August. However, data is unlikely to sway the Bank of England ahead of the next monetary policy meeting.

British Chambers of Commerce Deputy Director Public Policy Jane Gratton said underneath these headline figures, the skills crisis continues and the overall picture remains challenging.

Gratton urged the Chancellor to introduce tax breaks in the Autumn Statement to help firms invest more in training and Occupational Health benefits.

Data released last week showed that wage growth slowed in the three months to August and the number of job vacancies decreased in July to September.

Average earnings excluding bonuses grew 7.8 percent in the three months to August, slower than the 7.9 percent rise seen in the July quarter. Vacancies declined by 43,000 to 988,000 in July to September.

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Driven by the deepening downturn in both services and manufacturing activity, the euro area private sector shrank for the fifth month in a row in October with output falling the most over a decade if the pandemic period is excluded.



The flash composite output index posted 46.5 in October, down from 47.2 in September, the purchasing managers' survey data from S&P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank AG showed on Tuesday.

Excluding the pandemic months, private sector activity shrunk the most since March 2013.

Things are moving from bad to worse, HCOB Chief Economist Cyrus de la Rubia said.

"We wouldn't be caught off guard to see a mild recession in the Eurozone in the second half of this year with two back to back quarters of negative growth," the economist added.

The downturn was broad-based in October as manufacturing output decreased for the seventh successive month and the service sector shrunk for a third month.

The manufacturing sector posted the deepest downturn since 2009 barring the pandemic lockdown period. The factory Purchasing Managers' Index unexpectedly declined to a three-month low of 43.0 from 43.4 in September. The PMI score was expected to rise to 43.7.

The services activity index fell to 47.8 in October from 48.7 in the previous month. The reading matched expectations and hit a 32-month low.

At the composite level, the drop in new orders was the largest since May 2020. Moreover, the fall in orders was sharper than the decline in output. As a result, backlogs of orders depleted at a rate not seen since June 2020.

Firms were forced to reduce employment due to the downturn in orders and the accelerated fall in backlogs of orders. Input buying by manufacturers slid at one of the sharpest rates since April 2009.

Regarding prices, the survey showed that input cost in factories fell sharply, while service sector input costs rose due to higher fuel prices. Average prices charged for goods and services rose at a marginally weaker rate in October.

Further, there was a marginal improvement in confidence for the year-ahead period but the overall level was among the weakest seen over the past year.

The survey showed that the downturn in the euro area was broad-based. Germany's contraction accelerated on the back of a renewed drop in services activity and a further manufacturing slump.

France's contraction moderated in October, thanks to a softer service sector decline helping offset a further steep factory downturn.

Germany's private sector contracted for the fourth straight month in October. The HCOB composite output index ticked down to 45.8 in October from 46.4 in September.

Although manufacturing remained the main drag, the latest contraction reflects a renewed decline in the service sector.

The services PMI posted 48.0 in October, down from 50.3 in the previous month. The manufacturing PMI rose to a five-month high of 40.7 from 39.6 a month ago.

Despite an increase, there was solid reduction in the French business activity. The composite output index registered 45.3 in October, up from September's 34-month low of 44.1.

While there was sustained declines at both manufacturers and service providers, trends diverged as a softer fall in services activity contrasted with the biggest contraction in factory production since May 2020.

The manufacturing PMI dropped to 42.6 from 44.2 in the previous month. The expected score was 44.4. The services PMI registered 46.1, up from 44.4 in September and above economists' forecast of 44.6.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijan and Belarus are actively exchanging experience in the field of audit within the framework of the signed cooperation agreements, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Control Committee of Belarus Dmitry Basko told Trend.

Basko said that, as part of the third "Dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" in Baku, the Belarusian side will hold a meeting with the Chairman of the Chamber of Accounts of Azerbaijan Vugar Gulmammadov.

Additionally, a bilateral seminar on experience exchange in auditing in the agro-industrial complex will take place, the official noted.

"Due to this, at the moment, there is significant interest in experience of both Belarus and Azerbaijan in conducting efficiency audits, assessing the achievement of SDGs, and implementing state programs. For example, in collaboration with Azerbaijan, we carried out parallel audits in the field of seed production, yielding enough interesting results and conclusions to be shared between the two countries," he pointed out.
The European Union is better prepared to ensure its energy security ahead of the winter season, the State of the Energy Union Report 2023 says.

The 27-nation bloc's gas storage facilities were filled to 95 percent of capacity ahead of the winter of 2022-2023 and currently stand at more than 98 percent full today.

The EU Energy Platform organised three rounds of joint purchase of gas, collecting 44.75bcm of demand and matching it with 52bcm of supply offers

This was made possible due to well-coordinated actions to fill the bloc's gas storages, diversifying energy import routes and infrastructure, investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and collective efforts to reduce energy demand, the European Commission said in the report released on Tuesday.

It looks back on the EU response to the unprecedented energy crisis of the past two years, assesses the state of play with the green transition at national, European and global level, and sets out the challenges and opportunities ahead as Europe pursues its ambitious climate and energy goals for 2030 and 2050.

The Report shows how the European Union responded collectively and effectively to Russia's war against Ukraine and weaponisation of its energy supplies, by accelerating the clean energy transition, diversifying supplies and saving energy.

The REPowerEU Plan and a series of emergency legislative measures ensured that Europe avoided energy supply disruptions; eased pressure on energy , prices and consumers; and pursued the structural reform of its energy system.

The EU drastically reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuel by phasing out coal imports, reducing oil imports by 90 percent, cutting down gas imports from 155bcm in 2021 to around 80 bcm in 2022 and to an estimated 40-45 bcm in 2023.

In another notable advancement, the EU's net greenhouse gas emissions decreased by around 3 percent in 2022, reaching a reduction of 32.5 percent compared to 1990 levels.

2022 was a record year for new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity (+41 GW), which is 60 percent more than in 2021 (+26 GW). New onshore and offshore wind capacity was 45 percent higher than in 2021.

In 2022, 39 percent of electricity was generated by renewables, and in May wind and solar surpassed fossil fuels for the first time in EU electricity generation, according to the report.

While gas prices peaked in August 2022 at 294/MWh, they fell to an average of 44/MWh from January to June 2023. Electricity prices peaked at 474/MWh in August 2022 and fell to average of 107/MWh from January to June 2023.

This year's Report presents the first assessment of the Progress Reports submitted by Member States on their 2019 National Energy and Climate Plans, which is crucial to take stock of where the EU stands in delivering its climate and energy ambitions.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva received the Commissioner of the Council of Europe for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic, Trend reports.

The ombudsperson spoke about Azerbaijan's reforms related to the effective protection of human rights and freedoms, including amendments to the constitutional law "On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan," and provided extensive information on human rights protection activities.

The ombudsperson also discussed Armenia's occupation and terrorist policies toward Azerbaijan, stating that around 4,000 Azerbaijanis went missing during the first Karabakh war, and Armenia has failed to disclose information on their fate. Aliyeva brought the aspirations of family members of missing persons to the attention of the Commissioner of the Council of Europe for Human Rights and sought for aid in explaining their fate within her jurisdiction.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights spoke about Armenia's mine terror in liberated territories, noting that, despite repeated appeals, accurate maps of minefields have not been handed over to Azerbaijan, and the mines installed by Armenia endanger people's lives and prevent former internally displaced persons from returning to their native lands.

The ombudsperson informed Mijatovic that more than 330 persons were killed by landmines following the end of the second Karabakh war. Furthermore, she spoke about Armenians destroying historical and religious sites and cemeteries belonging to Azerbaijanis during the thirty-year occupancy of Azerbaijani territory.

Aliyeva noted during the meeting that visits to detained persons are carried out within the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism, and the reception of these persons is carried out.

She also said that the focus is on ensuring and protecting the rights and freedoms of Armenian residents in Azerbaijan's Karabakh, informed about the possibilities of contacting the ombudsperson, and noted that appeals of citizens of Armenian origin were considered in the period before the second Karabakh war and appropriate measures were taken.

The sides also exchanged views on further cooperation between the two structures.
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Small trout swim in an aquarium in the boathouse at Lake Cuyamaca, part of a fish farming experiment.

Inside the small boathouse at Lake Cuyamaca, about 1,200 small trout busily swim in six aquarium tanks.

They represent a small-scale, fish-farming experiment with lofty goals. If the lakes staff can make it work at Cuyamaca, General Manager Butch Paddock said, perhaps larger lakes in the county with greater resources can do the same, but on a much bigger scale.

In about a month, the two- to three-inch trout will be transferred to a holding pen by the dock. A couple months later, when they are larger, theyll be released into the lake where they are destined to be caught by fishermen or eaten by other fish or fowl.

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The lake has a problem thats been getting worse for several years.

The amount of trout the states Fish & Wildlife Department provides them under the terms of a contract has been declining due to hatchery problems. At the same time, the cost of trout the lake buys from vendors has continued to go up.

A pound of farmed trout used to cost under $2. Now it costs more than $4.

Lake Cuyamaca Ranger Jay Blaylock explains how the trout farming system works. (J. Harry Jones/U-T )

Not too long ago, 40,000 pounds of trout would be dumped into the lake annually. Thats down to about 19,000 pounds now because thats all the lake can afford.

Although located in Cuyamaca-Rancho State Park, the lake is independent of the state park system and gets almost all its revenues from the sale of daily fishing permits.

That severely limits the amount of money they have to buy from fish farming vendors, yet its the trout that fishermen most want to catch at Cuyamaca.

Were looking for ways to augment our trout, Paddock said Tuesday. We used to be a trout mecca. Were trying to build that back up now.

Which is where the fish-farming experiment kicks in. A couple years ago, on a very small scale, the lake began trying to raise its own trout. There were failures at first as they figured out the intricacies.

They got better at it and then early this year they were the beneficiaries of a decision by the owners of Lakeside Bait & Tackle to move back to Texas. They sold everything in the store, including a system to Lake Cuyamaca that included the tanks and filtration system they had used to raise bait fish.

We were very fortunate, Paddock said. They sold everything off. Thats where we got our system and we got it for a song and a dance.

The idea is to raise their own fish, show others in the county that it can be done, and then hopefully inspire others to copy what they are doing.

Up at Big Bear Lake, they are soon going to be putting in their own hatchery, Paddock said. They are going to raise their own trout. They are going to be in a position in another year or two to be able to not only provide themselves with all the trout they will want, but also to distribute trout to other lakes in the area.

In the future I see that happening in San Diego, he said. If our little operation can do what were doing right now, then I believe these larger organizations that do have tax-based revenues  can provide all the trout for all the lakes in the county.

Ranger Jay Blaylock said farmed trout are not a self-sustaining species. They are genetically bred not to reproduce. They grow faster that way, he said.

That means the only way trout can exist in the lake is to put them there.

Paddock said if the experiment doesnt work, the lake may be forced to concentrate less on the popular trout and more on fish that can reproduce and are already in the lake like catfish, blue gill, sturgeon and crappie.

What were trying to do is show what can be done, Paddock said.

All you have to do is be diligent about keeping them clean and keeping them fed, he said. If larger organizations with a few bucks behind them try it, I believe they can absolutely provide fish for many, if not all of the lakes in the county.

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov and the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yasar Guler, together with other guests, on the Day of the High-Level Observer met with a group of servicemen participating in the "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - 2023" joint tactical exercises, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan told Trend.

In general, highly appreciating the course of the exercises, the defense ministers presented valuable gifts to distinguished servicemen of both fraternal countries.

The "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk  2023" joint tactical exercises, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Republic of Turkiye and held in accordance with the agreement on military cooperation concluded between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, will end on October 25.
During four decades as a criminal defense attorney, Herb Weston has represented gang members, alleged rapists, even accused killers.

That kind of gritty career might seem unusual for someone who originally planned to be a priest until leaders at the Santa Barbara seminary he attended decided he was a bit too jovial for the job.

They said he laughed too much, the 65-year-old Weston recalls.

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Whatever his vocation, community involvement and caring for others has remained a core value for the Vista attorney and his family. Every year for the last 30 years, the Westons have hosted an annual benefit attended by local law enforcement officers, attorneys and others, who show up at his familys law firm to drop off donations of toys, clothes, blankets.

The family gathers a truckload of items each Christmas to give to a local charity. This year, the goods will go to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Vista to help people and families in need.

Herbs daughter, Tanya  also a defense attorney, who practices alongside her dad  said the benefit is a natural fit for her family. The nature of their jobs means they come in contact not just with defendants but with their families  mothers and wives and children often facing financial hardship. Seeing that kind of need compels them to respond to it, they said.

We are in a position to give back to the community, Westons wife Jackie said, and we can make a difference.

Weston has handled more than 5,000 cases  some of them high-profile  over the last 37 years and his clients have included more than 50 people accused of murder.

One of those clients is a Fallbrook gang member accused in the 2015 beating death of an African American man who authorities said was attacked at random on the street. Prosecutors initially charged the murder as a hate crime, but Weston successfully argued to have that charge dismissed. Another client is Esteysi Sanchez, an Oceanside woman and undocumented immigrant accused driving drunk and plowing into a homeless man on a sidewalk  then continuing to drive with his lifeless body wedged in her car.

Though his cases sometimes make headlines, Weston focuses on the work and has become something on an institution in North County.

A Chicago native, he first moved West for seminary school in 1969. After a few months of meditating on mountaintops, he left the seminary and followed his parents to upper Michigan, where he enrolled in college and drew a low number in the draft. While researching how to obtain a deferment, Weston discovered a love for the law.

Where else do they pay you to talk, to try to convince somebody what to believe in? Weston said with a laugh.

After college, in 1973 he and Jackie decided to move to Vista, a warm place where Herb had some friends. The couple was poor and their first Christmas tree was a little twig tree with no lights, one they grabbed when a local store tossed it in the trash.

To pay bills, Weston spent about six months selling high-end family Bibles  $99.99 in the early 1970s  to young Marines. There were times when he was attending California Western School of Law in San Diego that the family didnt have enough food for their five children, and once even lived in their van for a week. Jackie, who grew up poor, credits the community for helping, and recognizing that they were not freeloaders.

Little by little, career success would come. In the 1990s, Weston landed his first murder case. The jury cleared his client of first-degree murder, and deadlocked on lesser charges. She was later convicted of second-degree murder.

All criminal defense attorneys routinely face the same question: How can you represent a guilty person? Like many of his colleagues, Weston said, he rarely asks his clients if they are guilty. If the government accuses someone of a crime, they had better be ready to prove it, he said. Its his job to make them do so.

I am more worried that a person is going to be convicted wrongly than a guilty person is going to get off, Weston said.

He sighs when he recalls one case in the early 1980s when a client was convicted of a role in the aftermath of a murder. I was absolutely convinced he was innocent, Weston said. It was one of the biggest injustices.

Still he said, typically things go as they should. I really, really believe in our justice system, in our jury system.

Nearing retirement age, Weston said hes tapping the brakes a bit on his case load  then quickly adds that hes got another five years of law practice in him.

When he does step aside, the family business will live on. About dozen years ago, his daughter joined his practice.

She is five times better than I was, Weston said. She just knows more than I did. I was lucky to find a courtroom door.

Tanya Weston, who just turned 40, said shes been watching her father in the courtroom since she was a child, and worked with him on a murder trial in her first year in practice.

Not every attorney is a good attorney, and I happened to get so lucky and get the best, she said of her fathers tutelage. And to be his daughter to work with him  its the best.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
The international Red Cross said Tuesday that Israel has fired white phosphorus shells in its offensive in the Gaza Strip, but has no evidence to suggest the incendiary agent is being used improperly or illegally.

The comments came after a human rights organization accused the Jewish state of using white phosphorus, hich ignites when it strikes the skin and burns straight through or until it is cut off from oxygen. It can cause horrific injuries.

The International Committee of the Red Cross urged Israel to exercise extreme caution in using the incendiary agent, which is used to illuminate targets at night or create a smoke screen for day attacks, said Peter Herby, the head of the organizations mines-arms unit.

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In some of the strikes in Gaza its pretty clear that phosphorus was used, Herby told The Associated Press. But its not very unusual to use phosphorus to create smoke or illuminate a target. We have no evidence to suggest its being used in any other way.

In response, the Israeli military said Tuesday that it wishes to reiterate that it uses weapons in compliance with international law, while strictly observing that they be used in accordance with the type of combat and its characteristics.

Herby said that using phosphorus to illuminate a target or create smoke is legitimate under international law, and that there was no evidence the Jewish state was intentionally using phosphorus in a questionable way, such as burning down buildings or consciously putting civilians at risk

However, Herby said evidence is still limited because of the difficulties of gaining access to Gaza, where Palestinian health officials say more than 900 people have been killed and 4,250 wounded since Israel launched its offensive late last month. Israel says the operation aims to halt years of Palestinian rocket attacks over the border.

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of firing phosphorous shells and warned of the possibilities of extreme fire and civilian injuries. The chemical is suspected in the cases of 10 burn victims who had skin peeling off their faces and bodies.

White phosphorus is not considered a chemical weapon.
Press Release

October 24, 2023 SP ZUBIRI LEADS PARLIAMENTARY MISSION TO SPANISH SENATE

Works for enhanced trade relations with EU

24 October 2023 "Let us build on five hundred years of friendship and history." This was the message of Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri to Spanish Senate President Pedro Rollan during the Philippine Senate's official parliamentary visit to the Senate of Spain on Monday, where enhanced trade relations was one of the key points of discussion. Zubiri led a delegation of Philippine senators on a visit to their counterparts in Spain, with the objective of strengthening interparliamentary relations and expanding trade between the two countries. This visit comes as the Philippines and Spain celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. "The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture and our shared Catholic faith," said Zubiri. "Though we are proud to be our own independent Republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad." While Zubiri expressed gratitude for the extension of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences under the European Union (EU), of which Spain holds the presidency, he asked for Spanish aid in developing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the EU. Rollan said that Spain's doors are always open to the Philippines, adding that he sees the delegation's visit as a welcome opportunity to reinforce the already excellent relations between the Philippines and Spain. The Spanish leader also stressed the need for the governments of the two countries to work together for continued efforts to rise from the ill effects of the pandemic. Spain, said Rollan, is especially well positioned to offer support in this post-pandemic period, being the head of the EU. Joining Zubiri in the delegation were Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Sens. Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar. The meeting was also attended by Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The enterprises of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, whose opening was attended by President Ilham Aliyev, have invested over 100 million manat ($58.8 million) in the industrial park and created about 600 workplaces, Trend reports.

Reporters visited the recently launched production enterprises in Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, organized by the Economic Zones Development Agency of the Ministry of Economy.

The media representatives were provided with information on the general activity of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park and the work done. It was noted that 38 business entities with a total investment volume of about 5.8 billion manat ($3.4 billion) have been granted resident status in the park. To date, the residents have invested more than 5.4 billion manat ($3.1 billion) in the industrial park. Residents of Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park have already sold products totaling 9.5 billion manat ($5.5 billion), of which more than 3.3 billion manat ($1.9 billion)about 35 percentfalls on the share of exports. The industrial park manufactured products worth 2.1 billion manat ($1.2 billion) and exported products worth 674.4 million manat or $396.7 million (32.1 percent), from January through September 2023.

Currently, more than 6,600 people are permanently employed in the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. According to the existing projects, it is envisaged to invest additionally more than 394 million manat ($231.7 million) in the industrial park and create more than 2,000 permanent jobs.

It was noted that with the opening of three more enterprises (UPI (Universal Packing Industry), Azrbaycan Vanhong Ceramics Co., and Novus Plastica), more than 100 million manat ($58.8 million) have been invested in Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, and about 600 permanent jobs have been created.

Two enterprises - production and commercial firm Chinar-Service and "Kartash Kimya", the foundation of which was laid, are planned to invest a total of over 30 million manat ($17.6 million) in Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park and create more than 300 permanent jobs. These enterprises are planned to be launched in 20242025.

Media representatives visited the ceramic tile production enterprise Azrbaycan Vanhong Ceramics Co. It was noted that the total investment value of the enterprise built on a territory of more than 20 hectares is more than 85 million manat ($49.9 million). At the enterprise, 484 people are provided with permanent jobs. Ceramic tiles (tiles, metlach) are produced at the plant.

UPI, Universal Packing Industry's enterprise for the production of packaging products, informed media representatives that the plant, with a total investment cost of over 4.8 million manat ($2.8 million), produces 20 types of products. At the initial stage, 50 people will be permanently employed at the enterprise. At the next stage, it is planned to increase the number of employees to 65.

Then the media representatives visited Novus Plastica polymer additives production enterprise, where they were informed that two types of products are manufactured at the plant built on 3.5 hectares: black carbon concentrate additives for polyethylene pipes and polyethylene coatings used in industrial packaging. Up to 50 people will be provided with permanent jobs at the enterprise, with an investment capital of over 12.1 million manat ($7.1 million).

Media representatives were also informed about the projects of other residents of Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. France's aggressive policy in international organizations must be condemned, at least at the level of rhetoric, MP Tural Ganjaliyev said at plenary session of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament), Trend reports.

"France does not deserve to be a permanent member of the UN. France does not contribute to international peace and security, but on the contrary, poses a threat," he said.

He also said action must be taken towards France's recent policy regarding South Caucasus.

The MP said Azerbaijan is already doing it, reminding that the country hosted an international conference - "Neocolonialism: violation of human rights and injustice" recently.

"A meeting was also held with the participants of the conference in Parliament, where they were expressed support. France, by changing the name of its new colonial policy, keeps these territories under its occupation. We must respond to the voice of these peoples against this oppression," the MP said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited people of Armenian origin reported by the Azerbaijani side, as well as Azerbaijanis in captivity in Armenia, Azerbaijan's representation of the ICRC told Trend.

It was noted that one-on-one meetings were held with the detainees and conditions were created for them to contact their families.

According to its mandate, during such visits, the ICRC assesses the treatment and conditions of detainees and creates opportunities to restore or continue contacts of these persons with their families. In accordance with ICRC procedures, observations and recommendations in connection with visits are transmitted exclusively to the detaining party.
Tongue diagnostic systems are fast gaining traction due to an increase in remote health monitoring worldwide, and new research from the University of South Australia and Iraqs Middle Technical University provides more evidence of the increasing accuracy of this technology to detect disease.

Thousands of years ago, Chinese medicine pioneered the practice of examining the tongue to detect illness, said Dr. Ali Al-Naji, a researcher at the University of South Australia and Middle Technical University.

Conventional medicine has long endorsed this method, demonstrating that the color, shape, and thickness of the tongue can reveal signs of diabetes, liver issues, circulatory and digestive problems, as well as blood and heart diseases.

Taking this a step further, new methods for diagnosing disease from the tongues appearance are now being done remotely using artificial intelligence and a camera  even a smartphone.

Computerised tongue analysis is highly accurate and could help diagnose diseases remotely in a safe, effective, easy, painless, and cost-effective way.

This is especially relevant in the wake of a global pandemic like COVID-19, where access to health centres can be compromised.

Diabetes patients typically have a yellow tongue, cancer patients a purple tongue with a thick greasy coating, and acute stroke patients present with a red tongue that is often crooked.

A 2022 study in Ukraine analyzing tongue images of 135 COVID-19 patients via a smartphone showed that 64% of patients with a mild infection had a pale pink tongue, 62% of patients with a moderate infection had a red tongue, and 99% of patients with a severe COVID-19 infection had a dark red tongue.

Previous studies using tongue diagnostic systems have accurately diagnosed appendicitis, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

In their study, Dr. Al-Naji and colleagues reviewed the worldwide advances in computer-aided disease diagnosis, based on tongue color.

They also used a USB web camera and computer to capture tongue images from 50 patients with diabetes, renal failure and anemia, comparing colors with a data base of 9,000 tongue images.

Using image processing techniques, they correctly diagnosed the diseases in 94% of cases, compared to laboratory results.

It is possible to diagnose with 80% accuracy more than 10 diseases that cause a visible change in tongue color, Dr. Al-Naji said.

In our study, we achieved a 94% accuracy with three diseases, so the potential is there to fine tune this research even further.

The teams paper appears in the AIP Conference Proceedings.

_____

Abdulghafor Khudhaer Abdullah et al. 2023. Computer-aided diseases diagnosis system based on tongue color analysis: A review. AIP Conf. Proc 2804 (1): 040003; doi: 10.1063/5.0154231
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. ICRC employees visited people of Armenian origin reported by the Azerbaijani side, Ilaha Huseynova, Head of the Public Relations Department of the ICRC office in Azerbaijan told Trend.

It was noted that one-on-one meetings were held with the detainees, and conditions were created for their communication with their families.

"According to its mandate, during such visits, the ICRC assesses the treatment and conditions of detainees and creates opportunities to restore or continue contact between these persons and their families. In accordance with ICRC procedures, observations and recommendations in connection with visits are transmitted exclusively to the detaining party," Huseynova added.

The leader of the "Dashnaktsutyun" nationalist party in Azerbaijan's Karabakh, the former so-called "chairman of parliament" of the separatists David Ishkhanyan, the former so-called "president" of the separatists Arayik Harutyunyan, the former "state minister" Ruben Vardanyan, so-called "first deputy commander of the defense army" and "served" in the rank of "major general" of the separatist regime Davit Manukyan , the former so-called "foreign minister" of the separatist regime David Babayan, former so-called "presidents" of the separatists Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan, and former "defense minister" of the separatists Levon Mnatsakanyan were detained by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan and delivered to Baku.
Since 1979, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been the nations voice on mental illness. The nationwide organization has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. This includes Michigan which has NAMI Michigan along with 15 community affiliates.As an advocate for mental health, NAMI has provided training to thousands of volunteers, who often have lived experience, to provide peer-led programs in education, skills training, and support in a variety of community settings. The scope of these programs range from managing one's own mental illness to equipping caregivers. Programs are available for adults and children. MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders mental health.Q. Can you share a little about NAMI Michigan and its mission?A. NAMI is the nations largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.Q. NAMI Michigan has worked with several community mental health (CMHs) agencies. How does having CMHs in Michigan help residents?A. Michigans CMHs are the front door for any Michigander affected by any behavioral healthcare disorder, including mental illness, substance use, intellectual and developmental disability, autism, or suicide prevention. Our CMHs provide not only treatment, but the wrap-around services needed to treat the whole person.Q. How has NAMI Michigan collaborated with CMHs?NAMI Michigan collaborates with the CMH system in almost every area, primarily as advocates for needed resources for the more than 325,000 people it serves, and also to hold the CMH system accountable to provide services in the least restrictive, professional, and efficient way possible.Q. Could you highlight some NAMI Michigan projects within the last year?A. Through our 15 Michigan affiliates, NAMI Michigan focuses heavily on destigmatizing mental illness. We do so through our annual NAMIWalks events in September in Detroit and October in Grand Rapids, which raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate participants on available resources and how to access those resources. We have our annual state conference in May, which brings together behavioral healthcare professionals, advocates, and persons living with mental illness focusing on relevant information, treatment, trends, etc. We hosted the Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI) Conference in Detroit in August, which included more than 1,600 of the nations law enforcement, advocates, behavioral healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience to address best practices in crisis prevention and crisis response.In addition, myself and our affiliates host many NAMI Ending the Silence presentations in schools, businesses and places of worship. As president of CIT International , I am working with legislators to establish a statewide, standardized, crisis-response program. We are also working to increase awareness of new resources like the national 988 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Line and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC).Q. How do you feel Michigan is doing in the mental health arena? What is the state doing well and what areas could we improve upon?A. I would give Michigan a C. We are making progress but frankly can do better, faster. CCBHCs provide much needed access to resources, but the people who would benefit most are totally unaware of their existence. Crisis response needs to be standardized, but we lack the political will to get it done as other states have. We need to protect our public behavioral healthcare system so the CMHs can focus on providing better service instead of looking over its shoulder in fear of privatization. We need to make sure the people who need services are more aware of what is available to them and how to access them.NAMI Michigan primarily has focused on being an advocate at the state level for persons affected by mental illness, including children with serious emotional disorders, and has been the leading proponent for consumer and family involvement in care, treatment and recovery. NAMI Michigan works to connect national resources to local affiliates so they can provide support, education and advocacy for mental illness in their communities.The MI Mental Health series highlights the opportunities that Michigan's children, teens, and adults of all ages have to find the mental health help they need, when and where they need it. It is made possible with funding from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Summit Pointe , and Washtenaw County CMH
Mali: l'armee accuse la mission de l'ONU de laisser le champ libre aux "terroristes"

L'armee malienne a accuse mardi la mission de l'ONU de compromettre la securite dans une localite du nord en se retirant de son camp de maniere "precipitee" selon elle et en laissant le champ libre aux "terroristes".





La Minusma, poussee vers la sortie par les militaires au pouvoir a Bamako, a poursuivi son retrait progressif en quittant dimanche et lundi ses camps de Tessalit et Aguelhok.





Ce retrait, qui doit s'echelonner jusqu'au 31 decembre, a exacerbe les rivalites pour le controle du territoire entre acteurs armes presents dans le nord.





Les separatistes touareg ont repris les hostilites contre l'Etat central et le Groupe de soutien a l'islam et aux musulmans (GSIM) affilie a Al-Qaida multiplie les attaques contre l'armee.





La Minusma dit etre forcee d'accelerer son retrait par l'escalade militaire qui menace ses personnels. Elle reproche aussi aux autorites de compliquer son desengagement par leurs obstructions a ses mouvements.





Dans un communique publie mardi, l'armee malienne dit constater "avec beaucoup de regret" que la Minusma a quitte son camp d'Aguelhok sans attendre de le transferer aux autorites maliennes.





Ce "depart precipite de la Minusma met en peril le processus entame et menace la securite et la stabilite dans la localite d'Aguelhok", dit-elle.





Des "terroristes", dit-elle sans plus de precision, ont profite de la situation pour s'introduire dans le camp et "detruire plusieurs installations". Ils ont ete "neutralises" par l'aviation malienne, assure-t-elle.





Les colonels arrives au pouvoir par la force en 2020 ont reclame et obtenu du Conseil de securite en juin, apres des mois de degradation des rapports avec la mission onusienne, le depart de la Minusma deployee depuis 2013 dans ce pays en proie au jihadisme et a une profonde crise multidimensionnelle.




BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. A bust of the Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi was ceremoniously unveiled in Bishkek, Trend reports.

The initiative to install the poet's bust was carried out on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Nizami Ganjavi is one of the most prominent poets of the medieval East, who addressed themes of social injustice and criticized the inaction of officials in his works.

The bust unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, politicians, public figures, and school students.

Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani schools operate in Bishkek. Last year, a Park of Friendship between the two countries was also opened there.
JPMorgan Cazenove reiterated its underweight rating on B&Q owner Kingfisher on Tuesday as it placed the shares on negative catalyst watch ahead of the third-quarter trading update next month.

The bank argued that a deterioration in the French outlook leaves Kingfisher - which also owns Castorama and Brico Depot in France - too reliant on UK strength.

"We remain of the view that cons FY 25 forecasts for both the UK and France are over ambitious (we sit circa 10% below cons on FY 25 profit before tax), particularly with the latter seeing signs of a weakening consumer," JPM said.

The bank pointed out that results from a September 2023 survey showed a "significant" worsening in the outlook for French DIY spend, with the net balance falling to -22% from only -1% in March.

It said that while longer mortgages in France provide some protection in a rising rates environment, housing starts and new mortgages have nevertheless materially deteriorated, now 29% and 43% below pre-pandemic levels.

JPM also said that recent profit warnings in France could signal a weakening consumer.

"In addition to KGF witnessing a slight slowdown in Aug/Sep, homewares retailer, Maisons du Monde, profit warned this month, referencing a strongly deteriorating trend.

"This followed a warning from clothing retailer, SMCP, in September, which had seen a deterioration since the end of July," JPM said.

JPMorgan has a 200p price target on Kingfisher.

At 1230 BST, the shares were down 1.6% at 200.80p.
European stocks mostly rose on Tuesday morning, but big falls in London's banking sector meant the FTSE 100 was alone in the red early on.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 Index was up just 0.1% in early deals, attempting to bounce back after five straight days of losses. The Dax, Cac 40 and Ibex 35 were all up 0.2%, while the FTSE MIB was down 0.1% and the FTSE 100 dropped 0.3%.

In London, shares in Barclays tanked 8% after the bank's third-quarter results. Headline profits were ahead of analysts' forecasts, but the bank cut its guidance for retail banking net interest margin (NIM) for 2023.

The full-year Barclays UK NIM  the difference between interest income and the amount it pays back in interest on deposits  was revised to 3.05-3.10%, down from earlier guidance of 3.15-3.20%.

Sector peers Lloyds, Natwest and HSBC were all trading lower.

Economic data

It was a busy day for economic data on the continent, while a speech from European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde would likely be closed watched around lunchtime, as it comes ahead of the ECB's policy meeting on Thursday.

In the UK, the unemployment rate improved to 4.2% from 4.3% in the three months to August, surprising economists who didn't expect any change.

Forward-looking German consumer confidence weakened in November, with the GfK index dropping to -28.1 from a revised -26.7 the previous month.

The HCOB German manufacturing PMI improved from to 40.7 in October from 39.6 in September, but still remains well below the key 50-point level which separates contraction from growth. The services PMI meanwhile, fell to 48 from 50.3.

Meanwhile, the PMIs for the whole Eurozone will be due out in the coming hours.

"Its already reasonable to suggest that the ECB wont move on rate this week, with the October flash PMIs merely serving to underscore how weak the European economy remains, and with the recent sharp rise in energy prices this weakness is likely to endure," said analyst Michael Hewson from CMC Markets.
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has removed a limit on bonuses in the banking sector after finding that pay and "allowances" have been creeping up over the past decade.

Banks have long-complained that the bonus cap, which limited bonuses to double the amount of fixed salaries, is preventing them from securing the best senior banking talent from overseas.

The PRA said they had discovered "undesired consequences" of the bonus cap, which has been in place since 2014 such as "raising fixed salaries and allowances".

According to Financial News, citing conversations with senior bankers, banks have circumvented limits on pay by offering "role-based allowances" on top of salaries which typically amount to 30-40% of monthly income.

The PRA said that removing the cap would "advance integrity and competition objectives".

"Having the flexibility to restructure pay faster should allow for a greater proportion of total pay to be subject to incentive setting tools within the remuneration framework sooner, which in turn could contribute to a better alignment of incentives and financial rewards with principles of effective risk management, good conduct, and the long-term interests of the firms," the PRA said in a statement.

"This is likely to foster better market conduct and prudent risk management, thereby discouraging behaviours that can lead to misconduct and poor customer outcomes, and improving the safety and soundness of dual-regulated firms and the wider financial system."

The bonus cap will officially be abolished on 31 October.
Multi-asset fintech specialist Plus500 reported a robust third-quarter performance on Tuesday, during a period marked by lower market volatility and trading volumes.

The FTSE 250 companys chief executive officer, David Zruia, expressed satisfaction with its performance, citing a focus on high-value customer acquisition, geographic expansion, and product innovation.

He said Plus500 continued to execute its strategic plans, with notable achievements in the US, Japan, and the UAE markets.

Operational highlights included the launch of a proprietary trading platform tailored for the Japanese retail market and the introduction of Plus500 Futures, a new B2C futures trading platform in the US.

Financially, Plus500 reported a 5% increase in group revenue to $168.1m for the quarter, driven by trading and interest income.

EBITDA saw a 10% increase, reaching $80.3m, with an EBITDA margin of 48%, while the average deposit per active customer increased 18% to $5,250.

Plus500 said its strategic progress included establishing a solid position in the US market and enhancing its technological capabilities.

The company said it was continuing to grow its US B2B and B2C businesses, with the launch of Plus500 Futures marking a significant milestone in its US expansion.

In the US B2B segment, the company reported substantial progress by onboarding additional introducing brokers and expanding clearing memberships.

Plus500 said its strategic presence in the Japanese market grew with the successful launch of a proprietary trading platform tailored to its retail customers.

The company said it plans to further develop its position in Japan by allocating significant resources to the market.

Additionally, Plus500 said it had made significant strides in the UAE market following the grant of a regulatory licence, while it also obtained a new license in the Bahamas, expanding its global presence to 13 regulatory licences.

Despite lower market volumes and volatility, Plus500 said its performance remained strong, driven by its proprietary technology and ability to attract and retain high-value customers across various markets and financial instruments.

The company also noted that its shareholder returns policy had seen $2bn returned to shareholders since its initial public offering in 2013.

In 2023, it had already announced $350m in returns, equivalent to around 25% of its market capitalisation as of September.

The board remains confident in the groups outlook based on its strong competitive positioning, robust balance sheet and clearly stated strategic plans, Plus500 said.

Reflecting the ongoing improvement in attracting and retaining high-value, long-term customers, the group anticipates that it will deliver revenue and EBITDA for 2023 that are in line with recently upgraded market expectations.

Despite the lower market activity levels seen during the period, Plus500s ability to attract and retain higher value customers continued, enabled by its technology, broad product offering, innovative customer solutions and retention initiatives.

Plus500 said that for the remainder of 2023 and beyond, it would continue to invest in its technology to ensure that its competitive advantages across customer acquisition, marketing and retention, as well as the progress in launching new products and entering new markets, was maintained.

Over the medium-term, Plus500s strategy is to further develop its position as a global multi-asset fintech group by launching new products, entering new markets, expanding its offering in existing markets and deepening engagement with customers.

At 0849 BST, shares in Plus500 were up 8.72% at 1,421p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Funds in the amount of 4.8 million manat ($2.8 million) are required to switch to digital broadcasting (purchase, delivery and installation of digital broadcasting equipment), Trend reports.

This is reflected in the "Action Plan for the introduction and development of digital radio broadcasting in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan".

Financing will be carried out within the framework of a public-private partnership and from other sources not prohibited by law. The accrued (estimated) amount may change in accordance with the result of the procurement procedure.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Port Richmond man linked to a pair of frightening attacks in his community is now headed to prison.

Vito Forestier, 47, of Nicholas Avenue, pleaded guilty last month to charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping and third-degree assault in connection with the September 2021 incidents involving female victims.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD responded to a report of an armed robbery in which several individuals allegedly stole money and a luxury watch from a man as they sat in his car in Concord, according to a police spokesman.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 12:30 p.m. Monday afternoon at a home in the vicinity of Britton Avenue and Saunder Street, according to a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The victim, a 24-year-old male, told police he was meeting up with an unknown individual to try to sell the Rolex watch.

While the two men were in the back seat of the victims car, four other males entered the vehicle and allegedly forced the victim to hand over the Rolex and $53, the spokesman said.

According to emergency radio transmissions, police helicopters were dispatched as cops were searching for a white Honda CRV that possibly crossed the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn.

No further information is available at this time and the investigation remains ongoing, police said.

NYPD officers are seen responding to Britton Avenue and Saunder Street in Concord on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York City officials broke ground Tuesday on a new $80 million three-story elementary school building that will serve students on Staten Island.

School Construction Authority (SCA) President and CEO Nina Kubota was joined by Staten Island District 31 Superintendent Dr. Marion Wilson, Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island), Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) and other community and education leaders to celebrate the construction of a state-of-the-art, 547-seat school in Travis, located at 24 Shelley Ave.

Two years ago when I began, and we were selecting artwork and talking about it, and to be here today to actually see the structure being erected is just an amazing, amazing feeling. And to think about the students that will be here in a short time just gives me such great joy, said Wilson.

12 1 / 12 NYC breaks ground on new Travis elementary school

The new school will be at the site of the former St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Churchs rectory property. The city reached an agreement with the Archdiocese of New York in 2018 to construct the new building with a plan to alleviate overcrowding at PS 26, located 1,000 feet away at 4108 Victory Blvd.

The three-story building will be a fully air-conditioned, accessible facility for pre-k through fifth-grade students. It will also include 96 seats for District 75 special education students. It will contain four pre-K and three kindergarten classrooms, 15 standard classrooms and two special education classrooms.

The new building will also have a reading resource room and speech resource room. Other amenities will include: a project room; music classroom; library; full kitchen complex; student dining area; guidance and medical suites; administrative suite; staff workroom; staff lunch/conference room; parent/community room; bicycle storage; gymatorium; exercise room; outdoor playground.

It is slated to open in September 2025.

A contract was awarded to Leon D. DeMatteis Construction Corp. for the new school, which was designed through a collaboration with the School Construction Authority and Mitchell Giurgola Architects. This rendering shows what the building will look like once construction is complete. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson)

Elementary schools nearby will experience a lot of relief with the addition of these new seats, which will help alleviate overcrowding, said Kubota. In just under two years, we will celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art school in September 2025.

Reilly noted that the groundbreaking on Tuesday reminded him of his days working as the former president of Community Education Council (CEC) 31 for Staten Island, when he would advocate to elected officials to bring new schools and more seats to the borough. Now, as an elected official, he said he hopes to continue to be a voice for the community.

Carr said he is hopeful that students at nearby PS 26 will be able to go to the new school building  creating what he called a unified campus.

Once the school opens, its going to change the way education has been done here in this community, because weve always had great educators here, but now were going to finally have a building thats worthy of their efforts and their talents, said Carr.

Wilson explained that no final decision has been made when it comes to moving PS 26 children to the new building, though meetings continue and an official engagement process will soon begin to get community input.

A contract was awarded to Leon D. DeMatteis Construction Corp. for the new school, which was designed through a collaboration with the SCA and Mitchell Giurgola Architects. As part of the SCAs Public Art for Public Schools program, artist Jessica Maffia has been commissioned to create site-specific artwork inside the schools lobby.

The SCAs 2020-2024 Capital Program includes more than $539 million in funding for 11 buildings, adding 4,989 seats on Staten Island. A 290-seat addition at PS 5 in Huguenot is under construction and will open in 2025. The SCA is also planning to build a 238-seat annex for PS 13 in Rosebank, slated to open in 2027.

The Capital Program also includes more than $161 million toward capital improvement projects for existing schools on Staten Island, which Kubota called an incredible investment for the future of the kids here on the Island.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Eva Kollisch, 98, a Jewish refugee who was educated as a teen on Staten Island and later became a noted memoirist and a lesbian rights advocate, died Oct. 10 of a chest infection at her home in Manhattan, according to media reports.

Born in 1926 to a Jewish family outside Vienna, Austria, Kollisch faced persecution from the rising Nazi regime. As war loomed in 1939, Kollisch fled the Holocaust aboard a Kindertransport train, as part of the mass rescue of nearly 10,000 children to Britain prior to the outbreak of the second world war, as detailed by Kveller.

In 1940, she and her brothers arrived in the U.S. and were reunited with their parents in New York; the family would settle in an apartment on Staten Island, according to The New York Times.

A graduate of Curtis High School, Kollisch recounted in a 2016 interview how her early political views were shaped during her time as a student at the school.

I went to high school on Staten Island and had a couple of years, sort of uninteresting years, in high school, she said. But it was safe. Nobody beat me up, nobody called me a Jew b***d or anything like that. And then toward the end of my second year I met a bunch of Trotskyists and it made a big impression on me.

She continued that she found a kind of home, an intellectual home. And a home for my own sense of injustice and wanting to make things right, making them OK. They were far from OK.

After high school, she left Staten Island and worked on an assembly line in Detroit, and as a labor organizer. Despite joining the Trotskyist movement as a teen, Kollisch said she became disillusioned by the overwhelming male leadership.

It wasnt until 1986 that she met future wife Naomi Replansky, a poet and labor activist. As noted by The New York Times, she first had two marriages to men, Stanley Plastrik in 1942, and Gert Berliner, an abstract expressionist artist and fellow refugee.

While with Berliner, the couple moved to New Mexico, where Kollisch wrote while working as a cook at a uranium mine, and as a social worker. It was there that she gave birth to a son, Uri; he and a grandson are the only immediate survivors. The couple then returned to New York and separated in 1959.

I didnt go through this period of great suffering that so many women did in the 40s and 50s, and by the 1960s, you know, it was a part of my androgyny, really, to have loved some men and to love women, Kollisch said in a 2004 interview.

Kollisch and Replansky married in 2009.

In 2016, after decades as a couple, Kollisch and Replansky won the Clara Lemlich Social Activist Award; in 2020, the New York Times profiled how the couple were surviving the COVID-19 pandemic together. Replansky died at age 104 in January.

For work, Kollisch was a professor of comparative literature at Sarah Lawrence College, according to Kveller.

In addition to a career as a professor, Kollisch also became a poet and a vocal activist. The Museum of Jewish Heritage notes that her American arrest came for anti-Vietnam protests; she stood vigil as a Woman in Black, and took part in the Seneca Womens Encampment.

Kollisch went on to write two memoirs, Girl in Movement (2000) and The Ground Under My Feet (2007).
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A beleaguered Boston Market has shuttered locations across the country as its corporate office is embroiled in legal woes among worker, vendor and landlord lawsuits. This Tuesday morning, that national trend hit home for employees at 865 Arthur Kill Road as a city marshal shut the location.

It was a court order. The people from the marshals office were very nice. I gave him the key. He said thank you, said a shift manager, who said the action was due to rent nonpayment.

Just prior to handing over the keys, however, former colleagues had removed as much perishable inventory as possible to help its sister store in Port Richmond. At the moment, the North Shore location is operational starting at noon each day.

Last week, the landlord of the Greenridge shopping center posted a "For Lease" sign, a harbinger of the Marshal's seizing possession of the space. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

Thats the only thing you can do, said the now unemployed Greenridge store worker who has not been paid for one payroll cycle. Although others are in a deeper hole, he pointed out.

The worker said, I feel bad for those people. They didnt get paid for weeks.

Boston Markets corporate offices could not be reached by deadline.

A tip jar at the Forest Avenue location keeps workers going. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

Meanwhile, the staff at 1465 Forest Ave. has had a rough go of it this fall between skipped pay cycles, erratic store hours and staff quitting gradually. Based on employee reports, the formal punch-in/punch-out process had been abandoned in recent months. A lean crew started to receive hand-written checks in September, a situation one former staffer considered highly unprofessional.

At one point, the Forest Avenue restaurant couldnt take credit cards. Additionally, fountain machines were marked out of order as syrup didnt show up. But a district manager was able to bring enough food product to partially stock the hot display case.

The Port Richmond Boston Market has a loyal fanbase that continues to patronize the place, despite its erratic hours and lean inventory. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

On Oct. 17, a former employee of the Port Richmond store predicted in an e-mail to the Advance/SILive.com that the Forest Avenue location would soon also be in danger of permanent closure.

The person continued, [T]hose employees that have left earlier in the month are being ignored when asked when their last paychecks will be received. Some [have] received paper checks and when it comes to cash the checks there were denied because the checks bounced.

The Forest Avenue Boston Market now takes credit cards. But for a stretch it did not, which resulted in a massive loss of sales. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

Workers say theyve filed numerous reports to the Department of Labor. They cite the New York City Fast Food Workers Rights under the Fair Workweek Law, which upholds regular hours and premium pay for schedule changes and closings or openings.

When one worker at the Forest Avenue store was asked why he stayed at the job, he said he feared missing a check and the company finding a reason to withhold pay. Thanks to a gratuity jar, he said, at the very least, the change allowed him to buy diapers for his youngest. He also was able to scrounge up enough tip change to buy cake mix for another childs recent birthday party.

Despite the gloomy Boston Market future, the staff remained steadfast and surprisingly upbeat. The Greenridge manager who had invested almost three decades with the chain offered, Im still alive. I still have my health. Tomorrow will be better than today. Maybe God is doing this for a reason? Its not the end of the world. I will keep going.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.

>> How employees with heart at one Staten Island Boston Market are keeping it open

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>> Ghost story: The haunting of a Staten Island catering hall by the lady in the portrait
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following repeated complaints from a Staten Islander that a rat infestation ruined her summer, the citys rat czar is considering ways to help address a continuing rodent problem across the borough, possibly unveiling a pilot program here.

I missed a good part of my summer in my yard because of the rats, Rosebank resident Pam DePinto told the Advance/SILive.com. Its still pretty nice out, and I could still sit in my yard, but no one wants to be in my yard. You only could sit up with your feet so high.

From May 1 to Sept. 1 of this year there were 608 complaints of rat sightings on Staten Island, according to the citys 311 data. In the same time period last year, the numbers showed there were 593 complaints from the borough.

DePinto explained that getting in touch with 311 and going through with the inspection process was a challenge -- as she filed complaints but never had the opportunity to speak with anyone.

According to city records, DePinto filed rodent complaints on May 19, July 31, Aug. 8 and Aug. 25.

She said her most recent complaint was filed on Sept. 22, adding it wasnt until after contacting the office of Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island) this fall that she finally had the opportunity to talk to the rodent inspectors face to face.

The NYC311 line is meant to provide access to non-emergency city services -- which can range from a pothole repair to addressing rat infestation concerns.

Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo is pictured in his Castleton Corners office with, from left to right: Rat czar Kathleen Corradi; Mike Orlino, director of operations at Superior Pest Elimination Inc.; Rick Simeone, director of NYC Pest Control Service, and Eugene Suharev, Department of Health supervising inspector for Brooklyn and Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

During a recent meeting between Kathleen Corradi, who is officially known as the director of citywide rodent mitigation, and Pirozzolo at the assemblymans Castleton Corners office, the rat czar emphasized the need for clear and transparent communication and proactive engagement in communities to provide homeowners with information about activities on their property or nearby properties. She said she wants to review the 311 system and ensure that users have the option to provide their contact information, so the agency receiving a service request can effectively follow up.

EDUCATION IS KEY

Corradi pointed out the importance of engaging residents who reach out to the city regarding rats, asking: If we know individuals who want to have those conversations, how are we doing our due diligence to flag that and make sure theyre getting that on-the-ground support?

A potential pilot program for Staten Island was discussed, which could include: Improved communication between home inspectors and homeowners; community-wide education on rodent control through brochures, and financial assistance to homeowners investing in rat traps or extermination services.

I think the best thing we learned in this meeting is the that the handling of the rat situation needs to evolve, Pirozzolo said. So I am happy today that we are probably going to be getting a pilot program for Staten Island. The answer is kind of in communication. If an inspector is going to be at a sight where one is saying there are rats, right then and there is where the education should begin.

Also at the meeting were: Former State Sen. Diane Savino; Mike Orlino, director of operations at Superior Pest Elimination Inc.; Rick Simeone, director of NYC Pest Control Service; and Eugene Suharev, supervising inspector for Brooklyn and Staten Island at the city Department of Health (DOH).

A HISTORY OF RATS

DePinto recalled first spotting rats the size of a shoe on her property in 2021.

And then last year we were fine, but then this May we found a dead one in our driveway. And a week later, there was a dead one in my neighbors driveway, she said.

Then in July, dead rats were found in DePintos neighbors yard, located around the corner, and she said she also spotted a rat running in her yard the same month. Worried there would be a rat problem again, she dialed 311.

Even months after DePinto filed her first complaint, she said nothing had been done about the recurring rodent issue.

She recalled that this past August a woman was walking her dog, and the animal had picked up a dead rat from DePintos driveway. She said that the woman was screaming because she couldnt get the rat out of the dogs mouth. A gentleman who was walking by helped them.

With the dead rat left behind on her driveway, DePinto said she called 311 in hopes the Sanitation Department would remove it, but was told that the agency would send someone in two to three days. So my husband came home from work to pick it up, and it was infested with flies, she recalled.

DePinto said the first few inspections werent of much help -- as each case was closed without her being able to show inspectors the back of her house. She explained the inspections happened in the front of her house without her even knowing.

Pirozzolo, who contacted the DOH on DePintos behalf, told the Advance/SILive.com that an inspector should be able to provide the homeowner with informational brochures, and the city should work on contacting neighboring residents to let them know about a potential rat infestation in the community.

At that point, we just wanted to know where the rats were coming from. If they were coming from my yard, then we would exterminate, DePinto explained.

Hiring an exterminator or purchasing rat poison can be expensive for homeowners, Pirozzolo explained, and he proposed that the city consider providing financial relief in the form of a tax credit if officials really want to address the citys rodent issue.

Residents would be more willing to participate if they knew they were going to get reimbursed, Pirozzolo said.

The DOH told the Advance/SILive.com that it conducted two inspections at DePintos house this year in response to 311 complaints about rodents. At the time of our inspections, we did not find signs of rodents or conditions that may attract rodents, a spokesman said. Our staff will be following up with the resident to discuss their concerns.

However, DePinto said she learned from the DOH that an apartment building located just two blocks away from her home had recorded rat activity during the propertys last inspection in August.

A RECENT TOUR

After the meeting at Pirozzolos office earlier this month, the team visited DePintos house and toured the neighborhood.

Today, they definitely determined its not coming from my yard, but going through my yard, DePinto said.

Simeone explained that the average rat lives between six and eight months in New York City.

The bottom line is that the issue is their ability to reproduce. What really leads to this is their ability to eat, so when you take their food source away, thats when they struggle and they stop reproducing, he said. Really its getting the food on that block out of sight. The closer that you put out your trash to the time of sanitation pickup is a major way to reduce the rats on the block.
According to multiple media reports, Vincent Asaro, a reputed mobster associated with the 1978 Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport -- a robbery made even more infamous by its portrayal in the movie Goodfellas -- died Saturday. He was 86.

In 1937, Asaro was born in Queens. A future captain of the Bonanno crime family, he took after his father in joining the organized crime business, as noted by the New York Post.

Asaro was among the infamous crew accused of the armed robbery of a Lufthansa Airlines cargo building at JFK Airport in December 1978. The heist, which saw the mobsters allegedly make off with $5,000,000 cash and nearly $1,000,000 in jewelry was immortalized in Martin Scorseses hit mobster film, Goodfellas.

In 2015, decades later, Asaro appeared in court, accused of an array of mob-related misdeeds, among them the cinematic heist at Kennedy Airport, extortion, robbery and the 1969 murder of Paul Katz. Despite the prosecution calling upon four former mobsters turned stool pigeons, including Asaros own cousin, the mobster was found not guilty of the charges pitted against him.

FILE - In this Dec. 13, 1978, file photo, a police car is parked beside a stolen black van discovered in the Brooklyn borough of New York as forensics experts examine the vehicle, believed used in a robbery at Kennedy Airport. The government used opportunistic Mafia turncoats to make its case against aging mobster Vincent Asaro in the decades-old airport heist immortalized in the hit gangster movie "Goodfellas," a defense attorney said in closing arguments on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at Asaro's racketeering trial. (AP Photo/Ken Murray, File)

However, freedom would be fleeting for Asaro, as the mobster was charged of dispatching a crew to burn the vehicle of a driver who had cut him off at a traffic signal back in 2012, according to the New York Post.

Upon pleading guilty to the charges against him, Asaro was sentenced to eight years in prison. While serving time, Asaro suffered a stroke, and in 2020 he was granted compassionate release amid concerns that he was susceptible to COVID-19, the New York Post reported.

Asaros cause of death has not been published. His family says that the funeral is scheduled for Friday at St. Helens Catholic church in Queens.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations hosted a candidates forum on Oct. 17 at the Staten Island Museum to discuss issues of concern to Staten Islands communities of color.

Topics included maternal health, education, the current public health crises of violence and gun violence, and the impact of asylum-seekers arriving in New York and on Staten Island.

The organizers were Nicole Meyers, President, National Council of Negro Women - Staten Island and Edwina Martin, Richmond County Public Administrator. Invited to participate was every candidate confirmed by the NYC Board of Elections for the 2023 General Election Ballot, regardless of party affiliation.

Invited to the Coalitions 2023 general election candidates forum included candidates for District Attorney, Richmond County; New York City Council (Districts 49, 50 and 51); and civil court judge, said Meyers. Four of the six candidates accepted the invitation.

They were: District Attorney Michael E. McMahon; Councilwoman Kamillah M. Hanks (D - North Shore); Councilman David M. Carr (R - Mid-Island); and candidate for civil court judge Michael J. Pinto.

All of the candidates in Staten Island general election races are running unopposed, except for a third-party challenger for the North Shore City Council seat. Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 28.

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its third annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. Pictured are members of the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section (NCNW-SI). (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUES

Members of SIAC had the opportunity to hear from the candidates and pose questions to gain a deeper understanding of their stance on issues involving our community, said Robin McClendon Cannon, President, Staten Island Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It was an extremely informative candidate forum.

At the forum, attendees expressed particular interest in learning more about the candidates position on asylum seekers, responses to recent tragedies involving young teenagers and access-a-ride limitations, which cause significant hardship for seniors.

An incumbent seeking re-election for the first time, Carr spoke about the importance of representing the interest of Staten Islanders, his position on the asylum seekers -- including what he believes to be the misuse of the Right to Shelter Law -- and the billions in funding and resources used to address the asylum seekers, which he says impacts available resources for current Staten Island and New York City residents.

Incumbent District Attorney Michael McMahon spoke passionately about youth engagement and intervention programs as a priority for his administration. He also spoke to establishing task forces to address substance abuse, gun violence and hate crimes.

I am pleased with the forum, said Edward Josey, President, NAACP, Staten Island Chapter. I would advise everyone to read the voter guide that came in the mail. It provides important information on each candidate, voter rights, and on the two ballot proposals.

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. Pictured are Edward Josey, President, NAACP Staten Island Chapter, Chief Mpaka Princewill, Chair - ACASI, Abou Sy Diakhate, and Nicole Meyers.(Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

As Coalition partners, the African Community Alliance of Staten Island (ACASI) wants a paradigm shift from transactional to transformational leadership, added Chief Mpaka Princewill, the Chair of ACASI. Inclusion should be the new cachet word and the time is now.

This is the age of identity politics; as such, the African community wants a share of the democratic dividend manifested in the Stapleton and appurtenant neighborhoods in the form of practical occupational institutions in order to empower our youths.

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its third annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. Pictured are Nicole Meyers, standing, and Beth Coleman-Oliver. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

COMMITMENT TO VOTER ACTIVATION

Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks spoke to investing more than $400 million towards Staten Island North Shore waterfront, resulting in increased housing and commercial businesses and jobs at livable wages.

Candidate Michael J. Pinto provided attendees with an overview of his extensive attorney record and affiliations with community boards and organizations. He spoke to plans to be fair and impartial if he is elected to be a civil court judge.

The Coalition has been working hard every year on strengthening our partnership with a laser focus on increasing voter knowledge and engagement across our communities, added co-organizer Meyers. We committed to move beyond voter registration to voter activation.

The 2023 candidates forum was standing-room only, demonstrating that our efforts are working. My message to candidates AND elected officials  dont discount the Black vote. Collectively, we have the power to determine an outcome!

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

ABOUT THE STATEN ISLAND COALITION OF BLACK-LED ORGANIZATIONS

The Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations was formed in 2021 to coalesce the resources of communities represented by Staten Islands Black-led organizations to better focus on how issues of importance to Staten Islands broad and growing communities of color are being addressed by its elected officials.

Coalition members include: The African Community Alliance of Staten Island (ACASI); True 2 Life; The Harriet Tubman Purple Hats Society, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Beta Pi Omega Chapter  Staten Island; Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., Lambda Chapter; National Action Network; National Council of Negro Women, Inc.Staten Island Section; Staten Island Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Staten Island Black Heritage; the Staten Island BranchNAACP; Penn & Perry Inc.; Empowerment Zone; Gift of Experience LLC; Phenomenal Women Association; The Global Academy for Community-Based Education, Inc.; Surprise the Struggling, Inc.; Stradford Family Life of Foundation; and Staten Island Strong.

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

These organizations, representing thousands of Staten Island residents, are non-partisan and advocate on a host of issues, including gun violence and violence prevention; workers rights and workplace equity; health issues; education; domestic violence and civil rights.

Collectively, they work to provide a voice for all BIPOC Staten Islanders on issues, policies and programs that impact the lives of the Islands men, women and children in their community.

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. Pictured are Abou Sy Diakhate, left, and Nija Howard. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

Councilman David Carr addresses the crowd at the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations' 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. Pictured is candidate Michael J. Pinto, who provided attendees with an overview of his extensive attorney record and affiliations with community boards and organizations. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)

On October 17, 2023, the Staten Island Coalition of Black-Led Organizations (the "Coalition") hosted its 3rd Annual Candidates Forum at the Staten Island Museum. Pictured is co-organizer, Nicole Meyers. (Courtesy Nicole Meyers)
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San Mateo, CA (94402)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable.
ABC boss David Anderson has defended the public broadcasters coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, after being grilled over controversial leaked text messages by its Middle East correspondent Tom Joyner and an interview on 7.30 with a senior Hamas representative.

During a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday, Anderson endured scrutiny from Liberal senators Hollie Hughes and Sarah Henderson, with both focusing on the broadcasters coverage of the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Senator Hollie Hughes has targeted the ABC managing director over the 7.30 interview with a senior Hamas leader. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Commenting on the leaked comment from Joyner, who called reports of Hamas beheading Israeli babies bullshit in a WhatsApp group with international media, Anderson said the comment was unfortunate.

It shouldnt have happened, he said. Joyner, who Anderson noted is remorseful over the comment, is being investigated by the ABC, with the ABC boss adding that the journalist had the right to procedural fairness.
Infused with the youthful urgency of twentysomethings making their way in an increasingly troubled world, the delicious eight-part Salade grecque (2023, Greek Salad) recently arrived unheralded on Prime. It deserves better. Produced by Bruno Levy for Amazon France, its the creation of his longtime collaborator, writer-director Cedric Klapisch, who oversaw the production and wrote and directed three episodes. Its also a spin-off from a trio of very satisfying films he made about lifes complications.

Judith Godreche and Romain Duris in the 2002 film Spanish Apartment

Like Greek Salad, theyre multi-national comedies of manners set in different parts of the world. First came the Euro-pudding mix of Lauberge espagnol (2002, aka The Spanish Apartment), which followed the adventures of fresh-faced Xavier (Romain Duris), who goes to study in Barcelona on an Erasmus scholarship, discovers the delights of shared-house living and makes some new friends. Among them is Wendy, a young English woman (played by Kelly Reilly, whos now probably best known for her role as Kevin Costners daughter in Yellowstone).

However, its only in the latter stages of Les poupees russes (2005, Russian Dolls), that they officially become a couple. But then, by the time we meet them again in Casse-tete chinois (2013, Chinese Puzzle), theyve separated, shes living in Manhattan and he moves there to share custody of their two children, Tom (Pablo Mugnier-Jacob) and Mia (Margaux Mansart).

Duris whos worked extensively throughout his career with Klapisch has found himself continually moved by the trilogy. While theyre comedies, what theyre saying is very powerful, he explains. Theyre about the search for self. If you were so inclined, you might even take them as philosophical tales of our times. The same is true of Greek Salad.
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Eating outBrisbane A cult Sydney Nigerian restaurant arrives in West End We had a fan base before we even came. Listen for the music on Boundary Street and get ready for spicy, hearty stews, authentic jollof rice and fragrant cocktails. Matt Shea October 24, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Little Lagos was one of the pandemics Sydney success stories. As popular as it had been during its pop-up days at Earls Juke Joint, there were concerns Ade Adeniyis then-new Nigerian restaurant wouldnt survive the NSW capitals months of lockdowns. Lekki by Little Lagos head chef Kemi Fajemisin. Morgan Roberts But Adeniyi, like many operators, managed to bounce along doing takeaway until he could reopen in earnest. These days, Little Lagos does a roaring trade on Enmore Road. Perhaps it was all because, upon opening, Little Lagos was Sydneys only dedicated Nigerian restaurant and bar  a surprise in a city with well over 3000 Nigerian-born residents.

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Turns out, it was so popular that word spread to Brisbane. We had a fan base in Brisbane before we even came here, says Kemi Fajemisin. Head chef and manager Fajemisin is chatting in the dining room of Lekki by Little Lagos, Little Lagos new sister venue in West End. I remember my first week in Brisbane, and someone asked me what were doing, and I said I was from Little Lagos in Sydney, and she said, Ive been wanting to come to Sydney for a long time. And I havent been able  this is going to be my second home. Now, shes always here. Lekki by Little Lagos dining room fills up early each evening. Morgan Roberts

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Brisbane, like Sydney before it, has lacked a go-to Nigerian restaurant (although you can find pockets of the cuisine around the city  see catering company Calabar Kitchen, for example, which has a dedicated following) and on a Thursday evening at 5pm, when this masthead visits Lekki by Little Lagos, the dining room is already half full. Weve had huge support from the Nigerian community, Fajemisin says. But also other locals, and other nationalities travelling through Brisbane. Theyre curious and when they try it, they seem to love it. Whats to love about Nigerian food? Think spicy, flavourful soups; rich curry-like stews built on onion, tomato and capsicum; fried plantains; flaky pies full of mince and onion; and jollof rice cooked in a blended sauce of tomatoes, capsicum, onions and habaneros. Its hearty and soul-warming, and like a lot of West African cuisine, tends to come served with plenty of spice.

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Theyre the kinds of flavours everyone loves, Fajemisin says. And for newcomers its friendly, its approachable. The marinated goat stew takes locally sourced goat and cooks it in a sauce of tomatoes, red capsicum, habaneros, onions and traditional Nigerian spices. Morgan Roberts Lekkis menu is split into mains, snacks, sides and desserts, with some set menu share plates that allow diners to explore a few different dishes. For mains, you might order Nigerian-style jollof rice with chicken; ewa agoyin (slow-cooked then pan-fried black-eyed beans, topped with a fried red-chilli sauce); ila alasepo (a finely minced okra soup with fish and beef); or egusi (melon seeds) simmered with herbs, spices, green leaves and beef. There are also a bunch of stews, such as a marinated beef stew cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, red capsicum, habaneros, onions and traditional Nigerian spices; a marinated goat stew that takes locally sourced goat and cooks it much the same way; or an ayamase  a traditional stew made with a sauce of locust beans, green bullhorn capsicums, habaneros, onions, Nigerian spices, fish and beef.

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Fried plantains at Lekki by Little Lagos. Morgan Roberts For snacks, there are flaky meat pies stuffed with minced beef, or chicken, potatoes and carrots; gizdodo (stir-fry of plantains, and chicken gizzards and giblets); and asun (marinated goat pieces diced with onion and chilli). For drinks, there are African beers (including Nigerian-brewed Guinness Foreign Extra Stout) and a handful of wines, but its the Nigerian-influenced cocktail list where the action is. Theres the Palm-ito (palm wine, rum, lime, scent-leaf syrup and mint), the Fela in Versace (tequila, elderflower, lime, chilli, zobo tea syrup and palm wine) and the Meia Praia (gin, coconut, pineapple, falernum and North African bitters), among a bunch of others. To find Lekki by Little Lagos, look for the Fela Kuti portrait and Nigerian flag on Boundary Street. Morgan Roberts The cocktails play nicely with the venue, which sits open to the street on Boundary, with music pumping from a hefty PA system.

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Theres not much to the fit-out other than some timber tables and bentwood chairs, a bar down one side and a banquette down the other, and a Nigerian flag and enormous portrait of Fela Kuti at the door. But that just adds to the familial, welcoming feel of the place  particularly with the large semi-open kitchen out back. The music is the first thing that attracts people, Fajemisin says. It makes them curious to check us out. The foods happening, and weve got happy hours from Tuesday to Friday, so theyll come in and immediately get what were all about. Open Tue-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-9pm. 132 Boundary Street, West End, (07) 3846 7298. lekkibylittlelagos.com

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Residents in inner west Sydney suburbs such as Marrickville and Newtown are set to experience more planes taking off over their homes from Sydney Airports main runway under a shake up of airspace to make room for the citys new international airport.

As part of the proposed changes to Sydney Airports flight paths, jet aircraft bound for the east, which take off from the main north-south runway, will curve further westwards immediately after departing before heading over the northern beaches as they follow an arc-like path.

Some inner west suburbs will cop more planes flying overhead from the changes to flight paths. Credit: Steven Siewert

Maps released by the federal government indicate Marrickville, Newtown, Camperdown and North Strathfield will cop more planes taking off from the main north-south runway, while Lilyfield, Russell Lea and Rhodes will experience fewer aircraft than at present.

The proposed changes for Sydney Airport are contained in a draft environmental assessment of preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney Airport. Flight paths for Bankstown and Camden airports, and the RAAF base at Richmond, will also be adjusted to accommodate planes using the new airport.
Queensland Police have issued an update on the Logan shooting, saying the man allegedly threatened officers as they responded to a disturbance.

Immediate first aid and CPR were provided, and the man was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition, the statement read.

This matter is under investigation by Ethical Standards Command.

No further information is available at this time while investigations continue.
The police arson squad is investigating at least five separate fires which burnt in Kings Park on Tuesday afternoon, sparking a watch and act alert for surrounding areas.

The first blaze was reported on the western side of the park across the road from Perth Childrens Hospital around 2.45pm. Within 30 minutes, four more fires were spotted, with dozens of fire fighting crews called in to bring the blazes under control.

Kings Park was temporarily closed while the arson squad investigated the suspicious fires.

A police spokeswoman said early indications suggested multiple ignition points, and police would remain at the scene to help DFES until the fire was extinguished.
It is not enough to just argue to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years from its current 10. We must save these children, improve their lot, believe in them until they believe in themselves, to change the direction of their life. We must ensure they do not languish lifelong in ruination and die decades before their time. Loading There are those who believe the nightmare of Banksia Hill is a combustion of aberrant First Nations youth. I reject this. Banksia Hill is not a Black problem. For the record, the tragedies and travesties of Banksia Hill are not Black, Brown or White problems. Banksia is a systemic problem. A problem made by governments. There is nothing rehabilitative about Banksia. The disproportionate number of First Nations children jailed should not disguise the failures of the state. Homelessness is caused by governments not building social housing. Similarly, the WA government does not invest in nurturing our states most vulnerable. If there were genuine diversionary programs for these young people, many of whom are homeless, transient or orphaned, the Childrens Court would be referring children to such programs. Governments boast of mythical diversionary programs but come the day children front the court, judges have nowhere to turn. Where children can be released, we must support them with intensive psychosocial outreach.

WA needs to urgently reform child bail laws and where children can be released, present more options for them to remain where possible with families, identifiable responsible adults, or accessible, well-resourced, secure, community-based facilities. Where children must be remanded to secure facilities, they must be tiered by age-bracket: 10-12 years, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18. In general, the content of nurture is age-sensitive. These secure facilities must be places where one-on-one support is guaranteed, as in familial settings, from seasoned experts who build rapport. Instead, of these forgotten children of Banksia, about 70 per cent will finish up incarcerated as adults. Of those segregated at Unit 18 at the adult Casuarina Prison, I estimate nearly all will be incarcerated when adults. This is an indictment of us. I know most of the children of Unit 18. They are not monsters. They are people who were denied the beginnings most of us take for granted. For years, I begged state governments to allow high calibre wide-remit restorative models into Banksia. I won the support of former minister for corrective services Fran Logan, but the battle to get us in was arduous. Mr Logan retired prior to last years election.

However, when eight services ceased at Banksia during the statewide coronavirus quarantine, then-Department of Corrective Services commissioners summoned me and a colleague, Megan Krakouer, to Banksia for two months. Loading The next morning, I said to Megan and another colleague, We may never get this opportunity again, so let us do everything we can to assist as many children as possible. We focused on the female detainees, aged 11-18. When we commenced at Banksia, the female detainee population numbered 18. I applied to the Childrens Court to release as many as possible and it did. We provided substantive post-release support. Within eight weeks we had more than halved the female detainee population to seven detainees. We were not miracle workers, but three and seasoned mentors, who showed what psychosocial support looks like.

If Banksia has a population of 100, deploy 100 nurturers and you will see the reoffending drop. I am now blocked by the state government from working in state prisons because I helped galvanise the class action on behalf of former and present detainees. Testimonies to me and my colleagues, from hundreds of former and recently released Banksia detainees describe the same fails and horrors. Weve registered more than 700 souls, with thousands more to come by the time of a court ruling. A win would ultimately compel governments to humane ways forward. There are 17 childrens prisons Australia-wide.

If we win in the courts, precedents will be set for changes and reforms not just in WA, but which every state and territory because we shone the light on Banksia Hill. Loading We must not give up. We must fight like never before. Unit 18 must be abolished. Banksia Hill does not need to be demolished, but it must not be a prison. It can be a place of transformation, where seasoned mentors nurture children in age-appropriate ways, one on one.

A place for the children of Perth, not a place uprooting children from way outside the city. Where sections 50(D) and 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act are recognised and First Nations seasoned professionals are employed to achieve proportional workforce parity. We must introduce Medicare and access to the NDIS to prisons. There is no greater advocate to an incarcerated individual  particularly a child  than a doctor. Medicare can ensure bulk billing physicians in every prison. States and territories must fund community-based age-tiered well-resourced facilities, with a psychosocial onus, and respectable quality bedrooms for our neediest children, not grotesque stir-crazy jail cells. With post-release, there must be wide remit 24/7 support services  torch-bearers to improved lives.

Imperatively, from a triage-based needs basis, there must also be aftercare critical assists, emergency response outreach teams, and humane short stay respites. Loading The social return will be high. We must recognise the disproportionate rate of First Peoples children being jailed as the culmination of the sins of a nation. Understanding the unfairness is the first step to our atonement. Give them the chance theyve never had  invest in the children and not in their incarceration.
Engineered stone could be outlawed in future construction if a key recommendation in a long-awaited national review of the products dangers is adopted by state and federal governments.

Calls for a blanket ban were taken up on Tuesday by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), which vowed to prohibit the material  commonly used for kitchen benchtops  on the nations building sites by next July, if state governments had not acted by then.

Governments may stop short of a total ban on engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen benchtops, when they release Safe Work Australias report, expected on Friday. Credit: Eddie Jim

Sources with knowledge of the Safe Work Australia report, speaking on background to discuss its contents ahead of public release, said one option put forward was an all-out ban. Unions and health experts say there is no safe level of exposure to the dust generated from cutting engineered stone.

But governments may stop short of a total ban when they release the report, expected on Friday, following lobbying by manufacturers and division among the states.
West Australian Premier Roger Cook has fired a warning shot at re-elected Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas amid persistent rumours the Channel Seven personalitys political ambitions extend beyond local government.

Zempilas has expressed interest to the beleaguered Liberal Partys top brass about a tilt at the seat of Churchlands in the 2025 state election, long considered Liberals heartland until the 2021 bloodbath that left the party with just two seats in the lower house.

WA Premier Roger Cook, Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.

However, during the local government election campaign, Zempilas consistently publicly denied he was interested in state politics and was instead focused on being re-elected as lord mayor.

He succeeded in that goal on Saturday night, defeating challengers Sandy Anghie and Will Leyland with 56 per cent of the first preference vote, securing another four years in the role.
Portland: An off-duty pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a passenger jet tried to shut down the engines in mid-flight and had to be subdued by the crew, a pilot flying the plane told air traffic controllers.

Authorities in Oregon identified the man as Joseph David Emerson, 44. He was being held Monday on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office.

Alaska Airlines is one of the best performing. Credit: iStock

The San Francisco-bound Horizon Air flight on Sunday diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it was met by officers from the Port of Portland, who took Emerson into custody. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, a regional carrier, did not name Emerson, but said on Monday that the threat was posed by one of its pilots who was off duty but authorised to occupy the cockpit jump seat.
SABA:--- In the beginning of October, Jordan Every had the opportunity to travel to Estonia to participate in the 2023 Green Destinations Conference. The conference this year was held in Tallinn, Estonia in honor of the city recently winning the European Green Capital Award.

Sustainable Tourism

As a Junior Policy Advisor in the Project Bureau at Public Entity Saba, Every works closely with the Tourism Department. Prior to her departure to Estonia, she successfully completed the Sustainable Tourism course offered by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The GSTC course is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of sustainability practices in the travel and tourism industry. Every successful completion of this course signifies not only a personal achievement but also a remarkable step forward for Saba's commitment to sustainable tourism.

Green Destinations

In connection to sustainable tourism, Saba was awarded the Silver Quality Coast Award in 2022 as part of the Green Destinations Award program, which is accredited by the GSTC. Saba has also been recognized in the 2017 & 2018 Sustainable destinations Global Top 100.

For this years Green Destinations annual Top 100 competition, which collects and celebrates initiatives from destinations globally, inspiring tourism leadership, Every authored an article titled "Reef Rebirth: How Conservationists are Reviving Saba's Coral Ecosystems." This exceptional story earned recognition as one of the top 100 'Good Practice Stories,' specifically winning in the Environment and Climate section for Sabas sustainable efforts. Her article sheds light on Saba's ongoing efforts to restore its coral reefs, vital for the island's nature-oriented tourism, which contributes to its economy.

Saba faces the challenge of rehabilitating its coral reefs. The island's National Marine Park, established in 1987, plays a crucial role in safeguarding these vibrant coral ecosystems. However, coral decline, exacerbated by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and climate change, has affected tourism, fishing, and biodiversity.

In response to this challenge, the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), has taken the lead in coral reef rehabilitation. Every's story highlights the SCF's Coral Nursery project, which nurtures and transplants corals. This initiative involves collaboration with various stakeholders and promotes youth leadership and sustainable tourism.

Ayumi Kurama Izioka, Saba Bank Officer from the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) played a vital role in Every's journey towards sustainable tourism excellence. Their support and collaboration were instrumental in the success of her project.

However, her involvement did not stop at writing about these vital initiatives. While in Estonia, she also had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion, focusing on marine ecosystems and the critical role they play in Saba's tourism industry.

Every's achievement and dedication to sustainable tourism align with Saba's vision of responsible and environmentally conscious travel. This accomplishment not only enhances Saba's reputation as a sustainable travel destination but also sets an inspiring example for the wider travel and tourism industry.

To read Jordan Everys full story, visit: https://www.greendestinations.org/saba-dutch-caribbean/
IsoEnergy Provides Summer Exploration and Corporate Update

IsoEnergy Ltd. (aIsoEnergya or the aCompanya) (TSXV: ISO; OTCQX: ISENF  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/isoenergy-ltd/ ) is pleased to provide an update on the results of summer 2023 exploration work on its eastern Athabasca Basin uranium properties (Figure 1).

Summer Program Highlights:

5,270 metres of drilling were completed in 11 drill holes on the Larocque East, Hawk and Ranger projects. Mineralization was intersected in the west end of the Hurricane deposit at Larocque East, and prospective intervals of strong structural disruption, clay alteration and desilicification were intersected on conductive corridors with significant untested strike length at Hawk and Ranger.

At Laroque East, Drill hole LE23-155, drilled in the southwest portion of the Hurricane deposit to upgrade confidence in continuity of mineralization to the western border of the property, intersected 5 meters averaging 4.1% U3O8 between 325.0 and 333.5m downhole. This interval includes an intercept of 6.8% U3O8 over a 1.0 m interval from 327.0 to 328.0m and a higher-grade interval of 23% U3O8 over 1.0 m from 331.5 to 332.5m.

Innovative Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) surveys were completed on the Larocque East, Hawk and East Rim projects in collaboration with FLEET. A significant low velocity response, interpreted to represent alteration, is spatially associated with the Hurricane deposit and 3D models from these surveys will be integrated with other drill hole and geophysical information to generate targets for future drilling. A compelling 1-kilometre-long ANT target has been defined along strike of the Hurricane deposit with the same footprint as the feature associated with Hurricane.

Drill hole HK23-08 at Hawk, intersected a significant fault zone that offsets the unconformity by 16.5 metres and is spatially associated with strong illite and chlorite alteration, and desilicification in the lower sandstone and upper basement. HK23-08 was drilled 850 metres south of a 2-kilometre-long ANT velocity anomaly that is situated within a north-northeast trending regional corridor defined by a magnetic low and coincident ZTEM conductivity.

A helicopter-borne Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEMa Plus) survey flown at the East Rim project, on the southeast edge of the Athabasca Basin, defined a strong conductivity trend interpreted to represent prospective graphitic basement host rocks.

Airborne geophysical surveying was also completed at the Trident, Collins Bay Extension and Evergreen projects to further develop a pipeline of high-quality drill targets.

Tim Gabruch, President and Chief Executive Officer commented: aIsoEnergy has completed a safe and successful summer exploration program consisting of drilling at our Larocque East, Hawk and Ranger properties and a significant geophysical program utilizing innovative Ambient Noise Tomography technology to provide improved geological information. Drilling highlights include mineralization intersected in LE23-155 in the southwestern portion of the Hurricane deposit, which suggests that section of the orebody extends to the western border of the property. A Overall, the summer program has continued IsoEnergya?s systematic approach to advancing its high-quality portfolio of properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin and has provided the Company with an exciting set of targets with significant discovery potential to focus on in 2024, starting with our upcoming winter program, for which planning is already underway.a

Dr. Darryl Clark, Vice President, Exploration also commented: aDuring the summer field season, we advanced several of our projects through the discovery and development pipeline. At our flagship Hurricane project, in addition to successfully extending the resource footprint to the west, the team generated several new exploration targets to the east. We also successfully deployed the innovative ANT geophysical system at Hurricane, over the ore zone and the north, south and east extents. Preliminary analysis of the results illustrates that we can detect the unique hydrothermal alteration system that surrounds the ore deposit, therefore we can use this information to look for similar features in the surveys that we have completed to the east of Hurricane deposit as well as at our high priority Hawk exploration project. A The results from drilling at Hawk confirmed the presence of a significant late brittle fault zone associated with an unconformity offset, alteration, and elevated radioactivity.A This feature, combined with the well-defined ANT anomaly located 850 metres along trend to the north, is a compelling target that will be drill tested in the coming months.a

Summer Exploration Results

Hurricane, Larocque East Project

Six drill holes totalling, 2,175 metres were completed at Larocque East (Figure 2). Four holes were dedicated to expansion of Hurricane. A Drill hole LE23-155 targeted the unconformity 26.5 meters west of drill hole LE21-78c1 and intersected 8.5 meters averaging 4.1% U3O8 between 325.0 to 333.5m downhole, which includes an intercept of 6.8% U3O8 over a 1.0 m interval from 327.0 to 328.0m and includes a higher-grade interval of 23% U3O8 over 1.0 m from 331.5 to 332.5m (Table 1 and Figure 3). Additionally, a single hole was completed to test resistivity targets north of Hurricane. The drill hole added valuable knowledge in understanding the geology of the project area.

The preliminary results of the ANT survey conducted over Hurricane and the surrounding area successfully outlined a consistent low velocity feature that overlaps with the drill defined alteration halo spatially associated with the Hurricane deposit (Figure 4). Furthermore, the ANT survey also highlighted several other areas with a similar low velocity signature to the Hurricane deposit alteration halo. One of these is along strike east of the deposit on the same conductor corridor and has roughly the same footprint as the low velocity feature associated with the Hurricane deposit. Drilling in 2024 will follow up ANT results integrated with other geophysical and drill hole information.

Hawk Project

Drilling at Hawk totaled 1,796 metres and tested electromagnetic conductors identified in the 2022/2023 geophysical surveys. Summer drilling comprised two holes that were completed to target and two holes that encountered poor ground conditions in the upper sandstone cover sequence and had to be abandoned as a result (Figure 5), leaving a highly prospective untested target that will be tested during a future drill program. Drilling successfully intersected prospective brittle structures and alteration in hole HK23-08. The basal sandstone in hole HK23-08 is moderately bleached with metre-scale zones of desilicification and illite/chlorite clay alteration that are associated with structure (Figure 6). A broken and illite/chlorite clay altered fault zone was intersected in the basement from 691 to 707 m downhole. The unconformity surface is offset by this fault zone, and a sandstone wedge is present within the fault zone between 691 and 693 meters (Figure 7). There is a ~16.5 metre west-side-up reverse component of displacement of the unconformity.

In addition to exploration drilling, an ANT survey was conducted over 7.3 km of the main north-northeast trending ZTEM conductivity corridor and has defined a large velocity low anomaly (Figure 5) that is coincident with both the on strike projection of the altered brittle fault zone intersected in drill holes HK23-03/05A/08 and the strong conductor picks identified in the winter 2023 ground EM survey (IsoEnergy Ltd News Release April, 2023).A Similar to the ANT signature that is associated with the Hurricane deposit, the velocity low is interpreted as the result of a large hydrothermal system that has altered the sandstone cover sequence above the unconformity target.

Ranger Project

IsoEnergy completed three diamond drill holes totaling 1,299 metres in the first IsoEnergy drilling program on the Ranger property (Figure 8). RG23-01 and RG23-02 were targeted to follow up results from 1994 Cameco drillholes along the Bird Lake Fault. RG23-03 was targeted to test an un-drilled conductor identified by the winter 2022 Fixed Loop Transient Electromagnetic (FLTEM) survey carried out by IsoEnergy in winter 2022.

RG23-03 intersected zones of strong bleaching, structure-hosted clay alteration, and pyrite-rich fracture linings in the sandstone, along with moderate illite straddling the unconformity. Discrete graphitic structures were intersected from 483.1 to 490.7m associated with 13.3 parts per million uranium by ICPMS partial digestion from 480.0 to 485.0m. Results from RG23-03 warrant further drilling along the northern conductor trend.

RG23-01 and RG23-02 intersected zones of anomalous illite alteration in the sandstone immediately above the unconformity. Geological interpretation suggests further drilling is required to sufficiently test the targets in this area.

East Rim Project

Geotech Ltd conducted a helicopter-borne Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEMa Plus) and horizontal magnetic gradiometer geophysical survey at the East Rim project. The survey covered 1136 line-kilometres. The VTEMa Plus system is excellent at locating discrete conductive anomalies as well as mapping lateral and vertical variations in resistivity.A A conductivity domain outlined by the 2023 VTEM survey, density low anomalies identified by the 2022 Falcon gravity survey, historic ground EM conductors and alteration in historic drill holes are all present in the area of interest (Figure 9). The results of this VTEM survey will be integrated with the magnetic and gravity surveys that were conducted in 2022 to generate basement hosted targets for initial reconnaissance drill testing in 2024. Importantly, the sandstone cover on the property is thin, ranging from no sandstone cover to 265 metres in previous drilling.

Efforts at the early-stage East Rim project have continued to focus on basement-hosted targets where multiple layers of geophysical data stack and allow the Company to vector into a potential uranium mineralised system located under this thin cover.

Airborne Geophysical Surveying

In addition to the East Rim VTEM survey, airborne geophysical surveys were completed at four other projects (Figure 1) to identify prospective geological environments on these projects over which ground surveys can be focused to quickly move them to the drill ready stage.

Xcalibur Multiphysics conducted multiparameter airborne geophysical surveys at IsoEnergya?s early-stage Trident and Collins Bay Extension projects. The surveys employed Xcalibura?s FALCONA Airborne Gravity Gradiometry system to acquire high-resolution gravity, magnetic, and radiometric (spectrometry) datasets. Gravity and magnetic data will improve the property-wide understanding of basement geology and assist in the identification of potential alteration zones, while gamma ray spectrometry aims to locate anomalous radioactivity related to near-surface showings and radioactive boulder trains such as those that led to the discovery of several notable uranium deposits including Key Lake and Triple R.

Staking

Five claims, totalling 2193 hectares, were staked during the summer (Figure 10). This staking was intended to grow the existing Geiger, Full Moon, and Rapid River tenures and establish the Ward Creek property in an under-explored prospective corridor.

Corporate Update

On September 27, 2023, IsoEnergy entered into a definitive arrangement agreement for a share-for-share merger of IsoEnergy and Consolidated Uranium Inc. (aConsolidated Uraniuma), pursuant to which IsoEnergy will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Consolidated Uranium by way of plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). A vote of Consolidated Uranium shareholders is anticipated to take place on or about November 28, 2023, with the transaction expected to close during December 2023 (subject to satisfaction of certain other customary conditions precedent).

In connection with the merger, on October 19, 2023 IsoEnergy completed a $36.6 million private placement of subscription receipts, with such subscription receipts automatically convertible for one IsoEnergy common share on closing of the merger. The arrangement will create a new, diversified, industry leading uranium development and exploration company of greater scale that is focused on growth in Canada, the United States and Australia.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was prepared by Darryl Clark, P.Geo., IsoEnergya?s Vice President, Exploration, who is a aQualified Persona (as defined in NI 43-101 aA Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Dr. Clark has verified the data disclosed.A As mineralized drill holes at the Hurricane zone are oriented very steeply (-70 to -90 degrees) into a zone of mineralization that is interpreted to be horizontal, the true thickness of the intersections is expected to be greater than or equal to 90% of the core lengths.A This news release refers to properties other than those in which the Company has an interest. Mineralization on those other properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Companya?s properties.A All chemical analyses are completed for the Company by SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, SK. For additional information regarding the Companya?s Larocque East Project, including its quality assurance and quality control procedures, please see the Technical Report dated effective May 15, 2019, on the Companya?s profile atA .

About IsoEnergy

IsoEnergy is a well-funded uranium exploration and development company with a portfolio of prospective projects in the eastern Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. In 2018, the Company discovered the high-grade Hurricane Deposit on its 100% owned Larocque East property in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. The Hurricane Deposit has Indicated Mineral Resources of 48.61 Million lb U3O8 based on 63,800 tonnes grading 34.5% U3O8 and Inferred Mineral Resources of 2.66 Million lb U3O8 based on 54,300 tonnes grading 2.2% U3O8 (July 8, 2022). The Hurricane Deposit is 100% owned by IsoEnergy and is unencumbered from any royalties. IsoEnergy is led by a Board and Management team with a track record of success in uranium exploration, development, and operations. The Company was founded and is supported by the team at its major shareholder, NexGen Energy Ltd.

Tim Gabruch

President and Chief Executive Officer

IsoEnergy Ltd.

+1 306-261-6284

info@isoenergy.ca

www.isoenergy.ca

Investor Relations

Kin Communications

+1 604 684 6730

iso@kincommunications.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger

info@resource-capital.chA A

www.resource-capital.ch

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referenced herein have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the aU.S. Securities Acta), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains aforward-looking statementsa within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and aforward-looking informationa within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. aForward-looking informationa includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as aplansa, aexpectsa, ais expecteda, abudgeta, ascheduleda, aestimatesa, aforecastsa, aintendsa, aanticipatesa, or abelievesa or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results amaya, acoulda, awoulda, amighta or awill be takena, aoccura or abe achieveda or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Companya?s planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder,A alternative sources of energy and uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.A The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.
After the government meeting, Minister of Economy Levan Davitashvili informed journalists that China is considering the possibility of abolishing the visa regime for Georgian citizens. He mentioned that this matter was discussed during the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation between Georgia and China, which took place in Beijing last week."The decision made by the government to abolish visas for Chinese citizens has been very positively received in China. There have also been discussions regarding the possibility of abolishing visas for Georgian citizens, which I hope will be considered by the Chinese government. This would further strengthen the trade and economic ties between our countries," said Davitashvili.According to the decision of the Government of Georgia, the visa requirement for Chinese citizens in Georgia has been canceled since September 11, allowing them to travel without a visa.Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze informed journalists that, according to their most recent assessments, Georgia is expected to achieve a 100% candidacy status for the EU."Despite the fact that the entire radical opposition is trying to prevent the country from attaining this status, I want to assure you that Georgia will undoubtedly achieve it. We state with 100% certainty that our country will receive this status. Everything has been completed; there is simply no valid argument left to deny us this status. If an unfair decision is made, we will address it and explain it to the public," said Kaladze.To the journalist's question regarding the United National Movement's statement that the candidate status will be attributed to the merit of the Georgian people rather than the Georgian Dream, Kaladze responded by asserting that the Georgian Dream has embodied the collective will of the majority of the Georgian people since 2012.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 24. The development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor) is of great importance for Kazakhstan, said the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev at the C5+1 Ministerial Conference in Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Trend reports.

Shakkaliyev noted that Kazakhstan is a reliable supplier of energy resources and strategic goods to Europe and global markets, including the US, and the Middle Corridor facilitates this activity.

According to him, the Central Asian region is becoming a key link in global transport carriage and plays an important role as a continental bridge in the North-South and East-West directions.

The minister noted that Kazakhstan has become the most important transport and logistics center in Eurasia, offering 11 international transit routes - 5 railways and 6 highways.

"We are also committed to doing our part to protect global supply chain networks. The Central Trans-Caspian Network has been identified as the most sustainable transport network connecting Central Asia with the Trans-European Transport Network. Over the past three years, container traffic on this route has increased more than 13 times," the minister said.

As part of the C5+1 Ministerial Conference, Arman Shakkaliyev also met with USAID Administrator Samantha Power. During the meeting, issues of bilateral and regional cooperation were discussed, including issues of digitalization, ecology, renewable energy and prospects for the Middle Corridor.

The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor.

The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe.

The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes.
Bitcoin rose more than 3% today to touch the $34,500 mark. It is up 29% in the past month and up 104% since January, though it remains well down on the $64,400 peak it hit in November 2021. Ethereum has also seen a bounce-back, with its price up 13% in the past month and 49% since the start of the year.
It comes as a further two hostages, aged 85 and 79, have been freed. Their husbands, 83 and 84, were not released. It has also been confirmed there are six British nationals held in Gaza among the more than 200 in total. One can scarcely imagine the sheer terror they are experiencing, while their families can only live hour to hour. Taking and holding hostages is a war crime, prohibited under the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
When Spears was publicly pictured with Colin Farrell in 2003, soon after her breakup with Justin Timberlake, the media went wild. When Spears tracked him down by turning up to the set of his film S.W.A.T, the pair were positioned as the next big celebrity couple. As it turns out, the two were actually only together for two weeks, a period which she describes as more of a "brawl" than a relationship. Spears was still so hurt by her breakup with Timberlake that it was never too serious between her and Farrell, though she says "for a brief moment [...] I did think there could be something there".
The inevitable razzmatazz of a fashion show might seem at odds with the quiet power of COS; its also a majorly expensive endeavor. So why did Gustafsson feel it was worth it? "The collection really is best when you see it in movement," she explained. "I think thats what the customer feels too. And of course [] you get the feeling behind the collection coming across."
At this point, you might ask why were recommending flying at all. Of course, we cant ignore the greenhouse-gas emissions heating up our atmosphere from air travel. But lots of us love to  and are going to  travel. So, wed like to show you how, when done in the right way, travel can have a hugely positive impact. Tourism is a massive employer in less-developed lands  it funnels funds from those who have money to those needing it most. One in 10 people is employed in this sector, according to the WTTC, and thats on the rise. Take the safaris in Africa, which are working hard to save wildlife species, or the forests and woodlands being protected and restored thanks to nature-based tours that fund NGOs like Rewilding Britain or The European Nature Trust. Our cash injections can help the local communities, including Indigenous people in all corners of the world, linked to these projects to survive and thrive. And thats a very good thing.
CARBON FOOTPRINT This reference to the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by the actions of an organisation or individual is now part of everyday parlance, yet many of us dont know its genesis. The term was first conjured up by an ad agency for BP, with the aim of shifting a sense of responsibility for emissions from the oil companies on to individuals. British Petroleum launched its carbon footprint calculator in 2004, suggesting we be mindful of totting up our emissions from our everyday actions; us calculating whether to cycle to work instead of driving, say, would cunningly distract our attentions from the oil and gas industrys yeti-sized footprints. That's not to say our actions don't make a difference. Costa Rica is the place our travels have the lowest impact on climate, according to a report from Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), thanks to this Central American nations renewables-powered national grid and nature conservation.
Detective Constable Jess Tregear, from Specialist Crime South, said in a statement issued by the Met on Tuesday: Allen arranged large-scale drug deals with his ultimate aim being to make as much money as possible, with no thought of the misery and devastation caused in communities by drug supply, and the violence it leads to.
Westminster councillor Tim Roca said: Were so lucky to be the custodians of one of Britains most illustrious and cherished wedding venues which has seen thousands celebrate their love for one another. The Old Marylebone Town Hall is a great monument of Westminster, and we are proud to be celebrating 100 years of its standing.
Mr Mitchell replied: The number of trucks that are going through every day is far too small and we will continue to press all the relevant authorities to allow humanitarian support and aid of the type she has described through the Rafah crossing to help those whose circumstances are precisely as she described.
It is therefore not possible to secure a safe environment and provide lunches for our young people or maintain continuity of learning. I am sorry that you will have to make alternative arrangements for your children once again.
If you expel an ambassador or close an embassy, the only line of communication is minister to minister, or sec gen (secretary general) to sec gen, and thats if you can even get a phone call. We have citizens in Palestine, we have citizens in Israel, we have citizens in Russia, its important that were able to keep those lines of communication open. It serves nothing to close them. Even countries at war with each other have ambassadors and thats for that obvious reason.
There was a robust and frank conversation which reflected the sentiments Muslim communities are feeling at this time. Members of the community directly challenged Keir on his statements made on the Israeli Governments right to cut food, electricity and water to Gaza, warranting war crimes as well as his failure to call for an immediate ceasefire.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 24. A memorandum of understanding for cooperation has been signed between Kyrgyzstan's National Investment Agency and Mongolia's Investment and Trade Agency, Trend reports.

The signing took place following a meeting between the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, and Mongolia's Prime Minister, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, who visited the country on a working visit.

During the talks, Japarov expressed a strong desire to further expand and deepen cooperation in the political, trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. He noted with satisfaction that current bilateral relations with Mongolia are stable and on an upward trajectory.

Our cooperation is characterized by mutual understanding and a close alignment of approaches, and we successfully collaborate on the international stage within international and regional organizations," he said.

Japarov emphasized the importance of increasing trade turnover between the two countries, the signing of a trilateral agreement on road transport between Mongolia, China, and Kyrgyzstan, and joining the existing agreement on international road transport on the Asian Highway Network.

In turn, the Mongolian PM emphasized the importance of further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation and collaboration across many sectors, including trade, mining, transport, agriculture, and others.

As a result of the meeting, an agreement on cooperation in the field of education and science was also signed between the cabinet of ministers of Kyrgyzstan and the government of Mongolia.
Melanie Ward, chief executive of MAP, told the PA news agency after the vigil: What is happening is unacceptable, it is very clearly not being conducted in line with international law and the world, British Government and the Israelis have a responsibility to protect the children of Gaza, and it is clear the only way to do that is to have a ceasefire now.
Robby Renner, Germanys head of Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, told a news conference in Cuxhaven it is possible the remaining crew are still alive inside the sunken vessel and that his team is doing everything humanly possible to rescue them.
However, a cross-party group of lawmakers from the UK and Ireland have called the scheme unworkable on the island as it could provide a barrier to entry for Northern Irelands one million tourists coming from abroad each year, 70% of whom arrive in Ireland first  around half of whom are day-trippers.
Palestinian health chiefs said the Gaza death toll had soared above 5,000 in two weeks of Israeli air strikes. This figure is understood to include 500 people reportedly killed at the al-Ahli Arab hospital which the UK has followed the US in blaming on a rocket fired from Gaza rather than an Israeli air strike. US officials estimate between 100 to 300 died in the hospital blast.
Gilad Erdan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "The shocking speech by the UN Secretary-General...while rockets are being fired at all of Israel, proved conclusively, beyond any doubt, the Secretary-General is completely disconnected from the reality in our region. "His statement that 'the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum' expressed an understanding for terrorism and murder. Its really unfathomable. He added: "The UN Secretary-General, who shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly, is not fit to lead the UN. I call on him to resign immediately. "There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people. There are simply no words."
At this point in time, I dont think thats the right response, because we need to keep the pressure on this terrorist organisation to stop their hostilities, to release hostages and to come back to the diplomatic negotiating table, she said. We want Palestinians to be able to live freely in their own area. We do not want these hostilities to continue by this terrorist organisation. The Foreign Office welcomed the release of the two hostages on Monday night, which comes three days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were also let go.
What I did not do but should have done, Your Honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were in fact true," the 38-year-old said.
Dions music might seem an unlikely choice but the Canadian singer has reportedly become a favourite in the Auckland region among those of Pasifika origin. Her songs are also said to be a good choice for a siren battle as they are clear, and have high treble without much bass.
Copies of The Woman In Me were handed out at midnight at the Mrs Riot bar, following an evening celebrating Spears resilience and survival as well as her songs.
Kayla Hall holds her dog Doctor Arlo after winning the Pet Parade organized by Matt McCelland for the residents of the Carrington Nursing Home in Starkville, Oct 20.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The Accounts Chamber of Kyrgyzstan expresses its desire to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan, chairman of the Accounts Chamber of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Akmatov told Trend.

According to him, the Chambers of Accounts of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have a long and fruitful history of cooperation, which contributes to strengthening relations between the two countries.

He noted that the heads of both states also pay considerable attention to this issue, which emphasizes the importance of this cooperation at the highest level.

In Akmatov's opinion, this is only the beginning of a deep and close partnership with Azerbaijan, and the cooperation of the highest audit bodies will play an important role in this process, while the strengthening of ties and exchange of experience between the two countries contribute to the further development of partnerships in various fields.

Azerbaijan started construction of a five-star hotel on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan this year.

The facility will be located in the village of Kara-Oy on 17 hectares of land, which Kyrgyzstan has granted to Azerbaijan on a long-term lease.
ASHGABAT,Turkmenistan, October 24. Turkmenistan is ready to expand interaction with the United Nations in order to maintain regional and global peace and development, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, Trend reports.

The remark was made during a congratulatory message of the president to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the United Nations Day.

Berdimuhamedov also noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to building up constructive cooperation with the United Nations.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 since 1945 and marks the anniversary of the UN Charters entry into force.
As many as 52 cases of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron were confirmed in Romania in the week of October 16 - 22, the National Public Health Institute (INSP) informed on Tuesday.

According to the cited source, as many as 206 infections with the BA.2.75 Covid subvariant have been confirmed so far, as well as 567 cases of BQ.1 infection, 406 cases of XBB Covid infection, 484 cases of the XBB.1.5, and 90 of the XBB.1.5+F456L Omicron subvariant.

As of October 22, 9,994 cases of Omicron infection had been confirmed in Romania. Of these, the BA.2 subvariant was detected in 3,073 cases (31 pct), the BA.4 subvariant was found in 62 cases (0.62 pct), and the BA.5 subvariant was detected in 3,481 cases (35 pct) .

According to INSP, 20,683 sequences were reported until October 22.
The President of the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca, highlighted, on Tuesday, in Prague, during the second Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea International Platform, that Romania has supported and will continue to support Ukraine, whose peace was violated by Russia.

"Since the first day of the Russian invasion, our country supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine, facilitated grain exports and hosted refugees displaced by the war (...) We continue to support the future of Ukraine in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, this being for the neighboring country, but also for the Republic of Moldova and Georgia - the only long-term solution for freedom, democracy and well-being," Nicolae Ciuca wrote on Facebook.

He appreciated the strengthening of NATO's presence on the Eastern Flank and the increasing importance of the Black Sea region in the strategies of the great powers.

"I participated in the second Parliamentary Summit of the International Platform 'Crimea', held in Prague, where a joint declaration of support for Ukraine and supporting the country in the fight for the liberation of its entire territory from Russian occupation was adopted. Wide international presence and the official positions expressed at this summit are an indicator of the continuity of the unity of the free world in the face of Moscow's aggression. In my address, I appreciated the strengthening of NATO's presence on the Eastern Flank and the growing importance of the Black Sea region in the strategies of the great powers. I showed the essential role that Romania has it as a pillar of security in this area, being one of the countries that supports Ukraine on multiple levels," Nicolae Ciuca pointed out.

On Monday, the President of the Senate participated, in Prague, in the unveiling ceremony of the Memorial Plaque dedicated to the support of the Romanian people for the declaration of Czechoslovakia's independence and laid a wreath at the triptych in Dobroutov, in the Czech Republic, erected in honor of the Romanian soldiers who they gave their lives for the liberation of Czechoslovakia in the last part of the Second World War.
EnviMin says 2023 among hottest years on record, action needed to counter adverse climate effects

The Minister of the Environment, Waters and Forests, Mircea Fechet, declared on Tuesday during the event "Climate change and development: perspectives for Romania", held at Cotroceni Palace, that 2023 will be on the list of the warmest years ever measured and emphasized, in context, that protecting the environment represents a "collective responsibility", in view of a "safe and prosperous" future for all citizens.

Fechet mentioned that the Country Report on climate and development, produced by the World Bank in collaboration with the institutions of the Romanian state, represents "a complex x-ray of Romania's climate vulnerabilities and a guide for public policies" needed going forward. At the same time, he noted that some data presented are worrisome, referring to floods becoming more frequent and endangering the health and well-being of the population, heat waves and droughts that threaten agriculture - an important sector and livelihood for many Romanians.

The minister added, however, that we are not "powerless" in the face of these challenges, because there are solutions and the necessary resources to address them. At the same time, he referred to the "moral duty" to act, stressing that protecting the environment represents a "collective responsibility", with a view to a "safe and prosperous" future for all citizens.

He recalled that the Ministry of Environment proposed investments in water infrastructure, in modern irrigation systems and flood protection measures. Other objectives are to support vulnerable communities in order to adapt to climate change and ensure access to energy. The minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions, but also at the level of the European Union, for managing the challenges generated by climate change.

According to the official from the Environment, climate change does not only represent "a risk, but also a historical opportunity to transform the Romanian society into a modern and resilient one". He also expressed his hope that Romania will be transformed into a "sustainable country, with a clean environment and a strong economy".

"Together, we can build a better future for future generations. With vision, courage and solidarity, Romania can prosper in the era of climate change," said Fechet.

AGERPRES
Ford Otosan, Ford Motor Company's global commercial vehicle center in Europe, started production for the new Courier range - Ford Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier, for which it took over engineering and production responsibilities, in a ceremony held on Tuesday at the plant in Craiova.

The ceremony was hosted by the general manager of Ford Otosan, Guven Ozyurt, by Josephine Payne, deputy director of Ford Otosan and by Mujdat Tiryaki, chairman of Ford Otosan Craiova, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu and many officials, industry representatives and prominent personalities from the business world.

During the ceremony, Ford Otosan General Manager Guven Ozyurt said that the Courier range is of great importance to the company which, for almost a decade, has been responsible for the global production of these models, as vehicles bearing the Ford Otosan signature, starting from design to production.

"Being the ideal combination between performance and functionality, the Courier range has greatly contributed to our position as a leader in commercial vehicles. I am proud of the fact that the Courier range is the first range of vehicles that Ford Otosan starts producing at our factory in Craiova. The capabilities state-of-the-art production equipment of the factory in Craiova are complemented by Ford Otosan's experience in design, engineering and production. The new Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier, along with our investments, are proof of the trust we have in Craiova and in Romania. They are on fully confident in the success that the new Courier range will have and I am convinced that it will set new records," General Manager Guven Ozyurt said.

The General Manager for Europe of Ford Pro, Hans Schep, said that the new Courier range launched in Craiova marks a new achievement for Ford Pro in Europe. "The start of production of the new Courier range at the Craiova plant marks an important moment for the Ford Pro commercial vehicle division in Europe and represents an important stage in our mission to create essential products for customers," said Hans Schep.

Levent Cakyroolu, general manager of Ford Otosan co-owner Koc Holding, highlighted that Ford Otosan represents the solid partnership based on mutual trust between Koc Holding and Ford Motor Company and continues to be a pioneer, produce and create value. "Ford has always considered Ford Otosan a benchmark, due to its attention to quality, efficiency and flexibility. Today we have an outstanding product that represents a solid proof of the success of Ford Otosan and our employees, both in Kocaeli and Craiova. Ford Otosan is the only production location of the Courier range Ford Otosan is the only production center in the world for the Courier range, which was first assembled at the Yenikoy plant in 2014. As part of Ford Otosan's investment strategy, the production of the Courier range was moved from the Yenikoy plant to the plant in Craiova, Romania," said Cakyroolu.

Designed together by the Ford Otosan and Ford teams, developed and produced by Ford Otosan, the new models of the Courier range (Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier) will also have fully electric versions, which will be produced in Craiova in 2024. The E-Transit Courier will represented an important milestone for Ford Otosan in achieving its goal of having a portfolio of fully electric commercial vehicles by 2035.
MEP Cristian Terhes expressed shock that Roland Jost, head of one of biggest Belgian transport companies, severely abused and discriminated against tens of Romanian truck drivers.

Romanian member of the European Parliament Cristian Terhes was shocked to find out that tens of Romanian truck drivers working in Belgium for the Jost Group were severely abused and exploited, and the authorities did nothing that the back pay of these victims be paid. This, despite the fact that Jost Group already settled in October 2022 with the Belgian authorities to pay a fine of 30 million euros for the violation of social rules regarding its employees. Roland Jost, the founder of the company, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a fine of 4.8 million Euros in January 2023 for a similar case against his company.

The abusive situation was revealed to MEP Terhes after he met with 5 out of 15 truck drivers in his office that have filed a class action against their former employer Jost Group on grounds of exploitation, discrimination practices and unfair pay.

Firstly, the drivers complained about the fact that many extra hours that they worked during the week were not taken into consideration when the company calculated their pay.

For example, each month they worked tens of extra hours, which should have been paid at 150% or even 200% on weekends. Instead, the drivers alleged that Jost Group had falsified their paychecks by labelling those extra hours as "recuperation" time, as if they would have taken days off the earlier month, which was never the case. As a result, between 2013-2018, each driver was paid, on average, around 800 euros less a month than what he deserved.

"Considering just these 15 Romanian drivers alone, by robbing them of their fair and just salaries, Jost Group was able to save at least 250.000 euros a year in salary and correlative tax payments to the State, which is simply outrageous and unacceptable. If the Belgium authorities are not corrupt and in the pocket of Roland Jost, these human rights violations and severe crimes must be seriously investigated", MEP Terhes said.

Secondly, the drivers complained about a breach of contract, as they worked as distribution drivers being also required to load and unload the trucks according to the instructions given by Jost Group, all while the company refused to reimburse them for this work, counting the time spent for this work as "availability time", which is an illegal practice.

Thirdly, the drivers claimed that they were repeatedly compelled and threatened to sign falsified pay slips, otherwise they would be fired.

Lastly, it was claimed that Jost Group has tampered with the personal tachograph driver cards that recorded all the information related to the vehicle and driver, including the exact amount of time of performed worked, action which is criminalised by the Belgian law. This case also reached a criminal prosecutor, who decided not to open a formal criminal investigation.

Even though the drivers complained to the responsible Work Inspection (SPF Emploi, Travail et Concertation sociale), the Belgian authority seemed to want to stall the case and took more than 2 years to even come with a sort of report, and this only after receiving several subsequent complaints from the drivers for its non-action. The case is now set for its final hearing at the Liege Court of Appeal on the 25 October 2023.

At the beginning of 2022, the same Roland Jost reached a deal with the Belgian state for the payment of 30 million euros owed in taxes for more than 1000 workers employed from Eastern Europe. The criminal file against the company "even included charges of criminal organisation, human trafficking and money laundering", Trans.info reported.

"The fraud, abuse, and violation of human rights in this case might be of incredible proportions, considering the fact that Jost Group employs 3600 people, including hundreds of Romanian and foreign drivers. All these workers have the same rights as any other driver in Belgium, which is why such abusive behavior cannot and must not be protected by the Belgium authorities", MEP Terhes concluded.

MEP Terhes will notify the European and Belgium authorities about this situation and will demand answers from them.

Press office of

MEP Cristian Terhes
The opening of the tribute exhibition "120 years since the birth of Prince Nicolae" took place on Tuesday, on board the Marasesti frigate, a ship that was in the service of the Romanian Navy between 1920 and 1961.

The Romanian Naval Forces informed, through a press release, that the opening of the tribute exhibition "120 years since the birth of Prince Nicolae" was organized, on board the frigate Marasesti, to mark, among the local community of Constanta and the personnel of the Navy Romanian Military, the special importance of the connection that Prince Nicolae had with the destroyer "Marasesti", a ship in the service of the Romanian Navy in the period 1920-1961. Later, in 1990, the traditions of this ship were taken over by the destroyer "Marasesti", classified, in 2001, in the class of frigates, as it is presented today.

"The largest warship ever built in Romania, in the Mangalia shipyard, after a Romanian project, between 1978 and 1985, was launched in 1985, and since then it has been part of the service of the Romanian Naval Forces, in which it executed numerous national and international missions, together with foreign partners, and participated in numerous multinational exercises carried out in the Black Sea basin", the press release states.

According to the cited source, the Romanian Navy had many special connections with the Royal House of Romania, as well as with Prince Nicolae, who, in February 1919, was admitted to the Royal Military College in Great Britain, being the youngest student in the history of the established school in the year 1440. In the summer of 1922, Prince Nicolae graduated from the Royal Military College, Naval Section, and, as a cadet, attended the Royal Naval School at Dartmouth for four years. In 1929, Prince Nicolae was in command of the Destroyer Marasesti, with which he executed an international march in the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1930, Prince Nicolae was promoted to the rank of vice admiral, and on May 1, 1931, by High Royal Decree no. 1558, he was appointed as Inspector General of the Navy.

In his capacity as Inspector General of the Navy, Prince Nicolae sent the following first message to the major subordinate units: "By High Order number 1558 of May 7, 1931, His Majesty the King entrusted me with the leadership of the Navy. Our little Navy, in order to advance with certainty in its development, it needs a strong tradition and a doctrine, which, once assimilated, will make the divergence of ideas disappear. In our life as a soldier and sailor, which is full of dangers and responsibilities, to be guided by Duty, Conscience and Honor."

The Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, Vice-Admiral Mihai Panait, emphasized in the message addressed on the occasion of the opening that "today, the life of sailors remains governed by the same values of duty, conscience and honor, and what 100 years ago meant a small Navy, today the Romanian Naval Forces represent a pillar of regional stability and a credible provider of security to the standards of the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance".
Roman, Ottoman coins, discovered at border in Bulgarian treasure hunters' luggage

A numismatic treasure was discovered by border police at Negru Voda in the luggage of Bulgarian treasure hunters.

On Sunday afternoon, a Bulgarian-registered car with three Bulgarians in it showed up for border control at the Negru Voda Border Crossing Point on the way out of Romania.

"The border police officers of the Coast Guard discovered during the thorough control of the vehicle, in a plastic bottle, no less than 62 coins with Latin inscriptions, as well as four objects. Three metal detectors were also found, most likely used by the occupants of the vehicle to discover archaeological treasures," the Border Police informed on Tuesday.

The national authorities in charge with the protection of the national cultural heritage were notified, and a criminal file was drawn up for illegal export of heritage goods, according to Law 182/2000, as well as for access with metal detectors or their use in areas with archaeological heritage, provisions contained in Government Ordinance 43/2000.

Investigations are being carried out to verify whether Bulgarian citizens were legally using metal detectors for archaeological discoveries on the territory of Romania, and whether the area where the discovery was made is registered as an archaeological site in the List of Historical Monuments.

"A numismatic expert from the Museum of National History and Archaeology of Constanta has carried out a preliminary examination of the objects discovered by the border police, stating that the four objects (an arrowhead, three atypical elements that may represent parts of a whole) and 62 bronze and silver coins are of Roman origin (4th century AD), with Latin inscriptions, respectively of medieval (probably Ottoman) origin. They may come from several archaeological sites," the source said.

The objects and coins have been given into the custody of archaeologists from the Museum of National History and Archaeology of Constanta, who will take preventive conservation measures, will carry out a detailed expert assessment of the objects found, and will subsequently determine their value and importance for the heritage of Dobrogea.

AGERPRES
World Bank: Romania should invest almost 3pct of GDP for decarbonised energy sector up to 2050

Romania has the potential to significantly improve its living standards while decarbonising the economy towards the climate objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Analysis indicates that Romania's economy has the potential to benefit from a strong convergence dynamic with above EU average GDP growth rates over the coming decades, almost tripling standards of living by 2050, according to the latest World Bank's Romania Climate Change Development Report (CCDR) released on Tuesday.

According to the document, Romania is highly vulnerable to the risks of climate change, particularly floods and drought. Its economy is relatively carbon intensive, at 2.5 times the average for the European Union (EU).

"While the challenges of decarbonisation are considerable, with the proper mix of structural, social and economic reforms, and effective investments underlined by public, private and EU funds, Romania can improve living standards while achieving its climate goals," said Marina Wes, World Bank Country Director for the European Union.

The report notes that Romania is on track to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, relative to 1990 levels.

Romania is said to have reduced GHG emissions by 53% between 1990 and 2018, but its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 will require political actions and substantial and coordinated funding. The investments needed just for the development of a decarbonised energy sector are estimated at USD 356 billion up to 2050, representing approximately 3% of the country's cumulative GDP for the same period.

With over 70% of Romania's total energy usage dependent on fossil fuels, energy transition is paramount. The energy sector, comprising electricity generation, heating, transportation and manufacturing, accounts for 66% of emissions in the country, followed by agriculture (17%), and industry (12%).

To reach net zero by 2050, Romania needs to implement a massive electrification program replacing direct consumption of fuels with energy generated from renewable sources. The CCDR demonstrates that the incremental cost of developing a greener, renewable power system does not substantially increase investment needs. Increasing energy efficiency in buildings, especially through better insulation, is also highlighted as a critical investment.

The report offers a suggested pathway to net zero by 2050, with a focus on several other priority areas in addition to decarbonizing the energy sector. These include: decarbonising the transport sector; optimising the use of water, and investing in human capital and skills.

At the same time, the report notes the critical role of the private sector not only in the decarbonisation effort, but also in the financing of relevant investment, especially in the transport and electricity sectors, and that a consolidation of the existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework could contribute to the mobilisation of private financing.

"The green transition will generate unprecedented opportunities for growth, development, and technological upgrades, building up on Romania's existing strengths and potentially moving it up the value chains. Public financing, including from the EU, will not be enough to meet Romania's green objectives. Incentives need to be put in place to mobilize private capital at scale," said Ary Nadm, IFC Manager for Central and South Europe.

The World Bank Group's Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs) are new core diagnostic reports that integrate climate change and development considerations. They are designed to help countries prioritise the most impactful actions that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and boost adaptation, while delivering on broader development goals

This is the first Climate Country and Development Report (CCDR) to cover a European Union member state and a high-income economy.

AGERPRES.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 24. The Austrian business delegation will visit Turkmenistan in December this year, Trend reports.

This was discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Alexander Schallenberg on the sidelines of the Central Asia-EU Ministerial Meeting.

Noting the dynamic nature of relations between the countries, the interlocutors stressed the importance of coordination in the international arena, especially within the UN.

Special attention was paid at the meeting to the UN resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan and related to transport, energy, ecology and security.

The meeting also discussed the possibilities of strengthening cooperation between Central Asia and the OSCE, where Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness to actively cooperate with the organization

Particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan's interaction with Afghanistan in the interests of regional stability, where the parties spoke in favor of the implementation of humanitarian and economic projects aimed at restoring peaceful life in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, on October 23, Luxembourg hosted the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, which was attended by representatives of all Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The main purpose of this meeting was to discuss issues of cooperation and search for solutions to current problems.
ST. LOUIS  BJC HealthCare, the region's biggest health care provider, says it is working on a plan to ensure people who depend on "Obamacare" health insurance policies will still have access to its system.

BJC said it plans to make an announcement on an agreement for a new Affordable Care Act coverage option early this week, ahead of the start of the open enrollment period.

The move follows the decision by Cigna to stop offering individual marketplace plans in Missouri and Kansas in 2024. Cigna has been a large carrier of marketplace plans that cover BJC, under the brand "Cigna Connect."

Dan Jung, an insurance agent with MB Health, said that when the news broke of Cigna's exit from the Missouri exchanges this summer, his phone "pretty much blew up." Jung helps clients sign up for and navigate Affordable Care Act plans in Missouri and Illinois. His firm is based in unincorporated St. Louis County, near Affton.

At the time, he told his clients he was hoping some other insurer would come in and pick up the mantle. Then, as time went on, he was surprised that no alternative was announced.

Jung said he started advising his BJC clients to ask their doctors if there were physicians or specialists they could recommend "on the other side of the fence," at other health systems. He worried about patients who relied on specialists at BJC or who participated in clinical trials at the health system.

"If there is really a solution coming around the corner, that would be a great relief for a lot of people," he said.

The federally designated open enrollment period  when people can sign up for or make changes to their marketplace health insurance  is days away. It begins on Nov. 1, and Dec. 15 will be the last day to enroll through the health insurance marketplace for coverage that starts on Jan. 1.

Lev Guter, 43, of Olivette, plans to shop on the exchange for a new plan during the open enrollment period. Guter receives health coverage through a plan from his previous job as a math teacher. Now, as a stay-at-home dad taking care of his young daughter, those benefits will end soon.

Guter was worried when he read that Cigna's individual marketplace plans wouldn't be available for him and his daughter in 2024 and they'd have to find new doctors. Guter has been a BJC patient for about eight years, and his daughter is cared for by a pediatrician affiliated with Washington University. She was born at BJC's Missouri Baptist Hospital.

The family weighed the apparent alternatives. Going without insurance was not an option. Guter and his daughter could get coverage under his wife's workplace, but because her employer doesn't cover health insurance costs for spouses or children, he said that would be prohibitively expensive.

When the couple learned that the health system was near a deal for a new carrier of marketplace plans, they were overwhelmed.

"To have there possibly be action on it is a huge relief," said Guter's wife, Katie Rice-Guter. "We really trust the care we get."

A Cigna spokesperson said this week that the company wasn't able to offer exchange plans in Missouri and Kansas for 2024 that meet its standards at an affordable price. Cigna began selling ACA marketplace plans in the St. Louis area in 2015.

Cigna's commercial, Medicare and individual dental insurance offerings here will not be affected. And for BJC patients who live in Illinois, the health system said marketplace plans will continue to be available under Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance said the federal government will match Cigna's current individual marketplace members to alternate plans for the upcoming year. People can decide to stay in the plan chosen for them or shop for a different one.

The department recommends, in general, that people check with their medical providers about what insurance coverage they accept regardless of what health system they belong to. Individual doctors can have their own contracts with health insurers.

Resources

More information about open enrollment periods, marketplace plans, and other forms of insurance is available at healthcare.gov.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has an online map that shows which carriers offer individual plans in each Missouri county at insurance.mo.gov/industry/filings/ healthrates/map/. The department also offers a worksheet patients can use to help select a health plan.

The department encourages patients to review and compare the costs associated with each plan, including premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Some may choose to get help from a trusted insurance agent.

Residents should not select plans based on cost alone: It's important to make sure that any new policy covers needed health services, like anticipated surgeries and prescription drugs. Be wary of advertisements for low or no cost health coverage.

Patients should check that their doctors are covered by the plan they are considering. Patients should not rely solely on the information in online directories, which can be out of date. They should also confirm by contacting providers directly. Annika Merrilees 314-340-8528 amerrilees@post-dispatch.com
JEFFERSON CITY  Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven's surprise announcement last week that she would resign in July has reignited debate on the direction of public education in Missouri.

Vandeven's planned departure, after two separate stints at the helm since 2015, creates a rare opportunity for a change in leadership at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education  following an emphasis by Republicans in recent years on social issues in education as a central campaign topic.

"We need to downsize DESE, focus singularly upon classroom instruction, value ed choice, remove woke activism, and regain parental trust and confidence."

State Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, on X, formerly known as Twitter

Two top Republican lawmakers, in an open letter Wednesday, were quick to call for a new leader who would "prioritize the values and goals of Missouri parents over non-governmental organizations" and eliminate "bloat and mission creep" at the education department.

Democrats, meanwhile, who are in the minority in Missouri, are pushing for the next commissioner to be an experienced defender of public education in the school-choice debate.

"I want to see somebody who's going to actually help our kids and move them forward," said Sen. Doug Beck, D-Affton.

Some names being floated as possibilities for the state's top education job include former school superintendents Tiffany Anderson of Jennings, Mike Fulton of Pattonville, John Jungmann of Springfield and Frank Killian of Richland.

The eight-member Board of Education tasked with hiring the next education commissioner is also facing major changes.

Half of the current members of the state Board of Education are serving expired terms, and Republican Gov. Mike Parson's team is discussing the possibility of new faces for the board before he leaves office in 2025.

The governor's nominees would require confirmation in the Missouri Senate, which is expected to be consumed next year with political rancor as a slew of senators vie for higher office.

Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, the co-chair of the Legislature's Joint Education Committee, in a statement on social media Wednesday announced that he and co-chair Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, had sent an open letter to the Board of Education in the wake of Vandeven's announcement.

"We need to downsize DESE, focus singularly upon classroom instruction, value ed choice, remove woke activism, and regain parental trust and confidence," Richey said on X.

In their letter, the Republican cochairs urged a "return to basics," saying schools were struggling to attain acceptable outcomes and regain parental trust as the purpose of public school had shifted from academic excellence to "social reconstruction and social programming," the two lawmakers said.

Koenig and Richey said the board needed to make sure the next commissioner would "promote local control at the parental level" and "work to regain a singular focus upon classroom instruction."

They also said the next commissioner should discontinue the push to make social emotional learning "equivalent to academic learning."

Sen. Lauren Arthur, D-Kansas City, also a member of the joint education committee, viewed Richey and Koenig's letter as "an admission that after 20 years of Republicans being in charge and chipping away at public education, that, you know, our systems are in bad shape."

Arthur said issues in Missouri public education  such as a teacher shortage, a lack of state funding for schools, districts moving to four-day weeks and low test scores  are tied to Republican efforts to "undermine public schools."

Arthur said Richey and Koenig's letter discussed getting back to the basics of education, but she said the Republicans were pointing to things that "indicate that they want someone who's going to carry a political agenda." Arthur called for "undoing some of the harm that has happened over the last 20 years instead of finding new hot-button topics as it relates to education to use as a platform for a political campaign."

Senate Majority Leader Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, said Friday she had spoken with the governor's office about the expired terms on the Board of Education since Vandeven's announcement on Tuesday.

"They (the governor's office) gave me a call, and I think that they're talking with people, and basically what they said was, you know, 'We want to find people that we know the majority of the Senate can support,' so I guess it remains to be seen who they come up with," O'Laughlin said.

O'Laughlin said "there will be some thought that that should be left to the next governor, but I think if they come up with somebody that, you know, the majority can agree on, then, no problem."

Finding majorities in the Missouri Senate hasn't always been easy amid infighting between mainstream and hard-line Republicans.

Mainstream Republicans have relied on Democratic votes in recent years to approve spending bills.

The terms of four out of eight board members have expired  Charlie Shields of St. Joseph in July 2020, Donald Claycomb of Linn in July 2021, Carol Hallquist of Kansas City in July 2022 and Peter Herschend of Branson in July 2023.

A spokesman for the governor said Friday that his office is discussing new "appointments and/or reappointments" to the state board, but there is no timeline.

"Governor Parson is prioritizing a path forward that will ensure stability and continuity at DESE," said press secretary Johnathan Shiflett. Jack Suntrup  573-556-6186 jsuntrup@post-dispatch.com
SEOUL, South Korea  Hamas fighters likely fired North Korean weapons during their Oct. 7 assault on Israel, a militant video and weapons seized by Israel show, despite Pyongyang's denials that it arms the militant group.

South Korean officials, two experts on North Korean arms and an Associated Press analysis of weapons captured on the battlefield by Israel point toward Hamas using Pyongyang's F-7 rocket-propelled grenade, a shoulder-fired weapon that fighters typically use against armored vehicles.

The evidence shines a light on the murky world of the illicit arms shipments that sanction-battered North Korea uses as a way to fund its own conventional and nuclear weapons programs.

Rocket-propelled grenade launchers fire a single warhead and can be quickly reloaded, making them valuable weapons for guerrilla forces in running skirmishes with heavy vehicles. The F-7 has been documented in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, said N.R. Jenzen-Jones, a weapons expert who works as the director of the consultancy Armament Research Services.

"North Korea has long supported Palestinian militant groups, and North Korean arms have previously been documented amongst interdicted supplies," Jenzen-Jones said.

Hamas has published images of their fighters with a launcher with a rocket-propelled grenade with a distinctive red stripe across its warhead, and other design elements matching the F-7, said Matt Schroeder, a senior researcher with Small Arms Survey who wrote a guide to Pyongyang's light weapons.

"It is not a surprise to see North Korean weapons with Hamas," Schroeder said.

The North Korean F-7 resembles the more widely distributed Soviet-era RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade, with a few noticeable differences. Jenzen-Jones described the F-7 rocket-propelled grenade as "intended to offer a lethal effect against personnel" given its shape and payload, rather than armored vehicles.

Weapons seized by the Israeli military and shown to journalists also included that red stripe and other design elements matching the F-7.

In a background briefing with journalists Tuesday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff specifically identified the F-7 as one of the North Korean weapons it believed Hamas used in the attack.

The Israeli military declined to answer questions from the AP about the origin and the manufacturer of those rocket-propelled grenades, saying the ongoing war with Hamas prevented it from responding.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment from the AP. However, Pyongyang last week through its state-run KCNA news agency dismissed claims that Hamas used its weapons as "a groundless and false rumor" orchestrated by the United States.
The family of a former Kansas City police detective, whose manslaughter conviction in the shooting death of a Black man was upheld last week by the Missouri Court of Appeals, has filed a clemency request with Gov. Mike Parson.

Eric J. DeValkenaere, who is white, had been found guilty at trial in Jackson County in 2021 on charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Sentenced to six years in prison, he remained free on bond while he appealed his conviction.

Johnathan Shiflett, a spokesperson for Parson, a Republican, said in an email to The Star that DeValkenaeres family attorneys submitted a request for clemency to Parsons office. The office has also received hundreds of additional calls and requests from private citizens on his behalf.

Governor Parson has made no decision regarding clemency for Mr. DeValkenaere at this time, the email said.

Shiflett said the clemency request was a closed record and he could not provide The Star with a copy.

The Missouri Constitution gives Parson the power to delay, reduce or eliminate the punishment of state-level crimes. The clemency process ranges from a full pardon of a criminal conviction to a reprieve  the temporary suspension or delay of a criminal sentence.

DeValkenaere remained in protective custody in the Platte County jail Tuesday after he surrendered to authorities last week when the Missouri Court of Appeals decided to uphold his conviction in the killing of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. DeValkenaere shot and killed Lamb as he was backing his pickup truck into his garage in November 2019.

Sarah DeValkenaere appeared Tuesday morning on a local radio talk show and said she has filed a clemency petition with Parsons office.

We have submitted a clemency packet directly to the governors office and I just hope that, I know hes a former law enforcement officer himself. I know he has firsthand knowledge of how hard these men and women work each day and how sometimes theyre put into life-and-death situations where they have to make quick decisions, Sarah DeValkenaere said in the radio interview.

She could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker on Tuesday issued a statement in opposition to the clemency request.

We strongly oppose, the statement said. The rule of law has spoken clearly on this matter through a Jackson County Grand Jury, three separate Circuit Court judges, three separate appeals court judges and the presiding judge of the Western District Court of Appeals, who signed the arrest warrant last week.

Really sick and tired

In June, Baker sent a letter to Parson urging him not to pardon DeValkenaere.

Parson, a former sheriff of Polk County, told reporters at the time that he has the power to pardon DeValkenaere even if he did not apply for clemency.

Last week, after the court upheld DeValkenaeres conviction, Parsons office issued a statement saying Parson was aware of the courts decision and was assessing the situation.

Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaeres case that he gives to all others that come across his desk. No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time, Shiflett said.

Lambs family and community activists have pleaded with Parson not to issue a pardon or grant clemency to DeValkenaere.

Laurie Bey, Lambs mother, said she was upset with the clemency petition.

Theyre still not accepting responsibility for the killing of my son, Bey told The Star. Im not happy about it. Im really sick and tired. I hope that Gov. Parson does not consider it.

In a rare decision by a Jackson County judge, DeValkenaere had been allowed to remain free on bond nearly two years while he appealed the November 2021 criminal conviction. DeValkenaere is the first Kansas City police officer to be convicted in the shooting death of a Black man.

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said Parson should recognize that to grant clemency or a pardon because DeValkenaere is a former police officer is blatantly disrespectful to the victim and his family.

This request for clemency is yet another attempt to skirt justice. DeValkenaere needs to do the time for his crime. Period, Grant said in a written statement emailed to The Star.

I believe six years was a lenient sentence for this former cop who killed an unarmed Black man while violating his 4th Amendment rights and tampering with evidence at the crime scene.

Grant continued: Cameron was killed for nothing more than a traffic violation. His life should mean something to the Governor, the FOP, the Police Chief, and all DeValkenaere supporters who believe Cameron does not deserve justice.

The Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, or MORE2 invoked Parsons history in law enforcement, calling on him to uphold the integrity of the badge as well as the court decision.

Pushing for another release

On Wednesday, after being in jail for one day, DeValkenaere sought through a new court filing to be released on bond again.

In a court filing seeking to have DeValkenaere released a second time, attorney Jonathan Laurans wrote that the former police officer had not violated any conditions of previous bond set down by the Jackson County court in February 2022.

DeValkenaere was not a flight risk, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey s office has not objected to the motion.

Bailey, a Republican whose office is responsible for arguing on behalf of the state, instead agreed that the involuntary manslaughter conviction should have been overturned.

It will likely take a week before the Court of Appeals rules on the bond request.

DeValkenaere is expected to be taken to prison while he waits for the courts decision. He could be assigned to one of the Missouri Department of Corrections three reception and diagnostic facilities for men in St. Joseph, Bonne Terre or Fulton, according to state officials.
ST. LOUIS  Car manufacturer Kia will provide anti-theft software upgrades at the St. Louis Galleria this weekend as part of an effort to address an unprecedented surge of stolen Kias that began more than a year ago.

The mobile centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Kia will also provide steering wheel locks to car owners who are not eligible for the software upgrade.

Rates of stolen Kias and Hyundais exploded in the St. Louis region last year  a trend also seen nationally because of a viral TikTok video that shows how to break into and drive off in many 2011-21 models of the South Korean-made vehicles, using just a screwdriver and a USB charging cable.

The method works on some vehicles because manufacturers did not install engine immobilizers, an electric anti-theft security device that prevents most vehicles from being started unless a code is transmitted from the vehicles smart key.

The surge in thefts put a strain on local resources, and police tied stolen cars to violent crimes, including shootings and deadly hit-and-runs. St. Louis officials in March followed other municipalities across the country and filed a federal lawsuit, separate from a class action lawsuit, against the manufacturers.

The companies settled a separate nationwide class-action lawsuit in May and agreed to pay more than $200 million for about 9 million vehicles that lack the standard anti-theft security device.

Theft rates have decreased in the city and county this year but remain elevated from rates prior to the surge. Through September there have been a total of 834 Kias and Hyundais reported stolen to St. Louis County police and 2,386 in the city; in 2021, that number through September was 93 in the county and 210 in the city.

In 2022, the number of Kias and Hyundais stolen in St. Louis  3,958  almost surpassed the total of all cars thefts in the year before, or 4,132 vehicles. In all, 7,397 cars were reported stolen in 2022 in the city, a 91% increase from the previous year.

St. Louis County saw the same trend but at lower numbers. In 2022, police reported 1,621 Kias and Hyundais stolen, making up almost 60% of the 2,775 total cars reported stolen that year. In 2021, there were 140 Kias and Hyundais reported and total car thefts hit 1,669.

Kia said it is working with Carfax to inform Kia owners of their eligibility for the upgrade and said it plans to host similar events in multiple cities.

Owners can confirm eligibility at https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD.
Dozens of U.S. states are suing Meta Platforms and its Instagram unit, accusing them of fueling a youth mental health crisis by making their social media platforms addictive.

In a complaint filed in the Oakland, California, federal court on Tuesday, 33 states including Missouri and Illinois said Meta repeatedly misled the public about the dangers of its platforms, and knowingly induced young children and teenagers into addictive and compulsive social media use. Meta also operates Facebook.

Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens, the complaint said. Its motive is profit.

Children have long been an appealing demographic for big business in the hope of attracting them as consumers at a young age when they may be more impressionable and solidifying brand loyalty. For Meta, younger consumers may help secure more advertisers who hope kids will buy their products as they grow up.

But the states noted research has associated childrens use of Metas social media platforms with depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and many other negative outcomes.

Meta said it was disappointed in the lawsuit.

Instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path, the company said.

Eight other U.S. states and Washington, D.C. are filing similar lawsuits against Meta on Tuesday, bringing the total number of authorities taking action against the Menlo Park, California-based company to 42.

The cases are the latest in a string of legal actions against social media companies on behalf of children and teens.

Meta, ByteDances TikTok and Googles YouTube already face hundreds of lawsuits filed on behalf of children and school districts about the addictiveness of social media.

In Tuesdays cases, Meta could face civil penalties of $1,000 to $50,000 for each violation of various state laws  an amount that could add up quickly given the millions of children and teens who use Instagram.

Cultivating addiction

Much of the focus on Meta stemmed from a whistleblowers release of documents in 2021 that showed the company knew Instagram, which began as a photo-sharing app, was addictive and worsened body image issues for some teen girls.

The lawsuit by the 33 states alleged that Meta has strived to ensure that young people spend as much time as possible on social media despite knowing that they are susceptible to the need for approval in the form of likes from other users about their content.

Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits, said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose state includes Metas headquarters.

If theres anything weve discovered in our federal censorship lawsuit, its that these Big Tech social media companies do not have Americans best interests at heart, said Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in a statement. The last thing we need is for Big Tech giants to make a profit at the expense of our childrens health. We will use every legal tool at our disposal to protect children across the nation.

The company was also accused of violating a law banning the collection of data of children under age 13, and deceptively denying that its social media was harmful.

Meta did not disclose that its algorithms were designed to capitalize on young users dopamine responses and create an addictive cycle of engagement, it added.

Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that plays a role in feelings of pleasure.

The complaint said Metas refusal to accept responsibility extended to the companys effort last year to distance itself from a 14-year-old girls suicide in the UK after she was exposed on Instagram to content about suicide and self-injury.

A coroner rejected a Meta executives claim that such content was safe for children, finding that the girl likely binged on harmful content that normalized the depression she had felt before killing herself.

The states alleged Meta is seeking to expand its harmful practices into virtual reality, including its Horizon Worlds platform and the WhatsApp and Messenger apps.

State authorities are seeking to patch holes left by the U.S. Congress inability to pass new online protections for children despite years of discussions.

Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser said the whistleblowers revelations showed that Meta knew how Facebook and Instagram were harming children.

It is very clear that decisions made by social media platforms, like Meta, are part of what is driving mental health harms, physical health harms, and threats that we cant ignore, he said.

The Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS  A key public safety official here says the city police department is failing when it comes to transparency, but she cant effect change because the public safety department has been cut out of police operations.

Heather Taylor, the citys deputy director of public safety, said in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, that new police Chief Robert Tracy refuses to work with her department and now reports directly to Mayor Tishaura O. Jones instead.

As a good number of you recognize from my absence at events Im normally at, the Chief and SLMPD reports only to the Mayor. Thats per my boss, Taylor posted on Friday. Im simply excluded now.

Jones appointed Taylor to the public safety department in 2021  first as a senior adviser, then as a deputy director  following Taylors 20-year career with the city police force. A frequent critic of police practices, Taylor also served as head of the Ethical Society of Police, which advocates for equal treatment for Black officers.

She told the Post-Dispatch in 2021 that the appointment represented a marked change from her time as an agitator: I sit at a table now with our mayor, the chief of staff, the public safety director, and theyre asking for my input, she said. Now I have a voice.

But according to Taylors posts, that voice has quieted since Tracy took over as police chief in January. And now the public safety department has been cut out of police matters altogether.

Taylor told the Post-Dispatch on Monday she could not expand on the posts in an official capacity. Her X profile page claims shes posting as a private citizen and not representing the city.

City spokesperson Nick Dunne said theres been no change to the structure of the public safety department and Jones meets regularly with Tracy, as she does all division heads.

Tracy was not available for comment.

In Taylors posts, she noted that police departments across the country, including in St. Louis County, voluntarily release body camera footage from officer shootings, but the city police department doesnt.

Thats not transparency, she wrote.

Taylor, who retired from the city police department as a homicide detective with the rank of sergeant, also criticized Tracys use of nonprofit money to fund a promotional video and a lack of response from officials on several recent inmate deaths in the city jail.

The police department joined several other agencies under the public safety department when control of the police department returned to local officials about a decade ago. But unlike the chief of the fire department, the police chiefs direct boss is not outlined in the city charter.

The charter does say the public safety director or the governor can fire the police chief with or without cause.

Public Safety Director Charles Coyle was appointed as permanent public safety director  and Taylors boss  earlier this month after serving in an interim capacity for about eight months.

In March, Taylor was awarded a $300,000 verdict from a jury that found city police discriminated against her during her time as a cop after she spoke out against racism in the department.
Weeks after his return from a conference in Hawaii, Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher was trying to convince legislative staff to reimburse him for the cost of his trip.

Hed filed an expense report that included $1,199.60 for a plane ticket to represent Missouri at the 2023 Uniform Law Commission conference, but he was informed hed missed his window. The ticket was purchased in January, and it was already August  well outside the 90-day time frame laid out in House rules to file for reimbursement.

Plocher pleaded his case in an Aug. 11 phone call and letter to Chief Clerk of the House Dana Miller, arguing this was official business and hed saved taxpayer money by buying the ticket early and getting a good deal. He filed for reimbursement, he wrote, as soon as he got back to Missouri.

The House ultimately agreed to pay him the money. But as it turns out, the cost of the ticket didnt come out of Plochers bank account. It came out of his campaign coffers.

Seven months earlier, Plocher for Missouri reported paying $1,199.60 for airfare to Hawaii for the ULC conference.

A review of Plochers expense reports over the years, obtained in early October by The Independent through Missouris Sunshine Law, shows the Hawaii expense wasnt an isolated event.

On at least nine occasions since 2018, Plocher spent campaign money on conference registration, airfare, hotels and other travel expenses, then also sought reimbursement from the Legislature.

In each instance, Plocher was required to sign a sworn statement declaring that he had used personal funds to pay the expenses.

Campaign and legal experts interviewed by The Independent say an elected official is allowed to use campaign money for official business or they can use personal money and then request reimbursement from the state.

But doing both could violate state and federal law.

You have to choose one way or the other, said Chuck Hatfield, a longtime Democratic attorney in Jefferson City. You cant do both. And depending on what the facts are, there could be reason to believe there was a crime.

Plocher began paying back some of the money he has received inappropriately last week, sending a letter to House administration on Friday saying he inadvertently sought and received reimbursements.

In an emailed statement to The Independent on Monday, Plocher said he sent the letter prior to being contacted by The Independent.

I am in the process of completing a full review of all expenditures and will correct any additional administrative errors in the spirit of full transparency, Plocher said.

News about Plochers spending comes as he was already facing scrutiny  including drawing the attention of federal law enforcement  over his push to convince the House to spend $800,000 to hire a private company to manage constituent information. Nonpartisan staff accused Plocher of illegal and unethical conduct in pursuit of the contract, including threatening the employment of the chief clerk.

In the fallout from the controversy, Plocher fired his chief of staff.

On Friday, the House ethics committee is scheduled to convene to discuss a personnel inquiry. While the committee members have given no hints about the focus of the closed-door hearing, either publicly or privately, it is widely believed to be about Plocher.

Trip to Hawaii

Plochers actions could have violated at least three state laws.

Submitting false expense reports could be prosecuted as stealing from the state, a class A misdemeanor. It could also be considered false declaration, a class B misdemeanor that involves knowingly submitting any written false statement.

And while it is permissible to use campaign money for official government business, campaign contributions cant be converted to personal use, said Julie Allen, a former executive director of the Missouri Ethics Commission who was speaking broadly about the situation without direct knowledge of Plochers specific expenses.

If someone were receiving money from their campaign committee and also seeking reimbursement from some public entity, like the House or Senate, then they are certainly getting double their actual expense, Allen said. That could mean they are using campaign money for personal use.

There is a federal law that could also apply if the amount misappropriated exceeds $5,000.

Plochers most recent false expense report, according to the records, involves his trip to Hawaii.

On Jan. 17, his campaign reported spending $1,199.60 for airfare to Hawaii for the ULC conference.

He first mentioned the trip in official correspondence on July 11, when he wrote to the chairman of the House accounts and administration committee advising him that he would be attending the ULC conference and would be seeking reimbursement.

He made no mention in that email of any specific costs.

On Aug. 7, after returning from the conference, Plocher formally requested that the House reimburse him for $4,862.77.

Of that total, $3,663.17 was for his seven-day stay at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The remaining $1,199.60 was for his Southwest Airlines flight to Hawaii.

A few days later, legislative staff noticed a problem.

The House was not allowed to cover the nearly $400 that Plocher spent on valet parking, an administrative staffer wrote in an email to his office. And because the airfare was purchased in January, it was not eligible for reimbursement.

The airfare shows it was paid on Jan. 15, 2023, the legislative staffer wrote, which is past the 90-day policy for reimbursement. He also has seven charges at $55 each for valet parking that we dont reimburse for.

Plocher called the House clerk to make his case and the same day wrote a letter stating that he purchased the plane ticket in January in order to get a reduced rate. He said he was unaware of the 90-day rule and wanted to be reimbursed.

In a written note on Plochers letter, the chief clerk instructed staff to proceed with payment.

As with all of his requests, Plochers expense report stated that the payments were made with personal funds, for which I have not been reimbursed.

Five years of expenses

The first example of what appears to be a false report filed by Plocher dates back to 2018.

His campaign spent $431.96 on airfare with Southwest Airlines in July of that year. Plocher requested the House repay him $112.36 for a portion of the airfare to the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States that wasnt covered through a scholarship offered by the organization.

That same month, Plochers campaign spent $206.05 on lodging at a Hyatt hotel. A few weeks later, he requested the House reimburse him $206.05 for accommodations at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch for the Southern Legislative Conference.

His campaign also paid the $300 registration fee for the Southern Legislative Conference, and Plocher was later reimbursed by the House.

In July 2019, Plochers campaign reported spending $603.95 on ULC conference rental car and $1,923.36 on ULC conference lodging.

A month later, he was reimbursed by the House for $603.95 for the rental car. A portion of his lodging was covered by a scholarship, so Plocher only requested the remaining portion  $216.95  be reimbursed by the House.

His campaign also picked up the $600 registration fee for the ULC conference that year, and Plocher was also reimbursed for that cost.

In June 2022, Plocher was approved by the House to be reimbursed $945 for five nights at a hotel to attend a conference in Philadelphia.

A month later, his campaign spent $963.65 for a hotel in Philadelphia for what was described on the disclosure form as a campaign conference. Plocher was reimbursed by the House in August for his stay at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia.

In January of this year, Plocher submitted a notice to the House asking permission to spend $325 to pay the registration to the State Legislative Leaders Foundation conference in Washington, D.C.

A week later, his campaign paid the $325 registration fee, and a week after that, he was reimbursed for the cost by the House.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X.

Missouri House speaker faces storm of criticism after filing false expense reports Rep. Dean Plocher says he has acted proactively and ethically by paying back more than $3,000 in taxpayer funds he incorrectly received for trips dating to 2018.
ST. LOUIS  Tawney Sweeney dutifully spent more than a decade collecting stamps from national parks across the country, placing each in her special book of memories.

Over years of cross-country trips with family and friends, she had collected more than 50 stamps, beginning in 2012 with Rocky Mountain National Park and more recently, when a multi-state summer adventure included the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Each of her prized stamps was glued or stamped into a Passport to Your National Parks: Explorers Edition, a black weatherproof binder sold by the National Park Service.

It was that collection, in part, that made Sweeney, an emergency department nurse from Louisville, Kentucky, decide to visit St. Louis last weekend with her husband for their three-year wedding anniversary.

Ive always wanted to see the city and the Gateway Arch, she said this week. We heard great things.

But the couples trip was interrupted when late Saturday or early Sunday someone smashed a front window in their pickup truck in Downtown West and stole one pair of Sweeneys sunglasses and her cherished stamp book.

Its in a black case with a zipper, so we think maybe they thought it might be something important, she said. The sad thing is when they realize it was just stamps they probably threw it somewhere.

Sweeney knows its a long shot but hopes that if anyone from St. Louis spots the book she might one day get it back.

It was pretty devastating, she said. National parks were a big part of my childhood, and thats continued into my 30s. There are a lot of memories in there.

The break-in made Sweeney victim to one of the most common property crimes in St. Louis thats vexed both visitors and longtime residents, though St. Louis police statistics do show reports of car break-ins have ticked down for the past two years.

There were 3,020 reports of vehicle break-ins in the city through September this year, down nearly 17% when compared with the same period in 2021. In Downtown and Downtown West, there have been 499 thefts from cars reported so far this year, down from 925 in 2022 and 736 in 2021.

Still, Sweeney said the missing stamp book put a damper on her time in St. Louis.

The couple paid $45 for nightly valet at their hotel, 21c Museum Hotel St Louis, on Saturday night. When they picked up the car at about 9 a.m. the next morning, hotel staff told them the break-in happened in the valet lot. They spotted another couple who also had their car broken into in the same lot who were outside the hotel working to duct tape cardboard to their broken window, Sweeney said.

Sweeney said they never got a refund for the valet parking but filled out a form about the damage for the hotel. Staff at the hotel told Sweeney they made a report to St. Louis police for several break-ins.

I can tell you it was not a nice four-hour trip back to Kentucky with a cardboard window, Sweeney said.

Sweeney posted a picture with her now-missing book standing in front of the Gateway Arch to social media in hopes that someone might spot it. She said shes tried to focus on the good in her time in St. Louis.

I was mad, but we had a great time besides this, she said. Everyone we met in St. Louis was very Midwest nice. You have a beautiful city.
JEFFERSON CITY  The speaker of the Missouri House faced criticism and calls to resign Tuesday after he paid back more than $3,000 in taxpayer funds he incorrectly received for trips dating to 2018.

In a Monday letter to members of the House Republican caucus, Rep. Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, downplayed his initial receipt of the money and said he acted proactively and ethically in paying it back.

It is not unusual to review reports and make corrections if you make a mistake, wrote Plocher, who formally launched a bid for lieutenant governor earlier this month.

At issue are reimbursements he sought for travel to Hawaii, Philadelphia and other locales that he had also paid out of his campaign fund, which is overseen by his wife, Rebecca Smugala-Plocher.

According to a Post-Dispatch review of Plochers House travel records and his campaign account, the speaker spent campaign funds to register for conferences, buy airfare and book hotels but then asked to be reimbursed from the House.

Some requests were turned down. The House, for example, said it would not pay for valet parking during his trip to Hawaii in July for a national conference.

The reimbursements were first reported by the Missouri Independent Monday. Plocher said he was first alerted to one of the payments by his wife and immediately reimbursed the money.

But he acknowledged the problem was more widespread.

Because of this error, I reviewed all of my travel reimbursements, and it revealed that I had additional administrative errors, to which I have corrected, Plocher said.

In all, Plocher wrote two checks out of his personal bank account to the House for a total of $3,379. The most recent check was dated Friday. On the check, Plocher wote incorrect reimbursement request.

The incident has sparked calls for Plocher to resign.

On social media Tuesday, Republican candidate for attorney general Will Scharf suggested Plocher step down.

These allegations of unethical double dipping should be deeply troubling to all Missourians who care about cleaning up Jefferson City. Speaker Plocher owes Missouri taxpayers an explanation, and if he cant provide one he should resign, Scharf wrote.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican running for governor, also weighed in on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The allegations against the Speaker of the House are significant and serious. I call on the legislature to swiftly investigate and, if proven, to take action to protect the integrity of the House of Representatives and the peoples money, Ashcroft posted.

State Rep. Chris Sander, a Lone Jack Republican, also joined the scrum.

I am disgusted that any member of the Missouri House would ask taxpayers to fund $4,862.77 for a seven-day vacation in Hawaii, Sander said in a text message.

It appears Missouri House rules, MEC (Missouri Ethics Commission) rules, state laws, and Clean/Cleaner Missouri Constitution language does not apply equally to each House member when such a request was approved, he said.

Sander also questioned whether it was appropriate for Plochers wife to serve as campaign treasurer.

A campaign treasurer should be required to be an accounting professional or CPA with no conflict of interest or no degree of nepotism with the candidate, Sander said.

The House Ethics Committee is scheduled to meet Friday.

Plocher did not respond to a request for comment from the Post-Dispatch.

The reimbursement issue is the third high-profile dust-up facing Plocher in recent weeks.

He drew scrutiny in September for unsuccessfully pushing the House to purchase a software system from a private company for $800,000 over the objections of nonpartisan legislative staff, who called it an unneeded and expensive redundancy.

In the fallout from that fight, he fired his chief of staff last week.

In his letter to GOP lawmakers, however, Plocher called on his colleagues to spend the final year of his speakership making innovative policy.

I will be announcing shortly a full reorganization of my office and new staff to guide the House to aim higher and achieve more than before, and to fight back against the temptation of complacency, Plocher said.

Among possible hires for the vacant chief of staff post is former House Speaker Rod Jetton, who now works at the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Jetton was charged with felony assault stemming from a 2009 consensual sexual encounter during which, the woman claims, he choked her to the point of unconsciousness.

Jetton ultimately pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor assault charge and was sentenced to probation.

Plocher, who is term-limited and cannot run again for the House, is running to replace Republican Mike Kehoe as lieutenant governor.

He faces state Sen. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker and unsuccessful congressional candidate Paul Berry III in the GOP primary next year.

Rep. Richard Brown, the assistant minority floor leader in the House, is among Democrats seeking the post. Brown is a former Kansas City school teacher.

Jack Suntrup of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 24. Turkmenistan will host the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in 2024, Trend reports.

This initiative was supported by the participating countries of the format during the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg.

Furthermore, at the end of this ministerial meeting, the parties adopted a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, as well as a Joint Communique.

At the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, identified four main areas of cooperation with the EU.

He stressed the importance of maintaining international peace and security, developing economic cooperation with the EU, creating new transport routes between Central Asia and Europe, including the Caspian Sea-Black Sea corridor, and also focused on energy cooperation, including expanding gas exports to Europe.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg hosted the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting on October 23, which was attended by delegates from all Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The major goal of this gathering was to explore cooperative concerns and find answers to present challenges.
CLAYTON  The St. Louis County police chief said he supports a plan to crack down on the open-carry of firearms in unincorporated county territory, which could pass the County Council as soon as Tuesday afternoon.

Council Chair Shalonda Webb, a Democrat from unincorporated North County, proposed a plan in September that would require a concealed carry license to openly carry a gun.

The plan aims to stop teenagers from openly carrying weapons  since minors can't get a concealed carry license.

And it would strengthen police officers' ability to address unlawful open carry, said police Chief Kenneth Gregory at a special council meeting Tuesday morning.

"There's not a whole lot we can do with young kids carrying weapons," Gregory said.

Seeing young people openly carry guns has stricken fear into North County communities, Webb said.

"Members of our community are intimidated," Webb said. "They're afraid to sit on their porches."

Councilman Mark Harder, a Republican from Ballwin, opposes the plan. St. Louis County already has limitations on gun possession for children younger than 16 and on firing a weapon in public, according to the countys firearm code. And it's already illegal to flourish a gun or wield it threateningly.

"These laws are already on the books," Harder said.

Harder attempted to question the police chief further at Tuesday's meeting, but was cut off because another meeting was set to begin in the council chambers.

The provision allowing police to question people who are openly carrying a gun is new, said Joe Taylor, a St. Louis attorney who helped Webb write the legislation.

The bill was based on a similar law pushed by St. Louis Aldermen Cara Spencer and signed by Mayor Tishaura Jones in August.

Taylor said Tuesday he took a break from his firm representing victims of violent crime to evaluate state, federal and local laws. He was looking for how local governments could strengthen gun laws.

Taylor found a 2014 Missouri law enabling police to approach and question someone who's openly carrying a weapon.

"I saw this as something that needed to be done," Taylor said.

Webbs legislation would require anyone openly carrying a gun to provide a valid government-issued concealed carry license if a police officer demands it. Anyone over 18 who violates the rule could face a fine up to $500 or jail time up to a year, or both. Children could face a fine up to $500, community service or both.

To get a concealed carry license in Missouri, applicants must be at least 19 years old and have taken a safety class, among other requirements.

Alderwoman Spencer introduced her bill in May after high-profile images of young people displaying automatic rifles downtown proliferated online and in the news.

The state hasn't given any indication it's going to sue to stop the city's law, Taylor said.

"That's because we complied with the state statute to a T," Taylor said.

But the county's bill wouldn't apply to the dozens of municipalities within its borders.

Webb wants those municipalities to pass their own versions so the rule is consistent throughout the county.

The council meets again at 3 p.m. today.
CHICAGO  A delegation of commodity importers from China on Monday signed agreements to buy billions of dollars worth of agricultural goods, mostly soybeans, during a ceremony in Iowa, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) said on Tuesday.

The agreements, signed at the China-U.S. Sustainable Agricultural Trade Forum, were the first such bulk signings since 2017 between top soybean importer Beijing and the U.S., the worlds second-largest supplier of the oilseed.

The deals also included corn, sorghum and wheat, the U.S. Soybean Export Council said.

Chinas crop import purchases from the U.S. are well below normal this year as Brazil, the world largest exporter of corn and soy, harvested bumper crops.

Top U.S. crop merchants Archer-Daniels-Midland, Bunge and Cargill were among the companies that signed 11 purchasing agreements, the U.S. Soybean Export Council said.

The deals were signed as frame contracts, which are typically non-binding letters of intent to buy at a later date, without formal sales terms.

These contracts illustrate the gains from trade: food is moving from surplus regions to deficit, said Jason Hafemeister, the U.S. Department of Agricultures acting deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

As of Oct. 19, soybean purchases by China from the latest U.S. harvest were down 39% from the same time last year, according to USDA data. Its corn purchases were down 73% from a year prior.

I think this is China saying, Hey, we still want to have strong trade relations over soybeans but this is a year where were not going to be aggressively buying American soybeans, said Ted Seifried, chief market strategist for Zaner Ag Hedge.

Traders will be looking for confirmation of sales from the U.S. Agriculture Department in coming days, Seifried said.

Chinese soybean buyers attending a large U.S. soy export conference in August said that they do not see import volumes growing much more in the coming years as demand for the ingredient that is mostly used to make animal feed stabilizes.

China recently made rare purchases of U.S. soft red winter wheat, however, after rains damaged the quality of the Chinese harvest.
WENTZVILLE  Civil rights leaders in St. Charles County are calling on the Wentzville School District to investigate allegations that Black students are being bullied and attacked by classmates while faculty members turn a blind eye.

The St. Charles County NAACP released a statement on Monday saying it stood in solidarity with multiple Black parents and students, who have described name-calling, bullying and physical attacks by students in the district, which is 80% white.

I dont blame the children, because this kind of behavior is a learned behavior, Zebrina Looney, president of the St. Charles County branch of the NAACP, told the Post-Dispatch on Monday. I blame the culture and the community that allow these kinds of behaviors to continue to be taught.

Last weeks school board meeting, which was attended by more than 200 people and included more than two hours of public comment, featured a number of speakers who admonished the districts governing body for failure to address complaints from Black students and parents regarding instances of racism within the district of more than 17,000 students, one of the states largest. Of those students, just 7% are Black, according to district data.

You say that you dont understand how our Black kids are not performing at the same level, parent Tamara King-Krolik said at the meeting. How do you expect them to when theyre constantly being assaulted, when theyre constantly receiving verbal threats or when theyre constantly being ignored?

Katrina Scott-Butler said her daughter, a former Wentzville High student, suffered from both verbal and physical attacks and dropped out earlier this fall when her sense of safety and protection became so diminished. Scott-Butler said, when she tried to share her concerns with administrators, her pleas for intervention fell on deaf ears.

The Wentzville School District failed my daughter, Scott-Butler said. She told members of the board that the districts culture must undergo fundamental change, in order to win back the support of minority students and parents who feel marginalized by the district.

The district released a statement on Monday saying it was saddened by the concerns and would address them head-on.

It has become evident that diversity, equity, and inclusion are areas that require our focus, the statement said.

Mondays call to action by the St. Charles County NAACP provides a roadmap for the district if they are serious about winning back support, officials there said.

In its statement Monday, the county NAACP urged Wentzville administrators to take swift disciplinary action against those who discriminated against Black and other minority students; to publicly release a comprehensive plan to address concerns raised by community members; to implement anti-racism and cultural sensitivity training for all school board members, staff and students; and to have a community-level dialogue to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

The statement said that the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP stood with the county branch.

Looney said she and her fellow 200-plus St. Charles County NAACP members will be keeping a close eye on the school boards future meetings to ensure they follow through on the action items.

In our opinion, these things could all be done at once, Looney said. The time for continued waiting is over. The time for action is now.

She said she was encouraged by the conversations that happened Thursday night, especially by statements made by second-year Superintendent Danielle Tormala.

Tormala apologized for the mishandling of past incidents and acknowledged that students and stuff deserve schools free from discrimination and harassment.

Tormala, who is white, replaced Curtis Cain, who is Black. Cain, who led the district for nearly a decade and was a finalist for national superintendent of the year in 2022, left the district to lead Rockwood schools following a tumultuous couple of years at Wentzville that also involved allegations of racism within the school system and protests over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tormala has faced repeated calls for her resignation. But she said Thursday that she is invested in this work of ending racism in Wentzvilles public schools. She said the districts administrators are already working internally to create listening sessions that would allow students to come forward and honestly share their firsthand experiences with racism and homophobia within the district.

The terms diversity, equity and inclusion cannot be dirty words in this district, she said.

The school board ultimately agreed to revisit the districts policies on the use of racial slurs.

Kids dont ever need to talk in the way that youve been describing tonight, board member Jen Olson said to King-Krolik.

King-Krolik said she doesnt believe Black parents are asking too much of the district.

I expect our kids to be judged by their character, she said, not by the color of their skin.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Israel escalated its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip, the military said Tuesday, ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants that the U.S. fears could spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The stepped-up attacks, and the rapidly rising death toll of thousands killed in Gaza, came as Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the hundreds of hostages it captured during its devastating Oct. 7 attack on towns in southern Israel.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Israel since the war started, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, meeting with the families of French citizens who were killed or held hostage before heading to talks with top Israeli officials.

He told Israels President Isaac Herzog that he came to express our support and solidarity and share your pain as well as to assure Israel it is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack. A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Monday carrying only a tiny fraction of the supplies aid groups say is necessary.

With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza. Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes. The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

An overnight strike hit a four-story residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors.

The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate.

They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently there is no safe place in Gaza, he said.

Fifteen members of another family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Israel says it does not target civilians and says Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage Tuesday morning.

We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops," said Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south for your personal safety.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing the number of its workers killed since the war started to 35. The agency said it found shrapnel in two of its facilities from nearby bombings.

The war has killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

On Monday night, the two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, Lifshitz daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv released photos Tuesday of Lifshitz sitting in an armchair, being wheeled in a wheelchair down a hall, soldiers in tow, and kissing unidentified people.

The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack. The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were authorized to reveal sensitive negotiations.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.
BERLIN  A prominent German leftist politician has launched plans to form a new party that some observers think could take votes away from the far-right Alternative for Germany.

Sahra Wagenknecht on Monday presented her Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance  for Reason and Fairness. The aim is to formally launch the party in January, in time for European Parliament elections in June. Three state elections in Germanys formerly communist east will follow next fall.

Wagenknecht offers a combination of left-wing economic policy, with high wages and generous benefits, and a restrictive approach to migration. She also questions some environmentalists plans to combat climate change and opposes current sanctions against Russia, which was once Germanys leading gas supplier, and German arms supplies to Ukraine.

Wagenknecht is launching her project at a time when center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholzs quarrelsome three-party coalition is deeply unpopular. National polls show mainstream opposition conservatives leading and Alternative for Germany, or AfD, in second place with around 20% support.

Many people dont know any more what they should vote for, or vote for the right out of anger and desperation, Wagenknecht said.

Wagenknecht, 54, grew up in East Germany and joined the ruling communist party in 1989. She was a prominent figure on its successors hard-left wing and in the Left Party, which emerged in 2005 when eastern ex-communists merged with western leftists disgruntled with welfare-state cuts.

She said that with the economic sanctions against Russia, we have cut off ourselves off from cheap energy without there being viable alternatives. She accused Scholzs government of abandoning the important tradition of detente and argued that conflicts cannot be resolved militarily  that goes for Ukraine, that goes for the Middle East and it goes for many other parts of the world.

We must also get away from a blind, haphazard eco-activism that makes peoples life even more expensive but doesnt actually benefit the climate at all, she said, adding that a more useful contribution would be developing new technologies for a climate-neutral future.

Wagenknecht argued that Germanys education system is failing many young people and unregulated immigration is intensifying the problems in schools.

There has been widespread speculation that those positions could appeal to voters who might otherwise choose the nationalist, anti-migration AfD  particularly in the less prosperous east, where Wagenknechts most recent party, the Left Party, has gradually declined over the years and AfD is at its strongest.

This niche that is opening up  stressing social justice and at same time ... positioning herself in a more migration-skeptical way  has potential, Benjamin Hoehne, a political scientist at the University of Muenster, told ARD television.

Of course we wont make common cause with AfD, Wagenknecht said Monday. We are launching a new party so that all the people who are now thinking about voting for AfD or who have already done so  out of anger, out of desperation, but not because they are right-wing  have a serious address.

The new partys immediate political effect is to endanger the Left Party, which only just managed to stay in the German parliament in the 2021 national election. Wagenknecht was co-leader of the partys parliamentary group from 2015 to 2019, but long-running internal tensions have grown into a deep rift. The Left Partys leadership backs a generous approach to migrants and strong action against climate change.

She left the party on Monday along with Amira Mohamed Ali, the co-leader of its parliamentary group and now the chair of Wagenknechts alliance, and eight other lawmakers.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. October 20, 2023.

Editorial: In Missouri, as in Washington, political extremism thwarts good public policy

In an unusually blunt assessment of what ails his party, the Missouri Senates top Republican this week lashed out at congressional Republicans for the gridlock in the U.S. House.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden got it exactly right in tweeting that his federal GOP counterparts look ridiculous for their intractable intraparty House speakership fight.

But Rowdens demand that congressional Republicans show the country we can govern misses an important point: Its not just congressional right-wingers who have thrown ideological sand in the gears of government.

Here in Missouri, for example, a right-wing meltdown in Rowdens own chamber earlier this year has prevented the state from addressing a day care shortage that continues to plague parents and hamper businesses statewide. Its a lesson in how real people are impacted by todays extremist, performative right-wing politics  and not just from Washington.

On Wednesday, as the paralysis in the U.S. House continued due to the Republican majoritys inability to elect a new speaker, Rowden tweeted out, in apparent frustration: Congressional Republicans look ridiculous.

Joe Biden is in Israel pledging support and resources to our most precious and important ally, Israel. Back home, Republicans are engaging in a 2023 version of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, Rowden wrote.

Whats the equation to lose your slim majority AND snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Joe Biden in 2024? We may be watching it unfold before our eyes.

He concluded: Get your House in order and lets show the country we can govern.

Not surprisingly, many commenters challenged Rowdens implication that Missouris Republican-run Legislature is somehow a model of competent governance.

Welp Caleb, wrote one, what youre witnessing on the national stage is what the Mo GOP looks like to Missourians every damn day.

That critic didnt give an example. But the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, of all conservative organizations, provided a vivid one earlier this month.

In a forum in Columbia on Oct. 4, Chamber President Dan Mehan lambasted the state Senate for its failure this year to approve legislation that would expand Missourians access to affordable child care. The proposal would offer tax credits to businesses that invest in child care centers and for donations to such centers.

The conservative-leaning approach had bipartisan support and appeared headed for easy passage near the end of the legislative session this summer  until it hit the political traffic jam of right-wing filibusters over unrelated topics.

Mehan framed the issue as an urgent one for employers. You cant go to work if your kids have nowhere to go, he told the forum, according to the Missouri Independent. Due to knuckleheads doing filibusters  Bill Eigel  it didnt come up for a vote.

Eigel is the right-wing state senator who recently vowed to burn woke books on the front lawn of the governors mansion should he win his current GOP gubernatorial campaign. It was with similar subtlety that Eigel engaged in a late-session filibuster over personal property tax cut legislation, holding up all business in the chamber and dooming the child care measure and other proposals.

Despite the Republican supermajority, that session, the Independent reported, sent fewer bills to the governors desk than any full legislation session in 30 years. (The 2020 session was shortened by COVID.)

Among other victims of Republican knuckleheadedness was a reasonable sports-betting package that got derailed by the Legislatures continuing and unreasonable fealty to the illegal electronic gaming industry. This was the same session in which lawmakers couldnt even pass a measure specifying that children cant legally carry guns in public.

Given some of the things Republicans have tried to do but so far havent been able to  like changing the rules to make it harder for voters to pass ballot initiatives that go around the Legislature  their dysfunction sometimes works to the benefit of good public policy.

But that does nothing for working parents and others who are ill-served by that dysfunction. Rowdens assessment is correct: Republican politics these days are a circus. And not just in Washington.

END
The U.S. Supreme Courts order last week that Missouris so-called Second Amendment Preservation Act cannot be enforced while pending appeals play out was the smallest of steps toward sanity on the issue, but one that came with an ominous footnote: How is it possible that any sitting justice, even one as ideologically blinkered as Clarence Thomas, could signal any support whatsoever for this blatantly unconstitutional scheme?

The state law in question effectively declares federal firearms statutes null and void in Missouri if there isnt a corresponding statute in state law.

Never mind that the U.S. Constitution specifies that federal laws take precedence over state laws. Never mind that the Civil War settled definitively the question of whether states could simply decide to go their own way if they dont like federal policies.

And never mind that this ludicrous statute, even under its current suspension, has already hampered law enforcement and made Missourians less safe. The supposed law and order Republicans who control Missouri government clearly care less about protecting their constituents than projecting to their political base the most extreme stance possible on guns.

The Missouri law was enacted in 2021, drawing a lawsuit from the federal government alleging it violates the Constitutions supremacy clause. On that point, the plain wording of Article 6, Section 2 is clear: Federal law shall be the supreme Law of the Land, the Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. Period.

Unsurprisingly, a federal court in Kansas City early this year declared the Missouri law unconstitutional in its entirety. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis subsequently upheld that ruling and prevented the state from enforcing the law as it pursues further appeals.

Missouri filed an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the law to stay in effect pending appeal. The courts brief order last week denying that request didnt include a full vote of the court, which isnt unusual for such orders.

But it specified that Thomas would grant the application for stay to allow the law to go into effect if it were up to him.

Thats troubling because its entirely possible the law will eventually be back before the high court when the rest of the appeals run out. As inconceivable as it is that anyone even vaguely familiar with the constitutional concept of federalism  let alone a sitting Supreme Court justice  would signal support for this law, Thomas has effectively done that.

And the fact that the rest of the court declined to allow the law to go into effect pending appeals doesnt mean some of them wouldnt ultimately find some twisted rationale for upholding it. As the nation has witnessed with recent decisions on abortion, school prayer and, yes, guns, this courts conservative majority is perfectly willing to issue brazenly ideological opinions backed up by whatever shifting interpretations of law serve that ideological agenda in the moment.

Missouris law contains a provision that empowers private citizens to sue local police agencies for up to $50,000 for alleged violation of the Second Amendment. No wonder there have been reports of local police breaking away from joint federal-local crime-fighting efforts for fear of inadvertently violating the statute.

Thus does this law pose a real-world danger to real Missourians, in addition to its philosophically repugnant assault on a federal Constitution it pretends to backstop.

Theres nothing anyone can do for now about the Supreme Court, but Missouri voters next year will have it in their power to signal to the states politicians that they still care about the Constitution  not just the Second Amendment but all of it.
Under the proposal championed by Mayor Mike Duggan, a lower rate would be applied to buildings and a higher tax rate would be applied to land to increase the cost on speculators sitting on underutilized properties. Detroit has the countrys highest property tax rates and 100,000 vacant lots.

House Bill 4966 is currently under consideration by the Michigan Legislature and would allow Detroiters to vote, as soon as 2024, on implementing separate rates on taxable properties. According to a 2022 study by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, by taxing land at five times the rate that buildings are taxed, Detroit would reduce tax bills by 17% for most of its homeowners.

If the split-rate tax is enacted, Detroits average-sized vacant lot would see its annual $30 tax bill increase to $67.

Pittsburgh remains the largest American city to use a split-rate tax system, which it did from 1913 to 2001 before returning to the more commonly used single-rate property tax. Nonetheless, St. Louis should keep an eye on whether this novel method of taxation helps a fellow Midwestern city reduce blight while providing tax relief to homeowners.

Peter Gariepy  Richmond Heights
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 24. The European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to open a representative office in Uzbekistans Tashkent, Trend reports.

The remark was made during a meeting between Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Vice President of EIB Teresa Czerwinska in Luxembourg.

Uzbekistans foreign minister noted that the parties discussed further cooperation in many promising areas, including macroeconomic development and green energy.

We express our gratitude to the EIB for its continued support of the reform program in Uzbekistan and welcome the opening of its office in Tashkent," he said.

Earlier this year, EIB supported the development of photovoltaic facilities in Uzbekistan with the largest collective capacity within the region, investing $83.6 million (as part of a larger sum of $396.4 million in collaboration with other international financial institutions) in Uzbekistan's 2023 solar program.

Meanwhile, the overall volume of EIB's investments in Uzbekistan's projects amounts to 410 million euros. The Bank continues to explore opportunities for engaging in access to finance support for the private sector in this region while supporting, as much as possible, their link to more green activities and practices.
BOGOTA, Colombia  Escalating tensions between Colombia and Israel over the Gaza war could undo decades of close military ties between them and hamper Colombia's ability to fight drug traffickers and rebels, security analysts say.

Israel has been one of Colombia's main suppliers of war planes, surveillance equipment and assault rifles since the 1990s. But last Sunday its foreign ministry announced a suspension of defense exports to Colombia, after President Gustavo Petro refused to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel and compared Israel's actions in Gaza to those of Nazi Germany.

Analysts in Bogota say that the suspension could jeopardize several contracts, including a $5 million deal between Colombia's Defense Ministry and Israeli company IAI to maintain Colombia's ageing fleet of Kfir fighter jets.

Colombia's government also recently hired an Israeli company to outfit two Boeing 737's with electronic warfare equipment and intelligence tools that can help the military jam communications of the nation's remaining rebel groups and monitor their movements.

Israel's embassy in Bogota declined to answer questions about the export ban and whether it applies to contracts that have already been signed.

Security analysts in Bogota said that if the ban is sustained, it could seriously affect Colombia's armed forces due to their reliance on Israeli hardware and technology.

"It will be debilitating and extremely costly," said Jorge Restrepo, the director of CERAC, a security think tank in Bogota. "It can take months or years to find new providers and to train personnel to use and trust new equipment."

Colombia deepened its military ties with Israel in the late 1980s by purchasing a group of Kfir fighter jets. The war planes, whose name translates to young lion, are able to launch laser-guided bombs.

They were used by Colombia's air force in numerous attacks on remote guerrilla camps that debilitated the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and helped push the group into peace talks that resulted in its disarmament in 2016.

But as Colombia's fleet of 22 Kfir fighter jets becomes older it also relies more frequently on maintenance from its Israeli manufacturers, said Erich Saumeth Cadavid, a Colombian defense analyst.

Cadavid noted that one potential result of the export ban could be less sorties for the Kfir planes, which are Colombia's only fighter jets and also the only planes in the nation's arsenal that are capable of launching bombs with precision.

Colombian officials have been slow to replace the fleet despite offers from manufacturers in France, Sweden and the United States, as Petro's administration prioritizes spending in other areas.

Israel's military export ban comes as Colombia's government continues to face the threat of rebel groups that did not join the 2016 peace deal with the FARC, and have grown stronger in some rural parts of the country following the FARC's withdrawal from these areas.

Petro's administration recently signed cease-fires with two of these groups  the ELN and the EMC  that will expire early next year, while it is fighting against the drug trafficking group known as the Gulf Clan, which is the nation's second largest armed group.

Following Israel's announcement of its intent to suspend military exports, Colombia's leftist president threatened to cut diplomatic relations with Israel and blamed the country for the growth of paramilitary groups in Colombia, though he didn't provide evidence for that claim.

"If we must suspend relations with Israel, then that is what we will do," Petro wrote on the social media platform X. "From the people of Israel I demand help for the construction of peace in Colombia, in Palestine and in the world."

Petro, who was once a member of a left-wing rebel group that made peace with Colombia's government in the 1990s, has written dozens of messages on X about the war in Gaza since the conflict began Oct. 7.

In some, he has compared the conditions in the Gaza strip to those of a concentration camp, and in other messages he has written that Israel's bombardment of Gaza is equivalent to "genocide."

But the president has refused to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel, despite numerous calls by Colombian politicians and intellectuals for him to do so.

While Petro's supporters commend him for speaking forcefully about the plight of Palestinians, critics are worried that his brand of online diplomacy could eventually lead to a complete rupture of relations with Israel, and undermine Colombia's relations with her countries. "By not condemning the terrorist attack, he is drifting away from Colombia's strategic allies and putting Colombia next to the nations that support terrorism," said Diego Molano, a former Colombian defense minister.

"Petro is impulsive and he sees in the Palestinian cause something that he can become a vocal supporter of that aligns with his ideology and his passion for anti-colonialism," said Sergio Guzman, a political risk analyst in Bogota. "But he is not taking Colombia's interests into consideration, and it puts Colombia in a difficult position."


Passengers who took the China-Laos high-speed train arrive at the Vientiane station in Vientiane, capital of Laos.YANG YONGQUAN/XINHUA

The line is carrying a growing number of cross-border tourists. Luo Wangshu reports from Vientiane.

The high-profile China-Laos Railway is benefiting tourists from all over the world and also bringing more opportunities for people in the tourism sector.

The 1,035-kilometer electrified line links Kunming, capital of Southwestern China's Yunnan province, with Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. It began operations in December 2021, and launched a cross-border passenger service in April, with bullet trains running in both directions between Kunming and Vientiane.

The railway has cut the journey time between Kunming and Vientiane to 10 1/2 hours, including inspections at customs clearance stations at the respective borders.

By the end of August, the railway had recorded 20.79 million passenger trips, according to a newly released white paper by the State Council Information Office of China.

"It was fast, efficient and pleasant," said Stuart Hart, a tourist from the United Kingdom who was visiting Laos, sharing his firsthand experience as a passenger on the railway. He has taken the service twice.

Hart, who lived in Shanghai for two years, said the service was as good as the trains he had experienced in China.

Tourists Juliet and Dean O'Reilly, also from the UK, said the Vientiane Railway Station is big and beautiful. They took a ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, a popular tourism destination in Laos.

Before the railway opened, the only public transportation between Vientiane and Luang Prabang was by bus.

"The bus took an entire day  It was not a pleasant experience to sit on a crowded bus from morning to dawn. The winding mountain road made the trip even worse," said Vongthong Somphavath, a Luang Prabang native who currently works in Vientiane.

She added that the trip only takes about two hours by train now.

"Besides the speed, the scenery along the railway is much better than that from the bus," she said. "There are some complaints about ticket prices, but the fact is that the tickets always sell out very quickly."

Luang Prabang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Laos, is a popular tourist site, with beautiful natural views along the Mekong River and abundant cultural relics, such as the former royal residence and famous temples.



A visitor is assisted by railway staff members at the station on April 15. XING GUANGLI/XINHUA

Economic boost

The railway brings more tourists to Luang Prabang, said Soudaphone Khomthavong, head of the media, culture and tourism bureau of Luang Prabang province, adding that it has already boosted transportation, investment, logistics and tourism in Laos, and will continue to do so.

Data from the bureau show that since the railway opened, about 85 percent of tourists have opted to take the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.

"Laotian people and tourists from other countries find it easier to visit Luang Prabang by train," Khomthavong said, adding that she hoped the cross-border railway link would bring more Chinese tourists back to Luang Prabang.

"Before the (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Luang Prabang ranked number one or two, but it has fallen to number nine," she said in April.



Travelers chat as they gather outside the station on April 13. XING GUANGLI/XINHUA

She noted that the tourism industry in the province was preparing to receive more Chinese tourists after the train's international passenger service opened.

Chen Ruifen, a 66-year-old from East China's Zhejiang province, took the cross-border passenger service from Kunming to Vientiane in April. It was her first trip overseas since the pandemic ended. "The journey by rail is more comfortable, and Laos is not far from China," she said, adding that train tickets and hotel accommodations are less costly in Laos compared with other international destinations.

She joined a group tour and was happy with the journey.

The railway is extremely good news for local people in the tourism business. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, paintings and photos of bullet trains and the railway hang in prominent places on the street, highlighting the convenient and comfortable journeys.

Bouncier Tangsinsomyong, a 50-year-old tour guide in Vientiane, said that he and his peers were excited to see more Chinese tourists visiting Laos following the end of the pandemic and the reopening of the border.



Local dancers perform in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on April 13 to welcome international passengers who rode the China-Laos Railway. XING GUANGLI/XINHUA

Landmark project

As a landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the railway showcases the infrastructure link that boosts the shared benefits of people from China, Laos and other countries.

It is the first transnational railway built under the BRI, funded mainly by Chinese investment, operated jointly by the two sides and connected directly to China's national railway network.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI, and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing from Oct 17 to 18.

"The China-Laos Railway has been completed and is providing a sound service, and its role as a golden transport channel is becoming increasingly prominent," according to the white paper of the State Council Information Office, which introduced and summarized the BRI's work and influence in recent years.

Before the China-Laos Railway, Laos only had a 3.5-km railway along its border with Thailand, so the new railway has helped Laos realize a long-held dream of becoming a land-linked country rather than a landlocked one.

It has promoted transportation, investment, logistics and tourism, and injected new impetus into the economic development of Laos and other places along the line.

According to a World Bank study  "From Landlocked to Land-Linked: Unlocking the Potential of Lao-China Rail Connectivity"  the railway could raise the aggregate income in Laos by up to 21 percent over the long term.

Meanwhile, the transit trade along the line through Laos is estimated to reach 3.9 million metric tons per year by 2030, which would include shifting an estimated 1.5 million tons of trade from maritime transport onto the railway, it said.


BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Russian Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin has been summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, Trend reports.

On October 23, 2023, completely unacceptable statements were made towards high-ranking officials of Armenia during the broadcast of Russias Channel One.

In this regard, a note of protest was given to the ambassador.
As one of the co-founders of Geneva Watch Days, GMT magazine has chosen this year to coincide the publication of its XXL special issue with the show, which takes place at the end of August on the shores of Lake Geneva, right in the center of Geneva

In 2012, we created the Geneva Watch Tour, an itinerary enabling visitors to better understand Geneva's watchmaking roots while touring the city to discover its historic watchmaking monuments and all the showcases displaying these contemporary mechanical micro-treasures. Since then, the passion for watches and the entrepreneurial spirit that drive our publishing house have also led to the creation of its collectors' club and its collection of watch books, while remaining the historical core partner of must-see events such as Only Watch and the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve.

As a team, yet each in our own way, we devote our energy and creativity to showcasing the finest timepieces from both the greatest brands and the smallest, but which all gravitate around the wonderful world of watchmaking. This anniversary issue is a clear demonstration of the spectacular diversity that abounds and is described with both exceptional expertise and passion. Whether it's experiencing love at first sight, full-on romance or a steadily growing friendship that develops into a lasting relationship, happiness and pleasure must be the common denominators and triggers for the choice to pair one's wrist with the lucky one. As emotions are not incompatible with reason, the entire editorial team joins me in guiding you along this path and suggesting a few gems. Will your heart fall for one of them?
SIAR solidifies Mexico as a significant destination for the most opulent watchmaking

The Salon International Alta Relojeria Mexico (SIAR) concluded its 17th edition with successful attendance and the launch of new watch novelties. A cordial atmosphere that gathers the leaders of the watchmaking industry who have witnessed the consolidation of the watch market in Mexico year after year. Three exhilarating days during which collectors, jewelers, and prestigious watch brands celebrated their shared passion for special timepieces that can only be seen and touched at SIAR. In essence, global launches, Mexican editions, and special events filled these three dynamic days, bringing together 49 luxury firms. This edition further confirms a greater influx of young enthusiasts of timepieces. Three days of pure haute horlogerie that demonstrate the watch sector's robust health despite global uncertainties.

"In an environment with some economic uncertainty in important markets for watchmaking, Mexico's stability is undoubtedly good news. The response from the public and well-positioned brands was evident in this edition of SIAR, with the same attendance of end customers, jewelers, media, and influencers, all yielding positive results," stated Carlos Alonso, SIAR's General Director.

SIAR 2023  SIAR

Worldwide launches

With 3,964 participants and over 230 accredited journalists this year, SIAR offers a comprehensive solution for presenting iconic models from renowned brands. Among these luxury houses, IWC stands out, introducing two iconic models: Pilot's Watch Timezoner Top Gun Woodland and Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Mojave Desert. Other watches that made their debut at SIAR for the first time include Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono Maritime Blue, Le Regulateur Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein Tourbillon (the brand's first tourbillon), Cvstos Chrono Sprint Steel/Sky Blue, Gerarld Charles Maestro 3.0 Chronograph, Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin, and Leica ZM11. Some models made their first appearance at a watch exhibition on this stage in Mexico City. These include Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Manual, Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar, Speake-Marin Academic Rouge, Backes & Strauss The Berkeley Helios, and Perrelet Turbine Titanium.

SIAR 2023  SIAR

Love for Mexico

There is no doubt that collectors attending SIAR adore special editions with national motifs. In this regard, several brands created very exclusive pieces. De Bethune presented Cempasuchil II, Chopard L.U.C Skull One Calavera Pop Art, Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Edicion Mexico, and Baume & Mercier Riviera 42 mm Limited Edition Mexico, all inspired by Mexican culture.

Biver, the watchmaking house introduced in March of this year by the genius Jean-Claude Biver and his son Pierre, chose SIAR as the destination to showcase their first creation to the public, a minute repeater with carillon. Attendees at the salon celebrated their unique piece, La Danse du Temps, inspired by Mexico's Day of the Dead.

The event, which has become a reference in the world of luxury in Mexico and Latin America, welcomed Tudor, who returned after eight years with a large space displaying all their new products, including the new Pelagos FXD Chrono.

SIAR welcomed brands making their first appearance, such as Longines, which showcased its latest offerings and hosted an event with the dancer Greta Elizondo, a friend of the brand. It was also the first time at the salon for Seiko, Gerald Charles, the brand founded by Gerald Genta, Leica watches, and Golden Concept, a Swedish producer of custom cases inspired by high watchmaking for Apple Watch. All of them joined the veteran brands at the salon.

This year, a partnership with W Radio Mexico turned SIAR into a forum where prominent Mexican broadcasters such as Gaby Warketin, Martha Debayle, and Carlos Loret de Mola gave voice to the leaders and protagonists of the watchmaking industry. This strategic partnership turned haute horlogerie into headline news for three days. "Having W Radio has helped make watches a topic of interest to a wider audience," acknowledged Carlos Alonso.

SIAR 2023  SIAR

Experiences at their best

One of the attractions of SIAR is the variety of experiences that brands organize to immerse visitors in the world of watchmaking. In this regard, Hublot celebrated the launch of Big Bang Unico Titanium Green Ceramic Mexico, a limited edition with a cactus strap. David Tedeschi, General Manager for Latin America & the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa, played host alongside Ana de la Reguera and Belinda at the party that followed the unveiling of the limited edition. Another watch that drew all the attention was the Classic Fusion High Jewellery, a unique piece presented for the first time at SIAR.

Bulgari received its ambassador, actor Alejandro Spetizer, and actress Renata Notni in its private suite. As a luxury host, Fabrizio Buonamassa, Bulgari's Creative Director, also attended. Jaeger-LeCoultre transported visitors to the Atelier d'Antoine with two masterclasses led by Stephane Belmont, the Heritage Director of the watch manufacture.

Cuervo y Sobrinos invited John Hemingway, the grandson of Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway, who spoke about the Historiador Hemingway Iconic collection. They also awarded the Latin Award, celebrating Latin culture, for the first time at SIAR, to actor Mauricio Ochmann.

Sponsors also added exclusive experiences to the event's three days. American Express invited its Platinum and Centurion customers to engaging conversations with industry leaders present at the salon. Jean-Claude Biver, Fabrizio Buonamassa, and David Tedeschi exchanged passion and watch culture in a close-knit atmosphere. Moet Hennessy and Mercedes-Benz served as luxury sponsors, further enhancing the event's appeal.
A joint venture, the new BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK chronograph from Bell & Ross pairs perfectly with the new Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle, co-imagined by designer Sacha Lakic and Bell & Ross

More than just a collaboration, it's the extension of a unique machine into a new Bell & Ross instrument watch. Performance dressed in an ultra-graphic fairing.

For its new instrument watch, Bell & Ross returns to its love for motorcycles and continues with an exploration of dynamic shapes. Inspired by the avant-garde lines of stealth aircraft, the new BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK chronograph watch is the perfect match for the Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle, created jointly by Sacha Lakic and the watch brand's designers.

BR 03-94 Blacktrack  Bell & Ross

Do you know Sacha Lakic ?

Some designers are truly gifted. From automotive and industrial design including interiors, architecture, furniture and even bicycles and scooters, for Sacha Lakic, nothing can slow down inspiration. Lakic expresses his talent across many creative areas: furniture design with the Bubble sofa, an iconic piece from Roche Bobois, street furniture with Stay Concrete, and even designer furniture for dogs and cats for Bogarel, the brand he co-founded.

But speed and movement remain at the heart of the designers work. The man behind the style of the Venturi exceptional electric vehicles, Sacha Lakic has received several awards for his daring designs. His concepts are behind several extraordinary motorcycles, notably for the French brand Voxan, before branching out and creating his own brand in 2016: Blacktrack.

The goal is to create functional products full of passion that give their owners pleasure and stir up emotion. Blacktrack creates that rare feeling that emanates from an extraordinary meeting of performance and shape, colour, and distinctive design, says Lakic. This approach is manifested directly in his cafe racers and, more recently, in the launch of a range of lifestyle accessories.

BR 03-94 Blacktrack  Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross: passion for exceptional motocycles

Its no secret that Bell & Ross is intrinsically linked to aeronautics. But fans of the brand are also aware of its forays into the world of motorcycles over the past decade. This exciting adventure combining design, technique and performance began in 2011, when Bell & Ross joined forces with Shaw Harley-Davidson to create a unique motorcycle: The Nascafe Racer Bell & Ross. Among its notable features are the special BR 01 Carbon watch inserted in the central console, like an on-board tool. In 2014, Bell & Ross paid a creative tribute to the golden age of two-wheel speed records with the spectacular B-Rocket. Inspired by the first jet planes designed in the USA, the concept bike was created with engineers from Shaw Harley-Davidson. The B-Rocket directly inspired Bruno Belamich, Creative Director of Bell & Ross, to create two instrument watches: the BR 01 chronograph and its little sister, the BR 03 B-Rocket. In 2023, the BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK opens a new chapter in this fascinating and daring saga. At the heart of the project is the idea of a motorcycle fairing inspired by the faceting on stealth planes, with a desire to create a machine with flat, angular surfaces.

An exclusive stealth watch and chronograph

Once again, the iconic Bell & Ross design is manifested in a surprising way with the new BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK chronograph, featuring a 42mm case in matte black ceramic that is water-resistant to 100 metres. Its appearance is still inspired by the world of aeronautics. This creative source can also be found in some elements of the design of the Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle, whose faceted angles are a direct reference to the technical design of stealth aircraft. Bikers will notice the motor-inspired black calfskin strap right away, hemmed with a red edge and lined with high-resistance technical material. The strap closes with a steel pin buckle with black PVD coating, while the quilting on the strap itself is a nod to the motorbike saddle covers and rider's suits.

BR 03-94 Blacktrack  Bell & Ross

A command post for the wrist

Innovative and iconoclastic, the new BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK dial takes on the appearance of a dashboard. Bell & Ross is known for transferring the precision of cockpit instruments to the wrist; now, for the first time, the counters on this chronograph adopt the very specific design of the dials on motorcycle handlebars. The link with motorcycle instrumentation is clear. In the red tone of a gauge, the 30-minute chronograph totaliser is immediately readable. The dial features a subtle detail: the superposition of the off-centre chronograph second hand over the minute hand creates the Blacktrack B. This faceting work is also found on the bezel, which has an octagonal shape when viewed from above. With a subtle contrasting mix of grey and black, feature notable exquisitely on the numbers, all the information is present and readable on a dial that leans into dark tones, complete with an openwork cooling grid. At the flange and indices, the typography of the numbers is carefully crafted. The indices are treated with Super-LumiNova , and same applies to the skeletonized hands. To mark the ever-existing connection between Bell & Ross and Motorcycles, the BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK chronograph can be inserted in the centre of the motorcycle console, allowing the instrument watch to be moved from wrist to dashboard: the symbiosis between the two machines is complete.

Performance at the heart of collaboration

As with all Bell & Ross watches, the BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK does not stop at fine aesthetic execution. Above all, it is an instrument watch designed to be precise, readable, functional, and reliable. The focus on performance and reliability is at the centre of this collaboration. As such, the design has a fine engine: at the heart of the sporty contemporary timepiece is the BR-CAL.301 self-winding mechanical movement. A calibre with sophisticated finishes and a 42-hour power reserve, it allows the display of the hours, minutes, seconds and date, as well as chronograph functions. It perfectly meets the performance of the 1,200cc that powers the Blacktrack motorcycle. Efficiency meets personality.
Have you ever noticed how much time you spend on choosing outfits so that the cut, color palette, and style are in harmony? Half an hour or more? Even if you are a pro, such as a fashion designer or stylist, it still takes 10-15 minutes.

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Some world-famous people value every second. They decided to fill their wardrobe with the same type of things and not worry about what to wear today. This saves them time and increases their work efficiency. Read more in the OBOZ.UA article.

1. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, an American programmer and entrepreneur, founder of Meta and developer of Facebook, filled his closet with a large number of gray T-shirts and jeans that he wears to work every day. When it gets chilly outside, he insulates himself with gray and black sweatshirts. Zuckerberg claims that this helps him focus on more important business decisions.

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2. Steve Jobs

The American entrepreneur, businessman, designer, and founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, who passed away in 2011, wore the same combinations throughout his life. These are black turtleneck turtlenecks (with a low neck), round glasses, Japanese Seiko watches, blue jeans and New Balance sneakers. As simple and modest as possible. Jobs believed that buying a lot of new things was pointless.

3. Michael Kors

American fashion designer Michael Kors is one of the most famous fashion designers in the world. The products of his brand are characterized by sophistication and restrained charm. And the same characteristics are appropriate for Kors' style. He wears jeans, T-shirts, and black jackets every day.

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4. Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani, an Italian manufacturer of clothing, leather goods, footwear, watches, jewelry, eyewear, cosmetics, and home furnishings, is a genius who has created perhaps the most daring suits in the world. But off the red carpet, he prefers modest cashmere sweaters and navy blue trousers.

5. Karl Lagerfeld

The German and French fashion designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld, best known as the chief designer and creative director of the Chanel fashion house, wore monotonous clothes during his life. His favorites were black pantsuits, white shirts and ties, sunglasses, and leather gloves.

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6. Christopher Nolan

English film director, screenwriter and producer Christopher Nolan is apparently so concerned about the quality of his creations that he simply does not have time for such a trifle as choosing clothes. It makes his life easier to wear a shirt, a button-down vest, and an elongated black jacket every day. Practical and stylish.

7. Barack Obama

Barack Obama, an American politician and the 44th President of the United States, told Vanity Fair that he constantly chose two suits (navy or gray) during his presidency because he had "too many other things to do."

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Earlier OBOZ.UA wrote about 5 vintage hairstyles that are back in fashion.

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The duty free of Margarita Island, Venezuela, imposed restrictions on the sale of rum. However, as it turned out, the new rules apply only to Russians.

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This was reported by the Russian media. And all because of the great affection of tourists from the Russian Federation for alcohol, which even borders on aggression.

A traveler who recently traveled through Margarita claims that there were no such rules before. "You buy alcohol, and they only give you a ticket with a number on it," he said, adding that the bottle is given to you just before you board the plane.

Coupons instead of "souvenirs" are issued only to those passengers traveling to Russia. For everyone else, duty free operates without special conditions. The innovations were approved after fights between Russian tourists that arose because they did not want to take rum home. Instead, the Russians began drinking alcohol in the middle of the airport.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA told about how a Russian tourist was sentenced to a year in prison in Cyprus because of the death of a child.

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An airman from the 86th Maintenance Squadron inspects the propeller of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft before takeoff at Elefsina Air Base, Greece, May 2, 2023, as part of the Stolen Cerberus X joint training exercise. The Air Force is planning to position various aircraft at the base near Athens, Greek media reported this week. (Andrew Bertain/U.S. Air Force)

The U.S. Air Force is planning to position aircraft at a military base near Athens in connection with the American response to events in Israel, Greek media reported this week.

The Hellas Journal and other outlets reported Sunday that a contingent of American officers based out of Germany was part of an advance team to coordinate the reception of the planes and accompanying crews.

The base in the town of Elefsina, home to the Greek air forces 112 Combat Wing, is expected to become a transportation hub for the incoming U.S. aircraft, the Kathimerini newspaper reported.

The base is needed because of an influx that has crowded the runways at the U.S. Navys Souda Bay installation on the island of Crete, according to the reports.

Between five and eight C-130s are among the aircraft headed to Elefsina. C-17s also could be part of the deployment, Greek media reported.

U.S. European Command didnt immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment on the reports.

U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft arrive at Elefsina Air Base, Greece, in May 2022. The Air Force is planning to position various aircraft at the base near Athens, Greek media reported this week. (Alexcia Givens/U.S. Air Force)

The reported moves come as the Pentagon shifts additional forces to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The possibility of the war growing beyond Gaza has raised concerns that U.S. forces could come under increased attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria, where pro-Iranian militia groups have launched rockets and drones.

In response to those concerns, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday ordered the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and additional Patriot battalions to bases in the region.

For the U.S. military, Greece has become an increasingly important ally in southeastern Europe.

In addition to the Souda Bay hub, the Defense Department has expanded operations at military sites across Greece in conjunction with an updated bilateral security agreement.
(Tribune News Service)  Construction of a new semiconductor lab at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass., has been derailed because of significant unforeseen site conditions but should be finished by October 2026, U.S. Air Force officials said.

The service branchs answer comes in response to a query by a cadre of the Bay States federal lawmakers, led by Democratic U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, whod pressed for answers on the lab late last month, stressing that it meets a vital national security need.

In a statement provided to MassLive, Warren welcomed the update on the projects progress.

Massachusetts has long been a leader in science and technology, and Im pleased to hear that West Lab Projects revitalization efforts are moving forward at Hanscom Air Force Base, Warren said. Lincoln Laboratorys work is critical to advance our national security and I look forward to working with my federal, state, and local partners to continue moving this project along.

Work on the $279 million Compound Semiconductor Laboratory and Microsystem Integration Facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Lincoln Laboratory campus has already begun. And officials will start taking bids on a separate Engineering Prototyping Facility next year, a source with knowledge of the matter told MassLive in September.

According to the Air Force, MITs lab at the base, which also is home 66th Air Base Group, dates to the 1950s, and it boasts a long history of supporting the nations armed forces with technological advancements.

In their letter, the lawmakers also asked the Air Force for an update on efforts to upgrade aging buildings and infrastructure at the MIT campus at the base, which provides critical support for U.S. national security.

The documented facility deterioration threatens [its] future ability to provide advanced mission-enabling technologies to the military, the lawmakers wrote.

The Air Force awarded the contract for the semiconductor laboratory in February 2022, saying the project would provide a new, 161,000 square-foot compound that is required for [the] development of advanced technologies.

In his Oct. 17 response letter, Lt. Gen. Tom D. Miller told Warren that the Air Force shares the Bay State Democrats concerns about the condition of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Research and Development Center and appreciates your support for the Compound Semi-Conductor Laboratory and Microelectronic Integration Facility (CSL-MIF) and Engineering Prototyping Facility (EPF).

The Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers are working closely with the contractor and MIT Lincoln Laboratory to mitigate the schedule impacts and deliver a quality project to meet the Centers critical research needs. We currently anticipate construction completion in October 2026, Miller wrote.

The prototyping facility is under design and scheduled to be design complete by October 2024. This project is positioned for execution in fiscal year 2025, with a current working estimate of $251 [million]. As we finalize design and work through the budgetary process, we anticipate this amount will change, Miller wrote.

Miller concluded the letter by stressing that the Air Force remains committed to working with you, your staff and the Massachusetts delegation to meet these critical requirements in a timely, efficient, and cost effective manner.

2023 Advance Local Media LLC.

Visit masslive.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Coast Guard is searching for the Carol Anne, a 31-foot fishing vessel, 80 miles off Brunswick, Ga., Oct. 20, 2023. The vessel was reported overdue by the owner who stated he hired a crew of three for a fishing trip. (U.S. Coast Guard)

(Tribune News Service)  A fishing boat with three men aboard has vanished off Georgia, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to invest days in searching waters 80 miles off Brunswick.

Named the Carol Ann, the 31-foot vessel was reported missing Friday, Oct. 20, according to a news release. Brunswick is about 80 miles south of Savannah.

The owner ... hired a crew of three people that failed to return on Wednesday (Oct. 18) as scheduled, the USCG said.

The owner stated the crew extends fishing trips to maximize their catch but was growing concerned due to their last communication with the crew being six days ago.

Crew members were identified as Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson and Tyler Barlow, officials said.

Attempts to reach them by marine radio have failed, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

Acquaintances of the crewmen have been recruiting boaters and anglers from St. Simons (Island) to Charleston to join the search, according to social media posts.

Calling all boaters and (fishermen). We are heading out in the morning, Josh Morgan posted Oct. 21 on Facebook. Please join together and help ... these young men get home safe.

Another boater reports he saw a vessel matching the description of the Carol Ann on Oct. 18, the USCG says. Details of that encounter were not released, including whether the boat was experiencing issues.

2023 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit charlotteobserver.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
American celebrity Paris Hilton has responded to numerous criticisms from her followers about the unusual appearance of her young son. The famous Hollywood blonde assured her fans that her child was fine.

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This is reported by the publication Complex. According to Hilton, the boy has a big head because "he just has a big brain."

A few days ago, Paris shared pictures of her son on social media and in less than a day received almost 20,000 excited responses that something was wrong with the boy. Fans asked why the child had such a "strange" head shape, suggesting that he was probably sick. Some subscribers advised the socialite to "show her son to a pediatric neurosurgeon as soon as possible."

However, some subscribers rushed to defend the baby: "Adults comment on the child's appearance ... Phoenix, you look great, such a handsome boy!", "It is because of you that parents do not show their babies on social networks! He is happy, healthy, beautiful. And that's all you need to know."

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A man named Stephanie Tlaji even posted comments to an Instagram post about Paris and Phoenix on TikTok. Criticizing the trolls, he wrote: "What is wrong with this world?" "There are so many sick people in this world. My angel is absolutely healthy. Of course, I took him to the doctor, he just has a big brain," Paris Hilton replied, commenting on the post.

The most famous Hollywood blonde publicly announced that she became a mother in early 2023. A surrogate mother gave birth to her and her husband's son in mid-January. Paris married entrepreneur Carter Reum in the fall of 2021 after three years of relationship.

Hilton named her son Phoenix Barron. According to Paris, she wanted the child's first name to be associated with a city, so she chose the capital of Arizona. And the boy received his second name in honor of his late great-grandfather Barron Hilton, the owner of the Hilton hotel chain.

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Paris Hilton says this about her son: "I want to protect him and be there for him every second, this maternal instinct that I never had before kicks in. I feel fulfilled."

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Madonna frankly told how she was on the verge of life and death in June 2023: she heard the words of her late mother.

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The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Frederick Hatch steams away from a pier in Tacloban, Philippines, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Anna Vacarro/U.S. Coast Guard)

The Coast Guard has sent a fast-response cutter to the Philippines for the first time as the longtime U.S. ally continues to butt heads with Beijing over territory in the South China Sea.

The Frederick Hatch arrived in Tacloban on the island of Leyte on Thursday and departed Monday, the Coast Guard announced in a news release coinciding with the visits end.

That day, the United States renewed a warning that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack after Chinese ships blocked and collided with a pair of Filipino vessels in the South China Sea.

Philippine diplomats summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila that day for a strongly worded protest following Sundays collisions off Second Thomas Shoal. No injuries were reported but the encounters damaged a Philippine coast guard vessel and a wood-hulled supply boat operated by the navy.

The Frederick Hatch is a Sentinel-class fast-response cutter that was commissioned on Guam alongside its sister ships, Myrtle Hazard and Oliver Henry, in July 2021. The 154-foot-long vessels have a top speed of more than 28 knots and are designed for missions beyond the traditional search-and-rescue work for which the Coast Guard is best known.

Armed with four .50-caliber machine guns and a remote-controlled 25-mm cannon, the $65 million cutters are used for drug interdiction, defense operations, maritime law enforcement and environmental protection. They can remain at sea for five days, giving them a range of more than 2,500 nautical miles, according to the Coast Guard.

In Tacloban, the Frederick Hatchs crew met Philippine coast guard colleagues, school children and government officials, according to Mondays release.

It is a privilege to bring a U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter to the Philippines for the first time and to visit the historic city of Tacloban, the Frederick Hatchs commander, Lt. Patrick Dreiss, said in the release. My crew was excited to collaborate with the Philippine Coast Guard to deepen our connections with our fellow seagoing Service and explore this unique city and island.

This visit coincided with the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which involved hundreds of U.S. and Australian ships fighting the Imperial Japanese Navy off the islands coast in October 1944.

We are deeply honored to be part of this observance and to strengthen the bond between the United States and the Philippines, Dreiss said.

Taclobans airport served as a hub for Operation Damayan, a U.S. relief effort involving 13,400 military personnel, 66 aircraft and 12 naval vessels. They delivered vast quantities of emergency supplies and evacuated more than 21,000 survivors following Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.

The Frederick Hatchs stop in Tacloban follows other recent interactions between the U.S. and Philippine coast guards, including a Manila port call by the Stratton, a Legend-class cutter.

The Coast Guards Pacific Area commander, Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, visited the Philippines in April to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for partnership, Mondays release said.

The Tacloban visit underscores the shared strategic efforts toward a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and aligns with the Pacific Area Commanders goals to prepare a ready force, generate combined effects, and uphold governance, it said.
The South Korean navy submarine ROKS Jeong Ji moors at Naval Base Guam, Sept. 28, 2023. (Justin Wolpert/U.S. Navy)

U.S. and South Korean submarines trained together off the coast of Guam over the weekend to enhance their teamwork when hunting enemy submersibles, according to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The USS Topeka, a nuclear-powered fast-attack sub, and South Koreas diesel-electric ROKS Jeong Ji took part in the biennial Silent Shark exercise Sunday to enhance the use of submarine tracking and engagement as a tool to maintain stability throughout the Western Pacific region, the command said in a news release Monday.

South Korean navy commander Kim Il-bae added: We will deter enemy aggression and are ready to firmly defend our seas.

Bilateral exercises appear to have kicked into high gear after President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to strengthen their military ties.

The leaders said they would usher in a new era of their 70-year alliance following their White House summit in April and a trilateral summit four months later with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David, Md.

These next 70 years of the U.S.-[South Korea] alliance will be the brightest yet, the presidents said in a joint statement on April 26.President Biden and President Yoon reaffirmed their joint commitments to working tirelessly to broaden and deepen our ties as an alliance in action toward the future.

In September, nine U.S. and South Korean ships carried out a three-day antisubmarine and maritime shooting exercise in the Sea of Japan, or the East Sea.

Those drills, which included the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup and guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, served as momentum so that the [South Korean] and U.S. naval forces can effectively deter and respond to North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile threats, South Korean Rear Adm. Kim Inho said in a Sept. 25 statement.

North Korea has fired 21 ballistic missiles  four of them intercontinental range  in 14 days of testing so far this year. The communist regime last launched two short-range ballistic missiles that flew toward the Sea of Japan on Sept. 13.

Biden and Yoon also agreed on the timely deployments of strategic U.S. military assets to the Korean Peninsula. This materialized in July when the USS Kentucky sailed to Busan, marking the first time a nuclear-capable U.S. submarine has visited South Korea in 42 years.

A nuclear-capable U.S. bomber landed at an international airport about 60 miles south of Seoul on Oct. 17, marking the first time a B-52 Stratofortress has touched down on South Korean soil in at least 30 years.

On Sunday, that bomber participated in an unprecedented aerial drill alongside U.S., South Korean and Japanese fighter jets.
Haitian migrants who hope to apply for asylum in the U.S. wait to register their names on a list made by a religious organization in Reynosa, Mexico, Dec. 21, 2022, on the other side of the border with McAllen, Texas. (Fernando Llano/AP)

MEXICO CITY  More than 260 charter flights believed to be carrying migrants from Haiti have touched down in Nicaragua in recent months, according to flight data and experts in the region, adding to a historic crush of migration by people hoping to reach the U.S.

The flow of migrants has left the Biden administration and Latin American leaders scrambling for solutions, and experts say its also being used as leverage by governments like Nicaraguas to get concessions from the U.S. amid tightening sanctions.

The Ortega government knows they have few important policy tools at hand to confront the United States ... so they have armed migration as a way to attack, said Manuel Orozco, director of the migration, remittances and development program at the Inter-American Dialogue. This is definitely a concrete example of weaponizing migration as a foreign policy.

Nicaragua has long been used as a migratory springboard for people fleeing struggling Caribbean nations like Cuba and Haiti as well as countries as far away as Mauritania in Africa, because it is one of the few countries that doesnt require visas for many of them to enter.

Such flights from Cuba were already gaining steam late last year amid a historic exodus from the island. In August, Orozco said the Nicaraguan government allowed charter airlines to carry out the flights.

The journeys are not on official air routes, but flight tracking data that has been analyzed by Orozco and The Associated Press shows that 268 of the charter flights went from Haiti to Nicaragua since the beginning of August.

The charter airlines have flown as many as 31,000 people out of Haiti, which would represent nearly 60% of the Haitians arriving to the U.S. border, Orozcos data shows. Over the same period, some 172 flights have carried 17,000 people from Cuba to Nicaragua.

The AP spoke to three Haitian migrants who were aboard the charter flights, who said they doled out thousands of dollars to leave the poorest country in the hemisphere in hopes of reaching the United States. Orozco said most tickets range between $3,000 and $5,000 a seat.

Things came to a head this weekend, when local media reported that in 48 hours, 27 charter flights from Haiti had landed in Nicaragua. The mounting number of flights comes at a strategic moment for President Daniel Ortegas government, said Enrique Martinez, a spokesperson for the dissident group Platform for Democratic Unity.

As Venezuelans make up a big portion of those arriving to the U.S. border, the Biden administration recently negotiated a loosening of sanctions on Venezuelas government  which have deepened the countrys economic crisis  in exchange for promises of carrying out democratic elections.

Ortega may be hoping for a similar outcome, Martinez said.

The U.S. government and European nations have ratcheted up sanctions on members of Ortegas family and administration in recent years as he has grown more repressive. His government has driven hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans to flee abroad and shut down thousands of non-governmental groups and universities in an effort to stifle dissent.

Ortega is going to use this migration issue to say to the United States that were the ones in control, Martinez said. And if they want to stop this, theyre going to have to negotiate.

Ortegas government did not respond to an emailed request for comment on the charter flights and allegations they were being used as leverage. Aviation authorities in Haiti did not respond to a request for more information.

Stephanie Armand, a spokesperson for Sunrise Airways, which data show carried out at least 15 flights over the past week, said the company doesnt sell tickets to Nicaragua, but rather is contracted by third parties to carry out the flights. She would not elaborate on who the third parties were.

Asked if the carriers services are being used by people smugglers to carry out migration to the U.S., Armand said the company checks passengers documents before boarding.

As an airline and aircraft operator, we have no information about the intentions of passengers we are carrying, Armand wrote. If passengers comply with the countrys entry requirements and are admitted, it is for the authorities, not the airlines, to follow up on their status.

Sky High Aviation Services, Air Century and Euroatlantic Airways, which also have made some of the charter flights, did not respond to the APs requests for comment.

A previous investigation by the AP unveiled a shadow industry of charter flights moving largely Haitians around the Americas. Migrant aid groups in other parts of Latin America accused airlines of being at the end of a chain of powerful businesses making money from this circuit of Haitian migration.

After boarding the pricey flight to Nicaragua, migrants have described to the AP walking out of the Managua airport and seeing crowds of smugglers waiting for migrants with photos and their names. From there, they are smuggled north.

The wave of flights come as the United States and other Central American nations have been left reeling as they struggle to cope with the number of people traversing their territories and arriving to the U.S.-Mexico border.

U.S. authorities said they stopped migrants more than two million times on the Mexico border in the 12 months of the governments fiscal year that ended Sept. 20.

Last January, the Biden administration announced a plan it hoped would deter illegal immigration, saying it would accept 30,000 people per month from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela and authorize them to work in the U.S., as long as they come legally, have eligible sponsors and pass background checks. This humanitarian parole was paired with a warning that the U.S. would turn away any citizens from those countries who enter illegally.

In Tapachula, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border, tensions have risen along with the increase in the number of migrants passing through the city.

On Monday, saying they were frustrated by long lines and poor conditions, a group of largely Haitian migrants pushed into a temporary Mexican government asylum office in the town, and seven people were injured.

They were among about 3,000 migrants gathered outside the asylum office, among them Nilda Jean, a 28-year-old farmer from Haiti.

Jean said she paid $3,000 for her flight to Nicaragua and sacrificed a lot only to now find herself sleeping on the streets outside the asylum offices with the hope of reaching the U.S.

Mexicos efforts to contain migrants in the south have frequently led to such displays of anger, because there are relatively few opportunities for work and housing is limited in Tapachula. Migrants already in debt for their journey are eager to find work to begin paying it off.

The Biden administration has urged Central American nations and Mexico to help contain migration levels. While some countries in the region at least talk about trying, Nicaragua, no friend of the U.S., has not.

Martinez, at the Nicaraguan dissident group, said Ortegas government views migration as a business injecting money into the country. While the Ortega administration has done little to facilitate travel by migrants, airlines pay taxes to the government and migrants and smugglers pay for hotels, food and transport.

What (Ortega) is doing is taking advantage of things, Martinez said, but what its doing is making the path forward even more difficult for the countries searching for a solution.

Associated Press writer Edgar H. Clemente in Tapachula, Mexico, contributed to this report.
Dan Duggan poses for a photo in a restaurant. A Sydney court on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, postponed an extradition hearing for Duggan, a former U.S. military pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators, until May as his lawyers attempt to further build their case. (Saffrine Duggan/AP)

SYDNEY  A Sydney court on Monday postponed an extradition hearing for a former U.S. military pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators until May as his lawyers attempt to further build their case.

Boston-born Dan Duggan, 55, was scheduled to fight his extradition to the United States at a Nov. 23 hearing in the downtown Downing Center Local Court.

But a magistrate decided to use that date to rule on what additional information that the Australian defense department and security agencies should provide defense lawyers.

U.S. lawyer Trent Glover told the court the United States was ready to proceed with the extradition, but had agreed with defense lawyers the hearing should take place after November.

Duggans lawyer, Dennis Miralis, told reporters outside court that the stakes were high for his client, who faces up to 65 years in prison if convicted.

This is existential, which means that every right that Dan has under the Australian legal system on the basis that hes presumed innocent ... needs to properly and carefully be considered, Miralis said.

Duggans wife, Saffrine, has said she asked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advocate against the extradition when he meets President Joe Biden in Washington this week.

But in a news conference on Sunday before departing for the United States, Albanese said Duggan, who became an Australian citizen in 2012, was not on the agenda of his meetings with U.S. officials.

I dont discuss things that are legal matters on the run, nor should I, Albanese told reporters.

Duggan has been in custody since Oct. 21 last year when he was arrested near his home in Orange, New South Wales.

Duggans grounds for resisting extradition include his claim that the prosecution is political and that the crime he is accused of does not exist under Australian law. The extradition treaty between the two countries states that a person can only be extradited for an allegation that is recognized by both countries as a crime.

Duggans lawyers say they expect additional material will demonstrate the overtly political aspects of the extradition request.

They claim the former U.S. Marine Corps flying instructor was lured by Australian authorities from China in 2022 so he could be arrested and extradited.

Duggan maintains he has done nothing wrong and is an innocent victim of a worsening power struggle between Washington and Beijing.

In a 2016 indictment, prosecutors allege Duggan conspired with others to provide training to Chinese military pilots in 2010 and 2012, and possibly at other times, without applying for an appropriate license.

Prosecutors say Duggan received about nine payments totaling around 88,000 Australian dollars ($61,000) and international travel from another conspirator for what was sometimes described as personal development training.

Duggan has said the Chinese pilots he trained while he worked for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa in 2011 and 2012 were civilians, and nothing he taught was classified.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, right, shakes hands with Secretary of State Antony Blinken during meetings in Beijing in June 2023. (U.S. Department of State)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Washington this week, the State Department said Monday, the highest-level visit by a Chinese official since tensions spiked early this year after a Chinese spy balloon floated across American airspace.

The three days of meetings, starting Thursday, are the latest sign that Beijing is laying the groundwork for a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in San Francisco next month, which would be his first trip to the United States since 2017.

It comes as the Biden administration seeks to use every lever it can to pressure Iran to hold back from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, including by encouraging Beijing, a major partner of Tehran, to use its influence.

Wang will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Beijing in June as the first of a series of trips to China by cabinet secretaries this summer. He also plans to meet with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, following two days of talks in Malta in mid-September. A senior administration official declined to comment about whether Wang will also have an audience with President Biden, although that would be typical, especially after Blinken met Xi in China during his visit.

The two sides have been trying to manage tensions after a process of re-engagement began this summer, although there have been sharp detours, including when Biden called Xi a dictator shortly after the secretary of state returned from China. Beijing has sided with Moscow in its war against Ukraine, although it has held back from unleashing the full might of its military industry in support of the Kremlin.

China is also making major investments in its military, according to a Pentagon report released last week, including a doubling of its operational nuclear warheads by the end of the decade. The report noted a deterioration of military communications between Beijing and Washington, despite a spate of close calls between U.S. and Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea.

Just this weekend, a Chinese Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine resupply ship near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, where Beijings territorial claims have led to clashes with neighbors and Washington.

We are in competition with China. We seek to manage that competition responsibly, a senior administration official said, speaking to reporters on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly.

U.S. officials say they have few illusions about Chinese behavior. Xi rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing last week, and the senior administration official called the Chinese Coast Guard behavior destabilizing and dangerous and irresponsible.

Despite the rivalry with the United States, Chinas economic and political influence is still crucial as Washington seeks to influence events elsewhere in the world.

Blinken called Wang earlier this month as he crisscrossed the Middle East, seeking to get China to weigh in with the Iranians to hold them back from entering the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Hezbollah, the Lebanese political and militant group that is backed by Iran, has been lobbing rockets into Israel and senior U.S. officials are deeply concerned about the prospect of a two-front war if Tehran decides to up the pressure.

China, with its significant economic ties in the Middle East, has become an increasingly important diplomatic actor in the region, brokering the recent detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran. U.S. officials said they hope Beijing can use that muscle again in the service of preventing a regional war, which they fear could be triggered by a potential Israeli ground invasion into densely-populated Gaza and the significant civilian casualties that would likely result.

John Hudson contributed to this report.
Workers begin a hazardous-site assessment on a property in Kula, Maui, Hawaii, under the oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Richard Brown/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun its first hazardous-site assessments on two dozen properties among the more than 2,000 destroyed on Maui by wildfire in early August.

The Corps of Engineers commenced the site assessments on Saturday for 26 properties in Kula, which lies about 20 miles southeast of Lahaina, a town burned almost entirely to the ground by the inferno.

The death toll from the disaster stands at 99, with more bodies expected to be found as cleanup proceeds.

The Corps of Engineers serves as the Federal Emergency Management Agencys lead entity in debris removal in the wake of disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and fires.

Contractors are entering each property to search for and remove household hazardous materials and bulk asbestos-containing material, Mark Cardwell, an emergency management specialist with the Corps of Engineers, told reporters during a conference call Monday.

If you want examples of that, for household hazardous material, basically whats under the kitchen sink, he said. And for your bulk asbestos material its maybe large floor tiles, ceiling tiles, something that is known to potentially contain asbestos.

In conjunction with removing those items, contractors are developing for each property a roadmap or a site diagram of how were going to remove debris from that property once we go into phase-two debris operations, he said.

This initial assessment, which required permission from property owners, is all done by hand in lieu of using heavy equipment, Cardwell said.

Hawaiian cultural observers are monitoring all work.

Full debris removal will take roughly two to three days for each property, said Cardwell, who has experience with about 20 such disaster cleanups.

He declined to estimate how long it could take to clean the 26 properties.

I do not want to state a specific timeframe because theres extenuating circumstances, such as terrain of the property, maybe some certain kinds of debris on the property thats going to require further remediation, or a hazard on the property before we can get on and do those, he said.

They already know that that the charred remains of one electric vehicle is on one of the sites, which will require special handling, he said.

Dates for beginning cleanup for Lahaina are still under discussion, Cardwell said.
A small wooden boat is towed into a port in Yangyang, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Four suspected North Korean defectors were found in the small wooden boat near the two Koreas' sea border Tuesday, South Korean officials said. (Park Young-seo, Yonhap/AP)

SEOUL, South Korea  Four North Koreans were found in a small wooden boat in South Korean waters on Tuesday in what is likely a rare case of North Koreans taking a risky sea voyage to flee to the South, Seoul officials said.

More than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea to avoid poverty and political oppression since the late 1990s. A vast majority of them have come via China and then Southeast Asian countries, and defecting by sea is uncommon because its more dangerous.

A South Korean coast guard ship found the boat south of the two Koreas eastern sea border on Tuesday morning, after a report by a fishing boat. The four people on board identified themselves as North Koreans, coast guard officials said.

South Koreas military said it secured the custody of the North Koreans in coordination with the coast guard, after chasing their boat along the sea border. A military statement said the North Koreans were suspected of defecting to South Korea, but gave no further details.

South Korean public broadcaster KBS, citing an unidentified government official, reported that the four North Koreans  a man and three women  are members of one family. KBS said they werent armed and didnt wear military uniforms when they were found.

South Koreas Unification Ministry declined to provide personal details of the four, saying an investigation was underway.

Defecting by sea is much more dangerous and many North Korean escapees were believed to have ended up dying after their boats sank amid bad weather.

But some still opt to use a sea route because they can defect in a group and it takes much shorter time than the China-Southeast Asian route, which typically takes weeks or months before coming to South Korea, according to Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG, a website focusing on health issues in North Korea.

Ahn, who has interviewed many defectors, said that North Koreans typically slip across their countrys border with China alone or in pairs without sharing their escape plans with anyone, including their family members, because of fears about arrests. Ahn said the four North Koreans found Tuesday are likely from one family, who left a coastal town relatively close to the South Korea sea border the previous day.

If they are determined to be genuine defectors, it would be the second case of North Koreans fleeing to the South by sea this year. In May, nine defected by sea off the Korean Peninsulas west coast, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry.

North Korean defectors are required to undergo questioning by South Korean authorities to determine whether their desire to resettle is genuine.

In 2019, South Korea deported two North Korean fishermen who said they wished to resettle, after determining they were criminals who had killed 16 fellow crew members. Earlier, several North Koreans were arrested after South Korean investigations concluded they were spies who had entered the country posing as defectors.

The 2019 deportation drew withering criticism by human rights groups, which argued that South Koreas liberal government at the time had hurriedly expelled the fishermen in the hopes of improving ties with North Korea, after learning North Korean authorities were pursuing them.

North Koreas state media didnt immediately report on the four North Koreans.

Some past defections triggered tensions between the two Koreas. South Korea accepts those who choose to resettle in the South, but North Korea often says its people are held against their will in the South and demand they be returned.

Animosities on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with North Korea conducting a barrage of missile tests since last year. South Koreas current conservative government has expanded regular military drills with the United States in response.
A B-52 Stratofortress from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., parks at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 1, 2023. (William Pugh/U.S. Air Force)

Long-range, nuclear-capable bombers have touched down on Guam, where theyre slated to take on a series of missions meant to hone their crews skills and project U.S. airpower across the Indo-Pacific.

An undisclosed number of B-52 Stratofortresses and airmen with the 2nd Bomb Wing will actively train during operations and exercises while integrating alongside Allies and partners throughout the region, Pacific Air Forces announced in a news release Friday.

The wing is based at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The B-52s arrival marks at least the fourth bomber task force mission this year at Andersen Air Force Base.

The deployments demonstrate the credibility of U.S. forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history, according to the release.

Andersen spokeswoman 1st Lt. Ariana Wilkinson referred all questions to Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii. A spokesperson there did not immediately respond to an email requesting additional information Monday evening.

The task force mission kicked off two days before a B-52 from the 96th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing, participated in an unprecedented exercise with South Korea and Japan on Sunday.

That B-52 joined two F-16 Fighting Falcons out of Osan Air Base, South Korea; two South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles; and two Japanese F-2s for an aerial drill that demonstrated their security cooperation and solidarity, the South Korean air force said in a news release that day.

Days earlier, the bomber became the first B-52 to touch down on the Korean Peninsula in at least 30 years. It landed Oct. 17 at Cheongju International Airport, about 60 miles south of Seoul, and took park in flyovers with South Korean F-35A Lightning IIs during Seouls Aerospace and Defense Exhibition that week.

The Air Force has routinely sent bombers  either B-52s or B-1 Lancers  to Guam since the task force missions began in 2018. The deployments typically last between two and six weeks.

The current mission coincides with the completion of a $2.4 million drying tower at Andersen that allows airmen to dry large drag parachutes  deployed by B-52s when they land  in as little as 12 hours. Manually, the process can take up to two days.

The project is expected to quadruple turnaround time for B-52 bomber crews, Wilkinson, Andersens spokesman, told Stars and Stripes on Monday.
A T-64BV tank is parked under trees on Oct. 20, 2023, in Ukraines Kharkiv region. (Ed Ram/The Washington Post)

KUPYANSK, Ukraine  With the world focused on the war between Israel and Hamas, Russia has launched ferocious attacks in eastern Ukraine, simultaneously ramping up its efforts to encircle the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region and pummeling the area around the formerly occupied cities of Kupyansk and Lyman.

Moscows reinforced positions and renewed attacks at these strategic points on the eastern front are forcing Ukraine to defend swaths of territory that were occupied for months after Russias invasion in February 2022 and then liberated roughly a year ago.

Some of the most intense fighting is taking place near Kupyansk, a city located on the Oskil River, just 25 miles from the border with Russia. Ukrainian commanders and officials stationed along the eastern front said in interviews that Russia had noticeably bolstered its forces in recent weeks by creating new, fresh brigades  including elite forces and Storm Z units made up of prisoner battalions.

The commander of Ukraines ground forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, said the situation had worsened significantly and that Russia was aiming to encircle Kupyansk and to reach the river, which cuts through the city. In the center of Kupyansk on Saturday, the steady thud of artillery fire reverberated across the front line, six miles to the northeast.

The city and the surrounding area have been under near constant bombardment since Ukrainian troops recaptured Kupyansk during a lightning counteroffensive in September 2022.

Since then there have been only marginal shifts in territorial control. In August, Ukraine ordered a major evacuation. Other than the nearby bombing, the city is now eerily quiet; its main street and administration building in ruins.

Zhenia, a 28-year-old soldier fighting in Synkivka, a village northeast of Kupyansk, described the battles there in recent days as crazy and said that the Russians were attacking Ukrainian positions with a massive amount of ammunition.

They definitely have brought more tanks here, their artillery is shooting almost continuously, said Zhenia, who spoke on the condition that only his first name be used because of security concerns.

They are fighting just like during World War II, he said as he paused to smoke a cigarette while shopping for supplies at a local market. They are sending in their men like pieces of meat, again and again.

Zhenia said that while Ukrainian forces were managing to hold the line, it appeared the Russians had learned from past mistakes, studying and using the local terrain, and gradually improving their tactics.

There are places where we struggle to fight them and they break through, he said. They send so many forces here that it is difficult to even contain them. They are shooting with everything theyve got. They approach with their tanks from multiple directions, then fly their helicopters overhead.

Kupyansk is a city on edge. Residents who chose to remain in the city fear reoccupation. Suspicion of collaborators and those still harboring pro-Russian sentiments also runs high.

Ukrainian military intelligence and soldiers from units fighting in the area do not visibly display their rank while in Kupyansk, and local administrators live outside of the city center for safety reasons. A billboard at the entrance to Kupyansk urges people to call a number to report information about traitors of Ukraine.

Anna, 63, who lives in the nearby village of Petropavlivka, was selling vegetables at the Saturday market. Sometimes, she said, when a soldier stops to buy her produce, she will say, boys, please hold the Russians off, dont let them in again.

Although she cracked jokes about giving the Russians a hard time during occupation and about the snitches next door, Anna was visibly nervous.

I dont want to run away from here, Im not leaving my home, Anna said. Of course, we are afraid it will be reoccupied . . . My son who is fighting told me that as many as three Russian armies will try to advance on the eastern side of Kupyansk.

In an intelligence memo posted to X, formerly Twitter, the British Ministry of Defense said that Moscow had built up combat capacity in the Kupyansk-Lyman direction in recent months, but so far had achieved very limited gains.

Ukrainian forces retain a significant defensive presence on this axis and it is highly unlikely Russian Ground Forces will achieve a major operational breakthrough, the memo stated, adding that Russia wanted to advance to the Oskil River and create a buffer zone around Ukraines Luhansk region, which is largely occupied.

Earlier this month, Moscow also began a new, significant assault on Avdiivka, which lies three miles north of the city of Donetsk in occupied eastern Ukraine.

Avdiivka has been a target ever since Russia began fomenting war in the eastern Donbas region in 2014. As a result, it is one of the most well-fortified locations on the front. Over the past decade, Russian forces have repeatedly tried to encircle the city, most notably in a fierce battle in 2017.

In an interview, the head of the Avdiivka city military administration, Vitalii Barabash, described the new assault as unprecedented with Russia deploying greater numbers of personnel and equipment than had previously been seen in a decade of fighting.

The maximum number of units of equipment used in 2014, 2015, even in 2017, when they tried to move in to Avdiivka, was about 20-30 units, Barabash said. Even at the beginning of the full-scale war, if Im not mistaken, no more than 30-35 units were used. But on the 10th of October, they sent in around 100 units, and about 2,000 personnel. This was just the first day.

Since then, Russia bombarded the city and its outskirts relentlessly with aviation and artillery, before a brief two-day lull to regroup. Attacks restarted on Oct. 19.

Since the beginning of this year, there has been no such attack in any direction on the front line, Barabash said.

If Russia captures Avdiivka, because of its strategic location, a large part of the front stretching about 30 miles from Toretsk to Mariinka, could collapse, Barabash said.

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, he said, Russian forces are under pressure from Moscow to seize all of Donetsk region by years end  an ambitious, and probably unrealistic, goal.

Pro-war Russian military bloggers acknowledge that both sides face immense challenges in the battle for Avdiivka.

Fighting in Avdiivka and the Donetsk direction doesnt just burn, it glows, one prominent blog, WarGonzo, posted on Telegram. Over the past week, Russian forces have had some successes but risks have also emerged.

Their artillery on the entire Donetsk front is very powerful, the post read. It creates great difficulties for the movement of Russian armored vehicles and infantry.

Another prominent Russian war blogger, Rybar, wrote that the large numbers of troops in the area, dug into fortified positions, made it difficult to wage a maneuverable war and was often resulting in head-on assaults.

The consequence of all of this is a positional deadlock, Rybar wrote in an analysis published Sunday.

But elsewhere on the front, Ukraine is actively on the offensive, inching forward through smaller, lightning infantry attacks, and painstakingly taking one Russian position at a time.

These surprise attacks, commanders said, are designed to pressure the Russians, distract them, and force them to redeploy, potentially creating weaker points elsewhere on the front that Ukraine can break through.

At a command post on the border of the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, less than a mile from the front line, an assault commander of the 68th brigade, who goes by the call sign Dolphin, showed a drone live shot of a newly captured position. Here you see a dead Russian soldier, and here - and also here, Dolphin said.

Russia was not advancing near Dolphins position but the price of the attacks is high for each side, and commanders are under severe pressure.

It has been much harder than we thought, said Dolphins superior, Col. Oleksii Shum, who is commander of the 68th Brigade.

Although I am satisfied with the result, Im really frustrated by the past week, emotionally speaking.

We lost some soldiers just because of accidents, not so much because of fighting, Shum said. Our losses are more than previously, he said, adding: Conducting assault operations is not something that we do that often, because its so exhausting.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, right, listens as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson answers a question Oct. 24, 2023, at a news conference in Stockholm, Sweden. (NATO)

NATOs top official called on the Turkish parliament Tuesday to quickly finalize Swedens entry into the U.S.-led alliance, which it is on the cusp of joining after months of delays.

Swedens membership will make NATO stronger, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday during a visit to Stockholm, the Swedish capital. Sweden is fully ready to join NATO. The time has come.

On Monday, Swedens membership bid advanced when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave the green light to his countrys parliament to hold a vote on the matter.

Normally, such votes are a formality for alliance parliaments. Its not yet clear when Turkish politicians intend to vote.

However, Stoltenberg said the decision should be made in short order, adding that the Nordic country has fulfilled its commitments.

Sweden has amended its constitution, changed its laws, expanded counterterrorism cooperation and resumed arms exports to Turkey, he said.

Those words were an allusion to Turkeys complaints over Swedens admission to the country of Kurdish groups that Ankara regards as terrorist organizations.

For NATO, the addition of Sweden brings a modern military bolstering alliance defenses in the High North. Melting sea ice in the Arctic has raised the prospect of competition with Russia for natural resources.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 prompted Sweden and neighboring Finland to seek NATO membership and end long-entrenched policies of neutrality. Finlands accession occurred in April.

Initially, the two countries planned to join the alliance together, but Turkeys roadblocks stalled the process for Sweden, much to the dismay of the U.S. and other NATO members.

During the talks Tuesday, Stoltenberg also addressed concerns about the recent damage to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Last week, Sweden reported partial damage to an undersea telecommunications cable connected to Estonia.

Authorities suspect that the damage to the cable occurred at the same time an undersea gas pipeline and telecommunications cable running from Finland to Estonia was found to be damaged.

Sweden concluded that the damage was deliberate, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Tuesday, but he stopped short of blaming any country for the sabotage.

News reports have since emerged saying that Russian and Chinese vessels were operating in the area near where cables were damaged. Stoltenberg said allies continue to investigate.

In response, NATO has stepped up Baltic Sea patrols with drones, reconnaissance planes and ships.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov tried to deny rumors about Putin's illness. He also called the information about the Russian dictator's double "absurd".

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Peskov's statements were published in one of the Russian Telegram channels. In this way, Putin's spokesman wanted to refute the information spread by Western media that the Russian dictator has serious heart problems.

Earlier, information appeared online that the Russian president had suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, October 22. It was reported that Putin became ill in one of his residences, fell in his bedroom and convulsed on the floor, rolling his eyes. The Russian dictator was found lying on the floor by members of his security service, who called for a doctor.

At the same time, Peskov denied this information and claimed that Putin was allegedly "in good health" and that the rumors about his illness were just an "information duck".

"This belongs to the category of absurd information ducks that a number of media outlets are discussing with persistence. And, of course, it does not cause anything but a smile" Peskov also said, refuting the information about the Russian president's double.

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As a reminder, the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, has again hinted at the existence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's doubles. According to him, the Kremlin dictator, who is familiar to the viewer, was last seen in public last year, around June 26.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Russian oppositionist Olga Kurnosova said that the Kremlin is waiting for Putin to die, and that he may not live to see the "elections". The oppositionist also noted that in such dictatorial regimes, only the removal of the first person can change the situation.

Earlier, a representative of the GUR, Andriy Yusov, said that the suitcases with which Russian President Vladimir Putin travels do not pose a nuclear threat, so Ukrainians should not worry about it. The Kremlin dictator takes black suitcases with him "not out of courage."

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Paramedics attempt to fill up the fuel tank of their ambulance with petroleum jelly used for first aid at the Nasser Medical Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (Loay Ayyoub/for The Washington Post)

NUSEIRAT REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza  The Gaza Strip runs on fuel. It powers the enclaves hospitals, water pumps and taxis. It feeds the generators residents depend on for electricity and helps fire up the ovens at neighborhood bakeries.

But now Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, is almost out of fuel, nearly two weeks after Israel imposed a full siege on the territory and launched an air war against Hamas. The United Nations said Sunday that its relief agency for Palestinian refugees that operates in Gaza would run out of fuel in three days.

Without fuel, there will be no water, no functioning hospitals and bakeries, the agencys commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, said in a statement. Without fuel, aid will not reach those in desperate need.

Israel announced its siege and military campaign after Hamas militants based in Gaza staged a surprise assault on nearby Israeli communities earlier this month. The rampage by Palestinian gunmen killed at least 1,400 people and led Israel to unleash firepower in Gaza, where more than 4,600 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry.

On Saturday, the first aid convoy to Gaza since the war started entered the territory through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. It included food, water and medicine but no fuel supplies, according to OCHA, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Another convoy of 14 trucks entered Gaza late on Sunday, the United Nations and the Israeli military said, also with no fuel.

The move to exclude fuel from the first delivery was an apparent concession to Israel, which worries that Hamas and other armed groups could divert it for military purposes. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari also accused Hamas last week of stealing fuel from U.N. facilities. Hamas representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The United Nations and others are in a tough but fair discussion with the Israeli government over an inspection regime for the aid going through Rafah, OCHAs emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths, told Reuters in an interview Saturday. He said a system for tracking the use of fuel was also being considered.

Palestinian militants use fuel to propel the rockets they manufacture and fire into Israel, as well as for vehicles the fighters drive during operations.

But fuel also helps power daily life here, as in elsewhere in the world, and keeps vital technology and machines working, from sanitation systems to cellphones to ambulances ferrying the wounded.

Gazas only functioning power plant shut down on Oct. 11, when it ran out of fuel, blanketing the territory in darkness after Israel cut off its supply. In Gaza, a lack of fuel can now mean the difference between life and death.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra warned Saturday that the failure to supply local hospitals with fuel was putting the lives of sick and injured patients at risk. The ministry has been reallocating limited amounts of fuel to hospitals to keep them open, OCHA said Saturday, and has asked people to donate their personal fuel supplies.

The first aid convoy arrives in Gaza through the Rafah land crossing on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Loay Ayyoub/for The Washington Post)

On Saturday in Nuseirat, a refugee camp in central Gaza, 53-year-old Mahmoud Musallam wandered in search of a place where he could charge his Nokia phone, which doubles as a night light.

He traveled with his family to Nuseirat from northern Gaza a few days ago, after the Israeli military warned more than 1 million residents in that part of the territory to leave ahead of an expected ground invasion. Musallam and his nine family members evacuated first by auto rickshaw and then by a donkey-led cart.

We couldnt find transportation due to the shortage of fuel, said Musallam, adding that they took shelter in a U.N. school nearby. And I dont know where Im going to stay tomorrow.

Israel, when it first declared the siege, said it would not allow any food, fuel, water or power into Gaza until Hamas freed the hostages it took during its Oct. 7 attack.

Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electric switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home, Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Oct. 12.

Under intense international pressure, including from President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a deal with Egypt and the United Nations to allow food, water and medicine to enter through Rafah for civilians in southern Gaza.

Netanyahus office on Saturday said that it wanted aid to continue to enter Gaza through Rafah, on the one condition that it must reach the people of Gaza and not be diverted to Hamas.

For years, Israel, which controls most entry points into Gaza, has restricted the transfer of dual-use items to the territory, including construction materials, chemicals, machinery and spare parts, according to the Israeli rights group Gisha. Israel has banned some dual-use items outright and allowed others entry with special permits.

Israel has also limited or halted fuel supplies to Gaza in previous conflicts.

In August, before the recent outbreak of fighting, a total of 1,200 trucks carrying diesel, benzene and cooking gas entered Gaza, according to Tania Hary, Gishas executive director.

But since the Hamas attack, Israel has blocked fuel supplies for the territory. Its clearly a potentially dual-use item in their eyes, said an official with knowledge of the negotiations over Gaza aid access. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations.

In Nuseirat, Sara Saftawi is staying with dozens of family members in a single apartment building, after she fled with her husband and toddler from their home in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Their only power source is a group of solar panels, which she said provide about an hour of electricity each day.

Saftawis husband, she says, is a critical care doctor and still works some days at al-Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest medical complex. Fuel shortages there have forced many of the generators to shut down, and the power is now off in many departments, with doctors performing surgery using their cellphones or flashlights.

On Friday, her husband came home from the hospital and couldnt eat, she said. The number of unidentified bodies was piling up at al-Shifa, he told her, and the stench was haunting him. Without the fuel needed to power the morgues refrigeration units, there was nowhere to store the dead.

Berger reported from Ramallah, West Bank, and Parker from Cairo.
Attendees at the 2022 Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. (Tasneem Alsultan/Bloomberg)

At Saudi Arabias flagship investment conference in October 2018, a defiant Prince Mohammed bin Salman took to the stage to promise that a new era was dawning for the Middle East.

The new Europe is the Middle East, the countrys de facto ruler, commonly known as MBS, said to applause from the crowd. The coming renaissance in the next 30 years will be in the Middle East.

Five years later, as the worlds top executives are expected to flock to Riyadh for the latest edition of the Future Investment Initiative  dubbed Davos in the Desert by many  fresh comparisons with Europe are being drawn.

But not for the reasons Prince Mohammed had in mind.

While Europe is dealing with the impacts of Russias invasion of Ukraine, the war between Israel and Hamas is bringing the regions political fissures back to the forefront of everyones mind.

That is complicating Prince Mohammeds efforts to focus the neighborhood on economic development rather than old feuds.

The headlines are an unwelcome development for the kingdom given its focus to attract foreign investors and convince firms to expand their operations in Saudi Arabia, said Ayham Kamel, head of Eurasia Groups Middle East and North Africa research team. Riyadh must be feeling the geopolitical heat, but its economic transformation program still presents some interesting opportunities.

The Saudi jamboree, held in the gilded halls of the Ritz Carlton complex in Riyadh, was launched in 2017 as one of the most high profile parts of an effort to sell the world on a new Middle East, with Saudi Arabia at its core.

Prince Mohammed was opening up the country, eager to bring in more foreign investment and tourists, while projecting soft power abroad through deals involving the powerful sovereign wealth fund he chairs.

MBS also resolved disputes with Qatar and Turkey, and was pushing for a resolution to the war in Yemen. He even normalized relations with arch-rival Iran in March, in a deal facilitated by Chinese President Xi Jinping. In Saudi Arabia, we have always looked to Europe as an inspiration, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said at an event in Riyadh today. We admire how, time and again, out of the darkest moments, Europe has forged a new, prosperous future.

Today, during this period of political and security challenges in Europe and the Middle East, we draw on each others strengths to create prosperity through partnership, Falih said.

Conference organizers insist that the show will go on, despite an escalation in fighting between Israel and Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and Europe.

There have only been 10-20 cancellations as a result of the war, said Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute on Thursday, out of over 6,000 people planning to attend. Most were because of corporate travel policies changing, or travel insurance costs, he said.

At times like this, gatherings like FII are needed to exchange ideas and conduct dialogue about direction in a tumultuous and uncertain world, Attias said.

Those still expected to arrive in Riyadh by Tuesday are the titans of global finance  many of whom are familiar faces in the gilded ballrooms of the conference hall at the Ritz Carlton, which hosts the Saudi gathering.

BlackRock Inc chairman and CEO Larry Fink will appear alongside Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, while other sessions will include the bosses of TotalEnergies, Petrobras, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Also highlighted at the event will be some of MBS most ambitious projects, including building a vast new city in the desert called Neom that is expected to cost over $500 billion and plans to turn stretches of the Red Sea coastline into eco-tourism resorts.

How investment flows and tourism travel to the kingdom are impacted by the prospect of the Israel-Hamas war remains unclear, but the threat of a wider conflict could slow Prince Mohammeds ambitions.

Investors  particularly those new to the region  are likely to exercise some caution over the short term, said Alice Gower, director of Geopolitics and Security at Azure Strategy. However, the kingdom is eager to avoid escalation and will continue coordinating with regional capitals to that end, she said, adding the vision for a new Europe can only be seen as a long-term ambition.

With assistance from Sam Dagher.
Palestinians wait to cross into Egypt at the Rafah border crossing in the Gaza Strip on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. (Fatima Shbair/AP)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  For more than a week, Talaat Ghabayen, a citizen of Norway who spent his whole life in Oslo, has waited days and nights at the Gaza Strips land crossing with Egypt as his embassy advised, hoping to flee Israels bombardment and looming ground invasion and reunite with his wife and sons back home.

Egypt is literally meters away, I can see it, Ghabayen, a 54-year-old insurance agent who traveled to Gaza before the war erupted for his mothers funeral, said Tuesday from the Rafah crossing.

Under intense Western pressure, the gates at Rafah opened over the weekend for the first time since the war broke out, letting a trickle of humanitarian aid into the besieged strip and stoking hopes that hundreds of foreign nationals trapped in Gaza would be able to cross into safety.

But with each passing hour, Ghabayen loses hope. And each day that Rafah remains shut, he said, is another day that he could die.

They tell us to go south, then they bomb south. They tell us to go to hospitals, then they bomb hospitals. They tell us to go to shelters, then they bomb shelters, Ghabayen said of the Israeli army, his voice rising with emotion. We are not Hamas, we are innocent civilians who dont even live here.

The Israeli military says it goes after only Hamas infrastructure in their war with the militant group. Palestinians reject that, pointing to airstrikes that have hit and damaged U.N. schools and hospitals in the densely populated strip.

Since the war broke out, the United States and other countries have scrambled to arrange charter flights  and even an evacuation ship  to ferry their citizens in Israel to various destinations in Europe.

But no such evacuation has materialized for foreign citizens stranded in Gaza, who are coping with the fiercest Israeli bombing campaign in the territorys memory and dire shortages of food, water and fuel since Israel severed its flow of supplies to the strip.

Ghabayen is among what Western diplomats estimate to be some 1,700 Palestinians in Gaza with European or U.S. citizenship, caught up in Israels devastating air campaign that has killed thousands of Palestinians and crushed entire neighborhoods. Israel launched its counteroffensive after Hamas fighters surged into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,400 people and abducting over 200 others in an unprecedented attack.

On top of that, there are hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza holding other foreign passports. Many said their governments told them to fill out forms and wait at the Rafah crossing.

More than a week later, theyre still waiting. In some cases, the bombs got to them first.

We waited so long theyll have to evacuate us by ambulance, said Abdelaziz Shaaban, who said American authorities assured him that his whole family would be able to leave through Rafah because his son is a U.S. citizen.

An airstrike crashed outside his home in Gaza City last week, killing his 14-year-old daughter, Joud, and wounding everyone else in the house  just as they were preparing to try their luck at Rafah a third time. His 18-year-old son Youssef, born in Kalamazoo, Mich., has a broken jaw and wrist. His other daughter broke her arm. Shaaban lost so much blood that he struggles to walk.

 We are studying the case, we are studying the case, they tell us over and over, Shaaban said of U.S. officials. What are you studying? We are wounded and cant get painkillers. We are wounded and Shifa Hospital kicked us out because they needed room for more patients.

Shifa Hospital, Gazas biggest, is struggling to handle a deluge of war-wounded patients as its resources dwindle. While some trucks of humanitarian aid gradually made their way into Gaza in recent days from Egypt, Palestinians say its nowhere near enough to address the humanitarian disaster.

Egypt has refused to open its doors to those fleeing Gaza  in part because it doesnt want to be seen as aiding Israels forced displacement of Palestinians but also because it doesnt want a massive refugee crisis within its borders.

As the days tick by, the desperation of foreign nationals trapped in Gaza is growing. Many are increasingly upset with what seems to them a double standard in Western policy. The same countries failing to respond to their plight, they say, have galvanized to evacuate their citizens from Israel and other war-zones around the world.

It really makes us feel like second-class citizens, said Mahmoud Sarhan, a 48-year-old security guard from Essen, Germany, who made his first trip to Gaza in nearly three decades before the war to tend to his ailing mother in the northern Jabaliya refugee camp.

Sarhan said he is sleeping on the street in Rafah in case the crossing opens without warning. Others are staying with friends and relatives near the crossing or making the treacherous trip several times a week.

After an Israeli airstrike tore into his Sarhans family house in the north, killing his sister, an English teacher, and her eight children, he said he had nowhere else to go. His mother came with him to Rafah and its not clear if shell be able to travel with him to Germany.

They help their own in Ukraine, in every part of the world where their citizens are in danger. But not Gaza, he said of Western governments.

For Palestinian Americans stuck in Gaza, President Joe Bidens proclamations of staunch support for Israel during his wartime visit to the country following Hamas unprecedented attack has added to resentments.

Ridiculous, was how Hamdan Abu Speitan, a 76-year-old physician from Syracuse, N.Y., put it.

He is so busy trying to give Israel weapons that he cant get water in or get Americans out, he said, referring to Biden.

The State Department said David Satterfield, recently appointed special envoy for humanitarian issues in the Mideast, was in Israel Tuesday engaged in negotiations with Israel, Egypt and the United Nations to get Rafah to open for U.S. citizens, other dual nationals and employees of international organizations.

Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, blamed Hamas for the hold-up in a briefing on Monday.

We do believe that Egypt is ready to process American citizens if they can make it to Egyptian authorities, he told reporters. Hamas just has to stop blocking their exit.

After days of subsisting on tea, bread and onions, Abu Speitan said he was feeling dehydrated and exhausted. His sisters house in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza had no generator  just a solar phone charger so he could keep in touch with his worried family back in New York and Boston.

Over the weekend an airstrike slammed into a house just 500 meters (yards) away, sending shrapnel into his room. He clutched his face  blood was gushing everywhere.

He left the hospital and headed straight to Rafah crossing on Tuesday for the fourth time in the past week. There was no indication this time would be any different. But he said he had no other choice.

We are stuck waiting, without any information, he said at the border crowded with Palestinians from America, Canada, Germany, Sweden and countless other countries, some of them wounded. Let me know if you hear something.

DeBre reported from Jerusalem.
A Syrian White Helmet civil defense worker runs at the site where a shell struck in the outskirts of the northern town of Jisr al-Shoughour, west of the city of Idlib, Syria, on Oct. 5, 2023. The head of the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria said Tuesday, Oct. 24, that fighting in the country has reached its worst point in years, with devastating consequences for civilians. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

BEIRUT  The head of the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria said Tuesday that fighting in the country has reached its worst point in years, with devastating consequences for civilians.

We are witnessing the largest escalation of hostilities in Syria in four years, Paulo Pinheiro told the U.N. General Assembly. Yet again there appears to be total disregard for civilians lives in what are often tit-for-tat reprisals.

A drone strike earlier this month on the Homs Military Academy killed 89 people, including 31 women and five children, and wounded as many as 277. No group claimed responsibility for the attack but the Syrian military accused insurgents backed by known international forces of carrying it out and launched a brutal campaign of airstrikes on opposition-held areas of northwest Syria in retaliation.

In just four days of ground shelling ... some 200 civilians were killed and injured, and medical facilities, schools and markets were impacted yet again, Pinheiro said. Tens of thousands are again displaced and on the run.

Meanwhile, in retaliation for an attack in Ankara that injured two members of Turkish security forces, Turkey pounded Kurdish-controlled areas in northeast Syria that it said were used by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK  a Kurdish separatist group that has waged a decadeslong insurgency in Turkey  as well as its allies in Syria in the Peoples Defense Units, or YPG.

The Turkish bombing resulted in destroying and damaging power and water stations, affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians, Pinheiro said.

He also pointed to recent airstrikes on the Damascus and Aleppo airports in government-held Syria, reportedly by Israel that put both out of commission and may have yet again impacted the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Syrias uprising-turned civil war, now in its 13th year, has killed nearly half a million people, displaced half of its prewar population of 23 million and crippled infrastructure in both government and opposition-held areas.
Palestinians rescue a survivor of Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Nusseirat refugee camp on Oct. 24. (Ali Mohmoud/AP)

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Israel escalated airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, crushing families in the rubble of residential buildings, as health officials said hundreds of Palestinians were killed in the past day and medical facilities were shut down because of bomb damage and lack of power.

The soaring death toll from the bombardment is unprecedented in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It augurs an even greater loss of life in Gaza once Israeli forces backed by tanks and artillery launch an expected ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas militants.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on towns in southern Israel.

The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 704 people over the past day, mostly women and children. The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

In Washington, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. also could not verify that one-day death toll.

The Ministry of Health is run by Hamas, and I think that all needs to be factored into anything that they put out publicly.

Israel said Tuesday it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they prepared to fire rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. Israel reported 320 strikes the day before.

Hamas is sworn to Israels destruction.

Israel, for its part, has vowed repeatedly since the massacre to crush Hamas.

On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told the U.N. Security Council that the proportionate response to the Oct. 7 attack is a total destruction to the last one of the militants. It is not only Israels right to destroy Hamas. Its our duty, he said.

The Israeli military said it thwarted an assault by a group of Hamas underwater divers who tried to infiltrate Israel on a beach just north of Gaza. They were attacked by air, naval and ground forces.

Across central and south Gaza, where Israel told civilians to take shelter, there were multiple scenes of rescuers pulling the dead and wounded out of large piles of rubble from collapsed buildings. Graphic photos and video shot by the AP showed rescuers unearthing bodies of children from multiple ruins.

Palestinians look for survivors of Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Nusseirat refugee camp on Oct. 24. (Ali Mohmoud/AP)

A father knelt on the floor of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah next to the bodies of three dead children cocooned in bloodied sheets. Later at the nearby morgue, workers prayed over 24 dead wrapped in body bags, several of them the size of small children.

Buildings that collapsed on residents killed dozens at a time in several cases, witnesses said. Two families lost a total 47 members in a leveled home in Rafah, the Health Ministry said.

A strike on a four-story building in Khan Younis killed at least 32 people, including 13 members of the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people sheltering in the building, including many who had evacuated from Gaza City.

We thought that our area would be safe, he said.

Another strike destroyed a bustling marketplace in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, witnesses said. AP photos showed the floor of a vegetable shop covered with blood.

In Gaza City, at least 19 people were killed when an airstrike hit the house of the Bahloul family, according to survivors, who said dozens more people remained buried. The legs of a dead woman and another person, both still half buried, dangled out of the wreckage where workers dug through the dirt, concrete and rebar.

The Health Ministry says more than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors. The figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government.

As the death toll in Gaza spirals, and fuel supplies dwindle, the number of facilities able to deal with casualties is shrinking. More than half of primary health care facilities, and roughly one of every three hospitals, have stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said.

Palestinians wounded in an Israeli bombardment wait for treatment in a hospital in Deir al-Balah, south of the Gaza Strip, on Oct. 24. (Hatem Moussa/AP)

Overwhelmed hospital staff struggled to triage cases as constant waves of wounded were brought in. The Health Ministry said many wounded are laid on the ground without even simple medical intervention and others wait for days for surgeries because there are so many critical cases.

While Israel has allowed a small number of trucks filled with aid to enter, it has barred deliveries of fuel to Gaza to keep it out of Hamas hands. The U.N. said its operation distributing aid will halt Wednesday evening if it does not receive fuel.

To make room for the dead, cemeteries have been forced to excavate and reuse old plots. Families have dug trenches to bury multiple bodies at a time.

Bodies pour in by the hundreds every day. We use every empty inch in the cemeteries, said Abdel Rahman Mohamed, a volunteer who helps transfer bodies to Khan Younis main cemetery.

Israel says it does not target civilians and that Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, according to Israel, and Hamas said it fired a fresh barrage on Tuesday.

On Monday, Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the roughly 220 people Israel says were taken hostage during the Oct. 7 attack and forced into Gaza.

Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. They drove her into Gaza, then forced her to walk several kilometers (miles) on wet ground to reach a network of tunnels that looked like a spider web, she said.

Once there, she said, she was treated well, fed and given medical care.

Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were released.

The Israeli military dropped leaflets in Gaza asking Palestinians to reveal information on the hostages whereabouts. In exchange, the military promised a reward and protection for the informants home.

Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border.

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.
One of the two women released from Hamas captivity late Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, meets people at the hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Jenny Yerushalmy/Ichilov hospital via AP)

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  Israel escalated its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip, the military said Tuesday, ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants that the U.S. fears could spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The stepped-up attacks, and the rapidly rising death toll of thousands killed in Gaza, came as Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the hundreds of hostages it captured during its devastating Oct. 7 attack on towns in southern Israel.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Israel since the war started, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, meeting with the families of French citizens who were killed or held hostage before heading to talks with top Israeli officials.

He told Israels President Isaac Herzog that he came to express our support and solidarity and share your pain as well as to assure Israel it is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack. A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Monday carrying only a tiny fraction of the supplies aid groups say is necessary.

With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza. Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes. The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

An overnight strike hit a four-story residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was held hostage in Gaza after being abducted during Hamas bloody Oct. 7 attack on Israel, speaks to members of the press a day after being released by Hamas militants, at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Ariel Schalit/AP)

The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate.

They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently there is no safe place in Gaza, he said.

Fifteen members of another family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Israel says it does not target civilians and says Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage Tuesday morning.

We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south for your personal safety.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing the number of its workers killed since the war started to 35. The agency said it found shrapnel in two of its facilities from nearby bombings.

The war has killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

On Monday night, the two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, Lifshitz daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv released photos Tuesday of Lifshitz sitting in an armchair, being wheeled in a wheelchair down a hall, soldiers in tow, and kissing unidentified people.

The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

This photo provided by Ichilov hospital shows Yocheved Lifshitz, one of the two women released from Hamas captivity late Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, sitting in a wheelchair at the hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Jenny Yerushalmy/Ichilov hospital via AP)

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack. The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were authorized to reveal sensitive negotiations.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.

Magdy reported from Cairo and Nessman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Aamer Madhani in Washington, Amy Teibel in Jerusalem and Brian Melley in London, contributed to this report.
Barack Obama delivers remarks during an Affordable Care Act event with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in April 2022. (Adam Schultz/White House)

Ahead of an expected ground invasion of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military, former president Barack Obama spoke out about the deadly conflict in the Middle East on Monday, reiterating that Israel has the right to defend itself against violence like the terrorist attacks inflicted by militant group Hamas while warning that any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire.

Israeli troops are massing around the Gaza Strip in preparation for a ground invasion that could involve heavy urban combat in the densely populated territory. The invasion comes weeks after Hamas attackers crossed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

In a more than 1,000-word statement posted on the online site Medium, Obama said that the dire humanitarian outcomes of cutting off food, water and electricity in Gaza could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israels enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

Obama argued for the continued U.S. support of Israeli efforts to go after Hamas and backed Israels right to exist. At the same time, he urged the Israeli military to conduct strategies that abide by international law, including those laws that seek to avoid, to every extent possible, the death or suffering of civilian populations.

Even as we support Israel, we should also be clear that how Israel prosecutes this fight against Hamas matters, Obama wrote. Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children.

He also waded into the seemingly out-of-reach goal of ultimately carving out a nation for the Palestinian people, calling for acknowledging that Palestinians have also lived in disputed territories for generations, while criticizing the Israeli settlers that are taking over Palestinian territory in the West Bank.

That is the best and perhaps only way to achieve the lasting peace and security most Israeli and Palestinian families yearn for, he said.

Some Palestinian leaders whove been willing to make concessions for a two-state solution, he added, have too often had little to show for their efforts.

Obama nodded to the tendency in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for Israeli hard-liners to broadly accuse the Jewish states critics of antisemitism. He said that while there should be no tolerance of antisemitic, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian rhetoric, it is possible for people of good will to champion Palestinian rights and oppose certain Israeli government policies in the West Bank and Gaza without being anti-semitic.

Obamas statements echo positions he took during and before his administration, as he continued to back a two-state solution to the long-running conflict. From the early days of his presidency, Obama pressed a tough stance on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, demanding that Israel halt all settlement activity to build momentum for peace.

As president, Obama tried to broker peace talks in 2013, but they collapsed soon after, and he has always had a frosty relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In his Medium post, Obama also backed the strategy that Biden and his top diplomatic and military advisers have begun using to balance U.S. support for Israel with concern about the well-being of Gaza civilians and the worst-case scenario of a wider Middle East conflict.

As The Washington Post reported this week, Biden and his administration have begun reminding Netanyahu that democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.

Obama said it is understandable, in the wake of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, that many Israelis have demanded that their government do whatever it takes to root out Hamas and make sure such attacks never happen again.

But the former president noted that Hamass military operations are deeply embedded within Gaza  and its leadership seems to intentionally hide among civilians, thereby endangering the very people they claim to represent.

The former president said he found Israels decision to allow relief trucks into Gaza  a move that was prompted, in part, by the Biden administration  an encouraging step, but said more needs to be done by the international community to accelerate the delivery of critical aid.

On Saturday, aid trucks arrived in Gaza for the first time since the start of the war, entering through Egypts Rafah border crossing. Supplies of food, drinking water and fuel are dwindling in the Gaza Strip, where more than 2 million people face relentless airstrikes and an Israeli siege.

While Biden has stood steadfastly behind Israel since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, the presidents rhetoric has shifted in recent days as he has sought to draw a distinction between militants and Palestinian civilians.

The former president ended his thoughts with links to news, analysis and opinion articles that he said provide useful perspectives and background on the conflict.

Abigail Hauslohner and Glenn Kessler contributed reporting.
President Biden meets with senior advisors following his remarks on the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7. (Cameron Smith/White House)

The Biden administration is preparing for the possibility that hundreds of thousands of American citizens will require evacuation from the Middle East if the bloodshed in Gaza cannot be contained, according to four officials familiar with the U.S. governments contingency planning.

The specter of such an operation comes as Israeli forces, aided by U.S. weapons and military advisers, prepare for what is widely expected to be a perilous ground offensive against Hamas militants responsible for the stunning cross-border attack that has reignited hostilities. The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to detail internal deliberations, said Americans living in Israel and neighboring Lebanon are of particular concern, though they stressed that an evacuation of that magnitude is considered a worst-case scenario and that other outcomes are seen as more likely.

Still, one official said, it would be irresponsible not to have a plan for everything.

The administration, despite its forceful public support for Israel, is deeply alarmed by the prospect of escalation, and in recent days it has turned its attention in part to the complicated logistics of abruptly having to relocate a large number of people, according to three people familiar with the discussions. There were about 600,000 U.S. citizens in Israel and another 86,000 believed to be in Lebanon when Hamas attacked, according to State Department estimates.

The concern in Lebanon is chiefly over Hezbollah, a political party and militant group that has controlled the country since 1992. It has long accepted training and weapons from Iran, prompting concerns that it could attack Israel from the north, creating a two-front war that would stretch Israeli forces. Already, there have been skirmishes along their shared border.

This has become a real issue, one official said. The administration is very, very, very worried that this thing is going to get out of hand.

The administrations concern extends beyond those two countries, as officials watch the street protests that have spread across the Arab world, putting both U.S. personnel and citizens in the region at heightened risk. The bombardment of Gaza has inflamed regional fury at Israel and its treatment of Palestinians  an issue some officials believed no longer carried as much importance in the Arab world.

The street to a large extent is now in charge, said Bruce Riedel, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former official in the Clinton administration.

We were told for the last 10 years that the Arab world and Muslim world didnt care about Palestine anymore, and Abraham Accords were proof of that, Riedel added, referring to agreements, signed by the governments of Sudan, Morocco, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. Well, Palestine has come back. I dont think it ever went away.

More than 5,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians and children, have been killed amid unrelenting Israeli airstrikes since the Oct. 7 attacks, Palestinian health officials say.

Top U.S. officials have not wanted to discuss such contingency planning in public, hoping to avoid setting off a panic among Americans in the region. But their posture has shifted in recent days to convey the anxiety about other actors entering the conflict.

Last week, the State Department issued an advisory to all U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, (and) demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.

The warning was in response to demonstrations that have erupted in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader anger in the Arab world over Washingtons full political, economic and military backing of Israel.

Depending on the scale of a potential U.S. evacuation, it could be more difficult than any previous operations in recent memory, experts said. It could involve Air Force aircraft or Navy warships, which have surged to the region this month.

With 600,000 Americans in Israel and threats to other Americans across the region, its hard to think of an evacuation that might compare to this in scale, scope and complexity, said Suzanne Maloney, the director of foreign policy at the Brookings Institution.

The sort of advisories the State Department has put out lately have been fairly blunt, she added.

On Monday, the Pentagon signaled, too, that it is bracing for a significant increase in attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East, and the department singled out Iran for its extensive sponsorship of militant groups with a long history of using rockets and drones to target American military positions. In response, Pentagon officials said, they are surging additional missile-defense systems to the region.

Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters that a broader escalation is possible in the days ahead. Senior military leaders, he said, are taking all necessary measures to safeguard U.S. personnel.

Particularly vulnerable are the estimated 3,400 troops deployed in Iraq and Syria, where earlier in the day U.S. personnel based near the Jordan border intercepted at least two one-way attack drones, officials said. Americans operating in those countries have been targeted for years by Iranian-backed militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraq-based group that claimed responsibility for some of the previous attacks disclosed over the last week.

We dont necessarily see that Iran has explicitly ordered them to take these kinds of attacks, Ryder said. That said, by virtue of the fact that they are supported by Iran, we will ultimately hold Iran responsible.

Its unclear how many times deployed personnel have come under fire since the Israel-Hamas crisis began Oct. 7. Officials said that the Pentagon was compiling a list of confirmed incidents but that the effort had been hampered by what one senior defense official called the profusion of disinformation and misinformation.

No U.S. personnel are known to have been killed or seriously injured in any of the spillover violence. An American contractor in Iraq did suffer a fatal heart attack last week as troops and others at the Ain al-Asad air base raced to take cover from what proved to be a false alarm of an incoming attack.

Sarah Dadouch in Beirut and Missy Ryan contributed to this report.
Soldiers deployed to al-Tanf garrison in Syria watch for the impact of a mortar round from an observation point during a readiness exercise on April 22, 2020. (William Howard/U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON  American and coalition troops have been attacked more than a dozen different times at bases in Iraq and Syria in the past week amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

U.S. forces have seen attacks in recent days at the al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria and the al Asad and al-Harir air bases in Iraq. While the attacks have resulted in only minor injuries, the Defense Department said troops at the bases are repeatedly being targeted.

Between Oct. 17 and [today] U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria via a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman. Those are the initial numbers. We are continuing to work to ensure we get you the facts.

U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for American military operations in the Middle East, said 24 military personnel sustained minor injuries Oct. 18 in drone attacks at al-Tanf and al Asad. CENTCOM officials said they all quickly returned to duty. That same day at the Syria garrison, an American contractor died of a heart attack and an attack destroyed an aircraft hangar and small airplane.

The Defense Department declined to specifically identify what groups are launching the attacks but said they are supported by Iran.

We know that the groups conducting these attacks are supported by [Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and the Iranian regime. What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel across the region in the very near term, Ryder said. We know these groups are Iranian proxy groups.

While all 13 attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria came within a couple of weeks of a surprise attack by Hamas militants against Israel on Oct. 7, the Pentagon has been hesitant to establish a clear connection. Military officials have said they are looking at the drone and rocket attacks as separate incidents, along with the firing of several rockets and drones by Houthi rebels in Yemen toward Israel that were shot down by the USS Carney operating in the Red Sea. Its still not confirmed the Houthis were shooting at Israel, though Ryder said the missiles could travel roughly 1,200 miles, which would have put them well within the range of Israel.

The New Jersey Air National Guards 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived within U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility, bolstering U.S. posture to defend U.S. forces and deter further aggression in the region. (Amy Rangel/U.S. Air National Guard)

U.S. officials also said Tuesday that additional air power has arrived in the region  F-16s from the New Jersey Air National Guards 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, known as the Jersey Devils.

The arrival of these airmen strengthens our ability to support our allied, coalition and regional partners as we work together to enhance regional stability and security, said Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the 9th Air Force and Combined Forces Air Component Command.

The arrival of the fighter jets comes as other U.S. forces were ordered during the weekend to the Middle East, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and more Patriot battery battalions. The Army air defense units were sent from Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also gave pre-deployment orders to more service members, in addition to 2,000 troops who received the same orders several days earlier. None of the troops have been activated for deployment, Ryder said Tuesday.

The White House said Monday that President Joe Biden continues to work toward the release of all American hostages taken by Hamas and keeping up a steady flow of aid into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has delivered airstrikes into the Palestinian-held territory and is believed to be planning a ground incursion.

We have made very clear that Palestinians are not Hamas and Hamas are not Palestinians. And it is very, very unfortunate that we see a terrorist group who embeds themselves within a civilian population, Ryder said. At the end of the day, what everyone is trying to do here is protect innocent, civilian lives  [and] ensuring that groups like Hamas cannot continue to do what they have done.

Stars and Stripes reporter J.P. Lawrence contributed to this report.
A memorial was set up outside the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where 17 students and faculty were killed in a mass shooting in Parkland, Fla, Feb. 19, 2018. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  A California property manager was sentenced to a year in federal prison for sending more than 200 vile online messages to a father of a teenage girl who died in the 2018 massacre at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

James Catalano, 62, of Fresno was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert Scola in Miami after pleading guilty in March to cyberstalking. Prosecutors called the messages he sent Fred Guttenberg callous and cruel.

Guttenbergs 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg was murdered in the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting in Parkland that left 14 students and three staff members dead. Catalano also received three years probation, and he must undergo mental health treatment.

Catalano sent Guttenberg messages for eight months starting in December 2021 that celebrated Jaime Guttenbergs death and reveled in the wounds she suffered. He also mocked the sadness and loss Guttenberg feels and directed obscenities, slurs and disturbing insults to him and his daughter.

Catalano told investigators he was angry at Guttenberg for his outspoken advocacy for stronger gun laws since his daughters death. He told them he believed Guttenberg was using his daughters death to push his political agenda and was trying to put (Guttenberg) in check by sending him the messages.

By his own admission, the defendant was motivated to stalk the victim and send him heinous messages simply because he disagreed with the victims political views, Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach wrote in court documents. He capitalized on the victims grief and the horrific nature of his daughters death in order to silence him.

She wrote that Catalano sent similar messages to others, but he has not been charged in those cases.

Guttenberg said Monday that the sentence is a big deal and sends a message to those who cyberstalk the families of shooting victims that they will be caught and punished. He said Judge Scola agreed that while none of the messages contained a direct threat, in their totality they constituted one.

Catalanos attorneys did not immediately return a call Monday seeking comment.

The former student who murdered Jaime Guttenberg and the others is serving a life sentence.
American supermodel and actress Paulina Porizkova has appeared on the cover of Portuguese Vogue. The woman decided on a very daring photo shoot.

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Paulina Porizkova is 58 years old. In some of the photos for the magazine, Porizkova even posed half-naked: in one of the photos, she is shown topless, with her breasts covered by a man's hand. In the comments, the subscribers do not hold back their emotions: "You look great", "The most beautiful of all", "Very nice shooting", "Still beautiful".

The supermodel has been experiencing another wave of popularity in recent years. The woman has appeared on numerous covers of fashion magazines. Paulina is proud of her slender body and is convinced that she can afford to show off her figure to an audience of millions.

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Paulina also actively opposes ageism: she refuses to hide her gray hair and photoshop her wrinkles. The model often shares semi-nude photos on social media and publicly calls for the protection of women's right to age the way they want.

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally in Derry, N.H.. on Oct. 23, 2023. (Charles Krupa/AP)

NEW YORK  In a courtroom showdown five years in the making, Donald Trumps fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen testified Tuesday that he worked to boost the supposed value of the former presidents assets to whatever number Trump told us to.

Trumps lawyers  and outside court, Trump himself  by turn sought to portray Cohen as a serial deceiver who pleaded guilty to crimes that include tax evasion and telling falsehoods to Congress and a bank. During a fractious cross-examination, Cohen, a disbarred attorney, even floated his own lawyerly objections, responding to some queries with asked and answered!

It was a fraught face-to-face encounter between Trump and a man who once pledged to take a bullet for him. Cohen eventually ended up in prison and became a prominent witness against his former boss in venues from courthouses to Congress.

Now, Cohen is a key figure in New York Attorney General Letitia James lawsuit alleging that Trump and his company duped banks, insurers and others by giving them financial statements that inflated his wealth.

I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets, based upon a number that he arbitrarily selected, Cohen testified, saying that he and former Trump finance chief Allen Weisselberg labored to reverse-engineer the various different asset classes, increase those assets, in order to achieve a number that Mr. Trump had tasked us.

Asked what that number was, Cohen replied: Whatever number Trump told us to.

Trump denies James allegations. Outside court, Trump dismissed Cohens account as the words of a proven liar.

The witness is totally discredited, Trump said. Hes a disgraced felon, and thats the way its coming out.

The former president and Republican 2024 front-runner voluntarily came to court for a sixth day this month. Cohen has said he hadnt seen Trump for five years until now.

Heck of a reunion, Cohen said outside court. He insisted that this is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump. This is about accountability, plain and simple.

Cohen testified that Trump would summon him and Weisselberg and say, for example: Im actually not worth four and a half billion dollars. Im really worth more like six.

Cohen said he and the finance chief would then inflate the value of Trump properties by pegging them to comparable real estate that was actually different  brand-new developments with higher ceilings, more sweeping views and no rent regulation, for instance.

Insurance company executives were shown the exaggerated statements, where the combination of extremely high values and low liabilities could net Trump more favorable premiums, Cohen testified. Plus, he said, Trump would deliberately show up about three-quarters of the way through his deputies meetings with insurers and spark a conversation to the effect that he was rich enough to self-insure if he couldnt get a good premium.

As Cohen testified, Trump at times whispered to his lawyers or shook his head. At other points, the former president hunched forward in his seat, watching intently, or leaned back with crossed arms. He took a keen interest in Cohens cross-examination, gesturing to his attorneys and craning his neck to get a better view.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba hammered at Cohens 2018 federal guilty pleas and his effort now to distance himself from some of them. Although he pleaded guilty to tax evasion and to making false statements to a bank on a loan application, he said Tuesday hed lied when he made those admissions. He suggested hed only engaged in tax omission and failed to correct inaccuracies on the loan paperwork.

Youre not going to lie to me, as well? Habba asked pointedly. And when Cohen objected to certain questions and rattled off cases he said allowed him to do so, Habba snapped back that he was mistaken.

If you still had your law license, youd understand that, she said. Another Trump lawyer, Christopher Kise, complained that Cohen was a serial liar who was out of control and seeking to play judge.

The actual judge, Arthur Engoron, told Cohen to answer most of the questions.

Engoron already has ruled that Trump and his company committed fraud. The trial involves remaining claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud and falsifying business records.

Trump says his assets were actually undervalued, and he maintains that disclaimers on his financial statements essentially told recipients to check the numbers out for themselves.

He has derided the case as a sham, a scam and part of an effort by James and other Democrats to drag down his campaign.

Cohen spent a decade as Trumps fiercely loyal personal lawyer before famously breaking with him in 2018 amid a federal investigation that sent Cohen to federal prison. He is also a major prosecution witness in Trumps separate Manhattan hush-money criminal case, scheduled for trial next spring.

James has credited Cohen as the impetus for her civil investigation, which led to the fraud lawsuit and trial. She cited Cohens testimony to Congress in 2019 that Trump had a history of misrepresenting the value of assets to gain favorable loan terms and tax benefits.

Earlier this month, Trump dropped a $500 million lawsuit that accused Cohen of spreading falsehoods and breaking a confidentiality agreement. A Trump spokesperson said the former president was only pausing the lawsuit, while campaigning and fighting four criminal cases.

In one of those criminal cases, co-defendant Jenna Ellis, an attorney, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a felony charge over efforts to overturn Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia. Shes the fourth defendant to take a plea deal in the case.

Trumps attorneys sought to delay the New York trial Tuesday, arguing that coronavirus cases among James staff put the former presidents health at risk. The attorney generals office, in a statement, said it had taken all steps to notify the relevant parties and had followed health guidance.

Trump later complained outside court that what they did with COVID in the courtroom was a disgrace, but he and the attorneys beside him didnt don masks.

Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., walks to a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol. (Matt McClain/Washington Post)

The repeated failures by House Republicans to elect a new speaker are making the federal government more likely to shut down next month, as the GOPs weekslong internal dysfunction threatens to delay vital legislation.

The House has been mostly closed for business since Oct. 3, when a band of far-right rebels ousted then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Republicans since have not coalesced around a replacement, running through multiple options without electing anyone. Without a speaker, lawmakers cant bring bills to the floor.

Policy discussions have ground to a halt, even as war has broken out in Israel and federal funding is weeks away from expiring. Congress has until Nov. 17 to approve a deal to fund the government, or members of the military risk missing paychecks, national parks will close and the Internal Revenue Service will run shoestring operations.

Its a high-stakes tussle for the GOP, which has crowed in recent weeks over polling data that reported voters trusted congressional Republicans rather than President Biden on economic policy. But now House Republicans appear unable to select their own leader. Eight Republicans are vying to claim the speakers gavel, but none so far appear to have a path to earn the 217 votes required to prevail. The party will gather in private Tuesday to try to pick one candidate to go to the full House for a vote.

And the longer the Republicans dawdle, the less time the party will have to avoid a government shutdown for which most GOP members concede they will likely bear the blame.

The clock is ticking every day, and they dont have near enough time. And it doesnt even matter who wins the speakership because the caucus is just ungovernable right now, said Doug Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, a conservative-leaning group. Theres very good reason to be nervous about a shutdown. The odds are increasing.

Meanwhile, business in the Democratic-controlled Senate has continued apace as members of both parties negotiate over longer-term spending bills, the first of which is expected to come up for a vote this week. Senators have mostly unified to support short-term legislation to keep the government open at current spending levels, and they generally back Bidens $106 billion foreign aid package to support Ukraine and Israel.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., went on Fox News Sunday and CBSs Face the Nation over the weekend to press the case for what has quickly become Bidens signature foreign policy legislation - and to encourage the House to act.

I hope they can get a speaker sometime soon, because it does send I think a poor message to our allies and our enemies around the world, McConnell said on Fox. And we also have work to do, we have appropriation bills to pass. We have a supplemental to deal with. So Im pulling for them to finally wrap this up sometime soon.

House Republicans last week appeared to settle on an interim plan to reopen the lower chamber for business. The House was set to grant Rep. Patrick T. McHenry, R-N.C., the speaker pro tempore, expanded powers to bring legislation to the floor in light of the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza and the approaching funding deadline.

But McHenry declined to endorse such a plan. Some lawmakers said McHenry had the authority to bring legislation to the floor even without specifically delineated powers from the House. The speaker pro tempore threatened to resign that position if those calls increased.

If it sounds like a mess, said Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, thats just because it is a mess.

Whomever is elected speaker will immediately face the same dynamics that led to McCarthys demise, the first time a speaker was removed in the middle of a congressional session.

Facing an imminent government shutdown in September, McCarthy passed a short-term funding bill called a continuing resolution, or CR, that kept federal operations going at current spending levels and jettisoned a Senate request for aid for Ukraine. But the proposal was unpopular with hard-line Republicans, who demanded draconian spending cuts.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., threatened to trigger a vote to boot McCarthy if he put that bill on the floor and used Democratic votes to pass it. McCarthy did anyway, daring Gaetz to call for a new speaker. Then seven other Republicans voted to remove McCarthy, as well, and Democrats did not save him.

In todays world, youre sitting in Congress and you took a gamble to make sure the government was still open, McCarthy said after he was ousted, and eight people throw you out as speaker and Democrats have said they wanted to keep the government open. I think youve got a real problem. I think youve got a real institutional problem.

After removing McCarthy, the GOP rejected both his second-in-command, Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as replacements.

Most of us are getting beat up for not having someone in the position and looking like clowns, said one House Republican lawmaker, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the situation candidly. Theres a sense of urgency this week that wasnt there the last two weeks.

Hard-line Republicans, particularly in the House Freedom Caucus, have a severe distaste for CRs, preferring instead to pass full-year appropriations bills that fund individual government agencies and programs. Theyve also decried spending bills that pass the House using Democratic, rather than party-line Republican, votes.

But the House has only passed four appropriations bills so far, all of them at far lower spending levels than McCarthy and Biden agreed on for the current fiscal year during negotiations to suspend the U.S. debt ceiling in the spring. And now there is not sufficient time for the House to pass the eight remaining bills - which would also spend less than leaders agreed on - and reconcile them with the Senate, rendering another short-term bill passed with help from Democrats probably the only way to avoid a shutdown.

I think if we can get the seat filled, if we can get whoever it is to put the trains back on the rails again and start moving out and finish the Commitment to America and start getting the appropriation bills passed, avoid a government shutdown  CR strategy now has to be very tight, very clean  then we recover from this, Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said Monday. But weve got to be working as a team.

Some hard-line Republicans have voiced disgust at the prospect of using Democratic votes to install a speaker, or legislate after one is elected.

We dont deserve the majority if we go along with the plan to give the Democrats control over the House of Representatives, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said Thursday. Its a giant betrayal to our Republican voters. Previous speaker candidates said they would use a CR to fund the government. Scalise conceded to colleagues during his speakership bid that the Houses spell without a leader meant it needed a CR to keep the government open as appropriations work continued. Jordan pitched to members a longer continuing resolution that stretched through the end of April, using larger budget cuts that are set to kick in after April 30 to compel hard-right Republicans and Democrats to the bargaining table.

Those cuts were part of the same agreement between McCarthy and Biden that the House has since ignored in passing spending measures.

Thats probably the most realistic plan weve got, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a key vote that sunk Jordan, said last week.

Added Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), another anti-Jordan vote: I think the [House Democrats] would be hard pressed not to vote for a clean CR in with the hope that at some point they negotiate with the Senate.

Mariana Alfaro contributed to this report.
A U.S. Navy boat speeds by the $300 million dollar, 348-foot luxury yacht Amadea, belonging to Suleiman Kerimov as it sailed into San Diego Bay on Monday, June 27, 2022, in San Diego. The United States announced in May the seizure of the ship in Fiji. (K.C. Alfred, The San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. is seeking to force the sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov to forfeit a $300 million superyacht.

Meanwhile, another Russian man whos not under sanctions claims hes the owner of the ship, and hes trying to get it back.

The 348-foot luxury ship Amadea already was seized in Fiji last year at the request of the U.S. government, which on Monday asked a federal judge in New York to formerly transfer its ownership. The Justice Department claims Kerimov routed hundreds of thousands of dollars for maintenance, fuel and fees for the yacht through U.S. financial institutions in violation of sanctions.

The legal filing Monday is the latest move by a U.S. Justice Department task force targeting assets, including yachts, planes and luxury real estate of wealthy Russians sanctioned in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

The task force has evidence showing Kerimovs clear interest in the Amadea and the repeated misuse of the U.S. financial system to support and maintain the yacht for his benefit, task force co-director Michael Khoo said in a statement announcing the move.

However, Eduard Khudainatov, the former head of Russian oil producer Rosneft, claims he is the owner of Amadea and that he never sold it to Kerimov.

Khudainatov, a Russian national, filed federal court papers Sunday night in San Diego asserting his ownership of Amadea, according to his lawyer. The filing couldnt immediately be confirmed in online court records.

Khudainatov claims the U.S. was mistaken in its seizure of the yacht and that prosecutors last month said they had closed a criminal investigation relating to his possible violation of sanctions in relation to Amadea. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys office in Manhattan declined to comment on the San Diego filing.

Amadea, which features six decks and a helipad, has spent months docked in U.S. custody, after it was sailed from Fiji to Honolulu and on to San Diego. Fijian authorities seized the boat at the request of the U.S. The cost of maintaining the yacht and keeping it docked runs into the millions of dollars per year. The Justice Department claims Kerimov used a series of shell company transactions to hide his ownership of Amadea.

Kerimov, 57, is worth $7.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He built his wealth by making major bets on Russian companies across a variety of industries after the fall of the Soviet Union. The DOJ alleges he benefited from the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin and played a key role in advancing Russias malign activities.

His fortune was said to be worth as much as $18 billion at its peak, although he lost much of that in the market crash that followed the 2008 financial crisis. The majority of his wealth today is derived from the proceeds of his investments in Polyus, Russias biggest gold producer, and other Russia-based holdings.

The case is U.S. v. M/Y Amadea, 23-cv-09304, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

With assistance from Kristine Owram.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Navy established Contraceptive Walk-In Clinics, or PINC Clinics, offering same-day, no-appointment-necessary services to increase access to contraceptive counseling and prescriptions throughout the service. Operation PINC is a cost-trimming initiative by the Navy to save a potential $15 million a year and 2.7 million lost person-hours by preventing unintended pregnancy. (Aaliyah Essex/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  More than 30 senators are urging the Defense Department to offer an over-the-counter birth control pill for service members and their families to improve troop access to reproductive health care.

The senators said they want to see health coverage for the military community expanded to include over-the-counter contraceptives such as Opill, the first nonprescription daily pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July.

Access to contraception, as well as education about it, increases readiness and improves quality of life for our service members and their families, the senators wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other Pentagon officials.

The letter is led by Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. Only two Republicans signed it in support: Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

The push to broaden contraceptive options for women in the military is part of the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision last year to end the federal right to an abortion. The landmark ruling severely limited or ended access to abortion for the 40% of active-duty service women stationed in politically conservative states.

In response, the Defense Department this year offered service members paid leave and transportation reimbursement to travel out of state for reproductive care. The policy is opposed by many Republicans and prompted Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., to put a hold on hundreds of senior military promotions in protest.

About 1.6 million women of reproductive age, including service members, retirees and their families, are dependent on the Military Health System, according to the Congressional Research Service. Unintended pregnancies are 50% higher for active-duty women than other women.

Senators said service members also use contraception at a lower rate than the national population, partly because of the military-related challenges of obtaining prescriptions.

Studies show that requiring prescriptions for contraception can be a barrier to access due to prolonged appointment wait times, difficulty scheduling time off from work and challenges finding child care during medical appointment times  hurdles that are exacerbated by the nature of military service, the senators wrote.

They are asking the Defense Department to stock over-the-counter contraceptives in medical facilities, retail stores and pharmacies on military bases at no cost to service members and their dependents and without a prescription.

The senators also said they will continue to seek free prescription birth control pills for service members to give troops the same benefits available to civilians under the Affordable Care Act.

As part of the full spectrum of reproductive health care, contraception provides individuals control over their reproductive health and family planning, they wrote.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistans support for the people of Palestine for enduring resolution of the issue and end to the unlawful occupation of their territories.

He said this while meeting Palestines envoy in Pakistan Ahmed Jawad at GHQ in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.

During the meeting, COAS General Asim Munir while expressing concerns over the killing of innocent citizens by Israeli forces offered his condolence over the loss.

General Asim Munir strongly condemned attacks on the civilian population, schools, relief workers and hospitals. Forceful evacuation of people of Gaza is a grave crime, COAS was quoted as saying.

The army chief also reiterated continued support for the Palestine State on the position of before 1967.

Read more: Hamas repels Israeli ground attack along Gaza border

More than 5000 Palestinians have been martyred in Israeli attacks on Gaza since the Hamas attack inside Israel with more than 14,000 wounded.

Earlier, Israel heavily bombarded Gaza overnight after warning it would intensify strikes ahead of a ground invasion.
Maldivess incoming president Mohamed Muiz said he has raised the demand for every single Indian military personnel to be removed from his countrys soil ahead of his swearing-in ceremony next month.

The victory of the pro-China opposition figure in recent national elections in Maldives had dealt a blow to India that has traditionally had close ties with the tourist country and has a military presence there to counter Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region.

We dont want any foreign military boots on Maldivian soil... I promised this to the people of the Maldives and I will live up to my promise from day one, the new Maldivian president said.

On the night of his election victory during celebrations, Mr Muiz told his supporters that he wouldnt stand for a foreign military staying in the Maldives against the will of its citizens.

The pro-China leader said he met the Indian ambassador a few days after being elected as the archipelago nations president and told him very clearly that every single Indian military personnel here should be removed.

This comes shortly after he said he will request the Indian government to remove their troops on day one after assuming charge as a matter of his top priorities for Maldives, in a clear sign of removing any military presence against China.

I have actually met with the Indian high commissioner a few days ago during the transition period and during that meeting itself, I had mentioned that we need this to be our top most priority, Mr Muiz said.

The election of the leader of the Peoples National Congress, viewed heavily as pro-China, is a serious diplomatic blow to India.

Mr Muiz came to power in Maldives in September end, riding high on the wave of repelling alleged threats to Maldivess sovereignty by some Indian military personnel and continuing with his partys long-standing India out strategy.

He will take charge from outgoing president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who he accused of allowing India to have an unchecked presence in the country. Mr Solih is a staunch ally of India and had maintained a steady relationship with New Delhi during the course of his presidency.

We have been a very peaceful country for centuries. We never had any foreign troops on our soil. We do not have a big military set up and with any foreign troops on our soil, we dont feel secure, Mr Muiz earlier had told Al Jazeera.

The president elect has not offered a clear tally of total Indian troops present on Maldivian soil.

He claimed that he will have a pro-Maldives policy after he was asked if his term will see a tilt towards China.

The number of Indian troops in the Maldives is unknown. Critics say the secrecy behind the agreement between the two nations governments regarding the placement of military personnel and their role has led to suspicion and rumour.

Known activities of the Indian military include operating two helicopters donated by India and assisting in the rescue of people stranded or faced with calamities at sea.
If you wear bras, you probably know that there are many aspects to this underwear. It's not always easy to find the right size: 80% of women make mistakes when choosing a bra, according to a study published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies.

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Of course, there are less serious inconveniences, Women magazine writes: for example, choosing underwear for white shirts or dresses. There are two opinions on this matter. Some believe that a white bra under a shirt will be the best option. Others think that it is better to wear nude-colored underwear so that it is invisible under the clothes.

So what color bra is best to wear under white? The answer will surprise you - red.

Thanks to the Internet, people have come up with what they call the "red bra". As tiktoker Madison Anne said in her video: "Red is considered a universal nude color under white," adding that magenta or brick red can also work.

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Madison went on to explain that the reason for this is that "the brain subconsciously blocks, for example, blood vessels under our skin that have red hues. So, when we wear something red under white, it merges with our skin and the brain simply does not notice the color. Although there are other arguments in favor of this life hack.

How it works

No matter how light or dark our skin is, we all have blood flowing through our veins and arteries. It may seem like a strange concept, but matching your bra with the shades of our blood creates a flawless look. "The skin has red hues, so red bras often work well with a white shirt," says style expert Adrienne Coleon Gaskell.

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"The trick of wearing a red bra under a white top is a stylish life hack that French women have been using for years," says Josie-Anne Le Diouron, bra marketing expert and coordinator of the French lingerie company Empreinte. "The red fabric actually absorbs light in such a way that it merges with the color of the skin," he explains.

According to ColorVisit, red is very close to the middle of the light spectrum, meaning it cannot be labeled as light or dark, and is actually seen as both at the same time. It is this happy medium that gives red its ability to be neutral under white, especially when it comes to skin tones.

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What you should know

While this is a trick that works for many, there are some caveats: you need to match the red to the skin tone. In other words, a bright color is not suitable for those with very light or very dark skin. However, it will suit those whose skin tone is closer to medium.

"People with dark skin tones can use burgundy or a darker wine [bra]. For those who have medium tones, like me, a real red of the middle range will do. And for women who are lighter, a less saturated color will do," says Jada Schumacher, a color expert and professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Of course, a red shade will not work under a transparent white one, and the texture of the bra will also play a role in its visibility. But apart from these two points, the life hack with a red bra works.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA talked about 5 models of jeans that are already outdated or will soon lead anti-trends.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
DJ Broderick told Heather McCarroll I have to say, this is possibly the worst form of behaviour that I have come across

A social worker whose drunken behaviour on a flight to Turkey was so appalling the pilot was forced to call an emergency, was handed a four month jail sentence today.

Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, heard that but for language difficulties Heather Anne McCarroll would have faced justice in a Turkish court after the captain called an emergency to land as soon as possible.

Jailing the 38-year-old mother-of-two but the freeing her on bail pending an appeal of the jail sentence, District Judge Nigel Broderick told her he was minded to impose a deterrent sentence because there are too many of these incidents.

Highlighting that he had dealt with numerous similar cases as Belfast International Airport falls within the jurisdiction of his court, DJ Broderick told McCarroll I have to say, this is possibly the worst form of behaviour that I have come across.

It is not unfortunately uncommon for passengers to take excessive amounts of alcohol and to then be disruptive on a flight but this behaviour takes it to a whole new level, declared the judge.

Heather McCarroll leaving court after a previous hearing

At an earlier hearing McCarroll, from Kilmakevit Square in Cullybackey, entered guilty pleas to four charges of common assault and single offences of criminal damage to a toilet belonging to Jet2, being drunk on a plane, endangering the safety of an aircraft and behaving in a threatening, abusive or disorderly manner towards cabin crew on 6 September last year.

Today a prosecuting lawyer outlined how police were contacted by Jet2 staff four days after the incident which occurred on a flight to Antalya in Turkey.

The crew told police how passenger sitting at 32D and who was identified as McCarroll began shouting a swearing at cabin crew, calling the cabin manager a big lesbian b****** so she was not served any further alcohol.

Despite that McCarroll was seen drinking more booze and she was again abusive to the cabin manager, calling her a f****** slut and whore b******, said the lawyer adding that she had also been openly using a vape.

At one stage, McCarroll went to the toilet and whole she was inside the cubicle, she could be heard shouting sexual obscenities and kicking the door.

She left the toilet in such a state that when she came out, it was deemed necessary to close it for the rest of the flight.

Meanwhile McCarroll went to the front of the plane where she got hold of the intercom and was screaming down it loudly to such an extent that the captain had to switch it of so that he coined hear incoming transmissions from air traffic control.

The lawyer described how McCarroll punched a crew member to the throat and then went to the galley area at the rear of the plane where she assaulted two other members of the cabin crew, kicking and punching one to the forehead, stomach and leg and the other to the leg.

The cabin crew alerted the captain and the flight deck and he declared an emergency to try to land the aircraft as soon as possible, the court heard and the lawyer revealed his desperate staff put out a call for assistance for any off duty police officer to help restrain the defendant.

Two off duty officers came forward and they held McCarroll in the back row of seats which had to be cleared because of her but she continued to struggle and she assaulted a Good Samaritan who volunteered to help restrain her.

Heather McCarroll

On arrival in Turkey the staff did attempt to have Turkish police deal with the matter but there were reportedly language difficulties between the crew and the Turkish authorities so they declined to deal with it, the lawyer told the court.

McCArroll was interviewed by the PSNI where she admitted being intoxicated but claimed she remember little of the incident due to the alcohol and two diazepam she had taken as shes a nervous flier.

She did express some remorse for what little she could remember, said the prosecutor, concluding that McCarroll had also assaulted other people but they did not provide statements.

At the very outset of his impassioned plea in mitigation defence counsel Aaron Thompson conceded that its an exceptionally serious matter to such an extent that the judge and the pubic interest may well be leading to deterrent sentencing.

Mr Thompson further revealed that McCarroll has to an extent already faced punishment in that she is currently suspended from her job as a social worker and faces losing that employment.

Highlighting that McCarrolls case has received a lot of attention on media and social media, he said she is totally and utterly ashamed by this and is mortified by her behaviour.

Her behaviour in that aircraft was appalling, abhorrent and intolerable, she doesnt hide from that, said Mr Thompson but he pleaded with the judge not to jail her given the background of what happened at the airport.

Praising the defence for the eloquent and measured plea, DJ Broderick said while he accepted the background and personal mitigation, clearly my view is that alcohol was a major factor and that can never be a defence.

I have read the detailed reports and I have reflected carefully on all that has been said, the judge told McCarroll, there are too many of these incidents, largely fuelled by alcohol but sometime by the abuse of drugs but thats no comfort to the cabin crew who have to deal with people or the passengers who have to put up with this behaviour.

On her Facebook profile McCarroll, who flogs perfumes and beauty products on social media, describes herself as a travel-obsessed sun worshipper.

According to her account she is also a proud Orangewoman, even growing Orange lillies outside her front door for this years Twelfth, and posing for a picture with a bandsmans hat on.

In addition to the four month jail sentence, McCaroll was also handed fines amounting to 300.

As McCarroll was being taken to the cells however, Mr Thompson asked for her to be freed on bail pending appeal and the judge allowed her to go straight to the bail office and sign bail.

Her appeal is likely to be heard early next month.
Larter had been with a person who he considered to be a bit of a comrade and he was easily led, the court was told.

A man shoplifted groceries from a supermarket because of peer pressure, his defence said.

Desmond Larter (48) then gave investigating gardai false personal details because he suffered from anxiety and panicked.

Judge Bryan Smyth applied the Probation Act, leaving him without a criminal record.

Larter, of Mount Olive Road, Kilbarrack, pleaded guilty to theft, public intoxication and giving gardai false details.

Dublin District Court heard the accused went to Centra at Harbour Road, Howth, on July 5 this year. He took 54 worth of items and left without making any attempt to pay.

Larter was very unsteady on his feet when gardai stopped him nearby, carrying a bag with the stolen goods.

He gave them false details and was arrested. The property was returned to the shop in a saleable condition. Despite his age, there was an element of peer pressure, defence solicitor Peter Keatings said.

Larter had been with a person who he considered to be a bit of a comrade and he was easily led, the court was told.

Hed had a number of drinks and this isnt something that would be common for him to do. It might have been suggested to him to see could they manage to do this [steal], Mr Keatings said.
Yousef Palani told gardai he would have continued to kill if he had not been stopped

Relatives of murdered Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt pay tribute to men as Yousef Palani is jailed for two life sentences

Serial killer Yousef Palani, who was driven by his hatred of gay men and decapitated one of his victims in his own home, has been jailed for life.

At the Central Criminal Court this afternoon, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring sentenced the 23-year-old to the mandatory term for the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee.

She also sentenced Palani to a concurrent sentence of 20 years for causing serious harm to a third man, Anthony Burke, by stabbing the victim in his left eye with a kitchen knife.

In passing sentence, Ms Justice Ring said that she was not going to repeat the "unspeakable violence" visited upon the three innocent men in this case. Ms Justice Ring said that she too, shared the concerns of the victims families on what would follow from today's sentencing and the potential headlines in the newspapers. "This is not about headlines, it is about real people and their families," she said.

The judge pointed out that the details of the men's lives should be more important than the details of their deaths.

Ms Justice Ring acknowledged that the men were "cherished and valuable" members of their communities. She said they were complete human beings, where their sexuality was just a part of who they were. She said that they and their families have "nothing to be ashamed of", adding that "shame is borne in this court by one person alone".

The judge continued by saying that each of the three men should be proud of what they were to themselves and all who knew them.

Earlier, the judge had asked for a photograph of Mr Moffitt and Mr Snee as she said she needed "to see beyond the destruction and death".

She went on to say: "The Moffitt family in their statement said that Aidan left memories too good to forget; I hope all the families know this to be true".

"None of these families will forget April 2022 nor should they but they will remember in time far more that is good than what occurred over the short hours that took them away".

She wished the friends and relatives of Mr Moffitt and Mr Snee "some peace" into the future.

In the case of Mr Burke, the judge said that he had been given time to build "new good memories".

She said she had considered the sequence of the events of this charge, noting that it had been followed by the murders of Mr Moffitt on April 9 and Mr Snee the next day. She added: "The loss of one's eyesight is at the highest end of serious harm and brings incredible challenges and changes to one's life".

"These men should be remembered as good family members and friends, not as victims, the details of their lives should be more important and not the details of their death," she concluded.

Yousef Palani and (inset left, to right) victims Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee

The sentences are to date from when Palani went into custody on April 13, 2022.

Earlier today, the court heard that Palani - who had asked his victims if they were "100pc Irish" - was motivated by his hatred of gay men and told detectives that he would have continued "to kill" if gardai had not stopped him.

The court also heard that while Palani told gardai that his religion forbids homosexuality, investigators were satisfied that he was not radicalised. Palani told gardai in interviews that Muslims could not be homosexual and vehemently denied being gay, despite using gay dating apps.

During today's sentence hearing, Detective Garda Conor Jordan of Sligo Garda Station agreed with Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, that Palani's motivation to carry out the murders was as a result of his "hostility and prejudice" towards homosexual men.

He said the garda view was that Palani had also "certainly exaggerated" and/or made up claims about his mental health and that a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was not contended for.

Palani, last of Markievicz Heights in Sligo had pleaded guilty to the murder of Aidan Moffitt (42) at Cartron Heights in Sligo on April 10, 2022. He also pleaded guilty to the murder of Michael Snee (58) at City View, Connaughton Road, Sligo, two days later on April 12, 2022.

Anthony Burke.

Palani further pleaded guilty to causing serious harm to Anthony Burke at Cleveragh Road in Sligo on April 9, 2022.

The court heard today that the first murder victim, Aidan Moffitt, had been decapitated in his home, with his head placed on a bed. He had also suffered 42 stab wounds.

Mr Moffitt's body remained on the floor and gardai noted that his two hands were tied behind his back. A yellow bottle of bleach was left beside his head, while a knife with a serrated blade had been placed into Mr Moffitt's right hand after he was murdered, Det Gda Jordan said.

Michael Snee was also found tied up on the floor of his own bedroom, while a hunting knife and a black coloured knife had been laid on the bed to make the shape of a cross, the court was told. There were 38 sharp force injuries to Mr Snee's body and he had been stabbed 25 times mainly to the head, neck and chest, said the garda witness.

A third man, Anthony Burke, survived the attack but lost sight in one eye after being stabbed by the defendant.

In his victim impact statement, Mr Burke said that on the night of the incident he thought he was meeting someone to have "an intimate moment with". "I didn't realise I was going to meet a coward and a monster that would destroy my life. My heart goes out to Aidan and Michael's families for the suffering they have to endure," he added.

Mr Burke said he has been very distressed since the attack, was in "fierce pain" at the time and had suffered insomnia. He said he experienced heightened anxiety, his mood deteriorated, that he entertained suicidal thoughts and was prescribed antidepressants.

He said he was very restricted in how he can now access employment due to his injury and that he can no longer drive buses or trucks and cannot hold a licence for them.

Mr Burke said the incident brought a very significant change in the quality of his life and he feels psychologically vulnerable.

"I find it hard to be in large groups, I spent the last 49 years repressing my sexuality until I had no choice; it became public knowledge and I was attacked largely due to my sexuality. This has placed a huge impact and strain on my family and friendships".

Emma Fitzpatrick represents family and friends as she speaks about Michael Snee outside court. Photo: Collins Courts

Mr Burke said he has felt so much sadness, guilt and shame since the attack. "The area this happened is local to me and I have to walk there every day. Every time I walk there I see Yousef Palani shoving the knife in my eye. The fear I felt and I remember him watching me to see if I would collapse".

The Central Criminal Court was also told that all three attacks had been knife crimes, that each victim was living alone and that the sexual orientation of the three victims was homosexual. The court heard that the defendant was "obsessed" with tying his victims up before killing them and that carefully crafted questions were put to each victim in advance of meeting to ensure that they were Irish and living alone.

Whilst Palani told gardai that his religion forbids homosexuality, gardai were satisfied he was not radicalised despite suggestions to the contrary.

The court heard that Palani has no previous convictions.

Michael Bowman SC, for Palani, said he was instructed to offer an apology on behalf of his client who struggled to comprehend and understand the enormity of what he had done. "He recognises the pain, loss and suffering on the deceased and the injured party. He accepts he acted grotesquely and without explanation or justification," said the lawyer.

Michael Snee

At today's sentencing hearing, Detective Garda Conor Jordan of Sligo Garda Station, began by detailing the background of the attack on Anthony Burke, telling Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, that the victim lived alone and worked in a hotel.

He said that Mr Burke telephoned emergency services after midnight on April 9 2022 indicating that he had been out walking and was stabbed in the eye by a male with a kitchen knife, which had been left at the scene.

Mr Staines said two gardai attended Sligo University Hospital at 00.15am to take an account from Mr Burke, who provided a description of the male and his clothing.

Mr Burke told gardai that he had walked from his address to Sligo cemetery in the company of a male.

He said the male had come behind him hitting him in the face and all he could see was stars. The victim said the knife was on the ground but he did not think it came from his house. He said the suspect's DNA could be in his house.

Gardai took a statement from Mr Burke on April 10 where he outlined that he had connected with a male on a social media dating site three days previously and arranged to meet him in his [Mr Burke's] home. The male arrived at Mr Burke's house on a mountain bike with a slanted bar on April 7 between 9pm and 10pm.

Mr Staines said the male wanted to stay in Mr Burke's house but he did not let him as he was "wary" of him. The male left Mr Burke's house shortly after midnight.

Mr Burke was at work when he was contacted by the male on April 8 and told him to text him later. The male came to Mr Burke's house that evening and they spent time chatting. "It was at this point that Mr Burke indicated to gardai that the male had an obsession with tying him up and produced a rope and black laces from his pocket but Mr Burke would not let him do it," said the barrister.

Mr Burke and the male engaged in consensual activity in his bedroom. However, Mr Burke refused to be tied up by the male, who he told gardai was very persistent in wanting him tied up. "At 1am Mr Burke indicated he wanted the male to leave because of the persistence of the male [in wanting] to tie him up," said the garda. Mr Burke walked up the road with the male to get him away from his house and get rid of him.

The male was on his bike and Mr Burke was on foot and they were heading in the direction of Sligo Cemetery. When Mr Burke told the male he was going home he said the man's demeanour changed. The male came up behind him and hit him in the head with a knife. The knife fell from the male's hand and he continued to cycle away.

The home of Mr Burke was technically examined on April 10 and the brown handled knife which was recovered at the scene was forensically examined.

Palani's DNA was later found on the knife along with another man's. Material on a blanket was also examined and it too matched Palani.

Mr Burke gave his mobile phone to gardai on April 11 as he had previously been in communication with his attacker. "The username of Mr Burke was visible as was the username of the suspect. Ultimately the suspect's photograph was identified," said the garda.

Mr Staines said there was a lot of conversation between Mr Burke and Palani on an app called 'Kik'. The garda said it was clear from the messages on the app that Palani had initiated conversations about tying Mr Burke up.

Mr Burke required a lot of medical intervention from the rupture of his eyeball and lost the sight in his left eye. It is envisaged that Mr Burke will require multiple surgeries into the future and is expected to remain under medical supervision indefinitely, the court heard.

Turning to the murder of Mr Moffitt, Mr Staines said he owned a financial services company, which offered advice on mortgages and financial planning. Mr Moffitt's body was discovered by his two friends on the floor of his bedroom at 8.27pm on April 11. The victim's front door had been left ajar and the house was dark inside.

Mr Moffitt had been decapitated in his bedroom and his head placed "in the bed so it could be seen as the person entered the door". A yellow bottle of bleach was found beside Mr Moffitt's head.

The rest of his body was lying on the floor with his two hands tied behind the back. A knife with a serrated blade had been placed into the right hand of Mr Moffitt and gardai believed it was placed into the victim's hand after the murder, said the lawyer.

Mr Moffitt had 94 sharp force injuries to his body which included 43 stab wounds and injuries to the scrotum. The court heard that the sharp force injuries to the chest could have been independently fatal.

CCTV footage obtained by gardai showed a male removing his hood as he entered Mr Moffitt's house at 4.33pm on April 10 and leaving on bicycle at 5.32pm. The male was inside the house for 55 minutes in total.

At this point, Mr Staines said that gardai were continuing investigations into both crimes in Sligo but it became clear that a third body had been found.

Gardai learned that like the other two victims Mr Snee lived alone. He worked as a porter or a carer at St John's Hospital and also worked as a barman in several pubs. Mr Staines said Mr Snee was well known in his community for helping his elderly neighbours and was a keen Irish dancing competitor.

The body of Mr Snee was discovered by his two nieces in his house on April 12. The witness said that gardai had issued a warning to those communicating on social media apps by this stage and one of Mr Snee's nieces was aware of the discovery of Mr Moffitt and wanted to see if their uncle was ok. The two nieces became concerned when they didn't get an answer at the house and found bleach mixed with blood on the floor.

A picture frame was found over Mr Snee's face in his bedroom, while his body was lying on the floor face up. A bottle of bleach was also over the victim's head. A hunting knife and a black coloured knife were laid out on the bed in the shape of a cross. There was also a large amount of blood on the curtains and walls in the bedroom.

Mr Snee had 38 sharp force injuries and there was damage to his spine but the spinal cord was intact. A pathologist found that the victim was alive when the injuries were inflicted but the injuries to his trunk would have proved rapidly fatal.

Mr Staines told the court that gardai had identified several areas in town where people were at risk and welfare checks were carried out. Mr Burke accompanied detectives on welfare calls to advise of the serious risk. He also used his own social media to show that the suspect was still active on the app and was within 500 metres of his location. An arrest operation was put in place and Palani was arrested on April 13 on suspicion of murder.

During the defendant's first interview he indicated he had mental health issues and suffered from depression. He told gardai he was calm because "I've nothing to do with it, am I even from Sligo?" and said he could get angry very quickly.

He told gardai it was a sin to be homosexual and they would not find many Muslims who are gay as it was prohibited under Islam. He said he was in the garda station for something he didn't do.

However, Palani went on to admit to the murder of Mr Moffitt in the third interview and volunteered information in relation to Mr Snee. He detailed how he met both men and his modus operandi. "I want to tell you at this time I was mentally ill, voices told me to do it, I haven't been mentally ill for seven years," he said.

The defendant told gardai that he met the men through texting "on a random app" and voices had urged him to "do it and cut his head off". He said he didn't hate gay people, adding "it's to do with the voices".

Palani told gardai that Mr Burke wasn't cooperating and that he wanted to kill him and cut his head off.

When asked about homosexuality in the fourth interview, Palani said it was "nothing to do with them being homosexual" and that voices were guiding him.

Asked by gardai why he was on homosexual dating apps, Palani said "voices told me to get the apps, the voices controlling me". He said he didn't bring bleach to the two scenes.

Palani also said "you have to find the right person to kill". When asked about the right person, the defendant said "if they fall for the trick".

Asked by officers about the "criteria for a victim", Palani said they have to "own a house, it has to be planned, can't be hurting kids or women, like to be treated like women and sluts, like to be tied up and raped so don't scream and kill them".

Mr Staines said an analysis of the victims' phones and the two phones belonging to Palani demonstrated the defendant's modus operandi to meet males of Irish ethnicity who were living alone with a homosexual interest. The court heard that Palani had asked the men if they were "100pc Irish" and "were they sure".

Palani's blood was found on Mr Moffit's shoes and there were traces of Mr Snee's blood on the defendant's tracksuit bottoms, which were found in his [Palani's] home, the court heard.

Mr Staines said that Palani was born in Iraq and came to Ireland aged six. Both his parents were of Kurdish ethnicity and had received Irish citizenship in 2021.
The 37-year-old Dubliner was jailed in March,2020 for conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley

A Kinahan cartel henchman is to be freed from prison in two weeks time, we can reveal.

Cartel enforcer Dean Howe will be back on the streets after serving four and a half years of a six year sentence at Mountjoy Prison.

The father of three received 25pc remission in accordance with the prison rules for good behaviour.

The 37-year-old Dubliner was jailed in March,2020 for conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley, a known associate of the Monk, Gerry Hutch and his family in 2017.

He pleaded guilty after being caught on secret Garda recordings helping to plan the hit.

Gary Hanley at the four courts

Howe carried out surveillance on Hanley and tracked his movements before passing on the information to a separate team of would-be assasins which included known hitman Alan and Luke Wilson.

Both were jailed for 11 and 6 years respectively for also conspiring to murder and possession of firearms as part of the foiled hit.

Howe fled the country for two years to Britain when he discovered the plot was rumbled and he could be charged. He was then subsequently arrested on his return to Ireland.

During his trial the Special Criminal court heard that he was a Kinahan crime cartel enforcer, who received his orders from the top and passed them down.

He had also previously been arrested over the shooting of notorious Dublin gangster Martin " the Viper" Foley on the orders of Christy Kinahan in a row over money but was never charged.

Foley survived the hit but never made a complaint to the police. He later made his peace with the Kinahans.

Gardai say Howe has been involved with the Kinahans and Crumlin crime boss Fat Freddie Thompson since he was a teenager, and is well up the ranks of the cartel.

A source said: " He is near the top of the tree and would know most things going on. We hope he has learned his lesson and stays away from the Kinahans because they are bad news."

A prison source; " Dean Howe is one of the biggest names of the Kinahan lads we had in here. Everyone inside knew he was one of the bosses.

" He is a man who went under the radar before he was jailed for this crime, and had rarely been in custody before this.

"He has done his time and will be freed in two weeks. Hopefully he will keep his nose clean and we won't see him in here again."

The Irish Prison Service said it does not comment on individual prisoners.
Patrick Curtis is serving a sentence for his role in leading a Kinahan sub-cell plot to kill Patsy Hutch.

A senior Kinahan cartel member serving a sentence at Portlaoise prison was nabbed with four phones after a raid on his cell this week.

Patrick Curtis was jailed for 10 years along with co-accused Mohammed Smew for their role in the plot to murder Patrick Patsy Hutch.

Curtis was one of a number of senior organised criminals caught with phones during the raids.

During the searches, officers also found a phone in the possession of Sligo mobster Barry Young.

During Curtis sentence hearing it was heard that he led a sub cell plot to kill Hutch and had compromised an encrypted phone by photographing the messages on it.

The Special Criminal Court also heard that he was suffering from claustrophobia which was sparked when he was locked in a car at the age of seven and broke his fingernails attempting to escape.

The court heard that his anxiety levels were so high behind bars that he shared a cell in the A block of Portlaoise with his brother Stephen at the time of the sentence.

During his trial, the court heard how an eight man cell was employed to kill Patsy Hutch as the Kinahan cartel became more and more desperate to murder him.

Patsy Hutch

As well as the Curtis brothers and Smew, the murder-cell also included Mark Capper, Michael Burns, lookout Ciaran ODriscoll and brothers Gary and Glen Thompson and former soldier Robert Browne.

All eight were jailed for their role in the attempted hit, while their overlord, who only contacted them on an encrypted phone and was dubbed Lordnose, has so far not been positively identified in the plot.

Mark Capper was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years after a court heard he was dropped at the last minute from the assassination squad.

Down-on-his-luck Afghan war hero Robert Brown was jailed for 11-and-a-half years, and brothers Mark and Glen Thompson got 12-and-a-half years each.

Robert Brown

Michael Burns, supervisor, and Ciaran ODriscoll, a spotter who was raised on the same street that Patsy Hutch had reared his family on, also pleaded guilty to helping the Kinahan Organised Crime Group with the attempted murder.

The raids conducted this week was on the C3 landing where Curtis is now based.

Sligo mobster Barry Young was also found in possession of a phone which has been seized by prison authorities.

He recently pleaded guilty to directing a criminal organisation and received a jail term of 11 years.

The Sunday World understands that he was nabbed as a result of up to 16,000 messages on his phones which had been sent while he was based in Spain and running his rural drugs gang from there.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt said that Younngs gang was smaller in scope, size and geography than others that came before the Special Criminal Court and that the violence used did not reach the same level as those other organisations however his outfit was still a scourge to his community of the north west.
The woman was taken to Beaumont Hospital to be treated for injuries that were believed to be serious but non-life threatening.

A man who was arrested after a woman was assaulted in Co Meath on Sunday evening has been charged.

The man, in his 40s, was arrested following the incident at a home in Kiltale, and is due to appear before Trim District Court this morning at 10.30am.

The woman, who is also in her 40s had been described as being in a serious condition after the alleged assault that took place at a home on the Trim Road (R154) between 8.30pm and 9.15pm.

She was rushed to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin to be treated for injuries that were believed to be serious but non-life threatening.

The arrested man was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in Meath.

Gardai had earlier issued an appeal to anyone who may have information to contact them.

Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), and who were in the area between 83.0pm and 9.15pm, are asked to make this footage available to gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Trim Garda Station on 046 948 1540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
Mr Puska said he was going to Blanchardstown to meet a woman, Sgt McDonnell said.

MURDER accused Jozef Puska told gardai that he had travelled to Blanchardstown to meet a woman and was "set upon and assaulted by two men" when he got out of a taxi, a court heard.

Jozef Puska's hands and forehead had a "distinctive, red raw complexion", Sergeant Paul McDonnell told the Central Criminal Court, and a photograph of Mr Puska's left hand was handed to the jury.

Mr Puska (33), of Lynally Grove in Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ashling Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore on January 12, 2022.

In his evidence on Tuesday afternoon, Sgt McDonnell said he went to St James' Hospital on January 13, 2022 after gardai became aware a man had indicated he had been the victim of a stabbing.

The court heard there had been a double stabbing near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on January 12 and detectives in Blanchardstown were investigating it.

Sgt McDonnell said he was directed to Mr Puska's bed. He was asleep, and there was a series of monitors attached to him.

Mr Puska had a large dressing over part of his abdomen, and Sgt McDonnell said he could see distinctive markings on Mr Puska's forehead and hands.

A person lays flowers near to the scene in Tullamore, Co Offaly (PA)

Sgt McDonnel said he spoke to Mr Puska, through an interpreter on the phone, and told him that gardai had information he had been stabbed. Sgt McDonnell said he reassured Mr Puska that gardai were there to assist him.

Sgt McDonnell said Mr Puska was "in good humour" when he spoke to him.

He said Mr Puska told him that he had arrived at Heuston Station from Tullamore, and he travelled to Blanchardstown by taxi. Mr Puska said he was going to Blanchardstown to meet a woman, Sgt McDonnell said.

Mr Puska told gardai he showed the taxi driver the woman's address on his phone and he paid cash on the day.

Sgt McDonnell said Mr Puska told him he was "immediately set upon and assaulted by two men", and this happened around 5.30pm on January 12.

One had dark skin, was wearing a tracksuit and had a Dublin accent. Mr Puska told gardai. Sgt McDonnell said Mr Puska could not identify the second male, saying it happened so suddenly.

Sgt McDonnell said he asked Mr Puska how his injuries had happened and he told him he believed the injuries occurred from him falling or being dragged to the ground.

Sgt McDonnell said he indicated to Mr Puska that he was going to take a photograph on his phone and Mr Puska gave him a "thumbs up".

Sgt McDonnell said he returned to Blanchardstown Garda Station where he discussed the matter with his commending officer, and he set in train contact with gardai in Tullamore.

Sgt McDonnell returned to St James' Hospital later on the night of January 13. He spoke to the doctor in charge, who told him Mr Puska was in surgery.

Sgt McDonnell said he was told that the hospital could not provide any medical information on Mr Puska, nor could they provide any CCTV without a warrant.

Cross examined by Michael Bowman SC, Sgt McDonnell accepted he had gone to the hospital to investigate a potential assault where Mr Puska was the victim.

Earlier, Detective Garda Ciaran Byrne told the court how gardai had analysed data from Ashling Murphy's Fitbit watch.

Gda Byrne showed a number of graphs to the jury, one which showed the direction she was travelling.

She walked eastwards along the canal for over 2km before turning back at 3.16pm, and returning back in a westerly direction, the court heard.

At 3.21pm, the Fitbit watch stops moving in a consistent way, Gda Byrne said.

He described the watch as moving in an erratic manner, and agreed with Mr Justice Tony Hunt who said it was "violently fluctuating".

Another graph tracked Ms Murphy's heart rate. It raised consistently until 3.21pm, consistent with someone exercising, Gda Byrne said. It then rapidly decreased until 3.27pm. There was a slight increase from 3.27pm until 3.31pm.

After that time, the Fitbit was no longer picking up a heart rate, Gda Byrne told the court.

On Tuesday morning, the jury heard from Rostislav Pokuta, who said Mr Puska called to his home on the night that Ashling Murphy died and said he had "been in a fight in town".

Bus driver Rostislaw Pokuta said Mr Puska appeared "very scared", was wet and he "looked like a different person".

Mr Pokuta said he was originally from Slovakia but had lived in Tullamore for some years with his wife and children.

He agreed with prosecutor Anne-Marie Lawlor SC that he was a friend of the Puska family and he knew Jozef and his brothers.

Mr Pokuta said he was eating his dinner around 9pm on January 12, 2022 when his son said to him that Mr Puska was at the front door and.

Mr Pokuta said he went out and spoke to Mr Puska who asked him if there was any chance he would drop him home.

Mr Pokuta said Mr Puska told him "he had been in a fight or something in town".

The witness said Mr Puska did not really want to talk too much.

Mr Puska asked for a bottle of water and he drank it, the court heard.

Mr Pokuta was asked by Ms Lawlor about Mr Puska's appearance, He said Mr Puska seemed "very scared", he "wasn't like himself", he was wet and his face appeared scratched.

Mr Pokuta also said Mr Puska was "not his colour" and he looked "like a different person".

Mr Pokuta said he asked Mr Puska numerous times what had happened to him, and Mr Puska told him he'd been in a fight.

He asked Mr Puska why he had not contacted the gardai, and there was no answer, he said.

Mr Pokuta said he dropped Mr Puska to his house. Mr Puiska asked him to slow down in case there was someone outside the house, the jury heard.

Mr Pokutaa said he asked Mr Puska why was he worried if he did not do something wrong.

He was told to "leave it", he said.

Cross examined by Michael Bowman SC, Mr Pokuta accepted he initially did not tell the truth, as he told gardai he had not seen any of the Puska brothers after January 11.

He made a later statement saying Jozef Puska called to his house around 9pm on January 12.

Mr Pokuta told Mr Bowman he was afraid for his family, accepting that the atmosphere was ugly around Tullamore at the time.

"More than that", Mr Pokuta said, adding that there was a lot of comment on social media and he was worried about his job..

The trial continues.
Dane Ryan (30) also called officers rats and scumbags as he was found in possession of a knife

A chef who asked gardai if they wanted to learn to swim as they struggled to arrest him on the River Liffey boardwalk has been put on a one-year probation bond.

Dane Ryan (30) made the threat as he kicked out at the gardai, called them scumbags and rats and told them they would regret it.

Ryan, of McKee Park, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7, admitted threatening to assault gardai, obstruction, possession of a knife and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour on January 26.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and the case came back before Dublin District Court for the production of a probation report.

Ryan had been suffering from acute mental health issues at the time, his lawyer said.

He had been self-medicating with illegal substances following a trauma. Ryan had since gone for treatment and was doing all the right things to avoid reoffending, the court also heard.

Previously, the court had heard the incident happened at the boardwalk on Eden Quay.

Garda Ann Meenagh came across Ryan looking upset and he stated he was depressed but then became abusive and aggressive, she said.

When she asked to search him and explained the reason for the search, he refused, said dont touch me and began swinging his arms.

A knife was found in his tracksuit bottoms and he resisted arrest, swinging his arms again, while threatening to bite and kick the gardai.

He kicked his legs out toward the gardai and asked can you swim? while looking towards the Liffey.

Ryan then asked the garda: Do you want to learn?

He called gardai rats and scumbags as they arrested him and said theyd regret it.

Ryan continued to be aggressive and abusive while they were waiting for transport to take him into custody.

After he was restrained and placed in the back of the patrol van, he hit and kicked its walls.
A group of men enter Belfast Crown Court where a large group of men sat masked in court to watch as loyalist supergrass and former UVF commander Gary Haggarty gave evidence against James Smyth. Pic: Alan Lewis/Photopress Belfast

The appearance of masked men in the public gallery of Belfasts Crown Court is a grave failing on the part of the courts, an MLA and former barrister has said.

It comes after a number of men attending the trial of Belfast man James Smyth (51), who is accused of the 1994 killings of Eamon Fox (41) and Gary Convie (24), covered their faces with masks and hats while sitting in the public gallery.

UVF supergrass Gary Haggarty  seen in public for the first time since 2009  gave evidence at the trial.

The masked men sat just a few feet from the Fox and Convie families, who have attended each day of the the trial since it began last week.

The masked men remained unchallenged for the courts morning session despite a heavy police presence both inside and outside the court, before the judge warned before the afternoon session that anyone covering their face would be removed.

Most of the men then left of their own accord.

North Antrim MLA and former barrister Jim Allister said the incident represented a grave failing.

Im absolutely appalled that our courts are now the latest arena where masked men can throw their weight about in the sense of their menacing presence, he told our sister publication the Belfast Telegraph.

I do have to say that the court is under the control of the presiding judge and I would have expected no toleration of such behaviour.

Going forward, thats the way it has to be. The court can clear the gallery straight away; it is the judges court so he has all the powers he needs to maintain order and decency in court.

Its neither orderly nor decent for people to sit there masked up.

There was a heavy security presence outside Belfast Crown Court. Pic: Alan Lewis/Photopress Belfast

There is not a jury there to be influenced, so I dont think it jeopardises the integrity of the trial in that sense, but its the public perception that courts should be a place where the law, above all else, is respected and honoured.

There are certain provisions that would prevent you appearing in public, out in the street, while masked up, but it seems that there was a grave failing in that regard.

Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt has called on the Lady Chief Justice to respond to the incident as a matter of urgency.

[Its] shocking. Absolutely shocking. The Lady Chief Justice has to look at this and we have to hear from her because its just not acceptable in a democracy, he told BBC NIs The Nolan Show.

I represent Strangford, which includes Newtownards. I saw what happened at the courthouse there  the very threatening and unacceptable graffiti aimed at Judge Hamill.

The rule of law is absolutely paramount to any society and that seems to me to be cocking a snoot at the rule of law.

Referring to the front page of the Belfast Telegraph, which featured images of the men outside the court, Mr Nesbitt said: I think we should take it incredibly seriously and it should be a line in the sand that were never going to have that image on the front of a newspaper again.

The Office of the Lady Chief Justice has been approached for comment.
At the invitation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit the US from October 26 to 28.

CCTV: We have noted that since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has engaged actively in diplomatic mediation efforts. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken on the phone with foreign ministers of multiple countries and Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East issue, has been to Arab countries for shuttle diplomacy, actively promoting ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. Chinas mediation efforts and policy proposals have been commended by the international community. How do you comment on this?

Mao Ning: Since the outbreak of the current round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has maintained close communication with relevant parties, actively participated in the consultations at the UN Security Council, and made every effort to promote peace talks and help deescalate the situation. The international community, especially the many Arab countries, commends Chinas just position and the role it has played as a responsible major country. It is widely held that the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind advocated by President Xi Jinping sets the direction for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli issue. It has also been said that the proposal put forward by Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ending the conflict is well-targeted. China has received appreciation for its important role in promoting a political settlement of the Palestinian issue and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

We sincerely hope that the Palestinian question will be resolved in a comprehensive, just and lasting manner on the basis of the two-state solution. On the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, our position is highly consistent with that of the Arab states. We all hope that the fighting will stop as soon as possible in order to prevent the situation from escalating or even spiraling out of control. We oppose acts that are against civilians and violate international law and call for protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid to prevent an even worse humanitarian disaster. We all support the two-state solution and the realization of Palestinian peoples right to statehood and survival and their right of return, which we believe is the only viable way out of the Palestinian question. We all call for a more authoritative, influential and broad-based international peace conference to be held as soon as possible, an early resumption of peace talks and formulation of a timetable and road map to that end.

China will firmly support all efforts that are conducive to dialogue, ceasefire and peace and will do its best on everything conducive to the implementation of the two-state solution and a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. China is ready to work together with the international community to make relentless efforts to that end.

Shenzhen TV: We noted that Under-Secretary-General of the UN for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard has arrived in Beijing and started her visit to China. Could you share more on that?

Mao Ning: Today is the 78th United Nations Day. We welcome Under-Secretary-General of the UN for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard to China. China always supports true multilateralism and the international system with the UN at its core. This year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China, and several Under-Secretary-Generals have also paid visits to China. Chinas invitation to Under-Secretary-General Catherine Pollard to visit China demonstrates our firm support for the work of the UN.

China is the biggest developing country and the second largest contributor to the UNs regular budget and peacekeeping assessments. We always pay our assessed contributions in full, providing strong support to the UN with concrete actions. We also work to ensure that every penny of the UN could be fully leveraged to deliver tangible results. During Under-Secretary-General Catherine Pollards visit to China, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and officials of relevant ministries will meet with her to have in-depth exchanges of views on topics in such fields as finance, management and human resources. We believe this visit will further strengthen the practical cooperation between China and the UN, support and promote a sound and steady progress of the work of the UN.

Bloomberg: Just to follow up on the visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the US. Bloomberg is reporting that he will have meetings with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Can you confirm these details and offer any more details about the trip to the US?

Mao Ning: During his visit to the US, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will have in-depth exchanges of views with US high-level officials on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of shared interests, have friendly communication with various quarters in the US and state Chinas principled position and legitimate concerns on the bilateral relations. We hope that the US will work with China to follow through on the important common understandings between the two heads of state, enhance communication and dialogue, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences and jointly bring the bilateral relations back to the track of sound and steady development. On the schedule of Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit, we will release information in due course.

Hubei Media Group: The 16th Senior Officials Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held on October 23 in Beijing. Can you brief us on the outcomes of the meeting?

Mao Ning: Thank you for following China-Africa relations and FOCAC. This Senior Officials Meeting is another gathering of the 55 members of FOCAC. Nearly 300 participants, including senior officials and representatives of African members, senior officials of members of the Chinese FOCAC Follow-up Committee and observers from some international and regional organizations, attended this meeting.

Participants focused on Chinas report on the implementation of the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC. They agreed that under the close cooperation between China and Africa, the nine programs proposed by President Xi Jinping, the Dakar Declaration of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC, FOCAC Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024) and China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 are being implemented effectively. China and Africa enjoy frequent high-level exchanges, deepening political mutual trust, more efficient friendly cooperation and booming exchanges and mutual learning in various fields, which has been injecting new impetus for the development of China-Africa relations.

This meeting also discussed preliminary ideas for next years FOCAC. As fellow companions on the journey towards development and revitalization, both China and African countries have high expectations for next years FOCAC. The two sides will work together to make preparations and plan on the outcomes, seek synergy between China's Second Centenary Goal and Agenda 2063 of the AU, tap on opportunities brought by Belt and Road cooperation, take the high-level China-Africa community with a shared future to a new height, and bring common development and prosperity to the close to 3 billion Chinese and African people.

AFP: The China-US Economic Working Group held its first meeting today, during which both sides discussed the macroeconomic situation and bilateral economic relations. Could you share more details on what has been discussed?

Mao Ning: Regarding the meeting of the China-US Economic Working Group, I noticed that Chinas Ministry of Finance has put out a press release. If you need more information, please refer to the competent authorities.

China News Service: It was reported that recently Venezuelas government and opposition alliance the Unitary Platform resumed dialogue and reached agreement on preliminary arrangement for the 2024 presidential election in the country. US Department of the Treasury announced that it issued a six-month general license, temporarily lifting sanctions on PDVSA and relevant entities, and the US is prepared to amend the policy if the above-mentioned commitments are not followed through. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: China welcomes the resumption of dialogue between the government and opposition of Venezuela. We extend our congratulations on the important progress of the dialogue and are ready to continue playing a positive and constructive role on the Venezuelan issue. Chinas position on this issue is consistent and clear. We firmly uphold the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, and oppose relevant countrys unlawful unilateral sanctions and the so-called long-arm jurisdiction against Venezuela. We hope the US will immediately and fully stop interfering in the internal affairs of Venezuela, completely abolish the unlawful unilateral sanctions on Venezuela and other countries, and act more in ways conducive to world peace, stability and development.

Global Times: Australia announced a few days ago that it has finalized a security review regarding the Port of Darwin, and that it has reached agreement with China to solve the WTO dispute over wine. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: We noted the Australian announcement that it has finalized a review into the lease of the Port of Darwin, and decided it will not vary or cancel the lease. We welcome this announcement and hope Australia will continue to provide a sound environment for Chinese companies to invest and operate in the country.

On wine and other issues, Chinas Ministry of Commerce has released information, which you may refer to. China stands ready to work with Australia to continue resolving each others concerns properly through dialogue and consultation, and promote further improvement and growth of bilateral relations.

AFP: Canadas foreign ministry said that an organization connected to China has been spreading disinformation related to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian senior officials and Members of Parliaments by leaving a large amount of comments and deepfake videos online. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: The so-called statement by Canadas foreign ministry misrepresents facts and is very misleading, which makes trumped-up charges against China. We deplore and firmly oppose that.

For some time, the Canadian side has falsely accused China of spreading disinformation against Canadian politicians on multiple occasions, but it has never come up with any solid evidence. On its own part, however, the Canadian side has long made up lies including on Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong to attack and smear China. It is the Canadian side that has been producing and spreading disinformation. We urge the Canadian side to respect facts and truth, stop spreading China-related lies, and stop words and deeds that would poison the atmosphere of China-Canada relations and damage bilateral relations.

Reuters: Taiwan vice president Lai has criticized the Chinese mainland over its tax probe into Foxconn. Lai said Beijing should cherish and treasure Taiwanese companies given their help to the mainlands economic development and not put pressure on these companies during an election there. The Taiwan affairs office has not commented on Lais remarks. Would the foreign ministry comment on this?

Mao Ning: There is no vice president in Taiwan and what you mentioned is not related to foreign affairs.

Ukrainian News Agency: My question is about the Ukrainian issue. Negotiations on the Ukrainian peace formula of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be held in Malta at the end of this week. Does China intend to send a representative to these talks?

Mao Ning: On the Ukraine issue, China is committed to promoting talks for peace and bringing about a political settlement of the crisis through dialogue and negotiation. China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role to this end.

AFP: Yesterday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with the Israeli Foreign Minister. Wang said that all countries have the right to self-defense. Could you further clarify Wangs statement? Does he say this in a general sense or can it be understood that China thinks Israel has the right to protect its national territory against attacks from Hamas?

Mao Ning: Chinas position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is very clear. Foreign Minister Wang Yi had talked over the phone with the foreign ministers of both Israel and Palestine yesterday. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has put it very clearly that all countries have the right to self-defense, but should respect the international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians and it is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating and avert an even worse humanitarian disaster.

I would like to stress that China does not pursue any selfish interests on the Palestinian question. We sincerely hope that the Palestinian question can have a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution, so that the legitimate security concerns of all parties can be thoroughly addressed.
The Serbian city of Lazarevac canceled the screening of the documentary 20 Days in Mariupol because of alleged "anti-Russian propaganda." A radical party in Serbia filed a lawsuit against the Lazarevac municipal committee for the ban.

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This was reported by the Serbian portal BCS Happy Portal. The politicians called for the film's promotion to be stopped on the territory of the state, as it contradicts Serbia's official policy on the war in Ukraine.

The documentary by war correspondent, writer and videographer Mstislav Chernov, created with the support of the Associated Press and Frontline, tells how Mariupol suffered during the first weeks of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The screening was scheduled to take place at the Contemporary Gallery of the Lazarevac Cultural Center, and was supposed to be free for everyone. However, Serbian radicals questioned the funding of "this anti-Russian propaganda film of the Kyiv regime." The party's press release states that the official position of the Republic of Serbia is "neutrality" regarding the so-called "Russian special operation in Ukraine."

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Representatives of the Serbian radical party support Russia, citing the position of their citizens: it is noted that more than 80 percent of Serbs have a similar opinion. As a result, it is written that such an action is unacceptable, because it is "a provocation of the Serbian people and a failed attempt by the West to change the attitude towards brotherly Russia."

The film's director, Mstislav Chernov, commented to Gordon on the statement. The journalist said that the team took the news of the screening's cancellation with regret. "Our goal has always been and will continue to be to do everything we can to make sure that the world sees and remembers the tragedies of people who lost their families, their city and their lives during the siege of Mariupol," he said.

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The organizers of the Beldocs festival, which was to screen 20 Days in Mariupol, published an appeal in which they wrote that they were not involved in the ban. "Beldocs is not behind this decision and did not participate in it. We believe that every screening of this film in front of a Serbian audience is important, and we will make every effort to show this film again as soon as possible," the statement reads.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about the plot of the documentary "20 Days in Mariupol". This film will represent Ukraine at the Oscars in 2024.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Terror links ruled out as 23-year-old jailed for hate-fuelled targeting of gay men

Sligo Superintendent Barry Doyle said Michael Snee and Aidan Moffit were "innocent men who did no wrong"

Mystery surrounds the origin of 357,000 in cash found hidden in the home of double murderer Yousef Palani.

The money was discovered by gardai during a five-day search of the killers Sligo home after his arrest for the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in April of last year, as well as a brutal assault on Anthony Burke.

It can be revealed that most of the money was in denominations of 500 and 200 banknotes and found hidden in bags in the cluttered bedrooms of 23-year-old Palanis home.

The Sunday World previously revealed the cash seizure is the focus of an ongoing Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) investigation.

One line of inquiry is that the money came into Ireland when Palanis family first arrived here from Iraq.

As part of their investigation, officers were at the time searching for a mobile phone  which was later found in an attic of the property  and had no idea there was so much cash in the house.

It was established that this phone had been present in the homes of the targeted men and important evidence was discovered on it.

Gardai do not accept an explanation that the money was saved over a number of years.

Officers also do not think that the money is linked to Islamist extremism or jihadism.

Relatives of murdered Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt pay tribute to men as Yousef Palani is jailed for two life sentences

In relation to theories that the money is linked to any form of terrorism or organised criminality, this has been ruled out, a senior source said last night.

Detailed investigations have been carried out, including by specialist units, and gardai are satisfied that neither he nor his associates have any links to Islamist terrorism and he was not radicalised at the time of the murders.

The 23-year-old was sentenced yesterday to the mandatory term for the murders of Mr Moffitt and Mr Snee, who were killed in their own homes two days apart.

Palani was also handed a concurrent sentence of 20 years for causing serious harm to Mr Burke by stabbing him in his left eye with a kitchen knife.

Gardai believe that Palani, who had plans to murder other gay men that included a kill list of around a dozen other potential victims, is himself homosexual.

The Central Criminal Court yesterday was told how Palani had been motivated by his hatred of homosexual men.

The sentencing hearing heard that while Palani told gardai that his religion forbade homosexuality, investigators were satisfied that he was not radicalised.

Palani told gardai in interviews that Muslims could not be homosexual and vehemently denied being gay, despite using homosexual dating apps.

A number of other gay men with whom Palani interacted were warned by gardai of the potential threats against them and given security advice.

Many investigators involved in this case are of the view that this individual should never be released from prison when the potential for that comes up in less than 20 years time. There are significant fears that he would kill again if given the opportunity, a source said.

Palani  whose murderous spree, according to sources, displayed serial killer tendencies  was totally unknown to gardai before April of last year.

He had moved to Ireland from the Middle East with his family when he was aged six and had grown up in Sligo without ever coming to the attention of gardai.

Emma Fitzpatrick represents family and friends as she speaks about Michael Snee outside court. Photo: Collins Courts

Detective Garda Conor Jordan, of Sligo Garda Station, agreed with Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, yesterday, that Palanis motivation to carry out the murders was as a result of his hostility and prejudice towards homosexual men.

He said the garda view was that Palani had also certainly exaggerated and/or made up claims about his mental health and that a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was not warranted.

The first murder victim, Mr Moffitt, had been decapitated in his home. He had also suffered 42 stab wounds. Gardai noted his two hands had been tied behind his back.

Mr Snee was also found tied up on the floor of his bedroom.

A hunting knife and a black coloured knife had been laid on the bed to make the shape of a cross, the court was told.

There were 38 sharp-force injuries to Mr Snees body and he had been stabbed 25 times.

A third man, Anthony Burke, survived the attack but lost sight in one eye.

Palani had met his victims on two dating apps targeted at gay, bisexual and transgender people.

CCTV played a huge part in the arrest of the double killer, but gardai also received great support from the Muslim community in Sligo as part of their investigation as well as help from survivor Anthony Burke.

Speaking after the hearing, Sligo superintendent Barry Doyle said the murders of Mr Snee and Mr Moffitt did not just impact the heart of the community in Sligo, they also repulsed the nation.
Ciaran Barker (40) and Caoimhin Corr (24) entered not-guilty pleas to all of the charges against them

Two men accused of hijacking a Tesco delivery van in north Down, driving through red lights and colliding with cars as they headed towards west Belfast have today denied the charges.

Ciaran Barker (40) and Caoimhin Corr (24) entered not-guilty pleas to all of the charges against them, all alleged to have been committed on August 5 last year, but Downpatrick Crown Court heard that a trial will probably not be required.

Barker, from Whitewell Road in Newtownabbey, and Corr, from Norglen Parade in west Belfast, are jointly accused of 11 charges including hijacking a Tesco delivery van, two counts of dangerous driving and three counts of aggravated vehicle theft causing damage.

They are also accused of driving while banned and theft of 80 of alcohol from Winemark.

Barker faces three further charges  stealing 10 of chocolate bars from the Maxol service station on Frances Street in Newtownards, resisting police, and assaulting police  all of which were allegedly committed on the aforementioned date.

When the pair were initially charged, the court heard how the catalogue of offences began at a Winemark off-licence in Millisle when Barker took 80 of alcohol to the counter and, with Corr holding the door open, the pair walked out without paying and got into a car driven by a third male.

Ciaran Barker

A detective claimed the offences then moved to Ards, where a female member of staff at the Maxol garage spotted the defendants allegedly tampering with a motorcycle and Corr offered her a bar of chocolate.

However, when she checked CCTV from the shop that day, she realised the pair had been in the service station earlier and that the chocolate treat being offered had actually been stolen.

A short distance away, on Georges Street, a Tesco delivery van driver was sitting with his arm out of the window when Barker grabbed it and told him to give him the keys.

When Barker nodded towards the passenger side, the driver looked up to find Corr climbing into the vehicle and, fearing what might happen, the driver got out. Barker then got in and the van sped off through the busy town centre.

The officer claimed the van was spotted driving on the wrong side of the road, going through red lights and narrowly missing a pedestrian who was pushing a buggy, before it left the town, heading for Dundonald, where it collided with other cars and went through more red lights.

At some stage, said the officer, Corr and Barker swapped driving duties, because by the time police stopped the hijacked van on the Sydenham Bypass using a stinger device to blow the tyres out, it was Corr who got out of the drivers side.

In court today, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC freed the pair on bail until November 14, with a warning that in terms of credit, I will extend to then, but after that date you can face the consequences.

The three-week adjournment gives plenty of time to consider your respective positions, said Judge Miller, adding that, having read the paper, I would be very surprised if the case went to trial.
The men, aged 35 and 28, were arrested by gardai for organised crime related offences

Two men have been arrested in Donegal as part of an international investigation into human trafficking and labour exploitation.

The men, aged 35 and 28, were arrested by gardai for organised crime related offences and are being quizzed in Garda stations in the county under section 50 of Criminal Justice Act 2007.

According to gardai, they, along with international colleagues are investigating the alleged trafficking of people into Ireland for the purpose of labour exploitation.

This international Law Enforcement Operation involves a Joint Investigation Team which has been established with Law Enforcement in Latvia, the Garda Press Office stated.

Law Enforcement activity is also being coordinated today, October 24, in Latvia.

The international operation is supported by Europol and Europol officers are present in Donegal during this operation.

Gardai said the investigation team in Donegal is supported by local, divisional and national units including the Human Trafficking Investigation & Coordination Unit (HTICU) at GNPSB, the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda Mutual Assistance Section and the Garda Siochana Analysis Service (GSAS).

Gardai also issued a fresh appeal to anybody who may be the victim of human trafficking or labour exploitation to speak to an officer, either at a local Garda station or call the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111

An Garda Siochana understands that victims of these crimes may not always be in a position to report themselves, maybe there is opportunity to speak to a Garda who you might meet at any location, gardai added.

Importantly, An Garda Siochana appeals to any person with any information on these heinous crimes or suspects that any person is the victim of human trafficking to speak up, talk to a member of An Garda Siochana, either at your local garda station the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111 or to any members of An Garda Siochana.
The GoFundMe page set up for the family of Denise Morgan who died in the tragedy in the early hours of Saturday morning has topped 25,000

A fundraising appeal to bring the body of the young Irish mother killed in a suspected murder-suicide in New York back to Ireland has raised thousands in donations in just hours.

The GoFundMe page set up for the family of Denise Morgan who died in the tragedy in the early hours of Saturday morning has topped 25,000.

The organiser of the appeal has thanked all those who donated, saying, they cannot explain what this will mean to Denise's familyyou are all incredible.

The 39-year-old, who was originally from Lavin Park in Tullyallen, Co Louth was fatally wounded by a 33-year-old man in an apartment in Queens, New York, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police who rushed to the scene on 69th Place near Cooper Avenue in Glendale after neighbours reported hearing shots fired found Ms Morgan dead next to her boyfriend Joed Taveras.

A handgun was found next to Taveras.

Ms Morgans nine-year-old daughter was not present when the shooting occurred.

The family of Ms Morgan, who, it is understood had moved to New York about five years ago, said their lives will never be the same again following the tragedy.

Her sister Shannon took to social media to write: No words can express the pain we are dealing with now. In the blink of an eye our world has broken and we are absolutely crushed.

We will never get justice for this. We are absolutely heartbroken. She was the kindest, sweetest soul I know and I cant believe Im writing this.

She added: Ive always looked up to her growing up and she carved me into the woman I am today and Im so proud to call her my sister. The world wont be the same without you in it. I will never get over this or be the same again. We love you forever Denise.'

Denises older sister Lisa also expressed her disbelief, writing: This just cant be real. We love you forever and always baby sister until we meet again, our lives will never be the same again.'

In a separate post, she added: Thank you so much for your kind words about our beautiful sister. We appreciate them so much and it eases the pain a little to know how much she was loved.

According to comments attributed to a NYPD officer, two people  one male and one female  were found unresponsive on the second-floor living room area of the residence.

Police responded and pronounced a 39-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man dead at the scene.

A firearm was recovered in the vicinity of the deceased male. Investigations remain ongoing, they added. There is no indication of a child or anyone else in the premises at the time.

A police source told the New York Post: Investigators confirmed the two were in a relationship together. There doesnt appear to be any other individuals involved.

Ms Morgan had worked at the Cottage Bar and Restaurant in New York, which paid tribute to its warm and kind employee.

They wrote on Facebook: The sudden loss of Denise Morgan has left us all in shock and sorrow. It is incredibly difficult to comprehend the void left by her sudden departure.

Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our heartfelt condolences are for her family as you mourn this profound loss. We will always appreciate the person she was.

Parish priest Fr Sean Dooley offered words of comfort and consolation for her family as they go through the most horrible time of their lives on Sunday, as prayers were said for the Louth native during a Mass in the Church of the Assumption in Tullyallen.

A neighbour described the couple to the New York Post as very nice people.

"The woman would say hello, she said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the case and that it is providing consular assistance.

According to the GoFundMe set up for the victim, Denise was a loving mother, caring sister and beautiful daughter.

Her love for life was contagious, it reads. The news of her murder sent shockwaves through our hearts, leaving a void that will never be filled.

As we come to terms with this devastating loss, we're now faced the urgent need to bring her home to Drogheda. Were raising much-needed funds to cover the expensive costs of bringing Denise safely back home to Ireland.

This is where we as a community have the power to make a difference. Denise was a loving mother, caring sister and beautiful daughter.

The circumstances surrounding her death only serve to deepen the tragedy, reminding us of the fragility of life and the need to come together in times of darkness.

It is essential we stand together and lend our support to those who need it most. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the strength of and the power of our unity.

By donating to this campaign we can ease the financial burden on Denises grieving family.

Every contribution no matter the size of bring us one step closer to achieving this goal.

Let us show Denises family that they're not alone in their grief and that her impact will forever resonate through the love and support those who cherished her.

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
There is no dignity here, that was lost a long time ago.

A source inside the overcrowded University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Monday, summed up the chaotic scenes that have become commonplace inside Limericks embattled hospital - There is no dignity here, that was lost a long time ago.

Videos shared with this journalist showed patients on trolleys crammed up against one another on corridors outside entrance zones to the Emergency Department (ED) and inside the ED at UHL on Monday.

The footage also shows how overworked and exhausted doctors and nurses and relatives attempt to keep the patients calm in the midst of the chaotic scenes around them.

Yesterday, the widow of a man who died at the overcrowded hospital, said that she would rather die at home than attend UHL.

A record-breaking 130 patients languished on trolleys at the hospital on Monday, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

The union said that this is the highest number recorded there on a single day.

Overall there are 563 patients on trolleys, according to INMO figures, including 12 patients under the age of 16.

Reacting, Co Clare native, Marie McMahon, whose husband, Tommy Wynne, died in 2018 after he spent 36 hours on a trolley in a corridor of the hospital suffering with stroke-like symptoms said: To be honest, I wouldn't go, Id just say leave me be, and if I die, I die; Im genuine about that, Im not just saying that for the sake of a sound bite, Im genuinely saying that.
Count Kaz Balinski and Sophie Anderton among residents who are objecting to the decision

Count Kaz Balinski and his British supermodel wife Sophie Anderton are among the residents of Glendalough, Co Wicklow, who say they were neither notified nor consulted on the estate they call home being used to house 950 Ukrainian refugees.

The couple and the counts elderly mother are the primary residents of Glendalough Estate, a historic 1,500-acre property near Annamoe.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth recently announced that 950 Ukrainian refugees would be accommodated at the Glendalough Estate for 32 weeks.

However, residents living there said they were blindsided by the plans.

We learned the news, not from official Government correspondence like those of the surrounding community, but from the community's concerned members, who understandably assumed that the Ukrainian Temporary Accommodation (UTA) was of our design, Mr Balinski told the Irish Independent.

The counts elderly mother bought the property in 1986.

While Mr Balinski, his mother and Ms Anderton are the primary residents on the estate, which is a popular tourist destination, the property itself is held in trust and owned via a Channel Islands investment fund.

Mr Balinski said: The trustee has a fiduciary responsibility to its beneficiaries, of which my mother and I are two, and also of which my mother is the settlor [the person who gives a property to a trust].

He said it appeared that the trustee, a third beneficiary, the estate manager and the organisers of a festival staged annually at Glendalough House had planned the UTA with neither our knowledge nor consultation.

Sophie Anderton

A document sent out by the department stated that the contract was awarded to Pastures New Limited, which has been involved in housing Ukrainian refugees in tents on the Electric Picnic site in Laois.

The department said Ukrainian refugees, mainly women and children, would be accommodated for several weeks on arrival in own-door ensuite heated and insulated cabins  but later moved on.

But many residents in the 200-strong Annamoe community, where the settlement is to be set up, have expressed opposition at what they say would be almost five times the amount of people in the village moving in overnight.

Senator Pat Casey, who represents the area, told the Irish Independent that he and members of the community had held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the shock announcement.

This was a complete and utter shock to everyone. Its the scale of what is happening in Annamoe that is frightening everybody. Surely the Government have an obligation to consult with the residents living on the estate, said Senator Casey, who is from the Glendalough area.

Annamoe has no infrastructure. There is not even a shop in it. There is nothing in it. It is a very rural location, to one extent, it is on the side of a hill. It is completely inappropriate for this, he said.

Councillor Shay Cullen, who is from the local area, said three communities would be affected  Laragh, Annamoe and Roundwood, with the population of the three together totalling less than 1,000.

Its effectively a new village being set up in a very remote area. That is a concern for the public. There needs to be serious clarification on the lease agreement and the plan going forward, he said.

A petition has been set up by local residents. It stresses that residents are frustrated, saying they are often denied planning permission for new houses due to concerns about increased traffic.

Yet now, without any discussion or consideration for our community's capacity or infrastructure, this massive influx has been decided upon, they wrote.

They are urging those in power to reconsider the decision and engage with the community on how best to preserve the character of Annamoe.

In a letter addressed to the department, Wicklow County Councils Planning Department and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), Mr Balinski said that a change of refugee demographic could easily lead to very serious security risks.

Mr Balinski added that half of his family were World War Two refugees, and as such, appreciated the sentiments and efforts of the Government. But he says that he did not feel the situation at Glendalough had been handled well.

He asked the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a responsible representative with whom residents at Glendalough House can discuss realistic potentials for the UTA.

Until such time that this matter is resolved, access to Glendalough House, our home, is denied and will be treated as trespass, Mr Balinski added.

The Irish Independent contacted the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which said that its jurisdiction only begins once a tenancy has commenced. It added in a statement: As such, the RTB have no comment to make in this regard.

Wicklow County Council said in a statement: Wicklow County Council confirms receipt of the letter and has no comment on it.

The Irish Independent also contacted the estate manager at Glendalough House, who did not respond to a query.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has also been contacted for comment.
They said that Joe may have travelled through the Co Monaghan region earlier this month

The family of a Dublin man who went missing earlier this month have made a desperate appeal for help in finding him.

Joe McDonagh (38) has not been seen since Monday, October 18 and gardai and relatives are concerned for his welfare.

A missing person appeal issued by gardai describes Joe as approximately 5 foot 11 inches in height and of a slim build. He has black hair and blue eyes.

They said that Joe may have travelled through the Co Monaghan region earlier this month.

In a message on Facebook, a family member said they were very worried about him.

It's very unusual for him to not call home, they said. He's 38 years old and from Dublin.

His brother John Paul is very worried about him. Joes mobile phone is off and it's not like his phone to be off.

We have the guards looking for him.

If (you) have (seen him) would you please tell him his brother John Paul is very worried about him.

We (havent) heard anything from him the last three weeks. If anyone knows where he is (or if) have you seen him could you please let us know, thank you very much.

They added: Please God you come home safe Joe.

Anyone with any information on Joe's whereabouts are asked to contact Crumlin Garda station on 01 666 6200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Elise was last seen in west Belfast on October 20, and is of slim build with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Police in Armagh are becoming increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of 17-year-old Elise Kilpatrick.

Elise was last seen in west Belfast on October 20, and is of slim build with blonde hair and blue eyes.

PSNI Inspector Tate said: We have had reports of sightings that Elise may be in the Woodbourne Court part of the city."

Police have asked that anyone with information contact them via 101.
Under new proposals, arrivals from Ukraine would only be able to access state-provided accommodation for up to 90 days

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said it is possible Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland are coming from other EU states because supports provided to them here are more generous than other countries.

Mr Martin said a phenomenon of people who have fled the war in Ukraine now arriving in Ireland having been based in other European countries is putting pressure on available accommodation but said he could not quantify it.

He was speaking after the issue was discussed at todays Cabinet meeting but no decision was made on potential changes to the offering of state-provided accommodation.

Under proposals put forward by Equality Minister Roderic OGorman new arrivals from Ukraine would only be able to access state-provided accommodation for up to 90 days.

Mr Martin said it is possible that people were coming to Ireland because its offering to refugees is more generous than in other European countries, but added: People are mobile, to be fair now, there are families reuniting I dont have any problem with that. But I think the matter is being examined in all its aspects generally so I am going to leave it at that.

He was speaking at a briefing for journalists on the margins of the Global Ireland Summit in Dublin Castle. Earlier, at a press conference, Mr Martin said that issues are being teased out in relation to state supports for refugees.

I think first of all, many people have commented on the strength of Irelands response in respect of the war on Ukraine. It's a vicious war. It's very savage war, and many people fled that war, particularly during the bombing campaigns of last year on infrastructure and civilian residential accommodation, he said.

So people have commented favourably on Ireland's response. We're not a military power. We do not provide any military assistance like other European countries do, and some extraordinary public expenditure has been incurred by other EU member states.

So ours has been predominantly on the political and humanitarian front in terms of supporting Ukraine's accession to the European Union and accepting refugees from the war.

But there is some evidence that perhaps there's some secondary transfers now from across Europe, as opposed to directly from Ukraine, and that's the issue that has been examined now in terms of any new arrivals into the future.

He said that its a matter that remains under discussion.
The US government has requested a court order to confiscate a yacht owned by Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov. In particular, the 106-meter superyacht Amadea worth $300-500 million was arrested last year in Fiji at the request of the US prosecutor's office.

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After that, it was handed over to the United States. This is stated in documents filed in a federal court in New York.

Amadea is currently moored in San Diego, California. The reason for the confiscation, according to prosecutors, is the violation of sanctions by an oligarch from a terrorist country imposed against him by the US Treasury in April 2018.

As noted, Kerimov violated US restrictions by using the US banking system to transfer funds for the repair and maintenance of a yacht purchased in 2021 by Errigan Marine, owned by Yevhen Kokhman. The latter, according to US prosecutors, is a straw man.

The documents submitted to the court contain numerous evidences that Kerimov and his family members gave instructions on the ship's repairs, interior changes, and allocated funds for its arrangement and maintenance.

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Recently, the lawyers of Russian billionaire Eduard Khudainatov filed a lawsuit in a federal court in California, claiming that Khudainatov is the owner of Amadea and demanding the return of the property. Earlier, Khudaynatov filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of Fiji to try to prevent the transfer of the superyacht to the US authorities. His claim was rejected.

As previously reported by OBOZ.UA, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that the country's authorities are ready for the West not to lift sanctions against Russia for 5-10 years. He did not say whether the Russians are ready for this.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Palestinians officials say 5,100 people have now been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israels bombing campaign was launched, around 40pc of them children.

Rockets are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, take shelter in a tent camp at a United Nations-run centre, 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 23, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

Yocheved Lifshitz, left, and Nurit Cooper, have been released by Hamas (Hostages and Missing Families Forum/AP)

Hamas on Monday released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes that flattened buildings in what it said was preparation for an eventual ground assault. The United States advised Israel to delay the expected invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

Palestinians officials say 5,100 people have now been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israels bombing campaign was launched, around 40pc of them children.

Attacks on the war-torn enclave continue, with the Israeli military saying that it had struck at least 320 targets in Gaza in the last 24 hours, including a tunnel housing Hamas fighters, and dozens of command and lookout posts.

The IDF said it had began more limited raids into Gaza to kill Hamas gunmen and search for hostages taken from southern Israel.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels sealed border. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the United Nations said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza.

Hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

Rockets are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV.

The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza," Lifshitz' daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Yocheved Lifshitz, who was held as hostage by Hamas, has family in the UK (Hostages and Missing Families Forum/AP)

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who uses a different spelling for her name, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles' lives were saved because" of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. "Yeah.

Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter were also freed. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover of the two elderly hostages, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Nurit Cooper (also known as Nurit Yitzhak) and Yocheved Lifshitz who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are transported after being released by the militants to Israel, in this video screengrab, October 23, 2023. Al Qahera News/Handout via REUTERS

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing a series of prisoners from the Hamas attack  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack.

The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The videos were both clearly intended to shape the wars narrative  with Israel focusing on Hamas brutality, and Hamas trying to show a humane side.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched in Gaza.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were authorized to reveal sensitive negotiations.

Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea, but he did not give a time frame.

A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group took power in Gaza in 2007.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said its forces had struck over 400 militant targets over the last day, killing several Hamas commanders and dozens of fighters preparing to fire rockets into Israel.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said many residential buildings had been hit in the overnight Israeli airstrikes, and many people had been killed or injured. Rescuers were still searching the rubble for survivors.

Israel says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war. But inside Gaza, the civilian death toll continued to mount.

Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

The bodies were laid to rest side by side in the courtyard of al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Men discussed where to fit the shrouded corpse of a small child. Bring them all, a gravedigger called out.

Israel continued to carry out out limited ground forays into Gaza.

On Monday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the UN said Monday.

No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain.

Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the UN said.
She also accused the window glazing company of "trying to wriggle out of replacing" the giant sheet of glass as she posted a photo of kids Cooper and Coco drawing images on the window.

Ronan Keatings wife Storm has launched a new campaign of complaint, this time against a window company after a huge glass window apparently shattered while they were sleeping.

The couples new row over the window comes just over a year after they engaged in a battle with a cleaner who had left their family home in a disgraceful state.

In this new public row, Storm said she is "concerned" that the unnamed company may be targeting "innocent families" across the UK.

She also accused the window glazing company of "trying to wriggle out of replacing" the giant sheet of glass as she posted a photo of kids Cooper and Coco drawing images on the window.

"Chilly Saturday morning," she wrote in the caption alongside an emoji of a snowflake.

"Yes glass shouldnt frost up like this - its just that this is a single pane because the other one shattered a few weeks ago in the middle of the night while we were sleeping.

"The glazing company (refraining from naming and shaming just yet) is trying to wriggle out of replacing it despite promising (in writing and on their quote) a 10yr comprehensive warranty. Appalling behaviour."

Storm highlighted the issue as she said that she and Ronan are "concerned" that the unnamed company are ripping other families off.

"Were concerned that this company (there is a history of other things) do this kind of thing to innocent families all over the UK, families that are less inclined to push back/ know their rights/ or have the ability to engage a solicitor," she wrote.

She then shared a "vital piece of information for everyone in the UK" about the Consumer Rights Act 2015, especially if you are dealing with something similar whether it be a tv, a lawn mower, a hairdryer or any product youve purchased.

Where these standards are not met (i.e. they break at no cause of your own) then they are required to repair or replace the goods free of charge, Storm wrote.

This is a requirement whether you hold a specified warranty or not. They know this (at least they should) and as a basic moral ethos for their business, should not be hoping you dont know your rights, or know their statutory duty to you, their customer. Countries around the world have similar laws to protect consumers.

Last February, Storm launched a furious rebuttal to a team of cleaners who claimed the multi-millionaire couple were refusing to pay a 500 bill.

The cleaning company had claimed they have been chasing payment for a job they carried out at the couple's 5 million rented mansion since the precious December.

The showbiz couple hired the company to clean the house they had been renting in Loudwater, Bucks, before they moved to Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

One of the cleaners said her team of five were booked on the day removal men came at the end of the couples tenancy, making the situation chaotic.

Ronan Keating's wife Storm writes furious rebuttal in row over 500 cleaning bill

But in an open letter posted to Instagram Storm said the home was left in was "disgraceful" state which made her feel "mortified".

"Since we discovered the disgraceful state you left our house in, we considered publicly sharing the service we got with our followers to caution others from hiring you, she wrote.

The 40-year-old fashion designer added: "You then broke our trust by demanding payment saying the job was complete, when in actuality the house was left in no acceptable state for handover.

"We however restrained ourselves from going public because we were hoping this level of service was not acceptable by your own standards and that you would want to remedy the situation professionally and amicably. But today you have proven this is not the case and left us no choice but to share the truth on this matter."

Storm then said she spent five hours cleaning the property herself before returning the keys to her landlord.

I have never seen anything so appalling for an end-of-lease clean. There is no way Id leave a place looking so grimy.

Im gobsmacked at how bad this is  dead flowers and even old food left on the shelves?

None of the skirtings had been cleaned, marks on walls, on windows, some of the bathrooms were appalling.

Surely, you cant be happy with this? Cobwebs. Floors werent vacuumed or mopped  there were dead bugs and hair and food bits.

According to Storms letter, the Keatings have not refused to pay for the job but want the "official checkout report from the landlord in order to make a fair assessment and educated decision on how to remedy the situation".

Storm and Ronan had been renting while they carried out work on building their own dream home which they bought in 2016 but had to knock down.
Celebrating the presence of Poles in the country, and the 151st anniversary of the first Pole stepping on to New Zealand soil, is at the heart of a Polish event this year.

Organised by the Polish Community Trust, the celebration has the main goal of promoting the culture, and making the people in Tauranga know we are part of this community, says the acting President of the Polish Community Trust BOP Inc. Ewa Fern.

We have probably more than a hundred Poles living in the city at the moment, and despite celebrating just 151 years in New Zealand, our presence in New Zealand can be traced back to the trips of Captain James Cook.

This is not the only event the Polish community has developed in the city. Concerts, art and photography exhibitions have also been enjoyed by the Tauranga community.

As the Polish Community Trust we have much more to share with New Zealand. We also have our preschool running which has students who come from Rotorua. That is a good opportunity to share our history and culture with our little ones.

The event will see a showcase of culture, tradition, food and performances. Photo: supplied.

Photography, music, and the movie All Together are some of the activities at this year's festival.

In 2022, we celebrated our event at the [Tauranga] Historic Village and it was a great success.

"This year, we are expecting more people to come and enjoy our culture and that is why we are shifting our venue to the Waikato University at the Manawaroa room level one, to offer all our visitors a great environment and more space to feel Poland here at Tauranga.

The Polish festival this year will take place next Saturday, November 4, from 2pm to 5pm at the University of Waikato on Durham Street, Tauranga.
Waikato Regional Council has been notified of possible wallaby sightings in Leamington near Cambridge, and near Kinloch on the W2K Trail.

These sightings are near where lone wallabies have been reported before but some distance from known wallaby populations in the Waikato, like eastern Mamaku Plateau and northeastern Waikite Valley, says a post on the Waikato Regional Council Facebook page.

Wallabies are pushing their way into the region from the Bay of Plenty and we are working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council as part of the Tipu Matoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme to push them back to a containment area and prevent their spread.

If left unchecked, it is conservatively estimated that one third of the North Island will be subjected to the impacts of wallabies in less than 50 years.

Wallabies are a pest because their browsing destroys productive farmland and plantation and native forests, costing millions in lost production and reducing biodiversity.

Reporting of any sightings or signs of wallabies are critical to help us stop the spread of wallabies.

If you have also seen a wallaby in the Leamington or Kinloch areas, or elsewhere in New Zealand, please report your sighting here: https://bit.ly/48XRbyw
Kiwi pensioner Eric Chang says he thought hed flown to Thailand to pick up a Covid-19 award from the United Nations. Instead, it turned out to be two kilograms of heroin. The 77-year-old was arrested in July by the Australian Federal Police when they found the drugs in his luggage as he transited to Auckland through Melbourne on his way home from Thailand. He faces a charge of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled substance, which could see him serve up to 25 years behind bars. Australian Border Force officers (ABF) allegedly found white powder, which later tested positive for heroin, hidden inside the lining of his suitcase. Chang claims he is the victim of a scam. According to court documents obtained by Stuff, the Aucklander says he believed he was flying to Thailand to pick up an honour from the United Nations for the countrys response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chang has been charged with importing around 2 kilograms of heroin into Australia and faces extended prison time. Photo:Australian Federal Police.

About 18 months before his arrest, Chang was contacted through WhatsApp by a man who called himself George, the prosecutions statement of facts says.

He was told he needed to go to Bangkok to sign the certificate and pick up prizes for other people back home, Changs lawyer told Stuff.

Instead, he was duped into taking drugs in his luggage.

While he was in Bangkok, a woman met Chang at his hotel and gave him a black carry-on bag with carry gifts for officials he would be meeting in Australia, the court documents say.

He told police that inside the bag he had only seen soap and clothing wrapped in plastic.

After taking the gifts to the officials in Melbourne, Chang would then receive US$23 million and the certificate.

Changs lawyer says his family claimed he had previously fallen for online scams, but this one had far more severe consequences.

Since his arrest, he has been held at a medium-security remand centre in Melbournes west, where alleged offenders wait until they face court.

Unless the charges are either thrown out or he is bailed, he is likely to remain behind bars through his 78th birthday next month.

While at the facility, a kidney condition he had prior to incarceration has worsened, and he faces the possibility of going on dialysis, his lawyer says.

Hes terrified of the environment hes in, says his lawyer.

Who would think an elderly man would end up in a place like this.

But the AFP has hailed the catch as a win in keeping drugs off the streets.

Drug traffickers prey on our community, causing drug-related crime and the associated health and social costs, says acting Detective Superintendent Amanda Glover.

Every detection of drugs at the border keeps our community safer and ensure that drug traffickers cannot reap profits by preying on Australians.

Australian Border Force superintendent Kelly-anne Parish echoed the sentiment, saying despite people trying to hide illicit drugs, our officers have the technology and expertise to find them.

This is a good example of the real-time capabilities of our officers working at the border, 24 hours a day, to protect the Australian community from harmful drugs.

Troels Sommerville/Stuff
Two people are facing charges as police crackdown on gang activity in the Bay of Plenty.

Over Labour Weekend, police used their new powers granted under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023 to execute nine CAIL warrants at two addresses and seven vehicles.

Items seized included $27,000 cash, weapons (not firearms), drugs LSD and cannabis, and ammunition.

A 22-year-old man, a gang member, has been charged with Possession of Class A drugs, Possession of Class C Drugs, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

A 36-year-old has been charged with Possession of Offensive Weapons.

Both men are due to appear in the Opotiki District Court on October 26.

"Police will continue to be out in the community, ready to respond to any unlawful behaviour by gangs and anyone who believes that they are above the law," says Eastern Bay of Plenty Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney.

"We are sending a clear message to all gangs and the wider public that police do not tolerate unlawful behaviour and will work hard to hold people to account."

RNZ
Andalusian hotels set to end 2023 with a record 53.7 million stays The province of Malaga accounts for 39% of the hotel stays up to September in the whole region with almost 17 million nights

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Andalusian hotels are on track to closing out the year with a record 53.7 million stays, 7% more than 2022.

Regional minister of tourism Arturo Bernal revealed the figures after pointing out that the first three quarters of the year resulted in 43.6 million nights booked, 6.9% more than in the same period last year.

The National Statistics Institute (INE) data, collated by the regional ministry of tourism, also revealed that the province of Malaga accounts for 39% of the overnight stays generated until September in the whole region with a total of almost 17 million. Some 7.5% more nights were booked in hotels along the Costa del Sol than last year, according to the figures.

Bernal said: "Andalucia will reach one of the best historical records in stays in 2023, with excellent evolution in hotel accommodation throughout the region." According to data from the INE's hotel occupancy survey, the monthly report on the hotel trade in the region shows an increase in the international market, with 19% more tourists and a 16.6% rise in overnight stays.

The minister of tourism added that Andalucia maintains its position as the leading destination for the domestic market, with 21.6% of overnight stays, and the fourth option in the country for foreigners.

He also pointed out a general growth in the hotel sector in the region, with all eight Andalusian provinces experiencing increases, with a 13.3% rise in Seville, 7.5% in Malaga and 6.8% in Cordoba. Stays in Almeria increased by 5.4%, in Granada by 5.3%, in Cadiz by 5.2%, in Huelva by 3.3% and in Jaen by 0.6%.

A key factor has been the good figures for September, which brought an end to a historic summer. The Junta de Andalucia revealed that Andalusian hotels welcomed two million tourists last month, 2.7% more than the same period in 2022. The minister also pointed out the impact the good results have had on employment and said that in the first nine months of the year, 8.7% more jobs have been created, reaching an average of 39,681 people employed in the industry.
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Local Police officers and municipal authorities are investigating complaints of dozens of animals locked up in "deplorable" conditions in two areas in Benalmadena.

The locations are known as Villa Mosca and Villa Nicho: two undeveloped areas of the coastal town. The first is situated under a motorway bridge and the second is behind a cemetery.

Villa Mosca was considered a livestock area at the end of the 90s, and since then has been growing "out of control", according to animal rights political party Pacma. Members of the organisation, as well as representatives of the Benalmadena Animalist Group, complained to the town hall after discovering the "dens" for animals, which are allegedly living in "deplorable conditions".

Meanwhile in Villa Nicho, animals are living in shacks which have been increasing in numbers over the years, according to the same sources. Pacma claimed that there are "cat farms", chickens, goats, dogs and horses in a very bad state, with an absolute lack of hygiene and "dens where there is no daylight". "You can hear the animals but they are locked up and it is impossible to see them."

Following the complaint, Benalmadena Local Police started investigating the areas this week "to determine and verify the existence of animal abuse and to coordinate, if necessary, the measures to transfer them to animal protection centres", according to municipal sources.

Police ruled out animal mistreatment after their first inspection, as well as any existence of a cat breeding centre.

Another inspection is set to be carried out this week with personnel from the Junta de Andalucia. The town hall said the aim will be to find out how many animals there are, who their owners are, inspect the conditions and dismantle the dens.

Pacma said the next steps "should not be to move the animals to other places or to slaughter them" but that "the town hall should demand that the facilities be repaired and ensure that the animals are kept in optimum conditions".
The President of the Russian Swimming Federation, Vladimir Salnikov, has criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the conditions for the admission of Russian athletes to the 2024 Games. The four-time Olympic Games winner called the requirements for representatives of the aggressor country to participate in the tournament in Paris "a real humiliation."

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Salnikov said this in a comment to Sport24. According to the former swimmer, the Olympic Games are allegedly impossible to hold without Russians, and the IOC is "inventing additional obstacles to prevent" athletes from Russia from participating in the upcoming Games.

"The IOC offers conditions in which it is impossible to perform. This is a real humiliation! If they are not changed, the chances of our athletes competing in Paris are almost zero. I can't imagine the Olympics without Russia, but everything is being done to keep us out. Currently, there is a competition in the theater of the absurd: "Who will come up with additional obstacles to keep Russia out?" The ideals of Olympism have not disappeared. The restrictions are creating double standards. At the same time, people keep a straight face and believe they have made a great achievement," Salnikov said.

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Earlier, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), said that his organization would not send athletes to the Paris 2024 Games. As a reminder, the IOC has temporarily expelled the ROC, which illegally included Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson councils in its membership.

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As OBOZ.UA reported, Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin accused the IOC of "ethnic discrimination" against Russians. In response, the organization harshly put the Russian president in his place.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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An iceberg that was set to be displayed in Calle Larios as part of an arctic exhibition in the city has broken during its transfer to Malaga.

The idea was to sit the iceberg from Greenland in the city's main shopping street and let it melt to raise awareness about climate change. But the great 15-tonne attraction of the Arctic Challenge project will not go ahead, due to a technical problem in the transfer which broke the iceberg.

SUR in English reported on the project led by Malaga adventurer Manolo Calvo in July this year. The educational venture in Greenland involved young people who had overcome cancer.

"The change that has taken place in a matter of five years is alarming. Where there used to be ice and large glaciers, there are areas where there is nothing left," he told SUR.

That is when he came up with the idea of raising awareness among the people of Malaga with a graphic example. He wanted to reproduce in Malaga city what is happening in the Arctic and what has the scientific community on alert.

Calvo stated at the time that it would not be easy to bring the iceberg to Malaga. Manolo Calvo's son was in charge of coordinating the transfer. "It's not that we arrived in Greenland and just thought of bringing an iceberg home. It is a project that has been in the works for seven months and that has all the relevant permits," Calvo said. He calculated that the arrival of the iceberg would be towards the end of August or the start of September, and that at that time - at the beginning of August - it was in a container, at 22 degrees below zero, in the port of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

"The company has taken responsibility for the incident and therefore no funds have been allocated, either directly or indirectly, for the transport of the iceberg, which in any case was already detached when it was taken," explained the organisers.
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Marbella's famous Civitas Puerto Banus port has been recognised as one of the most sustainable marinas in the country.

In a recent study, the Sustainability Observatory selected the 10 most important ports in Spain, with more than 7,000 moorings. All of them are located in the Mediterranean, the coast with the most demand.

The two Malaga province ports selected were Puerto Deportivo de Estepona and Civitas Puerto Banus, while across the rest of the country, Puerto Sotogrande (Cadiz), Marina de Valencia, Marina Port Ibiza, Marina Ibiza, Port Adriano (Mallorca), Puerto Portals (Mallorca), Real Club Nautico de Palma and Marina Port Vell (Barcelona) were chosen.

The study then determined which are the ports that show the greatest commitment to sustainability and in what way they implement actions to comply with the sustainable development goals agreed by the United Nations in its Agenda 2030.

Civitas Puerto Banus was deemed the most outstanding marina for its achievements in direct conservation of endangered species of marine biodiversity, such as the ferruginous limpet or the existence of other aquatic mammals. Civitas Puerto Banus also showed impressive progress in achieving all of the UN's sustainable development goals, according to the study.

Among the environmental actions planned in the coming weeks by Civitas Puerto Banus, is a day dedicated to reforesting part of an urban forest within the Sierra de Mijas on 4 November. "Bringing this affected area back to life is part of our commitment to the planet, to our environment, to our province and to the fulfilment of the sustainable development goals that we have been implementing for more than four years," said Benjamin Sanchez Morett, head of the marina's sustainability and environment committee.
STEP seeks to increase the amount of support available to environmental technology, research-intensive technology (deep tech), and biotechnology through a number of existing EU programmes. The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise is critical of the proposal for several reasons and has formulated its view on the proposal below.

The proposal to establish a Strategic Technologies Platform is composed of a Regulation (2023/0199) and new funding from Member States of that would range from EUR 10 billion (in the COM proposal) to EUR 13 billion (in the EP mandate).

Summary

STEP distorts competition in the single market and introduces incentives that risk reducing efficiency in the projects it seeks to support. This includes the conflation of research, industry and cohesion policy, which is extremely unfortunate and concerning in light of the forthcoming announcement of a European sovereign fund, which it is reasonable to assume will be based on STEP.

Given that the European Parliament has already voted in favour of the proposal, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise understands the challenges associated with stopping the entire legislative proposal, or key parts of it. Swedish Enterprise would therefore like to emphasize the following important points:

Prevent discrimination between Member States and competition distortion by applying the same conditions to investment in all Member States.

Limit the introduction of new assessment criteria that undermine excellence in projects.

Maintain existing co-financing requirements.

Resist demands for new funding from Member States.

Distortion of competition

A substantial part of the proposal is characterised by cohesion policy objectives. It has been indicated that the proposal has in part been designed to compensate for the more permissive state aid rules which have made it possible for countries, particularly resource-rich Member States, to grant greater state aid to domestic companies. It is also true that some countries, especially Germany, have granted large amounts of aid in cash and in terms of GDP per capita.

However, the amount of aid that has been granted has not been in relation to all countries GDP. Sweden is among those countries that, according to the European Commissions latest available statistics on state aid[1], has granted the least amount of aid. Large countries such as Germany and France have granted significantly more aid than Sweden has in absolute terms and in relation to GDP. The same applies to countries that in the proposed STEP are given particularly favourable treatment, for example that have a GDP below the EU average, or, for certain parts of the proposals, that have a GDP below 75 per cent of the average. This mainly applies to countries in the eastern and southern parts of the EU. Almost all of these countries grant more state aid than Sweden does.

Swedish Enterprise therefore finds it unreasonable that the measures should be designed so that investments in EU Member States are made under different conditions. This will distort competition and lead to less efficient allocation of resources. The purpose of providing state aid will undermined, at least from a Swedish perspective, and in the eyes of other Nordic countries and the Benelux, for example. On the contrary, competition distortions would be magnified. Swedish Enterprise therefore believes that STEP should be designed in such a way that it does not discriminate between different countries  investments in all countries should be made on equal terms.

Furthermore, Swedish Enterprise believes that the proposals should seek to reduce the amount of state aid within the EU over the long term, and that business conditions should primarily be promoted through broad measures to lower costs and improve access to skills, infrastructure and effective regulation. The amount of state aid within the EU has increased for many years, and it is extremely important that regulations are tightened following the introduction of a large number of temporary crisis frameworks. Aid granted based on the central EU budget will not be classified as state aid unless national authorities control such allocations. Either way, this entails selective support for specific economic activities that will distort competition between companies. This is extremely problematic.

A problematic mishmash of research funding, industrial policy and cohesion policy

EU research funding is based on open programmes in which companies and projects, irrespective of the Member State in which their activities are conducted, compete based on objective criteria, where selection processes that are based on excellence, and where the aim of funding is to address a market failure in the form of too little research, especially at early technology readiness levels.

Swedish Enterprise is concerned over the increasing tendency for varying degrees of industrial and cohesion policy to be mixed into research policy. Since STEP is focused on development and manufacturing rather than research, this leads to a further shift in focus from research to manufacturing, which should fundamentally be something funded by the private sector. This has already happened with increased state aid being made available under the Semiconductor Act, the revision of the IPECI framework, and Article 2.8 of the Temporary Crisis and Adjustment Framework. State aid granted to manufacturing increases the risk of crowding-out effects and distorted competition, when potentially more efficient competitors are disadvantaged in relation to actors who are granted aid. STEP also introduces several cohesion policy elements, with primarily investments in certain countries with lower GDP benefiting from such policies.

In addition, the proposal includes elements of security policy, because one criteria for qualifying for STEP is that one manufactures a product on which the EU is strategically dependent on third countries for access to the product in question. This not only includes companies that develop new innovative technologies with a high degree of innovation, but also existing and well-known technologies that may receive support if the EU is dependent on individual third countries for them. This is protectionist/mercantilist thinking and will lead to investment being directed to areas where the EU is not necessarily competitive. Over time, this results in reduced productivity and competitiveness. Building on areas of strength and developing existing capacities simultaneously creates inverse and mutual dependencies, which helps reduce the risk of fraud and strengthens European industrys capacity to innovate and its long-term competitiveness.

This is extremely worrying, particularly given the stated aim of STEP to serve as a model for a future European sovereign wealth fund, with STEP being evaluated in 2025 to establish a basis for an assessment of whether the measures have been appropriate and whether it is necessary to scale up support to strategic sectors.

Proposals should be funded within the framework of existing resources

Under the Commission proposal, measures are to be funded by Member States providing new resources totalling EUR 10 billion. For Sweden, this amounts to SEK 4 billion, despite the fact that, according to the proposals, Sweden is excluded from benefiting from the majority of the proposed funding opportunities.

Swedish Enterprise does not believe it is justified to seek new funding from Member States budgets; rather, funding should be obtained through redistribution from less productive parts of the EU budget, as well as the use of unused funds in the EUs various support programmes, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Fresh funding from Member States also needs to be financed, which ultimately risks happening through increased taxation of the entrepreneurial community, or other increased costs or the cancellation of productive investments in respective Member States.

Proposed terms create perverse incentives

The proposal includes measures to introduce a number of more permissive conditions for financing. This applies in particular to the option of allowing a higher degree of funding from the EU (100%), i.e., that no co-financing would be needed. In addition, greater pre-financing (30%) would be allowed in 2024.

The requirement that projects be co-financed is fundamentally sound. This provides good incentives that project owners need in order to take on risk. Removing co-financing completely may lead to lower quality of projects and worse outcomes when high-risk projects are made possible in this way. The Commission briefly justifies the proposals by saying that they will lead to greater incentives for investment with such financing, as well as accelerating implementation. However, it is highly doubtful whether investments made possible by a removal of the requirement for co-financing should be financed. How removing the co-financing requirement would lead to faster implementation also appears unclear. It should be noted that the co-financing requirement is proven, and that financing levels have been adjusted over time. In less developed regions, the co-financing requirement is as low as 15%, which should not represent an obstacle to starting projects, but at the same time is effective to ensure that the right projects are started and run efficiently.

The proposal to implement an extraordinary pre-financing round in 2024 is intended to accelerate investment in 2024, and as an incentive for member states to re-prioritise their programmes towards investments under STEP. Swedish Enterprise is sceptical of this proposal as well. Suddenly increasing a budget and skewing the allocation of funds during a programme period may also make it difficult for supporting authorities to identify suitable projects. There is much to suggest that it is preferable to have a balanced allocation of funds over a programme period and avoid rapid amendments in the budget.

Sovereignty Seal: an attempt to unify a fragmented landscape of aid programmes

The Commission proposes the establishment of a so-called Sovereignty Seal for projects that meet one of the aims of STEP and one basic criteria in one of the included support programmes. An approved application, regardless of whether funding has been granted or not, would be required to provide a Sovereignty Seal that must show that it fulfils basic quality requirements; it may then be used to grant public or private funding in other contexts.

The purpose of the proposals  to attempt to simplify a complex system of partially overlapping support programmes within the EU and Member States  is certainly welcome. At the same time, several objections can be raised to the proposals. On the one hand, they do not reduce complexity per se, nor do they simplify or reduce existing support programmes. Furthermore, projects that receive the seal will be those that in some cases only fulfil basic criteria in one of the included support programmes. That in itself does not necessarily mean that projects meet any kind of excellence in absolute or relative terms. It cannot therefore fully replace an application process where companies are pitted against each other and assessed according to objective criteria, and where the best project or projects are selected. There is also concern that a seal such as this could enable the accumulation of support from several different support programmes which could result in a project being overfunded. Finally, it should be pointed out that there is already a Seal of Excellence, which broadly serves the same purpose; it should be made clear in all respects why an additional stamp is needed, and the seal of excellence should be evaluated before broadening its scope of use.
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Pulaski, N.Y. - Anthony Waldrons lawyer argued Tuesday that as a stepdad Waldron had no fatherly duties for his wifes son, Jordan Brooks, who authorities say died of malnutrition and neglect.

Opening statements were this morning in Waldrons trial in the death of 17-year-old Jordan on May 9, 2021. The teen, who had cerebral palsy, weighed only 55 pounds when he died, an average weight for a kid half his age. He also had many open, bleeding sores and sepsis.
By Joshua Solomon | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  A majority of Democratic voters in New York said they would prefer someone other than President Joe Biden as their partys nominee in the 2024 election, according to a new Siena College Research Institute poll.

Despite the distaste for Biden running for a second term, a plurality of New Yorkers said they would support him over former President Donald J. Trump or any third party candidate, if the election were today.

The results of the Siena poll offer a glimpse about a year before the presidential election, which widespread polling indicates favors a rematch between Biden and Trump. The poll was conducted between Oct. 15 and 19 among 1,225 registered voters in New York.

New Yorkers also tagged Biden with their lowest approval rating to date in Siena polls. A majority of New Yorkers, 52 percent, said they hold an unfavorable opinion about the current president; over the last year, Bidens unfavorable rating ranged from 43 to 50 percent.

Trump remains highly favored among Republican voters in New York to be the partys presidential nominee.

Migrants, crime, war

New Yorkers are frustrated with the ongoing migrant crisis in the state, they find crime is continuing to get worse in their own communities, and they support for Ukraine and Israel in the nations ongoing wars, according to the poll.

On the migrant crisis, New Yorkers echoed prior sentiments about the migrant crisis: it is a burden and the state has done more than enough.

About four-in-five New Yorkers said the migrant crisis is serious, although Republicans were far more likely to describe it as very serious than Democrats.

A bipartisan majority of New Yorkers also said they believe the state should focus on slowing the flow of migrants coming here instead of looking to assimilate those who have come here and help them find work. Gov. Kathy Hochul has sought to do both, creating a jobs program and advocating for the federal government to use stricter policies at the nations southern border.

A slight majority of New Yorkers said they disapprove of the job Hochul is doing on the border crisis, which has led to more than 100,000 migrants arriving in New York City over the last year. A majority of New Yorkers also said they agreed with recent statements by the citys mayor, Eric Adams, that there is no end in sight for the crisis.

On crime, New Yorkers generally said they believe it has gotten worse across the state over the last year  a finding that stands in contrast to lower numbers of certain reported crimes. Republicans were more likely to say they believe crime has gotten worse recently than Democrats; state GOP officials have often focused their political messaging on rampant crime in cities.

Many Democrats believe the level of crime is about the same in their own communities over the last year, while Republicans said it is worse this year than last year.

On the ongoing wars overseas, New Yorkers said they support federal aid and military assistance in Ukraine and Israel. Republicans are largely against continuing assistance in Ukraine  mirroring the soured sentiment that GOP party leaders have recently offered on the war with Russia.

Democrats and Republicans offered different views on their outlook on Israels next steps.

Democrats said a large-scale Israeli attack in Gaza is too risky based on the Palestinian civilians who may be killed or wounded in the process. Republicans said Israel must do everything it can to stop Hamas, regardless of civilian casualties. While a middle-ground option was not offered by Siena pollsters, 19 percent of respondents said they are unsure or refused to answer.

___

(c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
Ukraine is working to expand its partnership in the joint production of air defense systems. To ensure a reliable air shield over Ukrainian cities, the state is building special relations with the world's most powerful countries, including Germany.

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This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his speech at the sixth German-Ukrainian Economic Forum under the slogan "Recovery, Smart Growth and Security". The Head of State urged the participants to pay attention to the defense sector in Ukraine, as increasing the production of weapons, equipment and shells is the number one priority today.

"Some German companies have already started substantive cooperation with us in this area. And we invite all others," the President said.

He also emphasized that air defense production is "a strategic task."

"I have no doubt that we are able to implement it," Zelenskyy said.

As a reminder, on October 20, the President had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Head of State thanked the German government for the support that Germany provides to Ukraine, in particular for the transfer of Patriot and IRIS-T systems and ammunition as part of a recent large aid package.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Russian attacks have damaged or destroyed 37 military-industrial enterprises in Ukraine. But the state plans to restore them and actively develop them. This will make Ukraine a new center for the production of military products in Europe. UAH 55.8 billion has been allocated for this in the draft budget for 2024.

- In September, Zelenskyy said after a meeting with US President Joe Biden that Ukraine and the US had agreed to work together to produce weapons and defense systems.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israel escalated its bombardment of targets in the Gaza Strip, the military said Tuesday, ahead of an expected ground invasion against Hamas militants that the U.S. fears could spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The stepped-up attacks, and the rapidly rising death toll of thousands killed in Gaza, came as Hamas released two elderly Israeli women who were among the hundreds of hostages it captured during its devastating Oct. 7 attack on towns in southern Israel.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Israel since the war started, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, meeting with the families of French citizens who were killed or held hostage before heading to talks with top Israeli officials.

He told Israels President Isaac Herzog that he came to express our support and solidarity and share your pain as well as to assure Israel it is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

Gazas 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack. A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Monday carrying only a tiny fraction of the supplies aid groups say is necessary.

With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza. Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

On Tuesday, Israel said it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The previous day, Israel reported 320 strikes. The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said many of the airstrikes hit residential buildings, some of them in southern Gaza where Israel had told civilians to take shelter.

An overnight strike hit a four-story residential building in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing at least 32 people and wounding scores of others, according to survivors.

The fatalities included 13 from the Saqallah family, said Ammar al-Butta, a relative who survived the airstrike. He said there were about 100 people there, including many who had come from Gaza City, which Israel has ordered civilians to evacuate.

They were sheltering at our home because we thought that our area would be safe. But apparently there is no safe place in Gaza, he said.

Fifteen members of another family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Israel says it does not target civilians and says Hamas militants are using them as cover for their attacks. Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war, Israel said, and Hamas said it fired a new barrage Tuesday morning.

We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He again told Palestinians to head south for your personal safety.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staff were killed in bombings, bringing the number of its workers killed since the war started to 35. The agency said it found shrapnel in two of its facilities from nearby bombings.

The war has killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

On Monday night, the two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Their husbands, ages 83 and 84, were not released.

While I cannot put into words the relief that she is now safe, I will remain focused on securing the release of my father and all those  some 200 innocent people  who remain hostages in Gaza, Lifshitz daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, said in a statement.

Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv released photos Tuesday of Lifshitz sitting in an armchair, being wheeled in a wheelchair down a hall, soldiers in tow, and kissing unidentified people.

The women were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Lifschitz, an artist and academic in London who spells her name differently to her parents, told reporters last week that her parents were peace activists, and her father would drive to the Gaza border to take Palestinians to east Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them.

I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said.

Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah.

On Monday, Hamas released a video showing the handover, with militants giving drinks and snacks to the dazed but composed women, and holding their hands as they are walked to Red Cross officials. Just before the video ends, Lifshitz reaches back to shake one militants hand.

Around the same time, Israels internal security service, Shin Bet, released a recording showing Hamas prisoners  most in clean prison uniforms, but one in a bloody t-shirt and at least one wincing in pain  sitting handcuffed in drab offices talking about the Oct. 7 attack. The men said they were under orders to kill young men, and kidnap women, children and the elderly, and that theyd been promised financial rewards.

The Associated Press could not independently verify either video, and both the hostages and the prisoners could have been acting under duress.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast, if a ground offensive is launched.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in Syria, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were authorized to reveal sensitive negotiations.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday.
A Gardner, Massachusetts, mother who was found dead in her home on Sunday was planning to move to Texas with her children to get away from her husband, who police are searching for in connection with her death, according to documents from Gardner District Court.

Breanne Pennington, 30, of 42 Cherry St. was found dead inside a home at 42 Cherry Street around 9:14 a.m. on Oct. 22 after police were called for a reported disturbance. Aaron Pennington, 33, also of Gardner, was Breannes husband.

The affidavit read that at around 9:14 a.m., Kerri McDermott, a neighbor of the Penningtons, called 911 to Gardner police after she asked for help after the Penningtons four children came over to her house scared because they could not find their father and their mother was in her bedroom crying. The children also told McDermott that their fathers car was not in the driveway.

Police arrived within five minutes and found Breanne in bed in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot wound to the face, court documents said. Officers did not find anyone else at the home. Breanne was pronounced dead at 9:30 a.m. and the Chief Medical Examiners office was notified.

Following interviews and a video surveillance canvass of the neighborhood, investigators determined that Pennington and Breanne were having marital issues for a while, court documents said. He suffered from mental health issues for a while and had threatened suicide, while Breanne was planning to move to Texas and take the children with her to be away from him.

She was also known to have a firearm at the residence for her protection, court documents read, but neither had a license to carry firearms in Massachusetts. After a search warrant was issued, a gun was not found in the home. Three spent shell casings were found in the bedroom Breanne was in.

At around 8:50 a.m., Pennington was seen leaving the homes driveway in a 2013 BMW 320 sedan. At around 9:07 a.m., the children left the residence and went to McDermotts house next door.

Four children, ages 2, 5, 7, and 9, were living in the home and had went to their neighbors house, Worcester County District Attorney James Early Jr. said during a press conference Sunday night. Early said they are safe and in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Massachusetts State Police and Gardner police continue to search for Pennington. He is described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, 6 feet 2 inches and around 175 pounds. The BMW was said to have a Massachusetts veteran plate that reads 8A30, but state police said Pennington may have attached a different registration to the BMW, including a Texas plate that reads DTZ3103 or a California plate that reads 6CWN728.

No one should approach Pennington as he could be armed, Earlys office said.

Anyone who sees Pennington or the suspected vehicle should call 911, Gardner police at 978-632-5600 or MSP at 508-829-8236.

The investigation into the death is ongoing by State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Gardner Police Department.
Tankers International welcomes new pool partner Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and vessel from TRF

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation joins the pool, marking growth milestone

London, 19 October, 2023: Tankers International, the worlds largest shipping pool for VLCCs, has announced today that two VLCCs have joined the VLCC pool, with an additional vessel due imminently. One VLCC, owned and operated by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), a subsidiary of state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), has joined the VLCC pool, while another vessel from KPC is expected to join later this month. Meanwhile, existing pool partner Transportation Recovery Fund (TRF) has added another vessel - the Eco Seas - to the specialist VLCC Scrubber Pool. This brings the total fleet size to 66. With ownership in 39 ships across the product, crude, LPG, and bunker segments, KPC is a top 10 oil major with a substantial footprint in the Middle East. It will now be able to access support towards compliance with existing and future regulations and unlock efficiencies and commercial advantage through Tankers Internationals pool. KPC will also benefit from enhanced charter party terms, market intelligence and a collaborative approach to data insights via Tankers Internationals independent and transparent management service. KPCs vessels are a significant addition to our pools efficient, and diversified fleet, and reflect the ambitions of the pool, said Charlie Grey, CEO of Tankers International. Adding KPC to the pool provides our partners access to KPCs cargo base, as well as adding another layer of data and insights into the oil markets in the region. KPC commented: We have set ourselves the target to be a world leader in marine transport, and becoming a member of the Tankers International VLCC pool will further enable us to achieve this. The pool offers a great depth of market information and knowledge-sharing opportunities amongst gold standard owners, and we are looking forward to collaborating with the other partners. TRF joined the Tankers International VLCC pool in June 2023 with the addition of TRF Horten. The second vessel from TRF of the Eco Seas (DWT 299,998 MT / Built 2018), will reduce the average age for the scrubber pool, enabling Tankers International to offer modern, higher-performing vessels to the industry. Grey continued: TRFs addition to the pool only improves Tankers Internationals ability to offer top-quality vessels to the industry. Were proud that our professionalism and experience are reflected in their vote of confidence, and the pool will benefit from younger tonnage with better earnings distributed across the members. Michael Aasland, CEO of TRF Ship Management, said: Since our first addition to the pool, we have been impressed with the team at Tankers Internationals determination to deliver value. We have achieved strong financial returns in the near term, leading us to add another vessel to the pool.




In the morning of Tuesday, October 24, explosions were heard in Sevastopol, temporarily occupied by Russian troops in Crimea. The occupation administration of the city claimed that the Black Sea Fleet was allegedly repelling a "possible underwater attack."

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The explosions were reported by local Telegram channels. They were heard around 4 am. Residents of the city wrote in local chats that they could also hear shooting.

"They're shooting!", "Right now, a very loud line...", they wrote online.

At the same time, the so-called "governor" of Sevastopol, illegally appointed by the Kremlin, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said that an underwater attack was "possible." The representative of the occupiers did not specify what exactly this means.

"Loud sounds are on the outer raid - the Black Sea Fleet is repelling a possible attack by enemy submarine sabotage forces and means," he wrote.

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The Crimean Wind channel reported loud explosions at 3:35 and 3:40 in Sevastopol, as well as the sound of shooting. According to the resource, Russian air defense allegedly tried to shoot down a drone.

It should be noted that on the afternoon of October 23, explosions also occurred in Sevastopol. The occupation authorities did not comment on the situation, but local residents wrote that the explosion was so powerful that they could feel the "vibration".

On October 22, a fire broke out in the area of Kozatska Bay in Sevastopol. Russian propagandists reported that 2-3 missiles were allegedly shot down.

As OBOZ.UA reported, "bavovna" also visited Sevastopol on October 20. Then explosions were heard in the Balaklava district of the city. It was also loud in Dzhankoy. Z-channels wrote about the work of air defense and allegedly shot down missiles over the peninsula.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
V.Narayan Distinguished - BHPian

Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Delhi-NCR Posts: 3,857 Thanked: 58,493 Times

Re: Emigrating to a Foreign Land! Quote: car_guy1998 Originally Posted by Did anyone return to India after completing their Masters in the USA or any other country? Asking because I have seen a few people returning to India as soon as they complete their Masters and few people stayed back after Masters with the intention of working in abroad.



Also, I recently moved to USA in August to pursue my Masters in Business Analytics and my course duration is just 16 months. As soon as I complete my Masters here in USA, I intend to return to India for good and look after my family business or I might be working here in India. But, I think of staying in USA for few years by working here and then return to India for good.



And, the course I'm pursuing comes under OPT, where I can work in USA for 3 years in order to obtain the H1 visa.



It would be useful to work three to five years in USA in a firm of repute and get some exposure to their ways of working and learn the professionalism that their system has. I certainly learnt a lot, a lot, dealing with American companies like Boeing, Pratt & Whitney etc. I loved learning their methods and ways of working. It will also help you to become an international citizen who can equally comfortably work in the American environment as well as in the rough and tumble of the Indian environment. This is what I tell my kids - be an international world citizen who can straddle the India-America bridge which I believe over the next 50 years will only increase in depth and importance. Don't become one of those Indian immigrants who on one hand sneer at India (as some do) but can't figure out how to work in India successfully because by habit and attitude they have lost that skill. Far too many of my wife's and my batch mates who migrated to USA in 1980s fall into that category - they are not particularly successful or integrated in USA and their roots in India have withered too.



My very best wishes to you. I notice you are a young person and it seems genuinely seeking inputs. Hence, I am chiming in for what it is worth. I am in the category of those who did a Masters (my second) from a US University and chose to return to India immediately. I did not have a family business to return to. I just wanted to devote my professional energies in this country for this country and build my career here- but that is just me - it is not a route for everyone - I just happen to be a nationalist to my khadi buttonholes.It would be useful to work three to five years in USA in a firm of repute and get some exposure to their ways of working and learn the professionalism that their system has. I certainly learnt a lot, a lot, dealing with American companies like Boeing, Pratt & Whitney etc. I loved learning their methods and ways of working. It will also help you to become an international citizen who can equally comfortably work in the American environment as well as in the rough and tumble of the Indian environment. This is what I tell my kids - be an international world citizen who can straddle the India-America bridge which I believe over the next 50 years will only increase in depth and importance. Don't become one of those Indian immigrants who on one hand sneer at India (as some do) but can't figure out how to work in India successfully because by habit and attitude they have lost that skill. Far too many of my wife's and my batch mates who migrated to USA in 1980s fall into that category - they are not particularly successful or integrated in USA and their roots in India have withered too.My very best wishes to you. Last edited by V.Narayan : 16th October 2023 at 06:26 .
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 Uber / Kayra Sercan Canakc

Uber is taking to the skies in Cappadocia, Turkey, launching hot air balloon rides via Uber Reserve.

The sunrise hot air balloon trips will depart from Goreme, Cappadocia, taking riders on a 1.5 hour flight through the Goreme National Park, famed for its ethereal fairy chimneys and grand architecture carved into the limestone. With the early liftoff, riders will be able to see the stunning dawn views from 3,000 feet in the air.

This adventure can be booked directly in the app using Uber Reserve, including door-to-door rides from the hotel lobby to 3,000 feet in the sky. Uber Balloon trips will cost 150 per person, with 100 free flights being made available to celebrate the launch.

The launch of Uber Balloon arrives just in time for hot air balloon season, with millions of people expected to visit Cappadocia during October and November, following more than 1.6 billion views on TikTok videos from the region.

Over the last year, Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for Uber riders  international trips have risen by more than 30%  and nearly 26 million people have opened the app to request a ride this year alone. Uber now partners with over 38,000 taxi drivers and operates in nine cities in Turkey. This includes the three most populous cities  Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir  as well as the top tourist destination Antalya, with the number of trips taking place on the app increasing by over 50% since 2022, it claims.

The addition of hot air balloon rides to the Uber app is the latest in a series of new travel experiences built to help riders go anywhere with Uber.

Says Anabel Diaz, Vice President, EMEA Mobility at Uber:

What better way to help people quite literally go anywhere with Uber than by making one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world available in our app.

Turkey is one of our most popular destinations for international travellers and this is yet another way they can use our app to access a magical experience when visiting the country. Were always looking for new ways to add a little Uber magic to peoples vacations, so keep an eye out for more bucket-list experiences coming to the Uber app next year.

Availability of Uber Balloon trips is expected to be limited and subject to weather conditions. Riders looking to book a flight are encouraged to book in advance using the Uber Reserve function in the app a minimum of 12 hours prior to departure. The free hot air balloon rides will be limited to four people per day, until the offer expires on 19 November.

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UMS was started by SubJunk, an official developer of PMS, in order to ensure greater stability and file-compatibility.

To see a comparison of popular media servers, click here

Universal Media Server supports all major operating systems, with versions for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The program streams or transcodes many different media formats with little or no configuration. It is powered by MEncoder, FFmpeg, tsMuxeR, AviSynth, MediaInfo, VLC and more, which combine to offer support for a wide range of media formats.

Supported Devices:

AC Ryan PlayOn!HD

Apple iPhone

Asus O!Play

Brite-view CinemaTube

DirecTV HR

Freebox HD

LG Smart TV Upgrader

LG TVs

Nokia N900

Panasonic TVs

Philips Net TV

Philips Streamium

Popcorn Hour

Samsung TVs

Sharp TVs

Sony TVs

Sony PlayStation 3

Vizio Smart TVs

XBMC Media Center

Yamaha A/V receivers

Apple iPad

Apple iPod

Boxee

D-Link DSM

Freecom MusicPal

Google Android

Microsoft Xbox 360

OPPO Blu-ray players

Philips Aurea

Philips PFL

Pioneer Kuro

Realtek media players

Samsung smart phones

Showtime

Sony Blu-ray players

Sony A/V receivers

Sony Network Media Players

Western Digital WD TV Live

Xtreamer

What's New

General

System tray icon indicates when an update is available (thanks, Ty Lovejoy!)

Faster playback start and seeking via tsMuxeR

Fixed broken language parsing for locale-specific variants, like "en (US)" or "fr (CA)"

Fixed incorrect DLNA.ORG_PN values for transcoded video

Fixed deferring to tsMuxeR when video codec is not supported

Fixed settings changes not saving

Fixed using MPEG-2 DLNA.ORG_PN value for H.265 videos

Fixed some Android-based renderers being incorrectly detected as Pigasus

Fixed order of results in Media Library when sorted by date (thanks for reporting, stnnzp!)

Fixed migration of IP Filter settings from v12 (thanks, dytlzl!)

Fixed UPnP search responses

Fixed Live Subtitles folder showing in front page of web player (#3669) (thanks, Priyanka Ghosh Dastidar!)

Renderers

Fixed video support on some Samsung TVs (thanks, Fredo1650!)

Dependencies
A hot potato: Concerns about AI often revolve around issues such as misinformation or the potential for the technology to elude human control. However, an arguably more real concern today is how governments could employ AI and their institutional understanding (or lack thereof) of its flaws. For instance, the UK government seems to have embraced the technology at a pace that might be considered hasty and potentially unsafe.

The Guardian reports that multiple UK government institutions have started utilizing AI in ways that could significantly affect the daily lives of ordinary people. The technology now plays a role in various procedures, ranging from arrests and marriage license, to benefit payments.

The use of facial recognition systems by the police has been contentious even before AI became a widely-discussed trend. Critics have long warned its potential inaccuracy, especially when analyzing subjects with darker skin tones. Such inaccuracies have even led to wrongful detentions in the past. Despite being aware of these shortcomings, the London Metropolitan Police continue to employ facial recognition, making modifications that arguably impair the technology.

The National Physical Laboratory stated that the system typically maintains a low error rate under default settings. However, if the Metropolitan Police reduces its sensitivity  possibly in an effort to identify suspects faster  it results in more false positives. Consequently, the system's accuracy for Black people diminishes, becoming five times less precise compared to its accuracy for White individuals.

Furthermore, AI-based tools employed by the government to approve benefits and marriage licenses have shown a tendency to discriminate against applicants from certain countries. A parliament member highlighted numerous instances in recent years where benefits were inexplicably suspended, putting individuals on the brink of eviction and extreme poverty. The suspected underlying issue is a system used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for detecting benefits fraud, which partially relies on AI.

Even without substantial evidence pointing to fraud, this tool disproportionately flags Bulgarian nationals. The DWP insists the system doesn't consider nationality. Yet, they admit to not fully grasping the AI's inner workings, possess limited ability to inspect it for bias, and refrain from disclosing their findings, fearing that bad actors could game the system.

Similarly, the Home Office faces challenges with an AI-driven tool designed to identify sham marriages. While this system streamlines the approval process for marriage licenses, internal evaluations discovered a significant number of false positives, particularly concerning applicants from Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania.

There may be other oversights in the government's deployment of AI, but without transparent data from the relevant departments, it's hard to pinpoint them.

Misunderstandings regarding the limits of AI have caused serious incidents within other government and legal institutions. Earlier this year, a US lawyer tried to use ChatGPT to cite cases for a federal court filing, only to find that the chatbot had fabricated all of them. Such cases increasingly prove that the genuine risk of AI might stem less from the technology itself and more from human misuse.
Former Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin has suggested that the Kremlin strike a major Ukrainian city with a space rocket. He turned to the head of the Russian Rocket and Space Center, Dmitry Baranov, to discuss the technical details of an attack with an explosive rocket.

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This was reported by BILD. The journalists got a recording of Rogozin's phone conversation with Baranov: in it, they clearly stated that it would be best to launch a space rocket from the Plesetsk cosmodrome with explosives on board.

"The officials discussed the risks of this idea. They noted that parts of the rocket could fall on the territory of the Russian Federation, as the error on impact could be from 50 to 100 km," the media reported.

Also, according to Baranov, the main problem is that due to the supersonic entry into the atmosphere, the existing heavy high explosive guided bombs or warheads will overheat at a speed of 6 km/sec. In response, Rogozin promised his interlocutor that he would consult with designer Yuriy Solomonov.

The former head of Roscosmos calls Russian dictator Putin "our great and terrible" and says he will pass the plan to him through his chief of staff, Anton Vain. According to BILD, the plan was indeed conveyed to the Kremlin leader on January 16, but it is unknown how he reacted to it.

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Earlier, Rogozin said that Russia allegedly has the right to use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine because it would be the "only way out" in view of the upcoming counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian unexpectedly admitted that the forces and means of Ukrainian defenders pose a danger to the Russian Armed Forces.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in September, the Russian invaders appointed Rogozin as a "senator" of the temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhia region. This personnel decision was made by Yevhen Balytskyi, a collaborator and accomplice of the Russian occupiers in the temporarily occupied Melitopol.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A hot potato: The loss of jobs, the death of human creativity, plagiarism, wiping out the human race  is there anything else we need to worry about when it comes to advanced AI? Yes, according to the head of the SEC: a financial crisis that is "nearly unavoidable."

Gary Gensler, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, told the Financial Times that the increasing use of AI systems will almost certainly lead to the financial markets crashing within the next decade.

Gensler warns that the almost inevitable crisis will come about due to reliance on AI models developed by tech companies. He also blamed the a lack of diversity among the AI tools that are currently used by financial institutions to monitor the markets, offer advice, automate account opening, and more.

The solution, Gensler says, is to introduce regulation that oversees both the generative AI models and how they are used by Wall Street entities, which have been adopting the technology in droves since the start of the year. But the SEC head admits that this will be a "cross-regulatory challenge."

"It's frankly a hard challenge," Gensler told the FT. "It's a hard financial stability issue to address because most of our regulation is about individual institutions, individual banks, individual money market funds, individual brokers; it's just in the nature of what we do. And this is about a horizontal [matter whereby] many institutions might be relying on the same underlying base model or underlying data aggregator."

Gensler's scenario wouldn't mark the first time technology has crashed financial markets. Back in 2010, a British trader caused a "flash crash" by illegally manipulating the market by flooding the Chicago Mercantile Exchange with bogus orders from his parents' basement in London. It resulted in almost $1 trillion being wiped off the value of US shares before immediately rebounding. Regulators said that high-frequency trading algorithms played a part in the crash.

So far, AI companies have agreed to self-regulate and manage the risks posed by their technologies, but governments are calling for tighter regulation. The EU's in-the-works AI Act could force developers of generative artificial intelligence tools to submit them for review before general release. The US government, meanwhile, is still reviewing the technology to decide which aspects require regulation.

The SEC proposed new rules in July that would require broker-dealers and investment advisers to take certain steps to address conflicts of interest associated with their use of predictive analytics to interact with investors. The aim is to prevent firms from placing their interests ahead of investors' interests.

While the likes of Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan are using AI models to help traders and financial advisers, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of America all banned employees from using ChatGPT at work earlier this year.

Center image: Third Way Think Tank
The big picture: Qualcomm recently introduced the "Snapdragon X" branding for its next-generation Arm-based PC processors. Although the company did not disclose the specific names of the X-series chips, rumors indicate that the premium chipset in the lineup will likely be named Snapdragon X Elite. A subsequent leak appears to have revealed some details about the forthcoming SoC, which could potentially fuel high-end Arm-based Windows devices in the near future.

The news comes from Windows Report, which claims the Snapdragon X Elite will offer up to twice the CPU and GPU performance of equivalent x86 processors from Intel and AMD. The report also states that the chip will be based on a 4nm architecture and feature a CPU with 12 high-performance cores clocked at 3.8 GHz, with a dual-core boost of 4.3 GHz. It will reportedly include up to 42 MB of total cache and is expected to support up to 64 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory with a maximum bandwidth of 136 GB/s.

On the GPU side, the Snapdragon X Elite is said to come with an unspecified Adreno GPU with up to 4.6 TFLOPs of computing power and support for DirectX 12. Connectivity options for the new chip are said to include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Additionally, the VPU (Video Processing Unit) will reportedly support AV1 encoding and decoding, marking a significant upgrade from the Snapdragon 8cx Gen3.

Other rumored specs include support for up to a 4K 120 Hz internal display and dual 5K60 external displays. Devices powered by the new chip could come with NVMe SSDs over PCIe Gen 4, with support for the UFS 4.0 specification. The chipset will also support up to 3x USB-C, 3x USB4, 2x USB3.2 Gen2, and 1x eUSB2 ports.

With the Snapdragon X Elite, Qualcomm is said to be focusing on on-device generative AI. The new CPU and NPU are designed to enhance performance and efficiency in AI workloads, including on-device chat assistants and image generation. PCs featuring the Snapdragon X Elite are expected to hit the market in mid-2024. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Xiaomi, Honor, and Lenovo are expected to release devices with the new chipset.

Qualcomm appears to be bringing significant improvements with the Snapdragon X Elite to address previous issues. With Apple demonstrating the capability of creating powerful and efficient computers using Arm chips, it will be interesting to see if Arm-powered Windows devices can now compete on equal terms with Intel and AMD.
The big picture: The IP address is a fundamental component for connecting a PC, a smartphone, or any other digital device to the internet. The global network primarily consists of IP addresses and data packets exchanged through them. However, IP addresses can also be exploited to infringe upon users' rights to privacy and anonymity.

Google is intensifying its efforts to combat IP-based tracking and profiling with IP Protection, a new Chrome experiment previously known as Gnatcatcher. As Google Senior Software Engineer Brianna Goldstein explains, IP Protection is designed to route third-party traffic for specific domains through proxies. This process effectively masks the user's original IP address from these domains.

Google states that browser developers are working diligently to safeguard users' privacy. However, the IP address still offers an effective means to "associate users' activities across origins" in a manner that wouldn't be achievable otherwise. This information can accumulate over time, creating a distinctive "persistent user profile" for tracking users across the web.

In contrast to third-party cookies, which Google plans to replace with a new advertising platform, an IP address typically doesn't offer a "straightforward" opt-out method for this kind of surreptitious, effective tracking. Google's solution to address this privacy concern involves using proxies to conceal the IP address. Nonetheless, this feature will need to evolve gradually to ensure compatibility and interoperability with the evolving "ecosystem."

IP Protection will undergo testing in multiple phases, as Goldstein explained. In Phase 0, the feature will be opt-in, and Google will employ its proxy to mask IP identification requests from domains it owns. Google will assess the infrastructure's performance while ensuring minimal impact on other companies. To maintain simplicity, it will grant proxy access to clients with US-based IP addresses exclusively.

To participate in the IP Protection testing, users will need to be logged into Chrome. Google also mentioned that a small percentage of clients will be "automatically enrolled" in the initial test. In future phases, Mountain View plans to implement two proxies, with the second one being managed by an external CDN company. This arrangement ensures that neither proxy can access both the client's IP address and the destination, as Google explains.

The advertising corporation has acknowledged the risks associated with IP Protection, as the system no longer provides a "stable IP" to masked users. This change could render IP-based geolocation for legitimate services impossible. As a solution, Google is planning to use proxy connections that can offer a "coarse" location of the user instead of their precise location.

Mountain View is also anticipating potential security issues, such as DDoS attacks or traffic manipulation, if a proxy is compromised. To address these concerns, the company is proposing an authentication measure for using the IP Protection proxy. Additionally, limiting the traffic rate could help mitigate the impact of a potential DDoS attack.
Rumor mill: More rumors have arrived relating to Nvidia's alleged Super versions of its RTX 4000 series. The latest claim is that Team Green is not only planning an RTX 4080 Super, but it will also discontinue the current RTX 4080 to make way for the new variant.

The new Super allegation comes from Chinese tech site IT Home. As with all rumors, a healthy dose of salt is recommended with this one.

It's claimed that retailers in China are stocking up on RTX 4080 cards ahead of it being replaced by the Super version. Manufacturers are also said to be increasing shipments, but many still expect to see the card's price go up and its availability decline if it is killed off by Nvidia, especially if the RTX 4080 Super proves to be a lot more expensive than the current $1,199 (MSRP) vanilla version.

We've also heard some rumors about what sorts of specs the RTX 4080 Super will be packing. Benchlife claims that board partners revealed the card will use the AD102 GPU and come with 20GB of memory. That's a big jump over the current AD103-powered RTX 4080's 16GB and would be a welcome upgrade when more games are demanding increasing amounts of VRAM. It's also likely that the Super variant will see the 256-bit memory bus increase to 320-bit.

I have some different opinions.

I think the relationship between RTX 4080 Super and RTX 4080 is similar to that between RTX 2080 Super and RTX 2080. https://t.co/LJqKZRISta  kopite7kimi (@kopite7kimi) October 23, 2023

Those specs would represent an impressive performance uplift for the RTX 4080 Super compared to the RTX 4080, but not everyone thinks this will be the case. Prolific and usually accurate leaker kopite7kimi believes the differences between the two cards will mimic those of the RTX 2080 and RTX 2080 Super, meaning the new variant might come with the full AD 103 GPU, introducing more SMs and CUDA cores along with increased boost clocks, thereby offering only a slight improvement.

Last week, we heard from two leakers that Nvidia is planning an RTX 4080 Super, RTX 4070 Super, and RTX 4070 Ti Super. That last one sounds unlikely, but Nvidia isn't afraid to release multiple versions of the same card and use names likely to confuse everyday consumers.

To reiterate, these are all still rumors, but Nvidia isn't expected to release the next-gen RTX 5000 series until 2025, so a refresh does look likely.
In context: Google's search ads are already deceptive enough. Sure, they are marked with a "sponsored" indicator, but they still appear as a legit search result that could trick the inattentive into clicking an ad when they only wanted information. What makes matters worse is that bad actors have figured out multiple ways to abuse these faux search results to scam people.

A common tactic for getting people to download and install malware is to trick them into clicking a search ad disguised as the legit company that makes the desired software. Malwarebytes reports that attackers now use Punycode in Google Ads to make their URLs look even more authentic.

This tactic is called a "homograph attack" because it uses Unicode characters of non-Latin scripts, like Cyrillic, Arabic, Greek, Chinese, and others, to create a cloned URL that leads to a scam website. Malwarebytes points to a recently found malicious Google ad for the KeePass password manager as an example.

Previously, attackers would use subdomains and extensions similar to the site they were mimicking to trick users into clicking, but these are pretty easy to spot. However, by translating a URL into Punycode, bad actors can create an address that looks completely authentic.

As you can see in the image above, the bogus URL looks identical to the authentic one below it. This trick is sneaky enough to fool the most attentive and tech-savvy users. The only giveaway appears after clicking the bogus ad and going to the malicious website. Once there, the browser's address bar will show the address in Unicode, giving the ruse away. Unfortunately, unless the user knows it could be a scam, most won't even look at the address bar, especially when the website that appears is nearly identical to the software company's.

However, even looking at the Unicode address in the browser, users could still miss the subtle visual cue if they aren't looking carefully. Notice in the image below how the only difference between the legit address on the left and the bogus one on the right is the tiny symbol under the 'k.' Users could easily miss this sign or dismiss it as a speck on their monitor.

Homograph attacks have been around for a while, but this is the first time Malwarebytes has seen it used in conjunction with Google ads. Unfortunately, there's no simple fix, especially if attackers use other techniques to make their fake sites seem real.

Your best bet is to avoid clicking search result ads when looking for software. It's best to go directly to the company's website and look for the software straight from the source or use a trusted mirror like TechSpot Downloads. We authenticate all our downloads, scanning the software locally and through VirusTotal to ensure they are malware-free.

Bottom line: Avoid clicking ads in Google search results. We have issued similar warnings that they can't be trusted. At the least, you are handing Google your ad preferences to add to your existing (and likely extensive) advertising profile. At worst, you could land on a website that means to do you harm. Until Google figures out a way to prevent bad actors from abusing its ad platform, there is really no legitimate reason to click on their ads.
Recap: Stefan Thomas was awarded 7,002 Bitcoins over a decade ago in exchange for helping produce an animated video about the budding cryptocurrency. The programmer stored the digital currency on a highly encrypted USB drive known as an IronKey and wrote down the password on a sheet of paper for safekeeping. Predictably, that piece of paper ended up missing and the crypto has been locked in digital purgatory ever since.

Making matters worse is the face that the IronKey device has a built in mechanism that only allows for 10 password guesses before its contents are destroyed. In 2021, Thomas told The New York Times that he only has two guesses left. The story does not end there, but it does take a weird turn.

Around that same time, a team of hackers and cryptographers formed a started called Unciphered that specializes in breaking into locked drives like the one Thomas owns. In early 2023, they started working on IronKey devices similar to what they believe Thomas is in possession of as part of an operation they called Project Everest.

Slowly but surely, the team found cracks in the armor  bits of code that looked sloppy, or was written in a way that was not ideal. They bought every example of the aging device they could get their hands on and used high-end technology like CT scanners to help reverse engineer the drive, going so far as to build a full 3D model of the stick's secure enclave. In July, the work finally paid off as the team successfully read the contents of a decrypted IronKey drive for the very first time.

"We just summited Everest," proclaimed Unciphered CEO Eric Michaud.

The team has since unlocked IronKey devices more than a thousand times  all in a non-destructive manner  and even demonstrated it three times for Wired. With that sort of success rate, you would think Thomas would be chomping at the bit to strike up a deal with Unciphered and finally gain access to his Bitcoins, but that has not been the case.

According to Wired, Unciphered reached out to Thomas through a mutual associate but Thomas politely declined their assistance. In an e-mail to the publication, Thomas said he is already working with a different set of experts on the recovery and is not in a position to negotiate with someone else right now. "It's possible that the current team could decide to subcontract Unciphered if they feel that's the best option," he said, adding that, "we'll have to wait and see."

It is worth noting that Thomas likely isn't hurting for money. In the 2021 piece with The NY Times, he said he had managed to hold on to enough Bitcoin (and not lose the passwords) to give him "more riches than he knows what to do with."

Given Bitcoin's value of around $34,300 per coin, Thomas' locked haul has a value of more than $240 million as of this writing.

Image credit: Simon, Alesia Kozik
There is still a niche following for Apple's famed iPod Classic this 2023, and no need to worry, as a retailer is offering fans and interested buyers several units of the vintage technology. The good thing about this sale is that the company has a track record for selling old Apple iPods in the past, and earlier the company also sold another "vintage and retro" lineup from the Cupertino giant.

Apple gained fame because of its iPods, being one of the earliest consumer tech gadgets it had, but already saw its discontinuation during modern times.

Where to Buy iPod Classic in 2023? Urban Outfitters Has Them

(Photo : Cate Gillon/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Inquirer has reported that Urban Outfitters is selling a unique tech for all, and the company calls them "vintage" iPods through its "vintage retro tech" initiative. The retail company is now selling three variants of the Apple tech including the iPod Color (4th Gen), iPod (4th Gen), and the iPod Classic (5th Gen) for $349.99.

It may sound a little overpriced, and this is because it is.

Urban Outfitters has collaborated with Retrospekt to source these iPods and restore them to pristine condition, with the devices branded as refurbished items.

Despite being refurbished, Urban Outfitters and Retrospekt are selling the devices in great state, somehow justifying the $350 price tag.

Read Also: Apple Store Time Machine: Revisit Iconic Retail Stores' Opening Days in a 3D Immersive Experience

Users Express Concern Over Overpriced Apple 'Vintage' Tech

Different users on X have expressed their concerns about what Urban Outfitters and Retrospekt are selling, especially for its $350 price tag for one device. Some users are questioning the price tag on these iPod Classics, sharing the screenshots of the listings on their feed.

why is urban outfitters selling a 5th generation iPod for $349????? pic.twitter.com/VwPWL9so3t  christina (@17cityblocks) October 22, 2023

It was seen before that Urban Outfitters and Retrospekt sold 1st-gen iPod Minis for $199.99 but was originally available for $99 from Apple during its release.

Urban Outfitters is selling iPod 5th gen for $349?!? theyre crazy for that lmaoo pic.twitter.com/lV8Dfe3uxr  jordan  (@j_superfruit) October 21, 2023

Apple's iPod Classic and Its Legacy

Back in 2022, Apple confirmed that the long-running device it has developed from the ground up, the iPod, is seeing discontinuation and will no longer see the light of day in stores and retailers. It was reported before that after two decades, there has been a decline for the iPod, and the numbers reflect an 89-percent drop on average despite its discontinuation.

It was Apple's first MP3 player, and the only device in its lineup to deliver this experience, alongside different variants including the iPod Mini, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, and the iPod Shuffle. There are still many modders who keep the device alive, paying homage to Apple and their earlier experience, creating a retro Spotify player that makes use of an old iPod.

Last year, we saw the end of an era of one of Apple's most popular and unique technologies, with the company moving on from its development and focusing on its current tech. However, there are still places where one could get iPods and their variants, with the likes of Urban Outfitters, who despite selling it for a high price, offer good condition, refurbished devices to keep the experience alive.

Related Article: iPod Father Tony Fadell Joins ARM as Board Member-How Would It Affect Apple's Silicon Focus?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The world of Silicon and Arm-based chips is expanding, as more and more companies are looking to develop this, with NVIDIA now the center of new reports claiming this new focus. NVIDIA is creating these for Microsoft Windows PCs, one that would rival the famed development of Apple for its Mac computers, centering on the renowned Apple Silicon known as the M-series.

Arm-based chips, SoCs, and Silicons are taking the world by storm, with massive demand now seen for all-in-one processors for various devices.

NVIDIA is Working on New Arm-Based Chips for Windows

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A sign is posted in front of the Nvidia headquarters on May 10, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. Nvidia Corporation will report first quarter earnings today after the closing bell.

Reuters reported that NVIDIA is now "quietly" starting its development of a new computer processor, an Arm-based one meant for Windows PCs to use. As per the report, NVIDIA is looking to match Intel's current computer chips, especially with its fame amongst the Microsoft Windows PC platforms which focus on its different chips including the Core i-series.

It was said that NVIDIA's development of the Arm-based chips could come out as early as 2025, but it remains unconfirmed by both semiconductor companies.

NVIDIA had previous experience in using Arm-based developments, but it was meant for data centers, and not for the everyday computer.

Read Also: Leaker Reveals Nvidia's RTX 5090 May Run With 24,576 Cuda Cores-Just How Powerful Is It?

Will NVIDIA Rival Apple's M-Series Silicon Chips?

Engadget claimed that this move is part of Microsoft's current focus on challenging Apple's M-series-powered computers with Windows PCs featuring Arm-based chips. In an email to NVIDIA, the report claimed that the company declined to comment regarding this development.

It was revealed that Apple's Arm-based Silicon chips have doubled in its market share in the past three years since it was first introduced in 2020.

Arm-Based, Silicon Chips from Big Tech

The renowned British semiconductor company, Arm, is best known for sharing its technology with different names in the big tech, with Apple being the most iconic in the past and present years. Since 2020, Apple has introduced the world to the Arm-based Silicon chip, featuring an all-in-one processor meant for Macs, with Cupertino extending the collaboration beyond 2040.

That is a long time for Apple to work with Arm, with the M-series proving to be a highly successful one, leaving behind Intel.

However, not all are welcome to use Arm's technology, especially as it recently filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm for its plans to develop a new Arm-based computer chip via its Nuvia acquisition.

Intel is on its way to delivering a future Arm-based processor for smartphones, soon to power devices and deliver a massive experience to all on the mobile, showing the massive growth and demand for Arm's technology.

Now, NVIDIA is the next company to reportedly be working on an Arm-based computer processor, soon to bring the experience to Microsoft Windows.

Related Article: Jensen Huang Says Building Nvidia Was 'Million Times Harder' Than Expected

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Federal Trade Commission is taking steps to enhance its understanding of the psychological impacts of social media by recruiting child psychologists to bolster its regulatory efforts.

(Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 13: FTC Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter (5th L) and Alvaro Bedoya (6th L) attend a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Bringing Onbard In-House Child Psychologists

Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya revealed that the agency is proactively planning to bring onboard in-house child psychologists who will be responsible for assessing the mental ramifications of social media use, investigating the influence of dark patterns, and monitoring emerging trends.

While FTC possesses a cadre of 80 Ph.D. economists to address economic inquiries, his interview The Record stated that it currently lacks dedicated in-house experts in the field of psychological impacts. Bedoya emphasizes the need to have such expertise readily available when allegations of mental health consequences are raised.

The agency aims to send a strong signal to other U.S. law enforcement agencies by establishing a permanent in-house capacity for this purpose.

The Verge reported that FTC's recruitment of child psychologists is anticipated to be realized by the autumn of 2024, or possibly even earlier, marking a significant step in bolstering its capabilities for addressing the evolving landscape of social media's effects on individuals' mental well-being.

Bedoya discussed the agency's expansion plans under the leadership of Chair Lina Khan. The FTC intends to bolster its expertise by hiring child psychologists as full-time staff members, aiming to enhance its rulemaking and enforcement actions regarding social media companies.

The FTC will initiate this transition gradually, commencing with a small number of child psychologist hires, with plans for continued expansion. This move coincides with growing attention to children's online safety and the mental health implications of social media on young users.

Broader Initiative

CNBC reported that the FTC's strategy aligns with a larger national effort within the U.S. government, highlighting the importance of online safeguards for children and teenagers. Federal and state legislators have put forth fresh proposals aimed at enhancing internet safety.

These initiatives may involve stricter age verification requirements or increased expectations for tech companies to create secure products catering to young audiences. In a significant development, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in May, underscoring the substantial mental health risks associated with young individuals' use of social media platforms.

Also Read: FTC's 'Click to Cancel' Rule to Impose Fines Against Companies That Requires More Process for Cancelation



He recently traveled to London to meet with the UK's top tech industry regulators, seeking insights into their more proactive approach to addressing the influence of social media on children.

Advocating for critical issues is not new to Bedoya. His previous role as the first chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law underscores his dedication to these concerns.

Bedoya emphasized the FTC's evolving identity, emphasizing that it goes beyond being solely composed of civil law enforcement attorneys. Over time, the agency has augmented its team with Ph.D. economists and technologists, allowing it to engage on equal footing with the companies it oversees.

Related Article: FTC Seeks to Ban Meta from Monetizing Children's Data

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Andean volcanoes, nestled at approximately 19,685 feet above sea level, have long been deemed with a harsh, unforgiving environment where human habitation seems impossible, let alone the existence of mice.

Previously, explorers who encountered mice cadavers at these extreme heights speculated that the Incas might have transported them for sacrificial rituals.

(Photo : JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

A field mouse is pictured in Saint-Philbert-sur-Risle on August 1, 2023.

Thriving Mice at Andean Volcanoes

However, the narrative took a remarkable turn in 2020 when Jay Storz, an evolutionary biologist and a professor at the University of Nebraska, embarked on a daring expedition to conquer the lofty peak of the Llullaillaco volcano.

Situated at a 22,000-foot peak along the Chile-Argentina border, Interesting Engineering reported that this endeavor yielded an unexpected revelation: sighting a living mouse.

This remarkable discovery was groundbreaking as it shattered the belief that mammals could not survive at such extreme heights and in a Mars-like environment, setting a new precedent for our understanding of life in these harsh volcanic landscapes.

Storz and his team revealed that they had discovered 13 more mummified mouse cadavers on the summits of three neighboring volcanoes, Volcan Salin, Volcan Pular, and Volcan Copiapo, all situated at extraordinary elevations ranging from 19,780 to 20,449 feet in Argentina and Chile.

Challenging Our Understanding

These findings have challenged our understanding of the limits of life, showing that small mammals like mice are capable of living and adapting to environments once thought to be beyond the scope of life.

Storz's research has significant implications for our understanding of high-altitude biology and the potential for life to exist in extreme conditions, even those resembling the harsh landscapes of other planets like Mars.

EurekAlert reported that this discovery opens new avenues for studying the resilience of life in Earth's most extreme environments and offers insights into how organisms can adapt to challenging conditions.

Through genetic analysis, the researchers determined that these high-altitude mice were a distinct species known as Phyllotis vaccarum, a variety of leaf-eared mice. This discovery was surprising because Phyllotis vaccarum is typically found at lower elevations in the same region.

The lead scientist pointed out that their genomic analysis revealed an intriguing fact: the mice living on the summits of the volcanoes and those dwelling on the flanks or at the base of the volcanoes in the surrounding desert terrain are all part of the same genetic family. In other words, a shared genetic lineage connects the mice from different altitudes.

Read Also: Researchers Achieve Scientific Breakthrough After Growing Tiny Human Gut in Mice

Findings of the Study on the Mice

This revelation upended the earlier notion that these mice were brought to the high-altitude locations by the Incas for ritualistic purposes. Instead, it appeared that these mice made the ascent to the lofty heights on their own.

This finding underscored these small mammals' incredible adaptability and resilience, defying the harsh conditions of their habitat. Radiocarbon dating conducted on the mouse cadavers revealed intriguing timelines.

The samples from Volcan Salin and Volcan Copiapo have been confirmed to be at least several decades old, while the samples from Volcan Pular dated back to a maximum of 350 years.

This groundbreaking research was published in the scientific journal Current Biology, and it provides valuable insights into the incredible adaptability of life in extreme environments, shedding light on how species can thrive in Earth's harshest conditions and, perhaps, even on other planets.

Related Article: [STUDY] Mutant 'Mighty Mice' Return From a Month-Long Stay in Space With Ripped Bodybuilder Physiques!

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
On the afternoon of October 24, Russian terrorist forces attacked Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles. One of the enemy missiles hit the territory of the enterprise.

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There is no information on casualties. This was reported by the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Yuriy Malashko.

According to Suspilne journalists, powerful explosions in the city occurred around 11:27 a.m. during an air raid alert. Subsequently, the city authorities reported that the enemy had probably attacked Zaporizhzhia with ballistic missiles.

Malashko clarified that the occupants launched two missiles from the south. One hit the territory of a local enterprise. The location of the second missile is currently being determined.

As a result of the strikes in Zaporizhzhia, the buildings of the affected enterprise were damaged.

"There was no information on casualties," said the head of the Regional Military Administration.

City Council Secretary Anatoliy Krutiev added that the blast wave also damaged windows in one of the educational institutions.

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"The relevant services are working on the ground, conducting an inspection and clarifying the details. The city's utilities are currently operating normally," he wrote.

It should be noted that air alerts have been announced many times in Zaporizhzhia region since Tuesday morning. During one of them, a missile threat was reported for the southern regions in general.

The explosions were heard in the neighboring Dnipro region. There, the occupiers struck the town of Synelnykove, and the air defense forces shot down one Russian missile over the Kamianske district.

As OBOZ.UA reported, just the other day, Zaporizhzhia said goodbye to two married couples who were killed by a Russian missile on October 18. Then the enemy hit a residential building, killing five residents and injuring the same number of others.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A Philippine cybercriminal has breached a government website using the simple password "Admin123." This breach revealed the personal data of numerous Filipinos and some state secrets.

(Photo : Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, NSW - AUGUST 11: A fingerprint is scanned at Argus Soloutions August 11, 2005 in Sydney, Australia.

Exposing Philippine Government's Alarming Cybersecurity Failures

The Filipino cybercriminal has exploited the glaring security flaw of using the poor password "Admin123" to breach a government website, bringing to light the concerning state of cybersecurity measures in the government.

Interesting Engineering reported that this security lapse not only resulted in the exposure of the personal information of millions of Filipinos but also unveiled some closely guarded state secrets.

The cybercriminal, reportedly hailed from the southern city of Davao, expressed frustration at the government's long-standing cybersecurity issues that have been publicly identified but left unaddressed.

He told This Week in Asia that he's a hacktivist and frustrated that these problems have been well-known and pointed out for a long time, yet the government has taken no action.

Using the pseudonym "DiabloX Phantom," the 19-year-old hacker claimed to have been part of the "red team," a government group responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in the state's cybersecurity system.

In a live chat on social media, he disclosed that he successfully infiltrated the websites of five government institutions and accessed an extensive volume of data to expose the existing security weaknesses.

Furthermore, he highlighted the alarming fact that one state agency used the shockingly inadequate password "Admin123" for its online security, shedding light on the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures within the government.

Read Also: Philippine Defense Chief Bans Military Use of 'Seemingly Harmless' AI-Generated Photo Apps Over Security Concerns

Previous Hacking Incidents in the Philippines

A recent incident infiltrating the servers of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on October 3 involved a hacker group. After demanding a $30,000 ransom, which PhilHealth refused to pay, the hackers disclosed a substantial amount of personal data.

South China Morning Post reported that this data breach had far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of Filipinos, including domestic residents and overseas Filipino workers in other countries.

The breach's impact extended beyond PhilHealth, as the website of the Philippines' House of Representatives was also targeted, with the hackers leaving a "troll face" and prompting officials to take it offline for remediation.

According to cybersecurity specialist Carlos Nazareno, who serves as the Rights Initiatives Director of Democracy.net.ph, the Philippines lacks a strong privacy culture, rendering the government's data highly vulnerable.

Nazareno noted that data breaches have been an ongoing issue in the Philippines for years, and he warned that with just an email, phone number, and ID, identity theft could happen.

On October 13, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) acknowledged "breaches" affecting "experts' data." Despite this revelation, the DICT downplayed the incident as "old" news.

What added an ironic twist to the situation was that the documents were related to the establishment of a national center of excellence in cybersecurity.

The exposure of these cybersecurity plans serves as a stark reminder of the country's need for improved cybersecurity defenses. The Philippine government is now grappling with the aftermath of these breaches, focusing on fortifying its cybersecurity measures.

PhilStar reported that the Supreme Court of the Philippines has already urged officials and personnel of the judiciary to enhance their cybersecurity protocols, providing guidelines for "proper cyber hygiene" to minimize the risk of cyber threats.

Related Article: Philippine Health Insurer Lacked Cyber Protection Software, Hacked for Days

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo: baranozdemir / Getty Images)

Virtual data rooms offer a safe space to protect business documents with confidential or sensitive content from third-party access. They are a secure online document storage and distribution repository that features advanced security, customization, permission-based control, and more.

A virtual data room plays an important role in merger and acquisition transactions, especially for security or finance organizations, where data confidentiality is crucial. The virtual data room becomes the centralized point of access for stakeholders to store, manage, and exchange data without exposing the digital assets to unauthorized parties.

What are the benefits of using virtual data room software?

Using virtual data room software aids in the smooth cooperation between involved parties, serving as a secure storage location during M&A transactions, corporate audits, legal disputes, and other joint business projects. It consolidates relevant data, making it possible to share information without risking the confidentiality of the documents.

The solution guarantees transparent, fast, and secure information sharing, a suitable alternative to physical data rooms due to its security measures, accessibility, and cost efficiency. Outlined below are the top 5 best virtual data room software in 2023:

1 iDeals

(Photo: Screenshot from iDeals website)

Overview

iDeals simplifies secure document sharing and corporate deal management so organizations can focus on growing the business instead of learning how to navigate its software. Founded in 2008, it has won the trust of over a million users, supporting thousands of customers to run mission-critical projects. The platform currently ranks as the number 1 easiest-to-use virtual data room software on G2 and offers many features for effective user and document management, activity tracking, and team collaboration.

Features

iDeals features an easy-to-use interface. Users can deploy a virtual data room in 15 minutes, requiring no plug-ins to set up the platform. It supports 25+ file formats for viewing, printing, and downloading. All documents and folders are numbered automatically for effective document management. Users can also apply multiple search filters to locate information or merge the content of several files into a single PDF file.

It can also help maintain the confidentiality of critical assets. It has built-in redaction that allows users to quickly redact any area of the document inside the virtual data room, ensuring all information is protected. It also features a restricted viewing mode, covering the document except for its central part. Users can also specify access policies for each file with eight levels of document permission for varying levels of document security.

iDeals also has a dedicated mobile app on iOS and Android, making virtual rooms accessible to users through their phones. Rest assured, the security features and accessibility of documents extend to mobile devices, such as granular user permissions, access control and expiration, and even user security impersonation. Admins can also set various user access levels to maintain data integrity and monitor user activity.

Overall, customers can leverage this virtual data room for its comprehensive set of features and user-friendly functions. iDeals can centralize operations for many use cases, making it the top choice for customers worldwide, given its ease of use, accessibility, and security compliance.

2 Ansarada

(Photo: Screenshot from Ansarada website)

Overview

Ansarada brings order into the complexity and whirlwind of daily operations experienced by businesses. For 17 years, it has been helping customers increase business value by implementing a proper structure so they can gain the insights and confidence to achieve better outcomes for the business to thrive.

Features

The virtual data room of Ansarada features a simple design, making it easy to use even for first-timers. It offers the highest level of security with restrictions for saving, printing, and access. Admins can track usage and self-destruct files regardless of their saved locations. They can also refine permission controls for every user, increasing safety from potential insider threats.

It features a powerful AI that can effortlessly redact over 500 documents, saving time and effort on manual operations. The advanced technology begins scanning the documents as soon as they are stored inside the virtual data room. Users can elect more than 30 customizable search times to be redacted or reverse the redaction. In addition, it can also help predict outcomes of M&A with 97% accuracy by the seventh day of the deal.

In the unfortunate scenario where an unauthorized user gets access to a file they saved remotely, Ansarada features a file self-destruct that can prevent said user from taking advantage of the sensitive contents of the digital asset. It has a workflow tool that enables greater efficiency by centralizing the project management space from marketing to executing due diligence and running integrations, even reporting. Overall, customers can leverage this virtual data room for its advanced technology, ultimate security, and simplicity in managing critical digital assets.

3 ShareVault

(Photo: Screenshot from ShareVault website)

Overview

ShareVault provides enterprise-grade document protection. It contains features that accelerate the collaborative process, making it easy to organize documents, create access permissions, and share confidential files or data with authorized parties. Based on client testimonials, it can help save up to 15 hours per week and reduce administrative redundancies by 30%. It provides every customer with a dedicated project manager and 24/7 support for technical concerns.

Features

ShareVault contains a wide range of features that help users keep control of sensitive content. It offers AES-256-bit encryption for Pro and Enterprise users, which minimizes the risk of data breaches during transfer and storage.

It has granular access controls that admins can utilize to configure file permissions at the user or group level, even at the document or folder level. Admins can also enforce deadlines by setting a date/time when documents can no longer be accessed or revoking user's rights to view a document even if it's been downloaded.

ShareVault also contains features for activity analytics. It can provide a detailed trail audit to maintain and uphold compliance among users and generate interactive reporting, detailing the documents users have viewed, when, and for how long. For easy navigation, it has smart filters that allow users to locate relevant documents stored in the virtual data room.

All documents are automatically presented in a numbered hierarchy for efficient due diligence and organized document management. It contains all essential features to maintain control over sensitive data while streamlining the document review process to drive business operations.

4 SecureDocs

(Photo: Screenshot from SecureDocs website)

Overview

Secure Docs, an Onit product, provides a simple and secure virtual data room to store, distribute, or manage sensitive corporate documentation. Besides its sophisticated security features and easy-to-use interface, it provides a 24/7 dedicated support team, guaranteeing 99.9% uptime so customers can access their virtual data room whenever they need it.

Features

SecureDocs features customizable dashboards that display real-time user statistics so admins can analyze user activity to predict buyer or investor interest. It also has permission-based roles that restrict access to confidential company information, ensuring only authorized users can view confidential data that's exclusive to C-level stakeholders. It keeps track of all data room activity, including date and time stamps, to maintain compliance and enforce accountability.

SecureDocs can also quickly locate any document with its advanced search feature. Users can type in the keyword and the duration to narrow the search results to find the target document. They can also quickly create, send, or sign NDAs and other paperwork through its e-signature and templates.

Powered by AWS-certified data centers, SecureDocs has robust security features such as segmentation, intrusion detection, electronic key cards, and more. It also has multi-factor authentication for privileged access management, strengthening its security posture to avoid breaches. With unlimited storage for unlimited users, it is also a top choice due to its user-friendly functionality and high level of cybersecurity.

5 dataroomX

(Photo: dataroomX)

Overview

dataroomX offers the highest security measures, such as encryption and access control. It places a high value on transparency and trustworthiness, as evidenced by the regular top marks it receives from an independent rating agency. It provides fair and transparent fees, requiring no additional costs for page views, data transfers, storage space, and other essential features. It stands as one of the largest data room providers in Europe and a pioneer in secure cloud solutions.

dataroomX specializes in confidential business processes, such as mergers, acquisitions, real estate sales, and sensitive document exchange for various companies, from listed companies to family offices. Customers have used its virtual data room software to process transactions worth millions of euros, utilizing the platform to store and process data and applications securely in the cloud with the confidence that it upholds the highest standards for data security.

More than adhering to the highest standards of information security (ISO), it also actively participates in the Alliance for Cyber Security. This alliance is an initiative of the Federal Office for Information Security. Moreover, it is also a member of the Trusted Cloud Competence Network, further proving its commitment to transparency, security, and quality in cloud services.

It has received its Trusted Cloud and THAWTE certifications, signifying its high qualifications to deliver cloud services and promising highly secure transmissions of data through its encrypted network protocol. The virtual data rooms of dataroomX are not only popular with European companies but are also among the most secure worldwide. They are hosted on high-performance servers in Germany, meeting the strict European data protection requirements based on EU-DSGVO law.

It has been nominated for the international Top 10 Confidentiality Solution Providers 2023 award, a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation to help its customers protect sensitive data and ensure efficient information sharing. For years, dataroomX has been providing secure cloud solutions for confidential business processes, standing out for its strict security protocols and compliance.

Features

User Rights

dataroomX offers a great advantage in permission-based control through configurable user rights. Only authorized users can see the assigned files. This feature ensures confidentiality obligations are met for the respective target group, as it prevents other members from accessing critical information.

Smart Search

dataroomX can search all readable text documents in real time based on the keyword or entire sentence entered by the user. Users can also search by date, making it easy to locate resources for faster transactions.

Own Domain

Customers have the option to open the virtual data room under their domain address. This helps establish professionalism, especially among partners involved, regardless of the use case.

Customizations

dataroomX offers a wide range of customizations. Users can personalize their virtual data room by creating a project logo. This custom logo increases its recognition value while strengthening the company's brand identity. They can also customize the watermarks of the stored PDF documents with the company name, including the date stamp and reader. They also have the option to change the appearance of the data rooms according to their brand, from the background to the font colors of the login page.

Protected View for PDF documents

dataroomX can block the download and printing of PDF documents through a protected view, preventing the risks of insider threats that may compromise the confidentiality obligation agreed upon by the parties involved. It also features photography protection, which makes image files incomprehensible to viewers.

Question & Answers Module

The secure data rooms of dataroomX contain a question and answers module to ensure compliance with established conditions in accessing critical information. The participants are informed about new questions via email. In individual cases, admins can decide whether only the questioner will receive the answer or all members.

Annotations

It also allows every user to make notes or make records through annotations. They can also highlight specific texts to emphasize their importance.

dataroomX has been recognized globally for its innovative approaches and outstanding achievements. It designs specific solutions to support companies in the secure management of sensitive data while driving operational efficiency. Customers can leverage the platform for its flexible data rooms, certifications, access security, and user-friendly functionality to achieve data protection.

Conclusion

Virtual data rooms offer bank-grade security and comprehensive functionality to ensure file protection for the success of business transactions. These solutions are more secure than general-purpose file-sharing platforms and provide more protection from threat actors that may cost the financial health of the parties involved in M&A, diligence, partnership agreements, and other joint transactions. Take advantage of the top 5 virtual data room software and gain a secure way to share confidential documents internally and externally without risking confidentiality and compliance.
Concerns about the accuracy of information surrounding autism have been raised as the popular social media platform TikTok becomes a hub for sharing content related to the condition.

Researchers from Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute have thoroughly examined TikTok videos focusing on autism and found that a significant portion of the content is inconsistent with current clinical knowledge.

#Autism on TikTok

TikTok's immense popularity, with over two billion mobile downloads worldwide in 2020, prompted the researchers to investigate its role in disseminating information about autism.

They focused on videos associated with the "#Autism" hashtag, examining engagement metrics such as views and "likes." The top 133 videos providing informational content about autism and amassing nearly 200 million views and 25 million "likes," were scrutinized for accuracy.

The findings revealed that out of these videos, 27% were classified as accurate, while 41% were deemed inaccurate, and 32% were categorized as overgeneralized.

Notably, there were no significant differences in engagement levels between accurate and inaccurate or overgeneralized videos. Content produced by healthcare professionals was more likely to provide accurate information, according to the team's findings.

Elisabeth Sheridan, PhD, director of Clinical Core and co-author of the study, noted that TikTok's vast reach and influence necessitate an awareness of the potentially misleading information it circulates, especially in the autism community.

Read Also: TikTok Trend 'Carrot Tan' Is Getting More and More Popular, But Is It Safe? Here's What Experts Have to Say

Individuals With Autism, Their Families Expressed Concerns on TikTok Misinformation

So, can we trust the autism information on TikTok? Based on their study, the experts said not always. The research noted that TikTok could distort understanding in two key ways.

First, by disseminating blatant misinformation, often with the aim to promote certain products as "cures" for autism, and second, by oversimplifying individual experiences, failing to represent the full spectrum of autism manifestations.

Sheridan said many individuals with autism and their families have expressed concerns about misinformation, such as anti-vaccination myths, proliferating on TikTok.

The author added that while social media provides a valuable space for sharing lived experiences and building a sense of community, it is also crucial to recognize the potential harm that misinformation can inflict on individuals with autism and their families.

"Given the reach of TikTok autism content, it's important that stakeholders in autism community, including autistic individuals, family members, and clinicians interfacing with autism, are aware of the unfiltered nature of the information presented," Sheridan said in a statement.

According to Giacomo Vivanti, PhD, an associate professor in the Autism Institute and co-author of the study, it is important "to monitor and fight misinformation that can damage those on the autism spectrum and their families."

He added that it is also vital for "the scientific community to gain perspective on how autism and how current approaches to autism are perceived and experienced by the large community of TikTok users" as "this would help us address the gaps that lead people to search for answers on TikTok in the first place."

The team's findings were published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Related Article: TikTok Videos About Illegal Bodybuilding Drugs Appear to be Promoted and Downplayed Among UK Teens

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A breathtaking phenomenon known as cloud iridescence graced the skies above Goomalling in Western Australia, leaving residents in awe, ABC News reports.

The dazzling spectacle unfolded in a matter of minutes, but its short-lived appearance has left an indelible mark on those lucky enough to witness it.

Cloud Rainbow Amazes Residents

Jenni Shaw, who was at her family-owned business in Goomalling, vividly recalls the moment when she and her colleagues were instructed to gaze skyward.

"We all went out the front and had a look, and there were some bright, rainbow-type clouds in the sky that we hadn't seen before," she recounted.

"It was beautiful, but we were a bit like, 'why is that like that? Should we still be outside looking or not?'"

The answer to Shaw's question lies in the intricate science behind this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

Expert Explains Rare Phenomenon

Jessica Lingard from the Bureau of Meteorology tells ABC News that cloud iridescence occurs in much the same way as rainbows, through the diffraction of sunlight off water or ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Lingard likened it to a "perfect storm" of conditions - the sun's angle, cloud density, and sunlight interacting harmoniously to create a stunning display of colored light.

"It's an absolutely stunning photo," Lingard added, emphasizing the rarity of witnessing this event in person. While cloud iridescence is estimated to be as common as rainbows, its fleeting nature makes it a challenge to spot.

These iridescent clouds often appear for just five to ten minutes before the atmospheric conditions shift, causing them to vanish as quickly as they emerged.

Read Also: [LOOK] NASA Captures What Severe Drought Looks Like From Above

The Science Behind Rainbow Clouds

The science behind this extraordinary phenomenon lies in the unique qualities of the clouds responsible for cloud iridescence. One must first grasp the basics of iridescence in clouds to understand how this happens.

As Lingard explained, iridescence in clouds occurs when certain cloud components, typically thin cloud parts, contain droplets or ice crystals of similar size.

These uniform-sized particles cause the diffraction of light, resulting in the clouds shimmering with colors that resemble a corona.

Atoptics UK tells us that the term "iridescence" or "irisation" is derived from Iris, the Greek personification of the rainbow, reflecting this phenomenon's enchanting and colorful nature.

While sky watchers often report seeing rainbow colors in clouds, cloud iridescence is unique in its characteristics. The presence of randomly distributed rainbow-like colors, mainly when the sun is nearby in the sky, is a telltale sign of iridescent clouds.

More reports tell us that this natural display is typically associated with cloud types such as altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular, and cirrus clouds.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: [LOOK] First Ever Radio Images of 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse Unveiled

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Twitter, now known as X has a crowd-sourced fact-checking feature that allows users to give context to posts or tweets. The so-called Community Notes helps Elon Musk vision to improve the microblogging platform for everyone.

This feature, originally named Birdwatch, predates Musk's acquisition of the company, but he rebranded it and handed content moderation responsibilities to the X community through Community Notes.

Opinions on Community Notes vary; some users embrace it, while others remain skeptical. Nonetheless, X relies heavily on this feature.

In a letter to the EU, X CEO Linda Yaccarino emphasized that a significant portion of the platform's content moderation is executed by users actively engaging in Community Notes.

If you're an X user and wish to join this program, here's your step-by-step guide, as per Mashable.

Eligibility on Community Notes

Before diving in, ensure that your X account qualifies for the Community Notes program. According to X, your account must meet these criteria:

Rule Adherence: You should not have recently violated X's platform rules. Six-Month Tenure: You must have been an X user for at least six months. Verified Phone Number: Your account should be linked to a verified phone number from a trusted carrier.

Related Article: Elon Musk's X Launches 'Not a Bot' Test: $1 Fee for New Users in the Philippines, New Zealand

Getting Started

If you meet these requirements, proceed to sign up for the Community Notes program. During the sign-up process, make sure to review and accept the terms of Community Notes.

Awaiting Approval

After a swift sign-up, the approval process lies in X's hands. The estimated waiting period for acceptance varies. Some users experience short waits, while others must exercise patience for several weeks. On average, the waiting period appears to be around two weeks.

Acceptance Notification

Once X approves your participation in the Community Notes program, you will receive a notification confirming your acceptance. Additionally, you will notice the Community Notes tab on the left-hand side menu of your X interface.

Taking Action

Now that you're part of the program, Community Notes will prompt you to choose a randomly generated username for your Community Notes submissions. These usernames are designed to maintain anonymity and solely link your contributions to your account. No need to spend excessive time selecting one.

Initially, your role is to rate existing Community Notes. If a post lacks notes, there's nothing you can do for it at this stage. However, after you've rated a sufficient number of existing Community Notes, and they accumulate enough ratings to go live, you can start submitting your original notes. This applies even to posts lacking any existing notes.

Joining the X Community Notes program provides you with the opportunity to actively shape the content on the platform and contribute to its integrity. Whether you're an ardent supporter or a skeptic, your involvement can make a difference in the world of X.

In another report by Firstpost, Musk's X appears to have started testing "verified only" feed, which is an original feature from Meta's Instagram.

Read Also: X Users Can Now Block Unverified Accounts from Replying to Posts

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Meta platforms, including Instagram, have been sued by dozens of US states for contributing to a teenage mental health crisis via their addictive social media platforms.



In a federal complaint filed in Oakland, California, 33 states, including California and Illinois, accused Meta, which operates Facebook, of repeatedly misleading the public about its platforms' serious risks and knowingly enticing young children and teens into addictive and compulsive social media use, as reported by Reuters.



According to the complaint, Meta has used sophisticated technology to attract and entangle children and teenagers only for financial gain. Numerous remedies, including significant civil fines, are sought in the court case.



The latest in a slew of legal challenges brought by kids and teens against social media firms is the complaint against Meta. The apparent addictiveness of social media has led to multiple lawsuits against ByteDance-owned TikTok and Google-owned YouTube.

Meta's Alleged Violations

The states contend that Meta intentionally created its Facebook and Instagram products to entice young users to stay on the sites for extended periods. The creation of its algorithms, frequent warnings and notifications, and features like "infinite scroll" via platform feeds, according to the federal lawsuit, helped Meta do this. The tech giant is also accused of fostering social comparison and bodily dysmorphia via "likes" and picture filters, which harm teens' mental health.



Meta also violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting personal data on under-13s without parental consent, according to the federal lawsuit. The states want Meta to halt detrimental activity and pay for the harm it's done to underage users.

Read Also: Apple's Game-Changing Step: Integrating Generative AI Across Diverse Products

In response to the complaint, Meta noted that it had worked to ensure that young people were safe online. In a statement, company spokesperson Liza Crenshaw said that Meta is "disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path," as quoted by The Washington Post.

No Action Despite Awareness on Negative Effect on Mental Health

The 2021 leak of internal papers has given the litigation against Meta more notoriety. These records made it clear that Meta had data demonstrating that Instagram, which started as a photo-sharing platform, was addictive and hurt certain young girls' body images.



Despite being aware of these problems, the complaint claims that Meta purposefully minimized and concealed the negative consequences of its social media platforms, per CNBC. Internal research from Meta was obtained by a whistleblower and made public, revealing that the tech firm has been aware of the severe damages related to underage consumers' usage of its platforms for years.

The latest legal action against Meta comes as research into the relationship between social media use and mental health disorders continues. State governments have taken an active role in addressing issues connected to children's social media usage, even if some research has highlighted possible consequences.



States have taken the lead in putting policies in place to safeguard underage users since there is no federal law on the subject. Several governments have banned children under 13 from social media and required parental approval for teens under 18. Additionally, some US states like California have passed legislation mandating digital firms to evaluate the risks associated with their products and put in place safety and privacy protections.

Related Article: Instagram: Verified-Only Feed is Now Under Testing says CEO Adam Mosseri

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Former National Security Agency (NSA) employee Jareh Sebastian Dalke, from Colorado Springs, pleaded guilty to federal charges for attempting to convey secret national security data to Russia.

Last year, Dalke, 31, was accused of seeking to provide a foreign official national security information. Dalke swapped $85,000 for transmitting classified data to an undercover FBI agent he believed was affiliated with the Russian SVR, the country's foreign intelligence branch, as per court documents, per CBS News.

The undercover FBI agent who was working on the case got in touch with Dalke and asked him to send the sensitive data via encrypted email. In one email, Dalke expressed his eagerness to share the sensitive data.

"I am very happy to finally provide this information to you. . . . I look forward to our friendship and shared benefit. Please let me know if there are desired documents to find and I will try when I return to my main office," as quoted in the US Department of Justice news release.



A federal public defender representing Dalke does not comment on pending matters.

Top Secret US Military Data Leaked

An estimate of the military offensive capabilities of an unidentified third nation was among the intelligence Dalke planned to provide Russia, per the accusation against him. Additionally, details of highly classified US defense capabilities were transmitted, some of which were connected to the same foreign nation.

Using a laptop computer and other procedures, Dalke then planned to deliver further secret material in his possession to the alleged Russian agent at Union Station in downtown Denver. He had sent five files, four of which contained Top Secret NDI, according to the US Department of Justice.

Read Also: Photo Sharing App Daylyy: A Refreshing Break from Toxic Social Media Norms



Dalke has committed to helping law enforcement by sharing accurate and useful information about his offenses as part of the plea agreement.

Jareh Sebastian Dalke served as an information systems security designer for the NSA, which collected and analyzed foreign and domestic signals for intelligence and counterintelligence. Following the delivery of sensitive material to the undercover agent, Dalke decided to reapply for a position at the NSA, AP News reported.



During a hearing last year, one of Dalke's federal public defenders played down his access to top-secret information by pointing out that he had only been working for the NSA for less than a month.

Dalke Facing Life Sentence

Dalke's sentencing is set for April 26, 2024, and he might get a life sentence. The US district court judge will consider the US Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors while sentencing.



The statement was given by US Attorney Cole Finegan of the District of Colorado, FBI Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp, and Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen.



The FBI's Washington and Denver Field Offices are investigating the case of Jareh Sebastian Dalke.



The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Jena R. Neuscheler and Julia K. Martinez from the District of Colorado and Trial Attorneys Christina A. Clark and Adam L. Small from the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Related Article: FCC to Probe AI's Role in Robocalls, Aiming for Enhanced Consumer Protection

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High-profile artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and specialists have urged tech corporations and governments to allocate a large amount of their research and development budgets to AI safety and ethics.

These experts have provided strategies for reducing hazards associated with AI in a report that was published in advance of the worldwide AI Safety Summit in London.



Three Turing Award recipients, a Nobel laureate, and over a dozen leading AI experts authored the paper, emphasizing the necessity for proactive AI risk mitigation and ethical AI development.

One of the suggestions is for governments to establish legal responsibility for injuries brought on by sophisticated AI systems that can be predictably avoided.

Laws Regulating AI Must Be Established

There are currently no comprehensive laws addressing AI safety, and the European Union's planned legislation is still delayed as a result of continuing legislative discussions, according to WION.





Modern AI models have grown to be so powerful, according to renowned AI specialist Yoshua Bengio, that democratic monitoring is necessary to guarantee ethical growth. He stressed the need to make investments in AI safety owing to the technology's fast advancement, which has surpassed safety precautions.



"It needs to happen fast because AI is progressing much faster than the precautions taken," Bengio said, as quoted by VOA.



Other notable AI experts who have contributed to the study include Yuval Noah Harari, Geoffrey Hinton, Andrew Yao, Daniel Kahneman, and Dawn Song.

Read Also: Why Bill Gates Prefers Economy Over First Class: Insights from Netflix Co-Founder

As AI technology develops, worries about its safety and moral application have increased, with notable people like tech tycoon Elon Musk calling for a halt to the creation of powerful AI systems.

However, other businesses have advocated against strict rules, pointing to the high costs of compliance and the disproportionate liability risks.



British computer scientist Stuart Russell questioned such claims, pointing out that numerous businesses are subject to stricter laws than AI firms are, which emphasizes the significance of ethical AI development.

Some Serious AI Ethics Issues

Concerns regarding the possible hazards connected with AI technology, including data privacy, security, ethical principles, and workforce consequences, have been raised due to the absence of comprehensive AI safety laws. Specifically, generative AI raises ethical questions about content production, transparency, and hazardous materials.

According to a TechTarget article, autonomous content creation is one capability of AI systems, especially generative AI, that significantly increases productivity. However, this may also produce potentially dangerous information, whether on purpose or not. Technology experts advise employing generative AI to supplement human processes and making sure that content complies with moral guidelines and brand values to overcome this problem.



Another issue is copyright and potential legal risk. It may be difficult to determine where the created material came from since generative AI techniques often train on enormous datasets from several sources. When businesses depend on artificial intelligence-driven content or products, there are hazards to copyright and intellectual property. Hence, experts urge corporations to evaluate AI model outputs until intellectual property and copyright laws are clear.

Related Article: AI Company Anthropic Sued by Universal Music, Concord, and ABKCO-Here's Why

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Google will temporarily suspend live traffic conditions on Google Maps and Waze in Israel as regional tensions are growing and as the nation prepares itself for the potential of a ground incursion into Gaza.



CNN reported that a Google Maps representative explained the choice in a statement released on Monday, saying: "As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities."

Limited Traffic Data Amid Tensions

According to Google, suspending Google Maps and Waze was made in consideration of several factors, including the opinions of regional and municipal officials. The tech giant did not indicate whether the tools would be blocked in Israel, Gaza, or both, or whether the Israel Defense Forces requested the measure.





Previously, Google took similar actions. Google briefly stopped real-time vehicle data on its mapping applications in Ukraine last year amid the Russia-Ukraine war, per Now This News.

Google has informed users that the applications will still provide step-by-step instructions that take into account the most recent traffic conditions, even if live traffic conditions will not be shown. The applications' estimated times of arrival (ETAs) will take traffic information into account.



It's still not clear whether Gaza will be included in the scope of these restrictions.

Read Also: AI Funding Must Prioritize Safety and Ethics: Leading Tech Experts



Traffic visibility was reduced in conflict zones to protect local populations. The Middle East turmoil, which has killed thousands, might expand and become a regional issue, according to Fortune.



Google seeks to reduce possible hazards and hinder the ability of bad actors, like Hamas, to target places with a lot of potential targets by restricting the accessibility of traffic information. This strategy aims to protect lives and lessen the possible effects of conflicts.



The tech giant has safeguarded its mapping tools in turbulent times, but it also emphasizes ethical and responsible technology use.

Israel is Gearing Towards 'The Next Stage' of Its War Against Hamas

Over 1,300 Israeli citizens died on October 7. Israeli and U.S. authorities said a failed Palestinian Islamic Jihad missile killed hundreds more in a Gaza hospital.



In a related update, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today announced that the Israeli military is "facing the next stage."



"I want to tell you where we are right now, we are hitting the enemy with tremendous force. In our attacks in Gaza yesterday, we dealt the enemy the hardest blow he suffered in one day," Netanyahu remarked, as quoted by NBC News.



He said that the only mission of the Israeli military was to "crush Hamas" and that soldiers had killed "many dozens of terrorists, possibly much more than that."



"We are facing the next stage; it is on its way. You know it; you are part of it; you are part of the spearhead," Netanyahu said, expressing his confidence and admiration for Israeli troops for safeguarding the country.

Related Article: FCC to Probe AI's Role in Robocalls, Aiming for Enhanced Consumer Protection

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Acknowledging the urgency of addressing new cyber threats on medical and healthcare devices, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a guidance document entitled Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Quality System Considerations and Content of Premarket Submissions.

This document supersedes the Content of Premarket Submissions for Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices guidance, which was released nearly a decade ago.

An update on regulations for digital and connected healthcare devices has been a long time coming.

A lot has already changed in the world of computers and the internet. A wide range of devices has gained connectivity and smart functions, which provide advantages but also create new cyber-attack surfaces. Regulations need revisiting to keep up with the times.

It is worth pondering, though, if this guidance update is strong enough to deal with threats and attacks that ceaselessly become more sophisticated and aggressive.

Of course, nobody expects regulations to completely resolve threats, but they need to have some reasonable extent of efficacy.

The FDA cybersecurity guidance update is mainly about the cybersecurity measures medical device makers have to adopt and what information to include in their premarket submissions to the FDA. The agency also clarifies many of the unclear aspects of the older guidance document.

Medical devices are not known to be built with cybersecurity as an essential consideration.

This is changing, as the FDA is now calling for all manufacturers to be conscious of the cyber threats that target their products. The agency provides recommendations on how to make medical devices resilient to cybersecurity attacks and maintain consistent cyber defenses.

One notable guideline in this FDA update pertains to leveraging data and code integrity. Manufacturers of smart or connected medical devices are advised to go beyond the usual security validation and risk management strategies.

The FDA calls for the validation of the integrity of all data coming from external sources, ensuring that the data is well-formed and per the specifications and protocols established for data handling.

This is a timely update in view of the growing prevalence of memory or buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

Medical devices, just like IoT and other low-resource devices, are prone to buffer overflow attacks, wherein threat actors feed data to an app or program (in the medical device) that is beyond its allocated capacity.

These attacks overwrite data onto adjacent memory blocks, which can cause the app to behave erratically.

Worse, they can introduce anomalous code and execute it within the device. The anomalous code can facilitate data theft or open access to IT systems.

On the other hand, the FDA recommends the use of host-based intrusion detection and prevention systems together with constant event and data logging to support better threat detection and incident response.

The agency emphasizes the fact that medical devices may not have their own full-fledged cybersecurity software because of their limited resources.

Using host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) and host-based intrusion prevention systems (HIPS) is a viable way to secure medical devices.

Cyber threats affecting medical devices

Here are some of the leading cyber threats that target medical systems and connected devices used in healthcare.

Ransomware  The infection of malware designed to encrypt files that may only be decrypted once the victim pays the ransom is a major threat in the healthcare industry. As the FBI reports, ransomware attacks have hit healthcare more than any other critical sector.

Software supply chain attacks  Attempts to corrupt software supply chains are quite common in the field of medicine and healthcare. The attacks on Shields Health Care Group and the Partnership HealthPlan of California provide clear reminders of the seriousness of the problem. Large healthcare institutions are not the only targets, though. Reports show that attackers are also training their sights on smaller hospitals and clinics.

IoT/wearable/implant device vulnerabilities  IoT, including medical devices, present new cybersecurity challenges because of their low-resource and web-enabled nature and the complexities of configuring and maintaining them. In particular, they are associated with buffer overflow attacks, which are not only capable of altering device functions but also threatening patients lives. They can also be instrumental in exposing private data.

State-sponsored attacks  The geopolitical conflicts in different parts of the world have resulted in concerted state-directed cyber attacks aimed not only at government organizations but also private organizations and individuals. These attacks are taking advantage of the relatively weak defenses of medical devices.

The FDA guidance update is a step in the right direction. It is particularly laudable that policymakers are showing a good grasp of the current threat landscape.

In particular, their cognizance of the role of device makers in boosting cybersecurity for the medical and healthcare industry amps up efforts to improve cybersecurity.

By obliging device makers to take steps to ensure product security and effectiveness in the pre-market and post-market stages, the FDA is significantly reducing the likelihood of vulnerable devices flooding the market.

It may mean added costs on the part of manufacturers, but it is a cost-efficient investment in cybersecurity and customer satisfaction in the long run.

The FDAs mention of host-based intrusion detection and prevention systems is also notable, as it emphasizes the need for capabilities to detect and prevent attacks at runtime, which is a favorite strategy for threat actors that are exploiting vulnerabilities in medical devices and IoT.

No matter how fast device makers come up with security patches or firmware updates for their devices (in response to newly discovered vulnerabilities), they cannot eliminate the gap between the vulnerability discovery and the release and application of security patches.

This gap is enough for threat actors to launch attacks and inflict damage. A host-based intrusion and detection system affords real-time protection that can prevent or at least mitigate the impact of an attack.

With the growing popularity of cloud computing and the use of connected medical devices (and other IoT products), conventional cybersecurity is no longer enough.

On-premise and perimeter security solutions no longer work to address the kinds of threats hounding cloud and hybrid environments involving a multitude of devices.

Also worth noting, it is tedious and inefficient to apply security patches to numerous medical devices one by one.

In conclusion, it would be inexpedient to say that the FDAs cybersecurity update is enough to address all the threats affecting medical devices.

However, it would be impudent to characterize it as insufficient. No regulation will ever be foolproof. Whats commendable about this new guidance document is that it mobilizes all affected parties or stakeholders to play a role in fending off cyber threats.

The FDA, by the way, also has a cybersecurity labeling program, which enables consumers to make informed choices with their medical device purchases.

The FDA is making wise decisions in making cybersecurity a shared responsibility among device makers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and consumers.
The Russian occupiers have moved a batch of modernized missiles to the S-300 systems near the city of Bryansk in the Russian Federation. The enemy's goal is to strike at the Ukrainian border.

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This was reported by the National Resistance Center, citing information from concerned local residents. It is noted that the ammunition was modernized at the Dubno Machine-Building Plant in the Moscow region.

The Center stated that after it became known about the enemy's plans, their implementation is doubtful, and retaliation is inevitable.

Earlier, the National Security Center reported that Russia is forcing flight school cadets to shoot at the territory of Ukraine. The pilot cadets are practicing firing missiles from helicopters in Sumy region. At the same time, due to the low professional level of the war criminals, some of the missiles hit targets on the territory of the aggressor country.

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"In fact, the occupiers are preparing yesterday's teenagers for the war against Ukraine and forcing them to train on civilians by deliberately providing them with unguided missiles," the statement said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Russians transferred reinforcements to Bakhmut direction. Despite the losses in the areas of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, the enemy continues to try to attack the positions of the Defense Forces.

- On October 5, Russians shelled eight border communities in Sumy region, killing one person. A total of 131 explosions were recorded in the region that day.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk praised the decision of the Israeli authorities to block the Al Jazeera TV channel in the country. The decision was made by the Israeli government following an appeal by Communications Minister Shlomo Kahai.

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At the same time, the Ukrainian diplomat expressed hope that the Israeli government would respond favorably to a petition from a number of NGOs calling for the same to be done with Russia Today and other Russian propaganda channels that spread Kremlin propaganda in Israel. Korniychuk said this during a briefing at the Ukraine-Uninform Media Center.

"Today, the Al Jazeera office is being closed in Israel. This is important because this is the body that provided false information about the actions of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations from the point of view of Israel. We are raising the issue of closing Russia Today and other Russian and English-language channels that broadcast openly on Israel," he emphasized.

According to the Ukrainian ambassador to Israel, several non-governmental organizations have petitioned the government of Israel, agreeing with the arguments of the Ukrainian embassy about the danger of spreading Russian propaganda. And hopes that the Israeli government will make the right decision here and stop "the activities of terrorist channels that sow Russian propaganda" on the territory of the state.

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Earlier, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine explained how the Kremlin is using the war in Israel against Ukraine.

DIU representative Andriy Yusov noted that the Russian Federation is trying to benefit from the situation. In particular, Moscow is conducting international information and psychological operations against Kyiv.

He also noted that there is evidence of cooperation between the Kremlin and the Hamas terrorist organization. Among other things, it became known that the Hamas website is hosted by Russia, and the terrorists received millions of dollars through a crypto exchange with an office in Moscow on the eve of the invasion.
YouTube is cracking down on ad blockers  and making its subscription more expensive

As a result of a violent collision, remnants of the primordial planet could still be found in the Earth's mantle

To ensure the safety of tourists, how to fasten the "seat belt" of large-scale amusement facilities?

Wu Zunyou's alma mater, An Medical University, set up the Wu Zunyou Scholarship and raised nearly 3,45 yuan in <> days

Don't jump into the Dotonbori River! Hanshin Orix No matter which is the best in Japan

Inside the talent show that seeks the best hairdresser in the world: "We are starting to educate the planet in our world, because they have never listened to us"

From Goya to Pop Art: New Times for the Royal Tapestry Factory after 300 years of history

Beware of 'fit' dessert recipes: they are not as healthy as they seem

In this life, you must go to Turpan!

What to do with the succession of "relic rooms" inheritance abandonment in resort condominiums in tourist areas | NHK

Veterinarian Loginov advised to especially monitor the health of pets in the fall

Ms. Yoshiko Paid Official Visit to Peru and Attended Ceremony Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

The concept of liberation as a fundamental goal of the international battle over Palestine

"Children got into a fairy tale": a training camp for young football players was held in Novogorsk with the participation of Arshavin, Ovchinnikov and Samedov

Pedri leaves the tunnel, returns 72 days later and wants to escape the endless relapses

Las Palmas, the team with the fewest goals, beats Atletico, leader of that statistic: "There are days when the ball doesn't go in"

Preparing for Hanshin's No. 1300 in Japan, Osaka Prefectural Police to be on alert with about <>,<> people

"We have learned to overcome them": the Kremlin reacted to the new US economic sanctions

The China Securities Regulatory Commission plans to revise the regulations to improve the risk control index system of securities firms

Can you only buy a ticket online in the gold zone? Don't make zonal ticketing a "pit" for consumption

The slowdown in the labour market leaves 84,300 people out of work in October

(The 6th CIIE) The "Intangible Cultural Heritage Dream" of Fathers and Daughters of Overseas Chinese in Shanghai: Let Shanghai-style Art Shine

The first domestic cruise ship is delivered today You are only one ticket away from the big cruise

The World Conference on Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation opens in Beijing, focusing on food security and the future of agriculture

Strommer (M) on the concern among neighbors: "Honest people should not have to move"

Lennart's son died while felling trees at home on the farm in Valskog: "Bombarded by love"

Six metres high and 1.5 tonnes  here the Giant Gavle is put in place outside the concert hall in Gavle

Forbes: The United States secretly handed over Assault Breachers armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for a "breakthrough"

What is the secret of the fierce campaign in Germany against Erdogan's visit?

Pascal Praud and you - Inclusive writing, Cyril Hanouna, police checks... The best of the week of October 30

Deputy head of Zelensky's office Zhovkva criticized Zaluzhny for an article in the Economist

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

Grant to Defeat: How Kasparov Intends to Lobby for Anti-Russian Sanctions in the European Parliament

What is the secret of the steadfastness of the people of Gaza? Campaign inside America to meditate on the Holy Quran

In Russia, Canada's position on the resolution on the fight against Nazism was called blasphemy

Experts: Street pressure and the failure of the occupation army in Gaza are pushing Washington to change its position?

 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.
The proposal of the famous engineer Elon Musk to surrender Ukraine's interests to Russia in order to allegedly prevent World War III contains a fundamental and catastrophic mistake. The West's refusal to support the Ukrainian people will definitely not stop an even bigger war; on the contrary, it will lead to a sharp increase in conflicts around the world, the end of the era of international law, the collapse of the international economy, and the triumph of the forces of evil.

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This was stated by Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office, responding to another disgraced remark by a billionaire from the United States. He emphasized that listening to Musk's recommendations means abolishing the ability to negotiate and predictability, which are integral elements of international politics.

"The appetites of aggressors will grow, and terrorist groups will receive more and more investments within the Axis of Evil. All this will end in a Great War on different continents, in which American citizens will probably have to participate," the official said.

Podolyak noted that it depends on each of us today what the world will look like tomorrow. Any doubts become a breeding ground for dictators and occupiers, exciting their minds with thoughts of the weakness of the Western world.

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"We saw the echo of these doubts in Israel. Do not let doubts kill hope..." he said.

As a reminder, Elon Musk called on the US government to surrender Ukraine's interests in the issue of territorial integrity and unity and to begin restoring partnerships with Moscow. The billionaire is convinced that this is the only way to avoid the outbreak of World War III.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Musk unsuccessfully mocked President Zelenskyy. Using Photoshop, he attached the face of the Ukrainian guarantor to a "suffering" character with very intense facial expressions.

"When it's been five minutes and you haven't asked for a billion dollars in aid yet," Musk captioned the picture, causing a wave of hate against him.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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A manhunt is underway and an armed and dangerous husband is on the run after his wife was found shot dead at their Massachusetts home.

Police say that military-trained Aaron Pennington is the main suspect in the killing of 30-year-old Breanne Pennington, who was found gunned down at the family property in Gardner on Sunday.

Massachusetts State Police are still searching more than 400 acres of woods at a Boy Scout camp in Gardner. The 33-year-olds white BMW was found in the woods around three miles from the crime scene by a hunter.

The United States Air Force says that Mr Pennington served on active duty from 2015-2022 and left the reserves in February with the rank of senior airman.

Investigators say that they are working on the assumption he is still alive and described him as armed and dangerous.

Please no one in the public go out and try to look for this guy, Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early, Jr told reporters on Tuesday.

Military-trained Aaron Pennington is the main suspect in the killing of 30-year-old Breanne Pennington, who was found gunned down at the family property (Facebook/Breanne Pennington)

Court documents state that the couple had marital issues for quite some time and that Breanne Pennington was planning on moving to Texas with the couples four children.

The children ran to a neighbours house on Sunday, saying that their other was crying and they coulda not find their father.

Military-trained Aaron Pennington is the main suspect in the killing of 30-year-old Breanne Pennington, who was found gunned down at the family property in Gardner, Massachusetts (Worcester DA)

When police arrived, Breanne Pennington was found dead after having been shot in the face and authorities began the search for Aaron Pennington.

The children are now in the care of the Department of Children and Families.

Mr Pennington, who officials say has a history of mental health issues, is described as white, 6ft2 tall, weighing around 175 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Abbas Ganbay

At the initial stage, digital radio broadcasting will be organized in large cities and district centers of the country along highways. This is reflected in the "Action Plan on Introduction and Development of digital radio broadcasting in Azerbaijan", Azernews reports.

For the first time in Azerbaijan, a 1 kW DAB+ digital transmitter was installed in the Baku TV Tower Complex on August 26, 2019, and currently, 11 local digital radio programs in one package are being tested and broadcast on channel 11B. frequency (frequency 218.6 MHz) is carried out in the city of Baku and the Apsheron Peninsula.

It was noted that in accordance with the radio-frequency plan of transition to digital radio broadcasting in the country, DAB+ transmitter, antenna, and basic station equipment will be built in the existing infrastructure and, if necessary, in other territories.

Single-frequency (synchronous) networks will be established to ensure the stability of digital radio broadcasting.

At the initial stage, digital radio broadcasting will be organized in large cities and district centers of the country along highways.

After that, radio monitoring will be conducted to determine the coverage area of digital radio broadcasting. In the next stage, it is planned to build radio transmitting equipment for the territories not covered by digital radio broadcasting and to fully cover the country with digital radio broadcasting.

It was noted that to receive digital radio in vehicles, receivers supporting the DAB+ standard are required. Although radio devices installed in modern European-made cars, mostly imported to the country, support DAB+ digital radio broadcasting, since analogue FM radio broadcasting is currently used in Azerbaijan, it is this broadcasting that is preferred.

The introduction of DAB+ digital radio broadcasting in the country will create an opportunity for the population to receive higher-quality digital radio broadcasting. At the same time, DAB+ digital radio broadcasting will provide the population with prompt information signals during emergencies and other situations, which, in turn, will make it possible to transmit urgent and immediate information to the population.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured that Germany would continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He also promised that Berlin would help Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

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Scholz made these statements while speaking at the sixth German-Ukrainian Economic Forum on October 24. "We will continue to support Ukraine - financially, humanitarian and with all our might," the chancellor said.

He added that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin "attacked Ukraine because he was blinded by the illusory possibility of a quick victory".

"We have no doubt that Ukraine will pass this test," Scholz said.

In addition, he noted that this year Russia will again try to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and promised that Germany will help Ukrainians defend themselves.

According to Scholz, Ukraine "has a serious forecast of economic growth for 2024," and Berlin will also help.

"Ukraine has potential in energy and other areas. We will be able to introduce our own program of German entrepreneurship for cooperation with Ukraine. There are good prospects for private enterprise," the German Chancellor announced.

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Scholz also said that Germany feels a connection with Ukraine "that has not been there before".

"We want to thank those Ukrainians who are staying with us, we feel a connection with them that has not been there before. Ukraine can rely on Germany".

As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier Scholz spoke about mass deportation from Germany. According to him, everyone who has no right to stay there should leave.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Sweet Baton Rouge, which sells locally themed T-shirts, apparel and gifts, is moving into Perkins Rowe.

The business will move out of the Electric Depot mixed use development and into a space between Barnes & Noble and Versona, across from Caroline's Cookies. The plan is to open the new location the week of Thanksgiving, in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
A wind turbine blade is seen at Gulf Wind Technology in Avondale on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Gulf Wind Technology is an Avondale Global Gateway tenant. A Louisiana wind energy consortium, led by a flock of education, business and government institutions, has been named a Tech Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration, federal officials announced Monday. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Seven people died and 25 were treated for injuries in the massive car wreck on Interstate 55 due to fog and smoke Monday, and the death toll could be even higher, the Louisiana State Police said.
Russian invaders complained about another explosion in the temporarily occupied Crimea on the night of October 24. The South Operational Command has not yet disclosed the details of the operation, but assured that the results will please Ukrainians.

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At the same time, they noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to destroy enemy resources on the peninsula. This was stated by Natalia Gumenyuk, head of the Joint Coordination Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, during the telethon.

According to her, hostilities are ongoing in Crimea, despite the occupiers' claims that the peninsula is allegedly "protected" by Russian air defense forces. Humeniuk emphasized that at this stage, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are destroying the enemy's potential in Crimea to the maximum extent possible.

"They feel deeper and deeper in Ukraine, realizing that we are fighting for our territories, that Crimea is Ukraine. There are hostilities there, even when it seems to them that it is quite calm and their air defense is working. In fact, the situation on our side is coordinated in such a way that the task at this stage is to destroy the enemy's potential as much as possible, all that he can still use as additional forces and resources," said Humeniuk.

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She also noted that the Russian occupiers have deployed missile launchers to the Black Sea. Therefore, the Ukrainian military must respond appropriately to the enemy's maneuvers.

"We analyzed that yesterday the enemy put two frigates on combat duty - these are missile carriers equipped with Kalibr. They are trying to develop some kind of situation in the Black Sea. The defense forces have to respond. It's too early to summarize the results, but I think everyone will be pleased with the results," said Humeniuk.

As a reminder, explosions were heard in Sevastopol in Crimea, temporarily occupied by Russian troops, on the morning of Tuesday, October 24. The occupation administration of the city claimed that the Black Sea Fleet was allegedly repelling a "possible underwater attack."

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Earlier it was reported that at least four enemy MiG-31s are stationed at the Belbek airfield near Sevastopol in the Ukrainian Crimea temporarily occupied by Russian troops. In the K modification, these aircraft can launch Kinzhal missiles.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, a new batch of mobilized Russians was brought to the occupied Dzhankoy. On the Russian-occupied peninsula, the "mobiks" faced inhumane treatment - they are not even fed.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Dr. Ronak Shah, right, with Rachel Hernandez, left, and her daughter, Raedynn, 2, at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Shah first met Hernandez when she was pregnant, in handcuffs and addicted to heroin. He helped her to stop using street drugs during her pregnancy through a treatment program at the clinic. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune)
Vance Joys indie-folk song Riptide is currently sitting at number one on ARIAs Australian singles chart, number 18 on the overall ARIA singles chart, and number 17 on Spotifys Australian singles chart. It was released in 2013.

While the songs decade-long success is a testament to Vance Joys ability to write a catchy tune, the fact that few other Australian songs have managed to achieve chart success suggests a structural problem with the local music ecosystem.

Riptide has been charting strongly for much of the year, but since the end of July has faced competition from singles from Troye Sivans new record, Something to Give Each Other, released on October 13.

All up, Riptide has sold more than a million copies, spent a total of 272 weeks on the Australian charts, and 69 weeks in the ARIA top 50 over the last 10 years.
The Deluge, written by Sarah L. Walker, introduces Cara (Kate Box) who lives alone in the country and has regular visits from her best friend, Ginger (Danielle Cormack). Caras been single for a while and is looking to break the drought using a lesbian dating app. She hooks up with Lili (Emily Havea), and the story, which seamlessly takes in Shibari (Google it), squirting and sunflowers, grows into a raw and tender tale of desire, disappointment and redemption.

Alistair Baldwins Bound takes a walk on the wild side into shadowy pockets of the club scene involving leather, chains, whips and rubber, as well as bondage and medical and disability fetishists. Joel Lago is electric and utterly magnetic as sassy, smart and snarky CJ, who regards his leg braces as freedom, explaining that they give him more control and agency. After meeting a stranger on a train (Tim Draxl), he receives a cryptic invitation and what happens from there is illuminating and affecting.

Lagos is one of a number of compelling performances in Erotic Stories. They include Rarriwuy Hick as an assertive lawyer confronted by deeply buried insecurities in Sara Khans Powerful Owl, Yuchen Wang as a withdrawn gay man exploring the night-time park hook-up scene in Adrian Chiarellas Walking Gambit, and Frances OConnor as an executive whose meticulously scheduled life is disrupted in Marieke Hardys Come as You Are.

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The writing is generally refined and polished, and the thoughtful direction allows cast members a latitude which pays off in richly layered performances. Only in the final episode, Masc Up, written by Jean Tong, does some of the dialogue sound jarring. It focuses on a handful of lesbian friends celebrating New Years Eve together, with Cal (Bernie Van Tiel) introducing her new lover (Karis Oka) to the group. Rather than participating in conversations that gradually reveal how they think and feel, the characters make declamatory statements, a pitfall assiduously avoided elsewhere in the series.
This year will probably be the hottest in the past 100,000 years as global climate scientists warn global temperatures have soared to such an extent that Earth has entered uncharted territory.

Life on the planet is imperilled, says a group of 12 international scientists in a global stocktake on climate published today by the journal Bioscience that finds 20 of 35 identified planetary vital signs are at record extremes.

These record-breaking temperatures increase the likelihood that the world will reach 1.5C warming above the long-term temperature average as early as next year, meaning the world would fail to meet the central goal of the Paris Agreement.

Unfortunately, time is up. We are seeing  an alarming and unprecedented succession of climate records are broken, causing profoundly distressing scenes of suffering to unfold, write the scientists including co-author Dr Thomas Newsome from the University of Sydney.
You have to hand it to the young men of the Department of Infrastructures graduate program. There they were, in the first year of their careers, really wanting to represent. To make life better for Australians. To serve the public.

And how did they frank and fearlessly serve the Australian public? They compiled a list of the women in their cohort and ranked them. By their hotness.

Secretary for the Department of Infrastructure, Jim Betts, appeared at Senate Estimates earlier this week. Credit: AAP

Perfect. On that very same day, the government revealed the review of the Womens Economic Equality Taskforce, led by Sam Mostyn. Big ticket items. More investment in early childcare and education. Ensuring the minimum wage is a living wage. Finding ways to get older women back into the workforce. 26 weeks of paid parental leave. A decent dataset so we know where programs and money for housing, health and ending violence are going, and whether they are working. It is a breathtakingly thorough report, one which deals with the present and looks to the future.

So I have to hand it to those Infrastructure kids. They really know how to provide context.
Optimism lost

Following their wise week of silence, the letter from Indigenous leaders of the Yes campaign (Yes leader Mayo tells of emptiness after defeat, 24/10) might well be called their Uluru Statement from the broken-hearted. Understandably, the leaders are lamenting their loss. They are not alone. Yes supporters are also lamenting what happened to the hope, optimism and support for the referendum proposal from earlier in the campaign.

Nick Toovey, Beaumaris THE FORUM Racism not the reason

The statement from Voice leaders says, inter alia, First Nations people have always faced racism ... Given the referendum outcome this poses the question, is Australia a racist country? If you consider the reasons people voted No, it doesnt lead you to that conclusion. No doubt there were some whose decision was predicated on racism. However, it is reasonable to conclude the majority voted No for one of the following reasons: they were following their preferred partys policy; they were concerned by the bizarre claims (you could lose your property etc) on social media; or had concerns that unheeded advice could lead to High Court challenges.

Bill Pimm, Mentone Utility bills

Bravo to Shane Wright for exposing Australias absurd vehicle policies (Everyone is paying for those oversized utes, 24/10). In a time of catastrophic climate and environmental decline were incentivising people to drive massive utes that pollute our air and take up more concrete space. Crazy. Why are we still waiting for the promised fuel efficiency standards that should rein in sales of these and other fuel-guzzling behemoths?

Amy Hiller, Kew Better ways to move

In Australia we provide tax subsidies to people who purchase road-hogging, polluting behemoths like Ford Rangers and RAMs. Meanwhile in France, companies can obtain 1000 grants for each electric cargo bike they add to their fleet. If the Commonwealth government was serious about its climate change credentials, it would immediately stamp out such anomalies and promote more sustainable forms of transport.

Geoff Collis, Eltham

Todays problem

As a former freeway planner with VicRoads, I am somewhat amused that the government is focused on intensifying development in Melbournes central areas and along transport corridors (More high-rises urged in CBD to ease housing crisis, 20/10). When VicRoads built freeways with median strips, this wasnt to provide drivers with pretty landscape vistas, it was to provide for capacity expansion with future eight-lane freeways. A later career move into the Department of Transport showed that there was no such planning for future expansion with the public transport system. It was designed for todays needs and tomorrows needs were somebody elses problem. With greater internal densification I expect tram networks will need to be upgraded to train networks and sewerage, water supply and electricity networks will need to be upgraded at huge expense. I would love to be proved wrong.

Jeff Moran, Bacchus Marsh Poster support

The young art student who retaliated with poster vandalism (Viral fake transport poster draws ire and the police, 24/10) has my full support. I just cringe with shame when I see four inspectors bailing up a young person, especially when its a non-English speaker who has made an innocent mistake.

Tony Jackson, Fitzroy Trusty cash

In the good times, when everything is working as it should, online shopping, internet banking, tap to pay ... are fabulous. But when the internet goes down, or when fires, floods, earthquakes cause power outages that go on for days  what do we do? We reach for good old reliable cash in order to continue functioning. It may well be that Cash [is] no longer king ... (The Age, 23/10), but neither can we afford to have cash fully dethroned.

Claire Merry, Wantirna Working together

Dr Anne Rings depiction of a world in conflict at a time when all should be co-operating to save the world is disturbing (What the world needs now is women in charge, 24/10). Locally, she observes antagonism between supporters of Israel and Palestine in Australia but omits one significant group: the original occupants of this country who are expected to docilely accept historical invasion, frontier wars and the centuries-long consequences of these.

David Johnston, Healesville

Glasses refilled

In response to the impending lifting of Chinese tariffs on Australian wine and agricultural products (China to review wine tariffs as Albanese confirms visit, 23/10), Simon Birmingham stated that they should never have been introduced. He is absolutely correct. And they wouldnt have been but for the complete mismanagement of the Australia-China relationship by the Coalition government. A breakdown that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell and the public servants of their departments have worked diligently to repair.

Mick Hussey, Beaconsfield Middle ground

Jane Hume and Greg Mirabella have found their solution as to why the Liberal Party is cactus at a state level. Its because supposedly good candidates are facing barriers from their employer for taking temporary leave (Plea over business rules on politics, 24/10). Or perhaps good candidates wouldnt want to risk their future employment on the chance they are elected into opposition and have to work with the more conservative priorities of their colleagues. The party needs to fix its internal problems so good candidates cant wait to join up.

David Anderson, Geelong West Presidents past

Former US president Barack Obama has issued a statement warning Israel not to cause so many civilian casualties in retaliating against Hamas. (World is watching: Obama warns Israel over civilian deaths 24/10.) A salient statement but one which implies that Israel doesnt care about civilian casualties or that it is able to cause less of them. Neither of which has been shown to be so. Nowhere did Obama give any advice on how the Israelis should deal with Hamas. The statement also rings hollow if one thinks back to Obamas decision to have Libya carpet bombed during his presidency.

George Greenberg, Malvern Two sides to peace

Geoffrey Robertson is right in saying that both sides have a duty to negotiate to achieve peace (Neither side is taking the path to peace, 23/10). Hamas murderous actions require consequences. But to combat murder with murder will result in more murder. For years Palestinians have endured great hardship. However Jewish people must have their homeland after thousands of years of horrendous treatment when they had no country of their own.

What if Hamas murderous actions resulted in consequences of two countries living side by side in co-operation? What if the Israelis removed their buildings from the West Bank and instead give more land to the West Bank while taking over Gaza as part of Israel? Gazans would be financially assisted to move to the West Bank. Such a state solution based on co-operation could result in peaceful and flourishing neighbours.

Marguerite Marshall, Eltham Rise of Hamas

Your correspondent states that there is a clear moral imbalance between the evil that is Hamas and the nation state of Israel (Letters, 24/10). However, Yasser Arafat once described Hamas as a creature of Israel because it probably would not exist today were it not for the Israeli state.

When he returned to office in 2009 current Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu chose to support Hamas as an alternative to the Palestinian Authority, gave it money and established it in Gaza. An arrangement was made with Qatar, which began sending hundreds of millions of dollars to the Hamas leadership. The Israeli government, with its divide and rule policy of backing Palestinian Islamists against Palestinian secularists, created the Hamas monster and must share the blame for the subsequent death and destruction.

Peter Martina, Warrnambool Existential threat

Thank you Peter Hartcher for allowing Mike Kelly to share his experience and understanding of the current situation, the existential threat, as he puts it, facing Israel (Can humanity be upheld in Gaza? 24/10). With many years of firsthand experiences in a number of conflicts, Kelly validates Israels efforts to reduce the loss of civilian life, and highlights Hamas theft of international aid donations and materials from the Palestinian people, which has left them unable to access basic necessities. But I doubt any of this will change the minds of those who purport that, even despite the sickening horrors perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, Israel is at fault.

Denise Kain, Caulfield South

Contentious claim

I have long admired and relied upon Peter Hartchers opinion pieces as being accurate and balanced. Unfortunately that view has been damaged by his repetition of claims that, in the course of its recent attacks, Hamas beheaded babies. Most of the worlds press and, according to Al Jazeera, even the Israeli military, now concede that there is no evidence of this.

John Myers, South Melbourne More to Malvern East

Re Life in the Burbs (Affluent and whisper quiet but ... 24/10), Ive lived in Malvern East for 42 years  from the time our local dairy delivered bottled milk via horse and cart. But Simon Caterson fails to mention the suburbs magnificent 7.7-hectare Central Park with its historic conservatory and fountain which prompts many to visit, rather than whiz by on the way to somewhere else. The suburb has evolved into a juxtaposition: it actually houses a wide range of demographics and psychographics, making it a far more intriguing suburb than the author suggests.

Sally Davis, Malvern East AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding Trump and Pratt

We have long known that money cant buy friends; nor, it seems, will it buy you a classy enemy.

Vincent ODonnell, Ascot Vale

I was bemused at Trumps description of Pratt as that red haired weirdo from Australia. Trump also has similar tonsorial characteristics although in his case one might say his quiff is prematurely orange.

Peter Russo, West Brunswick Relax Pauline. You are still our primary red haired weirdo.

John Rawson, Mernda Tony Abbotts monthly consultancy fee for Anthony Pratt at less than a third of Paul Keatings fee sounds about right.

Russell Kidd, Carnegie The Voice

As prime minister, John Howard absolved himself of any responsibility for the stolen generations and other atrocities committed against the Indigenous population by pointing to previous generations. But now, campaigning to deny the First Nations people their place in the Constitution; thats one thing Howard wont be able to absolve himself from.

Henry Herzog, St Kilda East Recently my wife told me I was becoming an old grump. Im not a grump, I replied, Its just the people. Following the referendum I think she understands me a little better.

Ian Todd, Leongatha
From the spooky surreal-scapes of the touring container show Darkfields to the virtual vines of dArenbergs 360-Degree Dinners in the Barossa and Melbournes amazing Lume, Australian multimedia fans have been spoiled for in-the-round experiences in recent times.

The BBC Earth Experience uses digital projection technology to take visitors through an immersive 360-degree audiovisual experience.

Now another blockbuster joins the fray, with the opening of the BBC Earth Experience. Melbourne is the second city in the world behind London to host this immersive experience (opening on October 27) featuring dramatic and moving narration by everyones favourite naturalist, Sir David Attenborough.

Earth Experience is a multimedia exhibition with animals and experiences from all seven continents.

The show, which is exclusive to Melbourne for its Australian season, comprises curated footage from the BBC Studios Natural Historys television series, Seven Worlds, One Planet.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces will certainly destroy the Crimean Bridge, which the occupiers used to connect the temporarily occupied Crimea with the Russian mainland. However, this will not be done on a "symbolic" date and not to cheer up Ukrainians.

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The plans for the liberation of the occupied territories include the destruction of this logistics route of the occupiers, but it will be destroyed when the situation requires it. This was stated by Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, in an interview with Ukrinform.

Pletenchuk emphasized that the Crimean bridge, illegally built by Russia, is the main logistical route to supply both the occupation forces on the peninsula and the invaders in the south of mainland Ukraine, in particular, on the left bank of the Kherson region, in Tokmak and other settlements of the Ukrainian south.

And the Crimean bridge will certainly be destroyed, but only when the time is right.

"Unlike the Russians, we do not suffer from symbolism. This helps a lot when fighting with limited resources. If they have a task to take something from somewhere on the birthday of the so-called president of the Russian Federation, we don't. So this makes our task a little easier. Therefore, this bridge will certainly be destroyed, but it will be destroyed when the situation demands it. There is no point in destroying the bridge to cheer people up," the Navy spokesman emphasized.

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According to him, the destruction of the Crimean bridge is an integral part of the plans to de-occupy the Ukrainian territories seized by Russia. And like any component of the plan, this one should be implemented in accordance with the overall plan and when it will be most effective.

"When it is necessary to cut off the logistical tails of Crimea and make it an island, it will definitely be done. Therefore, we should wait for the right moment. As you can see, the fire strike on the territory of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea is not something symbolic, it fits into the overall plan for the liberation of our occupied territory, and the systematic destruction of storage warehouses, control points, headquarters, etc. are elements of one large operation," Pletenchuk said.

He also added that, contrary to established stereotypes, a counteroffensive is not only the area of territory from which the enemy was driven out.

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"We often measure the counteroffensive in square kilometers, but this is not very correct, because any such operations are multicomponent, multilayered, there are many elements that must be carried out in the appropriate sequence," the Navy spokesman emphasized.

At the same time, Pletenchuk added that the Russians are aware that sooner or later the Crimean bridge will come under a serious attack. That is why they are taking all possible precautions, ranging from combat dolphins to booby traps on submerged barges, which should stop Ukrainian surface and underwater drones.

However, there are still loopholes in this defense system, and they are sufficient to allow a small drone to slip through.

The occupiers are trying to protect the bridge from air strikes with smoke screens, but it remains to be seen how effective such protection can be.

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"Now we see that in the event of any threat, when anything goes up in the air, the Russians immediately block the bridge, they smoke it, that is, they are very careful about this issue, but as you have seen, there have been various ways to bypass their defense systems several times and I am sure there will be more," Pletenchuk summarized.

As a reminder, on October 24, the second parliamentary summit of the Crimean Platform started in the Czech Republic, and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the participants.

In his speech, he noted that Ukraine had managed to destroy the myth of Russia's complete dominance in the Black Sea: after the Defense Forces' accurate attacks on the Russian Black Sea Fleet ships, the aggressor state was forced to move them away from Ukrainian missiles and drones and has already announced the construction of a new base in the occupied territory of Georgia.

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The Head of State also assured: Ukraine will definitely liberate all its occupied territories, including Crimea. After all, this is not only a matter of territories, but also of people who are waiting for release under occupation.
I went through a nightmare we couldnt have imagined, she said, stuttering as she spoke while her British daughter crouched next to her, translating into English. They put me on a motorbike, took me through that fence that cost 2 billion shekels ($775 million) and did not help one bit. As we rode, the motorcycle driver hit me with a wooden stick. They didnt break my ribs but it hurt a lot, making it difficult to breathe. This image taken from video released by Al Qassam brigades on its Telegram channel, shows Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, shaking hands and thanking a member of Hamas as she is released to the Red Cross. Credit: Al Qassam Lifshitzs account gives extraordinary insight into the terrorists preparation and their network of underground hiding places. After the captors took Lifshitz and other hostages deep into Gaza, they took off her watch and jewellery as they dismounted the bike and led her away until they reached Hamas infamous tunnels.

We went underground and walked for kilometres in wet tunnels  for two or three hours in a spiderweb of tunnels, she told reporters at the hospital as staff kept bringing her cups of water. She said she saw about 50 other hostages in one room, and soon she and four other people were led to a different room. Unlike on the way into Gaza, the captors in the tunnels treated them well, she said. They were friendly, they took care of us, she said. One of the hostages was badly injured from a motorbike accident, and they gave me antibiotics and other medicine. She described her captives as very friendly and very courteous people who had organised well in advance for taking hostages.

They seemed ready for this, they prepared for a long time, they had everything that men and women needed, including shampoo, she said. We ate the same food they did  pitas with cream cheese, melted cheese, cucumbers. That was a meal for an entire day, she added. Hamas released the two women late on Monday, citing compelling humanitarian reasons without offering any other details. The remainder, including the elderly and children, are still held captive without a clear prospect of return. When Lifshitz said shalom to her captors, the Hamas gunman replied with the word salamtek, which means take care.

Talk of peace after the Hamas massacre in which her house was destroyed and her friends killed may sound incongruous. Since the attack, at least 5087 Palestinians have been killed in two weeks of Israeli strikes, including 2055 children, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. But Lifshitz is no armchair peacenik. She and her husband, who remains a Hamas hostage along with Coopers spouse, are human rights activists, peace activists for all their life, her grandson Daniel Lifshitz said. For more than a decade, they took ... sick Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, not from the West Bank, from the Gaza Strip, every week from the Erez border to the hospitals in Israel to get treatment for their disease, for cancer, for anything, he said.

The couple were residents of Nir Oz kibbutz, one of the Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip which Hamas militants attacked on October 7. Lifshitzs daughter Sharone, an artist and academic in London, said: Im so proud of her. She is amazing. Just the way she walked off and then came back and said thank you is quite incredible to me. Its so her. Yocheved Lifshitz speaks to the media outside Ichilov Hospital. Credit: Getty There are still over 200 people there. And we must not get caught only in our personal happiness but work towards the release of everybody. This is one small ray of light. But there is a huge darkness. The war is still going on. Atrocities we havent even started to process.

Loading As for her father, she said: [He] was very involved in political things in the kibbutz. He was very involved in rights for Palestinians and working towards peace with our neighbours. His whole life was to find a way to live together. He felt it was very easy to find a way and was very disappointed and fought very hard against this idea of occupation and perpetual war. Its a tragedy that the people who were killed, so many of them were immediate neighbours of people of Gaza and truly, truly believed in working towards peace with our neighbours and felt that it was very possible to make peace with our enemies. Its a twist of history that these communities that were really peace-loving  are the ones who sustained such a horrendous massacre.

Have she or her parents given up on finding peace with their neighbours? No  We have come out of the Holocaust. I have worked extensively in Germany and have many German friends. We have to find a way. There is no alternative. If anything, it makes me even more resolved. The way has got longer  [but] as nations we have to find a way forward. The Telegraph, London More coverage of the Hamas-Israel conflict
Ethanol Stakeholders Disregard Support of Communicating Their Product's Positive Mobility Fuel Benefits Despite Bioethanol Market worth of $114.7 billion by 2028







An Open Letter To Ethanol Stakeholders

The American People, your Farmer Customers, and Mother Earth Needs Help; and The Auto Channel (www.theautochannel.com) needs help to help them.







The result of over a century of the petroleum industry's willful dissemination of untruthful anti-ethanol propaganda is that almost everyone in the United States JUST KNOWS that Ethanol is bad and will harm their vehicles, and that ethanol-gasoline blends have been forced upon American motorists in order to politically please America's Corn Growing farmers.

Surprised? You reap what you sow; what else can you expect when Ethanol stakeholders have been shirking their responsibility to promote Ethanol with a shout, and not a whisper, about the many competitively desirable advantages of Ethanol vs. Gasoline? This whispering has resulted in Ethanol growing more inconsequential and invisible on the competitive and potentially mega-profitable alt-fuel stage.

Yet despite the established negative "common knowledge," The Auto Channel after almost 20 years still BELIEVES that Ethanol's real benefits - if aggressively communicated in a common sense grassroots David vs Goliath marketing effort communicating native truths to American motorists - can overcome ingrained historic anti-Ethanol lies.

The positive outcome can be ensured through the support from the Ethanol Industry and the efforts of The Auto Channel, a relevant independent third-party media entity that will aggressively deliver Ethanol Fuel's attributes through hard-hitting, reactionary op-ed communication, traditional media coverage, and education of influencers of the demonstrable Ethanol Truths.

The Auto Channel, Ethanol Fuel's most important media ally, BELIEVES in the Ethanol message so strongly that for two decades we have created and funded a prototype multi-faceted support effort to promote Ethanol Fuel. But, we have now reached our limit of capital expenditure, patience, and excuses concerning the continuation of this current one-way charitable relationship with Ethanol.

It may be asked, why does The Auto Channel with no financial dog in the fight seem to want success for Ethanol more than the industry stakeholders, more than distillers, more than farmer member associations, more than farm equipment suppliers, more than seed suppliers, more than Ethanol promotion organizations, and more than wholesalers and retailers? This is a consequential question that deserves a considered response.

We still believe, because we are Americans, that it is important to us to fight to do what's right. But it's lonely out here, why should we alone continue to invest our limited resources, time, professional effort, reputation, and capital to promote Ethanol Fuel for free without any financial support?

We just can't afford it anymore. The Auto Channel's exclusive singular ALL-IN pro-Ethanol editorial position has eliminated our opportunity to acquire a share of the plentiful auto industry fuel product advertising, which is exacerbated because NO OFFSETTING REVENUE has been coming to us for supporting ethanol fuel.

For almost two decades The Auto Channel has underwritten the costs of what any other product marketer has to budget for: Media exposure, PR, consulting, and professional staff involvement.

Ethanol Lobbying entities including the many national, regional and state corn grower associations, along with well-funded ethanol advocacy groups and organizations all get paid for their services to Ethanol, but The Auto Channel is paid nary a penny.

Other alt-fuel industries are investing in motorist communications, but not Ethanol. As an example, the Electric Vehicle Industry is spending $10 Million to communicate its fairy tales. And just imagine the promotional budgets Big Oil spends in order to continue to promote their poisons. In California and a few other states, the oil industry has been promoting propane fuel as if it had the beneficial characteristics of ethanol. This promotional effort attempts to steal - is stealing - ethanol's thunder. It's a reprehensible charade and the ethanol industry is allowing the oil industry to get away with it.

After giving Ethanol fuel free media support, timely reactive op-eds, marketing concept execution, and in-person event representation, Ethanol lobbying associations treat us more like an enemy than a partner.

In all of these years, no Ethanol Stakeholder entity has seriously discussed a relationship between Ethanol and The Auto Channel. No Ethanol advocate organization has reached out to ethanol's best media friend in the world to offer industry-level monetary support.

The contents of this letter do not constitute a charitable solicitation, but a mutually beneficial opportunity to expand The Auto Channel's prototype Ethanol marketing program, an offering that is easy to test, to adapt, and easy to understand. It also provides the needed quid pro quo to ensure that ETHANOL will continue to benefit from The Auto Channel's abilities to serve as an advocate for the success of Ethanol Fuel, in both the near and long terms.

SPONSORED ETHANOL MARKETING PROPOSAL

 The Auto Channel will provide, media exposure and a minimum of 20,000 highly visible banner ad impressions daily aimed at its auto-centric audience communicating the pro-ethanol position and its benefits.  Editorial support of the Ethanol position, including new efforts and the maintenance of viewer and search engine access to the thousands of pro-ethanol elements currently residing in The Auto Channel libraries.  Quick Response pro-ethanol op-ed outreach to counter the daily anti-ethanol barrage.



 Ethanol Truths exposure to future automotive technicians. One thousand copies of the 640-page book "The Ethanol Papers" authored by my business partner, Marc Rauch, will be distributed gratis to appropriate public libraries, college libraries, community college libraries, private technical school libraries, and high school libraries that offer automotive technical programming.  Ethanol and Automotive industry event support by members of the TACH Ethanol Team (plus T&L)

These five effective elements will boost motorist, technician, and media Ethanol understanding and retail sales, and allow The Auto Channel to expand as the meaningful starting point of influencer support, and become the editorial safe place for those who recognize the folly of the EV fairy-tale.

To institute this plan we need a single sponsor or a group of Ethanol Industry Stakeholders to step up and commit to support this TACH Ethanol Marketing Plan for an initial period of 24 months at $34,500 per month.

During this initial program period, each sponsor will receive visual promotion and notoriety of their support positions, along with republishing rights to every Ethanol article in our libraries for use on sponsors' websites or as content in their email drops.

The $34,500 monthly income will allow us to generate aggressive communication efforts and accomplish what we believe is a good second step to compete with the entrenched misinformation and beliefs in the minds of the American motoring community, replacing them with Ethanol Truths.

Ethanol Truth: Farmers Need It. Your Industry Needs It. Retailers Need It. Motorists Need It. America Needs it.

Use us or lose us!
In the units of the occupying Russian army on the front line, drunkenness and disobedience to orders from commanders are gaining momentum. This is greatly facilitated by the extremely low morale of the occupiers.

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The already low motivation of the invaders is "finished off" by high losses of personnel in battles with the Ukrainian army and the absence of commanders on the front line. This was stated by Vadym Skibitsky, representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in an interview with Apostrophe TV.

According to him, the Russian occupants are facing a whole host of problems on the front line.

"In many cases, especially in those units that are on the front line, morale is quite low. There is a lot of information that Russian commanders are not present at the front line at all, there is no normal logistical support," noted Skibitsky.

Demoralization results in widespread drunkenness, refusal to follow orders of commanders and unauthorized abandonment of units in many Russian units.

"It's because there are heavy losses. There are a lot of losses [among the occupiers] due to the fact that timely medical care is not provided, and this all affects the battlefield and the morale of Russian servicemen," explained the representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

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Even the massive propaganda of the Russian Federation to Russians, including those mobilized, does not help to maintain discipline. The idea that ordinary citizens of the aggressor country must endure all the problems in order to defeat the mythical "enemies" who allegedly surrounded Russia from all sides does not help to maintain discipline.

"The propaganda said that we should be patient because we have an enemy that has always been in the West. [They said that we will be pawing at soup, but we will forge weapons," Skibitsky added.

He suggests that Russians may eventually see the light. But they need time to do so. It is possible that the population of the Russian Federation will experience something similar to what Russians experienced after the Soviet war in Afghanistan. After all, then physically and psychologically crippled Soviet soldiers or the families of those who returned home in zinc coffins suddenly realized that the population of the USSR did not need that war. Just as the state did not need those who became occupiers on its orders.

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"Many people said at the time: "What was I doing there?", and the officials answered: "I didn't send you there." It is difficult to say whether this is possible now in Russia. But the situation in Russia can change very quickly: the same events of 1917 showed that there was a tsar and the tsar was gone," Skibitsky emphasized.

Currently, he noted, most Russians prefer to remain silent about Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"They are silent, afraid to express their opinions, talking about the situation only in the kitchen, as in Soviet times. And the situation is complicated: today, a very simple issue has come to the forefront of the Russian population's minds - family income and the difficult financial situation of ordinary Russian people. This is a fact," the representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine summarized.

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Earlier, the GUR reported that more than 400,000 Russian soldiers are currently fighting in Ukraine. This is a serious grouping, which, however, can only conduct operations in certain areas of the front.

Repeating scenarios like the one in February 2022 with such forces is impossible. However, the enemy will definitely try to conduct separate offensive operations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signed a protocol on Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance. The document has been sent to the country's parliament for ratification.

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This was reported by the press service of the Turkish President on Twitter. It is noted that Erdogan signed the protocol on Monday, October 23.

"The protocol on Sweden's accession to NATO was signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 23, 2023, and submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey," Erdogan's press service said in a brief statement.

Erdogan also previously pledged to cooperate with parliament to ensure the document's approval.

Earlier, Swedish media, citing their own sources, reported that Stockholm is optimistic about the NATO accession process and expects it to be completed within the next few weeks.

In July, at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Turkey agreed to unblock the process of ratification of Sweden's accession to the Alliance in exchange for the Scandinavian country's assistance in bringing Ankara closer to the European Union.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he would submit the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership application to parliament in October, when the legislature reconvenes after the summer recess.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto promised that if Turkey ratifies Sweden's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, his country will keep its promise not to slow down any country's accession to the military treaty.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Moldova will block 22 Russian propaganda Internet portals. The relevant decree was signed on October 24 by the head of the country's Information and Security Service (SIS), Alexandru Musteata.

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This was reported by the Moldovan edition of NewsMaker. Thus, the decree states that the SIS has the right to make changes to the lists of online sources that may be available for viewing in the country.

It is noted that the relevant decree applies to information that comes from the state authorities of a country that is in a military conflict and is recognized as an aggressor state.

In particular, according to the government decree, it is planned to block access to such Internet portals as RT, Zvezda, Tsargrad, NTV, VGTRK, Ren-TV, Mir, RTR-Planeta, Vesti, TVC, Spas-TV, 5TV, Smozhem, 360 TV channel, Moscow 24 and others.

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As a reminder, journalists from several Nordic countries have exposed the activities of Russian spies in the Scandinavian countries. Their documentary "War of Shadows" tells the story of nearly 40 Russian intelligence agents who are connected to Russian embassies in these countries.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the head of Sputnik Moldova, Vitaly Denisov, who was expelled from Moldova on September 13 on suspicion of interfering in the country's internal affairs, turned out to be a career Russian officer. As the journalists found out, Denisov works as part of the 72nd Special Service Center (GRU military unit No. 54777).

Only verified information is available on the Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Two Ukrainian children were killed in a rocket attack on the Gaza Strip. The brother and sister were 9 and 6 years old.

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This was reported in a comment to OBOZ.UA by the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko. The deceased minors have already been identified, and the Ministry expressed condolences to their parents.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirms the death of two Ukrainian children born in 2014 and 2017 in the Gaza Strip," said the spokesman.

He added that the Ukrainian mission in Ramallah is investigating all the circumstances of the tragedy and keeping in touch with the families.

The children's mother survived. The woman is from Kharkiv, said Maksym Tiokin, head of the Ukrainian Embassy to the Palestinian National Authority, in a commentary to Suspilne.

Currently, the total number of confirmed victims among Ukrainians in Israel is 19 dead and 1 missing. There are 3 dead in the Gaza Strip.

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As a reminder, on October 17, the life of 24-year-old Ukrainian citizen Leila Khyzha, also a native of Kharkiv, ended there. She and her daughter were in the house of her husband's parents when a rocket hit the building. The man was in Egypt at the time.

The news is supplemented...
The IRL Squid Game: The Challenge is almost here and If you thought risking your dalgona biscuit for a wad of cash was reserved for the unlucky contestants of the Korean Netflix series, think again.


Chouhan targets Congress over snatching rights of poor by closing welfare schemes





Staff Reporter

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed an election meeting in support of party candidate Karan Singh Verma in Ichhawar Assembly constituency of Sehore district on Monday where CM Chouhan targeted the Congress and said that it always snatches away the rights of the poor by closing public welfare schemes. Those who formed INDIA alliance for their own selfish reasons cannot do any good to the country and the State. Chouhan said that Congress can never do good to the country and the State. Congress only commits the sin of stopping schemes. If Congress comes to power, neither the Ladli scheme nor the Ladi Bahna Scheme will survive. Congress has already stopped poor welfare schemes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing the work of doing good to the people, and only the BJP government is doing the good and development of the state. Congress has never given a single push. Chief Minister Chouhan said that Congress and opposition parties have formed an INDIA alliance, AAP, Congress, SP are all coming together, even together they cannot defeat Prime Minister Modi, because they are coming together because of their own interests. They can never do any good to the public.

The country and the state are moving forward under the leadership of BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For me, sisters are awakened mothers. I will leave no stone unturned to change the lives of my daughters. Karan Singh Verma is the development man of Ichhawar. The word impossible is not in uncles dictionary. Even after the holy festival of Mahanavami in Navratri, the festival of worship of Shakti, thousands of mothers, sisters and general public gathered in Ichhawar to listen and welcome to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He wished the people of the state on Mahanavami and Mata Rani wished everyones well-being, well-being, happiness, peace and prosperity. He said that daughters are dear Lakshmi, it is not the parents but the maternal uncle who worries about them. Under the Ladli Brahmin Yojana, at present Rs 1,250 are coming in the accounts of the sisters, but this amount will be increased to Rs 1,500, then Rs 1,750, then Rs 2,000 and in a phased manner this amount will be increased to Rs 3,000. Not only this, Chief Minister Housing Scheme has been made for those sisters whose houses have been left under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. After the elections, the names of those sisters who are left will also be added and they will be given permanent houses.

He also said that daughters will be given Rs 1 lakh when they turn 21 years old. When sons and daughters go to study in another village, they are given money for a bicycle. We decided that now sisters and daughters will contest on half the seats. 30 percent recruitment in police will be of daughters. On purchasing a house, shop or farm, registration fee will be 1 percent. To alleviate the suffering of the sisters, a plan was made which no one in the world could even think of. We have decided that just like the salaries of government employees, I will deposit money into our sisters accounts every month. Next year, the names of all the sisters who have been left out in the Ladli Bahna Yojana will be added, money will also be deposited in the accounts of daughters of 21 years of age. Chief Minister said that the word impossible is not in uncles dictionary. Congress had never planned for irrigation.
Coop export body NCEL gets Rs 7,000 cr orders so far; to share profit with member farmers: Shah





Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a conversation with Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal at the National Symposium on Cooperative Exports organised by National Cooperative for Exports Limited (NCEL), at Pusa Convention Center in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI)

NEW DELHI :

COOPERATION Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the newly-established National Cooperative for Exports Ltd (NCEL) has bagged orders of Rs 7,000 crore so far. Shah, who launched the new logo and website of NCEL here, said the cooperative will ensure that benefits of exports reach member farmers of cooperatives and will share with them about 50 per cent of the export profit over and above the minimum support price.

Currently, NCEL is operating from a temporary office. We are recruiting staff. So far, we (NCEL) have received orders worth Rs 7,000 crore..., the Minister said addressing a national symposium. NCEL will not only focus on making profits from exports but also handhold farmers to manufacture products for the export market. It will also share profit with the member farmers of cooperatives, he said. NCEL will purchase the commodities to be exported from member farmers at the MSP. Out of the total profit the NCEL earns from the exports, about 50 per cent of it will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of member farmers. The profit will be over and above the MSP, he said. Shah also distributed membership certificates to five NCEL members at the symposium being organised at the Pusa complex here. Speaking on the occasion, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the creation of NCEL will give a fillip to exports and contribute to the countrys growth and rural transformation.

The cooperative sector can tap the export potential as there is a growing thrust on India at the global level, he said. The Minister also added the cooperatives should focus on manufacturing quality products for the export market that comply with international standards. Minister of State for Cooperation Minister B L Verma, Cooperation Secretary Gyanesh Kumar and NCEL chief Pankaj Kumar Bansal were also present at the event. NCEL, which was registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act on January 25 this year, has an authorised share capital of Rs 2,000 crore and those cooperative societies from the level of primary to apex interested in exports are eligible to become its members. It aims to focus on exporting the surplus available in the Indian cooperative sector by accessing wider markets beyond the geographical contours of the country. There are about 8 lakh cooperative societies in the country with over 29 crore members.
Deeper issue





THE latest difficult phase in the relationship between India and Canada is not restricted only to diplomatic row, so to say. Rather, there is a deeper issue of parity in relationship between two International players. The underlying issue that India has been pressing for -- of having mutual respect towards each others honour, dignity, and sovereignty -- cannot be confined to diplomatic row. As has been stated umpteen number of times, and reiterated by Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, India called for the safety of Indian diplomats in Canada. Also, she took a firm stand against the Canadian diplomats meddling in the internal affairs of India. On the face of it, this looked like a diplomatic row leading to Canada withdrawing 41 of its diplomats from India. However, as has been highlighted by Dr S Jaishankar, what India sought was diplomatic parity, which is very much provided for in the Vienna Convention and the International rules. Here, the word parity has to be given a thinking deeper than focussing merely on its annotation with reference to diplomacy alone. For local vote-bank politics, Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau has been sheltering the Khalistani terrorists for years.

But, his actions and words were not restricted to only sheltering them. As has been exposed recently, he has been tacitly using anti-India Khalistani terrorism as a tool of statecraft. On occasions, he took relationship with India granted to the extent of sermonising the latter about diversity and inclusion, with direct or indirect references in support of pro-Khalistan forces. Also, he overstepped and violated the International norms, which his country has been trying to blame India for, by allowing Canadian diplomats to extend their brief and interfere in Indias internal affairs. Mr Trudeau forgot that India has been a far more diverse and inclusive country, and she has better experience than Canada in handling diversity. Thanks to Indias rich cultural and spiritual heritage, several religions and sects and languages and cultural practices co-exist and each one is respected if there is no political overtone attached. In case of Canada, which has a dark history of slavery and supremacism, everything is being abused as a tool of politics and statecraft. The political appeasement in Canada has gone so out of hand that Mr Trudeau and the likes have actually started compromising their countrys interest by way of supporting terrorists and forces inimical to India, and in the process creating a potential risk to sovereignty of India.

Obviously, no country including India can tolerate disrespect towards own honour, dignity, and sovereignty. In case of Khalistani terrorism, it has been reduced to something operating from foreign soil, as domestically the peace-loving Sikh community is against the separatists. When a reference is made to Khalistanis operating from foreign soil, one must not forget the incidents of anti-India campaign launched by these nefarious forces in the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada. However, in case of other countries, India just had to express its expectation that those countries would respect her sovereignty and deal with threats to it accordingly. Hence, the difference between Indias stand on the issue in case of other countries and Canada. For, others understood that the International rules-based order called for mutual respect for one anothers integrity and sovereignty. Mr Justin Trudeau acted in contravention of that and created the risk of loss of face for Canada. So, whatever is playing out these days between India and Canada, is of Mr Trudeaus own making. And, this is deeper than mere diplomatic row.
For first time: JAK RRC holds Shastra Puja, Weapon Display





Staff Reporter

Station Durga Pooja and Dussehra are mega festivals in the city of Jabalpur. This event is being celebrated from last 54 years. To make the event more happening this year, Shastra Puja and Weapon Display was conducted for the first time for the citizens of Jabalpur city by Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regimental Centre (JAK RRC) under the aegis of Headquarters Madhya Bharat Area at Garrison Ground, on Monday.

The unique event witnessed a huge presence of citizens and youth of Jabalpur who showed their keen interest in the weapons displayed and used by the Indian Army. The event showcased the latest weapons and equipment and gave civilians an opportunity to interact with the soldiers and learn about their experiences in using them. The event was an ideal platform to showcase the strength and valour of the armed forces. The weapons displayed included rifles, machine guns, grenades and other sophisticated equipment used by the Indian Army. Apart from this, skilled soldiers also explained how to use various weapons and equipment. Indian Army proudly celebrates festivals of all religions with equal fervour and grandeur.

Keeping the same spirit alive, the Shastra Pujan was organised at the Garrison Ground, in which General Officer Commanding, Madhya Bharat Area Lieutenant General M K Das performed the Shastra Puja in the traditional way and sought blessings from Goddess Shakti, for the well-being of everyone. He complimented the soldiers for their skilled display and inspired the youth present on the occasion to join the Indian Army. The event was a huge success and awakened a sense of pride and patriotism among all the citizens towards the Indian Army. It was a proud moment for the soldiers to display their skills and equipment in front of the public and they received appreciation from all sides for the event.
Staff Reporter

NAGPUR

police, on Monday, raided the house of Bunty alias Dinesh Maheshchandra Kothari in Gondia and recovered staggering 3.25 kilograms of gold concealed in a drum. The gold belongs to the on-line gaming fraudster Sontu alias Ananth Navratan Jain, police said.A top police official said that Kothari was arrested by the police on Sunday. He spilled beans and revealed crucial information leading to recovery of the valuable assets. It has come to the light that on August 1, police were preparing to search four lockers of Sontu and his family members at Axis Bank in Gondia. Sontu hatched the conspiracy with bank manager Ankesh Khandelwal and Dr Gaurav Bagga through an intermediary, Ankit Mishra, a bank manager in Bhandara.

A bank account and locker were opened in the name of Dr Gaurav Bagga and Garima Bagga, through which gold and cash were transferred from Sontus family locker. The cash and gold were amassed to such an extent that three new lockers became jammed with valuables. As a result, Khandelwal handed over 3.25 kg of gold and over Rs six crore in cash to Kothari who concealed the gold in a drum at his house while the cash was funneled to Sontu in Dubai via a hawala trader from Gondia, the official claimed. This cash was used by Sontu in the legal battles. The official claimed that Sontu had initially promised Rs four crore commission to Khandelwal for his assistance in transferring funds to different lockers.

However, when Khandelwal demanded his commission, Sontu not only refused but also resorted to threats. Sontu even threatened him with sister of Khandelwal. On Monday, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar convened a meeting with top officials of Axis Bank and informed them that a forensic examination of the lockers would be conducted to gather evidence against the accused parties. Additionally, police are planning to recreate the events that transpired at the bank on that fateful day. Ankit Mishra, who had set the deal between Khandelwal and Sontu, will also be booked as accused in the case.
Mah committed to grant quota to Maratha community which will pass legal test: Fadnavis





MUMBAI :

THE Maharashtra Government is committed to granting reservation to the Maratha community but will have to ensure that the allocation stands the legal and constitutional scrutiny, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday. Fadnavis assurance comes on the eve of the expiry of an ultimatum given by activist Manoj Jarange to the Government for declaring a quota for Marathas under the OBC category. The senior BJP leader also said a hurried decision on granting a quota in education and Government jobs may be struck down by Supreme Court. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has stressed that the Government wants to give the reservation to the Maratha community which will pass the legal and constitutional tests. Suppose a decision to award reservation in education and Government jobs is taken hurriedly, in that case, the court will strike it down, and the State will face the criticism of cheating the community, Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur.

When asked about the demand of the Maratha Kranti Morcha for restructuring the state Backward Classes Commission, he said CM Shinde will definitely take a decision on this front. If some vacancies are to be filled, we will do it, he added. In the past, our government had given the reservation (to Marathas) that was upheld by the Bombay High Court. Maharashtra was the only state after Tamil Nadu where the HC had upheld the reservation granted by the state, Fadnavis said. The former chief minister said the apex court never issued a stay order on the reservation given to the Maratha community when the BJP-led government was in power in Maharashtra (from 2014 to 2019). But I do not want to indulge in politics over what happened later (when Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA was at the helm from November 2019 to June 2022). Our government is committed to issuing the reservation to the Maratha community.

We will get it done, Fadnavis added. A day earlier, Manoj Jarange had said he would launch a fast-unto-death protest from October 25 if the government fails to grant quota to the Maratha community by Tuesday. Jarange also said the Maratha community would not let political leaders, including MPs and MLAs, enter villages across the state until the reservation demand is met. The Maratha quota issue took centre stage in Maharashtra politics after some people supporting Jarange during his hunger strike protest in September were allegedly lathi-charged by police at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district.
Nigerian national arrested from Mumbai for duping medicine supplier of Rs 15.85 lakh





Staff Reporter

The Nagpur Cyber Police have apprehended a Nigerian national residing in Mumbai for duping a medicine supplier of Rs 15.85 lakh under the guise of procuring medicine from him. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) EoW and Cyber Archit Chandak stated that three accomplices associated with the accused are also in police custody. The arrested Nigerian has been identified as Chinonso Raphael, alias Tinni Christian Augustine (37), a resident of Dombivali, Mumbai. The other arrested fraudsters include Laxman Ganpat Bagwe, Shakeel Ahmed Mohammad Yasin Sheikh, and Bablu Kumar Ramswaroop Sharma, all residents of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The case stemmed from a complaint lodged by Nilesh Jivtode, a resident of Godhani, Nagpur, who is engaged in the pharmaceutical business and had recently started into exporting. In September this year, Nilesh was contacted by the accused Nigerian, Tinni, who introduced the need for a reliable supplier in India and claimed that his company required a Coradic organic extract powder supplied by Vaishali Kumar of Mumbai. Nilesh initially ordered 1 kg of the powder upon making a payment of Rs 1.85 lakh. Soon after, Tinni again inquired about the availability of the powder and upon confirmation from Nilesh placed an order of 100 kg. Nilesh again contacted Vaishali and transferred Rs 15.85 lakh for 10 kg of the powder. However, neither the goods arrived nor did Nilesh receive a refund. He realised that he had fallen victim to a on-line scam and reported the incident to the police.

The police froze the bank accounts of the accused. However, Rs nine lakh had already been transferred to a Nigerian bank. A police team was dispatched to Mumbai and conducted a raid on Tinnis residence, where he initially resisted arrest but was taken into custody. Further investigations revealed that Shakeel, Laxman, and Bablu were working in collusion with Tinni. They had opened bank accounts in their names through which the fraudulent funds were funneled. The police have identified a total of 52 such bank accounts, and are likely to make more arrests. Police Inspector Amit Dolas, API Maroti Shelke, Head Constables Shailesh, Parag, Chandrashekhar and Priya arrested the accused.

Nigerian marries Indian girl

The investigation uncovered that Tinni had come to India on a tourist visa six years ago and had engaged in a clothing business while primarily being involved in fraudulent activities. He managed to purchase a luxurious flat in Nalasopara by duping several persons. Additionally, Tinni had married an Indian girl, Vaishali, whose real name is Steffi. The police have booked Steffi as an accomplice but, she remains at large. During the search of Tinni's residence, the police discovered his passport from the Republic of Liberia. Earlier, CID Mumbai unit had arrested Tinni in another fraud case which led to the confiscation of his Nigerian passport. Tinni had obtained a fraudulent Liberian passport. The police have registered a case against him under the Foreigner Act.
Parties face wrath of workers over election ticket distribution





By Bhavana Aparajita

Shukla

Now it has become neo-normal in todays politics that supporters of poll aspirants, who have failed to get tickets, used to stage protests. Such protests are grabbing public attention due to bizarre scenes. On Sunday, a few workers carrying placards of Niwari districts were protesting against party candidates outside the Pradesh Congress Committee office. In an unusual development, a man from the group came up and remained for around an hour in headstand pose demanding to change the candidate. While in BJP in Gwalior, supporters of BJP leader Munnalal Goyal, a loyalist of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, protested outside the erstwhile royals Jai Vilas Palace after Goyal was denied a ticket. Scindia drove to the palace gate and asserted that he stood by them and Goyal in an attempt to pacify the incident.

Even as both parties attempted to downplay the resentment but were unable to curb such episodes. BJP workers created a ruckus in front of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav in Jabalpur. The supporters of BJP aspirant Dheeraj Pateria and former minister Sharad Jain created a ruckus at the party office after Abhilash Pandey got the ticket from the Jabalpur North seat. The angry party workers also clashed with Yadav's gunman. On other hand, Congress workers burn the effigies of Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh and his son. There are incidents of resentment among some of the congress over declaration of candidates from Burhanpur, Shujalpur, Seoni-Malwa, Semaria, and Jaora seats. Workers at Shujalpur raised slogans outside Kamal Naths bungalow and showed black flags to former minister Deepak Joshi, he is the son of late Kailash Joshi, and Deepak Joshi switched from the BJP to Congress this year and got the ticket. Annoyed workers broke the glass of his car and took to streets in protest against the candidates fixed by the party for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Former BJP MLA from Tikamgarh K K Shrivastava resigned from the primary membership of the party expressing displeasure over ticket distribution in a letter addressed to the state BJP president. Congress has so far announced 229 candidates while that of BJP is 228 for the elections to the 230-member Assembly. On Sunday, scores of men took to the streets and demanded before the party state president to replace party candidate Bhagwandas Sabnani with ex-minister Umashankar Gupta. supporters of Gupta were raising slogans in front of State BJP president V D Sharma in Bhopal.
Police return 500 lost mobiles to owners

Staff Reporter

The Cyber Crime Branch of the Bhopal Police on Monday recovered about 500 stolen or lost mobile phones from different places and handed over them to their owners. These mobiles include expensive branded mobile phones like Apple IPhones to budget smartphones. Mobile owners had lodged a complaint about their lost smartphones in the past. Acting on this, the Lost Cellphone Unit of the Cyber Crime Police took action and discovered these mobiles. The mobile owners also looked very happy after getting their lost mobile phones back and expressed their gratitude to the police for this. It may be mentioned here that so far this year, the Cyber Crime Branch of Bhopal Police has searched about 1,200 mobile phones and returned them to their owners.
Sadhna Saxena Nair becomes second woman Air Marshal; takes charge as DG, hospital services





NEW DELHI,

AIR Marshal Sadhna Saxena Nair on Monday took charge as the Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces), becoming the first woman officer to hold the prestigious post, IAF officials said. She is effectively only the second woman officer who has served throughout in the Indian Air Force to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, they said.

The first woman officer to achieve this was Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (Retd). Air Marshal Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) on promotion to the rank of Air Marshal today, said a brief readout released by the IAF.

The Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) is considered a prestigious position that is part of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). Air Marshal Sadhna is the wife of Air Marshal KP Nair (Retd). The Nairs also happen to be the first and only Air Marshal couple in the IAF. She has the unique distinction of being a daughter and sister of IAF doctors and of being a wife and mother of IAF fighter pilots. Three generations of her family have served in the IAF over the last seven decades.

Air Marshal Sadhna graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and was commissioned into the IAF in December 1985. She holds a postgraduate degree in Family Medicine and has undergone a two-year training programme in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi. Air Marshal Sadhna trained abroad in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) warfare and in Military Medical Ethics. She was the first and only woman Principal Medical Officer of Western Air Command and Training Command.
Tea group scion Parag Desai Victim of attack by stray dogs outside his Ahmedabad home





AHMEDABAD :

THE rising problem of stray cattle and dogs on urban streets has led to another tragic incident, as businessman Parag Desai, Wagh Bakri Groups Executive Director, lost his life on October 22 due to an accident involving street dogs. On October 15, Parag Desai, the 50-year-old Executive Director at Gujarat Tea Processors and Packers Limited, was reportedly attempting to fend off aggressive street dogs outside his home during a morning walk when he slipped and fell. A security guard on duty quickly alerted his family and Parag Desai was rushed to Shelby Hospital. He was later transferred to Zydus Hospital for a surgical procedure for brain haemorrhage. Regrettably, on October 22, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

His last rites were conducted at the Thaltej crematorium on Monday morning. He is survived by his wife Vidisha and daughter Parisha. After completing his MBA in the US at Long Island University, he returned to Ahmedabad and took a leading role in transforming the family business. Renowned as a tea connoisseur, he introduced many to the nuances of crafting the perfect tea and blends. He oversaw sales, marketing and export departments of the Rs 1,500 crore group that was founded by his great grandfather. He expanded the brand into tea lounges and introduced new products like iced tea.

He was also active on industry platforms like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and international organisations. Beyond business, Desai had a charitable side, supporting organisations such as the Blind Peoples Association and Jivdaya Charitable Trust, a prominent animal hospital in Ahmedabad. Wagh Bakri Tea Group is one of the countrys leading packaged tea companies with a turnover of over Rs 2,000 crore and more than 50 million kgs of distribution. It is well-known for its premium tea and has been in business since 1892.
Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $46.19.

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Bath & Body Works from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $52.00 price target on shares of Bath & Body Works in a report on Wednesday, August 23rd. Raymond James dropped their price target on shares of Bath & Body Works from $48.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Bath & Body Works from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 24th. Finally, Barclays raised shares of Bath & Body Works from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $41.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st.

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Institutional Trading of Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works Stock Performance

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BBWI. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its stake in Bath & Body Works by 406.5% during the first quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 704 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 565 shares during the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp increased its holdings in shares of Bath & Body Works by 1,180.4% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 653 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 602 shares during the period. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Bath & Body Works during the first quarter worth approximately $36,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Bath & Body Works in the second quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bath & Body Works by 55.5% during the second quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 1,065 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 380 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.31% of the companys stock.

Bath & Body Works stock opened at $29.56 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.72 billion, a PE ratio of 9.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 1.74. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $34.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $35.98. Bath & Body Works has a one year low of $29.51 and a one year high of $49.55.

Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 23rd. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.07. Bath & Body Works had a negative return on equity of 30.08% and a net margin of 9.47%. The firm had revenue of $1.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.56 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.52 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Bath & Body Works will post 3.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bath & Body Works Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 18th were issued a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.71%. Bath & Body Workss payout ratio is 26.06%.

Bath & Body Works Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Bath & Body Works, Inc operates a specialty retailer of home fragrance, body care, and soaps and sanitizer products. It sells its products under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn, and other brand names through retail stores and e-commerce sites located in the United States and Canada, as well as through international stores operated by partners under franchise, license, and wholesale arrangements.

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By Azernews

Abbas Ganbay

There was some kind of businesslike meeting between France and Armenia in the field of defense industry, where France was determined to arm Armenia; rather it could be called a deal to blow up the Armenian budget.

Thus Armenia missed another chance to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, which could promise a more fruitful future for Armenia. Following its unfathomable policymaking, Armenia has also worsened relations with former ally Russia, although, the latter has control over Armenian airspace. Europe and the West, which ignore a giant like Russia, support France's initiative to arm Armenia.

In a word, amidst the raging wars and ongoing economic and social-immigration collapse of the Western countries, the European Union seems more interested in destabilizing the situation in the Caucasus. But they act not according to the logic of things, but to please the ruling class to serve more to their dirty ambitions, and to eradicate the middle and "lower" classes, in a nutshell, opening the gates for the arrival of migrants from the "Gray" points of the Earth. Despite all the existing problems of the Western countries, in protest to their peoples, they pursue their ambitions to meddle in the Caucasus, in support of Armenia - the only country that is being used as an instrument to stir up the situation in the region.

What is France's interest in rearming Armenia, which has recently been defeated by war and newly freed from the clutches of separatism?

This question was answered by military analyst Alexander Artamonov in a comment for AZERNEWS, where he especially touched on France's Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu's communique on the provision of Armenia with defensive weapons of air defense systems. A malicious document, at the same time known as France's waste paper served extensively for arming a country for a new disaster.

"According to some reports, the delivery of weapons is already underway, and it is quite possible that it is not only defensive weapons systems, but also some other weapons systems, this cannot be ruled out. France may definitely feel remorse for the events of 101 years ago, when it guaranteed the Armenians in Kilke that they would not be touched, and then did what France and some of its other allies have always done. They quietly left the Armenians by reneging the agreement, without interfering in any way in the course of events.

If we look at France's behavior in Algeria, where General De Gaulle first promised to leave all his troops and then withdrew them, actually betraying his own army in the 60s of the last century, we can say that France is more untrusting," the expert said.

According to Artamonov, France's arming of Armenians comes not from the interest of protecting Armenians, but in order to keep a part of arms supplies, and arms market, and thus to get a piece of the Western bloc.

"We know that the arms market is a very rich market, so I do not exclude the supply of French light tanks, howitzers, self-propelled artillery units of Caesar class, and rolling guns, which are also in France's armed forces," the expert pointed out.

It is important to recall that the international conference "Neocolonialism: violation of human rights and injustice" organized by the Baku Initiative Group started its work in Baku. The conference was attended by representatives of 14 countries, as well as French overseas territories (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Guiana, Martinique, and Guadeloupe) and Corsica. All these countries have suffered for many years from France's colonialist policies, and until today the issue of a solution has not been adequately publicized and dealt with.

According to the military expert, firstly, France's main objective is to continue the conflict, where France's actions will push Armenia to take certain steps related to the Russian Army's proposal to leave Armenia, and secondly, to actually continue the conflict with Azerbaijan.

"As a result of such behavior, there are two possibilities  first, France will be able to occupy all these bases, which are now occupied by the Russian army; it is Arkashi, Armavir, and Gumri. Actually, if these bases are taken by France, it will try to guarantee Armenia the inviolability of its borders, which is not interesting for Azerbaijan, given that we remember that 7 border villages remain disputed territory from the point of view of Azerbaijan.

I think that in the extreme case, it will cause a continuation of the conflict and France will quietly observe it. What to expect from a country that leads such practices?" Artamonov added.

Furthermore, according to the expert, the Western countries, which are against Azerbaijan, are in favor of continuing the conflict, and today Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of not wanting any agreement, knowing that there are no proposals from Armenia.

"Response to a proposal is when people sit down at the table and say "here is our text, let's discuss it". However, there is no such thing, and we don't see that. So I think that Pashinyan continues his game, the final game will be the advancement of NATO to the territory of Armenia through France, and this is not pleasant, because we remember that Azerbaijan has a neutral status, it is at the head of the non-aligned states that remain neutral, at the same time the line of behavior that Armenia is taking now is a direct attempt to get Russia out of the South Caucasus, I think that in the future it will lead Armenia to the loss of position, and this loss of position will be associated with an attempt to continue the war," the military expert added.

In conclusion, A. Artamonov added that there is a common air defense system in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye, as Azerbaijan and Turkiye have a joint agreement on the production of certain weapons, where the Turkish army is a brother army to the Azerbaijani one.

"France as a NATO country will simply expand the import of air defense at the expense of its interests on the territory of Armenia, it is a common umbrella, and it will not be a problem, because the NATO satellite constellation is a single, for all countries of the north of the Atlantic alliance, the problem will be with the Russian Army," he added.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) and Predictive Technology Group (OTCMKTS:PRED  Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability and analyst recommendations.

Risk & Volatility

Abbott Laboratories has a beta of 0.69, suggesting that its stock price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Predictive Technology Group has a beta of -0.92, suggesting that its stock price is 192% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for Abbott Laboratories and Predictive Technology Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Abbott Laboratories 0 4 9 0 2.69 Predictive Technology Group 0 0 0 0 N/A

Earnings and Valuation

Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus target price of $117.47, suggesting a potential upside of 22.64%. Given Abbott Laboratories higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Abbott Laboratories is more favorable than Predictive Technology Group.

This table compares Abbott Laboratories and Predictive Technology Groups gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Abbott Laboratories $43.65 billion 3.81 $6.93 billion $2.94 32.58 Predictive Technology Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Abbott Laboratories has higher revenue and earnings than Predictive Technology Group.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

73.7% of Abbott Laboratories shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of Abbott Laboratories shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Abbott Laboratories and Predictive Technology Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Abbott Laboratories 12.92% 20.22% 10.18% Predictive Technology Group N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Abbott Laboratories beats Predictive Technology Group on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Abbott Laboratories

(Get Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. The Diagnostic Products segment offers laboratory systems in the areas of immunoassay, clinical chemistry, hematology, and transfusion; molecular diagnostics systems that automate the extraction, purification, and preparation of DNA and RNA from patient samples, as well as detect and measure infectious agents; point of care systems; cartridges for testing blood; rapid diagnostics lateral flow testing products; molecular point-of-care testing for HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, RSV, and strep A; cardiometabolic test systems; drug and alcohol test, and remote patient monitoring and consumer self-test systems; and informatics and automation solutions for use in laboratories. The Nutritional Products segment provides pediatric and adult nutritional products. The Medical Devices segment offers rhythm management, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular, and structural heart devices for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases; and diabetes care products, as well as neuromodulation devices for the management of chronic pain and movement disorders. Abbott Laboratories was founded in 1888 and is based in North Chicago, Illinois.

About Predictive Technology Group

(Get Free Report)

Predictive Technology Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops and commercializes discoveries and technologies involved in novel molecular diagnostic, therapeutic, and human cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps). It operates in two segments, Human Cellular and Tissues Products (HCT/Ps); and Diagnostics and Therapeutics. The company provides FertilityDX, a genetic testing service for couples experiencing infertility; ARTguide, a genetic test for women experiencing infertility because of endometriosis and other genetic conditions; and regenerative medicine products, including AmnioCyte, AmnioCyte Plus, PolyCyte, and CoreCyte for use in regenerative medicine applications. It has a collaboration agreement with Atrin Pharmaceuticals LLC to develop molecular diagnostic tools to facilitate enhanced selection of cancer patients. The company was formerly known as Global Enterprises Group, Inc. and changed its name to Predictive Technology Group, Inc. in July 2015. Predictive Technology Group, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Handelsbanken Fonder AB lessened its position in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 13.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 83,258 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 12,885 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder ABs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $14,459,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Nordwand Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. FWL Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. RFP Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, AM Squared Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $34,000. Institutional investors own 81.12% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on TRV shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $194.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Travelers Companies from $180.00 to $176.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Travelers Companies from C$183.00 to C$185.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Travelers Companies from $208.00 to $176.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $183.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Eight 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. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $193.38.

Travelers Companies Stock Performance

Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $159.27 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $36.38 billion, a PE ratio of 17.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.59. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $163.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $170.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $158.87 and a 12 month high of $194.51.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The insurance provider reported $1.95 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.93 by ($0.98). The business had revenue of $10.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.42 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 5.45%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.20 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 11.43 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.51%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.29%.

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.

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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).

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Competitive bidding for govt securities not about raising capital, says FS

This has nothing to do with our borrowing needs or our borrowing capacity
Mitchell: We have no choice but to attract new
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged political parties in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States to prevail on their members, candidates and supporters to maintain peace during their campaign rallies.

This is even as the INEC boss said free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace.

Prof Yakubu stated this at the quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held at the INEC conference room on Tuesday, 24th October.

Today, the subject matter of our meeting is the ongoing preparations for the three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States scheduled to hold on Saturday 11th November 2023. With just a little over two weeks to the election, we are at the concluding stages of our preparations. This is the first time that the Commission will be conducting three off-cycle Governorship elections simultaneously across different geo-political zones. This is made possible by the coincidence of the end of tenure of the current holders of the offices which fall within the constitutional timeframe of not earlier than 150 days or later than 30 days before the expiration of their terms of office as enshrined in Section 178(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), he said during his opening remarks.

The INEC chairman also reaffirmed that the Commission has delivered all non-sensitive materials for the elections to the three States, sayin training of various categories of ad hoc staff is ongoing.

At the same time, political parties have uploaded the names of their polling and collation agents to the dedicated web portal. As I informed Nigerians at the meeting with our Resident Electoral Commissions (RECs) last week, a total of 137,934 agents made up of 130,093 polling and 7,841 collation agents have already been uploaded to the portal. However, not all the political parties have nominated agents for all the polling units and even the collation centres in the three States. In the next few days, the Commission will publish the detailed distribution of agents uploaded by all political parties for public information. I urge you to consider the submission of names of agents as important as the nomination of candidates for election.

I am glad to report that the printing of agents identity cards will be completed this weekend. This will allow political parties ample time to distribute the cards to their agents. All the identity cards are QR Code-readable to ensure maximum security and to avoid impersonation by unaccredited persons.

On the issue of candidature, the Commission is concerned about the spate of recent judgements and orders of court in respect of the nomination, substitution or disqualification of candidates after all the sensitive materials have been printed. The reprinting of the materials in compliance with court orders within a short period of time is not only expensive but the management of the process very challenging. Although the Commission has already published the final list of candidates for the three States, four recent court orders have compelled us to review the list. These changes have been reflected in the updated list of parties and candidates on our website. However, this decision is without prejudice to any pending appeal by the affected candidates or their political parties.

 As electioneering campaigns continue to intensify, the Commission reiterates its concern about the spate of violence in the three States involving parties and candidates. I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace. After all, election is a process involving human beings as voters, election officials, observers and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us. While we will continue to work with the security agencies in this regard, political parties acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also have an obligation to impress on your members, candidates and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession. I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond, he added.
The Southern Cameroons People's Conference held in Toronto, Canada between 5th to 8th Oct ended with far reaching resolutions. The conference which was a follow-up of a previous conference has renewed hopes, reinvigorated a new spirit and sharpened focus on the right to self determination which will eventually midwife Ambazonia independence.

The conference achieved among other things, the renewed determination to create for the people, a democratic society that would ensure the Rule of Law, respect for human rights and freedoms, and the dignity of all men and women in all communities large and small.

However, a Southern Cameroon/Ambazonia activist and the founder of Mama Ambazonia Initiative, Mengnjo Paulette has appealed to all stakeholders in the project to walk the talk, particularly on all the resolutions reached.

At the just concluded conference in Canada, Mengnjo Paulette while delivering her presentation before Mr. Anthony Asong led Thematic Humanitarian Committee, highlighted the challenges of the vulnerable children, women and the aged.

Below is a full text of her presentation at the conference: www.scpconference.com

A Presentation by Mengnjo Paulette on Behalf of Mama Ambazonia Initiative at the The Southern Cameroons People's Conference in Canada, October 5 - 8 2023.

The Chair SCPC,

Distinguished Members of various Ambazonian Groups here present,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I stand on all existing Protocols.

Our Quest for Statehood: Addressing the Humanitarian Needs of our People

Introduction

Most people know me as Mama Ambazona and rightly so because my life and my being rotates on the struggle for the Statehood of Ambazonia.

Critical Areas of the Struggle:

Since the inception of our collective struggle to date, it has revolved on three critical but strategic points:

- Self Defense

- Diplomatic Offensive

- Humanitarian Support

With the horror rained on our people by the LRC military, it became imperative to support our people in chronic need (Victims of the Struggle)

This is where it beckons on all of us. However, as a concerned individual, I transited from my former posture to a humanitarian advocate Mama Ambazonia Initiative(MAI). Today, it has become the essence of my being on earth.

MAI Humanitarian Focus

a) Our main focus has been on the needy in the struggle and other necessary general interventions.

There has been a misrepresentation between the needy and the needy of the struggle. We have always had and will always have the needy in our societies and communities. The needy of the society/community in general of course is not the humanitarian focus of the struggle. The focus therefore is on the victims of the struggle that are in dire need. These are those rendered vulnerable by the struggle. They include:

- Families of fallen heroes

- Homeless/Maimed/Raped/ (ie molested and Traumatized persons)

- IDPs

- Refugees and

- Prisoners

Permit me to highlight the following under-reported statistics of the genocide in our Homeland:

- Over 42,000 Persons have been Killed by LRC since 2016

- Over 720,000 Refugees, with about 500,000 in LRC, 200,000 in Nigeria and the rest spread across Ghana and in the wilds.

- Over 600 villages razed down

- Over 7,000 raped cases with over 10% pregnant

- Tens of thousands mained and Traumatized

- Over 3,500 persons in prisons and other LRC torture/detention camps/centres

If these figures don't alert the world on the ongoing genocide in Ambazonia that must be stopped, then there may never again be R2P (Right Protect), translating to commitments being for a specific others only.

These figures explain the enormity of the humanitarian crisis. This is where MAI comes in but can only do very little in this wide spectrum of humanitarian catastrophe. It is therefore a pointer which is incumbent upon us all to do more in order not to disappoint the vulnerable and other victims of the struggle.

b) MAIs specific interventions

while supporting other areas of need highlighted in (a) above, have traversed interventions in food and medical needs of Refugees, IDPs and Prisoners.

We have lend support to the food and medical needs of those in various prisons and more specifically those in KondenguiPrincipal Prison on a monthly basis since January 2019 to date. In the earlier days, we supported the legal defense.

We have been supporting Refugees in Ogoja, Abokem Water Fall, Ikom, Abuja, Ghana, Benin etc. We receive pleas for assistance from various centres. Some of the requests are life threatening situations. The demands are enormous but the funds very limited.

In addition to our food and medical support, we engage in some sustainable livelihood initiatives for some vulnerable persons. Just to highlight few:

- We have empowered about 13 Refugees in Seamstressing. They were trained and given a start up kits of sewing Machines and some Materials.

- We empowered about 5 Hair dressers and set them up with working materials.

- We do periodic handouts of Food Packages to our Refugees between camps in Ogun States.

- We have our Monthly Fellowship with some groups of needy. We try to empower them with Loans for businesses, farming and training.

We also leverage and support other humanitarian entities when they solicit for support from us.

Our Funding

My pay check is our major source of Funding making me to work round the clock just for this purpose. Friends, family and some public donations in cash or kind are also significant.

All of these are still very insignificant given the magnitude of the need. Clearly, there is a large gap between the resources we have and the need, which should be narrowed.

Recommendations and Conclusion

- Cataloguing platforms/entities should come begin to document all the atrocities being committed for eventual action and reparation.

-There should be more robust engagement and collaboration among all our leaders, specifically the humanitarian forerunners to avoid only few beneficiaries with at the expense of all others in need.

- Education on sustainability to the victims should be well coordinated for better outcomes.

- We should not be weary of donating to authentic outfits to support those that are in dire need of our assistance.

- Accountability, transparency and regular feedback by various entities is the only way to revamp donours interst in supporting our activities.

The humanitarian needs for the victims of our collective struggle are enormous, just as the other areas of the struggle are in dire need too. We can't be tired of funding various aspects of the struggle. Let us rekindle our support to the struggle so that we can actualize our homeland with less pain.

Thank You all.

Mama Ambazonia (Paulette B. Mengnjo)


PM urges all Thai workers to leave Israel while they still can

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made an impassioned plea yesterday (Oct 23) for all Thai workers to leave Israel, warning that the conflict would likely spread and escalate and future ground battles obstruct evacuation efforts.

Safetyviolencemilitary

By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 24 October 2023 09:16 AM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pleads with all Thai workers to return home from Israel while they still can, after being briefed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday (Oct 23). Photo: Government House

He made the call after meeting with officials at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, reports the Bangkok Post.

All military, foreign affairs and security authorities confirmed that although reported strikes have eased, the intensity of the war has not and is likely to escalate and expand to nearby countries. This is of real concern, the prime minister said.

Please come back. Their relatives here, please convince them to leave Israel. Now, while their return is still possible. When the ground battles start, return will be difficult. It will be harder to reach evacuation centres and airports, Mr Srettha said.

Right now 1,000 Thais can be evacuated daily. I would like them all to return. After signing your names, please dont change your mind. No matter how much money, it is not worth your life... I want everyone to return safely. Other things are less important. Please return. Be concerned for your life. Return right away. This is first and foremost, he said.

Mr Srettha said he ordered officials to raise the cash incentive for returnees from the current B15,000 a month and ensure they have jobs upon their return.

The government was doing everything it could to get the release of the Thais abducted by Hamas.

During the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, Mr Srettha said, he discussed the fate of abducted Thais with the Malaysian prime minister, the kings of Oman and Bahrain, and the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.

Everyone was well aware that Thais were not a party to the conflict but had suffered great losses, the prime minister said. Thirty Thai workers have been confirmed killed.

The prime minister said the fate of the 19 Thais who were taken captive remained unknown.

High-level officials of Thailand are departing on flights but I cannot reveal their destinations. I confirm we are trying all possible means to ensure the captives release, Mr Srettha said.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee said about 3,000 Thais had already returned from Israel and the government would arrange for more flights with airlines, to speed up evacuation.

Israel had confirmed the Thai workers would be welcomed back there after the war, he said.

The Labour Ministry would try to persuade employers in Israel not to delay salary payments in the hope of retaining Thai workers there.

About 8,500 of the roughly 30,000 Thai workers in Israel when Hamas launched its attack on Oct 7 have already registered for evacuation home, and have begun arriving daily.
Son, Maddison star as Spurs go top of Premier League

FOOTBALL: Tottenham surged to the top of the Premier League as Son Heung-min and James Maddison sealed a 2-0 win against Fulham yesterday (Oct 23).

FootballPremier-League

By AFP

Tuesday 24 October 2023 02:23 PM

Tottenhams James Maddison scores his teams second goal in the 2-0 win over Fulham yesterday (Oct 23). Photo: AFP

Ange Postecoglous side extended their unbeaten start to nine league games thanks to Sons opener and Maddisons first goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since his close-season move from Leicester.

Tottenham leapfrogged Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool to go two points clear at the top of the table.

Fulham are the only team to beat Tottenham this season, knocking them out of the League Cup on penalties in August.

But they avenged that loss by recording a third successive league victory to strengthen their unexpected title challenge.

Saluting Son and Maddison, Postecoglou said: They are both quality players. They are both leaders at the club.

They work hard for the team and it is a credit to them.

The north Londoners superb start to Postecoglous debut season have awoken dreams of the clubs first top-flight title since Bill Nicholsons 1961 double winners.

While that ambitious target may yet prove beyond Tottenham, who havent won a major trophy since 2008, the Australian has undoubtedly had a huge impact on a club that was in turmoil when he arrived from Celtic.

A toxic combination of Tottenhams poor results and dour displays under Antonio Conte last term, combined with Harry Kanes close-season move to Bayern Munich, left many expecting another year of turmoil.

Yet Postecoglou has astutely guided Tottenham to calmer waters, winning over doubters with his down-to-earth personality and attacking game-plan.

It was a good result against a tough opponent. We maintained our patience and our pressing was really strong, Postecoglou said.

Both our goals came from our press to be honest. Our work off the ball was excellent. It has been first rate all year and that is what got us the result.

Yesterdays victory gave Postecoglou the record for most points gained by a new manager in their first nine Premier League matches, with his 23 surpassing the mark previously held by Mike Walker and Guus Hiddink.

Postecoglous next challenge is ensuring his players are ready for a quick turnaround, with their London derby at Crystal Palace scheduled for Friday.

Dynamic duo

In keeping with their vibrant form under Postecoglou, Tottenham made an enterprising start and Son was denied an early goal by Bernd Lenos smart save from his close-range shot.

Heading into this weekend, no player had provided more assists in the competition this term than Maddisons five.

The playmaker nearly added to that tally when his free-kick was volleyed over by Micky van de Ven.

Fulham almost snatched a shock lead through Joao Palhinha, whose header was brilliantly clawed to safety by Guglielmo Vicario.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg tested Leno with a fierce strike before Richarlison side-footed just wide from the edge of the area.

Tottenhams pressure was rewarded in the 36th minute as Calvin Bassey carelessly surrendered possession and Richarlison flicked a pass to Son on the edge of the area.

Sons deft touch took him away from two flat-footed Fulham defenders, giving him time to curl a fine finish into the far corner for his seventh goal this season.

Dejan Kulusevskis goal-bound strike was deflected wide for a corner as Tottenham pushed for a second.

They had to wait just nine minutes after half-time before delivering the knockout blow, with a hearty assist from Fulhams lacklustre defence.

Kanes departure was expected to destabilise Tottenham, but Son and Maddison have formed a dynamic duo almost as effective as the South Koreans prolific partnership with the England captain.

Hojbjerg intercepted a miscued Bassey clearance and picked out Son, who laid a composed pass into Maddison to apply the finishing touch with a low strike from 10 yards.
TAT pushes The One For Nature ecotourism campaign

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has concluded the second edition of its The One for Nature project with a series of online and on the ground responsible tourism initiatives that underline Thailands direction towards high-value and sustainable tourism experiences, following the success of the campaigns first edition in 2020.

tourismeconomicsenvironmentnatural-resources

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 24 October 2023 06:11 PM

The occasion was marked with an event at Chalong Pier yesterday (Oct 23), joined by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications.

The campaign corresponds with the TATs Corporate Plan 2023-2027, which aims to elevate TATs position as the strategic leader in driving Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism. Activities under The One for Nature campaign are conceptualised to strengthen the awareness of Amazing Thailand as a quality destination for sustainable tourism that appeals to environmentally conscious travellers, Mr Nithee said.

in its second edition, The One for Nature campaign offered environmentally conscious travellers from all over the world the opportunity to immerse themselves in even more abundant natural surroundings once again after natural sights across Thailand have rejuvenated and restored their natural beauty.

The campaign kicked off with online and on the ground activities from August to September 2023.

The one-month online campaign, which garnered 10,369,360 impressions, invited travellers to join an activity via www.tourismthailand.org by uploading their own photo of their favourite travel destination in Thailand and share on social media for their friends to vote.

The top two participants with the highest votes were awarded an exclusive four-day/three-night sustainable tour package. Each package included round-trip flight tickets for two, accommodation, meals, and activities. The third, fourth, and fifth-place winners also received prizes.

On the ground responsible tourism activities were arranged at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and the Walking Streets in Chiang Mai and Phuket, where travellers join in recycle and turn trash into treasure workshops.

The campaign concluded in Phuket yesterday with a collaboration between TAT, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and SCG. Artificial reefs shaped like an elephant were constructed using marine-friendly materials for marine ecosystem rehabilitation and were placed under the sea at Racha Yai island, south of Phuket, by Racha master diver volunteers and the Racha Phuket Hotel.

This second edition is another important step that reflects to the commitment of TAT in driving the Thai tourism industry towards sustainability by inviting quality foreign tourists to travel in Thailand in the form of ecotourism according to the concept of Travel with Responsibility in Thailand and creating awareness of responsible tourism (Travel with Care) so that tourism It is a part of caring for, conserving and preserving the environment, and the project promotes a good image of Thailand as a sustainable Quality Leisure Destination, Mr Nithee said.

Governor Sophon explained, This project is another important force in helping to revive the countrys tourism industry to return to sustainable growth by using ecotourism as a driving force to create good awareness of tourism in Thailand. Thailand is considered a country with diverse and unique tourism resources.

Therefore, inculcating awareness in properly preserving cultural treasures, ways of life and nature in all sectors is very important. If we take proactive steps on a consistent basis, it will help create continuous momentum on both the supply and demand sides to realise responsible tourism patterns. and attract more quality tourists to travel to Thailand  not just in Phuket, but distributed to every province throughout the country, which will be beneficial to the overall economic recovery, he added.
Before this season, the last time Wadley won a region championship the Bulldogs went on to play in the state finals. Judging by their subdued
Rebuttal to the views of three Independent Researchers is entirely untenable

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K Yugindro Singh, Sh Janaki Sharma & M Manihar Singh (Independent Researchers)

Apropos the article authored by NgaranmiShimray entitled Rebuttal to three Independent Researchers on ST demand for Meiteis published in the editorial page of the esteemed English local daily, The Sangai Express on 18th October 2023 in response to the views expressed by the three Independent Researchers namely, K Yugindro Singh, Sh Janaki Sharma & M Manihar Singh on 14th October 2023. After having examined minutely the article entitled Kalelkar Commission Report of 1956: Meiteis exclusion from the ST list is by their own choice published by Ngaranmi Shimray on 10th October 2023, the rebuttal to the three Independent Researchers views is undoubtedly untenable and tantamount to misleading and concealment of truth for the following reasons:

1. In para (1) of the article Kalelkar Commission Report of 1956: Meiteis exclusion from the ST list is by their own choice published on 10th October 2023, Ngaranmi Shimray said that Kaka Kalelkar Backward Classes Commission report of 1956, also known as the Second Backward Classes Commission report states that the Meiteis, when given a opportunity to be ST, did not include themselves. This is a startling and undeniable fact! Here Ngaranmi Shimray has exposed his own ignorance on three aspects: (i) The so- called Kaka Kalelkar Commission was the first Backward Classes Commission (let alone the second Backward Classes Commission, as asserted); (ii) The Kaka Kalelkar Report was of 1955 and not 1956 as asserted; (ii) Kaka Kalelkar Commission Report mentioned neither about the opportunity given to the Meiteis for inclusion in ST list nor about the denial of the Meiteis for inclusion in ST list.

This para tacitly shows that Ngaranmi Shimray is BLUFFING the mass as if he were fully acquainted with the Kaka Kalelkar Commission Report, 1955.

2. This is not true that Meitei excluded themselves from the ST list by their own choice taking into account the Kaka Kalelkar Commission Report, 1955. The Kaka Kalelkar Commission neither had the authority to examine the case of Meitei tribe for inclusion in the revised list of tribes of Manipur nor had the authority to recommend the Meitei tribe to the President for inclusion in the ST list.

The constraints faced by the Kaka Kalelkar Commission had arisen essentially on account of two factors viz., (i) Meitei had not been included in the list of Scheduled Tribes of Manipur already published by the President of India under the Constitution Order C.O. 33 i.e., the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Part C States) Order, 1951 dated 20th September 1951 and (ii) The mandate of authority assigned to the Kaka Kalelkar Commission, as directed by the President of India, is : The President of India was pleased to direct the commission to examine the lists of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as already published under his order and to suggest any revision of those lists, if on enquiry it was found that such a revision was necessary (See Kaka Kalelkar Commission Volume-I Chap. IX., pp. 154, para 1). It may be pertinent to note that at that point of time, Manipur neither had Legislative Assembly nor Ministers who could represent Meitei community for interaction with the Kaka Kalelkar Commission on the issue, in question.

3. In para (2) of the article Kalelkar Commission Report of 1956: Meitei exclusion from the ST list is by their own choice published on 10th October 2023, its author, NgaranmiShimray said : The Meiteis claimed that they were left out in the ST notification under Presidents Constitution (STs) Order, 1950. This was found to be true by the Kaka Kalekar Commission of 1956".

Here it may be pointed out that Kaka Kalelkar Commission had nothing to do with the Presidents Constitution (STs) Order, 1950 and also that no ST list of Manipur was scheduled to the Presidents Constitution (STs) Order, 1950, as asserted wrongly by Ngaranmi Shimray. The first ST list of Manipur was scheduled to the Constitution Order CO 33 i.e., the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Part C States) Order, 1951 dated 20th September 1951. Before notification of the CO 33, as required by Clause (1) of Article 342 of the Constitution of India, the Central Government asked the then Chief Commissioner, the Rajpramukh of Manipur sometime in 1950-51 to recommend a list of tribes of Manipur for inclusion in the first Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur in the Constitution Order to be notified by the then President of India. Himmat Singh Maheshwari, the then Chief Commissioner of Manipur did not recommend Meitei for inclusion in the ST list of Manipur, despite knowing the fact that Meitei had already been recognized as a primitive tribe of the erstwhile Assam province for all census operations of India starting from the Census of India 1881.

On the other hand, Himmat Singh Maheshwari recommended (i) Any Kuki tribe, (ii) Any Lushai tribe and (iii) Any Naga tribe for inclusion in the ST list of Manipur. The non-recommendation of Meitei by the then Chief Commissioner, Himmat Singh Maheshwari was the sole reason as to why Meitei was left out in the ST list of Manipur under CO 33; Meiteis exclusion from the first ST list of Manipur was not by their own choice which was wrongly asserted by Ngaranmi Shimray. It is pertinent to note that at that point of time, an atmosphere of public unrest, confusion, chaos and desperation prevailed in Manipur subsequent to its forced merger into India on October 15, 1949. Himmat Singh Maheshwari was found arrogant and antagonistic towards Meitei people hammering dismissal of several Meiteis from Government jobs, freedom of press curtailment, among others.

4. The article Kalelkar Commission Report of 1956 : Meitei exclusion from the ST list is by their own choice published on 10th October 2023 was essentially based on plagiarized materials and without veracity. The entire contents under para (3) to (5) of the said article are unequivocally copied in ditto/toto from the article entitled Kaka Kalelkar Commission (Useful Notes) shared by Puja Mondal at https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/essay/kaka-kalelkar-commission-useful-notes/35172 without disclosing the source of the copied materials. This is a serious act of plagiarism punishable under Section 57 and Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957 with imprisonment for a term varying from six months to three years.

5. Puja Mondal has not referred to any authentic and original sources of information that she used while preparing her article Kaka Kalelkar Commission (Useful Notes). Therefore, the article Kalelkar Commission Report of 1956: Meitei exclusion from the ST list is by their own choice published on 10th October 2023 based on Puja Mondals article is an academic fraud being committed without veracity.

6. Para 6 of the article Kalelkar Commission Report of 1956: Meitei exclusion from the ST list is by their own choice published on 10th October 2023 mentioned that a questionnaire was sent by the BCC to all the States and Union Territories embodying questions like Do you think that the lists of SCs and STs issued under the Presidents order need any revision ? If so, what castes or communities do you suggest for inclusion or exclusion from the above mentioned two lists (SCs & STs list)? Please state reasons  Has your State Government recommended the inclusion in or exclusion from the existing lists of any tribe, caste or community?

On checking for plagiarism, it is found that the entire material was quoted from an article published in the Imphal Times on 28th August 2023. Kaka Kalelkar Commission Reports Vol. I & II have mentioned nothing about the questionnaire. Thus, the author, Ngaranmi Shimray has committed an act of plagiarism coupled with absolute absence of veracity.

7. It would be undisputedly wrong on the part of Mr Ngaranmi Shimray to rebut the views of the three Independent Researchers when he cannot argue relatively and precisely against none of the 12 (twelve) reasons enshrined in their article entitled Ngaranmi Shimrays reasons for exclusion of Meitei in the ST list are misleading and incorrect published on 14th October 2023.

It would also be wrong on his part to bring in materials from Abinay Lakshmans article ST status for Meitei was considered and rejected in 1982 and 2001, Government record show published in the National daily The Hindu on 17th October 2023 to rebut the article of the three Independent Researchers which was published 3 days ahead of the publication of the article of Abinay Lakshman whose materials are completely different from thearticle penned down by the three Independent Researchers published on 14th October 2023. Besides, Abinay Lakshmans article has been rebutted appropriately by the three Independent Researchers in their article entitled Abhinay Lakshmans observations on the ST status of Meiteis are misleading and incorrect which was published in some local and National/international media including The Sangai Express, Ukhrul Times, e-pao.net and Imphal Times during 20th to 23rd October 2023.
Meira Paibis : Manipuri women caught between violence and narratives

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Melody Kshetrimayum (FLAME University, Pune)

Contd from previous issue

During the ongoing Manipur violence, they had formed human chains, staged peace demonstrations, and organised peace rallies seeking restoration of normalcy in the State. Four months into the violence, the Government and non-Government institutions have failed to protect the people of Manipur and provide safety to their families. Women have lost trust and faith in the institutions and authorities. Peace building for these women may mean constructing something new, blocking destruction, or transforming what is already present. Meira Paibis strengthened their voices over the course of violence and have used various forms to restore peace. They slept on the streets in the night to guard their localities, checked vehicles for unidentified persons, protected the sacred places, organised sit-in protests in the capital city, and public meetings. These women, who have witnessed destructions and killings for more than four months despite the presence of security forces, developed their own peace building methods. The key slogans of all the protests focused on protecting the integrity and unity of Manipur.

In the light of many unwanted incidents, multiple narratives have been developed and called out on Meira Paibis using terms such as naked nature, and anti-National forces for blocking security forces. All seemed well when Meira Paibis protested against the British and their exploitative administration. During the ongoing violence, the narrative of Meira Paibis has been changed by few scholarships that chose to be the saviour of the community with special protection. Meira Paibis, belonging to the majority community, suddenly became anti-tribal due to the increase in scholarships that chose one community over the other. It is noteworthy to mention that the social relationship between the Meiteis and other tribal groups is not the same as Hindus and Adivasis of mainland India. There have been instances of sexual assaults in the initial days of the violence. Rather than seeing the assaults as violence against women during conflict, few feminists scholarships conveyed the incident as majority minority/tribal-non tribal affairs. Besides, calls for justice by those few feminists presented powerful rhetoric theoretically but lacked an understanding of the current situation and local socio-political relationship between the communities. The endorsements and calls for justice fell into the trap of misleading tribal- non-tribal, majority-minority, and religion dichotomies. They often used sweeping statements within these frameworks by portraying the incident as a treatment meted out by the majority to the marginalised community. While the two communities, belonging to the same Tibeto-Burman family and speaking Tibeto-Burman languages could be treated as different people is a different discussion altogether, the recent discourse on sexual violence remained a linear and polished way of looking at power relationships. The scholarships completely ignored the local historical and social ethos with respect to women in these communities. The feminists scholarships often examined violent incidents, including sexual violence from either majority- minority or Hindu-Christian lens dismissing the complicated socio-political realities between communities that both have their respective grievances.

As Paromita Chakravarti rightly said, Indian feminists have not engaged actively enough with the systematic terrorisation of women by both the Indian Army and militant groups in the so called disturbed States of the Indian Nation. Meira Paibis helped the assaulted women to escape from the angry mob. When culprits were identified two months later due to a viral video, they vandalised one of the culprits houses. It is important to note that the culprit belongs to the same community as the Meira Paibis.

It would be difficult to find women from other communities who would vandalise assaulters house (belonging to their own community) during a communal riot. While the vandalisation of ones private property is not justified, what the few scholarships failed to examine was that the incident as well as the vandalization happened during the conflict when Meira Paibis themselves were struggling to protect their families from the armed conflict. Scholarships questioned Meira Paibis stance on not stepping up in solidarity with the victims family and loss of loved ones. The response to sexual violence could have been different if it did not happen during an armed conflict and if Meira Paibis were not living in fear for their own lives. The scholarships also failed to examine the incident as an embedded incident within a conflict or war. The assault was only one of the many horrible incidents that happened during the Manipur violence. People are struggling to fulfil their physiological and safety needs during the conflict. The scholarships denied the gravity of the impacts that both communities were experiencing by speaking loudly for only one community.

The pressing need is to understand that two communities are still in conflict,and equally affected. The Government, policy makers, academicians, practitioners, CSOs, journalists, and feminists need to accept that both communities, irrespective of their statuses or religion, need support and seek normalcy.
Playing the Church card The vote equation

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Playing politics with religion or in this case trying to garner votes by whipping up the Church card. In asserting that he wouldnt share the same platform with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ground that the Centre has not said anything against the burning of Churches by Meitei mobs, Chief Minister Zoramthanga has more than made it clear that he hopes to make political capital out of the embers of the Kuki Churches burnt in the course of the ethnic clash that first erupted on May 3. In the event the sleight of hand to give a religious tinge to the Meitei-Kuki clash cannot be missed. One only wished that the honourable Chief Minister of the neighbouring State had qualified Church with the word Kuki. No one denies that Kuki Churches were dismantled, burnt and vandalised in the days that followed May 3, but it should also be made very clear that Churches belonging to other communities were not touched. The biggest Church, by membership, the Manipur Baptist Convention Church continues to stand tall today and continues to dispense with its service every Sunday. Same is the case with the Tangkhul Baptist Church which stands bang opposite the MBC Church. Same is the case with many other Churches belonging to the Naga community. On the other hand, the Chief Minister of Mizoram deftly overlooked the fact that hundreds of places which are sacred to Hindus and the Meiteis have been destroyed, desecrated and spat upon. It was at the height of the ethnic conflict that the Umang Lai Kanba Lup (UKAL), gave a brief breakdown of the places of worship of the Meiteis which were desecrated by the Kuki-Chin narco-terrorists. A total of 223 Ingkhol Lais (Homestead deities) were desecrated at Kakching (41), Churachandpur (72), Bishnupur (20), Tengnoupal (43), Imphal East (30), Imphal West (4) and Kangpokpi (13). The chain of events or targeting the religious places of the Meiteis started at Churachandpur and Torbung on May 3 prompting retaliations from the Meiteis at Imphal and the neighbouring districts in the valley. This was not all for this is about sacred sites dedicated to a single deity and there are others. Obviously the Kukis have not at all acknowledged this fact, just like they have not admitted that their ruffians first started attacking homesteads belonging to the Meiteis at Torbung and Churachandpur.

This is not the first time that religion has been used to further the false narrative that has been pursued with much vigour and if it is Zoramthanga biting it today, remember the same bait made its way to the floor of the European Parliament some time back. That it backfired in the ultimate analysis is a different thing, but when one actually and truthfully speaks about God, it should not be selective. Why is the Mizoram Chief Minister concerned only about the Churches, that too belonging to the Kukis, while maintaining a stoic silence on the places of worship of the Hindus and Meiteis which have also been vandalised and desecrated ? Ima Kondong Lairembi, which is an important sacred place for the Meiteis near Moreh was desecrated and destroyed. Why the silence on the incursion and the hoisting of a Cross and the Flag of a Kuki undergound outfit atop Thangjing Ching, which is a sacred site of the Meiteis ? If at all anyone is trying to take political mileage out of the mayhem, bloodshed and suffering of Manipur then the Mizo National Front has shown the way. One wonders if any true Christian will bite the bait that is being dangled at Mizoram but then as everyone knows from the present ethnic clash, there are many from amongst the Kukis who have tried and are trying to give a religious tinge to the present ongoing clash while at the same time playing up their Benei Menashe ties with Israel, which is a Judaic State. The limit some elements would go to garner as much support as possible with all the false narratives. Using the Church as an alibi to pursue a murderous attempt and script a false narrative can never come anything near the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
On the occasion of Vijay Dashmi, women bid farewell to Goddess Durga with a ritual known as Sindoor Khela in Sainthia of Birbhum district on Tuesday.

This ritual takes place on the final day of Durga Puja, a major festival in India, particularly in West Bengal.

Vijay Dashmi, the last day of Durga Puja, saw married Bengali Hindu women apply sindoor on the forehead and feet of the goddess and offer sweets to her, followed by applying sindoor to each others faces.

Sindoor Khela is known as the vermillion game, and is celebrated by Bengali Hindu women. Traditionally, this ritual is intended for married women who are expected to follow a defined custom and procedure when taking part in Sindoor Khela in the belief that it will bring them good luck and a long life for their husbands.

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Applying sindoor is important for all married women; on this occasion, they embrace that by celebrating sindoor khela. On this occasion, married women apply sindoor to each others faces. It is believed that you will have a long married life if you have a greater amount of sindoor on your face.

Durga Puja is one of Indias most important festivals, and Vijaya Dashami marks the culmination of the festivities. Durga Puja is the most important event in West Bengal.

This is a significant day for married women, who look forward to it all year. People from the Bengali community offer vermilion to Maa Durga on this day. In addition, everyone in the huge pandal applies vermilion and wishes Durga Puja. This custom is known as Sindoor Khela. After that, Sindoor Khela begins. In this, women apply vermilion to one others feet, while others apply vermilion to each others faces.
The Delhi Police have arrested two men for robbing senior citizens of valuables after entering their homes on the pretext of providing medical services posing as medical attendants, the police said on Tuesday.

The duo has been identified as Rinku alias Ankit Kumar and Pramod Kumar, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh.

They targeted senior citizens in need of medical attention. They would gather all the information about their prey through portals like Just Dial and other service providers listed online before carrying out their sinister mission.

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They came into the limelight on October 11 after a complaint was received at the Patel Nagar police station alleging that a person named Ankit was hired as an attendant for an 85-year-old who fled away with jewellery and cash from the house of the senior citizen.

The police registered a case and scanned CCTV footage of the spot and found a man walking out of the house while another was waiting for him outside.

Initially, the police apprehended Rinku from his residence in Greater Noida on the basis of technical surveillance before nabbing Pramod from Bulandshahr at his instance.

Interestingly, the duo always kept masks on while at the patients house, to avoid identification. While Rinku Kumar is inside a house to attend to their potential target, Pramod would keep a vigil outside.

They have been involved in three criminal cases earlier, but so far, there are no reports of the duo physically harming any of its victims, the police added
After the stampede at Durga Puja pandal in Bihars Gopalganj a day earlier claimed the lives of three people including a five-year-old, a committee has been set up to investigate the matter, an official said on Tuesday.

The stampede incident claimed the lives of three people, while 10 others were injured. However, the injured ones are out of danger now. A committee has been set up to investigate the matter. The committee will inquire into the matter under the guidance of the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Goplaganj, said Gopalganj District Magistrate Nawal Kishore Choudhary while addressing the media persons in Bihars Gopalganj.

A chart route has been prepared to avoid any untoward incidents on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi. Heavy police force has been deployed in the district, he added.

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Earlier, in a heart-wrenching incident amid the Durga Puja celebrations, two women and a child died and more than ten people were injured in a stampede at a crowed pandal in Bihars Gopalgunj on Monday late evening.

The stampede broke out at the Raja Dal Durga Puja pandal during Maha Navami celebrations and revelry, police said.

The injured pandal-hoppers were admitted to Sadar Hospital, the police said, adding that there was no security deployment at the pandal to manage crowds, which led to the stampede.

Speaking to ANI, the Gopalganj SP said, There was a stampede near the gate of Raja Dal Puja Pandal around 8.30 pm. A child fell to the ground and was trampled upon as the revellers ran helter-skelter. Two women rushed to the childs rescue but also ended up being trampled upon by the crowds. The women gasped for air and succumbed while being rushed to a hospital. The local magistrate and a police team arrived at the spot and took control of the situation.

Police officials said that the accident happened due to excessive crowding at the gate of the Puja pandal.
he Centre has constituted a high-level tribunal headed by a Delhi High Court judge for reviewing the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP).

In a notification on Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, The central government hereby constitutes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Justice Sachin Datta, Judge, High Court of Delhi, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the JKDFP as an unlawful association.

The government on October 5 declared a ban on JKDFP for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan activities.

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Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP in Madhya Pradesh that its leaders are giving several kind of inducements to people ahead of the crucial assembly elections as it is losing badly.

The party said that it has lodged a complaint against the BJP leaders with the Election Commission which has filed a case.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Shobha Oza said, Assembly elections are going to be held in Madhya Pradesh, in which BJP is losing badly. Thats why its leaders are giving various kinds of inducements to the public.

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Showing a video, she said, State Transport and Revenue Minister Govind Singh Rajput was seen saying in a video that he will give Rs 25 lakh to the in-charge of the booth where BJP gets more votes.

She also said that in another video, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya is seen saying that he will give a reward of Rs 51,000 to the in-charge of the booth where Congress will not get a single vote.

Firing salvos at the BJP, Oza said, Here a question also arises that from where did these BJP leaders get so much money to give to booth in-charges.

She further said that after the video surfaced of BJP leaders promising money to workers, a complaint was made to CEC and State Election Commission.

The Election Commission has investigated this and registered an FIR against Rajput, she said.

She also demanded that strict action should be taken against those BJP leaders who are involved in corruption and who are thinking of winning elections on the strength of money.

She said that Minister Rajput should be immediately dismissed and prevented from contesting elections and his assets should be investigated.

Lamenting at the state government, she said, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia should also answer in this regard.

Polling for 230-member assembly is scheduled on November 17. Counting of votes will take place on December 3.

Congress has been campaigning aggressively in the state and is looking to make a comeback back in the crucial elections.
In the political arena of Karnatakas Belagavi constituency, a hotly contested battle is unfolding within the states Congress unit. This race for the coveted Lok Sabha ticket has become a significant point of contention, even in the wake of the partys resounding victory in the state elections a few months ago.

At the center of this political tug-of-war are two influential leaders from Belagavi, both of whom serve as ministers in the Karnataka Cabinet. Satish Jarkiholi, the Minister for Public Works Department, hails from the influential Jarkiholi family, renowned for its dominance in the sugar industry. Notably, two of his brothers, Ramesh and Balachandra, are BJP MLAs, while another sibling, Lakhan Jarkiholi, holds a position as a Congress MLC.

Satish Jarkiholis close association with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been long-standing, a partnership that was initially forged over 15 years ago when he switched from the Congress to the JD(S).

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On the other side of the contest is Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Child Development. Hebbalkar, aligned with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumars camp, has her own political clout. Her younger brother, Channaraj Hattiholi, secured a seat in the Legislative Council in 2021.

The significance of this political tussle extends beyond personal ambitions. Deputy CM Shivakumar is eyeing the expansion of his sphere of influence in the crucial Belagavi district. This district is politically significant because it encompasses two Lok Sabha seats, Belagavi and Chikkodi, as well as a staggering 18 Assembly segments, a considerable stronghold outside of the Bengaluru Urban district.

The escalating battle for the Lok Sabha ticket has underscored the complexities and power dynamics within the state Congress unit. This rivalry could have far-reaching implications not just for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections but also for the political landscape in Karnataka, a state known for its shifting alliances and political dynamics.

With the fielding of their respective family members, both Satish Jarkiholi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar are vying to secure the partys nomination for the Belagavi constituency.

This political drama comes on the heels of the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, adding a layer of intrigue to the political landscape. The importance of Belagavi as a key electoral battleground highlights the significance of the impending decision for the Congress party in Karnataka.
Tragic incidents have cast a shadow on the joyous Navratri celebrations in Gujarat, as another individual lost their life while participating in the energetic Garba dance. The latest case involved a 26-year-old man, Rohit Rathod, who experienced a sudden heart attack during a Garba session in Surat, Gujarat.

On a fateful night, Rohit was participating in the vibrant dance form, enjoying the festivities with others in a pandal. However, his celebration turned into a tragedy as he suddenly collapsed. His family swiftly acted, rushing him to the nearest hospital, hoping for a miracle. Sadly, the doctors at the hospital could not save him and declared his passing.

Rohit Rathods unexpected death has left his family and community in shock. His brother, Praveen Rathod, revealed that Rohit had no history of underlying medical conditions, making the incident even more bewildering and heart-wrenching.

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This tragic event is not an isolated one. Just a few days earlier, on the sixth day of Navratri, a 17-year-old boy lost his life due to a sudden cardiac arrest while participating in Garba in Kapadvanj, Kheda district.

Concerns have been mounting as these heart attack-related deaths during Garba celebrations have become more frequent in the region. In response to this distressing trend, the state government has taken action by issuing directives to all government hospitals situated near Garba venues. These hospitals are now on high alert, prepared to provide prompt medical assistance in case of emergencies.

Furthermore, Garba organizers have received instructions to establish clear pathways for ambulances to access the event venues swiftly. These measures aim to ensure that any health crises that may arise during the festivities can be addressed with the utmost urgency, potentially preventing further tragedies.

The series of deaths during Garba celebrations has evoked sadness and concern among the people of Gujarat. As the community comes to terms with these unexpected losses, the hope is that the precautions and heightened medical preparedness will help ensure the safety and well-being of participants during the remaining days of Navratri, allowing everyone to celebrate this festive season without fear.
On the occasion of the 78th UN Day on Tuesday External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, called for reforms in the multilateral organisation, while reaffirming its allegiance to the UNs charter.

On 78th UN Day, reaffirm Indias commitment to UN and its charter. Emphasize the significance of reformed multilateralism which fosters fairness, inclusivity and multipolarity, Jaishankar posted on X.

A more purposeful United Nations will deliver on the Global Souths expectations and aspirations, he added.

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India has consistently called for reforms in the UN, keeping in sync with the changing geopolitical dynamics and aspirations of the emerging economies.
Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Tuesday said the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) that the expired medicines were supplied to the government hospitals by Kerala State Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) are shocking and he demanded an impartial investigation into the affairs of the organisation (KMSCL).

Speaking to media persons in Kochi, Satheesan asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to respond to the CAG report over the distribution of expired medicine to government hospitals and he demanded an impartial investigation into the into the affairs of KMSCL.

He said that the CAG in its report has stated that there was a grave laxity on the part of the KMSCL in the quality control of medicines provided in the state.

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There is serious negligence in quality checking. Substandard and fake medicines are becoming easily available in the market. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George had approved the purchase, Satheesan said.

Some companies drugs have not even been tested. The government is busy extorting money by risking the lives of patients. Expired medicines were supplied to twenty-six hospitals. Around 1,610 batches of medicines have not met the expiry date regulations, he alleged.

Satheesan also asked CM Vijayan to clarify whether the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has probed the monthly payment controversy involving his daughter Veena or not.
Uttar Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Danish Azad Ansari, didnt hold back in his response to Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadavs ambitious posters depicting him as the Future PM. With a touch of humor, Ansari remarked that everyone is free to dream, saying, There is a saying, Mungeri Lal Ke Haseen Sapne (Mungeri Lals beautiful dreams). Nobody can stop anyone from daydreaming. But one should dream as per ones capability. Under PM Modis leadership, our country is going ahead on the path of development.

The backdrop for this Mungeri Lal exchange is the ongoing discord between the partners of the INDIA alliance, namely the SP and Congress, over seat distribution in the upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh. The poster, featuring Akhilesh Yadav as the future Prime Minister, was the creation of SP leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand, who explained that it was a heartfelt gesture of love and respect towards their party chief.

He further elaborated, Akhilesh Yadavs birthday is on July 1, but to express their love and respect towards their leader, Samajwadi Party workers celebrate his birthday multiple times. Today, some party leaders and workers are celebrating his birthday. Party workers are praying that Akhilesh Yadav becomes the PM of the country and serves the people.

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Not one to let the opportunity pass, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla remarked on the uniqueness of the INDI alliance and its apparent lack of a clear mission or vision for the country. His comment hinted at the political complexities that have come to the forefront, particularly in light of the disagreements between alliance partners.

Akhilesh Yadav, in a statement made on a previous occasion, expressed his realization that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance might be confined to the national level, hinting at the challenges the alliance faces. He also questioned who would stand with the Congress if they continued to behave in a certain manner.

This exchange of words and the intriguing political dynamics highlight the tensions and intricacies that underlie the alliance politics in the run-up to the upcoming elections.
Devotees flocked to the Dashanan Temple in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur on Tuesday to worship Raavan on the occasion of Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra.

Visuals from the temple showed devotees offering prayers to the idol of Raavan.

Dashanan Temple priest, Ram Bajpai, told ANI that the temple opens only on the occasion of Dussehra and devotees come to pray that their children acquire wisdom and power similar to that of Raavan.

We open this temple on the Day of Dussehra and worship Raavan and the temple is closed in the evening after burning of Raavan effigy. The temple opens only on the day of Dussehra. We worship him for his knowledge. There was no one else who possessed the power, knowledge and wisdom similar to that of Raavan. His only drawback was his arrogance, said the temple preiest.

We burn that arrogance in the form of his effigy and we pray over here (at the temple) for our children to have power and wisdom similar to what Raavan possessed, the priest added.

The temple in Kanpur is said to be 125-year old.

Among other temples dedicated to Raavana are the Raavana Mandir in Bisrakh, Greater Noida. In Andhra Pradeshs East Godavari district there is the Kakinada Raavan temple believed to be built by Raavan when he was the king of Lanka in honour of Lord Shiva. There are several temples in Madhya Pradesh dedicated to Raavan, including one in Mandsaur where the wedding of Raavan with Mandodari was believed to have taken place and another in Vidisha, which is believed to be the native of Mandodari.

Dussehra is that time of the year when the well-known Ramleela is held, massive fairs are organized and people gather in large numbers to see Raavan effigies burst into flames.

Dusshera falls on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, however, despite the fact that celebrations and cultural practices vary according to the location in Indias culturally rich country, the festivals fabric that binds everyone together remains.

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An Air Canada flight carrying 300 passengers took off from Toronto on Saturday, October 21, with Delhi as its intended destination. However, the journey didnt go as planned. The Boeing 777 operating the route encountered a possible technical issue, forcing the aircraft to divert to Baku.

The B777 departed Toronto at 8:05 PM and touched down in Baku at 3:59 PM on the following Sunday, all times mentioned are local. This unexpected stopover left passengers stranded in Baku, their frustration evident as they grappled with what many called their worst experience. Some resorted to sleeping on the airport floor as they awaited a resolution.

Air Canada promptly responded to the situation. A spokesperson for the airline reported, A replacement aircraft arrived in Baku overnight on Sunday. It has since boarded all the passengers and departed for Delhi. It is scheduled to arrive at 12:45 PM local time.

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Addressing the unique challenges posed by diverting to a destination they dont typically serve, Air Canada explained, We do not normally fly to Baku, so we had to obtain ground and aircraft support, which we immediately began to arrange after the decision to divert was taken. We arranged a food service at the airport and secured hotel accommodation for the passengers. As well, we worked with Azerbaijan authorities on helping customers who required temporary visas to obtain them so they could leave the airport.

While not all passengers opted for the hotel accommodations, as some chose to remain at the airport, and others faced difficulties in obtaining visas, Air Canada acknowledged the inconvenience this caused. The airline expressed their commitment to making amends by offering a goodwill gesture to affected passengers.

Despite the ordeal, Air Canada emphasized that safety remains their utmost priority. They are pleased that all passengers are now en route to their intended destination, Delhi.
Ahead of a potential meeting between President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in California next month, Wang Yi Chinese Foreign Minister is expected to visit Washington, DC, later this week, according to US senior officials reported CNN.

Wang will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during his visit to the US capital from October 26 to 28, according to officials.

However, they did not say whether Wang would meet Biden during his visit, CNN reported.

Earlier, Blinken met President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

A Chinese official described Wangs trip as a reciprocal visit after Secretary Blinkens trip to Beijing in June.

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According to CNN, tensions between the US and China have been rising, but the Biden administration has been making an effort to push for a dialogue with Beijing.

Wangs visit comes at a time when the US has pledged its support to Israel in its ongoing war with the terrorist group Hamas, and, also amid the prevailing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This visit by Wang Yi is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication with China across the full range of issues, the Chinese official said, according to CNN.

Moreover, US officials are expected to discuss the South and East China Seas, cross-Strait issues, the Middle East, Russias war in Ukraine, and North Koreas provocations, among other issues, with the Chinese Foreign Minister.

The senior administration official said that the resumption of military-to-military relations wremained a priority.

If were going to continue to manage this relationship and our competition responsibly, if were truly going to minimise the risk of miscalculation that could veer into conflict, we have to get our mil-mil ties fully open, the official said.

There have been some sporadic engagements between our two defence establishments in the last couple of months, but what we need is sustained mil-mil dialogue and communication channels. And those arent yet established, but I can assure you that itll be on the agenda for Wang Yis visit, the official added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, drew a parallel between the Hamas attack on October 7 and the Holocaust.

In his speech, he referenced historical tragedies like Babyn Yar and Anne Frank to highlight the atrocities committed.

On October 7, Hamas waged war on Israel. It was the worst terrorist attack the world has known since 9/11, but for Israel, proportionately, it was like twenty 9/11s. It was the worst act of anti-Semitic violence since the holocaust Benjamin Netanyahu said.

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Its impossible to describe all of the horrors, but like Anne Frank, Jewish children hid in attics from these monsters, and they were found and butchered. As in Babi Yar, Jews were machine-gunned he added.

Hamas butchered, Hamas beheaded Hamas burned babies alive. Hamas raped, Hamas kidnapped  hostages, over 200  babies, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors. We are in a war between barbarism and civilization Netanyahu added.

Further, Netanyahu contended that Hamass actions pose a threat not only to Jews but also to the Middle East, Europe, and the world at large.

The Israeli PM branded Gaza as an enclave of ISIS.

He asserted, We are committed to taking all necessary measures to dismantle Hamas in Gaza, including its terror infrastructure and political apparatus. Our priority is to secure the release of our hostages and minimize harm to Palestinian civilians.

Netanyahu underscored the primary objective of the conflict as the destruction of Hamas. Hamas must be destroyed, he said.

Netanyahus statement came following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Netanyahu also said that his countrys military will destroy Hamas, and once the war is over no one will have to live under Hamass tyranny.

Meanwhile, Macron said that terrorism is the common enemy of Israel and France.

You are not alone, the French President said.

At least, thirty French people were also killed in the Hamas attacks, which Israel said left 1,400 dead, Al Jazeera reported.

I propose the coalition against Islamic State [ISIL-ISIS] also fight Hamas. France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh  in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria  to also fight against Hamas, said Macron.

French President Macron who is visiting Israel to express his countrys full solidarity with the Jewish State, will also meet his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday, The Times of Israel reported the Palestinian Authority leaders office as saying.

He would be the first world leader to visit the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank amid the crisis.

The French Presidency did not immediately confirm the meeting, according to The Times of Israel.

French President also met with families of French and French-Israeli nationals killed in the Hamas attack or being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza.

Macrons visit takes place more than two weeks after Hamas attack on Israel, killing at least 1,400 people, the majority of them were civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burned to death, including in their homes and at an outdoor music festival. Thirty of them were citizens of France, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Additionally, at least 224 people were taken hostage and brought to Gaza.

US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have already visited Israel since the war began.
A potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly averted when an off-duty pilot attempted to disrupt an Alaska Airlines flight bound for San Francisco. The alarming event unfolded aboard Horizon Air flight 2059, an Embraer E175 regional jet departing from Everett. The off-duty pilot, who had been riding in a jump seat on the flight deck, made a desperate attempt to disable the aircrafts engines.

The situation, as captured in audio recordings and confirmed by statements from the airline and authorities, unfolded as the flight was en route to San Francisco. The off-duty Alaska Airlines captains actions posed a serious threat to the safety of everyone on board. He sought to shut down the engines during the flight, a terrifying act that could have resulted in a disaster of unimaginable proportions.

The flight crew acted swiftly to subdue the errant pilot. And, the aircrafts diversion to Portland ensured a safe landing for all passengers. The decisive actions of the flight crew played a crucial role in preventing a potential catastrophe.

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More on the Alaska Airlines incident:

Following the incident, the off-duty pilot was taken into custody by the Port of Portland police. Records from the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office indicate that the arrested individual is Joseph Emerson. He is a 44-year-old pilot associated with Alaska Airlines. He has been booked into jail on suspicion of attempted murder and other related offenses.

Joseph Emerson, a California resident with ties to Seattle, boasts a long history as a commercial airline pilot. His aviation career began in 2001, and he has been part of the Alaska Airlines team since 2016. The motives behind his alarming attempt to disrupt the flight remain a subject of ongoing investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Authorities are working to piece together the events that transpired during the flight. They went on to clarify that the incident has no relation to current global events. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasized this in a separate notice, underlining that the disturbing incident aboard the Alaska Airlines flight should not be misconstrued as having any connection to broader world events.
Israeli hostage Yocheved Lifshitz (85), who was released late on Monday night by Hamas, made her first public comments since her release on Tuesday.

Lifshitz, whose husband is still under captivity, lashed out against the Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), saying that three weeks before the carnage, masses arrived at the fence but the IDF didnt take it seriously. She also said that the local people were left to fend for themselves.

Speaking to reporters outside Tel Avivs Ichilov Hospital where she is being treated, Lifshitz said, I didnt think we would reach this situation. They went wild. They blew up the fence we built for two-and-a-half billion dollars. They attacked our houses. They killed and kidnapped both old and young with no distinction. I went through a nightmare we couldnt have imagined.

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She added, I constantly have the images of what happened repeating in my mind. When they took me, they put me on a motorcycle, tied with legs on one side and my head on the other, and I lay there while they raced through the fields. There was a motorcycle on either side of us and one behind us.

Lifshitz added that she was beaten up brutally by the motorcycle rider with a wooden pole.

She said, They stole my watch and jewellery while I was on the motorcycle. First, they held me in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, which is close to [Kibbutz] Beeri. After that, I dont know where I was taken. Eventually, we went underground and walked for kilometres through wet tunnels, for two-three hours in a spider web of tunnels. We went through the tunnels until we reached a large hall. We were a group of 25 people, and they separated us according to which Kibbutz we were from.

The elderly woman said that there were five from Kibbutz Nir Oz, adding that there was one guard for each of them.

She said, They spoke to us and ate with us. They said they didnt want to talk about politics of what had happened. A doctor arrived and examined us every other day. They brought us the medications we needed. If they didnt have them, they brought parallel medications. They took good care of the wounded.

She said there was a person who suffered injuries in his hands and legs when they brought him on the motorcycle, adding that it was heartbreaking to see that.

She also said that the captors were very concerned with hygiene and were worried about an outbreak of something.

Lifshitz added that there were toilets which they cleaned every day.
Women across Iceland, including the prime minister, go on strike for equal pay and no more violence

Women across Iceland, including the prime minister, went on strike Tuesday to push for an end to unequal pay and gender-based violence
Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com.
Massachusetts police searching woods for an armed man in connection with his wife's shooting death

Police in Massachusetts are searching a large area of woods for a man in connection with the shooting death of his wife
Vedanta Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sonal Shrivastava has stepped down after a major structural overhaul was announced in September, the company said on Tuesday.



Shrivastava is leaving Vedanta four months after joining the company in June. He was the third CFO of the billionaire Anil Agarwal-led firm since 2021 after G.R. Arun Kumar and Ajay Goel.

Interestingly, Goel, who has quit Byju's as Chief Financial Officer, will return to Vedanta and replace Shrivastava. Goel had resigned from Vedanta in April to take over as Byju's CFO.

Byju's said Goel will be replaced by company's President (Finance) Nitin Golani, who has been given the extra responsibility of India CFO.

The company said Goel resigned from the edtech major after completing the audit process for the financial year 2022.

"I thank the founders and colleagues at Byju's for helping me assemble the FY'22 audit in three months. I appreciate the support received during a short but impactful stint at Byju's," Goel said.

Vedanta is gearing up to divide the metals-to-oil conglomerate into six separate businesses, a decision taken last month to shore up the group's financial performance, reported Reuters.

 with inputs from agencies
According to reports by Israeli media, Abd Elhadi was arrested based on "suspicion of expressions of praise [for terror] and hate speech."

The reports cite alleged images posted by Elhadi depicting a woman taken hostage by Hamas with laughing emojis and a depiction of the Israeli security barrier with Gaza that was accompanied by the caption "Let's go, Berlin style."

Ahram Online could not confirm the images' presence on a number of social media platforms belonging to Abd Elhadi.

This is not the first time for the rising star to come into confrontation with Israeli police.

In 2021, the press reported that Elhadi was injured by Israeli forces while "protesting the forceful expulsion of several Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah." A photo of her in the back of an ambulance went viral on social media.

A graduate of the Wingate Hydrotherapy Institute, Abd Elhadi was born in 1985 in Nazareth, Israel.

A model and an actress, she entered the limelight after winning the Best Actress award at the Dubai Film Festival in 2011 for her role in Habibi Rasak Kharban (2011).

She also appeared in The Eyes of Thieves (2014), 3000 Nights (2015), The Reports on Sarah and Saleem (2018), The Angel (2018), Gaza Mon Amour (2020), Huda's Salon (2021), and in the Hulu series Baghdad Central (2020).

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Anirudh Ravichander is one of the most popular music composers in the Tamil film industry at present. After delivering a series of foot-tapping numbers in Tamil films, he also ventured into Bollywood with Atlee's Jawan. However, the young music director is facing allegations of plagiarism after he shared a song from Vijay's Leo. The Lokesh Kanagaraj-directorial, currently running in theatres, also featured songs and background score by Anirudh.

On Monday, Anirudh took to social media to share a song titled 'Ordinary Person' from the film. Soon after the song was released, several netizens claimed the song was a copy of Peaky Blinders track 'Where Are You', composed by Belarusian musician Otnicka. "For this shameless rip-off, he is earning more than AR Rahman. Quite sad. I hope Otnicka initiates a legal action so that he stops stealing ideas, a user wrote on platform X. Several users also tagged Otnicka in the comments and also sent him direct messages and mails.

Anirudh has ripped Ordinary Person from Otnicka, a Bulgarian Artists soundtrack. He has just added the lyrics over the track,  another user wrote.

With messages flooding his inbox, Otnicka took to Instagram to clarify that he was monitoring the developments, and that the situation is very unclear. He wrote: "Guys, thanks for hundreds of your messages about the movie "Leo". I can see everything, but it's physically impossible to answer everyone. The mail is overflowing with messages, Instagram, as well as thousands of comments on YouTube under the video "Where Are You". The situation is very unclear. We are looking into this and a little later I will give an assessment of everything that is happening (sic)."

Replying to one of the comments, Otnicka clarified that no one contacted him or his team for the song's license.  The label does not own the copyright and cannot grant a license without the artist's knowledge, he wrote.
Leo director Lokesh Kanagaraj was in Palakkad, Kerala to promote Vijay starrer Leo. The director, however, sustained injuries due to the crowd that gathered to see the director. He suffered a minor injury to his leg; as a result, the director cancelled other events planned in the state and returned to Tamil Nadu. The numbers, that turned up with the hope of meeting the director was huge and the police had to resort to using lathi to control the crowd.



Kanagaraj was in Palakkad, visiting a few theatres. The Vijay starrer grossed Rs 400 crore globally over the weekend. The movie, based on the Hollywood movie, A History of Violence has done very well in Tamil Nadu. Earnings of the movie are expected to cross that of Kamal Hassan's Vikram, directed by Kanagaraj.

Thank you Kerala for your love.. Overwhelmed, happy and grateful to see you all in Palakkad. 



Due to a small injury in the crowd, I couldnt make it to the other two venues and the press meeting. I would certainly come back to meet you all in Kerala again soon. Till then pic.twitter.com/JGrrJ6D1r3  Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) October 24, 2023

In Kerala, Leo has grossed 12 crore so far. In India the movie grossed Rs 49 crore Taking to X, Lokesh shared a selfie he took at the Aroma Theatre Thank you Kerala for your love.. Overwhelmed, happy and grateful to see you all in Palakkad , he wrote. He was supposed to visit Kavitha Theatre in Kochi and Ragam in Thrissur. He had planned to hold a press conference in Kochi at 4 p.m.

The film stars Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun, Mysskin and Gautham Menon. The movie is produced by Lalith Kumar and Jagadish Palanisami under the banner of Seven Screen Studio and The Root.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon people to root out the forces trying to divide the country in the name of casteism and regionalism.

Speaking at a Dussehra event at Dwarka in Delhi, Modi said the festival should also mark the burning of ideologies which are not about India's development but about fulfilling selfish interests.

"We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those ideologies that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism, he said.

Modis remarks are seen as an apparent swipe at the opposition parties who have been demanding a caste census in states and across the country. The Congress party has even announced that it will conduct a caste survey if it comes to power in the five states that are going to polls in November.

With the 10-day Durga Puja festival being marked with Ramlila, the prime minister highlighted the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya as a testament to the power of peoples patience.

"We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. The construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram at his birthplace is a symbol of the patience of Indians for centuries, Modi said.

Take 10 pledges

The prime minister urged people to take 10 pledges, including helping at least one poor family to raise its socio-economic status, on this auspicious day.

Saving water, digital transactions, cleanliness, vocal for local, quality work, domestic tourism, natural farming, consumption of millets and fitness were among the other causes Modi highlighted in his speech.

Vijaydashami is a festival of victory of justice over injustice, of humility over arrogance and patience over anger, he said.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday expressed his grief and concern over the death of youngsters during Navratri festival in the state.

He was unveiling Dr Ravi Rao's book Vaastu Shastra For Everyone at a programme in Ahmedabad. Central Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar was the chief guest.

Patel said people's health cycle has now changed and, unlike in the past when health check-ups were recommended in 50 plus age, now these are recommended in 40 plus age.

"It is sad that young people are dying," Patel said, adding that who knows it can be because of pesticides used in agriculturean apparent reference to the quality of food that is consumed.

Making a mention of the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patel said he (the (PM) has been asking people to go back to the basics and adopt natural farming techniques. It will also prevent soil degradation and improve our health, he remarked.

Six persons, including a woman and a Class 12 student, have died of heart attack in Gujarat over the last one week while performing 'garba' dance as part of the Navratri celebrations. Apart from these six deaths, 22 others also died of heart attack in the state during this period.

On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Governor and former Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel had expressed concern over the death of youngsters and urged authorities to analyze the reasons.

In his address, Mahurkar said the current phase is that of national reawakening. This, he said, should have happened after independence.

The CIC remarked that the national reawakening did not happen due to the death of Mahatma Gandhi and certain people, who believed less in Hindu philosophy, coming to power. The Hindu philosophy was looked down upon and we did not exploit the power that we had, Mahurkar remarked.

He also spoke about how the present government at the Centre revoked Article 370 and handled the Ram Temple issue.

About Dr Raos book, he said thebook has opened the doors for the poor and it is a new milestone in the field of Vastushastra.

Dr Rao, an astro-vastu consultant, has over two-and-a-half decades of experience and has clients in India and abroad and, across religions.

His book takes readers on a journey through the history, philosophy, and relevance of Vaastu in todays world, making it easy for everyone to understand. It helps readers discover the significance of energy flow within their living spaces and learn how Vaastu principles can channel positive energy to improve health, prosperity, and relationships.

Readers can also find practical tips for applying Vaastu principles in their homes. It is also a guide on harmonizing the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space in their surroundings.

In his speech, Dr Rao dwelled upon the need to institutionalize Vaastushastra. He said India was and still is a "Vishwaguru", adding that the way the country provided vaccines to other nations during COVID-19 pandemic is an example.

Gujarat, he said, is a leader in pharma and engineering sector and it will be apt that Vastushatra also got an impetus from this state.

Talking about human well-being, Dr Rao said: "If you take a pledge that you want to bring in a change, it will happen.
All the developed countries accept the reality that in the past 8-9 years, India's stature has risen, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visiting soldiers at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday. The minister visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh and celebrated Dussehra with them.



Rajnath Singh appreciated the soldiers working in unfavourable conditions and credited the valour and commitment of the Armed Forces as one of the main reasons for the growth of Indias stature on the international stage. "You have kept the borders secure and that is why India's stature before the world is rising rapidly. All the developed countries accept the reality that in the past 8-9 years, India's stature has risen, Singh said.

He added, I would like to clearly say that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, if India's stature has risen, India has made economic developments, it indeed is important but had you not kept the country's border secure - this stature would not have been possible," ANI reported.

The defence minister performed Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang and said the righteousness and dharma of the Armed Forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi. Singh's celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers at the strategically important location close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) comes at a time when India and China have been engaged in a bitter standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years.

Singh said efforts are being made to bolster the countrys security apparatus and foreign defence manufacturers are encouraged to produce in India. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giant strides have been made towards Aatmanirbharta in defence. Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons and platforms are being manufactured within the country, Singh said.

Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry. In 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores, Singh added.

Singh visited the Tawang War Memorial and paid tributes. He also visited 4 Corps Headquarters at Tezpur in Assam and reviewed the operational readiness of troops deployed in one of the easternmost parts of the country.
Three Congress leaders joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday. The Congress leaders move comes amidst protests in both BJP and Congress camps by supporters of discontent party members who werent given tickets in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Three Congress members - Asha Dohre, who was a strong contender for Congress ticket to contest from Ashoknagar district, councillor Anita Jain and sector president Vikas Jain reached Jai Palace in Gwalior and joined BJP in the presence of Scindia. Former Shivpuri city president Rakesh Jain also joined the BJP.

Talking to presspersons, Scindia said, "I have had a familial and historical relation with both of these, Anita and Rakesh. I'm not in politics, I'm involved in 'Jan Sewa'. For some reason, they were not with us. Today, they joined us back, we welcome them in BJP.

Recently, supporters of discontent party leaders who werent given seats in both parties protested outside the residences and offices of respective party leaders. Protests also happened outside Jai Palace, the residence of Scindia and the union minister stepped out to pacify the protesters.

Supporters of BJP leader Munnalal Goyal, a loyalist of Scindia protested outside Jai Vilas Palace on Sunday after Goyal was denied a ticket.

Scindia, to pacify the protesters drove to the palace gate and asserted he stood by them and Goyal.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was almost manhandled when she tried to hold a peaceful protest over the civilian deaths in Palestine, her media advisor Iltija Mufti said in Srinagar on Tuesday.

Iltija, who is also the daughter of Mufti, said several leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were detained as the Lieutenant-Governors (L-G) administration denied them permission to hold protests.

"When Mehbooba Mufti wanted to protest for Palestine, she was almost manhandled... She was not allowed to protest peacefully. I want to ask why the local administration here has consistently since 2019 cracking down on the PDP, she said while addressing a press conference, reported ANI.

Speaking on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Iltija said people across the world are coming out in support of Palestinian civilians who are suffering from atrocities.

They are being attacked with phosphorus bombs. At least 1,500 children have been slaughtered in the past two weeks, she said.

Mufti and her PDP had staged a protest against Israel on October 21.

The world was screaming when kids were killed in Ukraine amid their war with Russia. Now, thousands of people have been killed in Palestine and no one is talking about it. We urge the nations of the world to pressure Israel to a ceasefire. Atrocities are being committed in Palestine, the former CM had said.

Mufti had also accused Israel of committing Holocaust-like crimes against Palestinians.

Gaza's 2.3 million people have been under increasing bombardment and running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas militants on towns in southern Israel.

More than 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in the war, including some 2,300 minors, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Despite being an NDA ally, Nizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday said he will not share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he comes to Mizoram to campaign for the ensuing assembly elections.

He said it would not be good for his party to have sympathy with the BJP in the context of Manipur issue. Mizoram will face Assembly elections on November 7.



Zoramthanga's MNF is a part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and an ally of the NDA at the Centre. However, the party does not work with the BJP in Mizoram.



The BJP has fielded candidates in 23 seats in the 40-member Assembly. Besides the MNF and BJP, other parties in the fray include the opposition Congress and the Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM). The BJP has ramped up campaign in the state and has declared that even if the party doesn't win, it is willing to form a government with any political party except the Congress.



As for the campaigning, PM Modi is likely to visit Mamit town in the western part of the state on October 30. The BJP has fielded Lalrinliana Sailo, a former MNF legislator who recently resigned as Speaker of the House and joined the BJP, from the Mamit constituency.



However, Zoramthanga has vowed to stay clear of the BJP. "The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party," Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview. "It will be better if the prime minister comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself," he said.



Zoramthanga said that the MNF joined the NDA and NEDA as it is totally against the Congress, and does not want to be part of any alliance led by it.



Earlier, Zoramthanga had said that he was committed to the cause of Mizo nationalism, and his government was providing shelter to Zo ethnic immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh defying the Centre's directive to deport them.



"Defying the Centre's directive to deport them, my government has been protecting the Zo ethnic people from Myanmar and Bangladesh. We will continue to protect our brothers and sisters from Myanmar and Bangladesh, ignoring the Centre's directions," he added.



Over 31,000 people from Myanmar and Bangladesh have taken shelter in different parts of Mizoram.



Batting for Mizo nationalism, the Chief Minister said that the wind of Mizo nationalism is blowing in different parts of the state, and more people are coming out in support of his party. "The MNF's prospect is improving steadily. Our God will not forsake us midway. He will provide us the required number of MLAs to form the next government," he claimed.



The Chief Minister was addressing a function to mark the 62nd anniversary of MNF. "Young people will continue to champion Mizo nationalism amid the crisis faced by our brothers and sisters from neighbouring states and countries," he said.



Zoramthanga added that he had "threatened" to resign when he was asked to pull back personnel of the Mizoram Police from the state's border with Assam during the 2021 clashes. "After that, they relented," he said, referring to the 2021 clash at the inter-state border.



(With PTI inputs)


RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said cultural Marxists and woke elements were using their influence in media and academia to spoil the country's education and culture. Bhagwat also questioned how violence suddenly erupted in Manipur, despite both Meitei and Kuki communities living together for years.

The RSS chief, while addressing the RSS Dussehra rally in Nagpur, said "cultural Marxists and woke elements" were selfish, discriminatory and deceitful forces who were using their influence in media and academia to spoil the country's education and culture. "These destructive forces call themselves "woke" and claim to be working for some lofty goals, but their real goals are to disrupt orderliness in the world," he said.



Alleging that these "selfish, discriminatory and deceitful forces" were disrupting social cohesion and promoting conflict, Bhagwat said they were "various cloaks."



"Some of them call themselves cultural Marxists or woke. Cultural Marxists reward, promote and spread anarchy. They take control of the media and academia, and plunge education, culture, politics and social environment into confusion, chaos, and corruption," he alleged.



Bhagwat also expressed doubts on whether "extremists across the border were involved in Manipur violence." "For many years, Meitei and Kuki communities have been living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict benefits external forces. Are external factors involved," Bhagwat said. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah was there for three days. Who actually fueled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen," Bhagwat said.



Bhagwat said he was proud of the Sangh workers who worked in Manipur to restore peace. "Some anti-social people call themselves cultural Marxists or woke but they have forgotten Marx," he said.



He also warned against attempts to garner votes by inflaming emotions ahead of the 2024 general elections. He asked people to vote keeping in mind the unity, integrity, identity and development of the country.



(With PTI inputs)
It is speak-as-you-please season in Uttar Pradesh politics. And that speak is mostly derogatory, which experts believe is mere posturing before the opposition can come together to take on the BJP.

What started as a battle of words over Madhya Pradesh, where the Samajwadi Party and the Congress decided to field their own candidates and not put up an united front, has now gone beyond the poll-bound state's border.

Congress state chief Ajay Rai said Yadav had no standing in Madhya Pradesh and should thus focus on helping the Congress. In turn, Yadav called Rai a 'chirkut' (worthless) and said he was not interested in talking to two-bit leaders.

Sudhir Panwar, a senior SP leader, said the language now being used by politicians was part of the evolution of the political-social milieu. "The burst of media and social media has caused leaders to believe that sobriety no longer influences people," said Panwar.

Of the numerous statements that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav would have made in the last week, the only one that has stood out and been trending on social media is 'chirkut'.

"There is a huge psychological influence created by the media to use such language," said Panwar.

Contrast Yadav's current volleys with 2017, when the only remotely absurd statement he made was a request to film-star Amitabh Bachchan to not promote the 'asses' of Gujarat. Bachchan was then brand ambassador of the state's tourism department.

Chandra Prakash Rai, once a Mulayam Singh Yadav loyalist, also took on Yadav by pointing out that such language was unbecoming of a man who had once been the state's CM. "He is an educated man, he has a long way to go. His language shows his desperation," Rai wrote on X.

Political language in the state is touching a new low also because the second and third tier of politicians are emboldened by the kind of language used by the top leadership, to get down to using expletives and abuses.

One such example is SP leader I.P. Singh calling Congress MP Rahul Gandhi a 'crazy dimwit'. Party insiders say there was in-party objection to Singh's language. That, though has not dampened Singh's spirits. He then went on to liken the BJP's power minister Arvind Kumar Sharma to an 'ullu' (owl).

Prashant Kumar Trivedi, associate professor at Lucknow's Giri Institute of Development Studies, said such posturing was to be expected pre-alliance. "Before an alliance is given a formal shape, there will be attempts to gain an upper hand, especially psychologically," he said.

That science of alliance could well be the death knell of basic courtesy in UP's politics.
The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) has issued a statement on a fake news-based story published in the October 21 issue of the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, Azernews reports.

The statement says: Austrian newspaper Der Standard published a report headlined Danger of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh in its issue of October 21, 2023.

The author of the story, TV journalist Jo Angerer, without conducting any research, presented various details as facts and created a wrong idea about the local anti-terror measures Azerbaijan conducted on its own territory on 19 September in full accordance with the norms and principles of international law. Instead of emphasizing the significance and essence of the news in order to guide the audience, the journalist turned a part of the article with comments into a subject of manipulation, violated the journalistic principle of impartiality by not taking into account the opinion of the other side, and prepared a lop-sided story that does not objectively reflect the current situation in the region.

Official authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan respect the right of all journalists to access information, regardless of the media entity in which they work and the country they represent, and are always ready to respond promptly to journalistic requests. We would like to emphasize that neither Der Standard newspaper nor Jo Angerer personally has addressed relevant public authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the local anti-terror measures.

It should be noted that the fictitious theory of the death of civilians during the local anti-terror measures is fake news published by the mentioned newspaper. In particular, the article does not take into account the opinion of the UN mission, which has repeatedly visited the region at the invitation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the fact that no damage was caused to the civilian population during the local anti-terror measures and that no such facts were recorded.

We would like to recall that the teams of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other international organizations have not confirmed a single case of expulsion of residents of Armenian origin or use of force against them by the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Also, people of Armenian origin, in their numerous statements given to international media traveling to the region, as well as the leading media outlets of Armenia, repeatedly stressed the fact that no damage was done to the peaceful population.

We, the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, regret the publication of a piece in Der Standard newspaper that distorts reality on the basis of personal, subjective political considerations that are completely incompatible with journalistic ethics and professionalism. We call on this newspaper to prepare a story on the current political realities in the region, taking into account the official position of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, has voiced his wish for greater female involvement in the nation's space missions. Speaking at an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Somanath reiterated the sentiments shared by the nation, including those of the Prime Minister.

While initiating children into the world of letters as part of the Vidyarambam ceremony, Somanath expressed his hope to see more female astronauts in ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. However, he clarified that due to the selection and training process already underway, it would not be feasible to include women in the inaugural mission, which aims to send humans to space and safely return them to Earth.

Nonetheless, the ISRO Chairman remains optimistic about greater female participation in future Gaganyaan missions. "Having more women astronauts in space missions is a part of my wish list, and I am echoing the voice of the nation, including that of the Prime Minister," Somanath told PTI.

In a recent statement, Somanath revealed that ISRO is keen on selecting woman fighter test pilots or female scientists for the highly anticipated Gaganyaan human space flight program. He also announced the agency's plan to send a female humanoid, a robot resembling a human, aboard the unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft next year.

The ambitious Gaganyaan mission aims to send humans into space on a Low Earth Orbit of 400 km for a duration of three days, ensuring their safe return to Earth. Somanath assured that steps would be taken to identify potential female candidates for future missions.

During the Vijayadasami celebrations, which hold spiritual significance, the ISRO Chairman engaged in prayers and participated in the Vidyarambam ceremony. He emphasised that the ceremony is not religious in nature but serves as an initiation to education, where alphabets are revered as knowledge.

Somanath highlighted the importance of gurus, who possess knowledge, passing it on to children as a blessing. He described it as a spiritual gesture that helps children learn and comprehend the vastness of the universe.

Former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Director Unnikrishnan were also present at the event, extending their support to the children participating in Vidyarambam.
China removed its defence minister, General Li Shangfu, who has been 'missing' for the past two months on Tuesday. According to Chinese state media, the decision was announced without citing any explanation.

This is the second ousting of a senior leader in three months. Foreign minister Qin Gang, who again disappeared, was removed in July. Qin was also stripped of his state councillor position as well.

As China prepares to host its foreign defence officials meet at the Beijing Xinangshan Forum next week, the nation is left without a defence minister.

So far no replacement name was announced.

Li, 65, was seen last in public on August 29. Reportedly, he was being investigated for alleged corruption related to defence equipment procurement.

When Xi came to helm for the third term as head of state, Li was appointed as the defence minister. Li is said to be the shortest-serving defence minister in China.

Before disappearing from the public view, Qin, had also served less than a year. Wang Yi had replaced him as the foreign minister.

Questions were raised following the disappearances of Qin and Li in China's leadership. Reports said that both the leaders were hand picked by Xi Jinping to his government.
Despite the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) declaring its readiness to launch the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to topple Hamas, there is reportedly "a growing call inside the country to rethink the scope of a ground invasion."

It is the threat of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fate of the over 200 hostages that prompt the government to stall the ground war, reported Bloomberg. The report quoted people familiar with the discussions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war cabinet.



There are also reports that the Biden administration is concerned about Israel's lack of "achievable military objectives" in Gaza.



Security veterans are reportedly urging caution, insisting that the state reconsider the nature of its operation as they believe "Israel should respond methodically rather than in a rage" to avenge the Hamas attack.



"No harm is done by waiting with a ground operation," Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser, told state television on Sunday. "Every day that passes benefits us and hurts Hamas, and the more time passes, the less the air force will be needed in Gaza, so it will be possible to move it up north."



Besides, the over 200 hostages in the custody of Hamas and other militant groups are a matter of concern. Even the US is advising caution in conversations with the Israelis despite stressing in public Israel's right to defend itself. The US reportedly advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault in the Gaza Strip and is keeping Qatar - a broker with the Palestinian militants - apprised of those talks.



A U.S. priority is to allow more time for negotiations for the release of hostages. However, President Joe Biden has made it clear that Hamas had to release the hostages before the ceasefire can be discussed. Hamas has so far released four hostages, two Americans and two Israeli elderly women.



The risks of a ground invasion are also stopping Israel from rushing to it. Many believe a ground war could take a long time and it would be difficult to fight Hamas in urban warfare, with Gaza's network of underground tunnels. There could be a lot of military casualties for Israel.

The presence of Hezbollah in the northern borders is another factor. Itzhak Brik, a reserve major general and fellow in counter-terrorism at Reichman University north of Tel Aviv, had earlier predicted that Israel is unprepared for the challenges ahead. Brik, in a video, argued that Hezbollah would rain 5,000 missiles per day on Israel and send 8,000 troops to occupy the north.

Israel continues to be hit by Hezbollah targets on the Northern border while the IDF retaliated with air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.



US stance

The Biden administration believes that Israel lacks "achievable military objectives in Gaza" and the IDF is not yet ready to launch a ground invasion "with a plan that can work," The New York Times quoted senior administration officials.



In phone conversations with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has stressed the need for careful consideration of how Israeli forces might conduct a ground invasion of Gaza.



Austin also briefed about the situation in an interview with a US channel, stating that the operation would not be easy. "The first thing that everyone should know, and I think everyone does know, is that urban combat is extremely difficult," Austin said while referring to the US operation to clear the Iraqi city of Mosul of Islamic State fighters in 2016 and 2017.



The Biden administration is also concerned that the Israel Defense Forces do not yet have a clear military pathway to achieve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus goal of eradicating Hamas.



The US stance is similar to the one voiced by Senator Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat who heads the Armed Services Committee. Reed on Sunday urged Israel on Monday to delay a ground invasion of Gaza to buy time for hostage negotiations, allow more humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians and give Israeli commanders more opportunity to fine-tune their urban combat planning.


On day 18 of the Israel-Hamas war, the militant group based in Gaza released two more hostages, two elderly women identified as 79-year-old Nurit Cooper and 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz.

The two were among the 200 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel. "We decided to release them for humanitarian and poor health grounds," Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas militant group said on Telegram.

The release was confirmed by the Israeli prime minister's office. The statement issued by the office said both were handed over to the Israeli military. They were airlifted to a hospital and were said to be in good health. The two elderly women were both speaking and had an emotional reunion with their families, The Times of Israel quoted a nurse. The duo are resting before doctors perform more exhaustive tests to determine their exact medical condition.

The two were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Gaza border, along with their husbands, who were still held by Hamas, it added.



Hamas had earlier released an American woman and her daughter.

Air raids continued over Gaza where over 436 people died in the bombardments over the last 24 hours. The Israeli military said it had struck more than 320 targets in Gaza over 24 hours, including a tunnel housing Hamas fighters, dozens of command and lookout posts, and mortar and anti-tank missile launcher positions.

A wounded Palestinian is carried into the al-Shifa hospital following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, central Gaza Strip | AP

Meanwhile, reports claim that the United States is advising caution in conversations with the Israelis despite stressing in Public Israel's right to defend itself. A report by Reuters quoting unnamed sources said the US has advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and is keeping Qatar - a broker with the Palestinian militants - apprised of those talks.



A U.S. priority is to allow more time for negotiations for the release of hostages. The report added that the Biden administration was keeping Qatari officials informed of its advice to Israel so that they are fully up-to-speed as hostage negotiations continue. "For now, there's no clear roadmap or sequence of the steps towards complete de-escalation. The priority is on working to get the hostages out step-by-step," said a source briefed on the hostage negotiations.



The US has said that Hamas had to release the hostages before the ceasefire can be discussed. Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, U.S. President Joe Biden said: "We should have those hostages released and then we can talk."



However, Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said Israel had no intention of curbing its strikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip and hinting that it was well prepared for a ground assault. "We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling," Halevi said. "The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. "We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south," he added. "There are tactical, operative, strategic considerations that have provided additional time, and troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now."


All of West Maui except for burned-out sections of historic Lahaina will reopen to tourism on Nov. 1 following the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than century, the mayor of Maui County said Monday.



Mayor Richard Bissen said he made the move after talking about it with his Lahaina advisory team, the Red Cross and other partners.

West Maui has about 11,000 hotel rooms, or about half of Maui's total. Travelers evacuated those hotels after the Aug. 8 fire raged through Lahaina town, killing at least 99 people and destroying more than 2,000 buildings.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green last month declared West Maui would officially reopen to tourism on Oct. 8 to bring back badly needed jobs and help the economy recover. Bissen modified the governor's declaration with a phased plan, allowing a small section on the northern edge of West Maui to open first with the rest to follow at an undetermined date.

The community has had an impassioned debate about when to welcome travelers back to the disaster-stricken region. Some residents drafted a petition opposing the return of tourists, saying the community wasn't ready.

Bissen said Monday that workers are ready to return to their jobs while acknowledging this isn't for everyone.

Those who aren't prepared to go back to work on Nov. 1 should talk to their employers and continue to seek the help and attention that they need, Bissen said at a news conference in Lahaina that was livestreamed online.

The mayor said many residents are also concerned about not having child care. He said the county's partners are working on that issue.

Residents who have been staying in West Maui hotels and other short-term accommodations after losing their homes in the fire won't lose their lodging, the mayor said.

We're assured by the Red Cross that their housing will not be in jeopardy, Bissen said.

The mayor said the reopening schedule was voluntary and said some properties have already reopened on their own. (AP) AMS AMS 10240959
Been through hell, recalls Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, who was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Lifschitz and her husband Oded (83) was taken by Hamas on October 7 from Nir Oz kibbutz in the southern Israel. Lifschitz was captured and taken on a motorbike.

While speaking to the reporters outside a hospital in Tel Aviv, Lifschitz said she was beaten with sticks and forced to walk for few kilometers while been taken to Gaza. Was taken into tunnels covered with cobwebs, she added.

But she also recalled that the hostage keepers had treated her and rest of the hostages more gently.

Seated in a wheelchair, Lifschitz told mediapersons that a doctor had visited her while she was being held in a network of tunnels. All my needs were taken care of, said Lifschitz in Hebrew, which was translated by her daughter Sharone Lifschitz.

Though Lifschitz was released, her husband is yet to be freed by Hamas. She was freed along with another woman, Nurit Cooper, 79, on Monday evening.

While being released, Lifschitz had shook hands with the Hamas gunmen and said Shalom, in a gesture bidding goodbye. On being asked, the reason behind the gesture, she said that they were good to her when she was being held as a hostage.

Sharone said her mother was taken into a huge network of tunnels underneath Gaza that it looked like a spider's web, reported BBC.

So far, four hostages were released by Hamas. According to Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), around 200 hostages including foreigners were taken into Gaza.

Reportedly, Qatar is mediating with Hamas to release some of the hostages captured. The United States has also advised Israel to delay its ground attacks so that it would give more time for mediation to release the hostages.
Standing with Israel in its battle against Hamas in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and held talks with him over the conflict situation on Tuesday. France reiterated its support to Israel and proposed the existing international coalition fighting against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria could be widened to also fight against Hamas.

"France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas," said Macron in Jerusalem.

Speaking alongside French President Emmanual Macron, Netanyahu warned that the war might take time. The Israeli military will destroy Hamas during the on-going war in Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said adding that after the conflict no one would live "under Hamas tyranny".

France and Israel share terrorism as their "common enemy". Therefore, Israel is not alone in this fight, said Macron.

Earlier, Macron told President Isaac Herzog that France would not leave Israel isolated in its fight against Islamic militants. Macron also warned against the risks of a regional conflict.

Netanyahu said everyone will be in danger if Hamas wins. We must have a decisive victory against Hamas, he added. Netanyahu stressed the battle is for the heart and soul of the Middle East and the Arab world.

He had also warned Hezbollah of "horrible consequences", if Lebanon decided to join the war.

In the case of the hostage situation, Macron said Israel and France shares the same grief and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Terrorism must be fought without mercy, but with rules, he said.

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli women hostages amid the airstrikes. IDF had claimed Hamas is holding around 200 hostages in Gaza.

Over 5,700 Palestinians were killed so far since the Hamas attack on October 7.

Also read: How Israel's retaliation could lead to wider conflict in Middle East
South Korea's military has said that they have detained a boat carrying suspected North Korea defectors. A small wooden boat was intercepted by authorities on Tuesday near Sokcho, a city about 51km (32 miles) northeast of Seoul. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the boat was spotted near the country's maritime border.



Defections by North Koreans have been a sore point in relations between the two Koreas. South Korea accepts those who choose to resettle in the South, but North Korea often says its people are held against their will in the South and demand they be returned, a PTI report reads.

Defectors to the South, a liberal democracy, have a right to citizenship and financial support after being vetted by the intelligence services. The four occupants of the boat expressed their wish to defect to the South.

Defectors to the South have dropped sharply since the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, North Korea increased security at its borders. Defectors have been moving to China too. China, however, considers them economic migrants.

In May, nine people defected. They crossed the western sea boundary in a fishing boat. Since 1953, over 33,000 North Koreans have fled to the South. Defectors who are forced to return face severe punishment or even a death sentence

-- With PTI inputs
Amid intensifying Israel-Gaza conflict, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meet took place in New York on Tuesday. The countries jointly echoed the immediate need for humanitarian aid in the crisis-hit city.

Speaking at the meet, UN chief Antonio Guterres asserted that no conflict is above international humanitarian law. Guterres also said he was "deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza.

He also said that the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Our UN fuel supplies in Gaza will run out in a matter of days. That would be another disaster, he added.

Guterres said "the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel...did not happen in a vacuum.

The Palestinian people been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. They have seen their lands steadily devolved by settlements and plagued by violence. Their economy stifled. Their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing," he said.

Taking offence to Guterress Hamas attacks did not happen in a vaccum remarks, Israel ambassador to UN, Gilad Erdan, demanded UN chief to resign.

Erdan said: There is no justification or point in talking to those who show understanding for the most terrible acts committed against the citizens of Israel  no less by a declared terrorist organisation.





The @UN Secretary-General, who shows understanding for the campaign of mass murder of children, women, and the elderly, is not fit to lead the UN.



I call on him to resign immediately.



There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most  Ambassador Gilad Erdan   (@giladerdan1) October 24, 2023

While speaking at UNSC, US Secretary of state Antony Blinken called on all countries to send humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He also added that if Iran or its proxies attack us, make no mistake we will defend our people, we will defend our security swiftly and decisively.

"A civilian is a civilian...Hamas must cease using them as human shields...and Israel must take precautions. It means food, water, medicine, must be able to flow into Gaza and to the people who need it. Civilians must be able to get out of harm's way," said Blinken.

According to Palestinian health minister Mai al-Kaila, three hospitals in the Gaza Strip were out of action because they ran out of fuel.

Blinken also stressed on ramping up efforts to release around 200 hostages still held by Hamas. US is working with Egypt, Israel and UN to build mechanisms that will enable sustained humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, he said.

Blinken also urged member states to use influence, leverage to secure unconditional and immediate release of hostages.

According to Gaza Health Ministry, over 5,700 Palestinians were killed since the Hamas attack. Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border also has intensified. So far Hamas has released, four hostages and efforts are on by countries to release more in the coming days.
FILEHouse Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., center, is flanked by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the temporary leader of the House of Representatives, left, and Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, right, as lawmakers convene to hold a third ballot to elect a speaker of the House, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. After the rejection of former speaker Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan by the GOP caucus, Emmer is emerging as the newest probable candidate to hold the gavel. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
FILE - A North Atlantic right whale feeds on the surface of Cape Cod bay off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., March 28, 2018. The decline of the North Atlantic right whale, one of the rarest whales in the world, appears to be slowing, but scientists warn the giants animals still face existential threats from warming oceans, ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. There are now an estimated 356 of the whales, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium said Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)




U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez returned to Manhattan federal court Monday to challenge a new criminal charge alleging that he conspired to act as an agent of the Egyptian government when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Not guilty, Menendez, 69, said when Judge Sidney H. Stein asked him for a plea to the charge. It was his first appearance before Stein, who is expected to preside over a trial tentatively scheduled for May.

Stein said the plea was the sole purpose for the hearing and adjourned the proceeding after less than five minutes. Menendez left the courthouse minutes later without speaking to reporters waiting outside. At an arraignment before a magistrate judge last month, Menendez was released on a $100,000 bond.

The New Jersey Democrat was forced to step down from his powerful post leading the Senate committee after he was charged last month. Prosecutors said the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the past five years from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for a variety of corrupt acts.

The other defendants entered not guilty charges to a superseding indictment last week. The senator was permitted to delay his arraignment so he could tend to Senate duties. He has said that throughout his life he has been loyal to the United States and that he will prove he is innocent.

Menendez has resisted calls from more than 30 Democrats to resign.

The rewritten indictment added a charge alleging that the senator, his wife and one of the businessmen conspired to have Menendez act as an agent of the government of Egypt and Egyptian officials.

As a member of Congress, Menendez is prohibited from acting as an agent for a foreign government.

Menendez is accused of passing information to the Egyptians about the staff at the U.S. embassy in Cairo, ghostwriting a letter on Egypts behalf intended to influence fellow senators and urging the U.S. State Department to get more involved in international negotiations to block a dam project Egypt opposed, among other things.

Last week, Nadine Menendez and a businessman, Wael Hana, pleaded not guilty to the superseding indictment.

Both of them were charged with conspiring with the senator to use him as an agent of the government of Egypt and its officials. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.

(AP)




Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that a consent decree has been agreed upon with the Village of Airmont, New York, thereby ending a lawsuit filed by Orthodox Jewish residents and synagogues alleging religious discrimination against the village. Agudath Israel of America is hailing the agreement.

The 2020 lawsuit called out the Airmont Board of Trustees for creating various zoning ordinances that deliberately and unlawfully placed restraints undermining freedom of worship in the village. The lawsuit alleged that the zoning code violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

Reversing the discriminatory provisions, the consent decree abolishes restrictions on the amount of space a private home can allot for worship, whom homeowners can invite into their homes to pray, and an application process designed to deny Orthodox Jews the right to build houses of worship.

Agudath Israel has long fought the religious intolerance and the denial of freedom of worship in Airmont. Thirty years ago, Agudath Israel filed an amicus curiae brief in a lawsuit filed by Jewish residents of the village. More recently, the organization advocated on behalf of the residents religious rights in meetings at the Justice Department  first, to former Attorney General William Barr in 2019, and, more recently, to Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke during Agudath Israels National Leadership Mission in March 2023.

Agudath Israels Washington Office played a leading role in the crafting and passage of RLUIPA, the basis upon which the ordinances were found unlawful.

This is the end of many years of discrimination by the Preserve Airmont administration and CUPON against Orthodox Jewish institutions and residents in the Village of Airmont, said Mr. Yehuda Zorger, Airmont resident and community activist.

We applaud and thank the Justice Department for its determination to combat the ongoing religious intolerance against our community, said Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, director of Agudath Israels Rockland County, New York Office. The effect of the Department action here will reverberate to other jurisdictions and faith communities around the country.




Lawyers for Donald Trump are raising new challenges to the federal election subversion case against him, telling a judge that the indictment should be dismissed because it violates the former presidents free speech rights and represents a vindictive prosecution.

The motions filed late Monday in the case charging the Republican with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost are on top of a pending argument by defense attorneys that he is immune from federal prosecution for actions taken within his official role as president.

Special counsel Jack Smiths team urged a judge last week to reject that argument and is expected to do the same for the latest motions. It is routine for defendants to ask a judge to dismiss the charges against them, but such requests are rarely granted. In Trumps case, though, the challenges to the indictment could at a minimum force a delay in a prosecution that is set for trial in Washington next March.

Taken together, the motions cut to the heart of some of Trumps most oft-repeated public defenses: that he is being prosecuted for political reasons by the Biden administration Justice Department and that he was within his First Amendment rights to challenge the outcome of the election and to allege that it had been tainted by fraud  a finding not supported by courts across the country or even by Trumps own attorney general.

The lawyers claim prosecutors are attempting to criminalize political speech and political advocacy, arguing that First Amendment protections extend even to statements made in advocating for government officials to act on ones views. They said the prosecution team cannot criminalize claims that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen nor impose its views on a disputed political question like the elections integrity.

The fact that the indictment alleges that the speech at issue was supposedly, according to the prosecution, false makes no difference, the defense wrote. Under the First Amendment, each individual American participating in a free marketplace of ideas  not the federal Government  decides for him or herself what is true and false on great disputed social and political questions.

Legal experts have said Trumps First Amendment claims are unlikely to succeed, particularly given the breadth of steps taken by Trump and his allies that prosecutors say transformed mere speech into action in a failed bid to undo the election.

Smiths team conceded at the outset of the four-count indictment that Trump could indeed lawfully challenge his loss to Democrat Joe Biden but said his actions went far beyond that, including by illegally conspiring to block the official counting of electoral votes by Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, when rioters who supported him stormed the Capitol and caused a violent clash with police and a delay to the proceedings.

A spokesman for Smith declined to comment on Tuesday.

The defense lawyers also contend that Trump, the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is being prosecuted for vindictive and political reasons, alleging that Bidens publicly stated objective is to use the criminal justice system to incapacitate President Trump, his main political rival and the leading candidate in the upcoming election.

They say the Justice Department appointed Smith as special counsel last year as a way to insulate Biden and his supporters from scrutiny of their obvious and illegal bias.

In addition, Trumps lawyers are asking to strike from the indictment references to the pro-Trump mobs attack on the Capitol because they say prosecutors have not accused the then-president of inciting the riot.

Allegations in the indictment relating to these actions, when President Trump has not been charged with responsibility for them, is highly prejudicial and inflammatory because members of the jury may wrongfully impute fault to President Trump for these actions, his attorneys wrote.

While Trump is not charged with incitement, prosecutors have clearly alleged that the former presidents actions led to the chaos at the Capitol on Jan. 6. The indictment notes that Trump urged supporters to travel to Washington and cites Trumps speech ahead of the riot in which he urged the crowd to fight like hell and head to the Capitol.

(AP)




Many former senior defense officials in Israel have been issuing warnings about Israels plan for a ground incursion into the Gaza Strip.

As is well-known, the Hamas terror group, over many years, built a vast subterranean tunnel network [dubbed the Gaza metro] in the Strip, using, among other things, concrete, transferred in the guise of humanitarian aid to rebuild homes and institutions following previous operations.

The labyrinth of tunnels serves as a hiding place for the terrorists and their command centers, as a means of transporting goods and people, as a storage depot for ammunition and rockets, and as a way of surprising Israeli soldiers with sneak attacks, as happened on Sunday evening, when terrorist launched an anti-tank missile at Kibbutz Kissufim near the Gazan border, resulting in the death of Cpl. Tamir Barak, Hyd, 19, and the injury of three additional soldiers.

Some senior Israeli security officials, especially former ones, have been warning that the subterranean tunnels, which Hamas built under the homes of two million people in Gaza City, must be demolished using bunker-buster bombs prior to a ground incursion. The US reportedly recently provided Israel with thousands of bunker-buster bombs.

See the tunnels below:

Channel 12 reported on Monday that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has met with a number of senior defense officials, current and former. One of them is Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yitzchak Brik, who has previously warned about scenarios such as the Hamas attack, in addition to the chance of Israel facing a multiple-front war  Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north, Palestinian Arabs in Yehudah and Shomron and Israeli-Arabs throughout Israel, and even Syria and Egypt. Brik, whom Netanyahu already met twice, has warned many times that the IDF is not prepared for war, much less a multi-front war.

We need to gain time, Brik told Netanyahu at their second meeting. Hamas planned not only the attack but also Israels counterattack  entering now would play into their hands. We need to focus on massive bombings from the air and a humanitarian stranglehold on the Strip.

Previously, Brik told Channel 12 that entering Gaza now would be a big mistake, saying that IDF soldiers arent ready for ground maneuvers, are not well-trained, and lack the necessary combat equipment.

To enter Gaza now is to take heavy fire from explosives and anti-tank missiles, Barik warned, saying that IDF soldiers arent well-prepared for such a scenario and the operation would incur a high death toll without inflicting enough damage on the enemy.

Brik believes that IDF soldiers must train for at least six months for an operation in Gaza and must be trained as well to fight against Hezbollah, which poses a much more powerful threat than Hamas. After at least six months, the IDF will be prepared and ready to enter the Gaza Strip under better conditions, he said. It wont take weeks or months. Whoever thinks that a ground entry into the Gaza Strip now will bring relief  is greatly mistaken.

Barik also pointed out that a ground incursion into Gaza, in addition to war with Hezbollah, could lead to a regional war with [Arabs in] Yehudah and Shomron, [Arabs in] Jerusalem, Hezbollah, Yemen, and other countries that Israel is not prepared for.

In the next six months we need to prepare our yishuvim with weapons, with civil defense units, prepare the home front, and prepare the IDF, he said ominously.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




The Pentagon has sent military advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to aid in its war planning and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defense systems to the Middle East days ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza.

One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss Glynns role and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, the official said.

Israel is preparing a large-scale ground operation in an environment in which Hamas militants have had years to prepare tunnel networks and set traps throughout northern Gazas dense urban blocks. Glynn and the other military officers who are advising Israel have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The advisers will not be engaged in the fighting, the unidentified U.S. official said.

The military team is one of many fast-moving pieces the Pentagon is getting in place to try and prevent the already intense conflict between Israel and Hamas from becoming a wider war. It also is trying to protect U.S. personnel, who in the last few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran.

Kirby said Iran was in some cases actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good, or for that of Iran. We know that Irans goal is to maintain some level of deniability here. But were not going to allow them to do that.

On Monday, the U.S. military garrison at an-Tanf, Syria, came under attack again, this time by two drones. The drones were shot down and no injuries were reported. It was the latest episode of more than a half-dozen times in the last week that U.S. military locations in the Middle East had come under rocket or drone attack since a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital.

Last Thursday the destroyer USS Carney shot down four land-attack cruise missiles launched from Yemen that the Pentagon has said were potentially headed toward Israel.

In response, over the weekend the Pentagon announced it was sending multiple Patriot missile defense system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to the Middle East, as well as repositioning the Eisenhower strike group to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The ship had previously been en route to the Eastern Mediterranean.

The shift means that the Navy will have a carrier strike group off the shore of Israel  the Ford carrier strike group  and another, the Eisenhower, potentially maneuvered to defend U.S. forces and Israel from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Oman.

Were going to continue to do what we need to do to protect and safeguard our forces and take all necessary measures, Ryder said. No one wants to see a wider regional conflict. But we will not hesitate to protect our forces.

The U.S. has also advised Israeli officials to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the U.S. to work with its regional partners to release more hostages, according to a U.S. official familiar with Biden administration thinking on the matter. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the private discussions, said it was unclear how much the argument will move the needle on Israeli thinking.

The official noted that with the help of Qatar mediating with Hamas, the U.S. was able to win the release of two captives, Judith and Natalie Raanan. The process that led to their release  just two of more than 200 people in Israel who were taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attacks  started soon after the Hamas operation. The official noted arranging for the release of the Raanans took longer to come together than many people realized.

Asked during a brief exchange with reporters at the White House on Monday if the U.S. would be supportive of a ceasefire-for-hostage deal, President Joe Biden replied, We should have those hostages released and then we can talk.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Monday that Hamas had released two more hostages. They were identified by Israeli media as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz.

(AP)




Freed hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper were flown to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv in a military helicopter following their release on Monday evening from captivity in the Gaza Strip by Hamas terrorists, accompanied by family members.

Lifshitz, an 85-year-old woman from Kibbutz Nir Oz, spoke to the press on Tuesday morning about her harrowing ordeal. Yocheveds husband Oded, 83, was also abducted and is still being held by Hamas. She did not see him while in Gaza as their captors divided them into small groups.

My name is Yocheved Lifshitz, I was born in Israel in 1938, she began. I thank you for coming to hear about my tragedy and that of my friends. I hope we will get through it.

I went through a hell that we never imagined. They went on a rampage in the kibbutz. There was no difference to them whether they kidnapped the elderly or the young. They kidnapped everyone. They kidnapped me, laid me on the side of a motorcycle, with my head on one side and my legs on the other, and drove through the fields to Gaza. They destroyed the billion-and-a-half-dollar border fence. During that time, they took my watch and jewelry, and they beat me with sticks. It was extremely painful. My ribs were hurting me very much and I had a hard time breathing.

When we arrived there, I was in a web of huge tunnels that looked like a spider web. They said they believed in the Quran and wouldnt hurt us and we would be provided with the same conditions they had in the tunnels. They took a group of 25 hostages, and we started walking through tunnels on damp earth for many kilometers for a long time. After two to three hours, they separated five of us from Kibbutz Nir Oz and took us to a separate room.

Their guards and a medic came with us and a doctor also arrived and made sure they provided us with the medications we needed. We slept on mattresses. There was humidity in the tunnels all the time. They were very cautious about our sanitary conditions so we wont get sick. There was a doctor who came every two to three days who made sure to bring medication  if they didnt have the same ones, they brought us the equivalent ones. There was a young hostage who flew off his motorcycle and had injured arms and legs  it was painful to see. The paramedic sat there all day  and treated him every hour, hour and a half. The doctor sent him antibiotics and it didnt help. After a few days, they sent antibiotics again, and this time it helped.

They divided us into groups by kibbutz and residents. We ate what they ate  pitas, white cheese, and cucumbers  it was our meal for the entire day. We were five people and each one had someone who guarded him. They made sure we had good conditions, they cleaned the bathrooms. They tried to talk to us, we told them  no politics. They were very friendly to us.

They were planning this for a long time. They had everything there, even shampoo and hair conditioner. The lack of intelligence in the IDF and the Shin Bet greatly affected us. We were the scapegoat. The IDF did not take the [terror] balloons and fires seriously. We received a warning three weeks ago. They burned our field and the IDF didnt take it seriously. Suddenly on Shabbos morning, there was a heavy barrage of rockets and many terrorists broke in. They breached the gates of the kibbutz and entered in droves. It was a very difficult and unpleasant scene. I constantly have the images in my head.

Prior to their abduction, Yocheved and her husband were peace activists who for over a decade regularly drove Palestinians in Gaza to Israeli hospitals for medical treatment. Their daughter, Sharone Lifschitz, who lives in London, told BBC: My father was very involved in Palestinian rights and working towards peace with our neighbors.

The spokesperson for the Red Cross in Israel told Army Radio on Tuesday: We didnt succeed in meeting with the other hostages, but we requested it again and again. It is essential that we be able to meet those who were taken captive, see that they have access to medical care, contact with their loved ones, and first and foremost  to bring about their release.

Following the arrival of Lifshitz and Cooper on Sunday night., Etty Uziel, the Head Nurse at the hospital, said: They appear fine, their medical condition is fine, theyre speaking. Right now, were letting them rest a bit with their families and afterward, well carry out a thorough medical examination.

A video of Lifshitz and Cooper arriving at the hospital via a military helicopter can be seen below:

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




The Pentagon has sent military advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to aid in its war planning and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defense systems to the Middle East days ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza.

One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss Glynns role and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, the official said.

Israel is preparing a large-scale ground operation in an environment in which Hamas terrorists have had years to prepare tunnel networks and set traps throughout northern Gazas dense urban blocks. Glynn and the other military officers who are advising Israel have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The advisers will not be engaged in the fighting, the unidentified U.S. official said.

The military team is one of many fast-moving pieces the Pentagon is getting in place to try and prevent the already intense conflict between Israel and Hamas from becoming a wider war. It also is trying to protect U.S. personnel, who in the last few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran.

Kirby said Iran was in some cases actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good, or for that of Iran. We know that Irans goal is to maintain some level of deniability here. But were not going to allow them to do that.

PBS defense correspondent Nick Schifrin stated on Monday evening: US defense official tells me there have been roughly eight attacks on US troops in four locations across Iraq and Syria, with zero US military casualties or infrastructure damage. One US contractor died of a heart attack during an attack.

Jason Brodsky, the Policy Director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), responded to the report by stating: Roughly eight attacks by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps terrorists on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, but zero U.S. response.

The White House said President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to update him on U.S. support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, to include new U.S. military deployments.

On Monday, the U.S. military garrison at an-Tanf, Syria, came under attack again, this time by two drones. The drones were shot down and no injuries were reported. It was the latest episode of more than a half-dozen times in the last week that U.S. military locations in the Middle East had come under rocket or drone attack since a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital.

Last Thursday the destroyer USS Carney shot down four land-attack cruise missiles launched from Yemen that the Pentagon has said were potentially headed toward Israel.

The U.S. has also advised Israeli officials to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the U.S. to work with its regional partners to release more hostages, according to a U.S. official familiar with Biden administration thinking on the matter. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the private discussions, said it was unclear how much the argument will move the needle on Israeli thinking.

The New York Times reported on Monday that the Biden administration is concerned that Israel lacks concrete military goals for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip of its stated plan of eradicating Hamas and that the IDF is not prepared for a ground incursion into Gaza.

Although Biden administration officials have asserted that they are not telling Israel what to do, some Israeli commentators claim the opposite, saying that the US is using its influence [and considerable military aid] to delay the ground incursion. On the other hand, many Israeli military experts are also advising that the IDF should not yet enter Gaza as the army is not properly trained, a ground incursion will be playing into the hands of Hamas, which will be waiting in Gaza with booby-trapped surprises, and a ground op will inflict an unbearable death toll, chalilah, among IDF soldiers.

Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yitzchak Brik, who is currently a sought-after interviewer following his prediction of the Hamas assault, said in an interview on Reshet Bet on Tuesday morning: I advised Netanyahu to wait for a ground incursion. The army isnt ready. The entry of the IDF could deteriorate into a regional war. A large number of forces will be stuck inside the Gaza bog and face heavy fire for months. Tens of thousands more will remain inside the tunnels. Hastiness is from the Satan.

Another Israeli commentator expressed a different view, as seen below:

In response to the attacks against its forces in the Middle East, over the weekend the Pentagon announced it was sending multiple Patriot missile defense system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to the Middle East, as well as repositioning the Eisenhower strike group to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The ship had previously been en route to the Eastern Mediterranean.

The shift means that the Navy will have a carrier strike group off the shore of Israel  the Ford carrier strike group  and another, the Eisenhower, potentially maneuvered to defend U.S. forces and Israel from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Oman.

Were going to continue to do what we need to do to protect and safeguard our forces and take all necessary measures, Ryder said. No one wants to see a wider regional conflict. But we will not hesitate to protect our forces.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem & AP)




Israeli Navy forces successfully intercepted and neutralized a group of Hamas terrorists attempting to infiltrate into Israel from the Gaza Strip via the sea, Tuesday evening.

The IDF has not provided specific details regarding the exact number of Hamas terrorist divers involved in the infiltration attempt. However, reports from Hebrew-language media suggest that a minimum of four terrorists were killed in the operation, while another report places the number at eight.

During the course of the operation, an alert signaling a possible infiltration was sounded in the border communities of Zikim and Karmia, heightening security concerns in the area.

In response to the threat, an IDF fighter jet conducted an airstrike targeting a compound from which the terrorists had set out, further thwarting their infiltration attempt.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
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by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

On Tuesday, 2nd Cheshvan (October 17), an event took place quietly, simply and without fanfare in Flatbush, but which will reverberate throughout the Torah world. The Shas Yiden Kollel Network of Eretz Yisroel has inspired hundreds to toil at mastering Shas and to complete the study annually. Its website with live recordings of farheren (public oral testing) on all parts of Shas have become a must-view for talmidei chachomim, yungerleit and yeshiva bochrim all over. (www.shasyiden.com)

Kollel #7 Opened in NY

Well, Shas Yiden with 5 kollelim in Israel, just opened its second kollel in the Diaspora in Brooklyn, NY. The other is in Stamford Hill, London, UK. The number of avreichim geonim has now risen to 119! The grueling regimen requires each avreich to complete 9 blatt a day with all the Rashis and Tosafos, plus four chazoros (revisions) of each. A monthly detailed examination  written and oral  on some 225 blatt, makes sure that the information is truly mastered. In addition, three or four times a year, a public farher (test) of all the avreichim at one gathering is conducted by leading geonim and Roshei Yeshiva.

This has followed the pattern established by the late Nasi of Shas Yiden, Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Hagadol, Maran Harav Chaim Kanievsky, ztl. He would enjoy inviting the avreichim for a farher at his home. From all over Shas he would pepper them with questions  some in-depth, some requiring broad knowledge and some trick questions, which were always accompanied by a smile and twinkling eyes.

Modest and Strong

For years now, ever since the prowess of Shas Yiden became known and appreciated, there have been many requests to open a Shas Yiden Kollel in New York. However, the focus was initially to develop a strong base of kollelim in Eretz Yisroel and then to venture out into the Jewish world. Rav Chaims brocha was first to aim at establishing 10 Shas Yiden kollelim. All the NY avreichim had qualified for acceptance through written and oral tests on hundreds of folios of Gemora.

Present at the opening were the Founder of Shas Yiden, the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlita, and Rosh Hakollelim of the Shas Yiden Kollelim Network, Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, shlita, who arrived days before from Israel. There were also a few of the Shas Yiden supporters and the 14 avreichim metzuyonim. There were two short addresses by Rav Eisen and Rabbi Samet, a short lechaim and Danishes, and then back to learning. Simply, there is no time to waste with such a schedule. Their official day is 10:00 am  6:00 pm. Most begin their learning fartogs 4:30-8:00 am before davening, and then after returning home in the evening.

The Concept

This simplicity of the gathering really reflects the concept behind Shas Yiden. There was no flashiness or excesses by those present, because the way of these talmidei chachomim is to delve into the texts with humble focus and without fanfare. They have dedicated themselves to years of Torah learning. There are no summer or winter bein hazmanim (vacations). Time off is only on Yom Tov and Chol Hamoed, and even then, it is only a reduction of half the study load per day.

Rav Eisen spoke about the small and tough beginnings of Shas Yiden; how people did not believe that he would achieve his goals; and that others would not support or entertain the idea that this incredible endeavor would get off the ground. Well, the proof is not only the success of Shas Yiden, but the wide support of Gedolei Torah across Eretz Yisroel and abroad. Rav Eisen thanked all present and welcomed the new avreichim metzuyonim aboard and, most importantly, they should be aware that since its inception, Shas Yiden always paid the monthly stipends on time.

Rav Samet, recalled a visit some eight years earlier to New York. People could not even consider a gradual and solid development of Shas Yiden, let alone its stellar growth that has captured the imagination of the Torah world. That was the time when the Sar Hatorah had said that there should be 10 Shas Yiden kollelim.

Changing the Torah Landscape

The opening of this new Kollel here in New York has been a major inspiration to the Shas Yiden kollelim and the supporters. The drive of the Shas Yiden avreichim was so different to anywhere else. They all know the lofty, but achievable, goals and the program and means required to achieve them. They monitor their own study schedules because, only too well, do they appreciate that if they fall behind, through the monthly exams it will soon be clear if they would continue to have a place to continue in the kolel. They all feel this exciting opportunity to be part of changing the Torah landscape in America, and which parallels what is being done at Shas Yiden Eretz Hakodesh.
Some also say they are receiving post fortnightly

Postal delays mean some households are receiving large bundles of letters

Households across Britain appear to be receiving their post weeks late and in huge bundles amid staffing issues, but Royal Mail has said it is not a widespread problem.

Last week, This Is Money revealed Royal Mail is delivering post less than once a week in some towns and cities.

Since then, we have heard from more readers across the country who have been waiting on post, only to find it has either gone missing or turned up weeks late.

Royal fail: Readers have missed hospital appointments, birthday cards and received utility bill fines due to delays

Nick, who lives in Dorking, Surrey, said he had last received post on 6 October and he had noticed a deterioration in the service since summer 2022.

He says he is facing a 50 fine from his water company for late payment because the bill arrived in the post after it was supposed to have been paid.

He has kept a log of volumes of post delivered each day, which shows that since March 2022, numerous days pass before a huge bundle of letters is delivered.

In Birmingham, Annette says she received 12 items of post on 21 October dated between 23 September to 17 October. It was the first time she had received post in 12 days and thankfully nothing was time-sensitive.

However, Manish in Glasgow, has missed letters from the NHS and the bank because letters have not been delivered daily.

The same goes for another reader in Cheadle, Cheshire, who received a huge pile of 20-30 magazines, letters and appointments on 7 October and again on 14 October. They say it has been going on for months.

One reader who lives in Sutton, South London, said that since their usual postman retired six months ago, postal deliveries have all but stopped.

'Every now and then, a guy in a big van appears and delivers bunches of mail altogether. I got a letter for an eye operation four days after it was done. Luckily I'd phoned the hospital just in case.'

Jim, who lives in Yeovil, Somerset, said he receives one delivery a week and over the summer, he received three Radio Times magazines on the same day.

Donna, who lives in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, said: 'Our deliveries have been every two weeks if we're lucky, since before the summer.

Postal pain Are you having problems receiving post? Are you a postie with insider knowledge of problems? Contact our (virtual) mailbag: editor@thisismoney.co.uk

'I have missed a hospital appointment because the letter wasn't delivered and I've also had suppliers refund me for goods I've purchased, only for the items to arrive three weeks later.'

She says she spoke to her local postman who said the sorting office in Ashton-under-Lyne was understaffed.

When she went there to collect her parcels, she claims that 'the man behind the desk said his bosses have no intention of recruiting extra staff.'

Royal Mail said letters are not being delivered fortnightly in Stalybridge, but accepted that while it aims to clear letters and parcels every day, it will rotate routes where necessary and post will be delivered the following day.

Donna said: 'If they were delivering daily or the day after, why have my neighbours had refunds from the Radio Times, missed hospital appointments and had letters with post marks that are 7-10 days old?'

Royal Mail did not clarify whether there were staffing issues at this particular office.

One current employee said a lot of the delays are due to Royal Mail prioritising parcels and tracked priority, and postal workers have been told to cut off post if needed.

'Royal Mail are literally making our work impossible to be able to do, we have more indoor work to do before we can even properly focus on preparing the rounds to be able to go out.'

Ceri, who lives in Reading where she says delivery has dropped to one delivery a week, said her 'exasperated' postman says there aren't enough people to deliver mail, which is being held at the sorting office.

One reader in Farnborough, Hampshire, said that while their post comes just once a week, parcel delivery has remained regular.

'At best our post comes once per week, however parcel delivery comes quite regularly and there's extra staff for delivering parcels.

'I saw a local advert for a postman but it's advertised as part-time. Why is not full-time with such huge delays in the area?'

Royal Mail said it treated all post equally and 'do not operate a policy of prioritising certain items over others,' but admitted that in Farnborough 'there are issues with vacancies due to a competitive jobs market in the area.'

They added: 'We acknowledge there are at times delays, however of the 7billion letters we deliver each year the majority are delivered successfully.

'If a person experiences a significant delay, this is the exception and not the norm.

'[These] cases where a person has suffered a delay of a week is not representative of our business when we deliver to 32million addresses nationwide.

'Deliveries of less than once a week is not a UK wide problem and is not an issue we recognise.'

It will be of little comfort to the households across towns and cities who have missed appointments, bills and birthday cards due to Royal Mail delays.

Last week, Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton, told This is Money: 'My constituents are experiencing very real problems with post deliveries, causing them to miss hospital appointments because letters do not turn up in time, as well as the delays compounding grief and heartache.'

Meanwhile, Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for Worthing, said his constituents are seeing major problems with deliveries.
Bitcoin has rallied to its highest price in nearly 18 months on fresh speculation that BlackRock will get its long-awaited spot ETF off the ground.

The worlds biggest cryptoasset by market capitalisation was up 5.5 per cent by Tuesday afternoon in UK trading to $34,766.80, having jumped by a further 10 per cent in the previous session.

The continued rally, which has seen crypto-adjacent stocks like US-listed Coinbase trading higher, will leave investors cautious of another false dawn after a false report last week on a bitcoin ETF approval led to similar price action.

Bitcoin boom: The price of the crypto rocketed on unconfirmed Blackrock rumours

Analysts expect regulatory approval for the Blackrock Bitcoin Spot ETF will clear the way for the launch of a vehicle capable of revolutionising how investors gain exposure to the cryptoasset.

But the US Securities and Exchange Commission has dismissed previous reports of its impending approval, with regulatory documents showing the ETF remains in the regulators clearing stage.

An exchange traded fund tracking bitcoin's spot price would in theory give investors a chance to invest in the world's biggest cryptocurrency without having to own it directly, which can be both risky and technically challenging.

In theory, the ETF would offer easier and safer exposure than buying crypto through unregulated platforms, as it trades on regulated markets.

The SEC is yet to approve a spot bitcoin ETF and Blackrock is not alone in seeking approval, with rival asset managers Fidelity and Invesco also filing application.

The regulator has so-far argued, however, that the fund managers have yet to prove they can protect investors from market manipulation.

Bitcoin ETFs are available in Canada, for example, but a green light from the US regulator would open the door for billions of dollars in inflows.

A recent US court ruling found the SEC was wrong to reject an application from Grayscale Investments to create such a fund, and reports suggest the regulator will not appeal the decision.

Steve Clayton, head of equity funds, Hargreaves Lansdown: said: Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that, like other cryptocurrencies, has no purpose or fundamental value whatsoever, saw a double-digit price jump in trading overnight, hitting $35,000 at one point as investors warmed to the potential for the launch of Bitcoin ETFs in coming weeks.

In other words, people have piled in, in the expectation that many others will pile in afterwards, squeezing the price higher. Its tulip fever all over again.
For my 40th birthday in December last year, some friends clubbed together and gave me money. I bought a vase from an artist in Ireland called Ciara O'Neill.

I'd never been able to justify the price tag of 300 (260). I ordered the vase at the end of December, and it was shipped straight away.

In early January I checked the tracking and it said my package had arrived in the UK. I kept checking and then suddenly the status changed to saying the import duties hadn't been paid and the item would be returned to sender. I contacted Parcelforce immediately.

It claimed to have posted two letters to me in January to demand the 70 duties. I never received them. It said it would put a stop on the vase being returned to Ireland  at this point it was in a depot 45 minutes from my home in Kent.

Missing: A reader purchased a vase for her 40th birthday... but the package got stuck in a Parcelforce depot and never arrived

I was told I had to wait ten working days, to keep checking tracking and then call back if I still hadn't received my package. This went on and on. I got a different story each time and I had to wait ten days before calling again.

By the middle of March, Parcelforce told me to make a claim for the vase but said the seller in Ireland had to initiate it. This was done and three weeks later I received a form, which I sent back to Parcelforce. Again, when I called to chase, there were no updates and I was told to wait before contacting it again.

I called again recently and was told Parcelforce couldn't see my package on its system any more. The ceramic firm also called Parcelforce six times.

Every time it is told to wait two weeks before making contact again. As well as being out of pocket, I feel so frustrated for the artist as she has far better things to do than chase Parcelforce. - H. P., Broadstairs, Kent.

Sally Hamilton replies: By the time you wrote to me, nine months had passed since you ordered your highly anticipated gift. That is a long period for transporting a vase 550 or so miles from County Galway in Ireland to Kent.

The artist's website warns customers ordering from the UK, or other countries outside the EU, that they must take responsibility for any extra taxes and duties charged by their customs departments and that delays can be expected while customs hold the parcel. This is all part of the changes that came into force after the UK left the EU.

In order to pay the bill, you need to be told how much to pay. Parcelforce, which was responsible for the carriage of your package in the UK leg of the journey, should have sent you a bill for the duty owed within three weeks of its arrival in the UK.

SCAM WATCH Eight million people who receive cost-of-living payments are being warned to watch out for a scam. Those on means-tested benefits will get their next 300 between October 31 and November 19. Claimants don't need to do anything to receive it. But scammers are targeting claimants, by pretending to be the Department for Work and Pensions or HMRC. The fraudsters contact victims and ask them to hand over personal information in order to process the payment. If you get one of these messages, it's a scam. Never give out your bank details or click on a link in an email or text message from a sender you don't know.

I contacted Parcelforce on your behalf to find out what had gone wrong. On investigation, the firm claimed to have emailed you in late August to say it had found your vase and to ask if you would like it delivered or returned to sender but had not heard back.

It said it also emailed you to let you know it had authorised An Post (the state-owned provider of postal services in Ireland) to compensate you. When I relayed this news, you almost cracked. You said you did not receive these emails  they were neither in your inbox nor in your junk folder.

But the good news is Parcelforce was able to confirm it still had your vase and told me it would deliver it straight away and waive the customs charges of 70.

A few days later you told me it had finally arrived 'intact and perfect'. To prove it, you sent me a photo of the multi-coloured doughnut-shaped vase in pride of place on your mantelpiece.

With many people's thoughts turning to buying items from abroad in time for Christmas, it is worth factoring in the potential delays that can occur. While nine months is a rare delay, a few weeks is more common.

As for import costs, buyers don't have to pay 20 pc VAT on goods ordered from abroad that are worth less than 135  unless they're gifts sent to them by someone else worth over 39, or items that attract excise duties such as alcohol and tobacco. These bills need to be paid either before delivery or when they are collected.

Anything worth more than 135 can attract customs duty, VAT and courier handling fees.

Gifts priced over 39 face Import VAT of 20 pc. Customs duty can also apply if the goods are worth more than 135.

A colleague asked me what happens if you need to return goods after paying these extra costs. She ordered three pairs of shoes from a firm abroad and had to pay 100 in import charges. She loves two pairs but the third is going back.

The good news is she should be able to reclaim the import charges for this pair by completing a form from gov.uk  either BOR286, if the delivery was made by Royal Mail or Parcelforce, or form C285 if a courier firm was involved.

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT In September I used the Booking.com app to book an apartment for a weekend in Liverpool and selected the option to pay later. I didn't get a confirmation email and the purchase didn't show up in the upcoming bookings section so I booked other accommodation. But I've since been charged 540 for the first 'booking' I made. J. C., London.

Booking.com says it will give you 50 pc of the money back as a gesture of goodwill. - I live in accommodation provided by my work and I've been trying to cancel my Sky Broadband & Talk contract from February 2024 as I am leaving. Sky told me it would cost 174 so I paid that into my account, which still says the contract will end in June next year. Sky has said I will now have to make contact in January to cancel. Can you help? C. H., via email. Sky says the normal cancellation period is 14 days, and the 174 you paid was for broadband and phone services until the end of February 2024. But it will contact you in January to process the cancellation and it has waived the early termination charge of 61 as a goodwill gesture. - I ordered a Sainsbury's online food shop to be delivered on September 8. When I checked the website the day before, I could not see my delivery listed. Concerned, I created a new account and placed the order again. The following day I was charged twice before delivery. I contacted customer services and cancelled the second order but I'm still waiting for a refund. A. W., via email. Sainsbury's apologised for your experience, which it says was not up to its usual standards. It has offered you a full refund plus a 30 gift card as a gesture of goodwill.

Our Calor gas never arrived, will we be left in the cold?

Earlier in the year, we switched to Calor Gas to supply the liquid petroleum gas (LPG) needed for our heating and hot water.

A couple of months ago we ordered our first supply. Despite many phone calls and waiting at home because we were told it will be delivered 'that day', the gas has still not arrived.

We are in the red on our tank's dial now. I have sent in two complaints, but nothing gets followed up. We are both in our 70s and my husband is waiting for cardiac surgery so this is a worrying situation.

S. T., Exeter.

Sally Hamilton replies: With cooler autumn temperatures finally here, it was even more vital for you to get your LPG supplies pronto. I contacted Calor, which began to fire on all cylinders and I am pleased to say your 453 order was delivered the same day.

Calor explained a delivery had been attempted on September 18. It says the company had been having 'teething troubles' with a new customer services and ordering system over the summer but that the company is in the process of resolving them.
CAB Payments shares lost nearly three-quarters of their value on Tuesday after the fintech group slashed sales expectations.

The payments group, which listed in July at 335p a share, told investors full-year revenues would come in at 17 per cent below previous forecasts as a result of a heavy slump in Nigerias naira, volatility in other currencies and uncertain market conditions.

CAB Payments shares were down 73.2 per cent to 58.1p on Tuesday morning, bringing losses since its IPO to almost 80 per cent.

The Nigerian naira is down more than 40 per cent against the US dollar this year, reaching a record low earlier this month

The money transfer group said recent weeks had seen a number of changes to the market conditions in some key currency corridors, which is reducing trading volumes and compressing margins.

The Nigerian naira is down more than 40 per cent against the US dollar this year, reaching a record low earlier this month, as the countrys shortage of greenbacks continues to weigh on the currency.

It has been in free-fall this year, worsened by the decision to lift restrictions on its official market trading in June.

CAB Payments warned investors it is unclear when and to what extent conditions in these markets may improve, prompting it to slash revenue expectations.

Group revenue for 2023 is still expected to be at least 20 per cent head of 2022, when the company raked in 109.4million.

CAB Payments said: The company will be seeking opportunities to lessen the impact on group profitability in 2023 through cost reduction measures and efficiencies, but any actions will be tempered by its ongoing confidence in the medium-term potential of the business.

Therefore, the Company anticipates that the majority of any revenue impact will flow through to the bottom line.

Should the current market conditions persist in some of our key currency corridors, as described above, the softer exit rate from 2023 could result in 2024 revenue growth falling below the medium-term potential.

The update marks a reversal of fortunes, with CAB Payments' boss in September cheering an improvement in market conditions.

But the group is still confident of its medium-term outlook, having signed 74 new customers so far this year.

CAB Payments said: While the Company is disappointed with recent market volumes, CAB Payments remains confident that the trends within the business-to-business cross-border FX and Payments market continue to be supportive.

The Company has a well-managed cost base and focused investment plans, remains highly profitable and continues to generate significant free cash flow, which will be used to invest in the business and reward shareholders going forward.
Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B  Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) had its price target decreased by CIBC from C$76.00 to C$67.00 in a research note released on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBC currently has an outperform rating on the stock.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. National Bankshares raised their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$79.00 to C$80.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on Rogers Communications from C$72.00 to C$69.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. UBS Group lowered their target price on Rogers Communications from C$75.00 to C$70.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Desjardins cut their target price on Rogers Communications from C$71.00 to C$66.50 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of C$73.41.

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Rogers Communications Stock Up 0.7 %

Rogers Communications Announces Dividend

Shares of TSE RCI.B opened at C$50.87 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of C$21.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.30, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.47. Rogers Communications has a 52-week low of C$50.15 and a 52-week high of C$67.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 399.46, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.65. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of C$53.70 and a 200 day moving average price of C$58.65.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.93%. Rogers Communicationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 68.03%.

Rogers Communications Company Profile

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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.

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Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC  Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from $195.00 to $200.00 in a research report report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the financial services providers stock.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $201.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday. Raymond James upped their target price on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $205.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Marsh & McLennan Companies in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. They issued a buy rating and a $226.00 target price for the company. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $196.00 to $209.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $200.00 to $208.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $200.21.

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Marsh & McLennan Companies Stock Down 0.7 %

MMC opened at $186.42 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. Marsh & McLennan Companies has a fifty-two week low of $151.86 and a fifty-two week high of $199.20. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $193.04 and a 200-day moving average of $185.64. The company has a market capitalization of $91.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.86, a P/E/G ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.93.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $5.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.22 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 15.61% and a return on equity of 34.01%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Marsh & McLennan Companies will post 7.84 EPS for the current year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be issued a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.52%. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.92%.

Insider Activity

In other Marsh & McLennan Companies news, Director Oscar Fanjul sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $194.90, for a total transaction of $584,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 63,012 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,281,038.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Dean Michael Klisura sold 12,976 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.20, for a total transaction of $2,493,987.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 20,935 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,023,707. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Oscar Fanjul sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 transaction, the director now owns 63,012 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,281,038.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 103,259.3% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 74,945,836 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $14,095,813,000 after purchasing an additional 74,873,326 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 43,450,484 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,236,678,000 after buying an additional 310,250 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 21,327,336 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,011,245,000 after buying an additional 453,081 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 105,777.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,772,516 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,617,156,000 after purchasing an additional 9,763,286 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,632,763 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,604,338,000 after purchasing an additional 444,685 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.64% of the companys stock.

About Marsh & McLennan Companies

(Get 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.

Further Reading

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Rockwool A/S (OTCMKTS:RKWBF  Get Free Report) is one of 49 publicly-traded companies in the Building Products & Equipment industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Rockwool A/S to similar companies based on the strength of its profitability, earnings, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, risk and analyst recommendations.

Dividends

Rockwool A/S pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Rockwool A/S pays out 17.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Building Products & Equipment companies pay a dividend yield of 13.2% and pay out 105.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

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Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Rockwool A/S and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Rockwool A/S N/A N/A 38.95 Rockwool A/S Competitors $3.28 billion $183.69 million 447.37

Analyst Ratings

Rockwool A/Ss rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Rockwool A/S. Rockwool A/S is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Rockwool A/S and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Rockwool A/S 1 3 1 0 2.00 Rockwool A/S Competitors 142 586 1237 1 2.56

As a group, Building Products & Equipment companies have a potential upside of 31.89%. Given Rockwool A/Ss rivals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Rockwool A/S has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals.

Profitability

This table compares Rockwool A/S and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Rockwool A/S N/A N/A N/A Rockwool A/S Competitors 4.23% 6.72% 4.51%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

7.4% of Rockwool A/S shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 46.0% of shares of all Building Products & Equipment companies are owned by institutional investors. 28.7% of shares of all Building Products & Equipment companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Rockwool A/S rivals beat Rockwool A/S on 12 of the 13 factors compared.

About Rockwool A/S

(Get Free Report)

Rockwool A/S manufactures and sells stone wool insulations in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Insulation and Systems segments. It offers fire-safe stone wool insulation under the ROCKWOOL brand name; acoustic solutions for ceilings and walls under the Rockfon brand name; board materials that are applied in ventilated constructions for facade cladding, roof detailing, soffits, and fascia under the Rockpanel brand name; stone wool growing media and technology solutions for the horticulture industry under the Grodan brand name; and stone wool-based products used in automotive, urban acoustics, residential prefab construction, OEM, and urban climate adaptation applications under the Lapinus brand name. In addition, its products are used in roof, floor, ceiling, internal and external wall, HVAC, acoustic, industrial, marine and offshore, basement, chimney, shed, garage, and OEM insulation, as well as passive fire protection, and other applications. Rockwool A/S was founded in 1909 and is based in Hedehusene, Denmark.

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Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the fifteen brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, ten have issued a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $484.07.

A number of brokerages have weighed in on LMT. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Susquehanna decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $575.00 to $550.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $505.00 to $455.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $532.00 to $510.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $475.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th.

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Institutional Trading of Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Trading Up 0.4 %

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Argent Trust Co grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Argent Trust Co now owns 33,538 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $15,854,000 after buying an additional 535 shares during the period. Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. now owns 14,026 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $6,457,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 8.8% in the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 7,358 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,478,000 after buying an additional 596 shares during the period. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $6,709,000. Finally, Park National Corp OH grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 41.1% in the 2nd quarter. Park National Corp OH now owns 46,614 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $21,460,000 after buying an additional 13,567 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.26% of the companys stock.

NYSE LMT opened at $446.16 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $110.69 billion, a PE ratio of 16.30, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a fifty day moving average of $431.96 and a 200 day moving average of $450.30. Lockheed Martin has a 1 year low of $393.77 and a 1 year high of $508.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.16.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $16.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.73 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 75.46%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.87 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin will post 27.15 earnings per share for the current year.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $3.15 per share. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.82%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This is a boost from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is currently 43.84%.

About Lockheed Martin

(Get Free Report

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $111.57.

RCL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial raised shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $115.00 to $137.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 19th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $127.00 to $123.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $100.00 to $95.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Tigress Financial boosted their price objective on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $102.00 to $139.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Finally, HSBC began coverage on Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research note on Monday. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock.

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Insider Activity

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Royal Caribbean Cruises

In other news, CFO Naftali Holtz sold 5,949 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.62, for a total transaction of $658,078.38. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 30,967 shares in the company, valued at $3,425,569.54. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In other news, CAO Henry L. Pujol sold 18,908 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.74, for a total value of $2,018,239.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 23,521 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,510,631.54. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, CFO Naftali Holtz sold 5,949 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.62, for a total value of $658,078.38. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 30,967 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,425,569.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders sold 44,857 shares of company stock worth $4,650,818. 8.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sciencast Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $705,000. Silvant Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 24.5% in the first quarter. Silvant Capital Management LLC now owns 313,561 shares of the companys stock worth $20,476,000 after purchasing an additional 61,698 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 1st quarter valued at $976,000. Independent Advisor Alliance boosted its position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 7,092 shares of the companys stock worth $736,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. grew its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 445,226 shares of the companys stock worth $29,073,000 after buying an additional 1,183 shares during the last quarter. 75.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Up 1.5 %

Shares of RCL stock opened at $81.28 on Tuesday. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a 1 year low of $45.80 and a 1 year high of $112.95. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $94.07 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $89.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.28, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a current ratio of 0.20.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.58 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $3.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.41 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a positive return on equity of 6.76% and a negative net margin of 0.47%. Royal Caribbean Cruisess quarterly revenue was up 61.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($2.08) EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Royal Caribbean Cruises will post 6.1 earnings per share for the current year.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises

(Get Free Report

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 13, 2023, it operated 64 ships. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 3,151,764 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $208,647,000. Bank of Montreal Can owned about 0.15% of Bristol-Myers Squibb at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC now owns 49,112 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,141,000 after acquiring an additional 797 shares during the last quarter. Plancorp LLC increased its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 8,973 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $574,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Security Asset Management increased its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 20.3% during 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 in the last quarter. Wealth Architects LLC increased its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Architects LLC now owns 8,012 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $512,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc increased its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.5% during 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 in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

BMY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price 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 dropped their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $87.00 to $79.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Atlantic Securities lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $90.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group lowered their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $68.67.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, 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 filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total value of $44,754.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,584 shares in the company, valued at $402,545.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

Bristol-Myers Squibb stock opened at $55.99 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $116.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $59.24 and a 200-day moving average of $63.19. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52 week low of $55.69 and a 52 week high of $81.43.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate 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 firm had revenue of $11.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.81 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.93 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.37 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Investors of record on Friday, October 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.07%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.64%.

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.

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Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 4,719,665 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $175,383,000.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 72,670.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 689,886,989 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $25,104,988,000 after acquiring an additional 688,938,957 shares during the period. FMR LLC increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 40,608,382 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,517,535,000 after acquiring an additional 2,273,819 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 413,629.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 28,998,294 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,003,051,000 after acquiring an additional 28,991,285 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,233,703 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $769,064,000 after acquiring an additional 694,430 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Advisory Inc. increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 21,165,835 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $779,537,000 after acquiring an additional 292,574 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.45% of the companys stock.

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iShares Gold Trust Stock Performance

IAU opened at $37.36 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $36.09 and its 200 day moving average price is $36.82. iShares Gold Trust has a 12 month low of $30.69 and a 12 month high of $39.04.

iShares Gold Trust Company Profile

iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU  Free Report).

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Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 861,850 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $162,312,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of MMC. Nilsine Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Nilsine Partners LLC now owns 6,386 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,201,000 after buying an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. raised its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 6,556 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,092,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC raised its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 8.0% in the 1st quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 934 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $156,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Heron Financial Group LLC raised its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 5.0% in the 1st quarter. Heron Financial Group LLC now owns 1,479 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $246,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Miracle Mile Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 13,433 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,237,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. 86.64% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Marsh & McLennan Companies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $182.00 to $197.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $200.00 to $208.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $205.00 to $215.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased 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 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, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $200.21.

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Dean Michael Klisura sold 12,976 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $192.20, for a total transaction of $2,493,987.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 20,935 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,023,707. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Marsh & McLennan Companies news, Director Oscar Fanjul sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were 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 $12,281,038.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Dean Michael Klisura sold 12,976 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.20, for a total transaction of $2,493,987.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 20,935 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,023,707. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Stock Performance

MMC stock opened at $186.42 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $91.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.86, a PEG ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $193.04 and a 200 day simple moving average of $185.64. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $151.86 and a fifty-two week high of $199.20.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $5.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.22 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 15.61% and a return on equity of 34.01%. The businesss revenue was up 12.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 7.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.52%. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio is 40.92%.

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.

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Xerox (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The information technology services provider reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.11, MarketWatch Earnings reports. Xerox had a negative net margin of 3.52% and a positive return on equity of 9.89%. The business had revenue of $1.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.19 EPS. Xeroxs revenue was down 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year.

Xerox Stock Down 1.9 %

Shares of NYSE:XRX opened at $13.48 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $15.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.88. Xerox has a one year low of $11.80 and a one year high of $18.00. The company has a market cap of $2.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.84 and a beta of 1.64.

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Xerox Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.42%. Xeroxs dividend payout ratio is -58.14%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Xerox in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Xerox

Insider Buying and Selling at Xerox

In other Xerox news, EVP Suzan Morno-Wade sold 9,126 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.75, for a total value of $152,860.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 46,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $775,910.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Xerox news, major shareholder Carl C. Icahn sold 34,245,314 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.84, for a total value of $542,445,773.76. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Suzan Morno-Wade sold 9,126 shares of Xerox stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.75, for a total transaction of $152,860.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 46,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at $775,910.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.38% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Xerox

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quarry LP bought a new stake in shares of Xerox during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in Xerox by 3,009.5% in the 2nd quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,219 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $92,000 after purchasing an additional 6,019 shares during the period. Point72 Middle East FZE purchased a new position in Xerox in the 2nd quarter worth $100,000. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its position in Xerox by 34.7% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 5,521 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $113,000 after purchasing an additional 1,422 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its position in Xerox by 36.3% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 6,575 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $133,000 after purchasing an additional 1,751 shares during the period. 83.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Xerox

(Get Free Report)

Xerox Holdings Corporation, a workplace technology company, designs, develops, and sells document management systems and solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. It offers workplace solutions, including desktop monochrome, and color and multifunction printers; digital printing presses and light production devices, and solutions; and digital services that leverage workflow automation, personalization and communication software, content management solutions, and digitization services.

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Winthrop Advisory Group LLC cut its stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Free Report) by 11.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,711 shares of the companys stock after selling 361 shares during the quarter. Winthrop Advisory Group LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $202,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 180.4% during the 4th quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 401 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares during the last quarter. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Oak Harbor Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000.

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iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance

Shares of BATS:USMV traded down $0.40 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $71.31. 3,612,624 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $73.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $73.69. The stock has a market cap of $27.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $47.44 and a fifty-two week high of $55.45.

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Washington State Investment Board trimmed its stake in FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NYSE:FTAI  Free Report) by 17.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,785,779 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,000,000 shares during the quarter. FTAI Aviation makes up 87.7% of Washington State Investment Boards holdings, making the stock its largest holding. Washington State Investment Board owned about 0.10% of FTAI Aviation worth $309,818,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of FTAI Aviation by 221.0% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 28,196 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $726,000 after purchasing an additional 19,413 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. purchased a new stake in FTAI Aviation in the 1st quarter worth about $96,000. Spring Creek Capital LLC boosted its position in FTAI Aviation by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Spring Creek Capital LLC now owns 446,322 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,493,000 after acquiring an additional 11,856 shares during the period. Cruiser Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in FTAI Aviation by 8.0% during the 1st quarter. Cruiser Capital Advisors LLC now owns 251,016 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,464,000 after acquiring an additional 18,628 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gamco Investors INC. ET AL increased its holdings in shares of FTAI Aviation by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 64,340 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,657,000 after purchasing an additional 722 shares during the period. 90.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of FTAI Aviation from $31.00 to $37.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of FTAI Aviation in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Wolfe Research upgraded FTAI Aviation from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $38.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, June 30th. Compass Point upped their target price on FTAI Aviation from $36.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on FTAI Aviation from $28.18 to $40.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $39.06.

FTAI Aviation Stock Performance

FTAI opened at $33.08 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $3.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.43 and a beta of 1.85. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $35.23 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.80. FTAI Aviation Ltd. has a twelve month low of $15.20 and a twelve month high of $37.98.

FTAI Aviation (NYSE:FTAI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The financial services provider reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.18. FTAI Aviation had a return on equity of 25.36% and a net margin of 8.85%. The business had revenue of $274.35 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $286.83 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.22 EPS. The firms revenue was up 144.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that FTAI Aviation Ltd. will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

FTAI Aviation Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 29th. Investors of record on Monday, August 14th were given a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 11th. FTAI Aviations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 184.62%.

FTAI Aviation Company Profile

(Free Report)

FTAI Aviation Ltd. owns and acquires infrastructure and related equipment for the transportation of goods and people worldwide. It operates through two segments, Aviation Leasing and Aerospace Products. The Aviation Leasing segment owns and manages aviation assets, including aircraft and aircraft engines, which it leases and sells to customers.

Further Reading

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Hudson Canyon Capital Management lifted its stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 8.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 30,322 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 2,276 shares during the period. Hudson Canyon Capital Managements holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,719,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in Charles Schwab by 93,993.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 965,692,348 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $54,735,442,000 after purchasing an additional 964,666,040 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,325,555,000. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 62.5% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,255,649 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,853,005,000 after purchasing an additional 8,563,389 shares in the last quarter. Flossbach Von Storch AG increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 48.7% in the 1st quarter. Flossbach Von Storch AG now owns 16,619,849 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $870,548,000 after purchasing an additional 5,445,011 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 91,051.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,365,193 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $446,706,000 after purchasing an additional 5,359,307 shares in the last quarter. 81.61% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,792 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.31, for a total transaction of $217,319.52. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,725 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,563,189.75. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other Charles Schwab news, Director Charles A. Ruffel purchased 833 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $60.55 per share, with a total value of $50,438.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,386 shares in the company, valued at approximately $205,022.30. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,792 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.31, for a total transaction of $217,319.52. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,725 shares in the company, valued at $2,563,189.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 87,552 shares of company stock valued at $5,739,816. Insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Price Performance

SCHW opened at $49.77 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $56.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $56.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.39. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 1 year low of $45.00 and a 1 year high of $86.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $88.10 billion, a PE ratio of 16.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.93.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.14% and a return on equity of 24.86%. The business had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.62 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.10 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 16.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.18 EPS for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Investors of record on Friday, November 10th will be given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.01%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 33.33%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on SCHW shares. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $69.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating for the company. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $69.91.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SCHW

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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LSV Asset Management reduced its stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO  Free Report) by 11.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 23,510 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,011 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management owned 0.13% of AutoZone worth $58,619,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of AZO. Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new stake in AutoZone during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in AutoZone during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. MCF Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 600.0% during the first quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 14 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the second quarter worth $40,000. Finally, MUFG Americas Holdings Corp boosted its position in shares of AutoZone by 166.7% in the third quarter. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp now owns 16 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares during the period. 90.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AZO has been the subject of several analyst reports. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $2,425.00 to $2,500.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Northcoast Research initiated coverage on AutoZone in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Barclays lifted their price objective on AutoZone from $2,721.00 to $2,742.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, September 20th. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and issued a $2,750.00 price target on shares of AutoZone in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $2,740.00 to $2,750.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,793.95.

AutoZone Stock Down 2.2 %

NYSE AZO opened at $2,432.82 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $44.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.66. AutoZone, Inc. has a twelve month low of $2,277.88 and a twelve month high of $2,750.00. The businesss fifty day moving average is $2,531.90 and its 200 day moving average is $2,531.16.

AutoZone (NYSE:AZO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, September 19th. The company reported $46.46 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $44.51 by $1.95. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 60.66% and a net margin of 14.48%. The firm had revenue of $5.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.62 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $40.51 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that AutoZone, Inc. will post 147.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at AutoZone

In other news, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 120 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,548.03, for a total transaction of $305,763.60. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 156 shares in the company, valued at $397,492.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other AutoZone news, VP Albert Saltiel sold 2,245 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,595.04, for a total transaction of $5,825,864.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,393,536.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 120 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,548.03, for a total transaction of $305,763.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 156 shares in the company, valued at approximately $397,492.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 5,315 shares of company stock worth $13,922,106. 2.59% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About AutoZone

(Free Report)

AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs.

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Rheos Capital Works Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 56.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 100,000 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 132,000 shares during the period. Rheos Capital Works Inc.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $11,444,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC increased its position in EOG Resources by 18.6% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 8,011 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $953,000 after buying an additional 1,256 shares in the last quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC grew its stake in EOG Resources by 27.8% in the second quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 2,951 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $338,000 after acquiring an additional 642 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the second quarter valued at approximately $129,605,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the second quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Perigon Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter worth $209,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.21% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at EOG Resources

In other news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 4,551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.76, for a total value of $595,088.76. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 145,259 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,994,066.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock.

EOG Resources Stock Performance

Shares of EOG Resources stock traded down $1.08 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $130.56. The company had a trading volume of 458,399 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,301,384. The firm has a market cap of $76.02 billion, a PE ratio of 8.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 1.55. 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 business has a fifty day simple moving average of $129.08 and a 200 day simple moving average of $121.55.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.28 by $0.21. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 28.52% and a net margin of 33.58%. The business had revenue of $5.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.74 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.74 EPS. The firms revenue was down 24.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.825 per share. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 16th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.24%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have commented on EOG. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $129.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. lowered shares of EOG Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 24th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on EOG Resources from $143.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. Mizuho raised their target price on EOG Resources from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price target on EOG Resources from $143.00 to $147.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $149.17.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on EOG

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.

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Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in shares of AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 80,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $202,174,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Independence Bank of Kentucky acquired a new position in shares of AutoZone during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of AutoZone during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. MCF Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of AutoZone by 600.0% during the 1st quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 14 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, MUFG Americas Holdings Corp boosted its position in shares of AutoZone by 166.7% during the 3rd quarter. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp now owns 16 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.34% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on AZO. Northcoast Research began coverage on shares of AutoZone in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Barclays increased their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,721.00 to $2,742.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,835.00 to $2,750.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. TD Cowen started coverage on shares of AutoZone in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued an outperform rating and a $2,975.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $2,750.00 price objective on shares of AutoZone in a research note on Wednesday, September 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, AutoZone presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $2,793.95.

AutoZone Trading Down 2.2 %

NYSE:AZO opened at $2,432.82 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.34, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.66. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $2,531.90 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2,531.16. AutoZone, Inc. has a 12 month low of $2,277.88 and a 12 month high of $2,750.00.

AutoZone (NYSE:AZO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, September 19th. The company reported $46.46 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $44.51 by $1.95. The business had revenue of $5.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.62 billion. AutoZone had a net margin of 14.48% and a negative return on equity of 60.66%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $40.51 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that AutoZone, Inc. will post 147.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other AutoZone news, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 120 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,548.03, for a total value of $305,763.60. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 156 shares in the company, valued at $397,492.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 120 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,548.03, for a total transaction of $305,763.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 156 shares in the company, valued at $397,492.68. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Albert Saltiel sold 2,245 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,595.04, for a total transaction of $5,825,864.80. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,393,536.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 5,315 shares of company stock worth $13,922,106. 2.59% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

AutoZone Profile

(Free Report)

AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs.

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Barnes Pettey Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) by 29.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,084 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 2,752 shares during the period. Barnes Pettey Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $897,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sageworth Trust Co grew its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 1,794.1% during the first quarter. Sageworth Trust Co now owns 322 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares during the last quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new position in NextEra Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP bought a new position in NextEra Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Magellan Asset Management Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Ahrens Investment Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy during the first quarter worth $35,000. Institutional investors own 76.48% of the companys stock.

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NextEra Energy Stock Up 3.7 %

NYSE:NEE opened at $53.45 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $61.95 and a 200 day simple moving average of $70.06. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 52-week low of $47.15 and a 52-week high of $88.61. The company has a market cap of $108.17 billion, a PE ratio of 12.75, a PEG ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.53.

NextEra Energy Announces Dividend

NextEra Energy ( NYSE:NEE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The utilities provider reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.06. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.25% and a net margin of 30.05%. The firm had revenue of $7.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.07 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.85 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 24th will be paid a $0.4675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 22nd. This represents a $1.87 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.50%. NextEra Energys payout ratio is currently 46.29%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director James Lawrence Camaren acquired 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was bought at an average price of $67.85 per share, for a total transaction of $271,400.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 8,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $542,800. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, major shareholder Nextera Energy Inc purchased 3,097,524 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 6th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $24.21 per share, with a total value of $74,991,056.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 4,097,524 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $99,201,056.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director James Lawrence Camaren acquired 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $67.85 per share, with a total value of $271,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 8,000 shares in the company, valued at $542,800. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have acquired 3,111,524 shares of company stock valued at $75,941,956 in the last three months. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently commented on NEE. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on NextEra Energy from $105.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of NextEra Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $91.00 price objective on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Scotiabank lowered their target price on shares of NextEra Energy from $105.00 to $96.00 in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price target on NextEra Energy from $80.00 to $66.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, NextEra Energy currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $75.23.

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NextEra Energy Profile

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets.

Further Reading

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Fountainhead AM LLC decreased its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 15,822 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 674 shares during the quarter. Bristol-Myers Squibb accounts for about 0.4% of Fountainhead AM LLCs holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest position. Fountainhead AM LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,012,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.6% in the second 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 holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 8,973 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $574,000 after acquiring an additional 275 shares in the last quarter. Security Asset Management raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 20.3% during the first quarter. Security Asset Management now owns 9,230 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $640,000 after acquiring an additional 1,558 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Architects LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.8% in the second quarter. Wealth Architects LLC now owns 8,012 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $512,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Richard P Slaughter Associates Inc increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.5% during 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 in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total value of $44,754.48. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on BMY shares. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $87.00 to $79.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Atlantic Securities decreased their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $90.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Credit Suisse Group decreased their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, SVB Leerink reissued a market perform rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bristol-Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $68.67.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on BMY

Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE BMY traded up $0.20 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $56.20. 2,518,522 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,131,754. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $117.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $59.24 and a 200-day moving average price of $63.19. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1 year low of $55.69 and a 1 year high of $81.43.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.24). Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 50.51% and a net margin of 17.62%. The firm had revenue of $11.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.81 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.37 EPS for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be given a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.06%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 60.64%.

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.

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Poplar Forest Capital LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 7.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 355,056 shares of the companys stock after selling 29,552 shares during the period. Philip Morris International makes up approximately 4.5% of Poplar Forest Capital LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Poplar Forest Capital LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $34,661,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. Stone House Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the first quarter worth $29,000. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the first quarter worth $32,000. Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the first quarter worth $32,000. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 75.0% during the first quarter. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 350 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 127.0% during the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 370 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 207 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on PM shares. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and set a $114.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. UBS Group decreased their target price on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 21st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, 22nd Century Group restated a reiterates rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $109.42.

Philip Morris International Stock Performance

Philip Morris International stock traded up $0.25 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $91.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 520,379 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,232,225. The stock has a market capitalization of $141.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.65, a P/E/G ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.71. The stocks fifty day moving average is $93.88 and its 200 day moving average is $95.41. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.07 and a 1-year high of $105.62.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.21 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 129.48% and a net margin of 11.41%. The firms revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.53 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 27th were paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 26th. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.27. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.70%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 100.97%.

About Philip Morris International

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 4.4% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 18,132 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 759 shares during the quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $2,785,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC lifted its stake in Chevron by 247.8% in the second quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 3,400 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 5,700 shares during the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its stake in Chevron by 52.3% in the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 195 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Artemis Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Chevron in the first quarter worth about $33,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Chevron in the first quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, HBC Financial Services PLLC bought a new stake in Chevron in the first quarter worth about $37,000. Institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $166.00 to $187.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Chevron from $203.00 to $201.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Chevron from $163.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Chevron from $180.00 to $170.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, HSBC lifted their price objective on shares of Chevron from $180.00 to $184.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Chevron currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.89.

Insider Activity at Chevron

In related news, CFO Pierre R. Breber sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.00, for a total transaction of $4,100,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 6,021 shares in the company, valued at $987,444. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CFO Pierre R. Breber sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.00, for a total transaction of $4,100,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 6,021 shares in the company, valued at $987,444. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Jeff B. Gustavson sold 3,750 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.88, for a total transaction of $603,300.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,718 shares of the companys stock, valued at $276,391.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Chevron Stock Performance

Shares of CVX traded down $0.05 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $160.63. 5,376,202 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,956,845. The stock has a market capitalization of $299.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.18, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Chevron Co. has a 12-month low of $149.74 and a 12-month high of $189.68. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $164.44 and a 200-day moving average price of $161.13.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 28th. The oil and gas company reported $3.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.95 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $48.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $48 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 13.54% and a return on equity of 19.48%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 28.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $5.82 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Chevron Co. will post 13.76 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Chevron Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Friday, August 18th were given a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.76%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is presently 38.30%.

Chevron Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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America First Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB  Free Report) (TSE:ENB) by 0.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 429,766 shares of the pipeline companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,170 shares during the period. Enbridge makes up approximately 4.3% of America First Investment Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. America First Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Enbridge were worth $15,966,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wealth Alliance lifted its position in Enbridge by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Alliance now owns 31,258 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $1,161,000 after buying an additional 1,360 shares in the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Enbridge by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 11,244 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $414,000 after purchasing an additional 386 shares in the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Enbridge in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Perigon Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Enbridge by 15.8% during the second quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,254 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $269,000 after acquiring an additional 990 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vaughan David Investments LLC IL lifted its stake in Enbridge by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vaughan David Investments LLC IL now owns 832,399 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $30,924,000 after purchasing an additional 10,468 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 48.29% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on Enbridge from $52.00 to $51.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Enbridge in a report on Friday, September 8th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $60.00 price objective on shares of Enbridge in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. CIBC boosted their price objective on shares of Enbridge from $63.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a report on Monday, September 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Enbridge from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Enbridge has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.17.

Enbridge Stock Performance

ENB traded up $0.13 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $32.25. The stock had a trading volume of 844,241 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,253,800. Enbridge Inc. has a 1 year low of $31.03 and a 1 year high of $42.12. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $33.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.22. The stock has a market cap of $68.55 billion, a PE ratio of 22.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27.

Enbridge (NYSE:ENB  Get Free Report) (TSE:ENB) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The pipeline company reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.51. The company had revenue of $7.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.49 billion. Enbridge had a return on equity of 10.20% and a net margin of 8.58%. Equities analysts anticipate that Enbridge Inc. will post 2.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Enbridge Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th were issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. This is a positive change from Enbridges previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 14th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.31%. Enbridges payout ratio is presently 187.86%.

About Enbridge

(Free Report)

Enbridge Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company. The company operates through five segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. The Liquids Pipelines segment operates pipelines and related terminals to transport various grades of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in Canada and the United States.

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FFT Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,488 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 287 shares during the quarter. FFT Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $271,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ABT. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter worth approximately $131,000. United Bank increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 27,280 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,229,000 after acquiring an additional 1,826 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 813,253 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $96,257,000 after acquiring an additional 15,521 shares during the period. Kinneret Advisory LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 19,467 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,304,000 after acquiring an additional 436 shares during the period. Finally, Lumature Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 636.2% in the 1st quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,216 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $262,000 after acquiring an additional 1,915 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.70% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

ABT has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $127.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Abbott Laboratories from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Abbott Laboratories from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.47.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

NYSE:ABT opened at $95.09 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $89.67 and a fifty-two week high of $115.83. The stock has a market cap of $165.02 billion, a PE ratio of 32.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.28 and a beta of 0.69. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $99.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is $104.59.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.22%. The business had revenue of $10.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.15 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 13th will be given a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.15%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.39%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total value of $5,688,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,775,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $770,759,948.16. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $1,092,312.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,829,785.81. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $5,688,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 6,775,316 shares in the company, valued at $770,759,948.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

Further Reading

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Winthrop Advisory Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,821 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the period. Winthrop Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $854,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Towerpoint Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% during the second quarter. Towerpoint Wealth LLC now owns 4,239 shares of the companys stock worth $1,988,000 after purchasing an additional 22 shares during the period. Pacific Sage Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Pacific Sage Partners LLC now owns 1,591 shares of the companys stock worth $746,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the period. Lathrop Investment Management Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the second quarter. Lathrop Investment Management Corp now owns 1,458 shares of the companys stock valued at $684,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares in the last quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.4% during the first quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC now owns 6,050 shares of the companys stock worth $2,078,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares during the period. Finally, Missouri Trust & Investment Co raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.2% during the first quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 774 shares of the companys stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have weighed in on LLY. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $640.00 to $673.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $408.00 to $615.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Bank of America increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. 22nd Century Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and nineteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $555.83.

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:LLY traded up $4.76 on Tuesday, hitting $581.41. The company had a trading volume of 338,882 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,027,005. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The company has a market cap of $551.93 billion, a PE ratio of 80.20, a PEG ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 0.33. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $309.20 and a 52-week high of $629.97. The business has a 50 day moving average of $566.19 and a 200 day moving average of $482.74.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.25 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total value of $107,057,169.66. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 100,823,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $52,805,462,249.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total transaction of $107,057,169.66. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 100,823,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,805,462,249.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Alonzo Weems sold 1,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $590.98, for a total transaction of $678,445.04. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,760 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,586,004.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 907,655 shares of company stock worth $21,078,714,805. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

Further Reading

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Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 1.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 649,266 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 8,197 shares during the period. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF comprises 1.9% of Capital Asset Advisory Services LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $27,224,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 108,287.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 296,468,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $11,556,324,000 after acquiring an additional 296,194,508 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 80,014,266 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,232,576,000 after buying an additional 4,112,351 shares during the last quarter. Betterment LLC grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 72,563,778 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,931,577,000 after buying an additional 787,088 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 55,415,031 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,556,296,000 after buying an additional 1,508,810 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley grew its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 8.4% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 45,951,617 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,791,194,000 after buying an additional 3,566,685 shares during the last quarter.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 1.3 %

Shares of VWO stock traded up $0.50 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $38.32. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,943,881 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,975,741. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a one year low of $35.15 and a one year high of $43.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $68.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $39.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.39.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Lifeworks Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 0.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,001 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 67 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company comprises 2.0% of Lifeworks Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest holding. Lifeworks Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $4,690,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Silicon Valley Capital Partners acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. Bogart Wealth LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 193.3% during the first quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 88 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth approximately $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% during the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth approximately $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 37,660 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $546,751.75, for a total transaction of $20,590,670,905.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 100,275,279 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $54,825,684,274,988.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 37,660 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $546,751.75, for a total transaction of $20,590,670,905.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,275,279 shares in the company, valued at approximately $54,825,684,274,988.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total transaction of $327,906.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,939,130.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 907,655 shares of company stock valued at $21,078,714,805. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently issued reports on LLY. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $565.00 to $633.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. 22nd Century Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Argus increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and nineteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $555.83.

Read Our Latest Analysis on LLY

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Shares of LLY stock traded up $7.44 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $584.09. The stock had a trading volume of 393,581 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,027,417. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $309.20 and a twelve month high of $629.97. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $566.19 and a 200-day simple moving average of $482.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $554.47 billion, a PE ratio of 80.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 0.33.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. The business had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.58 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.25 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 6.65 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

Further Reading

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Tipperary-based company The Lunch Bag, has announced a 7.5m expansion which will see the tripling in size of its Nenagh headquarters.

The move will also create 240 full-time jobs in Nenagh and 450 part-time jobs nationwide.

CEO Ray Nangle said:

This is an incredibly exciting time for our business.

We are immensely proud of the fact that in 2019, we set out to ensure every child in Ireland had access to a school meal service, and we have seen that come to fruition in under five years.

The impact on childhood nutrition will be monumental, as we ensure a minimum of 65,000 children everyday will have hot, healthy and tasty meals delivered to their desks. To also be able to bring 900 jobs in total to this new industry is an achievement in and of itself, said Mr Nangle.

Lunch Bag

The childrens healthy lunch delivery service, which was founded in 2019, will grow employee numbers from its current 200 to almost 900 before May 2024.

These will include an additional 240 full time roles in its Nenagh facility, with over 450 part-time staff around the country to operate the service daily in the schools.

This will enable the company deliver in excess of 100,000 hot lunches daily to schools nationwide, up from 35,000 daily today.

The investment is necessitated by the expansion of the Governments Hot School Meals scheme, which is to be extended to a further 900 Primary Schools following the budget 2024 commitment by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys.

The Lunch Bag currently delivers cold lunches to over 600 schools, 315 of which are among the 900 schools set to transition to hot meals next year.

The 240 staff required at the Nenagh facility will mostly comprise general operators, but also HR, admin, warehouse, logistics staff and van drivers.

Part-time school roles will be a welcome announcement for those seeking employment that considers their childcare needs, as the positions operate within school hours and per the school calendar.

Two years ago, the company acquired a 3.5 acre site adjacent to its existing 25,000 sq ft premises at the Lisbunny Industrial Estate with the intention of expanding for increased demand.

The introduction of Universal School Meals has expedited expansion, with works commencing on a 50,000sq ft extension this month to accommodate additional production lines.

Launching the expansion plan today, the company invited those interested in joining the team to contact them at hr@thelunchbag.ie.

A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT

Mr Nangles business partner MD Ger Killian said:

This is a hugely significant moment for The Lunch Bag as we welcome more people into our rapidly expanding business.

Yet while our recruitment numbers are significant, the biggest impact will be that of a free hot meal to all primary school children.

Hot school meals are proven to improve attendance, attention and achievement rates within schools, and thats the feedback were getting from schools.

She added:

Importantly also, we see a huge shift in fussy eaters trying new foods, leading to less stress for parents. Minister Heather Humphreys Hot Meal announcement will be seen in time as a fundamental shift in child nutrition.

The Lunch Bags expansion will also see significant indirect employment opportunities for supporting services from food producers to fleet maintenance and many more areas of employment.

GREAT FOR NENAGH

Tipperary TD Alan Kelly said he is delighted to hear the news.

Im delighted that Lunch Bag, Irelands largest healthy schools lunches company are announcing a huge investment in their facility in Nenagh.

I introduced them to the town in 2020 and the location where they now are and helped them with their expansion plans over the last two years as they purchased more land from Tipperary County Council.

This is fantastic news for the town.

The 240 staff required at the Nenagh facility will mostly comprise general operators, but also HR, admin, warehouse,logistics staff and van drivers.

I would like to thank CEO Ray Nangle and MD Geraldine Killian for their investment and also Tipperary County Council for working with us on this over the last four years, said Mr Kelly.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said factories must increase their prices to close the gap between prime Irish beef prices and prime export benchmark price as reported by Bord Bia.

He said the Irish price is now over 40c/kg behind the Bord Bia prime export benchmark price  the largest in 2023 - and prices in the UK alone are running almost 1/kg above ours.

This is unacceptable profiteering by our processors and it must stop immediately. We need to see a significant price increase without delay, he said.

Tim Cullinan said it is not acceptable that some factories persist in offering lower quotes when base prices of 4.65 and 4.70/kg are available for steers and heifers, with higher prices for specialist and larger lots.

He said factories took advantage of the extreme weather conditions, which forced farmers hand in selling cattle in recent weeks, by holding back on price increases.

The dynamic has now shifted with supplies of suitable cattle not meeting demand. Over the past week, factories have had to pay up to 10c/kg above quotes to secure cattle, he said.

The IFA President said supplies of cattle are tight in the UK, which enhances the opportunity for our beef as factories start to build stocks for the increased seasonal demand.

He said factories must reflect the realities of the market place and increase beef price.
Warnings of heavy rainfall are in place across 20 counties, with forecasters urging people to be aware of flooding and dangerous road conditions on Monday.

There are rain warnings in place in six counties until 6pm, with the warning extending into the early hours of Tuesday in the others.

Irish forecaster Met Eireann has warned that the rain will be heavy at times with the chance of thunder, and there is a risk of flooding and difficult travel conditions.

A Status Orange rain warning is in place for counties Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford until 1am on Tuesday.

There will be heavy and persistent rain in these counties, with a risk of flooding, dangerous road conditions and poor visibility.

A Status Yellow rain warning is in place for counties Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, and Mayo until 6pm on Monday.

A Status Yellow rain warning for counties Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow and Roscommon is in place until 1am on Tuesday.

The warnings come as towns and villages in the south-east recover from the effects of Storm Babet, where unusually heavy rainfall led to homes and businesses being flooded.

Met Eireann has defended its warning system in the wake of the flooding, and the Government has promised to offer increased support for businesses affected.

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney is working on a proposal to bring to Cabinet on Tuesday, which would see two schemes on offer to businesses affected by the floods.

The first is the scheme currently in place and offers an initial 5,000 euro and further support of up to 20,000 euro based on the scale of damage to businesses.

Mr Coveney told RTE Radio on Monday that this would be for places which had been affected by flooding, but not badly.

He said those amounts were not appropriate for badly-hit businesses, and a second scheme would offer around double the initial payment and multiples of the 20,000 euro after that  possibly more than 70,000 euro.

Householders can access to relief through the Humanitarian Assistance Programme, administered by the Department of Social Protection.

Mr Coveney said that Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys would bring a proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday to increase the threshold in order to qualify for the means-tested scheme.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said its clear that something significantly extra is required here now to enable the households to get back into their homes  many are in hotels at the moment  and to enable businesses get off the ground and their employees back working.

This was a climate event of a huge scale, which has really devastated the businesses in Midleton, community facilities in Glanmire, sporting facilities and households, in particular. Many people who just bought their houses, having them destroyed, he said in Luxembourg.

So therell be two schemes, the one for households and one for businesses. Were looking at revising the existing schemes, we dont believe theyre fit for purpose, and I think the interventions will have to be on a scale that we havent seen before.
PHX IRELAND, via its subsidiary LloydsPharmacy, has agreed to acquire McCabes Pharmacy, bringing together two of the best known and most trusted retail pharmacy brands in the country.

The proposed deal will see the combined retail pharmacy outlets merge their operations, trade under the McCabes brand and be led by Sharon McCabe.

LloydsPharmacy operates 82 stores across the Republic of Ireland, while McCabes Pharmacy has 32 stores across the greater Dublin Area. The transaction is conditional upon approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

The combined retail entity will form part of the family-owned PHOENIX group, who are the leading integrated healthcare provider in Europe providing pharmaceutical wholesale, pharmacy retail, and services for the pharmaceutical industry.

PHOENIX group recently established a strong Irish presence following the completion of the McKesson Europe acquisition which includes United Drug, Irelands leading pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor, and TCP Homecare, innovators in clinical home nursing services and direct to patient delivery solutions. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Paul Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of PHX Ireland, said; We are delighted to welcome the McCabes Pharmacy group into the PHOENIX family. We have worked with McCabes for many years via our United Drug business and have always admired the innovation of services and distinctive customer service levels that Sharon and her team have brought to the Irish market. Sharon will lead the combined 110+ community pharmacies with a patient and colleague-centric approach, while continuing to provide the high standard of services both groups have been providing for many years.

Sharon McCabe, Chief Executive Officer of McCabes Pharmacy, said; Both McCabes and LloydsPharmacy are businesses rooted in the communities they serve. We have shared ambition, values, and a vision for primary care in Ireland which centers on providing patients and their families with the very best advice, support and access to medicines. We are both focused on enhancing the role of the pharmacist for the benefit of Irish patients and on creating a compelling and engaging place to work for pharmacists, technicians and all our retail colleagues. McCabes Pharmacy has excelled in delivering exceptional person to person care and with leading digital solutions. We are excited to work with The Lloyds teams to rebrand as McCabes Pharmacy. McCabes Pharmacy, like PHOENIX group, is a family-owned business, and we look forward to working with LloydsPharmacy and PHOENIX group to help our patients and customers across Ireland.

Steve Anderson, Member of the Executive Board Operations & Logistics at PHOENIX group, said; This is great day for our Irish colleagues and the wider PHOENIX group. This acquisition further highlights PHOENIX groups commitment to growing and investing in new markets. After concluding the acquisition of McKesson Ireland in November 2022, we continue to see huge potential in the Irish market and are committed to supporting the ambition of our local leaders on the ground.
A DUBLIN woman extradited from South Africa will go on trial next year for the double murder of two "inseparable" friends whose bodies were found wrapped in plastic on a lake island nearly ten years ago.

Ruth Lawrence, aged 42, who is originally from Clontarf, is accused of the murder of Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32), whose bodies were found in plastic sheeting on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin, which straddles the Meath-Cavan border, on May 26, 2014.

At the Central Criminal Court, this Tuesday, Mr Justice David Keane scheduled a trial date of October 7, 2024 after hearing the matter is expected to last three weeks.

He then adjourned the matter to January 12, 2024, for a case-management update.

On May 25, Ms Lawrence appeared before Trim District Court after her extradition from Bloemfontein where she was being held following her detection there.

Detective Garda Raymond Flynn told the court that he arrested Ms Lawrence at Dublin Airport earlier that day.

Ms Lawrence was taken to Trim garda station where she was charged with two counts of murder on an unknown date between April 22 and May 26, 2014, when gardai were alerted to the discovery of the men's bodies.

The bodies were found after a fisherman on the lake identified a smell coming from the tiny island.

Mr OConnor and Mr Keegan went missing after Eoin borrowed his mothers car to travel to Ballyjamesduff in County Cavan.

When he failed to return home from the trip, his family raised the alarm, leading to appeals for information and searches of areas in Co Cavan by the families and friends of both men.

At their June 2014 funeral, mourners were told that the two men had been "inseparable" friends.

The alleged former partner of Ms Lawrence, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen, is also facing extradition to Ireland over the murders.

However, the 41-year-old is currently serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for a separate offence.

Last month, van der Westhuizen told his extradition hearing in Durban that he feared he would be executed if he were to be surrendered and imprisoned in Ireland.
Leo Varadkar has made the Governments position clear today when he said there were no plans to expel Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich.

The Taoiseach was responding to calls made from opposition party People Before Profit during leader's questions in the Dail today.

The calls were made following controversial remarks made by Ms Erlich regarding comments made by President Michael D Higgins on whether Israel had breached international law.

The ambassador said she was frustrated by President Higgins' comments calling them "misinformation" while also saying Ireland is not a neutral country in relation to the war in Israel and Palestine.

Varadkar told the Dail:

"In relation to the ambassador, we don't have any plans to expel any ambassador.

"We didn't expel the Russian ambassador, and I don't think there is anyone in this house who's been as supportive of Ukraine's battle for freedom as I have, but we took a very particular view that it's important to have some line of communications open and that's why we have ambassadors.

"If you expel an ambassador or close an embassy, the only line of communication is minister to minister, or sec gen (secretary general) to sec gen, and that's if you can even get a phone call.

"We have citizens in Palestine, we have citizens in Israel, we have citizens in Russia, it's important that we're able to keep those lines of communication open. It serves nothing to close them. Even countries at war with each other have ambassadors and that's for that obvious reason."

Speaking at Leaders' Questions, the Taoiseach said he will do his best to persuade EU countries to agree a common position on what is happening in Israel and Gaza. However, he told the Sinn Fein Leader that you have to be sensitive of other EU countries' historical perspective pic.twitter.com/YTkrHukijk  RTE News (@rtenews) October 24, 2023

The Taoiseach also had some choice words for Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald saying "My fear is that if you were Taoiseach you would not make friends, you would make enemies", after McDonald insisted Varadkar should seek an EU call for an "unequivocal full ceasefire" between Israel and Gaza at the summit in Brussels later in the week and "demand Israel stop its slaughter of the Palestinian people".

While Varadkar insisted he would do his "best at that meeting to persuade the European Union to adopt a common position" but that "It may not be possible for us to adopt a common position".

"We all have our independent foreign policies, but I will certainly do the best I can to persuade our colleagues in all European countries to agree a common position."

The Taoiseach also said that if McDonald were to become Taoiseach, her approach would be to "attend the meeting, point the finger, tell people off and do a press conference afterwards", before adding,

"That's not how you do this job. It's not how you actually get things done in international affairs.

"You have to build relationships. You have to build partnerships, have to build alliances, you have to develop colleagues, and try to use your powers of persuasion.

"That's particularly the case for a small country like Ireland, which is not a major economic power of major political power. We use the power of persuasion, reputation and contacts. That's how we do things and how we achieve things."
[October 24, 2023] Censys Secures $75M in New Funding Tweet

Andy Boyd, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency's Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI), joins the Censys board ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Censys, the leading Internet Intelligence Platform for Threat Hunting and Exposure Management, today announced it secured $75M in new funding. The capital raise consisted of a $50M Series C led by Decibel Partners, GV, Greylock and Intel Capital - and included new investors Ascension Ventures, Four Rivers Partners V, L.P, and accounts managed by Hamilton Lane. Additionally, the $25M in debt funding was led by SVB Capital, Silicon Valley Bank, a Division of First Citizens Bank. Censys Accelerates Mission as the One Place to Understand Everything on the Internet Censys, the Internet Intelligence Platform for Threat Hunting & Exposure Management announced it secured $75M in funding The digital world is central to our global society, and both the public and private sector are faced with the monumental task of securing an ever-growing, complex, and fragmented technology landscape. Further, the sophistication of today's threat actors continue to accelerate rapidly, posing a significant threat globally and making cybersecurity an essential cornerstone to the future of our economy. Censys has built the most complete and accurate collection of global internet infrastructure data, enriched with critical context to empower security and intelligence teams globally As the leading threat intelligence provider across national governments and intelligence agencies, top-tier financial institutions, high-growth tech companies and global manufacturers, Censys plans to leverage this funding to accelerate product innovation and development, to further solidify its position as the leader in Threat Intelligence Data. The company also plans to scale revenue growth globally and expand its focus into the urgent and growing needs of healthcare security and privacy protection with the help of Ascension Ventures.



"This round of funding brings us even closer to our goal as the ground truth for global internet infrastructure," says Brad Brooks, CEO of Censys. "We are committed to providing our customers the high-integrity data and analysis needed to understand exposures and conduct critical threat investigations. Cybersecurity is an essential anchor to the future of our global economy, and we are excited to continue our focus on ensuring a more resilient, cyber-aware future." Censys Welcomes Andy Boyd to the Board - Former Director of the CIA's Center for Cyber Intelligence

To further Censys' mission as the premier provider of security data and critical insights across the internet, Censys welcomes Andy Boyd as the newest independent board advisor. Andy Boyd has extensive experience leading worldwide intelligence operations and brings in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, cyber operations and policy, security practices, and risk mitigation. In his most recent assignment as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency's Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI), he was responsible for intelligence collection, analysis and operations focused on foreign cyber threats to U.S. interests. "As someone who has personally been involved in some of the most consequential counterterrorism operations of the past decade, I intimately understand the urgent need to strengthen our cybersecurity posture across both the public and private sectors," says Andy Boyd. "I believe that Censys has a critical role to play in arming organizations with the data and insights they need to defend attack surfaces and take down threats in real-time, and am incredibly excited to partner with Censys on their mission." Censys Reports over 130% Annual Growth Since its Series B in January 2022, Censys reported 130%+ Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth. Several initiatives have driven this success, including partnerships with leading technology vendors, the launch of the Censys Internet Map and the expansion of International offices. Censys continues to make waves in the industry with its recent completion of the SOC 2 Type II Compliance standard, and its plans to expand its footprint and open an office in Seattle, Washington, by the end of 2023. About Censys:

Censys, Inc. is the leading Internet Intelligence Platform for Threat Hunting and Exposure Management. Founded in 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Censys gives organizations the world's most comprehensive real-time view of global networks and devices. Customers like Google, Cisco, Microsoft, Samsung, Swiss Armed Forces, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, and over 51% of the Fortune 500 rely on the company's Exposure Management solution for a real-time, contextualized view into their internet and cloud assets. At Censys, you can be yourself. We like it that way. Diversity fuels our mission, and we are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age and identity. To learn more, visit censys.com and follow Censys on Twitter. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/censys-secures-75m-in-new-funding-301965193.html SOURCE Censys

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[October 24, 2023] Diligent Expands Its Global Partner Program with the Addition of New Partners Across Asia Pacific, Latin America and North America Tweet

Diligent, a leading GRC SaaS company, today announced the expansion of its global partner program with the addition of several new partners across Asia Pacific, Latin America and North America. The latest partnerships add to a network of 120 + partners worldwide across the technology, consultancy, sustainability and legal industries that add value to Diligent's customers and seek to deliver modern governance, risk, compliance, audit and ESG solutions to leading organizations. "Across the globe, reporting requirements are becoming more rigorous - particularly pertaining to climate and cybersecurity," said MarKeith Allen, Chief Customer Officer at Diligent. "Now more than ever before, organizations need a well-defined governance, risk and compliance function to drive organizational health. These global partners help us bring leading software and best practices to customers around the world, helping them to drive greater impact and lead with purpose." "Companies today are facing an increasing and evolving set of risks, and having an integrated view of those risks is key to long-term health and success," said Prakash Balebail, CEO and founder of Estuate. "At Estuate, we are always looking to add value to our customers across the globe with innovative technology solutions. As the market leader in GRC software, Diligent was a natural choice to partner with to help our customers manage unforeseen risks, be compliant and drive efficiencies." Select organizations Diligent has partnered with recently include: aceia - An Australian-based professional services practice that specializes in internal audit and risk management. Through the partnership, Australian and New Zealand customers will benefit from the combination of Diligent's leading GRC solutions with aceia's deep internal audit and risk management expertise and advisory services. Estuate Inc. - A California-based leading technology services company focused on helping customers maximize their return on investment for GRC initiatives through best-practice led implementation and customer-centric approach. Through Diligent's partnership with Estuate, business leaders can access leading solutions across governance, risk and compliance to make better decisions more quickly. Future Core - A Mexico-based IT and cybersecurity consultancy that advises clients on their path to digital transformation, providing cutting-edge solutions aligned to their business objctives. Through the partnership, Future Core will help its customers mitigate risk and stay ahead of a world that's constantly changing using Diligent's best-in-class IT Risk, ESG and Boards & Governance solutions. Konesens Development - A leading consultancy offering ESG services including action-oriented training, metrics-based reporting, and sustainable development services to promote equity and inclusion. Konesens' customers can now access Diligent ESG as a preferred comprehensive reporting platform among its suite of tools. RARE Sustainability + Advisory - An Australian-based sustainability consultancy that assists companies with ESG strategy and related disclosures. Now, customers can benefit from Diligent's market-leading ESG data collection and reporting solutions in addition to RARE's consultancy services, to become better equipped to meet ESG disclosure requirements. SUMAQ Financial Communications - A Brazilian-based technology consultancy providing Latin American publicly traded companies with cutting-edge financial communication technologies, so they can maximize productivity and performance while minimizing costs and reducing workloads. Through the partnership, customers looking to adopt software to respond to regulatory demands and enhance governance practices can leverage Diligent as a preferred solution. Weave Solutions Inc. - A Philippines-based professional outsourcing company connecting organizations with the best people and digital transformative solutions to achieve operational excellence in their businesses. Diligent's industry-leading GRC platform is now the solution of choice to help Weave's clients enhance their corporate governance programs through software.



The Diligent Partner Program is the first to offer partners a single source to meet all their GRC and ESG needs. Through the program, partners can build their GRC and ESG practices by referring and reselling, deploying, customizing, and integrating Diligent's comprehensive suite of solutions. Learn more abut the Diligent Partner Program here.

About Diligent Diligent is a leading GRC SaaS company that gives organizations the tools and solutions they need to bring clarity to complex risk, elevate impactful insights and get ahead of a world that is constantly changing. With solutions across governance, risk, compliance, audit and ESG, Diligent empowers more than 1 million users and 700,000 board members and leaders to make better decisions, faster. No matter the challenge. Learn more at diligent.com. Follow Diligent on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024022929/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Announces Results of 2023 Director Election Tweet

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) is pleased to announce the results of its 2023 Director Election. Members elected one director from Illinois, one director from Wisconsin, and three independent directors who ran unopposed. Each director will serve a four-year term beginning January 1, 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024339293/en/ Illinois members re-elected David J. Loundy. Mr. Loundy is Chairman and CEO of Devon Bank, headquartered in Chicago. Before joining Devon Bank, David worked as a law professor and law school administrator, taught in an MBA program at DePaul University, and, for more than a decade, worked as a lawyer practicing in the fields of intellectual property and computer law. He is a past Chairman of the Illinois State Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section, and a past Chairman of the Chicago Bar Association Computer Law Committee. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, and serves as a Director of the Community BancService Corporation and on their Innovation Committee. Mr. Loundy has also served on the Board of Directors for several community groups. He is also Chairman of Devon Bank's "sponsored" public charity, The Loundy Charitable Foundation. Mr. Loundy has a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications from Purdue University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law. He has completed the Loyola University Family Business Center's Next Generation Leadership Institute and its Stewardship Institute and completed various certifications in finance and financial analysis. Mr. Loundy has served on the FHLBank Chicago Board of Directors since 2020. Wisconsin members elected Kenneth "Ken" D. Thompson. Mr. Thompson has been in the Madison banking industry for over 35 years, including 10 years at M&I Bank, before helping to start and grow Capitol Bank to $550 million in assets today. He was named President/CEO in 2003 and Chairman in 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from UW-Stevens Point and earned his MBA from UW-Madison in 1997. Mr. Thompson completed the Graduate School of Banking in Madison in 2004. He served as past Chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association and Director of the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin. Community involvement is greatly valued by Ken, displayed by several years of serving on the boards of a variety of local non-profits including Agrace HospiceCare, American Famil Children's Hospital, Catholic Charities, and the Breakfast Optimist Club of Madison. He also serves on the boards for Hy Cite Enterprises and Extreme Engineering, and is a graduate of Leadership Greater Madison.



For the three independent director seats, FHLBank Chicago members elected Kathy Burns. Phyllis Lockett and Lois Alison Scott were re-elected. Kathy Burns is the Executive Chair and Independent Board member for Aclaimant, a risk management technology company. From 2017-2023, Ms. Burns was Chief Digital Officer for Ryan Specialty Group, CEO of The Connector, and interim CIO for RT Specialty, their largest business unit. From 2006-2017, she was a Board Member and CEO of Ventiv Technology, formerly Aon eSolutions. Ms. Burns was selected to the first class of Business Insurance's "Women to Watch" and is a frequent speaker on the emerging role of technology in the insurance industry. Early in her career, she spent time at Marsh, Aon, and Crawford & Company in various leadership roles in Sales, Operations, and Account Management. Ms. Burns is a graduate of Northwestern University where she was a student athlete.

Phyllis Lockett is a serial social entrepreneur who has led transformation efforts in education, government and the civic arena. Ms. Lockett is currently the founder and CEO of LEAP Innovations, an organization headquartered in Chicago that works with schools to catalyze and ignite education innovation and prepare students for the changing world of work. As the president and CEO of New Schools for Chicago, she helped raise more than $70 million to support opening 80 new public schools. Her prior corporate experience includes sales, marketing and business development with IBM, Kraft Foods, and General Mills. Ms. Lockett also serves on the Board of Directors of the CME Group, Saga Education, and is an advisor to GSV Ventures. She is a Henry Crown Fellow with the Aspen Institute and a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, The Chicago Network, and The Commercial Club of Chicago. Ms. Lockett is a contributor to Forbes, where she writes about education innovation and the future of learning. She has served on the FHLBank Chicago Board of Directors since 2015. Lois Alison Scott has served as President of Epoch Advisors since 2015. From 2011 to 2015, Ms. Scott served as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Chicago, the first woman to ever serve in that capacity. In 2011, Ms. Scott co-founded and chaired the Municipal CFO Forum with the Harris School of the University of Chicago. She now chairs the Advisory Board of the Program for Excellence and Equity in Public Finance at Milken Institute. From 2002 to 2011, Ms. Scott was Chief Executive Officer of a financial advisory firm that served large corporate and governmental clients. Prior to that, she served as President and Vice Chair of a technology company that provided a family of services to schools. Ms. Scott started her career at First Chicago (now JPMorgan), where she was responsible for governmental, healthcare and higher education clients in an eight-state region. She also worked for Bank of America, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette and chaired the Management Committee of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., after serving as a White House Fellow. From 2015 to August 2017, Ms. Scott served as a director on the board of MBIA, Inc. She served as Vice Chair and Audit Committee Chair of the Chicago Stock Exchange, where she was a director from 2016 to 2018 prior to its sale to the New York Stock Exchange. She currently serves on the board of the Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Enwave Energy and GreenGasUSA. Ms. Scott has served on the board of numerous nonprofit organizations focused on educational opportunity, economic empowerment, leadership development, and sustainable finance practices. She has served on the FHLBank Chicago Board of Directors since 2017. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago The mission of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is to partner with our members in FHLBank Chicago partners with our members in Illinois and Wisconsin to provide them competitively priced funding, a reasonable return on their investment in the Bank, and support for their community investment activities. FHLBank Chicago is one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks created by Congress in 1932 as a government sponsored enterprise to support mortgage lending and community investment. We are member owned and member focused. FHLBank Chicago members include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. To learn more about FHLBank Chicago, visit fhlbc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024339293/en/

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[October 23, 2023] Marcus & Millichap's Military Bridge to Brokerage Spearheads Legislation to Help Veterans Tweet

Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today that it successfully helped spearhead legislation to expedite the real estate license process for our military service members participating in SkillBridge, a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps veterans transition to civilian careers at the conclusion of their military service. "Marcus & Millichap is proud to assist members of the military in starting their careers in commercial real estate through our growing Military Bridge to Brokerage Program," said Tony Solomon, senior vice president and district manager, Marcus & Millichap. "To honor the individuals who served our nation, we felt a duty to provide an opportunity that helps integrate them back into the civilian workforce. Our unique program provides veterans, who make up 1% of the population, an opportunity to hit the ground running in a rewarding post-military career." "We partnered with the California Legislature and or legislative partners to draft Assembly Bill 883, which expedites real estate licenses for SkillBridge participants," said Tyler Theobald, first vice president and general counsel. "The bill, which passed both houses of the legislature unanimously, was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 7. We hope it can serve as a blueprint for other states to clear the way for SkillBridge participants across industries."



The company's Military Bridge to Brokerage Program also honors the military service legacy of the late William A. Millichap, one of the firm's founders, who retired from the United States Navy as a lieutenant prior to his career in commercial real estate. "With Marcus & Millichap's industry-leading training and offices nationwide, our Military Bridge to Brokerage program is a natural fit for veterans to launch lucrative careers in commercial real estate," added Solomon. Learn more about Military Bridge to Brokerage here.

About Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) Marcus & Millichap, Inc. is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2022, the company had 1,904 investment sales and financing professionals in 81 offices who provide investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate. The company also offers market research, consulting and advisory services to clients. Marcus & Millichap closed 12,272 transactions in 2022, with a sales volume of approximately $86.3 billion. For additional information, please visit www.MarcusMillichap.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023735641/en/

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[October 23, 2023] Impact Investing Market to grow by USD 503.95 billion from 2022 to 2027, market is fragmented due to the presence of prominent companies like BlueOrchard Finance Ltd., Bain Capital LP and Apex Group Ltd., and many more - Technavio Tweet

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The impact investing market is estimated to grow by USD 503.95 billion from 2022 to 2027, growing at a CAGR of 17.22%. The impact investing market is fragmented owing to the presence of many global and regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer impact investing market are Aavishkaar Group, Acumen Fund Inc., Apex Group Ltd., Bain Capital LP, BlueOrchard Finance Ltd., Bridges Fund Management Ltd., LAVCA, LeapFrog Investments Group Ltd., M and G plc, Manulife Financial Corp., Morgan Stanley, Omidyar Network Services LLC, Reinvestment Fund, Root Capital Inc., Sarona Asset Management Inc., The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Triodos Bank N.V., Unitus Capital, VESTERGAARD SARL, and Vital Capital. The report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Download FREE Sample before buying Company Offering: Apex Group Ltd. - The company offers impact investment solutions for aligning investments with social and environmental goals.

The company offers impact investment solutions for aligning investments with social and environmental goals. Bain Capital LP - The company offers impact investing services such as Double Impact Fund for investments that generate both financial returns and social/environmental impact.

The company offers impact investing services such as Double Impact Fund for investments that generate both financial returns and social/environmental impact. BlueOrchard Finance Ltd. - The company offers impact investing services such as Microfinance and Impact Investment Funds for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

The company offers impact investing services such as Microfinance and Impact Investment Funds for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. For details on companies and their offerings  Buy the report! By Geography, the market is classified as North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. North America is estimated to contribute 57% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. With a number of impact investors who have identified potential investments in socially disruptive technology businesses, the region has been at the forefront of investment in this sector. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period. Download a FREE sample report to get more insights on the market share of various regions and the contribution of the segments. Impactful driver- Increase in awareness regarding social and environmental challenges

Increase in awareness regarding social and environmental challenges Key Trend - Increase in Millennial Impact investing

- Increase in Millennial Impact investing Major Challenges - The limited understanding of impact investing among investors and the general public Market Segmentation By Type, the market is classified into Institutional investors, Individual investors, and others. The institutional investor segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. These investors are financial firms or institutions that have been entrusted, in respect of clients such as pension funds, insurance companies, and SWFs, with managing substantial pools of money. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period. Technavio Research experts have provided more insights on the market share of segments - View FREE Sample Report Related Reports The Wealth Management Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.02% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 325.56 billion. The microfinance market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.86% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 166.95 billion.







Impact Investing Market Scope Report Coverage Details Historic period 2017-2021 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 17.22% YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 16.66 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key countries US, Canada, China, Germany, and the UK

TOC: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Type 7 Market Segmentation by Sector 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Vendor Landscape 12 Vendor 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 comprises enterprises of all sizes, including over 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

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[October 23, 2023] Swisslog Healthcare Invites Central Pharmacy Leaders to Learn About Optimizing Operations Tweet

Swisslog Healthcare, a global industry leader in pharmacy and transport automation solutions, is hosting a free webinar designed to help central pharmacy leaders and healthcare executives realize the benefits of implementing consolidated service centers (CSCs), sometimes also called integrated service centers (ISCs), as part of their thought leadership sharing. The "CSCs & ISCs with SMEs" webinar will be held on November 1, 2023, at 1 PM EDT and will feature discussions from industry subject matter experts (SMEs) about the challenges, benefits, and best practices for centralizing supply chain and pharmacy operations at consolidated service centers. A study from Swisslog Healthcare showed that healthcare facilities that implemented CSCs of all sizes saw improved inventory management and streamlined procurement processes. The study found that hospitals and healthcare systems are increasingly challenged to manage growing patient access demands, rising drug costs, increased regulatory oversight and outcomes-based reimbursement programs. With CSCs, hospitals and healthcare systems are enabled to automate and centrally manage inventory and associated management processes for all supply chain and ancillary support services. "Central pharmacies are traditionally considered a significant cost center in healthcare facilities, so they feel pressure to contribute to cost-cutting mandates; however, they can't sacrifice service levels or compromise medication availability," said Jon Brown, webinar panelist and Director of Pharmacy System Operations and Logistics for Indiana University Health "Our discussion focuses on how healthcare facilities can better streamline these processes to help address those issues. When done right, healthcare facilities can simplify processes, minimize costly waste, and refocus their teams back toward patient-facing work."



The "CSCs & ISCs with SMEs" webinar is one of many thought leadership offerings from Swisslog Healthcare designed to enable healthcare facilities to lead change for better patient care outcomes. Notably, Swisslog Healthcare has offered webinars featuring various industry experts discussing topics such as combatting labor shortages, maneuvering through digital transformation, and more. "Ultimately, our goal is to better support our customers in their efforts to provide the best possible care for their patients," said Lindsey DeFendi, webinar panelist and Region Director from Swisslog Healthcare. "As an industry leader in healthcare automation, we have the opportunity to improve the healthcare industry as a whole. If we can provide best practices for implementing streamlined technologies and processes, we can help our customers deliver quality care for their patients."

Swisslog Healthcare is dedicated to optimizing workflows inside the complex systems of healthcare facilities, and particularly for those seeking to build or optimize a CSC. To learn more about Swisslog Healthcare and how its automation technology enables healthcare workers to deliver better patient care, visit Swisslog-Healthcare.com. To register for this webinar or watch it on demand after it airs on November 1st, visit Swisslog Healthcare's webinar webpage. About Swisslog Healthcare Swisslog Healthcare provides integrated medication supply chain solutions to hospitals and health systems to assist providers in treating patients across the continuum of care. Integrating transport and pharmacy automation, value-added services, and intelligent software, Swisslog Healthcare enables healthcare providers to respond to patients' needs quickly and with greater accuracy. The company minimizes many sources of operational waste, so providers achieve higher levels of productivity to impact the well-being of patients in positive ways. For more information, visit www.swisslog-healthcare.com. Swisslog Healthcare is a member of the KUKA Group, a leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions. For more information, visit www.kuka.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023659680/en/

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[October 23, 2023] Bregal Unternehmerkapital Announces the Sale of EA Elektro-Automatik to Fortive Corporation for 1,585 Million Tweet

Bregal Unternehmerkapital ("BU"), a leading investment firm in the DACH region and Northern Italy, today announced the sale of EA Elektro-Automatik Holding GmbH ("EA" or the "Company"), a leading provider of electronic test and measurement devices, to US-based Fortive Corporation ("Fortive") (NYSE: FTV) for an Enterprise Value of 1,585 Million. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early first quarter of 2024. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Viersen, Germany, EA develops and manufactures programmable power supplies, electronic loads, and bidirectional power supplies used to test electronic components across various industrial and R&D applications. With over 400 employees, EA is a leading, high-quality provider of technically advanced electronic test and measurement equipment, specializing in the high-power segment of the market that serves growing end markets including e-mobility, energy storage, renewable energy, and hydrogen. As part of a succession plan, BU acquired the Company in 2019 through its second fund, BU II from the Company's founders. During BU's investment, the management team was significantly strengthened, EA's international sales and marketing activities strongly expanded, the R&D team broadened, and several technically leading new product series were brought to the market. BU has also substantially invested into the Company's production site in Germany, considerably expanding the production capacity. The number of employees has increased by c. 250 over the past years, more than doubling the employee base. As a result, revenues have increased at an average rate of c. 40% annually since 2020. "We are very grateful for the support we have received from BU over the past several years. Together we have made significant progress in our transition from a Europea technology leader to becoming a global market leader," said Markus Schyboll, Chief Executive Officer of EA. "We are now thrilled to join forces with Fortive to further accelerate our growth, extend our international reach, and continue to be our customers' partner of choice to drive the electrification of everything and help the world achieve carbon neutrality."



Florian Schick, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BU, added, "We greatly appreciate the strong performance of EA's management team as well as all of the Company's employees and are happy that we have found a good new home for EA. Together we have significantly scaled the organisation internationally, gained strong positions in several rapidly growing end markets, and managed to more than triple revenues during our investment in the Company. This transaction is a true success story and a prime example of BU's investment approach - forming strong partnerships with leading founder-owned businesses and supporting them to materially accelerate their growth." About Bregal Unternehmerkapital

Bregal Unternehmerkapital is a leading investment firm with offices in Zug, Munich and Milan. As a part of a family-owned business that has grown over several generations, the funds advised by BU invest in mid-sized companies based in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Northern Italy. With the mission to be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, BU seeks to partner with market leaders and "hidden champions" with strong management teams and outbreak potential. Since its founding in 2015, the funds managed by BU have invested over 2.7 billion in more than 100 companies with over 20,000 employees, and working in partnership with entrepreneurs and families to develop, internationalize, and digitize their businesses, while helping them generate sustainable value on a responsible basis with the next generation in mind. For more information, please visit www.bregal.ch or follow us on LinkedIn. About Fortive Fortive is a provider of essential technologies for connected workflow solutions across a range of attractive end-markets. Fortive's strategic segments include well-known brands with leading positions in their markets. The company's businesses design, develop, service, manufacture, and market professional and engineered products, software, and services, building upon leading brand names, innovative technologies, and significant market positions. Fortive is headquartered in Everett, Washington and employs a team of more than 18,000 research and development, manufacturing, sales, distribution, service and administrative employees in more than 50 countries around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023926445/en/

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[October 23, 2023] Sweden wants to end confusion with Switzerland, Swedish Tourist Board Declares Tweet

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- People still get Sweden and Switzerland mixed up. Every year, 120,000 people google the question: "Are Sweden and Switzerland the same?". Even the most informed and powerful people on earth can't always tell the two countries apart; A world leader, the New York Stock Exchange, and a famous popstar have all experienced this. Determined to end the confusion once and for all, Sweden is now proposing actions. Watch Sweden's proposition to Switzerland here: https://youtu.be/0oNX_BHgi3c A recent study commissioned by Visit Sweden uncovered that 50% of US respondents are not confident in their ability to decipher differences in Swedish and Swiss cultures. The confusion sometimes has greater implications: one in ten American respondents has admitted to booking, or nearly booking a flight, tor or activity in the wrong country when travelling to Sweden or Switzerland. More than 1 in 10 Brits admitted to confusing Sweden and Switzerland as being the same, and 28% also wrongly highlighted IKEA or ABBA as things they loved about Switzerland rather than Sweden.



To solve this issue, Visit Sweden, the Swedish tourist board, is reaching out to their European friend to decide who talks about what. A settlement draft between Sweden and Switzerland has been presented, but Visit Sweden is open to discussion. "If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them. We can't change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct. Sweden offers luxury of a different nature. That's why we believe it's time to decide who promotes what, and hopefully we can reach an agreement", said Susanne Andersson, CEO Visit Sweden.

Sweden: luxury of a different nature

With a good dose of humour, Sweden is highlighting aspects that are known to attract travellers. They want to show that Sweden offers luxury of a different nature.https://contentbank.visitsweden.com/selection/674f233f19c5645253134b7809d1cc17 Sweden's plea is simple: "We will communicate things like sandbanks, rooftops, and silence. Meanwhile, Switzerland will focus on banks, mountain tops, and yodelling. We are still waiting for an official response, but we're hoping that Switzerland is willing to negotiate with us on this important matter", continues Andersson. The full proposition can be read and signed at https://visitsweden.com/sweden-not-switzerland/ ... and hopefully, in the future, tourists will know that they are visiting Sweden (and not Switzerland). Press imagery: Sweden(NotSwitzerland) Contact: [email protected] Head of PR. Phone: +494032551321 SOURCE Visit Sweden

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[October 23, 2023] Global High Volume Dispensing Systems Market Poised to Reach $4.50 Billion by 2030 with a Strong 8.1% CAGR Tweet

DUBLIN, Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "High Volume Dispensing Systems Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Systems/Cabinets, Software Solutions), By End-use (Retail Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global high volume dispensing systems market is experiencing robust growth and is projected to reach a substantial USD 4.50 billion by 2030, with a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030. Key drivers of this market expansion include the increasing number of prescriptions, a growing disease burden, and recent technological advancements that enhance patient safety. The rising incidence of dispensing errors further boosts the demand for high volume dispensing systems. Key Market Drivers: Prescription Growth: The market is being propelled by an increasing number of prescriptions, as well as a rising disease burden, highlighting the critical need for efficient dispensing solutions.

The market is being propelled by an increasing number of prescriptions, as well as a rising disease burden, highlighting the critical need for efficient dispensing solutions. Technological Advancements: Recent technological advancements are driving the adoption of high volume dispensing systems, helping to improve patient safety and streamline prescription processing.

Recent technological advancements are driving the adoption of high volume dispensing systems, helping to improve patient safety and streamline prescription processing. Pharmacy Automation: The adoption of pharmacy automation systems in retail pharmacies for dispensing large volume medications is a key factor fueling the demand for high volume dispensing systems. The need for faster prescription processing and government funding for system installations in hospitals are additional growth drivers.

The adoption of pharmacy automation systems in retail pharmacies for dispensing large volume medications is a key factor fueling the demand for high volume dispensing systems. The need for faster prescription processing and government funding for system installations in hospitals are additional growth drivers. Inventory Management: High volume dispensing systems help reduce inventory discrepancies, making them a valuable asset in healthcare settings. Market Segmentation: Product Dominance: Systems/cabinets are leading the market, driven by the demand for effective pharmacy workflow and the growing emphasis on safe medication dispensing.

Systems/cabinets are leading the market, driven by the demand for effective pharmacy workflow and the growing emphasis on safe medication dispensing. Retail Pharmacy Growth: High volume dispensing systems in retail pharmacies accounted for 80.2% of the market in 2022 and are expected to grow at a rapid CAGR of 8.3% over the forecast period.



Regional Insights: North America currently dominates the market, with a revenue share of 54.8% in 2022. The region benefits from a large number of market players, a well-established healthcare infrastructure, and a high prevalence of chronic diseases.

The rising demand for patient safety, increasing adoption of pharmacy automation systems, and the need for faster prescription processing are propelling the global high volume dispensing systems market forward. Stay informed and competitive in this dynamic market by accessing the full report. Companies Mentioned McKesson Corporation

HEALTHMARK GROUP

TCGRx

R/X Automation Solutions

ScriptPro LLC

iA

Omnicell, Inc. Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary



Chapter 3. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1. Market Lineage Outlook

3.1.1. Parent market outlook

3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook

3.2. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping

3.3. Market Dynamics

3.3.1. Market driver analysis

3.3.2. Market restraint analysis

3.4. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market Analysis Tools



Chapter 4. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1. High volume dispensing systems Market: Key Takeaways

4.2. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market: Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030

4.3. Systems/Cabinets

4.3.1. Systems/Cabinets market estimates and forecasts, 2018 to 2030, (USD Million)

4.4. Software Solutions

4.4.1. Software Solutions market estimates and forecasts, 2018 to 2030, (USD Million)



Chapter 5. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market: End-use Outlook Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market: Key Takeaways

5.2. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market: Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030

5.3. Retail Pharmacies

5.3.1. Independent pharmacies market estimates and forecasts, 2018 to 2030, (USD Million)

5.4. Hospital Pharmacies

5.4.1. Hospital pharmacies market estimates and forecasts, 2018 to 2030, (USD Million)



Chapter 6. High Volume Dispensing Systems Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis



Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2k9my2 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

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[October 23, 2023] Computer vision software developer VisualCortex to speak at 2023 Advantech global partner conference Tweet

Video analytics platform vendor, VisualCortex, joins Smart Roads panel discussion at Advantech's 2023 Industrial-IoT World Partner Conference SYDNEY and TAIPEI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VisualCortex  the Video Intelligence Platform connecting computer vision's potential to real-world business outcomes  has been invited to speak at Advantech's 2023 Industrial-IOT World Partner Conference, October 26 - 28 in Taipei, Taiwan. Advantech is a global leader in, and developer of, industrial Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology and edge-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions. Head of Machine Learning, Mike Seddon, will represent VisualCortex as part of the Smart Roads discussion panel, taking place within the Intelligent Transportation keynote stream, Friday 27th October 11:00am - 12:30pm local time at Advantech's AIoT Campus in Taoyuan City. Read more about VisualCortex's vehicle counting and traffic management solution: https://visualcortex.com/vehicle-counting-and-traffic-management-solution/ View the conference agenda here: https://connect.advantech.com/wpc/iiot-live/ Commenting on the upcoming discussion panel  Advancing Smart Road Service for Future Mobility  Seddon said that vehicle video analytics solutions and pedestrian video analytics solutions were set to play an increasingly prominent role in traffic analysis and subsequent transport invesment.



"Understanding how transport infrastructure is used, and how that usage is shifting over time, is critical to help governments plan for change and the private sector to deliver technology that meets those evolving demands," said Seddon. "By turning video footage into analyzable streams of data, computer vision software can reveal patterns and trends in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Facilitating reliable usage analysis, via computer vision techniques, helps underpin effective investment decisions." VisualCortex CEO and Co-Founder, Patrick Elliott, said that Advantech's innovations in edge-based hardware, and deep strategic partnership with NVIDIA, were particularly vital to the future of transport video analytics solutions .

"At VisualCortex, we're finding that many organizations in the transport sector require edge-based technology to process the metadata produced by video analytics," said Elliott. "Whilst cloud-based computer vision technology offers scalability in many instances, processing at the edge  right next to where video footage is being streamed  can offer cost, security and efficiency benefits. "In particular, Advantech's MIC-711 and MIC-713  powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX and Jetson Orin Nano  enable massively performant AI video solutions at the edge, delivering AI performance with up to 100 trillion operations per second [TOPS]." VisualCortex is part of NVIDIA Metropolis and holds Premier members status within the NVIDIA Inception partner programs. The 2023 Advantech Industrial-IoT World Partner Conference explores IOT technologies across five main areas, including edge AI, smart automation, industrial wireless connectivity, network security, and IoT device management services. About VisualCortex VisualCortex is making video data actionable in the enterprise. Its Video Intelligence Platform provides the stability and flexibility to productionize computer vision technology at scale. Able to be used for any video analytics use case in any industry, VisualCortex's production-ready cloud-based environment transforms video assets into analyzable streams of data. The VisualCortex platform delivers the artificial intelligence smarts, governance and usability, enabling organizations to connect any number of video streams, repositories and use existing commodity hardware. An intuitive user interface, out-of-the-box reporting, range of configurations and integrations empower non-technical people to produce, analyze and act on insights derived from computer vision throughout the enterprise. Organizations can easily combine these AI-generated video insights with other data sources and systems to facilitate both real-time operations and strategic analysis. The VisualCortex Model Store also provides a secure marketplace for customers, partners and independent machine learning experts to share quality controlled computer vision models. For more information, visit www.visualcortex.com For further media information, interviews or images, or product demonstrations, please contact: Lachlan James, VisualCortex Chief Marketing Officer, on +61 (0)431 835 658 or [email protected] For regular updates, follow VisualCortex on Twitter (@VisualCortexApp), LinkedIn (VisualCortex), YouTube (VisualCortex) and Facebook (@VisualCortexApp). For regular industry news and analysis, subscribe to VisualCortex's mailing list here: https://visualcortex.com/contact-us/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/computer-vision-software-developer-visualcortex-to-speak-at-2023-advantech-global-partner-conference-301965240.html SOURCE VisualCortex

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[October 23, 2023] Pioneering Industry Standards with Three AI Innovations, TPIsoftware's SysTalk.Chat Wins IT Matters Awards Tweet

TAIPEI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Winning industry-wide acclaims such as Taiwan Excellence Awards, the Oscars of Taiwan industries, TPIsoftware has been acknowledged as a top performer again with the latest recognition from IT Matters Awards for driving digital transformation with its proprietary software product SysTalk.Chat: Conversational AI for Customer Service . Featuring the three AI innovations "Dual-Brain & Single-Process," "an AI Brain Integrated with ChatGPT" and "Visual Chatbot", SysTalk.Chat meets various industries' needs for personalized AI customer services and earns the highest accolade in the IT Matters Product/Project category among over 200 entries from top-notch enterprises. The first edition of the IT Matters Awards, organized by Taiwan's Administration for Digital Industries, Ministry of Digital Affairs, and Information Management Association (IMA), recognizes companies devoted to innovative IT technologies and fostering IT-friendly environments. TPIsoftware has passed the rigor of the six-month judging process from a panel of over 50 industry and academia experts and stood out from the rest. Serving Millions in Taiwan with Robust AI Capabilities SysTalk.Chat's success story is not just about awards but about creating a transformative impact for businesses. Innovating customer services for industries such as BFSI, transportation, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and e-commerce and more, SysTalk.Chat has served millions of people annually with its robust AI capabilities. TPIsoftware's SysTalk.ai, an AI-powered product portfolio, further builds an AI digital workforce blueprint seamlessly integrated into individuals' lives. It has reduced 40% of labor cost with its AI Document Processing Solution and AI Insurance Claims Processing Solution. "We strive to make AI an integral part of people's daily lives" states Jeff Lin, VP of Innovation & AI Product Division at TPIsoftware, "SysTalk.Chat has served over 14,000,000 people annually with a market share of over 36% in Taiwan's life insurance industry, making it the market leader." TPIsoftware: Establishing Leadership Through Innovation To complete the conversational service blueprint and maximize the digital workforce capacity requires API-led connectivity between services, and a middle platform featuring API management is the key to facilitating service communication and collaboration. With integration of TPIsoftware's iPaaS Middle Platform DigiFusion, SysTalk.Chat can connect core IT applications and develop nnovative digital services. The ISO 27001 certified DigiFusion acts as a bridge between existing services, which can help enterprises build interconnected service ecosystems and expand their core offerings. By providing integration, agility, scalability, security and more, DigiFusion allows collaboration with external partners and service providers and drives innovation for businesses.



TPIsoftware is experiencing an unprecedented growth in recent years. Following major accomplishments such as being selected by Financial Times as a top 500 Asia-Pacific High-Growth Company of 2022 and 2023 in a row, honored with Taiwan Excellence Awards, and featured in reports of leading research firms like IDC, TPIsoftware has demonstrated "Best in Taiwan" globally for its strong product competence and expert insights. SysTalk.Chat has also driven green transformation for businesses by facilitating human-machine cooperation. "By providing the most efficient AI training to optimize customer services, SysTalk.Chat helps businesses make strides towards sustainability" said Ben Yao, CEO of TPIsoftware, "This recognition highlights the innovative work and dedication of our company, showcasing our product to a wider audience and establishing us as a leader in the field of enterprise software technology."

About TPIsoftware TPIsoftware is the No. 1 digital transformation software company in Taiwan providing proprietary iPaaS middle platform DigiFusion and conversational AI product SysTalk.ai domestically and overseas. TPIsoftware also offers comprehensive software solutions and cloud services with extensive cross-national project experiences. Globally recognized, it is trusted by customers across industries such as BFSI, government, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, healthcare and more. Media Contact: Peggy Tsai

+886-2-2658-0508 #1606

[email protected]

10F-2, No. 335, Ruiguang Road, Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan

Subscribe to Newsletter | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn Bernie Gee

+886-2-2658-0508 #1608

[email protected]

10F-2, No. 335, Ruiguang Road, Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan

Subscribe to Newsletter | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pioneering-industry-standards-with-three-ai-innovations-tpisoftwares-systalkchat-wins-it-matters-awards-301964632.html SOURCE TPIsoftware

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Qabil Ashirov

Unable to come to terms with its defeat in the 44-day war, Armenia insists on arming itself. It is worth noting that prior to the war back in 2020, Russia was the main weapon supplier for the country. Following the war, Armenia's seeking ways towards diversifying its arms foreshadows Armenia's unsoothed rancour and revanchism. Previously, information about the arms deal between Armenia and India was circulated in some media outlets. The arms deal included Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), anti-tank missiles, rockets, and ammunition worth US $250 million to Armenia.

However, France has started to compete with India in arming Hayastan for several months.

It is inevitable that France defends Armenia through an active network formed by the diaspora and lobbyists and supports it in various fields. However, this support has never ended in arming the latter. Obviously, France, crossing the red line, went straight to the table to ink a contract that would change the fate of Armenia and even the region, as many experts think so. Many explain the attitude of France as trying to compensate for losses in Africa. In any case, on October 23, in Paris, the Minister of Defense of Armenia signed an agreement with France regarding the supply of three Ground Master GM200 air detection radars and Mistral surface-to-air missiles.

As regards the technical parameters of these weapons, the military expert Adalat Verdiyev noted that the GM 200 radar station belongs to the tactical class and is used in the air defense forces as a multi-functional rotating radar system in 3D mode. The equipment stationed on the base of a 4-axle truck is placed in a large container and aimed at detecting flying objects at an altitude of 24km at a 70-degree azimuth angle.

This radar station allows for the detection of targets flying at an altitude of 24km at a 70-degree azimuth angle. The GM 200 radar station is equipped with an antenna that rotates 20 times per minute in reconnaissance mode. In battle mode, it is possible to increase the rotation speed if necessary. The Armenian armed forces had similar radar stations during the civil war and used them widely. However, the use of this type of radar station did not allow the air defense troops of Armenia to fully perform their duties, the military expert said.

As for the Mistral rockets, A.Verdiyev told that they belong to the class of portable anti-aircraft rocket complexes. Their firing range varies from 500m to 6 km. He pointed out that these rockets, made in France in the 80s, were later modified several times.

These rockets, which were produced in a fairly large number - about 160 thousand units - were used by many countries in various military operations. But in no case were mistral rockets considered the main weapons against aircraft in military operations. A rocket that fires at least 6 km belongs to the class of short-range weapons. Air targets usually fly at altitudes of about 8 to 10 km. This limits their capabilities against air targets, he said.

The expert underscored that, in any case, the fact that Armenia made such high-level public announcements about the weapons system that Armenia is trying to acquire suggests that Armenia is addressing this issue to its domestic audience. He emphasized that usually, the purchase or sale of weapons is carried out in a somewhat closed and confidential manner.

Normally, when states purchase weapons, they provide such secret information first to the UN arms registry, and when the time comes, they deploy these weapons on the ground. This time, we see the complete opposite. Even after the war, we have repeatedly heard information about Armenia's purchase of weapons from India and France, but today we are observing the first signed document on the real implementation of this information. Armenia's purchase of defensive weapons with such bold statements will, in any case, deal a great blow to ensuring peace and stability in the Caucasus. Against these weapons, Azerbaijan will give a sufficiently coherent and effective response to the hostile steps of France. Of course, if those weapons approach the Azerbaijani border or if they try to use these weapons against Azerbaijani air vehicles, Azerbaijan will take all necessary steps, Adalat Verdiyev concluded.
China's foreign minister has told his Israeli counterpart that Tel Aviv must protect civilians and abide by international law, Beijing said Tuesday.

Wang Yi made the comments in a call on Monday with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the first between them since the start of Israel's brutal war on Gaza.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments, according to the latest toll from the Palestinian health ministry.

In his talks with Cohen, Wang said China was deeply concerned about the "ongoing escalation of the conflict".

"The most pressing task now is to prevent the situation from escalating further and from leading to a more serious humanitarian disaster," Wang said.

Wang had already said on October 14 that Israel's actions had gone "beyond the scope of self defence" and called then for Israel to stop its "collective punishment" of people in Gaza.

On the Israeli occupation of Palestine, China has historically been sympathetic to the Palestinians and backed a two-state solution.

In his talks with Cohen, Wang reiterated Beijing's longstanding position, saying that China "sincerely hopes that the Palestine issue will be resolved in a comprehensive and just manner... and that the legitimate security concerns of all parties will be resolved in a genuine and thorough manner".

Also on Monday, Wang spoke with his Palestinian Authority (PA) counterpart, Riyad al-Maliki, telling him Beijing "deeply expresses its sympathy with the Palestinian side".

The PA, which Maliki represents, was meant to be a first step towards an independent Palestinian state.

But, because of the Israeli actions, it has little authority over the West Bank and none over Gaza.

"What the people of Gaza need most at present is security and food and medicine, not war and weapons and ammunition," Wang told Maliki.

"What the Gaza Strip needs most is efforts to stop the war and promote peace, not geopolitical calculations," he said.

"The Chinese side has always campaigned for a ceasefire and an end to violence, and has called for a return to peace."

China's Middle East envoy Zhai Jun is in the region this week, a visit that Beijing has said is aimed at "cooling down" the war.

Speaking at an Egypt-hosted "summit for peace" on Saturday, Zhai called for an "immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting as quickly as possible".

So far, he has also visited Qatar -- which hosts a Hamas political office -- and the United Arab Emirates.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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[October 23, 2023] NEC APAC recognized as HPE Aruba Networking Edge Solution Partner of the Year for Asia Pacific and Japan Tweet

SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Asia Pacific (NEC APAC), a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies, was announced the winner for the Edge Solution Partner of the Year category at the 2023 HPE Aruba Networking Partner Award for the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region. The HPE Aruba Networking Partner Award celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions within the partner ecosystem, with 14 winners across the region. NEC secured the Edge Solution Partner of the Year award which acknowledges NEC's commitment to innovation, excellence, and the delivery of advanced edge solutions that empower organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Yeo Jack Ming, Vice President, Enterprise Infrastructure Business Unit, NEC APAC, said, "We are honored to receive this recognition from HPE Aruba Networking. This award underscores NEC's dedication to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to navigate challenges in the digital age. NEC's focus n providing transformative technologies aligns seamlessly with HPE Aruba Networking's mission to drive innovation and create value for its customers, and our collaboration has been pivotal in fostering innovation and delivering best-in-class solutions to our valued customers."



"These awards recognise and celebrate the notable accomplishments of our partners, who are constantly pushing boundaries to deliver ever improving experiences. NEC demonstrated their strong technical expertise in HPE Aruba Networking solutions, especially the Edge Services Platform, and we want to give them due credit for that," HPE Aruba Networking APJ channel and services sales leader, Tony Smith, said. NEC is committed to bolstering technological advancements to empower societies. The partnership with technology partners such as HPE Aruba Networking continues to be a key driver in NEC's promise to harness the power of technology to address the evolving needs of businesses in the region.

About NEC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Singapore-based NEC Asia Pacific (NEC APAC) is the regional headquarters for NEC Corporation (HQ: Japan) in Southeast Asia. As a leading information and communications technology provider, NEC APAC provides innovative solutions and infrastructure to promote safety, security and enhance the quality of life for individuals and the community. NEC APAC's expertise includes solutions for carrier networks, biometric identification, enterprise applications and infrastructure, unified communications, transportation solutions, multimedia displays and smart energy, as well as the provision of managed services and contact centre services. Together with our research laboratories, NEC APAC provides cutting-edge public safety, cybersecurity technologies and enterprise solutions to enable safer cities, with a vision to create a brighter future. For more information, please visit https://sg.nec.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nec-apac-recognized-as-hpe-aruba-networking-edge-solution-partner-of-the-year-for-asia-pacific-and-japan-301965170.html SOURCE NEC APAC Pte Ltd

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[October 23, 2023]

Digital Technology Lights up the Asian Games

HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from haiwainet.cn:

The 19th Asian Games opening ceremony was held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on the evening of September 23. The avant-garde practice of digital technology is unprecedented in the history of the Asian Games.

To echo the theme of "green energy", it's the first time to light digital fireworks instead of real ones in Asian Games history. With the support of the naked-eye 3D technology, the audience can enjoy the fireworks from different angles through multiple camera positions.

In a first, a digital torchbearer played a role in ignitingthe Asian Games cauldron. Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee officially launched an online torch-relay activity before and gathered more than 100 million online torchbearers. During the opening ceremony, a digital figure, symbolizing these online torchbearers, traversed the Qiantang River, strode to the stadium, and lit the torch alongside with Chinese Olympic Champion, Wangshun.







The combination of augmented reality(AR) and artificial intelligence(AI) fascinated people. For example, when you open the Alipay and scan the main stage, you can summon the mascots, send your wishes and postcards.

The opening ceremony demonstrated the strength of Hangzhou, the hub of the digital economy, in the combination of virtual and physical worlds, and portrayed an innovative China.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/digital-technology-lights-up-the-asian-games-301965281.html

SOURCE haiwainet.cn
[October 23, 2023] CCTV+: Jianchangbang Pharmacy: A Thousand Years of Tradition and Excellence Tweet

BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a living legacy of Jiangxi's rich culture of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the respected brand, Jianchangbang Pharmacy, carries forward the splendor of Chinese medical wisdom. It is a renowned sect of the South China ancient TCM school and TCM preparation school originating from Nancheng County in Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province. "Jianchangbang" and "Zhangshubang" are collectively known as "Jiangxibang", one of the 13 prestigious medicinal schools in China. It was recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in Jiangxi Province in 2008, exceling in producing ready-for-use TCM and trading medicinal materials.



Jianchangbang Pharmacy is an ancient establishment that emerged in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, thrived in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and reached its pinnacle in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its medicinal techniques have been adopted in more than 40 cities and counties of Jiangxi and Fujian and thus have shaped the medicinal landscape of Taiwan, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. In the medical field, there are sayings that "Zhangshu is the trading hub of medicinal materials, Jianchang is the processing center of the medicinal materials" and "Zhangshu has all the medicinal materials that you need, and Jianchang has all the techniques to make them work".

With the ambition of restoring the splendor of the "Jianchangbang", many people in Nancheng have devoted themselves to the preservation of "Jianchangbang" TCM processing techniques, making it their lifelong pursuit and fulfilling their duty and obligation as TCM practitioners to contribute to building a healthy China. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cctv-jianchangbang-pharmacy-a-thousand-years-of-tradition-and-excellence-301965298.html SOURCE CCTV+

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[October 24, 2023] CUJO AI Future-Proofs Network Security with Thread Visibility, Supports Matter Devices Tweet

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CUJO AI, the leading provider of device intelligence and home network security solutions, today announced that it will offer an additional service on its platform to detect, identify, and secure Internet of Things (IoT) devices that use the Thread mesh network protocol and the Matter fabric. These capabilities further enhance CUJO AI's commitment to providing comprehensive, future-proof device intelligence and network security to consumers and network operators. CUJO AI enhances IoT security with Thread & Matter, elevating NSP customer experiences through device intelligence. Thread, the low-latency wireless mesh protocol for IoT devices, is one of the core technologies behind the growing adoption of Matter, an application-level protocol supported by an international community of over 540 technology companies, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and IKEA. Until now, Thread networks and devices stayed essentially invisible to network service providers (NSPs), limiting the range and granularity of insights into IoT device adoption and security issues. The low-power protocol is supported and promoted by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which has created the Matter standard. Matter simplifies and secures IoT device interoperability across platforms and aims to have a streamlined certification process and reduce IoT manufacturer expenses associated with supporting multiple standards. The standard simplifies the setup and management of IoT devices for onsumers, eliminating the need for numerous applications and other major obstacles to widespread adoption of consumer IoT technology.



IoT devices have many publicly known vulnerabilities, some of which can allow an attacker to penetrate the entire home network and cause a lot of damage. As the growing adoption of Matter is likely to spark a new surge in IoT devices in consumer homes, the visibility of Thread devices can pose significant cybersecurity challenges to network service providers, as vulnerable IoT devices are being targeted by malicious actors, according to the data from the 2023 cybersecurity report by CUJO AI Labs. The addition of Thread and Matter into CUJO AI's advanced device intelligence capabilities offers significant enhancements for network operators even beyond consumer cybersecurity. With CUJO AI Explorer and Lens, operators can achieve industry-leading device identification for Thread and Matter devices, providing valuable insights into technology adoption and its impact on core services. This enables network service providers (NSPs) to predict the increased demand for network connectivity, anticipate the need for automation, and optimize the quality of service. By leveraging CUJO AI's device intelligence, NSPs can make informed decisions, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional connectivity and services to their customers.

"CUJO AI is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge device identification cybersecurity solutions that adapt to the evolving IoT landscape," said Remko Vos, CEO, CUJO AI. "By integrating with Matter and Thread, we are at the forefront of providing our customers with comprehensive protection and valuable insights for a full range of connected devices." With the recent announcement of Matter standard 1.1 and strong support from industry leaders, including Apple, Google, Ikea, and Samsung, Matter-enabled devices are set to become increasingly popular. CUJO AI continues to deliver on its mission to provide advanced device intelligence and network security solutions that meet the evolving needs of the IoT landscape. For more information about CUJO AI's device intelligence and its support for Matter devices, please visit cujo.com/. About CUJO AI CUJO AI boosts the ability to understand, serve and protect their customers with advanced cybersecurity and granular network and device intelligence for network service providers. Deployed in 50 million homes and covering over 2 billion connected devices, CUJO AI's advanced AI algorithms help clients uncover previously unavailable insights to raise the bar on customer experience & retention with new value propositions and superior operational services. Fully compliant with all privacy regulations, CUJO AI services are trusted by the largest broadband operators worldwide, including Comcast, Charter Communications, TELUS, Sky UK, Sky Italia, Rogers, Cox, Shaw, and Videotron. More information is available at https://cujo.com. CONTACT: Viktorija Vilke, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cujo-ai-future-proofs-network-security-with-thread-visibility-supports-matter-devices-301965224.html SOURCE CUJO AI

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[October 24, 2023] B2B Global Trade Financial Technology Platform XTransfer Launched the First "AI Employee" Service in the Foreign Trade Industry Tweet

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- B2B Global Trade Financial Technology Platform, XTransfer, is dedicated to providing foreign trade SMEs with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost global trade payments & fund collection solutions in the past 6 years. Today, XTransfer is thrilled to announce the introduction of the groundbreaking "AI Employee" service, marking a significant milestone for the foreign trade industry. Following the successful launch of the "AI Letter Writer" feature in May this year, XTransfer's cutting-edge foreign trade customer relationship management system, "XTransfer CRM," is now introducing the "AI Employee", leveraging advanced AI technology to revolutionise the foreign trade industry. "AI Employee" will focus on enhancing the intelligent experience of foreign trade enterprises. It aims to optimise customer acquisition and management, empowering businesses to win in the era of artificial intelligence. AI Employee: An around-the-clock "Intelligent Foreign Trade Employee" Customer acquisition serves as the cornerstone of any foreign trade business. In the current industry landscape, the majority of foreign trade professionals dedicate more than 80% of their time solely towards seeking out prospective clients, with automation playing a minor role at less than 10%. This entails an abundance of repetitive tasks, such as searching through Google, Linkedin, and other tools to find potential customer email addresses, followed by screenings and crafting compelling marketing emails while juggling the complexities of time zone differences. This approach proves to be both time-consuming and imprecise for foreign trade professionals. Additionally, as highlighted in the "2021 Foreign Trade Talent Trend Research Report", foreign trade professionals exhibit high mobility owing to their sales-oriented roles, with an average length of employment of fewer than 30 months. Consequently, a committed, long-term foreign trade salesperson equipped with exceptional customer acquisition skillsets becomes the most valuable asset for foreign trade enterprises. The introduction of an "AI Employee" holds tremendous promise in effectively addressing this challenge faced by foreign trade companies. "AI Employee" can be seen as the "Intelligent Foreign Trade Practitioner" working around the clock for foreign trade enterprises. In everyday foreign trade scenarios, "AI Employee" aids these enterprises in accomplishing their tasks with remarkable efficiency. A typical foreign trade enterprise encompasses various roles, such as acquiring new customers, marketing new products to existing customers, managing orders, and managing payment collections etc. Each role entails distinct objectives and skill requirements. The "AI Employee" can cover the roles of customer acquisition and marketing. When the boss of a foreign trade enterprise outlines objectives for the "AI Employee", it can analyse the tasks, devise strategies, and autonomously access the customer relationship management tool, "XTransfer CRM", to execute the objectives. Moreover, as an AI-powered digital intelligence tool integrated into the "XTransfer CRM", the "AI Employee" generates comprehensive summary reports upon completing target tasks, while recording all daily work activities within the system. This enables foreign trade managers to retrieve and review these records at any time. Consequently, the efficiency of expanding business for foreign trade enterprises is significantly enhanced, allowing foreign trade sales staff or individuals running SOHO (small office or home office) foreign trade companies to focus more on converting potential customers. Combine AI with foreign trade to realise value in the depth of the industry According to Mr Lee Wai Tung, Technical Director of XTransfer, the "AI Employee" core capability lies in its ability to autonomously make decisions based on the "Emergence" of large language model with more than 10 billion parameters, which was incapable in previous AI models. "Emergence" is a concept derived from complexity science which describes how a system as a whole possesses capabilities that its individual components do not possess. For exampe, an ant colony exhibits vastly different characteristics in shape and mobility compared to a single ant, and a snowflake exhibits significantly different properties compared to a single molecule of water. In the context of large language models, such as ChatGPT, they excel in microscopic abilities such as "Next Token Prediction", which makes this generation of AI referred to as AIGC (AI Generated Content). However, as the number of parameters of large language models and pre-training data increase, it becomes evident that through "In Context Learning" and "Chain of Thought", we can stimulate the language model's deep logical thinking circuit. This enables the model to surpass simple AIGC and make deductive decisions, which represents a potential path towards AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). "AI Employee" is the realisation of AGI, an advanced academic concept, in the foreign trade industry. XTransfer has been deeply integrating AI into the foreign trade industry, launching targeted AI products and services such as the "AI Letter Writer" in May and the recent introduction of the "AI Employee", with the aim of serving millions of foreign trade enterprises.



The transition from a general large model to an industry-specific large model has gained momentum in the realm of AI development. The large model is applied to deeper of the industry to unlock its true value. By undergoing meticulous training in the operational concepts and methodologies of the foreign trade industry, and leveraging its own AGI capabilities, the large model can genuinely align with the unique circumstances and business needs of each foreign trade enterprise to generate an "AI Employee" that aligns with the customer's desires and fulfils their specific needs, thereby assisting them in overcoming real-world business challenges. This endeavour encompasses not only the foundational capabilities of the large model but also extensive observation, immersion, and summarisation of the foreign trade industry. During the pre-training phase of "AI Employee", the general large language model is equipped with the industry skillsets by incorporating the selected marketing and operational knowledge from the foreign trade industry. Advanced fine-tuning techniques such as "Instruction-Tuning" and "LoRA" (Low-Rank Adaptation of Large Language Models) are employed to identify the most effective fine-tuning methods in practical scenarios, enabling the model to understand the foreign trade landscape comprehensively. Furthermore, when an enterprise hires an "AI Employee", a mere 30 seconds of new employee training is required for the "AI Employee" to gather company information and swiftly adapt to the role. The classic approach to this training involves minimising the collection of company background, business operations, product knowledge, and objectives through a Q&A format. It is then reassembled into a complete context for subsequent "In Context Learning" decision-making in the large model.

AI's utilisation enhances the value of foreign trade SaaS The market offers plenty of SaaS services catering to the foreign trade industry. However, as traditional foreign trade SaaS solutions become increasingly feature-rich, users face the challenge of rising operating costs, particularly for SMEs with limited manpower and time to navigate complex foreign trade software. In such circumstances, having an "AI Employee" with ample learning and decision-making capabilities can help enterprises fully harness the value of foreign trade SaaS. The "AI employee" is equipped with AI decision-making capabilities, while "XTransfer CRM" has restructured the fundamental tools within foreign trade SaaS into "plug-ins" that can be readily identified and accessed by the AI large model. As more tools within foreign trade SaaS are utilised, various combinations of tools emerge in different business scenarios. The fusion of "plug-ins" and AI decision-making capabilities enables the identification of the most suitable tool combinations for each scenario, leading to direct and effective business outcomes. For instance, clients can set specific work goals for the "AI Employee", such as achieving 10 meaningful responses from potential customers within a month. Upon receiving this goal, the "AI Employee" will break it down into weekly objectives and further into a daily work plan using the CoT reasoning process of the large model. In the daily work plan, the "AI Employee" organises the tools to be employed on a particular day, such as social media platforms, independent websites, and EDM (Electronic Direct Mail), along with their respective exposure strategies, then following the plan to execute the tasks systematically. To fulfil the set work plan, the "AI Employee" promptly accesses all the AI-powered digital intelligence tools within "XTransfer CRM" as standardised large model plug-ins, completing daily tasks and providing progress reports to the user. Based on the day's accomplishments, the "AI Employee" will adjust the following day's work plan accordingly, continually pushing towards the achievement of work objectives. Mr. Lee Wai Tung, the Technical Director of XTransfer, remarked, "In the past, excelling in the foreign trade industry was quite challenging, and the industry professionals were scarce. However, the launch of "AI Employee" presents a remarkable opportunity for foreign trade to transition from a "high entry barrier" to a "zero entry barrier" industry. Particularly in customer acquisition, the "AI Employee" can efficiently and accurately carry out preliminary tasks, subsequently relaying in-depth communications from interested customers to our clients, making the "AI Employee" a dependable aide in expanding foreign trade operations. Moreover, as the "AI Employee" undergoes continuous optimisation and iteration, it can complete a greater workload for users and tackle increasingly complex assignments, thus genuinely assisting enterprises in securing more business prospects." About XTransfer B2B Global Trade Financial Technology Platform, XTransfer, a leading trade payment & collection enterprise in China, is dedicated to providing SMEs with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost global trade payments & fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in China's major foreign trade cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. XTransfer has obtained local payment licenses in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 400,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry's leading company in China. By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and built a data-based, automated, Internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on small and medium enterprises. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and small and medium enterprises around the world, allowing small and medium enterprises to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations. XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021, and the company's current valuation exceeds USD$1.3 billion, making it a unicorn. The lead investor is China Merchants Venture, and other global leading strategic investors include eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, Telstra Ventures, MindWorks, Lavender Hill Capital Partners, and D1 Capital Partners LP. For more information: https://hk.xtransfer.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/b2b-global-trade-financial-technology-platform-xtransfer-launched-the-first-ai-employee-service-in-the-foreign-trade-industry-301965544.html SOURCE XTransfer

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[October 24, 2023] Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed Appointed as Chair of Prix Galien UK Committee Tweet

LONDON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Galien Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed as the new Chair of the Prix Galien UK Committee, succeeding Professor Sir Michael Rawlins and Professor Sir Mark Walport. The Prix Galien UK Committee plays a vital role in recognizing and celebrating excellence in scientific innovation within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Professor Sir Munir, a distinguished figure in the field of medicine, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. He is widely recognized for his contributions to pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine and holds the David Weatherall Chair of Medicine at the University of Liverpool and the NHS Chair of Pharmacogenetics. His dedication to advancing medical progress aligns perfectly with the mission of the Galien Foundation. Upon his appointment, Professor Sir Munir stated, "I am honored to take on the role of Chair of the Prix Galien UK Committee. I believe that innovation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies is essential to improving human health, and I am committed to upholding the legacy of this prestigious award." Professor Sir Mark Walport, outgoing Chair, expressed his confidence in the transition, saying, "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Prix Galien UK Committee, and I am delighted to pass the torch to Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed. His passion for scientific innovation and his track record in the field make him an excellent choice for this role." Bruno Cohen, Chairman of the Galien Foundation, commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed as the new Chair of the Prix Galien UK Committee. His leadership will undoubtedly help us continue to recognize and reward outstanding contributions to the advancement of healthcare. " The Galien Foundation looks forward to the continued success of the Prix Galien UK Committee under the leadership of Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed and expresses gratitude to Professor Sir Mark Walport for his valuable contributions. About the Galien UK vents on May 30, 2024:





Galien Forum: Location: Science Museum, London

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Prix Galien UK Awards Ceremony:

Location: Natural History Museum, London

Time: 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm About the Galien Foundation

The Galien Foundation fosters, recognises and rewards excellence in scientific innovation to improve the state of human health. Our vision is to be the catalyst for the development of the next generation of innovative treatments and technologies that will impact the state of medical practice and save lives. The Foundation oversees and directs activities in the UK for the Prix Galien, an international awards program dedicated to progress through innovative medicines development, with chapters in 14 countries, Africa and an inaugural chapter being established in India in 2024. The Prix Galien was created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honour of Galien, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology. Worldwide, the Prix Galien is regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in biopharmaceutical research. For more information, visit www.galienfoundation.org. Follow the Foundation on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/GalienFoundation/

https://twitter.com/GalienFdn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-galien-foundation/ Media Contact (UK):

Julian Tyndale-Biscoe

Finn Partners

[email protected]

+44 20 3217 7060 Media Contact (Global):

Kara Bradley

Finn Partners

[email protected]

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[October 24, 2023] 2nd Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia to showcase latest agri-tech innovations strengthening urban food production and resilience Tweet

SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia's only focused exhibiting platform for agri-food technology, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) returns for its second edition this year from 31 October to 2 November at Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Organised by Constellar with international content partner DLG (the German Agricultural Society), AFTEA is a key participating event of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), hosted by Temasek and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and supported by the Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). With a focus on building capacity, security and resilience in Asia's agri-food system, AFTEA 2023 aims to inspire efficiencies in urban food production through the extensive showcase of agri-tech solutions and technologies by almost 200 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions. This year's edition is 30% bigger in exhibition floor space and will host 75% new exhibitors, including new country pavilions from Australia, Bhutan and Spain, as well as representations from China, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, New Calendonia, Philippines and Tahiti. Alongside rising populations and rising wealth, Asia now accounts for more than 60% of global protein consumption. The Asian consumer appetite for conventional meat and seafood is also projected to increase by 33 per cent by 2030 and 78 per cent by 2050. This puts immense pressure on protein markets in Asia to meet this demand in a sustainable and scalable way while meeting the region's climate goals. To this end, the desire for healthier and sustainable food is estimated to drive 55% of food spending in Asia by 2030, equivalent to USD$2.4 trillion. "Building food resilience and security in Asia is a collective responsibility," said Paul Lee, Chief Executive (Markets), Constellar. "As the region collectively accelerates net zero ambitions, Constellar is proud to drive change in Asia's food production systems through a focused platform like Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia for Asia's agriculture sectors. The Expo plays a pivotal role in catalysing the development of the region's agri-tech ecosystem, by convening key players and decision makers from around the world to explore ideas, solutions and technologies. We hope this continues to spur innovation that strengthens industry capacity and capabilities, as we build a food secure Asia for future generations." Visitors to AFTEA 2023 will have extensive opportunties for networking, learning and knowledge-sharing over the three days.



Highlights at AFTEA 2023 Agri-Food Tech Change Makers Pavilion : Powered by Impact Circle and Innovate 360, in collaboration with Space F, nearly 40 start-ups from Singapore , Indonesia , Malaysia , South Korea and Thailand will gather to pitch their solutions and services to potential partners and investors.

: Powered by Impact Circle and Innovate 360, in collaboration with Space F, nearly 40 start-ups from , , , and will gather to pitch their solutions and services to potential partners and investors. Lim Chu Kang Agri-Food Hub Showcase : Envisioned to be a highly productive, sustainable and resource-efficient agri-food cluster, the exhibition by the Singapore Food Agency at AFTEA 2023 showcases the overview of the vision for Lim Chu Kang (LCK) as Singapore's flagship agri-food production hub of the future. Visitors can get a glimpse of the future of LCK, with the exhibition featuring design ideas for the LCK Concept Master Plan. These includes its potential farming practices and facilities, such as an innovative stacked farm concept which will optimise land use, a district cooling facility to provide cooling needs for farms and reduce energy consumption, and a centralised waste treatment facility to process farm waste collected from the district and reduce the negative impact from the environment.

: Envisioned to be a highly productive, sustainable and resource-efficient agri-food cluster, the exhibition by the Singapore Food Agency at AFTEA 2023 showcases the overview of the vision for (LCK) as flagship agri-food production hub of the future. Visitors can get a glimpse of the future of LCK, with the exhibition featuring design ideas for the LCK Concept Master Plan. These includes its potential farming practices and facilities, such as an innovative stacked farm concept which will optimise land use, a district cooling facility to provide cooling needs for farms and reduce energy consumption, and a centralised waste treatment facility to process farm waste collected from the district and reduce the negative impact from the environment. World's First Cultivated Meat Pavilion: Hosted by the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA), exhibitors Avant Proteins Pte Ltd, Umami Bioworks Pte Ltd, Meatable B.V, Gourmey, DPR Construction Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, JS Biosciences Co Ltd, Vital Meat, and Kosmode Health will showcase their alternative protein production and products.

Hosted by the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA), exhibitors Avant Proteins Pte Ltd, Umami Bioworks Pte Ltd, Meatable B.V, Gourmey, DPR Construction Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, JS Biosciences Co Ltd, Vital Meat, and Kosmode Health will showcase their alternative protein production and products. Living Lab Tech Showcase: Companies Arianetech Pte Ltd and GRAIN International Pte Ltd will be demonstrating how their high tech urban farming systems are capable of growing produce with higher yield.

Companies Arianetech Pte Ltd and GRAIN International Pte Ltd will be demonstrating how their high tech urban farming systems are capable of growing produce with higher yield. Circular Unite Community App: Together with Alibaba Cloud and Circular Unite, AFTEA 2023 will encourage participants to download the app and heighten their awareness on carbon footprint reduction, learn about their environmental impact of their everyday choices and commit to taking actionable steps towards a greener future.

Together with and Circular Unite, AFTEA 2023 will encourage participants to download the app and heighten their awareness on carbon footprint reduction, learn about their environmental impact of their everyday choices and commit to taking actionable steps towards a greener future. Founder's Hub : The Founder's Hub will be focused on supporting start-ups in their journeys by providing them a safe space for them to pitch with exhibitors from the Cultivated Meat Pavilion, Canada and the United Kingdom , learn HR trends from Synovivo Consulting, and also empowered with inspiring stories from successful founders like Shiok Meat, Umami Bioworks, and Blue Aqua. The Founder's Hub will also play host on Day Two to the finalist teams from the Republic Polytechnic -Trendlines Agri-food Incubation Programme, as they pitch their agri-tech solutions to win a coveted 6-month incubation contract with Trendlines AFIC.

: The Founder's Hub will be focused on supporting start-ups in their journeys by providing them a safe space for them to pitch with exhibitors from the Cultivated Meat Pavilion, and the , learn HR trends from Synovivo Consulting, and also empowered with inspiring stories from successful founders like Shiok Meat, Umami Bioworks, and Blue Aqua. The Founder's Hub will also play host on Day Two to the finalist teams from the Republic Polytechnic -Trendlines Agri-food Incubation Programme, as they pitch their agri-tech solutions to win a coveted 6-month incubation contract with Trendlines AFIC. Sandbox: Participants can uncover investment and collaboration opportunities in Bhutan , Canada , Japan , the Netherlands , Singapore and Spain . They will also be able to explore the market potential of novel ingredients with Nutricell Bioscience Molecules Pte. Ltd, ways to achieve sustainable food production with Siemens, as well as discuss approaches to advance careers in Singapore's agrifood and tech sectors with Workforce Singapore (WSG). Other exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions include Aerospring Hydroponics, the Association for Small & Medium Entreprises (ASME), Haskell, GROW, Jah Cultura, Mindsprint, Nanyang Technological University's Singapore Agri-Food Innovation Lab and Food Science & Technology Programme, PRIVA, Republic Polytechnic's Urban Agricultural Centre of Innovation, the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited (SAFEF), Signify Singapore Pte Ltd and Temasek Polytechnic.

To visit AFTEA 2023, register here. Contact the Constellar Communications team: [email protected] About Constellar Constellar connects a global eco-system of event partners and consumers through a holistic portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. As Asia's partner of reference for curating innovative event and venue experiences, Constellar activates impactful networks to bring global markets, businesses and consumers together for sustainable growth. With our expertise and dedication, we are invested in helping you build trusted relationships with stakeholders for the long term and enabling cross-industry collaboration through world-class audience engagement solutions. Visit constellar.co for more information. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/2nd-agri-food-tech-expo-asia-to-showcase-latest-agri-tech-innovations-strengthening-urban-food-production-and-resilience-301965576.html

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[October 24, 2023] UnionBank Shines Anew at The Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2023 in Singapore Tweet

PASIG, Philippines, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) continues to reap the rewards of its digital advocacy as it collected notable recognitions at The Digital Banker's Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards recently held at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. UnionBank was the first Philippine bank to launch an app for SME's and "UPAY for MSMEs" won as the "Best Smart Payments Solution by an SME Bank" for the Bank's sustained growth in active merchants on the platform with its 108% increase in 2022. "UnionBank's TECH UP Pilipinas nation-building advocacy initiative to advance financial accessibility in the country though digital innovations is a commendable" said The Digital Banker in its citation. UnionBank's digital transformation began long before the onset of the global pandemic and continues as its defining roadmap on its Great Retail Bank journey. It has harnessed the power of digital technology to xpedite financial inclusion and cascade the benefits of economic growth for the country.



"This award is a testament to UnionBank's commitment to Tech-up the nation," said Institutional Segment Marketing Head, Dino Velasco IV. In the "People Awards" category, The Digital Banker bestowed the "Best Relationship Manager of the Year" to a UnionBank Senior Relationship Manager & Vice President, for Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage. For "successfully generating a total revenue of PHP 21.5 million (USD 430,000) for the bank" and "consistently building his HNW base, growing it by 11% through strategically engaging with clients, and ensuring their portfolios are informed by current market insights and views", Justin Richmond T Dy was conferred the award.

"This recognition serves as a reminder of the responsibility that we have to uphold the highest standards of excellence and integrity in the world of wealth management." said Justin Dy. Capping off UnionBank's award haul for the night was the "Retail Banker of the Year - Philippines" that was won by Director, Head of Wealth Management and Brokerage, Therese Chan. The Digital Banker recognized Ms. Chan for 'successfully leading the franchise through a period of change, her ability to manage employee concerns, while focusing on the overall client experience, that were critical in driving client engagements, allowed the Bank to retain its base, while securing record growth of 65% of new-to-bank HNW clients in Q4 2022, Therese's, pro-active step of shifting sales scorecards to shift to client consent led initiatives over a three month period was essential in sustaining business momentum." "I want to extend the award win to the Consumer Wealth team of UnionBank, for taking care of both Citi PH HNW clients and now the larger HNW team." said Therese Chan upon accepting the award. The Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards (GRB Awards) are the pinnacle of excellence and exist to recognize the world's leading banks that are pioneering product and service innovation. These institutional and people awards awards highlight the UnionBank's critical role in shaping the banking industry's future. The consistent recognitions from prestigious local and regional award giving bodies exemplifies its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in providing world-class banking solutions to its valued customers. On its journey to become a Great Retail Bank, UnionBank is determined to be an enabler of the Philippines' bid to be a G20 country by 2050. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/unionbank-shines-anew-at-the-global-retail-banking-innovation-awards-2023-in-singapore-301965663.html SOURCE Union Bank of the Philippines

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[October 24, 2023] Bringing the PUBGM experience from virtual to reality: Mountain Dew's Dew Challenge returns in collaboration with mobile gaming giant, PUBG Tweet

This year's Dew Challenge pushes boundaries once again by bridging virtual and reality bringing an immersive and unique experience to the youth, at the same time promoting vibrant, active lifestyles. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In yet another ground-breaking collaboration with PUBG, this year's Dew Challenge goes national, merging the best of both worlds; virtual and reality, in one of the largest scale PUBG themed paintball tournament, bringing all the elements players know and love in-game to real life. Aimed at catching the hearts of sporty, adventurous youths and aspiring PUBG players, everyone can expect an immersive gaming experience packed with new and fresh ideas. Starting 1st October, interested participants can purchase a 400ml bottle of Mountain Dew, head to the Dew Challenge website at dewchallenge.com and key in the unique code located under the bottle cap to complete their registration and redeem prizes, including but not limited to UC Coins, in-game items, merchandise, and partner vouchers. Each bottle redemption gives out a random number of Dew Coins which contribute to the regional live leader board rankings. The top players from each leader board are given priority to join the exciting and engaging, adrenaline-packed round of regionals spanning 4 regions across Malaysia: North, South, Central, and East Malaysia this November. The launch will be accompanied by a treasure hunt, drawing inspiration from in-game mechanics. Just like how players parachute onto their desired drop zones on a map, the treasure hunt will begin with participants choosing the region where their journey begins. Likewise, just as players scavenge for weapons, armour and supplies from a loot box at the beginning of a game, participants will scavenge for loot boxes that lead to extra leader board points and more before the tournament. The loot boxes are replenished daily and/or in different time intervals throughout the day at parner outlets such as MBO Cinemas, Morac Go Kart, Chicago Chicken City, Taco Bell and Dominos across the country. Participants will receive notifications from the Dew Challenge website on loot box location sightings, where they can scan the QR code on the virtual loot boxes and redeem prizes to bolster their leader board standings.



For those in Klang Valley, a special Dew Challenge roving truck will be bringing the excitement to you at various locations including universities, partner outlets, night markets, commercial shopping spots and more. To redeem exclusive merchandise and sampling products, visitors can take part in a number of PUBG inspired activities including, a special Mountain Dew x PUBG vending machine, an immersive shooting gallery and the gaming jam session, where further prizes are up for grabs. Additionally, as the official mobile sponsor for this year's Dew Challenge, HONOR Malaysia will be sponsoring 110 amazing prizes for participants, making this the first brand collaboration for the new release.

Speaking on the collaboration, Etika's Vice President of Marketing, Amy Gan, said, "We are especially excited for this instalment of the Dew Challenge. It truly is representative of Mountain Dew's commitment to our consumers who seek to live life authentically. With the pandemic chapter closed, we can now bring the virtual to reality in a one-of-a-kind experience for Malaysians who are ready to break out of the norm and try something new. We want people to push their boundaries and live their best, most vibrant lives." She added, "It's the first time a brand has done something of this scale and it is only possible because we have such an amazing team and partners, especially PUBG, who share our vision and believe in this idea as much as we do. We would like to encourage everyone to join, gamer or not, and be a part of this historic journey with us." The registration period, treasure hunt and roving truck will run throughout 1st  31st October, followed by regionals taking place in November and the Grand Finale in December with more details to come. For more information, head on over to the Dew Challenge website (dewchallenge.com) and Mountain Dew Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MountainDewMalaysia). About Mountain Dew Mountain Dew is one of the leading flavoured carbonated soft drink brands of PepsiCo. With its one-of-a-kind citrus taste, Mountain Dew exhilarates and quenches with every sip. In addition to original Mountain Dew, the Mountain Dew range also includes Mountain Dew Pitch Black & Mountain Dew Blue Shock. For more information on Mountain Dew and their product offerings, visit www.etikaholdings.com and their official social media channels on Facebook. About Etika One of Malaysia's leading drink distributors, Etika Sdn Bhd is the official bottler for PepsiCo in Malaysia. Etika Sdn Bhd markets and distributes some of PepsiCo's global brands such as Pepsi, Tropicana, Mountain Dew, Revive Isotonic, Mirinda, 7UP, Lipton Ice Tea, MUG, Gatorade, Sting and Evervess, as well as Kickapoo (a Monarch trademark) and its own range of products which include WONDA Coffee, Goodday Milk, Calpis, Dairy Champ, Hijrah, Chill Asian Drinks and Bleu. About HONOR HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR's portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bringing-the-pubgm-experience-from-virtual-to-reality-mountain-dews-dew-challenge-returns-in-collaboration-with-mobile-gaming-giant-pubg-301965668.html SOURCE Mountain Dew

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[October 24, 2023] ACP Makes a Motion into Legal Services with Acquisition of Counsel Press Tweet

Align Capital Partners ("ACP") is pleased to announce its acquisition of Counsel Press, Inc. ("Counsel Press" or "the Company") from Gladstone Investment Corporation ("Gladstone"). Headquartered in New York, Counsel Press is a national, tech-enabled legal process outsourcing provider focused on appellate services. The acquisition of Counsel Press represents an attractive opportunity for ACP to partner with the Company's existing management team and support key growth initiatives with the shared vision of building a diversified legal services platform. Founded in 1938, Counsel Press supports attorneys and clients pursuing appeals in courts across all 50 states. The Company helps law firms navigate all portions of the appellate filing process including Court Rules and Document Preparation, Litigation Workflow and Legal Research and Writing. Counsel Press prepares and files over 8,000 appeals annually while working with over 2,900 law firms (including 98 of the Am Law 100). The Company's CEO, Scott Thompson, commented, "As Counsel Press looks toward future expansion and evolution, we are thrilled to partner with the ACP team to help accelerate growth. Counsel Press is confident that our consultative approach, subject matter expertise and years of experience provides us with a great foundation to support legal proceedings on a large scale."



"Since we first met the team at Counsel Press, we've been impressed by the Company's market expertise, operational excellence and collaborative culture. Counsel Press helps its clients navigate a complicated segment of our legal system by pairing talented industry professionals with unique client-facing technology," said ACP Partner Matt Iodice. "As the industry becomes increasingly complex, ACP believes that it is well equipped to help Counsel Press pursue add-on growth initiatives and also support the continued evaluation of the Company's operating resources." Together, Counsel Press and ACP will pursue continued M&A in the core appellate market, while also looking to expand services offered to its broad customer base across the Am Law 100. Managing Partner Rob Langley, Operating Partner Joe Eazor, Vice President Matt Bowen and Senior Associate Vijay Senthilkumar worked alongside Mr. Iodice on the transaction. Counsel Press was advised on the transaction by JEGI CLARITY, while ACP was advised by McGuire Woods.

About Counsel Press Counsel Press is the largest and only nationwide provider of appellate services in the United States. The Company offers an expansive suite of best-in-class legal services. Counsel Press assists attorneys with expert assistance in preparing, filing and serving appeals in state or federal appellate courts. Counsel Press' operations include fully staffed offices in 12 locations nationwide and production centers in 6 locations from coast to coast. For more information, visit counselpress.com. About Align Capital Partners Align Capital Partners is a growth-oriented private equity firm that partners with business owners and management teams to create shared success. ACP manages $1.5 billion in committed capital with investment teams in Cleveland and Dallas. ACP brings experience and resources to help lower-middle market companies accelerate their growth, to the benefit of management, employees and the firm's investors. ACP makes control investments in differentiated companies within the business services, technology, specialty manufacturing and distribution sectors. For more information, visit aligncp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023549862/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Moloco Honored by Goldman Sachs for Entrepreneurship Tweet

Moloco, a leader in operational machine learning (ML) and performance advertising, announced today that Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is recognizing Co-Founder and CEO, Ikkjin Ahn, as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2023 at its Builders and Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California. Goldman Sachs selected Ikkjin Ahn from multiple industries to be honored at the two-day event. With software and monetization experience at YouTube and Google, Ahn co-founded Moloco in 2013 to empower businesses of all sizes to grow through operational machine learning. As CEO, Ahn sets the strategy and vision for the company. Ahn has led the company through significant revenue growth, global expansion, and exceptional talent acquisition. Under his leadership, Moloco has grown revenue by more than 5X from 2020 to 2022 and has been profitable for 13 consecutive quarters. "I'm thrilled to be named by Goldman Sachs as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2023," said Ahn. "This award is an honor and a direct reflection of the team's success to date, empowering businesses of all sizes to grow through operational machine learning. I'm grateful for the opportunity to provide companies with access to advanced machine learning technology that rivals the scale and power of the big tech platforms. I'm excited to build upon the remarkable achievements we have made at Moloco over the last ten years, particularly as we continue to expand into new areas such as retail media and monetization opportunities for streaming media." "We're delighted to recognize Ikkjin as one of the most exceptional entrepreneurs of 2023," said David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. "Like everyone in this year's class, Ikkjin has been a visionary in his field, pushing forward innovation and redefining markets. We are excited to harness Goldman's convening power to bring together these dynami leaders and hear their insights."



Earlier this year, Moloco welcomed several new investors into its cap table, including Fidelity Management & Research Company; Singapore-based global investor, EDBI; GPI Capital; and Neuberger Berman who have become Moloco shareholders via secondary stock transactions. These new investments bring Moloco's valuation to more than $2.0B. Moloco continues to see rapid growth across its portfolio of software solutions powered by machine learning, including:

Demand Side Platform: Moloco's Demand Side Platform is used by more than a thousand global performance advertisers to purchase media on more than 2 million apps using an automated system powered by machine learning and optimized for outcomes.

Moloco's Demand Side Platform is used by more than a thousand global performance advertisers to purchase media on more than 2 million apps using an automated system powered by machine learning and optimized for outcomes. Retail Media Platform (RMP): Moloco's Retail Media Platform enables online marketplaces and retailers to build their own ML-powered advertising business using Moloco's advanced ML infrastructure and proprietary models.

Moloco's Retail Media Platform enables online marketplaces and retailers to build their own ML-powered advertising business using Moloco's advanced ML infrastructure and proprietary models. Streaming Media Monetization Solution: Moloco's solution for streaming media and OTT enables media owners to offer both brand and performance ads, expanding their total market opportunity, and increasing ads revenue, through ML. In addition to honoring the most exceptional entrepreneurs, the Summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars. Moloco executives plan to attend the upcoming Goldman Sachs Private Innovative Company Conference (GS PICC) in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 14-16, 2023. About Moloco: Moloco's mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to grow through operational machine learning. With Moloco's machine learning platform for growth and performance, every app publisher and e-commerce marketplace can now unlock the value of their unique, first-party data. Moloco Cloud DSP enables performance marketers to quickly scale user acquisition and achieve greater lifetime value through market-validated prediction models. Moloco Retail Media Platform enables commerce platforms to establish their own performance ads business. Moloco Monetization for Streaming and OTT enables streaming media companies to build a scalable and profitable ad business that delivers results for advertisers. Moloco was founded in 2013 by a team of machine learning engineers and has offices throughout the US, the UK, Germany, Korea, China, India, Japan, and Singapore. About Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024784260/en/

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[October 24, 2023] ACT Delivers Critical Thermal Management System for NASA VIPER Mission Tweet

LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT), a leading provider of innovative thermal management solutions, is proud to announce the successful completion and delivery of the Thermal Management System (TMS) designed for NASA's VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission. This significant achievement marks the culmination of a multi-year development that began at the concept stage and culminated in the delivery of essential flight hardware, solidifying ACT's commitment to advancing space exploration. ACT's team embarked on the ambitious journey to help NASA's VIPER "Survive Lunar Night" ACT's team embarked on the ambitious journey to help NASA's VIPER "Survive Lunar Night", which includes extended dark periods where temperatures drop to liquid nitrogen levels. Through intensive engineering efforts and qualification regimens, ACT completed the program and has shipped this one-of-a-kind TMS to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for final integration into the VIPER flight vehicle. The heart of the TMS is comprised of four Loop Heat Pipes (LHPs) and four radiators. The LHPs within the TMS have been engineered to remove excess heat generated by the rover's science instruments and avionics during its lunar exploration. These innovative heat pipes act as the circulatory system of thethermal control mechanism, efficiently transporting heat away from critical components. The heat is then rejected into the unforgiving lunar environment through the four radiators, preventing overheating and ensuring the rover's longevity.



One of the TMS's standout features is the integration of ACT's exclusive, passive thermal control valves on each LHP. These valves allow for precise heat management by temporarily turning off heat rejection. This unique capability enables the science instruments and avionics to remain warm and functional during the frigid lunar shadow periods, a critical factor in the rover's ability to survive and accomplish the mission. Additionally, cross-linking Constant Conductance Heat Pipes (CCHPs) were designed and built to provide redundancy and additional thermal transport. While CCHPs are widely used in the space community, these were specifically designed to take advantage of the partial gravity assist found on the Moon, allowing both high heat transport and the ability to manage vibration as they link two discrete surfaces of the rover together. Throughout the development process, ACT maintained a close and collaborative working relationship with NASA engineers. This partnership was instrumental in ensuring that the Thermal Management System met NASA's stringent requirements and specifications. ACT's commitment to excellence and dedication to delivering reliable hardware further solidify its reputation as a trusted partner in the space exploration community.

Bryan Muzyka, VP of Sales and Marketing, expressed his excitement about this milestone, saying, "The successful development and delivery of the Thermal Management System for the NASA VIPER mission, exemplifies ACT's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of thermal management technology in support of space exploration. We are honored to have worked with NASA on this mission and are extremely proud of the large team that worked on this program. We look forward to witnessing VIPER's groundbreaking discoveries on the lunar surface." The delivery of the Thermal Management System is a testament to ACT's innovation, dedication, and expertise in the field of thermal management. As space exploration endeavors continue to evolve, ACT will remain at the forefront, providing cutting-edge solutions to meet the unique challenges of the cosmos. For more information about Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc., and its contributions to space exploration, visit https://www.1-act.com/industries/space/. About Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT): Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is a leading provider of thermal management solutions for a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, electronics, and energy. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, ACT has a proven track record of delivering state-of-the-art thermal management systems to meet the most demanding requirements. ACT's contributions to space exploration and other critical industries continue to drive technological advancements and shape the future. Media Contact: Megan Ulrich, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/act-delivers-critical-thermal-management-system-for-nasa-viper-mission-301965258.html SOURCE Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.

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[October 24, 2023] MeMed awarded US BARDA contract to demonstrate clinical utility of the FDA-cleared MeMed BV test for distinguishing bacterial from viral infections Tweet

Contract awarded under the BARDA DRIVe (Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures) initiative to harness a patient's systemic response to inform on health threats and clinical impact TIRAT CARMEL, Israel; BOSTON, MA  24 October, 2023  MeMed, a leader in host response technologies, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract valued at $727,799 by the Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The contract will support the execution of a randomized controlled trial designed to build on existing clinical utility data demonstrating that MeMed BV can improve patient outcomes. The FDA-cleared MeMed BV test is a pioneering host response-based diagnostic tool. Within just 15 minutes, it accurately distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections across multiple healthcare settings, supporting appropriate antibiotic use and thereby helping to combat antibiotic resistance - one of the biggest threats to global health. Eran Eden, CEO of MeMed, said: "We are committed to generating the highest level of clinical utility evidence to establish the impact of MeMed BV on improving patient outcomes. We are delighted to have BARDA as a partner in this endeavour. Together with the cumulating real-world data from sites using MeMed BV today, the trial results will contribute to makin MeMed BV the standard of care.



Were hugely grateful to BARDA for its recognition of the value that host-based diagnostics bring to clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes alongside bolstering the nations response to national health emergencies. This contract follows U.S. Department of Defense funding that supported development of MeMed Key, a platform to rapidly measure MeMed BV that will be employed in the trial, commented Tanya Gottlieb, VP Scientific Affairs at MeMed. This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under contract number 75A50123C0004.

About MeMed At MeMed , our mission is to translate the immune systems complex signals into simple insights that transform the way diseases are diagnosed and treated, profoundly benefiting patients and society. By leveraging expertise in host-response profiling and machine-learning algorithms, MeMed is creating a portfolio of tests that address tough clinical dilemmas. Follow and connect with MeMed via LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook . MeMed Contacts: Tanya Gottlieb, VP Scientific Affairs, MeMed

[email protected] Media relations contact: ICR Consilium [email protected]



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[October 24, 2023] Generative AI could increase organizations' vulnerability to cyberattacks, KPMG poll finds Tweet

Canadian organizations vulnerable to cyberattacks look to generative AI for help, but see it as a double-edged sword that could embolden criminals TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Barely half (56 per cent) of Canadian CEOs believe their companies are prepared for a cyberattack today, with more than nine in 10 (93 per cent) worried that the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) will make them even more vulnerable to breaches, finds KPMG International's latest CEO Outlook. The results mirror findings of KPMG in Canada's Private Enterprise Business Survey, which found 81 per cent of small- and medium-sized business (SMB) respondents agree that generative AI is a "double-edged sword" that could help their organization better detect and respond to cyber threats while simultaneously increasing the number of cyberattacks by providing new attack methods for criminals. "Generative AI can help organizations bolster their security posture and gain efficiencies while doing so. However, the reality is cybercriminals will increase the use of generative AI in their attack strategies as well, and they can be much faster at adopting the technology than large organizations are. What that means is we're likely to see more generative AI-enabled attacks particularly through social engineering, where deepfakes can be deployed to fool employees into compromising company data, and bypassing traditional access methods" says Hartaj Nijjar, partner and national leader of KPMG in Canada's cybersecurity practice. "It can be difficult for organizations to predict exactly how generative AI will impact their cybersecurity posture, so the best way to protect against the unknown is to establish robust defenses that include investment in cybersecurity technology and programs and enforce rigorous staff training. Organizations with strong cybersecurity fundamentals in place will be better equipped to deal with the unknown risks of evolving technologies like generative AI," adds Mr. Nijjar. More than one-third of Canadian CEOs who said their organizations are underprepared for a cyberattack say the primary cause is outdated technology systems or infrastructure, followed by increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and a lack of investment in cyber defences. Less than five per cent said their organization is "very well prepared" for a cyberattack. While some CEOs see generative AI playing a role in improving their cybersecurity programs, that role appears to be minor, with risks clearly outweighing benefits, according to respondents. Only eight per cent of CEOs cited improved cyberattack response capabilities as a benefit of implementing generative AI at their organizations. By contrast, one-quarter of CEOs said compliance and security issues  such as AI-armed adversaries  pose a challenge to implementing the technology, with 68 per cent of small- and medium-sized enterprises agreeing. CEO Outlook highlights: 93 per cent of Canadian CEOs are worried generative AI might enable additional cyberattacks ( 82 per cent globally)

of Canadian CEOs are worried generative AI might enable additional cyberattacks ( globally) 56 per cent said they are prepared for a cyberattack ( 53 per cent globally), unchanged from last year. 52 per cent said they are "well prepared" and 4 per cent said they are "very well prepared" ( 45 per cent and 8 per cent globally, respectively)

( globally), unchanged from last year. Why Canadian CEOs feel underprepared for cyberattacks: 38 per cent cited vulnerable or legacy systems or infrastructure ( 20 per cent globally)

cited vulnerable or legacy systems or infrastructure ( globally) 25 per cent cited increasing cyber threat and attack sophistication ( 34 per cent globally)

cited increasing cyber threat and attack sophistication ( globally) 19 per cent said lack of investment in cyber defences ( 15 per cent globally)

said lack of investment in cyber defences ( globally) 13 per cent said shortage of skilled personnel ( 24 per cent globally)

said shortage of skilled personnel ( globally) 6 per cent said cybersecurity is not regarded as a business priority (7 per cent globally)



SMBs more prepared for cyberattacks By contrast, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) surveyed by KPMG in Canada reported a higher level of preparedness for cyberattacks than large companies, with 88 per cent of SMBs saying their company is well-prepared to defend against a cyberattack, up from 73 per cent last year. That's despite the fact that more respondents (63 per cent) said they've been attacked by cybercriminals this year than last year (56 per cent).

While there are various types of cyberattacks (phishing, malware, denial of service or deployment malicious code, for example), ransomware is particularly problematic for SMBs. Six in 10 companies said their company paid a ransom to cybercriminals in the last three years, and 59 per cent said their company doesn't have a plan to address a potential ransomware attack (up from 32 per cent last year). A ransomware attack is when a criminal steals an organization's data and keeps it hostage until a fee is paid. "Paying a ransom to cybercriminals is a costly expense that companies generally don't plan for  especially smaller and medium-sized enterprises with fewer resources and limited budgets. But unfortunately, many SMBs are choosing to pay cybercriminals because ransomware attacks can paralyze or even shut down their operations, and many simply can't afford that," says Robert Moerman, a partner in KPMG's cybersecurity practice who leads managed security services. "Paying a criminal will likely cost an organization more than it would to establish effective cybersecurity defenses to deter that criminal in the first place. Planned investments in cybersecurity reduce the likelihood and cost of a cyber incident, and cyber insurance can help address the residual risk. For smaller organizations that might not have the capacity or expertise to implement robust cybersecurity programs, external service providers can fill that gap as well," adds Mr. Moerman. KPMG Private Enterprise Business Survey highlights 88 per cent of small- and medium-sized businesses surveyed by KPMG in Canada said their company is well-prepared to defend against a cyberattack (up from 73 per cent last year). 41 per cent "agree strongly" and 47 per cent "agree somewhat"

of small- and medium-sized businesses surveyed by KPMG in said their company is well-prepared to defend against a cyberattack (up from last year). Why SMBs feel underprepared for cyberattacks: 71 per cent say their legacy systems or infrastructure (i.e., information and/or operational technology) make their company vulnerable to cyberattacks

say their legacy systems or infrastructure (i.e., information and/or operational technology) make their company vulnerable to cyberattacks 66 per cent say their company doesn't have the skilled personnel to implement cybersecurity or monitor for attacks

say their company doesn't have the skilled personnel to implement cybersecurity or monitor for attacks 64 per cent said their company lacks the financial resources to invest in cyber defences

said their company lacks the financial resources to invest in cyber defences 62 per cent say cybersecurity is not regarded as a business priority Generative AI and cybersecurity Like their larger counterparts, small and medium enterprises cite aging or legacy technology systems as their biggest vulnerability to cyberattacks, followed by a lack of financial resources and skilled cybersecurity professionals. Despite these challenges, 80 per cent of SMBs said they are considering using AI to bolster their cybersecurity defenses and feel they have a good understanding of the risks associated with it and how to manage it. Nisal Samarakkody, a partner in KPMG's cybersecurity practice who specializes in the use of artificial intelligence to tackle cybercrime, says organizations looking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses with generative AI need to first assess which areas of their cyber controls can be augmented to maximize efficiency and security. "Successful implementation and enablement of AI capabilities  including generative AI  is a journey that starts with optimizing existing cybersecurity controls, understanding gaps, readiness, and investing in emerging capabilities in line with the evolving cybersecurity landscape and organizational boundaries. Without that, organizations may not be able to leverage generative AI to its full potential, and they risk falling behind their peers and being vulnerable to complex threats," he says. For more insights on generative AI and cybersecurity, see Securing the Transformation Journey by Stephanie Terrill, Business Unit Leader for Management Consulting and Thomas Davies, National Cyber Transformation Leader & National Risk Consulting Managed Services Leader at KPMG in Canada About the KPMG CEO Outlook

The ninth edition of the KPMG CEO Outlook, conducted with 1,325 CEOs between August 15 and Sept. 15, 2023, provides unique insights into the mindset, strategies, and planning tactics of CEOs. All respondents have more than US$500 million in annual revenue and a third of the companies surveyed have more than US$10 billion in annual revenue. The survey by KPMG International included CEOs from 11 key markets (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.) and 11 key industry sectors (automotive, consumer and retail, energy, financial services, infrastructure, life sciences, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications). NOTE: Some figures may not add up to 100 per cent due to rounding. About the KPMG Private Enterprise Business Survey

KPMG in Canada surveyed business owners or executive level C-suite decision makers at 700 small-and-medium-sized Canadian companies between August 30 and Sept. 25, 2023, using Sago's premier business research panel. A quarter of the companies surveyed have more than C$500 million and less than C$1 billion in annual revenue, a quarter have more than C$300 million and less than $500 million in annual revenue, 23 per cent have between C$100 million and C$300 million in annual revenue, and 26 per cent have between C$10 million and C$50 million in annual revenue. No companies were surveyed under C$10 million. About KPMG in Canada

KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our? core values ?of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is? consistently ?ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see? kpmg.com/ca SOURCE KPMG LLP

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[October 24, 2023] TerraPay and Nequi partner to transform remittances in Colombia Tweet

Using TerraPay's digital payment infrastructure, Nequi's 17.5 million users will be able to receive remittances from relatives and friends in over 200 countries

Nequi customers will have access to easy-to-use financial app with reduced waiting times and no fees for the beneficiary

Partnership reflects companies' shared values of empowering people to better manage their money and financial inclusion MEDELLIN, Colombia, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ -- TerraPay, a leading global cross-border payments network, and Nequi by Bancolombia ("Nequi"), a digital financial platform with customers in Colombia , today announce a landmark partnership designed to transform remittances for Nequi's 17.5 million customers. Announced at Money20/20 USA, this partnership will open the ability for Colombians to receive remittances from their relatives and friends in more than 200 countries using only one connection. Underpinned by TerraPay's payments technology, Nequi users will have access to an easy-to-use financial app, without long queues, long waiting times, secure experience and without any additional fees for the beneficiary. The partnership brings together the shared values of both companies, helping people manage their money efficiently and achieve their financial goals while also paving the way for financial inclusion. Nequi's financial expertise along with TerraPay's digital payment solutions will ensure more people can gain better access to financial products and services and greater autonomy over their money. Using the Nequi app, users will have immediate access to manage the remittances they receive. Ambar Sur, CEO and Co-Founder at TerraPay, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Nequi who share a desire to guarantee that Colombians can receive remittances from family and friends across the world in an easy, secure way. We both understand the needto improve the experience every person has with accessing their money and making transactions. Our aim will be to ensure users of the Nequi app have affordable access to traditional cross border payments or remittances channels for many years to come and feel financially empowered.



"As the only payments network to have 29 licenses and regulatory approvals globally, along with real-time transaction and risk monitoring capabilities, our ambition is to continue expanding our world-class remittance services" he added. Maria del Pilar Correa, CPO of Nequi, said, "This partnership will allow us to transform the way we deliver remittances and further empower Colombians to better manage their money and save for a brighter future. After receiving their remittance in Nequi, users can use the app to send money to other people, make digital and physical payments, organise their finances, save, and much more.

TerraPay shares our vision to pave the way for financial inclusion and that is evidenced in the work they have done in recent years globally. We look forward to work with TerraPay to bring our advanced financial services to millions of people in Colombia ." About TerraPay TerraPay simplifies the movement of money everywhere  providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 29 global markets and enabling payments to 120+ receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses  ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces  while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore, Bangalore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa. About Nequi Nequi is a digital financial platform with more than 17 million users in Colombia and Panama, with 12 million active users per month. Our purpose is improving people's relationship with their money, empowering them to achieve their financial goals. Through the app, people can use their money in their daily life, and have the possibility to send, pay, organize and save their money, in an easy, fast and safe way. Being a regional brand, Nequi has in-depth knowledge of its clients, which allows it to offer accurate, effective and contextual solutions. Therefore, we have core free services that allow the user to send, withdraw, request, pay and manage their money. Also, other financial products such as loans and Nequi debit card. We added recently non-financial products and services, aiming to solve 'real' needs of people and integrate seamlessly into user's daily lives, with strong and efficient integration capabilities with third parties, such as insurances, airplane and bus tickets. Contact:

Juveria Samrin

juveria.n@terrapay.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terrapay-and-nequi-partner-to-transform-remittances-in-colombia-301965776.html SOURCE TerraPay

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[October 24, 2023] NeuroTherapia Presents Clinical Data from Phase 1b Clinical Trial of NTRX-07 for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Tweet

Overall positive safety profile supports advancement into Phase 2 clinical study

Levels of NTRX-07 detected in the plasma correlate with levels expected to drive efficacy based on preclinical studies Measures of cognitive function suggest a trend toward improvement in Alzheimers disease patients treated with NTRX-07 CLEVELAND, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeuroTherapia, Inc., a clinical-stage, privately held biotechnology company developing oral, small molecule drugs to address neuroinflammatory conditions of the central nervous system (CNS), today announced the presentation of clinical data from its Phase 1b clinical trial of NTRX-07, an oral, small molecule CB2-targeting therapy in development for the treatment of Alzheimers disease (AD), in healthy volunteers and a subset of patients with mild cognitive impairment or early AD, at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimers Disease (CTAD) conference, taking place in Boston, Mass., Oct. 24-27, 2023. Data from the study demonstrated a favorable safety profile at all dose ranges, a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile consistent with preclinical studies and in line with levels expected to drive clinical activity, and a trend toward cognitive improvement in the AD patients that were treated with NTRX-07. "We are very encouraged by the strong safety profile observed in this study and by the levels of NTRX-07 we observed in the plasma of the participants and patients in the study. The early signs of clinical activity we observed in the AD patients included in the study were even more encouraging. Of particular interest was the finding that NTRX-07 treatment partially reversed some of the qEEG changes, an accepted measure of cognitive function, that are associated with AD, " said Tony Giordano, Ph.D., President and CEO of NeuroTherapia. "We look forward to advancing NTRX-07 into a Phase 2 study where we can further evaluate clinical activity in patients in the hopes of bringing a novel therapy forward that has the potential to work synergistically with approved antibody treatments." Summary of study results:/p> 32 participants, including one cohort of 8 patients with early-stage AD, received NTRX-07 or a placebo for seven days in a double-blind, randomized clinical study.

The safety profile of NTRX-07 supports further clinical development, with no dose-limiting or serious adverse events observed during the trial. Across all dose levels (10mg, 30mg, or 90 mg), adverse events were mild and transient, and no participants discontinued treatment, with the exception of one who withdrew for personal reasons.

PK demonstrated that levels of NTRX-07 in the plasma were within the target ranges expected to drive efficacy based on the preclinical data.

Several cognitive function measures were evaluated within the cohort of AD patients. While the trial was not powered to detect a significant change in cognitive scores, an interesting trend toward improvement was observed in AD participants using the Alzheimers Disease Assessment Scalecognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) test. Of 6 treated patients tested with ADAS-Cog, all 6 showed a reduction in the number of errors following treatment, with 3 having clinically meaningful improvements (3-4 point score reduction). In contrast, neither of the non-treated AD patients showed an improvement. A post-hoc analysis was carried out on electroencephalogram (EEG) data collected for safety analysis, which showed that following treatment with NTRX-07, patients evaluated with quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) demonstrated a partial reversal of the lowering of mean frequency known to exist in AD patients.



About NTRX-07

NTRX-07 is an orally available small molecule that targets a key receptor on activated microglia, specialized cells that play an important role in regulating immune system activity in the CNS. The drug reduces inflammation and improves the brain's ability to form new connections, leading to improved learning and memory. Inflammation in the brain is increasingly recognized as an important factor in many neurological diseases, and NTRX-07 provides a new approach for the treatment of these challenging conditions. NeuroTherapia is initially developing this product for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

About NeuroTherapia

NeuroTherapia is a clinical-stage, privately held biotechnology company developing oral, small-molecule drugs to address neuroinflammatory conditions of the central nervous system (CNS), including Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other CNS conditions. There is an emerging consensus that neuroinflammation plays a significant role in CNS disease. NeuroTherapia is developing therapeutics that inhibit microglia cells, which are known to express proteins that drive inflammation in the CNS, without affecting the clearance of toxic beta amyloid. We believe this approach will result in improved neuronal function and survival. At NeuroTherapia, our mission is to change the course of the most debilitating and deadly CNS diseases that patients and their families face today. For more information, please visit www.neurotherapia.com. Media Contact:

Cory Tromblee, Scient PR

[email protected]



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[October 24, 2023] Industrial Safety Trainers Partners with Mentor Safety, Expanding Geographic Reach Tweet

SafetyCo Partners ("SafetyCo") announced an investment in, and strategic alliance with, Mentor Safety Consulting, Inc. ("Mentor Safety") through its partner affiliate, Industrial Safety Trainers ("IST") today, adding to its growing portfolio of companies. The occupational health and safety platform offers an integrated suite of safety services under one umbrella, modernizing a fragmented industry to better serve its industrial, infrastructure, construction, and education sector clients. London, Ontario-based Mentor Safety will integrate its operations with SafetyCo company, IST, benefiting from increased resources and back-end support as well as expanded geographic reach. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024130134/en/ "We are excited to partner with Mentor Safety and to identify synergies across our businesses to support our combined growth. Having a foothold in London means we can expand our service offering to more clients across Southern Ontario at an accelerated pace. We look forward to working with Mentor Safety founder, Jamie Wright, and his established team, and to embracing a collective culture of mentorship both internally and through our client partnerships," said IST Founder, Randy Dignard. Through this investment and partnership, Mentor Safety will retain ownership of its training program content, with IST supporting in the management and facilitation of the programming. In addition to enhanced resources and a stronger support system for the Mentor Safety team, IST will also provide more robust back-end upport in the areas of technology, finance, and marketing.



"Working with Randy, the IST team, and SafetyCo has been a very positive experience. As I look to transition the day-to-day operations of the business, I know I have found a partner in IST that can not only help Mentor Safety thrive, but also propel it to the next level," said Mentor Safety President & Founder, Jamie Wright. Mentor Safety was founded in 2008 and has a team of seasoned safety trainers and consultants. Providing cost-effective safety consulting and training services to businesses of all sizes, Mentor Safety counts Canada Post, GM, Purolator, and Magna among its impressive roster of clients. Based in London, Ontario, Mentor Safety provides its programming out of its local training facility, and also offers remote and virtual training. Mentor Safety's senior consultants have each worked in the health and safety industry for more than 20 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from large organizations.

IST is a SafetyCo company, having joined the network of companies in fall 2022. SafetyCo is a growth platform of private investment firm &Capital which aims to change the face of safety consulting nationwide. About Industrial Safety Trainers

IST is a leading safety training and consulting business. IST combines three brands: Industrial Safety Trainers, Construction Safety Trainers, and the Safety Bus (mobile training). Known for its innovative and engaging safety training programs across all formats (in-person, distance learning, and online), IST provides training solutions across Canada. IST operates out of three training centres in Toronto, Barrie, and Ottawa. For more information, visit: thesafetybus.com About Mentor Safety

Mentor Safety is a London, Ontario-based safety consulting and training business, providing in-person and virtual health and safety training programs. Through a variety of consulting services, including workplace inspections and audits, hazard/risk assessments, safety culture programs, policy development, and ergonomic assessments, Mentor Safety is proud to leverage the considerable experience of its team to provide cost-effective safety solutions that meet regulations and protect your most important assets. For more information, visit: mentorsafety.com About SafetyCo

SafetyCo invests in and partners with businesses across Canada that offer health & safety and environmental services. Ideal partners have a strong reputation, operate at the highest level of integrity, and have an experienced management team. SafetyCo provides clients with best-in-class safety consulting, industrial and construction safety training, site inspection, and confined space rescue services. Our team of safety consultants, safety managers, safety officers, safety trainers, and rescue technicians seamlessly execute safety requirements across industrial, infrastructure, construction, and education clients. With a focus on innovation, our diverse and experienced team creates best-in-class safety solutions by leveraging the latest in data and technology. Partnering with SafetyCo offers value-added services for health and safety industry entrepreneurs and management teams, including shared back-office functions and software, cross-selling opportunities, business optimization through data analytics, and access to a growth network; ultimately allowing entrepreneurs to focus their energy on doing more of the work they enjoy. For more information, visit: safetyco.ca View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024130134/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Enbridge Sustain and Blackstone Energy Services team up with CIB on building retrofits Tweet

$300 million aggregator program supports large-scale green infrastructure upgrades CIB to provide a loan of up to $200 million for sustainable retrofits in Ontario , while Enbridge Sustain will contribute up to $100 million .

, while Enbridge Sustain will contribute up to . The program will enable customers such as hospitals, universities and colleges to pursue their energy transition goals and will target a minimum 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is helping to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Ontario by making a $200-million loan available through a partnership with Enbridge Sustain to enable deep retrofits of large buildings. The Enbridge Sustain agreement has pushed the CIB above $1 billion in financing towards sustainable building retrofits. Enbridge Sustain intends to leverage this capital to execute deep energy retrofit projects in existing buildings. CIB and Enbridge Sustain expect the total retrofit program value to be up to approximately $300 million. Projects will be developed and executed through a partnership between Enbridge Sustain and Blackstone Energy Services (Blackstone). The partnership will provide Enbridge Sustain and Blackstone customers, including but not limited to colleges, universities, multi-residential buildings and hospitals, with a suite of decarbonization solutions from design through construction, operation, and maintenance. Blackstone and Enbridge Sustain will offer retrofit solutions such as the conversion of heating/cooling systems to geothermal, solar generation, electric vehicle infrastructure, heat recovery, smart building controls and backup power generation. The retrofits will replace existing lower-efficiency equipment with new technologies aimed at driving long-term energy savings which are used to repay the initial capital costs. The Enbridge Sustain agreement has pushed the CIB above $1 billion in financing towards sustainable building retrofits. Buildings are one of the largest sources of GHGs in Canada, accounting for around 18 per cent of total emissions. The proposed transactions described in this announcement are subject to the completion of definitive agreements among CIB, Enbridge Sustain, and Blackstone. Endorsements:



CIB's loan towards Enbridge Sustain's projects with Blackstone to retrofit large buildings will have a major impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Deep retrofits, particularly in post-secondary education and hospital buildings are key to reducing energy use, lowering heating and cooling costs and supporting the environmental goals of building owners.

Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank This investment by the Canada Infrastructure Bank to retrofit large buildings in Ontario will help cut emissions and reduce pollution. The work that comes with these deep retrofits will create good jobs in the skilled trades and help reduce energy use  proving that building a clean economy is both good for workers and the environment.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities We are excited to announce our collaboration with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Blackstone Energy Services to launch an initiative that offers a practical and affordable solution to large energy users such as universities, hospitals, municipalities, and multi-unit residential properties. This initiative aims to implement deep energy building retrofits that are expected to result in a minimum of 30% emissions reduction. Our collective efforts towards decarbonization are designed to contribute to a greener future for generations to come.

Mark Irvine, Vice President, Unregulated Business, Enbridge Gas Inc. The Blackstone team is thankful for our new partnership, as it will aid in providing necessary capital to support our clients in their energy transition. With over 75 million square feet of decarbonization studies and action plans completed, many of our clients are poised to move forward implementing their green infrastructure projects. The CIB and Enbridge Sustain capital structure is truly unique, and their commitment to long-term energy-as-a-service agreements offer one of the best client solutions in the market.

Ryan Duffy, CEO, Blackstone Energy Services Learn More: Canada Infrastructure Bank

Enbridge Sustain

Blackstone Energy Services About Enbridge Sustain Enbridge Sustain is an unregulated division of Enbridge Gas Inc. that provides energy-as-a-service solutions to homeowners, developers, and commercial customers. Backed by over 175 years of experience in the energy industry and utility sector, Enbridge Sustain offers affordable and convenient energy solutions that help reduce GHG emissions and energy costs. The service works with trusted partners to ensure seamless integration into the development's construction process, resulting in superior efficiency, reliable operation, and innovative technology. About Blackstone Energy Services Blackstone is an energy transition company delivering responsible energy and carbon management solutions. Since 2003, Blackstone has been helping large energy users in the built environment save, sustain and thrive by offering unbiased advisory and specialized services across the entire carbon and energy value chain. Blackstone has more than $800 million in decarbonization retrofits either underway or planned, which enables clients to achieve their net-zero goals and aligns with federal, provincial, and municipal decarbonization targets. The company's energy solutions are focused on helping reduce costs, consumption and carbon. Along with innovative financial solutions, we help implement the right green infrastructure improvements to help clients decarbonize their facilities and reach their net-zero ambitions. SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank

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[October 24, 2023] Rocket Software Survey Reveals Only 27% of Organizations are Extremely Confident in Mainframe Security Compliance Amid Stricter Data Protection Standards Tweet

Rocket Software, Inc. ("Rocket Software") a global technology leader that develops enterprise software for some of the world's largest companies, today announced the findings from its 2023 Survey: The State of Mainframe Security. The survey of IT leaders at companies with more than 1,000 employees uncovered that while many organizations run their core business applications on the mainframe, respondents lack confidence in the effectiveness of their mainframe security compliance, signaling a need for more robust security practices. For decades, mainframe systems have been the cornerstone of enterprise infrastructure, unparalleled in reliability, scalability, and data security, and that remains true to this day. Over half of survey respondents (51%) indicated that they either run all or the majority of core business applications on the mainframe. But, with the digital landscape changing and with the introduction of new methodologies like DevOps, open-source adoption, and the shift towards hybrid cloud solutions, prioritizing mainframe vulnerability management is more important than ever. Key findings of the survey include: Majority Uncertain About Mainframe and Vendor Compliance

Organizations now face stricter standards in handling personal data, with the rise in regulations such as the GDPR and PCI DSS. The changing rules highlight the imperative for businesses to operate with transparency, accountability, and foresight in protecting user data in a digital world. However, a mere 27% of survey participants are highly confident in their organization's mainframe security compliance effectiveness. Moreover, businesses must also consider hird-party suppliers to ensure compliance, yet, only 31% of respondents are fully convinced of their organization's effectiveness in making certain that vendors stick to rigorous QA benchmarks-highlighting a major gap in security. Proactive Security Measures Adopted by 62% of Organizations for Open Source and Mainframe





Open source offers numerous advantages, such as community collaboration and transparency, but it also allows for potential vulnerabilities. Encouragingly, organizations are proactive about open source and mainframe security: 62% consistently perform vulnerability assessments and security audits, 58% continuously monitor and update open source for security patches, and 54% train developers on secure coding with open-source components. While open-source communities can quickly apply patches and fixes to critical vulnerabilities and exposures, vendor support is critical to promptly address vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to languages ported to IBM z/OS. Challenges Remain in Integrating Mainframe Security with DevOps

Integrating security best practices into the DevOps toolchain ensures that security remains an unwavering, collective responsibility throughout software development life cycles. This integration promotes swift and efficient security updates, diminishing potential threats. Nonetheless, the integration of mainframe security with DevOps introduces unique complexities. Survey participants highlighted limited automation and integration capabilities for mainframe security within DevOps pipelines as their primary concern. Respondent Geographies Reveal Differing Perspectives on Mainframe Security

By far and away, the United Kingdom relies most on the mainframe for security purposes - with 56% of U.K. respondents citing it as the number one ranked reason for the mainframe. Interestingly, when asked about challenges organizations face in ensuring effective mainframe security - respondents in the United States noted a lack of awareness about mainframe security risks - more than any other country. "Mainframes remain the unwavering foundation of enterprise tech. As organizations embrace new approaches and emerging technologies, we're seeing a shift in digital activity that brings both challenges and opportunities," said Milan Shetti, CEO of Rocket Software. "This data makes clear the security challenge is paramount, and now is the time for organizations to not only evaluate their current practices, but ensure their business is equipped to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology." To download the full report, click here.

About Rocket Software Rocket Software partners with the largest enterprises, in all industries, to solve their most complex IT challenges, across infrastructure, data, and applications - with solutions that simplify, not disrupt their modernization journey. Trusted by over 10,000 customers, Rocket Software helps enterprises modernize in place with a hybrid cloud strategy, so they don't need to re-platform or build from the ground up. The company's 2,600 global employees work with customers to accelerate and optimize their modernization journey while meeting evolving market needs. Rocket Software is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in the Boston area with centers of excellence strategically located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Rocket Software is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Follow Rocket Software on LinkedIn and Twitter or visit www.RocketSoftware.com. "IBM" and "IBM z/OS" are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024729063/en/

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733Park Advises VN Systems in Acquisition by Aurora Payments

733Park, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of its client, Iso1st LLC, DBA VN Systems, a registered Independent Sales Organization "ISO" of Wells Fargo Bank, was acquired by Aurora Payments.

VN Systems provides Vietnamese American-owned nail salons, among other small to mid-sized businesses, with merchant services (credit card and debit card processing) throughout the United States. The acquisition will enable VN Systems to now provide Nail Soft nail salon software (Aurora Payments software subsidiary) to its 1,700 nail salon merchants, providing customers with a complete ISV (integrated software vendor) experience.

"We'd like to congratulate Aurora on acquiring VN Systems, an ISO of Wells Fargo. It was a pleasure representing VN Systems and working with their team to bring the transaction to fruition. We wish the combined team continued success," said 733Park's managing director, Lane Gordon.

About 733Park





Headquartered in Boston, 733Park is the premiere market maker for buying or selling ISOs, merchant portfolios, ISVs, or SaaS. 733Park, under the direction of Lane Gordon, a 20-year M&A veteran, represents payments and software companies looking for successful exits and buyers looking to execute specific acquisition or roll-up strategies. 733Park is a boutique mergers and acquisition advisory firm specializing in payments, fintech, SaaS, and ISVs.

About VN Systems

VN Systems, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, empowers over 3,000 Vietnamese American-owned nail salons and other small to medium-sized businesses to accept electronic payments.

About Aurora Payments: Aurora Payments is a payment technology company with offices in Tempe, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV, specializing in integrated solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. Aurora has over 27,000 merchants in its portfolio, processing $12B annually.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024106719/en/
[October 24, 2023] MEDIA ALERT: Tech Titans and Military Veterans Unite for VetsinTech's Annual Gala Tweet

An Evening Where Silicon Valley's Magic is Put to Work to Propel Veterans' Futures in Tech SAN FRANCISCO , Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --







What: Silicon Valley's top tech luminaries and military veterans will join forces at VetsinTech's annual Gala fundraiser. Now in its 9th year, the pre-holiday Veterans Day event draws A-list sponsors and guests for a night of inspiration for veterans transitioning to civilian life and recognition to some of the many people, companies and organizations that support their aspirations and journey. VetsinTech's (ViT) event packs in a full evening of high-powered networking, fundraising and awards to salute our veterans' service and accelerate their future in tech. Don't miss sharing this timely event with your viewers so they can see a glimpse of Silicon Valley's unique ecosystem on display. Media are invited to attend and cover VetsinTech's Gala. Who: George Ploss, Master of Ceremonies, Head of NetSuite Accelerator

Franco Finn, Golden State Warriors Hype Man and ViT Champion

Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Katherine Webster, CEO of VetsinTech When: Friday, November 3, 2023 Where: Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel

609 Sutter Street

San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Seated Dinner and Program: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Cocktails with Veterans Afterparty: 9:00pm-11:00pm Why: With more than 250,000 military veterans transitioning into civilian careers annually, the need to support their journey is broad. An astounding 80% of vets embark on their next chapter without a job or defined path. As a bridge for veterans pursuing tech careers, VetsinTech connects them to Silicon Valley's enviable, aspirational ecosystem. Funds raised power VetsinTech's pillars focused on technology education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Visuals:

Silent auction

Professional auctioneer running live auction

Awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements

Hundreds of local vets attending gala

VIP Technology executives & sponsors in attendance Sponsors

Adobe Foundation, Amazon, AT&T, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Resilience and Uber. Host Committee

Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Larry Baer, CEO, San Francisco Giants

Ron Conway, Silicon Valley Super Angel Investor

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emeritus of the House (Honorary) Event Host

VetsinTech based in San Francisco, CA Media Contact:

Carmen Hughes

Ignite X

[email protected]

650.576.6444 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-alert-tech-titans-and-military-veterans-unite-for-vetsintechs-annual-gala-301965536.html SOURCE VetsinTech

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[October 24, 2023]

Over 40% of Businesses Experience Revenue Losses from Technology Downtime, Cloud Complexity, and Legacy System Constraints

Hitachi Vantara market survey finds that over 70% of global IT leaders have embraced IT as a Service for modernizing legacy infrastructure

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-five percent of enterprises are struggling to derive meaningful insights from their data, highlighting an industry-wide need to deliver technology faster, more reliably and in more places, according to a recent survey by Hitachi Vantara, the modern infrastructure, data management and digital solutions subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501). The survey revealed ongoing challenges related to security, inflexible systems, isolated data, a skilled labor shortage, and the need for infrastructure agility. These challenges are heightened by rising data complexities, rigid technology environments, and increasing costs due to aging or legacy infrastructure.

Click Here to Download Hitachi Vantara's "Embracing ITaaS For Adaptability and Growth" Study

The "Embracing ITaaS For Adaptability and Growth" study surveyed 213 IT leaders across North America and Europe to assess the IT as a Service (ITaaS) market with a focus on subscription- and consumption-based models. The survey exposed major legacy infrastructure challenges causing IT decision-makers to report negative impacts on their businesses. Key findings include:

56 % of businesses reported a significant impact on revenue due to technology downtime.

% of businesses reported a significant impact on revenue due to technology downtime. 50 % of organizations face a high total cost of ownership (TCO) or technical debt associated with critical applications.

% of organizations face a high total cost of ownership (TCO) or technical debt associated with critical applications. 45% of businesses have difficulties navigating complex cloud landscapes.

"In today's digital age, IT is not just a department; it's a driving force that propels progress. It enables enterprises to innovate, collaborate, and flourish amid ever-evolving technology," said Gary Lyng, vice president, product and solutions, Hitachi Vantara. "But complexity is hindering innovation, which emphasizes the need for trusted specialists to simplify setup for seamless access to data and applications. Our expertise in storage and digital infrastructure and pay-as-you-go solutions rights the ship for struggling enterprises, maximizing value and the overall return on their investment."

The study also sheds light on the recent growth of ITaaS, revealing that 42% of leaders are expanding their adoption. Additional survey findings include:

ITaaS Budget Allocation : To conserve capital budgets, IT leaders use ITaaS to shift their IT financing model to a set of operating costs which are easier to predict and budget for. Decision-makers cite a 20% reduction in TCO on average.

: To conserve capital budgets, IT leaders use ITaaS to shift their IT financing model to a set of operating costs which are easier to predict and budget for. Decision-makers cite a reduction in TCO on average. Expected ITaaS Growth: ITaaS is expected to rise not only for individual solutions but also across the entirety of various infrastructure categories. For example, 56% of respondents are using ITaaS for all of their primary infrastructure today, and this value is expected to go up to 86% in three years. li>Strategic Partnership with the Right ITaaS Vendor is Key: Infrastructure leaders also noted the importance of choosing the right partner. Beyond pricing, decision-makers carefully consider elements such as the partner's proficiency in supporting hybrid and multicloud strategies, providing expertise, and enabling faster innovation through seamless technology service integration.







May 2023

North America

Europe

Learn more about the Hitachi EverFlex infrastructure-as-a-service subscription model here: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/everflex.html

Additional Resources:

Insights: Managed Services  The Hidden Value within X as a Service | Hitachi Vantara

Connect With Hitachi Vantara

About Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., delivers the intelligent data platforms, infrastructure systems, and digital expertise that supports more than 80% of the Fortune 100. To learn how Hitachi Vantara turns businesses from data-rich to data-driven through agile digital processes, products, and experiences, visit www.hitachivantara.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.

HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT:

Dallas Britt

Hitachi Vantara

[email protected]

1-336-965-9349

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/over-40-of-businesses-experience-revenue-losses-from-technology-downtime-cloud-complexity-and-legacy-system-constraints-301965236.html

SOURCE Hitachi Vantara Corporation
[October 24, 2023] EDB Acquires Splitgraph for Data Lake and Data Warehousing Capabilities Tweet

BEDFORD, Mass., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnterpriseDB (EDB), the leader in accelerating Postgres in the enterprise, today announced its acquisition of Splitgraph , an early-stage disruptor that provides a Postgres compatible serverless SQL API for building data driven applications from hundreds of datasources. This move is seen as a meaningful step in EDB's evolution, underscoring its commitment to delivering Postgres solutions to the ever evolving challenges customers face across a diverse data landscape. "Acquiring Splitgraph advances our capabilities within the realm of analytics and AI, said Kevin Dallas , CEO, EDB. With Splitgraph's technology and deep expertise, we're taking a leap in making data lake and data warehousing operations more efficient, streamlined, and collaborative, said Kevin Dallas, CEO, EDB. Unifying our shared commitment to customer-driven product development, we can accelerate our progress and better address the intricate data challenges that our customers encounter. Miles Richardson, Co-Founder of Splitgraph, echoed Dallass sentiments, "We are pleased to share EDBs vision to transform the way organizations engage with data using Postgres, especially for analytics workloads and AI-driven use cases. ecoming a part of EDB unlocks exciting new possibilities for our technology, further advancing the ways in which companies look to Postgres to solve their data ecosystem challenges.



With the acquisition of Splitgraph, EDB underscores its dedication to innovating within the Postgres ecosystem, directly addressing the needs of users who want to seamlessly run analytical queries across diverse data sets. Splitgraph enhances this core capability by enriching data integration, cataloging, and governance, streamlining the management of both in-house data and information sourced from open publishers through a single Postgres interface. This strategic move firmly establishes EDB's commitment to continually elevate the value it delivers to its customers throughout the data landscape. This deal was facilitated by Handmade Ventures .

For more information about EDB, visit the website .

About EDB

EDB provides enterprise-grade software and services that enable organizations to harness the full power of Postgres, the worlds leading open source database. EDB provides unmatched Postgres database expertise, and enables the same Postgres everywhere, including solutions for hybrid, self-managed private clouds, and EDB BigAnimal, a fully managed cloud database-as-a-service. EDB serves more than 1,500 customers globally, including leading government agencies, financial services, media and information technology companies. As the leading contributor to the vibrant and fast-growing Postgres community, EDB is committed to driving technology innovation. Through its solutions for high availability, reliability, security, 24x7 global support and advanced professional services, EDB empowers enterprises to control risk, manage costs and scale efficiently. For more information, visit www.enterprisedb.com . EnterpriseDB and EDB are registered trademarks and BigAnimal is a trademark of EnterpriseDB Corporation; Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. Postgres and PostgreSQL are registered trademarks of the PostgreSQL Community Association of Canada and used with their permission. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. About Splitgraph

Splitgraph is a serverless data platform where you can query, upload, connect and share tables of data. It's built on Postgres and optimized for analytical queries over versioned snapshots and external data tables. Splitgraph develops Seafowl , an open source serverless OLAP database optimized for building data-driven Web apps, and also recently released a ChatGPT plugin for querying its catalog of open data with natural language. Media Contact

Shane Smith

Offleash PR for EDB

[email protected]





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[October 24, 2023] New EO Care Survey of 1000+ Finds 18 Percent of Americans Use Cannabis for Health Reasons Today, but 65 Percent Would Use If Guided by a Clinician Tweet

BOSTON, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EO Care, Inc., the first clinically guided cannabis health and wellness solution for employers, announced today the results of a new survey it conducted of 1,027 Americans regarding their use of and views on cannabis. All respondents were employed at least part-time and were from US states where cannabis is legal for medical and/or recreational use.

Key findings include: 18 percent of respondents have used cannabis for health reasons in the past year, 19 percent have used cannabis for recreational reasons, and 14 percent have used it for both.

The top three reasons for their cannabis use are anxiety, pain and sleep.

88 percent of medical cannabis users say it reduced their use of prescription drugs, alcohol, or both.

51 percent said they would be likely/very likely to use cannabis if it were offered by their health plan.

65 percent of respondents said they would feel more comfortable using cannabis if it were screened and dosed by a clinician.

Finding clinical guidance for medicinal cannabis is difficult because most doctors lack the knowledge and retail dispensaries are not equipped to provide medical advice, said Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of EO Care. As a result we have tens of millions of Americans using cannabis for health reasons without guidance on specific product recommendations, dosage amounts, possible drug interactions, or consideration of their health history and other potential health risks. Given that sales of cannabis for health reasons is far higher than most prescription drugs, this is a highly concerning situation for healthcare generally. EO Care emerged to fill that gap. Members gain access to clinicians who, based on a persons needs and medical history, develop a personal cannabis care plan including specific products and dosages and then connect the memer to local dispensaries who can fill the order. Clinical recommendations are based on data models developed with leading clinicians and researchers, and are further approved by a physician, with feedback further tuning the care of each individual.



Members gain access to EO Care through their employers, who offer the program as an employee benefit. Most members are seeking relief from chronic conditions such as neuropathic pain; cancer treatment symptoms including nausea, appetite, sleeplessness, pain and anxiety; as well as other health issues like seizure disorders and Parkinsons disease. The EO Care survey also measured employee sentiment related to employer cannabis policies:

56 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to take a job at a company whose health plan offered cannabis care.

44 percent would reconsider applying for a job at a company that tested for prior use of cannabis use or prohibited cannabis outside of the workplace. 94 percent of Americans live in a state where cannabis is legal in some form, said Collins. And we know a large percentage of Americans have used cannabis in the past year, so this is definitely impacting employees and health outcomes. With the right medicinal cannabis guidance employers have an opportunity to help their employees, improve health outcomes and be progressive leaders in offering this important benefit that employees will come to expect. For more detail, view the full Executive Summary of the survey results here . About EO Care

EO Care is the first clinically guided cannabis health and wellness solution for employers. Its digital health service gives HR and benefits leaders the necessary tools to help employees determine if cannabis should be part of their healthcare journey or not by providing clinical education and personalized care guidance  including cannabis overuse, which is increasingly common given the lack of medical guidance.. Built on data from leading cannabis clinicians and researchers, EO Care provides clinician guidance and proprietary data models to help employers tackle unguided cannabis use and give employees an effective option for relief in cancer treatment, pain management, opioid replacement, anxiety, and sleep management. The company is led by a team of experts in CX healthcare, biotech and data intelligence. To learn more visit https://www.eo.care/employers . Media Contact:

Kerry Metzdorf

Big Swing

978-609-0766

[email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68ecfa52-2026-4aa7-8542-0bb670beb9ba



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[October 24, 2023] Appfire Named to Inc.'s Second Annual Power Partner Awards Tweet

SaaS company earns recognition for its leadership as a B2B partner for second consecutive year BOSTON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Appfire , the leading global provider of software that enhances, extends, and connects the world's leading platforms, such as Atlassian, Microsoft, monday.com, and Salesforce, today announced it has been named to Inc.'s second annual Power Partner Awards. The list honors B2B organizations across the globe that have a proven track record of supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises. Appfire is recognized in the Productivity category, which consists of companies that provide services, software, or apps to optimize efficiency in the workplace. Amid fluctuating economic conditions, Appfire supports knowledge workers and developers by helping them confront bandwidth and productivity challenges. Appfire's extensive portfolio  which includes more than 100 apps  helps organizations break down silos, boost productivity, and realize the full potential of their platforms, no matter where individuals work from or what platforms they choose. By reducing these pain points, Appfire empowers teams to thrive and do their best work together. "Being a great business partner extends well beyond technology and fiscal metrics," said Randall Ward, co-founder and CEO of Appfire. "At Appfire, we prioritize building relationships with everyone we engage in business with. Collaboration with our customers and partners is key to providing superior products and experiences to enable a future-ready workforce, and it's an honor to be recognized among the top software companies around the world." The Inc. Power Partner list recognizes 389 firms in marketing and advertising, health and wellness, financial services, legal, logistics, and productivity, as well as other areas of business. And, those named to the list received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. "Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rey on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.



To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023 . The November 2023 issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023. To learn more about Appfire and how the company is supporting its customers and partners, visit www.appfire.com and follow along on X (Twitter) , LinkedIn , and Facebook .

About Appfire

Appfire is the leading global provider of software that enhances, extends, and connects the world's leading platforms to make work flow any way teams want to work, from planning to product ideation, product development, project delivery, and beyond. Appfire increases the value of platforms such as Atlassian, Microsoft, monday.com, and Salesforce, enabling teams to thrive and do their best work together. With more than one million users, Appfire's popular solutions are helping teams with Enterprise Collaboration, DevOps, Workflow & Automation, Product Portfolio Management, IT Service Management (ITSM), Document Management, Business Intelligence and Reporting, Administrative Tools, Agile Tools, Developer Tools, Time Tracking, Publishing, and Visual Collaboration. Appfire has been selling its popular software products on the Atlassian Marketplace since it first launched in 2012, and today Appfire has the most widely adopted portfolio of Atlassian apps across tens of thousands of customers worldwide. Learn more at www.appfire.com. About Inc. Business Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest- growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com . Media Contact:

Inkhouse for Appfire

appfire@inkhouse.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appfire-named-to-incs-second-annual-power-partner-awards-301965416.html SOURCE Appfire

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[October 24, 2023] Altoida's AR-based Digital Cognitive and Functional Assessment Correlates with Standard Neuropsychological Tests in MCI and Healthy Volunteers Tweet

Altoida, a pioneer in developing digital biomarkers of neurological disease using augmented reality (AR) and machine learning (ML), today announced results from a 188-participant study demonstrating its novel digital cognitive and functional assessment identified participants with mild cognitive impairment. The Altoida digital cognitive assessment is a research device based on AR and ML that simulates conducting activities of daily living, providing an objective measure of cognitive and functional abilities in approximately 10 minutes, compared to pen-and-paper neuropsychological tests that take approximately 60-90 minutes. Altoida's digital cognitive assessment also reported correlation with standard neuropsychological tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). "Digital biomarkers are increasingly utilized as exploratory endpoints and screening tools for inclusion in clinical trials. Digital cognitive assessments offer the potential to facilitate frequent and unbiased measurements of cognitive functional status, without the need of a trained rater," said Marc Jones, CEO, Altoida. "We're excited to report new study data showing Altoida's digital cognitive assessment correlating with MMSE and other neuropsychological tests, and we look forward to expanding our research to other scales." Conducted as a dual-center, cross-sectional cohort study, 188 participants were enrolled from the Hospital Clinic Barcelona and the Barcelona-Beta Brain Research Center. Participants received a neurological evaluation, a neuropschological test battery, and Altoida's digital cognitive assessment. Participants were classified according to their clinical status as cognitively normal or as having mild cognitive impairment. The study evaluated the correlation between Altoida's digital cognitive assessment and standard neuropsychological tests, including: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) - the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) - the Trail Making Test (TMT).



Altoida's digital cognitive assessment provides a Digital Neuro-Signature (DNS-MCI) score correlated with classical neuropsychological tests that are commonly used as a battery when evaluating patients in clinical research and clinical practice. Using DNS-MCI<50 and MMSE<27 as patient classifier led to results that are mostly overlapping in high scores, with lower agreement on lower scores. In addition, Altoida has been a key member of the Digital Health Measurement Collaborative Community (DATAcc) by DiMe's Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias (ADRD) project team, which recently released a new resource to guide the work of clinicians and researchers and leveraged digital tools for ADRD patients. DATAcc by DiMe's Library of Digital Measurement Products for ADRD is an invaluable resource for researchers and clinicians in the field who are assessing the available options for measurement in this population.

"We were proud to work with Altoida on the development of the new ADRD evidence library and are excited to introduce this new tool to the world to help define important measurement parameters for patients, their care partners, and physicians," said Piper Fromy, ADRD project head, Digital Medicine Society (DiMe). "DiMe's pre-competitive collaborations provide unique insights into ways to improve existing digital measures, develop new ones, and ultimately drive improvements and efficiencies in the emerging world of digital ADRD research." About Altoida Altoida is a pioneer in developing digital biomarkers of neurological conditions using augmented reality and machine learning. Our technology platform is designed to enable an objective evaluation of an individual's cognitive health, which may potentially allow for faster patient selection for clinical trials, as well as sensitive monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Altoida's mission is to enable a new era of precision neurology using digital biomarkers. Our proprietary evidence-based platform is founded on more than 20 years of scientific research and published in multiple peer-reviewed papers including Nature Digital Medicine. For more information, visit www.altoida.com. Follow us on Twitter @altoida. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024269390/en/

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[October 24, 2023] New Programmable NFTs Offer Code and Substance, Launch Collection Celebrates the World's Food Tweet

Hitch Interactive, the company connecting innovators and providing immersive experiences in AI, robotics, fintech, and the Metaverse, today announced the launch of its Hitch1999 platform for Web3, along with the first-ever programmable non-fungible tokens (NFTs)-capable of delivering code-driven content and experiences. Built to a new interactive standard called the Immutable Miniverse Format (IMF), the first limited edition collection of 1,000 NFTs is minted on the Ethereum blockchain. Each playful foodie hamster NFT in this "Yummy Hamo" collection is an original design encoded with a curated gourmet miniverse. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024259832/en/ Yummy Hamo NFTs allow each owner to artistically proclaim their favorite piece of culinary culture on Web3 and their social platforms. Built to a new interactive standard called the Immutable Miniverse Format (IMF), the first limited edition collection of 1,000 NFTs is minted on the Ethereum blockchain. (Graphic: Business Wire) Uniquely, miniverses are not third-party dependent. With the new IMF standard, Hitch Interactive is working to bring substance and trust back to the sector, and to build new bridges between Web3 and the rest of the world. Miniverses, Metaverse, and a Foodie Named Hamo The IMF embedding procedure immutably encodes and/or encrypts tailored messages, content, and interactive experiences on the NFTs, visualized as a string of dynamically changing secret code. Each NFT includes unique art like some traditional NFTs, but also an underlying miniverse that might contain an executable program, exclusive text and animation, an interactive game, or another application-even a foodie event with an encrypted, private recipe from a famous chef. The miniverse's substance is self-contained in the NFT. The inaugural, limited edition Yummy Hamo collection, created by the designers at Hitch Interactive to be an interactive cookbook and cultural resource, celebrates 1,000 gourmet cuisines from around the world in 1,000 miniverses. The collection meticulously curates a compendium of dishes and experiences from nine diverse culinary cultures, plus a special category of culturally rich street food. The artwork contained in each NFT is digitally created to include a foodie hamster protagonist called Hamo and a unique representation of the signature dish placed in front of a vibrant background. Each encoded miniverse awaits the owner's exploration. "The Internet today has been transforming people's daily lives by connecting its users and things in multi-facets and multi-dimensions It is time we question whether an equally prosperous future of Web3 can continue to grow in a cocoon all by itself," said Hitch Interactive Co-Founder Dr. Allen Yang, a Top 100 Faculty Innovator at UC Berkeley and a serial entrepreneur. "The new IMF standard can significantly broaden the use cases of NFTs by immutably codifying each NFT's utility as part of the NFT artwork. The Yummy Hamo NFTs are an exciting example of this standard, and a celebration of food and culture at the same time."



Yummy Hamo NFTs allow each owner to artistically proclaim their favorite piece of culinary culture on Web3 and their social platforms. Hitch Interactive plans to open up Hitch1999 for minting other collections of NFTs with user-generated content (UGC) on Web3 and the Metaverse. A more integrated minting and decoding of IMF standard NFTs will be available in the future release of the Hitch Mint service online. In the meantime, the owners of Yummy Hamo NFTs can already use the tool on the Hitch1999 platform to experience the IMF in action and decode each hidden message. Better NFTs leverage code

To improve the structure of NFTs, Hitch Interactive is embracing code-centered tenets of the open source and blockchain communities, and the notion: If "code is law," a digital token whose utility is not defined by an immutable code may be deemed "lawless." The new IMF standard will enforce the following features: Each NFT includes a piece of immutable code embedded as part of the token;

The immutable code, together with traditional NFT artwork or other digitized information, is the only explicit utility of the token defined at its creation;

The immutable code embedding in the NFT is compatible with and will survive the distribution of the NFT on most social media operating on Web1 and Web2 levels;

Anyone can realize the utility of the NFT by merely executing the immutable code; that is, the utility of the NFT does not depend on any identifiable third party;

Once the NFT is minted on-chain following the IMF standards, no further effort is needed by any third party to interpret, maintain, or improve the utility of the NFT. "The Hitch1999 platform and current release of the Yummy Hamo NFT collection join a portfolio of other products by Hitch Interactive, including Hitch Learn, Hitch Play, and Hitch Compete, with the goal to educate and connect future innovators," said Crystal Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hitch Interactive. "The team has spent the last several years creating immersive and interactive gamification experiences, as well as refining and teaching AI, robotics, and VR technologies, to help students and executives alike embrace the disruptive and constructive power of growth technologies. Hitch1999 is a new innovation platform that can bring our clients' immersive learning experiences onto Web3, an exponential-growth market we believe in very much." "I'm thrilled to share my excitement about the Hitch1999 project and the Yummy Hamo programmable NFT collection!" said noted academic and buyer Sorat Tungkasiri. "This unique combination of culinary exploration and digital art in the Metaverse is a fantastic idea. I'm all in and can't wait to embark on this flavorful journey, connecting with people worldwide to savor diverse cuisines and cultures. It's an appetizing adventure in the virtual world that promises to be both fun and delicious. Let's savor the future together!" To learn more about the IMF standard, Yummy Hamo NFTs, and Web3 engagement, visit the Hitch1999 platform at http://hitch1999.com/. To see all Hitch Interactive educative and innovative offerings, visit https://hitchinteractive.com/. About Hitch Interactive Hitch Interactive creates standards for learning and innovation within emerging technologies and STEAM education. Its expanding platform bridges creators and innovators across regions, professions, and societal divides, and delivers immersive experiences in AI, Robotics, AR/VR, Metaverse, and Fintech. Hitch embraces the disruptive power of exponential- growth technologies to create interactive learning and gamification experiences. The company's portfolio includes Hitch Learn, Hitch Play, Hitch Compete, Hitch1999, and Hitch Salon. Hitch connects users to a suite of AI, deep learning and computer vision courses and experiences, a Metaverse masterclass, and executive development opportunities in AI. The company is also a proud sponsor and promoter of the Berkeley ROAR Racing as the most decorated US-based AI racing team in the Indy Autonomous Challenge series and its ROAR Academy K-12 STEAM program. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024259832/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Kenneth J. Kito, CFP Joins Fiduciary Trust International as Wealth Director in New York Office Tweet

Fiduciary Trust International, a global wealth manager and wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Templeton, announces that Kenneth J. Kito, CFP has joined the firm as a wealth director based in the New York office. "Ken's expertise and track record of producing strong results in support of sales and growth goals will help us ensure consistent communication about, and delivery of, strategies across equity, fixed income, and alternatives," said Anne Fitzpatrick Donahue, regional managing director responsible for Fiduciary Trust International's New York office. "New York and the surrounding markets comprise a vital region for our organization, and Ken is exactly the type of focused and talented professional we look for as we expand our office here." Mr. Kito joins Fiduciary Trust International from its parent company Franklin Templeton, where he served as territory specialist for retail U.S. distribution in Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey. He came to Franklin Templeton via its acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020. Mr. Kito held the position of assistant vice president of U.S. distribution at Legg Mason Global Asset Management, where he served as the dedicated point of contact for clients across the national wirehouse industry as well as independent wealth management firms. Earlier in his career, Mr. Kito was a portfolio advisor at Merrill Lynch. "Our offering aligns the key areas of wealth management to help clients achieve the best overall outcomes for their wealth," said Gene Todd, executive vice president and head of regional markets at Fiduciary Trust International. "The fulfilment of this mission for clients and their families, throughout all market conditions, requires a team of committed professionals in every channel of our organization. Ken embodies our dedication to clients, and his expertise will help us provide the holistic wealth management experience we are known for in the industry." Mr. Kito reports to Ms. Donahue, and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. He graduated cum laude from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor of science in financial management and economics. "I became familiar with Fiduciary Trust International and its mission while working at Franklin Templeton," said Mr. Kito. "I am looking forward to partnering with my new colleagues to further streamline the sales process, with the goal of bringing financial peace of mind to more clients in the Greater New York region." In August 2023, Fiduciary Trust International announced that Christina D'Elia as trust counsel in its New York office. Kimberly Rescorla, who is also based in New York, was named director of trut administration at the firm in June 2023. In addition, Anne Fitzpatrick Donahue was appointed regional managing director responsible for the New York office in May 2023.



Fiduciary Trust International's New York-based professionals have received local industry recognition. Most recently, Rod Sayegh, head of digital strategy, was recognized by Crain's New York Business as one of its "Notable LGBTQIA+ Leaders"-and Carin L. Pai, CFA, executive vice president and head of portfolio management and equities, was honored with a Pathfinder Award from Wealth Solutions Report as the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Portfolio Manager of the Year. About Fiduciary Trust International

Fiduciary Trust International, a global wealth management firm headquartered in New York, NY, has served individuals, families, endowments and foundations since 1931. With over $94 billion in assets under management and administration as of June 30, 2023, the firm specializes in strategic wealth planning, investment management and trust and estate services, as well as tax and custody services. The New York-based firm and its subsidiaries maintain offices in Coral Gables, FL, Boca Raton, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, St. Petersburg, FL, Radnor, PA, Lincoln, MA, Los Angeles, CA, San Mateo, CA, San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, Reston, VA, and Atlanta, GA. For more information, please visit fiduciarytrust.com, and for the latest updates, follow Fiduciary Trust International on LinkedIn and X: @FiduciaryTrust. About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,300 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2023. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. Copyright  2023. Fiduciary Trust International. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024140191/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Cybercrime strikes more than half of Alberta-based companies Tweet

Nearly two-thirds acknowledge their IT and OT systems make them vulnerable, KPMG business survey finds CALGARY, AB, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - More than half (51 per cent) of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Alberta say they were attacked by cybercriminals over the past year and 55 per cent paid a ransom to unlock their computers within the past three years, finds a survey conducted last month by KPMG in Canada. Yet only 44 per cent say that cybersecurity is a "business priority." "Cyberattacks have become a hard reality all over the globe and even closer to home for Albertan companies, with over half falling prey to cybercriminals," says Vidur Gupta, a Calgary-based cybersecurity partner for KPMG in Canada. "It's a lot like being 'stuck between a rock and a hard place' because small- and medium-sized companies have many competing businesses priorities, limited capital, and stretched resources. But in today's world, you can no longer ignore cybersecurity. It needs to be part of the overall business strategy." Almost two-thirds of SMBs in Alberta acknowledged their information-technology (IT) and/or operational-technology (OT) systems make them susceptible to cyberattacks, the KPMG Private Enterprise Business Survey finds. Nearly 60 per cent also say that they lack the skilled personnel to implement, monitor, and manage cybersecurity risks and only 29 per cent strongly agree that their employees are adequately trained to recognize a phishing or other attack. Key survey findings: 51 per cent of 78 SMBs surveyed in Alberta say they were attacked by cybercriminals in the past year, compared to 63 per cent nationally

of 78 SMBs surveyed in say they were attacked by cybercriminals in the past year, compared to 63 per cent nationally 55 per cent paid a ransom within the past three years (vs. 60 per cent nationally)

paid a ransom within the past three years (vs. 60 per cent nationally) Only 44 per cent say that cybersecurity is a "business priority" (slightly higher than the 38 per cent national average)

say that cybersecurity is a "business priority" (slightly higher than the 38 per cent national average) 65 per cent say that their legacy systems or infrastructure  that is, their information and/or operational technology  make their company vulnerable to cyberattacks (vs. 71 per cent nationally)

say that their legacy systems or infrastructure  that is, their information and/or operational technology  make their company vulnerable to cyberattacks (vs. 71 per cent nationally) 57 per cent say their company doesn't have the skilled personnel to implement cybersecurity or monitor for attacks (vs. 66 per cent nationally)

say their company doesn't have the skilled personnel to implement cybersecurity or monitor for attacks (vs. 66 per cent nationally) Just 28 per cent agreed strongly that their company is "well-prepared" to defend against a cyberattack and 54 per cent agreed somewhat (vs. 41 per cent agreed strongly and47 per cent agreed somewhat, nationally)

agreed strongly that their company is "well-prepared" to defend against a cyberattack and agreed somewhat (vs. 41 per cent agreed strongly and47 per cent agreed somewhat, nationally) Only 29 per cent agreed strongly that their employees are adequately trained and equipped to identify and report on potential threats, and 47 per cent agree somewhat (vs. 31 per cent agreed strongly and 51 per cent agreed somewhat, nationally)

agreed strongly that their employees are adequately trained and equipped to identify and report on potential threats, and agree somewhat (vs. 31 per cent agreed strongly and 51 per cent agreed somewhat, nationally) 53 per cent don't have a plan to address a potential ransomware attack (vs. 59 per cent nationally)

don't have a plan to address a potential ransomware attack (vs. 59 per cent nationally) 82 per cent believe a senior executive or someone on their board should be responsible for cybersecurity (vs. 81 per cent nationally)



Alberta -based entities and nationally, fewer Alberta companies are prepared to defend cyberattacks," says Mr. Gupta. "This is worrisome because a cyber breach can be costly, impair their operations, and also damage their reputation. This is why it's so important to take proactive, preventative measures, such as training employees how to identify phishing attacks and deploying measures to restrict access to segments of network based on the defined role of the employee." "While many SMBs don't think they can afford to add full-time cyber teams, they can't leave their operations exposed to criminals. They need to regularly assess their vulnerabilities and take action to enhance their cyber resilience."

Nearly thirty per cent (30 per cent) agreed strongly that they are considering using artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster cybersecurity and have "a good understanding" of the risks associated with it and how to manage them, while 47 per cent agreed somewhat. By comparison, nationally, 32 per cent agreed strongly and 48 per cent agreed somewhat. But eight in 10 (78 per cent) also believe generative AI is a "double-edged sword" that may help detect cyberattacks but also provide new attack strategies for adversaries or bad actors. This compares to 81 per cent nationally. "AI and machine learning can help detect abnormalities and potential vulnerabilities to warn users of potential threats," says Mr. Gupta. "But while companies are just starting to harness AI for good, unfortunately bad actors are also already using AI to make their attacks more real. As we wrap up Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it's important to acknowledge along with adoption of new technologies, the security and governance aspects also need to be addressed." Mr. Gupta is hosting a Cyber Challenge hackathon today for university students at Platform Calgary focused on operational technology exercises. KPMG last month completed the acquisition of Calgary-based IMagosoft, solidifying the firm's presence in identity and access management service space. More insights from the KPMG survey are available here. About the KPMG Private Enterprise Business Survey KPMG in Canada surveyed business owners or executive level C-suite decision makers at 700 small-and-medium-sized Canadian companies between August 30 and Sept. 25, 2023, using Sago's premier business research panel. A quarter of the companies surveyed have more than $500 million and less than $1 billion in annual revenue, a quarter have more than $300 million and less than $500 million in annual revenue, 23 per cent have between $100 million and $300 million in annual revenue, and 26 per cent have between $10 million and $50 million in annual revenue. No companies were surveyed under $10 million. About KPMG in Canada

KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our? core values ?of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is? consistently ?ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see? kpmg.com/ca SOURCE KPMG LLP

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[October 24, 2023] HTC to Showcase VIVERSE for Business at Augmented Enterprise Summit 2023 Tweet

SEATTLE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Augmented Enterprise Summit 2023 (AES) taking place in Houston, Texas, from October 24 to 26. During the event, HTC will give exclusive, hands-on demos of its virtual workspace solution, VIVERSE for Business. This showcase will highlight a range of productivity features that are currently available on the platform, as well as a glimpse into exciting new developments on the horizon. At AES, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in VIVERSE for Business by wearing HTC's VIVE XR Elite headset. They will be transported into virtual rooms, each tailored to specific business functions with different productivity features. These rooms include an Auditorium, a Showroom, an Exhibition Hall, a Meeting Room, a Conference Room, and a Gallery, which serves as a gateway to a selection of VR/AR experiences. As part of the demo, visitors will see the power of Polygon Streaming technology, which enables collaborative viewing of high-fidelity 3D models with millions of polygons. By intelligently streaming only the portions of the model in the viewer's line of sight, and by optimizing resolution based on proximity, Polygon Streaming markedly reduces processing demands for a fluid, highly detailed experience. Attendees will also be given a first look at new 3rd party productivity integrations with Salesforce and Cognitive3D. Additionally, an MR experience demo will have attendees collaboratively viewing virtual 3D models in their real-world surroundings. "VIVERSE for Business is more than just a virtual workspace; it's an expansive platform that breaks the limitations of remote work, drawing global teams into closer collaboration," said Joseph Lin, General Manager of VIVERSE. "Collaborative 3D model viewing, a virtual exhibition hall, and an auditorium wit big-screen presentations give remote teams the tools to accomplish more and stay engaged, no matter where they're based. You don't need to outfit all your employees with XR headsets, but those who have them will enjoy the most immersive experience available. VIVERSE for Business also ensures enterprise-grade security and privacy for all customers worldwide," he said.



In a continued effort to demonstrate the versatility and global applicability of VIVERSE for Business, HTC has engaged with audiences worldwide through various showcases. Earlier this month, VIVERSE for Business was showcased in Paris, highlighting its innovative approach to collaborative business environments. The platform has previously been demoed at the Developer & Content Conference in Taiwan in early October. Looking ahead, HTC is excited to bring VIVERSE for Business to the Tech Summit in Shanghai on October 24, and the International Import Expo in Shanghai, November 5-10. On November 15, HTC will bring VIVERSE for Business to London, where it will be a focal point at the VIVE Partner Network event at BAFTA's premises. To learn more about VIVERSE for Business, visit the product website here .

About VIVERSE VIVERSE is an open and user-centric 3D place that connects people from all walks of life to a boundless?virtual world. We strive to empower as many people as possible?to explore, work,?and?play in a safe environment. Every?experience is unique, and your transactions and data are secure. VIVERSE provides an array of tools and services for individuals, creators, corporations,?and developers to build and explore in?this immersive space.?Visit the VIVERSE website here:?www.viverse.com About HTC HTC VIVE is the premier virtual reality (VR) platform and ecosystem that creates true-to-life VR experiences for businesses and consumers. The VIVE ecosystem is built around premium VR hardware, software, and content. The VIVE business encompasses best-in-class XR hardware; VIVEPORT platform and app store; VIVE Enterprise Solutions for business customers; VIVE X, a US$100M VR business accelerator; and VIVE ARTS for cultural initiatives. For more information, please visit www.vive.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/htc-to-showcase-viverse-for-business-at-augmented-enterprise-summit-2023-301965680.html SOURCE HTC

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[October 24, 2023] OpenFabric AI (OFN) to be Listed on Bitget - Revolutionizing the Future of Artificial Intelligence Tweet

Victoria, Seychelles, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives and copy trading platform, is thrilled to announce the listing of OpenFabric AI (OFN), a decentralized AI platform. The listing of OFN on Bitget is set to take place on October 24, 2023, marking a significant milestone for both projects and opening new opportunities for traders and AI enthusiasts. OpenFabric AI is a planetary-scale network that aims to build and connect decentralized AI applications. By harnessing the power of blockchain, advanced cryptography, and novel infrastructure, OpenFabric AI creates a new foundation for AI-Apps, enabling the collaboration between AI innovators, data providers, businesses, and infrastructure providers. The platform offers a suite of AI tools tailored to meet the dynamic needs of today' modern world, including ArtfabricAI Bot, MemefabricAI Bot, QRfabricAI Bot, SoundfabricAI Bot, Trading Crypto Bot, Drug Discovery, ChatfabricAI Bot, and Manga Generator.



The project previously conducted IDOs on four platforms, namely ChainGPT Pad, Poolz Finance, Enjinstarter, and Seedify. All of these IDOs were sold out successfully and raised a total of $1.2 million for the project. The estimated potential number of token holders right after the TGE (Token Generation Event) is at least 5,000 or more. Bitget, known for its commitment to innovation and providing traders with access to promising projects, has been actively expanding its listing efforts. The listing of OFN on Bitget follows a series of successful listings this month, including Pop Social (PPT), REKT (REKT), Ethereum Express (ETE), BigTime (BIGTIME), Bitcoin SV (BSV), and many more. This strategic partnership between OpenFabric AI and Bitget further strengthens the ecosystem and offers traders the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies.

Gracy Chen, Managing Director of Bitget, expressed her excitement about the listing, stating, "We are delighted to welcome OpenFabric AI to the Bitget platform. The curation of decentralized AI applications aligns with our vision of providing innovative and transformative solutions to our users. We believe that OpenFabric AI has the potential to revolutionize the future of artificial intelligence, and we are excited to support their growth and development." The listing of OFN on Bitget will provide traders with access to a new and promising project in the AI space. Users will be able to trade OFN tokens and participate in the growth of the OpenFabric AI ecosystem. To stay updated on the listing announcement regarding the OFN listing, users can visit LINK .

media-at-bitget.com

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[October 24, 2023] Frost & Sullivan Recognizes VicOne with the 2023 Competitive Strategy Leadership Award for Delivering a Highly Differentiated Portfolio of Cybersecurity Software for the Automotive Industry Tweet

VicOne stands out in the Japanese automotive cybersecurity industry for its profound expertise, strong product expansion efforts, strategic partnerships, flexible pricing approach, highly skilled threat intelligence, and outstanding customer support teams. SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the Japanese automotive cybersecurity industry and, based on its findings, recognizes VicOne with the 2023 Competitive Strategy Leadership Award. VicOne, one of the automotive cybersecurity solutions leaders, that offers a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity software and services for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. The company is a subsidiary of Trend Micro and leverages its parent company's expertise of over 30 years to gain a significant advantage over local competitors. VicOne delivers unmatched automotive protection and in-depth security expertise, enabling customers to build safer and smarter vehicles. The company's highly customizable solutions allow customers to purchase the tools they require depending on their system complexity and their project's level of cybersecurity sophistication. Furthermore, VicOne's pricing strategy adapts to customer size, cybersecurity maturity, and the number of vehicles required for monitoring. Today, VicOne continues to expand its broad product portfolio to meet the evolving cybersecurity demands of automotive stakeholders. For instance, VicOne launched its future-ready Smart Cockpit Protection in January 2023, acknowledging that smart cockpits will become the next frontier for automotive manufacturers. The company accurately foresaw that the industry was quickly moving towards adding cutting-edge fatures and connecting applications to vehicles through in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems. As a result, VicOne strengthened its dominant market position with innovative security tools to prevent hackers from exploiting these emerging systems of autonomous vehicles.



"We are thrilled to be honored by Frost & Sullivan with this award for our unparalleled expertise in cyberthreat intelligence to protect OEMs and the entire automotive supply chain," said Max Cheng, CEO of VicOne. "This recognition validates our commitment to the automotive industry in Japan and globally through our proven end-to-end security solutions for connected cars and software-defined vehicles." "VicOne's Smart Cockpit Protection provides multi-layered cybersecurity features to protect IVI systems and applications. The solutions reflect VicOne's vision of securing the vehicles of tomorrow and aligning its product roadmap with ongoing technology strategies of automotive stakeholders, enabling the company to stay ahead," said Vivien Pua, senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

To further enhance its solid reputation and leadership, the company collaborates with Japan Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (J-Auto-ISAC) to keep abreast of the latest trends in the automotive industry and maintain its unrivaled leadership. Moreover, the company collaborates with world-class automotive suppliers, including Panasonic Automotive Systems, Hitachi Astemo, and NXP Semiconductors. This helps the company to reinforce its competitiveness and bolsters its reputation and branding in the Japanese automotive cybersecurity industry. "Despite being a recent industry entrant and a newly founded subsidiary under Trend Micro, VicOne demonstrates tremendous potential in forging strategic alliances and collaborative projects in the automotive cybersecurity industry," noted Pua. "With its strong overall performance, VicOne earns Frost & Sullivan's 2023 Competitive Strategy Leadership Award in the Japanese automotive cybersecurity industry." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has leveraged competitive intelligence to successfully execute a strategy that results in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning, and customer satisfaction. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion . Contact: Tammy Chan E: [email protected] About VicOne With a vision to secure the vehicles of tomorrow, VicOne delivers a broad portfolio of cybersecurity software and services for the automotive industry. Purpose-built to address the rigorous needs of automotive manufacturers, VicOne solutions are designed to secure and scale with the specialized demands of the modern vehicle. As a Trend Micro subsidiary, VicOne is powered by a solid foundation in cybersecurity drawn from Trend Micro's 30+ years in the industry, delivering unparalleled automotive protection and deep security insights that enable our customers to build secure as well as smart vehicles. For more information, visit? www.vicone.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frost--sullivan-recognizes-vicone-with-the-2023-competitive-strategy-leadership-award-for-delivering-a-highly-differentiated-portfolio-of-cybersecurity-software-for-the-automotive-industry-301964228.html SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

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[October 24, 2023] Omega Venture Partners Spearheads the Future of AI Innovation Tweet

At the Frontlines of the AI Revolution: Omega Venture Partners Strengthens its Stature as the Leading Venture Capital Firm Cultivating Tomorrow's Tech Leaders PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks a significant milestone as Omega Venture Partners heightens its leadership in the global AI investment landscape with the unveiling of investments in a new set of category-leading companies. As a vanguard in the venture capital industry, Omega Venture Partners showcases its commitment to nurturing artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-enabled technologies, furthering its stature as the leading VC partner for the most innovative and compelling AI companies. This year epitomizes a crescendo of achievements for Omega Venture Partners, demonstrable in the firm's widely lauded industry report on the seismic shifts driven by generative AI, a report that has been widely cited and praised across the industry. Furthermore, the firm's expert insights across the AI landscape have been featured at elite industry forums hosted by prestigious entities, including Citizens Bank and the Tiger 21 Group, underscoring Omega's pivotal role in shaping the future of AI. In its most recent strategic move, Omega Venture Partners has invested in industry trailblazers poised to redefine the AI landscape: Frward Networks: Setting a new standard in network reliability through advanced analytics and actionable insights.



Lightforce Orthodontics: Trailblazing the integration of AI into orthodontic treatment planning, revolutionizing dental health. Type AI: A pioneer in AI-powered content creation, enabling marketers to craft branded messaging and content with remarkable efficiency.

Language I/O: Machine intelligence platform for language translation and localization. Gaurav Tewari, Managing Partner at Omega Venture Partners, remarked, "This is a pivotal juncture as we onboard enterprises that are not just leading in their respective domains but are reshaping industry standards. Our investment philosophy is underscored by a deep-seated belief in fostering AI applications that have the power to transform industries at a granular level. Our extensive expertise and network in AI put us in a prime position to catapult these companies to unprecedented heights." Alfred Griffin, CEO at Lightforce, added, "As a trusted partner, Omega Venture Partners leverages their deep understanding of AI to provide practical guidance for their portfolio companies as they apply AI principles to solve frontier business challenges." As Omega Venture Partners sails into a new epoch of AI innovation, its unrivaled expertise and proven track record affirm its role as the preferred harbinger of success for the pioneers of tomorrow's technology. See more from Citizens Bank on the Role of AI in Financial Services here. About Omega Venture Partners

Omega Venture Partners, headquartered in Palo Alto, CA., was founded with an unwavering commitment to investing in pioneering software companies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data, and automation. With a thematic investment approach, Omega identifies expansive market opportunities and empowers the next generation of industry leaders. For more information, visit https://www.omegavp.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omega-venture-partners-spearheads-the-future-of-ai-innovation-301965675.html SOURCE Omega Venture Partners

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[October 24, 2023] Midwest Surgical Hospital selects Wolters Kluwer's Simplifi+ suite Tweet

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) recently revised General Chapters <795>, <797>, and <800> that dictate compliance standards for sterile and nonsterile pharmaceutical compounding, with enforcement starting November 1, 2023. But as this date draws near, only 31% of pharmacies are prepared for full compliance with the 2023 USP 797 reference standards. Taking action to ensure compliance amid this transition, Midwest Surgical Hospital has selected Wolters Kluwer Health's Simplifi 797 technology, alongside the full Simplifi+ Pharmacy Compliance suite of solutions, to replace manual processes and support patient safety at its 25-bed ambulatory surgical center in Omaha, Nebraska. Improving documentation efficiency to uplevel pharmacy teams Prior to this shift, Midwest Surgical was utilizing paper-based records in its pharmacy for compounding documentation and medication inventory management across the facility. This placed an extreme administrative burden on pharmacists and led to inefficiency in medication compounding practices. By implementing the full suite of Simplifi+ Pharmacy Compliance solutions, including Simplifi 797, Simplifi+ MedTrays and Simplifi+ MedStorage, Midwest Surgical can proactively manage USP compliance, medication storage, and emergency cart medication inventory on one common platform. "Pharmacists are an underutilized resource in many health systems and healthcare centers, and this is largely due to the inability to extract them from the daily documentation and minutiae in the pharmacy. With a lean pharmacy team, we're always looking for ways to streamline our processes - and ultimately their workloads," said Michael Labadie, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy at Midwest Surgical Hospital. "By bringing in automated solutions from Wolters Kluwer, we are able to minimize our manual documentation, limit medication waste, and allow our pharmacists to become more involved in patient care needs." Improving hospital USP compiance



Midwest Surgical compounds many of its intraoperative medications on-site and, in light of the latest USP guidelines, was looking for a solution that would allow them to worry less about documentation requirements and focus on patient care. With Simplifi 797 in place, their pharmacy team now has a comprehensive view of their compounding compliance, including where they can take action to make improvements in real-time. The fully automated platform and expert guidance ensures the proper documentation is in place in case of a regulatory audit and allows for better tracking of wasted medication volumes, allowing their team to optimize compounding based on current usage levels. "Healthcare facilities are being pushed to find new efficiencies in their current processes to balance increasing regulatory scrutiny and patient care responsibilities," said Karen Kobelski, Vice President and General Manager of Clinical Surveillance Compliance & Data Solutions, Wolters Kluwer Health. "By using our Simplifi+ suite, Dr. Labadie and his team at Midwest Surgical are creating a more agile and efficient backbone for their pharmacy, allowing them to quickly onboard new staff, focus on patient programs, or navigate a regulatory inspection with ease."

Beyond medication compounding, Simplifi+ MedTrays and Simplifi+ MedStorage enable the surgery center to more easily and efficiently manage medication stored throughout the facility. Simplifi+ MedTrays automates and standardizes emergency cart restocking to ensure accuracy and optimize the utilization of short-dated drugs. By automating inventory checklists, Simplifi+ MedStorage ensures medications stored across the facility are safe for patient use and achieve compliance standards so teams are inspection-ready. Visit Wolters Kluwer Health's website to learn more about the Simplifi+ Pharmacy Compliance suite. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software, and services for professionals in healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, and corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of 5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,900 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. For more information about our solutions, visit https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024560532/en/

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[October 24, 2023] xtype hits $10.8 million In Funding, Amplifying Its Impact In The ServiceNow Market Amidst Soaring Demand Tweet

The startup has seen accelerated growth with major enterprise deals with a number of global enterprises across healthcare, financial services and manufacturing, including Zurich Insurance and Heineken. COVINA, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- xtype , the agile software delivery company, today announced that it has secured additional funding following a stellar year of growth in the business, having achieved 4x revenue growth over the last 14 months and a significantly increased market presence. This round was led by Columbia Capital and Innerloop Capital, and saw participation from SaaS Ventures and other investors. Specializing in enterprise clients using ServiceNow, xtype will use the new funding to meet increased demand and expand product development. With xtype, enterprises can supercharge its ServiceNow Center of Excellence and Innovation (CoEI), redefining the parameters for enterprises to accelerate their rate of innovation on the ServiceNow platform, and finally be able to meet and exceed enterprise demand for new digital transformation workflows and applications. The funding comes at a time when large enterprises, who rely heavily on ServiceNow to drive digital transformation and business workflows, are turning to xtype to augment the built in capabilities of the platform with platform engineering capabilities to realize the full potential of the platform. Zurich Insurance and Heineken are two such organizations currently working with xtype to further develop their IT processes and applications in real time. While investors are continuing to tread cautiously in the current market , xtype's fundraise highlights investor confidence in its product market fit and exceptional ability to achieve exactly what it sets out to do - solve the clear prblem of its customers in unleashing the enormous capabilities of ServiceNow.



xtype's latest funding round will provide fuel for the next stage of growth, enabling wider adoption of its technology in enterprise accounts, expanded technical support capabilities, and investment in additional product capabilities. With proven fit and momentum in the ServiceNow ecosystem, xtype is poised to further scale its business and team. The new capital will expand the startup's ability to drive innovation and meet the needs of large global enterprises relying on ServiceNow. This also includes enhancing its core product and solving more of the unique pains of customers, such as growing backlogs of undeployed updates, off-hour work to meet deadlines, and an inability to innovate at the pace demanded by the business. In the last year, xtype has recorded major milestones that have further validated its place in the ServiceNow ecosystem, including:

Over 75,000 deployments by customers using its product

Hundreds of downloads of xtype View in the ServiceNow app store

Attracting major enterprises across industry verticals including such as Zurich Insurance, Heineken, major banks and healthcare providers amongst others as customers.

Increased employee headcount with strategic investments in go to market and engineering Ron Gidron, co-founder and CEO of xtype said: "We are thrilled to announce that xtype has secured additional funding, a resounding endorsement of our game-changing solutions in the ServiceNow ecosystem. This investment not only reaffirms our market leadership but also underlines the immense confidence our investor community places in us. As we continue to revolutionize enterprise software solutions, this financial backing empowers us to accelerate our innovation, scale our reach, and continue delivering unparalleled value to our clients." Justin Label, Managing Director of Innerloop Capital agreed, saying: "xtype has seen tremendous growth over the past year, and the expansion of its enterprise customer base to include industry leaders made us extremely confident in the trajectory they are taking. With this, we are eager to support the next stage of growth for the company and invest further into its unique product offering." Collin Gutman, Managing Partner of SaaS Ventures, said: "We saw that ServiceNow's customers all have a large need, which xtype fills perfectly. The scope of the problem xtype solves is matched only by the quality of its team." The latest fundraising round will bring the total to $10.8 million. xtype is looking to take advantage of the significant potential for growth as the ServiceNow ecosystem has over 7,000 leading enterprises relying on the platform for their software deployments. xtype is a proud sponsor of the upcoming ServiceNow World Forum events in Dallas and New York, and will be in attendance at all starting on the 25th October at booth E9 in Dallas. Media contact YourStoryPR for xtype

[email protected]

+44(0)7867488769 About xtype Founded in 2020, xtype is a venture-backed startup reimagining the agile software delivery approach on the ServiceNow platform. The company offers an off-the-shelf option for customers to meet any level of demand on the ServiceNow platform and drive improved business outcomes at scale. xtype achieves this through its ServiceNow-native applications, enabling enterprises to expedite ServiceNow delivery and get more out of their ServiceNow investment - faster. To date, xtype has worked with organizations such as Zurich Insurance and Heineken, as well as large international banks and technology companies globally. www.xtype.io Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2253418/xtype_founders.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xtype-hits-10-8-million-in-funding-amplifying-its-impact-in-the-servicenow-market-amidst-soaring-demand-301965919.html SOURCE xtype

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[October 24, 2023] 5Mins AI Launches Bite-Sized Learning Content from Industry Leaders HiBob, Atlassian, and Zendesk Tweet

LONDON, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 5Mins AI , the leading bite-sized workplace learning platform, today announced collaborations with global software leaders: Zendesk, Atlassian, and HiBob. These partnerships enable employees around the world to learn and upskill from industry leaders in the flow of work. Enhanced Learning through Micro-Lessons 5mins.ai now features bite-sized lessons, derived from Atlassian's Work Check Podcast, Sit Down Startup series by Zendesk, and insightful HR Webinars from HiBob. Lessons are meticulously designed to deliver extensive knowledge in concise formats, promoting long-term retention and efficient learning. Diverse Knowledge from Industry Leaders Atlassian's Work Check Podcast, introduced in August 2021, dives into the nuances of workplace collaboration, featuring innovations and leading professionals from various fields. Notable contributors include professors from University of Baltimore, Stanford and more offering insights through over 50 bite-sized and enriching videos available on the 5Mins AI platform. Zendesk's Sit Down Startup series offers insights from entrepreneurs and CEOs, highlighting the importance of customer experience for business success in today's competitive market.



Comprehensive HR Insights from HiBob HiBob's webinars provide a wealth of essential HR knowledge, covering a variety of topics from employee wellbeing to hiring strategies, featuring collaborations from their partners. In line with their commitment to knowledge sharing and building a collective learning culture, HiBob are sharing their resources with 5Mins AI and have also recently introduced their all new internal learning tool "BobEd". HiBob's webinars have been converted into micro-lessons, expanding the total HR content repository of 5Mins AI even further.

Commitment to Excellence and Growth With the integration of content from Zendesk, Atlassian, and HiBob, 5Mins AI reaffirms its dedication to offering accessible, and engaging learning experiences to users. Saurav Chopra, Founder of 5Mins AI, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am super excited that our community can learn from some of the most respected global software brands - Atlassian, Zendesk, and HiBob. Their reputations precede them, and they are revered as authoritative figures in their respective domains. At 5Mins AI, we are committed to delivering bite-sized learning from the most credible sources and and are grateful these leading brands that are at the forefront of delivering their knowledge to a wider community." About 5Mins: 5Mins.ai , the TikTok-styled Skills and Learning platform, helps organisations develop all their employees efficiently and effectively, no matter what their role. With 20,000+ micro-lessons from world-leading instructors covering 200+ essential technical, soft and life skills, the 5Mins elearning platform is used by diverse workforces across leading brands such as Dropbox, Pitney Bowes, Perkbox and many more. Additionally 5Mins AI helps its users to bitesize internal training by up to 80%, create assessments for them, and provides comprehensive analytics to administrator. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256154/5Mins_ai_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/5mins-ai-launches-bite-sized-learning-content-from-industry-leaders-hibob-atlassian-and-zendesk-301965940.html SOURCE 5Mins.ai

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[October 24, 2023] CitySavings celebrates 100B loan portfolio, continues to elevate lives through financial inclusion Tweet

MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings), the thrift arm subsidiary of Aboitiz-led UnionBank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has been serving people of moderate means since 1965. From a single-product bank focused on teachers' loans, of which CitySavings is the market leader, it has transformed into a financial institution that offers a wide range of financial products tailored to the mass market segment including motorcycle lending and other salary loan segments. The Bank continues to trailblaze in the thrift banking sector as it celebrates its achievement of a 100 billion loan portfolio owing this milestone to its clients. "We care deeply for our clients and continuously strive to deliver superior customer experience even during the pandemic. They are the reason for our success and for that, we are immensely grateful to them. With our basic philosophy of 'Simple is Good', we will continue to fulfill our purpose of elevating communities through financial inclusion", shared CitySavings Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo T. Ocampo. As of August 2023, the thrift bank hit a net income after tax (NIAT) of Php 2.1 billion, generated72 billion in loan releases, and achieved Return on Equity (ROE) of 16.2%. The thrift bank's loan portfolio level soared with a 35% year-over-year (YOY) increase at Php 97.5 billion end of month (EOM) and a 31% YOY increase in interest income.



The Bank's growth and innovation drive has earned recognition in recent years as the 2019 Fastest Growing Savings Bank in the Philippines by the Global Business Outlook, 2020 Best Employer Brand by Employer Branding Institute - India, and the 2021 Philippines Technology Excellence Awardee for its chatbot Talk to Maria at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards. These accolades were followed by CitySavings being named again as the 2022 Fastest Growing Savings Bank by the International Business Magazine, 2022 Most Innovative Savings Bank, and 2023 Most Customer-Centric Savings Bank by International Finance. The Philippine Daily Inquirer and international market research firm Statista recognized the Bank in its 2023 Philippines Growth Champions list of the top 25 companies that have achieved the highest revenue percentage growth between 2018 and 2021.

Its strategy of offering simple and straightforward banking coupled with warm and helpful service and relevant products has worked favorably for CitySavings. The Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to creating innovative solutions to deliver the best customer experience through its digital channels. The Loan Ranger Mobile (LRM) App allows teacher-clients to view their account balances in real-time and apply for a reloan anytime, anywhere. While CitySavings' chatbot, Talk to Maria offers a convenient 24/7 inquiry service and a seamless new loan application process. Through its parent, UnionBank, CitySavings also rolled out Bank-on-Wheels to make banking services more accessible. "Our journey through the years has brought many opportunities and challenges but we have managed to do well. In 2022, the Bank delivered above-target financial performance which we, at the CitySavings team, are immensely proud of. This milestone of achieving a 100 billion loan portfolio is a solid testament that we are on our way to becoming the leading mass market bank in the Philippines," CitySavings President Manuel Santiago, Jr. said. About City Savings Bank: City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country, providing a wide range of mass market financial products and services, such as salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, motorcycle loans, government salary loans, AFP salary loans, BFP salary loans, and traditional deposit products. Today, CitySavings has more than 140 branches nationwide. It is well on its way to becoming the leading mass market bank in the Philippines, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the country. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/citysavings-celebrates-100b-loan-portfolio-continues-to-elevate-lives-through-financial-inclusion-301965945.html SOURCE Union Bank of the Philippines

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[October 24, 2023] Fourth Annual IT Security Report from Devolutions Unveils Latest Trends in the SMB Fight Against Cyber Threats Tweet

MONTREAL, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, software developer Devolutions announced results from its fourth annual survey, which examined the state of IT security for companies around the world that identify as small and medium businesses (SMBs). The results from the survey are packaged in a new report titled, The State of IT Security for SMBs in 20232024. While most of the survey respondents believe they have adequate protection against cyber risks, the new report from Devolutions poses the question: Is that confidence well placed? While many organizations are using the right tools for the moment, the threat surface continues to grow and there is a false sense of complacency among many of the respondents.

The Threat Landscape for SMBs

Despite advancements in IT security measures, SMBs remain firmly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. In 2023 alone, nearly 43% of all cyberattacks were directed at SMBs  with the monetary repercussions ranging from $120,000 to $1.24 million USD per episode, depending on multiple factors such as the volume of compromised records. Spikes in incidents such as ransomware payments and Internet of Things (IoT) malware attacks indicate that this year has been particularly challenging. The stakes are higher than ever, as technology  notably artificial intelligence (AI)  serves as both a tool and a potential threat, underscoring the need to commit more resources to IT security and stay vigilant. Devolutions survey, which was conducted between March and May 2023, polled 217 global SMBs operating in the IT field. Devolutions CEO David Hervieux states, The results from our survey dovetail nicely with Octobers National Cybersecurity Awareness Month  as one of our primary goals with this report is to expand awareness of the vulnerabilities that many SMBs face. Its not just about presenting stats but about truly educating the industry on the various pitfalls  and how SMBs can use the survey findings to identify gaps, develop strategies, and make informed decisions regarding their cybersecurity posture. The following are some notable takeaways from the survey data and resulting report. Overconfidence in AI Security

When asked about their use of AI, 56% of respondents indicated that they were either very or reasonably confident in its security  but Devolutions urges caution in being too complacent with the security risks associated with AI. According to Devolutions CISO Martin Lemay, While AI is an exciting technology, it relies on enormous quantities of data, which is susceptible to being misused. Therefore, it is vital to establish adequate governance and rigorous data legislation to prevent abuse. The Risk of Complacency

Its not just AI in which SMBs are feeling overconfident. While nearly 0% of the respondents considered themselves well protected against cyber threats in general, less than 60% actually employ essential security tools like password managers, two-factor authentication, or cybersecurity training. Various factors contribute to this disconnect between perception and reality  including the tendency to underestimate the evolving complexity of cyberattacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Employee behavior and a lack of adequate cybersecurity training can further weaken the defense infrastructure, as end users are commonly viewed as the most vulnerable element in the cybersecurity equation.



PAM Deployment Challenges

While the survey revealed an 8% increase in the deployment of Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions from last year  and 95% recognize the importance of having a PAM solution in place  the flip side is that 35% of respondents reported negative experiences with their PAM solution. This dissatisfaction could signify implementation challenges, solutions that were too complicated, or a lack of training. These findings underscore the importance of SMBs using an appropriate PAM solution tailored for their needs, rather than complicated PAM solutions that are designed for large enterprises. Planning for the Future

A positive from the survey data is the increase in budget allocation for cybersecurity, with 51% of respondents now meeting the recommended spend  and 86% employing cybersecurity expertise either in-house or through external consultants such as MSPs and MSSPs. Lemay summarizes, We are in the era of the digital Wild West, where threats abound. SMBs must develop a defense capability to protect their interests and all their stakeholders against predictable opportunities for cyberattacks. Whether this capability is developed in-house or outsourced, cybersecurity expertise is crucial to health and well-being of SMBs future.

For more information about Devolutions and their solutions, please visit devolutions.net. To download a copy of the The State of IT Security for SMBs in 20232024, visit this link. About Devolutions

Established in 2010, Devolutions is a Canadian company located near Montreal, Quebec. With more than 800,000 users in over 140 countries, Devolutions is on a mission to develop innovative software that helps users cost-effectively, simply and effectively achieve their remote desktop management, password management, privileged access management, and cybersecurity goals. The company is also committed to providing exceptional technical support, ensuring an excellent user experience that exceeds expectations, and delivering high performance with superior quality. For more information about Devolutions and its solutions, visit devolutions.net, follow the company on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram; like its Facebook page; or subscribe to its YouTube channel. Media Contact:

Stephanie Olsen

Lages & Associates

(949) 453-8080

[email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68a4c166-8637-4e50-a2eb-967b583b7f9b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0141735-64f2-4ec7-b996-e20b96a58cb9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bde4d7fa-d79c-4737-80f1-95bc053a8555



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[October 24, 2023] Cloudinary Named to Inc.'s Second Annual Power Partner Awards Tweet

Cloudinary, the image and video platform that powers many of the world's top brands, has been recognized with a 2023 Inc. Business Media Power Partner Award. The award honors B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records in empowering entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. Key to the company's inclusion in this year's list were supporting testimonials from customers Mecum Auctions, Neiman Marcus and River Island. All three brands reinforced Cloudinary's ability to deliver strong ROI and solve several business-critical challenges, such as simplifying the end-to-end lifecycle of images and videos, providing a single source of truth for all assets, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that every asset is optimized for delivery based on the user's viewing context. In addition to streamlining its customers' visual content management processes, Cloudinary's rich set of AI capabilities eliminates tedious and time-consuming image and video-related tasks, allowing developers and digital marketers to focus on higher-impact work. Neiman Marcus, for example, turned to Cloudinary to help power its digital experience transformation and ominchannel content strategy. With more than 18 million images and videos to manage and deliver, the leading luxury brand has used Cloudinary to reduce asset management time by 75%, reduce photoshoot-to-web timelines by 50%, and ensure pages load three times faster.



"Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media. "Being recognized with an Inc. Power Partner award reflects our belief that customer success defines our success," said Genevieve Haldeman, VP of Marketing at Cloudinary. "We're committed to ensuring that businesses of all sizes have the tools they need to manage and deliver engaging online experiences, no matter where or how their consumers interact with them."

To view the full list, visit: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023. The November 2023 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning Oct. 31, 2023. About Cloudinary Cloudinary is the image and video technology platform that enables the world's most engaging brands to deliver transformative visual experiences at global scale. More than 1.5 million users and 10,000 customers, including Apartment Therapy, Bleacher Report, Bombas, Grubhub, NBC, Mediavine, Minted, Paul Smith and Peloton, rely on Cloudinary to bring their campaigns, apps and sites to life. With the world's most powerful image and video APIs backed by industry-leading artificial intelligence and patented technology, Cloudinary offers a single source of truth for brands to manage, transform, optimize, and deliver visual experiences at scale. As a result, the most engaging brands across all industries are seeing up to a 203% ROI using Cloudinary with benefits including faster time to market, higher user satisfaction and increased engagement and conversions. For more information, visit www.cloudinary.com. About Inc. Business Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc., offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024887830/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Beacon Healthcare Systems Hires Alexis Elam, Vice President of Compliance Tweet

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Healthcare Systems, leaders in compliance, appeals and grievances, enrollment, and SDoH, is pleased to welcome Alexis Elam, Vice President of Compliance to the team. Elam joins Beacon with over a decade of healthcare Compliance and Privacy program development and organizational auditing and monitoring experience. As an executive level compliance professional, she has established and restructured compliance and operational areas across various payor and provider markets and SaaS support tools. Trained as an internal auditor with an extensive background in risk governance, she has developed and implemented corporate initiatives and board level reporting t identify, prioritize, and manage enterprise risks and opportunities that promote adherence to the regulatory aspects of government contracting and service delivery.



Elam's tenure in managed care includes health plan sponsorship and FDR Oversight, as well as acute and post-acute provider organizations under traditional Medicare and value-based arrangements. "Since our inception, compliance has been core to all products that we build at Beacon Healthcare Systems. Through our passion for partnership, we have increasingly supported clients through their CMS Program Audits by being available to generate reports that comply with regulatory requirements and drive universe data integrity in accordance with CMS' Audit Protocols and associated guidance. In her role at Beacon, Elam will leverage her expertise to deliver best in class product delivery and innovation in support of our client's compliance and regulatory needs. She will also lead our go to market strategy and efforts with our clients," said Ken Stockman, CEO, of Beacon Healthcare Systems.

Elam will be presenting on behalf of Beacon at a breakout session at the upcoming HICE Annual Conference in Indian Wells, California, entitled "Audit Readiness - From Surviving to Thriving" on Monday, December 4, 2023. About Beacon Healthcare Systems. Beacon Healthcare Systems streamlines the business of healthcare through reliable innovative SaaS technology delivered by industry experts. With a focus on appeals and grievances, compliance, enrollment, supplemental benefits or SDoH, and analytics, Beacon HCS is the first place health plans turn when looking for a trusted, experienced partner that can help them reduce costs, grow revenue, and achieve their strategic goals. Founded in 2011, Beacon HCS is a privately held California-based company with a wholly owned subsidiary in India. Beacon is hiring! beaconhcs.com/careers. Contact:

Pamela Raley

SVP Revenue & Client Management

[email protected]

c: 415 823 1925 ET View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beacon-healthcare-systems-hires-alexis-elam-vice-president-of-compliance-301965771.html SOURCE Beacon Healthcare Systems

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[October 24, 2023] UL Solutions Significantly Expands Illinois Presence with New Downtown Chicago Location Tweet

The new urban location further enables the company to grow its presence within Chicago's dynamic global business ecosystem. CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UL Solutions, a global safety science leader, today announced the opening of its newest location in downtown Chicago, underscoring the company's historic commitment to the city and to serving its customers' needs for science-based solutions to the world's most challenging safety issues. The company's new approximately 40,000-square-foot space is inside the 46-story 155 N. Wacker Drive building designed by the architecture firm Goettsch Partners. The location expands the UL Solutions footprint and puts the company closer to customers with a downtown Chicago presence, increases the visibility and recognition of the UL Solutions brand, broadens access to top talent and further immerses employees into the Chicago global business community. "Our new, vibrant downtown Chicago office is our latest demonstation of UL Solutions commitment to serving our customers' needs wherever they are and we are truly excited to return to our historic roots, helping support our region's major developments and projects facing complex safety needs," said Jennifer Scanlon, president and chief executive officer, UL Solutions Inc. "Expanding our Midwest footprint in Chicago from our suburban headquarters in Northbrook will enable key stakeholders here to have direct local access to UL Solutions' world-class safety science expertise. As an organization dedicated to the mission of working for a safer world, we are experts in science-based solutions addressing a wide variety of industries, including the automotive, consumer goods, EV battery and energy and sustainability sectors."



The new UL Solutions Chicago facility complements its 110-acre campus at 333 Pfingsten Road in Northbrook. Home to multiple testing laboratories, staff and executive offices, the Northbrook campus has been the headquarters for the Underwriters Laboratories enterprise for 44 years after moving its operations in 1979 from its 207-231 East Ohio Street location in downtown Chicago that it had occupied since 1905. "Illinois companies like UL Solutions are paving the way for innovation in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world," said Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "With the new UL Solutions location in downtown Chicago, we are grateful that they continue demonstrating their commitment to Chicago and Illinois. My team and I look forward to continue working with UL Solutions to grow talent and expand our innovation economy."

"I invite the business community to join me in welcoming UL Solutions into the city," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Thank you, UL Solutions, for betting big on Chicago and recognizing that here your company can best access talent and workforce, existing and emerging customers, and the region's incredible tech, innovation, and science ecosystem." About UL Solutions

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Certification Marks serve as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflect an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage. Press contact: Steven Brewster

UL Solutions

ULNews@UL.com

T: +1 (847) 664.8425 Kathy Fieweger

UL Solutions

Kathy.Fieweger@ul.com

T: +1 (312) 852-5156 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ul-solutions-significantly-expands-illinois-presence-with-new-downtown-chicago-location-301965990.html SOURCE UL Solutions

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[October 24, 2023] Docupace Adds Acclaimed Sales Leaders to High-Performing Unit Tweet

Roger Romero and Michael Kroener expand reach and deepen expertise of enterprise sales team LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Docupace, the leader in cloud-based fintech digital operations software for the wealth management industry, today announces the continued expansion of its sales organization with additions to its business development and enterprise solutions teams. "I am incredibly honored and excited to welcome these accomplished professionals to our high-performing group," said Michael Vossler, chief revenue officer for Docupace. "Our sales organization is tasked with helping our clients and prospects solve their most complex challenges and I'm proud of our group's enthusiasm in rolling up their sleeves and crafting the right solutions to make an impact on how work gets done." Recent expansion of the Docupace sales organization includes the addition of Michael Kroener and Roger Romero as vice presidents  enterprise solutions. Kroener brings a successful track record as both a top individual and team producer with deep knowledge of our wealth technology industry. Most recently, he led Partnership and Enterprise Sales for VRGL, a client actuation and proposal management platform for wealth enterprise and RIAs. He's also previously held sales leadership positions at Nitrogen, VISE, eMoney and others.



Romero is also a veteran sales professional known for thriving in fast-paced environments and applying a creative approach to sales. Most recently, he was an Account Executive at Practifi, an optimization platform for wealth management firms. Romero has previously held sales leadership positions at Fiserv and eMoney. Docupace is also investing in growth with recent additions to its business development team. Caitlynn Bowers and Evan Smith as business development specialists, reporting to John Kotsiantos. Bowers, also a veteran of eMoney, brings advanced skills and experience working directly with financial advisors to optimize their technology usage. Smith brings a strong entrepreneurial spirit and financial services experience to the group  his experience includes time at Merrill Lynch.

As a company, Docupace is celebrating its sixth-straight year of double digit growth, driven by expanding and increasing in universal account opening, compensation, surveillance and PreciseFP enterprise. "We continue to make investments in our business that drive our strategic transformation and accelerates our growth," said David Knoch, chief executive officer for Docupace. "Each new client that comes on board means more and more back office professionals get to be more efficient and effective." About Docupace

Docupace is a solutions provider focused on digitizing and automating operations in the financial advice and investment industry. Financial services firms use the Docupace Platform (a cloud-based, integrated software suite) to reduce back-office expenses, improve efficiency, strengthen recruiting, and enhance the experience of advisors and investors. With headquarters in Los Angeles, California, Docupace is proud to serve some of the largest independent broker-dealers and registered investment advisers (RIAs) in the financial services industry. For more information, please visit www.docupace.com. Docupace Media Contact:

Ryan George

Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/docupace-adds-acclaimed-sales-leaders-to-high-performing-unit-301965996.html SOURCE Docupace Technologies, Inc.

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[October 24, 2023] KuCoin's Managing Director, Alicia Kao, Highlights Commitment To Security, User Experience And Education at Blockchain Life 2023 Forum in Dubai Tweet

KuCoin's Managing Director, Alicia Kao, recently addressed the audience at the Blockchain Life 2023 Forum in Dubai, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving crypto market. Her speech underscored KuCoin's strengths and unwavering commitment to supporting market growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024351658/en/ KuCoin's Managing Director, Alicia Kao, recently addressed the audience at the Blockchain Life 2023 Forum in Dubai, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving crypto market. Her speech underscored KuCoin's strengths and unwavering commitment to supporting market growth. (Photo: Business Wire) Alicia Kao emphasized that amidst changing market conditions, KuCoin's user growth has remained steadfast, achieving a significantmilestone of 30 million registered users. She commented, "We've identified users' needs and tailored our services accordingly. We focus on helping users identify valuable investment opportunities. In the bearish market, we are dedicated to finding the next crypto gem for the users. Our launchpad, KuCoin Spotlight, consistently ranks among the top three ROI in the industry. We provide trading tools for stable income and witness strong subscription growth in our KuCoin Earn program, reflecting the need for low-risk wealth growth. The trend of earn growth also reflects that users have not withdrawn their funds, indicating that they still have confidence in this market."



Alicia Kao also mentioned the upcoming KuCoin survey report focusing on the UAE market which sheds light on various challenges faced by crypto investors in the UAE, including concerns related to trust in crypto platforms, limited crypto education, and the importance of customer support. Alicia highlighted, "To address these concerns, we've bolstered our security measures with higher risk management standards to further protect user assets. Our efficient customer support team resolves 99% of issues within 24 hours, and we've introduced the KuCoin Learn program, providing users with an optimal platform to learn about crypto and blockchain." Meanwhile, she also expressed KuCoin's commitment to its users as a leading exchange - "We will work harder, better, faster to make our users stronger." In the closing of her speech, Alicia stressed that KuCoin is enthusiastic about the promising future of the Middle east region and is dedicated to further supporting its growth. By enhancing its services and providing a secure and user-friendly platform tailored to the specific needs of the crypto community, KuCoin is poised to play a pivotal role in the responsible growth of the crypto industry in the region.

About KuCoin Launched in September 2017, KuCoin is a global cryptocurrency exchange with its operational headquarters in Seychelles. As a user-oriented platform with a focus on inclusiveness and community action reach, it offers over 700 digital assets and currently provides spot trading, margin trading, P2P fiat trading, futures trading, staking, and lending to its 30 million users in more than 200 countries and regions. KuCoin is currently one of the top 5 crypto exchanges according to CoinMarketCap. In 2023, KuCoin was named one of the Best Crypto Exchanges by Forbes and recognized as a highly commended global exchange in Finder's 2023 Global Cryptocurrency Trading Platform Awards. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024351658/en/

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[October 24, 2023] InsurTech HoneyQuote Partners with First Connect to Give Agents Across the Country Easy Access to the Florida Homeowners Insurance Market Tweet

HoneyQuote, a digital insurance marketplace, has partnered with First Connect Insurance Services to grant thousands of independent agents nationwide the ability to seamlessly write policies in Florida - unlocking new opportunities and efficiencies within the challenging market. HoneyQuote's online platform uses proprietary technology to enable users, such as homeowners and distribution partners, to easily compare and purchase insurance coverage from dozens of top Florida carriers. First Connect is an operating subsidiary of Hippo Holdings Inc. that helps connect independent agents with today's "best-in-class" insurtech providers. The new partnership offering, known as "HoneyQuote for Agents," allows First Connect users to seamlessly leverage HoneyQuote's innovative technology and agency infrastructure to find suitable coverage for their Florida clients. "HoneyQuote's new product is set to transform how agents engage with the state's demanding insurance marketplace," said Freddy Seikaly, HoneyQuote's CEO. "The combined expertise of HoneyQuote and First Connect will result in an unparalleled experience for independent agents, ensuring they have the resources to serve their clients effectively." The partnership comes as independent agents face significant hurdles navigating Florida's rigorous insurance market, with premiums over three times the national average. In 2023, Floridians will pay an average annual home insurance premium of $6,000, marking a 42% increase from 022, while the U.S. average stands at $1,700.



As a result, "HoneyQuote for Agents" has already received heavy interest from agents across the U.S., said First Connect President Aviad Pinkovezky. "We're also seeing a ton of interest from agents within Florida, which speaks to the attractive efficiency of HoneyQuote's platform. This collaboration empowers agents anywhere to navigate the region's complexities," he said. "First Connect is committed to providing agents with the tailored market access they require to excel in serving their clients. This partnership is doing exactly that."

This initiative further advances HoneyQuote's mission to build an ecosystem where stakeholders - homeowners, agents, referral partners, and carriers - benefit from a tech-enabled insurance buying, selling, and servicing experience in challenging environments. Since its inception, HoneyQuote has collaborated with over 20 of Florida's leading regional insurance carriers and will continue to expand its product offerings to include hard-to-place risks throughout coastal U.S. markets. About HoneyQuote HoneyQuote is a digital insurance agency powered by a proprietary search engine, enabling clients to compare and purchase insurance coverage in an online marketplace. With products spanning homeowners, condo, and flood insurance, HoneyQuote collaborates with 20 of the top insurance carriers, aiming to revolutionize insurance shopping in Florida and beyond. For more information, visit HoneyQuote.com. About Hippo Hippo is protecting the joy of homeownership, helping to safeguard customers' most important financial asset by harnessing the power of real-time data, smart home technology, and a growing suite of home services to deliver proactive home protection. Hippo Holdings Inc.'s (NYSE: HIPO) operating subsidiaries include Hippo Insurance Services, Hippo Home Care, First Connect Insurance Services, Spinnaker Insurance Company, Spinnaker Specialty Insurance Company, and Mainsail Insurance Company. First Connect Insurance Services is a licensed property casualty insurance agent with products underwritten by various insurance companies. For more information, including licensing details, visit http://www.hippo.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231002377127/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Omcare Collaborates with Leading Senior Care Providers to Change Care Models for the Aging Population Tweet

Omcare is launching an all-in-one technology platform to extend the reach of caregivers into the home and enable remote medication assistance that promises dose-level medication adherence.

Omcare is collaborating with senior care providers, like Minnesota -based Ecumen and Ohio -based Continental Senior Communities, to accelerate their home care strategy. The new solution is entering the market at a critical juncture for the healthcare industry as more aging Americans are living longer with increasing chronic conditions and wanting to age in place at home, but doing so at a time when access to caregivers is falling.

Omcare has integrated directly with national pharmacy information systems, allowing for seamless home delivery of medication for dispense and visual confirmation of adherence by the Omcare Home Health Hub. This bridges a critical gap in the healthcare sector's ability to ensure the right medication, at the right time, for the right person. BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Omcare announced that it is launching the Omcare Home Health Hub, an all-in-one, customizable home health platform that allows care providers to extend care into the home via a secure infrastructure with one-touch access to telehealth services, aggregated remote patient monitoring, and medication dispensing with visual confirmation of dose-level medication adherence. "Medication administration is one of the care needs that cause people to move into higher levels of care." "Omcare exists due to the rapidly aging population; high rate of medication nonadherence; a shortage of family and professional caregivers; continued increase in health care costs; the need for in-home care and aging in place;" remarked Lisa Lavin, the CEO of Omcare. "Omcare opens up the home as a legitimate site of care by creating an all-in-one, easy-to-use solution with a comprehensive suite of capabilities required for remote care." Omcare allows health care and senior care organizations to rapidly deploy a home care strategy while simultaneously customizing the provider and patient experience to fit their brand. The product's accessible architecture also allows for the integration of provider and consumer tools aimed at:> Addressing the increasingly complex care needs of the Over 65 and dual populations.

Delivering a platform that allows for tailored customization of current chronic and acute solutions.

Extending caregiver reach and efficiency.

Promising right medication, right time, right person.



$500 billion a year. More than 33% of hospital readmissions result from medication non-adherence as do 150,000 deaths each year. The novel relationship between Omcare, pharmacy and senior care providers is the first of its kind that will increase patient access to the care they need and empower clinicians with better visibility into whether or not patients are adhering to the medications they have been prescribed. Medication adherence among older adults with chronic conditions taking multiple medications can be hindered by forgetfulness, the complexity of regimens, functional status, and other factors. Non-adherence is a leading driver of hospitalization and loss of independence. For senior care providers like Ecumen and Continental Senior Communitiesthe Omcare Home Health Hub serves as a portal for new services that help people maintain independence in their homes longer.

"Medication administration is one of the care needs that cause people to move into higher levels of care. Keeping residents in the lowest level of care and the highest degree of independence is critical for improved lifestyle, longevity and cost-effectiveness," said Eleanor Alvarez, Board Chair of Continental Senior Communities and CEO of LeaderStat. "The Omcare Home Health Hub's ability to provide remote care and ensure medication adherence sets a new bar in the industry and aligns with our innovation mindset." "People are most comfortable when they are living where they want to live. Ecumen is dedicated to creating a home for older adults, wherever they choose to live," said Brett Anderson, Chief Ecosystem and Operating Officer of Ecumen. "We help them do that through innovations like the Omcare Home Health Hub, which helps residents maintain greater independence longer." The Omcare Home Health Hub offering is available now through select senior care providers to bring telehealth services into the home to improve outcomes, reduce cost, increase member engagement, and elevate patient experience. For updates on the Omcare Home Health Hub, visit www.omcare.com . About Omcare Omcare is a digital health company pioneering a customizable, all-in-one home health platform that allows healthcare organizations to extend care into the home via a secure telehealth infrastructure with one-touch access to telehealth services, aggregated remote patient monitoring and medication dispensing with visual confirmation of dose-level medication adherence. Omcare is an AARP Innovation Labs portfolio company. It was recognized as one of the "top innovations" by the New York Observer and has been heralded by the Accenture HealthTech Innovation Challenge as one of the most innovative startups serving North America focused on solutions for health organizations. To learn more, visit www.Omcare.com/contact-us-providers/ . Media Contact: Megan Rogers

612-351-3780

[email protected]

www.omcare.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcare-collaborates-with-leading-senior-care-providers-to-change-care-models-for-the-aging-population-301965971.html SOURCE Omcare

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[October 24, 2023] New report details the 3 trillion euro cost of Europe's anti-science stance on new genomic techniques Tweet

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new report by the Breakthrough Institute and the Alliance for Science presents an in-depth analysis of the potential economic impact tied to the European Union's current regulatory approach to new genomic techniques (NGTs). The report, titled "The 3 Trillion Cost of Saying No: How the EU Risks Falling Behind in the Bioeconomy Revolution," discusses the burgeoning global bioeconomy, emphasizing the role of NGTs in various sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and plant-based proteins.

The study highlights that the EU's existing regulations, established in 2001, categorize gene-edited crops as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), influencing the relocation of genetics startups and affecting bioeconomic progress in Europe. It acknowledges the European Commission's July 2023 proposals to update NGT regulations, noting the opposition these proposals have encountered from various NGOs, political parties, and member states. Dr. Emma Kovak, Senior Food and Agriculture Analyst at the Breakthrough Institute, commented The EU is falling further behind as countries around the world continue to pass new regulations that support the use of gene editing technologies, which are a vital part of bioeconomy growth. In saying no to scientific innovation, the EU is missing out on a wide array of benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and food production. The report offers a detailed review of the potential growth NGTs could brng to agriculture, materials, chemicals and energy, and human health sectors. It provides estimates for the potential economic benefits of NGT use from 2020 to 2040, suggesting that not adopting NGTs could result in an annual economic opportunity cost of 171-335 billion for the EU. The report further projects that this could compound to over 3 trillion over a decade.



Dr Sheila Ochugboju, director of the Alliance for Science, commented: "This report details the high cost of saying no to scientific innovations. It is also vitally important to consider the impact of the EU's regulatory decision-making on the Global South, where an overly precautionary approach can hamper efforts to tackle food insecurity and reduce poverty." The document also revisits the 2018 European Court of Justice decision that subjects organisms modified using NGTs to the EUs 2001 GMO legislation, a regulation established before the advent of precise gene-editing methods like CRISPR. The report discusses the scientific community's concern regarding the EU's position on NGTs, especially in light of the global advancements in bioeconomy.

Additionally, the report mentions opinions from the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and scientific advisory groups, which suggest that NGTs do not introduce new safety risks compared to conventional breeding and established genomic techniques. The European Commission's proposal from July 2023 is outlined, detailing its aim to categorize plants developed using NGTs into two categories based on the extent of their genomic modifications. In its conclusion the report underscores the economic considerations for the EU surrounding the adoption or non-adoption of NGTs. To read the full report and its analysis, click here. For media inquiries, please contact: Emma Kovak Mark Lynas Senior Food and Agriculture Analyst Research Lead The Breakthrough Institute The Alliance for Science [email protected] [email protected]



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[October 24, 2023] The Forbes Funds, Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, maad labs, and Carnegie Mellon University Launch Strategic Design in a Box Tweet

New Program Makes Strategic Design Templates More Accessible to Nonprofits and Philanthropy, empowering individuals and organizations to leverage design toolkit for social impact. PITTSBURGH, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Forbes Funds, in collaboration with the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP), maad labs, and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)'s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, today announced the launch of Strategic Design in a Box. This new program builds upon more than three (3) years of investment to make strategic design templates and methods more accessible to nonprofits and philanthropy, helping them to develop and implement effective strategies for real-time problem-solving, manage near-time economic and societal challenges, and future-proof their mission and services. Strategic design is a process that helps organizations identify and address system-wide challenges and opportunities by tackling complex problems with humanity-centered methods. Strategic design can be used to develop new programs and services, improve existing ones, and adapt at the speed of significant disruptions like the rising trend of AI in everyday life. For nonprofits and philanthropy, strategic design encourages better and faster decision-making and prioritization when working through the complexity of constrained resource distribution and looking at the future needs of our social safety nets in completely new and modern ways. Strategic Design in a Box provides nonprofits and philanthropy with a collection of resources that can be used to guide their strategic planning process: 20+ methods to explore community and funder needs, 20+ digital and downloadable (print-ready) templates to utilize based on the digital capabilities of the group, 20+ example prompts informed by real social impact organizations to practice with, and more than four (4) hours of easy to consume video instruction recorded with a variety of Carnegie Mellon Faculty. The methods range from popular templates such as "Stakeholder Maps" or "Personas" to new AI-informed tools and capabilities to capture critical inputs and inform immediate action plans as well as long-range strategic plans. Via the Forbes Funds and GPNP, course participants will also be able to engage with peer organizations to share practices and learnings throughout their education journey. Additionally, individuals who attend the upcoming GPNP Summit will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops and take advantage of onsite expertise to navigate the design "box." "Strategic design is an essential tool for nonprofits and philanthropy, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to implement," said Mark J. Giaquinto, President & Treasurer at Vitalant Foundation (previously Blood Science Foundation) "Strategic Design in a Box makes it easier for nonprofits and philanthropy to get started with strategic design and to develop effective strategies for achieving their missions."



"The Forbes Funds has a forty-year history of building capacity for the regional nonprofit sector," said Fred Brown, president and CEO of the Forbes Funds. "Strategic Design in a Box is a valuable and proven resource that will help nonprofits to develop and implement effective strategies for making a difference, to move from surviving to thriving, and to make these tools available and accessible to those who may need them most both in our region and on a national stage that are dealing with similar and ever-changing issues." "CMU's Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship is excited to support GPNP with Strategic Design in a Box," said Dave Mawhinney, Executive Director of the Swartz Center. "This program is a great example of how academia can work with the community to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems and inspire entrepreneurship in all of its forms including social impact."

"maad labs is fortunate to be a part of Strategic Design in a Box," said Adam Paulisick, CMU faculty and founder of maad labs. "We believe that everyone should have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed as part of the #democratizedesign movement, and we are committed to making strategic design more accessible to nonprofits and philanthropy by contributing to templates and methods that would otherwise be expensive or time-consuming to access." Strategic Design in a Box is now available to nonprofits and philanthropy in the Pittsburgh region at no cost to GPNP members and strategic partners of the Forbes Funds by contacting either organization directly. To learn more about the national rollout of the program or to access the toolkit, please contact: [email protected] or visit program details found at http://strategicdesigninabox.org/. About GPNP: Since 2005, The Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP) has strengthened our region by improving the viability, impact, and effectiveness of nonprofits. Today, the region's nonprofit sector gives citizens a greater voice, inspires public participation, and promotes a vibrant community. By engaging and connecting nonprofits across missions to build partnerships that strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of services provided to the community, GPNP effectively links nonprofits with the philanthropic community in a way that facilitates regional, statewide and national partnerships and elected officials to advance the capacity and focus of the nonprofit sector to meet current and future community needs. About The Forbes Funds: The Forbes Funds was established in 1982 to provide emergency financial assistance to nonprofit organizations experiencing funding interruptions or short-term cash flow problems. Today, The Forbes Funds (TFF) sits at the intersection between funders and the nonprofit community and advances the well-being of our region by helping human service and community-based nonprofits build their management capacity and increase the impact of their mission work. TFF supports regional nonprofits both as individual organizations and as a unified coalition of leaders, funders and advocates working collaboratively throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. TFF works with local, national and international partners to deepen the impact and capacity to address local challenges. About maad labs: maad labs is a do tank, not a think tank, that performs digital experiments, provides executive training, builds AI/ML and data products such as Skillbuilder.io, and consults with venture-backed, social impact, and large, multi-national companies bringing bold, audacious, and complex ideas, experiences, and technologies to life. www.maadlabs.io About Carnegie Mellon University's Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship: The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, works with its partners to serve the entire CMU community  departments, colleges, centers and campuses  to accelerate bringing research innovations and promising ideas to the global marketplace and helping all entrepreneurial students, faculty, staff and alumni tap into the "innovation ecosystem." Contact:

Olivia Benson, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-forbes-funds-greater-pittsburgh-nonprofit-partnership-maad-labs-and-carnegie-mellon-university-launch-strategic-design-in-a-box-301966015.html SOURCE The Forbes Funds

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[October 24, 2023] New Tool May Flag Signs of Pandemic-Related Anxiety and Depression in Healthcare Workers Tweet

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An artificial intelligence tool effectively detected distress in hospital workers' conversations with their therapists early in the pandemic, a new study shows, suggesting a potential new technology that screens for depression and anxiety. As the coronavirus pandemic forced many hospitals to operate beyond capacity, medical workers faced overwhelming numbers of work shifts, limited rest, and increased risk of COVID-19 infection. At the same time, quarantine policies and fear of infecting family reduced their access to social support, with the combination increasing risk of medical errors and burnout. As a result, virtual psychotherapy, which offers treatment access without leaving home, boomed during this period. The researchers took advantage of the related flood of digitalized session transcripts to identify common phrases used by patients and tie the terms to mental illness using a technique called natural language processing (NLP). In this method, a computer algorithm combs through data to pinpoint keywords that capture the meaning of a body of text. All identifying information about each patient was removed to protect their privacy. Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the analysis involved treatment transcripts from more than 800 physicians, nurses, and emergency medical staff. Also included were transcripts from 820 people also receiving psychotherapy during the first US wave of COVID-19 but not working in healthcare. Study results revealed that among healthcae workers, those who spoke to their therapists specifically about working in a hospital unit, lack of sleep, or mood issues, were more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression compared with healthcare workers who did not discuss these topics.



By contrast, such risks were not seen in workers from other fields who discussed the pandemic or their jobs (with terms such as "team," "manager," and "boss"). "Our findings show that those working on the hospital floor during the most intense moment of the pandemic faced unique challenges on top of their regular job-related stressors which put them at high risk for serious mental health concerns," said study lead author Matteo Malgaroli, PhD. Malgaroli is a research assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health.

Publishing online Oct. 24 in the Journal of Medical Internet Research AI, the report is the first application of NLP to identify markers of psychological distress in healthcare workers, according to Malgaroli. For the study, the team collected data from men and women throughout the United States who sought teletherapy between March 2020 and July 2020. The researchers then used an NLP program to review session transcripts during the first three weeks of treatment. Among the findings, healthcare workers shared four conversation themes around practicing medicine: virus-related fears, working on the hospital floor and ICU units, patients and masks, and healthcare roles. Meanwhile, therapy transcripts from those working in other fields only contained one topic about the pandemic and one related to their jobs. Although the overall heightened risk for anxiety and depression among those who discussed working in a hospital was small (3.6%), the study authors say they expect the model to capture additional signs of distress as more data is added. "These results suggest that natural language processing may one day become an effective screening tool for detecting and tracking anxiety and depression symptoms," said study senior author psychiatrist Naomi Simon, MD, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone. Also a vice chair in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone, Simon notes that another potential future direction for using this approach could be to provide healthcare workers a way to confidentially record themselves answering brief questions. These responses could then be analyzed using NLP algorithms to calculate risk for mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders. This feedback would then confidentially be provided to the healthcare worker using the tool, who might be prompted to seek help. The researchers caution that the report only captured the mental state of patients early in their treatment. As a result, the team next plans to explore how the discussion topics change over time as therapy progresses. Funding for the study was provided by National Institutes of Health grants KL2TR001446, R44MH124334, and R01MH125179. Further research support was provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Talkspace, a mobile psychotherapy company, provided the data for the analysis but was not otherwise involved in the study. Simon consults for biotechnology companies Axovant Sciences and Genomind, as well as for pharmaceutical companies Springworks Therapeutics, Praxis Therapeutics, and Aptinyx, and the information services company Wolters Kluwer. She also has spousal equity in G1 Therapeutics, which develops cancer treatments. The terms and conditions of these arrangements are being managed in accordance with the policies of NYU Langone. In addition to Malgaroli and Simon, another NYU investigator involved in the study was Emma Jennings, BS. Other study investigators included Emily Tseng, MS; and Tanzeem Choudhury, PhD, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; and Thomas Hull, PhD, at Talkspace in New York City. Media Inquiries:

Shira Polan

Phone: 212-404-4279

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-tool-may-flag-signs-of-pandemic-related-anxiety-and-depression-in-healthcare-workers-301962923.html SOURCE NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health

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[October 24, 2023] Coinbase partners with Integral: bringing next-generation accounting solutions to all Coinbase Prime clients Tweet

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Integral announces a collaboration with Coinbase and investment from Coinbase Ventures to bring cutting-edge accounting solutions to Coinbase Prime clients, covering assets held inside and outside of Coinbase. Integral's solutions give finance executives, controllers, accountants, and fund administrators a way to get an aggregate view of all of their digital assets, held inside and outside of Coinbase, making it easy to automate workflows like accounting, reporting, record-keeping, and more. "Integral's platform streamlines crypto accounting and treasury management, resolving a major headache for institutions and businesses that interact with crypto assets. We are thrilled to invest and collaborate with Integral in offering these services to Coinbase Prime clients." Shan Aggarwal, Vice President and Head of Corporate Development and Ventures at Coinbase. "Blockchain is a breakthrough for enhancing trust in financial systems, but the increased accounting and compliance complexity makes it hard for businesses to adopt blockchain with confidence," said Gui Laliberte, CEO of Integral. "This funding and collaboration positions Integral to solve increasingly complex accounting problems for businesses. We're grateful that Coinbase shares our vision to create a better, high-trust financial system." Managing web3 fiances and operations at scale has always been a challenge for financial professionals. Many businesses still rely on spreadsheets and manual processes. Using Integral, controllers, accountants, and fund managers have a simple, scalable way to streamline digital asset accounting, reporting, tax, and other financial workflows for assets held within and outside of Coinbase.



Integral plans to use the funds to provide Prime clients with data coverage for all of their assets and develop complementary solutions such as accounts receivable and accounts payable automations that further facilitate web3 business operations. To learn more about the combined offering, visit https://integral.xyz/coinbase .

About Integral Integral was founded in 2022 to support businesses working with digital assets. The company has paired elite technology culture and customer-centricity, positioning it to build powerful, scalable back office solutions for businesses working with digital assets. In less than a year, Integral has accounted for $150B in crypto transactions, and delivered solutions to web3 pioneers such as dYdX, Uniswap Foundation, Zora, and many more. Integral serves over 150 businesses including institutional hedge and venture funds, Fortune 100 companies, and web3-native entities. About Coinbase Prime Coinbase Prime is the leading institutional prime broker platform for crypto assets, trusted by over 13,000 institutional clients. Coinbase Prime is a fully integrated platform built specifically for institutions to support the entire transaction lifecycle including advanced multi-venue agency trade execution for 200 assets, custody for more than 300 assets, prime financing, staking and staking infrastructure, data and analytics, and reporting. Institutions can access Coinbase Prime directly via a user interface or as an integrated platform via APIs to offer crypto related products such as ETPs and ETFs, custodial solutions, or brokerage for institutional, private wealth, and retail clients. Coinbase Prime's custodian, Coinbase Custody Trust Company, is a qualified custodian and a New York limited purpose trust company regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services. Coinbase Custody Trust Company is a fiduciary under New York state banking law. To learn more about Coinbase Institutional's solutions, including more information about Coinbase Prime, click here . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coinbase-partners-with-integral-bringing-next-generation-accounting-solutions-to-all-coinbase-prime-clients-301966027.html SOURCE Integral

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[October 24, 2023] SME Welcomes Manufacturing USA to SOUTHTEC Tweet

Manufacturing USA, a network of 17 innovation institutes and their ecosystems of industry, academia, and government dedicated to securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing, will present two keynote sessions at SOUTHTEC that share a roadmap for resiliency in U.S. manufacturing. The first keynote, "Manufacturing USA: A Growing National Resource for All Manufacturers," will take place on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. EDT. Panelists representing Manufacturing USA will share how attendees can leverage the growing network of institutes and more effectively compete and succeed in an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape. The second keynote, "Manufacturing USA Modern Makers: Empowering Stories for the Future Advanced Manufacturing Workforce," will take place on Thursday, October 26, at 1 p.m. EDT. Attendees will hear first-hand accounts about the exciting high-tech jobs and diverse career paths in manufacturing from four of 16 inaugural Manufacturing USA Modern Makers. Modern Makers are individuals whose sense of purpose embodies the Manufacturing USA mission to secure the future of U.S. manufacturing through innovation, education, and collaboration. "We are thrilled to shine a light on Manufacturing USA and the Modern Makers this year at SOUTHTEC," said Bob Willig, CEO & Executive Director of SME, a national nonprofit leading the industrial ecosystem by elevating manufacturers, academia, professionals, and their communities. "These programs are designed to showcase the country's manufacturing innovation, and SOUTHTEC is the perfect forum to engage with attendees in meaningful ways to help them be more competitive and prepared for the future." SOUTHTEC is the single best source to discover the next evolution of industry, drawing manufacturing suppliers, distributors and equipment builders from across North America and around the world. This year's event highlights workforce development,which includes Manufacturing USA's impactful innovation and leadership.



"We're excited for this opportunity to highlight the resources available to manufacturers through involvement with Manufacturing USA," said Mike Molnar, Director of the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing, which coordinates Manufacturing USA. About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. Together we share one common belief: Manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity. SME accelerates new technology adoption and inspires and builds North America's talent and capabilities in order to advance manufacturing as a diverse, thriving and valued ecosystem that drives competitiveness, resiliency and national security. We believe in technology's power and humanity's innovation to advance our society and meet many national challenges. We design new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of innovation and growth. Learn more at SME.org, or follow SME on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. About Manufacturing USA Manufacturing USA was created in 2014 to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. Manufacturing USA Institutes convene business competitors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to test applications of new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Learn more at www.manufacturingusa.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024461882/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Elevance Health's Gail Boudreaux to Keynote CES 2024 Tweet

Digital Health Summit, exhibitors and keynote make CES 2024 a destination for health innovators ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) today announced Gail K. Boudreaux, president and CEO of Elevance Health, will headline a keynote session to discuss how the company is implementing an innovative whole-health approach to care. It complements the Digital Health Summit, which returns to CES 2024, and will focus on the outlook for health care in the U.S. and beyond. The highly anticipated Digital Health Summit returns as part of an ALL ON CES 2024. One of Fortune's 100 Most Powerful Women in Business, Boudreaux's work at Elevance Health focuses on transforming the organization from a traditional health benefits company into a lifetime trusted health partner committed to improving lives and communities, simplifying health care, and building trust with consumers. Regarded for her ability to scale multi-billion-dollar businesses, Boudreaux leverages more than three decades of health care industry experience to helm Elevance Health (including the Anthem, Wellpoint and Carelon brands), one of America's largest health care companies. "Innovation is at the heart of progress, especially in health care, and Elevance Health's journey in leveraging digital technologies to make health care more proactive, predictive and personalized has been transformational," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. "CES 2024 will be a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and technologies that will shape the future of this vital industry." "Our whole-health approach is about simplifying health care and building trust with customers," said Boudreaux. "Digitally enabled health care means building digital technologies into the fabric of our ecosystem to improve outcomes and enhance efficiency in day-to-day health and wellness." Digital Health Summit. The highly anticipated Digital Health Summit returns as part of an ALL ON CES 2024. The Summit includes more than a dozen sessions where industry gamechangers, investors and policymakers from the digital health sector and complementary industries like AI, gaming and smart home will onverge.



Digital Health on the Show Floor. CES 2024 is quickly filling with a diverse array of health technology companies from across industry. This year, CES brings together a dynamic ecosystem of payers, providers, manufacturers and health systems, creating a unique platform for the exchange of ideas and innovations that will shape the future of health care. Intelligent Health Pavilion. CES will host the Intelligent Health Pavilion (IHP) at CES, providing demonstrations of the latest transformative technologies and integrated health and wellness use cases in a simulated clinical/medical setting.

Digital Health Lounge. The Digital Health lounge sponsored by ResMed will feature participants like Moderna discussing their innovations within the health industry. Digital Health Mixer. CTA will host a social mixer with the digital health community and industry leaders from across CES, as well as health-focused media attending the show. Last year's event drew more than 300 attendees from across the global digital health ecosystem. At CES 2023, more than 14,000 industry attendees from 57 countries listed Digital Health as one of their business interests. CES 2024, the world's most powerful technology show, will continue this convergence and foster meaningful discussions and collaborations that can bring about transformative change in the health care industry. Logistics: Elevance Health's Gail K. Boudreaux will speak at 5 p.m. PT on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 , in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian. CES 2024 is January 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration is now open. For the latest CES 2024 news, exhibitor information and conference updates, visit CES.tech. About CES:

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world  the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2024 will take place Jan. 9-12, 2024, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social. About Consumer Technology Association:

As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA?is?the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators  from startups to global brands  helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES  the most influential tech event in the world. Find us at?CTA.tech. Follow us?@CTAtech. About Elevance Health, Inc.:

Elevance Health is a lifetime, trusted health partner fueled by its purpose to improve the health of humanity. The company supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire care journey  connecting them to the care, support, and resources they need to lead healthier lives. Elevance Health's companies serve approximately 118 million people through a diverse portfolio of industry-leading medical, digital, pharmacy, behavioral, clinical, and complex care solutions. For more information, please visit www.elevancehealth.com or follow us @ElevanceHealth on Twitter and Elevance Health on LinkedIn. Upcoming Events: CES Unveiled Las Vegas?Jan. 7, 2024  Las Vegas

CES 2024 Media Days?Jan. 7-8, 2024  Las Vegas

CES 2024?Jan. 9-12, 2024  Las Vegas View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevance-healths-gail-boudreaux-to-keynote-ces-2024-301966044.html SOURCE Consumer Technology Association

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[October 24, 2023] Circonus Joins FinOps Foundation, Helping Expand FinOp's Focus Beyond CSPs to Observability Spend and Strategy Tweet

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Circonus, creators of the Circonus Telemetry Cloud, the full-stack monitoring and analytics platform built for the modern-day enterprise, today announced that the company has become a member of the FinOps Foundation, a global community focused on advancing individuals that manage the value of cloud. "The original mission of FinOps was to optimize the enterprise cloud investment and the focus was primarily the cloud service providers, like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google," said Bob Moul, CEO of Circonus. "We believe observability represents the next frontier for FinOps professionals. Observability is often the second highest cost within IT, after the cloud service provider spend. From our start, we've been focused on helping organizations unlock the insights they need to run their business more effectively, at a cost they can afford. The FinOps community is doing incredible work to combat the rising IT costs within the enterprise today, and we see great alignment between our mission and theirs." "In conversations with literally hundreds of prospects, customers, and pactitioners over the past year, the number one complaint was the rising cost of observability, be it surprise bills or getting jammed on renewals," Moul added. "Existing observability vendors are perversely incented not to help as data volume drives billings. Our latest product, Circonus Passport, is an elastic observabilityTM solution that allows organizations to scale their telemetry collection strategies based on signals and alerts from their IT environments in the moment  enabling them to dramatically cut observability costs and improve mean time to resolution. The best part is that Passport is free, and it complements your existing observability platform. This is an idea whose time has come and an easy way for FinOps professionals to rationalize their observability spend without changing platforms."



In addition to the cost optimization benefit, Passport unlocks powerful capabilities for IT organizations, including the ability to: Define conditional collection strategies to improve visibility, reliability, and incident response: Based on defined conditions, collect broader or more granular data. Have a server experiencing high CPU load? Easily start collecting data at 10-second granularity versus 60-second granularity.

Automate time-bound configuration changes: Apply a different collection strategy based on timing, such as during business hours, a launch event, or a holiday like Black Friday. Efficiently manage telemetry agents at scale: Reduce operational overhead and errors by more easily ensuring all agents have the latest updates with auto-provisioning. Avoid vendor lock-in by easing migrations: Significantly ease the process of adapting current agents, deploying new ones, and of managing multiple agent types during the months of migration from one observability solution to another. Optimize data collection leveraging integrations with existing tools: Use data from observability and third-party alerting tools to inform and automatically adjust data collection strategies. About Circonus

Circonus Telemetry Cloud is the full-stack monitoring and analytics platform built for the modern-day enterprise. Circonus delivers crystal-clear, real-time observability of the behavior, health, trends, and performance of the entire enterprise footprint from edge to edge in one powerful, unified platform with flexible deployment options for cloud, private cloud, and on-premises implementations. Led by experts in large-scale distributed systems and data science, Circonus is pioneering the way telemetry data at scale is leveraged throughout the enterprise to drive smarter operations, deploy faster, make better decisions, and deliver mission-critical services with confidence. To learn more or create a free account, visit www.circonus.com Media Contact: Heather Miller, heather.miller@circonus.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/circonus-joins-finops-foundation-helping-expand-finops-focus-beyond-csps-to-observability-spend-and-strategy-301965897.html SOURCE Circonus

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SHAREHOLDER NEWS: Johnson Fistel Investigates Proposed Sale of EngageSmart to Vista Equity. Is $23.00 a Fair Price?

Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, LLP has launched an investigation into whether the board members of EngageSmart, Inc. (NYSE: ESMT) ("EngageSmart" or "the Company") breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company by an affiliate of Vista Equity Partners ("Vista").

You can click or copy and paste the following link to join this investigation:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/JohnsonFistel/EngageSmartInc

On October 23, 2023, EngageSmart announced that it had entered a deal to merge with Vista. Under the terms of the deal, EngageSmart shareholders will receive $23.00 per share in an all-cash offer.

Johnson Fistel is investigating whether the proposed deal represents adequate consideration, especially given one analyst's price target is currently $40.00.

The nvestigation concerns whether the EngageSmart board failed to satisfy its duties to the Company shareholders, including whether the board adequately pursued alternatives to the acquisition and whether the board obtained the best price possible for EngageSmart shares of common stock.







If you are a shareholder of EngageSmart and believe the proposed buyout price is too low or you're interested in learning more about the investigation, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker ([email protected]) at 619-814-4471. If emailing, please include a phone number.

About Johnson Fistel, LLP:

Johnson Fistel, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York, Georgia, and Colorado. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonfistel.com.

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Johnson Fistel, LLP has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Frank J. Johnson is the attorney responsible for its content.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024063976/en/
[October 24, 2023] HOLOGENIX, CREATORS OF CELLIANT INFRARED TECHNOLOGY, NAMED 2023 INC. POWER PARTNER Tweet

 Prestigious list of B2B companies that go the extra mile to provide

game-changing support for their partner network  LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Materials science innovation leader Hologenix, whose CELLIANT infrared technology is an ingredient in brands across many categories, is an honoree on the second annual Power Partner Awards list by Inc. Business Media. Inc.'s 2023 Power Partner Awards feature B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. There were 389 companies in all who achieved top marks from clients for being instrumental in their success and made the final list. Hologenix was recognized in the Health & Wellness category, which focuses on companies that provide health and wellness products or services. In order to achieve this status, customers provided written testimonials detailing their experience in working with Hologenix as a partner. "Our business is set up to succeed when our partners succeed, so we are grateful that our partners have affirmed the superior level of support we aim to provide," said Seth Casden, Hologenix CEO and Co-Founder. "CELLIANT offers something unique to world-class brands looking to deliver health and wellness benefits. Our proprietary technology offers a key textile differentiator for their products, from apparel, bedding and furnishings to medical-use fabrics, bandages and wraps, transportation seating and even saunas." "We couldn't ask for a more ieal partner than Hologenix. We both have an emphasis on continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence, and they have made integrating CELLIANT into our fabrics easy every step of the way," advised Aaron Zack, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunlighten, the global leader in infrared saunas and portable light therapies. "We use CELLIANT in fabric covers for our heaters and in our Sauna Linen Collection of towels and body wraps, which have been strongly resonating with consumers since their introduction more than two years ago."



To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023. The November 2023 issue of Inc. magazine where the Power Partners are listed is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023. About Inc. Business Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. For more information, visit www.inc.com .

About Hologenix and CELLIANT

Hologenix, LLC, headquartered in Pacific Palisades, California, is a materials science company innovating products that energize all aspects of life. Its flagship product, CELLIANT, is a science-backed infrared (IR) technology that improves health and wellness by promoting restful sleep and enhancing performance and recovery. CELLIANT's natural blend of IR-generating minerals is embedded into fibers, yarns and fabrics, powering bio-responsive textiles. CELLIANT is a key ingredient used by world-class brands in products spanning apparel, sleepwear, bedding, upholstery, uniforms and medical supplies. CELLIANT is rigorously tested by a Science Advisory Board composed of experts in photobiology, nanotechnology, sleep medicine, and diabetes and wound care. The Science Advisory Board has overseen 10 peer-reviewed published studies that collectively demonstrate CELLIANT's effectiveness and the benefits of infrared energy. For more information, visit www.celliant.com. About Sunlighten

Shining light on infrared technology, Sunlighten is the industry leader in personalized infrared light treatment. Since 1999, Sunlighten has been innovating wellness products and services that empower people to optimize and improve their quality of life. Their patented SoloCarbon sauna heater technology rejuvenates the body by delivering the highest dose of far infrared energy to the body - proven up to 99% effective. Most recently, the ground-breaking mPulse Smart Sauna is the world's only dynamic sauna with intelligent heaters and a customizable experience. Sunlighten's technological innovations are fueled by passion to give people the opportunity to feel great so they can do more of what they love. Their global community of customers, businesses, and trusted experts brings light, hope, and happiness to people everywhere. www.sunlighten.com Link to high-res. images: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/yVySVf1AWR View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hologenix-creators-of-celliant-infrared-technology-named-2023-inc-power-partner-301965982.html SOURCE Hologenix, LLC

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[October 24, 2023] The Marena Group and Fit:match Partner to Launch AI-Driven, 3D Body-Scanning Technology for Plastic Surgery Clinics and Patients Tweet

New App Enables Plastic Surgeons to Accurately Size and Select the Ideal Post-Op Garment For Their Patients to Ensure Optimal Recovery Results LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. and FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marena Group today announced they have partnered with Fit:match.ai., a technology platform to launch an AI-powered body scanning app that enables plastic surgeons in clinics to match their patients with the post-op garments that fit them best. Until now, many physicians and patients have faced challenges in achieving the perfect fit for post-surgical compression garments, which are essential for supporting the body's healing process after surgical procedures. With surgeons performing hundreds of thousands of breast augmentations, lifts, and reduction procedures alone, and millions of other aesthetic procedures each year, solving the post-surgery fit issue is a priority for both health professionals and patients. "At Marena, we have always been committed to providing the highest-quality compression garments to support patient healing," said Colin Marafko, Chief Marketing and E-Commerce Officer of Marena. "This partnership with Fit:match enables us to take that commitment to a new level by ensuring the patient is in the ideal size and style garment for their unique anatomical characteristics and procedure," Dale Clendon, Chief Executive Officer, added, "The app not only ensures each patient is in the proper Marena garment, but also saves physicians time with manual measuring and increases their confidence that their patients will be satisfied with their results." Marena's new sizing and garment selection app uses LiDAR and Fit:match's AI-driven, 3D body-shape technology to scan surgery patients at recommended intervals both pre- and post-procedure to match them with the products that best fit their shape transformation at every stage. To receive their recommended matches, a patient simply registers in the new app on an iPhone. A staff member in their doctor's office then completes the 360-degree scan using the phone, which takes less than 20 seconds. The app instantly analyzes the patient's unique body-shape data and suggests the size and style of garment that will provide the best fit at each post-operative stage to best support their recovery. This new app ensures: Precise size and fit: The app predicts the right garment and size based on a patient's unique anatomical characteristics and the procedure they are undergoing. This level of precision enhances comfort and effectiveness dring the recovery process.









The app predicts the right garment and size based on a patient's unique anatomical characteristics and the procedure they are undergoing. This level of precision enhances comfort and effectiveness dring the recovery process. Efficiency and ease of use: Physicians can seamlessly integrate the app into their patient consultations, streamlining the product selection and sizing process and reducing the need for extensive manual measurements.





Physicians can seamlessly integrate the app into their patient consultations, streamlining the product selection and sizing process and reducing the need for extensive manual measurements. An enhanced patient experience: Patients will appreciate the convenience and accuracy of the sizing process, leading to increased satisfaction with their post-surgical compression garments. By matching patients with garments that fit perfectly, the app will contribute to increased comfort and compliance, leading to faster recovery times and improved overall patient satisfaction. "We are thrilled to bring our tech-enabled retail solution to the post-surgical recovery space in partnership with Marena, a brand that has long led innovation in post-surgical and compression garment technology," said Haniff Brown, Founder and CEO of Fit:match. "This launch will help eliminate the guesswork plastic surgeons and their patients have traditionally faced when selecting post-op recovery wear."

"Prior to using the new 3D body scan app recommending post-surgical bras and garments was mostly guesswork," said Dr. Michael Suzman, a board-certified plastic surgeon. "There is a critical need for this type of technology in the market and in surgical care. In my experience, this 3D body-scanning technology leads to better fit and improved patient experiences and surgical outcomes. The added benefits include reduced garment returns and fewer fit complaints, which help both businesses and the environment." In retail fitting rooms, leading brands including Savage X Fenty, Fabletics and Macy's are already using Fit:match's retail solution to enhance the customer experience. Marena's partnership with Fit:match will take this technology to plastic surgeons across the US and beyond to assist physicians and nurses in accurately sizing their patients for optimal recovery. In partnership with Fit:match, Marena will be doing in-person demonstrations of the app at Plastic Surgery The Meeting , the annual American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference, which will be held in Austin October 2629. About The Marena Group Founded in 1994, The Marena Group is a manufacturer and global leader of medical-grade compression garments, specializing in post-surgical recovery solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and comfort, the company offers a wide range of products designed to enhance healing, promote optimal circulation, and improve patient outcomes. Marena is known for its proprietary TriFlex fabric featuring consistent target compression, 3D stretch, antimicrobial protection, and moisture wicking leading to patient compliance and optimal recovery results. Marena products include but are not limited to compression bras, girdles, bodysuits, facemasks, and post pregnancy garments. Trusted by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide, The Marena Group continues to be at the forefront of compression garment technology. For more information, visit www.marena.com . About Fit:match.ai Fit:match.ai is the only technology platform that uses patented, 3D body-shape technologyrather than standard apparel measurementsto match consumers with the garments that fit them best, eliminating guesswork and driving conversion and loyalty, while reducing returns. The company has combined the latest advancements in augmented reality and data science to offer solutions for both the retail and consumer health segments, enabling fashion brands to elevate the customer experience in stores and makers of healthwear and post-operative garments to match plastic surgery patients with the products that best fit their new shape at each stage of recovery. Developed at Cornell University over many years, Fit:match's patented technology is now available under license to innovative apparel and healthwear brands. For more information, visit Fit:match.ai . Media Contacts: For Fit:match:

Alissa Heumann

Berns Communications Group

[email protected] Hillary Littleton

Fit:match.ai

[email protected] For The Marena Group:

Chelsea Whiting

Marena

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-marena-group-and-fitmatch-partner-to-launch-ai-driven-3d-body-scanning-technology-for-plastic-surgery-clinics-and-patients-301966021.html SOURCE The Marena Group

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[October 24, 2023] CoinW Commences Its Sixth Anniversary Global Tour in Dubai with a $1 Million Bonus for New Users Tweet

Dubai, UAE, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoinW, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has embarked on its sixth-anniversary global tour, bolstering its presence in the UAE region. The kickoff coincided with the Future Blockchain Summits, where tens of thousands of blockchain enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered. Simultaneously, the Gitex Global event took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with CoinW serving as the registration sponsor. The overarching theme of the exhibition was centered around AI and robotics, featuring a blend of renowned multinational tech giants and innovative startups showcasing their latest advancements in smart equipment, cybersecurity, mobility, and sustainability. The culmination of the summit was marked by the CoinW Skypool Party on October 18th at the Aura Skypool Lounge, attended by regional regulators and partners, including VARA and DMCC. Over the past year, CoinW has been steadily establishing a presence in the MENA market, considered one of the fastest-growing markets globally. In March, CoinW announced a strategic partnership with Huawei Cloud and co-hostedthe Web3.0 VIP Luxury Yacht Party. In June, CoinW was awarded initial approval from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), a significant milestone enabling it to operate its regional business in Dubai within the newly established regulatory framework.



This event also marked the launch of CoinW's sixth-anniversary global tour, with Dubai as its inaugural destination. Over the course of the two-month celebration, CoinW will reach out to its diverse global user base, spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Simultaneously, CoinW has allocated a budget of one million dollars to incentivize new users, with the aim of promoting the mass adoption of digital assets. In a panel discussion at the Future Blockchain Summit, CoinW Communications Officer emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between institutional investors, known for their research-driven approach, and everyday users who often react to news and trends at a later stage. To facilitate this, CoinW has been launching extensive educational initiatives, including online communities, tutorial videos, articles, and the aforementioned one-million-dollar bonus for new users. For CoinW, education is paramount, building a community founded on solid fundamentals rather than empty hype. As part of its sixth-anniversary celebration, CoinW will also host live streaming sessions, a Futures Trading Challenge, a "mysterious box" offering, and a copy trading campaign, culminating in a spectacular event in Dubai. For a recap of the Future Blockchain Summit, please visit here

Skylar Wu skylar_wu-at-legend.tech

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[October 24, 2023] Skyhigh Security Launches New CloudCast Podcast Tweet

Skyhigh Security today announced the launch of its new podcast series, "CloudCast." This podcast will serve as Skyhigh Security's platform for exploring the latest insights, trends, and news in cloud security. CloudCast is hosted by Skyhigh Security's Digital Experience Manager, Scott Schlee, who will be joined by periodic co-hosts, and kicks off this month in conjunction with Cybersecurity Awareness Month-a dedicated time for recognizing security's paramount importance. Episodes will be released monthly, starting today, with the first topic focused on "20 Years of Cybersecurity." Episodes are designed to keep listeners informed about the latest developments in cloud security and demystify the complexities and challenges around using, storing, and distributing sensitive data across the web and cloud applications. "Our teams are passionate about sharing their knowledge, and with the cloud becoming a new battleground for sophisticated cyberattacks and data breaches, it's essential to elp businesses stay ahead of the curve in embracing technology without sacrificing security," said Diana Massaro, chief marketing officer, Skyhigh Security. "We believe that by making these critical topics engaging and actionable, we can provide insights and pathways for robust data protection across the digital universe."



Upcoming episodes will feature interviews with data experts and pioneers in cloud security on topics facing the industry, such as data breaches, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity trends. The CloudCast podcast is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Listeners can also sign up for RSS feeds on the CloudCast page.

About Skyhigh Security: Skyhigh Security is focused on helping customers secure the world's data. It protects organizations with cloud-native security solutions that are both data-aware and simple to use. Its market-leading Security Service Edge (SSE) Portfolio goes beyond data access and focuses on data use, allowing organizations to collaborate from any device and from anywhere without sacrificing security. For more information, visit www.skyhighsecurity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024997528/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Estonia Shines at GITEX Global 2023: Celebrating Innovation and Partnership Tweet

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Estonia, renowned for its digital pioneering spirit, has made an indelible impression at GITEX Global 2023, firmly showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. With 12 leading Estonian tech companies actively seeking collaborative opportunities, GITEX Global 2023 has unquestionably become a focal point for visionary technological excellence. At GITEX Global 2023, Estonia's roster of 12 tech companies presented cutting-edge innovations, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation's celebrated digital accomplishments. These companies cover a wide spectrum, including cyber defense services, smart mobility solutions, global connectivity experts, and pioneers of Muon Flux technology, designed to enhance safety and construction practices across various industries. Estonia's remarkable presence at GITEX Global 2023 was further elevated by the participation of the Estonian Minister of Education and Research, Mrs. Kristina Kallas. Mrs. Kallas graced the event with her presence and delivered an insightful session titled 'AI Powered Education: Designing a Futre-Ready Learning Ecosystem.' Her presentation delved into pathways for ensuring secure, sustainable, and affordable digital access by 2030. She discussed the barriers to AI adoption in education and highlighted the steps that governments can take to ensure its successful integration. Furthermore, she explored strategies to accelerate educational plans, equipping students for the future of work.



Mrs. Kristina Kallas also witnessed the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving Nortal, Emirates Cyber Range, and Harrisburg University. This strategic partnership holds promise for advancements in the fields of education and technology. Additionally, during the same week as GITEX, the UAE-Estonia Business Council had their biannual meeting, fortifying the ties between the two nations and promoting collaborative ventures.

The Minister engaged in a meeting with the UAE AI Minister, discussing future cooperation and the potential for joint initiatives to advance AI-powered education in both countries. In another significant meeting, Mrs. Kristina Kallas held discussions with the Founder/CEO of the Future Museum. Their conversation revolved around exploring opportunities for business acceleration, utilizing Estonia's EdTech and startup sector to drive innovation and progress. Auve Tech, a pioneering leader in autonomous vehicles, unveiled MiCa, its next-generation self-driving vehicle, for the first time in the region at GITEX Global 2023. MiCa represents a groundbreaking reimagining of autonomous vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors and software solutions that push the boundaries of autonomous driving to new heights. Achieving road readiness in Japan, MiCa marks a significant milestone in global autonomous transport. A B2B alliance has been forged between Robotics 5.0 and SRTI CEO, alongside Autodesk GCC, with the aim of spearheading educational and commercial robotic manufacturing projects in the region. In reflection of this significant development, Robotics 5.0 has expressed its positive outlook, highlighting how its cutting-edge machines have now found a new home at SRTIP. Estonia's presence at GITEX Global 2023 provided a glimpse into a digital future powered by innovation and collaboration. The show was a resounding success, with more than 150 qualified leads, at least 10 prominent investors, and 20 potential distributors and commercial partners in the area. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2256328/Estonia_GITEX_Global_2023.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/estonia-shines-at-gitex-global-2023-celebrating-innovation-and-partnership-301966121.html SOURCE Enterprise Estonia

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[October 24, 2023] SIIA Releases Principles for the Future of AI in Education Tweet

At an event on Capitol Hill today, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the leading trade association for the business of information, released Principles for the Future of AI in Education - a framework intended to guide the ed tech industry's implementation of artificial intelligence in a purpose-driven, transparent, and equitable manner that enables critical tools for personalized and enhanced learning experiences and improved assistive technologies. The seven principles are: AI technologies in education should address the needs of learners, educators, and families.

AI technologies used in education should account for educational equity, inclusion and civil rights as key elements of successful learning environments.

AI technologies used in education must protect student privacy and data.

AI technologies used in education should strive for transparency to enable the school community to effectively understand and engage with the AI tools.

Companies building AI tools for education should engage with education institutions and stakeholders to explain and demystify the opportunities and risks of new AI technologies. The education technology industry should work with the greater education community to identify ways to support AI literacy for students and educators.



The principles were developed by the SIIA AI in Education Steering Committee, which includes AllHere, ClassDojo, Cengage, D2L, EdWeb.net, GoGuardian, InnovateEDU, Instructure, MIND Education, McGraw Hill and Pearson.

"AI and kids' privacy have dominated the conversation in Congress and in the states this year," said Sara Kloek, Vice President, Education and Children's Policy, SIIA. "As the trade organization representing the leading companies in ed tech, it is our mission to advance the responsible use of AI to enhance a learner's educational experience while at the same time protecting their privacy, promoting educational equity, upholding civil rights, and developing important skills for the future." At today's event, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Kristina Ishmael, Deputy Director, Office of Education Technology, U.S. Department of Education and Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District presented remarks. Two panel discussions were also conducted. The panel AI in the Classroom: What is it? How is it Made? featured Joanna Smith-Griffin, CEO & Founder, AllHere; Teddy Hartman, Senior Director of Privacy & Data Policy, GoGuardian; Brigid Evans, Director of Government Relations, Pearson and Jonathan Medin, Vice President, Psychometrics, Research, Learning Sciences & Innovation, Renaissance Learning. The panel Perspectives from the Education Community featured Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer, Code.org and Lead of TeachAI; Joseph South, Chief Innovation Officer, ISTE; and Erin Mote, Co-Founder and Executive Director, InnovateEDU and EdSafe AI, Alliance Leader. About SIIA SIIA is an umbrella association representing more than 380 technology, data and media companies and associations globally. Industry leaders work through SIIA's divisions to address issues and challenges that impact their industry segments with the goal of driving innovation and growth for the industry and each member company. This is accomplished through in-person and online business development opportunities, peer networking, corporate education, intellectual property protection and government relations. For more information, visit siia.net. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024429087/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Acrisure Forms Southwest Region Tweet

Acrisure, a global Fintech leader, today announced the formation of the Company's Southwest Region. Partners in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico will now operate as Acrisure and offer the Company's full suite of financial services solutions including personal and business insurance lines, cyber services, employee benefits, mortgage origination, next generation financial tools, and many more. Centered around offices in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA the Southwest Region will be led by long-time Acrisure Partner Patrick Thomas. "The Southwest United States is home to many of our longstanding Partners, key business lines and unique areas of expertise. Under Patrick's leadership, this team will be equipped to support our clients like never before," said Greg Williams, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Acrisure. In his new role, Thomas brings over 15-years of experience operating as an Acrisure Partner in Orange County, CA. "Clients always come first and by coming together as one cohesive brand, we'll accelerate our ability to provide Acrisure's "Extraordinary Advantage" to anyone looking to protect their businesses and lives," said Thomas. "Together our 1,200 colleagues in the Region will leverage Acrisure's limitless capabilities and deliver the ful suite of financial services to address the various needs of our clients."



Transportation and logistics have always been a key industry in Southern California, home to the nation's two largest ports - the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach - which serve as major pathways of goods for the entire West Coast. Acrisure's Southwest Region serves clients in these and other vital industries with a growing number of insurance and financial products and services. To access more information about the Southwest Region, visit www.Acrisure.com/Southwest. Earlier this year, Acrisure announced its efforts to bring all its Partners under one brand as part of its growth-based transformation with a process that is expected to take several quarters. Over the last decade, Acrisure has grown from $38 million to over $4 billion in revenue and acquired more than 800 businesses around the world. For more news and more information, visit www.Acrisure.com.

About Acrisure Acrisure is An Extraordinary Advantage? for millions of clients worldwide. The Company combines humans and high tech to deliver a broad array of products including Insurance, Reinsurance, Cyber Services, Mortgage Origination and more. In the last nine years, Acrisure has grown in revenue from $38 million to more than $4 billion and today employs over 16,000 colleagues in 21 countries. Acrisure expects to announce new developments in the near term. For news and updates visit Acrisure.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024660667/en/

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[October 24, 2023] Vietnam's Visionary Green Transition: Paving the Way for Sustainable Innovation and Environmental Responsibility Tweet

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where technology and sustainability are becoming increasingly interconnected, corporations announce their ambitious new strategy: a commitment to digital transformation that aligns with green growth principles. This initiative underscores the company's dedication to pioneering solutions that benefit the economy and the environment. A study from the World Economic Forum in 2022 showed that sustainable business operations, encouraged by digital transformation, could unlock economic opportunities of up to $12 trillion and create up to 380 million jobs by 2030. The United Nations Global Compact reported that as of 2021, more than 12,000 companies from 160 countries have committed to sustainable business practices, highlighting a global trend of corporate responsibility. While Vietnam has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, it is now actively advancing its efforts in environmental stewardship and technological innovation. Recognizing the crucial role of digitalization in modernizing its economy and safeguarding its natural wonders, Vietnam is swiftly embracing the digital era to reinforce its dedication to sustainability. This section elucidates the rationale behind Vietnam's pursuit of green growth and sustainable development, anchored by its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions at COP26. It becomes evident that conservation represents merely one facet of the broader tapestry of COP26 commitments. Therefore, it is clear that embracing the trend of green transformation is not optional but rather an imperative that Vietnam must follow if it is to honor and fulfill its commitment effectively. Vietnam's green transformation revolves around four core principles: Green growth, economic sustainability, digital innovation, and scientific advancement. To make this transformation a reality, it calls for changes in how we consume, invest, produce, and conduct business, all supported by policies that encourage sustainable practices. In essence, Vietnam is embracing a comprehensive approach to a greener future. However, achieving this green transition necessitates behavioral changes in consumption, investment, production, and business practices. Individuals, industries, and institutions all adapt to more sustainable patterns of behavior and decision-making. To facilitate this shift, Vietnam encourages open innovation, supports science and technology, and pursues sustainable development, which are integrally linked to its efforts to guide behavioral shifts toward a more sutainable future.



Green Transition Investment from Enterprises and Funds Enterprises are increasingly recognizing the value of startups in their pursuit of sustainability and green transition initiatives. Startups often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, which can help established enterprises achieve their environmental goals. By fostering partnerships with startups, corporations not only attract fresh talent but also gain access to cutting-edge technologies and sustainable business practices. This collaboration serves as a win-win, promoting innovation and sustainability in the corporate world.

Investment funds are playing a pivotal role in driving green finance. These funds are redirecting their capital towards green investments, prioritizing ventures that have a positive impact on the environment and promote sustainability. For instance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is actively involved in various green projects across Asia and the Pacific. Some notable ADB initiatives toward Vietnam include support for renewable energy projects, investments in sustainable transportation systems, and the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture practices. Mr. Wayne Soh, Vice President of Investment Asia Pacific and Singapore Regional Director of Plug and Play Tech Center, Plug and Play Silicon Valley-based Corporate Innovation Facilitator, shared that innovation hubs are important as a central unit to interact with external innovators such as research institutes and startups. They act as a conduit to then take in external innovation, identify which business units and departments to work and also project manage initial Proof-of-concept trials or pilot projects. Vietnam Forge Ahead with Collaborative Green and Open Innovation Enterprise's ambitious journey is not one it undertakes alone. The company's commitment to a green digital transformation is more than an internal organizational goal; it's a resonant call to action that aligns with larger, more comprehensive national initiatives. Vietnam's strategic location within Southeast Asia also positions it as a gateway to a rapidly growing regional market. This presents exciting opportunities for Big Corporation to expand sustainable business practices across borders and contribute to the broader adoption of green growth principles in the region. The green transition initiative represents a bold step forward in commitment to sustainability, and Vietnam stands out as an attractive destination for endeavors. By embracing sustainable practices, renewable energy, and digital transformation in Vietnam, we aim to not only advance corporate responsibility but also contribute to the country's and the region's economic and environmental well-being. "Over the years, my enterprises have witnessed various forms of innovation activities. Although not identical, I believe that Vietnam can draw valuable insights from the experiences of other Asian countries", Mr. Wayne Soh said. This innovative approach serves as a vital bridge to Vietnam's overarching technological and environmental goals, making a direct and pioneering contribution to the implementation of the open innovation model within Vietnam. The inaugural Open Innovation Day in 2023 marks the initial stride taken by Vietnam in adopting this model. In a collaborative effort that underscores the importance of unity in innovation, Open Innovation Day 2023 is set, which is organized by the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development (NATEC), under the Ministry of Science and Technology Vietnam in coordination with Open Innovation Technopreneur Institute. The program is a clarion call to industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to witness and participate in a transformative experience that marries technology with sustainability. It is also an opportunity to engage with groundbreaking ideas, forge new partnerships, and collectively navigate through the complexities of today's challenges toward a sustainable tomorrow. Through this pioneering initiative, corporations reaffirm their position as leaders committed to driving systemic change, fostering a culture of responsibility, and shaping a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously. The company's strategy is a testament to the power of collaborative effort, "Open Innovation Day" and the Open Innovation Challenge is the next step in making this vision a tangible reality. Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director General of the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship & Commercialization (NATEC), under the Ministry of Science and Technology calls for corporations and businesses to cooperate, invest, and partner with innovative startups in Vietnam, bringing their practical needs together, the pioneering Vietnamese corporations accompanying NATEC are Saigontel and Agribank, TNTech, etc. For innovative start-up businesses, institutes, and schools, keep thinking and solving practical problems, turning difficulties and challenges into opportunities and markets. This call to action extends to the entire innovative startup community, urging a united front to propel open innovation, share opportunities, and cultivate a shared spirit of development. It's a journey of harnessing collective resources to forge new values for a thriving ecosystem. Through these endeavors, the corporation reaffirms its leadership in fostering systemic change, nurturing a responsible culture, and sculpting a future where technology and nature coexist in harmony. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/vietnams-visionary-green-transition-paving-the-way-for-sustainable-innovation-and-environmental-responsibility-301966136.html SOURCE The National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development

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[October 24, 2023] Avero Advisors Awarded Washoe County School District's ERP Consulting Contract Tweet

Avero Advisors secures a significant ERP consulting contract with Washoe County School District, marking a major step in enhancing the district's operational efficiency. RENO, Nev., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avero Advisors has been awarded a notable contract by the Washoe County School District (WCSD) for guiding its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) transition, emerging victorious over other leading ERP consultants, including Berry Dunn. The contract signifies a major endorsement of Avero's expertise in the competitive public-sector ERP consulting landscape. "Our team is thrilled to collaborate with WCSD in enhancing their operational framework. This contract underscores our ability to deliver superior ERP solutions and manage complex projects, ensuring a seamless transition to a more efficient operational paradigm." The accord outlines a comprehensive scope of services including ERP Pre-Selection Activities, Selection Process, and Conversion Management. Under the contract, Avero Advisors will not only steer WCSD through the meticulous process of ERP vendor selection but also manage the implementation and oversight of the chose software solution, serving as the District's program managers.



Avero's CEO, Abhijit "AV" Verekar, welcomed the partnership as a testament to Avero's capabilities. "Our team is thrilled to collaborate with WCSD in enhancing their operational framework. This contract underscores our ability to deliver superior ERP solutions and manage complex projects, ensuring a seamless transition to a more efficient operational paradigm," AV remarked. The award followed a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, where Avero's proposal stood out amidst strong competition. Being chosen as the District's program managers, Avero Advisors is poised to play a pivotal role in orchestrating a smooth ERP transition, solidifying its standing in the educational sector.

This engagement is anticipated to address WCSD's operational hurdles and set a robust foundation for future technological advancements within the district. Moreover, the contract showcases Avero's growing recognition as a leading ERP consulting firm in the public sector, capable of outpacing industry stalwarts and delivering bespoke solutions tailored to the unique requirements of educational institutions. About Avero Advisors Avero Advisors, a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultancy, specializes in bridging the gap between technology and operational excellence. With a team of seasoned experts, Avero delivers tailored ERP solutions that drive efficiency, enhance transparency, and foster informed decision-making. Their collaborative approach, coupled with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, positions Avero as a trusted partner for organizations looking to optimize their operational processes through innovative technology solutions. Media Contact Abhijit Verekar, Avero Advisors, 1 865-415-3848, [email protected], www.averoadvisors.com Twitter, LinkedIn View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/avero-advisors-awarded-washoe-county-school-districts-erp-consulting-contract-301966069.html SOURCE Avero Advisors

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[October 24, 2023] IonQ Achieves Industry Leading Performance on Next Generation Barium Qubits Tweet

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), an industry leader in quantum computing, today announced it has achieved 29 algorithmic qubits on a barium platform for the first time, marking a key milestone in the company's journey towards developing systems capable of commercial quantum advantage. IonQ has long explored novel ways to advance trapped ion quantum computing beyond our use of traditional ytterbium ions, one of which includes the use of barium qubits. Current generation ytterbium systems like IonQ Harmony, IonQ Aria, and IonQ Forte are essential for addressing today's most complex algorithms. However, barium-based systems of the future are expected to open the door to numerous new technical applications. Additionally, the inherent nature of barium qubits will make future quantum systems more scalable and reliable. "As recently as Quantum World Congress 2023, we talked about how the number of quantum applications available will exponentially increase in relation to the number of algorithmic qubits we achieve with each system," said Peter Chapman, President and CEO, IonQ. "Today's news demonstrates how barium qubits are already on parity with some of our own leading quantum systems from an #AQ perspective, and how IonQ is making substantial progress towards reaching our goal of commercial quantum advantage." IonQ is also announcing that based on customer demand, the company is now offering 24/7 access and support for its cloud-accessible quantum systems - IonQ Harmony and IonQ Aria. With increased availability, users from across the globe will benefit from increased access when tackling the most complex commercial and research use-cases. Today's news follows IonQ's September announcement that it expanded its agreement with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to deploy two barium-based trapped ion quantum computing systems at AFRL's Rome, NY facility for quantum networking research and applicatin development. IonQ also announced last month that it would be delivering two future IonQ systems - IonQ Forte Enterprise with #AQ 35 and IonQ Tempo with #AQ 64 - to Switzerland-based QuantumBasel as part of a joint effort to establish a European quantum data center.



To learn more about how you can get started on an IonQ system today, please contact us at: https://ionq.com/get-access. About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing, with a proven track record of innovation and deployment. IonQ's current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting an industry-leading 29 algorithmic qubits. Along with record performance, IonQ has defined what it believes is the best path forward to scale. IonQ is the only company with its quantum systems available through the cloud on Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as through direct API access. IonQ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggests," "plan," "believe," "intend," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the company's technology driving commercial advantage in the future, the ability for third parties to implement IonQ's offerings to increase their quantum computing capabilities, the effect of increased availability of customer support functions, IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans, access to IonQ's quantum computers, increases in algorithmic qubit achievement, and the scalability and reliability of IonQ's quantum computing offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's business; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations, identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" section of IonQ's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024372989/en/

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[October 24, 2023] $14B in 3Q23 upstream M&A overshadowed by October's $60B+ historic deals Tweet

ExxonMobil and Chevron spend $115B combined on oil assets, target emission reductions CALGARY, AB, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS platform, is releasing its summary of 3Q23 upstream merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. In Q3, U.S. upstream M&A cruised along with $14 billion transacted in 25 deals. A liftoff in corporate consolidation picked up the slack of declining opportunities to buy private assets with two-thirds of deal value last quarter coming from combinations between public companies. That accelerated to historic levels in October with ExxonMobil's $65 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources in the third-largest upstream deal ever by enterprise value, and Chevron purchasing Hess for $60 billion. "As anticipated, the pace of consolidation slowed for private E&Ps as the cream of the crop in terms of scle and quality has largely, but not entirely, been bought out," said Andrew Dittmar, senior vice president at EIR. "The next logical step in consolidation is more tie-ups between public producers. That could have slowly built toward a historic deal like ExxonMobil's purchase of Pioneer but instead that happened right out of the gate and could well be the largest deal of the shale era."



"ExxonMobil is committing to its traditional energy business, which has become extremely profitable for the major, while working to decarbonize operations to meet its emissions targets," Dittmar said. "This is coming from a combination of reducing upstream emissions and building its carbon sequestration business." "By acquiring Pioneer, ExxonMobil is not only expanding its Permian portfolio, but also speeding up the Permian's transition to a low-carbon future. ExxonMobil has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 for its existing Permian assets and by 2035 for the newly acquired Pioneer asset, which is 15 years ahead of Pioneer's original plan," said John Gutentag, product owner at Enverus.

The moves by ExxonMobil and Chevron are likely to ignite further consolidation among smaller oil and gas companies as they scramble to remain competitive and secure remaining drilling opportunities. Already, reports have emerged of merger talks between large-cap independents that are also likely to go on shopping spree targeting smaller and midsize producers. View Enverus' full announcement including extended commentary. About Enverus Intelligence Research Enverus Intelligence  | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations and macro-economic forecasts; and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies and capital providers worldwide. EIR is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a foreign investment adviser. Enverus is the most trusted, energy-dedicated SaaS platform, offering real-time access to analytics, insights and benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from our partnerships to 98% of U.S. energy producers, and more than 35,000 suppliers. Learn more at Enverus.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/14b-in-3q23-upstream-ma-overshadowed-by-octobers-60b-historic-deals-301966210.html SOURCE Enverus

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[October 24, 2023] Hakkoda Joins the United World Challenge as an Impact Partner, Tackling the Ocean Plastic Crisis with Data Tweet

Hakkoda will support Tez Steinberg's World Record attempt to row 5,000 miles from Hawaii to Australia and power the United World Challenge's efforts to solve the ocean plastic crisis with data-driven interventions. NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hakkoda, the data consultancy specializing in Snowflake, proudly announces its role as an Impact Partner for the United World Challenge , a global initiative built to accelerate solutions for the ocean plastic crisis and inspire a more courageous world. This collaboration reaffirms Hakkoda's investment in the health of the world's oceans and aligns seamlessly with the company's unwavering commitment to Data for Good. "We knew from the beginning we had to wire meaningful purpose into our DNA," says Erik Duffield, Hakkoda's CEO. "That's why we began Data for Good by partnering with MarViva to promote marine conservation and sustainable fishing. Our partnership with the United World Challenge expands on this initiative and aligns with our belief that data holds the key to solving the world's toughest challenges." The United World Challenge was establshed in 2018 and made its first mark when challenge founder, Tez Steinberg, solo-rowed 2,700 miles from California to Hawaii. November will mark Tez's second voyage as he rows over 5,000 miles solo from Hawaii to Australia over four months and with two million oar strokes.



During the zero-waste mission, Tez will collect vital data on microplastics in fish, water and air, allowing research partners, including Hakkoda, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Ocean Conservation Network, and the International SeaKeepers Society to better understand the impact of microplastics on marine health. Their findings will be used to accelerate science-based solutions for cleaner oceans. The expedition will also raise funds to build river barriers in the world's most polluted regions, preventing plastic from flowing out to sea. "Unless we change course, we'll have more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050," says Tez. "That's why the United World Challenge is raising funds and action to help solve this crisis, by stopping plastic before it flows into the ocean."

To learn more about Hakkoda and Data for Good, visit their website at Hakkoda.io . Follow Hakkoda: Linkedin

Twitter About Hakkoda

Hakkoda is a modern data consultancy built to harness the power of data and embolden changemakers to create a better world. As a Snowflake Elite services partner, Hakkoda delivers the data talent organizations need to power transformational business outcomes. To learn more, visit https://Hakkoda.io/ . Media Contact: Zachary Foster, 3038596493, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hakkda-joins-the-united-world-challenge-as-an-impact-partner-tackling-the-ocean-plastic-crisis-with-data-301966250.html SOURCE Hakkoda, Inc.

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[October 24, 2023] Argentine Agtech startup 'Cattler' is gaining ground among US beef cattle operators Tweet

The company is already present in over 10 US States and five other countries, growing organically more than 20% per month over the last nine months. SARATOGA, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cattler is one of the newest digital platforms for the cattle industry, specifically focused so far in feedlots, and it's growing fast in the Midwest and Canada : more than 20% per month in 2023.

is one of the newest digital platforms for the cattle industry, specifically focused so far in feedlots, and it's growing fast in the Midwest and : more than 20% per month in 2023. With a special ability to interact with any livestock and feed equipment in place like scales and EID readers, and a focus on rapid adaptation to feedback from their farmer customers, the company has been in a constant rally of updates for over a year, quickly improving and adding features at a relentless pace.





Initially focused as a feeding program (video) for farmer feeders, it has widened the scope to become an all in one platform, placing a big bet on individual management and Animal Health, with novel features in these areas, like a pen rider feature, animal treatment functionalities (video) and a Cattle Processing Chute feature, all integrated into the same app.





for farmer feeders, it has widened the scope to become an all in one platform, placing a big bet on individual management and Animal Health, with novel features in these areas, like a pen rider feature, animal treatment functionalities and a Cattle Processing Chute feature, all integrated into the same app. More recently it has begun to partner with other companies in partnerships to offer other products to the farmer through this platform. An example of this is a new insurance feature, in partnership with the insurance company Stockguard , through which Cattler is providing LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) for farmers via the app (video).





, through which (video). Along with institutional and strategic investors, Cattler has received funding from cattle feeders: 'Having our members invest in the company is a great validation not only for us but also for the industry as a whole. It is really our users who not only help us create the product but most importantly want to see us succeed', states Ignacio Albornoz , one of the founders and the CEO of the company. Cattler has raised around $1.5 million over the last three years, mainly from cattle feeders, Angel Investors and Venture Capital companies, both in the US and Argentina , where the founders are originally from.





, one of the founders and the CEO of the company. over the last three years, mainly from cattle feeders, Angel Investors and Venture Capital companies, both in the US and , where the founders are originally from. The company has been selected by two top tier accelerators in the US: Plug and Play , an early investor in companies like Google, Paypal and Dropbox, and Thrive Agrifood, part of SVG Ventures, a fund specialized in agriculture.









by two top tier accelerators in the US: , an early investor in companies like Google, Paypal and Dropbox, and part of SVG Ventures, a fund specialized in agriculture. Cattler Corporation is a US company founded by three argentinians: Ignacio Albornoz , Martin Garbulsky and Ezequiel Conti . The company initially worked developing imagery-based sensors and automation for the ag industry, especially for the cattle industry, and later on transitioned to focus only in the beef cattle industry, and on the platform, leaving other products and prototypes as side projects that complement the main business, which is the Cattler platform. Coming from the sensor and automation environment, the team previously had very good experience interacting with devices from other companies, like scales and EID readers, so that has given them an edge in the hardware side. Context Even if nationwide survey data do not exist on digital adoption within the livestock industry, private estimations from vendors in the space and beef extensionists like Alfredo DiCostanzo , from University of Nebraska-Lincoln , confirm that over the last eight years, adoption of dedicated software for beef cattle operations seems to have more than doubled in North America , especially in the cattle feedyard segment. The transition between generations at family-based farms is having a profound impact in the market. More and more young farmers that grew up using smartphones, tablets and laptops are managing the farm with better tools than spreadsheets or handwritten paper. Some testimonials

Jeff Bullerman , MN 'We have been waiting for this for years', says Jeff Bullerman, 39, from the cabin of his feed mixer truck at his farm in Adrian, MN, as he waits for the previous truck to finish loading. Jeff is referring to Cattler , the cattle management app that he uses for his farm. Seconds later he will proceed to load and feed a set of pens as he does every day at 7 am, controlling the whole process from his tablet. Bullerman symbolizes well the archetype of the progressive farmer that is always looking for new tech; in this case, for his feedyard. The feedlot encompasses two locations with capacity for 3,800 head, which he manages together with his father and his cousin Ted. 'You know, I have always felt like an early adopter; that's what some people like to call it. But, for me it is just so obvious that you need to use this type of technology if you are taking your business seriously'. 'Up to 2021 there was just one serious player in the digital market for this size of feeder farm' adds Bullerman; 'in fact I used that platform for quite a while, ever since their inception. But then Cattler appeared on the scene and I saw clearly where they were going, how they approached the technical stuff... I saw the potential and jumped into it right away. And now I'm just one of many around the area that are either switching from other programs or jumping from pen & paper'. Nick Czarnick, NE Nick Czarnik, 30, from Genoa, Nebraska, has been taking over the reins of his family farm gradually over the last couple of years. 'At first I began to make some decisions on the cow-calf side of our operation, and after a while I focused on the feedyard, trying to add something new to how we were going about things.' For around half a year, Nick has been soaking up the experience of working with software, being able to share input as well as following the pace of the app's new features. 'We always knew there was a better way to handle the farm, but I just needed to find a program that was also simple and friendly for my dad to use daily. They have recently released the Animal Health and the Processing Chute sections, which are a game changer for us". Justin Rinkes, KS This seems to be the key for Justin Rinkes, a farmer feeder from Holton, northern Kansas. 'At the farm everything was pen and paper since ever' remarks Rinkes. 'We genuinely had no idea what we were missing out from a dollar perspective, how much we were just letting slip away. This thing has helped us to keep the wheels turning. Just the magic of having it all in my phone is great; less energy in memorizing information and more in improving things that I discover through the data'. Rinkes signed up with Cattler in late 2022 and has been using it every day since. 'There's days I notice I have been using it all day, between more mechanical tasks like feeding, alerts I receive on the phone, the economics of one lot or perhaps a treatment that we give using the app to pull up that animal'. About Cattler Cattler Corporation is a US company founded by three argentinians: Ignacio Albornoz , Martin Garbulsky and Ezequiel Conti . The company initially worked developing imagery-based sensors and automation for the ag industry, especially for the cattle industry, and later on transitioned to focus only in the beef cattle industry, and on the platform, leaving other products and prototypes as side projects that complement the main business, which is the Cattler platform. Coming from the sensor and automation environment, the team previously had very good experience interacting with devices from other companies, like scales and EID readers, so that has given them an edge in the hardware side. For more information about the company and the founders, please visit this link . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/argentine-agtech-startup-cattler-is-gaining-ground-among-us-beef-cattle-operators-301966306.html SOURCE Cattler

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[October 24, 2023] Creators Earn Higher Revenue Shares with Gan Jing World's Membership Channel Subscription - Earn income on videos, lives and even articles! Tweet

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Content creators! Gan Jing World (GJW) is gearing up to roll out a suite of highly anticipated monetization tools that allow you to now earn income on the fastest-growing social platform. Gan Jing World has soft launched the Channel Membership Program (Beta), offering content creators the option of enabling paid subscriptions to videos, live streams, and articles. Selected creators for the Beta program have received invitations to participate and start earning. In the coming months, the program will be opened to all eligible channel owners on GanJingWorld.com And the best part? Content creators will be paid up to 80%* of revenue accrued, "a significantly better deal than an alternative platform's current rate of 70%," according to GJW Media Relations Director, Nick Janicki. GJW will soon also introduce an Ad-Revenue Sharing Program to provide additional income streams for creators by the end of 2023. Introducing GJW Channel Memberships (Beta) Diverse Content Types Gan Jing World is so much more than a video-sharing platform. Bloggers, creative writers and publishers can also set their articles as "Members Only" and earn revenue. Video creators and educators are also utilizing the article feature as a powerful incentive for individuals to join their memberships, such as offering video transcripts, exclusive blog posts, course materials and quizzes as members-only perks. Customized Membership Space Creators deserve a membership space that's all about them. On your membership page, exclusive content is organized according to category. Customize the look of your page and share exclusive news and heartfelt messages to your fans with our "Message Board" feature. Encourage Community Participation Like Never Before Membership is all about a sense of community and engagement. Utilize members-only posts, community discussion boards, exclusive live-chats and more to incorporate member submissions into your content. This can help strengthen your membership community and add value to the benefits they get each month as being part of your subscription. ELIGIBILITY: 18 years of age or older

A GJW channel with a minimum of 500 followers

A minimum of 10 pieces of uploaded content (including long-form videos or articles) (leverage GJW's handy sync function to easily sync content from your channel on another platform)

Channel owner who recives membership payout needs to be located in a country/region where the Channel Membership program is currently available: United States , Canada , United Kingdom , Germany , France , Finland , Ireland , Japan

who recives membership payout needs to be located in a country/region where the Channel Membership program is currently available: , , , , , , , For subscriber : United States , Canada , Taiwan , Australia , South Korea , Vietnam , Austria , Belgium , Bulgaria , Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , France , Hungary , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Netherlands , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain



HOW IT WORKS: Whether a vlogger, filmmaker, writer, or artist, creators can leverage a "Subscribers only" visibility function in Creator Studio to set long-form videos, livestreams, and articles as exclusive to membership plans.

Set unique pricing models that work best for your audience and their price points, leveraging the freedom of a diverse content platform to build eclectic membership offerings. KEY FEATURES SUMMARY: Maximum Monetization - Creators take home up to 80% of monthly subscription revenue*.

- Creators take home up to 80% of monthly subscription revenue*. Versatile Content Types - Monetize diverse content including long-form videos, livestreams, and articles.

- Monetize diverse content including long-form videos, livestreams, and articles. Customized Pricing - Set pricing that best fits your target audience using versatile pricing options with levels between USD $4.99 to $499.99 .

- Set pricing that best fits your target audience using versatile pricing options with levels between USD to . Build Community - Build a closer community of your biggest fans by offering an extra level of content and interaction. *Creators get 80% of membership revenue after applicable taxes and fees are deducted. All transaction costs (including credit card fees) are currently covered by Gan Jing World. * Creators receive payout within sixty (60) days after the end of any calendar month, so long as your earned balance is at least US $100 (or its equivalent in local currency) when payment is due. Ad-Revenue Sharing Program (Beta)* Gan Jing World will soon release advertising revenue sharing for creators! When people watch advertisements on your video, revenue is generated and will be shared between Gan Jing World and the content creator, empowering you to earn directly through content creation. For our beta program, selected and eligible creators will be invited to enter the program and start earning 55% of Net Revenues from ads displayed or streamed by Gan Jing World. Details on eligibility requirements and the application process will be announced soon. Join other influencers like Music Travel Love (8M fans), Mike Chen (4M fans), radio personality Dave Ramsey, and more by creating your channel on Gan Jing World today! Remember to follow Gan Jing World Stories for the latest updates! *Subject to terms and conditions. Eligibility requirements and territory restrictions apply. Creator Inquiries: [email protected] Website: https://www.ganjingworld.com/ MEDIA CONTACT: Nick Janicki, Director of Media Relations, [email protected] This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creators-earn-higher-revenue-shares-with-gan-jing-worlds-membership-channel-subscription--earn-income-on-videos-lives-and-even-articles-301966281.html SOURCE Ganjingworld Corp.

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[October 24, 2023] QCI College Presents Course SLT 322 Mini Casino Merchandising with Andrew Cardno Tweet

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading innovator in cutting-edge analytics and intelligence solutions, is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for its esteemed QCI Community members. On October 24, 2023, QCI College will host a virtual course, titled "Mini Casino Merchandising" (Course Number: SLT 322), led by the renowned expert and host, Andrew Cardno. This exclusive course will delve deep into the world of slot machine analytics, revealing strategies and techniques to enhance their performance and optimize player experiences. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the intricate workings of slot machines, helping casinos maximize profitability while providing a more enjoyable gaming atmosphere for their patrons. Andrew Cardno, a distinguished authority in casino analytics, commented on the significance of QCI College and being a part of the QCI Community: "QCI College is a gateway to unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the field of analytics. As a member of the QCI Community, you gain access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and educational events like Course SLT 322. Being a part of this community ensures that you stay at the forefront of industry advancements, giving you a distinct competitive edge." Attendance at QCI College, including Course SLT 322, is a complimentary benefit included with all QCI products, further demonstrating QCI's commitment to empowering its community of users. However, access to QCI College is exclusive to members of the QCI Community, fostering a collaborative environment where industry professionals can exchange ides and stay ahead of the curve.



Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your knowledge of slot machine performance analytics. Secure your spot at QCI College by joining the QCI Community today and registering for Course SLT 322 on October 24, 2023. Together, we'll unlock the secrets of Mini Casino Merchandising! ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 150 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

ABOUT Andrew Cardno

Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industriesbe it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSDAndrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qci-college-presents-course-slt-322-mini-casino-merchandising-with-andrew-cardno-301966453.html SOURCE Quick Custom Intelligence

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Here's a glimpse at the newspaper doubling down on one of their favorite politicos in reporting that's not just supportive but seemingly enthusiastic . . . Check-it:



"Currently in her third term, Davids has demonstrated a firm grip on Kansas 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses much of the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro area. Even after the GOP-controlled state Legislature redrew the district to include more rural areas, Davids won reelection in 2022 by 12 points  her strongest margin of victory ever.



"A little more than a year away from the general election  and just over nine months from the primary election  the Republican field is taking shape. Three candidates have entered the race but one, Prasanth Reddy, has quickly gained a sizable financial advantage."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Missouri NAACP Prez Nimrod Chapel, Jr. recently offered a counterpoint to efforts for pardon of a former Kansas City Police detective who was recently convicted and lost a decision from an appeals court.



Local blog KC Defender dutifully carried his words and call back to a not-so-long-ago "travel warning" leveled against the Show-Me State . . . Here's the crux of the argument that deserves a look:



"Yet, even in this case, when it seemed for the first time ever a white cop would be held accountable, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey took an unusual step.



"In his unprecedented move, he requested an appeals court to either reverse DeValkenaeres conviction or order a new trial. While this bid failed and a three-judge panel unanimously affirmed DeValkenaeres guilt, Baileys actions have sowed distrust among the public."



"The possibility of a gubernatorial pardon would not only further erode this trust but would undermine the very principles that must form the bedrock of our societyjustice, accountability, and equal protection under the law."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Korea was internationally recognized as a "controlled risk" country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease by the world organization for animal health (OIE). Korea is now in the same level as 33 other countries in the world such as Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced on Thursday Korea and Panama were given "controlled risk" status in the general session of the OIE in Paris on Tuesday.

The Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases at the OIE had made the decision in February based on documents submitted by the Korean government. Some 175 OIE member countries unanimously approved it in the general session. Before, Korea was in the group of "undetermined" countries because the disease control system was not up to the international standards.

With the resumption of U.S. beef imports, the government has worked hard to obtain the controlled risk status. Since nationwide mass protests against the import of U.S. beef continued for months, the government reinforced preventative measures against BSE by introducing regulations to specify the place of origin of beef and to track the history of the animals.

Stock farmers meanwhile worked hard to enhance quality of beef. With growing trust in Korean beef, the beef industry here generated over W1 trillion (US$1=W1,222) of profit from July 2008 until the end of last year. Korean beef took up 47.6 percent or 174,000 tons of the total amount of beef consumed in 2008, but saw its share increase to 50 percent in 2009. Consumption of U.S. beef decreased by 5.6 percent during the same time span from 53,000 tons to 50,000 tons. The acquisition of controlled risk status bodes well for the future of Korean beef exports.
Right now we share an upcoming event and something more productive than just yelling back at your screen.



Here's a preview . . .



"The Library also participates in United States Media Literacy Week. From Oct. 23-27, 2023, local and national programs celebrate one of the five components of the definition of media literacy: Access, Analyze, Evaluate, Create, and Act.



"Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Plaza Branch, Kevin Lerner discusses his new book Provoking the Press: (MORE) Magazine and the Crisis of Confidence in American Journalism, which looks at the journalists who wrote about how others in their field covered big events of the day  from the Watergate scandal to the seven dirty words obscenity trial and debate over a reporters constitutional privilege.



"The Lerner event is one in a line of many signature events featuring journalists or focusing on the media. For instance, last year, Ari Fleischer discussed his book, Can We Trust Mainstream Media? with David Von Drehle, a Kansas City-based columnist with The Washington Post."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
One more glimpse at local streets becoming increasingly dangerous . . .



"She told detectives she was scared because the occupants of the Kia had been brake checking and throwing gang signs at her and Holman, according to court documents.



"She also said she fired a shot without aiming.



"Detectives interviewed three victims who were in the Kia, all who told detectives a similar story."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCMO woman claims she shot at vehicle because occupants were brake checking, throwing gang signs A Kansas City, Missouri, woman is claims she shot a vehicle on Interstate 49 in Peculiar because the occupants had been brake checking and throwing gang signs at her.

Two 24-year-olds arrested for road-rage shooting on I-49 The suspects in a highway road rage incident are facing felony charges.

Developing . . .
Following the meeting, a press conference will be held during which ECB President Christine Lagarde, assisted by ECB Vice-President Luis de Guindos and the governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras, will explain the decisions on monetary policy

The Bank of Greece is hosting the European Central Bank's (ECB) board meeting on Wednesday and Thursday (25-26 October) at its headquarters in Athens, ANA reports.

The governors of the national central banks of the eurozone and the six members of ECB's executive committee will convene at the Bank of Greece's headquarters to decide on monetary policy.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: pixabay.com
The Toronto Police Service is asking for the publics help with a threat investigation in the city.

On, Oct. 18, at around 12:49 p.m., police responded to a call for a person with a knife in the Carlaw Avenue and Gerrard Street area, police said in a press release.

It is alleged that two men approached a group of youths during school hours at Oasis Alternative Secondary School and one of the men pulled out a knife and threatened the group.

Police said no one was hurt during the incident.

Police described the first suspect as a man, standing 5-foot 3 with a slim build, brown and grey short hair, and short stubble with a light brown complexion.

Police stated he was wearing light colours, and had a red drawstring bag.

The second suspect has been described as being 5-foot 6 with a muscular build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.
Here is your morning roundup on transit, weather and road closures in Toronto.

Weather: Expect a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 18 C. More information is available here.

School bus delays and cancellations: Click here for information on school bus cancellations and delays.

TTC: Line 3 is permanently closed in Scarborough. Express buses are running between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations. Visit the TTC webpage for latest updates on subway, streetcar and bus service delays.

GO Transit: Click here to get information on GO service delays.

Road closures and traffic: For live highway traffic updates, click here.

Here's what the MTO is reporting for planned road closures this morning:

 Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road -Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 6 a.m.

 Highway 427 northbound express off-ramp at Campus Road / Fasken Drive, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 5 at 12:59 a.m.

 Highway 401 eastbound off-ramp at Dixon Road / Martin Grove Rd, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 4 at 7 a.m.

 Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Allen Road, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 15 at 6 a.m.

 Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Dixon Road / Martin Grove Rd, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 4 at 7 a.m.

 Highway 401 westbound on-ramp at Kennedy Road -Scarborough, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 22 at 6 a.m.

 Highway 427 northbound express off-ramp at Campus Road / Fasken Drive, Toronto: all lanes closed until Dec. 5 at 12:59 a.m.

Gas prices: Click here to see the lowest gas prices across the Toronto area from gasbuddy.com.

Top stories from our newsroom

Halloween binge watch: 15 horror movies filmed in Toronto, Mississauga, Oshawa, Hamilton and other parts of the GTA

No charges for Toronto police who shot suspect with sock rounds: SIU

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Shchedrov said the move will help boost business, but it may take time for word of the change to spread. "They have a lot of fake news. Some people don't believe it is for 90 days," he added.

"The rate for ruble, things are more expensive, like the flight tickets. They don't have a lot of choices for destinations when traveling because Europe closed [for Russian tourists]. They have some trouble with Visa and Mastercard, but now they can use UnionPay, a Chinese system, and a lot of customers pay by cash," he told VOA.

Igor Shchedrov is the general manager at Svoi Travel, a Thailand-based travel agency. More than half of his customers are from Russia.

Thailand has already seen nearly one million tourists from Russia this year and tourism officials hope that the extension of visa free status will help boost the number coming to the sunny Southeast Asian country during peak season from November to March.

News that Thailand was extending visa-free stays from 30 to 90 days came late last week just before the country's Prime Minister Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing last week.

Starting next month, on Nov. 1, Thailand will allow Russian tourists to stay visa-free for up to 90 days. The move comes as tourists from the country have had increasingly few options for travel, given Moscow's war on Ukraine, the impact of sanctions, travel restrictions, and a weakening ruble.

Olga Polyakova, a Russian tourist from Moscow, is currently in Phuket and admits that travel has become more expensive. "Now there's not a good rate for the [Russian] ruble, and now really traveling to foreign countries is more expensive than before, but traveling is an important part of my life," she told VOA.

Despite sanctions, the Kremlin has continued doing business with Thailand. Thailand chose to abstain from a UN vote condemning Russia last year for its so-called annexation of four territories in Ukraine.

Last year, Thailand became a haven for Russian visitors, with many avoiding Moscow's military drafts to go and fight in Ukraine. But from what Shchedrov can see, the situation is different today.

"One year ago, we had a situation where... a very high volume of people were running away from [military] mobilization. The first time was such a shock to the citizens of Russia, but now time has passed, they saw nothing happened, nobody catches them on the street [to be drafted]," he added.

Nithee Seeprae, the deputy governor for Marketing Communications at the Tourism Authority Thailand, told VOA the decision to expand Russian tourist visas was based on high demand. "Most of them prefer to stay longer. So, to make it easy for everyone, we expanded the visa," he said.

 Competition Heats up

Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, said Thailand is trying to attract more Russian tourists because the region has become increasingly competitive.

"Russia will deliver around 1 million tourists to Thailand in 2023 and is a top 5 source market. But earlier this year, a lot of Russian tourists visiting Thailand also spent time in competitor destinations like Bali and Vietnam. Thailand hopes that by extending the welcome, more Russian tourists will spend more time [and money] exploring more of the country," he told VOA.

"Extending the length of stay for Russian tourists during the winter season makes sense. It shows how competitive tourism is becoming amongst Southeast Asian nations for the upcoming peak season," he added.

With peak season beginning in November, hotels in the popular holiday island Phuket are also already preparing for an influx of Russian visitors. "At the moment we remain positive about the Russian market," Ranjeet Viswanathan, the director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, told VOA.

"The fact that Aeroflot has increased its number of flights to Phuket gives me hope that we will see a strong Russian market this winter, not only are they flying direct flights from Moscow to Phuket, but also from Novosibirsk, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok and Krasnoyarsk, twice a week," he added.

 Strong Ties

Increasing the length of stay for Russian tourists came before Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha met with Putin at the Belt and Road Initiative forum in Beijing last week.

Both discussed increasing trade and cultural ties between Thailand and Russia, while Srettha praised their "long-standing close relationship" and invited Putin for a visit to the Southeast Asian country. But after Srettha posted a photo with Putin on X, formerly Twitter, it gained a mixed reaction on the social media platform.

Putin ordered Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine 18 months ago. Russia was then hit with western sanctions, something which has impacted the Russian economy while tourists overseas have been unable to pay using western payment services.

As for Thailand welcoming Russian business, experts say the relations between Bangkok and Moscow remain strong. Mark S. Cogan, associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kansai University, Japan, told VOA that the 90-day visa extensions are "small potatoes."

"Srettha has to think about a larger picture, where Russian investment in tourism and agriculture, speed up bilateral trade and set up larger investments down the road through the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, which needs revival after a period of COVID-related disruption," Cogan said.
Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Dr. Clive Dottin is of the view that the team selected by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to take part in crime talks between the government and...
On October 18, Germanys defense concern Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian Defense Industry established a joint venture to service and repair military equipment supplied to Ukraine by partners.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stated this at the sixth German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We are actively working with German business, and I am pleased to announce that on October 18, a joint venture, Rheinmetall - JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry, was registered, set up by the leaders of the defense industries of Germany and Ukraine. The establishment of the joint venture is, without exaggeration, a landmark event that brings cooperation between our countries to a qualitatively new level and will allow us to build the arsenal of the free world together," he said.

In a post on Telegram, Shmyhal added that the joint venture will provide maintenance and repair of equipment supplied by the partners to Ukraine. It will also localize the production of leading models of Rheinmetall AG equipment.

In turn, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky invited German companies to cooperate in the development of the Ukrainian defense sector.

"Working together, we can combine the best qualities of our nations. Ukraine and Germany can give Europe a chance to grow: more security, more development, more jobs, more opportunities for ordinary families to live a decent life, more strength for our continent," he said during an online speech at the sixth German-Ukrainian Economic Forum.

He called on the forum participants to pay attention to Ukraines defense sector, which is currently expanding the production of weapons, equipment, and shells.

"This is our number one production priority. Some German companies have already started to cooperate with us in this field. And we invite all others," added the President of Ukraine.

As reported, the sixth German-Ukrainian Economic Forum has started in Berlin, bringing together more than 500 representatives of politics and business. The forum is held under the slogan "Recovery, Smart Growth and Security".
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has confirmed the death of two Ukrainian children in the Gaza Strip. Their identities have been established.

"The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine confirms the death in the Gaza Strip of two Ukrainian children born in 2014 and 2017. Their identities have been established," MFA spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told Ukrinform.

He expressed condolences to the parents of the deceased children and said that Ukrainian Representative Office in Ramallah is investigating all the circumstances of the tragedy and remains in touch with the relatives.

Earlier, Maksym Tiokin, the head of the Ukrainian Embassy department under the Palestinian National Authority, said that two Ukrainian children were killed in a missile attack in Gaza City on October 24.

As reported, a citizen of Ukraine died in the Gaza Strip on October 19.

On the morning of October 7, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Militants stormed into the country, simultaneously launching a massive rocket attack. Nearly 1,400 people have been killed in Israel since then, and hundreds of people have been taken hostage by the militants. Israel officially declared a state of war and mobilized 300,000 reservists to respond to the terrorist attack and invasion of Hamas, and began to destroy the military facilities of this movement.

On the night of October 13, the Israeli military warned the UN that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to the southern part within the next 24 hours. About 1.1 million people live in this region. Currently, people are leaving the region. Hamas militants are obstructing the evacuation of civilians.

The United States, the EU, Ukraine, and a number of other countries have condemned the attacks on Israel.

Photo: 
A new report by an EU-based think tank is proposing a new source of revenue for countries by imposing a tax on the super-rich.

Governments around the world should engage in a coordinated effort to prevent tax evasion and create a global minimum tax on billionaires that could raise $250 billion annually, according to the EU Tax Observatory.

The new tax would amount to 2 percent of the nearly $13 trillion controlled by about 2,700 global billionaires but would bring in more tax revenue than is currently generated from the world's wealthiest, the group said Monday in its 2024 Global Tax Evasion Report.

Taxes on billionaires are often lower than those of general taxpayers, due to billionaires having access to resources that allow them to place their money in shell companies that shield them from income tax, the research group said.
In September-October, more than 20 vessels departed from the ports of Odesa region, carrying various types of cargo, including agricultural products.

Thats according to Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi, who spoke with his Spanish counterpart Luis Planas Pachades during the EU agriculture and fisheries ministerial, Ukrinform reports.

According to the report, the Ukrainian minister said this year's harvest was expected to reach over 79 million tonnes, which is 10% above last years figures.

The parties also discussed the export and transit of Ukrainian agricultural products, and support to Ukrainian farmers.

Mykola Solskyi said that active work was being done to increase the volume of agricultural exports. According to him, more than 20 ships with various cargoes, including agricultural products, have already left the ports of Odesa in September-October.

According to the Minister, the volume of transit of agricultural products through the Danube and Romanian ports, such as Constanta, is also increasing.

At the same time, Solskyi noted that port infrastructure was suffering from constant shelling, so Ukraine needed to strengthen its air defences. Support is also needed for Ukrainian farmers who have suffered from Russia's full-scale invasion, he noted.

For his part, Luis Planas Puchades said that Spain was following developments closely and would continue to support Ukraine. Among other things, it supports the expansion of export routes so that Ukrainian farmers can sell their agricultural products.

The EU Council meeting on agriculture and fishing is held on October 23-24 in Luxembourg. The negotiations were also attended by Deputy Agricultural Minister Markian Dmytrasevych.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, as of October 18, some 11,600 Ukrainian agricultural enterprises received UAH 60.1 billion in bank loans for development.
Ukraine's membership in the European Union is in line with the strategic interests of Hungary, but Budapest tactically tries to squeeze out maximum benefit from the negotiation process.

This was stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"Hungary pursues its own goals in this matter. It is related to the requirements of the Hungarian side as regards the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. They are playing their game, but Ukraines membership in the EU is in line with Hungarys strategic interest. This is strategy-wise, I stress. Meanwhile, they are tactically trying to squeeze out as many benefits as they can from the negotiation process, Kuleba believes.

The minister also noted that one of the President Volodymyr Zelenskys interlocutors said the EU has enough power not to be affected by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans handshakes with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday ahead of the One Belt, One Road summit in Beijing.

Orban stated in a comment to Russian television that Hungary never wanted to be in confrontation with the Russian Federation and has been trying to retain bilateral contacts.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met with the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Denmark, Troels Lund Poulsen.

The president reported this on X, Ukrinform saw.

I received Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen. Ukraine highly values Danish support, which has been strong since the first days of the full-scale war, including 12 military aid packages. We discussed further steps to strengthen our air capabilities and air defense, Zelensky wrote.

According to the press service of the Head of State, Zelensky also noted separately the role-model patronage on the part of Denmark of the efforts to to restore war-torn Mykolaiv and important support from Copenhagen on Ukraines path to the European Union.

We are working to complete all seven recommendations of the European Commission. And we will be really pleased if we can start negotiating the accession to the EU by the end of this year, the president said.

It is reported that during the meeting, the parties focused on strengthening the Ukrainian air defenses with modern fighter jets and new air defense systems, and also discussed cooperation within the aviation coalition and training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft, which Denmark and other partners are set to transfer to Ukraine.

It is noted that the parties separately noted the adoption by the Group of Seven at the Vilnius Summit of the Joint Declaration of support for Ukraine and expressed readiness to launch negotiations between Ukraine and the Nordic countries on security guarantees.

Wrapping up the meeting, the president conferred on the Danish defense minister the Order of Merit 1st degree, and on the State Secretary of Security and Operations, Jesper Hoy Jensen, the Order of Merit 3rd degree.

It is reported that Danish officials were awarded for a significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation and support for state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

As Ukrinform wrote earlier, Denmark and the Czech Republic will donate infantry combat vehicles, tanks, and other weapons systems to Ukraine in the coming months.
10/23/2023

By Karen Angelo

After serving in leadership roles at the University at Albany, State University of New York, Mary Gallant has returned to her New England roots. Gallant, who was appointed dean of the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences in September, grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, and attended Harvard University.

Im excited to be leading the Zuckerberg College in a city where a public university is dedicated to enhancing the local economy and contributing to social mobility, and where our students have the opportunity to engage in mutually beneficial experiences and learning opportunities in the city of Lowell, says Gallant.

Gallants expertise in public health spans years of researching health promotion programs for older adults. However, when she graduated with a biology degree from Harvard, she was unsure of her next step. Many of her peers were headed for medical school, but that didnt entirely appeal to her.

In my senior year of college, I have a vivid memory of scanning medical school catalogs on a bookshelf, says Gallant. I glanced down and noticed materials about schools of public health, a discipline that I was not aware of at the time.

As she learned more, she got excited about the idea of keeping people healthy and the holistic approach of public health. Gallant then took the year after college to work as a research assistant on a vaccine policy project, commuting on the MBTA train from Lowell to Boston for work.

She went on to earn a Master of Public Health and a Ph.D. in health behavior and health education at the University of Michigan. That was where she realized her passion for promoting healthy aging, and where she got the advice that cemented her future.

My graduate school mentor said that earning a Ph.D. and working in academia is like being a student your entire life, always learning new things, says Gallant. This is the moment when I knew my path.

At UAlbany, Gallant served as the School of Public Healths interim dean, senior associate dean for academic affairs and university provost fellow for tenure and promotion, and she was a professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management & Behavior. Her most recent research involves translating and evaluating evidence-based health promotion programs for older adults when implemented in community settings.

Gallant sat down to discuss her new role and her plans for the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.

Q. On the first day on the job, you held a college meeting with about 100 faculty and staff. What was that like?

A. Zuckerberg College has a great tradition of holding an all-college meeting, then a social gathering, the day before classes start, which illustrates the wonderful sense of community the college has. Even though it was my first day, I decided to lean into that tradition. It was a great opportunity for me to meet a lot of my new colleagues and for them to get to know me a little. That day gave me a good sense of the work ethic and passion of faculty and staff and the supportive and inclusive culture we have.

Q. How have you been getting to know the university community?

A. Ive been meeting one-on-one with faculty and staff, participating in university events and exploring the city to learn as much as I can. I also plan on setting up a student advisory board to gain insight into the student experience and hear what we do well and where we can improve. I recently met with the college advisory board and have started to meet college donors. Ive been impressed with their dedication to the Zuckerberg College and the Solomont School of Nursing. I have also begun meeting with clinical and community partners, and I look forward to furthering our relationships with local organizations.

Q. How do you think your experience in public health can benefit the other disciplines within the college?

A. Im thrilled by the opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary college that includes a variety of health sciences programs, including public health, because theres a growing recognition that a team approach is necessary for effective health care. In addition, the pandemic highlighted the important role of public health in health care. Its a more behind-the-scenes role compared to other health disciplines, but to enhance the health care of the future and to ultimately enhance the health of populations, we need a more integrated approach that incorporates public healths emphases on the social determinants of health, health disparities and health equity, data and information systems, and health policy. Im pleased to see that the college is already exposing students to different disciplines through interprofessional education coursework and community activities. We also have a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research. I look forward to developing our college strategic plan in alignment with the universitys plan, which will give us an opportunity to ensure we are providing our students with the cutting-edge and interdisciplinary skills they need to succeed and an opportunity to ensure our research is focused on answering the most pressing challenges we face in the health sciences.

Q. Why did you decide to live in downtown Lowell?

A. Living in an urban area is exciting to me. I was especially drawn to Lowells identity as a city of immigrants, its amazing history as a mill city, and the beauty of the canals and historic buildings. I like walking out my front door and being in the heart of the city, conveniently going to events and enjoying all kinds of good food. And I like being able to walk to places, rather than always having to drive. I look forward to attending some of the many wonderful festivals in Lowell.

Q. What has most inspired you in your first months at Zuckerberg?

A. I appreciated the warm welcome that I received from the college and university community and beyond. Faculty and staff are genuinely passionate about improving individual and community health and promoting health equity, and they care deeply about the success of our students and training a diverse health workforce. The data tell a positive story of our success  high graduation rates and licensing exam pass rates, excellent job placements and an impressive trajectory of research funding. Behind those numbers is a supremely talented and supportive group of faculty and staff. Im also inspired by our impressive research activity. Our faculty are answering important questions about such things as how the gut microbiome works and how it influences brain health, how robots and gaming technologies can help people with neurological disorders, preventing childhood obesity, how diet, stress and exercise impact heart disease, improving health outcomes among people with HIV and reducing the use of toxic chemicals. These examples represent just a fraction of the important and exciting ways that our faculty are creating new knowledge that will contribute to enhancing health outcomes.
The Eurasian Regional Center of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF-ERC), in collaboration with the National Youth Council Indonesia, OIC Youth Indonesia, the Santri Diplomacy Academy and other Indonesian partner institutions, organized the "Model OIC Diplomatic SimulationConference -2023" within the framework of the National Santri Day, one of the most important youth days of this country, for two days in Bogor, Indonesia, Azernews reports.

At the opening ceremony of the event, after a recitation from the holy Quran, Ani Nigeriavati, the Director of the Public Diplomacy Department of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tantan Taufiq Lubis, the Vice President of ICYF, Vusal Gurbanov, the Acting Director of the ICYF-ERC, Astrid Nadya Rizqita, the President of OIC Youth Indonesia, Sururoh Uthman, the Director of the Santri Diplomacy Academy, Mr. Kiai M. Yazid Dimyati, the Leader of the Lido Islamic Center, Arsul Sani and Mr.Jazilul Fawaid, the Vice Presidents of the People's Consultative Assembly, Zuhair Al-Shun, the Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia, Dr. Yassir Mohamed Ali Mohammed, the Ambassador of Sudan to Indonesia and Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, the representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Human Development and Culture made congratulatory remarks, underlining the importance of Muslim unity and the growing interest in Model OIC IR Academy among Southeast Asian Muslim youth organizations.

In his remarks, Vusal Gurbanov stated, "In difficult times, especially during the struggle for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, we would like to highlight the support of our Indonesian friends. Today, Azerbaijan has successfully restored its territorial integrity in accordance with international legal norms, and we hope that other nations can achieve similar results through peaceful means."Gurbanov also appreciated Indonesian youth for their active engagement in recent solidarity activities for Palestine, organized in the country.

On the first day of the event, panel discussions were held on the topics of "Promoting Peaceful Coexistence through Santri Engagement" and "Santris commitment to Global Sustainability through Spiritual Ecology", moderated by experts from Indonesia.

The event's second day continued with a simulation conference of OIC Foreign Ministers on the agenda of "Reviewing the OIC Foreign Ministers Priority Agenda on the Regional Issues and Solidarity."

It should be highlighted that almost 2000 young people have taken part in activities conducted in Indonesia as part of the "Model OIC" initiative.

The "OIC Model" program was implemented in Azerbaijan for the first time in 2011 at the initiative of the ICYF-ERC. Since then, this program has been successfully implemented annually in more than 40 OIC member countries, both at the national and international levels, based on the experience of Azerbaijan. The main goal of the program is to contribute to the leadership abilities of young people operating in the OIC countries, communication and representation skills in the international arena.
Korea's exports have shifted to growth after dropping for 12 months as demand for semiconductors recovers and car shipments set new records.

According to the Korea Customs Service, the country's exports in the first 20 days of this month rose 4.6 percent on-year to US$33.8 billion. That brought the average daily export to $2.6 billion, up 8.3 percent from a year ago.

Car exports surged 24.7 percent to $3.3 billion, and average daily exports of semiconductors stood at $400 million, the highest since last November.

Exports to the U.S., China and Vietnam are recovering. Average daily exports to the U.S. stood at a record $450 million over the period, while shipments to China averaged $550 million a day, the highest since last November. Exports to Vietnam, Korea's fourth-largest trading partner, shifted to growth for the first time since August 2022.

But Korea suffered a $3.75 billion trade deficit from Oct. 1 to 20 due to soaring global oil prices as overall imports edged up 0.6 percent to $37.6 billion.
Four North Koreans have defected in a small boat across the eastern maritime border near Sokcho, Gangwon Province. Sources on Tuesday said the four expressed their intention to defect when they were caught at sea.

Military authorities and coast guards had detected and tracked an unidentified boat from the North in the morning.

It was the first such crossing since November 2019, when four North Korean fishermen defected by boat from Samcheok in the East Sea but were forcibly repatriated by the Moon Jae-in government, which wanted to ingratiate itself with the North Korean regime.
Pakistan and the United States on Tuesday agreed to work closely on various bilateral trade and investment matters with the objective of enhancing the economic cooperation between both sides

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) Pakistan and the United States on Tuesday agreed to work closely on various bilateral trade and investment matters with the objective of enhancing the economic cooperation between both sides.

Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Minister for Commerce and Industries & Production and Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative (USTR) held a virtual meeting and reviewed the progress made after holding of 9th Pakistan-United States Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting earlier in the year.

Ambassador Tai highlighted the importance of Pakistan as an important trading partner of the US and acknowledged that the continuous engagement between both countries is always encouraging.

The Commerce Minister informed Ambassador Tai about the efforts undertaken by the government to improve the business climate. Minister suggested to consider duty-free access of textile and garments export to the USA as Pakistan imports major chunk of cotton from the USA.

Furthermore, the Commerce Minister also suggested that to add value to the bilateral trade, joint ventures in textile and industrial manufacturing should be explored.

The Commerce Minister also stressed that the USA is the top destination for IT and ITeS exports from Pakistan and both countries can benefit from the potential of IT in Pakistan.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 24th Oct, 2023) His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain at his residence in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness welcomed His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the UAE and underscored the robust fraternal bonds between the two nations, as well as their shared commitment to enhancing collaboration across various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The meeting also discussed regional and international developments of common interest, and means of further developing bilateral collaboration.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs.
A nationwide survey on milk quality and safety conducted by University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) found 92 percent of loose milk samples to be non-compliant to quality and safety parameters. Moreover, 54% milk samples were found unfit for human consumption

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) A nationwide survey on milk quality and safety conducted by University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) found 92 percent of loose milk samples to be non-compliant to quality and safety parameters. Moreover, 54% milk samples were found unfit for human consumption.

An event was held on Tuesday at Avari Towers in Lahore to disseminate the results. Five quality and safety parameters were tested for compliance with regulatory limits. These included composition, adulteration, antibiotic residues, Aflatoxin M1 and heavy metals. Loose milk was largely found non-compliant to these parameters.

There was no nationally representative data on the safety and quality of loose milk in Pakistan and this national survey conducted by UVAS aimed to provide it. This national survey was conducted in the 11 major cities of Pakistan by Nielsen, a top multinational research agency which designed its sampling plan to ensure authenticity of results. A total 1206 loose milk samples were collected.

The detailed findings of this research report were presented in a special health seminar in Lahore by Associate Professor Dr Azmat Ullah Khan from Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition (UVAS)/Principal Investigator of this project in the presence of UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmed. Apart from this, Vice-Chancellor University of Education Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha also expressed his views. President Pakistan Medical Association Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami also attended seminar.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Nasim Ahmed said that UVAS is working closely with livestock, poultry, dairy, meat and food industries and playing its leading role as think tank to solve their issues by arranging stakeholder roundtable meetings and conducting problem solving research. Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said that tractability is the only way to ensure food safety in our country. He urged consumer awareness about quality food, farmer education and latest supply chain for healthy milk.
(@FahadShabbir)

Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shamshad Khan on Tuesday emphasized that all stakeholders should actively participate in increasing voter turnout in the upcoming elections and collaborate with the Election Commission in this special campaign. He made these remarks during the first meeting of the Provincial Voters Education Committee in his office

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shamshad Khan on Tuesday emphasized that all stakeholders should actively participate in increasing voter turnout in the upcoming elections and collaborate with the Election Commission in this special campaign. He made these remarks during the first meeting of the Provincial Voters education Committee in his office.

Javed Rahmat Khan, Joint Provincial Election Commissioner Elections, welcomed the participants. Those present at the meeting included Umra Khan, Additional Secretary of the Higher Education Department; Arshad John, Deputy Secretary from Awqaf; Abdul Basit from the Elementary and Secondary Education Department; Daulat Khan from the Tourism Department; Amil Rashid from the Women Commission; Ali Khan, Section Officer from the Health Department; and Khushal, Information Officer from PID.

Other attendees included Shahid Khan from NADRA, Farid Gul from URDO, Shahid Waseem from SPO, Zubair Anbiya from AAC, Dr. Abrar from Peshawar University's Department of Social Work, Mian Asim Iqbal, Deputy Registrar from IM Sciences, and Zwar from Special Life Foundation. Noor, Ayesha Khursheed from Hawa Lor, Farwa Kazmi from the Aurat Foundation, and Anumbrin from IFES also participated in the meeting.

The meeting addresses various issues related to the electoral process on a monthly basis and conducts public awareness campaigns. Efforts are being made to enhance the participation of all marginalized groups, especially women, with joint voter registration campaigns in collaboration with NADRA and civil society to bridge the gender gap in voter lists.

It is stressed that not only voter registration but also actual voting is crucial to establish a sustainable democratic system in the country. The Election Commission is committed to ensuring the participation of all segments of society in the electoral process, and everyone should work together to boost voter turnout, especially among women.

Before the meeting, the spokesperson for the Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provided a detailed briefing on the formation of the Provincial Voters Education Committee, its objectives, and the significance and goals of the voting process. During the meeting, participants shared their views and offered suggestions, which were welcomed by the Provincial Election Commissioner, who assured his cooperation.
BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said on Tuesday that Belt and Road Initiative with a worldwide appeal and membership has brought a paradigm shift to the concept of development, connectivity and regional integration.

In these testing times, Chinese President Xis landmark initiatives of Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative offer us a wholesome and practical solution for international peace and security.

The Chairman Senate made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of International Symposium to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Chinas principles of Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit and Inclusiveness in Neighbourhood Diplomacy held here.

Director of the Office of the Central Commission of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi read the written speech by President Xi and also delivered a speech.

Sadiq Sanjrani said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a model and exemplary project of BRI having transformed the economic landscape of Pakistan. As an open and inclusive platform, CPEC is now inviting participation from third countries.

The Global Development Initiative has placed development at the core of Chinas exchanges with the world, accelerating the UN 2030 SDGs Agenda. Pakistan is the first partner country of China under GDI.

Together, as good neighbours and best friends, we are charting a course of action for socio-economic development and uplift, he added.?

He said that similarly, Global Security and Global Civilization Initiatives are setting a new course by presenting over-arching concepts contributing positively to the global security and civilizational landscapes. These initiatives are also assuming an increasingly central role in our neighbourhood diplomacy and concepts.

Terming Pakistan-China relationship as a practical demonstration of the vision of our founding father, he said it is an all-weather partnership deeply rooted in mutual trust and respect. It is time-tested and timeless, and nurtured over the years by successive generations of our governments and our people.

The chairman said that the unfolding crisis in Gaza has shaken the very soul of humanity, adding, Israeli aggression on Gaza continues unabated with complete blockade and no supply of essential food and medicines.

He thanked the Chinese foreign minister for supporting the just cause of Palestinians and said that the question of Palestine is at the heart of the middle East issue and its roots cause is the long delay in realizing an independent state of Palestine and the failure to readdress the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people.

The international community must raise its voice and the UN must play its role for cessation of hostilities, creation of a humanitarian corridor and resumption of an inclusive and transparent peace process to secure the realization of the two states solution, he added.

Highlighting Kashmir issue, he said that millions of Kashmiris in the illegally occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir are still awaiting fulfillment of their right to self-determination enshrined in UN Security Council resolutions.

He said that each of the four sub-themes of the symposium - fostering amity with neighbours, sincere interaction, mutual benefits, and the spirit of openness and inclusion - form the very pillars of this symposium remind that in diplomacy, our greatest strength is understanding one another, coming together and moving forward as partners in progress.

Sadiq Sanjrani said that the countries and regions forming the Asian continent have greatly contributed to global peace and prosperity, economic development and civilizational linkages.

The Asia countries are blessed with immense natural resources and human talent, he said and added, We do have our share of problems and challenges, and to overcome them, we need to find solutions from within us. We must have a regional approach to regional issues.

The prime ministers of Mongolia, Nepal, deputy prime minister of Cambodia, former prime ministers of Japan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan and the secretary of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also addressed the opening ceremony.

Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque, senior Chinese and foreign diplomats and officials were present.

APP/asg
Rafah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) Two elderly Hamas hostages were airlifted to an Israeli hospital to be reunited with family Tuesday, as the United States demanded Hamas to release more than 200 other captives before Gaza ceasefire talks are considered.

Hamas released Cooper and Lifshitz on Monday citing "compelling humanitarian" reasons, after mediation by Qatar and Egypt.

Their release comes days after a US mother and daughter were freed.

An AFP journalist saw a military helicopter bringing Cooper and Lifshitz to a medical centre in Tel Aviv early on Tuesday.

The women were wheeled into the facility on a stretcher and wheelchair, as relatives gathered nearby.

Lifshitz recounted being bundled onto the back of a motorbike and stolen away to Gaza.
KT Corporation, formerly known as Korea Telecom, in collaboration with Hyundai Engineering and Construction (Hyundai E&C) and Saudi Telecommunication Company (stc) group, is going to usher in a new era of digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, embarking on a venture set to span the next half-century

RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) KT Corporation, formerly known as Korea Telecom, in collaboration with Hyundai Engineering and Construction (Hyundai E&C) and Saudi Telecommunication Company (stc) group, is going to usher in a new era of digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, embarking on a venture set to span the next half-century.

Under the stewardship of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kim Young Shub, KT, a prominent South Korean telecommunications company, took center stage at the 'Korea-Saudi 50th Anniversary Construction Cooperation Event' in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This event, hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MoLIT) of Korea, provided the perfect backdrop for KT to reveal the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai E&C and stc group, catalyzing the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia.

The grand ceremony witnessed the presence of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol and Minister Won Hee-ryong.

The MoU was officially inked by KT CEO Kim Young Shub, Hyundai Engineering & Construction CEO Yoon Young Joon, and stc group CEO Olayan Alwetaid, signifying a monumental commitment to combine KT's digital transformation (DX) expertise with Hyundai E&C's smart construction capabilities and stc group's extensive network infrastructure.

Together, they will embark on a mission to construct internet data centers (IDC) and smart cities, significantly enhancing Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure.

This landmark MoU can be traced back to November of the preceding year when the 'Saudi One Team Korea' was formed under the leadership of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

This collective effort, comprising approximately 120 governmental bodies and private enterprises, paved the way for the collaboration between KT, Hyundai E&C, and stc group.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious reform plan, 'Saudi Vision 2030,' unveiled in April 2016, to diversify the nation's oil-centric industries.

Key to this vision is the expansion of smart infrastructure and digital transformation (DX) across all sectors, propelling the country's digital landscape forward, including the establishment of IDCs and smart cities.

Prior to the milestone event, KT group held a crucial meeting with the Governor of the Communications and Space Technology Committee (CST) and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MCIT) at its headquarters.

The discussions focused on future cooperation in the DX domain, encompassing IDCs, autonomous driving, and research and development.

This meeting has laid the foundation for close collaboration and synergy with the Saudi government, which has shown a keen interest in Korea's digital transformation experience and cutting-edge technology.

KT CEO Kim Young Shub expressed his enthusiasm, stating, It is an immense honor for us to represent Korean ICT companies in the realm of economic cooperation between Korea and Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the wealth of business experience and ICT solutions acumen we have cultivated both domestically and overseas, we are eager to play a vital role as Saudi Arabia's digital innovation partner.

Furthermore, as a member of One Team Korea, we are poised to collaborate closely with the government and corporate entities to realize tangible outcomes that are mutually beneficial for Korea and Saudi Arabia.

He hoped that with the combined expertise and resources of KT, Hyundai E&C, and stc group, this momentous collaboration would reshape Saudi Arabia's digital landscape for decades to come, aligned with the ambitious goals of 'Saudi Vision 2030.'
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) After floundering for weeks to pick a new speaker for the US House of Representatives, Republicans will hear Monday from nine fresh candidates vying to fill the leadership void that has paralyzed Congress.

The stakes of the crisis could hardly be clearer, with a headless House butting up against the deadline to address a government shutdown and unable to act on an emergency aid package requested by President Joe Biden to help Israel and Ukraine.

Nine second-tier hopefuls -- all men, and eight of them white -- will make their pitches at an evening "candidate forum" as the best option to unify the fractured conference, which is in its 20th day without a leader after deposing speaker Kevin McCarthy.

But none looked close to the near-total Republican support needed to win the required 217 votes on the House floor and the sheer size of the massive field will make it even tougher for a unifier to emerge.

"This is probably one of the most embarrassing things I've seen," Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul, who was first elected in 2005, told ABC news on Sunday.

"Because if we don't have a speaker of the House, we can't govern. And every day goes by, we're essentially shut down as a government."

It appeared last week that Trump ally Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, had momentum but his bid for the gavel collapsed after he lost three straight House floor votes by increasingly large margins.

When the party asked in a secret ballot if Jordan should remain the nominee, his opponents increased from 25 to more than 100 -- far more than the detractors blocking House number two Steve Scalise, the original choice to replace McCarthy.

In a field lacking household Names, the clubhouse favorite is now majority whip Tom Emmer, the Republican number three, who is respected as a valuable fundraiser and is the establishment choice.

But allies of former president Donald Trump are vehemently opposed to the Minnesota Republican, who is among only two of the nine speakership candidates who voted to certify Biden's 2020 election victory and is seen as insufficiently loyal.

Trump -- who backed Jordan -- told reporters ahead of a campaign event in New Hampshire that he had spoken to Emmer over the weekend, but did not plan to endorse him.

"I spoke to Mr. Emmer, I spoke to a lot of congressmen. They called me up and they all called asking for support. And of course, I have to hold it for a while. I have a lot of friends that are looking at it right now," Trump said.

Underscoring the dysfunction plaguing the party, the crisis has left Congress unable to respond to Biden's request for $106 billion in emergency funding -- mainly military aid for Ukraine and Israel in their wars with Russia and Hamas.

And the government will shut down -- with hundreds of thousands of workers sent home without pay -- unless lawmakers can approve the 2024 Federal budget by November 17.

"At a critical moment when our allies are looking to us for leadership ... House Republicans are making a mockery of our government and embarrassing the country on the world stage," said Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Sarafina Chitika.

Hopefuls are slated for two-minute speeches at the candidate forum -- a private, closed-door Republican meeting -- followed by a 90-minute Q&A segment and one-minute closing speeches.

They begin voting in secret ballots Tuesday, with the lowest candidate eliminated each round until there is only one left. No House floor vote has yet been scheduled
(UroToday.com) The 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress held in Madrid, Spain between October 20th and 24th, 2023 was host to a neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in genitourinary cancers session. Dr. Srikala Sridhar discussed the current state of perioperative trial designs and endpoints.



Perioperative trials typically involve systemic treatment administered before and after definitive therapy. They classically include multiple treatment modalities, and, thus, require a well-coordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary team-based approach. These trials may provide the optimal setting for correlative studies. As the treatment landscape in metastatic kidney and bladder cancers continues to evolve, novel agents could potentially be moved up into the perioperative setting with the ultimate goal of curing more patients.

This paradigm is not unique to genitourinary malignancies, with this approach also proving successful in melanoma. In the SWOG S1801 trial, patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma were randomized to receive pembrolizumab both before and after surgery versus only adjuvantly following surgical resection. The neoadjuvant-adjuvant approach had a significant improvement event-free survival, the primary trial endpoint.

This approach has similarly been successful in the non-small cell lung cancer space with the KEYNOTE-671 trial:

Can such a perioperative neoadjuvant-adjuvant similarly work in early-stage kidney or bladder cancer? Before we address this question, we need to consider the rationale for exploring a perioperative approach in these disease sites. For RCC, recurrence rates remain high following definitive surgery. Adjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown conflicting efficacy results, with toxicity being a major issue. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are active in metastatic RCC, but mixed results have been noted in the adjuvant setting as well, which questions whether this treatment should be used earlier. However, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is supported by pre-clinical studies:

Potential advantages to perioperative immune checkpoint inhibitors include:

Downsizing the primary tumor

Decreasing the size of a renal vein or IVC thrombus

Facilitating a partial versus radical nephrectomy

Improving symptoms in select patients with invasive disease

Treating micrometastatic disease early

Assessment of treatment response

Correlative studies

Potential disadvantages include:

Inflammatory changes/fibrosis in the tumor

Immune-mediate adverse events

The need for steroids and other agents affecting surgery

Delay in surgery among non-responded

Patients may subsequently refuse surgery

One notable perioperative trial in the RCC space is Prosper. This trial randomized any histology RCC patients with cT2 or worse disease, cN+, or oligometastatic disease rendered non-metastatic to either standard of care with surgery alone versus 1 dose of nivolumab neoadjuvantly followed 9 doses of nivolumab adjuvantly. This trial failed to meet its primary endpoint of RFS with no benefit to perioperative nivolumab (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74  1.28, p=0.43).

Dr. Sridhar questioned whether the Prosper patient population was the right one to evaluate such an approach in, and what key considerations we can take away for future perioperative trials in this space:

Should these trials include non-clear cell patients? What proportion were clear cell versus non-clear cell in Prosper?

Should metastatic disease be included or not?

Is a biopsy required in all patients before randomization to confirm diagnosis and collect tissue for correlative studies, or will it just delay surgery?

Do we select open label or blinded designs recognizing that this can also impact choice of endpoints?

Can we harmonize the key aspects of trial design? In a trial design such as Prosper in RCC, what is the appropriate type and duration of neoadjuvant treatment? This needs to be considered in light of treatment-related toxicity delaying surgery. And what if patients do not undergo resection for any reason such as prohibitive toxicity or progressive disease, does that count as an event? What about post-surgery? How long should we wait to administer adjuvant therapy, which one, and for how long? With regard to endpoints, we need to select and standardize the most appropriate endpoints across perioperative trials. Additionally, we need to maximize the opportunities for correlative studies including at the time of disease progression.

The key available endpoints in clinical trials are summarized below. While OS remains the gold standard, as OS increases in these disease spaces, this will be a more difficult endpoint to evaluate, and, as such, there is a growing need to establish and validate surrogate endpoint of OS. It will become incumbent upon clinicians to have clear discussions with their patients to explain the significance of these surrogate endpoints, such as DFS and event-free survival (EFS). DFS will be a challenging endpoint to utilize in neoadjuvant trials, given that patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy rarely achieve a complete response. As so EFS, this often a non-specific endpoint that needs additional validation as a surrogate for OS.

Many of these trials are adopting an EFS/DFS endpoint. However we need to consider that these drugs sometimes have life-altering toxicity, and some patients could be cured with surgery alone. Ideally, we would like to see an OS benefit for these treatments, or at least benefits trending in that direction. One potential solution if drugs are approved based on DFS improvements, prospective real-world data may help us to understand the OS benefits. Importantly, we need biomarkers that could provide an initial and ongoing assessment of disease response.

What about perioperative trials in urothelial cancer? In muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), neoadjuvant chemotherapy is already established as a standard of care treatment. Despite this approach, outcomes remain poor. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have the potential to change the landscape of this disease. Antibody-drug conjugates and targeted therapies are also active in metastatic urothelial carcinoma. How can we sequence treatments and maximize exposure to effective agents? Will outcomes improve if these agents are moved earlier in the treatment paradigm?

In the CheckMate 274 trial, adjuvant nivolumab improved DFS in the intention to treat population from 11 to 21 months (HR: 0.70, p<0.001). But does neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by adjuvant nivolumab offer improved DFS outcomes? Subgroup analysis of this trial suggests that that may be the case, with patients having received neoadjuvant chemotherapy having a more pronounced DFS benefit with nivolumab (HR: 0.54 versus 0.91).4

There are currently numerous ongoing perioperative trials in the MIBC space. These are grouped by the patient population into either trials in the cisplatin eligible or ineligible space, which is of most significance given the differences in the control arms between these two groups:

What are some key design considerations in the cisplatin eligible MIBC studies?

How do we define cisplatin eligibility in the curative setting? Classically, it has been defined using the Galsky criteria which are typically used for the metastatic setting. Furthermore, our ability to administer cisplatin-based chemotherapy has significantly improved over the last few decades. As such, does this even matter nowadays, particularly with the emergence of novel agents/combinations such as enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab?

Do we include variant histologies? What about upper tract disease?

Should cystectomy eligibility be assessed upfront or based on treatment response?

Can adjuvant treatment be adaptive? What are the ideal correlatives/imaging studies (e.g., ctDNA, urine, microbiome)?





Conversely, what are some key design considerations in the cisplatin ineligible MIBC studies?

Is proceeding directly to cystectomy still a reasonable comparator in the control arm?

What if a patient declines/is not a candidate for cystectomy? Could they have a bladder-sparing approach? What would the endpoints be in that scenario?





What about novel designs incorporating bladder-sparing approaches? Presented at ESMO 2023, HCRN GU16-257 is evaluating a bladder sparing approach in patients with MIBC who are given gemcitabine-cisplatin + nivolumab for 4 cycles, followed by which they undergo clinical re-staging with a cystoscopy + biopsy, urine cytology, and MRI. If patients had a clinical complete response based on all these tools, they were offered the option of foregoing a cystectomy and being treated with 8 cycles of nivolumab. The primary outcome in this trial is 2-year MFS in this complete response subgroup. As more of these trials emerge, we will need to consider how we define key endpoints and surrogate endpoints with bladder sparing protocols.

What about perioperative trials in the node positive disease space? Among many others, key questions for study design include:

What imaging modality is best for this patient population?

Which drugs should be used for systemic treatment?

Should these patients undergo local therapy with cystectomy or trimodality therapy or should maintenance therapy be offered instead?



How can biomarkers like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) help us? Longitudinal monitoring of ctDNA could identify minimal residual disease or early recurrence prior to being visible on imaging. With earlier detection, could we improve outcomes with earlier treatment? Conversely, in those with negative levels, could this prompt de-escalation strategies?

In the IMvigor010 trial, patients with ctDNA+ disease had a worse prognosis but also derived more benefit from atezolizumab.4 Could analogous changes in ctDNA trigger a change in treatment in a perioperative trial? This is currently being evaluated in the IMvigor011 and MODERN trials:

Dr. Sridhar concluded with the following key conclusions:

There has been significant progress in metastatic RCC and urothelial carcinoma impacting key aspects of upstream trial design

Harmonizing inclusion/exclusion criteria and endpoints on these studies will be increasingly important

Multidisciplinary collaboration will be absolutely critical for these trials to accrue

We need to get better at selecting which patients for which treatment at which time

We need to incorporate correlative studies and novel imaging approaches

Looking ahead, can artificial intelligence modeling approaches help us figure out the best endpoints for these studies?

Presented by: Srikala Sridhar, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Professor, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON

Written by: Rashid K. Sayyid, MD, MSc  Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress held in Madrid, Spain between October 20th and 24th, 2023

Patel SP, Othus M, Chen Y, et al. NeoadjuvantAdjuvant or Adjuvant-Only Pembrolizumab in Advanced Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2023; 388:813-823. Wakelee H, Liberman M, Kato T, et al. Perioperative Pembrolizumab for Early-Stage NonSmall-Cell Lung Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2023; 389:491-503. Bajorin DF, Witjes JA, Gschwend JE, et al. Adjuvant nivolumab versus placebo in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2021 Jun 3;384(22):2102-2114. Bellmunt J, Hussain M, Gschwend JE, et al. Adjuvant atezolizumab versus observation in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (IMvigor010): A multicentre, open-label, randomized, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Apr;22(4):525-537.

References:
Korea is in the final stage of negotiations with Saudi Arabia about a major arms deal, the presidential office said Monday.

In a press briefing on Sunday, deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo said, "The two countries are in the final stage of talks about sizeable defense deals in a wide variety of fields including a missile defense system and firearms."

"The defense industry is emerging as a new 'blue ocean' in our cooperation with Saudi Arabia," he added.
(UroToday.com)The 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress held in Madrid, Spain between October 20th and 24th, 2023 was host to a neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in genitourinary cancers session. Dr. Fabio Schutz discussed global access consideration in the systemic treatment of genitourinary cancers.



From an epidemiologic standpoint, the incidence of kidney and bladder cancer is much higher in developed countries such as those in North America and Europe. Conversely, we see that the cancer-associated mortality rates in these countries are comparatively lower. Is this discordance a result of the developed countries having better registries, better access to care in these countries, or both?

This discordance is not limited to geographic regions but also is clearly influenced by economic factors, with similar trends observed (increased incidence, relatively lower mortality) observed in the higher income regions/countries as well.

The incidence of RCC is increasing across all geographic regions in a relatively consistent manner. However, there are geographically heterogeneous trends in RCC-related mortality. In the graph below, we clearly see that the blue bars (RCC incidence) exceed 0, indicating an increase in incidence globally. However, in the orange bar graph below, we see that RCC-related mortality is decreasing in North American, North European, and Western European countries. Conversely, it is increasing in Central/South American and Southern European countries.1 Dr. Schutz noted that this is likely due to disparities in access to systemic treatment options for RCC.

This mortality pattern is consistent with data on total health expenditure per capita, provided by the WHO. A seen below, the highest figures are observed in the North American and Northern/Western European countries. This is likely being translated into improved access to healthcare in these countries.

There is a known exponential relationship between total health expenditure and life expectancy, with countries spending more per capita deriving improved life expectancies. One notable outlier though is the United States, with the highest expenditure per capita of any country, but with a relatively lower life expectancy per capita expenditure compared to other countries such as Norway and The Netherlands.

There are major differences in the healthcare systems across different countries and regions. The United States mainly relies of private healthcare insurance companies, which usually offer excellent access to services and new technologies. In Europe, the UK, Sweden, and Norway are notable examples of well-established public healthcare systems. Germany, The Netherlands, and Switzerland rely on a social health insurance system, contributed for by individuals and employers, with private health insurances acting as supplementary coverage for additional services. In Eastern European countries, private health insurances are more commonly used, as public healthcare systems may be less well developed.

Another important aspect of healthcare delivery is drug approval by regulatory agencies. There are discrepancies in these approvals across regions, which impact the availability of these drugs accordingly. For example, adjuvant nivolumab, based on the results of CheckMate 274,2 is approved for all patients in the USA (FDA) and Brazil, but only for PD-L1 positive tumors in Europe by the European Medical Agency. Another example is the 1st line mCRPC combination of olaparib + abiraterone (PROpel)3, which is approved in the US for BRCA1/2 positive patients, whereas it is approved for all metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients in the 1st line, even those without homologous recombination repair genes.

What about geographic variations in access to novel therapies in the context of clinical trials? The map below shows geographic variations in the number of clinical trials worldwide, per data from ClinicalTrials.gov. Again, we see the highest number of ongoing trials in the North American and Northern/Western European countries.

Specifically, how does the USA compare to the rest of the world with regards to clinical trials? The discrepancy is most pronounced for phase 1 trials, with ~85% of those trials worldwide being conducted in the United States. This discrepancy decreases with phase 2 and 3 trials, although remains disparately higher in the United States, with >60% of phase 3 trials worldwide conducted there.



Are clinical trials the great neutralizers of health care disparities? How do patient outcomes compare across geographic regions when patients are treated within the context of clinical trials? Based on global data published by Fay et al. in 2018, it appears that these patients outcomes are similar across different regions, income levels, and life expectancies, highlighting the importance of access to clinical trials for our patients.

What about the healthcare economic burden? Dr. Schutz noted that this has not always been a priority for pharmacologic companies. Going back to the phase 1 CheckMate-003 established nivolumab dosing at 3 mg/kg and the KeyNote-001 established pembrolizumab dosing at 2 mg/kg, we witnessed somewhat increasing responses with higher doses.

However, upon pharmacodynamic assessment, there was no association between dose and PD-1 or receptor occupancy. Additionally, the objective response probability seems to be more associated with clearance than with the administered dose. Thus, Dr. Schutz argued that we could be smarter with our dosing of these drugs using lower doses to decrease costs, particularly in economically disadvantaged countries.

Additionally, a weight-based dosing scheme, as compared to a fixed dose scheme, may help further alleviate costs of systemic treatment across the globe.

While adjuvant trials are important to potentially prolonging survival in at high-risk populations, this comes at a significant financial cost. In an analysis of CheckMate-274 (nivolumab in MIBC) and KEYNOTE-564 (pembrolizumab in RCC), the cost of averting one DFS event for nivolumab was 240,000 Euros and 890,000 for pembrolizumab within the context of these trials.5

Dr. Schutz concluded his presentation with the following take home messages:

The incidence and mortality of most genitourinary cancers varies across different countries and regions "Higher incidence" in more developed countries may be biased due to higher access to healthcare system and better epidemiology/statistics Mortality is proportionally higher in less developed regions

Access to care is directly associated to the development of the country / region and access to private healthcare insurance in less developed regions

There is a high economic burden from the newer drugs, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors Fixed dose schedules made it even worse

Clinical trials could be an opportunity for less developed regions Need for investment in infrastructure in research sites "Win-Win" situation accelerating drug development



Presented by: Fabio A. B. Schutz, MD, Medical Oncology, BP -Beneficencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Written by: Rashid K. Sayyid, MD, MSc  Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress held in Madrid, Spain between October 20th and 24th, 2023

Znaor A, Lortet-Tieulent, Laversanne M, et al. International variations and trends in renal cell carcinoma incidence and mortality. Eur Urol. 2015; 67(3):519-30. Bajorin DF, Witjes JA, Gschwend JE, et al. Adjuvant nivolumab versus placebo in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2021 Jun 3;384(22):2102-2114. Clarke NW, Armstrong AJ, Thiery-Vuillemin A, et al. Abiraterone and Olaparib for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. N Engl J Med Evid, 2022; 1(9). Fay AP, McKay RR, Lin X, et al. Impact of Geographic Regions on Overall Survival in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results From an International Clinical Trials Database. J Glob Oncol. 2018; 4:1-14. van Waalwijk van Doorn-Khosrovani SB, Huisman A, Pisters-van Roy A, et al. Adjuvant immune checkpoint blockade revisited. Lancet Oncol. 2023; 24(7):717-719.

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(UroToday.com) The 2023 ESMO annual meeting included a session on management of (very) high-risk localized prostate cancer, featuring a presentation by Dr. Derya Tilki discussing the delineation of staging pelvic lymph node dissection before radiotherapy and positioning primary prostatectomy. Dr. Tilki started her presentation by discussing positioning primary radical prostatectomy in patients with high risk prostate cancer. Previous work has noted that not all grade 5 prostate cancer on biopsy is created equal: patients with primary histological Gleason pattern 5 have worse oncological outcomes compared to patients with secondary biopsy Gleason pattern 5 disease.



In the STAMPEDE arm of high-risk localized prostate cancer treated with either abiraterone or enzalutamide, there was a consistent effect with ARPI regardless of metastatic burden.1 In this study, local radiotherapy was mandated for node negative and encouraged for node positive disease. There were 1,974 patients randomized and over a median follow-up of 72 months (IQR 6084), metastasis-free survival was significantly longer in the combination-therapy groups (median not reached, IQR NENE) than in the control groups (not reached, 97NE; HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.440.64). The 6-year metastasis-free survival was 82% (95% CI 7985) in the combination-therapy group and 69% (6672) in the control group:

With regards to surgery for high risk locally advanced prostate cancer, the EAU guidelines suggest that we should offer radical prostatectomy in patients with cN0 disease as part of multi-modal therapy. Additionally, in pN0 patients with ISUP grade group 4-5 and pT3 +/- positive margins, we should offer adjuvant IMRT plus image-guided radiotherapy. As such, Dr. Tilki notes that patients with high-risk prostate cancer are at increased risk of PSA failure, need for secondary therapy, metastatic progression, and death from prostate cancer. Thus, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment of men with high-risk prostate cancer.

Based on the ARTISTIC meta-analysis assessing adjuvant versus early salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy, there was no data to show superiority of adjuvant radiotherapy over salvage radiotherapy based on event-free survival.2 Furthermore, presented at ESMO 2023, the updated analysis of the RADICALS-RT trial showed that early salvage radiotherapy was as effective as adjuvant radiotherapy for distant metastasis free survival. However, very few men in these trials had very high risk disease, and among men with adverse pathology (pN1 or Gleason 8-10 disease), adjuvant compared with early salvage radiation was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality risk.3

Dr. Tilki notes that taken together, both radical prostatectomy as part of multimodal treatment and external beam radiotherapy + long-term ADT can be recommended as primary treatment in high-risk and locally advanced prostate cancer. If radiation is used, the combination of local with systemic treatment provides the best outcome. Additionally, patients should be fully informed about all available options and the likelihood of a multimodal approach including the potential side effects of both local and systemic treatment.

In 2018, Kishan and colleagues compared radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or external beam radiotherapy with brachytherapy boost and disease progression and mortality in patients with Gleason score 9-10 disease.4 Among 1,809 men across 12 tertiary centers, 639 underwent radical prostatectomy, 734 EBRT, and 436 EBRT + brachytherapy boost. The median follow-up was 4.2, 5.1, and 6.3 years, respectively. By 10 years, 91 radical prostatectomy, 186 EBRT, and 90 EBRT + brachytherapy boost patients had died. Adjusted 5-year prostate cancer-specific mortality rates were radical prostatectomy 12% (95% CI, 8%-17%), EBRT 13% (95% CI, 8%-19%), and EBRT + brachytherapy boost 3% (95% CI, 1%-5%). EBRT + brachytherapy boost was associated with significantly lower prostate cancer-specific mortality than either radical prostatectomy or EBRT (cause-specific HRs of 0.38 (95% CI 0.21-0.68) and 0.41 (95% CI, 0.24-0.71)).

Previous work from Dr. Tilkis group asked the question: Can treatment with radical prostatectomy, adjuvant radiotherapy, and ADT (termed MaxRP) or external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and ADT (termed MaxRT) in men with Gleason score 9-10 prostate cancer provide similar survival outcomes?5 Between 1992 and 2013, 80 men were treated with MaxRT at the Chicago Prostate Cancer Center, and 559 men were treated with radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at the Martini-Klinik Prostate Cancer Center. In this study, there was no significant difference in the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality when comparing men who underwent MaxRP versus MaxRT.

Currently, the SPCG-15 randomized trial is comparing radical prostatectomy with primary radiotherapy plus ADT in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. This is a Scandinavian prospective, open, multicenter phase III randomized clinical trial aiming to randomize 1,200 men. Initial results from the SCPG-15 trial showed that randomization between surgery and external beam radiotherapy is feasible, and as of September 2023, 995 patients have been randomized. The primary endpoint is prostate cancer specific mortality and the main secondary endpoints are metastasis free survival and functional outcomes (quality of life).

At the 2022 APCCC conference, the prostate cancer experts were asked What is your preferred treatment recommendation for the majority of prostate cancer patients with cN0 on conventional imaging but positive pelvic lymph nodes on PSMA PET imaging but not distant lesions (M0)? 58% of respondents selected radiation therapy + ADT + 2 years of abiraterone, 24% responded surgery as the first step of multimodal therapy, and 18% selected radiation therapy + ADT. Thus, even among the experts, there is not consensus in management.

Dr. Tilki concluded this part of her presentation discussing positioning primary radical prostatectomy with the following take-home points:

There is no high-grade evidence for surgery as primary treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer. Randomized controlled trials are only available for primary radiotherapy

Experts cannot define the most optimal treatment option for locally-advanced prostate cancer

Up front surgery can be performed with anticipation of postoperative radiotherapy

SPCG-15 will compare radical prostatectomy with primary radiotherapy + ADT in men with locally advanced prostate cancer

Dr. Tilki then discussed delineating staging pelvic lymph node dissection before radiotherapy. The rationale for this approach is that it is potentially more accurate in identifying men who harbor nodal metastases to guide therapy decisions (ie. to select pelvic radiotherapy or intensified systemic treatment). Furthermore, there is previous experience with this approach in the past, as this was used in randomized trials to determine pathological lymph node status before randomization (ie. GETUG12 randomization from 2002-2006), and SPCG-7 (randomization from 1996-2002). Thus, the question is: can we rely on PSMA PET/CT findings or should pelvic lymph node dissection be performed before deciding on intensity of radiotherapy and systemic treatment?

De Barros and colleagues looked at sentinel node procedure to select clinically localized prostate cancer patients with occult nodal metastases for whole pelvis radiotherapy.6 Among 528 cN0 patients, 267 patients were directly treated with prostate only radiotherapy, and 261 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy prior to radiotherapy. pN1 patients were offered whole pelvis radiotherapy. This study found that sentinel lymph node biopsy based selection of pN1 patients with whole pelvis radiotherapy was associated with favorable oncological outcomes as compared with imaging based prostate-only radiotherapy in cN0 prostate cancer patients: 7 year biochemical recurrence free survival rates were 81% for the sentinel node group and 49% in the non-sentinel node group (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.66):



Importantly, only 7.5% of patients in this study had a PSMA PET/CT for staging.

To date, there is no outcome data available for sentinel node based radiotherapy field adjustments in patients with miN0 prostate cancer. With regards to PSMA PET/CT, we do know that the per patient sensitivity and specificity in the detection of lymph node metastases >=3 mm were 61.5% and 98.8%, respectively for PSMA PET/CT. Additionally, we know that in high risk men with lymph node metastases, 47.7% will have metastatic deposits outcomes of the pelvic lymph node dissection template. What about extended pelvic lymphadenectomy? We also know that this comes with a cost of morbidity in that up to 14% will have lower limb lymphedema following radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Dr. Tilki notes that the lack of a uniform definition and standardized diagnostic criteria for lower limb and genital lymphedema hampers the accurate estimation of their true prevalence.

Dr. Tilki concluded this part of her presentation discussing the delineation of staging pelvic lymph node dissection before radiotherapy with the following take-home points:

Pelvic lymph node dissection is associated with significant complications

PSMA PET/CT provides more accurate staging than conventional imaging

Both PSMA PET/CT and extended pelvic lymph node dissection miss micro-metastatic pelvic lymph node metastasis

Whether lymphadenectomy-based treatment adjustment of radiotherapy field or systemic treatment in miN0 patients is associated with better outcomes remains unclear

Optimal management of pN1 remains unknown, and pre- and postoperative PSMA PET/CT may help direct appropriate management

Presented by: Derya Tilki, MD, Martini-Klinik, Hamburg, Germany

Written by: Zachary Klaassen, MD, MSc  Urologic Oncologist, Associate Professor of Urology, Georgia Cancer Center, Wellstar MCG Health, @zklaassen_md on Twitter during the 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting, Madrid, Spain, Fri, Oct 20  Tues, Oct 24, 2023.

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Screening of Documentary GIVE LIGHT: Stories from Indigenous Midwives set for Nov. 2 on USM Hattiesburg Campus

Thu, 10/26/2023 - 11:41am

A new award-winning documentary that brings the voices of Indigenous midwives into the critical dialogue on the worldwide maternity care crisis will be screened at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and followed by input from the filmmaker as well as a noted healthcare expert.

GIVE LIGHT: Stories from Indigenous Midwives will be presented at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. in room 203 of the Liberal Arts Building on the Hattiesburg campus. Admission is free. The documentary screening is presented through a partnership between USMs Women and Gender Studies program, Committee on Services and Resources for Women (CSRW), Center for the Study of the Gulf South, the Honors College, and University Forum. A light reception at 5:30 p.m. will precede the event.

The panel discussion following the documentary screening will feature Steph Smith, a New Orleans filmmaker and creator of GIVE LIGHT, and Dr. Nakeitra Burse, DrPH, MS, CHES, owner and CEO of Six Dimensions, a certified woman owned, minority owned public health research, development, and practice company.

In GIVE LIGHT, Smith circles the globe posing the question Why are the benefits of the traditional midwifery practice absent in modern maternity care options? With more than 90 percent of women birthing in hospitals, the U.S. has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates among comparable developed countries and extreme racial disparity in mortality rates (source: Center for American Progress, 2019).

Midwives have been proven to decrease risk of unnecessary interventions and increase satisfaction with quality of care, yet less than 10 percent of births are attended by midwives in the United States, a figure even lower in other countries. Through unique access to interviews with Indigenous midwives from five continents, GIVE LIGHT examines the benefits and challenges to the profession of midwifery.

Dr. Rebecca Tuuri, interim associate dean of the USM Honors College and an associate professor of history is co-coordinator of the event along with USM Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Dr. Julie Reid, with additional input from Dr. Tanya Funchess in USMs Public Health program.

Give Light helps open the conversation about the process of birthing today in showing the important history and current state of midwifery around the world, Dr. Tuuri said. Its an important topic considering the current crisis in maternal health around the world and in Mississippi. We look forward to sharing this important documentary and getting perspectives from Ms. Smith and Dr. Burse on the possibilities and limitations of both modern medicine and midwifery.

Smith is an independent director, cinematographer, and editor; GIVE LIGHT is her first feature-length documentary. Her work has been invited for screening in the U.S. and in Europe, including in Spain, France, and Greece. From 2015-2022, her productions have also been exhibited at Female Filmmakers Festival, Birth Justice Film Fest, Womens Center for Healings Women in the Worlds Cultures event, and at the NOLA Feminist Short Film Festival and Loyola University, among other events and host sites.

Smith was also commissioned by the Art Council of New Orleans commission to produce a short film for their community arts award on the oldest second-line organization, the Young Men Olympian.

A servant in the field of public health for more than 15 years. Dr. Burse is dedicated to understanding the impact of systems on the health of communities. Her work is centered around health equity and social justice issues and improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. She has been a vocal advocate for policies in Mississippi to improve health outcomes including Medicaid Expansion and Postpartum Extension and has experience in a variety of sectors including nonprofit, private, academia and government.

Dr. Burse currently uses her entrepreneurial spirit and skills to create innovative strategies that will ultimately improve maternal health outcomes. As the CEO of Six Dimensions, she works with diverse clients across the country who are committed to the maternal health crisis. She is the executive producer of the short documentary, Laboring with Hope, a film highlighting the issues of maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women.

GIVE LIGHT will be broadcast nationally on PBS. To learn more about public television underwriting to support independent filmmaking while helping to educate young women and families about the benefits of midwifery and doula services, contact Smith. For more information about this screening event for GIVE LIGHT at USM, contact Dr.%20Tuuri; learn more about the documentary GIVE LIGHT.
USM Music Students Perform at Assisted Living Facilities

Tue, 10/24/2023 - 01:51pm | By: Christy Kayser

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) music students are gaining unique experience in performance this semester through Dr. Danilo Mezzadri's Flute Studio course, in which students are performing chamber music recitals at assisted living facilities in the Hattiesburg area.

Students are conducting performances throughout the semester at The Claiborne, Brookdale Senior Living, Bedford Care Center and Wesley Manor Retirement Community.

According to Mezzadri, residents of the assisted living facilities have welcomed the opportunity to hear live music and visit with the students. At the same time, students are developing a deeper comprehension of their music craft.

Mezzadri developed the idea to include service-learning in the Flute Studio course as a way to incorporate more performance experience and direct contact with an audience. It also reminds students about the societal aspects of music enjoyment.

I have noticed that, in general, music students tend to become disengaged from society when they solely focus on their craft, explained Mezzadri. I am hoping this experience will give students a better understanding of the many opportunities and venues available to them in the musical field.

The performances have led to a positive impact in students' preparedness and proactiveness in their communication with the audience, noted Mezzadri. He hopes that the experiences will help students gain more independence and assertiveness as performers.

An added benefit has been the connections made with some of the assisted living residents, which has included former USM faculty members and long-time music contributors to the Hattiesburg community.

MUP 214 is one of several service-learning courses offered at the University of Southern Mississippi. Service-learning courses are supported by the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) and involve course-based, credit-bearing educational experiences in which students participate in organized service activities that meet identified community needs,

A list of service-learning courses offered at USM can be viewed online at the Center for Community Engagement.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Africa is facing a shortage of teachers in many schools due to an increase in the number of students seeking education and a lack of resources in the education sector, according to UNESCO.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says despite some gains in the past five years in teacher recruitment, progress has been slow, and many countries need to increase the number of teachers they recruit yearly.

Patrick Nkengne, a senior education analyst at UNESCO, says a small number of teachers are attending to millions of students in Africa.

"When a classroom welcomes more than 100 students instead of the about 50 students it was built for, or as opposed to a ratio of 40 to 50 students per teacher recommended by the norms and standards, it clearly shows a shortage. As the number of classes in this condition increases, the issue of shortage becomes acute," Nkengne said.

For Africa to reach its education goals, UNESCO says the continent has to recruit at least 15 million teachers by 2030, both in primary and secondary schools.

The agency said the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali and Niger would need the highest number of primary teachers, with 6 percent or more growth annually.

In secondary education, higher annual growth in teacher numbers is needed in many African countries.

Emmanuel Manyasa, an education expert based in Kenya, says many schools are producing uneducated children due to the lack of teachers.

"So, you have both dissatisfied teachers and dissatisfied learners. The learners aren't getting the attention and the support they need. The teachers are overwhelmed by the big numbers and the long hours of teaching, which don't even give them time to prepare for lessons," he said. "So, they come to class unprepared, disenfranchising learners even more. And eventually, our schools just become growth centers, where children go to grow with very little learning happening there."

Some experts blame financial constraints, with the few resources available not being utilized, leading to a waste of those resources.

In countries with enough teachers, Nkengne says, schools struggle to provide quality education to the learners due to poor teacher qualifications.

"In a normal situation, a teacher must be adequately equipped to care for the students so that they can effectively acquire knowledge at school. Unfortunately, it was demonstrated that in many cases, a considerable number of those who are supposed to play the role of teachers do not even have the mastery of the subjects they are supposed to teach," he said. "In those cases, students cannot learn because basically, they don't have a teacher in front of them. Those cases are not easy to identify. To do so, the system needs to make teachers pass a test."

Experts say there are not enough resources to conduct tests to check the educational knowledge of teachers.

Manyasa says teachers need to be encouraged to bridge the gap for those not getting an education.

"We need to be able to make sure there is a fair distribution of the teachers across the country. And with that goes the issue of, how do we incentivize teachers to work in areas that are generally not preferred?" he said. "Mostly, they are not preferred because of harsh climatic conditions. Sometimes because of perennial insecurity problems. Sometimes because of the fact that they are rural. So, how do we incentivize teachers to work in those areas so that we can improve the distribution of the teachers across the country? I think that that is critical."

UNESCO is urging African governments to assess the anticipated teacher requirements for the next three to 10 years, reflect on an initial training approach that can produce the necessary number of teachers, and ensure adequate resources for the recruitment and training of additional educators.
No matter how much the world cuts back on carbon emissions, a key and sizable chunk of Antarctica is essentially doomed to an unavoidable melt, a new study found. Though the full melt will take hundreds of years, slowly adding nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) to sea levels, it will be enough to reshape where and how people live in the future, the studys lead author said.

Researchers used computer simulations to calculate future melting of protective ice shelves jutting over Antarcticas Amundsen Sea in western Antarctica. The study in Mondays journal Nature Climate Change found even if future warming was limited to just a few tenths of a degree more  an international goal that many scientists say is unlikely to be met  it would have limited power to prevent ocean warming that could lead to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Our main question here was: How much control do we still have over ice shelf melting? How much melting can still be prevented by reducing emissions? said study lead author Kaitlin Naughten, an oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey. Unfortunately, its not great news. Our simulations suggest that we are now committed to the rapid increase in the rate of ocean warming and ice shelf melting over the rest of the century.

While past studies have talked about how dire the situation is, Naughten was the first to use computer simulations to study the key melting component of warm water melting ice from below, and the work looked at four different scenarios for how much carbon dioxide the world pumps into the atmosphere. In each case, ocean warming was just too much for this section of the ice sheet to survive, the study found.

Naughten looked at melting gatekeeper ice shelves, which float over the ocean in this area of Antarctica that is already below sea level. Once these ice shelves melt, theres nothing to stop the glaciers behind them from flowing into the sea.

Naughten specifically looked at what would happen if somehow future warming was limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) over mid-19th century levels  the international goal  and found the runaway melting process anyway. The world has already warmed about 1.2 degrees Celsius (nearly 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times and much of this summer temporarily shot past the 1.5 mark.

Naughtens study concentrated on the part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet that is most at risk from melting from below, near the Amundsen Sea. It includes the massive Thwaites ice shelf that is melting so fast it got the nickname the Doomsday Glacier. West Antarctica is only one-tenth of the southern continent but is more unstable than the larger eastern side.

That part of Antarctica is doomed, said University of California Irvine ice scientist Eric Rignot, who wasnt part of the study. The damage has already been done. University of Colorado ice scientist Ted Scambos, who also wasnt part of the study, said this ice sheet eventually is going to collapse. Its not a happy conclusion and it is one that Im only saying reluctantly.

Naughten doesnt like to use the word doomed, because she said 100 years from now the world might not just stop but reverse carbon levels in the air and global warming. But she said whats happening now on the ground is a slow collapse that cant be stopped, at least not in this century.

I think its unavoidable that some of this area is lost. Its unavoidable that the problem gets worse, Naughten told The Associated Press. It isnt unavoidable that we lose all of it because sea level rise happens over the very long term. I only looked in this study up to 2100. So after 2100, we probably have some control still. No matter what words are used, Naughten said she and other scientists studying the area in previous research conclude that this part of Antarctica couldnt be saved or a lot of it couldnt be saved.

Naughtens study did not calculate how much ice would be lost, how much sea level would rise and at what speed. But she estimated that the amount of ice in the area most at risk if it all melted would raise sea levels by about 1.8 meters (5.9 feet).

However, she said, that is a slow process that would play out through the next few hundred years through the 2300s, 2400s and 2500s.Naughten said that may seem like a long way away, but noted that if the Victorians of the 1800s had done something to drastically change the shape of our world, we would not look well on them.

This type of sea level rise would be absolutely devastating if it happened over 200 years, but if it could be stretched out over 2,000 years, humanity could adapt, Naughten said. Coastal communities will either have to build around or be abandoned, Naughten said.

While this part of Antarcticas ice sheet is destined to be lost, other vulnerable sections of Earths environment can still be saved by reducing heat-trapping emissions so there is reason to still cut back on carbon pollution, Naughten said.

Twila Moon, deputy chief scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center who wasnt part of the research, said she worries that most people will see nothing but doom and gloom in the research. I dont see a lot of hope, Naughten said. But its what the science tells me. So thats what I have to communicate to the world.

Naughten quoted former NASA scientist Kate Marvel, saying when it comes to climate change we need courage and not hope. Courage is the resolve to do well without the assurance of a happy ending.

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Calls grew Tuesday at the United Nations for a humanitarian cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, but the appeals were likely to go unheeded as Hamas fired more rockets at Israel and Israel stepped up its bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

"How can you agree to a cease-fire with someone who swore to kill and destroy your own existence? How?" Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen asked a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the conflict attended by many foreign ministers.

Of calls for a proportional response to Hamas' October 7 terror attacks that killed 1,400 people in Israel, Cohen said the only proportional response is "the total destruction" of Hamas, which he said is both Israel's right and duty.

"This war was imposed on us. We have not chosen this war," Cohen said. "But have no doubt, we are going to win it. We are going to win it, because this war is for life. This war must be your war as well."

He also called on Qatar, which has relations with Hamas, to immediately intercede to get the more than 200 Israeli and foreign hostages released.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the international community must unequivocally condemn Hamas' terror attack.

"We have to ask  indeed it must be asked  where is the outrage?" he asked the council. "Where is the revulsion? Where is the rejection? Where is the explicit condemnation of these horrors?"

He said nations agree on the need to protect civilians.

"As President [Joe] Biden has made clear from the outset of this crisis, while Israel has the right  indeed, the obligation  to defend itself, the way it does so matters," he said.

Blinken added that humanitarian assistance must reach the people in Gaza and civilians must be kept out of harm's way.

"It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes," Blinken said.

And he cautioned actors in the region, specifically Iran and its proxies, to refrain from stoking the conflict's spread.

"So let me say this before this council and let me say what we have consistently said to Iranian officials through other channels: the United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen," Blinken said. "But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: We will defend our people; we will defend our security  swiftly and decisively."

The toll on Palestinian civilians from Israel's response to Hamas' attack has seen large-scale suffering and death in a region that is no stranger to it. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 5,000 Palestinians have died in 18 days of Israeli bombardments.

"The urgent solution required from the council today is to call for an immediate cessation of the Israeli aggression and a cease-fire, and to work urgently to secure humanitarian access in all parts of the Gaza Strip," Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki told council members.

He said that while nothing justifies the killing of Israeli civilians, the same can be said for the killing of Palestinian ones, and he warned that more killing would never bring Israel the security it seeks.

"Only peace will. Peace with Palestine and its people," Maliki said. "The fate of the Palestinian people cannot continue to be dispossession, displacement and denial of rights and death. Our freedom is the condition of shared peace and security."

Several Arab foreign ministers flew to New York for Tuesday's meeting.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told reporters that a humanitarian cease-fire is urgent.

"We are facing a desperate situation in Gaza right now. We are facing an impending humanitarian catastrophe," he said. "Every hour we speak, more civilians in Gaza are dying, more people are getting injured. The situation is getting worse. A cease-fire is an absolute necessity  immediately."

Arab ministers also expressed concern over potential for the conflict to spread in the region.

"That threat is real," Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told reporters. "We are all doing everything we can to stop it. There is the threat of this expanding into the West Bank, into Lebanon, and to other fronts. None of us wants that."

But he said to stem that risk, the war must stop.

Diplomatic tensions

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his appeal for an "immediate humanitarian cease-fire" to facilitate the release of all hostages and to "ease the epic suffering" of civilians in Gaza.

While he has repeatedly and strongly condemned Hamas' terror attack and said nothing justifies it, he said Tuesday that it is important to also recognize that the attack did not happen in a vacuum.

"The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation," Guterres said, adding that their land has been "steadily devoured" by settlements and plagued by violence.

"But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas," he said. "And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

Israel's foreign minister and U.N. ambassador were outraged by Guterres' remarks. Cohen said he canceled a meeting Tuesday afternoon with the U.N. chief in protest. His U.N. envoy went further, calling for Guterres to resign and saying Israel would have to reassess its relations with the United Nations.

"The U.N. is failing," Ambassador Gilad Erdan told reporters. "And you, Mr. Secretary-General, have lost all morality and impartiality because when you say those terrible words that these heinous attacks did not happen in a vacuum, you are tolerating terrorism; and by tolerating terrorism you are justifying terrorism."

A Guterres spokesman would only say that the U.N. chief planned to meet with families of Israeli hostages who attended the council meeting Tuesday and that they would be accompanied by an Israeli diplomat.
China will continue to support "all efforts conducive to promoting dialogue" for the two-state solution amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

In the regular foreign ministry press briefing on Oct. 23, spokesperson Mao Ning, said, "As we speak, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is escalating, the situation in Gaza is very grave and armed conflict is spreading with a growing spillover effect.

All parties should abide by the international law and international humanitarian law, protect civilians and do everything possible to avert an even worse humanitarian disaster," she said.

She added that humanitarian needs must be met.

China will continue to support all efforts conducive to promoting dialogue and restoring peace and do its part  for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.

Her remarks highlighted the difference between Washington and Beijing on the Israel-Hamas war, which analysts worry will further fuel tensions between the two superpowers.

President Joe Biden told Americans on Oct. 19 in a televised live speech that the U.S. must increase its support for Ukraine and Israel.

"History has taught us when terrorists don't pay a price for their terror, when dictators don't pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and more destruction," Biden said. They keep going. And the cost and the threat to America and the world keep rising."

The China-mediated deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia that was announced in March and restored diplomatic ties between the two countries, which had been severed since 2016, was seen as a sign of Beijings arrival in Middle East power politics.



China sent Zhai Jun, the special envoy on the Middle East issue, to mediate between Israel and Hamas. He met with Qatari Foreign Minister Al-Huraifi in Doha on Oct. 19 and attended the Cairo Peace Summit in Egypt that convened without Israel and senior U.S. officials. The summit ended on Oct. 21 without the Arab leaders in attendance reaching an agreement on how to contain the spreading violence.



Alex Vatanka, founding director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, told VOA Mandarin that Beijing's position on Hamas has more to do with the Chinese competition for global influence with the U.S. than it has to do with the Palestinian issue itself.

I think China clearly sees this as an awkward moment for the United States, and China wants to come in and play a different narrative  that China is just and America's unjust, and this is going to be the Chinese narrative," Vatanka said.

Guy Laron, a senior lecturer with the international relations department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told VOA Mandarin he is not optimistic about China's efforts as a peace broker.

He said at an online event hosted by the Wilson Center on Oct. 18, "China has been a free rider in the Middle East, taking advantage of the fact that the United States secured the freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, and it would explore opportunities to invest wherever it can, but I don't think it can replace the United States as the hegemon in the Persian Gulf, and I think that's the key thing. And I think also countries in the Persian Gulf understand that very well."



Speaking after a meeting on Oct. 19 in Qatar with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian president's special representative for the Middle East and Africa, Zhai said, "The fundamental reason for the current situation of the Palestine-Israel conflict is that the Palestinian people's lawful national rights have not been guaranteed," according to a statement released Friday by the Chinese foreign ministry.

China recognized the state of Palestine in 1988 and established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992. The United States was the first country to recognize Israel in 1948 and it recognizes the Palestinian National Authority as the representative of the Palestinian people. Washington has designated Hamas as a terrorist group since 1997.

David Hale, former U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, told VOA Mandarin, "China and the United States may seem to have congruent interests in stability in the Middle East, but our sense of stability may be very different than their sense of stability. They want not just stability; they want control, at the end of the day, of their energy supplies, and I think that will be the direction of their future policy, and that is not, in the long run, a stable situation for the rest of us."

Tuvia Gering, a researcher at the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Israel-China Policy Center at the Institute for National Security Studies, told VOA Mandarin that China's long-standing criticism of Israel and support for a Palestinian state reflect its efforts to develop favorable relations with Muslim countries and fill what Beijing sees as the void left by the U.S. withdrawal from the Middle East.



China also has substantial interests in the Middle Easts oil.

Andon Pavlov, the lead refining and oil products analyst at Kpler, an analysis firm in Vienna, told the New York Times that half of China's oil imports, and a little more than a third of all the oil burned in China, comes from the Persian Gulf.

China has long-term contracts with Iran, one of the main backers of Hamas, the armed group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7. China's oil imports from Iran have more than tripled in the past two years, accounting for 87% of Iran's total exports in September.

Dalia Dassa Kaye, a fellow at UCLA's International Institute and Burkle Center, said the U.S. and China may cooperate in stabilizing the Middle East due to a shared concern about oil prices.

"China is not interested in instability globally in this region because that will raise oil prices," she said. "And that is something the United States most definitely does not want in the context of Ukraine. That's already been very, very difficult for the United States and for Europe, for the Western alliance, for NATO fighting this war in Ukraine. So, the U.S. and China have a common interest here in calming the region."

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
An inquest opened Tuesday in New Zealand into the murders of 51 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch in March 2019.

The countrys largest-ever investigation by a coroner will examine several key issues, including the response from emergency services.

The gunman, Brenton Tarrant, opened fire at the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Center in the South Island city of Christchurch.

The long-awaited inquest aims to establish the full picture of the attacks and answer remaining questions: Could any of the victims have been saved with faster medical treatment? Did the attacker act alone? The coroner will also consider if the white supremacist gunman was radicalized online. The inquest has been delayed because of the amount of evidence that needed to be prepared.

Coroner Brigitte Windley will examine whether the emergency exit door in Al Noor Mosque's main prayer room "failed to function" during the mass shooting, trapping worshippers inside.

She said the inquest was not about establishing liability or negligence - but about accountability for actions that were taken at the time.

Part of Tarrants attack was livestreamed on Facebook. Hes serving a life sentence in prison without parole on 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and a terrorism offense.

Abdur Razzaq of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand told Radio New Zealands Morning Report program that the inquest was an opportunity for victims families to get the full story of the murders.

It is a very significant day. It is also a very important day. It is important because for the first time we are able to ask questions," Razzaq said. "It is important to get all the details and also at a personal level as I have talked to a number of families, they are wanting to find out in detail what happened to their loved ones.

The Christchurch mosque attacks resulted in changes to New Zealands firearms laws. Semi-automatic weapons were banned.

The murders were also the subject of a 2020 Royal Commission of Inquiry. It found New Zealands intelligence services were preoccupied by the threat of Islamist terrorism, and the police had failed to enforce proper checks on firearms licenses.

Many victims were migrants, including refugees from Syria, who went to New Zealand looking to escape conflict and violence.

The inquest is expected to last six weeks. It is being held at a time of heightened anxiety, with threats made against Muslim and Jewish communities in New Zealand because of the war between Israel and Hamas.
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former lawyer and fixer, is expected to take the stand on Tuesday as a key witness against the former president in a civil fraud case that threatens to break up Trump's business empire.

Trump is expected to be in the courtroom Tuesday, according to a person familiar with his plans. That could set up a tense face-to-face encounter with Cohen, who has become one of Trump's fiercest critics since cutting ties with him five years ago.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is arriving fresh off a Monday campaign stop in New Hampshire and just days after being fined $5,000 by the judge overseeing the case for violating a gag order.

The lawsuit by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges Trump inflated the value of his properties by billions of dollars in statements to banks to secure better loan terms.

Cohen served as Trumps personal lawyer and fixer for years before cutting ties amid his own legal troubles. His testimony during a 2019 Congressional probe of Trumps finances was the impetus for James lawsuit.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and defended the valuations of his properties, saying the case is a fraud" and a political witch hunt.

He has occasionally appeared in court over the past month, complaining in inflammatory remarks to reporters that it is a distraction from his campaign.

During opening statements, Trumps lawyers called Cohen a "serial liar," citing his two guilty pleas in 2018 on felony charges including tax evasion and lying to Congress during a probe of Trump's Russia ties.

Cohen began a three-year prison sentence in 2019 but was released to home confinement the following year.

Cohen told Reuters on Monday that Trump calling him a liar was the "perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black."

"Interesting that they would question my veracity when my lying to Congress was done at the direction of, in connection with and for the benefit of Donald," he said.

In September before the trial began, Justice Arthur Engoron found that Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth and ordered the dissolution of companies that control crown jewels of his real estate portfolio, including Trump Tower in Manhattan. That ruling is on hold while Trump appeals.

The trial largely concerns damages. James is seeking at least $250 million in fines, a permanent ban against Trump and his sons Donald Jr and Eric from running businesses in New York and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Trump and the Trump Organization.

Early in the trial, Engoron barred the parties from speaking publicly about court staff after Trump shared a social media post attacking Engorons clerk and identifying her by name.

Trump deleted the post, but last week Engoron revealed that a screenshot had remained live on his campaign site for weeks.

Engoron, who said the lapse appeared to be "inadvertent," fined Trump $5,000 and warned that future violations would bring "far more severe" sanctions including imprisonment.
European Union and Namibian officials hold a business forum this week in Brussels on developing the countrys nascent green hydrogen sector.

Critics describe this green energy plan as a form of colonialism in which Africa produces its best for Europe while the continent remains underdeveloped.

Seen as a clean alternative, green hydrogen has been touted as a replacement for carbon-based fuels such as coal and oil, which are blamed for contributing to global warming and destruction of the ozone layer.



Namibia does not have the infrastructure for a green hydrogen market, but it has received grants from the European Union, including member nation Germany, to build the foundation to meet EU demands for the fuel.



Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanya has questioned Namibias insistence on wanting to supply Europe with green hydrogen and critical earth metals, including lithium, which are crucial for the global energy transition.

In an interview with VOA, he said that supplying raw materials to Europe would perpetuate what he calls colonialism, in which resources extracted from the African continent are used in the industrialization of Europe. He says Namibia has its own energy needs.

It is concerning that Namibia does not have expertise and technology; all these can be used to influence the process but also to extract resources to European countries at the expense of Namibians, in particular local people, yah! We have to guard against green colonization, which is a new form of colonizing Africans, he said.

Nangula Uauandja is the CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, known as NIPDB, which is helping to organize the forum. She said Namibia has a strategy for local production and use of green hydrogen byproducts such as excess water, ammonia and brine.

How do we use these resources locally if we have got energy and green hydrogen? How do we industrialize Namibia using the green economy?" she asked. "Instead of transporting from Africa and minerals from Africa, how can we not rather process them where the energy is, or bring them to where the energy is so we can use energy to industrialize our country?

The government says Namibia is working on legislation to ensure that the resources first benefit the local economy before being exported. Officials say they are working with the NIPDB on this issue. They also point to a recent decision by Zimbabwe to ban the export of raw lithium.

The EU-Namibia business forum takes place during a European Union Global Gateway Forum being held in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday. The EU charge daffaires in Namibia, Gosia Lachut, explained what the event will be all about.

These forums hosted by the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, bring together governments, financial institutions, private sector, civil society and international agencies and it aims to promote global investments in infrastructure centered on priority themes such as digital, energy and climate, transport, health and education, Lachut said.

The EU is Namibias largest trading partner. Twenty-six percent of Namibias exports go to the EU.

The largest economic bloc in the world is also a major market for Namibias fish, meat and grapes. The value of Namibian exports was estimated at one billion dollars compared to imports from the EU to Namibia, worth 600 million dollars, according to 2021 figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency.


A Hong Kong court on Tuesday upheld a ruling that grants equal inheritance rights to same-sex couples.

The Court of Appeal rejected the governments motion to block the ruling, which said same-sex couples can enjoy such rights under the citys two inheritance laws.

The rulings came out of a lawsuit filed in 2019 by Edgar Ng, who was concerned that if he died without a will, his properties would not be passed on to his partner, Henri Li. The two married in London in 2017. Ng died in 2020.

A spokesman for the advocacy group Hong Kong Marriage Equality said the right thing for the government to do is create a comprehensive system to govern same-sex partnerships.

This latest ruling marks another legal victory for Hong Kongs LGBTQ community.

The Court of Appeal last week upheld an earlier ruling that said same-sex married couples have the right to rent or own public housing.

In September, Hong Kongs High Court urged the Chinese territorys legislature to create an alternative legal framework that would recognize same-sex partnerships.

The Court of Final Appeal ruled on a lawsuit filed by pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham, who has been seeking to have his 2013 same-sex marriage in New York legally recognized but has been rejected by two lower courts.

The High Court refused to recognize full marriage equality for same-sex couples but said the government had a responsibility to provide them with a sense of legitimacy, dispelling any sense that they belong to an inferior class of persons whose relationship is undeserving of recognition.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Icelandic women went on a 24-hour strike on Tuesday over gender inequality, including the prime minister, who said the fight for equal treatment was moving far too slowly at home and abroad.

Across the small island nation, schools and libraries were either closed or operated on limited hours as female staff stayed home, while hospitals said they would only handle emergency cases.

Joining the protest, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said she would not come to work on Tuesday.

"Looking at the whole world, it could take 300 years to achieve gender equality," Jakobsdottir told the Ras 1 public radio station.

The strike was called to protest against gaps in pay when compared to men and against gender-based violence, and to highlight the unpaid work such as such as child care that most often falls on women, organizers said.

Iceland is regarded as one of the world's most progressive countries in terms of gender equality and has topped the World Economic Forum's gender gap index 14 years in a row.

But in some industries and professions, women earn at least 20% less than Icelandic men, according to Statistics Iceland.

Forty percent of Icelandic women experience gender-based and sexual violence in their lifetime, a University of Iceland study found.

"We're seeking to bring attention to the fact that we're called an equality paradise, but there are still gender disparities and urgent need for action," said Freyja Steingrimsdottir, a strike organizer and the communications director for the Icelandic Federation for Public Workers.

Tuesday's strike, under the slogan "Do you call this equality?", comprising Icelandic women and non-binary individuals, was the first full-day strike since an inaugural women's protest in 1975.

"Female-led professions such as healthcare services and childcare are still undervalued and much lower paid," Steingrimsdottir told Reuters on Monday.
The International Monetary Fund is cautioning African nations about the possibility of a regional economic downturn and the ripple effects that China's slowing economy could bring.

Africa and China have forged economic ties over the past 20 years, making the Asian giant the continent's largest trading partner. Africa exports metals, minerals and fuel to China, while importing manufactured goods and machinery from that country.

The IMF says the partnership is threatened by China's economic slowdown and aging population, trade tensions, geopolitics and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenya-based businessman Adan Ibrahim, who imports vehicle parts from China, said it was difficult for a long time to access Chinese companies due to COVID-19 regulations, including visa restrictions that allowed relatively few people into the country per month.

Up to now they have not reopened well, Ibrahim said. In terms of movement of people within the country, they even restricted when you travel to China. You [had to] undertake serious checks on health issues. There were  challenges, both economic and health wise."

In December 2022, China lifted coronavirus restrictions that had prevented easy movement of goods and people.

Gerrishon Ikiara, an international economics lecturer, said the economic problems faced by China and African countries affect their trade relations.

"When African economies are affected either by drought or other problems that may affect various sectors, the negative effect is felt in China, Iriara said. If it's  happening in China, the negative effect is felt in Africa.

So, it's important that both the Chinese and African economies are doing well to create a more healthy trading relationship," he said.

Ibrahim said that as China shifts away from COVID-19 controls, the price of goods has increased and they go unsold.

The goods that we used to buy with the relatively cheap prices before the COVID are now triple the price that we currently buy with, he said.

China's economic recovery from the pandemic slowed in recent months due to a sluggish property market and weak consumer spending. China's trade data showed that exports and imports continued to decline as demand for Chinese goods waned.

Ikiara said Africa needs to find new trading partners to develop its economies.

If the Chinese economy is slowing down, Africa needs to diversify its trading partners and to diversify either imports or exports to Asia, other parts of Africa, Latin America and the U.S., he said. If there is a problem with our exports to China, we need to look for new markets.

The IMF is urging African governments to diversify their economies, increase regional trade integration and create a favorable business environment so that local and international corporations can thrive.
Hamas murderous incursion into Israel and the Jewish states crushing military response are putting fresh strains on long-standing U.S. relationships in the Persian Gulf, where regional leaders must navigate between the anger of their own people and fear of an emboldened Iran.

One of those states, Qatar, is emerging as a pivotal potential peacemaker with its unique ability to talk to all sides  Israel, Hamas and the United States.

The Gulf is playing a far more important role in this conflict than in previous iterations of the Gaza war, Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at Kings College London, said in an interview with VOA.

The Gulf states individually have assumed more agency and autonomy in regional affairs than during previous Israel-Hamas conflicts, he said. This also means that they are pursuing strategies that are less aligned with the United States than in previous years.

During a Gulf Cooperation Council-ASEAN Summit earlier this month, the leaders issued a relatively restrained statement calling for all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, refrain from targeting them and to abide by international humanitarian law.

However, the leaders of Bahrain and Morocco repeated Hamas claim that Israel was responsible for a blast that killed an estimated 100 to 300 people at the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. The United States and Israel have released evidence that they say shows the blast was caused by a misfired rocket from within Gaza.

The crown prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, condemned Israel for killing innocent people in Gaza and called for urgent international action to end the attacks and protect civilians.

Krieg said the increased foreign policy autonomy of the region will pose a challenge for Washington as it seeks to contain the fallout from the war, as it will have to rely on Saudi Arabia and Qatar to manage dialogue with Iran, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.

Qatar has already demonstrated its potential importance by reportedly having helped to negotiate the release of hostages seized by Hamas in its October 7 rampage through several Israeli communities.

First, Qatar has kept lines of communication open with Hamas over the release of hostages, where Qatar speaks directly to Israel, the U.S. and Hamas, Krieg said.

Secondly, Qatar has used its relationship with Tehran to relay messages from the White House in an attempt to avert a wider regional escalation  something Saudi Arabia has supported.

At a time when the U.S. openly endorses Israel's all-out escalation, it is the Gulf states working on de-escalation in the region, he said. In particular, amid the risk of a wider mobilization of Iran's 'axis of resistance,' the Gulf states' networks and diplomatic channels have become essential for U.S. crisis management.

While the region is publicly united in calling for an end to the violence, Krieg said he believes Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates quietly would like to see Hamas eliminated.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar would like to see a revival of the Arab Peace Initiative in the aftermath of the conflict, which might not be completely unrealistic if Israel is fought to a stalemate in a potential two-front war involving Hezbollah in the north, he said.

He added that U.S. efforts to broker a rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia within the framework of the Abraham Accords are clearly dead.

This iteration of the Gaza conflict confirms Saudi concerns over the insufficiency of the Accords and the need for a Saudi alternative approach with clear concessions from Israel to the Palestinians, he said.

John Calabrese, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said he believes the Gulf states are very uneasy about the possibility that Iran might be drawn into the Gaza conflict, placing their own national security at some risk.

Like Krieg, he sees Qatar playing a key role in any long-term resolution, in spite of it having joined Kuwait and Oman in issuing strong statements denouncing Israels treatment of Gaza.

Although the tone of Qatar's public statements runs the risk of alienating Israel and thus devaluing its potential role as a mediator, Israeli pragmatism might win out in recognition of the leverage with Hamas that Qatars public face might have earned it, Calabrese said.

Egypt, too, is seen as a potential mediator. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi convened several world leaders in Cairo last week to negotiate a cease-fire and facilitate humanitarian aid. On the day of the summit, a convoy of 20 aid trucks carrying essential supplies such as food, water and medicine entered the besieged strip through Egypt's Rafah crossing.

Overall, among the GCC states, I see Qatar taking the lead as mediator, with the other five countries throwing their support behind the effort and pledging humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, Calabrese said.
Two of Indonesia's three presidential hopefuls told U.S. investors on Tuesday they would address issues surrounding doing business in the Southeast Asian country.

Former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo told an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce that he would ensure legal certainty for foreign investors and boost tax collection in the trillion-dollar economy.

Anies Baswedan, the former governor of the capital Jakarta, promised to maintain Indonesia's policy credibility by giving major posts to technocrats and to bolster investment in the manufacturing industry if he wins the Feb. 14 election.

"Illegal fees must be eradicated, services must be made cheaper, faster. We must provide legal certainty by enforcing the law," said Ganjar, who narrowly trails front-runner Prabowo Subianto in surveys, adding that certainty issue ranks among investors key' concerns.

Ganjar has promised to boost the average growth of Southeast Asia's largest economy to 7% if he wins the next five-year presidential term. U.S.-educated Anies targets 5.5% to 6.5% growth on average.

Indonesia's economy grew 5.3% last year, boosted by the commodity upcycle, but with commodity prices falling growth is expected to ease to around 5% this year.

Ganjar vowed to improve governance in the tax office to double the government's spending capacity, without giving details.

Anies offered plans to create at least 14 new economic growth centers outside of the main Java island.

Prabowo, the defense minister, did not attend the American Chamber of Commerce event. He is expected to officially register his candidacy to the election commission on Wednesday and has not made public his policy platform.

Elections in Indonesia are often a battle of personalities rather than policies, with candidates running on similar platforms promoting growth, jobs, and pluralism in the world's largest Muslim-majority country.

However, candidates also often promote economic nationalism when campaigning.

Incumbent Joko Widodo, who must step down after serving a maximum of two terms, has asked his successor to continue his policy of prioritizing processing natural commodities onshore.

Widodo has overseen Indonesia's 2020 export ban on nickel ore, which he followed with stopping exports of unprocessed bauxite this year.
Apartheid is the Afrikaans word for separateness. The term referred to the system of rigid racial segregation and significant inequality between the white minority (the Afrikaners) and the Black majority imposed in South Africa by the National Party when it came to power in 1948. The era came to an end in the early 1990s, when a heroic and smiling Nelson Mandela was released following 27 years in prison. He went on to win the presidency, seeking reconciliation rather than revenge.

Apartheid ended, and the country became a more just and livable place, especially for the majority Black population. But you dont go from hell to heaven in one giant leap. The hangover from decades of social injustice lingers, and many loose ends were left untied. American political writer Eve Fairbanks examines post-apartheid South Africa through the lives of three individuals: Dipuo, a female activist who worked to overthrow oppression; Malaika, Dipuos daughter who drifts through a violent world; and Christo, one of the few remaining white South Africans tasked with preserving the status quo ante.

Dipuo and Christo were both born around 1970 and became adults when South Africa was changing dramatically. They entered a disconcerting world, said Fairbanks. Malaika was born in 1992  in a free country  and grew up with certain expectations. However, she soon realized that her future was not as perfect as she had hoped, as previous generations still influenced much of life in South Africa. She was told that she lived in an amazing new world, but soon found out that it was still deviously shaped by old villains and memories, said Fairbanks. In The Inheritors: An Intimate Portrait of South Africas Racial Reckoning (2022), Fairbanks tells real stories  human and complex  another version of the history taught in South African schools.

American writer Eve Fairbanks, author of 'The Inheritors.'

Fairbanks interest in racial issues began at an early age. Raised in a right-wing family in the southern United States, she questioned why the politicians her parents supported opposed racial justice. This curiosity led her to seek a deeper understanding by studying similar conflicts in different settings. In 2009, she relocated from Washington to South Africa  the epitome of racial conflict  where she lived for 14 years.

I remember feeling like the entire world was there in that country, Fairbanks recalls. It seemed like South Africans were grappling with the same things that people all over the world were trying to understand. For instance, the issues of societies that fail to adapt their traditions and ethics to the realities of a diverse citizenry. The challenges of treating people differently based on class, gender, and race. And climate change, language diversity, infrastructure, the concept of happiness, family, work, and migration. South Africa is a country where youll find the descendants of white settlers and the Blacks who were colonized. So, you have people trying to remember ancestors who did bad things, and others struggling with how to remember their peoples suffering, said Fairbanks.

Two different countries merged into one

When a society is forced to reset and rebuild from scratch, problems are bound to arise. During apartheid, white South Africans kept Blacks out of leadership and public society so much that when apartheid ended, it was like two different countries, two worlds that suddenly had to come together as one, said Fairbanks. Most people view the end of apartheid as a significant achievement, but its not that simple. Fairbanks observes that American society actually views the end of apartheid as a failure.

I think foreigners see in South African history what they want or hope to see. Some mistakenly believe that moving on from a history of colonization is easy, assuming that the defeated wont fight back and victims wont seek revenge. They think everything can be fixed. Others believe that racial justice actually threatens the system, as long-standing inequalities support a solid social structure. Both perspectives, though contradictory, are based on disconnected fragments of South African history. Fairbanks found two main causes for the countrys current issues. First, South Africas economy and institutions were originally designed for a different population than the one that exists today. Second, the countrys citizens perceive their homeland differently based on past experiences and memories.

Some white South Africans avoid guilt so it doesnt overwhelm them. Fairbanks noticed that some even become ostentatiously unapologetic. However, some Blacks continued to believe that whites were superior, as it gave meaning to their own oppression. They wondered why they hadnt freed themselves sooner. There was a noticeable phenomenon that was both human and disheartening: Black South Africans who achieved upward mobility started adopting classist attitudes toward their less fortunate peers. Fairbanks even observed an uptick in racist attitudes among whites. Many South Africans think that white youths tend to be more racist than their parents and feel anxious about the rise of white supremacy, she said. If racism gains momentum in the absence of apartheid, it might bring relief to older South Africans. After all, it was only natural, they might argue.

Nelson Mandela and Frederik W. de Klerk, who played key roles in ending apartheid in South Africa, pose with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. NTB-FILE (AP Photo)

Racism was actively promoted by the segregation system, convincing whites that they lived in an ideal world surrounded by a bubble of like-minded peers. The white government of South Africa from 1961 to 1994 literally shaped the physical landscape, digging valleys and strategically locating factories... to prevent whites from seeing Blacks, said Fairbanks, who knows many white South Africans who, in their youth, believed their country was predominantly white. White South Africans truly believed they had the best army, the tastiest fruit and wine, and the best universities in the world. The government did a very good job of concealing the complicated and broader truth.

Another perspective on the history of South Africa portrays Mandela as an exemplary hero, but The Inheritors offers a more nuanced image. Many Black South Africans now criticize Mandela for demanding too little from whites, who make up about 15% of the population but still own much of the wealth. In the post-apartheid 1990s, the whites were still very powerful, and pushing too hard could have sabotaged the whole deal. Its the typical tug-of-war between erasing the past and pursuing justice that is common in this type of political and societal transition. Reconciliation often requires foregoing justice, but it still leaves deep, unhealed wounds.

Its amazing how much Black South Africans not only seek material reparations, but also simply want to hear, Were sorry  we were wrong, said Fairbanks. A lot of us think that putting an end to an unfair system requires some sort of material effort  a political consensus or an economic mission. But many Black South Africans long for an apology.

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Hamas releases two hostages as Israel continues its campaign of bombardment following Hamas October 7th attack. The U.S. is sending more military assets to the Middle East as a base comes under attack in Syria. And the U.S. still does not have a speaker of the House.
The ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas has underlined the challenges facing an ambitious initiative to build a new trade route from India through the Middle East to Europe, according to analysts.

Announced at the Group of 20 summit held in India last month, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, is seen as a modern-day spice route and an alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. It is backed among others by the United States, the European Union and Saudi Arabia.

The corridor aims to establish a rail and shipping network linking the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan to the Israeli port of Haifa on the Mediterranean Sea. Goods could then be shipped to Europe, bypassing the Suez Canal.

But as Israel conducts strikes on Gaza in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, the region has been plunged into instability as the conflict becomes the deadliest of five Gaza wars.

Now we are facing the possibility of a spillover of this war into the wider region and that is a reality check for IMEC, according to Chintamani Mahapatra, founder of the Kalinga Institute of Indo Pacific Studies in New Delhi. In the midst of this conflict, the whole idea of IMEC is getting lost.

'Wake-up' call

Pointing out that the project involves passing through some of the most volatile regions of the Middle East, analysts say the war is a wake-up call about the scale of challenges IMEC will have to confront.

The new war is a tragic reminder of just how difficult it will be to build out the new corridor, Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, said in emailed comments to VOA. It's not just a matter of financing challenges, but also of stability and diplomatic cooperation. The war makes it painfully clear that these conditions remain elusive.

When the project was announced, Washingtons push for normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel was making headway and there were hopes that this could transform longstanding Mideast rivalries. A reliable link between Saudi Arabia and Israel is a crucial element of the project. An agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia would have followed the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords which saw Israel establish diplomatic relations in 2020 with three Arab countries.

This project was worked under the presumption that there would be peace and stability in the region. But even if there is no wider conflict in the days and months to come, the future is now uncertain, according to Manoj Joshi, Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi.

He pointed out that the project requires billions of dollars of investment. It involves building two to three thousand kilometers of rail lines. With the region now plunged into political instability, the question is who will invest?

'A counter to China'

The Western-backed corridor was not envisaged as just a trade route  it had geopolitical motives, according to analysts. It was seen as a counter to China, whose influence in the Middle East is rising.

It also aimed to build trust and political capital for normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia according to Kugelman. But he said that plan has been put on cold ice for now, although it could be reconstituted down the road.

Saudi Arabia and Israel have strong strategic imperatives to normalize ties, but for Riyadh, the political costs of doing so while Israel is carrying out its brutal campaign in Gaza are too high, he said.

New Delhi has said that the ongoing conflict will not dampen plans for the trade corridor. India, whose economy is growing, would be one of the major beneficiaries of the proposed route. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described IMEC as the basis of world trade for hundreds of years to come.

IMEC is for the long term, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Morocco last week where she attended a meeting of G-20 Finance Ministers. While short-term glitches can have concerns and occupy our minds, we will keep engaging with all stakeholders.

For New Delhi, the new trade route would slash shipping costs and expedite access to markets in the Middle East and Europe. Indias ties with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt as well as Israel have warmed significantly in recent years. Trade with these countries is rising while the European Union is its third largest trading partner.

As the current conflict unfolds, New Delhi has reached out to both Israel and the Palestinians.

In a show of solidarity with Israel, Prime Minister Modi condemned the Hamas assault as terrorist attacks. India has also reiterated its longstanding support for establishment of an independent Palestine state and sent humanitarian aid for Gaza.

But even if New Delhi is able to strike a balance in its ties with Arab countries and Israel, the projects future hinges on how relations will shape up among the countries in the region.

IMEC will not be buried, I wont write its obit, said Mahapatra. When the dust settles down in West Asia, it will likely make headway. But in the midst of such a conflict, there is no possibility of a cooperative and positive proposal with the various countries involved, said Mahapatra.
Latest Developments:

Palestinians say hundreds killed in new Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Hamas releases more hostages on Monday  two elderly Israeli women.

U.S. reported to be advising Israel to hold off on a ground invasion in hopes of negotiating the release of more hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

U.N. Security Council to meet on situation in the Middle East.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly in the initial Hamas attack on October 7, while the Palestinian Health Ministry said the death toll in Gaza had reached at least 5,791 people.

Israel launched massive new airstrikes on targets in Hamas-controlled Gaza overnight into Tuesday, with Palestinian officials saying that hundreds of people were killed, including at a seaside refugee camp.

As it holds off on a ground invasion into the besieged Palestinian territory aimed at wiping out Hamas, the Israeli military said its airstrikes had decimated more than 400 sites in the past 24 hours, after hitting 320 a day earlier.

The Hamas militant-controlled Gaza Health Ministry said at least 704 people were killed, although the toll could not be independently verified. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday the death toll in Gaza from more than two weeks of conflict had reached at least 5,791 people.

With the death toll mounting, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a cease-fire in Gaza, a stance that pushed Israel to call for his resignation.

In Washington, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also rejected an immediate cease-fire, saying it would only benefit Hamas militants. However, Kirby did not rule out a humanitarian pause to allow more aid to be moved into Gaza to assist hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

With Israel planning a ground assault into Gaza, Kirby warned of more bloodshed and civilian casualties to come.

"This is war. It is combat. It is bloody. It is ugly, and it's going to be messy," he told reporters at the White House. "And innocent civilians are going to be hurt going forward. I wish I could tell you something different. I wish that that wasn't going to happen."

The latest Israeli attacks came as French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel, becoming the latest world leader to bring both a message of solidarity with Israel following a deadly Hamas attack on October 7 and a push for protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Macron told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that the Hamas attack on the Jewish state that killed more than 1,400 people will "never be forgotten" and that a top priority should be the release of more than 200 hostages held by Hamas.

"I want you to be sure that you are not left alone in this war against terrorism," Macron said.

Appearing later before reporters with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron suggested the international coalition working to defeat the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria should also take on fighting Hamas.

The Israeli military said Tuesday its continued airstrikes on Gaza targeted Hamas operational headquarters and killed several Hamas deputy commanders.

Israeli strikes this week have also hit the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, and Herzog warned Tuesday that if Hezbollah expands the conflict, then "Lebanon will pay the price."

"I want to make clear: We are not looking for a confrontation on our northern border or with anyone else," Herzog said. "We are focused on destroying Hamas infrastructure and bringing our citizens back home."

The White House said that in a phone call Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Netanyahu discussed "ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, to including new U.S. military deployments" in the Middle East.

U.S. officials in recent days have expressed concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could spark a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Kirby told reporters on Monday there had been an increase in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. He said the United States was "deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation" in attacks in the coming days.

The White House said Biden in his call with Netanyahu welcomed the Hamas release of two more hostages, "and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas  including Americans  and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza."

Hamas said in a statement that it released the hostages  two elderly Israeli women  for humanitarian reasons. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it transported the women, an 85-year-old and a 79-year-old, out of Gaza on Monday evening.

On Friday, Hamas released its first two hostages  an American mother and daughter  nearly two weeks after it carried out its surprise assault on Israel.

U.S. officials say Washington is advising Israel to delay its planned ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to allow more time to negotiate the release of more hostages.

A ground invasion would likely further complicate any negotiations over hostages, with at least some of them believed to be held in an elaborate web of tunnels that militants have built in Gaza over the years even as Israel has blockaded the territory along the Mediterranean Sea.

Israeli has positioned 300,000 troops along the Gaza border ahead of a potential operation inside Gaza.

The Israeli strikes have destroyed thousands of buildings in Gaza, and the U.N. humanitarian agency says 1.4 million people have been displaced.

In its latest report, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said late Monday that at least 16 health workers had been killed while on duty in Gaza. It also said 35 staff members from the U.N.'s Palestinian refugee relief agency have been killed, including six during the past day.

In New York, the U.N. Security Council is meeting Tuesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

Guterres and U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths are expected to address the meeting. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers are expected to attend, along with their counterparts from Brazil, Egypt, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other countries.

United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this article. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. troops shot down two drones targeting American forces in southern Syria on Monday, the latest in a string of drone attacks targeting American bases and facilities in the Middle East as officials warn of a significant threat of escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder told reporters that Iranian-backed forces launched two one-way attack drones at al-Tanf garrison on Monday that were taken out by American defense systems, resulting in no injuries.

We know that these groups are groups that are backed by Iran, Ryder said. We will ultimately hold Iran responsible.

The attack marked at least the fifth drone or rocket attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East in a week, which the Pentagon has described as an uptick. Some of the attacks resulted in minor injuries and damage.

There is a significant threat of escalation throughout the region, and that would be, that would include towards U.S. forces, a senior military official told reporters.

Last week, two drones targeted al-Tanf in Syria. A drone targeted Al-Harir Air Base  formerly Bashur Air Base  in northern Iraq. Two drones targeted al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, and rockets targeted U.S. and coalition forces near Baghdads International Airport.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday placed an undisclosed number of troops on prepare-to-deploy orders and activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, as well as additional Patriot batteries to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.

What you see from this posture announcement  is that we are preparing for this escalation, both in terms of defending our forces and being prepared to respond decisively," a senior defense official told reporters Monday.

These moves come after Austin had already placed more than 2,000 military personnel on heightened alert with a prepare-to-deploy order last Tuesday.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group is speeding to the Middle East region, and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group remains in the eastern Mediterranean.

Three ships with the USS Bataan amphibious ready group are positioning thousands of Marines in waters near Israel. A squadron of A-10 attack aircraft has arrived in the Middle East, with another A-10 squadron's deployment extended, and more F-15 and F-16 fighter jets also are rolling into the region.

The U.S. has said the increased military presence is intended to deter malign actors such as Hezbollah or Iran from expanding the conflict.

Last week, the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer in the Red Sea, shot down four missiles and multiple drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, weapons that the Pentagon said were "heading along the Red Sea, potentially toward targets in Israel."

Ryder had originally said on Thursday that three missiles were intercepted.

There were no casualties, and the ship did not appear to be the target of the attack, Ryder said.
As the Israel-Hamas war intensifies in Gaza, many foreign nationals living in Israel are being evacuated. Most of the Myanmar immigrants living in Israel, however, do not have plans to return to military-ruled Myanmar, as they told VOA in recent interviews.

"I feel safer here. Here, at least we hear the warning sirens of rocket attacks in advance, so we have time to prepare and find shelter. In Myanmar, there is no such warning, and the attacks come from our own military. I just don't feel safe in Myanmar ever since the military took control," restaurant worker Khun Aung recently told VOA via Zoom.

Aung has been in Israel since 2019, when he came to study agriculture at a school in the Negev Highlands. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, he opted to stay and now lives in Tel Aviv.

When he lived near the border with Gaza during his internship, rocket attack warnings were commonplace. However, the sudden attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, Aung said, was "surprising because of the sheer size and brutality."

His sentiment is echoed by many Myanmar citizens living in Israel.

Win Ko, a businessman living in Tel Aviv for four years with his family, also emphasized his reluctance to return to Myanmar.

"Of course, we are concerned about the dangers posed by Hamas militants, but the Israeli army is fully dedicated to protecting its people. In Myanmar, the military is using force against its own citizens, making Israel feel like a safe haven in comparison," Win Ko said.

Myanmar junta and NUG statements



An official from the Myanmar Embassy in Tel Aviv told VOA that there are 200 Myanmar people in Israel and, "all are presumed safe."

According to the embassy's website, Myanmar people living in Israel are advised to contact the embassy through its assistance hotlines. The embassy website also states that arrangements are being made for a relief flight for Myanmar citizens who want to return home.

A brief statement by the junta issued on Oct. 11 said, Myanmar urges the relevant parties [in Israel] to exercise restraint and to resolve the issue peacefully.

Similar statements were made by other mainland Southeast Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, expressing concern about the conflict without supporting either side. Other ASEAN members such as Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia have come down strongly on the side of either Israel or the Palestinians, leading to a divide among ASEAN member nations.

The National Unity Government, or NUG, composed of members of Myanmar's former democratically elected government and other opponents of the junta, has expressed sympathy for those affected by the Israel-Hamas war and concern for the Myanmar people who are living and working in Israel.



"The acting president is deeply distressed by the horrific loss of life in Israel and Gaza, and the dire humanitarian situation" said Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the NUG president, during a Zoom interview Sunday. "In Myanmar, he added, people are dying every day due to the oppression of the terrorist military junta, so we sympathize.

Both Israel and Hamas have a responsibility to protect civilians," he said.



International Humanitarian Law "must be respected by all parties. I urge the immediate delivery of humanitarian relief, and the protection of all civilians including Myanmar & other foreign nationals, added the NUG acting President Duwa Lashi La, in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.



Daily life in Israel

Life in Israel during wartime can be challenging, with rocket attacks causing anxiety and disruptions to daily life.

We have 90 seconds to take cover when we hear the warning sirens, said Santos, another Myanmar resident living in Tel Aviv whose real name has been withheld for his safety.

"There is no such thing as a completely safe place here. Its really scary. Indeed, his interview Thursday with VOA via Zoom was cut short as the shrill warning sirens could be heard in the background. Im sorry, but we must go to the shelter immediately! he said.



Because of the Israeli-Hamas war, businesses are facing economic uncertainty and many have been forced to close for days at a time. Israelis arent leaving home due to the rocket attacks, and combined with the higher prices of goods, it has been especially difficult for immigrants like Santos to make a living.



It's been two weeks now since the war started, Santos told VOA by phone later that day. For now, the situation is bearable, but if a month or two goes by and things stay the same, we wont even be able to afford food. Despite the difficulties, Santos says he would rather stay in Israel than return to his own war-torn homeland.

Myanmar people volunteer in Israel

Many Myanmar immigrants in Israel are demonstrating their gratitude to the country.

This sentiment, Santos said, has motivated a group of them to take action. "At the moment, we have around 10 individuals, and in the coming week, we are planning to put our plan into action," he said.



"We've identified a camp where we can assist in preparing food for Israeli soldiers at the front lines, Santos explained. Additionally, there's a need for laundry services and packaging various essential items. The Burmese [Myanmar] community residing in Israel is joining together to offer their support by providing their labor where it's most needed."
Police in Rio de Janeiro have arrested 12 people suspected of setting fire to 35 buses Monday after a leader of one of the Brazilian citys paramilitary forces was killed in a police operation.

The destruction was in apparent retaliation for an operation that Rio de Janeiro state Governor Claudio Castro described as a heavy blow to the militia. The man killed has been identified by the Britain-based Guardian newspaper as Matheus da Silva Rezende, the nephew of the militias leader known as the Lord of War.

Numerous paramilitary forces operate in Rio de Janeiro. The groups were initially formed by off-duty police officers and prison guards to protect residents in the citys impoverished neighborhoods from illicit drug gangs, but have since evolved into criminal gangs themselves, involved in several rackets.

The 35 buses that were torched were located on Rios west side, where rival criminal groups are fighting for territorial control. A train car was also burned in Mondays rampage. Governor Castro said the 12 suspects would be charged with terrorist actions.

The attacks disrupted public transportation for many parts of Rio de Janeiro and forced the closure of several schools.

Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Katalina Kariko won the award for helping pioneer mRNA technology, which was used to develop the COVID-19 vaccine.

Before that, she fled authoritarian Hungary, failed to earn tenure and toiled as an underpaid research assistant for years, with few taking her ideas seriously. Yet she never gave up on her research.

In this op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dr. Priya E. Mammen insists that Karikos accomplishment is "nothing short of heroic."
An off-duty pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines midflight and had to be subdued by the crew, a pilot flying the plane told air traffic controllers.

Authorities in Oregon identified the man as Joseph David Emerson, 44. He was being held Monday on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office.

The San Francisco-bound flight diverted Sunday to Portland, Oregon, where it was met by officers from the Port of Portland, who took Emerson into custody. He was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, a regional carrier, did not name Emerson, but said Monday that the threat was posed by one of its pilots who was off duty but authorized to occupy the cockpit jump seat.

The airline said in a statement that the captain and co-pilot "quickly responded, engine power was not lost, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident. Alaska said no weapons were involved.

One of the pilots told air traffic controllers that the man who posed the threat had been removed from the cockpit.

Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. And he  doesnt sound like hes causing any issue in the back right now, and I think hes subdued," one of the pilots said on audio captured by LiveATC.net. "Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.

The FBI office in Portland said it was investigating and can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was helping law enforcement investigations but declined further comment about the incident.

FAA records indicate that Emerson has a valid license to fly airline planes. Property records show that he owns a house in Pleasant Hill, California, about 30 miles east of San Francisco. The Associated Press tried to reach his family members but was unsuccessful.

The Multnomah County sheriffs office, district attorneys office and public defenders office did not immediately respond to inquiries about whether Emerson had an attorney to comment on his behalf.

The FAA, in an alert to airlines, said a jump-seat passenger tried to disable the engines by deploying the engine fire suppression system.

It is not hard to activate the fire handles  you want them to be accessible in case of an engine fire, said John Cox, a retired airline pilot and now a safety consultant. He said it is possible to restart the engines once the fire handles are returned to their normal position.

This is an extremely rare event. In 53 years, I have never heard of a jump-seat rider attempting to shut down engines, Cox said. He said the third pilot can be invaluable in cases where a crew must deal with a complex situation.

Jeffrey Price, an aviation security expert at Metropolitan University of Denver, said airlines must approve people who sit in the jump seat, but the pilots working the flight can deny access.

The vetting of crew members is based on trust, he said, and the last line of defense is what happened on the Horizon plane  crew members physically preventing someone from taking over the flight controls. The system worked, fortunately.

Airlines use the third seat to accommodate pilots who need to get in position to fly a later flight  it avoids the need to bump a passenger off the plane. Many U.S. carriers will let pilots from other airlines occupy the third seat, at least on domestic flights.

For the amount of times this type of incident happens  almost never  its probably not a procedure we need to get rid of, Price said.

He added, however, that Sundays incident will lead to an analysis of whether procedures were followed and whether additional safeguards are needed.

Price could recall only one other similar incident  in 1994, when a FedEx pilot who was facing possible termination tried to kill the crew and crash the plane. The crew subdued the hijacker, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

In 2018, a pilot in the jump seat of a Boeing 737 Max operated by Indonesias Lion Air emerged as a hero after helping the crew stop the planes nose from repeatedly pointing down.

Disaster was averted  or delayed until the next flight of the plane, which crashed, killing all 189 people on board.

There have been crashes that investigators believe were deliberately caused by pilots. Authorities said the co-pilot of a Germanwings jet that crashed in the French Alps in 2015 had practiced putting the plane into a dive.

In 2018, a Horizon Air ground agent stole an empty plane at Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle and crashed into a small island in Puget Sound after being chased by military jets that scrambled to intercept the plane. The man told an air traffic controller that he wasnt really planning on landing the aircraft and described himself as a broken guy."

Sunday's incident occurred on a Horizon Air Embraer 175 carrying 80 passengers, some of them were children sitting in their parents laps, and four crew members.

The plane left Everett, Washington, at 5:23 p.m. local time and landed in Portland an hour later.

Alaska said passengers continued to San Francisco on a later flight.
The Pakistani government approved the creation of several deportation centers for hundreds of thousands of illegally residing Afghan nationals they plan to arrest and repatriate to Afghanistan starting next month, VOA learned Tuesday.

Approval of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan comes ahead of the November 1 deadline the government set for all illegal/unregistered foreigners" and those "overstaying their visa validity periods to return to their countries of origin or face deportation for breaching Pakistans immigration laws.

Pakistani Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, when announcing the deadline in early October, said an estimated 1.7 million Afghans are among those facing forcible eviction.

Official sources told VOA that special deportation centers would be established in the countrys four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Afghans detained in Punjab and Sindh will be transferred to centers in Rawalpindi and Karachi districts, respectively.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will have two deportation centers  in Nowshehra and Chamkani  while Baluchistan will house three facilities in the provincial capital of Quetta, and in Pishin and Qilla Abdullah districts. These two provinces line Pakistans nearly 2,600-kilometer (1,600-mile) border with Afghanistan and collectively host most refugee families.

The new plan empowers district administrations, police, prosecution and prison authorities to detain and deport illegally residing Afghan nationals. It specifies that individuals convicted of or currently on trial for minor offenses will be expelled, whereas those convicted of or facing trial for "serious crimes" will not be sent back to Afghanistan.

Islamabad has pledged to carry out the deportations in "a phased and orderly manner." It has also clarified that the crackdown would not target 1.4 million Afghan refugees living legally in the country and around 900,000 others holding valid Afghan citizenship cards and formally registered in Pakistan as economic migrants.

The government has formally directed law enforcement agencies not to harass refugees there legally and those carrying Afghan nationality cards, although Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and refugee families have alleged that some were subjected to police abuses, mistreatment and extortion.

The Taliban have called on Pakistan to review the deportation plan, decrying it as "inhumane" and "unacceptable." However, they have lately set up special camps on the Afghan side of the border to provide immediate shelter, health, food and financial aid to families returning from the neighboring country.

Officials in both countries have confirmed that tens of thousands of Afghans have voluntarily returned to their home country since Islamabad announced the deadline nearly a month ago.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, while speaking to an Afghan television channel Tuesday, urged Pakistan to treat Afghan refugees "humanely" and extend the period of deportation. He asked all the refugees to return to their country, claiming they have turned war-torn Afghanistan into a "safer and better place.

The Taliban seized power from a U.S.-backed government in August 2021 when the United States and NATO troops withdrew from the country after nearly two decades of involvement in the Afghan war.

The Taliban takeover prompted hundreds of thousands of people to flee to Pakistan, fearing retribution for their association with Western forces. They included human rights defenders, former government officials, professionals, female activists and journalists. Many have since been relocated to the U.S. and other Western countries, while thousands are awaiting the processing of their applications for resettlement in the United States and Europe.

The Taliban imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, barring teenage girls from receiving an education and many women from work. The restrictions have discouraged many Afghan refugee families from returning to Afghanistan, saying their daughters cannot seek education or work there.

The United Nations also has urged Islamabad to suspend its plan to force out Afghans seeking refuge, warning it could expose them to persecution and other abuse by the country's de facto Taliban authorities.
Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who supported former U.S. President Donald Trumps baseless claims that he was cheated out of winning reelection in 2020, tearfully pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally working to overturn his loss in the southern state of Georgia and agreed to testify against him and others in upcoming trials.

Ellis, 38, became the fourth of Trumps 18 co-defendants in the sprawling criminal racketeering case to plead guilty. As with the other cases, her plea deal with Fulton County District Fani Willis allowed her to avoid prison time by providing evidence that could implicate others who sought to illegally upend the national election result to keep Trump in the White House.

Ellis pleaded guilty to a single felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings that there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election. It is a claim that to this day Trump falsely makes as the leading 2024 Republican presidential contender to take on Democratic President Joe Biden in the national election a year from now.

Ellis told Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that she was wrong and misled by other key Trump supporters about the conduct of the 2020 election and that she no long believes the false claims.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges, Ellis said.

Ellis had been facing two charges in the Georgia case, including violating the states anti-racketeering law. In contesting the election outcome in late 2020, she worked closely with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, who faces 13 charges in the Georgia case.

As part of her plea deal, Ellis answered prosecutors questions in a lengthy recorded video about her actions and those of other defendants in contesting the election result in Georgia. In recent days, prosecutors also recorded interviews with pro-Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro before they appeared in court to plead guilty to various charges linked to the Georgia election interference case and agreed to testify in upcoming trials.

Ellis agreed to complete three to five years probation and 100 hours of community service, pay $5,000 in restitution to the Georgia secretary of state and has already written an apology letter to the residents of Georgia.

Ellis worked closely with Giuliani in late 2020, traveling to the political battleground states of Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania, along with Georgia, where prosecutors say she urged state lawmakers to ignore the election results showing Biden had won and instead, because of alleged vote counting errors that proved unfounded, flip the outcome to Trump.

A Colorado judge admonished Ellis for the false statements she made about the 2020 election. She said that in making the statements, she acted with a reckless state of mind and told the judge she had acted with selfish motives and that her actions had "undermined the American publics confidence in the presidential election.

In the Georgia case, Trump is most prominently accused, in a taped telephone call, of soliciting state election officials to find him 11,780 votes, one vote more than Bidens margin of victory in Georgia. Biden was the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state since 1992.

Trump has denied wrongdoing in Georgia and three other criminal cases he is facing, encompassing 91 charges. No trial date has been set in Georgia, although the others are all scheduled in the first half of 2024, amid Trumps third run for the presidency.

He is also charged in a federal election interference case in Washington, accused in Florida of illegally retaining highly classified national security documents after his presidency ended in early 2021 and thwarting investigators attempts to retrieve them. He is also charged in New York of falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to a porn film star in 2016 ahead of his successful run for the presidency.

If convicted of any of the charges, he could be sentenced to years in prison.
Yuri Gagarin, prepared to depart on the rocket that would take him on the first-ever space flight. Behind him is Gherman Titov, ready to replace him in case of any eventuality.

The shocking images of Nazis on the Moon  as seen in the outrageous film Iron Sky (2012)  could have been real if the Third Reich had won World War II. British filmmaker and author Stephen Walker agrees with this. In his book on the space race  Beyond: The Astonishing Story of the First Human to Leave Our Planet and Journey into Space (2021)  hes very clear that there would have indeed been a National Socialist space program had the war gone in a different direction. He writes that the Nazis had rockets, such as the famous V-2s, and a genius who could have developed them further, Wernher von Braun (who would go on to craft designs for the United States).

Von Braun dedicated himself to making weapons. [This was] miraculous for Hitler but his dream and his priority objective was the conquest of space. He was very persuasive, explains Walker, 61, from his home in London. He would have put the swastika on the moon, certainly.

This would, of course, have required the Germans to win. During World War II, the last thing that Hitler and the German economy were thinking about was the Moon. However, a hypothetical Nazi space program would have been different from the ones put together by the United States and the USSR (although somewhat more similar to the latter, as it was also a dictatorship), since the basic element that unleashed the space race between the two powers would have been missing: the rivalry that gave rise to to the Cold War.

Finally, upon the Nazi defeat in 1945, the Americans caught Von Braun and took advantage of his knowledge of rocketry. The Soviets, meanwhile, caught other German scientists. This meant that both space programs were started with resources and people who were captured from Hitler.

And what of the United Kingdom? Didnt the British want to enter the space race? There was some ambition, but the other two Allies kept the Nazi technicians and their plans. In any case, Britain was bankrupt [after the war] it was unthinkable that a space program would emerge. And Churchill [and Attlee] didnt give it much importance, Walker notes.

Walker emphasizes that Von Braun  despite the fact that the U.S. government cleansed his record, or that he appeared on Walt Disneys television programs to smilingly talk about space  was an amoral criminal, an unscrupulous guy, who was a member of the SS with the rank of Sturmbannfuhrer. [As a Nazi commander], he used slave labor to build the V-2s. Walkers scathing profile of Von Braun is deeply personal: My mother was almost killed by a V-2. Von Braun  the man who filled London with craters caused by his rockets  ironically has one on the moon named after him, the author laments.

Von Braun poses with the Saturn V launch vehicle in the background. It was going to be used in the Apollo 11 mission.

In principle, the rockets inherited by the Americans and Soviets werent going to be used for the conquest of space, but rather to continue their mission of extermination, by carrying nuclear warheads. But the two powers quickly realized the strategic and propaganda value of going into space (Control of outer space entails control of the world, then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson warned, in 1958). This rivalry would lead humanity to cross its own borders.

Yuri Gagarin  the first man in space, measuring a svelte 5 ft 4 inches (he had to fit in the capsule)  takes up many pages of Walkers masterfully-written book, including some of the most brilliant descriptions. I never thought of the book as a biography of Gagarin, but as a portrait of a moment in time. His, he says, isnt only the story of an intrepid man who went to space and paved our way to the stars while facing terrible uncertainties [its the story] of the extraordinary people who surrounded him  among them most especially Chief Sergei Korolev, the secret Soviet genius father of the USSR program  and [an entire generation] which saw the space adventure as a true battlefield.

Walker  who has visited the original launch sites and has observed contemporary takeoffs  enriches his story with extraordinary literary breadth and numerous interviews with survivors of the space race and their families. A large part of the book focuses on the six months that culminated with Gagarins launch from Vostok Station in Antarctica, on April 12, 1961. Around this storyline, the entire phenomenon of the space race is neatly condensed. Several years are covered, from the overwhelming Soviet success that was the 1957 launch of Sputnik into orbit (which caused a wave of panic in the United States), to the moon landing of Apollo 11 in 1969.

The writer discovers a paradox in this story. Despite having worse technology, the USSR achieved all the first great successes in the space race. But, Walker notes, all of this was achieved precisely because the USSRs technology was so inferior. Soviet atomic bombs were more primitive and weighed a lot, so the scientists were forced to develop enormous and very powerful rockets to carry them, such as the R-7. They were behind, and thats why they overtook the Americans, Walker explains. These large rockets  which were basically missiles  made it possible (by adapting them and changing the thermonuclear warheads at the tip for capsules) to conquer space.

Furthermore, the communist dictatorship didnt have to account for its errors or exercise transparency factors not available to American democracy. Those responsible for the U.S. space program had to be more cautious when sending someone up into space: they couldnt allow an astronaut from their country to turn into ashes when a rocket exploded before the television cameras and millions of viewers. Soviet secrecy, on the other hand, allowed failures to go unnoticed  only triumphs became public knowledge. The risks that the Soviets took were incredible, all with a technology that surprises us today, [considering] how precarious it was.

Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., during the first MR-3 crewed suborbital flight mission. The Freedom 7 spacecraft  carrying Shepherd, the first American astronaut  was powered by the Mercury-Redstone launch vehicle. It departed on May 5, 1961. NASA

Another paradox that Walker highlights is that, if the Americans had been ahead in the space race, the Moon probably wouldnt have been reached in 1969. It was President Kennedys will in the face of Soviet successes that pushed him and the United States to conspire to do something enormous (and very expensive) before their opponents could.

The writer points out how incredible the achievements of the space race were. It had only been 60 years since the Wright brothers had taken flight and humanity was already leaving the Earth. I saw the Moon landing with my grandfather, who had been a pilot in World War I thats how quickly we went to space, Walker notes. There was, however, a bit of a slowdown afterwards. As a child, I was sure I would take my children on vacation to the Moon. That hasnt happened, he jokes. One reason is that the push motivated by the rivalry between the two superpowers was eventually lost by the late-1980s, when the Cold War ended.

Walker is fascinated by the mystique of the Soviet cosmonauts. His book focuses on those recruited for the first flight  the so-called Vanguard Six  rather than on the American Mercury Seven (Glenn, Grissom, Schirre, Shepard, etc.), who were all military test pilots.

The Soviets, he notes, were (and are, as he has interviewed many) more poetic and philosophical when talking about space and the beauty of their observations up there than the Americans, who, in his opinion, were more technocratic and boring. The differences, he believes, show the depth of the cultural schism between the two countries. Although, of course, there were some similarities, such as the fact that there were no women in either program during the initial years of the space race. We had to wait until 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova participated in the USSRs Vostok 6 spaceflight. Meanwhile, the first American astronaut, Sally Ride, made it to space 20 years later, in 1983.

A Soviet rocket prepared for takeoff in 1961. Sovfoto (Universal Images Group/Getty)

The writer gets emotional when talking about Gagarin. His is the story of a man doing the incredible, taking the first step into the cosmos. When you enter orbit and look out the window of the small sphere that youre travelling in and see something that no one has ever seen before  the Earth in all its beauty, the stars like otherworldly lights  all of that is magical. Ive tried to take the reader there.

Still, Walker considers Gagarin to be less interesting than Gherman Titov, the backup cosmonaut, the Soviet Buzz Aldrin. Vital and rebellious, Titov loved Pushkin and could recite entire passages by heart. Gagarin, meanwhile, was like a sphinx. He had a smile that captivated everyone, but he could be whoever you wanted him to be. And that  without forgetting his incredible courage and endurance  [made him key] for the Soviet authorities, who wanted someone who was moldable. He was a chameleon, very difficult to define.

In Beyond, Walker writes about the trauma behind Gagarin: he lived through the Nazi invasion and, at the age of seven, he saw how a soldier hung his brother from a tree. He ended up saving him with the help of his mother, but there were lifelong consequences (his brother ended up committing suicide by hanging). Walker also points out that the first communist to ascend to the heavens was the son of a humble carpenter

The writer tries to describe what it was like to be a cosmonaut at the time. Gagarin  who came from the world of combat aviation  suddenly found himself on a rocket that had been designed to carry nuclear weapons, with a 50% chance that everything would explode. It took a lot of courage. He highlights the tremendous risks that were taken, which the Soviets lied about for decades.

Fidel Castro and Yuri Gagarin exchange caps during the cosmonaut's trip to Cuba in 1961. Cortesia del State de Alberto Korda.

After Garagins extraordinary flight  in which he almost died (the Vostok began to spin out of control)  the man of destiny didnt return to Earth in his ship. Rather, he was ejected and arrived by parachute, carrying a revolver and a hunting knife. If he ended up in enemy territory and was captured, he only had to say: Moscow, Cosmos. There were no crowds waiting for him in the farm field where he fell. Instead, he found two frightened peasant women and a cow. I come from heaven, he told them. Is there a telephone? Fortunately, the letters CCCP (USSR) had been painted on his spacesuit at the last minute.

Walker points out that Gagarin  who left the Earth shouting Poyekhali! (Here we come!)  was perfect to be the first man in space. However, this experience would cost him dearly. And thats the paradox of Gagarin: being the most famous man in the world destroyed him. Upon his return  after the celebrations and tributes  many things began to go wrong in his life. He began to drink a lot. There was one incident where he jumped from a terrace trying not to be discovered with a lover he was left with a permanent scar as testimony of his infidelity.

Derailed, he wanted to go back to space. But in his place, the Soviet authorities sent Vladimir Komarov, who was burned to death. After this, Gagarin revolted furiously against the authorities: Were going too fast, we have to stop, he implored. The fall of Premier Khrushchev  who supported and esteemed him greatly  was another misfortune for the cosmonaut. And then came the plane accident involving a Mig-15, which killed him in 1968. He was only 34-years-old. No one knows for sure what happened. As in the cases of Lady Di or Kennedy, its easy to create conspiracy theories. His father was convinced that [the state] had killed him. Its a controversial subject.

A photo of Gagarin and his Hero of the Soviet Union medal at an exhibition in Moscow, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his flight into space. Alexander Zemlianichenko (AP)

The Gagarin myth  although it lost ground in the rest of the world as Neil Armstrong became a phenomenon  hasnt stopped growing in Russia, where he is venerated almost like a saint. Even Putin, Walker points out, has appropriated him. In fact, there are many similarities between todays Russian nationalism (which supports the invasion of Ukraine) and the sentiments sparked by Gagarins feat. Back then, Russians said to themselves: At the end of World War II our country was devastated, with millions of deaths, and just 16 years later, we managed to be the first in space, ahead of the United States.

Walker closes his book with a few words about Gagarin, summarizing all the grandeur and beauty of his presence in space. They continue to resonate in your head when you look up at the sky: He had encircled the earth and he had seen the stars. He had seen the night and then the new day racing towards his little ship. He had seen the impossible beauty of the atmosphere that enables life to exist; and he had seen its impossible thinness, too. He had seen it all. And he had come back.

The terrible story of animals in space

Beyond also offers  in horrifying detail and with great sensitivity  the atrocities that were committed (on both sides) against animals during the space race. The USSR sent up 41 dogs, including Laika  the first dog to go to space, who died there  on flights in which there was no possibility of rescue. The animals suffered unspeakable pain. A little dog managed to escape when they were taking her to their rocket  the Soviets replaced her with the first dog they found on the street, an unfortunate puppy. And, on the American side, theres the terrible story of a chimpanzee named Ham.

Ham  a three-year-old chimpanzee  is prepared for the MR-2 suborbital test flight. The launch of Mercury-Redstone from Cape Canaveral carried out on January 31, 1961, was successfully completed. NASA used chimpanzees and other primates to test the Mercury Capsule before launching the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, into space, in May 1961. NASA

These animals  especially dogs from the USSR and apes from the U.S.  were actually the first beings on Earth to go into space, Walker emphasizes. Their stories are fascinating, but terrifying. I met and interviewed Adilya Kotovskaya  the top Soviet person in charge of the dog program (who also tested Gagarin)  and a new world opened up to me. Those creatures were the silenced heroes of the space race. Of course, they werent volunteers. Their inability to understand what was happening to them  and the lack of mercy, cruelty and harshness with which they were treated  is one of the saddest and most regrettable chapters in the conquest of space.

[Think of] the chimponaut, Ham, who was kidnapped in the Cameroonian jungle. This is an especially important story because of the hardships he suffered  including electric shocks  [and because the tests they did on him] caused changes in the U.S. space project that even affected the Apollo program. When looking at the photos of Ham tied up in his capsule, Jane Goodall said she had never seen more extreme terror reflected on the face of a chimpanzee.

Well, at least cats werent sent into space. Im afraid so, sorry, Walker corrects this interviewer sadly. The French used them. They sent several [into space] and then sacrificed the ones who survived [for the autopsies].

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Donald Trump's onetime lawyer turned bitter foe Michael Cohen took the witness stand on Tuesday in the business fraud case against the former US president, accusing his ex-boss of "arbitrarily" inflating his net worth.



It was the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and his former right-hand man, nicknamed the "Pitbull," since Cohen went to jail and became a vocal critic of the New York real estate tycoon.

The pair mostly avoided eye contact as Cohen testified in the civil fraud case in which Trump and his two eldest sons are accused of exaggerating the value of the Trump Organization's real estate assets to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms.

"I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets based upon a number he arbitrarily elected," the 57-year-old Cohen told a packed Manhattan courtroom as Trump sat across from him at the defense table, scowling occasionally and shaking his head.

Cohen acknowledged responsibility for taking part in the alleged fraud and said he and former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg would "reverse-engineer asset classes" to achieve "whatever number (Trump) told us."

Trump would "look at the total assets and say, 'I'm actually not worth $4.5 billion. I am more like $6 billion,'" Cohen said.

The 77-year-old Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, denounced Cohen at the end of the day's proceedings as a "disgraced felon."

"The witness is totally discredited," Trump said. "This is a case that should never have been brought."

Cohen was sentenced in 2018 to three years in prison for campaign finance violations, tax evasion and participating in a hush money case involving Trump but was released after a little over a year.

Trump's lawyers sought to undermine Cohen's credibility during cross-examination with one attorney, Chris Kise, calling him a "serial liar."

"You understand what under oath means?" another Trump lawyer, Alina Habba, sarcastically asked Cohen, who has been stripped of his law license.



Trump ally pleads guilty



It was Cohen's testimony before Congress in 2019 that sparked the investigation by the New York authorities into whether Trump had artificially inflated his net worth.

Trump is not required to attend the trial, but he has shown up sporadically, using his appearances to portray himself as the victim of a supposed Democratic plot to interfere with his White House campaign.

The former president does not risk going to jail in the fraud trial, but New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, is seeking $250 million in penalties and the removal of Trump and his sons from management of the family real estate empire.

Cohen is also expected to be a star witness in a separate criminal case facing the former president in New York -- for allegedly paying election-eve hush money to a porn actress.

Earlier this month, Trump withdrew a lawsuit he filed against Cohen seeking $500 million for alleged breach of attorney-client privilege and a confidentiality agreement.

No reason was given for Trump dropping the suit, but Cohen noted that it came just days before the former president was to sit for a deposition.

The civil fraud and hush money cases are only two of the legal battles facing Trump as he seeks to recapture the White House.

He is to go on trial in Washington in March for conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election and in Florida in May on charges of mishandling secret government documents.

The twice-impeached former president also faces racketeering charges in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to upend the election results in the southern state after his 2020 defeat.

Compounding his legal woes, a third lawyer who worked on the Trump 2020 campaign pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the Georgia case.

Jenna Ellis, in a tearful statement, expressed regret.

"I look back on this whole experience with deep remorse," Ellis told the court after pleading guilty to a charge relating to false claims of voter fraud.

"If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges," she said.


U.N. agencies are urgently appealing for Israels siege on Gaza to be lifted and for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.

Gaza was placed under a complete siege following the October 7 attack in southern Israel by Hamas militants. No food, water or medical supplies were allowed into the enclave for two weeks. Aid started to come in on Saturday through the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Since October 21, three convoys of humanitarian supplies have gone into the strip, with a total of 54 trucks  carrying a mix of food, medical supplies, and non-food items, said Tamara Alrifai, director of external relations and communications for UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Alrifai called this just a trickle in the face of the immense needs of people on the strip.

UNRWA is the largest supplier of aid in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

Before the conflict, Alrifai said 500 trucks used to arrive in Gaza carrying a combination of commercial goods and humanitarian supplies, including 45 trucks of fuel, every day.

Speaking from Amman, Jordan Tuesday, she told journalists in Geneva that fuel was almost more important than anything else.

So far, fuel has not been allowed into the strip. Fuel is extremely urgent because without fuel the trucks themselves cannot move. Without fuel, the generators cannot produce electricity for hospitals, for bakeries and for the water desalination plants.

Gaza has always had the problem with access to clean drinking water, she said. The problem is extremely aggravated now with extremely limited access to water.

The World Health Organization reports between 1 and 3 liters of clean water per person is available, per day, in Gaza, far below the international standard which calls for a minimum of 15 liters per person per day.

That is just the bare minimum for drinking, for cooking, for basic hygiene, said Rick Brennan, WHO regional emergency director for the eastern Mediterranean region. I can guarantee you, there is hardly anyone in Gaza that has had a shower or a proper bath in the past few weeks."

He said, We are extremely worried about the spread of infectious diseases. We are hearing about increased cases of respiratory infections. Soon, we will run into diarrheal outbreaks, skin infections, and so on. It is just a matter of time.

He said hospitals were overstretched, running low on medicines and medical supplies, and lacking the electricity to power generators.

All this, he noted, put thousands of people with chronic diseases such as kidney disease who require dialysis, people with high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes at great risk because they are finding it difficult to get access to the services they need.

The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights reports 1,300 Israeli citizens and residents were killed in the attacks by Hamas militants who invaded Israel. It says Palestinian armed groups also took an estimated 200 people, including children, hostage, which is prohibited by international law.

Since October 7, the agency reports more than 5,000 people in Gaza have been killed, including 2,000 children, mostly in attacks and operations by Israel Defense Forces. It says civilians constitute the majority of those killed in both Gaza and Israel.

In a statement Monday, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk warned, This violence will never end unless leaders stand up and take the brave and humane choices that are required by fundamental humanity.

He called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and for saving the lives of civilians through the delivery of prompt and effective humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, provided according to need and not limited by any other, arbitrary criteria.

Speaking from his base in Cairo, Egypt, Rick Brennan said that the ongoing bombardment of Gaza for more than two weeks has displaced some 1.4 million people.

I have been working in humanitarian assistance for 30 years and I cannot remember a humanitarian situation with that number of people being displaced over such a short period of time.

He said hundreds of thousands of people have taken shelter in UNRWA schools, which are overcrowded and lacking all amenities.

He said, How do people deal with the daily activities of life? How do you go to the bathroom within that context, with over 500,000 people crammed into these places? As a mother, how do you occupy the time of your children, your toddlers, your young kids when there is ongoing bombardment with nowhere to move?

He said the situation for people in Gaza was desperate and the territorys health system would continue to disintegrate as long as hostilities continued.

He warned, Unless secure passage for the delivery of health supplies across all of the Gaza Strip is assured, and unless additional humanitarian assistance, including fuel, is promptly provided, the consequence will be catastrophic.

VOA U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.
The United States has suspended most financial assistance to the central African country of Gabon in response to Augusts military takeover.

The United States has concluded that a military coup detat has taken place in Gabon, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement released Monday. Miller said the aid had been temporarily paused since Sept. 26. Miller said all humanitarian, health, and education assistance to Gabon will continue.

A group of army officers led by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, chief of the Republican Guard, placed President Ali Bongo under house arrest on Aug, 30 and seized power. General Nguema was designated president of a committee aimed at eventually returning power to a civilian government.

The mutinous soldiers announced the coup on national television just moments after the nations election commission declared that Bongo had won a third term in general elections held just days before.

Bongo first took office in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled the oil-producing country for the previous 42 years.

Opponents say the family has failed to share the countrys oil and mining wealth with its 2.3 million people.

Judd Devermont, a special assistant to U.S. President Joe Biden, met with Nguema and military-appointed Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima last week in the capital, Libreville, to discuss a path forward on restoring democracy in Gabon.

Gabon state TV reported that Nguema reiterated after the meeting he will return power to civilian rule at the end of the transition, but he did not announce a timeframe.

The United States reaffirms our commitment to support Gabon in conducting a timely and durable transition to democratic civilian governance, Miller said in his statement. We will resume our assistance alongside concrete actions by the transitional government toward establishing democratic rule.

Some information for this report came from Reuters.


Thirty-three U.S. states are suing Meta Platforms Inc., accusing it of damaging young people's mental health through the addictive nature of their social media platforms.

The suit filed Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, alleges Meta knowingly installed addictive features on its social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook, and has collected data on children younger than 13, without their parents' consent, violating federal law.

"Research has shown that young people's use of Meta's social media platforms is associated with depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life, and many other negative outcomes," the complaint says.

The filing comes after Meta's own research in 2021 found that the company was aware of the damage Instagram can do to teenagers, especially girls.

In Meta's 2021 study, 13.5% of teen girls said Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls said it makes eating disorders worse.

Meta responded to the lawsuit by saying it has "already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families."

"We're disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path," the company added.

Meta is one of many social media companies facing criticism and legal action, with lawsuits also filed against ByteDance's TikTok and Google's YouTube.

Measures to protect children on social media exist, but they are easily circumvented, such as a federal law that bans kids under 13 from setting up accounts.

The dangers of social media for children have been highlighted by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who said the effects of social media require "immediate action to protect kids now."

In addition to the 33 states suing, nine more state attorneys general are expected to join and file similar lawsuits.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
South Africa is hosting a summit for participants in the U.S. government's duty-free Africa Growth and Opportunity Act from November 2 to 4 as the act comes up for renewal. Kate Bartlett spoke to the owners of one South African company about how the trade initiative  which benefits more than 30 countries on the continent  helped them grow their business and enter the U.S. market. VOA footage by Zaheer Cassim.
Violence among the Eritrean diaspora has broken out in Europe, the Middle East and North America in recent weeks. Hundreds have been arrested in clashes between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government. In this report from Stuttgart, Germany, Henry Wilkins speaks with members of the Eritrean diaspora about what has triggered these new clashes.
In order to view a painting by Mark Rothko (1903-1970) following the painters instructions, first you must take two steps back from the canvas  or three, if you have small feet  and align yourself with the center of the work as if looking at yourself in a mirror. The artist advised standing 46 centimeters from his canvases to summon up the concentration necessary to understand his work, the immersion in the windows that each painting opened, that are always views of our internal abysses. There were other conditions: the works had to be hung almost at ground level, as in an artists workshop, and lit dimly so that it forced a sepulchral silence, like that which could be found inside a religious temple.

He had strict codes, so to speak, because he wanted his art to be taken seriously and not as a commodity. For him, art was essential in the relationships between people, says his son Christopher. He didnt want his paintings to be just commerce or a mere decorative object. He lived in fear that his works were just something pretty to hang over the couch, he says, sitting at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, which has just opened a colossal retrospective of the painter. The exhibition comes second of all time in the number of works exhibited, according to those in charge. In all, there are 115 paintings on loan from 36 public and private institutions from around the world, which shine in the cathedral-sized building that Frank Gehry erected a decade ago on the western edge of the French capital.

'Untitled (subway)' by Mark Rothko (1937). Collection Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko / Glenn Castellano

Its curators are Christopher Rothko, guarantor of his fathers legacy, and Suzanne Page, artistic director of the foundation created by the magnate Bernard Arnault, who is a great admirer of the painter. The businessman has one of Rothkos works hanging in his office, but it will not form part of this exhibition because it is in the process of restoration, according to the museum. Rothko is the artist the world needs today. There are few who have delved so deeply into the fundamental human emotions, as he called them. That is, tragedy, death, and ecstasy, says Page. The curious thing, in his case, is that he did it through a language of great sensuality. The more beautiful the work is, the more it disturbs us, she adds. Duncan Phillips, one of his patrons, used to say that Rothkos work generated a feeling of well-being suddenly overshadowed by a cloud. Or a sensory plenitude poisoned by a sting of melancholy. Each of his paintings, which aspire to the same eloquence as poetry and music, the artist said, reaffirms those words.

The exhibition covers the artists entire career, from his beginnings in figuration  with New York landscapes from the 1930s, full of emaciated bodies merging with the architecture, which seem like the work of a solitary and perplexed man, who observes the world from a distance  to the paintings in black tones that he painted before dying by suicide in 1970, through the famous large abstract formats for which he became a living legend. And it examines, above all, the lesser-known periods, including the supposedly minor ones. Unlike other retrospectives, the one that begins in Paris (running until April 2, 2024) features works from regional and university museums in the United States  from Nebraska to Arizona and from Toledo (Ohio) to Utica (New York)  which tend not to travel.

Mark Rothko (1903-1970) in a 1961 portrait by his daughter Kate. Kate Rothko (Apic / Hulton / Rue des Archives)

The Rothko family collection is well represented, through the best-known works of the so-called classical period  the large canvases of floating and blurred colors  but also other much less famous ones, which have almost never been seen in public. For example, Movie Palace (1934-35), exhibited only once in a New York gallery, depicts the interior of a cinema full of sad and deformed faces, among spots of color that seem to announce the abstraction of his later paintings, in maroon, gray, indigo, and brown tones.

On the opposite wall, there is a portrait from 1936. Rothko paints himself as a sphinx, a monster from Greek mythology that posed unsolvable enigmas. He hides his gaze behind dark glasses, his gesture is boring and inexpressive, and the background is neutral, as in a portrait by Rembrandt, whom he admired and whose works he used to go to see at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. It seems that he doesnt want us to know anything about him, remarks his son Christopher, who was seven years old when the painter died. Rothko hated biographical readings of his work and, starting in his forties, he dispensed with explanatory panels and also with titles, preferring to refer to his paintings with numbers or names of colors, thus erasing all possible clues for whoever admired them. And yet, it is undeniable that he was a painter of his time, says his son.

'Slow Swirl at the Edge of the Sea' (1944), a work from Rothko's surrealist period. Collection Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko / ADAGP, Paris 2023

The exhibition is faithful to that idea: without fuss, it suggests that the mutations in his work respond to the murky context of the time. Rothko participated in the break with the human figure typical of his artistic generation (abstract expressionism) although he did not adopt the formal solutions of contemporaries such as Pollock or De Kooning. After Auschwitz, when poetry seemed obscene, he let himself be guided by the Nietzschean idea of transforming tragedy into beauty, by the internal light in the paintings of Turner or Vermeer, by the daring use of color in the works of Giotto. In 1946, he took a turn towards an abstraction that, in his own words, lives and breathes. These works are full of spots of color that tend towards regular geometry, until they become horizontal rectangles with diffuse edges that overlap in an impossible game of transparencies, which he achieves by using the tempera paints typical of the medieval tradition.

Rothko was also a figure of dissent in the art world. He was always fighting with critics, the market and collectors. Despite becoming rich, he had a problematic relationship with money and success. He abandoned the commission for the Seagram Building murals, in which he aspired to emulate Fra Angelicos Florentine refectories, before understanding that the place was going to be a refuge for the New York bourgeoisie. He gave nine of these paintings to the Tate in London, which has lent them in their entirety for the first time for this exhibition. Having a sanctuary tailored to his needs was his dream. He achieved this by commissioning the Menil collection in Houston, where he erected an octagonal chapel in the sixties, when he was already a guest star at Kennedys inauguration and MoMA was dedicating its first retrospective dedicated to a living artist to him. He also gave up a project for the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, in which he planned to combine his work with that of Giacometti. With poetic license, the Louis Vuitton Foundation has tried to evoke it in one of the rooms of the exhibition.

'No. 14' (1960), by Mark Rothko. Collection Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko / Adagp, Paris, 2023

Above all, the work of Marcus Rothkowitz (his real name) is the work of an artist who did not assimilate into his host culture, in which he never felt completely at home, as his son implies. He was an eternal exile, an inconsolable guy, Page confirms. Born in 1903 in the Russian city of Dvinsk, in present-day Latvia, he emigrated to the New World with his family at the age of 10, fleeing the pogroms. He hated religion ever since his mother forced him to pray the kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, for an entire year. But in his work the imprint of his parents culture, the Jewish concept of the mitzvah (the kind act intended to cure the worlds ills), and the trauma of witnessing the Holocaust from a distance.

He was not a religious man, but he was aware of his Jewish heritage, says his son. In his time, the world falls apart and people experience atrocities that threaten to end humanity. But, even in the midst of these horrors, his painting remains a positive act. Every time he painted a painting, he did so convinced that art had transformative powers, and was able to move the soul and thus restore relationships that have been fractured. And as we said at the beginning: Rothko is the artist the world needs today.

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Hamas is sitting on a stockpile of Western weapons that had previously been shipped to Ukraine. How they reached the Islamic resistance organization is not known.

The Hamas video below shows unequivocally that it has US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile launchers, Swedish-made NLAWs and AT4 rocket launchers (Swedish or US-made).

Israel must expect to suffer heavy losses if it sends its ground troops into Gaza. The Israeli general staff has already acknowledged that one of its officers was killed by these weapons, during a reconnaissance mission in Gaza.

Furthermore, Hezbollah deployed them, as a preventative measure, on the Lebanese-Israeli border.

In August 2021, Newsweek revealed that an Il-76 had dropped off a shipment of $100-million worth of Western weapons in Tehran. It was believed at the time that Russia was providing copies of Western weapons to Iran so that its army could replicate them. They may have ended up in the hands of Hamas, but the Pentagon had denied this.

It is more likely that, the Ukrainian army being so corrupt, the weapons could easily have been obtained directly. They can transit through the Black Sea, without any help from Russia or Iran.
Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Getty Images

Update, October 25, 2023: Tragically, Comedy Central did not heed our advice to reunite the Bodega Boys for one last go-round on the DJ Envy-Is-an-Herb carousel, but on the October 24th episode of The Daily Show, guest host Desus Nice seized the hot seat to go at the alleged scamfluencer solo and did a more than serviceable job stirring up their old feud. Now, Im going to give you some important financial news, he began, barely able to contain himself. Then a series of news clips played detailing DJ Envys alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, which Desus commented on with statements like, Its definitely not funny. Theres certainly nothing personal that makes it funny to me! Check out the full clip here:

Original story published October 24, 2023, follows:

In his first show behind The Daily Show desk on October 23, this weeks guest host, Desus Nice, reunited publicly with a beloved Bronx native hes been on TV with in the past. Unfortunately for longtime fans, this reunion was not with his former Desus & Mero co-host, The Kid Mero; it was with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. AOC and Desuss conversation was entertaining enough  they chatted about important issues like the House Speaker election and the roadblocks in the way of immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. But you know what didnt come up during their chat? Not even once? DJ Envy, who is all over the news this week owing to his possible involvement in a Ponzi scheme. This is where only Mero could have been of service. Desus and Mero have a storied history with the radio personality, and given the timing of Desuss Daily Show guest-hosting stint, a reunion is needed now more than ever.

To recap: In 2018, DJ Envy and his wife Gia Casey went on the daytime talk show The Real to talk about the radio personalitys history of infidelity, and on their Viceland late-night show, Desus and Mero  as they did with everything  took this opportunity to crack a few jokes. (One half-hearted barb about Casey being with Envy for his money struck a nerve.) A month later, Desus and Mero went on DJ Envys radio show The Breakfast Club to promote an upcoming tour, and Envy introduced them to the shows audience as Dickhead and Pussy, demanded an apology (which Desus gave), and eventually stormed out of the interview to the astonishment of his co-hosts.

On their Viceland show that same night, Desus and Mero hosted a play-by-play recap of the footage of Envy ambushing them and storming out, called him the Bisquick bandit, wondered why Envy didnt just call them privately instead of engineering a viral confrontation on-air, and laughed about how all of this could have been prevented if Envy simply hadnt gone on a nationally syndicated show to air out his dirty laundry in the first place.

A year later, Desus and Mero buried the hatchet. Envy mentioned on The Breakfast Club that the duo had sent him a gift, and Desus and Mero later explained on their Showtime show that the grand gesture Envy was referring to was an Edible Arrangement that said Happy Anniversary From Dickhead and Pussy.

To be clear, this is not a plea for Desus and Mero to get back together permanently. They had their reasons for breaking up, and we respect that. This is a plea to Comedy Central: Throw whatever money is necessary at Desus and Mero to set aside their differences for one night. Watching them impersonate DJ Envys reaction to finding out his iHeartRadio office was being raided by federal officials would be must-see TV. It would hoist The Daily Show back onto its perch atop American cultures pyramid (without the aid of a DJ Envy scheme) and remind the world of how people can come together, despite everything, for the greater good. Please, Comedy Central, we need this.
From Daphne, at LCT3. Photo: Marc J. Franklin

Soon, at Playwrights Horizons, Alexandra Tatarsky will stage her solo performance about a young Jewish woman who thinks she is a small German boy who thinks he is a tree. Last spring, Agnes Borinskys The Trees  about a brother and sister who calmly, miraculously take root in a public park  unfurled its tender, quizzical branches at the same venue. Now Renae Simone Jarrett brings her new play, Daphne  which dances with an Ovidian transformation myth where a woman becomes a tree  to Lincoln Centers Claire Tow Theater (ending the Playwrights monopoly on surreal arboreal drama). There seems to be something in the soil; perhaps a yearning for stillness and solitude and dirt, for deep roots, sun-reaching limbs, and protective, time-weathering armor  a desire, in the mad, terrifying rush of it all, to pause for a while and simply  photosynthesize.

Under Sarah Hughess unrushed direction, Daphne is a tiptoeing, dreamlike affair, too committed to being disquieting to be described as gentle but consistently soft. Too soft, in fact. Theres a muted, teasing quality to the play, a feeling of climbing very gradually up a foggy hill, with the promise of something  possibly shocking or awful or amazing  at the top, only to find that youve actually been trekking across fairly flat ground. Not only is there not much to see from the summit; theres not really much of a summit to see from.

Thats partly because Jarrett wants to have her myth and eat it too. The play has a lot invested in its own sinister surreality  which makes sense, given the source material  but it also wants for everything to be okay, for its murky, uncanny journey to be, ultimately, a healing one. And yes, healing is nice, but theres no real psychological setup for such warm fuzziness in the structure Daphne builds from its myth. In Ovids tale, the love/lust-struck god Apollo relentlessly pursues the nymph Daphne until she cries out to her father, a river god, for help, and he transforms her into a laurel tree. The story is already, at best, bittersweet  the only way to avoid rape is to become an inanimate object  but its epilogue is downright unfair: Apollo kisses the trees bark and vows to use its wood to make his bow and lyre, and its leaves as his crown, forevermore. Daphnes body is violated after all. Girl just wanted to listen to her music.

These currents of menace, pursuit, and physical violation flow heavy through Jarretts play. Her Daphne (Jasmine Batchelor) is a young woman whos just moved into an isolated country house inherited by her girlfriend, Winona (Keilly McQuail). Soon after she arrives, Winona slams her finger in a door and, from the wound, a strange, bark-like scarring begins to spread across her body. Shes treeifying  though, perhaps its only a symbol? People look at her weird but not nearly weird enough for whats happening, if its whats happening.

That veil of vagueness is drawn across Daphne as a whole. The setting is contemporary and the clothes, by Oana Botez, are slouchily hip, but the rest of the details of the world outside Winonas spooky old house, and sometimes even inside it, are wrapped in haze. What Winona and Daphne do, or did, back in the implied city from which Daphne came, is a mystery. What Daphnes doing here, other than making tea, wandering through the woods, and  like Psyche and Belle and Jane Eyre and the second Mrs. de Winter before her  generally becoming more and more unnerved by her seemingly beautiful but increasingly oppressive and ominous partner-owned living situation? Also unclear.

As Winona, McQuail twists her tall, lean body into hunched, uncomfortable shapes and speaks in a flat, scratchy drawl  vocal fry as both defensive maneuver and intimidation tactic. She lowers her sharp chin and stares out from under her eyelids at Batchelors open-faced Daphne with huge, hard, unblinking eyes. She doesnt like Daphne to have friends over, or to leave the door unlocked, or to go to the small nearby town (The walk isnt safe). She believes their nearest neighbor (Denise Burse) is a witch who is invading her dreams. Winona is lonely, paranoid, possessive, and full of clawing need. Shes also got an apparently huge and frightening bird named Phoebus, whom she keeps hidden in a cage under a cloth and feeds dead mice. Phoebus as in Apollo  if we didnt already get it.

Jarrett is trying to complicate her villain, to create, with Winona, an Apollo who isnt actually a villain at all, but whos hurt and frightened and running from her own pursuers, even if theyre imaginary ones. Its an admirable impulse, but it doesnt quite work. Even if we pity Winona, and she is pitiable, she remains opaque, and were still inclined to think Daphne would be better off packing her bags. The plays preference for the odd and obscure is partly responsible for this empathy gap: Winona and Daphne talk about dead animals (Do they die on the sidewalk and then somebody comes to get them?  Where are all their bodies?) or whether or not human beings have eggs (Winona you literally have eggs in you right now  Didnt you take a class in middle school?) or, at their most extreme, Winonas nightmares. Their conversations are pastless, futureless, suspended in an eternal, creepy-quirky present. How did they find each other? Why did they come here? What is the foundation of their love and why should we root (oof, sorry) for it? A tomes worth of backstory isnt required, but a little sense of fleshed out humanity is.

Were supposed to stick with Daphne and Winona, but their blurry outlines make them difficult to grasp. Meanwhile, the storys two visitors from the outside world are sharper, brighter, and thus  it cant be helped  more appealing. Daphne is friends with a couple, Piper and Wendy, who each sneak out to see her when Winona isnt home, and their visits are some of the highlights of the show. Naomi Lorrains expansive, good-humored Wendy, striding about in a particularly fashionable rainbow-decked coat, feels like a healthy gust of clean air; and Jeena Yi is excellent as Piper  funny, grounded, and just the right amount of wacky as she bounces the rolled up blanket that stands for her new baby around and grouses cheerfully about how, I preferred her in. (In a pair of enjoyably weird entrances and exits, Piper arrives by emerging from a cupboard and departs by falling out a window.)

Theres a level of flesh-and-blood tangibility to these scenes that the rest of Daphne lacks, not to mention a set of circumstances that allows Jarrett to ground her plays body horror in something solid. I could never, Daphne whispers when Piper talks about everyone looking at my vagina open up in the hospital bed. Piper is sanguine about having given birth, but Wendys less convinced: We are these animals, you know, she says to Daphne later, walking around in these animal bodies. And [Pipers body has] completely been ravaged by this parasite and now shes this ravaged walking carcass.

Daphne is suffused with, and is about, specifically female kinds of fear. Too often, though, that fear diffuses into a gestural fog  a fluttering curtain, a secret door in the wall, the sound of a falling tree. Even the bark that slowly creeps across Daphnes body feels underexplored, a symbol that evaporates when it should crystalize. But when Piper and Wendy blow into Daphne and Winonas isolated world, they momentarily clear the fog away. They bring along with them the rich psychological earth thats required to plant even the most surreal of trees.

Daphne is at Lincoln Centers Claire Tow Theater through November 19.
Isnt it rich? Isnt it queer? Photo: Emilio Madrid

Unlike an Orwell or an Odets, the cheekily (and correctly) self-described icon of the American musical theater Stephen Sondheim is not ordinarily associated with overt political righteousness. Yet what Orwell called a sense of injustice is right there flowing through his work  sometimes as a quiet underground stream, sometimes as a heaving, filthy flood. What does a man do, when at last he realizes his suffering is caused not by the cruelty of fate, but by the injustice of his fellow human beings? asks the anarchist Emma Goldman in Sondheim and John Weidmans Assassins. Or take the direful lesson delivered just minutes into Sweeney Todd:

Theres a hole in the world like a great black pit And the vermin of the world inhabit it And its morals arent worth what a pig can spit At the top of the hole sit a privileged few Making mock of the vermin in the lower zoo Turning beauty to filth and greed  I too have sailed the world and seen its wonders For the cruelty of men is as wondrous as Peru

So although its not a surprise, its still an invigorating relief that Sondheims final offering to the world, the long-time-coming new musical Here We Are, is a fittingly complex and thorny one. The same seething consciousness of caste and cruelty that ripples through Sweeney forms the backbone of Here We Are, a show equally preoccupied with trendy restaurants and one with, if anything, even more of an impulse to eat the rich. Theres no blurring of the composer-lyricists inimitable, agile and angular forms, no blunting of his wit, no comfort in nostalgia. The play has sharp, savage urges, springing from its sense of injustice. When it wobbles, and it does so increasingly as it goes along, its not because it began without a clear proposition: Its because the logical conclusion of its premise is in fact so dark, so extreme, that you can feel the opposing, more compassionate (or at least more ambivalent) instincts of the shows creators kicking back at it  stalling, equivocating, looking for alternative exits.

Whichisnt it ironic?is exactly what Here We Ares trapped characters are doing for the increasingly macabre latter half of the play. With a jaunty-sinister book by the playwright David Ives, Here We Are is based on two films by the Spanish surrealist director Luis Bunuel: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and The Exterminating Angel. (Director Joe Mantello has been on board helping to develop the show since 2016.) Both Bunuel films are satires of the aristocracyDiscreet Charm eerily light and dreamlike, Angel much more brutaland Here We Are smashes them together. In the first act, we meet a gaggle of effervescent, absurdly wealthy friends (at the top of the hole) who embark on a simple quest for brunch and, with mounting bizarreness, keep failing to get it  this, give or take, is the plot of Discreet Charm. In Act Two, theyve finally found a place to dinethe palatial embassy of the made-up mini-country Moranda; one of them is the ambassadorbut now, due to some menacing and inexplicable force, they find themselves unable to leave. Their only goal has been to eat; now theyre left with nothing to consume but themselves.

What does a man do, when he sees those dear to him starving, when he himself is starved? What does he do? Thats Assassins Emma Goldman again  and though shes advocating for righteous rebellion, her words describe the predicament of Here We Ares friends disturbingly well. Theres another answer Emma wouldnt want to hear, and that is that, when they are starving, some men turn on each other. These days, were familiar with this classic horror-movie arcthanks in part to Bunuel, whose Angel is often cited as a significant precursor to the genre, or even as an early example of itand so we ready ourselves for Here We Are to plummet towards darkness, and to get grisly on the way.

The fact that it never really does is intriguing, and yet also often gives one the stutter-starting sensation of hesitancy, a kind of vacillation in the face of the abyss. It feels as if Sondheim, Ives, and Mantello were attempting to navigate between genre cliches  on the one side, the gruesome: eating innocent animals, eating each other, suicides, madness, etc.; and on the other side, the sentimental: Well, at least we all learned something about ourselves. Within this narrow, tricky gap, theyve had trouble finding a solid something else. The line between intentional, powerful ambivalence and couldnt-quite-be-helped ambiguity is sometimes incredibly thin, and Here We Are weaves back and forth across it.

But what an astounding set of performances! What a striking, protean mise-en-scene! What a thrill to hear the unmistakable syncopations, the spikes and leaps and the intermittent yearning silkiness of this music, one last first time. When billionaires wife, Marianne Brink (a sublime Rachel Bay Jones), sings a soaring ode to the joys of superficiality, Sondheim breezes into the room at full force. Whats wrong with superficial? sings Marianne:

I want things to shine  Is that so bizarre? I want things to gleam, To be what they seem, And not what they are

We may be inclined to sit in judgment on Marianne and her Jersey Boy oligarch of a husband, Leo (Bobby Cannavale, gravel-voiced, insouciant, and excellent in his velour sweatsuit), and on her whole crowd, for that matter  on the Zimmers, snobbish plastic surgeon Paul (Jeremy Shamos) and sharky talent agent Claudia (Amber Gray); on the corrupt Casanova, Raffi, the Morandan ambassador (Steven Pasquale); on Fritz, Mariannes dour, socialist-with-a-trust-fund kid sister (Micaela Diamond) And perhaps that judgment is justified. After all, dont they live indidnt they build and dont they owna whole world, as Fritz describes it, of bought-and-sold elections / and infinity pools / and Damien Hirsts?

The exterminating angel hovers over these people, and yet Mariannes paean to surfaces is alsocleverly, self-seeinglyan artists confession, a song about theater. I want things to gleam, / To be what they seem, / And not what they are. There is, as there so often is in Sondheim, melancholy in the sparkle and vice versa  an undaunted desire to render an ugly world beautiful by making beautiful things. For all her swishing about in an expensive negligee, literally smelling the roses and entreating Leo to Buy this day for me, darling / Buy this perfect day / Put it on display, Marianne is the heart of Here We Are  the closest thing it has to a conscience. Unlike everyone else in her cohort, including her revolution-heralding sister, she is empty of cynicism. Jones turns her into a kind of holy fool, the only one asking real questions, the only one with an unfeigned sense of curiosity and beauty. In the middle of the friends first night of entrapment in the room at the embassy, before they know the full extent of their plight, Marianne dances with a bear who emergesmassive, hilarious, breathtakingfrom behind the grand piano. Is it a dream, or is it some strange, tilted reality? Whatever it is, its clear that only Marianne has the ability to see it, and to meet it with tenderness and fascination, rather than fear.

After Mariannes song, which comes just before the characters discover that theyre stuck, melody quickly drains out of the show. For much of the second act, as desperation and panic and sickness and scapegoating set in, there is no music whatsoever  Here We Are becomes a straight (well, a twisted) play. According to the creators, this shiftand its a dramatic oneis intentional. Ives has described Sondheim fretting when it came to the music for Act Two: Why are these people singing when theyre in this room? Mantello eventually argued to Sondheim that, just as Bunuels The Exterminating Angel has no score, the story they were telling should become one about the absence of music. Once theyre stuck in the room, Mantello said, these characters expressing themselves in a conventional musical-theater way would be deeply unsatisfying and detract from the story.

The intellectual justification for bleeding the music from the play as it progresses holds up. But then, one can learn to intellectually justify pretty much anything; thats what grad school is for. As the plays ensemble, all exceptional actors, threw themselves into spoken drama-and-trauma, I remained a bit distanced. Again, we know this arc, and theres still convention to it, even if it isnt musical  shouting, crying, basically realistically expressed recrimination and breakdown. What would have been the un-conventional musical-theater way forward for Here We Are?

Its not an answerable question, and thats okay, but its still one that buzzes around ones head throughout the shows latter half, like a fly thats difficult to bat away. The moments when it subsides most are the tender ones, particularly another midnight with Marianne, this one shared by a benign oddball of a bishop (a wonderful, wistful David Hyde Pierce). He has turned up unexpectedly, just before the existential lockdown  why? Because, as Pierce sing-splains in high understated-comic form, hes looking for a new job. (Of course he is: This world is godless, faithless, spiritless, conscienceless. Who needs a little priest?) But nowdays, weeks, who knows how long laterhe and Marianne share a sweet, slightly dim, yet very poignant conversation about the nature of being, as they munch on pages of A Tale of Two Cities to stave off starvation. (The classics, remarks the bishop with mild appreciation, Always nourishing  now literally so.)

Yes. Being. Well, he goes on, coughing a bit. First of all  you might say  were here. Actually here! On earth. Most likely. Though perhaps not. As are other people, and also objects. And that means something. That were here. We mean something, apparently. We are what you might call matter that matters. Or not. Depending on who you read. Pierces touch is delicate, and Jones is radiant with glad attention. Its the culmination of the playfulness of the shows title: a banal little phrase that could signify a delighted arrival, or a hopeless assessment of the circumstances, or an articulation of astonishment at our very existence.

The logical conclusion of its premise is so dark, so extreme, that you can feel the opposing, more compassionate (or at least more ambivalent) instincts of the shows creators kicking back.

Or, as Mantello has pointed out, a waiter setting a plate down in front of someone. Despite its flickers of softness and wonder, Here We Are is alsoor at least has the bone structure ofa scathing class satire. Fritzs insistence that its the end of the world and the revolution is up and humming isnt empty talk: Shes secretly part of a radical cell that has doomsday plans in motion. In fact, the leader of that cell (Denis OHare) will end up trapped in the room along with his rich and formerly powerful quarry. Is the world ending outside while they all wait, sweat, and suffer, eating books and, sans toilet, relieving themselves in priceless Ming jars? Perhaps.

The tough, droll OHare and the fantastic Tracie Bennett play a parade of servants throughout the show  in the first act, a series of waiters who are infinitely sorry (or not) to announce that their various restaurants are out of everything. We do expect a little latte later, / But we havent got a lotta latte now, sings a suicidally contrite OHare. (You can just imagine Sondheim giggling over his Blackwing.) Bennett, meanwhile, is marvelous as an operatically disaffected French waitress with an Edna Mode haircut and a look that suggests shed be fine emceeing at the Kit Kat Klub. What does anything matteur? she groans. It is what it is. / Things are what they are. / La vie est la vie. She is the jaded yin to Mariannes fantasy-craving yang, and that fabulous fit is courtesy of hair and makeup designers Robert Pickens and Katie Gell, along with David Zinn, who designed scenery and costumes. Zinns cavernous, gleaming white box of a setwhich is being performatively cleaned by people in service uniforms before the play beginswill become a kind of hellmouth: opening up to belch forth Act Twos enormous, gilded prison of a drawing room. (The leatherbound books, the colorful cast of affluent characters, the menace, the butler Sometimes its like a surrealist Clue.)

Bennett lends a scale and a physical grotesquerie to her roles that feels especially on point for the source material  but theres not a single performer lagging behind in Here We Are. Gray, whose Claudia is nervy and explosive, is a perfect complement to Shamoss seemingly unassuming, actually arrogant, reckless, cowardly, sensitive Paul. Pasquale plays his schmoozy, pan-European lothario to the hilt, and Diamond brings hunched, bug-eyed fanaticism and self-loathing (plus a killer voice) to the lost, striving Fritz. When the army shows uprepresented by Francois Battistes straight-backed Colonel Martinand Fritz finds herself swooning over a very pretty soldier (a strapping, golden-voiced Jin Ha) who has very freaky dreams, the confused crack in her character reveals itself. Shes an anarchist, but she falls for law and order.

In The Exterminating Angel, Bunuel makes no bones about the fate of his cast of one-percenters, and its a gory one. Here We Ares satirical revulsion at its own characters, and its decision about what to do with them, was always going to have more friction to it. First because, well, here we are at the $500 million Shed, surrounded by the $25 billion Hudson Yards. As Bennetts waitress says, it is what it is. Still, it is, and for a moment in Act Two, as I watched the dozens of moving lights swiveling above and Zinns set magically transforming below, I wondered: What would Here We Are look like, and what would it mean, treated as if it were Mother Courage  staged on a dime in a warehouse somewhere, a treatise on wealth without wealth to back it, a peoples parody?

But the plays feeling of irresolution around its characters and their dark night of the soul isnt just a matter of real estate. Its also a formal issue: Theater humanizes. Its not just hard to damn an entire dramatis personae to hell; it feels, in a room full of real bodies, where heartbeats and breath have synchronized, somehow wrong. And to make matters even more complex, isnt allowing a character to sing in some sense endowing them with, or admitting that they always had, a soul? Sweeney Todd, a serial killer, displayed one; so did Booth and Oswald. Here We Are is torn between its reasonable desire to obliterate its characters and its aspiration, if not quite to save them, then to remain open-ended as to where theyand wego from here. If its sometimes a muddled impulse, its also a humane one. Sondheim certainly didnt go gentle into the apocalypse of late capitalism, but he didnt go heartless either. He stayed complicated. He gave us more to see.

Here We Are is at the Shed through January 21.
As per usual, last weeks to be continued cliffhanger was absolutely pointless. Aside from Haleigh and Maxs bickering, the rest of the docking goes off without a hitch. The only thing worth noting about this minor problem is that it gives the deck team another reason to dislike Max, who spends the entire episode pissing them off. When one feud dies down (Tumi and Natalya), another rises. But at least this one is much more entertaining.

This second charter feels like it lasted forever, so Im relieved when its time for the guests to step off the boat. Primary Mecca calls Jack out for the vegan food mishaps but praises Tumi for killing it, which unsurprisingly annoys Natalya. While the vegan guest was a handful and a lot of chaos surrounded this trip, the fat $26,000 tip makes it hurt a little less, as Tumi jokingly tells us.

Before heading out for the evening, Natalya gets a text from her boyfriend telling her that he doesnt want to influence her night out but hopes she doesnt do something (a.k.a. hook up with someone else) that will hurt him. Ew! He sounds controlling as fuck. Like, isnt he the one who proposed an open relationship? It seems like what he meant is that he wants to sleep with other people while Natalya remains monogamous, and thats all but confirmed later when he tells her hes hanging out with several women.

To my surprise, everyone gets along well during the crew night out. I fully expected Natalya and Tumi to get into a big drunken argument, but instead, they just had civil conversations. Natalya even suggests they hit refresh and start over with a clean slate after admitting they got off on the wrong foot. Tumi agrees but tells us that shes hesitant to fully believe Natalya since it could just be the tequila talking, and I agree. We wont truly see if Nat is willing to move forward completely until shes working on the next charter.

Back on the boat, everyone heads straight for the jacuzzi, with Lara randomly stopping to kiss Luka because she claims to love kissing people while intoxicated. Luka and Natalya flirt the entire night, but she eventually shuts down anything more because she doesnt want to hurt her dumb boyfriends feelings. As much as I cant stand her, I think Natalya needs to see the light and break up with him because hes clearly not respecting her feelings.

After spending the night sick and puking in the toilet, Jessika wakes up the next morning with what she says is a sore throat. She informs Captain Sandy that shes not feeling well and wants to get checked out, so Sandy arranges for her to be taken to the hospital. With Jessika gone for the time being, the interior is back to being a stew down, so heres hoping Tumi and Natalya can avoid conflict at all costs.

Although Tumi and Natalya have seemingly made up, Kyle is suddenly mad at Nat for some petty reason. After she suggests that they both work in the cabins so they can gossip, self-proclaimed tea queen Kyle tells us hes pissed that Natalya weaponized him against others by telling Sandy that he told her about Tumis text, which he claims he did as an act of friendship. I have to laugh. Kyle, if you dont want your name getting brought up, then dont insert yourself into a situation and stir the pot in the first place.

Our next charter will host returning nepo baby Roy Orbison Jr., his wife Asa, their three kids, and his younger brother and sister-in-law. Also joining them are his sister-in-law and Jackass star Danger Ehren McGhehey, which is an unexpected but exciting surprise for a Jackass fan like me. From what I remember of Roy & Co.s past appearances, theyre a chill group that likely wont give the crew a hard time. Plus, Natalya is looking forward to being the boat nanny, and Tumi is more than happy to have her handle the kids, so things seem to finally be looking up for the interior.

Before the guests arrive, Luka decides to promote Lara to lead deckhand since shes shown initiative and a fantastic work ethic. Sandy agrees, and when he gives Lara the good news, she immediately gets emotional, sharing in a confessional that being lead deckie was always a dream of hers. Its well-deserved, and Im thrilled for her. Lara is a total badass who has quickly become an all-time Below Deck favorite.

Laras first order of business as lead deckhand is to impress Luka by trying to motivate Max to pull his weight. Thats quickly proving to be difficult, though, since Max is allergic to work. While Tumi shows the guests around, Max is tasked with inflating the slide and is baffled that Luka, who has other things to do, isnt helping him complete this simple task. Once they get the jet skis and other toys in the water, Luka has Haleigh take a break, but Max feels like he should also get some time to rest. Luka tells him that its not his break time yet since they still have a lot to get done, especially during a busy day like this. Its hilarious that Max has spent the majority of his time on the boat complaining about being tired from doing work (which doesnt seem to stop him from constantly doing pull-ups) while we havent heard a peep from Lara and Haleigh.

For tonights Italian dinner, Sandy joins the guests and is treated to stories from Ehren about how he broke his neck twice during Jackass Number Two and ruptured his testicle in Jackass Forever. While they enjoy their meal  truffle gnocchi for the vegetarians, wagyu beef for the meat-eaters, some veggies for the kids, and tiramisu for dessert  Jack comes to the realization that he shouldnt pay attention to Natalya or the interior drama and that he and Tumi actually make a good team. We love to see it!

Meanwhile, Luka decides its the perfect time to get the jet skis and tender loaded back on the boat. Not only does the rough weather make it more difficult and dangerous by swinging the tender around on the hook, but it also irritates Sandy. She thinks that Luka shouldve gotten out of the engineering mindset and taken the guests into consideration by waiting until they finished their meal. Luckily, Luka has been such a perfect bosun that this minor mistake probably wont negatively impact her view of him as long as he doesnt do it again.

The next morning, the issues with Max continue when hes 45 minutes late for his 8 a.m. shift. Luka is frustrated that Max is lazy and doesnt listen, telling us that hes typically a calm person but is getting closer to going off on Max, which I cant wait to see. However, I think Lara might beat him to it since shes even more sick of Max and has already shown that she doesnt tolerate any bullshit.

First, Lara gets annoyed with Max while tying the ropes on the stern, and the Frenchie isnt happy with how shes speaking to him. Then, while preparing to pick up the anchor, Lara thinks hes out of line for asking how much yachting experience she has, telling him that he says he knows everything when he really doesnt. Sandy overhears them arguing while hauling the anchor and decides to intervene, which is where the episode leaves us. At this point  especially after hearing him say that he thinks Lara will turn into a monster after her promotion and stating that Haleigh has a big ego  Im sort of convinced that Max has a problem taking direction from women. Theres a reason hes been fired from every job hes ever had, and I doubt this one will be any different.
Photo: Ron Galella/Getty Images

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake took serious measures to keep their abortion a secret. In Spearss new memoir, The Woman in Me, out October 24, she explains just how the couple managed to leave the aggressively nosy public out of her incredibly personal decision. We also decided on something that in retrospect wound up being, in my view, wrong, and that was that I should not go to a doctor or hospital to have the abortion, she remembers. It was important that no one find out about the pregnancy or the abortion, which meant doing everything at home. Outside of Timberlake, whom she dated publicly from 1999 to 2002, only Spearss confidant and assistant Felicia Culotta knew about the decision. Both were there on the appointed day when Spears took the little pills. I went into the bathroom and stayed there for hours, lying on the floor, sobbing and screaming, she says, describing unbelievable pain. I went down to the ground on my knees, holding the toilet.

For some reason, Timberlake thought the dulcet tones of his guitar would be an anesthetic. Justin came into the bathroom and lay on the floor with me, recalls Spears. At some point he thought maybe music would help, so he got his guitar and he lay there with me, strumming it. The pain continued. Still, they didnt take me to the hospital, she writes. The event left her messed up for a while, especially because I still did love Justin so much. It was insane how much I loved him, and for me, it was unfortunate.

Previous excerpts from the book revealed that the decision largely came down to the fact that Timberlake was so sure that he didnt want to be a father, even though for Spears, it wasnt a tragedy  she always expected the couple to have a family together one day. Abortion was something I never could have imagined choosing for myself, but given the circumstances, this is what we did, the megastar writes. If he didnt want to become a father, I didnt feel like I had much of a choice. I wouldnt want to push him into something he didnt want. Our relationship was too important to me. Timberlake broke up with Spears sometime after they ended the pregnancy. He went on to slyly perpetuate a narrative that his ex was to blame for the breakup during the press tour for his 2002 debut album, Justified. He even cast a Spears look-alike in the music video for its single Cry Me a River.

I was described as a harlot whod broken the heart of Americas golden boy, Spears recounts. The truth: I was comatose in Louisiana, and he was happily running around Hollywood. She adds, May I just say that on his explosive album and in all the press that surrounded it, Justin neglected to mention the several times he cheated on me?

This post has been updated throughout with additional information throughout from The Woman in Me, out October 24.
Pras Michel with his former lawyer David Kenner. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Ready or not, Fugees member Pras Michel is facing AI head-on. Michel is demanding a new trial following his recent conviction on conspiracy charges in April. His legal argument is a novel one, as hes claiming his defense attorney used artificial intelligence in court, derailing a possible acquittal. Michel, legal name Prakazrel Michel, filed paperwork on October 16, 2023, alleging that defense attorney David Kenner botched his closing argument by relying on an experimental AI program that neglected important arguments  potentially leading to the rappers conviction. The closing was damaging to the defense, Michels new attorneys, Peter Zeidenberg, Michael F. Dearington, David M. Tafuri, and Sarah Cissy Jackson wrote in court papers.

Owing to the use of AI, the new lawyers claim, Kenner effectively admitted that Michel committed a crime during his closing. According to the prosecution, Michel had allegedly moved money from a fugitive businessman, Jho Low, into Barack Obamas 2012 campaign using bogus donors. During his closing statement, Kenner said that Low wanted a photograph with Obama and was willing to pay anything to get it  and he didnt deny that Michel accepted money from Low. Michel was trying to arrange to get a photograph for someone named Jho Low and he did try his very, very best to get Jho Low that photo, Kenner said.

Michels allegation about AI is part of a broader claim that Kenner was ineffective and severely prejudiced the defense. The AI program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed Michel, his new lawyers said in court papers. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful, and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense. Vulture spoke to several veteran attorneys about an alleged use of AIs potential impact on the push for a new trial.

What courtroom arguments does Michel accuse of being generated by artificial intelligence?

In his telling of the Obama story, his language to jurors appeared to be an admission of guilt of Michels misusing campaign funds for influence peddling, his new lawyers state. They also note Kenners mangled use of song lyrics. He misattributed Puff Daddys song to Fugees  a very well-known Puff Daddy song at that, with the lyrics Every single day, every time I pray, I will be missing you  and he misattributed Michels worldwide hit Ghetto Supastar (That is What You Are) to the Fugees, when it was actually a single by Michel, they wrote.

Michels new lawyers dont just claim that Kenner used perused chatbot-generated text for legal direction. Their court papers also suggest he used a bot because of monetary reasons. Kenner generated his closing argument perhaps the single most important portion of any jury trial  using a proprietary prototype AI program in which he and Alon Israely appear to have had an undisclosed financial stake. They claim Kenners alleged use of EyeLevel.AI, the tech used in the defense, bungled his closing, saying it made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes, and ignored critical weaknesses in the governments case.

Has EyeLevel.AI responded to the allegations?

Before Michel complained about AI use, EyeLevel.AI said in a statement on its website that the companys litigation assistance technology made history last week, becoming the first use of generative AI in a federal trial. The case involved Pras Michel, a former member of the hip-hop band The Fugees, who was on trial for international fraud charges. The company claims that its Lit Assist tech can provide offers critical insights faster than human efforts and conventional technologies alone for things from drafting papers to appeals work.

This is an absolute game changer for complex litigation, Kenner is quoted as saying in a press release after the trial. The system turned hours or days of legal work into seconds. This is a look into the future of how cases will be conducted. Michels former lawyers didnt respond to a request for comment.

However, EyeLevel.AI is insisting nothing improper happened. The companys chief operating officer, Neil Katz, told the New York Times that Michels ex-lawyers didnt rely on it. The idea here is not that you would take what is outputted by a computer and walk it into a courtroom and read it into the record, Katz told the newspaper. Thats not what happened here. He insisted that human lawyers take this as one important input that helps them get to the ideas fasterThey ultimately write the legal arguments that they present in a court. He also denied that the lawyers had some sort of financial stake in his company.

EyeLevels AI for legal is a powerful tool for human lawyers to make human decisions, but do so faster and with far greater information at their fingertips, Katz said in a statement to Vulture. EyeLevel is able to ingest and understand complex legal transcripts based solely on the facts of the case as presented in court. This can then be used by lawyers to prepare legal arguments, cross examine witnesses, predict arguments of opposing counsel and more. Specifically, with Michels case, the AI was trained specifically on the transcripts of the trial and produced research and analysis for the legal team in a revolutionary way, based solely on the facts of the case as presented at trial. We take issue with this idea that somehow our technology produced inaccurate or incorrect or un-useful information for the legal team.

Has AI led to ineffective assistance of counsel claims before?

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said that this is a novel area, and very possible this type of claim hasnt happened yet. The whole area of ineffective assistance of counsel has a lot of background and lots of jurisprudenceprotection of peoples rights in certain situations, Tobias said, but whether would extend to relying on new technologies is not clear and so, it sounds to me that thats on the cutting edge. Because this is such an uncharted territory, Tobias said its hard to say what a judge would make of it.

Could Michel actually get a new trial because of his lawyer using AI?

Getting a new trial is not an easy task, including on ineffective assistance of counsel grounds. One aspect to consider is whether AI is actually doing the work a lawyer is supposed to do. Murray Richman, a longtime defense attorney whose roster of celebrity clients includes the late rapper DMX, said scope is incredibly important:It depends upon how much of that argument was based on the AI or not. Some of the generic phrases that are invoked in opening statements  ladies and gentlemans, for example  are one thing, but if AI does heavy lifting, then thats another thing entirely. Richman explains that could be grounds for ineffective assistance of counsel, because the lawyer isnt doing the work  its analogous to asking a law student to write a summation. Is that ineffective assistance of counsel? Of course it is, Richman said. Its getting somebody else to do what that person himself must have done or should have done.

Has a lawyer ever gotten in trouble for using AI in court?

In June 2023, two New York City lawyers were fined $5,000 for filing a legal brief that was chock-full of fictional cases that were all created by ChatGPT, according to the Times. The case, unremarkable litigation against an airline, Avanca, drew international attention. The airlines lawyers said they couldnt find cases filed by their opponents. The judge in this case asked the lawyers to send him copies of the cases. They couldnt because said cases didnt exist. I heard about this new site, which I falsely assumed was, like, a supersearch engine, the ChatGPT-using lawyer, Steven A. Schwartz, told the judge. He also said, I did not comprehend that ChatGPT could fabricate cases.
Bacanora Lithium workers. Bacanora Lithium

The Mexican government might have cancelled lithium mining concessions that the Chinese firm Bacanora Lithium had won 12 years ago, but the fight is far from over. The firm, a subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium, said in an interview with EL PAIS on Monday that it intends to go through the Mexican legal system to defend their permits and does not rule out an international arbitration proceeding. Nothing is off the table, said Peter Secker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bacanora, we will defend our ownership of the licenses to the full extent.

Originally a British firm, Bacanora has been working in Sonora since 2011. When they picked up the 50-year licenses, there was no known lithium in the area, but the land seemed promising. From 2011 to 2014, the company drilled over 60,000 meters, which yielded a standard resource statement that estimates the licensed field has 8.8 million tons of lithium carbonate in the ground, so they proceeded to build a large demonstration plant, which is a facility built to demonstrate to interested parties that they can extract and produce the key mineral found in electric vehicles batteries. The next stage would be to build an $800-million-dollar complex to produce the mineral at a large scale.

But their plans came to an abrupt halt when, in April 2022, Congress approved mining legislation send by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors that made lithium a strategic mineral of the state. The government then created Litio Mx, a state-owned company that is yet to be given a budget. The decree through which the company was created has ambiguous language that states that Litio Mx could partner with institutions in their lithium mining activities, which could potentially include for-profit, private companies. Weeks later, Bacanoras concessions were canceled.

Over the last 12 years, weve spent tens of millions of dollars in Sonora on these licenses, said Secker from his office in England. When the initial changes in mining law came, it was understood that companies who had valid concessions would be grandfathered through the legislation changes, he explained. And then obviously, sometime early September, we were informed that the government would be canceling the licenses, the CEO said.

We do not believe that its legally valid, and we will maintain all our legal rights to defend this for the fact that we have spent many tens of millions. Weve exceeded all the requirements for spending on the licenses. Weve built a pilot plant; we have a design for a project that will produce 35,000 tons a year of lithium carbonate. It would be one of the largest plants in the world, he said. That amount of lithium is enough to make one million electric vehicles, according to the company.

Last year, Bacanora filed an amparo, a legal figure common in many Latin American countries that works as both an injunction and an appeal and are still waiting on a timetable for the hearing in Sonora. When asked if the company would consider turning to the World Banks arbitration court for international disputes (ICSID), Secker responded: We will work through the Mexico legal route and then consider anything else at a later date, but nothing is off the table. We will defend our ownership of the licenses to the full extent.

Ganfeng has mines in Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America, and Seckers tone is conciliatory when talking about Mexico. The company, he said, is open to working in the form of a joint venture with the authorities, whether it is the federal government or the Sonora government, or even with the new state-owned company Litio Mx.

Ganfeng has the money to do this. Its got the technology, and it has the people to develop this project without any assistance from the government. However, we have had discussions with the government over the last few years and, and were happy to work with the government. We just need to sort out their apparent attempt to cancel the licenses, Secker said.

Suggestions that Lopez Obradors decision to cancel the Chinese companys concessions has been influenced by the United States, Mexicos top trading partner, are nothing but conspiracy theories, said Secker. Ive heard that before We believe that from a Mexican point of view, it would be far better to have a lithium hub in Sonora, where they could have their own lithium, producing their own batteries, supplying to their own vehicles, and then delivering it into the U.S.

There has been a political motivation for this, and we just have to work around it, the executive concluded.

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We need to make sure that people have leisure time, and I dont mean just vacations. Im talking about engaging and enriching activities that help us learn and try new things. Its not just about consuming, but truly experiencing and growing, said Sergio Rodriguez Abitia, president of ISTO Americas (International Social Tourism Organization) and advisor to the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture (CCGM). Rodriguez, a Mexican national with extensive experience in government tourism agencies, the tourism industry and academia, recently participated in the first International Symposium on Social Tourism held in Mar de Plata and Chapadmalal, two popular Argentine vacation spots during the 1940s and 1950s. The three-day symposium brought together academics, researchers, and representatives of cooperatives in the tourism sector. Rodriguez discussed inequality in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of leisure rights and the transformative potential of tourism in the region  not just as a business catering to a privileged few.

Its crucial for our people to have access to leisure activities that are connected to learning and appreciating our heritage, said Rodriguez. Why? Well, it helps foster family and neighborhood unity, enabling us to build a sense of identity. Ultimately, the main goal is to strengthen our social bonds and share our traditions. These things hold value that goes beyond mere monetary worth. Rodriguez, an expert in social tourism, suggests a new way of thinking about it: instead of focusing on the number of tourists, shift the focus to the purpose behind their visit.

The question is  why are you doing it? If the answer is just business, then theyre doing really well, said Rodriguez. But that why also raises other questions. Are you meeting peoples need for rest and recreation? Are you helping them restore their physical and mental well-being? If you do things smarter, you can not only have a great business  nothing against that  but you can also contribute to a healthier society. One thats more relaxed, more cohesive and less alienated.

After holidays, tourism agencies usually send emails to the news media touring statistics like number of visitors. The logic behind these emails can be summarized simply as more is better. Rodriguez highlights the importance of measuring additional factors, which contribute to a social tourism approach. Apart from looking at restaurant revenue or hotel capacity (which are important to economists), there are other crucial aspects that often go unnoticed. For instance, how does a vacation affect well-being? Surprisingly, this aspect is rarely taken into account by the industry, simply because it cannot be quantified in terms of money. Accountants focus solely on monetary value and not the aesthetic and ethical considerations. The people and communities in tourist areas become less and less significant. Its like everything just revolves around consumption.

Opposing exploitative tourism

In the mainstream and classist tourism discourse, communities are valuable only if they can contribute to consumption and capital creation, says Rodriguez. This is very noticeable in my country, Mexico, where the rural population lacks an industrial consumption mindset. Because they cant be part of that process, they get pushed aside and left behind, while workers are brought in from other areas. This creates even more inequality and promotes economic activity thats not tied to the local community but rather to a global industry. Our tourist centers are gradually turning into something akin to mines with minerals to be extracted. Tourism is actually part of the extractive economy that everyone complains about.

Some of the most glaring examples of extractive tourism are found in Rodriguezs home country of Mexico. People talk about a place becoming Acapulco-ized to describe positive and negative lessons for tourism development. Acapulco, once a thriving tourist destination, is now a violence-wracked beach community.

Another example is Playa del Carmen [on Mexicos Caribbean coast], said Rodriguez, a place thats heavily promoted here in Argentina and elsewhere. The rate of suicide and family disintegration is worryingly high there. Most of the residents are tourism immigrants  they come, squeeze it dry and then leave  just like Acapulco. Somethings not right.

Rodriguez believes the key focus of the discussion and driving force of change should be centered on people. This includes not only travelers, but also the people who live in the tourist areas and work in the industry. We can discuss development only if you make sure that both visitors and the people living in tourist areas are taken care of. If you dont achieve that, its just growth with no positives.

The main challenge lies in winning over specific actors in the public and private tourism sectors who only focus on the numbers. The same people who championed this model are starting to realize that everything didnt turn out as expected. In fact, it led to environmental and social issues that are now working against them. Just ask the hoteliers in Acapulco  theyll tell you they made a mistake. But finding a solution to this problem isnt as easy as it seems. We need to prevent other destinations from going down the same path as Acapulco, which sacrificed ethics for lower costs and higher profits. When ethics takes a backseat, it becomes a problem.

Unanswered questions keep cropping up in this conversation with Rodriguez, who admits he doesnt have all the answers. Why do we want to attract more tourists? What is the ideal balance of domestic and international visitors? Why do governments prioritize their tourism promotion agencies at the expense of others? Are we selling a genuine representation of our cities and countries, or distorted caricatures of these places?

Much of the discussion is about making tourism more sustainable and understanding the concept fully without distorting it. Tourism has been given so many adjectives  ecological, social, community, gastronomic  and a whole bunch more. Its all part of this big need to get noticed. Sustainability has become this trendy thing, but honestly, no one really knows what it means. When you talk about sustainability and sustainable development, you have to think about the money side of things, sure, but also the environment and the people. Everyone likes to talk about social sustainability, and there are all these environmentalists defending the wildlife and the scenery. But whos defending the people? I mean, whats the point of protecting the environment and making money if it doesnt benefit the people who live there?

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Romes's EUR circuit no longer suitable for electric car race.

Formula E organisers have dropped Rome as a race venue from its 2024 calendar, citing the EUR circuit as no longer suitable for the more powerful Gen3 cars.

The Rome E-Prix has been staged in the capital's EUR district since 2018 however the new faster battery-powered racing cars are now constrained by the "narrow" circuit with its sharp turns.

The limitations of the Rome circuit came to the fore in July after the race was marred by a multi-car pile-up caused when Sam Bird lost control of his Jaguar on a high-speed turn.

Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri is reportedly backing Campagnano di Roma as a possible alternative venue, in a bid to keep the race within the metropolitan city of Rome, a move supported by the Lazio governor Francesco Rocca.

Located about 30 km northwest of the capital, Campagnano is home to the Vallelunga race track which hosted the Rome Grand Prix from 1963 until 1991.

The Misano World Circuit near Rimini in northern Italy - which has hosted Formula 1, Moto GP and Superbike races - is also bidding to host Formula E and is viewed as a formidable challenger to Campagnano.
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Israeli warplanes are striking targets across Gaza as the U.S. advised Israel that a delay in its expected ground offensive in the besieged Hamas-ruled territory would allow more time to negotiate the release of hostages. Fears of a widening war have grown as Israel struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon and traded fire with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group.

Two aid convoys arrived in the Gaza Strip over the weekend through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and a third arrived Monday. Israel said the trucks carried food, water and medical supplies. Israel has not allowed in fuel, which is critically needed for water and sanitation systems and hospitals.

The war, in its 17th day Monday, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday that at least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed and 15,270 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.

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More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage into southern Israel. In addition, 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza, Israels military has said. Four of those have been released, a mother and daughter on Friday and two more on Monday.

Currently:

Heres whats happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried in a mass grave at a Gaza hospital on Monday after they were killed by Israeli airstrikes.

A harried-looking doctor in green scrubs walked past as bodies in white sheets were loaded into the back of a pickup truck. Men discussed where to fit the shrouded corpse of a small child between two adults.

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Side-by-side, the bodies were laid to rest in a shallow, sandy grave in the courtyard of al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, an ambulance parked nearby. Bring them all, a gravedigger called out.

Israel said Monday it struck 320 militant targets throughout the besieged Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians. Over 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors, have been killed since the war began, Gazas Health Ministry said.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack.

ROME  Italys foreign minister Antonio Tajani said the last of three Italian-Israeli citizens who had been missing in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel is also dead.

Unfortunately, also Nir Forti is deceased, the minister wrote late Monday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Forti had been attending the music festival that Hamas attacked.

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To die at 29, barbarously killed by terrorists, is deeply unjust, Tajani wrote on X.

Only hours earlier Tajani had announced the death of another Italian-Israeli woman, whose husbands death had been confirmed last week.

UNITED NATIONS  A United Nations special investigator said while Hamas attacks on Israel at a minimum constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, Israel in its response is required under international law to protect civilians and is banned from targeting schools, hospitals and people fleeing harm.

Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the special rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, told a U.N. news conference Monday that when these rules of international humanitarian law are breached, we are also in the territory of war crimes.

She stressed that under the Geneva Conventions governing the conduct of war, it isnt only Israel and Hamas that must respect international humanitarian law. Those with influence over the parties also have an obligation to ensure the rules of war are respected  and to remind the parties to comply.

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Ni Aolain, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, said Israel should avoid making the same mistake the United States did following 9/11, when egregious and systematic violations of human rights were committed.

She also echoed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterress view that Israels order for 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to move to the south will have devastating consequences.

Ni Aolain, said she and many others in the U.N. system joined the secretary-general in condemning this, as well as being clear that the cutting off of water and electricity, which indiscriminately and excessively harm civilians, may constitute a war crime.

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. Security Councils monthly meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Tuesday is turning into a high-level event, with ministers flying to New York and the U.S. pushing for adoption of a resolution that would condemn the Hamas attacks in Israel and violence against civilians, and reaffirm Israels right to self-defense.

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The new U.S.-drafted resolution was still being negotiated late Monday afternoon, but a recent draft obtained by The Associated Press also demands the immediate release of all hostages, urges respect for international laws on conducting war and protecting civilians, urges all countries to intensify efforts to prevent a spillover, and demands immediate humanitarian access to Gaza.

Among those expected at Tuesdays meeting are the foreign minister of Israel, the Palestinians, Iran, Jordan, France and Brazil, council diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of any announcement.

A resolution proposed by Russia, which called for a humanitarian ceasefire and would strongly condemn all violence and acts of terrorism didnt mention the Hamas attacks. It failed to get the minimum nine yes votes needed for approval by the 15-member council.

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Diplomats said one issue in the U.S. draft resolution is Russias demand for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

BEIRUT  Iran-backed militias in Iraq on Monday said they attacked two U.S. bases in eastern Syria, their fourth attack in one day.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, said two drones attacked U.S. military bases by the Al-Omar oil field in Deir el-Zour province and in al-Shaddadi further north. Officials in Washington did not immediately comment on the attack.

The attack came hours after the group claimed responsibility for drone attacks on the al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders, and a stones throw away from the desert Rukban camp home to tens of thousands of Syrians.

There have been a string of similar attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week. In one attack, the same group attacked two U.S. bases in Iraq with drones, causing minor injuries among U.S. forces.

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JERUSALEM  The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas militants have released two hostages who had been held captive in the Gaza Strip.

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It was the second time the group has freed hostages seized in its bloody Oct. 7 cross-border incursion into Israel.

The hostages were identified by Israeli media as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz.

In a statement, Hamas said it had released them for humanitarian reasons.

Israel has demanded the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The Islamic militant group is believed to be holding over 200 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual nationals.

Hamas released two other hostages  an American mother and daughter  on Friday.

___

This item has been updated to correct the last name of one of the freed hostages: Yocheved Lifshitz, not Lipshitz.

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JERUSALEM  Late Monday, Hamas announced that it had freed an additional two hostages on humanitarian grounds. Israeli media, citing an anonymous official, confirmed the release, but there was no formal announcement from the Israeli side.

The Associated Press could not independently confirm the release.

PARIS  French President Emmanuel Macron is traveling Tuesday to Israel to show Frances solidarity with the country and further work on the release of hostages who are being held in Gaza, according to the French presidency.

Macron will have talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and also meet with Israeli-French nationals who have lost loved ones, as well as families of hostages.

Macron may also seize the occasion to have talks with some Arab partners in the region, the French presidency said, without providing further details.

CAIRO  Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with the Medical Aid for Palestinians group, said the aid shipments that Israel allowed to cross into Gaza were a drop in the ocean of the needs required to address the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis there.

Speaking to The Associated Press Monday evening from his home in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, Shalabi said that the aid had not arrived in the northern part of the strip, which Israel wants to empty ahead of its looming ground invasion.

He said the supplies in the first convoy on Saturday were distributed only to bakeries in the southern parts of Gaza, leaving the northern half struggling amid extremely dire conditions.

The north didnt receive anything. Its like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza there, he said.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  A hospital in Gaza City was overrun with patients from airstrikes Monday with people lying on a blood-covered floor and two children at a time being treated on exam tables.

While a girl stared up at the ceiling from a table at Shifa Hospital, a boy who appeared to be unconscious lay at her feet with an IV drip in his arm and gauze wrapped around his head.

An older child and a man wearing oxygen masks lay on their backs on the floor below as a fifth person in a bright striped top was spread out on the floor nearby.

Medics also worked on a boy covered in gray soot whose legs were splinted and who lay at the foot of another child covered partly with a sheet.

Several other children and adults lay on a tile floor in another area of waiting for care.

CAIRO  A third small aid convoy from Egypt has entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels two-week seal.

Juliette Touma, director of communications for the U.N.s Palestinian refugee agency, confirmed the arrival of the convoy with 20 trucks in Gaza on Monday to The Associated Press, but provided no other details.

CAIRO  Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital, in Rafah, registered 61 deaths since Monday morning following a day of intense airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip.

Talaat Barghout, the hospitals spokesperson, said there is no room in the morgue for all the bodies, and a lack of Islamic burial shrouds  known as the Kafan  to give the dead a proper burial.

More than half of them are lying on the (hospital) ground, he said.

Barghout also said the hospital lacks an intensive care unit and does not have the facilities to treat burns. There is only enough fuel to keep the basic hospital going for two more days, he added.

WASHINGTON  The U.S. has advised Israel that a delay in its possible ground offensive in Gaza would allow more time for the U.S. to work with its regional partners to release more hostages seized by Hamas, according to a U.S. official familiar with the Biden administrations thinking on the matter.

The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the private discussions, said it was unclear how much the argument will move the needle on Israeli thinking.

The official noted that Qatars help in mediating with Hamas was able to win the release of two captives, Judith and Natalie Raanan. The process that led to their release  just two of the more than the 222 people believed taken hostage in Israel in the Oct. 7 attacks  started soon after the Hamas operation. The official said arranging for the release of the Raanans took longer to come together than folks really realize.

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Reporting by Aamer Madhani.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands  Dutch authorities detained 19 activists who occupied the entrance to the International Criminal Court on Monday, denouncing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israels actions during the war with Hamas.

Activists from the Extinction Rebellion group took over a bridge in front of The Hague-based court just after noon, carrying a banner that read Netanyahu is a war criminal. The Dutch branch of the activist group, which was originally set up to campaign against climate change, has staged several other pro-Palestinian actions since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

An ICC spokesperson said the demonstration did not disturb the courts normal activities.

After police released the 19 following a brief detention, they joined a small pro-Palestinian protest outside the ICCs grounds.

The demonstration took place as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte arrived in the Middle East to meet with both Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
At the 73rd session of the European Regional Committee of the World Health Organization held in Astana, Azerbaijan's Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev responded to the groundless accusations levelled against our country by the representatives of France and Armenia.

The minister noted that anti-terrorist measures were implemented in order to restore the sovereignty and constitutional structure of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to clear the territories of illegal Armenian military units, Azernews reports.

Representatives of various international organizations made a number of visits to the Garabakh region. The reports prepared as a result of these visits stated that there was no damage to any civil infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The local population told the missions that there were no incidents of violence against them, as well as destruction of civilian and agricultural facilities.

T. Musayev emphasized that this issue was reflected in the reports of UNICEF and the Armenia office of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Also, in the statements made by the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, on September 21 and 23, it was stated that there is no danger to the civilian population: "All these facts once again prove that the accusations made by the representatives of France and Armenia are groundless."
Two women who were held hostages by Palestinian Hamas militants, are released in this video screengrab obtained by Reuters on October 23, 2023.

Hamas released two elderly Israeli women held hostage in Gaza on Monday, as the United States expressed increasing concern that the escalating Israel-Hamas war will spark a wider conflict in the region, including attacks on American troops.

The death toll in Gaza rose rapidly as Israel ramped up airstrikes, flattening residential buildings in what it says was preparation for an eventual ground assault. The United States advised Israel to delay an expected ground invasion to allow time to negotiate the release of more hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal incursion two weeks ago.

A third small aid convoy from Egypt entered Gaza, where the population of 2.3 million has been running out of food, water and medicine under Israels two-week seal. With Israel still barring entry of fuel, the U.N. said its distribution of aid would grind to a halt within days when it can no longer fuel its trucks. Gaza hospitals flooded by a constant stream of wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power life-saving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.

The two freed hostages, 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz and 79-year-old Nurit Cooper, were taken out of Gaza at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, where they were put into ambulances, according to footage shown on Egyptian TV. The two women, along with their husbands, were snatched from their homes in the kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border during Hamas Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israeli communities. Their husbands were not released.

Hamas said it had released them for humanitarian reasons, days after freeing an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual nationals.

Israel is widely expected to launch a ground offensive in Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation if that happens, including targeting U.S. forces deployed in the Mideast.

The U.S. has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there had been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in attacks in coming days.

He said U.S. officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action. The U.S. advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on securing the release of more hostages, according to a U.S. official.

Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea but did not give a timeframe.

A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant seized power in Gaza in 2007. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5,000 Palestinians, including some 2,000 minors and around 1,100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours.

Israel said it had struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war. Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armored bulldozers inside Gaza. The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza.

Intense airstrikes continued Monday across Gaza. After a strike in Gaza City, a woman with blood on her face wept as she clasped the hand of a dead relative. At least three bodies were sprawled on the street, one lying in a gray stream of water. After a series of strikes in the south, Rafahs Abou Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital registered 61 deaths Monday, its spokesperson said. Bodies of the dead were laid out in the hospital grounds, spokesperson Talaat Barghout said.

On Monday the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies, through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size.

The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared to the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The U.N. has said 20 trucks amounts to 4% of an average days imports before the war and that hundreds of trucks a day are needed.

White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its trucks. The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded onto UNRWA and the Red Crescent trucks to take to hospitals and U.N. schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in U.N.-run schools and shelters, the U.N. said Monday. No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5,000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the U.N. said.

The north didnt receive anything from incoming aid, said Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker with Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group based in the northern town of Beit Lahia. Its like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza.

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A boater traveling near Westport spotted a man standing on a navigational buoy around 4 p.m. Sunday, Westport Police spokesperson Lt. Eric Woods said in a news release. Another man and a woman were rescued from the water nearby, Woods said. All three people were taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Three other people were rescued after the fishing boat sank Sunday off Westport, police said.

WESTPORT, Conn.  Police and Coast Guard personnel in Connecticut were searching Monday for two men a day after they went missing when their small fishing boat sank in the Long Island Sound, authorities said.

A translator was requested and once officers were able to speak with the three people, they learned a total of five people had been on the fishing boat when it sank, Woods said.
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ANDERSON, Calif.  Authorities rescued eight children in California on Saturday after they were abducted by their biological mother and found roughly 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from their foster homes in Arkansas, police said. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The 36-year-old mother had lost her custodial rights, according to police in Anderson, a tiny city in a rural part of Northern California about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of Sacramento.

Law enforcement in Arkansas had previously issued a warrant for her arrest, though it was unclear when that occurred and how she transported the children.

A concerned citizen reached out to authorities around 12:30 a.m. Saturday to request a welfare check after seeing six children with a woman who was displaying bizarre behavior, Anderson police said.

Officers discovered the outstanding arrest warrant and took the woman into custody. The other two children were found in a home about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.

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Details about the abductions and why the mother had lost custody of her children were not immediately available. Arkansas State Police, which is responsible for issuing Amber Alerts, did not issue one for the children and an alert had not been requested, state Department of Public Safety spokesperson Cindy Murphy said.

Local law enforcement typically requests an Amber Alert, and the state issues them only under certain circumstances, Murphy said. Arkansas State Police was not involved in the case, she said.

An Arkansas attorney who had represented the woman in a previous case said she was no longer his client.
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Israel has ramped up airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, reducing residential buildings to rubble and crushing families. Airstrikes have killed dozens at a time in leveled homes, according to witnesses. The surging death toll foretells even greater loss of life ahead in Gaza, where Israeli forces are expected to launch a ground invasion seeking to destory Hamas. Fuel shortages and the bombardment forced the shutdown of medical facilities, Gaza officials said.

U.S. and other officials fear the fighting could spill over into a wider regional conflict.

The war, in its 19th day Wednesday, is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said Tuesday that least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 704 in the past day, and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.

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The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, according to Israeli officials, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage. In addition, 222 people including foreigners were believed captured by Hamas during the incursion and taken into Gaza, Israels military has said. Four of those have been released.

Currently:

Heres whats happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

CANBERRA, Australia  Australia said it sent an additional two air force transport jets to the Middle East in case citizens of the country need to be evacuated should hostilities escalate.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said Wednesday that three aircraft were now in the region.

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All of this is a contingency and the purpose of it is to be supporting Australian populations that are in the Middle East if, in fact, this conflict gets worse, Marles told Nine Network television.

Marles did not say where the aircraft were sent other than they were not in Israel. He urged Australians who want to return home to take commercial flights now rather than wait for a possible military evacuation.

Australia has helped hundreds of Australians leave Israel aboard chartered flights and was working toward helping 79 leave Gaza.

NEW YORK  Credit rating agency Standard & Poors says it is changing its outlook on Israels credit rating to negative from stable as the country fights a war against Hamas in Gaza in response to the militant groups devastating attack.

S&P said Tuesday it was revising the outlooks on its long-term foreign and local-currency ratings on Israel, citing the war, its potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict and the impact that could have on the countrys economy.

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S&P left Israels credit rating unchanged at AA-. The agencys highest rating is AAA. By revising the outlook, S&P is raising a warning flag signaling that a rating downgrade could happen in the future.

Credit ratings firms Fitch and Moodys have taken similar actions.

OTTAWA, Ontario  Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said Tuesday that Canadas government does not believe Hamas would respect a cease-fire in its conflict with Israel.

I have no expectation that a terrorist organization would respect international law or any call for a cease-fire, Blair said before heading into a Cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said afterward that Canada supports the idea of humanitarian pauses, temporary halts to fighting, allowing for aid to get into Gaza safely and people to leave.

Hamas is sworn to Israels destruction, and Blair said it is a threat as long as it exists.

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I think (Israel has) a right to defend themselves against that terror threat, Blair said. And quite frankly, Hamas has to be eliminated as a threat, not just to Israel but to the world.

Canada has listed Hamas as a terrorist group since 2002 and has no dealings with any of its leaders.

UNITED NATIONS  Israel is vowing again to destroy Hamas, rejecting calls for a cease-fire from the U.N. chief, the Palestinians and many countries at a high-level U.N. meeting and saying the war in Gaza is not merely its own but the war of the free world.

Israels Foreign Minister Eli Cohen also dismissed calls for proportionality in the countrys response to Hamas surprise attacks Oct. 7 that killed 1,400 people. More than 5,700 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, according to its Health Ministry.

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Cohen told the U.N. Security Council the proportionate response to the Oct. 7 massacre is a total destruction to the last one of the Hamas, calling the extremist group the new Nazis.

It is not only Israels right to destroy Hamas. Its our duty, he said.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said he came to the meeting to stop  the ongoing massacres being deliberately and systematically and savagely perpetrated by Israel.

Over 2 million Palestinians are on a survival mission every day, every night, he added.

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Under international law, al-Maliki said, it is our collective human duty to stop the Israeli attacks and bloodshed.

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This item has been updated to correct in the headline that it was the FMs that made these remarks, not the PMs.

JERUSALEM  French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel on Tuesday in the latest trip by a Western leader to express support for the country amid its war against Hamas, offering an assurance that Israel is not left alone in the war against terrorism.

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Macron met with the families of French citizens who were killed or taken hostage in the devastating Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, saying, we will neglect nothing to obtain freedom for French citizens. Nine French nationals are missing or believed held captive, and 30 were killed.

At a news conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron stressed Israels right to defend itself.

The fight must be without mercy, but not without rules, Macron said, because democracies respect the rules of war, an apparent reference to criticism of Israeli airstrikes that have killed Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

He later traveled to the Israeli-occupied West Bank for a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who runs the semi-autonomous Palestinian Authority. Macron said Hamas attack was also a catastrophe for Palestinians and there will be no lasting peace without a two-state solution.

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MARSEILLE, France  Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith leaders held hands and called for peace in the Middle East at a gathering Tuesday in the Mediterranean city of Marseille.

Around 100 people came together outside the landmark Notre Dame de la Garde church in an event organized by fans of the Olympique de Marseille soccer team.

Faith leaders spoke in turn in favor of peace and led the crowd in a moment of silence honoring victims of the Israel-Hamas war.

Political flags were barred from the gathering, meant as a moment of community togetherness at a tense time. The faith leaders spoke of each other as neighbors and brothers.

France has the worlds largest Jewish population outside of Israel and the U.S., and Europes largest Muslim population outside of Turkey.

WASHINGTON  The New Jersey Air National Guards 119 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in the Middle East on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters. The squadron has F-16 fighter jets, and officials would not say where exactly it went.

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Ryder also said the U.S. is preparing for an increase in violence, noting that there have already been at least 13 attacks against troops and installations in Iraq and Syria.

What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran, he said during a Pentagon briefing.

He added that the U.S. wont hesitate to take action if needed to protect its forces and interests in the region.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  The sharp increase in Israels bombing of the Gaza Strip and large death toll Tuesday included an untold number of child deaths.

Graphic photos and video shot by The Associated Press showed rescuers digging with their hands to unearth small bodies from the ruins of collapsed homes and buildings across Gaza.

Unconscious children were cradled in the arms of adults who ran from ambulances and cars into Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. A man used one hand to give light chest compressions to a small child on the hood of an ambulance.

A lifeless child who was dug out of the dirt from beneath concrete and a web of rebar where a house was destroyed in Khan Younis was wrapped in a blanket and laid on the side of a road next to an adults body.

The body of an older boy on a stretcher was passed between anguished men along the edge of a large crater where a bomb had landed and destroyed buildings in Rafah.

A father also knelt on the floor of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah next to the bodies of three dead children cocooned in bloodied sheets with their faces showing.

CAIRO  The U.N. health agency called Tuesday for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza to be able to distribute fuel and essential, life-saving health supplies, including to major hospitals in the strips northern half.

For people in the Gaza Strip, the situation is desperate. It will become catastrophic without the safe and continuous passage of fuel and health supplies, and additional humanitarian assistance, the World Health Organization said in a statement.

The WHO said some health facilities in northern Gaza, including the territorys largest Shifa hospital, were waiting for supplies and fuel. Among them is the Indonesian hospital, which suffered a brief power outage and was forced to shutter some critical services due to lack of fuel.

Gazas only oncology hospital, the Turkish Friendship Hospital, remains partially functional, putting around 2,000 cancer patients at risk, the agency added.

Supported by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the health agency said it delivered 34,000 liters (about 9,000 gallons) of fuel Monday to four major hospitals in southern Gaza and the Palestine Red Crescent. That was only enough to keep ambulances and critical hospital functions running for a little over 24 hours.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Navine Abu Owdahs apartment in Khan Younis was hit by an airstrike on Tuesday, badly injuring the pregnant 30-year-old. Owdah was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital of al-Amal, where thankfully doctors managed to deliver a healthy baby girl.

A cesarean section was performed in the emergency department, and her baby girl, who is in good condition, was delivered, Dr. Salim Saqer said, speaking to The Associated Press from just outside the operating room.

The mother, who suffered multiple fractures and has abdominal bleeding, remains under observation and is receiving treatment.

BEIRUT  A top Hamas official says the killings that people are being subjected to in Gaza are unprecedented.

Ghazi Hamad told reporters in Beirut that Israel is carrying out brutal and savage acts against people, adding that in addition to the more than 5,700 people killed, over 17,000 have been wounded.

The death toll is changing every second, Hamad said. The counter is rising amid killings, destruction and revenge.

He said that among the dead were 57 doctors, nurses and paramedics, and that 27 ambulances were destroyed.

Hamad said 122 entire families were killed.

The Associated Press could not independently verify the death tolls cited by Hamas, which says it tallies figures from hospital directors.
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MADRID  Spanish police said Monday they have confiscated 11 pieces of ancient gold jewelry that were taken out of Ukraine illegally in 2016. A police statement said five people who were attempting to sell the pieces in Spain have been arrested in recent weeks. Those arrested included two Ukrainians, one of them an Orthodox Church priest, and three Spaniards.

The jewelry was said to be worth 60 million euros ($64 million) and dated from between the eighth and fourth centuries B.C.

Police said the items were part of Ukraines national heritage. They went missing after being put on display between 2009 and 2013 in a museum in Kyiv, Ukraines capital. The pieces included a belt, earrings and necklaces.

An ornate gold belt was seized in 2021 and the rest of the pieces were seized in recent weeks. Police said the investigation continued.

The pieces are being studied by Spains National Archeological Museum and the countrys Cultural Heritage Institute.

Interior ministry attaches in Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, North Macedonia and Ukraine helped with the investigation, police said.
Sydney Writers Festival is set to be granted a bigger year-round presence at Australias oldest library with the opening of a 350-seat auditorium at the State Library of NSW.

Arts Minister John Graham said he wants the library to throw open its doors to writers groups, book launches and reader conferences in a much bigger way than it does. The Sydney Writers Festival, in particular, needed to feel as if the library is a home to them on a permanent basis.

Caroline Butler-Bowden, the newly appointed State Librarian. Credit: James Brickwood

This did not mean that the festival would leave Carriageworks for its week-long celebrations in May but the library could potentially become a venue for outside author events during the rest of the year.

How that plays out administratively, well wait until we have a new librarian in place, he said.
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Madeleine Gray was three degrees deep  a bachelors from Sydney, a masters from Oxford, and a doctorate from Manchester  when she started writing what she had been studying for so long: fiction about contemporary young womanhood.

There are a lot of novels at the moment about young women by young women. I, personally, think thats a really good thing. I dont have any issue with that. And I just thought for this novel, Ive been thinking about contemporary young womanhood academically for so long and also, thats my experience, so I thought, why wouldnt I write this?

Not only was Gray reading, studying and now writing about the subject, but she was also selling those very same novels while working at the independent bookstore Better Read Than Dead after returning to Australia from the UK during the pandemic (Gray hit the headlines last year when she helped unionise the staff, winning them an EBA with better pay and conditions).

Madeleine Grays Green Dot is about a woman in her 20s who has an affair with an older, male colleague. Credit: Zan Wimberley

I mean, honestly, I think it helped because there are so many books coming out all the time, I saw that my book might not be a bestseller, but I thought I could probably get it on the table for a week, Gray, 29, says.

But it looks like Grays already-buzzy Green Dot will be on the table for some time. The novels journey to publication is the stuff of debutant dreams. Gray sent her finished manuscript to Grace Heifetz at Left Bank Literary who was, conveniently, attending the London Book Fair. A few fair days later the novel had been sold to Australia, Germany, the UK and USA for six-figure deals, and the screen rights nabbed in a six-way international auction.

Its not hard to understand the interest. Green Dot is a smart, funny and addictive read (allegedly Heifetz left a party in London where Mick Jagger was a guest to finish it). The novel is told from the first-person perspective of Hera Stephen, 24, who takes a job as a comment moderator in a Sydney newsroom and starts an affair with an older married colleague named Arthur, her first relationship with a man. Its a coming-of-age that is very of-its-age, capturing the ennui of a generation who arent quite sure what theyre working for any more, or what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Hera is both performer and audience; at once agonisingly self-aware and naive, both profoundly cynical and vulnerable.
Consumers are being urged to give more thought to their Christmas shopping and help reduce the number of gifts that are discarded and end up in landfill.

Consultancy Fifth Quadrant expects Australians to spend $10.5 billion on Christmas gifts this year with 16 million people spending $578 per person, on average, on gifts.

Australians are expected to spend $10.5 billion on gifts this Christmas, but how much will be unwanted, cannot be recycled and end up in landfill? Credit: Kate Geraghty

Many recipients would actually prefer to receive eco-friendly presents, which is not lost on retailers. The internet is awash with merchants  as well as online marketplaces  that seek to attract consumers who want to make sustainability-focused choices.

Typically, the claims the retailers make about the sustainability of their businesses and products are not independently verified.
The Israeli armys discomfort with Benjamin Netanyahu  made apparent in leaks to local media  for delaying the looming invasion of Gaza has reached the point of forcing them this Monday to issue an unusual joint denial. Diplomatic pressures, negotiations on hostages and on the entry of humanitarian aid, and the risk of triggering a regional war have been postponing a ground operation that was announced as imminent and militarily prepared days ago. After a series of reports on how the armed forces are losing their patience in the face of Netanyahus reluctance to give the definitive green light, the Israeli prime minister, his Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, and a spokesperson for the military issued a joint statement in which they assured to work together in close cooperation, and without rest, in pursuit of Israels total victory over Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel is bombing Gaza from the air with increasing force, and Hamas announced the release of two more hostages.

We strike all the time, military spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters. According to data from the Hamas governments Health Ministry, 436 people have been killed in the past 24 hours in the heaviest airstrikes on the Strip in decades. They equal, in one day, nearly a third of all Palestinian fatalities from Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), which lasted three weeks, and a fifth of those from Operation Defensive Shield (2014), which lasted a month and a half. The total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 5,000 on Monday, some 2,000 of them minors.

The Israel Defense Forces said the military struck over 320 military targets, including a tunnel with Hamas militiamen. The south of the Gaza Strip has been particularly hard hit. It is the area to which the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of more than one million residents from the north. Some 700,000 have followed the instruction, according to UN estimates. The hundreds of thousands who have remained in the north could be identified as accomplices of a terrorist organization, the IDF has warned in messages sent to cell phones in the area and leaflets dropped from the air in the capital.

Military spokesman Hagari pointed out that the entry of humanitarian aid into southern Gaza from Egypt  which began last Saturday after days of negotiations  will allow both those already displaced and those who will be displaced in the next phases of the war to stay there. He also revealed that the second convoy of humanitarian aid (14 trucks with food, water, and medicine on Sunday) was inspected by Israeli military personnel, unlike the first. Israel and the United States have warned that they will prevent the entry of aid through the Rafah crossing  which does not include fuel and can only be delivered in the south  if any package ends up in the hands of Hamas, the Islamist movement that governs the Strip.

With regard to the next phase of the war, clashes between troops and militiamen inside Gaza have already intensified. In the early days after the onset of the current conflict, some Israeli soldiers crossed into Gaza, mainly to gather clues about the hostages (222, according to Mondays updated figure). Lately, they have been carrying out deep raids in which they kill cells of terrorists who are preparing for our next phase in the war, the spokesman said. That is, militants stationed to repel the Israeli invasion. In a statement, Hamas armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, claimed victory in one of these clashes: Our fighters engaged the infiltrating force, destroying two bulldozers and a tank, and forcing the force to withdraw. The raids and the complete destruction of buildings near the border barrier suggest that the Israeli strategy is to clear the area of both armed men and places where they can hide as snipers.

The next phase has not yet begun, but the current one is expanding the conflict every day. The clashes on the Lebanese border, especially with Hezbollah, have increased in frequency and intensity to the point of displacing nearly 20,000 people in Lebanon, according to UN data. Israel has been evacuating tens of thousands of inhabitants of the area to hotels for days. The Lebanese militia has already killed 27 people, among them two cells that intended to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets.

According to The New York Times, the United States is asking for more time before the invasion is launched, which is really only the first phase of Israels plan to topple Hamas, which essentially consists of staying in Gaza a few months to wipe out pockets of armed resistance and get rid of its civilian administration without creating a power vacuum.

The government, and some U.S. congressmen, are trying to buy as much time as possible before Israeli soldiers cross the Gaza border. There are so many factors at play that rushing into this is probably not the wisest thing to do, Senator Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat who heads the Armed Services Committee, told The New York Times from Cairo.

On the one hand, Washington wants to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and try to free at least some of the hostages, after the success achieved last week with the release by Hamas of Judith and Nathalie Ranaan, an American mother and daughter. Abu Obeida, the spokesman for the military wing of the armed Islamist group, announced Monday the release for humanitarian reasons of two others: two elderly Israeli women, Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz. The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed this in a message on X (formerly Twitter). On the other, the Biden administration aims to tie up all the loose ends of the possible ramifications of the Israeli battle plan: where each step taken by the Israeli forces may lead and what will happen in the days that follow.

Washington has already detected an increase in drone attacks against its forces, from Syria to Iraq, and fears an escalation in the activity of radical Islamic groups sponsored by Tehran in the face of the intensification of the war between Israel and Hamas, from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon against northern Israel to the Huthi rebels in Yemen or paramilitary forces in Iraq. And it is hastily reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East ahead of the Israeli ground campaign. This weekend the U.S. announced the dispatch and deployment of new anti-aircraft batteries of its Patriot and THAAD systems, the deployment of its aircraft carrier Eisenhower to the Gulf and the transfer of the amphibious group led by the ship Bataan to the eastern Mediterranean, where the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford is already stationed.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of the possibility of a significant escalation of attacks against U.S. forces, citizens, or interests in the region. If any group or country is contemplating broadening this conflict and taking advantage of this unfortunate situation [] our advice is: dont do it, he said Sunday on ABCs This Week. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also acknowledged the likelihood of an escalation of violence by pro-Iranian groups in the region, and assured that the United States is taking every possible measure to make sure that we can defend U.S. and Israeli citizens.

Precisely in order to minimize the hypothesis of a direct interference by Washington, the spokesman of the White House National Security Council, John Kirby, pointed out this Monday, in a call with foreign journalists that the Israeli defense forces and their political leaders will make the decisions about what they do, when they do it and how they do it. But he also acknowledged that the two governments have been in constant contact since the beginning of the crisis. Obviously, were curious to understand as best we can, the how, the aims, and the strategy that theyre putting into the effort. And those conversations will absolutely continue, he stressed.

Another important factor is the opinion of Netanyahus military advisors. They advocate continuing and increasing air raids before entering Gaza. Netanyahu is also hesitant because of the risk that the entry of troops into Gaza will lead Hezbollah to increase its involvement, so far more limited to maintaining tension on the northern border and forcing the evacuation of border towns.

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News on Monday that the state government is paying a bloke, Airport Rail Link director Vito Trantino, nearly $565,000 a year  with the blessing of the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal  to run a project thats on hold, sent CBD scrambling among the Victorian Public Service employment ads.

But we werent quick enough to put our hands up for another sweet gig, also signed off by the tribunal, this time for newish Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Travis Auld.

Former AFL executive Travis Auld is the new head of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Credit: Getty Images

The tribunal issued its advice a couple of weeks before Aulds appointment was announced in July that he could be paid up to $600,000. Thats about $90,000 above the ceiling for the jobs officially designated salary band  public entity senior executive 3, for all the sticklers out there.

The tribunal reckoned the functions and responsibilities of the job, including managing complex stakeholder relationships, as well as international market testing  carried out by the GP itself  all bolstered the argument for the higher wage for Auld.
Senior NSW Police officers were concerned by the Minns governments decision to light the sails of the Opera House in the Israeli flag colours after the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, worrying about the impact it might have on our streets.

A tranche of internal police documents reveal police only became aware of the governments intention shortly before the news was made public, scrambling to compile a threat assessment.

Three demonstrators were arrested after a pro-Palestine rally outside the Opera House on October 9, when anti-Jewish epithets were hurled into the night air. Credit: AP

The documents, released via a parliamentary order, outline how a senior officer wrote to colleagues in confidence on Sunday, October 8, at 6.10pm to say that the premiers office had indicated they will be lighting the Opera House sails in blue and white on the following night.

Christine McDonald, the chief of staff to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, said in the email that she and acting commissioner David Hudson were equally concerned about the impact this might have on our streets.
Small mistakes can have large consequences. Western Australia lost one-fifth of its gas supply a year ago, mainly because someone marked a few metal components in the wrong place two decades earlier.

On November 27, 2022, a helicopter landed a maintenance crew onto a Santos gas platform off the WA coast, and, shortly after, they saw gas bubbles rising to the ocean surface just 20 metres away.

Santos operates the John Brookes gas platform off the WA coast. Credit: Santos

It was not a good sign for the workers on the John Brookes platform, who were quickly evacuated. Santos then depressurised the 50-kilometre gas pipeline to Varanus Island to make it safer.

For more than 10 weeks, no gas flowed from the platform to a processing plant on the island that supplied the WA mainland.
United States President Joe Biden has arranged for band The B52s to perform at a state dinner for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a sign of the effort being made in Washington DC to welcome the Australian leader on a visit that has been undercut by chaos in Congress.

The new wave band, known for hits such as Love Shack and Rock Lobster, will be the star act at the dinner on the south lawn of the White House when more than 100 guests join the two leaders and their partners on Wednesday night.

A state dinner will be closely watched as a guide to the relationship between Anthony Albanese and Joe Biden. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen/AP

Albanese, an avowed fan of 1980s music, has been tight-lipped about the event after arriving in the US capital on Sunday night with a stated mission to use four days of meetings to cement the AUKUS defence pact, act on climate change and deepen cooperation on the supply of critical minerals.

But the state dinner is being watched closely as a guide to the relationship between Biden and Albanese and how their personal ties will influence the next phase of the AUKUS alliance, which assumes the US will sell several nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and transfer technology to help build a new fleet in South Australia.
Mr Sowadas daughter Karin attended the auction and said while the result was outstanding, it was bittersweet. We were thrilled with the price, but money doesnt replace the memories of growing up in that house, she said. Ray White auctioneer James Hayashi at the Bronte sell-off. Credit: Peter Rae My mother was pregnant with me when they moved in, and that home has been such a rock for us. It was in the late 1960s that my dad built a dark room under the house, so photography was a big part of our lives. And when dad worked his magic in that room, we would stand beside him and he would talk about his photography and share stories about his journey to Australia via northern Africa.

It was one of 764 auctions scheduled in Sydney on Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.7 per cent from 495 reported results, while 108 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. Elsewhere, on an elevated block at Malabar, an old two-bedroom coastal cottage bound for the bulldozers at 136 Prince Edward Street fetched $5.1 million after a local man outbid five developers. Co-selling agent Ken Smith, of NGFarah, said the 613.4-square-metre block was $600,000 over the reserve, which was a suburb record for land value. The auction started with a developer bid of $4.3 million, then bids rose in $50,000 and then $25,000 increments before the buyer threw down $100,000 to clear out the competition.

That took the price to $4.9 million and it left just two bidders, Mr Smith said. Loading It was an incredible result and its probably one of the best auctions Ive done all year. We had a big crowd there and you couldnt even move in the street. Mr Smith said the cottage had belonged to the same family for well over 60 years, and the new owner plans to knock it down and build his dream home. I actually sold the home next door to this one 28 years ago for what was then a record price of $680,000, Mr Smith said.

Over at 31 Morshead Street in North Ryde a first home buyer paid $2.5 million for a four-bedroom duplex on a 352-square-metre semi-detached block. Selling agent Damian Kennedy of McGrath Ryde said the young woman paid $200,000 over the reserve and beat out three other active bidders, of which most were young families. She only inspected the home on Wednesday, and she just fell in love with the place, he said. She even started the bidding at $2.18 million which was quite strong considering our price guide was $2.1 million.

From there, Mr Kennedy said bidding rose to $2.2 million and then $2,225,000, and a flurry of smaller bids brought the price to $2.45 million. Loading We thought it would stop there and the auctioneer began to call it and told the bidders it was now or never. That sparked the final two bidders to battle it out until the end, he said. The vendors have had that home since 2016 and they were just over the moon, they couldnt believe the result. Mr Kennedy said their agency had sold a nearby, similar duplex just two months ago for $2,285,000 which showed how much buyer sentiment had recently strengthened.

There still isnt the flood of stock we were expecting to get, he said. A three-bedroom brick home at 29 Penrose Street in Lane Cove also fetched a strong sum at auction after a couple, who had been living with their children, paid $1.82 million after only joining the auction at the end. Selling agent Tim Holgate, of Belle Property Lane Cove, said a young couple kicked the bidding off at $1.48 million, with $50,000, then $20,000 bids thrown down until it slowed to $1000 increases. It was then that the buyers plated up a $20,000 bid to secure the single-level home.
London: The Kremlin has denied reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin had suffered a heart attack and laughed off rumours he has used body doubles to cover for him in public appearances.

An unsourced report by Russian Telegram channel SVR General, which has spread conspiracy theories about Putins health and public appearances, claimed on Sunday that the Russian leader had been struck by a serious illness.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit: AP

The channel said Putin was very ill and unlikely to live until the end of the northern autumn, with all official meetings conducted by a body double.

Talk of Vladimir Putins health problems is another canard, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian state-owned news agency Ria.ru. Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake.
Paris: French intelligence is taking seriously the idea that Russia has fanned panic over its bedbug outbreak.

Reported outbreaks of bedbugs infesting homes and migrating to metros and cinemas have produced plenty of headlines in France.

Bedbugs are only 3mm long.

Algeria announced in early October that it would introduce preventative measures to ward off the spread of bedbugs to their country from France on planes and ships.

A test tube full of bed bugs was even brought into the French parliament by an MP raising concern about the wave of panic that has seized the country.
A doctor at the Boris Luis Santa Coloma sugar mill in Madruga, Cuba, in 2021. Ramon Espinosa (AP)

On a random piece of paper, what looks like the page of a school notebook, Dr. Goar Valeriano Gonzalez informed Maydelis Solano of the impossibility of operating on her son. The Pediatric Hospital of Holguin does not have the resources to do it, he says, and Jordan Daniel Montero Solano, 13 years old and barely 28 kilos (62 pounds), will continue not knowing what it is like to eat through his mouth. He is waiting until he can be operated on, the surgeon wrote in blue pen. It has not been done because of the situation in the country, he clarified. Then Dr. Goar stamped his signature and an official stamp of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), as if to prove that the lined school notebook page really is his medical history.

Several times a day, Solano places a syringe on one end of the tube attached to Jordans stomach. The syringes must be reused indefinitely and washed with hot water. The tube should be changed every 21 days, but Solano extends them for up to two months, during which time she saves the 600 pesos (almost two dollars at the exchange rate) to buy another one in the informal market. The child can only eat liquid food: milk, maicena (a cornstarch-based dish), yogurt, fruit juices, compote and purees made of root vegetables or meat, whatever his mother can get. But Jordans food consumption is getting worse and worse. He suffers from esophageal atresia, a congenital condition in which part of the esophagus, which connects the stomach to the mouth, did not develop properly. His bones are degenerating already, impeding his motor skills, Solano laments. In addition, he is chronically malnourished due to the [level of] nutrition he has had in his 13 years of life.

His mother has sent countless letters to Cuban government offices, but she has only received a response that says that her request has been transferred to the Ministry of Public Health. She has received other replies like we thank you for your communication and your matter has been received and can be followed up on, correspondence that speaks less about a childs health than of the states inefficiency.

The sheet on which the doctor informed Maydelis Solano of the impossibility of operating on her son. Cortesia

When Jordan was small, the doctors could not operate on him until he gained weight. When he gained weight, they could not treat him because of the coronavirus crisis. Now, Jordan urgently needs surgery and there are no supplies. There is also no gauze, Evermin medication, insulin for his diabetes, or a number of medical supplies he needs.

Jordan barely leaves his room. His mother describes him as a loner. He doesnt play with other children. He doesnt go to school; he is taught by a teacher who comes to his house. Instead, he listens to music, paints, sews, and plays with his mothers phone. I am desperate, hurt, helpless, Solano says in a virtual interview, during which her son remains in the room. Jordan will only go out at lunchtime.

Jordan is one of the five medical cases that Cuban activists submitted last September 19 to the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF). They are demanding that the UN agency issue a finding on the situation of the many children who cannot receive care in the islands hospitals.

A pharmacist displays moringa leaves, which are sold as medicine in the nearly empty pharmacy, on October 12. Yander Zamora (EFE)

For years, the country sold itself to the world as a medical powerhouse, but Cuba has long been in a health crisis that has only worsened in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, just as other sectors of the economy and life in general have deteriorated. Even as the sick, the hospitalized and occasional patients complained about the lack of medicines, the shortage of hospital beds and the few ambulances, the government continued to claim that the island was a medical powerhouse.

Now, the problem is not only the lack of medicine in pharmacies, but the lack of medical personnel in a country that has reported an exodus of over 300,000 Cubans in just two years. According to the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI), some 12,000 doctors left the Cuban public health system last year.

They dont say it, but there are no doctors in Cuba; they dont want to acknowledge it, Cuban doctor Lucio Enriquez Nodarse, a member of the Free Cuban Medical Guild, says from Spain. It is a more serious issue than anyone imagines. They are never going to say that the great Cuban medical school, the great [medical] powerhouse, has no doctors.

A doctor in Havana looks at a map of the sites where there are Cuban medical missions, before leaving for Mozambique, in 2019. Ramon Espinosa (AP)

This year, during a meeting Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz only acknowledged that the lack of foreign currency income prevented the acquisition of resources to meet the health needs of the population. In other words, the government can hardly take care of its sick citizens.

Cuba has a population of 11.2 million inhabitants and 2.3 million of them are under 18 years of age. According to the 2022 Health Statistical Yearbook, the main causes of death among minors are malignant tumors, septicemia, accidents, congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal anomalies. While the total number of children who are being neglected by the Cuban health system is unknown, every day there are numerous complaints about this situation from parents on social media.

Patients wait to see a doctor at the Leonor Perez Maternity Center in Havana in January of this year. Ismael Francisco (AP)

For years, Yurislay Leyva Vasconcelo, Yurisay Marin Leyvas mother, has been demanding a better quality of life for her daughter. Now 22 years old, Yurisay was born with achondroplasia (bone growth disorder) and congenital glaucoma, and she also suffers from epilepsy, hypertension and drug-induced gastritis.

She never has the medicines she needs, because when she doesnt lack one, she lacks another, and for a year nothing has been coming into the pharmacy, says the mother of Yurisay, one of the cases presented to UNICEF.

9-year-old Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramirez is another of the cases submitted to the UN agency. Geobel has been diagnosed with a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, among other diseases.

My son has a chronic condition and in Cuba there are no options for surgery or treatment for him, says his mother, Eliannis Ramirez Baez. I have even reported the situation to MINSAP. I have asked for help everywhere and no one will lift a finger to do anything. I am desperate, anguished, sometimes depressed, weak, because everything in this country is fruitless.

Another case is that of 8-year-old Yoahira Lia Zulueta Jorge, who has infantile cerebral palsy (ICP), as well as epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and cleft palate. Her mother has not only asked for help for her healthcare, but also for the housing conditions in which she lives: The house is at risk of collapse. I have gone to all the agencies and nothing [happened], they just tell me that there are no funds, she says.

Yurisay Marin Leyva and Yoahira Lia Zulueta Jorge. Cortesia

The fifth case, Cristofer Antonio Olivera, 4, has been waiting for an operation for almost his entire life. When he was 1 year old and just learning to walk, he accidentally took caustic soda (lye), which permanently damaged his gastric tube. The doctors have told his grandmother that there are not enough supplies to operate on him; in the meantime, Cristofer is fed with a syringe and a tube connected to his stomach.

Like the rest of the aforementioned parents, Cristofers caregivers are requesting humanitarian visas so they can leave the island and care for their children in other countries. Activist Avana de la Torre, who went to the UNICEF offices in Madrid, has since documented the cases of 1000 other minors unprotected by the Cuban government.

This is a cry from the mothers and grandmothers of vulnerable children in Cuba, she says. This situation is probably not going to change anything, other than exposing the Cuban government and UNICEF.

4-year-old Cristofer Antonio Olivera. Cortesia

In early October, UNICEF regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean Garry Conille visited the island and met with President Miguel Diaz-Canel. After the tour, he said that the current situation in Cuba creates limitations on the development prospects of children and adolescents, and he reiterated his agencys commitment to helping close the gaps to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children, adolescents and families. According to its 2022 annual report, UNICEF gave the island $2.5 million from public donors, but the organization has acknowledged that some nutritional deficiencies affecting minors persist in the country.

The UNICEF office in Havana has not responded to activists complaints and calls. In a statement to EL PAIS, Sendai Zea, the agencys press officer said that UNICEF shares the concern about how the situations of children, adolescents and families has deteriorated due to the prolonged economic crisis in Cuba, which affects their access to the goods and services necessary for their well-being and development. Although Zea mentioned some of the programs and areas in which UNICEF works in Cuba, the press officer avoided commenting on the cases of children whose lives are in danger due to the lack of medical personnel and supplies.

While the affected children and their families wait for answers, Dr. Enriquez Nodarse is not optimistic about the situation: I dont think anything is going to happen with these children, because what is going to save the children is not people sending them a band-aid, a mattress, or a wheelchair, he says. The only thing that is going to save the children is for the dictatorship to end. There is no short-term solution.

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Kindness, she said last week, could somehow save them. Loading I grew up, you know, with all these Holocaust stories about how all my uncles lives were saved because of acts of kindness, she said. Do I want that to be the story here? she asked. Yeah. Hamas apparently received nothing in exchange for the release of the two hostages, who were freed days after an American woman and her teenage daughter. Hamas and other militants in Gaza are believed to have taken roughly 220 people, including an unconfirmed number of foreigners and dual citizens.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Iranian-backed fighters around the region are warning of possible escalation, including the targeting of US forces deployed in the Middle East, if a ground offensive is launched in Gaza. The US has told Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups not to join the fight. Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire almost daily across the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days. US national security council spokesman John Kirby said there has been an uptick in rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in Iraq and Syria, and that the US was deeply concerned about the possibility for any significant escalation in the coming days. He said US officials were having active conversations with Israeli counterparts about the potential ramifications of escalated military action.

The US advised Israeli officials that delaying a ground offensive would give Washington more time to work with regional mediators on the release of more hostages, according to a US official. Loading Israeli tanks and ground forces have been massed at the Gaza border, and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told troops there Monday to keep preparing for an offensive because it will come. He said it will be a combined offensive from air, land and sea, but he did not give a time frame. A ground offensive is likely to dramatically increase casualties in what is already the deadliest by far of five wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group took power in Gaza in 2007. More than 1400 people in Israel have been killed  mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack. At least 222 people were captured and dragged back to Gaza, including foreigners, the military said Monday, updating a previous figure.

More than 5000 Palestinians, including some 2000 minors and around 1100 women, have been killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Monday. That includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The toll has climbed rapidly in recent days, with the ministry reporting 436 additional deaths in just the last 24 hours. Israel said it struck 320 militant targets throughout Gaza over the last 24 hours. The military says it does not target civilians, and that Palestinian militants have fired over 7,000 rockets at Israel since the start of the war. A man carries a Palestinian girl pulled out of the de house destroyed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Rafah. Credit: AP Inside Gaza, the civilian death toll continued to mount. Fifteen members of the same family were among at least 33 Palestinians buried Monday in a shallow, sandy mass grave at a Gaza hospital after being killed in Israeli airstrikes. The bodies were laid to rest side by side in the courtyard of al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Men discussed where to fit the shrouded corpse of a small child. Bring them all, a gravedigger called out.

Israel carried out limited ground forays into Gaza. On Sunday, Hamas said it destroyed an Israeli tank and two armoured bulldozers inside Gaza. The Israeli military said a soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an anti-tank missile during a raid inside Gaza. Loading On Monday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 20 trucks entered Gaza carrying food, water, medicine and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. It was the third delivery in as many days, each around the same size. The aid coming in so far is a drop in the ocean compared with the needs of the population, said Thomas White, the Gaza director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The UN has said 20 trucks amounts to 4 per cent of an average days imports before the war and that hundreds of trucks a day are needed. White said the agency had only three days of fuel left for its trucks. The supplies coming through Rafah are reloaded onto UNRWA vehicles and the Red Crescent trucks to take to hospitals and UN schools in the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are taking shelter, running low on food and largely drinking contaminated water.

At least 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have fled their homes, and nearly 580,000 of them are sheltering in UN-run schools and shelters, the UN said on Monday. No aid will be distributed in Gaza City and other parts of the north, where hundreds of thousands of people remain. Gaza Citys main al-Shifa Hospital, with a normal capacity of 700 patients, is currently overwhelmed with 5000 patients, and around 45,000 displaced people are gathered in and around its grounds for shelter, the UN said. AP More coverage of the Hamas-Israel conflict
The much-anticipated ground invasion of Gaza has yet to materialise more than two weeks after Hamas brutal incursion into Israel on October 7.

A ground assault appeared imminent after the Israel Defence Forces sent 100,000 troops to the Gaza border during the first week of the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly told US President Joe Biden we have to go in.

Israel Defence Forces reservists near the border with Gaza four days after Hamas attacked. Credit: Getty

But by this week, IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus suggested there might be another way.

The aim here is to totally dismantle Hamas from its military capabilities, he told the ABC on Monday. If that can be done from the air  with very limited exposure to our troops and less damage on the ground, that would be great.
From 18 September to 3 November 2023, the French-speaking participants in the 87th Fellowship Programme of the World Customs Organization (WCO) had a chance to experience the new Programme model, switching between virtual and in-person components.

After three weeks of online exchanges during which the Fellows were informed about the latest developments and topical issues in all the technical fields addressed by the WCO, the former were tasked with developing a modernization project supervised by one or more tutors. These projects, intended for the Fellows respective home administrations, aim to provide modernization recommendations in a technical domain of relevance to Customs.

During their visit to the WCO Secretariat, the Fellows had an opportunity to meet with the Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, during a roundtable session and to participate in the Workshop on Leadership and Management Development. The knowledge gained should enable them, once back home, to work towards the implementation of their technical recommendations and towards the change management process.

A practical two-week study visit to a partner Member Administration (Japan, Republic of Korea or France) will wrap up the Fellows participation in the Programme.

This 87th edition of the Programme, funded by the Customs Administrations of Japan and France as well as by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Korea, welcomed participants from the following WCO Member Administrations: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mauritania, Moldova, Peru, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia.
On October 17th, a powerful explosion hit a civilian area of the old city of Gaza, between the neighborhoods of Shejaiya and Zeitun, in the northern part of the Strip. The first news appeared a few minutes later, as well as the first videos, both through social media and news services. One of them, taken from a house near the place, which was geolocated and verified, reproduces the moment in which a descending whoosh precedes the explosion; then a strong, high flare, and columns of smoke.

The first messages reported that the Al Ahli Arab hospital had been hit by an Israeli attack. Almost immediately, Hamas accused Israel of bombing the healthcare facility, where, according to the first communication from the Palestinian militia, between 200 and 300 people had died, while hundreds of wounded remained in the rubble (the Gazan health ministry later raised the number of fatalities to 471). After just over three hours, the Israeli army stated that Islamic Jihad, the second-strongest armed group in Gaza, had been responsible for what happened.

A week later, without an independent investigation or foreign press on the ground due to the Israeli blockade of the Strip, it is still not possible to know with certainty what hit the Al Ahli hospital and where it came from. However, the analysis and verification of the recordings and photographs spread during those hours through social networks and the media, as well as the inspection of ground zero of the tragedy that was carried out on the morning of the 18th, offer an approximation to what happened: most of the journalistic and government investigations indicate that the projectile that caused the death of dozens of civilians in Al Ahli on the afternoon of October 17th was launched from inside Gaza.

A satellite photograph provided by the company Maxar, that shows (in the center of the image) that the damage after the explosion is concentrated in the parking lot of the Al Ahli hospital, and there is no structural damage to the facilities.

First of all, it is necessary to define what happened at the hospital. According to the Geneva Convention, an attack is an act of violence against an adversary. Thus, we would need to know the reasons behind the explosion, in the event that it was caused by some type of projectile; whether Israel deliberately bombed the center, to which it had sent three evacuation notices on the 14th, 15th and 16th, according to information from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to which the hospital is linked, or whether the impact was the result of an error in one of the rockets launched that afternoon by the Palestinian militias in the Strip and, therefore, an accident.

One of the keys to getting closer to what could have caused the explosion and the death of dozens of people is a live broadcast done by the Qatari network Al Jazeera from inside the Strip. The channel analyzed images recorded after 6:45 p.m., local time, in which it identifies four Israeli bombings. They take place between 6:54 p.m. and 6:58 p.m. A minute later, a camera that is being used to do a live broadcast with an Al Jazeera reporter turns and captures a light, similar to that left by the rockets of the Palestinian militias, that rises at a decreasing speed until it disappears after a burst of light. It is 6:59 p.m. The Qatari channels investigation team reported that the projectile was intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system.

The images that were seen live on Al Jazeera.

This version has been refuted by some analysts consulted this week by Western media: the Iron Dome is a system that acts when the rockets fired from Gaza are on a downward trajectory and approach an Israeli position, just like other anti-aircraft defense systems do. Shortly before the Al Jazeera camera saw the rocket ascending alone, at least two fixed cameras located in Israeli territory north of the Strip and pointed in the direction of Gaza (one in Tel Aviv and another south of Ashkelon, in Netiv Haasara), as verified by Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal, recorded the launch of a long series of projectiles.

Images from surveillance cameras in the city of Netiv Haasara.

An Israeli statement issued on the 18th put the number of rockets launched in that series at around ten. However, the images recorded from Israeli territory suggest that this number would actually be closer to twenty. The army blamed this  in line with the Israeli version of what happened so far  on Islamic Jihad. Both this group and the armed wing of Hamas, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, reported attacks against Israeli territory through their social media accounts during the afternoon of the 17th.

The camera in Tel Aviv captures the same lone rocket which, after the launch of multiple projectiles, overflies erratically. Just a few seconds after it explodes in the sky, following the Al Jazeera footage, a first explosion takes place in the background, in an apparently sparsely populated area, followed by a second, which is the one that impacts the Al Ahli hospital. Although the timestamp of the videos that captured the missile launch coincide, in a sequence that leads to the two explosions on the ground, there is no visual evidence that connects the explosion of the projectile in the sky with the massacre; no projectile or fraction of a rocket can be identified at that time of night in the different recordings.

Images captured from Ashdod, south of Tel Aviv.

Although the first reports indicated that the alleged attack had hit the hospital, photographs and videos taken in daylight  including those captured by Palestinian photojournalist Mohamed al Masri  showed that ground zero of the massacre was actually located in the parking lot of the healthcare center, under the open sky. In those first images from the morning of the 18th, a dozen cars appear completely burned or badly damaged. Approximately 50 feet away, other vehicles had suffered much lighter damage.

View of the parking lot of the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, on the 18th. STRINGER (REUTERS)

Through these images of the area, taken in broad daylight, and based on the size of the parking lot and the green areas next to the impact zone  where dozens of people, fleeing the Israeli bombings, had been taking refuge for days  experts in geolocation and verification, like Nathan Ruser, analyst from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, have questioned whether the number of fatalities really amounted to almost 500. The U.S. intelligence service has estimated, according to a document obtained by Agence France-Presse, that the death toll could range between 100 and 300.

One of the photographers on the ground is Mohamed Saber, who distributed through the EFE agency one of the first images of the crater caused by the projectile that hit the Al Ahli parking lot. The hole, shallow and approximately three feet in diameter, forms an impact cone that goes from northeast to southwest. According to several experts, including U.S. military advisor Marc Garlasco, an expert in the investigation of war crimes, what hit the floor of the parking lot did not come from an airstrike. Even the smallest JDAM [guided missile] causes a 3m [10-foot] crater, Garlasco tweeted.

Crater caused by the impact of a projectile or part of a projectile in the parking lot of the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza, on the 18th. MOHAMMED SABER (EFE)

The videos that were taken from inside the Al Ahli facilities also reveal damage to the facades of some of the centers lower buildings, including a Baptist church, remains of the explosion and the effect of the impact of parts of the projectile after hitting the ground. So far, no photograph or video has shown any remains of what caused the massacre inside the hospital.

One day after the massacre, on an official trip to Israel, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that, according to the information in his possession, the massacre had been caused by the failure of a rocket fired from Palestinian territory. The United Kingdom echoes this conclusion, reports Rafa de Miguel: On the basis of the deep knowledge and analysis of our intelligence and our weapons experts, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons on Monday, the British government judges that the explosion was likely caused by a missile, or part of one, that was launched from within Gaza towards Israel.

The French investigations coincide with London and Washington. As reported by Agence France-Presse, the analysis carried out in Paris was even able to quantify the explosive charge that impacted the hospital at around five kilograms.

A verified video showing the interior of the hospital complex facilities, including a Baptist church.

The level of destruction at the Al Ahli facilities is much lower than what a guided missile can cause, and it is closer to what a rocket or an artillery piece would do. The force of a projectile from an Israeli attack, as the army itself has disseminated recently through graphic evidence  and as images from Ukrainian civilian areas hit by Russia attest every day  would destroy not only the objective, but also the surrounding buildings through the shock wave. In the aforementioned video that shows the explosion from a closer viewpoint, taken from a home, the enormous flare that follows the roar stands out; this could be due to the incendiary effect of the projectiles fuel.

Finally, the forensic analysis of the crater through graphic material has allowed one of the best projects of verification through open sources, the London-based Forensic Architecture  which has done brilliant work in the region, such as the reconstruction of the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin by Israeli fire  to trace the possible direction from which the projectile arrived at the parking lot of the Gaza hospital. According to its analysis and three-dimensional projection, what hit the Al Ahli center came from the northeastern area, not from the southwest, as the Israeli army explained through its statements in the first hours after the massacre.

Brenda Valverde Rubio contributed to verifying the images for this article.

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The runoff of Argentinas presidential election on November 19 is shaping up to be a vote-by-vote battle. Sergio Massa, the economy minister who won the first round on Sunday, and his rival, the far-right leader Javier Milei, have already begun the fight. Both candidates are looking to sway supporters of Patricia Bullrich, the conservative candidate of the Juntos por Cambio (Together for Change) alliance, which brought Mauricio Macri to power in 2015.

Bullrich  who came in third place and was knocked out of the race  received 6.2 million votes in the first round. Who these voters choose to support at the November runoff will be key to deciding who will be the next president of Argentina: Massa or Milei.

Bullrich voters are not a homogenous bloc, but rather made up of supporters of the two parties in the Together for Change coalition: Pro and the Union Civica Radical (Radical Civil Union, UCR). The majority back Pro, the party that Macri founded in 2005 as a platform to govern the city of Buenos Aires, and later the presidency. Its members consider themselves republicans and liberals, but what really unites them is a common hatred toward the left-wing Peronist political movement and Kirchnerism, the political movement based on the ideas of former presidents Nestor Kirchner and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, which is considered a branch of Peronism.

UCR, on the other hand, was the first mass political party in Argentina. Starting in the 1940s, national politics in Argentina was based on the partys dialectical relationship with Peronism. The party peaked in 1983, with president Raul Alfonsin and the transition to democracy, but went into decline after president Fernando de la Rua resigned in 2001, during the bank run crisis. The UCR never lost territorial control, but at the national level it was reduced to an appendage of Pro in the Together for Change alliance. The partys voters are against Peronism, but not fanatically opposed to the group.

Massa and Milei made their first attempts to sway these voters on Sunday night. Massa  the Peronism canidate  went after the UCR supporters. I want to speak to those thousands of UCR voters who share with us democratic values such as public education and the independence of powers. I am going to make every effort in the next 30 days to earn your trust, he said.

Milei, on the other hand, has dismissed UCR voters, accusing them of betraying Bullrich. Massas vote went up and Bullrichs went down. It is clear who betrayed them, said the far-right leader, in reference to the Together for Change coalition.

But why does Milei believe he can dismiss these voters? He believes that they switched to Massa [in the first round]. And that the six million votes that stayed with Bullrich represent the hardcore of the coalition, and therefore closest to supporting him, says Sergio Morresi, professor at the Litoral National University. The issue is whether it is really true that the UCR voted for Massa, because Milei does not have people studying this phenomenon with empirical data. For now, it is nothing more than his impression, he explains.

While Massa may have a greater chance of swaying UCR voters, Milei is likely to win over most of the supporters of Pro. According to Morresi, the party declares itself to be very republican, but is above all deeply anti-Peronist and anti-Kirchnerist. In his opinion, the protest vote against Massa is stronger than Mileis calls to upend the political system, legalize the sale of organs, and close the Ministries of Education and Health.

Eduardo Fidanza, director of the consulting firm Poliarquia, agrees that the Together for Change vote will be divided between Milei and Massa, but warns that it is too soon to know to what degree. Both the UCR and the moderate sector of Pro would not be willing to vote for Milei, he says. But he will undoubtedly sway some of them: Macris hardcore voters and everyone who hates Kirchnerism, of whom there are many. The Bullrich voters who change their vote to Massa will be more covert about their voting intention, he says.

If Milei sways all of Bullrichs 6.2 million voters, he will have enough votes to win the runoff. For now, that does not seem a likely situation. Two other presidential hopefuls were also knocked out of the race on Sunday: Juan Schiaretti, an anti-Kirchnerist who at some point flirted with joining Together for Change; and Myriam Bregman. from the traditional left. The two won 1.7 million and 700,000 votes, respectively.

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Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

More clouds than sun, but still some sun from time to time; dry and seasonable. .

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy and not as cold; lows remaining above freezing. Don't forget to turn back the clocks one hour before bed.
READING, Pa.  Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 621 into law Monday night. That bill included language to rename Reading's Penn Street Bridge the Police Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Bridge.

Wertz dedicated 20 years of his life to public service and law enforcement before he was fatally shot in the line of duty on Aug. 6, 2006. At the time, Wertz was assisting his fellow Reading police officers as they attempted to break up a fight.

A formal event will be held to celebrate the naming of the bridge when the signage is ready.

The bill also designates a portion of Lehigh Street in Allentown as the Chief Christopher Kiskeravage Memorial Highway.

Kiskeravage spent 23 years with the Allentown Fire Department before taking the job of fire commissioner in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County in 2019. He died in June of 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

In addition, a portion of Pennsylvania Route 143 in Lynn Township, Lehigh County, will be renamed Heroes Highway in honor of fallen firefighter Marvin Gruber and Asst. Fire Chief Zachary Paris.

Gruber and Paris died in the line of duty while fighting a fire in Schuylkill County in December 2022.
BETHLEHEM, Pa.  The Bethlehem Area School District Board of Directors approved two measures Monday night that advance the construction of the new Fountain Hill Elementary School.

Directors approved a resolution of intent to reimburse the district's general funds used to pay for the costs through the issuance of bonds. BASD will issue about $20 million of general obligation bonds to permanently finance the project.

The school district will pay the project's costs from the general fund on an initial basis and then expects to reimburse that money with proceeds derived from the bonds.

Earlier in the meeting, the board approved a contract with Alloy5 of Bethlehem for architectural design services related to the design and construction of the new Fountain Hill Elementary School.

Alloy5 provided one of six proposals the district received for consideration. Of those six firms, BASD conducted interviews with three: Breslin Architects, KCBA Architects and Alloy5. Firms were evaluated on criteria which included qualifications, fees, concept design and their execution and responsiveness to the district.

"This is a long time in coming," board President Michael Faccinetto said. "We're excited about beginning that process."

The contract with Alloy5 is worth $2.31 million.

Other business

In other news, the board OK'd the replacement of the Liberty High School auditorium sound system. The deal, with Events Staging, is worth $59,842.

Directors approved also the submission of a Wind Creek Bethlehem grant application worth $80,000. Donegan Elementary School is requesting the funding to support after-school activities, family events, student trips, teacher wellness and "Leader In Me" initiatives.

Finally, directors approved an update to a retainer agreement with D'Huy Engineering to continue as the district's engineer. Their overall duties include providing planning, design and engineering support. The update incorporates all fees associated with project design and supervision for smaller summer projects as well as larger capital projects.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, New York-style pizza, Philly cheesesteaks and other comfort foods take center stage at south Bethlehems newest restaurant.

Cheesy Charlie, a fast-casual eatery offering dine-in, takeout and delivery services, opened Oct. 4 at 201 Mechanic St.

Owner and head chef Jeff Kulls has cooked at Lehigh Valley restaurants and other venues for 38 years, garnering experience at prominent current and former dining establishments such as Sunset Grille in Upper Macungie Township, the former Federal Grill in Allentown and the former Candlelight Inn in Bethlehem Township.

His resume also includes culinary gigs at local schools and senior living facilities.

At Cheesy Charlie, hes serving up an array of made-from-scratch dishes, including toasties such as a Cuban, reuben, French dip and grilled cheese, each served on a grilled steak roll with French fries.

The corner eatery primarily handles takeout and delivery orders, but it also has about 10 indoor counter seats as well as a few bistro tables outside.

I always wanted to own and operate my own restaurant, but I never wanted a big place because then it turns into a big production with a lot of workers, Kulls said. This space is perfect me - just enough room to do what I love.

Cheesy Charlie occupies the space that was previously home to Randys Pizzeria for the past three years.

Randys owner Miranda Dean recently shifted her focus to operating her fathers restaurant, Roccos Pizza & Italian Restaurant, in Phillipsburg, Kulls said.

Cheesy Charlies menu differs from Randys, but Dean imparted some of her culinary skills amid the transition, Kulls said.

She taught me how to make the pizza dough, but the sauce is my own, Kulls said.

Cheesy Charlie serves up 16-inch, New York-style pizzas, starting at $11.99.

Optional toppings, $1.50 each, include extra cheese, bacon, ham, pepperoni, sausage, anchovies, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, black olives and truffle oil.

Customers can also enjoy $2 slices and specialty pies such as Hawaiian, Philly and Buffalo chicken. Gluten-free varieties are also available.

Our regular cheese pizza has been the biggest seller, but our white pizzas have also been very popular, Kulls said. People are also really liking our mac and cheeses, especially our pulled pork and taco beef.

Customers can choose from a variety of mac and cheese selections, including Buffalo chicken, garlic shrimp and barbecue pulled pork, each topped with butter-toasted crumbs and served with a focaccia bread stick. Gluten-free options are also available.

Plain mac and cheese is $6.99, and customers can build their own mac and cheese creation by choosing optional add-ins ($1 each) such as bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and truffle oil.

Other menu highlights include steak sandwiches, quesadillas and sides such as mozzarella sticks, onion rings and fries. Fruit smoothies are also available.

Cheesy Charlie is named after a variation of Kulls nickname, which originated during his childhood.

When I was a kid at Muhlenberg Elementary School in Allentown, one of my teachers wrote on my report card, Jeff is a good time Charlie, because I talked in class, Kulls said. So, when my dad first met my wife, he told her the story, and she started calling me Charlie. Its just stuck over the years.

Cheesy Charlie, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays, offers online ordering through the Slice app.

The restaurant plans to offer delivery through Grubhub within the next couple of weeks, Kulls said. Info: 610-419-0053; Cheesy Charlie on Facebook.
The drums of war sounded on Monday in the Galilee Panhandle, the territory located in the far north of the state of Israel and sandwiched in between the Lebanese border and the Golan Heights, the plateau occupied by the army since 1967. It looks like a Katiusha [the rockets used by the Lebanese party-militia Hezbollah], said Aviva Rihan-Whitman, 52, a councilor in the town of Kiryat Shmona, as she ran to take shelter under the concrete porch of the municipal civic center. Ah no! These are our guys, she added a moment later, smiling confidently while the sharp sound of artillery echoed like a kettledrum among the hills.

Rihan-Withman, a sociologist by trade, has been organizing the evacuation of the 23,000 residents of Kiryat Shmona, decreed on Friday by the army due to the growing confrontation with Hezbollah, which has claimed the lives of at least six Israelis and more than 35 Lebanese citizens since the conflict broke out on October 7. Another 42 towns have also received evacuation orders, although many people are reluctant to leave their homes.

If Hezbollah decides to enter the war, it will miss the Second Lebanon War. That would be its biggest mistake ever, warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, alluding to the pro-Iran militia operating on the Lebanese border and to a 2006 conflict that claimed the lives of 1,300 Lebanese and 165 Israelis in 33 days of fighting. The deployment of Merkava tanks, artillery batteries and infantry battalions has been evident in the border region of the Upper Galilee region for two weeks. The possibility of a deluge of rockets from southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has more than 200,000 projectiles, is worrying the General Staff of the Israeli Armed Forces, which wants to avert the threat hanging over tens of thousands of civilians.

Half of the residents of Kiryat Shmona have already left by their own means or in chartered buses to relatives homes or hotels paid for by the government, said the councilor, who heads the social services department in a city that now resembles a ghost town, with schools and most businesses closed. A quarter of the residents  elderly, families without financial resources or people without relatives  need help to leave town. The rest simply dont want to leave, says Rihan-Withman.

That is not accurate. There are almost half of us who are going to stay, no matter what happens, says David Hatani, 66, who worked in a hotel until his recent retirement. Born in Kiryat Shmona into a Jewish family that had just emigrated from Morocco, he remembers that when he was 10 years old, a Syrian mortar shell took the life of his classmate at school. Since then I have seen all the wars right here from my house: the Six-Day War [1967], the Yom Kippur War [1973] and the two wars in Lebanon [1982 and 2006], he says to justify his decision not to evacuate despite the order given by the military authorities.

David Hatani is a Torah-observant Jew who takes a dim view of the promiscuity between secular and religious people and the absence of kosher food in the hotels where the displaced population is being taken. He is not alone, although the decision to stay in a zone of hostilities seems risky. The air raid sirens wailed at 4:30 p.m. on Monday in Kyriat Shmona, shortly after an armed group opened fire on the Misgav Am kibbutz, which is isolated on top of a hill and surrounded by fences and barbed wire to separate it from Lebanese territory. An army spokesman reported shortly later that artillery had responded with several salvos directed at the point of origin of the fire, and that two terrorist units had penetrated a nearby area known as Shebaa Farms, a territory disputed between Lebanon and Israel.

Reservist Amir Shamir, 43, guards the Kyriat Shmona civic center, where the evacuation is being organized. Edward Kaprov

Im not leaving either, says Shlomo Elhag, 85, a retired non-commissioned officer of the Armed Forces who has been through all the wars of Israel, including the one that followed its creation in 1948. Together with his son Ishashi, a 42-year-old construction contractor who is serving as a reservist despite no longer being under the legal obligation to do so, he stands guard at home. The house stands halfway up the hill that marks the territorial boundary with Lebanon. My mother and my sisters have been evacuated, along with other family members, but my brothers, sons and nephews are all patrolling the city now, says Ishashi Elhag, with an M-16 assault rifle draped over his uniform.

The army has sealed off access to Metula, the northernmost point of the Galilee Panhandle, surrounded by Lebanese territory on all cardinal points except the south. One of the last towns whose evacuation has been ordered by the army is Hagoshrim, around seven miles (12 km) northeast of Kiryat Shmona. A checkpoint blocks the way to the fenced area of town, where about 1,300 people were living until now. There are only 200 left. Among them are Sheilas octogenarian parents. This 57-year-old teacher at a high school in Haifa, the main city in northern Israel, shows respect for her parents decision. I have asked them to come with me, but they prefer to remain at home, no matter what happens.

There are many people in Israel who think that this war must be stopped, she declares with the conviction of a teacher explaining a lesson to her students. Many of us believe that we have to seek an agreement to live in peace with the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, nearly 120,000 civilians have fled the Lebanese territory controlled by Hezbollah in the past two weeks, according to the United Nations. The figure is similar to the number of evacuees within Israel near the Gaza Strip, in anticipation of a ground operation against Hamas, and along the northern border, where fewer and fewer civilians remain in the face of the eventual confrontation with Hezbollah.
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa.  At its lengthy meeting Monday night, the Bethlehem Township Planning Commission heard proposals for a housing development on Miller Farm land and construction of a Wawa with more housing near a busy intersection.

Offered by developer Kay Builders, the Miller Farm proposal  officially known as "Fields at Farmersville"  calls for the construction of 109 homes and townhomes at 3107 Farmersville Road. That site is located across Farmersville Road from Bethlehem Township Community Center.

According to project engineer David Wilson of Colliers Engineering & Design, the 109-unit proposal is a 57-unit reduction from the previous 156-unit proposal and no longer calls for apartments or "stacked townhomes."

At previous meetings, the plan raised concerns from residents about the loss of a view of open fields.

During Monday night's meeting, the project's civil engineering team updated the planning commission and residents on a plan it says it's been working on for nearly two years.

"The application we're presenting tonight is less dense, more traditional, residential subdivision," the team announced.

The team also said it addressed the township's concerns, but those against the plan disagreed.

"Builder is totally not responsible," said a resident. "If those people are not told when they buy that house that they'll have another house, you're going to have another problem."

The proposed development features two main east-west roads: Scherman Boulevard, which intersects with Farmersville Road across from Fox Chase Drive, and Hummingbird Lane, which intersects with Farmersville Road about halfway between Fox Chase Drive and Walter Road. A shorter north-south road called Miller Road would connect Scherman Boulevard with Hummingbird Lane within the development, Wilson said.

Additionally, the proposed development includes three cul-de-sacs known as Local Courts A, B and C. Local Court A is in its northwestern corner; Local Court B is on the eastern side near Farmersville Road; and Local Court C is in the southwestern area of the development.

For more than an hour on Monday, Wilson answered planners' and residents' questions about the proposal. Among the issues were the enforcement of street parking within the development, sidewalks along Farmersville Road and the fate of Miller Farm's barn  a historic site that has sat on the property for more than 300 years.

Wilson said the developer does not plan to maintain the barn because it is "not structurally stable," to which Planner Barry Roth and several residents objected. The barn could be used as a clubhouse or meeting place for the developments homeowners association, they said.

Wawa, apartments

Almost two hours were spent on the other major issue on Monday night's agenda: Developer George Paxos' joint proposal for a Wawa gas station/convenience store at 4457 Easton Ave. and an adjacent three-story apartment building to the north. That site is just east of the Paxos-owned Blue Grillhouse, at the intersection of Easton Avenue and a separate stretch of Farmersville Road.

A representative for the developer said the proposed Wawa would operate 24/7, but will not sell diesel fuel at the site.

69 News spoke with some concerned residents before the meeting started. They said while they do love a good Wawa trip, they don't necessarily want one in their backyard.

"I love Wawa as much as the next guy. I really do, but that's just not the place for it," said a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. "There just isn't room, and he wants to put a four-story building next to my one-story house."

Some residents said they've lived in the Bethlehem Township neighborhood for more than 30 years, and they felt the need to show up to use their voice.

"All these new apartments that this town is approving to come in, who's going to pay the school taxes on this?" asked a concerned resident at the podium. "Are we going to get zapped as residents for all this school tax?"

According to project architect Seth Shapiro, the 32-unit apartment building would have a total of 15 one-bedroom units and 17 two-bedroom units. Part of the third floor could also include a rooftop lounging deck for residents, according to renderings presented by Shapiro.

Planners and residents expressed concerns about constructing a Wawa near an already-crowded stretch of Easton Avenue. Among these concerns were traffic, the amount of on-site parking and the safety of underground gas lines needed to supply the gas pumps.

Roth said he worried about "crazy" drivers making illegal left turns out of the proposed Wawa onto Easton Avenue. Any egress onto Easton Avenue should be prohibited or at least limited with a sufficient median to discourage left turns, Roth said.

Monday's meeting came just a day after developer Trammell Crow requested to drop its proposed 866,350-square-foot warehouse at 1600 Freemansburg Ave. from the agenda. The township will still be considering that project at future meetings.

Warehouse planned for Bethlehem Township/Freemansburg removed from Monday agenda The big warehouse proposed for the Bethlehem Township/Freemansburg border has been dropped from Monday's meeting of the township Planning Commission.

The Bethlehem Township Planning Commission will next meet on Monday, Nov. 27.
The ground invasion of Gaza by Israeli troops to defeat Hamas following the October 7 attack has yet to happen, but the airstrikes on the Strip are intensifying. With more than 700 fatalities reported on Tuesday, Gaza has experienced the bloodiest day of the war, according to authorities of the enclave. The surge in violence coincides with a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Hamas are the new Nazis, they also threaten Europe, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, standing next to Macron in Jerusalem on Tuesday. The French president stated that their two countries face the same terrorist enemy, referring to Hamas in Palestine, the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The French leader is proposing that the same international coalition already fighting Islamic State should now try to put an end to Hamas.

Seventeen days have elapsed since the attack by Hamas that killed around 1,400 Israelis, and the tanks and soldiers of the Israeli army are still stationed on the perimeter of the Gaza Strip without carrying out the major attack announced by the highest officials of the country. In the meantime, Israeli aviation and artillery continue to step up their attacks against the Palestinian enclave, where they have hit some 400 Hamas targets in the last 24 hours, killing dozens of its members, according to army data. At least 704 people have died in these attacks, including 305 minors, according to sources from the Gaza Ministry of Health, which considers it the bloodiest day since the conflict broke out. In total, 5,791 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, of which around 2,000 are minors, according to the same source.

In the midst of the war, Israel is multiplying its diplomatic activity. During his visit, Macron stressed that the priority is to free the hostages that remain in Gaza. There are 220 according to Israel, not counting four women who have been released, two of them on Monday night. The French president has arrived in Israel with a message of solidarity, stating that France will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. He is also hoping to help stop a regional escalation and facilitate a new international consensus around the conflict, according to French government sources.

Macron confirmed that there are nine French hostages captured or missing in the Hamas attack. Another 30 were killed. The president met with some of the victims families at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. They will not be alone in this war against terrorism, said Macron after being received by President Isaac Herzog, but added that this fight must be carried out without enlarging this conflict.

Israel, said Macron, has the right to defend itself while Gazans have the right to receive humanitarian aid. This fight should be ruthless but not without rules, because we are democracies that are fighting terrorists, he said, adding that the laws of war must be upheld. He also defended a decisive relaunch of the political process with Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron (L) as they hold a joint press conference in Jerusalem on October 24, 2023. CHRISTOPHE ENA (AFP)

The French president believes that the fight against Hamas must also become a goal of the U.S.-led coalition that has already been fighting against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq since 2016, of which France is a part. It is about being inspired by the experience of the global coalition against the Islamic State and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas, said sources at the Elysee Palace without providing details on how to carry out the presidents plan in a coalition that does not include Israel. In any case, the two countries share an enemy, Macron said after meeting with Netanyahu.

The Hamas attack means that France now faces a greater number of hostages in this conflict than it had in the rest of the world. The number of its nationals killed on October 7 is the highest in an action of this type since the Nice attack in 2016, in which a truck killed 84 people.

After that massacre, Israel insists that Hamas operates under the same ideology and modus operandi as the Islamic State. The Israeli army said that the Palestinian assailants carried flags of that terrorist group that were found in the places attacked in Israeli territory. The Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, said that the delay in the ground invasion is due to tactical and strategic factors, although his soldiers are ready for an operation that is expected to be difficult and lengthy.

The fact that more than 200 hostages remain in the hands of the jihadists could be decisive when deciding what type of ground offensive the army will carry out. Military officials and politicians insist that the goal is to free everyone safe and sound. So far, diplomatic negotiations with the fundamentalist militia have led to the release of four people. They are gestures, hinted military spokesman Daniel Hagari, that try to show a humanity that the captors lack.

I have been through hell, explained Yocheved Lifschitz, 85, one of the two kidnapped women released on Monday night. This woman has not spared criticism of her country for the security failure that allowed Hamas to act despite the fence that separates Israel from Gaza at a cost of $2.5 billion, but which did not help at all. The Israeli army, according to an announcement made on X (formerly Twitter), is offering protection and economic aid to Gaza residents who step forward with any information about the whereabouts of the hostages, as explained in the flyers that have been raining down in the Gaza Strip, offering different ways to get in touch.

Macrons agenda also includes a trip to Ramallah to meet with the president of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting will take place as Macron deals with a loss of popularity in the Arab world after his government banned public demonstrations, protests, and displays of solidarity with the Palestinian people, only to be warned by the French courts that it was an illegal measure.
Autumn Glory Partners LLC acquired a new position in Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm acquired 3,145 shares of the asset managers stock, valued at approximately $292,000.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of Blackstone during the 2nd quarter valued at $65,371,000. Perigon Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Blackstone by 9.3% during the 2nd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 102,725 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $9,550,000 after purchasing an additional 8,715 shares in the last quarter. Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. raised its holdings in shares of Blackstone by 44.0% during the 2nd quarter. Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. now owns 19,149 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $1,780,000 after purchasing an additional 5,851 shares in the last quarter. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Blackstone by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter. Beaumont Financial Advisors LLC now owns 10,435 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $970,000 after purchasing an additional 709 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Segantii Capital Management Ltd bought a new position in shares of Blackstone during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,154,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.35% of the companys stock.

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Blackstone Price Performance

Shares of Blackstone stock opened at $92.75 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.84. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $105.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $96.40. Blackstone Inc. has a twelve month low of $71.72 and a twelve month high of $116.78. The firm has a market cap of $65.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.47.

Blackstone Increases Dividend

Blackstone ( NYSE:BX Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The asset manager reported $0.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.01 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $2.54 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.60 billion. Blackstone had a net margin of 21.29% and a return on equity of 16.76%. Blackstones revenue was up 140.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.06 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Blackstone Inc. will post 4.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 30th will be given a $0.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 27th. This is a positive change from Blackstones previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.45%. Blackstones payout ratio is 132.77%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on BX. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Blackstone from $102.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of Blackstone from $97.00 to $94.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Blackstone from $110.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Blackstone in a report on Friday, October 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $113.00 target price on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Blackstone from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $102.00 to $111.00 in a report on Friday, July 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Blackstone presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $110.50.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on BX

Insider Buying and Selling at Blackstone

In other Blackstone news, Director Joseph Baratta sold 74,565 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.32, for a total value of $8,002,315.80. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 985,883 shares in the company, valued at $105,804,963.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, Director William G. Parrett sold 3,874 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.47, for a total transaction of $435,708.78. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 30,941 shares in the company, valued at $3,479,934.27. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Joseph Baratta sold 74,565 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.32, for a total transaction of $8,002,315.80. Following the transaction, the director now owns 985,883 shares in the company, valued at $105,804,963.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 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.

Blackstone Profile

(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.

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Nyanchama Okemwa, 57, lives up to her name, which means charisma. Her drive and enthusiasm comes out when she talks about what she is most passionate about: defending the rights of the African diaspora in Europe. At the Green Social Summit, which was held in Madrid on September 29, Okemwa grabbed the attention of the attendees with her speeches.

Okemwa is an anthropologist, expert in decolonization, and pan-Africanist and anti-racism activist. She traveled from her native Kenya to Belgium 30 years ago, although her career as an activist began earlier in Kenya, where she was inspired by her compatriot Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004). However, the kind of activism she carries out now is different to what she did in her home country. My activism was against people excluded in the sense of being financially challenged, physically challenged, my anchor was humanity and our wellness it was not difference between people. But when I came to Belgium, I started to get confronted with racial exclusion. I started as an activist immediately, she says.

In a country like Belgium, which has a disgraceful colonial past, Okemwa found herself in an identity limbo. I was tolerated in Belgian society, but there were no prominent activists of my color. Okemwa realized, she says, that she hadnt been told the whole story. I started to question the truth, the facts about our past, the false truth and fallacies. This is how my vision of decolonization began to take shape, she recalls.

Okemwa currently works as an outreach and campaign advisor for the Belgium-based non-profit organization Hand in Hand against Racism, as well as leading the board of directors of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR). Since ENARs inception three decades ago, Okemwa points out that there have been notable advances in the participation of minorities in social movements. People like me are having positions where we can actually sit at the table and talk and contribute as experts and peers in the conversation, we need to celebrate those changes, she says.

Thanks to these changes, Okemwa says, its been possible to restore figures such as Patrice Lumumba, the anti-colonial leader and former prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who was overthrown by a coup detat and later assassinated in 1961 by Belgian forces. More than half a century later, in 2018, Brussels raised a monument in her honor in response to the demand of associations and activists. It is incredible how Lumumba was recognized in hundreds of places in the world, but not in Belgium.

Despite these advances, Okemwa criticizes the way in which the (white) European political class still controls the narrative on racism, which tends to approach it from individual experience and not admit that it is a structural problem. As long as we continue with obsolete laws, the problem will persist, she believes.

Okemwa has two masters degrees in pedagogical studies and has also been involved in academic research and teaching. In fact, she believes that any change, including ending racism, starts in the education system. She argues, however, that education is still very Eurocentric and therefore myopic, claiming it doesnt prepare young people for the real world of the 21st century. This education could have worked 50 years ago, when Europe was largely dominated by a white population, but Europe is no longer white. Europe is now super diverse, she explains. This same reasoning goes for health, housing, migration, she adds.

Okemwa suggests that, in addition to updating the school curriculum, it is important that all young people have role models to follow. The new generations of African descendants in Europe, she says, need cultural centers where they can learn about their spirituality, legends, languages, and gastronomy. A child without roots is a child that is doomed to make wrong decisions when they are grown up. Its a child that would go with the wind in any direction.

Pan-Africanism is more important than ever, says Okemwa, who argues that it is broader than other anti-racism movements such as Black Lives Matter, which originated in the United States in response to a specific event: the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. We are talking about the slavery that existed and continues to exist, we are talking about the colonial mentality that impacted us then and is still impacting us now. We are talking about destruction that existed then and exists now, she explains.

The activist highlights the importance of looking at the past without becoming hostage to it, explaining the goal is to learn and find solutions. The vision of improving the future is linked to our past, that is why we cannot continue to ignore it, we cannot continue to be immersed in a one-side history. It is no longer acceptable, so there is much to be done, she says.

Okemwa is optimistic about the future of the Pan-Africanist struggle with. The African diaspora who were born and raised in the West, are becoming empowered, learning about their rights and retaining the roots of their parents country of origin, she says. These people are influencing ways of speaking, of thinking. They are managing, little by little, to challenge the fallacies with which they have grown up. You can no longer pretend our green energies are not coming from extraction of cobalt in Congo, she says as an example. The more these facts are accepted, the more they are going to see the need for change. We can no longer pretend that modernity is not based on colonialism.

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Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $74.60.

Several equities analysts have issued reports on BRO shares. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Brown & Brown from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $85.00 price objective on shares of Brown & Brown in a report on Friday, September 15th. StockNews.com started coverage on Brown & Brown in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Brown & Brown from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and upped their target price for the company from $73.00 to $76.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 1st.

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Institutional Trading of Brown & Brown

Brown & Brown Price Performance

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BRO. Kentucky Retirement Systems grew its holdings in Brown & Brown by 0.8% in the first quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 18,585 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,067,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the period. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in Brown & Brown by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,416 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $373,000 after buying an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in Brown & Brown by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 4,876 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $336,000 after buying an additional 157 shares during the period. Advisor Partners II LLC boosted its holdings in Brown & Brown by 1.3% in the first quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 11,845 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $680,000 after acquiring an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stephens Inc. AR boosted its holdings in Brown & Brown by 0.7% in the first quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 25,801 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,481,000 after acquiring an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.33% of the companys stock.

Shares of BRO opened at $66.78 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.78, a current ratio of 2.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The stock has a market cap of $18.94 billion, a PE ratio of 25.88 and a beta of 0.76. Brown & Brown has a 12-month low of $52.82 and a 12-month high of $74.57. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $71.69 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.94.

Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.08. Brown & Brown had a return on equity of 15.19% and a net margin of 18.34%. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $997.51 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.51 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 24.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Brown & Brown will post 2.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Brown & Brown Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.78%. This is a boost from Brown & Browns previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 31st. Brown & Browns dividend payout ratio is presently 17.83%.

About Brown & Brown

(Get Free Report

Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services.

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Shares of AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $19.02, but opened at $18.58. AngloGold Ashanti shares last traded at $18.55, with a volume of 296,358 shares trading hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of AngloGold Ashanti from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets raised shares of AngloGold Ashanti from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $19.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $18.00 price objective on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research report on Monday, September 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of AngloGold Ashanti in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. They issued an overweight rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and two 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 $23.40.

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AngloGold Ashanti Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $7.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.71. The stocks 50 day moving average is $17.37 and its 200 day moving average is $21.44. The company has a current ratio of 2.17, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46.

AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The mining company reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by ($0.38). The company had revenue of $1.16 billion for the quarter. Analysts anticipate that AngloGold Ashanti plc will post 1.13 earnings per share for the current year.

AngloGold Ashanti Cuts Dividend

The business also recently declared a Semi-Annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 18th. Investors of record on Friday, August 25th were paid a $0.029 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 24th. This represents a yield of 1.2%. AngloGold Ashantis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 3.28%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main grew its position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 89.1% during the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 1,475 shares of the mining companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 695 shares in the last quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000. Point72 Middle East FZE bought a new stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $54,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 498.6% during the 1st quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,041 shares of the mining companys stock worth $99,000 after acquiring an additional 2,533 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 22.36% of the companys stock.

About AngloGold Ashanti

(Get Free Report)

AngloGold Ashanti plc operates as a gold mining company in Africa, the Americas, and Australia. The company explores for gold. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita project located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania. The company also owns 100% interest in the Iduapriem mine which covers 137 square kilometers located in the western region of Ghana; Obuasi project located in Ghana; AGA Mineracao in Brazil; Serra Grande located in central Brazil in the state of Goias; Greenfield Projects in the Beatty district in Nevada; and Sunrise Dam in Australia.

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Yousif Capital Management LLC cut its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 186,156 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,069 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLCs holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $14,066,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 63,476.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 7,555,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $570,885,000 after purchasing an additional 7,543,508 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $525,111,000. Providence Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $58,266,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 47,965,394 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,820,923,000 after purchasing an additional 3,391,054 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 25.0% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 13,684,109 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,090,076,000 after purchasing an additional 2,733,532 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.73% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Archer-Daniels-Midland news, insider Fruit Molly L. Strader sold 1,455 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.80, for a total transaction of $126,294.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,809 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $938,221.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $83.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $85.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Argus increased their target price on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $91.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $96.70.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Archer-Daniels-Midland

Archer-Daniels-Midland Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of ADM opened at $72.40 on Tuesday. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 12-month low of $69.92 and a 12-month high of $98.28. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $38.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.67, a P/E/G ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.83. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $77.65 and its 200 day moving average price is $77.75.

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $21.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.69 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 4.14% and a return on equity of 17.52%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.86 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 7.19 earnings per share for the current year.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 16th were given a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 15th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.03%.

About Archer-Daniels-Midland

(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.

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Aspen Wealth Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 18,855 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $623,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. TAP Consulting LLC acquired a new stake in U.S. Bancorp in the first quarter worth $259,000. MCF Advisors LLC grew its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 80.8% in the first quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 4,711 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $172,000 after purchasing an additional 2,105 shares during the period. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. grew its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 3.4% in the second quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. now owns 11,300 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $373,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the period. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board grew its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 8.2% in the second quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 67,661 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,236,000 after purchasing an additional 5,100 shares during the period. Finally, Ascent Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 50.3% in the first quarter. Ascent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 28,603 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $995,000 after purchasing an additional 9,572 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.40% of the companys stock.

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U.S. Bancorp Stock Performance

USB stock traded up $0.10 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $31.36. The company had a trading volume of 1,519,509 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,002,835. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. U.S. Bancorp has a 12 month low of $27.27 and a 12 month high of $49.95. The firm has a market cap of $48.07 billion, a PE ratio of 9.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.99. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $34.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $34.11.

U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement

U.S. Bancorp ( NYSE:USB Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.09. U.S. Bancorp had a net margin of 14.39% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The company had revenue of $7.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.02 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.18 EPS. The firms revenue was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th were paid a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 28th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.12%. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 57.14%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider James B. Kelligrew purchased 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Sunday, August 27th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $54.40 per share, for a total transaction of $27,200.00. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 940 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $51,136. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Timothy A. Welsh sold 13,816 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.79, for a total transaction of $549,738.64. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 119,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,737,317.82. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider James B. Kelligrew purchased 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Sunday, August 27th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $54.40 per share, with a total value of $27,200.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 940 shares in the company, valued at $51,136. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders acquired 654 shares of company stock valued at $30,148 and sold 39,842 shares valued at $1,584,149. 0.24% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

USB has been the subject of a number of research reports. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $44.00 price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Oppenheimer reduced their price objective on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $62.00 to $60.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $40.00 to $37.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 22nd. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a hold rating and a $30.00 price objective for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, U.S. Bancorp presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $45.76.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on U.S. Bancorp

U.S. Bancorp Profile

(Free Report)

U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates in Corporate and Commercial Banking, Consumer and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Investment Services, Payment Services, and Treasury and Corporate Support segments.

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Entergy (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) had its target price decreased by analysts at Barclays from $98.00 to $94.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an equal weight rating on the utilities providers stock. Barclayss price target would indicate a potential upside of 1.47% from the companys current price.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Entergy from $120.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 30th. Bank of America reduced their price target on Entergy from $107.00 to $94.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Entergy from $124.00 to $117.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Guggenheim reduced their price target on Entergy from $113.00 to $99.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Entergy in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $110.83.

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Entergy Price Performance

NYSE:ETR traded up $1.72 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $92.64. 135,672 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,464,967. The firms 50-day moving average is $94.64 and its 200-day moving average is $99.45. The stock has a market cap of $19.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.11, a P/E/G ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.54. Entergy has a 1-year low of $87.10 and a 1-year high of $120.78.

Entergy (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.84 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations 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 prior year, the firm earned $1.78 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Entergy will post 6.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Entergy news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 13,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.40, for a total value of $1,287,900.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,251 shares of the companys stock, valued at $882,545.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Entergy by 2.8% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,663,740 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,762,741,000 after purchasing an additional 650,775 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Entergy by 1.5% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 17,680,096 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,721,511,000 after acquiring an additional 256,120 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Entergy by 3.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 12,739,479 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,240,443,000 after acquiring an additional 382,751 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in shares of Entergy by 9.0% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,045,944 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $974,610,000 after acquiring an additional 745,974 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC grew its stake in shares of Entergy by 1.7% during the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 6,382,275 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $687,626,000 after acquiring an additional 104,914 shares in the last quarter. 86.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Entergy Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Blue Chip Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 148,855 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 4,931 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories comprises approximately 1.8% of Blue Chip Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest position. Blue Chip Partners LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $16,228,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 97,996.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,101,555,797 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $229,111,613,000 after purchasing an additional 2,099,413,455 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 104,649.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 30,247,436 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,320,866,000 after purchasing an additional 30,218,560 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth about $1,893,715,000. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 40.5% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 20,820,152 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,108,249,000 after purchasing an additional 6,003,997 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $4,278,132,000 after purchasing an additional 4,886,954 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.70% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $112.00 in a report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.47.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $1,092,312.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,829,785.81. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $1,092,312.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,829,785.81. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total value of $5,688,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,775,316 shares in the company, valued at $770,759,948.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded down $0.83 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $94.95. 1,872,476 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,039,389. The companys 50 day moving average price is $99.50 and its 200-day moving average price is $104.59. The firm has a market cap of $164.77 billion, a PE ratio of 32.58, a PEG ratio of 4.28 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.16. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $89.67 and a 52 week high of $115.83.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.82 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.22% and a net margin of 12.92%. The firms revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.15 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 13th will be issued a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.15%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.39%.

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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NorthRock Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,882 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 664 shares during the quarter. NorthRock Partners LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $632,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. MAI Capital Management raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.3% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 534,828 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $34,202,000 after acquiring an additional 1,556 shares in the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1,850.0% during the second quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 25,994 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,662,000 after acquiring an additional 24,661 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.0% during the second quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 292,381 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $18,698,000 after acquiring an additional 5,627 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the second quarter valued at approximately $208,647,000. Finally, Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,916,000. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

NYSE:BMY opened at $55.99 on Tuesday. 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 company has a market capitalization of $116.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.43. The stocks fifty day moving average is $59.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.19.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its 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 net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. The business had revenue of $11.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.81 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.93 EPS. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.37 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Investors of record on Friday, October 6th will be issued a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.07%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 60.64%.

Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In related news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total transaction of $44,754.48. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 6,584 shares in the company, valued at approximately $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have commented on BMY. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $84.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, October 6th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, October 9th. SVB Securities began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 10th. They issued a market perform rating and a $66.00 price objective on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $70.00 price target on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $68.67.

View Our Latest 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.

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Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 4.3% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 26,927 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,113 shares during the quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,668,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 86,002.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 659,143,253 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $42,152,211,000 after buying an additional 658,377,716 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter worth $1,873,696,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 114,228.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 21,469,785 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,544,751,000 after buying an additional 21,451,006 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 193.4% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,214,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $186,351,000 after purchasing an additional 4,755,058 shares during the period. Finally, Boston Partners boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 31.1% during the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 18,080,568 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,252,480,000 after purchasing an additional 4,286,479 shares during the period. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

BMY has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Daiwa Capital Markets initiated coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. They set an outperform rating and a $70.00 price target for the company. SVB Leerink reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $68.67.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the businesss 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the businesss 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the businesss 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $402,545.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:BMY traded up $0.11 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $56.11. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,564,071 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,126,223. 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 current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.28. The company has a market capitalization of $117.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.43. The firms fifty day moving average price is $59.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $63.19.

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 the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.24). Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. The business had revenue of $11.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.81 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.93 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.37 EPS for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Investors of record on Friday, October 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.06%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.64%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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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).

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of CIRCOR International (NYSE:CIR  Free Report) in a research note released on Saturday. The firm issued a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock.

CIRCOR International Price Performance

CIR opened at $56.00 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $55.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $46.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.34, a current ratio of 2.29 and a quick ratio of 1.46. CIRCOR International has a 1 year low of $17.15 and a 1 year high of $56.48. The firm has a market cap of $1.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.88 and a beta of 2.34.

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CIRCOR International (NYSE:CIR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 10th. The industrial products company reported $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.22. CIRCOR International had a return on equity of 35.32% and a net margin of 3.40%. The business had revenue of $208.81 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $203.10 million. As a group, analysts predict that CIRCOR International will post 2.41 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CIRCOR International

About CIRCOR International

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Dorsey Wright & Associates purchased a new stake in CIRCOR International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in CIRCOR International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $147,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky purchased a new stake in CIRCOR International in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $99,000. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in CIRCOR International in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $374,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC lifted its holdings in CIRCOR International by 52.4% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 8,910 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $147,000 after buying an additional 3,062 shares during the period. 96.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

CIRCOR International, Inc designs, manufactures, and distributes flow and motion control products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company has a product portfolio of brands serving its customers' demanding applications. It operates through two segments, Aerospace & Defense and Industrial.

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Lifeworks Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) by 7.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,182 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 226 shares during the quarter. Lifeworks Advisors LLCs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $1,289,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of DE. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. increased its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 1,475.0% during the 1st quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. now owns 63 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new stake in Deere & Company during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Deere & Company during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Lansing Street Advisors increased its position in Deere & Company by 1,725.0% during the 1st quarter. Lansing Street Advisors now owns 73 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new stake in Deere & Company during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.27% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently issued reports on DE shares. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $493.00 to $460.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 21st. DA Davidson upped their price target on Deere & Company from $492.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Deere & Company from $390.00 to $380.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on Deere & Company from $398.00 to $407.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 21st. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group cut Deere & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $530.00 to $400.00 in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Deere & Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $447.93.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Ryan D. Campbell sold 6,073 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $379.19, for a total transaction of $2,302,820.87. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 18,519 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,022,219.61. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.26% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Deere & Company Stock Performance

NYSE DE traded up $2.43 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $375.70. The company had a trading volume of 161,743 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,569,898. Deere & Company has a fifty-two week low of $345.55 and a fifty-two week high of $450.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $394.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $395.71. The firm has a market cap of $108.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.09.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, August 18th. The industrial products company reported $10.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.22 by $1.98. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 46.15% and a net margin of 16.36%. The firm had revenue of $14.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.14 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $6.16 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Deere & Company will post 33.91 EPS for the current year.

Deere & Company Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be given a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. This is a positive change from Deere & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.25. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.44%. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 15.96%.

Deere & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Deere & Company manufactures and distributes various equipment worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Production and Precision Agriculture segment provides mid-size tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters, harvesting front-end equipment, sugarcane loaders, pull-behind scrapers, and tillage and seeding equipment, as well as application equipment, including sprayers and nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery for grain growers.

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Two decades have passed since Maria Corina Machado became known to the entire world. The Venezuelan politician was the scourge of Chavismo, the left-wing populist ideology that has ruled the South American country since the days of former president Hugo Chavez (1999-2013), who was followed by Nicolas Maduro. Machado was the first to call Chavismo a dictatorship, and one of the few people who told the powerful Hugo Chavez what she thought about him to his face. It drove him crazy. Youve just called me a thief, the Bolivarian leader would scream at her. Machado was viewed as an iron lady, representing the radical wing of the opposition and defending the toughest form of confrontation. She dreamed of destroying Chavismo.

There are still things left from that younger Machado, but 20 years later, that is not the person that hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans voted for at the recent primary to find a rival for Maduro in the presidential election expected to be held next year. The Maria Corina Machado who on Sunday swept more than 90% of the votes still talks about defeating Chavismo, but she wants to do it through the ballot box and with the help of God instead of the U.S. army, driven by the strength of the pain of being a mother who has been separated from her three children, like so many others in that Venezuela of young exiles.

Machado, a 55-year-old industrial engineer by trade, had never really connected with a country that is politically further to the left of her own postulates. She only garnered support among the upper class to which her family has always belonged and among the diaspora. But in recent months she has become the closest thing to a princess of the people. Her sudden connection with the Venezuelan people was unexpected, but it has also suddenly ended the hopelessness that had impregnated society for years, as people focused on day-to-day survival amid the economic crisis rather than on defeating Chavismo. The failed strategies of the opposition in recent years did not take a toll on Machado, who had long since distanced herself from almost all of their decisions, so that it was not difficult for her to rebrand her name and message.

Thousands of people responded to her call from all parts of the country, from the richest to the poorest, even in Chavismos traditional voting grounds. Also abroad, where 7.7 million Venezuelans have emigrated in recent years. Widespread disappointment with the government and with an opposition that had created confusion by lurching so much, benefited this woman with clear ideas who wants to turn the economy around, and who can relate to the pain of so many broken families with a very powerful message: she, too, is a mother who misses her children, but who decided to stay in Venezuela to fight for a better country for herself and for others.

Chavismo attempted to undermine the rise of an uncomfortable figure with the announcement last June that Machado was being banned from holding public office for 15 years, in a legal move that attracted international criticism and relaunched Machados primary campaign inside and outside the country. But now it could be a brake on her presidential ambitions. In the agreements signed last week in Barbados between the Venezuelan government and the opposition, it was agreed that all candidates and political parties would be authorized, yet Chavismo has kept that possibility away from Machado. With popularity ratings much higher than Maduros, she could seriously jeopardize Chavismos permanence in power if elections are held with all democratic guarantees.

Machado defines herself and her party, Vente Venezuela, as liberal politically and economically. Her political vision involves a reduction of the state as a provider of public policies, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting a free market to create wealth and jobs. Her vision of government is reminiscent of Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan or, in Latin America, Sebastian Pinera, a former president of Chile. Machado indeed looks at herself in those mirrors. Margaret Thatcher had the courage to defend her values all her life against everyone who opposed her, she tweeted in 2013, perhaps thinking of herself and the decade of political neglect that was still ahead of her before this recent victory.

Machado, who has brought together a diversity of opponents under her banner, adheres to that new current of politicians who refuse to be ideologically labeled. If proposing that the eradication of poverty is a responsibility of society as a whole is a left-wing idea, then I am left-wing. If believing in personal freedom, in investment, in productivity is a right-wing issue, then I am right-wing, she said in 2012. She has a tolerant and flexible position on issues such as abortion, and has asked to open a debate around its decriminalization in cases of rape; she also supports the use of medical marijuana and defends gay marriage. Although she describes herself as a religious person, she says that her faith will not be reflected in her political action.

The opposition candidate has proposed privatizing the state-owned oil giant Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), a taboo subject in Venezuelan politics, and returning to their owners all the companies that were expropriated by Chavismo, among which is Siderurgica Venezolana, the company where Machados father (who died this year) once served as president of the Executive Committee. Machado has pledged to ease regulatory controls, to crack down on corruption, to push for a general amnesty for political prisoners, to promote outward growth and to resume contact with multilateral organizations.

Evidencing a clear influence from economists such as Ludwig Von Mises or Milton Friedman, Machados view of politics falls to the right of the traditional parties of Venezuelan democracy prior to the rise of Chavismo. Her vision is somewhat more American than European when it comes to the distribution of social funds to generate well-being, and she has a deeply anti-communist rhetoric. Instead of defending the traditional social democratic state of the 20th century, Machado proposes the reduction of welfare and ending the heavy influence of the oil-dependent state in the lives of the population, an idea put forward by Venezuelan thinkers that Machado frequently mentions, such as the novelist Arturo Uslar Pietri and the liberal intellectual Carlos Rangel.

Her attacks against Chavismo and her enmity with a large part of the opposition turned her into a solitary politician who now has the obligation to unite all those who want change. And based on the voter turnout at the primary, a majority of Venezuelans appear to want change. Machado is sure that Chavistas and opponents within the entire political spectrum now stand behind her. Her path to the presidential election will depend on this popular support, on the not always guaranteed union of all the opposition parties, and on the pressure that Washington may exert on Caracas. And there is still the government disqualification to contend with if she wants to run as a presidential candidate in 2024.
Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) had its target price reduced by Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $50.00 in a report released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the energy companys stock.

DVN has been the subject of several other research reports. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $69.00 to $63.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $54.00 to $58.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $51.00 to $50.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $60.00 to $59.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $52.00 to $50.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Seven 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.44.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Devon Energy

Devon Energy Trading Down 1.3 %

NYSE DVN opened at $47.71 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Devon Energy has a 52 week low of $42.59 and a 52 week high of $78.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.57 billion, a PE ratio of 6.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.16 and a beta of 2.32. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $48.98 and a two-hundred day moving average of $49.86.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The energy company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate 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 during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.26 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.59 EPS. The firms revenue was down 38.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Devon Energy will post 5.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Devon Energy Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a dividend of $0.49 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.11%. Devon Energys payout ratio is currently 10.94%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Devon Energy 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 transaction 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 legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.63% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Devon Energy

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,229,808 shares of the energy companys stock worth $686,953,000 after purchasing an additional 84,769 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley grew its stake in Devon Energy by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 11,263,424 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $692,813,000 after acquiring an additional 356,448 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in Devon Energy by 13.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 8,321,000 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $421,126,000 after acquiring an additional 1,003,951 shares during the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Devon Energy by 15.0% in the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,059,219 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $389,583,000 after acquiring an additional 1,049,592 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in Devon Energy by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 8,027,615 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $388,055,000 after acquiring an additional 350,916 shares during the last quarter. 68.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Devon Energy

(Get 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.

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NorthRock Partners LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Graphic Packaging Holding (NYSE:GPK  Free Report) by 46.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 16,960 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 14,764 shares during the period. NorthRock Partners LLCs holdings in Graphic Packaging were worth $408,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its holdings in Graphic Packaging by 177.3% during the first quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,109 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 709 shares in the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Graphic Packaging by 369.6% during the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,174 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 924 shares in the last quarter. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. bought a new stake in Graphic Packaging during the first quarter worth approximately $39,000. Venturi Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Graphic Packaging during the first quarter worth approximately $43,000. Finally, BOKF NA bought a new stake in Graphic Packaging during the first quarter worth approximately $48,000. 99.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. 888 restated a downgrade rating on shares of Graphic Packaging in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on shares of Graphic Packaging from $26.00 to $24.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Graphic Packaging from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the company from $35.00 to $29.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Graphic Packaging from $29.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $31.00 price target on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Graphic Packaging presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $28.00.

Graphic Packaging Stock Down 1.3 %

GPK stock opened at $20.17 on Tuesday. Graphic Packaging Holding has a 12-month low of $20.07 and a 12-month high of $27.56. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06. The company has a market cap of $6.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.85, a PEG ratio of 0.29 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a 50 day moving average of $21.96 and a two-hundred day moving average of $23.69.

Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by ($0.07). Graphic Packaging had a return on equity of 37.35% and a net margin of 7.30%. The company had revenue of $2.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.49 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.60 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Graphic Packaging Holding will post 2.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Graphic Packaging Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.98%. Graphic Packagings dividend payout ratio is currently 17.54%.

About Graphic Packaging

(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.

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Hudson Canyon Capital Management grew its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 8.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 30,322 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 2,276 shares during the quarter. Hudson Canyon Capital Managements holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,719,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Beacon Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Key Financial Inc grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 144.3% during the 2nd quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 447 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 264 shares during the last quarter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. 81.61% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $69.91.

Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 8,000 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total value of $476,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now owns 8,014 shares of the companys stock, valued at $477,714.54. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, Director Charles A. Ruffel bought 833 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $60.55 per share, with a total value of $50,438.15. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 3,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at $205,022.30. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total transaction of $476,880.00. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 8,014 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $477,714.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 87,552 shares of company stock valued at $5,739,816. Corporate insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Trading Up 0.9 %

NYSE SCHW opened at $49.77 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $56.13 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $56.05. The stock has a market cap of $88.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.93. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12-month low of $45.00 and a 12-month high of $86.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.62 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.14% and a return on equity of 24.86%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.10 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.18 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.01%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is currently 33.33%.

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Aspen Wealth Strategies LLC lowered its holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 0.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 62,810 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 331 shares during the quarter. iShares National Muni Bond ETF comprises 5.1% of Aspen Wealth Strategies LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Aspen Wealth Strategies LLCs holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $6,704,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Meritage Portfolio Management grew its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Meritage Portfolio Management now owns 29,653 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,195,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC grew its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC now owns 4,013 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $432,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Vista Investment Management grew its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Vista Investment Management now owns 2,282 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $250,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 20.5% during the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 587 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Newton One Investments LLC grew its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Newton One Investments LLC now owns 16,540 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,765,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Trading Down 0.0 %

NYSEARCA:MUB traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $101.32. 864,692 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,127,481. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $103.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.66. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $100.95 and a 1 year high of $108.66.

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).

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NorthRock Partners LLC cut its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD  Free Report) by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 363 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 27 shares during the period. NorthRock Partners LLCs holdings in Mettler-Toledo International were worth $476,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pictet Asset Management SA lifted its stake in Mettler-Toledo International by 3.8% during the first quarter. Pictet Asset Management SA now owns 11,121 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $17,017,000 after purchasing an additional 408 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in Mettler-Toledo International during the first quarter valued at approximately $404,000. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 106.1% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 1,152 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,763,000 after acquiring an additional 593 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 11.0% during the first quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 425 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $650,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 9.8% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 80,824 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $123,135,000 after acquiring an additional 7,234 shares during the period. 93.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on MTD. TheStreet lowered shares of Mettler-Toledo International from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,660.00 to $1,520.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Mettler-Toledo International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Robert W. Baird cut their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,454.00 to $1,366.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,300.00 to $1,100.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Four 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, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,434.43.

Mettler-Toledo International Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of MTD opened at $1,008.77 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $1,128.06 and its 200-day moving average is $1,281.20. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. has a 12 month low of $1,001.14 and a 12 month high of $1,615.97. The firm has a market cap of $22.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 1.16.

Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The medical instruments supplier reported $10.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.99 by $0.20. Mettler-Toledo International had a net margin of 22.48% and a negative return on equity of 2,136.23%. The company had revenue of $982.12 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1 billion. As a group, research analysts predict that Mettler-Toledo International Inc. will post 40.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mettler-Toledo International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The company's laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments.

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NorthRock Partners LLC reduced its stake in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 15.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,354 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 240 shares during the period. NorthRock Partners LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $623,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in LMT. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its position in Lockheed Martin by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 60 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 30 shares during the period. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. 74.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Lockheed Martin Stock Performance

Shares of LMT stock opened at $446.16 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $110.69 billion, a PE ratio of 16.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.67. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $431.96 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $450.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 12 month low of $393.77 and a 12 month high of $508.10.

Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend

Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The aerospace company reported $6.77 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $16.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.73 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 75.46%. Lockheed Martins quarterly revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $6.87 EPS. Analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 27.15 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $3.15 per share. This represents a $12.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.82%. This is an increase from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. Lockheed Martins payout ratio is currently 43.84%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

LMT has been the topic of several recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They set a hold rating and a $435.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued a neutral rating and a $470.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $555.00 to $540.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $532.00 to $510.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $484.07.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Lockheed Martin

About Lockheed Martin

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.

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NorthRock Partners LLC lessened its stake in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Free Report) by 9.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,574 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 849 shares during the period. NorthRock Partners LLCs holdings in Southern were worth $602,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. MRP Capital Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Southern during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. acquired a new stake in Southern during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. TD Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Southern by 122.0% during the 1st quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 546 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Cascade Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Southern in the 1st quarter valued at $42,000. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Southern during the first quarter worth $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.85% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total transaction of $341,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,512 shares in the company, valued at $1,537,569.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.30, for a total transaction of $341,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,512 shares in the company, valued at $1,537,569.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Martin Bernard Davis sold 1,490 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.05, for a total transaction of $99,904.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 72,756 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,878,289.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 21,490 shares of company stock worth $1,459,055. Insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Southern in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Southern from $67.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, September 21st. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Southern from $68.00 to $64.00 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Guggenheim lowered their price target on shares of Southern from $80.00 to $72.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Southern from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $67.00 to $68.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong 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 $73.20.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SO

Southern Price Performance

Shares of NYSE SO opened at $65.43 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $67.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The Southern Company has a 52 week low of $58.85 and a 52 week high of $75.80.

Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.47 billion. Southern had a net margin of 11.17% and a return on equity of 9.86%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 20.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.07 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 3.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Southern Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Investors of record on Monday, November 20th will be given a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.28%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 17th. Southerns payout ratio is currently 98.94%.

Southern Profile

(Free Report)

The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

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Sage Advisory Services Ltd.Co. purchased a new position in Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF (NYSEARCA:GSY  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 96,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,770,000. Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF makes up approximately 1.4% of Sage Advisory Services Ltd.Co.s portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest holding.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Matrix Private Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF in the first quarter worth about $68,000. WealthPLAN Partners LLC acquired a new position in Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $69,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $115,000. Finally, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $159,000.

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Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF Stock Up 0.0 %

Shares of GSY traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $49.64. 26,114 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 372,149. Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF has a 12-month low of $49.23 and a 12-month high of $49.85. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $49.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $49.72.

About Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF

The Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF (GSY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund seeks to outperform the Barclays Capital 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index by investing in a diverse portfolio of investment-grade securities. GSY was launched on Feb 12, 2008 and is managed by Invesco.

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Malaga Cove Capital LLC trimmed its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 0.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 25,622 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 137 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing comprises approximately 1.2% of Malaga Cove Capital LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Malaga Cove Capital LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $2,586,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 287.3% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,150 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,409,000 after acquiring an additional 11,238 shares during the period. Kovack Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.3% during the second quarter. Kovack Advisors Inc. now owns 3,287 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $332,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the first quarter worth approximately $306,000. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the second quarter worth approximately $453,000. Finally, Deuterium Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the first quarter worth approximately $2,875,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Price Performance

Shares of TSM traded up $0.73 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $91.84. 2,381,151 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 11,043,828. The company has a quick ratio of 2.13, a current ratio of 2.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $476.32 billion, a PE ratio of 16.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 1.07. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a fifty-two week low of $59.43 and a fifty-two week high of $110.69. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $90.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $93.62.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $17.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.90 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 28.71% and a net margin of 41.42%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.79 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors 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 dividend yield of 2.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is currently 26.44%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Susquehanna cut their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Monday, October 9th. Barclays initiated coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday. They issued an overweight rating and a $105.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $115.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $116.67.

Read Our Latest Analysis on TSM

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.

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Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed their buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $115.00 price objective on the semiconductor companys stock.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. StockNews.com cut shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Susquehanna decreased their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $116.67.

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Get Our Latest Analysis on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance

Shares of TSM opened at $91.11 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 2.42 and a quick ratio of 2.13. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $90.31 and a 200-day moving average of $93.62. The company has a market cap of $472.53 billion, a PE ratio of 16.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 1.07. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has a one year low of $59.43 and a one year high of $110.69.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.13. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 28.71% and a net margin of 41.42%. The business had revenue of $17.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.90 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.79 earnings per share. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings quarterly revenue was down 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will post 4.93 earnings per share for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.4724 per share. This represents a $1.89 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is currently 26.80%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Panagora Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 287.3% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 15,150 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,409,000 after buying an additional 11,238 shares in the last quarter. Kovack Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.3% during the 2nd quarter. Kovack Advisors Inc. now owns 3,287 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $332,000 after acquiring an additional 195 shares during the period. First National Bank of Hutchinson acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 1st quarter worth $306,000. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the second quarter worth $453,000. Finally, Deuterium Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the first quarter valued at about $2,875,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Get 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.

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The Israeli army is awaiting an order from Benjamin Netanyahus government to launch a ground offensive against the Gaza strip. The first phase of the plan to overthrow Hamas, according to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, began on October 7 with a military campaign, including aerial bombardment, which the enclave has been subjected to for the past two weeks, and which has already claimed more than 5,000 lives. For the next stage, an invasion, troops are deploying military technology on the border. Drones, surveillance devices, and especially tanks, will be key materiel for the operation, which has been delayed after initial expectations of a swift response to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Once the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) receive the order to advance, they will be able to deploy one of the greatest assets of any army in the world: Merkava IV tanks and the latest variant, the Mark V Barak, which was introduced this year. Their advantages are based on innovation: the tanks are produced and assembled almost entirely in Israel, with the exception of some American, German, and Belgian parts. These armored assault vehicles incorporate advanced cameras and sensors to detect possible threats; they also have a mission computer that uses artificial intelligence and a system called Trophy that serves as a shield against missile attacks. The IDF claims that these vehicles would force any other tank to its knees. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Israels Armored Corps has over 2,200 tanks at its disposal, although the Merkava IVs make up only one-fifth of its total strength.

Omar Dostri, a national security expert at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, says via email that these modern vehicles are crucial for destroying targets that have not been eliminated during airstrikes. In addition, he notes, they will form part of the ground incursion into Gaza to provide greater security against missile launches. One of its main assets, the expert underlines, is its protection system is particularly beneficial in urban combat scenarios.

Despite having one of the most powerful militaries in the region, the battle Israel intends to wage is one of very complex characteristics. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, is acting as a defensive force with local knowledge: Israeli troops have not entered the Strip since 2014. In nearly a decade, experts believe, the militia has improved its attack tactics and increased the number of places where they can hide. Hamas can set traps and ambush IDF ground forces, as well as mine roads with explosives or resort to snipers in the narrowest streets where these vehicles will pass, Dostri explains.

Gian Gentile, a retired U.S. colonel and researcher at the RAND analysis center, agrees that ground combat will be fought hand-to-hand. Hamas will probably fight in small guerrilla-style teams of two or three, so they can hide easily and set improvised traps, he explains by telephone. According to IISS estimates published in 2022, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas armed wing, numbered between 15,000 and 20,000 militiamen. Regarding the Merkava IVs, Gentile states that they are simple to drive. With two weeks of training, any military man could do it. The real challenge lies in maneuvering: in addition to the mountains of rubble left by the air strikes, there are the obstacles that Hamas can construct, leading the expert to note the need for additional support from the outside.

Israeli soldiers positioned with Merkava tanks near the border with the Gaza strip in southern Israel on October 9, 2023. JACK GUEZ (AFP)

A multidimensional operation

Another difficulty facing the Israeli army is the underground tunnel system, known as the Gaza metro, which is controlled by Hamas. The network, which the militia claims stretches 500 kilometers (310 miles) beneath the Strips tiny territory, functions as a shelter, command post and a way of mobilizing militia undetected by Israels surveillance systems. There are devices that monitor heat or noise, but the complex geology of the area and the infrastructure built on top [of the network] makes it difficult to target accurately, Scott Savitz, an engineer and senior analyst at the RAND center, says via video call.

The tanks will be used, according to Gentile, to destroy the entrances and exits to these tunnels. However, access points are often built under buildings used by civilians. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, reported last year that one of these tunnels passed under one of its schools, a fact it described as a breach of international law. Operation Protective Edge, a two-month military operation launched by Israel in 2014, had the objective of disabling this Gaza metro. However, according to Hamas, the extent of the destruction was minimal.

Will the tanks be sufficient for the offensive? Experts believe that, despite their overwhelming attacking power and security systems, the Israeli army must engage in a multidimensional operation if it is to achieve its goal. Along with tanks, infantry and special forces must be supported by artillery, in addition to air and naval strikes, says Dostri. A similar opinion is held by Gentile: Infantry support is needed to keep Hamas militiamen away from the rear of the tanks.

Once the attack on the Hamas infrastructure inside the Strip has been completed, the Israeli army, Gallant said Friday, will begin the second phase, called system stabilization. This stage will include attacks of less intensity, with the aim of eliminating the strongholds of resistance, that is to say, troops will remain in Gaza to wipe out the insurgent groups, according to the Israeli army.

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Teledyne Technologies (NYSE:TDY  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating restated by stock analysts at Needham & Company LLC in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $455.00 target price on the scientific and technical instruments companys stock. Needham & Company LLCs price target would suggest a potential upside of 18.17% from the companys current price.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued an outperform rating and a $530.00 price target on the stock. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, September 27th. They issued a buy rating and a $495.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Teledyne Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $423.00 to $495.00 in a research note on Monday, August 14th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $503.86.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TDY

Teledyne Technologies Price Performance

NYSE:TDY opened at $385.05 on Tuesday. Teledyne Technologies has a 52 week low of $349.88 and a 52 week high of $448.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.62. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $408.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $407.63. The firm has a market cap of $18.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.95, a P/E/G ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 1.02.

Teledyne Technologies (NYSE:TDY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $4.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.63 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.41 billion. Teledyne Technologies had a net margin of 13.75% and a return on equity of 10.90%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $4.43 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Teledyne Technologies will post 19.11 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Teledyne Technologies news, Director Schack Wesley W. Von sold 376 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $412.30, for a total value of $155,024.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,967 shares in the company, valued at $4,933,994.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Teledyne Technologies news, Director Schack Wesley W. Von sold 376 shares of Teledyne Technologies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $412.30, for a total transaction of $155,024.80. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,933,994.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Melanie Susan Cibik sold 13,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $422.40, for a total value of $5,491,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 27,305 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,533,632. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 61,646 shares of company stock worth $25,717,295 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 2.14% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teledyne Technologies

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Teledyne Technologies by 93.4% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 4,068 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $1,923,000 after buying an additional 1,965 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in Teledyne Technologies by 4.0% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,911 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $903,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 40.1% during the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 796 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $376,000 after purchasing an additional 228 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 62.5% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 1,370 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $648,000 after purchasing an additional 527 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its stake in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 1,272.5% in the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,400 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $662,000 after buying an additional 1,298 shares during the period. 87.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Teledyne Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks.

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VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund (LON:VOF  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Monday, October 23rd, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.07 per share on Monday, December 4th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 2nd. This is an increase from VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Funds previous dividend of $0.06. The official announcement can be viewed at this link.

VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund Stock Performance

VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund stock opened at GBX 447 ($5.48) on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 445.34 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 441.08. VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund has a 52 week low of GBX 388.81 ($4.76) and a 52 week high of GBX 479.50 ($5.87). The firm has a market capitalization of 715.65 million, a P/E ratio of -256.74 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 414.57, a quick ratio of 55.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01.

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VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited specializes in private equity investments. The fund seeks to invest 80 percent of its portfolio in private equity and 20 percent in equitization projects will be re-allocated to listed shares. The fund also makes private investments. It invests in stocks of companies operating across the diversified sectors.

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Click the photo and watch the video.

* As China has pledged to build a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, railways, ports and corridors will continue to be a prominent part of future cooperation.

* China will participate in the construction of the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, and collaborate on a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation.

* China will vigorously integrate ports, shipping and trading services under the "Silk Road Maritime," and accelerate the building of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road.

BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua)  As China has pledged to build a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, railways, ports and corridors will continue to be a prominent part of future cooperation.

According to an official announcement made on Wednesday at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China will participate in the construction of the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, and collaborate on a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation.

It will also vigorously integrate ports, shipping and trading services under the "Silk Road Maritime," and accelerate the building of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road.

"I think the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the most emblematic initiative for infrastructure and cooperation in the world today. It's very important to have a blueprint for the future," Velia Govaere, correspondent with La Nacion from Costa Rica told Xinhua on the sidelines of the forum.

In addition to building the Belt and Road connectivity network, China has also extended its commitment in seven other prospects including supporting an open world economy, boosting green development, carrying out practical cooperation, advancing scientific and technological innovation, supporting people-to-people exchanges, promoting integrity-based Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthening institutional building.

This aerial photo taken in June 2022 shows an airport in Angola constructed by the China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation (CAIEC), an international engineering segment under AVIC INTL. [AVIC INTL/Handout via Xinhua]

Infrastructure Connectivity Changes the World

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI. Over the past decade, brand new airports and harbors, railways, roads, and industrial parks have been built under the initiative, creating new economic corridors and new growth drivers.

Citing flagship projects such as the China-Laos Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, and the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway as examples, Vice Commerce Minister Guo Tingting said these cooperation projects have helped BRI countries improve infrastructure construction, promote connectivity, enhance people's well-being, and strengthen development capacity.

As a Chinese saying goes, "building the road is the first step towards prosperity." For some landlocked countries, BRI projects have proven to precisely accommodate their development demands and help them embrace new opportunities.

With only a 3.5 km-long railroad to Thailand, the economic development of Laos, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, had long been restricted. The 1,035-km China-Laos Railway was a game changer.

Since its launch in December 2021, the rail line has recorded over 20.9 million passenger trips and transported 25.36 million tonnes of cargo as of the beginning of September this year.

From land-locked to land-linked, today, Laos has become a hub in the Indo-China Peninsula. Up to 25 provincial areas in China have launched cross-border freight train services that connect to the new railway, transferring commodities to countries including Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore.

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 23, 2022 shows a Fuxing bullet train running on the Yuanjiang bridge of the China-Laos Railway in southwest China's Yunnan Province. [Xinhua/Hu Chao]

Not only is the land connectivity of landlocked countries with other regions steadily improving, but BRI cooperation has also helped them reach seaports.

The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) logistics cooperation base, the first BRI entity project launched in 2014, acts as the only departure port for Kazakhstan's grain transit in China and an important dry port for landlocked Central Asian countries.

Over the past 10 years, more and more clients from Central Asian countries have sought opportunities in Lianyungang, said Xiao Faliang, multimodal transport division general manager of Sinotrans Landbridge Transportation, a company engaged in international freight transport.

"It used to take over 20 days for goods to travel from Lianyungang to Alma Ata, the largest city in Kazakhstan, but now the quickest time is only a week," said Xiao, attributing the shorter time to the improved operating efficiency of China-Europe freight trains, another BRI outcome.

Positive Spillover Effect

In addition to promoting regional connectivity for landlocked countries, signature BRI projects have also generated positive spillover effects.

The landmark BRI project, the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway shortens train trips between Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and Bandung, a famous tourist city. This new 142.3-km line has reduced travel times from over three hours to about 40 minutes and has stimulated employment along the railway.

According to statistics provided by Kereta Cepat Indonesia China, 45,000 Indonesian employees were trained on-site through institutions and by their Chinese teachers during the high-speed railway's construction. And the project has created about 51,000 jobs in Indonesia.

Passengers chat on a carriage of a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train running on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2023. [Xinhua/Xu Qin]

The Laos section of the China-Laos Railway shares a similar story. It has added over 100,000 jobs to sectors such as logistics, transportation, commerce and trade, as well as tourism.

BRI projects are also helping to stabilize international supply chains.

China-Europe freight trains have reshaped the international transport routes in Asia and Europe. By the end of September, some 78,000 train trips had been made, providing services for 217 cities in 25 European countries.

Goods carried by China-Europe freight trains have been expanded from mainly digital products to over 50,000 varieties of products in 53 categories, as the service features security, stability and resilience.

Green and Digital Push

To further promote global connectivity, China will take multiple measures to establish high-quality landmark BRI projects under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, cultivating new growth drivers and delivering real gains to participating countries.

The country will further improve the operation efficiency of China-Europe freight trains and accelerate the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, as well as establish more work mechanisms with BRI countries to promote trade and investment cooperation as part of efforts to smooth the BRI industrial and supply chains, according to Guo.

In addition, deepening cooperation in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and green transportation is the priority of China's new measure on promoting green development under the BRI.

Guo also noted that in the next step, China will take Silk Road e-commerce cooperation as a pivot to improve the economic and trade cooperation in the digital field with BRI countries.

Staff members work at a warehouse of Qxbox Technology Warehousing Ltd. in Alcala, Spain, July 28, 2023. [Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua]

By the end of 2022, China had signed MoUs on the construction of the Digital Silk Road with 17 countries, and on e-commerce cooperation with 30 countries, according to a white paper released earlier this month.

Cross-border e-commerce is a crucial engine for the development of the Digital Silk Road, said Roy Shao, partner of technology, media, and telecommunications consulting services at EY Greater China, adding that Silk Road e-commerce may embrace huge opportunities in the future because of the great consumer potential in many BRI countries.

China will make full use of platforms like the Global Digital Trade Expo, accelerate the construction of pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, and promote the development of new areas such as digital payment and smart logistics, as part of efforts to share opportunities of digital development with other BRI countries, Guo said.

Video reporters: Sun Lei, Zhou Shengbin, Wang Anhaowei, Ding Yiquan, Zhaoxu, Zhou Xuanni, Yang Yanbin, Wu Siyang;

Video editors: Zhuang Yueyuan, Wei Yin, Zhengxin, Wang Han

(Source: Xinhua)
"I felt honored that I was elected a delegate to the 13th National Women's Congress (NWC) of China. I will learn about the needs of more women, and I will pass on the concept of family building to more families. As every family promotes its good family traditions, healthy social practices will be established," says Lin Lin, president of the Full-time Mothers Women's Federation, in Nanxiang, a town in Jiading District, in Shanghai.

The federation is the first of its kind in Shanghai. When it was established, in 2019, the federation had 80 members. Now, it has nearly 500 members. During the past few years, Lin has led the members in providing voluntary services, to help residents improve their family education and their ability to start their own businesses. Lin's team also shares information about healthy lives, and helps residents increase legal knowledge. Under the guidance of professionals, some full-time mothers have become psychological counselors and/or family education mentors.





"Our country has numerous families. Every family's dream is closely related to the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. I will pass on both President Xi Jinping's discourses on the importance of family, family education and virtues, and on the spirit of the NWC, to our federation. If residents of our community can manage their families well, our society will become more harmonious," says Lin.

She notes the federation has provided a platform for full-time mothers to display their talents and professional skills. She believes, through the platform, Chinese society will better understand women's needs and wishes. Lin hopes the federation will encourage full-time mothers to participate in the management of the community (during the next five years), so the federation and individuals can achieve their development.



(Women of China)
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Pope Francis calls US President Joe Biden to discuss peace. On Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis spoke by phone with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, Azernews reports.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the conversation lasted around 20 minutes.

The Pope and the President spoke about "situations of conflict in the world and the need to identify paths to peace."

Earlier in the day, Pope Francis had renewed his appeal for peace in the Holy Land during the Angelus prayer. He also remembered those who continue to suffer in Ukraine, saying, War, every war in the world  I am also thinking of the tormented Ukraine  is a defeat. War is always a defeat, it is a destruction of human brotherhood. Brothers, stop! Stop!

President Biden visited Israel briefly on Wednesday, October 18, to engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to show support for the war-torn Jewish state.

Biden told reporters on the way back from his trip to Israel that in a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the leader agreed to allow 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza from the restricted Rafah crossing, which connects Egypt and Gaza. Biden also announced $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank.

The United States is currently providing financial and military support to the Israeli and Ukrainian armies. On Friday, October 20, President Biden presented the US Congress with a new funding plan for aid to its allies, allotting $61.4 billion for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel.

The United Nations has said the aid represents "a drop in the ocean of immense needs in Gaza," and the head of the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) has said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic.

Pope Francis and President Biden have met before, when Biden visited the Vatican on October 29, 2021. During their meeting, they discussed the need to protect civilians in Gaza and efforts for the delivery of food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Pope Francis has also called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack.

The United States hopes for more hostages to be freed by Hamas, and is continuing to provide aid to the region in order to help bring about a durable peace in the Middle East.
The pope on Tuesday accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop whose diocese has been rocked by reports of a sex party involving a male prostitute in a priests apartment, as well as previous violent incidents involving his clergy. The Vatican didnt give a reason for why Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak was resigning as head of the diocese of Sosnowiec, in southwestern Poland. At 59, he is several years shy of the normal retirement age of 75.

But his diocese has been in the spotlight again after one of his priests was placed under criminal investigation for an Aug. 30-31 incident at his apartment in Dabrowa Gornicza that allegedly involved a male prostitute.

Polish media reported that one of the participants of a sex party at the home collapsed after overdosing on erectile dysfunction pills. The reports said the priest allegedly tried to initially bar paramedics from entering the apartment.

Waldemar ubniewski, spokesman for the District Prosecutors Office in Sosnowiec, said the investigation focused on a failure to provide assistance to a person in a situation that poses an immediate threat of loss of life or serious damage to health.

The scandal has gotten substantial attention in Poland, with the event widely described as a gay orgy, further harming the image of the church in the once-staunchly Roman Catholic homeland of St. John Paul II. For several years now, Polish society has been undergoing a fast process of secularization, with many people rejecting the church and some even taking steps to leave it formally.

It wasnt the first incident involving clergy in the diocese to make headlines, suggesting that the sex scandal was the final straw for the Vatican. Pope Francis moved with unusual speed to remove Kaszak after the bishop said he offered to resign Sept. 29.

In 2010, the then-acting rector of the Sosnowiec seminary allegedly got into a scuffle at a gay club, but was allowed to remain in his job for over a year even after the case was publicized by Polish media. The Holy See finally intervened and dissolved the seminary altogether, according to the PAP news agency.

In March 2023, the corpse of a 26-year-old deacon was found with injuries suggesting homicide. Local prosecutors said he had been killed by a 40-year-old priest who then committed suicide. Prosecutors said the two had been in a conflictual relationship for some time and that the priest had sent the deacon threatening messages, PAP reported.

In a statement Tuesday, Kaszak said he had asked the pope to let him resign in a letter Sept. 29. He thanked the priests and nuns of his diocese and asked everyone to forgive my human limitations. Kaszak was appointed bishop in 2009 by then-Pope Benedict XVI, after having served briefly as the No. 2 in the Vaticans family office.

The diocese, which identified the priest involved in the incident as Fr. Tomasz Z., has largely corroborated the media reports, saying an outside investigative commission concluded he committed a very serious violation of moral norms, as well as of his obligations as a priest. It cited an incident at the priests apartment involving him and at least two other lay people.

Kaszak dismissed the priest from all functions on Sept. 21 and initiated an in-house canonical trial, the outcome of which could result in defrocking, or laicization, according to a statement on the diocesan website.

The priest has not been charged by Polish prosecutors. Polish media quoted a statement he issued soon after the scandal erupted, denying he had prevented paramedics from accessing his apartment and questioning the definition of orgy.

I perceive this as an obvious attack on the church, including the clergy and the faithful, in order to humiliate its position, tasks and mission, the priest was quoted in a statement he emailed to the Gazeta Wyborcza daily.

Polish tabloid Fakt published what it said was the audio recording of the call one of the participants made to police. In it, the person said he had been kicked out of the apartment and begged for paramedics to come, weeping at one point and saying his friend was foaming at the mouth after having ingested drugs. The Associated Press couldnt immediately verify the authenticity of the recording.

The Polish Catholic Church has been rocked for several years by allegations of sexual abuse of minors involving the clergy, scandals that have led to the forced resignations of several bishops and tarnished the churchs reputation.

The Vatican embassy in Poland said a temporary administrator, Archbishop Adrian Galbas of Katowice, would run the diocese of Sosnowiec until a new bishop is named.

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In the early morning hours of October 16, Leonard Allan Cure, who had recently been exonerated after having been wrongfully convicted of an armed robbery in the state of Florida, was shot dead by a Georgia police officer. Cure had been released from prison in 2020 after being found innocent of the 2003 armed robbery. He had spent 16 long years in prison.

Cure, 53, was driving back to his home in Metro Atlanta after having visited his mother who lives in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He appears to have left very early in the morning from his mothers home, taking the longer route via the I-95 freeway, which makes the drive 622 miles instead of 522 miles. It is quite possible that he may have taken the longer route to avoid the speed traps in Georgia, for which the state is notorious.

It was during this drive in his white pickup truck that Cure was pulled over in Camden County, Georgia, purportedly speeding at 100 miles per hour on the interstate highway, where the speed limit is mostly 70 miles per hour.

The Camden County Sheriffs office subsequently released the following bodycam video of the fatal encounter.

After Cure pulled over to the side of the highway, the police officer, identifed as Camden County Sheriffs Deputy Buck Aldridge, shouted at the top of his lungs at Cure. Pointing a taser gun at him, the officer threatened to tase him if he did not walk to the back of the pickup truck.

After some verbal exchanges, Cure asked Aldridge why he was being pulled over and the officer shouted at him that he was speeding. Cure is seen replying to the officer that it is a speeding violation, implying that the officer should give him a speeding ticket and let him go. The police officer instead responded, again shouting, that speeding is a criminal offense in Georgia, and he will arrest Cure for reckless driving.

Cure refused Aldridges order to put his hands behind his back, instead keeping them on the side of his truck, at which point the deputy shot him with his taser. Having been tased, Cure got agitated and started to scuffle with the officer. As Aldridge wrestled Cure to the ground he shot him with his service weapon at close range.

Aldridge has a history of violence, having been fired from the Kingsland, Georgia, police department in 2017 after he slammed a woman to the ground during a traffic stop.

Leonard Allan Cure after his release from prison [Photo: Innocence Project of Florida]

The state of Georgia under both Republican and Democratic administrations has criminalized minor traffic violations such as speeding. They are classified as misdemeanors and carry up to 12 months in prison or a $1,000 fine, or both. The decision to arrest someone for speeding has been entirely left to the discretion of the police officers, who are notorious for their hostile attitude towards citizens they encounter.

A devastated Mary Cure, Leonard Cures mother, recalled his parting words as he drove back to his home in Metro Atlanta.

He said I love you and Ill see you soon, thats the last I heard from him, Mary Cure told The Messenger.

She also emphasized the threat of reimprisonment of her son that constantly haunted her, reflecting the nightmarish conditions confronting such families, even after their loved ones had been exonerated.

I was uneasy every time he left, because I was like, Will he get a traffic stop? Is he going to be a victim of that? She went on: From the time that he was released, he was never set free, [I] lived in constant fear  is this going to be the day that theyre gonna lock him up, beat him up, or kill him? I lived with that. That is torture.

Cure was wrongfully convicted for an armed robbery that occurred at a Walgreens store in Dania Beach, Florida, on November 10, 2003. The trial was a gross travesty of justice and reveals the utterly callous determination of both prosecutors and judges to get someone convicted despite shoddy evidence.

The robbery purportedly netted $1,700 for the yet-to-be-known perpetrator from a giant corporate pharmacy that has been repeatedly exposed for robbing thousands of patients of hundreds of millions of dollars by overcharging them.

The prosecution was riddled with holes right from the beginning and Cure was identified as the perpetrator based upon contradictory evidence from the two employees of Walgreens who witnessed the robbery. Cure never had a proper defense attorney, exposing him to a court system which is notorious for convicting individuals even when lacking evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

In addition, there was all sorts of official misconduct during the investigation by the prosecutors office. Despite this, Cure ended up convicted, and was given the draconian sentence of life in prison. Although he filed repeated appeals to the court insisting on his innocence, the Court of Appeals in Florida quickly rejected his appeals and upheld his conviction.

It was only in December 2019 that Cure got another chance to request a new investigation of his case, after a Conviction Review Unit (CRU) was created in Broward County. It was during this review that the CRU reached out to the non-profit Innocence Project of Florida (IPF), which subsequently appointed its own attorney for his defense.

His new attorney got him released on April 14, 2020, while a re-investigation of his conviction by the CRU was taking place. The re-investigation concluded that witnesses' identification of Cure was inappropriately conducted, and the CRU recommended his complete exoneration to the court.

It was then, on December 11, 2020, that the judge presiding over his case vacated his entire conviction, and three days later all of the charges on which he was convicted were dropped.

Subsequently, in August, Cure received a written apology from the state of Florida for his wrongful conviction and 16-year imprisonment. He was also financially compensated with a meager sum of $817,000, which works out to a little over $50,000 for each year of his wrongful imprisonment.

After Cure gained his freedom in April 2020, he reestablished relations with his family and was trying to rebuild his life. He moved to Metro Atlanta and planned to attend college for music production, hoping to start a career in music.

Cure was among the few persons lucky enough to have their wrongful convictions overturned. According to IPF, in the state of Florida alone, 245 persons, representing an astounding 3826 years of imprisonment, have been released since IPF was founded in 1992. Undoubtedly, given that this is a single and small organization that can only focus upon a limited number of cases, the number of innocents railroaded to prison could well be orders of magnitude higher.

According to one study, up to 5 percent of the incarcerated in US prisons, numbering at least 100,000, could be innocent. At least 195 persons who were given the death penalty have been exonerated. In fact, the Death Penalty Information Project states that, There is no way to tell how many of the 1,578 people executed since 1976 may also have been innocent.
A wounded Palestinian woman runs following Israeli airstrikes that targeted her neighbourhood in Gaza City, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. [AP Photo/Abed Khaled]

More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli rockets, bombs, mortars and artillery shells since the onslaught began on October 8, according the Health Ministry of the Hamas government in the enclave. Another 15,000 have been wounded, and victims of the bombardment have swamped the 19 hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

The 5,087 officially killed include more than 2,000 children under 18 and about 1,100 women, the Health Ministry said Monday. More children have died in Gaza in two weeks than have been killed in the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine in 20 months.

Even the horrific toll reported by the Health Ministry seems likely to be a major undercount. The Israeli Air Force says that it has so far carried out strikes against more than 10,000 targets in Gaza, and its huge bombs and missile warheads, all supposedly precision weapons, are targeted against concentrations of people, either inside buildings or out in the open.

A staggering 1.4 million out of the 2.3 million population of Gaza have fled their homes, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Association (UNRWA), which provides aid to the Palestinian population. Nearly 580,000 are seeking refuge in UNRWA-run schools and shelters, the agency said. Some 40 percent of the housing stock of the entire enclave has been destroyed or damaged in the Israeli bombing. UNRWA said that 29 members of its staff, half of them teachers, have been killed since the bombing began.

The most criminal aspect of the overnight bombings of October 22-23 is that many of the 320 strikes acknowledged by the Israel Defense Forces were in southern Gaza, the region where the IDF has told Palestinians to go to in order to avoid becoming targets in the impending ground invasion by Israeli forces.

IDF warplanes have dropped tons of leaflets on northern Gaza telling the population to evacuate to the south. But the fighter bombers and missiles have followed the movement of the population and targeted hospitals, refugee encampments and columns of people fleeing the north.

Al-Jazeera reported 61 deaths at the Abou Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, at the southernmost point of the Gaza Strip, where the crossing into Egypt has become a major chokepoint. The bodies were laid out on the hospital grounds for lack of space inside the facility.

The news services correspondent in southern Gaza wrote, Its a critical condition, with at least 28 people killed near Rafah and 14 more killed near a petroleum station in Khan Younis that was hit by an Israeli strike. Fuel shortages could force several hospitals in southern Gaza to run out of service soon.

The movement of a few dozen aid trucks through the Rafah crossing from Egypt was finally permitted by Israeli authorities. They are delivering a drop in the ocean, according to UN aid officials, and the aid is limited to food, water and medical supplies, but not the fuel which is desperately needed to run hospital generators and water pumping and desalination facilities.

According to one aid official, 40 trucks a day carrying diesel, benzene and cooking gas entered Gaza in August. Since October 7, not a single truck has been allowed in. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said in a statement October 12, Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electric switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home.

Even this tiny amount of aid entering southern Gaza is being withheld from Gaza City and other parts of northern Gaza, once home to a majority of the population of the enclave. The al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza City, with a capacity of 700 patients in ordinary times, currently has 5,000 patients and 45,000 gathered around its grounds seeking safety and shelter.

The north didnt receive anything from incoming aid, Mahmoud Shalabi, an aid worker, told the Associated Press. The worker for the Medical Aid for Palestinians group based in the northern town of Beit Lahia said, Its like a death sentence for the people in the north of Gaza.

According to the AP, Shalabi also confirmed the earlier report that the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza has ran out of fuel and suffered a power outage, leaving it in total darkness.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli warplanes launched a series of raids Monday evening near Al-Quds Hospital, which is affiliated with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Gaza.

Israel issued evacuation orders to 17 hospitals operating in Gaza City, according to the UN humanitarian office, but the hospitals have not moved people, given this would endanger the lives of vulnerable patients.

This defiance sparked last weeks attack by Israel, on October 17, in which nearly 500 Palestinians were massacred at the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli authorities, the Biden administration and the corporate media continue to deny that Israel was responsible for this atrocity, claiming instead that it was the result of a rocket misfired by the Palestinian resistance group Islamic Jihad.

The New York Times actually published a groveling apology in its Monday edition, expressing its regret for having initially given a relatively truthful account of the massacre, rather than denouncing Hamas as a dubious source of information. Nonetheless, a news report the same day in the Times acknowledged, Israel has also turned down requests by The Times to provide logs of all its military activity in the area at the time of the strike, and declined to specify the video on which it based its assessment of Palestinian responsibility.

US media outlets reported that the Pentagon has sent Lt. Gen. James Glynn, a three-star Marine general, to Israel to share his expertise on urban warfare. Glynn served a two-year tour in Iraq in 2006-2007, during some of the heaviest fighting against Sunni insurgents and later commanded the Special Operations Command of the entire Marine Corps.

Also Monday, the Times of Israel reported mounting pressure from IDF commanders on the Netanyahu government to give the green light for the ground invasion of Gaza. After 16 days of airstrikes, the IDF has told the government that it is fully prepared for a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, and believes it can achieve the goals set out for it, even at the risk of heavy casualties to soldiers, the newspaper said.

The IDF command reportedly fears that further hostage releases by Hamas could lead the political leadership to delay a ground incursion or even halt it midway. Hamas released two American hostages Friday night and two Israeli hostages on Monday night.
With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Washington for high-level talks, illusions that his Labor government would do anything to free WikiLeaks publisher and Australian citizen Julian Assange have been dashed.

There is not the slightest indication that Albanese will raise Assanges plight when he meets with US President Joe Biden. The American government is proceeding with its attempt to extradite Assange from Britain, and prosecute him on Espionage Act charges that carry a maximum sentence of 175 years imprisonment.

Anthony Albanese and Julian Assange [Photo: Twitter/@AlboMP, David G Silvers]

Instead, Albaneses trip centres on full support for the eruption of militarist violence being spearheaded by Washington. That includes full support for the unfolding Israeli genocide in Gaza and associated American threats against Iran; continued backing for Washingtons war against Russia in Ukraine, and an aggressive commitment to US-led preparations for a catastrophic war against China.

That this agenda is diametrically opposed to the fight to secure the freedom of an anti-war publisher, who exposed US and allied war crimes in Afghanistan, is obvious.

Further evidence of Labors refusal to defend Assange was provided last Thursday by former independent senator Rex Patrick. In an article co-authored with Philip Dorling and published by Michael West Media, Patrick reported on the results of recent freedom of information (FOI) requests for Australian government documents relating to Assange.

The headline sharply summed up what those documents exposed: Jail, then jail, and more jail. Labors Assange strategy revealed.

Patrick and Dorling note that Labors Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has postured as a supporter of media freedom, but has said hardly anything about Assanges plight during his more than year-long tenure.

They report: Perhaps the first glaring thing that comes from the latest FOI disclosure on the US espionage prosecution of Julian Assange is just how little Australias first law officer has been engaged with the matter.

A request for all briefings and submissions provided to Dreyfus by his department between June 2022 and September 2023 netted just five documents; only one ministerial submission, two parliamentary question time briefs, one hot topic brief, and another set of talking points. Five documents across fifteen months.

The other striking thing about the list of documents is that they appear to have little or nothing to do with the complex legal intricacies associated with trying to liberate a publisher being framed up on major criminal charges in the US. They seem to all relate, primarily, to public relations, i.e., the appearance that the government is doing something, as opposed to the government actually taking action.

The documents contain no indication of substantive diplomatic activity, directed towards encouraging the US to end the prosecution of Assange. Nor do FOI documents obtained from the Australian embassy in the US.

Patrick and Dorling write: Prime Minister Albaneses platitudes that the case has gone on too long and should be brought to a close are shown to be just that, platitudes. One of the Governments standard talking points in Dreyfus briefings is to say that not all foreign affairs are best conducted with a loud hailer. In this case, however, the documents provide no evidence that any quiet conversations have been had, either.

The most substantive internal government document to have been released, relating to Assange, remains a June 2022 departmental briefing note by Dreyfus.

The sole references in that document to any action by Labor relate to a period after Assange has been extradited to the US, tried before a national-security kangaroo court and convicted. Under those conditions, the document floats the possibility of a transfer that could see Assange dispatched from a US prison to an Australian one.

Assanges family, together with medical experts, has warned he would not survive extradition to the US. A successful prosecution of the WikiLeaks founder, for publishing true documents exposing war crimes, would be a body blow to freedom of the press and free speech, not just within the US but globally. It would set a precedent for the US, and any number of autocratic regimes, to charge journalists in absentia and seek their prosecution for merely publishing material.

The dry Labor briefing is indifferent to the vast implications of Assanges extradition, both for the WikiLeaks founder himself and for democratic rights generally.

Even within that framework, the document is miserableits forecasts of a transfer are not worth the paper they are written on. [W]e wont know the circumstances, the sentence or the proposed US terms of transfer, until Assanges conviction in an American court, the briefing notes.

The briefing does not even indicate that the attorney-general would necessarily agree to such a transfer. It remarks that his approval would be necessary, and then states that it would be inappropriate to pre-empt this through any sort of in-principle informal decision

As Patrick and Dorling state, there is no indication that the Labor governments position, of essentially accepting Assanges extradition and inevitable conviction, has changed in the slightest.

Instead, they state: What the Attorney-Generals briefings reveal is a firmly established position not to engage on the Assange case until after he has been extradited to the United States, put to trial, convicted, sentenced and has exhausted all appeal rights. Only then does the Australian Government think it might play a role. Only then will the Attorney-General consider the possibility that Assange might be transferred to serve a sentence of imprisonment in Australia.

Even if all this were to come to pass, the documents still indicate that Assange would arrive in Australia a prisoner, and would remain a prisoner.

Important lessons must be drawn from the fresh confirmation of the Labor governments complicity in the persecution of Assange.

Patrick and Dorling write: Despite 15 months of lobbying by Australian MPs and Senators across the political spectrum the released briefings show the Government is engaged in no substantive action on the Assange case

What is revealed is the bankruptcy of an orientation to securing democratic rights, including Assanges freedom, through backroom lobbying efforts of capitalist governments and parliamentarians. This approach, which has dominated the official WikiLeaks defence efforts for the past five years, has failed, precisely because governments around the world, including in Australia, are hurtling towards ever-greater authoritarianism and repression.

The Labor government, for instance, is proceeding with the prosecution of whistleblower David McBride, who faces life imprisonment for exposing Australian war crimes in Afghanistan. While it claims it cannot intervene more directly in the Assange case, because he is in Britain and is being sought by the US, no similar constraints, real or imagined, exist in McBrides case. Dreyfus could end the prosecution whenever he wanted to.

Patrick and Dorling also state: Curiously, Australias extremely close ties with the United States, now reinforced by the AUKUS partnership, appear to inhibit rather than facilitate action on the Assange case. The Australian side wont move beyond platitudes, and the US side, most recently through Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has publicly refused to consider changing course

Their reference to this being a curiosity reflects the illusion, among some Assange supporters, that Australias alliance with the US could have been leveraged to secure the WikiLeaks founders release.

However, the US-Australia alliance has the character of a conspiracy against the population, both in Australia, and increasingly, throughout the region. Its central function at present is to advance Washingtons massive confrontation with China, to which Australian imperialism and the Labor government are fully committed.

Such a militarist and pro-war program is incompatible with a defence of Assange. In fact it requires a further assault on anti-war sentiment, as recently exemplified in the attempts of state and federal Labor governments to illegalise protests opposing the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

The key lesson is that Assanges freedom will only be won through an insurgent movement from below. The fight for his liberty must be linked to the development of a powerful international anti-war movement of the working class. As the eruption of imperialist violence and the crackdown on civil liberties demonstrates, such a movement must be directed against the entire capitalist social order, which is plunging humanity towards barbarism.
The figure of 300,000 stolen babies in Spain emerged in 2011 from statements to the press by lawyer Enrique Vila, owner of a law firm specializing in the search for biological relatives. Vila proclaimed the existence of up to 300,000 thefts, an estimate of his own, but now qualifies that he was actually referring to the hypothetical number of people registered with false biological parents, a concept that would include irregular adoptions of knowingly surrendered children. Vilas office began to receive calls non-stop. The Basque Country, the epicenter of the phenomenon, immediately investigated 300 reports of newborn abductions with a dedicated police unit, but did not find even reasonable indications, in the words of the senior prosecutor. Geneticist Antonio Alonso, director of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, recalls that the Prosecutors Office has investigated more than 2,000 reports of alleged baby thefts, of which around 500 went to trial. Faced with indications of abduction, scientists went to cemeteries and exhumed more than a hundred infant coffins. The deceased babies were there.

Alonso receives EL PAIS to talk about the imminent inauguration of the national DNA Bank of Victims of the Civil War and the Dictatorship. The tool will help identify remains from mass graves, but will also include the genetic profiles of people allegedly affected by baby thefts. The issue is generating interest around the world. One of the most widely read stories in The New York Times last year was a report on the tens of thousands of Spanish newborns secretly taken from hospitals and sold to wealthy Catholic families. Alonso, sitting in his office at the Institutes headquarters in Las Rozas, explains his scientific findings.

Question. How many confirmed cases of stolen babies are there in Spain?

Answer. To my knowledge, there are no confirmed case of stolen babies, meaning a modus operandi in which the death of a baby was simulated, in a private or pubic hospital, to steal it and sell it to whatever organized crime group. Its quite the opposite. In the first case of stolen babies that brought a gynecologist, Dr. Eduardo Vela, to the stand, it was proven that the complainant, Ines Madrigal, was not a stolen baby. Her mother, single, made a donation of the baby at a private clinic [and Dr. Vela irregularly registered the girl as the biological daughter of a sterile woman]. That is a crime, obviously, but it is not newborn abduction.

Q. Many people think that stolen babies in Spain have not been investigated, but you have even exhumed bodies. How many coffins have been opened?

A. Yes, the Prosecutors Office has done important work on more than 2,000 complaints. Unfortunately, the issue of stolen babies is complex due to the difficulty of investigating. Most babies who died in hospitals in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s went to a nursery cemetery, which usually involved burial, often in mass graves. In 117 of 120 exhumations we managed to recover bone remains of newborns: 97%. We were able to obtain DNA in 90 cases and in 90% we were able to identify the babies as children of the parents who were looking for them, thus closing those investigations.

Q. How did the families react?

A. Most families said: Great, this uncertainty we had is over. Regardless of the reality, you have to put yourself in the position of parents, who receive information that there were 300,000 stolen babies at a time when their baby died. It triggers great uncertainty: Did my baby die or have they lied to me, like they say they have lied to 300,000 families? When we were able to prove that the babies had died, some parents didnt believe it. No matter how much scientific evidence we showed them that their children were there, they would not believe it. It really impacted us: the relatives believed that we were lying to them.

It was said that a baby cannot just disappear, but of course a baby can disappear, disintegrate, completely degrade due to different effects of soil, acidity, humidity, vermin etc.

Q. Did they find any empty coffins?

A. There were three cases in which we did not find bone remains in the coffin, but fetal hairs, the clamp of the umbilical cord, a stained surgical cloth were found... Forensic evidence indicates that there was a corpse there of which there were no longer any remains. There is a very important element: it was said that a baby cannot just disappear, but of course a baby can disappear, disintegrate, completely degrade due to different effects of soil, acidity, humidity, vermin, etc. Our anthropology laboratory has recovered tiny remains, which we know are collagen and attributable to the remains of a newborn, but, morphologically, they cannot be identified without thorough investigation. And that is what happened at the beginning: there was a private initiative that carried out the exhumations and did not have the technical knowledge to do this.

The remains of four babies exhumed between 1960 and 1970 show that the bodies can all but disappear. INTCF

Q. You sent that report of the 120 exhumations to the European Parliament.

A. That analysis revealed to us that something was happening here. It is very striking that all these cases have the same modus operandi: The child was born in good health, but a few hours later they told me that he had become very sick and had died. They didnt show me the body. That is to say, the memory of all these people is the same, probably fueled by certain poorly contrasted news, so to speak. I believe that an important cognitive bias has been generated: if they tell me that at the time there were 300,000 cases, why not me?

Q. In 1976, nine babies died for every 1,000 born.

A. And also at that time, in the 1960s and 1970s, the treatment of patients in a hospital was not the same [as today], from a rights, information, and privacy point of view. Now it would be unthinkable [not to let you see your babys body]. We must improve knowledge of the magnitude of the problem, because I believe that a large number of the cases, at least with that modus operandi, did not exist. I believe that there were an enormous amount of irregular adoptions, like that of Ines Madrigal, which was not an abduction of newborns.

Q. Forensicist Francisco Etxeberria, who is a reference point in the exhumation of graves from the Spanish Civil War, affirms that there were no thefts of babies in hospitals and that it is a case of collective psychosis. Do you believe this?

A. We have to be tremendously respectful of people who suffer from a situation of uncertainty and believe that something happened that perhaps did not happen. There are certain cases, indeed, in which we have presented genetic evidence to the parents and they did not believe it. They think we are lying to them. I was very shocked that they questioned our work, when it is so evident. In some cases you think that the DNA test should not even have been done, because there is a report from a public hospital that shows a pathology incompatible with life. Some parents donated their deceased daughters liver to a hospital for analysis, and 30 years after doing so this has led them to say my daughter has been stolen.

Q. There are reports of babies stolen from public hospitals after the return to democracy, in the 1980s and 1990s.

A. One of the cases I was talking about was from the 1990s, in a public hospital in a Spanish city. There was an initial error from another laboratory, which obtained three DNA profiles from the newborns hair and said that none of them matched that of the mother. But it was an erroneous interpretation, due to contamination in the laboratory. This increases distrust regarding the official body, the National Institute of Toxicology. They see a conspiracy because we are part of the state. I am very sad, but I think that the majority of parents whose deceased child we have been able to identify have received the news very positively.

Antonio Alonso at the headquarters of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, in Las Rozas, Madrid. Santi Burgos

Q. In the Basque Country, in 2012, the then-regional premier, Patxi Lopez, said on television that there was a plot, a business well-orchestrated between the doctors, the hospitals, the cemeteries themselves. The data, then, does not support that.

A. I think not. From my point of view, where perhaps not so much investigation has taken place and where more should be carried out is in certain Francoist institutions, such as the residences for single mothers. Who went there? Well, vulnerable young girls, pregnant, who, due to a cultural, family or economic circumstance, gave up their children. What was done with those children? These residences were normally managed by religious orders. For example, Penagrande, in Madrid [active between 1955 and 1983]. It is a situation that we would not permit today, with falsehoods in public documents that said the biological mother was the one to whom a baby from a single mother was donated.

Q. In those residences, did mothers consciously give up their children?

A. Its my understanding that the majority did, but were forced by necessity. So, I think there is no need to make up the story that they had a frozen baby in the hospitals that they showed to the mothers [in order to steal their live baby]. Who comes up with that? It is not easy to do that in a public hospital, that modus operandi does not fit at all. And yet, we do know that in those residences run by the [Franco] regime, there was such trafficking of babies. I think we are blurring the origin of the problem and, therefore, the solution. We are giving false expectations to a lot of [stolen baby] associations that have emerged.

Could it happen? Yes. But was there a newborn abduction mafia? A mafia of gynecologists from public hospitals? Medical teams from many public hospitals are being questioned, without any evidence

Q. It seems that there is a consensus to investigate alleged robberies in public hospitals in the 1980s.

A. There is a political consensus. In principle there is unanimous support for developing the law [on stolen babies], which could not be completed because the legislature ended. However, right-wing parties voted against the Democratic Memory Law. And, if they come to power tomorrow, they will repeal it. I dont understand it, I really dont understand it. Faced with the uncertainty of a person who knows that his or her family member was executed and buried and does not know where, the state has to offer support. Given the other uncertainty [that of the alleged stolen babies], of which we are not so certain, we will also have to help, but one way to do it is to transmit what we are finding out. To talk about 300,000 [stolen babies] is to multiply by 10 the figure given by Judge Baltasar Garzon [in 2008] of 30,000 children in religious institutions run by the regime in the 1940s and 1950s. But the complaints that exist now do not come from that era, they have nothing to do with it.

Q. Garzon was referring to war orphans with dead parents, prisoners, exiles, in hiding or missing, not to babies stolen from their mothers in a hospital.

A. Indeed, it was more to do with Francos post-war repression. Did that happen? Of course. Those 30,000 have now become 300,000 without any scientific basis. The cases reported now are mostly from the 1960s and 1970s, but also from the 1990s and even the 2000s. In the era Garzon was referring to, there was certainly trafficking and theft, but that is not what the associations have asked us to analyze. I will not say that it did not happen, but I will say that we have not seen any cases of the abduction of newborns. I havent seen it. Could it happen? Yes. But was there a newborn abduction mafia? A mafia of gynecologists from public hospitals? Medical teams from many public hospitals are being questioned, without any evidence. I do not believe that there was a plot to abduct newborns from public hospitals during democracy. Not one case has been proven.

The trial of Dr. Eduardo Vela in June 2018. VICTOR SAINZ

Q. And in private centers?

A. Probably not in private centers either. I was talking about public hospitals because many of the complaints stem from public hospitals. In certain private clinics, such as San Ramon and Santa Cristina in Madrid, where Dr. Vela [who was found guilty at trial in 2018 of trafficking children during the Franco regime] worked, there were surely irregular adoptions. One has already been proven: that of Ines Madrigal, who was born at the San Ramon clinic. Her mother was single and said: Im sorry, but if I can give you the baby it will take away my problem. What this man did next was trafficking: he told a woman to fake a birth and then he played a role for her by saying that she was the biological mother. Thats outrageous, but its not baby theft like the news were getting.

Q. The Spanish Ministry of Justice, which finances your institute, has just acquired the Bonaparte computer program, which allows the development of DNA databases to identify corpses and missing persons. What does this tool provide?

A. The idea of the new project is to incorporate DNA profiles, above all, from remains from the different exhumations. Now work is being carried out, fundamentally, on the largest grave in Spain, the Valley of the Fallen, or Cuelgamuros Valley. In many of the crypts there, the columbariums have been broken and there is a significant mix of bones. And, of course, it is very difficult to carry out an archaeological analysis to identify all of these remains. In 1959, when the Valley of the Fallen was inaugurated, all civil governors were asked to exhume everything in cemeteries, ditches, or other places and send it there. That is to say, a first exhumation of the 1936 burials was carried out, by gravediggers or cemetery assistants, not technical personnel. It was done in a very lax way: everything was put in wooden crates and sent to the Valley of the Fallen. With the passage of time, all those columbariums have been broken and it has become, in the most critical places, a vast ossuary.

Q. Do you already have any results?

A. The first case was that of the Aldeaseca 12 [who were murdered by Falangists in August 1936], at a place near Pajares de Adaja [Avila], where they were shot. We have been able to identify them thanks to the photographs taken by a photojournalist from the Efe agency in 1959, because we knew where that box, with its lettering, was inside the crypt. The columbariums were on top of each other and, due to the humidity and weight, it was like an accordion, with an amalgamation of remains. We have identified 11 of them by DNA and there is one last one that we are waiting for a family member to claim. This is one of the important issues of democratic memory: many times the problem is that the memory is lost and there are no family members to claim it.

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This is the second of a two-part article. The first part was published on October 23, 2023.

The Greater Israel policy

The 1967 war was a turning point in the development of a Greater Israel policy of permanently annexing the land seized.

Israeli tanks advancing on the Golan Heights during the Six Day War, June 1967 [Photo by Government Press Office (Israel) / CC BY-SA 4.0

The war extended Israels de facto boundaries and created new waves of refugees and internally displaced people. The national unity government, headed by Labour Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, established colonial-style settlements in the newly conquered territories in defiance of international conventions. The settlements in turn created a social layer that had a vested interest in Israels expansionary policy, providing a pole of attraction for some of the most reactionary forces, whose fascist heirs are in government today, dictating policy. These forces moved Israeli politics rapidly to the right in the 1970s, increasing social instability and ending Labours grip on government.

From left, General Uzi Narkiss, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, and Chief of Staff Lt. General Yitzhak Rabinlater to be an Israeli Labor Party prime ministerin the Old City of Jerusalem after its fall to Israeli forces in the Six Day War. [Photo by National Photo Collection of Israel, Photography dept / CC BY-SA 3.0

Repression to enforce the occupation of Palestinian land in the West Bank and Gaza was ramped up through the imposition of military rule, collective punishment, house demolitions, forced deportations and detentions without trial, while the Palestinians became a pool of cheap labour to be brutally exploited by Israeli employers. The Palestinian leadership moved first to Jordan, until it was driven out in a savage war by Jordan in 1970, and then to Lebanon.

Following the 1977 election victory of Likud leader Menachem Begin, Israel launched a murderous expansionist policy in Lebanon, with a series of raids, incursions and covert operations in alliance with Lebanese fascist forces against the Palestinians and their allies during the countrys 15-year-long civil war. These wars and covert activities were to continue for 30 years.

Aftermath of massacre of Palestinians directed by Lebanese Forces with the complicity of senior members of the Israeli Cabinet and Defence Forces and conducted by Christian Phalangists and members of the South Lebanon Army in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. [Photo: Robin Moyer, USA, Black Star for Time. Beirut, Lebanon, 18 September 1982. ]

An estimated 32,000 Palestinians and an untold number of Lebanese were killed at a cost of around 1,500 Israeli lives during operations that included the massacre of 3,000 Palestinians in Sabra and Shatila, the Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, by Israels Phalangist allies under the protection of the IDF in September 1982.

The Fraud of Oslo

Israels attacks on Palestinians in Lebanon and its growing violation of human rights in the Occupied Territories gave rise to the first Intifada, the spontaneous Palestinian uprising of 1987-93 that erupted outside the control of the PLO. It was brutally suppressed by Israel at a cost of more 1,000 Palestinian lives, more than 6 times the number of Jewish Israelis killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, US president Bill Clinton, and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, September 13, 1993

This led to the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 by Israels Labor Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Arafat on the lawns of the White House, with Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) agreeing to recognise Israel and renounce terrorism.

The Accords were supposed to usher in a Palestinian statelet with its capital in Abu Dis, a suburb in East Jerusalem the so-called two-state solution. Arafat and the Palestinian Authority would take over Israels role in controlling the Palestinian masses in a bifurcated state, composed of non-contiguous Bantustans, that would be separate from but contained by Israel. This precluded any possibility of democracy for the Palestinians.

Israels ultranationalists and their political representatives in Likud and other far-right and religious parties rejected even this mockery of a Palestinian state on land they coveted. Just two years later, in October 1995, right-wing religious nationalists, egged on by war-mongering opposition leaders Ariel Sharon and Benjamin Netanyahu, denounced Rabin as a traitor at an angry demonstration in Jerusalem. One month later, a religious zealot assassinated Rabin.

Israel used the Oslo Accords to expand the settlements in the West Bank faster than ever, take control of water and other resources, build roads and install more than 600 checkpoints, disrupting movement throughout the region and wrecking its economy. The settlements, now home to at least 500,000 Israelis, or nearly 20 percent of the population, control a far greater percentage of the land, including the most fertile and productive.

Israel annexed East Jerusalem, part of the West Bank, in breach of international law, with its Palestinian residents now only a bare majority following the building of some 200,000 settler homes. In recent years, there have been repeated clashes between the Palestinians and the police over the threatened eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods at the behest of far-right and religious groups led by Ben-Gvir.

Faris Odeh, a 14 year-old boy who was killed in early November 2000during the Second Intifadathrowing a stone at an Israel Defense Forces tank in the Gaza Strip. This photo was taken on October 29, 2000, and Odeh was shot dead 10 days later on November 8, while again throwing stones at Israeli troops. [Photo: Associated Press/Laurent Rebours)]

These conditions gave rise to the second Intifada in September 2000, after Ariel Sharons provocative march through the Al Aqsa mosque compound under military escort to assert Israels control over Islams third most holy site. The Intifada was as much an uprising against the PLO leadership that had sanctioned the disastrous Oslo Accords. Between 2000 and 2008, Israeli security forces killed nearly 5,000 Palestinians, around five times the number of Israelis killed by the Palestinians.

The Separation Wall and the Gaza blockade

Sharon then ordered the building of the infamous Separation Barrier that stole a further 10 percent of Palestinian land to wall off Israel from the Palestinians and cut off thousands of Palestinians from their families and workplaces. Targeted assassinations of Palestinian leaders became routine, amid far-right demands for population transfers and measures aimed at effecting ethnic cleansing to counter the demographic timebomb. The number of Palestinians now exceeds the number of Jews within Israels internationally recognised borders and the Occupied Territories.

Early Israeli construction of West Bank barrier, 2003 [Photo by joeskillet/Flickr / CC BY 2.0

In 2005, Sharon closed 14 Israeli settlements and withdrew the army from the Gaza Strip, while maintaining control of entry by land, sea and air. This masked a far more significant land grab in the West Bank that was given the green light by the Bush administration.

Two years later, following Hamas defeat of an attempted coup by Fatah forces, Israel imposed a suffocating blockade that has turned Gaza into an impoverished ghetto, devastating the lives of its residents. It denies Gaza any independence, providing only the bare minimum of essential services such as water and electricityafter destroying much of its public infrastructure and residential buildings, hospitals, schools and mosques following murderous assaults on the enclave, which it characterises as mowing the grass. These include Operation Cast Lead (2008-09), Operation Pillar of Defence (November 2012) and Operation Protective Edge (2014). The combined toll of Palestinian deaths in more than seven major assaults on Gaza by the mightiest air force in the Middle East was at least 4,164with a loss of just 102 Israeli lives.

Israeli Air Force, dropping a white phosphorus cluster bomb on a populated area in Gaza during Operation "Cast Lead", December 2008/January 2009 [Photo by Al Jazeera Creative Commons Repository / CC BY 3.0

Unable to carry out any reconstruction, Gazas economic situation was dire well before the present assault. About three quarters of Gazan households are dependent upon some form of aid from the United Nations and other agencies, that the European Union has said is now under review. In 2012, the UN predicted that the besieged enclave would be uninhabitable by 2020, only to revise it in 2017 to warn that de-development was happening even faster than predicted.

The situation within Israel for Palestinian citizens, who form 20 percent of the population, is precarious. Home to some of the poorest people in the country, their communities face official neglect and budgetary discrimination. Such are the levels of poverty and unemployment that rival criminal gangs have taken control of the Arab towns and villages, leading to more than 180 killings since the start of the year.

In May 2021, Israels Palestinian citizens took to the streets in strikes, protests and riots that were triggered by the violent police storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque and brutal acts of ethnic cleansing in East Jerusalem. This was the first time they had joined in a general strike with Palestinians in the occupied territories to protest the assault on Gaza and against Israels apartheid-style constitution. Netanyahus far-right coalition plans to disqualify Palestinian Knesset members from serving in the Israeli parliament and to ban their parties from standing in elections.

A revolt of the oppressed

It is this immense suffering that led to the Palestinians action of October 7-9. Tantamount to a mass suicide mission, it was the revolt of an oppressed people determined to escape the concentration camp in which Israel, with the support of all the major powers, has confined them.

Fire and smoke rise from an explosion on a Palestinian apartment tower following an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. [AP Photo/Adel Hana]

As the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) has explained, a state founded on the basis and the ongoing repression of the Palestinians was always incapable of developing a genuinely democratic society. Its evolution as a garrison state for US imperialism, repeatedly at war with its Arab neighbours and in perpetual war with the Palestinians; pursuing an expansionist Greater Israel policy; resting ever more firmly on the right-wing settler population in the Occupied Territories and US military subventions to offset the destabilising impact of acute levels of social inequality among the highest in the world, is what has paved the way for the Frankenstein monster of Netanyahus government.

Israels genocidal war on Gaza is the ultimate demonstration of the reactionary essence of Zionism. A capitalist state claimed to provide a safe haven for Jews has instead produced decades of death, ethnic cleansing and dispossession of the Palestinians living there, setting Israeli Jews in permanent conflict with their Arab neighbours.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) argued on October 9:

The Israel ruling class is now at the point where the reactionary perspective of securing an exclusivist Jewish state through the forcible expulsion of the Palestinians can only be maintained by mass murder and ethnic cleansing. Jewish workers are being told to wage this war under the leadership of a government of fascist criminals. It is a war that is a prelude to a far wider conflagration alongside the US/NATO-led war against Russia in Ukraine and Iran and its allies in Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon that threatens death on an unimaginable scale.

Israels filthy war can only be ended through the independent political action of the working class throughout the Middle East and internationally, including those Israeli workers who are ready to take a stand against the nationalist xenophobia of all their rulers and their parties.

Throughout the nine-month long movement that opposed Netanyahus judicial coup and efforts to assume dictatorial powers, the WSWS warned that the self-proclaimed leaders of the protests all shared Netanyahus expansionist policy at the expense of the Palestiniansas the willingness of National Unity leaders, former IDF Chiefs of Staff Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, to join his fascistic government to prosecute the war now demonstrates. After claiming support for mass demonstrations against Netanyahu, Ben Gvir and Smotrich, they now call on hundreds of thousands of reservists to kill innocent civilians and to die for them. They will forever be associated in the eyes of the world with one of the greatest crimes of the 21st century.

The ICFI insists that the enemy of workers and youth in Israel is not the Palestinians, but the Netanyahu government and the Israeli ruling class:

The great historical and political paradox of the present situation is this: The Israeli working class cannot defend its own democratic rights without fighting for the democratic rights of the Palestinian people against Zionist oppression. And the Palestinians cannot achieve their aspirations for democratic rights and social equality without forging a fighting alliance with the Israeli working class. The only viable perspective is not a mythical two-state solution, but a unified socialist state of Jewish and Arab workers The uprising in Palestine is itself part of a developing eruption of anger and opposition in the form of mass strikes and protests throughout the world. It is this social movement, guided by a consciously socialist and revolutionary program and perspective, that must be mobilized to put an end to imperialist war, inequality and all forms of oppression. This is the perspective and program of the Trotskyist Fourth International, led by the International Committee.
We are publishing here the letter sent by Leon Trotsky to members of the Central Committee (CC) and the Central Control Commission (CCC) of the Russian Communist Party on October 23, 1923. It arrived at the Secretariat, headed by Stalin, on October 24, 1923. Trotsky, ill and bed-stricken, was compelled to write this letter in response to an October 19 reply by members of the Politburo to his October 8 letter to the CC and CCC, in which he had outlined his programmatic differences with the Politburo majority. This reply was signed by Nikolai Bukharin, Grigory Zinoviev, Mikhail Kalinin, Lev Kamenev, Vyacheslav Molotov, Alexei Rykov, Joseph Stalin and Mikhail Tomsky  that is, all full and candidate members of the Politburo except Trotsky and the extremely ill Lenin.

In their letter, the Politburo majority accused Trotsky of serving as the ring-leader of a struggle against the CC, as the initiator giving the slogan of going on the offensive against the CC during a difficult moment in the international situation, in view of which the Politburo doesnt have the right to refrain from answering comrade Trotskys letter. Much of the letter by the Politburo majority was focused on falsely claiming that there had been fundamental and long-standing differences between Lenin and Trotsky on matters of economic policy. Indirectly, the letter was also responding to the Declaration of 46 Old Bolsheviks who, one week prior, on October 15, had declared their political agreement with Trotskys positions. The letter by the Politburo majority also misconstrued the differences surrounding matters of foreign policy, the German revolution, the state monopoly on the sale of vodka and the inner-party situation. It anticipated all the deceitful lies and distortions of anti-Trotskyism that would be developed in the struggle against the Opposition in the months and years to come. The aim was to falsely portray Trotsky as a long-standing antagonist of Lenin and someone who was alien to Bolshevism and what the letter called the Bolshevik milieu.

Trotskys response is the first comprehensive document in the inner-party struggle in which he was forced to answer, in detail, not only political attacks but also distortions of the history of the Bolshevik Party and the October Revolution. In the months and years to come, defense of the historical truth about the conflicts within the Bolshevik Party and the history of the revolution itself would become a central component of the Left Oppositions struggle against Stalinism. Of particular significance in this struggle was the true record of what is now referred to as Lenins Last Struggle. Trotsky cites extensively from documents that Lenin composed in the last months of his active political life when he was initiating a struggle against Stalin and the Soviet bureaucracy. For many decades, several of these and many other documents on the history of the revolution, the Bolshevik Party and the Opposition, were available only thanks to Trotskys personal archives, which are held at Harvard Universitys Houghton Library and have now for the most part been digitized.

This letter was first published in full in the October 1990 edition of the Soviet journal Izvestiia TsK KPSS, pages 167182. In its issues of November 8 and 15, 1993, the International Workers Bulletin, the publication of the Workers League, the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party (US), published the first English translation of this document as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Left Opposition. We are publishing here an edited version of this translation with more comprehensive endnotes and references to documents cited. In the original document, Trotskys use of numbers to enlist points was inconsistent. These inconsistencies were maintained in the translation.

The first English publication of the October 23, 1923, letter by Leon Trotsky on the pages of the International Workers Bulletin, November 8, 1993

TO MEMBERS OF THE CC AND CCC

To the Plenum.

24 October 1923

The [October 19] reply from members of the Politburo to my letter [of October 8] suggests that the authors of the letter considered the necessity and possibility of serious changes in the present party and economic policy to be excluded; it seems as if they have completely brushed aside the thought of creating normal conditions of healthy collective work in the leading bodies of the party. And this circumstance causes the greatest alarm.

I. The inner-party regime

1. First of all, the document shifts the entire question of the party crisis onto the plane of issuing formal accusations about creating a platform, about fractionalism and so forth. Such an accusation is, however, a glaring abuse of the resolution of the Xth Congress. There is absolutely no dispute that the existence of a fraction, i.e., of organized groups of co-thinkers within the party, represents an extraordinary danger. But this is still a long way from calling a fraction every attempt by individual party members or groups of party members to direct the attention of the Central Committee to errors and mistakes in the policy they are conducting. There is nothing more dangerous than taking to a bureaucratic absurdity the resolution banning the creation of fractional organizations inside the party. A truly non-fractional regime in the party can in actual fact be maintained only if the party, from the bottom to the top, remains an active and independent collective, if the development of party opinion doesnt come up against exceedingly artificial barriers, if the ruling bodies do not themselves conduct a policy of concealed fractional selection, and if they pay the greatest attention to the voice of inner-party criticism, without trying to liquidate every independent thought in the party with accusations of fractionalism.

2. On 11 October, at the session of the Politburo [which discussed Trotskys October 8 letter  editor], comrade Dzerzhinsky blamed the Moscow Committee for circumstances in which rank-and-file members of the Moscow organization feel unable to openly express their opinion within the framework of the party organization but do so behind its back. Comrade Zelensky, the secretary of the Moscow Provincial Committee, replied to this literally: You say that in the party cells there is no life, that everyone keeps silent. But at the party conference concerning the German events, wasnt it exactly the same way? There, too, everyone kept quiet.

In speaking against the proposal to issue a new resolution of the Politburo obligating members of the party to inform about groupings in the party, comrade Bukharin said the following: This would only be harmful. It would be understood as an excess of police-type measures, and we have enough of that as it is. We must sharply turn the wheel in the direction of party democracy. Comrade Molotov declared that he would not object on his part, and when I asked what was it that he wouldnt object to, comrade Molotov answered, that he wouldnt object to the elementary truths formulated by comrade Bukharin, i.e., concerning the need to make a sharp turn in the direction of party democracy. All the sentences here have been given verbatim, since, in view of the extraordinary importance of the question, I immediately wrote down all the most important formulations. No one objected to the statement that we had to go ahead not with further threats, repression, clamping down, or, as comrade Bukharin said, by stepping up the police-type measures, but by means of a sharp turn of the wheel toward party democracy.

Stalin and Vyacheslav Molotov. Molotov was one of Stalins closest allies and one of the very few prominent Old Bolsheviks who survived the Great Terror.

However, in the letter of the Politburo members there isnt even a hint at such a discussion of the problem. The inner-party regime is declared normal. The letter speaks in great detail about the educational work of the party, about the preparation of new party-workers, and so forth. Without any doubt, the party apparatus has grown immensely, including its educational apparatus; without any doubt, this educational work has developed extensively, and this, of course, is a great gain. But this fact by no means excludes or denies the extreme lowering of the political and critical activity of the party, the weakening of its internal life as a party, and the parallel growth of purely mechanical, organizational measures to guarantee the line of the leading bodies of the party.

3. My reference to the unhealthy methods used in the period of preparing the XIIth Congress [in April 1923] in order to counterpose one section of leading comrades to another [ 1 ]without sufficient, or, in any case, clearly expressed ideological groundsgave rise to an answer from the group of authors which is once again a basically unfounded, formal accusation that I denigrate the correct composition of the XIIth Congress. In my letter there was not even a hint of this. To raise a formal question about the competence or authority of the XIIth Congress is at the very least inappropriate. But it is completely appropriate and correct to raise the question about the need to guarantee an inner-party regime in which the party can form its opinion on important questions from day to day, and by doing so determine its will in the best way through the medium of its congresses.

4. The reply from members of the Politburo ascribes to me the demand for some kind of absolute, full-blown democracy, and asks me whether I am demanding the cancellation of all party resolutions which limit the use of full-blown democratic methods. In actual fact, my letter says that many speeches in defense of workers democracy once seemed to me (during the Xth Congress [in March 1921]) exaggerated and demagogic in view of the incompatibility of complete, fully developed workers democracy and a dictatorial regime. Thus, all the arguments in this regard in the Reply are a complete misunderstanding. I didnt even demand a sharp turn of the wheel in the direction of workers democracy, as was done on 11 October by comrade Bukharin at a session of the Politburo, without any objections from anyone. It would be absolutely sufficient if the change were to be sincere and conscientious, if only it were not sharp, but cautiousas the situation demands. Only such a change would truly be productive. The limitations which the party established must be preserved until experience has shown them to be wrong. But within the framework of these limitations, the party must live the genuine life of a leading and ruling organization, and not remain silent. This is the essence of the question.

5. That Myasnikovism[ 2 ] is not a new phenomenonas the Reply points outis beyond dispute. But it was the Politburo itself which sounded the alarm, with full legitimacy, regarding the growth of Myasnikovism, regarding the spread of illegal cells in the party, the participation of party members in strikes, and the passive attitude toward many of these phenomena on the part of many party members who dont belong to the illegal cells. This was the main idea of the conclusions reached by comrade Dzerzhinskys commission.[ 3 ] This is the essence of the problem. It seems that the danger of the situation was a mystery to no one.

Proceeding precisely from this point, comrade Dzerzhinsky demanded a revamping of the Moscow Committee, since it was too bureaucratic, to use his expression. It was precisely for this reason that comrade Bukharin demanded a sharp turn toward party democracy, and comrade Molotov admitted that these were elementary truths. Now all this is declared nonexistent, everything is reduced to the expelled Myasnikov and ... to comrade Ryazanov. [ 4 ] Such a striking and by no means principled re-evaluation of yesterdays conclusions by itself represents the greatest danger and threatens to sharpen the contradictions which have accumulated in the party.

David Ryazanov, a prominent revolutionary and leading scholar of Marxism in the early Soviet Union

II. The attempt to invoke Lenins name in our debate

The letter from members of the Politburo attempts to drag Lenins name into the present debates, as if, on the one hand, there is a continuation of comrade Lenins policy, and, on the other, there is a struggle against this policy. In a more cautious and concealed form, attempts to portray the differences in this way were made more than onceboth leading up to the XIIth Congress and especially after it. Precisely because these attempts took the form of hints and passing remarks, it was impossible to react to them. And these hints were made precisely because they were counting on silence on my part. Todays Reply from members of the Politburo, which tries to more concretely formulate these hints, nevertheless, as we will now see, reveals their complete bankruptcy and also gives us the opportunity to clearly and exactly refute them. I will examine the questions being debated point by point, providing accurate citations and references to documents which are readily available for verification.

1. One of the central problems in the realm of the economy has been and continues to be the question of the role of leadership in planning, that is, the systematic combination of the basic elements of state economy in the process of adapting them to the growing market. I held, and I continue to hold the point of view that one of the main reasons for our economic crises, and particularly their sharpness and destructiveness, is the absence of correct, uniform regulation of the economy from above. It is absolutely true that I had disagreements with comrade Lenin on the question of organizing the management of planning. Comrade Lenins authority means no less for me than for any other member of the Central Committee. But I thought and continue to think that the party chooses members of the CC in order for them to defend in the Central Committee whatever they think is right in each given instance. How was the problem resolved on the part of comrade Lenin? On June 2 of this year the Politburo received from N. Krupskaya a special note written by comrade Lenin On Giving Legislative Functions to Gosplan, which was dictated on 27 December 1922. In this document comrade Lenin writes the following:

This idea was advanced by comrade Trotsky, it seems, long ago. I spoke out against it then, because I found that in such a case there would be a fundamental lack of co-ordination in the system of our legislative bodies. But upon reviewing the matter more carefully, I find that in essence there is a good idea, namely: Gosplan stands somewhat off to the side, apart from our legislative bodies, despite the fact that, as a collection of knowledgeable people, experts, scientists and technicians, it possesses, in essence, more data for correct judgements about matters... In this regard, I think that we can and should meet comrade Trotsky halfway, but not with regard to the chairmanship in Gosplan or with regard to any particular person from among our political leaders, or chairman of the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy and so forth.

The first page of Lenin's notes on assigning legislative functions to Gosplan from 27 December 1922. RGASPI, f. 2, op. 1, d. 24050, list 3.

In conclusion, comrade Lenin spoke against the type of work done by Gosplan where the latter reviews individual assignments, and in favor of the type of work where Gosplan could systematically resolve a whole group of problems which belong to its jurisdiction. [ 5 ] As we can see, the question here is discussed with sufficient clarity and fullness.

The question of combining the role of the Chairman of the Supreme Economic Council of the Peoples Economy with the role of the Chairman of Gosplan is a subordinate, technical question. We now have combined, by resolution of the CC, the role of Deputy Chairman of the Council of Labor and Defense with the role of Chairman of the Supreme Economic Council of the Peoples Economy, which goes much further than my proposals along these lines. More than once I spoke and wrote to the CC that combinations of this type are, of course, conditional, and that the essence of the matter lies not in them. The essence is the need to create an authoritative, competent economic general staff, which will review every single economic question. Until now, when comrade Lenin stood at the head of the economic work, he was to a great extent his own general staff, and the question of the role of Gosplan couldnt have the decisive significance that it received after comrade Lenin fell ill.

And here, while assessing the leadership of the economy as it developed after he was forced from work, comrade Lenin declares that my basic proposal was a good idea. The prolonged absence of comrade Lenin from work in the leadership can to a certain extent be compensated only by arranging the management of the economy in an organizationally correct way.

Meanwhile, rather than taking a step forward, we have taken a step backwards in this matter. Economic questions are more than ever before decided hastily and through improvisation, and not by systematic leadership.

2. Another economic question where there were disagreements in the Plenum of the CC not long before the XIIth Congress, and in which comrade Lenin participated, concerns the monopoly of foreign trade, i.e., a question which, at the XIIth Congresswithout any objections from anyoneI called one of the pillars of the socialist dictatorship under conditions of capitalist encirclement. I have a rather extensive correspondence with comrade Lenin on this question. I will introduce here only one letter in full from comrade Lenin from 13 December 1922. It clearly illustrates the way he raised the question:

Comrade Trotsky, I received your response to Krestinskys letter and to Avanesovs plans. I think that you and I have the maximal agreement, and I think that the question of Gosplan in the present discussion excludes (or moves to the side) the debate about whether Gosplan needs executive rights. In any case, I would very much ask you to take upon yourself at the upcoming Plenum the defense of our common point of view concerning the unconditional necessity of maintaining and strengthening the monopoly of foreign trade. Since the preceding Plenum adopted a resolution in this regard which completely goes against the monopoly of foreign trade, and since there can be no retreat on this question, then I think, as I say in a letter to Frumkin and Stomonyakov, that if we are defeated on this question, then we must transfer the question to a party congress. To do this we must briefly outline our differences before the party fraction of the upcoming Congress of Soviets. If I can, I will write such an outline, and I would be very glad if you spoke in the same vein. Vacillation on this question will do us untold harm, and arguments against can fully be reduced to accusations that the apparatus is imperfect. But our apparatus is imperfect everywhere and in every way, and to back away from the monopoly because of the imperfection of the apparatus would mean to throw out the baby with the bathwater. 13 December 1922 Lenin.[ 6 ]

Lenin's note to Trotsky from December 13, 1922. Harvard University Houghton Library, Leon Trotsky Soviet Papers, MS Russ 13, Box 6, T 766.

Thus, on one of the most important questions of our economic policy, comrade Lenin demanded that, if the Plenum didnt cancel its obviously erroneous resolution, I should speak openly, outlining the disagreements at the fraction of the Congress of Soviets. This shows rather clearly, first of all, what significance comrade Lenin attributed to the Plenums mistake, and secondly, that he, understanding rather well one would think, the significance of formal discipline, placed content higher than form in the given instance.

3. The most important disagreement of the last yearwith comrade Lenins participationinvolved the national question. Here once again all the facts and documents are at hand. What significance comrade Lenin gave the national question and mistakes in this problem are rather evident from his letter (from 30 December 1922), which begins with the words: I suppose I have been very remiss with respect to the workers of Russia for not having intervened energetically and decisively enough [ 7 ] Having learned from someone else what point of view I had defended concerning the national question at the Plenum of the CC, comrade Lenin sent me the following note:

Top secret. Personal. Dear Comrade Trotsky. I would very much like you to take upon yourself the defense of the Georgian affair at the partys CC. This matter is now being prosecuted by Stalin and Dzerzhinsky, and I can not count on their impartiality. If you would agree to take upon yourself this defense, then my mind would be at rest. If for some reason you do not agree, then return the whole matter to me. I will consider this a sign of your lack of agreement. With the best comradely greetings, Lenin. Recorded by M.V. on 5 March 1923. Verified: M.Volodicheva.[ 8 ]

When I proposed to comrade Lenin through his secretary (comrade Lenin was then very ill, and he was not allowed to meet with individuals) to show this note of his and his letter from 30 December, sent to me secretly, to members of the Politburo, in order to achieve a change of course in the national question in the least painful manner, comrade Lenin formally refused to allow me to do this. He said what I was already compelled to report at a session of the Presidium of the XIIth Congress: By no means, V. I. replied to me through his secretary. He (this refers to comrade Kamenev, who was being sent to Georgia) will tell everything to Stalin, and Stalin will resort to a rotten compromise, and then deceive you.

I cant help but note here that comrade Lenins letter, which the Council of Elders [ 9 ] at the XIIth Congress said, as something completely obvious, should be published (perhaps only after removing, as others proposed, the personal aspects which were too sharp), remains unpublished to this very day.[ 10 ]

Lenin photographed in 1923

4. [ 11 ] One of the central questions at the XIIth Congress was the question raised by comrade Lenin about reorganizing Rabkrin [Peoples Commissariat of the Workers and Peasants Inspection] and the Central Control Commission. It is remarkable that even this question has often been portrayed, and continues to be so, as a point of disagreement between myself and comrade Lenin, whereas this question, much like the national question, casts an entirely different light on the groupings in the Politburo. It is absolutely true that I was very negative in my attitude toward the old Rabkrin. However, in his article, Better Fewer, But Better, comrade Lenin gave a much more devastating evaluation of Rabkrin than I would have decided to give: [T]he People s Commissariat of the Workers and Peasants Inspection does not at present enjoy the slightest authority. Everybody knows that no other institutions are worse organised than those of our Workers and Peasants Inspection, and that under present conditions nothing can be expected from this Peoples Commissariat. [ 12 ] If we recall who headed Rabkrin the longest period of all, [Joseph Stalin] then it is not difficult to understand against whom this characterization was directed, as well as the article on the national question.

What was the attitude of the Politburo, however, to comrade Lenins proposal to reorganize Rabkrin? Comrade Bukharin couldnt bring himself to publish comrade Lenins article; comrade Lenin, on his part, had insisted on its immediate publication.

N.K. Krupskaya [Lenins wife] told me about this article over the telephone and asked me to intervene in order to get the article published as soon as possible.[ 13 ] At the session of the Politburo which was quickly convened at my proposal, all those attending (comrades Stalin, Molotov, Kuibyshev, Rykov, Kalinin and Bukharin) were not only against comrade Lenins plan, but even against publishing his article. Members of the Secretariat objected particularly sharply and categorically. In light of comrade Lenins insistent demands that his article be shown to him in printed form, comrade Kuibyshev, the future Peoples Commissar of Rabkrin, proposed at the same session of the Politburo to print a single copy of a single issue of Pravda with comrade Lenins article, in order to set his mind at rest while at the same time concealing the article from the party. I tried to prove that the radical reform proposed by comrade Lenin was itself progressiveunder the condition, it goes without saying, that it was correctly carried outbut that even if there were a negative assessment of this proposal it would be ridiculous and absurd to protect the party against comrade Lenins proposals. I was answered with arguments in the spirit of the same old formalism: We are the CC, we bear the responsibility, we will decide. I was supported only by comrade Kamenev, who arrived almost an hour late at the session of the Politburo. The main argument made in favor of printing the article was the fact that all the same, you dont hide Lenins article from the party.

Later, in the hands of those who didnt want to print it, the letter was treated as though it were a special banner in an attempt to turn it ... against me. Comrade Kuibyshev, a former member of the Secretariat, was put at the head of the CCC. Instead of a struggle against comrade Lenins plan, the path was chosen to render it harmless. Whether the CCC during all these goings on received the character of an independent, impartial party body, defending and affirming party rights and unity against any administrative excesses in the partyI wont go into a discussion of this question here, since I think that the question is already clear without it.

5. These are the most instructive episodes from recent times concerning my struggle against comrade Lenins policy. Isnt it striking that the Reply from members of the Politburo passes by these facts of the last year which are all too clear and indisputable, and considers it necessary to introduce comrade Lenins proposal in 1921(!) to send me to the Ukraine as plenipotentiary Narkomprod [Peoples Commissar for Food]. This fact, however, is falsely presented and tendentiously explained. In the fall of 1921 comrade Lenin was afraid that the Ukrainians were not displaying enough energy in collecting the tax in kind (at that time this question was very significant) and proposed to send me (not on behalf of the Narkomprod, but the CC) to apply the corresponding pressure. During the first three to four years I made more than one such trip: not only to the front, but also to the Donbass, to the Urals (twice), and to Petrograd. None of these trips had anything to do with the internal disagreements within the Politburo, but were in response to unpostponable business matters. Since a previous trip to the Ukraine had convinced me that the Ukrainian comrades would themselves do what was needed, I felt that my trip was unnecessary. The disagreement was purely practical in nature. Comrade Lenins proposal was accepted. Then I proposed that, in order to avoid a mix-up in our relations, I be temporarily appointed (for four to six weeks) Narkomprod [Peoples Commissar for Food] of the Ukraine. This, too, was accepted (without, of course, releasing me from other obligations). But on the next day, after receiving more reassuring information from Kharkov, Lenin came to see me at the Military Commissariat and proposed that we cancel yesterdays decision, which I naturally greeted with sympathy, since I considered the adopted resolution to be pointless.[ 14 ] Thus this entire, insignificant episode has nothing to do with the problems which are now troubling the party. To drag in this petty and long since forgotten episode by itself is an extremely clear indicator that in order to feed and support the legend about what is virtually my anti- Leninist line, there are no facts or material which are more convincing or of better quality. There are not and there cannot be. For a malicious legend, even if it is assiduously given support, remains a legend.

Underestimating the role of the peasantry

One of the most fantastic accusations, which has several times been made in passing or behind my back, but which is now openly formulated, is my alleged underestimation of the role of the peasantry in our revolution. The authors of the letter make not the slightest attempt to prove this declaration, for there cannot be any such evidence. It would be too inappropriate to engage here in a review of the disagreements over evaluating the internal forces of the revolution during the epoch, let us say of 19051914. Since that time, we have all learned too much to be able to deduce todays assessments in a purely formal manner from the disagreements of those times. I long ago republished my most principled works in this area (Results and Prospects and Our Disagreements). Whatever was mistaken in my views of that time I acknowledged and indicated long ago, both in word and in deed. But in any case, my old views did not hinder, but even assisted me in accepting comrade Lenins April (1917) Theses, from which so many of those who called themselves Leninists recoiled.[ 15 ] And more importantly, they didnt prevent me from proceeding side by side with Lenin through the pre-October period and then through the October Revolution. If an analysis of forces and an assessment of classes is ever subjected to a supreme test, then it is precisely during the epoch of a great revolution. That is why I dont find it necessaryat least within the framework of this letterto return to the pre-October period.

Lenin Speaks in Petrograd in 1917 (Still from Tsar To Lenin)

Where, then do we find expression of my underestimation of the peasantry after October? During the first three years of the revolution, I was occupied almost exclusively with the formation of peasant detachments with the help of advanced workers. This work alone would be more than enough to force anyone to understand the role of the peasantry and the relationship of the basic classes in our revolution. It was precisely my military experience which forced me to always be on guard with regard to anything concerning the peasantry. In order to prove thisinsofar as any proof is necessary at allI will introduce a few facts of varying importance, but which are equally persuasive regarding the given question.

a. After Y. M. Sverdlovs death [in 1919], when comrade Lenin advanced the idea of appointing comrade Kamenev Chairman of VTsIK [All-Russian Central Executive Committee], I spoke in favor of placing in that position a figure who would be able to attract the peasantry. When comrade Lenin, followed by the Politburo, accepted this plan, I nominated comrade Kalinin.

Mikhail Kalinin, a member of the Politburo in 1923. Like Molotov, he consistently sided with Stalin in the inner-party struggle and managed to survive the Great Terror.

b. In March 1919, in a report to the CC, I defended the necessity of setting our course toward the middle peasant in a principled way; I spoke against the inattentive, or superficial attitude which could still be observed in the party on this question. In the report, which was directly inspired by a discussion I had with the Sengileyevsky organization,[ 16 ] I wrote: The temporary, although perhaps prolonged political situation is, however, a much deeper social and economic reality, for even given the victorious proletarian revolution in the West, we will have to proceed to an enormous degree in our socialist construction from the middle peasant, drawing him into the socialist economy.

c. Under the influence of moods in the army and the experience gained from an economic visit to the Urals, I wrote to the CC in February 1920: The present policy of equalized requisition according to the food scale, of mutual responsibility for deliveries, and of equalized distribution of manufactured products, tends to lower the status of agriculture and to disperse the industrial proletariat, and threatens to bring about a complete breakdown in the economic life of the country.

As a basic practical measure I proposed: The requisition of surpluses should give way to payment on a percentage basis (a sort of progressive income tax in kind), the scale of payment being fixed in such a way as to make an increase of the ploughed area, or a more thorough cultivation, still yield some profit. [ 17 ]

One can of course say that this proposal in 1920 was premature, but, in any case, it cannot be interpreted as insufficient attention paid to the role and significance of the peasantry.

d. The essence of the discussions which took place in the CC on the eve of the congress regarding the question of the smychka [the alliance of the working class and peasantry] consisted in the fact that I showed, in full agreement with the entire thrust of comrade Lenins main speech at the XIth Congress, that the smychka had basically now become a problem of the relationship of prices (scissors), and that the key to this smychka lay not in agitational formulas, and not in political diversions, but in the lowering of the costs of state production by means of correct organization. Even if this idea had been incorrect, there is no underestimation of the role of the peasantry contained within it. But this idea proved to be absolutely correct. We now have come up against the problem of prices with full force.[ 18 ]

e. At the XIIth Congress, comrade Kamenev confirmed that the initiative in discussing the problem of the correct purchase and export of grain belonged to me. This fact can be proven without any difficulty with the appropriate documents. [ 19 ]

Thus, I sweep aside the unfounded and clearly far-fetched assertions about my somehow incorrect line regarding the peasantry as an artificially created legend for justifying the barriers which have been raised inside the party.

The party and the state

Another equally unfounded fabrication is the assertion that I am supposedly trying to weaken the dependence of the state apparatus on the party. In actual fact, all my efforts have been directed and are directed at guaranteeing the real, genuine and true leadership of the party in all the basic questions, and not simply the episodic intervention from time to time. In order to substantiate what I am saying, I will introduce here an excerpt (one of many) from my letter to members of the CC on 22 March of this year:

1. The characterization of our state apparatus as socially heterogenous, radically unstable and highly susceptible to hostile influences. [There exists] an enormous danger of this under conditions of NEP. 2. The state apparatus has evolved into its present form over these five years, despite the fact that the entire preceding epoch was filled with the efforts of party organizations, groups and cells to immediately direct the governmental work during the entire five-year period. The reason for this lies in the predominantly primitive and episodic methods and means used by the party in influencing the apparatus. We need a radical change in this regard. This change must start with the work of the CC and its Politburo. 3. The Politburo must work out with its departments the basic problems of their work in a planned manner, that is, a program of their activity over the long term and, in connection with this, a basic core of personnel must be established. 4. The Politburo must periodically review the reports and accounts of its departments, checking that they have actually carried out the program. 5. Through constant pressure and verification the Politburo must establish planned methods of reassigning or training personnel in all departments. The Politburo must refrain from reviewing the innumerable departmental and interdepartmental conflicts, or financial appeals; this work must be assigned to Soviet agencies. 6. The Politburo and Orgburo must renounce the system which now dominates, namely one which replaces party leadership and party assignments with secretarial pettiness and harassment.

I can not now add anything of great significance to this excerpt, which rather convincingly refutes the absurd legend.

After the XIIth Congress the Politburo apparently wanted to make an attempt to adopt the course I had proposed. It passed a special resolution about planning the work of the Politburo. This resolution, however, was never implemented. A regime of chaos in resolving matters is, as before, identified with the dictatorship of the party. The desire to introduce a plan or system in the methods and forms of the party dictatorship is denounced as shaking the foundations of this very dictatorship.

The direction of planning

We already saw above how comrade Lenin raised the question of directing the planning of the economy in his note about Gosplan. The authors of the letter repeat several times that in the realm of the economy quick successes are unthinkable, that we mustnt hurry, be nervous, and so forth. All these considerations, however, are absolutely devoid of meaning when confronting the fact that we are now in a sharp crisis, one of the main causes of which, both in my assessment and according to the statements of the most important economic specialists, is the lack of coordination between the basic elements of our economy, primarily between finances, one the one hand, and industry and trade on the other. If it is true that rapid successes in the realm of the economy are impossible, then it is just as true that rapid failures, crises, bottle-necks, and individual catastrophes are entirely possible given the absence of circumspection and the direction of planning. I already cited in my letter the recent declaration by comrades Rykov and Piatakov which reads: Several decisions by the Politburo force us to direct attention to the fact that under the conditions that are developing, the conduct of the state production which has been entrusted to us, is becoming extremely difficult. Comrade Rykovs signature beneath the Reply does not weaken, but, on the contrary, increases the significance of his signature beneath the words cited. Comrade Piatakov, a member of the CC who on assignment from the Politburo worked first in Gosplan, and then headed the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy, signed a note which points to the absence of planned direction of the economy as one of the most important reasons for our crises and break-downs.

On 11 October the representatives of the most important syndicates signed a note, the main conclusion of which reads: There must be coordination of the work of the various governmental agencies, which create the chief conditions for the work of industry and have an enormous, sometimes overwhelming influence on the prices of its products, and which also determine their own autonomous policy and their own cost accounting, without any full orientation toward the circulation of commodities and trade in the country.

In a letter sent on 14 October, one of the most influential leaders of industry, comrade Bogdanov, says: The type of things that are occurring now, when the restricting of credit, established by the State Bank in July, was absolutely unknown to industry, are inadmissible and will only lead to panic and the disruption of the market.

The number of such absolutely indisputable examples could be endlessly multiplied. And all this has occurred within seven months after the XIIth Congress. The absence of any genuine management of planning, which leads inevitably to improvisation and to accidental decisions, is the main evil. Meanwhile, in the face of this absolutely indisputable fact, the Reply of the Politburo members declares that talk of maneuverable flexible regulation of planning has no real content, consists of phrases (!) and deserves only ridicule (!).

I must state here that the authors of the letter discarded from their memory the resolutions of the XIIth Congress. There it says, word for word: planning under NEP differs only slightly in scope from planning under war communism. But it differs in the most radical way according to its methods. Administration from central directorates is replaced by economic maneuvering. [ 20 ] Thus, when I point to the necessity of planned, maneuverable flexible regulation, I only repeat the text of the resolution from the party congress. And resolutions from the party congress should not be ridiculed, but carried out.

The very same resolution from the congress continues: It is necessary to give Gosplan a more definite status, firmer organization, clearer and indisputable rights, and especially obligations. It must be established as an unshakable principle that not a single state economic question will be decided in the higher agencies of the republic without the involvement of Gosplan. Has this been done? Not in the least.

And finally: We must fight, with Gosplan as an intermediary, the XIIth Congress stated, against creating all types of temporary and incidental commissions investigating, directing, verifying, preparing, and so forth, which are the greatest shortcoming of our state work. We must guarantee correct work through normal, permanent agencies. Only in this way will it be possible to improve these agencies and develop in them the necessary flexibilityby means of their thorough adaptation to the assignments they are given and on the basis of continuous experience. [ 21 ]

This last quotation from the resolution of the XIIth Congress is particularly clear and convincing in light of the latest information, especially concerning the creation of a number of special commissions on wages, prices, and so forth. The struggle for the lowering of prices has already begun, says the letter from the Politburo members, as if they were dealing with some kind of independent and isolated assignment. Prices are a product of our entire economic work, including its planned, maneuverable, flexible regulation. The very fact of forming a special commission to lower prices signifies the incorrect work of the normally existing agencies and is, according to the XIIth Congress, the greatest shortcoming of our state work.

We must at all costs carry out the resolution of the XIIth Congress concerning Gosplan. We must turn it into the general staff of the economy. We must guarantee the rights of Gosplan in accordance with the proposals from comrade Lenin which were cited above.

Questions of foreign policy

1. A fundamentally incorrect portrayal is given in the Reply of the course of the diplomatic negotiations in connection with the Curzon ultimatum. [ 22 ] Here the author of the letter evidently relied on his memory, and none of the signatories checked any documents. I would have to overburden this letter with references and quotations in order to straighten out the obviously erroneous assertions grouped together in only a few lines of the Reply. I am ready to do this if necessary, wherever and whenever it is suitable. I will limit myself now to the comment that of the four notes which were related to the ultimatum, the first was written by comrade Litvinov and myself, the second by me, the third by comrade Chicherin, and the fourth by me.

2. Our policy with regard to Poland now truly needs no commentary. The shift in policy which I insisted on a month ago has basically been made. Relations with Poland have finally been placed not on a level of third-rate or tenth-rate formal questions, but on the level of negotiations over transit rights and military non-intervention. This is the only correct, realistic, business-like way to raise the question, which is capable of securing certain, perhaps even substantial, practical results and of creating at the same time a clear position for us before the popular masses of our own country. For the given period, the question is therefore exhausted.

I absolutely do not know why and for what reason the Politburo has chosen along the way to take comrade Chicherin under its protection from my supposedly inappropriate attacks. I have criticized this or that proposal he has made, as I have done the policy of the majority of the Politburo, insofar as I thought them incorrect. There are not and have not been any inappropriate attacks.

On the German Revolution

Disagreements over the problem of the German Revolution are portrayed incorrectly and in a one-sided manner. I feel that these disagreements have basically been liquidated by the resolutions which were passed after very serious and very sharp struggle and then by the practical resolutions which were adopted. The struggle proceeded over three questions: 1) the significance or insignificance of setting a date, 2) the council of deputies versus industrial councils (factory committees) and 3) the relations between the Central Committee of the German Communist Party and the Berlin position. We passed a resolution, in which we pointed out (after we had gone through a serious internal struggle) that the greatest danger to the German revolution would be an insufficiently decisive orientation of the ruling circles in the German party toward an armed uprising, which presupposes a plan and a deadline. It is enough to recall our own pre-October experience in order to understand how much a clear and well-defined position is needed here. The essence of the disagreements which took place are outlined in my article about scheduling [a revolution], which was printed in Pravda. [ 23 ] In moving the resolution, I fought as decisively as I could against the pseudo-Marxist wisdom which states that a revolution (in actual fact, the seizure of power) cannot be made according to a schedule, etc. Without a clear and precise discussion of these questions we would be confronted by the greatest danger that the German events would unfold as they did in Bulgaria. According to all information, and in particular according to the reports from comrade Miliutin, official representative of the Comintern, we lost the revolution in Bulgaria precisely because we did not treat the uprising as an art when we should have. [ 24 ] We are now entering a period of the greatest military and revolutionary convulsions, and the question of the uprising in all its concreteness is becoming one of the most important questions of communist politics.

On the second question, an attempt was made to thrust the assignment on the German party of creating a council of deputies alongside the already existing, industrial councils. [ 25 ] After a very sharp struggle, this plan, which could have cost the German Communist party dearly, was abandoned.

German soldiers searching passersby near a barricade during the Hamburg Uprising. The Uprising occurred on the same day that Trotsky wrote this letter, October 23, 1923.

The assertion that I spoke with contempt of the German Central Committee is a monstrous lie. On the contrary, in all my workand not for just one monthI have insisted on the need to firmly support the German CC against the light-minded leaders of the Berlin left. But I never concealed from the whole German delegation the overall danger in its temporizing attitude toward the uprising. Here the most decisive help and influence are needed. Here the slightest blunder or lack of preparation is absolutely inadmissiable. Since the time of the last Plenum very much has been done in the way indicated.

Personal elements in the letter from members of the Politburo

In the Reply there are a number of personal elements and accusations, which I would be very glad to ignore if it were possible. But to do so would be equivalent to silently reconciling myself to the fact that the authors of the letter seem to want to make collective work on a principled basis impossible. I neither want to nor am able to agree to that. I therefore consider it necessary to show that the authors of the letter are fundamentally wrong when they try to make personal issues the grounds for not being able work in a correct and healthy way, which would truly be fully possible if the patently mistaken and harmful aspects of the present party and economic regime were corrected. The meaning of the corresponding passages in the Reply can be reduced to the fact that my conceptions about the role of the management of planning, about the bureaucratization of the party apparatus and so forth are nothing more or less than the products of personal ambitions: We declare, write the authors of the letter, that just as before, the Politburo cannot assume the responsibility of satisfying comrade Trotskys pretensions to his dictatorship in guiding the economy, in addition to the powers which he already has as Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council. It is our duty to say: we cannot assume responsibility for a risk-filled experiment in this area. [ 26 ]

This portrayal of the matter is absolutely unbelievable in light of the preceding facts. I will introduce the most indisputable and obvious from among them. On 6 January of this year, in a special letter to all members of the CC, comrade Stalin proposed the following measures among a number of others:

3) To appoint comrade Piatakov head of the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy [VSNKh] and to give him as one of his deputies comrade Bogdanov (for me it is clear that comrade Bogdanov has not been able and will not be able to bring all the scattered trusts under his direction). 4) To appoint comrade Trotsky deputy Chairman of the Council of Peoples Commissars (comrade Lenins proposal), giving him the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy as his special concern. 5) I think that these changes might facilitate our work in liquidating the chaos.

It is absolutely clear that comrade Stalin made these written proposals not without the knowledge of the other members of the Politburo.

The ill Lenin with Georgy Piatakov, a future leader of the Left Opposition, in Gorky. The picture was taken between early August and September 24, 1922. RGASPI, f. 393, op. 1, d. 329.

On 17 January comrade Stalin writes in another circular letter: I would not object to comrade Trotsky being appointed simultaneously either deputy Chairman of the Council of Peoples Commissars and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy [VSNKh], or deputy Chairman of the Council of Peoples Commissars and Chairman of Gosplan. My oral and written objections to these proposals, purely business-like, were partly organizational and partly personal in nature. There is no need to repeat them now. Moreover, this correspondence is available for review. It was I who was trying to prove that it was too difficult an assignment to combine the work of the military and of Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy. Comrade Stalin was trying to prove that it was possible. In any case, as we can see, things by no means stood as follows: on the one side there were personal pretensions to assuming the post of Chairman of the VSNKh, etc., and on the other side there was the refusal of the Politburo to assume responsibility for the risk-filled experiment. In actual fact, comrade Stalin, with the undoubted agreement of the other members of the Politburo, insistently proposed this experiment, considering that it might help liquidate the chaos. I was avoiding the added responsibility, fearingamong everything elsethe results of trying to do too much and the negative sides of holding more than one job. At the XIIth Party Congress, comrade Stalin even felt that it was necessary to publicly state that I was not inclined to more extensive work. [ 27 ] How in the world can we reconcile all these facts and statements with what is now being ascribed to me in the Reply, i.e., that I am allegedly trying to become Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Peoples Economy?

Meanwhile, my desire is so strong that it is the only reason I am making this or that principled or organizational proposal. Isnt this truly monstrous!

After the XIIth Congress (25 April 1923), comrade Rykov, who was refusing the post of Chairman of the VSNKh, wrote to the Politburo:

In one of his proposals sent to members of the CC, comrade Stalin offered the leadership of the VSNKh to comrade Trotsky. I see no grounds to reject this, since comrade Trotsky has returned to a study of industry and economy several times during recent years and is very familiar both with the main problems of current economic practice and with the apparatus of directing industry. The extraordinary success which comrade Trotskys report enjoyed at the congress gives a full guarantee that the party will fully approve of his appointment. Comrade Trotskys work at VSNKh must be bound up with his participation in the general work of the government, assisted by the reconstruction of the Council of Labor and Defense which comrade Stalin proposed in his letter.

Alexei Rykov, a leading representative of the right wing of the Bolshevik leadership, in the Kremlin, 1924

How in the world, I now ask, can the whole story of what has taken place be changed after the fact? How can we reconcile comrade Stalins proposals which have been quoted with his signature beneath the last Reply? How can we combine comrade Rykovs statement with his present rejection of my alleged pretensions to seize the VSNKh? Where does all this come from? What is it all for? I refuse to understand it.

And isnt it truly monstrous to claim that several dozen old, irreproachable party workers are formulating their views and demands in a letter to the CC solely in order to ... secure for me the post of chairman of the VSNKh? And when is this done? Precisely when combining military and economic work is the least feasible both from an economic and a military point of view.

2. I must introduce one more episode, which shows how history is being made and how it is being written. At the session of the Politburo which was working on the agenda for the upcoming XIIth Congress, comrade Stalin, with the support of comrade Kamenev, comrade Kalinin, and, if I am not mistaken, comrade Tomsky (comrade Zinoviev was absent), proposed that I take on the political report of the CC. Discussion of the question proceeded in the Politburo in the most calm and businesslike tones. I replied that if someone were to give a full political report it would only increase the depression in the party which had been caused by Vladimir Ilyichs illness. It would therefore be better to limit ourselves to a shorter political report, which comrade Stalin could combine with his organizational report. The basic questions could then be investigated in the corresponding points of the agenda. Besides, I added, we still have substantial disagreements on economic questions. Comrade Kalinin objected to the last comment and said, The majority of your proposals have been passed by the Politburo, and you have no reason to refuse to give the political report. I continued, however, to insist on my proposal. The question was not decided at this session, and then the whole matter, as we all know, was given an absolutely new turn. But isnt it clear that the fact which I have just introduced, and which, of course, cannot be erased from the minds of those participating in that session of the Politburo, is in glaring contradiction to the general picture which is now given after the fact by the Reply of the Politburo members in order to explain and justify a system of artificial barriers in the party?

3. The accusation that in recent years I have paid absolutely insufficient attention to the army is absolutely incomprehensible. I dont know how to explain this accusation: does it mean that my working day is too short, or that I fill my working day with other matters? In carrying out innumerable assignments from the CC, I have more than once been forced to point out that these assignments tear me away from military work. Preparing the report and theses on industry took from me, for instance, about two months of intensive work.

Trotsky in Moscow with Red Army soldiers, 1922

Participation in the work of the Comintern [Communist International] takes a very significant amount of time. The only work which I carry out not on assignment from the Politburo is participation in Moskust (Moscow Combined Group), [ 28 ] but this doesnt take up more than two-three hours per month. In the Reply there is, it is true, a hint at working on problems of literature, art, everyday life, and so forth, as a reason for insufficient attention toward the army. But this hint was made obliquely precisely because, as the authors know, I worked on these questions during my medical treatment, when I was forbidden to engage in any stressful intellectual work. I hardly see any reasons to justify myself before the party for using two summer vacations not only for medical treatment, but for writing books about literature and everyday life. [ 29 ] I can only express surprise that they are trying to turn this fact into an accusation. [ 30 ]

It is absolutely true, however, that there was almost no creative work in the area of the army because of the extremely difficult material situation of the army, the complete instability of its budget, the continuous cuts and rearrangements of staffing, and the extremely frequent appointments and dismissals of personnel, which are absolutely senseless, in my opinion, from the standpoint of the interests of the cause. All this has created extremely difficult conditions for work, besides the introduction from above into the army of that special policy, examples of which are known now to the majority of responsible personnel in the army and the party. The Reply from members of the Politburo is the furthest development of this very policy, the meaning of which is absolutely clear.

Lack of faith in the party

The accusation which would be the most serious, if it were not so superficial, is when I am accused of not having faith in the party, and of not being able to understand it. An expression I used somewhere and at some time about provincial committee Oblomovism is offered as proof, without explaining in what sense and in what connection these words were uttered. Finally, my statement that, in view of the extremely responsible circumstances, I consider myself obligated to place the essence of the matter higher than its form and draw the attention of the most important party workers to the situation which has been created, the Reply evaluates as follows: We feel that this is a statement which is absolutely unheard of in our Bolshevik milieu.

In this section the meaning and tone of the Reply is all too clear. What a few of the signatoriesto the indignation of the othershave earlier been hinting at, is said here rather clearly: lack of knowledge of the party, a lack of faith in its strength and in the strength of its local organizations, and finally, declarations and steps unheard of in our Bolshevik milieu I would propose that several members of the Politburo should be more careful in talking about steps and statements unheard of in our Bolshevik milieu. My statement had and has as its goal only to impel the CC to speed up the change of course which irrevocably flows from the entire situation. Meanwhile, we have had instances when, on the eve of decisive battles and when they were taking placethis was in October 1917the most responsible posts were abandoned, with appeals to the party against the CCin front of non-party elements and enemies. [ 31 ] I feel that faith or lack of faith in the party and its creative powers is revealed most reliably and truly during days of the greatest trials, such as the ones we passed through in every corner of our country. There is hardly a provincial committee which I didnt have to work with hand in hand during the most difficult hours of the civil war, and among the mistakes which I made there was not criminal lack of faith in the creative powers of the party and the working class. I cast aside this false accusation, with all its deliberate abusiveness.

* * *

These then are my explanations regarding the most important points in the letter from members of the Politburo. The least painful and shortest way outand I repeat this againcan only be found if there is the serious and firm desire on the part of the ruling group of the CC to remove the artificial barriers which have been erected inside the party, to more attentively respond to the unpostponable demands of changing the partys course, and thereby to help the party to regain its independence, its aggressivity and its unity. If this path were to be taken, the CC would meet the most active support from the overwhelming majority of party membersand those questions, which now seem to be, or are portrayed to be, personal questions, would disappear by themselves.

23 October 1923

L. Trotsky

[RGASPI, f.51, op.1, d.21, l.54ob-57ob; printed text, checked according to the typewritten text which is preserved in the archive of the Central Committee of the CPSU]
Over the past fortnight, the genocidal onslaught by Israel against the entire population of Gaza has provoked continuing protests by millions of people around the world, including in New Zealand, with more planned for the coming week.

The Palestinian people are facing atrocities comparable to those perpetrated by the Nazis during World War II. Netanyahus Zionist regime is seeking to crush the resistance of the Palestinians against colonial oppression, and to ethnically cleanse Gaza through mass murder and by turning hundreds of thousands of people into homeless refugees.

More than 5,000 people including at least 2,000 children are confirmed dead, more than 15,000 are injured, and 1.4 million people, more than half the citys inhabitants, have been displaced. Israels carpet bombing has destroyed tens of thousands of residential buildings, hundreds of schools and dozens of healthcare facilities. Israel has cut off food, water and fuel supplies in order to starve the population.

Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon [Photo by New Zealand Labour Party, Finnish Government / CC BY-SA 4.0

New Zealands Labour Partywhich suffered a landslide defeat in the October 14 election, but is still the caretaker governmentcontinues to back Israel. So does the conservative National Party, which is in talks with the far-right ACT and New Zealand First on forming a new coalition government.

Following the breakout of Gaza led by Hamas on October 7, both Labour and National joined the US and all other imperialist powers in declaring support for Israels right to defend itself against terrorismthe fraudulent justification for its unrestrained slaughter of Palestinians.

In a statement on October 17, Labours prime minister Chris Hipkins announced a contribution of $5 million towards addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. The statement did not condemn Israels bombardment and made no call for a ceasefire.

The next day, caretaker foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta posted on X: The loss of lives from the devastating hospital blast in Gaza is horrific and inexcusable. New Zealand condemns the targeting of innocent civilians, and remain[s] steadfast that the protection of civilians must remain a critical priority, as must adherence to Int humanitarian law.

This statement did not specifically condemn Israel, which ludicrously claimed that the Al Ahli hospital, where around 500 people were killed, was bombed by Hamas or Islamic Jihad. US President Joe Biden, whose government is bankrolling Israels armed forces, also declared that the Palestinian groups had bombed the hospitaldespite the fact that Israel has destroyed hundreds of medical facilities and civilian buildings.

On the basis of US and Israeli lies, the entire New Zealand mediaRadio NZ, Stuff, Newshub, TVNZ, the New Zealand Heraldhas reported that the perpetrator of the hospital bombing is unclear or disputed.

Speaking to the radio station Waatea on October 18, Mahuta said: We should condemn the actions of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, but the response should be proportionate from Israel. This time, she acknowledged the fact that they [Israel] attacked a hospital and health professionals, which are protected under international law, and hypocritically called for de-escalation.

This choice of wordsdenouncing Hamas as terrorists while raising that Israels bombing of civilians and hospitals might not be proportionateamounts to an endorsement of Israels war crimes. In embracing the positions of the Zionist regime and Washington, Mahuta actually went beyond the New Zealand governments stated position, which designates the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, but not the entire movement.

Mahuta became foreign minister after the 2020 election with considerable fanfare based on identity politics. In a February 4, 2021 speech, she described herself as the first indigenous woman in the role, and said her approach was based on Maori values such as manaakikindness or the reciprocity of good will; [and] whanaungaour connectedness or shared sense of humanity.

This indigenous foreign policy was a threadbare screen for New Zealand imperialism and its alliance with Washington, which Labour strengthened. The Labour government sent troops to Britain to help train Ukrainians for the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, and it supported the further militarisation of the Pacific in preparation for war with China.

Following the March 15, 2019 terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, Labours then-prime minister Jacinda Ardern was glorified by the corporate media as a symbol of kindness and opposition to racism and xenophobia. This was always a pack of lies. Now, in its final days, the Labour government is justifying the mass murder of oppressed Palestinians by the US-backed Netanyahu regime.

Conscious of widespread anti-war sentiment and the discrediting of the Labour government in the eyes of ordinary people, Labours parliamentary allies the Greens and Te Pati Maori have issued hypocritical statements denouncing the assault on Gaza.

Green Party foreign affairs spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman said in a statement: While the attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians was unconscionable and constitutes the gravest war crimes, nothing justifies the indiscriminate retaliation upon the trapped civilian population in Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force. The international community must stand against these crimes against humanity and prevent ethnic cleansing.

This is an attempt to foster illusions in the same imperialist powersthe international communitywhich are providing Israel with the necessary weapons and funding for its barbaric war. The Greens were part of the Labour government for the past six years and backed its increases in military spending, including for the war in Ukraine. Before that, the party supported New Zealands deployment of troops to the criminal US war in Afghanistan.

Te Pati Maori (TPM) co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer told Radio NZ on October 18 that Israel was guilty of genocide, ethnic cleansing, apartheid: Theres not a two sides situation here, weve only got one side living under military occupation and weve got to stop pretending that all this started on the 7th of October. She added that the government was using the alliance with the US as an excuse to be complicit or quiet.

Seeking to capitalize on the widespread popular opposition to Israels onslaught on Palestinians, TPM has called for the expulsion of Israels ambassador. During the election, the party advocated a policy of military neutrality, which likely contributed to its candidate Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke defeating Labours Mahuta in the electorate of Hauraki-Waikato.

In her RNZ interview, however, Ngarewa-Packer praised the New Zealand position on Afghanistan and Ukraine in the recent pasti.e., support for US-NATO imperialismfalsely stating that this was in contradiction to its support for Israel. TPM is a capitalist party that was part of the 20082017 National Party-led coalition government, which repeatedly sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The worlds population faces immense dangers. The war against Gaza has been seized upon by Washington and its allies to accelerate what is already the opening stages of a Third World War. The aim of US imperialism is nothing less than the redivision of the world, to seize control of resources and markets from Russia and China. New Zealands ruling elite, as it did in World Wars I and II, intends to secure its share of the spoils by aligning with the dominant imperialist power.

Workers and youth who are joining protests against the bombing of Gaza must learn the lessons of the past. In 2003, the global mass protests against the US invasion of Iraq were derailed and defeated by the middle class parties and organisations, which subordinated them to pacifist appeals to the imperialist governments and the United Nations. In New Zealand, the Greens and pseudo-left organisations limited the protests to pressuring the Labour-led government. This government, which included the pseudo-left Alliance Party, sent troops to join in the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and later to Iraq.

To succeed, the new anti-war movement must be armed with a revolutionary socialist strategy, which includes unwavering support for the Palestinian uprising against colonial oppression, and opposition to imperialist warmongering against Russia, China and Iran. It must be based on the understanding that the only way to stop war is through the mobilisation of the working class, in every country, to put an end to the capitalist system, which is the source of war.
Last week, the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, recently rebranded as 92NY, a venue esteemed for its talks and readings by both prominent and up-and-coming writers, novelists and poets, abruptly canceled, or postponed as it claimed, an appearance by the Vietnamese-American Pulitzer Prize winning writer Viet Thanh Nguyen.

The writer was scheduled to discuss his memoir, A Man of Two Faces, published this month, with novelist Min Jin Lee, sponsored by 92NYs Unterberg Poetry Center. The 92nd Street Y called off the event because Nguyen, along with hundreds of other artists and writers, signed a statement, An Open Letter on the Situation in Palestine, published in the London Review of Books on October 16, which condemned Israels attack on Gaza.

92NY featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a speaker last year.

Viet Thanh Nguyen in 2015 [Photo by Fourandsixty / CC BY 4.0

The organizations reactionary action has led it to be condemned by writers and artists. On Monday, the 92NY announced that it was pausing its 2024 series of readings because a number of writers have withdrawn from activities at the venue in protest. Authors Christina Sharpe and Saidiya Hartman and poet and novelist Dionne Brand declined to appear at an event on Wednesday entitled Writing, Form and Black Life. They explained in a statement in X/Twitter: As writers of conscience, as anti-imperialist, anti-racist and anti-colonial thinkers, we have cancelled our appearance.

Poet Paisley Rekdal who was also scheduled to read at 92NY, decided against appearing there because of Nguyens censorship, noting on X/Twitter, If Im forced to choose, I choose the freedom of speech, which is a fundamental human right. Pulitzer Prize winning critic Andrea Long Chu noted on X/Twitter that the issue's not that an officially pro-war nonprofit deplatformed an anti-war writer. so it should! the issue is that a key intellectual forum has endorsed genocide.

The New York Times reported on Monday that two 92NY staffers have resigned in protest over the decision to cancel Nguyens appearance.

The Open Letter on the Situation in Palestine, that has caused 92NYs entire fall program to come crashing down, said:

We call on our governments to demand an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded admission of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We also demand an end to all arms shipments and military funding, supplies that can only exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe at hand. Although these measures will not be enough to secure true justice, liberation and equality, they represent an urgent and indispensable first step. We plead for an end to all violence, an end to all oppression and denial of human rights, and a path towards a just and sustainable peace for all.

Although the protest statement specifically mentioned its opposition to the killing of Israeli civilians in the October 7 attacks, 92NYfounded in 1874 as the Young Mens Hebrew Associationasserted in its October 16 statement, citing the attacks by Hamas but not the massacre in Gaza, that given the public comments by the invited author [Nguyen] on Israel and this moment, we felt the responsible course of action was to postpone the event.

Nguyen responded in a statement about the cancellation of the event on Instagram:

There is no doubt that Israel has killed more civilians and Palestinians than vice versa, historically since 1948 and the present. And there is no doubt that when you declare a free fire zone, as Israel has essentially done in Gaza, innocents will die.  The effect of Israeli policy is the inevitable death of civilians. That is wrong and it must stop.

Nguyen correctly noted that, Even literature and the arts from Palestinians or sympathetic to them are being silenced. The weight of the Westthat is, the still beating heart of colonial and global empireis with Israel. He ended by saying, Count me among the human animals, referring to the October 9 remark by Israeli Defense minister Yoav Gallant that Israel was fighting human animals.

A Man of Two Faces, Viet Thanh Nguyen

The event was moved to a bookstore in Manhattan and introduced by Bernard Schwartz, the director of the Unterberg Poetry Center, who called 92NYs decision unacceptable.

The attempted to suppress support for the Palestinians by the 92NY is only the latest in a campaign to silence critics of the Gaza genocide on universities and in official cultural institutions. These include the vilification and doxxing of Harvard students who published a statement in support of Palestine; the attempted expulsion from New York University Law School of student and head of the student bar association Ryna Workman for speaking out against Israels actions; lockdowns on New Yorks Columbia University campus during pro-Palestinian protests; the victimization of a Palestinian teacher in New York City by the right-wing media; and the appearance of a far-right New York City Council member openly displaying a pistol at a student protest at Brooklyn College.

Most disgracefully, this censorship, which is international in scope, targeted Palestinian author Adania Shibli after the organizers of the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany canceled an awards ceremony for her. Appearances in the US and Britain by Nathan Thrall, author of the non-fiction work, A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: A Palestine Story, were also called off.

These attacks on democratic rights are of a piece with the chauvinist campaign against Russian artists, particularly musicians, after the start of the American proxy war in Ukraine, who were removed from performance programs simply because of their nationality.

Along these lines PEN America, which claims to defend writers freedom of speech, and of which Min Jin Lee is a trustee, capitulated to nationalist Ukrainian writers at one of its events in May, after the latter refused not merely to appear at the same event as Russian writers, but at the same festival.

PEN America merely issued a non-committal statement on the cancellation of Nguyens event at the 92NY, noting in a tweet that these actions drew concern from free expression organizations, PEN America has not organized any defense of the writer nor has it promoted a vigorous campaign in defense of Palestinian or pro-Palestinian authors, as it does for writers in countries such as Russia or Iran, which are targets of American imperialism.

The brazen censorship of literature and the arts is increasingly a fact of American cultural life at all levels. Recently an educator was fired in Texas for daring to show her class the graphic novel version of Anne Franks diary. Laws have been passed allowing small numbers of fascistic parents to challenge what books students in entire school districts are allowed to read, and have succeeded in banning hundreds of titles.
October 18 marked the conclusion of the work of the Brazilian legislatures Joint Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPMI) into the fascist assault on the national capital of Brasilia on January 8, barely a week after President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva of the Workers Party (PT) had taken office. Its stark conclusion was that former president Jair Bolsonaro had been intellectually and morally responsible for the assault, as well as for a conspiracy to commit a crime, political violence, a violent attempt to abolish the rule of law, and a coup detat.

Bolsonaro supporters face off with troops in Brasilia on January 8, 2023 [Photo: Joedson Alves/Agencia Brasil]

Bolsonaro was indicted along with over 60 others, half of whom belong to the military, including former Army commander Gen. Freire Gomes and Navy commander Adm. Almir Garnier, who according to Bolsonaros former aide, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, had agreed to provide Bolsonaro with troops for a takeover.

The indictments have no immediate practical consequences, being referred by Congress to a number of other state branches, including the Attorney Generals Office (PGR) and the Federal Police. Nonetheless, the report in itself constitutes a crucial element in the deepening of the crisis of bourgeois rule in Brazil. Despite all its efforts, the PTs ruling coalition in Congress could not hide from millions of Brazilians that a vast conspiracy was put into motion involving dozens of high-ranking officials from the security apparatus. And, despite the partys lies about a decisive victory on January 1 and in the months after the beginning of government transition, this conspiracy was fully alive and able to take over the capital.

The assault saw thousands of fascistic supporters of Bolsonaro storm the headquarters of the three Constitutional powersthe Congress, Supreme Court (STF) and the presidential officesafter repeated calls by Bolsonaro for his followers to express support for his false allegations that electoral fraud was responsible for his defeat in the October 2022 general elections. The mob was escorted and guided from rallying points in the capital, including the national Army headquarters, to the Three Powers Square where government buildings are concentrated, and where a few dozen police and soldiers either welcomed them or were instantly overrun.

While obviously emulating the putsch attempt led by former United States President Donald Trump a year earlier, with the storming of US Congress, Bolsonaros followers were also following clear signals that the military would support an overthrow of the Electoral Court. This was most graphically expressed in a November 9, 2022 military report on the safety of the countrys electronic ballot boxes, which concluded that fraud could not be ruled out. Those allegations, made relentlessly by Bolsonaro throughout his term, ran counter to previous reports by the military itself, which in the previous decades of use of the electronic ballot boxes participated in numerous hackathons sponsored by the electoral authorities, failing to produce any evidence that the machines were prone to fraud.

After the vote tally was announced on October 30, and as Bolsonaro refused to concede, supporters immediately started setting up camps in front of barracks all over the country, demanding a military takeover. The camps were defended by the military as an expression of freedom of speech, at the same time that official press releases of the high command decried authoritarian measures by the STF against those claiming electoral fraud. Shortly before the end of the year, on December 18, a Bolsonaro supporter was caught attempting to blow up a fuel tanker at the capitals airport, in an attempt to provoke and legitimize the use of emergency powers.

As the high point of such conspiracies, the fascist assault on the capital provoked a political storm in the country. It came barely a week after Lulas theatrical third inauguration on January 1, in which the PT proclaimed a decisive victory over the far-right and the dawn of a new era for bourgeois democracy in Brazil. Lula, who was visiting a flood-hit region south of the capital in the state of Sao Paulo on January 8, refused to use executive powers to order the military to take over the security in the capital for fear he would lose control of the situation. The government then decided on a takeover of the capitals state-level security forces, which lasted for almost two months.

From the start, the summoning of the CPMI, joining both senators and representatives, was forcefully resisted by the PT government. Opposing Bolsonaro since his 2018 election campaign from the standpoint of the defense of the capitalist stateand criticizing Bolsonaro for compromising Brazilian capitalisms interests abroadthe PT sought to deal with the fascistic faction of the national bourgeoisie by ceding secretive, police-state powers to STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes. From the immediate aftermath of the January 8 attacks, the government resisted calls for a CPMI, insisting that a classified inquiry being led by Moraes was sufficient.

The CPMI was only initiated after the far-right opposition had gathered enough support in Congress to attempt to falsely indict the Executive for staging the attacks. The government then set in motion parliamentary maneuvers to ensure its representatives a majority on the commission. The commissions hallmark was its exclusive reliance upon information already publicly available through leaked or declassified information obtained by the Federal Police. Hearings were restricted to questioning figures, such as Lieutenant Colonel Cid, kept in pre-trial detention by order of Justice Moraes, and who were already negotiating plea bargains. Information not made publicly available by Moraes was only accessible by CPMI members in a safe room monitored under the most stringent conditions, which included a prohibition on members of Congress making any reproduction of the material.

Throughout the procedures, the governments overriding concern was to present the suspects as isolated from the security establishment, and, as such, acting as individuals and not an expression of the crisis of the capitalist state.

The CPMIs final report, written by the government-allied Senator Eliziane Gama, makes precisely the point that, despite the 60 indictees, including Bolsonaro, there is nothing to see in the investigation. It concludes: Against the coup plotters, the solidity of our institutional arrangement prevailed, pointing to the sanitizing action of the sectors of the police security forces that did not allow themselves to be contaminated by the ideological discourse of Bolsonarism and to the constitutional stance of the Armed Forces.

In other words, the Brazilian military, which the CPMI admits was deeply implicated in a conspiracy to overthrow democracy less than four decades after the official dissolution of its 21-year-long bloody CIA-backed dictatorship, is to be commended as the chief defender of democracy.

Gama leaves no doubt that the government sees the CPMI report as a means to close the case on the coup conspiracy and resume business as usual: This report is a real demonstration of the victory of democracy against fascism, fundamentalism and the attempt to usurp and take away rights that we have kept for years through blood and sweat, which is our democratic rule of law.

This attempt to ignore reality, contradicted by the fact that key members of the military chain of command were prepared to follow Bolsonaro in establishing a dictatorship, is rooted in the class interests represented by the PT-led coalition. The Bolsonaro government, and his plans to overthrow bourgeois democracy, arose out of the world crisis of capitalism, which is giving rise to wars, austerity to finance them and the growth of the far right and police-state measures to impose them in country after country. The PT, entirely committed to the preservation of capitalist rule, fears a working class reaction against capitalism itselfthe source of austerity, war and dictatorshipinfinitely more than it fears fascism.

Those class interests are behind the cowardly, and veering on pathetic, attempt to deny the terminal crisis of bourgeois democracy in Brazil expressed in another section of the report. It states: It would be a tragedy for democracy if it were confirmed, for example, that at least 6 of the 16 members of the Army High Command, would have been in favor of reading article 142 of the Constitution as a norm authorizing military intervention in the country and/or in favor of decreeing a GLO (Guarantee of Law and Order [operation]), during internal discussions within the high command.

The fact that the CPMI has been shut down without any attempt to investigate the claims presented in its own report regarding the tragical implications of at least a third of the military top brass supporting a coup exposes the PT government itself as an accomplice of the far right and the military.

The report also makes abundantly clear that the PT government and the Brazilian ruling class as a whole are aware that the continued revelations stemming from the aftershocks of the January 8 attacks are actually fueling the mass opposition the government is attempting to squelch. While glorifying the military as the backbone of democracy, the report lays the groundwork for a massive expansion of state powers.

The report opens with a political analysis of the broader framework of the coup plot in Brazil in which it denounces unnamed coups by the left and left-wing extremism: Modern coupson the left and on the rightdont use tanks, cables and soldiers. They begin with hybrid, psychological warfare, based on lies, smear campaigns, subliminal propaganda, the spread of fear and the fabrication of hatred.

The document, written and approved by the PT and its pseudo-left allies, including the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), proceeds in chauvinistic language that matches that of Bolsonaro and the fascists: The coup moves forward by appropriating the national symbols. The guerrillas of chaos distort the National Flag ... they make the National Anthem their song, as if Ouviram do Ipiranga [the first words of the hymn] wasn't the soundtrack of a country marked by diversity, plurality and freedom.

After decrying the exhaustion of liberal democracy, the report adds: However, it should be noted that the crisis of prestige of liberal democracy is not only appropriated by far-right movements. The process of manipulating those affected by the globalization process also has actors on the extreme left, which also shows that material discontent is fertile ground for anti-democratic militants from across the ideological spectrum.

The report argues that extremism, supposedly a product of mass communication made possible by the internet, must be countered through censorship. It claims: [T]he current state of the Brazilian digital ecosystem is a threat to our Democratic Rule of Law, which is why it violates the deepest constitutional standards.

This reactionary conclusion of the document represents a blueprint for a police state. The inevitable implication of such conceptions is that fascismwhich is equated with left-wing extremism, that is, socialismshould be counteracted by mass censorship and repression.

The outcome of the CPMI makes clear that the Brazilian working class can confront the growing threat of dictatorship and fascism only through a break with the PT and all the pseudo-left parties committed to the preservation of the rotten bourgeois order. This fight must be oriented against the whole capitalist system, fusing itself with the growing class struggle and opposition to war across the world.
Over the weekend, millions of people around the world peacefully protested the US-NATO-backed Israeli genocide of the Palestinian people. These protests, documented extensively on the World Socialist Web Site, included workers, young people, immigrants, students and the elderly of all ethnicities and religions, including Jewish people who reject the antisemitic lie that Judaism is synonymous with Zionism and support for the Israeli government.

An entire generation has been politicized by the unanimous backing of every major imperialist government and capitalist politician for the Netanyahu regimes ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza in the wake of the October 7 incursion by Hamas forces into Israel. In just over two weeks of sustained military operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against the trapped civilian population of Gaza, IDF bombs and bullets have killed over 5,000 people, including 2,055 Palestinian children, according to Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-Palestine)



In response to this slaughter, protests in the United States have been overwhelmingly peaceful. Yet police, and far-right and Zionist elements, encouraged by genocidal statements issued by US and Israeli government officials, violently attacked protesters and innocent bystanders this past weekend.



On Monday, the Cleveland, Ohio, branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) called on state and federal officials to investigate an alleged hate crime vehicle assault that occurred on Sunday afternoon. According to CAIR-Cleveland, a 20-year-old Palestinian American man walking home after eating lunch was hit by a dark SUV while on Cook Road in Cleveland.

A young Palestinian American man hospitalized following a suspected hate-crime vehicle assault this past Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio. [Photo: Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland)]

The victim reported the driver yelling anti-Palestinian threats before striking him, including Kill all Palestinians and Long live Israel. The victim dodged out of the way from the first attempt to run him down. However, the driver allegedly turned around and hit him while yelling Die!



CAIR-Cleveland shared a photo of the man hospitalized at St. John Westshore Hospital for his injuries suffered during the attack. CAIR-Cleveland noted in its press release that the organization has documented an increase in incidents of anti-Muslim bigotry in the weeks following the escalation of violence in Gaza.

Since the horrific murder of six-year-old Wadea al-Fayoume on October 14, CAIR has received reports of Muslims being attacked on public transportation in New York, a mosque vandalized in Philadelphia and a Muslim mother assaulted in the Bay Area for wearing a hijab.



A Sunday protest in Skokie, Illinois, ended in chaos with at least two arrests after one person was hit by a car, a man shot a pistol into the air and someone sprayed protesters and police with pepper spray. According to local news reports, roughly 200 pro-Palestine protesters had gathered outside an Israel solidarity event organized by the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Ateres Ayala in Skokie, a suburb of Chicago.



According to witnesses, social media footage and a Chicago Sun-Times reporter, as the event inside was winding down, a 39-year-old man drove a black sedan toward the pro-Palestinian protesters before getting out of his car. Once he got out of his car, the man chased after a female protester. As he was running after her, other protesters surrounded him at which point he pulled out his gun and fired a shot into the air. A witness told a Sun-Times reporter that the mans car had several Israeli flags.



On Monday, police announced that the man lived in Chicago, had a concealed carry permit and would not be facing any charges.



Shortly after the shooting on Sunday, another altercation broke out after a different man, draped in an Israeli flag, grabbed a Palestinian flag from a protester. When the latter tried to retrieve their flag, witnesses say the man wearing an Israeli flag pulled out a can of mace and sprayed it into the crowd, hitting protesters, a police officer and a Sun-Times reporter.



Speaking to the Sun-Times, one pro-Palestinian protester said, We did expect them to come out and say a few disgusting things and to try and scare us; they always do that. I didnt think at any point theyd use pepper spray. One of the victims of the pepper spray attack told the paper they wanted to press hate crime charges. It was very scary. ... Honestly Im still feeling the effects.



Drone footage captured by Unicorn Riot during a protest Sunday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, showed a vehicle trying to drive through a group of protesters.



According to Unicorn Riot, the driver first threatened protesters with a box cutter and then later a knife, before driving through the crowd, injuring at least two people. As of Sunday night, Minneapolis police had yet to announce any arrests.



An October 21 pro-Palestine protest in Eugene, Oregon, ended in one arrest after a fascist wearing a black trench coat fired a splatter ball gun at demonstrators Saturday afternoon. According to police and eyewitnesses, the man, identified as 51-year-old Jonathan Wisbey, drove his black pickup truck, which was adorned with right-wing bumper stickers, including a Gadsden Dont Tread on Me flag and Punisher stickers, to the front of the march in an attempt to block the crowd. While blocking the march with his truck, Wisbey began to cuss at the protesters at which point one of them slashed his tires with a knife.



In response, Wisbey drew his splatter ball gun, which looks very similar to a pistol and shoots gel beads, and began firing it into the crowd. As Wisbey was shooting, two other protesters, armed with real pistols, drew on Wisbey causing him to drop his weapon. Eugene police officers detained all three armed persons, with Wisbey being charged with menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct and first-degree bias crime.

While only a select few violent counter-protesters have been arrested, at two pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, one on Friday, the other on Saturday, over 150 people were arrested. On Friday, 139 people were arrested after blocking traffic outside Senator Kristen Gillibrands office. Protesters called on Gillibrand to stop supporting US military aid for Israel and to provide humanitarian support to Palestinians.



On Saturday night, following a large peaceful protest attended by thousands of people in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, police officers with the New York Police Departments (NYPD) Strategic Response Group, many of whom have been trained by the IDF, rioted against protesters, before carrying out nearly 20 arrests.



Independent New York-based journalist Talia Jane reported that police blocked the march from moving in any direction before assaulting the crowd. NYPD created a horseshoe blockade, Jane reported, forcing the protest to a halt, then declared it unlawful and began making arrests as protests had nowhere to go. Nothing happened prior to this.



Of the 19 people arrested, three were under the age of 17. Speaking to the Gothamist following the arrests, Nerdeen Kiswanin, founder of Within Our Lifetime, one of the organizers of Saturdays rally, said, We wanted to come together to make it unequivocally clear that we stand with the people of Gaza and Palestine. Its our right to protest, its constitutionally protected. You cannot demand that protest ends.
USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier refuels from the underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 11, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo via AP) [AP Photo]

The United States, whose military has killed over one million people during illegal wars in the Middle East over the past quarter-century, is using Israels assault against the Palestinians to provoke a wider war throughout the region.

The US is surging troops, warships and aircraft to the Middle East. At least 10,000 sailors, soldiers and airmen have already been deployed to the region, and an unspecified number of troopspossibly in the tens of thousandshave been told to make ready to deploy.

The Biden administration has given its full support for Israels genocide against the Palestinians which is taking place through the mass bombing of civilians, killing between 300 and 400 people every single day, as well as the deliberate starvation and dehydration of the population.

At the same time, it is providing the weapons with which Israel is simultaneously carrying out attacks on Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank.

Israels genocide against the Palestinians, using American weapons and with American political, military and logistical support, is just one component of the US military escalation throughout the region.

On Saturday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced steps to strengthen the US militarys posture in the region, citing escalations by Iran. Austin said he was putting US missile defense systems on alert throughout the region and had placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy order.

The US military has asserted that over the past week troops stationed in Iraq have come under attack from what it claims are Iranian proxy forces.

Iran is closely monitoring these events and, in some cases, actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good or for that of Iran, said Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby on Monday.

In an interview on Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared, We expect that theres a likelihood of escalation, escalation by Iranian proxies directed against our forces, directed against our personnel. We are taking steps to make sure that we can effectively defend our people and respond decisively if we need to.

Blinken insisted, This is not what we want, not what were looking for. We dont want escalation. He added, Weve also deployed very significant assets to the region, two aircraft carrier battle groups, not to provoke, but to deter.

Blinken, as always, is lying. The escalation is on the part of the United States, which is flooding the Middle East with troops and weapons.

The United States, via its proxy, Israel, is bombing Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria in a deliberate effort to provoke Iran. It is surrounding Iran with warships and aircraft and threatening that any alleged attack against them will be used as a pretext to attack Iran.

The US maintains thousands of troops in Iraq following its brutal and illegal 2003 invasion of that country. US troops are similarly deployed illegally in Syria, in defiance of the Syrian government. All of these troops are poised to strike Iran at a moments notice.

Israeli officials continue to make threats against Lebanon. During a visit with troops on the border with Lebanon Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of devastating consequences to Hezbollah and the state of Lebanon, adding, Well hit it with a force it cant even imagine. Israel has ordered the evacuation of over 200,000 people from its northern border.

On Sunday, Nir Barkat, Israels economy minister, threatened that if the war spills over into Lebanon, We will not just retaliate to those fronts, but we will go to the head of the snake, which is Iran.

The US and other imperialist media are, meanwhile, agitating for a direct military conflict with Iran. In an op-ed in The Economist, David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, openly called for a military conflict with Iran. More effective than financial tools, however, is military might.  Unfortunately, to forestall a widening of the war in Gaza, Washington may have no choice but to engage militarily.

In his prime-time speech on Thursday, Biden presented a messianic vision of American global domination, claiming that American military and economic overlordship is the unifying principle in the world. American leadership is what holds the world together, Biden said.

He was more explicit in a campaign reception the next day, declaring, We were in a postwar period for 50 years where it worked pretty well, but thats sort of run out of steam. It needs a new world order in a sense, like that was a world order.

To say that the postwar period is over is effectively to declare a new period of world war. The Biden administration is escalating the war in the Middle East and threatening to directly attack Iran as part of what it sees as a globe-spanning conflict for world hegemony, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and the Pacific. American imperialism, confronted with the economic rise of China and the global decline of the US economy, sees war as the means to assert world domination.



The United States worked to provoke the war in Ukraine, with the aim of drawing Moscow into a proxy conflict aimed at bleeding Russia white. But two years on, Ukraines latest offensive has failed, and the United States is desperately seeking to escalate the conflict in order to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. At the same time, Washington is instigating a conflict with China over Taiwan and attempting to economically strangle China by blocking its access to advanced computer technology.

Bidens call last week for $105 billion in additional military spending for all of these fronts marks a major step in the escalation of what is, in fact, the initial stages of a third world war.

The United States is confronting Russia and China, which are both nuclear-armed powers. Israel also possesses nuclear weapons, and at least one member of Israels parliament, Revital Tally Gotliv, has called for the use of the doomsday weapon in the present conflict. Washingtons escalation of military violence threatens human civilization.

But American imperialisms stoking of world war confronts broad popular opposition. Over the past weekend, millions of people demonstrated on every inhabited continent in opposition to the US-Israeli genocide against the Palestinians. In London, 300,000 people took part in the citys largest antiwar rally since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

This developing anti-war movement must be deepened and expanded. The growing movement against war must be fused with the global strike movement by workers fighting to defend their jobs, wages and living standards. This requires the building of a socialist leadership in the working class, fusing the fight against war with opposition to the capitalist profit system.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Australia is holding a public meeting calling for an end to the genocidal war being unleashed on the Palestinian population in Gaza. What is unfolding before the eyes of the world is a crime of monumental proportions comparable to those of the Nazis.

The meeting will be on Sunday, November 5 at 4 p.m. (AEDT) in Community Room 1, Bryan Brown Theatre, 80 Rickard Rd, Bankstown, New South Wales (NSW). For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed via Zoom. Reserve your seat now!

The Netanyahu regime is subjecting the more than 2 million people in Gaza to systematic starvation, dehydration, and unrelenting bombing of civilian targets, including the bombing of the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on Thursday, killing up to 500 people. This is in advance of an imminent ground invasion.

The relentless propaganda campaign of the mass media portrays these atrocities as supposedly justified acts of self-defence in retaliation for the military offensive launched by Hamas on October 7. What has been portrayed as a terrorist attack was a genuine popular uprising undertaken by the Palestinians against a massively armed oppressor.

The Israeli regime is using this as a justification to implement a long-planned campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Gaza Strip, which will possibly spread to the West Bank and more broadly.

Israel is being entirely backed by all the major capitalist powers, including the Biden administration in the United States, which has deployed multiple aircraft carriers to the region and has given the Netanyahu regime a blank cheque to carry out its war crimes.

The Albanese Labor government in Australia has joined the chorus of leaders supporting the Israeli crimes. In a display of bloodthirsty bipartisan militarism, the Labor government joined hands with the Liberal-National Coalition last week to pass a parliamentary motion giving full support to Israels genocidal bombardment of defenceless Palestinians.

The Australian media and political establishment have denounced any opposition to this agenda as antisemitism and have attempted to shut down mass protests that have erupted under false claims of the danger of hate speech.

Despite the ongoing threats of censorship, protests and rallies have been held across the country, with tens of thousands of workers and young people participating. Similar mass rallies have occurred globally, demonstrating that the sympathy of the vast majority of the worlds population is with the Palestinians.

What is now critical is that this opposition be turned towards mobilising the working class. It must be armed with a political program and socialist perspective.

The genocidal campaign against Gaza is part of an explosion of imperialist violence as the ruling elites seek a global redivision of the world. At the same time, the ruling class is waging an internal battle against the working class at home, with an escalating assault on social and living conditions to funnel billions of dollars to war.

The working class must be mobilised to stop this genocide. Industrial action must be taken to deprive the Israeli regime of the resources they need to prosecute this war. Above all, such a struggle necessitates a fight against capitalism.

At the meeting, leading members of the SEP will discuss this perspective and present the partys socialist and internationalist program. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussion. Register today!
Kenneth Chesebro, attorney and architect of a fake elector scheme devised to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, pleaded guilty on Friday to one felony charge in Georgia and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Chesebro, 62, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false documents for helping defeated incumbent Republican Donald Trump attempt to overthrow the US Constitution, block the certification of Democrat Joe Biden as President and remain in the White House.

Instead of serving five years in prison for his crime, Chesebro is being sentenced to five years of probation, a $5,000 restitution fine and 100 hours of community service. He will get these things in exchange for testifying against his 17 co-defendants, including Trump, in the upcoming trial, and writing a letter of apology to the people of Georgia.

Kenneth Chesebro sits with his attorney Manny Arora during a hearing where Chesebro accepted a plea deal from the Fulton County District Attorney in front of Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee at the Fulton County Courthouse Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Atlanta. [AP Photo/Alyssa Pointer]

According to Judge Scott McAfee of Fulton County Superior Court, as long as Chesebro follows through with the terms of the plea deal, his case will be sealed, and he will have no criminal record.

Chesebro was originally charged with racketeering, conspiracy to impersonate a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery and several other felony counts. The indictment against Trump and the other 18 co-conspirators was filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on August 14.

The wide-ranging prosecution named a total of 41 criminal counts and cited 161 overt criminal acts committed by Trump, his chief of staff Mark Meadows and his attorneys Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Chesebro, along with DOJ Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark.

The August indictment spelled out Chesebros role in coordinating and executing a plan to have 16 Republicans sign a certificate declaring Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors, even though the official count showed Trump had lost Georgia to Biden by 11,779 votes.

Chesebros plea agreement was announced one day after Trump attorney Sidney Powell made a similar deal. Like Chesebro, Powell received a slap on the wrist for agreeing to testify against the other conspirators. She was fined $6,000 and had all felony counts dropped in exchange for pleading guilty to six misdemeanors and agreeing to pay $2,700 in restitution to the state of Georgia. She also received 12 months of probation for the each of the six misdemeanors and has to write an apology to the citizens of Georgia.

In contrast to Powell, who was involved in hacking into voting machines in Georgia and stealing voter data from them, Chesebro is directly implicated in the scheme to overturn to the election, which led to the January 6 coup assault on the US Capitol. That attack included plans to forcibly block the certification of Biden by taking hostages and possibly murdering Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Chesebro worked with Trump lawyers and Republican leaders in six other swing statesArizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsinto present false slates of electors to Congress for certification.

The scheme included submission of lengthy memos calling on Republican leaders in those states to meet and cast electoral votes for Trump. The memos gave detailed instructions for how the process should be carried out and, as an email from Chesebro to Giuliani shows, the scheme included as a final measure the disruption and delay of the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021, at which the official electoral votes were to be certified.

Chesebro wrote that his strategies were preferable to allowing the Electoral Count Act to operate by its terms.

Chesebros attorney Scott Grubman said it is up to the prosecution as to whether his client will be called to testify against others in the case, but said he would be surprised if it happens.

According to a report by Associated Press, Grubman said he did not think Trump should be worried about any testimony Chesebro might offer. He also claimed Chesebro has been inaccurately described as the architect of some plan to overturn democracy.

A report in the Los Angeles Times said that, just like Powells, Chesebros testimony is incredibly valuable. Chesebro worked with both Eastman and Giuliani, each of whom worked intimately with Trump.

At the same time, Chesebro is also an unnamed, unindicted co-conspirator in Justice Department special counsel Jack Smiths indictment against Trump. In that case, Trump was charged with trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election and block the peaceful transfer of power.

The federal indictment says that co-conspirator 5which AP has identified as Chesebro through court and congressional recordsassisted in devising and attempting to implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding.

With the exception of a guilty plea by bail bondsman Scott Graham Hallwho was sentenced to five years probation and agreed to testify in future casesall the other defendants including Trump have pleaded not guilty. But the pleas of Powell and Chesebro, the first two defendants set for trial, which was to start on Monday, could lead to other dominoes falling.
The 2005 murder of Natalee Holloway was solved last Wednesday, 18 years after the young American woman disappeared outside a nightclub during a high school trip to the Antillean island of Aruba. One of the main suspects, Joran van der Sloot, a 36-year-old Dutchman who witnesses saw walking with the victim that night, confessed to the crime before a judge in Birmingham (Alabama), where the young woman lived. There is still no trace of Holloways body, who was declared legally dead in 2012.

Van der Sloot is serving time in a Peruvian prison for the 2010 murder in Lima of another student, Stephany Flores Ramirez, 21, and was on trial in the United States for extorting Holloways mother, Beth Holloway. In 2010, he asked her for $250,000 in exchange for information about her daughters whereabouts.

Court documents with the transcript of the murderers confession help reconstruct what happened the night of Holloways death. The two met in a bar and ended up kissing on the beach. When she asked him to stop, he continued touching her. Holloway tried to get him off of her by kneeing him in the groin. Van der Sloot, standing, then kicked her extremely hard, which left her possibly even dead but definitely unconscious. He then picked up a cinder block and used it to smash in her head. He carried her body to the water and pushed it out to sea.

Van der Sloot, who lived in the former Dutch colony in the Caribbean and was then a student at an international institute on the island, was questioned on two occasions. He was never charged with any crime.

The night of Holloways murder, he was with two other people, two brothers from Suriname. But the Holloway familys lawyers do not believe Van der Sloot could have acted with the help of one of them. At a press conference following the confession, Beth Holloway said: Im satisfied knowing that he did it, he did it alone and he disposed of her alone.

As far as Im concerned, its over. Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughters murder. He is the killer, she added.

Beth Holloway, mother of Natalee Holloway, in 2010 in Washington, with an image of her daughter in the background. Joshua Roberts (REUTERS)

When the extortion attempt occurred, Beth Holloway agreed to pay Van der Sloot $25,000 and agreed that later, once the body was discovered, she would give him the remaining $225,000. The information provided by Van der Sloot turned out to be false. The FBI knew about the extortion, but did not arrest him because he was already serving time in Peru for another murder of a young woman. In June of this year, the authorities of the South American country accepted a temporary extradition of the prisoner so that he could stand trial in the United States.

The confession was part of a plea agreement with prosecutors; under the terms of the deal, he received a 20-year reduced sentence for the financial crimes, which will run concurrently with the 28-year sentence hes serving in Peru. Now he must return to Lima, where he will continue to serve that sentence.

I would like the chance to apologize to the Holloway family, to my own family, said Van der Sloot, later adding, I am no longer the person I was back then.

The case of Holloway  a young American whose dream of seeing the world ended in a nightmare  sparked great interest in the U.S. media, which rushed to provide sensationalist coverage. Cable news networks were also criticized for focusing more on the murder of Holloway, a rich white girl, than other victims from minority groups. The case also sparked true crime novels and documentaries.

The other victim killed by Van der Sloot was Stephany Flores, the daughter of a rich Peruvian businessman, whose body was found in 2010 in a hotel room in Lima. The hotel room was in the name of the Dutchman, who was in the city to participate in an international poker tournament. Security footage showed him going up to the room with Flores. He was arrested in Vina del Mar, in Chile, after fleeing the country. Back in Lima, he pleaded guilty and received 28 years in prison, a sentence he is serving in the Challapalca maximum security prison, more than 4,000 meters above sea level, in the mountains of the Tacna region.

While Van der Sloot was found guilty of extortion in Alabama, he may not be prosecuted for Holloways murder, despite confessing to the killing. In statements to Associated Press, Mark White, the lawyer for Natalees father, Dave Holloway, said that he cannot be prosecuted in Aruba, because the statute of limitations has expired.

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The latest instruments of acceptance bring the total number of WTO members that have formally accepted the Agreement to 51. This is 46% of what is needed for the Agreement to come into effect (two-thirds of the WTO membership).

The ratification ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Senior Officials Meeting, taking place on 23-24 October, to gather political guidance in respect of the various streams of ongoing work at the WTO, including on the second wave of negotiations on fisheries subsidies.

Each formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies marks an important step towards its entry into force, which is so important for ocean health, for the livelihoods and food security of millions of people, and for the WTO, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. Today's ceremony, with instruments of acceptance from seven members cutting across a wide spectrum of geographical locations and development levels, represents a leap in the right direction, she said, adding moreover that Fiji is expected to deposit its formal acceptance soon.

With today's acceptances, we are nearly half-way towards entry into force. I cannot thank you all enough for the efforts you have made to bring your instruments here to the Senior Officials Meeting. This is a major boost at a decisive moment, DG Okonjo-Iweala said.

Let me also strongly request all WTO members that have not yet deposited instruments of acceptance to expedite your domestic processes and submit them as soon as possible. While we are about half-way there, we still have half-way to go, and the 13th Ministerial Conference is only four months away. I am very encouraged that many members today have announced that they are well along in their processes, and I look forward to receiving their instruments soon, she said.

The senior officials representing the WTO members submitting the latest formal acceptances affirmed the importance of entering into force the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Albania, Mr Endrit Yzeiraj, said: I am very pleased to deposit Albania's instrument of acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Prohibition of subsidies related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing overfished stocks or fishing on the unregulated high seas is in line with the policy that Albania has followed in the field of fishing within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Albania welcomes the establishment of the WTO voluntary financing mechanism in cooperation with relevant international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This Agreement will benefit developing members like Albania by providing assistance to implement the Agreement and better manage our fish stocks whilst at the same time stop harmful fisheries subsidies from larger subsidizing members, he said.

Tim Yeend, Associate Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: It is a great privilege to be here in Geneva to formally deposit Australia's instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The conclusion of this Agreement was a strong demonstration that the WTO can respond to modern challenges, and serves as an enduring reminder of the gains that can be made through multilateral rulemaking at the WTO. The entry into force of the Agreement will be particularly meaningful to our Blue Pacific region, and to coastal communities around the world. The Agreement  and its corresponding capacity development fund  will provide a significant contribution to the long-term sustainability of oceans, the livelihoods of fishing communities, and the food security of millions.

Beauty Manake, Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana said: It is with a profound sense of purpose and responsibility that I deposit this instrument of acceptance on behalf of the Republic of Botswana. Our journey towards full participation in the WTO reflects our dedication to a rules-based multilateral trading system that can serve as a cornerstone for stability, growth, and equitable development in an interconnected world. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of open markets, fairness, transparent, inclusive, and a shared vision for a better future for all. As much as Botswana is a landlocked country and as consumers of fish and fish products, we depend on our trading partners with coastlines, and we are very much concerned with the health and sustainability of the sea. With this instrument we are also reiterating our commitment to forge ahead with the second wave of negotiations and looking forward to a balanced negotiation process that will lead us to achieving a meaningful agreement before MC13. I would like to encourage members who have not yet ratified to do so, as this will ensure that our collective efforts in the conclusion of this important Agreement at MC12 are not wasted.

Carlos Fidel Martin Rodriguez, Director of International Economic Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (MINCEX) of the Republic of Cuba, said: It is an immense privilege for Cuba to be amongst the first members of the Organization, and more specifically our region, to conclude and deposit this instrument of ratification of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and its entry into force. The Agreement is a historical achievement for members in that it represents the first SDG target, 14.6, to be met via a multilateral Agreement. It represents a contribution to the sustainability of oceans insofar as it prohibits harmful fisheries subsidies, overcapacity and overfishing. It acknowledges the importance of appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing countries and, in particular, least developed countries.

Ambassador Kouadio Adjoumani of Cote d'Ivoire said: Cote d'Ivoire's acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted in June 2022, reflects our country's vision and commitment as regards sustainability. It aligns with the extensive actions taken by our Government to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. It also underscores our country's resolute commitment to actively engage in the international collective effort to move the multilateral agenda for sustainable fisheries forward. We look forward to the entry into force of this historic Agreement as a substantial contribution by our Organization to the global response to the challenges facing our planet.

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea in Geneva, Mr Yun Seong Deok, said: As a steadfast supporter of the multilateral system, I am truly pleased to deposit Korea's instrument of acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on the occasion of the Senior Officials Meeting. The conclusion of the Agreement at MC12 is a milestone achievement of WTO members in that it centres on environmental sustainability for the first time since the establishment of the WTO. Korea is firmly committed to the concerted efforts of the international community to preserve fishery resources by prohibiting harmful subsidies such as subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. In view of fully accomplishing our common goal, Korea will continue to faithfully engage in the second wave of negotiations with other members in the days to come.

The High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the WTO of Saint Lucia, Anthony Severin, said: I take great pleasure in depositing, on behalf of Saint Lucia, the instrument signifying its formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted in June 2022 at MC12. This Agreement is full of promise for greater sustainability of global fish stocks through the prohibition of harmful fish subsidies. As an island or ocean state, Saint Lucia considers this to be in its best interest, and has decided to acknowledge this publicly through this formal act of depositing its Instrument of Ratification of the Agreement with the World Trade Organization.

Adopted by consensus at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held in Geneva on 12-17 June 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies sets new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks. In addition, the Agreement recognizes the needs of developing and least-developed country members and establishes a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement the obligations.

The Agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, bans support for fishing overfished stocks and ends subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas.

Members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiations on outstanding issues, with a view to making recommendations by MC13, to be held in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for additional provisions that would further enhance the disciplines of the Agreement.
By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Oct 24, 2023 - 18:08 | All, World

China's top diplomat Wang Yi will visit Washington for three days starting on Thursday, senior U.S. officials said, in the latest indication that preparations are under way for a summit between the presidents of the world's two largest economies next month despite a difficult bilateral relationship.

In addition to holding talks with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Wang, a Chinese Communist Party Politburo member in charge of foreign affairs, will meet separately with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, the officials from President Joe Biden's administration said Monday.

The trip by Wang, who doubles as foreign minister, comes as Biden hopes to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of this year's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in mid-November.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference Tuesday that Beijing hopes to work with Washington to "enhance communication dialogue, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences and jointly bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound and steady development."

Wang's visit through Saturday will be the latest in a series of high-level communications between the United States and China, whose relationship is fraught with tensions over economic and diplomatic issues almost across the board.

Sullivan and Wang held hours of talks in September in Malta. During the upcoming three-day visit, Wang and his host Blinken, who traveled to Beijing in June, are expected to step up preparations for what could be Xi's first visit to the United States since April 2017.

"We continue to believe that direct face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to raise challenging issues, address misperception and miscommunication, and explore working with the Chinese where our interests intersect," said one of the senior officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As Blinken met with Xi during that trip, Wang could also meet with Biden, but the officials said there is nothing to announce on such a possibility at the moment.

While Wang is in Washington, the United States is expected to discuss the need to reopen military-to-military communication with China, the situations in the South and East China seas as well as around the Taiwan Strait, and North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs, according to the officials.

The reestablishment of high-level communication channels is a "priority" for the United States, the senior official said, as it believes this is essential for the two countries to manage their "competition responsibly" and "minimize the risk of miscalculation that could veer into conflict."

The officials said that other major issues almost certain to top the agenda include China's alleged human rights abuses in its northwestern Xinjiang region, the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Regarding the prospects for a bilateral meeting at the annual APEC summit in San Francisco, Biden said when asked by reporters at the White House earlier this month, "There is no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility."

Biden, who has not visited China as president, previously held talks with Xi in person in November last year in Bali, Indonesia, when the two attended a Group of 20 summit.

Earlier this month, Xi also expressed his eagerness to improve Sino-U.S. ties when he met with a U.S. congressional delegation in Beijing, saying how the two nations get along "will determine the future of humanity" and "confrontation is not consistent with the trend of the times."

China has yet to confirm whether Xi will take part in the summit of 21 Pacific Rim economies, also including Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Peru and Russia.

Related coverage:

U.S. says China set to have over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030

China's Xi Jinping vows to pursue high-quality, green development at forum

Xi shows eagerness to improve Sino-U.S. ties in talks with lawmakers
KYODO NEWS - Oct 24, 2023 - 18:52 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima

The International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday began its first safety review on Japan's discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea since it began in August.

The IAEA task force involves experts from 11 countries, including China and Russia, which have severely criticized the discharge and imposed bans on Japanese seafood imports.

The Japanese government said the same day that the bans are not based on scientific evidence and are "extremely regrettable," calling for an immediate lift of the restrictions.

The task force includes experts from Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, the Marshall Islands, South Korea, the United States and Vietnam.

They exchanged opinions with officials from Japan's industry ministry, the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., and the Nuclear Regulation Authority in Tokyo on the first day of the review, which will last through Friday.

Gustavo Caruso, the IAEA director who heads the task force, told the meeting that their "independent, impartial and science-based safety review based on international standards" will examine whether the discharge has been carried out safely in accordance with the plan.

The task force is scheduled to inspect discharge facilities at the disaster-hit plant on Wednesday, in addition to assessing the environment monitoring and a plan for the upcoming discharge rounds, which will last around 30 years or more.

The IAEA will publish a report on the first safety review by the end of the year, its officials said.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan's top government spokesman, said at a press conference that Tokyo will continue to inform the international community of how the water discharge is proceeding.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that the government will continue financially supporting the country's fishermen, who have expressed concerns that the water release erodes the reputation of seafood from Fukushima and nearby areas.

On Monday, TEPCO finished the second round of water discharge, which started on Oct. 5.

The plant operator has so far ejected about 15,600 tons of water treated with a liquid processing system that removes most radionuclides except tritium. The tritium is diluted, leaving it with a concentration level of one-40th of that permitted under Japanese safety standards.

Related coverage:

IAEA team joined by China takes samples after Fukushima water release
KYODO NEWS - Oct 24, 2023 - 15:03 | All, Japan, World

Japan has been informed that a former principal of a North Korean school in Japan, wanted for the suspected abduction of Japanese national Tadaaki Hara to North Korea in 1980, died a few years ago in South Korea, investigative sources said Tuesday.

Kim Kil Uk was among the 11 people Japan had issued international arrest warrants for concerning North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals.

South Korea passed on the information on Kim about a year ago, and Japanese police are making arrangements to ask the country to provide documents supporting the claim, according to the sources.

If the information is verified, Kim would be the first among the 11 alleged abductors to be confirmed dead. He would be 95 if still alive.

Japan officially lists 17 nationals as having been abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s but suspects Pyongyang's involvement in many other disappearances.

"Police are currently in the process of collecting related information," said Yoshifumi Matsumura, chairman of the National Public Safety Commission.

Kim and former North Korean agent Shin Kwang Soo, 94, are suspected of luring Hara, then 43, from Osaka to Miyazaki Prefecture and abducting him to North Korea in June 1980. Shin is believed to have later illegally acquired a passport purporting to be Hara and entered Japan numerous times for espionage.

Kim was later arrested in 1985 for suspected spy activities in South Korea, where he is said to have admitted to Hara's abduction. He lived in South Korea after he was released from prison in May 2000.

The public security bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department sought an arrest warrant for Shin and Kim in April 2006, before obtaining an international warrant for the two men through the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol.

But Japan and South Korea had made no headway in extradition negotiations.

Related coverage:

Japan, North Korea met informally this year over abduction row: sources

U.N. to hold open session on North Korea rights abuses next week

Japan holds junior high school "summit" on abductions by North Korea
Not only did 90 Day Fiance star Jasmine Pineda receive butt implants before arriving in the United States to be with fiance Gino Palazzolo, but she also revealed she underwent vaginal cosmetic surgery.

After Jasmine, 36, surprised Gino, 53, with nurse lingerie during the Sunday, October 22 episode of the series, she revealed she underwent a hymen reconstruction. Jasmine acknowledged the procedure didnt lead to the results she was hoping for, but in a later scene, the Panama native also dropped the bomb that she used the $10,000 Gino gave her for a wedding dress to buy butt implants instead.

Jasmines cosmetic procedures are no shock to TLC fans, as the mom of one previously talked about wanting to be a virgin again in an effort to cure her and Ginos problems in the bedroom.

I have a super high sexual drive and when he come to Panama the first time, our sex was so good. But he has visited me other times since then and he barely wants to have sex anymore, she explained during a June 2023 episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days. Im like super horny, waiting naked and his thing its like  dead.

90 Day Fiance's Jasmine Reveals Hymen Reconstruction Surgery 1

While Gino and Jasmine clearly have their issues, finances have historically played a major role in their relationship. In the past, Jasmine accused the automotive engineer of being cheap, while Ginos family and friends were convinced the former educator was using him for her personal gain.

After Jasmines K-1 fiance visa was approved, the auto engineer made the decision to make her a priority and leave his job for more than a year to help her get acclimated to her new home in the States. However, prior to Jasmines arrival, Gino worried about how she would take the news as he felt she had become spoiled and worried about the taste of reality shed feel once in Michigan.

Im a little worried about telling Jasmine that I quit my job because Jasmine likes to live the luxury good life, he explained during the October 8 episode. And if I dont have any income or money, oh my God, Jasmines going to kill me.

Jasmine and Gino made their debut in the franchise on season 5 of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days in December 2022. After initially connecting online, Gino traveled to Jasmines native of Panama to meet her in person for the first time. The TLC personalities continued to document their romance on season 6 of the spinoff until Jasmines K-1 visa to go to the United States was finally approved.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not too impressed with her GOP colleagues right now, as House Republicans prepare once again to try and select a new Speaker. As she told The Daily Show guest host Desus Nice on Monday night, Theyre on the struggle bus a little bit.

As of Tuesday, the House has gone 21 days without a Speaker, and this week will mark the third time Republicans convene to nominate a new one. The handful of officials vying for the job seem to illustrate the lawmakers lack of unity, as the New York Times reports that internal feuding has paralyzed the chamber.

On The Daily Show, Ocasio-Cortezwho represents New Yorks 14th District in Congressstated the problem more plainly: Republicans kicked out their Speaker, and now they cant find a new guy to run their group project. ... And theyre all fighting with each other about it.

As amusing as the infighting might be, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized how severe the consequences could be. Should this drag on into a government shutdown, she said, Thats when we start seeing TSA and airports get affected. Thats when people could potentially miss their checks.

Because of this, Ocasio-Cortez continued, its really important for everybody to make sure that we get that pressure on. But also we need to make sure that we dont have people like Jim Jordan or extremists. Because whoever takes over the House could potentially put our democracy in danger when it comes to certifying or re-certifying an election and so on.

Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is no longer a nominee thanks to a secret vote after losing the ballot 86-112, according to NPRwhich also reports that House members have complained about Jordan allegedly bullying them, as well as their staffs and loved ones.

Daily Show Hits Biden for Lecturing Israel on Revenge

When asked what the House had been getting done before things flew into disarray, Ocasio-Cortez couldnt help but mock her Republican colleagues, saying that since they took over the chamber, theyve at least provided a lot of meme content.

But before that, when Democrats were in the majority, we passed the largest climate package in American history, she said. We capped insulin at $35 for people. We made sure that when the pandemic went through, we started the program of child tax credits.

The child tax credits ended last year, after Republicans and Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin chose to let it die rather than renew them. But when we take back the Senate, Ocasio-Cortez said, setting her sights on 2024, we want to make sure that we reestablish and expand those programs back again, too.

As always, Ocasio-Cortez and Nice shared a great rapport during her Daily Show appearancemaybe because of their shared Bronx roots, or maybe because of her visits to his old show Desus & Mero, on which she was the inaugural guest. Perhaps the greatest moment of the interview came when Ocasio-Cortez made a very New York joke about the harsh criticism she often receives on social media.

You know, its not that different than the 6 train at midnight sometimes, Ocasio-Cortez quipped. You get practice.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Natalee Holloway went missing in Aruba in May 2005. Shortly after Joran van der Sloot confessed to killing Natalee, her mother explains why she can finally move on

Beth Holloway, holding a photograph of her daughter, Natalee Holloway

In the dark of early morning, the mother and daughter ran through Natalee Holloways packing list for her much-anticipated graduation class trip to Aruba: passport, cash, bathing suit.

Yes, Mom, Beth Holloway recalls her daughter telling her in this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday: I'm good. Ive got everything I need.

Beth kissed her daughter goodbye outside a friends house, where they were gathering ahead of going to the airport, and Natalee faded into the darkness as she walked from the car to the doorstep. Then her friend opened the door and I watched Natalee's silhouette disappear in the light, and the door was closed, and then it was dark again, Beth recalls.

Courtesy Beth Holloway Natalee and Beth Holloway

Related: Natalee Holloway's Mom Reveals How Joran van der Sloot Killed Her Daughter in 2005 (Exclusive)

A few days later, when Natalee was expected home, Beth instead got a call that her daughter was missing. She contacted the FBI, chartered a private plane and arrived on the Caribbean island before midnight the same day. Running down leads alongside federal agents, within hours Beth soon had the name of a 17-year-old boy  Joran van der Sloot  who had been seen leaving the local bar, CarlosN Charlies, in a car with Natalee around 1:30 a.m. May 30, 2005.

For more on Natalee Holloway's murder and her mother's quest for justice, subscribe now to PEOPLE, or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday.

Five years later, after promising to show Beth to Natalees remains, he instead made off to Peru with $25,000 of her money. There, within weeks, he brutally killed another student, Stephany Flores Ramirez, five years to the day of Natalees disappearance.

Related: Natalee Holloway's Mother Confronts Joran van der Sloot in Court: 'You Brutally Killed Her'

But on June 9, 2023, van der Sloot, now 36  who has been serving a 28-year murder sentence in Peru since 2012  was temporarily extradited to Alabama to face one count each of extortion and wire fraud in connection to his 2010 ploy for Beths money in a case that finally gave the grieving mother the answers she had been seeking for so long.

AP Photo/Martin Mejia Joran van der Sloot

Folded into a guilty plea that allows him to serve 20 years concurrently with his Peruvian murder sentence, van der Sloot confessed to Natalees killing, detailing, as first reported in PEOPLE, how he had smashed her face in with a cinder block, then dragged her limp body into the surf.

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.

Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in Natalees murder, Joran van der Sloot is her killer, Beth says. That is the answer that I needed. I am now able to begin to move my life forward.

Related: Killers Confession Reveals Horror of Natalee Holloways Last Moments

Standing outside the Alabama courthouse on the day of van der Sloots first hearing in the U.S., Beth watched her son, Matt Holloway, who grew up in the shadow of his sisters tragedy and is now in his mid-30s, climbing the courthouse steps with a wave and a thumbs up. And I said, You know what, Im done, Beth recalls thinking. I got justice for my son.

Butch Dill/AP Beth Holloway (center) with son, Matt Holloway (left) and lawyer John Q. Kelly (right)

As Beth had searched for her daughter, Matt, 16 at the time of his sisters disappearance, had to become a man, Beth recalls, noting she never did another load of his laundry. I was gone pretty much for a year, and he grew up pretty fast and in a hurry.

Related: Natalee Holloway's Mom Beth Shares Her 18-Year Fight for Justice: 'My Never-Ending Nightmare is Over' (Exclusive)

Now, the life she imagines for Natalee  as the doctor she dreamed of becoming  exists in parallel to the one she sees in her son, who is a pilot with children of his own.

The two gathered again Oct. 21 for what would have been Natalees 37th birthday, celebrating it together for the first time since Natalee went missing. My heart was happy, Beth wrote in a text to PEOPLE afterward. It was time. A victorious time.



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Read the original article on People.
Embattled actor Danny Masterson's problems keep piling up as it has been revealed that he has been kicked out of the Church of Scientology and labeled a "suppressive person" by the organization.

He is facing a 30-year sentence in prison for two counts of rape. His wife, Bijou Phillips, has also filed for divorce, with Masterson recently giving up custody of their daughter.

Masterson's new status as a "suppressive person" would require other church members, including Phillips, to distance themselves from him.

Danny Masterson Expelled From The Church Of Scientology

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MEGA

According to a report, the church of Scientology has expelled "That 70s Show" star Danny Masterson, labeling him a "suppressive person."

The church defines a "suppressive person" or "SP" as someone whose conduct impedes the spiritual growth of those around them.

This new tag on Masterson means other church members, including his wife, Bijou Phillips, are to cut ties with him. Per the Daily Mail, despite his expulsion, the Church of Scientology still believes that the convicted rapist is innocent of all charges.

Private investigator Jeffrey Augustine made the revelation about Masterson's new status on his website, The Scientology Money Project, which has been on a mission to expose the church's wrongdoings since 2014.

Why The Church Kicked Him To The Curb

MEGA

In a chat with the Daily Mail, Augustine, who was a former Scientologist, gave a detailed explanation behind the shocking reason why the organization decided to expel Masterson after showing support for him through his court trials.

The 66-year-old claimed that the church did not plan to go public about Masterson's "suppressive person" status and still tells members that the actor is innocent.

Augustine said, "According to my sources, Danny has been declared a suppressive person, which means he would be expelled from Scientology. They are telling Scientologists that he will file an appeal and that he is innocent of the charges for which he was convicted."

"They (church officials) declared Danny a suppressive person for not maintaining the high ethical standards for the Church of Scientology, and other reasons  but not because he was convicted of rape," he added.

MEGA

According to the news outlet, Augustine opened up about the new development at a demonstration held in front of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Center in Hollywood on Saturday, where several ex-Scientologists and alleged sexual abuse victims condemned the "cult's" injustices.

One of Masterson's alleged victims, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, whose case against the actor was met with a deadlocked jury, attended the Saturday protest in the company of another of his accusers.

While speaking on Masterson's status as a "suppressive person," Bixler told the Daily Mail, "They should have declared him an SP when I originally went to them."

Scientologists 'Questioned' Why Danny Masterson Was Still Allowed In The Church

MEGA

Augustine revealed that the disgraced actor's criminal trials and accusations against him caused many Scientologists to question why he was still allowed to be a part of the church.

"A lot of Scientologists were complaining that they have friends and family members that they can't talk to because they were declared suppressive. They questioned why Danny Masterson was allowed to be a Scientologist in good standing when he's brought such a horrible public relations situation onto the church with his felony rape convictions," Augustine said.

He added, "So the members are asking why were their friends and family declared for reading the internet, watching Leah Remini's show, and doing other things that are far below what Masterson was charged with?"

The Church Leader Does Not Want Anyone Talking About Danny Masterson

MEGA

Augustine noted that Masterson's expulsion was not a surprise, as the controversial leader of the church, David Miscavige, had to find a way to prevent further probing into the actor and his relationship with the organization.

"I think Miscavige is clearing the decks ahead of the IAS [International Association of Scientologists] in London so he's not asked about Masterson. In other words, he wants it handled. He doesn't want Danny Masterson to be the focus," the private investigator said.

Augustine added, "They are not going to make a public announcement. They are going to tell everyone at this big, posh London event don't talk about it, don't mention Danny. He has now become a person whose name must not be mentioned."

According to the former Scientologist, the church officials "are still maintaining his innocence, saying he will appeal and that's not why he's been declared, but this is not to be talked about by anyone."

As reported by The Blast, Masteron recently gave up custody of his 9-year-old daughter with Phillips following her shocking divorce filing. However, he requested visitation rights, but that will be up to the California State Prison to decide.
The couple tied the knot in Los Angeles earlier this month

France Bean Cobain/Instagram Riley Hawk and Frances Bean Cobain photographed together

Frances Bean Cobain and Riley Hawk are married!

Per documents obtained by TMZ, the pair obtained a marriage license the month before their nuptials in San Diego County. PEOPLE confirmed the news on Tuesday via a representative for champion skateboarder Tony Hawk, Riley's father.

The marriage certificate obtained by TMZ lists the couple's wedding date as Oct. 7, with the ceremony officiated by R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe , who is Frances godfather.

The 31-year-old daughter of Courtney Love and late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain revealed her romance with pro skateboarder Riley, 30, last year.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Michael Stipe photographed in New York City on April 11, 2022

Related: Frances Bean Cobain Sells Her Spanish-Style Los Angeles Home for $2.3 Million

After taking a year-long break from social media, Frances returned to Instagram in January 2022 and shared a carousel of images of moments she said had brought me a great amount of joy  including glimpses of her relationship with Riley.

France Bean Cobain/Instagram

Among the series of snaps, Riley could be seen flashing a big smile while holding a dog dressed in a Christmas-themed costume. In another shot, Frances and Riley cozied up to one another on a boat with his dad Tony and his stepmom Catherine Goodman.

"I took a year long break from posting on Instagram which was exceptionally good for my mental, emotional & spiritual health," Frances captioned the carousel. "2021 brought me more into the present moment than I've ever been, which I'm deeply grateful for."

France Bean Cobain/Instagram Catherine Goodman (left), Tony Hawk, Frances Bean Cobain and Riley Hawk photographed on a boat

Related: Frances Bean Cobain Reveals Her Private Battle with Addiction as She Celebrates 2 Years Sober

She continued, "I wanted to share a few moments that were captured / created this past year that brought me a great amount of joy. Here's to hoping everyone's 2022 is filled with the authentic connections, a lot of warmth & profound discovery of self  happy new year ."

Frances was previously married to Isaiah Silva for 21 months after they tied the knot in June 2014.

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images Frances Bean Cobain (left), Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain attending the 1993 MTV Music Video Awards

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PEOPLE confirmed in 2016 that she had filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. According to documents obtained by PEOPLE at the time, Frances stated that Silva should not be entitled to any money from her father's estate, which was valued at $450 million.

The former couple ended up fighting over ownership of Kurt's iconic guitar, which Frances subsequently lost to Silva in the divorce settlement.



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Read the original article on People.
Frayed is an Australian and British television comedy-drama series created and written by the talented Australian comedian Sarah Kendall , who also takes on a starring role. The show is set in the year 1988 and revolves around the life of Samantha Cooper, a wealthy housewife residing in London. Samanthas life takes an unexpected turn when she is compelled to return to her hometown of Newcastle in Australia following the sudden death of her husband. She is confronted with the shocking revelation that her husbands substantial debts have left her with a significantly diminished financial standing.

Heres how you can watch and stream Frayed Season 1 via streaming services such as HBO Max.

Is Frayed Season 1 available to watch via streaming?

Yes, Frayed Season 1 is available to watch via streaming on HBO Max.

In the first episode of Frayed Season 1, Sammy Cooper faces the unexpected necessity of returning to her hometown in Newcastle, Australia, accompanied by her two children, subsequent to her husbands untimely demise. With no alternative but to reside with her estranged family, Sammys past is brought to light, revealing that her upbringing and background were not as polished and refined as she had led everyone to believe.

Frayed Season 1 boasts a talented ensemble cast that includes renowned actors like Sarah Kendall, Kerry Armstrong, Ben Mingay, George Houvardas, Frazer Hadfield, Diane Morgan, Matt Passmore, Robert Webb, and Doris Younane.

Watch Frayed Season 1 streaming via HBO Max

Frayed Season 1 is available to watch on HBO Max. Warner Bros Discoverys streaming service, Max, offers a diverse range of both mainstream and underrated content, catering to a wide audience with varied preferences. The platform serves as a hub for numerous beloved franchises, encompassing iconic properties from DC Comics, such as Batman and Superman, to renowned universes like Lord of the Rings and the magical world of Harry Potter.

You can watch the show via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps:

Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe Click Sign Up Now Choose your plan: $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads)

$15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free)

$19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free) Enter your personal information and password Select Create Account

Max With Ads provides the services streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the services commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads.

Frayed Season 1 synopsis is as follows:

Frayed Season 1, delves into Sammys efforts to navigate her complex past and present after her husbands sudden death. The series follows her journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

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KYODO NEWS - Oct 24, 2023 - 15:17 | World, All, Japan

The Japanese government on Tuesday named Shigeo Yamada and Kenji Kanasugi as its new ambassadors to the United States and China, respectively, both effective immediately.

The appointment of the envoys to the world's two largest economies comes before next year's presidential election in the United States, Japan's close ally, and as Tokyo is aiming to hold a high-level dialogue with Beijing to ease strained bilateral ties.

Yamada, 59, a former senior deputy foreign minister in charge of political affairs, replaces Koji Tomita, while Kanasugi, 64, who was an envoy to Indonesia, takes over from Hideo Tarumi.

Yamada previously served as minister at the Japanese Embassy in the United States and director general of the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Policy Bureau.

Kanasugi, meanwhile, is the first Japanese envoy to Beijing since 2016 not from the "China School" of diplomats who have undergone Chinese-language training.

Among the other appointments effective Tuesday, Akira Muto, 63, former head of the ministry's Foreign Service Training Institute, was named as the envoy to Russia, and Kazuyuki Yamazaki, 62, who previously headed the Geneva-based mission to the international organizations, becomes ambassador to the United Nations.

It is the first time a new ambassador to Russia has been appointed in almost eight years, and the move takes place amid Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine. Muto succeeds Toyohisa Kozuki, who took up the position in November 2015.

Related coverage:

Japan to name former Asian affairs chief Kanasugi as envoy to China
Someone get Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) on the phone, because weve got a murder mystery in Victoria, Australia and its a doozy. Over the course of the first season of Poker Face (streaming now on Peacock) Charlie sprints across the continental U.S. on the run from her troubles, solving mysteries along the way. Were between seasons right now but the murder mysteries just keep coming and this one has teeth.

Recently, Portland Bait and Tackle, located in Portland Victoria, Australia, posted pictures and video of a Great White shark, dead and dismembered, on the beach at Bridgewater. Rather, they posted pictures and video of what was left of it. In the images, its clear that the front half of the shark is largely intact. The top of the shark stretches roughly three meters from tooth to tail, but most of the back half of the underbelly is missing. Only shredded trailing bits remain.

What Killed a Great White Off the Coast of Australia?

An illustration of a giant kraken monster taking down a ship

Photo: duncan1890/Getty Images

The shop described the sighting as equal parts cool and terrifying before speculating that the shark was offed by killer whales. Its a reasonable assumption, given the visible damage and the known history of orcas and white sharks. That speculation was met with some skepticism with one commenter asking how the shop knew killer whales were responsible.

RELATED: Poker Face Creator Rian Johnson Has No Endgame in Mind For Hit Peacock Series

We dont, the shop responded. But orcas were spotted in the area 3 or 4 days ago, and they are known to attack white sharks, the only other thing it possibly could be would be a bigger white shark. That answer satisfied most but not all of the commenters with a number of other suggestions rolling in.

Looks like a propeller got him and barnacles under his jaw, one commenter suggested. Its difficult to imagine a Great White, Jaws herself, being taken down by anything else. A sentiment expressed by one commenter who said, What the heck is out there capable to cause this much damage on one of the already largest mammals [sic] in the sea?" Most suggested that the bait shop was right in their estimate but one commenter dared to suggest it might have been something we dont know even exists.

An Ongoing Surf War Between Orcas and Great Whites

Shark Attacked By Killer Whale

Lead author Alison Towner from Rhodes University, Makhanda with the carcass of a Great White Shark, washed up on shore following an Orca attack. Photo: Marine Dynamics/Dyer Island Conservation Trust/ Image: Hennie Otto

Short of Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken having an adolescent outburst at a sharks expense, its likely the death did occur at the hands jaws of killer whales. Indeed, the crime scene is reminiscent of recent events off the coast of South Africa, where a pair of killer whales seems to be systematically hunting down white sharks, eating their organs, and discarding their corpses.

RELATED: A Couple of Killer Whales Are Hunting Great White Sharks And Eating Their Organs

This kind of orca on shark crime does happen, but it isnt historically common and usually happens farther out to sea. As a result, the bodies are less likely to wash up on the beach, according to Alison Towner from the Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University in Makhanda, South Africa. SYFY WIRE spoke with Towner about the previous attacks in South Africa.

When killer whales do attack white sharks, these sorts of disembowelings are typical. Thats because killer whales dont eat indiscriminately, and instead preferentially chow down on a prey items tastiest bits. In the case of white sharks, thats the liver. It makes up about a third of a Great Whites total body weight and is incredibly nutrient dense. From an orcas point of view, the rest of the shark is garnish surrounding the juicy center.

The real mystery here is why these sorts of events seem to be happening more frequently. Of course, it could be a statistical anomaly that will level out over time, but it might also be our fault. Shifting environment forces, driven largely by human activity, might be changing the way white sharks and killer whales behave, pushing them toward more frequent dust ups. To find out, were going to need Charlie Cale, or some additional research.

In the meantime, catch up on the complete first season of Poker Face, streaming now on Peacock!
Hollywood stars, writers, directors and executives sent an open letter thanking President Joe Biden for his work helping to secure the release of hostages taken in Hamas attack on Israel. The letter was shared at NoHostageLeftBehind.com, with the campaign using the #NoHostageLeftBehind hashtag.

We are heartened by Fridays release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan, and by todays release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity, the group wrote in the joint letter released Monday.

A wide range of stars signed on, including Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer, Billy Crystal, Bradley Cooper, Chris Rock, Constance Wu, Courteney Cox, David Oyelowo, Eugene Levy, Ewan McGregor, Gal Gadot, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harvey Keitel, Jack Black, James Corden, Jason Segel, Jeff Goldblum, Jon Hamm, Jordan Peele, Madonna, Martin Short, Paul Rudd, Rosie ODonnell, Seth Meyers, Sharon Stone, Taika Waititi, Tyler Perry and Will Ferrell.

Other nonacting signees include Aaron Sorkin, Amy Pascal, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Andy Cohen, Barry Diller, Barry Levinson, Brian Grazer, David Geffen, David Goodman, Eli Roth, Greg Berlanti, Jason Blum, Jason Reitman, Judd Apatow, Matthew Weiner, Shawn Levy and Zack Snyder.

While praising Biden for his efforts, the letter also pushed for the release of the other captives.

But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death, the letter read. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of Oct. 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered  women raped, families burned alive and infants beheaded.

The group concluded the message by celebrating Bidens work and calling for change.

Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the groups founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed and victimized by Hamas for the last 17 years that the group has been governing Gaza, they continued. We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.

Judith and Natalie Raanan are American citizens from Illinois and were visiting family in Nahal Oz on Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israeli neighborhoods. They are both now back in Israel, the Israel Defense Forces said.

The two women were received at Israels border with the Gaza Strip and were then transported to a military base in central Israel where they were awaited by family members, the office of Israels prime minister said.

There are an estimated 200 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, and at least 20 Americans remain missing, according to U.S. authorities.

President Joe Biden posted on X confirming the release of the two hostages taken by Hamas during the horrific terrorist assault against Israel.

Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal these past 14 days, Biden continued. I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family.

Read the full No Hostages Left Behind letter below:

Dear President Biden,

We are heartened by Fridays release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by todays release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity.

But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered  women raped, families burned alive, and infants beheaded.

Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the groups founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for the last 17 years that the group has been governing Gaza.

We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.

We urge everyone to not rest until all hostages are released. No hostage can be left behind. Whether American, Argentinian, Australian, Azerbaijani, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chilean, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Eritrean, Filipino, French, German, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Kazakh, Mexican, Panamanian, Paraguayan, Peruvian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, South African, Spanish, Sri Lankan, Thai, Ukrainian, Uzbekistani or otherwise, we need to bring them home.

You can read the full list of signees here.

The post Hollywood A-Listers Sign Letter Thanking Joe Biden After Hamas Releases Multiple Hostages appeared first on TheWrap.
Buster the dog is looking for a forever family through Florida Urgent Rescue after surviving an accident in the Bahamas

Florida Urgent Rescue Buster the rescue dog, who is looking for a home through Florida Urgent Rescue

Buster wants to start his next chapter with a family.

The dog arrived at Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR) this year after being found on the streets of the Bahamas as an injured stray. Before his rescue, Buster was partially paralyzed in a hit-and-run accident. After the incident, the dog saved himself from further injury by dragging himself off the road.

When Florida Urgent Rescue met the pup after he was flown to Florida from the Bahamas, his kneecaps were raw, and the skin on his stomach was infected from having to drag his back legs behind him for over a month.

"In rescue, we see the worst in people and the best. Despite all the people who passed him by on the streets, some amazing people jumped into action to save his life," the team at FUR said in a statement about how Good Samaritans helped with Buster's rescue.

Florida Urgent Rescue Buster the rescue dog is carried by rescuers from Florida Urgent Rescue

A vet with FUR gave Buster a thorough examination after his arrival and found the hit-and-run accident caused a spinal injury, which led to the dog's rear-end paralysis.

Buster has a noticeable zest for life despite enduring these hardships, according to FUR. So the rescue reached out to the pet mobility company Walkin' Pets to get a Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair for the canine.

"Even if he can't use his back legs, it doesn't mean he can't have a wonderful life," FUR added.

Related: Tiny Canine Wheelchair User Gives Back to Other Pets with Disabilities: 'Nothing Holds Her Back'

According to FUR and Walkin' Pets, Buster has taken quickly to his wheelchair.

"Buster is starting to show some reflexive movements, which is encouraging, as it gives us hope that spinal walking may still be a possibility down the road. His personality and confidence have taken off. He's a completely different dog than when he first arrived, and his wheels are a huge part of that. They've given him the confidence boost he needed, and he loves being in them," FUR said.

Currently, Buster is living in a foster home, where he is thriving. But there is still one step left in his recovery journey. Buster needs a forever home.



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.

In Buster's adoption profile, FUR noted that the dog needs extra help due to his paralysis but is "unstoppable" in his wheelchair.

Related: Disabled Chicken Who Survived Weasel Attack Learning to Walk Thanks to Custom Wheelchair

"Within minutes of meeting him, you'll see that he is absolutely worth it. If you're looking for a best friend who will love you unconditionally for years to come, look no further than Buster," the rescue added.

If you want to adopt Buster or learn more about FUR's lifesaving work, visit the rescue's website.

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What kind of animation has Europes next gen talent got in the hopper? Cartoon Springboard, an E.U. platform organized by Cartoon for burgeoning toon talents which kicks off today in Madrid, can supply some answers.

Of the 24 projects to be pitched Wednesday and Thursday at Madrids Atheneum, a large part will be made, if financed, in 2D. At least half are from women.

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Quite a few potential standouts come from France: Bitches, which won an Annecy Ciclic Prize at its MIFA Pitches; Maestitia, co-helmed by Merel Hamers, at Gobelins, and Inspector, Your Pants! from the same prestige school; When Monsters Within, whose key creative Pablo Alcazar studies at Valences La Poudriere, another venerable French animation school.

Some directors are known values, as streaming platforms and Frances Annecy Festival turn creators into niche stars. All Good, for instance, is co-directed by Diego Porral, who served as animation lead on the Kill Team Kill episode of Love Death + Robots.

Most crucially, around half the titles target YA viewers. Born in the U.S. with The Simpsons, YA animation is now exploding in Europe. One of its major challenges is to find an international audience, as a recent Cartoon Brew article suggested. Having been at it for 35 years, the level of U.S. YA shows is formidable.

One way to square that circle, however, may be to pitch public broadcasters over Europe looking to power up their younger-skewing digital services as they move ever more front and center to networks identity.

There it may help that so many series at Cartoon Springboard this year carry a PBS-friendly social issue undertow: Whether an eco-conscience (Azuls Journey, Freshstyle, No Pets) or gender focus (Labinocle, My Grandmother is a Skydiver). Social commitment, which Europes young creators have in buckets, may be one way forward.

Running Oct. 24-26, Cartoon Springboard is supported by Creative Europe-Media and the Community of Madrid, the City Council of Madrid, Madrid Film Office, and ICEX, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade. A quick breakdown of this years titles:

All Good, (Diego Porral, Joaquin Garralda, Spain)

A young adults-oriented TV comedy series, the story of a workplace burnout, directed by Porral, one of Spains best 2D animators, whose credits include Love Death & Robots and Bunuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles. Another Porral-Garralda project, Leopoldo From the Bar, played at Mays Cannes Spanish animation showcase Revelations!

All Good

Azuls Journey, (Alin Romero, Spain)

Combining adventure, a female character and sustainability issues, the film follows the youngest among the guardian clan in an island in danger by its climatic decline. Mexican-born Romero was selected to form part of Residencias, a cinema creators support program by Spains Academia de Cine and Madrids City Hall.

Azuls Journey

BeinBuddies, (Quarratul Ain Saeed, Belgium)

A 13 episode, 5 minute adventure, well-being and friendship series, whose main characters are four buddies in different states of malaise. Through each other they learn to take it easier.

BeinBuddies

Bitches, (Manon Tacconi, Maite Sonnet, Camille Condemi, France)

Winner of the Ciclic Prize at Annecys MIFA Pitches, the adult comedy series follows two best friends from Marseille, talking about their lives as fancy girls. It adapts Tacconis short film Cupids Bow, broadcast by Arte. Condemi at Frances Caimans produces.

Bitches

Chestnut Kid, (Marta Pellicer, Spain)

Tween-oriented adventure, fantasy and friendship project set amidst a war-torn land between the Forest and the Wildfire, following a little boy born of the Guardian Tree from a chestnut.

Digiman, (Leo Neumann, Franz Rugamer, Germany)

Sci-fi comedy web series kicking-off with the of human genomes warped by smartphone radiation to the point that their bearers were born with the properties of smartphone brands. Rugamer studies at Ludwigsburgs Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg.

Digiman

The Fast Way, (Javier Moratilla Heras, Spain)

Olivia works for an invention company, where shes feted daily. Green with envy, her coworker Drew sets out to dampen her accomplishments and will stop at nothing until shes knocked down a peg at work and in her everyday dealings. Key creative Isabella Carolina Hernandez Vignola lends her skill to the family comedy series featuring 30 episodes. A project from Madrids U-Tad.

The Fast Way

The Foreign Brother, (Szonja Eckert, Hungary)

An extraterrestrial family adopts a child from decaying planet earth whos afraid to give up his spacesuit helmet in fear of dying without it. This causes tension with his future brother, already reluctant of the arrangement, until an accident evokes sympathy and the two form a lasting bond. The tween-focused series is a concept from the Budapest Metropolitan University, with eight 25 minute episodes.

The Foreign Brother

Freshstyle, (Lucie Pradeau, Camille Hummel, France)

Three frog friends who rap on the edge of a drying pond, where social inequalities rise as fast as temperatures. A 2D animation by Angoulemes Emca alumni.

Freshstyle

The Giant Bombardone, (Marco Raffaelli, Italy)

From an original work by Elena Sorrentino, the series follows a young emperor who rules over a mystical forest where logic is abandoned. Its serenity is shaken when the Mother of the Emperor arrives, setting off events that reveal the identity of the Giant Bombardone, a creature who terrorized the ruler. The droll episodic has been created at Turins Centro Sperimentale Di Cinematografia, aimed at ages 6-9.

The Giant Bombardone

Illogical Adult World, (Iryna Harkavets, Ukraine)

An adventure, friendship and inclusion series for teenagers, inviting viewers on a comedic journey with a blue lion, a devil-boy and a shy girl in a fish suit. Together they dive into a bizarre universe where adult life is full of absurdity and unconventional rules.

Inspector, Your Pants!, (Nawel Bahamou, France)

From prestigious Paris-based school Gobelins, Bahamou creates this action comedy for young adults about a 40-year old asthmatic inspector, convinced that his wifes disappearance wasnt an accident and refusing to wear trousers until he gets her back. He finally discovers, however, that she was a complete stranger to him.

Inspector, Your Pants!

Labinocle, (Link Dapoigny, Belgium)

From Brussels school La Cambre, the series narrates the story of a 22 year old trasgender man attending a unique art school located in a mysterious mansion lost in nature, where students can develop their own artistic identity.

Labinocle

Maestitia, (Merel Hamers, Valentin Maupin, France)

Produced by Maupin at Avec ou Sans Vous, it is created by Gobelins Haters, co-director of Thaba Ye, which won the 2023 Yugo BAFTA Student film animation prize. A Dutch folklore-inspired historical drama-musical about overcoming lifes injustices and resisting the temptation to exact revenge. Stien, a 15 year old woman, aims to be a renowned sculptor like her adoptive mother, Truus. But Truus is accused of witchcraft for creating the Basilisk, which turns people into stone with its deadly stare. Stien faces the challenge of defeating the monster.

Maestitia

Mong / My Grandmother is a Skydiver, (Polina Piddubna, Ukraine)

An animated documentary anthology web series on marginalized communities worldwide. My Grandmother focuses on a time-jumping story where a granddaughter, experiencing the invasion of Ukraine, has a phone call from her young grandmother, who is living her best and most peaceful years in 1960s Tajikistan. Piddubna studies at Germanys Filmuniversitat Babelsberg Konrad Wolf in Potsdam.

Mong / My Grandmother is a Skydiver

Moon Wars, (Paula Ruiz, Spain)

Sisters Seh Lin and Mei Lin, descendants of a dead Goddess, team up with other rulers of Luna to fend off evil-doing enemies, the Umbra. Alls at risk as the supernatural peers fight to preserve their continent. Paula Ruiz from Madrids Light Box Academy directs this 30-episode, 20-minute YA drama, with visual creative Alejandra Luque contributing to a TV series that centers friendship and fantasy.

Moon Wars

New Wave, (Fay Orion Antar, Ireland)

Spirited teen Indigo dreams of becoming a famous director and escaping her rural town. She spends her days alongside creative best friends, Margot and Jack, as they revel in their passions and grow into their unique identities. The tween TV series is produced by Shauna Cullen at Irelands Jam Media and directed by Fay Orion Antar of Dublins IADT, with 52, 11-minute episodes.

New Wave

No Pets!, (Davide Veca, Italy)

Luc avoids defying his familys no pet rule by caring for insects and fauna. Enamored, he keeps his pals safe until they return to natural habitats. Created by Ivana Murianni and Alice Gambara, the educational series focuses on sustainability. For kids 5+, the 26 episodes are directed by Davide Veca, set up at Milans Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and produced by Boris Bertolini at Italys Nuvole & Strisce.

No Pets!

Shaman Therapy, (Pauline Pincon, Samuel de Ceccatty, Manon Ardisson, France)

A project from Lyons ATRE-Ecole des Artes du Spectacle, the 10-episode YA fantasy TV series dives into uncharted landscapes of the human mind. The comedy follows former psychology student Adele who hones her latent shamanic abilities and joins quirky best friend Rodrigo and an enigmatic bat spirit named Ella on a subconscious adventure to seek and destroy trauma crystals.

Shaman Therapy

Silence Sometimes, (Alvaro Robles, Spain)

Targeting YA and adult audiences, the feature film from the Instituto de Cine de Madrid focuses on Silvia whos unable to use her voice. Anything she comes in contact with suffers the same fate. She retreats to live a solitary life until meeting musician Marco, wholl challenge her stability. The female-led fantasy is produced by Mireia Vilanove at Cartuna.

Silence Sometimes

Skatebugs, (Daniele Zen, Italy)

Gaia city skateboards that possess lifesaving superpowers mingle with the challenges of puberty in this insect-led comedy series for kids 6-9. The bugs battle it out with metal-loving termites and the robot-slug Smog on their action-packed adventures. Created by Vernante Pallotti, the 20-episode series is produced by Andrea Zingoni at T-Rex Digimation, a project from Milans Civica Scuola di Cinema Luchino Visconti.

Skatebugs

Soul for a Hot Dog, (Myra Hild, Denmark)

In this YA web series, a small town hot dog stand lures customers to bet their souls for a free meal. A hungover young Tobbe will get closer to the action than anyone else and unravel the vendors manipulative ploy, at high-risk. A project from The Animation Workshop and Viborgs VIA University, the eight episodes deal with lore and well-being.

Soul for a Hot Dog

When Monsters Whither, ( Adrian Monferrer, France)

Selected as one of five finalists at 2023s Sony Talent League, the 90-minute comedy places sentiments on display as teenage Hugo is forced to confront his simmering angst while caring for his little brother Nico, who comes equipped with his own set of budding frustrations. Key creative Pablo Alcazar contributesd to the project from Valences La Poudriere.

When Monsters Whither

Zinnia, the Moonlight & Starfish, (Heleen Portheine)

Billed as an animated magical coming-of-age adventure, the series follows Zinnia who comes from a long line of moon fishers. Seeking a career outside of her familial obligation, shell travel alongside her two best friends to magical lands in search of her dreams. The character-driven episodic aims for the 6-9 demographic.

Zinnia, the Moonlight & Starfish

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She's topped the charts around the world, has a legion of fans and has won countless awards for hits like Think Twice and My Heart Will Go On.

But one New Zealand town says it has had enough of Celine Dion , after car drivers joined a craze of blasting out her ballads at 2am.

Residents of Porirua have launched a petition to bring an end to the noise.

But participants of the so-called siren battles say they are a way to express themselves.

The battles involve groups of people gathering in an area with their cars, blasting music from sirens more typically used for emergency warnings.

The idea is to play music from the sirens the loudest - and the clearest.

French-Canadian diva Dion has become the artist of choice not only because of her popular emotional ballads, but because much of her music - including Oscar-winning My Heart Will Go On, from 1997 film Titanic - has high treble, NZ website The SpinOff reports.

"Celine Dion is popular because it's such a clear song - so we try to use music that has high treble, is clear and not much bass," Paul Lesoa, one of founders of a group that runs siren battles in Auckland, told the site.

The cars can have anywhere between seven to 10 sirens, with competitions usually held throughout the night. They take weeks to prepare for, as participants source sirens online and solder speakers and amplifiers to frames that sit on cars.

Mr Lesoa told The SpinOff he felt the stigma around the battles was unfair.

"We just love music, we love dancing, and doing this is better than night clubbing or drinking in a bar in the city, where there's fights etc," he said.

He said he had applied to Auckland Council for a permit but was yet to hear back.

"Basically everyone has a hobby and while our hobby can be quite disturbing and we understand how disturbing it can be, we just want our own proper, safe space away from people to do it."

Wes Gaarkeuken - the author of a petition hoping to stop the siren battles in Porirua, on the North Island - said taxpayers are "tired of the inaction and dismissive attitude shown by the council and the mayor concerning this issue".

The petition has amassed hundreds of signatures and calls on the Porirua City Council to stop people blasting the music all night.

One man, Stephen Lewis, wrote next to his signature that "sleep is a basic human right".

Another woman, Diana Paris, conceded that while she enjoyed listening to Dion "in the comfort of my lounge and at my volume, I do not enjoy hearing fragments of it stopping and starting at any time between 7pm and 2am".

Porirua City Council had previously reached an agreement with those participating in the siren battles, which involved groups going to industrial areas and finishing by 10pm. But the battles have returned to the town.

Mayor Anita Baker told Radio New Zealand she was "sick to death" of the battles and wanted participants to return to areas where not everyone would have to listen to them.

"We haven't got anywhere in our city where there's not houses that would hear anything."

RNZ recently revealed that police had received up to 40 reports of incidents between early February and early October this year.

Earlier this year, Dion cancelled all the shows she had scheduled for 2023 and 2024, telling fans she was not strong enough to tour after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder.
While Pras Michel has been joining in with his Fugees band members on the 25th anniversary of the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Tour, it seems that Michel continues to fight for his freedom.

The Ghetto Superstar rapper, whose real name is Prakazrel Michel, was convicted in April 2023 of several charges, including money laundering, witness tampering, and participating in an illegal international financial scheme where he funneled millions of dollars from Malaysian businessman Jho Low into presidential campaigns for Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

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Pras Michel, a member of the 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on April 3, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Federal prosecutors claimed that Michel received roughly $88 million from Low, whom he met in 2006 at a nightclub in New York. This money was allegedly utilized to increase his influence in the United States on behalf of China and hinder the investigation and prosecution of Low for his involvement in the fraud linked to the collapse of the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MBD. Some of the fund was used to create major Hollywood projects like the 2013 movie The Wolf of Wall Street.

At trial, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. attorney general Jeff Sessions both testified

A jury took three hours to convict Michel of these crimes, based on evidence presented from both sides. Now the Fugees founding member faces up to 20 years in federal prison, but he hopes a last-minute Hail Mary will help him maintain his freedom.

Jho Low paid Rapper Prakazrel Pras Michel of the seven time platinum, GRAMMY award winning Hip Hop group the "Fugees," $20 million to get photographed with President Barack Obama and Michelle in 2012.



Pras is also accused of involvement with Low in three schemes for which pic.twitter.com/LS8pQCHSgw  Sophia Johnson (@Pattyfree) April 27, 2023

Michels new legal team filed a motion on Monday, Oct. 16, alleging that the original attorneys, with a particular focus on the lead lawyer David E. Kenner who represented him during the trial in U.S. District Court in Washington, were deficient throughout the course of the trial.

The new lawyers allege that Kenner used an experimental A.I. program to create a closing argument, adding that he and another lawyer named Alon Israely, appear to have had an undisclosed financial interest in the program EyeLevel.AI.

While it is unclear if the lawyers are investors in the service, a press release from the company quotes one of the lawyers on the laurels of the program  and suggests that he used it in Michels case. The title said, First Use of AL in Federal Trial EyeLevels Litigation Assists Aids Defense in Pras Michel Fraud Case.

According to the release, Kenner said, This is an absolute game changer for complex litigation. The system turned hours or days of legal work into seconds. This is a look into the future of how cases will be conducted.

The claim that Kenner and Israely have put money into the company is being disputed by Neil Katz, founder and chief operating officer of EyeLevel.AI. On Thursday, Oct. 19, Kenner said the allegations were categorically untrue, according to The New York Times.

Katz also dismissed that EyeLevel.AI was solely used, replacing the work that Kenner would have done as Michels defense lawyer.

The idea here is not that you would take what is outputted by a computer and walk it into a courtroom and read it into the record. Thats not what happened here, he said.

Human lawyers take this as one important input that helps them get to the ideas faster, he continued. They ultimately write the legal arguments that they present in a court.

Still, Michels new team said that for him to rely on the technology on such an important part of the case added to prejudicial ineffective assistance of counsel.

The new lawyer office representing the case, ArentFox Schiff, wrote in the filing that Kenner used an experimental artificial intelligence (AI) program to draft the closing argument, ignoring the best arguments and conflating the charged schemes, and he then publicly boasted that the AI program turned hours or days of legal work into seconds.

ArentFox Schiff representation also said it was apparent that Kenner and his co-counsel appear to have had an undisclosed financial stake in the AI program, and they experimented with it during Michels trial so they could issue a press release afterward promoting the program  a clear conflict of interest.

The new attorney is not alone in this belief.

Former federal prosecutor Peter Zeidenberg wrote in a statement that was included with the motion, Michels prior publicist also informed members of the current defense team that Kenner proudly stated at the end of the trial words to the effect of AI wrote our closing,  according to Politico.

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Zeidenberg said he believes that Kenner cared more about promoting his AI program and saving himself from the contempt proceeding than working to keep Michel out of jail.

As he awaits news about a potential retrial, it appears that Michel is enjoying his recent onstage reunions with the other Fugees members, including during a tour stop at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Oct. 17.
John Gottis designer suits, perfectly coiffed hair, and in-your-face cockiness made him a media darling, as did his reputationdue to three separate courtroom acquittalsas The Teflon Don. The Gambino crime family boss was in fact such a 1980s fixture on the news and in the New York City tabloids that he became a national celebrity, complete with Time magazine plastering an Andy Warhol-created portrait of him on its cover, and show business luminaries flocking to his side. According to Netflixs Get Gotti, those included David Bowie, Anthony Quinn, Mickey Rourke, John Amos (I just like the way he carries himself), and Brooke Shields, who one Gotti associate claimsin the docuseries most stunning anecdotegave the godfather her number.

Whether or not this is true, Sebastian Smiths three-part Get Gotti (Oct. 24) paints its subject as a new type of mob boss who viewed himself as akin to a Hollywood A-lister. Signing autographs for fans, soaking up reporters consideration, and flaunting his wealth and power whenever possible, he went out of his way to become a public figure. According to Netflixs latest, that was both the key to his initial success as leader of the Gambino clan and the reason for his downfall, as he attracted such attention, and put such a giant bullseye on his back, that he united Americas disparate law enforcement agencies while bringing la Cosa Nostra out of the shadows and into the light, where it couldnt hope to survive.

A photo of John Gotti

Get Gotti begins with Gotti, a lifelong member (and eventual made man) of the Gambino family, ascending to the throne by ordering the in-broad-daylight Dec. 16, 1985, murder of boss Paul Castellano. From the get-go, it was no secret that Gotti was behind the hit, but knowing things and proving them turned out to be two very different things for the FBI and the Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF). In the wake of this brash assassination, both the feds and the OCTF set their sights on Gotti, albeit separately. Courtesy of interviews with members of both squads, Smiths docuseries lays out the two organizations heated competition to nab the mafioso, which led to a lack of cooperation that, in some cases, allowed their target to walk free.

In the wake of Castellanos demise, OCTF decided that the best way to get dirt on Gotti was to do what the FBI had been incapable of pulling off: plant a bug in the Bergin Hunt and Fish Club, which functioned as Gottis de facto headquarters. Getting into the social club, however, was a difficult task, and through testimonials with OCTF members and sharp dramatic recreations, Get Gotti relays how agents integrated one of their men into the close-knit neighborhood and then employed a cardboard-box ruse to sneak inside. Though they were temporarily halted due to lack of pertinent evidence, OCTF special investigator Gregory Stasiuks scrutiny of these recordings ultimately uncovered snippets of Gotti naming his associates and discussing a variety of offenses. At the same time, prosecutors caught a lucky breakin September 1984, Gotti had physically assaulted refrigerator repairman Romual Piecyk during a traffic altercation and was now facing charges that could earn him 15 years behind bars.

Netflix

Piecyk wouldnt be the person to bring Gotti down; overtly intimidated by his assailant, he deliberately sabotaged his own testimony, resulting in (as local Fox reporter Eric Shawn recalls) the choice New York Post headline, I Forgotti. Department of Justice prosecutor Diane Giacalone was the next to take a shot at the don, using a collection of informants to try to bring him down. Alas, thanks to Gottis attorney Bruce Cutler, most of those individuals were made out to be the untrustworthy lowlifes that they were, and Gotti managed to avoid going to jail for murder, illegal gambling, loansharking, and truck hijackingthe first time anyone had beaten a federal RICO case. In response, Gotti bought a boat and named it Not Guilty, and hed hear those words again when he successfully got off for assaulting labor union bigwig John OConnor. At this point, he truly earned the nickname The Teflon Don.

With great publicity came even greater scrutiny, and with regards to Gotti, also greater motivation by oft-humiliated law enforcement personnel to see justice served. Get Gotti goes step by step through the FBI and OCTFs failed prosecutions while simultaneously having former wise guys Anthony Ruggiano Jr. and Sal Polisi candidly talk about their underworld lives and activities. In those chats (and comments from Gotti associate Andrea Giovino), the series cant help but glorify the mob in a manner similar to 2018s wretched John Travolta-headlined Gotti. Still, director Smith at least offsets that material with a rigorous focus on those who sought to put Gotti away for life. Their dream became a reality in 1992, when Gotti was convicted courtesy of covert FBI and OCTF recordings (made at the Bergin Hunt and Fish Club and his later center of activities, the Ravenite Social Club), as well as the participation of his right-hand man Sammy The Bull Gravano, who chose to turn in evidence after coming to suspect that he was next on his bosss hit list.

Netflix

Get Gotti works hard to cast Gotti as a magnetic villain, with WCBS reporter Barbara Nevins Taylor gushing, John Gotti was a Marvel superhero before there were Marvel movies. This reference makes no sense, but its in keeping with the docuseries generally fawning attitude toward him, epitomized by Giovino proclaiming early on, Who wouldnt want to be a criminal? Nestled into its action is an oh-so-brief critique of the medias culpability in turning Gotti into a star, yet the series is best when investigators and prosecutors get to explain the many creative means by which they attempted to achieve their ends. Moreover, its most insightful at its conclusion, when Gottis courtroom fortunes turn, thanks to damning and profane recordings that reveal him to be, per Shawn, a vulgar thug who had no qualms about executing anyone who stood in his waythereby reminding us that, for all its superficial glitz and glamor, the mob deserves no celebration.

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A long list of Hollywood stars and executives have signed a letter thanking President Joe Biden for his leadership amid the Israel-Hamas war, and asking to keep focus on the hostages in Gaza.

Gal Gadot , Amy Schumer , Jerry Seinfeld , Adam Sandler , Bradley Cooper, Madonna, Courteney Cox, Chris Rock , Bob Odenkirk, Debra Messing , Constance Wu, Justin Timberlake, Tyler Perry, Will Ferrell, Billy Crystal , Tiffany Haddish, Aubrey Plaza, Zack Snyder and Shawn Levy are just some of the celebrities who added their names to the document circulated by a group of Hollywood leaders who launched a website called No Hostage Left Behind. Those who are actively involved in the coalition include Gadot and Schumer.

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We are heartened by Fridays release of the two American hostages, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan and by todays release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity, the letter began.

It continued, explaining that as relieved as they are knowing that some hostages have been released, they are still overwhelmingly concerned over the fact that 220 innocent people remain captive by terrorists and threatened with torture and death.

The letter went on to thank Biden for his moral conviction and support for Jewish and Palestinian people.

We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, the letter read. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.

Read the full letter below (the full list of signatories is here).

Dear President Biden,

We are heartened by Fridays release of the two American hostages, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan and by todays release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity.

But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered  women raped, families burned alive, and infants beheaded.

Thank you for your unshakable moral conviction, leadership, and support for the Jewish people, who have been terrorized by Hamas since the groups founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians, who have also been terrorized, oppressed, and victimized by Hamas for the last 17 years that the group has been governing Gaza.

We all want the same thing: Freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence spread by Hamas. And most urgently, in this moment, freedom for the hostages.

We urge everyone to not rest until all hostages are released. No hostage can be left behind. Whether American, Argentinian, Australian, Azerbaijani, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chilean, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Eritrean, Filipino, French, German, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Kazakh, Mexican, Panamanian, Paraguayan, Peruvian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, South African, Spanish, Sri Lankan, Thai, Ukrainian, Uzbekistani or otherwise, we need to bring them home.

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are taking it to the next levelwhich is apparently some very light PDA. Swifties lit up their corner of the internet on Monday after a picture surfaced of Swift planting a kiss on Kelces cheek in one of Arrowhead Stadiums VIP boxes after the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The snap was shared on Instagram by Chariah Gordon, the girlfriend of Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., and shows Swift with her hand on the tight ends chest as she smooches him. It was the second in a carousel of three photos posted by Gordon; the other images show Swift posing with the whole group and then just with Gordon, who was celebrated by the pop stars fans. Ms Chariah I hope your pillow is always perfectly cool for feeding us like this, one user wrote alongside a crying emoji in the comments. Another wrote: Not the journalist we thought wed get but the journalism we deserved.

Read it at People

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The star said she welcomed alone time to process her thoughts and feelings in the wake of her split from her husband of 14 years, Cory Hardrict

Tia Mowry/Instagram

Tia Mowrys latest social media post is all about self-love.

The former Disney star, 45, took to Instagram to share a series of photos from her trip to Spain and London, which she called transformative.

In some of the photos, Mowry is modeling a cheeky floral bathing suit while soaking up some sun on the bow of a yacht.

Tia Mowry/Instagram

In other snaps, Mowry can be seen lounging topside in a rocky cove surrounded by deep blue water, enjoying some champagne amid incredible countryside views, and posing poolside in denim cut-offs.

Tia Mowry/Instagram

Mowry wrote in the caption that she was in serious need of some solitude and that the vacation was a very introspective trip for her.

As you may have known, I took a trip to Spain and London, and during a significant portion of my trip, I found myself alone. In the solitude I encountered, I learned to embrace stillness and welcome the quiet, she writes.



Tia Mowry/Instagram

Related: Tia Mowry Says She's 'Nervous and Terrified' About Dating After Divorce: 'I'm So Inexperienced'

This newfound peace provided me with the space to listen to my thoughts and, more importantly, afforded me the opportunity to actually process them.," she added. "This trip has been transformative, and I'm looking forward to sharing more of these moments with all of you 



Tia Mowry/Instagram

Mowrys latest Instagram post from her European vacation comes about a year after she filed for divorce in 2022.



She and husband Cory Hardrict ended their marriage after 14 years, a decision she has since said was also in the best interest of their two children  daughter Cairo, 5, and son Cree, 12.

"A part of my decision was also for them, Mowry explained in a cover story for HelloBeautiful. For them seeing their mother walk in truth, I feel like its a great lesson for them because it was not an easy decision.

Tia Mowry Instagram

Related: Tia Mowry Opens Up About Challenges Faced While Breastfeeding Her 2 Kids: 'The Journey Was Difficult'

One month after Mowry and Hardrict parted ways, Mowry spoke to PEOPLE about how she was practicing self care. Its "all about just really taking the time to tap in and take care of myself through meditation, through affirmations, going to therapy and really continuing to work on myself and grow," she said.

"I always say, 'Chase the joy,'" she added. "I really feel like where I am in my life right now, I've realized that life is beautiful, it's amazing, it's a gift, but it's also very short, and we all have to chase our joy and chase being happy. That's really important."

Mowry has since started dating again, but she admitted that its challenging.

In an Instagram post from earlier this month, she shut down rumors speculating that she and Hardrict might get back together, and told followers: Just because the dating life is complicated, doesn't mean I'm going to go back to something that no longer served me. That's like implementing if I don't book an audition or a part as an actor RIGHT AWAY I'm going to give up on my dreams.

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KYODO NEWS - Oct 24, 2023 - 22:21 | World, All

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu has been removed from his post, the country's state media said Tuesday without providing the reason and the name of his successor, nearly two months after he disappeared from public view.

Li's dismissal, which was approved the same day at a Standing Committee session of the National People's Congress or China's parliament, follows the removal of Qin Gang as foreign minister in July after he was mysteriously absent from public duties for one month.

The ouster of both foreign and defense chiefs is an unusual development for Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who started his norm-breaking third five-year term in October last year with a leadership dominated by loyalists.

The top legislature also decided to strip both Li and Qin of their status as state councilors -- a more powerful post than ministers. Li was also deprived of his membership in the Central Military Commission, the highest national defense organization, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Li, who had been appointed defense minister during a parliamentary session in March, was last seen in public on Aug. 29, when he delivered a speech to a security forum with African nations in Beijing.

Two top generals from the Chinese military's Rocket Force, which oversees a unit that handles nuclear weapons, were replaced in July without explanation, fueling speculation that they were being investigated over corruption. Li's disappearance could be linked to the case.

In June, Li held talks with then Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada in Singapore on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.

At the Singapore gathering, China rejected a U.S. proposal for official talks between Li and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging Washington to lift its sanctions on the then defense chief imposed in 2018 over China's purchase of weapons from Russia.

Gen. Liu Zhenli, chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, has emerged as the top contender to succeed Li, according to media reports.

The former commander of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force became a member of the Central Military Commission in October last year.

Parliament also approved a new finance minister and science and technology minister, with Lan Foan and Yin Hejun assuming the respective posts, Xinhua said.

Related coverage:

U.S. believes China defense chief Li under investigation: FT
Emmer was the third speaker-designate put forth by House Republicans this month

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Tom Emmer

Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer dropped out of the race for House speaker on Tuesday, just hours after being nominated for the role by House Republicans.



Emmer, 62, was nominated as the Republicans' newest House speaker candidate on Tuesday afternoon, making him the third speaker-designate put forth by the party this month.

As the current House majority whip, and therefore the third-most powerful Republican in the House, Emmer seemed to be an obvious choice for the role after previous nominees Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan. But as the past few weeks have shown, the traditionally breezy road to winning a speaker election is not an easy one in the divided Republican Party, which has thus far failed to unite behind a candidate.

Related: Tom Emmer Is the GOPs New House Speaker Candidate: What to Know About the Minnesota Congressman

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted from the House's top leadership role in early October

Earlier this month, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a first-of-its-kind recall vote initiated by far-right Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Shortly after McCarthy's historic ouster, Republicans nominated Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority leader, as their candidate to fill the vacancy. The No. 2 House Republican quickly learned that he would not have enough votes to win the formal speaker election, and he soon withdrew himself from consideration for the role.

Last week, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan was selected as the new Republican House speaker nominee, replacing Scalise on the ballot. But after three rounds of voting in the subsequent House speaker election, Jordan was also unable to secure the number of votes needed to win. By Friday, his dreams of the speakership were dashed when members of his own party voted to drop him as the party's nominee.

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Jim Jordan, who was briefly the Republican Party's House speaker-designate

Emmer was then selected to replace Jordan on the ballot Tuesday, surviving less than an afternoon as the speaker-designate. Emmer also had an uphill battle to secure the position in a speaker election, due in large part to his strained relationship with former President Donald Trump  and, therefore, Trump's allies in Congress.

Emmer has been at odds with Trump in the past, such as when he sharply criticized him in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.



When he decided to run for speaker, Emmer attempted to embrace Trump, calling the former president on the phone earlier this week and writing a message to him on Twitter Monday that read, "Thank you, Mr. President. If my colleagues elect me Speaker of the House, I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship."

Related: House Names Temporary Speaker Pro Tempore After Kevin McCarthy's Historic Ousting

But on Tuesday, amid the first round of voting, Trump took to social media to call Emmer a RINO ("Republican in Name Only"), writing, "He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGAMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! ... He is totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters. I believe he has now learned his lesson, because he is saying that he is Pro-Trump all the way, but who can ever be sure?"

Trump continued: "Has he only changed because thats what it takes to win? The Republican Party cannot take that chance, because thats not where the America First Voters are. Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!"

Emmer withdrew when it became clear that he would not receive the necessary votes to win the speaker election, once again initiating a search for the next speaker-designate.

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EXCLUSIVE: United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed up Belgiums buzzy rapper-turned-filmmaker Baloji.

Baloji, who made his directorial debut earlier this year with Omen, has signed with UTA for representation in all areas and will continue to be represented by Juanita Fellag at AS Talents.

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Omen debuted at this years Cannes Film Festival, where it picked up the New Voice Prize in Un Certain Regard. The pic has also secured 13 nominations from the African Movie Academy Awards, the highest number of nominations from AMAA this year.

Described as a magical-realist drama and set in Balojis native Congo, the film follows Koffi, a young Congolese man who  after spending years living in Belgium  returns to his birthplace of Kinshasa to confront the intricacies of his family and culture.

A Belgian-Dutch-Congolese-French-South African co-production, Omen stars Marc Zinga, best known for his work with the Dardenne brothers alongside Lucie Debay, Eliane Umuhire, Yves-Marina Gnahoua, and Marcel Otete Kabeya.

Last month, Belgium announced Omen as its pick for the Best International Feature race at the 2024 Academy Awards. The film was released in Congo earlier this year and will be released in the US by Utopia in 2024. Aya Films is releasing in the UK, Pan Europeenne will release in France, and I Wonder has Italy. Memento is handling sales.

When I met the UTA team, I knew it was going to be an easy choice to sign with them, Baloji said of todays announcement. They impressed me with their understanding of my profile and dedication to preserving my vision for magical realist cinema and African diasporic storytelling. Im looking forward to this relationship and UTAs commitment to building the next chapter of my career.

Beyond his work as a filmmaker, Baloji is known as an interdisciplinary artist, costume designer, and musician. His exhibition Augurism inspired by Omen is currently on view at MoMu Gallery Antwerp. A four-part soundtrack for the film, written by Baloji, will be released in tandem with the films French release in November. His music has previously been released by Bella Union Records.

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Tom Sandoval had it all going for him before he was busted. A loyal partner of almost a decade and a beautiful home. He had a great new bar and was the star of a popular television show. Tom was even headed to Colorado and Winter House before the drama of Scandoval.

About a week before filming of Winter House Season 3, Toms phone leaped out of his not-so-deep pockets and all hell broke loose. Absolutely everything in his life fell apart including his spot on Winter House. Tonight the winter wonderland is back and it will acknowledge Toms absence. E! News shared the details.

No Tom, No Problem

Now you just know Tom had some crisp white outfits to haul to Steamboat Springs and wow everyone with his gift of frosty fashion. Sadly, it wasnt to be because Toms affair was discovered and his life took a different turn.

Sandoval and Tom Schwartz were both tapped for the Winter House cast until his cheating ways slapped him sideways. Schwartz went on his way but Sandoval dropped out of filming.

When Schwartz arrived at the Colorado house, his good buddys absence was acknowledged immediately. Danielle Olivera said, He [Schwartz] had so much anxiety and so it was like the elephant in the room.

Apparently Schwartz knew his goose was cooked and wanted to get it out of the way. And he was like, OK, do you guys want to just talk about it?, Danielle added. Then Schwartz was offered a hug and a drink. Its as easy as that, folks.

Jordan Emmanuel was particularly curious about the drama. I was definitely curious as to how Tom Schwartz was going to be, but I dont know if that was excitement or just being nosy.

Schwartz had to leave one show to film another

(Photo by: Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty Images)

And heres the real kicker. Schwartz had to dip out of Winter House to go film the Vanderpump Rules Season 10 reunion. Then Jordan was really interested. I definitely was asking questions at that point. He needed a lot of support at that point.

Yes, when your best friend lies to everyone and you may or may not be guilty of also lying and covering his deceit the whole time  Schwartz definitely needed support.

You can watch it all go down tonight when Season 3 of Winter House premieres at 9 PM/ET on Bravo.

TELL US  ARE YOU SURPRISED SANDOVAL DROPPED OUT OF FILMING? ARE YOU SHOCKED TOM SCHWARTZ WENT AND FILMED WITHOUT HIM?

Tom Sandoval struggles with self-esteem

More excuses for Sandys mistakes. Reality News Dominique Thompson 1 hour ago

Vanderpump Rules Cast

Youre a wizard, Stassi! Features Jennifer OBrien 2 hours ago

Danielle isnt looking forward to spending time with Schwartz. Reality News Allisun 2 hours ago

The post Winter House Season 3 Will Confront Tom Sandovals Absence appeared first on Reality Tea.
A woman has been arrested in Indiana for murder and several other charges after her mom turned up dead amid an investigation into a burglary and the death of the mother's husband.

Ashley Jones was arrested for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and burglary by the Jackson County Sheriffs Department, Sheriff Rick Meyer announced on October 18.

A burglary investigation led to the discovery of an alleged murder plot

The investigation kicked off when Jones' mother, Marsha Allen, reported on September 19 that her home on North State Road 135 had been burglarized, the sheriff stated. "Officers investigated the burglary, and determined that two men, Steven White and Nathaniel Kane Napier, committed the burglary at the direction of and with the assistance of Marshas daughter Ashley Jones," Meyer wrote.

RELATED: Former MLB Pitcher Arrested in Connection to Father-in-Law's Murder, Mother-in-Law's Attempted Murder

Law enforcement officers examined Allen's cell phone, finding text messages between the mother and daughter "in which they discussed murdering Marshas husband, Harold Allen, by poisoning Harold in December of 2022," Meyer continued.

An online obituary for Harold "Peanut" L. Allen Jr. states that he died at age 52 on December 20, 2022.

After finding the text messages about the alleged poisoning plot, officers served a search warrant at Allen's home, seizing other electronic devices in hopes of finding more evidence.

Authorities spoke with Allen while executing the search warrant and then released her as they continued their investigation.

RELATED: Former NFL Player Sergio Brown Arrested, Facing Murder Charge in Mother's Death

"Marshas family contacted the Jackson County Sheriffs Department October 16, 2023 at approximately 7:52 p.m. and stated that they had been unable to contact Marsha," Meyer wrote. "Upon arriving at Marshas home, officers found Marsha deceased with no signs of violence."

The next day, authorities spoke to her daughter, Jones, who Meyer says confessed to ordering ethylene glycol on the internet. However, Jones claims that "Marsha was the person who had placed the ethylene glycol in Harolds drink," the sheriff stated.

Meyer told Oxygen.com on October 24 that Jones was arrested for the alleged murder of her moms husband, and that the attempted murder charge was for "trying to cause his death prior to the time he did pass." He added that the burglary charge against Jones stems from "when White and Napier committed that act."

"Her moms death is still being investigated, but no foul play is suspected," Meyer told Oxygen.com. "We will have more information as we continue the investigation."

An inmate roster on the Jackson County Sheriff's page lists Jones, 29, as being from Bellflower, Missouri, and states, "Bond Pending or No Bond Required."

Ashley Jones' former in-law suspects her in the death of her late husband

ABC-affiliated Louisville, Kentucky station WHAS-TV spoke to William Jones, the uncle of Jones' late husband, Tyrson Jones. William told WHAS-TV that his nephew was found dead in his home in 2019, days after he got an inheritance from his great grandfather.

RELATED: Natalee Holloway's Mom Says Daughter "Fought Like Hell" Before Joran van der Sloot Killed Her

William believes that Jones had something to do with Tyrson's death. "She had his body cremated quick, fast and in a hurry before the family could even ask for an autopsy or have anything done about it," William told WHAS-TV, adding that Jones had said Tyrson died from alcohol poisoning, but he was never satisfied with that story.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department told WHAS-TV that it's aware of William's claims, but are unable to say at this time whether authorities are looking in Tyrson's death.
Stunning new details emerged Tuesday in the terrifying incident aboard an Alaska Airlines plane where an off-duty pilot is accused of trying to shut down the engines mid-flight.

Joseph David Emerson, who was en route to fly another plane on Sunday, had not slept for 40 hours and had discussed using psychedelic mushrooms, according to a criminal complaint.

At the time of the incident, off-duty captain Emerson was sitting in the flight deck jump seat, which is in the cockpit, Alaska Airlines said.

MORE: TSA investigating after state senator arrested abroad for bringing gun in carry-on

Emerson engaged with the pilots in "casual conversation" before allegedly trying "to grab and pull two red fire handles that would have activated the plane's emergency fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines," prosecutors said.

He allegedly said, "I'm not OK," and reached up to grab the red fire handles, according to the criminal complaint.

But Emerson was "unable" to pull the red T-handles down all the way and fully activate the engine shutoff because of the pilots "wrestling with Emerson," the complaint said.

From the time Emerson said, "I'm not OK" to when he exited the cockpit was about 90 seconds, the complaint said.

PHOTO: Pilot Joseph Emerson in an undated photo. (Joseph Emerson/Facebook)

The fire suppression system on the plane consists of a T-valve handle for each engine, and if those handles are fully deployed, a valve in the wing closes to shut off fuel to the engine, Alaska Airlines said.

The "quick reaction of our crew to reset the T-handles ensured engine power was not lost," Alaska Airlines said.

PHOTO: Pilot Joseph Emerson in a 2016 photo. (Joseph Emerson/Facebook)

The flight was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco when it diverted to Portland, Oregon, the airline said. Emerson was scheduled to be on a flight crew of a 737 leaving San Francisco, according to a federal official.

Flight attendants put Emerson in wrist restraints and sat him in the back of the plane, prosecutors said.

Emerson allegedly told one flight attendant that "he just got kicked out of the flight deck" and "you need to cuff me right now or it's going to be bad," the complaint said.

As the plane descended, Emerson allegedly "tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit" but was stopped by a flight attendant, prosecutors said.

Emerson was taken into custody in Portland and faces charges, including 83 counts of attempted murder, according to officials.

He appeared in court wearing a blue jail uniform on Tuesday but did not address the judge. His attorney, Noah Horst, entered a plea of not guilty.

Emerson is awaiting a release hearing sometime this week.

PHOTO: Passengers Aubrey Gavello and Alex Wood, who were on board Alaska 2059, Oct. 22, 2023. (Aubrey Gavello)

Alaska Airlines said Tuesday that Emerson was "removed from service indefinitely and relieved from all duties at Alaska Airlines," and it was "consulting with our partners in labor regarding his employment status," pending the investigation.

MORE: Off-duty pilot charged with 83 counts of attempted murder for allegedly trying to shut off engines on Alaska Airlines flight

Emerson allegedly told officers he believed he was having a "nervous breakdown," the complaint said.

According to the complaint, he allegedly said, "I pulled both emergency shut-off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up."

Emerson also stated he became depressed about six months ago, according to the complaint.

State charging documents revealed more alleged admissions from Emerson about his mental state.

He allegedly told officers he consumed the psychedelic mushrooms 48 hours before the incident, struggled with depression for six years and that a friend passed away recently, according to state charging documents.

The FBI is investigating when exactly he allegedly took the mushrooms, according to a source familiar with the investigation. They're trying to figure out whether this was a psychedelic trip, a mental health crisis or something else, the source said.

PHOTO: Passengers Aubrey Gavello and Alex Wood, who were on board Alaska 2059, Oct. 22, 2023. (Aubrey Gavello)

Alaska Airlines said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that it was "deeply disturbed" by the allegations revealed in the criminal complaint. It noted that the airline's flight attendants and gate agents are trained to "identify signs and symptoms of impairment."

"At no time during the check-in or boarding process did our Gate Agents or flight crew observe any signs of impairment that would have led them to prevent Emerson from flying on Flight 2059.

There were 80 passengers and four crew members on the flight, according to Alaska.

"We didn't know anything was happening until the flight attendant got on the loudspeaker and made an announcement that there was an emergency situation and the plane needed to land immediately," passenger Aubrey Gavello told ABC News. " About 15 minutes later, she got back on and said that there was a medical emergency."

Gavello said she heard a flight attendant tell the suspect, "We're going to be fine, it's OK, we'll get you off the plane."

"After we did land and the gentleman was escorted off, the flight attendant got back on the speaker and said, plain and simple, 'He had a mental breakdown. We needed to get him off the plane immediately,'" Gavello said.

Alaska said Emerson joined the carrier as a Horizon First Officer in 2001. He then left the airline in 2012 to join Virgin America as a pilot. Emerson returned to Alaska in 2016 when the carrier acquired Virgin America and he became a Captain with Alaska in 2019, the airline said.

Alaska said during Emerson's time with the carrier he "completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked."

The event is being investigated by law enforcement, the airline said. The FBI said it "can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident."

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement to carriers that the incident is "not connected in any way shape or form to current world events."

Pilot who allegedly tried to shut off engines hadn't slept in 40 hours: Authorities originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A South Carolina teen made history at her school after being elected the first Black homecoming queen in the schools history.

Amber Wilsondebriano is a 17-year-old senior at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, S.C., and a proud co-founder of the schools Black Excellence Society.

Wilsondebriano told ABC News that while being the first Black homecoming queen comes with responsibility, it also comes with a great sense of pride and honor.

Being the first African American homecoming queen means that children get to look at me and see themselves in me, Wilsondebriano told ABC News. It's so important that they see that representation and know that anything is attainable for them.

The Porter-Gaud School, founded in 1867 as the Holy Communion Church Institute, is an Episcopal private school that became co-educational in 1972, the school told ABC News in a statement. The 1976-1977 school year was the first time a student was crowned homecoming queen. The student body nominates classmates to the homecoming court who they believe demonstrate strong character, leadership and are positive role models, the school said.

Porter-Gaud Head of School DuBose Egleston, in a statement to ABC News, said Wilsondebriano is a wonderful example of a student who exemplifies the schools mission.

We celebrate Amber's election as she joins the many noteworthy homecoming queens weve had since our school became co-educational in 1972, Egleston said. We are fortunate to have Amber as a member of our community, and we are pleased that Amber and her family have had such a positive and meaningful experience during their 12 years here on our campus.

PHOTO: Amber Wilsondebriano first black homecoming queen in the school's history. (Courtesy Monique Wilsondebriano)

Porter Gaud is a predominantly white institution, however Wilsondebriano said the school provides different opportunities for all students, and she has loved her 12 years at the school.

The students are able to have such a positive experience regardless of race, Wilsondebriano said.

MORE: Undocumented immigrant turns Ph.D. hopes into reality

Wilsondebriano has been an active member in her schools community. She has co-founded many clubs, but told ABC News the Black Excellence Society holds special significance.

We started this club at Porter-Gaud because we felt that the Black students needed a space to share their identity and share their culture with each other and learn more, Wilsondebriano said.

MORE: Team USA swim coach opens up about lessons learned from his father

Wilsondebriano said her parents were overjoyed when she won homecoming queen. She said her mother, who doesn't usually cry, was brought to tears.

Her mother, Monique Wilsondebriano, told ABC News she always knew Amber was special.

We're proud of Amber, you know, Amber has always had this light, Monique said. Its just something special about her, and we all say it, we all see it.

Wilsonbebrianos father, Chevalo Wilsondebriano, told ABC News this win characterizes what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hoped to accomplish with his work.

They chose her; people in her grade, in her class chose her not for the color of her skin, but for the content of her character, Chevalo Wilsondebriano said. This is the type of realization that Dr. King was looking for.

PHOTO: Amber Wilsondebriano and her dad Chevalo Wilsondebriano as Amber is announced homecoming queen. (Monique Wilsondebriano)

Wilsondebriano said she has many aspirations, including writing childrens books, modeling and acting, but painting is her passion. She plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall of 2024.

When asked what she would say to her younger self, Wilsondebriano said she would tell her, "Your Blackness is your pride."

Editor's note: This story has been updated.

South Carolina teen elected first Black homecoming queen in school's history originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis traded memes and criticisms while, elsewhere on the trail, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott made an unusual warning about Chinese students in the U.S., President Joe Biden slammed a decision to restrict abortion in a key swing state -- and a suspected Democratic primary candidate may have just sent out his first bus of the cycle.

Here are Tuesday's campaign takeaways.

The 'kiss of death' for DeSantis? No way, he says

Former President Trump and his campaign spent the day seizing on the 60-day deadline of what he has called the "kiss of death" timeline for GOP primary rival DeSantis.

That refers to a deadline set by a DeSantis-aligned super PAC strategist telling donors ahead of the first primary debate that the Florida governor had 60 days to catch up to Trump, who remains the most popular candidate in polling, with DeSantis at No. 2.

Trump's team launched a "kiss of death" countdown and has been posting social media compilations of DeSantis' gaffes throughout the cycle -- as well as fundraising off of it. The DeSantis campaign fired back with a "Trump accident tracker."

Asked by ABC News about the focus on the "kiss of death," DeSantis downplayed it entirely.

"They [the super PAC] do what they want to do. I think that that's fine. I don't think very many people think that that was a very smart thing to do with whatever was going on with that," he said, adding, "We go in and let it rip."

DeSantis then criticized Trump for not participating in any of the debates. Trump has said he sees no point, given his lead.

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie and Lalee Ibssa

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Derry, N.H. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the 2023 First in the Nation Leadership Summit in Nashua, N.H. (Getty Images)

Biden officially bows out of New Hampshire

The Biden campaign will officially not file for him to be on the ballot for the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary amid an ongoing conflict between the state, which is mandated by law to vote first in the primary, and the national Democratic Party that changed its primary calendar to prioritize states that it feels are more representative of its voters, like Michigan and South Carolina.

In a letter to the New Hampshire Democratic Party, the Biden campaign wrote, "While the president wishes to participate in the primary, he is obligated to comply with the Delegate Selection Rules."

State Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley responded on X saying that Biden will still "win the nomination in Chicago and will be reelected next November.

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh

Scott singles out Chinese national students

During a speech at a stop in Indianola, Iowa, Scott seemed to tell the crowd that they should be wary of Chinese foreign national students on college campuses.

"I am concerned that we are more interested in their tuition [and] we aren't sure whether they're reporting back to the Chinese Communist Party," he said.

He prefaced the comments by saying "This is not necessarily the most popular thing I'm gonna say."

At the second stop, in Creston, Iowa, Scott was asked by a reporter whether or not he was questioning those students' allegiance. He responded, "Yes."

-ABC News' Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Libby Cathey and Fritz Farrow

Biden decries Georgia anti-abortion ruling

The Georgia Supreme Court upheld the state's six-week abortion ban in a new ruling -- keeping the status quo and drawing a sharp reaction from President Joe Biden's reelection campaign as Democrats focus on the issue, which polls show have been motivating for some voters in the past.

"Today's decision in Georgia is a direct result of Donald Trump, Brian Kemp, and MAGA Republicans' attacks on a woman's fundamental freedom to make her own health care decisions. As MAGA Republicans running for president champion a national abortion ban, the stakes couldn't be higher," Biden's campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, said in a statement.

In his own statement, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp praised the news after publicly supporting the restrictive law last year on the campaign trail: "Today's victory represents one more step towards ending this litigation and ensuring the lives of Georgians at all ages are protected."

-ABC News' Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Libby Cathey and Fritz Farrow

Dean Phillips seems to roll closer to 2024 launch

As speculation continues over whether Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips will enter the 2024 presidential race and challenge Biden in the Democratic primary, a bus with "Dean Phillips for President" on the side was spotted in Ohio and first reported by a local Minnesota radio station on X.

The trajectory of the bus would seem to put it on track to arrive in New Hampshire in time for Friday's filing deadline to compete in the Democratic primary there.

The bus slogan state, "Make America Affordable Again" and includes Phillips signature line, "Everyone's invited!"

A source familiar with Phillips previously told ABC News over the weekend that he hadn't made a final decision about running but was making preparations and was close to jumping in.

National Democrats have rallied around Biden's bid for a second term, though he already faces a long shot challenge from speaker and author Marianne Williamson.

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh

Sununu teases an endorsement in GOP primary

In a joint radio interview with DeSantis, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who has relished his prominent role as a popular leader in an early voting state, said there were "a couple candidates that I could definitely endorse" for the Republican presidential nomination.

He later said he would likely back someone who is or has been the governor of a state -- which would eliminate candidates like Scott and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

"As soon as I know, I'll let everybody else know. I mean, really, I'm not very good at being coy," Sununu told host Jack Heath.

"I think the third debate is going to be really impactful," he added. "You're going to have a smaller crowd, they're all going to have a little more airtime."

"And, you know, if I make an endorsement, I make an endorsement," he said. "Don't put too much stock in my endorsement."

-ABC News' Will McDuffie and Hannah Demissie

Trump tries to taunt DeSantis with the 'kiss of death,' and more campaign takeaways originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Move over sugar cookies.

Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox

Milk and cookies, plus maybe a few carrots for the reindeer, might be what Santa is expecting on Christmas Eve, but why not leave out something a little more special and unique to the South? And we're not talking pimiento cheese, potato salad, Brunswick stew, or gumbo: Those beloved recipes won't curb a sweet tooth.

Some of these Santa-worthy desserts are tied to individual states, like Kentucky Bourbon Balls, or are even hyper-local to a particular city, like Round Top's Texas Trash Pie; others are claimed by the wider South, like pralines and cheese straws. But wherever in the region the recipe hails from, you're sure to be on Santa's nice list when you give him a taste of the South with these treatsmany of which have garnered attention outside of their hometowns to become widely known as Southern specialities. This season, switch out your ho-hum cookies for one of these regional treats Santa is sure to love.



Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Although the name suggests otherwise, this chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting hails from Dallas, Texas, and dates back to the 1950s. As one of the most popular Southern cakes of all time, your family is sure to enjoy it before you leave out a slice for Santa.

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Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Any guesses where this decadent dessert first got its start? The rich chocolate cake speckled with pecans is topped with a layer of marshmallows then drizzled with chocolate frosting after baking.



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Antonis Achilleos

As one of the South's most beloved desserts, the combination of bourbon, chocolate, and pecans is hard to beat. Also known as Derby Pie, its history is more layered than one might expect.



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Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

While cheese straws might not be tied to a particular part of the South, you might find the recipes vary slightly by region. Regardless, these six-ingredient, cheesy snacks with a hint of heat are truly beloved by all.

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Skyler Burt; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Karen Rankin

While every Southerner claims to have their own perfect version of this old-time classic, we're claiming this recipe as the ultimate simple Southern delicacy. And we think Santa will agree when he gets a slice.



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Jessica Furniss

The original recipe for Texas Trash Pie was created by the Royer family in Round Top, Texas. While it's still a staple in the Texas Hill Country, you'll find bakers across the South making this pie that relies on pantry staples.

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Micah A. Leal

If you've ever been to New Orleans, chances are you've stopped by the historic Cafe du Monde to try their famous beignets and chicory coffee. Our recipe is a taste of the fan-favorite doughnuts at home.

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Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

We can all thank the Bluegrass State for these six-ingredient, no-bake confections that get an extra coating of chocolate. You're practically guaranteed to be left with an empty platejust be sure to save one for Saint Nick.

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Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox

This pecan praline recipe is specific to the Lone Star state where they are relatively flat, hard, and somehow both creamy and crispy. If they're chewy, they're not Texan.

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Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

These small bites pack a powerful punch thanks to the Southern spirit. While they've been a long-time favorite across the region, they're said to have originated in Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1938.

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Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

It's not exactly clear how Texas got the credit for this fudgy sheet cake, but what we do know is it's a crowd favorite that Santa is sure to devour.



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Emily Laurae/Southern Living

This well-known New Orleans favorite puts a Southern twist on a traditional European sweet with Southern-grown pecans and rich buttermilk.



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Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Inspired by MoonPies which have been made in Chattanooga since 1917, this layered pie is made with a graham cracker crust, rich and silky chocolate filing, and marshmallow meringue.



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Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This traditional Southern dessert shouldn't be confined to backyard barbecues. While it's not connected to a certain state, no one from Texas to Virginia can resist this homemade dish with layers of vanilla wafer cookies, banana slices, vanilla custard homemade, and fluffy meringue.

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Hector M. Sanchez

Though you'll now find bananas foster on menus across the United States, the recipe was originally created in 1951 at Brennan's, an iconic New Orleans restaurant. The simple recipe is decadent enough for a holiday dinneror Santa's midnight snack.



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Read the original article on Southern Living.
Inspiration to step up your home's staircase game.

When decorating room by room in a multi-level home, the stairs might ironically fall through the cracks. Rather than an afterthought, interior designers reveal that the staircase is actually a stellar spot with big design potential.

"Staircases make a big impact, whether positive or negative, so it's definitely a design priority," says interior designer Mimi Meacham.

I call the staircase the spine of the home, agrees fellow interior designer Susan Riddle. It's often the place where you can make a statement because staircases in the foyer are the first face that guests encounter. Make it fun and make it interesting.

To rise to Riddles staircase occasion, weve compiled our most noteworthy design inspiration. These ideas offer an entryway stair style, simple but high-impact staircase updates, and ample scenes to inform your next refresh. When done right, a staircase can steal the spotlight from any room and welcome guests in style.







Meet The Expert

Susan Riddle is the founder and principal designer of Susan Riddle Interiors in Dallas, Texas.

Marian Louise "Mimi" Meacham is the principle interior designer for Marian Louise Design in Houston, Texas.







Gallery Wall

Stairways offer fantastic opportunity for a gallery wall. Hang an array of family photos, framed art, or any other medium to fill the space in a dynamic, artistic fashion.

Interesting Rail

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

The railing is someplace where subtle yet impactful design is not only possible, but encouraged. Choose an unexpected silhouette, different color finish, or another material altogether.

Geometric Runner

Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Liz Strong

If a bold pattern like leopard print isn't quite your speed, there's no need to avoid a runner completely. A solid color can be lovely, as can a classic, geometric style pattern.

Timeless Style

Dane Tashima; Styling by Raina Kattelson

"Keep it simple to elevate the design," recommends Meacham. "The simple elegance of a thin, iron staircase is timeless and elegant."

Jewel Newel

Laurey W. Glenn

The post at the end of the stairs, the newel, is an oft overlooked world of possibilities. A bold or detailed post can transform the entire case.

Runner-Free

Brian Woodcock

As much as we love a charming runner, something about a bare stair is so chic. Just make sure to apply a coat of anti-slip floor finish or incorporate adhesive grips so that wooden stairs aren't a slippery hazard.

Festive Decor

Laurey W. Glenn; Floral Design: Mary Cox Brown; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Remember that the stair case is prime real estate come the holidays. Still, this space can shine all year long.

Low Hanging Fruit

Hector Manuel Sanchez The designer chose all black frames to make the entryas gallery wall feel cohesive.

Just as the wall adjacent to the stairs is a wonderful spot to hang art, so to is the wall just below. Take advantage of all the wall space a staircase enables.

Shiplap

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Shiplap is one of our favorite ways to seamlessly spruce up any spaceand the staircase is no exception. Without any further adornments, this stairwell wall provides clean design, but can also be a foundation for more wall art.

Window Treatment

Photo: Erica Dines

If you're lucky enough to have a window gracing your stairwell, then we envy your natural light. Boost the window's design stronghold by adding a charming treatment.

Patterned Runner

Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins

Even if you tend to keep carpets throughout the house simple, the runner can break the mold. Add wow-factor to a simple space with a loud runner ascending the stairs.

Eye-Catching Lighting

ALISON GOOTEE; Styling by Dakota Willimon

A stunning chandelier or interesting set of sconces may be the finishing touches your stairwell is missing. Here, a coral-inspired fixture matches the effortlessly beachy entryway staircase.



Open Risers

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Stylish open riser stairs all for light to pass right through the stairs. Instead of a heavy and prominent piece of the foyer, these open risers don't stand out but still make a statement.

New Colors

Photo: Eric Piasecki

Here, these homeowners took advantage of the opportunity afforded by the staircase to bring a new color into the foyer. This pretty teal complements not only the foyer, but also surely makes an impression on the second floor at the top of the stairs.

Alcove

Michael Hunter

A grand staircase often involves some twists and turns. If your stairwell can spare the space, make the most of available alcoves by adding pleasing furniture and decor.

Wall Molding

Robbie Caponetto

This color-blocked stairwell is stylish and striking. Subtle intrigue is added by molding on the wall tracing the stairs.

Forged Iron

Joe Purvis & Marilyn Kay

"I love a beautiful runner and hand-forged iron," says Riddle. "So, I love creating iron design on the staircase and I think that it makes a statement."

Extra Decor

Laurey W.Glenn

A runner, wall art, and light fixtures aren't the only potential decorative additions to the stairwell. If space allows, incorporate even more interest, like in this stairwell where blue and white vases tie together the foyer.

Wood Forward

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Adam Fortner

Deck out your stairway with wallpaper, vibrant art, and an eye-catching runner, or keep it simple. This staircase makes the most of wood, incorporating straightforward wood in multiple finishes, and matching wood furniture below and wicker wall art up high.

Match Style

Laurey W. Glenn

"I believe the staircase should blend in easily with the home's design and surroundings," says Meacham.

Here, the homeowner's clear modern farmhouse style translates throughout the house and even on the stairs, where the railings are inspired by barn doors.

Matching Rug To Runner

In this stunning home, the stairway runner and the foyer rug are more like cousins than siblings. Their colors complement each other rather than being too matchy-matchy.

Spiral Staircase

Laura Sumrak

All the same decorating rules still apply on a non-average staircase. Whether it's a spiral staircase or one that's not in the foyer, a guiding path for elegant stairs is to consider a runner, art, and lighting.

Ladder Style

Laura Sumrak

A ladder is a cute and quirky addition to any home that instantly builds charm. Be sure to include deep-enough risers at not too steep intervals so that climbing the ladder is as easy as any other staircase.

Extra Embellishment

Photo: Anna Routh Barzin Styling: Kendra Surface

"Simple, yet unique details enhance the surrounding spaces and blend beautifully with the rest of the house," says Meacham. In this case, carvings in the wooden railing slats truly bring that simple yet stunning extra something-something.

Don't Distract

Brie Williams; Styling: Kate Malpeli

In some cases, you may not want your staircase to be the focal point like you would in a foyer. Rather than making a bold statement, this staircase blends in to frame the home's kitchen.

Black And White Base

Laurey W. Glenn

If you're one for bold seasonal decorating, establish your staircase as a place that's able to support any festivities and its associated color scheme. Hardly a blank canvas and still interesting year-round, this black and white stairwell is sure to look lovely with warm-toned fall decor, Christmas color schemes, Easter adornments, or any other additions thrown its way.

Art Feature

Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo

"If you want to keep the budget down [on a stairway update], then you could paint the stairs a beautiful color, and then add a beautiful runner," recommends Riddle. "Then later, add a great light and artwork."

Nearby Nook

Photo: Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason

Carve out space below the stairs to establish the perfect reading nook. Pile up the space with pillows and padding for optimal coziness.

Elevated Neutrals

Laurey W. Glenn

Vibrant colors are hardly the only way to decorate a visually interesting staircase. Here, intriguing patterns and texturesall in neutral colorsadd up to a satisfying space that's not wanting for more.

First Impression

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY W. GLENN; STYLING BY KENDRA SURFACE

Because stairways are often in the foyer, they are a big part of guest's first impressions of your home. This staircase certainly sets the tone for the rest of the home, in addition to literally forming a scene, thanks to non-repeating patterned wallpaper.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.
Ben Gravy is usually surfing weird waves all over the world like boat wakes in Germany and storm waves in Belgium.

But recently, he's been staying close to home surfing hurricane swell on the East Coast and shredding San Diego with Jacob Zeke Szekely. Now he's going global again.

Last week, he revealed his newest surf adventure where he aims to surf seven seas in seven days.

And now, the journey begins.

Gravy captioned the video above:

"It's been a few years in the making & 7 Seas in 7 Days is finally underway! Video sponsored by Ridge. I'm typing this from the Newark airport, where in less than one hour, we'll be boarding our first, of many, planes to Tokyo, Japan.

"I have no idea what to expect, but I want the entire Gravy Navy to know how grateful I am for your stoke & support during this epic journey FOR THE DREAM! - Ben"

He explained the details:

"On October 31 we are gonna be setting out on the one of the biggest missions, journeys, projects, I've ever done. '7 Seas in 7 Days,' it says it in the title but we're gonna be surfing seven different oceans around the world in seven days.

"And at the same time nearly circumnavigating the world. We're gonna be traveling over 30,000 miles. It's absurd."

Press play to watch Gravy get ready for his biggest mission yet.

Viewers were psyched in the comments below:

"Cool video man say safe and never give up."

"Yeah man!! The stoke is real!!"

"Cool video man say safe and never give up. "

"You go Ben....go while your young and able...always play if safe...get as much rest as possible during trip...love seeing you travel to different places and the different tubes..."

***

Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.

Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 24, 2023 - 20:19 | All, Japan

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Tuesday it will withdraw from the Chinese market amid a sales slump while investing up to 200 million euros ($212 million) in Renault SA's electric vehicle venture in an effort to speed up the development of zero-emission vehicles.

The Japanese automaker halted production in China in March amid stiff competition with local brands, and it will stop selling cars as soon as the inventory runs out.

Mitsubishi had been making mainly gasoline-powered cars at a factory in Hunan Province under a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group.

Its vehicle sales in China for the first eight months of this year fell 47.6 percent from a year earlier to 12,497.

The announcement comes as an industry-wide shift to EVs is accelerating worldwide. Japanese carmakers, often seen as slow to embrace EVs, are struggling to maintain their presence in the global market amid growing competition from overseas rivals like Tesla Inc. and BYD Co.

Mitsubishi's decision follows Nissan Motor Co.'s announcement in July that it will invest 600 million euros in Renault's venture as part of its partnership review with the French automaker.

The latest investment plan means the three alliance partners will join hands in launching the new EV company, named Ampere. Previously, Mitsubishi was not clear on its interest in the firm, although it kept saying it was considering investing in it.

The company said it will expand its battery-powered vehicle lineup through the venture, adding it plans to sell EVs produced by Ampere under its own brand in the European market.

Mitsubishi is not alone in being hit by falling sales in the Chinese market. Sales of Nissan for the January-August period fell 26.3 percent, Honda Motor Co. dropped 24.0 percent while Toyota Motors Corp. also marked a 5.1 percent decline.

Related coverage:

Mitsubishi Motors eyes ending production in China amid sales slump
Big Brothers Jordan flirts with Matty as downbeat husband Henry watches on in awkward love triangle

Big Brother contestant Jordan appeared to flirt with housemate Matty in front of husband Henry as their awkward love triangle intensified on Sunday nights show.

Jordan and Matty cosied up on the sofa as third wheel Henry stood behind them looking downbeat.

Jordan was seen running his fingers through Matty's hair prompting the doctor to playfully hit him with a cushion.

Henry moved away from the sofa, looking sad.

Jordan then complimented Matty, telling him he liked his shorter hair. He said: "I'm very selective, you know."

Henry then returned and sat on the other side of Matty and the three sat awkwardly in silence.
It also alleges the social media giant is collecting the personal data of children under the age of 13 without their parents' consent.

martin-dm / Getty Images

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

We know social media is addictive, not only for kids but for adults as well. Now, a bipartisan group of 33 attorneys general is seeking to prove that Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) makes its social media products addictive on purpose.

The Attorneys General have filed a federal lawsuit alleging Meta knowingly creates features on Facebook and Instagram in order to make their products addictive to children and teens. The impact of this, according to the lawsuit, is the damage to young people's mental health and contribution to the youth mental health crisis in the United States.

Not only have these 33 attorneys general signed onto a federal lawsuit, but nine other attorneys general have filed similar lawsuits in their own states. That means almost every single state in the country is going after Meta for this.







States Listed in the Federal Lawsuit

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.











Attorneys General Filing State Lawsuits

Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.







What is Meta Accused of Doing?

The lawsuit, filed in California, is 233 pages long. The first paragraph in the summary of the case really spells it all out.

"Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," the lawsuit reads.

It goes on to say Meta has hidden the ways its platforms "exploit and manipulate...teenagers and children." The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of ignoring the damage it has already caused to the mental health of our young people. In doing so, the lawsuit calls Meta's "deceptive" conduct a "violation of state and federal law."

In particular, the lawsuit says the features on Facebook and Instagram are designed to keep children and teens on their platforms longer and longer. The lawsuit names the following features as impactful on kids' mental health:

Algorithms that recommend content to keep kids on the platforms longer.

Likes and social comparison features known by Meta to harm young users.

Non-stop alerts designed to bring young users back to Meta's platforms constantly, including while they are at school and during the night.

Visual filters that can promote young users body dysmorphia.

Certain content-presentation formats, such as infinite scroll, which don't allow kids and teens' attempts to self-regulate their time online.



Another section of this lawsuit accuses Meta of violating the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting the personal data of kids under the age of 13 without their parents' consent. A Meta spokesperson tells Parents the company doesn't knowingly collect information from anyone under 13. Although age 13 is usually the minimum age for kids to join social media platforms, a report from the U.S. Surgeon General showed nearly 40% of children between ages 8-12 are on social media.

According to a news release from New York Attorney General Letitia James, the coalition is trying to stop Meta from using these tactics and obtain penalties and restitution.

Social Media and the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Attorney General James directly blames the youth mental health crisis on social media companies like Meta.

"Meta has profited from childrens pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem," Attorney General James says in a news release. "Social media companies, including Meta, have contributed to a national youth mental health crisis and they must be held accountable."

Some of the mental health issues children and teens are seeing are an increase in depression, anxiety, and insomniaand it can interfere with school and their daily lives.

Meta's own research has shown links between the use of social media platforms and harm to kids' mental health. It was brought to light by a whistleblower in 2021. That's when Frances Haugen said Facebook chose "profits over safety." She also said that Meta knew Instagram was making body image issues worse among teenagers.

Our bipartisan investigation has arrived at a solemn conclusion: Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits, California Attorney General Rob Bonta says in a news release. With todays lawsuit, we are drawing the line. We must protect our children and we will not back down from this fight."

What's Meta's Response to the Lawsuit?

In a statement to Parents, a Meta spokesperson says, We share the attorneys generals commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced more than 30 tools to support teens and their families. Were disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path.

Meta says it has been talking with the attorneys general about the ways it is supporting kids and teens on its platforms. The spokesperson says mental health is complex and there are many other issues that can contribute including school, substance abuse, income inequality, and access to mental health resources and professions.

The Meta spokesperson also highlighted some of the tools the company has developed including setting accounts to private for anyone who joins under the age of 16, using technology to verify ages, tools for parental supervision, and reminders for teens to take breaks from Instagram. The company says these tools are working.

Related: Latinx LGBTQ Young People at Greater Risk of Suicide

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Read the original article on Parents.
The airline is launching new routes from Mississippi to both Las Vegas and Tampa; and from North Carolina to Ohio.

Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways is adding new routes next year from Mississippi and North Carolina, the latest expansion plans from the constantly-growing airline.

Starting Jan. 12, 2024, Breeze will launch flights from Gulfport, MS, to both Las Vegas and Tampa, the airline shared with Travel + Leisure. Breeze will then launch flights between Raleigh-Durham and Akron-Canton in Ohio starting on Feb. 2.

Breeze seeks to connect cities that currently dont have any nonstop flight options, Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey said in a statement shared with T+L. Now residents of Gulfport and Biloxi will have convenient and affordable service to Las Vegas or Tampa, two of the countrys most popular destinations. Were also excited to continue our expansion from both Raleigh-Durham and Akron-Canton, connecting those great cities.

MediaNews Group/The Riverside Press-Enterprise/Getty Images

To kick off the new routes, Breeze will put flights on sale starting at $29 one-way from Mississippi to Tampa and starting at $59 to Las Vegas, as well as starting at $39 one-way between Raleigh-Durham and Akron-Canton. To take advantage of the sale, tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 30 for travel by Sept. 3, 2024.

In addition to the new routes, Breeze is offering 10,000 bonus BreezePoints to travelers who book a roundtrip flight by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 26, and bundle up by purchasing either a Nicer or Nicest fare bundle, the airline told T+L. The offer is valid for travel from Oct. 31 through Feb. 13, 2024.

BreezePoints can be used to purchase flights or pay for extras like baggage fees or seat selection.

Breeze was founded in 2021 by former JetBlue founder David Neeleman and operates a low-cost model with three fare options: Nice, Nicer, and Nicest, which includes the companys newest product, Breeze Ascent, that comes with checked baggage, complimentary snacks and beverages, and in-seat AC power and USB and USB-C charging ports.

The airline, which was named one of the best domestic airlines by T+L readers, has been expanding rapidly with new flights to Florida, Illinois, and beyond.

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Halloweentown is a beloved Disney Channel original movie thats been enjoyed by generations of children. Now, for its 25th anniversary, the cast of the classic Halloween film has reunited - but one thing about the all-grown-up cast seems different.

Over the weekend, some members of the original Halloweentown movie - which aired on Disney Channel back in October 1998 - gathered together in St Helens, Oregon, where the beloved childrens movie was filmed.

Kimberly J Brown, who played 13-year-old witch Marnie Piper in the film, took to Instagram on 22 October to share a photo with her former castmates: Joey Zimmerman, who portrayed her pesky brother Dylan; Emily Roeske, her younger sister Sophie; and Phillip Van Dyke who played Luke, a teen goblin who asked the towns evil warlock Kalabar to make him look handsome.

One thing I love about coming up to St Helens, OR is seeing old friends, Brown captioned the sweet reunion post. @jpaulzim, @officialemilyroeske and @phillvandyke and I had to take a pic before the day began!

As it turns out, Van Dyke, now 39, didnt need a magic spell to glow up all these years later. In the photo, he was seen towering over the rest of his Halloweentown co-stars, with his arm sleeve of tattoos on full display. Fans in the comments section immediately swooned over the former actor, while others were quick to point out that their love for Luke never wavered.

Man and I thought I had a huge crush on Luke back then, commented one Instagram user.

Did Luke make another deal with Kalabar?!? joked someone else.

Meanwhile on TikTok, one fan posted an entire video detailing her reaction when she realised it was Van Dyke standing next to the Halloweentown cast. Marnie, aka Kimberly J Brown, posted a picture talking about meeting up with old friends, she began the viral clip. I was like: Who the f*** is that in the corner?

Its motherf****ing Luke, yall, she said. Oh my God, Im shook.

In the comments, one fan wrote: I had a crush on Luke as a kid and now here I am, crush reignited.

When I say silver fox this what I mean, said someone else.

Van Dyke starred as Luke in the first two installments of Disneys Halloweentown series, including Halloweentown and Halloweentown II: Kalabars Revenge. The actor is also known for voicing lead character Arnold Shortman in the second season of Nickelodeons Hey Arnold! and appearing as 16-year-old Christopher Hayden in Gilmore Girls season three. He left Hollywood shortly after the second Halloweentown movie in 2001.

Speaking to Bustle in 2015, the San Francisco native revealed hes been married to his wife Jennifer since December 2009 and they have two children: daughter Paris and son Flynn. In an interview with E! News in 2020, he expressed his interest in returning for another Halloweentown installment, but only if the rest of the cast also returned.

You know what, I think I could be talked into it, Van Dyke said. If the rest of the cast came back and wanted to do that, I would be up for it. Ill actually go on record and say I would.

While some Halloweentown co-stars have reunited over the years, two cast members have gone so far as to spark up a romance and even get engaged. Brown is currently engaged to actor Daniel Kountz, who played Kal in Halloweentown II. They first met in 2001 on the set of the second film series, but didnt start dating until 2016. In June 2022, the pair announced that they were engaged.
An Ivy League student with a heart condition died after drinking Panera Breads charged lemonade, a large cup of which contains more caffeine than cans of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks combined, according to a lawsuit.

The legal complaint, which was filed Monday morning in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and was first obtained by NBC News, calls the beverage a dangerous energy drink and argues that Panera failed to appropriately warn consumers about its ingredients.

Panera Bread did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The suit was filed on behalf of the parents of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student who had taught CPR in underserved communities and had been a research assistant at a childrens hospital. Katz had a heart condition called long QT syndrome type 1 and avoided energy drinks at the recommendation of her doctors, according to the filing.

Sarah Katz. (Courtesy Katz family)

On Sept. 10, 2022, Katz purchased a charged lemonade from a Panera Bread in Philadelphia, according to the suit. She went into cardiac arrest hours later, said her roommate and close friend, Victoria Rose Conroy.

She was very, very vigilant about what she needed to do to keep herself safe, Conroy said. I guarantee if Sarah had known how much caffeine this was, she never would have touched it with a 10-foot pole.

The charged lemonade was offered side-by-side with all of Paneras non-caffeinated and/or less caffeinated drinks and was advertised as a plant-based and clean beverage that contained as much caffeine as the restaurants dark roast coffee, according to photos of both the menu and beverage dispensers in the store, which were included in the wrongful death lawsuit.

But at 390 milligrams, the large charged lemonade has more caffeine than any size of Paneras dark roast coffee, the complaint says  numbers that the nutrition facts on Paneras website confirm. The charged lemonade also has guarana extract, another stimulant, as well as the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar, the complaint continues, adding that 390 milligrams of caffeine is higher than the caffeine content of standard cans of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks combined. Katz had gotten the large cup, which is 30 fluid ounces, according to the attorney representing her family.

I think everyone thinks lemonade is safe. And really, this isnt lemonade at all. Its an energy drink that has lemon flavor, said Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at Philadelphia-based law firm Kline & Specter, PC. It should have an adequate warning.

The lawsuit alleges the charged lemonade is defective in design because it is a dangerous energy drink.

These unregulated beverages include no warning of any potentially dangerous effects, even the life-threatening effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and/or brain function, it says.

Conroy described Katz as an excellent student and the most involved and passionate person Ive ever met, someone who would smile and wave to everyone on campus. She was careful to tell people that she couldnt consume energy drinks and made other modifications for her health condition, but she never let it stop her from achieving the things that she wanted to do, Conroy said.

Katz had been diagnosed with long QT syndrome at the age of 5, according to Crawford. The American Heart Association describes long QT as a disorder of the hearts electrical system that can cause abnormal heart rhythms as a result of exercise or stress; it can be well-managed with medication.

In addition to medication, Katzs condition was controlled by regular doctor visits, where everything was always normal, Crawford said.

About 1 in 2,000 people have congenital long QT syndrome, with some showing no symptoms and others fainting or experiencing heart palpitations in response to triggers such as exercise or being startled, said Dr. Charles Berul, an electrophysiologist at Childrens National Hospital in Washington.

Berul, who did not treat Katz and is not involved in the lawsuit, said that caffeine is allowable in moderation for long QT patients.

We tell people not to worry, its fine to have a Coke or a small coffee each day, said Berul, who is on the board of trustees for the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation, an advocacy organization for those with heart rhythm abnormalities.

Panera Charged Lemonade (Smith Collection / Gado via Getty Images)

But some of the smaller studies have shown that energy drinks, drinks that have caffeine plus other ingredients like taurine, other things, might be a little riskier, Berul said.

The lawsuit says Katz purchased an Unlimited Sip Club membership from Panera, which allows customers to pay a monthly fee for unlimited drinks, about a week and a half before her death. Conroy said Katz had bought at least one other charged lemonade in the days prior to her cardiac arrest.

Victoria Rose Conroy, left, and Sarah Katz (Courtesy Victoria Rose Conroy)

On the day of her death, Katz had purchased a charged lemonade and collapsed several hours later while at a birthday gathering for a friend at a restaurant, Conroy said. Emergency personnel transported her to the hospital, where she had another cardiac arrest, this time fatal, the lawsuit says.

She was taken from us so soon, and she shouldnt have been, Conroy said. She had so much more to give.

A medical examiners report that Crawford shared with NBC News showed that Katzs cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia due to long QT syndrome. The report does not mention the beverage as a contributing factor but notes that she had no drugs in her system, other than what the hospital used to try to resuscitate her.

A potential risk to other populations

Caffeine can have health consequences for people beyond those with long QT syndrome and other heart disorders. Large amounts can also pose risks to people with other underlying conditions as well as to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and to children, the Food and Drug Administration says.

According to Paneras website, the caffeine content of its charged lemonade ranges from 260 milligrams in the regular size to 390 milligrams in the large, 30-ounce size, while the caffeine content of its dark roast coffee ranges from 161 milligrams in a small to 268 milligrams in a large, which is 20 fluid ounces.

Paneras charged lemonade has attracted attention on social media. In December 2022, a customer who said she didnt know how caffeinated the drink was shared a viral TikTok of herself after consuming free refills of the mango yuzu charged lemonade and captioned the video, this drink should come with a warning because its delicious and will lead to my cardiac arrest.

On its website, Panera refers to its charged lemonades as the ultimate energy drink, although the lawsuit alleges that it was not advertised as such in-store at the time of Katzs death. It is not clear how long that verbiage has been used on the restaurant chains site.

If youre going to market it that way and know its energy drink, how can you not market it that way in the actual store? Crawford said. The reasonable consumer is not going to go onto the website to compare it to see whether or not theres any additional information.

Katzs parents, who declined to speak about the lawsuit, are desperate for people to understand exactly what is in Paneras charged lemonade before they buy it, Crawford said.

That has become their most important thing, is making the public aware of these dangers to make sure that it doesnt happen to someone else, she said.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Here's where you can make your retirement dollar stretch further.

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

If youre getting close to retirement age, youre likely thinking about all the different ways you want to spend your golden years. When do you tap into that hard-earned 401k? How will you now spend your days? And, perhaps most importantly, where do you want to live in retirement? Well, if youre someone whos looking for the best of the best in retirement, then its time to consider The Netherlands, which was just named the best place to retire, according to the Mercer CFA Institutes Global Pension Index.

To come to its findings of the best places to retire, the research team compared 47 retirement income systems, accounting for 64 percent of the worlds population. The researchers gave a weighted average to measure each of the retirement systems against more than 50 indicators, highlighting challenges and opportunities within each, including the adequacy of income systems (how much you get at retirement), sustainability (can the retirement system deliver for the long-term), and integrity (can the system be trusted).

After crunching the numbers, The Netherlands came out on top thanks to its strong retirement system and good benefits.

The Netherlands had the highest overall index value (85.0), closely followed by Iceland (83.5) and Denmark (81.3), the findings noted. At the bottom of the list, it added, was Argentina, which had the lowest index value (42.3).

Although the Netherlands is currently undertaking significant pension reform, the system is well-positioned to provide excellent benefits amid the move from a collective benefit structure to a more individual defined contribution approach, the researchers explained in the findings.

Meanwhile, the United States sat in the middle of the pack with its retirement value at just 63.



"More and more often, individuals will have an increasingly important role to play as it relates to their own retirement, Margaret Franklin, president and CEO of the CFA Institute, said in the findings. As investment professionals, we need to help them prepare for that. Each year, this index serves as a critical reminder that there is a long way to go in many jurisdictions to make pension plans function at their best and for the long-term financial security of beneficiaries.



Related: Here's How Much Money You Actually Need to Retire at 55

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Project financing is a common strategy in many industries  particularly real estate, public works, construction and mining.

But Spring Lane Capital is looking to bring this approach into the textiles innovation world to marry the evolving industry with a growing focus on sustainability.

More from Sourcing Journal

Fashion for Good, which, true to its name, works to make fashion better for people and planet, tapped the Boston-based private equity firm for a report focused on how project financing may help close funding gaps in the commercialization stage of development for textiles startups looking to help green a sector often associated with polluting rather than protecting the Earth.

Katrin Ley, managing director for Fashion for Good, which counts Polybion, Kintra Fibers and Rubi Laboratories in its innovation portfolio, said the report aims to educate industry stakeholders on the complex, hard-to-grasp topic of project financing and what it could mean for their emerging businesses.

We hope to enhance innovators understanding of what is required from them, as well as who the relevant stakeholders are (i.e. brands, supply chain partners and financiers), in order to ultimately assist in further enabling the scaling of much-needed innovation, she told Sourcing Journal. Moreover, we hope to stimulate conversations between all of these parties, so that respective challenges and opportunities which exist can be addressed and taken advantage of.

Companies use project financing to secure funding for a specific project, and leverage that projects assets such as equipment, machinery and raw materials against the investment as collateral. The process requires higher levels of due diligence than many other types of investment.

Jordan Kasarjian, an associate at Spring Lane Capital, said thats due to lower certainty around a recipients creditworthiness.

Project financing is unique in that you create a completely isolated and separate entity whose creditworthiness and relative cost of capital is based off of the assets within that entity. The relative cost of capital is isolated and the amount of capital is isolated to that unique opportunity. Theres great opportunity for a smaller corporation who might not have access to large amounts of capital  or a low cost of capital  to be able to leverage that in a really well-structured project.

While project financing could offer benefits to larger companies and corporations, those types of organizations may be better off with more traditional financing models, Kasarjian said. Thats because more traditional models, like raising corporate debt, often end up coming in at a lower price tag.

Project financing can also help startups retain stronger ownership of the organization at large. Venture capital can be dilutive to startups, but since project-based financing mandates the assets of a singular project as collateral, small companies typically dont lose any of their equity with this type of investment, according to the joint report.

But by the time project financing becomes an option, some startups may have already given equity away. Per the report, project financing only becomes viable once innovators can prove a demonstration phase, which means the project is already on the cusp of commercialization.

As part of the collaboration between Spring Lane and Amsterdams Fashion for Good, Spring Lane is looking to make investments in sustainable textiles projects. The firm has experience with project financing in the food, waste, energy and transportation industries. It has not yet made an investment in a fashion company, but Kasarjian said the firm has begun evaluating prospects for its first investment in the space.

Kasarjian said project financing investments run the gambit in terms of size.

You can structure project finance transactions for projects that are as small as a few million dollars, he said, adding $3 to $5 million are some of the smallest Ive seen across a number of industries.

Of course, you have [other] project finance transactions that are hundreds of times that size  $3 to $5 billion dollars in funding so theres just such a wide range, he added.

Per Kasarjian, Spring Lane wont be following either extreme with its project financing investments in the textiles industry. Instead, he said, the firm aims to bridge the gap between smaller funding typical of venture capital and growth equity firms and major investments from institutional investors, like J.P. Morgan and Macquarie Group.

Due to current economic conditions, Kasarjian said, now could be the perfect time for innovators and entrepreneurs to reconsider their future funding options.

Weve gone from one of the longest bull runs in market history to an economic downturn. And to that, a lot of the innovations in textile tech are reaching an inflection point in their maturity in that its time to move out of pilot and demonstration facilities and move into full-scale commercial deployment. I think the confluence of those two points should encourage folks to consider alternative forms of financing, he said.

But securing an investment could prove difficult for startups and small corporations that didnt have project financing in mind from the jump, Frans Jooste, an investment manager for Fashion for Good, told Sourcing Journal.

Construction of project-based financing can take [over three] years to put together, which is not only a timeframe often outside the scope in which startups operate, but a period in which those innovators will grow and change significantly, Jooste said. Therefore, understanding what will be required in the future and preparing for those moments well ahead of time will be key.  Innovators will have to start planning from the start if they want to be in a position of presenting a structured project to financiers when the time comes to scale.

Jooste explained that the planning required to successfully obtain a project financing investment will likely benefit small companies in the long run  the stringent process and requirements leading up to an investment increase the chances of success for projects that do receive funding.

Jooste and Kasarjian agreed that project financing is not nearly as popular as debt-based financing in the textile industry today. Project financing requires startups to have a number of different evaluation stages, contracts and documents in place.

To help innovators increase their chances of securing project financing, the report includes a section that details key components of documents critical to the project financing process, like offtake contracts, feedstock supply agreements and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts.

Click here to read the full article.
Jeff Kay

While traveling through Canada a few weeks ago, I was ecstatic to find my flight from Toronto to Saskatoon had arrived 19 minutes early. Having got into the city a bit earlier than expected, I popped into the Remai Modern museum before it closed. A few days later, on the final leg of my jaunt from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, back to Newark Liberty International, via Toronto, the first leg was also 19 minutes early, and the second a whole 22 minutes ahead of schedule.

As happy as I was to get home nearly half an hour early, I realized that five of the six legs of my Air Canada flights had been earlyand the one that wasnt was just a minute late. Had I just been lucky to catch the swiftest of tailwinds as I jetted aroundor are airlines actually overstating their flight times?

Padding schedules is a common practice among air carriers, Chad Kendall of Metropolitan State University of Denvers Department of Aviation & Aerospace Science and a Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) chief instructor tells Conde Nast Traveler. He attributes it to the fact the networks and models that airlines use to predict flight times face unanticipated factors, such as weather, maintenance issues, and air traffic control delays, which affect the delicate schedule an airline is trying to operate." The buffer is meant to allow day-to-day variation, and carriers are constantly reviewing and adjusting these times, so that incremental increases in the scheduled flight times between airports are not uncommon, he adds.

As a frequent traveler, FinanceBuzzs Josh Koebert started to notice that flight times on his own flights were creeping higher and higher in recent years." So, he dove into the data, analyzing millions of flight records to see if there was a trend. Sure enough, he found his hunch was right, "shocked at how bold airlines are getting when it comes to longer padding times." He found that in 2012, the average flight had 8 minutes of padding, while in 2023, it is up to 11 minutesa 27 percent increase in a decade.

Padding makes it seem like airlines are better at their jobs than they actually are, which benefits them when it comes to things like advertising and government reporting, Koebert tells CNT. It can paint a picture of competency and efficiency in the industry that isnt actually true, keeping the eyes of regulators away.

That, perhaps, is the greater concern. The FAA confirmed to our inquiry that their regulations dont address this issue, while the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) defines on-time arrivals as being within 15 minutes of the published arrival time. The government agency publishes those stats monthly as part of its Air Travel Consumer Report, with the goal of incentivizing airlines to set more realistic schedules.

Thats exactly what aroused Koebert's suspicions. His initial research suggested that the practice started when Congress implemented the On-Time Disclosure Rule in 1987, requiring carriers to disclose their performance. Research shows that in the first five years of this rule, airlines increased their scheduled flight times by 10 percent, which increased their on-time arrival performance by 20 percent in that time frame, he says, noting his research showed that in the last 30 years, it's still getting worse.

One part of the reason: airlines can be, and have been, fined for extended tarmac delays, as Kerry Tan, as Loyola University Maryland associate professor of economics, specializing in the airline industry, explains. Indeed, in recent years, United, American, and Southwest have each been fined at least $1 million for those wait times.

However, increasing the cushioning can result in other problems. Schedule padding reduces the turnaround time for an airline and therefore could restrict the maximum number of flights per day, Tan says. Ultimately, this may mean that an aircraft flies fewer flights a day, which means that airlines are giving up the opportunity to generate more revenue. In other words, airlines are trading revenue for improved on-time performance.

Extending arrival times doesnt just affect the airlines, but the airport ground resources as well. In many cases, at congested airports, the gate and the ground crew are not ready to support the aircraft when it arrives before its scheduled arrival time," explains Ahmed Abdelghany, associate dean of research at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. That's why he says it's such a struggle to find the sweet spot between cost and schedule reliability.

Kendall notes that most of the adjustments are made in small amounts, but Koebert says its enough to make a difference. Travel is already stressful enough for many people, and being even a few minutes off schedule can add to that stress, he says.

Tan says his research has shown that while there has been a spike in the number of flights that have been arriving early, actual flight times have not changed significantly. As a passenger, this does not concern me, he says. Rather, I am always pleased when I get to my destination airport or connecting hub earlier than expected. Abdelghany agrees that it's not at the point where travelers should worry. This is beyond the control of passengers, he says.

But perhaps there is one slight adjustment travelers can make, according to Koebert: You may want to ask anyone picking you up from the airport to arrive 5 to 10 minutes earlier than they otherwise would have."

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
The Federal Maritime Commissions expanded powers have led to more penalties for ocean carriers.

The FMC, which investigates excessive charges and contract breaches by ocean carriers, resolved 36 cases in the 12 months through September, almost triple the number of two years earlier, according to data reported by the Financial Times.

More from Sourcing Journal

Civil penalties and reached settlements totaled almost $3 million in the period, up from barely $100 three years earlier.

The $2.89 million in penalties mostly comes from two fines totaling $2.65 million. These were paid to the U.S. government by global container carriers Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Wan Hai to settle allegations of unreasonable charging practices for, as an example, applying a fee when companies return empty containers.

Part of the FMCs job is to ensure U.S. exporters get a fair shake from ocean carriers. Under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, carriers are required to prove the accuracy of late fees, or detention and demurrage, with the proper citations on a shippers invoice of information justifying the charge.

The legislation was a born from the shipper backlash during the Covid-19 pandemic when they claims that carriers were sticking them with steep detention and demurrage fees. Some shippers also accused the ocean liners of refusing to fulfill their contracts.

In the case of the latter, the FMC ruled in June that Maersk-owned ocean liner Hamburg Sud owed furniture retailer OJ Commerce $9.8 million for breaching cargo service agreements. This fine wasnt included in the recent FMC data, as it was a private case brought by the plaintiff to the commission. Bankrupt Bed Bath & Beyond currently has not one, but two complaints with the FMC against Orient Overseas Container Line Limited and Yang Ming.

During the pandemic, shippers and lawmakers alike took umbrage with the massive profits the ocean carriers reaped as freight rates skyrocketed to all-time highs in 2021 and 2022. These criticisms went all the way up to President Joe Biden. During the 2022 State of the Union address, he told the nation how foreign-owned container shipping companies were overcharging American businesses and consumers.

The FMC has since opened a fast-track route for businesses to report illegal charges by email, and has collected 394 complaints in the 14 months since July last year.

Approximately $1.7 million in fees or surcharges have been voluntarily waived or refunded by common carriers since last July 2022 through the filing of charge complaints. Commission staff expects to add a rule in 2024 creating a permanent charge complaint process.

With an expanding number of cases, the regulator has to catch up by growing headcount. According to FMC chair Daniel Maffei, employees now number 135, and increase from 110 but less than the eventual target of 160. The FMC has completed 43 investigations into reports of erroneous charges, while 101 cases have been resolved by the shipping companies involved.

As expected, some ocean carriers arent happy with the FMCs shifting role, including the commissions recently revised proposal which would change what could be considered unreasonable behavior in turning away cargo. One of the possible changes would require carriers to file an annual export policy with the agency, which would force them to submit detailed pricing strategies and service offerings.

Some container ship companies are concerned that the FMC will act as a pricing regulator, particularly since the proposal said to consider factors such as when carriers quote rates that are so far above current market rates they cannot be considered a real offer or an attempt at engaging in good faith negotiations.

The commission has no authority to regulate prices, said the World Shipping Council (WSC), a trade association that represents 90 percent of the worlds ocean carriers. There is no scenario under which an agency that does not have authority to regulate rates can permissibly use rate levels as a measure of reasonableness, and that legal reality is the end of the matter.

It hasnt been all gloom and doom for the ocean carriers since OSRA went into effect. Earlier this month, the FMC dismissed a major case against Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), the worlds largest container shipping company, which would have had a significant impact on future hearings on the agencys authority.

The case was brought by Sofi Paper Products, which received a congestion surcharge of $1,000, but claimed MSC could not justify it. In a four-to-one ruling, the FMC ruled that the fee did not amount to an unreasonable detention and demurrage charge.

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magazine |

By Caroline Biggs

Centuries-old craftsmanship is at the heart of Rocky Mountain Hardwares designs.

Be it a cabinet knob shaped like a grosbeak bird or a counter stool modeled on a cast bronze tractor seat, the divine is in the details at Rocky Mountain Hardware. Most people do not realize the breadth of our product line and the opportunity to carry a design theme throughout many aspects of their project, says president Christian Nickum. We can, for example, outfit an entire kitchen and bathroom with our standard line, and then create a customized door grip for the front door.

The brands Edge pulls in a bathroom - Photo Credit Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Hardware

Though the Hailey, Idahobased company and its range of offerings have evolved exponentially since debuting more than three decades ago, its trademark heirloom-quality craftsmanship remains. From a manufacturing standpoint, we have the tools to do things a lot of companies cant, says Nickum. Whether its adding a family crest to an existing entry plate or creating custom table legs for a live-edge black walnut dining table, we can make it happen.

The brand launched in 1994 when owners Mark and Patsy Nickum saw an opportunity to bring highly customized hardware to the market. My dad had a window, door and hardware company that serviced high-end projects, says Nickum of his father, Mark. He was installing doors for a local project when the clients complained to him about a lack of custom hardware. So he approached a friend who had an art casting foundry, and they created the first few original designs that we still have in our line today, like the Potato knob and the Beavertail lever with a rectangular backplate. At the start, the company had just six employees, who took on everything from sales to building the custom orders. Today, it has a staff of 145, with Nickum at the helm since 2003.

Despite its growth, one thing that hasnt changed is the brands commitment to traditional craft: All of its hardware is still hand-made from mold to finish in Idaho. In addition to its headquarters in Hailey, the company owns and operates foundries in nearby Blackfoot and Shoshone for casting, machining and grinding.

A craftsman removes molds from the furnace inside the brands foundry in Blackfoot, Idaho - Photo Credit Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Hardware

The production process for each piece originates with three master craftsmen, who create casting pattern boards, the wooden forms used to originate a design. They use a variety of centuries-old methods to create the most realistic and intricate patterns possible, says Nickum. Each piece of individually cast hardware ultimately touches no fewer than 30 hands as it undergoes a 20-plus step process that includes an array of Old World techniques such as sand casting, where sand is compacted to both sides of a pattern board to forge a mold, and lost-wax casting, where wax molds are dipped in a ceramic slurry and fired in a kiln before hot molten bronze is poured into the cavity.

This level of attention to detail can be a time-consuming endeavor. It can take an average of 15 hours for a typical grip or escutcheon to be ready for casting, says pattern artist Brent Gneiting, who works at the brands Blackfoot foundry. After that, fellow pattern artist Jason Brown says it can require 100 hours or more to complete the piece. The brands artisans come from a medley of creative backgrounds, ranging from former dental lab technicians to welders, ceramists and art professors. All of our employees are very detail oriented and have their own techniques that theyve developed over the course of many years of experience, says Fred Kirschmer, who manages the Blackfoot foundry. In-house talent has other perks, as well: Even the most extravagant of custom pieces can be produced in as little

as 12 weeks.

In November, the brand will release a collection of cabinet hardware and bathroom accessories in collaboration with interior designer Jennifer Hoey of Suede Interiors at the New York hospitality-focused trade show BDNY, which includes a chic toilet paper holder with a built-in smartphone shelf. The line grew out of a long history of custom projects for Idaho-based Hoey, which is how the brand tends to source its creative partners. Our collaborations with interior designers over the yearsincluding Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Lenny Kravitz Designhas given us the opportunity to add new products to our line as we do custom work for them, says Nickum. We have never lost sight of what put us on the map: Our can-do attitude, craftsmanship and the constant foresight to look for better ways to manufacture in Idaho.

This article originally appeared in Fall 2023 issue of Business of Home. Subscribe or become a BOH Insider for more.
Abu Dhabi Investment Company (Invest AD), a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, has announced the launch of the Invest AD Blackstone Private Debt Fund, an SCA-regulated fund, which will offer local feeder access to Blackstones U.S. and European private credit strategies.

The feeder brings Blackstones institutional-calibre credit platform to qualified non-US investors, primarily in the UAE.

Invest AD Blackstone Private Debt Fund is the first global private credit fund of funds vehicle for professional investors in the UAE, following the SCA regulatory announcements in January 2023.

The launch broadens access to an asset class that has historically only been primarily accessible to institutional investors.

Blackstone Credits income-oriented private credit strategies invest primarily in the senior secured debt of large private US and European companies, focusing primarily on senior secured and floating-rate loans.

Blackstone Credit is one of the worlds largest credit managers, with significant experience investing in the private credit space. Today, private credit strategies make up over half of Blackstone Credit and Insurances $295 billion platform.

Rashmi Madan, Head of EMEA for Blackstone Private Wealth Solutions, said: "We are proud to partner with Invest AD to expand access to institutional quality private credit solutions for their clients, as we have done in markets around the world."

"We are seeing strong demand for private credit today. We believe the current double-digit yields were seeing in the asset class present a compelling opportunity for returns similar to that of historical equity performance, while taking senior secured risk," he stated.

Invest AD CEO Mohammad Behzad Saleemi said: "We are proud to launch the UAEs first global private credit fund of funds vehicle for professional investors. This strategic partnership with Blackstone will enable us to provide our clients with access to semi-liquid private credit platforms."

"Private credit has the potential to generate strong returns as part of investors portfolios, and we look forward to partnering with the leading player in this space to broaden access to this asset class," he added.

Founded in 1977, Abu Dhabi Investment Company is one of the regions pioneering financial services companies. The company invests a substantial amount of its capital to seed new products, and partners with world-leading asset managers to offer our clients bespoke investment solutions.
Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao speaks during a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. The reception was held on Monday in Tokyo, with over 1,000 people from Japanese political and economic circles and friendly organizations attending the event. (Xinhua/Guo Dan)

TOKYO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- A reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship was held on Monday in Tokyo, with over 1,000 people from Japanese political and economic circles and friendly organizations attending the event.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao delivered a speech at the ceremony, noting that the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan, in legal terms, has charted the course for peaceful coexistence and everlasting friendship between the two countries and stipulated responsibilities and obligations such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, the use of peaceful means to resolve all disputes, and opposition to any country's pursuit of hegemony, and has become a common guideline for both sides in the development of bilateral relations.

Standing at a new starting point, we hope that the two sides will abide by the spirit of the treaty, earnestly honor their promises, strictly implement the principles and obligations set forth in the four political documents between China and Japan, and take the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries as guidance to jointly build China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era, the ambassador added.

Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, the country's most powerful business lobby better known as Keidanren, said that 45 years ago on this day, the ceremony for the exchange of instruments of ratification of the treaty was held in Tokyo for the treaty to officially enter into effect.

Over the past 45 years, the two countries have maintained active exchanges in various fields and achieved fruitful results, Tokura said, adding that at present, Japan and China urgently need to enhance mutual understanding through dialogue and effectively solve problems.

In her speech, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reviewed her many friendly visits to China and expressed her hopes that the two countries will jointly accelerate the building of constructive and stable Japan-China relations through extensive and multilayered exchanges.

Toshihiro Nikai, member of the Japanese House of Representatives and chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union, said that he hopes everyone can relive the original intention of the older generation of leaders from both countries when they concluded the treaty and jointly face the current issues facing the relations between the two countries. 

Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, speaks during a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. The reception was held on Monday in Tokyo, with over 1,000 people from Japanese political and economic circles and friendly organizations attending the event. (Xinhua/Guo Dan)

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa speaks during a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. The reception was held on Monday in Tokyo, with over 1,000 people from Japanese political and economic circles and friendly organizations attending the event. (Xinhua/Guo Dan)

Toshihiro Nikai, member of the Japanese House of Representatives and chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union, speaks during a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. The reception was held on Monday in Tokyo, with over 1,000 people from Japanese political and economic circles and friendly organizations attending the event. (Xinhua/Guo Dan)
HomeGoods shut down a channel it launched just two years ago.

The furniture and decor retailer owned by TJX is no longer in the e-commerce business after it turned off the e-commerce function as of Oct. 21, a HomeGoods customer service rep confirmed on Monday. Visitors to homegoods.com can find info on their nearest store or send digital gift cards but they wont be able to shop online for off-price bargains. Orders placed before Oct. 21 will be processed as usual. Other TJX nameplates including TJ Maxx and Marshalls still sell some home goods products online.

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But the end of e-commerce comes as HomeGoods forges ahead with a bigger bet on physical stores. A new HomeGoods store is slated to open on Thursday at the Shelton Square, Shelton, Conn., while locations at Sandusky Pavillion in Sandusky, Ohio and Quail Creek Crossing Shopping Center, Wichita Falls, Texas are on deck to launch next month.

Back in August 2021, TJX said it was building the HomeGoods e-commerce site from scratch, with a slightly different set-up than its other dot-coms. At the time CEO Ernie Herrman said it would use existing inventory to populate the new digital store. He explained the decision by saying that while in-store customers might buy just two chairs from a six-chair set, the leftovers could end up on the e-commerce site so a broader customer base can access these items.

The off-price home decor retailer went live one month late when e-commerce demand was still sky high. HomeGoods was banking on its combined 6.6 million Instagram and Facebook followers bringing their digital enthusiasm to the new venture. At the time of launch, the site offered free shipping on all orders of $119 or more.

In the most recent second quarter report for Fiscal Year 2024 for the period ended July 29, the company said net sales rose 8 percent to $12.8 billion, with overall comparable store sales rising 6 percent. During the earnings conference call, CFO John Klinger said: As to e-commerce, overall, it remains a very small percentage of our business.

Klinger didnt disclose what e-commerce sales were for the quarter. However, for the year ended January 28, 2023, TJXs annual Securities and Exchange Commission filing state that tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com and sierra.com, represented less than 3 percent of Marmaxxs net sales for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Total Marmaxx sales were $30.55 billion. For HomeGoods, net sales for the year were $8.26 billion, and dot-com represented less than 1 percent of HomeGoods net sales for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022.

TJX CEO Ernie Herrman is confident in the appeal of brick-and-mortar stores. We have developed one of the most flexible brick-and-mortar retail models in the world. The flexibility of our close-to-need opportunistic buying allows our merchants to quickly react to the hottest trends in the marketplace and adapt to changing consumer preferences, he said during the companys second quarter conference call. TJXs 4,884 stores are merchandised individually to support local customer preferences.

E-commerce plays a small role in the off-price sector overall. In March 2020, Burlington CEO Michael OSullivan said the off-price retailer would be ending its e-commerce platform to focus on brick-and-mortar. At the time, e-commerce drove just 0.5 percent of the companys $2.21 billion in revenue.

In our business, which is a moderate off-price business, the nature of the treasure hunt and the price point that we operate at mean that brick-and-mortar stores have a significant advantage over e-commerce, OSullivan said at the time.

The off-price treasure hunting experience encourages customers to visit stores frequently to see whats new. But people who shop online usually know exactly what theyre looking for, and its difficult to replicate the treasure hunt online, though one new app is trying to do just that. Plus, online shopping lacks the rich visual stimuli that encourages profitable impulse buys in store.

Another problem with home goods is that steep freight costs to ship inventory and dispatch individual orders chip away at profits, making it harder for the category to make sense online depending on the business model and price points.

Burlington isnt the only off-price retailer without e-commerce. Tuesday Morning, which liquidated after filing its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition earlier this year, discontinued e-commerce in 2013. The Ross Stores website simply directs consumers to their nearest Ross or DDs location with any commerce function available through digital.

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Jackson Howard is one of Harper's Bazaar's 2023 Voices of Now, highlighting 36 forces shaping the cultural conversation.



Literature is having a moment. Despite the novel being declared dead every few years, booksfiction in particularare at the forefront of our political and cultural zeitgeist. BookTokthe community of readers who passionately dissect both high culture mainstays and pop culture passingsdrives an enormous amount of discourse and cash toward the book industry. Book publishing has been on the front lines of discussion about what true equity and inclusion might look like. Despite the increased visibility of marginalized authors and books by Black authors and other authors of color topping the bestseller list, publishing as an industry remains homogenousthe vast majority of authors published in the United States remain white, straight, and male. And nothing speaks more to the deep power of literature than the increasing attempts by governments to control itbook bans are on the rise in the United States, even as the vast majority of Americans believe deeply in the freedom to read what they choose. Given all of this, the role of the book editor is more important than ever.

Jackson Howard, editor at Farrar, Straus and Giroux, has distinguished himself as an editor up for the challenge. He has worked on books that range from Let the Record Show, a wide-ranging, deeply researched history of ACT UP and other AIDS activism by Sarah Schulman ; to the novels of deeply subversive artists like Brontez Purnell; to the fiction of writers writers like Laura van den Berg and intellectual giants like Judith Butler. Howards most recent triumph, If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery, was short-listed for the Booker Prize, among other awards. The collection of linked short stories explores the life of a Black immigrant family in Miami and is deeply funny, moving, and beautiful. Here, in a conversation with Harpers Bazaar, Howard and Escoffery discuss the value of gatekeepers, building trust in the creative process, and the special relationship between writers and their editors.

What makes the bond between an editor and a writer so unique?

Jonathan Escoffery: I never really gave too much thought about it. Prior to having a book, the main concern seemed to be: Will these gatekeepers let me in? That obviously changed once Jackson and I started working together. We both have this book baby together. [And he is invested in] getting it to the broadest possible readership, but also making sure that the artistic integrity is maintained.

I wanted to work with Jackson because I really like the way we communicate. Its important that I can disagree with my editor, but do so in an open and honest way.

Cola Casados

Jackson Howard: I approach each book differently. With Jonathan, these stories had been published in really great outlets, and they were already really polished. We did do some work on the page, but really my job was the publishing aspect.

There are a few parts of what I do  acquiring, editing, and publishing are probably the three main things. The publishing part has to do with everything from the cover to the copy, to the blurbs to being really involved in the publicity and marketing meetings. Thats something editors have always done.

I feel like these days, with our current attention economy with the internet, its kind of unavoidable for editors to be as involved as publicists and as involved as agents, and we dont just edit the book at this point. Im dealing with expectations a lot, and thats a hard thing to manage. I want all of my books to win every award and sell a million copies. But thats not how our world works. Its about really approaching other writers I work with as a peer. But also knowing that my job is to work for them.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Jonathan touched on this earlier, but theres a real belief in the editor as gatekeepera term thats become very loaded, almost a dirty word today.

Howard: In some ways, gatekeeping is almost an idealistic term. It assumes that Im just sitting there and I have complete control of, like, This one and not this one and not him. I think that term is really important, because when I think about my job through that lens, it makes me recognize the power I do have.

I always stop and think, Am I more comfortable with this writing because they went to Iowa and its somebody who lives in Brooklyn? Or: How do I think about this (piece of writing) if its an experience that I dont share, that Ive never come across before? Thats the type of thought that should go into that (role of gatekeeper).

I really just look for whats good. And I cant do that without the context of how simply unfair this industry has been and all cultural industries have been to certain voices. I take that seriously, while also recognizing that its a lot more than just me waving my magic wand. Even if I am putting a book forward, there are a lot more gates that we have to open beyond signing the book deal.

I mean, I actually am minding who gets it in and who gets out. But I cant look at that as a completely a moral crusade, because I think that cheapens my authors work.

What do you think about it, Jonathan?

Escoffery: For me, I didnt necessarily understand it at the beginning, but its one of the best things to happen to my writingbeing rejected over and over again. Its just blatantly obvious to me that one who practices more and more, and reads more and more, and tries to understand the publishing and literary landscape, and tries to understand who their work is in conversation with, is going to improve. And I think the gatekeepers are part of the process.

There are the people who are really waiting to be told whats acceptable because someone somewhere at some other house, some other editor took a chance on some other writer and it paid off and now theyre willing to publish you. And then there are the gatekeepers who recognize, Okay, this is something that maybe I dont fully have a grasp of, because its not coming out of my experience or I havent quite seen this done on the page, but I actually recognize that this is something thats gonna actually push us forward. Those are my favorite gatekeepers, and those are the people I want to be working with.

Trust is such an important part of the editor-writer relationship. What moment made you realize you could trust each other to work together on this book?

Howard: Wed just had our first meeting, and I spoke really directly to Jonathan. I really wanted to publish this book, very badly. I went out on a limb and said that what I loved about the book was its humor, first and foremost. I really was looking at it as a book about family and manhood and not as a Black trauma piece of fiction, and I feel like that was maybe a bold thing for me to say at the time. But it resonated with Jonathan, and I felt like we understood each other.

But I knew after I acquired the book  I was in L.A. and Jonathan and I had lunch. I remember he ordered some sangria, and I was like, Hell, yeah, this is like my type of guy. He had some time to kill and I was like, Im not doing anything. So he came over to my moms house. I had to do some work, and he had to do some work, and we just kind of hung out on my moms roof for three hours. After that I was like, Okay, this is somebody I can have a drink with and hang on my moms house with. And at the very least, even if we dont become friends through this, I know what type of person he is and that means I know what I can ask of him.

Escoffery: From the writers side, you're putting a lot of trust in the hands of your editor. I mean, frankly, they can tell you anything. And you dont know until they follow through. You have to build the trust through actually working together after that. Seeing that he held true  that meant a lot to me.

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Kamik is celebrating 125 years of business this October. But the Canadian boot brand founded in 1898 is anything but out of touch. According to CEO Gillian Meek, this years milestone is a testament to Kamiks commitment to heritage  as well as its constant evolution to meet consumer needs.

We are focused on heritage [styles], product made in Canada and [crafted] with materials that keep you warm and dry, said Meek, who joined Kamik as CEO in February of 2022 after serving as president of Keds for nearly four years. But [products] that are fun and cool for families today, not families 125 years ago.

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While Kamiks identity as a dependable, weather resistant, made-in-North America brand has withstood the test of time, the label has also changed considerably from its beginnings as a manufacturing-first organization building rubber boots.

Under Meeks stewardship, Kamik has increased its focus on being consumer first, and has worked to expand its product ranges beyond seasonal assortments to include categories like rainboots, casual cold weather styles, hiking and sandals. And while Kamik is well-known for its selection of kids boots, the brand is also expanding in mens and womens as well.

We need to take what were best at and expand that, Meek said. Were really focused on the total family experience: mens boots, womens boots. Were not trying to be high fashion. Were trying to be dependable and serve the whole family.

The Lauren Lo boot. Kamik

Kamiks longstanding history of manufacturing in North America  almost 70 percent of the brands product is made in this region  is another example of being Kamik focusing on its consumers. Two thirds of the companys business is done in the U.S. and people are increasingly drawn to products that are made close to home.

When youre talking about credibility and history, and youre making product for the climate or the country that you serve  that costumer that you serve  and youre doing it in the home space, I think its incredibly important, Meek said.

While Kamik has prioritized sustainability, the company has also evolved some of its manufacturing processes to become even more eco-friendly. For example, Kamiks Montreal factory runs solely on hydroelectricity, and all of Kamiks plants rely on renewable energy, with no fossil fuels.

As a company founded before the internet, Kamik has also evolved its distribution strategy to include growth in its owned e-commerce channels.

We were built on the back of a family business and an independent shoe store network, Meek said. So when something new comes to disrupt that space, like a new distribution channel  i.e. your own e-commerce  it can be really challenging for historical teams to take that leap.

In a notable blend of heritage and innovation, Kamik is celebrating its 125th anniversary by rolling out a website redesign that highlights its manufacturing process, history and some of its employees. The brand is also introducing a refreshed version of its Heritage 1898 collection with new patterns and colorways.

Kamik is also running a contest to gift 125 pairs of shoes to different winners throughout the year, and is also giving people a chance to win a monthly $125 gift card to spend on Kamik.com. Customers can enter the contest via 125.Kamik.com.

For Meek, striking a balance between a brands history and where it needs to go for its future is one of the best parts of her job at Kamik.

I get energized by the challenge and making [a brand] contemporary again, and again and again, Meek said. You dont have to run away from who you are, you actually can embrace that.

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Queen Letizia's navy trench coat was the perfect rainy-day piece as the Queen opted for a stylish yet waterproof look.

On October 21, Queen Letizia of Spain stepped out with King Felipe VI of Spain and Crown Princess Leonor of Spain to visit to Churches of Arroes, Pion and Candanal. The Spanish royals visited these locations in celebration of the areas winning the honour of the titles of the 2023 Best Asturian Villages.

For this engagement, the royals dressed casually and in layers that kept them warm on the sunny autumnal day in Villaviciosa, Spain. Queen Letizia looked especially wonderful as she wore one of the best trench coats for women on the market right now.

Queen Letizia

For this engagement, the Queen wore the 'Conry' trench coat in navy from Boss. The trench coat was a new look on Her Majesty and typically retails at 389 - making it far more affordable than the Burberry trench coat counterparts on the market.

Although Letizia's coat was far more affordable than other designer labels, there are still a number of similar navy trench coats that are available at high street brands which are far less expensive. That being said, the Spanish Queen's piece was a timeless classic and most certainly a solid investment that will be wearable for many years.

Under 100

Mango Polana Trench Coat

RRP: 89.99 | Smart, effortless and easy-to-wear, this trench coat from Mango gives plenty of coverage with its longer-length hem. Featuring a neat collared neckline, it is made using pure cotton for a soft yet breathable feel.

Queen Letizia's trench

Hugo Boss Conry Trench Coat

RRP: 389.00 | An authentically styled trench coat cut to a straight fit with a buckled belt and signature lining by BOSS Womenswear.

Chic alternative

Hobbs Saskia Shower Resistant Trench Coat

RRP: 199 | The classic details - double-breasted buttons, epaulettes and storm flaps - are contrasted by the subtly feminine fit and flare silhouette, for a coat which is made for the modern woman.

Queen Letizia

The look was completed with a tie-dye raglan jumper, a pair of chunky lace-up leather boots from Boss and a few delicate pieces of gold jewellery. This created a harmonious look that had young elements and classic mature pieces that created a look that was just perfect on the Queen.

Queen Letizia

Queen Letizia isn't the only royal who is a fan of a trench coat, many members of European Royal Families have been snapped in trench coats over the years. Kate Middleton's fresh white trench coat is a classic look that never truly goes out of style. Similarly, Queen Camilla proved trench coats go with everything as she has paired her classic Burberry piece with several looks over the years.
On the latest episode of Southern Livings podcast, Biscuits & Jam, the Grammy winner talks about some of her earliest memories of growing up in the South.

Erika Goldring / Contributor/Getty Images

Lucinda Williams is a three-time Grammy award winner and a living music legend. TIME once named her, Americas Best Songwriter. That impeccable talent for telling beautifully woven stories in her song lyrics can be traced back to her childhood and is deeply entwined in her own Southern roots, as she recently explained to Southern Livings Editor in Chief, Sid Evans, on an episode of the podcast Biscuits & Jam.

Williams was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but she moved several times throughout her childhood for her fathers career as a poetry and literature professor at a number of different universities. As she described it, I was like, instead of a military brat, a professor brat or academic brat, I guess.

The Williams family moved over a dozen times in her early years and as she said, her dad would teach just for a year or two at each school until he achieved tenure at the University of Arkansas. So until the University of Arkansas, he would be at a college for a year or two.

One of those stops was in New Orleans during her teen years and she wrote about it in her new memoir, Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You. Evans asks her about a legendary New Orleans eatery she mentions in the book, Buster Holmes' Bar and Restaurant.

Yeah, Buster Holmes, he was considered the king of red beans and rice, and my friends and I, when I was in high school in New Orleans, we would go there after school a lotta times, down in the Quarter, and there was a little window. You'd walk up to the window and they would slide open the little screen on the window and you'd order. It was only 25 cents. You could get a plate of red beans and rice with french bread on the side. [A] huge big plate of it. And we'd get those and we would have that, I think we just sat on the sidewalk and ate it or something, and it was really good, she said with a laugh.

Evans pointed out that many a music legend have paid a visit to Busters, and Williams said back then she didnt realize that. It was just her local hangout.

It's just this little neighborhood place, you know? I mean, I don't even remember it as a restaurant, necessarily, cause they didn't have tables and chairs there or anything. The way I remember anyway was just one of those kinda, you know, go up to the window, like a takeout sorta place.

Evans and Williams discuss many more stories from her new book as well as her new album, Stories from a Rock and Roll Heart. Listen to the full episode of Biscuits & Jam below.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.
In the wake of serious sexual misconduct allegations, Mario Batali retreated from public life, including social media. Seemingly signaling an attempted return, the once-renowned chef recently posted to Instagram, leading some commenters to believe he intends to make a comeback. Per the post, Batali appears intent on launching virtual events, although no additional information was given regarding the nature of the events or when they would be taking place. He did include an email address, presumably for interested parties to make arrangements or find out more about what's to come.

This development comes after Batali's partnership with a Michigan-based bakery earlier this year. According to the owners of the Common Good Bakery, the chef was enticed to join forces with the business after being impressed by the quality of the bread produced there. The team plans to develop fundraising events aimed at providing food to those in need in the local area. Those events are supposed to feature famous chefs, although it's unclear whether Batali will be participating directly or working in the background.

Read more: What These Imitation Foods Are Actually Made Of

Trying To Move Past Major Allegations

Mario Batali during an interview - Craig Barritt/Getty Images

As reported by CBS News, the first allegation of sexual misconduct involving Mario Batali occurred in 2017, when a woman claimed that the chef had touched her inappropriately at a bar in Boston. This incident resulted in a charge of indecent assault and battery, of which he was acquitted in 2022. Batali was also subject to a civil lawsuit in 2019 filed by a different woman who made similar claims about the chef's purported inappropriate behavior during a meeting, behaviors that were characterized as sexual assault.

The chef provided an undisclosed settlement to both women while also paying $600,000 to settle an investigation in New York City, where Batali and other employees at his former restaurant business were accused of sexual harassment. Per PBS NewsHour, he addressed the accusations against him, stating, "My behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility." However, he also claimed that the accusations of sexual assault that allegedly took place in Boston never occurred. The judge in the case agreed, which led to Batali's acquittal. While the disgraced chef is apparently planning to get back in the public eye, it's unclear what that will ultimately look like and how the public will respond.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Read the original article on Daily Meal.
This profile of Penzo Pizza Co. is the first in a series planned by the Burlington Free Press on Montpelier restaurants as they reopen following flooding that devastated Vermonts capital city in July. What has the experience been like? What does the future hold?

MONTPELIER  Dave Penzo opened his pizza place in February. Flooding shut it down in July. He reopened the restaurant in September, feeling as if he opened the same restaurant twice in the same year, which he essentially did.

What happened during the flooding?

Penzo was out shopping for food for his restaurant on Tuesday, July 11. He returned to The Inn at Montpelier, where Penzo Pizza opened five months earlier, to find that people in the inns parking lot were moving their cars.

Dave Penzo, owner of Penzo Pizza, prepares a pie at the Montpelier restaurant Oct. 17, 2023.

I had no idea that we were going to flood, Penzo said. He moved his car, anyway. Two hours later, water cascading down the hill behind the inn and rising from the Winooski River that courses through Montpelier encroached on his business.

Penzo Pizza has a fortunate location compared to many street-level businesses in downtown Montpelier; its at porch level of the inn, a couple of feet above ground. Water filled the basement and rose just below floor level.

We were literally this far away from maybe not reopening, Penzo said, holding his thumb and forefinger about two inches apart. We were kind of spared a lot in that way.

Still, the restaurant suffered significant damage. The floors warped, requiring refinishing of wooden floors and the replacing of linoleum. The buildings heating and hot-water units were damaged, as was the restaurants soda-dispensing machine and some food and drink products. A freezer and walk-in coolers were also ruined, as was a considerable amount of food.

That was kind of a huge loss for us, Penzo said, adding that the restaurant has not yet received insurance for any flood damages.

A Mikey Meatball pizza featuring mozzarella, house-made meatballs, ricotta, red onion and basil at Penzo Pizza in Montpelier on Oct. 17, 2023.

The property includes housing for Penzo and some employees at the restaurant  his sons, Tyler and Luke Penzo, are among the workers at Penzo Pizza  and the apartments were flooded as well. Penzo and his family stayed with relatives in Maine for three weeks.

He said he was calm when the flooding started, as the water was only two feet deep and didnt rise to the main floor of his restaurant. Then he started panicking.

I didnt realize the nastiness of the water, he said. Much of the next two months was spent disinfecting pretty much every inch of the business.

Penzo Pizza began with a food truck. Had Penzo kept the truck he could have made some income while rebuilding the just-opened restaurant.

That was kind of depressing, Penzo said. I literally sold the truck two weeks before the flood.

The Maximilian, featuring mozzarella, pineapple, capicola and maple drizzle, is shown Oct. 17, 2023 at Penzo Pizza in Montpelier.

How has the recovery gone?

He and his employees spent much of the summer washing and painting walls inside the restaurant. Ive been around these dining rooms a thousand times, Penzo said.

He and son Tyler drove a rental truck to New Jersey to pick up new washing machines for the flooded inn and apartments and disassembled walk-in coolers for Penzo Pizza. The highlight of the trip, he said, was at an Italian deli in New Jersey where he and Tyler acquired mortadella, cheesecake and cannoli, much of which they ate on the long drive home, reminding them of their own Italian eatery they hoped to reopen soon.

It was a herculean task to get the place open the first time, according to Penzo. This time felt the exact same way. Everything needed to be cleaned. We were building the walk-ins. There was more to do than you can imagine.

Penzo Pizza reopened Sept. 18, ahead of most flooded restaurants in Montpelier. As one of the few functioning eateries in town, Penzo Pizza experienced a surge in business at first, one that has since leveled off. Penzo said he still struggles to get attention for his restaurant thats just outside the commercial center of Montpelier, a situation that wasnt helped by Penzo Pizzas Facebook page being hacked while the business was shut down. (Penzo is still working to revive that social-media account.)

From left to right, Penzo Pizza owner Dave Penzo and his sons Tyler and Luke Penzo stand in a dining room at the Montpelier restaurant Oct. 17, 2023.

Penzo Pizza hasnt replaced its soda-fountain machine; the restaurant is now dispensing soft drinks in cans. Nevertheless, things have been mostly good since Penzo Pizza opened again, five months after its first opening.

Were actually doing better (than before the floods). Weve got more customers, more employees, so were pretty happy about everything, Penzo said. Business is definitely picking up.

What does the future hold?

Montpeliers history of flooding and the threats from climate change loom in the citys recovery. Penzo isnt going to let those concerns get to him.

Im just sort of going off hope that that is going to be the worst of it, he said of the July floods. If it happens it happens. Were all worried every time it rains.

Hes just glad hes making pizzas once again instead of sanding floors.

Were here for the long haul, for sure, Penzo said. I think were all just happy to be back.

Rubble remains piled near The Inn at Montpelier and Penzo Pizza Co. on July 20, 2023, more than a week after floods devastated much of downtown Montpelier.

A view toward Penzo Pizza and The Inn at Montpelier on Oct. 17, 2023.

Hours and information

Penzo Pizza Co. at The Inn at Montpelier, 147 Main St., Montpelier. Noon-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. (802) 223-0722, www.penzopizza.com

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Penzo Pizza heralds Montpelier restaurant scene's flood recovery
The off-duty pilot who allegedly tried to shut down the engines of an Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight told authorities that hed taken psychedelic mushrooms for the first time, according to a new court filing.

The filing, which detailed a new federal charge against Joseph David Emerson along with other fresh details about the bizarre episode, does not specify when he took the mushrooms.

But sitting in the flight deck jump seat of a plane midway between Everett, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, Emerson engaged pilots in casual conversation, before telling them he was dehydrated and not OK, court documents say. He then reached for two fire handles in an attempt to cut fuel to the engines, prosecutors alleged.

I didnt feel okay. It seemed like the pilots werent paying attention to what was going on. They didnt...it didnt seem right, Emerson later told police, according to the documents. I pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up.

Off-Duty Pilot Allegedly Tried to Kill the Engines on Alaska Airlines Flight

Emerson added that he hadnt slept in 40 hours and was having a nervous breakdown.

A mid-air struggle with the on-duty pilots ensued for around 90 seconds before the pilots ejected Emerson from the cockpit, at which point he became the flight attendants problem.

You need to cuff me right now or its going to be bad, he said to a flight attendant, according to court documents.

An attendant did so and, while handcuffed in the back of the plane, Emerson reached for the emergency exit handle during the flights descent before attendants stopped him, the filing states.

Another attendant recalled Emerson allegedly saying thatI messed everything up and that he tried to kill everybody.

The 44-year-old faces 83 felony counts of attempted murder, as well as a new federal charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Oregon announced Tuesday.

He remains in Multnomah County Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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There is hearty debate about what the ultimate car is for mountain bikers. Some say it's a truck with good clearance to fit a bunch of bikes. Some say it's the cheapest sedan you can get your hands on, holes in the floor and all so that you can put all the money you can into bike parts.

Very few people however would say that a Lamborghini fits that bill. Except for one person. Watch as Sam Pilgrim shows the audience why he thinks the Lambo is the best bike car in his video below.

In this video, rental car company Sixt hooked Pilgrim up on his trip to Malaga, a Mediterranean city in Spain. In this video, Pilgrim takes his bike all around to different riding spots in the area in his mountain bike rig.

The Lamborghini is certainly a cool car for the photoshoot and seemed to work well for Pilgrims trip. With that being said, it is questionable if it is a good mountain bike car.

Related: Mountain Biking In Ibiza, The Party Capital Of The World

If you ride somewhere where you never need to go off pavement, don't need a ton of ground clearance, and you have a lot of extra money, a case could be made. However, a lot of the biking is accessed off bumpy dirt roads, requiring a bit more ground clearance.

Also, many riders prefer a hitch rack. It is unclear if this specific model allows a hitch but Pilgrim opts to use a roof rack. Since it is a luxury car without crossbars, he is required to use suction cup racks. Though these racks are very reliable, many mountain bikers would have second thoughts about putting their baby in the hands of a suction cup.

At the end of the day, the best mountain biker car is one that gets you and your bike to the trailhead. Why, besides 100,000+ dollars, cant that be a Lambo?

Don't miss another headline from Bike Mag! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of bike riding.

We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting, and engaging bike-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional rider or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on Bike Mag and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality bike videos.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an alert Monday stating that the RSV shot for infants, Beyfortus (nirsevimab), is in limited supply. As we head into RSV season, the agency is recommending that the shots be prioritized for babies at the highest risk of severe disease from RSV, meaning that some families who want to get the immunization product for their child may not be able to.

Babies at the highest risk for severe RSV disease include infants under 6 months old and babies under 8 months with underlying conditions that may mean theyre more susceptible to severe illness or hospitalization from RSV. The agency recommends providers prioritize doses of the shot to babies in those groups.

To preserve the supply, the CDC also recommends that the RSV shot not be given to babies between the ages of 8 to 19 months at this time. The shots were to be offered on a case by case basis for young children entering their second RSV season and who might be at risk of severe illness, but given the supply shortage, this recommendation has changed. Heres what else to know about the RSV shot shortageand how to protect your infant from RSV.

Whats causing the RSV shot supply shortage?

Drugmaker Sanofi said in a statement to The Washington Post that the company is working with partner AstraZeneca to accelerate additional supply, but its unclear as to when more shots will become available. The CDC says it continues to work with the manufacturers to understand how it can help accelerate supply.

The shortage is pretty disheartening, said Scott Roberts, an infectious-disease physician at Yale School of Medicine, to The Washington Post. I had hoped we learned lessons from covid, where we foresee these challenges [because] it seems like this was a preventable shortage where they should have anticipated the demand.

There is high demand for the shots, but the price is also a prohibitive factor: The cost for a single dose of Beyfortus is $495. The federal program Vaccines for Children pays $395 per dose, but as most pediatric primary care offices must purchase the product directly from suppliers and then file a claim with insurance companies and wait to be reimbursed, its a significant deterrent, experts told The Post.

Are RSV cases on the rise?

In September, the CDC observed an increase in positive RSV tests in Florida and Georgia and other Southeastern states. Historically, regional increases have predicted the beginning of RSV season nationally. The agency said it now expects cases to increase throughout the rest of the country in the next 1 to 2 months.

More than 58,000 kids under 5 require hospitalization due to RSV each year. Bronchiolitis and pneumonia can of course put a child in the hospital, but RSV doesnt have to cause either of those for an infant to require round the clock medical treatment. Sometimes a severe RSV infection without those complications means a baby will require hospitalization so that their breathing can be monitored and IV fluids can be administered.

How to protect your infant

The RSV shot shortage news is worrying, but rest assured that there are steps to take to protect your baby against RSV. Its important to remember that the majority of RSV cases are mild, with symptoms similar to the common cold, often passing in a week or two. But for some babies born prematurely or with chronic health conditions, RSV can lead to a more severe illness, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Heres what you can do to try and prevent RSV.

Get the RSV maternal vaccine if youre eligible

If youre currently pregnant, health officials recommend that you get the maternal RSV vaccine to help protect your infant against RSV from birth. The FDA recently approved Abrysvo, the first vaccine approved for pregnancy to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in babies from birth through 6 months.

Approved for use at 32 weeks through 36 weeks of pregnancy, Pfizers Abrysvo has already been authorized for adults over age 60 and is given as a single injection into the muscle. The vaccine works by passing antibodies to developing infants from maternal circulation across the placenta during pregnancy, acting as a protective shield against the virus once theyre born.

Try breastfeeding for RSV protection

Recent research shows that breastfeeding for at least two months and ideally four to six may help protect babies from severe forms of the illness as well.

The most significant results from a February 2022 systematic review published in Pediatrics were seen with babies who were exclusively breastfeeding for at least four months, but the review shows that even partial breastfeeding (breastfeeding in combination with formula feeding) may reduce the severity of the disease, length of hospital stay and need for supplemental oxygen. Other studies support the benefits of combination feeding in preventing RSV too.

Take extra precautions

If youre pregnant or have a child under 1, you might want to take extra precautions during RSV season to prevent respiratory illness. The CDCs alert comes at a time when hospitalizations from Covid among children under 5 are also on the rise, making it even more important to practice good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick. Social distancing and mask-wearing can be difficult with young children (and masks shouldnt be used in kids under 2), but taking these steps yourself could help limit the spread of RSV.

If youre wondering if Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is available for your infant, reach out to your childs pediatrician.
SAO PAULO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- A student died and three others were injured in a school shooting by a 15-year-old student Monday in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, said local authorities.

According to a statement from the Sao Paulo state government, the shooting took place at the Sapopemba state school in the eastern part of the city.

The gunman is a 15-year-old student, who was arrested after the incident, according to school sources cited by local media.

Medical sources said a student was shot in the head, while the three wounded people were taken to Sapopemba Hospital.

"The government of Sao Paulo deeply regrets and sympathizes with the families of the victims of the attack on Monday morning," the statement said.

"At the moment, the priority is to provide assistance to the victims and psychological assistance, as well as support to students, education professionals and family," it added. 
Sheins growing presence in Brazil could open the door for the ultra-fast-fashion giant to bring more local products to other markets in Latin America.

At a media day event Wednesday, Fabiana Magalhaes, director of local production at Shein Brazil, told reporters that the Gen Z-loved fashion firm will start shipping the products it manufactures in Brazil to other local markets by 2026.

More from Sourcing Journal

Shein has massive plans for apparel production in South Americas biggest economy. In April, Shein announced investments of 750 million reais ($150 million) over three years to establish a manufacturing network in the nation of nearly 215 million.

To date, the Temu rival has partnered with 336 suppliers across 12 Brazilian states, with 213 factories now operating under Sheins quick-turn, small-batch business model, Magalhaes said. But TikToks most-talked about brand wants to scale this number to 2,000 manufacturing partners over three years to make Brazil an export hub to the rest of Latin America.

Labor costs in the regionare very attractive in countries like Brazil and Mexico compared to Asian standards, said Diego Rodriguez, logistics and industry director at market research firm Americas Market Intelligence. Also, the sector is highly decentralized and comprises hundreds of thousands of satellite family-operated facilities that provide the flexibility to rapidly ramp up or scale down production for larger and established producers in the local industry.

The investment aims to create 100,000 direct and indirect manufacturing jobs in Brazil, according to Magalhaes. The manufacturing initiative accelerates Sheins goal of getting 85 percent of its Brazilian sales from locally produced by the end of 2026.

With this strategy, Shein is positioning Brazil one of its three major global production centers, alongside China and Turkey, where it began manufacturing apparel last year.

With local production, we do not have the logistical costs of importing and we have good quality national raw materials, which strengthens our competitiveness and mission of delivering quality fashion at affordable prices, Magalhaes said during the event.

The move into Brazil also comes amid heavy criticism from national competitors for skirting tax loopholes related to the import of goods, similar to U.S. lawmakers who criticize Sheins use of the de minimis provision. Under the Section 321 de minimis trade law, a package of goods valued at $800 or less can enter the U.S. duty-free and usually without inspection by Customs and Border Protection.

Sheins strategy to manufacture products locally in Brazil is primarily driven to circumvent the strict de minimis value threshold ($50 in Brazil) to import non-commercial products without paying VAT and duties, Rodriguez said. As the companys sales continue to grow in Brazil, customs and the cumbersome clearing processes of a tsunami of packages hinder the firms expansion in the largest e-commerce market in Latin America.

As of Aug. 1, the Brazilian government added a 17 percent tax on imported goods valued at up to $50 to level the playing field between smaller local businesses and cross-border merchants like Shein and rival Temu.

Regardless of where Shein starts shipping goods, Rodriguez told Sourcing Journal the e-commerce company will remain focused on Brazil, one of its top five global markets.

I expect Sheins exports from Brazil to neighboring Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Colombia will play a minor role in its strategy, Rodriguez said. The main goal is to grow and better fulfill orders in Brazil first. The higher air freight rates for intra-regional trade and subpar connectivity [between countries] are two key obstacles to overcome.

The scaling of Sheins supply chain in Brazil comes as the company reportedly plans to build a factory in Mexico to further localize apparel production. The moves come as U.S. Congress is assessing potential changes in the de minimis law for companies with roots in China and Russia.

This situation is definitely on Sheins radar, for which producing in Mexico becomes a natural second step in Latin America to safeguard its dominant position in the U.S. market, said Rodriguez.

In a post on LinkedIn, Magalhaes said she also discussed the processes involved in manufacturing locally for Shein at the event, and talked about new collections coming out for the holiday season, including products across plus-size, fitness and underwear. Shein will focus on manufacturing products that allow it to maintain competitive prices in the country, such as denim and knitwear, she said.

Thats only the beginning, but were [on] the right track, Magalhaes said on LinkedIn. We believe in change, we believe in revolutionizing the industry, we believe in a new way to do business and most importantly we believe in Brazil to make the beauty of fashion accessible to all.

Last month, Shein extended its EvoluShein by Design platform to six independent creatives in its Design Incubator Program. Critics attacked the greener design ethos when the e-tailer first announced it last year, with one expert at the time saying Sheins sustainability claim would only be credible if at the same time the company stops fostering throw-away fashion. Clothing that qualifies for EvoluShein by Design contains a minimum of 30 percent preferred materials, which for Shein could be recycled polyester, eco-friendly viscose or deadstock from a supplier like partner Queen of Raw. Manufacturers must comply with stringent environmental and social standards based on third-party audits.

Industry watchers say that inviting designers Alexandria Carroll, Anke Wonder, Farah Naz, Jacqueline City, Lauren Flagg, and Lillian Butterworth onto the platform does little to move the needle.

Designers should think twice if they really want to have their name tagged to Shein, said David Hachfeld, textiles expert at Swiss watchdog group Public Eye. A few collections painted in green do not outweigh an opaque business model overly relying on cheap labour and ultra short-lived fashion.

For Becca Coughlan, senior manager of advocacy for Remake, the nonprofit promoting labor rights in fashion, there really [wasnt] much to say about incorporating outside designers into EvoluShein by Design.

This initiative, like others that have come before it, is truly meaningless unless the company is simultaneously (very significantly) reducing its overall annual production and paying its garment workers a living wage, she said. There is too much clothing being produced, particularly by Shein, and no amount of preferred materials is going to nullify the companys overall impact. Its business model cannot and will never be sustainable.

Additional reporting by Jessica Binns.

Click here to read the full article.
For five years Trace Armstrong of Rolette, North Dakota, had been buying raffle tickets for the North American Game Warden Museum s moose tag. He never expected to actually win the North Dakota moose tag, but he figured the money was going to a good cause.

Then in Juneon Fathers Dayhe learned he had won the coveted statewide North Dakota moose tag.

I never thought Id win because they sell 5,000 tickets, with only one statewide moose tag available, the owner of owner Tall Tines Taxidermy tells Outdoor Life. I bought four tickets for $10 apiece, then won it on Fathers Day. Thats the best gift I could have gotten because my wife, Dawn, and I were expecting our first child about the time the state moose season opened on Sept. 1.

A photo of the live bull, taken through an optic.

North Dakota has a strong and expanding moose population with about 200 licenses issued annually statewide. Most are for special zone hunts. But Armstrongs lottery tag was valid wherever moose hunting is allowed in the state, he said.

Wherever I could find a big moose in an open state zone, I could target that moose, he says. Landowners are great for granting hunting access, and if I could find a big bull, I felt sure I could get permission to hunt there.

As a North Dakota native, long-time bowhunter, and owner of a flourishing taxidermy business, Armstrong has plenty of hunting buddies scattered across the state. They all started keeping an eye out for big bulls. As the summer wore on, Armstrong had pinpointed several great bulls, and was prepared to target one of them as the Sept. 1 opener approached.

But on Aug. 31, Armstrong got a call from his buddy Caulen Haase, who was best man at their wedding. Haases wife had spotted a giant bull near their home in Powers Lake, North Dakota. Soon, a different pal sent Armstrong a photo of the same bull. It was the biggest moose Armstrong had ever seenlike a bull that lived in Alaska rather than North Dakota.

The bull was taken not far from the Saskatchewan border.

So Armstrong gathered his gear and drove three hours west to meet Hasse in the tiny town of Powers Lake. Its located near the Saskatchewan border, on the shores of 1,600-acre Powers Lake. The area is with dotted with sprawling farm fields. Armstrong and Haase spent the evening before the opener scouting and located the bull in a large canola field just six miles south of Powers Lake.

Even from several hundred yards away, it looked as big as a large SUV, says Armstrong. The next morning the pair returned to the canola field with Dave Brown, another buddy. But the bull was nowhere to be found.

Finally, they returned to the canola field in the evening, and spotted the bull 250 yards out in the canola. With a good wind, and some cover, Armstrong and Haase stalked to within 100 yardsjust as the moose decided to lay down.

Caulen Haase and Trace Armstrong (right) after a long stalk.

Brown watched the hunt unfold from a distance through binoculars. For the next 90 minutes, the pair crawled through thick weeds and brush, closing the distance to 35 yards. Then, around 7 p.m., the bull stood upand Armstrong drew.

The arrow hit him behind the heart, Armstrong says. My arrow passed completely through his chest and both lungs. He only ran 70 yards before falling.

Brown soon met with Armstrong and Haase to begin the arduous work of getting the bull out of the field. Fortunately, they had used of a Bobcat borrowed from the landowner.

The buddies gather around the bull for a group shot.

Hauling the moose out of the field with the aid of a borrowed skid-steer.

The hunters transported the bull to a commercial meat locker, where Armstrong caped out the bull. He didnt get to bed that night until 4 a.m.

The bulls estimated weight was 1,700 pounds, and the still-in-velvet rack will almost assuredly become the new Pope and Young record for Canada moose in the recently established velvet category.

Armstrong has had the bull green scored by an official P&Y scorer. His bull grossed 187 2/8 inches, with a net score of 182 inches. The current P&Y record Canada moose in the velvet category was taken in Alberta in 2002, with a gross score of 173 4/8 inches and a net score of 168 6/8 inches.

Armstrong and his wife, Dawn, just before the birth of their son.

Armstrongs bull cant be officially scored for the record until the rack has dried for the mandatory 60 days (which is up on Oct. 31). But the odds are excellent that the antlers shrink below the Alberta moose score, making it highly likely that Armstrongs North Dakota bull tops the P&Y record book.

Read Next: The Top Moose Cartridges and Bullets

Eight days after Armstrong arrowed his record-size bull moose, his son, Beau, was born.

Its been an incredible year, says Armstrong. My first child and a record-book moose within a week. Its surreal.
Turkeys are big birds that yield a lot of meat, which is great for celebrations and large crowds. But there's more to a turkey than breast meat, thighs, and drumsticks  some of the most tender, succulent dark meat comes from the turkey neck, which you might be tossing away when preparing the bird to roast.

Turkey necks are an often overlooked and underrated gem in the world of poultry. While they might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of turkey, necks are a treasure trove of flavor. Packed with succulent meat and rich in collagen, they are perfect for making savory stocks, broths, and soups. The meat on turkey necks is also exceptionally tender, with a texture that practically falls off the bone when cooked properly. When simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, turkey necks release a deep, savory essence that can serve as the foundation for amazing gravies and sauces.

Read more: 12 Different Ways To Cook Chicken

What Is Turkey Neck Meat?

Parts of turkey with neck - 500/Getty Images

Exactly as you'd expect, turkey neck meat comes from the long tube-shaped neck of a turkey, and you'll usually find it tucked inside the whole bird. Made of roughly equal parts meat and bone, it shares a culinary kinship with other bone-adjacent cuts like oxtail, short rib, and shank, boasting a deeper flavor than the white meat of turkey breasts and wings. Unlike those larger muscle groups, turkey neck meat consists of numerous small muscles  once cooked, it transforms into tender, juicy shreds that can be lifted from the bones, making it a versatile addition to a wide range of recipes.

Turkey neck can be used as a shredded addition to beans, soups, and sauteed greens, or served on the bone, smothered in richly flavored sauce. But the culinary magic doesn't end there: The simmering liquid used to cook the turkey neck meat becomes rich bone broth, brimming with nutrients. The broth can be then used for sauces, gravy, and soup with deep turkey essence.

How To Cook Turkey Necks

Raw turkey necks with spices and herbs - ORLIO/Shutterstock

To prepare turkey necks, start by giving them a thorough rinse and a gentle pat dry, ensuring they're free from any surface impurities. While you're at it, check for any excess flaps of skin or fat, which can be easily trimmed before proceeding. You can slice the necks into smaller segments if you're serving them on the bone, or you can choose to cook them whole, as long as they fit into your pan.

You'll want to lightly season and brown the turkey necks by pan-searing them all around. This step not only enhances their taste but also contributes to the depth of the final dish. Once the necks are golden brown, immerse them in liquid for a slow, low braise, generously flavored with aromatics such as onions and bay leaves. They'll need to simmer for about an hour; you'll know they're ready when the meat begins to easily flake off the bone. Whether you're cooking the necks to use the meat in another recipe or simply to eat as is, the cooking process is the same if you want them to yield tender, flavorful meat.

Where To Buy Turkey Necks

Raw turkey necks with cleaver and herbs - Mironov Vladimir/Shutterstock

The most obvious source for turkey neck is right inside the cavity of a whole packaged turkey, since most large turkey companies include the neck and giblets (liver, heart, and gizzard) with a turkey. Just take a look into the openings at the head and tail end of the turkey  which you'll likely be doing anyway if you're adding stuffing  to find the parts. If you're buying a farm-fresh turkey, the neck might even be still attached at the head end. A careful cut at the base of the turkey will remove the neck  it should be cooked separately from the body for best results anyway.

If you just have one turkey neck, you've got enough meat to flavor simmered greens or a batch of grits. To serve a larger crowd, you'll need to ask at your butcher counter for bulk turkey necks; as with many specialty cuts of meat, they might need to be ordered specially, so plan ahead! You'll want a minimum of two pounds of neck for four servings.

Nutritional Value Of Turkey Necks

Cooked turkey neck and breast - Chatham172/Shutterstock

Neck meat is a flavorful choice if you want a touch more indulgence while still maintaining the nutritional value of turkey. According to NutritionValue.org, turkey necks share a similar nutrition profile to other dark meat from the bird. Dark turkey meat offers slightly more calories and fat compared to its white meat counterparts; a medium-sized neck (approximately 155 grams) contains roughly 250 calories, slightly more than an equivalent amount of white turkey meat, which boasts a lower fat content.

Much like other poultry, turkey neck meat is also a good source of protein and micronutrients. Turkey delivers a range of several B vitamins, including B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), which are crucial for energy metabolism and the health of the nervous system. Additionally, turkey is a healthy source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can support heart health (via the American Diabetes Association). Its mineral content, including selenium, acts as an antioxidant, while phosphorus contributes to bone health and energy metabolism, making turkey a well-rounded and nutritious protein option.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Robots are slowly taking over White Castle, albeit in a more helpful rather than menacing manner. The Ohio-based fast-food chain has been implementing Miso Robotics' "Flippy 2" as fry cooks across the country, according to a recent report from Today. The initiative first began in September 2020, when White Castle installed the original "Flippy" in a Chicago area restaurant. Following an upgrade to "Flippy 2" at the original test location in November 2021, White Castle decided to introduce the trusty robot to more locations nationwide.

According to a 2022 statement from Miso Robotics, "Flippy 2" has been successful at boosting efficiency and quality of service both in and out of the kitchen: Flippy 2 alleviates the pain points that come with back-of-house roles at quick-service restaurants to create a working environment for its human coworkers that maximizes the efficiency of the kitchen. The improved workflow allows for the redeployment of team members to focus on creating memorable moments for customers.

Miso Robotics said the rollout of the machines is being phased by region and is still in the planning stages, per Today. An unnamed spokesperson for White Castle also told the media outlet that the rollout is still ongoing and will eventually be in nearly one-third of the company's approximately 350 brick-and-mortar White Castle restaurants across the Midwest, Southwest and the New York area.

As of Oct. 13, there have been 17 robots installed, said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle.
Like many traditional foods eaten on Day of the Dead, pan de muerto is as symbolic as it is tasty. The purpose of this lesser-known, sweet-tasting bake, which translates to "bread of the dead", is to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed on. Francisco Flores, Iberostar regional chef of Mexico, told Mashed, "You don't find this recipe in a lot of places, but it's very traditional in Mexico. And it's also really good."

When the holiday begins, families will place pan de muerto on altars (called ofrendas) for spirits to partake from, and each one may feature a unique style depending on what region it's prepared in. Skulls, crossbones, teardrops, and petals are some common designs that are added to the top of each loaf, often baked in a round shape to symbolize the circle of life. It can also be made in the shape of a person or animal, and is typically flavored with a hint of anise or orange zest.

Unlike the potentially stomach-ache-inducing act of eating sugar skulls on Day of the Dead, this is one food you'll actually enjoy eating when the November holiday comes around. A good loaf of pan de muerto will be dense yet moist, golden, and glazed with an egg wash, sugar mixture, or melted butter. As Flores explains, even though this bread is a rare find outside of Mexico, there's a lot that goes into pan de muerto that makes it a meaningful delicacy that more bakers should attempt.

Read more: The Most Mouth-Watering Aldi Items From Different Countries

Pan De Muerto Looks Harder To Make Than It Is

breadmaking ingredients on wooden table - Apomares/Getty Images

According to Chef Francisco Flores, this traditional Day of the Dead food incorporates several techniques, so making it yourself may seem like a daunting challenge. While the finished product certainly looks impressive, the process behind baking homemade pan de muerto is so easy that even young kids can join in to help honor their loved ones and ancestors. Those particularly skilled at seasoning, kneading, rolling, and proving bread may find making it a cinch, but even for less skilled bakers who haven't done a lot of breadmaking, turning the yeasted dough into an impressive work of art isn't all that hard.

Regardless of what recipe you use, before pan de muerto starts doubling in size as it rises you can mold small pieces of dough into the shapes you want to use to top your symbolic bake. Once it's fully baked, the shapes should be distinctly visible, and it doesn't have to be a complicated design unless you want it to be. "The decoration," Flores told Mashed, "is dusting with sugar, but you can take it from a very basic procedure to doing something really professional with decorations." After glazing it and sprinkling it with granulated sugar, your baking creation is ready to be enjoyed with friends and family at the dinner table or shared in memoriam at a loved one's ofrenda.

Read the original article on Mashed.
The Connecticut resident didnt realize her rings were stored in the pocket of a hoodie when she dropped it off at the store.

Diamond Galaxy / Getty Images

When one woman from Connecticut decided to donate her hoodie to Goodwill, she didnt realize some of her most valuable items were stashed in one of the pockets: her engagement ring and wedding band. In October 2023, the Connecticut resident, whose name hasnt been identified, was cleaning, so she made sure to remove the stack from her left ring finger to avoid damaging the beloved gemstones. The woman was wearing a hoodie at the time, so she stored them in one of the pockets for safe keeping, according to ABC 7.

The woman later decided that she no longer wanted the hoodie, so she dropped off the garment at a local Goodwill store, hoping that someone in need would get more use out of it. When donating the sweatshirt, the woman completely forget that both of her sparklers were still inside of the pocket. In the following weeks, the woman racked her brain, trying to figure out where the special accessories must have gone. It finally hit her that the pieces of jewelry must have been in her old hoodies pocket.

Related: A Woman Found a $6,200 Designer Wedding Dress for $25 at Goodwill

Immediately after solving the mystery of her missing engagement ring and wedding band, the woman tried tracking down the donated clothing item, a task that has been practically impossible, ABC 7 reports. Goodwill said that it neither checks the pockets of donated clothing nor has an inventory system that tracks individual items of clothing, which doesnt help the womans case. The woman opened up to the outlet about misplacing her rings. I cant replace the sentimental value, she expressed. I also cant replace the physical piece because they dont make it anymore, and there is nothing I have seen that is similar.

Were hopeful that this woman will one day be reunited with her engagement ring and wedding band because many other individuals with similar stories have had luck locating them. Earlier this month, a bride-to-be dropped her engagement ring down a sewage drain in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, according to Good News Network. Two police officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Officer Kyle Briggs and Sergeant Andrew Robinson, were on patrol when they overhead the woman discussing the dilemma with her fiance, so they decided to step in and help. According to the outlet, the duo created their own device, using a pole that they found in the street, masking tape, and a paper clip attached to the end, to retrieve the item. Their invention proved to be a successthey found the ring.

In another similar incident, one mother named Nicole Dobson accidentally donated her daughters wedding dress to Goodwill in August 2023. The well-meaning mom grabbed some of daughter Baileys prom dresses without realizing that she threw the bride-to-bes gownwhich she intended to wear in December 2023into the pile, KFSM-TVs online publication, 5NEWS, reported. The mother-daughter duo quickly posted about the mishap on the internet, which prompted Goodwill to likewise start a social media campaign to track down the buyer. As luck would have it, someone commented on the campaign that they found the dress on eBay, so the Nicole and Bailey contacted the seller, who returned the getup. To thank the woman, Bailey invited her to the wedding. Were hoping that she will show up and support us because she did make the experience happen, and it does only happen once, the bride-to-be said.

Up Next: A Woman Was Reunited With Her Lost Wedding Rings After a Stranger Used Social Media to Track Her Down

Read the original article on Brides.
MADRID (AP)  Spanish police said Monday they have confiscated 11 pieces of ancient gold jewelry that were taken out of Ukraine illegally in 2016.

A police statement said five people who were attempting to sell the pieces in Spain have been arrested in recent weeks.

Those arrested included two Ukrainians, one of them an Orthodox Church priest, and three Spaniards.

The jewelry was said to be worth 60 million euros ($64 million) and dated from between the eighth and fourth centuries B.C.

The jewelry was said to be worth some $64 million.

The jewelry was said to be worth some $64 million.

Police said the items were part of Ukraines national heritage.

They went missing after being put on display between 2009 and 2013 in a museum in Kyiv, Ukraines capital.

The pieces included a belt, earrings and necklaces.

An ornate gold belt was seized in 2021 and the rest of the pieces were seized in recent weeks. Police said the investigation continued.

The pieces are being studied by Spains National Archeological Museum and the countrys Cultural Heritage Institute.

Interior ministry attaches in Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, North Macedonia and Ukraine helped with the investigation, police said.
An off-duty pilot of an Alaska Airlines flight tried to shut off its engines mid-air, police said.

Passengers told CNN they were unaware of what was happening because the crew handled it so well.

One passenger, sitting close to the cockpit, told the outlet he slept through the incident.

An Alaska Airlines flight narrowly avoided disaster on Sunday after an off-duty pilot tried to shut off the plane's engines mid-air, according to authorities and the airline.

Most of the 83 passengers aboard Horizon Air-operated Flight 2059  headed from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California  were completely oblivious to what was happening in the cockpit.

This included one man, identified as Alex Wood, who told CNN on Monday that he slept through the entire drama.

Wood, who was seated at the front of the plane, told the outlet that he had headphones on and was getting some rest on the flight.

"I was right by the cockpit, but nothing woke me up," Wood told CNN. "Nothing was loud enough, nothing was rambunctious enough to wake me up."

Wood said he only noticed something was wrong after the captain told passengers through the loudspeaker that there had been a "disturbance in the cockpit" and that the plane had to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon.

The flight successfully landed in Portland and the off-duty pilot in question was arrested.

He was later identified by police as 44-year-old Joseph Emerson, who had hitched a ride in the flight deck "jump seat" of the cockpit  which is not uncommon.

But after the plane reached cruise altitude, Emerson had tried to shut down both of the Embraer 175's engines by pulling its fire extinguisher handles, Alaska Airlines told Insider's Natalie Musumeci.

"The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines," the airline said. "The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident."

Port of Portland Police Department also told Insider that Emerson caused an "in-flight disturbance in the cockpit" and that the "flight crew was able to detain the subject."

In an audio recording, posted on LiveATC.net, one of the plane's pilots can be heard telling an air traffic controller that "we've got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit."

"I think he is subdued," the pilot added.

Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Emerson, a married father-of-two, is facing charges that include 83 felony counts of attempted murder, The New York Post reported.

Wood and one other passenger, Aubrey Gavello, said they were impressed with how well crew members dealt with the situation.

"It was all handled super well," Wood told CNN

Gavello told "Laura Coates Live" on Monday: "I'm honestly grateful that we didn't know anything when they rebooked us and got us on a second plane."

"I don't know if I would have felt comfortable doing that if we had all the information," she added.

Read the original article on Insider
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An Alaska Airlines plane made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport on Sunday after a credible threat to an authorized occupant on board  and now the suspect, identified as an off-duty pilot, is facing 167 charges.

Officials with the Port of Portland identified the suspect as 44-year-old Joseph D. Emerson, who was taken into custody after Flight 2059 was diverted to PDX.

The airline said in a statement that no weapons were involved.

Emerson faces 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

According to Alaska Airlines, the flight  on a Horizon Air passenger jet  was headed from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. Alaska Airlines owns Horizon, a regional carrier.

Alaska Airlines said an off-duty pilot, later identified as Emerson, who was sitting in the jump seat, caused a disturbance in the cockpit of the plane and attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines.

The crew managed to secure the plane, and Alaska Airlines said they worked with air traffic control to divert the flight to PDX.

EPA takes step toward regulating lead in fuel for small planes

One of the pilots told air traffic controllers that the man who posed the threat had been removed from the cockpit.

Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. And he  doesnt sound like hes causing any issue in the back right now, and I think hes subdued, one of the pilots said on audio captured by LiveATC.com. Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.

The FBI office in Portland said it was investigating and can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was helping law enforcement investigations, but declined further comment about the incident.

Officials confirmed the suspect was taken into custody after the plane landed, and the planes passengers were all able to board a later flight.

According to FAA records, Emerson holds a license to fly airline planes. It was not immediately certain which airline he works for.

The incident occurred on a 76-seat Horizon Air Embraer 175 that left Everett, Washington, at 5:23 p.m. local time and landed in Portland an hour later. Alaska Airlines did not immediately say how many passengers were on board.

When the jump seat, a third seat in the cockpit, is occupied, its often filled by an off-duty pilot, but the seat can be used by other airline employees or federal safety inspectors.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
[Source]

A government survey in Japan revealed that 45.5% of its workers sleep less than six hours per night on average.

The survey results: The recent survey found that 10% of respondents slept less than five hours, 35.5% slept between five and six hours and 35.2% slept between six and seven hours.

About the study: The study is based on a survey of 10,000 employees in Japan. Among the respondents, 45.4% said the ideal amount of sleep was between seven and eight hours, while 17.1% said more than eight hours.

Risk of depression: The study indicated that about 70% of those who obtained an ideal amount of sleep were not at risk of depression or anxiety, but this figure dropped to below 40% for those sleeping three to five hours less than the ideal.

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The survey revealed that workers who were four hours short of their ideal sleep duration had a 27.4% likelihood of suffering from severe depression or anxiety disorders, while those who were five hours short had a 38.5% likelihood.

Maintaining a healthy mental state: The health ministry's findings highlight the increased risk of mental health issues for individuals who experience sleep deprivation. The health ministry's findings underscore the need to address long working hours in Japan.

There is a need to rectify long working hours and enable workers to get more sleep so they can maintain a healthy mental state, an official of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.

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Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan speaks during a press briefing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The upgrade of the China-Ethiopia bilateral relationship is surely a milestone in history, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan said here on Monday.

Addressing a press briefing on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's visit to China and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Zhao underscored the importance of the recent establishment of the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.

"We should keep this momentum and promote our relations to be deeper and more solid. Our Chinese embassy always stands ready," he said, adding the two sides should be friends for common development and win-win cooperation and partners in promoting South-South solidarity and cooperation and safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Noting that the high-level exchanges and political mutual trust between the two countries have been strengthened, Zhao said that the two sides emphasized the need to continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.

He said that China is determined to work with Ethiopia to strengthen cooperation in various fields under such frameworks as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and that the China-Ethiopia relationship should stand as an example of China-Africa relations.

China will support and participate in Ethiopia's post-war reconstruction and economic revitalization, strengthen cooperation in green development, and implement the Global Development Initiative, to boost Ethiopia's development effort, Zhao said. 
Argentinas economy minister Sergio Massa defied expectations Sunday to win the first round of the countrys presidential election, and now faces a runoff with Javier Milei , the far-right libertarian candidate who was viewed as the favorite.

Massa, the governments left-wing candidate, secured nearly 37% of the vote, while Milei  who has promised to slash Argentinas institutions, as the country faces a dire financial crisis  came second with 30%.

Massas win will trigger a tight runoff election next month. Milei painted himself as the anti-establishment option, drumming up support from disenfranchised voters frustrated by Argentinas economic turmoil. But the race looks set to be close, Brian Winter, vice president of the New York-based business organization Council of the Americas, told the Associated Press. There was this sense of inevitability around Javier Milei in the media, but he scared too many voters and ended up with the exact same level of support he had two months ago, he said.

Mileis failure to secure the first-round vote shows that there is a limit to his appeal, the Buenos Aires Times wrote. Trailing Massa by almost 7% suggests his break-it-all-down style has hit a wall with voters who dont completely buy into the radical changes hes selling, the outlet noted. Meanwhile, Mileis unfamiliarity with governing may have also turned off voters from rallying behind him. It signals that Argentines arent as willing to embrace the unknown as initially thought, the paper wrote.

The Massa-Milei runoff pairing was a fear of investors, as it could prolong financial instability in Argentina, Bloomberg reported. Sundays results mean Argentina will face another month of volatility as Massa and Milei fight to win the votes needed to reach the presidency, it noted.
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in Dearborn, Michigan, on Oct. 14. Some Arab American activists say they are tired of Democrats taking them for granted.

People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in Dearborn, Michigan, on Oct. 14. Some Arab American activists say they are tired of Democrats taking them for granted.

United in a desire to stop mounting bloodshed, a group of about 30 Arab American leaders and activists convened at the Hanini Outreach and Community Center in Dearborn, Michigan, on Oct. 16 to discuss how to respond to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

Those Arab American activists who attended the meeting shared their outrage at what they see as President Joe Biden s lopsidedly pro-Israel approach to the current war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that governs the Gaza Strip. They want Biden to pressure Israel for a cease-fire and end what they see as Israels reckless disregard for Palestinian civilians, as well as recognize that the best way to end Palestinian violence toward Israel would be to address Palestinians legitimate grievances. They all agreed that they would not vote for Biden under virtually any circumstances and would encourage their fellow Arab Americans to do the same.

You take my vote, you take my money and then you spit on me? one of the attendees, Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, told HuffPost. They are racist, and they are dealing with our people like trash. And we are going to teach them a lesson come November. Were not going to vote for them.

Hussein Dabajeh, a senior aide to Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun and head of his own political consulting firm, is leading the formation of a political action committee that will serve as the central body pushing for a boycott of Democratic candidates who fail to speak out against Israeli bombardment and for Palestinian rights. Dabajeh, who was at the Oct. 16 meeting, told HuffPost that donors have been lining up to bankroll the effort.

The prospect of swing-state Michigans sizable Arab and Muslim population sitting out the 2024 election is the most visible domestic political challenge facing Biden following his embrace of Israel in the wake of a massacre of 1,400 Israelis in an unprecedented Hamas attack on Oct. 7. But its just one of many facing the president and his campaign as they work to navigate the politics of the issue, which have been altered both by the increasing liberalism of young voters and the simple fact that the Arab and Muslim populations in the United States continue to grow.

Biden, a longtime Israel supporter who identifies as a Zionist, was greeted like family during his brief visit to Israel on Wednesday, physically embracing right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But the Oct. 16 meeting in Dearborn underscores a more complex political reality for Biden on the homefront, particularly among Democratic base voters. The deaths of more than 5,000 Gazans, including thousands of children, in Israeli airstrikes weighs heavily on those voters. And there are signs that the broader public opinion in America is more sympathetic toward Palestine than in the past.

People are not asking him to use the term war crimes; people are asking him to use the word restraint.'Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland

Polling on the conflict is highly sensitive to question wording, though a CNN/SSRS poll released last week found that 96% of Americans were sympathetic to the Israeli people while 87% said they were sympathetic to the Palestinians. The same poll found that 50% of Americans said the Israeli response to the attack was fully justified, with 20% more saying it was partially justified. (Other polls have found larger gaps between how sympathetic Americans are to Israelis and Palestinians, and polls are essentially unanimous in finding more Americans sympathize with Israelis rather than the Palestinians.)

Democrats and young people are the clear drivers of increased sympathy for Palestinians. A full 91% of people ages 18 to 34 have sympathy for the Palestinians, and only 57% of 18- to 34-year-olds said the Israeli governments response was fully or partially justified, according to the CNN poll.

The same poll showed 99% of Democrats said they had sympathy for the Palestinian people, with 49% saying they had a lot of sympathy. And just 38% of Democrats said the Israeli response was fully justified, with 30% calling it partially justified.

[Bidens] one-sided approach does not correspond to where Democrats are in general, said Shibley Telhami, a politics professor and public opinion specialist at the University of Maryland.

People are not asking him to use the term war crimes; people are asking him to use the word restraint, Telhami added. There is a real problem in the appearance that he is not valuing the lives of civilian casualties.

Among other complaints, Telhami expressed outrage at Israels decision to cut off water, electricity, food, and fuel from Gaza, and at the inability of U.S. citizens trapped in Gaza to gain safe passage out through Egypt.

The White House has responded to critics by noting Bidens success in brokering the deal that led to the admission of 20 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza through Egypt  over Republican objections  and his repeated his opposition to Islamophobia and the conflation of Hamas with Palestinian civilians. The Biden administration has also leaned on Israel to delay its ground invasion of Gaza to create more time to negotiate the emancipation of hostages, allow in humanitarian aid and devise plans for the protection of civilians.

President Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving Wednesday in Tel Aviv.

President Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving Wednesday in Tel Aviv.

In addition, the White House touts its investment in communication with, and outreach to, progressive, Arab American and Muslim critics within the administration itself. White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and senior adviser Anita Dunn have twice met with Arab American and Muslim White House staffers to hear their frustrations.

They put in a lot of time with administration officials at all levels to listen to their concerns and their feelings about whats happening, said a White House official, who requested anonymity to speak freely. Theyve done that with Jewish American appointees. Theyve done that with Arab and Muslim American appointees.

People can be at once disappointed or disagree with certain policies but should understand that the reality is that this administration has to make difficult decisions, and standing by allies should probably not be one of them, the official added.

The Biden administration dispatched Dilawar Syed, the deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration and the highest-ranking Muslim official in the Biden administration, to speak on Bidens behalf at a vigil in Illinois for Wadea al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian American killed by his landlord in what police say was a fit of Islamophobic rage.

Mourners booed during part of Syeds remarks, but other clips show the crowd applauding Syeds denunciation of Islamophobia and other forms of prejudice.

Bidens detractors ultimately want policy concessions rather than rhetorical gestures. Telhami called the U.S.-brokered humanitarian aid a bandage that treats Gaza civilians as victims of a natural disaster while failing to address the true causes of their hardship: the relentless Israeli air bombardments, which Israel says are aimed solely at Hamas militants, and the Israeli siege of the coastal enclave.

Alexis Zeidan, a Palestinian American activist in Dearborn who was present at the Oct. 16 meeting, grades Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war as less than an F.

When it comes to the Arab culture, people love us, but when it comes time to stand up for the Arab culture, people fail us, Zeidan said. Were not talking about policies that are impacting the way our roads are built; were talking about policies that have led to the death of a number of our brothers either back home or here.

The electoral consequences of attrition from voters who backed Biden en masse in 2020 are likely to be greatest in Michigan, which has the highest percentage of Arab American residents in the country. The state is home to more than 310,000 people of Middle Eastern or North African descent of varied faiths and more than 240,000 Muslims of varied ethnic backgrounds. Most Michigan residents who fit either description are concentrated in the Detroit area.

These Michiganders, who are broadly sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, played a critical role in boosting Bidens margins in Michigan. In the majority-Arab neighborhoods on the east side of Dearborn, Biden received 81% of the vote to Donald Trumps 17% in 2020. Biden won Michigan by about 150,000 votes, but polling shows a tighter race in the state in 2024.

As a survivor of the January 6 attack on the Capitol, I know the kind of hate that the modern-day Republican Party is fueling in our country, so this is a particularly difficult moment for me as a Democrat.Abbas Alawieh, former chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.)

Even if I am the vote that will decide whether Biden is president or not, I will not vote for Biden  even if that means Trump becomes president again, said Adam Abusalah, a Palestinian American in Dearborn who attended the meeting. We feel like he has betrayed us.

Time and time again, we are told to choose the lesser of two evils, the lesser of two evils, added Abusalah, who was a fellow on Bidens 2020 campaign and served as communications director to Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.). But now more than ever, its clear that the lesser of two evils doesnt work.

Siblani, Abusalah and Zeidan all said that there is nothing that Biden can do to redeem himself in their eyes ahead of the presidential election.

Not only are you seen as a failed leader, you are now seen as a murderer, Zeidan said. And I dont think theres any reduction from that. Peoples lives matter.

Dabajeh offers only one unlikely circumstance in which Biden could win back his vote: the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state along Israels pre-1967 border.

Abbas Alawieh, a former chief of staff to left-wing Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) who recently returned to his hometown of Dearborn, is not willing to write Biden off yet.

As a survivor of the January 6 attack on the Capitol, I know the kind of hate that the modern-day Republican Party is fueling in our country, so this is a particularly difficult moment for me as a Democrat, said Alawieh, who is calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. My support is conditional on whether federal and statewide elected officials decide to take a different route, a route that embraces peace, a route that embraces saving lives, as it relates to Middle East policy.

Though Muslims have grasped the most political power in Michigan, their growing population  there were just 2.4 million Muslims in the United States in 2007, compared with nearly 3.45 million in 2017, according to the Pew Research Center  means they have increased political power in multiple other states, including Minnesota, Virginia and New Jersey.

Dilawar Syed, deputy executive of the Small Business Administration, speaks at a vigil for a slain Palestinian American boy, Wadea al-Fayoume, last Tuesday.

Dilawar Syed, deputy executive of the Small Business Administration, speaks at a vigil for a slain Palestinian American boy, Wadea al-Fayoume, last Tuesday.

The growing population has also led to growing political prominence and to increased familiarity with other Americans. Americans who know a Muslim are more likely to have a favorable view of Muslims overall, according to a study released by Pew in March.

To know Arab and Muslim Americans and to see them in their full humanity helps people understand that our call for a cease-fire is not a political position  it is an urgent plea to keep us and to keep our families here, and in Israel-Palestine and in Lebanon, alive, Alawieh said.

In seeking to accommodate voters who want to see him take a more balanced approach to Israel, however, Biden faces political risks of another kind. Jewish Americans with broadly pro-Israel views have long exercised outsize sway in Democratic circles, both through their activism and voting patterns and through their financial support for the Democratic Party.

In states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona, pro-Israel voters  Jewish and non-Jewish alike  could play a decisive role in the outcome of the presidential election, according to Mark Mellman, a pollster who runs Democratic Majority for Israel, a group that has spent millions of dollars defeating strident Israel critics in competitive Democratic primaries. And in New York, where Democrats hope to claw back four House seats that Republicans flipped in 2022, pro-Israel Jewish voters could be a key part of Democrats plan to retake the House, Mellman said.

Theres been a whole series of polls that all say the same thing: The American people generally and Democrats specifically are very much on Israels side in this conflict, Mellman said.

Mellman, for his part, was skeptical that Muslim and Arab American activists would hold true to their anti-Biden pledge if the other choice is Trump, who on Monday renewed his vow to re-implement a ban on Muslims entering the country.

As an analyst, its hard for me to believe that when you actually get to the presidential election more than a year from now and you have Joe Biden, who has protected and advocated for civil rights, civil liberties for Arab Americans, against the guy who is a racist Islamophobe and instituted a Muslim ban, for Gods sakes, its just hard to imagine that people are going to go for the Muslim ban guy, he added.
McALLEN, Texas (Border Report)  Migrant encounters on the Southwest border in September and for all of Fiscal Year 2023 were the most ever recorded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and there were significant changes in where migrants cross from Mexico this past year, the agency reports

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There were 269,735 migrants encountered on the Southwest border in September  the most ever recorded in a single month by CBP. Thats up nearly 16% from 232,963 in August, and up nearly 50% from July, according to CBP data released Saturday.

CBP officers and Border Patrol agents encountered the most undocumented migrants on the Southwest border in Fiscal Year 2023 of any year in agency history. (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report File Photo)

September marked the end of Fiscal Year 2023, during which the agency encountered a total of 2.48 million migrants on the Southwest border  an agency record and about 100,000 more from the 2.38 million encounters in Fiscal Year 2022, according to agency data.

The increase in migrant encounters elicited criticisms of the Biden administration, some of which might have been muted by an unusual weekend release of the numbers, which typically come out during weekdays.

U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, said: This fiscal year may have ended, but the historic crisis at our Southwest border sparked by Secretary Mayorkas policies rages on. These numbers demonstrate beyond doubt that Secretary Mayorkas refusal to enforce the law and secure our border is jeopardizing our safety and security.

Green charges that CBP and Border Patrol agents continue to be completely overwhelmed by the flood of illegal immigration.

Although Fiscal Year 2023 totals were up just 4% from Fiscal Year 2022, Green said the totals dont reflect the 1.7 million known gotaways of migrants who crossed the border from Mexico into the United States.

He also linked the infiltration of undocumented migrants on the border with those who caused the Oct. 7 incursion in Israel and said our country is less safe.

Texas lifts 100% commercial truck inspections at international bridges

A line of undocumented migrants are seen being processed on Sept. 28, 2023 in Brownsville, part of the Rio Grande Valley Sector, after illegally crossing from Mexico. (Courtesy Border Patrol)

CBP officials countered that more forces than ever are guarding the Southwest border.

In response to high rates of encounters across the Southwest border in September, CBP surged resources and personnel. We are continually engaging with domestic and foreign partners to address historic hemispheric migration, including large migrant groups traveling on freight trains, and to enforce consequences including by preparing for direct repatriations to Venezuela, Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said in a statement.

CBP will continue to remain vigilant, making operational adjustments as necessary and enforcing consequences under U.S. immigration law, he said.

Miller added that if $14 billion in supplemental funding is approved by Congress, which was requested Friday by President Joe Biden, then he said it would provide critically needed additional resources including additional CBP agents and officers to support our essential missions: from border and migration management, to countering fentanyl and keeping dangerous drugs out of our communities.

Adjustments likely will be geographic as the ebb and flow of migrants into U.S. border communities changed significantly in September from previous months.

(CBP Graphic)

Arizonas Tucson Sector had the most migrant encounters in September at 51,000  up 109% from 24,359 encounters in June, according to CBP data. And for Fiscal Year 2023, the Tucson Sector recorded a 48% increase in total migrant encounters.

By contrast, El Paso saw a dramatic dip in migrants at the end of the fiscal year. In December, 55,769 asylum-seekers crossed into the West Texas border city, but that dropped 46% in September to 38,148, CBP reports.

Nevertheless, El Paso overall saw a 39% increase in migrant encounters this fiscal year that just ended with 427,471 crossing in Fiscal Year 2023 from 307,844 in Fiscal Year 2022. And the sector reported the most migrant encounters of any sector on the Southwest border.

(CBP Graphic)

South Texas also saw significant migrant encounters in Fiscal Year 2023. The Del Rio Sector reported the second-most migrant encounters on the border in Fiscal Year 2023, with 393,226; followed by the Rio Grande Valley with 338,337. Both of these sectors, however, saw a dip from Fiscal Year 2022: 18% in Del Rio and 27% in the RGV, CBP reports.

The Southern California sectors saw overall migrant increases with a 31% uptick in San Diego and 30% increase in El Centro.

The Laredo Sector saw the largest drop in migrant encounters, 57%, in Fiscal Year 2023.

Most of the migrants crossing into South and West Texas in Fiscal Year 2023 were Venezuelans. But that trend might end as the Biden administration has begun deportation flights to that South American country for the first time in several years.

The first deportation flight left Harlingen, Texas, on Wednesday carrying 130 migrants back to Venezuela.

On Monday, the Welcome With Dignity grassroots migrant advocacy campaign issued a statement about the new deportation flights to Venezuela calling it abhorrent to return asylum-seekers to a country where the United Nations has documented human rights violations.

Venezuela is the only country in Latin America currently under an ongoing investigation at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Undoubtedly, many of the asylum seekers and migrants on the plane risked unimaginable danger, including a voyage through a dangerous stretch of jungle in Panama to get to Central America and, ultimately, the U.S.-Mexico border to seek refuge and safety, said Welcome With Dignity Campaign Manager Melina Roche.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Adopted at age 2 by Louisville Police Officer Sean Jackman  who eventually rose to lieutenant  Samantha Killary later alleged that he sexually abused her throughout her childhood, stopping only when she turned 18 in 2009.

After she secretly recorded him admitting the abuse and apologizing for it, he pleaded guilty to multiple sex offenses and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, which he is still serving.

She also sued him as well as other defendants, namely former Officer Linda Thompson, whom Jackman dated from 2001 to 2003, and his father, former Detective Sgt. Rick Jackman. She alleged both knew of the abuse and failed to report it, as required by law.

And Killary also sued Louisville Metro, for employing and empowering them.

Jefferson Circuit Judge McKay Chauvin dismissed all the defendants, saying they were protected by a statute of limitations that at the time gave people alleging child sexual abuse only five years to sue  and which had long expired.

But determined to do something about Kentuckys status leading the nation in substantiated child abuse reports per capita, the state legislature in 2017 doubled the time in which people could sue. And in 2021, for the first time, it said claims could be brought against non-perpetrators such as police, government units or religious organizations that violated their duties to children.

The Court of Appeals reinstated Killarys suit, and now the state Supreme Court has been asked to decide whether the legislatures expansions of the child abuse law should be applied retroactively, to alleged abuse before the law changed.

The case was argued Thursday at the court and different justices, through their questions, expressed skepticism about the positions of both sides.

The case has attracted national attention, including from a child advocacy group, state and national trial lawyer associations and from Southern Baptist entities fearful of increasing their legal exposure.

In a friend-of-the-court brief, Child USA, which bills itself as the nations leading think tank on the civil rights of children, says extending the time to sue  and increasing the categories of potential defendants  provides access to justice previously denied to child sex abuse victims. The Philadelphia-based organization also said such reforms prevent further abuse by fostering social awareness and encouraging public and private institutions to implement accountability and safe practices.

Tad Thomas, the attorney for Killary (pronounced Kil-LARIE), told the court Thursday that it can take decades for people to come to terms with their abuse and gather the courage to do something about it.

Lining up on the other side are the Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who are urging the court to throw out Killarys lawsuit.

In their brief they say they of course do not dispute the laudable policy reasons for providing relief for victims of childhood sexual abuse.

But not even the most sacrosanct policy can trump the due process concerns presented in this and similar cases involving the attempted retroactive application of expired claims, they say.

More: Murder convictions at stake as Kentucky justices reconsider testimony on bullet casings

The brief says the seminary and convention, a fellowship of 47,000 churches, are themselves on the hook for claims dating to 2003 that they knew about abuse and violated their duties in responding to it.

Statutes of limitations, which can apply in criminal and civil cases, have been both condemned and hailed for protecting the rights of defendants.

One hundred years ago, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. asked, "What is the justification for depriving a man of his rights  a pure evil as far as it goes  in consequence of the lapse of time?"

But legal scholars say they provide important safeguards that protect would-be defendants from having to defend claims years after the fact, when relevant evidence may be lost and the memories of witnesses may not be as sharp  if they are still alive.

While The Courier Journal does not usually identify victims of child sex abuse, Thomas noted Killary elected to sue under her real name rather than initials or a pseudonym and to be fully identified.

She also wrote a book, Out of the Blue, under her name about her travails, including being forced by her adoptive father to participate in what he called naked parties.

In her lawsuit, she alleges Thompson participated in her sexual abuse. Attorneys for Thompson and Rick Jackman did not respond to her allegations.

Sean Jackman became commander of LMPD's VIPER unit, which focused on violent crime before being dismantled in 2015.

The General Assembly in 2017 extended the time for child sex victims to sue their alleged perpetrators to 10 years after they turn 18, or 10 years after the perpetrators criminal conviction.

In 2021, the legislature said that would apply retroactively to allegations of misconduct before 2017.

Kentucky voter guides: Here's who's running in all of the races

The legislature also created new cause of action against non-perpetrator third parties and said Louisville Metro and other government bodies would not be protected from childhood sex claims by using sovereign immunity.

But the legislature did not expressly say whether those provisions would be applied retroactively  questions the Supreme Court now must answer. Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter announced the court would rule as soon as possible.

Thompson, Rick Jackman and Louisville Metro say it would be unfair to revive a claim that has expired.

The city says it would be particularly egregious to penalize it for failing to learn of the conduct in question and put an end to it at a time it had no duty to do so.

Reporter Andrew Wolfson can be reached at (502) 396-5853 or awolfson@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Child sex abuse: Kentucky Supreme Court weighs statute of limitations
The letters CJNG, for the group's formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, are scrawled on the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.

The heir to a Mexican cartel empire, largely built on saturating the U.S. with fentanyl and other drugs, was expected to spill cartel secrets this month to prosecutors in Washington, D.C.

Instead, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez backed out of his plea deal the day before his scheduled hearing in federal court.

It's one in a host of setbacks for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in its crusade to topple Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion or CJNG, a "super cartel" detected on every continent except Antarctica.

Oseguera Gonzalez, known as "Menchito," now wants a trial and maintains his innocence on charges that he helped coordinate "tonnage" quantities of drugs funneled across the border and into the U.S.

Heir to cartel throne, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, called "Menchito," now in U.S. jail awaiting trial

His father, fugitive Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, known as "El Mencho," oversees the Guadalajara-based Jalisco Cartel, known as CJNG. He remains a top DEA target with a $10 million reward for information that leads to his capture.

CJNG and its top rival, the Sinaloa Cartel, are the two dominant cartels blamed for the bulk of illegal drugs in America.

El Mencho has remained on the run and in hiding for more than a decade, surrounded by highly trained and armed mercenaries. He groomed his son, called "Lil' Mencho," or "Junior" to one day take over the reins of the 5,000-member cartel, according to the DEA.

Unlike his stealthy father, Menchito had been spotted many times in public in the bustling city of Guadalajara. It's Mexico's second-largest city and the capital of the western state of Jalisco  known for its popular coastal resorts in Puerto Vallarta.

The Mexican military and navy teamed to capture Menchito in January 2014 in the western state of Jalisco, also finding large amounts of cash and guns. Cartel members lashed out by setting some vehicles on fire in the center of Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city. By October 2014, a Mexican judge ordered his release, citing a lack of evidence.

El Mencho's son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, was No. 2 in command of the billion-dollar cartel. During his arrest, police found these assault rifles. One is inscribed "CJNG 02 JR," and the other displays "Menchito," which means little Mencho.

Menchito was recaptured in June 2015 in the city of Zapopan by the Mexican army and the federal police. Many drug investigators in the U.S. doubted he would ever be extradited to the U.S. because of the cartel's history of bribing judges and other officials and killing those who couldn't be bought.

After his arrest, Menchito was detained in a federal prison in the state of Sonora, which borders Arizona. He fought his extradition, even falsely arguing he wasn't the blood relative of El Mencho.

Prosecutors successfully argued against bond, saying they have several witnesses with personal knowledge of Menchito's crimes who are prepared to testify, along with damning recordings.

A judge declared Menchito's case "complex," due to the volume of evidence. His trial is slated for October 2024.

Terry Cole, a former New York police officer who oversaw U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Guadalajara, said at the time he was surprised by Menchito's eventual extradition in 2020 because of the "amount of corruption and influence that CJNG has been pressuring local and federal government with [in Mexico]."

Cole served as the DEA's assistant regional director for North and Central America before retiring.

Still, El Mencho, the cartel leader, remains free. The former "sicario" or hitman, is known for running an extremely violent cartel with military-grade weapons.

Prosecutors allege Menchito's criminal involvement with his father's cartel began when he was a teenager and spanned more than a decade, extending into Colombia and Central America.

The Courier Journal traveled to Mexico in 2019 for a special project on CJNG and its rapid and vast expansion deep into the U.S., from large cities to tiny towns.

Members of the violent CJNG cartel based in Jalisco, Mexico.

Agents arrested Menchito's sister, Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez, known as "La Negra," when she traveled from her family's home in Guadalajara to Washington, D.C., to support her brother during his arraignment, unaware of a warrant for her arrest in her own case.

La Negra pleaded guilty in March 2021 to violating the Kingpin Act, initially designed to topple the mafia. A judge sentenced her to serve two years and six months, and she has since been released.

Prosecutors targeted her for associating with businesses linked to her father, including helping manage or promote a sushi restaurant, cabana resort, tequila label, agricultural company and advertising firm.

Because her father was designated a kingpin by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2015, it made it illegal for any U.S. citizen  including California-born La Negra  to have any involvement with businesses linked to him. Prosecutors say La Negra tried to distance herself from her father and his global drug empire.

Officials who participated in the investigation into Mencho, his family and his cartel claim prosecutors likely would have spared La Negra prison time away from her young children if her father had come out of hiding to face charges.

But the cartel boss never surfaced.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Menchito, son of CJNG drug kingpin, backs away from plea deal
Gabrielle Hanson, the Tennessee mayoral candidate whos found herself embroiled in weekly controversy on the home stretch of her campaign, appeared to keep making blunders on Election Daydecrying that voting machines were malfunctioning on Tuesday despite an election official insisting otherwise.

Hanson, who in the past month has been exposed as a Pride hypocrite and embracer of neo-Nazis, claimed on social media Tuesday morning that votes werent tabulating at some precincts in Franklin.

Initially, she told voters to take a photo of their ballots before submitting themsomething that is illegal in Tennessee. If caught, offenders could be hit with a Class C misdemeanor and have their ballot nixed. (Justin Timberlake found that out the hard way in 2016 after he posted a ballot selfie in Memphis but officials later closed their case without filing charges.)

It seems that there are issues with the voting machines at some locations today, she wrote to Facebook and Instagram. The intended process is for the ballot to print both the names of your choices and a barcode. However, in certain places, its only printing a barcode.

However, Williamson County Election Administrator Chad Gray said Hanson had it all wrongpossibly because she skipped out on a tutorial she was invited to that explained how Franklins new voting machines work, he told News Channel 5.

In a statement shared by the City of Franklin, Gray added there is some misinformation being put out about our election process.

All voting locations are operating as usual, he said. All equipment is working correctly.

Gray insinuated that Hansons claims may have stemmed from her unfamiliarity with the countys tabulation process. He said barcodes and printed ballots were largely irrelevant to Tuesdays election because the positions being voted onmayor and four aldermansare all at-large positions that arent precinct-specific, which the barcodes are used to filter ballots for.

Roughly an hour after Hanson urged voters break the law by taking photos of their ballots, she quietly edited that part of her social media postreplacing it with an incoherent sentence about alerting poll workers instead.

Please take note of your ballot, and if you encounter this situation, (sic) and tell a poll worker, the updated sentence read.

Hanson, who limited commenting and messaging on her social media accounts on Tuesday, could not be reached for comment by The Daily Beast.

From Speedos to Spats: Is This the Nuttiest MAGA Candidate Yet?

Its been a tumultuous campaign for Hanson, who has regularly brought national attention to herself and Franklina Nashville suburb of 85,000 thats home to scores of country music stars and their families.

Hanson, a Franklin alderman, first grabbed headlines this spring when she tried to shut down a Pride festival because she claimed drag queens and scantily clad revelers were a threat to innocent children. A photo emerged in September, however, that showed her husband rocking nothing but sandals and an American flag Speedo at a Pride parade in Chicago in 2008an outfit he told reporters Hanson had approved of.

In May, she bizarrely claimed that Audrey Hale, the shooter who gunned down six before being killed by cops at The Covenant School in Nashville, was in a love triangle with staffers theresomething cops called absurd.

A string of new controversies emerged in the final month of her campaign. On Sept. 27, her supporters barricaded a door to keep a local news crew out of a campaign forum. At Hansons next forum, residents and reporters arrived to see the building flanked by white supremacists who are part of the Tennessee Active Club, which is recognized as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Members of the group escorted Hanson into the forum.

Hanson never disavowed the groups presence but insisted she didnt invite them personallydespite Active Club members saying otherwise. She appeared to solidify her association with the group on Wednesday, however, when she was photographed grinning next to the hate groups leader, Sean Kauffmann, who has described himself as being an actual literal Nazi.

Wannabe Tennessee Mayor Smiles With Neo-Nazi in Photo on Social Media

Hansons association with the group has led some reporters to be harassed by Kauffmann and his supporters. On the eve of Election Day, Telegram accounts associated with Kauffmann posted threats to the local News Channel 5 journalist Phil Williams.

We are watching you Phil, a message said, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. You slander us, there will be repercussions. The post ended with the lines, Always Watching, Always Listening, Always Near.

Voting in Franklin will remain open until 7 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday. Hanson is throwing an election night celebration party, but is reportedly charging $500 per person to attend, according to an Eventbrite page for the event.

Hansons opponent, the incumbent Ken Moore, is not charging a fee to attend his election night party.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Piles of dirt dot the backyard of an Ybor home where law enforcement officials have spent the past few days searching for a body they believe may have been buried there.

Detectives with the Tampa Police Departments Unsolved Crimes Unit partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after receiving information that a body may be buried at the home located at 1707 E. Fifth Ave. The homeowner, Kurt Schleicher, told the Tampa Bay Times that officials had been out to the home multiple times over the past few weeks and had paused searching the backyard on Monday.

The investigation is another addition to the homes macabre history.

Nearly a century ago, the home was the site of one of Tampas most gruesome and notorious mass murders when Victor Licata, 21, killed his parents and three siblings with an ax.

As of Monday, police had not found any signs of human remains in the homes backyard, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Officers did not identify whose body they were looking for, or what led them to search there.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed agents were assisting in the investigation, though a spokesperson said it was not the lead agency in the case and could not provide further information.

Schleicher, who police say is not a suspect in the investigation, said he first received a knock on his door in June when agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sought permission to dig through his backyard in search of a body.

Schleicher said officials told him they wanted to search the home after a man who lived there in the late 1980s and early 90s  when rooms in the house were rented out  admitted before his death to killing a woman and burying her in the backyard.

For weeks over the summer, a small red x was marked under a tree in Schleichers backyard by law enforcement. Officials told Schleicher that was the area where they thought the body they were searching for may be buried.

Schleicher said investigators had found what appeared to be bullets and a bone in his backyard.

In 1933, law enforcement flocked to the pastel home after it became the site of a grisly mass murder. Licata, the son of the homeowners, Michael and Rosalia Licata, slaughtered his parents and three siblings with an ax inside the home. News archives report Licata told police he didnt kill anyone.

He said that while he slept, his parents pulled him from his bed, sawed off his arms with a knife and jabbed wooden arms with iron claws into his stumps while his siblings laughed. Licata then said he grabbed a funny axe that he thought was made of rubber, and knocked each of the family members unconscious.

The Tampa Times said the following day that it was a dream, of course.

Investigators initially believed Licata killed his family under the influence of marijuana, a theory that served as fuel for the federal criminalization of the drug but has since been disproven.

Licata was known to be dangerous and mentally unstable, and the state attorney chose not to indict him. Instead, Licata was sentenced to life at a mental institution.

The homes history was unknown to Schleicher at the time he bought it, but he has since embraced it. He keeps memorabilia from the movie Reefer Madness, which was allegedly inspired by the murders, throughout the home.

Its not about me, its about the families that can hopefully find closure, Schleicher said of the investigation this week. As far as the house, its par for the course.

Times staff writer Paul Guzzo contributed to this report.
A 27-year-old was found alive in a ditch two days after he was reported missing in Tennessee, according to friends and loved ones.

Knox County deputies said family members reported Taylor Boyle missing on Tuesday, Oct. 17, after he was last heard from on Sunday, Oct. 15. Boyle was on his motorcycle when he disappeared.

Friends and strangers, a private search and rescue team and Knox County law enforcement searched the area in the days following his disappearance, according to an Oct. 18 Facebook post from Nichole Rousseau. Boyle was located by his friends around 11 p.m. on Tuesday.

He was down a 15 ft embankment not even a mile from home hidden under trees and bushes. Within the same radius we had been searching around all day Tuesday, Rousseau said.

Another post said Boyle was found near Heiskell, which is about 12 miles northwest of Knoxville.

Taylor just missed the guardrail. He was laying there in the cold for days dehydrated with only a concussion and a dislocated elbow. Face untouched, according to Rousseau. He was alive and talking, moving both arms and legs.

Brandon Lawson, a friend involved in the search, told WBIR that he was the one who found Boyle.

When I looked down in there, I didnt see him at first and as I was panning out, I saw something sparkle  basically just saw the light reflect. And when I did, I looked back and I just saw the Harley wheel, Lawson told the news outlet.

Its pretty crazy, honestly, as far as he was down here. And, as much as you can see from up here, its a miracle that we found him. I just praise God every day, Ryan French, another friend involved in the search, told WBIR.

After Boyle was found, he said he thought he had only been outside for about an hour on a camping trip with his dad, Rousseau said in her post. He is now recovering in the hospital with a minor brain bleed. He has a long road to recovery.

Friends shared details of the rescue on social media. Videos show rescuers in the woods before Boyle is lifted from a ditch on a stretcher. Another video shows Boyles motorcycle being dragged from the woods where it crashed.

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A man who thought he was going on a date with a woman he met online was instead beaten, robbed and thrown off a bridge, a Florida sheriffs office said.

Natalie Fonseca, 25, started messaging a man on Facebook on Oct. 6 and asked him if he could help her get some food, according to an arrest report obtained by WEAR.

He agreed and took her to a taco truck before dropping her off at home, the outlet reported.

The next day, she asked if he wanted to go on a date, have dinner and hangout, according to an Oct. 24 Facebook post from the Escambia County Sheriffs Office.

The man drove to Fonsecas house, where he was met by another man, 31-year-old Nafis Reynolds, deputies said.

Fonseca introduced Reynolds as her uncle, according to the sheriffs office, and the three of them got in a car together.

They drove to Reynoldss house for a cookout, according to the arrest report obtained by WEAR, before later leaving in the mans car with Fonseca driving.

During the ride, Fonseca and Nafis both hit the victim several times and told him he was going to die, the sheriffs office said in the post. They robbed him of his shoes, his phone, his money and his car. They then took turns cutting his throat before throwing him over the bridge rail and into the Escambia River.

Deputies said the two then drove off in the stolen car. They later set the car on fire down the road, according to the sheriffs office.

As they drove away, the man was still alive in the river, and he swam toward land, according to the post.

He reached the shore of the river and collapsed, lying there until he was discovered by a boater the next morning, according to the arrest report obtained by WEAR.

They were able to flag down a deputy, according to the sheriffs office, and the man survived.

Using surveillance footage and information from a previous domestic disturbance, deputies were able to identify Fonseca and Nafis, who were actually in a relationship, according to WEAR.

Both Fonseca and Nafis were charged with attempted murder, armed carjacking, armed robbery and kidnapping, according to the sheriffs office.

Pensacola is about 200 miles west of Tallahassee.

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TOKYO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan's transport ministry on Tuesday ordered major used car dealer Bigmotor Co. to halt operations at 34 outlets for violating road traffic law.

The transport ministry urged the 34 shops across the country to suspend vehicle maintenance operations for a period of between 10 and 90 days after finding that the firm had charged excessive repair and inspection fees.

Twelve of the shops took the heaviest punishment of having their licenses to carry out private vehicle inspections revoked.

Bigmotor was also ordered to dismiss 24 vehicle inspectors found to have been involved in the wrongdoing.

In July, the ministry conducted unannounced on-site investigations of 34 Bigmotor outlets in 24 prefectures based on a report by outside lawyers, according to which the 34 shops were involved in improper maintenance.

Practices violating the road traffic law were confirmed at all 34 garages attached to the outlets. The law prohibits companies from charging for repairs not requested by customers or not carried out.

The company, in a statement, vowed to take the ministry's action seriously and make efforts to prevent similar things from happening again.

The ministry is continuing to investigate Bigmotor's remaining 101 vehicle maintenance shops, with the probe set to continue through next year. 
The second season of Behind the Attraction is headed to Disney+, and Epcot lovers will find more than one episode that hits home.

The six-part series, which becomes available on the streaming service on Nov. 1, has an entire program devoted to the past, present and future of Epcot, plus episodes devoted to nighttime spectaculars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, theme-park food and Indiana Jones Adventure.

The format is the same as season one, flooded with factoids, quippy interviews with Imagineers and other Disney experts and off-screen narrator Paget Brewster. The series gets a lot of mileage out of time with veteran Imagineers Bob Gurr and Tony Baxter. The result is history lesson meets trivia contest.

The Epcot episode covers well-trod territory such as the original vision of Walt Disney , the pairing of Marty Sklar and John Hench, the architecture of Spaceship Earth and the morphing of Maelstrom into Frozen Ever After. The nighttime spectacular episode includes the now-gone Harmonious, dwelling on themes of international unity and technology.

Behind the Attraction is a bit self-congratulatory, but consider the source and the platform. It manages to work in snark. Barge is putting it mildly, Brewster notes in the construction of Harmonious. Theres a segment on whether Walt Disney actually used the term kiss goodnight in regards to fireworks shows. And, in regards to updates for the Redhead / auction scene of Pirates of the Caribbean, a cast member ruefully says As time progressed, we thought maybe we shouldnt be selling women.

As for Epcot, Roger Gould, who works for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, says Remys Ratoutille Adventure is basically Mr. Toads Wild Ride for the 21st century. Imagineer Alex Wright recalls walking through the ginormous ride building for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with awe-filled Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald, who said Dear God, what have we done?

The series has a worldwide focus, tying in attraction variations in Asia and Europe as well as Disneyland and Walt Disney World parks. There are occasional lights-on glimpses inside attractions that are pause-button worthy. And there is some repetition/overlap among episodes, so watching back-to-back-to-back binging may not be the best method.

Without being too spoiler-y, here are five of the fun things we learned from the second season of Behind the Attraction:

 Gurr has a tattoo on his breastbone of his first sketch of a monorail car.

 The first person to be the flying Tinker Bell at Disneyland was a 70-year-old woman named Tiny.

 Dole Whips arrived at Disney World before churros became a thing at Disneyland.

 New fireworks technology is cutting down on smoke seen during the shows.

 Figments roots are in Magnum, P.I.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. My Threads account is @dbevil. You can subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a co-worker in Sequoia National Park on Monday, the Department of Justice announced.

DOJ: Man charged for sexual abuse in Sequoia National Park

Court documents state on July 21, 46-year-old Luis Eduardo Sanchez-Azpeitia entered a womans cabin and committed non-consensual acts of abusive sexual contact, including touching her chest and inner thighs.

Attorneys reported the victim did not consent to any of the defendants sexual conduct, repeatedly told Sanchez-Azpeitia no, and tried to make him stop his sexual advances.

Sanchez-Azpeitia is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 26, 2024, and faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, officials say.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Entrepreneur Don Laughlin stands on the balcony outside the Riverside Resort Hotel, his property overlooking the Colorado River, April 15, 2011, in Laughlin, Nev. Laughlin, a resort owner and the namesake of a southern Nevada town that he turned into a tourist destination, died on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. He was 92.

LAUGHLIN, Nev.  Donald Don J. Laughlin, a resort owner and the namesake of a southern Nevada town that he turned into a tourist destination, has died. He was 92.

Laughlin died Sunday at his penthouse home at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Diana Fuchs, the resort's marketing director, said Monday. He died of natural causes.

Family and other relatives had been with Laughlin for several days before his death.

Don ... in true Don Laughlin spirit, was still trying to make them laugh with his jokes, Fuchs said in an email to The Associated Press.

Don Laughlin, as pictured in The Arizona Republic on March 4, 1990.

Laughlin is credited as the architect behind the transformation of an area of dirt and weeds 100 miles south of Las Vegas into a thriving alternative to Sin City.

When we came here there was a dirt road in here and you had to come in by way of the dam, Laughlin told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2016 while celebrating the resort's 50th anniversary. If it rained, you couldnt get here.

Situated on the lower Colorado River and along the Nevada-Arizona border, Laughlin is currently home to eight casino resorts. Nearly 2 million visitors travel there each year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

FILE - A statue of Don Laughlin is seen, Sept. 9, 2012, at the north end of Casino Drive in Laughlin, Nev. Laughlin, a resort owner and the namesake of a southern Nevada town that he turned into a tourist destination, died on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. He was 92.

Laughlin was born in Owatonna, Minnesota. Even as a teen, he was running gambling operations. He was known to use earnings from mink trapping to buy and install slot machines at local pubs, according to the Riverside Resorts website.

When Laughlin was in ninth grade, his school principal issued an ultimatum to either stay in school or stay in the slot business, where he made $500 a week.

I said, Im making three times what you are, so Im out the door, Laughlin recalled to the Review-Journal.

In 1964, 10 years after buying a gambling business in North Las Vegas, Laughlin sold it for $165,000, according to his biography posted on the resorts website. He visited the Mohave Desert and saw a stretch of land called Tri-State was unoccupied. Laughlin bought a boarded-up motel and 6 acres along the riverfront.

The Riverside Resort opened in 1966.

It was two years later that the area became Laughlin. A U.S. Postal Service inspector told the casino owner he needed a name to receive mail. It was the inspector who suggested his surname, according to the Riverside Resorts website.

His influence on the region only grew from there.

In 1986, Laughlin bankrolled the construction of the Laughlin Bridge connecting Nevada and Arizona. In 1991, he donated land and the funds for Laughlin/Bullhead City International Airport. Many of his employees were Arizona residents.

Laughlin became a revered figure who would greet staff and guests while strolling through the hotel and casino.

Laughlin is survived by one sister, three children, five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

His wife, Betty, died in January 2022 at 89, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Plans for a memorial service are still being determined.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Don Laughlin, namesake of Nevada town bordering Arizona, dies at 92
Prince George previously visited Eton College, where Prince William and Prince Harry both attended school

Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince George and Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour 2023

Kate Middleton reportedly paid a visit to her old school  and in the process, sparked speculation that Prince George may also attend.

The Princess of Wales, 41, headed back to Marlborough College for a visit, according to The Daily Mails Richard Eden. "Catherine was here the other day," a source told the reporter. "Its been the talk of the school."

In addition to Princess Kate and her two siblings, Pippa and James Middleton , being alumni, Princess Eugenie also attended the boarding school.

The royal visit prompted speculation that Prince William and Princess Kate might be considering Marlborough College as the next school for their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5.

Related: Kate Middleton Shares Prince George's Relatable Take on School Tests Amid News She Won't Travel to Singapore

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton in 2022

Earlier this year, Prince George was spotted with his parents on a visit to Eton College, where Prince William and Prince Harry attended as teenagers.

Although Eton College students are between the ages of 13 and 18, they must be registered before June 30 of the school year the boy turns 10. (Prince George marked his 10th birthday in July.) According to the school's website, "After this, the only route of entry will be through scholarships or Sixth Form entry, which open in Year 8 (for Year 9 entry) and Year 11 (for Sixth Form entry)."

The school costs nearly $20,000 per term, and there are three terms per year. There is also a $500 registration fee.

Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince George and Kate Middleton in December 2022

Although Eton is located near the family's Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor, it is an all-boys school. Meanwhile, Marlborough College is co-ed, so Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could all attend.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis currently attend Lambrook School, a preparatory school that educates children up to age 13.

After previously being enrolled in London schools, the royal trio started at the new school in September 2022 after the family relocated their home base to Windsor. It marked the first time that George, Charlotte and Louis all attended the same school together  Prince George and Princess Charlotte previously attended Thomas's Battersea, not far from the family's Kensington Palace home in London, while Prince Louis was enrolled in Willcocks Nursery School.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Images Prince George, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Prince William and Princess Charlotte in Sept. 2022

When Prince William enrolled at Eton College in 1995, he became the first senior royal to attend the school. While his father King Charles and grandfather Prince Philip both went to Gordonstoun in Scotland, Prince William did have family who were alumni  both Princess Diana's brother and father attended Eton.

Some of Queen Elizabeth's first cousins  including the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester and Prince Michael of Kent  also attended Eton.



Following the divorce of his parents, Queen Elizabeth started a new tradition: Sunday lunches with her grandson.

"The prince takes his style from his royal grandmother, who intervened as the marriage of William's parents dissolved in 1995," Robert Lacey, a veteran royal historian and author of the best-selling book Battle of the Brothers, previously wrote for PEOPLE. "The 13-year-old was in a fragile place  alone and just starting boarding at the elite Eton College across the river from Windsor. Concerned for her grandson's emotional state, the Queen invited William up to join her when Eton boys went home for the weekend."

Related: Royal School Day! See Princess Charlotte, Prince Harry and More Royals on Their First Days of School

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Prince William's first day at Eton College in 1995

Prince William and Princess Kate are currently keeping their royal duties to a minimum while their children are on a school break. Lambrook School students began their half-term break after classes wrapped on Friday, and they'll return to the classroom on Oct. 30.

The couple's decision to focus on their family during school breaks is just one example of how they're raising their children differently than previous generations of royals.

"Those children look pretty happy with life," a palace insider previously told PEOPLE. "A lot of it is the stabilizing normality Kate brings  and that's how she grew up. William absolutely loves it."

Despite their royal roles  especially George, who is second in the line of succession to the throne behind his father and will someday become monarch  Kate ensures that her kids' childhoods are as normal as possible.

"Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time," a source close to the royal household previously told PEOPLE. "She wasn't brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day."

Daniel Leal/Getty Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince George in May 2023

The palace recently announced that Princess Kate won't join Prince William on his upcoming trip to Singapore so she can help Prince George with his school exams.

In a clip shared on TikTok by Matt Wilkinson of The Sun, Kate told students, George is just at the beginning of being tested. He says, Mummy, I keep getting tested all the time. But when it gets to A-levels you feel like you're on it.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
A man alleges in a new lawsuit that hes endured extreme pain and suffering since having coffee spilled on him during an American Airlines flight.

As first reported by TMZ, the man in questionidentified as George Latorresays he was on a flight to New York City from Vietnam this month when he asked for a cup of coffee. Shortly after, a flight attendant is accused of spilling scalding coffee on the mans left arm. Claimed in the lawsuit is that this spill caused second-degree burns, as well as damage to a tattoo on the same arm.

At some point in the flight, the man further alleges, he asked to switch seats for a more comfortable option but was not allowed to do so. Latorre's suit also points to the possibility of permanent scarring as a result of the spill.

Complex has reached out to Latorre's lawyer and an American Airlines rep for comment. This story may be updated.

This isn't the first time an alleged American Airlines mid-flight coffee spill has resulted in a widely headlined lawsuit. Back in 2016, for example, a woman sued the airline over similar claims as the ones at the heart of Latorre's case.

More generally, the 1994 McDonalds coffee case is often referenced in connection with such stories. However, the Seinfeld-parodied caseformally known as Liebeck v. McDonalds Restaurantsis perhaps more complicated than some may realize.

More on this
Joshua Mollel landed in Israel three weeks before the deadly attack

The father of a 21-year-old Tanzanian, who has been missing since Hamas militants attacked the kibbutz he was living on in Israel, has told the BBC of his anguish, naming his son publicly for the first time.

Short presentational grey line

"The last time I spoke to Joshua was Thursday 5 October," says his father Loitu Mollel. "I said, 'Be on your best behaviour because you're somewhere new, and make the most of the internship you're there to do.'"

Two days later Joshua Mollel's new home - Kibbutz Nahal Oz - was attacked by Hamas.

He had left his family's place in northern Tanzania just the previous month.

Boarding the plane was a moment of excitement for Joshua.

Not only was this his first time travelling abroad - it was also a big step towards making his ambitions a reality.

"My son wants to make his fortune in agribusiness and become one of Tanzania's most successful farmers," his father says proudly.

He and his wife hope Joshua's studies in Israel will eventually boost the modest incomes they make from teaching and growing crops.

Being the eldest child, Joshua's younger brother and sisters look up to him as role model - so it hurts that they have not spoken to him on the phone for weeks.

On 7 October dozens of residents were massacred in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, and hostages taken over the border to Gaza which lies just 800m away.

Nobody knows what became of Joshua, and his family are sick with worry.

"We can't eat or sleep - when I go to the market people ask me why I'm losing so much weight," says his father.

Loitu Mollel says he and his family cannot sleep at night

"When the news came that Israel had been attacked by Hamas, I tried to find out if Israel had an embassy in Tanzania but I was told that they operate from Kenya.

"So instead I contacted the Tanzanian foreign ministry and I even contacted Tanzania's ambassador in Tel Aviv.

"But I've still received no information about where my child is and in what condition."

Neither Tanzania nor Israel have confirmed the identities of two Tanzanians students who are known to be missing.

But the BBC has worked to establish who they are, speaking to their families to confirm details about their lives.

We know that Joshua Mollel is one of the two missing students, and we know the identity of the other - but their parents have chosen not to name them publicly.

"We are working in support of the Israel authorities to find out where the two missing students are," says Tanzania's ambassador in Tel Aviv, Alex Kallua. "We can't tell if they are held hostage or even otherwise because we are looking for the correct information."

The BBC has also contacted Israel's foreign ministry with a request for comment.

Some 350 Tanzanians live in Israel, 70% of whom are students mostly pursuing agricultural-related studies, according to Tanzanian officials.

Ambassador Kallua says nine Tanzanians have returned to their home country safely within the last week, and that his embassy staff are "keen to make sure that we are in touch with the other Tanzanians [who are still] in Israel and making sure all are safe".

Joshua's family says his internship at Nahal Oz's dairy farm in Israel was organised by his college in central Tanzania, the Ministry of Agriculture Training Institute - Katrin. The college has not replied to the BBC's request for comment.

"We do not want to stand and blame the authorities for the slow search for my grandson, because we understand some parts of Israel were attacked by Hamas," Joshua's grandfather, Ephata Nanyaro, says diplomatically.

But this does not lessen the family's pain.

"He was last seen online on [the messaging app] WhatsApp on 7 October at around 10:00 [07:00 GMT] in the morning," recalls Joshua's father.

"I'm so stressed... It is really difficult. My little girls ask me every morning and night: 'Dad, we want to talk to our brother.'

"But I don't have any answers to give."

More on Israel-Gaza war
Fayette County Public Schools in Kentucky, along with schools in places like Chicago and New York City, will receive part of a $14 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to foster diverse schools, a news release from the department said.

FCPS will use its $500,000 grant at Lexington Traditional Magnet School, said district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith.

The money will be used to enhance arts education programs at the school. It will receive $500,000 the first year, $300,000 the second year and can compete for a $1 million grant in third year, Davidson-Smith said.

Grants for the first year of the program were distributed by Sept. 30, so grantees have access to those funds now to begin their projects, U.S. Department of Education officials told the Herald-Leader.

Recipients have committed to working closely with families, students, communities and school diversity plans through a variety of activities. For example, grantees will engage with stakeholders to better understand the needs of their school communities and how to best address them.

About 82% of Lexington Traditional Magnet Schools population, or 292 of the 356 students, is economically disadvantaged, according to the Kentucky school report card.

The grants support districts as they work to enrich educational experiences by providing every student with a well-rounded education and improved school conditions for student learning, U.S. Department of Education officials said in a news release Thursday.

Every student in America deserves access to a high-quality education, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in the news release.

However persistent racial and socioeconomic isolation in schools continues to result in inadequate resources, lesser access to advanced courses, fewer extracurricular offerings, and other tangible inequities that disproportionately impact students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, Cardona said.

The Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grants Program comes as schools and classrooms have become increasingly more separated along lines of socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, the news release said.

Chalkbeat.org reported New York City received $3 million for initiatives in Brooklyn and Manhattan and that a spokesperson for Chicago Public Schools said that district would use its $500,000 for hiring staff and hosting community meetings.

Hamilton County schools in Tennessee and Winston-Salem/Forsyth county schools in North Carolina are among the 30 other school districts across the United States that received grants through this new program, according to the news release.
By Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas

CARACAS (Reuters) -Industrial engineer Maria Corina Machado declared victory overnight in the Venezuelan opposition's presidential primary, after she tallied a huge portion of votes with the count just over a quarter finished.

The opposition held the contest to choose a unity candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid next year, amid pledges by the United States to roll back sanctions relief if the government fails to lift bans preventing some opposition figures from holding office.

Machado, who has pledged to privatize state oil company PDVSA if elected president, was tallying 93% of the vote, with more than 26% of ballot boxes counted, the primary's organizing commission said around midnight on Sunday (0400 GMT on Monday).

The count - delayed by a server blockage - was expected to continue on Monday. Another results bulletin is expected in the afternoon.

"The opposition has a new leadership, the leadership that was at the forefront for years is no longer there," Benigno Alarcon, director of the political studies center at Andres Bello Catholic University, told Reuters.

The vote was a rejection of traditional parties and their policies, said Henry Ramos Allup, leader of social democratic party Democratic Action.

Participation in the vote, organized without government help, was higher than expected despite the relocation of polling places, long lines, and the lack of gasoline and public transport in some areas.

Turnout was notable even in the traditionally ruling party-allied working class neighborhoods of several cities.

Machado's nearest rival, former lawmaker Carlos Prosperi, had 4.75% of the vote. Machado, 56, had led her rivals by some 40 points in polls.

Her ability to run in the general election remains uncertain as she is still barred from public office over her support of the sanctions on Maduro's government.

The opposition and government last week signed an election deal allowing each side to choose its candidate according to internal rules but not retracting the disqualifications.

The United States, which broadly eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil and gas and bonds in response to the deal, has said Maduro has until the end of November to begin rescinding the bans against the opposition and releasing political prisoners and "wrongfully detained" Americans.

Though five people were released, the Maduro government said last week that those with disqualifications cannot run in the 2024 contest.

The opposition, which says the disqualifications are unlawful, has been reticent about what it would do if Machado wins the primary but is unable to compete in 2024.

Machado has said she could pressure the electoral authorities to let her register, while others have argued a substitute will be necessary.

(Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas, additional reporting by Deisy Buitrago; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Tom Hogue and Ros Russell)
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- What the Gaza Strip needs most is peace-making efforts, not geopolitical calculation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday.

What the people of Gaza need most is security, food and medicine, rather than war, weapons and ammunition, said Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in a phone conversation with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki.

Al-Maliki introduced the position of the Palestinian side, and expressed heartfelt thanks to the Chinese side for upholding justice, making a clear and strong statement, standing firmly with the Palestinian people, and providing emergency humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian side.

China's support highlighted the solid friendship between Palestine and China, said Al-Maliki, adding that the Palestinian side calls for an immediate ceasefire, transporting the relief goods to the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and treating the injured.

He expressed hope that with the help of the international community, the Palestinian issue can be solved from the root, and the establishment of an independent nation can be realized.

Wang said that China deeply sympathizes with the plight of the Palestinian side, especially the people in Gaza.

China strongly condemns and opposes all acts that harm civilians and violate the international law, and calls for an immediate ceasefire to stop the war and guarantee the most basic living conditions of the people in Gaza, Wang said.

The UN Security Council should earnestly shoulder its responsibilities, and the international community must take urgent actions, said Wang.

Countries outside the region, especially major countries, should adhere to objectivity and fairness and play a constructive role in de-escalating the crisis, he added.

The senior Chinese diplomat said that China has provided emergency humanitarian assistance through the Palestinian National Authority and UN agencies respectively, and will continue to provide material assistance in accordance with the needs of the people of Gaza.

Wang stressed that the only way to solve the Palestinian issue is to implement the two-state solution and realize the Palestinian people's right to existence, right to statehood and right to return.

China calls for the convening of a more authoritative, more wide-ranging and more effective international peace conference as soon as possible to promote the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel and, to this end, formulate a specific timetable and roadmap, he said.

China has been campaigning for a ceasefire and end of violence and calling for a return to peace, Wang said, adding that China will continue to stand on the side of international fairness and justice, and work tirelessly with the international community for an early, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue. 
A former town councilman in South Carolina pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child during a sleepover in his home, the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office said.

On Monday, 56-year-old Earl Morell Jr., pleaded guilty to the third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor charge for the sex crime that victimized a 12-year-old girl, the solicitors office said in a news release.

The former Allendale town councilman pleaded guilty before a trial was scheduled to begin later Monday, according to the release. Morell had been charged with second-degree criminal sexual assault, but with the victims consent was allowed to plead to the lesser charge, the solicitors office said.

Former Allendale town councilman pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office said.

The sex crime occurred at Morells Jones Street home in March 2021, the solicitors office said. Thats near the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie campus. The girl was sleeping in Morells living room when she was sexually assaulted in the middle of the night, according to the release.

What was supposed to be a fun and carefree sleepover with friends quickly turned into a nightmare for this child, said Hunter Swanson Simmons, who prosecuted the case for the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office. This assault was traumatizing and continues to haunt this girl.

In a call to the girls parents about two months after the crime, Morell admitted to sleeping with her and encouraged them to have her medically examined, the solicitors office said. The victims parents then took her to a hospitals emergency room, according to the release.

In Oct, 2022, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order suspending Morell for moral turpitude. The executive order described the offense as an act of baseness, vileness or depravity in the private and social duties which a man owes to his fellow man, or to society in general.

As of Tuesday, Morell was still listed as a town council member.

Prior to Mondays court appearance, Morell was out of jail after posting a $200,000 bond, Allendale County judicial records show.

After pleading guilty, Morell was sentenced to five years in prison, which was suspended to two years plus three years of probation, the solicitors office said. He was also credited with 48 days served, according to court records.

Morell faced a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, according to South Carolina law.

As part of his sentence, Morell also will be placed on the South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions sex-offender registry, and was issued a permanent restraining order forbidding him to have contact with the victim, according to the release.

With an active prison sentence, Mr. Morell is being held responsible for his actions. I hope it also brings healing and a sense of safety for his victim, Simmons said.

The 14th Circuit Solicitors Office represents Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties.
VIRGINIA BEACH  Residents of Broad Bay Point Greens are still recovering from a tornado that tore through their neighborhood nearly six months ago.

Windows of some homes are remain boarded up and tarps cover some roof sections that were blown off.

In the 2200 block of Haversham Close, theres a swath of empty land where six houses once stood. One couple who lived there for 35 years has started to rebuild from the ground up. The foundation footings and walls of Charlie and Toni Cortellinis new home were recently installed. But its expected to take at least another eight months before the house will be completed.

Its still very surreal, said Charlie Cortellini, standing at the site last week. Youre going from everything being demolished and devastation to positive signs.

Soon after the EF-3 tornado with 145 mph winds hit Virginia Beach April 30, the city manager declared a local state of emergency. The number of homes damaged was estimated to be between 50 and 100, with nine homes destroyed and 36 rendered uninhabitable, according to the city.

Initial estimates included more than $15 million in residential damage and $731,000 to public properties. No injuries were reported.

The tornado was 400 yards wide, with a 4.5-mile path from from the eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River through Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story. It was the first of its magnitude on record in Virginia Beach, according a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist.

The worst of it was along Haversham Close where the Cortelinnis lived in an all-brick, cream-colored Georgian Colonial.

The couple was at a birthday party in Kempsville when they received a call from a neighbor that their house was destroyed.

They immediately thought of their two dogs that were home at the time. Firefighters and a neighbor would later rescue the animals. Riley, a 60-pound border collie/Australian shepherd, had been trapped under a wall in an upstairs bedroom.

The tornado knocked the Cortellinis house 10 feet off of its foundation. Part of the deck was in the pool, while houses across the street remained intact.

The couple relocated to a rental. For several months, Riley would hide and shake when he heard heavy rain, said Toni Cortellini, 71.

She needed time to recover, too.

It took me quite a while to get over the shock of everything, she said. I just wanted to go home, but there was no home.

Charlie Cortellini, 69, had retired the Friday before the tornado and was already considering downsizing.

When the tragedy happened, this was an opportunity to redesign a new home, said Chris Ettel of VB Homes, a friend of the Cortellinis who they hired to rebuild.

This will be built stronger, said Ettel, pointing to anchor bolts that will tie the frame of the house to the foundation.

The Cortellinis insurance will cover replacing the structure, fence and deck as well as the contents of the house, but Toni Cortellini expects they will probably have out of pocket expenses as well.

We had to go room by room trying to remember what was in there, she said. A lot of clarification had to go into us getting the fair amount for replacements.

Toni Cortellinis looking forward to moving back into the neighborhood and having her grandchildren over for dinner.

The fact that the new house is getting started on, its some light at the end of the tunnel, she said.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
Thousands of people have died and thousands more have been injured since the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel retaliated with a bombing campaign and total siege of the neighboring Gaza Strip, leaving the region on the verge of all-out war.

Click here for updates from previous days.





Latest Developments





Oct 24, 7:28 PM

US intelligence assess 'with high confidence' that Israel was not responsible for Gaza hospital explosion

An official with the U.S. Office of the Director of Intelligence told reporters Tuesday that the office has updated its assessment of last week's explosion of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which killed hundreds, and stated "with high confidence that Israel was not responsible for the explosion."



The official added, "We assess with low confidence that Palestine Islamic Jihad, PIJ, was responsible for launching the rocket that landed on the hospital, the official added, noting that they suspect based on their analysis that the rocket responsible likely suffered a "catastrophic motor failure."

PHOTO: A satellite image taken on Oct. 18, 2023, of the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza (lower left), and the aftermath of the explosion that took place the day prior. (2023 Maxar Technologies)

The intelligence official said they were drawing on intelligence, missile activity, open-source video and images of the incident, including an examination of the blast effects.



"If an Israeli munition was responsible for this blast, we would expect that Palestinian militants would be very directly and clearly showing what they thought was an Israeli munition," the official said. "We've looked at all of the images and in none of them do we assess that there are remnants, Israeli munitions."



-ABC News' Cindy Smith





Oct 24, 5:45 PM

US engaging in ongoing talks to release a number of hostages: Source

Talks are ongoing between the U.S. and regional partners, including Israel, Egypt, and Qatar to secure the release of a large number of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, a source with knowledge told ABC News.



The U.S. is still advising for a delay to have more time for the hostages to be released and for aid to get out, but does not want to appear to be dictating what to do to the Israelis, according to the source.



-ABC News' Selina Wang





Oct 24, 5:15 PM

American death toll rises to 33: Blinken

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that 33 Americans were confirmed dead after the Hamas terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7.



-ABC News' Shannon Crawford





Oct 24, 3:39 PM

How the 'law of war' could apply to an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza

With Israel appearing to be on the cusp of a ground invasion into Gaza, President Joe Biden and other world leaders this week said the Jewish state has the right to defend itself against the recent brutal attacks by Hamas.



At the same time, they warned, Israel must abide by the "law of war" in protecting innocent Palestinians living in Gaza.

PHOTO: Palestinians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis on the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 24, 2023. (Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images)

But with the prospect of hundreds, if not thousands more Palestinian civilians killed, can Israel do both? And could either Israel or Hamas be prosecuted for war crimes?



Click here to read what you need to know about international humanitarian laws and how they apply in the Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza.



-ABC News' Anne Flaherty





Oct 24, 3:28 PM

Kirby: Israel needs to 'consider possibility of humanitarian pause'

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Tuesday a "ceasefire right now really only benefits Hamas."



When asked if the U.S. has set or discussed any red lines with the Israelis, he said simply, "No."

But when pressed to elaborate on Secretary of State Antony Blinkens comments that "humanitarian pauses must be considered," he said, "pauses in operation is a tool and a tactic" that can protect civilians for temporary periods of time.

Later when asked, Kirby said Blinken talked about the need to "consider the possibility of a humanitarian pause, to allow aid to get in -- and get in unfettered -- and to allow for the safe movement of people out."

PHOTO: People injured in nearby Israeli air strikes rest at a school housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah, on the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 24, 2023. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images)

-ABC News' Selina Wang





Oct 24, 2:12 PM

Gaza to run out of fuel Wednesday night: UNRWA

Gaza is set to run out of fuel Wednesday night, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.



"If we do not get fuel urgently, we will be forced to halt our operations in the Gaza Strip as of tomorrow night," the agency said.



Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan said, "We know for sure that there's plenty of fuel in Gaza. Hamas has stored fuel in advance, and is stealing fuel from both civilians and the U.N. to power its war machine against Israel."





Oct 24, 2:25 PM

20 more aid trucks cross Rafah: Egyptian officials

Twenty more aid trucks crossed the Egypt-Gaza Rafah border on Tuesday and are now headed to the Israel-Egypt Nitzana Border Crossing for inspection, according to Egyptian officials.



It is not clear if the trucks have reached Gaza yet, where humanitarian conditions are worsening by the day, but these new trucks will bring the total to 74 aid trucks crossing through over the last four days.

PHOTO: People unload humanitarian aid on a convoy of lorries entering the Gaza Strip from Egypt via the Rafah border crossing on Oct. 21, 2023. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

The Rafah border crossing was shut on Oct. 10 after it was hit by Israeli warplanes on the Palestinian side three times on Oct. 9 and 10.

The crossing has briefly opened each day since Saturday, permitting a small amount of aid to enter Gaza.

Asked by a reporter if humanitarian aid is getting to Gaza fast enough, President Joe Biden said Tuesday, "Not fast enough."





Oct 24, 2:23 PM

Israeli, Palestinian Authority foreign ministers speak out at UN Security Council meeting

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and the Palestinian Authoritys Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad al-Maliki, gave long, impassioned speeches at the United Nations Security Council meeting about the suffering their people are experiencing.

PHOTO: Palestinians walk by the buildings destroyed in the Israeli bombardment on al-Zahra, on the outskirts of Gaza City, Oct. 20, 2023. (Ali Mahmoud/AP)

Cohen began by holding up photographs of the Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas, reading out their names and ages.

"They are just a few the many children and babies that have not seen evil. They have not caused evil. But they are victims of evil," he said.

Cohen described Hamas as "the new Nazis" and said Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel should serve as "a wakeup call against extremism."

PHOTO: A photo hangs on a refrigerator next to bullet holes in a house at Kibbutz Kissufim in southern Israel, Oct. 21, 2023. (Francisco Seco/AP)

Al-Maliki purported that Israels retaliation had equated to "ongoing massacres being deliberately, systematically, and savagely" perpetrated against Palestinians civilians.



"The Security Council has a duty to stop them," he said. "It is our collective human duty to stop them now."

PHOTO: Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians from the al-Astal family, who were killed in Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 22, 2023. (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters)

He suggested that Israel's campaign would ultimately lead to more conflict, saying "more injustice and more killing will not make Israel safer."



The foreign minister argued that everyone on the council should be united behind one goal.



"We should be on the same side -- all of us who believe in justice and peace," he said. "We should stand shoulder to shoulder in these moments. But that is only possible if everyone recognizes the value of Palestinian life -- the need to uphold Palestinian rights."



-ABC News' Shannon Crawford





Oct 24, 2:26 PM

Blinken backs Israel but says 'humanitarian pauses must be considered'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a forceful defense of Israels military actions at the United Nations Security Council, but Blinken said "humanitarian pauses must be considered" to protect civilians in Gaza -- the administrations strongest statement of a support for any type of halt in Israels efforts to vanquish Hamas.

PHOTO: Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 24, 2023. (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters)

"We must affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and to prevent such heart from repeating itself. No member of this council, no nation in this entire body. could or would tolerate the slaughter of its people," Blinken said.

The secretary said every member of the U.N. has a "responsibility to denounce the member states that arm, fund and train Hamas or any other terrorist group that carries out such horrific acts, reminding them that many other foreign nationals were also killed and kidnapped in its attacks."

PHOTO: People react as residents of Tel Aviv show support and solidarity with the families of hostages who are being held in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 21, 2023. (Ammar Awad/Reuters)

Blinken then turned to ongoing efforts to protect civilian lives, first emphasizing that Hamas is responsible for putting the innocent in harms way, before shifting to Israels responsibilities.



Hamas must cease using them as human shields, he said. Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians. It means means food, medicine and water and other assistance must flow into Gaza and to the areas people need them. It means civilians must be able to get out of harm's way. It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes.

PHOTO: Palestinians carry a child casualty at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 24, 2023. (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters)

Previously, the State Department and other U.S. officials flatly rejected calls for any kind of ceasefir, arguing, as State Department spokesperson Matt Miller did Monday, that it would give Hamas the ability to rest, to refit and to get ready to continue watching terrorist attacks against Israel.



In his remarks, Blinken also detailed the administrations efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading in the Middle East, but emphasized the threat posed by Iran and promised the U.S. would not allow attacks on Americans to go unanswered.



We do not want this war to widen, but if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake -- we will defend our people, we will defend our security -- swiftly and decisively, he vowed.



-ABC News' Shannon Crawford





Oct 24, 1:06 PM

Israeli UN ambassador calls on UN Secretary General to resign

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, is calling on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resign, saying he's "completely disconnected from the reality in our region."

PHOTO: People leave their vehicles to take cover during a rocket attack from the Palestinian Gaza Strip along a main road in Tel Aviv on October 24, 2023. (Gil Cohen-magen/AFP via Getty Images)

At the United Nations Security Council meeting, Gutteres delivered some of most forceful rhetoric on the Israel-Hamas war to date, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ease epic suffering, make the delivery of aid easier and safer and facilitate the release of hostages.

The Secretary-Generals speech, especially his assertion that the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum," sparked immediate backlash from Erdan.

"The shocking speech by the UN Secretary-General at the Security Council meeting, while rockets are being fired at all of Israel, proved conclusively, beyond any doubt, that the Secretary-General is completely disconnected from the reality in our region and that he views the massacre committed by Nazi Hamas terrorists in a distorted and immoral manner," Erdan said. "His statement that, 'The attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum,' expressed an understanding for terrorism and murder."

"Its truly sad that the head of an organization that arose after the Holocaust holds such horrible views," Erdan said.

The shocking speech by the @UN Secretary-General at the Security Council meeting, while rockets are being fired at all of Israel, proved conclusively, beyond any doubt, that the Secretary-General is completely disconnected from the reality in our region and that he views the  Ambassador Gilad Erdan   (@giladerdan1) October 24, 2023

"There is no justification or point in talking to those who show compassion for the most terrible atrocities committed against the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people," Erdan said.



Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told ABC News, "The Secretary said what he said. Spokesman is not responding further."

-ABC News' Shannon Crawford

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
In 2022, health workers reported 4.5 days of poor mental health during the previous 30 days, up from 3.3 in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Photo by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Nearly half of healthcare workers reported burnout in 2022, when reports of harassment more than doubled from before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC's Vital Signs report, released Tuesday, compares self-reported well-being and working conditions in 2018 and 2022.

"COVID-19 intensified health workers' longstanding challenges," CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry said during a media briefing. "Burnout among these workers has reached crisis level."

Among those who experienced harassment, 85% reported feelings of anxiety, 60% reported feelings of depression and 81% reported feelings of burnout. Those who didn't report harassment also experienced anxiety (53%), depression (31%) and burnout (42%).

"In this study, we saw that when working conditions are positive, and where health workers are supported and have the potential to thrive, poor mental health outcomes were less likely," Dr. L. Casey Chosewood, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Office for Total Worker Health, said in a news release.

"Employers can make a critical difference here by taking preventive actions and improving difficult working conditions that are linked with anxiety, depression and burnout."

NIOSH will launch the national Impact Wellbeing campaign this fall to address health worker mental health issues. Chosewood said the initiative aims to raise awareness and move beyond worker resilience to long-term, systemic solutions.

"The bottom line is this: We must take the research we have and act," Chosewood said.

The study calls on healthcare employers to promote worker well-being through such measures as:

Allowing workers to participate in decision-making

Building trust in management

Providing supervisor assistance and enough time to complete work

Preventing and paying attention to harassment reports

The study analyzed data from the General Social Survey Quality of Worklife Module, which included 226 health workers in 2018 and 325 in 2022.

In 2022, health workers reported 4.5 days of poor mental health during the previous 30 days, up from 3.3 in 2018. In 2022, 19% of health workers reported feeling burnout very often, up from 11.6% in 2018.

Odds of burnout decreased among health workers who reported they trusted management, had enough time to complete work and felt their workplace supported productivity.

Worker retention also is an issue, with 44.2% of health workers reporting they were somewhat or very likely to look for a new job in 2022.
Hungary's stance has caused EU foreign ministers to once again fail to agree on a 500 million tranche from the European Peace Fund, which is used to support Ukraine's military, during their meeting on Monday, 23 October.

Source: Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozwiak on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Joswiak noted that an agreement on the eighth tranche of 500 million from the European Peace Fund could not be reached due to Hungary's stance, which had previously blocked the decision because Ukraine had included the Hungarian OTP Bank in the list of international sponsors of the war.

"The Hungarian bank OTP has been de-listed from the 'doing business in Russia blacklist' but Budapest want[s] legalassurances that this is permanent," the journalist says.

as expected no agreement on the 8th tranche (500 million) of EU military aid for  when EU foreign ministers met today. the  bank OTP has been de-listed from the "doing business in  blacklist" but Budapest want legal as assurances that this is permanent  Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) October 23, 2023

Background:

In early October, Ukraine removed Hungary's OTP Bank from the list of "war sponsors", satisfying one of Budapest's key demands that Hungary would not participate in further EU funding for arms transfers to Ukraine until the financial institution was removed from the list.

OTP Bank, as well as five Greek carriers accused by Kyiv of illegally transporting Russian oil to circumvent the price ceiling, were removed from the list of international sponsors of war.

Last week, the EU expected Hungary to unblock the eighth tranche of military aid for Ukraine under the European Peace Fund.

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Indianas Applied Research Institute secured another massive economic development win for the state Monday after a federal agency designated Heartland BioWorks, a group of Indiana stakeholders, as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub.

The designation, from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, allows Heartland BioWorks to compete for up to $75 million in grants later this year, according to a Monday news release.

The Heartland BioWorks designation comes on the heels of another federal announcement last month in which the U.S. Department of Defense shared that Indiana would be home to one of eight new regional semiconductor hubs across the country as part of funding from U.S. Sen. Todd Youngs CHIPS and Science Act.

What does this all mean for Indiana? Heres what you need to know.

Another Applied Research Institute win: Indiana wins $33 million grant for semiconductor hub thanks to Sen. Todd Young's CHIPS Act

What is the Applied Research Institute?

The Indiana-based Applied Research Institute helps connect education, government and various industry leaders to grow national security research and business efforts that can help solve challenges for the Department of Defense. The institute is focusing on hypersonics, cyber-physical systems, microelectronics and artificial intelligence.

Applied Research Institute board members include Gov. Eric Holcomb, several university presidents and CEOs.

The Applied Research Institute was launched in 2017 and established through a $16.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., according to the organizations website.

What is Heartland BioWorks?

Heartland BioWorks is made up of a number of Indianas government, business, education and research institutions joined with the goal of having U.S.-invented bioproducts produced in the United States. The hub includes Ivy Tech Community College, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the 16 Tech Innovation District and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute.

Heartland BioWorks plans to focus on three gaps in biotechnology identified by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, according to a news release: training, partnering small businesses with manufacturers, and providing dollars and resources to produce new technology.

What is a regional tech hub designation?

The Regional Technology and Innovation Hub designation allows for organizations to compete for money that will help workforce development in life science industries and ease the challenges small business owners face when it comes to working with biotech products, according to Monday's release.

The designation is part of the Regional Tech Hub program that was created under the CHIPS and Science Act, which became law in 2022 and was co-sponsored by Young.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration aims for the program to help designated areas manufacture and produce technology that will help the country become more competitive in life science manufacturing.

Why does it matter?

Many Indiana-based companies, such as Eli Lilly and Elanco, have experience in manufacturing and the life sciences industry, which the Applied Research Institute believes can make Indiana a national leader when it comes to producing and researching new technologies.

The new designation from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will allow Heartland BioWorks to compete against other regional technology and innovation hubs for up to $75 million in grants.

Those dollars can help increase collaboration between research institutions, government and other industries to help grow businesses in Indiana, according to the Applied Research Institutes website.

What are local leaders saying?

Government leaders praised the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub designation as a win for Hoosiers and manufacturing in the state.

When I authored the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, my goal was to spur more innovation in technologies of the future in places like Indiana, rather than just Silicon Valley and a few coastal cities, Young said in a statement.

This is just the news we hoped to receive. The EDAs designation of Heartland BioWorks as a Regional Tech Hub is a recognition of Indianas rich tradition of innovation and leadership in both the manufacturing and life science sectors, Holcomb said in a statement.

What other states got a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub designation?

Heartland BioWorks is one of 31 organizations across the country that received a hub designation.

Some of the other groups with designations include Baltimore Tech Hub, Elevate Quantum Colorado, Gulf Louisiana Offshore Wind Propeller and Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub.

Contact IndyStar's state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Heartland BioWorks named regional technology hub: What to know
Efforts to double the size of Indiana's only federal wilderness area and establish the state's first national recreation area were unveiled recently by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, during an outing to locations in Monroe and Brown counties.

The Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment of 2023 would add 15,300 acres of land to the 12,472 acres already in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and establish Indiana's first national recreation area. The recreation area would encompass about 29,382 more acres. All the land is part of the Hoosier National Forest, which covers more than 200,000 acres from just south of Bloomington to the Ohio River.

A truck crosses the Ind. 446 bridge at Lake Monroe earlier this month. The hills behind the truck could become part of the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area.

The details are contained in Senate Bill 2990, which Sen. Braun introduced to Congress on Sept. 28. Braun owns land near Jasper that borders another portion of the Hoosier National Forest. While in between meetings in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Braun said he's been involved with forestry and land management on his property for years and he wants to provide people who don't have their own land more areas for public recreation in Indiana.

"We're blessed that we have some of the best in southern Indiana," he said of Indiana's forested landscape.

A fisherman prepares his boat before dropping it in Lake Monroe at Cutright State Recreation Area earlier this month. The area on the other side would become part of a national recreation area if a proposal from Sen. Mike Braun is approved by Congress.

Braun said he believes the national recreation area will serve people who desire public land for recreational use, while the extension to the current Deam wilderness is something other Hoosiers want. He said he's trying to address "all interests" of Hoosiers, many of whom live in and around the Hoosier National Forest, which he called a "multi-faceted resource."

"We put a lot of effort in it to get it where it is," Braun said of SB 2990. He is trying to get a House sponsor, and is currently talking to Rep. Erin Houchin, R-9th District.

Braun expects broad support in Congress, stating, "a large proportion of people are going to be for it."

Senate Bill 2990 is now in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. The bill will have to be approved by both the Senate and the House and then signed into law by the president before it takes effect.

The draft proposal for the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Extension are shown in this map. The pink areas would be part of the recreation area. The light green areas would be the extension of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, which is shown in the darker green.

An ally: Indiana Forest Alliance

Jeff Stant, executive director of Indiana Forest Alliance, has been working on the proposed recreation area and wilderness extension with Braun for more than two years. Stant was part of the recent visit by Braun's chief of staff to the Hoosier National Forest which showcased the proposal for nearby residents and interested Hoosiers. An auto tour of several areas including Browning Mountain near Story in Brown County and portions of the forest in Jackson County were included.

When the Charles C. Deam Wilderness was first proposed, the level of opposition from people in the area was fierce, Stant said. The people living there had farmed those hills in Monroe, Brown and Jackson counties for years.

"There's a long history of having government use eminent domain," he recalled.

Beginning in the late 1970s, land that became part of Brown County State Park and also Lake Monroe was taken through eminent domain. Many people feared that would happen again and formed Concerned Citizens of the Nebo Ridge Area.

"The environmental community found itself facing intense opposition from this homeowner group," Stant said.

The view from the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower looking south on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, shows an area that could be included in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness in the future.

Even so, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness was established in 1982.

Now, Stant said, the level of opposition is much less, in part because of efforts to educate area landowners and ensure that private property is not included in the wilderness extension.

"There are no roads or houses in the (wilderness) addition," Stant explained. "Boundaries go up to the roads." As with the current Deam wilderness, access would be allowed to all private properties and cemeteries.

Wheeled vehicles are prohibited in wilderness areas, but the six mountain bike trails that are within the wilderness extension would have a 200-foot setback  100 feet on each side.

Stant's main interest in the proposal is the land that would be added to the Deam wilderness. "I've been trying to save this area for my entire professional life," he said. Both Stant and A. Claude Ferguson, a longtime conservationist and a former supervisor of the Hoosier National Forest, had hoped to include the Nebo Ridge area in the original Charles C. Deam Wilderness. If approved, that area would finally become part of the wilderness.

Water quality an issue

The national recreation area would encompass most of the land that drains into Lake Monroe, protecting the water source for Bloomington and surrounding communities.

The Friends of Lake Monroe posted in one of its newsletters that the Senate bill is "an important step for those of us concerned about Lake Monroe water quality." The newsletter states, "We hope that in the coming months we will see this bill enacted and the plans for protecting our water quality put into action."

What is a national recreation area?

National recreation areas in the United States are lands near large reservoirs where people can swim, kayak, fish, boat and allow people to connect with nature. The recreation areas often include important natural and cultural features. There are currently 40 national recreation areas, managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management or the U.S Forest Service.

What is a wilderness area?

A sign designating the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area in the Hoosier National Forest on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 was approved by Congress and established the basis for federal wilderness areas. The act defines them as "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." The purpose is to protect and preserve natural ecosystems and wild areas, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The areas are there to also provide "opportunities for solitude and retrospective or primitive recreation."

While much of the western U.S. has land untouched by people, east of the Mississippi, those areas much more rare. The Eastern Wilderness Areas Act, passed by Congress in 1974, allowed inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System land that was no longer considered wilderness but could be designated as such to allow it to return to its wild state.

Designated wilderness areas prohibit all wheeled vehicles, from cars to bicycles, as well as all mechanized equipment. Motorized boats on Lake Monroe are prohibited from beaching along the shoreline of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.

Who was Charles C. Deam ?

Charles C. Deam was named Indiana's first state forester in 1909. His interest in botany started when he was a youngster growing up in Bluffton, where he was born in 1865. Deam discovered 25 new plant species, had 48 plants named after him and has plant specimens in Indiana University's Herbarium, or plant library. He wrote the legislation that helped form the Forest Classification Act of 1921, which helped ensure Indiana's private forests remained intact. He also wrote books, including "Trees of Indiana," "Flora of Indiana," and "Shrubs of Indiana."

Reach Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana's only wilderness in Hoosier National Forest may expand
A kestrel at a US museum lost his ability to fly but learned to paint, UPI reported. The Vermont Institute of Natural Science said the bird, named Ferrisburgh, has learned to run across the canvas, creating art. The educators used mealworms to tempt the bird into moving on the paper. He now leads painting classes at the institute for people of all ages interested in learning about birds.

Chocolate Russell Crowe launched

Russell Crowe has told his fans he will soon be "available to eat". The latest addition to the actor's "long list of accolades" is six-feet tall, wrapped in armour, and edible, said The Guardian . The Hollywood star has shared a photo of a statue crafted from chocolate and modelled on his "Gladiator" strongman Maximus. Lifesize and weighing approximately 150kg, it was made by Tiziano Cassar, who has also created an outsized Mickey Mouse effigy.

Magpie singles out cyclist

A man in Brisbane, Australia, said he has a magpie nemesis which has singled him out and attacked him every day after work. Alejandro Rios, 25, said he was the "target of the swooping bird" for several days as he cycled home from work, Metro reported. It would swoop down to pursue him and peck at his head, which was luckily covered by a helmet. "By the end it was funny because I knew it was coming," he said.
For the first time in four years, El Nino, the naturally occurring ocean-atmosphere climate pattern, is in place heading into the winter. It's expected that this will drive warmer-than-average temperatures in the northern U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's U.S. winter outlook.

Will winter bring snow and any relief for Iowa's drought?

NOAA also predicts a wetter-than-usual winter from December to February in portions of the west, the southern plains, southeast, the Gulf Coast, the lower mid-Atlantic and parts of Alaska.

It's harder to say how much snow Iowans will see this year. NOAA's precipitation outlook says Iowa and many of our neighboring states have equal chances for below-, near- or above-average precipitation.

In an average winter, Des Moines sees 36.5 inches of snow during winter months.

The El Nino weather pattern pushes the jet stream, and associated moisture, farther south. That leaves states to the south of Iowa with greater odds for above-average precipitation during the winter months.

Dry conditions can be expected across the northern U.S., especially the northern Rockies, High Plains and near the Great Lakes.

Drought is expected to be "persistent" in northwest Iowa, eastern Nebraska and most of Minnesota.

NOAA's U.S. seasonal drought outlook map.

Brad Pugh, operational drought lead with NOAA's Climate Prediction Center said that according to the Oct. 17 U.S. drought monitor, a third of the country, including Puerto Rico, is in drought.

Just how cold will Iowa's winter get?

According to NOAA, Iowa has 33-40% chance of above average this winter. In past years, temperatures in Iowa are between 16 and 30 degrees.

However, "Farmers' Almanac" predicted in August that unseasonably cold temperatures and potential blizzards in March would be a reminder that winter in the Midwest isn't over yet.

NOAA's seasonal temperature outlook map.

The south-central Rockies and southern Plains can expect a mostly normal winter in terms of temperature.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article inaccurately described the NOAA outlook for winter temperatures. It has been updated.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Winter weather in Iowa may be warm and dry, according to NOAA
Israel's ambassador to Ireland has been criticised for comments about the Irish president.

On Sunday, Dana Erlich accused President Michael D Higgins of making misinformed comments on the Israel-Gaza war.

Ms Erlich also questioned Ireland's neutrality, telling the Sunday Independent there was "a strong feeling in Israel that there is an unconscious bias against Israel in Ireland".

Speaking to reporters in Italy last week, Mr Higgins accused Israel of breaking international law.

"To announce in advance that you will break international law and to do so on an innocent population, it reduces all the code that was there from second world war on protection of civilians and it reduces it to tatters," Mr Higgins said.

Irish Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney told RTE that the "pointed" comments by Ms Erlich were not helpful.

"I think Michael D Higgins has reflected the view of many in Ireland," the former foreign affairs minister added.

Just for the record, as Israel's deputy chief of mission at its embassy in Dublin has now apparently deleted this offensive tweet in which she accuses Ireland (the Irish) of funding construction of Hamas terrorist tunnels beneath Gaza. pic.twitter.com/gBqrJTf8Ce  Andy Scollick @andyscollick.bsky.social (@Andy_Scollick) October 23, 2023

Responding to the president's comments, Ms Erlich told the Sunday Independent that she was "concerned about spreading misinformation".

"Israel is abiding by international law," she added.

Meanwhile, a senior Israeli diplomat has accused the Republic of Ireland of funding the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Writing on social media, Adi Ophir Moaz of the Israeli embassy in Dublin, claimed Ireland funded "tunnels of terror" under Gaza.

He has since deleted the post on X, formerly Twitter.y

"Millions of euros are being transferred to Gaza and being used by Hamas for terror purposes," a spokesperson for the embassy told BBC News NI.

Thousands of people attended a pro-Palestine rally in Dublin on Saturday

A spokesperson for Mr Higgins told RTE that the president's comments "related to the breach of international law that attacking civilians as collective punishment represents".

"The president has condemned all of the outrages and killings that have taken place and said that in responding to all of this it is important that international law is observed," they said.

The spokesperson added that Mr Higgins has "expressed his revulsion at the killing of civilians by Hamas, called for the immediate release of all hostages taken and has been clear that we must be absolutely unequivocal about anti-Semitic expression".

Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October.

More than 1,400 Israelis were killed, and about 200 people taken hostage, when Hamas attacked communities near the border with Gaza, shooting civilians dead in their homes, in the streets and at a music festival.

Among the dead was 22-year-old Irish-Israeli woman Kim Damti who was killed at the Supernova music festival in Re'im.

Palestinian health officials say more than 5,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and a ground offensive is expected.
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese courts concluded 23.51 million cases in the first nine months of 2023, 6.67 percent more than in the same period of 2022, the country's top court said on Tuesday.

Courts nationwide accepted a total of 25.79 million cases from January to September, a 9.12 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Supreme People's Court (SPC).

The courts mediated 11.83 million cases prior to litigation procedures from January to September, 26.58 percent more than in 2022, with 7.82 million of those cases resolved before litigation, according to the SPC.

It also noted that more cases related to intellectual property rights (IPR) were accepted by courts during the period, with a total of 371,000 first-instance IPR cases accepted, an increase of 1.61 percent from the previous year.

Among these cases, patent contract dispute cases and patent right ownership and infringement dispute cases accepted in the nine months increased by 42 percent and 27 percent, respectively, from the previous year. 
The brutal terror attack carried out by the radical Islamic terrorist organization Hamas against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 resulted in the murder of over 1,000 people, the kidnapping of more than 200, and the wounding of thousands.

Young people were slaughtered while dancing at a music festival, babies were murdered in front of parents, and parents murdered in front of their children.

Young children and the elderly (including American citizens) are among the kidnapped. It was the largest number of Jews killed in a single day since the Holocaust.

In response, as any sovereign nation would, the Israeli military (the IDF) is carrying out strategic airstrikes against Hamas bunkers and weapons storehouses in the Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, the IDF is preparing to rescue the hostages, to eliminate Hamass capacity to conduct similar strikes in the future, and to send a strong message of deterrence to other terror groups in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Iranian regime that financially sponsors them.

Another view: I'm a Palestinian. I condemn Hamas and advocate for Israeli and Palestinian human rights.

Jews and Palestinians alike are victims of Hamass terror

Going above and beyond what is required by law and giving away their intentions in order to spare civilian lives, the IDF has notified Palestinians in Gaza of a forthcoming ground offensive, encouraging them to evacuate the northern part of the territory.

Concluding a community solidarity rally for Israel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the crowd of hundreds sings the Hatikvah, which is Israels national anthem. Israelis stand on stage alongside Rabbi Dan Horwitz, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.

Hamas, which tactically embraces the use of human beings as shields, and with a documented history of storing their weapons in hospitals and mosques, has actively encouraged civilians to stay in place, needlessly putting them at risk, and is counting on civilian deaths to turn international public opinion against Israel.

Lets be clear: there is a vast difference between Israels efforts to defend its citizens from Jihadi terrorists, and Hamas mission  stated in its charter  to wipe Israel off the face of the map.

Israel does all it can to avoid civilian casualties. Hamas aspires to slaughter as many Jewish civilians as it can, and needlessly puts its own Palestinian civilians at risk. Hamas has continued to fire rockets indiscriminately into Israel at civilian targets each day since the war began. Intentions matter!

Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns.

A wave of global antisemitism is on the rise

Courtesy of social media, Hamas is stoking the fire of global antisemitism. Synagogues around the world have been burned, defaced, suffered bomb threats and more this past week.

Dan Horwitz

On college campuses, Jewish students have been attacked physically for supporting Israel. Jewish institutions, including here in Tennessee, have had to increase their spending on security to keep worshipers and community members safe.

And in the face of all this trauma, many in the Jewish community are also voicing support for innocent Palestinians who are being victimized at the hands of their Hamas terrorist overlords. The Jewish tradition teaches us to value life above all. Every civilian life lost in Gaza is a tragedy, and is not celebrated, but mourned by the global Jewish community. The recent murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian boy in Chicago due to his national origin drew outrage and condemnation from every major Jewish organization across the United States. There is no excuse for intentionally murdering children. Period.

Understand this: there is no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Hamas intentionally targets Israeli civilians and does not value the lives of the Palestinians who are mere pawns in their ongoing terrorist mission. Israel is acting in self-defense against those who want to slaughter its citizens and eliminate their country and does not intentionally target civilians. The moral calculus is clear.

Leslie Kirby.

We call for commonsense moral clarity: to stand with Israel and denounce terrorism. The entire civilized world must pressure Hamas to release the hostages. Together, we must stand for life, for love, and for peace for all people.

Rabbi Dan Horwitz is CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. Dr. Leslie Kirby is president the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Israel-Hamas war: There is no moral equivalence between the two sides
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden has found a Republican ally after calling on Congress to pass a funding package as war rages between Israel and Hamas: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky.

Biden requested supplemental funding totaling $106 billion from Congress last week to provide support to Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific and to strengthen U.S. border security.

Hamas, a terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise attack on Israel earlier this month. The ongoing war between Israel and the group has totaled more than 5,000 deaths in Gaza and more than 1,400 in Israel.

Biden's request provides Israel with security assistance, supports Israeli efforts to secure the release of hostages and extends humanitarian assistance, according to the White House. The request also includes aid to Ukraine as it fights Russian attacks.

"I'm generally supportive of the president's approach here and viewing this as a worldwide problem," McConnell said on "Fox News Sunday."

The Senate minority leader will be tasked with rallying his caucus to pass the package, as some Republican senators oppose sending additional aid to Ukraine and other elements of the proposal.

"This is an emergency. It's an emergency that we step up and deal with this axis of evil  China, Russia, Iran  because it's an immediate threat to the U.S.," McConnell said Sunday.

More: No U.S. ambassador to Israel? Senate Republicans grill Biden's top pick Jack Lew

'Two separate conflicts'

Several Republicans have taken issue with Biden's request for funding, voicing concerns about including aid to Ukraine alongside other measures. Some argue aid to different countries should be individually brought to the Senate floor for consideration.

Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Roger Marshall of Kansas sent a letter to Senate leadership Friday requesting that any federal assistance to Israel not be leveraged for more Ukraine funding. Some GOP lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are growing more skeptical about providing continued aid to the war effort in Ukraine.

These are two separate conflicts and it would be wrong to leverage support of aid to Israel in attempt to get additional aid for Ukraine across the finish line," they wrote.

Seven GOP senators joined in support of the letter, including Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Mike Braun of Indiana, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Josh Hawley of Missouri.

"Everyone in Washington knows that tying aid for Ukraine and Israel together will only delay what's urgently needed in Israel's fight against Hamas  which continues to hold Americans hostage," Scott posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter. "That's a fact that cannot be ignored. Both of these issues deserve votes, but we cannot link them."

Vance called Israel and Ukraine separate issues, arguing for separate debates and votes on sending aid to both countries.

"He (Biden) knows Israel is popular, and he knows his Ukraine policy is unpopular. He wants to combine the two. Basically use Israel as political cover for Ukraine," Vance told 21News in Ohio on Saturday.

But McConnell defended the combination of the aid packages on "Face the Nation" Sunday, saying it misses the point to argue that assistance for Ukraine is not helpful to the United States.

"Ukrainians are destroying the army of one of our biggest rivals. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with that," he said, later adding, "The main point I'm trying to make here is you can't just take out part of this  it's an overall effort by the Chinese, the Russians, the Iranians to go after the free world."

Some Republicans, like Hawley, do not want aid going to Palestinians in Gaza because of concerns the money could end up in the hands of Hamas.

"Maybe Joe Biden should take a break from funding Palestinian terrorists and get American hostages back. Just an idea," the Missouri senator posted on X Friday.

What happens next?

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the temporary leader of the House of Representatives and the speaker pro tempore, speaks with reporters as he departs after a Republican caucus meeting in which they dropped Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as their nominee for speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

It's unclear when this aid will be brought to the Senate floor, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., anticipated moving a package in the next few weeks.

So what happens if the Senate passes the funding package, and it heads to the lower chamber that remains without a speaker? Not much.

The House is paralyzed until they are able to select the next speaker, after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted three weeks ago. The lower chamber cannot take up any legislation without an official leader.

But if they do choose a speaker, the new House leader may only support a version of the supplemental that differs from the version passed in the Senate. That person could want to reduce the funding totals or outright oppose aid to Israel if it's tied to Ukraine.

"That House can't do anything without a speaker, and it's a problem, but I hope it's going to get solved very quickly," McConnell told "Face the Nation" on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden and McConnell try to sell Republicans on Ukraine, Israel aid
John Kirby, the National Security Councils coordinator for strategic communications, on Monday, said the Biden administration is not dictating terms for Israels anticipated ground offensive in Gaza to wipe out the Hamas militant group following their brutal Oct. 7 attack.

Reports have suggested that the U.S. has called on Israel to refrain or at least delay its ground invasion to address lingering issues, including the about 200 hostages that remain in Hamas custody, including U.S. citizens, and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

So far, the group has released four captives, including two Americans and two Israeli older women. Biden administration officials also worry that the conflict could escalate beyond the region.

While Kirby didnt directly weigh into the reports about the U.S. pushing to delay the offensive, he said the White House has talked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government about some things to consider beforehand.

I can tell you, we have, since the beginning of the conflict, in the early hours, maintained a level of communication with our Israeli counterparts to ascertain their intentions, their strategy, their aims to see what their answers are to the kinds of tough questions that any military ought to be asking before you launch any kind of a major operation, Kirby told White House reporters.

Have you thought through the branches? Have you thought through the sequels? Have you thought through the unintended consequences? he asked. And so, we are in active conversation with them about that.

Asked if the White House supports the view that they should invade Gaza whenever they feel ready, Kirby said the U.S. is certainly not in the business of dictating terms to the Israelis.

U.S. administration officials have told The New York Times that they are worried Israel lacks a clear, feasible plan for its complicated military operation.

Lt. Gen. James Glynn has reportedly been deployed to Israel to help their forces plan ahead of what is expected to be a challenging war given the vast underground tunnel network Hamas operates in Gaza.

Following the Oct. 7 attack Hamas launched in Israel, the country has responded with relentless airstrikes, with Netanyahu pledging to destroy Hamas.

Biden spoke to Netanyahu on Monday, reiterating the need to sustain a continuous flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza, according to a readout of their call.

So far, over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, the Hamas-run Health Ministry has confirmed, according to The Associated Press. Israeli authorities have said over 1,400 of their citizens were killed, most of the civilians targeted by Hamas on Oct. 7.

The majority of Israelis appear to support a ground invasion, according to a poll published by the Maariv newspaper last week.

Related...
The Knox County Sheriff's Office defied a judge's order by sitting on documents it was ordered to make public, according to a new filing in the case by a professor who won a significant open records case related to the agency's participation in a controversial immigration enforcement program.

University of Tennessee at Knoxville professor Meghan Conley first sued for the records four years ago while researching the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program. She discovered the unreleased documents when she recently received a tranche of papers she had requested from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

They didnt provide documents, neither when I asked for the information or through the lawsuit, Conley told Knox News. And here it is, as plain as you can see. They have records I couldve used to better understand how this program works."

She filed a new motion Oct. 18 asking the judge to revisit a decision about how much the sheriff's office should have to pay to cover Conley's legal fees.

Knox County joined the 287(g) program in 2017. It deputizes local officers to act on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented residents in return for training and funding. Only 62 local law enforcement agencies nationwide participate at the highest level of the program, essentially taking on federal powers to hold and interrogate people suspected of a crime about their immigration status.

Numerous legal experts say the program encourages racial profiling, encourages local police agencies to detain people accused of minor crimes that don't endanger public safety, and is employed as a political tool by elected sheriffs who want to appear tough on immigration even though immigration policing is the authority of the federal government.

The Oct. 18 filing says Conley received 728 pages of documents from a Freedom of Information Act request made to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Within them she has discovered records that were not disclosed by the sheriff's office even though it was ordered to do so. Conley said she has not finished going through the federal documents and is not ready to say how many there are until she's able to complete her review.

How are we supposed to understand how our government functions if the people who are responsible for being responsive to public requests are not willing to turn over those documents?" Conley said.

Knox County Law Director David Buuck, whose office helped represent the sheriffs office in the lawsuit, declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. A spokesperson for the sheriffs office declined to comment.

Records were ordered to be made public

In 2017, Conley began making public records requests for hundreds of pages of 287(g)-related documents, and was told by Knox County officials under oath in open court the records did not exist.

But many do.

One of the documents was communication sent by federal immigration authorities on the same date Conley requested correspondence between the agency and former Sheriff Jimmy J.J. Jones. Separately, other correspondence was sent days after Conleys original request and yet were not included in KCSOs 189-page disclosure of records for that time period.

Sheriffs Office Chief Counsel Mike Ruble repeatedly testified in court that he searched Jones emails and found only one document related to Conleys request because Jones rarely used email.  I never got any from him that I recall, the lawsuit states, quoting from the court transcript.

Knox County Sheriff's Office Chief Counsel Mike Ruble repeatedly testified the sheriff's office turned over all records related to University of Tennessee professor Meghan Conley's public records request, an assertion later proven to be untrue.

The court previously ruled Conley was eligible only for attorneys fees she paid to get the records that were willfully denied, or two of the 12 she sought. The county appealed and a state appellate court passed the case back to Chancellor John Weaver. The case is set to be back in Weaver's court Oct. 26.

The Oct. 18 filing, made by attorney Andrew Fels, asks Weaver to revisit that decision with the new information.

This court originally rested its partial fee award on the fact that the record does not sustain that the KCSO failed to produce any public record.  In reaching this conclusion, the Court relied on assurances from the sheriffs witness and the Knox County Law Directors Office that KCSO had already provided Professor Conley with all responsive records to key requests.

It is unknown how many other responsive records are in the 728-page disclosure or will be revealed by the FOIA case, Fels wrote.

Sheriff's office willfully withheld public records

Weaver found that the department active evaded sharing public records for months by creating arbitrary delays, exorbitant fees and simply stonewalling Conleys requests, all while telling her no records could be found.

A new filing in a lawsuit against the Knox County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Tom Spangler allege the sheriff's office withheld immigration records it previously said didn't exist.

He ruled in Conleys favor in April 2020, saying the sheriff's office cannot charge for the inspection of public records. He ordered the sheriffs office to create a system that allows Tennessee residents to access redacted arrest records on a current basis.

Weaver wrote the lawsuit didnt revolve around the actual records requests that had been denied, but rather involved the navigation of a saga of requests and denials. He went on to say the litigation was consistently adversarial.

If there is no reasonable way for the public to access the public records, the public cannot use them to oversee governmental activities," he wrote.

Knox News investigation shows program unlawfully implemented

The 287(g) program was not lawfully implemented in 2017. A joint 2021 report published by Knox News and Compass Knox revealed the sheriff's office didn't secure the Knox County Commission's approval as required by state law.

The report detailed the experience of a man named Omar who was arrested and sent through immigration proceedings in 2018 after he crashed a car and did not have a driver's license. He had no criminal background and did not cause the wreck. His experience is not an outlier.

Omar, who is facing deportation through the Knox County Sheriff's Office's 287(g) program, poses for a portrait at a residence in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. Knox News is withholding his full name to help protect his identity.

Research compiled by Conley shows about 85% of the 441 people held at the jail in immigration enforcement actions from September 2017 to May 2020 did not face felony charges and some 81% of arrestees detained for ICE were held on nonviolent charges.

The most common charges for those immigrants were drunken driving (34%), driver's license infractions (20.8%) and public intoxication (10.6%).

Another lawsuit stuck in federal court

In December 2021, Knox News reported Knox County resident Maira Oviedo-Granados filed a lawsuit against the county after she said she dialed 911 while her partner was threatening her and her three children in late 2020.

When police arrived, however, her English-speaking partner, an American citizen, was not arrested. Instead, she was charged with simple assault, a charge later increased to domestic assault, which requires a 12-hour hold in jail.

Oviedo-Granados asserts she was denied access to an attorney while in jail, was processed through the 287(g) system and ultimately separated from her three children for nearly two months. She is suing the county for $2.5 million.

That lawsuit is making its way through the federal court system.

CLARIFICATION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the number of documents the Knox County Sheriff's Office did not turn over to Meghan Conley in response to one of the open records requests she made to the agency. After receiving hundreds of documents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement through a federal Freedom of Information Act request, Conley has discovered communication between ICE and the sheriff's office that had not been turned over by the sheriff's office in a similar open records request Conley made to the local agency. She is in the process of cross-referencing documents to see how many were not turned over by the sheriff's office.

Tyler Whetstone is an investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Connect with Tyler by emailing him at tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @tyler_whetstone.

Make our community, our society and our republic stronger by supporting robust local journalism. Subscribe online at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Legal filing: Knox County sheriff defied judge in public records case
(CNN)  An off-duty pilot riding as a passenger in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight Sunday tried to seize control of the plane headed from Seattle to San Francisco, forcing the flight to divert to Portland, Oregon, according to the airline and a source familiar with the matter.

A pilot assigned to the flight told air traffic controllers a person riding in the cockpit of flight 2059 attempted to turn off the aircrafts engines in flight. Pilots will occasionally ride a cockpit jump seat when traveling in an official capacity or commuting to another airport.

Joseph Emerson, 44, has been arrested by the Port of Portland Police Department and charged with 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, online booking records show.

Emerson is the off-duty pilot who is accused of trying to seize control of the flight, a source familiar with the matter told CNN. The airline Emerson works for wasnt immediately known.

The plane took off from Seattle Paine Field International Airport and was diverted to Portland International Airport because of the credible security threat, the airline said in a statement Monday.

Weve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit, and he doesnt sound like hes causing any issues in the back right now, the pilot told Seattle-area air traffic controllers, according to audio recorded by LiveATC.net. I think hes subdued. Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and are parked.

The Alaska Airlines crew reported a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat, the airlines statement said.

Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from air traffic control, the flight safely diverted to Portland International Airport, Alaska Airlines said. The flight was operated by Horizon Air, a regional carrier owned by Alaska Airlines. The event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities.

The FAA told CNN it is aware of the incident and supporting a local law enforcement investigation.

CNN has reached out to local and federal authorities for further information.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
A man found with a missing US teen near the Canadian border years after she went missing now faces child porn charges

Edmund Davis was found with 18-year-old Alicia Navarro in a Montana town near the Canadian border. Reuters

A Montana man found with a missing Arizona teen this summer has now been arrested.

Alicia Navarro was found in Edmund Davis' apartment years after she went missing, prosecutors say.

While searching the home, police found child porn on his phone, prosecutors allege in new charges.

A 36-year-old Montana man linked to a teen girl who was found this summer after going missing for four years is now facing child porn charges after police found explicit material on his phone, prosecutors allege.

In July, police officers in Havre, Montana, searched Edmund Davis' apartment where they say Alicia Navarro opened the door, the Montana Attorney General's Office said on Tuesday.

Navarro went missing in Arizona in September 2019 when she was 14 years old. The girl had left a note for her family in her bedroom just days before her birthday saying, "I ran away. I will be back, I swear. I'm sorry."

Her family didn't hear from her for four years. Then in July, she resurfaced in Montana near the Canadian border and was reunited with her family.

Prosecutors now say that police searched Davis' apartment in July after learning that Navarro, now 18, was there. The Attorney General's Office alleges that as Navarro opened the door, police saw Davis in the kitchen behind her throwing his cell phone into the garbage and stuffing trash on top of it "as if to hide it."

Law enforcement allege they found "dozens of images of suspected child sex abuse material" on Davis' phone, with an analysis finding the children were under the age of 13  and two were under 5 years old, the attorney general said.

Prosecutors allege they also "found computer-generated or animated content showing children being sexualized" on his phone.

On Monday, Davis was arrested and charged with two felony counts of sexual abuse of children. Davis was ordered held on $1 million bond after a court appearance before District Court Judge Kaydee Snipes Ruiz, prosecutors said.

A clerk at the Montana court told Insider that Davis hasn't been appointed a public defender yet.

About 350,000 children go missing in the US every year, according to data from the FBI. Most people who are reported missing are found  of the 546,568 missing person records from 2022, the FBI said 97,127 were still active at the end of the year, a third of whom were children.

Read the original article on Insider
Logan Clegg talks with his defense attorney at his trial on 3 October (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A 27-year-old man who lived in a tent in the woods has been found guilty of murdering a couple who had gone for a hike near Concord, New Hampshire last year.

Logan Clegg was found guilty of second-degree murder after just a day and a half of jury deliberation. The Associated Press reported that a jury found that Clegg fatally shot Stephen and Djeswende Reid in April 2022.

Their bodies had been dragged into the woods and covered with leaves, sticks and debris, police said at the time.

Clegg apparently burned down his tent, erased material from his computer and bought a bus ticket out of the city, the outlet said, only to be found six months later in Vermont with a one-way plane ticket to Berlin, Germany. Upon his arrest, prosecutors said that he was carrying a fake passport and a gun.

Cleggs attorneys said he left New Hampshire because he had been hiding from police after violating his probation on burglary and theft charges in Utah  not due to any involvement with the couple. His legal team also maintained that there was no proof that the bullets found near the couples bodies were from Cleggs gun.

Logan Clegg is not guilty, defence attorney Mariana Dominguez said. Police investigated, but instead of looking at the science and at the evidence with clear eyes, they speculated. They assumed... They saw only what they wanted to see. They got the wrong guy. However, prosecutors argued that the bullets shot from Cleggs 9mm handgun were consistent with the bullet fragments discovered during the couples autopsies.

Clegg was also found guilty of falsifying evidence and of possessing a gun as a convicted felon.

WMUR reported that as the verdict was read, Clegg showed no emotion.

Clegg will be held in custody until his sentencing on 15 December, according to NBC 10.
Banned Venezuelan opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado (C) swept a presidential primary to decide who will challenge President Nicolas Maduro in elections in 2024, according to early results out Monday. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez/EPA-EFE

Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Banned Venezuelan opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado swept a presidential primary to decide who will challenge President Nicolas Maduro in elections in 2024, according to early results out Monday.

The 56-year-old former assemblywoman who has been a thorn in the side of the Maduro regime, leading national protests in 2014 and 2019, had won 93% of Sunday's vote with slightly more than a quarter of ballots counted.

Venezuelans in 28 other countries also took part in the ballot which went off smoothly despite being organized and run without little to no assistance of the electoral commission and authorities ordering internet service providers to block Venezuelan IP addresses from accessing relevant websites.

"Thank you, Venezuela! This is not the end, but the beginning of the end," Machado wrote in a post on X.

Maduro's government rejected the ballot as a sham.

"They are liars, they manipulate, they don't care at all. We already have the results," said Diosdado Cabello, vice president of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

However, it is unclear whether Machado will be permitted to run as she was banned in June from elected office for 15 years over alleged fraud and tax violations by Comptroller General Elvis Amoroso, a Maduro supporter who now heads the electoral commission.

The government and opposition leaders agreed on terms for elections to be held in the second half of 2024 at a meeting in Barbados on Tuesday, including allowing parties to choose their candidates, permitting all campaigns equal media access and international observers to come to Venezuela to monitor the poll.

On Wednesday, the United States responded to what it called the "democratic developments" by suspending select sanctions on the country's oil and gas and gold sectors, together with bans on secondary trading of these commodities.

Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson, said the United States welcomed the signing of an electoral roadmap agreement and that the sanctions relief was in line with U.S. sanctions policy and in support of the Venezuelan people.

"Treasury is prepared to amend or revoke authorizations at any time, should representatives of Maduro fail to follow through on their commitments," Nelson warned.
An EPA investigation has determined Coffin Butte Landfill near Adair Village is emitting dangerous levels of methane.

Coffin Butte Landfill is leaking methane at levels that exceed state and federal limits and what the landfill has publicly reported, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inspection has found.

Landfills are among the nations largest sources of methane, a greenhouse gas thats more potent than carbon dioxide and a major contributor to climate change, according to the EPA.

EPA measured methane exceeding regulatory limits 61 times during its June 2022 inspection of the landfill. Twenty-one of those exceedances measured at more than 10,000 parts per million, or 20 times the 500 ppm limit set by Oregon and the EPA.

In addition to contributing to climate change, the levels measured could cause health problems for neighbors, and in some cases were high enough to potentially cause an explosion and fire, said Lisa Arkin, of the Eugene-based environmental group Beyond Toxics.

The EPA did not publicly release its inspection report that found Coffin Butte Landfill is emitting dangerous levels of methane.

Coffin Butte, located off Highway 99W north of Corvallis, is operated by Republic Services, the second-largest waste disposal company in the U.S. The landfill is an integral part of Marion Countys solid waste disposal system.

The inspection report noted there were so many exceedances that the inspector ran out of marking flags. In some cases, levels were so high instruments could not measure them. And multiple exceedances were measured several feet in the air, indicating substantial landfill gas plumes, according to the report.

Coffin Butte and local Republic Services officials acknowledged an interview request from the Statesman Journal but did not respond to any questions.

While we have differing perspectives on the testing protocols and analyses from the EPAs inspections in 2022, the EPAs observations were addressed," Melissa Quillard a spokeswoman for Republic Services' media relations office in Phoenix said in an emailed statement.

"The landfill was already in the process of expanding the gas collection system at the time of the EPA inspection, which has since been completed. We added additional cover soil in some areas, added soil along the edge of tarps, patched small holes in a liner system, and strengthened seals around gas collection piping," she said.

EPA did not publicly release its inspection findings. Beyond Toxics, working with the climate group Industrious Labs, received a copy of the report in response to a request under the federal Freedom of Information Act.

The groups have since filed a complaint about the excessive methane emissions with EPAs environmental violations tip line. Their complaint included photos taken by neighbors living near the landfill of holes and tears in tarps covering the landfill, which can allow methane to leak.

The findings come as Republic Services is considering a significant expansion of the landfill, which currently is permitted for 178 acres.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Coffin Butte Landfill's role in Marion Countys solid waste system

Much of Marion Countys garbage is burned at the Covanta municipal waste incinerator in Brooks.

About a quarter of the garbage burned at Covanta ends up as ash, which is trucked to Coffin Butte, to be used as alternative daily cover. Landfills are required to cover their active area at the end of each day to control vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter and scavenging.

About half of Coffin Butte's leachate  rainwater that trickles through the ash and garbage, picking up contaminants  then is trucked to the city of Salems wastewater system, where its treated and discharged to the Willamette River. The other half is treated by the city of Corvallis, which also discharges to the Willamette.

Salem began taking the landfills leachate in 2012. During the three years between January 2020 and December 2022, the city was paid $1.28 million to treat 42.6 million gallons of leachate from Coffin Butte, as well as a Republic Services' garbage transfer station in Benton County.

The Covanta Marion facility in Brooks.

Salem also processes leachate from LRI Landfill in Graham, Washington, and Recology Organics compost facilities in Aumsville and North Plains.

Marion County garbage that doesnt go to Covanta is taken to Coffin Butte, as is garbage from West Salem residents, who live in Polk County.

According to the landfills most recent annual report, Coffin Butte accepts more waste from Marion County than from any other county it serves. In 2021, the landfill accepted 326,000 tons of waste from Marion County, 143,000 tons from Linn County, 115,000 tons each from Benton and Lincoln counties, and 73,000 tons from Polk County.

Oregon's new landfill rules strictest in nation

Coffin Butte, along with other landfills, operates a gas capture system for the methane, which is created as organic waste decomposes. The landfill partners with PNGC Power to generate 5.66 megawatts of power from gas collected on site, providing enough electricity for about 4,000 homes.

In October 2021, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Commission adopted new rules regulating landfill gas emissions. Oregon now has the strictest monitoring and methane reduction standards in the nation.

But landfill operators are basically on an honor system to test and report, said Katherine Blauvelt, of Industrious Labs.

The landfill has to follow through and conduct effective monitoring, Blauvelt said. That, in a nutshell is the real problem that this (EPA inspection report) is highlighting.

EPA questions Republic Services' monitoring

EPA environmental scientist Daniel Heins expressed concerns in the report about Republic Services monitoring procedures.

In its monitoring reports, the company reported finding a total of six methane exceedances. Some reports had zero exceedances.

That compares with the 61 exceedances the EPA inspector found, with 26 exceedances at gas collection wells that Republic should have specifically been monitoring on a quarterly basis," Heins wrote.

Many flagged exceedances represented clusters of exceedances at multiple points or broad areas of exceedances, he wrote.

Heins found an area where a tarp was visibly inflated with and leaking landfill gas.

Along the top of this section of tarp  every post or tarp hole Daniel Heins monitored exceeded the surface methane standard, with readings of up to 7% (methane) shown before the instrument maxed out, the report reads.

Heins noted such an accumulation of flammable gas creates a potential safety concern.

A truck leaves Coffin Butte Landfill.

Heins was accompanied by Republic Services environmental specialist Phil Caruso. Neither could identify any place where the wind could be lifting the tarps, but Republic officials later disputed that the tarps were inflated with landfill gas, claiming that the wind has blown them up, according to the report.

Heins also found methane exceedances in areas of the landfill that are supposed to be under final closure and sealed, so that nothing can escape.

The inspection was pre-scheduled, and EPA had offered Republic Services the opportunity to take its own readings to check EPAs monitoring results. Republic officials responded that it was company policy not to do so, according to the report.

Phil Caruso did not dispute any of the readings, though noted that he would not have checked many of the exceedance locations, that he would have spent less time monitoring, or that he would have considered a higher location to be 'the ground' when placing his probe 5 to 10 centimeters above the ground per the surface emissions monitoring regulations, Heins wrote in the report.

Further action on monitoring methane

EPA requested additional information from the company, but its unclear what further action the agency has taken.

"EPA is still in the process of evaluating compliance at the Coffin Butte Landfill based, in part, on the inspection report you referenced," EPA Region 10 spokesperson Sam Lovell said in an email to the Statesman Journal.

"EPA works closely with state and local Clean Air Act permitting agencies on these and other issues, and the agency will continue coordinating with Oregon DEQ regarding any next steps at this landfill," Lovell said.

Blauvelt said she filed a FOIA request with the EPA for additional legal documents associated with the case and was told none were available.

DEQ spokesman Dylan Darling referred specific questions about the report's findings to the EPA.

But, he said, "As part of DEQs new landfill rules and regulations, the company has indicated to DEQ that it is working on expanding its collection-and-control system. The company continues to provide monthly and semiannual reports to DEQ as required under their Title V air permit."

Advocates say Oregon and the EPA should require better methane monitoring with off-the-shelf technology such as drones or satellites.

You can deploy technology that will act as reconnaissance and spot these super-emitter events, significant methane leaks, and then fix them, Blauvelt said.

We can use technology to at least overcome this baseline issue, which is we have no way of knowing whether youre living next to a landfill that has really significant issues, she said.

Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Coffin Butte Landfill methane leaks exceed state, federal limits
Mohammed Abbkr is charged with two counts of attempted murder after two elderly men were set alight in incidents in Birmingham and London (Elizabeth Cook/PA) (PA Archive)

A man who set light to two elderly worshippers who had just left mosques in London and Birmingham allegedly told his first victim: I swear in the name of Allah, in the name of God, you will know me.

Jurors trying Mohammed Abbkr were told he used a lighter and petrol contained in a water bottle to set fire to 82-year-old Hashi Odowa and Mohammed Rayaz, 70, on February 27 and March 20 this year.

Abbkr, who came to the UK from Sudan in 2017 seeking asylum and was granted leave to remain two years later, denies two counts of attempted murder and two alternative counts of maliciously administering a destructive thing to endanger life.

The 29-year-old, of Edgbaston, was assisted in the dock by an Arabic interpreter as the Crowns case was opened at Birmingham Crown Court by Nicholas de la Poer KC on Monday.

The fact that Mr Odowa did not recognise the defendant appears to have provoked the defendant into actionProsecutor Nicholas de la Poer KC

Mr de la Poer told jurors Mr Odowa suffered minor burn injuries to his ear and hand after being set on fire as he made his way to a neighbours car outside West Ealing Islamic Centre in west London.

The Crowns barrister told the court: The defendant, Mohammed Abbkr, also attended evening prayers that night at the West Ealing Islamic Centre.

He followed Mr Odowa from the entrance door of the centre, catching up with him as he made his way to (his neighbours) car.

Mr de la Poer added: There followed a conversation during which the defendant insisted that Mr Odowa knew him. Mr Odowa told the defendant that he did not.

Once they reached the vehicle (the victims neighbour) asked the defendant to leave Mr Odowa alone.

The fact that Mr Odowa did not recognise the defendant appears to have provoked the defendant into action.

The defendant said I swear in the name of Allah, in the name of God, you will know me.

He then sprayed Mr Odowa with a pale-coloured liquid, aiming for his head. The defendant had brought the liquid with him in a clear plastic water bottle.

Having sprayed Mr Odowa with petrol, the defendant drew out a lighter, struck the lighter, held it to Mr Odowas neck and ignited the petrol.

Shortly after setting Mr Odowa on fire, the defendant walked away.

Describing the attack on the second victim, Mr de la Poer continued: Weeks later, and slightly more than 100 miles away, a man called Mohammed Rayaz attended evening prayers.

His chosen place of worship was the Dudley Road Mosque.

Apparently praying near him that evening was the defendant. In the course of their time in the prayer hall, the defendant looked at Mr Rayaz a number of times.

When prayers had concluded, Mr de la Poer said, Abbkr waited for Mr Rayaz to pass by and followed him at a distance of just a few metres for more than five minutes.

He then took the same clear plastic bottle from a rucksack, approached Mr Rayaz in Shenstone Road, placed a hand on Mr Rayazs shoulder and asked him if he spoke Arabic.

Mr de la Poer told the jury: The defendant then sprayed Mr Rayaz with the petrol.

Using a lighter, the defendant set fire to the petrol. Mr Rayaz was engulfed in flame.

The court was told that, as the initial flare of the fire began to diminish, the defendant threw more petrol from his bottle on to the flames and they grew in size and intensity once again.

During the first stage of his opening speech, Mr de la Poer told the jurors that the trial is not one in which they will be asked to determine the identity of the attacker.

It is important you know from the outset that the defendant admits that he is the person who set both Mr Odowa and Mr Rayaz on fire, he said.

Abbkr was arrested the day after the second attack by police who saw someone matching his description approach the entrance to the mosque.

The jury was told Mr Rayaz suffered serious burn injuries, particularly to his head, and was treated in hospital for a number of weeks.

CCTV footage of both incidents was shown to the jury, and included audio which captured Mr Rayazs shouts of pain.

Mr de la Poer said: When the defendant lit the petrol, Mr Odowa escaped serious injury as he was able to remove his burning jacket and his vest, which was also burning.

It was also Mr Odowas extremely good fortune that (his neighbour) was present. He removed his own jacket to help smother the flames and removed Mr Odowas burning hat from his head.

Describing footage of the second incident, Mr de la Poer told the court: The CCTV captures that at this point Mr Rayaz was engulfed in a ball of flame which subsequently subsided to reveal that he was on fire from head to foot.

Within seconds of the first fireball dissipating, the CCTV records the defendant throwing more petrol onto the flames which were covering Mr Rayaz. This caused a second fireball to engulf him.

Jurors were told they may have to consider a defence of insanity and will hear evidence from three psychiatrists.

In an interview with one psychiatrist, who judged Abbkr to have paranoid schizophrenia, the defendant claimed those he attacked were not human and he did not expect them to have been hurt by the fire.

Abbkr also said he believed those he had set on fire were among several people controlling him through magic.

The trial continues.
A Chinese doctor from the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team to Tunisia provides free acupuncture treatment for teachers and students at the Confucius Institute of the University of Carthage in Tunis, Tunisia, Oct. 23, 2023. (Photo by Adel Ezzine/Xinhua)

TUNIS, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The acupuncturist division of the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team to Tunisia on Monday provided free Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services for teachers and students from the University of Carthage.

During the services at the Confucius Institute of the university, Chinese doctors performed acupuncture or cupping treatments for those under different health conditions.

After receiving acupuncture treatment, a retired teacher who gave his name as Zuhair and suffers from cervical spondylosis, said he has felt better and hoped to receive further treatments.

This was the first time for many of the students to experience how the thin acupuncture needles work, and they were very curious about the Chinese doctors who quickly inserted needles into patients and made them feel better.

Ding Yang, director of the Confucius Institute, said that the services were an opportunity to demonstrate traditional Chinese culture and TCM to students who study Chinese language at the university.

The services attracted a lot of students from the university. "Many of them have heard of TCM and are very interested in it, and today is the first time they have seen TCM in real," Ding said.

The staff from the Chinese team hope to help more Tunisian people before they return to China in two months, said Xu Zexuan, head of the team.

The acupuncturists of the Chinese medical team in Tunisia have been working at Tunisia's Hospital Mongi Slim for decades, and it annually treats more than 10,000 patients. 

A Chinese doctor from the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team to Tunisia provides free acupuncture treatment for teachers and students at the Confucius Institute of the University of Carthage in Tunis, Tunisia, Oct. 23, 2023. (Photo by Adel Ezzine/Xinhua)
As part of our jobs, we read. A lot. But sometimes we make time to read for pleasure, and we in The Stars Opinion department thought wed share whats on our bookshelves with you from time to time: fiction, nonfiction, memoirs and other tomes. Wed love to hear what you are reading. Send your favorites to oped@kcstar.com

Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror edited by Jordan Peele

In honor of the month of October and Halloween, Im reading a new anthology written by African American authors, and edited by horror master Jordan Peele (Get Out, and Nope.) I ordered the hard copy and the audiobook, which is nice, because the authors read their own stories. My favorite chapter so far is The Rider, from the inimitable Tananarive Due, about Freedom Riders in the South and the horror of a swamp. Expect the African American experience mixed with horror, just like Jordan Peele prefers. Warning: Dues chapter is tame, but others in the book have graphic violence, sexual imagery and profanity.

Yvette Walker, Opinion editor

Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe

This is an excellent overview of The Troubles, the three-decade war in Northern Ireland between the Irish Republican Army -- which wanted to unite with the rest of Ireland -- and the territorys British government. Though it has nothing to do with the current Israel-Hamas war, the parallels are striking: Enemies live side-by-side who for familiar reasons (history, religion, colonization, political ambition) feel entirely justified visiting murder, torture and oppression on each other. Its a process that makes life miserable for the vast number of innocents just trying to get through the day, and breaks the spirits of nearly everybody involved. Its a lesson were doomed to learn over and over again, apparently.

Joel Mathis, regular contributor

How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Familys Story of Hope and Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley

When I was jet lagged and woke up at 3 a.m. recently, I grabbed a book Id just gotten, hoping that in a few minutes, Id be back in dreamland. But just a couple of chapters into Esau McCaulleys new memoir, I knew I wanted to keep reading even more than I wanted some sleep, so I got up and made coffee instead. Its an old-fashioned view, recently backed up by science, that reading can make us better, more empathetic people. And like a lot of my favorite books, How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Familys Story of Hope and Survival in the American South delivers in that way. McCaulleys storytelling is as real as it gets, and yet the way he treats everyone in his life with hard-earned compassion made me want to follow his example. I never did go back to sleep that morning, and was not even a little bit sorry.

Melinda Henneberger, metro columnist and editorial board member

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

After watching Mike Flanagans excellent The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix, I wanted to go back to his source material. So I finally picked up the copy of Henry James novella thats been sitting unread on my bookshelves since college. The classic piece of Gothic fiction builds a palpable sense of dread, even though I knew the ending before I began. Virginia Woolf wrote in 1918 that the governess, one of the books central characters, realizes that the ghosts in the story reveal to her the presence all about her of an unmentionable evil  a theme thats still perfectly contemporary.

Derek Donovan, deputy opinion editor

Sometimes, I forget to stop and breathe.

Earlier this year, I made a promise to myself to take a few moments each morning to reflect and praise God. I begin reading from a daily devotional book given to me by a close family friend. I admit, my daily reading of From the Rising of the Sun, a morning and evening devotional filled with praise for the Lords work, has been hit or miss.

In recent weeks, Ive spent a few moments each day reacquainting myself with Scripture through this book.

With each passage, I feel reconnected with Gods word. In the book, were implored to praise God for our current situation  good or bad. We are given practical solutions to everyday problems and reminders of Gods grace.

For example, a recent morning devotion covered the idea of honoring others we perceive as less than. It read: It is easy to honor, love, and be friends with those that are like us, but it is Christ-like to look for those who may need a friend and make them feel loved and respected by honoring them above yourself.

Powerful stuff.

The passage was pulled from a Romans verse in the Holy Bible: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Over the last few weeks, Ive used this book as a reminder of Gods grace and will. Reading from it regularly has allowed the everyday grind to not overshadow the work of serving others.

Toriano Porter, columnist and editorial board member
The Department of Finance said lifting the recruitment freeze was "essential to fill vacancies"

A recruitment freeze has been lifted in the Northern Ireland Civil Service in order to fill up to 900 vacancies.

Permanent secretaries in Stormont departments have decided to allow allocations to general service posts, which had been paused since February.

Plans are also being made to launch a new competition for entry-level roles.

The Department of Finance said it was "essential to fill vacancies to deliver services, replace staff who have left and respond to new demands".

A spokesman added that each department "must assess the affordability of all its posts".

It comes as Stormont departments face substantial cuts this year due to a funding gap of about 800m.

A budget was set by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris in the absence of local ministers, with civil servants left to make decisions to balance the books.

Stormont's power-sharing government collapsed in 2022 after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) withdrew in protest against post-Brexit trade barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

'Fill 902 vacancies'

Northern Ireland's top civil servant Jayne Brady said in the summer that Stormont departments had "reached the limit" of what they could do to manage budget pressures.

It is understood senior officials have been concerned about the impact a recruitment freeze could have on delivering services in the short term and, longer term, the mix of skills and experience across the civil service

A Department of Finance spokesman said a temporary pause had been put on "general service allocations" in February but that the civil service was asked by departments at the end of September "to proceed to fill 902 general service vacancies".

"Departments have now been asked to review the number of vacancies to be filled with approved funding so numbers can be confirmed," he added.

The spokesman added that "plans are being progressed for a new administrative officer competition".

As of April last year, there were more than 22,500 full-time-equivalent staff in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Just over 1,000 people left the civil service in 2021-22 for reasons including resignation, retirement and health issues.
Pilots neighbour reveals shock after he tried to shut off plane engines mid-flight

The neighbour of an off-duty pilot hit with 83 counts of attempted murder after he allegedly tried to turn off a planes engines mid-flight has described his shock over the horror incident.

The suspect, identified as Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson , 44, allegedly attempted to cut off fuel to the engines during a flight from Seattle to San Francisco on Sunday  before being subdued by the flight crew.

The flight was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon after the captain and first officer intervened to keep the engines running.

Mr Emerson was taken into custody and hit with 167 charges, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to authorities.

The incident has left his community horrified, with the pilots neighbour Ed Yee describing what happened as very shocking.

He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him, he told CNN.

Mr Emerson first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon before becoming a captain with the airline in 2019.

The airline said that Mr Emerson did not have a history of medical issues.

Joseph Emerson is charged with attempted murder (Joseph Emerson/Facebook)

Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked, Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

The airline added that Mr Emerson was traveling in the flight deck jump seat on board the flight when he suddenly tried to shut down both of the planes engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically-motivated violence, according to CNN.

Incident unfolded on an Alaska Airlines flight (Getty Images)

The Seattle Times reported that there were 80 passengers on board the plane at the time. No injuries were reported on the flight, the FBI said.

Alaska Airlines confirmed that all passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight.

The FBI and the Port of Portland police are investigating the incident with the motive still unknown.

Records from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is supporting the law enforcement investigation, show the 44-year-old did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175  the type of plane involved in Sundays incident.
A new statewide program will offer temporary rent aid for eligible refugees and asylees in Michigan.

The initiative, led by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Global Michigan, is meant to help new arrivals resettle and find affordable housing.

It provides rent aid from $300 to $500 a month, based on immigration status and household size, to applicants for up to 12 months.

"The Newcomer Rental Subsidy program will increase access to better and more affordable housing opportunities while supporting a more rapid social integration for refugees and other newcomer populations in Michigan, said Poppy Hernandez, director of the Office of Global Michigan, in a news release Monday.

The program received $4 million from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for two years and federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Refugees, asylees, those with special immigration visas, victims of human trafficking, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Afghan nationals and humanitarian parolees, in the U.S. temporarily, from Ukraine, qualify for the program, according to the state. It also includes those who arrived through the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) program and family reunification parole process from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Colombia and individuals with pending asylum cases.

The program is available for low-income renters, households experiencing housing instability, or receiving federal assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Applicants, who must live in Michigan, have to be employed or part of a job readiness or placement program, such as Michigan Works!, a workforce development network.

The application form is currently only available in English. Those who need help completing it can contact the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity at LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov.

For more information about the program requirements and to complete an application, go to Michigan.gov/NewcomerRentalSubsidy.

More: Stellantis workers after 5 weeks on UAW strike: 'Enough is enough. Let's get it done.'

More than 2,400 refugees arrived in Michigan from October 2022 through September 2023 from countries including Afghanistan, Syria and Burma, according to the U.S. State Department's Refugee Processing Center. In 2016, Michigan was the fourth largest state for refugee resettlement, taking in more than 30,000 arrivals over the last decade, Global Detroit, an economic development organization, reported.

After the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, hundreds of Afghans arrived in Michigan as agencies scrambled to house families, amid an already short supply of affordable housing. Last year, a new coalition launched in Detroit to help Ukrainians and Afghans find jobs, housing and transportation.

Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com; 313-348-7558. Follow her on Twitter: @NushratR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan launches new refugee assistance program to help with rent
JOHNSTON  A state trooper and four other people were injured when a state police cruiser was struck on Route 6 Sunday night, the state police said in a press release Monday.

The five people were taken to Rhode Island Hospital with minor injuries, the state police said.

The crash happened at about 9:20 p.m. while the cruiser was traveling on Route 6 East near Atwood Avenue in Johnston. The cruiser was struck in the high-speed lane, and both vehicles came to a stop in the center median, according to state police.

The crash remains under investigation.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Five injured in crash involving RI state police cruiser
When Michigan voters overwhelmingly passed Proposal 3 last year, enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution, I felt incredible relief. However, as a physician who provides comprehensive reproductive health care, including pregnancy and abortion care, I knew my work as an advocate for my patients was far from over.

That is why I am urging the Michigan Legislature to pass the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which will repeal old anti-abortion laws designed to restrict patient access to care.

These laws were enacted under the guise of improving patient safety. The truth is that abortion care is extremely safe. What is actually dangerous are the laws restricting access that the RHA will repeal.

Protest in Detroit on April 15, 2023.

Recently, a physician who specializes in high-risk obstetrics referred a patient to me with heart failure. As soon as they discovered she was pregnant, her cardiologist referred her to the obstetrics specialist who estimated a 1-in-4 chance she would die if the pregnancy continued.

Not wanting to risk her life  or leave the young children she already had without a mother  she decided to have an abortion. By the time she finally got to me, she was 13 weeks pregnant. Due to her high-risk health status, we expedited her care and scheduled her appointment for just a couple of days later. However, there were barriers she didnt expect.

I'm a pregnant, working mom. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is unfair to women like me.

Abortion regulations, waiting periods are barriers to reproductive freedom

In Michigan, patients are legally required to physically print out a form at least 24 hours before their appointment, but she didnt have access to a printer. This led to her appointment being rescheduled.

Between the time delay and her cardiac status, it was soon evident that she would need a higher level of care in a hospital setting. This meant that the costs would be much, much higher, over $10,000, and since Michigan law prohibited her insurance from covering abortion care, she anticipated that she would have to incur significant medical debt.

I never expected I'd need an abortion. Michigan's outdated laws made me pay for it myself.

In the end, she suffered a nearly five-week delay from when she was supposed to have the procedure to when it was finally completed. The delay was entirely unnecessary and entirely caused by the unconstitutional laws targeting abortion that are still in effect in Michigan: the 24-hour mandated delay in care, the required consent form, the restrictions on insurance coverage just to name a few.

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.

Theoretically, all patients have a constitutional right to reproductive freedom, but until we pass the RHA and remove these cruel and unnecessary laws from our books, it will instead remain a privilege only for those with the means to overcome these obstacles, and the right will remain out of reach for far too many. We need to stop siloing, criminalizing and stigmatizing abortion care and treating it differently than all other health care.

Now is the time for the legislature to put people ahead of politics and pass the Reproductive Health Act in full. Michiganders are counting on you.

Dr. Charita L. Roque, assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine.

Dr. Charita L. Roque is assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Western Michigan University's Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. This column first published in the Detroit Free Press.

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 Detroit Free Press: Michigan's outdated abortion laws cause women to suffer. Repeal them
The man in charge of overseeing legal and fiscal research for legislative policies in South Dakota resigned Monday.

Reed Holwegner tendered his resignation as the director of the Legislative Research Council during a meeting of the Executive Board. During the meeting, the 15-member board made up of senators and representatives suspended the board's rules and went into executive session to discuss the resignation.

Reed Holwegner, the former South Dakota Legislative Research Council director.

After the group unanimously accepted the resignation, the board unanimously voted to place John McCullough, the chief research and legal analyst, as the interim director.

The LRC provides research and help drafting bills and amendments for the 105 lawmakers who make up the legislature, according to the LRC website. The office also helps lawmakers during the summer studies and interim committee meetings when the Legislature is out of session.

More: Baltic controversy serves as cautionary tale about big development in small towns

The E-Board employs the director.

Its unclear why Holwegner resigned. Executive sessions are not open under public meeting laws for purposes of discussing employee issues or consulting with legal counsel.

Lawmakers did not offer comments during the vote about the resignation.

Holwegner had served as the LRC director since 2020, according to his LinkedIn. Hed previously worked as a policy analyst for the Kansas Legislature between 2007 and 2020 and had worked for the South Dakota LRC in the early 2000s.

This story is developing. Check back for more.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota LRC director resigns during Executive Board meeting
A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week against three individuals who allegedly established a scheme to defraud a used automobile auction business in Tennessee. The defendants defrauded the Dealers Auto Auction Group of more than $2 million, the Department of Justice said.

The individuals charged were Stephanie Louise Baker, 53, and Brian Baker, 52. They are husband and wife and both from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Jerry W. Hutchins, 48, of Dowelltown, Tennessee was also charged. All three surrendered to federal agents last Friday. They appeared in front of a U.S. Magistrate Judge the same day.

According to the indictment, the scheme took place between February 2017 and November 2018. At that time, Stephanie Baker was the General Manager of the Dealers Auto Auction Groups Murfreesboro auction location. Brian Baker owned a used car lot called The Rite Car LLC and he purchased and sold cars for another used car lot called Cunningham Motors. Jerry Hutchins owned two used car dealerships, Hutchins Auto and L&J Auto Sales. Both men did business with the Murfreesboro auction house.

The scheme they allegedly devised was to create fake transactions to make it look like the defendants businesses had sold cars at the auction and were therefore entitled to funds from the Dealers Auto Auction Group. In reality, the defendants had not sold vehicles at the auction, the DOJ said. Stephanie Baker would allegedly issue checks to Brian Bakers and Hutchins businesses based on the fake transactions. Each month they would create new fake transactions with the same vehicles in order to cover up the original fraud, the DOJ said. A 2007 Ford F-150 and a 2003 Saturn Vue were two of the vehicles used to conceal the unlawful activity, according to the indictment.

In total, the defendants allegedly defrauded the Dealers Auto Auction Group of more than $2 million. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and the concealment money laundering offenses. They face an additional 10 years for money laundering. In addition, the government is seeking the forfeiture of any property derived from the proceeds of the crimes. This includes a money judgment in the amount of at least $2,041,170 from Stephanie Baker, $1,357,310 from Brian Baker, and $683,830 from Hutchins.

The lawyers of the defendants and the Murfreesboro auction house did not immediately respond to Road & Track's request for comment.

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GAZA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), said Monday in a statement that it has released two more hostages for "humanitarian reasons."

The brigades said the release was achieved through "Egyptian-Qatar mediation" and identified the two released as Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz, without elaborating on their nationalities.

This is the second time that Hamas has decided to release some of the hostages it took from Israel on Oct. 7. On Friday, it released two American hostages. 
Former President Donald Trump has launched a multifront legal attack on the federal charges hes facing in Washington, D.C., arising from his bid to subvert the 2020 election.

In three motions to dismiss the case filed just before midnight, Trump contended that the case mounted against him by special counsel Jack Smith sought to criminalize his views on the 2020 election and efforts to lobby state lawmakers and Congress.

Trump argued that the indictment  which charges him with conspiring to obstruct Congress certification of the 2020 election, conspiring to deprive Americans of a fair election process and conspiring to defraud government officials administering the election  does not explain how he violated the laws hes charged with breaking. He says the charges violate his First Amendment right to petition government officials to act on his concerns about the 2020 election. He contends his acquittal by the Senate in an impeachment trial days after leaving office bars him from being prosecuted for related conduct. And he says President Joe Bidens reported statements about the case require an inquiry regarding selective prosecution, if not outright dismissal.



The filings, combined with an earlier motion to dismiss the case citing his immunity from prosecution for his conduct as president, represent Trumps full strategy for preventing the case against him from ever reaching a jury. Trump repeatedly points to the unprecedented nature of the charges against him and says crimes hes accused of were not meant to criminalize what he did in his final, frenzied bid to remain in power.

Trumps motions pose the latest test for U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is grappling with the extraordinary nature of the case. Trump is the first former president to face criminal charges  including federal cases brought by Smith in Washington, D.C., and Florida. But its Chutkans case, scheduled to begin on March 4, that appears poised to reach a jury first. And Chutkans rulings can be appealed, triggering potential legal showdowns at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals or even the Supreme Court prior to Trumps trial.

Chutkan has already fended off an effort by Trump to force her recusal from the case and issued a gag order aimed at preventing Trump from mounting public attacks that might taint the D.C. jury pool or intimidate prospective witnesses. Trump has appealed her order and Chutkan has briefly suspended it while she considers his concerns.

Trumps wide-ranging attack on the indictment features three main arguments: that the charges defy his First Amendment rights, that hes being vindictively targeted by a political rival and that the crimes hes accused of do not align with what he actually did in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

For example, Trump  via his attorneys John Lauro and Todd Blanche  argued that his campaigns effort to submit false slates of presidential electors to Congress was not an act of deceit or trickery required to prove he conspired to defraud the government. Rather, Trump allies publicly announced their intentions to send their preferred electoral slates to Congress while leaning on Republican-controlled state legislatures to recognize them.

At the center of Trumps argument is a claim that criminalizing his post-election behavior would similarly criminalize ordinary political advocacy like lobbying or protest. He cited a newly released opinion by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to contend that Trump could not be accused of corruptly attempting to interfere with Congress Electoral College proceedings on Jan. 6, 2021  noting that the opinion sought to protect all forms of political advocacy.

Prosecutors are certain to reject Trumps characterization of his activities as benign political lobbying or an effort to support the integrity of elections. They say Trump spread knowingly false information about voter fraud to mount a pressure campaign against state governments and his own vice president, Mike Pence, in an effort to defraud the United States. He was atop a criminal conspiracy, they contend, that included assembling false slates of presidential electors to stoke a conflict on Jan. 6, when Congress met to finalize the results of the election, and surrounded himself with attorneys who crafted fringe theories intended to justify the effort. All of it, they say, was a pretense aimed at disrupting the transfer of power for the first time in American history.

Trumps filings make little mention of the six alleged co-conspirators prosecutors described in the indictment  including attorneys Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, who developed the strategy Trump ultimately deployed in an effort to subvert the election on Jan. 6.

All four, along with Trump, have also been charged by Georgia prosecutors with an elaborate racketeering conspiracy aimed at subverting the states election laws as well. Last week, Chesebro and Powell pleaded guilty to aspects of their conduct and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
The Justice Department officially moved Monday to claim a 348-foot superyacht it says belongs to a sanctioned billionaire oligarch known as the "Russian Gatsby."

In a civil forfeiture claim filed in federal court in New York, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams' office said that the $300 million vessel, the Amadea, is "beneficially owned" by Suleiman Kerimov and that the "superyacht was improved and maintained in violation of applicable sanctions against Kerimov and those acting on his behalf."

The filing contends the yacht, which has a helipad, an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi and multiple bars, should be forfeited to the U.S. government.

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Kerimov, who's worth an estimated $14 billion and has ties to the Russian government, over alleged money laundering in 2018.

Super yacht Amadea (Gregory Bull / AP file )

He has been referred to as a "Russian Gatsby" in part because he rarely does interviews while indulging in the high life. He has hosted multimillion-dollar parties at his villas on the French Riviera, including one in 2008 that reportedly featured a performance by Beyonce, and his car collection includes a rare Ferrari Enzo, which he once crashed into a tree in 2006.

The yacht was seized in Fiji last year as part of the work of the Justice Departments Task Force KleptoCapture, which has been going after the assets of sanctioned oligarchs in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine last year.

The court filing said officials were able to prove Kerimov's ownership by showing that he was responsible for numerous upgrades to the vessel, including a new pizza oven.

However, another oligarch, Eduard Khudainatov, maintains that he's the owner of the Amadea and has filed legal challenges for its return. Khudainatov is the former chairman and CEO of Rosneft, the state-controlled gas company in Russia, and he has not been sanctioned by the U.S. government.

The Justice Department has said in court filings that Khudainatov is a "straw owner" and that he couldn't even afford the upkeep on the Amadea and another superyacht he says he owns.

Khudainatov's lawyer, Adam Ford, sued in federal court in California seeking the yacht's return late Sunday, before the federal action Monday. The filing says the government's estimate of his client's wealth is based in part on his failure to show up on Forbes' annual billionaires list, and it contends "a magazine's list should not be the basis of, or suffice as evidence for, any U.S. government enforcement action."

Ford said in a statement, "We are confident that a neutral arbiter will order the return of the Amadea to our client."

The U.S. has worked with numerous countries to seize a number of superyachts with ties to oligarchs, whose ownership interests are often hard to prove.

Task Force KleptoCapture co-director Michael Khoo said in a statement that the forfeiture proceeding against the Amadea came "after a careful and painstaking effort to develop the necessary evidence showing Suleiman Kerimovs clear interest in the Amadea and the repeated misuse of the U.S. financial system to support and maintain the yacht for his benefit."

Getting to this point required extensive cooperation across the U.S. government and with foreign partners. It underscores our resolve to undertake challenging, cross-border investigations and to send a message to Russian oligarchs and their enablers: if you flout the rule of law, you can expect to pay real and meaningful consequences, Khoo said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Biden administration is making a historic investment in the core infrastructure of the energy transition  the countrys power grid.

On Wednesday, the Department of Energy announced $3.5 billion in grants to expand capacity for wind and solar power, harden power lines against extreme weather, integrate batteries and electric vehicles, and build out microgrids that can keep the lights on during power outages.

The announcement named 58 projects across 44 states eligible to receive federal funding. When matched by funds from state and local governments and utility and industry partners, they will represent more than $8 billion in investment.

All told, its the largest-ever investment in America's grid, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a press briefing from Locust Grove, Georgia, one of the locations that will receive some of the funding. The $3.5 billion is the first major round of funding from the DOEs Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program, created by 2021s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has $10.5 billion available to expand transmission lines, improve grid resiliency and deploy smart-grid technologies.

That total is far more than the last major federal investment in grid infrastructure, the $3.4 billion in stimulus grants issued by the Obama administration in 2009. But the need for grid investments has also grown dramatically since then.

Climate change is intensifying heat waves, winter storms, droughts and floods that have led to increasingly severe power outages, including the deadly February 2021 grid outages across Texas and blackouts across Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Ida in September 2021.

Meanwhile, the renewable energy projects that must be built at an unprecedented pace and scale to mitigate climate change are facing yearslong backlogs to connect to transmission grids, which themselves arent expanding nearly fast enough to meet the increasing demand for clean electricity to power vehicles, heat buildings and supplant fossil-fueled power plants.

The projects announced Wednesday are aimed at all of these challenges, Granholm said. The investments in transmission grid expansion are expected to enable more than 35 gigawatts of renewable energy to come online within this decade, a 10 percent boost in nationwide grid capacity, she said.

Others are hardening the grid against extreme weather so we can limit outages and restore power more quickly when disaster strikes, and deploying cutting-edge satellite-monitoring systems to identify and to address threats like wildfires.

Large-scale grids arent the only targets, she added. The funding will help build more than 400 microgrids  combinations of on-site generation, batteries and power control systems that serve critical facilities like hospitals and emergency centers and shelters in New York, Michigan, Louisiana, Tennessee and other states, Granholm said.

The selected projects also prioritize communities that are ignored or overlooked for far too often, including rural, Native and low-income communities, according to Mitch Landrieu, the Biden administrations senior advisor and infrastructure coordinator and former mayor of New Orleans. The Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships funding is subject to the Biden administrations Justice40 Initiative, which pledges to direct 40 percent of federal climate-related funds to historically disadvantaged communities.

The projects will also create good-paying union jobs, Granholm said. More than eight out of 10 projects selected either contain labor union partnerships or will involve collective bargaining agreements, she said.

A snapshot of grid projects winning funding

The projects range in scope from more than half a billion dollars to modernize grid infrastructure and deploy batteries and microgrids across rural Georgia to tens of millions of dollars for individual microgrid and technology deployments. Some are tied to individual states and utilities, while others represent the work of coalitions spanning multiple states or entire regions.

Among the largest of the grants is a $249 million award for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and the states electric cooperatives, the member-owned, not-for-profit utilities that serve about 4.4 million of the states 10.8 million residents. That project will encompass new transmission lines to serve a territory that covers three-quarters of the states land mass, as well as deploy battery systems and microgrids to bolster grid reliability.

Another project featuring rural cooperatives will receive $99.7 million to deploy wildfire assessment and resiliency technology to a consortium of 39 co-ops scattered across the Western U.S. That project will be led by Holy Cross Energy, a Colorado-based co-op thats already doing some groundbreaking work on grid modernization and clean-energy integration.

Power-line-sparked wildfires are a significant threat, and utilities across the country are investing increasing amounts of money in burying power lines and installing weather monitoring and spark detection and prevention technology to reduce that risk. DOE previously awarded $95 million to assist utility Hawaiian Electric to harden its grid in the wake of the potentially power-line-sparked wildfires that devastated communities on the island of Maui.

More funding to harden grids against extreme weather is going to projects underway at Gulf Coast utility Entergy ($54.8 million), Michigan utilities DTE Energy ($22.9 million) and Consumers Energy ($100 million), Pennsylvanias PECO Energy ($100 million) and PacifiCorp ($99.6 million), for a project that will span sites in Oregon, California and Utah.

Several of these projects also include microgrids to enable communities to keep power up when the grid falters. Some are led by utilities that see a valuable role for microgrids in boosting reliability and integrating more clean energy, but others are led by state and community groups. A public-private partnership in Louisiana is receiving $249 million to deploy microgrids across the state  a project that builds on a grassroots effort led by faith-based and community groups in the New Orleans area, which has suffered multiple extended outages in the wake of hurricanes.

Technology that can make better use of the grid already in place is also part of the mix. Pennsylvania utility Duquesne Light Company will receive $19.7 million to bolster an ongoing project thats deploying grid-enhancing technologies  sensors and software that can pinpoint the capacity of its power lines to safely carry more energy. Part of PECO Electrics project involves advanced conductors that can withstand higher electricity flows than standard aluminum and steel wires.

Other grants are focused on integrating distributed energy resources  rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles, microgrids and other technologies that utility customers are installing in ever-rising numbers. Those include a $49.5 million grant for Pennsylvania utility PPL Electric, which has a distributed energy monitoring and controls technology effort underway, and a $50 million grant for Oregon utility Portland General Electric, which is deploying an artificial-intelligence-enabled, grid-edge computing platform in support of a long-running effort to integrate batteries, EVs and community solar into its grid.

On the opposite end of the scale are projects seeking to build grid equipment that will make it possible to connect entire regions of the country. The Minnesota Department of Commerce was awarded a $464 million grant backed by $1.3 billion in cost-share from members of Midcontinent Independent System operator and Southwest Power Pool, two grid operators spanning nearly a dozen Midwestern states. The funding will go toward developing a set of transmission lines that will connect the grids between the two regions  one of the most ambitious efforts in the country to create interregional transmission capacity that multiple studies have found could dramatically reduce power costs, expand clean energy capacity and improve grid resiliency in the face of extreme weather.

The grid struggles ahead

Granholm acknowledged that the U.S. power grid, even with more than 5.7 million miles of transmission and distribution lines and more than 55,000 substations, is not equipped to handle all the new demand. We do need it to be bigger, we need it to be stronger, we need it to be smarter to bring all of these new projects online and to meet the president's goal of 100 percent clean electricity by 2035.

That assessment is matched by a roster of studies that have identified significant gaps between the current grid and whats needed to achieve a carbon-free electricity system. Its also highlighted by real-world challenges that a lack of sufficient grid infrastructure is causing for clean energy developers, electric vehicle charging installations, data centers and other large-scale electricity projects, many of which are facing yearslong delays in getting interconnected.

A recent report commissioned by the trade group Americans for a Clean Energy Grid underscored the gap between grid needs and current investments. The report tracked 36 high-voltage transmission projects ready to start construction in the coming years, representing $64 billion in investment and millions of jobs. But those projects will add less than 10 percent of the additional capacity needed to reach a zero-carbon grid, the analysis found.

Similar gaps exist in the low-voltage grid, according to Fahimeh Kazempour, head of grid modernization for consultancy Wood Mackenzie. In a June interview, she noted that U.S. utilities have sought regulatory approval for up to $70 billion in distribution grid modernization investments over the past several years.

But while the share of utility spending on grid infrastructure is increasing, the level of investment needed to integrate distributed energy resources isnt keeping up with whats needed to make those resources a core part of a reliable and cost-effective clean energy system, she said.

In that light, the grid funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the monumental investment in grid modernization in our generation, full stop, said Jeannie Salo, vice president of government relations at Schneider Electric, a global electric equipment manufacturer.

That puts additional responsibility on DOE and its dozens of project partners to design and execute projects that can serve as a roadmap for how to integrate next-generation grid technologies on a much wider scale in the years to come, she said.

Theres a huge effort being placed on building out transmission and distribution, Salo added. This has to go hand in hand with intentional deployment of technology to enable what she described as a smarter and digitized grid.

We are glad that DOE will soon begin talking about what was funded so far, but we need more opportunities to share experiences and best practices across utilities and grid operators, she said. We need more rapid scaling and investments in technology to truly modernize the grid.


Hungarian premier Viktor Orban blasted the European Union on the anniversary of Hungary's 1956 anti-Soviet uprising on Monday by comparing Hungary's membership in the European Union to more than four decades of Soviet occupation of his country.

Viktor Orban accused the EU of seeking to strip Hungary of its identity by imposing a model of liberal democracy that he said Hungarians reject.

We had to dance to the tune that Moscow whistled. Brussels whistles too, but we dance as we want to, and if we don't want to, then we don't dance" stated the Hungarian PM in front of of a crowd gathered in Vesezprem.

Orban, considered one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's only allies in the EU, had to face the opposition of thousands of citizens on the streets on Monday. A demonstration in Budapest criticised his government's policies and its relationship with Russia despite the war in Ukraine.

Demonstrators at the anti-government protest held in Budapest on Cold War era student uprising anniversary. - AP Photo

The protest demonstrators marched down a central avenue in Budapest in opposition to the Hungarian PM and his governments policies, as well as Hungary's continued relationship with Russia despite Moscow's conflict with Ukraine.

Back then, the Soviet Union invaded Hungary, and today's Russia is demonstrating similar efforts at conquest, and we'd like to express our solidarity with Ukraine, said demonstrator Katalin Beke.

Hungary blocked funds over Ukraines inclusion of Hungarys OTP Bank on a list of international sponsors of the war.

Later, on 23 October, EU top diplomat Josep Borrell confirmed that there was still no agreement on releasing a 500 million tranche to help arm Ukraine. Borrell announced the lack of decision at a press conference in Luxembourg, European Pravda reported.
iiItalian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has made headlines by taking a personal day off to absorb the shock of her sudden breakup.

Her partner of 10 years, television presenter Andrea Giambruno, was recently caught on camera using foul language, touching his groin and appearing to make advances to a female colleague. Last week, an audio recording emerged in which he could be heard talking about being in an affair.

In announcing that she needed a day off to recover, Meloni  the 46-year-old head of a right-wing coalition government  released a message saying: I, too, am human.

But rather than query the notion of a personal day, shouldnt we all perhaps take inspiration from a leader demonstrating self-awareness, practicing self-care and setting boundaries on a day when any human would automatically experience excessive stress, impaired focus and judgement, reduced immune function and a host of physiological symptoms that are no different to the illnesses we regularly take sick days off for?

Broken heart syndrome is a recognised medical condition, with symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. We are hardwired to fear rejection, and this social pain has been shown to activate the exact same areas of the brain activated by the physical kind.

Meanwhile, the impact of a breakup is widely understood by psychologists to be similar to that of a bereavement. Typically, during the aftermath, we work through the five stages of grief, as first documented in 1969 by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

Its no accident that after a breakup, we can find ourselves saying: Its like somebody died. While there may not be a body, theres still a gaping chasm of loss.

We seem to feel culturally comfortable with the notion of compassionate leave after a death. Yet the companies in Japan, Germany and Australia that offer heartbreak leave are seen as quirky and unusual. Miki Hiridate, CEO of a Tokyo marketing company, says: With heartbreak, everyone needs time off, just like when you get sick.

In the UK, the idea of divorce leave hit the headlines in February after a number of companies introduced family-friendly HR policies for staff going through a separation. These policies would place a breakup on the same footing as other significant life events, such as family death or illness, and grant access to more flexible ways of working.

However, theres currently no legislation in place that would compel employers to offer this kind of leave. It is entirely at the discretion of employers. So there are question marks around who really has access to this type of support. If divorce leave is unpaid, would everyone who needs it be able to afford to take it? And is it primarily for couples who have children or are married? Are these employers only focussing on allowing time for the practical and legal negotiations that are one small part of getting through a breakup? Does this type of leave really take into consideration the emotional health of the two individuals who are separating?

The friends and colleagues who have spoken on my podcast The Breakup Monologues about powering through a heartbreak and seeking solace in the distraction of work have typically found this a flawed strategy, merely deferring their grief to a later date. Some have experienced a much longer period of feeling unproductive further down the line. When grief hits us later at unexpected times, thats when it can mess around even more with deadlines, schedules and important meetings.

It strikes me as the far healthier choice to deal with the shock of a breakup in the moment; to sit with the pain, feel the feelings and reach out to friends and support networks. Even a day of reflecting on what has happened and facing up to our abruptly altered future will make us more resilient and ultimately, even more human.

Rosie Wilby is a comedian and the author of The Breakup Monologues (Bloomsbury, 10.99)
As three priests who minister to unique communities across the state of Iowa, we have watched with great hope as the global Roman Catholic Church has undertaken an exciting, inclusive, and historic process over the past two years known as the Synod on Synodality.

This synod process, convened by Pope Francis , began in 2021 with listening sessions that heard from all kinds of people in parishes and Catholic communities. Participants from Iowa to India were invited to share their experience of Catholicism: the good, the bad, and the challenging. Catholic leaders were invited to hear from Catholics, former Catholics, and non-Catholics alike in a spirit of active listening. This honest feedback was recorded, synthesized, and shared with leaders at the highest levels of our church.

Now, from Oct. 4 to Oct. 29, a diverse group of synod participants are carrying those beautiful and heartbreaking Catholic stories to a meeting at the Vatican. At that meeting, 363 voting participants (including, for the first time, women and non-ordained people) will discuss new paths forward for our beloved church. As we enter this new stage, Francis called earlier this month for open conversations about blessing same-gender couples and studying the question of women in the priesthood.

However, even as these courageous conversations take place in an official meeting hall at the Vatican, the three of us believe that there are equally courageous calls for justice and equality taking place outside the synods doors.

All throughout October, advocates for gender equality, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion from many church reform groups are rallying at the Vatican and around the world, calling on the Roman Catholic Church to expand its welcome to the most marginalized of its flock. One of these groups, our friends at the Womens Ordination Conference, held global Walks with Women in Rome and across the world on Oct. 6 to encourage the church to walk with women as equals.

That call to walk with women is one that we want to echo here in Iowa, because we know what it means to have religious leaders who dont walk with us. Although we are validly ordained Catholic priests, we are not recognized as such by the Catholic bishops of Iowa or any of the other all-male leaders in the institutional church. That refusal to recognize our priesthood comes from one simple fact: we are women, and the institutional Roman Catholic Church still restricts the priesthood to cisgender men. But our ordinations through the Roman Catholic Womenpriests movement are a witness: women and people of all genders are called to the priesthood, and we live out that priesthood in many ways.

Unfortunately, those who follow their call to priesthood with groups like ours face punishment up to and including excommunication from the church, a penalty everyone in the RCWP movement has faced. In Iowa and around the country, groups that support RCWP have faced harsh and unjust sanctions simply for supporting womens ordination or allowing a woman to say Mass.

As women priests in Iowa, we want to encourage the Catholic bishops of Iowa and the United States to walk alongside women, in the halls of Rome and beyond. Dialogue openly with groups like the Womens Ordination Conference and Roman Catholic Womenpriests. Speak boldly the Spirits truth: people of all genders are called to the priesthood. Follow the example of our Catholic siblings in Germany, who recently voted to bless same-gender couples, honor transgender and intersex Catholics, and recognize that the Holy Spirit calls people of all genders to the priesthood.

In Francis opening remarks to the Synod assembly, he called on participants to express themselves freely, remembering that the protagonist of the synod isnt us, but the Holy Spirit. We hope that Catholic leaders in Iowa will join Catholics who support ordination justice and allow those of us who have been locked out of leadership by unjust laws to express ourselves freely. We hope that everyday Catholics in the pews and public life will speak up for gender justice in the church and the world. We hope most of all that the men in Rome will listen to the Holy Spirit and then act in this synod process to bring forward a new day of equality.

The Rev. Amy Bruner, RCWP, is with Des Moines Catholic Worker in Des Moines. The Rev. Mary Kay Kusner, RCWP, is with Full Circle Catholic Community in Iowa City. Bishop Martha Sherman of Washington, Iowa, is RCWP bishop of the Midwest Region.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Catholic synod can respond to calls for justice and equality
BRENTWOOD  A Seabrook man serving time in federal prison for a bank robbery in Maine is now charged in New Hampshire for leading police on a dangerous car chase the same day.

Brandon Simmons, 36, of Seabrook, was indicted Oct. 10 on one felony charge of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon. The indictment states he allegedly drove dangerously at a high rate of speed on Route 286 in Seabrook in November 2021, putting others at risk of being hurt.

Simmons pleaded guilty to charges in May, alleging he robbed a bank in York on Nov. 1, 2021. That was the same day his New Hampshire indictment states he drove dangerously through Seabrook.

Brandon Simmons was apprehended by Massachusetts State Police on November 3, 2021, at a hotel in Peabody, Massachusetts.

Authorities arrested Simmons in Peabody, Massachusetts, after he allegedly led them on a high-speed chase following the robbery. He was already being sought at the time for a similar robbery he performed in Newburyport days before.

York Beach attack victim: 'Im still shocked that I got stabbed'

Bank robbery leads to dangerous three-state pursuit

Police say Simmons violently struggled after he robbed Bangor Savings Bank and fled authorities in his car. They said he entered the bank and told the teller he had a bomb and demanded money. He took cash from the tellers door and left the bank in a white work van, police said.

Simmons was quickly identified as a suspect through the combined efforts of the FBI, York police and law enforcement in Massachusetts. They determined he was also the suspect who robbed the CVS Pharmacy in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Oct. 30, 2021.

According to police, Brandon Simmons entered a Bangor Savings Bank in York on Nov. 1, 2021, telling a teller that he had a bomb and demanding money.

From Nov. 1-3, 2021, Simmons led police on a series of high-speed chases in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Police say he assaulted an officer, attempted to carjack a civilian bystander, stopped multiple vehicles and crashed his van into a truck driven by a bystander. He was apprehended by Massachusetts State Police Nov. 3 at a hotel in Peabody.

Simmons sentencing in May also included multiple charges related to his conduct while fleeing police. He was sentenced to 9  years and ordered to pay the bank back $7,162 in restitution as well.

More: 'Double jeopardy' against Wells, Maine, man dropped in NYC New Year's Eve machete attack

New charge alleges Simmons used vehicle as 'deadly weapon'

The new charge in New Hampshire was handed down by a grand jury this month as a direct indictment. The road Route 286 only has two lanes, one in each direction, connecting Seabrook Beach to Route 1 near the border of Salisbury, Massachusetts.

The indictment states Simmons vehicle became a deadly weapon when he drove at a high rate of speed with no regard for prevailing road conditions. It states he was swerving around other lanes of travel and crossing the double yellow line into oncoming traffic.

Brandon Simmons recklessly, engaged in conduct which placed or may have placed other motorists traveling on Route 286, in danger of serious bodily injury, the indictment states.

Simmons is now scheduled for an arraignment Nov. 17 in Rockingham Superior Court at 1 p.m. The charge is a Class B felony that carries 3 to 7 years and comes with a $4,000 fine.

More: Former Seabrook man faces up to 10 years for gun charge after deadly shooting

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York bank robber Brandon Simmons indicted on new charge in NH
Donald Leon Lawrence appears in Yakima County Superior Court Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Lawrence is accused of shooting his wife at their Wapato-area home the day before.
Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times arts critic, at Suzzallo Library on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times, 2019)
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. economic working group held its first meeting via video link on Tuesday, China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a statement.

At the meeting co-chaired by vice-ministerial officials from the MOF and the U.S. treasury department, the two sides had in-depth, candid and constructive discussions on the macroeconomic situations and policies of the two countries and the world, bilateral economic relations, and cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The meeting came after the consensus reached in July by He Lifeng, Chinese Vice Premier and Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The Chinese side expressed its concern at the meeting, and the two sides agreed to maintain communication, according to the statement. 
Children's toys sit outside the Plainfield Township home on Oct. 15, 2023, where police say the landlord allegedly stabbed a 6-year-old boy to death and seriously injured his 32-year-old mother a few days earlier.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis announced Monday that he will resume the 10th Emergency Special Session of the assembly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a letter to delegations, he said he had received a letter dated Oct. 19 from Jordanian UN ambassador Mahmoud Hmoud and Mauritanian UN ambassador Sidi Mohamed Laghdaf in their respective capacities as chair of the Arab Group and chair of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, requesting the resumption of the 10th Emergency Special Session as quickly as possible.

He said he also received a letter from the representatives of Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, as well as a letter from the representatives of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and Brunei, related to the same matter.

"I will convene the 39th plenary meeting of the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023," said Francis.

The 10th Emergency Special Session was convened for the first time in April 1997. The special session was last resumed in June 2018. 
As the UAEs new corporate tax regime comes into effect ICAEW has urged free zone companies to understand how the changes will affect them. To help, ICAEW held a Q&A session with Joe Pacelli, Head of Tax at KPMG. Pacelli explained how the new tax rules impact UAE businesses, especially those operating in free zones, and urged them to closely monitor the evolving regulations since their tax policies differ from mainland onshore companies.

The new corporate tax rate of 9%, effective either in June or January 2024 depending on the financial year, aligns with the broader OECD Pillar Two framework, which includes a global minimum corporate tax requirement of 15% for large multinationals. The UAE government has unveiled a comprehensive corporate tax policy, encompassing both mainland and free zone regulations, to foster a fair and transparent business environment.

Free zone companies, which enjoy unique tax policies and various appealing advantages, are being encouraged to take note of the changes. While the UAE has decided to honour the tax holidays for free zone companies, not all of the 40+ free zones in the UAE qualify for this exemption.

Tax holiday

Certain activities, like manufacturing of goods and services, processing of materials, and ownership and management of operations and shipping, fall within the tax holiday category. However, activities like banking, insurance, finance and leasing, ownership and exploitation of oil rights, will still be taxed at 9%.

The discussion clarified that the tax holiday does not imply zero tax, rather a corporate tax rate set to 0%, with the possibility of future incremental adjustments. However, its believed that any increase in the free zone tax rate is unlikely given these tax holidays serve as an incentive to encourage business growth. Despite the 0% corporate tax rate, free zone companies are still required to maintain adequate bookkeeping to ensure compliance with transfer pricing regulations.

Hanadi Khalife, Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "While the levy on corporations is reshaping business operations from a legal and accounting standpoint, the measured introduction of the policy suggests those leading its implementation are committed to creating a mutually beneficial business landscape. Introducing these regulations is necessary to create a fair and transparent business environment and prevent exploitation through tax planning strategies.

Companies have the option to create tax groups, treating subsidiary businesses as one taxable entity. However, the UAE government emphasises the need for regional businesses with limited experience in corporate tax regimes to maintain standard accounting practices to ensure compliance.--TradeArabia News Service
NANJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's largest vehicle-grid integration network demonstration zone has become operational in the city of Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province. It can draw electricity to the smart grid from 50 new energy vehicles (NEV) simultaneously.

According to the State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co. Ltd., NEV owners can receive subsidies by sending unused power in their vehicles to the grid through charging piles at the demonstration center.

In the second building phase, the center is expected to add charging piles sufficient to meet the needs of charging 144 vehicles and the discharging of 50 vehicles, as well as a battery changing service for 400 vehicles at a time.

Duan Meimei, with the State Grid Jiangsu electric power marketing service center, said that the aim of the smart network is to adjust power loads for electric vehicle charging, and encourage electric vehicle owners to sell electricity in car batteries to the grid during times of high demand and to charge their batteries during off-peak hours. 
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Virtuale mingi de meci

Abia ce il tamaiasem pe Novak Djokovic, ca era cat pe ce sa comita o nefacuta in meciul cu olandezul Tallon Griekspoor, care era totusi numarul 44 mondial, deci nu un fitecine. In comparatie cu altii, desigur, ca in fata lui Djokovic n-au stat altii nu ca mai buni, ci tot ce putea fi mai bun in ... [citeste mai departe]
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Un tablou furat in timpul unui jaf la un muzeu din Glasgow, in urma cu peste 30 de ani, a fost gasit dupa ce a fost scos la licitatie de un vanzator care nu stia nimic despre originile tabloului, potrivit BBC.Hotii au dezactivat un sistem de alarma si au urcat pe o scara si pe o fereastra de la etaj

- Border police officers from the Cenad Border Crossing Point detected, on Tuesday, two persons against whom European arrest warrants had been issued by the Romanian and German authorities. At the Cenad Border Crossing Point, a 39-year-old Romanian citizen presented himself at the exit from Romania.

- Approximately 165,500 people, Romanian and foreign nationals, and over 47,400 means of transport underwent border checks at all of Romania's crossing points on October 3 on both the inbound and the outbound, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reports.As many as 76,014 travelers, of whom

- The presence of the United States Air Force Detachment in Borcea is a clear proof of allied solidarity, minister of Defense Angel Tilvar said on Tuesday, at a meeting with the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum, according to a press

- The Valahia 2023 national exercise, regarding the simulation of a severe accident at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, takes place between October 3-5, the population being cautioned not to panic because it is not a real emergency situation. "The Valahia 2023 national exercise regarding the production

- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) will participate, between September 28 and October 1, 2023, in the second edition of the Bucharest Food Expo, the largest exhibition for the food and beverage sector from Romania, which will take place in the Laminor Hall in Bucharest's District

- Romania is participating, between September 18 and 22, in the European civil protection exercise "EU ModEx 2023 - Canakkale" which is taking place in northwestern Turkey.Romania is present at this exercise with a delegation made up of 43 experts from the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU),

- Romania sent a specialized forest fire-fighting unit to Corsica on Tuesday, with 20 firefighters with the emergency inspectorates.According to a press release issued by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), the firefighters will travel by air, with aircraft from the Ministry of
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to an international symposium on China's neighborhood diplomacy, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday.

The symposium was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of China's principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy. 
Hungarian opposition parties marked the anniversary of the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising.

Ferenc Gyurcsany, the leader of the opposition Democratic Coalition, said at an event recorded earlier in Budapest: October 23rd has ceased to be a joint celebration of the nation.



He said government officials and we who preserve the [real] celebration had marked the day in separate locations and in a different spirit.



Drawing a parallel between the present day and 1956, Gyurcsany insisted that the West had brought the promise of a freer, more independent country, while Russia threatens the free peoples of Europe. He said Hungarian powerholders lied by insisting the threat came from Brussels.



Marton Gyongyossi, the leader of Jobbik-Conservatives, called his party the spiritual heirs of the revolution.



Speaking at the monument of 1956 martyr Peter Mansfeld in Budapest, Gyongyossi noted that at the founding event Jobbik had received a Hungarian flag from revolutionary fighter Gergely Pongratz. The partys mission, Gyongyossi said, remained resistance against Communists and to topple this regime one day.



Today Budapest is ruled by a government that receives its orders from Moscow  and it has the same approach to young people as its Communist predecessors.



Fidesz, he added, had imposed closed borders, dwindling education, ridiculous wages and cheap Russian propaganda on Hungarian youth.



Laszlo Toroczkai, the leader of opposition Mi Hazank, said: A global opening is needed to take action against globalisation. Commemorating the 1956 uprising in Budapest, he said communism was shape-shifting and stronger than ever.



Internationalism, all about destroying nations and enslaving peoples was even more potent, he added. This, like the international financial system, a parasite on the world, must be brushed away, he said.



Toroczkai said the world was fast-changing and this entailed the shocking loss of Hungarianness and the peoples of the northern civilisation. But historical experiences had endowed Hungarians with the greatest wisdom in a crisis, he added.



He said the unipolar world dominated by the US seems to be ending. We must do everything we can to prevent this process from leading to another world war; this would bring even greater destruction than the previous two.



Gyurcsany: Salaries, Pensions Should Be High Enough to Make Decent Living



Salaries and pensions in Hungary should be high enough for people to make a decent living, Democratic Coalition (DK) leader Ferenc Gyurcsany said at an event marking the 12th anniversary of the founding of the party.



Everyone should be able to have at least three months worth of savings, and everyone should be able to afford at least a week of holiday each year, Gyurcsany said, calling DK an adult, serious, influential, fair and honest party.



DK wants a country that can be a good homeland for all, because Hungary is a homeland to all: Christians, believers and even the non-religious, he said. Amid the fierce competition now seen in many areas, he said, people appeared to be losing the common belief that man is inherently good.



DK envisions a world in which the good of humanity is also there amid the debates and competition, rather than one in which some believe that those who disagree with them are bad, diabolical or animal-like, he added.



The republic of Hungary should be a republic of the people, Gyurcsany said. The state is not the boss; its something we create, and were the ones who determine, regulate and monitor how the state functions, rather than the other way round, he added.



DK believes that Hungary is our homeland and Europe is our home, he said.



When DK speaks of a united states of Europe, it does not mean a loss of Hungarian statehood, but a form of regulated cooperation among several states, Gyurcsany added.



Socialists Call for Joint Action Against 'Authoritarian Regime'



Socialist co-leader Agnes Kunhalmi has called for joint action against the incumbent authoritarian rule in Hungary, insisting that the country lacked democratic conditions.



Speaking at her partys commemoration of the outbreak of the 1956 anti-Soviet revolt in Kaposvar, in south-western Hungary, Kunhalmi said those who seek to play domestic democracy in a fundamentally anti-democratic environment fail to understand  the message of young people fighting for freedom, prosperity, and progress back then.



The Socialist Party fights for freedom for the country and its society, democratic rule of law, prosperity for the general public, and social security, she said.



The Socialists consider Imre Nagy, prime minister in 1956, the leader of the failed revolution, and reject the governments endeavours to suppress, question, or even deny his political role, Kunhalmi said.



The martyred prime minister always stayed a leftist and his taking the responsibility and all risks clearly refute the governments claims that 1956 was exclusively a Christian nationalist, right-wing revolution, she insisted.
Hungarian is the language of freedom, President Katalin Novak told a commemoration of Hungarys 1956 anti-Soviet revolt organised by the Hungarian community of Melbourne. Marking the anniversary of the failed revolution on its eve, the president said October 23 is the greatest holiday of the [Hungarian] diaspora, a day to celebrate and also to mourn.

We celebrate our national identity, a love of freedom, Hungarians inevitable unity beyond borders  and we mourn for those that sacrificed their blood and life for freedom, mourn the physical distance between us  families torn apart and unwelcome emigration, Novak said. Freedom, the president added, must be fought for day by day.



It is our duty to work for what the heroes of 1956 fought for: a free and strong Hungarian nation, she said. Novak noted that during her Australian visit she had first visited the Hungarian community, adding that during her term she would visit all large communities of the Hungarian diaspora.



Concerning the Hungarian language, Novak said those that know the essence of Hungarian will never give in to oppressive dictatorships. Hungary has never been a hotbed for dictatorship, it is a country where totalitarian regimes have never been able to solidify.



Referring to the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East, Novak said Hungary condemned the attacks by Russia and the Hamas organisation and was working to avoid escalation.



We stand by the innocent victims and peace because Hungarians want peace, she added.



Culture Minister Marks 1956 Anniversary in US

Janos Csak, Hungarys minister of culture and innovation, attended a commemoration of the anniversary of Hungarys anti-Soviet revolt of 1956, in Washington late on Friday.



In his address, Csak said the revolution was a historic development that serves as a basis for cooperation between the US and Hungary.



The events of 1956 lend two such freedom-loving peoples enough ammunition for cooperation especially with regard to Russias attack on Ukraine and the terrorist attack against Israel.



In an interview to MTI, the minister said Hungary had a great interest in achieving peace in both conflicts. Hungary has sympathy for both countries, he said, noting Ukraines ethnic Hungarian community of 150,000, and some 300,000 Israelis of Hungarian origin.



At the ceremony, Csak recognised Peter Gajary, head of the Hungarian-American Cultural Association with the Order of Merit of Hungary, Knights Cross. The celebration was attended by Szabolcs Takacs, Hungarys ambassador to the US, a representative of the US foreign ministry, diplomats, and leaders of local Hungarian organisations.



Regional Development Minister Marks 1956 Anniversary in Veszprem



The city of Veszprem honours the memory of local revolutionary Arpad Brusznyai and his fellow fighters to this day, Regional Development Minister Tibor Navracsics told a commemoration of the 1956 anti-communist uprising in the western Hungarian city.



Navracsics said there were always fierce debates about October 23 each year, with some calling it a fundamentally right-wing revolution against the leftist, communist regime, and others a revolution of leftists intending to improve things against the inhumane communist regime.



Some say it was conservative, others call it progressive, but it appears that we cant agree when it comes to October 23, the minister said. But if we look at the heroes of 1956, its obvious what October 23 was about, he said.



Navracsics cited the example of revolutionaries who were executed or deported to the Soviet Union after the freedom fight.



What they and Arpad Brusznyai  who was also executed  have in common is that they risked their lives for the cause of the 1956 revolution, he said. What they did was stand up for life under a regime that was against life, he added.



Official: Hungarians 'Always Win' If United

Hungarians can always win if they are united and they are capable of anything for their family and country, an official of the foreign ministry said, marking the anniversary of the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising.



State secretary for bilateral relations Tamas Menczer told a commemoration in Budakeszi near Budapest that Hungarians had made a clear decision in October 1956 when they refused to give up their freedom, independence and sovereignty, and were ready to fight for it.



The West watched with sympathy but forgot to help which showed that Hungarians freedom is only important to Hungarians, he said. Fighting for their family and country united Hungarians and gave them strength, Menczer said. In the current age, it was also important to clarify some issues that only the Hungarians decided for themselves, he added.



Only parents can tell their children what is good or bad, and direct them in the important issues of the world, he said.



In the age of migration, it is a matter of sovereignty that a country should have the right to defend its security and a matter of freedom that only we, Hungarians can decide if a war is our war or not our war, he added.



Menczer said the European Union is an alliance that Hungary belongs to, and it is built on the principle that all countries are equal, so the important issues are decided together and every members word is worth the same.



Hungarians should not be made to pay the price of decisions that others made, he said.
Many apple producers complain that they did not reach the average harvest this year because of the cooler and wetter than average spring months, according to business daily Vilaggazdasag.

Apples are grown on 45,000 hectares in the country, including 250 hectares in Tolna County. Forecasts predict a moderate apple harvest of 450,000 to 550,000 tonnes this year.



Farmers in Tolna County see the situation differently.



Where farms are well equipped, and the orchards are not too old, they expect a better harvest, but in places where this is not the case, farmers anticipate a weaker season.



Consequently, the purchase price of apples will be high, reaching as high as HUF 600-750 in winter.
Addressing a commemoration of the 1956 uprising, Viktor Orban said that Brussels was just a bad modern-day parody" of Moscow.

We had to dance to Moscows tune, Prime Minister said in Veszprem, in western Hungary. But if Brussels whistles, he added, we dance as we like, and wont if we dont want to.



Comrade training was now a conditionality procedure, he said. Tanks arent rolling in from the east; dollars are rolling in from the west  to the same people. Moscow, he said, had been beyond repair.



But Brussels and the European Union can still be mended, he said, noting the upcoming European elections. The sacrifice of the 1956 revolutionaries was only worth it if we also protect, live and pass on Hungarian freedom, he said.



They didnt die in vain if we dont live in vain, he said, suggesting that Hungary could give something to the world that only we can give.



Veszprem, as the cultural capital of Europe, is doing exactly that: showing the whole of Europe what Hungarian culture and freedom is like.



The prime minister said: We must defend freedom or else well lose it.



This had been true in 1956 and in 1990, and its true today, he added.



Orban: Hungary Holding Back Belligerents



Addressing a commemoration of the 1956 uprising, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary was the first and only country trying to hold back the European peoples from willingly marching into an even greater war.



Referring to the chivalrous Hungarian people, Orban said that again and again those whom we saved turn against us when we are defending them.



He said Hungary had defended Europe against migration and we were the first to propose peace instead of war, which might well have saved hundreds of thousands of lives.



Hungary, he said, had never got appreciation, but often gets a slap and friendly fire. This is the Hungarian destiny, a pattern that repeats itself from time to time, he added.



Orban said that it would be wrong to assume the revolution had taken place in the capital alone. Every town and village  is part of our great common freedom fight  and it is not only unfair and condescending but also wrong to regard the revolution as an event that happened solely in Budapest, he said, adding that it was right to bow our heads in memory of the 1956 freedom fighters in Veszprem.



The prime minister said that around 3,000 people died and 20,000 were wounded in gunfights, while the communist retaliation saw more than 200 people sent to their deaths and 13,000 imprisoned. Fully 200,000 Hungarians fled the country, he added.



The people who suffered and were executed in prison were from all walks of life, he said. They executed a priest, a worker, a farmer, a teacher and a Communist Party leader, the old, the young, men and women, people from Budapest and the countryside, proving that the uprising was truly a common freedom fight of the nation, he said. An entire nation stood in bloodshed.



Orban called the 1956 revolution and freedom fight a spark of Hungarian genius. He said 1956 had been the last chance for a European Hungary to tear itself away from the world of Bolshevik socialism which had banished European culture, Christian civilisation and the right of nations to exist.



The Hungarian revolution and freedom fight wasnt an inarticulate howl or a fit of rage of the oppressed, it wasnt a gasp of those panting for revenge; neither was it an unbridled outburst of desire for freedom.



Rather, he said, it was it was a sober, moderate and responsible movement, notwithstanding the breathtaking heroism and bravery of the revolutionaries. He paid tribute to a local teacher, Arpad Brusznyai, who had ties to Veszprem, who at the age of 33 was executed after the revolution, saying he had protected youth against the dictatorships marauders and was the pure embodiment of Hungarian genius.



Szijjarto: Brussels Sticking to 'Pro-War' Approach to Ukraine



The approach to the situation in Ukraine remains a pro-war stance in Brussels, with the European Commissions 20 billion euro package containing everything about war, but nothing about how to achieve peace, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Luxembourg, speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.



Szijjarto said the blocs foreign ministers had discussed the proposal on security guarantees for Ukraine which also contains a 20 billion euro weapons delivery package for the next four years as well as a plan to send a military training mission to the country.



The proposal also touches on the development of Europes defence industry, with some advocating for military industrial investments in Ukraine, too, Szijjarto said. Other key components concern Ukraines reconstruction and further sanctions against Russia, he added.



So it includes everything that concerns war, but unfortunately it still makes no mention in any way of how peace may be achieved, the minister said.



Its clear that the European approach, Brusselss approach to the developments in Ukraine remains pro-war.



Brussels expects the war in Ukraine to continue over the next four years, as evidenced by the allocation of an annual 5 billion euros for more weapons deliveries, Szijjarto said.



If we dont expect the war to continue over the next four years, then why would we need to spend this much on delivering weapons to Ukraine over the next four years?



So this proposal is about everything connected to war, but there is still no one in Brussels, Luxembourg and western Europe willing to talk about how there will be peace, the minister said.



Europe, he insisted, continued to suffer from war psychosis and was unwilling to even discuss the possibility of peace. The view in Brussels, he said, was that the solution to the war lay in the battlefield, but the past year and a half indicated that this was not true.



There are only casualties and destruction on the battlefield, Szijjarto said. And the more casualties and the greater the destruction, the worse the conditions for peace become. He said Hungary opposed the idea of setting up arms factories and a training mission in Ukraine, arguing that such a move would immediately drag the EU into the war.



Szijjarto also protested against what he called attempts to use security reasons to put pressure on Hungary to accelerate Ukraines EU accession.



The European Union isnt a security organisation but a political and economic bloc, so justifying a countrys future membership exclusively with regard to security is completely unacceptable to us, he said.



The minister said several of his EU counterparts had talked about a certain Ukraine fatigue, meaning that it was hard to keep the European public invested in the war.



"This is especially true now when the events there are also taking a back seat to the conflict in Israel, he added. If this is true, then it underlines more emphatically the urgent need to make peace, Szijjarto said. Because it is only with peace that we can save lives and prevent destruction.
Civil organisations and teacher and student movements held a protest demanding freedom in education in Budapest.

The protesters gathered in Heroes Square and also demanded higher wages for teachers before marching in streets around Andrassy Street and down to Oktogon.



The demonstrators waving national, European Union and Ukrainian flags stopped outside Kolcsey Ferenc High School, from which five teachers were forced to quit their jobs last September.



Here, Bence Toth related how he left public education after discovering that he colleagues had been sacked.



He insisted that the government was uninterested in finding a solution to problems afflicting public education, adding that Sandor Pinter, the minister of interior who is also responsible for education, had conceded that he did not understand the sector.



On the way to Oktogon, the marchers stopped in front of the Russian embassy building and tied ribbons in the national colours on the embassy fence.
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Music Education Association (NMEA) is pleased to announce the high school students selected to participate in the 2023 Nebraska All-State Ensembles. Each year over 2,000 of the best musicians in the state in grades 9-12 audition for placement in one of four available ensembles. Selection in one of these groups is one of the highest musical honors attainable in Nebraska.

These selected students will take part in the 2023 Nebraska All-State Ensembles November 16-18, 2023 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. This will include several rehearsals with nationally recognized conductors during the NMEA Conference/In-Service Clinic. Each ensemble will perform in concerts on Saturday, November 18 at the Lied Performing Arts Center.

Ensembles include the All-State Band, All-State Chorus, All-State Jazz Band, and All-State Orchestra. All are welcome to attend these incredible performances at the Lied Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available to the public beginning November 3 for $25 each.

The Nebraska All-State performers represent collaboration and creativity in its highest musical form. The high school ensembles consist of a concert band band, mixed chorus, jazz band, and orchestra. Students were chosen through an audition process. The band will have 155 instrumentalists, the mixed choir 440 vocalists, the jazz band 20 instrumentalists, and the orchestra 131 instrumentalists. Eligible students were chosen by their high school directors to audition and compete against top students for a spot in these state honor ensembles.

Selected students will be rehearsing a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under the direction of four of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Dr. Alfred L. Watkins, conductor of the Cobb Wind Symphony in Marietta, Georgia (Band); Dr. Gary Packwood, former Director of Choral Studies at Mississippi State University (Chorus); Tito Carrillo, performer, composer, and professor at Texas State University (Jazz Band); and Luis Viquez, Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of Rhode Island (Orchestra).

York area high school students selected to participate in the 2023 Nebraska All-State Ensembles include: Ella Curtis of Aurora, Soprano I All-State Chorus; Sophia Matthias of Seward, Soprano I All-State Chorus; Kyla Novak of Seward, Soprano I All-State Chorus; Brynlie Robbins of Seward, Soprano I All-State Chorus; Kiele Naslund of Seward, Alternate Soprano I All-State Chorus; Nell Chavanu of York, Soprano II All-State Chorus; Sofia Hendrickson of Aurora, Soprano II All-State Chorus; Callie Breece of Seward, Alto I All-State Chorus; Madison Sides of Seward, Alto I All-State Chorus; Katrina Marie Epp of Heartland, Alto II All-State Chorus; Ella Mohnike of Seward, Alto II All-State Chorus; Hannah Bierbaum of Seward, Alternate Alto II All-State Chorus; Ryan Johnson of Aurora, Tenor I All-State Chorus; Ethan Montgomery of York, Tenor I All-State Chorus; Kretyn Roth of Seward, Tenor I All-State Chorus; Aiden Bish of Aurora, Tenor II All-State Chorus; Jacob Inman of Aurora, Tenor II All-State Chorus; Boe Fraser of York, Bass I All-State Chorus; Zachary Miller of Heartland, Bass I All-State Chorus; Domenic Artigas of Seward, Bass II All-State Chorus; Ben Janzen of Heartland, Bass II, All-State Chorus; Wyatt Kenney of Aurora, Bass II All-State Chorus; Sjoen Munk of Seward, Bass II All-State Chorus; Revin Nyberg of Cross County, Bass II All-State Chorus; Jorja Pohlmeier of Aurora, Alto Saxaphone, All-State Band; Adeline Peetz of Seward, Baritone Saxophone, All-State Band; Kassidy Quandt of Aurora, Trumpet, All-State Band; Calvin Miller of Aurora, Tuba, All-State Band; Alexander Foulk of Seward, Percussion, All-State Band.
Recent world events have highlighted the need to ensure America is secure and stands ready to respond to aggression from rogue actors that threaten Americans. Along with reinforcing the readiness of our military and standing firmly with allies like Israel, a significant aspect of safeguarding the American homeland is securing our borders.

Sadly, we see the crisis on our Southern border worsening as the Biden administration seemingly turns a blind eye to the national security threat and humanitarian cost of ineffective border policy. According to statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), authorities have encountered more than 2.8 million individuals seeking to cross the border in Fiscal Year 2023, including over 150 individuals on the federal terror watchlist and more than 210,000 apprehensions in the month of September. This increase in apprehensions is not a marker of success for CBP; unfortunately, it corresponds with an increase in illegal crossings which have gone unapprehended.

Realizing the severity of the crisis, a number of high-profile Democrats have joined the calls for increased security. In addition to the historic number of migrants seeking shelter and straining local resources across the country, the risk of our adversaries taking advantage of an overwhelmed border must not be overlooked. The risk of escalation of tensions around the world is serious, and the United States must do everything possible to ensure vulnerabilities on our borders are addressed and our allies are supported.

Considering the support Iran has supplied to Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the recent attacks on Israel, the United States must be hypervigilant in its approach to Iran. October 18 marked the day when certain restrictions on Irans nuclear and missile programs were due to be lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). The agreement the Obama administration entered with Iran in 2015 was misguided from the start. Additionally, the Biden administration should have never moved forward with unfreezing $6 billion for Iran. I am a cosponsor of legislation to block Iran from accessing these funds. The United States must never again show weakness where its adversaries have shown a desire to increase aggression.

I am grateful support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas has been bipartisan. The task Israel has before it is extremely difficult. We must stand firmly for Israels right to defend itself and provide necessary military and humanitarian assistance.

After 20 months since Vladimir Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine, fighting rages on. The fact that Russia has not been able to overwhelm Ukraine and extend aggression further into Eastern Europe is significant; however, this conflict continues to have the potential to escalate as Putin attempts to involve other nations. This week, for example, Putin visited Beijing to meet with Chinese head of state Xi Jinping. Since the Russian offensive began in February 2022, Putin has also personally met with the leaders of North Korea, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. This is very concerning.

At the same time, China continues its aggressive posturing. This week, 13 Chinese military aircraft passed through Taiwanese airspace. Because of the importance of the United States relationship with Taiwan, I recently joined with a bipartisan group of members from the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, to introduce legislation to strengthen ties with Taiwan and encourage economic development by relieving double-taxation on investments between our countries.

Unrest globally reminds us peace and freedom are delicate and do not come without cost. This is why its so disappointing the House has not been able to come together and elect a speaker. I supported Kevin McCarthy when he was the nominee, I would have supported Steve Scalise had his nomination for speaker come to a vote, and I supported Jim Jordan on the House floor  three times. We must stop the nonsense and immediately elect a Speaker of the House so we can get back to work. Its important in a time like this for the federal government to come together and show a united front. Our adversaries around the world are closely watching our response.
New Delhi: In an exciting development, the makers of DEVA, the highly-anticipated action thriller, unveiled Shahid Kapoor's stunning look in the film, confirming a Dussehra release next year, as announced on their Instagram handle. With the backing of prominent production entities Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films, the film is being directed by the acclaimed filmmaker from Malayalam cinema, Rosshan Andrews, making his directorial debut in Hindi cinema.

In this upcoming film, Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of an indomitable police offi cer promises to be a revelation. The intensity and edginess infused into the character, coupled with Kapoor's striking depiction of a determined cop, are poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Shariq Patel, CBO, Zee Studios, expressed his enthusiasm, saying We're thrilled to bring 'Deva' to life in collaboration with Roy Kapur Films. This film promises to be a riveting cinematic experience, and we are confident that it will captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and outstanding performances."

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur said We are thrilled to embark on the exciting journey of DEVA with Shahid, Rosshan and Zee Studios. This is a script that has the potential to reach out to audiences across the entire spectrum, and with an incredible cast and crew in place, we

cant wait to bring it to life. See you in cinemas worldwide with DEVA next Dussehra!

Director Rosshan Andrrews shared his vision for the film, stating, "I am honoured to be directing DEVA,' and I am eager to bring this thrilling story to the screen. With Shahid Kapoor's exceptional talent and the combined eff orts of our fantastic team, I am confident that

DEVA' will give a diff erent cinematic experience." With Shahid Kapoor's revelation of the title "DEVA" along with his first look and the promise of

an enthralling performance, anticipation for the film continues to soar, leaving fans and movie buff s eager for more insights into this upcoming action thriller.

DEVA, starring Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde in the lead role is produced by Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films and directed by Rosshan Andrrews, has gone into production and is scheduled to explode on screens worldwide on 11th October 2024 on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.
New Delhi: Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri unveiled his next magnum opus during a grand event in Bangalore. The much-anticipated project, titled 'Parva,' promises to be an epic cinematic journey, as it will be based on the iconic novel 'Parva' penned by the renowned author S. L. Bhyrappa. This ambitious venture is set to be a three-part blockbuster franchise, cementing its place in the annals of Indian cinema.

The grand announcement took place in the presence of a captivated audience, who were eager to learn more about this exciting project. The event was graced by the entire team involved in bringing this grand vision to life. The excitement reached a crescendo when Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri revealed his dream cast for 'Parva'. When asked by a journalist about whom he would want to cast, he said, " #Yash is the greatest actor of our times."

The Epic Tale of Dharma announced today & made in 3parts which is based on Novel written by S.L Bhyarappa". 'Parva' is more than just a film; it is an extraordinary cinematic interpretation of S. L. Bhyrappa's timeless novel that delves into the epic tale of dharma. As the film is set to be presented in three distinct parts, audiences can expect an immersive and enchanting experience that promises to be both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Recently, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's 'The Vaccine War' was released and it received audiences' love from all demographics.
A Palestinian man mourns for the death of his relatives, following Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

GAZA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 16,297 Palestinians were wounded in the coastal enclave, the ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli airstrikes were triggered by a large-scale Hamas attack on Israeli military targets and towns on Oct. 7, which has so far killed at least 1,400 people in Israel. 

A Palestinian man mourns for the death of his relatives, following Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

A Palestinian man weeps for the death of his relatives, following Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua)

People conduct rescue work after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People carry a man rescued from collapsed buildings after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People conduct rescue work after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People transfer the injured to a hospital after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, Oct. 24, 2023. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 5,791, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)
Ever since Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged hands of Indian agents behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa have been as high as ever. While India sent back 41 Canadian diplomats, the Trudeau government called it a violation of international law, another allegation rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs of India. Now amid all these, the Indian government is planning to take big action against Canada over the Khalistani issue.

According to a Zee News TV report, India is planning to move FATF (Financial Action Task Force) against Canada's soft stand towards terror elements. The FATF is an international organisation that looks after money laundering terrorism financing issues. If a nation is found violating any parameters set by it, the FATF imposes various sanctions on that country.

Watch This Report

According to the report, India has shared evidence with Canada related to Khalistani terror funding multiple times in the past but Ottawa chose not to take any action in the guise of freedom of speech. Now, India is reportedly planning to lodge a formal complaint against Canada in the FATF and will submit a dossier consisting of all pieces of evidence so far.

While sending Canada to the FATF Grey List is not going to be an easy task for India, a formal complaint against the North American country will certainly put its reputation at stake highlighting the issue of Canada becoming a breeding ground for terrorism.

The report also said that India may also lodge a complaint against Canadian diplomats and submit necessary evidence. It may be recalled that India's foreign ministry has said that Canadian diplomats posted in India were interfering in the country's internal affairs. Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar had termed Canada a safe haven for violence, terrorism and secessionism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took a veiled dig at China while addressing devotees during Dussehra celebrations in Delhi's Dwarka. Talking about the Shashtra Puja or the tradition of worshipping arms, PM Modi said that in India, it's done to protect the land and not to capture other lands. PM Modi's remarks can be seen in a reference to China's expansionist policy under which Beijing always looks to grab the lands and sea areas of its neighbouring countries. It's one of the reasons that China has sour relations with its neighbouring countries like India and Taiwan.

"There is a tradition of weapon worship on Vijaya Dashmi. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to capture any land but to protect it," said PM Modi.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire pic.twitter.com/O66smuNlC4  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

He said that India worships Shakti (Mata Durga) not for itself but for the welfare, well-being and prosperity of the whole universe. He added that India's philosophy and ideology live by these basic principles. "We know the teachings of Gita and also know the manufacturing of INS Vikrant and Tejas. We know the dignity of Shri Ram and also know how to protect our borders," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister said that India today is emerging as the world's largest democracy and the most trusted democracy. PM Modi also launched a veiled attack on Congress over the grand old party's caste census demand. "India needs to be alert today. We have to keep in mind that the burning of Ravana today is not confined to the burning of an effigy only. It should be the burning of elements that threaten the harmony of the society. This should burn the powers who want to divide India on the basis of caste and region," said PM Modi.

PM Modi attended the 11th grand Ramleela of the Shri Ramleela Society in Dwarka, Sector 10, as the chief guest. He will also perform Ravana Dahan, which is the most important part of Dusshera.
In a heart-pounding incident that unfolded near Dakhal Lake area, a second-year BBA student narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt, thanks to the swift response of Agra Police. The dramatic rescue operation saw the apprehension of two suspected kidnappers, uncovering a plot that sent shockwaves through the community.

Priyanka Aggarwal, a resident of Sector-49, alerted authorities after her son, 19-year-old Ishant Aggarwal, went missing. Ishant had embarked on a seemingly routine trip to visit his sister in Noida on that fateful afternoon. As hours passed with no sign of him, panic set in as Ishant's phone mysteriously switched off.

A student studying in Pune, Ishant had returned home for the Dussehra holidays. His father is a builder. With the concerned mother filing an official complaint with the police, the officials sprang into action, launching a thorough investigation. Initial inquiries led to the revelation that Ishant had hired a driver to chauffeur him. The two had stopped at a Badkhal petrol pump for a quick pit stop, where suspicions were raised when the hired driver halted the vehicle abruptly. In an audacious move, the culprits, driving another vehicle, abducted Ishant and commandeered the car.

The case, deemed highly critical, was quickly shared with law enforcement agencies in the surrounding regions, including Delhi-NCR. It was a vigilant team from Agra's Khandauli police station that intercepted the vehicle, marking the turning point in Ishant's ordeal.

Startlingly, it emerged that Ishant's very driver had plotted to abduct him. The criminals had ruthlessly bound Ishant, stashing him in the car's trunk. The heroics of Rudrapratap, the in-charge of the Khandauli toll post, came to the forefront as he and his team bravely overpowered the accused. Ishant was freed from his nightmarish confinement.

The captured culprits were identified as the car driver, Akash Yadav, and an accomplice, Ashish Yadav. In a further shock, authorities also recovered a pistol and ammunition from the accused. This dramatic rescue mission highlights the critical role played by diligent police work, and the story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public safety.
New Delhi: 'Jaane Jaan' actor Vijay Varma is often lauded for his wit and humorous nature. Even when it comes to wishing fans on a festival, Vijay Varma ensured to do it in his own style. The actor added a quirky twist to his Vijaydashami wishes, subtly playing on his name. The actor wished his followers and fans a happy Vijaydashami in a way only he could. Taking to Instagram, Vijay Varma wrote, "Happy VijayDashami to all. Ab naam hee aisa hai toh main kya karun."

On the auspicious occasion of Vijaydashami, it's hard for fans not to reminisce about the remarkable year Vijay Varma has had. With back-to-back successful projects that earned him accolades for his exceptional performances, 2023 has undoubtedly been the year of Vijay 'Versatile' Varma.

Boasting an impressive lineup of four successful hits in a single year, Vijay Varma's star has been shining brighter than ever, and it shows no signs of dimming. Vijay's journey throughout the year has been nothing short of extraordinary. It began with 'Lust Stories 2,' followed by 'Dahaad,' 'Kaal Koot,' and his latest release, 'Jaane Jaan.'

With each new project, Vijay has consistently demonstrated that he is a formidable presence in the industry. His commitment to delivering exceptional performances and choosing diverse and challenging roles has endeared him to audiences and critics alike.

As 2023 unfolds, it's undeniable that Vijay Varma's star is on a meteoric rise. With each successful project, he not only entertains but also climbs up the popularity ladder, cementing his position as a remarkable talent in the world of Indian cinema.
New Delhi: The Canadian government on Monday said it detected a Spamouflage campaign linked to China that used bots to spread lies and propaganda on the social media profiles of parliamentarians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The foreign ministry said in a statement that the campaign, which operated in August and September, used networks of new and stolen social media accounts to send mass messages to dozens of lawmakers from different parties. The messages contained false and slanderous allegations against the lawmakers, such as criminal and ethical breaches, a conspiracy theory that a secret U.S. military weapon caused the Hawaiian wildfires, and deepfake videos.

The government said that thousands of these comments in English and French were posted on the lawmakers Facebook and X accounts, and that it worked with the platforms to remove the bot networks. The foreign ministry report said that the campaign was aimed at intimidating and silencing the MPs and the Canadian diaspora communities on issues that matter to them.

The Chinese embassy in Canada denied any involvement in the campaign and accused Canada of being a downright liar and disseminator of false information. It said that Canada had no direct or solid evidence to back up its claims that China was spreading false information against Canadian politicians. It also said that Canada should do more to enhance and develop its relations with China.

The relations between the two countries soured in late 2018 when Canadian police arrested a Chinese telecom executive. China retaliated by detaining two Canadians on espionage charges. All three were later released. Canada has also alleged that China has tried to interfere in its affairs through various means, such as illegal police stations and targeting lawmakers. China has strongly rejected all these accusations.

In September, the Trudeau government launched an independent public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference by China, Russia and others.
Once again, Pakistan is going through a tumultuous phase in politics. This time, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has returned to the political arena as a game-changer. For nearly the past five years, he had been living in self-imposed exile in London, far from his homeland. However, the situation in Pakistan has suddenly shifted, with changes in the Pakistani military's disposition, prompting his return. In today's DNA, Sourabh Raaj Jain shed light on how Sharif is being gradually freed of grave charges and how Pakistan's army controls the democracy in the islamic nation.

Watch The Full DNA Episode Here

It was almost certain that Nawaz Sharif would return to Pakistan, especially while his younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif, served as Prime Minister. However, the speed at which this occurred took many by surprise. As Nawaz Sharif set foot on Pakistani soil, he was greeted with a wave of support and enthusiasm. The entire democratic system in Pakistan, under the influence of the Pakistani military, seems to be gradually aligning with Nawaz Sharif's vision for a more transparent and honest government. The legal cases that led to Nawaz Sharif's departure are now slowly being dropped, and the Pakistani military has rolled out the red carpet for him, making Imran Khan's path even more challenging.

Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on October 21 and held a massive rally in Lahore. Thousands of people attended the rally, including his daughter, Maryam, and his younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif, who is a former Prime Minister of Pakistan. During this rally, Nawaz Sharif alluded to his imminent comeback. The family reunion on the stage and Nawaz Sharif's impassioned speeches filled with poetry and symbolism sent various signals.

Now that Nawaz Sharif is back in Pakistan, a slow but steady process of exoneration in almost every case is underway. However, Nawaz Sharif is still barred from participating in elections. The PML-N party is hopeful that the courts will eventually lift this ban. It's no secret that Pakistan operates as a controlled democracy. While many Pakistanis may feel they have a democratic system, the reality is different. Regardless of who is in power in Pakistan, they ultimately work under the influence and direction of the Pakistani military.
TEL AVIV: French President Emmanuel Macron made a significant visit to Tel Aviv on Tuesday, expressing France's unwavering support for Israel in the wake of the tragic October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas. Macron's visit comes more than two weeks after the incursion by Hamas militants into Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 lives, primarily innocent civilians who suffered from various forms of violence during the initial days of the assault, according to Israeli authorities. This included the unfortunate fate of 30 French citizens.

Macron stressed that the immediate and foremost objective for Israel in the Gaza conflict should be the safe release of all hostages held by Hamas.

#WATCH | "...The first objective should be the release of all hostages without any distinction...You are not alone in this war against terrorism...," says French President Emmanuel Macron to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv.



(video source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/t9XhBHkb0e  ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023

Meeting With Mahmoud Abbas In Ramalla

His visit includes a scheduled meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday, an announcement made by The Times of Israel, quoting the Palestinian Authority leader's office. The French presidency did not provide immediate confirmation of this meeting, according to The Times of Israel. Upon his arrival in Israel, Macron stood in solidarity with the nation, acknowledging the severe loss Israel suffered due to the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian terror group Hamas.

He held discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, before proceeding to Tel Aviv, where he met with the families of both French and French-Israeli nationals who fell victim to the Hamas attack or remained hostage in Gaza.

Furthermore, Macron was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reiterate France's unshakable support for Israel, as reported by The Times of Israel. His visit takes place more than two weeks after the Hamas attack, which resulted in a devastating loss of over 1,400 lives, predominantly civilians who endured violence in their homes and at public events, including an outdoor music festival. Thirty of the victims were French citizens.

Additionally, at least 224 individuals were taken hostage and transported to Gaza. One of the missing French nationals, a woman, was confirmed as one of the captives held by Hamas. While official confirmation is pending, Macron asserted that others were likely held captive as well. Macron and Netanyahu are scheduled to conduct a joint press conference later today.

Israel's offensive is primarily aimed at dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and has vowed to eliminate the entire terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip, as stated by the IDF.

Humanitarian Truce In Gaza

Macron is specifically advocating for a "humanitarian truce" to enable the delivery of essential relief to Gaza. The area, home to 2.4 million residents, is in dire need of basic necessities, such as water, food, and electricity, due to an Israeli-imposed blockade, as highlighted by the Elysee Palace.

Preventing Escalation Of Conflict

Furthermore, the French president's objective is to prevent an escalation of hostilities in the region, according to the Elysee's statement, amidst rising concerns about the cross-border clashes between Israel and the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon, supported by Iran, as detailed by The Times of Israel.

Macron will also propose the revitalization of a "genuine peace process," which aims to establish a viable Palestinian state in exchange for security assurances from regional powers concerning Israel's safety. Notably, other world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, have visited Israel in solidarity since the onset of the conflict.
New The Biden administration has announced its plans to overhaul the H-1B visa programme, which has been accused of being exploited by big tech firms at the expense of American workers, news agency ANI reported. The Department of Homeland Security has started the process of making new rules to simplify the eligibility criteria, give more options to both employers and foreign workers, and fight fraud and abuse in the programme.

The H-1B visa programme is mainly used by the tech industry, with Amazon topping the list of approved petitions in FY 2021, followed by Google, IBM, and Microsoft, as reported by Fox Business, a conservative business news outlet. Supporters of the programme say that it helps fill the gaps in the labour market and does not lower wages.

Some of the key changes proposed by the administration include:

Making it clear what kinds of degrees qualify for meeting the education requirement

Giving exemptions to non-profits and government research organisations

Making it easier for students to switch to H-1B visas

Taking steps to stop abuse, such as site visits and limits on multiple applications for the same person

DHS continues to develop and implement regulations that increase efficiency and improve processes for employers and workers navigating the immigration system, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. The Biden-Harris Administrations priority is to attract global talent, reduce undue burdens on employers, and prevent fraud and abuse in the immigration system, he added, as reported by Fox Business.

What Are The Criticisms?

While the administration hopes to address the concerns about the programme, some critics have demanded its complete abolition. Former Vice President Mike Pence previously called for banning H-1B visas for Chinese nationals in the tech industry due to worries about national security and intellectual property threats.

Rep Jim Banks introduced a bill to set a minimum wage for H-1B recipients, matching the salaries of American workers in similar positions or USD 110,000, whichever is higher. Recently, 2024 presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy said he would gut the programme if elected president.

The lottery system needs to be replaced by actual meritocratic admission. Its a form of indentured servitude that only benefits the company that sponsored an H-1B immigrant. Ill gut it, he said in a statement to Politico, as reported by Fox Business.
New Delhi: Tejas is all set for its release this week and the audience is indeed excited to watch this one-of-a-kind action entertainer on the big screen. As the film is about to bring a story of the undying spirit of an Indian soldier, seems like Kangana Ranaut's destiny has certainly engulfed her in the same. Call it a bare coincidence, the lead actress got to meet the man who is an inspiration to every soldier, the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval.

It was the moment when Kangana Ranaut was traveling for the promotions of Tejas and she happened to meet the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval traveling on the same flight. Without wasting a moment, the actress clicked some selfies with 'The coolest Indian on the planet', Ajit Doval, and shared them on her social media. She further expressed her excitement in the caption writing -

"What a generous stroke of luck, aaj subah flight mein I got to sit next to non other than the greatest of all time Shri Ajit Doval ji, while promoting Tejas (a film dedicated to our soldiers) I got to meet sir who is every soldiers inspiration I consider this a great omen, Jai Hind"

What a generous stroke of luck, aaj subah flight mein I got to sit next to non other than the greatest of all time Shri Ajit Doval ji, while promoting Tejas (a film dedicated to our soldiers) I got to meet sir who is every soldiers inspiration I consider this a great omen, Jai pic.twitter.com/VnqbMJLFne  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) October 24, 2023

Produced by RSVP, Tejas stars Kangana Ranaut in the titular Role. Written and Directed By Sarvesh Mewara and Produced By Ronnie Screwvala, the film is scheduled to release in Theatres on October 27th, 2023.
Sindoor Khela, an integral part of the grand Durga Puja festivities, is a beautiful and vibrant tradition that brings together Bengali women to celebrate the goddess Durga and the power of femininity. This year, in 2023, Sindoor Khela promises to be as colorful and joyous as ever, and here's everything you need to know about this special celebration.

When and How is Sindoor Khela Celebrated?

Sindoor Khela takes place on the final day of Durga Puja, which usually falls on Vijayadashami or Dashami. It is an exuberant event that takes place before the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water. The ceremony involves married women applying vermilion (sindoor) to each other, adorning white saris, and offering sweets, paan, and betel leaves to the goddess.

Sindur Khela Date

In 2023, Sindoor Khela will be joyfully celebrated on October 24, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashmi or Dussehra.

History and Significance of Sindur Khela

Sindoor Khela holds a deep-rooted historical significance. It is believed that the tradition originated in the 18th century in West Bengal, India. It symbolizes the strength, love, and unity among women. The red vermilion, applied on married women's foreheads, represents the blessing of a long and prosperous married life. During the ritual, women pray for the well-being of their families and seek the goddess's blessings for the next year's Durga Puja.

The tradition is also a symbol of inclusivity as it transcends caste, creed, and age, with women from all backgrounds coming together to partake in this joyful celebration.

Sindur Khela Rituals and Celebrations

During Sindur Khela, Bengali women donned in exquisite traditional saris and adorned with jewelry, begin by applying sindoor to the goddess's forehead and feet. They then proceed to lovingly apply sindoor to each other, fostering a sense of sisterhood that radiates happiness and joy.

The ceremony known as Devi Boron plays a significant role in bidding adieu to the goddess. Devotees draw a betel leaf on their palms and gently touch it to the deity's face. This symbolic gesture is an act of wiping away any tears from Maa Durga's face as she prepares to depart from her parental home to reunite with her husband. The application of sindoor on her forehead and the adorning of her bangles (shakha and pola) are followed by the offering of sweets.

After the Devi Boron ritual, married women lovingly apply this sacred sindoor on each other's foreheads and faces. They also exchange sweets while fervently praying for the happiness and longevity of their married lives. The festivities culminate with the idol of Maa Durga being carried by devoted worshippers to a nearby water body for the immersion ceremony, signifying her return to nature and the cycle of life.

Sindoor Khela 2023: Wishes, Quotes And Messages

Sindoor Khela is not just about rituals but also about exchanging heartfelt wishes and messages.

'On this auspicious day, may the sindoor of unity and togetherness bind us all in love and harmony. Happy Sindoor Khela 2023!'

'Wishing you a life filled with the joy and laughter we share during Sindoor Khela. Shubho Sindoor Khela!'

'May the sindoor signify the eternal bond of love and friendship. Happy Sindoor Khela 2023!'

'As we apply sindoor today, may the colors of happiness and prosperity never fade from your life. Shubho Sindoor Khela!'

'May Maa Durga bless you with a life as bright and joyful as the sindoor we celebrate with today. Happy Sindoor Khela!'

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister will visit the United States from Oct. 26 to 28, at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Tuesday. 
Delhi, India: As Delhi residents brace for another day of challenging air quality, the latest report from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) confirms that the city's air quality remains in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 303.

Air Quality Across Delhi

In specific areas of Delhi, the air quality situation is a mixed bag. Delhi University area and Pusa are grappling with 'very poor' and 'poor' air quality, marked by AQIs of 335 and 242, respectively. In contrast, IIT Delhi, Airport (T3), and Mathura Road also find themselves in the 'very poor' category, with AQIs of 306, 313, and 173, respectively.

Neighboring Areas Suffer Too

Delhi's neighbouring regions are not faring much better. Noida records an AQI of 308 (very poor), while Gurugram lingers at 249 (poor). This persistent poor air quality has raised concerns among the public and authorities alike.

IMD Predicts Slight Improvement

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist VK Soni offered a glimmer of hope, stating that there may be some improvement in air quality following the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, the 'very poor' air quality might persist until October 26.

With the festive season approaching and concerns over farm fires, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the importance of the next two weeks in combating the city's air quality issues. Phase two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is now in effect, aiming to tackle the 'very poor' air quality.

Rai also highlighted the need for cooperation with neighbouring states to address issues like stubble burning, which contributes to Delhi's pollution woes.

Additional Pollution Hotspots Identified

During a recent meeting, Rai announced that eight more pollution hotspots have been identified in the city. Special teams will be deployed to identify and inspect local sources of pollution at these locations, which include Shadipur, Mandir Marg, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, and Moti Bagh.

Stringent Measures Implemented

In a significant move, the Commission for Air Quality Management sub-committee invoked an 11-point action plan under Stage-II of the revised GRAP across the entire National Capital Region. This includes a ban on coal and wood-fired stoves, increased use of CNG and electric buses, regular road cleaning, and traffic management to prevent congestion and control pollution.

Mumbai's Air Quality Maintains 'Moderate' Status

In contrast, Mumbai's air quality stands in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 132, a slight improvement from the 'good category' earlier this month. The city experienced a rise in temperature, contributing to the shift in air quality.

Understanding The AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a critical tool for communicating air quality to the public. It condenses complex air quality data into a single index value and associated categories, making it easier to comprehend. These categories range from 'Good' to 'Severe' based on ambient pollutant concentrations and health impacts.
The answer key for the Punjab police constable was released on the 18th of September around 7 PM. The objection window was open till the 23rd of September around 10 PM.

According to the reports, Punjab police constable result 2023 will be out soon. The expected date is at the end of this month, however, there is no official confirmation.

The date and time of release will be out soon. The selection process for the Punjab police constable candidates is via computer-based, physical measurement test, and physical screening test followed by medical tests.

STEP TO CHECK PUNJAB POLICE CONSTABLE RESULT 2023

Visit the official website of the Punjab Police at punjabpolice.gov.in

Go to the recruitment section and click on the link that reads, "Click Here for Punjab Police Recruitment Portal 2023"

Then, find and click on the results link

Enter your credentials to log in

Once you log in, your result will be displayed on the screen, and you can proceed to download.

POLICE CONSTABLE RESULT 2023: Cut Off

Those candidates who belong to SC/BC/EWS/Ex-servicemen are required to score 35% and for other categories, it is around 40% Cut-off is based on the previous year's trends. It may vary a little for this year.

Category Men Women General/Open/Unreserved 82.28 72.64 SC 70.42 61.08 BC 76.46 65.14 Wards of Police Personnel 64.69 - EWS, Punjab 57.23 32.25

Those who qualify at all four stages will be selected for the Punjab police constable 2023. A total of 1746 vacancies are to be filled as per the recruitment notification.
New Delhi: A shocking incident has come to light in Uttar Pradesh, where prisoners often enjoy illegal facilities. A prisoner in Mahoba district went live on Facebook while going to court. He used his mobile phone to threaten his enemies on Facebook live. When the video of this Facebook live went viral, it caused panic in the police department. The SP suspended all the policemen who were on duty at that time. A case has been registered against the prisoner Lokendra alias Kartus Yadav under section 507 at the city police station and necessary action is being taken.

The viral video of the prisoners Facebook live is from October 21. Lokendra alias Kartus Yadav, a resident of Pandhari village in Hamirpur districts Sumerpur police station, is lodged in Mahoba jail for murder. Jailor Shiv Murat Singh said that on October 21, the accused had another hearing in the ADJ/Fast Track Court Second in Hamirpur district. He was taken to the court by a Bajr vehicle from the police line. He was sent under the protection of SI Shashank Dev, head constable Arvind Arya, Koshlendra Mishra and constable Kamlesh Kumar.

Kartus Yadav was going to court by the Bajr vehicle. He used his mobile phone to go live on Facebook. He started giving threats to his enemies on Facebook live. When he went live, his Facebook friends were shocked. Someone recorded his Facebook live video and made it viral. The law and order situation was questioned when the prisoner went live on Facebook while going to court. The video went viral and created a stir in the police department.

The jailor washed his hands off the Facebook live incident. Mahoba jailor Shiv Murat Singh said that the prisoner did Facebook live after leaving the jail and while going to court. This is not the responsibility of the jail administration. How the prisoner did Facebook live using his mobile phone is a matter of investigation.

It is surprising that the accused is going live on Facebook fearlessly while going to court, but the responsible ones are not taking any action or even saying anything about it. This raises questions on the polices work style. The presence of a mobile phone with a jail prisoner and his use of Facebook live indicates the facilities he gets in jail and outside police protection.
New Delhi: Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat has a very bold image in the industry and fans. She is known for her films, stunning looks and also for being an outspoken person. Mallika Sherawat, born in a Jaat family in Rohtak, Haryana, is celebrating her birthday today, let us unleash some of the lesser-known secrets of the actress.

Mallika made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with director Govind Menon's film 'Khwahish'. However, she got recognition from Anurag Basu's 'Murder' released in 2004 alongside Emraan Hashmi.

Mallika Sherawat's Real Name

Mallika's real name is Reema Lamba, she was always good in studies but her father Mukesh Lamba said in an interview that, "I wanted to make Reema an IAS, but she wanted to do acting. I didn't want her to become an actress. Being angry with her for this, I refused to let her use my surname."

Mallika Sherawat Faced Casting Couch

Mallika revealed in an interview that she was fired from many films due to not being able to compromise. The actress had said, "Many people made many types of allegations against me. Many kinds of assumptions were made about me. If you wear short skirts on screen and kiss, then you are a fallen girl, men want to take advantage of you and this has happened to me too. I was fired from a film just because I refused to sleep with the hero. This is the only problem women in our country are facing but I can't compromise."

Mallika Sherawat Personal Life

Talking about the personal life of the actress, Mallika got married before entering Bollywood to pilot Karan Singh Gill but it could not last even for a year. Actually, the actress had kept her marriage a secret, and due to her work in Bollywood, there was a rift in their relationship and the couple got divorced.

Mallika Sherawat's 21 Kissing Scenes

Mallika became famous in the industry after 'Murder,' she gave 21 kissing scenes in this film and it made her a star overnight. This film was a huge hit, actor Emraan Hashmi was seen opposite Mallika in the film. She also worked in other films like 'Dirty Politics', 'Hiss', 'Welcome', 'Khwahish', 'Double Dhamaal', 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects' among others.
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New Delhi: OnePlus enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice as the highly anticipated OnePlus 12 has been officially confirmed by the company, with glimpses of the flagship's display and chipset details emerging from the recent BOE conference event in China.

During the event, select models of the OnePlus 12 were showcased, providing an initial glimpse of the display output, albeit concealed with a protective case to preserve the phone's design until the official launch event. (Also Read: Apple Likely To Launch MacBook Pro, iMac Soon: Check Price, Specifications, And More)

Notably, the rear camera module remains hidden. Observations reveal a significant square camera bump and an alert slider on the right side, complemented by slender bezels encasing the display. (Also Read: Pixel 7a Receives Major Price Cut, Now Available At Just Rs 35,999 On Flipkart)

With the volume and power buttons adorning the opposite side, the front design features a familiar punch-hole display characteristic of previous OnePlus models, leaving ample room for anticipation regarding the overall design aesthetic.

Regarding the display specifics, OnePlus has introduced the concept of an "Oriental Screen," equipped with OPPO's inaugural display chip, Display P1, alongside a high-precision pixel-level calibration algorithm.

Touted to offer superior image quality, heightened brightness, and lower power consumption, the OnePlus 12's screen has secured DisplayMate A+ certification, supporting a 2K resolution for an enhanced visual experience.

While the exact display size remains undisclosed, leaked images suggest continuity with the OnePlus 11's 6.7-inch LTPO screen, aligning with prior leaks.

Boasting a peak brightness of 2,600nits, marginally lower than the recently released OnePlus Open's 2,800nits, the OnePlus 12 promises a radiant visual display.

Notably, OnePlus guarantees a significantly extended screen lifespan, emphasizing the device's commitment to an optimized and eye-protective viewing experience.

Further reinforcing its technological prowess, OnePlus has officially confirmed the OnePlus 12's reliance on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, affirming prior speculations and leaks.
New Delhi: A video that shows an IAS officer giving his chair to a priest in his office has created a buzz on social media. The video features the District Magistrate of South West Delhi, Lakshay Singhal, who greets and honours the priest with a shawl and speaks to him with folded hands. The priest is seen sitting on the DMs official chair.

The video caught the attention of the Delhi government, which asked the bureaucrat to explain his actions.

We have noticed the video and asked him to give a reply as to why he did this in a public office, to which he said that the priest is his guru who guided him to join civil services. So, he invited the priest to thank him and show him respect, The Indian Express quoted a senior revenue department officer as saying.

IAS Lakshay Singhal

DM south west Delhi pic.twitter.com/NXBGDozLcJ  @Aspirant_upsc7 (@Aspirant_upsc7) October 22, 2023

Singhal also told the department, Sir, he has been my guru since I was born. I invited him to thank him. He was the only one who advised me when I was in college to prepare for UPSC civil services. My father used to regard him as his father since I lost my grandfather when my father was just 23, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Lakshya Singhal is an IAS officer from the 2019 batch of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre. The Delhi government has not taken any action against Singhal yet. IAS Lakshay Singhal had secured All India Rank 38 in UPSC exam in his second attempt. He fulfilled his dream of becoming an IAS in 2018 with his hard work.
Tel Aviv: In a harrowing account of her captivity, Yocheved Lifschitz, one of the two hostages freed by the Palestinian terror group Hamas, spoke to the media from a hospital in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, detailing the horrors she endured. Lifschitz described how she was kidnapped by Hamas gunmen on motorbikes, saying, "I went through hell, that I could not have known." She was abducted from her kibbutz, beaten with sticks, and held in tunnels under Gaza for two weeks before her release.

'Spider's Web' Of Tunnels

Lifschitz revealed before the media that she and her fellow captives were taken into a "spider's web" of underground tunnels by the Hamas members.

Conditions Inside Tunnels

The hostages were made to sleep on mattresses on the floor inside the tunnels, apparently built by Hamas. Lifschitz noted that they were given white cheese and cucumbers to eat, the same as her Hamas captors. She also mentioned the clean conditions inside the tunnels and the guards who took care of "every detail." Lifschitz's daughter, Sharone, mentioned that her mother's captors said they "believe in the Quran" and therefore would not hurt her. Regarding the other hostages taken by Hamas, Sharone said her mother felt "the story's not over until everybody comes back."

Husbands Still Held By Hamas

While Lifschitz and the other Israeli woman, Nurit Cooper, were released, their husbands are still being held by Hamas. So far, four hostages have been released out of more than 200 taken hostage by the terror group.

How They Were Released By Hamas?



According to Israeli media reports, a military helicopter carrying the two freed hostages landed on the roof of Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. A nurse at Ichilov Hospital reported that Cooper and Lifschitz appeared to be in good health after arriving at the Israeli Medical Centre directly upon their release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. Both had an emotional reunion with their families. The nurse noted that the hospital authorities would assess their condition further in the morning.

Hamas's Qassam Brigades released a video showing the two hostages being handed over to members of the International Red Cross. In the video, the two women, wearing identical purple robes, walked unsteadily, holding the hands of masked gunmen, who also offered them snacks and drinks. Both appeared terrified through much of the footage.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan posted on social media that Washington welcomes the release of these hostages and is continuing to work for the release of the remaining hostages, believed to number over 200.

Two American Hostages Released



Earlier, two American hostages, identified as Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natali Raanan, were released by Hamas. Both were from Chicago. According to their family members, they had been visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel, and were released on "humanitarian grounds" due to the mother's poor health. They were released following negotiations involving Qatar and Hamas. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that 5,000 people have been killed since October 7, with more than 1,400 killed in Hamas attacks on Israel.
TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that transregional interference could be "detrimental" to peace and stability in the Caucasus region, calling for resolving the region's issues through dialogues and cooperation among regional states.

He made the remarks in two separate meetings with visiting Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in the Iranian capital of Tehran, according to statements from his office.

Speaking to Armenia's Ararat Mirzoyan, Raisi said "Iran attaches great importance to the security of Caucasus countries," voicing Iran's readiness to contribute to the resolution of problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Armenian foreign minister, for his part, appreciated Iran's "explicit and strong" positions toward the Caucasus region's developments, stressing the need for holding meetings and talks among the regional countries at the "present critical period" through Tehran's assistance.

In his meeting with Azerbaijan's Jeyhun Bayramov, Raisi said Iran always maintained that dialogues among neighboring countries were the solution to regional issues, highlighting the necessity to respect all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister said his country supported Iran's position on preventing transregional interference in regional issues and praised Iran for its support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.

On Monday evening, the two ministers took part in a meeting, which was also attended by the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkiye, to discuss the South Caucasus region's issues.

At the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian voiced his country's support for peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, according to Iran's official news agency IRNA.

Amir-Abdollahian also warned of the risk of the region turning into an arena for "a tug-of-war among world powers," stressing that security in the region should be ensured through regional mechanisms.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, since 1988. Peace talks have been held since 1994 when a cease-fire was agreed on. But there have been sporadic minor clashes since then.

An armed conflict broke out along the contact line on Sept. 27, 2020, before Russia brokered a cease-fire on Nov. 9, 2020. The latest escalation occurred on Sept. 19, 2023, followed by a Russian-brokered cease-fire the next day. 
New Delhi: Two Israeli women in their 80s, who were among the hundreds of hostages taken by Hamas in a deadly raid on southern Israel earlier this month, were freed by the Palestinian militant group on Monday for humanitarian reasons, news agency Reuters reported. The Israeli government confirmed that Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz were handed over to the Israeli army and taken to a hospital. They were abducted from a kibbutz near the Gaza border along with their husbands, who remained in captivity, as well as an American mother and daughter who were released on Friday.

The hostage crisis was sparked by the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,400 people in the worst single-day violence since Israel's founding 75 years ago. The U.S. has publicly backed Israel's right to self-defense, but privately urged it to refrain from a ground invasion of Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed hundreds of people and trapped civilians in dire conditions, Reuters uoting its sources said.

U.S. Urges Restraint In Gaza War

The sources, who spoke before Monday's hostage releases, said the U.S. wanted to buy time for negotiations to free the remaining captives, especially after the surprise release of Americans Judith and Natalie Raanan on Friday. U.S. President Joe Biden said he would only consider a ceasefire after the hostages were freed.

Israel continued to pound Gaza from the air on Monday, targeting more than 320 sites, including a tunnel with Hamas terrorists, lookout posts and missile launchers. It also massed troops and tanks near the border for a possible ground assault. Gaza's health ministry said 436 people died in the last 24 hours of bombing, mostly in the south of the crowded coastal strip.

With Gaza's 2.3 million people facing shortages of essentials, European leaders joined the U.N. and Arab countries in calling for a "humanitarian pause" in the fighting to allow aid to enter. A U.S. envoy was working with Israel, Egypt and the U.N. to create a "sustained delivery mechanism" for aid to Gaza after some convoys crossed from Egypt on Monday, the U.S. State Department said.

The U.N. said Gazans also needed shelter from the relentless bombing that has destroyed large parts of the Hamas-controlled territory. The conflict also spread beyond Gaza.

Israeli planes struck Hezbollah positions in south Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group is based. There were also clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and more rocket fire from Hamas into Israel.

The health ministry said 5,087 Palestinians, including 2,055 children, have been killed in two weeks of strikes. Israel's police and intelligence agency released videos of their interrogations of Hamas gunmen who participated in the Oct. 7 killings.
BEIJING: China: In a significant policy shift, China has officially recognized Israel's ''right to self-defence'' in the ongoing conflict with the Palestinian terror group Hamas. This acknowledgement comes as China faces criticism for its previous stance on the conflict, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi prepares for a high-profile visit to Washington. During a telephone call on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed to his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, that every country has the right to self-defence, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and protecting civilians. This statement, as reported by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, marks a notable departure from China's previous position on the issue.

China Acknowledges Israeli Action Against Hamas

This acknowledgement represents the first time Beijing has publicly recognized Israel's right to take action against Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist entity by both the United States and the European Union. In a related development, China's President, Xi Jinping, recently called for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict and offered to collaborate with Egypt and other Arab nations to expedite a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.

It's worth noting that China had refrained from condemning Hamas, even as the conflict resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including many civilians. During a visit to Beijing, US congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, pressed China to stand with Israel and denounce the attacks. Schumer had criticized Wang for not showing support for Israel during these challenging times.

In response, Israeli officials openly expressed their disappointment with China's stance. Deputy Director-General in charge of Asia-Pacific Affairs Rafi Harpaz conveyed Israel's dissatisfaction during a call with Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun, as stated in an Israeli Embassy statement from October 13.

Concerns Over Escalating Conflict

During Monday's call, Wang Yi reiterated China's deep concern about the escalating conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis. He expressed sadness over the significant number of civilian casualties and condemned acts that harm civilians, emphasizing China's commitment to upholding international laws.

This shift in China's position comes just ahead of Foreign Minister Wang's scheduled visit to the United States this week for high-level meetings. Wang is set to be in Washington from October 26 to October 28, where he will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, according to senior Biden administration officials.

Ambassador Nicholas Burns, speaking in Beijing, highlighted the differing views between the U.S. and China on the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the strong support for Israel during his recent visit to the country, while China aligned itself with the Palestinian cause and refrained from condemning Hamas.

In his recent statement, Wang Yi emphasized that China's position is based on a genuine desire for a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. China does not pursue any selfish interests in the matter and sincerely hopes that the differences between Israel and Palestine can be comprehensively and fairly resolved based on the two-state solution. Wang Yi expressed support for anything that promotes peace and reconciliation between Palestine and Israel.

"China will firmly support anything that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel," he added. This recognition of Israel's right to self-defence by China marks a significant shift in China's stance and sets the stage for further developments in the ongoing conflict. Foreign Minister Wang Yi's upcoming visit to the United States is anticipated to be a crucial moment for discussions on the issue.
Gaza/Jerusalem: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have declared their commitment to launching "unrelenting attacks" with the goal of completely dismantling the Palestinian terror group, Hamas. This announcement comes as two Israeli women, who were among the more than 200 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, were released.

Dismantling Hamas Completely

Israeli Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, made a statement indicating that Israel has no intention of scaling back its operations in the densely populated Gaza Strip. He hinted at readiness for a possible ground assault, stating, "We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling. The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. We are well prepared for ground operations in the south."

We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantlingits leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms.



That is why we are striking, and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination.



Watch this pic.twitter.com/4wUwiN1s22  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 23, 2023

Ongoing Military Operations

The Israeli military conducted extensive airstrikes on hundreds of Hamas targets in Gaza, accompanied by ground operations against Hamas militants in the besieged Palestinian territory. These actions have taken place amidst harrowing conditions for civilians trapped in Gaza.

We guaranteed to eliminate Hamas terrorismand we take our word very seriously.



Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out an airstrike in order to neutralize Ibrahim Al-Saherthe Head of the Anti-Tank Missiles Array of Hamas' Northern Brigadethis morning.



In 2021, Ibrahim pic.twitter.com/bxiuPlsL3n  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 23, 2023

Release Of Two Israeli Hostages

Under the pressure of continuous Israeli airstrikes, Hamas released two Israeli women who were among the hostages taken during the October 7 rampage in southern Israel, which resulted in the loss of 1,400 lives. The Palestinian health ministry reported that the death toll from two weeks of airstrikes in Gaza had now exceeded 5,000.

Efforts For Hostage Release

Publicly, the United States has affirmed Israel's right to self-defence. However, behind the scenes, there have been private appeals for caution from the White House, Pentagon, and State Department. Their priority is to secure time for negotiations to free other hostages, though these appeals were made before the recent hostage releases. When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, U.S. President Joe Biden commented, "We should have those hostages released, and then we can talk."

Barack Obama's Warning

Former U.S. President Barack Obama issued a statement cautioning Israel against causing excessive civilian casualties in its response to Hamas. He stressed the importance of considering the human costs of any military strategy and the potential consequences for Palestinian attitudes and global support for Israel.

Escalating Casualties & Impact On Gaza

Gaza's health ministry reported a significant increase in casualties, with 436 people killed in the last 24 hours. Israeli forces massed near Gaza, raising concerns of a possible ground invasion. The Israeli military's actions have resulted in over 5,000 Palestinian deaths, including many children.

IDF Strikes Hezbollah In South Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes also targeted positions in south Lebanon held by Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran, similar to Hamas. Clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinians occurred in the occupied West Bank, while Hamas continued to launch rockets into Israel.

Humanitarian Concerns & International Response

With Gaza's population facing shortages of essential supplies, European leaders, along with the United Nations and Arab nations, are calling for a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities to allow aid to reach those in need. Aid trucks have delivered water, food, and medicine to Gaza, but fuel remains a critical need, with reserves running out within two days. The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, affecting the region beyond its borders.
MOSCOW: In a startling turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suffered a "cardiac arrest" on Sunday evening, as claimed by a Telegram channel known for frequently publishing reports about the Russian leader's deteriorating health. The General SVR Telegram channel, without substantiating its claims, also suggested that recent appearances by Putin may have been carried out by body doubles. According to the channel, doctors had to resuscitate Putin before transferring him to a specialized intensive care facility within his official residence.

However, the channel's claim could not be verified and the Kremlin has also dismissed the report.

Timely Help Saves Puin

The channel reported, "Doctors performed resuscitation, having previously determined that the president was in cardiac arrest. Help was provided promptly, restarting his heart, and Putin regained consciousness." It may be noted that Kremlin officials have consistently denied any significant health issues related to the 71-year-old president.

Putin Found Lying On Floor

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered a cardiac arrest in his bedroom following months of speculation over his health, a source has claimed.https://t.co/0skfbN3RFY  Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) October 23, 2023

The Telegram post continued with an account of the incident, alleging that security officers at Putin's residence heard noises and the sound of falling coming from his bedroom. They found Putin on the bedroom floor near an overturned table with food and drinks.

Putin Under Constant Medical Supervision

The channel further claimed that Putin was swiftly moved to a specially equipped room within his residence, where necessary medical equipment for resuscitation was already in place. His condition was reported as "stabilized," and he is under constant medical supervision.

Kremlin Rejects Report

The Kremlin, however, rejected speculations about the Russian leader's health, saying he was fit and well. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also categorically denied speculations that the President was using body doubles, calling that an "absurd hoax".

Concerns About Putin's Health

General SVR has previously suggested that Putin's health was declining, and this latest claim about his cardiac arrest has heightened concerns within the President's inner circle. It's noteworthy that there have been intense speculations about official meetings and events being conducted by a presidential double recently. In response to this incident, close associates of Putin are said to have discussed potential actions if the President's health deteriorates further.

Footage of an unexpected late-evening motorcade rushing to the Kremlin on Sunday has added fuel to the claims. Normally residing outside Moscow, Putin's presence at the government building has raised eyebrows.

Who Owns General SVR Telegram Channel?

The General SVR Telegram channel, allegedly run by a former Kremlin lieutenant-general known as Viktor Mikhailovich, asserts control over the activities of the purported body doubles. Recent AI analysis and statements by the head of Ukrainian military intelligence suggest that the real Putin may not have been seen for months.

Putin has reportedly made trips both inside and outside Russia, but the channel contends that these appearances were orchestrated by body doubles who underwent plastic surgery and extensive training to emulate the Russian leader. These claims, originating from the Ukrainian media, cast a shadow of uncertainty over Putin's recent activities and his true state of health.
UNITED NATIONS: Drawing a parallel between terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba in Mumbai and by Hamas in Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that all acts of terrorism are "unlawful and unjustifiable" and the Security Council must denounce member states that arm, fund and train terrorist groups.

Blinken made the remarks while addressing the Security Council ministerial meeting on the situation in the Middle East following the October 7 attack on Israel by Gaza-based Hamas militants. "We must affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and to prevent such horror from repeating itself. No member of this Council, no nation in this entire body could or would tolerate the slaughter of its people, Blinken told the UN Security Council here.

In his remarks, Blinken drew a parallel between the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel and the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba in Mumbai. "As this Council and the UN General Assembly have repeatedly affirmed, all acts of terrorism are unlawful and unjustifiable. They're unlawful and unjustifiable, whether they target people in Nairobi or Bali Istanbul or Mumbai, in New York or Kibbutz Be'eri, he said.

"They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether they're carried out by ISIS, by Boko Haram, by Al Shabaab, by Lashkar-e-Taiba or by Hamas. They are unlawful and unjustifiable whether victims are targeted for their faith, their ethnicity, their nationality or any other reason, Blinken said. He stressed that the Security Council has a responsibility to denounce member states that arm, fund and train Hamas or any other terrorist group that carries out such horrific acts. Blinken's remarks appeared to refer to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people in India's financial hub. Blinken added that the international community must not forget that among the more than 1400 people that Hamas killed on October 7 when it attacked Israel, were citizens from more than 30 UN member states, including many of the members around the horseshoe UNSC table. The victims included at least 33 American citizens.

Every one of us has a stake, every one of us has a responsibility in defeating terrorism, Blinken said. Addressing the Council, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation in the Middle East is growing more dire by the hour. The war in Gaza is raging and risks spiralling throughout the region. Divisions are splintering societies. Tensions threaten to boil over, he said.

The UN chief, however, added that it is "important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. "They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing, he said.

But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, Guterres said. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed so far, including over 2,000 children and 1,100 women as well as journalists, medical workers and first responders, with more than 15,000 injured.
WELLINGTON, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Total sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics in New Zealand have decreased for a fifth year in a row, dropping by 23 percent in 2022, according to a report released on Tuesday which summarized the trends in the annual sales as part of a national action plan to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

"The World Health Organization has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats facing humanity, so seeing a 23 percent drop in the sale of antibiotics for plants and animals is good news," said Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of the New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) which releases the "2022 Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis."

Antibiotics are antimicrobial medicines essential to the health of humans, animals, and plants, but using them excessively can lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria that don't respond to antibiotic treatment, Arbuckle said.

"With AMR increasing around the world, and few new antibiotics being developed, careful use of the antibiotics we have will help to keep them effective," he said.

Of the 16 classes of antibiotics NZFS monitors, five are critically important for human health, meaning they should be considered "the last line of defense in animal infections," according to the report.

The total sales of antibiotics critical for human health decreased by 8 percent in 2022 to 6,285 kg, the lowest since 2017, when 8,952 kg of antibiotics critically important to human health were sold, the report said.

Overall, the sale of antibiotics has dropped from 71,361 kg in 2017 to 41,033 kg in 2022, which was a drop of 42 percent, it said, adding the ongoing decrease in the use of antibiotics is attributed to a concerted effort from industry and NZFS to ensure these important medicines are used appropriately.

The New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan was first developed in 2017, and the update to the action plan is due to be released next year. 
This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a view of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge under construction in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

GUIYANG, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025.

The 2,890-meter-long bridge is located in Bouyei-Miao Autonomous County of Guanling and is part of an expressway linking the Liuzhi special district of Liupanshui City and Anlong County of Bouyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Qianxinan, Guizhou Province.

Wang Chaoguo, a project manager, said it took more than 670 days to progress from the construction of the pile foundation to the capping of the main towers, and the team will continue working on the bridge's superstructure.

The bridge will cut the time it takes to cross the canyon from 70 minutes to about a minute, which will help boost local social and economic development, as well as rural revitalization.

Situated among rolling mountains and gorges, Guizhou is home to nearly half of the world's 100 highest bridges. 

Builders work on a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a view of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge under construction in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Builders celebrate the capping of a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last main tower of the Huajiang grand canyon bridge was completed on Tuesday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a major milestone in the building of the world's highest bridge.

With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)
Tourists visit the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 21, 2023. The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which houses the world-renowned iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, welcomed its 10 millionth visitor in 2023 on Monday, hitting a record high, local authorities said.(The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum/Handout via Xinhua)

XI'AN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, which houses the world-renowned iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, welcomed its 10 millionth visitor in 2023 on Monday, hitting a record high, local authorities said.

Nearly 150 million visits, from both home and abroad, have been recorded at the museum since it opened in 1979.

In recent years, museum visits have become a must-do activity for tourists in China. As one of the most popular destinations in Shaanxi, the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum has experienced a consistently high number of visitors since this summer.

To meet the increasing demand, the museum has worked to improve its ticket purchasing system. This includes implementing online booking and the utilizing big data to encourage visitors to choose alternate visiting times.

Discovered in 1974, the army of Terracotta Warriors was built by Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-207 B.C.), who unified China for the first time. 
People transfer a batch of humanitarian supplies that entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 23, 2023. Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 20 trucks crossed the Rafah border point into Gaza on Monday. Half of the trucks were carrying UN supplies - water, food and medicine.

On Saturday and Sunday, a total of 34 trucks were able to enter Gaza with life-saving supplies. This is equivalent to no more than 4 percent of the daily average volume of commodities entering Gaza prior to this latest crisis, said OCHA.

A convoy of 20 trucks entered Gaza through Rafah on Saturday, the first in two weeks since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Palestinians.

Aid deliveries entering Gaza have not included fuel. The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, by far the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza, will exhaust its fuel reserves within the next two days, said OCHA.

"No fuel means no functioning water desalination. No fuel also means that humanitarian partners will have to focus almost their entire aid delivery operation on transporting water. It also means no bakeries and no hospitals," it said.

The number of people internally displaced in Gaza is estimated at about 1.4 million, with nearly 580,000 people sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters. Humanitarians warn about overcrowding, as the average number of people per shelter has reached more than 2.5 times capacity, it said.

The situation in hospitals remains dire, given shortages of electricity, medicine, equipment and specialized personnel. The Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the largest in the strip, is currently treating some 5,000 patients, significantly over its capacity of 700 patients. This is in addition to approximately 45,000 internally displaced people seeking refuge within and around the hospital, said OCHA.

As of Thursday, the World Health Organization had documented 62 attacks on health care, affecting 29 healthcare facilities and 23 ambulances. Seven hospitals, all in Gaza City and northern Gaza, were forced to shut down due to the damage they sustained, lack of power and supplies, and evacuation orders, it said.

For the 14th consecutive day, Gaza remains under full electricity blackout, said OCHA. 

A man arranges boxes of humanitarian supplies that entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 23, 2023. Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People receive a batch of humanitarian supplies that entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 23, 2023. Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People transfer a batch of humanitarian supplies that entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 23, 2023. Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A man carries a box of humanitarian supplies that entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 23, 2023. Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A truck loaded with humanitarian supplies that entered Gaza from the Rafah crossing is seen in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 23, 2023. Twenty trucks carrying humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Egypt on Monday, far from being enough, said UN humanitarians on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced children are seen inside a school affiliated with the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 23, 2023. The number of people internally displaced in Gaza is estimated at about 1.4 million, with nearly 580,000 people sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced children are seen inside a school affiliated with the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 23, 2023. The number of people internally displaced in Gaza is estimated at about 1.4 million, with nearly 580,000 people sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced Palestinians are seen inside a school affiliated with the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 23, 2023. The number of people internally displaced in Gaza is estimated at about 1.4 million, with nearly 580,000 people sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A displaced child is seen inside a school affiliated with the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 23, 2023. The number of people internally displaced in Gaza is estimated at about 1.4 million, with nearly 580,000 people sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
TEHRAN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday the promotion of bilateral ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia will effectively enhance regional cooperation and help resolve the problems of the region.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Iran Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi in the Iranian capital Tehran to receive his credentials, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office.

Raisi described Iran and Saudi Arabia as two "major and important regional countries," highlighting the diplomatic efforts to tap into the two countries' capacities to strengthen fruitful bilateral ties and safeguard the interests of the regional states.

He said "the lack of solidarity among Muslim countries and their failure to adopt a united position in defense of the Palestinian civilians and against Israel's decades of oppression have led to the long-standing conflict."

He stressed the importance of the exchange of capacities among Muslim states to meet each other's needs and eliminate the need for the foreign parties' presence and interference, which is "a factor to further complicate the issues" in the region.

For his part, the Saudi envoy described Riyadh-Tehran ties as very strong, saying the two peoples' links and commonalities outweigh their differences.

He expressed hope that bilateral relations and cooperation would improve and expand day by day.

The Saudi envoy arrived in Tehran in early September a few hours after the arrival of Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati in Riyadh.

In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached in China's Beijing a groundbreaking agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months.

On April 6, the two countries officially announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed a Shiite cleric. 
Kuwait Finance House  Bahrain, a leading Islamic bank in the kingdom, said it has sealed a collaboration deal with Bahraini developer ERA Real Estate to provide exclusive financing options for its prime development 'Khudur Homes' in Diyar Al Muharraq.

This partnership is a significant step in the bank's efforts to make homeownership more accessible and affordable to the community, said a statement from KFH.

The Khudur Homes project features a total of 107 custom-built modern living villas. These residences will help meet the various needs and aspirations of homeowners, providing them with the ideal living environment.

These include flexible tenor options of up to 30 years, empowering homeowners to tailor their repayment schedules to their individual financial goals, and complementary fire and life insurance coverage, all strictly adhering to Islamic shariah principles, it stated.

Furthermore, with an extensive understanding of clients needs, KFH-Bahrain is offering competitive home financing rates with no associated admin fees, making purchasing and owning a house a much more straightforward and an accessible option, it added.

On the collaboration, Hamed Mashal, the Executive Manager and Head of Retail Banking at KFH-Bahrain, said: "It gives us great pleasure to partner with ERA Real Estate on the Khudur Homes initiative, since it supports our goal of offering easily accessible financings."

"Our aim is to empower individuals by making homeownership more obtainable, and this engagement allows us to achieve that. We look forward to meet the aspirations of the Bahraini community through providing responsible and Sharia-compliant financing at highly competitive rates," he added.

ERA Real Estate CEO Abdul Hussain Khudur said: "We ensure that our clients have access to financing solutions that meet their unique needs through our relationship, making 'Khudur Homes' a symbol of ambition in the Kingdom of Bahrain."

"This initiative goes beyond building houses; it is about enhancing living experiences and encouraging individuals and families to be a part of Bahrain's vibrant and improved communities that will ultimately contribute to their future positively," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
BEIRUT, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Slim met Monday with his visiting Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Beirut to discuss the ongoing heated Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.

During the meeting, Crosetto stressed the importance of preventing external parties from getting involved in the conflict.

The Italian official called for the protection of innocent civilians and highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese army.

He also expressed Italy's readiness to provide additional support to the Lebanese army.

Slim, for his part, thanked Italy for its support and assistance to Lebanon, reaffirming Lebanon's commitment to ensuring the safety of UNIFIL and continuing its cooperation with the UN mission.

The Lebanese official condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, considering them violations of international humanitarian law, and expressed concerns about the potential displacement of Palestinians from their land, which could escalate and expand the conflict.

The visit of the Italian minister to Lebanon also coincided with ongoing border exchanges between Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah, Palestinian groups, and the Israeli army along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

Italian soldiers play an important role in UNIFIL's peacekeeping mission, as out of the 9,994 UNIFIL peacekeepers responsible for border monitoring, 1,103 are Italian soldiers.

The escalation on the Lebanese-Israeli border began when Hezbollah fired multiple rockets on Oct. 8 toward Israeli military sites in support of a Hamas surprise attack against Israel on the previous day. In response, the Israeli forces fired heavy artillery on southeastern Lebanon on the same day. 
ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed as Tropical Cyclone Tej struck Yemen's eastern province of Al Mahrah, displacing over a thousand families, a government official told Xinhua on Tuesday.

The local official, who asked to remain anonymous, said that large areas of Al Mahrah experienced heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds as a result of the cyclone since Monday morning.

The official said five people died when their homes collapsed in the Huswain district, while dozens more were injured from the collapse of ten other homes.

The cyclone also partially damaged many other homes and swept away large agricultural areas across Al Mahrah. Hundreds of families have fled to schools and shelters, according to the source.

The Executive Unit for Managing Displaced Persons' Camps in Yemen said over a thousand families were displaced by the cyclone, while the Yemen Red Crescent said its teams could not reach affected areas like Ghaydah, Haswain, and other districts in Al Mahrah.

Rashad Al-Alimi, the chief of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), along with other government officials, arrived in Al Mahrah to closely monitor the emergency.

He has directed efforts to limit damage and provide care for evacuated citizens in shelters across Al Mahrah, according to the state-run Saba news agency.

On Monday, the Yemeni Meteorological Center said that the tropical situation will continue during the upcoming hours with heavy rain across Al Mahrah and other eastern provinces, calling on local residents to take caution.

Yemen faces dire humanitarian conditions due to over nine years of war between government forces and Houthi rebels. Natural disasters exacerbate the suffering of millions in the war-ravaged Arab country. 
DUBLIN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited Ireland from Saturday to Monday.

During the visit, the Chinese delegation, led by Luo Dongchuan, deputy secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, held meetings with former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and officials from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

They also visited County Kildare and talked with local officials.

Highlighting the sound momentum for bilateral cooperation, the two sides voiced willingness to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, culture, tourism, education and the local areas, jointly cope with global challenges such as climate change so as to push for the sound and steady development of China-Ireland and China-Europe relations. 
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientist Xue Qikun has won the 2024 Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize, an international award that recognizes outstanding contributions to condensed matter physics, according to the American Physical Society.

Xue, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ashvin Vishwanath, a professor at Harvard University, won the award together for their pioneering theoretical and experimental studies on the collective electronic properties of materials that reflect topological aspects of their band structure.

The award is acknowledged as the highest international honor in the field of condensed matter physics. As China's first winner of the award, Xue is highly regarded by the international physics community for his contributions to the field of topological insulators and his work on the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

He is also a professor at Tsinghua University and president of the Southern University of Science and Technology. He and his team were the first to experimentally observe the quantum anomalous Hall effect in 2012, and they published their findings in the journal Science in 2013. 
Students attend a free class given by Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base in the carriage of a running Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU train in Indonesia, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

by Xinhua writers Xu Qin, Yu Qianliang

JAKARTA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian teenagers feel the charm of "China Speed" and light up their dreams for the future.

On Tuesday, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base brought a free class to the Ngamprah No.3 Junior High School in West Bandung Regency, West Java Province.

Chinese high-speed rail technical experts from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Sifang Co., Ltd., the company which designed and manufactured Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU trains, visited the school campus to give HSR science courses to local students, and led Indonesian teenagers to experience the immersive charm of "China Speed" on a running Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU train.

"Boys and girls, who can tell me why the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway trains can run so fast?" In the class, Zhang Fangtao, chief designer of Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU trains, got a new identity as a science teacher who lectured on the HSR science.

In the classroom which is near to a traditional railway line and Jakarta-Bandung HSR's Padalarang Station, the curious students listened carefully to their science teacher and actively raised their hands to answer questions.

The vibe in the 40 sq m classroom was lively with frequent interactions and Q&As between Zhang and students, punctuated by rounds of laughter and applause.

Saskia, a 15-year-old 9th grader, said, "Cutting the journey between Jakarta and Bandung from more than three hours to about 40 minutes is just cool, I do think high-speed train is a good choice for many people."

The classroom teaching was followed by an on-site experience inside the carriage of a running EMU train from Jakarta-Bandung HSR's Padalarang Station to Halim Station. The laughter of the teenagers and the shutter sound of their mobile phones filled the entire carriage of the fast moving train past fields, rivers, mountains, plains of Java Island.

Zhang, once again, lectured on the HSR science, but this time the classroom was moving, on a real high-speed train, only to find that he had to grab the teenagers' attention from frequent exclamations and fleeting scenery outside the train window.

"After the commercial operation started last week, I finally had the opportunity to ride the high-speed train. During the free ride phase, my parents tried in vain to get a ticket for me," said Rayi, 14, another 9th grader. "I learned a lot about HSR today in the class and on the train, and I can't wait to be a business person in the future to travel by the high-speed train."

Besides the lectures in and outside the classroom, CRRC Sifang has donated teaching materials including computers and sound systems to Ngamprah No.3 Junior High School.

The school is a small public school having hundreds of students and only a few classrooms used by students of Grade 7-9 on a rotating basis.

"I am very grateful to these Chinese companies for supporting the development of education in West Bandung. CRRC Sifang donates teaching materials to our school, which can help us to improve the quality of education," said Mepi, head of the junior high school.

"The HSR lectures and experience helped broaden the students' horizons, opening the door to a new world for our kids."

Asep Wahyu, West Bandung Regency's economy and development assistant, said, "It is really generous for CRRC Sifang to provide assistance to our local school. The teaching materials and the free class will help our students study better."

"I heard that Chinese people would call their kids 'flowers of the country', and Indonesian people has a similar saying as calling our children 'buds of the country', be it flower or bud, they are the future, they are our hope," Asep added.

The Jakarta-Bandung HSR is a "golden brand" of China-Indonesia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China. It is the first high-speed railway in Indonesia and Southeast Asia at large. CRRC Sifang, as a party of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR project, designs and manufactures high-speed EMU trains with a maximum operating speed of 350 km per hour for the railway.

"The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway is not only a symbol of win-win cooperation between China and Indonesia, but also a connecting bridge to enhance the friendship between our two nations," said Cao Rui, CRRC Sifang's deputy general manager.

The Jakarta-Bandung HSR, jointly built by China and Indonesia, was officially put into commercial operation on Oct. 17.

The Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU Educational and Cultural Exchange Base was established in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia on Sept. 9. 

Students from Ngamprah No.3 Junior High School take photos and videos of a Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train on the platform of Padalarang Station in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Two students from Ngamprah No.3 Junior High School look into a model of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train in Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Students from Ngamprah No.3 Junior High School show their tickets before getting on board a Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train in Padalarang Station in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Zhang Fangtao (L), chief designer of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains, lectures on the HSR science in the carriage of a running Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU train in Indonesia, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Two students from Ngamprah No.3 Junior High School pose for photos with a model of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train in Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Thanks to Chinese police campaigns to crack down on crimes and other violations, the number of calls to the police nationwide reporting suspected criminal cases was significantly lower this summer than during summer last year, according to China's Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday.

The ministry launched several rounds of special campaigns against all kinds of crimes and minor offenses nationwide between June 25 and Sept. 30, with the result that reported crimes during the period were 13.8 percent lower than in the same period of 2022, said Qiu Baoli, director of the ministry's bureau of public security administration, at a press conference.

More than 566,000 criminal cases and over 2 million cases of minor offenses were solved during the period, with a total of 975,000 suspects captured in the campaign, according to Qiu.

The police launched special campaigns targeting telecom and online fraud. As a result, since August, the number of relevant cases and related property losses dropped by 24 percent and 20.5 percent, respectively, on a year-on-year basis, said Wang Zhizhong, vice minister of public security.

The police authority also worked with other relevant departments on the anti-fraud efforts, sending over 1 billion early-warning text messages, instructions and reminders this year, Wang said.

In the first nine months this year, police forces dealt with 114,000 cases of economic offenses and over 4,600 smuggling crime cases, and solved 28,000 cases of IPR infringement and counterfeiting, according to documents issued at the press conference. 
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed an order of the State Council to issue a set of regulations to protect minors in cyberspace.

The regulatory document, comprising 60 articles in seven chapters, will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, according to an official statement.

As the rapid development of the internet has expanded the space for minors to live and learn, it has also sparked society-wide attention to minors' protection in cyberspace, the statement says.

The regulations aim to create a healthy online environment for minors in the country, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and provide legal support in this regard, according to the statement.

The document clarifies the responsibilities of government departments in charge of internet and information technology, press and publication, public security, and market regulation, among other areas, in protecting minors in cyberspace.

The document underlines the importance of promoting web literacy and morality among minors through strengthening the educational roles of schools and guardians.

It encourages and supports the production, publication and dissemination of online information that is conducive to the sound development of minors.

Cyberbullying behaviors targeting minors by any organizations or individuals are prohibited, according to the document. It requires web product and service providers to set up and improve mechanisms for early warning, detection and response to cyberbullying.

The document underscores the protection of personal information of minors and measures to prevent them from becoming addicted to the internet. 
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The domestically-focused 8th China Campus Theater Festival and the 27th BeSeTo Theater Festival, which gathers productions from both home and abroad, will run concurrently from Nov. 11 to 30 in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, said the China Theater Association, organizer of the events.

The China Campus Theater Festival, which is held every two years, will feature 19 productions spanning various theatrical styles including drama, traditional Chinese opera, musicals, children's theater, and puppetry.

A total of 12 productions from countries including China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Georgia, and Bulgaria will be showcased at this year's BeSeTo Theater Festival.

In addition to the performances, the BeSeTo event will also host a forum for people involved in the international theater industry, according to the organizer. 
TEHRAN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's judiciary spokesman said on Tuesday the country has called for holding an emergency meeting of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to consider the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and adopt a "decisive and effective" resolution against Israel.

Masoud Setayeshi made the remarks at a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran, while commenting on the judiciary's measures in response to the "human rights crimes perpetrated by Israel in its attacks on Gaza."

Kazem Gharibabadi, the Iranian judiciary chief's deputy for international affairs and secretary of the High Council for Human Rights, made the request for the meeting and anti-Israeli resolution in letters to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, HRC President Vaclav Balek and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, according to Setayeshi.

He stressed that the letters also called on the UN Security Council and General Assembly to "intervene decisively and set up a court to put Israel on trial," while highlighting the need for sending humanitarian aid to Gaza and forcing Israel to end its occupation and aggression.

He added that after the eruption of the conflict in Gaza, the judiciary also formed a working group in defense of the "oppressed people of Palestine," which has so far done effective follow-ups.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and sending its forces into Israeli territory, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

The conflict has so far killed more than 7,000 people on both sides. 
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed rallying individuals in the private sector around the Party more closely and breaking new ground in the work of federations of industry and commerce.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) on its 70th founding anniversary.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended greetings to officials and staff members of all levels of industrial and commerce federations and individuals in the private sector across the country.

Commending their work over the past 70 years, Xi said federations of industry and commerce have made important contributions to the development of the People's Republic of China, the advancement of reform and opening up, and the great endeavors of the new era.

In the letter, Xi urged efforts to facilitate the healthy development of the non-public sector and those working in it, and promote high-quality development of the private sector.

Xi called on individuals in the private sector to fully apply the new development philosophy and promote entrepreneurship, to contribute to building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts.

A gathering celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ACFIC was held in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attended the event and made a speech.

Wang said that in the letter, Xi expressed expectations and set forth clear requirements for people in the non-public sector, which has provided the fundamental guideline for conducting relevant work in the new era and promoting the healthy development of the non-public economy.

Wang urged efforts to promote the high-quality development of the private sector.

Federations of industry and commerce should guide private enterprises in fully and faithfully applying the new development philosophy on all fronts, actively engaging in creating a new pattern of development, focusing on their main business, and bolstering the development of the real economy, Wang said.

Wang also stressed the need for guiding those in the private sector to pursue a people-centered philosophy of development.

Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, read out Xi's letter at the gathering. 

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a gathering celebrating the 70th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and makes a speech in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
Saudi-based National Water Company (NWC) has signed an agreement with Spanish industrial group Belgicast Internacional that will see the company develop the local water valve manufacturing industry and boost its production as per global standards.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi-EU Investment Forum being held at the Fairmont Hotel, Riyadh.

"These MoUs are in line with the national strategic guidelines for water, which prioritize national factories to provide the company's needs, its project components, and its supply chains for the benefit of the national economy through local goods, assets and technology," said NWC Vice President for Shared Services Mohammed bin Yahya Al Suqour after signing the deal with Belgicast Commercial General Manager Joan Galtes.

The forum will see both the kingdom and European Union share investment opportunities related to future projects, he stated.

Al Suqour pointed out that the MoU aims to facilitate communication with the concerned entities to explore the Saudi market, promote the growth and development of the local water valve manufacturing industry, increase the level of performance and prioritize the support of local content in this field in accordance with the company's standards and procedures," he added.

On the partnership, Galtes said the MoU will define the aspects of co-operation between the two companies in terms of localization of products and investment opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"This is in addition to supporting the efficiency of the quality of national manufacturing through a commitment to the development of local content by the manufacturer and the activation of the process of quality control of local products," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
COLOMBO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will establish an anti-narcotic command to combat the influx of drugs from foreign nations into the country, an official said on Tuesday.

This will empower the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the State Intelligence Service to collaborate with international intelligence agencies to conduct anti-drug operations, said Sagala Ratnayaka, senior adviser on national security to the president and chief of the presidential staff.

Ratnayaka said that laws to establish the command would soon be presented to the parliament.

Ratnayaka added the drug raids by Sri Lankan authorities prevent approximately 65 percent of drugs from coming into the country, stressing the urgency of implementing a modern program to entirely prevent the influx of drugs. 
Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a Japanese friendship delegation led by former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan should bring their relations back to the track of sound development, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship on Monday in Beijing. Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda attended the event.

Wang pointed out that in the face of a volatile and intertwined international situation, China-Japan relations have once again stood at key crossroads. A stable and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan is vital to the two countries, indispensable to Asia and has important influence on the world.

"We should take the 45th anniversary as an opportunity to remember the original intention of the treaty, abide by the consensus of the treaty, practice the principles of the treaty, and bring China-Japan relations back to the track of sound development," said Wang.

Noting that both China and Japan are Asian countries and bear responsibility for the future of the Asia, Wang said the two countries should follow the trend of the times, practice genuine multilateralism, promote open regionalism, and advocate the eastern philosophy of "harmony and coexistence".

China and Japan should oppose ideological confrontation and reject a "new Cold War", and inject more positive energy into regional peace and stability, added Wang.

Yasuo Fukuda said Japan is willing to work with China to carry forward the purpose of the treaty, overcome difficulties and make unremitting efforts to deepen peace, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

About 200 representatives attended the reception jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association.

Wang Yi met with a Japanese friendship delegation led by Yasuo Fukuda on Monday. 

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a reception commemorating the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
This aerial panoramic photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows a Tibetan blue bear that broke into a protection station of the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys foraging on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a Tibetan gazelle amid snow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows black-necked cranes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows wild yaks at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan antelopes amid snow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan gazelles at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2023 shows blue sheep foraging on a hill at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys foraging on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan antelopes foraging at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows Tibetan antelopes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Photo by Shang Peng/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 14, 2023 shows a wild yak at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Photo by Shang Peng/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows black-necked cranes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Photo by Shang Peng/Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered fountain at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the view of a lake, a desert and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows a bearded vulture at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys amid snow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows a Tibetan blue bear that broke into a protection station of the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows the sunrise glow over snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows wild yaks on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial stitched photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows the sunrise glow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows the sunrise glow at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows water birds resting on a lake at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered fountain at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys and wild yaks at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 15, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys foraging on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the sunshine at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows wild yaks on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys running on a grassland at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows Tibetan wild donkeys at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows black-necked cranes at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2023 shows the Ayakum Lake and snow-covered mountains at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a wild yak on a snow-covered desert at the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an average altitude of 4,580 meters, the Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve covers a total area of 45,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a representative of plateau desert ecosystem in China and is home to a wide variety of rare animals. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)
BISHKEK, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here on Tuesday to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States, and pay an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov.

"China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen political and strategic mutual trust, create more new highlights and new benchmarks for cooperation, and enrich the China-Kyrgyzstan friendship with more connotation of the times," Li said during a brief meeting with Japarov at the airport.

The Chinese side looks forward to working with other SCO members to jointly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, and inject new impetus into regional peace, stability and development, he added. 
Alireza Zakani, mayor of the Iranian capital of Tehran, is pictured during an interview with Xinhua in Tehran, Iran, Oct. 15, 2023. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) makes a good example of collective cooperation for building a favorable future for nations, said Alireza Zakani, mayor of the Iranian capital of Tehran.(Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) makes a good example of collective cooperation for building a favorable future for nations, said Alireza Zakani, mayor of the Iranian capital of Tehran.

The initiative is a pioneering idea, a win-win game for all participating countries, said Zakani in an interview with Xinhua prior to his trip to China to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held on Oct. 17-18.

It is also an "accurate idea" that helps reduce both the time and expenses involved in trade transactions and transportation among participating countries, he said.

The mayor said the revival of the Silk Road and the trade route can help develop bonds and relations among nations and governments across continents, thereby creating a better future for the world.

Iran will continue to contribute to the initiative, as it advances development in partner countries and the solidarity among them, Zakani said.

The Tehran mayor warned, however, that the idea naturally has a number of opponents, who have a vested interest in keeping the same old order of Western colonialism and neocolonialism.

"The initiative's spillover will be the services with which people in Asia, Africa, and Europe will be provided. It will also help Asia return to its position in the process of constructing the world's future," Zakani said.

By June 2023, China had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations across five continents.

The initiative promotes true multilateralism as well as equitable and just global governance through its core principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, Zakani added.

He applauded the efforts of the governments of Iran and China in maintaining and strengthening the bilateral ties and cooperation.

China and Iran, he said, are both ancient civilizations with a long history of friendly exchanges between their peoples, and the BRI provided new momentum in this long-lasting friendship.

In February 2014, Tehran and Beijing became sister cities, the mayor said, and the two cities have since carried out friendly exchanges and cooperation in such areas as urban management and infrastructure construction.

"We seek to work on this sisterhood in the best way possible and expand its practical aspects after 10 years," Zakani said. 

Alireza Zakani, mayor of the Iranian capital of Tehran, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Tehran, Iran, Oct. 15, 2023. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) makes a good example of collective cooperation for building a favorable future for nations, said Alireza Zakani, mayor of the Iranian capital of Tehran.(Xinhua/Shadati)
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Li Chunsheng, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, has been indicted on charges of taking bribes, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said Tuesday.

Li's case has been filed by the People's Procuratorate of Chenzhou, central China's Hunan Province, to the city's intermediate people's court, following the conclusion of investigations by the National Commission of Supervision.

Prosecutors accused Li of taking advantage of his various posts to seek benefits for others and accepting large sums of money and valuables in return.

The prosecutors had informed the defendant of his litigation rights, interrogated him, and listened to the defense counsel's opinions. 
Children attend a study camp during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Children visit the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2023 shows a scene during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

People look at a drum robot during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Children play chess with a robot during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

People look at robots during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Children try an AI-powered reading device during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A staff member demonstrates a humanoid robot during the 6th World Voice Expo in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2023. The 6th World Voice Expo and the iFlytek 1024 Global Developer Festival kicked off here on Tuesday. The latest achievements and application of AI technology will be on display at the 6-day event. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)
President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua meets with Julia Arevalo, president of European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua met with Julia Arevalo, president of European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), in Beijing on Tuesday.

Fu welcomed Arevalo's visit to Xinhua, saying Xinhua and EPA have maintained good cooperation as providers of quality photographic news products. He called on the two agencies to promote their existing partnership and explore new opportunities in video service cooperation.

Thanking EPA for its support for the development of the World Media Summit mechanism, Fu briefed Arevalo on the preparations for the fifth edition of this summit and invited EPA to attend the summit.

Arevalo expressed satisfaction with cooperation between EPA and Xinhua. She said Xinhua has great influence in the world and its business has developed rapidly in recent years, and EPA is happy to participate in the fifth World Media Summit. 
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, under danger from rebels, has completed withdrawal from half of its bases in the country, a UN spokesman said on Monday.

UN officials are keeping a wary eye on the progress made by a convoy withdrawing from Aguelhok in the northern Kidal region to neighboring Gao region - a journey of 550 km - in a deteriorating security situation, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The closing of the Tessalit camp on Saturday was the first camp closure in the Kidal region and occurred amid the deteriorating security situation endangering the lives of hundreds of uniformed and civilian personnel, said Dujarric.

On Saturday, the mission, known as MINUSMA, withdrew from Douentza in the Mopti region in the south, he said.

"With these developments, MINUSMA has now closed half of its bases in Mali," said the spokesman.

Following a military coup, the transitional government of Mali requested the withdrawal of the 10-year-old operation. The Security Council complied with a June 30 resolution for the peacekeeping mission to be withdrawn by Dec. 31 of this year.

"The UN underscores the responsibility of the Malian transitional authorities for the safety and security of peacekeepers and calls on them to extend all necessary cooperation to facilitate the mission's withdrawal," Dujarric said. 
TEHRAN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday called for greater solidarity among Muslim countries to support Gaza, highlighting the international organizations' responsibility in this regard.

Raisi made the remarks in separate meetings with the new ambassadors of Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Slovenia in the Iranian capital Tehran to receive their credentials, according to statements published on the website of the Iranian president's office.

Speaking to Tunisia's Ambassador Imad Al-Rahmuni, the Iranian president underlined the necessity of fostering solidarity among the Muslim world to safeguard their interests, including Palestine.

The Tunisian envoy, for his part, stressed the importance of convergence among Muslim states in support of the Palestinian cause, saying his country will stand by the Palestinian people until their rights are fully safeguarded.

In his meeting with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi, Raisi said the promotion of the bilateral ties will effectively enhance regional cooperation and safeguard the interests of the regional states.

For his part, the Saudi envoy echoed that the two peoples' links and commonalities outweighed their differences, hoping the relations and cooperation would improve and expand day by day.

Speaking to Slovenian Ambassador Igor Jukic, Raisi stressed the responsibility of the relevant international organizations to stop the events unfolding these days in Gaza.

The Slovenian ambassador hailed the country's good relations with Iran, giving the assurance to make efforts to promote bilateral ties and cooperation during his mission.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and sending its forces into Israeli territory, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

The conflict has so far killed more than 7,000 people on both sides. 
GT USAs Canaveral Cargo Terminal (CCT) was successful in winning a bid to receive and assist in the assembly of one of Liebherrs largest mobile harbour crane in the US at its terminal.

The heavy lift operation took approximately 5 days, where SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Jumbo-SAL Alliance, brought the vessel Frauke to Port Canaveral.

The heavy lift project consisted of multiple pieces of a Liebherr TCC-BOS 14000 cranes, where one of the pieces discharged weighed a GT record breaking 680 metric tonnes, this component was tandem lifted off the vessel utilising the ships gear where each crane had a safe working load of 700 metric tonnes each.

Longest piece of cargo

Another record was broken as the longest piece of cargo discharged over the quay when CCT discharged the boom of MHC, measuring nearly 350 feet in length. This operation also consisted of supporting the manufacturer assemble the cranes main components utilising the ships gear.

Once fully assembled, the new crane will remain on CCTs facility to assist the Space industry operations carried out in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Luke Richards, Managing Director of GT USA, said: I was pleased to be joined by the cargo owners, shipping line representatives, manufacturers and the Canaveral Port Authority during the heavy lift vessel operations.

A lot of meticulous planning was done by all parties involved to guarantee the safe and efficient unloading of these heavy pieces. Our experienced team demonstrated a hands-on and professional approach, effectively ensuring the safe unloading of all cargo. With the successful completion of this project, we showcase our commitment to improving our capacity and driving operation efficiencies at Canaveral Cargo Terminal and across Gulftainers portfolio.

Overcoming challenges

Juan De Jesus, Director  Technical Services at Intermarine, the appointed port captain for the Shipping Line, said: A successful transport, discharge and installation operation were achieved due to extensive heavy lift experience and cooperation between SAL crew, Liebherr team and GT USA. Challenges were overcome while making great times and strengthening relationships onboard and ashore. We look forward to continue working with our partners in the future.

Ideally located on the East Coast of the USA, Gulftainers Canaveral Cargo Terminal offers end-to-end niche supply chain and dynamic logistics capabilities, providing both importers and exporters with highly efficient, unrivalled productive and competitive trade solutions.--TradeArabia News Service
BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- On the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating further and causing even more serious humanitarian hardship, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.

The current Palestinian-Israeli conflict affects the whole world and involves a major choice between war and peace, Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a phone conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

Cohen introduced Israel's position and security concerns on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

China is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict and the worsening situation, and deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict, Wang said.

China condemns all acts that harm civilians and oppose any violation of the international law, said Wang.

All countries have the right to self-defence, but they should respect the international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians, he added.

Wang stressed that the painful lesson of the repeated cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict fully demonstrates: only adhering to the concept of common security can help achieve sustainable security, and only adhering to the direction of political settlement can facilitate the thorough resolution of Israel's legitimate security concerns.

The two-state solution is the consensus of the international community, Wang said.

It is hoped that the two sides can consider the current situation as well as the long-term interests of peace and security shared by future generations, return to the right track of the two-state solution as soon as possible, resume peace talks and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel and the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations, he said.

Wang said China does not pursue any selfish interests on the Palestinian issue and sincerely hopes that the issue can be comprehensively and fairly resolved on the basis of the two-state solution, so that the legitimate security concerns of all parties can be truly and thoroughly addressed.

China will firmly support anything that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel, he said.

Wang also said he hopes that the Israeli side would take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Israel. 
Joining forces for a brighter future - Chinese scientists have partnered with nuclear fusion research institutions across the Middle East, West Asia, North Africa, and beyond. Find out how China's fusion research is propelling us towards clean and efficient energy.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) meets with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Oct. 24, 2023. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday called for a "complete ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip and the opening of permanent corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in the coastal enclave.(Palestinian President Office/Handout via Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday called for a "complete ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip and the opening of permanent corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in the coastal enclave.

Abbas made the remarks during his meeting with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Abbas condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and called for the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees on both sides.

Abbas also rejected the displacement of Palestinians from their homes and lands, whether they are in Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem.

Macron stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza, saying that he seeks to free hostages held by Hamas, including nine French nationals.

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, where they seized a large number of hostages. The group previously stated that there were 200 to 250 captives held in Gaza. To respond, Israel launched massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has so far killed nearly 5,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 1,400 people in Israel. 
BEIRUT, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon urged on Tuesday a de-escalation along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Joanna Wronecka, meanwhile, extended the United Nations' unwavering support for Lebanon to safeguard its security and stability during a critical time, according to her statement issued on the UN website.

Noting that "the primary objective of the 193-member United Nations, as enshrined in the UN Charter, is to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war," she said "the risks to peace and security are rising for Lebanon and the region, but we should never give up on the prospects of peace and of promoting a more sustainable future for the people of Lebanon."

Wronecka expressed her deep concern over the fire exchanges on the Lebanon-Israel border, calling for a halt to violence in the area.

"It is more urgent than ever for hostilities to cease and for Security Council Resolution 1701 to be implemented in its entirety," she said.

Also on Tuesday, Aroldo Lazaro, head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, said the UN peacekeepers continued to carry out patrols in local communities of southern Lebanon in coordinating with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

"We have actively engaged with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate tensions and avoid misunderstandings," he noted.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension recently after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Shebaa Farms on Oct. 8 in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery toward several areas in southeastern Lebanon. 
People carry a man rescued from collapsed buildings after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The fundamental approach to addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the implementation of the two-state solution and the realization of peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Tuesday called a comprehensive ceasefire between Palestine and Israel.

"A ceasefire must be achieved without delay. This is the call made by Secretary-General (Antonio) Guterres," and this is the call of the international community, said the envoy at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

"In light of the overwhelming calls of the international community, the council must use clear and unequivocal language to demand an immediate ceasefire," he said.

"It must be pointed out that allowing the fighting in Gaza to drag on and escalate for whatever justification will not result in a complete military victory for either side, but will most likely result in a catastrophe that will engulf the entire region, completely dash the prospects for a two-state solution, and plunge the Palestinian and Israeli peoples into a perpetual vicious cycle of hatred and confrontation," he said.

"Such a scenario would run counter to the goal of preventing the spillover of the situation. Countries should uphold the moral conscience, rather than clinging on to geopolitical calculations, let alone double standards. The council must do all it can for peace, rather than resorting to convoluted language or giving the green light for the situation to escalate and for more civilians to face the threat of death," the envoy added.

Zhang noted that Gaza has been completely without electricity for 15 consecutive days, water and fuel supplies have been cut off, and basic necessities such as food and medicine are about to run out.

"We appreciate the efforts by regional countries like Egypt and the efforts" by the secretary-general to open up a humanitarian corridor, but the humanitarian supplies currently allowed into Gaza are still "a drop in the bucket," and the Rafah crossing alone cannot fundamentally meet the humanitarian needs of Gaza, he said.

"The council should demand, in the clearest possible terms, that the occupying power immediately lift the full siege on Gaza, restore the supply of water, electricity, and fuel, and cease the collective punishment of the people in Gaza," said the envoy.

People conduct rescue work after Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

"We urge Israel to create conditions conducive to the normal functioning of the Rafah crossing, to stop air strikes against its surrounding areas, and to ensure unimpeded channel of aid. China has provided emergency humanitarian aid through the Palestinian National Authority and United Nations agencies respectively, and will continue to provide in-kind assistance based on the needs of the people in Gaza."

On the humanitarian issue, Zhang said the civilian casualties resulting from the latest round of conflict are appalling, and that "life and conscience seem so pale in the face of frequent indiscriminate attacks."

"The council must resolutely defend the international rule of law, unequivocally condemn all violence and attacks against civilians, and unequivocally oppose any violation of international law. China calls for diplomatic efforts for the immediate release of hostages," he said.

Zhang underscored that the root cause of the conflict lies in the prolonged illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, the long-standing neglect of the Palestinian people's right to independent statehood, and the lack of effective protection for their basic rights.

"The fundamental approach to addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the implementation of the two-state solution and the realization of peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel," he said.

Zhang said that China has been working tirelessly to promote the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace.

"We have been maintaining close communication with the parties concerned and playing a responsible and constructive role in realizing a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and averting a greater humanitarian catastrophe. China has no self-interest on the question of Palestine. Any initiative that contributes to peace will receive China's staunch support," he said.

"Any endeavor that facilitates Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation will be pursued by China with all-out efforts," he said. 
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said on Tuesday they are alarmed by the devastating impact of escalating hostilities in Northwest Syria, especially in the deaths of children.

"In a shattering development today (Tuesday), two toddlers were killed, and three other children injured after airstrikes struck a displacement camp in Jisr Al-Shugur in Idlib," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

OCHA said shelling in Tawama in western Aleppo on Monday damaged three schools. On Sunday, artillery shelling killed six children under the age of 10 in the Qarqour community. An attack also damaged a primary health center in the town of Ariha that serves 4,500 people each month.

The office said that since Oct. 5, shelling and airstrikes killed at least 64 people. More than one-third of them were children. Three aid workers were among those killed, and more than 320 people were injured. More than two dozen health facilities were impacted by the shelling and airstrikes, disrupting health services.

"We and our partners are providing food, tents, hygiene kits, protection services and other assistance to those who have fled, with more than 120,000 people newly displaced," OCHA said.

Since Oct. 5, more than 100 trucks have brought UN aid into Northwest Syria from Turkiye, and the United Nations has completed nearly a dozen cross-border missions, OCHA said. 
Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at a meeting with NPC deputies sitting in on the sixth session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Tuesday called for full and effective implementation of the newly adopted Patriotic Education Law and the revised Marine Environment Protection Law.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks at the closing meeting of the sixth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC.

He said the Patriotic Education Law is of great significance for the people to carry forward the patriotic spirit and forge a mighty force for building a strong China and realizing national rejuvenation.

Zhao said the newly revised Marine Environment Protection Law reinforces the legal guarantee for stepping up efforts to build China into a strong maritime country.

Noting that the session heard reports on enforcing the Wetlands Protection Law and the Law on Scientific and Technological Progress, Zhao called for efforts to urge parties concerned to rectify problems and improve work and institutions.

The meeting issued a written report on the NPC joining the Central American Parliament as a permanent observer, Zhao noted, adding that this represents a major breakthrough in the diplomatic struggle related to Taiwan under the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and once again demonstrates that the one-China principle is the overriding trend.

Based on its functions and advantages, the NPC should further improve its foreign exchanges to support the development of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, Zhao said.

Zhao held a meeting with NPC deputies who sat in on the session before the closing meeting, where he called on NPC deputies to earnestly perform their duties and lead by example to serve the country.

He urged efforts to translate patriotic enthusiasm into concrete actions and build cultural confidence and strength.

Zhao also chaired a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee before the closing meeting. 
JERUSALEM, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Israel allocated 1 billion shekels (about 246 million U.S. dollars) to rehabilitate northern roads near the Lebanese border, the country's Ministry of Transport and Road Safety said in a statement on Tuesday.

The roads sustained significant damage as a result of the passage of heavy Israeli military vehicles, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, during the ongoing fighting between Israel and the Lebanese military group Hezbollah.

"The infrastructure must be in good condition, and as much as it endangers human life, it must be repaired immediately," Israel's Minister of Transport Miri Regev was quoted as saying in the statement.

She therefore directed the National Transport Infrastructure Company to formulate a plan to restore the roads under the allocated budget.

The minister noted that if necessary, additional sums would be allocated for the restoration of the damaged roads beyond the announced budget. 
Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends a grand welcome ceremony held by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 24, 2023. Li Qiang arrived here on Tuesday to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States, and pay an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BISHKEK, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here on Tuesday to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States, and pay an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov.

"China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen political and strategic mutual trust, create more new highlights and new benchmarks for cooperation, and enrich the China-Kyrgyzstan friendship with more connotation of the times," Li said during a brief meeting with Japarov at the airport.

The Chinese side looks forward to working with other SCO members to jointly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, and inject new impetus into regional peace, stability and development, he added.

Li said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Kyrgyzstan have always been working in solidarity, helping each other, cooperating based on mutual benefits and win-win results, and have made fruitful achievements in various areas, as well as achieved close and highly efficient coordination on international affairs.

China and Kyrgyzstan are truly good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers, Li said.

"The goal of my visit to Kyrgyzstan is to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation, deepen friendship, and promote peace," he said.

For his part, Japarov warmly welcomed Li's visit to Kyrgyzstan and spoke highly of the positive development momentum of bilateral ties. The Kyrgyz side is willing to enhance exchanges in various fields with the Chinese side, push forward the Belt and Road cooperation, elevate the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era to new heights, and jointly promote Central Asia's stability and development, he said.

As Li's chartered plane arrived at Manas International Airport in Bishkek Tuesday afternoon, Japarov and senior Kyrgyz government officials met him at the airport. Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Dewen also greeted him at the airport.

Japarov held a grand welcome ceremony for Li at the airport. A military band played the national anthems of both countries. Li, accompanied by Japarov, reviewed the honor guard.

Chinese State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong also attended the meeting. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends a grand welcome ceremony held by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 24, 2023. Li Qiang arrived here on Tuesday to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States, and pay an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from Tuesday to Friday at the invitation of Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Tuesday called a comprehensive ceasefire between Palestine and Israel.

"A ceasefire must be achieved without delay. This is the call made by Secretary-General (Antonio) Guterres," and this is the call of the international community, said the envoy at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

"In light of the overwhelming calls of the international community, the council must use clear and unequivocal language to demand an immediate ceasefire," he said.

"It must be pointed out that allowing the fighting in Gaza to drag on and escalate for whatever justification will not result in a complete military victory for either side, but will most likely result in a catastrophe that will engulf the entire region, completely dash the prospects for a two-state solution, and plunge the Palestinian and Israeli peoples into a perpetual vicious cycle of hatred and confrontation," he said.

"Such a scenario would run counter to the goal of preventing the spillover of the situation. Countries should uphold the moral conscience, rather than clinging on to geopolitical calculations, let alone double standards. The council must do all it can for peace, rather than resorting to convoluted language or giving the green light for the situation to escalate and for more civilians to face the threat of death," the envoy added.

Zhang noted that Gaza has been completely without electricity for 15 consecutive days, water and fuel supplies have been cut off, and basic necessities such as food and medicine are about to run out.

"We appreciate the efforts by regional countries like Egypt and the efforts" by the secretary-general to open up a humanitarian corridor, but the humanitarian supplies currently allowed into Gaza are still "a drop in the bucket," and the Rafah crossing alone cannot fundamentally meet the humanitarian needs of Gaza, he said.

"The council should demand, in the clearest possible terms, that the occupying power immediately lift the full siege on Gaza, restore the supply of water, electricity, and fuel, and cease the collective punishment of the people in Gaza," said the envoy.

"We urge Israel to create conditions conducive to the normal functioning of the Rafah crossing, to stop air strikes against its surrounding areas, and to ensure unimpeded channel of aid. China has provided emergency humanitarian aid through the Palestinian National Authority and United Nations agencies respectively, and will continue to provide in-kind assistance based on the needs of the people in Gaza."

On the humanitarian issue, Zhang said the civilian casualties resulting from the latest round of conflict are appalling, and that "life and conscience seem so pale in the face of frequent indiscriminate attacks."

"The council must resolutely defend the international rule of law, unequivocally condemn all violence and attacks against civilians, and unequivocally oppose any violation of international law. China calls for diplomatic efforts for the immediate release of hostages," he said.

Zhang underscored that the root cause of the conflict lies in the prolonged illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, the long-standing neglect of the Palestinian people's right to independent statehood, and the lack of effective protection for their basic rights.

"The fundamental approach to addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the implementation of the two-state solution and the realization of peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel," he said.

Zhang said that China has been working tirelessly to promote the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace.

"We have been maintaining close communication with the parties concerned and playing a responsible and constructive role in realizing a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and averting a greater humanitarian catastrophe. China has no self-interest on the question of Palestine. Any initiative that contributes to peace will receive China's staunch support," he said.

"Any endeavor that facilitates Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation will be pursued by China with all-out efforts," he said. 
Vista, the premier start-up platform for creative aerospace entrepreneurs worldwide, returns this year to Dubai, being co-located with Dubai Airshow, from November 13-17, at Dubai World Central, Dubai Airshow Site.

Vista is set to push the limits of innovation and drive transformative change across the industry, bringing global startups from a variety of future-focused industries, including robotics, sustainability, drones, eVTOLs, UAVs and space elevate the event.

The four-day programme on the Startup Stage will host inspiring keynotes and panel discussions from industry pioneers on the trends and opportunities across the markets.

Dr Mariam Ketait, Global Accelerators and Innovation Lead at Boeing in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa, said: "Aerospace Xelerated has a proven track record of accelerating innovation in aerospace, having empowered 40 ambitious early-stage startups with knowledge sharing, development support and funding. The Dubai Airshow is a great opportunity for these budding companies to expand and seize new opportunities."

An exclusive investor committee will help ignite a positive transformation at the latest edition. Welcoming key industry leaders such as Abdulla Saif Al Awani, Chief Economic Program Officer at Tawazun, Reda Nidhakou, Head of VentureOne (Interim) at VentureOne, and Dan Bowyer, Partner at SuperSeed VC among others, the committee aims to help startups maximise their potential.

Brian Schettler, Partner and Head of AE Industrial HorizonX and a member of the VISTA investor committee, said: Its an honour to be a part of the new VISTA investor committee and work alongside other members of the industry to help startups push their limits of innovation and shape the future of aerospace.

Having worked with many global startups to launch disruptive technologies for next-generation aerospace and defence applications, I am looking forward to seeing the latest ideas and accelerating positive transformation of new industry players.

Furthermore, more than 15 hours of insightful workshops and mentorship clinics, matchmaking sessions and an investor programme will connect start-ups with globally ranked investors, industry leaders and key decision makers.

A dedicated exhibition area will bring together start-ups to showcase their breakthrough technologies and revolutionary ideas in front of the most influential members of the aerospace ecosystem.

Lukas Kaestner, Co-Founder of Sustainable Aero Lab, said: Sustainable Aero Lab is the worlds biggest accelerator program dedicated to sustainable aviation. Since our inception in early 2021, we have mentored over 60 international startups, with more than 100M EUR raised, and connected them with over 80 highly experienced mentors.

In 2023, the Lab was backed by the Breakthrough Energy. During our attendance at VISTA, we look forward to connecting with startups, potential mentors, industry partners, and investors who show the potential to deliver a meaningful contribution to aviation sustainability through our five main focus fields, such as electrification, hydrogen, SAF, better operations, and novel aircraft designs and materials, and support the overall growth of our programme.

Donatas Skulskis, JETCOPTER CEO, said: The VTOL aircraft market is developing at pace, and we are excited to be showcasing our helicopter 2.0 concept model at VISTA. As the worlds only start-up working on this concept, the event provides the perfect opportunity for us to meet with new investors and discuss how we can work together to take VTOL aircraft to the next level.

A series of new competitions will also run across three key themes: Space in partnership with UAE Space Agency in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Bayanat and Planet, Drones and Logistics in partnership with LODD, and Passenger Experience in partnership with Dubai Airports.

Set to raise the bar for startups globally, shortlisted startups will have the chance to pitch their winning ideas to technology leaders, investors and corporates for the chance to win exclusive prizes. One winner will be crowned the Most Innovative Startup at VISTA 2023 and receive $10,000 to help grow and transform their business.  TradeArabia News Service
CAIRO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's economy is characterized by extreme flexibility and a tremendous ability to absorb shocks and achieve its development goals, said an Egyptian expert.

Waleed Gaballah, a member of the Egyptian Association for Political Economy, Statistics and Legislation, told Xinhua in a recent interview that China, the world's second-largest economy, is characterized by a multitude of strengths, including its remarkably well-developed human resources.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's economy expanded 4.9 percent year on year in the third quarter, and went up 1.3 percent on a quarter-on-quarter basis. It grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023.

Gaballah emphasized that China's solid foundation for development is further bolstered by its abundant natural resources. What's even more significant, he pointed out, is the nation's possession of cutting-edge technologies, enabling it to not only sustain but also expand its production capacity.

"All this means China's ability to mass production with high quality and the availability of markets that welcome Chinese products," said the expert, adding that China "is moving on its development path according to a well-studied strategy and has the ability to spot future challenges."

Regarding potential development challenges China may encounter in the future, he said that a key focus is managing the increasingly uncertain and disorganized global economic environment, largely driven by the complexities of geopolitical conflicts that strike the world.

According to the expert, a pivotal factor in China's ability to overcome these challenges lies in the strong interconnection between the Chinese economy and the global consumer demand for Chinese products.

"Perhaps the most important guarantee for China's success in achieving development despite these challenges is the strong interconnection between the Chinese economy and the economy of families who demand Chinese products in all countries of the world," Gaballah said. 
CAIRO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and visiting Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim urged on Monday to end the ongoing military escalation in the Gaza Strip.

During a meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo, Sisi and Anwar agreed on the need to coordinate efforts to end the escalation and achieve calm, as well as provide the necessary protection for Palestinian civilians, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

The two sides also stressed the need to continue to provide safe and urgent access to humanitarian assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip.

The two leaders also expressed concern regarding the possible expansion of the violence to the region, while rejecting the liquidation of the Palestinian issue by forcibly displacing Gaza people.

They confirmed that the only way out of the current crisis is for the international community to exert concerted efforts to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, based on the two-state solution.

Having entered its 17th day, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has killed over 1,400 people in Israel and wounded 5,431 others, according to official statistics.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed 5,087 Palestinians and wounded 15,273 others, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Monday.

The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, firing thousands of rockets and sending its militants into Israeli territory, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off. 
KINSHASA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Elaboration on the withdrawal plan of the peacekeeping mission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will be completed by Nov. 15, DRC Vice Prime Minister Christophe Lutundula said late Monday.

Lutundula, also the Congolese foreign minister, outlined the key phases of the withdrawal plan of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), at a press conference held Monday evening in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, saying the elaboration on the plan already began Monday between the Congolese side and MONUSCO.

The UN peacekeeping mission has been present in the country since 1999. The DRC's president urged the UN mission to expedite its withdrawal and move the deadline up a year from December 2024 to December 2023 at the UN General Assembly in September.

On Oct. 16, the UN Security Council expressed its readiness to decide, by the end of this year and as a matter of priority, the future of MONUSCO and its gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal, as well as realistic and concrete steps to be taken in that regard. 
TUNIS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia and Italy discussed on Monday partnership programs on managing immigration and fighting against organized crimes, according to a statement released by the Tunisian Interior Ministry.

During a phone call between Tunisian Interior Ministry Kamel Feki and his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi, both parties affirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration on immigration issues and combating organized criminal activities, including human trafficking networks.

Tunisia and Italy signed on Friday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to manage the legal flow of Tunisian immigrants to Italy.

The MoU provided an annual quota of 4,000 non-seasonal residence cards over a span of three years for Tunisian workers in Italy.

Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular starting points for illegal immigrants as they attempt to sneak into the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is only about 80 km from the Tunisian coasts. 
CAIRO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation announced on Monday the launch of a new tripartite round of ministerial negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

In a statement, the ministry said the new round kicked off in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Monday morning with the participation of delegations from Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

The ministry added that this current round of negotiations is a continuation of an ongoing negotiation process that has seen two previous rounds held in Cairo and later in Addis Ababa within the past two months.

The tripartite meeting is based on the agreement of three countries to speed up finalizing the rules for filling and operating the GERD dam, following the meeting of the leadership of Egypt and Ethiopia on July 13, the ministry said.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed during a meeting in Cairo on July 13, on the sidelines of the summit of Sudan's neighboring countries, to initiate urgent negotiations to reach an agreement on the GERD within four months.

In February 2022, the Ethiopian government announced its grand hydroelectric dam has started generating electricity.

On Sept. 10, Ethiopia's prime minister announced the completion of the fourth and final filling of the GERD reservoir. Egypt warned that the move is a violation by Ethiopia of the Declaration of Principles signed by the three sides in 2015.

Ethiopia started to build the GERD in 2011 and expects the giant hydropower project to generate more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity, but Egypt and Sudan have been worried that it might reduce their proportion of Nile water. 
TUNIS, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia has foiled 190 attempts by illegal migrants to cross the Mediterranean into Italy in one week, according to a statement released by the Tunisian National Guard on Tuesday.

During the operations between Oct. 15 and Oct. 21 off the country's coasts, Tunisia's coast guards rescued 2,663 illegal migrants from sinking boats, the statement said.

To combat illegal migration, the coast guards arrested 56 suspects for being involved in organizing illegal migration trips and 30 wanted persons, it added.

In a phone conversation on Monday, Tunisian Interior Minister Kamel Feki and his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on migration issues and combating organized crimes and human trafficking networks.

Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular places for migrants seeking to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is only about 80 km from the Tunisian coasts. 
JAKARTA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least four teenagers have been killed after the bus they were on hit a cliff in the Indonesian regency of Cianjur in West Java province early Tuesday, local police said.

According to a preliminary report, the crash occurred at around 2:30 a.m. local time on a highway toward the resort and tourism area of Puncak.

Cianjur Traffic Police Chief Adhi Prasidya told local media that the bus was carrying 24 people, mostly teenagers, from the town of Bogor to Cianjur.

"We still don't know what the main cause is. The investigation for that is still being held," he said, adding that at least 16 were currently suffering injuries and being treated in nearby hospitals. 
YANGON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police have seized 1.02 million stimulant tablets and 33 kg of heroin in western Myanmar's Sagaing region, according to the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on Monday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotic police searched a vehicle in Kalay township of Sagaing region on Oct. 18 and confiscated the stimulants and heroin, the CCDAC said.

Three suspects were arrested for the case, and the seized narcotics are worth over 3.69 billion kyats (about 1.75 million U.S. dollars), it said.

The suspects were charged under the Myanmar's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were underway, it said. 
BRUSSELS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and five Central Asian countries have vowed to boost their strategic partnership and deepen ties.

High-ranking officials from the Central Asian countries and the EU met in Luxembourg on Monday for the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting.

"Today's meeting of foreign ministers confirms a new level of cooperation between our regions. In a world confronted with demanding challenges, but also new opportunities, we know that we can achieve more when we act together," said Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

A roadmap endorsed at the meeting underlined key areas for cooperation between the EU and the Central Asian countries. These include inter-regional political dialogue and cooperation, enhancing trade and economic ties, engaging on energy, climate neutral economy and connectivity, and addressing common security challenges.

The ministers said they also looked forward to intensifying cooperation on security and border management, as well as on the joint fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, and violent extremism.

The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as those of the EU member states.

Meanwhile, the first EU-Central Asia Summit is scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan during the second quarter of 2024. 
At a pivotal moment for businesses, SAP sees the cloud empowering businesses to innovate faster by breaking down silos, and generative business AI automating tasks and unveiling new insights.

Change is a given, but conscious transformation, with people and processes at its core, is where SAP Signavio steps in," remarked Manos Raptopoulos, Regional President Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, SAP.

Delegates from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa attended the second edition of the SAP Signavio Business Process Transformation Executive Summit, held in Lake Como, Italy.

Turbulent business

With the support of partners Qintesi, It-Link and Fujitsu, senior business leaders came together to discuss the challenges of an increasingly turbulent business scenario, and how process transformation solutions, coupled with new technologies such as generative AI can help organisations accelerate change.

Florian Bauer, a partner at research firm McKinsey & Company speaking at the event, also reflected on the role of new technologies to transform businesses. While we talk a lot about data as the new gold, at-scale value creation at enterprises requires us to transform the processes with technology. AI can dramatically reduce the time taken to implement process mining and produce tailored meaningful insights necessary to transform every business process effectively. If you want to leverage this technology at best, you need to have your processes well designed and enabled.

Gero Decker, the general manager and head of product and engineering at SAP Signavio, highlighted the evolution of SAP Signavio, underscoring its journey from process modelling to analytics and now to its third generation of solutions with generative AI. Decker emphasised the importance of speed in transformation with the new "plug and gain" approach, which, combined with SAP Signavios emerging AI capabilities, significantly reduces the time required for insights and adaptation.

Plug and gain

Several speakers at the event also touched on SAP Signavios ability to accelerate digital transformation through its plug and gain approach. In terms of the approach, businesses are provided with a predefined starting point to kick-start their transformation project based on their existing SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) and SAP S/4HANA data. This enables them to quickly understand how their business processes are currently running and determining what to keep and what to change as they embark on their transformation.

Discussions at the invitation-only event were also heavily influenced by SAPs continued expansion of its business transformation portfolio, with the announcement last month that it would acquire LeanIX, a leader in enterprise architecture management software. Together with Signavio, this will enable SAP to offer customers a full suite of tools for accelerated, cost-effective and continuous business transformation with AI-enabled process optimisation.

Rouven Morato, the General Manager and Chief Revenue Officer of SAP Signavio, stressed the need to focus on systems, processes, and individuals for a triumphant transformation. He described how Signavio acts as a bridge between IT and business, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of individuals in the transformation process. Building on feedback from customers, Morato conveyed the idea that people truly make the difference in outcomes.

Customer success stories

Several SAP customers at the event welcomed SAP Signavios new approaches to accelerate transformation and to embedding AI across solutions. Among these, Emanuele Turra, Group CIO of Italys AFV Beltrame, said: I was impressed by the possibilities offered by SAP Signavio to support businesses with process analysis using AI capabilities. At AFV Beltrame, we started our SAP S/4HANA migration journey a year ago, and Im curious to explore how SAP Signavio could reduce the analysis time and further optimise processes and KPIs to accelerate our group transformation.

Another customer keeping a close eye on AI developments is Dr Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post, which was recently named as a Transformation Champion by SAP Signavio. The award was made for initiating an ambitious transformation plan using Signavio Process Insights to understand and enhance its business processes leveraging SAP best practices, and for backing this up with an impressive workshop training programme.

Dr Farouk said: This forum has served as an invaluable platform to explore the latest advancements in digital transformation and the role of AI in boosting business growth across various sectors. I have also been impressed by SAPs contributions to sustainable development and environmental conservation through digital transformation.

Process automation

Other areas of interest for customers included SAP Signavios role in process automation. Paolo Pizzigati, IT Manager of Italys Alfasigma, said: From this conference, I realise that Signavio can help my organisation to design, model, and optimise most of the business processes. Moreover, it can be an important tool to identify areas for process improvement and automation of time-consuming activities, which is a key point in Alfasigmas roadmap. I envisage using Signavio to conduct regular process performance analysis and to identify bottlenecks and areas for optimisation.

Select SAP Signavio customers, including Fady Emad, VP of Technology at the MAGRABi UAE, served on panels at the event, sharing their insights and experiences on how technology can future-proof businesses. He summed up the event saying, "This was a great opportunity to network with other business leaders and learn from their experiences with digital transformation. I was particularly impressed by the case studies presented by the SAP Signavio team and customers on how to use the platform to streamline processes and improve efficiency and overall company productivity. The insights were aligned seamlessly with our strategy in MAGRABi for the modernisation of our core technology platforms."--TradeArabia News Service
BRUSSELS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- A humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be avoided "as far as possible," said Josep Borrell, the European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Monday.

Borrell was speaking at talks on the Israel-Hamas conflict during the EU's Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.

"We have to avoid as far as possible a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In order to achieve this, it is absolutely imperative that we provide humanitarian aid and that the people who need it have access to it," said Borrell.

"We have had some first convoys, but not many," he said. Before the conflict, "there were about 100 lorries a day crossing into Gaza, now it is about 20 a day and the needs are even greater now than before."

"These first convoys are a positive signal, but we have to increase the number and the speed with which the convoys go in," he added. "We have to provide medicine, food, and the ministers agreed that we also need to provide the fuel that is necessary to make the desalination plants work."

The EU and its member states will continue their intense outreach to regional partners and international actors to prevent a broader regional escalation, said the EU Council in a statement, adding that it upholds its "ultimate objective to achieve a two-state solution."

EU foreign ministers also discussed the long-term perspective for peace in the region, agreeing that it is crucial to re-energize the political process.

A convoy of 20 trucks entered Gaza through Rafah on Saturday, the first in two weeks since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Palestinians.

The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off. 
BERLIN, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- One sailor has died and four remain missing after two cargo ships collided early on Tuesday in the North Sea off the German coast. Two people were rescued, the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) and the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) said.

The collision between the cargo ships Polesie and Verity occurred around 22 kilometers southwest of the island of Helgoland and 31 kilometers northeast of the island of Langeoog in the North Sea.

The smaller freighter Verity is presumed sunk after the collision. The second freighter, Polesie, is understood to be still seaworthy and the 22 people on board are "unharmed according to current knowledge."

"The airspace above the accident site is closed within a radius of ten nautical miles in order not to obstruct the search operation," the maritime rescue services said in a statement.

Numerous ships as well as a German navy helicopter are involved in the rescue operation. A sensor aircraft was also flying over the area to "obtain further information," the statement said. The area was currently experiencing strong winds and waves of up to three meters.

The search is also supported by a cruise ship, with doctors on board who could provide medical care.

"My thoughts are with the crew members and their families," Germany's Transport Minister Volker Wissing said on Tuesday. "I thank the rescue teams, who have been in action since early morning. They are doing everything they can to rescue the missing."

The 91-meter-long Verity was on its way from Bremen to Immingham in the United Kingdom. The 190-meter-long and thus significantly larger Polesie, registered in the Bahamas, was heading from Hamburg to La Coruna in Spain, according to the statement. 
JERUSALEM, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Israel on Tuesday, said the priority should be the release of hostages held by Hamas.

In press statements alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron pledged support to Israel. He said France stands by Israel "today, tomorrow and the day after peace and stability," adding that Israel and France are united by the same "pain and grief."

He called upon the international community to prevent any escalation in the region and urged Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group and political party, as well as Iran, to refrain from actions that could potentially ignite further tensions.

For his part, Netanyahu said "everyone will be in danger if Hamas will not be destroyed," and Israel "must have a decisive victory against Hamas," threatening "horrible consequences" for Hezbollah if the group joined the escalation.

Macron arrived in Israel on Tuesday morning and was expected to also meet with the Palestinian leader later in the day. 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Joe Biden administration on Monday designated 31 technology hubs to help spur innovation, strengthen manufacturing and create jobs across the country.

"We're going to invest in critical technologies like biotechnology, critical materials, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, so the U.S. will lead the world again in innovation across the board," Biden said.

The tech hubs, spanning 32 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, focus on developing innovative industries, including semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, biotechnology, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, according to a statement released by the White House on Monday.

The designated regional tech hubs are located in states such as Montana, Wisconsin, Vermont, Nevada, Illinois and Oklahoma, a move to expand tech investment largely concentrated on a few U.S. cities - San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston - to other areas of the country.

The program, formally the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed by Biden in August 2022, according to the statement.

The tech hubs are the result of a process that the U.S. Commerce Department allocated in May a total of 500 million U.S. dollars in grants to cities.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that her department next year plans to award about five to 10 of the 31 tech hubs up to 75 million dollars each. 
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot taking a ride Sunday in the jump seat of a flight was subdued as he attempted to shut down the engines on flight, Alaska Air Group said on Monday.

Horizon Air flight 2059 took off at 5:23 p.m. Sunday local time from Everett, northwestern U.S. state of Washington, and was flying to San Francisco, California.

The flight, which had 80 passengers on board with two pilots flying and two flight attendants in the passenger cabin, diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it landed safely, and the Alaska Airlines pilot was arrested.

The pilot, who was en route to San Francisco, where he was scheduled to be on a flight crew of a 737, sat in the jump seat on the flight deck just behind the captain and first officer flying the jet, local media reported.

The Horizon Air captain and first officer "quickly responded," engine power was not lost, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident, said Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and its regional subsidiary Horizon Air.

A Federal Aviation Administration notice called it a "significant security event."

The "jump seat passenger" attempted "to disable aircraft engines while at cruise altitude by deploying the engine fire suppression system," the notice stated.

"The crew was able to subdue the suspect and was removed from the flight deck," it added.

The engine fire suppression system on the Embraer 175 jet is activated by two handles on the instrument panel on the ceiling of the cockpit above the pilots. Pulling the handle cuts electrical and hydraulic power to the engine and closes the fuel line.

Alaska Air spokesperson Alexa Rudin said that "fortunately some residual fuel remains in the line, and the quick reaction of our crew to reset the handles restored fuel flow and prevented fuel starvation."

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office website, the Alaska Airlines pilot, Joe Emerson, 44, was arrested by Port of Portland Police and booked into jail Monday morning.

Emerson is being held on suspicion of attempted murder and reckless endangerment. 
In this article, we will look at the 20 jobs that artificial intelligence cant replace. We have also discussed the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Jobs that Artificial Intelligence Cant Replace.

How Far Has AI Come?

We all understand and believe in the game-changing nature of artificial intelligence that has permeated every aspect of our personal and professional lives. To quantify this understanding, PwC's Global Artificial Intelligence Study has highlighted the immense potential of AI, with a projected $15.7 trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030. This impact will also be translated into a 26% boost in GDP for local economies. Improvement in labor productivity and product enhancements are set to drive economic gains and stimulate consumer demand with increased personalization.

China and North America are expected to lead with a contribution of $10.7 trillion, nearly 70% of the global impact. With this overwhelming potential, it was inevitable for artificial intelligence to have a role in the disruption of employment and jobs around the world.

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT)s recent Work Trend Index report based on interviews with 31,000 individuals across different markets, has highlighted the urgency of acquiring artificial intelligence skills. The report reveals that AI aptitude is critical for staying relevant in the workforce. Notably, 82% of business leaders believe employees must upskill to adapt to the AI age, but 60% of workers currently lack these necessary capabilities.

In terms of the companys developments in AI, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT)s new AI assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, is set to become available to users starting on November 1st. This assistant will summarize meetings in Microsoft Teams for those who choose not to attend and create documents and presentations. It uses technology similar to ChatGPT, which Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) invested in through OpenAI. Copilot costs $30 per month and operates online. While it's expected to improve productivity, some critics express concerns about potential job disruptions and over-reliance on AI tools. To read more about AI disruption, check our article about the industries being revolutionized by AI and automation technologies.

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On the other hand, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s Search Generative Experience (SGE) allows users to generate images and written drafts from text prompts. This development will transform content creation by offering new tools for generating visual and written content. While Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is taking responsible steps to ensure its tools adhere to policies and guidelines, these AI-driven features can potentially disrupt and change creative and content-related professions.

The disruption of AI is not just limited to jobs. In fact, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s AI is optimizing traffic lights in multiple cities, reducing wait times and emissions. Preliminary results indicate that Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s AI has reduced stops by up to 30% and emissions by 10% for 30 million vehicles monthly. This AI development addresses a long-standing issue and makes urban life more sustainable.

Future of the Ultimate Transition to Artificial Intelligence

Recent research reveals that Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s AI development may soon consume an alarming amount of electricity, potentially rivaling the energy consumption of entire countries like Argentina, the Netherlands, or Sweden by 2027. The research estimates that if Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) transitioned its entire search business to AI, it could use as much electricity as Ireland, reaching 29.3 terawatt-hours annually. However, this scenario assumes full-scale AI adoption using current hardware and software, which is faced by challenges like a limited supply of powerful GPUs.

How Many Jobs will AI Replace By 2030?

While the exact number of jobs AI will replace by 2030 may not be known but there are projections about the impact it will create. According to a recent McKinsey Global Institute study, nearly 12 million American workers may have to transition to new occupations by 2030, owing to the proliferation of AI with an aging population and the expansion of e-commerce.

The study identifies that ai technologies could automate up to 30% of work hours in the US by 2030 and will affect roles in office support, customer service, and food services. It is also worth noting that positions in customer service and data entry are among the jobs already replaced by AI. Moreover, with the advent of self-checkouts, jobs in retail stores as cashiers have also been largely reduced. To read more about jobs AI will replace in the future, check our article Jobs That Will Disappear in the Future Due to AI.

AI has evolved in several ways in recent years, with the industry now valued at over $100 billion. Heavyweights like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and OpenAI are in fierce competition, leading to the rapid development of sophisticated large language models. These models can outperform humans in different tasks, from strategy games to diagnosing cancers and composing music.

However, they have not reached Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the point where AI possesses human-like cognitive abilities. AGI is still a goal as AI has limitations in creativity and emotional awareness. It is due to this very limitation that we have several jobs that artificial intelligence can not replace.

20 Jobs that Artificial Intelligence Cant Replace

A contractor working on home repairs, perfecting the details of a homeowner's dream. Editorial photo for a financial news article. 8k. --ar 16:9

Methodology

To list jobs that artificial intelligence cant replace, we identified 3 common qualities that can make jobs resistant to AI. Firstly, jobs that involve complex and nuanced human interactions, like therapy and counseling, are far from being replaced by AI. Secondly, jobs that rely on creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, like artists, fashion designers, and chefs, are challenging for AI to replicate as they involve original thinking and personal expression.

Lastly, jobs that demand specialized physical skills, dexterity, and expertise, such as surgeons, are generally less susceptible to AI replacement as they require precision and real-time decision-making with adaptability.

To rank these jobs in order, we have scored these jobs out of a total score of 60 based on the representation of these three features on the basis of consensus from Reddit threads. A higher score indicates a lesser likelihood for the job being replaced by AI. The list is presented in ascending order.

20. Event Planners

IM Score: 20

Event planners require human creativity and interpersonal skills to meet unique client needs and handle unforeseen circumstances. AI may assist with logistical tasks but can't replicate (even if it simulates) the emotional intelligence, intuition, and personal touch necessary for successful event planning.

19. Teachers

IM Score: 22

While AI can provide information and assist in education or training, human teachers offer emotional support, adaptability to individual learning styles, and valuable mentorship. Teachers, especially vocational training teachers, foster creativity and precision, which AI cannot offer. It is one of the jobs least likely to be replaced by AI.

18. Plumbers

IM Score: 24

Plumbers deal with different and unstandardized plumbing systems, requiring problem-solving and adaptability. They must assess unique situations, account for local regulations, and consider the nuances of individual homes. AI lacks the human judgment necessary for plumbing tasks.

17. Electricians

IM Score: 26

AI can't fully replace electricians because their job requires adapting to complex and unpredictable electrical systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safety. Electricians also need to interact with clients, making interpersonal skills and judgment vital areas where AI struggles.

16. Welder and Moulders

IM Score: 28

These professionals work on different projects with varying materials, thicknesses, and shapes, demanding precise control and expertise. They must make real-time adjustments based on visual and tactile feedback, which AI currently struggles to replicate accurately. Welding and molding also require creativity and innovation in problem-solving for complex, non-standard projects. It is worth mentioning that underwater welders have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

15. Agricultural Equipment Operators

IM Score: 30

Agriculture often involves intricate decision-making based on weather conditions, soil quality, and crop maturity, requiring human judgment. Moreover, agriculture often involves working in unstructured, dynamic environments where AI rarely performs reliably. Reinforcement learning is one technique used to train AI models on such tasks and the technique is rife with challenges, namely, getting the model to learn optimal behavior.

14. Clergy and Religious Leaders

IM Score: 34

Artificial intelligence lacks the human qualities of "spirituality" and moral judgment that are essential for clergy and religious leaders. These roles involve personal and emotional connections, guiding individuals through faith and life's complexities. It is one of the jobs that artificial intelligence cant replace.

13. Nurses

IM Score: 35

Nurses offer emotional support, administer medication for patients, and make swift, ethical decisions. Since human touch and intuition are vital in nursing, AI can't fully replicate these capabilities. Besides, when one is sick, the warmth of human support becomes essential. Thus, nursing is one of the jobs AI will probably never replace.

12. Personal Shoppers and Stylists

IM Score: 39

Personal shoppers and stylists involve intricate human understanding of fashion trends and personal preferences. AI may assist with suggestions but can't grasp unique individual styles, emotions, and cultural nuances. It is one of the jobs AI cant replace, not even chatGPT.

11. Chefs and Culinary Experts

IM Score: 40

Artificial intelligence can never replace culinary experts owing to the nuanced artistry, innovation, and sensory experiences of these professionals, which AI can not achieve. It can assist in recipe generation and optimization but can't match their holistic culinary expertise.

10. Fashion Designer

IM Score: 42

Artificial intelligence in fashion design lacks the intuition and cultural awareness that human designers possess. It can analyze data and generate designs but can't add the artistic flair and trend-setting oomph that make fashion designers uniquely creative and adaptable to ever-changing styles and tastes.

9. Emergency Responders

IM Score: 44

AI cannot replace emergency responders like firefighters because their roles demand quick physical responses to rapidly changing, life-threatening situations. Firefighters require complex decision-making and physical strength, mostly under unpredictable circumstances. It is one of the jobs that artificial intelligence cant replace.

8. Musicians

IM Score: 46

The job of artists like musicians is unlikely to be fully replaced by AI because creativity, emotion, and the ability to convey relatable human experiences are integral to art. For example, AI can compose music, but it can't infuse it with the personal experiences and emotions that make it truly meaningful.

7. Social Workers

IM Score: 47

AI can't fully replace social workers due to their role's deeply human and emotionally sensitive aspects. Social work entails understanding and addressing complex, personal, and often traumatic situations. It is one of the jobs that won't be automated by AI.

6. Carpenters

IM Score: 48

Carpenters create custom woodwork and structures, demanding creativity, craftsmanship, and adaptability. It is one of the jobs AI cant replace anytime soon.

Click here to see the 5 Jobs that Artificial Intelligence Cant Replace.

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Disclosure: None. 20 Jobs that Artificial Intelligence Cant Replace is originally published on Insider Monkey.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia's only focused exhibiting platform for agri-food technology, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) returns for its second edition this year from 31 October to 2 November at Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Organised by Constellar with international content partner DLG (the German Agricultural Society), AFTEA is a key participating event of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), hosted by Temasek and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and supported by the Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), the Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

With a focus on building capacity, security and resilience in Asia's agri-food system, AFTEA 2023 aims to inspire efficiencies in urban food production through the extensive showcase of agri-tech solutions and technologies by almost 200 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions. This year's edition is 30% bigger in exhibition floor space and will host 75% new exhibitors, including new country pavilions from Australia, Bhutan and Spain, as well as representations from China, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, New Calendonia, Philippines and Tahiti.

Alongside rising populations and rising wealth, Asia now accounts for more than 60% of global protein consumption. The Asian consumer appetite for conventional meat and seafood is also projected to increase by 33 per cent by 2030 and 78 per cent by 2050. This puts immense pressure on protein markets in Asia to meet this demand in a sustainable and scalable way while meeting the region's climate goals. To this end, the desire for healthier and sustainable food is estimated to drive 55% of food spending in Asia by 2030, equivalent to USD$2.4 trillion.

"Building food resilience and security in Asia is a collective responsibility," said Paul Lee, Chief Executive (Markets), Constellar. "As the region collectively accelerates net zero ambitions, Constellar is proud to drive change in Asia's food production systems through a focused platform like Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia for Asia's agriculture sectors. The Expo plays a pivotal role in catalysing the development of the region's agri-tech ecosystem, by convening key players and decision makers from around the world to explore ideas, solutions and technologies. We hope this continues to spur innovation that strengthens industry capacity and capabilities, as we build a food secure Asia for future generations." Visitors to AFTEA 2023 will have extensive opportunities for networking, learning and knowledge-sharing over the three days.

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Highlights at AFTEA 2023

Agri-Food Tech Change Makers Pavilion : Powered by Impact Circle and Innovate 360, in collaboration with Space F, nearly 40 start-ups from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand will gather to pitch their solutions and services to potential partners and investors.

Lim Chu Kang Agri-Food Hub Showcase : Envisioned to be a highly productive, sustainable and resource-efficient agri-food cluster, the exhibition by the Singapore Food Agency at AFTEA 2023 showcases the overview of the vision for Lim Chu Kang (LCK) as Singapore's flagship agri-food production hub of the future. Visitors can get a glimpse of the future of LCK, with the exhibition featuring design ideas for the LCK Concept Master Plan. These includes its potential farming practices and facilities, such as an innovative stacked farm concept which will optimise land use, a district cooling facility to provide cooling needs for farms and reduce energy consumption, and a centralised waste treatment facility to process farm waste collected from the district and reduce the negative impact from the environment.

World's First Cultivated Meat Pavilion: Hosted by the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA), exhibitors Avant Proteins Pte Ltd, Umami Bioworks Pte Ltd, Meatable B.V, Gourmey, DPR Construction Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, JS Biosciences Co Ltd, Vital Meat, and Kosmode Health will showcase their alternative protein production and products.

Living Lab Tech Showcase: Companies Arianetech Pte Ltd and GRAIN International Pte Ltd will be demonstrating how their high tech urban farming systems are capable of growing produce with higher yield.

Circular Unite Community App: Together with Alibaba Cloud and Circular Unite, AFTEA 2023 will encourage participants to download the app and heighten their awareness on carbon footprint reduction, learn about their environmental impact of their everyday choices and commit to taking actionable steps towards a greener future.

Founder's Hub : The Founder's Hub will be focused on supporting start-ups in their journeys by providing them a safe space for them to pitch with exhibitors from the Cultivated Meat Pavilion, Canada and the United Kingdom, learn HR trends from Synovivo Consulting, and also empowered with inspiring stories from successful founders like Shiok Meat, Umami Bioworks, and Blue Aqua. The Founder's Hub will also play host on Day Two to the finalist teams from the Republic Polytechnic -Trendlines Agri-food Incubation Programme, as they pitch their agri-tech solutions to win a coveted 6-month incubation contract with Trendlines AFIC.

Sandbox: Participants can uncover investment and collaboration opportunities in Bhutan, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore and Spain. They will also be able to explore the market potential of novel ingredients with Nutricell Bioscience Molecules Pte. Ltd, ways to achieve sustainable food production with Siemens, as well as discuss approaches to advance careers in Singapore's agrifood and tech sectors with Workforce Singapore (WSG).

Other exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions include Aerospring Hydroponics, the Association for Small & Medium Entreprises (ASME), Haskell, GROW, Jah Cultura, Mindsprint, Nanyang Technological University's Singapore Agri-Food Innovation Lab and Food Science & Technology Programme, PRIVA, Republic Polytechnic's Urban Agricultural Centre of Innovation, the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited (SAFEF), Signify Singapore Pte Ltd and Temasek Polytechnic.

To visit AFTEA 2023, register here.

Contact the Constellar Communications team: comms@constellar.co

About Constellar

Constellar connects a global eco-system of event partners and consumers through a holistic portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. As Asia's partner of reference for curating innovative event and venue experiences, Constellar activates impactful networks to bring global markets, businesses and consumers together for sustainable growth. With our expertise and dedication, we are invested in helping you build trusted relationships with stakeholders for the long term and enabling cross-industry collaboration through world-class audience engagement solutions. Visit constellar.co for more information.

Cision

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SOURCE Constellar
DataHorizzon Research

The 5G chipset market is expanding with new opportunities due to persistent research.

Fort Collins, Colorado, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to DataHorizzon Research, the 5G Chipset Market size was valued at USD 39.5 Billion in 2022 and is expected to have a market size of USD 229.2 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 19.3%.

The semiconductor chips enable data aggregation, distribution, and processing among cloud, edge, and terminal, bringing the digital world comprised of communication chips, cellular networks, mobile terminals, and software platforms. The growing technological advancements in network infrastructure technologies have resulted in the development of 5G networks. Besides, 5G wireless technology delivers ultra-low latency, higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, more dependability, massive network capacity, and more uniform user knowledge to its end-users.

The growing demand for 5G in various industries such as electronics, healthcare, and aerospace & defense is driving its adoption. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2022, there is a continuous increase in smartphone users worldwide, with a decline in 4G adoption and a rise in 5G adoption. The demand for 5G-enabled smartphones is also increasing, and chipset manufacturers are making technological advancements to provide affordable 5G chipsets to expand the reach of 5G connectivity. It is expected that 5G users will surpass 1 billion by 2025, making it a significant driving factor in the 5G chipset market.

The adoption of ADAS systems in the automobile industry in both developed and developing economies is contributing to the growth of the 5G chipset market. This is due to the heavy reliance of these systems on the 5G chipset, which uses mm-wave IC to assist in various features such as lane change, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert, and automotive emergency braking in challenging environmental conditions.

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Segmentation Overview:

The global 5G chipset market has been segmented into type, frequency, end-user, and region. In the 5G chipset market, mm-wave ICs dominate due to their widespread use in mobile phones and autonomous vehicles. The sub-6 GHz category also has a significant market share, primarily used in mobile phones for network coverage. 5G connectivity is crucial for M2M communication and IoT in smart cities and automation, with the United States accounting for half of the total mobile connections.

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5G Chipset Market Report Highlights:

The global 5G chipset market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 19.3% by 2032.

The demand for 5G network infrastructure solutions is boosting growth, enabling the interconnection of new industries and improving efficiency while reducing costs.

North America is the leading market due to its role in advancing technology and the presence of major players such as Intel, Qualcomm, and Broadcom.

Some prominent players in the 5G chipset market report include Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Intel Corporation, MediaTek Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, Broadcom, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Skyworks Solution, Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Xilinx, Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Unisoc Technologies Co., Ltd., Sivers IMA, Arm Limited, Fibocom Wireless Inc., and Quectel among others.

Industry Trends and Insights:

To enhance their IoT solutions, Quectel Wireless Solutions and MikroElektronika have released the LC29H series RTK Click Boards.

TSINGHUA UNIGROUP has appointed Mr. Ma Daojie as Chairman of UNISOC to strengthen its strategic planning and management.

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5G Chipset Market Segmentation:

By Type: mmWave IC, Application-specific Integrated Circuits, Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit, Cellular IC, Field-programmable Gate Array

By Frequency: Sub  6 GHz, 24-29 GHz, Above 39GHz

By Industry: Automotive, Energy, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Industrial Automation and Others

By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

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Yet despite client need, only 39% of advisors are actively advising on investment properties

AUSTIN, Texas, October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New research completed by Wealth Management IQ in collaboration with Realized, a leading provider of Investment Property Wealth Management, finds that 62% of financial advisors surveyed see investment property wealth management as a key differentiator for their practice. Related, 58% of advisors currently advising clients on investment property said investment property has definitely been a good investment for their clients over the last 10 years.

However, despite the differentiation benefits for advisors, the diversification benefits for clients, and the overall value add of real estate investment for retirement, the majority of financial advisors are not managing investment property wealth for their clients.

Advantage & Concerns

The advisors surveyed believe a variety of factors are either "critical" or "very important" factors when investing in commercial real estate, including portfolio diversification (66%), asset value growth (64%), and tax advantages (62%).

However, for advisors who are not currently advising clients on real estate, some of the top concerns include regulatory and compliance restrictions (41%), increased liability (38%), and a limited understanding of the real estate market (35%). Other key points of concern were a lack of processes or platforms to make investments (30%) or a lack of integrated tools to assist with the planning processes (27%).

David Wieland, CEO of Realized Holdings, said, "Advisors are in the business of managing risk for clients and their own practices. Historically, the real estate industry has been opaque and challenging to navigate, both from an administrative and risk assessment standpoint. In addition, most advisors can benefit from assisting their clients in generating consistent tax alpha on direct investment properties. The Realized Technology platform offers unique partnership opportunities for forward-thinking advisors. Specifically, the option to bring new assets under management by managing risk, maximizing tax benefits, and simultaneously moving your clients toward their retirement goals."

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A Growing Opportunity

37% of the surveyed advisors have 25-plus years of experience as financial services professionals, predominantly serving the Baby Boomer generation (42%). These experienced financial services professionals are working with client populations in the midst of retirement, where diversification, stability of income, and diversified, tax-efficient portfolios are of particular importance. On average, respondents reported that 18% of their client base currently holds investment properties.

Wieland commented, "Investment properties remain one of the most significant but least understood vehicles for wealth building across generations. Baby boomers have about $6.4 trillion of equity in investment properties-- about 10.5% of their net worth. Advisors are increasingly seeing the need to include real estate knowledge to provide holistic, comprehensive support for their clients. While theres an immediate need to serve retirees, the opportunity for building bridges with the next generations (and potential future customers) cannot be overlooked. The nature of investment property wealth makes it sticky and strengthens that long-term advisor-client relationship across generations."

Despite the demand from clients, only four in ten respondents (39%) are actively advising clients on real estate, leaving about 60% of advisors not tapping a significant mode of diversification and wealth building for clients. As a result, advisors who offer real estate investment support as part of their service offerings gain new opportunities to grow their practice with existing and new clients.

Other notable findings from the survey include:

The primary reason surveyed advisors make real estate recommendations as part of client financial plans is to diversify their clients investment portfolios (68%). That is followed closely by providing a source of current income (63%). Trailing, at 36%, is adding an asset to fund future liabilities, including retirement income.

The average portfolio of investment property wealth is $750K, or about 12% of a clients portfolio. This survey finding is consistent with Realized research suggesting Baby Boomers have approximately 10.5% of their net worth in investment properties.

Methodology

To find out about advisors attitudes toward investment properties and their experience with the asset class, Wealth Management IQ, in cooperation with Realized, recently fielded a comprehensive survey of advisors. Beginning August 20, 2023, WealthManagement.com emailed invitations to participate in an online survey to active users. WealthManagement.com received 535 qualified responses by September 5, 2023. The full results of the survey will be shared during a live webinar on Thursday, October 26.

About Realized

Through Realized Financial, Inc. ("Realized"), Realized provides investment property wealth solutions to individuals and families that own legacy real estate investments and other appreciated financial and capital assets. Investors use the Realized platform to tax-efficiently transfer wealth from legacy properties into passive portfolios providing regular income during retirement. To learn more, visit www.realized1031.com.

No public market currently exists, and one may never exist. DST/QOZ programs are speculative and suitable only for Accredited Investors who do not anticipate a need for liquidity or can afford to lose their entire investment.

These investments are sold by PPM that discloses all risks, fees, and expenses. An investor should consult with his/her tax advisor prior to investing.

Securities are offered through Realized Financial, Inc. ("Realized") a wholly owned subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024358689/en/

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Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital Dewa, has teamed up with Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-powered experience to transform customer engagement and contact centre operations.

The partnership was signed between Mohammed Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub and Marianne Calder, VP of EMEA Partner Sales from Genesys on the sidelines of the recent Gitex Global 2023.

This collaboration with Genesys is a testament to Moro Hub's commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions to clients. In todays competitive business landscape, delivering exceptional customer experiences is fundamental to a company's success. By enhancing the power of our state-of-the-art technology, we aim to help businesses in the country to reshape their customer service operations, optimise communication processes, and elevate customer interactions, said Bin Sulaiman.

Reducing downtime

With this partnership Moro Hub will enable enterprises to access cloud-based solutions, to facilitate streamlined operations, reduce downtime, and optimise resource allocation. Leveraging Genesys' advanced analytics capabilities will provide Moro Hubs clients with valuable insights into customer behavior, guiding data-driven decisions and facilitating continuous service improvement.

Our partnership with Moro Hub represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to transform customer experience. We look forward to establishing a new CX industry standard together and empowering organisations to deliver world-class customer service solutions for effective business growth, said Calder.

Genesys Cloud CX helps organisations offer frictionless and connected customer and employee experiences. As a modern, API-first experience orchestration platform, Genesys Cloud CX enables organisations to coordinate every interaction and touchpoint through a full suite of omnichannel options, built-in employee experience, turnkey AI and end-to-end journey optimisation.--TradeArabia News Service
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Hostelworld Group implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

51% of the business is held by the top 7 shareholders

Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business

Every investor in Hostelworld Group plc (LON:HSW) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. With 75% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. Therefore, a good portion of institutional money invested in the company is usually a huge vote of confidence on its future.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Hostelworld Group.

Check out our latest analysis for Hostelworld Group

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Hostelworld Group?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Hostelworld Group. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Hostelworld Group, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Hostelworld Group. Aberforth Partners LLP is currently the largest shareholder, with 15% of shares outstanding. Gresham House Asset Management Limited is the second largest shareholder owning 10% of common stock, and Premier Fund Managers Ltd. holds about 9.4% of the company stock.

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We also observed that the top 7 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Hostelworld Group

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Shareholders would probably be interested to learn that insiders own shares in Hostelworld Group plc. As individuals, the insiders collectively own UK3.0m worth of the UK144m company. It is good to see some investment by insiders, but we usually like to see higher insider holdings. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 12% stake in Hostelworld Group. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Equity Ownership

With a stake of 10%, private equity firms could influence the Hostelworld Group board. Some might like this, because private equity are sometimes activists who hold management accountable. But other times, private equity is selling out, having taking the company public.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Hostelworld Group , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
This is an allegedly illegal listing for 207 Columbus Avenue in New York City, according to a lawsuit against Airbnb and a tenant/host.

A New York City building owner filed a legal motion Monday asking that Airbnb and a host show why they should not be held in contempt of court for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order related to a short-term rental listing.

Plaintiff Columbus 69th LLC, the building owner, asked the judge to impose penalties for the alleged violation. A hearing is scheduled for October 30 in a New York State court.

The owner had placed the building on the citys so-called banned building list, which blocks short-term rentals. The owner had gotten a temporary restraining order against the host and Airbnb.

But the contempt motion, filed by attorney Michael Pensabene of Rosenberg & Estis, alleges that guests were spotted in the apartment on October 17, and that the listing was still on Airbnb and advertising for future bookings. The court papers stated that the guests said they booked the apartment on October 15.



The apartment can accommodate 16+ guests, has three bedrooms, eight beds and 1.5 baths, and goes for $1,037 per night, according to a photo in the court documents.

As Defendants have willfully disregarded and ignored the TRO [Temporary Restraining Order], this Court must hold them accountable for their unlawful actions, the motion stated. Defendants have taken no efforts to comply with the TRO and are clearly in contempt of Court by allowing the transient activity at the Premises to continue, the plaintiff alleged.

Nathan Rotman, Public Policy Regional Lead for Airbnb, said Airbnb is working closely with the OSE as it implements the new registration law, referring to New York Citys Office of Special Enforcement.

Local Law 18 Required Airbnb Hosts and Others to Register With NYC

The lawsuit grows out New York Citys Local Law 18, which requires eligible hosts to register with the city. However, hosts would have to be present in the apartment during the stay and cant accommodate more than two guests, among other rules.

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The plaintiff noted that, as a building owner, it is facing numerous fines from the city because of the defendants short-term rental activity. The plaintiff added that short-term rental activity in the building is a safety hazard and that numerous building residents have complained about guests.

The plaintiff is seeking civil and criminal penalties against Airbnb and the tenant for allegedly violating the temporary restraining order, and is also seeking a permanent restraining order.

Defendants actions are the absolute epitome of contempt and must be recognized as such, the contempt motion states.

Get breaking travel news and exclusive hotel, airline, and tourism research and insights at Skift.com.
One Brand initiative creates a strong growth platform for market expansion, multi-service cross-selling, and strategic M&A

MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aleph, an ecosystem of local digital experts and technology-driven solutions, launches its 'One Brand' initiative, uniting its unique range of brands under the Aleph name.

Aleph's expertise is connecting thousands of advertisers with billions of consumers globally and creating markets for local businesses to grow through digital advertising. The Group's multiple, largely regional brands included Httpool, IMS Internet Media Services, Ad Dynamo and Connect Ads, and served as the adtech partner of choice for the world's leading platforms, advertisers and agencies.

Now, the Group, headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Dubai, UAE, will immediately re-brand the majority* of its legacy brands to Aleph, creating a truly unified, global ecosystem of local experts in the process. This will also support Aleph's medium-term growth strategy: by 2026, Aleph aims to partner with more than 60 top digital platforms and help them offer innovative advertising solutions to clients in more than 150 countries. Through the One Brand initiative, Aleph will enable greater collaboration and knowledge sharing, enhance professional development, and amplify opportunities to offer its full suite of services beyond the 22k advertisers and 45+ platform partners it serves today. It also creates a platform for Aleph to strengthen its position in existing markets, expand into new regions, accelerate organic growth, and explore M&A opportunities that align with its strategic objectives.

The initiative will also help Aleph build on the tangible progress made in recent years. Since 2021, the Group has expanded from 90 markets to 130+, now spanning five continents; and grown to serve more than 45 partners with a dedicated team of digital experts around the world. Through its global reach, unrivaled local knowledge and scalable solutions, Aleph helps clients enter new markets in a cost-effective and de-risked way as they expand internationally.

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Gaston Taratuta, Founder and CEO at Aleph, and former EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022, commented: "At Aleph, we are beginning an exciting new chapter that brings our local experts and proprietary technology under one powerful brand, Aleph. That is the purpose of our One Brand initiative, a strategic direction towards a unified future where our global expertise enables us to deliver unparalleled value to our partners, advertisers, agencies, and SMBs worldwide."

Beyond its core adtech proposition, Aleph has also expanded through differentiation in recent months with the launch of Aleph Payments and Aleph Express. Building on Aleph's nearly two decades of experience managing cross-border credit and payments for its partners, Aleph Payments provides a standalone credit underwriting and payments solution for businesses. Aleph Payments simplifies the financial complexities from KYC, local billing, collections, forex exchange and tax settlements, and cross-border payments, allowing businesses to focus on their main operations. Aleph Payments currently manages over $2bn worth of cross-border credit and payments.

Meanwhile, Aleph Express, Aleph's proprietary solution for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, provides a platform for entrepreneurs to create and maintain a free e-commerce website, create a product catalog, discounts and coupons and record and process orders. Most innovatively, Aleph Express provides one unified inbox that integrates Messenger, Instagram, andsoonWhatsApp, to enable businesses to efficiently engage and sell on the social platform of their choice - all in one place.

Finally, Aleph's commercial strategy is underpinned by Digital Ad Expert , the Group's social initiative to create economic opportunities through digital advertising education. Totally free, fully online, and designed by global digital advertising experts in the field, Digital Ad Expert has nearly 600,000 active users registered to the platform, certified more than 75,000 students from across 140+ countries in short courses, and awarded more than 10,000 students with their full Digital Ad Certificate. To create even more value for students, Digital Ad Expert recently joined UNESCO's Global Education Coalition and supports its ambitious plans to upskill ten million people by 2029. This is in addition to Digital Ad Expert's medium-term target to certify 100,000 students from around the world.

Across the Group, One Brand will enable Aleph to more effectively work with partners to scale Aleph Payments, Aleph Express, and Digital Ad Expert.

"Our vision for One Brand goes beyond unifying our visual identity," adds Taratuta. "It's about embracing innovation, fostering professional development, and accelerating economic growth in the markets we operate in. By equipping thousands of digital media experts with the skills they need to excel, we are not just shaping the future of digital advertising  we're shaping future economies and providing dignity through education, the only currency that never depreciates in value."

Media contacts

press@alephholding.com

aleph@hudsonsandler.com

About Aleph

Aleph is an ecosystem of global digital experts and technology-driven solutions that enables the growth of digital marketing. We connect thousands of advertisers with billions of consumers and create markets for local businesses to grow through digital advertising. Aleph is active in more than 130 primarily emerging countries and helps advertisers engage with consumers on over 45 of the world's leading digital platforms, such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, Pinterest, Reddit, Snap, Spotify, TikTok, Twitch, Uber, X (formerly Twitter) and others.

Through tailored solutions built on proprietary technology, through our local teams, we provide media partnerships, proprietary ad tech solutions, digital advertising education and cross-border payment solutions. We excel in expanding into unfamiliar territories and navigating local and central bank regulations Through Aleph Payments, our cross border credit underwriting & payments service, we simplify complexities from KYC, local billing in 49 currencies, collections, tax settlement, exchange settlement, cross-border credits and payments allowing businesses to focus on their main business operations.

Aleph was established in 2021 after evolving from IMS' birth in 2005, and continues to be led by its founding CEO, Gaston Taratuta, EY Entrepreneur of the World 2022, with a vision to accelerate the global shift from offline to online and drive long-term economic growth. To support this shift, Aleph launched its own social initiative, Digital Ad Expert, which is on a mission to create economic opportunities through digital advertising education.

Aleph's approach has been highly successful to date. In recent years, the Group has scaled up to more than 1,600 employees in 65+ offices across 5 continents and has secured investment from institutional partners including CVC Partners, Mercado Libre, Sony, X (Formerly Twitter), and Snap.

Notes to Editors

*Selva (formerly Social Snack), The Mediam Group, Clever Ads, and Wise.Blue will continue as unique brands, part of Aleph Group, Inc. The Aleph contracting entities remain unchanged.

Cision

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SOURCE Aleph Group, Inc
AMSTERDAM, October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a+" (Excellent) of GreenStars BNP Paribas S.A. (GreenStars) (Luxembourg), a subsidiary of BNP Paribas SA (BNP Paribas). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect GreenStars balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings also consider, in the form of rating lift, AM Bests expectation that BNP Paribas will provide financial support to the company, if needed. The shareholder has historically allowed GreenStars to retain all of its earnings since its incorporation in 2009.

GreenStars very strong balance sheet strength assessment is supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects GreenStars risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at the strongest level, supported by good internal capital generation and low net underwriting leverage. The companys dependence on reinsurance is high, although the associated credit risk is mitigated partially by its diversified and well-rated reinsurance panel.

GreenStars strong operating performance is demonstrated by its return on capital and surplus of 15.2% for the five-year period ending in 2022, as calculated by AM Best. Historical performance has been driven largely by the companys low loss experience, which has helped it obtain high inward ceding and profit commissions. AM Best expects the companys prospective performance to remain strong, albeit subject to potential volatility stemming from weakened global macroeconomic conditions. GreenStars extensive reinsurance programme helps to mitigate the effect of potential claims volatility on a net basis.

GreenStars provides support for BNP Paribas lending operations, as a credit-risk management tool. The companys business profile benefits from having direct access to the groups good quality credit risks. While GreenStars is concentrated in credit insurance, its business profile assessment reflects its diversification by geography, type of credit risk and obligor.

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AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Bests Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Contacts

Morgane Hillebrandt

Senior Financial Analyst

+31 20 308 5422

morgane.hillebrandt@ambest.com



Dr. Mathilde Jakobsen

Senior Director, Analytics

+31 20 308 5427

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Among the most explosive allegations in the ongoing indictments of former President Donald Trump is that he shared state secrets with Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt. The Australian news program 60 Minutes reported this weekend on audio recordings it obtained that revealed Pratts extraordinary dealings with the former president.

Pratt, Australias third-richest person, allegedly learned state secrets about the U.S. militarys nuclear submarines from the former president, as ABC News first reported earlier this month, citing unnamed sources. Trump has refuted the allegations, posting on Truth Social over the weekend that his conversations with the red haired weirdo from Australia centered on creating jobs in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

According to ABC News, Pratt, the billionaire owner of a cardboard box company, learned the classified information while speaking with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps country club in West Palm Beach, Fla. During the conversation, the former president allegedly told Pratt two pieces of critical information about the U.S.s nuclear submarines: how many nuclear warheads are aboard each submarine and how close they can get to a Russian sub without being detected, according to ABC News. Pratt then shared that information with around 45 other people, ABC claimed.

To date, Pratt has not been charged with wrongdoing, and it is unclear if Pratt believed Trumps alleged statements or if they were even accurate. Still, media reports noted that Pratt was interviewed twice by special counsel Jack Smith, who is investigating the classified documents case brought against the former president.

Pratt inherited a very successful cardboard box company from his father

Like Trump, Pratt had a wealthy father who built much of the familys business. The father, Robert Pratt, was an Australian businessman who founded the cardboard and recycling company Visy. An article in the Australian Financial Review likened the Pratt familys ascent to that of the Murdochs and the Packers, globally known Australian billionaire clans who have faced their own share of controversy.

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Pratt, who has a net worth of $9 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is the owner of Pratt Industries, a box company that was among the first to manufacture cardboard from recycled materials. He is also the executive chair of Visy, the Australian arm of the family cardboard box business his father Robert started. While the younger Pratt was in his thirties, his father sent him to oversee a paper mill in Macon, Ga., and while the family ended up selling that plant, Pratts ties to the U.S. have remained strong ever since. Today he leads the Atlanta-based Pratt Industries. He is married to American Claudine Revere, whose company is a caterer for Trumps Central Park ice-skating rink, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Pratt Industries does $6 billion in revenue annually and has about 10,000 U.S. employees, according to the companys website. (Visy did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fortune. Multiple calls to Pratt Industries were directed to a nonfunctioning voicemail box.)

Inherited wealth, used to cultivate relationships

Once Trump was elected president in 2016, Pratt undertook a successful campaign to enter the former presidents social, business, and political circles, according to the New York Times.

Pratt shelled out at least $200,000 for a membership to Mar-a-Lago, once spent $1 million to attend a $50,000-a-head event where Trump was present, and even took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal praising Trumps policies for creating manufacturing jobs in the Midwest, according to the Australian Financial Review.

US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Global Chairman of Pratt/Visy Industries Anthony Pratt (2R) as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison looks on during a visit to Pratt Industries plant opening in Wapakoneta, Ohio on September 22, 2019. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Like the former president, Pratt, who splits his time between a penthouse in New York and a house in Atlanta, has been a vocal supporter of American manufacturing. We want to be the last man standing here, he told the Australian Financial Review in 2015. A lot of companies sold out of America, but not us. When Pratt Industries opened a new factory in Ohio in 2019, then-President Trump visited the plant with the Australian prime minister.

Were here to celebrate a great opening and a great gentleman, Trump said at the event, adding, Anthony is one of the most successful men in the worldperhaps Australias most successful man.

For a while, that relationship seemed to pay off. The Trump-era tax cuts pushed through in 2017 reportedly helped Pratts personal net worth increase by about $2.7 billion Australian dollars, roughly $1.9 billion U.S., according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Pratts relationship with Trump isnt the only one to have brought him success, according to multiple media reports. Pratt once struck a deal with Home Depot CEO Bernie Marcus while the two were on a private tour of the Georgia Aquarium, to which they had both donated, according to the 2015 Australian Financial Review profile. And, before Trump soured on him, Pratt used to bring his billionaire friends to Mar-a-Lago, including mining billionaire and Australias richest person Gina Rinehart, and C-suite customers like Marcus.

When asked by an Australian reporter where Pratt expected the future of his companys business to come from, he replied, It is all about relationships.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Two employees of a West Ridge neighborhood store were battered by armed robbers whom opened fire at the business Monday night during a robbery, Chicago police said.

About 10:30 p.m., three robbers entered the store in the 2900 block of West Devon Avenue and demanded money. Two employees refused, and were struck in the head with a handgun, police said.

One of the robbers fired shots, but no one was hit. The employees, ages 65 and 49, were both taken to Swedish Covenant Hospital with lacerations to the head. Both were listed in good condition, police said.

No one was in custody, and detectives were investigatng.
AstraZeneca (AZN) is asking the FDA to approve its nasal flu vaccine, FluMist, for use at home  a move that would make it the first ever self-administered vaccine.

The pharmaceutical giant announced Tuesday morning that its supplemental license application, which was accepted by the FDA, requests approval for use in ages 2-49 at home. The vaccine has been around for 20 years, but has only been used in pharmacy or clinical settings.

AstraZeneca expects the FDA will make a decision by the first quarter of 2024.

Adults 18 and older would be allowed to self-administer the single-use nasal syringe and, also, give the vaccine to those aged 2-17, if approved, according to the company.

Lisa Glasser, head of US medical affairs, vaccines, and immune therapies at AstraZeneca, told Yahoo Finance the move comes as a result of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. "We put in people's hands nasal swabs to test for COVID, which people were very easily able to handle and continue to use," Glasser said.

Nurses prepare influenza vaccine injections during a flu shot clinic in Boston. (Brian Snyder/REUTERS) (Brian Snyder / Reuters)

The company said it is confident that people can also easily use the nasal syringe, which will be slightly different from nasal spray medications. It comes in a single syringe and will have specific instructions on how to use it.

Shipping the syringes to customers is another piece of the equation.

In order to send the vaccine to patients, AstraZeneca will have to ensure it stays at a certain temperature. But details about the packaging and shipment process are not yet available.

"I think what I could tell you right now is that people will be able to order FluMist through a website or an online pharmacy partner, it'll be shipped to their home, it'll be in a packaging that maintains the temperature controls required for the best vaccine," Glasser said.

She said the company pursued this idea in light of low flu vaccine uptake during the annual season. Even with low efficacy  about 50% this year  the flu vaccines do help reduce the disease's impact, Glasser said.

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"No, flu vaccines are not perfect. And while there's always potentially room for improvement in vaccines, a vaccine that's given is better than no vaccine," she added.

The latest move also opens the door for other diseases, like COVID-19. "There is actually an effort ongoing right now to produce a live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that would be intra-nasally delivered," Glasser said.

Since respiratory disease typically enter the body through the nose, getting a vaccine delivered at the point of entry is ideal, she said.

Anjalee Khemlani is the senior health reporter at Yahoo Finance, covering all things pharma, insurance, care services, digital health, PBMs, and health policy and politics. Follow Anjalee on all social media platforms @AnjKhem.

Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest health industry news and events impacting stock prices
Transparency Market Research

Adoption of new technology and improved infrastructure are expected to provide a much-needed boost to the rail transportation industry and consequently, augment autonomous trains market progress.

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The global autonomous trains market is projected to flourish at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2022 to 2031. As per the report published by TMR, a valuation of US$ 25.0 billion is anticipated for the market in 2031. As of 2023, the market for autonomous trains is expected to close at US$ 8.0 billion .



The increase in globalization and growing urbanization has led to a greater need for the transportation of goods and freight. It has also driven the demand for larger mobility solutions. A smaller, more connected world has further reinforced the trend of preference for autonomous rail transport.

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Rising tailpipe emission levels and the growing trend of electrification are also likely to boost autonomous trains market development across the globe. Autonomous trains can optimize routes, acceleration, and deceleration, leading to more efficient rail operations. They can also reduce the time intervals between trains, resulting in improved punctuality and increased capacity.

Advances in automation, sensors, artificial intelligence, and communication technologies have made it increasingly feasible to implement autonomous train systems.

Municipal and government authorities are rapidly expanding metro and monorail infrastructure in major cities across the globe to tackle traffic congestion in urban areas. This, in turn, is estimated to boost the market demand for autonomous trains for the efficient and smooth operation of such mass transit rail networks.

Supportive regulatory frameworks and standards are essential for the growth of autonomous trains. Regulatory agencies in various regions have been considering and implementing new rules to facilitate autonomous rail operations.

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Growing penetration of driverless or autonomous technology for urban transit rail, such as metro rails, monorails, and trams, is likely to drive the application of autonomous trains for passenger transit, compared to freight transport, in the next few years.

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

As of 2022, the autonomous trains market was valued at US$ 7.0 billion

Based on application, the passenger train segment is expected to dominate the market.

Based on train type, the metro/monorail segment is dominating the market.



Autonomous Trains Market: Key Trends and Opportunistic Frontiers

Global developments in autonomous train technology, such as advancements in automation systems and artificial intelligence, can significantly impact regional trends. Lessons learned from international projects can inform regional decisions.

The readiness of rail infrastructure, including tracks, signaling systems, and communication networks, is a critical factor in determining the feasibility of autonomous train technology.

Autonomous Trains Market  Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific is projected to witness a rapid increase in demand for autonomous trains during the forecast period. The growth of the Asia Pacific market is primarily attributed to increased industrialization and urbanization in expanding economies such as China, India, and South Korea.

North America accounted for the significant share for autonomous trains in 2021. Fully automated and semi-autonomous (GoA 3) metro lines have been constructed in North America and are already in use commercially.

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Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the global autonomous trains business are adopting new technologies, emphasizing mergers and acquisitions, and product portfolio expansion.

ABB

Alstom

American Equipment Company

Beijing Traffic Control Technology

Belden

Bharat Forge

Bombardier

CAF

Calamp

CRRC

Deuta

Deutsche Bahn

General Electric

Hitachi

Hollysys

Ingeteam

Intesens

Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Siemens

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

Thales Group

Transmashholding

Tvema

Wabtec Corporation

Other Key Players

Key Developments in the Autonomous Trains Market

In January 2022 , Hitachi won an autonomous metro contract in Saudi Arabia. Hitachi Rail would run the entire autonomous metro system and upkeep trains and infrastructure. The 22 two-carriage automated metro trains with a capacity of 110 commuters could have the ability to run at a top speed of 60km/h.

In August 2021, Siemens AG, in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, started investigating the sensor integration function into the train and how it function as a driver assistance system in order to avoid collisions in varying weather conditions.

Autonomous Trains Market  Key Segments

Grade of Automation

GOA 1

GOA 2

GOA 3

GOA 4

Train Type

Metro/Monorail

Light Rail

High-speed Rail/Bullet Train



Technology

CBTC

ERTMS

PTC

ATC

Component

Tachometer

Doppler

Accelerometer

Camera

Antenna

Radio Set

Track Length

Asia Pacific

Europe

North America

Middle East & Africa

South America



Application

Passenger Train

Freight Train

Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

South America



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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

Contact:

Nikhil Sawlani

Transparency Market Research Inc.

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The latest American Single Malt release from the award-winning distillery serves as a testament to tradition and a toast to the future

WACO, Texas, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leader at the forefront of the whisky revolution in Texas, Balcones Distilling is proudly unveiling a new single malt whisky in celebration of their 15-Year Anniversary: Cataleja Texas Single Malt.

Balcones Distilling Cataleja Texas Single Malt

As the American Single Malt category continues to explode, with year-over-year sales growing at a remarkable double-digit rate1, Cataleja Texas Single Malt emerges as a symbol of the innovative spirit that has been the bedrock of this booming new category.

"Cataleja Texas Single Malt is one of the most complex and unique whiskies we've made. It's a testament to the Balcones commitment to exploration, experimentation, and an unyielding dedication to our craft," said Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones Distilling. "We each had our own vision of Cataleja, what it might become, and its individual character. Even now that it's here, it's more distinctive than we imagined. This process showcases our continued commitment to engaging with our whisky in a meaningful way to create unique, expressive flavors."

Made with 100% Golden Promise Malted Barley, this single malt began its maturation journey in barrels previously used to age Kentucky bourbon, and after three years of the Texas climate's concentrating effects, was transferred into decommissioned Sherry Solera casks that were meticulously hand-selected from various Spanish bodegas (wine cellars): Moscatel, Amontillado Dulce, Oloroso and Palo Cortado. Because the first fill showcased the wonderfully high impact of the 80+ year old casks, the whisky was transferred back into neutral barrels and then followed with two additional rounds of refill single malts through the decommissioned casks, as they continued to provide sherry impact alongside the delicate malt character.

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"Cataleja Texas Single Malt is an ode to whisky makers of the past - it is our way of honoring the makers who've come before us and using the best of the techniques and the ingredients that they had at their disposal," said Himstedt. "This complex whisky not only pays homage to the pioneers who have inspired us, but it also embraces the relentless pursuit of crafting something uniquely its own."

For those that are 21 years or older, Cataleja Texas Single Malt has an SRP of $125 and will be available to purchase for a limited time only at select U.S. liquor retailers in Texas, California, Illinois, Colorado, New York and Florida, and can be pre-ordered on ReserveBar.com. The limited release will be available starting this month, but Balcones will also be offering a first taste for all guests at its 15th Anniversary celebration this Saturday, October 28, at the Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas.

"Waco has been instrumental in the birth of Balcones, and a dear partner in our growth and development over the years," said Himstedt. "Being able to reintroduce Balcones and celebrate 15 years of our whisky journey with Cataleja, surrounded by our community, is an honor and a joy that we don't take lightly."

Additional details for those 21+ years old interested in attending the 15th Anniversary event, including how to purchase a ticket, can be found at Balcones15year.com . For more information on the new Cataleja Texas Single Malt and its availability, please visit BalconesDistilling.com .

About Balcones Distilling

Balcones Distilling pioneered a new landscape for whisky by combining centuries of single malt distilling tradition with the unique flavors of Texas. Synonymous with quality and innovation, Balcones Distilling is an award-winning distillery that is changing the state of whisky through its high-quality ingredients and unique processes to create layers of flavor in every expression.

Creator of the original Texas whisky, Balcones Distilling distills all of its beloved spirits inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in downtown Waco. Guests can visit the distillery for tours, tastings and events to discover the new state of whisky with Balcones. Visit BalconesDistilling.com for more information.

About Diageo North America

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com . Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

1 Nielsen Census x AOC + Liquor + C Store + Military, Calendar Year 7.22.2023-7.28.20

Balcones Distilling logo (PRNewsfoto/Diageo,Balcones Distilling)

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SOURCE Balcones Distilling
Exploring the Dividend Performance and Sustainability of Bank of Queensland Ltd

Bank of Queensland Ltd(BKQNY) recently announced a dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on 2023-12-01, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-10-25. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's delve into Bank of Queensland Ltd's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Bank of Queensland Ltd Do?

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Bank of Queensland, or BOQ, is an Australia-based bank offering home loans, personal finance, and commercial loans. BOQ operates both owner-managed and corporate branches, and is the owner of Virgin Money Australia and Me Bank. Its BOQ business includes the BOQ branded commercial lending activity, BOQ Finance and BOQ Specialist businesses. The division provides tailored business banking solutions including commercial lending, equipment finance and leasing, cash flow finance, foreign exchange, interest rate hedging, transaction banking, and deposit solutions for commercial customers.

Bank of Queensland Ltd's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Bank of Queensland Ltd's Dividend History

Bank of Queensland Ltd has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2013. Dividends are currently distributed on a bi-annually basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Bank of Queensland Ltd's Dividend Analysis

Breaking Down Bank of Queensland Ltd's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Bank of Queensland Ltd currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 8.13% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 7.43%. This suggests an expectation of decreased dividend payments over the next 12 months.

Over the past three years, Bank of Queensland Ltd's annual dividend growth rate was 13.50%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate decreased to -10.90% per year. And over the past decade, Bank of Queensland Ltd's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at -5.70%.

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Based on Bank of Queensland Ltd's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Bank of Queensland Ltd stock as of today is approximately 4.57%.

Bank of Queensland Ltd's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-08-31, Bank of Queensland Ltd's dividend payout ratio is 2.46. And this may suggest that the company's dividend may not be sustainable.

Bank of Queensland Ltd's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Bank of Queensland Ltd's profitability 4 out of 10 as of 2023-08-31, suggesting the dividend may not be sustainable. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Bank of Queensland Ltd's growth rank of 4 out of 10 suggests that the company has poor growth prospects and thus, the dividend may not be sustainable.

Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Bank of Queensland Ltd's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Bank of Queensland Ltd's revenue has increased by approximately 1.70% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 76.16% of global competitors.

The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Bank of Queensland Ltd's earnings increased by approximately -9.10% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 89.89% of global competitors.

Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -17.70%, which underperforms than approximately 97.31% of global competitors.

Next Steps

In conclusion, while Bank of Queensland Ltd has a history of consistent dividend payments, its recent dividend growth rate, payout ratio, profitability, and growth metrics suggest potential challenges in sustaining its dividends in the long term. Investors should continue to monitor these factors closely to make informed decisions about their investments.

GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


South Korean groups Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering Company have signed a $2.4 billion deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco to build a gas processing plant in the Jafurah gas field, reported Yonhap news agency citing the South Korea's presidential office.

The contract was signed during a ceremony marking 50 years of construction cooperation between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, with President Yoon Suk Yeol in attendance. Yoon is currently on a four-day state visit to the Arab kingdom, said the report.

The Jafurah gas field is the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East and contains an estimated 200 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas, it added.
Bill Gates, the seventh-richest person in the world according to the Forbes 2023 list, has been losing money on one of his latest investment bets.

Gates, who amassed his wealth by cofounding and leading Microsoft Corp. for decades before retiring in 2008, has since focused on investing in private corporations and publicly traded companies.

In the fiscal second quarter of 2023, Gates purchased over 1.7 million shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD), maker of popular beer brands including Bud Light and Corona. Headquartered in Brussels, Anheuser-Busch InBev is the world's largest brewer and one of the largest alcohol companies globally.

But Anheuser-Busch InBev has been stirring up controversy over the past couple of months after it hired transgender influencer and social media personality Dylan Mulvaney to promote Bud Light on Instagram. This caused the Belgian brewery's popularity in the U.S. to deteriorate, with many prominent personalities calling for a boycott of its signature Bud Light beer.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev's Performance So Far In 2023

In the second quarter that ended June 30, AB InBev's U.S. revenue plummeted by 10.5%, primarily because of Bud Light's declining sales volume. The company's core profit fell by 28.2%, while total global sales volume fell 1.4% year over year in the last reported quarter. However, the company's strong global presence allowed it to offset losses from the U.S., as its total revenue rose 7.2% year over year.

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While AB InBev's normalized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 5% year over year in the same period, its net profits and earnings per share (EPS) declined compared to the second quarter of 2022.

Constellation Brands Inc.'s Modelo became the top-selling beer in the United States in May during the height of the Bud Light controversy, as AB InBev's sales plunged by nearly 25%.

AB InBev aimed to distance itself from Mulvaney's social media post following the controversy, which was also off-putting to many progressives. The world's largest brewer essentially "managed to alienate both conservatives and progressives in one fell swoop," according to Zak Stambor, a senior analyst at Insider Intelligence.

AB InBev's Pivoting Strategy To Regain Momentum

"In the U.S., we are listening and actively engaging with our consumers," AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris said during a quarterly earnings call. "They want to enjoy their beer without a debate, they want us to focus and concentrate on platforms that all consumers love."

To this end, the company surveyed Bud Light consumers through a third party and found that approximately 80% of the 170,000 respondents remained neutral or favorable.

AB InBev also determined through engagement with its U.S. customers that they want "their beer without a debate" and "Bud Light to focus on beer."

The company's efforts to put the controversy behind it are expected to be fruitful in the near term, as analysts expect AB InBev's revenue and EPS to improve sequentially in the about-to-be-reported third quarter. The consensus revenue estimate of $15.71 billion for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 indicates a 2.2% improvement quarter-over-quarter. In addition, analysts estimate AB InBev's EPS to amount to $0.83 in the last quarter, up from $0.68 generated in the second quarter.

Gates' Portfolio: YTD Performance

Gates acquired 1,703,000 million shares of AB InBev in the second quarter for nearly $100 million through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. However, with AB InBev's share price falling because of the recent controversy and declining sales in the U.S., Gates has lost over $6 million on his investment in the beer company.

While Gates's recent investment is in the red, his other investments, notably in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK), have surged by over 9% year to date. As of June 30, Gates owns nearly 25.14 million shares of Berkshire Hathaway, which accounts for 20.4% of his portfolio.

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This article Bill Gates Has Already Lost Millions On His Bud Light Comeback Bet originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
(Bloomberg) -- Bitcoin retreated from the more than one-year highs that were fueled by expectations of fresh demand from exchange-traded funds.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The largest digital asset rose as much as 11.5% to top $35,000 before paring some of the gain to trade at $33,517 as of 11:43 a.m. in New York on Tuesday, taking its year-to-date rebound from 2022s digital-asset rout to 102%.

The possible approval in coming weeks of the first US spot Bitcoin ETFs is stoking speculative ardor for the token. Asset managers BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments are among those in the race to offer such products. Digital-asset bulls argue the ETFs would widen adoption of the cryptocurrency.

A US federal appeals court on Monday also formalized a victory for Grayscale Investments LLC in its bid to create a spot Bitcoin ETF over objections from the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Read more: Grayscale Gets Court Order in Fight With SEC on Bitcoin ETF

The SEC has so far resisted allowing ETFs that invest directly in Bitcoin, citing risks such as fraud and manipulation in the underlying market. The court ruling and flurry of applications from investment heavyweights to start spot funds stoked speculation that the agency will relent.

ETF Ticker

Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Eric Balchunas on Monday flagged on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the iShares Bitcoin Trust has been listed on the DTCC with the ticker IBTC. The listing appears to have been taken down, Balchunas said on Tuesday.

Not totally shocked, my guess is they were told to or want to wait until they are days not weeks or months away, Balchunas said. As I said yest, it was surprising to see it on there.

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BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, operates the iShares business. The DTCC is the Depository Trust and Clearing Corp., which undertakes clearing and settlement in US markets.

Bitcoin also surged 10% intraday at the start of last week on ETF hype. On that occasion, an erroneous report that BlackRock had won approval to launch a fund caused the move and the rally cooled once the mistake came to light.

Ether, the second-largest token, jumped as much as 8.5% to briefly exceed $1,800 in Bitcoins slipstream on Tuesday. Smaller coins such as BNB, XRP and meme-crowd favorite Dogecoin initially climbed sharply before moderating.

Coinglass data shows that about $387 million worth of crypto trading positions, mostly from speculators who were betting on lower prices, were liquidated in the past 24 hours.

Why Crypto Is Counting on Spot Bitcoin ETFs: QuickTake

SEC Clampdown

The SEC has already allowed ETFs that hold Bitcoin and Ether futures. But the agency overall has intensified a crypto crackdown following last years market crash and blowups like the bankruptcy of the FTX exchange, whose co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried is on trial for fraud.

Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Elliott Stein and James Seyffart have said approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF looks inevitable and that a batch of funds is likely to be given the green light, though the timing remains uncertain.

Bitcoin remains below its pandemic-era, 2021 peak of almost $69,000, squeezed by rising interest rates that hit demand for risky assets. The tokens correlations with assets such as stocks, bonds and gold have ebbed lately, stoking questions about whether mainstream investors have disengaged.

Liquidity is somewhat better than before, said Justin dAnethan, head of business development in the Asia Pacific at crypto market maker Keyrock. Prices have now recuperated and with it a certain amount of liquidity  still nothing compared to the euphoria of 2020-2021, though.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
BTC is trading at its highest level since last May as researchers tip that the highly anticipated spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund from the worlds largest asset manager, BlackRock, may be seeded this month.

On Oct. 23, Scott Johnson, a finance lawyer, flagged that an updated BlackRock filing indicated the firm may move to seed its iShares Bitcoin Trust with cash this month. Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, said the filing indicates BlackRock expects to launch the fund in the near future.

Seeding an ETF is when initial funding is provided to purchase a few creation units (in this case bitcoin) in exchange for ETF shares which can be traded in [the] open market on day one, Balchunas tweeted. Seeding is typically not a lot of money, just enough to get [an] ETF going the fact they doing it and disclosing it shows another step in the process of launching.

Balchunas also noted that the ETF was also listed on the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which clears trades executed on the NASDAQ exchange. Again all part of the process of bringing [an] ETF to market, he said.

The filing ignited feverish momentum in the markets, with Bitcoin rallying 15% in 24 hours to tag a local high of $35,000, according to CoinGecko. Other top ten cryptocurrencies are up by between 5% and 8% over the same period.

Bitcoin Surges To 17-Month High Amid Spot Bitcoin ETF Progress

Bullish Anticipation

BlackRock filed its application for a spot Bitcoin ETF in June, prompting a rush of similar filings from rival asset issuers.

While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved futures-based Bitcoin ETFs in the past, such products invest in derivatives and thus do not impact the supply of BTC. By contrast, a spot ETF would invest in Bitcoin directly, driving scarcity for the assets supply.

Signs of progress towards the iSHARES Bitcoin Trusts launch helped to pull the markets out of a multi-month downtrend. The combined crypto market cap is now on the cusp of retesting Aprils year-to-date high of $1.28T after sitting at $1.03T last month.

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Last week, an inaccurate tweet from the crypto media outlet, Cointelegraph, falsely claiming BlackRocks ETF had received regulatory approval, sent Bitcoin flying 10% in an hour. However, the markets quickly gave back most of the gains when BlackRock rejected the tweets claim shortly after.

Analysts at JPMorgan predicted the SEC will approve iSHARES Bitcoin Trust by January 10  the deadline for its verdict on rival applications from Ark Invest and 21Shares.

JPMorgan recently said the SECs decision not to appeal a recent court ruling permitting Grayscale, a crypto asset manager, to convert its Bitcoin Trust into an ETF indicates a spot Bitcoin ETF approval is likely around the corner. Coinbase echoed the same sentiment in an Oct. 20 interview with CNBC.

Traders are closing the gap between the price of BTC and shares in Gryscales Bitcoin Trust in response to the news, with GBTC shares trading an 11% discount relative to BTC  its lowest level in two years, according to Ycharts.

Bitcoin Surges To 17-Month High Amid Spot Bitcoin ETF Progress

SEC Commissioner calls for Bitcoin ETF approval

On Monday, SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce told CNBC she is frustrated that her agency is still yet to approve a Bitcoin ETF thus far.

Ive been thinking we should approve one for the last five years, the logic for why we havent has always mystified me, Pierce said. The agency has not been very good when it comes to anything related to Bitcoin or other crypto assets. Every day I hope that they will wake up and they will think You know what, we need to take a more productive approach.

Pierce also cautioned investors against trying to predict the SECs next move regarding a Bitcoin ETF, comparing the exercise to tea leaf fortune-telling.

I can't say whether or not the commission is ready to approve a Bitcoin exchange-traded product, Pierce continued. The [Grayscale] court case obviously is an important factor in the landscape, but I cant guess as to my colleagues approach to this topic Obviously, we are seeing more and more interest from firms in these products, and I hear a lot of interest from investors in these kinds of products as well.

To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io
Tasneem Rahim appointed after serving as Interim Vice President, External and Director of Fund Development and Alumni Engagement.

Tasneem Rahim

New Vice President, External of Bow Valley College

Calgary, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bow Valley College is pleased to announce the appointment of Tasneem Rahim as Vice President, External, effective immediately.

Ms. Rahim has been serving as Interim Vice President, External since April 2023 and previously held the role of Director of Fund Development and Alumni Engagement at the college for six years.

We have a phenomenal team passionate about opening more doors to our learners, offering our stakeholders an exceptional experience, and finding innovative ways to grow our college, says Tasneem Rahim, Vice President, External of Bow Valley College. I look forward to nurturing relationships, cultivating new partnerships, and sharing Bow Valley Colleges remarkable stories, mission and vision with Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and beyond.

As Vice President, External, Ms. Rahim will lead the colleges fund development, alumni engagement, and government relations portfolios. She will guide strategic partnerships and business development, overseeing revenue growth, applied research opportunities, innovative project and product development, workplace training and transitions, and assessment.

We are thrilled to have Tasneem Rahim continue as a senior member of our leadership team, says Dr. Misheck Mwaba, President and CEO of Bow Valley College. Engaged in the community, Tas has built tremendous relationships with government partners, the business community, donors, volunteer committees, and other stakeholders. She has a keen understanding of industry needs and how to support our students reach their goals.

As Director of Fund Development and Alumni Engagement, Ms. Rahim established Bow Valley College as a partner of choice for donors and industry and expanded our alumni affinity and programming. She has led the colleges endowment campaign and transformational gifts, championed the annual Premiers Scholarship Luncheon, and has been an integral part of setting the institutions strategic direction.

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Her post-secondary experience began at the University of Calgary, first as Associate Director of Development Major Gifts in 2011, and later as Director of Development, Faculty of Arts, Libraries and Cultural Resources from 2012 to 2017.

She served as both the regional and national manager of the corporate and outreach program for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and had been manager of fund development at the Glenbow Museum.

Ms. Rahim is active in the community, currently as a board member of the Canadian Council for Advancement Education. Previously, she was a member of the Government of Albertas Anti-Racism Advisory Council for Alberta, Habitat for Humanity, and held several volunteer positions locally and nationally, serving His Highness the Aga Khans council for the Prairies.

Tasneem Rahim, Vice President, External of Bow Valley College is available for interviews. Please contact Media Relations.

Attachment

CONTACT: Shannon van Leenen, MA - Senior Media Relations Specialist Bow Valley College 403-671-3274 shvanleenen@bowvalleycollege.ca




Dan Kazmir of Tallmadge collects his luggage from baggage claim after arriving to at Akron-Canton Airport from Tampa on Breeze Airways in March.

Breeze Airways will make it easier to escape the chill of Northeast Ohio via a new route connecting Akron-Canton and Raleigh-Durham beginning Feb. 2.

"We are thrilled to announce new, nonstop service to Raleigh-Durham from CAK, a route that will provide Northeast Ohio with even more convenient and efficient travel options," Akron-Canton Airport President and CEO Ren Camacho said in a release.

The move is part of Breezes overall strategy said its president, Tom Doxey.

"Breeze seeks to connect cities that don't currently have nonstop flight options," he said in a release. "We're excited to continue our expansion from CAK and connect our Ohio Guests to Raleigh-Durham both conveniently and affordably."

Fares on the non-stop flight start at $39 one way if bought by Oct. 30 for travel by Sept. 24, 2024. Additionally, Breeze announced a three-day promotion for those who purchase round-trip travel by Thursday using the code BUNDLEUP in the Nice or Nicer fare classes that will give customers 10,000 bonus BreezePoints. The promotion is for travel from Oct. 31 through Feb. 13.

Breeze currently offers the most flights out of CAK.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Breeze Airways to add route to Raleigh-Durham to roster of CAK flights
This year's Dew Challenge pushes boundaries once again by bridging virtual and reality bringing an immersive and unique experience to the youth, at the same time promoting vibrant, active lifestyles.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In yet another ground-breaking collaboration with PUBG, this year's Dew Challenge goes national, merging the best of both worlds; virtual and reality, in one of the largest scale PUBG themed paintball tournament, bringing all the elements players know and love in-game to real life. Aimed at catching the hearts of sporty, adventurous youths and aspiring PUBG players, everyone can expect an immersive gaming experience packed with new and fresh ideas.

For more information visit Official Website and Participate today at https://dewchallenge.com/

Starting 1st October, interested participants can purchase a 400ml bottle of Mountain Dew, head to the Dew Challenge website at dewchallenge.com and key in the unique code located under the bottle cap to complete their registration and redeem prizes, including but not limited to UC Coins, in-game items, merchandise, and partner vouchers. Each bottle redemption gives out a random number of Dew Coins which contribute to the regional live leader board rankings. The top players from each leader board are given priority to join the exciting and engaging, adrenaline-packed round of regionals spanning 4 regions across Malaysia: North, South, Central, and East Malaysia this November.

The launch will be accompanied by a treasure hunt, drawing inspiration from in-game mechanics. Just like how players parachute onto their desired drop zones on a map, the treasure hunt will begin with participants choosing the region where their journey begins. Likewise, just as players scavenge for weapons, armour and supplies from a loot box at the beginning of a game, participants will scavenge for loot boxes that lead to extra leader board points and more before the tournament.

The loot boxes are replenished daily and/or in different time intervals throughout the day at partner outlets such as MBO Cinemas, Morac Go Kart, Chicago Chicken City, Taco Bell and Dominos across the country. Participants will receive notifications from the Dew Challenge website on loot box location sightings, where they can scan the QR code on the virtual loot boxes and redeem prizes to bolster their leader board standings.

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For those in Klang Valley, a special Dew Challenge roving truck will be bringing the excitement to you at various locations including universities, partner outlets, night markets, commercial shopping spots and more. To redeem exclusive merchandise and sampling products, visitors can take part in a number of PUBG inspired activities including, a special Mountain Dew x PUBG vending machine, an immersive shooting gallery and the gaming jam session, where further prizes are up for grabs.

Additionally, as the official mobile sponsor for this year's Dew Challenge, HONOR Malaysia will be sponsoring 110 amazing prizes for participants, making this the first brand collaboration for the new release.

Speaking on the collaboration, Etika's Vice President of Marketing, Amy Gan, said, "We are especially excited for this instalment of the Dew Challenge. It truly is representative of Mountain Dew's commitment to our consumers who seek to live life authentically. With the pandemic chapter closed, we can now bring the virtual to reality in a one-of-a-kind experience for Malaysians who are ready to break out of the norm and try something new. We want people to push their boundaries and live their best, most vibrant lives."

She added, "It's the first time a brand has done something of this scale and it is only possible because we have such an amazing team and partners, especially PUBG, who share our vision and believe in this idea as much as we do. We would like to encourage everyone to join, gamer or not, and be a part of this historic journey with us."

The registration period, treasure hunt and roving truck will run throughout 1st  31st October, followed by regionals taking place in November and the Grand Finale in December with more details to come. For more information, head on over to the Dew Challenge website (dewchallenge.com) and Mountain Dew Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MountainDewMalaysia).

About Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew is one of the leading flavoured carbonated soft drink brands of PepsiCo. With its one-of-a-kind citrus taste, Mountain Dew exhilarates and quenches with every sip. In addition to original Mountain Dew, the Mountain Dew range also includes Mountain Dew Pitch Black & Mountain Dew Blue Shock.

For more information on Mountain Dew and their product offerings, visit www.etikaholdings.com and their official social media channels on Facebook.

About Etika

One of Malaysia's leading drink distributors, Etika Sdn Bhd is the official bottler for PepsiCo in Malaysia. Etika Sdn Bhd markets and distributes some of PepsiCo's global brands such as Pepsi, Tropicana, Mountain Dew, Revive Isotonic, Mirinda, 7UP, Lipton Ice Tea, MUG, Gatorade, Sting and Evervess, as well as Kickapoo (a Monarch trademark) and its own range of products which include WONDA Coffee, Goodday Milk, Calpis, Dairy Champ, Hijrah, Chill Asian Drinks and Bleu.

About HONOR

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR's portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

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SOURCE Mountain Dew
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in BT Group implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

A total of 6 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership

Insiders have been buying lately

A look at the shareholders of BT Group plc (LON:BT.A) can tell us which group is most powerful. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 42% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

As a result, institutional investors endured the highest losses last week after market cap fell by UK902m. This set of investors may especially be concerned about the current loss, which adds to a one-year loss of 6.0% for shareholders. Often called market movers", institutions wield significant power in influencing the price dynamics of any stock. Hence, if weakness in BT Group's share price continues, institutional investors may feel compelled to sell the stock, which might not be ideal for individual investors.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about BT Group.

See our latest analysis for BT Group

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About BT Group?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that BT Group does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at BT Group's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

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We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in BT Group. Patrick Drahi is currently the largest shareholder, with 25% of shares outstanding. With 12% and 5.3% of the shares outstanding respectively, Deutsche Telekom AG and BT Group Plc, Shareview Clients are the second and third largest shareholders.

We did some more digging and found that 6 of the top shareholders account for roughly 51% of the register, implying that along with larger shareholders, there are a few smaller shareholders, thereby balancing out each others interests somewhat.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of BT Group

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group.

It seems insiders own a significant proportion of BT Group plc. Insiders own UK2.7b worth of shares in the UK11b company. That's quite meaningful. Most would say this shows a good degree of alignment with shareholders, especially in a company of this size. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 14% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Private Company Ownership

It seems that Private Companies own 5.9%, of the BT Group stock. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Public Company Ownership

It appears to us that public companies own 12% of BT Group. This may be a strategic interest and the two companies may have related business interests. It could be that they have de-merged. This holding is probably worth investigating further.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 4 warning signs for BT Group (1 is concerning) that you should be aware of.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Between October 19 and 22, 2023, a delegation organized by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council (CCPIT Beijing) attended the 28th Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF). Changping District as a member of the delegation attended the event.

The "Charming Beijing, Inclusive Changping" exhibition area of the MIF

Themed "Charming Beijing, Inclusive Changping", the "Beijing Pavilion" is principally colored with city wall red and embellished with representative architectural typical patterns of the Temple of Heaven, rendering a strong "Beijing Flavor", according to Changping District Integrated Media Center. As one of the most popular must-visit places of the MIF, the Changping exhibition area is tinged with the color of ginkgo yellow and added with the element of the Juyongguan Great Wall, sketching a pleasant picture of Beijing in the golden autumn.

At the MIT, Beijing emphatically recommended the opening-up and development results and industrial characteristics of Changping District, which boasts the Future Science City that is at the hub of Beijing's strategy of "three cities and one zone" as well as a host of key industrial areas such as the Zhongguancun Life Science Park, the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Changping Park and the Changping Cluster of the Scientific & Technological Area of China (Beijing) Free Trade Zone, etc.

In the field of health and medicine, Changping District, with the life science park at the core, boasts a large number of top-level research and development institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, and the National Center for Protein Science (Beijing), etc. In the field of digital economy, Changping District has taken the lead in operating in new information technology and its related areas and its cluster development trend of high-end industrial digitalization has initially taken shape. As the industries keep concentrating, Changping District becomes increasingly attractive to foreign capital.

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"A foreign investor mainly considers such factors as economic level, industrial ecology and international supporting conditions at the time of site selection for investment, and Changping District is one of the most popular investment destinations with the greatest growth momentum thanks to its robust and resilient economic growth, strong industrial strength and diversified and inclusive international communities," said Liu Qiang, deputy head of the government of Changping District, in an interview, "in the aspect of economy, between 2018 and 2022 Changping saw increasingly rapid growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. In the aspect of industry, the Future Science City, as one of the major platforms of Beijing's "three cities and one zone" strategy for building the city into an international center for science & technology innovation, has created a 170-square-kilometer innovation area covering the Life Valley, the Energy Valley and the Shahe Higher Education Park, housing top-level research & development institutions including China's first national laboratory of life sciences as well as industry leaders such as Beigene and Xiaomi, etc., resulting in the emergence of a number of world-class original achievements, and serving as an important engine of the industry of Beijing and even the whole country. In terms of environment, Changping District keeps enhancing its living facilities related to healthcare, education, consumption, ecology and culture and has created a positive open environment for business development."

At the MIF, 10 firms from Changping District exhibited their respective featured products, displayed and recommended over 40 items related to IoT, virtual reality technology, cytogenetic technology, new medical equipment, intangible cultural skills, and traditional Chinese medicine, etc., and communicated with domestic and overseas firms on business cooperation in a lively atmosphere.

Since Maocao's return to the motherland, the cooperation between Beijing and Macao has come a long way. The regular communications and cooperation between Beijing and Macao started from their attendance at the MIF. Beijing has participated in the MIF every year since 2010. At the MIF, Changping District, as a highlight of the Beijing Pavilion, will further advance the cooperation mechanism, establish an all-around mutually beneficial cooperative relationship between Changping District and Macao, contribute to high-level opening-up of Beijing, and promote high-quality development in the new era.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442801

Caption: The "Charming Beijing, Inclusive Changping" exhibition area of the MIF

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442806

Caption: Visitors take part in cultural experience activities at the exhibition area

Visitors take part in cultural experience activities at the exhibition area

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/changping-district-attends-the-28th-macao-international-trade--investment-fair-301965426.html

SOURCE Changping District Integrated Media Center
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping stepped up support for the worlds second-biggest economy, issuing additional sovereign debt, raising the budget deficit ratio and even making an unprecedented visit to the central bank.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The nations legislature approved a plan to raise the fiscal deficit ratio for 2023 to about 3.8% of gross domestic product, the official Xinhua News Agency said Tuesday  well above the 3% set in March which the government has generally considered a limit for the nation. The plan includes issuing additional sovereign debt worth 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in the fourth quarter to support disaster relief and construction.

China has rarely adjusted the budget mid-year, having previously done so in periods including 2008, in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake and in the wake of the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s.

The additional fiscal support approved today is the intervention we had been expecting and that was needed to prevent an abrupt fiscal tightening in China in the closing weeks of the year, said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist at Capital Economics Ltd.

Chinese equities reacted positively to the fresh support measures, although traders still doubt whether the rally will be sustainable. The onshore benchmark CSI 300 Index advanced as much as 1.3% before paring some of the gains, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index jumped more than 3% at one point, the most in over a month. Wednesdays rally is offering investors hopes that a rout may ease in the nations stock market, which hit several grim milestones over the past week that included a wipe-out of all the gains in the CSI 300 since a reopening from Covid policies.

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The budget changes came during a flurry of announcements from the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the Communist Party-controlled parliament that oversees government borrowing.

The legislature on Tuesday wrapped a days-long meeting where it also ousted Li Shangfu as defense minister two months after he disappeared from public view, and stripped former foreign minister Qin Gang of his remaining role as State Councilor. Adding to the series of high-profile reshuffles, the Standing Committee named Lan Foan as finance minister to replace Liu Kun, a widely expected move.

The budget revision underlined concerns among top leadership about the economys outlook into next year and the governments increased focus on shoring up the economy and financial markets. Earlier in the day, Xi himself made his first known visit to the nations central bank since he became Chinese president a decade ago.

Bloomberg News reported earlier this month that Chinese policymakers were considering raising this years budget deficit and issuing additional sovereign debt, part of a push to help the nations reach an official government growth goal of about 5% for 2023. Citigroup Inc. economists at the time said a move beyond the usual debt-to-GDP target could show a greater sense of urgency of the policymakers as they push to reach that growth goal.

Since then, stronger-than-expected data for the third quarter has led authorities to say they are very confident in the economys ability to hit that target this year. Several challenges are likely to persist into 2024 though, including problems stemming from ongoing property market turmoil and deflationary pressures. Economists expect growth to slow to 4.5% next year.

Relevant authorities should make preparations for the sovereign bond issuance and projects in an active and orderly manner to ensure every penny is managed and used appropriately, said Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee.

The 1 trillion yuan worth of special bond issuance to fund post-disaster reconstruction amounts to additional fiscal stimulus of about 0.8% of GDP, according to Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics Ltd. He said the aim is to prop up Chinas recovery going into 2024 against headwinds from falling property construction and exports.

Financing infrastructure investment through sovereign bond issuance may also reflect a shift in policy thinking by putting more of the fiscal burden on the central government, rather than local authorities who are running out of room to leverage up. The central govt will transfer funds from the additional borrowing to local authorities to use in projects this year and next, according to Tuesdays announcement.

Legislators also renewed through 2027 an authorization for the State Council, Chinas cabinet, to front-load some of next years local bond quota. Zhao urged for an acceleration in the issuance new local government notes and the use of the funds raised.

Beijing has shown increasing resolve to aid local governments with fiscal problems: Last month, it kicked off a program to allow struggling regional authorities to swap high-interest off-balance-sheet borrowing for lower-interest bonds.

Concerns also remain within the nations beleaguered private sector, leading authorities to take measures to help remove barriers for them. The State Council, Chinas cabinet, is asking the public to help find cases where government agencies are imposing arbitrary fines or favoring state-owned enterprises over private ones, Caixin Global reported Tuesday.

Separately, Xi reiterated support for the private sector in a letter to the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce that called for called for rallying private entrepreneurs around the Party more closely, according to the Peoples Daily.

In a report to the Standing Committee over the weekend, Peoples Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng vowed to make policy more targeted and forceful. Pan also underscored a longer-term view on the economy while indicating easing is still on the cards, saying that policy would make good counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments.

--With assistance from Evelyn Yu and Zhu Lin.

(Updates with market reactions in fifth paragraph.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Chinas sovereign wealth fund bought exchange-traded funds on Monday, expanding its purchases beyond bank shares as authorities step up attempts to boost the countrys slumping stock market.

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Central Huijin Investment Ltd., a unit of the $1.4 trillion wealth fund China Investment Corp. thats long served as the main vehicle for Chinas holdings in state-run banks, bought an undisclosed amount of ETFs and vowed to keep increasing its holdings, it said in a brief statement late Monday.

Huijin may have purchased 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in ETFs, the China Fund newspaper reported Tuesday, citing brokerage estimates. The purchases may be focused on ETFs tracking technology-stock indices, which comes in line with regulators support of innovation, it said, citing Huachuang Securities Co. analysis.

The move came shortly after the sovereign fund bought about $65 million of shares in the nations biggest banks this month, a symbolic step that has so far failed to boost sentiment. The CSI 300 Index has fallen 10% this year, closing at the lowest level since February 2019 on Monday, as investors remain worried about growth and the property-market crisis even after the governments rounds of support measures.

The benchmark was up 0.4% as of 2:24 p.m. in Hong Kong on Tuesday after a four-session losing streak.

Central Huijins purchases of ETFs tracking indices can have more direct, more obvious effects on the market than buying bank shares, especially as the economy is stabilizing, Li Zhan, chief economist at China Merchants Fund Management Co.s research department, was cited by the official Shanghai Securities News as saying.

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Turnover on the Huatai-Pinebridge CSI 300 ETF, one of the most-held ETF products by Huijin, jumped to the highest in two months on Monday, nearly three times its average over the past year.

The sovereign funds moves underscore concerns among top leaders over the sinking market. China is considering forming a state-backed stabilization fund to shore up confidence in its $9.5 trillion stock market, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg earlier this month. After at least two rounds of consultation with industry participants over a period of months, financial regulators including the China Securities Regulatory Commission recently submitted a preliminary plan to the nations top leadership, said the people.

There have been growing calls from Chinese economists and hedge funds for the government to directly intervene with a stabilization fund to buy stocks for the first since the market crashed in 2015. The fund could buy different values of stocks when the index is below certain levels and sell when the gauge rises above designated lines, preventing both excessive declines and overheating while making a profit, Li Bei, founder of Shanghai Banxia Investment Management Center, wrote in an Oct. 10 WeChat article that was removed the following day.

Good Effects

Central Huijins two previous publicly announced moves to purchase ETFs, which occurred in June 2013 and July 2015, were both followed by gains of more than 20% in Shanghai stock indices within three months. That shows such moves, couple with other policy measures, can have relatively good effects on supporting market liquidity and stabilizing investor expectations, according to a China International Capital Corp. report Tuesday.

The move not only shows the market now has good investment value for the medium term, but it can also ease broader liquidity conditions and help more stocks than buying bank shares, CICC analysts led by Huang Kaisong wrote in the note.

While there are signs that Chinas economy may be bottoming out in the short term, Bloomberg Economics now forecasts growth weakening to 3.5% in 2030 and to about 1% by 2050. Thats lower than prior projections of 4.3% and 1.6%, respectively.

During the 2015 rout, Beijing tapped China Securities Finance Corp. as its main stabilization vehicle by allowing it to access as much as 3 trillion yuan of borrowed funds from sources including the central bank and commercial lenders. The money was used to buy stocks directly and provide liquidity to brokerages. Even so, the turbulence didnt end until a year later.

--With assistance from Jacob Gu, Li Liu and April Ma.

(Updates CSI 300s performance in fifth paragraph. An earlier version of the story corrected the time stamp of CSI 300s move in fifth paragraph.)

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Bapco Energies has entered a strategic partnership with two leading institutions, The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) and the University of Strathclyde.

This significant collaboration empowers all employees within the Bapco Energies Group to access corporate rates and benefit from affiliate partner discounts.

Signing on behalf of the BIBF and Strathclyde, CEO, Dr Ahmed AlShaikh, alongside Nouf AlSowaidi, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, at Bapco Energies.

The signing ceremony held at the BIBFs headquarters at Bahrain Bay, also witnessed the attendance of senior executive and representative from both organisations.

AlShaikh said, We are proud to partner with Bapco Energies, alongside our long-standing partners at the University of Strathclyde offering the well-established MBA degree and Strategic Fintech programs, with Triple Accreditation from the three main business school accreditation bodies  AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS  placing the BIBF graduates in the top 1 percent of elite school graduates globally.

On behalf of University of Strathclyde, Professor David Hillier, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School said: We are thrilled to collaborate with Bapco Energies, a company known for its commitment to excellence and sustainability. This partnership will create exceptional opportunities for Bapco Energies employees to gain practical knowledge, network with students in similar roles and industries and make a meaningful impact.

AlSowaidi said: Through this collaboration, we are poised to build a strong partnership that will pave the way for industry-focused education and leadership development. Together, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of business professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a significant impact in the future on the energy landscape.

The BIBF has consistently been recognised for its excellence in business education and its dedication to preparing students for successful careers in a dynamic business landscape.

By joining forces with Bapco Energies, the program will provide students with invaluable industry insights.--OGN/TradeArabia News Service
Editors Note: Sign up for CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter which explores what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world.

Days after the United States shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East, which culminated in President Joe Bidens historic wartime visit to Israel, China has started its own diplomatic hustling in a region teetering on the brink of a wider conflict.

Zhai Jun, Beijings special envoy to the Middle East, has embarked on a whirlwind tour of the region aimed at promoting peace talks between Israel and Hamas  even though Beijing still refuses to condemn or even name the Palestinian militant group in any of its statements.

Zhai has traveled to Qatar and attended a peace summit in Egypt, calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian access to Gaza and reiterating Chinas support for a two-state solution. It is unclear if he will visit Israel, as Beijing has provided no details of the trip.

But brokering peace is a tall order, especially for a country with little experience or expertise in mediating such a long-running, intractable conflict  in a deeply divided region where it lacks a meaningful political and security presence.

Few experts in or familiar with the Middle East expect Zhais trip will lead to any concrete deliverables in peacemaking.

Instead, they view it as a chance for China to tilt the global balance of power further in its favor as the strategic competition with the US heats up.

Beijing is seeking to use the diplomatic mission to shore up its position as a champion of the Arab world and the Global South, which has long been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and dissatisfied with the American-led world order, experts say.

China is looking to play a diplomatic role by calling for calm and de-escalation and  at the same time  showing strong support for Palestine, said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House.

This should be seen sort of opportunistically China doesnt have a huge track record of success in trying to be a neutral broker in this conflict. So the most that China can do is offer symbolic diplomatic support.

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Jonathan Fulton, an Abu Dhabi-based senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, said Zhais mission will be to demonstrate Chinas solidarity with Arab causes and to promote a different vision for the region than the US does.

China wants to be seen as an active, responsible great power, but it doesnt really have the depth of engagement in the region that results in a leading position, he added.

Weakening Western order

The spiraling crisis is widening a chasm in the global geopolitical landscape  a divide which has already been sharpened by Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine.

That division was on full display last week. Hours before Biden landed in Israel to show solidarity with Americas closest ally in the Middle East, Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted his old friend Vladimir Putin in Beijing and hailed the deepening political trust between their countries.

The two autocrats held detailed discussions on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to Putin, who described them as common threats that brought Russia and China closer together.

Since the war in Ukraine, this alignment has become increasingly obvious. We could call it an axis that is designed to strategically align against the US and US interests globally, said Vakil, from Chatham House.

You can include Iran in this relationship too. They have this broad objective of weakening the Western order, and it tactically plays out in the region.

This tactical alignment is already playing out on the ground. One of the first meetings the Chinese envoy had upon touching down in the Middle East was with his Russian counterpart.

China and Russia share the same position on the Palestinian issue, Zhai told Mikhail Bogdanov, Putins special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, in Qatar on Thursday.

The position held by Beijing and Moscow cuts a stark contrast to that of Washington, which has thrown its weight behind Israel and dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to deter other regional actors from joining the conflict.

China, which had sworn a zero-tolerance approach to Islamist militancy by detaining ethnic Uyghurs en masse in its far western region of Xinjiang, has not explicitly condemned Hamas for its terror attacks on Israel  neither has Russia, which had its own history of suppressing political Islam within its own borders.

But both have vocally criticized Israel for its retaliation to the Hamas attacks.

Chinas foreign minister accused Israel of going beyond the scope of self-defense, while Russias UN envoy compared Israels relentless shelling of Hamas-controlled Gaza to the brutal siege of Leningrad during World War II.

Theres a huge difference between the American approach and the Chinese and Russian stance right now, said Li Mingjiang, an associate professor of international relations at Singapores Nanyang Technological University.

Russian and Chinese state media have already blamed US policy for the escalating conflict, and as the situation in Gaza deteriorates, Beijing and Moscow will only become even more critical of the US approach, Li said.

Pro-Palestinian stance

Chinas pro-Palestinian stance dates back decades and is rooted in revolutionary ideology. In the era of Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China, Beijing armed and trained Palestinian militant groups as part of its Cold War support for national liberation movements.

After the countrys reform and opening following Maos death in 1976, however, China adopted a more pragmatic foreign policy. While it continued to offer political support for the Palestinian cause and became one of the first countries to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state in 1988, Beijing also warmed to Israel and established formal diplomatic relations with the Jewish state in 1992.

Over the past decade, Chinese investment and trade with Israel skyrocketed, especially in the technology sector. In 2017, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed his country and China as a marriage made in heaven.

Throughout their economic cooperation, however, China has upheld its political support for the Palestinians, voting in favor of them and against Israel at the United Nations whenever conflicts flared.

Part of that is due to pragmatic interests.

About half of Chinas oil imports come from Arab states, which also account for more than 20 votes at the UN  potentially helpful for Beijing when it comes to issues like defending its treatment of Uyghurs.

Chinas view of the Middle East is that Israel is never going to split from the US side, and that means being critical to Israel is going to curry favor with a large bloc of Arab countries, said the Atlantic Councils Fulton.

Mediator role

It is not the first time China has expressed an interest in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Beijings aspirations to be a mediator started as early as the 2000s, but remained largely symbolic. China did put forward several vague proposals and invited politically insignificant Palestinian and Israeli figures for talks in Beijing  but those efforts did not lead anywhere.

This time around, experts do not expect the result to be much different, despite Chinas recent success in brokering a rapprochement between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia.

While Chinas involvement in the Middle East has grown, its interests there remain primarily economic  and its relations with regional players largely transactional, experts say.

Beijing possesses little leverage over Hamas and has limited historical involvement in the Arab-Israel conflict. By distancing itself from Israel after the terrorist attack, Beijing has further undermined its influence in Tel Aviv, said Zhao Tong, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

It also remains to be seen whether China will be willing or able to leverage its close relationship with Iran  which funds and arms both Hamas and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah  to deescalate the war and prevent it from spilling over into a broader conflict.

I think China certainly is prevailing on Tehran to exercise restraint, said Vakil with Chatham House. I personally think the Iranians intend to exercise restraint unless things get out of hand. I dont think that Iran wants to be involved in a broader regional conflict  so their interests are aligned.

But while Arab countries may give Zhai a warm reception, few would take Beijings peace proposals seriously, Vakil said.

I dont think that Middle Eastern states are looking to China to come in and build a diplomatic process (for peacemaking). They are aware of the limitations of what China has on offer, she said.

I think theres very little China can do beyond trying to showcase diplomacy. China doesnt have the ability to manage the conflict or deescalate this conflict.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BEIJING (Reuters) - The China-U.S. Economic Working Group held its first meeting via video link on Tuesday, the Chinese finance ministry said.

The two sides had "in-depth, candid and constructive" discussion on the macroeconomic situation and policies, and bilateral economic relations and cooperation, the ministry said.

China also expressed its concerns, and both sides will maintain communication, it said.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Ethan Wang; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Officials from the United States and China on Monday held a two-hour long virtual meeting to discuss domestic and global macroeconomic developments, the U.S. Treasury Department said, calling the meeting "productive and substantive".

THE TAKE

Ties between the world's two largest economies have been strained in recent years due to a number of issues including Taiwan, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, allegations of spying, human rights issues and trade tariffs.

Senior officials from both sides have been meeting each other in recent months to lay the ground for an expected meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November.

KEY QUOTES

"Today, the United States and the People's Republic of China held the first meeting of the Economic Working Group (EWG), which serves as an ongoing channel to discuss and facilitate progress on bilateral economic policy matters," the Treasury Department said.

China's finance ministry said the two sides had "in-depth, frank and constructive" talks, and also discussed bilateral cooperation in "addressing global challenges".

Both sides will continue to maintain communication, the ministry said.

U.S. and Chinese officials also raised "areas of concern," statements from the two sides said, without elaborating. The meeting was led by senior officials from the U.S. Treasury Department and China's finance ministry.

The EWG was launched last month following U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's trip to Beijing in July. It was launched in parallel with a financial working group, which will hold its first meeting on Wednesday.

CONTEXT

The economic meeting follows other high-level engagements between the two countries in recent months that have seen visits from U.S. officials to China like Secretary of State Antony Blinken in June, Yellen in July and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in August.

More recently, Blinken met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in New York and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta. China's top diplomat will travel to the United States later this week to meet Blinken.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington, Liz Lee and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Miral Fahmy)
The US State Department announced on Monday that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Washington this week to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to "maintain open channels of communication".

Blinken and Wang "will discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to responsibly manage the US-China relationship and to maintain open channels of communication", according to the US government announcement.

"The United States will continue to use diplomacy to advance US interests and values, address areas of difference, and make progress on shared transnational challenges," it added.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Wang's three-day US visit, starting Thursday, will be his first to the US since September 2022, and is meant to pave the path for a highly anticipated but still unconfirmed meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco next month.

Wang with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers' meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 13. Photo: Reuters alt=Wang with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers' meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 13. Photo: Reuters>

Biden last met Xi in November on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit in Bali, Indonesia. The meeting had signaled a warming of fraying US-China relations before tensions again rose with incidents like the Chinese surveillance balloon discovered transiting across North America in January.

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Wang's visit follows trips by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to Detroit and Washington in May and Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng to New York in September to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Xi has limited his own travels, missing a meeting at the Brics summit this summer, and skipping the G20 summit in New Delhi as well as the UN General Assembly in September.

Top US officials have made numerous trips to Beijing this year in a concerted effort to smooth relations. They include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and climate envoy John Kerry.

Xi did meet with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and other senators in a delegation, when they traveled to China this month - a meeting many observers felt was a positive signal concerning Xi's possible attendance in San Francisco.

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting in Beijing on October 9. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS alt=US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting in Beijing on October 9. Photo: AFP via Getty Images/TNS>

In their most recent face-to-face session, Blinken met Wang, who also serves as the foreign affairs chief of China's ruling Communist Party - a position that outranks the foreign minister - in Jakarta in July, where the two sides said they held "candid and constructive" talks.

Calling Wang from Riyadh earlier this month, Blinken urged Beijing to use its influence in the Middle East to prevent other state or non-state actors from attacking Israel and widening its war with Hamas.

After being promoted to the Communist Party politburo in October 2022, Wang became one of China's most powerful foreign ministers in decades. Wang had previously served as foreign minister from 2013 through 2022, assuming the role once more in July after Qin Gang, who had been named foreign minister in January, was ousted for as-yet unexplained reasons.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Clinical Laserthermia Systems Americas, Inc.

New TRANBERG Mobile Service Enables Urologists to Provide Minimally Invasive, Image-guided, Laser Ablation Treatments to Patients without Capital Expenditure

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clinical Lasert h ermia Syste m s Americas, Inc. (CLS), a leading provider of office-based, focal laser ablation (FLA) systems for urologists, today announced that Kearney Urology Center, PC , a Nebraska Professional Corporation located in Kearny, NE, has signed a Mobile Services Agreement to treat prostate cancer patients using CLS products. Under the agreement, CLS provides its FDA 510(k) cleared, TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System in a bundled service offering, with consumable accessories, training, and on-site clinical and technical staff support to Kearney Urology physicians and staff during procedures.

In the US, over one million prostate biopsies are performed every year leading to a diagnosis of prostate cancer for almost 250,000 men. Focal laser ablation of prostate tumors has demonstrated high levels of precision and accuracy with low risk of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

We are excited to begin offering this new minimally invasive focal laser ablation treatment to our patients with low-to-intermediate risk prostate cancer. The CLS Laser is very precise, easy to operate, and the treatment workflow is similar to prostate cryotherapy procedures, stated Garrett D. Pohlman, M.D., Kearney Urology Center. CLSs Mobile Service and support program will allow us to begin treating patients quickly without any capital equipment expense. This benefits both our patients and our clinic.

The Kearney Urology Center PC provides Pediatric and Adult Urologic Care featuring Board Certified Urologists and Robotic Surgery Specialists.

CLS Americas is pleased to provide the Kearney Urology Center, PC with the training, use, and clinical support of our TRANBERG focal laser ablation system, stated Michael Magnani, president of CLS Americas. We are excited to be partnering with an emerging regional provider of advanced urological treatments and an early adopter of promising new medical devices and treatments.

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TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System

The TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System can be configured for MR/US fusion-guided procedures using real-time tissue temperature measurements for precise therapy and ablation control. It includes a desk-top mobile laser unit, innovative non-cooled laser applicators, tissue temperature probes, and procedure-specific accessories. The TRANBERG system can be deployed in either a transperineal or transrectal approach. The TRANBERG system is 510(k) cleared for soft tissue ablation, such as prostate. A TRANBERG FLA Animation Video of the system and procedure is available to watch.

About CLS Americas, Inc.

Clinical Laserthermia Systems Americas Inc, based in Irvine, CA, is responsible for the sales, commercial development, operations and clinical support for the TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System and accessories for the US urology market. The powerful system provides minimally invasive, focal laser ablation treatments using MR or MR US Fusion for image guidance and has received FDA 510(k) clearance in the US for soft tissue ablation, such as prostate tumors.

CLS Americas is a subsidiary of Clinical Laserthermia Systems AB (publ) headquartered in Lund, Sweden, which has subsidiaries in Germany, the US and Singapore. For more information about CLS, please visit the Company's website: www.clinicallaser.co m . CLS Americas Contact: Phone: +1 (949) 504-5440, E-mail: contact-us@clinicallaser.com .

CONTACT: Company Contact: CLS Americas: Michael Magnani, President P: +1 (949) 504-5440 E: michael.magnani@clinicallaser.com Media Contact: CLS Americas TopSpin Communications Joe Waldygo, President P: +1 (480)363-8774 E: joe@topspinpr.com




HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) today announced its operating results for the third quarter of 2023.

CNOOC Logo (PRNewsfoto/CNOOC Limited)

In the first three quarters of the year, the Company continued to step up its efforts in exploration and development, thereby obtaining steady growth in net production and further consolidating its cost competitiveness.

In the nine months, the Company completed a net production of 499.7 million barrels of oil equivalent ("BOE"), representing an increase of 8.3% year over year ("YoY"), hitting record high for the same period of previous years. The net production from China grew by 6.7% YoY to 345.5 million BOE, which was mainly attributable to the production growth of Kenli 6-1 and Lufeng 15-1. The net production from overseas increased by 11.8% YoY to 154.1 million BOE, mainly driven by the production ramp-up from Liza Phase II in Guyana and Buzios in Brazil. Net production in the third quarter reached 167.8 million BOE, representing a YoY growth of 7.0%.

For the first three quarters, the Company made 8 new discoveries and successfully appraised 21 oil and gas bearing traps. In the third quarter, the Company discovered Huizhou 26-6 North, which was confirmed to be a medium-sized commercial discovery and expanded the resource scale of medium-to-deep plays. For development and production, 3 new projects were brought on-stream in the first three quarters, including the Bozhong 28-2 South Oilfield Second Adjustment Project and the Lufeng 12-3 Oilfield Development Project. Several other new projects are moving forward smoothly.

The Company has maintained effective control over costs. The all-in cost was cut by 6.3% YoY to US$28.37 per BOE. Strong growth in production partially offset the impact of the fluctuation in international oil prices. The Company achieved an unaudited oil and gas sales of RMB238.4 billion and net profit attributable to equity shareholders of RMB97.6 billion. The Company's average realized oil price dropped by 24.2% YoY to US$76.84 per barrel, which was in line with the trend of international oil prices. The average realized gas price was US$7.92 per thousand cubic feet, representing a decrease of 2.7% YoY, which was mainly due to lower prices realized for overseas gas offtakes.

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The Company's capital expenditures for the first nine months were approximately RMB89.5 billion, rising 30.2% YoY, which was mainly because of increased workloads on projects under construction. To facilitate the growth of reserves and production, the capital expenditure budget for 2023 was adjusted to RMB120-130 billion.

During the period, the Company made remarkable progress in green development. "Haiyou Guanlan", China's first deep-sea floating wind power platform, was successfully connected to the grid for power generation. China's first offshore CCS demonstration project officially commenced operation. Besides, the Company's first onshore centralized photovoltaic project was also connected to the grid for power generation.

Mr. Zhou Xinhuai, CEO and President of the Company, said, "In the first three quarters, the Company achieved better-than-expected operating results. Oil and gas reserves and production reached a new high. Going forward, the Company will push forward the tasks resolutely, and strive to meet the full-year targets."

 End 

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com.

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, macro-political and economic factors, changes in the tax and fiscal regimes of the host countries in which we operate, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, environmental responsibility and compliance requirements, the Company's price forecast, the exploration and development activities, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Cui Liu

Media & Public Relations

CNOOC Limited

Tel: +86-10-8452-6641

Fax: +86-10-8452-1441

E-mail: mr@cnooc.com.cn

Mr. Bunny Lee

Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group

Tel: +852 3150 6707

Fax: +852 3150 6728

E-mail: cnooc.hk@pordahavas.com

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SOURCE CNOOC Limited
commission lawsuits, antitrust

KANSAS CITY, Missouri  The second week of the Sitzer/Burnett class-action buyer broker commission antitrust lawsuit kicked off with a bang.

Just prior to the plaintiffs resting their case late Monday afternoon, HomeServices of America, one of the three remaining defendants in the commission lawsuit, filed a motion for judgment as a matter of law.

A judgment as a matter of law is permissible if there is no legally sufficient basis for a reasonable jury to find for the nonmoving party (in this instance, the plaintiffs) on the issue.

In the motion, HomeServices claimed that no evidence has been presented to show they conspired with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and other brokerages on rules for commissions.

The day started with video depositions of four real estate brokerage executives.

Rosalie Warner, a corporate representative for HomeServices of America and its affiliates, was the first to appear. During her deposition, Warner agreed that HomeServices franchise agreements stipulate that the independent contractors need to abide by the NAR Code of Ethics, but that agents dont necessarily have to belong to NAR. She also agreed that every HomeServices agent in Missouri is a member of the MLS and that the firm advocates for clear cooperation.

In the deposition, Michael Ketchmark, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, asked Warner to comment on a training script from HomeServices CEO Gino Blefari in which he said that when he was an agent, he was supremely confident and would tell prospective clients that while commissions are negotiable they only go up from 6%. Warner claimed that Blefaris statements were not a rule for agents to follow, but an example of what Blefari would do.

Warner also testified that HomeServices of America has nothing to do with the commission splits determined by franchisees. During her testimony, Warner stated that Realtors should cooperate and share their commission when its in the clients best interest but theres not necessarily an obligation to do so.



She also said that HomeServices guidelines state that listing brokers need to compensate buyer brokers only when the property is in the MLS. In her testimony, she noted that training modules receive very few views. According to Warner, the module that mentions commissions had just 138 views in 2020 and 2021, combined, among HomeServices 51,000 agents.

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The next video deposition presented was that of Kevin Goffstein, the president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance and a board member of MARIS, the local MLS. According to Goffstein, MARIS has between 350 and 450 members most years.

Under questioning, Goffstein said that each agent has a contract that includes NAR rule clauses and that the contract also tells agents that NAR membership dues are needed by January.



In addition, the contract stipulated that agents must join their local Realtor association. Also featured in agent contracts is a commission guidelines section that calls for a minimum of 2.7% for buyer brokers and that overall broker commissions were to be between 6% to 10%.

Former association general counsel for NAR Cliff Niersbach was next, with the court viewing his video deposition. During his deposition, Niersbach was questioned about a letter sent in 2012 by Linda OConnor to NARs Professional Standards Committee, which both she and Niersbach were members of, warning the committee that the Participation Rule was the ultimate form of restraint of trade. OConnor told the 112-member committee in her letter that the rule should be eliminated.

Niersbach testified that the Professional Standards Committee only dealt with NARs Code of Ethics, so OConnors suggestion was not advanced. He also agreed with the fact that there is no evidence he communicated with her to put the issue in the appropriate committee to look into it.

Ketchmark asked Niersbach why the committee didnt investigate OConnors complaint if NAR rules were inflating commissions. Niersbach replied that he did not agree with the question that NAR rules have increased commission costs.

The final witness of the morning was Darrell King, a former COO and compliance officer with Keller Williams. In his video deposition, King said that Keller Williams does not have an anti-trust policy. King was then presented with evidence that the firm has a section about it in their guidelines, to which King said, We dont violate anti-trust laws, however he agreed with Ketchmark that the firm has never investigated this.

King also said that Keller Williams does not tell agents what commission to charge. In response to this, Ketchmark brought up slides shown by Gary Keller at a company-wide conference depicting sell-side and buy-side commissions.



King replied that he did not think it was wrong for Keller to talk about national commission levels since it doesnt mean anything to local market centers. King added that Kellers message was that agents should have the confidence and be open to having a conversation with their clients.

King also said that Keller Williams does not tell agents they shouldnt negotiate except in extreme cases. Again, Ketchmark pulled out Keller Williams guidelines, which state that agents shouldnt negotiate except in extreme cases but, ultimately, they can make their own decision of whether or not to negotiate.

The defense started its testimony late Monday after the plaintiffs rested their case.

Susan Millett, a past NAR president who was instrumental in changing a key rule that eventually became the Clear Cooperation Rule, was the first to testify.

According to Millet, before 1996 instead of there being an agent who represented the sellers interests and an agent who represented the buyers interests, it was typical that the seller had an agent who represented their interests and then there would be a so-called sub-agent who worked with the buyer but didnt represent their interests.



Most states began writing laws that called for a change to the practice, and NAR itself began to see more buyer agents coming into the marketplace. In 1992, a committee suggested the rules change from a seller sharing commission with a sub-agent to a seller sharing commission with a participant in the MLS.

Millett said this rule change, which went into effect in 1996, was not about commissions but about providing better representation and creating a better marketplace.

According to Milletts testimony, NAR heard that sub-agency wasnt working, so the trade group focused on the rule about sellers agents sharing commissions with sub-agents.

We changed the rule to allow  not force  listing agents to make offers of commission sharing to other MLS participants, Millett said.

During his cross-examination, Ketchmark noted that the rule change Millett helped create became heavily focused on commissions as the years passed.

The defense next called on NAR CEO Bob Goldberg to testify. Goldberg said NAR never conspired with the corporate defendants on commissions. He stated that to be a Realtor you adhere to the groups Code of Ethics.



He also noted that the is no requirement that a real estate agent has to join the trade organization. Goldberg testified that while there are roughly 2.5 million real estate licensees in the U.S., only 1.58 million of them are NAR members.

When asked why sellers and buyers would choose to use a NAR member versus a non-affiliated agent or doing a for sale by owner, Goldberg said that NAR members have high professional standards, experience and deep knowledge of trends and neighborhoods, which benefit their clients.



Goldberg also noted that homeowners who sold their homes without a professional made 20% less, on average, than those who used a NAR member, according to a study published in Realtor Magazine.

The beauty of this industry is its all about choice, Goldberg said.

Goldberg also testified that NAR does not track commissions or touch what commissions its members charge. However, he did say that NAR members are required to adhere to NARs Code of Ethics and that while NAR doesnt own or operate MLSs, it does have model rules for MLSs. The NAR CEO also said that it was preposterous that anyone would claim NAR is in favor of higher commissions so the trade group could receive $150 per member in dues.

According to Goldberg, NAR takes antitrust law very seriously and it instructs members to not fix or control commissions. He stated that broker compensation is solely a matter of negotiation between the NAR member and their client.

The defense will continue its arguments on Tuesday.



Editors note: Keep checking HousingWire.com for ongoing, live coverage from Kansas City from our editorial team on the commission lawsuit trial.
Zhonghong Pulin Medical Products Co.

"Zhonghong Reproductive leads in innovative solutions for global reproductive health, emphasizing 'reproductive friendly' contraception. #ZhonghongReproductive #RHSCConference"

Beijing, China, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On October 16-20, 2023, the 20th member conference of the General Membership Meeting of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) was held in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Africa. This conference was jointly hosted by the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) and the Ministry of Health of Ghana. The Genecal attracting high-level decision-makers, researchers, authoritative experts, project managers, opinion leaders, and youth representatives from member units of the alliance from around the world to participate in the conference. The General Assembly aiming to share and discuss the latest research results and practical experience in the field of reproductive health, Provide strategies to improve the accessibility of high-quality reproductive health products worldwide. During the conference, a themed forum titled "From China to the World - Reflections on the Development of China's Reproductive Health Industry" was also held. With the aim of building an external communication platform, telling the story of China, introducing China's excellent reproductive health products, and jointly exploring solutions to product export challenges.

Mr. Chen Jun, President of Zhonghong Pulin Medical Products Co., Ltd. and Chairman of Beijing Zhonghong Pulin Reproductive Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (Zhonghong Reproductive). He was invited to attend the conference and delivered a keynote speech titled "Correcting and Enhancing the Global Understanding of the Role of Condoms in Reproductive Health  the Chinese Approach." Mr. Chen Jun stated that reproductive health issues are not only challenges faced by a country, but also global reproductive health challenges such as the decline in male sperm count. High incidence of gynecological diseases, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. He pointed out that addressing global reproductive health issues is of great significance for gender harmony, family happiness, social progress, and human survival and development.

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In his speech, President Chen Jun repeatedly emphasized the importance of reproductive health and called on the international community to pay attention to and take measures to ensure human reproductive health. He said that reproductive health problems are mainly manifested in two aspects.

First -- Sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS have caused great damage to the reproductive system, seriously threatening life and health.

Secondly -- bacterial infections in the reproductive system are extremely common, leading to infertility or birth defects in newborns.

In order to promote the sustainable development of reproductive health in China and even globally. And meet people's high-quality health and sexual needs. Zhonghong Reproductive, as a rising star in the Chinese industry, has innovatively developed the "Zhonghong" brand series of products: deproteinized condoms, water-based polyurethane "0.01" condoms, and composite high barrier condoms. In the process of developing deproteinized condoms, the Zhonghong Reproduction R&D team used patented technology to separate antigen proteins from latex. Tehy ensuring the softness of the latex while avoiding allergic problems caused by latex proteins. The water-based polyurethane "0.01" condom, also derived from the self-developed technology of Zhonghong Reproduction. Its a new breakthrough in the industry's research and development. The R&D team of Zhonghong Reproduction has successfully overcome the world challenge of polyurethane synthesis technology. This condom not only in terms of flexibility comparable to latex, but also on the basis of safeguarding reproductive health. achieving a more realistic and meaningful experience breakthrough, achieving the true meaning of Chinese people's own "0.01". The Zhonghong Reproductive Complex High Barrier Condom uses core patented technology to encrypt and specially treat the surface material of the condom. According to the test conducted by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the new active ingredient of this product can effectively inactivate 99.7% of HIV virus, greatly improving the level of protection.

In addition to multiple exclusive condom products, Zhonghong Reproductive utilizes patented technology to innovate and develop pregnancy aid products that are more conducive to increasing fertility success rates. This product fills a gap in global assisted reproductive technology and significantly reduces the physical and mental pressure, making a significant contribution to human reproductive health.

Chen Jun stated that reproductive health does not distinguish between races and boundaries, and public opinion around the world should guide consumers to use condoms correctly and use "the right" condoms. Fertility friendly contraception is an important concept that truly affects the quality of human life and survival and development. Zhonghong Reproductive will also fully fulfill the social responsibility of Healthy China. And continue to carry out innovative research and development in the global reproductive health field, and contribute to the Chinese plan to improve the global reproductive health level.

Zhonghong Reproductive

Beijing Zhonghong Reproductive Medical Technology was formed through the investment and collaboration of China's publicly listed company. Zhonghong Pulin Medical Products and HBM Protections which has over 20 years of experience in the research and production of condoms.The company has obtained a batch of products with independent intellectual property innovation achievements, 11 core technology invention patents, 17 utility model patents, and 7 appearance patents. The company is committed to addressing the root causes of reproductive health issues in China and even around the world, correcting and enhancing the world's new understanding of condoms in terms of reproductive health and safety. Zhonghong Reproductive will keep promoting the concept of "reproductive friendly" contraception, protecting human sustainable healthy fertility, and building a more "reproductive friendly" new future for all.

Company: Zhonghong Pulin Medical Products Co., Ltd.

Contact Person: Li Qian

Email: liqian(at)zhonghongpulin.cn

Website: https://www.zhonghongmedical.com/



Telephone: +86-010-67890877

Location: 87 Kechuang 6th St, BDA, Beijing, China






MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Capital Partners ("Crystal"), a leading wealth-tech provider and turn-key alternative investment platform, is pleased to announce the addition of Lee Minton, former Sculptor Capital Management's Global Head of the Client Partner Group, to its Advisory Board. Mr. Minton will participate in Crystal's quarterly Investment Committee, working with the management team to further institutionalize the firm's operational processes.

Crystal Capital Partners Logo (PRNewsfoto/Crystal Capital Partners)

Mr. Minton brings a broad range of alternative investment experience to this role with his financial services tenure. Mr. Minton first began his early career at Goldman Sachs before joining Sculptor Capital Management, a $33 billion global alternative investment manager. Mr. Minton was a 14-year veteran at Sculptor, where he led the firm's capital formation and investor relations initiatives. More recently, Mr. Minton co-founded Front Street Investment Partners, a firm that specializes in investments across real estate, venture capital, private equity, and credit. Additionally, Mr. Minton is an active community member, serving on the Leadership Development Advisory Council for Capitalize for Kids, a non-profit focused on children's mental health.

Mr. Minton's experience will complement that of the existing Advisory Board members, which include Cary Lubetsky, Managing Partner of Krinzman Huss Lubetsky Feldman & Hotte, as well as hedge fund industry pioneer George Brod, Founder of Crystal Associates, a multi-strategy fund of hedge funds founded in 1994.

Mr. Minton spoke on the appointment, stating, "I'm delighted to join Crystal's Advisory Board and have long held the firm in high regard as the preeminent platform offering independent financial advisors both access to alternative investments and crucially the ability to build customized portfolios. I look forward to supporting Crystal throughout this next stage of growth."

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Steven Brod, CEO of Crystal said: "We are seeing increased demand from financial advisors wanting to offer alternatives to their clients and incorporate them into their portfolios. Lee is exceptionally well-respected in the industry, and his alternatives knowledge and experience will help us to further institutionalize our investment committee process and ensure our platform's offerings are truly industry leading."

About Crystal Capital Partners

Crystal Capital Partners is a turn-key alternative investment platform, providing financial advisors exposure to third-party institutional private markets and hedge funds for their clients' portfolios. Crystal's clients include independent advisors, regional banks, IBDs, and multi-family offices. Crystal is a Registered Investment Advisor headquartered in Miami, Florida.

https://www.crystalfunds.com/

Important Disclaimer

Media Contact:

Helena Leslie

Peregrine Communications

helena.leslie@peregrinecommunications.com

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SOURCE Crystal Capital Partners
Dave Ramsey

This month, federal student loan payments restarted after a more than three-year break. As the Biden administration attempts to provide some relief to the millions of borrowers struggling to repay their loans, there seems to be no resolution in sight for the $1.76 trillion student loan crisis.

See: New Student Loan Forgiveness Rule Simplifies Process  Who Qualifies?

Find: 33 Remote Work Companies That Will Help You Pay Off Your Debt

Deep cuts in state funding have resulted in tuition costs dramatically outpacing household wages over the years. For many Americans wanting to attend institutions of higher education, financial aid has become the only solution.

In a brief video posted to his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, financial advisor and popular radio show and podcast host Dave Ramsey addressed the issue.

If this student loan crisis is so horrible (it is horrible) that the student loans need to be forgiven, why arent they going to stop giving out student loans? Its so intellectually dishonest, and this problem will just continue to hurt Americans, the text accompanying Ramseys video read.

On a personal finance level, Ramsey believes that its our behaviors with money that can get us into the biggest trouble or lead us into the biggest successes. But when it comes to student loan debt, he feels its a system thats rigged from the start.

Im a Financial Expert With Student Loans: Heres My Plan To Tackle Repayment

Student Loan Debt Ballooning, Threatening U.S. Economy

According to Education Data Initiative, while mortgages by far account for most of the national debt, student loan debt makes up 9.14% of the total and has surpassed many other types of debt in the U.S., including credit card debt, auto loans and others.

Federal loans account for around 93% of total student debt in the U.S. A full 43.6 million borrowers now have federal student loan debt and the average debt balance is $37,718, per EducationData.org.

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We know that loans and debt put many students in financial peril as they attempt to get the educational tools required to compete for higher-paying jobs. But if the student loan debt is harming younger generations of students and the situation is considered an economic crisis, why do we keep giving out student loans?

The U.S. government invests in higher education for its residents because an educated and highly skilled workforce fosters national competitiveness and prosperity.

Educated workers provide greater tax revenues, are generally more productive and civically engaged, and are less reliant on social programs, states the Council on Foreign Relations. Moreover, postsecondary education is seen by most experts as fundamental to a dynamic, innovative economy.

Many experts and policymakers agree that the rising cost of college, the volume of loans and the existing debt crisis need to be addressed, but precisely how to address the problems, and how involved the federal government should be, is unclear.

While many borrowers are getting their loans through government initiatives like the recently announced Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, it appears that a long-term solution involving large-scale debt cancellation, targeted debt relief and systemic reforms is a long way away.

Over on the Ramsey Solutions website, the nationwide crisis is looked at through the eyes of the borrower. You can read about the minor successes and failures of the government ad nauseum, but you have to look out for your own financial prosperity and get out of debt to be able to afford major life purchases and things that make you happy.

As the site points out, the average repayment period for student who graduated in 2021 is between four and 12 years. Thats a lot of life to spend being trapped by debt payments.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey: If the Student Loan Crisis Is So Horrible, Why Do We Keep Giving Out Student Loans?
Age diversity and inclusion are vital for fostering creativity and a positive working environment, according to a majority (70%) of senior leaders and decision-makers, says a survey by leading healthcare providers Sukoon and Bupa Global.

This sentiment is echoed by almost two-thirds (65%) of mid- to junior-level employees, underscoring its significance across the workforce.

The survey explores the interconnected dynamics of age diversity and healthcare amongst UAE organisations.

A shift in workforce dynamics

For the first time in history, there are now four to five generations simultaneously working side by side. This includes Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and even members of the Silent Generation who continue to work well into their late 70s and early 80s.

While the UAE is currently seeing up to four generations in the workforce, it is expected that a shift to five generations will follow in line with global trends observed in countries such as the UK, US, and Australia.

Dean Pollard, General Manager, Bupa Global Middle East and Asia, emphasises the evolving nature of ageing and the requirement for organisations to adapt so they can accommodate a multi-generational workforce.

He said: "In this age of increased longevity, we must recognise that the concept of ageing is undergoing a transformation. We are stepping into a new era of work that demands a swift shift in our mindset. Ensuring healthcare inclusivity is not merely a means to support present individuals; it is also a vital step in reimagining the healthcare landscape for the generations to come."

What age diversity means in the workplace

When asked what age diversity means to them in the workplace, UAE employees identified "Acceptance of all ages in the workplace" as the key meaning, with over half of respondents (58%) selecting this definition. Additionally, almost half (47%) employees associated age diversity as a source of a rich pool of experiences and knowledge transfer.

Over half (55%) of surveyed employees have noticed an influx of younger professionals below the age of 40 into their workplaces. This finding not only reiterates the increasing number of millennials and members of Generation Z entering the job market, but also indicates the evolving composition of the workforce. Simultaneously, the survey underscores the enduring presence of experienced employees, with over one-fifth (21%) of respondents recognising an uptick in employees aged 40 and above.

This shows that in the context of age diversity, it's essential to consider not only how different age groups contribute to workplace dynamics, but also how their unique perspectives shape other aspects of their lives and needs, such as healthcare.

Tailoring services to individual needs

The survey also revealed that a holistic approach to healthcare benefits is essential to cater to the diverse and evolving needs of a multi-generational workforce.

In terms of healthcare needs, dental coverage topped the list for two fifths of respondents (41%). Following closely, over a third prioritised both quality service practitioners (39%), and family cover (37%), recognising the importance of extending healthcare benefits to their loved ones.

However, the survey disclosed a significant generational trend. Respondents aged 25 to 34 (35%) highlighted the significance of mental health, reflecting a growing awareness of its importance in overall wellness, particularly among younger generations advocating for open discussions about mental wellbeing. Notably, over a quarter (27%) of employees aged 45 and above also recognised the significance of mental health.

Challenges in retaining a multi-generational workforce

Despite seeing a boom in older employees, a quarter (24%) of companies struggle to recruit and retain employees over the age of 50. Sukoon and Bupa Globals survey showcased varying levels of employee satisfaction across different age groups. Just over two-thirds (69%) of employees aged 45 and above believe that their current company offers healthcare benefits that cater to their specific needs, compared to a higher percentage (78%) within the 25-34 age bracket.

This discrepancy highlights the importance of organisations recognising and addressing the unique healthcare needs of older employees, including age-related health concerns, chronic conditions, family-related health needs and proactively adapting their healthcare packages accordingly.

Moreover, just under two-thirds (63%) of UAE employees aged 45 and above expressed satisfaction with the current healthcare insurance package provided by their organisation, compared to 78% of employees in the 21-24 age bracket and 71% of employees in the 25-34 age group.

This finding emphasises the imperative need for organisations to not only provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, but also ensure that the coverage is aligned with the diverse expectations and life stages of their employees.

Healthcare benefits are key to differentiation

Two out of every five respondents (40%) interestingly stated that the quality of the healthcare package is a top priority when making job change decisions. This is particularly important for the age group of 21-24, where half of the respondents (50%) consider healthcare benefits a crucial factor. Additionally, when asked about their experience at their current jobs, financial recognition was observed to be the most valued benefit for employees, with a third (34%) of respondents prioritising it, followed by better healthcare (28%).

Significantly, a majority (75%) of all UAE employees desire a substantial say in tailoring their health insurance coverage to their various life stages and circumstances. Among employees aged 45 and above, this figure was 71%, and for those in the 25 to 34 age group, it reached 81%.

This trend signals a shift towards more flexible and personalised healthcare packages that cater to individual life stages, circumstances, and needs of the multi-generational workforce.

Overall, Bupa Global and Sukoons survey underscores the vital importance of age diversity and inclusion in the evolving workplace. As workforce dynamics shift, organisations must adapt to changing demographics and embrace age diversity to create an inclusive environment valuing unique perspectives and experiences across all generations.

A significant majority of senior employees and decision-makers within organisations (66%) believe their company maintains an open approach to implementing innovative practices, structural adjustments, and behaviours, including initiatives like mental health awareness and wellbeing education, aimed at fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

Sukoon and Bupa Global are sponsoring the HRSE (HR Summit & Expo) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 24 to 25, 2023, where they will be sharing insights from their survey to unlock the power of a multi-generational workforce.--TradeArabia News Service
In this article, we discuss dividend capture strategy and high yield stocks to buy in November. You can skip our detailed analysis of the dividend capture approach and the performance of dividend stocks, and go directly to read Dividend Capture Strategy: 5 High Yield Stocks To Buy in November.

Investing in dividend stocks is easier said than done. The approach is not as simple as it appears on the surface and requires a much deeper analysis. While dividends are typically associated with long-term returns, some investors aim to profit in the short term through a strategy known as dividend capture. The strategy is used by investors to capitalize on dividend payments made by a stock. The goal of this strategy is to buy shares of a company just before it pays its dividend and then sell those shares shortly after receiving the dividend. Through this technique, investors aim to capture the dividend income while potentially benefiting from a stock's price increase leading up to the dividend announcement.

Several analysts have adapted and modified this strategy to make it work better in various ways and maximize their returns. Harry Domash, a publisher at DividendDetective.com, spoke about the special dividend capture strategy in one of his interviews with MoneyShow. He said that the key to this strategy is selling the stock just before the ex-dividend date. Typically, stock prices tend to rise after the dividend announcement and continue to increase until the ex-dividend date. On the ex-dividend date itself, they can drop significantly. He further highlighted that instead of waiting to see what happens on that day, investors should buy the stock the day before it goes ex-dividend. By following this approach or buying the day after the announcement, investors can potentially earn an average return of about 3% to 4% on each trade.

Dividends have consistently proven to be a valuable way for shareholders to earn strong returns. Investors often pay attention to dividend yields, which indicate how much income an investor can expect to earn from their investment in the form of dividends. Analysts advise investing in stocks with dividend yields ranging from 3% to 6%, as stocks with high yields normally have higher payout ratios, leaving them with less financial flexibility. This means that when a company's revenues or cash flows face challenges, the high dividends can strain the stock's prices because the company might struggle to maintain those dividend payments. Dan Lefkovitz, a strategist for Morningstar Indexes, provided advice to investors looking for high-yield investments in one of his columns at Morningstar. Here are some comments from the analyst:

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Its really critical to be selective when it comes to buying dividend-paying stocks and chasing yield. Looking for the most yield-rich areas of the market can often lead you into troubled areas and dividend trapscompanies that have a nice-looking yield that is ultimately unsustainable. You have to screen for dividend durability and reliability going forward.

For this reason, investors favor companies that regularly increase their dividends. These are usually well-regarded businesses with steady earnings, a history of profitability and growth, robust fundamentals, and solid business models. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) are some of the best dividend stocks that fall in the dividend growers category. In this article, we will discuss high-yield stocks that will be trading ex-dividend in November.

Dividend Capture Strategy: 10 High Yield Stocks To Buy in November

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

Our Methodology:

For this list, we selected dividend stocks that will trade ex-dividend in November 2023. Ex-dividend date indicates the cutoff day to buy a stock to receive its upcoming dividend payment. These stocks have dividend yields above 3%, as of October 24. We also measured hedge fund sentiment around each stock, according to Insider Monkeys Q2 2023 data of 910 elite funds. The list is ranked in ascending order of their ex-dividend dates.

10. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C)

Ex-Dividend Date: November 3

Dividend Yield as of October 24: 5.41%

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is a global financial services company that offers various retail banking services, such as savings and checking accounts, mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards. The company recently announced its third quarter 2023 earnings and posted revenue of $20.1 billion, which showed an 8.8% growth from the same period last year. Its net income for the quarter amounted to over $3.5 billion.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.53 per share on October 19, which was in line with its previous dividend. In its most recent quarter, the company returned $1.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The stock has a dividend yield of 5.41%, as of October 24. The stock will be going ex-dividend on November 3.

At the end of Q2 2023, 75 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), compared with 79 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $6.75 billion. Among these hedge funds, Berkshire Hathaway was the company's leading stakeholder in Q2.

9. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)

Ex-Dividend Date: November 9

Dividend Yield as of October 24: 5.36%

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is an American leading pharmaceutical company that is involved in various aspects of the healthcare industry. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.36%, as of October 24. It has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 13 years. The stock will trade ex-dividend on November 9.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) reported a 54% year-over-year decline in its Q2 revenues at $12.73 billion. However, the company's cash position remained stable as it returned $4.6 billion to shareholders through dividends during the quarter.

As of the close of Q2 2023, 73 hedge funds in Insider Monkey's database owned stakes in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), which remained unchanged from the previous quarter. These stakes have a total worth of over $1.5 billion. With roughly 7 million shares, Diamond Hill Capital was the company's leading stakeholder in Q2.

8. International Paper Company (NYSE:IP)

Ex-Dividend Date: November 14

Dividend Yield as of October 24: 5.58%

International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) is a Tennessee-based company that is involved in the manufacturing of a wide range of paper products and packaging solutions. The company also manufactures cellulose fibers used in a range of products, such as diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and more.

In the first six months of 2023, International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) reported a strong cash position. The company's operating cash flow came in at $873 million and it generated $265 million in free cash flow. It also returned $160 million to shareholders through dividends during this period.

International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.4625 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.58%, as recorded on October 24. The stock will go ex-dividend on November 14.

At the end of June 2023, 23 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in International Paper Company (NYSE:IP), down from 25 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $492 million. Among these hedge funds, Greenhaven Associates was the company's largest stakeholder in Q2.

7. Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED)

Ex-Dividend Date: November 14

Dividend Yield as of October 24: 3.69%

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) is an American major energy company that is responsible for delivering electricity to customers in the New York City area. This includes maintaining and upgrading the electrical grid, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity, and responding to power outages and emergencies.

On October 19, Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share, which was consistent with its previous dividend. The company holds a 49-year streak of consistent dividend growth. The stock's dividend yield on October 24 came in at 3.69%. The stock will be trading ex-dividend on November 14.

The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) grew to 30 in Q2 2023, from 27 in the preceding quarter. The overall value of these stakes is over $302.3 million.

6. The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM)

Ex-Dividend Date: November 16

Dividend Yield as of October 24: 3.77%

The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) is an American food and beverage company that specializes in a wide range of consumer food products. In fiscal Q1 2024, the company reported an operating cash flow of $218 million and its free cash flow for the quarter came in at $67.6 million. It ended the quarter with over $241 million available in cash and cash equivalents.

The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share, having raised it by 4% in July this year. Through this increase, the company stretched its dividend growth streak to 22 years. The stock's dividend yield on October 24 came in at 3.77%. The stock will go ex-dividend on November 16.

At the end of June 2023, 29 hedge funds, down from 33 in the previous quarter, owned stakes in The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) as per Insider Monkey's database. The total value of these stakes is nearly $464 million. Among these hedge funds, Ariel Investments was the company's leading stakeholder in Q2.

Click to continue reading and see Dividend Capture Strategy: 5 High Yield Stocks To Buy in November.

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Disclosure. None. Dividend Capture Strategy: 10 High Yield Stocks To Buy in November is originally published on Insider Monkey.
NEW YORK (AP)  In a courtroom showdown five years in the making, Donald Trump's fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen testified Tuesday that he worked to boost the supposed value of the former president's assets to whatever number Trump told us to."

Trump's lawyers  and outside court, Trump himself  by turn sought to portray Cohen as a serial deceiver who pleaded guilty to crimes that include tax evasion and telling falsehoods to Congress and a bank. During a fractious cross-examination, Cohen, a disbarred attorney, even floated his own lawyerly objections, responding to some queries with asked and answered!

It was a fraught face-to-face encounter between Trump and a man who once pledged to take a bullet for him. Cohen eventually ended up in prison and became a prominent witness against his former boss in venues from courthouses to Congress.

Now, Cohen is a key figure in New York Attorney General Letitia James lawsuit alleging that Trump and his company duped banks, insurers and others by giving them financial statements that inflated his wealth.

I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets, based upon a number that he arbitrarily elected, Cohen testified, saying that he and former Trump finance chief Allen Weisselberg labored to reverse-engineer the various different asset classes, increase those assets, in order to achieve a number that Mr. Trump had tasked us.

Asked what that number was, Cohen replied: Whatever number Trump told us to.

Trump denies James' allegations. Outside court, Trump dismissed Cohen's account as the words of a proven liar.

The witness is totally discredited, Trump said. "Hes a disgraced felon, and thats the way its coming out.

The former president and Republican 2024 front-runner voluntarily came to court for a sixth day this month. Cohen has said he hadn't seen Trump for five years until now.

Heck of a reunion, Cohen said outside court. He insisted that this is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump. This is about accountability, plain and simple."

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Cohen testified that Trump would summon him and Weisselberg and say, for example: Im actually not worth four and a half billion dollars. Im really worth more like six.

Cohen said he and the finance chief would then inflate the value of Trump properties by pegging them to comparable real estate that was actually different  brand-new developments with higher ceilings, more sweeping views and no rent regulation, for instance.

Insurance company executives were shown the exaggerated statements, where the combination of extremely high values and low liabilities could net Trump more favorable premiums, Cohen testified. Plus, he said, Trump would deliberately show up about three-quarters of the way through his deputies meetings with insurers and spark a conversation to the effect that he was rich enough to self-insure if he couldnt get a good premium.

As Cohen testified, Trump at times whispered to his lawyers or shook his head. At other points, the former president hunched forward in his seat, watching intently, or leaned back with crossed arms. He took a keen interest in Cohen's cross-examination, gesturing to his attorneys and craning his neck to get a better view.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba hammered at Cohen's 2018 federal guilty pleas and his effort now to distance himself from some of them. Although he pleaded guilty to tax evasion and to making false statements to a bank on a loan application, he said Tuesday he'd lied when he made those admissions. He suggested he'd only engaged in tax omission and failed to correct inaccuracies on the loan paperwork.

Youre not going to lie to me, as well? Habba asked pointedly. And when Cohen objected to certain questions and rattled off cases he said allowed him to do so, Habba snapped back that he was mistaken.

If you still had your law license, youd understand that, she said. Another Trump lawyer, Christopher Kise, complained that Cohen was a serial liar who was out of control and seeking to play judge."

The actual judge, Arthur Engoron, told Cohen to answer most of the questions.

Engoron already has ruled that Trump and his company committed fraud. The trial involves remaining claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud and falsifying business records.

Trump says his assets were actually undervalued, and he maintains that disclaimers on his financial statements essentially told recipients to check the numbers out for themselves.

He has derided the case as a sham, a scam and part of an effort by James and other Democrats to drag down his campaign.

Cohen spent a decade as Trumps fiercely loyal personal lawyer before famously breaking with him in 2018 amid a federal investigation that sent Cohen to federal prison. He is also a major prosecution witness in Trumps separate Manhattan hush-money criminal case, scheduled for trial next spring.

James has credited Cohen as the impetus for her civil investigation, which led to the fraud lawsuit and trial. She cited Cohens testimony to Congress in 2019 that Trump had a history of misrepresenting the value of assets to gain favorable loan terms and tax benefits.

Earlier this month, Trump dropped a $500 million lawsuit that accused Cohen of spreading falsehoods and breaking a confidentiality agreement. A Trump spokesperson said the former president was only pausing the lawsuit, while campaigning and fighting four criminal cases.

In one of those criminal cases, co-defendant Jenna Ellis, an attorney, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a felony charge over efforts to overturn Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia. She's the fourth defendant to take a plea deal in the case.

Trump's attorneys sought to delay the New York trial Tuesday, arguing that coronavirus cases among James' staff put the former president's health at risk. The attorney general's office, in a statement, said it had taken all steps to notify the relevant parties and had followed health guidance.

Trump later complained outside court that what they did with COVID in the courtroom was a disgrace, but he and the attorneys beside him didn't don masks.

___

Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.
Getty

Raymond James expects a recession to hit the US economy within the next nine months.

The investment firm said it wouldn't be a surprise if the economy showed strong growth right before a recession started.

"In the last 12 recessions, the quarter before the economy went into a recession, growth was positive and robust."

Investors shouldn't be fooled by strong GDP growth in the next quarter or two, as an economic recession could still be right around the corner.

That's based on the fact that prior recessions saw solid economic growth in the quarter right before the recession started, according to data from Raymond James.

"In the last 12 recessions, the quarter before the economy went into a recession, growth was positive and robustregistering an average growth rate of 2.6%. The quarter the recession starts saw an average contraction of 3.5%," Raymond James chief investment officer Larry Adam said in a recent note.

Raymond James

Strong economic growth is expected in the third-quarter, with the Atlanta Federal Reserve's GDPNow estimate currently standing at 5.4%, well above consensus forecast of about 3.5%.

But this quarter's likely strong GDP growth, which will be revealed Thursday morning, isn't enough to drive Adam away from his thesis that a recession will hit the economy within the next nine months. He offered three looming risks investors should watch, and he's not alone in his view.

Meanwhile, famed bond investor Bill Gross said on Monday that he expects the US to enter a recession by the end of this year, citing an uptrend in auto delinquencies and "regional bank carnage."

"US economy slowing significantly," Gross said.

Other threats to the economy Wall Street has flagged include the Fed's higher-for-longer rate stance, a slowdown in the US consumer, and rising geopolitical risks.

But even amid all of those risks, Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel said investors should continue to favor stocks over bonds.

"What is the most famous saying in the [market]? That stocks climb the wall of worry, and when there's no clouds in the sky you're buying too high. I really think geopolitical risk is in the long run an opportunity to buy stocks, not to sell stocks," Siegel said on Monday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Julie Domina loathes self-checkout.

The 50-year-old real estate agent says they glitch too often and worries the technology is making checkout more difficult for the elderly and visually impaired. And while shes used to dealing with unmanned kiosks during trips to larger chains like Walmart and Albertsons, shes disappointed to see them popping up at the local grocery store in her hometown of Newcastle, Wyoming, a town of just over 3,000.

They just aggravate me, Domina told USA TODAY, adding, If I'm going to be checking myself out, I want to get a discount because that means you're not paying an employee to check me out.

Julie Domina of Newcastle, Wyoming, said she is not a fan of self-checkout kiosks.

Although opinions on self-checkout are mixed, many retailers are leaning into the technology. Some Kroger supermarkets are operating entirely via self-checkout. Kohls earlier this year announced plans to add self-checkout kiosks to 250 stores. And fast-fashion brands like Zara are rolling out self-checkouts at select stores.

But other chains appear to be reconsidering their approach, with certain stores removing the technology or staffing up self-checkout lanes to prevent theft. The shift comes amid reports that raise questions about just how much value self-checkouts bring to retailers and shoppers.

Different industries have different responses from consumers (on self-service), said Ron Larson, a visiting associate professor of economics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He noted that it works great in certain areas like pumping gas, but just because it works in one industry doesn't mean that's going to work in others.

The shift to self-checkout

While self-checkout technology has been in supermarkets since the 1980s, usage surged during the pandemic, when retailers were struggling to hire and customers wanted less human interaction. The share of transactions through self-checkout lanes hit 30% in 2021, almost double that from 2018, according to data from the Food Industry Association.

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The technology has been viewed as a way to lower labor costs and improve efficiency by taking up less space than manned checkout registers, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of the analytics company GlobalData. And while some shoppers despise the tech, others prefer it and believe it's a faster alternative  even if theres little data to support that.

Other customers do not want to interact with a sales associate so they can have a hassle-free experience, said Hanna Lee, assistant professor at the University of South Carolinas Department of Retailing.

But there are also concerns.

While self-checkout technology has been in supermarkets since the 1980s, usage surged during the pandemic.

Failures arent uncommon with the devices, despite their high price tags. And while self-checkout is meant to help cut down labor costs, this has yet to pan out in the data.

Albertsons, which started installing self-checkouts in nearly all stores in 2019 after giving up on self-checkout nearly eight years prior, had an employee-to-supermarket ratio of nearly 118-to-1 in 2019, according to figures in its annual report. By February 2023, that ratio had increased slightly to about 128 workers per store.

In 2012, as Kroger was adding more self-checkout devices in its new stores, the supermarket chain had a ratio of about 139 employees per store compared to 158 per store as of January. At Target, the ratio as of January was about 226 employees per store, compared with 190 per store in early 2016.

Albertsons and Kroger did not respond to requests for comment.

Federal data also shows that the number of cashiers in the country has remained largely unchanged over the last decade, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 10% decline by 2032.

I think many companies believe they've saved their money with self-checkout, but its going to vary by store. And the stores that have tried to go all the way, I think they've realized that its not a good idea," Larson said. "The key is to give people an option.

Faye Franklin of Matawan bags her groceries with a reusable bag, which she purchased during her self-checkout, on the first day of the plastic bag ban at Stop & Shop in Aberdeen Township, N.J., on May 4, 2022.

Theft concerns around self-checkout

Self-checkout kiosks are also known to contribute to shrinkage  an industry term for missing inventory from theft, broken items, administrative errors and other factors.

Retailers have been sounding alarms on shrink recently, with a number of companies putting the blame on a spike in organized retail crime. Self-checkout isn't often brought up as a concern, despite data that shows it can have an effect on shrinkage.

A 2018 report authored by Adrian Beck, emeritus professor at the University of Leicester's Department of Criminology and academic adviser to the ECR Retail Loss Group, found that stores with the average number of self-checkout machines could expect to see shrinkage losses 31% higher than the industry average, and those relying on an above-average number of unmanned kiosks could see shrink rates 60% higher.

Retail businesses, and their partners, need to rebalance their assessments of the benefits that can accrue from investing in (self-checkout-related) technologies, the report reads.

While some losses may be from people using self-checkout to steal, others are from user errors by customers who werent trained to use the machines. Maybe the shopper didnt notice that an item didnt scan before bagging it, or keyed in the wrong item when weighing their produce.

There's a combination of mistakes and genuine fraud, Saunders said, who believes self-checkouts are responsible for "some of the rise in theft. Certainly not all of it.

Companies reconsider self-checkout strategies

Some companies seem to be reconsidering their self-checkout strategies.

Walmart has started removing self-checkout at select stores. Costco has started asking staff to crack down on checking membership cards in self-checkout lines, with Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti in September noting that inventory shrink had increased by a couple of basis points "in part, we believe, due to the rollout of self-checkout." And Target is testing self-checkout lanes limited to 10 items or fewer at select locations "in order to reduce wait times and better understand guest preferences," according to spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo.

Walmart and Costco did not respond to a request for comment.

This isnt the first time companies have backtracked on self-checkout. Kmart removed self-checkout kiosks in 2003 due to machine costs and theft rates. Costco also removed self-checkout in 2013 and Albertsons announced plans to remove it in 2011 (although both companies have since reintroduced self-checkout).

Francisca Pena of Freehold, sales associate, assists customers with new self-checkout kiosks as Walmart hosts a grand reopening celebration and unveils the newly renovated store in Freehold Township, N.J., on April 28.

Experts who spoke to USA TODAY said they expect to see more companies turn to self-checkout, but warned that retailers should be careful not to wipe out manned registers altogether.

I think that the prevailing wisdom right now is to give consumers a choice, Larson said. The strengths that supermarkets have had in the past is they've been able to have some human interaction. I think theyre realizing they need to keep that, at least for customers who really appreciate that.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is self-checkout worth it? The pros and cons for retailers, shoppers
Arguing the West is sending Ukrainian boys into a meat grinder to die fighting their Russian cousins, Elon Musk called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the normalization of relations with Moscow in the interest of preventing a third world war.

In a Spaces discussion hosted by Musk associate David Sacks and including GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamyboth vocal critics of U.S. aid to Kyivtalk soon pivoted away from the titular subject of Israel and Hamas to a broader debate over geopolitics. Here the trio of wealthy tech entrepreneurs agreed Western sanctions were at fault for driving Russia into the arms of China.

Citing both his experience dealing with the defense and intelligence communities as SpaceX CEO as well as his frequent meetings with world leaders, Musk said he feared the current breakdown in communication channels between the great powers. This fostered an environment of suspicion, he added, in which each believes the other may be gearing up for an attack.

Russia and China have started doing joint military exercises, I dont know how many people are aware of this, Musk said on Monday. We are sleepwalking our way into World War III with one foolish decision after the other.

The Wests decision to launch an avalanche of punitive sanctions against Vladimir Putin may have proved a fatal mistake after Moscow sought the support of Beijing.

What choice have we given them? Musk criticized, before spelling out what this could mean in practical termsa Western alliance unable to maintain arms production with a militaristic East.

Russia has the raw materials, and China has the industrial capacity: Its frankly a perfect match from a war standpoint.

Rules-based order

As Sacks asked whether a detente is still possible with Russia and Ramaswamy questioned whether Putin could be persuaded to trust the West, Musk took the opportunity to re-table his controversial peace proposal from last October.

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This would include an internationally supervised referendum held in the territories seized by Putins army. Ukrainian refugees would be offered the opportunity to return to the former homes they fled in the face of Putins advancing soldiers. That way they can cast their vote alongside their fellow Russian brethren, since the two Slavic peoples are not natural adversaries, according to Musk.

With either side unable to achieve total victory over the other, the entrepreneur believes the best solution for civilization as a whole is for Ukraine to trade land for peace. Their concession would spare the lives of Ukrainians cut down in the flower of their youth, while helping prevent a broader conflagration of conflict.

We should seek peace I think immediately. We should seek to restore normal relations as soon as possiblethis is not some kind of reward for Russia, this is simply recognizing the realities, Musk said.

Should Musks proposal come to fruition, it would mark the third time that Putins appetite for territorial expansion through military conquest would be sated after sending his army first into ethnic Russian enclaves in Georgia in 2008 and later Crimea in 2014.

In Musks view the end of any pretense of a rules-based international order is a necessary evil if the alternative is a third world war. That would be infinitely worse than a return to the last centurys age of empires.

If civilization goes away, its all over for everyone, he said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A former employee of ASML Holding accused of stealing trade secrets from the manufacturer of the world's most advanced semiconductor-making equipment, later worked for Huawei Technologies, according to a Dutch media report.

ASML disclosed in its 2022 annual report published in February that one of its former China-based employees had engaged in "unauthorised misappropriation of data relating to proprietary technology" that may have violated some export controls.

ASML CEO Peter Wennink characterised the incident as "one piece of a puzzle that you don't have the box for", and the Veldhoven, Netherlands-based company did not disclose what data was stolen. But a Bloomberg report at the time said the theft targeted a chip machine repository that included details of ASML's advanced machinery.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

On Monday, Dutch newspaper NRC reported that the perpetrator went on to work for US-sanctioned Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei after leaving ASML, citing unnamed sources.

ASML and Huawei did not immediately respond to an inquiry from the Post.

The ASML headquarters and factory in Veldhoven, Netherlands. Photo: Bloomberg alt=The ASML headquarters and factory in Veldhoven, Netherlands. Photo: Bloomberg>

The Dutch company said in February that it had reported the breach to authorities and implemented remedial measures in response, adding that it believed the breach would not have any material impact to its business.

Since landing on the US government's so-called Entity List in 2019, Huawei has been barred from accessing advanced chip technology that uses US components, forcing major contract chip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to stop accepting new orders from the mainland giant.

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TSMC is a customer of ASML, which has a near monopoly position in the production of the world's most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, used in producing leading-edge chips.

Since 2019, ASML has stopped exporting those machines to mainland China.

Under additional export controls imposed by the Dutch government, starting in January, ASML will also be barred from shipping some of its less advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion lithography systems to China.

Constricted access to lithography machines has become a major roadblock to China's chip self-sufficiency goals.

Huawei in August quietly released a 5G-capable smartphone, the Mate 60 Pro, which contains an advanced 7-nanometre processor. While the achievement has been hailed domestically as proof that China can make technological breakthroughs despite US sanctions, the chip was believed to be made using DUV rather than EUV machines.

An advertisement for the Huawei Mate 60 series smartphone in Shanghai. Photo: Bloomberg alt=An advertisement for the Huawei Mate 60 series smartphone in Shanghai. Photo: Bloomberg>

EUV machines are currently necessary for producing 7-nm chips or below in a commercially-viable way.

Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, ASML and other chip-related companies have previously accused Chinese entities of intellectual property (IP) theft and talent poaching.

In 2022, ASML said a Beijing-based firm marketed products in China that "could potentially" infringe on ASML's IP rights.

In 2021, the economic minister of Taiwan accused Beijing of stepping up efforts to gain the island's advanced technology and poach its talent in response to the China-US tech war. Last year, the government of Taiwan began enforcing regulations to prohibit mainland Chinese firms from hiring top talent in sensitive sectors such as chips.

More recently, US authorities launched an investigation into the Chinese gallium nitride-on-silicon semiconductor company Innoscience, after a US competitor accused it of hiring two ex-employees, including an engineer, to obtain its secrets and infringe its patent rights. Innoscience denied that the hires amounted to evidence of patent infringement.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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A Memorandum of Understanding between EEIQ's EduGlobal College and Apex Ed also Anticipated to Accelerate Recruitment in the Sri Lankan Market

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EpicQuest Education Group International Limited (NASDAQ: EEIQ), ("EpicQuest Education", "EEIQ" or the "Company"), a provider of comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking college and university degrees in the US, Canada and the UK, today announced that on September 4, 2023, the Company opened a recruiting office in Sri Lanka to serve as its main hub to attract students from Southeast Asia and the Middle East for its owned and operated colleges, Davis College and EduGlobal College. EEIQ's goal is to expand its geographical market for international student recruiting for both schools. Further, on June 14, 2023, EduGlobal College signed a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Apex Ed ("Apex"), a career college based in London, to recruit international students from Sri Lanka.

EpicQuest Education Group International Limited (PRNewsfoto/EpicQuest Education Group International Limited)

Diane Brunner, President of Davis College, commented, "Our focus on internationalization resulted in nearly a three-fold increase in the enrollment of international students in our first quarter of the 2023  2024 academic year as compared to the year-ago quarter. The Sri Lanka office comprises a new team for international recruiting and leverages our education solution where we offer application support, visa assistance, transportation, course counseling, student housing and supervisory duties; we believe that this one-stop solution gives us a competitive advantage relative to other colleges' recruitment efforts. Our core mission of internationalization helps our students reach their full potential and better prepare them for careers in the global economy."

In addition to the opening of the Sri Lanka recruiting office, EduGlobal College signed a non-exclusive MOU with Apex, a career college based in London, whose purpose is for Apex to use its best efforts to recruit qualified students in Sri Lanka for EduGlobal's educational programs. Apex is a career college that offers undergraduate and graduate courses across a wide range of programs that helps students succeed in their chosen field and has centers offering educational services to students in Sri Lanka.

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Jeff Romero, Director EduGlobal College, commented, "Our new Sri Lanka recruiting office widens the scope of our geographical recruiting and continues to build upon our international student recruiting success. The office represents a further diversification of EEIQ's recruiting and underscores its international growth strategy. EduGlobal is renowned for providing the very best of English proficiency programming, providing international students the linguistic skill set needed in an academic setting, and we are pleased to be working with Apex to accelerate our penetration of the Sri Lankan market."

Among the countries where the Sri Lanka office will actively recruit for both Davis College and EduGlobal College are Sri Lanka, India, UAE, Malta, Nepal, Pakistan, Malta, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The Company believes that its mission of internationalization, which encompasses focused recruiting for international students diversifies our student body and can lead to higher revenue and profitability.

The new Sri Lanka office is located in one of the most prestigious commercial locations in Colombo, the most populous city in Sri Lanka, and is staffed by a specialized EEIQ recruiting team. The Company believes that it is important to have a local physical presence since it provides the needed platform to meet with prospective students and their parents. The Sri Lanka office engages in direct recruiting, initiates institutional collaborations, and works with select recruitment agents. For more information about EpicQuest Education's recruiting office in Sri Lanka, please visit http://epicquesteducationasia.com/

About Davis College

Davis College was founded in 1858 and is a private career-training college located in Toledo, Ohio. Davis College offers a specialized professional career training curriculum in numerous fields, and its mission is to provide marketable skills that enhance the employability of its graduates. Davis College offers coursework flexibility to ensure program success as well as externship opportunities that provide its student population with real-world skill sets prior to graduation. In addition to its offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business degree which began in the Fall of 2023, Davis College has agreements with several four-year US universities for 'transfer pathways' that pave the way for its associate degree students to gain admission with the ability to transfer earned course credits. Davis College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools with programs authorized by the Ohio Board of Higher Education. For more information, please visit www.daviscollege.edu/.

About EduGlobal College

EduGlobal College is a private college located in the Metro Vancouver area, British Columbia. EduGlobal College provides English language programs for international students who are seeking academic and career advancement and specializes in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs (also known as English as a Second Language, or ESL, programs) that focus on helping international students acquire the advanced competencies in academic English that will be necessary for them to complete their degree programs. In tandem with its EAP program, EduGlobal College offers first-year university courses and a Master's Academic Preparation Program to help prepare international students who have completed a bachelor's degree and aspire to pursue graduate studies at a Canadian university. EduGlobal College also offers students an innovative model for bridging the gap between private and public sector post-secondary education in Canada through its pathway program. EduGlobal College is approved by The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training in the Province of British Columbia. For more information, please visit https://eduglobalcollege.com/.

About EpicQuest Education Group International Limited

EpicQuest Education Group International Limited ("EpicQuest Education" or the "Company") provides comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking university and college degrees in the US, Canada and the UK. The Company owns and operates EduGlobal College, based in British Columbia, Canada, which focuses on English proficiency educational programming for students pursuing academic degrees. The Company operates and is a 70% owner of Davis College, a career training college located in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, the Company has a recruiting relationship with the Miami University Regional campuses, where it maintains residential facilities, a full-service cafeteria, recreational facilities, shuttle buses and an office for the regional campuses that provides study abroad and post-study services for its students; these facilities are not owned, maintained, operated or are a part of Miami University. The Company is also a recruiting agent for the University of the West of Scotland (through The Education Group (London) Ltd) and Coventry University, both of which are located in the UK. For more information, please visit www.epicquesteducation.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain of the statements made in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "could," "intend," "target" and other similar words and expressions of the future. Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, the Company's ability to generate increased revenues from its recent collaborations.

All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in our most recent Form 20-F and otherwise in our SEC reports and filings. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC's Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.

Contacts:

EpicQuest Education Group International Limited

+1 513-649-8350

info@epicquesteducation.com

Investor Relations:

Precept Investor Relations LLC

David Rudnick

+1 646-694-8538

david.rudnick@preceptir.com

Source: EpicQuest Education Group International Limited

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SOURCE EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
Key Insights

Using the Dividend Discount Model, Gas Malaysia Berhad fair value estimate is RM3.93

With RM3.17 share price, Gas Malaysia Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

Our fair value estimate is 17% higher than Gas Malaysia Berhad's analyst price target of RM3.35

How far off is Gas Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:GASMSIA) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Gas Malaysia Berhad

What's The Estimated Valuation?

We have to calculate the value of Gas Malaysia Berhad slightly differently to other stocks because it is a gas utilities company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.0%. Relative to the current share price of RM3.2, the company appears about fair value at a 19% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

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Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= RM0.2 / (9.0%  3.6%)

= RM3.9

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Gas Malaysia Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Gas Malaysia Berhad

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Gas Utilities market.

Opportunity

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Gas Malaysia Berhad, we've put together three fundamental aspects you should assess:

Risks: For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Gas Malaysia Berhad (1 doesn't sit too well with us) you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does GASMSIA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- A former ASML Holding NV employee accused of stealing data from the maker of the worlds most advanced chipmaking machines went to work for Huawei Technologies Co., according to Dutch newspaper NRC.

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ASML said in February that a former employee in China stole data about its technology, without disclosing further details. The ex-worker stole data from a software system that the corporation uses to store technical information about its machinery, Bloomberg reported earlier this year.

The move comes as the US seeks to prevent China from accessing semiconductor technology that could give it a military edge. Its the latest episode in an escalating trade war that has seen Huawei become a target over concerns about its ties to the Chinese government.

The former employee last year worked for some time at Huawei after his abrupt departure from ASML, according to NRC which cited unidentified sources. ASML declined to comment.

Its unclear whether the person is still working for Huawei. A Huawei spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read More: ASMLs Big Bet on China Is Starting to Backfire Over Data Thefts

The individual, who was based in China, was identified as having potential ties to a Chinese state-sponsored entity and stealing the data on its behalf, people familiar with the companys probe had told Bloomberg. The entity was one that has previously been linked to intellectual property theft, said the people, who didnt provide the name of the group itself.

ASML occupies a pivotal role in the global chip supply chain. It has a monopoly on advanced extreme ultraviolet, or EUV, lithography systems that are indispensable to producing the most cutting-edge chips in the world, and it also supplies deep ultraviolet lithography machines needed to make more mature semiconductors.

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Huawei quietly introduced a new smartphone in August powered by an advanced, 7-nanometer processor. A teardown of the device revealed the chip was produced by a Chinese company, demonstrating manufacturing capabilities well beyond where the US had sought to stop its advance.

The achievement cast doubt on Washingtons ability to thwart Beijings technological ambitions, and spurred political pressure for the Biden administration to impose more sanctions on Huawei and its chipmaking partner, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., one of the biggest customers of ASML in China.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
California-based Fulcrum Bioenergys plan to sell up to $500 million of tax-exempt environmental improvement revenue bonds through the Indiana Finance Authority for its planned Centerpoint Biorefinery in Gary is on hold after the companys bonds for a similar plant in Nevada went into default.

The news prompted criticism from local environmental activists, who have long questioned the efficacy and safety of the companys planned trash-to-fuel plant.

Fulcrum sold about $290 million of environmental improvement revenue bonds between 2017 and 2020 through the Nevada Department of Business and Industry to fund construction of its Sierra Biofuels Plant, located near Reno, according to reporting by the trade newspaper The Bond Buyer.

On Oct. 17, bond trustee UMB Bank posted notice that bonds for the Sierra facility, which started operating last year, were in default. At the direction of holders of a majority of the debt, it demanded accelerated repayment of the 30-year bonds.

Fulcrum had been planning to sell up to $500 million of tax-exempt environmental improvement revenue bonds for the Centerpoint project later in October but has now put those plans on hold, The Bond Buyer reported.

The Gary facility, to be located in the old Lehigh Cement property in Buffington Harbor, was slated to start turning household waste and other organic matter into jet fuel in 2026. Fulcrum has framed the project as a way of reducing airlines reliance on crude oil and lowering carbon emissions, all while boosting the struggling citys economy. The company has promised to invest $600 million in Gary and to divert 700,000 tons of waste from local landfills each year. Gary Mayor Jerome Prince has supported the proposal, lauding its potential as a job creator.

Critics of the proposal have questioned the efficacy of Fulcrums technology, and warned of the potential for damage to the local environment. Princes support for the Centerpoint facility was one issue on which he clashed with State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, who unseated Prince in the citys Democratic mayoral primary in May.

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Among the plans most dogged opponents has been the grassroots environmental group Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD).

On Dec. 16, members of the group filed a petition with the Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication in which they asked that an air permit issued to Fulcrum for the Centerpoint facility be revoked because of what they believe to be incomplete information and unsupported emissions calculations in its permit application.

In a statement released on Monday, GARD spokesperson Carolyn McCrady framed news of the default as a sign of Fulcrums inability to deliver on its promises.

Over and over again Gary residents have questioned the feasibility of the project, and over and over again, Fulcrum has said we should look to its Sierra plant as a successful example of what it plans to do in Gary, she wrote. Well now we know. They have not produced fuel at scale and cannot pay back their investors. This is just further evidence that this is an ill-gotten venture that is bad for Indiana taxpayers and should be abandoned.

In a statement, Fulcrum vice president Rick Barraza wrote that Fulcrums decision to not move forward with the Centerpoint bonds has no relation to the Sierra bonds.

Fulcrum is working closely with UMB and the Sierra bondholders to finalize a forbearance agreement to resolve the current matter with UMB, he wrote, adding that the company remains steadfast in its commitment to both the Centerpoint and Sierra projects and their respective bondholders.

adalton@chicagotribune.com
The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa has appointed Stephen Daniel as the new Director of Business Development and Strategy.

Daniel, who has more than 30 years' experience in hospitality, will look to bring his strategic mindset, market knowledge and leadership skills to the table in the new role.

Daniel had previously worked Al Safir hotel for 13 years before moving to The Domain Hotel and Spa as the Assistant General Manager in 2015. Later, he became the Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing with Wyndham Hotel Group, and led the pre-opening teams for renowned hotels.

I believe that Stephens dedication and leadership will be invaluable to our hotels success. I wish him the very best and look forward to continued achievements together, said Hameed Ali, General Manager of Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa.

The legendary five-star hotel of Bahrain, established in 1969, offers quality Bahraini hospitality and superior luxury facilities.

Located in the vibrant Adliya district, overlooking the Grand Mosque and the Royal Palace, the Gulf Hotel is only 15 minutes away from major attractions: airport, financial district, malls and Diplomatic area.

It offers 361 luxurious rooms and suites and 16 fine-dining restaurants, lounges and bars to experience gastronomy from all around the world.

For meetings and conferences, it has 33 outstanding venues.

The property's Executive Residence offers 97 premium one- to three-bedroom serviced and fully-furnished apartments for long and short stays. - TradeArabia News Service
(Bloomberg) -- General Electric Co. raised its forecast for profit and free cash flow for the year as rebounding demand for air travel drives growth in its increasingly critical aerospace business.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The maker of jet engines and power-generation equipment now expects 2023 adjusted earnings of $2.55 to $2.65 a share, up from a prior projection of no more than $2.30. That tops the $2.36 average of analysts estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Sales will grow at a low-teens percentage rate while free cash flow will rise to as much a $5.1 billion, both increases from the companys prior forecast.

GEs aviation operations continues to experience rapid growth driven by robust demand and solid execution, Chief Executive Officer Larry Culp said Tuesday on a conference call to discuss quarterly earnings. Were navigating a still-challenging supply-chain environment to deliver for and support our customers.

The companys shares rose 4% at 9:38 a.m. in New York. The stock surged 63% this year through Mondays close, well ahead of the gain in the S&P 500 Index.

GE is well positioned for continued healthy results, Citi analyst Andrew Kaplowitz said in a note. He highlighted the durable positive momentum in the aerospace unit, while improvements in the renewable energy business mark an encouraging sign of progress.

The boosted outlook underscores the growing momentum of Culps five-year turnaround-turned-breakup of the iconic conglomerate. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Culp has sold huge businesses, slashed more than $100 billion in debt and overhauled factory operations to reshape the iconic corporation from a troubled giant to a smaller, more streamlined company.

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The last major step in Culps plan includes a spinoff of GE Vernova, its power-generation and renewable-energy units. GE said Tuesday that the spin is planned for the second quarter of 2024.

That will leave GE Aerospace, which primarily manufactures and services military and commercial jet engines, as a standalone business that the company expects will see higher sales and profits through 2025 as air travel continues to rebound after the pandemic.

Quarterly Beat

Adjusted earnings in the third quarter rose to 82 cents per share, GE said in a statement, well ahead of the 56-cent average of analyst estimates. GE Aerospace fueled the results with a 34% jump in orders and revenue that grew 25%.

Overall, an exceptionally strong quarter for GE, Deane Dray, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, said in a note.

Supply chains continue to be a challenge despite an overall improvement in the flow of material to GEs jet-engine factories, Chief Financial Officer Rahul Ghai said on the conference call. Those hangups will weigh on deliveries of Leap jet engines to Boeing Co. and Airbus SE, which GE now expects to rise 40% to 45% this year, a reduction from its earlier target of a 50% increase.

GEs offshore wind unit, which recently installed the first turbines in a massive project near the UK, will lose about $1 billion on an operating basis this year and next. The units initial backlog presents a problematic financial profile that the company must work through over the next few years, Culp said.

Sales overall at GEs renewable energy unit rose by double digits with a 15% increase on higher deliveries of power-grid equipment and onshore wind turbines. The divisions operating loss narrowed to $317 million, better than the $934 million negative figure last year.

Both GEs grid and onshore wind units were profitable in the quarter after a lengthy run of red ink at those units.

Those two core proof points that we said were going to be key for the spin are in hand, Culp said in an interview.

(Updates with share trading, additional details beginning in fourth paragraph)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Canadian organizations vulnerable to cyberattacks look to generative AI for help, but see it as a double-edged sword that could embolden criminals

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - Barely half (56 per cent) of Canadian CEOs believe their companies are prepared for a cyberattack today, with more than nine in 10 (93 per cent) worried that the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) will make them even more vulnerable to breaches, finds KPMG International's latest CEO Outlook.

KPMG Logo (CNW Group/KPMG LLP)

The results mirror findings of KPMG in Canada's Private Enterprise Business Survey, which found 81 per cent of small- and medium-sized business (SMB) respondents agree that generative AI is a "double-edged sword" that could help their organization better detect and respond to cyber threats while simultaneously increasing the number of cyberattacks by providing new attack methods for criminals.

"Generative AI can help organizations bolster their security posture and gain efficiencies while doing so. However, the reality is cybercriminals will increase the use of generative AI in their attack strategies as well, and they can be much faster at adopting the technology than large organizations are. What that means is we're likely to see more generative AI-enabled attacks particularly through social engineering, where deepfakes can be deployed to fool employees into compromising company data, and bypassing traditional access methods" says Hartaj Nijjar, partner and national leader of KPMG in Canada's cybersecurity practice.

"It can be difficult for organizations to predict exactly how generative AI will impact their cybersecurity posture, so the best way to protect against the unknown is to establish robust defenses that include investment in cybersecurity technology and programs and enforce rigorous staff training. Organizations with strong cybersecurity fundamentals in place will be better equipped to deal with the unknown risks of evolving technologies like generative AI," adds Mr. Nijjar.

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More than one-third of Canadian CEOs who said their organizations are underprepared for a cyberattack say the primary cause is outdated technology systems or infrastructure, followed by increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and a lack of investment in cyber defences. Less than five per cent said their organization is "very well prepared" for a cyberattack.

While some CEOs see generative AI playing a role in improving their cybersecurity programs, that role appears to be minor, with risks clearly outweighing benefits, according to respondents. Only eight per cent of CEOs cited improved cyberattack response capabilities as a benefit of implementing generative AI at their organizations. By contrast, one-quarter of CEOs said compliance and security issues  such as AI-armed adversaries  pose a challenge to implementing the technology, with 68 per cent of small- and medium-sized enterprises agreeing.

CEO Outlook highlights:

93 per cent of Canadian CEOs are worried generative AI might enable additional cyberattacks ( 82 per cent globally)

56 per cent said they are prepared for a cyberattack ( 53 per cent globally), unchanged from last year. 52 per cent said they are "well prepared" and 4 per cent said they are "very well prepared" ( 45 per cent and 8 per cent globally, respectively)



Why Canadian CEOs feel underprepared for cyberattacks:

38 per cent cited vulnerable or legacy systems or infrastructure ( 20 per cent globally)

25 per cent cited increasing cyber threat and attack sophistication ( 34 per cent globally)

19 per cent said lack of investment in cyber defences ( 15 per cent globally)

13 per cent said shortage of skilled personnel ( 24 per cent globally)

6 per cent said cybersecurity is not regarded as a business priority (7 per cent globally)

SMBs more prepared for cyberattacks

By contrast, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) surveyed by KPMG in Canada reported a higher level of preparedness for cyberattacks than large companies, with 88 per cent of SMBs saying their company is well-prepared to defend against a cyberattack, up from 73 per cent last year. That's despite the fact that more respondents (63 per cent) said they've been attacked by cybercriminals this year than last year (56 per cent).

While there are various types of cyberattacks (phishing, malware, denial of service or deployment malicious code, for example), ransomware is particularly problematic for SMBs. Six in 10 companies said their company paid a ransom to cybercriminals in the last three years, and 59 per cent said their company doesn't have a plan to address a potential ransomware attack (up from 32 per cent last year). A ransomware attack is when a criminal steals an organization's data and keeps it hostage until a fee is paid.

"Paying a ransom to cybercriminals is a costly expense that companies generally don't plan for  especially smaller and medium-sized enterprises with fewer resources and limited budgets. But unfortunately, many SMBs are choosing to pay cybercriminals because ransomware attacks can paralyze or even shut down their operations, and many simply can't afford that," says Robert Moerman, a partner in KPMG's cybersecurity practice who leads managed security services.

"Paying a criminal will likely cost an organization more than it would to establish effective cybersecurity defenses to deter that criminal in the first place. Planned investments in cybersecurity reduce the likelihood and cost of a cyber incident, and cyber insurance can help address the residual risk. For smaller organizations that might not have the capacity or expertise to implement robust cybersecurity programs, external service providers can fill that gap as well," adds Mr. Moerman.

KPMG Private Enterprise Business Survey highlights

88 per cent of small- and medium-sized businesses surveyed by KPMG in Canada said their company is well-prepared to defend against a cyberattack (up from 73 per cent last year). 41 per cent "agree strongly" and 47 per cent "agree somewhat"



Why SMBs feel underprepared for cyberattacks:

71 per cent say their legacy systems or infrastructure (i.e., information and/or operational technology) make their company vulnerable to cyberattacks

66 per cent say their company doesn't have the skilled personnel to implement cybersecurity or monitor for attacks

64 per cent said their company lacks the financial resources to invest in cyber defences

62 per cent say cybersecurity is not regarded as a business priority

Generative AI and cybersecurity

Like their larger counterparts, small and medium enterprises cite aging or legacy technology systems as their biggest vulnerability to cyberattacks, followed by a lack of financial resources and skilled cybersecurity professionals. Despite these challenges, 80 per cent of SMBs said they are considering using AI to bolster their cybersecurity defenses and feel they have a good understanding of the risks associated with it and how to manage it.

Nisal Samarakkody, a partner in KPMG's cybersecurity practice who specializes in the use of artificial intelligence to tackle cybercrime, says organizations looking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses with generative AI need to first assess which areas of their cyber controls can be augmented to maximize efficiency and security.

"Successful implementation and enablement of AI capabilities  including generative AI  is a journey that starts with optimizing existing cybersecurity controls, understanding gaps, readiness, and investing in emerging capabilities in line with the evolving cybersecurity landscape and organizational boundaries. Without that, organizations may not be able to leverage generative AI to its full potential, and they risk falling behind their peers and being vulnerable to complex threats," he says.

For more insights on generative AI and cybersecurity, see Securing the Transformation Journey by Stephanie Terrill, Business Unit Leader for Management Consulting and Thomas Davies, National Cyber Transformation Leader & National Risk Consulting Managed Services Leader at KPMG in Canada

About the KPMG CEO Outlook

The ninth edition of the KPMG CEO Outlook, conducted with 1,325 CEOs between August 15 and Sept. 15, 2023, provides unique insights into the mindset, strategies, and planning tactics of CEOs. All respondents have more than US$500 million in annual revenue and a third of the companies surveyed have more than US$10 billion in annual revenue. The survey by KPMG International included CEOs from 11 key markets (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.) and 11 key industry sectors (automotive, consumer and retail, energy, financial services, infrastructure, life sciences, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications). NOTE: Some figures may not add up to 100 per cent due to rounding.

About the KPMG Private Enterprise Business Survey

KPMG in Canada surveyed business owners or executive level C-suite decision makers at 700 small-and-medium-sized Canadian companies between August 30 and Sept. 25, 2023, using Sago's premier business research panel. A quarter of the companies surveyed have more than C$500 million and less than C$1 billion in annual revenue, a quarter have more than C$300 million and less than $500 million in annual revenue, 23 per cent have between C$100 million and C$300 million in annual revenue, and 26 per cent have between C$10 million and C$50 million in annual revenue. No companies were surveyed under C$10 million.

About KPMG in Canada

KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country.

The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see kpmg.com/ca

SOURCE KPMG LLP

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DUBLIN, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "The World Mattress Industry" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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This Market Research Report provides a comprehensive overview of the global mattress industry, including the latest trends and data. The report covers various aspects of the mattress market, including production, consumption, international trade flows, and market forecasts. It also includes a competitive landscape analysis with detailed profiles of leading mattress manufacturers and their strategies.

PART I. THE WORLD MATTRESS INDUSTRY

This section reviews the main drivers and challenges facing the global mattress industry, such as supply chain issues, trade tensions, nearshoring, globalization, e-commerce channels, bed-in-a-box, sustainability, and circularity. It presents updated figures for the world mattress market and its competitive landscape. Additionally, insights from a survey of global mattress manufacturers conducted from May to July 2023 are included.

PART II. KEY MARKETS AND THE MOST IMPORTANT COUNTRIES IN THE GLOBAL MATTRESS SECTOR: 50 COUNTRIES ANALYSIS

This part provides a detailed analysis of the top 20 world mattress markets, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. For each country, the report covers mattress production, apparent consumption, exports, imports from 2013 to 2022, and forecasts for mattress consumption changes in 2023 and 2024. It also includes information on production by material, major trading partners, socio-economic indicators, and profiles of major mattress manufacturers.

For an additional 30 countries (Argentina, Austria, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Thailand, United Arab Emirates), the report provides similar data on production, consumption, exports, imports, trading partners, and forecasts.

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PART III. LEADING MANUFACTURERS IN THE WORLD MATTRESS INDUSTRY

This section includes detailed profiles of 35 leading mattress manufacturers. The profiles contain company information, financial highlights, sales performance, and manufacturing activity, including plants and production strategies.

PART IV. LISTING OF THE MAJOR MATTRESS MANUFACTURERS

This part lists major mattress manufacturers for the 30 countries not covered in Part III, providing a comprehensive overview of around 500 companies in the mattress industry.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Adova

Aquinos

Ashley Furniture

Auping

BRN Sleep Products

Correct

Eurocomfort

Flex

Healthcare (Mlily)

Herval Moveis e Colchoes

Hilding Anders

Ikano Industry

Jason Furniture - Kuka

Kurlon

Magniflex

Perdormire

Pikolin

Recticel

Serta Simmons

Sheela Foam (Sleepwell)

Silentnight

Sinomax

Sleep Number Co.

Tempur Sealy

Xilinmen

Yatas Yatak

Zinus

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jp98g6

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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.

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenly , the innovative climate tech company known for pioneering carbon accounting solutions, now integrates with global small business platform Xero as a Xero App Partner, expanding its carbon accounting capabilities and enhancing its services for businesses worldwide.

Greenly Logo (PRNewsfoto/Greenly)

Greenly's cutting-edge platform simplifies carbon accounting, empowering businesses to measure, analyze, and reduce their carbon footprint effectively. By becoming a Xero App Partner, Greenly can integrate with clients' accounting data, streamlining the process and providing a comprehensive solution to manage environmental impact.

The Greenly App on the Xero App Store facilitates a secure connection between businesses and their environmental data. By directly interfacing with Xero accounts, Greenly enables users to source their accounting data effortlessly. Moreover, the platform easily integrates activity-based data and synchronizes it with various business tools, simplifying complex processes into a single, user-friendly interface.

"We are thrilled to integrate with Xero and to be recognized as a Xero App Partner," said Greenly CEO Alexis Normand. "This allows us to offer an enhanced experience to our users, providing them with a streamlined solution to manage their carbon accounting effectively. By integrating directly with Xero, we can simplify the process of tracking environmental impact, helping businesses make informed decisions for a sustainable future."

One of the significant advantages of joining the Xero App Store is Greenly's opportunity to showcase its app to over 3.7 million Xero subscribers. This exposure provides a unique platform for Greenly to reach a vast audience, enabling businesses of all sizes to access its powerful carbon accounting tools.

Greenly's innovative approach to carbon accounting aligns with Xero's commitment to make life better for people in small business, their advisors and communities around the world. By connecting with the Xero platform, Greenly can now offer a more comprehensive solution, enabling businesses to monitor their environmental impact seamlessly.

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To learn more about Greenly and its integration with Xero, please visit the Greenly App on the Xero App Store .

About Greenly

Founded in October 2019 by Alexis Normand (CEO, ex-Health Director of Withings, HEC, Sciences-Po, passed through the Boston office of Withings and Techstars), Matthieu Vegreville (CTO, X-Telecom, data scientist at Withings) and Arnaud Delubac (CMO, ESSEC-Centrale, INSEE, previously in charge of digital communication in the Prime Minister's office), Offspend SAS launched Greenly in January 2020, the world's first carbon accounting platform with +1,000 corporate clients in France, the United Kingdom and the United States. Greenly's climate tech now enables all companies, regardless of their size or sector, to contribute to the fight against global warming, starting with a simple measurement of their CO2 emissions. Once the assessment has been carried out, Greenly helps them to define a roadmap to help them align themselves with a Net Zero Contributor trajectory. Greenly obtained the B-Corp label in September 2022 and intends to make its expertise available to the community.

For more information please visit https://www.greenly.earth/

Follow Greenly on Twitter , Linkedin and Instagram

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RENO, Nev., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton, the global leader in automation technology and analytical sensors, is thrilled to announce a significant expansion and enhancement of their Field Services division, dedicated to providing an unparalleled "expert partner" approach for clients within the pharmaceutical and life science sectors. This strategic initiative aims to enable clients to not only maintain but optimize their intricate manufacturing processes.

Hamilton Company Logo (PRNewsfoto/Hamilton Company)

John Gleeson, Director of Field Services at Hamilton, emphasizes the pivotal role of going above and beyond the industry's conventional service standards. Gleeson states, "In a sector where routine troubleshooting and instrument maintenance prevail, we aspire to transcend the ordinary 'check the box' approach. Our objective is to comprehensively understand our customers' entire processes and equipment portfolios. By tailoring our services to their unique requirements, we offer a holistic solution that ensures seamless operations."

A fundamental cornerstone of Hamilton's approach is its commitment to root cause analysis. This meticulous examination identifies and resolves underlying issues specific to the systems and processes in use, ultimately preventing future failures and elevating overall system performance.

Hamilton's dedication to customer education further distinguishes them from the competition. The company provides comprehensive training and hands-on support, empowering clients to gain a deeper understanding of their systems. This knowledge not only enhances their sensor maintenance capabilities but also equips them with the skills to diagnose and rectify issues independently.

Gleeson encapsulates Hamilton's approach as a long-term partnership founded on expertise and unwavering reliability. He asserts, "We treat our customers' systems as if they were our own, assuming responsibility for maintaining them at the highest standard. Our commitment to customer success is unwavering."

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Hamilton's Field Service team is spearheading a transformation in the pharmaceutical industry. They are not merely a maintenance crew; they are true "expert partners" on their clients' journey toward manufacturing excellence.

For more information about Hamilton's Field Services, please visit here.

About Hamilton:

Hamilton is a leading global manufacturer, providing automated liquid handling workstations, laboratory automation technology, and process analytical sensors to the scientific community. With a focus on innovative design, the Hamilton product portfolio includes liquid handling platforms, standard application-based solutions, small devices, process sensors, consumables, and OEM liquid handling solutions.

Known for advancing the life science, clinical diagnostics, forensics, biotechnology, and biopharma industries, Hamilton products offer reliability, performance, and flexibility. Hamilton utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing at production facilities in Reno, Nevada, and Bonaduz, Switzerland as part of their continuous commitment to quality and has earned a global ISO 9001 certification. Privately held, Hamilton maintains headquarters in Reno, Nevada; Franklin, Massachusetts; and Bonaduz, Switzerland, along with subsidiary offices throughout the world.



Website :

www.hamiltoncompany.com

Media Contact :

Sissy Kephart

1 (775) 858-3000

Sissy.Kephart@hamiltoncompany.com

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Partnership Advances Department of Education's Goal to Enhance College and Career Success

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tutor.com , one of the world's largest and most innovative online tutoring organizations, announced today that is has been selected by the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) to provide 24/7 online tutoring for every eighth-grade public school student in the state.

The Princeton Review / Tutor.com logo. (PRNewsfoto/Tutor.com)

Through the partnership, more than 21,000 students across 56 middle schools gain no-cost access to Tutor.comanytime, anywhere, from any internet-connected device. The program advances HIDOE's Implementation Plan for the 20232029 Strategic Plan, which aims to ensure that all students "enter high school with the academic background and skills to succeed in progressively challenging and advanced-level coursework aligned to career pathways."

State education leaders sought 24/7 online tutoring to support "eighth-grade students who struggle with subject areas" as well as "students who take challenging advanced coursework." The Strategic Plan highlights critical needs in math, a core subject in which student proficiency has lagged since the pandemic. In a recent white paper , Tutor.com reported unprecedented demand for algebra tutoring, a trend that tracks with National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Report Card data.

To support students equitably across subject areas, the Tutor.com program offers round-the-clock access to individualized tutoring in 200+ subjectsincluding math as well as PSAT topics, social studies, world languages, and more. In addition to connecting with a live tutor via two-way text or voice, students have the option to drop off written work and receive expert feedback within 12 hours. The company's award-winning LEO platform further provides 24/7 access to test prep resources from The Princeton Review, practice quizzes, video lessons, and worksheets.

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"We are honored to partner with the Hawaii State Department of Education to offer critical individualized tutoring for eighth graders," said Sandi White, Chief Institutional Officer at Tutor.com/The Princeton Review. "Having delivered more than 25 million sessions, we know that asking for help is brave, and we share HIDOE leaders' commitment to removing support barriers with 24/7 access to expert tutoring in mathand any other subjects in which students are engaged."

To streamline the student experience, students access Tutor.com by logging in through Clever, the Department's single sign-on application, so that they can connect for help quickly at their moments of need. Students, parents, and educators may find additional information at the program's webpage, tutor.com/hawaii. There is no limit to the number of times a student can connect with a tutor.

Tutors are rigorously vetted and undergo ongoing background checks. They have demonstrated subject-matter expertise, and they participate in quality-control processes geared toward ensuring that the help they provide is effective, encouraging, and empowering. To those ends, tutors ask guiding questions to aid students in understanding difficult concepts on their own. In post-session surveys, 96% of K12 students report that Tutor.com helps them feel more confident about their schoolwork; 96% report that the service helps them improve their grades; and 97% say it helps them complete homework assignments.

Tutor.com has a track record of success in helping districts and statewide programs scale equitable access to academic support. This partnership advances HIDOE's mission to prepare all students to be "globally competitive, locally committed."

About Tutor.com



Since its incorporation in 2000, Tutor.com has delivered more than 25 million online tutoring and homework help sessions to students. The company's more than 3,000 vetted and qualified tutors provide learning assistance that is available 24/7 in a wide variety of subjects. The company's mission is to instill hope, advance equity, and catalyze achievement in schools and communities. Tutor.com powers tutoring and homework help programs for the U.S. Department of Defense, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program, colleges and universities, K12 school districts, state and local libraries, and companies offering employee benefit programs. Headquartered in New York City, Tutor.com is an affiliate of The Princeton Review , an education services company not affiliated with Princeton University. Follow Tutor.com on X (formerly Twitter) @tutordotcom , Facebook @TutorDotCom , and LinkedIn @Tutor.com .

About Hawaii State Department of Education

Hawaii's public school system was founded on Oct. 15, 1840 by King Kamehameha III. It is the oldest public school system west of the Mississippi. It comprises 295 schools (258 public, 37 charter) in a single, statewide public school district and currently serves nearly 13,000 eighth-grade students and over 167,000 K12 students in total.

PSAT is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.

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(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong is slashing extra stamp duties for some homebuyers and reversing a pandemic-era increase in stock trade levies as officials seek to boost the beleaguered property sector and revive the citys status as a financial hub.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chief Executive John Lee detailed the measures Wednesday during the second policy address of his tenure. They included a highly anticipated move to cut taxes for homebuyers who arent from the city as well as for residents who already own property  the first changes to housing curbs in the decade since they were introduced.

Lee said the city will lower the stock trade stamp duty to 0.10% from 0.13%, reversing a hike introduced at the height of the pandemic in 2021.

The easing measures come as Lee works to deliver effective support for Hong Kong, which is struggling to recover after removing years of pandemic curbs as Chinas economic difficulties and increased geopolitical tensions take a toll. The property market is at the top of Lees list of concerns, as falling demand and rising borrowing costs drive existing home prices down to a six-year low. Developers and real estate agents had been calling for the removal of housing curbs to help that sector.

Boosting the citys financial markets is a major task as well: IPOs have plummeted since 2021 and trading has slumped, raising questions about whether other regional finance hubs can overtake Hong Kongs position as a key international center for commerce.

Property Easing

The cuts to levies for non-resident buyers may help boost market interest among foreigners who the government considers key to the citys financial success and economic revival. Under the changes, homebuyers on eligible talent visas arent required to pay extra duties unless they fail to become permanent residents.

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Foreigners will now pay 15% levies on homes instead of 30%, while Hong Kong residents buying a second home will pay 7.5% in taxes, down from 15%. Along with halving those stamp duties, Lee said sellers would be able to offload properties without tax after holding them for two years, down from three years.

Along with the drop in the prices of existing homes, the market for new housing has also seen strain. There were 20,483 vacant properties in the third quarter  the most in almost two decades, data from Centaline show.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan last month had hinted at a potential relaxation, saying conditions have changed from when the government introduced cooling measures in the early 2010s. Prices remain expensive by historical standards, however.

Any rebound in buyer demand from the property moves is seen to be short-lived given high mortgage rates, according to analysts. Hong Kongs property stocks, including New World Development Co. and Sino Land Co., surged following an earlier local media report about the cuts to taxes for residents buying second homes, though they later pared gains.

Boosting Stocks

The lowering of stamp duties for stock trading also marks a much-anticipated reversal. Average daily equity trading on the citys exchange fell 9% in the first nine months of 2023 from a year earlier. Total equity funds raised declined 67% in the period. Hong Kongs measures also come after China cut in half its stamp duty on stock trades.

Since the duty was hiked in August 2021, government income from stock trading has surpassed even the revenue it raises from property sales, its traditional cash cow. Hong Kong has also become the most expensive exchange among developed markets in Asia Pacific, a study showed.

The government had earlier expressed reluctance about reversing its higher stamp duty. Before Chinas reduction, Hong Kong government said it had found no adverse effect on trading from the stamp duty hike and said stock prices were the biggest driver of trading.

Reversing the tariff to levels before the 2021 raise will cut Hong Kong governments revenue by HK$12.3 billion, or about 2% of revenue, according to an official estimate released in July.

Depressed Economy

Officials have also been trying to sell Hong Kongs attractiveness to a skeptical world through various publicity campaigns in order to revive its international image and lure visitors. The number of tourists visiting the city has yet to return to pre-Covid levels, while retail sales remain depressed. Economists have cut their forecasts for the citys economic growth this year as the post-pandemic recovery remains sluggish.

Yet the government has also ramped up efforts to safeguard national security, even though protests have long been extinguished. In the summer, Lee put a bounty on eight pro-democracy activists living overseas, calling them street rats who will be hunted for life. The move triggered public criticism from Western governments including the US and UK.

During his policy address, Lee said the city must stay vigilant against possible street violence and rebellion through soft resistance, while watching out for anti-government movements from dissidents overseas. He also said the city would make laws to ban acts endangering national security, which he said would be more comprehensive than existing legislation.

Lee also announced measures to tackle the citys plunging birth rate, which is contributing to a rapidly aging society. He said Hong Kong will hand out a one-off cash bonus of HK$20,000 ($2,555) for each newborn of permanent city residents. That measure will take effect for three years and then be reviewed.

Other Key Announcements From Lees Policy Address:

Hong Kong will make laws to ban acts endangering national security according to Article 23 of the Basic Law Existing legislation already covers some of those acts, but Lee previously said the new laws would make it more comprehensive

Hong Kong will introduce a mechanism to attract overseas firms to re-domicile in the city, targeting those with a business focus in Asia Pacific

Government will study introducing private investors to support large urban development plans, such as the Northern Metropolis

Hong Kong will attract talent from Vietnam, Laos and Nepal, making it easier for people from there to get talent-related visas

--With assistance from Alan Wong, Richard Frost, Adrian Kennedy and Russell Ward.

(Updates to include more details from the policy address on birth rate measures.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Those holding Hostmore plc (LON:MORE) shares would be relieved that the share price has rebounded 26% in the last thirty days, but it needs to keep going to repair the recent damage it has caused to investor portfolios. Longer-term shareholders would be thankful for the recovery in the share price since it's now virtually flat for the year after the recent bounce.

Even after such a large jump in price, given about half the companies operating in the United Kingdom's Hospitality industry have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") above 1x, you may still consider Hostmore as an attractive investment with its 0.1x P/S ratio. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the reduced P/S.

See our latest analysis for Hostmore

How Has Hostmore Performed Recently?

Hostmore could be doing better as its revenue has been going backwards lately while most other companies have been seeing positive revenue growth. Perhaps the P/S remains low as investors think the prospects of strong revenue growth aren't on the horizon. If this is the case, then existing shareholders will probably struggle to get excited about the future direction of the share price.

Keen to find out how analysts think Hostmore's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The Low P/S?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as low as Hostmore's is when the company's growth is on track to lag the industry.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 12% decrease to the company's top line. Still, the latest three year period has seen an excellent 48% overall rise in revenue, in spite of its unsatisfying short-term performance. Although it's been a bumpy ride, it's still fair to say the revenue growth recently has been more than adequate for the company.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the two analysts covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 3.0% over the next year. That's shaping up to be materially lower than the 9.6% growth forecast for the broader industry.

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With this information, we can see why Hostmore is trading at a P/S lower than the industry. It seems most investors are expecting to see limited future growth and are only willing to pay a reduced amount for the stock.

The Bottom Line On Hostmore's P/S

Despite Hostmore's share price climbing recently, its P/S still lags most other companies. While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

We've established that Hostmore maintains its low P/S on the weakness of its forecast growth being lower than the wider industry, as expected. Shareholders' pessimism on the revenue prospects for the company seems to be the main contributor to the depressed P/S. Unless these conditions improve, they will continue to form a barrier for the share price around these levels.

Having said that, be aware Hostmore is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis, you should know about.

If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on Hostmore, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
BROCKTON  When Moderna needed a vacuum system to keep its scientists safe while they created the COVID-19 vaccine, the pharma giant turned to Air Energy Group.

Now, Brockton is recruiting the compressor and vacuum manufacturer, hoping to bring the city about 100 jobs. Under a draft deal, the company would combine their three current locations in South Easton, Pembroke and Lincoln, Rhode Island, into a corporate headquarters on Industrial Boulevard. The city is offering $1,058,689 in projected tax breaks to close the deal.

But hurdles remain. A city council committee on Monday unanimously recommended the full council accept the deal. In addition to city council approval, there's a layer of state approval which likely would not be completed until December, according to Lynn Tokarczyk, a Medway-based government incentives consultant who is helping craft the deal.

This warehouse at 105 Industrial Boulevard in Brockton could be the future home of Air Energy Group, which would combine its locations in South Easton, Pembroke and Lincoln, Rhode Island, into a corporate HQ in the city, pictured on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

If all goes well, Air Energy could move into its new Brockton digs in the first or second quarter of 2024, said Scott Ripatrazone, company vice president.

What kind of jobs would Air Energy Group bring?

The company plans to retain and relocate 59 full-time jobs and add 43 new full-time jobs. Air Energy Group would occupy half of a new 150,000-square-foot facility at 105 Industrial Boulevard. If the company does well and needs to expand, it has right of first refusal to take over additional space there.

Air Energy Group says it needs engineers, assemblers, technicians, quality control monitors and general office workers. The company says its average annual salary is $70,000 plus benefits.

"We set people up for a long-lasting career in our business," Ripatrazone said at city council's finance committee on Monday.

The draft deal involves the city, Air Energy Group and the property owner.

What if Air Energy Group falls through on jobs?

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan said he was excited to welcome the new facility and more than 100 well-paying jobs to Campello.

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"Air Energy Group is just the latest company to move their headquarters to Brockton and we expect more as the revitalization and reimagining of our City continues and more companies capitalize on our business-friendly climate, skilled local workforce, transit access and competitive local tax packages," the mayor said in a Thursday statement.

Those good jobs the company is promising aren't guaranteed. Any company can hit hard times or fail to reach its goals. A draft agreement specifies that within five years the company must come through with the 102 full-time jobs, and maintain them throughout the seven-year deal. The city can end the tax break in any fiscal year the company doesn't produce the jobs as agreed.

How does the Tax Increment Financing work?

The tax break Brockton is dangling in front of Air Energy is called Tax Increment Financing. TIFs give a company a "sliding scale property tax exemption" based on the increase in assessed value the company expects to create, said a summary provided to city councilors. In this particular case, the draft deal would also exempt personal property taxes for equipment stored on-site.

Several other other businesses in the Brockton region have reached similar deals in recent years under the state's Economic Development Incentive Program. KARM Hospitality is building a 78-room hotel in Brockton leveraging tax breaks worth about $431K over 10 years. Milton Rents in Randolph closed a deal worth $312K in 2022. In West Bridgewater, DeBartolo Development won a deal worth $4.4M in 2021. The region had a banner year in 2020, with Westgate Mall, Avon's Karas & Karas Glass and Stoughton's Globe Composite Solutions all getting tax breaks.

Brockton would get paid the commercial real estate tax on the already existing value of 105 Industrial Boulevard. However, as the company made the property more valuable, they'd get a tax break on new value they create. In the first year of the deal, Air Energy's incentive would be a 100% exemption on the new value. Each year the exemption would fall by 5% until it reached 75% in years six and seven.

The company and property owner plan to invest $21.8M in the project. The limited liability company that owns the real estate is Brockton Industrial Property Owner LLC, managed by Steven E. Goodman of Boston. The property owner would kick in $20M in building construction costs. Air Energy would supply $1.3M in renovations. The company and property owner would split a further half-million in personal property costs.

Wounds from Brockton Power still fresh

Residents who remember the bruising battles over a proposed power plant may be skeptical when a company with "Energy" in its name courts Brockton. Ward 4 City Councilor Susan Nicastro took pains to note that 105 Industrial Boulevard is across the train tracks from a densely populated neighborhood.

While Nicastro supports the project, she pressed Ripatrazone to make sure it results in no noise, no storage of chemicals and with activity limited to a single 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift.

"I think this is a very good location for this type of business," said Nicastro, who is also council president.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @HelmsNews.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Air Energy Group tax break: Company could bring 100 jobs to Brockton
Emerging Beauty Franchise Announces Substantial Multi-Unit Deal, Ignites Their Fast-Paced Expansion Across the U.S.

MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LashKind, an innovative brow and lash franchise concept, has announced a two-unit agreement for Miami, FL, putting the brand on a positive growth trajectory following its recent launch. The first site will be at 360 San Lorenzo Ave, Unit 1535 in Coral Gables, inside an existing Blo Blow Dry Bar and is slated to open by Q1 2024, with site selection for the second location currently underway.

LashKind is an innovative brow and lash franchise concept with a mission to make guests feel beautiful in a fun environment with high quality products.

The emerging franchise is grounded in the success of Canadian-based MYNC Beauty Inc., which was acquired by the original blow dry bar franchise Blo Blow Dry Bar in October 2022.

Trailblazing LashKind's expansion is husband-wife duo Jose Molina and Paula Rodriguez, both of whom have vast business experience in management and operations. The pair originally began their franchise journey with Blo Blow Dry Bar, owning five bars across Texas and Florida which are among the top performers in the system. Now, the couple is excited to bring their customer-first mindset and passion for the industry to LashKind.

"Joining LashKind was an easy decision after the success we've seen within our Blo Blow Dry Bar locations, largely due to the strong business model and corporate support team," said Paula. "The Miami market is vibrant and the perfect place to bring LashKind. We've always prioritized the experience our guests receive, making personal connections with many  that is what keeps them coming back. We are excited to continue this within our LashKind locations and confident we're set up for success with a proven franchise business."

Being a long-time beauty fan, Paula saw the value Blo Blow Dry Bar had within her community, and how guests were transformed each time they set foot in her locations. With a high demand for lash and brow services in the Miami market, Paula was inspired to deliver exactly what people are looking for.

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"The launch of LashKind is off to an exciting start, and we look forward to growing with aspiring and existing entrepreneurs looking to stake their claim in this booming industry," said Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar and LashKind. "Having successful Blo Blow Dry Bar franchisees expand their portfolios with our new brand is a testament to the strength of our business. With Jose and Paula's determination and success of their Blo Blow Dry Bars, there is no doubt that LashKind Miami is in great hands."

With the beauty industry valued at more than $571B and the lash industry projected to double its $1.36B value over the next decade, it is an opportune time to join LashKind. An added asset for franchisees, LashKind has multiple revenue streams with a number of services including: lash extensions; lash lifts; lash tints; brow and full-face waxing; brow and full-face threading; brow lamination; and brow tints. There will also be retail products to help extend the life of each service, a robust membership program to drive predictable, recurring revenue, and gift cards.

LashKind is a collective of beauty lovers  who also know that beauty means business. Its mission is to make guests look and feel beautiful by providing fun and fabulous bar environments, expertly delivered services and high-quality products, while helping ensure their natural lashes and brows remain healthy.

LashKind is currently seeking aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs to stake their claim in this exploding sector. For more information about the franchise opportunity, visit lashkindfranchise.com/contact-us.

About LashKind

LashKind is an innovative brow and lash franchise concept, grounded in the success of Canadian-based MYNC Beauty Inc. (founded in 2011) and brought to you by the team behind the category disruptor, Blo Blow Dry Bar. With a proven business model in a booming industry, LashKind is designed to stand out and set franchisees up for success. As a collective of beauty lovers, LashKind's mission is to make guests look and feel beautiful by providing fun and fabulous bar environments, expertly-delivered services and high-quality products, while helping ensure guests' natural lashes and brows remain healthy. To learn more, visit lashkindfranchise.com.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 150 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

Media Contact: Sammy O'Connell, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300, soconnell@fishmanpr.com

LashKind Launches Innovative Lash and Brow Franchise Opportunity in the U.S. (PRNewsfoto/LashKind)

Cision

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SOURCE LashKind
More than 400 global experts will gather in Seville, Spain, from October 18 to 20 at Tourism Innovation Summit 2023 (TIS2023), the global summit on tourism innovation and technology, to explore how AI-driven initiatives are transforming the sector.

The event will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) blockchain, data spaces or AdTech, among other exponential technologies, are driving the smarter, digital and sustainable transformation of the tourism industry.

At the event, Annalisa Ponchia, Director of Innovation & Customer Experience of AIM Group International, with over 30 years of international experience in event management, will show the "futuristic" vision of AI applications with more presence in the sector. In addition to these improvements, AI tools are significantly optimising the industry's customer experience, providing them with recommendations based on their preferences and streamlining their operations.

Customer Satisfaction

Claudia Tapardel, CEO & Founder of CT EU Affairs, a respected European public figure with extensive experience in management, tourism and travel strategies; Ignacio de la Cueva, Manager of the Center of Excellence in Tourism Innovation at Eurecat; and Chris Carmichael, Head of Corporate Innovation at TUI Musement, will discuss how AI solutions are driving customer satisfaction in tourism.

Sustainability in the Industry

AI can also contribute to the sustainability of the tourism industry. In this context, Franklin Carpenter, Director of Horwath HTL Spain, founder and first president of the Association of Tourism Professionals of Chile, will highlight how AI and innovations in data analysis and processing can help optimise the well-being of both travellers and destinations.

In addition, based on his 20 years of experience in leading projects and teams in the tourism, education and hospitality sectors, he will explain how technology can contribute to the regeneration of tourism to promote sustainability and good cultural, social and local practices.

Andorra  a Case Study

TIS2023 will present the experience of VisitAndorra.com, the platform managed by Tourism of Andorra to position the country as a tourist destination of great attraction and spectacular natural resources. Alex Net, General Manager of Infinitum Digital, will explain how the unique points of this destination are promoted through the various experiences catalogues such as Andorra Selected, Andorra Taste and Andorra Health Destination, to attract quality tourism.

Blockchain and Data Spaces

In line with AI, other technologies such as blockchain or data spaces are also enabling a new era of tourism. The Tourism Innovation Global Summit will feature speakers such as Almudena de la Mata, CEO of Blockchain Intelligence and President of the Blockchain Intelligence Law Institute, who will address the potential of this disruptive technology to improve data privacy and promote transparency and trust for both tourists and businesses.

De la Mata, who was selected by Fundacion Cotec as a blockchain expert in "The Cotec 100," will also explore the role of NFTs in creating assets of value in the tourism industry, along with Monica Molina, senior sustainability consultant at Global Destination Sustainability Movement, and Luca Busolli, blockchain consultant at Klab.

Data Sharing

Similarly, data sharing will play a crucial role in the tourism sector, given the typology of actors and the cross-cutting nature of tourism and its intersection with other sectors.

TIS2023 will count on the experience of Dolores Ordonez, coordinator of DATES, European Tourism Data Spaces, the European project that aims to explore approaches and options for the implementation of a secure and reliable tourism data space.

Together with Misa Labarille, Tourism Policy Officer at the European Commission, and Juan Jesus Garcia, Head of Industry Affairs EMEA at Amadeus, will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the data economy and the European Tourism Data Space.

Ordonez, together with Francisca Rubio, General Manager of Gaia X Hub Spain, the initiative that is driving the creation of a secure and federated data infrastructure for Europe, Carlos Romero, President of Segittur, and Daniel Caro, Chief Data Officer of Turismo Andaluz, will also discuss the factors that need to be analysed to allow all actors in the tourism value chain to benefit from the possibilities of data sharing.

Data Protection

Data protection in companies and cybersecurity will also be a topic that will be addressed by experts such as Alfredo Serret and Juan Campillo, from Telefonica Tech, who will explain how to manage data with the right tools to protect us from cyberattacks.

More than 200 exhibiting firms with the most disruptive technologies TIS2023 will also feature more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space where more than 200 exhibiting companies will showcase the most groundbreaking technological solutions. Over the course of three days, AI application cases will be presented to personalize experiences in the attractions, tourism activities and hospitality sectors.

WAM Study

In a recent study, WAM Global says how AI technologies are revolutionising the travel industry across all segments, from improving the customer experience, and planning events to attracting and retaining tourists. Numerous destinations are already implementing the use of AI, which could generate $400 billion for the travel industry.  TradeArabia News Service
DataHorizzon Research

A Comprehensive Analysis of Hydrogen Peroxide Market Research Report.

Fort Collins, Colorado, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to DataHorizzon Research, the Hydrogen Peroxide Market was valued at USD 3.5 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a market size of USD 5.6 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.1%.

Hydrogen Peroxide is a pale blue chemical, a dense compound than water. Due to its natural environmental occurrence, it is called a green product. Hydrogen is the simplest peroxide and decomposes slowly into oxygen when exposed to light. Therefore, it is stored with a stabilizer in dark bottles with weak acidic solutions, away from sunlight. Hydrogen peroxide is a helpful component in first aid, relieving skin itchiness, irritation, and inflammation. It is also commonly used in disinfectants and sanitizers, and with the growing importance of maintaining clean surroundings, demand for hydrogen peroxide is expected to rise. To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is advised to use different concentration mixes for different types of hydrogen peroxide.

The demand for disinfectants and sanitizers significantly increased during the pandemic, leading to a surge in the need for hydrogen peroxide. This compound is widely used in healthcare and is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it an effective antiseptic for cuts, scrapes, and wounds. The paper and pulp industry is boosting the demand for hydrogen peroxide. With the global growth of the packaging and shipping industry due to the rise of e-commerce and the evolution of the supply chain industry, there is a significant increase in paper usage for packing products. This growth in the paper industry is expected to develop the hydrogen peroxide market further.

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Segmentation Overview:

The global hydrogen peroxide market has been segmented into industry, concentration mix, and region. The paper and pulp industry holds the largest market share in this segment, and hydrogen peroxide is a key ingredient used for bleaching. The hydrogen peroxide market is dominated by mixtures with less than 10% concentration. The hydrogen peroxide market is expected to experience significant growth in Asia. As China is the world's largest textile industry and factory, the demand for hydrogen peroxide is expected to increase across all sectors. India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea, with their growing economies and prominent industries like textiles, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, are also expected to be major consumers of hydrogen peroxide.

Story continues

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Hydrogen Peroxide Market Report Highlights:

The global hydrogen peroxide market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 5.1% by 2032.

Hydrogen peroxide is a useful substance with many applications in industries such as cosmetics, paper and pulp, textiles, electronics, home care, and pharmaceuticals. The growing demand in several healthcare applications indicates that the hydrogen peroxide market will likely experience steady growth in the following years.

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in the paper, pulp, and textile industries to make paper and cloth brighter and whiter. It is also used in the beauty industry as a teeth-whitening agent to make teeth appear whiter and to create shades and tones for hair dyeing.

Some prominent players in the hydrogen market report include Solvay SA, Evonik Industries AG, Arkema, Kemira Oyj, National Peroxide Limited, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd., Grupa Azoty, and Meghmani Finechem Ltd.

Industry Trends and Insights:

Solvay SA and Guangxi Chlor-Alkali Chemical have signed an agreement for a hydrogen peroxide manufacturing license and packaging technology. Solvay SA plans to use some of the output in their other business ventures nationwide.

Researchers from the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois have developed a novel agricultural herbicide that is user-friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective.

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Hydrogen Peroxide Market Segmentation:

By Industry: Pulp and paper, textile, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food industry, and wastewater management.

By Concentration Mix: Below 10%, 30-35%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 90%

By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

About DataHorizzon Research:

DataHorizzon is a market research and advisory company that assists organizations across the globe in formulating growth strategies for changing business dynamics. Its offerings include consulting services across enterprises and business insights to make actionable decisions. DHRs comprehensive research methodology for predicting long-term and sustainable trends in the market facilitates complex decisions for organizations.

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Long Grain Co. Ltd.

Long Grain Co. Ltd.

Long Grains Production Facility and Rice Brands, Kampong Spue Province, Cambodia

KAMPONG SPEU PROVINCE, Cambodia , Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire  Long Grain Co. Ltd ("Long Grain" or the "Company") is a specialty rice production and distribution enterprise positioned to make a significant impact in the global rice market, having recently unveiled its world-class milling facility that reimagines rice production and distribution. The Company expects the facility to generate an exponential rise from 33,000 tons production per year to 200,000 tons by 2025, followed by expansion into other verticals such as rice milk, rice cakes, grain spirit and rice oil.

Strategically located in the Kampong Speu Province of Cambodia, the expansive 68,809 sq meter mill stands testament to the Company's commitment to excellence and its vision for the future. From milling to distribution, innovative technology ensures that each grain epitomizes quality. Moreover, embracing environmental resilience, Long Grain works closely with local growers practicing water preservation, biodiversity enhancement and soil health improvement, demonstrating its position as an emerging industry leader.

Cambodia, over the years, has emerged as a major player in the rice industry. The country's rice sector accounts for over 70% of its agricultural cropped areas and contributes about 50% to the nation's agricultural output. Furthermore, the Cambodian rice market has experienced substantial growth over the past two decades, with surplus production finding its way to major international markets, primarily Europe. The Government of Cambodia, recognizing this upward trajectory, has put forth policy reforms to augment rice production and place Cambodian rice prominently on the global map. With its advanced facility and operational capabilities, Long Grain is ideally positioned to capitalize on this surge and deliver unparalleled value to its customers and stakeholders.

Sanjay Dvir, CEO of Long Grain, states, Our new facility is the answer to the burgeoning global rice demand, leveraging automation and state-of-the-art design. As we thank the supportive Cambodian government, we reiterate our commitment to further enhance our market presence and sustain growth momentum for years to come.

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The global rice appetite is growing exponentially. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a leap to 520.9 million tons of production in 2023/24, translating to a value of $271.04 billion by 2028. And as Cambodias rice exports surge, Long Grain is ideally positioned to be an important player, further propelled by the Government of Cambodias policy on the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice Export.

At its core, Long Grain is a pledge to quality, sustainability, and community enrichment, concludes Dvir.

About Long Grain Cambodia

Long Grain is a specialty rice producer and supplier operating a fully automated industry-leading processing plant with sufficient capacity for growth located in the Kampong Spue Province of Cambodia. We have a pioneering assurance system that maintains the quality of rice from the moment it leaves the paddy fields to the minute it is ready to leave the mill; each grain of rice is rigorously quality-checked. Long Grains quality processes are ISO 9000 certified, and its facility is certified in the FDAs Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), enabling for immediate export to the Americas. The Companys product range includes Jasmine, Senkro Orub rice and others, sold to a variety of end-users. We are proud to say that we are an exporter to multiple countries where Cambodia currently exports its rice production which today includes the EU, China, ASEAN nations, the Middle East and Africa, with a footprint that is expanding rapidly.

At Long Grain, we believe the only impact we should have on our community, customers, and the planet should be a positive one. We are committed to making the industry more transparent and sustainable. A key pillar of Long Grain is to support our farming community, which is why we work with, and employ, local people in the region.

For more information, please visit: https://longgrain.com.kh/

Discover the revolution at https://longgrain.com.kh/ and connect with Long Grain Cambodia on Facebook and LinkedIn .

For Media Inquiries:

TraDigital IR

Kevin McGrath

+1-646-418-7002

kevin@tradigitalir.com

General Inquiries

Pradip Nair

Marketing Director, LGC Marketing Company FZCO LLC

P.O. Box : 232021, Dubai, U.A.E.

Tel: +971 528049315

Email: p.nair@lgcmktg.com

Source: Long Grain Cambodia.

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While not a mind-blowing move, it is good to see that the Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (NYSE:NM) share price has gained 25% in the last three months. But that is little comfort to those holding over the last half decade, sitting on a big loss. The share price has failed to impress anyone , down a sizable 59% during that time. So we're not so sure if the recent bounce should be celebrated. We'd err towards caution given the long term under-performance.

On a more encouraging note the company has added US$7.3m to its market cap in just the last 7 days, so let's see if we can determine what's driven the five-year loss for shareholders.

See our latest analysis for Navios Maritime Holdings

Because Navios Maritime Holdings made a loss in the last twelve months, we think the market is probably more focussed on revenue and revenue growth, at least for now. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. That's because fast revenue growth can be easily extrapolated to forecast profits, often of considerable size.

In the last five years Navios Maritime Holdings saw its revenue shrink by 18% per year. That's definitely a weaker result than most pre-profit companies report. Arguably, the market has responded appropriately to this business performance by sending the share price down 10% (annualized) in the same time period. It's fair to say most investors don't like to invest in loss making companies with falling revenue. This looks like a really risky stock to buy, at a glance.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic.

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Navios Maritime Holdings shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 15% over the last year. There's no doubt those recent returns are much better than the TSR loss of 10% per year over five years. This makes us a little wary, but the business might have turned around its fortunes. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Navios Maritime Holdings .

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We will like Navios Maritime Holdings better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- US intelligence officials have concluded with high confidence that Israel wasnt behind an explosion at a hospital in Gaza City last week that killed as many as 300 people, the Washington Post reported.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Israels credit outlook was cut to negative by S&P Global Ratings, which cited risks that the war with Hamas could spread more widely and have a more pronounced effect on the countrys economy than expected.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza at the Security Council, saying that clear violations of international law are ongoing. Israels ambassador to the UN demanded that Guterres resign over his comments. President Joe Biden said humanitarian aid isnt getting into Gaza fast enough  the Red Crescent said eight aid trucks arrived late Tuesday after delays.

(All time stamps are Israeli time)

US Determines Israel Didnt Cause Hospital Blast (3:44 a.m.)

US intelligence officials have determined that Israel wasnt behind a large explosion at a hospital in Gaza last week that killed as many as 300 people, the Washington Post reported, citing three officials it didnt identify.

While analysts werent able to determine who launched the rocket that caused the Oct. 18 blast, they were able to use video from four locations to track the trajectory of the weapon, which showed it was fired from within Gaza and malfunctioned. Other intelligence, including intercepted communications and a review of the damaged hospital, helped officials conclude with high confidence that Israel wasnt responsible.

Israeli officials previously said they have evidence that the errant rocket was fired by the group Islamic Jihad.

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S&P Cites Risk That War Could Spread (1:40 a.m.)

S&P Global Ratings affirmed Israels rating at AA-, the fourth highest score. Last week Moodys Investors Service put Israels debt rating on review for downgrade and Fitch Ratings placed the nations credit score on negative watch, both citing the conflict.

The Israel-Hamas war could spread more widely or affect Israels credit metrics more negatively than we expect, analysts Maxim Rybnikov and Karen Vartapetov wrote. We currently assume the conflict will remain centered in Gaza and last no more than three to six months.

Israel Calls for Resignation of UN Chief Guterres (1:25 a.m.)

The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations demanded that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres resign for saying Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel didnt happen in a vacuum, capping a day of heated exchanges at the Security Council over violence that threatens to spark a regional war.

Ambassador Gilad Erdan was responding to Guterress speech at the the opening of a Security Council meeting to discuss the Israel-Hamas war in which the world bodys leader said no Palestinian grievances can justify the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, which killed about 1,400 people.

Red Crescent Says Eight Aid Trucks Enter Gaza (11:45 p.m.)

Eight aid trucks carrying water, food and medicine entered Gaza from Egypt, the Red Crescent said late Tuesday. The delivery came after United Nations officials said that scheduled aid deliveries had been unable to cross the border earlier in the day.

The UNs aid agency in Gaza said it will run out of fuel by the end of Wednesday and will be forced to halt operations including delivery of aid. Israel says it wont allow fuel to be delivered because Hamas uses it for operational infrastructure.

Pentagon Sending Iron Dome Batteries to Israel (11:00 p.m.)

The Pentagon is sending Israel the US Armys two batteries of Iron Dome radar, command posts and interceptors to boost the nations air defense, according to a defense official, who didnt disclose how soon it would arrive.

One missile battery of three to four launchers and radar can defend almost 60 square miles. The batteries are mobile, and as of mid-2021 Israel had 10 of them deployed throughout the country, according to Raytheon Technologies.

Biden Talks to Saudi Prince About Stabilization, Gaza Aid (10:00 p.m.)

Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman agreed to pursue diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the Middle East and keep the conflict between Israel and Hamas from expanding, the White House said Tuesday.

The leaders also discussed efforts to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, and resuming broader peace talks once the immediate crisis subsides. Biden has said he believes that Hamas launched the Oct. 7 attack against Israel in part to disrupt US-backed talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia aimed at normalizing relations.

US Working on Evacuation Plans for Americans (9:30 p.m.)

The US is actively trying to get Americans out of Gaza and also thinking through a broad range of contingencies for evacuation of its citizens from the wider Middle East if the conflict escalates, White House spokesman John Kirby said. He said the plans are not at a point of execution right now.

Israel Strikes Hamas Divers Trying to Enter From Sea (8:40 p.m.)

The Israeli military said its naval forces targeted Hamas divers trying to enter southern Israel by sea, and the air force hit the military compound in the Gaza Strip that they had left from. Hamas is considered a terrorist group by the US and European Union.

Macron Says Nothing Justifies Suffering of Civilians in Gaza (8:25 p.m.)

French president Emmanuel Macron said nothing can justify the suffering of civilians in Gaza and stressed that a Palestinian life equals a French life which equals an Israeli life. He spoke after talks with Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

Hours earlier, after meeting Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron called for an international coalition against Hamas on the lines of the one that fought Islamic State, and told the Israeli premier that Frances priority is to defeat these terrorist groups with you.

Israel Says It Returned Fire Across Lebanon, Syria Borders (8:20 p.m.)

The Israeli military said it responded with artillery after two projectiles were fired across the border from Syria, landing in an open area.

The military earlier said it struck Hezbollah positions on the border with Lebanon, after they launched rockets and mortar shells toward Israeli territory. Hezbollah said it struck struck an Israeli post near the border with guided missiles, according to the militant groups Al-Manar television channel.

Biden Says Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Too Slow (8:10 p.m.)

Biden said humanitarian aid to Gaza isnt getting in fast enough. He was speaking in response to a question at a White House event.

Biden held talks last week with Israeli and Egyptian leaders, and said afterward that arrangements were in place to let some aid in. The United Nations said that three convoys with a total of 54 trucks reached Gaza in the three days through Monday.

Blinken Backs Humanitarian Pauses for Gaza Aid (8:00 p.m.)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for humanitarian pauses in the fighting between Israel and Hamas so that people in the Gaza Strip can get aid, and said Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians.

It means food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian assistance must be able to fall into Gaza and to the people who need it, he said. It means civilians must be able to get out of harms way. It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes.

Blinken also warned Iran that if its proxies attack Americans then the US will respond decisively, after a spate of drone and rocket attacks that targeted US forces in Iraq and Syria.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The News

Business leaders are keeping a low profile regarding the new Middle East conflict after a decade of public CEO statements on hot-button issues.

So far, 57 of the S&P 500 companies have made a public statement about the attacks, according to Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, whos keeping a list. The relative quiet follows years of increasing expectations from employees, customers, and investors that business leaders take stances on social issues.

But it hits during a backlash to the broader ESG movement, which has seen shareholder support wane and investor dollars move elsewhere. And with a few exceptions  Salesforce and Walmart donated to Jewish groups, while Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, the son of Holocaust survivors, wrote an unusually personal note  business leaders are staying out of it.

Lizs view

I keep seeing headlines about how the war between Israel and Gaza has put businesses and executives in a bind. But Ive seen little evidence of it. Most have said nothing and havent been punished for it by employees, customers, or other constituencies demanding they take a stance. Neither have the few that vocally supported Israel.

When Mark Zuckerberg called the attacks pure evil and got a personal note of thanks from the Israeli government, no #DeleteFacebook hashtag went viral. There werent widespread protests outside JPMorgan branches after Jamie Dimon used the word terrorism or boycotts of Pfizer (not an uncontroversial company!) after Bourla wrote about Israelis killed in cold blood.

Starbucks has drawn criticism for its union-busting efforts but seemingly none from its decision to sue that same union over pro-Palestinian posts that used the companys logo. And when McDonalds restaurants in Israel donated free meals to Israeli soldiers, franchisees in Arab countries made some noise. But its been 10 days, a lifetime in outrage-land, and no storm has descended on Chicago.

In part, thats because a plurality of Americans agree with them. The strongest supporters of Palestinians are college students not in the workforce, which explains why university presidents are facing heat where CEOs arent.

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But vocal minorities have complicated life for CEOs before, and thats not happening here. Almost nobody is asking business leaders what they think, and for once, most arent rushing to say, a notable departure from the reflexive virtue-signaling thats become common in recent years. Crisis communications experts have been quick to highlight the pitfalls here  service providers seek to provide service, news at 11  but most executives dont need the help.

When I asked BlackRock executive Mark Wiedman earlier this month what lesson hed learned from the anti-ESG backlash, he said speak softly and invest money. That sentiment increasingly describes how CEOs are approaching the public-facing part of their jobs.

The pandemic, the #MeToo movement and social-justice protests, and the broader conversations of the late 2010s about diversity and equity, pushed leaders to speak out. The early calls were easy: Sexual misconduct and harassment is bad, and saying so jibed nicely with corporate diversity efforts. Ditto for racism (though there was a noticeable falloff in corporate responses to George Floyds murder in 2020 and the spike in anti-Asian violence a year later).

Then there were issues that were thornier but legitimately required a corporate response, like deciding whether to pay for employees to receive abortions out of state. Closing operations in Russia had the benefit of being both morally unambiguous and relevant to day-to-day operations.

As the issues keep coming and are only getting thornier, many of them regret sticking their heads above the parapet in the first place.

Room for Disagreement

It might just be early days. The Washington Post reports that efforts at some companies to blacklist employees whove made statements in support of Palestinians is starting to force the hand of companies that have so far stayed silent.

While many top executives made public statements in support of Israel following Hamass devastating Oct. 7 attack, some U.S. employees have begun to pressure management to make similar statements about Palestinian deaths following Israels bombing in Gaza, the paper writes.

Notable
(Bloomberg) -- Kokusai Electric Corp. is set to go public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Wednesday in Japans biggest initial public offering since 2018, marking a success for KKR & Co.s buyout of the semiconductor-equipment company.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The American private equity firm acquired the business from Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. through a tender offer in 2018, an early experiment in whether foreign buyout shops could successfully acquire pieces of unwieldy Japanese conglomerates and improve their performance.

Its overcome challenges including a weakening yen and geopolitical conflicts over chips and will debut Kokusai at an offering price of 1,840 per share. KKR will sell about 58.8 million shares, raising 108 billion ($721 million).

This values Kokusai at around 424 billion, compared with a purchase price of 257.1 billion. Yet KKRs return is likely higher than the simple calculation would indicate. It already sold off one division of the original business and borrowed a substantial portion of the purchase price, meaning the equity investment was smaller.

One indication of the original investment may be the strike price for options granted as incentives to management, which is 167, according to the IPO documents. That would make KKRs return on the deal more than 10 times. More than 100 employees received options in the transaction.

The debut is taking place just as the US government and allies such as Japan are tightening controls over the export of chip technology to China, the biggest market in the world. But Kokusai is well placed in the market for what is known as film deposition equipment, along with dominant player Tokyo Electron Ltd.

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All semiconductor companies need a second supplier so Kokusai Electrics role is guaranteed, said Richard Kaye, portfolio manager at Comgest Asset Management. Kokusai Electric should benefit from the growth of semiconductor capital investment.

Fertile Ground

Buyout firms like KKR and Bain Capital have long scouted for deals in Japan, where conglomerates often held onto underperforming units even if they didnt have the management expertise or capacity to improve their profitability. Bain led a buyout of Toshiba Corp.s memory chip unit, now known as Kioxia Holdings Corp., and is trying to negotiate a merger of the company with Western Digital Corp.

Kokusais offering will be the biggest debut since SoftBank Corp.s 2.4 trillion listing in December 2018. The nations IPO market had since slumped, with only $2.4 billion of capital raised in 2022, the smallest in 10 years, according to the data compiled by Bloomberg. The picture has turned brighter again, with the amount raised in Tokyo this year jumping almost three times from a year earlier.

The company plays a significant role in the chip-making process, said Kazuyoshi Saito, senior analyst at Iwai Cosmo Securities Co. Kokusai provides its products to Intel Corp., according to the data compiled by Bloomberg.

That said, chip export controls cast a shadow over the growth path. High exposure to China and the memory sector is a distinct negative, according to Mio Kato, analyst at LightStream Research.

China Risk

The Japanese government joined export restrictions in July, adding 23 semiconductor production equipments to export control subjects. Machines for deposition and heat treatment are included in the list, potentially affecting the 34% of sales Kokusai gets from China.

Im not confident enough to be convinced by their growth strategy, said Hiroaki Tomori, chief fund manager at Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Kokusai is trying to grow in the deposition machine market with new process as it competes with Tokyo Electron Ltd., but is unclear if this plan is feasible, according to the money manager.

Kokusai aims to invest in cutting-edge technology areas to expand its business, saying in its IPO prospectus that re-listing was a necessary option.

It is second only to Tokyo Electron in film deposition equipment, said Comgests Kaye, who invests in semiconductor related stocks including Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp. and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Its margin or capital return might be compromised by its number two position, he added.

--With assistance from Filipe Pacheco.

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Understanding DNUT's Dividend Performance and Sustainability

Krispy Kreme Inc (NASDAQ:DNUT) recently announced a dividend of $0.04 per share, payable on 2023-11-09, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-10-25. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's delve into Krispy Kreme Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Krispy Kreme Inc Do?

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with DNUT.

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Krispy Kreme Inc is a renowned sweet treat brand company. Known for its Original Glazed doughnut, it operates in 30 countries through its network of fresh Doughnut Shops, partnerships with retailers, and a growing ecommerce and delivery business. The company conducts its business through three reported segments: U.S. and Canada, International, and Market Development, which includes franchise operations across the globe, as well as operations in Japan.

Krispy Kreme Inc's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Krispy Kreme Inc's Dividend History

Since 2021, Krispy Kreme Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record, with dividends currently being distributed on a quarterly basis. The chart below shows the annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Krispy Kreme Inc's Dividend Analysis

Breaking Down Krispy Kreme Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Krispy Kreme Inc has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.07% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.07%. This suggests an expectation of consistent dividend payments over the next 12 months.

Based on Krispy Kreme Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Krispy Kreme Inc stock as of today is approximately 1.07%.

Krispy Kreme Inc's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-06-30, Krispy Kreme Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.00.

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Krispy Kreme Inc's profitability rank is 2 out of 10 as of 2023-06-30, suggesting the dividend may not be sustainable, as the company has reported net profit in 0 years out of the past 10 years.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

Krispy Kreme Inc's growth rank of 2 out of 10 suggests poor growth prospects, indicating the dividend may not be sustainable. However, Krispy Kreme Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 15.00% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 82.01% of global competitors. Furthermore, the company's 3-year EPS growth rate has increased by approximately 24.70% per year on average, outperforming approximately 66.39% of global competitors.

Next Steps

In conclusion, while Krispy Kreme Inc's consistent dividend payments and robust revenue growth are promising, its low profitability and growth ranks, coupled with a lack of net profit in most of the past decade, raise questions about the sustainability of its dividends. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct further research before making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


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Most people dream of one day being rich  but those dreams tend to gloss over the many hardships, sacrifices and regrets that are so often the byproducts of building and keeping a fortune. In a world where money defines a persons status, lifestyle and power, wealth can be both a blessing and a curse. GOBankingRates spoke with one entrepreneur who learned that lesson the hard way during an ultimately rewarding but often challenging decades-long journey to professional and financial success.

Side Gig: Earn Up To $200/Hour With This Easy-To-Start Job, No College Degree Required

Find Out: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

If getting rich were easy, no one would be poor  and thats why the path to wealth usually requires those who walk it to trade parts of themselves that no amount of money can ever buy back.

Ultimately, the exchange is worth it only if you make those trades willingly and can live with the consequences that come with the money.

A Plumber Becomes a Business Owner  Then a Wise and Wealthy Man

Rich Mullins is the founder of H20 Plumbing, which is based in Corydon, Indiana. He founded the company in 2003, but hes been in the business for roughly three decades. Over the last 20 years, he built and grew the company into a well-known regional juggernaut with residential and commercial operations throughout the southern part of the state.

His efforts have earned him a reputation for quality work at a fair price  and a significant personal fortune.

However, success didnt come without its price, said Mullins. My journey to wealth has been rewarding, but it came with its share of sacrifices.

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Like so many successful entrepreneurs, Mullins achievements came at the expense of nearly all of his most finite, precious and nonrefundable resource.

One of the most significant sacrifices was my time, he said. I spent long hours building my business, which meant less time for personal relationships and leisure activities.

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Every late night, weekend and holiday he spent building his business was one he didnt spend nurturing bonds with the cherished people in his life.

In terms of relationships, there were certainly strains on personal connections, he said. The demands of running a business often meant missing important family events and celebrations. Friendships were impacted, too, as I had less time to socialize and connect with people on a personal level.

The Road to Success Was Often Paved With Stress

H2O Plumbing is now a successful enterprise, but for years, that outcome was far from guaranteed  and Mullins suffered the physical and psychological effects of stressing over financial security, the future and uncertainty regarding an endeavor into which he had poured all of his time, energy and money.

My journey to wealth has indeed been a rollercoaster ride, he said. It was a gradual process, marked by calculated risks and learning from failures. I faced my fair share of setbacks along the way. Economic downturns, unexpected industry shifts and even personal health challenges tested my resilience. These setbacks required not only financial resources but also mental and emotional strength to navigate.

Mullins Cant Go Back in Time  But He Often Reflects on the Journey

By any reasonable measure, Rich Mullins is a professional and financial success story.

I started with a small business that grew over the years, eventually generating substantial income, he said. In terms of wealth, I earned it through a combination of strategic business decisions, investment and reinvestment of profits into my company.

Now that H20 Plumbing is a regional institution, Mullins finally has something he lacked during all those years of building  time to reflect.

Looking back, I realize that striking a better balance between work and personal life is vital, he said. Wealth, while important, should not come at the expense of meaningful relationships and well-being.

If I could do things differently, he said, I would emphasize the importance of work-life balance from the start. While dedication and hard work are crucial, I would have allocated more time to nurture relationships and personal well-being. Maintaining a support system and a strong network is essential in both personal and professional success.

Mullins also learned a lot about money  in terms of both what it can buy and what it cant.

I believe that wealth should not be an end in itself but a means to achieve a fulfilling life that encompasses financial security, strong relationships and personal happiness, he said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im Rich Now, but Heres the Price I Paid for It  And What Id Do Differently
(Bloomberg) -- A fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management agreed to invest in fiber internet business SwyftFiber, the company said in a statement.

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Macquarie is acquiring a majority stake in the company through a roughly $275 million structured equity investment, said a person with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified because the amount was private. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.

SwyftFiber provides high speed internet and television streaming services to communities in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. The proposed investment is expected to allow SwyftFiber to speed construction of fiber infrastructure and continue the companys growth in the Gulf region.

The company partners with local and federal government agencies to help improve broadband availability in under-served communities, according to the announcement.

We believe that the combination of SwyftFibers proven ability to bring broadband to under-served areas and its significant growth potential represents a unique opportunity to invest in the rapidly growing consumer fiber sector, said Karl Kuchel, chief executive officer of Macquarie Infrastructure Partners. We look forward to partnering with the SwyftFiber management team to support the future growth of the business.

CableSouth Media III, which does business as SwyftFiber and SwyftConnect, was founded in 2008 and provides fiber broadband and streaming digital television for homes and businesses, according to the company.

Macquarie Asset Management, part of Sydney-based Macquarie Group Ltd., manages more than $582 billion in assets globally as of March 31, according to the company. The firms other deals this month include a pending joint venture with Hydro Rein that values the renewable energy company at $333 million, as well as the acquisition of a minority stake in investment service Sonen Capital for an undisclosed amount.

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Houlihan Lokey Inc. served as exclusive financial adviser to SwyftFiber, with Bank Street Group LLC acting as Macquaries exclusive financial adviser.

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MONTREAL, October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mad Science Group, world leader of interactive science enrichment for children, announced a Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") program to deliver Science, Technology, Engineering and Math ("STEM") workshops in the United States, following todays debut in Wilton, CT of a collaborative STEM education program for children, previously launched in the Netherlands during 2022. Watch our latest videos to understand why Mad Science is committed to providing STEM enrichment, launching this CSR initiative, and more.

Building on Mad Sciences mission to inspire childrens curiosity and lifelong innovation skills, this CSR initiative benefits businesses, by aligning sustainability and climate action goals with a measurable path of community-based impact investing. Businesses can now partner with Mad Science to provide STEM workshops and other CSR offerings to inspire children and their parents, while accelerating sustainable development progress. Mad Science offers unique employee engagement opportunities for corporate partners, supporting staff retention.

"It is critical to demystify science and provide children with real-world skill sets that prepare future generations to become innovators and inventors," noted Shafik Mina, Mad Science President. "Our CSR program facilitates corporate philanthropy designed to close the gender gap and inspire children towards STEM-related careers."

"Mad Science is excited to introduce this large-scale initiative, partnering with businesses to make a unique difference in their communities by delivering planet friendly ESG and CSR messages to millions of children and their parents," commented Ariel Shlien, Mad Science Co-Founder and CEO.

"As a company that has been active in technical and STEM-education for a long time, ASML is proud to collaborate with Mad Science to bring our ASML Junior Academy program to the United States. This year we will offer free, engaging technology workshops to elementary school students in Connecticut within our ambition to introduce technology to students on a large scale," said ASMLs Brian Amaro, Program Manager, Society & Community Engagement.

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Mad Science https://madscience.org

Founded in 1985, Mad Science is the world leader in hands-on science enrichment for children aged 3-12. The firms STEM workshops have reached over 25,000 schools and over 5 million students across 20 countries. Based in Montreal, Canada, Mad Sciences grassroots franchisee network spans over 3,500 dynamic instructors worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231023413023/en/

Contacts

Media: Holly Singer, HS Marketing, holly@hsmarketing.com, +1.609.423.4255

Mad Science: Sofia Marquez Sofiam@madscience.org, +1.647.787.5772
Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, has revealed Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, buy-out only island destination set to welcome guests next year.

Located on a pristine 1.7-hectare sandy islet in a spectacular coral archipelago on the Red Sea coast, the intimate destination offers stunning natural beauty complemented by discreet architecture, offering ultimate luxury in complete privacy.

Top travel experience

The resort boasts a spacious main three-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym and wellness centre. The curated travel experience begins as soon as guests arrive, entering via a private jetty to be greeted by the guest experience team at a stunning welcome centre.

Thuwal Private Retreat has been created to allow guests the chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life, and instead reconnect with their closest companions. Our belief is that the sublime Red Sea coast combined with tailored luxury experiences will deliver a peerless escape for the most discerning travelers, said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

The project was revealed on the first day of the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Riyadh.

Milestone project

The creation of Thuwal Private Retreat represents a new phase for Red Sea Global, with the destination sitting separately to The Red Sea and Amaala, and as a wholly RSG-owned brand. There are no third-party hospitality or hotel operators involved for the first time in RSGs development history.

This is a milestone for us. It is the latest project we can reveal since we announced our expanded portfolio of projects last year and it is significantly advanced in terms of delivery. It is also the first time we are creating a destination owned and operated end-to-end by the expert team here at Red Sea Global, from development and planning to accommodation and guest services, added Pagano.

In line with RSGs broader vision and commitment to both people and planet, Thuwal combines absolute luxury with conscious sustainability. The resorts executive chef will prepare gourmet meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, working with food producers in the area wherever possible, as well as partnering with local artisans and restaurants to offer one-of-a-kind experiences.

Local community involvement

The developer is also hiring from the local community and is actively searching for ambitious Saudis who are looking to enter the luxury and private concierge hospitality industry. From butler services and haute cuisine connoisseurs to technical specialists, the company is now actively recruiting for individuals to work alongside world-leading experts on a fast track to become tomorrows leaders.

Thuwal Private Retreat meets the rising demand for ultra-private and hyper-customised experiences.

Guests at Thuwal Private Retreat can expect an island sanctuary that reconnects them with nature and their loved ones, with guest relation teams anticipating every need before it arises. With thriving coral reefs nearby, guests have the opportunity to snorkel amongst stunning marine wildlife, or visit the nearby village of Thuwal or the city of Jeddah to experience the very best of Saudi culture and hospitality.  TradeArabia News Service
SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cactus Custody , the qualified institutional digital assets custodian service provider of Matrixport , has announced an upgrade of its USD 50 million insurance for its customers with protection now extended to include crime coverage, specifically for warm wallets.

The insurance is issued by OneInfinity by OneDegree, the first and only direct insurer for digital assets in Asia. In addition to enjoying additional insurance coverage, clients have the assurance of the group having passed and met the due diligence standards to be insured by one of the world's largest crypto insurers.

Wendy Jiang, Head of Cactus Custody, said: "We are delighted to partner with OneDegree and one of the largest Lloyd's of London syndicates to secure enhanced coverage that includes crime. The added protection meaningfully differentiates our offering, particularly for institutions with compulsory insurance requirements, and reflects our ongoing commitment towards industry best practices."

Cactus Custody solutions safeguard digital assets for over 200 institutional clients with the highest level of service standards for institutions. The USD 50 million crime and specie insurance coverage is specifically tailored to Cactus Custody risk requirements to enhance protection of client's assets like employee collusion, third party theft and the physical loss or damage of private keys.

Alvin Kwock, CEO of OneDegree Group, said: "Our team has worked very closely with the Matrixport team over the past weeks. Throughout the comprehensive cyber security review and technical underwriting process, we are particularly impressed by Cactus Custody's cutting-edge system, security design, and vault infrastructure built across three continents. With our unwavering commitment to help the good actors in Web 3 thrive, we are glad to provide USD $50 million crime and specie capacity for cold and warm storage, backed by a reinsurance capacity rated A+ by Standard & Poor's."

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The insurance coverage includes major cryptocurrencies and NFTs, and will continue to expand as Cactus Custody extends support to more types of digital assets in the future.

About Cactus Custody

Cactus Custody is the world's first MetaMask Institutional (MMI) integrated custodian. It aims to provide the digital era with secure, transparent, and efficient institutional custodial services.

Built with enterprise-grade crypto management features and value-added financial services backed by cutting-edge system security design and infrastructure, its custody services cater for a wide range of business scenarios. It provides services to the world's largest and most renowned mining companies, mining pools, cloud mining platforms, exchanges, funds and OTC dealers, supporting clients to grow and scale in a secure way.

Cactus Custody is a qualified custodian and a Hong Kong Trust Company that meets the capital reserve requirement and acts within regulatory and AML guidelines.

About Matrixport

Matrixport is one of the world's largest and most trusted digital assets financial services ecosystem. The company's services include prime brokerage, Cactus Custody, spot OTC, fixed income, structured products, lending as well as asset management. Matrixport serves individuals as well as over 500 institutions across Asia and Europe. For more information, please visit www.matrixport.com .

About OneInfinity by OneDegree

OneInfinity by OneDegree offers tech-enabled digital asset insurance and risk management solutions globally. By offering tailor-made insurance to end-to-end digital asset players (including trading platforms, custodians, asset managers, banks, family offices and technology providers), OneDegree strengthens its clients' competitive edge by enabling them to implement best practices under a robust risk management framework and secure a safety net for their assets under custody.

OneInfinity is enabled by first-in-class cybersecurity technology offered by Cymetrics, a sister company of OneDegree. OneInfinity insurance solutions bundle services offered by Cymetrics, which examine the security of clients in terms of exposure to cyber, blockchain and digital asset risks from the perspective of hackers.

OneInfinity solutions include digital asset wallet insurance (crime, and specie) and corporate liability coverages (Professional Indemnity, Directors & Officers, Investment Management and Cyber).

For more information, visit https://oneinfinity.global/

Cision

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SOURCE Matrixport
Dozens of states are suing Meta, alleging the tech giant has deliberately engineered its social media platforms Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to children and teens.

Attorneys general from states ranging from California to Wisconsin filed lawsuits on Tuesday in federal court in the North District of California, accusing Meta of intentionally turning kids into social-media addicts. The lawsuits claim that Meta was motivated to keep children hooked in order to boost profits, and allege that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of federal law.

Features like "infinite scroll" and constant streams of alerts are hooking children and teens, contributing to the mental health crisis that now affects many young people, the states allege. The lawsuits come after failed settlement discussions with Meta, according to the Wall Street Journal.

"Children are particularly susceptible to addictive technologies, and Meta has exploited these vulnerabilities, putting its quest for advertising revenue over the psychological and emotional well-being of young people," said Brian L. Schwalb, the attorney general for Washington, D.C., in a statement.

The lawsuits claim that the company "falsely [assured] the public that its features were safe and suitable for young users."

"Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly mislead the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms," attorneys for the states allege in the suit.

In an emailed statement, Meta said it was disappointed by the route taken by the attorneys general.

Meta is determined to provide teens with "safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families," the company said.

The issue became front and center in 2021 when Meta employee-turned whistleblower Frances Haugen shared documents from internal company research. In an interview with CBS News' Scott Pelley, Haugen noted data indicating Instagram worsens suicidal thoughts and eating disorders for certain teenage girls.

The former Facebook product manager's testimony to Congress is noted in Tuesday's lawsuit.

Privacy concerns surrounding the handling of children's personal information have also led to large fines against social media companies. Google-owned YouTube paid $170 million to settle government and state claims that it illegally took data from users under 13.
A Mexican food company plans to build a $21.3 million warehouse and office complex in an old warehouse district in the Segundo Barrio, one of El Paso's oldest and poorest neighborhoods.

Grupo Bafar, a Chihuahua company that owns the Bafar meat brand, one of Mexico's top-selling lunch meats, will put the new facility across the street from the cold storage warehouse it currently operates at 1601 E. Fourth Ave., in the Segundo Barrio in South El Paso, company, city, and county officials announced Monday.

The new complex will become the company's United States headquarters.

Company officials chose to keep one of its two El Paso warehouses in Segundo Barrio because "logistically it's very good for us, but helping the community, too, there," Jorge Baeza, CEO of Bafar Alimentos, the group's food division, said at a Monday press conference at El Paso City Hall.

Colorful murals cover exterior walls of Grupo Bafar's current cold storage, meat warehouse at 1601 E. Fourth Ave., in El Paso's Segundo Barrio in South El Paso.

It also should be easier for the company to find workers in the neighborhoods around the warehouse than in other areas of El Paso, Baeza said after the news conference.

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, and Jon Barela, CEO of the Bordplex Alliance economic development organization, praised Baeza, a New Mexico State University graduate, and his company for choosing to put the new facility in Segundo Barrio.

"We want people to stay in their communities that they love," and this project should do that as well as help provide better-paying jobs in a neighborhood with low wages, Samaniego said.

The city and county will provide up to $846,693 in property tax rebates and other incentives over 10 years for the project if Bafar meets the requirements. That includes paying at least the county median wage, now $16.43 per hour, for 120 new jobs to be created over 10 years.

It must also retain at least 155 of its current 220 workers at several of its El Paso businesses, including another warehouse on Rojas Drive in East El Paso. It employs 17 people at the Segundo Barrio warehouse.

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Jorge Baeza, CEO of Grupo Bafar's food division, Bafar Alimentos, announces his company's plan to put a new warehouse and office complex in the Segundo Barrio in South El Paso. He spoke at an Oct. 23 press conference at the El Paso City Hall.

The warehouses help the company export millions of dollars a year in meat from the United States to Mexico. Bafar uses the county-operated Tornillo port of entry to pass some of its cargo across the U.S.-Mexico border, county officials noted.

The company also owns the six-store Valley Supermarket chain in El Paso and Frontier Foods Meat Market at 2900 Alameda Ave. in South-Central El Paso. It also operates CarneMart, a large chain of grocery stores in Mexico.

The new cold-storage facility and office complex, totaling 59,000 square feet, will be on seven acres where the Kasco Structures steel fabrication company has operated for years. Kasco sold the property to Bafar and is moving to a new location in far East El Paso. A portion of Guillen Middle School and its outdoor track are next to the Kasco property.

A rendering of what the new Grupo Bafar cold storage warehouse is to look like at 1600 E. Fourth Ave., in the Segundo Barrio in South El Paso.

The exterior walls of Bafar's current warehouse and other warehouses in the area are covered with colorful murals.

An existing office building on the Kasco site will be renovated to become Bafar's United States headquarters. A grocery store and restaurant also may be located at the site, Baeza said.

Future plans call for adding another almost 11,000 square feet of cold storage to the new warehouse.

More: Border trucking flows again as Texas DPS ends enhanced safety inspections in El Paso area

Semitrailers, some with engines idling, lined parts of Fourth Avenue and adjacent Coles Street Monday afternoon outside the warehouse. The new facility will have more space for trucks to park, a Bafar official said.

The company will move out of its current leased warehouse when the new facility is completed, projected for November 2024.

Vic Kolenc may be reached at 546-6421; vkolenc@elpasotimes.com; @vickolenc on Twitter, now known as X.

Colorful murals cover exterior walls of the Grupo Bafar cold storage, meat warehouse, including these at the rear of the building at Coles Street and Third Avenue in Segundo Barrio in South El Paso.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Mexico firm putting $21M warehouse/office in El Paso's Segundo Barrio
We feel now is a pretty good time to analyse Paladin Energy Ltd's (ASX:PDN) business as it appears the company may be on the cusp of a considerable accomplishment. Paladin Energy Ltd develops, explores for, owns, and operates uranium mines in Australia, Canada, and Africa. The AU$2.8b market-cap company announced a latest loss of US$11m on 30 June 2023 for its most recent financial year result. The most pressing concern for investors is Paladin Energy's path to profitability  when will it breakeven? In this article, we will touch on the expectations for the company's growth and when analysts expect it to become profitable.

View our latest analysis for Paladin Energy

Consensus from 7 of the Australian Oil and Gas analysts is that Paladin Energy is on the verge of breakeven. They expect the company to post a final loss in 2023, before turning a profit of US$48m in 2024. The company is therefore projected to breakeven around a year from now or less! At what rate will the company have to grow in order to realise the consensus estimates forecasting breakeven in under 12 months? Using a line of best fit, we calculated an average annual growth rate of 38%, which is extremely buoyant. Should the business grow at a slower rate, it will become profitable at a later date than expected.

Given this is a high-level overview, we wont go into details of Paladin Energy's upcoming projects, though, keep in mind that generally energy companies, depending on the stage of operation and resource produced, have irregular periods of cash flow. So, a high growth rate is not out of the ordinary, particularly when a company is in a period of investment.

One thing wed like to point out is that The company has managed its capital prudently, with debt making up 27% of equity. This means that it has predominantly funded its operations from equity capital, and its low debt obligation reduces the risk around investing in the loss-making company.

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Next Steps:

There are key fundamentals of Paladin Energy which are not covered in this article, but we must stress again that this is merely a basic overview. For a more comprehensive look at Paladin Energy, take a look at Paladin Energy's company page on Simply Wall St. We've also compiled a list of relevant factors you should further examine:

Valuation: What is Paladin Energy worth today? Has the future growth potential already been factored into the price? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether Paladin Energy is currently mispriced by the market. Management Team: An experienced management team on the helm increases our confidence in the business  take a look at who sits on Paladin Energys board and the CEOs background. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Millicom International Cellular S.A.

Millicom (Tigo) announces the Nomination Committee ahead of the 2024 Annual General Meeting

Luxembourg, October 24, 2023  In accordance with the resolution of the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Millicom International Cellular S.A. (Millicom) held on May 31, 2023, the Nomination Committee has been formed in consultation with the largest shareholders of Millicom as of the last business day of June 2023.

The Nomination Committee comprises representatives of three shareholders that represent the largest shareholders in Millicom that have chosen to appoint members, as well as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Company; Aude Durand appointed by Atlas Luxco S.ar.l.; Jan Dworsky, appointed by Swedbank Robur Funds; and Staley Cates, appointed by Southeastern Asset Management, and the Interim Chairman of Millicoms Board of Directors, Mauricio Ramos.

Information about the work of the Nomination Committee can be found on Millicoms website . Shareholders wishing to propose candidates for election to the Board of Directors of Millicom should submit their proposal in writing to the Company Secretary, Millicom International Cellular S.A., 2 rue du Fort Bourbon, L-1249 Luxembourg.

For further information, please contact:

Press:

Sofia Corral, Director Corporate Communications

press@millicom.com Investors:

Michel Morin, VP Investor Relations

investors@millicom.com

About Millicom

Millicom (NASDAQ U.S.: TIGO, Nasdaq Stockholm: TIGO_SDB) is a leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Latin America. Through our TIGO and Tigo Business brands, we provide a wide range of digital services and products, including TIGO Money for mobile financial services, TIGO Sports for local entertainment, TIGO ONEtv for pay TV, high-speed data, voice, and business-to-business solutions such as cloud and security. As of June 30, 2023, Millicom, including its Honduras Joint Venture, employed approximately 19,300 people and provided mobile and fiber-cable services through its digital highways to more than 45 million customers, with a fiber-cable footprint over 13 million homes passed. Founded in 1990, Millicom International Cellular S.A. is headquartered in Luxembourg.

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Attachment




By Daniel Leussink

TOKYO/PARIS (Reuters) - Japan's Mitsubishi Motors said it will end production of its cars at its joint venture in China and transfer its stake in the unit to its Chinese partner, becoming the latest foreign automaker to cut back its operations in the world's top auto market.

The decision by the Japanese car maker comes amid fierce price competition in China which has led global automakers such as Hyundai Motor and Stellantis to take steps to bring down costs by restructuring their businesses.

Mitsubishi Motors separately said on Tuesday it will invest up to 200 million euros ($214 million) in the new electric vehicle unit of French counterpart Renault, as it seeks to strengthen its foothold in Europe and other markets.

The Japanese automaker established its JV in China with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and trading house Mitsubishi Corp in 2012.

Following a transfer of Mitsubishi Motors' and Mitsubishi's stake in the JV to their Chinese partner, it will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAC, the Japanese automaker said.

The JV plant will start producing GAC's Aion cars from June 2024, which would help the EV brand to achieve a total annual capacity of 600,000 units by then, GAC said in a separate statement on the social media WeChat platform.

Mitsubishi Motors would book a special loss of 24.3 billion yen ($162.40 million) in the current financial year for restructuring in China. It did not make any change to its full-year earnings forecast.

AMPERE INVESTMENT

Mitsubishi Motors said it is seeking to improve its EV development technology with its investment in Renault's Ampere EV business, which the French automaker is looking to list on the stock market next year.

Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard, speaking on the sidelines of an event in Paris, said he welcomed Mitsubishi's investment and had always been confident the company would take part in Ampere.

"As a first step of this collaboration, Ampere will supply an EV on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis in the European market," Mitsubishi said in a statement.

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Senard said he intends to talk in more detail with Mitsubishi during an upcoming trip to Japan.

The decision to invest in Ampere comes after Mitsubishi's partners, Renault and Nissan Motor, finalised a restructured alliance in July.

Nissan has already committed to invest up to 600 million euros in the unit, consistent with it being a strategic investor and securing a board seat on the new company.

($1 = 0.9361 euros)

($1 = 149.6300 yen)

(Reporting by Daniel Leussink in Tokyo, Zhang Yan in Shanghai and Gilles Guillaume in Paris; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Christian Schmollinger and Miral Fahmy)
ETNA, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Home grown and operated, Moo Moo Express Car Wash has always considered it a privilege and responsibility to give back to the community. Part of the Express Wash Concepts family of express tunnel car washes, Moo Moo has donated millions of dollars in monetary donations and free car washes to local non-profit organizations since opening its first wash in 2009.

(PRNewsfoto/Express Wash Concepts)

Moo Moo's award-winning community relations initiatives range from local event sponsorships, discounted wash voucher fundraisers, air freshener campaigns, an onsite towel exchange program, and donation campaigns centered around weekend initiatives and grand openings. For each grand opening, a hyper local non-profit is selected to receive monetary donations from the Company's "Free Wash Week," a 10-day period to celebrate a location's grand opening.

Throughout the event, free signature Creme de a Creme washes ($18 value) are given to all customers in exchange for a monetary donation; 100% of donations are given back to the designated non-profit partner. The goal? To raise thousands of dollars to give back to a non-profit truly making a difference in the lives of people in that new wash's community.

In late spring, 2023, Moo Moo was set to open two new express wash locations in Hilliard, Ohio. While evaluating local non-profits, Moo Moo came across the Hilliard Food Pantry, located at Life Community Church just minutes from each wash.

"The Hilliard Food Pantry serves more than 400 families each week and is seeing a 36% increase in people seeking their services over this time last year," said Express Wash Concepts CEO and Moo Moo Express Car Wash Founder John Roush. "We knew that we could leverage the generosity of our customers to help this incredible organization and have no doubts that our grand opening donation positively impacted the lives of so many Hilliard families and community members."

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Moo Moo Express held its "Free Wash Week" celebration at its 3880 Brown Park Drive and 3880 Park Mill Run Drive locations in late April into early May, and proudly presented the Hilliard Food Pantry a check for $10,590.47 on June 9, 2023. One month later, on July 9, 2023, the Pantry would experience a devastating fire that caused significant damage and loss to all items inside.

The two-alarm fire, the second highest on the department's scale of severity, was remarkably put out without any reported injuries. Witnesses reported seeing flames up to 30 feet in the air. Significant damage occurred on the church side of the warehouse, and smoke and water damage to the pantry. All food had to be discarded because of toxins related to the fire. Miraculously, the pantry only missed two food distribution days, and opened back up via a "pop up" pantry to service the community merely four days later.

"The outpouring of love and community support made this seemingly impossible situation seem bearable," said Hilliard Food Pantry Plus Executive Director Erin West. "We started receiving many generous donations, including 100 pallets of food, but the challenge was we had nowhere to store it."

Determined to find a temporary warehouse space critical to maintaining pantry operations, West began knocking on nearby business doors. Dyenomite Apparel, a leading US-based manufacturer of tie dyed and garment dyed apparel, earmarked space in their warehouse to help temporarily house the food while the Pantry rebuilds. The rent for the space, which West estimates they'll need for a full year, is $1,000 a month.

"We are so blessed to have the option to temporarily house our pantry warehouse just .3 miles away from our original location," said West. "We were determined to find a way to add that expense into our operating budget. We knew it was a necessity to continue offering uninterrupted services."

It was during that time that Express Wash Concepts Senior Director of Marketing, Jeff German, stopped by the Hilliard Food Pantry to check in on West and volunteers.

"We were saddened to hear about the pantry after all the great momentum we experienced working with Erin and her team throughout our Grand Opening," said German. "We didn't want to be a one-and-done partner we wanted to know what we could do to help ease the burden of what they were currently facing."

West explained to German the added monthly expense of the warehouse space rental. Continuing to serve individuals and families without interruption during the rebuilding process was most critical particularly at a time when census data is showing that the child poverty rate in the U.S. has more than doubled after dropping to historic lows during the pandemic.

When German alerted John Roush to the Pantry's situation, the Moo Moo team devised a plan to issue an EWC Cares grant of $1,000 a month for the twelve months to completely cover the cost of the rental space.

Moo Moo Express, alongside sister car wash brands Flying Ace Express, Clean Express, Green Clean Express and Bee Clean Express, raise funds for the company's EWC Cares Initiative from seasonal air freshener campaigns and towel exchange programs. Eligible non-profit organizations are invited to complete an online grant application and assigned based on application review.

"We are humbled to be in a position where we can positively impact the Hilliard Food Pantry and enable them to continue to focus on doing what they do best fighting food insecurity," said Roush.

"Amazing partners like Moo Moo who proactively step in at times of great need are invaluable," explained West. "We are well on our way to serving more than 1,000 families a month, and the generosity of this community-centric car wash is helping to make that happen."

About Moo Moo Express Car Wash:

Moo Moo Express Car Wash part of the Express Wash Concepts family of brands, is a leading provider of top-quality car wash services with 32 locations in the greater Columbus, OH area. Moo Moo Express Car Wash combines advanced technology, eco-friendly practices, and exceptional customer service to deliver an outstanding car wash experience.

About Express Wash Concepts:

Express Wash Concepts is a trusted name in the car wash industry, operating over 90 car wash locations with five car wash brands including: Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Bee Clean Express Car Wash, Clean Express Auto Wash and Green Clean Express Auto Wash. With a focus on customer satisfaction, environmental sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, Express Wash Concepts aims to redefine the car wash experience.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-than-a-car-wash-moo-moo-express-assists-hilliard-food-pantry-after-devastating-fire-destroys-warehouse-301966100.html

SOURCE Express Wash Concepts
DALLAS & FORT WORTH, Texas, October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mouser Electronics, Inc., the New Product Introduction (NPI) leader empowering innovation, today announced the opening of a new European Customer Service Center in Lithuania. Situated within the capital city of Vilnius, this new center will support increasing design activity driven by the area's growing tech ecosystem, as well as its established industries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231012928375/en/

Mouser's new Customer Service Center in Vilnius, Lithuania, will support increasing design activity driven by the area's growing tech ecosystem, as well as its established industries. (Photo: Business Wire)

"Our business across Europe continues to grow significantly  in 2022, we saw our European business surge by 30 percent. Lithuania is home to a burgeoning tech sector and ecosystem with an increasing amount of electronics design and manufacturing activity," said Mark Burr-Lonnon, Mouser's Senior Vice President of Global Service and EMEA and APAC Business. "We are proud to deliver localized services globally and are excited to support European design engineers and buyers with their purchases of the newest semiconductors and electronic components."

Mouser provides specialized customer support in the customer's local language across locations in Europe, the Americas and the Asia/Pacific regions. Its new Customer Service Center in Lithuania will have a team of members onsite to personally assist with orders and respond to customer calls, all in local language, time zone, and currency. The Lithuania center is Mouser's 11th office in the EMEA region. The other locations include Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Lithuania has the largest economy in the Baltic region, and the bustling capital city of Vilnius was named one of the top 25 global cities of the future in 2021 by the foreign investment company FDI Intelligence. Vilnius is home to a new $110 million development by Tech Zity for a 55,000-square-meter tech campus, which will be the largest tech center in all of Europe.

Story continues

For a full list of Mouser offices worldwide, visit https://www.mouser.com/Contact/GlobalBranches/.

For more Mouser news, visit https://www.mouser.com/newsroom/.

As a global authorized distributor, Mouser offers the world's widest selection of the newest semiconductors and electronic components  in stock and ready to ship. Mouser's customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each of its manufacturer partners. To help speed customers' designs, Mouser's website hosts an extensive library of technical resources, including a Technical Resource Center, along with product data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, engineering tools and other helpful information.

Engineers can stay abreast of today's exciting product, technology and application news through Mouser's complimentary e-newsletter. Mouser's email news and reference subscriptions are customizable to the unique and changing project needs of customers and subscribers. No other distributor gives engineers this much customization and control over the information they receive. Learn about emerging technologies, product trends and more by signing up today at https://sub.info.mouser.com/subscriber/.

About Mouser Electronics

Mouser Electronics, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is an authorized semiconductor and electronic component distributor focused on New Product Introductions from its leading manufacturer partners. Serving the global electronic design engineer and buyer community, the global distributor's website, mouser.com, is available in multiple languages and currencies and features more than 6.8 million products from over 1,200 manufacturer brands. Mouser offers 27 support locations worldwide to provide best-in-class customer service in local language, currency and time zone. The distributor ships to over 650,000 customers in 223 countries/territories from its 1 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution facilities in the Dallas, Texas, metro area. For more information, visit https://www.mouser.com/.

Trademarks

Mouser and Mouser Electronics are registered trademarks of Mouser Electronics, Inc. All other products, logos, and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231012928375/en/

Contacts

For further information, contact:

Kevin Hess, Mouser Electronics

Senior Vice President of Marketing

+1 (817) 804-3833

Kevin.Hess@mouser.com

For press inquiries, contact:

Kelly DeGarmo, Mouser Electronics

Manager, Corporate Communications and Media Relations

+1 (817) 804-7764

Kelly.DeGarmo@mouser.com
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell pledged a renewed partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, announcing he will co-chair the business advocacy group's Partnership 2030 initiative.

"I've had a long history of working with the chamber," O'Connell said during a chamber event Tuesday morning. "The mayor's office and the business community must work in alignment. I'm restoring regular meetings with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the mayor's office."

Chamber President Ralph Schulz also championed an improved relationship between Metro leadership and the chamber  a stark contrast to former Mayor John Cooper, who cut all funding to the organization in the current Metro budget.

The political olive branches were shared during the chamber's presentation at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel titled "Collaboration in the Age of AI." The event focused on ways employers can use artificial intelligence, especially computer vision, which unites data analysis with cameras to track objects.

Panelists speak about the impact of artificial-intelligence technologies at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce annual celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Left to right, Nashville Entrepreneur Center CEO Sam Davidson, Tennessee State University Academic Provost and Vice President of Technology Innovations Dr. Robbie Melton, CareBridge Executive Chairman Brad Smith and Belmont University President Greg Jones.

In the past decade, Metro has paid Nashville's chamber between $175,000 and $375,000 annually for economic-development services. But political disputes regarding state legislation at odds with Metro Council leadership recently caused rifts.

In June 2022, Metro Council slashed chamber funding to $98,700 following the chamber's legislative support for county mayors to take over school boards. They called the advocacy an effort "to subvert democracy," in a council resolution. O'Connell did not vote on that issue.

Ralph Schulz, president of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, is urging an improved relationship between Metro leadership and the chamber.

But on Tuesday, O'Connell and Schulz said they have found common ground  namely, a desire to build a countywide transit system and to partner on East Bank redevelopment around Nissan Stadium.

"We are going to build out the East Bank together," O'Connell said. "The chamber's involvement is going to be critical."

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O'Connell also pledged to develop a county transit plan with the chamber, and Schulz cheered the announcement.

"It's going to be very important for us to be involved in that activity," Schulz said. "So buckle your seatbelts."

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has pledged to work with the chamber to develop a county transit plan.

The chamber also featured a number of leading businesses and presented the Spirit of the Region Award to Nashville International Airport.

Nashville-based artificial-intelligence software company Darvis Inc. presented its virtual mapping application for employers to increase efficiency.

Representatives of Tennessee State University, Belmont University, Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Main Street Health spoke about increasing reliance on AI software.

"Our researchers at TSU are looking at AI to see what it can do," said Robbie Melton, the university's interim provost and vice president of academic affairs and technology innovations. "Coding is one of the 'Four Rs': Reading, writing, arithmetic and coding. I'm worried our schools are not embracing it.

"AI is a great advantage but, behind the scenes of all this, we have to be there to make sure humans are represented in AI."

Sandy Mazza can be reached via email at smazza@tennessean.com, by calling 615-726-5962, or on Twitter @SandyMazza.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville mayor pledges to partner with Chamber on transit, East Bank
(Bloomberg) -- South Korean internet leader Naver Corp. won a contract to build and operate a cloud platform for Saudi Arabia, securing its first major high-tech export to the Middle East.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Navers announcement came as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and heads of major companies including Samsung Electronics Co. and Hyundai Motor Co. are visiting Saudi Arabia. Theyre trying to win some of the kingdoms industrial and mega projects, such as in Neom, a vast new city the Saudi government is building in the desert that is expected to cost over $500 billion.

Read more: South Korea, Saudi to Sign $15.6 Billion in Deals

Naver will build and operate so-called digital twins or virtual versions of five cities, including Riyadh, Medina and Mecca, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The digital twins provide real-time simulation capabilities and will be used for city planning, monitoring and flood forecasting in Saudi Arabia for five years, it said.

Naver shares jumped as much as 3.2% in early trading in Seoul, their biggest intraday gain in six weeks.

The Korean company, which provides everything from a search engine to generative artificial intelligence, cloud and mapping services, beat a handful of global tech firms to secure the project. In March, Naver signed a non-binding agreement with Saudi Arabia to work together on digital transformation. Since then, Naver has hosted more than nine visits by senior Saudi officials at its second headquarters in Korea, a high-tech edifice where more than 100 robots roam around delivering coffee and meals.

--With assistance from Shinhye Kang.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Marriott International has appointed of two new directors in the sales and revenue department across the largest cluster of Marriot in the region comprising the Six Wasl owned hotels; Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre Le Meridien Fairway, Aloft & Element Al Mina and Aloft & Element Dubai Airport.

Jivesh Sehgal has been appointed as Multi-Property Director of Sales and Marketing, overseeing the development and implementation of innovative sales and marketing strategies aimed at expanding the hotels market share while driving revenue growth and enhancing the guest experience.

Annemarie Goani has been appointed as Complex Director of Revenue and will be in charge of driving strategic development and business planning to gain competitive market share.

Sehgal, having started his career in India working with Luxury properties like Kempinski and Oberoi, then moved to Dubai in 2014. In his career he has helped several hotel conferencing facilities gain traction, and thrive, including Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre where he previously worked in 2014 until 2016, before moving to Grand Hyatt Dubai from 2016 to 2021.

After five years with the Grand Hyatt Dubai, he joined the flagship of the InterContinental Hotels Group cluster in the region where his last position was Cluster Director of Sales leading all segments of sales for four brands, with 1,600 keys in total.

Fadeel Wehbe, Multi-Property General Manager said: We are delighted to welcome Jivesh back to Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre as Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing. With his extensive background in hospitality, Jivesh will be a strong addition to the team overseeing our innovative sales campaigns that will drive growth for our hotel.

Having started in September 2023, Jivesh will be reporting to Fadeel Wehbe, Multi  Property General Manager.

Annemarie Goani has been in her position since the start of 2023 and plays a vital role in overseeing revenue management strategies, pricing, and distribution. Since taking on the role Goani has proven her ability to evaluate industry trends and execute innovative pricing and yielding techniques, contributing to a major rise in the total revenue of the properties, overseeing 1,247 guest rooms across the six-hotel portfolio.

Having started her career as a Revenue Executive in 2009 at major airport hotels, such as the Sheraton Skyline Hotel and Conference Centre in London Heathrow, she then went on to the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel to embark on her new journey in Dubai in 2011, managing numerous hotels within Marriott Internationals portfolio in Dubai.

In 2016, she moved to Sheraton Dubai Creek as Director of Revenue before taking on her new role as Complex Director of Revenue. She possesses deep knowledge of market dynamics, pricing strategies, and revenue optimization techniques, and with Goanis analytical skills and proficiency in revenue management systems and tools, she provides valuable insights and recommendations to drive revenue performance across the organization.

Goani will report to Cluster Director of Market Strategy, Gustavo Pereira who said We are thrilled to welcome Annemarie as Complex Director of Revenue. Her strategic mindset and proactive approach will enable us to stay ahead of market trends and capitalize on revenue opportunities.  TradeArabia News Service
Nervous Time to Be a Big Power Consumer in Australia, BHP Says

(Bloomberg) -- Australias accelerating shift from coal-fired power to clean energy is stoking volatility in its power markets and raising concerns for large businesses, according to BHP Group Ltd., the countrys most valuable company.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The main National Electricity Market, which covers about 80% of Australias demand, is experiencing the largest fluctuations in daily electricity prices globally, driven by issues including unplanned outages of coal plants and the integration of rooftop solar, according to Rystad Energy.

Its a nervous time to be a major consumer of electricity on that particular grid, Huw McKay, BHP chief economist, said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

Following its acquisition of OZ Minerals Ltd., BHP is seeking to lift copper output from mines in South Australia, and wary over the unpredictability in the states energy system as work continues on constructing an interconnector linking the region to neighboring New South Wales, according to McKay. We are anticipating a period of heightened volatility, he said.

Read More: BHP Sees Squeeze for Global Copper Markets Later This Decade

South Australia had the countrys highest wholesale electricity prices in the three months to Sept. 30, averaging A$92 ($58) per megawatt hour compared to a national figure of A$63 per megawatt hour, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Nigeria plans to tighten rules to reduce the export of raw minerals and encourage the shipment of processed products, a move aimed at creating jobs and boosting the value of its exports.

Most Read from Bloomberg

You cant take our minerals away without adding value locally, Dele Alake, the minister for solid minerals, said in an interview.Which means you must start a factory to produce something that is associated with the mineral that you are taking out.

Africas largest crude producer is banking on its mineral reserves to provide an alternative source of income as oil output dwindles. The country has lithium, gold, bitumen and iron ore deposits and is intent on emulating nations such as Indonesia in climbing up the commodities value chain and boosting employment. Indonesias nickel exports surged tenfold in five years after it forced buyers to set up refineries in the country

Previous Nigerian governments have unsuccessfully tried to revive the mining and quarrying industry. A decade ago, then-President Goodluck Jonathans administration set a target of boosting minings contribution to gross domestic product to 3% by 2015. The sector accounted for just 0.2% of output last year, according to PwC.

Encouraging foreign companies to refine minerals in-country remains challenging  investors have to contend with an unreliable electricity supply and weak domestic demand, while most minerals are extracted by illegal miners. Northern Nigeria has also long been plagued by insecurity, with armed gangs carrying out mass abductions and killings. The gangs have also displaced local communities, making way for illegal mining, Alake said.

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Last month, President Bola Tinubus administration said it was introducing new regulations aimed at cracking down on smuggling and providing better oversight of the industry. It also intends to revoke licenses that arent used within 18 months.

The government signed an agreement with Australian authorities last month to train locals on the technicalities of the mining industry. That should ensure better regulation and more efficient exploration of the countrys solid minerals, Alake said.

The solid-minerals ministry has received tremendous interest from foreign direct investors, Finance Minister Wale Edun said at a conference in Abuja on Monday. We expect some of that to come to fruition.

--With assistance from Anthony Osae-Brown.

(Updates to add finance ministers comment in eighth paragraph. A previous version corrected the spelling of the name of the solid minerals minister.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Nikola Corp. won a $165 million arbitration case against founder Trevor Milton. (Photo: Nikola)

Nikola Corp. won $165 million in arbitration with its convicted founder Trevor Milton. That is more than enough to pay a $125 million plus interest on a Securities and Exchange Commission fine. But the electric truck startup wants more of Miltons millions.

An arbitration panel in New York ruled in the companys favor last Friday. It was a rare bit of good news for the company beset by an expensive recall of its battery-electric trucks and a stock price teetering around $1 a share.

Even as it has paid to bring more than 200 recalled battery-electric trucks back to its plant in Coolidge, Arizona, for battery pack replacements, Nikola has begun production of hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks for delivery to customers before year-end.

A company spokesperson said more details on the arbitration would be shared during the third-quarter earnings call on Nov. 2.

Arbitration win clears the way for Nikola to pay SEC fine

The arbitration with Milton concluded a couple of months ago. Nikola agreed to pay a $125 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission related to comments Milton had made that led to him  but not the company  being criminally charged with fraud in July 2021.

Milton was convicted in October 2022 on three counts related to lying about the companys technology promise and prowess to inflate the price of Nikola stock. Immediately after agreeing to the fine, Nikola said it would seek to recover the cost from Milton, who is free on a $100 million bond and faces sentencing in November in U.S. District Court in New York.





Milton has not commented on the arbitration, which included testimony from some of the witnesses prosecutors called in Miltons trial.

Nikola wants to recover Miltons legal fees, too

Nikola has spent tens of millions on Miltons defense, money it also wants to recover.

The Company intends to file with the arbitration panel an application to recover attorneys fees related to the matter, Nikola said in SEC 8-K filing Tuesday.

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Milton founded Nikola in 2014 to make fuel cell commercial trucks. It went public via VectoIQ, a special purpose acquisition company in June 2020. Milton frequently posted about the companys achievements on social media and in business publications. At one point, shares traded above $90 before beginning a long descent.

At one point, Milton was listed among the Forbes 400 with a net worth estimated at $3.5 billion based on his then-26% ownership of the companys stock. He has sold tens of millions in shares since a lockup expired in December 2021.

Many of Miltons claims were proved untrue following a 67-page report by short seller Hindenburg Research that came days after an announced partnership with General Motors.

The GM deal and one to build refuse trucks for Republic Services fell apart following Miltons resignation as executive chairman in September 2020. Milton also gave up his board seat.

Nikolas current CEO is Steve Girsky, who led the SPAC. The company had two other CEOs after Milton. The most recent, Michael Lohscheller, departed for family reasons in August. The Nikola board, which Girsky chaired, appointed him CEO effective Aug. 3.

Editors note: Deletes reference to additional details during earnings call.

Related articles:

Nikola founder loses bid for a new trial

Nikola founder Trevor Milton guilty on 3 fraud counts

Milton cashes out $131M in Nikola stock, slicing dominant ownership

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Alan Adler.

The post Nikola claws back $165 million from founder Trevor Milton appeared first on FreightWaves.
Nokia Oyj

Press Release

Nokia adds new 5G devices to its FWA portfolio

Nokia expands its FastMile 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) portfolio with new indoor and outdoor devices for faster speeds and better coverage.

New Nokia outdoor receiver uses high gain antennas to avoid first wall attenuation and improve FWA coverage to the cell edge while still offering self-install convenience.

New Nokia Gateway offers the ultimate consumer experience while delivering 5G speeds throughout the home with dual-band Wi-Fi 7.

24 October, 2023

Espoo, Finland  Nokia today announced a new 5G Fixed Wireless Access outdoor receiver and a new indoor gateway with Wi-Fi 7 based on the latest available technology. The FWA devices enable operators to conserve radio capacity and improve coverage of their FWA service.

Nokia studies indicate that operators can save as much as 60% of potentially wasted network capacity simply by placing the right device in the right location of the customer premise. This means using outdoor Receivers where signals are weaker and indoor Gateways where signals are strong. Proper placement of these devices in or on the home with the aid of intelligent smartphone applications alone, can help operators to recover 30% of network capacity.

Nokias FastMile 5G receiver is ideal for locations that require optimum use of the weak signals that are available. It features high gain antennas (up to 10 dBi) in a compact, outdoor design that that can self-installed by the consumer in a window, wall or pole. With 4 carrier aggregation of up to 300MHz of bandwidth, the 5G receiver makes the most of the signals that are available and going to it. The solution includes a simple, user-friendly mobile app that helps customers identify the optimal location to install the receiver.

Nokias FastMile 5G Gateway 7 utilizes high gain antennas with up to 8 dBi of gain, carrier aggregation, and 200MHz of spectrum support to enable high speed broadband access over the 5G network. The Gateway utilizes dual-band WiFi 7 to extend 5G speeds throughout the home. The FastMile 5G Gateway 7 is powered by Nokias Corteca software, which supports value added applications embedded in the device, cloud-based Wi-Fi optimization, and Wi-Fi device management based on open industry standards and EasyMesh.

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Dirk Verhaegen, VP Broadband Devices at Nokia, said: Capacity is king with Fixed Wireless Access services. Only by managing this capacity can operators connect more fixed subscribers while maintaining a high quality of experience for both mobile and fixed users. Our new outdoor Receiver and Wi-Fi 7 Gateway are unique in the industry bringing high gain technology together with ease of use features that deliver the best broadband experience while conserving radio resources.

Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager and Principal Analyst at Omdia said: As the FWA market continues to evolve and grow, operators increasingly need technology options that can maximize the capacity of their network, are easy to install and are capable of delivering the ultimate user experience. Solutions like Nokias new FWA 5G indoor and outdoor devices check a lot of these boxes for those operators looking to deploy FWA services.

The new Nokia 5G FWA receiver and gateway will be available by early 2024. Both join Nokias comprehensive portfolio of customer premise equipment which includes 4G and 5G gateways for outdoor and indoor use.

Nokia 5G FWA receiver details

High Gain Antenna up to 10dBi

Bandwidth aggregation up to 300MHz

2.5GE LAN port, TR-069 & TR-369 support

Nokia 5G FWA gateway details

High Gain Antenna up to 8dBi

Bandwidth aggregation up to 200MHz

TR-069 & TR-369 support

Resources and additional information (to be completed)

Website for FastMile 5G receiver: https://www.nokia.com/networks/fixed-networks/fastmile/5g-receiver-5g26-a

Website for FastMile 5G Gateway 7: https://www.nokia.com/networks/fixed-networks/fastmile/5g-gateway-7

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today  and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries

Nokia Communications, Corporate

Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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Anoto Group AB

The shareholders of Anoto Group AB (publ) (Anoto or the Company) are hereby invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting (the EGM) to be held on Wednesday 15 November 2023 at 10 a.m. at the premises of Setterwalls Advokatbyra, Sturegatan 10 in Stockholm, Sweden.



Notification of participation

Shareholders wishing to attend the EGM must:

be entered as shareholders in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than on Tuesday 7 November 2023;

notify the Company of their intention to participate no later than on Thursday 9 November 2023.

Attendance is to be notified by phone to +44 758 430 12 60 or by e-mail to EGM@anoto.com. The notification should state name, social security number/corporate identification number and registered number of shares. To facilitate admittance to the EGM, proxies, registration certificates and other authorisation documents should be submitted to the Company by email to EGM@anoto.com no later than on Thursday 9 November 2023. The Company provides proxy forms on the Companys web page www.anoto.com.





To be entitled to participate at the EGM, shareholders who has had their shares registered through nominees (Sw. forvaltare) must, in addition to notifying the Company of their intention to participate at the EGM, have their shares registered in their own name so that the shareholder is entered into the share register per Tuesday 7 November 2023. Such registration may be temporary (Sw. rostrattsregistrering) and is requested with the nominee in accordance with the nominees routines at such time in advance as the nominee determines. Voting rights registrations made no later than Thursday 9 November 2023 are considered in the presentation of the EGM share register.

Proposed agenda

Opening of the meeting Election of Chairman Preparation and approval of voting list Approval of the agenda Election of one or two persons to verify the minutes Determination of whether the Meeting has been duly convened. Determination of the number of Board members Determination of remuneration for the Board members Election of Board members, and Chairman of the Board of Directors Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to issue new ordinary shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds Closing of the Meeting





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Proposals

Proposals in accordance with items 7-9 will be presented at the latest in connection with the EGM.

Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to issue new shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds (item 10)

The Board of Directors proposes that the EGM authorises the Board of Directors to resolve, on one or several occasions during the period until the next annual general meeting, with or without deviation from the shareholders preferential rights, against cash payment, for payment in kind or by way of set-off, to issue ordinary shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds that involve the issue of or conversion into a maximum of 110,619,689 ordinary shares, corresponding to a dilution of approximately 25 per cent of the share capital and votes, based on the current number of shares in the Company.

The purpose of this authorisation and the reason for any disapplication of the shareholders' preferential rights is to increase the flexibility of the Company to finance the ongoing business and at the same time extend and strengthen the Companys shareholder base of strategic or long term investors. The basis for the issue price shall be according to the prevailing market conditions at the time when shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds are issued.

A valid resolution by the EGM pursuant to the proposal above requires that the resolution be supported by shareholders representing at least two-thirds of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the EGM.

Other

According to Chapter 7, section 32 of the Swedish Companies Act, at a General Meeting the shareholders are entitled to require information from the Board of Directors and CEO regarding circumstances which may affect items on the agenda and circumstances which may affect the Companys financial situation.

For information on how personal data is processed, see:

https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Integritetspolicy-bolagsstammor-svenska.pdf.

Number of shares and votes in the Company

As of 25 October 2023, the total number of ordinary shares and votes in the Company was 331,859,066. There were no Series C Shares issued. The Company is not holding any own shares.

Stockholm, October 2023

Anoto Group AB (publ)

The Board of Directors

Attachment




(Bloomberg) -- Canadian oil prices are weakening relative to US grades as pipeline bottlenecks restrict shipments to refiners, just months before a massive new export line is scheduled to enter operation.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Heavy Western Canadian Select crude in Alberta traded at a $25-a-barrel discount to US benchmark West Texas Intermediate on Tuesday, the widest since January, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The difference was $10.20 a barrel in early July. A grade of light crude called Edmonton Mixed Sweet hit a discount of $5.65 on Monday, the widest in almost two years.

Canadas pipelines have been forced to ration their space this year amid signs oil production is rising before the startup of the expanded Trans Mountain pipeline system next year. For November, Enbridge Inc. increased apportionment on its Mainline system, the countrys largest oil export pipeline network, to the most in about two years.

Albertas total crude output rose to 3.01 million barrels a day in August, the highest since May, Alberta Energy Regulator data show. But the true output is almost certainly higher as the data has excluded output from Suncor Energy Inc., one of the largest oil-sands producers. The increased production is coming amid a heavier-than-usual refinery maintenance season in the US, which has spurred increased Canadian oil exports off the US Gulf Coast.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
FILE PHOTO: Crude oil storage tanks are seen from above at the Cushing oil hub in Cushing

By Shariq Khan

BENGALURU (Reuters) -Oil prices fell on Tuesday for the third straight session after a flurry of slow economic data from Germany, the euro zone and Britain weighed on the outlook for energy demand.

Brent crude futures fell $1.76, or 2%, to settle at $88.07 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.75, or 2.1%, to close at $83.74 a barrel.

Euro zone business activity data took a surprise downward turn this month, suggesting the bloc may slip into recession.

German readings suggested a recession in that country is underway. Britain's businesses reported another monthly decline in activity, highlighting recession risks ahead of the Bank of England's interest rate decision next week.

"There is definitely a dialogue on about the global economy being worse this week than it was last week," said Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger.

"It does not help that a lot of the top bankers and financial experts are in Saudi Arabia today talking about how bad the economy is," Yawger added, referring to the Future Investment Initiative event dubbed "Davos in the Desert."

In contrast to Europe, U.S. data showed business output ticked higher in October as manufacturing pulled out of a five-month contraction. The relative strength of the U.S. economy helped lift the dollar, making dollar-denominated oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

"As much as this market has been worried about the war in the Middle East and efforts from Saudi Arabia to tighten supply, demand has been a major headwind for a while now," said John Kilduff, partner at New York-based Again Capital.

However, the American Petroleum Institute's weekly storage report showed large declines in crude oil and fuel inventories last week, indicating strong demand in the country. [API/S]

A preliminary Reuters poll on Monday showed analysts expected an increase in crude oil stocks. Official storage figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration are due on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. EDT (1430 GMT).

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Both benchmarks briefly recovered some losses in low volume, post-settlement trading after the report but were still down around 2% by 4:50 p.m. EDT.

Meanwhile, the release of hostages from Gaza and intensifying diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict between Israel and Hamas have also taken out the risk premium that helped push Brent prices to their highest in a month on Friday, Kilduff and Yawger said.

Also on Tuesday, the International Energy Agency said it expects fossil fuel demand to peak by 2030 based on governments' current policies.

(Reporting by Shariq Khan; Additional reporting by Sadia Nasralla, Mohi Narayan and Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Mark Potter, Will Dunham, David Gregorio and Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: Cutouts depicting images of oil operations are seen outside a building of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA in Caracas

By Marianna Parraga, Laura Sanicola and Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Global energy traders are emerging as early buyers of Venezuela's stocks of crude and fuel oil following last week's easing of U.S. energy sanctions, according to people familiar with the matter.

U.S. sanctions that were in place on Venezuela since 2019 largely blocked state-run oil company PDVSA from exporting to its chosen markets.

That changed last week, but Washington's six-month relaxation of the measures is too limited to spur new crude production.

It has offered a tantalizing opening for spot sales by PDVSA and the reactivation of some supply contracts that could boost revenue, the people said.

Trafigura last week negotiated a chartering contract for the Bermuda-flagged Suezmax Stena Sunrise to transport a 1 million-barrel cargo of Venezuelan fuel oil in November from Venezuela's Amuay ship-to-ship area, according to two people close to the deal.

PDVSA also is in talks with Mercuria Energy and Sahara Energy on spot sales, the sources said.

Mercuria and Sahara did not reply to requests for comment, while Trafigura declined to comment.

PDVSA did not reply to requests for comment, but CEO Pedro Tellechea last week said on social media the U.S. license "suspends a widespread siege" on the company.

REFINERS SEEKING OIL

U.S., European and Asian refining firms including Reliance Industries, Tipco Asphalt, Valero Energy, PBF Energy, and Eni also are in talks with PDVSA to resume or expand imports of Venezuelan crude.

Valero, Reliance and Tipco did not reply to requests for comment. A PBF spokesperson said the company does not comment on activities it considers business confidential.

Eni expects the sanction easing should allow it "to increase the flexibility and effectiveness of debt collection activities" through oil-for-debt swaps in place since last year, a spokesperson said last week.

The Italian company and Spain's Repsol have been in negotiations with PDVSA for months to expand gas output in Venezuela.

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Eni also hopes to ramp up oil production and resume sales of popular crude grade Corocoro, which used to be exported to the U.S., according to other people familiar with the matter.

French firm Maurel & Prom, which bought Shell's assets in Venezuela, said this month it had asked the U.S. before the sanctions were eased to take Venezuelan oil for debt repayment.

PDVSA currently has 30 million barrels of crude and fuel in onshore and floating storage, still a large volume though below the peak of more than 40 million barrels in 2019, according to data from commodity intelligence firm Kpler.

VESSELS, QUALITY, TERMS

Winning clearance from buyers' legal and compliance departments, and renegotiating prices, will require more work, the people added.

Some companies have recently appealed to the U.S. Treasury Department for guidance on potential deals, one of the people said.

Traders looking to snap up spot cargoes face a long-standing unwillingness by vessel owners to load in Venezuela, which has elevated freight tariffs and imposed special contract clauses for "war zones".

Many potential customers, especially on the spot market, are being asked to prepay for their cargoes, the people said. PDVSA this year revamped its trading business and finances to avoid failed payments after suffering multi billion-dollar losses.

Crude quality problems coming from PDVSA's deteriorated infrastructure also would be more difficult to solve and could continue forcing price discounts, the sources added.

PDVSA has not recovered access to pricing services and key software suspended as part of the U.S. measures, company sources said.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga and Arathy Somasekhar in Houston and Laura Sanicola in Washington)
Orlando City Commissioners Monday signed off on the $2 million purchase of Pulse nightclub, the site of one of the nations deadliest mass shootings that rocked the city and its LGBTQ community in 2016.

The vote came after hours of public comment from survivors and family members of victims of the attack, who were divided on whether the sale to the city was the best path forward. The unanimous vote moves the sale forward, which is expected to close on Friday, formally transferring the plot along Orange Avenue to the city.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the sale sets the stage for the city to develop a process inclusive to the families of the victims and inclusive of the survivors to build a permanent memorial at the site of a shooting rampage, which killed 49 and wounded 53 on June 12, 2016. However, he said the city hasnt figured out yet how it will proceed in doing so.

In talking to Oklahoma City and New York, I know that the most important thing is transparency so that people know what were going to do. Were going to be very careful about that, he said. I know this is not going to be an easy process, but were going to be very careful that we do everything we can to make sure that if people disagree with what the final result is they know how we arrived at that result.

Plans to purchase the property came together quickly over the span of a few weeks, and were revealed in an interview last week with the Orlando Sentinel. The purchase price of $2 million  to be paid to Barbara and Rosario Poma, and Michael Panaggio, who collectively own the former nightclub  also fueled debate.

An appraisal determined the land was valued somewhere between $1.85 and $1.96 million, records show, though city commissioner Jim Gray, who works in commercial real estate, was skeptical.

He suspected the land was worth far lower because of its connection to the tragedy, and suggested the city seek to acquire the property through eminent domain  a legal process allowing government to take private property if its for public use. In such a process, the owners would receive what the courts determine to be fair-market value.

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I would bet you $1 it will be a lot less than $2 million, he said.

Ultimately, commissioners moved ahead with the sale, which they thought was the best choice to advance the seven-plus year saga, and ultimately build a memorial.

Do I want to pay them $2 million? No, Dyer said. Im looking at this [as] what is best for our community.

Questions remain as to what a memorial looks like and when it happens. Last week, Dyer said hed lay out a timeline shortly, and city officials said they intend to include families and survivors in the process.

Mayra Alvear, whose daughter Amanda was killed in the attack, pleaded with the city council to sign off on the sale and to construct a memorial to the victims there.

Alvear wrote a letter to Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on behalf of more than two dozen Pulse families in August asking for them to intervene in the dispute to ensure the memorial is built.

For me specifically, its a place that keeps me close to my baby, she said. I beg you, we need our sacred ground protected.

Maritza Gomez, who survived the shooting, contends there were code enforcement violations at the club, and says the city should do further investigation before tearing down the former nightclub. Like many who spoke Monday, she took issue with paying the owners.

I want an investigation into Pulse before you tear it down, Gomez said. Barbara Poma and her family do not need no $2 million. Theyve pocketed enough.

Sandra Wade, the mother of Edward Sotomayor Jr. who was killed at Pulse, said she wants the city to purchase the property because she sees it as the only way to build a memorial to keep her sons memory alive.

Eddie always went to Pulse to dance and have fun with his friends, and we must keep that memory alive, she said. I feel the only way to do that at this time is to let the city of Orlando to acquire the Pulse site and build our memorial.

Numerous victims spoke of distrust of all involved with the memorial process, which has been mired in controversy for years.

The nonprofit onePulse Foundation was founded by Barbara Poma to lead efforts to build a memorial at the site. The foundation has faced criticism over the years, ranging from high salaries for its leadership to not completing a memorial. Barbara Poma stepped down as executive director in 2021 and left the organization entirely earlier this year.

The foundation also had plans to build a museum nearby, and said recently those have shifted to construct a smaller-scale remembrance at a warehouse it owns near the site. In 2019, it announced the museum plan, as well as memorial including 49 trees encircling the club, a reflecting pool and a nearby museum.

Earlier this year, onePulse announced plans to scale it back in part due to high costs estimates.

A Survivors Walk remains under construction linking the club with nearby Orlando Regional Medical Center where victims were treated.

City commissioner Patty Sheehan, Central Floridas first openly gay elected official, in tearful remarks pleaded with families and survivors to give the city a chance to complete the job.

Im asking you and Im begging you please to trust us, she said. I know you were excluded, I was excluded, I know how that feels.  We will do the right thing by everyone.
Allied Market Research

The global market for orphan drugs is witnessing a surge in demand due to various factors, together with an increase in the prevalence of rare disorders, beneficial government regulations, and the availability of exclusive rights for orphan drugs. However, the North America region held the foremost market share, contributing to more than one-third of the market.

Wilmington, Delaware, Oct. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Market Research's report provided an estimation of the global orphan drugs market size estimated at $1,40,000.0 million in 2020 and is predicted to gain $4,35,686.3 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast timeframe. The report offers a comprehensive outline of the leading investment pockets, the most successful strategies, the market dynamics, the market size and projections, the competitive analysis, and the forecast timeframe. This market report is an invaluable resource for the leading players, new market entrants, and stakeholders in strategic planning and strengthening their competitive edge.



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Report Coverage and Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2021-2030 Base Year 2020 Market Size in 2020 $1,40,000.0 Million Market Size in 2030 $4,35,686.3 Million CAGR 11.8% No. of Pages in Report 356 Segments Covered Disease Type, and Region Drivers An increase in the prevalence of rare disorders The availability of exclusive rights for orphan drugs Beneficial government regulations Restraints Limited patient pool for clinical trials and product marketing High treatment costs per patient Opportunities High growth potential in untapped emerging economies Use of orphan drugs for novel conditions/indications





Recent Developments in the Orphan Drugs Market

High prices of orphan drugs are one of the major trends in the Orphan Drugs Market and are expected to increase further due to factors such as ageing population and increased R&D expenses. Around 40% of the Orphan Drugs cost more than $100,000 annually. However, growing awareness and the potential benefits regarding to orphan drugs coupled with the recent orphan drug approvals also acts as key trend and driver in the orphan drugs industry. Further, as per the recent trend in sales of orphan drugs from companies such as Johnson & Johnsons multiple myeloma drug Darzalex and AstraZenecas Lynparza & Calquence, oncology will occupy most market share currently and in the coming years. These drugs together have generated an estimated revenue of around USD 25 Billion in 2022.

Story continues

Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst -https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/204

The report provides an in-depth assessment of the global orphan drugs market segmented on the basis of disease type, and region. It is presented in both tabular and graphical form, allowing investors and industry-leading players to gain insight into the most lucrative and rapidly expanding segments.

By disease type, the oncologic diseases segment held the major share in 2020, contributing to more than one-third of the global orphan drugs market. However, the metabolic diseases segment would showcase the fastest CAGR of 13.8% throughout the forecast timeframe.

The global orphan drugs market is divided into several geographical regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and LAMEA. The North America region accounted for the largest share in 2020, holding more than one-third of the global orphan drugs market. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 12.6% throughout the forecast timeframe.

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The global orphan drugs market report has recognized several prominent players in the industry, including the following: Sanofi S.A., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Novartis International AG, Amgen Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie Inc., Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Pfizer Inc., and Amryt Pharma PLC. The industry players have also adopted various strategies, inclusive of collaborations, technological developments, expansions, and joint alliances to strengthen their position in the industry. This report provides an overview of the performance and growth of the leading players in the market.

Comprehensive Healthcare Industry Research Studies: -

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SARASOTA, Fla., October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pickleball Club, a firm founded in 2019 that develops and operates private, membership-based high-amenity indoor pickleball facilities throughout Florida, recently secured its eighth and ninth sites for future Florida club locations in Orlando in Orange County and Greenacres in Palm Beach County.

The Pickleball Club placed under contract a 3.4-acre parcel in Orlando, Fla. for its eighth location at 1427 N. Semoran Blvd. for a 33,800-square-foot climate controlled facility with 12 indoor pickleball courts, 130 parking spaces and Players Courtyard with two outdoor pickleball courts and two bocce ball courts. The Orlando location will also feature a 3,900-square-foot Players Lounge mezzanine overlooking the courts, the companys own restaurant, Pickles Cafe, and Dinks Pro Shop. The club is expected to break ground in June 2024 and open in the summer of 2025.

In Greenacres, The Pickleball Club is also under contract for its ninth site, a 4.9-acre parcel located at 5234 S Haverhill Road.

"The city of Greenacres is excited to be home to The Pickleball Club," said Andrea McCue, city manager. "Their state-of-the-art, indoor facility will offer members of all ages and skill levels, opportunities for play. They have created a unique experience that fosters socialization and builds relationships while helping members pursue a healthy lifestyle."

The 41,140-square-foot climate controlled facility will offer members 16 indoor pickleball courts, 184 parking spaces, Players Courtyard with three covered outdoor courts and two bocce ball courts. Inside, a 3,850-square-foot Players Lounge will overlook the downstairs courts, Dinks Pro Shop and Pickles Cafe, similar to the Venice location and other facilities. Groundbreaking for the club is expected in June 2024, with an opening in the summer of 2025.

"From our very first interaction with Greenacres leadership, when they reached out to us, we knew we had an ideal governmental partner," said Brian McCarthy, chief executive officer of The Pickleball Club. "Greenacres is a superb location for us, with over a million people living within a 25-minute average drive from the location."

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The Pickleball Clubs first location is now open and operating in Sarasota near Lakewood Ranch, with close to 600 members. Other locations under development include Port St. Lucie, which is currently under construction, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, The Villages, Pinellas Park and Venice.

Visit ThePickleballClub.us for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024192692/en/

Contacts

For more information, please contact:

Candice Brown-McElyea

Candice@OneEightOhPR.com

941-232-9046
PANAMA CITY (AP)  Protesters blocked streets across Panama on Monday, demanding the government rescind a contract to continue copper mining in a biodiverse region.

Teaching and construction unions led calls against the contract with environmentalists, saying continued development threatens forested land and crucial groundwater just 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of the capital, in the state of Colon.

Across Panama City, peaceful protesters handed out fliers, but in some areas on the outskirts of the capital police met protesters with tear gas. In anticipation of the largest marches since a cost of living crisis last July, both the Department of Education and the University of Panama cancelled classes.

The government used social media to highlight the enormous contribution the mine  Panama's largest private investment ever  makes to the country's economy.

In March, Panama's legislature reached an agreement with Canadian mining company First Quantum, allowing its local subsidiary, Minera Panama, to continue operating a huge open-pit copper mine in central Panama for at least 20 more years. The mine was temporarily closed last year when talks between the government and First Quantum broke down over payments the government wanted to receive.

Protests began after President Laurentino Cortizo signed off on that contract on Friday after it was approved by the congress.

The president acted surreptitiously, according to Fernando Abrego, leader of Panama's Association of Teachers union. The government decided this confrontation by quickly and expeditiously approving a contract they know is rejected by the people, he said.

Teachers were joined by construction workers, who are one of country's most powerful labor groups. The people are in the streets in defense of sovereignty," said union leader Saul Mendez, "in the face of a contract that cedes self-determination by devastating the environment to steal resources.

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It is unclear how persuasive these arguments will prove against the economic boon of a single mining site that already brings in 3% of the nations gross domestic product. Minera Panama says the mine will employ thousands of Panamanians and that its shipments make 80% of the country's total exports.

The new contract, initially slowed by labor disagreements, secures Panama at least $375 million a year from Minera Panama, over 10 times more than the previous deal. It represents one of the largest national mining contracts in a region where other countries like Costa Rica regulate the sector more stringently and El Salvador which banned metal mining in 2017.

For teachers, however, Abrego said concession was not an option, and that the teachers' union would hold an assembly to plan their next actions. We will remain in the streets, he said.
Net income increased by 8% to $2.90 per share

Home sale revenues rose by 3% to $3.9 billion

Net new orders surged by 43% to 7,065 homes

Repurchased $300 million of common shares and retired $65 million of senior notes in the quarter





On October 24, 2023, PulteGroup Inc (NYSE:PHM) announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. The company reported a net income of $639 million, or $2.90 per share, marking an 8% increase from the prior year period. Home sale revenues also saw a 3% increase, amounting to $3.9 billion.

Financial Highlights





PulteGroup Inc (NYSE:PHM) reported a home sale gross margin of 29.5%. The company's net new orders increased by 43% to 7,065 homes with a value of $3.8 billion. The unit backlog totaled 13,547 homes with a value of $8.1 billion. The company also repurchased $300 million of common shares and retired $65 million of senior notes in the quarter. The debt-to-capital ratio was reduced to 16.5%, with a net debt-to-capital ratio of 1%, including the company's cash balance of $1.9 billion.

Management Commentary





PulteGroups third quarter results show a continuation of recent positive trends, as top line revenue growth combined with strong margin performance drove record third quarter earnings of $2.90 per share, said Ryan Marshall, PulteGroup President and CEO. Earnings growth and disciplined balance sheet management allowed the Company to realize a return on equity* of 30.1%, while using the resulting cash flows to invest in our business, to repurchase $300 million of common shares, to retire $65 million of senior notes and to further strengthen our overall liquidity profile.

Financial Tables Overview





The company's financial tables reveal that home sale revenues for the third quarter increased by 3% over the prior year to $3.9 billion. This was primarily driven by a 2% increase in the average sales price of homes closed to $549,000, as closings increased by less than 1% to 7,076 homes. The company's net new orders increased 43% over the prior year to 7,065 homes, with the value of net new orders in the period increasing 36% over last year to $3.8 billion.

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Company Performance Analysis





PulteGroup Inc (NYSE:PHM) has demonstrated strong performance in the third quarter of 2023, with significant increases in net income, home sale revenues, and net new orders. The company's strategic financial management, including the repurchase of common shares and retirement of senior notes, has also contributed to its robust financial position. The company's ability to maintain a high home sale gross margin and reduce its debt-to-capital ratio indicates effective cost management and a strong balance sheet.

Other Pertinent Details





PulteGroup Inc (NYSE:PHM) also announced a conference call discussing the company's third quarter 2023 results scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested investors can access the live webcast via PulteGroup's corporate website.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


TAIZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From October 19 to 22, the 14th China (Taizhou) International Pharmaceutical Fair, sponsored by the China Chamber of International Commerce and hosted by the Taizhou Municipal People's Government and Jiangsu Branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, was successfully held in Taizhou China Pharmaceutical City. As an innovative vaccine company with independent research and development technology as the core driving force, Recbio (02179.HK) presented at Booth C18 in Hall E1-2 with three technology platforms of new adjuvants, protein engineering, immune evaluation, and heavy product pipeline. Once exhibited, it attracted the attention of a large number of experts and scholars in the pharmaceutical industry domestic and overseas, and won wide praise on the sitecreating new heights and heat.

(PRNewsfoto/Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd.)

The theme of this year's exhibition is "New adjuvants, open and win-win situation, taking root in the China Pharmaceutical City, and going to the world".

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Liu Yong, founder, Chairman of the Board and general manager of Recbio, attended the initiative and establishment ceremony of the Biomedical Industry Supply Chain Alliance and read the proposal. The alliance will gather the strength of all parties and strive to seek the "largest common divisor" and draw the "largest concentric circles" to jointly promote the high-quality development of the biomedical industry.

During the exhibition, the local core mainstream media Taizhou Daily released a special edition report with the title of "Recbio Industrialization Fruits Mature In Sight" and conducted a one-on-one interview with Dr. Liu Yong. Dr. Liu Yong introduced in detail the company's exhibiting products, new research and development of new technologies, innovation and application development, and said that as a local enterprise rooted in China Pharmaceutical City, it should set an example to show the new image of Taizhou city, new opportunities for development, and new future of the industry to the world, further expand the channels of international cooperation and exchange, and inject new impetus into the construction of a higher level of China Pharmaceutical City.

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(PRNewsfoto/Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd.)

As a vaccine company with a full range of new adjuvant R&D and production capabilities, Recbio's new adjuvant platform has been accumulated for more than ten years, and through continuous investment, it has continuously strengthened the layout of independent intellectual property rights in the field of new adjuvants. The company has applied for more than 20 invention patents in the principles, processes, raw materials, and applications of new adjuvants.

The new adjuvant platform of Recbio has three characteristics: systematization, industrialization, and continuous innovation. Systematic means that the platform can achieve full coverage of the new adjuvant types for human use that have been approved worldwide, forming a "toolbox" and "Arsenal" of vaccine R&D, and the research and development team can match the most appropriate adjuvant types according to the immune protection mechanism of different vaccines. The recombinant shingles vaccine, second-generation HPV vaccine, and recombinant COVID-19 vaccine independently developed by the company are matched with different types of new adjuvants. Industrialization refers to the company's new adjuvant platform has built three industrialization bases in China Pharmaceutical City, covering three mainstream adjuvant process platforms, and forming an annual production capacity of more than 100 million new adjuvants. Continuous innovation means that the company's pursuit of adjuvant performance will never stop, and will continue to introduce more and better adjuvant varieties for the next generation of vaccine product pipeline.

Recbio's new adjuvant platform not only plays a strategic role in supporting self-developed vaccine varieties, but also enables industrial chain partners. Since the beginning of this year, the company has launched "new adjuvant system solutions" for partners, and through deep cooperation from research and development to industrialization, innovative research and development of partners' vaccine varieties, and promoting the upgrading and iteration of traditional vaccines.

Benefiting from the leading new adjuvant core technology and the near industrialization of the heavy pipeline, the international layout of Recbio is accelerating. Recently, the company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Zimbabwe National Biotechnology Authority and the China Research Center of the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) to provide vaccine technology to Zimbabwe. The company is also speeding up cooperation with relevant countries and regions in India, Russia, and Southeast Asia to accelerate the pace of product listing in the local market so that China's new adjuvant vaccine technology can benefit the broader population in the countries and regions jointly built by the "Belt and Road" as soon as possible.

About Recbio

Founded in 2012, Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Recbio or the Company; stock code: 2179.HK) is an innovative vaccine company propelled by internally developed technologies. Committed to our mission of " Protect human health with best-in-class vaccines", we have cultivated a robust portfolio of vaccine products with exclusive rights, addressing the substantial unmet needs in the realm of high-impact infectious diseases. Over the course of more than two decades, Recbio has meticulously built three pioneering platforms: a novel adjuvant platform, a protein engineering platform, and an immunological evaluation platform, making us one of the few global companies capable of both developing and manufacturing the complete range of novel adjuvants.

Leveraging the close integration of our three platforms, we are consistently creating promising vaccine candidates. Fueled by these innovative platforms, the Company has forged a high-value portfolio of innovative vaccines, encompassing over ten potential blockbuster varieties. These encompass areas such as cervical cancer, shingles, RSV infection, and other prevalent high-burden diseases, and have emerged as leading products in terms of development and clinical progress in China.

Having been honed and refined over the course of a decade, Recbio is poised to reap the benefits as several products are nearing commercialization.

Forward-looking statements

This Press Release may contain projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, opinions, prospects, results, returns and forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, capital position, strategy and business of the Group which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "plan", "estimate", "seek", "intend", "target", "believe", "potential" and "reasonably possible" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including the strategic priorities, research and development projects, and any financial, investment and capital targets and any other targets, commitments and ambitions described in writing or verbally herein. Any such forward-looking statements are not a reliable indicator of future performance, as they may involve significant stated or implied assumptions and subjective judgements which may or may not prove to be correct, accurate or complete. There can be no assurance that any of the matters set out in the forward-looking statements are attainable, will actually occur or will be realised or are complete or accurate. The assumptions and judgments may prove to be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important actors, many of which are outside the control of the Group. There is also no assurance that the Group may develop or market its core products or other pipeline candidates successfully. Actual achievements, results, performance or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those stated, implied and/or reflected in any forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors (including without limitation general market conditions, regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions or data limitations and changes). Any such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of the Group at the date the statements are made, and the Group does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any obligation or duty to update, revise or supplement them if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change. For these reasons, you should not place reliance on, and are expressly cautioned about relying on, any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties, expressed or implied, are given by or on behalf of the Group as to the achievement or reasonableness of any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, commitments, prospects or returns contained herein.

Please refer to the announcements published by the Company on the websites of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (www.hkexnew.hk) or of the Company (www.recbio.cn) for further details. If there is any inconsistency between this Presentation and the announcements, the announcements shall prevail.

Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd.

Investor Inquiry:

Email: ir@recbio.cn

Tel: +86-0523-86818860

Media Inquiry:

Email: media@recbio.cn

Tel: +86-0523-86818860

Related Links:

https://www.recbio.cn/

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SOURCE Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd.
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Censof Holdings Berhad's (KLSE:CENSOF) returns on capital, so let's have a look.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Censof Holdings Berhad is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.074 = RM7.8m  (RM128m - RM23m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).

Therefore, Censof Holdings Berhad has an ROCE of 7.4%. On its own, that's a low figure but it's around the 9.0% average generated by the Software industry.

See our latest analysis for Censof Holdings Berhad

roce

While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you want to delve into the historical earnings, revenue and cash flow of Censof Holdings Berhad, check out these free graphs here.

How Are Returns Trending?

It's great to see that Censof Holdings Berhad has started to generate some pre-tax earnings from prior investments. The company was generating losses five years ago, but now it's turned around, earning 7.4% which is no doubt a relief for some early shareholders. In regards to capital employed, Censof Holdings Berhad is using 41% less capital than it was five years ago, which on the surface, can indicate that the business has become more efficient at generating these returns. The reduction could indicate that the company is selling some assets, and considering returns are up, they appear to be selling the right ones.

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In Conclusion...

In a nutshell, we're pleased to see that Censof Holdings Berhad has been able to generate higher returns from less capital. And investors seem to expect more of this going forward, since the stock has rewarded shareholders with a 60% return over the last five years. Therefore, we think it would be worth your time to check if these trends are going to continue.

On a final note, we found 3 warning signs for Censof Holdings Berhad (1 doesn't sit too well with us) you should be aware of.

While Censof Holdings Berhad isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rice Robotics announces its partnership with CITIC Pacific to introduce a 'same-building' cleaning robot service at CITIC Tower, Central, marking a milestone in autonomous intra-building logistics. Building on the success of its 'same-building delivery' service which is already operational in various locations in Japan, Rice Robotics is set to revolutionize Hong Kong's smart building landscape by permanently implementing this cutting-edge technology at CITIC Tower.

Through seamless API integration with the building's elevators and turnstiles, Rice Robotics' innovative cleaning robots effortlessly navigate every corner of the building. These robots can autonomously access every floor within CITIC Tower, ensuring comprehensive cleaning services throughout the entire building. Integration with the elevators enables efficient travel between floors, eliminating manual intervention. Extended integration with the turnstiles provides smooth and secure passage, allowing for uninterrupted workflow.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Rice Robotics and introduce the innovative same-building cleaning robot service at CITIC Tower, reflecting our commitment to providing a safe and hygienic environment for our occupants," said Derek Au, General Manager  Property Management at CITIC Pacific. "The integration of advanced robotics technology into building systems enhances cleaning efficiency and showcases our dedication to embracing cutting-edge solutions. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact of this collaboration will bring to building management."

"Through this partnership, Rice Robotics elevates robots from mere assistants to indispensable members of the building," said Victor Lee, CEO of Rice Robotics. "With the successful implementation of this concept, Rice Robotics plans to expand the application to other commercial buildings, serving more customers in more locations."

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The 'same-building cleaning' service revolutionizes hygiene standards and opens the door to an easily extendable 'same-building delivery' service.

The 'same-building cleaning' service revolutionizes hygiene standards and opens the door to an easily extendable 'same-building delivery' service. This opportunity will benefit restaurants within intelligent buildings by efficiently catering to occupants' demands. Consumers can enjoy cost-effective takeaways compared to online delivery services. By seamlessly integrating delivery capabilities with the building's existing infrastructure, Rice Robotics empowers businesses to enhance customer experience and unlock new avenues for revenue growth.

Moreover, Rice Robotics will also leverage its latest robot, Chat, to enhance intelligent building management. Chat, an AI-powered robot, assists human staff by combining natural language processing and advanced navigation algorithms. It engages in voice-based Q&A interactions in multiple languages and provide seamless way guidance throughout the building.

In addition to the partnership with CITIC Pacific, Rice Robotics has achieved other significant milestones. In July, the company successfully secured US$7 million in pre-Series A funding, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its vision and potential. It established a 13,000 sq.ft production plant in Hong Kong for 100% local design and manufacturing. Strategic partnerships with renowned clients in Japan, including SoftBank, Japan Post, Mitsui Group, and Toyota Motor Corporation, drive the expansion of robot delivery services overseas. These achievements solidify Rice Robotics' position as a trusted leader in the industry. With the introduction of same-building cleaning and delivery services in Hong Kong, Rice Robotics continues to redefine robotics, delivering cutting-edge solutions that transform how we live and work.

About Rice Robotics

Established in 2019, Rice Robotics has emerged as a pioneering force in the field of workforce automation. With their advanced delivery and cleaning robots, the company is at the forefront of revolutionizing industries. These cutting-edge robots possess the ability to navigate complex environments, operate elevators, and autonomously recharge, eliminating the need for human intervention. Rice Robotics has successfully deployed their robots across a diverse range of locations, including malls, offices, hotels, and residences in Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand. Their unwavering dedication lies in shaping a future where robots are as commonplace and indispensable as smartphones in today's world. For more information, please visit: https://www.ricerobotics.com/

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SOURCE Rice Robotics
(Bloomberg) -- Russian aluminum giant United Co. Rusal International PJSC agreed to buy a 30% stake in a Chinese alumina plant to plug a gap in supplies of the key ingredient amid disruptions triggered by the invasion of Ukraine.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The deal with Hebei Wenfeng New Materials Co. marks a rare, direct investment by a Russian firm in Chinas metals sector, and the first significant foreign acquisition by a major Russian company since the war began. Rusal will gain access to alumina at a competitive cost and secure its key raw-material supply, it said in a filing.

The Russian firm will pay Wenfeng 1.91 billion yuan ($261 million) for the 30% share. The final price will be adjusted based on Wenfengs working capital and debt, but isnt expected to top 2.5 billion yuan.

Commodity markets continue to feel the shock waves from Russias attempt to overpower Ukraine  both in terms of raw-materials prices as well as corporate decisions  even with the assault well into its second year. As the combatants have become bogged down, China has continued to offer economic and diplomatic support to Moscow, while the US and EU have backed up Kyiv.

Rusal has grappled with a shortage of alumina for its smelters amid the fall-out from the 2022 invasion. It lost control of a Ukrainian alumina refinery, while Australia banned exports of the semi-processed material to Russia.

Privately owned Wenfeng owns and operates an alumina refinery with annual capacity of 4.8 million tons of metallurgical-grade material in Hebei. As Rusal and the Chinese firm will share output according to their stakes, Rusal will potentially get about 1.4 million tons a year from the acquisition.

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China Focus

Russias reliance on China has reached into every facet of its economy since the invasion. With the West severing trade ties, Chinas exports to Russia have jumped 57% this year. Asia accounted for 33% of Rusals revenue in the first half, topping Europe for the first time, according to Rusal.

Chinas purchases of processed Russian aluminum hit an all-time high for a third month in September, according to customs data. The worlds second-largest economy is the biggest producer and consumer of the lightweight metal, a key material needed for packaging and manufactured products.

Russia now accounts for about 80% of Chinas total imports of the metal. Although thats just a fraction of Chinas production, which is at record levels, booming demand from the renewable sectors is helping keep demand firm.

Hebei Wenfeng New Materials started commercial operation last year and registered net profit of 281 million yuan for the year to Dec. 31. The audited net asset value of the Chinese firm as at end-2022 was approximately 2.9 billion yuan, according to the statement, which didnt break out the smelters debt.

The alumina smelter was controlled by Hebei Wenfeng Industrial Group Co., a privately owned conglomerate which businesses span from steel-making to manufacturing to pharmaceutical, according to the group companys website.

--With assistance from Alfred Liu and James Poole.

(Updates with details, background from fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Russias oil flows are climbing steadily as Moscows adherence to a pact with Saudi Arabia to keep barrels off the global market shows signs of waning.

Most Read from Bloomberg

About 3.53 million barrels a day of crude was shipped from Russian ports in the week to Oct. 22, an increase of 20,000 barrels a day from the previous seven days, tanker-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg show. That lifted the less volatile four-week average to 3.5 million barrels a day, the highest since June, and up by about 610,000 barrels a day in the past two months.

The small weekly gain reflected increases in flows from the Baltic and Pacific, which more than offset a drop in shipments from the Black Sea.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in early August that Moscow would prolong export restrictions at a reduced level of 300,000 barrels a day below their May-June average until the end of the year. Bloomberg calculations indicate that shipments through ports should be running now at about 3.28 million barrels a day.

Four-week average volumes have been rising relative to the reduced shipments target since the start of September, exceeding it by about 220,000 barrels a day in the most recent period.

The increase in volumes raised the Kremlins weekly revenues from oil export duties to a new high for the year, while the four-week average rose for a 12th straight week, setting a new high for the period since mid-January.

One of two vessels sanctioned by the US Treasury for carrying Russian cargoes in breach of a price cap earlier in the year has been allowed to discharge its latest, non-Russian, cargo at Houston and depart the port, tanker-tracking and US customs data show.

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The recovery in Russias oil refining rate ground to a halt last week, with runs up just 10,000 barrels a day in the seven days to Oct. 18 from the previous week. Analysts expect the next surge in processing volumes by mid-November, when more plants will complete seasonal maintenance.

Flows by Destination

Russias seaborne crude flows edged higher in four weeks to Oct. 22 to average 3.5 million barrels a day. Thats the highest since the four weeks to June 25 and up from 3.36 million barrels a day in the period to Oct. 15. Shipments remain about 85,000 barrels a day below the average seen during the surge in volumes between April and June.

All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and the Baltic port of Ust-Luga and are not subject to European Union sanctions or a price cap.

The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export grade. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies.

Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, rose for a fourth week. Flows edged higher to 3.06 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Oct. 22, from 2.95 million barrels a day in the period to Oct. 15. Thats still well below a peak of about 3.6 million barrels a day seen in May.

Flows to India remain well below their peak levels seen earlier this year. If all of the cargoes on ships without an initial destination eventually end up in India, shipments to the country will be about 285,000 barrels a day, or 14%, down from their May high. Adding the Unknown Asia and Other Unknown volumes to the total for India gives a figure of 1.8 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Oct. 22. Thats the most in 18 weeks, but down from a high of 2.15 million barrels a day in the period to May 21.

India is rejecting pressure from Russian oil suppliers to pay for crude imports in Chinese yuan as tensions between New Delhi and Beijing continue to simmer.

The equivalent of about 350,000 barrels a day was on vessels signaling Port Said or Suez in Egypt, or are expected to be transferred from one ship to another off the South Korean port of Yeosu. Those voyages typically end at ports in India or China and show up in the chart below as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent.

The Other Unknown volumes, running at about 230,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Oct. 22, are those on tankers showing no clear destination. Most of those cargoes originate from Russias western ports and go on to transit the Suez Canal, but some could end up in Turkey. Others could be moved from one vessel to another, with most such transfers now taking place in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Greece.

Pakistan Refinery Ltd. has signed a long-term supply deal with Russia under which it will receive as much as 75,000 tons of crude oil a month, equivalent to about 18,000 barrels a day. The first cargo is due to arrive in December.

Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries have collapsed since Moscows troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022. A market that consumed about 1.5 million barrels a day of short-haul seaborne crude, coming from export terminals in the Baltic, Black Sea and Arctic has been lost almost completely, to be replaced by long-haul destinations in Asia that are much more costly and time-consuming to serve. These figures do not include shipments to Turkey.

No Russian crude was shipped to northern European countries, or those in the Mediterranean in the four weeks to Oct. 22.

Flows to Bulgaria, now Russias only European market for crude, fell to equal a 19-week low of about 104,000 barrels a day. Litasco SA, the main shareholder of a refinery at Burgas, has denied being in any negotiations to sell the plant after the countrys Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said various potential buyers have for months expressed an interest in purchasing the refinery.

Exports to Turkey jumped to about 340,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Oct. 22. Thats the highest in almost a year. Flows had topped 425,000 barrels a day in October 2022, before falling sharply after a Group of Seven price cap came into effect in early December. The jump in flows comes after Lukoil resumed deliveries to the Azerbaijani-owned Star refinery at Aliaga. Supplies are expected at about 100,000 barrels a day, equivalent to half of the refinerys capacity.

Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd.

Export Revenue

Inflows to the Kremlin's war chest from its crude-export duty edged higher to $80.5 million in the seven days to Oct. 22, while four-week average income jumped to $77.8 million. The four-week average set a new high for the period since mid-January. Rising oil prices and the rebound in flows are both contributing to the increase in receipts.

The duty rate for October has been set at $3.26 a barrel, based on an average Urals price of $77.03 during the calculation period between Aug. 15 and Sept. 14. That was $11.60 a barrel below Brent over the same period. Octobers duty rate sets a new high for the year. The rate for November has been set at $3.57 a barrel, based on an average Urals price of $83.35 during the calculation period between Sept. 15 and Oct. 14. That was about $7.70 a barrel below Brent over the same period. Novembers duty rate sets a new high for the year.

Origin-to-Location Flows

The following table shows the number of ships leaving each export terminal.

A total of 33 tankers loaded 24.71 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Oct. 22, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. Thats up by about 110,000 barrels from the previous week.

A jump in shipments from Primorsk in the Baltic was more than offset by a drop in the number of vessels leaving nearby Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk in the Black Sea.

Destinations are based on where vessels signal they are heading at the time of writing, and some will almost certainly change as voyages progress. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade.

In addition, two cargoes of KEBCO were loaded at Novorossiysk and one at Ust-Luga during the week.

NOTES

Note: This story forms part of a weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the export duty revenues earned from them by the Russian government. Weeks run from Monday to Sunday. The next update will be on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Note: All figures exclude cargoes owned by Kazakhstans KazTransOil JSC, which transit Russia and are shipped from Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga as KEBCO grade crude.

If you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click here for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations.

--With assistance from Sherry Su.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 24, 2023) - In a landmark collaboration that promises to redefine Asia's fintech landscape, RXT Digital Limited, assembled a team of highly experienced professionals, including ASA Securities Limited, Greenpro Capital and L&Y Law Office to create a bond with a principal amount of US$500,000,000. The collaboration agreement among the parties was signed in Hong Kong.

Figure 1



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9711/184774_8ed70c0094d9ea4b_002full.jpg

The bond, underpinned by the Malaysia infrastructure project - Bitcoin land, is more than a financial endeavour; it's a vision of the future. The Bonds are earmarked for an audacious infrastructure project that aims to transform a prime location in Malaysia into "Bitcoin Land". This initiative envisions a sprawling hub, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated workspaces for fintech start-ups, an innovation center for blockchain research, and a mission to become the Web3 hub of Asia.

"The project is a commitment to the future of decentralized finance and technology," remarked a spokesperson from RXT Digital Limited. "We're envisioning a space where technology evangelists, enthusiasts, start-ups, and established financial entities to redefine the future of finance and lay the foundation for Asia's Web3 revolution."

The Bond is a private placement bond to professional and institutional investors only. Investors would anticipate a bond duration of 5 years, offering a competitive yield with annual interest disbursements.

Figure 2



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9711/184774_8ed70c0094d9ea4b_001full.jpg

A photograph accompanying this announcement showcases the key individuals behind this ground breaking initiative. From left to right:

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Thomas Wong ASA Securities Gilbert Wong ASA Securities Dato Muhamad Firdaus Azhar RXT Digital Phillip Tam, Greenpro Capital Dato Abdul Haadi Azhar RXT Digital Representative from L&Y Law Office

Beyond its financial implications, the collaboration symbolizes the convergence of traditional finance with the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and Web3 technologies. "Bitcoin Land" is set to feature digital educational centers, blockchain labs, virtual trading floors, and even recreational areas, making it a holistic space for both work and leisure activities.

Dato Muhamad Firdaus Azhar commented, "Malaysia, with its rich history and cultural significance, is the perfect backdrop for this futuristic endeavor. 'Bitcoin Land' will not only solidify Malaysia's position in the global fintech arena but cementing its reputation as the Web3 hub of Asia."

As the global financial landscape undergoes rapid transformation, "Bitcoin Land" in Malaysia stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities when vision, innovation, and collaboration come together.

For additional details and media inquiries, please contact : Mr. John Henderson (media@rxt.world) - Media Manager

Disclaimer: This update is a mere business update and does not intend to solicit or induce any investment from the Hong Kong public.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/184774
SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean K-beauty specialist company SID BIO Inc. will make its global market debut at 'in-cosmetics asia 2023,' the world's largest cosmetics ingredients expo, taking place from November 7-9 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Thailand.

SID BIO the main products (PRNewsfoto/SID BIO Inc.)

Korean cosmetics, known globally as K-beauty, have recently claimed the top spot in the notoriously discerning Japanese import market, overtaking Francetraditionally the leading player in the cosmetics sector. This achievement underscores K-beauty's reputation for being both trendy and efficacious.

For 28 years, SID BIO Inc. has identified a myriad of natural ingredients from traditional Korean herbal medicine. The company has conducted extensive research on these ingredients to reveal their effectiveness in various skincare areas such as anti-aging, whitening, and hydration. The company has also proven their efficacy through clinical trials and successfully integrated them into diverse functional cosmetics.

At this upcoming event, SID BIO will showcase its flagship products, including 'CosFiller T,' known for stimulating adipocytes in the skin to reduce the appearance of deep wrinklesakin to the effects of filler treatments. They will also present White(F) Panax C2, a product rich in various flavonoids and coumarins, and noted for its superior antioxidant and whitening effects. Additionally, SID BIO plans to offer tailored raw material consulting based on more than 300 naturally derived and 80 fermented ingredients that they have developed through research.

Through this global market debut, SID BIO aims to introduce its innovative natural ingredients that pave the way for the future of skincare, and is actively seeking partners to join them in this journey. The company invites you to visit SID BIO Inc. to discover the key to future beauty and welcomes your interest.

For inquiries and pre-meeting appointments, please contact: info@sidbio.co.kr

Story continues

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SOURCE SID BIO Inc.
Key Insights

Spark New Zealand's significant retail investors ownership suggests that the key decisions are influenced by shareholders from the larger public

36% of the business is held by the top 25 shareholders

Insiders have been buying lately

If you want to know who really controls Spark New Zealand Limited (NZSE:SPK), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are retail investors with 59% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Meanwhile, institutions make up 41% of the companys shareholders. Large companies usually have institutions as shareholders, and we usually see insiders owning shares in smaller companies.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Spark New Zealand.

See our latest analysis for Spark New Zealand

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Spark New Zealand?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

We can see that Spark New Zealand does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Spark New Zealand's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Hedge funds don't have many shares in Spark New Zealand. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 10.0% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 8.6% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 3.9% by the third-largest shareholder.

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A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 25 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Spark New Zealand

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group.

Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Spark New Zealand Limited in their own names. It's a big company, so even a small proportional interest can create alignment between the board and shareholders. In this case insiders own NZ$7.4m worth of shares. Arguably, recent buying and selling is just as important to consider. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a substantial 59% stake in Spark New Zealand, suggesting it is a fairly popular stock. This size of ownership gives investors from the general public some collective power. They can and probably do influence decisions on executive compensation, dividend policies and proposed business acquisitions.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Spark New Zealand better, we need to consider many other factors. Case in point: We've spotted 4 warning signs for Spark New Zealand you should be aware of, and 2 of them make us uncomfortable.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
By Daniella Parra

Sparrow Pharmaceuticals said it initiated a Phase 2 ACSpire study for SPI-62, a potent HSD-1 inhibitor, targeting autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS).

ACS results from excessive cortisol production due to benign adrenal tumors and can lead to severe health issues. The company said that the study assesses SPI-62s impact on ACS-related conditions, enrolling participants in the US and soon in Europe with specific criteria.

ACS is a dangerous condition with high morbidity and risk of death, with patients often having unexplained metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, or osteopenia, and experiencing a 35% higher rate of mortality over a five-year span, Chief Medical Officer Frank Czerwiec said. SPI-62 could represent the first treatment to be approved for this large yet underappreciated and underserved patient population.

Contact:

Healthcare Edge

Editor@Executives-edge.com
The sign at Starbucks Coffee located at 11441 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, Florida pictured on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.

Christmas may have arrived a little earlier this year if you're a coffee lover.

Starbucks has officially released its holiday cup line up ahead of the winter season.

The holidays are right around the corner and Starbucks is getting ready to deck the halls with a preview of this years top gifts, according to the Starbucks website.

The line of festive cold cups and tumblers will hit brick-and-mortar stores nationwide very soon. Prices range from $5 to $28 depending on the size, material and design of the cup.

The Starbucks Christmas and Holiday Blend will also be available in one-pound bags for $15.95, available in decaf, ground, or whole bean.

Check out the full Starbucks holiday cup lineup below.

Iridescent Winter White Cold Cup

The Iridescent Winter White Cold Cups, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

The design of Iridescent Winter White Cold Cup was inspired by a winter wonderland and is the perfect cup for icy beverages, according to Starbucks.

It comes in three different sizes: 24 ounces, 16 ounces, or as an ornament.

$24.95 for the 24 ounce

$19.95 for the 16 ounce

$12.95 for the ornament

Poinsettia Red Prism Cold Cup

Poinsettia Red Prism Cold Cup, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

This cold cup brings coffee or tea lovers all the holiday cheer.

$24.95 for the 24 ounce

$19.95 for the 16 ounce

$12.95 for the ornament

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Geometric Rainbow Glass Mug

The Geometric Rainbow Glass Mug, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

The Geometric Rainbow Glass mug will add a pop of color to any daily cup of coffee for just $16.95.

Color Changing Hot Cup Set

The Color Changing Hot Cup Set, part of the Starbucks holiday cup set.

An assortment of six different colored 16-ounce hot cups is included in the Color Changing set. When a hot beverage is poured into any of the cups, they change to a different color. Get the complete set for $19.95.

Ribbon Tumblers

The Ribbon Tumblers, part of the Starbucks holiday cup collection.

Anyone who enjoys their coffee on the go can pick up a 16 ounce. Ribbon Tumbler in Lime Green, Bubblegum Pink, or Icicle Blue for $16.95 a cup.

Peppermint Pink Prism Mug

The Peppermint Pink Mug, part of the Starbucks holiday cup collection.

The Peppermint Pink Prism Mug will add a festive touch to any cup of coffee. The holiday candy inspired mug retails for $18.95.

Deep Red Pleated Tumbler

The Deep Red Pleated Tumbler, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

A Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, or just about any holiday beverage pairs perfectly with the red on the tumbler. The 16-ounce tumbler retails for $27.95.

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Winter Night Tumbler

Winter Night Tumbler, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

The 12-ounce royal blue tumbler, inspired by a calm winters night retails for $19.95.

Iridescent Siren Cold Cup

The Iridescent Siren Cold Cup, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

The iconic siren that has come to represent the Starbucks brand is illustrated dancing against a beautifully iridescent background on the 24-ounce tumbler that retails for $19.95.

More: The riddle of the red cup: How Starbucks made a reusable container a holiday tradition

Icicle Blue Tumbler

The Icicle Blue Tumbler, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

The 12-ounce Icicle Blue Tumbler will keep beverages warm all season long in exchange for a one-time payment of $19.95.

Glitter Red Reusable Cup

The Glitter Red Reusable Cup, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

The 24-ounce Glitter Red Reusable Cold Cup features a candy cane striped straw for festive holiday sipping. The cup will retail for $4.95.

Gradient Winter Blue Water Bottle

The Gradient Winter Blue Water Bottle, part of the Starbucks holiday cup lineup.

Keep your thirst at bay this holiday season with Gradient Winter Blue Water Bottle. The bottle is expected to retail for $27.95.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starbucks has released 12 new holiday cup designs. Check them out.
Ty and Kami Paluska stand in their new business Intuition Coffee + Juice during a busy soft opening for family and friends Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 in the former Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. space in the Kickapoo Building at 734 Main Street in downtown Peoria.

Leaving Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. in 2016 was a difficult decision for Ty Paluska. With a growing family and a desire to learn more about coffee, though, his family decided to make the change.

His career has since led him to multiple states and countless coffee shops. But since high school, Paluska said he had admired the old Kickapoo Building in Peoria and had known he wanted to bring the space back to life.

After leaving Thirty-Thirty, he had wondered: Am I ever gonna be able to do something on my own again and in a space like this?

Then, the Jumer family  who owns the iconic downtown building  reached out. Paluska said they offered him the opportunity to bring a new coffee shop to the location.

"It felt too right  like the stars aligned kind of thing, Paluska said.

Paluska and his wife, Kami, opened Intuition Coffee + Juice in the Kickapoo Building space on Oct. 23. He said the shop will have a focus on sustainability, quality coffee and hospitality.

More: Cofounder of popular downtown Peoria coffee shop to revive space with new business

I learned a lot

Paluska brings nearly two decades of experience in the coffee industry.

One of Thirty-Thirtys original founders, Paluska said I felt like (we were) kids, when the shop opened in 2011. Even so, the experience taught him the ins and outs of owning and operating a business.

His family moved to Idaho roughly five years later, where he began working for DOMA Coffee Roasting Company. The business focused largely on wholesale, and in his role as head of sales, Paluska said he helped open up literally hundreds of coffee shops.

I learned a lot  just seeing how different concepts worked, what didn't work, lay out  and so that was really fun, he said.

Paluska eventually connected with the owners of Deep Creek Coffee Company  which is located in Zion National Park in Utah  and began to work with them. Back in Peoria, Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. shut down earlier this year at the end of June.

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As one door closes, though, another opens.

Looking back, Paluska said it feels as though his journey has come full circle. He said the added experience has helped him develop a mature brand that will focus on the cafe, as well as wholesale.

I want to be like the Midwest's best coffee, Paluska said. And so not just Peoria, but I really want to see our coffee in restaurants and cafes and over the years sort of grow.

More: Popular downtown Peoria coffee shop will close after over a decade in business

A menu offering coffee, smoothies and juices

Ty Paluska, facing in cap, owner of Intuition Coffee + Juice, and his crew serve a steady stream of customers at the new coffeehouse in the former Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. space in downtown Peoria.

The theme of stars aligning and connecting made its way into Intuitions logo, which depicts a constellation known as the Great Bear.

Paluska said the idea also inspired the names of various coffee blends that will be offered at the shop. He described the UMa blend as a darker, classic roast, while Seven Sages is a smoother, modern blend. Paluska said Intuition will also sell various single-origin coffee blends.

UMa is the abbreviation for Ursa Major, which is like the big bear, Paluska said. So, it's like kind of playing on our constellation inside the bear (logo) here. It's kind of fun, and then Seven Sages comes from Hindu where it's like the seven brightest stars in Ursa Major.

At Intuition, customers can also find a variety of coffee shop staples such as pour overs, drip coffee, cold brew, espresso drinks and more. Over the years, though, Paluska said he realizes the coffee landscape has shifted in Peoria.

It's different from when we opened Thirty-Thirty, there was really no competition, he said. That was in 2011, and we were the first one to do anything like this.

A Berry Bliss bowl is filled acai mix, seasonal berries, granola, coconut flakes, banana and almond butter at the new Intuition Coffee + Juice in the Jumer Building on Main Street in downtown Peoria.

Now, there are an abundance of coffee shops in the area. One way Paluska hopes to set Intuition apart from other local shops is by offering healthy options such as juices, smoothies and good-for-you foods like bowls and toasts.

The smoothies are listed for $7.50 or $9, depending on the size. Many of the cold-pressed juices are offered for $9 and include options such as:

Swift Kick in the Grass  includes wheat grass, cucumber, pineapple, fuji apple, jalapeno and ginger.

Cure Your Blues  includes blue spirulina, green and fuji apples, cucumber, ginger and lemon.

Lo-fi Beets  includes red beet, coconut water, hibiscus tea, pineapple, green apple, lemon and chia seeds.

Customers will also find drinks like golden milk and a butterfly latte  which includes butterfly pea flower. The shop also has a mushroom latte, which Paluska described as having a "spicy hot chocolate" flavor.

In our blood: Couple reinvents this beloved restaurant with new look, fresh menu

Thinking creatively about sustainability

Megan Conrad of Intuition Coffee + Juice makes Ricotta Toast with prosciutto, arugula and honey.

Another unique element at Intuition will be its strong focus on sustainability.

Paluska said he and his wife both have a passion for taking care of the planet  especially as parents thinking of their childrens future. Historically, though, he said coffee is not a very sustainable industry.

So, we want to try to do our part to sort of be creative on ways to limit the waste that we create, Paluska said. And then, hopefully, inspire other places to do the same thing.

He said Intuition will use compostable Vegware for to-go orders, and customers will also be able to purchase reusable drinkware with the shops logo. Each time a person brings their mug or cup back, Paluska said they will get a $1 off their drink.

For those without the shops coffee cups, Paluska hopes to build a collection of donated mugs. He said customers could then use the mugs instead of disposable cups to receive 50 cents off an order.

While the cold-pressed juices are prepackaged in glass bottles, Paluska said a discount program will encourage customers to return the empty bottles so that they can be washed and reused. The discount will start as $1 off a customers next juice purchase. After 10 returns, the discount will raise to $1.50 off, and customers will receive an Intuition Platinum Juice Club card and $2 off their juice purchase after 20 returns.

So, just little things like that to kind of help incentivize people thinking about their waste, he said

For Paluska, sustainability also means ensuring a good quality of life for people that are working for us. He said his goal is to offer staff members three days off each week and said employees will make $15 an hour.

More: The best and worst Peoria food inspections for August

Its just really surreal to be back

New artwork adorns the walls as customers enjoy the coffee, juice and other fare of the new Intuition Coffee + Juice in the former Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. space in the Jumer Building in downtown Peoria.

This people-oriented focus extends to guests, as well.

Three of the shops five values include: hospitality, culture and community. Sustainability and quality are Intuitions other guiding values.

Obviously, the quality of the coffee is gonna be important but probably one of our biggest values, for me personally over the years, just is the hospitality, Paluska said.

Paluska said he has been to shops where nobody greets guests as they enter. Along with this, he said sometimes, people can be intimidated by specialty shops.

Intuition Coffee + Juice isnt going to be like that, Paluska said. He said he sees coffee shops as a sort of community hub.

We want to be a place that's like open to all people and that's really important to us, but supporting the community is 100% like one of my favorite things, he said.

The ordering counter has been relocated to face the front entrance, so customers can be greeted as they enter. Walking in, customers will also find whitewashed brick walls, sleek tile at the coffee bar, greenery around the shop and artwork from the Peoria Guild of Black Artists decorating the walls.

Paluska said he wanted to update the space while also creating a cozy environment for guests.

We want to create change in the world, and for us what we know how to do is coffee and juice, he said, and so if we can make like a positive vibe in a place and kind of help people feel happy and give them a little enjoyment in their day, that's really what we care about.

The famous Jumer's Bear looms over a line of customers during a busy soft opening for the new Intuition Coffee + Juice in the former Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. space in downtown Peoria.

And, of course, the Jumer Bear has returned to the space after some freshening up. The well-known and loved bear has also made its mark on the shops logo  which depicts the Great Bear constellation.

We're excited to have him back Paluska said. So, yeah, it's a really special thing for me to be here, and I don't take it lightly. I'm just trying to be grateful every day cause its just really surreal to be back here.

More: Looking for the scoop on Peoria restaurants? Sign up for PJStar Dining

Connect with Intuition Coffee + Juice

Address: 734 Main St., Peoria

Hours: The shop will be open from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Paluska said online ordering will also be available.

Website: https://www.intuitioncoffee.com/

'This is special': New Downtown Peoria restaurant opening with Indian dishes and drinks

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Intuition Coffee opens in Kickapoo Building in downtown Peoria, IL
The worst result, after buying shares in a company (assuming no leverage), would be if you lose all the money you put in. But if you buy shares in a really great company, you can more than double your money. For instance the Suncor Energy Inc. (TSE:SU) share price is 183% higher than it was three years ago. How nice for those who held the stock! On top of that, the share price is up 15% in about a quarter.

With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies.

Check out our latest analysis for Suncor Energy

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Suncor Energy became profitable within the last three years. That kind of transition can be an inflection point that justifies a strong share price gain, just as we have seen here.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Suncor Energy's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Suncor Energy's TSR for the last 3 years was 221%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

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A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Suncor Energy shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 6.0% over one year. That's including the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 5%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Suncor Energy (at least 1 which is potentially serious) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Canadian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Nearly 9,000 Ford Kentucky Truck Plant workers have been picketing for almost two weeks as part of the nationwide United Auto Workers strike against the Detroit Three automakers  Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis.

While the KTP workers are on strike, they do not receive a paycheck from Ford, and they do not qualify for unemployment through the state. For many strikers, the only income they receive while on the picket line is $500 per week through the UAW's $825 million strike fund.

Todd Dunn, the president of UAW Local 862 which represents roughly 12,000 Ford workers at the Louisville area's two Ford plants, KTP and the Louisville Assembly Plant, previously told the Courier Journal the union had been encouraging members to save and prepare for a strike since this summer.

Tim Morris, the executive director of the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council, which represents 54,000 union families in Louisville, said members of the community have shown support to the striking workers in a variety of ways.

"This sends a very clear message that UAW Local 862 is a vital part of the community," Morris told the Courier Journal. "Businesses, unions, community groups, and just regular folks want to help in any way they can. They understand that these Kentucky Truck Plant workers, represented by UAW Local 862, make our community and local businesses thrive."

As many workers live on a now reduced income as negotiations continue between Ford and the UAW, some Louisville area businesses and organizations have shown support to the strikers by donating food and other items.

Todd Dunn, president of UAW Local 862, joins his membership while on strike outside of the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant on Chamberlain Lane, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. Some 9,000 Louisville area workers are part of the nationwide autoworkers strike.

"These workers want to, just go back to work," Morris said. "They care about their jobs, they care about the automobiles they produce, and they care about Ford Motor Company."

In a list of recognition posted in the Local 862 union hall, at least 50 groups had donated to the UAW workers as of Oct. 23.

So, who in the Louisville area is showing support to the Ford workers on strike? Here's a look at eight places around Louisville that have donated to UAW strikers at KTP.

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Note: This list does not include every business or organization that has supported the UAW strike in Louisville.

855 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, bearnos.com

The locally owned pizza company off Hurstbourne Lane is feeling the experience of the strike firsthand with close family friends on the strike line. Bearno's provided 72 pizzas to workers.

4111 Murphy Lane, corner-pizza-pub.edan.io/

Located less than a mile and a half down the road from KTP, this locally owned pizza joint which serves as a hangout for UAW workers provided a dozen pizzas and printed UAW support stickers.

4620 Taylorsville Road, esportafitness.com

This national gym chain with a Louisville location off Taylorsville Road is providing strikers with gym passes where they can access workout equipment, fitness classes, and other health amenities.

4600 Shelbyville Road, honeybaked.com

The sandwich and catering chain stopped by the picket line to give meals to 200 workers.

1411 E. 10th St., Jeffersonville, Indiana, maisthai.com

Hailing from Jeffersonville, Indiana, this restaurant founded by an immigrant from Thailand delivered authentic Thai food to workers at the strike gates.

6015 Preston Hwy, fordlouisville.net

The Newburg area dealership hosted a diaper drive to provide strikers with toddlers free diapers during the ongoing strike.

4032 Commerce Pkwy, Buckner, Kentucky, tricountyford.com

A locally owned Ford dealership provided a sweet treat to strikers, 10 dozen donuts.

1233 S. 10th St., uswlocals.org/usw-local-1693-louisville-ky

This union group, which works with Louisville Slugger, donated 15 burn barrels and two pallets of leftover bats to burn and keep strikers warm.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: UAW Strike: Louisville-area businesses support striking Ford workers
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Foxconn is seen outside a company's building in Taipei

By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday hit out at China over its probe of major Apple supplier Foxconn, saying Beijing should "cherish" Taiwanese companies and not put pressure on them during an election.

Foxconn is facing a tax probe in China, two sources close to the company said on Monday, confirming a report in China's state-backed Global Times.

The sources said they believed it was disclosed for political reasons tied to Taiwan's January elections where the company's founder Terry Gou is running as an independent candidate for president.

The Global Times, in an English-language story late on Sunday, said by running, Gou might split the opposition vote, potentially ensuring a victory for Lai who is already leading in the polls.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and Beijing detests Lai, whom it believes is a separatist. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and Beijing has rebuffed his offers of talks.

Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang strongly denies being pro-Beijing, but has said it will restart talks with China if it wins and that it opposes formal independence for Taiwan.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei and asked about Beijing's probe into Foxconn, Lai said China should "cherish and treasure" Taiwanese companies given their help in that country's economic development.

"During an election, China does not need to put pressure on Taiwanese companies, demanding they declare a position, or even that they directly support a candidate they prefer," he said.

Taiwanese companies will lose their confidence in China and if they feel scared will shift production elsewhere, which will be a big loss to China, Lai added.

Foxconn has been pushing to diversify its manufacturing base outside China to places such as India, which one of the sources said may have contributed to Beijing placing pressure on the company.

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Gou has not commented on the probe, with his campaign team referring questions to Foxconn and pointing out he is no longer involved in the company's day-to-day running, though he remains a big shareholder.

Gou cancelled without explanation a campaign event originally scheduled for Monday evening, and has no events planned for Tuesday, according to his media team.

Foxconn said in a statement on Sunday that legal compliance was a "fundamental principle" of its operations, and it would "actively cooperate with the relevant units on the related work and operations".

Foxconn's shares extended their declines on Tuesday, closing down 2.2% compared to the broader market's 0.4% gain. Shares closed 2.9% lower on Monday.

INTERFERENCE ACCUSATIONS

Taiwan frequently accuses Beijing of seeking to exert pressure, whether military or economic, to sway the outcome of its elections to ensure an outcome favourable to China, whose government has not commented on the Foxconn probe.

One senior Taiwanese security source, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media, told Reuters the government's assessment was that China's senior leadership was not happy with the Global Times story.

This is because the probe has been jumped on so quickly by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, of which Lai is chairman, to accuse China of seeking to interfere in the election in a bid to win more support from voters, the source added.

Authorities in China have not yet confirmed the probe, which has not received further media coverage within the country.

Speaking at a separate event, former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who is running as presidential candidate for his Taiwan People's Party and is second to Lai in many polls, said China "which claims to be a world power" should explain the investigation.

"The biggest problem in this matter is that the Taiwanese government has no way to communicate with the mainland on behalf of Taiwanese companies," Ko said.

China cut off a routine government-to-government talks mechanism with Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Jeanny Kao; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Jamie Freed)
Terran Orbital to Build 36 Satellite Buses for Lockheed Martin

BOCA RATON, Fla., October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lockheed Martin has awarded Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) a contract to build 36 satellite buses for Space Development Agencys (SDA) Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta constellation. Terran Orbital will deliver the buses to Lockheed Martin, which will conduct payload integration and jointly operate the satellites with SDA.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024211419/en/

Photo Credit: Terran Orbital

SDAs T2TL Beta constellation will advance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architectures (PWSA) initial warfighting capability with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration. The PWSA provides a resilient, low-latency communication system to connect warfighter platforms worldwide and help the military target threats and detect and track missiles.

"We congratulate Lockheed Martin on another big contract win in support of SDAs Transport Layer mission," said Marc Bell, Terran Orbital Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud that Lockheed Martin has selected Terran Orbital to deliver high-quality satellite buses for a vital mission to connect and protect U.S. military personnel worldwide."

Terran Orbital is currently building 42 buses for Lockheed Martin to help the company fulfill its $700 million contract for the SDAs Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), currently scheduled for a late 2024 launch.

Last spring, Terran Orbital completed a successful Critical Design Review and Manufacturing Readiness Review for the T1TL satellite buses, which are manufactured in the companys small satellite production facilities in Irvine, California. The MRR confirmed Terran Orbitals readiness to manufacture and deliver all 42 T1TL satellite buses.

Now, with the completion of Terran Orbitals T1TL MRR and Lockheed Martins CDR, Terran Orbital will deliver the 42 satellite buses to Lockheed Martin for payload integration and testing in the companys new 20,000-square-foot small satellite assembly facility near Denver. The same facilities will eventually be used for payload integration and testing of the 36 T2TL Beta satellite buses.

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Last year, Terran Orbital delivered 10 satellite buses to Lockheed Martin in support of their Tranche 0 Transport Layer contract with SDA. The T2TL Beta satellites are scheduled to be deployed into low Earth orbit during a series of launches starting in 2026.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024211419/en/

Contacts

Media Contact

Public Relations

pr@terranorbital.com

949-508-8484

Investor Relations Contact

Jonathan Siegmann

ir@terranorbital.com

949-202-8476
Using TerraPay's digital payment infrastructure, Nequi's 17.5 million users will be able to receive remittances from relatives and friends in over 200 countries

Nequi customers will have access to easy-to-use financial app with reduced waiting times and no fees for the beneficiary

Partnership reflects companies' shared values of empowering people to better manage their money and financial inclusion

MEDELLIN, Colombia, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ -- TerraPay, a leading global cross-border payments network, and Nequi by Bancolombia ("Nequi"), a digital financial platform with customers in Colombia , today announce a landmark partnership designed to transform remittances for Nequi's 17.5 million customers.

TerraPay Logo

Announced at Money20/20 USA, this partnership will open the ability for Colombians to receive remittances from their relatives and friends in more than 200 countries using only one connection. Underpinned by TerraPay's payments technology, Nequi users will have access to an easy-to-use financial app, without long queues, long waiting times, secure experience and without any additional fees for the beneficiary.

The partnership brings together the shared values of both companies, helping people manage their money efficiently and achieve their financial goals while also paving the way for financial inclusion. Nequi's financial expertise along with TerraPay's digital payment solutions will ensure more people can gain better access to financial products and services and greater autonomy over their money. Using the Nequi app, users will have immediate access to manage the remittances they receive.

Ambar Sur, CEO and Co-Founder at TerraPay, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Nequi who share a desire to guarantee that Colombians can receive remittances from family and friends across the world in an easy, secure way. We both understand the need to improve the experience every person has with accessing their money and making transactions. Our aim will be to ensure users of the Nequi app have affordable access to traditional cross border payments or remittances channels for many years to come and feel financially empowered.

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"As the only payments network to have 29 licenses and regulatory approvals globally, along with real-time transaction and risk monitoring capabilities, our ambition is to continue expanding our world-class remittance services" he added.

Maria del Pilar Correa, CPO of Nequi, said, "This partnership will allow us to transform the way we deliver remittances and further empower Colombians to better manage their money and save for a brighter future. After receiving their remittance in Nequi, users can use the app to send money to other people, make digital and physical payments, organise their finances, save, and much more.

TerraPay shares our vision to pave the way for financial inclusion and that is evidenced in the work they have done in recent years globally. We look forward to work with TerraPay to bring our advanced financial services to millions of people in Colombia ."

About TerraPay

TerraPay simplifies the movement of money everywhere  providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 29 global markets and enabling payments to 120+ receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses  ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces  while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore, Bangalore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa.

About Nequi

Nequi is a digital financial platform with more than 17 million users in Colombia and Panama, with 12 million active users per month. Our purpose is improving people's relationship with their money, empowering them to achieve their financial goals. Through the app, people can use their money in their daily life, and have the possibility to send, pay, organize and save their money, in an easy, fast and safe way.

Being a regional brand, Nequi has in-depth knowledge of its clients, which allows it to offer accurate, effective and contextual solutions. Therefore, we have core free services that allow the user to send, withdraw, request, pay and manage their money. Also, other financial products such as loans and Nequi debit card. We added recently non-financial products and services, aiming to solve 'real' needs of people and integrate seamlessly into user's daily lives, with strong and efficient integration capabilities with third parties, such as insurances, airplane and bus tickets.

Contact:

Juveria Samrin

juveria.n@terrapay.com

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Cision

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tesla cars

Tesla is under investigation by US authorities following claims the electric carmaker has been misleading customers over the driving range of its vehicles.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has sent subpoenas to Tesla ordering it to share certain matters related to the vehicle range of its cars, Elon Musks car company said on Monday.

In a stock market disclosure, Tesla said US authorities were demanding information from the company on personal benefits and personnel decisions, as well as about the range of its electric cars.

It warned that the investigation risked having a material adverse impact on the company if US government officials decide to pursue enforcement action.

In July, Reuters reported Tesla cars had been displaying favourable battery estimates on its car dashboards that did not reflect real-life performance in a practice that started a decade ago. The report also alleged Tesla had created a diversion team to cancel appointments from drivers complaining about the range of their cars.

In August, the company was sued by drivers who claimed their cars were reaching only half their advertised range. One driver, James Porter, alleged his vehicle lost approximately 182 miles of range, despite only driving 92 miles.

The legal claim added: Many Tesla owners noticed that the average range in their vehicles was well below the range Tesla had advertised prior to their purchase.

Consumers who complained or scheduled appointments with Tesla regarding the below-advertised ranges in their vehicles discovered that Tesla would cancel such appointments and would explain that their electric vehicle was performing as intended.

In a court filing earlier this month, Tesla said it intended to seek to have the claims dismissed.

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Tesla has also been fined by officials in South Korea after a study found its cars were delivering just half their claimed range in cold weather conditions.

Like petrol cars, electric vehicles can lose mileage more quickly in colder conditions. They can also lose power when running their air conditioning or heating.

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It comes as a further blow to Mr Musk, with US officials already scrutinising Teslas claims about its self-driving car technology. The US highways agency is also examining dozens of crashes involving Teslas Autopilot driver assistance tools.

In February, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered Tesla to issue a software update to 363,000 vehicles running Teslas full self-driving system over concerns they may be ignoring stop signs and speed limits. Tesla said it disagreed with the findings but had made the update out of an abundance of caution.

US officials have also reportedly been probing the use of Tesla funds to build a glass house for Mr Musk in Texas and whether this had been properly disclosed to investors.

Of the latest investigations, Tesla said: To our knowledge no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred.

Shares in Tesla fell 3.4pc in early trading in the US, although later recovered to trade flat at $212 (173). The companys shares are up 97pc so far this year despite concerns over waning demand for new EVs.

Electric car companies are facing increased scrutiny over their claims about range and recharging in advertising and marketing materials.

The UKs Advertising Standards Authority banned two adverts from Hyundai and Toyota over exaggerated claims about recharging their electric cars. Both companies argued their adverts were not misleading.

Last week, Tesla reported revenues of $23.3bn, slightly below Wall Street expectations. Its profits came in at $1.85bn for the three months ending in September, lower than the previous quarter and down 44pc on the same period a year earlier.

The company has been trimming the prices of its electric vehicles to keep boosting sales amid stiff competition from new rivals, such as Chinas BYD. Next month, Mr Musk plans to launch deliveries of a long-delayed pick-up, the Tesla Cybertruck.

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Thai Government Postpones 10,000 Baht Digital Money Handout Due to System Development

The Thai government's plan to distribute 10,000 baht ($276) in digital money to the public on February 1 has been delayed, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

According to Amornvivat, the postponement is necessary as more time is required to develop a secure system for the distribution. However, the Deputy Finance Minister assured that the handout will still take place within the first quarter of 2024.

The digital money handout, which was originally planned as a vital component of the Pheu Thai Party's economic recovery strategy, promises to provide financial help to every Thai citizen aged 16 and above.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin anticipates that the handout's increased consumption expenditure would contribute to a 5% expansion in the economy next year, with the scheme partially supported by higher tax revenue.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks associated with the program, particularly given the country's existing public debt levels.

The program's estimated cost is approximately 548 billion baht ($15 billion), and discussions are still ongoing about the source of the funds.

Former senator Rosana Rositrakul has filed a petition to examine the digital baht handout scheme, allegeding that it is potentially harmful.

Rositrakul said:

The 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme can be compared to the rice-pledging scheme of the Yingluck Shinawatra government which resulted in several cabinet ministers being jailed.

Some economists, including former Bank of Thailand governors, have also expressed reservations about the scheme's impact on the economy.
The road ahead is looking bumpier for Tesla (TSLA).

Days after reporting earnings that landed below Wall Street's expectations, the EV maker disclosed that its automated driving systems are under deepening federal scrutiny.

In a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Tesla said it had received requests from the Justice Department that included subpoenas asking it to turn over documents relating to its autopilot and full self-driving features.

Tesla said it also received requests for information, "including subpoenas," on a wide range of other issues "regarding certain matters associated with personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range, and personnel decisions."

In August, the Wall Street Journal reported that federal prosecutors were looking into concerns that Teslas company funds may have been used to create a glass house commissioned by CEO Elon Musk. The company didn't say in its filing whether the glass house was among the issues under scrutiny by the Justice Department.

Elon Musk, who owns Tesla, Twitter, and SpaceX. (Michel Euler/AP Photo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The Justice Departments requests for information concerning Teslas autopilot and self-driving features were disclosed by the company in January. The new revelation Monday that the agency had used its subpoena power suggests it has launched more serious inquiries.

The company didnt offer additional details on the nature of the subpoena requests, but said "to our knowledge no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred."

Reuters and other news organizations have reported that Teslas vehicles frequently fail to drive as far on a full charge as the company represents. Last year, Reuters also reported that federal prosecutors had launched a criminal investigation into Musks statements as far back as 2016 concerning Tesla "self-driving" features.

A Tesla charging station in Woodstock, Ga. (Mike Stewart/AP Photo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

On its website Tesla specifically states that its vehicles are not self-driving and that features like automatic braking and lane correction are intended for "fully attentive drivers" whose hands are on the wheel at all times.

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The new probes deepen legal entanglements for the vehicle manufacturer, as it tries to recover from earnings reported on Wednesday that missed analysts expectations.

For its third quarter, Tesla reported top-line revenue of $23.4 billion, a result that fell short of analyst estimates of $24.06 billion.

Revenue year over year jumped 13%, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.66 versus $0.74 expected. The company reported adjusted net income of $2.3 billion, versus $2.56 billion expected.

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McGraw to Depart Otis Worldwide Corporation Board

FARMINGTON, Conn., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world's leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service, announced today that Tom Bartlett and Jill Brannon have been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective October 27, 2023.

Tom Bartlett appointed to Otis Worldwide Corporation Board of Directors, effective Oct. 27, 2023.

Bartlett is President and Chief Executive Officer of American Tower Corporation. Brannon is Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at FedEx Corp.

"We are pleased to welcome Tom and Jill to the Otis Worldwide Corporation Board of Directors," said Judy Marks, Otis Chair, CEO & President. "Tom's vast experience in technology and management of real estate dedicated to global wireless infrastructure, and Jill's leadership delivering global services, make them outstanding additions to support our growth strategy and momentum. I look forward to working with Tom and Jill as together we help Otis build a taller, faster, smarter world."

Prior to joining American Tower in 2009 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Bartlett had a 25-year career at Verizon Communications and its predecessor companies and affiliates. Bartlett previously served on the Board of Directors of Equinix, Inc. He is a member of the World Economic Forum's Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Board of Governors, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust (NAREIT) Executive Committee, and the Business Roundtable.

"It is a privilege to join the Otis board of directors and support the company's mission to be a world-class, customer-centric, service-oriented company," said Bartlett. "I'm eager to support the ongoing programs and innovation that deliver value and meet the unique and evolving needs of Otis' stakeholders around the world."

Brannon has more than three decades of global experience at FedEx. In addition to her role as Chief Sales Officer, Brannon serves on the company's Strategic Management Committee, a select group of the company's top leadership that sets the strategic direction for the enterprise. She has previously held positions leading sales in Europe, Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Africa, and in operations, marketing, and strategic planning and analysis. Since 2022, Brannon has served on the advisory board of directors for European Transport Solutions SARL, Luxembourg. She previously served on the boards of the US-ASEAN Business Council and the International Children's Heart Foundation.

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"It is an honor to join Otis  the global leader in the industry it founded 170 years ago," said Brannon. "I look forward to bringing my decades of experience and insights gained serving in various global roles to support the Board as we oversee the company's long-term strategy and help ensure its future success."

Harold (Terry) W. McGraw III has announced he will retire from the Otis Worldwide Corporation Board of Directors, effective December 7, 2023. He was an inaugural member of the Otis Board, when the company separated from its previous parent and listed as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2020. McGraw served on the Compensation and Nominations and Governance Committees.

"I would like to thank Terry for his contributions and guidance as we navigated Otis through the spin and in our three and one-half years as a public company. He has been a valuable advisor to Otis and to me personally," said Marks.

With the additions of Bartlett and Brannon, and the retirement of McGraw, the Otis Board will have 11 members. Bartlett will join the Audit and Compensation Committees. Brannon will join the Board's Audit and Nominations and Governance Committees.

To learn more about Otis and its Board of Directors, visit www.otis.com.

About Otis

Otis is the world's leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company. We move 2 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.2 million customer units worldwide, the industry's largest Service portfolio. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 69,000 people strong, including 41,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @OtisElevatorCo.



Media Contact: Investor Relations Contact: Katy Padgett Michael Rednor +1 860-674-3047 +1 860-676-6011 Kathleen.Padgett@otis.com InvestorRelations@otis.com

Jill Brannon appointed to Otis Worldwide Corporation Board of Directors, effective Oct. 27, 2023.

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About 5,000 factory workers for General Motors walked off the job in Texas on Tuesday to join the United Auto Workers strike, impacting a factory that produces some of GM's most profitable vehicles, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban.

The employees at Arlington Assembly left their posts just hours after GM reported third-quarter earnings of more than $3 billion in profit. Revenue during the most recent quarter, which ran from July through September, rose 5.4% to $44.1 billion.

The Arlington Assembly plant also produces the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

"Despite having made $10 billion in profits in the past nine months, breaking revenue records for another consecutive quarter, and beating Wall Street expectations, GM's latest offer fails to reward UAW members for the profits they've generated," the union said in a statement.

GM on Tuesday said it was disappointed that Arlington workers decided to leave, labeling the UAW's action an "unnecessary and irresponsible strike."

"It is harming our team members who are sacrificing their livelihoods and having negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers, and the communities that rely on us," the company said.

This is a developing story.
PASIG, Philippines, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) continues to reap the rewards of its digital advocacy as it collected notable recognitions at The Digital Banker's Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards recently held at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

UnionBank's Institutional Segment Marketing Head, Dino Velasco IV with Philippine Retail Banker of the Year- Therese Chan Director, Head of Wealth Management and Brokerage, and Best Relationship Manager of the Year-Justin Richmond T Dy, Senior Relationship Manager & VP for Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage,

UnionBank was the first Philippine bank to launch an app for SME's and "UPAY for MSMEs" won as the "Best Smart Payments Solution by an SME Bank" for the Bank's sustained growth in active merchants on the platform with its 108% increase in 2022. "UnionBank's TECH UP Pilipinas nation-building advocacy initiative to advance financial accessibility in the country though digital innovations is a commendable" said The Digital Banker in its citation. UnionBank's digital transformation began long before the onset of the global pandemic and continues as its defining roadmap on its Great Retail Bank journey. It has harnessed the power of digital technology to expedite financial inclusion and cascade the benefits of economic growth for the country.

"This award is a testament to UnionBank's commitment to Tech-up the nation," said Institutional Segment Marketing Head, Dino Velasco IV.

In the "People Awards" category, The Digital Banker bestowed the "Best Relationship Manager of the Year" to a UnionBank Senior Relationship Manager & Vice President, for Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage. For "successfully generating a total revenue of PHP 21.5 million (USD 430,000) for the bank" and "consistently building his HNW base, growing it by 11% through strategically engaging with clients, and ensuring their portfolios are informed by current market insights and views", Justin Richmond T Dy was conferred the award.

"This recognition serves as a reminder of the responsibility that we have to uphold the highest standards of excellence and integrity in the world of wealth management." said Justin Dy.

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Capping off UnionBank's award haul for the night was the "Retail Banker of the Year - Philippines" that was won by Director, Head of Wealth Management and Brokerage, Therese Chan. The Digital Banker recognized Ms. Chan for 'successfully leading the franchise through a period of change, her ability to manage employee concerns, while focusing on the overall client experience, that were critical in driving client engagements, allowed the Bank to retain its base, while securing record growth of 65% of new-to-bank HNW clients in Q4 2022, Therese's, pro-active step of shifting sales scorecards to shift to client consent led initiatives over a three month period was essential in sustaining business momentum."

"I want to extend the award win to the Consumer Wealth team of UnionBank, for taking care of both Citi PH HNW clients and now the larger HNW team." said Therese Chan upon accepting the award.

The Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards (GRB Awards) are the pinnacle of excellence and exist to recognize the world's leading banks that are pioneering product and service innovation. These institutional and people awards awards highlight the UnionBank's critical role in shaping the banking industry's future. The consistent recognitions from prestigious local and regional award giving bodies exemplifies its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in providing world-class banking solutions to its valued customers. On its journey to become a Great Retail Bank, UnionBank is determined to be an enabler of the Philippines' bid to be a G20 country by 2050.

(PRNewsfoto/Union Bank of the Philippines)

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(Bloomberg) -- A member of Congress who co-sponsored a law banning products from Chinas Xinjiang region is asking a Department of Homeland Security task force to investigate fast-fashion retailer Shein and potentially ban it from the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

If found to be breaking the law, known as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), Shein could be placed on a list of violators and its products would then be barred from entering the US. Its US sales are currently on track to surpass $10 billion this year, according to a person familiar with the companys operations.

The letter, written by Virginia Democratic Representative Jennifer Wexton and viewed by Bloomberg News, is addressed to the multi-agency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), a DHS-chaired body that sanctions companies and prohibits them from selling products in the US made with forced labor. Wexton cited testing by Bloomberg last year that found Shein to be using cotton from Xinjiang, along with the companys own acknowledgment that 2% of its cotton comes from that region.

Shein denies using forced labor, but the UFLPA designates all products from Xinjiang under that category because of human rights abuses against the minority Uyghur population. The Chinese government denies there is repression of ethnic minorities in the region.

I believe it is wholly appropriate and imperative for FLETF to initiate an investigation of Shein for potential violations of the UFLPA, Wexton wrote in the letter dated Sept. 28. If Shein is found to be violating the law, she said the agency should place it on the sanctions list and prohibit the company from exporting products to the United States.

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The letter said that the companys executive chairman, Donald Tang, who relocated to Washington in July, met with her staff and said that Xinjiang cotton was co-mingled with cotton from elsewhere in its supply chain, backing up Bloombergs testing. Shein has pledged to eliminate Xinjiang cotton from its products.

In an email, Shein said it has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labor. We take visibility across our entire supply chain seriously, and we are committed to respecting human rights and adhering to local laws in each and every market we operate in.

The company said it requires contract manufacturers to source cotton from approved regions outside of China and is looking to engage with Wexton and her staff as well as other stakeholders.

Wextons letter asked DHS for a response within 30 days. A spokesperson for Wextons office said DHS hadnt yet replied and declined to comment further.

A spokesperson for DHS said the agency responds to Congressional correspondence directly via official channels, and that it will continue to respond appropriately to Congressional oversight.

DHS has placed 38 Chinese companies on the list of violators, banning their products from entering the US, including Ninestar Corp., the owner of Lexmark printers and a maker of printer cartridges. After the designation, Lexmark changed suppliers.

Founded in China more than a decade ago, Shein recently moved its headquarters to Singapore and has worked to distance itself from its country of origin. Its direct-to-consumer business, driven by online sales, took off in the US during Covid, and the company quickly became one of the most downloaded shopping apps in the US, targeting teens and young women. Shein still gets most of its clothing for the US from suppliers in southern China, though it has announced plans to source from other countries.

Shein has previously indicated it would like to seek an initial public offering in the US, hiring Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and other investment banks in 2020. Investors including Sequoia Capital China, Tiger Global and IDG Capital are seeking to recoup the years of investment theyve put into building Shein into the worlds largest online fast-fashion retailer. The companys global sales last year were $22.7 billion.

Growing Presence

As Sheins US presence has grown, lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about forced labor, underscoring the companys need to improve its image in Washington if its to proceed with plans for an offering. Shein hired two lobbyists earlier this year for this purpose. In the third quarter, it spent $680,000 on lobbying.

Wexton, who isnt seeking re-election, is also co-author of a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler in May asking the agency to require Shein to prove its supply chain is free of forced labor before approving any Shein IPO application. She is the sponsor of a bill that would amend the Securities Act of 1934 to require all foreign companies that publicly trade in the US to prove they are free of forced labor.

--With assistance from Olivia Rockeman and Bill Allison.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Investors seeking value often find themselves drawn to stocks that appear to be priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that warrants attention is Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ). The stock, currently priced at $33.74, recorded a 7.49% gain in a day and a 3-month decrease of 5.37%. According to its GF Value, the stock's fair valuation stands at $51.95.

Understanding GF Value

The GF Value represents the intrinsic value of a stock, derived from an exclusive GuruFocus method. It provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should be traded. This calculation is based on historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio, and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow), a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of business performance. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued, and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Verizon Communications (VZ): A Smart Investment or a Value Trap? An In-Depth Exploration

Verizon Communications: A Potential Value Trap?

Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) should not be overlooked. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 1.19. These indicators suggest that Verizon Communications, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Decoding the Altman Z-Score

The Altman Z-score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

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Company Snapshot: Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications is primarily a wireless business, providing about 70% of service revenue and nearly all operating income. It serves about 92 million postpaid and 22 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest U.S. wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 25 million homes and businesses and serve about 8 million broadband customers. Verizon also provides telecom services nationwide to enterprise customers, often using a mixture of its own and other carriers' networks.

Verizon Communications (VZ): A Smart Investment or a Value Trap? An In-Depth Exploration

Verizon Communications's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers

A dissection of Verizon Communications's Altman Z-score reveals that the company's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress. A vital indicator for Verizon Communications is its asset turnover. The data: 2021: 0.41; 2022: 0.37; 2023: 0.36 from the past three years suggests a decreasing trend in this ratio. The asset turnover ratio reflects how effectively a company is using its assets to generate sales. Therefore, a drop in this ratio can signify reduced operational efficiency, potentially due to underutilization of assets or decreased market demand for the company's products or services. This shift in Verizon Communications's asset turnover underlines the need for the company to reassess its operational strategies to optimize asset usage and boost sales.

Conclusion: Navigating the Value Trap

While Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) appears to be undervalued, the low Altman Z-Score and declining asset turnover ratio suggest potential financial distress, making it a possible value trap. Investors should approach with caution, conducting thorough due diligence before making an investment decision. GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen .

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) stock traded higher Tuesday after it reported third-quarter FY23 results.

It clocked a sales decline of 2.6% year-on-year to $33.34 billion, beating the consensus of $33.25 billion. Adjusted EPS of $1.22 beat the consensus of $1.18.

Total wireless service revenue was $19.3 billion, up 2.9% Y/Y, reflecting the company's ownership of TracFone, premium Unlimited strategy, and pricing actions. Postpaid phone net additions were 100,000, and retail postpaid net additions were 581,000.

The quarter marked 434,000 total broadband net additions, reflecting strong demand for fixed wireless and Fios products.

The company ended the quarter with approximately 10.3 million broadband subscribers, up 21% Y/Y.

Total Verizon Business revenues were $7.5 billion, down by 4% Y/Y. Total Verizon Consumer revenue declined by 2.3% Y/Y to $25.3 billion.

Consumer wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.04%, and wireless retail postpaid phone churn was 0.85%.

Verizon Consumer clocked wireless retail postpaid phone net losses of 51,000. Verizon Consumer had fixed wireless net additions of 251,000.

The consumer segment EBITDA margin improved by 190 bps 42.8%, attributed to service revenue growth and lower upgrade volumes, while the business segment EBITDA margin declined by 60 bps to 22.1%, driven by continued declines in high-margin wireline revenues.

Adjusted EBITDA of $12.2 billion was up 0.2% Y/Y.

FY23 Outlook: Verizon reiterated a 2.5% - 4.5% wireless service revenue growth. It reiterated its adjusted EPS outlook of $4.55 - $4.85 versus the consensus of $4.68.

The company expects free cash flow above $18 billion, a $1 billion increase from the previously issued guidance.

Price action: VZ shares traded higher by 3.82% at $32.59 in premarket on the last check Tuesday.

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This article Verizon Stock Gains On Strong Q3 Performance, Raised Cash Flow Outlook: The Details originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 24, 2023 / White Tuque, a growing cybersecurity start-up based in Ontario, Canada, is launching its Chief Information Security Officer On-Demand (CISO.D) service to North American businesses of all sizes.

Like a fractional CISO, the CISO.D program was built to help start-ups and SMEs access cybersecurity leadership affordably, with programs structured to meet their organization's specific needs. Growing and scaling businesses need cyber protection from day one, and the CISO.D program offers a pragmatic approach to risk mitigation and breach prevention.

"With CISO.D, you're not just being made aware of what you should do, but also being kept accountable with regular check-ins on progress," said Laura Payne, Chief Enablement Officer (CNO) & VP Security Consulting at White Tuque. "If you've ever worked with a coach or trainer, you've seen the difference it makes knowing that you have time set aside to work towards your goals, and that someone is actively tracking whether you're following through on your commitments."

For scaling start-ups and medium-sized businesses, engaging with a cybersecurity partner in White Tuque's CISO.D will help you elevate your cybersecurity programs to where they need to be to satisfy regulators, maintain industry and government compliance standards, and help your business navigate a complex domain.

By making expert, professional advisory services affordable to start-ups and SMEs, White Tuque is giving confidence to their clients. Founder and CEO, Robert D. Stewart, sees this program as a building block for businesses whose present-day objectives might look different down the road. "With CISO.D, we want our clients to know that cybersecurity is within reach, and success can be right at their fingertips," Stewart said. Large enterprises will have a CISO in-house, but with our CISO.D advisors, White Tuque's SME clients are better prepared to scale, opening doors for them to work with larger clients themselves."

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White Tuque believes that cybersecurity is important for all organizations, no matter the size. To learn more about their programs or to work with their experts, visit www.whitetuque.com/help .

About White Tuque

White Tuque's mission is to give companies a trusted partner and a framework of best practices for cyber defense. We are a boutique team with expertise in cyber risk, cyber protection, and intelligence.

Partnership with White Tuque gives all companies access to a battle-tested and crisis-proven team of Canada's leading cybersecurity experts. We make this level of protection affordable by condensing simple and repeatable tactics into a digestible and scalable format for all organizations. These tactics are the backbone of what protects businesses of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions. At White Tuque our mandate is to make these available to organizations of all sizes. Visit www.WhiteTuque.com/help or contact Info@WhiteTuque.com to learn more.

For more information, please contact:

White Tuque:

Robert D. Stewart

CEO

rob@whitetuque.com

SOURCE: White Tuque





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Majority Whip Tom Emmer is the Republican nominee for House leader after he bested eight competitors to become the partys latest speaker-designee on Tuesday.

His reported 117-97 victory over his final rival  Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.)  came in a closed-door meeting among Republicans. It represented yet another split vote in what has now stretched into an epic three-week-long quest for divided House Republicans to unite behind a speaker candidate since the ouster of Kevin McCarthy at the beginning of the month.

Emmers candidacy is now headed to the full House with uncertain prospects after both Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) also held the speaker-designee title in recent weeks but saw their candidacies nonetheless stall out.

Still, Emmers victory among Republicans brings a new element to the chaotic race as the Minnesota lawmaker is one of the Houses closely connected candidates to the business world, particularly the cryptocurrency sector.

"We must come together for the good of the American people," Emmer wrote in a recent letter touting his candidacy. Emmer won after five rounds of voting that saw many conservatives repeatedly opt for other candidates, including on the final ballot.

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) arrives as Republicans met to decide who to nominate to be the new House speaker on Oct. 24. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

On cryptocurrency, Emmer has been a champion of the industry from his position on the House Financial Services Committee. He earned legions of fans in the sector both for his push for legislation around digital assets but also his vociferous attacks on Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler.

Emmers wider record is also one historically focused on financial issues and could give the business world comfort over previous candidates like Jordan who were seemingly more interested in cultural fights.

A reputation as a cryptocurrency advocate

As co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, Emmer even has a blockchain section on his website where he extolls the technology as one that "could help restore our national values."

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A tracker of his public statements on Coinbase labels him "very supportive" of crypto.

Emmer has introduced legislation to provide regulatory certainty as well as to stop the Federal Reserve from issuing digital currency.

He has also been a key champion for two broader ongoing cryptocurrency negotiations  one focused around cryptos market structure and another focused on stablecoins  that many hope can be considered in the year ahead if policy differences among lawmakers can be ironed out.

Regulators work for you, not the other way around. Its time @GaryGensler and others start acting like it.  Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) September 12, 2023

Elevating Emmer to speaker would also a give a giant platform to one of the Capitols fiercest critics of SEC Chair Gensler, who is leading the agency's crackdown on the digital asset sector.

"Im convinced you are not an impartial regulator," Emmer told Gensler during tense questioning just last month. "Its clear that you are working to consolidate your own power even though it means crushing opportunities for everyday Americans and frankly the financial future of this country," he added.

Emmer is not the only crypto-focused congressman to gain prominence recently; another is Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), currently serving as speaker pro tempore.

Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) consult with Kevin McCarthy, center, during January's election for speaker. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) (Win McNamee via Getty Images)

Other business-focused efforts

Emmers district includes the Minneapolis suburbs and rural areas, as well as the city of St. Cloud. Its a strongly Republican area; Emmers predecessor in the seat was the well-known conservative firebrand Michele Bachmann, who retired in 2014.

But Emmers record is more sparse on the hot button cultural issues Bachmann was known for. Emmer has historically had an approach that could lower the temperature on some of those high-profile fights in the year ahead.

In 2022, Emmer bucked many in his party and voted to codify same-sex marriage. He also voted to certify Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election  unlike Scalise, Jordan, or McCarthy.

In fact, his candidacy is so appealing to moderates that even some Democrats  like Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) whose district borders Emmers  have publicly floated the idea of Democrats sitting out a floor vote to help Emmer get the gavel as long as he agrees to certain concessions like committing to spending levels set in this springs debt-ceiling deal.

While Emmer is unlikely to court any support from Democrats, he did organize House GOP support for the debt-ceiling deal as majority whip and has often voiced support for the bipartisan deal.

"The debt ceiling conversation ended with the largest legislative savings in our nations history," Emmer wrote in a Washington Times op-ed this summer.

Of course, while his tendencies toward cooperation could allow Emmer to work with Democrats to pass legislation if he becomes speaker, it could also harden the conservative Republican campaign against him.

Some lawmakers have already pledged to vote against him based on his same-sex marriage vote, and Emmers vote to certify Biden as the winner in 2020 despite President Trumps election denialism has also been in focus in recent days. Trump allies launched a campaign against his candidacy even as Trump himself offered more supportive words.

"He called me yesterday and told me Im your biggest fan," Trump said on Monday of Emmer during a stop in New Hampshire, adding, "Ive always gotten along with him."

Emmer of course was quick to tout the semi-endorsement online.

Thank you, Mr. President.



If my colleagues elect me Speaker of the House, I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.



pic.twitter.com/Pp9CcnvN43  Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) October 23, 2023

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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HUSAVIK, Iceland (AP)  Schools, shops, banks and Iceland's famous swimming pools shut on Tuesday as women in the volcanic island nation  including the prime minister  went on strike to push for an end to unequal pay and gender-based violence.

Icelanders awoke to all-male news teams announcing shutdowns across the country, with public transport delayed, hospitals understaffed and hotel rooms uncleaned. Trade unions, the strike's main organizers, called on women and nonbinary people to refuse paid and unpaid work, including chores. About 90% of the country's workers belong to a union.

Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said she would stay home as part of the strike  kvennaverkfall in Icelandic  and expected other women in her Cabinet would do the same.

Iceland, a rugged island of around 380,000 people just below the Arctic Circle, has been ranked as the worlds most gender-equal country 14 years in a row by the World Economic Forum, which measures pay, education, health care and other factors.

No country has achieved full equality, and there remains a gender pay gap in Iceland.

Tuesdays walkout, running from midnight to midnight, was billed as the biggest since Icelands first such event on Oct. 24, 1975, when 90% of women refused to work, clean or look after children, to voice anger at discrimination in the workplace.

In 1976, Iceland passed a law guaranteeing equal rights irrespective of gender. Since then there have been several partial-day strikes, most recently in 2018, with women walking off the job in the early afternoon, symbolizing the time of day when women, on average, stop earning compared to men.

Iceland's chools and the health system, which have female-dominated workforces, said they would be heavily affected. National broadcaster RUV said it was reducing television and radio broadcasts for the day, and reported that only one bank branch in the country was open.

Gatherings on Tuesday were held across Iceland, the largest in Reykjavik, where much of the capital's center was closed to traffic and tens of thousands gathered on the grassy Arnarholl hill for a rally.

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Speakers listed grim facts about economic inequality and sexual violence in Iceland, ending by asking, You call that equality? The crowd thundered back: No!

We have not yet reached our goals of full gender equality and we are still tackling the gender-based wage gap, which is unacceptable in 2023, Jakobsdottir told news website mbl.is. We are still tackling gender-based violence, which has been a priority for my government to tackle.

Jakobsdottir's Cabinet is evenly split between male and female ministers, and nearly half of lawmakers in Iceland's parliament, the Althingi, are women.

But while women in Iceland have pushed or broken the glass ceiling to top jobs  from bishop to leaders of the national wrestling association  the lowest-paying jobs, such as cleaning and child care, are still predominantly done by women.

The work, essential to Iceland's tourism-dominated economy, also depends heavily on immigrants, who on the whole work longer hours and take home the lowest salaries. Around 22% of the female workforce is foreign-born, according to Statistics Iceland.

Foreign women are more vulnerable, said Alice Clarke, an artist and designer from Canada who has lived in Iceland for 30 years. Hopefully what is being done today will help to change that."

Iceland's 1975 strike inspired similar protests in other countries including Poland, where women boycotted jobs and classes in 2016 to protest a proposed abortion ban. In Spain, women staged a 24-hour strike in 2018 on March 8, International Womens Day, under the theme If we stop, the world stops.

Spain's acting equality minister, Irene Montero, said Tuesday that the 2018 strike was inspired by Icelands 1975 walkout and expressed full support for the latest protest.

___

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Ciaran Giles in Madrid contributed to this report.
By Jorgelina do Rosario

LONDON (Reuters) -Geopolitical tensions heightened by the Middle East conflict pose the biggest threat to the world economy right now but other risks are also at play, World Bank President Ajay Banga said on Tuesday.

"The U.S. 10-year Treasury (yield) just crossed 5% briefly yesterday, these are areas we haven't seen. So yes, that is right there lurking in the shadows," Banga said, referring to a rise in the benchmark for borrowing costs around the world which further threaten an economic slowdown.

"And then, how long before the next pandemic?" Banga said during an event at the annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh.

"There is so much going on in the world and geopolitics in the wars that you're seeing and what just happened recently in Israel and Gaza. At the end of the day, when you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious," he said.

Risks tend to move around, he said. "So I would be very careful of fixating on one and ignoring the others right now."

Banga said that while everything in the developed world looks better than had been expected some time ago, "I think that we're at a very dangerous juncture."

He said private sector investment is needed in developing economies but political risks in some of these countries remain a barrier.

"One trillion of dollars is needed just for renewable energy in the emerging markets. There is not enough money in government coffers or even in the multilateral development banks, we need to involve the private sector with their capital," he said. "And that is the biggest task we have ahead of us."

(Reporting by Jorgelina do Rosario; Editing by Karin Strohecker, Mike Harrison and Susan Fenton)
(Bloomberg) -- Xi Jinping made his first known visit to Chinas central bank since he became president a decade ago, according to people familiar with the matter, underscoring the governments increased focus on shoring up the economy and financial markets.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Xi, along with vice premier He Lifeng and other government officials, visited the Peoples Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing private information. The vice premier also visited the nations sovereign wealth fund, the people added.

While details of the visits werent immediately clear, Xis movements are closely monitored by investors for potential policy signals. The most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong has never appeared at the PBOC, according to public records, and his visit would highlight recent Communist Party rhetoric on its centralized and unified leadership over the financial industry. Previous such inspections were often led by the nations premiers or their deputies.

Xis presence reinforces a string of recent moves by the government to boost growth and stabilize markets. It could help ease concerns among some investors that the president had been neglecting the economy amid a purge of senior ministers and a volatile relationship with the US.

His visit to the foreign exchange regulator is partly aimed at better understanding Chinas $3 trillion of currency reserves, one of the people said. It comes as state leaders, regulators and top bankers are set to gather at a closed-door financial policy meeting early next week to set medium-term priorities for the $61 trillion industry and prevent risks.

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The PBOC and China Investment Corp., the sovereign wealth fund, didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Authorities have resorted to a battery of measures this year to address the nations faltering markets amid an exodus of foreign funds, deepening woes at property companies and worries about local government financing vehicles. While the economy has showed some signs of improvement, markets have continued to suffer as investor confidence has plummeted. Raids on foreign consulting firms and tightening curbs on data security have also dented sentiment.

Xis latest visit may prompt officials to dig further into their policy toolboxes to support the worlds second-largest economy and safeguard financial stability. Policymakers have so far refrained from using massive stimulus and outsized intervention in the markets.

Central Huijin Investment Ltd., a unit of the $1.4 trillion wealth fund CIC, on Monday bought an undisclosed amount of exchange-traded funds and vowed to keep increasing its holdings in the latest attempt to boost the countrys slumping stock market. Earlier this month, Huijin bought shares in Chinas largest state banks.

Investors are also watching for policy catalysts at upcoming events including a meeting of Chinas ruling Politburo, the Third Plenum of the Communist Party and a potential meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden at the APEC Summit next month.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Introduces XNGP ADAS rollout plan for the first batch of cities without HD map coverage

Launches AI Valet Driver smart driving feature for urban commuting and frequently travelled routes

Introduces XPENGs ultimate architecture for full-scenario ADAS capabilities - XBrain

Unveils XPENGs fifth-generation smart cockpit operating system - XOS Tianji

Uncovers the exterior design of a new flagship model built under SEPA2.0 architecture, the XPENG X9 MPV

GUANGZHOU, China, October 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XPeng Inc. ("XPENG" or the "Company," NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading Chinese smart EV company, today revealed a series of innovative technological milestones and pioneering industry accomplishments at its fifth annual Tech Day held in Guangzhou. Showcasing XPENGs top-notch developments based on its robust in-house, full-stack R&D capabilities, especially more mature applications of large models in front-end business and back-end R&D process, this years event featured the latest advancements across XPENGs XNGP ADAS, smart cabin system, powertrain system, electrical and electronic architecture, smart manufacturing, flying car and robot technology. The final highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the XPENG X9, a starship-inspired, large 7-seater MPV that features a highly futuristic, innovative, tech-savvy exterior design, also a flagship model built under SEPA2.0 architecture.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024442365/en/

He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO, XPENG (Photo: Business Wire)

XPENG 2023 Tech Day Visual Library

"The innovative advancements powering our industry-leading ADAS and new EV models help actualize the technological evolution shaping todays EV industry," said He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, at the Tech Day. "Our comprehensive, integrated full-stack, in-house R&D capabilities and robust mobility ecosystem continue to make XPENG a standout choice for consumers looking for EVs with cutting-edge technology at [accessible] price points. Domestic customer demand for EVs remains robust [and we continue to gain traction in European markets] as the global transition from traditional vehicles to EVs accelerates."

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Unleashing leadership in autonomous driving technology

XNGP is actively undergoing engineering testing to expand its availability for urban roadways. XNGP is currently available in five cities and XPENG plans to roll out the XNGP function in an addition of 20 cities that are not covered by HD maps by the end of November 2023, with coverage extended to 50 cities by year-end.

XPENG also kicks off an all-new ADAS feature - AI Valet Driver. After activating the function, drivers can set their start and end points anywhere in the city. After manually driving once, a memorized route is created. Later, when selecting the same travel route, the driver can activate the "AI Valet Driver" function to achieve advanced assisted driving for specific routes or scenarios in the cities.

More importantly, XPENG's prowess lies in its continuous leadership in research and development capabilities. At the Tech Day, the Company also presented its ultimate architecture for full-scenario ADAS - XBrain, which is supported by XNet2.0, the next-gen perception architecture with spatiotemporal understanding, and XPlanner, the neural network-based planning and control system, to enable more human-like learning, thinking and actions.

XOS Tianji is XPENGs newest development in smart cabin operating systems, seamlessly integrating XPENGs smart driving capabilities and next-generation smart cabin scenarios, advancing the human-machine co-driving experience. XPENG will also integrate the XGPT, a large-scale AI model, into its smart cabin system, enabling even faster, and more concise responses upon user requests, and delivering the interaction in a more natural way. AI foundation models are not only deployed to enhance intelligent driving and smart cabin capabilities but also vehicle design and code development, enhancing multiple business areas and research domains.

New flagship car model built under SEPA2.0 unveiled

Being the world's only MPV equipped with rear-wheel steering as a standard configuration, the X9 honors the key features of SEPA 2.0 with its signature offerings and, including the 800V high-voltage SiC platform, integrated front and rear aluminium body die-casting technology, and XNGP, among others. The X9 will be the first of XPENGs vehicles to come equipped with the XOS Tianji smart cabin system, with the X9 slated for its showcase at Auto Guangzhou in November 2023.

Relentless exploration for future mobility in 3D transportation

XPENG has been consistently exploring innovative forms of mobility beyond just cars. XPENG's affiliate company AEROHT has released two development paths for flying cars, namely eVOTL flying cars and modular flying cars, adding more possibilities to XPENG's mobility ecosystem.

XPENG Robotics introduced a new in-house-developed bipedal robot. In the future, XPENG will apply technologies from Smart EVs like XNet deep neural network, XEEA, XGPT, etc., to smart robots.

XPENG 2023 Tech Day replay (English version)

An English-language replay of the event will be available from 07:00 p.m. Beijing time on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 (GMT+8, or 07:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 25, 2023), via the following links:

XPENG OFFICIAL WEBSITE ENGLISH

XPENG OFFICIAL IR WEBSITE ENGLISH

XPENG OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading Chinese Smart EV company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers. Its mission is to drive Smart EV transformation with technology, shaping the mobility experience of the future. In order to optimize its customers mobility experience, XPENG develops in-house its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including the powertrain and the electrical/electronic architecture. XPENG is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, with main offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, San Diego and Amsterdam. The Companys Smart EVs are mainly manufactured at its plants in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. For more information, please visit https://heyXPENG.com.

Follow Us On

Twitter: https://twitter.com/XPENGMotors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XPENGMotorsGlobal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/XPENG_global

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@XPENG

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeyXPENG

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xiaopeng-motors/

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XPENGs beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: XPENGs goals and strategies; XPENGs expansion plans; XPENGs future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the trends in, and size of, Chinas EV market; XPENGs expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; XPENGs expectations regarding its relationships with customers, contract manufacturers, suppliers, third-party service providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in XPENGs filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and XPENG does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231024442365/en/

Contacts

For Investor Enquiries:

IR Department XPeng Inc. Email: ir@xiaopeng.com

or

Jenny Cai

The Piacente Group

Tel: +1 212 481 2050 / +86 10 6508 0677

Email: xpeng@tpg-ir.com



For Media Enquiries:

PR Department XPeng Inc.

Email: pr@xiaopeng.com
A vivid joint exhibit by two new members of Art First Gallery has brought a different vibration to the space.

Patti Durbin and Patricia Giovannoni have really changed the dynamic of our gallery, said gallery president Wayne Russell.

The two women joined Art First, which is one of Fredericksburgs oldest artist cooperatives, this year. Their joint exhibit I Am Woman, on display through Oct. 29, features each artists individual works as well as collaborations in copper and mixed media and every piece celebrates women in all their shapes, colors and strengths.

We all have a habit of looking at a woman and making a decision about who she is based on our own filters, said Durbin, a mixed-media artist based in Springfield. But there are many things that make us complex individuals and we are all those different things. (Women) have to be kind to each other so we can lift each other up and keep moving forward.

Durbin and Giovannoni are both members of another gallery in Occoquan. The two women have different artistic styles, with Giovannoni  who was born in Argentina  working more in painting and printing and Durbin in fabric and other recycled materials.

By mistake, as Durbin describes it, the two were paired for an exhibit at their Occoquan gallery.

Through that experience, they learned what they have in common. They both came into art later in life, in their 50s, and both use their art to celebrate diversity, color and female strength.

We both have a strong desire to show all different kinds of women, Durbin said.

The two started collaborating, and when Russell became acquainted with their work, he invited them to join Art First and to create original pieces for a joint exhibit in Fredericksburg.

For the show, each artist created her own interpretation of the same image  Durbin in mixed media, Giovannoni in paint or encaustic  and then they worked together on a joint piece done in copper collage.

The joint pieces demonstrate how the collaborative process can result in something brand new that neither woman could have achieved on her own.

It was a wonderful lesson of give and take, Durbin said. We both had to learn how to listen, put our own visions aside, and look at things from a different angle. We really made an effort to be kind. When the piece was finished, we would look at each other and our eyes would just well up.

Giovannoni wrote a poem to accompany the show.

Titled I Am Woman, it concludes, We are women/We stand tall because we stand together.

The joint exhibit will be up through Oct. 29, but as members of Art First, Durbin and Giovannoni will continue to have their work on display and for sale at the gallery.

Russell said their fierce, feminine and exuberant vision will continue to infuse the gallery going forward.

To learn more about the show and the artists, visit artfirstgallery.com.
Elizabeth Warner is running for reelection to a second term as the Griffis-Widewater representative on the Stafford School Board and faces challenger Mary Rupert.

The Free LanceStar sent questionnaires to all candidates asking them to provide background information and to identify the top three issues facing the School Division and describe what they would do about them if elected.

Early voting in the November election is underway in the ABC Conference Room at the George L. Gordon Jr. Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford.

Information for voters is available at staffordcountyva.gov/government/elected_and_appointed_officials/voter_registration/index.php.

Mary Rupert

Q: What are the three top issues facing Stafford County Public Schools and what will you do about them if elected?

A: 1. Inadequate funding of our Stafford County schools has resulted in overcrowded classrooms and difficulty in the hiring and retaining of our qualified teachers and staff.

I will work closely with the Board of Supervisors to fund the school budget so that we can build new schools now and pay our teachers and staff competitive wages compared to neighboring counties. I would ensure the School Board press the Board of Supervisors to request more funding from our leaders in Richmond. Stafford County has grown exponentially in the last 14 years. The number of students is forecasted over the next 10 years to increase by 5,800-plus. This equates to the need for an additional six schools. We must plan now for needed additional funding in order to meet this need.

2. Parents rights, awareness and involvement in schools. I believe parents must be critical members on the team that builds the education and code of conduct plans for our students. This team effort will result in students excelling and becoming more successful. As part of this solution, I will strive to make the volunteer process easier for parents to be active and informed in all phases of school functions and activities.

3. Student and staff safety. I will push for school resource officers in every school in Stafford County. Student discipline issues requires accountability for all, to include administration, teachers, students and parents. It is paramount that students and staff feel safe at school. Safety leads to less stress and a more focused learning environment. I know that Stafford County is filled with wonderful families that will step up to make Stafford schools the best schools in Virginia.

Elizabeth Warner

Q: What are the three top issues facing Stafford County Public Schools and what will you do about them if elected?

A: Education has always been an important issue for me, as a parent, student and teacher. I have seen education change over time and as an educator at the university level, I saw many good students enter college and struggle in their first year. It is important to prepare students for a world that seems to be rapidly changing, and education is the greatest tool we have.

One of the most important issues for me is having good teachers in our classrooms. A good teacher is the most important factor in a childs academic success. To do this we need to offer a competitive salary. Salary scales for teachers are woefully behind other careers of comparable education. Teachers and staff should be able to afford to live where they work, and our uniform salary scale also needs to be improved. In addition to paying our teachers and staff, we need to resource our schools to meet the needs of our students and provide a safe, inclusive environment.

We need to invest in school construction and maintenance of our aging infrastructure. Stafford has not built a new elementary school since 2006 and no new schools to address capacity since 2008. The replacement of Moncure only netted an additional 300 seats even though we have added nearly 600 new students every year for almost a decade. We have aging schools that are in a terrible state of disrepair and have no sustainable mechanism for funding renovation, repair or replacement. Many of our schools are seriously overcrowded, which can detrimentally impact learning and safety.

School boards are 100% accountable for performance outcomes but have little control over funding, which comes from the state and local government. We need to build relationships with state and local officials to find solutions to adequately funding our schools. This also requires that we act in a fiscally conservative way to best utilize the resources we have so all students can achieve their goals.
The assessed value of some low-income housing in Lancaster County has skyrocketed  more than 500% in some cases  raising questions about the constitutionality of a state law and creating a situation developers say threatens the viability of affordable housing projects.

The issue, which involves housing projects built using federal low-income housing tax credits, has pitted affordable housing advocates against the Lancaster County Assessors Office and begs two questions: Is assessing low-income housing differently than other property needed to make such projects feasible or does doing so violate the state Constitution?

Developers of low-income housing say the way the Lancaster County Assessors office chose to value the property this year  using a market rate approach instead of an income-based model set out in state law  will be the "death knell" of such projects.

Jake Hoppe, managing partner of Hoppe Development, said it could force existing properties into insolvency and could kill new projects  including a recently announced affordable housing project his company is spearheading south of downtown.

The absurdity of this is it could be forcing (these projects) into a market rate, he said.

George Achola, vice president and general counsel of Burlington Capital, which owns and manages veterans housing at Lincolns new Victory Park, said theyre trying to serve a public purpose, by making sure veterans have homes, and the county taking issue with a law that's been in effect for nearly a decade makes it much more difficult.

I really wish they would have thought that through before taking action, he said. I think this is an ill-conceived action on the part of the county.

Hoppe said the situation really jeopardizes the ability to do affordable housing in Lincoln and in a broader sense its counter to all the efforts happening statewide to enhance affordable housing.

But the assessors office said using the formula required by a 2015 state law resulted in some of those low-income properties having an assessed value of zero or even a negative value  which would mean they pay no property taxes, pushing the burden onto others.

That law, they argue, violates the constitutional requirement that properties be valued uniformly and proportionately at their actual value and allows preferential treatment for just one kind of property.

The difference in values is particularly striking in a market where property values increased an average of nearly 23% and similar market-rate apartment complexes in particular have seen steep increases in recent years, said Lancaster County Assessor Dan Nolte.

Phil Hughes, an appraiser in the assessors office, said this isnt just Lancaster Countys problem.

This is a statewide issue looked at by every county in the state, he said.

Nolte said the issue needs to be addressed by the Legislature  and the Lancaster County Board has made addressing problems with the 2015 law its top legislative priority for the coming session.

Sean Flowerday, vice chairman of the Lancaster County Board, said theres a coalition looking for a legislative solution that will satisfy the constitutional questions and still work for affordable housing  which remains a priority for county commissioners.

The simplest thing we need is a legislative fix. The old legislation didnt work. Theres constitutional issues with it. Properties were coming in with zero value. Everything has value. It just doesnt make sense.

The goal, he said, was never to make affordable housing more expensive.

We truly want affordable housing to work, but it has to work with the constitution, he said.

Several affordable housing advocates said they wish the county had contacted them to work together to find a solution.

Instead theyve just kind of dropped a bomb on all affordable housing projects in town and on future projects, said Chris Lamberty, executive director of Lincoln Housing Authority.

Brent Williams, president of Excel Development Group in Lincoln, said there are solutions out there. In Iowa, for example, assessors use a three-year rolling average of expenses and income to avoid the large swings.

But the case is now in the hands of the Nebraska Court of Appeals, though the Supreme Court could hear the case because of the constitutional question.

A court ruling would have statewide implications.

Here's how it got there: Earlier this year, the Lancaster County Assessors Office asked the Nebraska Tax Equalization and Review Commission for guidance on 21 low-income properties. They include various projects across the city, including those by private developers and those run by City Impact, Catholic Social Services, the Peoples City Mission and veterans housing in the new Victory Park.

In most cases, the formula set out in state law resulted in reduced values for 2023  including three whose values ranging from several hundred thousand to over $1 million in 2022 were reduced to zero this year, according to data provided by the county assessor. When the county used the market approach, those values ballooned to between $2.8 million to $11.5 million.

An affordable housing project called Creekside Village developed by the Hoppes in 2011 is among those involved in the appeal. The project includes duplexes and apartments and Centerpointe offers services to residents, Jake Hoppe said. Rents are $825 for a two-bedroom apartment. The rent the county used in its assessment was $1,185.

Together, all the properties that make up Creekside Village were valued at $2.3 million in 2022. Using the method set out in state law for low-income properties, the value decreased to about $1.9 million this year. When the county assessors office used a market rate approach, the total value of the properties increased to $14 million.

Theyre just throwing out (financial information) weve sent them, so were evaluating what we do, Hoppe said. At a very basic level, a five-time increase in property taxes will make our net operating income negative, which will drive this into insolvency.

Oatfield and Rose Whitney of Denver who are among owners of The Lexington, an assisted living facility in Lincoln that serves low-income clients, are under Medicaid restrictions as well as rent restrictions.

Their property values went from $4.5 million to $19.6 million this year. At the lower value, he said, they paid about $70,000 in property taxes. If the tax rate stayed the same unlikely  that would balloon to $350,000, he said.

Thats more than our income, he said.

But the state Tax Equalization and Review Commission agreed with the county and ruled that the assessor could use a different approach because using the method set out in statute would create inequitable values.

Using actual expenses of individual properties resulted in large swings in value from year to year, the commission ruled, creating an inequitable tax burden borne by other property owners.

Initially, the assessor came up with a market value using a model of average expenses and income of all Section 42 housing, but based on testimony at the Tax Equalization and Review Commission hearing, the county felt it had to use a market rate approach, said Hughes, with the assessors office.

Developers appealed to the Nebraska Court of Appeals, and a number of civic and affordable housing organizations and nonprofits filed a brief in support.

The organizations include the Lincoln Housing Authority, the Lincoln Community Foundation, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Housing Developers Association, the Nebraska Housing Resource and Neighborworks Lincoln.

Lancaster County has asked the high court to find the law violates the uniformity clause of the state constitution because it compels assessors to use a different standard than is used for all other property in the state. The only other exception is for agricultural land, which is valued at 75% of actual value  which is set out in the Constitution.

The Nebraska Constitutional requirement that property values be uniform and proportional is the proper guiding principle that cannot be forgotten and cannot be legislated around, the county attorneys brief says. Benevolent ideas (around the tax credits) do not absolve Lancaster County or this court from constitutional obligations.

The property at issue is called Section 42 housing, which is housing developed using federal low-income housing tax credits.

The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority administers the tax credits to developers involved in low-income housing projects through a competitive process, and the developer awarded the tax credits sells them to an investor and uses the proceeds to help pay for the project.

Generally, state law allows assessors to value property using several different processes, and many assessors use a market or sales approach  basing the value off of sales of comparable properties. They can also use an income method, by creating a model based on typical income and typical expenses, according to a county attorneys brief filed in the appeal.

The 2015 law on Section 42 housing, however, says assessors should use actual income and expenses of individual properties and a capitalization rate determined by a state committee. The law also says the tax credits cant be counted as income.

Developers who get tax credits enter into whats called a Land Use Restriction Agreement, which restricts rents and residents income and can include additional restrictions such as providing specific amenities or supportive services to residents. Those agreements can last 30 or more years and they travel with the property  so if a landowner sells the property, the restrictions go to the new owner.

Those restriction agreements are central to the case.

Developers argue they must be taken into account when valuing the property because buyers would not pay as much for property where the rent is restricted. The county argues they are voluntary restrictions landowners enter into willingly and arent compulsory, as are zoning or easement restrictions.

Using the same reasoning, the county attorneys brief argues, a property owner with a mortgage would have a compelling argument that the market value of their home is only the equity they have in it.

The county also argues if the restriction agreements are considered as part of the assessment process, so should the proceeds from the tax credits.

But the affordable housing advocates argue that in passing the law eight years ago the Legislature found that safe affordable housing was a compelling state need fulfilled by the rent-restricted projects.

The law, the brief said, created uniformity for Section 42 housing because before that, assessors were using different methods that had drastically different results. The law, the brief said, results in the most accurate value of such properties.

Without this uniformity, Nebraskas existing affordable housing projects will be in jeopardy because they do not have sufficient profit margins to cover unpredictable spikes in property taxes and future development will be rendered infeasible because lenders and syndicators will not fund projects absent a showing that they will cash flow, the affordable housing advocates argued in their brief.

The brief quotes heavily from various local and statewide housing studies including Lincolns recently adopted Affordable Housing Coordinated Action Plan, which says Lincoln and Lancaster County are suffering from a lack of available affordable housing.

Several factors  everything from construction and property costs to unpredictable property taxes  are contributing to a decline in the number of Section 42 housing projects in Lincoln, the brief says.

For such low-income tax-credit programs to continue, the rewards for developers and investors must outweigh the risks, affordable housing advocates argue in the court brief.

Access to safe, decent and affordable housing is a compelling state interest that could be in jeopardy depending upon the outcome of this case." the brief says.

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Israeli warplanes are striking targets across Gaza as the U.S. says a delay in Israel's expected ground offensive in the besieged Hamas-ruled territory would allow more time to negotiate the release of hostages
Cadets at the U.S Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs exit classes under a wall with the Cadet Honor Code: "We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt John Ross)
Despite original plans to remodel and reopen inside the Colorado Springs nightclub where a mass shooting killed five people on Nov. 19, 2022, Club Q now says it will relocate the LGBTQ+ venue about 4 miles south  in a new space, with a new vibe and with a new, but still familiar, name.

A news release emailed late Monday said plans are to locate The Q at 411 Lakewood Circle, inside The Satellite Hotel, an iconic mid-century landmark building and mixed-use development of hotel rooms, condos and commercial businesses off South Academy Boulevard.

Construction has already begun inside roughly 2,000 square feet of former storage space adjacent to The Orbit Lounge on the west side of the hotels ground floor. Hopes are to open before years end, said Michael Anderson, a Club Q survivor and vice president of the organizational team set up by club owner Matthew Haynes after the shooting.

Anderson said that while the new location will channel the spirit of the original, which for more than 20 years provided a safe space (with oft-pounding bass) for the queer community in the Springs, The Q at The Satellite wont be the same kind of late-night experience as its predecessor.

This is not a nightclub thats open all night  and we are not necessarily going to have a permanent dance floor. This is a lounge, mellow, Anderson said. Take Club Q and cut it in half in terms of the excitement and the loudness.

The new space, leased by Haynes  who also maintains Club Q offices on the buildings ground floor  will include a stage and host drag shows, karaoke, bingo and trivia, Anderson said.

The bar is going to be run by the community for the community, he said. Any events the community is yearning for, well be glad to host them in there.

Club Qs Monday announcement represented a surprise pivot from controversial plans aired earlier this year that proposed a major remodel and reopening of the original nightclub, at 3430 N. Academy Blvd., with heightened security protocols inside and out, as well as a $300,000 on-site memorial to the five people killed and 17 wounded in the mass shooting there.

Club Q said the recent decision not to reopen the club at the North Academy location came in response to feedback from survivors, victims families and the community over the past 11 months. Many, including survivor Ashtin Gamblin, have said they would not return to a place where they watched their friends die.

It seems abhorrent for somebody to want to open it up and have people dance where people were bleeding out," said Gamblin, who was working the clubs front door that night, and was shot nine times.

Anderson said that his team has taken such responses to heart over the last 11 months.

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We have heard those that feel returning the building to the community this soon will hinder their healing process, said Anderson. But the voices are overwhelmingly strong, Club Q must return  when and where has been the main debate.

The original property has been shuttered since the attack last year. Anderson said that plans to locate a memorial there hit permitting snags earlier this year but now are back on track. The standing-stone memorials $300,000 fundraising goal has been met, he added.

For now, Club Q will remain as it has for the last year, Anderson said. It hasnt been remodeled or renovated at all at this point, and we have put a pause on all of that  to refine our focus on this new venue.

Down the line we may have further discussions on what the future looks like, he said, but at this time we believe its in the best interests to leave that building as a sacred, solemn place for everyone to gather.

Club Q recently announced plans for a remembrance ceremony marking the first anniversary of the mass shooting.

A gathering is planned for noon on Nov. 19 outside the club, which has been closed since the massacre claimed the lives of Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump and Raymond Green Vance.

Anderson Lee Aldrich, who pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder and 46 counts of attempted first-degree murder, was sentenced in June to life in prison for the attack.
The Colorado Springs 911 Communications Center, where employees take calls and dispatch police and fire responders to various emergencies in the city, is short nearly 30 employees and cannot meet recommended minimum staffing standards for call takers during its busiest times, officials said.

The Colorado Springs Police Department has for years grappled with ongoing staffing shortages among police officers and in its communications center, which currently has 27 vacancies, according to a presentation Police Chief Adrian Vasquez gave during a City Council work session on Monday.

Public Safety Communications Manager Renee Henshaw said the department has 11 vacant police and fire dispatch positions, seven vacant 911 call taker positions and two vacancies among lead supervisors the department is currently working to fill. Officials did not specify in which positions the remaining seven vacancies were.

Henshaw and Vasquez said the department does not have enough communications center employees to meet recommended minimum staffing standards during the busiest call times; the department is authorized to hire 113 call center personnel but only has 86 employees, Vasquez said.

National Emergency Number Association standards the department aims to meet call for 15 call takers to work at Colorado Springs' 911 Communications Center during its busiest times of day, Henshaw said. Currently, the department has about seven to eight call takers working at those times.

Retention rates have also been stagnant over the last three years, according to figures police officials presented Monday.

The Police Department hired 23 employees to staff the communications center between January and the end of August of this year, but lost 17 employees in that time who have retired or otherwise left the department, Vasquez said.

In 2022, the department hired 23 employees for its communications center and lost 25, and in 2021 it hired 19 people and lost 25, the presentation showed.

Henshaw attributed the attrition rates over the last three years to the COVID-19 pandemic that broke out in early 2020.

"COVID was very challenging. We lost a lot of people through COVID and trying to rebuild from that has been a lot," she said.

Vasquez said attrition in the communications center is a "problem" the Police Department has been working to fix for some time.

"How fast can we fix it is the question, because we've been working at that for a while," he said.

The department has the funding to hire employees to work in the communications center, despite planning to cut operational spending by 3.4%  or by roughly $4.5 million  in 2024.

"If we can hire people, we've got the funding to hire them. But trying to get them in the door and have a willingness to perform the functions, that's what's stopping us right now. We're not stopping hiring because we don't have the funding," Vasquez said.

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The nature of the job can be difficult and attrition can fluctuate a lot, he said.

Councilman Dave Donelson said he was concerned about staffing and attrition rates at the communications center, particularly as the Police Department is proposing cutting about $850,000 from its communications center budget next year to meet proposed operational spending decreases.

Vasquez said at a previous budget workshop on Oct. 16 he felt comfortable with those cuts in part because of department savings from natural attrition rates.

"It does impact our citizens," Donelson said Monday. "I'm concerned about the (job) openings and that we aren't doing enough to fill them."

To combat attrition the Police Department has implemented a continuous hiring model for its communications center; is using hire-backs, or retirees and prior employees working in other divisions, to fill communications center duties; and gave communications center employees bonuses through the The El Paso-Teller County Enhanced 911 Authority, among other efforts, Vasquez said.

Donelson wondered if pay increases for communications center employees would better attract and retain personnel.

"People will put up with a more stressful job if they're paid more," he said. "I think one thing the administration could do, which council could help with, is offering higher pay, doing something to attract more applicants for these positions."

Call takers at Colorado Springs' communications center make about $57,680 a year, the market average, which is about $2,200 to $4,600 more than the salaries for the same positions with the city and county of Denver and in Westminster, respectively, the department's presentation showed.

The salary, at market average, for fire and police dispatchers in Colorado Springs is $62,872. That salary is higher than what the cities of Aurora and Thornton offer for the position, but is between about $3,000 to $9,500 a year less than what employees in the same position make in the city and county of Denver, Westminster and Fort Collins, according to the presentation.

Senior police and firefighter dispatchers in Colorado Springs are making $68,531 a year, about the same as in Thornton, but about $6,600 less than what employees in the same position are making in Aurora.

The city's proposed 2024 budget plans to give 4% market increases in pay to all sworn police and firefighters, as well as positions at the 911 Communications Center.

Henshaw and Vasquez said higher salaries could help, but may not be the only factor that keeps employees at their jobs.

"I think that more money may attract more candidates. That seems reasonable to me. Whether they'd make it through the training and have a willingness to perform the job, that's where I'm uncertain we'd get more candidates that would actually stay," Vasquez said. "I think when people get into the position, the difficulties of it are unknown until you're sitting there dealing with the stresses of the job."
Small progress was made in the case of the mother of Club Q shooter Anderson Aldrich after the court approved of a forensic psychologist to conduct further examinations.

Laura Voepel is facing misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct after police told Voepel on Nov. 20, 2022 that her child, Aldrich, had been arrested in connection with a murder.

Aldrich, who killed five people at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub in November, pleaded guilty to 51 charges and was sentenced to 2,208 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.

Voepel's case has stalled significantly since she moved to Florida over the summer and mental health professionals found her incompetent to stand trial.

Because of Voepel's new residency in Florida, there were concerns that she would not be able to undergo mental health treatment to restore her to competency or to undergo any further court ordered evaluations.

Voepel's defense attorney Carrie Thompson informed the court at a review hearing on Tuesday morning that a forensic psychologist had been found to conduct a second examination on Voepel.

Thompson explained to Judge Yolonda Fennick that the process was difficult and time consuming because to conduct an evaluation on Voepel the psychologist has to be licensed in Florida, so most Colorado forensic phycologists were unable to do evaluations even over zoom.

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Prosecutor Andrew Vaughan reiterated the prospection's belief that Voepel should be brought back to Colorado to continue treatment and undergo further evaluations.

In previous hearings Thompson argued that having Voepel brought back to Colorado would be counterintuitive because she would be homeless if brought back, and is currently being taken care of by her parents in Florida.

Thompson also mentioned that Voepel is still working on applying for Medicaid in Florida, which she believes will be able pay for Voepel to receive services to begin restoring her to competency.

Until Voepel is restored to competency, which Thompson has acknowledged in previous hearing may never happen due to the severity of her mental illness, her criminal case will be put on hold.

Attorneys in the Voepel case will return to court on Jan. 5 for a review hearing to check in on the progress of further evaluations and mental health restoration.
A Colorado Springs man pleaded guilty to six charges in federal court on Monday stemming from his attempt to sell government secrets to Russian operatives.

Court records detail that Jareh Sebastian Dalke, 31, pleaded guilty to six counts of attempting to transmit classified national defense information to an agent of a foreign government.

According to previous reporting from The Gazette Dalke, a former civilian employee of the National Security Agency, attempted to sell classified documents to a person whom he believed to be a Russian operative that was actually a federal agent.

Dalke, who served as an NSA information systems security designer from June 6-July 1 of 2022, allegedly began communicating by encrypted email with the undercover agent in late July after the agent wrote to him saying the agent had been informed that they should talk about items of mutual benefit.

At one point, Dalke allegedly told the agent that his heritage ties back to your country (Russia), which is why he said he has come to you as opposed to others, it said.

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Dalke was arrested on Sept. 28, 2022, and has remained in custody since his arrest. Court records show that Dalke pleaded guilty to the charges on Monday at a federal court in Denver.

"As part of his plea agreement, Dalke admitted that he willfully transmitted files to the FBI online covert employee with the intent and reason to believe the information would be used to injure the United States and to benefit Russia," a press release from the United States Department of Justice stated.

According to the plea agreement obtained by The Gazette, Dalke faces a maximum of life in prison for pleading guilty to the six espionage charges. The plea deal also states that if Dalke is released from prison he will serve no more than five years of supervised released.

Dalke will return to federal court on April 26, 2024, for his sentencing hearing.
A junior high student at The Vanguard School, a charter school in Harrison School District 2, is suing his school district over its policy over whether he can wear a Gadsden flag patch on his backpack.

Mountain States Legal Foundation, along with the 12-year-old student and his mother, announced Tuesday that they would be seeking an injunction of the school district's policy which would ban a student from displaying the Gadsden flag.

Jaiden (J.R.) Rodriguez and his mom, Eden Hope Rodriguez, are named as plaintiffs.

Defendants include District 2; D-2 Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel; D-2 Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Support Services Mike Claudio; The Vanguard School; Vanguard Executive Director Renee Henslee; Vanguard Director of Operations Jeff Yocum; and Vanguard's former junior high Assistant Principal Beth Dunjama, who was captured handing down the districts policy order to the Rodriguez family in a video that went viral in August.

The student is currently allowed to display the flag at school, however the Mountain States Legal Foundation press release states that the district has threatened to ban it again "as soon as anyone, including school officials, 'complains.'"

The lawsuit alleges that simply the threat of re-enforcement of the flag ban poses a threat of censorship of free speech.

The Gadsden flag was designed in 1775 during the American Revolution, featuring a rattlesnake with a yellow backdrop and the words "DONT TREAD ON ME."

More recently, the Gadsden flag has been used by different political groups. In 2014, in Denver, a U.S. Postal Service maintenance mechanic filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against a fellow employee who wore a hat with the Gadsden flag on it, the Washington Examiner reported. According to the aggrieved employee, the Gadsden flag is a historical indicator of White resentment against Blacks stemming largely from the Tea Party.

The EEOC ruled that, after a thorough review of the record, it is clear that the Gadsden Flag originated in the Revolutionary War in a nonracial context, but the EEOC allowed that suit to go forward because whatever the historic origins and meaning of the symbol, it also has since been sometimes interpreted to convey racially tinged messages in some contexts.

In August, the student was contacted by Vanguard School officials concerning multiple patches on his backpack, including several that depicted firearms. The gun patches were removed but the student kept the Gadsden patch, only to be told that a district administrator had ruled that the patch must also be removed, due to a district-wide policy.

Superintendent Birhanzel had allegedly ruled the flag unacceptable under the dress code, according to the lawsuit. Danjuma described the flag as having origins in the slave trade and therefore being unfit to be around other students, a rationale the lawsuit describes as historically inaccurate and "based entirely on highly-questionable left-wing political advocacy."

The lawsuit challenges the district dress code policy, specifically a provision that prohibits students from displaying symbols, words, slogans, patches or pictures that refer to weapons. Its language is "extremely overbroad," the suit says, and student safety concerns are already addressed under other dress code provisions that prohibit expressions that denote membership in a gang or threaten the safety or welfare of others.

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The adults who should have been nurturing J.R.s impulse to express himselfeven if they respectfully disagreed with his viewsinstead repeatedly censored his speech on increasingly flimsy pretexts," the lawsuit states.

After the story gained national attention on social media, the school's board of directors held an emergency meeting to walk back the decision. The student's family was then notified that he would be allowed to wear the Gadsden patch.

The Rodriguez family alleges they've experienced retaliation from the community as a result of Jaiden's free speech and have suffered personally in the fallout.

Fractures formed in their family down ideological lines as they weathered angry emails from loved ones, according to the student's mother. Vanguard parents also flooded Facebook pages with critical commentary accusing her of forcing her beliefs on her child and of self-interested attention seeking, she said. Some of her sons classmates have threatened to cancel him" and make repeated inappropriate gestures or comments at school.

This sucks. This has not been a win for our family. It's been a win for our country, and Im really glad about that, but I'm not glad about anything else, Eden Rodriguez said. We keep our head down and just pick up the kids and go to school.

Rodriguez decided to take the matter to court after school and district officials ignored repeated emails from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression on her family's behalf, which called for "immediate corrective action" including a revised dress code and public confirmation that Jaiden Rodriguez is allowed to continue wearing his patches. A final blow occurred at an October board of directors meeting in which Vanguard leaders proposed a parent code of conduct committee.

The details of that committee are unclear, but Rodriguez said she feared it would prevent parents like her from speaking out against the school in the future.

If I were to just let it go, then a month or two when things have calmed down and everybody's forgotten about it, (Vanguard) can just say, 'Oh, (the patch) is causing a disturbance in class,' and everything is back where it was in the beginning," Eden Rodriguez said. I guess all of the parents are just going to have to hate me because I'm taking this to court.

Defendants with D-2 and Vanguard did not immediately respond to The Gazette's request for comment.

The Gadsden Flag is a proud symbol of resistance to oppression and (the boy) had every right under the First Amendment to fly it proudly on his backpack. Mountain States Senior Counsel James Kerwin said. "Schools should not be taking sides with activists who want to reinterpret everything from the past to put it in the worst possible light.
Hanover School District 28s superintendent will step down after three months on the job amid allegations the district has been derelict in its tax filings. His tenure will end just before Thanksgiving break, according to an email sent to the D-28 community over the weekend.

Paul Calvert submitted his resignation on Thursday, which the five-person school board unanimously accepted at a special meeting Monday. In his email, Calvert stated he has taken another position outside of education that will allow (him) to pursue some things that (he has) always wanted to do.

His departure comes one month after district employees swarmed a board meetings public comment section to express ongoing concerns that the district was mishandling their taxes. Those concerns precede Calverts time with the district.

The employees alleged they had not received tax refunds and were facing fines by the Internal Revenue Service, for which they had filed dozens of grievances with D-28. The district did not submit employees W-2 forms to the federal agency for nearly every year since 2018, they said, and some were red flagged for tax fraud.

Calvert subsequently promised at a special board meeting on Sept. 27 that he was working with an outside auditor to examine district funds and ensure all outstanding IRS documents would be completed by the end of the week. The board will provide ongoing reports until the audit is complete.

There will be additional investigations taking place as needed, and actual dollar amounts that are still owed will be paid, Calvert said at the Sept. 27 meeting. Hopefully there should be no more issues going forward at this time.

Calvert and the board signed a contract of employment in April that committed Calvert to a two-year stint running from July 2023 through June 2025 with a gross annual salary of $112,000. The two parties mutually agreed to terminate that contract on Monday.

In response, a group of employees impacted by D-28s tax reporting issued a press release Monday evening stating they are petitioning the Colorado Department of Education to intervene on their and the communitys behalf while they lack a district leader.

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Our districts problems include improper tax wage reporting, lack of financial transparency, transportation challenges, an absence of leadership from the superintendent role and the board, and no accountability, discipline, or repercussions for those at fault, the release states. The circumstances we find ourselves in have negatively impacted our students education, the district, and the community.

With Calverts departure, the board is now grappling with how best to proceed in filling the vacancy.

It is painful. We went through the process, it took us several months to do it, and we had a superintendent for three months, board Vice President TJ Lippert said.

Board members proposed a combination of five possible options that ranged from starting an immediate superintendent search to waiting for the optimal superintendent hiring season.

The board also suggested hiring the Colorado Association of School Boards to conduct a national search on their behalf. Depending on the approach and how quickly candidates apply, Underwood said they could have somebody in place by the week of Thanksgiving.

Board President Randy Underwood said the board will revisit the timeline discussion during a Thursday work session, when he will have official pricing from CASB on how much it would cost the district to involve the nonprofit organization in its search. At that time, board members will consider which search process will be the best fit.
The Colorado Springs Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Department debuted two new trail-accessible wheelchairs at Red Rock Canyon Open Space Tuesday as a way to assist outdoor enthusiasts experience and explore park trails that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Most of us are here because Colorado Springs is so beautiful with so many trails so close to use, and people with disabilities have the same wants that we do. We want to get out we want to experience it, said Felicia Barnhart, a recreation therapist for the city of Colorado Springs.

If youre in a wheelchair, it's a lot harder. You have to have someone come to push you, your chair might not be able to make it, or you might not use a wheelchair but you can't walk very far.

Described by Barnhart as a mini tank, the all-terrain Trackchairs allow visitors to explore designated trails that otherwise would not be suitable for regular wheelchairs.

The tracks that are on there are very mobile  you can go over a lot of rocks, climb up a curb, and traverse all different types of terrain, she said. There are tip bars in the back so if you do a higher grade, it won't allow you to fall backwards.

Cristin Byrne of Green Mountain Falls shared her excitement about the new program at Tuesday's demonstration.

After losing one of her legs to an infection brought by a knee replacement in 2019, Byrne said her ability to access the outdoors has been extremely limited.

Tuesday was Byrnes first time exploring Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

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I could never be able to wheel myself up this hill. I haven't done a lot outside since my amputation  its really limited my life, and I remember growing up here there was a lot to do," she said.

For me to be able to get up there and see what its like, its just unbelievable. Its a new sense of freedom.

The two chairs were purchased using city funding from the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Equality Grant.

Modeling the program after a one similar in Staunton State Park near Pine, Barnhardt said theyre looking to have the Trackchairs available through online reservations at Red Rock Canyon by next spring. Each reservation will last upwards of two and a half hours.

We dont want people to feel rushed. As the program evolves well figure out if that's enough time, or not enough, Barnhardt said. As the program grows in popularity, well look at expanding services to other parks in the area."

The reservations will work as a guided hike with a member of park staff who is trained in how the chair works and familiar with surrounding terrain.

Susan Davies, executive director of the Colorado Springs Trails and Open Spaces Coalition, said the new program aligns with the coalition's goals of promoting accessibility throughout local trails.

Our biggest goal is to make trails accessibility to everyone, said Davies, who already assists El Paso County with recruiting volunteers for its similar Trail Hoppers program at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek nature centers. This will help them get out in places that they haven't been able to access before.
By Andrew Mills

DOHA (Reuters) - Qatari mediators are urging Hamas to quicken the pace of hostage releases to include women and children held in Gaza and to do so without expecting Israeli concessions, according to three diplomats and a source in the region familiar with the talks, as Israel readies a ground assault on the enclave.

The Gulf state, in coordination with the U.S., is leading mediation talks with Hamas and Israeli officials over the release of more than 200 hostages captured in the Palestinian group's cross-border onslaught on Oct 7.

Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli civilian women captives from the besieged enclave following the release of two hostages with dual U.S.-Israeli nationality on Friday.

Qatar is now discussing a larger release of civilians with Hamas and Israel, a fifth source told Reuters on Tuesday after being briefed on the negotiations. The source said the talks were progressing.

The talks are not about any of the Israeli soldiers held by Hamas, the diplomats and regional source familiar with the talks said. Hamas says such captive soldiers are strategic assets the group can eventually exchange for major concessions from Israel.

In Washington, two U.S. sources said that it was the U.S. understanding that Qatar is pushing Hamas to release a large group of hostages immediately and without expecting any Israeli concessions in return.

Some 222 people aged from 9 months to 85 years were seized on Oct. 7 when Hamas and other militants went on a killing spree through southern Israel, shooting motorists, hunting down civilians including children in their own homes, and burning and stabbing people to death, according to survivors' accounts.

LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE

In response, Israel has launched a bombardment of Gaza that has killed more than 5,700 people, buried families in the rubble of their apartment blocks, maimed thousands and displaced a million people. It now plans a ground assault to destroy Hamas.

Among the arguments three of the sources say Qatar may be using in its contacts with Hamas is that releasing a large group of civilian hostages would ease a big logistical burden for the militant group as it navigates its confrontation with Israel.

Feeding and accommodating the captives, and tending to those who are wounded, are difficult for Hamas at a time when it is bracing for an Israeli assault and there is little food or medicine to spare for Gaza's 2.3 million population, the diplomats and source said.

Keeping track of the captives, held by several groups in various locations, makes this task even more onerous, three of the sources said.

A source in the region familiar with the hostage negotiations said it appeared that Hamas had not anticipated taking so many hostages and had not made preparations for keeping so many individuals. Israeli officials have said many of the captives could be held in the warren of tunnels under Gaza.

When its fighters stormed into Israel on Oct 7, "Hamas did not expect the operation would be as catastrophically successful as it was. Now they have all these hostages and they don't know what to do with them," the source in the region added.

Qatar has also argued to Hamas that a large civilian release could reap diplomatic benefits by showing the group, seen as a terrorist organization by many Western countries, as sensitive to international humanitarian concerns over the captivity of children and other non-combatants, two of the sources said.

CAPTIVE SOLDIERS

A Hamas representative in Qatar did not respond to a request for comment. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to an email seeking comment.

In Jerusalem, an Israeli official said Hamas was using the hostage crisis for propaganda, trying to present itself as humane by releasing a handful of people they kidnapped. The official described this as "Nazi psychological warfare".

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday that Washington wanted "to see all the hostages released. We want to see them released unconditionally, and we want to see them released as soon as possible."

A release of civilians would still leave Hamas holding Israeli soldiers and security personnel. Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan said on Saturday the fate of Israeli army captives was related to a possible exchange of prisoners and in any case would not be discussed until Israel stopped attacking Gaza.

Qatar, which has ambitious foreign policy goals, has a direct line of communication with Hamas and Israel. It has previously helped mediate truces between the two.

A U.S. priority is to allow more time for negotiations on the release of hostages. But time may be running short.

The U.S. has advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault and is keeping Qatar apprised of that effort as the Gulf state seeks to mediate further hostage releases, two sources in Washington briefed on the hostage negotiations said on Monday.

(Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, James Mackenzie in Jerusalem and Edmund Blair in Beirut, Editing by William Maclean and Nick Macfie)
By Matt Spetalnick, Steve Holland and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and is keeping Qatar - a broker with the Palestinian militants - apprised of those talks, sources said, as Washington tries to free more hostages and prepare for a possible spillover in a wider regional war.

After Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed some 1,400 people, the United States stood by its ally and stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself. It has also publicly stressed that Israel will decide its own timetable for retaliation.

But the White House, Pentagon and State Department have now stepped up private appeals for caution in conversations with the Israelis, two sources familiar with discussions said, as Israel's blockade of Gaza worsens a humanitarian crisis and the death toll from its bombardment of the enclave passes 5,000.

A U.S. priority is to allow more time for negotiations on the release of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, sources said, particularly after the unexpected release of two Americans on Friday. Hamas said it released two more hostages on Monday. Hamas is believed to hold more than 200 hostages.

One U.S. official said the administration, mindful of Doha's role as an intermediary with Hamas, was keeping Qatari officials informed of its advice to Israel so that they are fully up-to-speed as hostage negotiations continue.

"For now, there's no clear roadmap or sequence of the steps towards complete de-escalation. The priority is on working to get the hostages out step-by-step," said a source briefed on the hostage negotiations.

'TOUGH QUESTIONS'

A second U.S. official said that European governments, many of whom also have citizens being held hostage, were also suggesting Israel refrain from launching its ground offensive to give space for the negotiations on their release to play out.

U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the hostage and humanitarian crises in Gaza with the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Britain on Sunday, the White House said.

The first U.S. official said that along with the hostage negotiations, advising Israel to hold off on its invasion could also give more time for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. Since Saturday, the United Nations said 54 trucks of aid had been able to enter Gaza from Egypt.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday that since the start of the conflict Washington had been speaking with Israel to "ascertain their intentions, their strategy, their aims, to see what their answers are, to the kinds of tough questions that any military ought to be asking."

A U.S. defense official said that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin - in many phone calls with his Israeli counterpart - had emphasized the need to be prepared for knock-on effects of a ground offensive, which include the risks of widening conflict in the region, the fate of hostages and the humanitarian crisis.

U.S. officials have urged Israel to follow the laws of war in any invasion of Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million people.

US DEFENSE

Israeli officials have increasingly signaled in public that a Gaza invasion could be imminent. None has given a hard date, however, or said that there has been a deferment. Israel has called up a record 300,000 military reservists.

"We will do what we need to do, when we need to do it," Israel's Deputy Ambassador to Washington Eliav Benjamin on told Israel's Army Radio Monday, playing down U.S. sway on planning for an offensive.

Since Sunday, Israel has signaled a shift in tactics by sending infantry, backed by tanks, on probing incursions of Gaza that have touched off clashes with Hamas fighters. It has also been focusing air strikes on what it described as areas where Hamas is assembling its fighters to ambush any invasion.

Advising Israel to hold off on a ground offensive also allows Washington to prepare for any possible retaliatory attacks against U.S. interests in the region as fears of a spillover grow, particularly between Israel and Lebanon's heavily-armed, Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

"We expect that there's a likelihood of escalation ... We are taking steps to make sure that we can effectively defend our people and respond decisively if we need to," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBC on Sunday.

Washington has also grown concerned over the desire among some senior Israeli officials, including the Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, advocating for a pre-emptive strike on Hezbollah.

Israel would have a difficult time fighting a war on two fronts simultaneously if Hezbollah launches a full-scale fight in the north, U.S. officials say. Washington has sent two aircraft carrier groups to the eastern Mediterranean to bolster its presence in the region and act primarily as a deterrent to Israels other Middle Eastern foes.

(Reporting by Matt Spetalnick Steve Holland and Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Andrew Mills in Doha and Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Writing by Simon Lewis and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Grant McCool)
Greg Gutfeld: Let's check in on Elon Musk

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Greg Gutfeld and his guests weigh in on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover and the downfall of FTX on 'Gutfeld!'

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Happy Tuesday, everyone. You know, I have to say, this is the best looking audience we have had so far. Yummy. There's more tens than in the Christmas cards I give my staff. They smile so much when they open it. But you people at home can't see this audience. But trust me, it's like looking at a sea of Larry Kudlow's. The only man who can make sock garters sexy.

But speaking of rich people, let's check in on Elon Musk, who may just be the best tweeter since Trump. It began Sunday with Musk tweeting about Twitter being super slow in other countries. That's when a Twitter engineer called out the Musk tweet, adding, quote, "I have spent six years working on Twitter. I could say this is wrong." When someone pointed out you probably shouldn't call out your boss publicly, he kept going. And that's when Musk hit back, "He's fired."

Well, now, if you don't find that hilarious, then you're not my friend and you've never fired anyone who really deserves it. It's why I had a trap door installed in my office and hired a contractor who could keep a secret. But if I tweeted about how I run this show, I'd probably be arrested, possibly for murder. If you guys had any idea what I spent on bleach and rope alone last month, and that's just on the interns who made eye contact.

GREG GUTFELD: RECREATIONAL DRUG USE IN US IS LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE

But for Musk, it only gets better. On Sunday, he announced plans to end free lunches at Twitter headquarters, saying the meals cost the company 13 million bucks a year. That's still $2 million less than "The View" spends on feeding Joy Behar. Hey, they don't like Joy. The problem was no one was coming to the office, and that was driving up the cost. They were throwing food away like it had been cooked by Kat.

But Musk making a sound business call made him even more evil. One Democrat activist wrote, quote, "He fired three fourths of the employees. Now he's planning to starve the rest of them." Yeah, yeah. They're all going to die because their bosses won't cover their sushi. What lame-o's? Here's a tip. You want a free lunch? Then, brown bag it, you losers. It's what my staff does. It's great. I just take a bite from each one of their sandwiches. I haven't bought a lunch in years. They all got hepatitis.

And what does Elon know about business, anyway? I mean, he's just the world's richest man. Unlike some unemployed 32-year old activist moaning on Twitter about food. The bottom line, it's great watching someone run a company with full transparency. He does everything with the door open. Like when Doocy uses the bathroom on the plane. Even more, Musk is willing to ask seemingly obvious questions that no one ever had the guts to ask. Does that remind you of anyone? Yeah. When Trump was in charge, he would question everything from trade with China to the water pressure of showers.

[VIDEO]

DONALD TRUMP:But how about the shower? You go into a shower and I have this beautiful head of hair. You turn on the water. Drip, drip, drip. And the water comes dripping out, just dripping out very quietly. So what do you do? You just stand there longer. You take a shower longer. Because my hair. I don't know about you, but it has to be perfect.

He sounds like Joe talking about taking a leak. Oh. But no wonder Musk has taken Trump's place as the Left's top target. The only difference is Musk can't run for president, which is probably a good thing for the Dems, because he'd probably win.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

And speaking of the Dems, oddly, they're obsessed with bringing Musk down, but they don't seem to care about the Bitcoin bandit, Sam Bankman-Fried. The founder of a crypto exchange called FTX, resigned last week after his company went belly up quicker than a five-year old's goldfish. So why no concern over him? Why haven't you heard of him until now? Well, he was Biden's second biggest donor and pumped millions into the Democratic Party. So imagine that coincidence.

But it turns out he used his crypto company to borrow real dollars that he couldn't pay back. Reuters reported that between one and $2 billion of customer funds are gone, but not before the Dems spent $40 million of his money just in time for the midterms. Yeah, the timing is impeccable. Kind of like vanishing a story on the Biden family before the 2020 election. You know, I'm sensing a pattern here. So now his company is under investigation for a scam that could make Bernie Madoff look like an Eagle Scout. And where is the media? Well, they suspended their skepticism when it was so obvious this guy's a clown.

[VIDEO]

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Sam is not a traditional billionaire because he believes in the concept of earn to give.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Earning to give is thinking about which causes, which charity save the most lives per dollar.

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:Next year, he's planning to donate $500 million a year. And next decade, he will probably give away more than $10 billion. And he is funding everything you can think of. Global warming.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:It's one of the biggest problems that we have to tackle together as a world.

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:COVID 19 preparedness.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:We have to be ready for the next pandemic.

NAS DAILY YOUTUBER:And of course, animal welfare.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED:Animals deserve to live just like we do. It's also why I'm vegan.

Dude. If you're that rich, buy a bra. Oh, my God. Terrible. It's not body-shaming. I'm just concerned. Now, if you believe anything that fruitcake says, maybe you should lose all your money. But he tricked them all with the right virtue signals. You've heard them. The right left-wing causes and all the right cash.

So will the media have any interest in digging further into a story filled with sex, drugs and corruption? Well, maybe they should read Harris Faulkner's new book. I want to talk about it, but who am I kidding? The media has about as much chance of covering that story as a belly shirt does Jerry Nadler's navel.

Greg Gutfeld currently serves as host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) "Gutfeld!" (weekdays 11PM/ET) and co-host of "The Five" (weekdays 5PM/ET). He joined the network in 2007 as a contributor. He is the author of several books. His latest is "The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help." Click here for more information on Greg Gutfeld.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted 98-0 to approve President Joe Biden's nominee to head the Federal Aviation Administration, Michael Whitaker, as the agency faces questions about near-miss safety incidents and air traffic control staffing issues.

The FAA has been without a permanent head for more than 18 months after a prior nominee withdrew. Whitaker, a former deputy FAA administrator, will be on the job as early as Wednesday, said Katie Thomson, the current No. 2 FAA official.

Whitaker said this month the agency must address a persistent air traffic controller shortage and a spate of near-miss airplane incidents and "really drive the most serious ones down to a level of zero."

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating seven runway incursion events since January, including a near collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation 560X business jet in San Diego.

Thomson said the FAA soon expects to receive a report from an independent safety review team named in April to look at ways to boost air safety after a series of close calls.

The FAA said in September it would again extend cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2024. New York Terminal Radar Approach Control staffing is just at 54% of recommended levels.

U.S. airlines have expressed growing frustration with air traffic control staff shortages.

A government watchdog said in June critical air traffic facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. At several facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages.

One issue Whitaker will face is the certification of a new Boeing 737 MAX model.

Whitaker has said he was not involved in the certification of the Boeing 737 MAX when he was deputy FAA administrator. The plane was grounded worldwide for 20 months after two fatal 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people.

Boeing is awaiting FAA certification of the 737 MAX 7, a small version of the best-selling plane. In July, Boeing said the first MAX 7 delivery had been delayed to 2024.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and Richard Chang)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House Republicans picked Majority Leader Tom Emmer as their nominee for speaker on Tuesday, making him the third pick in as many weeks, after the last two failed to garner enough support on the House floor to get the gavel.

Here are some facts about Emmer:

MINNESOTA

Emmer, 62, has represented Minnesota's 6th Congressional District since 2015, covering suburbs to the northwest of Minneapolis, with Emmer winning 62% of the vote in 2022.

Emmer grew up in the state and received a political science degree from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, then a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He practiced as a lawyer for two decades before winning election to the House in 2004.

He and his wife Jacquie have been married for over 30 years and have seven children, according to his official biography.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

Emmer served as chair of the House Republicans' campaign arm from 2019 to 2022, helping to win back the majority in 2022 before being elected majority whip.

Both roles gave him face time with a wide swath of members in the Republican conference, although he has never served as chair of a major committee.

POLICY STANCES

Emmer is a relative moderate compared to other House Republicans - he voted in favor of federal legislation recognizing same-sex marriage last year, and voted to certify then-President Donald Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. He supports aid for Ukraine and voted for the short-term resolution keeping the U.S. government funded in late September.

He currently sits on the Financial Services Committee and is a co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus.

RELATIONSHIP WITH TRUMP

Emmer faced criticism from some far-right Republicans in the House for not being close enough with Trump, in particular for not endorsing his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president.

Emmer has pushed back on this, pointing to his endorsements of Trump in 2016 and 2020, and adding that other Republican leaders have also not endorsed Trump yet, including former speaker nominee Steve Scalise and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

However Trump came out swinging against Emmer on Tuesday, saying on social media, "Voting for a Globalist RINO like Tom Emmer would be a tragic mistake!"

(Reporting by Moira Warburton in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will confront China's top diplomat over the regime's human rights abuses during meetings that coincide with Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) climate-themed trip to China.

"Talking about the issues where we see potential cooperation or even coordination does not mean we don't also raise the difficult issues," a senior administration official said on Monday. "Diplomacy means talking about the hard issues as well as the issues for potential operation."

HOW HOUSE REPUBLICANS WILL PICK THEIR NEXT SPEAKER NOMINEE IN CROWDED FIELD

President Joe Biden's team offered that forecast as the high-profile California governor began a week of travel in China for a series of climate change policy discussions. His apparent intent to avoid human rights controversies triggered congressional criticism, but Biden's team allowed that his meetings could build on previous climate-related discussions between Biden and Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping.

"State-to-provincial engagement is an important part of diplomacy.  We look to Gov. Newsom's visit as a chance to try to push forward some of those conversations," the senior administration official said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) speaks next to professor Peng Gong onstage during the fireside chat at the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Anthony Kwan/AP

Yet a Newsom aide's statement that "the trip is wholly focused on climate" drew a warning from a Senate Democrat who co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

"It does great damage because it looks like the Chinese repression is accepted, and we cannot allow that to be the case," Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) told Politico.

Merkley emphasized that Newsom should "speak very clearly against the repression of the Hong Kong people."

Newsom, who joked "I wish I was president of the United States" after stopping Friday in Israel en route to Hong Kong, complimented the authorities for their climate policies.

"You guys inspired us," he said, according to the South China Morning Post. "Hong Kong's a remarkable place. You are demonstrating leadership in many different capacities."

Newsom stopped at Hong Kong University for a "fireside chat" that brought him into contact with a Chinese Foreign Ministry official "whose last posting was in Xinjiang," as Hong Kong-based political reporter Alvin Lum observed. Xinjiang is the home of the Uyghur Muslims, an ethnic and religious minority that Chinese Communist officials have targeted for a comprehensive set of repressions that the United States has declared a genocide.

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"We must radically change the way we produce and consume energy, and it won't be enough if we act alone," he said in the statement. "This visit is an opportunity to share our successes, learn from one another and continue driving an ambitious climate agenda."

Newsom offered no comment on those issues in his initial remarks at Hong Kong University and sidestepped the controversies during the question-and-answer session. "We can do many different things at once, but the issue of climate change is why I'm here and I'm going to aggressively pursue that agenda," Newsom said, according to Bloomberg.

His team forecast that approach before their departure last week. "The trip is pretty wholly focused on climate, and we are obviously a state, so I think we look to our federal partners on federal issues," Newsom spokeswoman Erin Mellon said last week.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Newsom will spend six days in China, while Blinken will host the communist regime's top diplomat in Washington from Thursday to Saturday.

"For Secretary Blinken in these upcoming engagements ... advocating for our values, standing up for key issues like human rights and religious freedom, and being absolutely candid and crystal clear about the depth of our concerns will certainly be on the agenda," another senior administration official said Monday.

Original Location: Biden team flags Beijings human rights abuses that Gavin Newsom ducks on China tour

Washington Examiner Videos
Secretary of State Antony Blinken showed his support for Israel at the United Nations Security Council but floated the idea of "humanitarian pauses" to protect civilians.

On Monday, Blinken stressed the "right and indeed the imperative" of states to defend themselves against attacks and the need to "unequivocally condemn Hamas and its barbaric terrorist attack against Israel." Later in the speech, Blinken floated the idea of "humanitarian pauses," a statement purposefully catered to avoid the term "ceasefire," later statements by U.S. officials showed.

NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER: YOUNGKIN BETS 15-WEEK ABORTION CAP WILL DELIVER 2023 GOP TAKEOVER

"Hamas must cease using [civilians] as human shields," he said. "Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians. It means food, medicine and water, and other assistance must flow into Gaza and to the areas people need them. It means civilians must be able to get out of harm's way. It means humanitarian pauses must be considered for these purposes."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Seth Wenig/AP

The line was the one check on his largely pro-Israel speech, where he condemned others for not condemning Hamas strongly enough.

"Parents executed in front of their children. Children executed in front of their parents. And so many taken hostage in Gaza," Blinken said. "We have to ask  indeed, it must be asked  where's the outrage? Where's the revulsion? Where's the rejection? Where's the explicit condemnation of these horrors?"

Blinken's comments about "humanitarian pauses" were elaborated on by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who said it was different from a ceasefire, a prospect the United States has condemned as favorable to Hamas.

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"We want to see all measure of protection for civilians, and pauses in operation is a tool and a tactic that can do that for temporary periods of time," he said. "That is not the same as saying a ceasefire. Again, right now, we believe a ceasefire benefits Hamas, a general ceasefire."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Kirby clarified that what differentiates a ceasefire and "humanitarian pause" is "a question of duration and scope and size and that kind of thing."

Bombing from the Israel Defense Forces targeting Hamas forces in Gaza has taken a heavy civilian toll in collateral damage. The Hamas-overseen Health Ministry puts the total at 5,700 Palestinians, including 2,300 minors, according to the Associated Press. The overall total includes 704 killed over the past 24 hours. Over 1,400 Israelis have been killed as well, with most of these being civilians killed during Hamas's opening terror attack that sparked the war on Oct. 7.

Original Location: Blinken backs Israel at UNSC but says 'humanitarian pauses must be considered' to protect civilians

Washington Examiner Videos
An 85-year-old Israeli woman who was taken hostage by Hamas has described how the militants beat her with sticks and forced her to walk underground for miles after being kidnapped.

Yocheved Lifshitz, who was released on Monday by Hamas on humanitarian grounds, said that on Oct. 7, she was taken from her home in the Nir Oz kibbutz and driven away on a motorbike.

BIDEN VACATIONS WHILE PRESSURE TO FREE HOSTAGES MOUNTS

"I went through a hell that we'd never imagined. They [Hamas terrorists] rampaged through the kibbutz," she said, adding that they beat her with sticks, which made it difficult to breathe.

Upon her arrival in Gaza, she said she was made to walk on wet ground before heading into an underground tunnel network, which she likened to a spiderweb. Her daughter Sharone helped translate from Hebrew to English as she gave her interview outside a Tel Aviv hospital on Tuesday.

From there, she said she was initially kept with 25 other people before being separated into a small group with four others from her kibbutz, and she received regular treatment from doctors, ate one meal a day of pita, cheese, and cucumber, and slept on mattresses on the tunnel floors.

Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was held hostage in Gaza after being abducted during Hamas's bloody Oct. 7 attack on Israel, speaks to members of the press a day after being released by Hamas militants, at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Ariel Schalit/AP)

"They really took care of the sanitary side of things so that we didn't get sick," she said. "They were very generous to us, very kind. They kept us clean. They took care of every detail. There are a lot of women, and they know about feminine hygiene and they took care of everything there."

Lifshitz, who is one of just four hostages released so far and the first to speak publicly, also criticized Israel's military and intelligence for a "lack of awareness" and not taking the Hamas threat seriously.

"They warned us three weeks beforehand, they burned fields, they sent fire balloons, and the IDF did not treat it seriously," she said.

More than 220 people are still believed to be held hostage by Hamas, including Lifshitz's husband. Lifshitz was released on Monday alongside Nurit Cooper, 79.

Despite the attack coming more than two weeks ago, Israel has not launched a full-on ground offensive into Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces has carried out a series of limited operations within Gaza, partly because of the complex urban nature it will face, as well as the delicate task of retrieving the hostages unharmed.

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On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the conflict "could be a long war," but he insisted the country is doing what it can to avoid more civilian casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron after a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Christophe Ena/AP)

"We are doing everything we need to do to destroy Hamas in Gaza," he said. "We will dismantle its terror machine, we will dismantle its political structure. We will make every effort to release our hostages. And we will take every effort to keep Palestinian civilians out of harm's way."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu likened Hamas to the Nazis.

"As in the Second World War, when the French supported the anti-Nazi resistance, today the international community is uniting in support of Israel," he said. "Hamas barbarism threatens the Jews, it threatens the Middle East, it threatens Europe, it threatens the world."

Original Location: Israel war: Hamas hostage reveals she was beaten and forced to walk spiderweb tunnel network

Washington Examiner Videos
The son of one of Hamas's founders said the organization is more dangerous than ISIS, saying Hamas is driven by a religious hatred of all Jews.

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the eldest son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, was raised within the militant group but later turned against it and spied for the Israeli Shin Bet. In an appearance on Fox News, Yousef said Hamas is impossible to reason with due to its religious nature and it is driven primarily not by a desire for Palestinian liberation but rather by the destruction of Israel and all Jews.

BIDEN VACATIONS WHILE PRESSURE TO FREE HOSTAGES MOUNTS

"Hamas is a religious movement, and they are a raging religious movement against Israel. The mainstream media cannot say this because they are afraid to ignite a religious war. And what I say, it already is. They want to annihilate the Jewish people because they are Jewish people because they are a Jewish state," Yousef said. "They are driven by dark hatred toward a race, toward a nation."

Mosab Hassan Yousef. Cliff Owen/AP

He said it was improper to compare Hamas to ISIS because the former is more dangerous due to alleged global support.

"It's the wrong comparison to say Hamas and ISIS because I think Hamas is a lot more dangerous," Yousef said. "Look at the division and the global confusion because of Hamas. They brought us to our knees somehow by their brutality and their barbarism. Brutality is even understating Hamas' acts."

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CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Yousef said he grew up believing in the ideals of Hamas but became disillusioned during his time in prison alongside other Hamas members when he witnessed them torturing and murdering suspected Israeli collaborators. In 1997, he began spying for the Shin Bet, using his status to undermine Hamas's attacks and plans.

Yousef also said that he became disillusioned with Islam around the same time, converting to Christianity sometime later. He outed himself in 2007 and sought asylum in the United States. He wrote an autobiography about his time in Hamas in 2010 called Son of Hamas.

Original Location: Israel war: Son of Hamas founder says fight is about religion, 'driven by dark hatred toward a race'

Washington Examiner Videos
EXCLUSIVE  Republican lawmakers are requesting Washington, D.C., Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser "immediately rename" Black Lives Matter Plaza in the nation's capital over groups in the left-wing movement boosting Hamas after the terror group murdered innocent Israelis.

BLM has come under the national spotlight on the heels of chapters across the United States expressing sympathy for the Palestinian terror group Hamas, which on Oct. 7 attacked the Jewish state of Israel, killing, raping, and abducting civilians. Bowser is now being asked by 25 GOP senators and House members to not only change the name of the plaza but remove a street mural there and "end the city's celebration of this terrorist sympathizer group," according to a letter sent Monday evening.

BIDEN VACATIONS WHILE PRESSURE TO FREE HOSTAGES MOUNTS

"BLM continues to openly celebrate the antisemitic Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel," the lawmakers, led by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), wrote to Bowser. "This stance is irreconcilable with American values. America must clearly affirm its stance against antisemitism, wherever it appears."

BLM Plaza is a two-block pedestrian section near the White House that received its name after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. It features 35-foot-tall yellow letters spelling "Black Lives Matter," and construction costs were estimated at $7.8 million, the Washington Post reported.

The GOP letter noted that BLM Chicago recently posted a graphic on social media of a Hamas terrorist in a paraglider with the caption, "I stand with Palestine." It also said that BLM in Washington, D.C., "posted that Israel is guilty of 'apartheid,' while sharing posts that cast doubt on the atrocities that took place on Oct. 7, including the beheading of babies."

The Republicans slammed BLM Grassroots, which has 26 chapters and referred to the deadly Hamas attack in mid-October as a "desperate act of self-defense," as an entity that "threw its support behind these murderous attacks."

Muriel Bowser, Black Lives Matter Plaza, Washington, D.C. Oct. 23, 2023. Republican lawmakers demand the plaza be renamed. AP Images/Canva/Washington Examiner/Muriel Bowser/Black Lives Matter Plaza, Washington, D.C.

"These posts are meant to delegitimize Israel and rationalize brutal attacks on the Jewish people," the Republicans wrote in the letter, which was also signed by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Steve Daines (R-MT), and House Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), among others.

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"It is hard to escape the conclusion that these statements are motivated by an ugly animus against the Jewish people," the lawmakers continued. "BLM Grassroots said the Hamas attack 'must not be condemned but understood' as resistance to '75 years of settler colonialism and apartheid.' Those 75 years account for the entire existence of the Jewish state."

Bowser has said in the past she rejects "terrorism in all its forms" and that "antisemitism has no place in our institutions, our country, our world or our hearts," the Republicans said, adding they "wholeheartedly agree with this statement."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"We further believe that movements that celebrate violent anti-semitism should not be honored by the government with a plaza, especially one located directly outside of our nation's White House," the letter said.

Bowser's office did not return a request for comment.

Original Location: Muriel Bowser pressed by GOP to rename DC's Black Lives Matter Plaza over 'antisemitism'

Washington Examiner Videos
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) will reportedly introduce a resolution on Tuesday to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) for "antisemitic activity" and sympathizing with a terrorist organization.

"The [Democratic] Party has done nothing to hold her accountable. They've done nothing to rein her in, and no one else here has done it. And so I thought it was right to list examples of  this isn't just new. This isn't a one-off thing. This is exactly who she is," she told Fox News.

BIDEN VACATIONS WHILE PRESSURE TO FREE HOSTAGES MOUNTS

The resolution states its purpose as to censure Tlaib "for antisemitic activity, sympathizing with terrorist organizations, and leading an insurrection at the United States Capitol Complex," referring to a mass protest inside the U.S. Capitol last week that saw hundreds of demonstrators arrested. Tlaib had spoken to a crowd during a rally led by the organizers of the protest.

Greene predicted, "I think we will have every single Republican vote with us for this central resolution."

But she doesn't think the resolution's support will be limited to Republicans. "It would be shocking to me if they didn't vote for it," she said.

In the censure resolution, Greene refers to several examples. One such example is a 2019 comment made by Tlaib, claiming the Holocaust gave her a "calming feeling."

"There's always kind of a calming feeling, I tell folks, when I think of the Holocaust, and the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the fact that it was my ancestors  Palestinians  who lost their land, and some lost their lives, their livelihood, their human dignity, their existence in many ways, have been wiped out, and some people's passports," she said on a podcast episode at the time. "And just all of it was in the name of trying to create a safe haven for Jews, post-the Holocaust, post-the tragedy and the horrific persecution of Jews across the world at that time. And I love the fact that it was my ancestors that provided that, right, in many ways. But they did it in a way that took their human dignity away, and it was forced on them."

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Greene also pointed to Tlaib's recently reiterated claims that Israel has an "apartheid government."

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The conservative firebrand further cited Tlaib's statement following Hamas's initial attack on Israel earlier this month, in which she said, "The path to the future must include lifting the blockade, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid system that creates the suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance."

Greene also called for an investigation into the protest held inside the Capitol last week, according to Fox News. "It should [have] a House Ethics investigation. [The House Administration Committee] should be investigating it. I think the Department of Justice, FBI should be investigating, even possibly the CIA," she said.

Original Location: Rashida Tlaib to face censure motion from Marjorie Taylor Greene for 'antisemitic activity'

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The United Auto Workers strike has expanded by another 5,000 people, this time at General Motors's Arlington Assembly in Texas.

The expanded strike on Tuesday will shut down production at GM's biggest plant, where the automakers' most profitable vehicles, such as the Chevy Tahoe and the Chevy Suburban, are built. The stand-up strike, which is defined as an unannounced walkout, comes after GM grossed $10 billion in profits over the past nine months, with UAW claiming GM has failed to reward UAW members for the profits they have generated.

CHEVRON TO BUY HESS FOR $53 BILLION, CEMENTING LONG-TERM BET ON FOSSIL FUELS

"Another record quarter, another record year," UAW President Shawn Fain said. "As we've said for months: Record profits equal record contracts. It's time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share."

United Auto Workers members hold picket signs near a General Motors Assembly Plant in Delta Township, Michigan, on Sept. 29, 2023. Paul Sancya/AP

The additional 5,000 people striking on Tuesday brings the UAW's strike to over 45,000, with the strike occurring since Sept. 14. The strike organized by UAW is against the three biggest automakers in the Detroit area: GM, Ford, and Stellantis.

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The UAW's stand-up strikes are a new form of striking for it as they involve unannounced walkouts compared to when the UAW previously gave a deadline to allow the automakers time to make a deal. However, previous deadline warnings failed to create deals that met the UAW's requests, with the organization opting to do surprise walkouts since Oct. 11.

Automakers are still attempting to come to an agreement with the UAW as the strike is about to turn 6 weeks old come Thursday. Last week, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford asked the UAW to work with the company to reach a deal.

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"The UAW's leaders have called us the enemy in these negotiations," Ford said. "But I will never consider our employees as enemies. This should not be Ford versus the UAW. It should be Ford and the UAW versus Toyota and Honda, Tesla, and all the Chinese companies that want to enter our home."

Last month, GM CEO Mary Barra slammed Fain for wanting to make "history for himself" at the expense of the auto industry. She also accused Fain and other UAW leaders of dragging their members into a "long, unnecessary strike to further their own personal and political agendas."

Original Location: UAW expands strike with 5,000 people, shutting down biggest GM plant

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House Republicans have selected their third speaker-designate since Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from the speakership three weeks ago, electing House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) as their latest nominee.

Emmer will now be tasked with getting to the required 217 votes on the floor of the House of Representatives, something previous speaker-designate Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) failed to do on three ballots last week. Here is a look at who the GOP's newest speaker-designate is.

GLENN YOUNGKIN SAYS ALL DEMOCRATS DO IS 'SELL FEAR' AHEAD OF PIVOTAL VIRGINIA ELECTIONS

The Minnesota Republican was first elected to the House in 2014, in the state's 6th Congressional District, after serving in the Minnesota House from 2005 until 2011 and being the GOP gubernatorial nominee in 2010.

He was narrowly elected House majority whip by the Republican conference after the 2022 election, beating out Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) 115-106 in the final round of voting. Emmer was also expected to run for House majority leader if current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) would have won the House speakership.

Emmer is a member of the Republican Study Conference and serves on the House Financial Services Committee.

FILE - House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., leaves the Republican caucus meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Jose Luis Magana/AP

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Unlike the two previous GOP speaker-designates, Scalise and Jordan, Emmer did not vote to decertify the 2020 election during a special session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time, Emmer defended his decision by saying that Congress did "not have the authority to discard" electors.

"Article 2 of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of Congress and the states when certifying the results of the Electoral College. Simply put, Congress does not have the authority to discard an individual slate of electors certified by a state's legislature in accordance with their constitution," Emmer said in a statement in January 2021. "Doing so sets a precedent that I believe undermines the state-based system of elections that defines our Republic. If there are competing slates of electors sent to Congress by a state's legislature, precedent allows Congress to be the arbiter between the two slates, however no state has done this so far in this election."

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Emmer won the nomination of the House Republican conference, but roughly 20 members did not vote for the Minnesota Republican in a roll vote of the full conference. In a full vote of the House, a Republican speaker candidate can only lose four votes to be elected.

A vote of the full House has not been scheduled as the GOP works to move the holdouts in the conference. Democrats reportedly are open to sitting out a vote on the House floor to allow Emmer to be elected with fewer than 217 votes, with Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) saying he would do so if Emmer agreed to certain concessions.

Original Location: Who is GOP speaker-designate Tom Emmer?

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Children in the Busy Bees preschool of the Darren Patterson Christian Academy in Buena Vista. A federal judge on Saturday permitted the school to continue participating in the state's universal preschool funding program. (dpcsweb.org)
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the temporary leader of the House of Representatives and the speaker pro tempore, gavels the House into session Friday as Republicans try to elect Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio to be the new House speaker, at the Capitol in Washington.
Critics and supporters of the Woodland Park School District leadership pack a recent school board meeting after a controversial email sent to teachers by the district.
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and host of The Jimmy Sengenberger Show Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on News/Talk 710 KNUS. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on Twitter (X) @SengCenter.
A subdivision in eastern Fountain known as Mesa Ridge has been reimagined this year to feature more multifamily housing and a different site for businesses.

Developers are expecting to build about 1,800 homes and 21 acres of commercial development south of Mesa Ridge Parkway and west of Marksheffel Road inside the existing Fountain city limits, plans show.

The Fountain City Council approved both a new plan for the property in March and new metro districts needed to finance the infrastructure across 471 acres in September. But it will take some time before work starts on the property.

"This is a very long-term project," Tim Seibert, senior vice president of Norwood Development Group, told the Fountain City Council. He estimated that construction could start in two years but that could be pushed back, he said in an email.

The subdivision of about 530 acres was first annexed in 2005 and the latest iteration for the remaining property proposed by Norwood will increase the amount of property set aside for multifamily homes, change the layout for the proposed school sites and proposes a smaller but less geographically challenging site for new businesses.

While Fountain is working to secure water to support long-term growth, the Mesa Ridge property will be served by Widefield Water and Sanitation District, which has agreed to provide water for up to 2,114 units on the property. Under the cap, there are 1,860 units yet to be built, Seibert said.

Commercial development is also key for the community to help raise revenue for city operations and Fountain councilmembers raised questions about plans for new businesses.

The approved plan envisions a business center of about 20 acres near Mesa Ridge Parkway and Marksheffel Road. It is smaller than a 36-acre parcel south of Mesa Ridge Parkway and Powers Boulevard previously envisioned for businesses, but not as steep and could potentially go in sooner because it is closer to existing utilities connections, Seibert said.

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"We think it will serve the community better," he said.

The plan also now sets aside 36 acres for apartments  up from 28 acres. The approved map of the area shows 481 more apartments that could be built north of C&S Road and east of Cross Creek Regional Park.

A planned 30-acre site for an elementary school, middle school and high school are set aside for Widefield School District 3 and will now be bisected by a road separating the elementary school site from the middle and high school site to help with traffic circulation, Seibert said

Cross Creek Regional Park directly west of the project satisfies the city requirements for the subdivision to set aside park land, said Kristy Martinez, the planning manager for Fountain. But some pocket parks could be added to the neighborhood plans as it builds out, Seibert said.

The property will eventually be bisected by an extension of Powers Boulevard running from the northwest to the southeast, but it is unknown when the Colorado Department of Transportation will build the new connection. The result: that portion of the property will be greenspace for an unknown amount of time, Seibert said.

In September, the city approved three new metro districts that can issue up to $65 million in debt to finance the subdivision, city documents said.

The first bonds totaling $5.1 million to fund the project could be issued in December 2026.

Under the approved metro district plan, up to 45 mills could be added to property tax bills of new residents. If the full 45 mills was added to the property taxes of a $560,000 home in the new subdivision could potentially pay $4,964 in property taxes annually compared to the $3,162 owed if the district did not exist, a presentation to the Fountain City Council showed.
A recent audit by the Denver Auditor detailed how the city is responding to the homelessness crisis that has become more acute in the last several years, particularly when it comes to the "unsheltered" population.
(Via YouTube) Participants in a debate about Colorados Proposition HH face off over the statewide property tax relief ballot question on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, from left: Assistant House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs; Democratic Gov. Jared Polis; Michael Fields of Advance Colorado Action; and economist Arthur Laffer. Polis and Laffer support the measure, and Pugliese and Fields oppose it. The debate was sponsored by Colorado Politics, the Denver Gazette and 9News.
A Christian school in Chaffee County argued to a federal judge on Thursday that it should be able to receive state money to participate in the new universal preschool program without having to abide by Colorado's non-discrimination rules for providers.
This fall, backhoes, dump trucks on tracks and other heavy equipment have been digging out an abandoned dam on the South Platte River near Lake George to transform a slow, wide, cattail-choked stretch of water back into a fish-friendly steam.

At one point in early October, crews had diverted the river into a 607-foot-long plastic structure that rushed past crews as they dug up 17,000 cubic yards of sediment that has built up above the dam since the 1950s, said Nick Saylor, construction manager for FlyWater. His company is taking down the dam and restoring the habitat. Crews also had to take out metal sheets used in the dam that were driven vertically into the bed of the river.

Even during the work, fish endeavored to get upstream.

"We're watching fish every day try to jump over that dam and just bounce right off," he said.

Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, deer and numerous anglers have also been wandering by the site in the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area about an hour west of Colorado Springs. Work to take down the low concrete dam started in July.

Colorado Springs Utilities used the dam as a temporary diversion through the 1960s during the construction of the Blue River pipeline, the agency said in written responses to questions. Over the decades the dam slowed the river flow and widened its path. Taking out the dam is expected to improve river conditions for 45 miles of the river from Eleven Mile Reservoir to Cheesman Reservoir.

Over the next five to ten years, the ecosystem will return to its more native state likely with more willows and grasses, than cattails, Forest Service experts said.

It also may carve more of a path through hulking boulders as it does directly upstream from the dam, said John Geerdes, CEO and executive director for the Coalition of the Upper South Platte. The nonprofit raised about $4 million for the project and it is the grant manager for the project that will improve watershed health, one of its key priorities.

"Once it's out, it improves stream habitat enormously," Geerdes said of the dam.

It will also prevent the dam from potentially failing in the future and allow for rainbow and brown trout to migrate more freely, improving genetic diversity, Forest Service experts said.

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After decades of damming rivers in the West, more are starting to come down because they are no longer serving a purpose and they are in danger of failing. Of the 90,000 dams the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has surveyed, about 85% are more than 50 years old and many likely need to come down, according to a 2022 report from American Rivers, a national nonprofit working on dam removals.

The report found in Colorado, 27 dams have been removed, more than other Rocky Mountain states, but far less than West Coast states, such as Oregon, where 80 dams have come down.

"We've been a little bit behind the curve in the Intermountain West, as to removing these structures," said Kristen Meyer, the fish and wildlife biologist for the South Park Ranger District. In this case, she expects taking down the dam will allow more fish to spawn and survive, which in turn will support the bald eagles and osprey in the area.

Once work in the river wraps up this winter, crews will return in spring and expect to put in new plantings such as willows and grasses along the banks. Much of the sediment hauled out from the river will also be reused along the banks.

As the new willows go in, Meyer said she expects more migratory birds, such as sparrows and warblers, will be drawn to the area.

Researchers are planning to quantify the improvement, and some of the work will involve taking samples of macroinvertebrates, such as insects, she said.

The conclusion of the project at the end of May is scheduled to coincide with the return of a nesting pair of bald eagles that live on the river banks, Geerdes said.

South Park District Ranger Josh Voorhis said while the price tag is high, so far reaching $4.8 million, and the process is lengthy, starting 12 years ago, it could have cost more. All dams will fail without maintenance and, in this case, the thousands of cubic yards of sediment could have washed downstream, damaging other infrastructure, he said. The dam has been considered abandoned since about the 1990s, meaning it has not been inspected.

Restoration eliminates that liability for Colorado Springs Utilities and the Forest Service, he said. Colorado Springs Utilities chipped in $750,000 to take down the dam.

Once the area is restored, the Forest Service expects to open a new parking area and wheelchair accessible trail leading to a fishing hole in the area for visitors to enjoy the canyon, Meyer said.
Members of Mason City's interfaith community will host a public prayer for peace and restraint in response to the escalation of fighting in Gaza between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Adas Israel Synagogue of Mason City had previously scheduled a public prayer vigil at its regular Shabbat services Friday night, but was forced to cancel that event after the congregation felt they could not guarantee the public's safety.

The group decided that those of all faiths would be welcome, and agreed to reschedule the event, now to be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 28, in Central Park.

Local faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities will lead those attending in prayer and discussion on the impact of the war, particularly on the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Tracy Smith is a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City, and has been attending Torah study at Adas Israel since the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018.

"I know we don't usually, but because of last night, is it okay if we open in prayer?" Smith said Saturday morning. "I was praying myself last night, but I was alone."

Smith displayed a Star of David pin on her shirt in solidarity. She said she would go to Israel and fight, "if I weren't grounded," as she pointed to her oxygen tank on the floor.

"This is the most interesting part of my month," said Smith of the Torah study. "My faith means that I'm not afraid to die. For me, it's a promotion."

In this week's Torah study, Rabbi Michael Libbie, lay leader at Adas Israel, agreed that "times are a bit troublesome." The Rev. Burton Everist of First Congressional Church led the opening prayer, saying "We pray that the disaster in Israel and Gaza might soon end as peacefully as possible. We pray for wisdom for the nations to work well and establish a true peace."

The Rev. Le Anne Clausen de Montes is ordained in the Presbyterian faith, but preaches to a Methodist congregation. She spent three years in Israel as a human rights worker, and is devastated by the violence currently engulfing the Holy Land.

"I consider both our local synagogue and our local mosque as friends," said de Montes. "I personally do not see after 75 years (of Arab-Israeli conflict) a military resolution to the conflict. I think the only resolution to the conflict is going to be one that is based on human rights, and ensuring that everyone who does live in (the Middle East) has housing, food and opportunity for education and vocation  the simple means to live."

Libbie condemned the evil represented by Hamas' quest for Jewish eradication, turning to Scripture to make a point on the depth of the evil the nation of Israel and Jews worldwide who wish for a national homeland are fighting against.

"Hamas" is an Arabic acronym for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyya, which means The Islamic Resistance Movement. But hamas is also an Arabic word that means zeal. The Hebrew meaning of chamas is violence, according to the Hebrew-English volume of Reuben Alcalays Hebrew-English, English-Hebrew dictionary. Cruelty and injustice are additional definitions, but not zeal," according to an article in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle.

Senior Hamas official Mohammad Deif, in claiming responsibility for the Oct. 7 attack on Jewish civilians, said "This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on Earth," and claimed 5,000 rockets had been launched during the initial coordinated attack against Israeli targets.

Hamas has rejected Israeli sovereignty since its charter in 1988, referring to Jews worldwide as "the Zionist enemy".

"It's stunning, it's absolutely stunning ... a forewarning for evil," said Libbie.

David Stoeger is a hospice chaplin in Mason City, who also spent time in Israel. "I'm just so sad. I've seen the (non-militant) Palestinian side of things, and I don't like the way they are being treated," he said.

"I think Israel has a policy of mass incarceration with their settlements in the West Bank," Stoeger added, before Smith interjected.

"Excuse me, they lost the West Bank in the Six-Day War," said Smith, referring to the 1967 conflict that ended with Israeli control over territory previously occupied by Syria, Jordan and Egypt. "They [Arabs] are allowed to stay."

"They [Arabs] are allowed to stay, but they're treated like second-class citizens," said Stoeger. "Gaza is basically an open-air prison."

DeMontes said she realized the geopolitical nuances of the conflict aren't going to be solved here in rural Iowa. She hopes community members of all faiths "gather to show their support on Saturday for a peaceful end to the conflict," and hope their prayers are heard. "There are civilians, and then there are armed combatants," de Montes said. "I am with the civilians."
GREENSBORO  Standing outside the UNCG administration building on Thursday, a group of students, faculty and staff held signs and chanted in opposition to the potential elimination of some academic programs, as well as possible increases in tuition and fees for graduate students.

Organizers estimated roughly 250 people attended, and others honked from their cars as they drove past, prompting cheers from the crowd.

An online petition is calling for the immediate suspension or discontinuation of UNCGs academic portfolio review process, whose purpose is to identify programs for elimination. According to UNCGs website, deans and their teams will be tasked with using metrics and data to make recommendations for program discontinuation to the provost in January 2024.

UNCGs chapter of the American Association of University Professors has raised questions about the reviews flawed process and what they say is the unnecessary elimination of academic programs.

Information about which programs are to be recommended for elimination will be shared publicly in January, according to UNCG. The university expects to hold open forums to discuss those recommendations.

Ally Beatty, a second-year graduate student, held a sign that read African American studies just got here! She participated Thursday because she is concerned the program may be in jeopardy.

I stand first for African American studies, Beatty said. We fought hard for this program. We cannot understand history without African American history. Diversity is our identity at UNCG.

Beatty, who minored in African American studies for her undergraduate degree, said the thought of the university possibly eliminating the program is concerning and doesnt make us feel safe.

Azariah Journey, a first-year graduate student, was one of several people who helped organize Thursdays event. She is concerned about the impact of proposed changes: It will affect future students. It will affect our community, and it will affect our professors.

Kelton Hollister, an adjunct professor, teaches in the womens and gender studies program, which is one that may be vulnerable to elimination.

Im here for my students, who are all really passionate about it, said Hollister while clutching a sign that said Cut pies, not programs!

UNCG Protest UNCG students gather in front of the schools library to protest in Greensboro.

Chancellor Frank Gilliam said in a written message to students Wednesday that he wanted to address misinformation circulating about academic programs. He assured students that they would be able to finish their studies at UNCG in their chosen major.

Any changes to the universitys academic offerings will be decided in early 2024 and will take years to implement, Gilliam wrote.

As programs are considered for potential cuts, Hollister fears people are going to start looking for other jobs. He said he is concerned for his colleagues at the school where he obtained his own education.

A UNCG spokeswoman said Wednesday that reviewing academic programs is important to remain fiscally responsible and to position the university strategically for the next decade.

My biggest concern is for our professors, said UNCG sophomore Bailee Napier, who participated in Thursdays event. Students are concerned about where they are going to do research or where they may do their masters. Im a great fan of UNCG, but I may need to do my masters elsewhere.
GREENSBORO  An online petition is calling for the immediate suspension or discontinuation of UNCGs academic portfolio review process aimed at identifying programs for elimination.

We are not opposed to change, but we are opposed to this flawed process and the unnecessary elimination of programs, the petition states, citing data that has caused faculty to further lose confidence in the process.

UNCGs chapter of the American Association of University Professors has a link to the petition on its website, lists programs under threat of elimination and addresses frequently asked questions. The chapter planned to distribute the information at a faculty senate forum Wednesday afternoon and confirmed the petition had at least 3,000 signatures.

A university spokeswoman said Wednesday that UNCG has not made any decisions regarding the removal of academic programs.

According to UNCGs website, deans and their teams will be tasked with making recommendations for program discontinuation to the provost in January 2024.

Unfortunately, a small group of faculty are misleading their students and now the public concerning our academic portfolio review, said Kimberly Osborne, UNCGs interim vice chancellor for strategic communications. Its best practice for higher education institutions to periodically review their academic programs to ensure they have the right mix to meet student needs, to ensure sufficient support of programs and to remain competitive.

Osborne said another reason UNCG is reviewing its academic portfolio has to to do with enrollment numbers and losses since the pandemic. The state has also changed how it funds UNC System schools.

The new state funding formula dramatically reduced funds for masters and doctoral education in non-STEM disciplines, which has had a negative effect on UNCGs budget, said Osborne, explaining that the university anticipates ongoing enrollment challenges amid a more competitive higher education market.

UNCG graduate students concerned about how the new funding formula may impact tuition, fees and potential program cuts have scheduled a march today at 3:30 p.m., starting at the steps of Jackson Library.

The UNCG Association of Retired Faculty also will be collaborating with UNCG graduate students to hold a teach-in about the issue on Oct. 26, between noon and 2 p.m., in the Alumni House.

Lisa Levenstein, director of the womens and gender studies program at UNCG, said she is concerned about the future of academic programs that serve many first-generation college students. Shes also worried about the livelihood of faculty members who may be affected by program cuts.

We believe everyone deserves to have a full education, she said.

According to the petition, an independent report contends the universitys initial claims of the financial necessity of closing departments and eliminating programs  which kickstarted the academic portfolio review process in the 2022-23 academic year  no longer exist.

UNCG is in solid financial condition and has more flexible reserves than most state universities of its kind, according to the petition.

Chancellor Frank Gilliam said in a written message to students Wednesday that he wanted to address misinformation circulating about academic programs. He assured students that they would be able to finish their studies at UNCG in their chosen major.

Any changes to the universitys academic offerings will be decided in early 2024 and will take years to implement, Gilliam wrote.

Osborne said the reviewing of academic programs is important for UNCG to remain fiscally responsible and to position the university strategically for the next decade:

Our goal is to offer excellent academic programs that provide a pathway for students to earn their degrees and launch careers right here in North Carolina.
Q: What are the agencies that can help families with heating costs? Its not real cold yet, but it will be soon.  G.W.

Answer: There are several agencies in Guilford and Forsyth counties that can help people who are having problems paying their heating bills.

In Guilford County, the Guilford County Department of Social Services has an Energy Assistance Program that can help with heating/cooling and water bills. For more information, call 336-641-3000.

The Greensboro Urban Ministry can help with water, power and gas bills. For more information, call 336-271-5959.

The United Way of Greater Greensboro can help put people together with agencies that can provide resources for housing, mental/physical health services, food banks, and other needs. For more information, call 211.

At the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, the Crisis Intervention Program will help people pay their heating or air conditioning bills by making a payment directly to the utility provider. If you have had service disconnected or are about to be disconnected, contact the department at 336-703-3800 to see if they can help you.

Crisis Control Ministry has been helping people for decades. They can help with financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities, and heating fuel. To get assistance, you must have an interview to qualify and determine what will meet your needs. CCM has an office in Winston-Salem at 200 E. 10th St., 336-724-7453, and an office in Kernersville at 431 W. Bodenhamer St., 336-996-5401.

The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem can help people who are having financial problems through its Emergency Assistance Department. They can help with utility bills, rent/mortgage payments, and other expenses. For more information, call 336-722-8721. The pre-screening process is completed over the phone.

The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem also has funding available to help residents in Davie, Yadkin and Stokes counties who are Duke Energy customers and qualify for assistance. For more information, call 336-722-8721. The pre-screening process is completed over the phone.

Q: CVS is no longer going to carry some over-the-counter meds with no proven benefit. Will they do the same with all supplements with no proven benefit like ginseng, Prevagen and a multitude of others?  J.W.

Answer: Carissa Falzarano, a spokesperson for CVS Health, said the product removal only affects oral medications that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient.

In a statement, Falzarano said, We are aware of the FDA Advisory Committees position on oral phenylephrine (PE) and will follow direction from the FDA to ensure products we sell comply with all laws and regulations.

We are removing a small number of oral decongestant products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores but will continue offering many other oral cough and cold products to meet consumer needs.
Years in the future, a company executive on a business trip, a teacher traveling for an education conference, newlyweds headed out on their honeymoon and a family embarking on an international vacation have flights to catch at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The travelers are all from Winston-Salem, but instead of driving more than 80 miles to the Queen City, they make a quick drive to nearby Smith Reynolds Airport and catch an electric air taxi, which zips them directly to Charlotte-Douglas.

While that may sound like a scene from The Jetsons, the scenario isnt so far-fetched.

In fact, a group of businesses, government and community representatives  with the support of $5 million in state funding  has been quietly but aggressively positioning Smith Reynolds to be a key cog in a regional system that efficiently moves people and cargo through short, low-altitude flights.

Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, will be crucial to developing what experts refer to as an advanced air mobility network.

The aircraft, with a range of about 200 miles between battery charges, are able to take off and land vertically but still fly like planes. That means eVTOLs can operate without a runway  a crucial characteristic because they require less space to operate than traditional aircraft.

Based upon what I have witnessed, eVTOLs would be a perfect fit for Smith Reynolds Airport, said Mark Davidson, director of the county-owned facility. They are friendly to the environment, and they are relatively quiet compared to traditional aircraft. This is critical since several neighborhoods have been built so close to the airport over the decades.

That might be music to the ears of some residents in those areas who have had an adversarial relationship with the airport and who are wary of the potential impact as it continues to expand, including the roar of more jet engines.

Noise  or the lack of it  is a key selling point for eVTOLs because their takeoff and landing ability will give them access to highly populated urban areas.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder of California-based Joby Aviation, an early leader in the development of electric aircraft, offered a blunt assessment on the importance of what people hear.

We believe noise will largely define the success or failure of this industry, he said in a recent video highlighting the progress of eVTOLs.

Air intersections

Like electric cars and trucks, eVTOLs dont produce heat-trapping pollution, but theres more to the technology than limiting emissions that contribute to climate change.

Its actually about easing congestion on the ground, explained Abdollah Homaifar, an engineering professor and director of N.C. A&Ts Autonomous Control and Information Technology Institute. They call this urban air mobility because it is moving people from different parts of the city or urban area (without burdening roads).

Not only would the aforementioned hypothetical travelers avoid dealing with traffic and parking hassles, using the air taxi would take four vehicles off the road. As eVTOL use evolves and becomes routine, that impact is expected to multiply.

But moving more short-trip passengers on eVTOLs also will lead to new challenges, chief among them the growing number of aircraft  many without onboard pilots  competing for airspace.

The air is going to become very congested, said Abdollah. So how are you going to keep that air safe? That is really an issue.

Like vehicles on the ground, aircraft follow routes that amount to invisible highways.

Think of this highway as a tube that has many intersections, Abdollah explained. We will need to manage how traffic moves through those intersections, and the numbers, as we grow, are going to get higher and higher.

In a future with pilotless aircraft, passengers also could be at risk if tracking systems fail, mechanical problems arise or severe weather hits.

How am I going to navigate if I dont have (functioning) GPS? Homaifar asked. Do I have enough (battery charge) if I have to look around for the next airport? If the aircraft is hacked, how am I going to land it? Those are all questions that have to be answered.

Backed by a $5 million NASA grant, Homaifar and other researchers at N.C. A&T State University are looking for those answers.

Meanwhile, Winston-Salem-based AeroX, a non-profit boosted by $10 million in state funding in 2021, is working to develop a surveillance system to keep low-altitude aircraft safe, especially amid a steady flow of helicopters landing and launching at Winston-Salem hospitals, and to effectively track drones and other unmanned aircraft as they move through rural areas.

Looking more inward

Electric aircraft represent a new frontier in an industry launched with the Wright Brothers historic first flight over the dunes of North Carolinas Outer Banks, said AeroX founder and CEO Basil Yap, a former N.C. Department of Transportation official.

Early on, the addition of engines and propellers allowed aircraft to reach new heights and stay there for gradually longer periods.

Then the jet engine changed everything, Yap said. We could go farther, and we could go higher. And so that really started connecting us internationally. We could fly jets over the ocean. We could carry more weight  things we couldnt do with propeller-driven aircraft.

That evolution spawned a national network of airports supporting the long-range transport of people and cargo.

But now what were doing is were looking more inward (and) thinking about the space between airports, added Yap, who also is a member of the Smith Reynolds Board of Directors.

That reimagining of aviation has evolved over the past decade with the growing use and sophistication of drones.

In the Triad, for example, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist employs the UPS Flight Forward drone service to move time- and temperature-sensitive medications from the main Winston-Salem campus to other facilities.

Eventually, folks started looking at larger and larger aircraft, Yap said. It went from these drones that were delivering small things to now, where theres a focus on electric aircraft that could carry passengers.

Davidson, the airport director, considers the undeveloped east side of the Smith Reynolds complex a potential site for capitalizing on the growing interest in eVTOLs.

Yap agreed, citing the airports size, location in an urban area and presence of an operating control tower.

Its really kind of ideally situated for potential electric aircraft operators to come in and fly in and out of, or maybe even test some of these concepts like, for example, flying an eVTOL from the airport to a Wake Forest game, or to the hospital or to another place downtown, he said.

Since Smith Reynolds is no longer home to commercial passenger service, large aircraft traffic is limited.

Ground floor

The Federal Aviation Administration has yet to certify an eVTOL for commercial flight, but companies are moving forward with plans to mass produce them.

Yap, Davidson and other advocates are pushing for Smith Reynolds to be on the ground floor of that movement.

Weve been working with eVTOL manufacturers, talking with them, telling them about the benefits of Winston-Salem, the potential partnerships and doing a lot of recruiting, Yap said.

AeroX also has developed a relationship with Elizabeth State University, which has North Carolinas only four-year aviation program and has made the instructional portion of its flight training program available online. That would allow students to do in-aircraft training  particularly in eVTOLs  at Smith Reynolds.

While the ultimate goal is to make eVTOLs autonomous, the FAA is expected to initially require that they be guided onboard. That could make a stable of trained pilots valuable in AeroXs recruiting pitch.

Its interesting, a lot of these (eVTOL) companies, they want to be a manufacturer, (but) they also want to be an operator, which is unusual, Yap said.

He added that AeroX is working with Forsyth Technical College to develop training programs for potential workers at companies that produce components, navigation systems and other aircraft-related products.

The organization also is exploring venture capital opportunities, grants and other potential funding sources for companies considering operations in Winston-Salem.

Those efforts dovetail with the N.C. Department of Transportations Advanced Mobility N.C. initiative.

The program helps inform NCDOTs innovative transportation technology investments, prepare for the future and encourage firms with emerging transportation technologies to consider North Carolina as a great fit for testing their new products and eventually manufacturing them here when they advance to that stage, said Rebecca Gallas, the states director of aviation. NCDOT is interested in eVTOLs because they offer a clean transportation solution that advances (the states climate goals).\
The N.C. Senate advanced Tuesday a Republican-drawn congressional redistricting map bill that is projected to have 10 GOP-leaning, three Democrat-leaning and one swing districts.

Senate Bill 757 was approved by a 28-18 vote  as expected along party lines.

The bill has been sent to the House Rules and Operations committee. Redistricting bills are not subject to a governors veto.

Each of the states 14 congressional district will represent 745,671 North Carolinians in the 2024 general election, and could be the maps utilized through the 2030 election.

SB757 emerged as the favored map over Senate Bill 756, which was projected to produce an 11-3 Republican margin.

The current N.C. congressional delegation is split 7-7 with most Forsyth and Guilford urban voters represented by Rep. Kathy Manning, D-6th.

The bulk of Forsyth, meanwhile, is in the 5th District, which has Republican Virginia Foxx as its longtime incumbent.

Under SB757, portions of Forsyth would return to the 10th District. GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of Lincoln County is the incumbent.

Meanwhile, Guilford would be split into the 5th District (most of urban Greensboro and much of western Guilford), 6th District (southwest Guilford and High Point) and 9th District (east Greensboro and the rest of Guilford).

Preliminary looks indicate that both maps would have between a 54% and 58% voting dynamic in favor of Republicans.

Political analysts say SB757 is expected to dilute the voices and votes of urban Democrats in Forsyth and Guilford County.

The Republican map drawers appear to be offsetting the Democratic strengths in both Forsyth and Guilford with suburban and rural voters who tend to be Republican voting, said Martin Kifer, a political science professor at High Point University.

These seats are increasingly likely to be captured by a Republican candidate, Kifer said.

Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College, said that with the Republican majority on the state Supreme Court having overturned the previous Democratic majoritys partisan gerrymandering precedent, the opportunity to level a partisan gerrymandering claim is now considered a political question and out of the realm of the state courts jurisdiction to consider.

I know that some outside groups have already informed the Republicans in the General Assembly that they will be filing a lawsuit regarding racial dynamics, but well await that lawsuit and the specifics.

It would have to be a Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act lawsuit in federal court.

Senate GOP side

Sen. Ralph Hise, R-McDowell, and the chief GOP map drawer, defended the legality of SB757 by claiming it does not violate racial discrimination laws that govern redistricting maps.

The Republican-controlled N.C. Supreme Court has allowed for partisan gerrymandering districts.

To be clear, the chairs did not believe that the use of racial data would be helpful in reaching any political or other legislative redistricting goal, Hise said.

As Hise made his remarks, he was drowned out briefly by protesters chanting fair maps now before they were removed from the Senate visitors area.

Hise said the splitting of Guilford into three counties and Forsyth into two counties, as well as Mecklenburg and Wake counties also into three districts, were necessary to achieve the required population balances.

Hise said the Republican-dominating redistricting committee has not received strong empirical evidence from outside groups on racial gerrymandering claims to make us change course.

That is not at all surprising, Hise said. The absence of this evidence is consistent with many expert reports in past litigation, including the 2021 cycle.

Senate Democrat side

Meanwhile, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, claimed SB757 does represent racial gerrymandering, citing as evidence the release Friday of a report from the Quantifying Gerrymandering research group at Duke University.

The Duke researchers titled their report Newly proposed NC maps are more gerrymandered and less responsive than maps struck down in 2021 by then-Democratic controlled N.C. Supreme Court.

The proposed congressional maps are both highly non-responsive to changes in the opinion of the electorate, according to the report. Furthermore, even under dramatic voting swings, the newly proposed congressional plans consistently elect more Republicans than would be expected from a non-partisan process.

Chaudhuri submitted the current congressional map as a substitute for SB757, but it was immediately tabled by Republicans and barred from further consideration.

Chaudhuri said the recently approved Republican-sponsored 2023-24 state budget allows legislators to determine whether documents are public records, shield them from public release and destroy them if they choose.

Perhaps most noteworthy, it includes redistricting discussions and documents.

SB757 districts

Chaudhuri said the SB757 map splitting municipalities in urban cities, such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem, weakens those voters voices, particularly with Black voters.

The congressional maps unnecessarily pack the states most urban and most diverse communities, diminishing their voting power even though these are the very same areas where populations have grown, Chaudhuri said.

SB757 would remove all of Forsyth from the 5th District.

Winston-Salem and western Forsyth would be placed in the 10th District, along with solidly Republican counties Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Yadkin.

Kernersville, Walkertown and the southern Forsyth border with Davidson and Davie would be in the 6th District, along with southwest Guilford and High Point, all of Davidson, Davie and Rowan counties and about 20% of Cabarrus.

For Guilford, the northwest section and much of urban Greensboro would be in the 5th District that also would gain all of Rockingham and Stokes counties in lieu of the Forsyth suburban areas.

The rest of Guilford, also in the shape of a backward C or as Chaudhuri described as a lobster claw, would be in the 9th District that includes most of the northern, east Greensboro and the vast majority of the southern portions.

Also in the 9th District would be all of solidly Republican Alamance, Hoke, Moore and Randolph counties and about 55% of a purple Chatham County and about 20% of rural northwest Cumberland County.

Chaudhuri specifically pointed out the division of Greensboro into three districts as an example of disenfranchising Black voters.

It puts precincts on the western side of Greensboro into District 6 that stretches to Rowan County, it lumps the majority of the citys Black population in District 5 with those in the far northwestern counties of the state, several whose population is less than 10% Black, Chaudhuri said.

The map also separates heavily Black precincts in east Greensboro from the rest of Greensboro and High Point ... with counties to the Southeast with different interests and needs.

Chaudhuri summed up his comments by saying the Greensboro splitting example makes clear these maps are aimed to dilute the vote of Black citizens ... and ignores their interests.

GOP party over candidate?

Kifer said a silver lining for Guilford to the map that splits the county three ways is having three representatives in Washington.

Guilford residents would have three representatives to seek constituent service from or resources from the federal government, Kifer said.

However, Kifer cited that urban Democratic voters in both counties may feel under-represented when it comes to their core political beliefs and policy voting compared with their Republican representative.

It could be budgets, abortion, guns, foreign aid or other priorities, Kifer said.

Kifer said that depending on which Republican-leaning counties are involved in the Forsyth and Guilford districts, the candidate could be less important to those voters than the R beside their name.

Citing the failed U.S. candidacy of Republicans Mark Harris and Bo Hines, the Republican candidate could matter quite a bit in current Democratic districts they are trying to flip, Kifer said.

If the pattern in counties is decisively voting Republican first, the candidate would matter less, Kifer said. However, there are situations where a candidates behavior during the campaign, or an incumbent in office, becomes so off-putting that their partys voters either choose to reject them in a primary or not vote at all.

Kifer cited as an example Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn, whose controversial antics during and out of Congress turned off enough GOP elected officials and voters that he was defeated in the 2022 Republican 11th District primary by now-Rep. Chuck Edwards.
The UNCG budget

Do a quick web search on higher education cost. Its a horror story, and getting worse by the year.

The best education joke of the decade (five-plus decades, actually): How many Associate Vice Chancellors of Folderol does it take to change a roll of toilet paper? (I replaced light bulb with toilet paper  its more appropriate.)

So UNCG is being forced to cut its bloated budget? Bravo, but watch out!

The cuts will be in useful academic departments and faculty, (and groundskeepers and custodial staff, etc.) but not in those politically correct academic departments or administrative offices (i.e.Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies  I wonder where they find jobs  or the Office of Intercultural Engagement  I wonder what they do). Im sure this multitude of very expensive folks will say that they serve critical student needs, and Im also sure they have convinced the students of that excuse.

What if all that money were used for scholarships? Maybe there wouldnt be so many students owing staggering sums of money for useless degrees.

The state should investigate how UNCG (and other state universities) spend our tax money, although that might be embarrassing.

Should current university administrations really be trusted to cut their own university budgets? New leadership on both the state UNC board and on individual campuses is long overdue.

Bob Gaines

Greensboro

School spending

I see that ACT scores are down to the lowest in three decades. Yes, decades.

George Will noted that 89% of Chicagos school children are from a minority and that the percentage of Black student proficient in reading and math are 11% and 6%, respectively; for Hispanics, those numbers are 17 and 11 (Teachers union plays a starring role in Chicago disaster, Oct. 9).

In contrast, Guilford County Schools (GCS) has the best-performing high school in the nation  the Early College at Guilford  according to U.S. News & World Report. So naturally, after identifying the policies and practices that Early College at Guilford uses to achieve its success, the school board directed Superintendent Whitney Oakley to implement those policies and practices across the GCS system, ensuring that all GCS students will be proficient in reading and math so they can have success in life!

What? That isnt happening? Oh! I forgot! We are blessed with that school board  the one that was busy keeping someone with unacceptable ideas from joining their ranks.

While those who write letters to this paper supporting government-run schools obviously had some good teachers, government-run school performance is abysmal today for the majority of GCS students, 42% of whom are Black. Only 45% of GCS students are proficient in reading and only 39% are proficient in math.

North Carolinas constitution does not say that equal education opportunities have to be provided by government-run schools. The Republicans should let the $11,700/student that we spend on government-run schools go with each student so they can attend any school that their parents choose.

Walter J. Sperko

Greensboro

In Gods name ...

In response to the letter Connected by faith (Oct. 20):

To try to dismiss religion from the Israel/Palestine crisis is the height of naivete. The Abrahamic religions should follow their teachings of peace and love, but, to put it mildly, they do so inconsistently.

The identifications of the antagonists in this crisis are based on religious difference. Similar crises involve Catholics and Protestants and Hindus and Buddhists today and are replete in the annals of history. I hope for the day when religious people dependably act on a common goal of peace.

David Greenwood

Wilkesboro

More than Tanger

Artists and art lovers in Greensboro celebrated a milestone this past week but the lack of reporting on it would leave one wondering how serious media are about covering news in Greensboro. This paper continually covers art events in Winston-Salem and calls them local. I dont mean to sound snarky  well, yes I do  that city isnt local.

Artstock Studio Tour was begun 25 years ago by volunteer artists and their supporters. Like many events, COVID knocked it down but not out. This year Artstock brought 57 artists together to display their talents at the 1250 Gallery at Revolution Mill. More than 300 people attended two nights of celebration. Art patrons then visited studios in 24 sites around Greensboro on Oct. 21 and 22.

Maybe media dont think thats newsworthy. If they dont, I cant figure out what is worth the attention, but Ill be sure to ignore the media touting that they love the arts. We are more than the Tanger Center.

Mary Coyne Wessling

Greensboro
A woman has been officially charged with homicide in connection to the death of Mika J. Westwolf, a young Indigenous woman who was hit and killed near Arlee in March.

Sunny K. White, 28, is charged with five felonies: vehicular homicide while under the influence, accidents involving another person or deceased person, two counts of criminal child endangerment and one charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, Lake County court documents show.

White was brought into custody on a warrant over the weekend, but bonded out on Monday, Flathead County jail records show. There has been little in the way of developments in Westwolfs case in the past seven months, but the affidavit filed on Monday details what investigators believe led to Westwolfs death.

At about 4:15 a.m. on March 31, a tribal officer on patrol saw a body and vehicle debris while he was driving on Highway 93, just north of Arlee. The victim was identified as Westwolf.

The same morning, at 5:23 a.m., a Lake County deputy saw a gold 2008 Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage and missing a passenger side rearview mirror, which matched the description provided by the tribal officer. The Escalade was parked outside of Polson, according to the affidavit.

The deputy saw a woman, identified as White, moving items from the Escalade to another car. White reportedly said the car was overheating and she called a friend to help her.

The defendant stated she had hit a deer and not stopped, the affidavit states.

Whites two children, ages 2 and 4, are suspected to have been in the car when the crash happened. The childrens names are Aryan and Nation.

White reportedly had the two children in her car when the deputy located her. White told authorities she was passing a bottle to her baby and didnt see the deer, the affidavit states.

In an official statement to a Montana Highway Patrol trooper, White said she was driving with her two children from Butte to Kalispell for the weekend. She denied using alcohol, and said she hadnt used fentanyl or methamphetamine in the last week.

The defendant told Trooper Dager that she assumed it was a deer and swerved to the left on the highway, court documents state. The Cadillac was seized and towed.

Evidence collected from the crash site indicates Westwolf was walking in the northbound lane of traffic when she was struck by the suspect SUV. Officials suspect Westwolf was hit head-on by the cars passenger side, and it propelled her body forward, the affidavit states. She died on scene from multiple blunt-force injuries.

Troopers learned Mika and her brother drove to a Ravalli bar earlier that evening. On the way back to Arlee, the two stopped near North Valley Creek, roughly 5 miles north of the crash scene. Westwolf walked away from the car, leaving her phone behind, according to the affidavit.

Her brother tried to find Westwolf. He left her a voicemail at 1:13 a.m. and drove home.

Cellphone data showed investigators that White left Butte around midnight and passed through Missoula at 2:45 a.m. Data puts her near the crash scene at about 3 a.m., the affidavit alleges.

A search warrant on Whites car returned methamphetamine, five syringes and two unopened packs of Narcan. Whites blood sample came back positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine.

After Whites arrest, Westwolfs family said the news felt bittersweet.

I was glad to hear (the news), you know, but Im still kind of in shock because it really seemed like this day was unreachable, Carissa Heavy Runner, Westwolfs mother, said.

Westwolfs family led a statewide campaign, with awareness walks, rallies and other events, calling for justice and awareness in her case as well as other cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

The case is being prosecuted by Lake County Attorney James Lapotka, who confirmed in May that White was the suspect.

I would like to thank the Montana State Highway Patrol, Flathead Tribal Police, and Lake County Sheriff's Office for their hard work investigating this case, Lapotka said on Monday.

An exact date for Whites arraignment, where shell enter a plea to the charges, hasnt been scheduled yet.
A 36-year-old man arrested in connection with a previously missing Arizona teenager is facing charges related to child sexual abuse material found on his cellphone, the Montana Attorney General's Office said.

State authorities and the Blaine County Sheriff's Department arrested 36-year-old Edmund Davis in Chinook on Monday on two felony counts of sexual abuse of children. He is jailed at the Hill County Detention Center on $1 million bond ordered by District Court Judge Kaydee Snipes Ruiz, according to the AG's office.

Alicia Navarro was 14 years old when she was reported missing from Glendale, Arizona, in 2019. Her location at a Havre apartment in July became national news, as was police questioning the man she was with.

Charging documents state Navarro went to the Havre Police Department days earlier to notify law enforcement that she wanted to be removed from the missing person's list.

During a subsequent search of the apartment, law enforcement seized three cellphones, including one that officers saw Davis throw into the trash, according to court documents. Officers also seized a laptop computer and an Xbox, and transported those items back to the Glendale Police Department.

On those devices, according to court records, Glendale detectives found child sexual abuse materials and transferred those images to the Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation.

Neither charging documents nor the Montana Department of Justice press release indicate specific people captured in the child sexual abuse images located on devices believed to belong to Davis.

The first count of sexual abuse of children for possession of children 12 years old or younger being subjected to sexual conduct carries a 100-year prison sentence. A second count can result in a lifetime prison sentence.
DECATUR  Jamesly Jesse is like any other 15-year-old high school sophomore, but with a few details from his past that make him a bit more special.

Adopted from Haiti after being injured in an earthquake 13 years ago, the Central A&M student wanted to give back to the country that introduced him to people who could help him and find his forever home.

The community of Milot really took care of him, his mother Mary Jesse said about the Haitian city. They truly did save his life.

To give back to the Caribbean country, Jamesly partnered with Holy Name, the agency that owns and operates Hopital Sacre Coeur in Haiti, to provide meals for the hospital and community that helped save his life.

On Sunday, Jamesly hosted a meal-packing event in his high school gymnasium. With nearly 400 volunteers, the goal was to prepare 100,000 meals in five hours. He was able to raise $35,000 to fund the meal packing event. It was Facebook, he said about advertising the project.

Jamesly prepared a video in March that attracted others outside of his family and circle of friends.

He probably doesnt know a lot of them, said his father, Nathan Jesse.

The event is also part of his Eagle Scout project. This is close to me, not only because its for the place that Im from, but just to feed another community, is a big thing to me, he said. You dont know everybody that youre helping, but you know people are surviving from those meals.

The meals consist of protein powder, rice, beans and spices. They will be given to children, nursing and pregnant mothers and the elderly.

The meals are a lot of protein, Jamesly said. Its mainly to help them have a lot of nutrients, because if they dont have enough energy they cant do a lot of things and they can get sick.

Jamesly admits the meals taste bland. Ive had one, he said. Its more for the nutrients.

But they will season them, Mary Jesse said about the recipients of the meals.

Mary Jesse has traveled to Haiti on numerous missionary visits. During one of those trips, she met Jamesly, a toddler who had been severely injured in the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010.

When rescuers discovered him, he weighed only 13 pounds and suffered a chronic spine condition that had gone untreated, said Ana Sandoval, director of external communications for Holy Name Medical Center. Doctors gave little hope for his survival when he arrived at Hopital Sacre Coeur, the largest private medical center in northeastern Haiti and also a primary distribution point for food for the region.

After several struggles to get Jamesly home, he finally arrived in the United States in 2013.

Jeff Rhode, multimedia specialist with Holy Name, has visited Haiti and other meal packing events designed to help the hospital. Our hospital, Holy Name, is part of a larger system of ministries, he said. If it wasnt for the hospital in Milot existing, its the only economic engine in the entire area.

According to Rhode, the goal is to distribute an average of 75,000 meals a month to the people in the region. The hospital is the hub, he said. There's no other facility that could handle this type of event.

Volunteers from the community and beyond arrived in Moweaqua to help fill bags of food.

Traveling from Indiana to help with the project, several cousins with the Jesse family arrived early Sunday to help pack the meals. We came here to help Jamesly, Kathy Wirtz said.

He needed our help, said cousin Bracy Heiter.

The family has grown close to the teenager and was willing to don the needed hair coverings and specially made T-shirts to help in the meal packing assembly line. It really ties it all together, Bracy Heiter said.

Sam Heiter had been following Jameslys Eagle Scout journey. We contributed money at the beginning and thought that was the end of it, the Indiana cousin said. We didnt realize it was so big, but we definitely wanted to be a part of it.

As a Moweaqua resident, Pam Morrell has known Jamesly since he arrived in the Jesse home and has watched him grow. We were in the whole waiting-process with Mary and Nathan getting Jamesly here, she said. So this is special.

Morrell, a mother of two Boy Scouts as well, understands the focus needed for an Eagle Scout project. And weve done meal packing before, she said. But he is working towards helping his people. This is giving back to them.

Jamesly admits he doesnt remember much of his time in Haiti. Nothing I can be completely clear on, he said. At least nothing from my own memory.

Although the teenagers life began with struggles, he knows his future is still wide open.

Im still young and fresh, he said.

From the archives: Boy Scouts and Decatur Campfire Boy Scout camp store Camp Robert Faries pool Opening and closing camp for the day Totem pole Building of gate Activities Handicraft Knot work Washing dishes Award Ribbons
DECATUR  Police are investigating after a Decatur man was hit in the face with a pistol during a robbery attempt Saturday night.

Decatur police Detective Sgt. Brian Earles said the man told officers he had left his girlfriends house in the 700 block of East Clay Street and had been walking home at 11:45 p.m. when he was accosted.

He is quoted as saying a car had driven by and then turned around and pulled up alongside him. Two males exited the vehicle and said Whats up, Blood? which Earles said was a reference to a street gang.

The victim responded that he was not a Blood but that he was in fact a Crip, said Earles, which was a reference to a rival street gang.

The two suspects took up positions in front and behind and demanded all of his money. One of them brandished a black handgun and, when the victim refused (to hand over his cash) that suspect struck him in the face with the handgun, causing pain to his forehead and the bridge of his nose to bleed, Earles added.

The robbers are then described as fleeing empty-handed and the 50-year-old victim made his way home and later received treatment at hospital for his wound.

Anyone with information about this incident can call police direct at 217-424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 217-423-8477.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
DECATUR  For the second time this year, the Illinois Department of Transportation is soliciting feedback from the public on proposed improvements to Business U.S. 51 between Eldorado Street and Pershing Road.

The agency will hold an open house at Main Street Church of the Living God, 2000 N. Main St., on Nov. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m., where attendees will be able to learn more about the proposed improvements and provide feedback.

The one-way northbound and southbound routes, known as Water Street and Main Street, respectively, are in line for a $15 million overhaul that could include typical roadway improvements like resurfacing along with quality-of-life upgrades such as improved streetscapes, more green space and the addition of bike paths.

IDOT is in the early stages of planning for the project, with construction expected to start in January 2025.

According to IDOT, the both northbound and southbound roads carry about 11,000 cars per day. Though making it one of the most well-traveled routes in town, it is less than the traffic it once carried.

Proposed alternatives for the route would reduce traffic from four to three lanes in each direction and include accommodations for pedestrians and bikers.

Once attendees of the open house provide feedback, they will be given a food voucher for the Highway Heartburn food truck.

A look back at the construction of Interstate 72 April 1969 April 1970 Area Highway projects given $1.4 million Aug. 1972 Central Illinois to Receive $65 million for Interstates Dec. 1975 Feb. 1973 7.9 million July 1972 June 1972 June 1976 March 1969 March 1975 May 1974 Nov. 1971 Nov. 1973 Oct. 1972 Sept. 1975 Sept. 1976
Approximately 1,400 parents and guardians responded to the Catawba County Schools Board of Educations three-question survey asking parents if they are aware of how to restrict what their child can access in school media centers and how they feel about others making these decisions for them.

The survey was sent out in English, Spanish and Hmong languages. A total of 1,384 parents responded in English and 36 in Spanish. The survey was shared over the communication platform ParentSquare, which has a 99% participation rate according to the school systems Director of Marketing and Communication Kim Jordan.

The survey ran between Oct. 2 and Oct. 16. Jordan said most parents responded in the first three days.

Results showed that 78% of parents who responded in English wish to make the ultimate decision in what their child can and cannot read. More than 83% of parents who responded in Spanish said the same.

The survey showed that 56% of parents who responded in English know how to restrict material their child can access in media centers. Nearly 70% of Spanish-speaking parents said the same.

When asked whether they wanted others in the community to determine the media their child can or cannot use in school, 92% of English-speaking parents said no and 69% of Spanish-speaking parents said the same.

Judging by the results, vice chair Leslie Barnette said reading material in media centers appears to be a non-issue with most parents.

Barnette first suggested the survey at the boards Aug. 28 meeting because she wanted to know how parents feel about the ongoing book challenges. Barnette pointed out that many who speak to the board about book challenges are not currently parents of students.

Questions were decided on and approved at the Sept. 25 meeting. Board members Don Sigmon and Michelle Teague were the only two board members opposed to the survey.

Teague was not present for most of the results discussion at Monday mornings work session.

Discussion of results

Board member Annette Richards said, My problem is I dont think parents understand what material is in the library. I agree these are good questions, but as a parent I had no clue what was in the library when my kids when to high school.

At the Aug. 21 book hearing for Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez and Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin, Richards made the motion to remove Out of Darkness. The motion carried 4-3. At the Sept. 18 hearing for Mondays Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson, Richards made the motion to restrict the book to students who are 18 or older. The motion carried 4-3.

Chairman Ronn Abernathy acknowledged Richards concerns but said that with all that has happened in the last five or six months in regard to the book challenges, most parents are likely aware of the material in school libraries.

Quite frankly, most of the people who spoke on the topic (in the past), on both sides, have not been parents, said board member Jeff Taylor. I dont think it is the most important topic that a parent (thinks about) as they send their kid to school every day.

Taylor said that many people do not take the time to complete surveys unless it is a topic that matters to them.

Board members Tim Settlemyre and Don Sigmon said it is a topic that matters. Settlemyre asked how many parents responded to the calendar survey last year for comparison. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Rae Thompson said the response rate was 19%.

Taylor also raised the point that many parents may be too busy to answer surveys. He added, Things that are truly, truly causing parents problems, consternation (and) causing them to stay up at night figuring out how theyre going to make this work, youll get (answers on) those things.
On Monday, the White House announced that Iran was actively facilitating missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Syria. In response, President Biden ordered the Department of Defense to prepare for and respond to further attacks.

White House spokesman John Kirby said the number of these attacks has increased in the past week. He stressed that the United States will not leave threats to its regional interests unanswered.

According to Kirby, these proxy groups are believed to be supported by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian government. He further stated that Iran continues to support the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Kirby noted that Iran closely monitors these events and in some cases actively encourages these attacks.

Since the Palestinian group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, attacks on American forces have increased.

Source: Reuters

Cover image source: Getty Images
According to Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war is proof that the West must increase its weapons production. The free world needs to produce enough weapons to defend itself, Ukrainian Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamysin said.

Kiev has called on the West to increase investment in armaments, saying the production of arms factories worldwide is miles below the required amount.

In an interview, Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industry Oleksandr Kamyshin said that Western countries should accelerate the production of missiles, shells and military drones, and should do so as close to the front lines as possible.

We need to make more and better weapons to keep us safe, he said.

According to his argument, the current production capacity is deplorable. As the Israeli Defense Forces continue to besiege Gaza and fighting rages along the Ukrainian frontline, armies are using up available ammunition at a rate not seen in decades.

Ukrainian policymakers question whether Western allies can support both wars with air defense systems and artillery emplacements at the same time.

The Ukrainian minister warned that:

This period of war can drag on for decades

 wrote politico.eu.
Microsoft will spend $5 billion in Australia over the next two years, expanding its data centres from 20 to 29 and also setting up a datacentre academy along with TAFE NSW.

The company made the announcement in Washington DC on Monday to coincide with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to the country for talks with US President Joe Biden. Microsoft president Brad Smith and Microsoft Australia and New Zealand managing director Steven Worrall were present.

A statement from Microsoft said the investment would also be used to train more than 300,000 Australians in skills that would be useful in cloud and AI-related positions.

Some portion of the $5 billion would be used to work with the Australian Signals Directorate on an initiative called Microsoft-Australian Signals Directorate Cyber Shield aimed at improving protection against online threats.

Microsoft experienced a major breach of its Azure cloud platform earlier this year, during whichthat the threat actor involved may have been forging authentication tokens for more than two years.

Anthony Albanese, Brad Smith and Steven Worrall during the announcement on Monday. Supplied

The company's final report about this breach said the "probable" cause was the cracking of a staff engineer's corporate account.

Microsoft has promised that its new data centres in Australia will be carbon-negative, water-positive and zero waste by 2030.

Albanese said at the announcement: "This is a major investment in the skills and workers of the future, which will help Australia to strengthen our position as a world-leading economy."

Smith said: This is our largest investment in Microsofts 40-year history in Australia and a testament to our commitment to the countrys growth and prosperity in the AI era.

"Were coupling this $5 billion in computing capacity and capabilities with AI and engineering that will strengthen the nations cyber defence, including a deeper collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate."

Federal Industry Minister Ed Husic said: "This is a big deal for our tech sector. Australia is one of the worlds most advanced users of cloud technologies and this investment will keep us at the forefront.

This significant investment from Microsoft recognises the Albanese Governments focus on supporting and growing our tech sector, including our target of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030.
GUEST RESEARCH: Americans spent over US$200 billion online during the 2022 festive shopping season, making 2023 a record year for online retailers. This year, 97% of people recently surveyed said they plan to shop online. As festive season related revenues grow, so does the temptation for criminals to take a part of the action for themselves  over US$300 million were lost to scammers in 2022 according to the FBIs IC3 report for 2022.

As we head into the cyber sales and festive months, online consumers may be asking themselves what they can do to keep themselves safe online. A new survey Yubico conducted with OnePoll indicates that online users continue to be concerned with their security.

This survey examined how people adjusted their cybersecurity habits in a growing era of sophisticated phishing attacks and found that while 80% of survey respondents are concerned about cybersecurity when it comes to their online accounts, a surprising 39% admitted to using the same password for multiple accounts.

In addition to securing your online credentials, below are some top tips to ensure youre staying safe from increased attacks not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.

1. Continue to be mindful of where you send your information

While cyber criminals tend to aim at your wallet, they also attempt to use your personal information to gain access to other online accounts and assets  most frequently collected through attacks like phishing. Effectively safeguarding personal and financial information and placing trust in an online retailer can be challenging to many consumers. In fact, Yubicos survey found that about one third of respondents (32%) are not confident that they could spot a fraudulent or fake online retailer. As phishing attacks become harder to identify, your defences to protect against them need to also improve. With this in mind, be cautious when you see the following:

Websites asking for too much information

If whats being asked feels completely unrelated to your purchase, then consider another vendor that wont require as much information.

Odd websites or requests for odd methods of payment

Asking for abnormal payment types is a red flag that warrants additional investigation. Consider another vendor.

Coupon apps and websites

Everyone loves a discount, but beware of coupon apps or browser plugins that offer these deals automatically. Remember that if youre not paying for a service, then one way that service continues to exist is through monetising your browser history, product usage, or personal information.

2. Beware of the latest scams such as tracking information scams

Some of the latest scams involve requests to disclose additional personal information to fill in the gaps for an unexpected delivery. Its best to ignore these messages and go straight to the source to check your package status.

Sign up for tracking notifications

Most major providers offer email-based tracking notifications that can notify you when packages should be arriving.

Investigate by going straight to the source

If an email or text is offering you an easy way to click here! to get your information, ignore that suggested easy button and instead go straight to the vendors site. For example, if an email purporting to be your credit card provider indicates an issue, directly call the number on the back of your card, or access the website address directly. Dont click on links sent over SMS or in email.

3. Use protected methods of payment

Not all payment methods are protected equally, and some standard payment methods for day-to-day business may be tempting to use for online shopping.

Use a credit card or a trusted broker such as PayPal to protect your purchases

Many credit card providers offer consumer protections on purchases, and also allow you to dispute charges that dont result in your product or service.

Avoid debit cards and never give out banking information or send wire transfers to pay for online retail

Some common scams involve using banking information to create the appearance of pay us back errors, or directly extract funds from your bank account.

4. Protect your login credentials

Passwords are no longer enough to protect your accounts and most consumers are not modernising their authentication methods to match newer methods of attack. Yubicos survey found that approximately one out of two (49%) respondents stated that they do not use MFA, dont know what it is, or are not sure if they have MFA enabled.

Consider the following tips to increase the security of your online presence:

Use strong, phishing-resistant MFA

Not all MFA methods are created equally. Instead of SMS text message-based codes that must be manually entered, or app-based push notifications that are easy to mistakenly approve, secure your accounts using phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods, such as passkeys and security keys like the YubiKey, which have had passkeys since 2018. Passkeys seamlessly authenticate users by using cryptographic security keys stored on their computer or device (i.e. a YubiKey), and are considered a superior alternative to passwords since users are not required to recall or manually enter long sequences of characters which can be forgotten, stolen or intercepted.

The YubiKey works with hundreds of services that support passkeys to reduce the possibility that you mistakenly enter your credentials into a malicious site. The YubiKey is supported for use on services like 1Password, WhatsApp, Amazon, Apple, Google, and social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Meta.

Use a password manager to cover the gaps

For those sites that dont yet support phishing-resistant methods, use a reputable password manager, such as 1Password, to generate unique credentials per-site, make logins easier between devices, and watch for known breaches that may have affected your credentials. YubiKeys support the most popular password managers and adds an additional layer of security for your login credentials.

5. Ensure the highest level of protection for your most valuable assets

Most services offer a password reset pathway, allowing users to reset their accounts using a link sent to email or a text message. In some cases, this reset method may be the easiest way for attackers to gain access to your accounts. Ensure that your most prized accounts are protected with the highest level of authentication.

Protect your mobile ecosystem

Our mobile devices are a key tool used for our online accounts. Ensure that youve protected your mobiles ecosystem by configuring hardware-backed security keys, such as YubiKeys, to protect the ecosystem that controls your mobile device. (For instance, your Apple ID account or Google Account).

Protect your email

Many email providers also allow users to configure phishing resistant methods such as PassKeys. Ensure that you have the highest level of protection for the one place that allows you to reset most of the other accounts that you want to protect.

Protect your core identity providers

If you use Sign in with ___ options for online activities, ensure that you have protected those services with strong MFA as well. Most major providers support methods such as the YubiKey (for instance, your Amazon, Meta and X accounts). Also be certain to include protecting your password manager from unauthorised access.

Consider all of the tips above to stay secure this festive season and beyond, and upgrade your online security to use phishing-resistant, hardware backed, and universally adaptable authenticators, such as the YubiKey.
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is hosting the Northern Territorys first Research Bazaar this week, an event it says is aimed at supporting and enhancing research excellence across the globe.

The two-day Research Bazaar (ResBaz) Northern Territory held at CDUs Waterfront campus, will see students, researchers and professionals from across the NT descend on Darwin to learn and share skills that can enhance their research.

CDU says that throughout the two days a range of sessions will be on offer including the Digital Tools in my Research: HDR 3-min presentation challenge, An Introduction to R, and Using QGIS.



CDU VET Lecturer and Workplace Assessor Aviation (Remote Pilot) Dr Rebecca Rogers will be a key story speaker at the conference, giving two presentations.

Her sessions will focus on drone data collection and how being bad at technology will make you a better researcher.

I will discuss how embracing new technology can make you a more creative, collaborative and successful researcher and the importance of allowing yourself to be bad at it as you never know what opportunities or ideas you could be missing out on, Dr Rogers said.

Dr Rogers said she will cover some of the lessons she has learnt from collecting environmental data across the top end, including monitoring feral pigs and surveying endangered wallabies.

When it comes to working with drones there are so many amazing data opportunities that people should be aware of as well as operation and regulatory challenges researchers will need to overcome in order to take advantage of this versatile data collection tool, Dr Rogers said.

CDU Lecturer in Information Technology Dr Cat Kutay will also speak at the conference and will present a newly developed web system for researchers working in the Indigenous space.

Dr Kutay said the system will provide researchers with a space to store First Nations stories by theme or place.

We have developed a web system for displaying such stories, public or privately that can be categorised and annotated as well as providing tools to link these stories into a holistic collection, either through maps or paintings on country for example.

The system also provides a way for researchers to share stories back to the community through the internet, as a more equitable way to handle data.

Other speakers include CDUs Dr Carla Eisemberg and Dr Rohan Fisher, Marketing Manager of Gale Darren Brain and Digital Research Services Manager at Intersect, Aidan Wilson.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Steve Rogers said the event will help to foster a community across different research disciplines and institutions.

ResBaz provides an opportunity for the research community here in the NT and worldwide to gather and share different ideas and upskill one another which is important to ensure research excellence, Professor Rogers said.

I look forward to seeing the sessions on offer during the event and how these programs and applications can assist CDU researchers in continuing to deliver impactful research.
[Provisional translation]

Hello, everyone. I am Kishida Fumio, prime minister of Japan. Today, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to those involved in organizing the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.



Another fine selection of films has been assembled this year. Movies are works of art to be enjoyed by fans across all generations, reflecting the creativity of those actively involved in film production.



This years Tokyo International Film Festival will host a special event to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Japanese filmmaker and world-famous creative pioneer Ozu Yasujiro.



In addition, I have been informed that the famous and accomplished director Wim Wenders, who is a great fan of Ozus films, will be serving as Jury President. Mr. Wenders directed Perfect Days, a film for which Yakusho Koji won an award for best actor at the Cannes Film Festival in May of this year, and his deep knowledge of Japan makes him well-suited for this role.



I am overjoyed to see so many exciting film projects and events, along with filmmakers from around the globe gathering here in Tokyo for a film festival showcasing the wonder of Japanese culture and art in front of the rest of the world.



In January, I sat down with Italian Prime Minister Meloni to discuss support for filmmaking practices in both nations, and we agreed to cooperate in film co-production. As a result, both countries signed the Japan-Italy Film Co-production Agreement in June of this year.



To celebrate the formation of this agreement, a special event for Italian film directors will be held at this years Tokyo International Film Festival. I sincerely hope this event serves as an opportunity for attendees to make connections and participate in lively discussions over the fascinating films and amidst this rich culture.



Lastly, I extend my best wishes for the success of this Tokyo International Film Festival and the success of everyone participating. Thank you.
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There is something in asylum law called the "material support to terrorist" bar, which essentially states that if you have given significant assistance to a terrorist organization, you cannot obtain refuge in the United States.

In virtually all cases, any kind of support of a financial or tactical nature to a militant of any stripe, even if you have a gun pointed at your head or at the head of your child, will deprive you of the right to asylum.It might seem draconian, but it is a recognition by our government that you give up your right to seek protection if you have assisted in the violation of someone else's human rights.

I was thinking of that last week as I watched protesters filling the streets of cities like Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Washington.

It occurred to me the folks who were shouting "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" were mouthing the usual Hamas propaganda, which seeks the annihilation of Israel. There was also a repellent protest on the campus at the University of Pennsylvania, where marchers accused Israel of genocide, and said that the massacre in Gaza was justified.

And while many of the protesters and their media supporters tried to draw a distinction between the Palestinian people and the terrorists who they elected into office in 2007, there is no question that for some, they were interchangeable.

In the days after the horrific attacks by Hamas on innocent Israelis, and in some cases only hours after children had been murdered in their cribs, student groups at schools like Harvard, Columbia, Ohio State, Swarthmore and LaSalle issued those statements, which contained language that sounded as if it had been taken from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

There was blame for Israel, and beyond that, palpable Jew hatred. I have started to use that phrase instead of the more sanitized "anti-Semitism" because Semites cover a larger ethnicity, which also includes Arabs, whereas the hostility toward Israel is limited to hostility toward its Jewish population.

And important people noticed.

CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, alumni of these august institutions, started informing their alma maters that they were "closing the checkbooks," as Penn alum and former presidential candidate Jon Huntsman put it.

The most crippling consequence of these anti-Israel statements will likely fall on the students who signed those statements. And that is exactly as it should be, despite the shock of those students and the protests from even some so-called conservative "civil libertarians."

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has called on his alma mater Harvard to release the names of all of the students who signed a letter that included the language "[Israel's] apartheid regime is the only one to blame" for the Oct. 7 massacre in Gaza.

He wants possible employers who would normally be attracted by a Harvard pedigree to know that a job candidate blamed Israel for the death of its own citizens.

Similarly, several high profile, white shoe law firms have rescinded job offers to students who made clear that they supported Hamas' actions in Gaza.

When Ryna Workman, student bar association leader at New York University, blamed Israel alone for the carnage in the bar association newsletter, Winston and Strawn cancelled its job offer, noting that her comments "profoundly conflict with [our] values."

I normally oppose cancellation in any form, but I celebrate these actions as a fair and justified exercise of free-market principles. You can have your opinions, and you can express them from the mountaintops, but just be ready to bear the consequences.

Even though no one should prevent these students from sharing their views about the conflict in the Middle East, we have the right, and the obligation, to tell them what we think of those opinions.

And it goes even further than that. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote that "In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."

So many of these elite academic institutions and organizations remained silent in the face of the horrific attacks on innocent Israelis.

Sometimes you have to pick a side, and refusing to do so renders you a moral cipher.

So I celebrate the righteous smackdown of those who support terror attacks on innocent men, women and children. I'm certain they'll eventually find gainful employment as spineless college administrators.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Christine M. Flowers is a lawyer and columnist.
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 Fox News said Friday the Israeli Defense Force planned to deepen its attacks on Gaza ahead of the invasion. There were threats of terror all weekend. Hamas is currently holding three Harvard students hostage, and if they aren't paid $10 million in ransom, they threaten to release them unharmed.

 USA Today reports public frustration in growing in L.A. about the forty-six thousand homeless living on the sidewalks and having to deal with them. While driving to the grocery store yesterday, I saw two homeless people kissing each other passionately on the sidewalk. I shouted at them to get a box.

 Daily Variety reports a dozen Halloween films will hit the theaters this week aimed at terrifying young people, but also adjusting to their sensibilities. Even movie monsters want to avoid the wrath of cancel culture and to appear progressive. The Creature now swears he comes from the Green Lagoon.

 Oregon's Department of Education announced that high school proficiency in reading, writing and math is no longer a requirement for high school education. That moved me to make a silly point. Only in math problems can you buy sixty cantaloupes and no one asks what the hell is wrong with you.

 Daily Variety posted a letter signed by fifty Hollywood celebrities Saturday calling for a cease-fire in the Middle East. The shelling continued all weekend. Hamas did announce they are no longer throwing LGBTQ people off of tall buildings, explaining that they no longer have any tall buildings left.

 Iran threatened war if Israel invades Lebanon while Israel vowed war with Iran if Hezbollah invades. Israel is set to invade Gaza because Hamas fighters invaded Israel. Perhaps the number of these Israeli-Palestinian cross border invasions could be reduced by a strategically-placed UN pig farm.

 U.S. Rep Matt Gaetz said he has no regrets about throwing the Speakership into limbo to get rid of Kevin McCarthy. Conservatives say Kevin preaches a hard line then capitulates and approves more spending. If they ever name a building after Kevin McCarthy it's too bad there's already a Waffle House.

 President Biden attended a Democratic fundraiser Friday after returning home from the crisis in the Mideast. However the crisis turns out, it can only help Joe recover politically. Last month President Biden's poll numbers crashed so hard they made the magazine cover of Asian Car and Driver.

 The Christian Science Monitor reported Evangelicals are flocking to the Republican Party this week over its unqualified support for Israel. It comes with a price. Evangelicals fear that when the Rapture occurs and the righteous are called to Heaven, it'll leave Democrats with a permanent majority.

 Pew Research released a poll saying one-fifth of all Americans under thirty saying being rich is a top priority for them. Everyone I know has a plan and a back-up plan to become rich. Last week, when somebody else won the Powerball Lottery, millions of Americans said screw it, we're making meth.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
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The one exception was Israel's unpreparedness. That also surprised nearly every Israeli. My guess is that a combination of Iranian technology and Israeli complacency and incompetence led to the greatest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust. Nothing else surprised me. Not the butchery; not the sadism; not the Jew-hatred; not the theology that made the slaughter possible; not the support, even glee, in Gaza and among an untold number of Muslims around the world; not the reactions in our universities; and not the support of the Left (not of liberals). THE MIDDLE EAST DISPUTE

Since the 1970s, when I was a graduate student at the Middle East Institute of Columbia's School of International Affairs, I knew what the Middle East conflict was about: Muslim rejection of a Jewish state in the middle of the Muslim world. To the best of my recollection, my professors  most of them fluent in Arabic and all experts on the Middle East  had it wrong. Being secular themselves and usually having a sympathetic view of the Arab world, they believed and taught that the issue was about land. They were wrong. It was always about Muslim rejection of a Jewish state in their midst and a religious desire to destroy it. In 2014, I presented a video for PragerU titled "The Middle East Problem." It explains the Middle East problem in five minutes. This is how It begins: "When I did my graduate studies at the Middle East Institute at Columbia University... semester after semester, we studied the Middle East conflict as if it was the most complex conflict in the world when, in fact, it is probably the easiest conflict in the world to explain. It may be the hardest to solve, but it is the easiest to explain. "In a nutshell, it's this: One side wants the other side dead." Fifty years ago, I knew it. Muslims know it. Israel's Jews know it. And now, unless you are a leftist, you know it. I ended the video with another truism: "Finally, think about these two questions: If, tomorrow, Israel laid down its arms and announced, 'We will fight no more,' what would happen? And if the Arab countries around Israel laid down their arms and announced, 'We will fight no more,' what would happen? "In the first case, there would be an immediate destruction of the state of Israel and the mass murder of its Jewish population. In the second case, there would be peace the next day." As of Oct. 7, you know that too. WHY JEWS ARE HATED

There is no hatred like Jew-hatred. It is the longest ongoing hatred in history. It is the most universal. And it is the one exterminationist hatred: Those who hate the Jews want them destroyed. There is a Hebrew statement that is probably two thousand years old, and which is recited during the Passover Seder service: "In every generation, they arise to annihilate us." Note that the sentence does not say "to persecute us" or "to enslave us," but "to annihilate us." The question is why? I wrote an entire book  "Why the Jews?"  40 years ago explaining antisemitism. But I can sum it up in a few sentences: Jew-hatred is largely a result of the Jews being The Chosen People. You can laugh at the idea if you are secular and inclined to do so. But those who hate the Jews have not laughed at the idea; they have hated the Jews because of it  because they believed it and/or because it is true. The Jews introduced to humanity the G od in which most of the world believes; brought into existence the Bible that is the basis of the New Testament and the Quran; gave the Christian world its Messiah; and gave much of the world its morality through the Torah, the Prophets, and the Ten Commandments. Those who hate that moral code hate the Jews. The two groups who have tried to exterminate the Jews in the last hundred years, the Nazis and the Islamists (not all Muslims), hate that moral code. And they hate the Jews for embodying it  compared to the Nazis and compared to Islamic regime of Iran, Hezbollah, ISIS and Hamas, Israel is composed of saints. So, when I read about the horrors inflicted by Hamas on young Jews, old Jews and Jewish babies, I was horrified, but not at all surprised. That is what the most evil of any generation do to Jews. And that is why non-Jews who dismiss Iran, Hamas, or Hezbollah as the Jews' problem are fools. Tens of millions of non-Jews were killed because most people dismissed Hitler and the Nazis as the Jews' problem. In fact, aside from increased loathing of Hamas and their Muslim and left-wing supporters, the only effect the events of Oct. 7 had on me was to reinforce my faith in the chosenness of the Jews. (COMMENT, BELOW) JWR contributor Dennis Prager hosts a national daily radio show based in Los Angeles.
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There is no more powerful monopolist in America today than the US government.

Examples of Washington's monopoly power abound. For instance, only the Bureau of Engraving and Printing may print paper currency and only the US Mint may produce coins for use as legal tender. Through the US Postal Service, the federal government has the exclusive right to deliver (and charge for) first-class mail. The granting of patents and trademarks is another area in which the feds have a monopoly. So is the allocation of broadcast frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum.

These government monopolies didn't always exist  the Pony Express was a private company and private banks used to issue their own paper money  but they are now mandated by law and taken for granted by most Americans. So there is a certain irony in the way federal regulators go after successful companies that are not protected from competition and loudly denounce them for exerting monopolistic control  something the government itself gets away with every day.

Last month the Federal Trade Commission, together with 17 state attorneys general, filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, which they accuse of being a monopoly. The giant online merchant engages in illegal anticompetitive practices that "block off every major avenue of competition," the FTC suit alleges. "Amazon has violated the law not by being big, but by how it uses its scale and scope to stifle competition."

In a news release, the government summarizes the theory of its case: "Amazon's actions allow it to stop rivals and sellers from lowering prices, degrade quality for shoppers, overcharge sellers, stifle innovation, and prevent rivals from fairly competing against Amazon." Those are pretty unsavory accusations. If they're true, why does Amazon so consistently rank near the top in surveys of the most trusted, most admired, and most loved corporate brands?

The government's complaint is 172 pages long. "Amazon has seized control over much of the online retail economy," it contends on its first page. "Amazon is a monopolist." But in all the pages that follow, there is little concrete evidence to substantiate those charges.

How could there be? Amazon isn't a monopoly.

As any economics textbook will affirm, a monopoly is an enterprise that is the sole provider of a good or service. Amazon may be big and popular, but it doesn't come close to meeting that definition. The company's market share accounts for a bit under 38 percent of leading retail e-commerce companies in the United States. That's nothing to sneeze at, but a monopoly? The reason federal and state antitrust laws take such a dim view of monopolistic behavior is that it strangles competition  and when companies have no competition, consumers suffer through higher prices, lower quality, and fewer choices.

Yet Amazon's rivals aren't dwindling, they're growing stronger. The Wall Street Journal reported in September that the company's leading competitors are "growing of late instead of diminishing." Walmart's revenue from online sales has surged by an average of 39 percent each year for the last four years, and is expected to reach $62 billion in the current fiscal year. "Meanwhile, Shopify has more than tripled its revenue over just the past three years," the Journal adds, thanks to a strategy of catering to merchants who want an alternative to selling on Amazon's platform. The paper quotes Citigroup analyst Ronald Josey, who concludes in a new report: "The e-commerce market is becoming more competitive."

If competition is increasing in a market, that market, pretty much by definition, is not being crushed by a predatory monopolist.

And if that is true in the market of "online superstores"  a new category invented by the FTC for purposes of this litigation in order to make Amazon seem more dominant  then imagine how much truer in the US retail market generally. Vast though it is, Amazon's share of total retail sales nationwide is modest  somewhere between 5 percent, according to Bloomberg, and 10 percent, as calculated by business intelligence firm RIS. Amazon competes not just against Walmart and Target, and not even against all online sellers. Its competition includes all of the 1 million-plus brick-and-mortar retailers in America. Have you ever been in a bookstore or a specialty clothing boutique or a museum gift shop, seen something you liked, and pulled out your phone to check what it would cost to buy it online? If you're like half of American consumers, you have  and thereby demonstrated that Amazon (and Walmart and Target and eBay) competes with all retailers, not just with its giant online peers.

Amazon and other Big Tech firms have an uncanny ability to reduce prominent officials to economic illiteracy.

When Jeff Bezos's company bought MGM Studios in 2021, Senator Josh Hawley, a hard-right Republican from Missouri, seethed that the sale should be blocked on the grounds that "Amazon is already a monopoly platform that owns e-commerce, shipping, groceries, and the cloud. They shouldn't be permitted to buy anything else. Period." For the record, MGM's film industry market share at the time was about 7 percent  far less than that of Disney (25.5 percent), Sony (23 percent), or Universal (15.6 percent).

Similarly, after Amazon acquired the Whole Foods supermarket chain, Senator Elizabeth Warren, the hard-left Democrat from Massachusetts, called for undoing the sale on antitrust grounds. Yet the acquisition of Whole Foods gave Amazon control of a mere 1 percent of the grocery market  a sliver of the 19 percent that Walmart commands.

If Amazon were a monopoly, its prices would be high and customers would have no recourse but to pay them. But Amazon's prices are low. Year in, year out, it retains its standing as the online vendor with the cheapest prices. Indeed, one of the FTC's indictments of Amazon is that it requires third-party sellers who use its platform to give Amazon customers their lowest price. That may give vendors a reason to gripe, but it's great for consumers.

And that's what matters most. The acid test for an unlawful monopoly is consumer welfare. A company that gives customers more choices, better service, and lower prices is no monopolist malefactor. In the space of a generation, Amazon has metamorphosed from a startup online bookseller to one of the most valuable, powerful, and diversified providers of goods and services the world has ever known.

But the one thing it has not become is a monopoly. Which is why this is one lawsuit that deserves to fail.

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission."
Sage & Salt Bistro opened Oct. 21 at 300 S. Liberty St., in the space formerly occupied by Willows Bistro.

The new upscale casual American restaurant is currently serving dinner but will add lunch service Nov. 1.

The restaurant is a venture by first-time restaurateurs Brandon and Tom Brock. Brandon, 23, grew up in Winston-Salem, working in a variety of restaurants, notably as a server, bartender and front-of-house manager at Willows from April 2022 to February 2023. Ive worked in restaurants since I was 16, Brandon said, and Ive worked every position.

Tom Brock is a lawyer who said he managed Morrisons Cafeteria and Applebees restaurants in Georgia before deciding to study law.

This is something Ive wanted to do for a long time, Tom Brock said of the restaurant.

Weve always loved good food, good restaurants, good wine, Brandon said. We would always say, What if. Then when we heard through the grapevine that Will (Kingery) and Norb (Cooper) were trying to sell Willows, we decided to do it. This town loved Willows and we loved this spot.

Tom Brock has been helping to open the restaurant, but Brandon will be the restaurants general manager.

The Brocks first hired Patrick Rafferty, who for the last five years has run his own catering company, Damascus Culinary Concepts, with his wife, Jasmine. Rafferty was hired to help renovate the kitchen, shape the menu, and hire the culinary team.

Rafferty, who also used to be the chef for the Millennium Center, worked for several years for famed California chef Thomas Keller, most notably as a sous chef for Bouchon in Beverly Hills.

Jasmine Rafferty  who also worked at Bouchon  also is helping out, training staff and serving as chef garde manger (for cold food preparations).

Anders Benton of Greensboro was hired as the executive chef of the restaurant, while Patrick Rafferty will serve in an overarching capacity with the Brocks new company, Salt and Sugar Restaurant Group.

Im here to help set the kind of standard that Keller has for Bouchon, and spread that culture, Rafferty said. And it was important to find a chef who could speak that language.

Sage & Salt Bistro Address: 300 S. Liberty St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101 Phone: 336-829-5007 Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m Sunday. Beginning Nov. 1, hours will be expanded to add lunch Website: sageandsaltbistro.com (under construction) Facebook, Instagram: @sageandsaltbistro

Benton is probably best-known to Greensboro restaurant-goers as the former chef at GIA Drink, Eat & Listen, for years considered among the top dining spots in that city. Benton also has worked for Sedgefield Country Club, Print Works Bistro and the Fresh Market supermarket chain.

Rafferty, Benton and Brandon Brock all collaborated on Sage & Salts menu. Its really New American, where Im working with a melting pot of ingredients, Benton said. Theres a lot of variety, with a little bit of everything.

I kind of wanted to start with a bunch of classics, because Winston is kind of old school, Brandon Brock said. I want the restaurant to be upscale, for people to feel that they are getting quality. But I dont want it to alienate anyone.

Rafferty added, Its a bistro menu. Its not a special-occasion restaurant.

The opening menu mixes gourmet and comfort-food fare. It has such appetizers as beef tartare ($18) and pork spare ribs ($8). There also are charcuterie and cheese boards.

Grilled entrees include beef ribeye, N.Y. strip, yellowfin tuna and whole fish. Entrees start at $14 for a burger and go up to $48 for a filet, but everything else is between $18 and $30, including pasta al pomodoro with meatballs, pork schnitzel and a ricotta nudi with butternut squash beurre blanc and sage gremolata.

But Brock and Benton said that the menu will evolve.

The restaurant has full ABC permits, and offers beer, wine and cocktails. That includes such signature cocktails as legal drinking sage ($14), with Hornitos Black Barrel tequila, dry curacao, blackberry and sage simple syrup and lime. There are also a couple mocktails on the menu.

The wine list is extensive and is broadly representative of the major growing regions. Though there are plenty of bottles under $100 or even $50, there also are a couple dozen that top $300. There also are modest offerings by the glass, from $10 to $25.

The restaurant has been thoroughly renovated since the Brocks bought it in May. The kitchen has a brand-new hood exhaust system. The dining room  painted in a sage color scheme  has new tables, chairs, floors, lighting and ceiling. They even rebuilt the bar. As with Willows, Sage & Salt also will have patio seating on the long and narrow front deck.

One of the reasons the Brocks hired Rafferty is that they have plans beyond this restaurant. They already have leased space next door that they plan to turn into a bar with live jazz music and a Prohibition theme. Rafferty will oversee the expansion of the kitchen, essentially connecting the two spaces. The bar, to be called The Station at Sage & Salt, also will serve tapas, or small plates. Tom Brock said he expects construction on that to take at least until March.

PHOTOS: Sage & Salt Bistro opens in historic Winston-Salem Southbound Railway Warehouse
Toyota Battery Manufacturing of NC is planning to provide another economic treat  this time on Halloween  at its production campus in Liberty.

The manufacturer said Tuesday it will make an announcement about the future of battery manufacturing at 9 a.m. Oct. 31 at the site at 5938 Julian Airport Road.

Toyota only disclosed that Sean Suggs, president of the Toyota business unit, will conduct a press conference during the event.

The manufacturer has pledged to create at least 2,100 jobs at the $5.9 billion electric-vehicle battery plant under construction. The N.C. plant is Toyotas first dedicated to EV and hybrid battery production.

As of Oct. 5, the Toyota business unit has hired more than 200 employees.

When at full production, the plant will become the largest single economic-development project commitment in North Carolina history. First battery production is set for early 2025 with full production in 2027.

Although most of the hiring and training will take place in the temporary Greensboro facility until the plant opens, Toyota human resources officials plan to conduct Day of Work type events in several Triad communities.

The hiring overview also was an acknowledgement of the challenges of trying to hire at least 350 employees by years end, and between 750 and 800 by early 2025 in a tight Triad job market with an ever-expanding number of advanced manufacturers.

Those include Avgol Americas Inc., Boom Supersonic, Deere & Co., Egger Wood Products, Honda and Honda Aircraft Co., Marshall Aerospace USA, Nucor Corp., ProKidney Corp., Renfro Corp., Siemens Mobility North America, Tex-Tech Industries, Vecoplan LLC and Ziehl-Abegg Inc.

As of Oct. 5, the more than 200 Toyota hires are from the Triad, including 60 for production and maintenance facility work, said Tim Stanton, the plants senior human resources manager.

The main hiring focus thus far has been on production assessment, machine operators, quality and internal logistics, maintenance assessment, and maintenance and facilities workers.

The starting hourly pay is $18 for logistics employees, $23 for production and quality employees and a range of $20.30 to $41.50 for maintenance and facilities employees.

For those who dont pass the assessment process, they can reapply after three months.

Production scale

Employees will work in what will be 2 million square feet of space spread over three buildings.

Two 500,000-square-foot buildings are dedicated to hybrid electric vehicle battery production, while a 1 million-square-foot building will be focused on electric vehicle battery production.

There will be initially six battery production lines  four for hybrid electric vehicles and two for battery electric vehicles.

The Toyota subsidiary plans to build lithium-ion batteries at the plant for about 200,000 hybrid and electric vehicles annually.

Toyota plans to roll out 30 battery electric vehicle models by 2030.

The $2.1 billion expansion will feature two additional production buildings of an undetermined square footage size.

Toyota spokeswoman Emily Wilemon-Holland said that as buildings are completed, there will be a major hiring push.

Toyota has said it will make a new electric SUV at its Kentucky plant, also starting in 2025.

The manufacturer said the SUVs, the first produced in the U.S., will be powered by batteries from the Liberty plant.
RTX reported Tuesday a $984 million loss for the third quarter, foremost from taking a $5.4 billion charge related to the disclosure of a significant engine manufacturing issue.

The manufacturer said on July 26 that Pratt & Whitney has determined that a rare condition in powder metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection. This does not impact engines currently being produced.

A Sept. 11 update from RTX included it would have a $3 billion and $3.5 billion reduction in its pre-tax operating profit related to the disclosure.

RTX reported Tuesday a $2.2 billion after-tax impact.

RTX chairman and chief executive Greg Hayes said the manufacturer has made significant progress in our assessment of the Pratt & Whitney powder metal manufacturing matter.

The manufacturers confidence in resolving the engine issue persuaded the board of directors to accelerate by $10 billion its current share-repurchase program to a combined $12.6 billion. The manufacturer plans to begin buying back its shares Wednesday.

RTX said on July 26 it projected a significant portion of the PW1100G-JM engine fleet, which powers the A320neo aircraft, will require accelerated removals and inspections within the next nine to 12 months, including approximately 200 accelerated removals by mid-September. The business is working to minimize operational impacts and support its customers.

RTX said it would remove and inspect between 600 and 700 engines through 2026, with the majority occurring between now and early 2024.

We are now focused on executing on our fleet management plans and are working relentlessly to mitigate further disruption to our customers, Hayes said. We do not expect any significant future incremental impact as a result of these fleet management plans.

Core details

Adjusted net income was $1.82 billion, up 2% year over year.

RTX had a 68-cent earnings loss for the quarter, compared with diluted earnings of 94 cents a year ago. Adjusted earnings were $1.25 a share, up four cents from a year ago.

The average earnings forecast was $1.19 by six analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. Analysts typically do not include one-time gains and charges in their forecast.

In this instance for RTX, it took a $1.53 earnings charge related to the engine issues, as well as a 28-cent acquisition-accounting adjustment charge, 5-cent restructuring charge and a 7-cent in additional charges.

RTX reported a 21% decline in third-quarter sales to $13.46 billion, while adjusted sales were listed at $18.95 million.

RTX had consolidated its two defense-industry business units  Intelligence & Space and Missiles & Defense  into one unit branded Raytheon.

The other business units are Collins Aerospace, which has about 1,500 employees in Winston-Salem, and Pratt & Whitney.

Collins had a 16% jump in sales to $6.63 billion, led primarily by a 30% increase from commercial aftermarket sector and 27% in commercial original equipment.

The increase in commercial sales was driven primarily by strong demand across commercial aerospace end markets, which resulted in higher flight hours and higher original equipment production rates, the manufacturer said.

Because of the engine issues, Pratt & Whitneys sales fell 83% to $926 million, while Raytheon sales were up 3% to $6.47 billion.

Non-core details

RTX announced it had entered an agreement to sell for $1.3 billion its Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Services business within its Raytheon business unit.

The company did not disclose the potential buyer.

RTX repurchased $1.4 billion of its stock during the third quarter, increasing the amount to $2.6 billion through Sept. 30.

We had a fulsome discussion with the board about the timing of the accelerate share repurchase, Hayes told analysts during a conference call Tuesday.

What convinced the management team and the board that it was the right is our confidence in the powdered metal resolution.

Having bound the financial impact of that, we saw this as an opportune time to double down on the stock, Hayes said.

RTX updated its fiscal 2023 financial guidance. The initial sales range guidance was $73 billion to $74 billion. It was lowered in the second-quarter report to a range of $67.5 billion to $68.5 billion. On Tuesday, it was set at $68.5 billion.

Adjusted sales were raised to $74 billion from a range of $73 billion to $74 billion. Adjusted earnings per share went from a range of $4.95 to $5.05 to a range of $4.98 to $5.02.
A Greensboro skilled-nursing and rehabilitation center is requesting state regulatory approval to move from the Cone Health campus to what would be a new $24.9 million facility.

Meanwhile, Atrium Health and Novant Health Inc. are once again competing to add acute-care hospital beds in the Charlotte area.

The N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation posted Heartland Living and Rehabilitations certificate-of-need application Friday as part of its monthly log update. The application was received Oct. 16.

Heartland Living and Rehabilitation wants to relocate 107 nursing facility and 18 adult-care home beds from its current location at 1131 N. Church St. in Greensboro.

State regulators could not be immediately reached to forward the CON application.

Cone said in a statement Monday that it is selling the Heartland assets, along with Adams Farm Living & Rehab in Jamestown, to Century Care Management. Cone said it is not disclosing the sale price.

Aashka Mehta, Cone's vice president for Post-Acute and Transitions of Care, said the system has leased Adams Farm Living & Rehab and Heartland Living & Rehab to Century Care Management since 2007.

"For business reasons, Cone Health has decided to sell these assets," Mehta said.

"Care will continue at Heartland Living & Rehab until a new skilled nursing facility is built."

Cone is retaining ownership of the Greensboro building," Mehta said. "Pending any needed government approval, Century Care Management will buy the certificate of need for the skilled nursing beds and the building in Jamestown.

"Cone Health has a long relationship with Century Care Management and looks forward to continuing it in the years ahead."

Atrium is the parent of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Both Atrium and Novant are attempting to add hospital beds as it relates to the need determination for the Charlotte area as listed in the 2023 State Medical Facilities Plan.

Atrium is requesting approval to add up to a combined 154 beds at three Charlotte-area hospitals: 112 at its main Carolinas Medical Center campus; 42 in Pineville Medical Center; and 10 at University City Medical Center.

The Carolinas Medical expansion comes with a projected $161.3 million capital expenditure, along with $30.9 million for Pineville and $7.1 million for University City.

In Union County, Atrium wants to add 13 beds at Union Medical Center at a projected cost of $10.5 million, along with eight beds at Union Medical Centers west campus at a projected cost of just more than $1 million.

Meanwhile, Novant wants permission to add 54 beds at its main Charlotte campus at Presbyterian Medical Center. It is projecting a $993,816 capital expenditure.

In April, three Atrium hospitals and one Novant hospital in the Charlotte area received state health regulatory approval to add acute-care beds.

Carolina Medical Center gained 38 for a total of 1,255.

Presbyterian Medical Center gained up to 30 for an overall total of 542.

University City can expand by up to eight beds for a potential total of 120, while Pineville facility can add up to five for a total of 308.

In June, Lake Norman became the latest health-care market in which Atrium and Novant are competing head-to-head with community hospitals.

Atrium has broken ground on a 170,000 square-foot facility located in Cornelius that is projected to open to patients in 2025 with a workforce of 280.

It will feature 30 acute-care beds, two operating rooms, maternity suites and services, an intensive care unit with four beds and a cesarean-section operating room.

Atrium gained state health regulators approval for the Lake Norman hospital in July 2021. At that time, the hospital represented a $154 million and 160,000-square-foot investment that would open in early 2024.

The hospital at southwest corner of the intersections of Westmoreland Road and N.C. 21 is located about 19 miles from Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville.

In February, Novant announced plans to return to the Iredell County marketplace, agreeing to pay $320 million to reacquire two community hospitals it co-owned for an 18-month period in the early 2000s.

The system signed an agreement to take ownership of the 123-bed Lake Norman hospital and Davis Regional Medical Center in Statesville.
Certain state government retirees will receive Wednesday a one-time supplement in the Republican-sponsored 2023-24 budget that equates to an additional 4% of their annual retirement allowance.

It is the second consecutive state budget to feature a one-time supplement.

Eligible are recipients who retired on or before Oct. 1, 2023, and are members of either the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System, Consolidated Judicial Retirement System or the Legislative Retirement System.

The payments will not reduce the funded ratio of the State System, according to the states Treasurers Office.

Once paid, monthly benefit payments will return to the levels they would have been without the supplemental increase.

The one-time supplement does not apply to benefit recipients of the Local Governmental Employees Retirement System, where a benefit increase may be granted by its board of trustees within certain statutory limitations.

I want to thank the General Assembly, and the taxpayers who funded it, for delivering a timely increase which will provide needed support to those that teach, protect or otherwise serve the citizens of North Carolina, Treasurer Dale Folwell said in a statement.
A 51-year-old inmate who was serving time at the Nebraska State Penitentiary died at a local hospital Monday, according to the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

Carl Christian was serving a 10 to 15-year sentence after he was convicted in Douglas County of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. He began his sentence in May of this year.

A grand jury will investigate, as is the case when any inmate dies in the custody.

Top Journal Star photos for October 2023
Developers and community members made their case Monday for a series of zoning waivers that would allow a major affordable housing project along 13th Street south of downtown to move forward.

Were really excited about this, said Jake Hoppe, managing partner of Hoppe Development. We are the newest players at the table. Theres been lots of neighborhood engagement and study. We got involved as (federal American Rescue Plan Act) funding was coming out, and it became clear this was an incredible opportunity to enact something that meets the aspirations and vision of the neighborhood.

Hoppe Development wants to build whats being called Center Terrace  a five-story mixed-use building on a 1.14-acre site that would include up to 125 apartments and 9,200 square feet of commercial space.

One of the first big projects in the South of Downtown area since the city approved a wide-ranging plan to revitalize it, the project will be built along 13th Street between D and E streets and include a new home for Clinic With a Heart, which offers free health care services to low-income residents.

The developers have worked closely with Neighborworks and the South of Downtown Community Development Organization, which sold the land to them. A Centerpointe outpatient clinic on the southeast corner of the site will be demolished as part of the development.

Hoppe said his company, which has several other affordable housing projects, hasnt been involved in this sort of community engagement before and it plans to imbed some of the practices into future projects.

Among those: surveying neighborhood residents even before the development process begins in earnest and gathering information from residents outside gas stations and walking in the neighborhood to get voices not typically involved in feedback, he said.

A neighborhood advisory board also was created, and a public forum offered another chance for residents to comment on the project.

The biggest themes, Hoppe said, included the desire for more affordable housing, offering neighborhood services, safety and onsite management.

Were really proud of where we ended up, he said.

The project will be broken into three connected buildings, including a walkway over an alley, with 91 parking stalls for residents as well as 19 on-street parking spaces along South 13th Street that can be used by the public as well as those visiting the clinic. The parking numbers have changed slightly from initial projections.

The project plans include two rooftop patios; a community room that can be used by residents or neighbors and will be designed with what developers call a front porch concept including a linear park along 13th Street; space for a mobile vendor  either a food truck or possibly health services; and public art.

The $39 million project will be part of the South of Downtown Planned Unit Development, a wide-ranging plan covering 44 blocks bounded by 10th, 16th, A and K streets approved by the City Council in 2021.

The plan creates flexibility in zoning to allow for more new and innovative ways to use property in the area.

The council will vote Oct. 30 on a number of waivers to zoning ordinances involving height and setback requirements and parking ratios. The planning commission recently recommended approval.

Several people involved in the development noted a nearby bus stop and bike paths, along with secure bike storage in the apartments, will help address parking concerns.

The planned unit development grew out of a strategic plan for the area spearheaded by the South of Downtown Community Development Organization.

Carina McCormick, president of the South of Downtown Community Development Organization board, said there was much disagreement about how best to revitalize the area, but one point everyone agreed on was that the use of the property at 13th and D was essential, which is why the organization bought the property.

The Hoppes' proposal meets many of the group's priorities, she said.

All the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be affordable, with about 90% of them priced for residents making 60% or less of Lincoln's Area Median Income and the remainder at 40% of Area Median Income.

For people at that 60% income level  $40,320 for one person and $57,540 for four  developers estimate rents would range from $1,000 to $1,371 a month. Rents for the lower-income residents would range from $640 to $872.

That compares to marketplace rents that range from $1,200 to $1,828, according to documents developers provided to the city's Urban Design Committee.

Developers plan to apply for low-income housing tax credits  which means the apartments will remain affordable for 45 years. It also plans to use tax-increment financing, which allows developers to use future property taxes the redevelopment generates to pay for certain up-front costs.

The project will also get a boost from $6 million in federal stimulus money, which is being used by Clinic With a Heart and the developers.

Fred Hoppe with Hoppe Development called affordable housing projects a fiscal exercise -- and the company wants to create projects that fit into neighborhoods and make people proud.

In developing affordable housing, youve got to get the project to fit the money you can raise to build it, he said. Its extremely complicated.

Top Journal Star photos for October 2023
A Nebraska bank robber turned Georgetown professor who has touted justice reforms here and across the country, citing his own transformation, now faces allegations of domestic abuse.

A warrant went out for Shon Hopwood's arrest late last month, following an incident at his home in the District of Columbia on Sept. 24 after a 911 caller said his wife had been locked in the basement.

According to the Daily Mail, which broke the story, when police got there, Hopwood said his wife was out of town at a concert and couldn't be reached. But the officer, who was suspicious after being called to the home previously, went outside and texted her and learned she was at the back of the house.

The officer said she was crying, had a broken finger, chipped tooth and other injuries, which she said she sustained in a fight with her husband three days earlier.

In a request for a protection order, which a judge granted, she said Hopwood had told her to stay in the basement with the door locked when the officer came to their house.

She also described injuries from prior incidents of domestic violence.

Hopwood, who grew up in David City, served a 12-year federal prison sentence for a string of bank robberies in Nebraska, became a jailhouse lawyer, then went to law school when he got out.

After Hopwood's story about second chances was on "60 Minutes," he got a call from the White House and ended up working with then-President Trump on criminal justice reform. He had mentored the former president's daughter, Tiffany, at Georgetown University Law Center.

Hopwood isn't currently teaching there, according to a Georgetown spokesperson.

Earlier this month, Hopwood, 48, pleaded not guilty to two counts of simple assault, both misdemeanors, according to Washington, D.C., Superior Court records.

If convicted, he could get up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine on each.

Photos: Notable Deaths in 2023 Tina Turner Jimmy Buffett Tony Bennett Jim Brown Dick Butkus Bob Barker Raquel Welch Lisa Marie Presley Harry Belafonte Sinead OConnor David Crosby Steve Harwell Lance Reddick Richard Belzer Cindy Williams Paul Reubens Jerry Springer Michael Gambon Burt Young Mark Margolis Jacklyn Zeman John Beasley Michael Lerner Tom Sizemore Charles Kimbrough Willis Reed Brooks Robinson Betsy Rawls Tim McCarver Billy Packer Gordon Lightfoot Jeff Beck Clarence Avant Bobby Caldwell Gary Rossington Wayne Shorter Angus Cloud Michael Chiarello Alan Arkin Julian Sands Cynthia Weil Sheldon Harnick Barrett Strong The Iron Sheik Treat Williams Bill Richardson Daniel Ellsberg Pat Robertson Robert Blake Ted Kaczynski Lloyd Morrisett Chaim Topol Len Goodman Burt Bacharach Stella Stevens Barry Humphries Annie Wersching Dave Hollis Christine King Farris David Jude Jolicoeur Robbie Knievel Gina Lollobrigida Lynette Hardaway ("Diamond") Adam Rich Bobby Hull Charles White Robbie Robertson Ron Cephas Jones Samuel Joe Wurzelbacher Mohamed Al Fayed Jerry Richardson Sister Andre Tatjana Patitz Russell Banks Cardinal George Pell Ken Block Walter Cunningham Anton Walkes Pat Schroeder Seymour Stein Klaus Teuber Ginnie Newhart Vida Blue Martin Amis Doyle Brunson Hodding Carter III Ray Stevenson Astrud Gilberto Tori Bowie Silvio Berlusconi John Goodenough Coco Lee Jane Birkin William Friedkin Michael McGrath Fernando Botero David McCallum Tim Wakefield Piper Laurie
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen filled a key Department of Health and Human Services position Tuesday that had been vacant for months.

Pillen appointed Alyssa Bish as the department's director of Children and Family Services, which had been vacant since December, when Pillen opted not to retain the division's former director, Stephanie Beasley, after he was elected governor.

Bish, who will begin in her new role Dec. 28, has been the director of personnel within the Missouri Office of Administration since February. She also served as the director of strategy and leadership development for the state.

A Nebraska native who studied communications at Wayne State College, Bish previously worked for Missouris Department of Social Services and in the states Childrens Division where she focused on improving the quality of foster care services and decreasing the backlog of cases, Pillen's office said in a Tuesday news release.

Bish earned her masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri with an emphasis on foster care issues, the governor's office said.

In addition to the success she has had, Alyssa brings a passion for helping children and families through difficult times," Pillen said in the news release. "I look forward to working with Alyssa as she brings that passion to this role at DHHS.

The state will pay Bish $175,000 annually. Beasley's annual salary before she left the job was $169,747, a spokeswoman for the governor said Tuesday.

When she arrives in Nebraska in December, Bish will be the fourth person to lead the state's Children and Family Services division in the last year.

Former HHS CEO Dannette Smith served as the division's interim director from when Beasley departed in December until Smith's own resignation in August.

Since then, Tony Green, the director of the department's Developmental Disabilities division, has doubled as the interim director of Children and Family Services.

Bish's appointment marks the second time in three months that Pillen has filled a key HHS position with an appointee who has ties to Missouri's social and child welfare system.

The governor in August tabbed Steve Corsi, who previously led the Missouri Department of Social Services, to serve as the CEO of HHS.

Corsi's confirmation could face roadblocks when it goes before the Legislature early next year after an Omaha lawmaker vowed to block his appointment over engagement with anti-LGBTQ social media posts.

Bish's appointment leaves Pillen one more director spot to fill within HHS. The department has been without a permanent director of the Division of Behavioral Health since December.

Photos: Nebraska Gov. Pillen signs bill limiting abortion, transgender health care
After weeks of infighting and turmoil that has left the U.S. House of Representatives without a speaker for 20 days, Republicans could elect the chamber's next leader as soon as Tuesday  thanks in part to a Nebraska congressman.

Rep. Mike Flood, who represents the state's 1st Congressional District, unveiled a "unity pledge" late Friday in an effort to rally the House's GOP members to back the party's eventual speaker-designate, which the caucus will nominate through an internal election Tuesday.

All nine House Republicans who have launched campaigns for the speakership had signaled support for the pledge as of Monday evening, vowing to vote for the speaker-designate "regardless of who that candidate is" when they face an election on the House floor, which could come as soon as Tuesday.

In signing the pledge, the lawmakers also promised to vote for the party's agreed-upon candidate "for as long as they remain" the speaker designate.

"We aren't a majority unless we vote as a majority," Flood told the Journal Star on Monday. "Meaning there is no majority in Congress if we don't vote together."

"I just felt like we need some unity," he added.

Reps. Austin Scott of Georgia, Pete Sessions of Texas, Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Byron Donalds of Florida, Gary Palmer of Alabama and Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota signed Flood's unity pledge. CNN reported that Meuser dropped out of the race Monday night.

"In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to sign it, because this is the way it's worked for 200 years  people accept the winner of the leadership election inside the conference," Flood said in a phone interview.

Flood's attempt to unify House Republicans comes after weeks of standstill in the chamber that, last week, prompted the Norfolk native to "wonder if Jesus Christ could get 217 votes in the Republican conference" as the caucus tried and failed to find a successor to Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the embattled former House speaker who saw his tenure as the chamber's leader end earlier this month after eight House Republicans joined with Democrats to oust him.

House Republicans have since elected two nominees for the job, including Reps. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio, but both were forced to withdraw their candidacies after it became clear that neither could secure the 217 votes needed to win the position.

Jordan peaked with 201 votes in his initial bid for the speakership early last week and lost support from within his own party in each of the next two votes.

Flood voted for both men when they faced votes on the House floor, including three times for Jordan, an ultraconservative hardliner who drew opposition from the party's moderates, including Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska's competitive 2nd Congressional District, who said his 2024 reelection bid did not steer his controversial votes against Jordan.

Now, Flood is angling to manufacture unity in a House with "very little party discipline"  familiar territory for Flood, who previously served as the speaker of Nebraska's nonpartisan, single-body state Legislature.

"I feel like the Unicameral has followed me out to Washington, D.C.," Flood said. "I'm a fan of the Unicameral, but it doesn't work when there's 435 people and we've got the issues that we have right now. That's why we have a two-party system. I just want to see everybody work together."

The caucus will vote behind closed doors Tuesday to nominate its latest speaker-designate from the group of nine candidates, among whom Emmer, the No. 3 House Republican, is considered a front-runner. Donalds is the only nominee who is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, members of which helped engineer McCarthy's ouster earlier this month.

Flood said he expects the conference to hold an internal roll call vote after settling on a speaker designate via a secret ballot, making House Republicans indicate one way or another whether they intend to support the nominee once on the floor.

"I think that's where we keep the door the locked and we don't leave that room until we sort it out before we go to the floor," he said. "That's how I think this can get resolved."

Flood said Monday afternoon he hadn't yet decided who he would vote for as his party's nominee for speaker, indicating he would wait to hear where all of the nine candidates stand on unity and "functioning as a majority."

His spearheading of the unity pledge  which made national headlines over the weekend  made Flood the state's second congressman to become a key figure in the House's ongoing hunt for its next leader after Bacon emerged as a vocal roadblock to Jordan's path to the speakership last week, drawing ire from right-wing critics both in Nebraska and nationally.

Still, Flood is clear-eyed about the power the written pledges for unity will or won't have on the House floor, where his colleagues have been unable to find common ground  and unable to legislate  for the better part of a month.

"I think this pledge only helps," he said. "I think the problems that I've seen inside the conference are that complex. I had a lot of hope that we would be able to unite last week and select a speaker. I don't know what the mood is. But I do know I'd rather be talking about unity than a variety of other grievances that have been raised in the past.

"And I think that's where the majority of the folks in the Republican conference are  they want to talk about unity, too, because this isn't working for anyone."

Photos: Mike Flood hosts first Lincoln town hall as congressman Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7 Flood town hall, 8.7
The remains of the deceased man found in a Kenosha field last week have been identified as a missing Green Bay man.

Kenosha police identified the man found Oct. 17 as Christopher Belanger, 41.

With information provided by the Green Bay investigators, Kenosha Police Department officers located the remains of (a) person in a wooded area west of the 7600 block of 60th Avenue. The remains were ultimately confirmed to be that of Christopher Belanger, according to a prepared statement.

Local police in coordination with the Kenosha County Medical Examiners Officer are still investigating the cause and manner of death. There were no obvious signs of trauma to the body, according to police.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the Kenosha Police Departments Detective Bureau at 262-605-5203.

No additional details were released.

A tip from a caller who apparently found several credit cards led police to discover Belangers remains.

Lt. Josh Hecker said last week that officers were called to the scene at 4:17 p.m. on Oct. 17 where they found the body in a highly decomposed state.

The Green Bay Police Department had been searching since September for Belanger, whose minivan, a silver Toyota Sienna, was recovered by the Kenosha Police Department, according to a report from Green Bay authorities.

The last time he had contact with family was following an undisclosed disturbance around Sept. 6 in which he received some injuries, according to authorities.

Photos: Notable Deaths in 2023 Tina Turner Jimmy Buffett Tony Bennett Jim Brown Bob Barker Dianne Feinstein Raquel Welch Suzanne Somers Lisa Marie Presley Harry Belafonte Sinead OConnor David Crosby Steve Harwell Lance Reddick Richard Belzer Cindy Williams Paul Reubens Jerry Springer Michael Gambon Burt Young Mark Margolis Jacklyn Zeman John Beasley Michael Lerner Tom Sizemore Charles Kimbrough Willis Reed Brooks Robinson Betsy Rawls Tim McCarver Billy Packer Gordon Lightfoot Jeff Beck Clarence Avant Bobby Caldwell Gary Rossington Wayne Shorter Angus Cloud Michael Chiarello Alan Arkin Julian Sands Cynthia Weil Sheldon Harnick Barrett Strong The Iron Sheik Treat Williams Bill Richardson Daniel Ellsberg Pat Robertson Robert Blake Ted Kaczynski Lloyd Morrisett Chaim Topol Len Goodman Burt Bacharach Stella Stevens Barry Humphries Annie Wersching Dave Hollis Christine King Farris David Jude Jolicoeur Robbie Knievel Gina Lollobrigida Lynette Hardaway ("Diamond") Adam Rich Bobby Hull Charles White Robbie Robertson Ron Cephas Jones Samuel Joe Wurzelbacher Mohamed Al Fayed Jerry Richardson Sister Andre Tatjana Patitz Russell Banks Cardinal George Pell Ken Block Walter Cunningham Anton Walkes Pat Schroeder Seymour Stein Klaus Teuber Ginnie Newhart Vida Blue Martin Amis Doyle Brunson Hodding Carter III Ray Stevenson Astrud Gilberto Tori Bowie Silvio Berlusconi John Goodenough Coco Lee Jane Birkin William Friedkin Michael McGrath Fernando Botero David McCallum Tim Wakefield Louise Gluck Piper Laurie
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Adam Payne is resigning effective Nov. 1, according to a letter he sent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on Friday.

The former Sheboygan County administrator and conservation nonprofit executive said hes retiring after three decades in public service to spend more time with his aging parents and four grandchildren, support his wifes role as a caregiver and focus on his personal health.

I was pleased and proud to help advocate for many of your key priorities, including water quality, parks, personnel, and providing more support for local units of government, he told Evers.

Evers appointed Payne in December to a term that began on Jan. 3. Since then, he oversaw the organizations efforts to address so-called forever chemicals, or PFAS, in drinking water and implement a new wolf management plan. Evers didnt immediately name a replacement for Payne.

Payne said he was grateful that the 2023-25 state budget provided $125 million to combat PFAS. Two weeks ago, a GOP-controlled Senate committee approved a bill that would use that money to fund water-treatment facilities and drill and test wells, but Democrats have criticized the proposal for hamstringing the states ability to test and enforce the cleanup of contaminants.

I made it a priority to bolster opportunities for engaging our youth in the great outdoors, hunters safety, and strengthening our mentorship programs, Payne told Evers.

His appointment followed clashes between Evers and the state Senate over the chambers unwillingness to confirm some of the governors appointees, including on the DNRs policy board. Just last week, the Senate fired four of Evers appointees to that board, leading the governor to appoint four replacements. The Senate never confirmed Payne.

Before serving in the DNR, Payne was the Sheboygan County administrator for more than two decades. Before then, he was executive director of the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association. He also spent five years at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, directing its Farmland Preservation Program.
NEWS RELEASE

12500 N.E. Tenth Place  Bellevue, WA 98005  JPFO.org  800-869-1884  info@jpfo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 23, 2023 Contact: Floyd Neeland

State Senator expects little from failed border czar Kamala

With media attention hyper focused on Hamas atrocities and domestic support for terrorists, we cannot lose focus on what our own government is doing behind the curtain to us. Speaking about the new White House office of "Gun Violence Prevention," Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern said, "The radical Democrat agenda is not only highly dangerous, it's also unconstitutional." JPFO has learned the dept. is staffed with known anti-gun-rights activists.

Senator Kern noted, "A record-setting 260,000 illegal aliens crossed our southern border in September. Instead of our 'Border Czar' protecting our communities from this national security crisis, Kamala Harris is now attempting to take away our citizens' right to keep and bear arms with the formation of this new office. It takes good guys with guns to stop bad guys with guns. Sadly, Harris wants to remove our ability to protect ourselves, our families and our property in the midst of the invasion we're experiencing because of the Biden Administration's complete and total incompetence." JPFO believes this is deliberate usurpation.

In a statement, Mr. Biden called the new office, "important steps, they are just the first steps toward what is needed." Crime control was not mentioned. In the past, so-called gun-control "steps" have been a prelude to more stepsadded infringement is never enough for so-called "gun controllers." The new office has leaders from the Brady group and Everytown (Rob Wilcox), a media pundit focused exclusively on "on Black and brown communities" (Greg Jackson) and Stefanie Feldman, a Duke and Yale graduate. She has worked with Biden for more than a decade, as his climate liaison, and as a gun controller since 2012, reacting to a highly publicized mass murder ironically in a gun-free zone.

"We're used to and tired of this," said Alan Korwin, an author and consultant to JPFO. "We want crime control, absent as usual from Biden's plans."

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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.

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KEARNEY  A kind, gentle, tough taskmaster.

Thats how Jerry Marlatt remembers former President Jimmy Carter, who celebrated his 99th birthday Oct. 1.

On Thursday, Marlatt received the prestigious statewide AARP Andrus Award for Community Service for his 32 years of dedication to the Kearney affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

His Habitat work has brought him not just awards and lasting friendships, but the chance to rub shoulders with Carter.

Marlatt pounded nails with Carter several times on a Habitat build, as its home-building projects are called.

Carters legacy includes his devotion to Habitat, the international Christian housing organization that has helped 46 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve their homes.

Marlatt and Carter

Marlatt mingled with Carter at four Habitat sites overseas, including Durban, South Africa, and in the Philippines, Vietnam and Mexico.

He would work right along with us, building houses with hammers and nails. (His wife) Rosalynn worked, too, Marlatt said.

Marlatt was a house leader on all overseas builds he participated in.. House leaders met with Carter every morning to learn what needed to be done that day.

He was definitely a leader, the boss. When he got in front of us, he said, Were going to do this and get this done today. It wasnt do what you can but youd better do this, Marlatt said.

On a project in South Africa, He showed us braces for the roof and said, They have to be this way. The Dutch people on that build said, No, no no, and he had to come down pretty hard on them, he said.

He was a hard worker, he and his wife both. One night we worked late, till 8 p.m. When we came in to supper, he came in right behind us. He stayed on that site as long as we did, Marlatt added.

As the U.S. Habitat volunteers flew home, Carter went throughout the plane shaking hands and thanking them. We had Habitat shirts on that distinguished us, Marlatt said.

In the U.S., Marlatt helped with Habitat builds in Eagle Butte, S.D., and Morehead, Ky. Carter was part of both projects.

Late on the second evening of a build in Eagle Butte, a vicious rainstorm roared in. The electric company was supposed to be up there bringing underground wires to the house the next day, but they said they couldnt do it that day, Marlatt said.

Jimmy Carter spoke to the (state) governor. After that, they put the electricity in. He said, You will get that done, Marlatt said.

Some days he would walk through the houses and look at what wed done. He knew what needed to be done. He was very knowledgeable, Marlatt added. Carter was definitely in charge.

On that build, Carter also signed Marlatts copy of The Theology of the Hammer, a book by Habitat co-founder Millard Fuller. Carter wrote, To Jerry Marlatt, with gratitude.

The Carter name

Marlatt knew Fuller well because Fuller had stayed with Marlatt and his wife Edith when he came to see Habitat projects in Kearney. During Fullers visit, Marlatt learned details about Carters involvement in Habitat.

Many people erroneously believe that Carter founded Habitat of Humanity International. The nonprofit was launched in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller.

Fuller, seeking a famous name to help promote his effort in its early years, went to see Carter, who lived about 50 miles away from Fuller in Georgia.

Jimmy Carter told him, If you want me to help you, I have to have a definite list of things you want me to do, Marlatt said. Fuller handed him a list. Thats when Carter said OK, Marlatt said.

The Carter involvement raised the worldwide profile of Habitat.
IOWA FALLS, Iowa (AP)  A judge has found an Iowa man not guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in the 2021 death of his infant son.

Judge Bethany Currie wrote that Nicholas Edward Cox, of Iowa Falls, mishandled his 6-month-old baby, Kaeggin, the day the child died in February 2021, the Des Moines Register reported.

But Currie did not find enough evidence that Cox's treatment caused his son's death, acquitting him on Friday of first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death.

Currie wrote that the child's death likely was due to a preexisting infection.

Mr. Cox was absolutely wrong to treat K.C. the way he did on the morning of his death, she continued. However, the court cannot say beyond a reasonable doubt that K.C. died of any one or more of the injuries Mr. Cox inflicted on him that morning.

Currie wrote that Cox undoubtedly committed the lesser offenses of child endangerment and assault but that he cannot be found guilty of those crimes because prosecutors did not charge him on those counts.

Hardin County Attorney Darrell Meyer and Cox's lawyer both declined to comment to The Associated Press on the case Tuesday.

Police said Cox gave various stories about his attempts to save the baby, finally telling investigators he was way too rough with the infant. An autopsy showed the baby died of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma to the neck and spine.

The baby also had many bruises and other hemorrhaging around his eye, the medical examiner said, and had other bruises and wounds that were in the process of healing.
Two people were arrested after police say one man fired a shot into the air and another pepper-sprayed pro-Palestinian demonstrators near an Israel solidarity event in Chicagos northern suburbs.

The episode took place Sunday evening around a banquet hall in Skokie, where about 1,000 people had gathered to show solidarity with Israel, according to event organizers.

A group of about 200 pro-Palestinian protesters staged their own rally near the hall. A man reportedly drove his car into the group, got out and fired a shot before police said they took him into custody. A witness told the Chicago Sun-Times that the man's car had been covered in Israeli flags, the newspaper reported.

A man coming out of the banquet hall wearing an Israeli flag as a cape sprayed the crowd with pepper spray before he was arrested. No one was seriously hurt in the melee, but the pepper spray hit several protesters, a Chicago police officer and a Sun-Times reporter.

Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Monday that his group organized the protest along with the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression to push back against Israeli aggression. He said that he heard the shot and saw the person attack the crowd with pepper spray.

This is a concern we're having across the country, Abudayyeh said. Palestinians, whether at protests or living their daily lives, are being attacked.

He accused pro-Israeli political leaders in the U.S. of inflaming tensions.

Not only do we have to work 24 hours a day to help educate the American public ... we also have to defend our community from physical attacks on their lives, he said.

Alison Pure-Slovin, director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Midwest regional office, said in a statement that her group organized the rally. The Simon Wiesenthal Center describes itself as a global Jewish human rights activist organization.

It was an incredible display of solidarity and support for the State of Israel and the Jewish people, she said in the statement. She didn't immediately respond to a follow-up message seeking comment on the arrests.

Messages left with the Skokie Police Department and the Cook County State Attorney's Office inquiring about whether the men will be charged weren't immediately returned.

Police in U.S. cities as well as federal authorities have been on high alert for violence driven by antisemitic or Islamophobic sentiments as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

In Minneapolis, a rally was briefly disrupted Sunday when a man allegedly drove toward protesters who were showing support for Palestinians in Gaza. Police said in a statement that multiple witnesses reported a vehicle drove through the crowd. The Anti-War Committee released a statement saying that a hostile driver threatened protesters with his car and a box cutter and video circulating on social media showed protesters kicking and hitting a car before the person inside drove away.

Minneapolis police Sgt. Garrett Parten said Monday that police were still investigating and trying to figure out what was true and what was not. Police said that no injuries were reported and there were no arrests.

Sunday's rally in Skokie came a little more than a week after a landlord in Plainfield, Illinois, was charged with a hate crime after he was accused of fatally stabbing a 6-year-old Muslim boy and seriously wounding his mother. Police said he singled out the victims because of their faith and as a response to the war.